Missing Faces In Empty Pictures

Chapter 10

He's surprised to find that the time machine is still standing. After the battle, he was sure it would have been lost with the rest of the demolished compound; forcing him to start from scratch. Luck, however, appeared to be on his side. According to Strange, Steve had rebuilt the machine so he could go back and return the stones to their rightful timeline. He also never came back, though, according to Rhodey, that was his own choice.

The device now rests in the middle of the woods a few acres away from the new compound; a fact that he eventually, after a lengthy and rather tedious dispute, worked out of Strange.

It's almost too easy.

After convincing the wizard to portal him over here, all he'd had to do was snag a few Pym Particles from the compound labs and he was ready to go. Now he stands, suit in hand, in front of the instrument he invented only two years ago.

Though it seems like a lifetime.

Strange is behind him, eyes burning holes into the back of his head.

"Stark, are you sure about this?"

"For the hundredth time, wizard, yes, I am," he scoffed.

He didn't need any more of this nagging. He knew the potential consequences of his choice, they'd played like a loop through his head ever since the idea first struck him, but he was too determined to turn away. Pepper would understand. Well, actually, scratch that, Pepper would be furious if she knew what he was up to, but Tony was confident in his plan. He'd be sent to the past for one hour then return: no exceptions. And while there, he would stay hidden, not talking to anyone and avoiding any action that would draw unwanted attention to himself. If all goes as planned, the memories should simply return to him without any other action required. Or so he hoped. But even if they didn't, he wouldn't linger longer than his given time. Strange would see to it.

Carefully he draws the white and red suit on. Memories of the first time he'd worn it flash through his mind. Then he'd had a team to back him up, but this time, he'd be going in alone.

"Alright, let's get this party started," he says with the clap of his hands.

Eager with nerves, he steps onto the machine's platform and turns to face Strange.

"I don't like this," Strange says as he surveys the control panel in front of him.

"Yes, yes you've made that very clear, so can we now skip to the part where, against your better judgment, you help me anyway," Tony sarcastically quips.

Strange rolls his eyes, but begins working through the pre-launch procedures anyway.

"Alright Stark, I'm giving you one hour. Do what you want with that time, but as soon as it's up I'm pulling you back."

"Right."

"And be careful. The timeline is fragile and must be kept in balance, so don't do anything too rash."

"Spare me the lecture, Strange, I've heard it before. Now are we ready?"

Strange snarls, but turns back to the controls in compliance. After a few moments, Tony feels the hum of the device begin to vibrate under his feet. The soft drone of electricity buzzing gently around him.

"One hour," Strange nods.

"One hour," Tony repeats. "Wish me luck."

He flips the switch that locks the helmet plate securely around his face and inhales a deep breath.

I'm going to be fine. This is going to work.

He sends a thumbs up to Strange before the vibrations under his feet turn into full on tremors.