Agent 20: Astryd Carter (Descendant)

Sisterhood

Astryd, Natasha, and Yelena sought refuge in a remote gasoline station on the outskirts of town. It stood as a lonely outpost amidst the dark wilderness, offering a brief respite from their relentless pursuers. Astryd's keen eyes caught sight of a garage, and she signalled to Natasha that she would stay behind to secure the area.

As Nat moved to ensure the entrance was safe, Yelena began gathering supplies, including items to tend to her wound and their immediate necessities. The air inside was thick with tension, the trio silently acknowledging that their temporary sanctuary was just that—temporary.

Natasha initiated a conversation with Yelena, her voice hushed but her words carrying the weight of their predicament. "The Red Room's still active. Where is it?"

Yelena's response was a mix of uncertainty and frustration. "I have no idea. He moves locations constantly, and every Widow is sedated upon entry and exit for maximum security."

Natasha furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "I find it hard to believe that he could stay off my radar."

Yelena pointedly reminded her, "It's not smart to attack an Avenger if you want to stay hidden. I mean, the clue is in the name. Dreykov kills you, one of the big ones comes to avenge you."

"Wait, what are the big ones?" Natasha asked, her curiosity piqued.

Astryd had rejoined them inside the store and pointed towards something outside. "Hey, I just saw something to ride on," she chimed in.

Yelena's gaze locked onto Astryd, a realization dawning on Natasha. "Well, I doubt the god from space has to take an ibuprofen after a fight, and of course..." Yelena's voice trailed off as she glanced down at the items she held in her hands. She was subtly acknowledging Astryd and the other members of the Avengers. "Where did you think I was all this time?" Yelena sighed, her emotions laid bare. She couldn't deny that Natasha had been through a lot during those years, but she also couldn't overlook the fact that Astryd had grown up hearing stories about Natasha since she was little.

Natasha simply nodded at Astryd and gestured for her to pick up the items she needed to bring with her. Astryd turned away, busying herself with gathering supplies, and left the siblings to their conversation.

Natasha turned to Yelena, her expression tinged with a mix of regret and explanation. "I thought you'd managed to break free and were living a normal life," she offered.

The frustration in Yelena's voice was palpable as she responded, her gaze briefly flicking towards Astryd. "And you just never reached out?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with disappointment.

Natasha's reply was candid, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "Honestly, I thought you didn't want to see me."

Yelena scoffed at Natasha's response, dismissing it with a single word, "Bullshit." She turned and made her way to the cashier's counter, leaving Natasha to wash her face at the lavatory. Her parting shot, delivered with a wry smile aimed at Astryd, cut through the tension. "You just didn't want your baby sister tagging along while you saved the world with the cool kids."

Astryd couldn't resist a smug grin, interjecting playfully, "Actually, we're not that cool." Her comment earned an eye-roll from Yelena, who was clearly unimpressed.

Natasha then uttered a statement that felt like a sharp blade, "You weren't really my sister." Her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the emotional distance that had grown between them over the years.

Astryd couldn't help but notice the shift in Yelena's demeanour as Natasha passed by her. She opened her mouth, intending to say something to ease the tension, but Yelena's quick response to Natasha's remark cut her off.