Marvel Fiction: Wayward

Author's Note: Greetings everyone! I make my return to you all! It has been a rough couple of years and I am getting on track, or trying to anyway. This will be my attempt at Marvel fanfics. This will be based on the MCU, so forgive any inaccuracies from the comics. I was only able to upload the story under Marvel because the film category was trying to make it only one movie. I am also uploading this over on Wattpad, under my username there Magpie27. So if anyone sees it there, don't freak out :) Other than that, please enjoy!

Chapter 1: Lost & Found

It was an ordinary life. A simple life. Jeanne was no more than a normal person, working a regular 9-5 job like anyone else. She had few friends, but they were the ones she knew she could count on matter what. Her best friend, Celine, was the closest one to her, like a sister. Her family was rather large as well, with three aunts and four uncles, and several cousins she lost count of. Other than Celine, the ones nearest and dearest to Jeanne were her mother, Marie, and younger sister, Erinne. They had left their homeland when Jeanne had been but five-years-old. Erinne having been born another five years later in their new home in Texas.

Jeanne could hardly remember her life prior to moving to the States. She knew most of her family remained back in the old country, while some lived in Texas as well. Of those, were her Uncle George and Aunt Therese, whom she grew close to as well. Her mother and she had lived with them for some time until Marie had gotten on her feet and was able to move them into their own place close by. Jeanne would run to her aunt and uncle's, playing with her cousins Joselyn and Fatima. It was her routine after school while she waited got her mother to get off work.

Soon enough, Erinne was born and the family of three went about their days in peaceful normality. Most of Jeanne's cousins were adults now, some already starting their own families. Erinne had graduated and was pursuing a music degree to teach. Joselyn herself had just gotten married, while Fatima was overseas on modeling gigs, really making a name for herself. Their own younger sister, Lucille, had grown an interest in tattoos and was working in shop where her impressive skills were starting to get attention. Jeanne herself had gotten a tattoo of wings on her back by Lucille. The detail was amazing, people always asking Jeanne where she had gotten it done.

As for Jeanne, she worked for a medical corporation, making a good living while she tried to get settled into living on her own. It had been over year since she moved out from her mother's, but she still went a few times a week, especially on Sundays for their family dinners. It was a good way to get everyone together, and Jeanne looked forward to it as she loved bringing one of her new desserts for the family to try. Yes, it was comfortably paced life they had all worked hard for.

Though there were times Jeanne felt…out of sorts. She had a good job, a wonderful family, great friends. She was in a good place in life that some would envy. However, as time passed, she felt more uneasy, as if expecting something to happen. And with each day, she started to sense it was something bad. She would push those feelings to the back of her mind. She thought perhaps it was due to seeing how everyone else around her were making big changes in their own lives. Having babies, having exciting careers…milestones she felt she should have had by then. But…part of her knew those were just excuses.

For starters, she had never been in relationship of the romantic sort. Jeanne had always been closed off when it came to such matters. It didn't help no one really approached her. She had been the wallflower that was more than happy to disappear into the background, especially when people she had thought were friends turned out to be fake. That just made the walls in her heart grow. Jeanne had realized she would never have that special someone. It had been…such a painful conclusion to come to.

Now she distracted herself with books, movies, shows of fantasy and adventure. Of places she would love to live in. Where walking out the door meant one awesome adventure after another. Of magic and sword, fantastical creatures, and incredible people. If anything, she could fine solace in those stories. Recently, she had been enthralled by the works of Marvel Studios. She'd always loved hero stories, Marvel being no exception. Her favorite were of course the magic-based characters, like Thor, Dr. Strange, and Loki.

She stretched in her couch, having binged the movies and shows throughout her long weekend to decompress, "Man, I'm glad I had plenty of snacks and fluids ready for this. Isn't that right, Cloud?"

The fluffy tan and brown cat purred as she scratched behind his ears. She stretched as she got up, seeing the time was 3 PM. She had a few hours before going to her mom's for their weekly dinner. Jeanne picked up a bit before heading into her room. After picking her outfit for the evening, she jumped into the showed, playing music in the background from her phone.

As she finished getting ready, she stumbled a bit against her dresser. Using its frame for support, Jeanne inhaled deeply. After composing herself, she sat on her bed thinking back to what had just happened. For the last couple of weeks, she had been dealing with sudden fatigue or faint spells. Her doctor told her it would be due to a vitamin deficiency. Worse case scenario was something she didn't want to think about. But her tests came back normal. Jeanne herself was pretty healthy. She ate well and worked out at a normal pace.

"I'm sure it's nothing," she assured herself. "I could just need to drink more water, something like that."

Cloud poked his head up, giving her a knowing look.

"Mama's fine," Jeanne smiled, petting him gently. "At least…I hope so."

Taking a deep breath, she stood up and looked at herself in the mirror for one last check. She was wearing a nice dark blue dress that fanned out somewhat at her knees. It fit her petite form well. She adjusted the bold straps, patting down the skirt. Her shoulder length hair was curled into waves. She smiled at the color, candy cotton pink. It went well with her pale complexion, and she was incredibly happy with it. Jeanne had always been a safe person. Never one to go crazy. Her confidence had not been the best in high school. But now here she was, 28-years-old with a successful job and her own home. She wanted to celebrate in a way, so she went with Celine to the salon and got the color done. Her tattoo shortly followed

She clicked her matching blue heels, twirling to Cloud, "Okay hun, Mama's off. Be sure to eat your food, okay?"

The cat meowed as she showered him in kisses. Grabbing a light jacket and her bag, she walked out the door. As she drove away, the cake she had made sitting in the passenger seat, Jeanne looked around the neighborhood. It was a nice Spring evening. People were about, either having their cookouts, kids playing down the street, the occasional cheer as the night's football game started. It was nice, peaceful. Jeanne chuckled to herself as she waited at a traffic light. What did she have to be so anxious about? This was how life was supposed to be.

Maybe she just needed a vacation, somewhere she'd always wanted to go, like Ireland or Japan. That sounded like a good idea. She could hit up Celine, knowing her best friend would be thrilled for one of their random trips. The light turned green, Jeanne speeding up down the road. As she made her way, she noticed the lack of other vehicles around her. Squirming in her seat, she decided to put some music on to pass the time. The quiet was too…troubling for her taste. She did wonder why there was no traffic. It wasn't a holiday, so the stores and restaurants were all open. She sped up a bit, wanting nothing more than to get to her mom's as fast as possible.

She tried to sing along to the pop song playing, to ease her nerves. It was to no avail. She was going at 60 mph now. To hell if she got a ticket! She needed to be off the streets. Now. The song began cut in and out, her dark brown eyes welling up. What was going on?! She could hear frantic breathing, not realizing it was her own. Just as she about to lose it, she got sight of her mom's house. Heaving a sigh of relief, Jeanne let out a laugh. The song went back to normal, and she could see her mom's neighbors going about their business.

She was going past a green light when…She never saw the other car barreling down from her left. It rammed her side, pushing the car into the nearby woods, where it tumbled down over and over again until coming to a stop at the foot of the lake. Jeanne lay in her seat, bloodied and barely conscious. Her brand-new Subaru was now a complete wreck. She could just make it out the distant cries as people nearby came upon the accident. She tried to speak, only a small croak coming out. A tear fell from her eye as she wondered if this really the end for her. She had just begun to explore life, only for it to be snatched away in an instant.

No, she cried in her mind, this can't be it. I've…I've barely scratched the surface of what is out there. I've yet to live. I wanted to do so much…I wanted to see more. Oh, mom…Erinne…everyone…I'm so sorry. I didn't think it would be like this. Mom has been through so much already. Losing her daughter will be hard to come back from. And Erinne, she'll be angry at the world again. Just when she finally found her way. Celine, she'll be mad too. Please watch out for my Cloud. Your little girl has always loved him. He'll have a good home to go to.

As it became harder to breath, her lungs on fire, memories swirled about. Her childhood, adolescence, graduating, making her way in the world. Her family and friends at the forefront. She thought she heard the crunching of leaves nearby. She let out a breathy, wordless cry. Here, she was right here. If there was a chance she could live, she would take it. Her eyes opened to a slit, feeling the shadow of whoever falling on her. After a moment, she felt a soft but firm hand on her head. Ah, there was nothing they do, was there? They were comforting her in her last moments.

"Ahh," she chocked out.

The stranger hushed her. From the tone, she could tell it was a man. He was saying something, but she couldn't make it out. The back of his hand grazed her cheek, wiping away her tears. Darkness began to claim her. No, please, she sobbed internally, please don't make me leave them! Even if I have to live in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, just let me stay. Please! But whatever higher force existed, did not listen to her pleas. The darkness drew closer and closer.

As it was about to engulf her, she heard the stranger as he drew close to her ear, "Go forth, child, time for your role to take stage."

Jeanne gasped as she awoke, rain falling heavily around her. She lay on the grass, gasping in the new air. She shook as she slowly raised her hands above her head. It took a moment for her eyes to adjusted. Once they had, she noticed her hands were fine. A little dirty with mud and blood, but otherwise fine. No blood, no cuts, no bruising. That didn't make any sense. She'd been in a horrible car accident. She remembered how much pain she'd been in. So much so that she couldn't move then. Yet now…she brought her hands to her face. Again, other than water, she was fine. She instinctively sat up, suddenly realizing how easy that had been when in the car she had practically been a statue.

She was wearing the same clothes. Other than being wet and a tad cold, she was perfectly fine. Had the accident only been a dream? No, she'd had vivid dreams before, and that had been too real to be one. As she pondered her situation, she then noted she was in the middle of the woods. Nothing looked familiar. Not only that, but she could mountains in the distance and no houses of any kind anywhere nearby. There were no mountains where she and mom lived. And the forestry was too wild for a suburban development to be close by.

Jeanne swallowed hard, coming to the conclusion she had dreaded, "I'm not home anymore."

She looked up in surprise. Her voice! It worked! Before she could hardly get a syllable out. However, as nice as a revelation that was, there was still the matter that Jeanne had no idea where she was. She decided sitting in the rain in who knows where wasn't going to get her any answers. She came to her feet and started walking at a random direction. Trudging through the forest, she began to analyze her situation.

"Is this heaven, or hell? I mean, I wasn't completely good, but I hardly believe I deserve to go to hell," she contemplated. "Doesn't seem like either. I wouldn't be drenched in heaven, and hell would be a lot less nice."

She stumbled a bit in her heels, trying to make the best of it.

"But how did I end up in some unknown woods? Am I even in the same state? The same country?"

Then the thought popped into her head.

"The…same world?"

The idea of it made her shiver.

"Wait, if I am in a new world, then that means…" her eyes grew wide, "did I just get isekai'd?!"

She leaned on a nearby tree, taking it in.

"What the hell?!" she shouted indignantly. "Most isekais sent the characters somewhere with at least people, a town, something! And here I am, in the middle of buttfuck nowhere with no help whatsoever!"

She sunk to the ground, holding her head in her arms.

"And if I did get isekai'd, then that means," the tears returned, falling down her dirty cheeks. "It means I can't go back home. Mom, Erinne, Celine, my Cloud…I'll never see them again."

A shaky sob escaped her lips as the reality of her situation came crashing down on her. She cried for what felt like hours. She wished the rain could wash away this horrible feeling. How had this happened? Why had it happened?

These questions and more echoed in her mind, she finally calmed down, "There has to be reason for this. Even if it was just coincidence that I ended up here, I need answers. If I'm going to be living here for the rest of my life, I need to know."

It was the closure she needed to move forward in her new world.

"But first," she sniffled, getting back up. "I need to find some civilization before it gets dark. I can't do anything without getting on my barings. Problem being, I have no idea where I am or where I'm going. For all I know, I could be heading further away from help."

Dropping her arms to her sides, Jeanne tried to make a plan. She was deep in thought when she heard it. It was a whisper in the air, almost childlike. Jeanne looked around. As soon as she dismissed it, she heard it again, closer again but just as gentle. Who was to say this new world was exactly like her own? It could be filled with all sorts of dangers, human and not. She began backing away, her heart in her throat. The voice came again, wordless calls for her. She looked every which way trying to make out who or what was making that sound. Spinning around in her fright, a small figure caught her attention.

She was breathless as glanced at it, walking ever so carefully towards it, "No way…"

It flew slowly towards her. Its body could fit in her palm. It was a beautiful, brilliant blue, flames lapping from its very core.

"A will o' wisp."

She raised her hand to it, the wisp sitting down. Its fire didn't burn Jeanne, rather it warmed her now numb fingers.

"Oh wow," Jeanne said in amazement. "Amazing."

The wisp seemed to like hearing that, letting out a happy warping sound. Jeanne recalled that at times will o' wisps were known to guide people who were lost.

"Is that why you're here? To help me?"

The wisp nodded, floating from away and starting off in a different direction. Jeanne followed quietly, rubbing her arms every now and again. The cold was starting to get to her. She wouldn't be surprised if she got sick at this point. As though reading her mind, the wisp turned around. It glided to her and placed its tiny arm on her forehead. In an instant, Jeanne felt the rush of heat course through her body.

"Whoa," she breathed, smiling at her little friend. "Thank you."

The wisp nodded, resuming its path. The sun was setting when they came upon a large ranch house. There was a long wooden fence surrounding it, with a simple gate at the front of the driveway. Jeanne looked around, noticing an intercom to the right of the gate.

Taking a moment to compose herself, she pushed the button and tried to speak clearly, "Hello? Anyone home?"

She thought she would have to wait a good while, especially if there was no one home. However, almost instantly, she got a reply.

"Hello, who's this?" out came the low, gruff voice of what seemed like an older man, a heavy Southern accent to it.

It sounded Texan to her.

"Oh, uh hi," Jeanne started nervously. "My name is Jeanne and I'm lost. I had an accident and somehow ended up here. If I could…"

Before she could finish her sentence, she heard the shuffling of feet, and an older woman's voice yelling out, hers Southern as well though softer, "Oh my goodness! Dear, are you okay? Albert, quickly! Get the first aid and I'll go tend to her. Jerry, go get some towels and clothes from the spare room. Don't give me that look, just do it!"

All the while, Jeanne stood outside, baffled by what she heard. As she processed, she was snapped back to reality by the sound of shoes hitting mud at a very fast pace. She whipped her head as the gate opened and she met the violet eyes of who she assumed was the woman she just heard.

"Oh, hi," Jeanne said timidly.

"Oh my goodness!" the woman gasped, immediately grabbing Jeanne by the shoulders. "What happened to you, dear?! Pardon my wording, but you look like Death!"

Considering what had occurred earlier, Jeanne thought that observation was apt.

"I was in a car accident, but I don't know where I am," she answered honestly. "I really…don't know how I ended up here."

Her eyes burned as she held back her tears. The woman gave her sympathetic gaze, gently walking her to the house.

"Oh, wait!" Jeanne said, looking back.

The wisp was gone. Jeanne felt a pang in her heart. It had guided her to safety, and now it would return to its kin. Still, she was sad it was gone without saying goodbye.

"What's wrong, sweetie?"

"Oh, nothing. I thought I forgot something."

She was lost in thought as they walked in, letting the woman take her into the living room. It warm and inviting, with a roaring fire going in the fireplace. While the woman paced about, grabbing things here and there, Jeanne got a better look at her. She seemed to be in her 50's, thin and tall with wavy white hair cut into a pixie cut. She had a slight olive tint to her smooth complexion, Jeanne sensing the woman might be older than she looked. I want whatever she's having to look that good, she thought to herself. The woman pulled off the baby blue cardigan she had on and pulled up the sleeves of her white blouse, sitting Jeanne on one of the couches while she sat on the large coffee table in front of her.

"Okay, let me have a look," the woman carefully took Jeanne's arm.

She looked down and her heart dropped. Now that she was in better lighting, Jeanne could see her arm was covered in blood. Her other arm, legs, and dress were also stained with red. She started shaking, her breathing shallow.

"Oh no, Jeanne, dear, look at me," the woman pulled up her face with her hands on her cheeks. "It's gonna by okay. Just breath in…and out. Like me. In and out. Focus on that."

Jeanne did as she was told, her breathing shaky. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the second panic attack hitting her. After a few minutes, the tension on her body eased out.

"There we go," the woman now held her hands. "Much better, right?"

"Yeah," Jeanne chortled. "Thank you…uh?"

"Oh goodness, here I am forgetting my manners!" the woman smacked herself on the side of the head. "My name is Miriam, Miriam Slade."

"Jeanne Vale."

"Ooh, that sounds foreign! Jeanne is French, right?"

"Yes, from my dad's side," Jeanne sniffled, her voice still shaky.

"And what about your mom?" Miriam continued, trying to carefully wipe away the blood.

"Mexican. If you line up her siblings and her, they go from darkest to lightest, my mom being the fair one of the group. So I got double the paleness."

Miriam chuckled, tipping the small towel into a bucket of water next to her, "A lot of variety in your family, huh? It is the spice of life."

"Yeah," Jeanne sighed, a heaviness in her chest. "I'll…I'll probably never seen them again."

Tears swelled her eyes, Miriam stopping what she was doing and holding the young woman's hands, "Now, now, why wouldn't you be able to see them again? We can help find your way back home, no problem."

Jeanne gave her a heartbreaking gaze, "It's not that easy."

Before Miriam could ask more, the older gentleman and young man came downstairs. They were engrossed in their conversation about what Jeanne assumed was her when they stopped in their tracks with wide eyes at her state.

"Oh my god! What happened to her?" the younger man exclaimed, a southern drawl to his tone as well.

He was tall and somewhat lanky, with short dirty blond hair and blue eyes. He pulled off his tanned jacket off and set down the medical items in his hands down next to Miriam, taking a good look at Jeanne. The older gentleman held what looked like clean clothes and bottled water. He was also tall, slightly taller than the young man. He looked exactly as he had sounded on the intercom. He also had blue eyes, with a few wrinkles, his white hair just touching his shoulders. He walked over as well, watching as his family took care of their new visitor.

Jeanne squirmed at the eyes on her, "He-hello."

Her timid voice was barely audible. Miriam huffed annoyed.

"Would you two stop gawking at the poor girl? You're making her uncomfortable!"

Both men backed off instantly. Miriam definitely wore the pants in this family.

"I'm sorry about these two," she went on, "they just forget how to socialize with people sometimes."

"Oh, it's okay," Jeanne assured her. "I mean, it's not everyday some random girl covered in blood shows up at your doorstep, now is it?"

She giggled awkwardly, trying to ease the mood. It didn't work.

"You are too sweet," Miriam smiled, resuming her cleaning. "By the way, this one here is our grandson, Albert. And Mr. Rough Rider over there is my husband, Jeremiah."

"Call me Jerry," he said with a tip of his head.

Jeanne nodded in response.

"Oh my," they all turned to Miriam who done cleaning Jeanne's arm.

"What is it?" Albert asked, taking a step forward.

"Hun, you said you were in a car crash, right?" Miriam inquired, Jeanne nodding. "Look here."

She lifted Jeanne's arm for both men to see. Their eyes filled with disbelief. She looked closer and realized there were no cuts, not even bruises.

"What?" her heart started thumping hard.

Miriam gestured to her other arm, Jeanne letting her look it over, and again, nothing.

"Jeanne, sweetie," Miriam started in a cautious tone. "Where did your accident happen?"

She glanced between the three of them, gulping before answering, "Dallas, Texas."

There was a wet slosh as the towel slipped from Miriam's fingers. She shared a look with her husband and grandson.

This time, Jeremiah spoke, "I don't mean to alarm, hun, but we are actually in Montana."

Jeanne could barely feel her voice as she breathed out, "Montana?"

As it sank in, Jeanne could only stare at her hands. How had she ended up in Montana? And if she had transmigrated to a different world, then how was this place different from the Montana of her world?

"Jeanne, what was the last thing you remember?" Albert said cautiously, trying not to freak her out more so than she already was.

She tried to calm her breathing as she recalled what had happened, "I, uh, was on my way to my mom's…for our Sunday dinner. I was almost there when out of nowhere, this other car came out of nowhere and rammed into mine. I tumbled down a hill and, uh, I couldn't move!"

Her began to tremble, Miriam holding her hands in reassurance.

"I couldn't breathe well…and everything came in a haze…and all I could think of was my family, and how I didn't want to leave them!"

She sobbed out the rest of it, pulling her hands to her face.

"How did I end up here?" she looked up with tears streaming down. "Why? And can I go back?"

The trio shared looks of apprehension, remaining quiet till Jeremiah spoke up, "From the sounds of it, I don't think you can go back home. I'm sorry, Jeanne."

"What?" she cried breathless. "Why? How can you be so sure?"

He inhaled deeply, striding over and taking a seat to Jeanne's left.

"Because," Jeremiah explained, "my grandmother went through the exact same thing."

Jeanne as speechless. What? How was that possible? He spoke before she could say anything.

"She also had an accident. There was a fire in her house. The rest of her family got out, but she didn't. The floorboards gave way and fell through the 2nd floor of the house. She blacked out, and she when came to, she was outside in a completely different place."

"How did she know she was somewhere else?"

"Because," Jerry went on, "her home had been in an old desert town, then when she woke up, she was on beach."

Jeanne took a moment, processing what she had learned, "Then, she tried to go back, but couldn't?"

"Something like that," Jerry glanced awkwardly to the side.

"It's strange, isn't it?" Albert chirped. "Our family went through the same thing. Then, years later, we meet someone just like great-grandma."

"Maybe it's fate," Miriam said, giving Jeanne a kind smile. "Maybe whatever power that brought you here meant for us to find you, and help you."

"Maybe," Jeanne held a hand to her heart. "I just wish I could let my family know I'm okay, even if its's only once."

"We'll see if there's anything we do about that," Jerry placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "For now, let's get you settled in. You might here a while."

"I'll go make sure one of the guest rooms is ready for her," Albert said as he walked upstairs.

"Come on, sweet pea, let's get you cleaned up," Miriam helped Jeanne up. "Would you like a shower or a bath?"

"Oh, a shower is fine," Jeanne said as she was guided upstairs.

She nodded to Jerry as they disappeared into the 2nd floor. The ranch house was a lot bigger than she had thought, looking more like a mansion in size. It still had that rustic look, which made Jeanne feel more at ease in her new environment. Miriam walked her over to room near the stairs. It was what Jeanne assumed was one of the larger rooms in the house. There was a king size bed set against the wall to the left side of the room. A fireplace burned alive to the far right, right next to a massive window that overlooked a beautiful lake outside. Miriam walked to another door next to the bed, revealing the adjoined bathroom.

She turned the light on and turned the showerhead on, checking the temperature, "You can use our bathroom while Albert gets your room ready. Check the water and you can use anything in there. I'll bring you some clean clothes. I think Jerry had some with him. Let me know if you need anything."

Jeanne just nodded with a small smile. She locked the door behind her, placing a hand under the running water. Once it was to her liking, she pulled off her clothes and stepped in. As the water ran down her body, the dirt and blood swirling down the drain, the heaviness in her heart weighed down. Images of her life played over again. She remembered playing as kids with her cousins in bubble baths. She remembered the last she had been this dirty was when she did a bootcamp with Celine. She remembered letting Erinne take her first shower on her own because she assured her she was a big girl and could do it herself. That was all gone now. Her life…her old life…that was how it was going to be now.

In a forlorn tone, she whispered, "I'm sorry."

It had been about two weeks since Jeanne's arrival to her new world. She had kept to herself, eating in her room and spending most of the time in bed. Her depression had hit an all time low. The Slade family understood, and she was so grateful to them. They knew she needed the time for herself. Had she not found them, who knows what would have happened? The Wisp must have known about the family's history with transmigration and took her to them for her safety. Did it also know why and how it was happening?

While she laid down, staring outside from her view of the lake, a knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts, "Come in."

Miriam walked in with a tray of food. She set it down on the desk nearby, taking a sit on the bed beside Jeanne, petting her arm gently.

"How are you feeling today, hun?" her voice was motherly, Jeanne finding solace in it.

"Not great, but better," she answered weakly.

Miriam gazed upon her with sad eyes. She surmised Jeanne must have come from loving home to feel such despair at being ripped from it. She wished there was something she could do for the young woman, but now, all she could do was be there for her and help her settle into her new life. She wondered if this was how Jerry's grandmother had felt when she first came to this world. Jerry had mentioned there were times that he noticed this sad glint in the elderly woman's eyes as she stared into the distance, as though trying to reach those she had left behind. Even after all those years.

"Well, if you're feeling up to it, I'm heading into town for some errands," she offered, knowing fresh air would help somewhat. "That's if you want to. I just thought maybe getting a look at our world would help. But again, only if you want to."

She waved her hands dramatically, gaining a giggle from Jeanne. She stayed silent for a moment as she pondered.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself up, "Maybe it would do so me some good. I know I can't keep hiding in my room forever, even if it feels like I could."

"Jeanne, honey," Miriam held her hands, "no one, and I mean no one in their right mind, would ever blame you for how you are dealing with the situation. I can't even imagine what you are going through. It isn't something that's going to go away overnight. It's a process, but one you are not alone in."

Jeanne felt her eyes sting as Miriam continued.

"You came to us for a reason. And I know we are complete strangers and you have every right to not trust us, but know we are here for you. If you let us, we'll be your new family."

Jeanne felt the dam burst as she crashed into Miriam's arms, the older woman embracing her tightly. She thought she couldn't cry anymore. She was wrong.

"It's going to be alright," Miriam said, smoothing her hair. "Shh, there there."

"Thank you," Jeanne chortled.

Both turned when they heard a loud sniffle. The women looked to see Jerry in the doorframe with a teary-eyed Albert.

"I always wanted a sister!" Albert cried, blowing his nose on a handkerchief.

Jeanne and Miriam burst out laughing.

"Now, that is the first time I think I've heard you laugh, missy," Jerry smirked.

"Oh," Jeanne looked down. "Uh…"

"That's because she hasn't had occasion to laugh!" Miriam berated him. "Stop making the child so self-conscious! Honestly, already teasing her like that!"

Jeanne laughed as Miriam kept defending her to Jerry, Albert making his way to her, "So, I guess you'll be sticking around?"

"Guess so," Jeanne nodded, pointing to the couple. "Though I don't think either of them would let me leave as I am now."

"Ain't that the truth?" Albert scoffed. "I'm 26 and they still treat me like a kid,"

"If you acted your age, then maybe we would treat you like it," Miriam said, her hands on her hips.

"See?! You sure you want to deal with this?" Albert waved to his grandparents.

Jeanne smiled, feeling her heart lightened for the first time in weeks, "Yes, absolutely."

Maybe it was because they reminded her of her own family. Somehow, she knew, she would be okay here, with them.

"Okay," she inhaled, exhaling heavily. "If everyone could please leave, I need to shower before we leave."

"Oh, right!" Miriam said, rounding the men out. "Come on, she needs privacy. I will wait for you downstairs. Eat before we go!"

"Okay," Jeanne laughed as they closed the door behind them.

Taking what resolve she had to make the most of the day, Jeanne went into her bathroom and took a quick shower. Grabbing some spare clothes from the closet, she ate will brushing her hair. A thing she had noticed upon looking at herself in the mirror was the change in her appearance. Overall, she looked the same, but now she was thinner, her skin fairer, and her eyes seemed brighter than before, almost like honey. Her hair was longer, down to the middle of her back and the color didn't fade in the water anymore. Checking her roots for the umpteen, the pink still showed. She could only conclude the transmigration had brought upon the change in her. It was softer too and easier to deal with. Well, she supposed it was one good thing to come out of the situation. Other than meeting the Slades.

The clothes she wore were a little big for her, a simple pair of jeans with sneakers and a sweater that almost ate her. But it was better than nothing. She had a feeling Miriam wanted to bring her to town for a little shopping. She ate as fast as she could, picking up the tray when done and heading downstairs. As she hit the steps, Albert popped out of nowhere, taking the tray before she dropped it in her shock.

"Grams is waiting outside in the car. Go! Have a fun day!"

He practically shoved her outside. Before she could get her bearings, the loud honking from the RAM truck scared her back to reality.

"Come on, hun! We have a full day!" Miriam waved from her window.

Jeanne sighed. Yep, they were definitely like her family. The drive to town was more pleasant than Jeanne thought. She stared in awe at the lush forest as they passed on. The occasional deer galloped by them, chirping songs of birds providing a concert from above. Jeanne lowered her window, resting her head on the edge as the wind blew. Miriam smiled to herself, overjoyed to see her so relaxed. They reached the town soon enough, though Jeanne knew it was a good 30 minutes away. She had just enjoyed the ride so much she hadn't noticed. It was lovely, quaint town, full of old architecture. She was surprised by the style of it, with some of the bigger buildings look like old Victorian style. Most others were modern establishments with styles that complimented the older buildings. Great oak trees surrounded the town, with the town square lined in ornate cobblestone. Further ahead, Jeanne could other homes nestled into the landscape, some the same style of the Slades, others a little more modern but still fitting in.

"It's beautiful here," Jeanne smiled, taking it all in.

Miriam parked in front of what looked to be an old bookstore.

"I have a few things I ordered," she said as she stepped out, Jeanne following her. "And while we were here, why don't we do something about your wardrobe?"

"Uh," Jeanne was about to protest, till she caught sight of herself in the window display, "yeah, let's do that."

"Come on, I'll spoil you for the day."

Jeanne blushed a bit, unsure if she should be happy or not. She resolved it was Miriam's way of making her feel welcomed and decided to accept it wholeheartedly. As Miriam spoke to the clerk about her order, Jeanne perused the shelves, trying to find anything that might interest her. She wondered about the literature of this world, getting excited at the prospect of finding new stories to dive into.

"Grab whatever you like, hun!" Miriam yelled. "Remember, I'm buying!"

Jeanne giggled, noting at how gleeful Miriam was. Considering Albert had mentioned he always wanted a sister, perhaps Miriam had also wanted a granddaughter to spoil. It seemed Albert was an only child from the looks of things. After finding a good number of books to read, Jeanne made her way to the counter. Miriam's grin was Cheshire-like as Jeanne placed the books down.

She pulled her hair shyly, "You said whatever I like."

"That I did," Miriam said.

While the clerk ran everything up, Jeanne looked at the magazines on display. Perhaps she could get some, to get familiar with the modern world outside the town. She would have to venture out there someday. Better to be prepared. Searching through the various topics covered, she instantly stopped at the sight of red that glared back at her. She was frozen, unsure if she could believe it or not. No…no way…it couldn't be…there was no…way…

"Oh, I see you found the magazines," Miriam sauntered over. "A good source of our modern world. But we do have internet access at the ranch. Oh, is that who I think it is?! Okay, I don't mind looking at him all day!"

Miriam took the magazine from its slot, positively beaming.

"There's just something about a man in a suit! Though he definitely knows it! You know, Albert got to see him in the flesh not too long ago."

Miriam turned the magazine for Jeanne to get a good look at. There, in front of her own eyes, was the Tony Stark…aka Iron Man. Jeanne had traveled into the Marvel universe.

"Jeanne?" was all she heard from Miriam as the world went dark, along with a soft thud.