A/N: Hi friends! I hope you enjoy this new chapter! XOXO - Presephone

Cross. Slip. Kick.

Run.

What the fuck are you doing? Emmaliene thought to herself.

Arms grab her from behind. She grabbed the wrist, twisting it forward, leveraging her weight against her attacker to throw him over her shoulder.

"Emmaliene, stop!" Sam hit the ground with a pained groan, "You don't want to do this."

No, I don't! She screamed at herself as she kicked Sam in the face and jumped over him.

Emmaliene sprinted towards the treeline, not daring the look behind her. She could hear them behind her, but she couldn't stop. Why can't I stop?

"EMMY!" Gerry screamed.

Keep running, an unknown part of her brain ordered. You can lose them in the trees.

Her vision went white as pain seared through the back of her head. She fell to the ground as Steve's shield dug into the grass next to her. She could feel the blood begin to seep down her neck as she tried to regain her footing. She was almost steady when a strong hand clamped onto her shoulder and spun her around.

"Emmaliene," Steve spoke in a harsh tone, "We are not trying to—"

He never finished as Emmaline's forehead connected with his nose. He fell backward and grabbed his nos to try and stop the bleeding. When he looked up again, he was staring into a pair of lifeless eyes.

Steve, help me! I don't know what's happening; she wanted to scream. But when her mouth opened something very different came out, "Держись подальше от меня, и тебе не будет больно. (Stay out of my way, and you won't be hurt)"

Emmaliene turned on her heel and sprinted into the trees, feeling relieved as the shadows closed in around her. She dodged between the trees; I have to get to the rendezvous point. She was almost to the ravine when she was thrown to the ground again.

HIs metal hand gripped her throat as she struggled beneath him. His knees had both of her arms pinned to the ground, and his eyes were focused but afraid. Why is he scared? He subtly loosened the grip on her neck, "Stand down, Emmaliene."

Emmaliene gritted her teeth as she strained against him. She leveraged herself fast enough that she swung her leg forward and wrapped it around his neck. His eyes widened as she pulled back on his neck, flattening him to the ground and freeing herself from underneath him.

She jumped to her feet and pressed her foot against his throat, "Не следуй за мной. (Do not follow me)"

James furrowed his brow; when the fuck did she learn Russian? He took a shallow breath from under her foot, "Вы не хотите этого делать. (You don't want to do this)"

He saw a brief flash of confusion in her eyes before her gaze hardened once more, " Заказы есть заказы. (Orders are orders)"

"They don't have to be," James gripped her ankle to lessen the pressure on his throat, " Вы можете дать отпор. (You can fight back)"

"Нет. (No)," Emmaliene shook her head, "с меня хватит— (I'm done trying—)"

She was unconscious before she hit the ground. James looked up to see Gerry standing behind her and Steve and Sam sprinting the rest of the way to where they were.

He spat blood onto the cement and took in a ragged breath. He straightened up and turned back around, meeting the incensed glare of Rumlow. He paced back and forth as he watched Rollins regather himself.

"Tell me again," Brock ordered through gritted teeth, "how you had her, literally, in your hands… And she still got away!"

Rollins flinched back as Rumlow raised his hand again, but the blow never connected. He looked back up and answered, "She had help. The old man, Captain Rogers, and the one with the wings that follows him around now."

"So what is the plan, now?" Rollins asked after a long silence.

Rumlow smirked, "My plan's already in motion. Get to the helicopter. We take off in 10 minutes."

Emmaliene winced in pain as she started to wake up. She groaned as her head sagged forward, and she opened her eyes to take in her surroundings. She was in the gym, but none of the lights were on, and it was still night outside. She looked around again and realized that she couldn't move.

She was tied to a chair.

"Wha—" She groaned, her throat raw and dry, "Hello?"

Silence.

The memories started coming back to her in fragments.

The figure was standing in front of her; she couldn't see them, but she knew they were there, "Выбирайтесь из дома и садитесь за деревья. Вы встретитесь с командой, откуда вчера вылетел вертолет. (Get out of the house and into the trees. You will meet the team where the helicopter departed from yesterday)" The voice was low and calculated, "Вы понимаете? (Do you understand)"

Emmaliene silently shook her head and turned towards the back door of the house. She had just opened the door when—

"Скажите мне ваше имя. (Tell me your name)"

The voice caused her to jump as it jolted her from her memory.

"Who is—"

"Answer the question."

"Emmaliene," she breathed, "My name is Emmaliene Harrington."

James walked from the shadows and into her line of sight. His arms were folded across his chest, his left arm glinting in the moonlight. He watched her closely, "What do you remember?"

Emmaliene squeezed her eyes closed as her headache intensified, "I woke up and everyone— I couldn't find anyone. I was leaving the kitchen when…"

James watched as she furrowed her, brow, "When what?" He pressed.

"Someone—" She looked up to meet his gaze. James could see the terror forming in her eyes as realization dawned, "The implant," she whispered, " I have the implant. Someone activated— Who would—"

She began to breathe heavier as she felt the anxiety creep underneath her skin and across her chest. "Breathe," James raised his hands to her and walked closer to her, "Take a deep breath. You're okay."

James knelt in front of her, his hands resting on top of her arms, "Yes, you have the implant," he confirmed, and Emmaliene let out a quiet sob, "Steve and Sam are investigating to find out how someone got in and activated you."

"Where were you?" The pain in her voice caused a pang of sadness to sink into James' chest, "I called for all of you, and you weren't there."

"I'm sorry," James whispered as his flesh hand wrapped around her hand, "I'm sorry… We were outside getting a car ready for you and me to leave in the morning. Then we saw you walking down the stairs, and when Sam tried to approach, you attacked him."

"Oh my God," Emmaliene breathed, "Did I— Is he hurt? Did I hurt any—"

"Calm down, peanut," Gerry's voice broke through her anxiety as he stepped up behind James, "We're all okay."

"Can you please untie me?" Emmaliene looked between the two of them.

James considered her for a moment and then began untying the ropes, "We had to make sure that you weren't still— That you were yourself again."

He finished untying her, and then he stood up and stepped out of the way. Emmaliene hesitantly stood up and immediately walked into Gerry's open arms, and he pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry," she whispered into his chest as she felt the tears sting the back of her eyes again, "I'm so sor—"

"Stop it now, peanut. That wasn't you any more than James is the Winter Soldier, " Gerry spoke in a serious yet caring tone. James looked at Gerry in shock at his words but couldn't do anything but watch the exchange, "Now that we know about it, we just need to make a contingency plan. Okay?

Emmaliene nodded her head and looked up at Gerry, "Can I talk to James alone for a minute?"

"Of course, peanut," Gerry kissed her forehead and turned to leave, patting James on the shoulder as he went.

Emmaliene folded her arms across her stomach and looked up at one of the windows. The moon illuminated the gym in a serene glow, even though the atmosphere was anything but. She could feel him watching her as she closed her eyes and looked back down to the floor, "I need you to make me a promise, James."

James shifted uncomfortably behind her but remained silent.

She turned around and met his gaze; he could see a tear sliding down her cheek as she took a deep breath, "If something happens— If I get activated, and I can't be stopped or if HYDRA gets me… I need you to promise that you'll liquidate me."

James breath caught in his throat, "Emmaliene, I—"

"Please," Emmaliene took another step towards him, tears continuing to fall, "I don't want to hurt anyone, and I would rather die than Rumlow get his hands on me. Please, James…"

"If there are no other options," James took another step forward and wiped a tear away from her cheek, "I promise."

Dawn had just begun to crest as Gerry closed the back of the Ford Bronco, handing the keys to Emmaliene, "Ya sure that ya remember how ta drive a manual transmission?"

"Yes, Gerry," Emmaliene rolled her eyes, "You are the one who taught me."

"I did," Gerry nodded his head, "and I still got the whiplash pain and nightmares ta prove it."

Emmaliene gave a short laugh, and stepped into Gerry, locked her arms around him. He reciprocated the hug by wrapping his arms around her shoulder and pulling her close. They stood in silence for a long moment, Gerry pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"I don't like not knowin' where yer off too," He grumbled and pulled back to look her in the eyes, "But ya keep yer head down and stay safe when ya get there."

"I have a plan in place," Emmaliene reassured, "I'll let you know when we get to- There."

"See that ya do," Gerry nodded and hugged once more before stepping away.

A throat cleared behind them, and they turned to see Steve James and Sam hovering by the house. James took a single step forward and looked at Emmaliene, "We should get going before it gets much later."

Gerry watched as Emmaliene nodded and went around to the other side of the Bronco, starting the engine. He looked back just as James stopped by his side, "I've read yer file, I know what ya can do," Gerry leveled a stern gaze at James, "You keep my peanut safe, ya hear? That girl's all I got left in this world."

James' eyes softened as he listened to the sincerity in Gerry's voice. He glanced to Emmaliene, who was walking back toward them, and back to Gerry, "I promise."

They watched the Bronco shrink in the distance and eventually vanish from sight. "I heard from Fury," Steve plainly stated.

Gerry still had his eyes fixed on where he last saw the Bronco, "And?"

"He wants us to meet him," Steve explained, "Debrief on what's happened this past week."

"Where?" Sam asked.

"New York," Steve said, "He's had several others tracking HYDRA's movements, and they have some intel for us."

"Where in Manhattan?" Gerry asked, "I hate traveling. Especially right now."

"Trust me," Steve nodded, "this is the last place I want to go right now."

Sam arched an eyebrow at his friend, "The compound?"

"The what?" Gerry inquired further.

Steve heavily sighed and looked back out to the treeline, "The Avenger's compound."

They had driven for several hours, mostly in silence. James had been engrossed in reading the Athena dossier. Emmaliene had wanted to ask him questions about what it said, but she wasn't sure if she were emotionally prepared to learn more. Especially when driving.

"We should stop for food," He spoke without looking up from his reading.

Emmaliene glanced at him, "Any particular request?"

James only grunted in response.

After another hour of driving, Emmaliene pulled off the road and stopped in front of a small diner that looked like it was straight out of the midwest in the '50s. They walked in, causing a bell above the door to announce their arrival, and Emmaliene could feel James tense behind her.

"Well, good afternoon, you two," an elderly woman with short gray hair warmly greeted them, "how many will it be for lunch?"

"Just us," Emmaliene answered sweetly. The woman's smile reminded her of Marjorie. I hope Marj is doing okay; she thought as the woman sat them in a corner booth.

James silently slid into the far end of the booth, his back pressed into the corner, so he had a clear view of the entire diner. Emmaliene took a sip of her coffee as she started skimming through the menu.

"Now," the old woman started as she joined them again, pen and paper in hand, "What brings an adorable couple like you doing out here? The closest town must be 20 miles from here."

"Oh," Emmaliene blushed as she slightly shook her head, "We're n—"

"Eloping."

Emmaliene's gaze snapped up to see James offering a charming smile to the older woman, who gasped in excitement. James reached across the table and took Emmaliene's hand, his left arm strategically placed in his lap, "We've had an... Unconventional relationship," James looked over at Emmaliene, giving her hand a subtle squeeze, "We thought we'd keep to that with our wedding."

Emmaliene continued to stare at James as the woman excitedly asked their destination, "The Falls," Emmaliene answered, finally looking at her, "I always wanted a sunset wedding at Niagara Falls."

The woman clutched her heart in a way that made Emmaliene wonder if they were going to cause her to die of joy before she pulled herself back together, "Well, that is just the most romantic thing I have ever heard."

She took their orders, and Emmaliene couldn't help but chuckle as she practically skipped back to the kitchen. When she looked back at James, she saw that he had been watching the waitress as well, a soft half-smile still on his face.

She looked down to see he was still holding her hand, and she felt her cheeks flushed again. "So," she mused as he looked back to see her eyebrow arched, "Eloping?"

James exhaled a short chuckle and released her hand, taking a drink of his water, "I exaggerated for a cover story, but you have to admit," he looked at her again. She was surprised to see an entertained smirk cross his features, "We do have an unconventional relationship."

Emmaliene openly laughed for the first time since they had met, causing a warm feeling to spread across James' chest. He liked her laugh; it was bright and full of life.

"Well," Emmaliene lifted her coffee cup slightly from the table, "Cheers to that."

James tapped his water glass against her cup, and they each took a sip.

Their lunch was uneventful, and they ate, mostly, in silence. When Emmaliene reached for the check, James quickly grabbed it from her with another smirk, "My treat," he was already standing up when he leaned down closer to her ear, "Sweetheart."

They walked to the diner's front door, and James quickly gave the waitress cash for their meal. They were about to leave when the older woman produced a large brown bag, practically shoving it into Emmaliene's hands.

"Some more food for the road," she explained with a wide grin, "and one of our homemade apple pies."

The woman's kindness touched Emmaliene, "We couldn't possibly—"

"Hush now," She cut Emmaliene off, "it's my wedding gift to the bride and groom."

His footsteps echoed through the empty house as he walked through each room.

Searching.

He walked up the stairs and opened the doors to the master bedroom, and stopped. The red stain had long since dried, a permanent reminder of that horrible night.

Rollins hesitantly walked in behind him, "Sir?"

"She's gone," He turned around and walked from the room, barely acknowledging the other man, "But I know where she's going next."

They had gotten to the cabin near the Falls several hours ago, and Emmaliene practically disappeared into the bed. After a long day of driving, she was exhausted; but had informed James that this was only halfway to their actual destination.

He had taken several naps on the drive, so he had been doing a perimeter check around the inside and outside of the cabin. Even though they were only here for one night, he wanted to familiarize himself with an escape route if needed.

When Emmaliene finally woke up, it was with a sudden jolt as her shoulder was almost violently shaken.

"Wake up," James hissed in a low tone, "Emmaliene, you have to wake up."

She shot out of bed and met his panicked gaze; in three strides, he had walked around the bed and grabbed her arm, pulling her behind him. "We have to go."

Emmaliene felt panic rise in her chest, "What's happened?"

James didn't answer as they ran out of the back door to the cabin and into the trees, "I'll explain in a minute," he whispered back to her, weaving in and out of the trees, "We have to hurry." They paused just at the edge of the treeline, and they could hear the sound of the roaring river.

James turned around again with that similar half-smirk on his face, causing Emmaliene to feel even more confused, "Do you trust me?"

Emmaliene stared at him, incredulously," James, what is going on?"

James tilted his head, and his hair fell across his eyes, "Emmaliene..."

She let out an exasperated sigh, "Yes. I trust you."

"Close your eyes," he said.

"James? What the fu—"

He stepped forward and retook her hands, "Close. Your. Eyes."

Emmaliene closed her eyes and felt herself being led forward. The ground beneath her changed from twigs and grass to stone. She jumped slightly when she felt the metal arm wrap around her waist, and she was guided up several rocks.

"Open your eyes."

She hesitated a moment before opening her eyes. Her breath was instantly taken away at the sight of orange and red hues dancing in the mist of the water. Every so often, she felt a water droplet jump up and land on her face.

"James..." She breathed as she looked up at him and met his soft gaze.

"It's not a wedding," A soft smile spread across his face, "but the least I could do is give you a Niagara Falls at sunset."