And we're back with a new update! Finally, the truth behind Calliope's past will be revealed. Like always, I don't own Marvel, just my OCs.

Entity

Inner thoughts

Calliope's POV

Opening my eyes, I feel no pain like I expected after my negotiations with Byleistr, and my surroundings appear vastly different from what I'm accustomed to. Rather than the Asgardians at my side within the palace, I'm out in the wilderness if one could even call it that. I'm standing in the middle of the ocean with trees standing so tall they cover the sky. Rather than bearing fruit like most trees, these are different as they adorn diamonds that glitter from the light of the lava I'm standing on. Orbs of light float in varying colors as they spring beyond my reach.

"Where am I?"

"My realm," a figure states as everything begins to spin. Suddenly, the world around me disappears as an endless void encircles me until a large hand holds my standing body within its palm. I follow the hand to the rest of the body to see who it belongs to, and I'm not disappointed. A giant woman with fire for hair and pure energy as her body greets me with a knowing smile. Her eyes glow as the varying shades of pink compromising her body stand starkly against the black abyss. "Welcome, Calliope."

"Raja!"

"I'm glad you recognize me even if you do not remember our earlier encounters. That's good, all thighs considered."

"Encounters? We've met before?"

"Yes, twice now. The first time was when you were in the form of a soul on the brink of death, and the second was not too long ago."

Putting the first encounter to the side to digest at another time, I try to think back to the past year for the supposed recent one, but I couldn't recall a single event explaining what the entity meant. I've had a rather busy year since the battle of New York. From joining the academy to that one time, I ran away.

"Wait, that one time I fell unconscious in space, did we meet?"

"Yes, we did."

"How come I don't remember any of it?"

"Your mind blot out the meeting due to the trauma. You weren't ready yet, so I allowed the memory to drift out of your reach, which didn't cause any harm. It was a test to verify how your mental capacity can retain and expand with the knowledge I hold. Regardless, that was then and this is now, and you are more than capable of retaining the truth this time."

"What truth?"

"Why you exist," Raja explains as she brings me closer to her face. "I told you the truth of our shared past and the reality of your existence back then, so now, to be kind, I will do so again. Please, don't have a meltdown this go around."

"Okay? Wait! No! I'm in the middle of securing peace-"

"Don't worry, dear one. I assure you little time will pass, and in the process of our chat, I will heal your body. Although, you will feel sore and that will be a testament that this conversation is real. Are you ready?"

"Sure, it's not like I can lose anything by knowing the truth," I muttered as I settle in for the next odd event I'm to endure in my life. "Okay, so how did we meet? How are we connected?"

Smiling, Raja looks down at me with interest as she speaks. "I'm sure by now you are aware of the vast expanse of the universe, correct?"

"Yes, I've done my research."

"Well, that's only less than half of what is out there. More like 12%, really. Everything you know is either a lie or a half-truth. Aspects such as Love, Eternity, Infinity, and Death are actual beings that live among you. The majority of us do not deal directly with the cosmos, as life should be decided by the being, not the entities in that respective universe. The only times we intervene is to uphold our version of balance."

"So each of you has a different version?"

"Yes, we do. Lord Chaos and Master Order keep balance by remaining by each other's side and creating the In-Betweener who created a universal form of insanity."

"How is that okay?!"

"Everything has a purpose. If insanity did not exist, how would those with pent-up emotions understand they were not well and needed help?"

"I guess, but is there no better way?'

"It all depends on the universe."

"There's more than one?"

"A multiverse exists just outside of this one. Your universe is 161, also known as 911111, a parallel universe to 616 or 199999. Each reality has its own rules, its own norms that it must abide by. All of which stem back to the universe's prime."

"So, between my universe and 616, which one of us came first?"

"616 came before yours because I was the one who helped create this universe."

"Why would you do that?"

Raja's eyes soften when I asked this question. It must have been a significant reason if she was willing to go through so much to create something new when a universe similar to ours already exists. "To save those who lost their lives in 616. Understand that before any universe exists, it must differ from those that came before it. Even if it is something so small as a single decision, that's all it takes."

"I thought that was different timelines?"

"No, but it's understandable to confuse the two. In any case, in universe 616, I was a lifeless form with no body... Have you ever wondered where lost ideas went? Things erased from papers or objects that never came to be?"

"Yes, of course."

"That is my realm. I am all, I am none, I am chaos in its purest form, and I am peace in true delight. My collective soul resided there. I never chose to become an entity until I found a group of beings who made me experience joy, happiness, and tragedy. Much like the Watcher, I found this group interesting to the point I could no longer leave them. I fell in love with the Avengers."

"My friends?"

"Yes, I love them so much that I became more than a void, and that event created a new universe with my being in the center. Now I can travel to other universes in the multiverse, but I remain here."

"So, you're the being that makes our universe different?"

"Yes, but so do you."

"What do I have to do with this?"

"Calliope Rodriguez, this is the only universe where you exist."

"...What?"

"Haven't you wondered why you never dream? Only nightmares about your past, but no real dreams? Dreams are gateways into other versions of yourself, but there is no other form of you in the expanse of life. You live at my behest," Raja confirmed as the image around us changed to memories. Raja's memories. The scenery was as chaotic as the location I first woke up in. The only difference is the two distinct souls floating amongst the disorder. One was larger than life with a mirage of flames concealing it, while the other was nothing more than a wisp of light, flickering every second. "That is us, Calliope. When we met, I existed, but I still had no physical body, and you were in the process of dying."

"I was dying?"

"Yes, your mother was about to miscarry until I intervened. You see, all souls that are never born travel to my realm. In-universe 616, you had passed, but I needed you to live in this one. Your soul is stronger than most, which is why I made a deal with you that day. I would grant you life; in return, you would be my vessel."

"Wait! Does that mean-?"

"The voice you heard the other night as you slept, the reason you transformed during the battle, and everything in between is because of me. In the fight, you were no longer capable of going forward since you reached your current limit, thus you inadvertently tapped into my powers before regaining your sense of self. You, Calliope, are the cocoon that holds me until I can manifest my real body. You knew this when we first met."

"So the only importance I hold is to carry you until term? I'm just an object?"

"No, you are more than that, child. You are my sacrifice."

I'm speechless. This entire time, I thought I might have meant something, that I was making a difference, but the reality, the terrible truth is simple. I'm not important. My life doesn't amount to anything.

"That isn't true, Calliope. You are important."

"Great, not even my thoughts are private."

"How can they be if my being also resides in you? Nonetheless, I can read minds, so it doesn't matter. Now, as for the rest of our story, it's rather straightforward."

"Stop... I don't think I can take any more of this."

"You have before, and so you will again. We have been in this endless cycle for generations. Also, haven't you ever wondered why your life turned out the way it did? Why you were chosen beyond the strength of your soul? Who your biological father might be?"

Rather than respond, I remain silent. I'm sure Raja knows how much I desire these answers now that my mere existence is due to her intervention. Plus, the more her smile widens, the more confident I am she's listening to my thoughts.

"Very well, I shall continue, but I can't tell you everything right now since it might affect your next move. Knowledge is not power in all cases since it might be damning in some, but your father is a great man who will one day sacrifice his life to save the world. I need to protect him and the other Avengers, so I allowed your mother to keep her pregnancy. Who better to save Tony Stark other than his flesh and blood? A Stark will still die, but a female rather than a male."

"...I'm Tony's daughter?" I rasped as I nearly lose my footing. "I'm his kid?"

"Yes, he and your mother met before your adoptive father married your mother."

If I wasn't in shock before, I am now. What's worse is I feel this is only the beginning. If it is, I'm not ready to hear the rest. I'm not prepared to go back into the world with my thoughts heading in a downward spiral. Is this how I reacted the last time Raja spoke to me?

"No, you're handling things better this time."

"Wait! If-if I'm his kid, how come I lived my life the way I did?"

"That was your mother's fault. What she had with Stark was a one-night stand. She never even knew of her pregnancy until the miscarriage. When I saved you, she passed you on as your adoptive father's child, and he accepted you as his own, knowing you weren't."

"Did I have a significant impact on their life?" I asked the entity as my heart ached, knowing my life didn't matter in the grand scheme. "Or was I just another piece that wasn't essential?" Rather than saying anything, Raja's face morphed into a melancholy expression, causing more tears to form. "I was nothing? I am nothing?"

"You mean a great deal to those around you, but that isn't my reason for hesitating. During our last meeting, it was this part of the discussion that broke you and sent you into hysterics."

"Why? What else do you know?"

There was a moment of hesitation from the Raja, causing my anxiety to reach an all-time high as I waited for her explanation. She must have felt it through our link since she finally spoke up, but unlike before, Raja spoke in a much lower tone. "In universe 616, your family died earlier than in this world."

"What?"

"During the day your mother gives birth to Cristina, they cross an intersection where another car drives through the red light, effectively killing your family. In this world, your parents remembered you were at the school, and your parents turned back to pick you up before reaching the location of their impending death."

"What?"

"They were never meant to suffer the rest of their life. They died on impact in 616, instead of living through the loss of their minds in this world. Not even Christopher-"

"No! Now I know you're lying! I met him in the facility! I'm not to blame!"

"But he wasn't supposed to make it through the procedures. No one does, but your close proximity to him helped regulate his body. It has nothing to do with the genetic code, Calliope. You live because I made it so. The powers in your body were always there. In short, those scientists did nothing but awaken your powers, which led to you inadvertently regulating Christopher's power until he could no longer sustain his state of existence."

"Nuke...?"

"I'm sorry."

"No, no!" I squeezed my eyes shut as my emotions overwhelmed me. Falling to my knees, I begin to pass out due to the stress, but Raja's voice still rings.

"We'll meet again when you call upon my name."

Asgard: Calliope's POV

I shoot up to a sitting position with my head throbbing. Looking around, I immediately see Odin looking at me in shock. Quickly he moves his expression to that of nonchalance as he grabs me a drink. I take the offered water and chug it. I'm still in shock over what I just went through, and my body still aches from my battle. I feel sore, but it isn't unbearable… just like Raja said.

"How long have I been asleep?"I asked the king.

"Two days. The meeting you called for will begin in three hours. Thor will take your place so you may rest"

"That's not necessary," I mentioned as I rose from the bed. "I'll go."

"You aren't well."

"My wounds are completely healed, right?"

"Yes, but you need to rest."

"While I appreciate the concern, I am well aware of your feeling towards Earth and Thor's newfound love for my planet. I'm doing you a favor by going."

"Ambassador-"

"You knew, didn't you?" I asked in spite of my need to forget the ordeal. Odin looks confused, but I press forward. "You knew about me?"

"Pardon?"

Looking at the man, I hold no resentment as I speak to him. "You know Raja and I are one. Since the day at the library, no doubt."

Surprised by the comment, Odin sits down in a nearby chair before regarding me. "Yes, I knew."

"How?"

"The last thing you said was similar to what she once told me. Suddenly, all of it made sense to me, but it wasn't my place to tell you anything."

"...I wish you had."

"I knew one day Raja would tell you, and that was enough for me. It is no business of mine to meddle in her affairs."

"Well, she did tell me, and it broke my heart," I said emotionlessly, leaving the room. I walked past all of the doctors and headed straight to my room. I quickly wash up and dress as gingerly as possible. I get dressed in azure blue pants with a matching jacket and a white button-down long-sleeve shirt. I smooth down my wild hair, and I'm about to leave when I remember my brooch is missing.

"Where did I leave it," I muttered to myself until I heard someone clearing their throat behind me. "What- Oh, Thor, you scared me." Without saying a word, Thor hands me something, and after taking a moment to analyze the broken object, I note the pink stones. "...It didn't survive the battle."

"No, it did not. Its state is in disarray, similar to its owner."

"So, you're upset that I'm up."

"Calliope, you returned beaten and bruised, on the brink of death. You require time to rest."

"Thor."

"Why are you pushing yourself? Do you have no faith in me?"

"It's not that."

"Then why do you not allow me to stand in your place?"

"Because I need to keep moving," I admit as I take a seat. "When I was asleep, Raja finally spoke to me, and she told me the truth about me."

"Isn't that good news?" Thor asked me as he sat beside me. "You were searching for answers and now you have them."

"No, because now I am faced with the dilemma of knowing the truth. It is damning. I don't want to think about it, or at least not right now. When I leave for Earth, I want to focus on work. Only when I return will I tell you the truth and only if you promise to never tell another soul."

"I swear."

"Then I'm off," I mechanically replied as I set the broken brooch on the bedside table before walking away. I don't utter a word on my way out, not even when others come to congratulate me on my success.

Heimdall was kind enough to beam me down in a clear area in front of the UN headquarters in New York. It couldn't have been easy considering the number of reporters but no one was caught in the blast, so it's alright. I should probably set up a designated location for Bifrost transportation when I bring up the books I want to give to the Aesirs. Speaking of which, I should employ a secretary to help me run the show since all of this on my own will become too much. An office needs to be erected to conduct things more efficiently. Ugh, I have a lot of work to do.

I ignore the reporters as I make my way inside. A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent greets me upon entry and gives me the run-down on the current events, but I don't respond as I walk into the room. Just as I enter the chamber, President Vuk Jeremic invites me to the stage. I take the podium, and unlike last time, I don't feel nervous. Actually, I feel nothing at all. Most likely, I'm still in shock, so the stress should hit later today.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience during the past few days. I am here to reassure all of you about the current developments in space and to answer any questions you may have. So, rather than dragging this out, I'm going to cut straight into it. What all of you witnessed the other day was peace negotiations between myself and the king of Jotunheim. Due to their past conflicts with Asgard, the meeting did not go as planned. Honestly, everyone is on edge throughout the nine realms as the chaos continues to rise, so I hold no ill will against King Byleistr for the acts he committed the other day. Still, I am pleased to say that the realms have agreed to meet concerning the new peace treaty and intergalactic laws Prince Thor and I proposed. The meeting should be conducted within the next few weeks, and I will make frequent trips to Earth to update you on our progress when the time comes. As for the destruction of the particular city we were in, I will make sure reparations are paid in full within the near future. Now I invite the floor to any questions you may have."

The ambassador from Australia raises his hand to speak. "Ambassador Rodriguez, with the recent debacle concerning Jotunheim, is peace even an option?"

"Peace is always an option. I am confident we can become allies, and I will stand by this statement. Yes, the fight was tremendous, but to my knowledge, no one got hurt other than myself which I allowed to happen since I can take the hit."

"Take a hit? Ambassador, that was more than a hit. He nearly killed you."

"I'm aware, but it led to this crucial moment. If I attacked or called for backup, it would not have helped the situation. Beating the King to a bloody pulp and making him sign a contract to quit fighting? No. It would only prove to the Jotuns and the rest of the realms that we are not capable of negotiating peace without the need for violence. It would look like we were trying to subdue them - overpower them. A tactic that has been forced on the realms for more than a few centuries.

"And the other planetary leaders?" China's representative speaks up next. "Will they meet with us?"

"Yes, the planets with rulers will meet with us. The stipulation required to move forward with the new peace treaty between the nine realms was to gain negotiations with Jotunheim, and I completed my word in doing so. Nevertheless, the Asgardians want to discuss a few things among themselves first and we wish to give the other realms time to come to terms with the new era that is fast approaching. We're hoping by doing this, every realm will be more cooperative and bring to the table new ideas to ensure a better sense of peace and unity we haven't experienced before."

America's representative stands to address me, "Ambassador Rodriguez, what do you mean by intergalactic laws?"

"Well, it has come to my attention that while the nine realms have engaged in war, the end result was horrific. I informed them about the laws we have on Earth regarding war, and they agreed to discuss it and hopefully support the notion throughout the nine realms. The Asgardians will start drafting it and I will bring a copy from Earth for an example."

As the discussion continues, I feel confident with the plan I'm setting while reassuring the populace about the relations between worlds. Just as I'm about to go onto the next phase of the conversation, the ambassador from Monaco, Isabelle Picco joins the fray. "I believe I speak for everyone in attendance when I ask about what occurred two days ago."

"Can you be more specific? I'm not sure which part you're inquiring about."

"The moment you grew 60 meters and became a radioactive mon-ahem-, being."

Rather than shrink at the question, I run with it. "Why I turned into a monster?"

"I never said-"

"No, it's alright. Humans have regarded me as a monster for nearly a decade, so I don't mind anymore. Whether you're right or not is an entirely different discussion we'll have another day, Ambassador Picco. Now concerning the day of my transformation, I currently have no answers for you."

"Are you saying your powers are unstable?"

"I never uttered such a crude outlook concerning my powers. No, what I am saying is the answer at the moment is not known to me. I gained these powers some time ago," I explained to the group. I keep what Raja said in the back of my mind since it doesn't concern anyone here. "I was eight years old when I first gained my abilities, and the experience was not pretty. While I was a child back then, I am a woman now. What I mean by this is as I grow, so do my power and the possibilities I possess. This ability is new to me, but I am confident when I say there is nothing to fear. Are there any more questions? No? Okay, well I'm to remain on Earth for the next two weeks or so to set up a proper office and oversee any other matters that interest Earth and her people. Hopefully, this will make things easier for all of us in the future. Until then, I turn the floor back to President Jeremic, thank you. "

Once the meeting was over, a few ambassadors came to speak to me and I began to converse with each one about the affairs of different diplomatic issues. In the middle of my conversation with the ambassador of New Zealand, an agent speaks into my ear. Nodding as he whispers into my ear, I inform everyone I must take my leave as the agent, and I walk away. Once we're alone, I continue with the conversation. "What happened?"

"Xiang Tzu asked for a meeting to discuss something with you."

"Such as?"

"He didn't say, only that it's of great importance."

"Okay, well, I'll be on Earth for the next few weeks, so let him know I'll be in Stark Towers waiting for him."

"Ma'am, we've set up a hotel for you like last time."

"Stark tower is close by, so I will stay there, but thanks for the effort."

"Sorry, ma'am, but per Secretary Pierce's directive, we're placing you-"

"Last time I checked, I'm no one's mutt. Tell him he'll have to deal with it. Now, what was the other thing you wanted to tell me," I asked as we approached the front lobby.

"Thor's here."

"What?!"

"He arrived moments ago."

Flying out of the building, I spot the blond a few feet away with the reporters. Landing, I call out to the Prince, "Thor?"

"My friend!" He comes bounding over with the reporters not far behind. "I have no idea who these people are."

"They're called reporters. They show everything to the world for money kind of like a whore, but information instead of sex."

"Should we speak to them?"

"Someone has that covered. We don't need to do that."

"Very well," he smiles as he pulls me in before flying us to a nearby building. "That's better."

"Thor, what are you doing here?"

"Moral support, for the most part, but I also wished to check on you. Many things have happened as of late, and I want to be sure all is well. I know we agreed we would wait to speak about Raja until you returned, but the feeling did not sit well with me."

"Me either," I admit with a smile. "I don't think my mind is allowing me to fully accept it, which is why I feel numb. At first, the weight of the situation felt like I got hit by a bus, but now it's like it didn't happen. I don't know if my body isn't allowing me to feel the gravity of it or if I'm just used to all of the weird things happening to me. I could be in denial too. If that's the case, maybe telling you about it, the situation might sink in."

"I agree, but can we acquire some nourishment first? You did not eat upon awakening and I fear for your health."

"Sure, do you like steak?"

"We do not have such a thing in Asgard."

"Then you're gonna love this," I smiled at the man. "Follow me."

3rd POV

Xiang Tzu hangs up the phone as he prepares for his departure. It has been too long since he's seen Calliope, and there is much he needs to speak to her concerning S.H.I.E.L.D.

At first, all was well until he overheard a conversation between two S.T.R.I.K.E. agents speaking about the Avengers. The powerhouses in particular. He lost them soon after, but it was enough to pique his interest. While it may be normal to keep account of those with extraordinary powers, this particular conversation set off alarm bells within the man. He went to Edwards to speak of the subject, but she reassured him all was well; she would personally look into it if need be. After a week of digging, the woman told him there was nothing to fear, but Xiang Tzu didn't believe it.

He had contacts within S.H.I.E.L.D., and after pulling some strings, he found a trail. Something is going on, and it involves Project Insight.

Gathering the information he needs, Xing Tzu walks to the front door only to see Agent Edwards waiting for him. Stopping in his tracks, the man slowly lowers the briefcase and faces the woman.

"Agent Edwards," Xiang Tzu calls to his friend. "What brings you here?"

"I heard you needed a ride to Stark Towers. I told them I would assist you."

"And how do you know this if I never informed you?"

"A colleague of mine is with Calliope and informed me of the meeting you wish to have. Since I've been to New York City, and I worked with all of you in close proximity, I thought it would be best if I came with you. Especially when it concerns your distrust with S.H.E.I.L.D.," Edwards points out with a frown. "Do you know what you're doing? Calliope is finally moving on and trusting people, and you'll ruin that for her if you scare her with accusations."

"I have proof."

"What proof? That a couple of meatheads were talking about the Avengers? Xiang Tzu, you know as well as I do that person are scared of them. If the Avengers go rogue, it would be over for Earth, but you and I know it will never happen. Plus, the Avengers have known about this since they first formed. All you will be doing is disturbing Calliope for no reason."

"I simply want her to know what she is risking her life for," Xiang Tzu reassured his friend. It was never his intention to cause distrust, but his first concern is his student. Calliope placed her trust in him, and it wouldn't feel right to keep this from her. If nothing is wrong in the end, fine, but if something nefarious is underway then now is the time to act.

"She does," Edwards softly smiles as she walks forward to place a hand on Xiang Tzu's shoulder. "You don't have to worry about Project Insight."

"I never told you about Project Insight," Xiang Tzu points out in horror. Realizing her error, Edwards attempts to remedy it, but Xiang Tzu throws her to the side before escaping into the hall with the information; however, he only makes it as far as the staircase before being shot by the awaiting agents. Sitwell is there to retrieve the briefcase as Xiang Tzu bleeds.

"Agent Edwards," Rumlow calls to the woman as she enters the stairwell. "Looks like things didn't go as planned."

"No, it didn't."

"The others?" Sitwell asked as he went through the evidence.

"Taken care of. Either disappeared, dead, or captured."

"Rumlow, your men?"

"You mean the ones who couldn't keep their mouths shut? Dead."

"Good, I don't want any repeats of this in the near future. We have a year until the launch of Project Insight, and Secretary Pierce won't accept any delays. The only consolation to this incident is we were able to contain it. So- is he still alive? Will someone kill him already!"

Trying to stay as quiet as possible until he could escape, Xiang Tzu remained motionless until Sitwell noticed him. Rumlow approached him until Edwards stopped her colleague and pulled out her own gun. Xiang Tzu never got a word out before a bullet to the head ended his life.

"And Calliope?" She asked emotionless even when her heart was hurting. "She's expecting him."

"Simple, we'll tell them he never showed up when the agent came to pick him up. S.H.E.I.L.D. will launch an investigation with you at the forefront, dedicated to finding the old man, and we'll lead you to another organization instead."

As Sitwell goes on to order a cleanup crew, Edwards looks back at her friend. She had done everything possible to stop his investigation, but it was all for naught. Eventually, she had to inform the higher-ups that the situation was worse than she thought. Slowly, Edwards and Rumlow tracked down all of the informants Xiang Tzu had spoken to, except one. No one could find out who it was Xiang Tzu spoke to or what they knew, but Hydra is keeping a close eye on it just in case. Sadly, it was apparent Xiang Tzu had to die before he met with Calliope.

"I'm sorry," Edwards whispered when she was sure nobody was listening.

Calliope's POV

As the two of us slowly make our way to Stark Towers after finishing our meals, I inform Thor about everything Raja told me. At first, he had a lot of questions, but they slowly died off as the gravity of the situation hit him. We stopped flying at least one block from Stark Towers since it was clear Thor needed a moment to absorb everything.

"Is there anything...?"

"Anything I can do?" I finished for the blond. "Not likely, but hey, all of you will most likely live in the end if I pull this off. That's a plus."

"Not at the cost of your life," Thor nearly growled as he sat on the ledge of the building, still facing me. "How are you so calm?"

"I don't know. I still think I'm processing everything, but it could also be that I've just survived a beating from an alien king. Like I said before, I'm not living an ordinary human life."

"Fair point," Thor mumbles. "What will you tell the others?"

"Nothing."

"Calliope?!"

"Hear me out, if I do tell them, then what? It won't stop the future, and worst-case scenario they'll never forgive themselves for my death. Plus, I don't know if what she's saying is true. It may be a lie to coerce me into doing something I ought not to do, so I need to figure that out first."

"How?"

"Easy, get some DNA from Stark. Then, I'm hoping you can test it against mine."

"I will see what I can do from my side."

"Thank you-"

"In return, you must allow me to help more. My friend, the burden you are carrying is strenuous for any one person. In the future, allow me to accompany you to the meetings here on Earth."

"Okay," I answered as I waved him forward. "Let's get to the tower."

When we arrive at Stark Towers, I don't allow any of my earlier thoughts to hinder my conversation with Tony. As we settle in to catch up, nothing about war is brought up. More so, we focus on personal things, and I explain the countless things I've learned during my time in Asgard. Sadly, I haven't had the chance to see Steve, and considering I don't have my phone, I don't have a way to contact him. Hopefully, I can make my way over to his apartment when I have a moment.

The next day as we assemble in Tony's part of the tower for breakfast, Jarvis warns us of an arrival from an unexpected visitor. Moments later, Clint comes through, and I run to hug the man.

"Clint! I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Yeah, not since I thought you got kidnapped," grinned Clint wryly before looking over at Thor. "Hey, next time, a warning."

"Ah, yes, sorry about the misunderstanding, my friend," Thor responds sheepishly. The poor man has been apologizing for the incident since yesterday, and oddly enough, Pepper was the most vocal. "Will you remain for breakfast, my friend?"

"Ah, no, I'm here on official business."

Groaning, Tony sulks over to the agent. "The kid just got here, and you already have a job for her?"

"No, nothing like that. There's no good way to say this, but Xiang Tzu is dead."

There was a buzzing in my head when Clint announced the death of my Laoshi. While I listened to the conversation between my friends, I also couldn't help but feel disgusted with myself. In reality, it isn't my fault what happened, but the fact that he wanted to speak to me before his death is no coincidence.

"We were supposed to meet up. Is that why you're here?"

"Director Fury wants to ask you about it, yes," Clint confirms. "I wish I had better news since you've been gone for so long, but this is all I have for now. He's here in New York waiting for you."

"...Right, um, give me a minute to change. Tony, do you, um, do you happen to have some- any really, um -"

"Yeah, just check your closet. There's an entire wardrobe waiting for you and all your belongings from the academy."

"Right, I knew that. Thanks."

It took longer than I thought it would to get ready. Odd, since it's a simple outfit, but I guess it doesn't matter. I met Clint at the elevators as the others wished me luck. I nod, but I don't have the heart to speak anymore. Getting in the car, Clint does his best to fill me in on what happened.

"I heard you were back in town, and I know how much Xiang Tzu missed you. He was very proud of the work you were doing, kid. Knowing that I decided to ask him if he wanted to come with me. I got to his apartment at the same time as Edwards was leaving. She told me she had a similar idea and went to pick him up, but he didn't answer the door, so she assumed he was out, and she would return later. I didn't want to waste time so I attempted to call him but it went to voice mail each time which is odd for the man since he always answers on the first ring. Something didn't feel right, and we went to check it out. His room was fine, but when I asked around, nobody saw him leave. We contacted some of his colleagues, but no one answered. Bad time not to respond, so I knew something was up, and I shut down the entire apartment complex. The cameras were off for more than an hour and that alone told me something was off. It was beginning to sound like an assassination so I went through the normal protocols by attempting to retrace his steps. Typically, the stairs are the go-to method of escape so I started there. Took some time to find something, but Edwards finally did. Blood. I'm thinking it was a planned attack with a clean-up crew because the job was too clean. We're still looking into it."

I nod, not having anything to add. Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the building of Fury's choosing. Walking inside, I ignore everyone until I'm seated in front of Fury. It's only us in the room, and I'm relieved since I don't feel like handling a squad of goons at the moment.

"Ambassador Rodriguez, you have my deepest condolences. I know the two of you became close during your short time together. Rest assured, we're looking into it, and we won't rest until we've found the killer. Agent Edwards has volunteered herself to investigate the matter."

"Thank you."

"Ambassador, why was Xiang Tzu requesting a meeting?"

"I don't know. I was informed by an Agent that Xiang Tzu wanted to meet, so I told the Agent to inform my Laoshi that I would be at Stark Towers for the next few weeks to handle matters requiring Earth's attention. That was it... whatever the topic was, he said it was critical, so much so that the Agent telling me all of this didn't know the subject of the meeting."

"Well, it must have been essential for you to know, so we'll keep you informed, but-"

"Yeah, I don't expect you to assign me the case since I'm too busy and I'm not a detective. Just keep Edwards on it since she knows what she's doing. I trust her."

"Very well."

"But I do have a favor to ask."

"Oh?" Fury raises a singular eyebrow at me. "What is it?"

"Clint said he tried to call a few of my Laoshi's colleague's to no avail, so I'm assuming they're all dead. If you do find one, do you mind if I speak to them?"

"If time is allowed, we'll work something out."

"Thanks," I replied to the man. Sitting there, I feel empty. Not like before when I first spoke to Raja, no, this is different. My heart ached knowing I lost a friend once again. When I was working yesterday, I needed a jump start to get moving and inadvertently lost the feeling of empathy for myself. Now, I want to talk about anything so I won't wallow in grief because that's what I want to do. I want to cry. I want to mourn, but I don't want to do that in public. "There's one other thing," I add thickly, leaning forward in my seat. If Fury noticed the tears in my eyes that threatened to fall at any moment, he said nothing of it. "I got some updates from space."

"I thought you already said everything to the UN."

"They haven't met Raja as you have."

Fury's face doesn't hold any emotions, so he might have expected this conversation to happen. In any case, I don't want to beat around the bush and lose the chance to have a frank discussion with him. It seems he agrees to some level since he starts off the talk.

"When did you meet?"

"Shortly after the ordeal with the King of Jotunheim, she brought me to her realm. I awoke yesterday with all of the necessary information I needed for the time being."

"What did she tell you?"

"That isn't why I'm bringing her up. What I want to know is how you two know each other. In the file S.H.E.I.L.D. has for Raja, your name, along with Peggy Carter, is there. At first, I thought I was sneaky, and you never knew I found out about the file, but thinking about it, you were just waiting for me to come and confront you about her, weren't you?"

"Pretty much."

"Then?"

"Considering I have no instructions from her on how I need to deal with the situation, I'm going to play this by ear. I met her not too long before meeting you, and yes, Raja was the one who told me where to find you. In her words, that mission was your starting line, and I needed to ensure you played the game. I had no idea the mission was going to end with the death-"

"Moving on," I cut off the man as the memory still stung. "What else?"

"I did know you were going to win, but you would receive short-term amnesia from the fight, and I would accidentally leak the plan to use you."

"Wait, I thought that was a slip-up."

"When do I slip-up? I don't, and I never will. The reason for that is Raja wanted to separate you from the masses and to do that, she wanted you to get angry and go into isolation, but for what reason, I have no idea."

She wanted me to go to solitary confinement? That doesn't make any sense. Thinking back to the conversation I had with Raja, it took me a moment to understand why she wanted that. If I stayed with S.H.E.I.L.D. from the start, it wouldn't have had the same effect. She wanted me to be alone; when the Avengers appeared, she'd have the chance to introduce me to them in one swoop. I would befriend them first and care for them rather than a random agent. I would become attached.

"Oh, I hate her," I groan, leaning back in my seat.

"You figured it out?"

"Yeah, and we clearly aren't on the same level as she is."

"No, we aren't."

Looking back at the man, I debated whether or not I would say my next piece, but I figured I had nothing to lose should he know. "Did you know I would die?"

"Yes."

"Including the horrific details?"

"No," Fury whispers the last part before clearing his throat to continue. "I don't suppose she's told you when I'm going to meet her mortal form?"

"Hmm?"

Sighing, Fury explained the entire meeting with Raja, and I could help but smirk. Honestly, I am shocked he hasn't figured out the truth yet.

"So, you're to meet her mortal form?"

"Yes, but the date passed, and I don't know who it is."

"Probably due to me not knowing I'm housing the entity."

For the first time in my life, I throw Fury off guard with my response. Understanding dawns on him, and then annoyance. "The answer was right in front of me the whole time."

"Well, I don't blame you since I had a rough time understanding it, but yeah, she's my parasite."

"Parasite?"

"Yeah, I'm figuring this out as I go."

"Right," he mumbles, pinching the bridge of his nose with his index finger and thumb. "Listen, I never-"

"Don't attempt to apologize when there wasn't a thing you could've done to help me. This was out of your hands, but all I ask is to keep this to yourself."

"I'm surprised you're taking this well."

"Truthfully, I don't know how I'm keeping it together. I just found out the truth behind, well, everything. Not to mention my Laoshi is dead, and no one knows where his body is. Still, I have to go forward for my sake, but I can only take so much, and I know that. At some point, everything is going to hit me, and I hope I'm ready when it does."

"Are you going to take a step back?"

"Not completely, but I'm definitely going to lessen the workload since things are slowing down, but I also agreed to let Thor help me here on Earth. During the week or two that I'm here, I have to reassure the populace and figure out the best way to do that with Thor. I rather not rush this, plus this will give the Asgardians ample time to set up meetings to discuss the future of Asgard and when our next gathering with the intergalactic leaders will be. Plus, I have to set up an office to work from, and no, I won't allow S.H.E.I.L.D. agents to work with me."

Raising his hands in mock defeat, Fury continues with a smirk. "Just let me know if I can help in any way."

"Right," I nod as I rise from my seat. I'm about to say goodbye when a thought occurs to me. "Is Steve around?"

Looking at me with a knowing smile, Fury shakes his head. "Sorry, he's been on back-to-back missions."

"Right, well, I'll be seeing you then."

While my heart still hurts from the news of my Laoshi's demise, I'm comforted knowing Edwards will find the culprit. Until then, I decided to take a day off and mourn Xiang Tzu's death. It isn't until I reach my room in Stark Towers that the first of many tears begin to fall for my precious friend.

It's all coming together, but just because I gave a couple of answers doesn't mean I don't have any surprises in store. We have a long way to go before the end of this story. The next two or three chapters will wrap up the arc and lead us closer to CATWS. As for our dear Captain, he won't make an appearance for some time. Until next time, bye!