The Red Star

Chapter 54

"Okay, maybe this was a bad idea." Jay said as Bucky drove up calmly to the entrance of the mansion.

"Getting cold feet?" Bucky asked with a slight chuckle.

"People, Bucky, there are people here." Jay added in an annoyed tone.

"Listen, I know they are scary but unless you want to get kicked out you're gonna have to get over it for a bit." Bucky paused and then added, "Not to sound rude or anything."

"Yeah I know." Jay said. She began to massage her hands when Bucky placed his hand over her own and then intertwined their fingers. She looked up at him with admiration, although her gut was turning from nervousness. 

 They reached the front entrance and the two climbed out, meeting up at the other side as a valet took the car to park it. Jay linked her arm around Bucky's and could feel her heart throbbing as they ascended the stairs to the main doors where hundreds of people filed in, dressed in long gowns and dress suits. Behind her she could hear the lowered voices of her comrades and certain feeling of calm set in for a moment. 

 It was then that she felt Bucky's arm pull away from her own and slide around her until his hand was on her waist. She looked up at him and he glanced down, a slight grin on his lips. Jay realized then that he looked , in fact, much more dashing that she previously assessed . Her nervousness from before seemed to have distracted her from admiring his good looks. She smiled to herself and continued to walk up the stairs, feeling herself blush as he pulled her closer to himself. 

 The music from the hall could be heard quite clearly now and once their invitation was given to the man at the large  double doors, they proceeded onward, soon to be engulfed in warmth and an aroma of food and wine that was nearly intoxicating. There was simple classical music being played by a small orchestra on a raised platform in front of a large window to the right, while rows of tables were on the far left, decorated as if for a true banquet.

"Wow." Jay said under her breath.

"I'm impressed, didn't think Doom was one for these kinds of parties, although I prefer a bit of jazz myself." Bucky mused.

 Jay nudged him a bit before the two made their way to Matt who was waiting patiently for them, whilst surrounded by women. On seeing them, Matt waived them over and showed them where they would all be sitting.

"I've chosen this spot because when Doom is making his speech up there, he won't be able to see you because of this pillar." Matt said.

"Well, we'll see how well that works when he actually gives his speech." Bucky replied almost nervously.

"Has Doom arrived yet?" They heard Charles say from behind them.

"Not that I know of." Matt said, "Luckily for us he's narcissistic enough to have a huge announcement whenever he shows up at a ball or gala. Even if it isn't his own."

"Wow," Jay added, "I didn't think I could hate him anymore than I did."

 "Well join the club." Crystal suddenly said as she appeared next to them , with Steve close behind her.

 Jay had to take a moment to look at Crys. Something about her was different, she looked beautiful no doubt, but something seemed off. She couldn't put her finger on it and so continued her movement to sit and eat as much of the appetizers as possible. 

"Are we all here?" Charles asked as everyone sat down.

"Looks like it." Steve replied. 

"So let's go over the plan again." Charles began as he leaned forward.

 It was even before this moment that Crys had lost all ability to pay any attention. Her mind wandered as soon as she sat down as did her eyes. The music that was playing took precedence over Charles's voice and her mind fell even further away than before. The atmosphere of the room surrounded her and she felt warmth encompass her as if she were being submerged in a hot bath. She could see everyone's faces, hear their thoughts, feel every breath. The sensations were almost intoxicating to the point where she even began to sway a bit with the music. 

 She heard whispers and mumbled voices as her mind traveled among the crowd. She saw many different faces as she swept across the room a golden haze blurring her vision. It was as if she were dreaming. She suddenly came across a familiar body.The strong and broad shoulders and head of curly brown hair were frighteningly familiar. She paused in her wandering and watched him from behind, waiting anxiously. He was speaking to a few women before waving his hand as if signaling them to leave. He then paused and slowly turned, his sharp and attractive features, seeming to piercing her very soul.

"Hello my dearest Crystal." his smooth voice sounded softly.

 Crystal gasped and felt a horrible rush hit her, the terrible and painful weight of reality. It came so suddenly in fact, that she dropped herself almost onto the table, leaving everyone confused and worried as to what was going on.

"Crys?" Jay asked before Steve even managed to.

"He's here..." Crys managed to whisper with great difficulty.

Steve shot his gaze up from the table just as a voice sounded out beside him.

"Well it looks like my favorite enemies have arrived."  

They all looked up to see Victor Von Doom sliding his hands down Crys's shoulders as she shuttered and had a look of absolute despair. His hand trailed to her throat then around it to the back of her neck where he held a hard grip . Steve's face was red and his jaw was set, Bucky's metal arm being the only thing holding him back.

"What do you want?" Charles asked, his eyes precariously watching Doom's hands as they glided over her shoulders. 

"It's obvious." Jay said quickly, "He's trying to make me angry so I will fight him."

"Oh?" Doom said. He looked down at Crys in a sickeningly affectionate glance and smiled, "I want you both, but, you have some ego thinking I only want or need YOU." he smiled again, "She's already mine, you are just my plaything now."