Fallen Heroes | Marvel/CATWS {2}

Epilogue

Hidden away in the cold mountains of Sokovia, two men discuss the events of the past days. "It is over," the first says somberly. "Fury has released everything to the public."

"Everything he knows about," the second replies in a heavily accented voice.

"But, Strucker," the first insists, "if they get word of our work here, if they find out we serve HYDRA—"

"HYDRA," Strucker repeats, interrupting the other. "S.H.I.E.L.D. Two sides of a coin that's no longer in currency." As he speaks, he leads the other around shelves of weapons and past computers where workers sit, to a table where a glowing scepter rests. "What we have is worth more than any of them ever knew."

He looks down at the scepter, marveling at its power. "We've only scratched the surface, and already..." He lets the statement trail off, unable to put into words the success they've had.

Turning away, he resumes his walk. "There are other facilities doing HYDRA's good work around the world," he explains. "We'll feed them to Captain America and his colorful friends, keep them off our scent."

"What about the volunteers?" the first man questions.

"The dead will be buried so deep their own ghosts won't be able to find them," Strucker answers simply as he comes to a stop in front of two cells.

"And the survivors?" the other asks, nodding at the cells.

Strucker takes a few steps closer to the cells, not bothering to hide his small, satisfied smile. "The twins." Inside the cell to the left, the male twin darts from one side of the cell to another, disappearing in a streak of silver each time he moves. In the cell to the right, the female sits in front of a pile of blocks, red light swirling around her hands and the blocks as she levitates them with her mind. "Sooner or later, they will meet the twins."

Strucker draws a breath before continuing, "It's not a world of spies anymore, not even a world of heroes. This is the age of miracles, doctor. There's nothing more horrifying than a miracle," he concludes as the female crosses her wrists, making the blocks smash into each other in a flurry of splinters.

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Another adventure is behind us! The disclaimer for The Guardian Angel: Beautiful Disaster is up and the first chapter will be posted in the near future.

A few quick shout-outs:

Thank you to anyone who voted, commented, or added this story to a reading list. Y'all make writing worth it.

Big thank you to @herondalesarcasm for making the amazing cover. Stunningly done.

I can't believe I forgot to do this in the first book, but credit for the idea of including quotes/song lyrics at the beginnings of the chapters goes to @JustLettingGo. If y'all haven't already read the Iron Defender trilogy, I would recommend doing so.

Songs mentioned in this book (if I missed one, feel free to let me know):

· "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

· "Miss Missing You" by Fall Out Boy

· "Defying Gravity" by the cast of Wicked

And finally, the Q&A—also known as "Me Answering My Own Questions"

1. Is there an official Steve x Cecilia ship name?
          a. Stelia

2. Would Liv have joined HYDRA?
          a. If they came to her promising to protect her family before S.H.I.E.L.D. did, she probably would have

3. How old was I when I started watching Marvel movies?
          a. I watched the original Spider-Man movies as a kid, but I didn't really get into Marvel until I was about fourteen or fifteen.

4. Do I like DC movies?
          a. I watched Batman vs. Superman and thought it was okay, but a little dark for my tastes. I watched Wonder Woman and loved it.

5. Do I ever expect to actually get questions when I start the Q&A's?
          a. Nope.

Until we meet again, loves!