UNKNOWN GUEST

#8 Meeting Her Again

Clint examined my time variant device again, turning it over in his hands with a scrutinizing gaze. He finally looked up at me, a mix of curiosity and concern in his eyes. "So, this is the device you used for traveling back in time?"

I nodded in response. He handed the device back to me with a sigh, clearly pondering the implications. "Why can't you go to 2022 if it's necessary?"

I took a deep breath, ready to explain the constraints and urgency of my situation. "You can use it only once. Go back in time, and once you use it to return to the future, it becomes useless."

He nodded slowly, probably grasping the concept bit by bit. "You said someone tried to alter something?"

I nodded again. "You heard about a green giant? The Hulk?"

Clint's eyes flickered with recognition. "Yeah, he created some destruction a few years ago. What's his name? He's some scientist, Bruce Banner?"

"Yeah," I confirmed. "Just like him, around 2022-24, a red Hulk appears out of nowhere. Sam Wilson, a new Captain America after my dad retires, neutralizes the giant, but somehow, someone uses a time machine and brings the same red Hulk to 2042, to my present time. And the old Avengers, who had taken—"

He stopped me, eyebrows raised. "Wait. Avengers?"

I nodded. He continued, the curiosity in his voice palpable. "So, Fury's plan worked. He formed a group of extraordinary people to protect humanity?"

"Yeah," I confirmed. "And you were a vital part of it."

His eyes widened a bit, disbelief mingling with curiosity. "I was in there? I mean, I know he's working on the Avengers initiative, but I don't think I will be good enough to—"

I cut him off, wanting to dispel his doubts. "You were so good, compared to others. You played a huge role in keeping that team grounded and sane during some very tough times. So, Uncle Clint, don't downrate yourself."

He looked down, processing my words, then nodded slowly. The look on his face showed he was starting to accept and trust my story.

I continued, my voice steady despite the gravity of my words. "You guys fought with everything you had—for yourselves, for your kids, for the entire humanity—but the red giant overpowered you all. Tony Stark asked me to come to the past to prevent whoever is responsible for creating the Red Hulk or to stop it from going to the future, to my time. So, I'm here on a mission."

Uncle Clint looked at me intensely, his eyes searching mine for any hint of deception. "Now that you're here, almost 10 years behind, what are you planning to do?"

I shrugged off the weight of the situation. "What more option do I have? I have to live here and survive somehow until the right moment. I have to let all the events leading up to the creation of the Red Hulk play out. I can't interfere in any natural events. I have to live in the shadows, as Jason Roberts."

He sighed, a heavy, resigned sound, and nodded. "Okay then. Live as Jason, my friend's son."

I nodded, and finally, I smiled in relief, feeling as if I'd found someone familiar from my own time. Everything will work out—that's the only hope I have. We both walked into the house, and it was dinner time with the Bartons. 

After saying goodbye to Lila, Cooper, and Aunt Laura, I left with Uncle Clint three days later. These 100-odd hours had been a blast for me, a mix of nostalgia and new memories. It brought back echoes of my own time—how Aunt Laura would always save some extra cookies for me, how Cooper and Nate would pick on me, and how Sis Lila would be there like a shield. I missed those days, and now, I got to spend some time with their past selves, a rare gift.

Lila, with her determined spirit, demanded I visit her in a few weeks. She even threatened to travel to D.C. to find me if I didn't. Her fierce loyalty and love for family shone through, and I promised her I would see her again soon.

Uncle Clint had planned to take me to the New York base of S.H.I.E.L.D. I was supposed to meet Nick Fury, who would land me some tasks to get used to the environment of espionage. To be honest, I was over the moon. The idea of meeting Fury and possibly being assigned real missions was thrilling. More importantly, there was a chance I could meet my mom and even my dad. Maybe I could spend time with them, something I'd missed out on in my own timeline.

Soon, we reached the S.H.I.E.L.D. base. Uncle Clint parked his car in the basement, and we walked through the hallway of the facility. Wow, I could only say. Even in this time period, it seemed more futuristic. Screens and cameras were everywhere, monitoring everything. Agents in their usual black gear passed by relentlessly, all looking serious and focused.

We entered the elevator, and just then, Clint got a notification. He looked at me with a smile. "Your mom is here."

Oh no. I suddenly felt panicked. "What?"

He chuckled. "Nervous?"

I nodded. "Kind of. I mean... what if she recognizes me?"

He shook his head. "You won't be born for another 13 years. No chance she's going to recognize you."

I was still nervous. "What if she connects the dots seeing my red hair just like hers? Should I dye my hair—"

He put his hand on my shoulder. "Jason, relax. Put on your cover. You can't reveal anything, remember?"

I nodded, trying to control my nerves. He patted my back twice. "Welcome to the world of espionage, Agent Jason Roberts."

I chuckled along with him as the elevator door opened with a ting. The sight was even more impressive up close. The facility buzzed with energy and efficiency. Agents moved with purpose, some engaged in intense discussions, others focused on their screens. The environment was a mix of high-tech gadgets and the hum of activity, giving it an aura of both sophistication and readiness.

As we stepped out, I could feel my heart racing. The thought of seeing my mom, even though she wouldn't recognize me, was overwhelming. Clint led the way confidently, weaving through the maze of corridors like it was second nature to him. I followed closely, trying to take in everything without looking too out of place.

We reached a large room with a glass wall overlooking a busy control center. Clint turned to me, giving me a reassuring nod. "Remember, you're Jason Roberts now. Keep it cool."

Uncle Clint turned to me, "Wait here for a moment." I nodded, and he walked into a glass-walled room. Through the glass, I could see him talking to someone. Then, another woman approached him. Not just any woman—a redhead. Her fiery hair barely touched her shoulders. She was facing Uncle Clint, so I could only see her from the side.

My mom.

My stomach flipped a little. I still remembered the moment I got her voice note—the day she died along with my dad. I couldn't even see them in their last moments. All I received was her voice note, telling me to be safe and that she loved me. That was it. How cruel could life be to me? I just stared at her from this side of the glass wall.

A drop of burning tear formed at the corner of my eye, but it disappeared as soon as she looked at me. Uncle Clint gestured for me to come in, and I could feel her gaze on me. Nice to see you again, Mom. Here I am.