Saviours
Remember me, Winter Soldier
Chapter Dedications…
Avengers: The Age of Ultron | Saviours | Remember me, Winter Soldier
x- Inside Winter’s Head -x
1941 [Hours after she fell from the train] – Previously on ‘Alive but not Awake’
Ava's hazel-nut eyes snapped open in panic, she could feel the thick lining of sweat pouring down her face – her breathing was shallow as she felt no pain surging through her own body, only numbness. Rolling her numb head to the side she caught sight of dozens of surgical equipment and machines near where she was lying. Was she in a hospital? Did she actually manage to survive that fall? She thought to herself, blinking rapidly to rid the bleariness from her vision.
"Steve…" She whispered hoarsely, but her tongue felt like lead. Her words slurred at they flowed out of her mouth, "Bucky…" She got no reply, she felt tears sting her eyelids as she closed them to blink them away – needing to be strong no matter what. She willed for Steve and Bucky to come in at any moment, tell her everything would be okay and that she would be fine; but she didn't even know where she was or how she was alive. She couldn't remember how she got there; why could she remember falling from a train, why was she in a medical room? Where was everyone?
Ava felt slight relief rise up in her heart as she felt her body starting to come back to life, she noticed that her body felt tied to the table that she was currently lying on; but instantly she started to feel sick when she looked at her left arm. Her breathing quickened in panic and horror, her whole left arm looked like it had been ripped off – she wanted to puke but something was stopping her from doing so. Ava started to beg silently in her head; that all this show was just a dream, that she was somewhere in one of the base camps; safe and under a high density medicine that was causing her to hallucinate while being under.
"Steve!" She shouted, louder than before but feeling a tear fall on her paled cheek. "Bucky!" She heard footsteps coming towards her from outside the metal door connecting her room to a hallway. "I'm in here!" She cried, begging for someone to save her – she was pretty sure that whoever had her, were no friends of hers. She heard the lock of the door open, making her head tilt upwards slightly but not too far so her neck would be strained too much. Ava felt the makings of a huge headache coming on.
Ava felt her eyes widen in fear as she felt trapped, suddenly wishing she was still under whatever drugs that kept her asleep. Standing in the doorway was one of the men she despised the most, Dr. Zola. "Ah, Miss Avery Rogers." Dr. Zola spoke, his accent becoming prominent as his smirk widened at her discomfort. "Welcome back," He greeted, looking at Ava like she was a piece of meat, "You know, it wasn't nice of your brother and boyfriend to take you away so soon." He placed a thoughtful look on his face, still holding the menacing feeling of doom for Ava, "However, I feel as if it were the best choice – now we will be able to give you an extra ability to fill that missing arm of yours."
Ava gritted her teeth, wanting to punch the guy in the face – she had no idea what he did to her before Steve and Bucky got to her, but something didn't feel settling in her stomach, "What are you doing to me?!" She demanded, clenching her right fist as she got the feeling back in it, "Why am I here?"
Zola's smirk became wider, "You will be our greatest weapon, Miss Avery." He told her, he pressed a small red button on one of the side tables, "You will serve Hydra to the best of your abilities when we are done with the reconstruction."
"Only Steve and Bucky get to call me that, now let me go!" She yelled at him, trying to budge out of the binds that were holding her down but there was no use – there was no way she had enough energy to get out of there or even fight the weasel.
Zola tutted her with his tongue against the roof of his mouth, shaking his head in mock disappointment, "Oh, Avery. They won't be coming for you." Ava shook her head not believing him, "But, no matter. By the time we're finished with you, you'll want to kill them with more than pure vengeance." His chuckle sounded hollow and cold, like he knew there was nothing standing in the way. He would carry out his original plan for Ava Rogers and made damn sure that those two boys would pay for what they did to Hydra. Their plan would succeed in the positive future of the world.
The metal door opened once again and 9 different people started to pile in. Ava's heart started to race, feeling dread and desperation of just wanting to go home to Bucky and her twin turn back up to a high level. Zola turned to them, "Let us proceed." The people started to file around Ava, who laid struggling in her current position.
"No…" Ava whispered as someone injected her with a clear blue liquid into her forearm, she felt ice fill her veins as her vision started to darken. She vaguely heard Zola say, "Goodbye, Miss Avery." His cold voice sounded miles away as Ava's eyes closed, her head flopping to the side – looking dead to the world again as the scientists began to work on their true weapon.
1949 – Experimentation
“Stop it … please.” Avery begged as another jolt of electricity flowed through her veins, her eyelids drooping as the energy continued to blast through her. She was strapped to a chair, something fastened around her head with a tight hold – her hands and feet were bound to the arms and legs of the seat, preventing her from making any attempt at an escape … but even then, there was no way out. Tear stains were evident on her face, sweat poured against her skin and seeped into her tattered clothing.
Four years and still, no help has come. Hope was fading from her grasp, she knew that if anyone was looking for her, she would have been found by now. She couldn’t help but feel betrayed by everyone she’s known … her brother and James being the main people. They should have known that if her body wasn’t where it dropped that she could still be alive. But still, no rescue had come. For four years and counting, she had been subjected to experiments after experiments – she officially knew what a rat felt like in it’s position and she sympathized greatly.
The scariest part about being stuck here – Hydra was finding ways to wipe her memory, or at least alter it, also stopping her growth so that she was to stay 27 forever until she were to eventually die from a battle. This was what frightened her the most. They were also trying to figure out ways for her memories to be shifted into lies – after overhearing one of Zola’s conversations, he wanted her to hate the American heroes. Her love and brother. Another traitor tear fell from the crook of her cheek when she pictured her two boys, imagined them bursting through those titanium doors and whisking her away from this place.
Another thing, she could actually feel herself slipping away – anger and other terrible emotions were starting to hound on her. It was beginning to frighten her that these people might actually succeed before she’s rescued, if that day was to ever come.
Suddenly she gasped, the energy ceasing under her skin – her body jerked, she felt like crying but she tried her best not to – she needed to be strong, she wouldn’t break.
“Ah, good news Miss Avery.” Dr Zola appeared in the door frame, entering and telling the experimentalist to leave them alone for a moment. He had a smug grin plastered on his face.
Ava gritted her teeth, her fists clenching the best she could. “What.” She spat, imagining herself wringing her hands around his fat neck – choking him to death until his eyes popped out of his skull.
“Wonderful,” He grinned menacingly, noticing that violent look casting in her eyes, “The new solution is working – why I never tried this before is beyond me. Maybe I’m just a little too stubborn for my own good, well, you’d know all about that wouldn’t you?” He smirked, “But then, he probably never imagined his creation would be used on his own daughter, did he?”
Ava looked towards him with a confused look, but her features were shifting to anger when his assumption was starting to come to her in full – was he saying?... “What the hell are you talking about?!” She demanded an answer. A truthful one.
He leaned over, his hands placed on the sides of the chair’s arms just above her tied up ones. His face was less than a foot from her, it was close enough that you could see his toxic breath – it smelled like stale milk and dried up bread. “Didn’t you ever wonder who your father actually worked for? … Why he actually died?”
Ava was silent, her brain racking around trying to find a simple and truthful answer for her long dead father. “He was some kind of inventor.” She replied, hating that she sounded so unsure about her answer – she never really did try to find out anything after he died, she had been too young to even do anything helpful. “My father died by an idiot with a gun.”
Dr Zola clicked with his mouth and tongue, shaking his head with disappointment. “Oh, no.” He denied, looking mournful but everyone knew it was a fake look. “We were the ones to take him out – he was becoming such a nuisance you see. He had the answers we needed, which he wouldn’t give of course – let’s just say he was more of a burden that needed to be thrown away.”
Tears sprung against her pupils again. “You … killed my dad?” Anger brewed under the surface, shifting into rage. The newly attached metal arm was jumping with action and rage … if only she could put in a little bit more strength – she could smash his head into a wall and escape.
“Well, not me to be exact. But, yes. It was Hydra that disposed of your father – what a tragedy it was. It was actually how we found you, we planned this all before you even hit puberty.” He said in a sarcastic manner, still looking painfully smug. “Your father was simply a bastard that needed put down.”
That was it. Something snapped in Ava, the metal arm snapped through its ties and her eyes were set on Zola – a feeling inside of her that had never come out before, something she had never felt before – she wanted to kill … and Zola was going to be her first victim of the night. Her metal arm squeezed his windpipe tighter, and tighter … until her fantasy came true. His eyes literally popped out of his head while his body remained black and blue, body pieces scattered around the room.
This was the night that Dr Zola’s body died – although, his mind did remain in a computer. And this was the last day Ava had ever retained anything of herself left – the day she was wiped clean from her past and present, this was the day she became ‘The Winter Soldier’.
1967 – The First Mission gone bad
“Your mission is…”
Standing upon a hill that overlooked a small town was a woman, but this wasn’t just any woman. She was the woman, Hydra’s weapon of pure destruction. Eighteen years later and she was already rumored around several parts of the world, America being the main place of topic. This woman, was named, ‘The Winter Soldier’.
The Winter Soldier had long hair as dark as coal, smears of pasted grit smudged around her eyes to hide at least part of her identity – Hydra didn’t tell her who she used to be, but this was something that was kept secret and will always be kept secret. They didn’t want anyone to recognize her, not that someone would anyway unless they were Captain America or Lieutenant America, or one of their fanatics. But even then, it was unlikely to happen - the girl she used to be was considered and claimed dead – no body left to be found and was eaten by scavengers of buried under layers upon layers of thick snow.
This woman was nearly emotionless; for ten years so far she had been under the influence of Hydra and she hasn’t aged a day. She had been spending a vast amount of time in the coma chamber but even then, she still didn’t look a day older than when she first started. Hydra’s plan was working – she was beginning to be the exact weapon they hoped for in their secret strategy for the future.
But the reason she was here today; was to complete a mission. Every time she was given a mission – she was told to complete it without remorse, without guilt and without shame. She simply wasn’t allowed to feel anything, so they trained her to shut these emotions out, among others, hidden within another part of her head where they couldn’t be touched. This is why it took eight years until she was ready to go out by herself, until she could be trusted not to sway away from her duties. Her mind had been warped and manipulated; controlled in a way where nothing of the old her would come crashing back in, wanting it’s the body back. Hydra was making sure that Winter would be staying in that body – it was just an added bonus that Ava’s memories weren’t fighting back – they assumed it was because her two precious boys were dead, something of which had been said to her at one point after killing Zola.
CRASH.
A door from a small detached house flew off from its hinges, you could hear the piece of wood smacking into a nearby wall, probably one of the hallway ones. A small girl’s scream echoed through the house at the loud sound, frightfulness filling it to the brim.
Winter stepped through the threshold with a large gun held in her hands, moving past the rubble without even a glance to make sure she wasn’t stepping on any herself. Dust from the construction material stuck to her black suit like glue – her long hair was tied into a long loose braid to avoid it getting in her face as she worked.
She could hear movement coming from the living room area. She tilted her head and listened carefully, she could carefully hear two breathing patterns with her enhanced hearing. Her metal arm clenched with anticipation, she loved the feeling to kill – this was also the other thing Hydra made sure to do, they knew that the more she loved to kill, the less likely she was to skip out on them and go rouge. They provided her with action and identity secrecy, what more could she possibly ask for?
When she entered, she saw a man with long shaggy hair that looked uncut for years. He wore round glasses, his skin was pale and sickly looking – his body was shaking, he was scared. Behind him was someone significantly smaller than himself, it was a little girl maybe 5 years old. Winter noticed the little girl but paid no attention to her, she continued to stare at the man – he was the target. And he knew it, the fear was written all over his face. He silently wished his daughter was away from this place, she was going to be scarred for life if he were to die right then and there.
“Just leave her out of it.” He begged, tears running down his face, keeping his little girl behind him away from the gun that was now pointed at him. “She’s just a little girl, she’s done nothing. It’s me you want.” He should have known his employers would have known about what he was planning to do – he shouldn’t have done it. His mistake was going leave his daughter an orphan.
Winter didn’t reply, she didn’t even blink – she had no care for the girl, she could be with her father until her dying breath for all she cared. But he was the mission – and she intended to complete it just like with every other one she’s been assigned.
BANG.
A shot rang out, a scream from the little girl followed straight after. The man staggered, a gasp running out of his mouth – pain ratcheted through his body as it tumbled to the ground, and with the best effort he could, he stopped himself from falling on his little girl. Winter watched as the man’s breath ceased within less than a minute, much quicker than her previous victims had done in the past. She was about to step forwards, to finish off the girl before reporting back - but a sobbed call stopped her in her place.
“Daddy?!” The little girl screamed, shaking her father – she was sobbing her poor little heart out with pain, her eyes were widened in horror as her small frame crumpled beside his own body. She watched as her father drifted away from her, her daddy was dying. The little girl had hardwood-colored hair, her skin pale with spotted freckles surrounding her cheeks and she wore a tiny flowered dress that was now covered with splatters of her father’s blood. “Daddy?! Please wake up, don’t leave me Daddy!” She cried, clutching her father’s arm tightly, begging him to wake up and take her away from this place … away from the scary lady. “Daddy?!”
Winter’s vision suddenly went dark where she stood, it’s like she had no control over her body.
Ava’s bottoms lips wobbled, she seemed to understand what was happening and it started to crush her. “D-Daddy?” Tears began to spring from the corners of her eyes, pouring down the sides of her cheeks. “Daddy, don’t leave!” She was the daddy’s girl – she needed her father … she prayed to god that he’d be okay but her gut knew that would never happen. Even for an 11 year old, she was very smart for her age. “Please don’t leave me!” She exclaimed, grabbing onto her father’s arm, starting to sob as she watched the life fade in her father’s eyes.
Winter stumbled back from this, a gasp coming out of her throat. Her eyes blinked in confusion, she looked around at her surroundings, feeling out of place and different at the same time. “What the hell was that?” She growled to herself, feeling the pain fly away as her consciousness fully returned. She found herself leaning against the wall, her gun had fallen to the floor during her moment of darkness.
“You hurt my Daddy!” The little girl screamed, glaring at the dark-haired woman who looked drunk on her feet.
This made Winter look back up, looking to her with something that looked to be uncertainty but unknowing. ‘Where was she?’ She asked herself, ‘What happened?’ Everything started coming back now, she was here to complete a mission. But, isn’t that what she’s just completed? Why had she felt the need to kill the girl? She was just a child.
Forgetting about her gun, she just stared at the girl, “What’s your name?”
The small girl sobbed more, “Kathy.” She sniffed, burying her head into her father’s chest. “I want my Daddy back!”
“He had to die.” Winter’s bluntly replied, not looking sorry again – but she continued to stare at the girl with an emotion unknown to her. “I’m Winter.”
“Why?” Kathy’s bottom lip wobbled in her attempt to stop herself from crying. She didn’t understand any of this, why wasn’t her daddy up and giving her those hugs she loved when she got scared.
Winter didn’t have an answer, “I’m not sure.” She told the little girl with a pinch of uncertainty in her voice, “I just do as I’m told. I complete a mission and then report back.” She didn’t know why she started talking to the girl but something inside of her was telling her to. That flashback came back to her; who was this Ava and that older man? “I must go.” She told the girl, “Keep hidden, they won’t find you if you run. Pretend you were never here.” She instructed. She bent down to get her gun, quickly leaving the site before anything else were to happen.
But all that ran through her mind was … what was that flash? Why hadn’t she killed that girl, when she had been so determined to do the deed beforehand?
And there was one thing she knew for sure; something inside of her was telling her not to report this incident, it meant nothing so it was going to stay nothing.
…
Over the next ten years more events like this occurred, but as time went on, she began to get more and more of those visions. One of another girl that looked like her, and soon after that she began to remember a dark-haired boy along with another that looked very much like herself. A lot of confusion was appearing because of this, she really didn’t know what to think anymore.
It wasn’t until she decided to act and try and find information about herself. Questions and more questions kept bugging her, so she used her training to spy on the individuals at Hydra the best she could – and at one point, she even slipped into the computer room that stored every piece of juicy information.
This was when she found out the real truth of who she was, how much of a monster she had become. Everything was written down on paper and locked up in a computer. But unfortunately, this access to all the information and memories only lasted a few hours – Hydra found out and did the only thing they could really do, and that was to wipe her clean several times for good-measure. After this she had no more episodes, no incidents where she let people escape the wrath of Hydra.
She became that emotionless soldier they needed again.
1992. The KGB
“Again.” Madam B barked, her posture tightened with her hands tied behind her back. She was a middle-aged blonde woman with a stink of death surrounding her aura. Twelve girls between the ages of 13-16 were dancing ballet, this was part of their training – this was one of their many ways to break the breakable girls.
Next to her was Winter, she was there to train the girls who passed the first stages of testing – the soldier was to show and make these girls into the ultimate spies. Winter stood there to the side, leaning against the window – she watched the girls kneeling on the floor, on the other side of the room. These were the new set of girls to be broken – she assessed them all individually in her mind.
All of them were shaking, looking fearful but one girl in particular stood out to her. The only 10 year old had long red hair with pale skin, she was small but she held her head up high and Winter instantly knew right then, this girl had a fighting spirit. Something a spy certainly needed to survive.
Madam B slowly walked over to the Winter Soldier, looking highly upon the magnificent creation of Hydra’s work. They were partners you see, sometimes they would provide the girls for some of their missions but even then, none of these girls compared to this magnificently constructed woman. The Winter solider was the ultimate spy and fighter, something she wished all her girls were to possess. “Do any of them stand out to your liking?” She inquired, her eyes flicking through the scared little girls in a line.
“The one with red hair.” Winter tilted her head towards the little girl in question, “She’ll make it. She’s the one.”
Madam B slowly grinned, smirking slightly. “Wonderful.” She crowned, looking pleased. “She’ll get more extensive training and we’ll push her even harder than the others; I’m sure she’ll make a magnificent spy for Hydra.” Yes, Hydra were looking for an extra solider in their ranks. It was the other reason why Winter was there, she was to train this girl into becoming like her – so that she could have a partner to cover her behind on the more trickier missions. The metal arm wasn’t becoming a help sometimes either, especially when all this new technology was being discovered. They needed someone to watch their prized possession’s back – they needed to make sure ‘The Winter Soldier’ was alive forever to continue their legacy … and plan.
…
2000
Eight years later and it had indeed come true, the little redhead was the only one of the group to make it past the initial tests and every other one after that. The others were killed off during the ‘fight-to-the-death’ battles that were held once a month. This little redhead was no longer little though, she had grown into a woman’s body and more muscular thanks to her daily training. Natalia Romanov was her name. Her hair was brighter than before but shorter, now it reached just below her shoulder whereas before, it had stretched down to the middle of her back.
“Come on, Natalia.” Winter scolded, finishing their practice fight with her arms wrapped around the 18 year old’s neck in a snapping grip. “You know this.” She had been working on building up Natalia’s killing potential over the eight years period. There had been a bit too much hesitation when they first started, but luckily the younger girl was beginning to get over it. If it wasn’t for her insisting that the redhead could win this next fights, Natalia would be no more by now. She didn’t know why, but she felt some kind of bond with her – a protective bond … but that could be because she’s still just a child.
Natalia maneuvered herself out of the grip while Winter let go slowly. “I’m sorry.” She shook her head dejectedly. She was trying, but it was hard – being a spy sounded great but this wasn’t what she had in mind, she was trapped in this place. Winter was the only one she really talked to; the other girls were always being killed off like flies so it was no point in mingling with them.
“No apologizing, it’s sign of weakness.”
The red head moved over to the bench in the corner, she sat down on it, looking upset and a little scared. “I’m never going to beat this test tomorrow.” Madam B had told her of the next test – it was to take down a fully grown man – killing him. Yes, she was a hundred times stronger than when she first started but this guy was double her age and twice her strength. She didn’t want to die. “You’ll win.” The soldier told her with confidence, kneeling in front of her with a spark of comfort flashing in her eye. “You always do – just as we planned. After this, you’ll be free of this place, you’ll be with me.”
She had let Natalia in on what was planned. Originally, it was planned that the two of them would be joining up to go on missions together – but all that changed a couple of years ago.
Winter’s trust had begun to waver from Hydra and the KGB, being around all these girls being killed off had begun to take some kind of toll on her – and this protective feeling for Natalia just kept getting stronger.
Natalia looked up to her, a tear in her eye and her voice broke as she spoke, “But even if I win this – the graduation ceremony…” She didn’t want to go through with it, she was honestly scared.
Ava started breathing harder, panic settling in upon seeing the silver knife inches away from her lower stomach. “No, no, no.” She begged, tears falling down the side of her place. “P-Please, don’t. I-I’ll do anything, I swear.” Her voice broke, trying to suck in her stomach even though very little good will be gotten out of it.
“It is necessary.” The doctor told her with a firm voice, smirking a little at the side of his mouth. “The KGB have the right idea in their hundreds of years’ experience in training little girl spies, it’s only fair you get to graduate too.”
Another doctor came over with a large needle, injecting a vast amount of freezing liquid into her bloodstream – her eyes began to feel heavier, she tried her best to stay awake and fight, but her body was rejecting her notion. “No…” Her last word was filled with desperation, realizing what she was about to lose forever.
Winter blinked away the vision with a hidden tear, she had been having so many lately – especially this one. It’s another one of the reasons she was leaving Hydra and all of this behind with Natalia by her side. The girl felt like some kind of daughter or for her, as stupid as that sounded coming from a monster herself - but this felt real. She was going to save this girl from her fate, and that was a promise. “It won’t happen to you … I’ll make sure of it.” She formed a silent plan in her head, she just hoped it would work out in their favor.
…
The next day came quickly for Natalia and everything the opposite happened; Winter was gone, she had disappeared. When the woman never showed up, she began to worry that something terrible had happened. And when Madam B said Winter had to leave, she said this with a cold-stone smile, she knew something really bad had happened then. And at that point, she knew that she’ll never be getting out of here, she would never be seeing the woman who acted somewhat like a sister or mother again. And she’d have to go through with the Graduation ceremony as originally planned, something that terrified her to the core.
This was the day she stopped believing in hope and God. Until the day she met the world’s mightiest heroes and became one herself.
A Few Days After Being Found by Bucky and Steve…
“The rest of the Avenger’s want to meet you…”
When this day came, it didn’t exactly go as smoothly as Steve and Bucky had hoped. Stark was his usual cocky self, ramping up Winter’s agitation level by calling her ‘Little Rogers’ all the time. Clint gave her a wary side-glance, his hand fidgeting over the bow and arrows settled in his arms - ready for some action. Natasha looked shifty yet worried, something seemed to be troubling her greatly about meeting this long-lost person in Steve and Bucky’s life. Bruce was probably the most calmest about the introductions as anyone else, he laid back against the couch without a care. He considered himself a monster so it didn’t exactly get to him about all the things Winter had done in the past. Thor had his hand clutched to the hammer with a vice grip, hearing stories at what this ‘Winter Soldier’ had done in the past. In fact, all of them had been discussing her in secret over for the past couple of hours while she had been sitting up in her mini-apartment, given to her by Tony Stark.
Steve and Bucky were their usual selves, between them, they had tried to get the others to at least meet and eventually accept her no matter what she had done in the past. The others don’t fully know what was found out apart from Natasha, but it was worth a shot. They wanted their Ava back and this would help, especially when this version of Ava liked to fight battles as it seems.
All heads shot up when Winter entered the room; she looked between them blankly but eyed all the weapons suspiciously, she unconsciously tensed her well-used muscles, knowing that if a fight were to break out - she’d be ready. She wore her uniform still but it was cleaned last night, her hair fell down her back in waves.
Steve stood up, rubbing his palms against his thighs nervously. “Uh, guys. This is Av-, uh, Winter. This is Winter.” Changing the name quickly as a small glare was sent his way.
Thor was the first to speak up, “Many things have been said about you Miss Winter.” His voice boomed loudly, his tone filled with his usual godly confidence. “I am Thor. God of Thunder and Son of Odin. A pleasure to meet a fellow warrior like myself.” He nodded to her.
“Clint Barton.” The bow man gave her a mock salute from his seat, not sure if he should be courteous or not. “Also known as Hawkeye.”
“Bruce Banner.” The man with an old looked to him gave a small wave towards her.
Winter tilted her head towards him with recognition, “You’re that big green guy.” She said out loud.
“Ah.” Bruce murmured, looking uncomfortable again as he sighed, “Yeah, The Hulk. That’s me with terrible anger issues.”
Tony leaned himself against a table with a cocky grin plastered on his lips, fiddling with a handmade device in his hands. “Well, everyone already knows me. You’ve probably seen me a hundred times in your travels over the years.”
Winter raised eyebrow to him, “And that is?” She questioned, not recognizing him really. He was somewhat familiar but nothing came to mind. Her short question earned a snort from several of the Avengers, everyone expect from Thor who gave a small grin and Natasha who just watched her with a blank face - her features now varying between several different emotions.
“You mean, you recognize ‘The Jolly Green Giant’ … but not me?” Tony gasped in horror, seeing no recognition from Winter’s face. She was telling the truth, she didn’t know who he was. The Playboy Billionaire has met his match. “I’m Tony Stark - and you better remember it from now on.” He said with a stern tone, looking playfully hurt beforehand.
Winter just gave him a sarcastic smile, not looking happy about the comment, “No promises. Seems like i can’t remember much these days apparently.”
“You’ll remember.” Bucky insisted, moving beside her. But out of instinct, Winter shuffled away from him slightly - not appreciating the closeness between them. She didn’t see his face drop with sadness as she stared at the redhead sitting on her own behind Clint in a wooden chair. Not having introduced herself yet.
Natasha was just staring at her with mixed emotions. Inside her head, her mind was reeling in a furious cycle. This woman - it was her. It’s the Winter she knew as a child; it’s been nearly 15 years. After all this time, she’s been alive. When she was shot by this ‘Winter Soldier’ when protecting that engineer, she had originally thought it had been a coincidence but a part of her knew differently. The Winter Soldier always had a mask on so she could never know for sure, but now … This Winter, or Avery Rogers was the woman who acted somewhat like a guardian or mother during her time at the KGB. Her heart crushed inside when she saw no recognition from Winter when the woman looked to her - this must be what Bucky and Steve were feeling.
Winter had been the closest thing to a mother or sister she had ever had - she always secretly wondered what happened to her. Now she knew.
“Nat?” Clint’s voice was troubled, probably when he saw her face pale several degrees. It was only then that the redhead realized everyone was staring at her.
But she didn’t look away from Winter. “You left me.” She said, not realizing she had actually spoke out loud.
Winter was as confused as the rest of them. She raised an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”
Natasha swallowed hardly, “You don’t recognize me?!” Feeling a little venom crawl up in her tone.
The soldier frowned, looking the redhead up and down skeptically. “No.” She shook her head. “Should I?” Her eyebrow cocked again.
Steve thought about what she could mean, but then realized how they had been attached to the idea of ‘The Winter Soldier’ being involved all those months ago. Natasha had told him and Bucky about their meeting all those years ago. “About five or six years go, you shot her when she protected an engineer.”
Winter looked to him with confusion for a second, not remembering that - but turned to look at Natasha for the confirming answer.
“Right.” She confirmed with a lie, something else riddling in her tone. Her fists clenched, she wasn’t about to say anything about her past in front of everyone. Not something like this - especially when it came to the last time she really knew Winter. This woman was completely different from the one that she knew.
Winter didn’t say anymore, but noticed this look of anger and resentment in Natasha’s eyes. She didn’t say anymore towards it though because she knew there was more to be said … she was sure she’d remember if it were something important to know.
Note: Took longer than i hoped, but good news - i have stolen my old laptop back from my brother for the time being mwa-hahaha! Hopefully it won’t be till just tonight and i’m computer-less again…
I’m pretty sure i’m getting back to the movie after this chapter, but there will still be original content in the next one again.
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Avengers: The Age of Ultron | Saviours | Remember me, Winter Soldier
x- Inside Winter’s Head -x
1941 [Hours after she fell from the train] – Previously on ‘Alive but not Awake’
Ava's hazel-nut eyes snapped open in panic, she could feel the thick lining of sweat pouring down her face – her breathing was shallow as she felt no pain surging through her own body, only numbness. Rolling her numb head to the side she caught sight of dozens of surgical equipment and machines near where she was lying. Was she in a hospital? Did she actually manage to survive that fall? She thought to herself, blinking rapidly to rid the bleariness from her vision.
"Steve…" She whispered hoarsely, but her tongue felt like lead. Her words slurred at they flowed out of her mouth, "Bucky…" She got no reply, she felt tears sting her eyelids as she closed them to blink them away – needing to be strong no matter what. She willed for Steve and Bucky to come in at any moment, tell her everything would be okay and that she would be fine; but she didn't even know where she was or how she was alive. She couldn't remember how she got there; why could she remember falling from a train, why was she in a medical room? Where was everyone?
Ava felt slight relief rise up in her heart as she felt her body starting to come back to life, she noticed that her body felt tied to the table that she was currently lying on; but instantly she started to feel sick when she looked at her left arm. Her breathing quickened in panic and horror, her whole left arm looked like it had been ripped off – she wanted to puke but something was stopping her from doing so. Ava started to beg silently in her head; that all this show was just a dream, that she was somewhere in one of the base camps; safe and under a high density medicine that was causing her to hallucinate while being under.
"Steve!" She shouted, louder than before but feeling a tear fall on her paled cheek. "Bucky!" She heard footsteps coming towards her from outside the metal door connecting her room to a hallway. "I'm in here!" She cried, begging for someone to save her – she was pretty sure that whoever had her, were no friends of hers. She heard the lock of the door open, making her head tilt upwards slightly but not too far so her neck would be strained too much. Ava felt the makings of a huge headache coming on.
Ava felt her eyes widen in fear as she felt trapped, suddenly wishing she was still under whatever drugs that kept her asleep. Standing in the doorway was one of the men she despised the most, Dr. Zola. "Ah, Miss Avery Rogers." Dr. Zola spoke, his accent becoming prominent as his smirk widened at her discomfort. "Welcome back," He greeted, looking at Ava like she was a piece of meat, "You know, it wasn't nice of your brother and boyfriend to take you away so soon." He placed a thoughtful look on his face, still holding the menacing feeling of doom for Ava, "However, I feel as if it were the best choice – now we will be able to give you an extra ability to fill that missing arm of yours."
Ava gritted her teeth, wanting to punch the guy in the face – she had no idea what he did to her before Steve and Bucky got to her, but something didn't feel settling in her stomach, "What are you doing to me?!" She demanded, clenching her right fist as she got the feeling back in it, "Why am I here?"
Zola's smirk became wider, "You will be our greatest weapon, Miss Avery." He told her, he pressed a small red button on one of the side tables, "You will serve Hydra to the best of your abilities when we are done with the reconstruction."
"Only Steve and Bucky get to call me that, now let me go!" She yelled at him, trying to budge out of the binds that were holding her down but there was no use – there was no way she had enough energy to get out of there or even fight the weasel.
Zola tutted her with his tongue against the roof of his mouth, shaking his head in mock disappointment, "Oh, Avery. They won't be coming for you." Ava shook her head not believing him, "But, no matter. By the time we're finished with you, you'll want to kill them with more than pure vengeance." His chuckle sounded hollow and cold, like he knew there was nothing standing in the way. He would carry out his original plan for Ava Rogers and made damn sure that those two boys would pay for what they did to Hydra. Their plan would succeed in the positive future of the world.
The metal door opened once again and 9 different people started to pile in. Ava's heart started to race, feeling dread and desperation of just wanting to go home to Bucky and her twin turn back up to a high level. Zola turned to them, "Let us proceed." The people started to file around Ava, who laid struggling in her current position.
"No…" Ava whispered as someone injected her with a clear blue liquid into her forearm, she felt ice fill her veins as her vision started to darken. She vaguely heard Zola say, "Goodbye, Miss Avery." His cold voice sounded miles away as Ava's eyes closed, her head flopping to the side – looking dead to the world again as the scientists began to work on their true weapon.
1949 – Experimentation
“Stop it … please.” Avery begged as another jolt of electricity flowed through her veins, her eyelids drooping as the energy continued to blast through her. She was strapped to a chair, something fastened around her head with a tight hold – her hands and feet were bound to the arms and legs of the seat, preventing her from making any attempt at an escape … but even then, there was no way out. Tear stains were evident on her face, sweat poured against her skin and seeped into her tattered clothing.
Four years and still, no help has come. Hope was fading from her grasp, she knew that if anyone was looking for her, she would have been found by now. She couldn’t help but feel betrayed by everyone she’s known … her brother and James being the main people. They should have known that if her body wasn’t where it dropped that she could still be alive. But still, no rescue had come. For four years and counting, she had been subjected to experiments after experiments – she officially knew what a rat felt like in it’s position and she sympathized greatly.
The scariest part about being stuck here – Hydra was finding ways to wipe her memory, or at least alter it, also stopping her growth so that she was to stay 27 forever until she were to eventually die from a battle. This was what frightened her the most. They were also trying to figure out ways for her memories to be shifted into lies – after overhearing one of Zola’s conversations, he wanted her to hate the American heroes. Her love and brother. Another traitor tear fell from the crook of her cheek when she pictured her two boys, imagined them bursting through those titanium doors and whisking her away from this place.
Another thing, she could actually feel herself slipping away – anger and other terrible emotions were starting to hound on her. It was beginning to frighten her that these people might actually succeed before she’s rescued, if that day was to ever come.
Suddenly she gasped, the energy ceasing under her skin – her body jerked, she felt like crying but she tried her best not to – she needed to be strong, she wouldn’t break.
“Ah, good news Miss Avery.” Dr Zola appeared in the door frame, entering and telling the experimentalist to leave them alone for a moment. He had a smug grin plastered on his face.
Ava gritted her teeth, her fists clenching the best she could. “What.” She spat, imagining herself wringing her hands around his fat neck – choking him to death until his eyes popped out of his skull.
“Wonderful,” He grinned menacingly, noticing that violent look casting in her eyes, “The new solution is working – why I never tried this before is beyond me. Maybe I’m just a little too stubborn for my own good, well, you’d know all about that wouldn’t you?” He smirked, “But then, he probably never imagined his creation would be used on his own daughter, did he?”
Ava looked towards him with a confused look, but her features were shifting to anger when his assumption was starting to come to her in full – was he saying?... “What the hell are you talking about?!” She demanded an answer. A truthful one.
He leaned over, his hands placed on the sides of the chair’s arms just above her tied up ones. His face was less than a foot from her, it was close enough that you could see his toxic breath – it smelled like stale milk and dried up bread. “Didn’t you ever wonder who your father actually worked for? … Why he actually died?”
Ava was silent, her brain racking around trying to find a simple and truthful answer for her long dead father. “He was some kind of inventor.” She replied, hating that she sounded so unsure about her answer – she never really did try to find out anything after he died, she had been too young to even do anything helpful. “My father died by an idiot with a gun.”
Dr Zola clicked with his mouth and tongue, shaking his head with disappointment. “Oh, no.” He denied, looking mournful but everyone knew it was a fake look. “We were the ones to take him out – he was becoming such a nuisance you see. He had the answers we needed, which he wouldn’t give of course – let’s just say he was more of a burden that needed to be thrown away.”
Tears sprung against her pupils again. “You … killed my dad?” Anger brewed under the surface, shifting into rage. The newly attached metal arm was jumping with action and rage … if only she could put in a little bit more strength – she could smash his head into a wall and escape.
“Well, not me to be exact. But, yes. It was Hydra that disposed of your father – what a tragedy it was. It was actually how we found you, we planned this all before you even hit puberty.” He said in a sarcastic manner, still looking painfully smug. “Your father was simply a bastard that needed put down.”
That was it. Something snapped in Ava, the metal arm snapped through its ties and her eyes were set on Zola – a feeling inside of her that had never come out before, something she had never felt before – she wanted to kill … and Zola was going to be her first victim of the night. Her metal arm squeezed his windpipe tighter, and tighter … until her fantasy came true. His eyes literally popped out of his head while his body remained black and blue, body pieces scattered around the room.
This was the night that Dr Zola’s body died – although, his mind did remain in a computer. And this was the last day Ava had ever retained anything of herself left – the day she was wiped clean from her past and present, this was the day she became ‘The Winter Soldier’.
1967 – The First Mission gone bad
“Your mission is…”
Standing upon a hill that overlooked a small town was a woman, but this wasn’t just any woman. She was the woman, Hydra’s weapon of pure destruction. Eighteen years later and she was already rumored around several parts of the world, America being the main place of topic. This woman, was named, ‘The Winter Soldier’.
The Winter Soldier had long hair as dark as coal, smears of pasted grit smudged around her eyes to hide at least part of her identity – Hydra didn’t tell her who she used to be, but this was something that was kept secret and will always be kept secret. They didn’t want anyone to recognize her, not that someone would anyway unless they were Captain America or Lieutenant America, or one of their fanatics. But even then, it was unlikely to happen - the girl she used to be was considered and claimed dead – no body left to be found and was eaten by scavengers of buried under layers upon layers of thick snow.
This woman was nearly emotionless; for ten years so far she had been under the influence of Hydra and she hasn’t aged a day. She had been spending a vast amount of time in the coma chamber but even then, she still didn’t look a day older than when she first started. Hydra’s plan was working – she was beginning to be the exact weapon they hoped for in their secret strategy for the future.
But the reason she was here today; was to complete a mission. Every time she was given a mission – she was told to complete it without remorse, without guilt and without shame. She simply wasn’t allowed to feel anything, so they trained her to shut these emotions out, among others, hidden within another part of her head where they couldn’t be touched. This is why it took eight years until she was ready to go out by herself, until she could be trusted not to sway away from her duties. Her mind had been warped and manipulated; controlled in a way where nothing of the old her would come crashing back in, wanting it’s the body back. Hydra was making sure that Winter would be staying in that body – it was just an added bonus that Ava’s memories weren’t fighting back – they assumed it was because her two precious boys were dead, something of which had been said to her at one point after killing Zola.
CRASH.
A door from a small detached house flew off from its hinges, you could hear the piece of wood smacking into a nearby wall, probably one of the hallway ones. A small girl’s scream echoed through the house at the loud sound, frightfulness filling it to the brim.
Winter stepped through the threshold with a large gun held in her hands, moving past the rubble without even a glance to make sure she wasn’t stepping on any herself. Dust from the construction material stuck to her black suit like glue – her long hair was tied into a long loose braid to avoid it getting in her face as she worked.
She could hear movement coming from the living room area. She tilted her head and listened carefully, she could carefully hear two breathing patterns with her enhanced hearing. Her metal arm clenched with anticipation, she loved the feeling to kill – this was also the other thing Hydra made sure to do, they knew that the more she loved to kill, the less likely she was to skip out on them and go rouge. They provided her with action and identity secrecy, what more could she possibly ask for?
When she entered, she saw a man with long shaggy hair that looked uncut for years. He wore round glasses, his skin was pale and sickly looking – his body was shaking, he was scared. Behind him was someone significantly smaller than himself, it was a little girl maybe 5 years old. Winter noticed the little girl but paid no attention to her, she continued to stare at the man – he was the target. And he knew it, the fear was written all over his face. He silently wished his daughter was away from this place, she was going to be scarred for life if he were to die right then and there.
“Just leave her out of it.” He begged, tears running down his face, keeping his little girl behind him away from the gun that was now pointed at him. “She’s just a little girl, she’s done nothing. It’s me you want.” He should have known his employers would have known about what he was planning to do – he shouldn’t have done it. His mistake was going leave his daughter an orphan.
Winter didn’t reply, she didn’t even blink – she had no care for the girl, she could be with her father until her dying breath for all she cared. But he was the mission – and she intended to complete it just like with every other one she’s been assigned.
BANG.
A shot rang out, a scream from the little girl followed straight after. The man staggered, a gasp running out of his mouth – pain ratcheted through his body as it tumbled to the ground, and with the best effort he could, he stopped himself from falling on his little girl. Winter watched as the man’s breath ceased within less than a minute, much quicker than her previous victims had done in the past. She was about to step forwards, to finish off the girl before reporting back - but a sobbed call stopped her in her place.
“Daddy?!” The little girl screamed, shaking her father – she was sobbing her poor little heart out with pain, her eyes were widened in horror as her small frame crumpled beside his own body. She watched as her father drifted away from her, her daddy was dying. The little girl had hardwood-colored hair, her skin pale with spotted freckles surrounding her cheeks and she wore a tiny flowered dress that was now covered with splatters of her father’s blood. “Daddy?! Please wake up, don’t leave me Daddy!” She cried, clutching her father’s arm tightly, begging him to wake up and take her away from this place … away from the scary lady. “Daddy?!”
Winter’s vision suddenly went dark where she stood, it’s like she had no control over her body.
Ava’s bottoms lips wobbled, she seemed to understand what was happening and it started to crush her. “D-Daddy?” Tears began to spring from the corners of her eyes, pouring down the sides of her cheeks. “Daddy, don’t leave!” She was the daddy’s girl – she needed her father … she prayed to god that he’d be okay but her gut knew that would never happen. Even for an 11 year old, she was very smart for her age. “Please don’t leave me!” She exclaimed, grabbing onto her father’s arm, starting to sob as she watched the life fade in her father’s eyes.
Winter stumbled back from this, a gasp coming out of her throat. Her eyes blinked in confusion, she looked around at her surroundings, feeling out of place and different at the same time. “What the hell was that?” She growled to herself, feeling the pain fly away as her consciousness fully returned. She found herself leaning against the wall, her gun had fallen to the floor during her moment of darkness.
“You hurt my Daddy!” The little girl screamed, glaring at the dark-haired woman who looked drunk on her feet.
This made Winter look back up, looking to her with something that looked to be uncertainty but unknowing. ‘Where was she?’ She asked herself, ‘What happened?’ Everything started coming back now, she was here to complete a mission. But, isn’t that what she’s just completed? Why had she felt the need to kill the girl? She was just a child.
Forgetting about her gun, she just stared at the girl, “What’s your name?”
The small girl sobbed more, “Kathy.” She sniffed, burying her head into her father’s chest. “I want my Daddy back!”
“He had to die.” Winter’s bluntly replied, not looking sorry again – but she continued to stare at the girl with an emotion unknown to her. “I’m Winter.”
“Why?” Kathy’s bottom lip wobbled in her attempt to stop herself from crying. She didn’t understand any of this, why wasn’t her daddy up and giving her those hugs she loved when she got scared.
Winter didn’t have an answer, “I’m not sure.” She told the little girl with a pinch of uncertainty in her voice, “I just do as I’m told. I complete a mission and then report back.” She didn’t know why she started talking to the girl but something inside of her was telling her to. That flashback came back to her; who was this Ava and that older man? “I must go.” She told the girl, “Keep hidden, they won’t find you if you run. Pretend you were never here.” She instructed. She bent down to get her gun, quickly leaving the site before anything else were to happen.
But all that ran through her mind was … what was that flash? Why hadn’t she killed that girl, when she had been so determined to do the deed beforehand?
And there was one thing she knew for sure; something inside of her was telling her not to report this incident, it meant nothing so it was going to stay nothing.
…
Over the next ten years more events like this occurred, but as time went on, she began to get more and more of those visions. One of another girl that looked like her, and soon after that she began to remember a dark-haired boy along with another that looked very much like herself. A lot of confusion was appearing because of this, she really didn’t know what to think anymore.
It wasn’t until she decided to act and try and find information about herself. Questions and more questions kept bugging her, so she used her training to spy on the individuals at Hydra the best she could – and at one point, she even slipped into the computer room that stored every piece of juicy information.
This was when she found out the real truth of who she was, how much of a monster she had become. Everything was written down on paper and locked up in a computer. But unfortunately, this access to all the information and memories only lasted a few hours – Hydra found out and did the only thing they could really do, and that was to wipe her clean several times for good-measure. After this she had no more episodes, no incidents where she let people escape the wrath of Hydra.
She became that emotionless soldier they needed again.
1992. The KGB
“Again.” Madam B barked, her posture tightened with her hands tied behind her back. She was a middle-aged blonde woman with a stink of death surrounding her aura. Twelve girls between the ages of 13-16 were dancing ballet, this was part of their training – this was one of their many ways to break the breakable girls.
Next to her was Winter, she was there to train the girls who passed the first stages of testing – the soldier was to show and make these girls into the ultimate spies. Winter stood there to the side, leaning against the window – she watched the girls kneeling on the floor, on the other side of the room. These were the new set of girls to be broken – she assessed them all individually in her mind.
All of them were shaking, looking fearful but one girl in particular stood out to her. The only 10 year old had long red hair with pale skin, she was small but she held her head up high and Winter instantly knew right then, this girl had a fighting spirit. Something a spy certainly needed to survive.
Madam B slowly walked over to the Winter Soldier, looking highly upon the magnificent creation of Hydra’s work. They were partners you see, sometimes they would provide the girls for some of their missions but even then, none of these girls compared to this magnificently constructed woman. The Winter solider was the ultimate spy and fighter, something she wished all her girls were to possess. “Do any of them stand out to your liking?” She inquired, her eyes flicking through the scared little girls in a line.
“The one with red hair.” Winter tilted her head towards the little girl in question, “She’ll make it. She’s the one.”
Madam B slowly grinned, smirking slightly. “Wonderful.” She crowned, looking pleased. “She’ll get more extensive training and we’ll push her even harder than the others; I’m sure she’ll make a magnificent spy for Hydra.” Yes, Hydra were looking for an extra solider in their ranks. It was the other reason why Winter was there, she was to train this girl into becoming like her – so that she could have a partner to cover her behind on the more trickier missions. The metal arm wasn’t becoming a help sometimes either, especially when all this new technology was being discovered. They needed someone to watch their prized possession’s back – they needed to make sure ‘The Winter Soldier’ was alive forever to continue their legacy … and plan.
…
2000
Eight years later and it had indeed come true, the little redhead was the only one of the group to make it past the initial tests and every other one after that. The others were killed off during the ‘fight-to-the-death’ battles that were held once a month. This little redhead was no longer little though, she had grown into a woman’s body and more muscular thanks to her daily training. Natalia Romanov was her name. Her hair was brighter than before but shorter, now it reached just below her shoulder whereas before, it had stretched down to the middle of her back.
“Come on, Natalia.” Winter scolded, finishing their practice fight with her arms wrapped around the 18 year old’s neck in a snapping grip. “You know this.” She had been working on building up Natalia’s killing potential over the eight years period. There had been a bit too much hesitation when they first started, but luckily the younger girl was beginning to get over it. If it wasn’t for her insisting that the redhead could win this next fights, Natalia would be no more by now. She didn’t know why, but she felt some kind of bond with her – a protective bond … but that could be because she’s still just a child.
Natalia maneuvered herself out of the grip while Winter let go slowly. “I’m sorry.” She shook her head dejectedly. She was trying, but it was hard – being a spy sounded great but this wasn’t what she had in mind, she was trapped in this place. Winter was the only one she really talked to; the other girls were always being killed off like flies so it was no point in mingling with them.
“No apologizing, it’s sign of weakness.”
The red head moved over to the bench in the corner, she sat down on it, looking upset and a little scared. “I’m never going to beat this test tomorrow.” Madam B had told her of the next test – it was to take down a fully grown man – killing him. Yes, she was a hundred times stronger than when she first started but this guy was double her age and twice her strength. She didn’t want to die. “You’ll win.” The soldier told her with confidence, kneeling in front of her with a spark of comfort flashing in her eye. “You always do – just as we planned. After this, you’ll be free of this place, you’ll be with me.”
She had let Natalia in on what was planned. Originally, it was planned that the two of them would be joining up to go on missions together – but all that changed a couple of years ago.
Winter’s trust had begun to waver from Hydra and the KGB, being around all these girls being killed off had begun to take some kind of toll on her – and this protective feeling for Natalia just kept getting stronger.
Natalia looked up to her, a tear in her eye and her voice broke as she spoke, “But even if I win this – the graduation ceremony…” She didn’t want to go through with it, she was honestly scared.
Ava started breathing harder, panic settling in upon seeing the silver knife inches away from her lower stomach. “No, no, no.” She begged, tears falling down the side of her place. “P-Please, don’t. I-I’ll do anything, I swear.” Her voice broke, trying to suck in her stomach even though very little good will be gotten out of it.
“It is necessary.” The doctor told her with a firm voice, smirking a little at the side of his mouth. “The KGB have the right idea in their hundreds of years’ experience in training little girl spies, it’s only fair you get to graduate too.”
Another doctor came over with a large needle, injecting a vast amount of freezing liquid into her bloodstream – her eyes began to feel heavier, she tried her best to stay awake and fight, but her body was rejecting her notion. “No…” Her last word was filled with desperation, realizing what she was about to lose forever.
Winter blinked away the vision with a hidden tear, she had been having so many lately – especially this one. It’s another one of the reasons she was leaving Hydra and all of this behind with Natalia by her side. The girl felt like some kind of daughter or for her, as stupid as that sounded coming from a monster herself - but this felt real. She was going to save this girl from her fate, and that was a promise. “It won’t happen to you … I’ll make sure of it.” She formed a silent plan in her head, she just hoped it would work out in their favor.
…
The next day came quickly for Natalia and everything the opposite happened; Winter was gone, she had disappeared. When the woman never showed up, she began to worry that something terrible had happened. And when Madam B said Winter had to leave, she said this with a cold-stone smile, she knew something really bad had happened then. And at that point, she knew that she’ll never be getting out of here, she would never be seeing the woman who acted somewhat like a sister or mother again. And she’d have to go through with the Graduation ceremony as originally planned, something that terrified her to the core.
This was the day she stopped believing in hope and God. Until the day she met the world’s mightiest heroes and became one herself.
A Few Days After Being Found by Bucky and Steve…
“The rest of the Avenger’s want to meet you…”
When this day came, it didn’t exactly go as smoothly as Steve and Bucky had hoped. Stark was his usual cocky self, ramping up Winter’s agitation level by calling her ‘Little Rogers’ all the time. Clint gave her a wary side-glance, his hand fidgeting over the bow and arrows settled in his arms - ready for some action. Natasha looked shifty yet worried, something seemed to be troubling her greatly about meeting this long-lost person in Steve and Bucky’s life. Bruce was probably the most calmest about the introductions as anyone else, he laid back against the couch without a care. He considered himself a monster so it didn’t exactly get to him about all the things Winter had done in the past. Thor had his hand clutched to the hammer with a vice grip, hearing stories at what this ‘Winter Soldier’ had done in the past. In fact, all of them had been discussing her in secret over for the past couple of hours while she had been sitting up in her mini-apartment, given to her by Tony Stark.
Steve and Bucky were their usual selves, between them, they had tried to get the others to at least meet and eventually accept her no matter what she had done in the past. The others don’t fully know what was found out apart from Natasha, but it was worth a shot. They wanted their Ava back and this would help, especially when this version of Ava liked to fight battles as it seems.
All heads shot up when Winter entered the room; she looked between them blankly but eyed all the weapons suspiciously, she unconsciously tensed her well-used muscles, knowing that if a fight were to break out - she’d be ready. She wore her uniform still but it was cleaned last night, her hair fell down her back in waves.
Steve stood up, rubbing his palms against his thighs nervously. “Uh, guys. This is Av-, uh, Winter. This is Winter.” Changing the name quickly as a small glare was sent his way.
Thor was the first to speak up, “Many things have been said about you Miss Winter.” His voice boomed loudly, his tone filled with his usual godly confidence. “I am Thor. God of Thunder and Son of Odin. A pleasure to meet a fellow warrior like myself.” He nodded to her.
“Clint Barton.” The bow man gave her a mock salute from his seat, not sure if he should be courteous or not. “Also known as Hawkeye.”
“Bruce Banner.” The man with an old looked to him gave a small wave towards her.
Winter tilted her head towards him with recognition, “You’re that big green guy.” She said out loud.
“Ah.” Bruce murmured, looking uncomfortable again as he sighed, “Yeah, The Hulk. That’s me with terrible anger issues.”
Tony leaned himself against a table with a cocky grin plastered on his lips, fiddling with a handmade device in his hands. “Well, everyone already knows me. You’ve probably seen me a hundred times in your travels over the years.”
Winter raised eyebrow to him, “And that is?” She questioned, not recognizing him really. He was somewhat familiar but nothing came to mind. Her short question earned a snort from several of the Avengers, everyone expect from Thor who gave a small grin and Natasha who just watched her with a blank face - her features now varying between several different emotions.
“You mean, you recognize ‘The Jolly Green Giant’ … but not me?” Tony gasped in horror, seeing no recognition from Winter’s face. She was telling the truth, she didn’t know who he was. The Playboy Billionaire has met his match. “I’m Tony Stark - and you better remember it from now on.” He said with a stern tone, looking playfully hurt beforehand.
Winter just gave him a sarcastic smile, not looking happy about the comment, “No promises. Seems like i can’t remember much these days apparently.”
“You’ll remember.” Bucky insisted, moving beside her. But out of instinct, Winter shuffled away from him slightly - not appreciating the closeness between them. She didn’t see his face drop with sadness as she stared at the redhead sitting on her own behind Clint in a wooden chair. Not having introduced herself yet.
Natasha was just staring at her with mixed emotions. Inside her head, her mind was reeling in a furious cycle. This woman - it was her. It’s the Winter she knew as a child; it’s been nearly 15 years. After all this time, she’s been alive. When she was shot by this ‘Winter Soldier’ when protecting that engineer, she had originally thought it had been a coincidence but a part of her knew differently. The Winter Soldier always had a mask on so she could never know for sure, but now … This Winter, or Avery Rogers was the woman who acted somewhat like a guardian or mother during her time at the KGB. Her heart crushed inside when she saw no recognition from Winter when the woman looked to her - this must be what Bucky and Steve were feeling.
Winter had been the closest thing to a mother or sister she had ever had - she always secretly wondered what happened to her. Now she knew.
“Nat?” Clint’s voice was troubled, probably when he saw her face pale several degrees. It was only then that the redhead realized everyone was staring at her.
But she didn’t look away from Winter. “You left me.” She said, not realizing she had actually spoke out loud.
Winter was as confused as the rest of them. She raised an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”
Natasha swallowed hardly, “You don’t recognize me?!” Feeling a little venom crawl up in her tone.
The soldier frowned, looking the redhead up and down skeptically. “No.” She shook her head. “Should I?” Her eyebrow cocked again.
Steve thought about what she could mean, but then realized how they had been attached to the idea of ‘The Winter Soldier’ being involved all those months ago. Natasha had told him and Bucky about their meeting all those years ago. “About five or six years go, you shot her when she protected an engineer.”
Winter looked to him with confusion for a second, not remembering that - but turned to look at Natasha for the confirming answer.
“Right.” She confirmed with a lie, something else riddling in her tone. Her fists clenched, she wasn’t about to say anything about her past in front of everyone. Not something like this - especially when it came to the last time she really knew Winter. This woman was completely different from the one that she knew.
Winter didn’t say anymore, but noticed this look of anger and resentment in Natasha’s eyes. She didn’t say anymore towards it though because she knew there was more to be said … she was sure she’d remember if it were something important to know.
Note: Took longer than i hoped, but good news - i have stolen my old laptop back from my brother for the time being mwa-hahaha! Hopefully it won’t be till just tonight and i’m computer-less again…
I’m pretty sure i’m getting back to the movie after this chapter, but there will still be original content in the next one again.
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3/11/16