Disclaimer: All Marvel and PJO/HoO characters belong to respective owners.

Chapter 10

"Andromeda."

The tapping of the pen went without missing a beat, none the wiser that she was being addressed.

"Andromeda."

Still, no sign of stopping. To her, it was muffled or static when losing connection over the radio. Just noise.

Until, a small zap on her arm. Enough to shock her out of her thoughts, gasping from the pain.

She whipped her head to the responsible one. A glare befell on her face, her eyes darkened to the exact shade of the ocean before a storm. "Why in gods' name was that for?"

Cynthia Richardson, a prickly thorn to Andromeda since childhood, rolled her sky-blue eyes. Even more beautiful with her warm brown complexion. Her cheekbones rose as she smiling crookedly but otherwise said nothing more. Andromeda's hand fisted, breathing heavily, her nails digging into her palm. Cynthia may be older by a year and a brigadier but she still acted like a child. By now, Andromeda should know not to let Cynthia get under her skin. Be as it may, they had grown up together thus Cynthia knew how to push her buttons.

"Calm down, I told her to do it," Matthew spoke out most calmly yet it made her blood boil. "You weren't paying attention."

Andromeda looked across the circular table to her brother, the days of seating around the table tennis in the Big House were long behind them.

"How could she?" Cynthia remarked snidely. "All she can think about is her Captain America."

"You're talking nonsense. He is not mine," Andromeda snarled although wondering how she knew her secret.

"Oh, that's right, how stupid of me. He's Agent Carter."

That stung, a dagger straight into her heart. Twisting it to further the damage. She'd rather experience another shock of lightning than hear those words again. Maybe more than once.

"How romantic that he had her picture in his compass," Cynthia added annoyingly chipper, pushing the dagger deeper. "And it was adorable how angry he got when he noticed the camera. Don't you think so?"

You bitch. Andromeda screamed in her head.

As she looked on to the rest of the occupants. Thomas shook his head, irritated by his sister's behavior, before giving Andromeda an empathetic look. And that only made it worse.

"Enough, Cynthia." Edward sternly chided his little sister. He was the oldest in the room at forty years old. Aged gracefully as one would say. The few gray hairs that began to garnish his head did nothing to diminish his handsome looks. While he had wrinkles around his eyes and forehead, his strong jawline and piercing blue eyes still made women swoon over him. A Lieutenant General, he was experienced when it came to war. He participated in the last war, a respectable officer in the army yet often taking the role of umpire when came to meetings with his siblings and cousins. Things tended to get a bit messy and sidetracked multiple times during these meetings.

"Fine," Cynthia grumbled, displeased that her fun was cut short. Slouching on the chair with her arms crossed, the very image of a grumpy toddler.

"Now, any updates on the Howling Commandos?" Matthew asked her.

"Last I heard they liberating a small town from Hydra's thumb."

"I'm surprised you're not there," Edith told her seriously with the same sea-green eyes as Andromeda grinned.

"What? And miss this exciting meeting." She responded sarcastically to her sister.

Just as William had planned, the film team made it impossible for her to join the Howling Commandos on any mission. Grounding her strictly to behind a desk. Although that only lasted a few months.

As soon as they wrapped up, Andromeda resumed. Albeit, she was much careful this time.

"Still don't think you should be doing missions," Matthew stated clearly. "You'll get caught."

"I've been careful." She rebutted.

Since returning to missions, she made sure to obscure her face with a helmet. As always, avoid being seen at all costs. She called it a success since she hadn't received any angry letters from William.

"It's still too risky for you to go off gallivanting with Rogers. Rumors may have died down but haven't completely disappeared. All it takes is just one man and it all goes up in flame." Edward added on, with a steal hard look. "Mortals may be easily tricked the Mist but Rogers and Barnes are a prime example of occurs when they open their mind." Edward shifted his attention from her to the rest of the demigods in the room. "Let's this be an example to you all."

Like his father, Edward always had a way of commanding the room. From his posture to his words, the man carried himself with pride. Power. Grace. Any other qualities and characteristics that go into a perfect leader.

At least, that's what he believed.

"Am I just to seat behind a desk?" Andromeda sneered at Edward, the temperature in the room dropped tremendously. "While mortal men go off and fight and die?"

"Yes," Edward answered coldly.

"Like a coward." She retorted sharply.

"Like the Colonel, you agreed to be." He fired back easily.

The rest knew better than to intervene in any argument of Andromeda. Or fall victim to her quick and sharp tongue. Eyes only bounced back and forth between the two, some excited for the turn of events. Others watched with a more apprehensive eye.

"I agreed to help my family, to end this war. A war that we started-"

"We didn't start it." Edward cut her off, his tone losing patience.

"We've certainly didn't try to stop it either," Andromeda scoffed mirthlessly. "And now mortals are paying the price."

Her words cut deep, harder than anyone anticipated. In some ways, they all tried to cope with the guilt. Some tried not to think too much about the human lives that were being lost. Others didn't even see them as humans, as harsh as it sounded. They were soldiers, someone to pull the trigger. Not someone's son, father, brother, husband, lover, or friend. They were only soldiers. It was easier to view them like another number.

But it was harder to sweep to the side when it was innocent civilians. The worst day was December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy. All the souls that ripped from the living far too soon. No one saw it coming, except them. And they did nothing to stop it. No one believed that they would do it. Not even Andromeda believed that they would bomb innocent mortals.

Andromeda still recalled the conversation she had with Matthew that morning. She remembered telling him that it was all empty threats.

"It would be stupid to attack us. Think about it, they'll only get another enemy. This spat is between Zeus' and Hades' kids. Let them sort this out. We shouldn't get involved." She had told him.

Years of ignoring, mistreatment, and being cast off, the children of Hades grew angry, resentful. They didn't even have their own cabin. No one took them seriously. And after Pearl Harbor, they made sure that never happened again.

"We need to stop hiding behind our desk before it's too late," Andromeda said, her tone grew soft, pleading almost.

"As far as mortals are concerned, this war is their doing. Those with the greatest determination will call victory. But we will not fight their battles, we can only guide them. That's final."

Andromeda gritted her teeth, ready to lash out when Edith squeezed her thigh.

We shouldn't fight. He's not our enemy, remember that. Edith told her softly.

So, against her nature, Andromeda reined in her anger, still, she always liked to have the last word.

"You sound more like your father with each passing day," Andromeda told him flatly before standing up "Now sounds like a good time for a break."

Andromeda arched a single eyebrow at Edward, waiting to see if he'll argue. When he didn't, his lips set in a thin line, Andromeda turned around and began walking away.

"Fifteen minutes."

"Thirty." Andromeda contradicted as she opened the door and slamming it behind her.

Fifteen minutes was fine but she really did like having the last word. The more distance between her and that room the better. Some of her anger dispel the further she got from the meeting room.

Many years of frustration and frustration had settled deep inside her, it would be a difficult task to completely let go of it. Wasn't sure if she could just let go. For so long Andromeda had felt this way, large roots imbedded within her. To the point, she didn't remember how it felt not to feel these emotions.

War always insinuated change, it was inevitable. Nature takes its course as one is forced to adapt to its new environment, survival of the fittest. Despite her opinions on the war, Andromeda felt slightly excited about joining her siblings in the war effort.

And for so long she kept telling herself it avenge those that were lost in Pearl Harbor. Justify her decision to help her family in this war.

But this past year, doing missions excited her. Even liked it.

And that absolutely terrified her.

She couldn't help it, fighting was in her bones Her blood rushed with adrenaline each time she picked up her weapon. Feeling more alive fighting with Steve than she had in a long time.

From her place on the rooftop, she looked over Rome, a beautiful city that held so much history given her heritage. Andromeda only felt disappointment and disillusionment. She thought back to that naïve twenty-one-year-old girl, eager to see the world outside camp borders. Now, all she wanted to do was go back home. But going home meant saying goodbye to Steve.

Breathing heavily, Andromeda begrudgingly returned to the meeting room. While at first thirty minutes seemed excessive, now it didn't seem long enough. The idea of being in that room for the rest of the afternoon sounded dreadful. Then came dinner, Andromeda couldn't stomach it.

She could already picture the whole evening, awkward small talk to hide the tense silence while avoiding any topic of war. As hard as that was.

The wine certainly helps. Lots and lots of wine.

"Colonel Phillips, how was your break?" Edith voiced jokingly head towards her. Ready to face the hellhound again?

Andromeda nodded to passing soldiers. The halls filled with the usual bustle of mortals moving around, phones rang, voices trying to speak over each other. I thought you said he wasn't our enemy?

He's all bark and no bite. Edith stated standing next to her. But his bark can get annoying.

"Not long enough, General Davis," Andromeda grumbled resulting in light chuckled from Edith.

"C'mon. I'm sure everyone is waiting." Edith started pulling open the door for Andromeda.

She had just taken one step when another voice spoke out, a familiar masculine voice.

"Colonel Phillips!" Steve shouted, jogging up to the two sisters. Bucky right on his tail, and based on both of their appearance, they just got back from the latest mission.

"Where's the fire, soldiers?" Edith commented once Steve and Bucky reached them.

Both men saluted their superiors, after so many months after the initial surprise had worn off. There was a period of adjustment, making sure they address them properly in public than in private. Struggled with how to behave when it was just the four of them while always giving her the respect she deserved.

They sharply brought their hands down and shared one brief look before handing Andromeda a wrinkled piece of paper.

"You're gonna want to read this," Steve told her with all seriousness.

Andromeda eyed him skeptically before looking down at the paper. Her eyes narrowed as she read the sloppy handwriting.

"Get inside," Andromeda mutter harshly shoving the paper into Edith's hand. "They're all gonna want to hear this."

"Are you sure this is true?" Matthew asked quietly looking up from the paper that eventually landed in his hands.

Steve met the eyes of a man that held so much jurisdiction and power over him, Major General Evans. Although he was more than that, he was Andromeda's older brother. Steve had only met him less than a handful of times in passing since Andromeda told him everything. A very busy man no doubt, always on the move.

In truth, Steve had never been in the same room as him or everyone else. Except for Edith. And still, it had only been once.

"During our mission, we confiscated a Hydra radio. Overheard that Schmidt is planning to transport Zola to another base."

"Could be a trap. Schmidt wouldn't be so careless to discuss it openly." Cynthia argued, her child-like behavior gone. Her tone took on a more serious note, she knew the time for joking around had passed.

"Besides, he could shadow travel to retrieve Zola," Thomas added.

"Not if he is too weak. Schmidt is strong, no doubt, but even he has a limitation," Andromeda rebuttal drawing in the eyes of almost everyone. "As of right now, eighty percent of his army are skeletons. It must take a large amount of energy to keep that up."

Edward looked deep in thought, eyes not quite fouled on a particular spot. In a typical male pose, one that almost rivaled The Thinker or as it been dubbed, The Edward. There was nothing particular hilarious about his sitting position, but to Andromeda, it was humorous. Often mocking his pose when he wasn't in the room.

She elbowed her sister, signally with her head towards Edward. At the sight, Edith had to hold in her snort, covering it by clearing her throat. Hiding her smile as best she could, although it was still obvious, shook her head at Andromeda.

Refuse to let it go, Andromeda slowly copied Edward's pose. Leaning back on the back, crossing her feet as she rested her left elbow on the armrest. Finishing it all by lifting the left hand and intricately locating her fingers around her mouth and chin.

That's when Edith couldn't hold back. A loud snort erupted from her lips resulting in one from Andromeda.

"Something amusing?" Matthew asked his sisters sternly yet with the tiniest smirk.

Dropping her mile, Andromeda straighten up quickly and said, "Nope. Nothing at all."

Small chuckles and snickers echoed from the others. Edward just shook his head and grumbled underneath his breath.

Steve and Bucky, the outsiders, only looked to the pillars of this strange, new world.

Andromeda's world, a dangerous world filled with a skeletons army, winged horses, monsters, and Greek Gods. A list that he constantly repeated, even after all these months. To think that the super-soldier serum was once the craziest thing to have happened to him.

Yet, here they were. In a room full of demigods with unimaginable power, more experience than him. Despite that, they were still a family.

"Good, let's back to the subject on hand." Matthew addressed his sisters one final time before turning to Steve and Bucky. "Any idea how Schmidt might transport Zola?"

"We're thinking train. It's the fastest way to travel under the radar, sir," Bucky answered confidently.

"Once we figured out which base, we'll know the route," Steve added on.

"Then we shouldn't let him slip through our fingers," Andromeda said to Steve. "Transport is scheduled for this weekend, a little rushed-"

"Then again, Schmidt was never a man of patience," Cynthia remarked with attitude.

"But nothing your team can't handle, I'm sure." Andromeda chose to ignore Cynthia's comment.

"We'll be ready, Colonel," Steve reassured her with a nod.

Edward nodded as well, pleased with Steve's response. "On that note, we should end the meeting here. Get ready for dinner."

With that being said, Lieutenant General Martin stood from his seat instantly followed by the rest. He walked alongside Major General Evans, already going on about the main topics from the meeting. Andromeda rolled her eyes at them, those were always so buddy-buddy.

While Andromeda might give them a hard time, more Edward than Matthew, she admired their close friendship. Given they were close in age and balanced each other out nearly perfectly it was almost nauseating.

It was a refreshing sight, given how much their fathers could barely tolerate each other.

Stories were told of their heroic quests, fighting side by side against their enemy. Vanquishing any monster that stood in their way. Seen them trained, and for a little girl who wanted to like her big brothers and sisters, it was a sight worth seeing.

"Captain Rogers and Sergeant Barnes, would you like to join us for dinner?" Cynthia said with a flirting smile. "It will be nice to have new faces at dinner."

Andromeda acted as if her heart didn't leap to her throat at Cynthia's invitation. Acted as if her stomach didn't turn at the idea. As if a boulder hadn't been dropped on her chest. Pressing down until she could barely breathe.

"Cynthia's right. Gives us a chance to get to know each other," Edith said gathering her papers together before looking up the pair. "Plus, Stark will be in attendance, if that is any comfort."

The demigods watched the two mortals with an eager eye, awaiting their answers. While Cynthia flirting was nothing new, Edith's behavior truly surprised Andromeda. Normally collect, if not aloof, to the opposite sex, Edith looked excited at the prospect of having them over.

"I swear they're ready to jump their bones."

Very unlike Andromeda to be caught by surprise, she jumped. Thomas masked his concern by chuckling at her, astonished by her lack of attention. Since children, Andromeda always showed off her skill of vigilance, so naturally, a young Thomas took it up as a challenge. Always attempted to creep up and scare her. It never worked.

Until now, when he wasn't even trying.

"Are you alright?" He asked her and just as she was about to respond, someone shrieked loudly. Thomas and Andromeda flinched at the sound, both turning in the direction from where it came.

"Fantastic! It's at eight o'clock meet us at the entrance." Cynthia smiled happily at them before walking away with a small skip in her step.

"Oh, I gonna need something stronger than wine," Andromeda muttered to Thomas in Ancient Greek as she exited the meeting room.

"It's a good thing Stark's coming."

Andromeda cursed Cynthia with every fiber of her being, calling her every horrid name she could think of. Swearing that Cynthia better be grateful if Andromeda didn't kill her. Although, Andromeda couldn't hold herself accountable while intoxicated.

A drunk Andromeda was always unpredictable. And sloppy.

Andromeda shivered remembering the night Howard had to carry her back, nearly passed out over his shoulder. Then she groaned loudly at the realization that Steve and Bucky had witnessed her fall from grace.

This is all Howard's fault! Andromeda declared internally. Before Howard, I've only been hungover once. Once!

After applying some perfume, Andromeda scrutinized herself in the mirror. The emerald green dress fit perfectly, relaxed yet defining around her waist. Sleeves cuffed at her elbows with a high collar neckline and a loose skirt that feel just at her knees. It was a rather simple dress, but with the scoped rows of beaded pearl detailing, it was beautiful.

Fidgeting with her curls and one last dap of her usual coral lipstick, Andromeda grabbed her coat. Damning Cynthia one more time, she exited her bedroom and swiftly headed to the elevator.

Her stomach sank deeper with each floor, fingers tighten their hold on the coat unconsciously. Perhaps practicing for when it was Cynthia's neck. Andromeda's feet tapped continuously and furiously until the doors opened on the ground floor.

Only it wasn't the ground floor.

The Fates were furiously determined to make her life their comical relief. They must be, or why else must this happened to her. Nothing better to do than to play with her life. Maybe they were plotting with Cynthia.

"Rogers," Andromeda greeted him with a stiff nod.

"Sir," Steve said with a small smile as he stepped inside standing next to her. Still a little strange to call her sir, especially when she was in heels.

"Where's Sergeant Barnes?" Andromeda asked looking down the hall, holding the elevator doors open.

"Went down before I did."

"Oh, alright." Andromeda stepped back removing her hands so the doors could close. Making sure not to stand too close to him. Inhaling deeply, Andromeda forced herself to speak. "I hope you weren't forced into saying yes. I know Cynthia can be…very persuasive. And annoyingly pushing."

"Yes," Steve's eyes enlarged at his answer and quickly spoke to fix his mistakes. "I mean, no. No, she wasn't."

Andromeda nodded slowly, biting her bottom lip to hold it in. But as Steve and her made eye contact, each pealed into laughter, breaking the ice between us. Although she had rejoined him in missions, she only appeared to fight. Then she would disappear into the sky with Phillip.

Back in camp, there wasn't much time for free time. There was still a lot they each had to do. Unless it was Sunday, they really didn't see much of each other. It also might be because Andromeda ran in the opposite direction whenever she saw him with Peggy.

It was too much when she saw Steve seek out Agent Carter every time he returned.

"Maybe a little, but it's not every day I get invited to have dinner with demigods."

Andromeda laughing died down. "After tonight, I don't know if you'll ever want to come again. We can be a rowdy bunch."

The doors opened before Steve could answer. Andromeda quickly made sure it was the ground floor this time before stepping off.

"Don't let them intimate you." She told him.

Steve's footsteps echoed behind, swallowing his nerves when he noticed others.

Dinner with demigods that are also my superiors. Why should it be intimating? Steve asked himself.

A light snowcap settled over the mountain terrain as snow fell around them. High up in the mountains, right on the edge, the Howling Commandoes huddle together. Steve looked down at the train tracks, anticipation growing with each minute. Gabe and Jim worked on the Hydra radio, listening in for the confirmation they needed. The rest kept an eye out, Barnes more than anyone.

Watching out for a specific demigod to arrive. Yearning to hear the familiar sound of large wings flapping in the wind.

"She's not coming," Steve spoke quietly standing next to his friend.

"You sure?" Bucky kept an eye on the sky. "Someone made her sit this one out too, huh."

Steve grinned. "No, she decided it herself." Bucky scoffed in disbelief while Steve chuckled. "Said how hard can one man be for Captain America and the Howling Commandoes."

"One man in a train full skeletons," Bucky added with a shudder along with Steve. After he looked behind and made sure no one was paying attention, Bucky turned to his friend. "After this war is over, I'm gonna ask her out."

Bucky's confession was no surprise to Steve, if anything he had been waiting to have this conversation. Steve had noticed the glances he's thrown at Andromeda. Especially the way he looked at when they got off the elevator. It was as if Bucky was looking at the sun for the very first time.

So blinding, Bucky looked to be in a daze. Any other friend would happily tease him, but Steve wasn't any other friend. Instead waited patiently until his friend came to him. And in typical Bucky fashion, now was the perfect time to bring it up.

Still, he was happy for his friend.

"Good luck," Steve happily told him, then patted his shoulder. "You're going to need it, especially with the in-laws."

Steve had to at least throw one jab in. It was hard not to.

Bucky chuckled nervously. "Let's take one step at a time."

Steve nodded, leaving his friend to think. He was sure Bucky hadn't thought it that far. Or maybe he didn't want to think about it too much. Any aspect of a father-in-law would make any man a nervous wreck, having a Greek God as one must be driving Bucky over the edge.

Then came her brothers and sisters. And her many and many cousins.

"Remember when I made you ride the Cyclone at Coney Island?" Bucky asked anything to get his mind off the topic.

"Yeah, and I threw up?" Steve observed the back cord that will carry them down with a sharp eye.

"This isn't payback, is it?"

"Now why would I do that?"

Steve smirked while Bucky returned it with a tight smile.

"We were right." Jones' voice caught their attention. "Dr. Zola's on the train. Hydra dispatcher gave him permission to open up the throttle. Wherever he's going, they must need him bad."

Steve glance at Bucky before throwing on his helmet, signaling that Steve Rogers was replaced by Captain America. After so many missions, it felt as the two were different people, two souls in one body. Each persona taking turns to be in the spotlight.

Is this how Andromeda felt? Always having to switch between two roles?

"Let's get going because they're moving like the devil."

Steve quickly got his act together, now wasn't the time for an identity crisis. Locking the handles on the black cord, he got into position.

"We only got about a ten-second window. You miss that window, we're bugs on a windshield." He spoke loudly tighten his hold. The plan continuously played out in his mind.

"Mind the gap," Falsworth commented a bit jokingly.

"Better get moving, bugs." Dum dum joined in on the fun.

The rush of adrenaline coursed from his toes to the tip of his fingers, tingling as it fueled his bones. A familiar sensation by now, yet every time felt like the first. He hoped it never faded. The feeling of rush that engulfed him every mission

This is where he belongs, not exactly on top of a freezing mountain. But being along with these men, and Andromeda, fighting alongside them against Hydra. These past months, they had become family to him. Through every hurdle and near-death experience, bonds were made, and trust strength them.

War wouldn't last forever. That ultimate goal was to end it, after all. To win the war so they can all go home.

And this mission was just one step closer to home.

At the swing of Jacques' hand, Steve pushed forward, launching down the cord. Slicing through the cold air like a knife. The train zoomed forward at an accelerated speed, the strange design looked similar to the underwater jet that the Hydra spy tried to escape with. Steve fell onto the roof after careful yet swift calculations.

Bucky landed just behind him, along with Jones behind him. They moved quickly, mindful not to trip, one wrong step led to a cold plunge. Jones stayed on the roof, ready to shoot, as Bucky and Steve forcibly entered through a side door. With the door closed, they realized how silent the cart was.

And the next one. Not peep was heard. Not a single skeleton soldier in sight. All was deadly still and silent.

Until it wasn't.

Two things happened spam of two minutes. They could be seen as events, mistakes, incidents, errors, etc. Nevertheless, the results were the same. Regardless of what they were called, Steve's and Bucky's lives forever change after that train ride.

First, they got separated. Getting ahead of himself, Steve promptly went ahead to check on the next cart while Bucky stayed behind. One step into the next cart, the doors swiftly closed, dividing Steve and Bucky. Each left to defend themselves against their opponents.

It was chaotic for a moment, both were consumed by survival instincts. The flight wasn't an option, it never was, so they fought. Shots rang out, sounding louder in the small, confined space. It was an unfair match, the skeleton soldier had a much larger gun that could pulverize him versus a handheld simple gun. Still, Steve was quick to realize that the bigger gun needed time to charge. It wasn't a long charging period but just enough for Steve to get close enough to knock it down.

It took only a second for Bucky to take down one of the two soldiers, a few bullets to the head and down to the floor it went. The second one proved to be a little bit more of a nuisance. Bucky dashed to the other side, firing bullets nonstop. Hunching behind a pile of boxes, he kept shooting until the gun was empty.

He frantically pulled on the trigger, as if more bullets would magically appear. But nothing happened. Breathing heavily with sweat dripping down his face, Bucky pressed harshly against the wall. Rapidly planning out what he could do next.

The sound of the door opening forced Bucky to look up to Steve waving his gun. Exchanging nods, the pair effortlessly got to work. Tossing the gun to Bucky, Steve grunted as he slammed into a case, making it slide down the shelf forcing the skeleton to move to the side. Just where Bucky was ready with the gun.

"I had him in the ropes." Bucky joked seriously.

Steve exhaled. "I know you did."

Second, they let their guard down. A lesson that Andromeda always enforced during training.

Always be on the lookout. Never let your guard down. She had said after swinging her feet behind Steve, knocking him to the ground. She walked away giggling while Bucky laughed hysterically from the side.

They never saw him coming until it was too late. It was the hissed of the gun charging that alerted Steve. His body moved before he could process it. Instinctively, Steve put himself in front of Bucky, holding up the shield to protect them. He braced for impact as best he could, but it was too strong, too sudden for him to fully prepare. They were sent them flying backward in opposite directions.

Steve slammed into a wall; the harsh collision distorted him for a second. A second long enough for the absolute worst thing to happen.

For as much speed and strength, the serum had given, it still wasn't enough. Not enough to get to Bucky as he picked up the shield. He wasn't quick enough to Bucky before he was blasted through the giant hole. His shield clang to the floor once more.

Heart pounding, Steve scurried to it and swung the shield angrily at the soldier before it could fire again. Satisfaction was brief before the panic, once again, consumed him. He dashed to the hole, throwing off his helmet, the throbbing in his head was unbearable. He didn't know what to expect, but when he saw Bucky holding on for dear life, relief flooded him completely. As quickly as it came, it left. Absolute terror and anguish lingered.

"Bucky!" Steve shouted out and began to get closer. The cold wind hissed angrily. "Hang on! Grab my hand!"

One hand clingy to the bar, Steve reached out to Bucky. As they each desperately clung to the train and to hope, their eyes met. And in that millisecond, time crawled down to snail's pace. It was a torturously long millisecond. Then time sped up like it had to catch up. And Bucky was gone, his screams faded the further he fell.

There was a black hole in the blue sky as if someone took a hole punch to the atmosphere. That was the first thing Andromeda noticed in her dream. The clouds forcibly pushed to the side. And it was expanding. The next thing she noticed was a bright beam of light that was coming off a strange-looking building with the name Stark lit up in capital letters.

While she had been born in New York City, Andromeda hadn't spent much time here. The city was practically a stranger to her, if it wasn't for Grand Central Station, she wouldn't have a clue of where she was. But she knew this much, there wasn't a Stark building. Knowing how ostentatious and loud Howard is, a tower with his surname would have come up in conversation. Probably more than once.

But it wasn't just that made Andromeda concern. Everything else looked different. From the cars to the buildings she had never seen before. Everything looked…off.

What the hell is going on? She thought looking around in panic as a knot formed in her gut.

Andromeda looked up from where she stood on the ground, holding her breath as strange creatures flew down to Earth. People began to come out from the cars, fear displayed on each expression. It gave her time to observed their clothes.

Loud gasps and multiple fingers pointed at the sky drew Andromeda's attention back up. She struggled to make sense of what she was seeing. Her sharp eyes could make out the shape of a man flying straight into the oncoming monsters. Her jaw dropped when he began to fire at the monsters turning the sky burst into a show of explosions.

No matter how many the flying metal man blasted, more kept coming. There were no signs of slowing down. This was an army.

New York was under attack.

Andromeda hopelessly watched as the army of monsters fired around her. Blue light beams rain down chaotically around her, almost identical to Hydra's weapons. Andromeda noticed that they didn't care about aiming. Destruction was their goal. Chaos erupted as cars exploded, mortals ran right past her, screaming in absolute terror. Her heart broke when she saw a little boy and girl crying as their mother pushed them to keep running.

That would be the last thing she witnessed because a car nearby was as hit. Andromeda instinctively shut her eyes at the explosion, and when she opened them again, she was back in her room.

Breathing shallowly as she eyed the ugly pale brown wall of her room. The early morning rays from the sun gently brighten her room. Slowly shifting onto her back, Andromeda focused on her breathing as she counted the cracks on the ceiling. Her grip on the thin and scratching blanket loosened with each crack. Running over her dream repeatedly, going over every little detail. Burning it all into her memory. She couldn't forget anything.

The hole in the sky. The flying man. The army. The Stark building.

Stark. She had to talk to Howard.

Throwing off the blanket. Andromeda jumped from her bed. Changing quickly into her uniform before exiting her room. The cruel irony wasn't ignored, the last man she raced to find was Abraham. As in her usual style, cool and collect on the outside, a raging hurricane inside. Her stern face didn't give away the chaos in her head. Taking the elevator down to the basement in solitude. She was thankful for this, it gave her time to put together her thoughts. Andromeda still had no idea what she saw.

The dreams of demigods were infamous. Hidden messages to help a demigod, even though it often left one more confused. Some dreams were more direct and actually helpful; however, it was rare. This dream was the latter. If not petrified. She didn't want to forget, she couldn't forget. Still, she yearned for the opportunity that many mortals had. To forget a nightmare. To dismiss it as only a dream and think nothing more of it.

The doors slid open to an already busy floor, the various noises of mortals doing their job brought an odd form of comfort. This is what she knew, this made sense.

"Stark," Andromeda called out once inside his lab. "I see nothing has imploded. That's good."

"Colonel! The day has just started, so don't count your blessings." Howard turned to her, smirking. "As always, you're a ray of sunshine."

Andromeda huffed in annoyance. "Say that to me one more time and you'll be seeing stars."

Howard just winked at her. "Step into my office."

They walked into Howard's private office, he shut the door while she plotted onto one of the chairs. Pouring coffee into two mugs, Howard handed one. She accepted graciously then looked disapprovingly when he added liquor from a flask.

"Isn't a little too early?" Andromeda muttered before taking a sip.

Howard chuckled. "Not when you've been up all night."

Andromeda arched an eyebrow. "You need to sleep. When was the last time you slept?"

"So what did you want to talk about?"

Andromeda eyed him, noticing the dark shadows under his eyes. The beginning signs of a scruff were on his face, hair unkempt, and shirt wrinkled. The same one he wore yesterday. She looked down at his desk which had multiple papers with notes and drawings all scattered.

Fine, so be it. Andromeda thought taking another sip. I'm not his mother.

"You wouldn't happen to have a building in Manhattan with your name, Stark, on it?" Andromeda asked slowly. "Next to Grand Central Station?"

Howard scrunched his face, tilting slightly. "No. I wished, especially with that location. Why?"

Her gut twisted at his answer, despite already know. Nevertheless, she hoped, for once, that she was wrong. She swallowed more coffee before answering. "I had a dream last night, I was in Manhattan. But it looked like a different world. The cars were different, people's outfits. And-"

"There's was a Stark building." Howard filled in completely focused on her words. After what had happened to Abraham, Howard knew her dreams weren't normal.

"Yes!" Andromeda exclaimed, setting down her coffee. "But that wasn't the strangest thing, there was this… black hole in the sky. And then monsters were coming through it, I know it sounds crazy. Trust me, I know! But I swear, that's what I saw. And then, there was this flying man, or at least it had the shape of one." Andromeda groaned at how crazy she sounded. "I know it sounds insane, but that's what I saw. The flying man was fighting monsters but it was an army. They just kept coming."

"A planned attack." Howard comment dreadfully, his coffee also abandoned on the table.

Andromeda nodded. "Had to be. The weapons they had were similar to Hydra's."

"Do you think it could be them? Maybe another kid of Hades summoned another army of monsters."

This time Andromeda shook her head. "No, I have never seen a monster like this. Or heard of one like it. Even so, that doesn't explain the building or the flying metal man."

Howard inhaled deeply. "Do you remember how the building looked like? Think you can draw it?"

At her nod, Howard hunted for a clean sheet and a pencil. Andromeda had many redeemable qualities about her, however, drawing was not one of those. She just hoped that it was good enough for Howard to understand. As she drew, Howard's mind was racing. Going over what she had just told him and what he already knew.

"How old were you when you first dreamt of Schmidt's red skull?" He spoke up in a quiet voice.

The pencil halted suddenly; Andromeda frowned at the paper. "I was…seven? Maybe eight? They started not too long after I joined Camp Half-Blood."

"So, you saw the future? No, you dreamt it. Maybe, this dream is the same." Howard leaned on the desk, fingers excitedly tapping on it. "That could explain why people dressed strangely. The cars-"

"And the building," Andromeda mumbled, gazing over her drawing. Dreams were fickle, demigod or mortal. Never knew what you were gonna get, like a box of chocolate. Still, to dream of the future was rare.

Lucky me. Andromeda thought dryly.

"Exactly!" Howard couldn't remain sitting down, his entire body buzzing. She had just dreamt of something that hadn't even happen. Up until now, the future had only been an idea, a vague concept. An unreachable and unattainable dream.

And here she was, dreaming of it. Seen what has yet to happen.

There wasn't much that could surprise Howard at this point. However, this is of a world beyond anyone could think of. Half of the time, Howard's mind was in the future.

"There, I'm done." Andromeda's voice brought him back to the present. "Not the best, but…"

Andromeda's voices died off as Howard's eyes landed on the rough drawing. It wasn't the best as she had said, yet it was enough. The design was questionable but innovative. It certainly looked like a futuristic building; the sleek design made it stand out amongst the rest. Most of all, the name Stark was displayed for the world to see.

Howard was at a loss for words. It was paper yet it felt heavy in his hands.

Sharp, rapid knocks interrupted them, and Howard swiftly stuffed the paper into his pocket.

"Colonel Phillips," Peggy urgently spoke. "They're back."

Andromeda rushed to the door, swinging it open, the suddenness caused Agent Carter to step back.

"When?" Andromeda question sharply, marching ahead. Peggy's and Howard's steps clicked right behind hers.

"Received word that they entered city limits thirty minutes ago. Should be arriving any minute now." Peggy responded in her usual concise manner. However, Andromeda detected some excitement in her tone. Of course, she was. Steve was back.

"And Zola?" Andromeda tried not to be envious of her liberty to show excitement at her beau's return. No point in hiding what everyone else knew already. Especially after many saw her picture in his compass. Andromeda could only be grateful they were professional.

"In custody."

Andromeda nodded, satisfied and relieved that the mission was a success. Although the Howling Commandoes hadn't given a reason to worry in the past, Andromeda always worried.

By the time they had to arrive at the entrance, officers were already whisking Zola away. His head down as he was pushed from behind, the handcuffs well secured at his wrist. The Howling Commandoes came in after, and all it took was one look at their somber expressions to know something was wrong. The warmth of the excitement from their arrival diminished instantly. The atmosphere had gone so bleak, no one wanted to say a word.

But nothing needed to be said to know what was wrong. It was pointless to ask since it was evident that something terrible happened.

Bucky was gone. His absence from the group spoke volumes.

Her breathing shook as she held back tears, even in. With slow steps, Andromeda headed to a red-eyed Steve. Last time, there had a sprinkle of hope that he was alive. Almost nothing but it was enough to fuel them. This time, it felt different. Permanent.

As much as Andromeda wanted to wrap her arms around him, she held out a hand. He took her hand in a tight grip of a man in pain.

Lips trembling slightly, Andromeda enclosed his hand with her other one. Clenching his hand, Andromeda gave her condolences. Again.

"I'm so sorry, he was a great man."

Thank you for reading and hoped you enjoy it. Thanks to those who have favorite, follow, comment, or just simply read it. Much appreciated. Let me know what you think.