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Pepper tested the parchment's accuracy by walking several steps in the opposite direction. The footprints marking her position shifted accordingly, confirming her suspicions with crystal clarity.
This absolutely showed Tony's location. Gemini had promised to notify her through this parchmentânow she understood the mechanism.
The magical map represented Gemini's ingenious adaptation of the Marauder's Map originally created by her father and his school friends. Harry Potter had claimed the original, and after countless failed attempts to borrow it, Gemini had stubbornly reverse-engineered the enchantment from Sirius, James, and Lupin's library records, then improved the design considerably.
The process was elegantly simple: both parties signed their names, one person burned their corresponding parchment, and both locations would appear on the remaining map with real-time accuracy.
Pepper and Rhodes locked eyes with shared determination.
"We take your aircraft!"
"We take our aircraft!"
Their simultaneous declaration created a moment of awkward silence before Rhodes strode to the door, summoning a communications specialist.
"Arrange immediate departure for the Stark Industries aircraft. I'm accompanying them to investigate that explosion personally. No additional personnel requiredâfuel conservation priority."
The soldier's expression shifted to barely concealed amusement as he glanced between Rhodes and Pepper. "Absolutely, sir. I'll ensure everyone receives proper notification."
Rhodes watched the man's retreating form with growing mortification, mouth opening and closing soundlessly as he struggled to formulate an appropriate explanation.
Pepper placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Let's move. Gossip is the least of our concerns right now."
Tony's private jet cut through desert air with mechanical precision, Happy Hogan maintaining steady course while Pepper positioned the enchanted parchment directly within his line of sight for navigation.
Two hundred kilometers disappeared quickly at cruising altitude. Soon they circled above a small oasis, the distinctive tent immediately recognizable as Gemini's handiworkâostentatious yet somehow perfectly practical.
"Thereâfind somewhere to set down nearby."
The aircraft touched down on relatively flat desert terrain. Pepper and Rhodes disembarked with urgent purpose, crossing sun-baked sand toward their destination.
Ethan had been waiting at the tent entrance since detecting their approach, having received Gemini's instructions to handle initial greetings while she remained strategically absent.
"Miss Pepper?" he called out as the figures approached.
"That's me! Where's Tony?" Pepper broke into a run, desperation evident in every stride.
Ethan visibly relaxed, waiting until both visitors reached the tent's threshold. "Please, follow me. Mr. Stark is sleepingâMiss Gemini estimates another two hours before he wakes naturally."
He led them through the entrance, where Rhodes immediately froze in complete bewilderment.
"What the actualâ"
The tent's interior defied every law of physics Rhodes understood. Spacious rooms extended impossibly beyond the structure's external dimensions, furnished with self-maintaining magical implementsâbrooms sweeping autonomously, rags cleaning surfaces without human guidance, furniture that politely elevated itself to allow thorough floor cleaning.
Pepper navigated the magical chaos with practiced composure, following Ethan toward an elegant staircase. Rhodes stumbled behind them, jaw agape, struggling to process the supernatural domestic efficiency surrounding him.
The second floor revealed Tony's quartersâa comfortable bedroom where their missing friend lay peacefully unconscious. Pepper approached the bed with careful steps, relief flooding her features as she studied his appearance.
Clean, well-groomed, and somehow... fuller around the face?
"Why is he unconscious? Did something go wrong?" Pepper turned to Ethan with renewed concern. "I'm sorryâI haven't properly introduced myself. You are?"
Ethan removed his glasses, polishing them with nervous precision before responding. "Dr. Ethanâjust Ethan, please. I was also their captive, kidnapped specifically to treat Mr. Stark's injuries after the initial attack. His condition was... critical."
He provided a condensed account of their recent ordeal, each detail causing Pepper's eyes to redden with suppressed tears. The magnitude of Tony's sufferingâand how close they'd come to losing him permanentlyâstruck her with devastating clarity.
Rhodes studied his unconscious friend with the solemnity of a funeral attendee, the weight of nearly losing his closest companion etched across his features.
A gentle knock interrupted their vigil. Rhodes, positioned nearest the door, opened it and immediately became a statue of confusion.
Ethan noticed his paralysis and approached curiously, discovering a floating tea service hovering at eye level outside the doorway.
"Thank you, Coby. Perfect timing as always." Ethan accepted the tray with genuine gratitude.
"My pleasure, Mr. Ethan." Coby's distinctive voice carried obvious satisfaction, though the house-elf remained invisible.
Ethan maneuvered the tray inside, closing the door with his foot while Rhodes continued staring with bulging eyes.
"Difficult to explain adequately. Simply understand that Coby is Miss Gemini's house-elfâextraordinarily talented in culinary arts."
He arranged the refreshments on a window-side table, gesturing for his guests to sit comfortably.
Pepper accepted a delicate teacup, sampling the contents with immediate appreciation. The flavor matched her beloved shop's signature blend perfectlyârich, complex, utterly satisfying.
"You've been dining like this throughout your captivity?"
"Absolutely. Coby possesses remarkable culinary skillsâhe'll prepare anything you request to absolute perfection." Ethan's enthusiasm was infectious.
Pepper glanced at Tony's peaceful form with new understanding. "No wonder he looks like he's gained weight..."
They consumed Coby's offerings while Ethan provided additional details about their desert experience. The house-elf's hospitality had clearly transformed what should have been a survival ordeal into something approaching a luxury retreat.
A low groan from the bed immediately captured Pepper's attention.
"Tony!"
She rushed to his side as Tony's eyes fluttered open, his hand instinctively moving toward his ribs before stopping in surprise. No pain. No mechanical device. Just healthy, intact bone structure.
He worked his jaw experimentally, testing muscles that had been clenched in unconscious agony for hours.
"You made it. How long was I out? Ethanâwhy do I feel like I've been in a prizefight?"
"Technically, you weren't fighting anyone. According to Miss Gemini, you were simply sleeping. The pain continued throughout your unconsciousness, keeping your body in constant tension." Ethan struggled to suppress his amusement.
Rhodes approached with characteristic military bearing, extending his hand in their traditional greeting. "Ready for another joyride in your fun jeep?"
Tony's expression darkened as he slapped Rhodes' palm with deliberate force. "Never mention that death trap again. I've had enough desert adventure to last several lifetimes. When do we leave?"
His recovery appeared complete. Upon learning their aircraft waited nearby, Tony immediately attempted to rise and gather his minimal possessionsâthough little remained worth collecting.
Gemini materialized in the doorway, assessing the late afternoon light with practiced consideration.
"Dinner first. Travel afterward. The timing will be more appropriate."
Tony pursed his lips, one hand unconsciously patting his stomach. The prospect of never again experiencing Coby's extraordinary cuisine created unexpected melancholy.
"Fine. One last meal. But then we're gone."
The decision was unanimousâtheir final evening in the magical oasis would be properly celebrated before returning to the mundane world beyond the desert.
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