Chapter 8:
[Steve Rogers POV]
[Weeks later, Factory, Moscow, Russia]
As I charge forward, my shield collides with the goon's face, sending him crashing to the ground. Natasha swiftly dispatches four other enemy hostiles with her pistols. In a breathtaking display of agility, Clint flips through the air and fires an arrow, taking down the last punk. With the factory now secure, our attention turns to the captives imprisoned in small containers, treated like animals. It's a disturbing sight that evokes memories of the darkest days of the war and the horrors of the death camps. Natasha addresses the captives in Russian, reassuring them, "You're safe now. No one will harm you anymore. We're here to set you free." I can't help but notice how young some of them are, some no older than 15.
The newly liberated civilians make their way toward the exit, where SHIELD and other law enforcement personnel are waiting for them. Clint remarks, "The intel was accurate. Another trafficking ring involving superhumans." He carefully examines the pod-like contraptions, trying to gather more information.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Natasha trembling, an unusual sight. In all the time I've known her, she has always exuded an aura of unwavering strength. I approach her cautiously, refraining from physical contact so as not to trigger any unexpected reactions. "Nat, are you alright?" I inquire. The super spy startles as if momentarily forgetting herself. "I'm fine," she snaps, her voice icy, "Let's just get this over with so we can leave this wretched place." It's evident that she feels uneasy being here, though I can't quite discern the cause. I glance at Clint, who shakes his head silently, indicating that it's not his story to share. It's clear that I won't get any answers about her issues now; this is not the appropriate time. We still have a mission to complete.
The trafficker groggily awakens, struggling to regain his senses; I watch Natasha's swift and purposeful movements. She wastes no time, closing the distance between them in a matter of seconds. With expert precision, she locks the man into a painful submission hold, her steely grip leaving him helpless and vulnerable.
"Start talking," she commands, her voice laced with authority. There is an undeniable intensity in her eyes to extract the truth from this man. It's a side of Natasha that I've seen before, a testament to her unwavering commitment to pursuing those responsible for such heinous acts. The trafficker's eyes widen with fear as he realizes the futility of resisting. The pain inflicted by Natasha's hold, coupled with the weight of our presence, compels him to break. The floodgates open, and he begins to divulge the information he possesses, desperate to appease the super spy and escape the consequences that await him. His words spill out in a jumble, a mix of fragmented sentences and panicked explanations.
Within moments, the man's resistance crumbles entirely. He reveals the inner workings of the organization, the names of key players, and the locations of their hideouts. The secrets spill forth like a torrent, a culmination of his fear, guilt, and the knowledge that he can no longer protect those who have exploited the innocent.
Natasha's grip loosens slightly as she listens intently, absorbing every morsel of information. Her gaze never wavers, her mind already strategizing the next steps of our mission. With the truth now laid bare, we possess the crucial puzzle pieces needed to dismantle this insidious network. As the trafficker's voice trembles and fades, Natasha releases him from her grip. He collapses to the ground, his body shaken, both physically and emotionally, by the weight of his betrayal. It's a sobering reminder of the darkness that permeates the world. Natasha turns to me, her eyes reflecting a mixture of resolve. Without a word, we share an unspoken understanding. Our mission is far from over. Armed with the newfound knowledge, we are poised to strike back against those who profit from the suffering of others.
[Spartan POV]
[SHIELD HQ, New York City, USA]
I find myself summoned to the mission room by Cap for a top-priority operation. Thor and Banner, two key members of the Avengers, are noticeably absent, having gone missing after the Battle of New York. Nevertheless, SHIELD has been maintaining surveillance on them from a distance. I enter the room, and as I do, the holographic computer behind Cap flickers to life, revealing an image of Sokovia, an Eastern European country.
"We've received credible intelligence indicating that General Kamil Novoty, the acting dictator of Sokovia, is involved in a superhuman trafficking operation," Cap informs us, his voice filled with determination. "Our mission is to shut it down." My arms instinctively fold across my chest, and my eyes reflect a wave of controlled anger. Sokovia, a landlocked nation, has been ravaged by war and conflict for far too long. It was once part of the Soviet Bloc, enduring decades of brutal struggles and widespread corruption. Following a fight for independence led by General Alois Denz, the nation fell into the clutches of the dictator, General Kamil Novoty. His totalitarian regime and appalling disregard for human rights earned him the notorious moniker of "the Butcher." The country has been further devastated by war and the weight of international sanctions, leaving its people plagued by hunger and illness.
Cap slings his shield onto his back, his resolve unwavering. "Move out, people," he commands, his voice carrying the weight of our shared resolution. We know the gravity of the situation, the lives at stake, and the urgent need to bring justice to those responsible for perpetuating such atrocities. With a collective sense of purpose, we prepare to embark on this mission, carrying the hopes of the oppressed and the innocent with us. As we step forward, we are bent on facing the darkness head-on, restoring peace, and delivering a message of freedom to a country long oppressed.
[Sokovia]
The quinjet barrels through the skies of Sokovia, with anti-air guns firing relentlessly in our direction. Jarvis, Tony Stark's trusty artificial intelligence, skillfully maneuvers the quinjet, evading the incoming barrage of shots. Finally, the aircraft makes a jarring descent, touching down in an open field. Cap takes the lead, charging into the snow-covered woods on his motorcycle. Karai and I sprint toward a nearby tank as enemy troops unleash a hail of bullets upon us. Swiftly, we dodge the incoming fire, using our agility to stay one step ahead. With incredible precision, Karai dispatches seven of the troopers with expertly aimed shots to their heads.
I leap onto the tank, wrenching open the hatch and tossing in a grenade. The resulting explosion engulfs the tank, neutralizing the threat from within. Meanwhile, Clint, perched atop a moving jeep with Nat at the wheel, takes aim with an explosive arrow, obliterating an enemy gunner nest. Iron Man and War Machine fight side by side, their combined firepower decimating a pack of unmanned drones.
Driving with unwavering determination, Cap hurls his shield, incapacitating a wave of commandos. In a fluid motion, he swoops down, grabbing a soldier by the leg and dragging him several meters before hurling him into a group of three adversaries. Above us, Iron Man streaks toward the imposing castle, firing shots at ground troops, only to collide with an energy barrier. "Shit!" he exclaims, his frustration evident. Cap, ever the embodiment of discipline, reprimands him, "Language!" Tony, ever the joker, quips about the injustice of the situation. I can almost sense Cap rolling his eyes. Iron Man regroups, circling back, "Jarvis, find me a power source." The AI swiftly responds, pinpointing a power core in the eastern sector of the castle. Tony releases a missile, disabling the energy shield. "Move on the castle," Cap orders, and we press forward, undeterred.
[Castle.] Upon entering the castle grounds, a palpable sense of dread hangs in the air. Cap issues a stern warning for everyone to stay vigilant. We divide into two groups, with one tasked to deal with the remaining enemy forces outside while the others secure the base. Inside the castle, Cap, Hawkeye, Karai, and I breach a room, confronting the enemy forces on the other side as they reach for their weapons. Reacting swiftly, we neutralize them before they can fully draw their firearms. Karai and I scan the area, ensuring it's clear, while Clint moves to restrain the defeated adversaries. Cap advances toward a back room, discovering a scientist attempting to erase the computer data. With a precise throw, he sends his shield hurtling toward the man, rendering him unconscious. The Super Soldier then connects a device to one of the computer ports, instructing Jarvis, "Alright, I want a copy of everything."
"Will do, sir," the AI replies dutifully. Cap approaches the fallen scientist, shaking him awake with a firm grip. "Where's Novoty?" he demands, his voice unwavering. The scientist remains silent, prompting Cap to seize him by the collar of his lab coat, a rare display of aggression. "Where is General Novoty? I won't ask again," Cap asserts, holding the scientist aloft. Fearful, the scientist's eyes dart toward a far wall. Cap releases his grip, allowing the scientist to slump to the ground unconscious after a well-placed punch. Clint, Karai, and I follow Cap, and the HUD reveals a secret passage. We push against the wall, causing it to slide open, revealing a staircase leading to a lower level.
[Lower Level.] With our weapons at the ready, the four of us cautiously descend into what appears to be a sprawling laboratory. The room is adorned with pod-like structures arranged in a line at its center. Nearby, a workstation showcases an array of alien technology. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I approach one of the pods, peering inside. What I witness shocks and disgusts me, prompting me to swiftly force the pod open. A partially unclothed woman tumbles out, surgical markings adorning her body. Clint, ever resourceful, covers her with a blanket retrieved from his utility belt pack.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" a voice taunts. We whirl around, weapons ready, searching for the source of the voice, and our gaze falls upon General Kamil Novoty, observing from an observation deck. "It's over, Novoty. Surrender," Cap shouts, stepping forward to confront the deranged man. Novoty scoffs, unleashing his vitriol. "Ah, Captain America. We finally come face to face. Look at you. Gaudy and common, like peasants," he mocks. The four of us glare at him, undeterred by his insults. Cap fires back, refusing to let his words penetrate. Novoty becomes incensed, declaring himself a prodigy above the others we've faced. I refuse to let his delusions go unchallenged. "No, you're nothing more than a narcissistic lunatic with delusions of grandeur," I retort sharply. The man sneers, calling us fools and vowing to relish in our demise. Swiftly, he activates a switch on the control panel, causing multiple pods to open. Seven unnatural figures emerge, ready to attack, but their assault is abruptly halted by a scarlet mist of energy, disintegrating them violently. We turn our attention to the source and find the pod girl, her hands outstretched and her eyes blazing red. Suddenly, she collapses, unconscious. Clint and Karai rush to catch her, ensuring her safety. Novoty seizes the opportunity to make a dash for the exit, but Cap's shield strikes him in the back of the head, preventing his escape. "Cuff the son-of-a-bitch. The sooner that animal is behind bars, the better," Cap declares, deftly catching his returning shield.
[Steve Rogers POV]
[SHIELD HQ, New York City, USA]
[Hanger Bay.] We disembark from the quinjet in the hanger bay, greeted by Maria Hill waiting for us on the helipad. Spartan and Karai swiftly rush the injured Sokovian girl to the medbay on a gurney. Curious about General Novoty's status, I inquire with the SHIELD agent. Hill hands me a tablet, providing the latest update, "Novoty received the VIP treatment. He's currently being transported to the RAFT, the newly established penal institution for the most dangerous criminals." I nod in satisfaction, thinking that such a monstrous man deserves to be locked away in a dark hole. Hill continues, sharing the identity of the girl, Wanda Maximoff, along with her tragic backstory. "Thanks for the information, Hill," I reply, returning the tablet. I walk away, heading towards the medbay to check on Wanda.
[Medical Center.] Entering the medical area, I inquire about the girl's condition, addressing Dr. Cho. She informs me that Wanda is stable, with her vital signs within normal range. However, Dr. Cho's primary concern lies with what they discovered in Wanda's system. She pulls up an image on a nearby computer screen, showing me bio-nanites. "These nanites were forcefully infused into Wanda's DNA by Novoty, altering her genetic makeup. The process must have been excruciating. I'm genuinely surprised she survived the augmentation procedure," Dr. Cho explains. I gaze through the window at the girl lying in the bed, feeling a pang of sadness. "Please keep me updated on her condition," I request, and Dr. Cho assures me she will.
[Living Area.] In the living area, Tony joins me, having shed his Iron Man armor. He inquires about our new *house guest.* I update him, saying that Wanda is still recovering, but Dr. Cho is optimistic about her chances. Clint seems relieved at the news. Spartan raises an important question, pondering what we should do with Wanda once she recovers. The team turns their attention to him, curious about his suggestion. He voices his opinion, suggesting that we bring her into our ranks and have her join the AVENGERS. Rhodey reacts strongly, skeptical of bringing in an untrained and potentially unpredictable individual. Nat, however, defends the idea, proposing that we train Wanda to control her powers. The team becomes embroiled in a heated debate, split between those in favor and those against the idea.
Ultimately, I assert my authority, clarifying that the decision is ultimately mine. "We will allow Wanda to choose her own path," I state firmly, crossing my arms over my chest. "This girl has already been robbed of her freedom once. She was forced to endure a nightmarish ordeal. If she decides to stay with us, we will train her to become an AVENGER and help her learn to control her powers. However, if she chooses a different path, we will respect her decision and still provide any assistance she may need."
[Hours later, Rogers's apartment, New York City]
[Room.] Restlessness keeps me awake, my gaze fixed on the ceiling as I lie in bed. Sleep eludes me, and my mind wanders back to the mission we just completed. Memories of my time in the war resurface, bringing a mix of emotions. I finally give in to the restlessness and rise from the bed, making my way to the sink. Splashing cold water on my face, I stare at my reflection in the mirror, searching for elusive answers. "What are you doing here, soldier?" I silently question myself, a recurring inquiry that has plagued my mind ever since I woke up in this modern world. The disparity between the past and present is overwhelming, often leaving me feeling lost and suffocated. I shake my head to push aside the somber thoughts that threaten to consume me.
My attention is drawn to the bags and luggage neatly arranged in the corner of the apartment. A few days ago, Fury reassigned me to a post in Washington, DC, pairing me up with Natasha. She remains an enigma to me, a woman shrouded in mystery. There's an undeniable allure about her, an air of confidence that emanates from her every move. She knows her worth and how to utilize it. Yet, I find myself torn between keeping my guard up around her and allowing myself to trust her.
[Wanda Maximoff]
[SHIELD HQ, New York City]
[Dream.] I find myself caught in the grip of a haunting nightmare. Two soldiers tightly grasp my arms, forcefully dragging me down a dimly lit hallway to a foreboding black door. Desperation fills me as I plead with them to release me, but my pleas fall on deaf ears. Ignoring my cries, they forcefully push me into a room where a man in a white lab coat awaits. He circulates around me, examining my body with a calculating gaze. "She will be perfect. Prepare her for the procedure," he orders. The soldiers strip me down, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, before strapping me into a pod-like contraption. The man looms over me, a sinister smile curling his lips. "Do not fear, child. If you survive, you will become the next step in human evolution. Sokovia's very own empowered vanguard." With that chilling statement, he seals the pod, and my entire being is consumed by excruciating pain.
[Medbay.] I jolt awake from the torment of my dream, finding myself in a hospital room. Gasping for breath, I sit up, my body drenched in cold sweat. Before I can fully comprehend my surroundings, the door bursts open, and a man rushes in, dressed in a black military-style outfit. Fear and confusion overwhelm me as I demand answers, charging my powers through my hands, my eyes flickering with a hint of red. The man raises his hands in a gesture of peace, desperation in his voice. "Easy now. I'm not your enemy. No one will harm you. You're safe. My code-name is Spartan." I blink rapidly, struggling to process his words. "You... You're the masked man who rescued me from the pod," I manage to say, my voice quivering. He nods, relief evident in his expression. He proceeds to fill me in on the events that unfolded during my periods of consciousness and unconsciousness.
Nervously scratching the back of his head, he reaches into his pocket and retrieves a pendant, placing it gently in my hand. "It fell out of the same pod. I thought it might be important to you, so I held onto it," he explains. As I close my fingers around the pendant, tears stream down my cheeks. "It's my mother's pendant," I whisper weakly, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. Spartan offers me a sympathetic gaze, and after a few silent minutes, I settle back onto the bed, turning to my side and slipping back into sleep without uttering another word.
[Room.] Once again, I open my eyes, finding myself in an unfamiliar hospital room. A part of me desperately clings to the hope that everything I experienced was merely a terrible nightmare. If I open my eyes wide enough, I'll return to the loving life I once shared with my parents and Pietro. But the reality always comes crashing down, shattering the illusion. Startled by a sudden disembodied voice, I strain to listen. "Good morning, Ms. Maximoff. I am Jarvis, an Artificial Intelligence. I am here to inform you that clean clothes are in the closet. When you're ready, please make your way to the living area. The Avengers are expecting you," the AI states. Reluctantly, I force myself out of bed and shuffle towards the closet, slipping into sweatpants and a T-shirt.
[Living-area.] Following Jarvis's guidance, I enter the living area, feeling all eyes on me as I cautiously step forward. My gaze immediately locks on Spartan, the only person I recognize in the room. "Wanda, this is the Avengers," the man in a blue militarized uniform introduces, his voice carrying authority and respect. Each member of the team takes turns introducing themselves, starting with the man in blue. "Steve Rogers. Captain America." I observe how the team regards him, recognizing him as a great leader with courage, righteousness, and an unwavering commitment to justice. I peer into his mind, sensing an old soul trapped within a youthful body. Next to him stands a red-haired woman. "Natasha Romanov. Black Widow. Captain Rogers's second in command." She remains an enigmatic figure, her strength, level-headedness, and independence evident. "Clint Barton. Hawkeye." He is a brave man with a deadpan focus, dedicated to his duty of protecting the innocent. "James Rupert Rhodes. Code-name's War Machine. But everyone calls me Rhodey." "Corvo. Code-name's Spartan." My attention lingers on the masked crusader, perceiving a combination of anger and control emanating from him. "Samus. Karai." Lastly, a middle-aged man with a goatee steps forward. "Tony Stark. Iron Man. Billionaire, playboy, genius, and philanthropist. CEO of Stark Industries." 'Also, a bit arrogant.' I struggle to grasp his sense of humor.
With a slight bow, I address the team, my voice wavering slightly, "Um, I am Wanda Maximoff...". Captain Rogers turns to face me, meeting my gaze with unwavering determination. "We would like to extend an invitation for you to join the Avengers. The choice is yours, and we won't object if you decline. But I genuinely believe that you can make a real difference. We can help you control your powers so they won't control you."
Raising my hand to halt his speech, I interject with a venomous tone, "If I refuse, will you send me back to Sokovia?" The bitterness in my words hangs heavily in the air, drawing the attention of everyone present. I don't harbor hatred toward my country, but I despise what it has become, and the thought of returning holds little appeal, especially if there's nothing left for me there. "No, that's not how we operate. I can arrange a visa for you," Karai assures me. Taking a deep breath, I respond to Captain Rogers and the team, determination shining through my wavering voice. "In that case, I will join you. I want to ensure that what happened to me is never inflicted upon anyone else, and I will fight to create a better world," I declare, committing myself to the Captain and the team.