The Fall - Book 1

170. ...it's always been you.

DECEMBER 24, 2019  — AVENGERS COMPOUND — RÉA

I lie awake, my mind refusing to be quiet and let me sleep; not wanting to disturb Bucky, I carefully roll over and pick up my phone to check the time: it's twelve-oh-three A.M., meaning it's officially Christmas Eve.

I settle back into bed and try to fall asleep, but my mind still refuses to cooperate; instead of calming, it decides to replay the events of the past three-and-a-half weeks.

Bucky and I settled back into a regular routine; he returned to training with the team every day, while I elected to forego that in favour of observing, or taking the time they're all in the gym to prepare breakfast...much to Sam's delight.

I spoke with Tony and Pepper about the choice I made, something I'd been putting off. Tony reiterated that, between what Wanda shared of my thoughts and what she saw in Olc's mind, he had forgiven me pretty much immediately, understanding that there really were no other options. Pepper had also reassured me, agreeing with Tony and then pulling me into an enormous hug, with Tony joining after a few moments.

I resumed my sessions at the barn...explaining to Macayla and Catelyn what happened since our last session was surprisingly uneventful. I mean, they were shocked and had some questions, but not any more than everyone did in Wakanda...and they were both a lot nicer than Steve and Doctor Strange were.

Two days ago, I spoke with Olc...something else I was putting off. Bucky insisted on going with me; when I told Tony and Pepper the plan, Tony also said that he was coming along. I immediately acquiesced to both of them, and Tony had made some phone calls to gain the three of us access to The Raft.

"How exactly did you manage to get Olc incarcerated here?" I ask Tony as the prison comes into view, trying to keep my mind off the fact that the last time I was here, almost everyone I care about died and I took the Fall.

"Fury. Apparently, he was aware that Jones was HYDRA and that Sharon was a mole for the durations of their stays at the compound."

Tony's jaw and fists clench as he speaks, as do Bucky's.

"Once I learned that, I...well, I basically blackmailed him. I'm not proud of it, and I said some things that were...well, the details aren't important," Tony continues, his demeanour radiating discomfort, and I don't push.

The quinjet lands, and we're greeted by two U.S. Marshalls; I immediately ask permission to pop into their minds and take a peek...I learned my lesson last time. Once I've vetted them, they escort us through the facility to Olc's cell.

"Hello, Réalta," he says, rising from his small bed.

"Olc," I reply, walking toward his cell.

Tony and Bucky start to follow, but I hold my hand out to stop them; they still, waiting as I close the distance to the wall of glass and bars.

Neither Olc nor I speak for several minutes; we simply stare at each other.

"I suppose you want to know 'why'," Olc mockingly sneers.

"I know why you..." I swallow thickly, "...why you killed me. Which I know you're aware of, since I told you that I figured it out the day you did so."

Olc chuckles, and I hear a mechanical whirring as the plates in Bucky's arm recalibrate.

"Yes, you know why I killed you. You do not know why I did anything el—"

"You're right. I don't. All I know is that, for some reason, you loathe me. Whether it's because you were jealous of my father, or because of some vendetta you had against him, or if it's because I was—am—part human and you despise all humans, or if it's because of what the prophecy said about me wielding the highest power or..."