If Souls Return (Then Tell Them I Say Hi) - Tony Stark's Daughter in Gotham

Chapter 31: When One Door Closes...

Amber was still trying to figure out what she was going to do. She knew two things to always be true. New York needed Spider-Man, and the world needed the Avengers united. Her return was messing that up, and only she could fix it.

Harley was stable now, under the care of Dr. Cho and her team. They claimed it was only a matter of days before he woke up. As such, visitors were welcome, and Tony had been visiting Harley almost every evening.

She wouldn't say she was actively avoiding Tony after their argument, but she wasn't actively seeking him out either. So early in the morning Amber got up to visit Harley before anyone else arrived. As she slipped into his room, she rounded Harley's bed cautiously. He looked better than before, some color returning to his skin. Dr. Cho said it was only a matter of time before his system was clear and he would awaken. Amber wished she'd be there to see it.

"I'm so sorry for all of this," Amber apologized taking the hand of her best friend, her brother. She imagined Harley being able to hear her and waking up just to chastise her for the apology but as she paused the scolding never came.

She wished Harley had been present when they both got back home, if only to tell Tony about everything they'd been through. He'd put a happy spin on it, getting excited about the tech from the other world and how they created Spider-Woman.

"I messed everything up, and now that I'm home my powers are conflicting with Peter's. He's in pain too, not acting like himself. Banner said it's like we're magnets repelling away from one another, and they don't know how to fix it.

"I want to be here Harley. I really, really do. But everywhere I go I keep breaking up families. The Waynes probably hate me now after I fought them to get you back. Peter's threatening to leave, and Tony's so stressed I almost think it would have been better if I dropped you on the doorstep and left."

A tear fell down Amber's face that she didn't have the energy to wipe away.

"Dr. Strange was working with Tony to find us. They were close before we returned. I'm going to visit him and see if he can find a way to help me." Amber didn't voice her fears that the only way to solve the dilemma might be through returning to another dimension. If that was the case, she was willing to do so. "I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you."

She gave his hand one last squeeze. Waiting for a moment to see if Harley responded in any way, and when nothing happened Amber left. He'd be okay. He was with Tony now, and Amber only needed to take care of herself like she promised him she would.

The sanctum had always intimidated Amber, with its magic flowing inside that was often unpredictable. Even after everything with Raven, Amber felt no better about seeking out help from the wizard.

She stepped inside the doors of the sanctum. A large gust of wind pulled at the pea coat she was wearing. Amber wrapped her arms around the wool coat holding the fabric together as the doors shut behind her.

She wondered if the old building had any heating system with how cold it was inside.

"Hello?" Amber shouted, not seeing anyone. "Is anyone there?"

A crash came from somewhere upstairs, and Amber hesitantly approached the staircase, quickly backing away when a vase bounced down the steps and broke at her feet.

"Well, I hope that wasn't a priceless antique," Dr. Strange muttered appearing at the top of the stairs. He looked up from the broken pieces of glass and tilted his head as he saw Amber. "To what do I owe the pleasure little Stark?" Dr. Strange questioned floating down the grand staircase.

"I need your help," Amber replied, getting right to the point.

The man scratched at his head. "Of course, it's never just a house call with you Starks. What's the problem now?" Dr. Strange beckoned Amber to follow him into a sitting room where tea was already set out.