DEMONS.
( chapter eighteen. )

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Edited 12/26/2015 @12:58 AM
Edited 07/14/2016 @6:10 AM
Edited 11/28/2017 @3:08 AM

ANDREA APPEARED BACK AT Sam's house, collapsed on the floor of the guest room she'd been given. Her heart ached, with pain throbbing between her temples. She was overcome with the exhaustion of both her powers and the inability to save those like her. Weapons carved of broken bones.

  That man was shattered in a way she never thought possible, until she'd seen it— felt it— in herself.

Andy pressed a hand to her chest, trying to force back the sobs. She was so overwhelmed by her own emotions that she failed to notice how the house had gone quiet upon her arrival. She didn't care.

Andrea needed someone there. To comfort her when nothing else could. Even if she was the last person on Earth who deserved it.

"Andy?" The name was softly spoken, voice clearly shocked by her distress.

  Andrea couldn't bring herself to look up at Steve, but made no reproach as he came closer. He knelt down. Without another word, he was taking the Jones woman up in his arms. The sobs broke loose.

  "Don't ever do that again," he whispered as she clung to him.

  Andy tied herself to the Rogers man, as if he were the only thing holding her together. In truth, he probably was. In the vast expanse of everything that had happened to her, Steve Rogers was a constant.

The only other person in this world who might understand what she was going through.

For a moment, just Steve being there lessened the weight on her shoulders. Andy didn't want to let go. Somehow, it made her feel less guilty and weak.

Steve rubbed gentle circles into her back. "You said you were fine. Last time I'll ever trust your word." His attempt at bitter humor was enough to draw out a half-hearted laugh from Andrea, but it felt wrong— it felt sad.

Andy felt her lip tremble. "Did you really ever believe that?" She asked him, trying to tease.

However, to sit there and laugh after having someone risk their life for hers felt cruel. She pursed her lip, fingers curling into fists against Steve's back. She should have saved him.

"No," Steve admitted, "but I knew that you wanted to be strong." 

It was a lie. She wasn't strong. Andy had put up a facade that could only last so long against a dam bound to break.

  She hid her face, heart still thrumming with a hurt she would never be rid of. "That man," she began to say, pausing to inhale sharply. "The assassin."

Andrea could barely get the words out between her uneven breathing. Still, Steve heard. She could feel it in the way he tensed against her.

"He's like me, Steve," she choked out. "He's like me and I could've saved him. But, I was too weak." Andy sobbed with the weight of her failures.

Steve pulled back from the hug, frowning as he looked her over. The way she kept her head bowed, her face covered. It was silent and, with each moment that passed, she knew he was struggling to find the right words to say.

Finally, he exhaled a deep breath. "Listen," he spoke earnestly, reaching for her hands.

Her eyes flickered to his face, risking a quick glance. In that second, he looked so much like the boy she knew in childhood. It made the tears blur her vision all over again.

Steve furrowed his brow, unsure of how to continue. His eyes were on the ground, but the comforting squeeze of his hand let Andrea know that all focus was on her.

"I don't know why you're so afraid to look at me lately, but I promise you," his eyes moved to meet hers, serious and full of truthful intent. "There is nothing you can do that will ever scare me away. I know you, Andy— probably even better than you know yourself right now."

With every word, Steve's resolve seemed to harden. "You might not be able to see it, but that woman who fought back against Zola? That woman who's been through hell and back and is still sitting here with me?"

"That is the strongest person I know," Steve insisted. "Nothing will ever change that. I know it feels like the world is out to get you, testing your limits." Andy clung to his every word, aware that her tears had turned from sorrow to gratitude.

"But, as your best friend, if it means anything to you; I know you'll push through, because I know you. I know that you're so much more than what HYDRA made you out to be— and that you're stronger than they'll ever know." He pressed his forehead to hers.

The affection was undoing every tightly-bound pain in her heart. Andrea could hardly breath. What had she done to deserve this?

Steve wiped at her tears. "You hold onto your humanity no matter how much the world pushes you not to. I don't believe for a second that it's a weakness. For that, there's no one in the world I admire more, Andrea. No one."

Andy gave a weak gasp for air. She wanted to speak, to tell him how much his words meant to her. It wasn't necessary. Steve seemed to already know as he shook his head.

Instead, he pulled his best friend close. He let her cry until she had no tears left. It still hurt and Andy was aware that it might never stop. But, for now she was comforted.

And that was enough to push her through.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispered, too exhausted to say more.

The Rogers man gave a soft chuckle. "You'd definitely be getting into a lot more trouble than usual."

Andrea could do no more than smile. With Steve still holding her and the pain dimming in her heart, she let herself sleep without fear. It didn't take long afterwards for the rhythm of her breathing to fall steady.

And Steve let her sleep, because she more than deserved the rest.

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When Andrea finally awoke, it was to the sun shining in her face.

Though, rather than irritation, Andy felt longing hum inside her. It had been a long time since she'd woken up like this. She lay beneath the blankets for a while, staring at the window as the sun cast beams of light through the drapes.

She could hear the others talking in the kitchen, but paid no mind as she enjoyed this moment. It didn't take much longer for her to realize that she couldn't lay in bed forever. They had work to do— and that included more than just taking down HYDRA.

Andrea had people to save.

She rose and finally made her way out of the room. Andy knew she was disheveled, but followed the sound of her friend's voices all the way to the kitchen table. The group seemed to be discussing everything that had happened the day before.

She smiled as they paused to look at her, "Mission planning without me? I'm hurt." She tsked, reaching over to steal Steve's orange juice.

Natasha grinned, "Wouldn't dream of it. Without your expertise, we would never survive."

Andy chuckled at the teasing. When the humour died away, the Romanoff woman nodded at Sam. "We were just filling Wilson in, but we can start if you're ready to delve in right now."

The brunette took a sip at her glass, considering the offer. Though, it wasn't as if she had a choice. With every second that passed, Project Insight's launch drew closer and closer.

It hadn't taken the group very long to work out the answer in Zola's words. They'd discovered it on the journey to Sam's house. Fury had shown Steve Project Insight just before his death. There was a reason for it, they knew that now.

Fury did very little out of trust. He knew what kind of threat that Project Insight held. If all else failed, he had to lead someone back to his trail.

Andy finally shrugged. "We might as well, it's not like we have a lot of time." She took a seat at the table, snatching up a piece of bacon that Sam had made.

Nat nodded and took a cursory glance around the table. She found none no protest in the stoic expressions staring back at her. Everyone understood the severity that this called for.

Natasha heaved a heavy sigh, "So, the question I know we've all been wondering, is who can launch a domestic missile strike?"

As she spoke, the red-head's gaze fell to the table. It was hard to imagine that anyone at S.H.I.E.L.D. would have done this to them willingly. Andy knew better. She could easily look past all the friendly faces that usually greeted her.

The answer came quickly then. "Aside from Fury, the only other person with that kind of authority is Pierce," she deduced, recalling his tirade about a 'new world order.'

Andy glanced over to Steve, seeking his agreement. "You saw what he was like in that office. I have no doubt in my mind that he's involved with HYDRA."

Andrea felt her grip tighten on the glass. She couldn't help her frustration. From their first encounter, she had never been fond of Pierce. Andy knew that there had to be a reason behind the suspicion. It wasn't just bias and, now that she had the answer, she was furious.

The knowledge that she would get the last laugh was her only comfort.

"Who also happens to be sitting on the most secure building in the world," Steve added.

Andy wasn't too worried about that. There were more ways to get to Pierce than just brute force. "He's not working alone," she noted, "Zola's algorithm was on the Lemurien Star."

The reason Fury had his best agents on that mission was clearer now.

"So was Jasper Sitwell," Steve realized.

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Wow, you two are like rocket scientists," she said. The sarcasm was clear, but it was good-humoured.

Andrea pushed herself off the counter and leaned over the table, smirking. "So, the questions is; how do the three most wanted people in Washington kidnap a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in broad daylight?"

There was no time to answer as Sam dropped a file in front of her. "The answer is; you don't," he told them.

Andy allowed Steve to take the file and open it. From over his shoulder, she briefly glanced at the information inside. There was a picture of Sam and another man. Their gear was strange, but obviously military— and government-funded.

"What's this?" Steve asked. If he was aware that he was staring at the picture a little too long, he was doing his best not to show it.

Sam crossed his arms, giving a casual shrug. "Call it a resume."

Natasha looked over the file herself, head tilted curiously as she studied the picture. "Is this Bakhmala? Khalid Khandil mission, that was you?" The red-head looked to Steve with a smirk. "You didn't say he was a Pararescue."

Desperately trying to brush over that Steve had been taking about Sam, the Rogers man ignored her. "Is this Riley?" He asked, peering over at Sam.

Andy had no idea who Riley was, but she assumed he was the other figure in the photo. Sam nodded slowly. From his expression, she realized that Riley was a grief-ridden subject.

"I heard they couldn't bring in the choppers because of the RPG's," Natasha added, moving through the sullen mood with ease.

That piqued Andrea's interest. "What did you use, a stealth shoot?"

Sam was quick to shake his head. "No, these." He handed them another file. Upon the sight, Andy smirked and glanced coyly at the Wilson man.

"I thought you said you were a pilot," she teased, playful suspicion to her voice.

Sam grinned back at her, "I never said pilot."

Andrea chuckled, moving back from Steve's shoulder to lean against the counter. The blond gently shook his head. He lifted his eyes to meet Sam's.

"We can't ask you to do this for us," Steve told the Wilson man. "You got out for a good reason." Andy couldn't help but agree.

Sam raised his hands in defense. "Hey, Captain America needs my help. I see no better reason to get back in."

His enthusiasm was just as hard to argue with. Andy smiled and glanced down at the open file. "Where can we even get our hands on one of these things?" She asked, looking to Sam for an answer.

He sighed in response. "Well, the last one is in Fort Mede. Behind three guarded gates, plus a twelve-inch steel wall." His eyes met each of theirs, asking the three Avengers a clear question.

Andy smirked and gave her own nonchalant shrug. "Piece of cake," she replied.

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Once the group had gathered Sam's equipment, they moved onto their next assignment; capturing agent Jasper Sitwell.

From where both Sam and Andrea sat, they had a perfect view. Angled just out of sight at an outside table, they watched on as Sitwell bid farewell to Senator Stern. Another secret supporter of the wretched organization.

  Andy curled her lip in disgust. She couldn't wait to topple them from their imagined thrones. Revenge would taste better with death, but she could show restraint. Patience. Andrea would let the world tear them apart in her stead.

  She was simply going to set the stage for their very public executions.

With those comforting thoughts, Andy took a sip from her iced tea. "Position?" She questioned softly, speaking to the comms unit connected to her ear.

  The group had sent Natasha to perch atop a building. It was a short distance above, allowing her perfect aim in the off chance that things went awry. If the HYDRA goon refused to cooperate— well, they could always just convince him.

  Life was such a precious bargaining chip.

"Secure," came Natasha's swift response.

  Andrea watched as Senator Stern leaned in close, embracing agent Sitwell. She could almost see the murmur of Stern's lips. The mantra he likely uttered sounded in her head. Hail HYDRA.

  When Stern entered his vehicle to leave, Andy didn't hesitate. She pulled out her cell phone and dialled. As the phone in her hand rang, she watched with amusement as Sitwell quickly picked up. He was so enthused upon seeing the contact on his screen. Natasha had disguised their number with that of Alexander Pierce.

  Sitwell brought the phone to his ear. "Yes, sir?" He straightened his posture, as if already in the presence of his leader. He seemed so ready for any command thrown at him.

  Andrea let out a dry laugh and Sitwell's expression fell. "How was lunch, zmeya? I hear the food here is delicious." Her words came out in a slow drawl, the taunt clear.

  "Who is this?" Sitwell demanded and Andy tsked. She picked up her sunglasses and placed them on her nose. He seemed so nervous as his gaze shifted rapidly across the many faces surrounding them.

Andrea smiled a wicked sort-of smile. "Come now, zmeya. You know who I am. Say it," she seethed. It was far too easy to be malicious when he made his fear so blatantly obvious.

  "Or are you too afraid?" She continued, humored by the prospect.

From her position, she could see Jasper's face registering her voice. The recognition led to anger. He turned into his cell phone, lips pressed too close for Andy's liking.

"Ya rasskazhu o tom, kogo vy nazyvayete zmeyem." Be warned who you call a snake. It almost made her laugh again. His Russian was poorly done.

  "And why would I be afraid of a puppet?" Sitwell continued, "That's all you are, isn't it? HYDRA's toy. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're any less of a snake than I am."

When he was done breathing into his speaker, Andrea smirked. "It's funny you should talk of puppets. What does that say about you, zmeya? Letting me pull your strings so easily," she scolded.

  Andy took another drink of her iced tea, sipping slowly as she studied Sitwell's anger. "Who's the puppet now, agent Sitwell?"

"What do you want," he uttered, gaze falling to shield his expression. He looked almost ashamed and the sight enthused Andrea.

  "Find the good looking man and woman, sunglasses. Your ten'o clock," she replied. When he looked the wrong way, she sighed. "Other way."

  When he finally caught sight of the pair, she nodded in mock acknowledgment. Sam raised his drink to the agent. Jasper frowned back at them.

  "Just tell me what you want."

The Jones woman gave a thoughtful hum, "Well, there's plenty that I want. But, right now, what I'd like is for you to take a walk with me and my friend Sam here. Around the corner to your right, you'll find a gray car two spaces down."

  The instructions were spoken casually, but the thought of being in a confined space with her clearly made Sitwell nervous. That was only half the fun. Andy enjoyed the fact that her reputation preceded her.

Agent Sitwell hesitated, mustering up his courage. "And if I don't comply?" He asked defiantly.

  Andrea grinned at the idea. "Well, zmeya, I'm sure you've been acquainted with the likes of Natasha Romanoff, yes?" Andy kept her tone light and playful. Sitwell only nodded.

  "Well, how about her sniper rifle?" She sneered. With all the grace of a lionness, Andy rested her chin in the palm of her hand. From over the rim of her sunglasses, she peered back at Jasper Sitwell.

  An animal toying with its prey.

"A tie that expensive," Andy mused, "it would be a shame to ruin it. We don't want to waste your money or your life. So, don't waste our time."

Sitwell visibly swayed on his feet, nodding quickly. "I-I'll go," he stuttered out. "I'll go."

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They led Jasper up to the roof of a building. It was a fair distance away from where they'd picked him up. Upon making it to the top, Steve threw Sitwell back towards the ground. The smaller man scrambled to get up, nervously fixing his glasses as he stared at the three Avenger's.

"Tell us about Zola's algorithm," Steve demanded.

Unfortunately, he spoke just as Andrea asked, "What were you doing on the Lumerien Star?"

Sitwell glanced between the pair before deciding Andrea's question was easier. "I was throwing up, I get sea sick," he deflected, avoiding what she actually meant.

Andy took a threatening step closer, watching as he stumbled back. "You know that's not what I asked," she said, her tone dangerously low.

"Do you want to find out what happens when you don't answer our questions?" She asked, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt.

Sitwell only stared at the ex-assassin with wide eyes. Andrea pushed him towards Steve, who grabbed Jasper before leading him towards the edge of the building. She could only smirk at the expression on the HYDRA agent's face as he peered over the edge.

"Are you insinuating that you're going to throw me off the roof? Because that's really not your style, Rogers." Sitwell's voice was breathy and nervous.

Steve let go of him and smiled. "You're right," he agreed, smoothing out Sitwell's shirt before taking a step back. "It's hers."

The poor man didn't even have time to react as Andrea brought her foot up, launching Sitwell back over the roof. She listened with delight as he screamed. It was better than candy.

Natasha stepped between the two, a thoughtful look on her face as she glanced over at Steve. "What about that girl from accounting? Laura, Lisa—"

"Lillian. Lip piercing, right?" The Rogers man asked, gesturing to his face. Andy rolled her eyes, still on the Sam and Steve train she was riding.

  "Yeah, she's kinda cute," Natasha said, her tone implying.

Steve shrugged. "Yeah, not interested," he replied.

The group listened to Sitwell's cries getting closer and closer. Not a moment too soon, Sam tossed Sitwell back onto the roof. The Wilson man landed gracefully, retracting the jet pack wings. The suit looked good on him, judging by Steve's stare.

Andrea focused her attention elsewhere, biting back a taunt. She forcefully helped Sitwell up and met his gaze with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. She didn't even have to ask the question.

"Zola's algorithm is a program!" Jasper exclaimed, cowering in the clutch of Andy's hands. The Jones woman narrowed her eyes.

"For choosing Insight targets," he continued, pausing to watch Andrea's brow furrow in thought. She recalled what Fury had told her about Project Insight. As she made the connection, cold, dead fear seeped into her.

If this was what she thought it was, then they were all doomed.

Andy got into his personal space and Jasper countered it by stepping towards the edge. He was afraid, that much was obvious— and it made her glad. He would know her wrath, just as the HYDRA agents long before him had.

"What kind of targets?" She hissed, her eyes refusing to leave Sitwell's for even a second.

The man blinked rapidly, gaze darting to avoid her glare. He didn't seem to be hearing her, instead muttering about how 'Pierce was going to kill him.' Andrea felt rage course through her.

She took another grip at his shirt. "You think Pierce is your biggest threat?!" Andy let her eyes blaze with blue light. "Tell me before I throw you off this building again— and this time, there will be no one to catch you."

Jasper winced. "You, the DBA in great Cairo, the other secretary of defense, a valedictorian in Iowa city," the list continued on. "Bruce Banner, Stephen Strange, and anyone else who is a threat to HYDRA!" He exclaimed and, with the mention of one of her closest friends, Andy released the man in shock.

"We're in the future now," Sitwell finished, his voice shaking. His mind was clearly reeling over this great plan HYDRA had devised. The atmosphere was suddenly uneasy.

"Bruce?" Steve asked, "The future? How could it know?" The tone of his voice was uncertain. The disbelief was fair enough. What Sitwell was saying couldn't be possible.

He, however, clearly thought otherwise. He laughed, though the sound was almost hysterical. "How could it not? The 21st century is a digital book and Zola taught HYDRA how to read it."

The agent began listing off his fingers, "Your bank records, medical history, voting patterns. Your emails, phone calls. Hell, even your damn SAT scores!" Sitwell paused, meeting each of their eyes as if to emphasize the weight of his words.

"Zola's algorithm evaluates the past to predict the future— your future and everyone else's around you." His words held such a finality to them that it struck Andrea with a deep-rooted horror.

She finally understood what was happening.

"And then what?" Natasha demanded, frowning as she sensed the dreadful answer.

Sitwell looked to the floor, muttering more incoherent sentences under his breath. Andrea took another shove at him. The space between him and the ledge quickly sobered him up.

"Then the Insight heli-carriers scratch people off of the list. A few million at a time," Jasper finally admitted, eyes wide with fear only for himself.

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I know we all have a collective hatred for authors who make their OC's take the roles of other characters, especially from the movies they're writing about, but I have a reason for that. Personally, for me it made sense for Andy to be the one confronting HYDRA due to her past with them. Sorry if it was annoying!