Ever After

Part 8 - Vormir

Having gotten a little used to the feeling now you land a lot better this time. It helps that the ground at your feet is soft sand, you almost sink into it. You look around, taking in yet again another planet, finding it even more beautiful than the last. Despite the pain in your heart, knowing what had transpired here, you can't help but let out a soft smile at the sight.

You have to catch up to Steve, who is already marching along towards a tall cliff standing in the distance. As soon as his eyes make contact with you you can see the tears forming. "I don't know if I can do this one Belle," he admits, looking at his watch. "We've gotten here too early." He swallows down the lump in his throat. "I don't think I can watch this."

You take his hand, letting a few tears drop down too, before your brain processes what he said. "You mean we have time? Time to save her?"

"We can't Belle..." But you've already taken off, sprinting at top speed towards the cliff bottom. While Steve could beat you for strength, he was no match for you with speed. You're already halfway up the cliff by the time he reaches the bottom. "BELLE STOP!" He yells, but you can't hear him; the thought of being able to stop Nat from jumping dominating your mind. As soon as you had heard about her sacrifice, you had broken down; Nat being, apart from Bucky and Steve, your closest friend. Images are swirling in your mind as you climb higher and higher, almost at the top of the trail when a swirl of black knocks you to your feet, sending you down a few steps, letting Steve catch up and grab you.

While you look around for the source of the attack, Steve grabs you and pulls you back, pinning you to the wall. "Let me go Steve," you huff out desperately. "There's something..."

"No, you can't." His face is full of determination. "We can't change it..."

"Steve, I'm telling you there's something up there." You nod your head towards where you were standing; the fog that had clouded your mind about Nat clearing in the face of an oncoming attack.

"DON'T MAKE ME GO UP THERE!" Steve yells through gritted teeth, tears streaming down his face. "Think about what you're asking of me Belle, she was my friend too," His voice completely breaks. "You think I wanna see her sacrificing herself. You think I wanna see Barton do it instead. You think that's what she would have wanted." Steve almost slams your back against the wall again. You raise your hands in defeat, shaking a little as everything come crashing back on top of you. "Think about this for one god damn minute. If she doesn't do this then I don't..." His voice cracks even more, making you look straight into his eyes. "I hate that I had to lose her to get you back, but I won't lose you again. I can't." His shoulders slump as he lets you go. "It was HER choice." The tears stream down his face.

"I'm sorry," You stutter, staring deep into Steve's eyes as he stands firm in front of you, before reaching up and wiping the tears from his face. "I just..." You feel a strange pain in your chest, one you recognise well; your heart breaking once again. "I miss her Steve," You sob, almost losing control of your legs you fall into Steve's arms this time. As he rubs your back, you can feel his tears fall onto your head.

"I know Belle, I miss her too." He wraps his arms tightly around you, letting you do the same to him. Neither of you had properly grieved for Nat; not having a proper burial or service hadn't given any closure. The memorial service had been emotional, but it wasn't the same, knowing she wasn't really there.

As Steve lets you go, you crouch down on the ground, him joining in as you both take a minute just to contemplate what had just happened. You can still sense that there is something else out there, but put it to the side of your mind for now. The silence is almost deafening, until you can hear a commotion coming from the top of the cliff. Both you and Steve look up, knowing exactly what was going on; Barton had told you everything, about how he and Nat had fought right up to the end. You don't know what's worse, hearing it, or knowing that there was nothing you could do to stop it. When it suddenly becomes quiet again, both of you stand, hearts heavy. "Let's go," You sigh, wiping your eyes for one last time.

As you make your way to the top, the wind changes, and you can just make out the black swirl that had stopped you earlier manifest in front of you. Steve takes a protective stance in front of you, while you draw your gun. "Isabella, daughter of George." A voice rings out; a cold, yet somehow familiar voice. "Steven, son of Sarah."

"Who are you?" Steve yells out, taking a step towards the swirl that slowly turns into a floating cape.

"Good to see you again, Captain..." The voice sends chills down your spine as you grab Steve's arm.

"Steve, it's..." You squint, trying desperately to make sure you were right. "It's Schmidt," Steve turns and looks at you, face mixed with confusion. "It's the Red Skull."