Family Ties

As the Avengers stood in a semi-circle around the captured woman, Yelena, who was restrained in a chair, Tony Stark took a step forward. With his Iron Man suit still partially on, he fixed his gaze on Yelena, a mix of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes.

Meanwhile, on the way to the compound, Clint Barton had enough time to piece together the puzzle. It finally clicked in his mind—this woman, Yelena, must be Natasha's sister.

As the Avengers pressed Yelena for answers, Tony Stark's authoritative voice broke the tense silence. "Alright, lady, who are you working for?" His tone was firm, demanding answers.

Yelena tilted her head defiantly, mischief gleaming in her eyes. "Wouldn't you like to know, Mr Stark? But sorry, that's classified information," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The revelation weighed heavily on Clint as he exchanged a glance with Yelena, silently acknowledging the truth they both knew. Natasha's absence loomed over them, her usual presence a comforting reassurance in times like these. But now, with the truth uncovered, Clint couldn't help but wonder how Natasha would react when she arrived.

Thor, sensing the need to assert their authority, crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. "You dare to mock us, woman?"

Yelena shrugged nonchalantly. "I dare a lot of things."

Tony furrowed his brow, a mix of frustration and curiosity evident in his expression. "How do you know our names?"

Yelena's smirk widened, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, I know a lot about you," she replied cryptically. "I know that Tony Stark is Iron Man, you're dating Pepper Potts, you're the only child, your parents are deceased, you're not currently married or dating anyone, and you're from New York City."

Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Yelena's revelations, a mixture of curiosity and wariness in his expression as he tried to process how she had obtained such personal information.

As Yelena's smirk widened, Tony's expression turned from curiosity to concern. "How do you know all this?" he demanded, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

Yelena's grin only widened, enjoying the discomfort she was causing. "Oh, Tony, you'd be surprised what you can find out with a little digging," she replied, her tone teasing. "But don't worry, your secrets are safe with me... for now."

Tony's frown deepened, but before he could press further, Yelena turned her attention to the rest of the Avengers, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Yelena's smirk widened as she continued, her gaze locking on Thor. "Thor, you're the Asgardian god of thunder, born in the realm of Asgard. Your father was Odin, the Allfather, the wise and powerful ruler of Asgard, who guided you with his wisdom until his passing. Your mother was Frigga, the Queen of Asgard, who valiantly defended Asgard until her tragic demise. You wielded the mighty hammer Mjolnir, forged in the heart of a dying star until it was destroyed. But fear not, for you are a formidable warrior even without it. You have a formidable family, including your brother Loki, who, despite his misdeeds, shares a bond with you, and your sister Hela, the Goddess of Death, who met her demise. And let's not forget your close friend, Heimdall, the all-seeing guardian of the Bifrost."

Thor's eyes widened in surprise at Yelena's detailed knowledge of his personal history. He remained silent, his expression a mix of shock and curiosity, as he processed the information.

Yelena's smirk widened as she turned to Steve, her gaze assessing. "Captain America, the man out of time. You were born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1918. You were injected with the Super-Soldier Serum, granting you enhanced strength, agility, and endurance. You fought in World War II and were frozen in ice for nearly seventy years before being thawed out. You're a symbol of hope and justice, but you also struggle with adjusting to the modern world."

Her tone turned slightly cryptic as she continued, "And let's not forget your precious love, Peggy Carter, and your best friend, Bucky Barnes, who you fought alongside in the war."

Steve's brow furrowed in confusion as he processed her words, about to inquire further when Yelena quickly interjected, her smirk faltering for a moment. "Not to mention, my dad is either your greatest enemy or your biggest fan. It depends on who you ask."

Steve's expression shifted to one of perplexity as he opened his mouth to ask for clarification, but Yelena swiftly cut him off, a slight grimace appearing on her face. "Oh, and you're currently dating Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow."

Steve's jaw clenched at the mention, a mixture of surprise and frustration crossing his features. He remained silent, his mind racing with questions.

Yelena's smirk widened as she turned her attention to Bruce. "Bruce Banner, the brilliant scientist with a dangerous alter ego. You were exposed to gamma radiation, which transformed you into the Hulk—a massive green behemoth with nearly unlimited strength. You struggle with controlling your anger, but you also use your intellect to help others."

Bruce's eyes widened in surprise, but there was a flicker of discomfort in his expression as if her words touched upon something deeply personal. "How... how do you know all this?"

Yelena's smile turned mysterious, but there was a hint of disdain in her expression. "Let's just say I'm good at connecting the dots."

Bruce's brows furrowed as he processed her words, a wave of unease washing over him. He couldn't help but feel exposed as if she had somehow unearthed the darkest corners of his past. The mention of his transformation into the Hulk brought forth memories of his tumultuous childhood, marred by the abusive behaviour of his father.

Yelena's gaze lingered on Bruce for a moment longer, her expression softening imperceptibly as she noticed the discomfort in his eyes. But then, her features hardened once more as she continued, her tone laced with disgust. "And let's not forget, you used to date my sister."

Bruce's breath caught in his throat, a mixture of shock and embarrassment flooding his senses. He glanced away, unable to meet Yelena's gaze, confusion evident on his face as he struggled to recall any past relationship that involved him dating someone she might be referring to. "Who are you talking about?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Yelena's smirk persisted, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "That's classified information, Doctor Banner," she replied cryptically, leaving Bruce to ponder the mystery of her words.

Yelena's gaze shifted to Clint, her expression softening ever so slightly. "Clint Barton, the skilled marksman with a heart of gold. You're known as Hawkeye, the archer who never misses his mark. You have a loving wife named Laura and three beautiful children. Nate, Cooper, and Lila. Nate, named after Natasha, seems to be the one she calls a traitor."

Her tone took on a gentler quality as she continued, "You've always put your family first, even amid the chaos we face. It's admirable."

The Avengers exchanged confused glances, except for Clint, who remained silent, knowing well the connection between him and Yelena. His calm demeanour hinted at an understanding that the others were yet to grasp.

The Avengers exchanged uneasy glances, realising that Yelena was not just any ordinary adversary—they were dealing with someone who knew them intimately, someone who had taken the time to learn their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. And as they continued to question her, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were playing right into her hands.

As Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, stepped forward, his expression more curious than hostile, Yelena's smirk widened. She met his gaze with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"Hey, Yelena. It's been a while. How have you been?" Clint's voice held a hint of familiarity, a remnant of their past encounters.

Yelena's smirk widened as she glanced at Clint, her tone casual yet tinged with amusement. "Oh, you know, same old, same old. Dodging bullets, fighting bad guys. The usual."

Despite the tense atmosphere, Yelena couldn't help but feel a secret sense of satisfaction that Natasha had confided in Clint about her existence. It was a small glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, her sister hadn't completely forgotten about her.

The tension in the room was palpable as the Avengers continued to press Yelena for answers. Tony Stark, Thor, and Steve Rogers exchanged wary glances, their determination to uncover the truth evident in their furrowed brows and clenched jaws. They knew there was more to Yelena's story than she was letting on, and they were determined to get to the bottom of it.

Tony Stark, undeterred by Yelena's defiance, took a step closer. "We don't have time for games. Tell us what we need to know, or things will get a lot less pleasant for you."

Yelena met Tony's gaze with a smirk. "Oh, I'm quaking in my boots, Stark," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Thor's patience was wearing thin. "Enough of this insolence! Speak, or face the consequences!"

Yelena rolled her eyes, unimpressed by Thor's threats. "Consequences? Please, you wouldn't dare lay a finger on me."

Clint exchanged a knowing glance with Tony before stepping forward once more. "Yelena, I know we haven't exactly been on the same team before, but we're all here trying to figure this out. You don't have to face this alone. Just tell us what's going on."

Yelena's smirk faltered for a moment as she glanced at Clint, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. She hesitated, considering his words, before shaking her head. "Nice try, Clint. But I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation."

"What about Natasha?" Clint's voice cut through the tension, his eyes locked on Yelena.

For a flicker of a second, Yelena faltered, her mask of defiance slipping to reveal a hint of vulnerability. The Avengers noticed the shift, exchanging uneasy glances as they waited for Yelena's response. But Yelena remained silent, refusing to divulge anything further.

Tony couldn't help but be curious about Clint's connection to Yelena. "So, Clint, care to enlighten us on how you two know each other and how she knows Natasha?"

Clint hesitated, his gaze flickering between Yelena and the Avengers. "We haven't met formally, but I know who she is. As for Natasha, it's her secret to share."

Steve's concern was evident as he spoke up, his tone laced with worry. "Clint, is there something you're not telling us? How well do you know her?"

Clint's jaw tightened, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice. "I know enough, Steve. Trust me, I wouldn't be vouching for her if I had any doubts."

Thor, ever the optimist, attempted to diffuse the tension with a light-hearted comment. "Well, whatever your history, let's focus on the matter at hand. We need to figure out why Yelena's here and who she's working for."

The Avengers nodded in agreement, their determination renewed as they turned their attention back to Yelena, ready to continue their interrogation.

Natasha's absence loomed over them, her usual presence a comforting reassurance in times like these. Steve exchanged a worried glance with the others, silently wondering where she was and why she hadn't arrived yet.

Bruce Banner, still in the throes of his transformation from the Hulk, growled slowly. "You're playing a dangerous game, lady. Tell us what we need to know."

Yelena leaned back in her chair, seemingly unfazed by their threats. "Or what? You'll hit me? Been there, done that."

Steve Rogers, Captain America, exchanged a glance with Natasha's empty chair. He sighed heavily. "We don't want to resort to violence, but we will if we have to. Now, who are you working with?"

“Your mum,” Yelena replied with mischief.

“Oh, you think you’re funny?” Steve asked.

“I know I am. You should ask your girlfriend,” Yelena retorted, forgetting they didn't know her connection to Nat.

Before Yelena could respond, Steve, protective as always, swung his hand out and delivered a sharp slap across her cheek. The room fell into a stunned silence as Yelena's head snapped to the side, the impact echoing in the tense atmosphere. Despite the blow, she quickly regained her composure, a defiant smirk playing on her lips.

"Nice slap, Cap. But I've had worse from Natasha," she quipped.

Just then, the door burst open, and Natasha entered, her eyes widening in shock at the sight before her.

Natasha's gaze then shifted to the Avengers, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. "Who is she? What is she doing here?" she asked

Steve exchanged a glance with the rest of the team before stepping forward. "She's someone we apprehended during the mission. We've been trying to get information out of her," he explained, his tone grave.

Thor nodded in agreement. "Aye, she has been quite resistant."

Bruce chimed in, his voice measured. "We haven't been able to get much out of her yet, Natasha, and she mentioned your name earlier."

Natasha's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in their words, her mind already racing to piece together the situation. The mention of her name by someone they were interrogating added another layer of intrigue to the situation, heightening her sense of urgency to understand what was happening.

Clint stepped forward, his voice solemn. "She's a widow, Nat," he said, choosing not to reveal the familial connection to Natasha just yet.

Natasha's brow furrowed in confusion at Clint's cryptic words, her concern growing as she struggled to understand the significance behind them. She exchanged a puzzled glance with Clint, sensing there was more to the story than he was letting on.

Natasha's expression tightened as she switched to Russian. "Ты вдова?" (You're a widow?) she asked, her tone carrying a mixture of surprise and concern.

Yelena nodded silently, her gaze meeting Natasha's with a mix of apprehension and relief.

Natasha's attention then turned back to Yelena. "Что ты здесь делаешь?" (What are you doing here?) she asked her tone firm yet tinged with worry.

Yelena's smirk widened as she replied in Russian: "Просто наслаждаюсь видом." (Just enjoying the view.)

Natasha's expression hardened as she noticed the marks on Yelena's face. Her eyes flickered with recognition, but she couldn't place where she had seen this woman before. She took a moment, her mind racing to recall any memories that could connect her to this stranger.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" Natasha asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Yelena's gaze met Natasha's, a glint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "You could say that," she replied cryptically, her tone suggestive.

Natasha's brow furrowed as she studied Yelena intently, a sense of familiarity nagging at the back of her mind. She racked her brain, trying to make sense of the puzzle before her.

Suddenly, Yelena subtly whistled a familiar tune—a melody from their childhood, a secret signal between the two sisters. Natasha froze, the sound triggering a flood of memories buried deep within her subconscious.

A rush of emotions swept over Natasha as she gasped softly, realisation dawning on her like a bolt of lightning. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at Yelena, her heart pounding with disbelief.

"Yelena?" Natasha whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the tension-filled room.

The room fell silent as Natasha's words hung in the air. Yelena's smirk softened into a knowing smile as she nodded silently, confirming Natasha's suspicions. The revelation washed over Natasha like a tidal wave, filling her with a mix of emotions—surprise, disbelief, but above all, an overwhelming sense of relief at finally finding her long-lost sister.

Natasha's heart raced as she stepped closer to her sister, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yelena, is that really you?"

“How do you know her Nat?” Tony asked, breaking the tense silence, only to be swiftly shushed by Clint, who shot him a pointed look.

Clint's eyes met Natasha's with a silent plea, urging her to keep the moment between them for now. Natasha nodded imperceptibly, understanding Clint's unspoken request.

Ignoring Tony's question, Natasha focused solely on Yelena, her gaze searching her sister's face for any trace of doubt.

Yelena nodded slowly, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Yes, Nat. It's me."

Tears filled Natasha's eyes as she quickly untied Yelena, ignoring the protests from the other Avengers. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?" she whispered fiercely, pulling her sister into a tight hug.

Yelena returned the hug, her voice softening. "I'm sorry, Nat. I didn't mean to worry you."

Natasha playfully swatted Yelena's arm. "You're going to pay for making me worry like that."

Yelena chuckled a hint of relief in her voice. "I'll take whatever punishment you give me."

The Avengers watched in stunned silence as Natasha and Yelena shared a brief, intense conversation in Russian. Natasha's expressions shifted from relief to concern and then determination as she listened to her sister's words.

"Yelena, почему ты была замешана в этой миссии?" (Yelena, why were you involved in this mission?) Natasha asked, her tone stern yet tinged with a hint of concern.

Yelena hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Natasha and the Avengers. "Я... Я не могу сказать," (I... I can't say,) she replied cryptically, her voice barely above a whisper.

Natasha's brow furrowed as she studied her sister intently, sensing there was more to the story than Yelena was letting on. "Yelena, пожалуйста. Ты можешь мне доверять. Расскажи мне, что происходит," (Yelena, please. You can trust me. Tell me what's going on.)

Yelena bit her lip, torn between her loyalty to her sister and the danger of revealing too much. She glanced at Natasha, silently pleading for understanding, before finally speaking in a hushed tone. "Я не могу объяснить сейчас, Нат. Но мне нужна твоя помощь," (I can't explain now, Nat. But I need your help.)

Natasha's heart clenched at the desperation in Yelena's voice, her instincts telling her to trust her sister's plea. She nodded slowly, her expression softening. "Хорошо, Yelena. Я помогу тебе. Но ты должна рассказать мне все позже," (Alright, Yelena. I'll help you. But you have to tell me everything later.)

Yelena nodded gratefully, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Спасибо, Нат," (Thank you, Nat.)

Their moment of understanding was interrupted by the Avengers, who were growing increasingly impatient with the lack of answers.

Tony Stark crossed his arms, tapping his foot impatiently. "Alright, enough with the family reunion. We need answers now."

Clint Barton stepped forward, his voice firm. "Give us something, Yelena. Anything that can help us understand why you're here."

Yelena's eyes flickered with hesitation, torn between her loyalty to Natasha and the need to protect whatever mission she was on. She glanced at Natasha, silently pleading for guidance.

Natasha held her sister's gaze for a moment, her expression softening with understanding. Then, she turned to face the Avengers, her tone firm yet reassuring. "Give us a moment, please. We'll get to the bottom of this."

Steve Rogers nodded reluctantly, his expression tense with impatience. "Fine, but make it quick. We don't have all day."

Natasha nodded, silently acknowledging Steve's words as she refocused her attention on Yelena, determined to unravel the mystery together.

“Не здесь, Нат,” (Not here, Nat) Yelena pleaded softly.

Natasha's gaze softened, a flicker of concern in her eyes. “You're safe here,” she assured her sister, her voice firm yet comforting.

Yelena hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Natasha and the Avengers. “Nat, please,” she whispered, a hint of urgency in her tone.

Natasha's expression hardened as she turned back to the Avengers, her resolve unwavering. "We're leaving," she announced firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

Clint stepped forward, a trace of concern in his voice. "Nat, are you sure about this? We can't just let her go."

Natasha's jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with determination. "We don't have a choice. Trust me," she said, her voice unwavering.

Steve exchanged a hesitant glance with the others before nodding reluctantly. "Alright, Nat. We'll trust your judgement."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Natasha turned back to Yelena, her expression softening as she extended a hand to her sister. "Let's go," she said gently, her voice filled with reassurance.

Tony Stark stepped forward, his frustration evident in his tone. "Wait, you can't just leave! We still have questions!"

Clint Barton placed a hand on Tony's shoulder, his expression sombre. "Tony, sometimes it's better to let things be. We'll find our answers another way."

Steve Rogers, though reluctant, nodded in agreement. "He's right, Tony. We can't force her to talk if she's not ready."

Natasha's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Yelena. "She's not talking, not now."

Yelena nodded in agreement, her eyes meeting Natasha's with a silent understanding. "Some things are better left unsaid."

With that, Natasha and Yelena disappeared into the shadows, leaving the Avengers to ponder the family ties that had just been revealed and the unanswered questions that lingered in the air.