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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN Ashes To Ashes
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THANOS CAME TO TITAN seemingly out of thin air, appearing on what had previously been a patchy stretch of ground in seconds. If no one had been prepared, they would have been caught off-guard by his arrival—which was likely precisely why he'd chosen to travel this way (well, that, and because it was likely more convenient than a spaceship). Fortunately for the impromptu group of nine—Peter had proposed the name 'The A-Team', but it hadn't really stuck—they were, in fact, prepared. In fact, they were all in position, spread out and in hiding along the area, when he materialized.
Cecelia hid on top of a ruin with Peter, both of them lying on their stomachs. They were now fully suited up, converted from teenagers to superheroes. Peter and Cecelia had gone into hiding; Spider-Man and Phantom had come out. They had to, because this was a battle they never should have been in. If they were fighting an adult's war, the least they could do was look the part.
It had only been a half-hour since Cecelia had emerged from the Milano-Nightfall with slightly less pressure on her chest. Her chat with Sol had, surprisingly, made a positive impact—although the woman was anything but eloquent, she'd reminded Cecelia why she was doing all of this. Although she'd lost a lot—far more than most people, in fact—there was always someone else she could save.
Still, Mr. Stark had been hesitant. He'd noticed her trepidation, too, and had pulled her aside as soon as she'd re-joined the group. Then he'd looked at her with his stupidly compassionate eyes and asked, "Are you sure you're up for this?"
Cecelia had nodded. "I am."
"You know I didn't want you or Peter here. You don't have to feel pressured to help if you don't think you can. I just—" he sighed. "I want to make sure you're all right."
Cecelia had smiled, just a little. "Sol already gave me that talk. I've made my decision, Mr. Stark. And I know Peter has, too."
He raised his eyebrows. "Sol? What, are you and Ripley friends, now?"
She shrugged. "Maybe. I like her. She's kind of a disaster."
"I'm not too sure she should be your role model, kid. Pink Panther told me that she once got so drunk she went streaking in the Nova Corps headquarters. That's, like, her government, I think. You could do so much better with me."
"Says the man who got so drunk he peed in his Iron Man suit. In front of a crowd."
"God, will any of you let that go? You're just like Pepper."
"Absolutely not."
Mr. Stark grimaced, then reached out to ruffle her hair. "Just—just be careful, okay? Somehow, I've grown fond of both you and Pete. You have to promise me you'll stick together."
