Let's see how long I can keep up this updating everyday thing lol.

~TH~

"Anyone heard from Capsicle?" Tony asked in an uncaring nature, popping another grape in his mouth.

Clint shook his head, "He made his last check-in almost a week ago. Extraction is not for another two days."

"What's the point Of going undercover anyway? Why not just blast the base now and ask questions later." The billionaire shook his head.

Natasha rolled her eyes, "The only way to find the base is through joining. And Sygma experiments with chemical warfare. Blowing it up may not be the best option."

Tony shrugged, "Whatever makes the pirate happy."

"Sir, you have a call from Director Fury."

"Speak of the devil," Tony murmured, "put him through."

The one-eyed-man appeared on a screen. He didn't even wait for a hello. "We have a situation."

"And that would be...?" Tony motioned his hands in a circle.

"You should see this one for yourself. I'm sending over the video now. You'll know what to do." he said as he disappeared. 

Tony rolled his eyes, "Well that wasn't cryptic at all."

"Just play the video," Clint growled.

The Avengers gathered around the TV as Tony cast it from his phone.

A pale, balding man appeared in front of the camera. "Ah, hello. I am assuming this video will make it to the Avengers." The man's thick British accent sent a wave of unease through the billionaire, though he wasn't sure why. "I may be mistaken, but I believe you lost something!"

He sounded almost gleeful as he turned the camera to show a very unconscious Captain America.

There were whispered curses throughout the small group.

"You see, he seems to have accidentally wandered into my little base here. I really don't appreciate that." He frowned.

Steve looked bad. He was hanging by his wrists. His shirt had been removed, showing deep bruises.

"But what's the fun if he sleeps through everything?" The man on the screen chuckled.

He grabbed a large bucket of water and threw it on Cap's head. The Captain came sputtering awake, choking on the water. His eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment before gaining his composure.

"It's rude for you to sleep while we have an audience." Mr British said shaking his finger.

Steve's eyes wandered to the camera before they widened in understanding. The steely resolve in his face only hardened.

"There, now that we're all awake, " the man on the screen clasped his hands together. "We can begin the fun!"

He pointed to himself "I am the Examiner, high lord of Sygma and I have a very important message for you.

"As you can see, I have something I believe you may want back, though I suppose that is up for speculation." He said as he grabbed Cap's chin, turning his face from side to side. The Examiner gave a long thoughtful noise.

Steve jerked his face out of the man's grip. It wasn't until the man stepped away, that Tony could see that Steve was completely relying on his right leg. His left didn't seem to be bearing any weight at all.

"Well, let's not dwell on assumptions, hm? If you don't want him back, I'm sure I could find something to do with him."

Steve was glaring daggers into his captor.

"Nothing to say?" The Examiner laughed at his captive, kicking at Cap's injured leg.

Steve jerked back, opening his mouth in pain. He didn't make a sound.

"Oh, that right. You can't speak! Well, we'll just have to worry about that later." The sneer came as the man stepped away from his prisoner, angling himself directly in front of the camera. He didn't move fast enough to hide the brief look of distress that crossed the Captain's face.

"What did they do to him!" It was Clint's outburst. Tony was too in shock to say anything. Natasha had her lips pressed tightly together, a look of... Fear? On her face. The assassin and the soldier had been getting... Friendly in the months following New York. Tony wouldn't be surprised if something more was going on there. Still, seeing her looking scared was unnerving. Bruce left. Just walked out. No one tried to stop him. Thor was standing in stoic silence, but Tony noticed a rather severe thunderstorm had come out of nowhere.

This man, this Examiner, was doing this for a show. That's all it was. He was making a statement. He wasn't afraid to injure, maim, or kill. The Avengers better do what he said.

"Now, as I said, you have a chance to get your precious Captain back. But first, I need a few things." The sneer was back. There was almost a gloating in his eyes.

"For one, I would like three-hundred-million American dollars." He paused as if realizing something, "And no Monopoly money, please. That ended quite badly last time." He snickered at his own joke.

"That's ridiculous!" Tony found himself exclaiming.

The man on the screen didn't stop. "I also need the release of a few of my friend from federal prison. Attached to this video is a list of the people and information on how to contact me when you are ready to comply."

The Examiner walked back to his prisoner. "Until then, you and I shall have some fun, eh?" He ran a finger down the side if Cap's face. Steve flinched away.

The captor laughed. Then, as if he had suddenly remembered something, he turned back to the camera and took a few steps closer.

"Oh, and I was hoping you could pass on a message to one of our mutual friends." The glee in the man's eyes made Tony's stomach turn.

"Yes, tell Tony that I appreciate all his help. I never could have done it without him!"

All eyes turned to the inventor. He didn't move. He was watching the look of shock register through Steve's face.

A bloodthirsty smile showed on the Examiner's face. "I'll be in touch." The video ended. No one moved.

"Man of Iron, I suggest you explain yourself." Thor's voice rumbled breaking the silence and lower than the now outrageous thunder.

Tony raised his hands, stepping away from the enraged Avengers. "I didn't. I swear. I don't know what he's talking about! I would never do that!"

"Really Stark?" Clint practically spat, "You and Rogers have never gotten along. And what was it you said the other day? 'Sometimes I wish he'd never come out of the ice. Would have made my life a lot simpler.' Sounds like this is something you've been planning."

"I was drunk, Barton! I can't be held accountable for what I say!" He turned to the only female Avenger, "Natasha?"

She had said nothing, only glaring at him. "I don't know," Her voice was a low growl, "but if it's true. You'll wish you never made it out of Afghanistan."

She turned away. With one last glare, the other Avengers followed. 

~TH~

It was barely an hour later when Tony received another video call.

"Well, Stark?" Fury crossed his arms and glared menacingly with his one eye.

Tony matched the motion, "If you really thought I had anything to do with this, I would have already been arrested and we both know it. Cut to the chase, what do you want?"

"I've spoken with the government,"

Tony's heart sped up a little. "And?" The money he could supply. Sure, it would hurt, but he was a billionaire, he could spare a couple million.

"They've adamantly refused. Captain America or no, the list held some of the most volatile and dangerous men being held. A few of them are even in the Fridge, there's no way we will be able to convince the council to release them. "

The inventor sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Then what do you want me to do? I'm already trying to trace the video, but they're too smart to make it obvious! And if you want the other Avengers to do something, you'll have to tell them yourself. They're currently not speaking to me. In fact, if you ever can't get a hold of me, one of them has probably murdered me."

"Keep me updated on any developments." The director disappeared having not supplied anything useful.

Tony rubbed his face. He hated feeling helpless, but there was nothing he could do. 

~TH~

I have the next chapter written (I know, it's a miracle) and will post it tomorrow.

Do you guys think Tony is really a traitor? 

More importantly, does the team?

Until tomorrow!

God bless,