Console
In amidst the calamity Pepper was attempting to calm herself. She hadn’t realized she was pacing, everything happened so fast. Even now her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. She breathed in deeply but still she was boarder line shit show freak out. She stopped for a moment setting her hands on her knees. The sweat ran off her nose.
She looked out to what was the Avengers facility now spread across the field as disregarded wreckage and scrape metal. The sky was dark with smog from burning electronics and alien ships. It was still so hard to believe everything that’s happened.
She couldn’t explain it. But if anyone could turn impossibility to reality it was Tony. He’d proved it numerous times over the years. She desperately wanted to believe he’d be able to bring them back. He did it. He pulled it off. No one expected Thanos to follow. Somehow Tony knew. She smiled; he always tried to stay one step ahead.
She believed with clarity that he will survive this.
Even though she couldn’t tell what was going on while they worked on him maybe 30 feet from them. Her heart ached; nerves were so on edge that it made her sick. Even though she was certain it was her imagination the suit felt like a shrinking cocoon. Salty tears rimmed her lids spilling over with little protest. She blinked hard sending them cascading down her cheeks.
Rhodey stayed by her side feeling just as hopeless, just better at hiding it. He couldn’t understand what she was going through. He had to be strong for her and his best friend who was fighting for his life. She sobbed softly, what could she possibly tell her child.
She clenched her fist, really wanting to punch something. Rhodes placed a hand on her shoulder, she didn't react. He bit his tongue unable to think of just the right thing to say. So he didn't. He let it be. In his mind he should’ve been there for his friend. He clenched his jaw, stepping off for a moment and giving her some space.
…
Minutes later there was a strange light that appeared behind them. Rhodey turned, still set on alert. It was Tony and yet he was see threw and floating. Had his friend turned into a spirit? His eyes widened and just as he went to speak Tony held a finger to his lips in a shushed motion and he Rhodes stopped. He didn’t know how but in this new reality they live in anything is truly possible.
The look Tony reflected was something he’d been accustomed to for years. He knew something was on his mind. Even if his appearance was a shock to him, Rhodey got the hint. He knew him well enough to know when they needed a moment. He nodded and stepped away leaving them alone. He didn’t wonder far. He did step back to see them still steadily working on Tony yards away.
Pepper was still overlooking the decimation. If only Tony could embrace her, ensure her that everything would be Ok.
"Hi honey," She let out a startled squeak. That couldn’t possibly be…
She wiped away her tears for a moment; unsure whether to ignore that she was losing her mind or lift her head up to the sound of his voice. Against her better judgment she opened her eyes and looked behind her. There standing in a blue hue was her husband.
"Tony?" He nodded timid and she almost jumped out of her suit.
"Sorry to worry you babe," He smiled, even if he was a fabrication of her grief stricken mind it was so nice to him.
"Tony, please tell me you’re not a ghost."
"As far as I know I'm not. The wizard did something to cast me out while he, uh you know." He started to trail off. He looked away, feeling a bit selfish for putting them through this mess. He seemed solemn.
“I love you Pep. No matter what happens, I want you to always know that.” He looked away but she stepped closer.
“I Love you too. I always will.” She never did stop crying but somehow she felt like these were happier hopeful tears. Tony met her eyes, floating closer to her.
Peter could hear the commotion from behind the rubble and steps closer. He wanted to console Pepper for what it was worth. From what he can see it looks like she talking to herself. He turned the corner anyway the words already in his mind but falling as he stepped closer. His sight remained grounded.
"Umm Ms. Potts are you ok? I'm.. I'm..." His voice was trembling and he couldn’t gather the certain words to string a sentence. "Deeply sorry... I" He looked up and stopped in his tracks. He couldn’t believe his eyes. “I…”
"Hey kid." Tony said smiling so happy to see him alive and well. Peter on the other hand was startled. His eyes widened. That voice. There was only one man who... "It's been a long time Pete."
"Mr. Stark, you're... see threw but is that, but is that really you?"
"The wizard released my consciousness somehow. I don't know how long it'll last but I think he can do something about, you know." He pointed to himself nonchalant as if any of this was normal. Peter got the gist.
“You know its Mrs. Stark now.” Peter looked surprised. He’d forgotten that Dr. Strange had told him it was 5 years in the future.
“That’s right you guys got married, that’s amazing. I’m so happy for you guys. I heard you have a little girl.” The words slipped from his lips quicker than he could catch, he didn’t want to worry him more than he already was. He could tell Peter was tense about this whole situation, they all were. He was just a kid. His eyes were red and puffy from where he’d been crying when they first found Tony.
“Her name is Morgan and she’d love to meet you Peter,” Tony spoke up. She would be his motivation to survive. He couldn’t wait to see his little one again.
“It’s good to see you kid.” Had the circumstances been different this would’ve been a wonderful reunion.
Suddenly he flickered, his eyes widened and he felt sick. He didn't understand why but suddenly he could feel pain in this form. Whatever Strange was doing surly wasn't natural. It was only a matter of time before his body would react unnaturally. Another surge hit him and he gasped, clenching his right side and buckling to his knees.
"Tony!" The two of them exclaimed rushing up close. Pepper set a hand of his shoulder but it phased straight through. She didn't know what she expected but she only grew more concerned. “What’s happening?”
Tony felt like he was on fire and he couldn't conceal the expression on his face. He grunted gripping his right shoulder as he flickered longer. "Must be the finale..." His eyes shifted up into the back of his head as he fell forward. Peter's quick to catch him but his fading blue body phases through him and he disappeared.
The two looked back at each other. They darted back towards where he lay.
>>Moments Prior>>
Strange had long removed himself from the field, this was a special case and his only exception. It’d been many years, even with the treasured wealth of medical knowledge retained. He’d closed that chapter of his life.
The feeling of urgency couldn’t be forgotten. He owed it to that man to try.
Strange hoped that his magic coupled with the stone would be enough to undo what's been done. With the aid of the time stone it did just that to rewind the state of his body hopefully back before the snap. He needed to be quick and cautious if he was going to be able to pull this off.
Each time these stones are used the more likely it is to cause a rips in the space time continuum. Strange didn’t want to damage it further so there’s only so much he can do with the stone, his duty is to protect the universe. After everything that’s happened. Thano’s wiping out half of all life 5 years ago, Tony defying the odds and bringing them back. He figured the universe owed him a favor. It’s just going to have to endure a little bit more.
Strange rotated his hand counter clockwise activating the Time Stone, a flash of green symbols fabricated around his wrist. He smiled when the color returned to Tony’s skin. He knew he couldn’t get cocky. He focused and within minutes he’s able to reverse much of the internal damage deemed fatal.
With the aid of his abilities he heals Stark enough that he’s breathing evenly. The damage crept away, down his neck and beneath his clothes where it spread across his chest and down the side of his leg it was slowly healing. He seemed to be doing it. There was a sliver of hope.
He held a hand over his chest searching for a heartbeat. He waited for an uncomfortably long time before it came, he felt nervous. Something was off. It was when Tony's wife and the kid came running back over that he knew. The shock made his heart beat irregular and slow. He wouldn’t last long like this.
He had to think quickly, glancing around the group when he remembered something peculiar that could be quite useful in this instance. His eyes fell on Thor and he got an idea. Without hesitation he took the chance. "You produce electricity correct?"
Thor was surprised to find he was speaking to him. He nodded stepping closer, he had a good idea was he was referring to. "Can you give him a light zap, about 200v when I give the signal?" He nodded already generated a subtle amount of voltage in the palm of his hand ready for the word.
Pepper was pushed her way through the crowd until she was back at his side again. Strange sensed her settle close by, he didn’t shift his attention from his patient but this would be tough. He exhaled mentally preparing himself for either outcome.
His heart was in his throat when he spoke. "Now"
Thor held his hand inches from Tony's chest and with expert control he produced a small bolt. His body jarred and Strange placed on his throat. No pulse. It wasn’t enough to kick start his heart.
“Increase to 500v.” Thor seemed unsure but prepared himself either way. “Now”
Tony’s body convulsed against the ground but suddenly arched his back gasping for air. He took in deep ragged breaths before coughing, sending a mist of red against his chin. Strange scanned his body again, right lung was compromised. There are multiple contusions, broken ribs and these burns.
Strange was careful not to underestimate the challenge at hand. He thought something farfetched but worth a shot. Using the Stone he froze curtain failing organs before they could deteriorate further. Still he didn't realize he was holding his breath. It was when Tony's chest slowly rose and fell that he could exhale. Unknowingly he smeared the sweat on his face with his forearm, mixing with blood and dirt.
"Did it work?" Steve was almost afraid to ask, but desperately needed to know. Strange was hesitant but hopeful. Now the real fun starts.
"He's stable but not for long. I don't have to equipment he needs to be transported and emergency surgery."
T'Challa stepped up."Bring him to Wakanda, it's the least we can do."
Okoye stood next to her King and spoke up. "Our facilities are equipped and have been preparing for this day. Transport any of the other injured as well to be treated.”
Pepper thanked them, they only nodded in thanks. If it weren’t for him most of their citizen as well as their king would still be lost. They would do everything they could to help. “We will gather a medical team and Shuri my sister will assist you.”
She appeared behind him ready to aid. Pepper was surprised to see such a young face appear at their side. Steven cast a portal. Shuri and the wounded were the first to go pass through, prep and wait for them on the other side.
They laid a flat piece of sheet metal that they could use as stretcher. Steve and Rhodey gently lifted Tony up and onto it. Strange along with an unconscious Tony in tow they were followed by his beloved and Peter. The two of them carried him through to the other side.
"Wong, gather the others and help transport these people where they're meant to be." It was so good to be back
"Hey it’s good to see you." Wong said.
"You too buddy." Strange and a handful of others disappeared into his direct portal into the palace.