002. alternate realities

The weariness is practically radiating off of him, the boy eyeing her so carefully that she believes he'll strike if she breathes too heavily. He looks so much younger than when she'd met him the first time, his expression not yet scarred by death and destruction, and yet he is still Peter One. Whilst it's nice to see him, considering they had got along previously, he most certainly isn't the Peter she wants to see right now.

Surprisingly, it's Peter who speaks to her first. His hands are clenched around the edge of his long sleeved shirt, more than likely ready to use his web-shooters at a moments notice. "Who are you?"

Isabella ponders his question thoroughly, looking at him. "I'm Isabella,"

It's a simple response, one that clearly doesn't answer Peter's question entirely. It also does absolutely nothing to soothe the nervousness that is evident upon the teenager's face, eyes narrowing slightly as he tries to figure her out. It's odd, he'd been a lot more trusting the first time they'd crossed paths, which she still isn't sure was wise. This time he seems more guarded.

"The nurse said you asked for me but I don't know you. Why did you ask for me?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you kid,"

How do you even explain something like this? She doesn't even have all the answers herself, she hadn't expected to end up back here. It was supposed to be a good day — her and Ellie were going to cook dinner for the two of them and Peter and then they were going to binge watch the Harry Potter films for the millionth times because it was supposed to rain all weekend. Isabella had been looking forward to it all week long, and it would've happened if it weren't for her necklace breaking — her necklace.

Isabella's hand moves so quickly, going to grab onto what she hopes is there. A cry, a somewhat straggled one, falls from her lips when she realizes that her neck is bare. It had broken, shattered into hundreds of pieces at her feet, meaning that the barrier between her and that dark magic that had once consumed her is now gone. Doctor Strange had made that necklace, probably put some fail safe on it, and that's how she's somehow ended up all the way back here — she doubts that was the intention.

Peter seems to notice the way her hands are now shaking, her breathing heavy, and takes a hesitant step towards her. Isabella can't bring herself to speak, the fear of what's to come now creeping up her limbs at an alarming rate. When he's close enough, Isabella reaches out and latches onto his wrist tightly. "You have to help me. I need Doctor Strange,"

Peter's eyebrows scrunch together in confusion. "Who?"

Isabella is starting to believe she may be one of the most unlucky people to ever walk this Earth, everything and everybody seemingly against her. She's somehow ended up in a time before Peter even knows who Doctor Strange is, meaning that she had no way of knowing where he actually is.

The teenager has since left, muttering something about a 'Mr Stark' before telling Isabella that he would be coming back. She trusts him, he doesn't know that, but she does. Their previous meeting had revolved around them helping each other and she hopes this time will be no different. There are aspects to this that differ greatly, considering there is not a whole group of evil villains trying to kill the poor boy, but she can tell his heart is just as pure — the fact he promised to come back is enough to show that.

Erica has been back a few times since Peter left, dropping off water and some snacks to keep her content until dinner is brought around. Isabella can tell she has questions, a curious look on the blonde woman's face every single time she walks in. It must be an odd situation really, a girl turning up in a field by the nurse's home and then being brought here.

If she ever gets a chance to meet the man whom the nurse is married to, she'll have to thank him for getting her to the hospital. At least this way Isabella may be able to get some answers and come up with some solutions to the whole 'wrong reality' thing. If she's lucky, her loved ones back home are also trying to figure out something for her as well.

Isabella doesn't exactly know what to do as she waits for Peter to come back, she's thought about fleeing out the window. Sure, she's about ten levels up but she has magic for a reason, it'll be fine. Except, if she does that, she'll probably get lost in a New York that isn't her own. Besides, it's not like Peter would be able to find her if she's running around the city.

Sipping on the cup of water she'd been given, Isabella simply stares at the beige coloured ceiling, eyes scanning over it to find any imperfections. It's about all the entertainment this hospital room offers, the television in the corner covered by an 'OUT OF ORDER' sign. She doesn't have her phone either, the electronic device more than likely laid out wherever her necklace is.

"I don't know Mr Stark,"

The voice is quiet, but she can tell who it is easily. Peter is back already, with the man whom he had mentioned vaguely to her earlier. There's that slight glimmer of hope, that this man may know the 'wizard' who had helped her out in the first place — or at least somebody else who can help her.

There is a rather timid knock that follows moments later and Isabella calls for them to come in, eyes instantly finding the stranger as he walks in. He exudes a certain confidence that she can see from a mile away, his expensive suit and glasses only further portraying it. Whilst there are still nerves radiating off poor Peter, Mr Stark doesn't look the slightest bit intimidated by the girl of the bed.

"She looks like she's sixteen," The man says originally, almost as if he's astounded by Peter's hesitation. It does cause Isabella to scowl slightly. "Although by that facial expression, I'm guessing I may be wrong. I'm Tony Stark, though you probably already know that,"

"I really don't. Look, can you help me find Doctor Strange or not? It's sort of urgent," Isabella responds, crossing her arms and looking at him cautiously.

"No but Peter did tell me that you knew who he was without ever meeting him. So, he is a little worried about that. You a stalker or something?"

Isabella narrows her eyes at him, not appreciative of his rather condescending attitude. She doesn't remember Peter mentioning this man the last time she was here, which is a little odd to her considering he's here right now. It had been Peter, MJ, Ned, his Aunt May and that Flash kid who she'd come across previously — no mention of a Tony Stark.

"No. I know that this is the furthest thing from ideal, trust me, but I just want to go home. You look like you've got connections, the fancy suit and all, so find me Doctor Strange and we will never have to speak again," Isabella explains.

Tony raises his eyebrows. "Why should we help you?"

"Because it's definitely better for New York if you do. The last time I had no necklace, I almost killed somebody—"

"Necklace?"

"Yeah, one of those things you wear around your neck,"

Tony's expression shows nothing but annoyance, crossing his arms over his chest. Isabella doesn't even know how much she can divulge to this guy, Peter seems to trust him but none of this will likely even make sense.

"This Doctor Strange, how is he any different to any of the doctors here?" Peter interjects quietly, his fingers subconsciously hovering over his wrists as if he's ready to use his web-shooters once again.

"Because he has the magic to send me home," Isabella responds, ignoring the incredulous looks on their faces. "Really, magic surprises you? Peter, you swing around the city and wear a spider costume,"

That gets their undivided attention, the fact that this random girl, in some New York hospital, knows his biggest secret. Isabella rolls her eyes and slowly lifts her hand, to show she's no threat to them, and conjures up a small ball of magic in her own hand. Peter's eyes widen, the teenager stepping forward to get a better look.

"I don't know how to explain this all to you without the two of you thinking I'm insane but I don't have much of a choice. My name is Isabella Stacy and I'm not from your universe,"

This'll be a fun explanation.

Sign of gif by fireandbloods