"Because he hasn't actively tried to rip my throat out." Tony gestured at the cage. "Every other vampire I've encountered? No hesitation. Full beast mode. But Barton? He's holding back. He's fighting it." Tony said, as he knew what Geralt was thinking and infact he would have thought the same after reading every other book in Oxenfurt about monsters.
There was nothing that proved the conjecture of Tony. A low growl rumbled from Barton's throat as he lifted his gaze. His eyes flickered with recognition, if only for a second. He opened his mouth as if to speak but only a harsh snarl came out.
"He's trying," Natasha whispered. One didn't know if she was trying to console herself or the others around her.
"Yeah. And as long as he's in that cage, he's not going anywhere. The dimeritium keeps him from using any... abilities he might have gained." Tony seemed to be totally convinced by the words of Natasha.
"Is there a way to reverse it?" Ciri spoke up for the first time since her arrival here.
"I've been looking into it. But... let's just say cures for partial vampirism aren't exactly common reading material." Tony said. "Liam, do you think she will help?"
Liam knew what Tony meant but he wasn't sure. That woman was known to be ruthless and someone who wouldn't bend no matter what was at stake. Unless it was related to Doctor Strange.
"I don't know. But don't put all hopes on her. She isn't a helping kind." Liam said.
"Then we will do the old ways. I couldn't transport him, but I figured you can." Tony said. Liam nodded and with a wave of his hand, he sent Tony and Barton with the cage to the Stark Tower.
Steve and Natasha were still silent and didn't know how to react. Especially Natasha, as she she had promised his wife that she would bring him back safe and sound. And now? Everything was crumbling. But she didn't want to give up hope.
Liam had spoken of how there were Gods in their universe. If it was required she would plead to a God to bring her friend back as he didn't deserve any of it. Hell, he didn't even want to be a part of the team in the beginning but was dragged by Fury and her. It was time for her to pay the price.
----
The return to Kaer Morhen was somber. Vesemir stood near the entrance, arms crossed as he watched the group arrive. He and the rest had heard over radio of what had transpired and just like others, he too was shaken. He had been with Barton for sometime and in all of his life he had never seen such a fine archer.
Not even among Aen Seidhe. This was the compliment he gave Barton before they parted and now knowing that he had become a monster, came as a pang to his heart.
"So, you've returned. What news?" Vesemir asked.
"We're leaving, Vesemir. We're heading back to my world." Liam replied. There was a moment of silence. The old witcher studied Liam carefully, then looked at the others. Geralt nodded along with Liam as he came to know of the abilities of the person they would ask help from. Triss and Keira were nearby and they both shared a knowing glance.
"I suppose this was bound to happen." Vesemir said. "This place... it isn't what it used to be. With fewer witchers and even fewer reasons to stay, I won't be stubborn about it and try to find solutions myself. If you're going to a place where you can all be safe and get a better view of the world, then I won't stand in your way."
"You mean—" Liam staggered a bit.
"I'll go with you," Vesemir interrupted. "There's nothing left for me here. My days of training young witchers are long gone. And from the counts of the two ladies, I am also quite intrigued by your world. I would like to see."
A small wave of relief passed through the group, but before anyone could respond, another voice cut through the air.
Then count me in as well," Avallac'h said, stepping forward. Though still weak he could move around. The curse he had been placed on him by Eredin had still not been completely removed. He too was very curious about the world of Liam and since he was the courageous one, he wanted to see how the Aen Elle were in the world of Liam.
Liam gave him a nod, knowing how difficult it must have been for the proud sage to even ask a help from Liam. Avallac'h was not the kind of elf who followed others—he carved his own path.
"Well, I already made up my mind the first time I stepped into your world, Liam. I'd be a fool not to go back." Triss said.
"Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the world. Or rather, I'd miss this world entirely. Baths that aren't shared with five other people, lights that don't require magic, and food that isn't half-burned over a campfire? Count me in." Keira said.
"If Geralt goes, I go too." Yennefer said.
After giving the reins of the fortress to Lambert and Eskel, the whole group was ready to leave within an hour. Liam opened a portal and though Geralt complained a bit about portals, he still stepped through.
Geralt's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the strange, steel-and-glass fortress.
"This... isn't magic," he muttered.
Yennefer was equally stunned. Her violet eyes darted around the room, taking in the impossible sights. The sheer scale of the city outside, stretching endlessly into the sky, the strange floating screens displaying information she couldn't comprehend. She had seen grand palaces and arcane wonders, but nothing like this. She had heard about it from Triss and Keira, but seeing was believing.
"This is... beyond anything I imagined," she whispered.
Before anyone could respond, a presence made itself known. Standing in front of them was a group of sorcerers in golden robes, their expressions unreadable. Their leader, a bald woman with piercing eyes, furrowed her brow as she studied them. The Ancient One.