My Silver Lining (Marvel/Star Wars Crossover)

Chapter 12: Nightmares

As I opened my eyes memories from what I did in the Framework. Tears filled my eyes. May and I gave the order to bomb that building...and the Patriot, Jeffrey, was inside. I remembered his face before we left the building. His last words to me. "Mandy, I love you...I'll never stop loving you."

His words made me snap out of what Hydra had drilled in me. And I killed him...I had my boyfriend killed. As soon as we were out of the Framework, Coulson approached me, looking worried. "Mandy, hey, look at me. This is not your fault."

"Of course, this is my fault! I killed him, Coulson!" I retorted.

"No! It's my fault! It's all my fault!" I cried out as I sat up.

I glanced around to see Cara and Mando staring at me. I then looked over to see the child whimpering as he looked around. My eyes widened as I realized what I was dreaming about. Oh jeez...I hope I didn't say anything. But most importantly I hoped Mando wouldn't ask about it, because I'm not sure I could bring myself to talk about that. R8 was worried as he let out several high pitch beeps, wondering if I was all right. I placed a hand over his head.

"I'm all right, R8." I assured him. I then glanced over at the child, wrapping a hand around one of his small hands. "Hey, little one, it's okay. Go back to sleep."

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze before his eyes closed. I did my best to avoid Cara's and Mando's gaze, not wanting to explain what I had dreamt of.

•••

The next morning, we arrived at the village. The place was filled with rectangular cottages made out of wood, small blue pristine ponds, several tables filled with tools, and many people, wearing clothing similar to Caben and Stoke. A couple of the children rushed towards us. When they reached the cart, they became fascinated with the child, who tilted his head, looking at all the kids. The kids were also intrigued with R8, who was loving the attention.

I helped Cara and Mando grab our belongings out from the cart. Cara, Mando, and I were each given a lodging. A woman by the name of Omera showed R8 and me to our cottage, which had a bed, a hammock, a small table, a chair, and a window.

"I stacked some blankets over there in a pile." Omera informed me.

I nodded. "Thank you."

I then felt a tingly sensation coming from the back of my head. Quickly, I placed a hand around my holster as I spun around, seeing a girl. Her eyes widened, looking frightened. Omera immediately walked over to the girl, pulling her into her arms. "This is my daughter, Winta. We don't get a lot of visitors around here. She's not used to strangers. This nice woman is going to protect us from the bad ones."

My heart clenched. Now I felt guilty for scaring her. Winta wore a timid look as she spoke. "Thank you."

I cracked a smile. "It's the right thing to do. Thank you for giving us a place to stay."

"It's the least we can do since you're helping us. Come on, Winta. Let's give our guests some room." Omera suggested.

With that, Omera and her daughter, Winta both left, leaving R8 and me alone. Once night fell, Omera came to inform me that dinner was ready and was being served by the fire. So R8 and I left our new home, making our way to the fire, where the others were. I sat down next to Mando, who held the child in his lap. I gave Mando a small smile, earning a nod from him. We then sat in silence as we were given bowls of soup. Mando passed his to the child, who was more than happy to eat it.

"How are you liking your lodging?" Mando asked, breaking the silence.

"It's cozy." I mentioned. "How are you liking it?"