The Nova

XI

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You took a deep breath and stood up from your seat before rushing out of the lab.

You heard Bruce's distant voice call after you.

Memories flooded your mind.

Too many at a time.

Natasha and Yelena.

Melina and Alexie.

Dreykov.

You remembered Anastasia, your old ballet teacher that made you refer to her as "Ma'am" at all times.

You remembered the endless torture and pain. The suffering. The noise.

You remembered the man behind it all.

Somehow, you ended up in the hallway near your room.

All the thoughts in your mind slowly dispersed as you saw Natasha pacing outside your bedroom door conflictedly.

You decided to walk up to her, finally understanding a puzzle piece of the past you shared.

It was like seeing her for the first time since the two of you were separated.

"Hi," you said softly with a smile.

She stopped her pacing abruptly, and looked at you nervously.

You could practically see the beads of sweat on her forehead.

"What? Not even a hello from my sister?" You chuckled jokingly, feeling just as scared.

She blinked and returned to her naturally calm and collected expression.

"We were never sisters. Not really," she stated before brushing past you and disappearing down the hallway.

You stared straight ahead, feeling your heart shatter into pieces.

Finally, you'd understood something. Remembered something. Remembered a feeling. All for her to throw it away like garbage.

You sniffed and wiped away the tears that threatened to escape before turning and walking into your room.

Her words had hurt you, deeply. But, they had also motivated you to find Yelena.

If anyone could change Natasha's mind, it was Yelena.

You walked over to your large window and gazed out on the New York skyline, thinking of your sister.

"Where could she be?"

Eventually, the sun began to set and you half-heartedly got ready for bed.

Once you were done, you settled in your comfortable spot on the floor and rested your head on your hands.