"Peter, Mr. Stark is calling," Peter's AI, Karen, announced. "Would you like me to answer?"

"Sure," he said as he swung around another building, the glare from the afternoon sun nearly blinding him as he landed sideways on a window.

Tony's unreadable face appeared in front of Peter. "Hey kid, I need your help."

Peter was taken aback. The last time Mr. Stark had needed his help was Germany. He hoped it wasn't as serious.

"Yeah, what am I helping with?" More like what am I getting myself into. But he couldn't just say no to his hero. It didn't work like that in his mind.

"Wanda's missing."

Oh, crap. Peter nearly fell off the building he was sticking to. Technically she still was, but the teenager didn't know if he should admit to the fact that he had seen her just two days ago. She had left him a note, but he had been too nervous to take the other letter to the Avengers quite yet. He was still preparing himself for the week long lecture he was surely going to get.

"What do you mean missing?" He swallowed, determined to play innocent for as long as possible.

"Well, she ran. Away. After we told her the news she panicked. Clint is driving me up a wall. He won't stop studying every security camera footage we come across," Tony rolled his eyes. "We just need," –he sighed– "I need your help with this. Just keep an eye out, okay?"

"Um, yeah, of course! I will! Mr. Stark! You can totally count on me," Peter winced at his own response.

Tony caught it and raised an eyebrow. "Do you have something to say, kid?"

"...no?"

"I'll be at your apartment to pick you up in five."

~ ~ ~

Tony showed up in his suit to drag Peter's sorry ass to the compound, backpack and all. They forced him to explain everything that had happened and Peter didn't fight it. Mostly. None of the information would help them find her anyway. Peter just kept praying she'd be alright.

The entire team was in a loose semi circle around him in the living room, half of them standing with their arms cross and the other half sitting, tapping their feet impatiently.

"So she didn't tell you anything?" Clint summed up. "Or give you any clues?"

Peter shook his head solemnly after a slight hesitation. He picked up his bag and ruffled through it for a second before opening the back pocket and pulling an envelope out. Wanda's beautiful cursive gave instructions for Peter to give it to the team on the front of it. He gave it to Natasha, who seemed the most calm right now and could probably be able to read through it confidently.

She nodded her thanks to the boy. Peter let his lip raise a bit before hanging his head and wilting under the stares and glares – mostly Clint – of the Avengers.

Nat opened the envelope and pulled out a paper covered in the same handwriting and red ink. Her eyes quickly scanned the short note. She winced at one part and gasped softly at another. She looked up at the teams pained faces and cleared her throat.

~ ~ ~

Everyone,

I stood in line behind people of all kinds in the airport.

If you're reading this, I'm already gone.

A man spoke on the phone. A baby cried. A woman laughed.

I know some of you might be blaming yourselves,

I was silent as I was pushed through security. They made me take of my hat. It was only for a second, but still made me nervous.

Or thinking I overreacted.

I carried my one and only bag on my shoulder. I had tricked them into letting me on the flight with food.

Maybe I did.

They didn't seem to realize how young I was. That was okay with me.

It doesn't matter now anyway.

I still wore my red leather and fingerless black gloves. My cap was placed firmly on my head and my necklaces would forever be a weight on my neck.

Because I can't ever come back.

Pietro's picture was still in my pocket.

I don't want to put any of you at risk.

But now a photo of my team was folded up next to it.

I'm not just protecting you from whoever is after me.

"Have a good flight," a woman in a uniform waved me down a hall.

I'm also protecting you from myself.

I found a vacant seat and sat down, placing the bag next to me so that I didn't have to sit by anyone.

My powers are getting stronger and it's getting harder to control them.

It was a window seat. I looked out to see people busily carrying things, driving golf carts, loading up other planes.

I couldn't live with myself if I hurt any of you.

Normal people, with normal jobs.

Don't worry, I'll try not to get into any trouble.

The pilot announced ten minutes to flight.

And I won't stop helping whoever I can.

Eight minutes. Eight minutes until I was really gone.

I just can't do it with you anymore.

Five minutes. Then there would be no turning back.

I only left because I love all of you. You're like my family.

Three minutes. I barely noticed the tear that slipped down my cheek.

Thank you for taking me in.

Two minutes.

I promise I'll be okay on my own from now on.

One minute.

Please don't look for me.

"Buckle your seat belts everyone, we are taking off."

With all my love,

"We will reach our destination in a few hours, so get comfortable. This will be a long ride."

Wanda