{Author's Note: Thank you again to everyone who has left a review and also to everyone who has favorited and followed this story. There wouldn't be a story without all of you, and please continue to share your thoughts and ideas. I love reading them. Warning: There are slight spoilers ahead for Captain America Civil War. The spoilers may also grow as I update, but I'll let you know.}
ERIK POV
Erik was a little wary of this whole haircut idea. He certainly wasn't going to stop Pietro from getting a haircut. It was just hair, and he could do what he wanted with it. What concerned Erik was that even though Pietro was adamant about getting a haircut now, he was afraid his son would regret it afterward, and the change would worsen his already fragile state.
Erik really hoped Pietro didn't plan to get rid of all of his hair just because it marked him as abnormal. His son's hair was unique and Erik's opinion, magnificent.
Erik felt another flash of anger toward the people who had worked so hard to break down his son's self-worth. From the children who had teased Pietro growing up to his step-uncle to the mad scientists and government officials who had used his son as a lab rat, on some level, he wanted them all to pay.
Erik clenched his son's silver jacket between his fingers. Wanda had still been wearing it when she'd brought them over to this world, and in the midst of the struggles and anxiety over Pietro's recovery, it had lain forgotten under a chair in the bedroom where his son spent most of his time, but when the twins had gone off to work on Pietro's hair, Erik had picked it up, intending to give it back Pietro in the hope of lifting his spirits and reminding him of the exuberant boy who had broken him out of prison and absolutely loved using his powers.
I wonder if I'll ever see that same boy again.
Sighing, Erik looked out at the view of Al's sprawling cornfield from where he was sitting on the front porch. Though he couldn't see it, he knew not too far away was the wide area of flattened cornstalks where he, Wanda, and Pietro had first arrived in this universe.
They sure had made quite the impact on the field during their arrival. Out of curiosity, Erik had asked Al had what he had told people if they questioned what had happened there, and the farmer had replied, 'crop-circles. Ya tell people crop circles and that satisfies most folks. The general public chalk crop circles up to kids pulling a creative prank, and the crazies—or maybe they aren't so crazy—claim aliens, so that excuse basically covered my arse.'
They would be leaving from that same area once the sun had set. They had decided it would be better to leave under the cover of darkness, just to be a little more inconspicuous because they weren't sure exactly what would happen. Erik also thought that leaving from the same place they arrived would give them a better chance of returning to where they were from. Maybe it wouldn't matter, but Erik thought it had to count for something that they had landed there. Maybe in that location, there was still a memory of where Wanda had ripped through the fabric of space and time, and on that same note, it might be the only place from whilst they could return.
Though Erik had complete faith in his daughter's ability to bring them home, he still didn't want his kids or himself to get their hopes up. Because she had brought them here, Wanda obviously held the power within herself to get them back where they belonged, he just didn't know if she'd be able to do it on command or on the first try.
Erik's thoughts were suddenly interrupted as he heard the screen door creak open behind him, and the twins come outside, Wanda first, followed by Pietro who—though still walking with crutches—looked a little steadier on his feet.
Erik stood to greet them, and as his son came into view, Erik did a double take. The haircut was a definite change. It was much shorter, but still retained a lot of length on top, which stuck up in a perfectly disheveled way that looked both like he had just rolled out of bed and also like it had been meticulously styled.
Erik smiled. It suited him well, and he imagined the hairstyle was a little more practical for running. His hair certainly wouldn't get in his eyes anymore, though Erik wondered if that had ever really been a problem considering the speeds his son could reach. He wasn't quite sure how the physics of Pietro's power worked.
Erik also noted—though maybe he was imagining it—that Pietro's new hairstyle highlighted the similarities between father and son, which made him both pleased and apprehensive. Their connection had already caused Pietro enough troubles to last a life time, and he wasn't sure emphasizing that connection was the best idea. But either way he felt something more than what mere pride could express when he looked at his son, and his daughter.
Even if I am able to accomplish all I have in mind for the mutant race, my children will forever be my greatest accomplishment.
For a moment, Erik saw a flash of another life. One where mutants weren't persecuted for simply being who they are. One in which Magda and Anya were still alive, and he and Magda had raised their children all together…
Erik let the image fade away. There was no use living in a fantasy that would never happen, when he could appreciate the life he did have with his children who were very much alive.
"Well, it looks like Wanda has another hidden talent. Your hair looks wonderful, Pietro. Well done, Wanda."
"Thanks." The twins said together, in a very twin-like fashion, and then briefly smiled at each other.
"Is—is that my jacket?" asked Pietro sounding slightly baffled while looking down at the article of clothing Erik still had clutched in his hands.
"Yes it is." said Erik smiling slightly. "Your sister wore it when we came to get you. She thought you might want it back." Erik held it out to his son, who stepped forward and accepted it.
"Thanks, Wanda." said Pietro quietly. "I didn't think I'd see it again, not after…well I thought it would've been left at the home, or what used to be home."
"Well Erik was the one that got it out of there, so you should really thank him." said Wanda, surprising Erik.
"Actually, it was Mila who wouldn't let go of it, so I guess you'll just have to thank her when we get back." Stated Erik matter-of-factly.
"Okay. I will. But seriously guys, just accept the thanks like normal people." said Pietro putting on the jacket over some random dark blue/navy t-shirt that had a red, white, and blue shield-like circle with a white star in the center on it that Al had purchased for the boy a couple of days ago, along with a few other articles of clothing. It was quite thoughtful of the farmer because the clothes Pietro had been borrowing before then had been way too big, especially considering his weight loss, and made the Pietro look ridiculously small.
Even though it happened to be an unseasonably cool summer day, it was still probably too hot to wear the jacket, but Erik didn't think Pietro cared. He could tell his son just wanted to take comfort in having something that was familiar to him.
Just then, Al—who had been out doing some chores—came into view.
"Lookin' good sport." said Al walking up toward the house, but pausing a short distance away. "Now, I wonder if you'd all indulge in old man. Since you're leaving—and don't look at me like that—I don't blame you for wanting to get home. I never expected you to stay forever, but I wonder if you wouldn't mind letting me take a photo of you all together. I'd greatly appreciate it. My memory isn't what it used to be, and I don't want to forget any of you. You're remarkable people."
Erik looked at his children before answering. He didn't really want to take a photo, but the farmer had been very accommodating and it was the least they could do. They probably would never see him again. "I suppose we could manage a photo, if it's alright with Wanda and Pietro."
"Yea of course, Al, but only if we get one of you too." said Wanda giving the man a small smile.
Pietro just nodded, stepping closer to Wanda and Erik.
Al chuckled. "Well alright. Sounds like a fair bargain. Get together now."
Al pulled out his phone as Wanda and Pietro came to stand on either side of Erik.
"Alright." Said Al. "Try to look a little cheery."
Looking out at Al, Wanda gave small smile, Pietro managed to lift his lips slightly, and though Erik couldn't find it in himself to grin like he once did in a photo with his family many years ago, his lips did upturn slightly and there was a twinkle in his eyes that certainly hadn't been there a year ago. At the last second, Erik put an arm around both of his children, grateful that they were both by his side and in his life, and then Al took the photo, capturing a rare peaceful moment of the resilient little family.
Erik, Wanda, Pietro, and Al spent the rest of the day relaxing and simply enjoying each other's company. Pietro and Wanda spent the majority of the afternoon playing fetch with Copper, and seeing all of the joy and comfort the puppy seemed to be bring to Pietro, Erik found himself considering getting the kid a dog of his own, once they were back in their own world that is. He knew there were such things as therapy dogs, so he thought it might help Pietro recover, but Erik also hoped he would come to his senses before he returned home because he couldn't quite picture himself doing something as normal and mundane as purchasing a family pet.
Erik also wasn't sure how Charles would feel about having a dog running around his school, as it was more likely than not, if Charles really was reopening the school that the twins would end up living there. At least, Erik hoped they would want to live there. More than anything, Erik wanted to be a part of their lives, well more than that. He wanted to be the father they so desperately deserved, and part of him just wanted to move far away with Pietro and Wanda, maybe all the way to where he had grown up, but he knew that wouldn't necessarily be what was best for them.
Erik would always be haunted by his past choices and though their lives were bound to be in danger anyway because they were mutants, there would be an even greater threat on their lives if they remained with Erik. Charles' home was a better place to grow up, and they would have stability there, stability that Erik couldn't offer them.
No, remaining at Charles' was the best option for his children, and Erik would visit whenever he could. He just hoped Wanda and Pietro would understand that it would be the best and safest choice, and he knew Charles would be able to teach them to harness and control their powers, seeing that Charles—though he probably regrets it now—was the one who had helped Erik reach his full potential.
Figuring they would have plenty of time to discuss the future when they returned home, since Erik was in no hurry to leave the children whom he had so recently discovered, Erik brought his mind back to the present.
Wanda, Pietro, and Al had retreated back into the farmhouse to get something to eat before they left this world for good, but Erik had stayed outside. He was trying to get Al's old tractor running, even though the farmer had told him not to bother, Erik figured he should at least try, considering all Al had done for them, and Erik had been the one to botch Al's restoration plans in the first place when he had sent the tractor soaring across the cornfield in his rage.
Erik was just about to return his focus to the old tractor when he heard a noise in the distance that was growing louder. Erik looked up and against the backdrop of the evening sunset, he saw that a flying object was rapidly approaching.
As the object drew closer, Erik could see that it seemed to be in the shape of a man. Erik stood up on high alert as he watched the figure grow closer yet. Erik didn't know what was about to happen, but he had a feeling his family's plans were about to change and that whoever piloted the flying suit had come to this particular farm because of his and his children's presence there. But Erik was ready and willing to do whatever he needed to to protect Pietro and Wanda, and in this case, he was more than confident that he could do so. After all, Erik senses told him that the flying suit was made of metal.
TONY STARK POV
A little while earlier and a few miles away…
Tony was exhausted. He had given a speech at M.I.T. yesterday and funded every students' research project. He should've been feeling great, but a confrontation from a woman who had lost her son in Sovokia had left him feeling much closer to a piece of shit than a hero, so with that on top of a long flight to Iowa had left him understandably irritable and depressed for most of the day. He hadn't been able to focus very well as he scoped out potential locations and attempted to schmooze the necessary people to get new and improved windmills he'd invented that also incorporated solar energy constructed and put in place across the state of Iowa.
He'd finally finished with his last meeting of the day when Darcy had not so subtly reminded him as to why she was along on the business trip in the first place. Tony wasn't quite sure why he had agreed to let Darcy tag along on his trek across Iowa, but Thor's girlfriend, Jane, had called him right after he finished his speech at M.I.T. and asked if Darcy could join him, because she felt like it would be a good experience for her and apparently there were some abnormal readings that had popped up in the state a couple of weeks ago.
Normally, Tony would've been intrigued by the prospect of a scientific anomaly, but distracted as he was by the still fresh words of the broken hearted mother, he hadn't really paid that much attention to what she'd said. Honestly, the true reason he'd agreed to let Darcy accompany him was because after Pepper had cancelled and his conversation with the angry mother, he just didn't want to be alone.
In hindsight, agreeing to let Darcy join him may not have been the best decision, as she was a wisecracking opinionated young woman, and Tony kept going back and forth between being irritated and appreciative of her snark.
"So you're just going to go fly up to this farmhouse and question the owner?" asked Darcy. She had just shown him the exact location of the unusual readings from two weeks prior. The readings originated from a random piece of farmland and after doing some quick research on his tablet with the almost boundless resources that come with being a billionaire and a genius, he had been quickly able to uncover who the owner of the land was.
The particular field in question belonged to one Al Walker, who had a son and wife that were deceased, a daughter that lived in California, and no other living relatives. Hence, the farmer lived alone, so Tony figured it be simpler just to approach the old man, ask him a few questions, throw some money at him if need be, and keep him from unnecessarily involving the media about what may have been another inter-dimensional alien landing site. All in all, Tony didn't foresee it being that difficult to get up close and personal to the site in question, and taking some readings and exploring the area would be a welcome distraction from his current dismal state of mind.
Tony would've just traveled with Darcy to the farmhouse via car, but they'd blown a tire on the gravel road a few minutes beforehand, causing the vehicle to careen off the road, and become stuck in a ditch. He'd rented the now incapacitated vehicle for them after he'd refused a driver for the day. Recently, he seemed to less and less frequently find himself behind the wheel of a vehicle, so today he'd decided to enjoy the feeling of cruising down the open road.
Tony didn't particularly feel like waiting around for a tow truck or the replacement vehicle he'd called for, so employing his Iron Man suit seemed like the only desirable option. Getting back to answering Darcy's question, Tony replied, "Essentially, yes. I'm sure it will be the highlight of his day. Are you going to try to talk me out of it? Because I can already tell you that it would be a waste of your time, but more importantly mine."
"What!? No. I'm going to come with you! You know Jane instructed me to check out the location of these other-worldly-esque energy spikes since she's been booked up to her eye-balls with conferences, events, and world crises the past two weeks—or really the past five years—so that's what I'm gonna do. Plus, some crazy shit is bound to go down. Jane says these readings are reminiscent of Thor's when he enters our world, universe, dimension, or whatever, and it's always an interesting day when he shows up. Besides, it's this or Netflix, but someone won't share their personal hotspot password, so I guess that's off the table." said Darcy.
Darcy's response almost made Tony smile. Almost.
"Right, well do you have an iron man suit?" said Tony condescendingly as he deployed his own suit.
"Noooo…"
"Then, I guess I'll see you when you catch up." stated Tony as he shot off into the sky.
As Tony descended toward the old white farmhouse, he saw that there was a man outside next to an ancient rusted tractor. As he drew closer, the man stood up and watched his approach intently, and soon it became clear to Tony that this man was definitely not Al Walker, as he was much too young, and though he hated to admit it, quite a bit younger than Tony himself.
Tony figured the man must just be a farm hand, but since he'd spotted Tony and he was the only individual in sight, he figured it would be best to talk to him rather than completely ignoring the man in search of the owner of the farmhouse and its surrounding fields, who might not even be currently at home.
Landing with a dull thud, Tony retracted his face mask and made eye contact with the man's steady and rather guarded gaze. "Hello citizen of Iowa. What's your name, sir? You're obviously not Al Walker. This is his residence, correct? You work here?"
The man looked rather appalled at being bombarded with questions, responding "How about you tell me who the hell you are before you come flying in here unannounced and start questioning me" said the man with a slight accent.
"Fair enough. I suppose that may have been rude, but seriously, you don't know who I am? Tony Stark. Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. Ringing any bells? No? Jeesh. This state must be like the Bermuda triangle of America's mainland, but the anonymity is surprisingly refreshing. Anyway, the name's Tony Stark. In current years I tend to have a habit of lending a hand when the odd event pops up, which lucky you, happened here about two weeks ago. There were some foreign energy spikes on Mr. Walker's farmland and when I say foreign, I mean 'not of this world,' so now that that's out of the way, I'll repeat, do you work here, or do you know where I might find Mr. Walker?"
The man's face remained fairly impassive throughout Tony's explanation, but he seemed to stiffen more when Tony said 'not of this world.' Tony also seemed to detect that there was more to this man than a stoic exterior.
"No, I don not work here officially. Al is my uncle. I am just visiting for a short while." answered the man.
Tony raised his eyebrows skeptically. Tony knew from his recent research that Al didn't have a nephew.
He should've just told me he worked here.
"Really? So you'd be his brother's son?"
There was a moment's hesitation before the man replied, "Yes."
"I see…well that seems a little odd, since Mr. Walker doesn't have a brother." Replied Tony
This time the man didn't hesitate with his response, and instead impressed Tony with his ability to think on his feet. "My father was an illegitimate child, so wherever you're getting your information, it's obviously not completely accurate."
"Right. Sure. You know what I think mystery man?" asked Tony stepping closer to the man. "I think you know something about what happened here a couple of weeks back, and you're not too keen on sharing. Maybe Al Walker knows what happened here too or maybe you commandeered his land for some reason or another, but either way, it'd just be easier if you'd tell me what you know. Otherwise, this can get a whole lot messier than it needs to be. I mean, you don't really want a big investigation and all the jazz that goes along with that to come raining down on this farm, do you? Trust me the media and government would just ruin this place's whole green acres vibe and that would certainly be a shame."
The man looked down for a moment, apparently thinking, before suddenly bringing his gaze back up to meet Tony's and quickly thrusting his hand out in front of him. Before Tony had time to respond, he felt his body, suit and all, being lifted from the ground and pulled toward the man.
Okay, so yea. He definitely knows something, or is the something.
"Sir, there seems to be a foreign force, interfering with the suit's controls." Stated Tony's new A.I., F.R.I.D.A.Y.
"Yes, I've noticed F.R.I.D.A.Y., thanks for pointing that out."
Tony couldn't move his arms or legs and as he was pulled closer to the man, he felt his suit contracting in on itself, just enough to cause discomfort.
"Hey, you know, you actually had my full attention before, but now I can 100% assure that it's complete undivided."
"I don't want your attention. I want you gone." replied the man.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y., get ready to activate full thruster power." said Tony quietly to his A.I., so the mystery man couldn't hear him.
"Hmm, well you're kinda sending me mixed messages then, since I'm pretty sure your holding me here." said Tony still maintaining his signature wit and humor despite the current situation.
Glaring at Tony, the man replied, "If I let you go, you're going to come back, most likely with reinforcements."
"Yes, I could do that…or we could just continue or conversation with a better attitude on your part. I mean, usually I have to antagonize people a bit longer before they try to crush, strangle, or on occasion, throw me out a window. You sort of jumped the gun a bit, didn't you? Does someone have anger management problems?"
Tony could tell he was irritating the man, but that was all part of his plan, as in his anger the man twisted his hand and pulled Tony closer to himself, which would soon put Tony at just the right angle to blast him with a thruster.
"You are the one who implied the threat of force. I do not take well to being threat—" suddenly the man's posture changed. He went from standing defiantly in front of Tony to staggering forward a step before dropping sideways to the ground, and as this happened Tony also dropped to the ground, not too gracefully, but he managed to stay upright.
Tony drew his gaze away from the man—who only appeared to be unconscious—to the vicinity directly behind where he had been standing, and as he did, his eyes met with those of his rescuer: Darcy Lewis.
"You're welcome." said Darcy smugly.
"I had it under control. Besides, could you not see we were having a conversation?"
"Riiiight. Do most of the conversations you have involved being held in paralysis by some dude's freaky mind powers? If the answer is yes, do you have their numbers? Because that guy"—said Darcy pointing at the man on the ground—"seems pretty sketchy, but also now that I can see his face, he's a totally hottie. What?! I'm kidding! Kinda. I have an intern, I mean boyfriend."
"What did you hit him with anyway." asked Tony, walking forward to examine the man.
Darcy grinned proudly and twirled a small plastic weapon in her hand. "State of the art tranquilizer. Just don't ask where I got it…and don't tell Jane. It's not quite as satisfying as hitting someone with a taser though."
"Well, props to you for effectiveness."
"Thanks, I—"
"Hey!" a voice behind them spoke up interrupting them. Tony and Darcy both whipped around. As he turned, Tony just had time to register that the voice came from one of two young teenagers who must've come from the other side of or inside the farmhouse, but evidently, Darcy's mind didn't register anything much at all because in her surprise she shot a dart at the two teenagers.
Tony had just enough time to think: shit, their parents are definitely going to sue me over this, when the boy reacted impossibly fast and snatched the dart out of the air which had been heading directly at the girls' neck.
Enhanced teenagers. Not good.
"uhhhh….impressive catch! Sorry for almost tranqing you. Do you know Matilda over here?" asked Darcy gesturing to the man on the ground.
"What did you do to him?!" demanded the girl angrily. The boy just stood there looking like he wanted to run away or do something drastic, but for now he was deferring to the girl beside him.
Tony realized that the girl was the one who had spoken before. He also noticed that her hands were beginning to glow a brilliant red, which got Tony feeling a little unsettled, as the girl reminded him of a certain young Maximoff. Tony's unsettlement grew as he looked at her companion: A pale, thin boy who looked like he'd recently served as a punching bag with—of all possible colors—silver hair, and wearing a bright silver jacket over a Captain America T-shirt.
Typical. They probably don't know who Iron man is, but Captain America has fans everywhere.
"Look, uh—children of the corn? Probably not appropriate—kids, let's all just calm down and—" Tony was interrupted mid-sentence as the boy and girl suddenly collapsed onto the ground. "—talk."
Standing behind the fallen teenagers, stood Maria Hill, slowly lowering a weapon.
"What the hell Hill!? Did you just shoot children?!" demanded Tony.
"I iced them, Mr. Stark." replied Maria calmly, stowing her weapon.
"You what?!" asked Darcy
"I used an Incapacitating Cartridge Emitting Railgun, otherwise known as an I.C.E.R. They'll be fine when they wake up."
"Okay…but you still shot children. That's kind of something I try to avoid. I know they can be annoying little turds, but even I know you can't just knock-em out when they get on your nerves." stated Tony.
"It was necessary. The situation was escalating. I deescalated it. I'm sure you noticed the boy's inhuman reflexes, not too mention the girl's glowing hands. If I had allowed the situation to continue, one way or another, someone was going to get hurt. Besides, did you not ice that man over there as well?"
"First of all, he was being an ass, so he deserved it, and it wasn't an I.C.E.R., it was a tranquilizer, and that was actually Darcy's doing so I hold no blame in this situation." replied Tony.
"Yea that was all me! The dude was going all Darth Vader on Tony, so of course I saved the day." said Darcy butting in, apparently proud of her work. "That I.C.E.R. doohickey is pretty slick though. I really got to get me one of those. Don't worry, I won't go around shooting random teenagers…speaking of which, what's your plan know that you've incapacitated Luke and Leia over there?"
"We have to bring them in, to the Avengers' compound that is. They'll be safest there and well out of the public eye while we decide how to proceed, especially after what just happened in Lagos. Now if you two could help me move them into my vehicle, we'll get on our way back to the jet." stated Maria.
"Just wait a second." said Tony slightly irritated that decisions were being made without his input and still feeling a little guilty that he hadn't been able to prevent the two kids from getting ice, no matter how creepily some of their characteristics seemed to resemble the Maximoff twins. "How did you even know we were here?" then turning to Darcy, "And how did you get here? And what happened in Lagos?"
Darcy quickly replied, "Oh, I uh may have charmed my way into getting some local Iowan to give me a ride here on his motorcycle. Also, maybe don't check eBay for a couple of days…unless you want to buy back some of the articles of clothing and other various items you left back in the car. Turns out, your possessions work really well as currency when you are able to convince said motorcycle riding Iowan that they actually belongs to you. Thank God for smart phones and photographic evidence."
"Right…well we're going to talk about boundaries later. Ms. Hill, what's your story?" asked Tony
"You might not be on speaking terms right now, Mr. Stark, but Ms. Potts still cares about your safety and well-being, and as the CEO of Stark industries, I go where she commands. As for what happened in Lagos, I think that conversation is going to have to wait for a bit, as I believe I've found Al Walker." finished Hill as she looked past Tony and Darcy toward the farmhouse, causing the two to spin abruptly around to see that an older gentleman was indeed approaching from the house, carrying a shotgun and looking none too happy.