Ágnostos

Chapter 14

Althea

"I don't know Buck," I said as Bucky and I sat sat outside on the cliffs. He had just convinced me to take a break from one of Peters suits I was working on.

I missed him. And as I got stronger with my powers, learning to control them — I felt I was finally stable enough to maybe go back to New York.

But I was terrified. Terrified to leave. Terrified to face the media after months of being MIA. Terrified of causing more pain.

Terrified of facing Peter after hurting him the way I did. It seemed my dad, Peter, the world, was better off with me hidden in Wakanda.

I've been better — better enough to go back, but I've been far too scared to go back. Scared that in the bustle of the city I'll forget to meditate every evening leading to more anxiety. Scared that the anxiety will get out of hand again and I'll have more panic attacks. I've had two since I learned to contain them three months ago but they were manageable. What if they go back to how they use to be? What if I hurt someone again?

"Do you ever... do you ever think that going back just isn't for you? Like you'll never belong out there?" I asked.

"Althea, I'm basically a cyborg," Bucky said causing me to laugh as he chuckled. "Of course I'll never belong."

"So... you won't ever go back?" I looked up from the horizon to meet Bucky's gaze.

He and I became quite close these last six months. Shuri and I were great friends too. We caused all sorts of mischief and pulled lots of pranks. We also spoke in vines confusing the hell out of grandpa Bucky. But Bucky and I had this unspoken connection. Some understanding for each other that no one else had. He also just gave really insightful advice.

"Our circumstances are very different, Althea. I'm wanted for a lot of crimes. I can't go back."

I sighed, looking back to the mountains.

"If you did, have a choice, would you go back? Even feeling like you don't fit in?" I asked.

Bucky sighed. "Kid, there is no life for you here," he said, forcing me to look at him. "You don't get anywhere in life by staying comfortable. Besides... Tony would really kill me if I convince you to stay"

I laughed, nodding my head. "You're right Grandpa Buck, I think I'm ready to go back..."

"I'll ignore you calling me Grandpa, only because I'm proud of you."

I chuckled along with Bucky. Our laughter faded as we watched T'challa appear with a large case.

"We need the white wolf," he said, opening the case to reveal a new bionic arm.

Bucky and I looked at each other with matching worried expressions.

"Is there a war?" Bucky asked.

"Yes. And we need you both to help win it."

"Where's my dad?" I asked.

"The worlds best defender, Tony Stark, is missing after the events that took place in New York," I heard the tv said.

I shook my head as I watched the giant space ship retreat back into space. "No... no, no, no."

"Althea —"

I pushed Harley away from me, running to my room. Grabbing an ear piece, I quickly called for my dad.

"C'mon, cmon, cmon dad please!"

"You've reached the voicemail of — you know who I am —"

"Damnit!"

I tossed my belongings off of my desk, trying incredibly hard not to cry.

My mind wandered to Peter. Where was he? Was he okay? Did he run into the fight or was he safe away?

"Call Peter Parker."

The phone rang twice before Peters voice sounded on the other line.

"Althea?"

"Oh thank god," I breathed out. "You're okay. Please tell me you're not on that giant spaceship heading into space."

"Uh... I can't tell you that..." Peter said.

"Oh my God, Peter!" I covered my face with my hands.

"Hey, it's okay I'm here with your dad and a cool wizard," he said. "Wow. The reception up here is amazing."

I covered my mouth with my shaking hand.

"My Dad. Is he okay?" I asked.

"Yes. Yes you're dad is fine."

I nodded, sucking in a breath. "Peter... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I wiped the tears falling from eyes away.

"It's okay... I'm okay, I promise."

"I love you Peter," I choked out. "Please come back to me..."

It was silent on the other end for a while and I almost lost it, thinking the line had gone dead.

"I love you too Althea." His voice was tight and I could tell he was also holding back tears. "Everything will be okay, and I promise I will come back to you okay?"

"The war is likely to come to you — so you come back to me alright?"

"I promise. Keep my dad safe for me will you?"

"Of course."

"Althea," Harley said, entering my room. "Steve and the others are here. We have to get into position."

"I gotta go. I love you."

"I love you too."

There was a million other things I wanted to do besides hang up. But I had no other choice.