Phase Two (Steve + reader)

Revisting The Past

A lump forms in Natasha's throats when the Quinjet lands in Russia.

All around her familiar buildings rise, and with them, memories. They smother her mind and for a moment she has trouble distinguishing the real ones from the false ones they gave her.

It's the city, Natasha closes her eyes and plays out her familiar mantra, desperate to keep a grip on reality.

Name: Natalia Alianovna Romanova. Alias: Black Widow Team: The Avengers. Skills: Acrobat. Martial Artist. Marksman. Espionage. Strategist. Tactician. Family: N/A

Clint startles her by calling her name.

She opens her eyes, a bit disoriented "What?"

"I asked if you were okay" Clint repeats his warm brown eyes full of sympathy.

"I'm fine" Natasha says shortly "What's the plan, Captain?"

Steve looks at her, trying to gage her mood, then answers her question.

"For now, just surveillance. If were attacked, we'll engage, but wait for my signal."

Bucky Barnes nods agreeably, trying to cover for the sweat that has crept up his neck despite the cool weather.

- - - -

   Knowing how uncomfortable this makes both Natasha and Bucky, Steve makes the first stop in Belarus, the city that is the location of the Red Room.

It's no surprise to Natasha that despite the worn and seemingly abandoned exterior of her former home, there are still signs of life.

"Shoot first, as questions later" she tells the team "Everyone here is highly trained. If you hesitate even an instant, they will kill you."

Steve swallows hard, and Bucky puts a hand on his shoulder. The gesture doesn't comfort Steve at all.

Gingerly, they sneak into the building. All is silent but for the pounding of Natasha's heart.

The Victorian Era decor is preserved in eerie splendor. The oak floor is polished to perfection and Natasha remembers the feeling of the solid wood under her pointe shoes.

I've never wanted to abandon any mission more. I wish I could forget, and erase these memories. I have a life outside of this.

Madame B's disgust is fresh in her mind.

Do you really think they'll accept you there, malyutka (little one)? You are not one of them. You are a weapon of Hydra. They will not let you live a normal life. Where can you go where you will not be hated?

Those were only some of the reasons Madame had used to keep Natasha afraid. Afraid and obedient.

"This way." Steve beckons his team toward the western part of the compound.

A familiar sound echos in Natasha's ears.

The cuffs clink as the handler locks her wrists.

"Sladkiye Mechty (Sweet dreams)" she rasps.

But Natasha would have no pleasant dreams that night, nor the next, nor in the days that followed.

"What is this place?" Clint barely speaks above a whisper.

"Dorms" Bucky covers for a dry-mouthed Natasha and she thanks him with her eyes.

Steve fingers one of the cuffs attached to the iron bedpost and glances at her.

Natasha swallows and turns from the room "There's a couple other places you should see."

- - - -

The operating room is in disarray with medical equipment strewn about and containers opened.

Natasha takes one look and hides her face. Bucky puts an arm around her, much to the annoyance of Clint.

There is evidence that the room has been used recently and Steve curses himself for not being more alert.

There is a chance that someone is here now. They may already know that the team is here.

Why haven't they been discovered yet?

"Captain" Clint gestures to the hall "There's someone here."

Steve steps into the hall just as a gorgeous brunette woman rounds the corner.

Forgetting Natasha's warning, he speaks to the woman first, she says something in Russian and draws her weapons so fast it barely registers to Steve.

Natasha seems to come alive and pulls herself and Steve behind his shield just as Bucky pulls the trigger of his gun.

Clint fires a second later as the woman hits the ground.

"Well done, Nataliya" a sarcastic sounding voice echos in the hallway "You were always my very best."

Natasha shrinks in Bucky's arms and Clint's aim wavers slightly.

Madame B is the same stern old woman she was when Natasha trained under her. There is no sign of the age that should have deteriorated her thin form.

They must have used super soldier serum or something similar to keep her from aging.

"Welcome back, James" she greets the glowering soldier with a little smirk "Your arrival is highly anticipated. Allow us to welcome you properly."

A dozen teenage girls in full combat gear, surround them, their expressions ranging from boredom to nonchalance.

"Show no mercy." Madame B says shortly "Hail Hydra!"

"Hail Hydra" The girls murmur, and close in on the four heroes.