Hey, guys, I'm back with a new chapter! It's not long since it's wrapping up this arc of the story. The chapter after this is almost ready so it should be out soon. As always I do not own Marvel, only my Oc's.
Present time
Far from the eyes of lowly beings, in a dimension of their own, resides three entities surveying the cosmos for all eternity. The first immortal is a golden figure with white light emanating from his chest. He wears a purple cloth on top of his head covering the majority of his three faces. His nature is strict and ever-present. The next figure wears a white suit and a crazed smile to match his chaotic behavior. His short curly black hair flows gracefully as he moves about their home. Out of the three, he looks the most conventional even if his personality is the opposite. The last being among the three, embraced in ever-flowing energy, wears nothing but the cosmos. She does not require clothing for her form is simply all and none at once. As a mother gazing upon her children, Raja stands between the two entities gazing upon creation in delight. To watch the universe from her point of view is both a blessing and a curse she must endure.
"It has begun," her voice washes across the void as a storm across a violent sea. Her companions look at her and recognize the meaning behind her words.
"Is it really Raja?" The Beyonder asked his young friend. "I've always loved watching this part. I wonder which reality in the multiverse we're witnessing this time?"
"The birth of it all," Raja responds to the chaotic man. "Where it all began."
Looking to her side, Raja notices the expressions the Great Tribunal wears which displeases the entity. The golden figure himself senses her emotions and glances Raja's way. "Yes?"
"Oh great one, are you displeased with my actions?"
"No, merely concerned," The Tribunal responds. "Are you certain you wish to go through with this? Hasn't the child been through enough turmoil?"
"You act as if I'm not aware of her plight. I know her pain better than you. I am aware she has suffered, but this is her destiny. She must fulfill it if the others are to live," Raja reminds her long-time companion. "I have lived a thousand upon a thousand lives. I know misery and death as a friend. If I can survive it all then so can Calliope."
"Does it matter in the end?" the Beyonder asked his companions, interrupting the latter two's conversation. "It's not like she has a choice. We never give them a choice in our games."
"This is true," The Tribunal calmly acknowledges, turning back to whatever catches his attention.
The Beyonder simply laughs before moving back to his own projects. He only likes to focus on the exciting parts of the "show". Raja, on the other hand, continues to gaze upon her corner of the universe in anticipation. If all goes according to plan, Calliope will fulfill her destiny and become a void that will destroy all. However, there is a chance for Calliope to escape this destiny if a certain individual intervenes.
Steve Rogers
Calliope's POV
Waking up the next day, I get ready to head back to campus. It takes some time to reassure Steve I'm fine. He's worried something might happen if I return to campus so soon after my disappearance. Honestly, it hasn't escaped my mind the amount of trouble I can be in, but I need to face it at some point. Plus, I need to do some research on a certain person that has recently come to my knowledge. Raja. I have no idea who she is, but maybe someone in our history has heard of her. I mean, Humans knew about Norse mythology before I had the chance to meet Thor, so hopefully, we'll have information on Raja as well. However, before I can leave, Steve and I hear a knock on the door. Neither one of us move as we stare at the door as if someone might break it down.
"Expecting anyone?" I asked the supersoldier.
"Other than you, I don't invite anyone over."
"Aww, how sweet," I joked, pinching Steve's cheek. He merely swats my hand away with a chuckle of his own. "In any case, we might as well open the door."
Agreeing with me, Steve makes his way to the door, opening it partially and then all the way. Standing on the other side is an unimpressed Black Widow sporting a new hair-do. Making my way to the door, I contemplate what I should do. The last thing I want is to get Steve and the others in trouble for my actions.
"Look who's back," Romanoff remarks as she cocks her hip out with both hands on her waist. "Fury wants to talk to you, Star Ray."
"Hello to you too, Agent Romanoff."
"Calliope," The older woman grunts as she steps to the side. "Let's go."
"Okay, no need to get your panties in a twist. I'll go see Fury right now, there's no need to bite my head off," I mutter with my hands up in surrender. Excusing myself, I try to walk away from the two, but Natasha grabs my arm to stop me. Steve then grabs her wrist, and now we look like a stupid train of people holding on to one another. "Is there a problem?"
"You don't really expect me to let you out of my sight, right?"
"...Do you not have a ride to the office?" I asked, completely confused by the woman. I thought I have to go talk to Fury, so why is she forcing me to stay still. I just don't understand anymore.
"As I said, I'm not letting you out of my sight. The moment I do, you'll fly off somewhere no one can follow you too."
"I won't-"
"And I'm not going to believe a word you say. I know you well enough to know you never follow orders."
"It's fine, Romanoff," Steve says, cutting into the conversation and forcing Romanoff to release me. "I'll go with her-"
"After failing to inform us she was with you, I don't believe you either."
"How did you know I was here," I suddenly inquired as the question popped up in my mind. "It's not like I announced my location to the whole world."
"True, but S.H.I.E.L.D. has its ways-"
"Bullcrap~. How did you find out I was here? Someone had to have ratted me out."
Without saying anything else, Agent Romanoff immediately pulls out her phone, and after a few moments, she shows us a picture of Steve and I flying from Stark Towers late last night. The angle the picture is taken from is down below, meaning it must have been caught from a camera across the street in a shorter building.
"Ah, now that makes sense," I commented, looking at the picture. "In any case, you got me. Listen, if you want, I will ride in the car with you, and Steve will stay here."
"What?! Cal-"
"Steve, it's alright," I gently reassure the blond. "I need to prove that I've changed, and if this is one of the ways to do it, then so be it."
"Fine... but if you need anything, just let me know."
"Of course! I'll see you next week."
Looking at Romanoff, she nods her head, and I follow the older woman out of the building and to the car. During our drive to S.H.I.E.L.D., neither one of us spoke. Not surprising, considering we never talk to one another. However, once we arrive at the Triskelion, Natasha informs me of my current situation.
"Director Fury is waiting for you at his office. No one else will be there except the two of you. Once that is over, he'll instruct you where you'll go next. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," I respond as we walk towards my final destination. Once we arrive, Natasha leaves me in front of the door to Fury's office before departing. Taking a moment to relax, I finally gather the courage to knock on the door and face the consequences.
Tap tap tap
"Enter," The director's voice calls out to me.
Opening the door, I quickly scan the room for Director Fury. I'm not surprised to see him standing beside his desk as he looks out into the city below him. Instead of sitting on a chair on the other side of his desk, I walk up beside him and stand next to the man. It's quiet between us, and I'm almost positive something is up with him. I want to ask, but I don't think it would be appropriate if I do.
"Where did you go?" He asked me. At first, I debate on how much I should say until I give in. Lying isn't going to help, so why bother.
"Space... I got lost, and Heimdall, the gatekeeper to Asgard, used the newly rebuilt Bifrost bridge to bring me to his planet. I spent a day or so with Thor before Odin sent me back here."
"A day?"
"When I flew into space I lost consciousness. I was drifting out in the middle of nowhere for some time. I didn't even notice when I lost consciousness, let alone how long I was out. I believe it was Steve who pointed out how long I've been gone. Only then did I realize what happened."
"Why did you leave?"
I remain silent for a moment as I realize what Fury is asking me. Fury should have been told about my panic attack by Clint unless the other man chose to omit that part of their conversation. Still, Fury could just be playing dumb until he's ready to strike. This could be a test like the time I spoke to Natasha alone at that restaurant we went to. To be honest, I hate these tests. Why do we all have to go through circles to speak to one another? Then again, I'm not exactly easy to speak with. Still, if I want to break the cycle I've been accustom to living in, I might as well start now.
"I had a panic attack due to the pressure I've continuously been put through. I no longer felt human, and I didn't know what to do. I felt like the walls were closing in, and I couldn't break free no matter how hard I tried... I just snapped."
"I figured as much, but this is what you signed up for, Rodriguez."
"Yes, but understand that I grew up way too fast," I pointed out to the man. "I'm not okay mentally speaking. I'm hurt and scared. I'm still processing the trauma I've been put through these past few years. Plus, it doesn't help the way I've been treated up to this point, although I don't blame anyone for that. Not exactly; since I know I'm not the most friendly person on Earth, so it's not surprising... but I was a kid. I needed help and patience. I needed someone to save me from the pit I was trapped in. It doesn't matter how many times I tried to pull myself out if I had the entire world pushing me back in. I guess I stopped climbing. I started digging, thinking it would help, but it didn't. So as of late, I've resorted to calling for help. I should've done that from the start. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach this point."
"At least you made friends where you can."
"You're talking about Steve, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Ahh, so you approve."
"What I'm saying is you two need each other. You went through similar hardships, and you two might be the only people who can help each other.
"Right…"
"What did you learn in Asgard."
"Several things that you may find interesting."
"Like?"
"First is Loki."
"You saw him," Fury asked me, raising an eyebrow at me as he finally turned from the window to face me.
"Yes, I was granted clearance for a brief moment. Loki is isolated from everyone else in a cell under the castle."
"At least they kept their word and didn't pardon him," Fury murmurs to himself. "What else did you find?"
"Second is my training."
"What of it?"
"It's inadequate for my power type," I pointed out to the man as we face one another instead of the skyline of Washington D.C. "I was able to hold my own against many Asgardians when we were sparring, but once Sif was put into the ring, I stood no chance."
"Sif? Thor's friend?"
"Yes, she is. She's also the best female warrior in Asgard."
"I see..."
"Sif said my movements are too predictable and stiff. She suggested I find a new fighting style that fits me. One with quick fluid transitions."
"I'll see what I can find."
"Can you find a master on Northern Shaolin? It's a fighting style I've seen before... kind of."
"Where?"
"Avatar: The Last Airbender."
"You've seen Avatar Aang in action?"
"I didn't know you were a fan."
"Likewise," Fury nods to me and the two of us redirect our attention back to the windows. Outside, the city keeps bustling as usual. In a way, it helps me root myself in reality. At one point, I hated the reminder of how the world will continue with or without you. Now, it's a reminder that I need to move as well.
"Lastly, it seems as though I won't be like this forever."
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know, but I guess I'll find out one day."
For a moment, neither of us spoke as we stood side by side. Somehow, without needing to discuss it in detail, we resolved our problems, but we also unveiled a few more. I'm sure Fury is hiding something from me, but then again I'm doing the same to him. For now, we'll have to drop the subject if we want to keep gaining, instead of losing. It's as if Fury and I came to an understanding of how far we can push one another and when we need to stop threatening the other to get our way. For the first time in what seems like years, I can feel my body relax beside an unlikely ally.
Later, when I return to the Academy, I'm told I won't suffer any point deduction for my missing time. Also, my schedule is laxer than before. Meaning my weekends are officially mine from now on. Also, Clint resigned as my SO. I was told to give him a call when I could so he could explain himself. Grabbing my phone from my desk where it was charging, I sent my first text to Steve explaining what happened thus far, while promising to see him soon. Once I'm done with that, I send a text to the Science bro's about my free time this coming Saturday so I could stop by and visit them. Finally, with all of that out of the way, I call Clint.
"Calliope?"
"Hey, Clint... um, before you say anything, I want to apologize for my freakout the other day. I'm sorry for not explaining myself sooner and running away. I guess I really haven't grown up that much in the end, but none of it is your fault. I also want to say I'm glad you aren't my SO anymore because I don't want to hold you back. You're meant for better things, and being a babysitter isn't one of them. But I'm hoping now we can be friends... for real this time. Do you want to get lunch on Sunday?"
"Yeah," Clint's kind, yet rough voice sounds through the phone. "I would like that."
::::
Four years ago
Reaching his home, Fury removes his coat as he searches for his cat, Goose. Usually, the cat remains at his office in S.H.I.E.L.D., but today Goose refused to move from her place on the foot of Fury's bed. Bewildered by the animal, yet refusing to disturb her, Fury left the cat home. Now with his return, he insists on checking her health.
"Goose~ Goose, where are you," he called to his beloved kitten. Once he enters his bedroom, Fury finds it empty. "Goose?"
"Meow?"
Spinning around, he finds the cat behind him, yet the Flerken isn't looking at him but in another direction. Fury tries to grab Goose, only for the animal to walk to the end of the hallway. Once Goose reaches her destination, she begins to meow again until Fury arrives at her side. This process repeats itself until Fury is standing on the roof of his home.
"What is it you're trying to show me?"
"Meow~!"
"Yeah, I get it; you want me to follow you, but why?"
"To meet with me," a disembodied voice spoke from all around him.
Suddenly, the night sky around Fury disappears and replaced by a world bathed in unnatural chaotic beauty. The ground beneath his feet became a combination of precious gems the likes he has never seen. Water flows all around him in streams that stretch on forever. The stars above danced throughout the sky before exploding and reforming. The mountains surrounding him are taller than any he's ever seen, and the plants all around him bloomed in diversity. The air itself is the cleanest his lungs have ever had the pleasure to take in.
"Where am I?" the man asked, and it was at this moment he realized that Goose went missing. "Goose?"
"Do not fret mortal," the voice from before spoke again. "Goose is waiting for you at your home."
"And who are you?"
"I am called by many titles. The Eternal Light, Mistress of the Night, Jewel of the Sky, and many more."
"Well, what can I call you?" Fury asked the wind. Once he finished speaking, a body made of pure cosmic energy formed in the sky above him. The figure looked at him as if he were a figurine in a snowglobe instead of a person. "Holy sh-"
"You may call me Raja," The figure replies as she moves to stand in front of the small man, towering over him. "I called you here to speak about something of great importance. Something you must do for me."
"Sorry, but I don't take orders from just anyone," Fury states to the being in front of him. "I don't know who you are, but you seem powerful enough to achieve whatever you want on your own. So why use me?"
At first, the cosmic entity did not respond to the question. Raja doesn't move, nor does she seem to breathe. Raja simply stood in her place, gazing down at the man who dares to look her in the eye. Most beings shy away from her gaze in reverence, but not this mortal.
"You amuse me, human," Raja smirks as she transforms their surroundings into cosmic flames. Fury didn't flinch as flames sprung up to meet him, nor does he feel the heat from it. "However you should know something before denying me."
"That is?"
"You and I know each other through our shared past."
"Since when?"
"We recently met some time ago. I haven't been a human for eons now, but I believe your sense of time is divided into minutes, hours, and years, correct?"
"...Yes..."
"Correction, you and I will meet one year from now."
"Wouldn't this count as our first meeting?"
"No, my old friend, because I am not yet myself when we first meet. I can take on many forms, and the one you seek is similar to your own. My original body will be who you find before me. Nonetheless, that is not why I brought you here."
"Right, so why am I here?"
Raja proceeds to inform Fury of her work and how he plays a part in it. At first, the man grew apprehensive with the information he's given, but once Raja reassures him of what will come to pass, the man relaxes, albeit an ache settles on his chest. He doesn't want to be the one to ruin this girl's future if he can help it.
"Is there any way we can prevent this without her?"
"No," Raja comments, her stone-cold face hardens even further at his question. "For the universe to live, Calliope must die. She must never know of her fate until I appear before her. Do you understand?"
"...Yes, Raja."
"Good, now when a man named Aardwolf appears, remember to recruit Calliope and the boy beside her to defeat him. It is imperative that you do this. It will act as her starting line. Do not fail me, Fury."
"Never, Raja."
Alright, so we now have some new elements to the story! Just a warning, I'm going to speed through the rest of the timeline a bit. We're still a year (by Marvel's terms) from Captain America: The Winter Soldier, so I'm going to wrap it up in a mix of short collective one-shots. You'll see what I mean soon. If there is a certain character you've been waiting to see go ahead and tell me. Until next time, bye!