Trust Me, I Will Never Trust You.

Chapter 24

• • •

8 weeks later

Xpel's days within Hydra's grip grew increasingly gruelling as she underwent her rigorous training regime under the watchful eye of her new handler, Agent Gregorovich.

The intensity of the sessions were harsh, leaving her fatigued and drained. However, she was not the sole witness to the transformation in her training dynamics. The other Hydra agents couldn't help but notice the shift in atmosphere as Xpel's trainer worked her continuously.

The power suppressor cuff encircled her wrist, rendering her abilities abolished. The device only amplified her helplessness, stripping away her sense of agency and leaving her acutely vulnerable. 

Despite the constant pain and suffering, Xpel remained determined to escape. She would study the agent's patrols, waiting for an opportunity to arise. She knew that one mistake could mean the difference between life and death.

Then, one fateful day, a glimmer of hope flickered before her eyes. A door, inadvertently left slightly ajar, beckoned her attention, accompanied by the faint echo of footsteps in the distance. Xpel's heart quickened with anticipation. This was her moment, her fleeting chance for freedom. She slipped out of her cell and made her way towards the exit, staying in the shadows to avoid detection.

But just as she was about to make her escape, her handler appeared out of nowhere before her, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over her. Cold, callous eyes fixated upon her, brimming with contempt.

"You thought you could escape, little mouse?" he taunted, seizing her by the hair and wrenching her closer. "You are but a possession of Hydra."

Xpel's desperation fueled her resistance as she fought against his tight grip, straining her muscles with all her might. But it was useless; the handler's superior strength held her firmly in his clutches, his grip like an unbreakable vice.

He let out a wicked laugh and hurled her against the harsh wall, the impact sending a shockwave through her body. The sound of his fist hitting her flesh echoed through the room, flooding her senses with pain. Crumpling to the ground, Xpel lay there, shattered and beaten, her spirit crushed by the cruel actions of her captor.

"Return her to her cell," Gregorovich commanded, his voice laced with a chilling authority. "Inform Strucker that she needs to be reprogrammed."

Nodding in subservience, the agents obediently heeded their superior's instructions. Their calloused hands gingerly hoisted Xpel from the cold ground, causing her to emit a low groan of agony.

• • •

Meanwhile, at the Avenger's Tower

The Avengers were gathered in the conference room, looking solemn as they discussed Xpel's disappearance.

"Any updates on her location?" Steve asked, looking towards the screens displaying maps of the city.

"Nothing yet," Natasha replied, her eyes scanning through security footage. "There are no sightings of her."

"Dammit," Tony muttered, slamming his hand on the table. "We have to find her. She's our responsibility."

Bucky sat in silence, staring down at his hands. He couldn't help but feel guilty for the way he had treated Xpel.

"You were pretty harsh on her, Barnes," Tony said, breaking the silence. "What did you say to her?"

Unable to contain his anger any longer, Bucky's collected demeanour shattered like glass. His metal arm clenched into a fist as he turned to face the team, his voice filled with anguish.

"I was scared of what I might have done to her at Hydra," he growled through gritted teeth. "Is that what you want to hear, Stark?"

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Bucky's words hanging in the air. The Avengers exchanged uneasy glances, understanding the torment that gripped their teammate.

Steve stepped forward, his voice filled with empathy, "We've all made mistakes," his voice steady. "But we're a team, and we're here to support each other. We'll find Xpel, and we'll bring her home."

• • •

Back at the Hydra facility

Later that day, as the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the facility, Strucker arrived to personally oversee the reprogramming of Xpel. The air hung heavy with ominous anticipation as the scientists, clad in white lab coats, arranged their equipment.

Xpel was seated in a chair, with restraints securing her limbs. Her once defiant eyes were now filled with a flicker of fear. Strucker's presence loomed over her; his expression twisted into a sinister smile as he studied his captive momentarily, relishing the power he held over her.

Turning his attention to the handler, Strucker's voice resonated with authority. "Is she ready?" he inquired, his words dripping with anticipation.

"Yes, sir," Gregorovich responded in a stern Russian accent, offering a respectful nod.

A wicked satisfaction danced in Strucker's eyes. "Good," he replied, his voice laden with a mix of sadistic pleasure and cold efficiency. "Let us proceed."

The scientists began their delicate work, attaching electrodes to Xpel's head with utmost precision. The room hummed with anticipation as the machines were activated, unleashing an electric surge through her body. Agonising pain shot through her, forcing her voice to erupt in screams of agony.

Determined to resist the erasure of her memories, Xpel squeezed her eyes shut, desperately trying to shield her mind. She didn't want to forget the small life she found with the Avengers. She didn't want to lose herself again.

But the pain overwhelmed her. Gradually, her surroundings faded into darkness, the last remnants of her former self slipping away.

• • •

When Xpel eventually regained consciousness, she found herself back in her cell.

A disoriented haze clouded her thoughts as she attempted to piece together fragments of her shattered identity. The past year had vanished, leaving behind a haunting void within her mind. 

She looked around, taking in her surroundings, but nothing seemed familiar. She didn't remember how she got there or why she was there. All she knew was that she was a loyal Hydra agent and would do anything to please her masters. 

A few moments later, the door to her cell opened, and a man with ginger hair and an obvious Russian accent walked in. He was her handler, the one who would give her orders and control her every move.

"Soldier?" he inquired, his voice laden with both authority and curiosity.

In a response unbidden and automatic, Xpel's voice emerged, devoid of emotion or resistance.

 "Ready to comply."