Goodbye isn't Farewell
Two months had passed since devastation landed in New York City.
Homes had been decimated, landmarks destroyed, and too many people killed.
The Battle of New York was brutal.
You were sitting quietly on the deck area of the warehouse. Your journal was balanced on your lap, a cup of steaming coffee sat comfortably at your side, and your phone was playing Rock Radio. The wind was gentle and birdsong filled the air, making it appear as if nothing had ever disrupted the peace of the state. It seemed almost impossible how quick nature had moved on.
Your brows were furrowed and you subconsciously bit your lip as you detailed your latest vacation. A trip to Florida courtesy of Director Fury. He had all but insisted you take a week or two off since all you did was work and work, therefore leading to your vacation with pay.
You had an amazing time in Miami first. It had been surreal to return to a city as vibrant as Malibu had once been and you spent the majority of your first week partying and taking in every little detail of every single place. Your second week, on the other hand, had been spent at Disney World, filling your heart with childlike glee and wonder.
As you wrote down your experiences, there was a ping from your phone which had previously been playing some hits from Def Leppard. You paused writing to dig it out and take a look, surprised to see that the host of Rock Radio had a special guest.
Your dad.
"Afternoon, folks." The host greeted with a bright tone. "That was Def Leppard with 'Animal'. The English bands really are the forefathers of rock, am I right?"
Your dad's voice spoke next.
"Apparently they just know what we like." Tony said with an air of flamboyance you were actually relieved to recognize. "You can't beat Sabbath."
"Truer words were never spoken." The host laughed. "So, as y'all can guess, I'm here on this fine Monday with the one and only Tony Stark. How's life as a superhero, Tony?"
"I prefer the word 'savior.'" He joked.
"Savior it is. What's it like?"
"Well, you got the adoring fans, the creepy fanfiction, the questionable gifts in the PO box... It's a lot."
As he went on to explain both detailed and brief parts of his new life, you couldn't help simply just listening and smiling. He'd make sarcastic quips and the usual Stark jokes and you would laugh at every one of them. Every few minutes a song would lead to a break from the interview but you waited patiently every time just to hear your dad's voice again.
After perhaps an hour, FRIDAY spoke through your phone, lowering the volume of the interview as she did.
"Miss Stark?"
You leaned back a little, surprised by the interruption. "Hey, FRI. What's up?"
"Can I ask you something, Miss?"
"Always."
"I was analyzing your vitals via the SWM system you installed and noted your heart rate spike when Mr. Stark is mentioned. The biosynthetic pathway is almost immediate."
You smiled. "That's because I'm happy."
"I'm aware of that, Miss, but I do not know why. The stories you tell me of your childhood concern a less than ideal relationship with Mr. Stark. I would compare the feeling to resentment."
"Once upon a time, yeah." Your smile gradually faded as a thoughtful look settled on your features. "It's complicated. He's changed. I guess I can tell? I'm not sure... I just know. He's patient now. A-And almost kind. Don't get me wrong, he's got a long way to go - we both do - but I'm still proud that he's becoming a better person bit by bit."
"'Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.'"
"Yeah, pretty much. Dad is complicated, but he's trying. As long as he's still got the sass, I don't mind."
"My time with you implies that all Starks are related by that one characteristic. I doubt it will go away any time soon."
"Well, you're the expert."
"Hardly." There was a pause before she spoke again. "Do you want to see him again?"
You opened your mouth to reply but quickly found yourself hesitating. It wasn't that you didn't have an answer, you just didn't know how to properly convey it.
"I do." You said quietly. "But there's a lot of things I want that I can't have."
"How so, Miss?" FRIDAY asked.
"I want to see dad again but I've got a target on my back. If I think about it and I get too close, he's at risk too. So are Pepper and Happy and Uncle Rhodey. Everyone I know."
There was a moment of silence as you took a breath.
"If I see my dad again, I don't know if we'll get a happy ending."
-
Tony stared long and hard at your journal.
There was too much information to take in and too little time to process it all. The only time he moved was to run his hands down his face and get rid of lingering tears.
The wind was soft against his skin. It was as if it were offering comfort. A gentle breeze to soothe the pain.
FRIDAY's voice broke the silence.
"Is Mr. Stark all right?" She asked.
"He is mourning (Y/n)." JARVIS told her in reply. "It's the first time I've heard him this quiet."
Tony closed his eyes for a moment, fighting a smile. "I'm not deaf."
"Apologies, sir."
"You seem at peace, boss." FRIDAY said.
Tony shrugged. "I guess there's a first time for everything. Thanks for showing me this."
"Miss made it my duty. Might I also warn you that Agent Hill has been waiting."
Tony frowned and looked around, surprised to find the mentioned agent indeed waiting patiently by the entrance to the compound. He quickly jumped up, tucking the journal away for now.
"You know, sneaking up on people is considered impolite." He commented.
The woman gave him a smug look in response. "It's a shame I don't care."
"How long have you been there?"
"Long enough. Gotta say, Stark, emotional gratitude doesn't suit you."
"Very funny." He began walking over, eyeing the lot around them. "I can understand the whole 'take your time' thing. This place is pretty big. (Y/n) had it all to herself?"
"Yeah. What do you think?"
Before he could reply, there was a notification on his phone. He dramatically held up one hand and used his other one to hold up his phone. It was a message from Clint on the Avengers group chat.
To: Powerpuff Girls (Remastered)
From: Legolas
You guys gotta check out the hangar!
Tony raised a brow, curious. It was a simple message but it intrigued him. This place had a hangar too?
"What's up with the hangar?" He asked.
"So, you've found that one." Hill stated. "I think you should come with me."
He waited for her to elaborate but was merely greeted with silence.
"Gonna leave me hanging?" He asked.
"This is something better shown than explained."
"Alright... Can I get a hint?"
"All you need to know is that (Y/n) left it to the team because she knew you'd have a better use for it than she would."
"Wow, that's so much better. Not cryptic at all."
She sighed and began walking, leaving the conversation at that. Tony was about to follow but stopped upon realizing how awkward he looked with your journal stuffed inside his jacket.
Hill noticed and had to hide an amused smirk. "Having trouble?"
Tony rolled his eyes. "Unless you've got TARDIS pockets, don't mock me."
"Just leave it on a bench."
"What?"
"Leave the journal here."
"Uh... No, thanks. I'll be doing some light reading later and I'm not risking some...-" He thought up any excuse to keep it on hand. "Some wild animals taking it or something."
Hill crossed her arms. "Wild animals?"
"If I may, boss." FRIDAY spoke up again. "The only animals within the area are deer and rabbits."
He was still hesitant. "What about wild people?"
"That's even more ridiculous." Hill claimed.
"Hey, this is Upstate. I wouldn't count out the possibility."
"Look, even if that were the case, (Y/n) was clever. She has FRIDAY linked to a few drones by a WBL network. If anyone or anything gets too close to something she values, FRIDAY sends a signal and the drones retrieve it."
Tony was momentarily speechless.
"Initially the designs were to carry groceries and clear out the warehouse but she utilized them for other things."
It hurt to know you were so paranoid that you had to make plans for these things, and yet it was also quite amazing to remember how inventive you were.
"Remind me to take a look later." He said.
Afterwards, he carefully locked the journal back up and looked around for a place to put it. His gaze settled on an isolated bench surrounded by tall plants.
The journal seemed to glitter like a diamond in the sun as he set it down.
His hand lingered over the padlock before he very reluctantly backtracked towards Hill again.
"Satisfied?" She mused.
"Let's just go." Tony grumbled.
As they moved on towards the hangar, he glanced over his shoulder at the journal until it was out of view.
"How are you doing with FRIDAY?" Hill asked, hoping to distract him.
"She's unique." He shrugged. "I don't know what I'll do with her, though. A man doesn't need two AIs."
"What about the others?"
"What, the team? Like I'd entrust any of them with intelligence. Well, maybe Banner. But the others? Disaster waiting to happen. They've got limited reign over JARVIS anyway."
She thought on his words for a moment before eventually settling on an idea. "I could always use an assistant."
He raised a brow. "You?"
"Don't sound so shocked, Stark. Besides, she knows me thanks to (Y/n) and you'll always have the right to use her if JARVIS goes out of commission."
"Pardon me, Agent Hill, but the likelihood of my deactivation is near impossible." JARVIS intervened. "Mr. Stark likes me too much."
"Sorry, JARVIS." She smiled slightly. "I think I could use the help with my new job too actually."
Tony turned to her. "That's new."
"In case you missed it, thousands lost their jobs when SHIELD fell. I'm one of them."
"So where'd you apply?"
"None of your business."
"Why not?"
"Confidentiality."
"Excuse my French, but bullshit."
"Agent Hill has handed in an application for a front desk receptionist at Stark Industries." FRIDAY said.
He was surprised once more.
"FRIDAY, if we're going to be working together, we need to talk about secret keeping." Hill deadpanned.
"Apologies, Miss."
"I can't see you behind a desk." Tony frowned. "I'll tell them to reject it."
"Tony, if you-"
"No, no. Hear me out." He waited a moment to make sure she was listening before explaining. "Screw the desk job, work with me personally."
"I'm not being at your beck and call."
"Not like that. I mean being the Avengers handler or something. You know, keeping us in check and making sure we don't skip too many leg days. That kind of stuff."
Hill looked away, debating it intensely. It would be a decent cover for her SHIELD work. Not to mention that FRIDAY would always be close at hand if the Avengers or Tony needed her for something. It would definitely pay better than a desk job at least.
"We'll talk about it later." She decided.
Tony flashed a smirk. "I'll hold you to that."
By this point, they had reached the outside of the hangar. Waiting already were Steve, Bruce, Thor, and Natasha. Bruce was asking Natasha what Clint wanted to show them but apparently even she didn't know what her best friend was up to.
"So, Dora and friends, how'd the exploring go?" Tony asked once he reached them.
"It's a big place." Steve said. "There's a lot to find."
"The shooting range is nice." Natasha commented.
"I enjoyed the kitchen." Thor chimed in. "A perfect palace for a feast."
Not at all surprised by the god's priorities, Tony went to reply. He was cut off, however, when Clint bounded from the hangar doorway with an almost insane grin.
"Don't tell me you found a Playboy stash." Tony joked.
"Not exactly." Clint replied. "It's cooler."
"Cooler than Playboy?"
"Much coller."
"Shit."
"Yeah."
"Mind clueing us in?" Bruce asked.
"You gotta see to believe. Come on." He began leading them into the building. "I don't think it's technically legal for (Y/n) to even own this, but it's awesome."
The discussions and prodding continued until finally the object of the archer's amazement came into clear view for everyone to see.
It might have been simply hyped up by Clint, but there was no denying it was definitely something to marvel at.
While most of the team simply saw a very cool field mission vehicle, Tony saw a very advanced and very armed VTOL shuttle modified and tinkered with to the best of one's ability. It had to be one of the most tactical aero-weapons created and it had just been in this warehouse collecting dust for years.
It was painted white and red and even had the Avengers name painted on the side.
"I so told you." Clint taunted Natasha.
She returned his tease with a playful glare and an elbow to the ribs.
"What is this?" Steve asked, staring up in amazement. "Military?"
"A SHIELD jet?" Bruce also guessed.
"Not quite." Hill told them, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I think FRIDAY should do the honors."
Summoned, the AI proudly presented it. Her sudden appearance surprised the team - save for Tony - and they looked around for the source of the voice.
"Captain Rogers is on the right path." She said. "The jet is a VTOL aircraft designed for tactical and head-on mission pursuits, armed with many guns and rockets that Miss (Y/n) installed. It was originally owned by Howard Stark and Miss spent exactly eight months and twenty-six days fixing the disrepair brought on by age and abandonment."
"Uh-" Clint's enjoyment had faded into confusion. "Whomst?"
Even Thor had lifted his hammer in preparation for a fight.
"We're good." Tony assured them with an amused smirk. "Down, boys."
"Did JARVIS get a sex change?" Clint questioned, genuinely serious.
"That's FRIDAY. (Y/n) created her." His tone dampened at your name but he forced his smirk back just as quick. "I guess she runs the place."
"The JARVIS and the FRIDAY are related?" Thor guessed.
"Why didn't we hear her before?" Natasha asked.
"(Y/n) made an AI?" Bruce mumbled to himself. "Incredible."
"Oh, boy. Okay." Tony took a deep breath, preparing to answer all the questions. "No, JARVIS and FRIDAY are not related. You didn't hear her because she was with me and Hill. And, yes, (Y/n) made her. She's like JARVIS, she's got a personality and can adapt to those around her, and she's just as smart."
"I like grandpa JARVIS." FRIDAY said.
Clint found the comment funniest - even snorting - and used Natasha as a shield to avoid the disapproving glances he got afterwards for it.
"She'll be working with Hill." Tony continued.
"What kind of work?" Natasha questioned.
Hill immediately changed the subject.
"Later." She said. "I think you guys should check inside first."
"I couldn't find a hatch." Clint told her, curious. "It's gotta be camouflaged or something."
"Was there a key?" Bruce tried.
"Not that I saw."
"If we're trusting your eyesight, I'd rather check the hangar myself." Natasha mocked.
"Be my guest, Sauron."
As he said the quip, there was a loud hiss and the jet shuddered. Everyone jumped back in surprise and watched as light flooded from inside, the source being LEDs strung around the inside hull.
"Of course there is a key." FRIDAY claimed. "It's located within the laboratory. I can access it from here."
"And you couldn't tell us that before trying to give us heart attacks?" Clint shot back.
She ignored him. "Boss, you can go inside now."
Tony stepped forward. "Thanks, FRIDAY."
He was the first to place a foot on the metal hatch. Each step was burdened with a weight he couldn't describe and yet each breath was filled with amazement as he stared at the interior.
Against one wall was a seating area and against the other was a display filled with knives and guns and explosives and many self-designed weapons. Between these walls was another resting area, although this part had a perimeter of machinery, perhaps to be used as an operating area for emergency fix ups. At the very front were four seats, one for pilot and co-pilot and the other two just for passengers who wanted a better view.
-
My dad is Tony Stark.
He's brave and he's genius and he's not alone. He has his love, Pepper Potts. He has his protection, Happy Hogan. He has his friendship, Colonel James Rhodes.
There are others too. He has Dum-E, Mama Rhodes, and the Avengers.
He'll be okay.
-
Tony let his fingers glide across the interior of the jet, his skin glossing over the metallic bumps and scrapes of the work.
It was handmade.
Practically every detail he could guess was designed by you. This jet was the embodiment of your work. He couldn't even fathom how many hours you spent fixing it up. He wondered if you ever had the chance to fly it yourself.
He moved to the front and rested both hands on the piloting chair. It was leather and a little worn but comfortable, exactly like the other seats. In front of it was obviously the main window and controls.
Each button was a different color according to its function and labeled in a way that made the harmless buttons obvious but the ones that released weapons and such much harder to figure out. He assumed that because of your paranoia the system was like that in case anyone tried to steal or hijack the jet.
The main thing that stuck out to him was a yellow post-it note. As he picked it up, Clint had a quick and hushed conversation with Hill.
"This totally isn't legal." He was mumbling. "No way did she have a license for this thing."
"Nope." Hill confirmed. "She said she did flight tests around here and we just assumed she was joking."
"She's a Stark."
"Yeah. She definitely did some illegal scouts."
Back at the front, Tony studied the note in his hand.
Welcome to Aven-Jet Prime The First. She's a beauty, am I right? I built this girl from the ground up so take damn good care of her, you hear me? If not, I'll find you.
- (Y/n)
He scoffed as a fond smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His other hand immediately went to the necklace he wore, gripping it so tightly his knuckles almost turned white.
He promised.
Steve watched Tony for a moment with a sympathetic look. After giving his friend some time, he finally approached and placed a hand on Tony's shoulder.
Tony turned to meet his gaze, both of them seeming very worried.
-
My dad has his team.
They weren't even friends at first. They fought and argued and had differences, but now they're something so much more than that.
They look out for each other. They have fun. They bond. And even though they still argue, they're family.
-
"Tony?" Steve asked.
A single tear fell from Tony's eye. He closed both for a moment and wiped any emotion away.
"I'm fine." He told the super soldier.
"I know." Steve replied, giving his shoulder a light squeeze. "What do you think of this place?"
"It's pretty damn incredible. I haven't explored much. Been reading."
Steve showed curiosity but Tony wasn't ready to tell anyone else what he was reading about just yet.
"I was thinking we move in." He announced, addressing the entire team.
They each held a different look but they all seemed optimistic.
"The SHIELD and HYDRA leaks are over. They no longer 'trend.' The relevance of (Y/n) Stark's death is fading, her murderer is not a priority."
"Very well. Once again, thank you for taking care of the problem."
While the Avengers talked about a new home, something else was happening on the other side of the globe.
In a desolate woodscape, there stood an old Eastern-European castle on a snowy hill. It was the stuff of fantasy novels, beautiful and isolated and calm. On the inside, however, much darker dealings were taking place.
A man in a mask removed his cover, shaking his head to get the hair out of his eyes. He shoved the mask into the pocket of a long coat and faced a second man. A scientist.
"I should leave." He claimed. "My mission is done, and you have the scepter."
"Your services are appreciated, sir." The scientist told him sincerely.
"Where is my money?"
"It will be waiting for you once we complete the transfer. If I might be so bold, is it wise to remove your guise so soon?"
The once masked man only smiled. It was a cold smile, something sinister and cruel.
"The SHIELD and HYDRA leaks are over. They no longer 'trend.' The relevance of (Y/n) Stark's death is fading, her murderer is not a priority."
"Very well. Once again, thank you for taking care of the problem."
“Before I go, what will you do with the young ones?”
He looked over at a window that separated the research area and what was evidently a testing area.
Inside were two gurneys. Strapped to the beds was a young woman and a young man, both with messy dark hair and an almost identical sparkle in their eyes. Their situation seemed terrifying but the twins were calm and perhaps even excited.
“They will be tested.” The scientist said, watching as a doctor injected something into the wires that connected the pair. “They volunteered to fight, and that is exactly what they will do.”
“Through the scepter?” The man guessed.
“Yes. We will expose them to its raw power soon enough.”
The twins looked to each other as an unidentified serum mixed with their blood. Although they couldn't physically touch they seemed to mentally communicate instead. Whatever they were saying made the woman smile.
-
Although the Avengers are big and strong and famous, sometimes they're gonna need a hand from other players.
My dad and his team can't always fight alone. Help will be coming for their next battle. Two enhanced individuals will write their own destiny into the dust of this world, and they will become heroes.
They will save lives.
-
Your grave was beautiful in the dying light of sunset.
Light trickled through the gaps in the trees and bestowed its life upon the flora that lay scattered around. It looked perfect.
Too perfect.
In the midst of all this life was a purple flower. It stood out from the rest in such a way that made it seem impossible to grow there. It looked ethereal and unnatural, but it was so beautiful.
-
My dad's team is going to need the enhanced for what's coming.
It is something bigger than SHIELD and HYDRA. Something bigger than all of us. If the Avengers can't find a way to stop it, these next few years will probably be the last.
Everyone's last.
-
Across the universe was a secluded planet.
This planet was surrounded by asteroids and wreckage, the result of a war. The ash and dust of an ancient civilization glided upon the atmosphere, their stories forever lost to the voids of space.
Circling the planet was the skeletal remains of a large creature. A broken landmass perched upon its spine, and upon this landmass stood two beings.
"Humans..." One whispered.
His voice was old. He had lived many lifetimes and destroyed even more in his endeavors, and his tone only raised into anger as he spoke.
"They are not the cowering wretches we were promised. They stand. They are unruly and therefore cannot be ruled!"
The creature he spoke to rose to his feet from a throne and the other quickly bowed his head out of fear and respect for his leader.
"To challenge them is to court Death."
The leader - the bigger and more menacing of the two - turned slightly to glance at his servant. There was a glint in his ancient eyes, something ambitious.
"It has been done before." He stated.
"Of course." The other agreed, keeping his head bowed. "If you truly wish to resurrect your love and deliver justice, we will hasten our search for the stones."
"You will. And this time you will not fail me."
"You have my word. The glorious manipulation of power, the intelligence of the mind, the bending of time, the portals of space, an alternating reality, and the-"
"That power is lost."
"We will find it, my lord. The beauty of the missing stone will shine on the universe once again. With its power to take and restore life, the soul shall be yours."
-
Your body...
It was cold.
It was skeletal.
It was dead.
The darkness of your coffin was a curse now placed on the hearts of your loved ones. They would mourn and cry but they would find a way to survive. Death was brutal but it comes, in time, to everyone.
It happened in an instant.
The darkness was broken by a glow. It was barely noticeable at first. It could have even been a dust particle. But it only got brighter. It came from the necklace resting on your chest.
The orange light filled the coffin, the very essence of life and death itself filling every inch of the space.
You thought it was your time to die.
But maybe you were wrong.
—-------------------
(y/n) stark Will return