Book One of the Shadows Series: Shadow of Redemption

The Avenger Killer

Even though he was on the night patrol, Bucky felt more awake than usual. He loved getting a chance to be alone, having the chance to be able to breathe without pressure on his shoulders. These walks helped to clear his head. His therapist, Dr. Christina Raynor, recommended this strategy a while ago, and he had never really had the opportunity to start. But now that he did, he could see why she prescribed him with these strolls.

As he came out of the nearby forest, Bucky looked up at the newly rebuilt Avengers Compound. It was larger than the old ones, and was a lot more modern. This was his home. A safe place.

Bucky checked his watch. 10:46 pm. Only 10:46?! he said to himself. Even though his patrols were peaceful, they sometimes took eternity.

Crunch. Someone was behind him. Bucky spun around, vibranium arm at the ready. He was met with a teenage girl, no more than 16 years old. Her brown hair was straight, the tips sticking to her skin. Sweat beads rolled down her face and her sapphire eyes were determined yet confused. Bucky let down his guard, but only a little.

"Are you lost?" he asked gently. He carefully advanced, trying to show the girl he wasn't a threat. Her stare only sent a shiver down his spine. "I know exactly where I am. This is where you and your little Avengers reside," she stated with bitterness. She had a British accent that had the slightest touch of German. Bucky tensed and brought his guard back up. "Look, I don't know who I am to you, but I can help you. I want to help."

The girl's demeanor changed from guarded and slightly confused to cold and hostile. A wicked smile played on her lips. "You? Help me? That's funny knowing what I did to you."

Now Bucky was really confused. Who is she? Where did she come from?

"What do you mean? What's your name, kid?"

"You were just another target," she said, but it wasn't as hateful as the other comments. Bucky's breath caught in his throat. "Your name?" he pressed. She looked up at his face and shook her head. No. "I'm trying to help you!" Bucky exclaimed. He didn't know how to proceed if this girl wouldn't cooperate. He advanced and the girl got into a fighting position.

"Come any closer and I will kill you," she snarled. He grimaced, mentally preparing for a fight. He doesn't know who she is, but part of him recognizes the look in her eyes. The cold blankness that will do whatever it takes, no questions asked.

"I don't want to fight you. Let's just talk this out," Bucky pleaded. But she didn't care to listen. Instead, she launched herself at Bucky, kicking him in the stomach. He reeled backwards. So that's how we're gonna play this. He got into a defensive stance. Yet the girl was relentless. Her attacks were precise and brutal. As the battle goes on, Bucky tries to not hurt her, but it's only making things worse for him. It's easy for him to see that whoever trained her did well.

Bucky groaned frustratedly. "Who are you?"

"You don't need to know."

As she winds up for another attack, Bucky takes his chance to change to offense. He dodges another punch and twists her arm behind her back. "Stop this," he begged, not wanting her to get hurt. "I can't. You don't understand."

"Then help me understand, kid."

But before she could respond, a tranquilizer dart was shot into her neck. She gasped sharply, reaching up to remove the dart. But it was too late. The sedatives had already begun to flood her system. Weakly, she looked around to see who shot her. Sam Wilson stood about a hundred feet away, gun in hand. "Stand down, soldier," he said firmly. The girl's legs began swaying, struggling to hold her up.

"You'll...can't help...me," was the last thing she said before collapsing to the ground. The look she had given Bucky before losing consciousness was one of fear and defiance. He kneeled beside her, checking her pulse. It was slow, but there. "What did you do, Sam?"

"I saved your ass, Barnes. Let's get her inside and figure out who she is."

Bucky nodded and lifted her like she weighed nothing. The two then began walking back to the compound, midnight around the corner. As they walked in silence, Bucky couldn't help but notice that the way she acted reminded him of his time as the Winter Soldier. Painful memories threatened to come back, but he shoved them away. If this girl was targeted by HYDRA like he had been, he would make sure she was returned to her right mind. Return her to the girl she used to be.