HUD: So this is the beginning of a series of one-shots that Shi-Toyu and I are doing together. One or the other supplies a prompt, then we both write to it! Simple enough, huh? This first one is an angels/demons AU, and you can guess where I took mine.
Enjoy, and I'll see you soon!
There was only one room in Stark Mansion that young Tony wasn't allowed in. It was right beside the stairs, across from the parlor, and the very first door you saw when you walked into the home. The door was very unassuming, but young Tony knew better.
Late one night, the eight year old had wandered downstairs and into the kitchen for a late night snack. The boy grabbed his favourite poptarts and a handful of Oreos and padded back to the stairs. This was a night he knew he couldn't open the door, because Mommy had been very clear. They were having company, the sort that would bore young Tony, and had sent him to bed. But the boy was nothing except curious, so he had walked right up to the heavy wooden door and pressed his little eye to the keyhole.
That was the night Tony began calling that room the Red Room.
From that day on, each evening the boy would come home from his high school courses because, yes, little Tony was a very smart boy (that's what all his teachers told him, anyway) and he took his high school courses after all the older students left. The lowering sun would shine just perfectly through the window above the door, casting just the right amount of shadow over the Red Room's door. Tony would pause, every day, and wait until the sun would lower the last few inches or Mommy or Daddy or maybe even butler Ramsey would walk in to help him.
The Red Room was evil. All the sounds he could hear from his room kept him up every night. The groaning, wailing, scratching, humming, shrieking... He knew he would never understand where the noises were coming from, not at his age, but he did understand the meaning.
It became even more clear when he watched his father being dismembered in the Red Room.
Mommy, Tony, and butler Ramsey moved after that. Their quiet mansion in the hills of Colorado was abandoned after Howard's funeral. Mommy had cried so very, very much, while Ramsey tried to explain what was happening to the now ten year old Tony. He didn't know what an exorcism was, but he knew about the evil of the Red Room. His daddy had been some sort of fighter for Good, but the Bad got him in the end.
They moved into a big penthouse in upper Manhattan. Tony applied to go to MIT, and became the youngest student ever enrolled. Maria wasn't ever the same after Howard's passing, and became bedridden during Tony's senior year. Ramsey, now in his early forties, became sole caretaker of the young genius while many of Howard's friends continued to run his corporation until the boy turned sixteen.
On the eve of his thirteenth birthday, his mother called him into her room.
"Tony," she said, voice very, very weak. Her once youthful hand was small and trembling as it reached for him.
"Momma?" He said, now too old for 'mommy', but still not willing to let go. He grabbed her hand gently.
"I need...to tell you something, my sweet," she whispered. Her bright honey eyes the boy had inherited no longer held the same clever glint he remembered as a child when she would teach him a new prank against his father. Now they were dull, but still held all the love in the world for him. "Something...important."
Tony nodded and Tony listened. The boy had issues - he completed tasks early, learned new skills quickly and grew bored (he discovered those not really being issues as he aged) with menial busy work, but Maria had his full, undivided attention.
She explained Howard's death first. Tony remembered Ramsey, his ever present expert, being beside him every step of the way for his father's passing. Now the older gentleman stood behind him, near the door, silently listening. Everything his mother explained correlated - Howard was blessed with a gift. Since he was young, Tony's age, Howard knew. He was just as intelligent as Tony and began his paranormal studies early. By seventeen, the man had performed his first exorcism. By twenty, he was the lead exorcist as far as Russia in success rate and number. By twenty-five, the man was cursed.
"A demon your father had sought for years made himself known while your father was traveling in Europe," Maria said, voice above a whisper. Ramsey had retrieved a bottle of water for her and now stood with a hand on Tony's shoulder. "There was a battle. Your father also armed himself against threats from the paranormal as well. He was a genius in developing the weapons, merging technology with ways of the old." Her eyes grew hazy again, taking on a faraway gleam. When she came back to him, Tony knew she was still dreaming of the man she so very much loved.
"Anyway, they met up, oddly enough, outside of a small village in Transylvania. Howard was called there often. The angry spirits of the bloody past of that country haunted it's citizens relentlessly, the poor people. Before he could reach the town, Belthezaar found him." She paused here, her eyes growing watery. Tony grabbed and held her hand tightly. Maria squeezed back and continued:
"Belthezaar and Howard were archenemies. Howard almost made it his life's mission to defeat the demon, and Belthezaar met him with open arms. They fought, and Howard made a small victory. He claimed one of the demon's horns and a terrible cost. Belthezaar cursed us," Maria said, pausing for a string of coughs. Ramsey patted her back until it stopped. She grabbed his hand in thanks and turned back to her son. "Howard and I were pregnant with you, and Belthezaar knew this. He cursed Howard to die a gruesome death before your very, very young eyes. He cursed me to die of sickness - " she coughed roughly this time, pulling back to see blood on her palm. Her eyes sought Tony, and the image of her haunted gaze with blood trailing from her lips will stay with Tony forever.
"And you, my sweet boy," Maria murmured, shaking briefly. "You he cursed to become exactly as Howard was. On your thirteenth birthday, I will pass and you will be alone to deal with your curse. That was his plan, but Howard met Ramsey that very same trip."
Tony looked at the man he had been born knowing, a very close friend and confidant. He was now showing his age briefly, but his pure European ancestry hid the truth. Ramsey was in his early forties, but barely looked over twenty. "Ramsey is your godfather, Tony. He was Howard's partner in his fights, and will now be the same for you."
Tony blinked up, his wide, innocent eyes staring into Ramsey's. The older man smiled and squeezed his shoulder. "Best friends, Tony. Nothing has changed."
Tony nodded, soothed from the man's Transylvanian accent. Maria's hand was trembling worse now, pulling the boy's attention. "Momma..."
"I only have a few minutes left, my sweet," she whispered. Ramsey reached out and lifted her gently, fluffing the pillows, and lowered her back. "Thank you, Ramsey. I cannot thank you enough."
"Please, madam," he said, fixing her blanket. "Your son."
"Tony," she said again. "I have a gift also. I can see them, all of them."
"Them?"
"Demons, angels, spirits, ghouls," Maria listed. "I see them all. You have inherited this as well. It will help you. After I pass, the charms your father and I have placed to protect you will fade. You'll begin seeing them, and they'll begin to see you too. Ramsey is a descendant of the oldest Hunter family. He will train you, teach you, how to learn these tricks. You'll be better than Howard, because you are his son. He knew you were for greatness, and he knew your legacy would surpass his. You have a gift to use, my son, how you see fit. Ramsey can only teach; you must find it in yourself to fight. The Starks are a young family of Hunters, but we are the best."
She began to cough again, this one lasting nearly a minute. Tony held her hand steady and touched her back. When she leaned back up, her face was pale and very, very gaunt. "Tony," she whispered. "Open the first...drawer of my table."
Tony looked down to the table beside him. He didn't let her hand go, but reached over to open it.
"Inside...there is a locket," she whispered. Her eyes flicked to the clock, then back to him. "Wear it always. Never forget, with as hard as this will be, your father and I love you very, very much." She squeezed his hand weakly. "Hand it here, love."
Tony pulled the long silver chain out. The pendant in the center was two inches wide, engraved with a full moon and lily flower. He handed it to his mother, his favourite person in the entire world, with tears stinging his eyes.
"Do not cry, my sweet," she smiled. Maria shakily held the pendant chain out, nodding for Tony to lean forward. He did, biting his lip and squeezing his eyes shut. The metal charm was heavy and cold, settling almost to his navel. "It will grow with you, love, because you will grow into a very handsome and strong man."
Maria looked back to the clock. "Honey, my time is almost up," she whispered. She shakily pulled herself up and grabbed both of Tony's hands in hers. "My sweet boy. I love you very very much, we both do. I'm so sorry you had to see Howard...die, and I'm so sorry I have to leave you. But Ramsey will watch over you and be to you what he was to Howard."
The large grandfather clock that Maria's father had given her for her sixteenth birthday sat in the living room of their penthouse. The loud gongs of midnight began to echo. Her eyes widened.
"So much to say with no time left. I love you, Anthony Edward Stark. I'm so sorry, so very sorry that you have to live with this, but know that you are never alone. Your father and I love you dearly, and we will always be with you. Wear the pendant, and never remove it. It is special, and will lead when you are lost. Listen to Ramsey," she rushed. Her eyes were brimming with tears, and they finally spilled over. The final gong was heard. "Happy birthday, baby. Never be afraid."
Maria Stark smiled as her grip slipped. Her eyes grew glassy, her chest stopped rising in a slow rhythm, and her head lolled to the side. Slowly her eyes closed, but her lips stayed in a soft smile. The last of her tears fell across her cheek.
"Momma?" Tony squeaked. He squeezed her hand. She didn't move. Ramsey laid a hand on his shoulder. "Mom?! Please move, mom, please. Don't go. Wake up." He pulled her hand; she laid still, moving only when he pushed her. A strangled sob ripped from his throat. Ramsey squeezed his shoulder.
"Anthony," he whispered. The boy spun, tears streaking his face, to look up at his caretaker.
"She's gone!"
"Yes, child," he said, rubbing his shoulder. Tony looked back from Ramsey to Maria, her hand still warm and clutched in his. "It is how it is to be."
"Why?" He begged. His chest heaved with sobs, tears now streaming hotly down his cheeks. Tony had never cried as hard as he did the day his mother died in his entire life. Ramsey's face twisted in sympathy for the boy.
"I know this isn't fair, young Stark. You have been dealt a terrible hand by your ancestry, but your parents were desperate to fix it. And they have - "
Ramsey trailed off, looking over the boy's head. His face immediately hardened as a darkness spread through the room. He stepped around Tony, pushing the boy behind him. Tony covered his mouth to hide his sobs, but never dropped his mother's hand.
"Show yourself!" Ramsey barked. It wasn't the usual voice Tony heard from the kind man. It was commanding, and helped with the child's own courage.
A low chuckle echoed. Tony froze.
"The Seer has passed," the voice echoed. The darkness grew. "The second of the curse has been filled."
"No darkness shall enter this home. Begone!" Ramsey snarled. His voice was strong as he kept a hand on Tony's shoulder.
"We are always near..." A figure stepped from the deepening dark pool against Maria's far wall.
"Silence!" Tony squeezed his eyes shut, holding his mother's hand to his cheek. Ramsey still stood tall.
"You be silent, mortal," the figure hissed.
"I don't believe you know who you're dealing with, grunt," Ramsey murmured. Tony, feeling brave, looked through his tears and around Ramsey's hip. On the other side of the bed stood a tall, lean figure, garbed in a flowing black cloak. Tony swallowed hard.
"We shall see!" The figure lunged, it's hands turning to claws right before Tony's eyes. The child gasped as the hood flew back to reveal a pale white face with long fangs and pitch black eyes.
Ramsey moved like lightning. His right hand was drawing something from his vest and now pointed over Maria's bed. It was a long barreled hand pistol, like the kind Tony remembered seeing from the old vampire movies - wait, it was from the old movies.
The demon recoiled and shrieked in fear immediately. "No, you're a - "
"Bingo. Tell your master to stay far, far away," Ramsey growled. He quickly pulled the trigger with a loud crack. Tony blinked and the silver bullet sank deep into the demon's face. The monster screamed and clawed it's own eyes as it's face dissolved before Tony. Within seconds, the demon and blackness were gone.
Ramsey lowered his gun, turning to Tony. "Are you well, child?"
"...who are you?" Tony asked. He rubbed his mother's hand slowly. Ramsey smirked, looking down at his new ward. He stepped a ways back and took a low bow, gun barrel pressed to his shoulder.
"My name is Ramsey van Helsing, great-grandson of the famed Hunter Abraham van Helsing," he said proudly, coming up from his deep bow. "Happy birthday, Master Stark."
Tony never would have thought in a million years he could smile the same day his mother passed, but it was what would come to be known as his trademark smirk. After one last stroke, he gently placed his mother's hand onto her mattress and ran into his new caretaker's open arms.
This would be okay; they would be okay.
He keeps telling himself this even now, when he's almost twenty-five and Ramsey on the low side of fifty, and they're traveling Europe in search of Belthezaar's newest cult. They were ambushed at the hostel they were rooming at, and Ramsey caught a demon claw in his eye while they were sleeping in shifts. Tony blames himself for letting his attention slip, but Ramsey doesn't blame him. He sits with a white cloth charged with holy water and a deity blessing pressed to the right side of his face.
"I know a Healer," Ramsey said, placing a comforting hand on Tony's shoulder. "Be calm, Master Stark. He can heal anything."
"But you will have a scar and it's my - "
"If blame should fall to anyone, it shall be Belthezaar," Ramsey said curtly. "We leave now. Call a cab to the airport - he lives a country over."
Tony makes the call, and because of his name no one asks questions about the man with the bloody white cloth carrying a holster that looks insanely suspicious. Tony waves them off, and they listen. The pair board the plane, all first class and private, as Tony pulls the cloth back.
"Can you see, Ramsey?" He waved a hand. The Hunter nodded.
"Yes, for now. I feel the poison spreading, but my confidence in this young man's abilities is far greater," Ramsey said with a smirk.
"Who is it?" Tony asked. He pulled his locket out and twists it in his hand. His mother was right - it sat low on him as a child, but now as a man it sat squarely in the centre of his chest.
"He is the adopted son of an older colleague of mine. I watched as a deity came to him with the image of the child he needed to save," Ramsey began. "After he was adopted, at a very young age mind you, Odin cultivated his skills. His other son, Thor, is a Hunter as he, but the younger one is primarily a Healer, and the best in the continent. He also is gifted with the Sight as well. He currently works for the Vatican, which isn't something I recommend."
"Why is that?" Tony asked. He was watching the other first class passenger, an older man, that had the spirit of his departed wife sitting in the seat beside him. He was sleeping, and the woman was stroking his hair. Her chest was black - died of breast cancer, Tony decided.
"Well, I'm sure you know the history my great-grandfather had with them," Ramsey chuckled. Everything appeared so normal, but Tony knew it wasn't. Ramsey was in pain, but the man was strong. "They use you until you can't be used any longer. This boy, or man, I should say, won't stay there long. From what Odin says, he is head strong and very cunning. He would be an asset to our team, should we be able to convince him to accompany."
Tony nodded. "A Healer would be sweet."
"Yes, especially because he is a Dual. Healers are rare these days, usually picked off quickly by the demons because they lack defense. He has lasted as long as he has because of his Seer abilities, and through the protection of Odin and Thor. Healers need a Hunter as much as a Hunter needs a Healer. It is the strongest of bonds that can be forged."
"Well, with as much hype as you give this guy, he better be a fucking god," Tony mumbled. He pressed a button for the stewardess. "A bag of ice for my dad, please."
She nodded, looking at Ramsey, and walked back. Ramsey chuckled.
"I do not look like I could ever be your father, Tony," he said. "More like a brother." Tony shrugged.
"It's that trip to the fountain of youth, Ram," he grumbled. "Which, by the way, you're so taking me when I hit thirty."
"We'll see," Ramsey grinned, taking the bag of ice with a smile. The rest of the flight was light, and before long they were landing in Rome. Tony helped Ramsey up and carried the bags. His godfather flagged a cab, and they were officially on the road to the Vatican.
The building was far more impressive in sight than picture, and Tony was easily awestruck. The architecture was breathtaking, but what really had the billionaire's eye was the gold shimmer over the building.
"Hey Ram, you see that?" He asked. Ramsey was paying the cabbie and came up beside him. The white cloth had been replaced, now again fresh, as he looked around.
"If you mean the glamour, I know it's there but I cannot see it. That is a benefit to being a Dual, Tony. You have all the Hunter and Seer abilities, so any paranormal or ethereal shroud cast you can see through. This is to keep out the strongest of demons and malice. This place is Holy, and the leading precipice against Evil."
"Ah," Tony said, grabbing up the bags. "Gotcha. Let's go find his guy, alright? I'd rather not have you go blind."
"Was that an old joke?" Ramsey teased with a smile. Tony smirked back and walked on.
They passed through the shield, surprising the genius with the light tickle he felt. Ramsey seemed unaffected, so he didn't say anything. Once they were in sight of the entrance, the doors swung open. Two hooded monks held the doors for Tony and Ramsey as a man in a red robe met them.
"Ramsey van Helsing!" He called, tone light and warm.
"Hello there, Steve," Ramsey answered with a smile. The young man's answering smile disappeared quickly.
"Dear god my friend, what has happened?" The blond man was older than Tony, but not quite as old as Ramsey. Tony would guess mid-thirties.
"A demon attack," Tony said, cutting in. "We need to see that kid, Odin's kid." Steve looked from Tony to Ramsey, his face confused.
"Which one?"
"The Healer," Ramsey answered. "When last I spoke to Odin, he said his youngest son had taken up work here."
"Yes, he is here," Steve answered. He folded his hands before him, frowning. "But you must explain yourself."
"Uh, what?" Tony asked. Ramsey raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Oh, shit, I'm sorry. The name's Tony Stark." He grinned and held his hand out. Steve nodded, his smile back, as he shook his hand.
"Ah, the young prodigy, Master Stark. Welcome to Italy, and to the Holy Vatican."
"It's a pleasure," Tony answered. "But if we could see this guy quick that would be awesome."
Steve nodded, understanding the urgency. "How long ago?"
"Nearly thirteen hours," Ramsey answered. Steve waved for a door monk to take Tony's bags. The billionaire relented, passing them over, as the trio began walking.
"Even after the Healing, you both are welcome to stay the night," Steve said. He walked them to the back of the chapel, near the confessionals.
"Thank you, Father," Ramsey answered.
"For sure," Tony said, thoroughly distracted by the beauty of the sanctuary. "A good night's rest is hard to come by lately."
"I understand Belthezaar has been hunting you ruthlessly," Steve answered. They walked around the tall confessionals, where Steve drew back a curtain that led to a disguised hallway.
"Eh, not so much those guys," Tony answered.
"Tony hates sleeping in a hostel," Ramsey grinned. The billionaire snorted, scratching his trimmed goatee.
"You can't tell me you enjoy piss-soaked cots, Ram."
"I assure you, we have nothing but beds here at the Vatican," Steve chuckled. They stopped before an elevator door as Steve produced a key card and swiped against the air. The door dinged and slid open.
"After you, gentlemen," Steve said, waving them in. Tony followed in after Ramsey, and Steve brought up the rear. The doors closed silently.
"Now, I must warn you," Steve began after a moment. "When was the last time you spoke to Master Allfather?"
"Wow," Ramsey said, eyebrows raising as he blew out a breath. "It must be nearly a year now. Why do you ask?"
"Wait, did we come on a whim?" Tony interjected. Ramsey shook his head.
"This would be the logical location for the Healer. Had he moved, I knew Steve would know."
"Master van Helsing is correct. But, since then, the young Saint has had a...falling out, we shall say, with his family," Steve said.
"He's a saint?!" Tony blurted.
"Saint is another name for Healer," Ramsey answered. "It's to help disguise their weaknesses by title."
"But you said he was a Dual," Tony pointed out.
"He is indeed, and by no means is he weak," Steve said. "He is quite the handful. And, actually, his brother is visiting."
After a slow unending descent, the elevator stopped. "Which is what I wanted to warn about."
When the door slid open, loud shouting could be heard. Ramsey's eyebrows raised as Steve cleared his throat. "And that would be them."
Steve lead the group down a well-lit hallway, the technology of the old building surprising Tony. He walked beside Steve with Ramsey at the rear. The further down the hall they walked, the louder the shouting was. Tony whipped his head towards Ramsey with a large grin at a particularly salty phrase.
"Damn this guy has some comebacks," Tony grinned. He didn't notice Steve stopping beside him as he continued walking. He did, however, see Steve place a hand on Ramsey's shoulder to stop the man. Tony, still going, turned his head back followed by a: "What - ?"
Tony was smacked square in the chest by something oddly cool as the breath was knocked out of him. His arms went up instinctively as he began to lose his footing. "Oof!"
"Grr!" Tony blinked, confused, as he attempted to grab something - anything - to stop himself from going down. Too bad balance wasn't exactly on his side.
He gasped again as his back hit the tiled floor with double it's normal lowering force. When Tony looked down at his chest, he was met with a noseful of pitch black hair. "Did you just grr?"
The figure froze, hands clutching air on either side of Tony's chest. Tony decided from the lack of squishy bits that the person in question was definitely male, and had his suspicions confirmed when he was suddenly met by a pair of striking emerald eyes.
"Another useless Hunter," the man said, lips curling into a sneer. Tony immediately went on the defense, even though the man's lavender scented shampoo and Northern European accent was extremely distracting.
"Hey, man! Chill! The way I see it, you plowed into me," Tony said, holding a hand up. "And I'm pretty sure this useless Hunter broke your damn fall."
"Tony!" Ramsey snapped, causing Tony to crane his head back to look at his teacher.
"What?! It's true!"
"I won't repeat myself," the dark haired man muttered. He placed his hand on the centre of Tony's chest and began to push himself away. The second his palm connected, Tony's chest began to heat up. They both froze, eyes locked on the other, as Tony's silver locket began to reach a near burning temperature.
Something stirred in the air around them, as if some new energy was born. Tony continued to stare, fascinated, as he watched the man's gorgeous eyes brightened in wonder. His long dark hair slipped over his shoulder and cascaded to his elbow, falling in soft waves, making the Hunter want to reach out. Tony was as enamored with the man as he with Tony's locket.
"Brother!" A call from the room the beauty has just vacated broke the spell. His wonder withdrew, eyes darkening again, as he finished pushing himself up from Tony's chest. Tony watched, still thoroughly distracted, as the man's polished black boots stomped by his shoulders.
"Brother!" A tall, heavily built blond man barreled out of the room. Tony blinked, still lying on the floor, completely in shock. Was this a fucking brothel of Abercrombie models?
"Nope, done!" Tony heard the dark haired man call. He looked back to see him nearly to the elevator, shoulders hunched in anger. Tony hated to see him go on those tight black jeans, but, well...
"We must speak!"
Tony laughed loudly as he watched the dark haired man very empathically throw his brother the middle finger over his shoulder.
"Tony, you're doing great cleaning the floor," Ramsey snapped. Tony bit his lip and scrambled to his feet.
"Yeah, sorry," he chuckled, clearing his throat. He turned to the very lost looking blond staring off to the closing elevator doors. "Hey pal, the name's Tony Stark, Hunter extraordinaire. I'll admit you're a little butch for a Healer - "
"Healer? Not I," the blond answered. He stared at Tony's outstretched hand like it was foreign but slowly reached for it.
Tony looked back at Ramsey, then at the blond. "Uh, you're Odin's kid, right? You look like a Thor."
"Aye," Thor answered, shaking Tony's hand lightly. "I am a Hunter. The Healer you want is my brother."
"Okay, which is...?"
"In the elevator," Steve chimed in. Tony dropped Thor's hand like lightening.
"Shit! I'll catch him," he said, spinning on his heel. "Steve, watch Ram. Make sure he doesn't sprout a second head or something."
Steve nodded, placing his hands on Ramsey's shoulder and guiding him towards Thor. His teacher watched Tony with a piqued expression (as much as he could with half his face hidden) as the younger Hunter took off down the hall.
Tony pressed the elevator button rapidly, commanding the damn thing to hurry. The door opened after forever, and he stepped in and showed the up button the same treatment. As the doors began to close, he remembered -
"Name! I need a name!" He yelled. Ramsey turned, last in the door further down.
"Lo - " Ramsey yelled, but the doors cut off his answer.
"Well shit," Tony said to his reflection. "Guess I'll figure it out."
Tony stepped through the elevator and into the dark hallway. He walked briskly from the hall and into the chapel, where he was immediately stopped by the rows of monks performing the rituals of mass.
He sighed, pressing to the wall as he advanced for the large entrance on the other side of the room. Something green caught his eye, standing out in the sea of white and red. Tony watched as the flash ducked out of a service entrance. The Hunter made a beeline.
Tony shielded his eyes from the sun, having left his shades in his bag. The gardens of the Vatican were beautiful, full of lilies and bright green ivy. Concrete statues of saints and angels littered the walkway he was taking. The garden was huge, to say the least, and he soon found the trail he was following lost.
"Some Hunter," he murmured. After another few fruitless minutes, he stood before a large statue of the Virgin Mary, her hands widespread, as he shoved his hands into his pockets and sighed. The trickling fountain below her was all his answer.
Tony groaned and scratched the back of his head, finally agreeing to his defeat. The best Hunter family in the world, and he couldn't track a simple Healer. One who was very important to Ramsey's well being and their continued mission. Who also now had Tony's attention.
He had no idea what happened with his locket. Normally the charm hangs loosely and cool under his shirt. He never dared wear it visibly dealing with his trade. It was the last gift his mother gave him, and he cherished it more than his company. It never acted as anything other than a lifeless necklace; deciding he was alone, he pulled the chain through his collar.
The face still looked the same, the full moon and lilies still very beautifully engraved. Tony turned it over in his hands a few times, the silver now again cool, as he paused to read the inscription.
"Never be afraid, for you are never alone," Tony whispered. The image of his smiling mother floated among his thoughts. He smiled faintly, still absently toying with the locket. He called it a locket, and it obviously held something inside, but nearly twelve years later and he still couldn't open it.
Something thudded against his chest and bounced off, hitting the toe of his boots. Tony looked up, confused. Who the hell threw a rock at him? His trained eyes caught movement among the green ivy. Another moment, and a figure was stepping out.
"Some Hunter. You could be dead right now," a voice scoffed. Tony watched as the man he had been following stepped out from behind the ivy train growing up the side of the Virgin Mary. He wore a deep emerald vest zipper hoodie trimmed in gold that Tony had failed to notice last time (too busy looking down, apparently), and exposed the man's lean arms from the shoulder down. His hands were shoved into the pockets with the hood up, his dark hair spilling from the front. Those bright and cunning emerald eyes were unimpressed, and staring into Tony's very soul.
"Well, you're some Healer, running right into your newest patient's partner," Tony grinned, tone light. The man rolled his eyes and started to walk away. "Oh hey, no! Don't go, we need - "
"Oh calm down; I'm just going to sit," the man snapped, voice without venom, as he stepped back around the Virgin Mary. Tony quickly followed, brushing around the ivy. Behind the statue was an alcove of benches, newly accumulated. It was private and cool, and would easily be missed if the location wasn't already known. He was already sitting against a wall, pulling one of his long legs to his chest. Tony continued to stand.
"So you come here when you get pissed?"
"You could say that," he answered. He pushed his hoodie back, exposing all that long and dark hair. Tony watched as he ran his hands through it, pushing everything away from his forehead.
"What's your name?" Tony asked. The man paused, a small smirk hinting his lips.
"You come seeking a man you know not the name for?" He asked, eyes shining in mirth. In the low shade, his already pale skin appeared even lighter and contrasted beautifully with his black hair and shining emerald eyes.
"Well when you say it like that..." Tony mumbled, kicked the toes of his boots. The man laughed, a low chuckle at best, but it sounded like music to Tony. He looked up and felt himself smiling at the sound. Tony wasn't usually so enamored with another person, too caught up in his company and his heritage, but there was something different about this guy.
"Loki Laufeyson," Loki answered, running his hand through his hair and resting his head on his palm. He held his right hand out.
Tony looked down, suddenly rooted in his spot. He slowly reached out and wrapped his hand around Loki's, the Healer's effortless charm unnerving him. Their palms fit well together, Tony decided, as he gently moved his wrist. The action caused the black leather cuff around Loki's wrist to bump his fingertips.
"Tony Stark," he said, practically all but beaming. Tony was pleased to discover his bright grin was infecting Loki as well. Once his lips began to curl higher, Tony felt a deep jolt run up his arm. Loki must have felt it as well, because his expression turned confused. He pulled his hand back and stared up at the Hunter.
"Damn, did you feel that?" Tony asked, flexing his palm. His fingers still tingled from Loki's cool skin.
"You are peculiar, Stark," Loki answered, standing. "Shall we go see your partner?"
Loki walked from the alcove, leaving Tony staring after those black pants and waving vines. After a moment, Loki ducked his head back under.
"Well?" He asked, hood now back up.
"Oh, sorry," Tony said, snapping out of it. The Healer rolled his eyes and held the vines. Tony nodded and smirked, stepping pass the greenery and Loki. He was close enough to smell his lavender shampoo again, but the billionaire ducked his head to the side. Loki stepped around him and led the way out of the garden.
Tony hung back a few feet, trying to analyze his new found awkwardness. This Loki guy was gorgeous, to say the least, all sharp angles and pale skin and long dark hair. His emerald eyes were breathtaking, and way too unnerving for Tony. He felt like he could be so easily read with all his secrets laid out in bare.
Loki slipped behind the curtains, holding the edge for Tony. If anything, he was polite.
The elevator ride was quiet; Loki had pulled out an iPod and pushed the small buds into his ears.
"To ignore Thor," he supplied. Tony smirked.
"The blond oaf is your brother?" He asked. Loki nodded.
"As much as he can be, I suppose," Loki muttered. The door slid open and the pair walked through.
"Good job, my boy!" Ramsey called when Tony opened the door. Loki stepped by him and walked towards the other Hunter, now seated on one of Loki's healing gurneys. Tony stepped in and shut the door.
"He came willingly," Tony answered, walking to stand by Ramsey. Steve and Thor stood off to the side, watching silently. Loki plucked out his ear buds and shoved the device back into his pocket. He moved to a cabinet and began pulling out jars and cloths.
"How long now, Master van Helsing?" Loki asked, tone detached. Tony frowned. The man had sounded almost warm speaking to him outside.
"Thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes," Ramsey answered. Loki nodded, setting up his tools. Tony watched, only a few feet from Loki, as the Healer cut his palm with a small pocket knife. The Hunter flinched - he was fighting the urge to go into Protection mode. But Loki seemed unfazed, allowing drops to fall into a jar of clear liquid. After he was satisfied, he covered the wound with his other hand. A moment passed, and when he worked on the next piece, Tony noticed the cut was merely a smear of crimson.
"This will obviously hurt," Loki said. "But it will be quick." He reached for the cloth Ramsey still held to his eye. The Hunter dropped his hand, allowing Loki to take it. Tony bit his lip. Ramsey's usually handsome face was marred by a deep gash from his cheek to his hairline. It was black, the blood having clotted hours ago, and very jagged. He now had one brown and one grey eye.
"You understand the discoloration of the iris may or may not change," Loki said, folding the cloth aside. "The cloth you used has helped. The holy water and blessing has held off the infection well."
"I paid attention last we met," Ramsey teased. Loki's lips twitched and Tony's stomach flipped.
"Glad to know my methods aren't entirely unorthodox," Loki muttered. Ramsey smiled slightly, causing the gash to trickle blood. "Be still."
Loki dunked his new cloth into the same jar he had bled into. The liquid was clear again, having absorbed all of Loki's blood. The Healer carefully grabbed Ramsey's chin to hold him in place.
"Deep breath, Onkel," Loki whispered. Ramsey jerked his head in a small nod, and Loki pressed the cloth to his face.
Tony heard a loud hissing as black steam rose from Ramsey's face. The Hunter held his eyes close, teeth gritting, as Loki pressed and swiped with the white cloth. The hissing turned to loud bubbling and crackling as the black steam rose higher.
"That is the poison," Steve said, now standing near Tony. Tony knew Ramsey's friendship went far back with the young bishop, having heard his name several times in his youth. "Saint Laufeyson has a very unique way of doing things, but it has been the most effective since the first."
Tony nodded, turning his attention back. The black steam had completely stopped, prompting Loki to remove the now also black cloth. He handled everything barehanded but his skin didn't appear affected.
Loki dropped the soiled cloth into a bag he had also brought and sealed it. "Ready?"
Ramsey nodded, shifting his weight. The gash was now a healthy red, the poisoned blood clots all dissolved. Loki brought his cupped palms to his mouth and murmured words that Tony didn't catch. After a brief moment, a bright light shone through Loki's fingers. The Healer quickly pressed his palms to Ramsey's face. The light grew brighter and brighter and brighter; Ramsey grew very still as Loki's arms began to tremble.
What Tony saw next he still doesn't have an answer for. The light crept up Loki's arms and to his chest, cascading around his torso. The light danced away from his body, lowering in intensity, as it spread out from his shoulders. It became ethereal and took the form of what Tony could only describe as wings.
As soon as it began, it was over. No one else acted like they had seen the wings, so Tony decided to keep it to himself.
Loki sighed and pulled back, the light fading away. Ramsey opened his eyes and blinked.
"Ram, it's gone!" Tony said, grinning broadly, as he threw his arms around Ramsey's shoulders. The older man chuckled, gasping, as he patted Tony's back.
"Son, you're getting far too big to do that," he said affectionately, moving to pat his godson's hair. Tony pulled back, feeling sheepish.
"Sorry," he said with a grin. "The grey in your eye is fading as well. Almost brown again."
"I cannot thank you enough, Saint," Ramsey said, turning his attention to Loki. Tony stood back again, now standing directly beside the Healer.
"Yes, thank you," Tony echoed. He held his hand out.
Loki looked down at the hand, then between Tony and Ramsey. After a moment, he took Tony's hand gingerly. Tony pulled the lithe man to him, wrapping his arms tightly around his lower back.
"Thank you," he said again, nose buried into Loki's shoulder. The Healer froze, only his hands twitching against Tony's chest. His fingers brushed the locket again, causing the metal to warm.
"...let me go," Loki whispered. Tony did, taking a step back. The Healer blinked, cheeks tinted pink, as he looked at the tiled floor. "...you should go."
Ramsey nodded. He pushed himself up from the gurney and stumbled. Tony caught him instantly, pulling Ramsey's arm over his shoulder as he pressed his arm tight around his godfather's waist.
"C'mon, Ram. Let's get some grub, huh?"
"That would be amazing," Ramsey chuckled. Tony delighted in seeing all of his face again and grinned.
"Brother," Thor began. Tony had forgotten he was there.
"No, you too," Loki snapped, pointing at the door Steve held open. "Out!"
Thor frowned, but turned and walked through the door before Tony and Ramsey. Tony, with Steve's help, angled Ramsey through the door with minimal effort. He stole one last look over his shoulder.
Loki stood in the same place, unmoving, and stared back at Tony. His eyes were bright and searching, the clearest emerald Tony had ever seen. Their eyes met, and Tony felt that same jolt run through his body as he hand when their hands touched. There was something about this Healer that absolutely held Tony's attention and curiosity captive.
Tony and Ramsey were in the hall now, and Steve shut the door, blocking Tony's view. "Ramsey, tell me about him."
"Who, Loki?" He asked. "I believe I can walk now."
"Yeah," Tony said absently, releasing his grip.
"Well, I believe he is the youngest Healer in purgatory currently," Ramsey began. Thor was holding the elevator for the three.
"He is, and the youngest member of our facility," Steve supplied.
"How old?" Tony asked.
"He is twenty-six," Thor answered as they stepped into the elevator.
"So he was adopted young, then," Tony muttered.
"How did you know?!" Thor demanded, pressing Tony into the elevator door.
"Hold up, Point Break!" Tony snapped. He spun his wrist back and grabbed Thor's collar, prying himself from the hold. The elevator jostled dangerously from their movement. "Ramsey told me."
"Ah," he said, calm again. Steve rolled his eyes.
"You anger too easily, my son," he said, patting Thor's shoulder.
"My apologies, Father," he answered. "I am...not feeling like myself."
"So I take it he just found out, then?" Ramsey asked. Thor nodded.
"Our father sent me to bring him home," Thor answered. The elevator slowed.
"Ouch, that's harsh," Tony said.
"Loki has his ways of dealing with the things he has seen, but I image he wasn't prepared for this one," Ramsey said. They all stepped from the elevator with Steve in the lead.
"Well, shall we all have some dinner, then?" The bishop asked, tone chipper.
"Dear god please," Tony groaned. Ramsey chuckled and patted his back.
"After the few days we've had, I believe some down time is in order."
They all followed Steve to the dining hall, where a full spread of some of Italy's finest meals lay. Ramsey and Tony ate gratefully, but the younger Hunter couldn't stop his mind from drifting to bright emerald eyes.
The Healer was amazing; Tony had never met another, but he knew from Ramsey's teachings that all Healers used a rosary for their art. Loki did not, going instead for whispered words, blood, and bare hands. Tony was fascinated.
After the meal, Steve showed Ramsey and Tony to their rooms. Ramsey retired early and suggested Tony do the same. They were heading out first thing in the morning back to Germany. Tony took the time to open his email from his forgotten phone, glad to note that his company hadn't blown up in his absence. His best friend and only other person he counted as family besides Ramsey, Pepper Potts, did a fantastic job of covering for his impromptu holidays and running everything while he was away.
Hours later, and now thoroughly enthralled with tinkering with a new weapon at the room's small desk, Tony heard a low knock on his door. Thinking it was Ramsey, he didn't bother to get up.
"It's open," he called. When the door opened and shut gently behind him, Tony finally turned.
Ramsey definitely wasn't standing in his room. Tony suddenly felt very naked, only wearing his pajama bottoms and no shirt, as he saw Loki Laufeyson standing in the far corner of his room.
"Uh, hey," he said, swallowing hard.
"Good evening," Loki said smoothly. He was wearing black slacks and a black v-neck shirt. Tony swallowed again.
Assuming Loki was there to ask about Ramsey, he began again. "Ramsey is doing much better. He's wiped, but he's doing great. Thank you, again."
"No thanks needed," Loki answered, waving a hand. "Ramsey is a family friend. I would do anything for him."
"Oh, cool," Tony said with a nod. A heavy silence settled, bringing an awkward air. Tony grinned slightly as Loki's eyes bore into him.
"I...wanted to apologize," Loki began, shifting his weight.
"Oh, uh, shit, my manners," Tony said, standing suddenly. He pulled the chair he was sitting in away from the desk and closer to the bed. He sat down on the mattress and held his hand for Loki to sit. "Here, take the chair."
Loki paused, teeth working his bottom lip as he weighed his options. After a moment, he walked quietly forward and sat in the wooden chair. Tony leaned forward, elbows on his knees, with Loki only a foot away and having all of his attention.
"Uh," the Healer began, feeling his face flush. "I am...sorry, for not returning your embrace earlier."
"Oh, is that all?" Tony chuckled, leaning back a bit. His heart thundered in his chest from their closeness. "That's fine, I know I can be over zealous at times."
"It was rude of me," Loki continued. "I'm not all that comfortable with needless physical contact."
"I got it, it's okay," Tony said with a grin. He straightened his back with a pop.
"Alright, then," Loki said, looking away. As he began to stand, the moonlight streaming in from the open window caught Tony's locket as he stretched and shimmered brightly, nearly a bright blue. The Healer paused and sat back down. "May I?"
"O-okay," Tony said, feeling his stomach flip again. He wondered if Loki had felt the metal heat as he had.
Loki's deft fingers reached slowly, and Tony wondered if he imagined a slight tremble. He pressed gently against the locket, his emerald eyes sharp. Loki leaned forward on his seat, pulling the locket closer. Tony followed with it, bringing their faces within inches because of the short chain.
"Never be afraid, for you are never alone," Loki whispered. Tony swallowed again and closed his eyes, attempting to control his breathing. He felt Loki staring at him and opened his eyes again.
"A gift from my mother as she died," he whispered. Loki nodded, looking back at the cool metal. He traced his blunt nails along the engraved moon and lily.
"It is beautiful," Loki said, laying the locket back against Tony's chest. Tony shivered when Loki's fingers grazed his skin. "Why does it heat when I touch it?"
Tony blinked, still only a few inches from Loki, and shook his head. "I have no idea. I've been trying to figure that out myself."
"Interesting," Loki muttered, leaning back in the chair. Tony missed the closeness. "You and Onkel leave in the morning, yes?"
"Yeah, first thing," Tony muttered. Loki nodded, his mind far away now.
"Then get some rest," the Healer said, standing, as he pushed the chair back to the desk. "I am glad to hear Ramsey is well."
"Yeah, thanks to you," Tony said, his heart rate lowering again. Loki paused, his hand on the doorknob, as he looked back over his shoulder.
"...good night," Loki answered, turning the knob. A second later, the door was closing softly and he was gone.
Tony flopped back onto his mattress, chest heaving. That Healer...
"Hey, lazy! Up!"
Tony sat up abruptly; he must have fallen asleep after Loki left. He sighed, feeling suddenly hollow. Would they meet again? Tony didn't exactly have any time to plead his case to convince Loki to leave with them.
"Brat, up!" Ramsey pounded on the door again.
"Shut up, old man! I'm up!" Tony barked.
"Then get your shit together and get downstairs! Grab a muffin and let's go!"
Tony grumbled as he gathered his new weapon together, throwing everything into a small pouch in his bag. He changed into his usual silver dress shirt and dark pants. He threw on his leather jacket and snatched up his boots.
"Can I brush my teeth, at least?" He growled, pushing the door open and into Ramsey's grinning face.
"Hurry, son! I have a cab waiting for us," Ramsey said, walking down the stairs. Tony rolled his eyes and dipped into the bathroom down the hall.
After he felt his teeth and breath nice and clean, Tony walked down the stairs. He threw his bag over his shoulder and entered the dining hall. He spotted Ramsey and Steve against the far wall, heavy in conversation. Tony grabbed a bagel and crossed over.
"Mornin'!" Tony chirped. Steve looked over with a smile.
"Good morning, young Master," he said. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
"And you as well," Tony said, holding his hand out. They shook, and Steve turned back to Ramsey.
"Be safe in your travels, my friend," Steve said, clamping a hand on his shoulder. "And you now have my number."
"We will call from time to time," Ramsey said with a nod. He smiled brightly for a moment before turning to Tony. "Ready?"
"Yup!" Tony answered. He finished up his bagel and grinned. "See you around!"
Steve nodded, and Tony and Ramsey started for the door. They both slipped their shades on once they were in the sun's gaze. Tony didn't say anything about the glamour this time as they walked across the courtyard.
"Is that our cab?" He asked. Ramsey nodded. "Then who is that?"
"The driver, I assume," Ramsey answered. He slowed for a moment, then lifted his glasses. "Anthony!" He said, a wide grin on his face. "How did you convince him?"
"Convince who?" Tony asked, lifting his glasses as well. He narrowed his trained eye, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I didn't do anything."
"What?" Ramsey asked, confused, as Tony walked a little faster.
Loki stood, leaning against their cab, dressed in those same lovely black jeans and boots. He wore a forest green sweater today, along with dark sunglasses and a bag resting by his feet.
"Hey!" Tony called, having broken into a jog in his excitement. Loki looked over, not at all surprised.
"Good afternoon," he said smoothly. Tony's grin began to grow.
"Are you coming with us?" Tony asked. He heard Ramsey coming up behind him.
"It seems that way," Loki answered. He slapped the top of the cab, and the trunk opened. He threw his bag in and went to take Ramsey's as well.
"This is..." Tony said, watching Loki put Ramsey's oddly shaped bag into the trunk. "Awesome."
Loki looked at him, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I figured you could use a Healer, what with all the trouble you seem to get Onkel in to."
Tony laughed, joining him by the trunk with his bag. "Yeah yeah." He shut the trunk and moved around to open the door for Loki. "This is so awesome."
Loki quirked an eyebrow, but slid into the backseat of the cab. Tony shut the door and jogged around to the other side. Ramsey sat in the front as Tony pulled his door open.
"Good to have you on board, Loki," Ramsey said, smiling at the Healer. Loki smiled - actually smiled - back. Tony's jaw dropped. "To the airport."
From the corner of his eye, he watched Loki get settled against the door. He rested his chin in his palm as he looked out of the window. The Healer's hand rested softly on the seat between them. Tony, without thinking, reached out and squeezed his hand.
Loki stiffened slightly, so Tony rubbed a small circle with his thumb. Loki looked over, cheeks dusting pink, as Tony smiled brightly. Loki blinked, worrying his bottom lip, as he looked back out the window. But he didn't pull his hand away.
That was enough for Tony. He squeezed again and let their hands settle together. His heart fluttered and his locket warmed. Maria Stark had been not only a Seer, but also an Oracle. She had left this locket to him for a reason, with all it's secrets still bound.
Tony believed he now had the key to those secrets.
A/N: So, I hope everyone liked it! Cuz this will be a chaptered fic, I promise you that. Comments, concerns, love - put it all in the box!
