≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

THIRTY TWO | ONE LAST HURRAH

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIONNE!"

A young girl squealed in Paul's arms as several cameras clicked to capture the moment, clapping her hands as everyone around her erupted into cheers and laughter. The child then reached out to wrap her arm around Natasha's shoulder, bringing her closer to both her and Paul for the next picture that was going to be taken.

"Alright, smile!"

"Hey, hey!" roared someone behind Cassandra who was silently sipping her orange juice in the corner, indulging in the charm of the kiddie party and observing the happy couple who was in front of the banquet and a four tier Black Widow themed cake. Yes, there was a whole banquet ready for everyone to feast on. Paul did not hold back from spending his cash, both on this party and the compound he recently had built in his newly acquired land. The orphanage foundation's building was as big as the Avengers compound. "You're seriously taking a family photo without me? I'm offended, mom and dad. I'm your unofficial son."

Her eyes slid to a tall man with a very unique hairstyle, a chic mullet style and tips that seemed to have been inspired from the 1980s. He looked like he was in his early twenties and very close to Paul and Natasha since the couple both pulled him and settled him in their middle, making them look like a happy family. "Come here then, unofficial son." Natasha chuckled as she nodded to the photographer. The young male easily made it that he was Natasha and Paul's adult son with the way he behaved. With a goofy smile, he raised two peace signs just as the camera captured the moment.

Screaming swarms of children ran around the event hall as bubbles floated in the air and colorful balloons drifted around aimlessly on the floor among the discarded wrapping paper Black and red banners were draped on the top of each door. Dionne, one of the Hope Orphanage Foundation's children, requested that she had a Black Widow themed party hence, the cake and the banners. Natasha Romanoff was Dionne's favorite superhero. Needless to say, the child looks up to her greatly.

Swirling her glass, Cassandra approached Rhodes, Thor, and Vesper who were reciting their funny experiences in life to the groups surrounding them. "And then, I said, 'boom! You looking for this?'" Rhodes dramatized, causing his crowd of children to cheer and clap to his story. The dark-skinned man nodded, seemingly proud of himself.

"And so, my idiotic brother thought it was good to confront this huge alien blob with one eye alone." Vesper told the bunch of young adults circling around her, her arms crossed over her chest.

"What did you do?" One of the boys questioned, curious.

"Of course, being the older sister that I was..."

"You defended him?"

"Of course, I did. What else was I going to do? Spare its ass? I beat the crap out of it! Lights out for one week. You think I'll let its ass go after it threatened my 'lil bro? Hell no!"

Cassandra chuckled, moving forward to listen to the final storyteller of the day, Thor. "You know what I did? I snatched the microphone and trash talked Noobmaster69 until he left the server." narrated Thor to his group of teenage gamers who listened intently, drawn to his story. "And then, oh, wait, excuse me - hey, purple magic lady?"

The brunette cocked an eyebrow, a bit baffled with Thor's sudden approach to her. "What kind of party doesn't have alcohol or-or beer?" complained the god of thunder, vexed, making Cassandra almost holler if she didn't stop herself.

"Why, the kind of party that is for children, Thor."

"No Mojito, no Margarita. There is only fruit punch and it has no alcohol. I had to pour vodka..."

Cassandra stopped in her tracks, her eyes almost bugging out of their sockets in shock. "What? Thor, did you just spike the fruit punch?"

"Spike?" No, no, I just poured this," he denied looking genuinely confused as he showed her. "in my own drink. Why would I put a-a spike in this? Is that a Midgardian thing? Putting glasses on top of a spike?"

The sorceress supreme released a sigh of relief, putting her hand above her chest to calm her rapidly beating heart. "No, no."

"Oh. You know, Cassandra, this... this is a boring party. Asgardian parties are better than this. There are drinks everywhere. Did you know - "

A sprinting young boy then tripped in front of them both, catching their attention and Cassandra, reacting as swiftly as she could, thrusted her hand forward and threads of dark magic flew out of her fingertips. It pushed the edge of the table away from the child's way and prevented him from getting seriously injured. The surrounding orphans and caretakers glanced at her direction as her magic dispersed in the air, disappearing without a trace. Displaying a smile, she urged them to continue by nodding her head.

"You're purple again."

"And that means?"

"Scary Cassandra."

"You're getting drunk." The brunette shook her head and snatched his glass of spiked juice. He attempted to seize back his drink, but she passed it to Tony who smelt it and flinched. The two of them locked eyes for a moment, worried before Cassandra gave him an okay sign and mouthed to him: I'll handle him. The genius billionaire caught on and proceeded to dispose of the alcoholic drink. Cassandra patted the norse god's back and accompanied him to a private room, sitting him down in a coach. "Here, here. Sit down." She then, unhesitatingly, grabbed his flask which caused him to react.

"Hey! What are you - "

Cassandra knelt in front of him, placing her gentle hand atop his knee to let him see her genuinity. "I'll just take this with me until the party ends, Thor. I promise." She uttered, raising her hand. "It's just that there are children around. I don't think you should be carrying something like this."

"Oh, okay."

"Thor," she swallowed. "I want to talk to you about something: I feel like your drinking is getting a bit out of control and us causing you some problems. Do you think you might need to cut down a bit?"

"No, I don't think I need to."

"Thor, I don't know how things are done in Asgard, but have you ever considered seeing someone to talk about your alcohol use? I am concerned about your intake." She swallowed, gripping his hand. "I have a friend who will listen and help you."

"I don't need help."

The Guardian sighed, moving around to sit down beside him. It took a few seconds before she talked. "I've been where you were, once." She sniffed, lifting the metal flask. "I depended heavily on this. It took away all the pain I felt. It made me forget. I thought that if I drowned myself in it, it would help me heal. I was miserable, lost, and terrified because I thought I was never going to leave that place I was in. That I was never going to recover, but there were people who offered to help me. That is what I am doing as well right now." She told him, placing her hand atop of his own hand as comfort. "I want to help you. Please allow me to do that."

Cassandra never thought the next few minutes were going to be silent and excruciating. She didn't expect Thor to accept her offer, but she was going to wait for his answer. She could tell he was weighing all his options heavily with the way he squeezed her hand as if he could siphon some strength from her. Recovering from grief was a lifelong process, she knew this herself and so, after she started to gain her life back, she promised to devote her time and effort in helping those who also needed to heal from their emotional wounds. Cassandra and Paul continued assisting the island she stayed on five years ago and visited many rehabs and counselling centers, donating and dedicating whatever she can to all those who suffered from The Snap.

"I will try to go see this... friend of yours after we fix everything. Will you come with me?"

The woman smiled, nodding her head. "Of course, Thor. Of course."

The two of them spent another few minutes in the private room until Thor said that he was just going to sleep off his lightheadedness. Cassandra promised to come back and check on his state to which he was grateful for. Feet back in the party, the woman decided to enjoy her favorite dessert, Chocolate Lava Cake. She spotted them not long ago and was enthusiastic to have a bite. Hungry children also loomed over the banquet table, excited to have a taste of the finger foods. Grabbing the sandwiches and filling their mouths with sweets, they clapped their hands giddily and ran around while the caretakers tried to usher them to their seats. Cassandra couldn't help, but feel crestfallen. With her barren, she will never experience holding her own flesh and blood in her arms. She will forever think about the what if's. What if she didn't choose to be a Guardian? What if she never touched the Darkhold and met Dormammu? What if she lived her life as someone ordinary?

"Cassandra Mason, the mage of the team."

"What?"

"Mage, otherwise known as spell-casters to gamers." The young male sporting the 1980s inspired chic mullet during the photoshoot presented himself. He crossed his arms as he continued reciting, "You see, they are one of the main damage dealers in a team, and their priority to kill are the enemy's marksmen and mages because they have the ability to inflict continuous and consistent damage. However, mages should be with a fighter or a tank so they can absorb the damage and because their defense is low."

Cassandra glanced at him, the corner of her lips quirking upwards from his trivia. "Natasha and Paul's unofficial son, right?" She scooped out a spoonful of her dessert and took a bite. "What is your name?"

"Magnus Hendrix." the boy introduced himself and let his arm out for a shake. Cassandra shook his hand. "I heard you were on Titan along with Mr. Stark five years ago."

"Yes, what about it?"

Magnus pursed his lips as if contemplating whether to tell her what was on his mind. "I lost my... best friend there. Peter Parker, you know him?"

"Peter," Cassandra repeated, downhearted. "Yes, I know him. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." The boy's eyes slid to Natasha and Paul who were busy assisting the caretakers. Paul's face was covered in icing and children clingrd around his arms and legs. Natasha was trying to pull away the two boys that were hanging on his arms, but the towering individual only reassured her and pecked her cheek. Magnus sighed. "Nat and Paul's wedding is scheduled next month, right? Those two are beyond excited. Have they told you that they are changing their plans? They are no longer getting married in France, but here instead?"

"They did earlier this morning."

"Nat and Paul deserve to be parents." voiced out Magnus. "Nat is one of those people who deserves to be a mother, but I think you know her condition."

Cassandra knew she and Natasha shared the same situation, the same desire, the same thoughts. Both of them wanted to be mothers, but life robbed them of that right and all they can do now is think and dream of what will never be theirs. "You know, I was in Midtown High when the Snap happened. They both found me in this grocery store four months later, looting and trying to survive the chaos. Nat and Paul saved me and took me in their care that day. I owe them my life."

Cassandra continued to listen to his story. "I actually thought I was never going to live after that day. I lost my mother due to a heart attack, my best friend Peter died on Titan, and then I was forced to watch this girl I really liked in high school fade away into dust. Her name was Mickey and I couldn't do anything to prevent her death. She died in my arms." He wrung his hands together. "I just thought of lying down that day in the middle of the street and letting anything happen to me, but those two... they gave me hope, another purpose and here I am now, helping these kids while I'm in my junior year in college."

The woman placed her hand over his shoulder, reassuring him. "I'm happy that you are doing well, Magnus, and I promise you, we will get your friends back."

"I know. They told me about it. I believe in you all. I know you will succeed."

She hopes they do or she doesn't know what she will do, if they fail again this time.

The sorceress supreme was just chasing down a child who headed into one of the corridors to hide from her when she heard two people conversing in a room with the door wide open.

"I'm kind of nervous for tomorrow."

It was Natasha.

Cassandra leant against the wall to conceal herself. She didn't want to eavesdrop on their conversation and was about to leave. Yet, she heard a quick shuffle of feet and then, "There's absolutely nothing to be nervous of, Nat. The plan's going to work. It's going to succeed." reassured Paul, his voice calm and soothing. "You're going to be fine. We are going to be fine. I promise, nothing will happen to you or me tomorrow. We will be safe."

Her heart dropped.

Why did she feel like something was about to go wrong?

More importantly, did Paul feel the premonition she was feeling too?

THE SUN BLOOMED on the horizon. The sound of the birds chirping and the breeze coming off the water were so gentle and gave a sense of peace. The sunrise illuminated the blue in the sky as if it were igniting the most perfect flame. In a moment, Cassandra felt she was cast in crimson, bathed in a rosy glow. This was an invitation to a new day, but this sunrise felt so ordinary and extraordinary for in a few hours, they will carry the mission of bringing the stones from the past to their current time. Their last chance in reversing the Snap and reviving everyone they lost.

Today, Stephen Strange will return to her.

Or god forbid, she will lose her mind.

"I guess this is it, Cassandra."

Arthur's voice anchored her to reality and she spun around her heel to meet him near her bedroom window. They were currently staying in her old room in the New York Sanctum. The one she lived in for many years before she moved in with Stephen. Expressing a half-hearted smile, she engulfed him in her arms, "I'm sorry. I hope you find someone who loves you as much as you love them." She moved back to look straight in his eyes, gently placing her hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes as if memorizing her touch for the last time. "You deserve that, Arthur. You do."

He leant his forehead against hers and gave her a kiss on her cheek. On his other hand, he was lifting his luggage. Just as they both wanted, he stayed with her until the day they carried out the Time Heist mission. "Thank you, Cass."

"Thank you, Arthur. Keep in touch?"

He chuckled. "I'll try."

Cassandra watched him leave from her room with a heavy heart and with a loud sigh, proceeded to enter her and Stephen's bedroom. The hardwood was ice cold and the bed was neatly arranged except for the pillows. She could feel one of her last pillows teetering at the edge, and she nudged it over with her hand. The woman glanced over at the work desk where she saw the stack of papers again and the framed picture of her and Stephen, grinning. Those were the happy days. She picked up the picture. It was a photograph taken just a month before Thanos came to collect the stones.

She sighed and carefully placed the photo back in its special place. Turning away, smoothing her hair down as usual, she unclasped the necklace hanging around her neck, taking her time to admire the engagement ring Stephen got for her. Holding on to it tightly, she put it in her ring finger and observed how it glistened in the light. It was as if it was always meant to be there. It fitted there, perfectly.

The laboratory was still and quiet except for the hypnotic tick of the clock hanging on the wall. Cassandra thought everyone was still asleep when she heard an overly familiar voice coming from the center of the room.

"I love you three thousand..."

There stood Tony Stark, recording what seemed to be a message for his family. He looked worn and anxious and she knew why. Anything can go wrong today. He released a breath and leaned against the counter as if contemplating all the choices he had made throughout his life.

"Tony..."

He jolted awake from his trance, a bit startled by her presence. "I thought you weren't coming in until later. Everyone is still asleep." Tony quickly explained, crossing his arms. He was on guard like he had been caught red handed.

"Tony, you don't need to explain to me." reminded Cassandra, ambling further into the laboratory.

Her companion sighed. "Sorry. I just... I'd just like to leave my wife and daughter a message should things go south."

This stressed Cassandra as she didn't like the idea of the one of the people who helped her while she grieved dying. Tony was like an older brother to her. He looked after her, made certain that she was alright at all times. To him, she was not just as his event planner, but his friend too. Tony rarely kept people by his side and Cassandra was glad to be one of them. She dropped her hands on his shoulders to wake him up from his heavy thoughts. "You're going to live, Tony, okay? Nothing will happen to you. We will get those stones and snap back everyone into existence. I will keep an eye on you out there. You're going to go home to your daughter safe and sound, understood?"

He nodded. "Hey, whatever happens today, can you promise me one thing?"

"What is it?"

"Don't leave Morgan's side. My daughter adores you so much."

"I'm not leaving that kid alone, Tony. She is my goddaughter." Cassandra patted his shoulder, the two of them having an understanding of what needs to be done.

Tony Stark has to return to his daughter. She promised Morgan that she will bring his father home.

A few more hours later, the former Guardian of the Sorcerer Supreme and the other Avengers walk up to the Quantum Time machine, wearing the modified Quantum Suits. Cassandra felt more empowered as she adjusted a part of her suit. She was part of a team of enhanced individuals determined to do what is good for humanity. Her younger self would never believe she would be here in this moment, in this room. Circling around, the leader of the Avengers, Steve Rogers, encouraged them to boost their morale.

"Five years ago, we lost. All of us. We lost friends. We lost our family. We lost a part of ourselves. Today, we have a chance to take it all back. You know your teams, you know your missions. Get the stones, get them back. One round trip each. No mistakes. No do-overs." He reminded them all.

"Most of us are going somewhere we know. But it doesn't mean we should know what to expect. Be careful. Look out for each other. This is the fight of our lives. And we're gonna win." Steve glanced at Tony, giving him a knowing look. "Whatever it takes. Good luck."

Rocket then commented, "He's pretty good at that."

"Right?" Scott excitedly agreed.

"His words can really give anyone a sense of renewed purpose." Apollos continued.

"All right. You heard the man." Tony interrupted. "Stroke those keys, jolly green."

Bruce pushed a few buttons on the control panels together with Alona. "Tractors engaged."

The royalty connected her thumb and index into a circle to signal that everything was doing well. "Everything's set. Countdown's started."

Cassandra breathed. Seconds from now, she will meet again her second parent and mystical mentor. She might get a chance to see her father as well. Addressing the shrunken Benatar in Clint's hand, Rocket lectured, "You promise to bring that back in one piece, right?"

Clint brushed him off. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. I'll do my best."

"As promises go, that was pretty lame."

Everyone laughed.

Cassandra observed how Natasha gripped Apollos' hand. "See you all in a minute."

Alona clapped her hands in the air as she glanced at her timer. "Oh, oh! Ayan na! Game na! Game! Let's go!"

Right after that second, they all shrunk and invaded the Quantum Realm, only seeing blue blurs around. They all split at different intervals, going to different places and different times in history.

Unbeknownst to them all, that was the last time they were going to see the light in one of their friend's eyes.

about time we start the time heist!