Winter's Child

Chapter 2 The Truth Revealed

For two and a half years, Sesshomaru looked for the Winter Soldier, but there was no trace of him. Though Sesshomaru was not surprised, he knew that the Winter Soldier would disappear for a few years and reappear after a target; Kagome was very disappointed that there were no signs of her father. She would either call Sesshomaru or go to his office after school and inquire if there was any information.

It bothered Sesshomaru to see or hear Kagome's disappointment, and he often wondered if he should tell Kagome the truth about the Winter Soldier. Sesshomaru made up his mind when Kagome came to his office, and he saw a tear slide down her face. Kagome wiped her face, “I'm sorry, Sesshomaru,” Kagome sniffled, “I know you're doing your best to locate my father. I'm only frustrated, that's all.”

Sesshomaru sighed, “Imoutu, I have some information about your father, though I hesitate to tell you,” Sesshomaru told his sister and ward.

Kagome immediately perked up, “Please tell me, Sesshomaru.”

“What I have to tell you is not pleasant. It may change your opinion about your father.”

“Whatever information you have can't be that bad; I want to know.”

“I am afraid the news I have for you is bad; it may be more than you can handle.” Sesshomaru cautioned Kagome.

“I don't care; I want to know.”

Sesshomaru stared at Kagome, then nodded, “What I am about to tell you is both sad and horrific to your human mind, but it is true. Your father, James Buchanan Barnes, was born March 10, 1917.”

Kagome stared at Sesshomaru, “That's not possible. I saw a picture of him. He was a young man when he met my mother.”

Sesshomaru waited for Kagome to get over the shock, then continued, “There is more, Imoutu.”

Sesshomaru explained everything he knew about Bucky Barnes as he was known and about Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. He told Kagome about her father's time in World War II and his supposed death, falling from a train. He then told her what happened next with Hydra. Sesshomaru told her as much information as he knew and that now James Barnes is called the Winter Soldier, a highly skilled assassin.

“I do not know how he has remained young all these years, though I know that the Winter Soldier occasionally shows up for some mission. The Winter Soldier was once sent to kill me,” Sesshomaru told his ward.

Kagome gasped, “Why didn't you kill him?” Kagome asked. She knew no matter how skilled her father was; there was no chance of him killing the Daiyoukai.

“Because I noticed the emptiness in his eyes. He was like the demon slayer's brother. There was no honor in killing a puppet.”

“Are you saying my father was brainwashed?”

Sesshomaru gave a slight nod.

This revelation eased Kagome's mind. She thought that he was a cold-blooded killer. He was, but now she knew that he was being manipulated. Her father was not responsible for his actions; he was only an instrument of destruction. Kagome sat across from her brother in all but blood in silence. Sesshomaru wondered if The Miko was in shock, but he said nothing. Sesshomaru wanted to give Kagome a chance to process her emotions.

Suddenly, Kagome focused on Sesshomaru, “If my father is still alive, I want to find him. I know that I can cure him with my powers, Nii-San.”

Sesshomaru thought that the information he gave Kagome wouldn't change her mind, “As you wish, Imoutu, I will have the search continue.”

Kagome hugged Sesshomaru, “Thank you, Nii-san!”

“You are welcome, Imoutu,” Sesshomaru answered.

Unbeknownst to the pair, Hydra was also looking for the Winter Soldier's daughter. It took them a while to make The Asset admit he had fathered a child. But, with the right amount of torture and a few trigger words, The Winter Soldier finally admitted he had a daughter. His superiors were surprised at how much the Asset resisted their commands. He fought with everything to keep quiet, but they finally broke him. For fourteen years, Hydra searched for The Asset's daughter.

They eventually found Kagome when she was fifteen years old; the only problem was that every time they tried to catch her, she would disappear for weeks. Hydra finally figured out that Kagome was a time-traveling Priestess. They were intrigued to learn that Winter's daughter had powers. Hydra decided to watch and see what happened. They watched and waited for years, slowly observing that Kagome's powers were increasing, much to their delight.

Once Kagome turned nineteen, Hydra decided to make their move. They followed the young girl at a distance until the right moment presented itself. It finally did when Kagome was walking home from school alone. Hydra didn't waste time. A black SUV raced toward Kagome and screeched to a stop before her, blocking her path. Kagome was shocked until she saw men in tactical gear exit the SUV and walked toward her. Kagome realized she was in grave danger and turned to run. Unfortunately, she ran into another man in a suit who smiled at her, “Hello, Kagome. I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time,” The Hydra agent said with a smirk.

Kagome quickly turned to run, but the Hydra agent pulled out a dart gun and shot Kagome, who instantly collapsed. The agent scooped her up and got into the van that Kagome hadn't noticed was blocking her other route. The van peeled out and headed straight for a secret airstrip where a jet awaited them. It was time to unite father and daughter.