Hello everybody and welcome back to "To Eternity, My Witch". Here is an extra chapter for you all to enjoy for the week ahead.
I DO NOT Own any of these as they are and were created by their respective creators. Marvel is owned by the late Stan Lee via Disney. Phantom of the Opera (PotO) is owned by Andrew Llyod Weber. LofZ : TP and OofT by Shigeru Miyamoto. Fire Emblem by Shouzou Kaga. Black Butler by Yana Toboso. And finally, Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 24 Like Father, Like Daughter
James' POV.
Wanda hesitantly answered my question, "Reila… is here. Stefan is upstairs taking care of her."
Mind going blank, I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach, like all the air in my chest disappeared. I went pale with fear of meeting her and curiosity as well. What do I do? How would I feel if I decided to choose to meet my unknown daughter? How would she feel? How would I feel and act around Stefan? How would he treat me?
I must have been staring into space thinking when Wanda placed a hesitant hand on my shoulder, startling me back to reality. I raised a brow at her in question, and she asked, "What will you do? Do you want to meet her?"
I looked to her, all I said, "I don't know." Did I want to meet my own daughter that I never knew who I had with Amelia unintentionally?
I never got a chance to answer when Stefan opened the door to the room where he and Reila were. He came out talking in concern to a beautiful woman with hair that was dark brown on top and white on the sides. I merely stared, frozen at her. She had elements of both Amelia and I in her face and hair. Though mostly Amelia. She even had the same exact sapphire blue eyes as Amelia. Yet in observing her, I could make out faint features from myself. When Stefan helped her from the stairs, they came my way.
Reila went silent as she and Stefan approached, locking eyes with mine as she came near. My heart was beating fast, my breath hitched, body tense and my mind reeling.
Stefan stopped as did Reila, who broke eye contact with me and looked to Wanda. She smiled, causing Wanda to smile as well. Looking back to me, and in a voice that was beautiful, she spoke for the first time, "You must be James Barnes. My… real father."
I simply nodded, "Yes. I am apparently."
Her smile turned sad, "I heard everything about you and Amelia from Stefan and from her. I…"
Before she could continue, Stefan cleared his throat, causing Reila to frown at him. He smiled teasingly, patting her shoulder lovingly. I growled. How dare he interrupt my daughter? Wait… What…? Did I just say she is my daughter…? Yet when he spoke, my anger disappeared instantly, "How about Steve, Pepper, Clint, Laura, and I leave you three to discuss this, dearie? Alone?"
Reila's eyes went wide, not realizing that earlier. She simply nodded and waited until all others were gone, leaving Wanda, Reila, and I alone. I remained where I was standing as Reila went over to the couch to sit. Wanda immediately went to stand next to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"James, come. We need you closer, soldier." Wanda gestured, a smile on her face.
I hesitantly walked over to the couch and sat across from Reila and Wanda. Both were relaxing back into the chair. I simply stared at Reila. Wanda frowned, "Buck, stop staring it's rude."
I frowned back at her, "Doll, relax. Since when have we not seen crazy things the last few weeks since our wedding?" She sighed and nodded agreeing with me.
Reila smiled, giggling, "I am glad you found someone… father." I flinched at the name. She frowned, sadness flickering across her face, "If it's something you don't like me saying, James, I won't call you such if you don't want me to." She stated, lowering her gaze as if she were a reprimanded child.
"I truly don't know how I feel about it, Reila. It's all still a huge shock to me. Truth be told, I am conflicted about it all. I only just learned about your existence last night. And hearing you say father to me brings up… many confusing emotions and thoughts. There's going to be some time before I can say anything positive or negative about you and your personality and your existence," I answered, an unreadable mask on my face.
Reila looked away, her frown disappeared and a troubled expression appeared, "I can imagine. Finding that you have two children you never knew about and meeting both, one wanting to make amends and the other trying to kill everyone." She looked to me, to which I widened my eyes at her response.
"Yes… I… know of my brother and the situation that is at hand in the realms now. Josiah… He's… been corrupted. I had a feeling he would do something like this. Which is why I am here now." Reila continued, reach back to scratch the back of her neck, clearly quite nervous and awkward herself.
"How did you hear?" Wanda asked her stepdaughter. She touched her shoulder gently, comforting and sympathetic.
Reila looked at Wanda, relaxing somewhat, "When I was 22 and still at university in Trondheim in Midgard, I had the rarest visit from Odin. During that visit, I received a stone from Odin himself that would alert me to any trouble that would be happening in Asgard and/or in the other eight realms. He knew of me and befriended me when I was about 22 years old and took a shine to me. Though Lady Frigga was much more open to me and loved me like a daughter. When the day of your wedding took place, the stone flashed and remained a dark blood red color, indicating trouble. It was then I knew I needed to come to help in some way."
"How in the world did you get here with not a soul knowing you were coming? And how did you get here safely without multiple run ins with Twili beasts and bokoblins and any other monsters?" I probed, relaxing more as I heard her tale and accessed her personality. It was a perfect balance between Amelia's and mine. I internally smiled, pride racing through me. I remembered Brenna and Lena, Wanda and my twins.
"The stone Odin gave, when touched to the stone of the ancient Asgardian post in the corresponding city of Trondheim on earth, would allow me to travel here without having Heimdall's help and then lead me to where Stefan was. When the stone is touched to the Trans-gate Orb, it opens the Bifrost without the need for Heimdall or his intervention and the Bifrost actives, transporting me to the Bifrost.
"Once I arrived, I had a feeling of where to go. Plus, when I got close enough to Trondheim here, I could feel your presences here, fa- James. Besides, I've had years of experience hiding," She explained further. I frowned; hurt she would have the impression that I would reject her. Though I suppose… with her past, she probably believes I will reject her and make her feel like I don't care… meaning she will feel abandoned… Perhaps even feels it now.
Wanda's brows furrowed, "How could you feel our presences? And why did you feel the need to speak with James and I now?" She interrupted my musings surprisingly without hearing them.
"Dragons have a sense that no other races have. We can sense if there is danger near or not and how far or near it is from our persona. We can also tell friendly or familial presences as we draw near them. Those who are half dragon or less also have it regardless, and it is usually paired with two or three other skills from their dragon parent. I have that skill and the skills of healing and intelligence. As for talking… Hmmm…" She paused, seeming to avoid Wanda's second question. I decided to press on it.
"Reila." I spoke. She looked to me; she still had her jacket on despite the heat here. I would have to ask her why later.
"Yes?" She asked quietly, her eyes still not meeting my eyes.
I stood and knelt down in front of her, "I will not lie to you, all this is very shocking still. Believe me, Amelia is a great friend and all, but she isn't one I love. I am sorry, I love Wanda and married her. She and I are going to have twins. Ironically. Believe me, hearing I had children with my friend and mentor is both… mortifying and a surprising shock. Please tell me what your think about me. And my history with Amelia. I promise I won't judge or reject you." I held her hands in mine, trying my best to comfort her.
A tear fell from her eye as she closed them, "I… have spoken with Amelia and Stefan ever since I received her letter and memories and the gossip stone." She stood, breaking our contact, and went to the window to peer out at Stefan who was training with Clint and Steve. Pepper and Laura were sitting in the chairs again. I stood, approaching her, and listened as she continued, arms crossed and body tensed in apprehension. Leaning against the window sill, she went straight to the point, "I… know that… you could reject me as your daughter… I've come to that conclusion as a possibility. I know it's only in the realm of possibility.
"But a strong possibility. For years I was, and I am still deathly afraid of it, despite Stefan's and mom's comforting words. I know that you had a totally different life aside from what the normal human has endured. I am hurt and ashamed that you had to go through what you did with HYDRA. I also have had the feeling of shame, knowing that my brother's and my existence were forced… Unexpected… Unwanted… But regardless, I… I wanted to know my father. The man I know who is a great and loyal friend. Just in case… that he… you… would accept or… abandon me…" I felt pain… sorrow… the torture of her fear of potential abandonment… and her feelings of unworthiness and unnecessary unwantedness. Wanda came to me and placed a comforting hand on me. She felt for Reila. Sympathy. As did I.
Turning to me, she held up her hands, arms open, as if waiting for something. She continued, tears in her eyes, "James, I know it's going to take time for you to come to accepting me as daughter if you want. Or… reject me… But please know that I love you… papa." Her eyes held the yearning to hug me, pleading to call me father.
I walked over, and took her hands, "I cannot deny those words you speak, Reila. Though…" I smiled over to Wanda, "I do have a wife whose healed my mind for me. It may take time, but I can and will someday… take full responsibility as your father. Rest assured; I will never reject you as my daughter." I felt unburdened now, like something I had lost had been found and resolved.
Reila smiled hauntedly, though exhilarated at my answer. "One more thing." Reila held up her hand. I raised a brow, indicating for her to continue. She nodded, "Stefan has offered me the honor of becoming my adoptive father. I haven't yet accepted because I wanted the chance to meet you first and hear and see your reaction and response. Before I make my decision on his offer. If that makes sense."
I frowned, "Well, I have no experience on fatherhood to a woman whose looks older than me." I smirked when Reila let out a humorless chuckle. "However, if it's your fear I would never reject and abandon you. Quell your fears, I would not and will not reject you, Reila. Ever. It's just that I don't know if I can give you that love that Stefan has been showing you since you found out about us all. Plus, what sort of monster like me would you want for a father anyhow. Gods, I even have a metal arm." I raised my arm, slightly disgusted with it.
Reila tilted her head, brows furrowed, "Well, James, you're not a monster. I…" She placed a hand on my arm, but Wanda spoke.
Wanda nudged my shoulder, interrupting her, "See, my soldier, even your daughter sees you as a great man."
"Indeed. Though one last thing I need you to know," Reila said as she turned her body slightly away from me. She unbuttoned her jacket and hesitantly took it off, along with the gloves she wore. Both Wanda and I stared at her in shock. Reila wore a pretty, peach sleeveless blouse that magnified her beauty, but it didn't hide the fact that she had a vibranium left arm.
"How…? What…?" I stuttered, stepping back.
Reila looked away, saddened, yet even further ashamed, "Hmmm… Well… I…" She let another tear fall, before turning away to go sit down, clearly overwhelmed. She turned away when she sat down, exactly like I did when people saw my arm. She was the same with hers. She sat there, fingering her metal arm with her flesh one, embarrassed and ashamed. She turned just like I did when people saw my metal arm. Wanda and I followed. Though I sat next to Reila and Wanda leaned on my back. I leaned into her right arm, trying to comfort her.
"Seems I followed your footsteps. Like father, like daughter I suppose." She paused staring off into space remembering. She continued after a few moments of silence, still not meeting my gaze, "I was sent on a mission within S.H.I.E.L.D. when I was 33 to Germany. We had discovered a small weed of HYDRA that had popped up very near where you fell from the train during WWII. I was with my husband of 10 years on this assignment. Unfortunately, whilst on the train we were traveling on, Ray and I were forced into fighting with a HYDRA spy that we were following in a supplies car when the cargo door flew open and the wind pulled my husband and I out.
"Raymond, my husband at the time before he passed away from a rare form of brain cancer, was holding onto the train with his one arm and me with the other. However, unlike you, the HYDRA spy forced us both to fall from the train. I lost my arm when I flew onto an old piece of train shrapnel from years prior, slicing my arm clean off. My detached arm had literally disappeared from the area we were in. We never found it even after a thorough search of the area. Ray immediately called for emergency help and S.H.I.E.L.D. was able to save my life. Somehow…"
"Where in world did you get your arm?" I asked, flabbergasted. I smiled; I liked her recklessness. She had my level head and determination.
Reila smiled with a blush, ducking her head, "Tony's father and Shuri's Uncle worked with me as I recovered, giving me a typical prosthetic arm, and they were able to make me this arm. Which didn't happen until after the helicarrier incident when you were freed from HYDRA and Tony Starks gained access to your arm's schematics about ten years back. And from those schematics of your arm and using a model of my other arm, they made this one. Since then they've made upgrades and kept it in working order." She went silent. Memories flew through my mind, of my fall from the train to when HYDRA gave me my arm.
Wanda entered my mind, "Soldier?"
Wanda, she is my daughter through and through. Just like me she has a metal arm.
"James… She loves you clearly, I wouldn't mind at all having her as a stepdaughter. I've gone through her thoughts and history. She is right, she suffers greatly from her fear of being rejected. Abandoned. If you want to her as a daughter go for it. And I say accept her! She's your daughter! If you don't perhaps you can speak with Stefan about the issue. And why not? Like father, like daughter, she seems to put herself down a lot."
Hn… I love you doll. However, I'm not sure if I can just accept her fully Wanda. I need to think it over this evening. I rolled my eyes at Wanda's smirk.
"I love you too, soldier. To infinity. I suggest you tell her straight out though." She said, and I could feel the love pour from Wanda, which I reflected back to her with my own love and desire.
I decided then. I placed my arm… my metal arm… around Reila's shoulders and back. She gasped, turning her head to look me in the eye. I placed my hand on her metal shoulder. A rather weird metal on metal interaction. "Well, if I can deal with a metal arm and love being married to a witch with powers, I can completely handle having you as a daughter. Though would you be willing to let me think it over more this evening?"
Reila sighed, resting her head against my shoulder, closing her eyes, "Very well. I knew as much it would take time for you to think things over, James. I am happy beyond belief to finally meet you and get to know you for who you are." I felt a large spark of love towards this newfound daughter of mine.
"Just one question. How in the world did you get here? And safely without getting in a scuffle with monsters or twilight beasts?" Wanda asked Reila.
Reila blushed, remaining where she was against my side, though she opened her eyes to look at Wanda, "Well, remember when I mentioned I worked for SHIELD?" Wanda and I nodded. She pushed away from me and sat up. She looked down to her arm and twisted it. Just like mine it turned on, it seemed to have the same functions as mine. I twisted mine arm, readying it. "Tony's father and Shuri's uncle made sure to include my arm as a weapon as well. They worked with me for about two years to make sure I had complete control of it and could work with it like normal. Not only that, I also have had years of training from other older SHIELD agents and from mom and Stefan. Even though I am now fifty, I still have much of my younger self's skills. Plus, you have to remember I am a quarter dragon so I even heal faster than the normal human."
I nodded and stood. I offered her my hand and she took it. Moving to her left side, I touched her arm, "Do you trust me?"
"I… Um… Yes." Reila stuttered out. I smiled and I tapped my arm. It lighted up and I touched it to her arm, holding it there for several moments. Hers lighted up and synced with my arm.
"There now you have some of my technics downloaded into your arm that I used with Wanda. Plus, when we're near each other, our arms will send out a signal indicating such. And we'll know that we're near each other without having to call out." I stated, pulling her into a hug, awkward and stiff, but a hug nonetheless.
Reila smiled, hugging me back with love. She leaned her head on my shoulder and I kissed my daughter's head. Our attention was averted when the door opened to the inn and we parted. Stefan came inside with Clint, Steve, Pepper, and Laura. Soon Pietro and Shuri appeared from the roof, joining them all in the lounge. We disengaged and smiled to the group.
Stefan came over to Reila who in turned hugged him. "Hey, youngling. How's my little daisy?"
"Oh, stop it, Granite. You haven't used that name for me in years." Reila blushed at Stefan's tease.
Stefan smirked playfully, not at all bothered being call old and dull, "Well, you are a daisy, Reila. And I know it's your favorite flower. I'm sure Bruce and your boys will be glad to have you back when this is all over." He said as he placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. She smiled, and leaned her head into his shoulder as she closed her eyes as she clung to him. Just like a father daughter duo. I shared a glance with Wanda.
I placed a guarded expression on my face as I observed Stefan and Reila. They seemed too much like how Stefan acted with Zelda, Rin, and Kagome. I looked over to Wanda again and when she raised a brow, I nodded, even though she knew she could enter my mind at any time. This is the reason why I am hesitant in claiming her as daughter. As much as I am her father… still rather shocking… I can tell Stefan and Reila have too much of that father daughter bond that I know I cannot give her… at least at this point in time. Yes, I feel its draw, yet it seems more like a respectful friendship at the moment more than a true father-daughter relationship. It could potentially form if Stefan and Amelia decide to leave our world permanently, but who knows Wanda…
"Hmmm… I see your point, James. We'll have to speak with Stefan on that later as well. Perhaps her fear that I felt is the fear of her losing you and Stefan. Hold on…" Wanda said as she looked into Reila's mind.
Stefan ordered as he hugged Reila, "Clint, go prepare for our journey to Vanaheim. Pietro go get Thor, T'Challa, Sam, and Link, and have them prepare as well. Meet me in front of the inn in within the next three hours and we will take off."
Pietro and Clint saluted and off they went. Reila smiled and stayed closed to Stefan's side as he ordered those around. Stefan looked to Wanda and I, stating, "Since we are leaving for Vanaheim soon, I suggest you come with us and get the fragment from Vanaheim. With the Twilight having been permanently lifted, it shouldn't take you more than a day and a half or two to get the piece."
I saluted to the dragon king who seemed more and more like a father every day, just like Amelia had felt like a mother to me. "Alright, my liege." I turned and walked towards the stairwell, Wanda floating close behind me. As I went, I felt Reila's eyes on me as I went. It was only when Wanda and I went into our room and closed the door that it felt like we were truly alone.
"So, what did you see Wanda?" I asked her as she floated down to stand on the bed.
Wanda frowned and sat, her eyes were shadowed with sadness while crossing her arms, "It's just that, her greatest fear is that you will completely reject her, never wanting to see her or think of her. She fears that you will just want her gone, never to be mentioned or heard from again." Tears started to stain Wanda's face as she paused. She sniffed before continuing, hands covering her eyes, "She fears that, despite your past, you are the best there is next to Stefan, and the possibility of you outright rejecting her, would lead her to feeling completely abandoned. Even with Stefan's offer of adopting her. Even with you two talking today."
I stared wide eyed at Wanda's information, "She thinks that?"
Wanda nodded slightly, "Yes." She went silent and laid down on my chest as we sat there in thought.
Reila's POV.
I watched as my biological father, James Barnes, walk up the stairs and into his chambers with his Twilight changed wife Wanda. He was the man that Stefan and Amelia described weeks ago. Confident, sweet, collected… though with a deadly side underneath that was left from his days trapped in HYDRA's clutches. However, it was something that had been made into a good thing due to Wanda.
My fear by not being accepted was quelled albeit ever so slightly. Though along with it now a deep sadness grew. The fact that he had gone through what he had was torturous for me. His reaction to me and his response exceeded my expectations. I had a feeling that he wanted to acknowledge me as a daughter, yet pass the responsibility onto Stefan. At least for now.
He hadn't yet spoken whether he'd truly reject me or not. The possibility didn't bother as much now that I met him. I wouldn't mind at all. As much as my fear was that he would reject me, he accepted me and even wanted to get to know me. Though it was still an ever underlining fear, the fear of him rejecting me and the feelings of abandonment later.
Wanda, his wife, was a sweet heart and powerful with her powers. She was well aware of all my moods and was encouraging despite how I was related to James. She wanted to help him heal, which is why I believed they were attracted and married. I loved the way they interacted. They were made for each other. Just like Stefan and mom were made for each other. I wouldn't mind calling Stefan father, in the case that James decided to accept me, yet was opened to letting Stefan taking over the responsibility.
I looked up to Stefan as he hugged me and leaned my head against him again. He looked down, a slight frown on his face, "Are you alright, Rei?" His green hair not at all shocking to see now that I had known him for years now.
"To be honest, I don't know, Stefan. James seems to be just what you said and what I expected..." I quietly said, unsure.
He lifted my chin, noting that I didn't call him father, "Are you regretting meeting him? Are you afraid he's going to reject you?" Worry coming from Stefan. It was such a rare thing to witness. For Stefan to be worried, and it bothered her.
I shook my head, "Uh… I am. Though I'm both saddened and fearful now. My fear is… has abated ever so slightly. I think I'm always going to have the fear that he's going to reject and abandon me. That underlining fear of abandonment. It will always be there until he decides fully. If he accepts me, and gives you permission to adopt me, I would be glad. I would be glad to know he is happy and well and that my fears are quelled and finally was able to meet him. If he accepts me though, I think will always have a fear that he will go back on his word and abandon me. Though if he does choose to reject me, it will take a long time to heal. Heal from the wounds and feelings of abandonment."
I leaned my head against his chest as I had done many times before, as if I was thinking or annoyed. Stefan smirked sensing my sadness and fear at my confession. My body shook, my eyes hurt from trying to refuse from crying, my mind abuzz from meeting my father. I sighed, trying to run from my fear, to beat down my anxiety.
Stefan hummed, ordering with his charm, "Laura, Pepper, would you two lovely ladies be willing to pack up food for the journey to Vanaheim for us all and a bag for Reila and Clint? I've decided we need to stay there until James and Wanda get the mirror fragment so they can travel back to us here in a group. This evening is when we will leave." I watched under my lashes as Laura and Pepper smile, giving us knowing looks, and they disappeared, the former upstairs and the latter to the kitchen. Stefan turned to the Wakandan princess, with me in his arms still, "Shuri, since you are now newly engaged, how about you start preparing a bag for Pietro. He'll need an outfit or two and the necessities on the morrow." She nodded knowingly and disappeared as well.
Stefan led me over to the couch and sat down on my left. He sat back and invited me to cuddle with him like he always did when he came to visit. I did so and leaned on him, something I missed when Erik my adoptive father did with me. Stefan would do the same thing with me. When he had died a year after my accident on the train, I missed this terribly.
Stefan filled his rolled and even went beyond that bond Erik and I had. I felt like I had a true father. It was just getting over the fear of father rejecting me that I would feel like Stefan and mine bond being broken… Even though if father did reject me Stefan would go beyond and heal me, showing me how a father should act, which he was. A father to me, a father without blood ties.
I still didn't know if I wanted to go to Reslutia when I died. I was one of only seven who were given the option to go if we chose to. One of them also being Josiah. If we didn't, we would be given a longer life until we decided to leave for heaven. I would be glad to wait for another few weeks. I closed my eyes and soon I was sleeping, cuddled up to my second adoptive father. As I slept, Stefan smiled gently and carried me up to my assigned room on the second floor, James and Wanda watching in the shadows from the balcony of the third floor.
Hope you all enjoyd the extra chapter this evening. Please leave a review and tell me how you like it.
Yours truly,
WS. Z.
