As the sun dipped below the horizon, you and Ajak made your way back to the tranquil abode where Phastos resided in Japan. A palpable silence enveloped the surroundings, as if the weight of unspoken emotions lay heavy on your shoulders. Inside the cozy home, Ajak's focus was entirely devoted to attending to Phastos, who seemed to require her undivided attention. Meanwhile, your mind was preoccupied with the enigmatic purpose of Peggy's visit, leaving you lost in contemplation.
Restlessly, you observed Ajak's determined movements as she darted back and forth, tirelessly tending to Phastos' needs. The flickering light from the living room cast dancing shadows on her face, revealing her unwavering dedication and concern for Phastos' well-being. Only when Phastos finally succumbed to slumber did Ajak pause her ceaseless efforts.
With a gentle sigh of relief, she half-closed the door to ensure Phastos' peaceful rest. Then, like a soothing breeze, Ajak gracefully joined you in the living room. Her presence brought a sense of comfort, as if her very essence emanated tranquility. There, the two of you found yourselves sharing an unspoken connection, silently acknowledging the complexities of the day's events.
In the soft glow of the room, Ajak's features seemed to hold an air of ancient wisdom, hinting at a life enriched with experiences beyond imagination. As the evening wore on, the silence between you both became a sanctuary, allowing for contemplation and introspection.
Amidst the quiet ambiance of the room, the sound of Ajak's voice calling your name, snapped you out of your reverie. "Seidon,"
Momentarily disoriented, you blinked a few times, gradually realizing that she was addressing you. Across from where you sat, Ajak's presence exuded a sense of composure as she delicately raised one of her eyebrows, a subtle gesture conveying her concern. The conversation had apparently taken a serious turn, and you could sense her contemplative mood.
"There was no need to be that harsh towards her," Ajak stated, her words measured yet filled with a touch of compassion. She gracefully occupied the sofa, her posture reflecting her wisdom and experience. Her gaze fixed on you, making it evident that she referred to your recent response to Peggy's visit.
In response, you offered an explanation, rubbing the back of your neck with your hand, a gesture betraying your momentary discomfort. The atmosphere seemed to hold a tinge of vulnerability as you confessed.
"It's just a force of habit. In case they have the wrong idea and come after us." The weight of your words lingered in the air, revealing the complexity of the circumstances that surrounded you both.
Softly, almost in a whisper, Ajak expressed her gratitude, her voice barely audible but nonetheless reaching your ears with a sense of sincerity. The tender expression on her face conveyed a depth of emotion that words couldn't fully encapsulate. It was a moment of acknowledgment, a silent affirmation of the bond that existed between you and the trust she had in your instincts.
"For what?" Curious and touched by her gratitude, you couldn't help but ask. Her response revealed a poignant vulnerability, and her voice barely carried the weight of her gratitude,
"For not doubting me."
—————————
After days spent in Japan attending to Phastos' needs, you and Ajak embarked on the journey back to Louisiane. The weight of unspoken worries lingered as you arrived home, parking the car outside the familiar house that sheltered your existence. Stepping out of the vehicle, a shared concern reflected in your glances exchanged with Ajak.
Someone is here...
The notion of an uninvited presence sent shivers down your spine, uncertainty clouding your minds.
Reacting in perfect harmony, Ajak shifted her position, positioning herself closely behind you, ready to face whatever awaited inside. Your grip on the pistol you had grabbed from the cabinet in the car tightened as you approached the entrance, apprehension rising with each step. Taking a deep breath, you reached for the doorknob and turned it gently, slowly pushing the door open.
Sunlight poured through the living room window, casting a golden glow over the scene before you. And there, seated on the sofa, was someone... The air was thick with suspense, the identity and intentions of this unexpected guest yet to be revealed.
"Peggy…"
As Peggy's unexpected presence filled the room, a mixture of emotions washed over you, causing you to let down your guard. You stepped aside to make room for Ajak to enter, the two of you sharing a silent acknowledgment of the situation.
"Put the gun away," Ajak's reassuring touch on your shoulder quelled the tension that had gripped you. Her calming presence offered a sense of stability amidst the uncertainty that surrounded Peggy's visit.
Addressing Peggy with a measured politeness, Ajak greeted her, "Ms. Cater," before setting her belongings down. With graceful poise, she made her way towards the kitchen, her inquiry extending an olive branch, "would you like a drink?"
The atmosphere seemed to hold an unspoken history, with each member of this unexpected reunion wearing their experiences like a cloak. As you observed the interaction between Ajak and Peggy, a myriad of emotions played across your face, reflecting the complexity of your feelings toward this unannounced visitor.
A faint chuckle escaped your lips as you observed Peggy Carter's slightly unsettled demeanor in response to Ajak's inquiry. Her eyes darted back and forth between you and Ajak, seemingly uncertain about something before finally accepting the offer with a hesitant "Um, sure, thank you, madam."
Ajak's composed response of "Good" seemed to break the tension momentarily. The sound of bottles mixing filled the room, reverberating in your ears as the living room settled into a hushed quiet. Taking your customary place in the room, you couldn't help but watch Peggy closely as she cast a quick glance around the unfamiliar surroundings.
The small cottage exuded an unassuming charm, its simplicity reflected in the modest furnishings that adorned its interior. For an extended period, this unpretentious hideout had been your sanctuary, a refuge where you and Ajak sought solace before the war unfolded. The thought of relocating once more, after Peggy Carter managed to track you down, weighed heavily on your mind. Despite the lingering sense of vulnerability, you couldn't deny that this place had woven its way into your heart, becoming a space you had come to cherish.
As you sat in the cozy cottage, your attention shifted to the enigmatic woman seated before you: Peggy Carter. Memories of your past encounters with her surfaced, painting a vivid picture of the first time you crossed paths. Back then, she had been grappling with finding her footing in the military, a determined soul seeking her place amidst the chaos of war.
The recollections prompted you to wonder about the last time you saw her. The threads of your thoughts intertwined, and you found yourself questioning whether she had indeed spotted you during that fateful pursuit of the German forces.
Ajak returned with two cups of wine, her graceful movements betraying a sense of purpose. One cup she offered to Peggy, and the other she presented to you, ensuring that all were accounted for. Settling back onto the sofa, Ajak joined you both, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth.
Despite the gesture, Peggy seemed hesitant to indulge in the wine. Sensing her reservation, Ajak reassured her, dismissing any concerns about poison or drugs, and instead attributing any potential challenge to the strength of the vintage, particularly for humans like Peggy.
Intrigued, Peggy inquired about the wine's age, a curiosity reflected in the way she twirled the cup, watching the liquid dance inside. Ajak took a moment to ponder before responding, her words hinting at the deep history held within this seemingly ordinary drink.
"The year?" Peggy's question hung in the air, inviting a tale of ages past.
A knowing smile played on Ajak's lips, and she revealed the wine's storied existence. It had remained hidden away in their storage, untouched and waiting for the perfect moment to be savored. The significance of this occasion, the reunion of old friends amid uncertain times, had finally presented the opportune moment to uncork the aged elixir.
Peggy's initial sip of the wine caught her off guard, the strength of its flavor eliciting an involuntary cough. Determined to regain her composure, she persevered, managing to form her question, "What year… is… the wine?"
Ajak, however, dismissed the query as inconsequential, taking her own sip from the cup. With an air of curiosity, she redirected the focus, "What brings you here to our humble spot?"
Acknowledging the intrusion, Peggy apologized for her uninvited visit, yet it was evident that there was an urgency to her presence. She took another deliberate sip, steadying herself before delving into her reason for coming, "But I have to come and ask again."
Ajak's expression remained guarded, her skepticism apparent as she alluded to their previous encounter in Japan, "I think my son here has made ourselves clear on your request back in Japan."
The atmosphere tensed with unspoken tension as Peggy's true intentions were questioned. Meeting Ajak's raised eyebrow, Peggy found herself compelled to reveal her true motive, exposing the vulnerability hidden beneath her composed demeanor, "Why are you really here, Ms. Carter?"
The weight of anticipation hung in the air as the room fell into a contemplative silence. The conversation had momentarily stalled, leaving you, Ajak, and Peggy locked in a moment of profound introspection. No words were exchanged, and the only sound that broke the quietude was the soft rustling of sips taken from the cups. Each passing second seemed to stretch endlessly, as if time itself were holding its breath.
The atmosphere was pregnant with unspoken thoughts, emotions simmering beneath the surface. With bated breath, you and Ajak fixed your gazes on Peggy, patiently awaiting her response. The intensity of the moment was palpable, a complex tapestry of unspoken feelings weaving its way between the three of you.
The tick of the clock seemed to echo louder in the vast space, underscoring the significance of this silent exchange. It felt as though an eternity had passed, though in reality, it had only been a mere ten minutes. The weight of those minutes pressed down on your shoulders, carrying the weight of memories and unspoken truths.
Then, at last, Peggy broke the silence, her voice steady yet tinged with vulnerability. Her answer unfolded like delicate petals unfurling on a flower, revealing the depth of her intentions and the earnestness of her presence.
"Who are you?"
Now, that is THE question… You and Ajak exchanged glances.
Do we tell her? Ajak asked through your sphere connection.
She doesn't seem like the type that would expose secrets.
"We were… your kind once," Ajak's voice held a trace of solemnity as she turned her focus back to Peggy Carter. The gravity of her words seemed to resonate, conveying a history that stretched back to the very dawn of human existence.
The revelation hung in the air like an enigmatic mist, filling the room with a sense of intrigue and disbelief. Ajak's words held a weight that transcended time itself, hinting at a past so ancient that it seemed almost impossible to fathom. Peggy's reaction was a mix of incredulity and skepticism, as if grappling with the idea of beings that had witnessed the birth of humanity.
"I can't tell if you are serious," Peggy responded, her expression betraying a struggle to comprehend the magnitude of what she was being told. In response, you chimed in, affirming the truth behind Ajak's words,
"You already noticed we didn't age through your data search," said Ajak. It was a simple but undeniable fact, a testament to the longevity that Ajak and you possessed. "is it that hard to believe that we are what we said?"
As Peggy's expression shifted from shock to stoicism, Ajak couldn't help but burst into laughter, unable to contain her amusement at Peggy's successive waves of astonishment.
With a smile tugging at your lips, you considered the irony of the situation. How could one blame Peggy for her skepticism? The revelation of immortality and ancient existence was beyond the realms of everyday reality. Yet, standing before her were two beings who had walked the earth for centuries, your history woven into the very fabric of human civilization.
Ajak's movements were deliberate and graceful as she rose from her seat, leaving behind the cup she had been holding. With a fluid motion, she placed the cup on the countertop, its contents hinting at the unspoken stories it held. Her attention now fully on Peggy, Ajak navigated the room with an air of purpose, closing the distance between them.
Ajak, remember to cancel Tiamut…
As you watch in anticipation, Ajak nods silently in response to your unspoken request. With a purposeful stride, she positions herself before Peggy, her index finger extending as if guided by an invisible force, reaching out to touch her.
Curiosity tinged with caution fills Peggy's voice as she questions Ajak's intentions, "What are you doing?" She takes a small step back, creating a slight distance between herself and Ajak's outstretched finger.
Undeterred, Ajak offers a simple yet enigmatic directive, "Open your eyes." With utmost gentleness, she taps Peggy's forehead, the contact lingering for a moment like a bridge connecting the two.
In that ephemeral moment, an otherworldly transformation begins to unfold. The air seems to shimmer with cosmic energy, and a radiant golden light begins to envelop Peggy's eyes. It's as if a celestial curtain has been drawn open, revealing a glimpse of untold mysteries and profound truths.
The light casts a mesmerizing glow on Peggy's features, and you can see a mixture of awe and wonderment flickering in her widened eyes. The cosmic illumination seems to penetrate the depths of her being, as if unlocking doors to realms beyond mortal comprehension.
As Ajak slowly withdraws her finger, the glow recedes, leaving Peggy's eyes forever changed. In that single moment, she has been granted a glimpse into the vastness of the universe, a gift of cosmic wisdom bestowed upon her.
The ambiance in the room is one of relaxed enjoyment, as you and Ajak savor the wine that fills your cups. However, the tranquil moment is interrupted as Peggy shakes her head, a dizziness overtaking her.
"What…" Peggy's voice is tinged with discomfort, and she quickly reaches for the water you had thoughtfully prepared for her while she was still in the trance. She gulps down the water in a single, desperate go, seeking relief from the disorienting sensation that lingers. As the effects of the trance gradually subside, Peggy's curiosity emerges, and she poses a question.
"What year is the wine?" There's a sense of wonderment in her voice, hinting at the realization that the wine she has just consumed is no ordinary vintage.
"Late 18th century," Ajak replies with a nonchalant air, relishing the last traces of wine in her cup. The casual response contrasts with the significance of the revelation, indicating that such a rare find is an everyday occurrence for Ajak.
Both you and Ajak observe Peggy's reaction intently, watching as she leans back against her seat, seemingly awestruck by the revelation. The weight of history seems to settle around the room, the wine becoming more than just a beverage but a vessel that carries the stories of ages past.
Peggy's gaze lingers on her empty cup, perhaps contemplating the centuries of history encapsulated within that single vintage. It's a moment that transcends time, where the boundaries between past and present blur, and the echoes of the 18th century resonate in the 21st.
In the shared space between you, Ajak, and Peggy, there's an unspoken understanding of the vastness of existence and the tapestry of lives woven together. The wine becomes more than just a drink; it becomes a symbol of the eternal nature of being and the interconnectedness of souls that have traversed the ages.