Frail heart

Make hay while the sun still shines

Chapter One

Moscow, Russia, Hydra facility

"Мстители! Они здесь!"

"This is it soldier, do not fail me now. Understand?"

"Understood, sir."

Hydra facility, North entrance

"Status reads multiple armed and advancing quick, we've been compromised."

Natasha's laboured breaths can be heard over the comms, bullets and alarms echoing in the background. Hydra agents rush in from every angle, essentially cornering her. Tony's voice emerges through the chaos.

"Thanks, Nat, I didn't notice the hoard of men shooting at me. Where did they even come from?"

Steve grunts as he tosses his shield at an ungodly speed towards the fast-approaching agents, the shield ricocheting off each of their heads with a metallic clang. "We didn't expect any less, just stick to the plan and stay alert."

Up above, silver, and red painted wings can be seen tearing through the clouds, steadily dodging the bullets being hurled at them. "I've got eyes on the west entrance, seems pretty clear to me."

"Thanks, Sam, heading there now." Steve begins his path to the west entrance to the building, kicking his shield from the floor, into the air and catching it, firmly attaching it to his left arm. "How's the inside looking?"

Tony chuckles, blasting a goon with his repulsors before he responds. "Not great, they just keep coming." Before he can make another witty remark, the shrill blast of an explosion is heard.

"What the hell was that?" Nat questions, kicking an agent square in the jaw, looking around to find any remaining threats.

Steve slows to a stop as he surveys the area before entering the building. "I don't know, anybody know where it came from?" 

"Everywhere." Tony remarks.

Natasha sighs, about to reprimand him before Sam speaks up.

"Guys, we've got a bit of a problem." His voice sounds confused as he talks, almost fearful.

Before anyone can ask him to elaborate, all remaining Hydra agents immediately stop their advances and start running, the lights, both outside and inside the facility, flickering before switching off completely. The steady breaths of the team through the comms is all that can be heard in the tense silence until Tony mumbles, "What are they doing? Why are they running?"

"Everybody gather at the west entrance, watch your back." Steve whispers into the air, his heart rate picking up ever so slightly. A few moments later, both Tony and Sam land a few feet behind him and he sees the rest of the team carefully stepping into line with him, gesturing for them to advance forward. Tony activates a light on his suit to guide their way as they carefully step further into the facility.

"This feels an awful lot like a trap, Cap." Sam mumbles, keeping his eyes peeled as best he can in the dimly lit halls. "I don't like it."

"Just stay close, they can't attack us if we're together."

Tony scoffs. "Uh yes, they can. They just wouldn't- "

"Shut up, Tony." Natasha sneers, pistol gripped firmly in her hands, the gentle hum of the electricity powering down buzzing in the distance. At every corner, she peaks her head around, eyes scanning around before continuing forward, Steve mirroring her actions with his shield held protectively in front of him. Reaching out a hand suddenly, Steve pauses, signalling the others to do so also, "Do you see that?" he turns to face Natasha, gesturing forward, her eyes soon following.