Don't Look Down
Janet abruptly opened her eyes, shooting up from her bed. Only, it wasn't her room, but a luxurious room filled with portraits and golden outlines of pristine richness. She gulped, knowing the Avengers and Fury were probably pissed that she never checked in. She finally remembered that she and Black Widow went back to Strucker's mansion for more briefing. She managed to fall asleep, completely bored and uninterested in what he had to say. Stupid on her own behave, but she couldn't help it; Strucker was utterly boring when it came down to it.
She looked down and saw her uniform; she would've panicked if she was in any different clothing. She jumped out of bed and rushed to her purse, snatching her phone out to reveal the many messages left by her team and Fury. She grumbled, quickly sending a message to Bobbi to let her know what the status was.
She mentally cursed at herself once more, feeling extremely stupid at her decision. Her brows furrowed in frustration…she wasn't that tired. How could she just simply fall asleep? She had been exhausted in many different circumstances and never once did she fall asleep. She shook her head in frustration and punched the wall with force, causing a gaping whole to form.
"So stupid!" she shouted at herself, fiercely pulling her hand back in disgust. She was about ready to stop and burst into tears at her stupidity, but she held them back and grabbed her phone once more. A reply from Bobbi was already there: Got it. He's pissed, but your message will ease him up.
She glared at her reflection in the mirror, wanting to say more or even call Tony. However, she stopped, thinking of the hidden cameras in her room. She fixed her messy hair and jet out of the room quickly. She gazed down the long hallways, not liking the deadly silence. She shrunk her size, zipping down the halls, wanting to just leave. All she needed was to find a window to go out of, since her room conveniently didn't have one. She was slightly panicking at this point, not remembering most of the night at all.
She gasped, stopping abruptly to see Black Widow suddenly in front of her. Her hands immediately glowed, threatening to fire. "Seriously? I'm not in the mood. Let me pass now."
"How are you feeling?" she ignored Janet's threats and went on to her own questions. Janet's brow rose.
"I feel I need to get he hell out of here! Now move before I make you!" Jane shouted once more, pointing her hands.
Janet's hands and arms suddenly eased and her face softened. There it was again: that expression on Natasha's face that came out every so often…the look of genuine concern and worry. Janet moistened her lips nervously, putting her arms down slowly, growing into her original size.
"You…confuse me," Janet said without thinking. She kept herself in a defensive stance, still cautious. "You put on this rough façade…but through it all…it's like you're a completely different person."
"You see things that are false. Your own pathetic imagination plays tricks on you," Natasha quickly covered up.
"No, don't play that. I can see it now," Janet said sternly, standing upright. "You're genuinely concerned for me…why?"
Natasha shook her head, turning on her heel and walking away. Janet quickly followed her, feeling like a little girl trying to catch up with her mother. "Natasha, wait." She visibly stiffened when Janet said her name, slowing her pace.
"It would be wise of you to keep your mouth shut," her voice was hard and icy, still walking.
"Damn it, don't do that! You think you're a good liar, but you're really not!"
"Your endeavors are pointless…"
Janet grabbed her arms and swung her into the wall. Natasha held herself back from taking her down. Janet's blue eyes stared harshly into her soft green ones. "Fine…I'll leave you alone. But first tell me this…am I really alone here?"
Natasha glared, ready to slap the girl for being so incessantly annoying. However, she turned her head, hearing agents coming down the hall towards them. She easily got out of Janet's grip, jogging down the hall and turned a few corners. Janet stood shocked for a split second, rushing after her. Natasha knew she'd follow, rolling her eyes; she really was like a bug that never left you alone. Although Natasha found her annoying, she was impressed with her getting down to business and trying to figure out the answer. Normal people couldn't see past Natasha's demeanor…she was surprised that Janet could.
She finally found the door she wanted, opening it quickly and letting Janet in, all while swiftly shutting the door behind her. The lights turned on, revealing a large room lined with dark walls with a large bed in the corner, and dressers across the way. Janet stood by the door, watching Natasha walking toward her dresser. She pulled out a small safe, punching in the code, as the steel door unlocked. She opened it, taking out a small device and began pressing some buttons.
Janet pursed her lips, keeping her eyes pealed for any sudden guns or weapons popping out of the ceiling. She slightly gulped, "I'm guessing this is your room…"
"Correct," she stated. "I have several other vacancies to stay, but I use this room when it's utterly necessary." She continued to type, while Janet remained still. "There are no cameras or microphones in this room; I check everyday, if that's what you're worried about."
She shook her head, "I'm just waiting for the guns to spring out and shoot me."
Natasha stopped typing abruptly, putting a hand on her hip, "You trust me one second, and the next you don't. Which is it? Because I need to know now if that's the case…"
Janet was hesitant. She reviewed what she witnessed back in her head and chose her words carefully. "I think you're good…but it doesn't mean I trust you."
A smile curved of her full lips, as she nodded her head. "Very wise." She continued typing. Janet eased, slowly walking closer and sitting on the bed. She was quiet for a moment, thinking everything through. She finally mustered up the courage to speak.
"Are you contacting Fury?"
Natasha looked up once more, closing the device and putting it back in the safe. "I can't believe he trusted you enough to tell you." A silent sigh of relief passed through Janet, knowing she was correct about Natasha.
"He didn't."
"You're the first then," Natasha nodded, impressed. "Even Clint didn't figure it out, and I practically confessed."
Janet rolled her eyes, "That doesn't surprise me…that's Clint for you." Natasha nodded, a small smile gracing her lips once more. "I apologize for calling you a traitor."
"I've been called much worse," she replied, her eyes scanning her own room. Amazing, simply amazing; Natasha was living the dream Janet wanted. She was being the infiltrator, when Natasha was already one. There were many things she didn't understand; if Fury knew about this the entire time, then what was the point of Janet doing this? Why did he have her go through with this? None of it made sense. "I know you have many questions, but we have to take this slow first."
She nodded, "You asked how I was feeling earlier…"
"You were drugged last night."
"What!" Janet shrieked, standing straight up.
"Slipped into your drink. I didn't see who it was, but once you began to fade I took you out of there as quickly as I could. It was most likely Baron, but I my assumptions don't have proof."
"I want to know why."
Natasha shrugged, "He was meeting with important people last night…I'm assuming he wanted you out of the way for the time being."
"Just when I let my guard down…"
"You are still young when it comes to the ideals of infiltration and spy work. I'm going to have to teach you some methods to get by. If not, you may be 'falling asleep' every night," Natasha replied, suddenly looking Janet up and down. "Actually…we have a lot of work to do."
She narrowed her eyes, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Natasha sighed, "If you're going to apart of Baron's team, you must also look and act the part. It's fine for now, but in the future, you must be more dependent on him. He must think you've actually fallen for him, just like me."
"He really thinks you like him?"
"He knows I'm devoted to him, and that's all that matters. You must act the same."
Janet thought about it; she couldn't believe she was going to do all this by herself. Natasha's words were really helping her. Fury told her she was doing well before, but now she felt she could really conquer.
"I'm willing to do it."
"Of course, you wouldn't be here if you weren't," Natasha replied coolly. Janet mentally slapped herself; why did she think she was such a child compared to her? Seriously, in all ways, she felt so inferior compared to Natasha….and she hated it. The words of the blond anchorwoman came running back to her once more…being so weak and mediocre when measured up to her. Why couldn't she present that sort of authority? Was it that hard? "There is doubt on your face; I will teach you. Clearly, I can't instruct you on everything I know, for some of my secrets must stay with me, but I will show you how to get by with Baron."
Janet nodded, getting the point. She did have a lot of questions, but now wasn't the time to get into all the prim and proper things of Strucker's world. Instead, she had many more important questions to ask her.
"If you're already here, then why did Fury push so hard for me to continue with this? There's no point in me being here…"
Natasha looked down, choosing her words carefully. She almost looked annoyed or displeased. "Because I don't know Baron's plans."
"What?" Janet said, taken back. "But…"
"Surprised? No, he doesn't tell me everything," Natasha stated harshly. "I was completely stunned when he decided to run for mayor and enter the UN."
"We're screwed…we're totally screwed!" Janet paced the room. "If he isn't telling you anything, then what are we supposed to do!"
"That's why Fury brought you into the picture, Janet," she confirmed, as Janet stopped pacing. "For odd and unforeseeable reasons that I can't comprehend…Baron genuinely likes you. His infatuation with you is not fiction, nor is it false. His attraction to you is what is going to help us." Janet's mouth hung open slightly and her eye twitched. "Fury figures if anyone can get information out of him…it's you," Natasha finished, as Janet flopped onto the bed face first and groaned. "You now see the grave importance of your role."
"No shit," she cursed, mumbling in the bed. Natasha smiled lightly once more. Janet quickly lifted her head, "Not only do I have to get information and 'fall in love' with Strucker, but now I feel the weight of the world is on my shoulders!"
"You need to stop calling him 'Strucker'. It's Baron from now on. The more you get used to that, the better it will be for him and you."
"Fabulous," she replied sarcastically. "Anything else I need to work on to fit this stupid role?"
Natasha grinned, "This is just the beginning. There are many things I need to show you."
"Ok, hold up," Janet protested, sitting up on the bed and holding out her hands. "I don't want to turn into some mini black widow that follows all of your orders and suddenly becomes a clone…"
"You can never become me," Natasha said simply, stating it as a fact. Janet rolled her eyes, clearly knowing she could never come close to Natasha's demeanor. "And I trust you can balance those difficulties."
"I'll try not to let you brainwash me," she stood up, ready to leave and get back to the mansion.
"And then there's that," Natasha made a disgusted face, gazing distastefully at Janet's uniform.
"Excuse me?" Janet's eyes widened at her rude comment. "What's wrong with what I wear?"
"You look like a child about to go trick-or-treating on Halloween," she responded bluntly with brutal honesty. "It's unflattering."
"This is comfortable and secure when I'm in battle. It allows my wings easy access and I'm not afraid of anything flying or slipping out when I am fighting," Janet quickly defended.
"It's unattractive and childish, especially when you are now in HYDRA's light. Both Viper and I represented Baron and everything he stands for perfectly."
"You're basically selling sex! It just looks like he has two sluts he gets to go home to every night! It's disgusting and completely repulsive when it comes down to it."
"This is Baron's world. To be in it, you must become it," Natasha shot back, leaving Janet to fume. "I will bring you a new uniform when I have finished it, one that is similar to mine."
"Yours?" Janet blinked, looking her up and down. "You're joking right?"
"Before you judge, like you usually do, this suit accommodates everything. It is flexible, perfect for movement, comfortable, waterproof, and necessary for stealth. It does not itch, chafe, or cling to my skin when I sweat. It's aerodynamic, stable, and able to breath in sweltering situations. You may think it's only used to show me off, but I find it completely necessary to perform any missions, battles, or assignments," Natasha explained, her tone authoritative.
Janet couldn't help but smile, nodding her head, "And the heels?" Natasha smiled knowingly. Janet stifled a laugh, "Ok, I'm not going to lie, I love the heels. I just don't know how you can move in them." Natasha smiled lightly, looking down at her own shoes. "I'll take you up on the new uniform, but why hasn't Baron said anything to me about it?"
"He's not going to personally address it to you. I know Baron better than most people, and he can't stand your unbecoming look. Maybe he doesn't think you look unattractive, but it reminds him of the Avengers."
Janet nodded, thinking it did make sense. "Anything else, oh wise one?"
She thought about it, thinking hard. She finally shook her head, "I think that is enough information for now. More will be explained as your time here grows."
"Can't wait," Janet replied, looking back at the door. "I suppose I should get going to SHIELD then…"
"No," Natasha interrupted. "The more you go to SHIELD, the more Baron won't trust you. He has to think you are doing this for him, not just SHIELD. I will contact Fury personally and report your progress. As time progresses, you may also want to spend less time at the Avenger mansion, and more time here or the HYDRA facility. You must become part of this world…as have I."
Janet nodded, "I'll sacrifice anything to get through this." Her nightmare suddenly came back to her, seeing her teammates dead and rotting away. She did not want that to come true at all. If she could prevent such a future, then she'd do anything to do it. She came back from her thoughts, seeing Natasha typing into her device once more. She figured that was her cue to finally go home and lay in her own bed.
Before she could leave, Natasha handed her some papers, requiring her signature for some of Baron's documents. Janet figured she was Baron's secretary now. Natasha did the heavy-duty things, while Janet did the quiet ones. She finally turned to leave, her hand on the door handle. However, she turned back slowly, one more question on her mind, "I do have one more question though." Natasha looked up at her. "Were you on the roof of that restaurant on the night of our first date?"
Natasha smiled, this time genuine and full of animation, "Yes, I was."
She walked through the doors hesitantly, peering in slowly. She was surprised to see none of the team rushing after her, wondering and asking her questions. But there was no one; the mansion was completely empty. She frowned slightly, walking to the elevator. She could tell Jarvis was still up and running, so nothing had clearly gone wrong.
"Welcome home, Ms. Wasp," Jarvis said, opening he elevator doors for her. She got in, as it took her to her floor. She exited the elevator, now curious to see most of the rooms were empty as well.
"Jarvis, where is everyone?"
"They are currently returning from a mission in Siberia. Estimated time of arrival is now two hours," he replied, as she entered her room.
"Siberia? What's in Siberia?" she asked. She sometimes forgot there were other villains besides Baron in the world.
"There was a small invasion of mythical creatures that escaped from one of the nine realms. The situation, fortunately, has been dealt with appropriately. Both the Avengers and SHIELD was on site."
She mumbled to herself, "I've been gone for a day and this is what happens?" She looked out the window and gazed upon the sunset. "Ok, more than just a day." Had she really been with Natasha all day long? It only seemed like an hour ago she woke up in a strange room that wasn't hers.
She knew her next step.
She remembered her day and all the details Natasha had given her, as a sudden tear streamed down her pale cheek. One hand was on the window while the other rested on her head, closing her eyes and trying not to puke. She knew what her next step was, and she was absolutely dreading it. Just thinking about it made her sick and awful.
She had to leave. Just as Natasha told her, the more time she spent in Baron's presence, the more trust he would put in her.
She sucked in some air and exhaled deeply, rushing to her closet and taking out a large suitcase. In an hour, she had all her things packed and ready. It was almost painful to endure, but she had to do it.
Now that she would leave her team and contact Fury herself via transmitter, it would be safer for everyone. When she began this entire operation, never did she think she would literally be sucked into Baron's world, being another one of his toys to mess around with. The only thing she could do was stay true to herself and never let anything happen to the earth she lived on and loved. Her sacrifice officially began.
She knew the Avengers would freak and try to contact her, but she turned off her phone, disabled her Avenger card, and took off the headphones around her ears that she also used to communicate with them. She left the headphones and card on her bed, now sure that they would get the idea. She sadly thought of each member, especially Hank, knowing he'd be devastated. All of them would be devastated and confused.
However, the thing that made her stomach turn the most was the fact that she didn't think she was going to make it through the mission alive. At the end of this, she felt her life would be gone…and that's what scared her the most.
She picked up her suitcase, opening the window. "Goodbye Jarvis."
"Have a good evening, Ms. Wasp," he replied, as she shrunk her size and flew out the window. Soon, she was back on Baron's doorstep, as the Black Widow let her in.
Chapter 6:
Short and kind of boring, but she has officially left the Avengers. The plot only thickens from here as we learn more about Baron Strucker and his goals.
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SilverShadow65