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Vormir did not give a great first impression. Nebula's description of the planet prior to our teams breaking off on their missions didn't help either. It gave off a foreboding feeling.
I kept a small flame in my palm as we made our way through the sands, past shallow waters, towards a high mountain. The closer we got, the temperature plummeted. The dark sky offered us little light. We kept at a decent pace to make good time. We didn't want to linger too long in the event things went to hell.
The mountain became riddled with snow the higher we hiked. Light flakes swirled around us. Take away the mission aspect, and the view would be a little bit nicer.
"How much further?" I asked. My legs were screaming. I'd half a mind to fly us both up there. I wasn't sure why it wasn't considered to begin with.
"What, not enjoying the hike?"
I swatted at my husband. "Not very much, no. I'll like it more when we've got the Soul Stone and we're back in our year."
"That we can agree on."
"You know, take away our mission, this place is kinda beautiful, in a creepy way," I said mildly.
"Always trying to find a bright spot."
The snow tapered off once we got to the top. I let my flame disappear. The sky was purple and gloomy up here, it was easier to pick out the color.
"Nebula never did say what lives here," I said.
"Maybe because she doesn't know," said Steve.
"Welcome, Kiara, daughter of Roman. Steven, son of Sarah," said a new chilling voice.
Steve had his shield in front as I pulled and activated my blades, igniting them with fire. Ahead, floating, was a dark, ghostly form. I squinted to try and make out a face.
"Who are you?" I demanded harshly.
"Consider me a guide," said the raspy tone. "To you, and to all who seek the Soul Stone."
"What the...?" Steve's question trailed off.
I cast a glance at Steve before I looked back to the Keeper of the Stone. Past the hood, a hollow, dark red skull looked right back at me.
"Steve, is there something you wish to tell me?" I asked him quietly.
"That's the Red Skull, Kiara."
"And that's supposed to mean something?"
"He was the head of HYDRA back in the forties."
"Oh. Wonderful." As much I wanted to know more about the history of my husband, now wasn't the time. We were on a schedule. I kept an eye on Red Skull. "You said you can help us find the Stone. How about you just tell us where it is? Better yet, do you have it on you? We'll just take it and run."
