Chapter 7

Payback

Hydra Island

Andrea laid in Dean's bed, panting from exhaustion, "That was fun"

Dean laid in silence next to her. His life had hit a new low.

Andrea turned to look at him and noticed his silence, "Nothing to say?"

Dean didn't answer.

"You poor thing, you didn't seem as excited today" Andrea said.

Dean got out of bed and dressed himself.

Andrea laughed as he left the room, "Ah, life is good"

Dean went for a walk, he couldn't stand to lay next to her any more than he had to. Because of Andrea he was forced to become a murderer. Now he needed a way out of here, that was all that mattered anymore.

Dean held his cross in his hand, 'Please, show me a way. Not for me, but for my parents, they don't deserve this'

As he walked through the hall a hand shot out of a door, grabbed him, and pulled him inside.

A dark haired woman pinned him to the wall of her room.

"What am I a whore now?" Dean said assuming this woman's intentions.

"What?" The woman said not understanding.

"Nothing" Dean said not wanting to think about his obligation, "Who are you?"

"Think about it" The woman said.

Dean looked at her for a second. Not many people can man handle him like she just did, "Arachne?" Dean asked.

"Good to know you can still think for yourself" Arachne said.

He didn't recognize her without her mask, "What do you want now? A personal favor?"

"No" Arachne looked outside to see if anyone was around then closed the door, "I know you don't want to be here anymore. I'm in a similar situation"

"Really? You expect me to believe that?" Dean asked not wanting to be fooled again.

"No, after what that bitch Andrea did I wouldn't believe that either. But they did the same thing to me" Arachne said.

"What do you mean?" Dean asked.

"When you were on your mission I was on one of my own. I was sent to assassinate the head of SHIELD, Nick Fury. I infiltrated the Helicarrier and encountered Fury, but when I did he showed me a recording of him interrogating Jared" Arachne said.

"Your boyfriend?" Dean asked.

"Yes, Jared…he…he admitted some shocking things. He said that I was meaningless, that Strucker had told him to do it to keep me distracted" she said with anger in her voice, "Fury knew I would come after him because of Jared"

"Why would he do that?" Dean asked.

"To see the truth. Hydra has been brainwashing me for years. They feed us these lies to justify what they want but all they want is world domination, they don't care about you, me, or anyone else" Arachne said as her eyes teared.

"So Jared seduced you" Dean guessed.

"He made me fall in love with him" Arachne said in disgust.

Dean considered his options, "Let's say I believe you, what then?"

"Fury made a deal with me, if I gave them the location of Hydra Island he would clean my record. If you help me we can get you and your parents out of here. Are you with me?" Arachne asked.

Good question, is he prepared to take up arms against those who have wronged him? This might be the only chance he has to free himself.

"I need you to do something for me first" Dean asked.

Arachne and Dean walked up to where his parents were being held.

"Open the door" Arachne commanded.

One of the soldiers guarding the door pressed a button on the wall panel and the metal door slid open.

Dean went in and the door closed behind him

Eli and Agalia saw Dean but were still speechless.

Dean stepped forward, "I have something to say" he sat with his back to the wall.

"I...I was wrong. You did the right thing by raising me as your own, if you didn't tell me I would have never had a doubt about it. You did your best to teach me right from wrong and I ignored everything when I joined these people without knowing what I was getting into. I did terrible things...and it's my fault" Dean couldn't help but let his tears pour out, "I was blinded by my own ambition to find out what I am that I didn't look where I was going. I acted without thinking like a stupid child!" He squeezed his fist for a second then let go, "I won't blame you if you hate me, or disown me. I deserve to be alone for what I did" Dean stood up, "I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry" he turned around to leave but felt a hand on his shoulder.

Dean looked back at his mother.

Agalia embraced him in a hug, "We forgive you"

Somehow Dean felt even more guilty than before, "Why?" He whispered.

Eli stepped forward, "Because blood or not, you're our son" he pat him on the shoulder.

Dean nodded and wiped away his tears, "Thank you" he let go of his mother, "I need to go now" he left the room.

Arachne and Dean returned to her room.

"Do you have an answer?" Arachne asked.

"Just tell me what to do Arachne" Dean said with determination in his eyes.

"Don't call me that anymore, that's a false identity given to me by that bastard. My real name is Jessica Drew" she said.

"Well then, Jessica, It's time we showed Strucker the true meaning of pain" Dean said with purpose.

"You realize that in order for this to work you'll have to be willing to do anything, even kill. I know that's the last thing you want to do but there's no other way" Jessica said knowing this might affect his decision.

Dean was just forced to do the one thing he never wanted to do, and now he'll have to do it again. But to free his parents, he'd pay any price, "Then you leave me no choice. Strucker wanted me to become a coldhearted killer, so I'll give him what he wants" he said ominously.

Jessica almost felt intimidated by his mood swing, "Good, first you'll need to access the communications facility and send a signal on the precise frequency Fury told me to use" Jessica said.

"Only after you secure my parents" Dean said.

"That's going to be difficult. They're guarded at all times" Jessica said.

"Without their safety I can't do anything to help" Dean said.

Jessica was about to say something when they heard a loud knock and the door opening. Upon instinct she pushed Dean onto the bed and jumped on top of him.

A Hydra soldier entered the room and saw the two of them lip locked.

Jessica pulled away from Dean and faced the soldier, "What is it?" she asked sounding agitated.

He cleared his throat awkwardly, "The supreme leader requires your presence Arachne"

"Fine, now leave" Jessica said with a commanding voice.

The soldier closed the door as he left.

Jessica got off of Dean.

"What was that about?" Dean asked as he got to his feet.

"Strucker has had eyes watching me as of late, he knows there's something wrong with me. It's a risk having you here as it is" Jessica said.

"That's good to know but I meant the part where you start coming on to me" Dean said.

"I'd rather them think you visit me to suit my needs and nothing else" Jessica said.

Dean blushed, "Oh...good thinking"

The next day Dean entered the chamber of the supreme Hydra.

Strucker noticed Dean, "I did not ask for you"

"I know" Dean knelt in front of him, "I have discovered something you'll want to hear"

Strucker grew curious, "And what might that be?"

"Arachne plans to betray you" Dean said.

Strucker was baffled, "A bold claim boy, why should I believe you?"

"Arachne told me she found out that her memories were replaced. She offered to free my parents if I help her kill you" Dean said.

"And why would you refuse such an offer? Why wouldn't you take your revenge?" Strucker asked.

"Her plan was flawed, there would be no escape regardless if we succeeded or not" Dean said.

Strucker nodded in agreement, "True, you chose wisely by telling me"

Dean and Jessica approached the cell where his parents were being kept.

They stopped in front of the two guards.

"The prisoners are to be brought to the supreme Hydra immediately" Jessica said.

The guards nodded and turned around to open the cell.

Dean plunged his sword through one of them and Jessica snapped the other's neck.

"I have to go now, do what you have to and be quick" Jessica said leaving them.

Dean opened the cell.

"What's going on?" Eli asked.

"I'm breaking you out, follow me" Dean said as he led them away.

He walked down the hall towards the communications room.

"Wait here" Dean said as he entered the room.

There were four soldiers inside.

One turned around, "What're you doing? You're not authorized to be in here"

Dean closed the door and drew his swords.

The soldiers screamed in agony as he sliced them open, it's a good thing these walls were soundproof.

Dean cleaned his blood stained blades and sheathed them. He didn't let his mind ponder on his deeds, he stayed focused on his goal.

He pressed a couple of buttons and released the signal as Jessica asked.

Dean left the room, "Stay in here, arm yourselves, lock the door and wait for me"

Agalia grabbed his hand, "Be careful" she said sincerely.

Dean smiled and nodded, "I will mom" he rushed towards Strucker's chamber but ran into Andrea.

"Hey!" Andrea said.

Dean froze, did she know what he was doing?

"Where have you been?!" Andrea shouted.

"Umm..." Dean didn't know what to say.

"Whatever" Andrea grabbed his hand and ran, "Arachne is attacking my father we have to hurry!"

Dean felt relieved as he allowed her to drag him.

They entered the chamber to find Jessica in a frenzy.

Reaper and Viper were already down and the rest of the Hydra soldiers were shooting at her.

Jessica flew around dodging as she shot green energy from her palms back at them.

Strucker saw Dean, "Seize her!" He shouted angrily.

Dean leaped into the air and put her in a head lock, "Make it look believable" he whispered to her.

Jessica flew into the walls trying to shake him off but he wouldn't budge.

She fell through the air and landed harshly on the ground.

Dean kept his hold on her until she stopped struggling. He got off her and drew his swords.

"Well done, you shall be rewarded" Strucker stepped forward until he stood in front of Jessica, "Pick her up"

Two soldiers lifted her up to face him.

Jessica was barely conscious.

"And I had high hopes for you" Strucker drew his sword with his right hand, "But treachery is punishable by death" he raised his weapon over his head preparing to finish her.

Dean gripped his sword with anticipation, 'For taking my parents, lying to me, and forcing me to become something I hate'

Andrea saw the hate in his eyes as he glared at her father.

Strucker brought down his sword to strike.

Dean slashed upward with a loud roar and cut off his arm.

Strucker staggered back in shock as cried out in pain.

Dean went for the kill and lunged forward.

"No!" Andrea shouted and exploded outward with green energy.

Dean and Jessica were knocked back.

Andrea stared in awe at herself. Green energy came out of her hands that was shaped like three dimensional copperhead snakes.

The snakes moved around and hissed as if they were alive.

Strucker regained his bearings, "You insolent brat! KILL THEM!"

The soldiers were about to start shooting when the entire place started shaking from explosions.

"What is this?" Strucker said.

The dome above their heads shattered.

Dean looked up and saw those soldiers with the blue eagle on their chest fly down with jetpacks.

The Hydra soldiers shot at the SHIELD soldiers and vice versa.

"No, no, no! How can this be?" Strucker said rushing to his throne.

Jessica got back up and helped SHIELD, "A little going away present!"

Dean ran towards Strucker before he could get away.

Andrea got in his way and smacked him with one of her snakes, "Don't think so!"

Strucker pushed a button on his arm rest and his throne moved to the side revealing a secret path. He turned around and glared at Dean, "MARK MY WORDS BOY! YOU AND ALL THOSE YOU CARE FOR WILL NEVER BE SAFE!" He entered and the throne blocked the path again.

Dean didn't like the sound of that but didn't have time to dwell on it either. There were two snakes staring right at him, "Since when could you do this?"

"Since now!" Andrea lashed her snakes at him like whips.

Dean blocked with his swords but was still knocked back, "They suit you, figures you'd be a venomous snake!" He charged at her.

Andrea growled and extended her right hand. The copperhead stretched out and hit Dean in the face, "Asshole!"

Dean spit out a loose tooth, "Bitch!" He charged again.

Andrea lashed with her right copperhead.

Dean slid across the ground and went to cut her legs.

Andrea jumped over him.

Dean got on his feet and turned around with a double overhead slash.

Andrea blocked with her right copperhead and lashed with her left knocking a sword out of one of his hands.

Dean kneed her in the gut, knocking the wind out of her, and elbowed her in the chest knocking her down. He then tried to plunge his sword through her.

Andrea blocked him at the last second with both her snakes.

Dean pushed against her snakes inching closer towards her face.

"This position brings back memories doesn't it?" Andrea caressed her leg on his crotch.

Dean didn't allow himself to be distracted, "You know what? If you weren't so pretty I'd been able to see right through you. The problem is that your beautiful exterior doesn't match your horrifying interior, and I'm going to fix that!" He pushed with all his might and cut her face vertically from her brow all the way down to her chin.

Andrea screamed and kneed him in the groin.

Dean rolled off her grasping his injured manhood.

Andrea got up and ran away holding her bleeding face.

Dean got up but lost her in the midst of the battle, 'I guess wounding them is good enough' he grabbed his dropped gladius, "Jessica let's get out of here!" He ran for the exit.

Jessica heard him as she held a Hydra soldier above her head, "Gotcha" she threw the soldier and flew at the door ripping it off its hinges.

Dean ran out, "I'm going to get my parents!"

"I'll meet you in the hangar!" Jessica flew the other way.

Dean reached the communications room, "Dad it's me!" He banged on the door.

His parents left the room.

"It's time to go" Dean sheathed his swords, wrapped an arm around each parent, and ran full speed.

"How did you get this fast?" Eli asked feeling overwhelmed.

"Lots of hard work" Dean said turning the corner.

There was a Hydra soldier going towards him but Dean didn't have enough time to stop and let go of his parents.

Eli then took one of his swords and threw it. It went right through the soldier's head.

"Good throw" Dean sounded surprised.

"I still got it" Eli said proudly as he picked it up again.

They finally reached the hangar that had turned into a large battlefield for SHIELD and Hydra.

"Dean this way!" Jessica flew into one of the jets holding two duffle bags.

Dean and his parents followed her inside.

Jessica immediately closed the ramp and blasted off.

They were glued to their seats from the sudden burst of speed.

Agalia and Eli strapped in to their seats and Dean sat in the copilot seat.

"Anyone on our tail?" Dean was concerned.

"No, everyone was too busy to notice us" Jessica said still looking tense.

"So...we made it?" Dean asked almost not believing it.

Jessica looked like she didn't believe it either, "Well...we're all here...and there's no one following us...so yeah" she sounded surprised.

"We made it" Dean mumbled, "I can't believe that plan actually worked" he sounded like a mixture of shock and joy.

"We...we're free" Jessica whispered as she turned on the autopilot and sat back in her seat.

Dean smiled for a moment but it faded, "So where're you gonna go?"

Jessica had a clueless look on her face, "I...don't know"

"You never thought about what you would do if you ever left Hydra?" Dean asked.

"Not really. I never thought I'd leave" Jessica said.

"Well we're going back to New York, maybe you can start there" Dean suggested.

"I don't know. I—"The radar picked up two incoming bogies.

"Uh oh" Dean said.

"Attention, this is SHIELD. Bring your aircraft to a stop and prepare to be boarded" They heard.

"More complications" Jessica said slowing down.

"At least it's the good guys" Dean said optimistically.

Dean and the others had been in the Helijet for a while with no idea where they were going.
Suddenly the Helijet started to slow down.

Dean saw a large shadow encompass the light from the front windshield. He got up and looked outside to see what could be blocking the view.

There was a large vessel, bigger than anything he's ever seen. It resembled an aircraft carrier but it had four turbines that allowed it to stay in the air.

"What the actual fuck is that?" Dean said in disbelief.

"The Helicarrier" The pilot said as he landed on top of it.

They exited the Helijet and followed the two SHIELD soldiers.

"Where exactly are we going?" Agalia asked.

"We're taking you to the man in charge of the attack" One of them said.

As he followed Dean observed the outside of the Helicarrier. Dozens of Helijets lay about with numerous soldiers to go with them.

Unlike Hydra Island it reminded him of the army bases he use to see with his father.

The interior of the Helicarrier was all metallic and spotless. The place was much cleaner than what he was used to.

They entered a small private room with a chair facing a glass window.

"Sir, we found these refugees trying to escape from the attack" The soldier said.

The chair turned around to reveal Phil Coulson, "Thank you, you can wait outside"

"Yes sir" They said in unison as they left the room.

"I'm Agent Coulson" He looked at Jessica, "You must be Arachne" he presumed.

Jessica crossed her arms, "Used to be"

Coulson smirked, "Director Fury told me you were the mole" he looked at Dean and his parents, "However he didn't mention you"

"He helped me escape. Hydra used him just as they did with me" Jessica said.

Coulson got off his chair, "Well I suppose you standing by him helps, as well as the fact that you allowed us to take you without resistance" He walked in front of Dean who stood a little taller than the agent, "But I still have to see for myself whether you're trustworthy"

"How do you plan on doing that?" Dean asked.

"I'll just ask you a couple of questions" Coulson said.

"How do you know I'll be telling the truth?" Dean asked curiously.

Coulson smirked, "I'm a good judge of character"

"Then ask away" Dean said not having any issue.

"What's your name?" Coulson asked.

"Dean Nobili" he said.

"How old are you?" Coulson asked.

"15" Dean said.

Coulson raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Alright, how and why did you join Hydra?"

"I had ran away from home recently and ended up in Alberta, Canada. A man, who I presume was one of their recruiters, told me a bunch of lies about Hydra being the good guys, how I could be useful, and that they paid well. I believed it and went along with him" Dean said.

"And why did you want to leave?" Coulson asked the most important question.

"I realized that I was working for a bunch of psychos a little too late seeing as how they abducted my parents" Dean pointed to them behind him, "And threatened to kill them if I didn't do what they said"

Coulson nodded, "While working for Hydra what did you do for them?"

"I was with them when they freed Emile Blonsky, and witnessed the massacre in its aftermath. I didn't kill any soldiers because I knew it wasn't right. That's when I first started having second thoughts. I infiltrated a secret base of yours where I was supposed to retrieve Walter and Amanda Cage. Again I refused to kill anyone and I brought them back to Baron Strucker. He ordered me to torture them and I refused but then he threatened to kill my parents…." Dean paused as the images came back into his mind, "I was forced to inflict immeasurable pain upon them. They never broke their silence, they didn't give Strucker the formula he was after….." Dean looked down, "Seeing as how they weren't going to give it up Strucker made me…" A tear ran down his cheek, "I murdered them in cold blood. After that I couldn't take it anymore"

Coulson felt sorry for the boy, no one should have to go through that, "I believe you. You must be traumatized"

Dean wiped his cheek and looked up, "I'll live" he said trying to be tough, "But there's something else. Strucker knows who I am, he knows my family. He said those I care for would never be safe"

Coulson sighed, "There's not much we can do. Even if you changed your name, moved to a different state or even country. A man like that has the resources to find you no matter where you are. But nonetheless those procedures will have to be taken"

"You mean we'll have to change our names?" Agalia asked.

Eli nodded, "And relocate I presume"

"Both correct" Coulson confirmed, "We'll also keep you protected in the scenario that Strucker does discover your new whereabouts"

Eli and Agalia stood by Dean, "Thank you, for everything" Eli said.

"It's the least I can do. I'll send you home immediately to gather your belongings if that's what you want" Coulson said.

"We'd like that" Agalia said.

"And you?" Coulson asked Jessica.

"I uh" Jessica looked lost, "I need some time" she left the room.

Dean and his parents followed a soldier to the Helijet that would take them home.

As he walked outside Dean noticed Jessica sitting at the edge of the Helicarrier staring at the blue sky.

"I'll be there in a minute" Dean left his parents and walked over to Jessica.

She was deep in thought, so much that she didn't even notice Dean next to her.

"It's frustrating right?" Dean asked.

"What?" Jessica looked over and saw him sitting down next to her.

"It's frustrating. Not knowing what to do, or what you really want" Dean said.

"Yeah, finding out—"

"Your whole life was a lie" Dean completed her sentence, "It sucks"

"Yeah…" Jessica said awkwardly, "I don't know where to go from here"

"In the exact same boat as you" Dean admitted.

"I don't have any family…or friends. I don't have a home to go to. I have nothing. All I know is Hydra" Jessica looked sad, her eyes started to tear.

"Hey" Dean put an arm around her, "It's not your fault"

Jessica leaned on his shoulder for comfort.

It's strange. When they first met Jessica was this strong confident woman who knew exactly who she was and what she wanted. Now she's lost her purpose and her identity. She's as vulnerable as he is right now.

"Listen, what we went through is going to take a while to digest. More for you than me. But you're gonna get through this because you're tough and I know that. You're a beautiful woman in her mid 20's—"

"Early 20's" Jessica corrected him.

"My mistake, who's got a whole life ahead of her to make new good memories. And you know what? Maybe the answer is right in front of you. What if you worked for SHIELD?" Dean suggested.

"You think that's a good idea?" Jessica asked.

"Yeah. You're a skilled fighter and superhuman, that has to be a plus for working with the good guys" Dean said.

Jessica sat upright, "I guess it'll help me make up for all the bad I've done"

"Right. Go back and talk to Coulson, I'm sure he could help you out" Dean said.

Jessica nodded, "I'll do that"

"And by the way, you're not alone. You got me" Dean said with a half-smile, "We're friends now"

Jessica laughed, "You're right"

Dean got on his feet, "Well I gotta go, my parents are waiting"

Jessica floated and stood on her feet, "Why don't you stay? We could join together"

Dean considered it for a moment, "Maybe one day, but not now. I still have questions that need answering"

"That's too bad. It was fun kicking your butt" Jessica joked.

"Next time we meet you owe me a rematch" Dean said looking forward to one.

"That's a deal" Jessica said with the same enthusiasm.

"Dean c'mon!" Agalia shouted.

"I'm coming!" Dean shouted back, "I guess this is goodbye then" he offered his hand.

Jessica looked at his hand then back at him. She embraced him in a warm hug, "Bye"

When she let go Dean turned around to leave.

"Oh wait, I almost forgot" Jessica said grabbing one of the bags she took with her, "Here"

Dean took the bag, "What's this?" it was heavier than he thought.

"Stole it from Strucker's personal vault" Jessica said with a smile.

Dean looked inside, gold bars, "Wow, you're the second person to give me money as we say goodbye"

"I mean if you don't want it" Jessica went to take it back.

Dean held it close, "No…my shiny"

Jessica laughed.

I learned a lot from that woman, enough to prepare me for what was in store for me next. However, the next time she saw me she'd be the one learning from me

Dean joined his parents on the Helijet.

Back to the real world.

Author's note: And with that this little story arc comes to an end. Tune in next week to see Dean face off against a certain feral mutant!