The Sokovian Shadow

Chapter 12

TW: None. Enjoy some fluff.
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I came to, but I kept my eyes closed. I was moving. I sent out my soul sense and would have had a heart attack if I could. I was surrounded by the Avengers. Captain America was mostly out of whatever Wanda had done to him, but he was still recovering. Same with Thor. Black Widow was a little worse, but I bet she got a worse one, considering her past. Bruce Banner was mainly out of it, but he was weighed down by guilt. Stark was clear, which made sense since she'd already gotten him, and so was Hawkeye, which confused me. I decided to wait and escape when they least expected it.

Do they know? I asked. About my wings?

No. And they don't know about your soul fire or your blood magic either. She replied. Black Widow didn't mention your talk with her either. As far as they know, you're just an innocent, young girl who the man held prisoner. You escaped while Ultron was buying Vibranium off him, and when the fighting started, Wanda got you.

I think that's the safest way to play it for now. Maybe I pretend I don't speak English? They'll be more at ease if they think I can't understand them. I mused.

I think that's a good idea. If Black Widow figures you out, she has your back.

Wait, why would she side with me over her own team? I asked.

I don't know, but I'm glad for it; she's a powerful ally. Celes responded.

I know. I commented quietly. Celes fell silent to let me think of a believable backstory, piping up every once in a while to make a suggestion. Soon, I was Arina Novak, 14, born and raised in Russia. I waited a few more minutes before "waking up".

I groaned quietly as I pushed myself onto my elbow. I pressed the palm of my other hand to my head, feigning a headache. Then I opened my eyes and pretended I was shocked to see the Avengers. Captain America turned towards me and started walking in my direction.

I widened my eyes and started shuffling backward, looking around as if looking for an exit. When he noticed my distress, he stopped, raising his hands in surrender. I calmed down and he started walking towards me again, slower this time. He held out a hand to help me to my feet and flinched as if expecting an attack. When none were forthcoming, I accepted the assist, purposefully not using all my strength so he would underestimate me.

When I was on my feet, I looked around the Quinjet. Black Widow was sitting with her head down, using her hair as a cover for looking at me, waiting to see what I would do. I hoped Celes was right and she had my back, because I was pretty sure she saw right through my act. Hawkeye was at the controls, Thor was standing near the back looking at me curiously, Banner was sitting on the ground not looking at me, and Stark was watching me blankly. I switched to Russian.

'Where am I?' I made my voice quiet, hesitant. I almost laughed when they immediately turned to Black Widow.

'You're on the Quinjet. I suppose you already knew that?' She replied. The looks on the Avenger's faces were priceless, and I chuckled a little. Nat noticed what I did and smirked. She switched to English. 'What? Jealous?'

'No, just confused.' Replied Hawkeye, not looking away from the controls of the Quinjet.

'Sure.' Black Widow sounded sceptical. I made a confused face and looked at Nat. She turned and saw me looking at her and switched back to Russian. 'Do you speak English?' I shook my head, and she told the other five Avengers.

'Congratulations, Nat. You just got appointed the role of translator for...' Stark trailed off as he looked at me. Black Widow sighed and looked at me.

'This is only going to prove Stark's point, but what's your name?' She asked, tilting her head.

'Arina Novak. I'm 14.' She nodded and translated. Then she introduced the other Avengers to me. She pointed at each Avengers as she named them, and each reacted differently. Clint looked my way and made eye contact with me before turning back to the controls, Steve nodded at me. Bruce looked up at me and gave me a small smile before looking back down, Thor gave a small bow of the head, and Stark gave an exaggerated bow. I inclined my head toward each of them and looked out the window.

After a minute, Nat came over to me. She was holding a slip of paper in her hand.

'Ok. I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but I'm the only one who can get away with talking to you because even Clint can't speak Russian.' I started laughing quietly, and she smiled. 'The first question is from Cap. How did you end up with Klaue? I'm perfectly ok with a made-up backstory. Hell, I have plenty of my own. So what do I tell the team?'

'Is Klaue the man who gave the robot the Vibranium?' she nodded. 'Ok. I ran into his men about a week before you guys came, and they brought me back to him. I was their "guest", but they were really waiting for the right moment to use me.'

'Next question is from Thor. He wants to know if you can fight.' I decided to tell a half-truth there.

'I can defend myself and I'm light on my feet, but I do better if I'm not in the fray. I'm good with daggers and throwing knives.' She nodded.

'Clint and Bruce didn't have questions so Stark's is last. He's paranoid so he just wants to know who's side you're on. I would appreciate honesty here.' She added and I nodded. I could respect that.

'Arina Novak is on your side, but the Sokovian Shadow will die to protect the twins.' I replied.

'Even after what they did to you?' She sounded genuinely confused.

'It was my fault. I snuck up on Wanda, so she most likely thought I was with the Avengers. When I told her otherwise, she did look like she regretted it, but by that time, I was running.' I explained.

'How? The rest of us were immobile.' Shock. She was shocked this time.

'I have a strong mental defence. I don't know how. I would appreciate it if you didn't mention that particular titbit to the team.' I requested, and she nodded. And left to give my answers to the other Avengers.

'What about honest answers? I'm curious. You don't have to.' She added hurriedly when I hesitated.

'It's fine, I just... I don't know. I've been told my entire life that I can't trust anyone, but I feel like I can trust you and I barely know you. I don't mind giving you answers about the Sokovian Shadow, but...' I trailed off, unsure if I should continue. Luckily, I didn't have to.

'You would like to know more about me.' I nodded. 'It's a deal, but it's going to have to wait. We're almost at the safe house.' She went to leave, then looked back at me.

'Before you say anything, I have no interest in disclosing this to anyone. I'm pretty sure the only reason only you and Clint know about this safe house is because you're friends and one of you has contacts there.' She looked shocked for a second before chuckling.

'You have no idea how right you are.' She murmured, shaking her head as she walked over to Clint. I went back to looking out the window as we landed.