Disclaimer: All Marvel and PJO/HoO characters belong to respective owners.

Chapter 6

A heavy fog surrounded her as Phillip landed a few feet away from Steve. Landing as softly as possible so as not to alert Steve of her presence. Andromeda quietly got down and pulled up her hood once again. A few feet ahead Steve unbuckle the parachute.

"Go somewhere safe." She whispered ever so quietly to Phillip. With a single pat, Phillip flew away.

Good luck, my Lady Phillip replied before disappearing into the night sky.

Breathing shakily, Andromeda moved with precision in silence behind Steve. Her body moving naturally and gracefully after years of training. While she was poetry in motion, Steve was the exact opposite. Andromeda flinched at every leaf or twig he stepped on, for in the silent wood it sounded like a bomb. At least to her, it did.

It could have been twenty minutes when Steve finally arrived at Hydra's base. The closer he got, the clearer the shouting from inside the fence became. Large lights from the above scoped the ground. He was distracted by what was in front of him that he didn't notice the two Hydra soldiers approaching from behind. However, Andromeda did.

And her entire plan of staying out of sight went out the window.

Steve didn't hear them until they were nearly behind him, it was the cocking of a gun that perked his ears. Hand fisted, ready to throw a punch, he turned quickly. But he was still too slow, Andromeda had already beaten him to it. Her body moved on its own, it had a mind of its own as it took down the two soldiers.

Steve watched in astonishment as a hooded figure briskly fought them. Only with the hilt of her sword and in a blink of an eye, they were on the ground, unconscious.

Andromeda didn't break a sweat nor breathing heavy. Everything about her was calm and cool. If anything, she was still as a rock. Andromeda had noticed the smell of death, of rotting flesh when she attacked. Ever so slowly, she bent down and removed their headpiece. She gasped slightly at the sight of a skull, almost gagging at the sight and smell.

"Who are you?" Steve asked cautiously yet firmly.

Andromeda still hadn't looked up from the skull. There could be more, or maybe, it could be all of them. Having them covered from head to toe just a precaution of any clear-sighted mortals. At least now, she could stab them.

"I sai-" Steve was cut off by a gentle voice, feminine.

"A friend," Andromeda muttered, still analyzing the situation. Observing the lack of reaction from Steve at the uncovered soldiers meant that the Mist was doing its job. But that poses another problem, Steve will think she was stabbing mortals.

"Whose friend?" Steve demanded.

She grinned to herself. "Not theirs that's for sure."

Andromeda finally looked up and for the first time, Steve saw the real her.

There was very little light, but Steve still noticed that she was beautiful. Even in the night, he could admire how her sea-green eyes glowed vividly. Hair fell one shoulder in a braid, with loose hairs that framed her face beautifully. There was this aura around her, he couldn't quite describe it. He noticed the gentle smell of the sea.

Steve naturally questioned her answer. "And can I trust you?"

Andromeda looked back down at the fallen soldiers. "I'm sure you've figured that out by now."

"Well, what are the odds that you're here the same night I am?"

"Technically, I already had plans of coming here. So, I should say what are the odds of you being here the same night like me?" Andromeda remarked cockily.

He wanted to say something more but the sound of vehicles approaching caused them to duck down quickly. He looked behind him and watched as multiple vehicles passed. Without a doubt, he ran towards the last one and threw himself inside, Andromeda right at his heels.

And both came face to face with two more undead soldiers.

"Fellas." Steve greeted them like old friends.

In a flash, the Hydra soldiers lunged and Andromeda let her body do the talking. It wasn't long before she flung one out of the moving vehicle. A second later, Steve threw his opponent out. They huddle in silence as the car moved, Steve grabbed his shield from behind.

Andromeda had to do a double-take to make sure she was seeing it right. Was he serious? Bringing that cheap thing to a Hydra base.

"What is that?" She hissed softly.

"What?"

Both were gently lost their balance when the car began to reverse, most likely into a loading dock. They got ready to jump out as the motor vehicle slowed to a stop. Steve got into position right at the entrance, hiding behind his so-called shield. She was going to have to change that, soon.

She flushed herself to the side so as not to be seen. Just as the car stopped, the curtain shifted. She watched as a skeleton soldier peaked in only to be slammed backward by Steve's shield. They jumped out and quickly ran to hide among the large parked tanks. But before he could take another step, she pulled at his arm to stop.

"What is it?" Steve whispered in alarm.

"What is that?" Andromeda hissed again, pointing to the shield that was on his back again.

Steve somewhat flushed with embarrassment. "It was the only thing I could find."

"It's a toy. A prop, it's useless." She whispered harshly, then signed softly. "Here, I have something that will help you."

She had grabbed it hastily on her way out and attached it to her belt. It was her favorite shield since it was retracted into a thick arm brace. Unlatching from her belt, she hesitantly gave it to Steve.

"Don't lose it. It's my favorite." She muttered strongly and showed him how to put it on. Once it was in place, the shield opened completely opened like a handheld fan.

Steve looked at the new shield that faintly glowed in awe than at the women in front of him. "Seriously, who are you?"

Andromeda just grinned and continued with their route. Steve followed closely behind her, weighing the bronze shield in his arm. It felt sturdier than his, heavier too but in a good way.

While Steve didn't know who she was or where she came from, he was relieved to have her help. Slowly, he began to trust her, but still multiple questions. Mainly, why was a woman breaking into a Hydra facility? And where did she learn to fight? And lastly, why did she look familiar? As if, he had seen her somewhere before, he just couldn't remember where.

Andromeda had no idea where she was going, just hoped for the best with each turn. Using a tank as leverage, she landed on top of a wall and ran towards the large factory. Steve's heavy feet closely behind her. He needs to know how to be quiet! Andromeda shouted internally.

By some miracle, they managed to move around the building undetectable. Any guards they ran into, Andromeda swiftly took out. Sneaking right to where Hydra trapped the rest of the 107th and even more. Andromeda stopped when she saw all her men locked up in cages underneath their feet. The cages went from one floor to the second, with openings on the second to see below. And there was only one guard.

"Take care of the guard, free the prisoners. I'll be meet you on the other side." Andromeda instructed, and Steve quickly moved. Might as well have Steve do that and avoid being seen altogether.

With the guard down and Steve releasing the captured, Andromeda silently walked above them to the other side. Hell was going to break loose the second they all got out, she had to be ready for a fight. Just as she got to the other side of the door, Andromeda got rid of her cloak. It would just get in her way.

And sure enough, just as she turned the corner, a battle had already broken out between the mortals and an undead army. It was a chaotic sight, mortals fighting skeletons, yet they didn't have clue. Andromeda unleashed her sword and swiftly thrust herself into the fight.

Every swung she made, or kick came naturally to her. Her body moved elegantly and effortlessly as she attacked non-stop. Her sword cut through the skeletons like butter. Andromeda moved from one opponent to another in less than a second, all fell like bugs at her feet. There was no hesitation in her attacks, she knew what to do. She's trained her whole life to be this precise in battle.

When Steve had left behind the men to search for Bucky, he saw the woman engaged in fighting Hydra soldiers. He was frozen and watched as she swiftly took them out. No one slowed her down just kept moving forward, leaving behind a trail of fallen soldiers. Steve shortly joined her and together, they fought Hydra. Unaware that they were being watched by a common enemy.

Johann Schmidt watched as his prisoners fled; his anger grew like a flame. Johann moved the camera around and landed on an expected sight. Steve Rogers, Abraham Erskine's successful experiment, fighting one of his soldiers with a familiar shield. He wondered where Steve had gotten that shield when someone else came into view. Someone that answered his question yet caused more problems. He watched emotionlessly as she expertly swung around her sword.

Johann knew what he had to do.

"No, no! What are you doing?" Zola came behind to stop him.

"Our forces are outmatched," Schmidt admitted calmly, almost too calmly.

Zola turned to monitor as the ticking of a timer began. "Is that a woman?"

"I will handle her."

No other word was needed for Zola to flee while Johann stayed behind to finished what he started.

Andromeda had just beheaded a skeleton when Steve came barging in, kicking another one off the ledge.

"Come on!" Steve shouted to her and ran off.

Andromeda darted behind, despite not asking him why they were going deeper into the facility instead of joining the others outside. Unless they weren't all there when he was freeing them. It clicked to her in the second; Barnes must have been missing from the rest. Steve still hoped to find his friend and Hydra might have taken him somewhere else.

Gun in hand, Steve sprinted forward to where he prayed Bucky would be. He took a sharp turn in a dark hall and saw a short man walked out of a room. Everyone stopped for a second, staring at each other until a very frighten Zola ran away.

Andromeda and Steve jogged to where Zola had just walked out. Time stopped as Andromeda stared that the cowardly man. Zola looked back in fear before running away.

Steve began to go after Zola but realize he wasn't worth it. Instead, he cautiously walked in from where Zola came out. Inside, they heard mumbles, a voice they both knew.

"Bucky," Steve said in relief that was short-lived when he noticed Bucky's condition. "Oh, my God."

Andromeda hurriedly released the bonds from her side while Steve handled the other.

"Is that…" Bucky weakly mumbled. He didn't want to believe it was him. It would only hurt him even more if Steve wasn't here.

"It's me," Steve reassured him. "It's Steve."

Bucky dazedly looked at him. "Steve?"

"Come on." Steve grabbed him by the arm and began to get him up. They needed to get out of here.

"Steve," Bucky said clearer as if finally releasing that his friend was real. Bucky unsteadily got off the table, desperately holding onto him for support.

Both friends looked at each other for a moment.

"I thought you were dead," Steve told Bucky in relief.

"I thought you were smaller." That was as all Bucky could come up with as he took in Steve. It was like looking at a new person. Bucky now had to look up to him; that was gonna take some getting used to.

Andromeda stood on the other side of the table, quite awkwardly, as the pair reunited. She had to look away, and when she turned, her eyes landed on a large map. Pinpointing all the other Hydra's bases location. Andromeda stared at the map for as long as she could, noting all the bases' location.

When a loud explosion rang out in the distance, she knew time was up. She looked back at Steve and saw that he, too, noticed the map. After a glance, he turned to her and nodded.

"Come on."

She headed to the exit and waited for Steve to catch up. Steve was grunting loudly as he carried Bucky.

"Woah, who is she?" Bucky slurred when his eyes landed on the dark-haired woman. A woman who was wearing some kind of armor and she was carrying a sword.

"Hello." She greeted him quietly, awkwardly since she already knew him. But he didn't know that.

Steve paused his step and looked at a stunned Andromeda. "A friend."

Still, when Steve called her a friend, Andromeda happily smiled on the inside. Bucky accepted the answer and moved on. After a quick hello, Bucky returned his attention to Steve.

"What happened to you?"

Steve picked up the pace and breathlessly answered, "I joined the Army."

After a couple of minutes of getting Bucky out of the bed, he was able to walk on his own. Even though he was unsteady, at least he didn't need to rely on Steve.

"Did it hurt?" Bucky asked.

"A little."

"Is this permanent?"

"So far."

They were running when a large explosion went off, causing the whole building to tremble. The three picked up the pace, it was clear that this building wasn't going to last. When the group finally went through the doors, fire greeted them. Everything was on fire.

They were coughing from all the smoke, but they kept running to find a way out. When another explosion shook, Andromeda concentrated on bringing all the water from the pipes. But nothing came out. She tried harder, still, nothing happened. He must have gotten rid of all water from the factory.

Shit. Andromeda thought.

Too dangerous to run straight ahead, so they went up the stairs. Andromeda saw him even before he called out. Standing there on the other side of the walkway, watching them.

"Captain America!" Schmidt yelled. "How exciting! I'm a great fan of your films!" Johann briefly made eye contact with her and ginning viciously. "So, Dr. Erskine managed it after all. Not exactly an improvement, but still, impressive."

Steve was furious that he brought up his deceased friend, especially since he was the one that sent the order to kill him. When Erskine was within reach, Steve punched him so hard that he nearly fell.

"You've got no idea," Steve told him stiffly.

Andromeda noticed something off about Johann's face, it looked distorted. There was a sharp tug in her gut. Johann massaged his left cheek as he walked back to Steve.

"Haven't I?" He said and then retaliated with a punch.

Steve was swift in bringing up the shield, a ring sounded when Johann's fist met the metal. And while nothing happened to the shield, he was still taken by surprise by the force. He had to take a step back to keep his balance, Johann also had super-strength. Steve grabbed his gun but before he could use it, Johann delivered a second blow, this time to his face.

Steve grunted as he flew back, the gun slipped from his hand. Steve saw Erskine coming closer and brought both legs to kick Johann right at the chest. This time Johann completely landed on his back. Both stood back up quickly and were about to engage in a fight when the walkway began to move. Steve got closer while Johann moved further away.

"Cousin!" Johann finally addressed her. Andromeda glared at the man while Steve and Barnes snapped to look at her. "So nice of you to have paid me a visit."

"Don't flatter yourself!" She shouted walking over to stand in front of Steve. Sword ready in hand. "This is wrong, Johann! Using mortals like lab rats!"

Johann laughed like a mad man. "But didn't you do the same? You are just like your brothers and sisters, hypocrites!" He looked at her dead in the eye, and she saw the hint of red underneath his left eye. "They should be grateful to us! To be walking alongside with gods!"

Steve didn't recognize the language Johann spoke in, but whatever he said, the woman knew it. And even responded in the same language.

"Half-gods!" Andromeda replied in Ancient Greek.

Johann ignored her and returned his attention to Steve. "No matter what lies Erskine told you, you see, I was his greatest success!"

Steve, Barnes, and Andromeda watched in horror as Johann began to pull off his skin. Yanking it off to show bright red skin that hid underneath. Andromeda struggled to breathe as Johann showed his true skin. He didn't a nose or hair, just a bright red skull.

Andromeda's heart dropped as she remembered her horrible nightmares. As a small child, she would wake up screaming in the middle of the night, crying out about a red skull. But none of her siblings knew what it could be. Nothing much they could do, they would just try to calm her enough to go back to sleep.

"You don't have one of those, do you?" Bucky asked Steve.

"You are deluded, Captain," Schmidt said. "You pretend to be a simple soldier, but in reality, you are just afraid," Johann dropped his mask to fire below them. "To admit that you have left humanity behind." He began to make his way back to Zola. "Unlike you, my cousin and I embrace it proudly. Without fear!"

"Then how come you're running?" Steve shouted accusingly.

Johann didn't say a word as the door of the elevator closed. They all stood there, staring at where Johann and Zola disappeared to when another explosion occurred. They all stepped back as the heat became unbearable. Steve looked around to find another way out, locating a door on the third floor. Then saw a way to get across.

"Come on, let's go. Up." Steve usher Bucky to the stairs.

They moved as quickly as possible up the stairs to the top. A steel bridge ran across the ceiling, it could word, but they would need to be quick.

"Let's go. One at a time," Steve said breathing heavily, he nodded at the woman. "You go first."

Andromeda inhaled deeply and climb over the rail. Once over the rail, she stood shakily and looked at what laid front of her. She walked steadily and with light steps across, not breathing the entire time. The fire roared below, ready to consume her. She did briefly lose her balance, but luckily, she quickly recovered. Unfortunately, her sword slipped from her hand, she cursed as it fell. When she finally did reach the other side, she exhaled in relief.

She watched from the other side as Steve helped Bucky climbed over the rail. While Barnes had been able to walk fine, he was still weak. He had been stumbling behind them the whole time. Andromeda nervously watched as a fatigued Barnes began to walk, all while a small explosion went off around them.

Steve was terrified as Bucky struggled to stay steady. The building was constantly rumbling and it caused their bridge to weaken. Steve's heart was racing as Bucky lost his balance for a second, it looked like the bridge wasn't going to last much longer. Bucky shakily stood up, he had to move quick or he was toast. Gathering his courage, Bucky ran and jump just in time. He latched onto the rail when the steel bridge completely fell.

Andromeda helped Bucky climb over the rail, and they watched as the bridge fell with a loud bang, yet Steve was still on the other end.

"Gotta be a rope or something!" Barnes desperately shouted to Steve.

"Just go! Get out of here!" Steve yelled back.

"No! Not without you!" Bucky responded angrily, he was not going to leave his best friend behind.

Steve analyzed the situation, and he could only think of one way; he had to jump.

"Hell." He muttered to himself before bending a detachment piece of the railing away.

Bucky and Andromeda watched anxiously; as Steve took a couple of steps back. Unaware that they were both holding their breath. Breathing heavily, Steve charged forward and jumped just as another large explosion went off, and he was consumed by fire.

Everything happened so abruptly the moment they got outside. Everyone was running away from the imploding building. Steve was so worried about getting away, he didn't notice Andromeda slipping away. She had taken advantage of the chaos to run away into the woods, away from everyone.

She was panting heavily when she finally stopped. Andromeda could still hear the booms from the factory, the shouts of men, and the pounding of feet on the ground. Hopefully, she wouldn't run in with anybody. She just needed to get back before they did. Bring two fingers to her lips, Andromeda was about to whistle when she remembered one thing.

"Dammit!" She groaned to herself. "My shield."

She had to get it back. If Steve walked in with that shield, everyone would be asking questions and causing problems for her. Annoyed, Andromeda crept closer back to the main road, extremely careful not to be seen. Watching as the men ran further away from Hydra. Some on foot, some on tanks, either way, they were all happy to be free.

She ran alongside them, in the safety of the forest, until they were all safely away. Tears pooled in her eyes as the men cheered joyfully, hugging each other in relief. She wished she could join them in their victory. Their cheers got louder as Steve came up to them, Bucky right next to him.

The men jumped all around him, patting his shoulders or back. Graciously thanking him, shaking his hand, some even cried as they hugged him. While Steve accepted each of them happily, it was clear that he wasn't familiar with being praised. Eventually, the celebration had to end, he gathered everyone to begin their march back to base.

Steve took his place right in front, still holding onto her shield, Barnes right next to him. Those who able to walk followed behind, the injured settled on the tanks. Reaching down to grab a small rock, Andromeda threw it right at Steve. He flinched slightly when a rock hit him above his ear.

What the hell? Steve frantically searched for the source and when he saw a small figure duck behind in a bush off the distance. He knew it was her.

"I'll be back," Steve muttered and walked away.

Bucky watched as his friend walked into the forest, and when everyone around gave him a look. Bucky just shrugged and said that Steve needed to take a leak. Everyone accepted the answer and continued, but Bucky saw when the rock hit Steve.

Steve walked further and further away from the men and deeper into the forest. Once he was far enough, he called out to her. "You can come out now."

Andromeda raised from her hiding place, which was still a couple of feet away from him.

"Why did you run away?" Steve asked, stepping closer.

"I finished my mission, there was nothing left to do," Andromeda said and met him in the middle. "I just came back for my shield."

"Oh, right." Steve took it off and gave it back. "Thanks for letting me borrow it. What's it made of."

"You're welcome." Andromeda took it back and slipped her hand through the straps. "And it's made of a metal called celestial bronze."

"Well, it's amazing," Steve said, looking at the shield with the rightful owner. It suited her and he needed to get one of his own. "And you were incredible. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Andromeda blushed at the complicated, she hadn't expected him to say that. "Um…I…thank you." Why was she stuttering? Andromeda scorned herself and cleared her throat. "I-I learned at a camp."

"Hm, some camp," Steve muttered.

Andromeda lightly chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea."

Steve gave her a small smile, but it vanished when he remembered something. "Is it true? Johann's your cousin."

Andromeda wanted to kill Johann for saying that. But she knew it did it on purpose, that bastard. The next time she saw him, he's going to fight for his life.

"Technically, yes, our fathers are brothers. But I didn't grow up with him, we aren't very close. If you couldn't tell." Andromeda told him and an awkward silence followed. "Well…I should go."

Andromeda turned to walk away. Once she was away from Steve, she'll call for Phillip. The less he saw, the better. If he saw Phillip, he may be able to see through the mist. She may have only taken a few steps when Steve called out to her again.

"Wait!" Steve lightly jogged to her. "Why don't you come with me? We could use someone like you on our side."

Andromeda softly snorted at the irony. She slowly turned around and met his eyes once more. If only he knew what she had to do to be in the army.

"I don't think your army would like a woman. Especially, Johann's cousin." Andromeda said in a soft tone. "But I'll be there if you ever need my help."

"But how will you know?" Steve asked jokingly despite the stung of her words. But what she said was true, no one will accept her. They won't even trust her once they found out about her connection to Johann.

Andromeda shrugged and smirked. "I have my ways."

Steve chuckled and didn't take long for Andromeda to join him. This was the first time she heard him laugh, ever. He was always so serious at Camp Leigh and well, so was she. But then again, he only saw her as the stiff Colonel Phillips. Steve couldn't exactly crack a joke with his superior.

Although now, it felt nice to laugh with Steve. Even felt a bit overdue.

"I really should go, and you should too. Don't want you to be left behind." Andromeda began to walk backward, not wanting to break eye contact. She had to admit, Andromeda enjoyed talking to me. To be carefree with him.

"I'll easily catch up," Steve said then remember another thing he's been wanting to know. "Wait, I never caught your name."

Andromeda paused, eyes widening, realizing that she never gave him her name. Then burst into another fit of laugher. They had fought alongside Hydra the entire night, yet he didn't know her name. She had forgotten to introduce herself, just like with Howard.

"I'm Andromeda Kingsley." She said, walking back to shake his hand.

Steve grinned widely and took her hand. "I'm Steve Rogers."

"Goodbye, Steve Rogers. Until next time."

And she meant it.

Once they release each other hands, Andromeda disappeared into the forest, silently as ever. While Steve still had many questions to ask her, he just stayed silent and watched her vanished. Once she was out of his sight, he returned to newly freed infantry. Bucky had given him a look as to say what took him so long, but Steve just shook his head. He would tell him later when they were alone.

The sun was rising when Andromeda and Phillip landed. Everyone would be barely waking up, so it would be the perfect time to sneak back in. She hopped off Phillip, thanked him, and promised his breakfast as soon as she had the chance. Quickly taking off the saddle, Phillip went over to the creek to drink, ruffling his feathers.

Inhaling deeply, Andromeda snapped her fingers. She felt a light breeze as the Mist settle over her once more. And with it, the frustration of being seen as someone else. At least she had Howard, so it wasn't all bad. The walk back to her silence was peaceful, listening as the forest woke up. Squirrels hurriedly ran up trees; birds flew high up in the trees, singing.

As she headed back, all she could think about was Steve's smile, his laugher, or the way her body felt when he looked at her. The way his eyes winkled at the corner when he laughed. It was she could think about, she felt different.

The camp bustle with energy as everyone began their morning. Andromeda crept around; eyes fully alert as she dashed back into her tent. Happy for than ever it was located at the edge of the base. Exhaling loudly in relief once she was inside. She changed out of the armor rapidly, shoving it all back into the chest. Grumbling under her breath when she remembered that she dropped that sword. That was the fifth sword she lost.

Andromeda put herself together as best she could, wiping her face with a wet cloth, brushing her teeth, a new set of clothes. She gagged loudly when she sniffed her underarms and sprayed an extra puff of perfume.

Checking her appearance in the mirror, Andromeda nodded to herself in encouragement and walked out. Just act calm, she told herself. It was strange to act as if nothing happened last night, to pretend like it was any other day.

She had just arrived at her desk when Howard bombarded her.

"So, Colonel Phillips, how was your night?" Howard asked nonchalantly, but inside he was ecstatic to see her alive and safe.

"Just like any other night, Mr. Stark." Andromeda sat down. "I slept."

Howard smirked and nodded. "That's good to hear."

When Howard didn't move and continued to grin at her, Andromeda arched an eyebrow. "Is there anything less you want to say or ask, Stark?"

"Nope. Good day, Colonel." Pretending to tilt a hat, Howard walked away. Whistling like a fool.

Andromeda shook her head and went back to work. She went over reports, letters sent by her siblings regarding their next steps. There was even a letter from Chiron. He wrote her well wishes and mentioned the prank the twins pulled on Lily while she was showering. Andromeda choked on her morning coffee when she read it.

The best one was from Thomas pleading with her not to do something idiotic. She scoffed, too late. She didn't regret her choices. And she knew after last night, her's and Steve's life completely changed.

He would be the symbol of hope mortals needed. Become What Abraham had envisioned for Steve. It was devastating that he wasn't here to see Steve become a hero. But she knew that he would be proud.

A clearing of a throat pulled her away from her thoughts. The smell of perfume told her it was Peggy and Andromeda's mood shifted.

"Agent Carter," She greeted sourly.

"Colonel Phillips, if I may-" Peggy began but Andromeda didn't let her finish.

"No, you may not." She cut her off sharply. "Do you have any idea of what you have done? I have half a mind to report you." Peggy stood still while Andromeda ranted. "You told Rogers confidential information and now he off, doing gods know what!" Andromeda felt slightly guilty for being too harsh, but she had a role to play. "If he doesn't make it out alive, it's your ass that's gonna be in trouble. I hope you know that."

Peggy's solemn face didn't move. Peggy had the risk of what she was doing, yet she still went. Ahead and did it. Even dragged Howard into it, even though nothing would happen to him. She, on the other hand, was easily removable. If anything, people in high places have been waiting for an excuse to get rid of her. And now that they had one. Despite that, she'd do it again.

"Yes, sir," Carter responded clearly.

Looking at Peggy's face, Andromeda felt more remorseful of how harsh she was. These situations of acting as if she didn't know anything were awful. It often forced her to do or say something that she didn't want to. And what felt worse, she will never have the opportunity to apologize. Or explain her actions.

"You're dismissed. And you better pray Rogers gets out alive." Andromeda grumbled looking back down to the report. The soft steps of Agent Carter faded away.

As expected, no news of Steve Rogers' location was reported. She expected as much, it would take more than a day to travel back here on foot. They would arrive tomorrow midday to evening, given that they would take breaks. Until then, they were forced to wait, again.

The rest of the day went by uneventful, and it felt to be going by painfully long. Each minute was like an hour to Andromeda. Still, her work as Colonel was never finished. There was still much to do.

When her stomach rumbled loudly, Andromeda finally stepped away from her desk. In the canteen tent, she gathered her breakfast/ lunch. Grabbing two extra apples for Phillip and went back to the woods.

She hadn't expected Phillip to already have a guest.

"What are you doing here?" Andromeda asked sitting downstairs on a rock by the creek. Tray on her lap, she began to nibble on a slice of bread.

Howard stood next to Phillip, petting him with one hand while feeding him a carrot with another.

"Came to visit my new friend," Howard grinned while Phillip nickered. "And I figure that you would be busy, so I got him food." Andromeda noticed the empty tin bucket by his foot. "You wouldn't believe how much horse food is."

Andromeda was touched that Howard went out of his way to buy food for Phillip. And then felt absolutely horrible that it slipped her mind to buy Phillip food. She was a horrible person.

Andromeda groaned and slapped her forehead. "Gah! I forgot to buy you food, Phillip. I'm sorry."

No need to apologize. Given your day yesterday, I understand. Phillip told her gently.

"Here, I brought you two more apples," Andromeda tossed them to Howard. He easily caught them and gave Phillip one while he bit the other one. "Did you just steal one of Phillip's apples?"

"He had more than enough. I, on the other hand, haven't eaten." Howard defended himself with a full mouth. Andromeda scowled at him as he took another large bite.

"Don't be disgusting, close your mouth when you chew," Andromeda snapped at him with that voice of authority.

Howard rolled his eyes, nonetheless, ate the rest of the apple in silence. Mouth fully closed. He sat down on a rock in front of her, eyes never staying in one place for too long. Everything caught his attention, the way water ran down rocks. The branches ruffling in the wind, tall grass swaying gently.

While Howard, was never one to spend time outside, it felt nice not to be in a stuffy lab. Taking off his shoes and socks, Howard rolled up the pants to dip his feet in the water. Not a word was spoken between them, but it wasn't quiet. Between him eating his apple and Andromeda devouring her lunch, it was never silent. Howard took advantage of this time and fully lounge, relax. It's been years since he's relaxed like this, and Howard was going to enjoy it while he could.

"So, tell me what happened last night," Howard asked once Andromeda finished her food.

Setting the tray aside, Andromeda mirrored his position. She let out a deep sigh as the water enveloped her feet. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, then gave him a detailed synopsis of the night. From the skeleton army to the encounter they had with Johann. Howard listened with open ears, not saying a word but his facial expression was enough to tell her what he was thinking.

She went quiet after she told him about the conversation she had with Steve. Andromeda watched as Howard's expression became a series of expressions. She waited patiently while Howard figured out what he was going to ask. Because if she knew Howard, which she did, he had a mountain of questions.

"So…Johann is your cousin?" Howard finally asked.

Andromeda twisted her lips and thought about the right way to answer. "Well…in mortal terms, yes."

"Wait, what do you mean in mortal terms?" Howard asked, more confused. "And how come you never told me?"

"You never ask," Andromeda quickly answered the last question. "You knew that we were fighting Hades' kids, so don't get angry with me."

Howard had to give it to her. He never bothered to ask her who were the spawns of Hades. Andromeda watched as Howard tilted his head as if to say fair enough. Andromeda focused on the running water while she answered Howard's first question.

"If you looked at it the way mortals do, then we're cousins. Because our fathers are brothers." Andromeda paused to let her words sink in. "But our fathers are gods, so family bonds don't really exist between the gods. Why do you think it's normal for Zeus to be married to his sister?" Andromeda turned to Howard. "So, in our terms, we're not cousins."

Howard thought it over in his head. He did always find it strange, well, everyone found it taboo. But hearing that family ties didn't exist among them made it easier to understand. They didn't see each other as siblings, they were only husband and wife. Still a bit strange, but less.

"I guess that does make sense, so at your camp, does everyone date… each other?"

Andromeda hummed, pulling some hair behind her ear. "Yeah, but not within the same cabin. A child of Zeus can date a child of Aphrodite, but a child of Zeus cannot date another child of Zeus."

"I see…" Howard looked up at the cloudy sky. "So, Schmidt has a skeleton army."

It wasn't a question. "Yup, one of the many skills a child of Hades possess."

"And Steve didn't see them."

Andromeda shook her head. "Nope."

Howard nodded and sighed heavily. "That's good."

The next morning, Andromeda found herself flying overhead Steve and the rest of the infantry. It was still early morning and they were all marching along with no sign of stopping again. All looked eager to arrive. Satisfied with their progress, Andromeda flew back to base.

She found Howard where she had left him. Waiting on the same rock as yesterday, looking up when he heard Phillip. Howard was still amazed at the sight of his friend riding a pegasus.

"I want to ride him one day," Howard commented as she landed.

Pegasus headed to Howard, eyes locked on the apple in his hand, Andromeda still mounted on him. Smiling at how comfortable Phillip had gotten with Howard, then again he was holding a treat. Andromeda saw as Phillip happily devoured the apple, chuckling when Phillip sniffed Howard for more.

"Well, if you bring him more snacks and ask nicely, he might say yes," Andromeda stated patting Phillip's neck.

Howard laughed when Phillip whined in disappointment. "I only brought the one. Sorry, buddy. Next time, I'll bring two."

Andromeda dismounted from Phillip and began to unsaddle him. She moved efficiently while Phillip stood patiently, letting Howard caress him. Andromeda snorted when she realized what he was doing. Phillip was trying to brownnose his way into more apples.

"Where are they?" Howard said once she removed the reins.

"A few miles away should get here by noon," Andromeda answered as they started to walk.

The day was the same as yesterday, cloudy and gloomy, not a hit of sun. It did rain overnight, and she loved it. The smell of the forest after it rained. Everything felt fresher and more vibrant.

They both walked at a faster pace than usual, excitement was high. It was something air, something that thrilled Andromeda to the bone. With Steve back, other Hydra's locations will finally be known. At least, to everyone else. And that meant they were one step closer to ending this war.

Andromeda tried her best to act frustrated, angry, annoyed, and every other negative emotion. Since, technically, there weren't signs of activity on Steve Rogers. To everyone else, he may as well be dead.

Andromeda was at her desk, once again, impatiently tapping her foot and pen. Her eyes watched every tick the desk clock did. It was noon, and still no word. Did they take another pause? Or where they suddenly ambushed? Each second that passed, her concern only grew.

Agent Carter entered with hesitation, the Colonel words still sitting heavy on her shoulders. Yet she remained confident with her choices. But Peggy also knew that if something happened to Steve, she would never forgive herself.

"The last surveillance flight it back," Peggy said, setting down the images. "No sign of activity."

Andromeda didn't bother looking at the photos. Instead, she looked up to Peggy, the woman she slightly envied. She leaned back on her chair and quietly eyed her. Peggy was intelligent, brave, and so much more, or why else would she be here. And while at first, there was some doubt of having her join, Andromeda had come to respect her.

In time she had known Agent Carter, she wasn't one to break orders. And that made her a great agent. But she also, wasn't afraid to speak her thoughts or argue with her when they didn't agree. But to blatantly disregard protocol, was unlike her.

So why did she do it?

Andromeda inhaled deeply. "I can't touch Stark. He's rich and he's the Army's number on weapons contractor. You are neither one."

Which made Andromeda wonder more; why did she do it. She risked everything when she helped Steve. Her career, reputation, even her liberty. Carter didn't have the luxury of doing as she pleased.

"With respect, sir, I don't regret my actions." Peggy strongly told her. "And I don't think Captain Rogers did, either."

"And why is that?" Andromeda returned sharply.

"I had faith."

Andromeda was rendered silent at Agent Carter's answered. She was about to respond when men around them started to run. Shouts ranged out around them. When she saw men spirited towards the gate, Andromeda knew what it meant. Steve was back.

Wordlessly, she walked away from Carter and followed the men. Peggy followed closely behind. Andromeda walked seamlessly through soldiers, mainly they all moved away from her, and watched with a large grin as Steve walked in. The men cheered loudly in joy, clapping boisterously as more and more freedmen walked in.

Steve headed directly to Colonel Phillips, ready for any punishment. Once he was right in front of her, Steve stopped and saluted the man.

"Some of these men need medical attention." Andromeda wanted to laugh, she had to look away, lips in a thin line. He still had the guts to talk to her like that after the stunt he pulled. "I'd like to surrender myself for disciplinary action."

Andromeda looked Steve in the eye, a small pang of sadness hit her in the heart. His eyes were hard, not even a glimmer of a spark from before. She had never hated being Colonel Phillips, she always tolerated it for the sake of the war. Yet, at the moment she loathed being Colonel Phillips.

She had to look away from his eyes and saw all the men that were around them. Made it seem that she was thinking over the decision.

Despite already making one.

Finally, Andromeda said, "That won't be necessary."

It took a moment, the longer that she wanted, for a small smile to form across Steve's face. And for the first time, Colonel Phillips smiled back at him. Steve honestly didn't know that man could smile.

"Yes, sir."

Andromeda gave him a departing smile and nod and wakes away. Peggy stood right behind her, eyes completely locked on Steve. A little smirk and a spark in her eye. It was clear as day to Andromeda. Why Peggy help Steve, it all made sense now. And maybe it was faith, but Andromeda knew it was something more than just faith.

If before was a small pang, this was a stab right to the heart.

Andromeda was at a loss of words as she walked away. Her thoughts running a mile of a minute as everything else faded away from her.

Peggy had a crush on Steve.

When she was far enough from them, Andromeda turned back. And what she saw, nearly broke her. Peggy stepped incredibly closer to him, locked to each other eyes. From where she stood, she didn't hear what they said. She just saw Agent Carter's lips move, then Steve pulled something from his pocket and smirked. The smile that spread on her lips was blinding.

Words were shouted, but Andromeda didn't pay attention. It was muffled noise to her, all she saw was how close Peggy and Steve were. How much she wished it was her.

Thank you for reading and hoped you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.