I've thought about doing this for a while. Thank you to BellaPaige88 for the prompt and thatwasonegoodking who helped me decide who all the characters would be. There is a slight warning for an abusive relationship; if you've seen the film you'll know why I mention it. Just in case that is triggering for anybody. Some of the lines are taken from the film.

This is the story of how I died. Don't worry, this is actually a very fun story and the truth is, it isn't even mine. This is the story of a guy named Grant. A long time ago a single drop of sunlight dropped from the heavens and landed on the Earth as a 0-8-4. The 0-8-4 was visible to others as a magic, golden flower where it was found by a man named Garrett. Instead of sharing this gift with the rest of the world he kept it for himself, using the healing powers to prolong his life. Nearby in the adjacent kingdom lived a King and Queen who ruled their people justly and fairly. The people celebrated as the Queen was with child. However, the Queen got sick, really sick. Upon learning this, a search began for anything that could help the Queen and her child. Garrett had unlocked the power of the 0-8-4, learning the words needed to release the power. Although he tried to hide it, eventually the searches found the flower and returned with it to their kingdom. The flower healed the Queen and she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy with golden hair. The kingdom celebrated and the King commissioned a new symbol of based of an eagle that would be shined into the night sky. Portraits of the family were painted including the prized Shield of Captain America, a relic belonging to the country.

Garrett was not to be thwarted, without the 0-8-4 he would die. One night he snuck into the castle to remove some of the baby's hair. As usual the words of power healed him but as he cut a golden lock the hair turned brown and the power faded. Refusing to give up the power Garrett stole the baby and ran to the forest where he could hide from all searches and brought up Grant as his own in a cabin in the forest.

Grant sighed as he searched for Buddy, his chameleon, the only friend he had. Garrett, his father insisted this was the only place he was safe. To go outside would invite people to take advantage of his magic hair. His hair had stopped growing but it was still long than most men's making him a target. It sat at his shoulders, straight and golden apart from that one strand that had been cut close to his head, that was brown. It couldn't be cut, as it would cause it loose it's power and that would harm his father. His father had sacrificed so much for him, moving out into the basic cabin, ensuring no one could find them. It was a simple life but it was a free one. So he stayed in the cabin and tended the chores that he was left. Thankfully Buddy had found his way into the secure cabin one-day ensuring that he was no long always alone. They'd quickly become friends though he kept him from Garrett, unsure with how he would react to seeing the chameleon. Garrett left often to earn money-selling weapons he made and gather material for Grant to make more weapons. As the cabin was hidden from sight, located deep within the forest through a cave hidden, the entrance covered by vines, Garrett felt safe to leave him on his own as he went to make deals and collect food. It meant Grant was left on his own for long periods of time but he always found things to do.

Buddy wasn't a particular imaginative hider, always picking something he could change to hide against so Grant opened the windows. Buddy loved to hide outside, probably because they rarely ventured there.

"Now where can Buddy be?" He faked turning away, as Buddy panted against an herb pot, his skin the same earthy-brown as the pot.

"There you are." Grant pounced, grabbing the chameleon by one leg as he squealed in delight. "So best two out of three?" He asked, frowning slightly as Buddy shook his head. "Well what do you want to do?"

Buddy used his tail to point outside. It didn't surprise Grant, Buddy always tried to encourage him to leave. But it was impossible. Garrett had told him what would happen if he left. He was safest here.

"You know we can't." He sighed grabbing the broom to sweep the floor again. There was only so much he could do in the cabin. He'd already swept the entire cabin, fixed some tools, tended to the garden, baked some bread for tea, read the books Garrett had left him and fixed the weapons that would be sold at the market once Garrett had returned. Sometimes he wondered if there was more to life than this, but he was happy. He had a father who loved him and a safe comfortable home. Sure he wished he could see the world more and explore but it was the cost for being part 0-8-4.

Sighing he looked at the calendar Garrett had brought him from his last trip. Tomorrow was his birthday, he was finally turning eighteen. He was going to finally be an adult, according to Garrett. Maybe now he could leave for one night. He hoped Garrett would take him to the capital. Every year on his birthday there was a big tournament and light show at the castle. He'd always wanted to go and see it. To understand how other men fought and lived. Garrett had always refused before, saying it was too dangerous. But now, he was grown up, finally an adult. Maybe this could be the year they went.

They ran, jumping over roofs and making use of her skills. Technology reacted to whatever she wanted it to do, allowing her to open a path for them, which was unimpeded. Which was useful in their line of work. Normally she would object to the running and jumping, it wasn't her thing, but for this object it was worth it. This object would bring in the money she needed to escape. Sure it meant she had to deal with the shady characters but it was worth it in the end. Besides without Miles and Quinn she'd never get close to the Shield. The Shield was heavily guarded, kept at the palace with the best technology in the kingdom keeping it secure. It was supposed to have been used by Captain America, something she didn't care about but it meant it was valuable. The technology wouldn't keep her out though, nobody could. Quinn and Miles provided the muscle while she was the brains.

Glancing around the splendor of the castle, so different from what she was used to.

"Wow. I could get used to this view." She commented, leaning on a chimney to catch her breath. "Yep. I'm used to it. Guys I want a castle."

"You can get one once we've got the Shield. Now get over here." Growled Quinn as he picked her up and pulled her over to the skylight in the roof. Just because she was a woman they thought they could just pick her up and boss her around. Miles grinned at her as he strapped her into the harness. She'd been there and done that, regretting it very quickly. Slowly they lowered her into the lasered chamber as guards patrolled the outside. Using her tablet she unlocked the chamber surrounding the Shield.

"Damn technology." Grumbled the young guard, smacking the device used to communicate against the wall.

"They really need to update them." Skye mused as she lounged beside him.

"You're telling me! Hang on! Wait!" She flew through the air as the guard realized that nobody should be talking to him. Skye couldn't help the small wave as she disappeared through the skylight as the alerted guards stared up at her. Shoving the Shield into the satchel they'd brought to carry the unwieldy object. It wouldn't take the guards long to reach the rooftop so it was time to leave. Sighing she looped the bag over her shoulder and prepared to run again.

Grant heard light footsteps indicating that Garrett was returning. He'd learned early on to pay attention to his environment just in case anyone tried to sneak up on the cabin. This was it. He could finally ask him about going to see the light.

"Grant! I'm back." The cabin door opened and in strode his father. Striding over to the table he placed down his bag and the pieces of the gun he always carried. Grant quickly headed over and pieced it back together and lay it down on the table.

"It still amazes me how you do that." Garrett commented as he began examining the weapons Grant had made.

"It's nothing."

"Then I don't know why it takes so long… I'm just kidding. You're a big guy now. Don't take everything so seriously."

Grant watched as he strode away from the table. He didn't want to antagonize Garrett but wasn't sure how to broach the topic of the light. But he seemed like he was in a good mood as he stared into the mirror. Grant stood beside him still trying to gain the courage to ask for what he really wanted.

"Look what I see here." Grant watched as Garrett gestured towards their reflections hope filling him. "I see a strong young man. Oh look you're here too. Don't look so sad. You know feelings are a weakness son."

"Father…" Garrett ignored his comment as he stared into the mirror examining his body.

"Father's feeling a little worn down at the moment. If you don't mind son."

"Oh! Of course."

Grant quickly gathered a stool so he could sit down and heal his father. It was a little strange as he could only heal people if they touched his hair while he said the magic words. But if it healed his father he would do anything for him. He rushed through the process, giving Garrett only just enough time to get his hand to Grant's hair to allow the healing.

"Grant!" Garrett seemed annoyed but Grant couldn't bring himself to care. He had to ask now, surely Garrett would say yes.

"Here's the thing father, tomorrow is my birthday."

"No it can't be. You've only just had one. Besides it's not as if they're important."

"It was a year ago." It through him slightly as Garrett looked unbothered by this fact. "Anyway what I wanted for my birthday. What I've wanted for a lot of birthdays." Mumbling the last part was natural; Garrett didn't like to be questioned about his decisions.

"Enough with the mumbling Grant! You know I hate the mumbling!"

"Sorry. Any I wanted to go and see the tournament and the light."

"Oh you mean you want to allow a weakness into you."

"What? No. I just…"

"You're just as fragile as a flower Grant. I keep you here to ensure you're safe. Out there in the world people would just take advantage of you. You're desire to see this light just shows that. A real man wouldn't allow petty little things to distract him. He would concentrate on learning everything he needed to make himself stronger. Emotions just distract you. That's all this tournament and light would do."

"But…"

"Look at you, you're scruffy and underdressed. They'll eat you up alive."

He was in simple handmade clothes of cotton, which he had made himself. Sure he had no shoes but he didn't really need them in the cabin and it wasn't something he could make himself. Garrett had never got him shoes so he did without. He conceded he was looking a bit scruffy, having to convert your razor into materials for weapons led to you having the beginnings of a beard.

"Oh go ahead and leave me. I'm the only one who raised you when everyone wanted to throw you in a prison. What do I know? Leave me alone to die, when it's too late you'll know I knew best."

"I'll stay! I'm sorry!" He couldn't bear to hurt his father.

"If you're sure son."

"Yes! I won't go." He knew his voice was croaky, trying not to shed the tears Garrett would see as the ultimate weakness.

"Good. Now don't ever ask to leave this cabin again." Garrett reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

"I won't. You know best."

"Don't forget it, you'll regret it."

He shook his head, hanging it, not believing he'd challenged his father.

"I'll go and see what trade I can get for these weapons. You get started on the new ones and clean yourself up. I'll be back later."

"Yes, father." Later could mean today or in two months time. Being on his own and having to survive toughened him up. He waited until Garrett had left before collapsing beside his weapons bench, ignoring Buddy's gentle nudges.

So far so good, they'd yet to be caught. Running over the rooftops of the city had given them the advantage. They needed to escape into the forest to avoid being caught. May, Captain of the guards, was chasing them, well known for her ability to catch criminals. Her and her horse were well known by all thieves. Technology that had been their helpers was now becoming a hindrance. Wanted posters were being posted around the kingdom, something Skye could do nothing about, as running wasn't compatible with using technology. The forest gave them the cover they needed to hide from the guards but they had to get there first.

Glancing behind and finding nobody in sight, they took a few moments to rest. Panting she noticed their wanted posters pinned to a tree.

"Oh come on!" She read it moaning.

"Oh shut up." Quinn snapped.

"We'll you don't have anything to complain about. You guys look great!"

The pictures showed them in their best light and the descriptions were extremely flattering. Hers painted her as a bimbo who used her body to get what she wanted. There was no time for more discussion as the thudding behind them indicated company was coming. Running again they found themselves at a dead end. High walls surrounded them, so smooth that one person couldn't climb them.

"Give me a boost. I'll pull you up." Skye yelled as Quinn and Miles examined the earthen walls.

"Give us the Shield." Miles held out his hand while Quinn glared at her.

"You guys don't trust me. Ouch."

The cavalry were getting closer; there was no time to argue. Throwing the satchel to Miles she waited until they provided a bridge for her before clambering up them. Scrambling onto the grass she rolled to look back down at the boys.

"Pull us up!" Miles held out his hand to her.

"Sorry boys. My hands are full." She waved the satchel at the boys as Quinn patted himself down realizing that it was no longer around his body. As much as she would love to gloat a bit longer but she need to get away from here before they found away to escape.

Running deeper into the forest she became aware of people chasing her. Taking a second to peek back she saw May chasing her. Her horse almost seemed to be ordering the others around him, like his master. As she jumped over a tree limb she heard the smack as several shots impacted just behind her. Running as fast as she could a fallen tree limb aided her by removing several of those chasing her. Unfortunately May was still chasing her. Looking behind she didn't notice the limb blocking her path until she ran straight into it. As she was thrown in the air she noticed the same thing happen to May, before she was thrown onto the horse's back. Laughing at her sudden advantage she tried to make the horse move but all he seemed interest in was biting the satchel that had fallen in front of his face. If the stick didn't work use the carrot method. Skye tried to use this to make him move but he kept turning to bite the satchel. Suddenly she was flying through the air again, losing her grip on the satchel. The horse looked so proud of himself as he grabbed it. Snatching it back from him she began running as he chased after her and attempted to get it back.

'I'm fighting with a horse!' She thought as she swung underneath a fallen tree over a gap, certain the horse wouldn't follow. She scrambled backwards as the horse used his hooves to target her hands.

CRACK!

Just as she reached the end of the tree the wait became too much, sending them tumbling down. Sitting dazed for a second, she took a moment to notice that not only had she landed with the shield, but also the horse was nowhere to be seen. Taking advantage of this fact she noticed a cave behind her, the vines hiding its entrance parted when she'd fallen into them. Moving quickly she was surprised to see that the cave went straight through. On the other side was a small meadow with a wooden cabin sat in it.

'Good hiding place.' She summarized, evaluating the risk of running elsewhere. 'At least I can get some food.'

Decision made she headed into the cabin, noticing how neat it was kept. She moved towards the table, not expecting the sudden pain in her temple.

Grant had been working on a blade when he'd noticed the light footsteps heading towards the cabin. Moving to one side of the door he had the perfect position to watch as the person entered. Grasping the nearest weapon he could find, a frying pan, he waited until the person had completely entered before hitting them on the head. As they crumpled to the ground the length of their dark brown hair surprised him. Moving cautiously he turned them over and found himself faced with a beautiful young woman. He hadn't expected the intruder to be a woman. Glancing at Buddy he shrugged before deciding where to hide her. She was completely out of it and Garrett maybe back at any time. Picking her up he slung her over his shoulder and headed into his bedroom, somewhere Garrett rarely ventured into. Tying her up and adding a gag in case she woke up while Garrett was there. He'd never expected to have a woman in his room.

As he headed back out into the main room he heard Garrett return.

"Grant! I have a surprise for you."

"So do I." He muttered. Maybe this would be what it would take to show he was capable of taking care of himself.

"I found some new material for you. Surprise!" Garrett waved his arms like it was the best gift ever.

"Father I was thinking, about the light."

"This again. I told you to drop this."

"But…"

"No! You are never leaving this cabin!" Garrett bellowed. Collapsing into a nearby chair he raised his hand to his face.

"Great! Now I'm the bad guy."

"I was just thinking instead of the light I thought of something I wanted." Grant mumbled, hunching his shoulders slightly.

"Oh?"

"I was wondering if I could have some of that metal you brought me one time. To make a new razor."

"That was a very specialist metal Grant. As least a three day trip."

"I know I just thought it was a better idea than the light."

"Fine! It might toughen you up more if I leave you alone for a while."

"Yes father."

Seeing him concede Grant quickly made a pack full of food for Garrett to take with him before helping him with his cloak. He watched as Garrett left the area before turning to the thief's satchel. Inside he found a strange round object. It was hard and metal but he was unsure what it was for. Putting it on his head it didn't feel comfortable. Buddy shook his head as he watched. Sitting on it didn't seem any better; Buddy once again shaking his head. Finally he slipped it on his arm brandishing it in front of him. Buddy stared at him for a second before shaking his head. Sighing Grant placed it back in the bag before hiding it. It was time to wake up his visitor.

Skye woke up to a pounding head and something wet in here ear. Turning slightly she found a frog sticking it's tongue in her ear and jumped screaming. Finding she couldn't move she looked down to find herself tied to a chair.

"What are you doing here?" The voice clearly belonged to the shadow that was moving around. "What do you want with my hair?"

"You're hair?" Skye wondered what this person was on, she didn't need anyone else's hair, hers was fine as it was.

"Who else knows my location?"

'What was this guy on?' She wondered as he moved into the light. Squinting she could suppress the gasp as she examined the tall, muscled body that led to cheekbones to die for. The long blonde hair was a little strange but the guy was hot. Maybe this could work to her advantage.

"Hi. I'm Skye." She smiled, hoping to win him over.

"Hi." He seemed confused, making things even easier for Skye.

"How you doing?"

"Don't try your tricks on me. What do you want with my hair?"

God this guy was uptight.

"Nothing, Robot."

"It's Grant!"

"Whatever!"

"What do you want?"

"To leave! Where's my Shield?"

"I've hidden it in a place you'll never find." He seemed so proud of this fact.

"It's in that cabinet isn't it?"

"No!"

"Anyway just let me have it and we can all part friends."

"I'll return it if you do something for me."

"What?"

"You know the light that shines tomorrow?"

"Sure. The light for the lost prince. They have a tournament in the capital."

"It's for the lost prince." He acted as if that was news to him.

"Anyway, take me to this tournament and I'll return your shield."

"I don't think so. The kingdom and I aren't exactly simpatico right now." She scoffed.

"Something brought you here, Skye. Call it what you will, fate, destiny."

"A horse?"

"Without me you'll never find your shield."

"You're going to make be do something I really don't want to do."

She watched as he looked at her before shimmying her arms so her top was revealed. Her extremely low top, that showed off a lot and had turned men's heads before. He glanced down but seemed unmoved.

"Fine. I'll take you to see the light." There was no other way out of this situation, though how he couldn't get there on his own.

"Really?"

"Sure. I better get my shield though."

"I promise."

"Yeah like that mean anything."

"When I promise something I mean it!" Funny thing was he looked like he meant it.

"Just get me out of this chair." She grumbled.