Ruins

4) 'Light' In The Darkness

Omsk, Russia/ Hydra Base

(Three Months Later)

Third Person P.O.V- Arnim and his team of scientists kept the female Stark sedated, for an additional three months in order for her body to physically heal from all the sudden trauma as a SuperSoldier and to mentally meld with Extremis.

Strucker- Walking into the isolation ward, I stand by the door watching my team of scientists work on the petite woman. "How is she?"

Arnim- Meticulously removing wires and tubing. "You came at the right time, she is ready to be awakened."

Strucker- (Hums and Nods) I watch silently as they work, taking in the sheer beauty that is the Stark Heir.

Glassman- Getting a nod from my associate, I inject the petite woman with the serum that shall awaken her.

Arnim- (Hums Softly) I watch the minutes slowly tick by on the clock.

Thirty Minutes Later

Third Person P.O.V- Brown eyes slowly open, blinking against the harsh light. Suddenly her petite body curls in on itself as she begins to violently cough.

Arnim- Holding a cup of water to her dry lips as she grasps the straw. "Easy dear, you've been asleep for three months." Getting a rather perplexed look, my associate takes the cup from me and continues to help her drink as I pick up a mirror that's laying off to the side. "Remember we said when you reawakened, you'd be a whole knew person?" I hold the mirror in front of her face. "Welcome back to the land of the living Athena Marie Stark."

Athena- My eyes widen as I push the cup away and grab the mirror, taking in my image. "I'm a woman!" Dropping the mirror on the bed beside me, I explore my body.

Glassman- Setting the cup aside and picking up the mirror as I set it on the table as well. (Smiles Fondly)

Arnim- (Chuckles) Turning my attention to Strucker.

Strucker- Looking away from the petite woman to my head scientist. "I assume everything is in working order?"

Arnim- (Nods) "She is the first and only Female Winter Soldier, she has full access to Extremis as well as fully retains her memories." Looking anywhere but at my boss. "We can't wipe her mind, we have tried a multitude of times. Extremis protects it, protects her."

Strucker- (Hums Thoughtfully) "I see." Looking over at the petite brunette, whom now wears a rather horrified expression. "No harm will ever come to you Athena. Just because we removed you from the hands of SHEILD, doesn't mean we wanted to kill you."

Athena- (Bites Bottom Lip) "Can I ever see my family again, I have a son."

Strucker- All I could do was stare at the petite brunette. "I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you had a child. Captain America never informed us you settled down."

Athena- Looking down at my fingers. "I don't have any romantic attachment that is why, my son is adopted, he is a thirteen year old boy with powers."

Arnim- Most of us had children, so this hit a few strings. "Perhaps she can stay and learn to control her new abilities, if they don't find her within a year we let her go?"

Strucker- I wasn't completely evil nor an asshole as SHIELD painted me to be. (Nods Agreeingly) "They have one year. If they don't rescue her within this time frame she is free to go on her own, but she has to have her cover story straight by then." Leaving it at that, I leave the scientists to deal with her as she is their creation.