A new phase
"Could it get any more weird ?" Yelena had commented way too soon. For the next second, she saw about a hundred red coloured drones fill the atmosphere. "Of course it can", she thought to herself.
Sam had reached the building of attack and took down all the guards at the entrance with a single throw of the shield. Yelena immediately followed the suit and got inside the building but the security was another level threat to them.
Thankfully, Bucky arrived in time to help Yelena out. Yelena got herself engaged with the programming of the drones while Bucky held the drones off. Torres regulated the perimeters while Sam took on the leader of the action, leader of RHAIJ.
"Captain America! My pleasure. Now that you are done with your chores, I have a whole town to erase."
"Your own town?" He wanted to buy Yelena more time.
"Of course not. They would leave Sochi for Maikop. I have bombs embedded in them for causing a havoc. People would realize the cons of this fragile government."
"So, for making people aware you are going to bomb an entire town!"
"Big reforms require small sacrifices."
"Yelena! How long will it take. I can't hold them off forever."
"Calm down metalie! I don't have a shield or a metal arm. I need some time." Yelena went through the entire programme. She had to appreciate the determined effort. "This cannot be stopped." She reported.
"Then what are you doing with the damn computer!" Bucky demanded.
She exhaled and proceeded with her decided plan. "I am reprogramming their positions"
She went near Bucky whose surroundings were now relaxed.
"Heads up!" She alerted as she kicked him down the window.
Bucky fell down with shock. He now understood the meaning behind this betrayal and immediately reported to Sam, "She is bringing in the drones here."
"That is probably the best plan." Sam commented. He had already dealt with the leader. He believed violence was never the option unless the person in front of you was a designated asshole, as it turns out he was.
"Yes but she is still in the building."
Sam cursed beneath his breath. "Ok I'll handle that. Get as far away from the building as you can. Take Torres away as well."
He commanded and Bucky obeyed.
Yelena already knew after running through the programme once, that stopping it wasn't possible but using it against its own organisation was a genius plan. She could've gotten out herself but she didn't want to. Firstly, because a last command from the main computer was required and secondly, because she was tired. She had heard many theories of what would happen after death. Natasha would have been transported to Heaven and no way Yelena would be taken there. So, she hopped that the truth was that there existed an afterlife, one where she would finally get to reunite with her sister. She would hug her and never let go of her. But she would also beat the crap out of her for leaving her alone, again. She couldn't decide between the feelings of love and agitation. She would figure it out later, she thought as she ran towards the conference room where the required computer was placed.
She wasn't shocked at the over crowded room, the guards armed with specialized gun commanded to stand down.
"She is with the Captain. She could be of use alive." One of them commented. She frowned.
"Oh! You would never get the chance to catch me!" She added as she swiftly moved to the computer at the side and pressed the respected button.
"BOOM!" she exclaimed as the whole building shattered to ashes. She was ready to accept her death but she saw in surprise when she was grabbed by rough tight arms and taken away from the burning building.
She angrily looked up to find Sam toiling her away, his two hands grabbing her arm and leg, one of the most un-cool positions.
"Thanks for making my job harder than it already is!" Sam wittily responded to her irate glare.
"I just blew up the building saving all your asses" Yelena replied. She saw Sam forming a slight smile.
"Thanks for that"
Sam had almost given up on her but he couldn't have let her die. No, not after his promise. It was like a secret pact with Natasha and he couldn't betray his dead friend.
Yelena should have been irritated and she was, she reminded herself. She was irritated. But the truth was she was she was relieved. She hated herself for it but she was.
They landed imperfectly on the ground and saw Bucky fighting his way through a troop of armed soldiers.
"Heads up!" Sam declared and passed Bucky the shield.
"Mudak" Yelena commented as she felt betrayed of not getting to throw the shield herself.
"Well, that was quite a mission!" Bucky exclaimed as he finally got rid of all the soldiers.
Sam nodded clearly exasperated.
"Here!" Sam handled Yelena a heavy bag. They were back in America. The russian government had thanked them for their service. Globally, ths government took urgent matters into consideration with sensibility.
"What's this?" Yelena enquired while accepting the bag.
"Remember the bargain!" Sam advised. Yelena swallowed a lump in her throat. It had Natasha's belongings in it. The last souvenirs she had left. She nodded and propped the bag in the backseat of her car.
"You sure you don't wanna come along? The world may be ready for a new Black Widow." Sam advised.
"No, she replied immediately with a smile," I can never be Natasha and it feels weird turning down the offer of the cool kids but I am better off on my own. I don’t want to be an Avenger and frankly I can never even be one."
Sam smiled sadly. He offered Yelena his hand and she civily shook it. "Whenever you need anything. I'll be there." He assured.
It was Bucky's time to bid farewell. He went straight for a hug instead. Yelena too looked comfortable with the touch.
As Sam took the driver's seat he glanced back at the retreating figure of the blonde. He had unexpectedly found a friend in her. And however much she tries to get herself killed,he had to be there to talk her out of it. He had his work cut out for him, knowing Yelena keeping her alive wouldn't be an easy cup of tea, he would be exasperated but he had no doubt he would relish every second with her. He had expected her to be like Natasha, she hid her humungous heart within layers of rigidity but was still caring of the ones she loved. Yelena was different and in her own way, perfect.
He would certainly miss their talks, her teasing and her never ending sarcasm but she had found her own way, her own life, all he could hope was that she would be happy in it .
Yelena drove away with a satisfied smile. These Americans were not as bad as she had expected. In fact, she would never admit but she had relished every second of this unexpected mission. She had found some friends and she would know whenever she falls into trouble, she'll have a few who would get her out of it.
She stopped at the apartment she had purchased in Brooklyn. It was compact, one that she could afford from her job under Val. It was her first home, she didn't want to build it on illegal money.
She got inside and immediately went for the black bag Sam had given her. She opened it with trembling hands and took the contents out. There were many things, some useless and some quite handy but to Yelena they were all the greatest things to have ever existed. She took out a photo, it was of Natasha and herself taken during the brief period on the run where Natasha came by to visit. They were both happy , drinking and playing video games. If only she could revisit the moment once again. She held on to it tight and let go of the grip only when she found a mobile. It was Natasha's old phone. She turned it open to find the unattended calls Yelena had made after the snap. Natasha would always answer and the one time she didn't, it made her collapse. But it was not the only thing she found. She found her albums of music and in it saved only one song, American pie.
That song was Natasha's way of remembering her sister. Yelena had never listened to the song after the blip. But today, with tears in her eyes she pushed the play button. The song had lost its essence. It wasn't the same after her death. She found the song distasteful and satisfying at the same moment. The anger of her death had fueled her to kill Clint but he was not the one to blame. In her nightmares, it was Yelena who let Natasha die. But it wasn't her fault too. It wasn't Natasha's fault, she did it for the entire universe. No, no one was to be blamed. Maybe the titan but she can't take revenge on an already dead purple giant. So, she left the blaming game. It was time to move on. To accept that Natasha won't ever come back, that no revenge in the world could drive her back. So, it was time for acceptance. Time to let go. And even thought it would be hard, she was ready for the new phase.