The Fall - Book 2

264. Smite him!

DECEMBER 28, 2020 — NAT

I'm sitting on the floor of the cell, watching as this version of the team huddles up...most likely to discuss the fact that this Wanda can't get into any of our minds.

'Thanks, Réa,' I think, feeling extra-grateful for my best friend.

While these...Faux-Vengers have their meeting, I quietly observe. Although they attempt to be quiet, the fact is that sound carries throughout this area, bringing their conversation into the cell. As they discuss what exactly to do with us, I realize that, while Faux-Rhodey is mentioned, he's currently absent...and that they must not have a version of Vision, because I neither see nor hear about the synthezoid.

It's weird, seeing my faux-self calmly discussing what to do with myself; I'm sure the others feel the same. Well, maybe not...the two Asgardians seem unfazed. I suppose that's not surprising, given that Loki can conjure up multiples of himself, and Thor grew up witnessing that.

The weirdest thing for me—after seeing the interactions between Faux-me and Faux-Bruce, and realizing they're not a couple—is seeing Faux-Bucky. Well, it's not the seeing him so much as it's the seeing someone who looks like Bucky looking at someone else the way Bucky looks at Réa...actually, make that two someones.

'Okay, that's interesting,' I think, seeing the looks he gives both the woman named Nova and Faux-Loki. 'Faux-Bucky bats for both teams. And from the way he and Nova look at one another and at Faux-Bucky, it seems like they're a throuple. Get down with your bad self, Faux-Bucky!'

Eventually, the Faux-vengers decide on a plan: the duplicates of Wanda and Loki are going to team up and use their combined powers to get into our minds. I'm about to get Bucky's attention so I can talk with Réa, but then I realize that, if I can hear the Faux-vengers' words, he definitely can...which means Réa's probably already aware.

The thought has barely entered my mind when I see a glowing circle appear just outside the cell's glass; I immediately recognize it as one of Doctor Strange's portals. The Faux-vengers look at it in surprise, but before they can react, Réa appears, and the portal closes behind her.

"Réa!" all of us exclaim.

She glances over her shoulder into the cell. "Hi, guys," she says before turning her gaze back to the duplicates.

"So you're Réa," Nova steps to the front of the group. "The imposter—"

"Nova, have you been playing 'Among Us' again?" Faux-Sam interrupts.

"Zip it," the petite woman snaps, barely sparing a glance at him. Turning back to Réa, she continues. "As I was saying, the imposter impersonating my boyf...Bucky mentioned you."

"'Imposter'? Well, I suppose you'd think that. But he is Bucky. He's just a different Bucky."

"That's not the Winter Soldier," Faux-Steve speaks.

"I didn't mean different like that...I meant..." she trails off, letting out a tiny sigh. "You're right; he is not the Winter Soldier. He's Bucky." She keeps her gaze on the Faux-vengers, gesturing over her shoulder as she continues. "And he's Clint, she's Wanda, he's Loki, he's Sam, he's Th—"

"No, we're those people." Nova crosses her arms, glaring at Réa. "But what I really want to know is what are you?"

Réa sighs heavily. "Why does everyone always ask me that?! Do people really just lack manners?!" Nova opens her mouth to reply, but Réa keeps speaking. "Y'know what? Fine! If you want to know 'what I am'," she sarcastically makes air quotes, "then I'll show you."