AN: mentions of Marvel events, character cameos (Goose will be recurring), adventures into the movies/tv shows.
The Phoenix hummed a random little tune as she pottered about her bedroom, packing up what little possessions she had. You'd think after a handful of decades she would've accumulated more stuff but that wasn't so.
The TARDIS had plenty of things to keep herself occupied, though she made sure to make the visits as short as possible, lest she get the urge to take off. Years ago she'd made a decision and she was going to stick to it, no matter how tempting it was to simply take off…to explore the stars.
But if she did that, she would've inevitably been drawn into one mess or another and that was something she wasn't going to deal with. Not anymore.
She was done saving planets…saving people. She had given everything, including multiple lives over the centuries and never once asked for anything in return. The universe owed her big time!
The blonde's eyes flickered over to a shelf where a neatly folded up American flag sat alongside a framed polaroid picture. She moved over to it, picking up the photograph. She gently rubbed her thumb over the man's face. A single tear rolled down her cheek and landed on the glass.
At the time she thought that he was the universe's way of rewarding her for what she'd done. At least…that's what she hoped. So much for that. He was taken from her way too soon. It wasn't fair!
It was this loss that made her turn her back on everything. She stopped saving world's and went into hiding. That's where she stayed in relative seclusion, becoming the topic of many a story of the nearest town, the inhabitants forever wondering about the mystery woman who never aged.
Until a certain platinum blonde rocked up with a blast from the past. After a short Raven style 'pep talk' because the assassin knew no other way to get through her thick skull, she was back out into the world doing what she did best. Kicking ass and taking names.
The Phoenix wiped away the other tears that had dared to escape, carefully placed the flag and photograph into her box of belongings. She reached for the only thing left on the shelf, a small tin. The Time Lady was about to put it into the cardboard box when she stopped. She gingerly cracked it open and took out its contents.
The dog tags clinked softly as she slung it around her neck, the cold metal soothing against her skin. The Phoenix touched them for a moment, smiling to herself as she briefly recalled their first meeting. She was sure that Steve would've wanted her to keep fighting the good fight which was another reason to continue doing what she loved. Plus being out there, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Carol Danvers and Co…she enjoyed herself. She had definitely missed being in the thick of things, that was for sure!
The blonde hoisted the box up in her arms and made her way downstairs. She paused when she was half way out of the front door, giving her sanctuary one final look before leaving completely.
She trudged along the sand to where the TARDIS sat, her doors flinging open somewhat enthusiastically as she approached. The Phoenix chuckled as the ship set off lights and various machines upon her stepping inside. The Time Lady didn't blame her one iota for she was just as excited to be back.
The blonde stashed the box away in one of the numerous cupboards along the walls and set to work prepping the TARDIS for her flight. She was about to send her into the time vortex when she heard a beeping coming from her pocket. The Phoenix took out the 90s style 'beeper' and a brow rose. "Looks like I'm dropping in on ole Nicky", she remarked. She stuffed the device back into her pocket, took hold of a lever. "Once more unto the breach!" she loudly declared and threw the level. She let out an elated 'whoop' as the time rotor rose and fell, the TARDIS flying through the time vortex to its destination.
The Phoenix walked along the corridor, a hat with the SHIELD logo printed on it pulled down over her face. She had to fight to keep herself from chuckling at the situation as she walked. Not so long ago she'd teased Nick that wearing anything with a certain symbol on it wasn't very covert and yet…here she was using a piece of their uniform to disguise herself as she made her way to Nick Fury's office. The irony wasn't lost on her at all.
As she neared the door, she passed by an elderly man with tinted yellow glasses. He was sitting on a chair, completely engrossed in his crossword puzzle. "Hero", she said, catching sight of one particular clue he had yet to do "a four lettered word associated with legend".
"Thank you miss", he said, scribbling the answer down.
"You're welcome", the Phoenix said politely, giving him a smile. She then stepped up to Fury's office door, taking out her sonic. A quick flash of the device over the lock and she was slipping inside.
"Hey, little lady", she softly greets Goose as she padded over to her "I've missed you too", she adds as the Flerkin winds her body around her boot clad legs. The Time Lady bent down and scratched ginger feline behind the ears before going to make herself home at Fury's desk. She plonked herself in the chair and propped her feet up on the desk.
Goose jumped up onto her lap and got comfy, purring as the Phoenix ran her fingers through her fur.
It wasn't long before Fury walked into his office, rubbing his face tiredly. He had been trying to get the SHIELD higher ups to take interest in his Avengers Initiative but they didn't want to know. He stopped when he saw the Phoenix at his desk "Hey Nick", she greeted "miss me?"
"I messaged you weeks ago", Fury groused, tapping her feet, signalling that he wanted them off the desk.
The Time Lady winced. Normally rocking up late was her best friend's trademark, not hers. Must be a bit rusty she mentally mused, making a note to double check her destination for a bit until she was fully confident in her piloting skills again. "Sorry", she mumbled "what seems to be the problem?" she enquired, louder.
"Well, for starters… Miss Solaris…" the blonde smirked at his use of one of her aliases even though he knew her name…well…chosen title. NO ONE aside her family…and the Doctor of course…the Time Lady felt her hearts twinge in missing her best friend. I wonder what shenanigans he's gotten up to…? she thought, making a mental note to track down the Time Lord. "…you shouldn't have been able to get in here", Fury said, breaking through her thoughts "but I can guess how, psychic paper".
"I said that I couldn't make any promises", the Phoenix reminded him "so what is the real reason you wanted me here?"
"Goose coughed up the Tesseract", the black man answered "and I'd like it if you could take her off my hands".
"Still not trusting her?" The Time Lady questioned, getting up from the desk and going over to where Goose was now chilling out, having been bored with watching her play Solitaire on Fury's computer.
"I can tell you now, that is the last time I trust anyone", Fury said.
The Phoenix chuckled "Oh Nicky boy, don't be silly", she picked the alien feline, giving her a cuddle "Just cos Goose took your eye doesn't mean you can't trust anyone ever again. You'll have to eventually" she made her way over to the door "and speaking of trust. I'm trusting YOU to keep the Tesseract safe. If I find out that you've let it get taken, the will be hell to pay". The Time Lady opened the door and walked out of his office. Fury headed to his desk and sat down. No sooner had he powered up his computer when the office door opened again. The blonde stuck her head in "Oh, your Avengers thing sounds promising. I wish you luck with it. and good choice of name for me by the way: Firebird. I like it". She gave him one last smile before pulling the door shut.