I am so sorry! I really haven't been able to update, and this chapter is really short, so I haven't really fulfilled either of my promises. In my defense, reviews always prompt me to write more faster, so... if someone reviews, I promise to update more frequently.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Natasha and Clint stared at each other, shock written all over their faces. Clearly this was far more complicated than either of them had expected. They knew one thing for certain now; they couldn't kill these children. They had to help.

"So, Katya," Clint ventured. "You could come with us to SHEILD. I am certain that we could help you." He was so not expecting the vehemence that her response held.

"Never! I would rather die!" Katya yelled. She leapt up, the hem of her long dress brushing the ground. "You want me to kill for you! And betray my sisters, bringing them in to you! And then what! What would be waiting for me! Did you think I could fight? Did you think I could leap across rooftops with the greatest of ease, run faster than average, have enhanced reactions, healing?" she paused. "Well. I do. But only thanks to Irina. So I could never repay her that debt. She allowed me the power to create my own destiny and not have it set in stone for me! That is not the sort of debt that could be repaid in a hundred years, or even a million!"

"Why do you say that?" Clint asked, curious. Katya opened and closed her mouth, considering.

"She saved my life."

"And that's enough to get you this worked up?" Clint asked.

"Does this have anything to do with the grievously wounded you mentioned earlier?" Natasha quietly spoke up, having to concentrate to prevent the memories from rising up in her mind. Again, Katya looked like she was about to respond differently, but sighed and muttered a Russian curse under her breath.

"Stupid vow of truth. I ought to well, certainly not crippled. Possibly temporarily affected by. No normal person would regain full use of their ankle after an experience like that. Not even with medical care, which Irina offered but I refused. And, you really should probably go now."

"I am sorry, but we need to take you with us," Natasha said carefully, not really wanting to bring on another bout of vehemence. "You are likely in danger from the Red Room."

Again, the humorless laugh. "You seriously think I do not know that. My ankle certainly hasn't prevented me from being perfectly capable of fighting any who have come for us. Separately we fight impressively, together we fight nearly inhumanly," she spoke in a flat tone. "Also, we have managed to evade the Red Room for upwards of one year before this day. We need no help. We trust none but each other."

Clint and Natasha exchanged a look. She was being almost too cooperative as far as her questions went, so they were naturally suspicious. Natasha began to speak. "Can we start by asking you some simple questions?" She asked, not wanting to seem a threat but wanting to get some things straightened out. Katya tersely nodded. "How old are you?"

"Eleven," Katya responded, her voice neutral. Catching their shared shocked glances, she added, "Did you automatically assume I was older or were you given faulty information. You certainly are not the first to comment on my age, believe me." Clint took a deep breath.

"Okay. I assume you are native to Russia?"

"Da," she responded flatly.

"How old were you when they took you?" Natasha questioned.

"We-I was four," she responded, obviously hiding something.

"Who else? Why would you say we?" Clint asked. Again, Katya shifted in her seat, looking nervous, when suddenly, she stilled, and her eyes jumped to something behind both master assassins. She seemed to relax, and said neutrally,

"You do not need to know that. Believe me, you do not want to know that. And I did warn you to leave when you had a chance. I offered. And you really should have."

A moment later, a cold, Russian accented voice rang out from behind them. "Turn around slowly, and I may yet spare your lives, if you can prove that you have not hurt Katya. Otherwise, I will murder you and then allow my cats to eat your innards."

So, I may or may not have them go to shield. Review with your opinion. Also, if people want to see the red room in the next few chapters for some action, review with that opinion, too. I would welcome any ideas, even though I have a pretty good idea where I want this story to go.

-LethalCrown