30 Free Falling

As the suit fabricator worked to create my design, it's gentle hum filling the room, I worked at an ammunition bench, creating my secret weapon for Magneto. I had my earphones in, and an info file on Magneto in front of me as my hands glid over the workbench, creating my personalized equipment as I had done thousands of times before.

My music played in my ears, providing a beat for my movements to follow, a technique that tended to help me when I work.

I was listening to SPINE by WesGhost, the energetic tone of the music helping me concentrate.

My plan needed very specific materials, which thankfully Tony was able to get me. Having military connections was definitely useful.

I heard the door open, and saw Gwen approach me from the corner of my eye. She walked over to the bench I was sitting at, looking over my shoulder to see what I was doing.

"Woah…" she spoke, seeming to understand what I was planning. She was a borderline genius, after all.

She pulled up a chair and took a seat next to me, both of us enjoying each other's company in silence.

Finally, she spoke up, airing a question I knew would come sooner or later.

"You're used to killing, aren't you."

My hands stopped working, and my eyelids drifted to a close. I thought back to everything I had done, and everything I wish I could undo.

Eventually, I opened my eyes once again and looked straight at her, a somber smile lining my face to hide the pain.

"Yeah. I am. But there's a difference. This time, I'm killing to protect. Because I'd rather have a guilty conscience than risk anyone hurting the people I vowed to protect."

She took a moment to take in my words, before smiling back at me and putting a hand in my shoulder to reassure me.

"I don't know about your past, and I don't know what you think of yourself because of it. But the Elijah I know is a good person. Nothing can you tell me can change that. And if you ever decide you want to talk about it, I'm always ready to lend an ear."

"…Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."

We went back to our silence as I continued my work. Gwen lay her head on a table, her eyes never ceasing to watch me.

Maybe this is what Natasha meant. Maybe I'll always be a killer. But at least, I can use that power to protect, not destroy.

The suit fabricator dinged, letting me know the suit was complete. Gwen and I looked over, and I got up to see my work.

She followed me over as I pulled the suit out of the machine, and whistled after seeing it.

My suit was ready, and so was my equipment. I walked towards a case I had left on the side of the bench and opened it. Gwen's eyes widened upon seeing what was within it. I hadn't used this baby in a while, ever since I made my first suit, but it was still in perfect condition.

Oh yeah, it's all coming together.

*5 hours later*

We all gathered at the helipad, standing before a Quinjet ready to head towards Iceland.

The bay doors of the Quinjet opened, and we all walked up the ramp, entering the futuristic plane.

I set down my case next to my seat, along with my backpack that had my suit. My face was covered with a cap and a black bandana, sunglasses covering my mouth to conceal my identity.

Gwen took the seat next to me, wearing her suit. Riri and Viv took the seats opposite to me, leaving the X-Men further back towards the bay doors. Tony and Natasha took the Pilot and Co-Pilot seat.

The tension in the bay was palpable, with Charles particularly stressed. Not that I cared. One way or another, Magneto's reign of terror was coming to an end today.

The Quinjet took off, making it's way to Iceland. Once we were clear to move around the cabin, I got up and walked up to Tony and Nat in the front.

"What's our ETA?" I said, holding onto Tony's seat for stability.

"About 6 hours. You should get some rest." Natasha replied.

I nodded my head as I made my way back to my seat. I informed Gwen that I was going to be taking a nap, to which she nodded.

I closed my eyes, allowing myself to drift off into a deep sleep.

*Timeskip*

I heard a distinct "Snap" noise, waking me from my rest. I opened my eyes, only to see Viv and Riri looking at a phone that was pointed at me.

I raised my eyebrow, confused as to why Riri was snickering. I then heard a groan as I started to move, causing me to stop my movements.

I looked down to see Gwen cuddled up against my chest. I distinctly remember this happening before. Not that I'm complaining, though.

I looked back up at Riri and Viv, who were snickering at what I assume was a picture of us. I rolled my eyes as I gently moved Gwen off of my chest and stood up. I walked past Riri and Viv, but not before leaning close and whispering.

"Either that gets deleted, or your phone gets tossed off the plane."

Riri gasped and hid her phone defensively.

"Bold of you to assume I didn't back it up on the cloud" she said, giving me a smug look.

I just sighed and walked back to the cockpit.

"How far are we?"

"About 100 klicks away, so about 10 minutes, give or take." Tony replied.

"Got it. Slow the plane down when we get close, I need to get off about 1 klick away from the site" I said, walking back towards my seat.

Gwen had woken up, but looks like she didn't know about the picture. A problem for later.

I opened my bag and pulled out my suit. I took off my shirt and put on the suit's upper half. I noticed Gwen taking glances of my chest as I changed, causing me to smirk, which she noticed before snapping her head away from me. I chuckled as I finished changing. Most of the people in the plane were still asleep, so I didn't need to worry much.

Once I finished, Tony told me to wake everyone up, which I did. We were 20 klicks out, and slowing down. Once everyone was awake and ready, I opened my case and took out what I had been preparing. I smiled as I brandished my old friend.

My Widow-Maker.

I walked towards the the bay doors as I grabbed a parachute. As we got to 2 klicks away from the target site, the doors opened as a green light flashed overhead.

I turned and waved a final salute, before I jumped from the plane, free falling through the air.

God I missed this.

End of Chapter 29~

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Sorry for the shorter chapter, but needed to have a setup chapter.