Marvel: The Journey

Several days had passed since Peggy's birthday, and Val and Peggy found themselves lounging on the couch in the comfort of their home. As they engaged in conversation, Val's curiosity was piqued by something Peggy had mentioned earlier.

"Wait a minute," Val interjected, "Let me make sure I understand this correctly. Howard approached you and accused you of taking a serum?"

Peggy recounted the conversation she had with Howard. "He called me to talk about a new organization called S.H.I.E.L.D.," she explained. "He had the backing of Colonel Philips, so I knew it was legit. But then, things took an unexpected turn."

Val listened intently, eager to hear more. "What happened?" he asked.

"After the meeting ended, Howard approached me and whispered in my ear," Peggy continued. "He accused me of taking some version of the Super Soldier Serum."

"What did you do next?" he asked Peggy.

"I denied the accusation, of course," Peggy replied. "I was trying to protect you. But Howard wasn't easily convinced. He said that others had also noticed my physical enhancements and were waiting for an opportunity to expose me. He claimed that as my friend, he was offering me a way out. He suggested that I 'donate' my blood before the organization was formed, in order to avoid being treated like a lab rat."

Val's mind was racing with possibilities as he processed Peggy's words. "When is this S.H.I.E.L.D. organization supposed to form?" he asked.

"It's still a ways off," Peggy responded, a hint of frustration in her voice. "It could take several years, at least. There are a lot of other governmental organizations that are resisting its formation because the budget for S.H.I.E.L.D. is being taken from their own budgets. Needless to say, they aren't thrilled about that."

Val nodded, understanding the implications of what Peggy was saying. The political climate was tense, and the formation of a new organization was never an easy feat.

Val sat in silence for a few moments and he stole a quick glance at Peggy, who was sitting beside him.

Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and turned to her. "Hey, Peggy?" he said.

Peggy turned to look at him, her eyes filled with concern. "What is it?" she asked.

"I'm leaving," Val said, his tone somber.

Peggy's eyes widened in shock, and she felt a lump form in her throat. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Val could see that Peggy was on the verge of tears, and he quickly pulled her into a tight embrace, hoping to offer her some comfort. He knew that what he was about to say would be difficult, but it was a decision he had already made.

Peggy was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face as Val revealed his plans. "I knew this day would come," she said, her voice choked with tears. "I told myself that it would be okay, but I can't help but cry."

Val rubbed her back and said, "I'm okay now, Peggy. I have a new identity, and I'm going to be alright."

Despite his words, Peggy continued to cry, clinging tightly to him. "But still," she said between sobs, "The house will be so quiet, and I'll be so alone...again."

Val felt a pang of guilt at her words, but he knew that he couldn't stay with her forever. "Hey, it's not like I'll never visit you again, or that we won't see each other," he said, trying to offer her some comfort.

"I can't keep living in your house," he continued. "Moreover, I made you that shield so that you could be busy with saving people and defeating criminals, not focusing on trivial things like this."

Val's words rang true, and Peggy knew that he was right. As much as she would miss him, she also knew that he needed to do what was best for them both. With a heavy heart, she released him from her embrace, knowing that this was the right decision.

After a few moments of silence, Peggy managed to calm herself down and asked, "What are you going to do then?"

Val looked at her thoughtfully, considering his answer. "First and foremost, I want to travel the world," he said finally. "I want to see all the beautiful places that I've only ever heard about."

Peggy's expression softened, a small smile crossing her lips. "That's good," she said softly, happy to hear that Val had plans for his future.

Val continued, "I also want to use my skills to help people, to make a difference in the world."

Peggy's smile grew wider, proud of his ambition and determination to make a positive impact. "I think that's a wonderful idea," she said.

Val asked. "So, when do you plan to show the world that Margaret Carter is now Captain Carter?"

Peggy looked thoughtful, considering her answer carefully. "There have been reports of a criminal organization operating in London," she said slowly. "Perhaps that's where I'll make my debut as Captain Carter."

Several hours passed, and Val found himself standing in front of Peggy's front door, his luggage packed and ready for his journey. Peggy's eyes were red from crying, but she tried to keep a brave face as she hugged him goodbye.

After a few minutes, Peggy released Val from the embrace and looked up at him with tear-streaked cheeks. "Promise me you'll keep in touch," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Write me a letter every month, tell me about the places you've visited, the things you've seen."

Val smiled, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I promise," he said, his voice firm and steady. "I'll send you a letter every month, no matter where I am in the world."

Val saw the anxiety in Peggy's eyes. She seemed to be struggling with something, but he couldn't quite place it. Then she spoke, her voice wavering. "B-Before you go, I- I want to hear you call me 'sister' o-one time."

Val was caught off guard by her request. He paused for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. He could see the desperation in her eyes and in that moment, he realized that she needed something from him, something that only a brother could provide.

He empathized with her, as he thought, 'She lost her only brother on her wedding day which must have been traumatic for her and now since we have become adopted siblings and I am leaving, those feelings are coming out. I can see the pain in her eyes. She needs someone to fill the void left by her brother's absence.' He nodded and smiled, saying softly, "Yes, Goodbye, Sister." As he spoke the words, he saw a small glimmer of relief in Peggy's eyes, and he knew he had done the right thing.

When Peggy blushed slightly, Val couldn't resist teasing her, "Haha! I didn't know you had a big sister complex. You learn something new every day."

She playfully punched him, causing him to dodge her attack with ease, and they both shared a light-hearted moment. Val picked up his luggage and headed towards the waiting car, feeling bittersweet about leaving Peggy behind.

Val placed his luggage in the car and climbed into the backseat, settling into the plush leather as the driver started the engine. Peggy stood on the sidewalk, waving goodbye with tears streaming down her face. Val shouted his farewell to her, hoping his words conveyed the depth of his feelings for her. "Bye!! Take care of yourself!!"

As the car pulled away, Val's mind drifted to Peggy. He couldn't help but smile as he thought, 'She is an extremely kind person who has an unwavering loyalty for those she loves and cares about.' 

Val's thoughts drifted to his relationship with her and he thought, 'Peggy is in love with Steve, a man she is clearly meant to be with. I never considered pursuing a romantic relationship with her, knowing that any attempt to come between her and Steve is unforgivable and horrible. Instead, I love our friendship and the bond we now share as siblings. I know that she would always hold a special place in my heart.'

Val leaned back in the car seat and watched the houses pass by. He couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of what lay ahead. His mind raced with the possibilities of the adventures he would have and the people he would meet. As he grinned to himself, he knew that travelling the world was merely a pretext for what he really wanted to do: to learn new fighting styles and meet other Marvel characters. 

Val knew that there was so much he could learn from the masters of martial arts around the world, and he relished the thought of adding their techniques to his own fighting repertoire. And meeting other Marvel characters was an added bonus, for he knew that they would each have their own unique skills that he could replicate. Val couldn't wait to begin his journey and see what the world had in store for him.