WARNING! THIS CHAPTER AND THE NEXT FEW ONES WILL HAVE SPOILERS FOR DOCTOR STRANGE 2: MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE YET AND DO NOT WISH HAVE IT SPOILED THEN PLEASE SEE THE MOVIE BEFORE CONTINUING TO READ.
I stood on the wooden pier in front of the Stark's cabin by the lake. I had a black blouse and slacks on. Tony's funeral service had just ended. It wasn't just him we were remembering. It was also Nat and Vision. A total of three Avengers lives were lost because of Thanos.
Everyone by this point had dispersed back to their respective homes after the service. Everyone gave their respects to Tony knowing we wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for him.
"Word around the street is you were sent to another universe by the stones." I turned my head hearing a male voice behind me.
"Stephen Strange, right?" I asked as the man walked up to me in a black suit.
He nodded, "That would be me. Melody Moser, I believe?" I gave a small smile and lifted up my left hand.
"Wayne." I corrected him.
He gave a brief smile and nodded, "Melody Wayne then. Do you mind if I ask you about that? The other world you were sent to?" He asked.
I shrugged, "I don't know what I can really tell you. The stones sent me there when I got snapped. I don't know how or why. As far as I know, the stones don't exist in that world." I stated.
"Did you run into another you?" I shook my head.
"I didn't run into anybody that I recognized from here. There were parallels of similar people but that was it. It was a completely different reality with a different set of heroes inhabiting it." I stated.
Stephen gave me a knowing look, "You want to go back, don't you?" I nodded and looked back out to the lake.
"The love of my life is over there. I promised him I'd find a way back. I plan on keeping it. No matter how long it takes." Stephen smiled in response.
"Well, I don't know too much about the multiverse but I do have access to a whole library of spells. I'll look into some of them to see if any of them can help." I turned to Stephen with a raised brow.
"Why are you helping me? We hardly know each other." I asked him.
"I know Stark was like a brother to you. The kid told me about his promise he made to you. That he'd help you go back." Peter and his big mouth sometimes. The kid could ramble a little too much.
"So what? You're saying since Tony's gone you'll be the one to uphold that promise?" I questioned him.
Stephen smirked, "Something like that. I don't know how long it'll be. It could be years. Are you prepared to face that reality?" I nodded slowly.
"I don't have much of a choice in the matter, Stephen. It'd be easier to use the stones but I'm sick of those things." I said with slight disgust.
Stephen chuckled, "I think all of us are on the same page on that. In the meantime, I'd recommend enjoying what you have here for now. You'll eventually leave this world behind. I'll contact you if I find anything out." I gave a small smile and nodded.
"Thank you, Stephen." He gave one last smile and nodded before walking away.
"Hey Mel?" I looked over to see Pepper. She was still dressed in her black dress.
"Have you seen Morgan?" She asked. I frowned and looked around.
"She was with Happy on the porch earlier." I stated.
Pepper gave a huff, "Happy left just a few minutes ago to get food. Nobody has seen her since. Can you help me look?"
I gave a small smile, "Sure, she's only five. She couldn't have gotten far." Pepper gave me a grateful look and walked off in one direction and I went in the other.
I walked through the tall grass at the side of the cabin. If Morgan is anything like her dad then she's probably somewhere where it's quiet. Tony often did that when he needed to be alone. Get away from all the noise and people.
I slowly came to stop seeing the five year old sitting on a tire swing by the old oak tree near the lake. A smile formed on my face. Yup, just like her dad.
I slowly approached Morgan who kept her small hands on the side of the tire. She turned her head hearing me shuffle through the grass.
"Hey, your mom's looking for you." I spoke softly. Morgan looked at me with curiosity in her eyes.
"You're from daddy's picture." I knelt down to her level.
"Did your dad tell you about me?" I asked her.
Morgan nodded her head, "He said you're my auntie." A smile broke out on my face. Tony talked about me to her. I wonder how much…I'll have to ask Pepper later.
I gave a nod, "Yeah, I am. My name's Mel. Short for Melody. Do you wanna know something cool?" I asked her.
She nodded with a smile, "My middle name is Morgan." Her eyes lit up.
"Really?!" She asked excitedly.
I chuckled at her reaction, "What's your middle name?" I asked her.
"Howard." I held back a chuckle. And Tony made fun of my dad naming me Melody Morgan Moser. At least it's her middle name.
"That was your grandfather's name, you know that?" She nodded.
"Daddy told me that." I smiled and I looked over my shoulder feeling like I was being watched. I could see Pepper standing by the house watching us. She gave a smile and I gave her a nod. She nodded back and walked back to the front of the house.
"Auntie Mel?" I turned back to Morgan, "Are you a superhero like my daddy?" I grinned at the question.
"I don't know, you tell me." I tapped on my bracelet and let my suit grow around me. Morgan looked at me with a sparkle in her eyes.
I held up one hand, "Watch this." I told her quietly. Blue sparks danced along my fingers as I let my powers show. Morgan gasped and stared at my fingers in wonder.
"You have superpowers?!" She exclaimed excitedly.
"Pretty cool huh?" I said with a wink to her. She nodded her head enthusiastically.
I heard the sound of a car honking. I stood up and looked over. Happy stood next to his car and held up a paper fast food bag. I held up my hand showing him I heard him.
I let my suit retract back to my suit before turning to Morgan, "You hungry?" She nodded her head.
I held my hand out to her, "Come on. Let's go eat some lunch, kiddo." Morgan climbed out from the tire and grabbed hold of my hand.
"Auntie Mel?"
"Yeah?"
"Can we play after lunch?" I grinned as I looked down at the little girl.
"We sure can, kiddo." Tony was right. I could already tell Morgan and I would get along just fine.
Elsewhere…
No One's P.O.V
"Everything seems to be in order regarding paperwork and background checks, Mr. Wayne. Now typically in the interview process we need to interview everyone in the home. I understand that your wife is currently abroad?" An older man in all black with a clerical collar around his neck stated. His name plaque is sitting on the desk of his office. The plaque reading Father Joseph.
Bruce Wayne sat in a chair that faced Father Joseph's desk. He dressed in his usual business attire while leaning back and his legs crossed.
"She is." He responded curtly.
Father Joseph sigh, "Do you know when she is coming back?" He asked.
Bruce gave a polite smile and shook his head, "Not for the seeable future at this moment. Wayne Enterprises is opening a branch in Japan. She's overseeing the development which can take years. We keep in touch via email mostly. Her middle of the day is our middle of the night." Bruce lied smoothly.
Father Joseph slowly nodded his head, "I'm not sure we could continue with the adoption process, Mr. Wayne. This is a very important decision and typically both adoptive parents would be present." Bruce uncrossed his legs and leaned forward in the chair.
"Father Joseph, I can assure you that this is what my wife and I want. She may not be present at this moment but eventually she will be home. In the meantime of her absence, it was decided that it'd be best to start the process. We're turning to adoption for a reason, Father. We want to start a family. Sooner rather than waiting years." Father Joseph searched Bruce's eyes for any sign of ill intentions. He saw nothing but sincerity in them.
"Very well," Father Joseph finally said, "I can set up a date of your choosing to meet many of the children he-"
"That won't be necessary." Bruce cut off Father Joseph.
"I beg your pardon?" Father Joseph asked in confusion.
"There's already a child that I've noticed the past dozen times I've been here." Father Joseph raised his brows in surprise.
"Oh, I was not aware. Do you know the child's name?" Bruce let out a small smile.
"Dick Grayson."
Father Joseph seemed surprised, "Are you aware of young Richard's history? He's been taken by several families since he was brought here at the age of eight. They all bring him back saying he's too much of a handful. That poor young man has seen too much in his young life. He was the child thrown off the bridge by the Joker and saved by Voltess at age five. He unfortunately witnessed his mother's murder at the age of eight. That child, Mr. Wayne, is troubled."
"Father, I'm sure you and the rest of Gotham are aware that this boy's past and mine and eerily similar. I was also "troubled" as you so eloquently put it. My wife's background is also similar. Her father was shot dead in front of her at the age of sixteen. We do not see Dick as "troubled", Father. We see a young boy that deserves a second chance and parents that can understand what he has been through." Father Joseph's face visibly paled at the intense glare coming from the man across from him.
Father Joseph cleared his throat, "Very well. When would you like to meet and speak to the boy?"
Bruce's glare turned to a small smirk and shrugged, "I have the time now."
18 Months Later…
Melody's P.O.V
My feet landed on the concrete walkway as my nano board retracted to the soles of the suit. The vibranium began to retract back to my bracelet as I broke out into a sprint towards the building of the Steve Rogers Memorial Private School. I ignored the points, stares, and cell phone recordings of me.
I opened the building door and made a mad dash to the right. I'm so late! It better not have started! I slowed down as I approached the double doors labeled as "Auditorium". I barely cracked the door open and squeezed in. The auditorium was dark except for the light on stage. I didn't see any kids on stage yet. I inwardly sighed in relief. It hasn't started yet.
I scanned the crowd before landing on somebody waving me over. I quickly and quietly headed over to that row of seats. As I got closer I could see Pepper and Happy sitting down.
"You're late." Happy whispered loudly.
I grimaced as I scooted past several people to get to them. I sat down next to Pepper and leaned forward to look at Happy.
"I'm sorry, I was on my way when a bank robbery broke out. I thought I had time." I whispered back.
"There's always crime happening, Mel. You can't go to every single one." Happy whispered back.
"It literally happened in front of me, Hap!" I whispered back harshly.
"Sh!" Pepper shushed us both. I gave a side eyed glare to Happy as I leaned back in my seat. He returned the same look to me. People began to clap as kids started to file onto the stage single file. My eyes caught on Morgan as she walked out. She followed her classmates up to the choral risers.
I joined in clapping with the rest of the audience. The clapping ceased as the kids were now in position. I could hear the piano begin to play for the first song of the concert.
I waited outside the auditorium alongside Happy and Pepper with other parents around us. We were all waiting for the kids to be released.
"All I'm saying is that you can't make this a habit, Mel. You almost missed Morgan's first concert." Happy scolded me.
"Habit? Hap, it's already a habit! I've been Voltess for thirteen years now. I thought the robbery was going to be easy but then hostages got involved. It was a whole thing." I exclaimed at him.
"She still made it, Happy. Mel has an obligation as Voltess." I gestured to Pepper.
"Thank you, Pep. See? Someone knows me." I joked with a smirk. Happy rolled his eyes.
"No, I know you Mel. You make me worry just like how somebody else once did." I rolled my eyes now at him.
"Mommy!" I turned my head seeing Morgan running towards us.
"Hey sweetie!" Pepper leaned down and hugged her daughter, "You did so great!" Pepper said with a grin.
"Really good job, kiddo." Happy agreed.
"I think you were the best one up there." I spoke up. Morgan broke off the hug from Pepper. Her face broke into a wide smile showing some of her missing teeth.
"Aunt Mel! You came!" I leaned down and grinned as Morgan ran to me. I grabbed her and picked her up.
"Of course I came! I couldn't miss your first concert." I said as I poked her in the chest with my left. My right arm is currently supported under her legs. I ignored the dirty look coming from Happy.
Morgan let out a giggle and pushed my finger away from her. "Are you coming with us for ice cream?" I raised my brows at her.
"Do you even know me, squirt? Your Aunt Mel turn down ice cream? I don't think so." I said with a wink. Morgan grinned and wrapped her arms around my neck in a hug. I returned the hug by putting my left arm around her.
"We were planning on walking there. It's not far from the school." Pepper informed me.
I nodded and set down Morgan, "Fine by me. I flew here anyway." I responded as we exited the building.
"Did you beat up the bad guys?" Morgan asked me as we walked.
"What do you think?" I asked with a smirk and raised a brow.
"Yes!" She exclaimed.
"You got it." I held my scarred hand out and her small hand hit mine in a high five.
We approached the gate to the school where several parents and children were funneling out of. There was a crosswalk just ahead with the ice cream shop just a block down.
"Morgan, hold my hand while crossing." Pepper said and held her hand out.
Morgan did as told and grabbed hold of her mother's hand with her right. She then held her left hand out to me. I smiled and grabbed her hand in mine. We waited for the crosswalk to show it was safe to cross. I looked down at Morgan and my smile grew seeing the pure joy on her face.
I took Stephen Strange's advice to heart eighteen months ago. It was hard at first. Everything I was doing in my world I wished that Bruce was next to me. I wanted to show him the world I came from. I wanted him to meet Pepper and Morgan. I would have liked for him to meet Tony as well but that wouldn't be happening.
I've been through a lot since that day. I had my bad and good days. Some days were really bad days. Morgan was honestly the reason why I kept my head above water. I loved her like she was my own. I couldn't see her as often as I would like to. Mainly because a combination of working at the new Avengers HQ and hero work as Voltess. I would always make time for her though. Because whenever Stephen did figure something out to send me back. It would most likely be a one way trip. Hence why I'm taking his advice. I'm enjoying every little moment I can while I'm still here to see it.
The crosswalk began to beep signaling it was our turn. I stepped off the curb and kept a slower pace for Morgan to keep up. I ignored the stares from the people we crossed passed. I saw a few take out their phones and take a picture of me. Some were discreet, others were blatant. I let out a breath through my nose. I had gotten so use to having my secret identity back in Gotham that I'd almost forgotten what it felt like not to have one.
The Avengers were basically celebrities here. Everyone knew who we were. The amount of times I would get stopped and get asked for a picture or an autograph or questioned about conspiracies in the Avengers. The big one being the one that surrounded Captain America. Whoever thought Steve left for a moon base was ridiculous. He decided to say with Peggy after returning the stones. I met old man Steve and he seemed happy with how his life played out with her. As far as the world is concerned, Steve retired and passed down the mantle of Captain America to Sam.
We approached the ice cream shop and Morgan was practically jumping up and down in excitement. Pepper released her hand.
"What flavor do you want?" She asked her daughter.
"Rocky Road!" Morgan exclaimed. A smile grew on my face. That was Tony's favorite too.
"Mel?" Pepper asked.
"Mint chocolate chip." I reached for my wallet in my back pocket but Pepper put her hand up.
"My treat. Can you stay out here with Morgan while Happy and I get the ice cream?" I nodded. Happy held the door open for Pepper as she walked in.
"Okay, important question time. Where…are we going to sit?" I asked the six year old to my side.
Morgan's face scrunched up as she looked at the open seating on the patio of the ice cream shop. She finally pointed her finger out, "There!" I looked over to see the table in the corner of the patio.
She pulled at my arm and I let her take me over to the table. I took the seat that sat in the corner of the metal railing of the patio. Morgan climbed into the chair in front of me and sat with her knees on the chair to reach the table.
"You ready for summer break?" Morgan nodded her head.
It was early May currently and school was scheduled to release in just two weeks from now. Morgan always looked forward to the summer. Pepper still worked as CEO of Stark Industries and would take her to work with her. Morgan was treated like a princess at her parents' company. Everyone loved seeing her during the summer.
"Mommy said I could go with her to work. Aunt Mel, could I please stay with you one night at your place?" Morgan begged. She put her hands together and held them out in a begging motion to me.
I raised a brow at her. I clasped my hands together and leaned against the table, "I don't know. You'd have to ask your mom. She'll want to make sure you go to bed on time and no sugar for dinner." I gave Morgan a smirk and winked at her.
Morgan gave a large smile showing her missing teeth, "I won't tell mommy, Aunt Mel." She whispered quite loudly.
I grinned and chuckled as I leaned back against the back of the chair. My eyes landed on my clasp hands. Particularly at the wedding ring sitting on my left hand. I never took it off even if technically I wasn't with Bruce at this moment. I fiddled with the ring between my middle and pinky finger.
My smile turned sad as I thought of the man I married. My heart ached to see him again. I missed him dearly. There were some days I would wake up and expect to see him asleep next to me. I was still holding out hope that Stephen would find something regarding the multiverse. He got close when something Spiderman did that messed up the multiverse.
I remember those two days vividly. I wanted to help but Spiderman was very certain that he could handle it on his own. I remember the one villain that called himself Electro showed up outside the Avengers complex. He had powers similar to mine and he could feel the power coming off from me. He had an Arc reactor which he got from Happy's place. Happy wasn't even supposed to have that in the first place. In the end though it wasn't a great outcome. May Parker was lost while trying to help Spiderman. Stephen had to fix the mess created and it gave him some insight to how the multiverse worked but that was about it.
"Aunt Mel?" I snapped out of my thoughts hearing Morgan's voice.
"Yeah? What's up, squirt?" I answered her.
"You were doing it again." I raised a brow at her.
"Doing what?" Morgan leaned against the table and reached her hand out. Her small finger pointed to my wedding ring.
"You were looking at it and you got sad again. Mommy makes the same face when she looks at pictures of daddy." Why are little kids so observant? You think they're not watching but they actually are.
I took a deep breath, "You know how special your dad was to your mom right?" Morgan nodded with her face scrunched up in confusion and interest.
"Well, I have someone special to me too. I'm sad because I can't see him and I miss him very much." Morgan tilted her head.
"How come you can't see him? Is he gone like daddy?" God I hope not. If Bruce died while I wasn't with him that would be earth shattering for me.
I shook my head, "No, he's not gone. He's just…far away. He's very far away from me." I put it simply.
"Do you love him like how mommy loved daddy?" A smile grew on my face.
"Yes, I love him very much. Just like how I love you, squirt." I lifted my hand and pressed the side of her neck. Morgan giggled and recoiled from the tickle.
"I love you 3000." Morgan replied back. I smiled fondly hearing that phrase. Tony had said it in the last speech he recorded. He got it from Morgan however. If anything, she coined the phrase and she's been saying it ever since.
"Okay!" I looked up seeing Happy walking over, "I have a rocky road for the little lady." He placed a small paper bowl in front of Morgan. Pepper was right behind him and handed me my ice cream.
"Mommy, could I spend the night at Aunt Mel's over the summer?" Morgan asked as soon as Pepper sat down.
Pepper looked at me and I gave a small smirk as I ate some of my ice cream. Pepper sighed and looked at her daughter.
"That's fine with me." Morgan grinned, "But you need to promise me that you'll listen to Aunt Mel and behave."
"I will, mommy."
"We'll be fine, won't we squirt?" I asked Morgan and winked at her. Pepper shook her head and rolled her eyes at me.
A shrill scream was heard from behind me followed by the sounds of cars crashing. I snapped my head over in alarm. I abruptly stood up seeing cars getting tossed aside by themselves. My eyes narrowed in on a teenage girl running frantically down the street. She kept looking behind her like something was chasing her. Whatever it is, it's not something I could see. Regardless, that girl needs help and I'm right here.