The ticking sound of the wall clock was all his ears could hear against the tranquillity of the 'Questioning Room'. The walls, floor and even the roof of the medium-sized room were covered with white-coloured tiles causing even the frail sound to resonate like an echo in that room. The room merely consisted of three chairs, a metal table and a wall clock that matched the interior of the room. Ethan was brought here only when the senior officials or Madam Serenity wished to meet the superhero and that was a rare occasion. Clueless of the reason for this abrupt meeting the superpowered being sat on his chair his body slightly shivering from the coldness of the room. His wait was cut short by the sound of the door opening revealing a feminine figure standing in the shadows of the hallway, the Skrull knew who she was- she was Madam Serenity.
"Not following order only brings disgrace to your uniform Black Skrull." A sharp, apathetic and callous voice resonated in the room which was soon followed by the sound of footsteps entering the room.
"I don't remember not following any orders, Madam Serenity." Retorted the young man, not accepting the accusation he was being blamed with.
"It seems like you are forgetting that you are not the one who makes the decision here." Spoke the female officer. Madam Serenity was a woman with a strong personality who carried herself with pride and arrogance for she believed no other person had was as accomplished as she was. "What were your orders for the last mission that you were sent on?" She questioned, her tone was brusque yet her face stayed stony as it always did.
"It was to extract Doctor Octopus and if he resists then terminate him." Answered back Ethan in a defeated tone. He was the superhuman yet he was the one who was forced to take orders from a person who wouldn't survive a day in the real words, fighting real threats and not just giving orders from the sanctuary of their office.
"And what you actually do there?" Came another question from the Madam, her tone mocking him.
"I saved the life of a civilian that gave Doc Ock a chance to escape." Replied the Skrull with a disappointed sigh.
"Saving insignificant civilians is not your duty, we have the police for that. You were supposed to bring Dr Octavius to me and he is still out there freely roaming around the city because you prioritized the life of a woman over the safety of our confidentiality!" Growled the woman not trying to control her visibly growing anger. Her tone was vehemently threatening the young hero who sat on the metal chair, unaware of what his crime was.
"I am a superhero; I am supposed to save lives." Retorted the Black Skrull.
"Don't live in a world of a fairy tale, Black Skrull it will only hurt you. You are not a superhero; you are just an asset to the government and nothing more." Spoke Madam Serenity in her cold voice as she looked down at the failed experiment with a disappointed look on her face. No more words came from the woman, Ethan could hear the sound of her footsteps retreating from the room but before her footsteps could have faded, he heard her voice again." Flying doesn't always give freedom, boy."
*
Dalton Wright was startled by the sight of his daughter sunk on the couch with an old-looking sketchbook on her lap, her hands moving in a rhythmic manner as she perfected the strokes of hairs on the sketch of the woman she was drawing. The past week flew by like a nightingale in front of Dalton's eyes who relished the sight of his daughter optimistic for such a long time. His workaholic surgeon child appeared much sunnier and alive than she had ever looked in the past fifteen years. A lovely smile danced on her lips every waking moment and it was not a forced one, she was genuinely trying to enjoy every small moment of happiness life was giving her. The doctor even visited Sharon and her girlfriend- Laura with a bouquet to ask for an apology for being so distant lately and to her surprise, she was welcomed greeted with a warm welcome by the woman her mother had chosen as a partner. His daughter ended up promising the women she would accompany them to their wedding shopping. The old man still remembered how sad he was after his daughter left her only passion and gradually, she grew stoic and distant for them, almost losing all her imagination in the process but seeing her again as the curious and imaginative girl she was, infused a warm feeling in his heart. Dalton always wanted to talk to his daughter about her behaviour but always found himself at the loss of words when he looked down at her despondent eyes, he was aware of her guilt but she always refused to let go of the burdening emotion from her heart. But something was different in her eyes for the past week- ever since her coffee date with that Alfred, she was trying to stay happy and also keep old parents happy. She had visited her mother for the first time ever since Sharon moved out with her girlfriend about six months ago. His little Sam also made a dating account for him and almost managed to send him on a date but the old man was not so gullible when it came to dating.
Dalton wasn't sure who or what the reason for her happiness was but he was thankful to whoever had given his daughter a reason to be happy again.
"When did you start sketching again?" The words escaped the old man's lips as he found it hard to believe what his eyes viewed. His tone displayed surprise but not a disappointment.
"Oh, nothing just thought to dig through some old stuff and found this. Couldn't help myself, I had to complete this sketch I left incomplete." Responded Sam as she shifted her gaze from the faded brown paper to the old man who stood beside the couch with two cups of steaming liquid in his hands. The doctor had an easy day on her hand so she quickly attended the two patients who had an appointment that day and headed straight back home with some lunch from the Italian restaurant she liked very much. It was yet another sight that left her father amazed, Sam could sense her father's happiness on seeing her rejuvenated outlook for life and she felt proud of herself for taking the right decision yet again.
"I thought you abandoned sketching a long time ago?" Asked the old man as he handed the young doctor her cup of tea and seated himself next to her.
"I thought doing something different might bring a change." Spoke the surgeon as she took a big sip of the dark liquid which soothed her throat.
"I don't know what is the reason and frankly I don't even care but it's good to see you happy, dear." Stated the old man, his tone relieved of the worry that had burdened his heart for far too long.
"What do you mean 'seeing me happy'? I am always happy." Protested the surgeon as she passed a father a look of dismay, not appreciating his words.
"Don't pretend like you haven't been roaming around like a ghost ever since your mom and I decided to separate." Responded Dalton as he took the sketching book from his daughter to get a better look at her creation. The face on the faded brown paper appeared so full of life, its eyes filled with youth and passion. Sam was always a very fine artist but she was also very conservative about the art that she inhibited as if she was afraid of the judgement the world would pass upon her.
"I know I have been nothing but a jerk to you two and I am very sorry about that." Spoke Dr Wright as she turned to face her father, passing him an apologetic smile.
"It's fine dear, I am just happy you understood." Responded Dalton, his tone reassuring and calm.
"So, I have noticed you haven't been going to college lately? Should I be worried?" Asked Sam in an attempt to change the topic of their conversation.
"Nothing just took this week off and thought I should complete the research for the book I have delayed for the past four months." Informed the old man as she flipped through the pages of the old sketchbook, intently scrutinizing every art piece.
"At last!" Sighed Samantha, her raven eyes sparkled with joy as she gulped the remaining liquid in one sip.
"Anyway, shouldn't you be out on a date or something instead of staying at home? What happened to that Brown you went on a date with?" Questioned the old man.
"I am done with going on dates with guys on these websites, Dad. And they all agreed to go on a date with me because I am a doctor and not because they found me to be an interesting person for the matter of fact." Blurted out the surgeon as she climbed off the couch, her tone dipped with frustration.
"Don't be such a pessimist, Sam. There must be a guy out there who would be interested in you for who you are and not because of your profession." Said Dalton in his futile attempt to reassure his daughter who was visibly fed up with his attempts of starting her love life.
"With due respect Dad but I doubt your whole mantra that everyone has someone destined for them is a big lie. Half of the people die without finding the true love of their life." Retorted Dr Wright who appeared visibly unimpressed and bored.
"Not every love story has a happy ending Sam. What's more important is finding love and cherishing it with your heart. You can never make anyone fall in love with you or try to fall for someone, it happens naturally. And when you will fall for someone all you would want to see is a smile on the other person's face. You will know what I am talking about when you will cross paths with your love." Spoke the old man, his tone filled with passion. Passing his little Sam, a desperate look, the man asked her not to be so rigid with her thoughts.
The doctor opted not to retort any further as she let the words sink in, she was oblivious to what she was supposed to say. The words felt compelling yet cruel to the woman who was sure she never felt like that her whole life but she was also sure the closest she had ever been to someone who wasn't her parents was the notorious scientist who often occupied her thoughts. She still remembered how the man with the four metal tentacles' company felt soothing to her and how much she hated leaving him behind- all alone. Dr Wright was thankful to the supervillain for unknowingly making her realize how much of her life she had wasted thinking and living under the guilt and she wanted to thank him for it but wasn't sure how could she. All she knew about that man was that he was capable of hurting her but had refused to do so.
*
Scanning the harbour for a certain someone, Dr Wright paced on the cemented pavement, the sound of her footsteps fading against the sound the saline water made. Her legs carried her as fast as she could for she didn't want the hot cup of coffee in her hand to get cold. A brown paper bag occupied her other hand from which came a very delicious smell of something that was freshly taken out of the oven. The cake which was wrapped with the brown paper was still warm and she was praying it would still be warm by the time it reaches the one she had bought it for. In Sam's eyes were the sparkle of joy, her face gleamed with happiness as she searched the vacant harbour for the notorious scientist.
Only five minutes had passed since she reached the spot, she met the supervillain a week ago but it was now that her sharp mind realized that it could have been a mere coincidence that she crossed paths with the mad scientist. The bitter thought of never meeting the brilliant man broke something inside her that infused a sad feeling inside her. The waves of sorrow which was drowning the small boat that carried her hope were merciless but the boat refused to give up just like she refused to give up on her quest to find Dr Otto Octavius for she had to tell him something- something she never thought she would confess to anyone, none the less to the supervillain.
Dr Samantha Wright sighed deeply as she marched further down the cemented pavement when her gaze shifted to the partially broken wooden bridge that led to the equally tattered warehouse, the broken windows and fallen walls gave her a glimpse of what was lying beneath the weak walls. Her ears could percept the feeble and distant noise which was eerily familiar to the doctor, it took her some time and a few steps towards the direction of the broken structure to acknowledge the sound. The more she increased the proximity with the strange structure the more her mind could comprehend the sound which appeared more mechanical with every step. It was the moment she had crossed half the bridge connecting the harbour with the warehouse when her mind confirmed the noise to be the one Dr Octavius' tentacles made. The realization gifted her a sigh of relief as a small smile crept to her lips. Shrugging off the feeling of uncertainty from her shoulder as she took a step towards her destination, the old and water-soaked wood made a creaking sound under her weight.
It took her mere seconds to reach the warehouse which was in no way a place to live, its walls shattered and its debris scattered on the floor, the place felt lifeless and cold to the surgeon. The soft sound grew stronger as she stepped inside the warehouse from what she perceived could have been an entrance door a long time ago. Her ears were filled with the noise of mechanical instruments being operated and the strong smell of cigars to which her lungs were very weak. Ignoring the tickle of cough she could feel in her throat, Sam kept walking inside the warehouse, avoiding debris and gaping holes on the floor. Eventually, the doctor found the person she had been looking for the whole evening- Dr Otto Octavius who appeared to be working on one of his arms. His brown eyes fixed upon the tentacle which laid in front of him motionlessly, patiently letting its host work upon itself. A cigar pressed between his thin lips, smoke encompassing his face but he appeared unaffected by the strongly scented smoke. Unaware of the presence of an intruder in his 'home' because he had not had a visitor for far too long.
Samantha found it hard to look away from the man who was sitting at a considerable distance from her, completely submerged in his work, unaware of the world beyond. His handsome face looked so calm under the light of the table lamp, sadness cast over his face and the surgeon could read the dread. Of all the times Sam had seen the scientist on the television or his photos in the newspaper, a mirthful visage was always on his face but whenever she saw him in reality all she ever saw was regret and despair. The doctor hesitated to announce her presence for a long moment before she realizes the coffee and cake, she had bought for him were getting cold.
"Sorry, I don't want to intrude but I brought something for you, Dr Octavius." Announced the woman as she took another step towards him. The sudden outburst in the otherwise calm warehouse alarmed the scientist who shifted his gaze from the metal arm to the possessor of the refined voice who was across the room slowly and cautiously making her way towards him. The sight of Samantha managed to put a smile on his face, she came to meet him unlike the voice told him and it made him glad for reasons unknown.
Spectating the supervillain's face gleaming at her sight infused a warm feeling in Sam's heart as she made her way towards him.
"What brings you here on a day like this Dr Wright?" Asked Otto, his deep voice had a playful tone to itself. Keeping aside the triot he was using to give an update to the metal arm. He had been longing to meet her, see her again just to prove the voices in his head how wrong they were about the doctor.
"Nothing much just brought some coffee and cake for you. I hope you don't mind me doing this." Spoke Sam as she placed the cup of coffee which was still warm on the table which was already covered with various things, she failed to identify some but recognized others. The proximity to the smoke of cigar forced a cough to escape her lips for her lungs were not strong enough to take the damage the smoke offered. Covering her mouth with her arms, Samantha took a step back.
Witnessing the sight of the doctor the mad scientist's hand threw away the cigar involuntarily not wanting to cause her any discomfort. Otto could never understand why he feared hurting the woman but the thought of her in pain because of him only made him feel like a monster he didn't want to be anymore.
"You didn't have to do that Dr Octavius." Said Sam, her tone apologetic.
"It only damages my lungs anyway." Responded the man with four metal arms as he passed the woman a look of utter dismay as his eyes fell upon the cup of coffee and a brown paper bag from which came a tempting smell. Long gone were the days when he used to enjoy the spend his evening hours at the café down the street from his apartment, waiting for Rosie with a cup of Earl Gray and a book on poetry. The memories of those good old days feel like a distant memory to his heart which was wrenched as the kind act of Samantha brought back those memories. "You don't need to do this, Dr Wright. I am already burdened by the debt of the generosity you had shown to me. I am not aware of how will I ever repay you." He continued.
"I did what I felt was right and because it was my duty, I couldn't have let you die knowing the fact that I could have saved you. Please don't feel burdened and you needn't repay anything." Replied Samantha as she gently pushed the cup with the hot liquid towards the man, indicating him to enjoy the drink before it loses its taste. Apprehending the indication, the supervillain hesitantly took the cup in his gloved hands, slowly bringing the cup to his lips he took a small sip of the steaming liquid. The delicious liquid ensnared his senses as it felt soothing against his gut.
Dr Wright was unknowingly gazing at the mad scientist as a small smile made its way to her lips as she couldn't help but feel proud of the small happiness, she managed to give him.
"So, you didn't feel like having a coffee for yourself?" Questioned Otto, his eyebrow arched as he found her idly smiling at him.
"I had one at the shop, then a thought struck me to bring you some too." Said the surgeon. "I also brought this freshly baked chocolate cake for you. Cate told me she had it baked specially for me." Added the woman who pulled out the cardboard box from the brown paper bag. Her black eyes glowed with the zealous spark which radiated her unique beauty and it caused the supervillain to intently look at her. The supervillain felt captivated by her enthusiasm.
"Someone seems very excited." Remarked the brilliant scientist with a mirthful smile, appreciating the doctor's alacrity.
"Well, I am just thankful to you and this is kind of a gift of gratitude for you." Spoke the surgeon as her fingers caressed the dusty table separating the two doctors.
"Gratitude? For me?" Otto managed to speak in between the cough her words gave him.
"Yes, I am thankful to you because otherwise, I would have never realized how much of my life I had wasted because of a silly guilt, I should have never had." Declared Dr Samantha Wright but soon regret filled her heart at the actualisation that she yet again let out more than she was supposed to.
"Guilt?" A deep voice echoed in her ears against the tranquillity of the warehouse. Looking up from the table, Sam's eyes met the curious gaze of Dr Octavius who was no longer taking the sips of his coffee but instead his chin rested on his hands.
A long moment of silence prevailed, neither of the two spoke. An internal argument was raging inside the doctor who struggled to decide whether she should let go of another burden from her heart by telling the mad scientist the reason for her guilt. Otto, on the other hand, was sure if he should stretch this conversation any further but before he could have come to any conclusion a refined voice fell into his ears.
"I don't talk much about this to anyone, not even mom and dad... I... I was around 10, freshly adopted by my parents, life was going very well when that happened." Spoke the woman but soon paused for she found it an arduous task to express her pain in words. "I used to learn piano back then. One day while mom was walking me back home a driver lost control of his car down the street not much far from us. I could still hear the sound of the car coming my way with furious speed. Someone pulled mom out of the way but it was too late for me. My whole body was covered with shattered pieces of glass and metal and they had to surgically reconstruct my spinal cord. I was in the state of coma because of a head injury and I stayed that way for six months, the doctor doubted I would survive. It was during one of the surgeries that my heart stopped beating, I was completely dead at that moment. I lost everything the life had gifted me, everything was snatched away from me without remorse. The doctors manage to revive my heartbeat, I lived but my parents say I was never the same after that and I don't contradict. I regretted losing the six months of my childhood and instead of living life to the fullest I pushed everything away because I feared losing everything again." She continued, her voice low with the guilt she was feeling at that moment. The sparkle faded from her eyes as the words poured out of her lips.
"I wasted my whole life trying to convince myself that the way I was living a soulless life was helping me make up to the few months I lost but somewhere deep down I knew that I wasn't. When I was falling, I admitted my mistake and promised myself I would live a life if I were to live any further." She added with a sad smile. Out of the blues, her heart didn't feel burdened as it had felt for the past twenty-five years. The cold warehouse didn't seem so cold nor did talking seem like an arduous task. Dr Wright felt like she had been freed after twenty-six years of imprisonment.
Otto, on the other hand, was oblivious of what he was supposed to say, he did want to comfort her but wasn't sure how he was supposed to do that. Getting on his feet, the brilliant scientist slowly made his way towards her, not wanting to startle her already disturbed mind. The doctor had been looking into the space, unaware of the supervillain's proximity. A gentle touch on her shoulder diverted her attention from memories she was trying to forget, turning her head Sam found a large hand lightly squeezing her shoulder with a reassuring gesture. His act was similar to her own but he seemed uncertain of his actions, almost as if he wasn't sure how she would react to his caress. All Sam could do was pass him a sad smile.
"I don't know if anything that I will say can console you but I hope you are feeling better now that you have left the guilt behind you." The words came out of Otto's mouth in no more than mere whispers. One of the metal tentacles attached to his spine slowly glided towards the surgeon, it didn't make the hissing sound it usually does and gently wrapped itself around her back as if the arm wanted to embrace her. The abrupt touch of the cold metal sent chills down Sam's spine but she didn't flinch away from its caress for she sensed the intention of the gesture.
"They have a mind of their own." Said the mad scientist as he saw the surprised look on her face.
"It's fine. I guess I needed a hug anyway." Whispered Samantha as she patted the metal arms gently. "I am sorry you had to bear with me. I was feeling suffocated not being able to tell anyone how I was feeling. I had to let it out." Added Dr Wright as she looked up in the eyes of the man.
"It's fine, you don't have to feel sorry, Dr Wright." Whispered Otto, passing her a reassuring smile.
"It's just Samantha, Dr Octavius." Said the surgeon.
"And it's just Otto, Samantha." The supervillain mimicked her to lighten the mood. His little endeavour managed to put a smile on the face of the doctor. The surgeon nodded her head in agreement.
Both of them had a lot to say but were unaware of how were they supposed to say that. Otto had finally found someone to whom he could confine his thoughts and emotion and he knew she wouldn't betray him as others did. While Dr Wright on the other hand found a person from whom she could pour out her heart and not feel judged.
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