Chapter 6

New bonds

Universe B

(Richard's POV)

I could faintly hear the steady beeping of a vitals monitor. My slowed, pain filled breathing echoing though the air. My heart still stings like someone jammed a pissed off hornet's nest in my chest, yet something soft and warm laid across it. Head no longer felt like jack hammer. I am obviously in a hospital of some sort. I can't remember much. Last thing I remember was looking at my finished reactor laying in a pool of my blood before I blacked out. Maybe Mercy or Fareeha put my reactor in and brought me here after words. I'll have to remember to apologize to Hana for stealing her MEKA. But with no form of currency to my name, my apology will have to be personal and not bought. I can imagine the hell I just raised on myself. Slowly my eyelids lifted open, breaking away the crust formed underneath. I was in the same room I woke up in this morning, or something close to that. . . wait, how long have I been out? Feels like only a few hours.

"Good morning Master Stark. Good to announce the project was a success. You have successfully created a brand new element to this world." ATHENA greeted as I tried to move my arm up to wipe away my crust filled eyes. Only to find that it was currently being held hostage underneath the body of a cute sleeping Korean girl. Hana was right there beside my hospital bed, almost holding on to my arm as if it might give her a clue when I'll wake up. Her hair spread out all across the covers, lightly snoring as bits of drool leaked from the corner of her mouth, sleeping in a chair with her head on my arm and chest. Some type of silver fox thing was curled up by my feet. Strange, I don't remember Winston saying there were any pets or native wildlife to this base. Hana's pet she brought along perhaps? But I would have seen it in the transport ship. Wait . . . why is Hana asleep on my arm or waiting for me to wake up?!

"How long was I out?" I whispered using my free arm to brush some of her silk like hair out of her eyes. She unknowingly smiled as I lightly brushed against her skin. I'll admit Hana is cute, I kinda like the pink triangles on her cheeks. But seeing as how I literally blew up in front of her, stole her MEKA, probably scared her half to death, and we known each other not even a day. Odds are pretty low that I'll get anywhere past friend. This isn't some crappy fan made story about two completely random people talking for a few minutes then going to the bedroom to fuck each other's brains out. No, reality is a lot more complex than that. Plus with how my . . . condition is, sex is the last thing on my mind. Priorities first Richard. Get settled in this world, get yourself a stable source of income now, then worry about your non-existent love life.

"Five days, two hours, forty nine minutes, and fifty six seconds. You were technically dead by the time Hana got to you. I was in the process of deactivating myself at the time as per protocol. But Athena informed me of Hana's actions that brought you back once you were breathing on your own." ATHENA informed as I looked at the sleeping girl beside me. I forgot I programmed ATHENA to delete herself in the event of my death. Setting my armor to self destruct and destroying all evidence we ever existed. Safety protocol just in case. So the wrong people can never use her, my curse, or my tech for any evil actions. "She reconnected your reactor to your heart, refused to leave your side until she heard a heart beat, and preformed CPR on you until you were breathing on your own. I must say I am deeply impressed by her actions. She brought you back from the dead." Well at least it was the cute one who gave me the kiss of life instead of the monkey. No offense to Winston, but if I found out that a gorilla kissed me to save my life, I would be begging to have it be ended right there. Only other candidates were the good Doc herself, and my newly found sister. So my only real options were Hana, Mercy, or let me die in peace. I like them from first introductions, but let me die if the one bringing me back isn't at least a somewhat cute girl.

"I owe her my life now, how can I possibly repay her?" I softly said as Hana shifted her head a little as I brushed past her ear. She let out a cute light groan and went back to sleep. I'll admit I have a soft spot for Korean girls, especially the gamers. Perfect package, wrapped up nicely in a bow. But never piss them off, it will never end good. EVER! Fiery temper with a nasty bite.

"A candle lit dinner, champagne, movie, buy out an arcade for her to play in all day, make her a cake . . ." ATHENA listed off being the smartass AI i programmed her to be.

"Big problem. We do not have nearly limitless funds anymore, and I can't bake to save my life. So unless you want me to bake her an infectious squishy mound of indigestion, please give me possible solutions." I answered softly as I looked around the room for a clock. Only a blue digital one on the wall. 6:34am. Still early in the morning.

"May I suggest a job at a tech company. Maybe some bodyguard work. Who knows what you would come up with by learning some of the tech here. Hardlight and Bionic healing tech seems right up your ally." ATHENA suggested. That . . . is a really good idea. Hardlight technology has my interest on it's uses and versatility, as well as Hana's MEKA. I did just create a new element, so who knows what I can make for these people. Back home, I was one of the most intelligent capable people on the planet. Introduce a few bits of tech to help where it is needed. I'd have to be up to date on world events to even think of that. Still going to have to find out how MY tech came here in the first place. I doubt that was the first group of mercenaries to swipe tech way above their pay grade, and I doubt they will be the last. List of priorities. Get established, find a well paying job, go after the assholes with my gear, then get a girlfriend. Good list of priorities. Most likely not going to follow them in any order.

"Where would you suggest I start?" I said shifting myself slightly to get comfortable with Hana on my chest. Is it rude for me to let her stay on my chest even though I am fully awake and aware? I know it is rude to wake up a sleeping woman and bad for my health. Dad nor Pepper never mentioned a scenario like this happening, so I have no idea what I should do.

"MEKA military division in Busan South Korea is looking for skilled mechanics and engineers. Could be a chance for you to make friends and get to know the girl asleep on your chest." ATHENA replied. Tempting, I could pop over an see what I can do to improvise and repair their MEKA's. If Hana's is anything to go by, internally they are not too different from my HARE exo-suits and drones. But would they pay enough to . . . fund my other 'job'. Busan is a rather expensive part of the world to live. Plus I really don't want to be any closer to Jabba the fat ass Hutt across their boarder than I really need to, if he exists here. I rather not start a war because of my mouth. I'll keep that position in mind. "There is a place in Saint Petersburg Russia called Volskaya Industries looking for engineers, mechanics, and energy technicians. You seem overly qualified for the job. Only two I can pull up that can pay enough for our routine repairs and equipment. Rest don't pay enough to fund your life style or choices." Russia I know for a fact pays well if one can meet their rather unique standards. I designed several defense systems for them back home. Tricky part is making it reliable in any environment, fit in their appointed budget, and meeting their full expectations. Couldn't hurt to fly over some day to give them a hand. Little closer than Busan. But on the down side, cold as Loki's heart and I have a feeling I'd be shot down 30 seconds in Russian airspace. Not worth the risk. Well, why not try both for a bit. One or the other is bound to work out. "And some rich Hollywood director needs a bodyguard. Not advisable because reviews say he is an asshole. On par with Hammer or Stain." Well, it is a start.

"See if I can get an interview with either or. I think the Koreans might remember me after I kinda, vaporized half a fifty foot killer machine for them. That must put me on good enough terms for at least an interview or trial test. Keep the jackass in mind in case we absolutely need funds right that second." I joked softly. Hope I got on their good side for that. Nearly cost me my life because of it now that I think about it. Had I not absorbed the power core, I wouldn't have fucked up my reactor and would have had more time to figure something out. Tough call over all. Yet I would still do it again. Still doesn't answer one question. "ATHENA, where did the silver fox thing come from?" I asked pointing to the sleeping shiny fluff ball at my feet.

"Remember how I told you that you created something unexpected during your breakdown." ATHENA said trailing on to let me connect the dots. No. I couldn't have. The Reality stone doesn't have THAT kind of power . . . does it? It can't be that powerful. I can't create life with it. . . . can I? I don't even know half of what that little parasite can do. Thank Thor I am back in control again. "She is technically a shiny Eevee from Miss Song's Pokemon game you completely destroyed and reconstructed. Hana named her Bliss. Heavily suggested that she has claimed ownership of the new lifeform. So far she eats mostly fruit and some meats."

"Bliss, cute name for her. I " I asked looking down again at Hana, her chest slowly rising up and down as she breaths, snoring lightly now as her eye lids move and blink open. Well, time for a long chewing out I earned. Hana yawned as she lifted her head up. Raising her hands over her head as she stretched. Soft pops echoed from her joints as she tried looking around the room. I just smiled back at her and waved. "Good morning, enjoy your nap?" I joked. I'll admit that was a stupid thing to say. First words I tell her after she brought me back to life and decided to fall asleep on me, so the punch in the ribs didn't come as much of a surprise. I groaned in pain as I held my side where she hit. Damn, for a tiny girl she packs one hell of a punch. "Ouch, easy! You'll knock my heart out of sync again if you punch that hard!" I scolded, earning me another punch to the shoulder. Well she is not a happy girl before her coffee, and rather abusing I might add. Takes a lot to knock my heart out of sync with the rest of my body, but if she kept this up I'll need a new one by the end of the day, and I just recharged the reactor.

"That was for stealing my MEKA, and scaring us half to death." She informed crossing her arms as I rubbed my shoulder. Okay, I had that coming. I can't be too mad at her for that. I'd be pissed if someone took my suit without telling me.

"I didn't exactly have a lot of time to ask so . . ." I said before I was engulfed in a hug by the tiny girl. Okay now I'm really confused. Didn't she just hit me not even two seconds ago? Women, I'll never figure them out.

"This is for coming back to life, and for giving Bliss life." She said. Hana backed away as I was still racking my brain for answers.

"Well, I kind of owe it to you. Literally, I'd be dead if it weren't for you. I'm not sure how I can repay you." I replied sitting up on the bed looking around.

"For starters, I want answers." She replied . Aww shit, here I go again. "Why did you explode like that in the kitchen?" She asked. Well, I guess I do owe it to her. I looked down the bed at Bliss as the Eevee peacefully slept. Not a care on what was going on around her. I doubt she even wonders why she is even here in the first place, I don't even know.

"That . . . is a touchy subject for me to talk about." I said with a defeated sigh. "What did ATHENA tell you?" I asked.

"That it was because of something called an Infinity Stone. No idea what it even is." She replied.

"Unlimited, untold, and unparalleled cosmic power inside a tiny little rock, lodged in my brain like a tumor. Power unlike anything this world has ever seen." I answered calmly. "For over ten years, that curse has knowingly been apart of my life. A voice in the back of my head, whispering to me, wanting to chage the world around me to what ever I want. It controls reality itself around me, yet I can't control it. Bases itself loosely around my emotions. Any strong feeling will overpower the chips and cause a surge if not corrected in time." Bliss calmly breathed in and out as she slept silently. Lucky little one. Doesn't have a worry in the world. "Seven years ago, my father put a series of chips in my head, to help contain and redirect it's power. But it often becomes too much and forces itself out of me in violent ways. Make me ground zero of what ever crazy phenomenon my mind comes up with at the time. Last time was over a few months. I was picking up some fresh plumbs on my way to my hotel room in Brazil. Some asshole thought they could mug me for everything I owned, even ATHENA. I was overly pissed off that they would even think of stealing my AI. So I kind of nearly turned the entire country into a new fault line with a 10.5 earthquake. Luckily a friend knocked me out before it got a lot worse." I recalled. I owe her answers, I hate being in debt to people. She knows what I can do when I am unstable. So I know she won't try using me to her advantage. I unknowingly made her a real living Pokemon. What more does a gamer girl want?

"That sounds like a nightmare. Always needing to keep an eye on your thoughts and emotions." She said reaching down to pet Bliss. The Sliver fox thing happily mewed as she was brushed.

"Worst part is the incidences are completely random, both in time and effect. I can have two in a short five minute frame, or I can go months without problems. Record is almost a year. But since my reactor is back online, I should be good for now." I answered fiddling with my thumbs. "Can we. . . not talk about that parasite for now. I rather pretend it isn't even there. I apologize for the damages I caused."

"Sure, I understand." She replied. Really? No more chewing me out for answers? No more punching? Maybe women are not as complicated as I thought. Or she is saving it all up to roast me alive later. Hana got up from her seat and stretched. "Pharah told me that she was going to make pancakes for breakfast today if you woke up. She wanted to get to know you a little bit before she left for home. I think she is making peanut butter and banana pancakes. Said she remembers they were your favorite." Well shit, why didn't she say so earlier! They are my favorite! I nearly jumped out of bed but fell to the floor as my legs were still too tired to wake up. Damn you lazy bastards, this is peanut butter and banana pancakes we are talking about. MOVE! DAMN IT!

"Uh...little help please? I can't feel my legs." I asked holding my hand out Hana just laughed it off as she took it and picked me up. To be fair, I did earn that for thinking i can get up and run after being bed ridden for nearly a week. Spent most the time in this universe passed out I'm finding. "Thanks." I thanked

(Sombra's POV)

(Talon HQ, Rialto Italy.)

I twirled around in my chair beyond bored. Staring at the ceiling like it would do something entertaining. Been weeks since something even remotely exciting has happened around here. No missions Talon wants to throw at me, and too bored to keep working on my search, too tired of the internet to waste my day there. Just another dull day at Talon. Not everyday is shooting, hacking, and killing. But rarely there are pauses between missions. Long and excruciatingly boring pauses. I was in some casual clothes for the moment. Purple t-shirt with my hack skull on it, blue jeans and closed sneakers. Purple hair off to the side as I twirled come more blowing bits of my bangs out of my face. Too hot to be wearing my mission outfit all the time, not willing to change into anything else. Before me was my multi-screen computer. All types of data scrolled on screen. News reports, bios for people of interest, how many of the events link together.

Still stuck on who the omnic or person that obliterated a few Hakim's men. How efficiently they destroyed the massive energy platforms, how they were able to create that enormous barrier that blocked an ungodly amount of damage. I can't find any trace of them anywhere. No name, no serial number, no model number, nothing. Popped up out of nowhere in South Korea not long ago, destroyed the Omnic there with a devastating energy beam, Pilot names Hana Song took them on a undercover Overwatch jet to Spain. Then they severely screwed up Hakim's plans in Eqypt, flew back on the same Overwatch jet. Only same to assume they will still there. Going to have to pop in there some day to see if I can make a new 'friend'. Not now, they'll be on guard and expecting company after a stunt like they pulled. I'll give it a few days. Maybe see if I can go along with Gabe when he infiltrates the base next week.

"Now what do you do Sombra? You got the whole day to yourself. So much time to kill yet bored of everything." I asked myself watching the ceiling fan spin slowly. I have got to bitch someone out to fix that. It's been busted for three months. "Too bored to keep up the search, too tired to fix that fan, and there is nothing to do!" I moaned out in boredom spinning faster. Well, might as well see what is new on the feed. My guess not even looking at it. A Bastion unit was found swimming in Europe. I twirled my chair around to face my computer and hit a few keys to see if anything new has showed up on my scanners . . . . that is strange. Large gamma radiation spike around Spain last week, lasted not even a minute. Not from the nuclear reactors. This was much larger, much more wild. I tapped several more keys to find out where it originated. . . . . Watchpoint: Gibraltar. Right where the Omnic or person was located right now. This can't be a coincidence.

"HEY GABE! COME HERE A MINUTE!" I yelled typing more commands.

"I told you, call me Reaper!" Gabe yelled as the edge lord himself walked into the room. Like every Emo kid's worse phase. Reaper skull covering his face, spikes galore over his outfit, long black trench coat, shotgun shells I never seem him ever load on his chest. He really hates it when i call him Gabe, I still do it to annoy him ever so slightly. He had his arms crossed as he walked behind me and set a hand on my chair looking at the screen. "This better be good."

"What ever you say edge lord. You been at Watchpoint: Gibraltar before? What there could make, I don't know, a massive spike in radiation?" I asked as I swear he raised an eyebrow at me. At least I think he did under the mask. He groaned in amusement as he watched the hacked camera view of the base. One ship was parked on the lauch pad. Some type of electromagnetic ring looped though a building and was close to said pad. "If the current state of the inside is anything to go by. I would assume it started somewhere around here." I said pulling up a video feed of the kitchen area. Damn, that place has seen better days. Everything glass related was destroyed and in piles now. Room looked like a bomb blew up on the inside. Camera was still a little fuzzy on the picture. Some Egyptian woman was cooking pancakes on the partially working stove as the Korean gamer girl helped some guy with a light in his chest walk though. Can't make out audio. Limited to video unless I can get in there and into the systems for better access.

"That is the busiest that kitchen has been in years. I thought Winston was alone?" Gabe asked as the Egyptian girl nearly jumped away from the stove and gave the guy a death hug. Siblings perhaps. . . I do see a family resemblance there. "Can you rewind it to during the spike? Rather not see Rocket queen there try killing someone with a hug." He asked. I agree, I'll spy on them later. I types a few more commands in and forced the video to rewind to last week. The guy was standing by the door, light in his chest flickering. The Egyptian girl and the one I know as Mercy were by the bar. The Korean girl was playing on her game device. Nothing weird here. Gabe leaned in closer toward the screen as the chair by the Korean girl begun to glitch out. "Sombra, I think something is wrong with your computer again." He said tapping the screen. I had to slap his had away before he scratched it too much.

"It will be fine as long as you don't scratch the screen with your filthy claws." I swore back as the guy fell to the ground holding his heart. the chair that glitched now turned into a pile of bubbles, popping in the air as it passed. "I'm not faking any of this Gabe, this is straight from the bases video feed." I said as the girls jumped from their seats to help him, only to be thrown back by some burst of black liquid from the kid. He looked out and held his hand out as it glowed yellow with everything going red and static filled around him, before some energy burst from the kid's body. Exploding everything around him into a grey goo and forcing the video to static up and glitch out. "Aye Dois Mio. What the hell did they get their hands on this time?" I swore tapping on my keyboard some more. "Nothing, we got no more video feed up until now, anywhere in the base."

"Kid had my curiosity earlier, now he has my attention." Gabe said backing up some. "Looks like I'll need to give them a visit soon. Mission will have to be a few weeks earlier than planned." He noted

"I'm coming with you. You're going to need my help." I declared.

"You're bored ain't you? And only want to go as something to do." He asked seeing right though my bullshit. Well he ain't lying, i am bored and want something to do. This would be a good change of pace.

"Do you really want to take them on alone? Or would you rather I hop along to distract him while you deal with the ape. We both know I can make you mission go a whole lot faster if i came along." I asked. He held up a finger to say something but stopped right there as he thought for a minute. Most likely thinking of how risky it would be now, and what we'll get back in return.

"Be ready in three days, but you're on your own if you don't leave when I tell you to." He said. That is the closest I'll ever get to him saying I'm right. I gave him a silent nod that i agree to his terms as he walked out. Not much choice but I'll go with it. Max won't mind the sudden change of plan as long as stuff gets done. Three days to get ready huh? I'll keep an eye on the kid. See if I can find anything useful. Video reverted back to the kitchen area as it stood now. Kid now having a chat with the girls in the room. What some guys would give to be in his position.

(Richard's POV)

Watchpoint: Gibraltar

"That is basically what little I know. Not a whole lot " I answered sipping my second cup of coffee already. Feeling a whole lot better after this cup. Coffee, best cure for about anything. My new found sister grilled me hard on what i knew about my . . . problem. I told her about as much as I told Hana. If the unamused look on her face is anything to go by, I'm guessing she won't be satisfied with the same answers. Hana was sipping on her coffee as Fareeha narrowed her eyes at me.

"So you have no idea how to control this ungodly power, and are basically a ticking time bomb on when you'll explode again?" She asked putting it extremely bluntly. Ouch, twist the knife a little more why don't you. "How are you still alive after all this time?"

"I got it under control. . . for now. How long is another story." I answered looking down at my pancake stack. I am on my third plate of the fluffy goodness. Watching the syrup drip off the side onto the plate. Funny really, I find out I have a long lost biological family in another world. Only to explode on my sister minutes after meeting her. Some first impressions. "I was raised in another world. Tony Stark, Billionaire Father who raised me, found me on the streets of New York. He helped give me the best education money could buy, his secretary helped make sure I turned out right and didn't basically turn into him. Taught me some chivalry, respect and self worth. I still remember his lessons on how to make my armor. Let me expand and modify it to my liking. I nearly got my masters in Nuclear physics and thermodynamic study. I did create the platforms they terrorized Eqypt earlier this week. Not proud of how they were used but I did design them. Far as living arrangements go, Winston said i can stay here so long as i pull my own weight. Paraphrasing the whole conversation." I explained.

"And your suit?" She asked.

"I designed from the ground up. Mine is a Titanium/cobalt shell with a some frost resistant metal coating around the shell. Makes a rather nice blue and grey color scheme. Highly duraible, stylish, loaded to the brim with weapons and safety systems. Utilizes repulsor and ARC reactor technology for clean energy based flight systems and beam style primary weaponry. Designed for prolonged fighting and heavy combat. Mines need a tune up on the detonation timing, shields I'll experiment with later to drain less power." I explained proud of my iron man suit. Spent months working on it. I damn well have the right to be proud of it.

"Impressive." Fareeha said smiling. "Good to know you were raised right, and didn't turn into a rich slob."

"Trust me, My mother Pepper would have chewed me out if I even left a empty soda can on the counter." I replied shuttering. Never make that woman mad, ever. Dad pushes it on occasion but never to the point where she snaps. That woman snaps, he is going to need a stronger suit than the Hulkbuster to deal with her rage. There is no safe place when she is pissed. She knows where we sleep, our schedules, and how to make our lives a legal nightmare to live. "How about you? I talked so much about me, what about you? What is your life like?" I asked.

"I was a soldier for the Egyptian military for a while. Nearly got into Overwatch, but it disbanded before I got the chance. Was actually excited to come here, always dreamed of being stationed here. Coming here to find out my brother still lives and kicked some butt is enough for me. Working for Helix Security International as a Lieutenant. State of the art Raptora mark VI combat suit. Curious on how it stacks up to yours." She answered. Both somewhat successful in life. Well I got to restart from the ground up, but I got a good foot hold now.

"Once I repair it, I'll give you a call for us to find out." I replied as we joked. All though I am left with one big question to ask myself now. Where do i go from here? What do I do now?

Done with this chapter. Took longer than i thought to complete with life going on but I managed to finish it. Some light fluff between Richard and Hana. Had a funny idea in mind from a ScottFalco video involving Hana inviting Richard to the premiere of her movie. This is Tony's son we're talking about. He'll have plenty of smartass comments and remarks about the movie. Some in site on Reaper's visit. I don't want it to be a self insert of my Character into the animation, so Sombra will tag along for her fun to make new 'friend'. Can the Iron man armor be hacked, What happens if Richard's heart or ATHENA is hacked? that is something you'll all have to see later. Got lots of fun idea in mind. And some laughs as Richard struggles to control the power with in him. See you all next time.

~Dgreen20