We've had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You'll not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes please let me go.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
- If It Should Be (Author Unknown)
"Welcome, Mei, daughter of Suzaki. Fuu, daughter of Akane." Red Skull's booming voice resonated across the dim canyons of Vormir. The two spies gazed at his shrouded figure, weapons drawn and poised to defend themselves.
"How do you know us?" Fuu asked, her voice steady despite the discomfort rising within her.
"It is my curse to know all who journey here."
Fuu turned to her mentor, who returned the same uneasy look. "Should we trust him?"
"He doesn't look like a threat..."
The pair stood in silence for what felt like hours. Finally, Mei cleared her throat and looked up at the wraith.
"So, floating guy, where's the Soul Stone? We're here for it." Fuu rolled her eyes. Even in a situation like this, her mentor still made carefree quips like nothing.
"You should know, it extracts a terrible price." The Red Skull's voice was raspy, ethereal... Somewhat sorrowful. It was the voice of a man weighed down by burden and regret.
"What... What kind of price?" Fuu whispered.
"Ah, liebling..." The wraith pulled down his hood, revealing a disfigured, skull-like face. "You're about to find out very soon."
A/N: Originally wrote this as a shitpost when my friend suggested "Hey, what if Mei and Fuu went to get the soul stone?" So I worked my (very limited) creative juices and produced this.