Frostbite |The Alternate Timeline

The Truth

Six Months Prior
Returning the Stones

Everything had gone smoothly in New York. The two stones from that timeline had been returned without a problem. The same for our trip to Asgard. It had been a little tricky to get the Aether back into Jane, but we had done it. And I finally understood why Thor had been so devastated to lose his home. Asgard had been beautiful.

It was nothing like the gloomy planet we were on now. Vormir was even more depressing than Morag. The purple hues of the sky made the mountain around us dark, but it hadn't deterred Steve.

"There's only one more after this," he reminded me, "don't look so down."

I threw a look his way. "I just want off this planet. Knowing that Natasha-" I stuttered, not wanting to think of what happened to her here, "I just want to leave as soon as possible."

"I know. We'll return this stone and the space stone, then we'll be home."

His expression had turned pained at the mention of Nat's name, but he quickly flashed a reassuring smile in its place. I grabbed his hand to squeeze in thanks. Anyone would be lucky to have Steve as a friend. Always the optimist.

We approached the top of the mountain, nearing the double structures that towered over a tall cliff side. I remembered it from the vision all those years ago. I had already warned Steve about whom we'd see here. He hadn't been thrilled.

A figure floated down as we approached the large edge between the towers. He pulled his cloak hood down, revealing his blood red face. Steve inhaled sharply, taken aback even when he had known already.

"Ah- Melanie, daughter of Howard Stark. You brought my old friend Captain Rogers with you this time," Red Skull greeted, his expression unchanging.

"Yeah, well, this isn't going to go like that time. We just want to return the soul stone," I informed him.

Steve kept his eyes trained on the ghost of a man in front of us as he pulled out the stone in question. It glittered in his palm and Red Skull cocked his head to the side at the sight of it.

"Is there- is there any way to get her back?" Steve demanded, his jaw clenching as he stared at his old enemy. I glanced at him in surprise, but let him answer.

"The return of the stone doesn't grant the return of the lost life," he admitted and Steve sighed roughly, "However- I would be willing to make an exchange."

My head shot up in disbelief and Steve had the same reaction. How would that be possible?

"You have the power to bring back the dead?" I scoffed, "How is that even possible? You're not a God. You're a stone keeper."

He moved closer, causing me to tense and Steve to take a step in warning, "You're correct, but the ones who made this place loved bending the rules every now and again. I'd be able to do it with an even exchange."

"What do you want?" Steve ground out, his whole body trembling as he attempted to control his rising anger. If we could bring Natasha back... I'd give anything.

"Something you love. Something that would be worth trading a life over."

My heart sank. I knew what he meant immediately. Steve's brows furrowed as he tried to figure out what we could even give to appease him. Our eyes met and he read my expression, suddenly understanding.

"What-no. You can't, Melanie."

"Steve, it's Natasha. How could I not? She gave her life to bring me back. The least I could do is give up my powers for her."