At a bar in Atlanta, Kai's eyes flickered through the entire space as danger was lurking outside. The stranger sitting by glanced around too, trying to find out what seemed wrong, but none of them found anything specific.
A feeling of recollection ran through her body, which made her rest her head against her hand. After many centuries of trying not to, she was still there, having to live with and through everything once again.
Atlanta wasn't the best place to hide – she knew that, but there was a need for a gateway to a city where she would feel at home.
She never found a home, not after she lost what she considered to be it and had to keep rebuilding it from scratch all those times.
"Do you feel okay, Miss?" The waitress behind the counter asked, offering Kai a gentle smile. "Do you need a cab home?"
She couldn't go home, and she could also never return to Brooklyn. After so many lives that she had, she still didn't fit anywhere. "Thank you, I'm okay."
As the cold breeze hit her face, she felt a pair of eyes watching her, so after a quick smirk, Kai unlocked one of her greatest features – her ability to run.
Could she simply lift her hand and make everything and whoever was going after her disappear? She could, but that wasn't the wisest decision.
Rule #1 of Kai's book of sorcery: Don't use your powers if you don't know who your opponent is or if you don't know what they want with you.
When she got to the park, Kai knew there was no point to keep running – whoever wanted to see her, would be there, and judging by the hoop earrings and terrible sunglasses, she knew exactly who it was.
"La Contessa Valentina." Kai huffed, not breaking the distance between the two women. "You've made a long way to come and see me."
"Well, I have been looking for you for a long while, haven't I?" Valentina smiled, which made Kai's stomach protest.
"What is it this time?"
"I was hoping you had reconsidered the offer I made you a few months ago."
"Which one? Saving the universe, change the past-"
"Joining my team of misfit toys." She grinned, which made Kai genuinely laugh.
"I would rather die."
"That's a bit rich coming from someone who can't die except under very specific circumstances." Valentina took off her glasses and faced Kai. "What's holding you back, sweetheart? The innocence that you lost around '50? The family you had back in '30? The sense of death that you have encountered?"
"You don't want to save anyone or avenge anyone. You only want power, Valentina. We've known each other for many years, and there's a reason we're still on opposite sides."
"My dearest Kai." Valentina sighed, standing up. "I do want power. And what's the best way to get it if not from the most powerful woman alive?"
"You have other options."
"But could have of them do what you've already done?"
"I made a mistake and people got hurt." Kai frowned.
Valentina rolled her eyes and groaned. "So melodramatic."
A tense pause happened between the dialogue. Valentina knew how to get inside anyone's head and even though she didn't refer it tonight, to her Kai was only one thing: a weapon to shape the world as everyone wanted.
"What if I told you someone you know would be there?"
"What the fuck have you done, Val." Kai whispered under her breath, feeling her whole body tense.
YOU ARE READING
ineffable memories / / bucky barnes
Fanfictionkai has been around for many centuries, while james has only been around for one, yet their paths have constantly cross. when kai is recruited by valentina, she isn't aware that the whole universe will be at risk because of her secrets.
