Chapter 6
I tried to figure out the best way to describe what I came from before here, "Imagine a lost city, that's meant to be an ancient prison, there's this extremist regime taking advantage of the location only to find out they have no way communicating outside, and that somehow they can't leave or age. This lost city has artifacts that aren't meant for them to abuse but they do use them to cause hardships for their potential foes. I am one of them. They found a way to pull a lot of innocent people with me near there, next I know the survivors, my best friend and I are caught by them not realizing we're falling into a trap."
"That doesn't sound good. What did they do to you?"
"I was tortured because they didn't believe what I told them what really happened historically. They threw me into a cell, while there I made a new friend and we helped each other and few others to escape. Next I know she's performing an ancient ritual and gives me something that tastes worse than cough syrup. I woke up, all healed up, I decided to get out of there only that my head was still adjusting as my best friend and I took refuge somewhere... All I know is that something happened and my cousin disappeared. I felt I failed to save her so I decided try to find the rest of the survivors. The rest well my head is still a tad fuzzy but I returned with two others who wanted to help me find out what happened there..."
"Melly," He spoke, "Your dreams are coming true, I know it scares the hell out of you but I can help you understand it."
"Thanks Steve."
"That friend that helped you was she a prisoner?"
"No she was the warden so to speak, she became a prisoner in her own prison."
"I think I got the picture."
"Steve can we keep this between us, I don't want to talk about this again."
"If anyone asks I'll say you were part of the same Super Soldier program."
"No one is going to fall for that."
"After what happened today? You'd be surprised." I had to admit he was more right than I was.
I barely spoke since then as I returned to work the next day I saw Steve talking to Carter, Bucky and Dr. Gamble... Dr Gamble saw me as she smiled and gave me a hug, "I knew there was something special about you." She said.
"Ah kay." I spoke feeling awkward.
I just left the hq for a much needed break as I felt I needed sometime to myself as I found a skating rink still operational as I wished I was actually good at it. I remember wanting to win a gold or silver medal as a kid dreaming of the olympics. I was still in my uniform as I put the skates I rented on as I looked to the rink remembering my childhood and the dream I had to give up for my family. "I wish I didn't need to give up that dream." I whispered to myself as I got onto the ice. I started skating normally at first. But then once the music started as I lost myself to the rhythm not realizing I'd be getting an audience very soon.
I was in disbelief I found myself performing all the moves on the ice. Once the music stopped as I saw Steve, Bucky, Peggy, Gamble, Phillips clapping their hands with the rest of the troops and staff. I was really surprised seeing them, "What are you guys doing here?"
"I was looking for you, I asked around as everyone wanted to help." said Bucky, He looked at me differently as it made me feel wonderful. "Wow you're really good at skating Mel."
I blushed, "I used to be terrible before... I still wanted to do it."
"I guess the saying is true if you put your heart and soul into it you can do anything." said Dr Gamble, "Ever think about going to the olympics when it's over?"
"I don't know being a Super Soldier wouldn't that be technically cheating?" I chuckled.
"She's probably right." said Peggy.
"Yeah she is right no one would stand a chance."
"Don't forget Skull face." I replied, as everyone laughed.
SSR Base the next day
"So you're Melanippe Johansen, Roger's cousin?" said Howard Stark as I finished reading the newspaper. I folded the paper neatly as I looked him in the eye, "Yes I am, and I take it you're Mr. Howard Stark right?"
"Looks like I don't need no introduction."
"There's an article with a photo of you in today's paper. Kinda of a no brainer, Carter and the guys warned me about you already."
"I just wanted to know if you'd like to go out for a fondue?"
"Sorry I'd rather go out with a hard working Jerk than a Mr. Dipstick Megabucks."
"Ouch you're definitely a heartbreaker Missy."
"Say what you want Starky. I don't date bad news men, I'd prefer adventurous guys on the sidelines."
"Barnes? Seriously? That guy's a Jerk."
"I'm a dork I just happen likes dreamboat jerks like him." I said as I saw Dr. Gamble, "Ah excuse me, because it looks like I'm needed."
"Alright see you."
During our date I told Bucky what happened today.
"Starky? You called him Starky?" Said Bucky as he laughed as he escorted me on our first date, "Now I really wish I was there Melly!"
"I know." I giggled, "So where are we going to?"
"Well I figured since we're in the historic areas we'd take in the sights."
"Sounds lovely."
"Do you miss it?"
"Home?"
"Yeah."
"I was actually wondering what it looks like in this era, chances are there's more trees than homes and people."
"How's your work with Dr. Gamble?"
"Progressing I guess."
"You guess?"
"Trying to keep myself a secret isn't easy from her... I admit that but from what I know in the long run... I just wish there was something I could do to make her and I closer in the future."
"You do have that chance."
"But what about the damage it might have Bucky?"
"I know one thing it better be worth it, because without that mirror I've wouldn't have met a Doll like you."
"Why aren't their guys like you in my century?"
"I'm one of a kind doll, I don't know how different things are but you adapt well to our world."
"I guess having a background in history and continually asking questions of the past 100 years helps."
"Smartass."
"Shhh." I teased, "we don't want Steve knowing now do we. It`s part of my nature quit screwing with it."
"You're a wild one." He laughed.
"Good luck taming me Bucky." I said as I neighed like a horse, as he laughed again.