Hello faithful readers! I know that a lot of you have been very patient. Some are waiting for other stories I haven't completed yet, and I'm sorry for not getting them up. But I have other writing things that have a higher priority in my life (revising a novel being one of them).

This is the third installation of Country Lass! Heather is back again, with a Prologue to start.

I may change the rating to 'M' if people feel like it should. But for now, I'll leave it at 'T'.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the content that you can find in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movies or comics. I have characters (and a couple places) that I have thought up on my own, and the plot is of my design as well. Anything that is not owned by me I will specify (at the end of each chapter, so nothing is given away at the beginning.) But this is the only spot I will put a disclaimer for Marvel. (I only need one, really.)

And now, here it is!

Monitors light up the room in a dim haze, one person in solid black sitting at each one. The soldiers along the walls watch those forced there against their will, as well as the entrances and giant window at the head of the room. The technology the base had amassed is more advanced than the decades ago. After being in the shadows for too long, it was brought back to its former glory.

The monitors capture anything about Hydra, trying to bring its secrets back into the dark. But far too much of the information the Black Widow released has hit the news or spread by word of mouth. Coming ahead was a losing battle on that front.

And their facilities have been decreasing, with the Avengers at the head of the assault. Hydra is struggling, but doing so with a stubborn pride. They still have resources, they still have time. And no one would think to look in plain sight. Not even Captain America-

One of the Heads of Hydra, who has been standing at the window as the agents behind him work unceasingly, is interrupted in his thoughts as the commotion behind the large doors becomes louder. "What is the problem?" He asks the nearest soldier.

"There is an intruder," the soldier answers.

"Why hasn't it been taken care of?"

The doors fly open. Everyone turns from their post to stare at the intruder. Soldiers stand behind him, no longer at their posts dutifully. A few are on the floor, as they had been loyal to the end.

The intruder looks around as the entire room stares. "Impressive, I must admit," he says, "but I don't believe it is under sufficient management." He locks onto the Head near the window.

"Who are you?" he is asked.

The intruder tsks, "And so poor knowledge. You'd think you would know."

"Guards, take him!" The Head yells. A few step forward, albeit hesitantly. The intruder whips out a gun and shoots them not a second after. They disappear completely in a flash of blue.

The whole room goes stiff. "..Now," he puts the gun away, starting a walk to the front of the room.

"I am one of the six Heads of Hydra, you cannot barge into this secret base and-"

"Six heads? No no no," the intruder stops next to the Head, looking him over with an unimpressed gaze. "There are six heads in the mythology. Unfortunately for you," he sighs, "with this Hydra, there is only one." He promptly turns on his heel. "Shoot him," he tells the guards as he starts to walk to the window.

"WHAT!"

"And anyone else that aligns with him." There is one blast and a scream, followed by a few more sporadic ones. "Hail Hydra," he says, falling right into his role.

All the guards salute, "Hail Hydra!"

The new leadership turns to the faces lit up with monitors. They stare at him, in full fear. "Well..?" He asks.

One looks at those around him, then salutes, "Hail Hydra." Others follow his example. The intruder smiles, staring out at the wintry landscape once more.

"Tell me-" he says to the closest soldier, "-about these.. Avengers."

In case there are questions (I should hope there are) about the prologue, I hope it is also obvious that I will not be answering them at this time.
Also, if you think you know the answer to a question, please do not put said answer in a review (unless I actually ask the question in the A/N. You can answer those). Other people can see those besides myself. I ask that you please keep it to yourself until it is answered in the story (in that case, you can be all, 'I KNEW IT!' as much as you like.)

I'll try to get chapters up a.s.a.p. Like.. two a day, does that sound good? I already have the first sixteen written (Yes, it's going to be another long one. Better buckle in for the ride.)

That's all for this chapter.

Signing off,
~CtW