You Can Regenerate Any Part Of Your Body, Including Brain Matter. When You Learn That You Can Do This,

A new dating spell is trending in the magic world—cast it, and if your perfect match also does, you’ll instantly know who and where they are. Simple. Yours just activated. Their name burns in your mind… and their location? Deep beneath the earth, at the bottom of a dungeon no one returns from.

Where We Rot: Series Masterlist [P.P]

Summary: Morals don’t quite apply to people who have nothing to lose. Peter can try to save you all he wants, but there are darker games at play; a bigger shadow that shields you from his warmth.

Pairing: Peter Parker x Villain/Grey!Reader

Warnings: Angst, abuse, depression, SMUT, swearing, death

Status: Completed

Chapters that include smut are marked by *

a/n: hi guys! no notes yet, might have more to say later tho!

moodboard made by @evyzyii (she makes them for free if you’d like one!)

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➳ Chapter One: Web Of My Own

Summary: Peter makes a new friend and learns the importance of sharing, MJ is observant, as usual, Ned just loves Star Wars, and (Y/N) probably has Stockholm Syndrome.

Word Count: 4.9k

➳ Chapter Two: The Angels Cry For Me

Summary: (Y/N) out geeks Peter aka Resident Lab Geek™, MJ doesn’t just like feminism; she also likes to watch her friends fail, Ned and May are hardcore Peter x (Y/N) shippers, and (Y/N) is an attempted robber.

Word Count: 6.3k

➳ Chapter Three: It’s Only Blood*

Summary: Peter’s no longer an innocent little boy like he once was, (Y/N) does NOT like solitary confinement, Ned just wants to talk about LEGOs, and Peter is having a really bad, like astronomically bad, day.

Word Count: 4.3k

➳ Chapter Four: Let Me Let You Go

Summary: Bucky is the worst BEST at interrogating, Tony actually feels emotions and shit, Steve, once again, follows his moral compass, and Peter is a little fluff ball that likes planning date nights.

Word Count: 5.1k

➳ Chapter Five: When Forever Falls Apart

Summary: Secrets are revealed, (Y/N) makes a choice and then a sacrifice, Tony gains a daughter, and Peter cries like a little bitch the whole time (you can’t even blame him though).

Word Count: 4.1k

➳ Chapter Six: And So It Begins

Summary: This is where it all began.

Word Count: 4.2k

➳ Chapter Seven: The Realm Where You and I Connect

Summary: (Y/N) meets a familiar face in the Soul Realm.

Word Count: 951

➳ Chapter Eight: I Would Never Fall (Unless It’s You I Fall Into)*

Summary: Tony and Pepper talk about the future, (Y/N) and Peter essentially reenact sleeping beauty, Ophelia is as manipulative as ever, (Y/N) gains the family she’s always wanted, Morgan is the best little sister, and Peter and (Y/N) get a little freaky.

Word Count: 9.3k

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Epilogue Blurbs

➳ Too Hot To Handle 

Summary: A day at the pool turns sour for Peter when he overhears some boys ogling at your body.

Word Count: 1.5k

➳ Eat Shit & Live, Osborn 

Summary: Peter isn’t a fan of your new found fame and your new found “friend”.

Word Count: 4.6k

➳ I Can’t Breathe 

Summary: Peter is anxious about not having as much time with you once he goes to college and you go to work full time.

Word Count: 854 

➳ Don’t Ever Call Me Dad

Summary: Peter asks for Tony’s blessing.

Word Count: 1.2k

➳ Popping Questions and Shoulder Sockets 

Summary: Peter’s proposal doesn’t go as planned. 

Word Count: 1.7k

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Moots and Tags: @ptersmj @princessofguineapigs @peterbenjiparker @cherrytholland @itsapeterthing @justapurrcat @thirstiestpotato @kelieah @iovebug @waitimcomingtoo @rosyparkers @parkers-gal @allegra-writes @starktonyx @felicityparkers @hollandcrush @londonspidey @blissfulparker @spidernerdsblog @spidey-sophie @insomniac-nerd-posts-things @juliannaamonroe

strange tides

merperson darlin' and sailor sam au! thank you @dolls-circus for enabling me on this one lol

content warnings: mentions of blood and injury, also mentions of quinn being a jerk

----

They'd swum about as far from that fishing boat as they could while still losing blood. Twisting to survey the damage, they could see one of the harpoon barbs still embedded in their tail, blood from the wound clouding in the salty water. Bastards. The sailors had been laughing, too, taunting them with threats of capture and sale to that infamous black market dealer they'd narrowly escaped two years earlier- Quinn. False friend. Traitor. Murderer. Just the thought of him set their teeth on edge. But they had bigger problems right now.

The wound was in a difficult spot, hard to reach without aid, and would make rapid movement difficult. They were gliding along easily enough now, but if another ship came by it would be difficult to outpace them, and beyond that, they'd hardly be able to hunt like this.

Turning towards the protected shallows of the nearest gulf, they slowed and looked for a secluded space to rest. It would be easier to chase prey while in their weakened state among the reef, and few boats were likely to approach. As they paddled, they noticed a large piece of driftwood bobbing on the surface, casting shadows on the sand below. A bit more visible than they might have preferred, but at least it would give them something to hold on to so they could sleep for a bit. Cushioning their head on their forearms, they held the piece of floating wood close and let themself drift off to sleep.

......

Fresh air woke them, stinging at their rarely-used nose and lungs. Coughing and gasping, they dimly realized they were being lifted from the water by hands. Human hands. The fishermen must have tracked them to this spot. Or worse, they'd notified Quinn and he'd come to get them himself. They thrashed around in the grip of whoever was holding them, twisting furiously in hopes of digging their teeth into flesh, but the human persisted, dropping them into the bow of the boat. They recognized that he was yelling something, flapping his arms at them, but focused on their efforts to right themself and get back to the water. The barb lodged in their tail smacked against the ship's hull and they curled in on themself, whining in pain. Their desperation fading in the face of agony, the rest of the boat swam gradually into view. They were laid out on a swath of nets and ropes, near to a few spears resting on the side of the boat. Most concerning, an unfamiliar man was staring at them, eyes wide and hands up like humans put them when another one held out their exploding tunnel weapons. Guns, they thought Quinn had called them once, back when they had trusted him.

But they weren't holding any weapons. And that was a problem, they thought, flopping over one more time to snatch one of the man's spears and brandish it at him. "Stay back or I'll kill you," they hissed, the air harsh in their throat and garbling their speech, designed to travel through the thicker medium of water.

"Okay," the man said placatingly, but he was still staring at them in shock. "Alright. You're okay. You... have gills, and... a shark tail... but you're... okay?" He tried stepping closer. "I'm sorry, I thought you were-"

"I said stay back!" They snapped their teeth at him. He stopped moving.

"Alright! You're hurt, right? I can help you," he said, moving his hands again as he spoke to gesture at their wounded tail and mimicking some kind of wrapping gesture. "Do you understand?"

They growled. "I know your language. And your lies." They'd been around Quinn long enough to pick it up. But the man only lowered his hands, confused, and still looking somewhat panicked. Dense human. Rolling their eyes, they pointed to themself, then their head. To him, then back at their throat. "I... know... your... words."

"You... know? You understand my language? Is that it?"

They nodded sulkily. They weren't here to chat with some random human who had entrapped them on his boat for who knew what nefarious purpose. Pointing at him again, they flattened their hand, held it up, and moved it away from themself. "Stay back."

"Me... you want to push me? No. You want me to stay over here?"

Still holding the spear out, they nodded again, letting their attention drift from the human to the rolling waves slapping against the boat. Using their free arm, they tried lifting themself onto the side of the ship, but by now their tail was dead weight, flopping uselessly as each small movement of the harpoon tip sent a shock of pain up their spine. Their arm trembled with the effort, and after several failed attempts to wiggle back into the water, they slumped down again, exhausted. The man watched this display in silence, his face scrunched up in concern now.

"Look, darlin'- you're injured, okay? At least let me get the barb out of you. I can wrap it up too, if you want."

They snapped their teeth at him again. If he was offering to heal them, then he didn't intend to kill them. He must have other plans for them- perhaps selling them to Quinn, or holding them captive for his own ego or amusement. They wouldn't let it happen- they'd rather die.

Yowling in frustration, they tried again to propel themself back into the sea, hoping that the threat of the spear they still grasped and their bite would keep the man back. But every motion caused their tail to erupt in more pain, weakened by lack of access to the water. Blood trickled from the wound, spilling across the floor of the boat and staining it red. Frustrated at their own body's betrayal and weakness, they collapsed down again, rolling at the chafe of the ropes under their skin.

"Are you done?" the man asked dryly. They noted with displeasure that he seemed to have gotten over his fear at their existence. "Look, you're not gonna be able to swim far like this. Let me help you?"

They growled. "You don't want to help. Only hurt, like all the rest," they snapped, making gestures to convey the rough idea.

"I'm not aiming to hurt you, alright, darlin'?" his voice softened. "I promise I'll be as gentle as I can. And if I break that promise, hey, you've still got my spear."

That was true, at least. And if he tried anything, having better mobility could hardly hurt. They could take him down, they were sure of it. Nodding tersely, they tightened their grip on the weapon and shot him a threatening look.

"Alright," he said calmly, sitting down by their tail. "Let's see what we're dealin' with here." Surprisingly, there wasn't pain where he touched, moving their tail this way and that to examine the wound. "First thing, we need to get this thing out of you." Turning around, he retrieved a white cylinder of spongey material, a flat cloth, and a small glass bottle from a box near the prow. "Now, this part might sting a bit, but I'd appreciate it greatly if you didn't stab me anyway" This last part was delivered with an amused smirk at them.

"We'll see," they grumbled, pointing between themself and him and then gesturing at their eyes.

"You and I... look? See? We'll see?" he grinned.

They nodded, stiffening as he unscrewed the bottle and grasped the base of their tail. "You ready, darlin'?"

Another quick nod, and he poured some of the liquid from the bottle over the puncture wound. They groaned in pain, thrashing until he tightened his grip a little, shushing them gently. "It's okay. It's alright, I've got you." The man set the bottle down and picked up the flat object. "Good to keep goin'?" They huffed but nodded again.

Holding the barb in his free hand, the human looked them deep in the eyes, and then rapidly pulled it free, covering the injury with the cloth before blood could pour forth. With the other hand, he procured the spongey cylinder and began to unravel it, wrapping it tightly around their tail until the cylinder was a flat band of fabric that he was tying into a knot and tucking under the wrapping.

"There, that wasn't so bad, now, was it?"

Experimentally, they flicked their tail back and forth. It was still painful, but less so now that the barb was gone and that there wasn't blood spurting from the wound anymore. The wrapping seemed to keep their tail straight as well, refusing to enable their urge to keep it tilted so it didn't irritate the injury.

"I'd give you some kind of medication, but, uh... I'm not sure if it would work for you. Truth be told, I've never really treated a shark person before. Is that- I'm sorry, what should I call you?"

They shrugged. Names weren't a part of their life under the water. Among their pack, only loose titles were given to others, and outside of it, they rarely met anyone long enough to need a name for them. Quinn had used to call them "my treasure", before... well. They'd found it pretty at first, then cloying, and finally, the concealed threat it was always meant to be. At any rate, they had no names to give this strange human, and even if they had, they weren't sure they would trust him with it.

"Alright... well, my name is Sam." He extended a hand out at them. But it was empty, they thought in confusion, staring at the proffered hand before hesitantly poking it with a finger. He smiled at that, withdrawing his hand before standing again. They tensed. Now he'd attack them, or tie them down and take them away from the sea. Clutching the spear to their chest, they glared at the man- Sam, whatever kind of name that was- but he only looked back at them evenly. "Do you want to rest here a bit before heading back out? You've got to be pretty tired."

They considered it for a moment, and then remembered where they were. Idiot! They couldn't "rest" in a human's vessel. Just because he hadn't tricked them so far didn't mean he wouldn't do it now. And besides, they'd been out of the water too long- their skin was starting to itch, their lungs burning from the exertion of each inhale. Shaking their head, they managed to successfully propel themself onto the edge of the boat and fall back into the reassuring cool embrace of the ocean. The man's face, distorted by the waves above, stared down at them, wide with shock again as they disappeared below the water. Once they were sure they were settled back in their home, they pushed the spear out of their grasp, tossing it back towards the boat, where the human's hand grabbed it from the sea.

Swimming back to the reef they'd been pulled from, they resolved to forget the strange human and to avoid being caught unawares again.

.....

It proved to be a difficult resolution. Possibly because they still had the wrappings around their tail, which occasionally itched as they swam, hunting around the reef. They didn't understand him. Why would he give up his own supplies to help them? They weren't part of the same pack or hunting troupe. They weren't even of the same habitat. And they'd heard (and seen) plenty of destructive humans tearing the oceans apart for gain. Why wouldn't he have done the same? They knew from their time with Quinn that a rarity like them was "almost priceless", although they didn't understand why the scraps of patterned leaves or metal circles he and his humans had been so obsessed with were so coveted in the first place. Shouldn't this Sam have been the same way?

These questions continued to perplex them, which was incredibly annoying. One sunny afternoon, as they rested on the sand and tried to push all their confused thoughts about humankind out of their head, they felt a disturbance in the water. Thinking that maybe Sam had sold their approximate location after all, or that a new threat had emerged, they swam closer to investigate. It was... him again? They recognized the hull of his boat. Why had he come back? Maybe he expected payment?

That was it, they thought. They hadn't been able to get him out of their mind because they owed him a debt for removing the barb from their tail. But what could they repay him with? What did humans like besides their strange, colorful papers covered with the faces of other humans?

Scanning the reef, they shot forward, quickly snapping up a lobster hiding under the coral and prying some clams from the rocky ground. It was something they might have given another pack member as a gift- something special to eat. There was a dark green glass bottle half-buried in the sand and a clear bag drifting along with the current- they collected those too, wrinkling their nose at the slimy, algae-covered surfaces. They were human things, so maybe he would have some use for them. Satisfied with their haul, they swam closer to the boat, only pausing once to pick up another object- a small empty circle that sparkled in the light, almost the color of the sand, with a smaller shining rock embedded on top of it. Hopefully it would suffice. Shuffling the items to one arm, excepting the lobster, which they held in their mouth to keep it from pinching, they surfaced close to the boat and grabbed its side, pulling themself up enough to see over the edge. The man seemed to be sleeping. That wouldn't do. They dropped their gifts on the boat's floor, spitting out the lobster, and started rocking the boat back and forth to jostle it. "Wake up!"

He jumped up, scrambling to his feet and cursing furiously. "What the f- wait.  It's you?" They bared teeth at him in a grin, the friendly way he had done before, but instead of relaxing he looked more confused. "What are you doing back here?"

They pointed at their gathered load, then at him. Sam turned his gaze down to where the lobster was scuttling across the floor of the ship, clicking its claws menacingly. "These are... for me?"

It was a pretty generous haul, they thought. No wonder he was surprised. But this was a fairly undisturbed reef, even if the waves did carry human objects from far away to land there. They could afford to share.

"I- thank you, but... why?"

"You fixed my tail," they responded, gesturing at it. They'd discarded the wrappings since they'd last seen him, but the bloody wound had healed to a puckered scar.

"It's looking a sight better than before," he smiled, hesitantly stepping closer, "but really, you didn't need to... do this." He glanced again at the lobster. "I am sorry for givin' you a scare like that, though. I thought you might have drifted off from a shipwreck. I wasn't expecting-" his eyes fell to their tail. "In any case, I was glad to help."

"Why?" It was harder to translate into a hand movement, but he seemed to understand after a few wrong guesses.

"Why?" He shrugged, taking a seat close to where they were hanging on the side of the boat. "You were hurt, and I could do something about it. Wasn't just gonna sit on my hands knowing I could help."

He really was weird. They said as much to him, adding gestures so he would understand.

"I'm confusing?" Close enough. "Well, if you don't mind me saying, darlin', you're not exactly what I was expecting either. Do you live around here?"

"For now," they said, moving their hands to act out the words.

"For now, huh? Is it just you?"

Was he playing them? Trying to appear like he wasn't a threat so he could gather information and then take them down? They growled in warning.

"Too personal? Alright."

They pointed at him. If he was going to be asking questions, it was only fair he should offer some responses of his own in return.

"Me? I'm not from around here originally. I've got a brother of sorts in the area, though."

They continued their conversation for some hours. To their surprise, Sam didn't pry more about any of the questions they refused to answer, and was more decent to speak to than they'd expected a human to be. He'd began to pick up more quickly on the meaning of their hand gestures as they spoke more, as well.

The sun was setting when he squinted in its direction and said he'd best be heading back home before nightfall. Remembering that humans didn't see well in the dark and nodding, they pushed away from the boat.

"Thanks for the talk, darlin'," he called out. "Maybe I'll see you out here again?"

They were surprised to find that they didn't really mind the idea. "Yes," they responded, and he smiled at them before waving his hand as they sunk below the waves. They heard his boat begin to move away, and listened until it had passed their earshot. What a weird human... but somehow they were almost excited to see him again.

I’m having a Destiel renaissance & not only do I love your AU—I am loving the moments in S5. Something something some reference to Dean’s “the last time someone looked at me like that, I got laid”…like S16 Cas says it to pre-S6 Dean? IDK I just love them & your work.

He does this several more times

Part 9 of "Back the Future" AU

Castiel would frequently throw Dean lines Dean used on him in the past

A little bit of payback, a little bit of a tease, and a whole lot of fun flustering

Part1 || Part2 || Part3 || Part4 || Part5 || Part6 || Part7 || Part8 || Part9

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Early access Part 9 Bonus panels on my Kofi!

smog & spirits [masterlist]

Marvel 1920s Gangster/Peaky Blinders Inspired Fantasy AU

gangsterboss!bucky x witch!reader

Bucky Barnes, the leader of Sootstone's Smog Boys, needs a favour. A nasty curse has been cast on him, and he needs a witch to help him break it.

Warnings: 18+ content minors dni, smut, fem reader, begging, orgasm denial, fingering, p in v, no aftercare, graphic wound description, blood/gore, graphic descriptions of stitching, religious punishment (lashings), angst, angst no comfort, comfort/fluff, sex magic, blood magic, potion for arousal, curses and hexes, criminals & crime, 1920s street gangs, witchcraft, possession, mediums, ghosts, hauntings, horror, smoking, brothels, pubs, gambling, alcohol, mention of death/violence/torture, bucky barnes has issues, bucky barnes is a dick, bucky barnes needs a hug, police brutality, vaguely british setting??, sexism, classism, no use of y/n, lmk if i've missed anything

main masterlist

CHAPTERS [4/10]

spirit-raiser pony club the premonition bloodties

SOCIOPATHY [DISORDER]

/ˈsoʊ.ʃi.əˌpæθi/

Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others.

pairing: gn!unsub!reader and spencer reid

genre: mystery, crime drama

total wc: 27.2k

main masterlist!! ⋆｡°✩ bloodied roses event!!

COPYCAT — the main series

The replication of a disturbing 2004 serial murder case calls for the BAU to get involved with the assistance of none other than the original killer themself. And whilst Spencer didn't work the original case, he was eager to learn every detail about it, including its offender.

part one. | 4.5k

WARNINGS: made up murder case, graphic depictions of violence, implied suicide (actually murder), mentions of spencer's addiction, sociopathic reader

part two. | 14.4k

WARNINGS: relationship between spencer and reader is not inherently romantic, sociopathic reader, graphic details of murder, graphic eye descriptions, mentions of spencer's addiction and overdose, morgan and reader really don't like each other, child abuse, childhood addiction, death by overdose, suicide

ETC. — the side stories

the first visit. | 2.2k

a successful appeal. | 1.0k

the phone calls. | 0.9k

spencer gets caught. | 1.0k

authorised visitation. | 1.1k

what if you escaped? | 0.9k

the guards’ heavy hands. | 1.3k

tbc…

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot

What are some chronic illnesses that can only occur in a fantasy setting?

You have had an absolutely terrible life and decided to go to the fae realm and start screaming your name, hoping to be forgotten or erased. But instead, the king and queen of the fae have gained an odd interest in your existence.

rehab. 2.

Avenger! Bucky Barnes x Winter Soldier! Fem! Reader

Summary: While on a mission to find any more possible super soldiers that were a part of the Winter Soldier program, Steve and Bucky make a discovery in an abandoned HYDRA base that was cleared out a few years prior to their mission. They discover the Reader, a long-forgotten soldier that was still asleep within a functioning cryostasis pod; still awaiting orders. While Bucky isn't happy about it, he is put up to the challenge of helping to rehabilitate the soldier in Wakanda where she may be able to become a person again.

-

A/n: The first chapter was a bit short cause it was a test-run honestly, but I am planning on doing an outline for this story as well. I'm definitely neglecting my previous wips, but i don't have a lot of motivation for them right now. Hopefully, however, I will get to them soon!

This is an au where Bucky joined the avengers but still rehabilitated in Wakanda (sometime before Infinity War [canon divergent cause NOPE]). I am NOT fluent in Russian, so I did use google translate cause I couldn't find a good translator that I trusted. If anything is wrong, PLEASE let me know!! Also, I tried to list as many warnings as possible so you know what the story will contain as chapters are posted. Stay safe!

The characters may be ooc, but I did do my best. Please let me know how I did!

-

Genre: Slowburn, Enemies to Lovers/Friends to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Humor, Drama, Dark Content Rated: Explicit Warning: Angst, Dark Content: Graphic Depictions of Sexual Assault, Blood and Gore, Mentions of Manipulation, Kidnapping, Canon-Typical Violence, Body Horror, Nonconsensual Body Modification/Scarring, Emotional and Physical Abuse, Mentions of Murder, Mentions of Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation, Graphic Depictions of Human Remains, Mentions of Sexual Coercion/Manipulation, Death, Misuse of Drugs/Forced Drugging, Self-Harm (Graphic Depictions and Mentions), Nightmares

-

Author: ScariusAquarius

-

chapter 1.

The ride to Wakanda had been slow and uneventful and tense so far. While Steve had attempted to read the black book that had been beside the soldier's cryostasis pod, his attempts proved unsuccessful.

The whole book was written in Russian, which Steve wasn't versed in at all. So, it had been up to Bucky to look through the book despite his apprehension.

Just like with the red book that came with him, the book within his hands doubled as an instruction manual as well as a history of the soldier that was still sitting rigid behind him; unblinking and unmoving. The book didn't give her a name, which frustrated both Bucky and Steve, but wasn't surprising at all.

HYDRA didn't care for who the person was before they became a tool. All that mattered was who you were to them in the moment, what you could offer, what you did, and if you were valuable enough to keep under their watchful eyes.

To them, the woman was Winter Soldier #08, Subject #2018, which was a peculiar number that stood out to Bucky. Her activation words were different than his as well, as was expected, and he frowned at the words that seemed to take root within his mind and piqued his interest at what the possible connections between them and the soldier were.

Holiday. Cross. Shatter. Stimulation. Integrity. Sport. Axis. Assumption. North. Aurora Borealis.

They were so seemingly random that Bucky's mind was starting to hurt trying to tie together some type of story. While his activation words had an inkling of a connection to his life, these seemed almost benign.

Within the activation section, there were a couple of hastily-scribbled notes that detailed about the soldier's history of resistance and the methods that worked best for such occasions, preferred mission-types, experimentation documentation, and some key accounts of the soldier's missions that were note-worthy to HYDRA.

There was one note that stood out to Bucky, however, that had him on the edge of his seat and growing further uncomfortable as he read.

'NOTE: WS #08 is known to be hostile even after activation. Be prepared to meet resistance with severe punishment (Flagellation, Cattle Prod, and High Frequencies favored). Further reprogramming required to fix flaws.'

It wasn't too entirely unknown for a subject to be resistant. Bucky could recall times where he had resisted in moments where he remembered bits and pieces of his life before HYDRA stripped him of his humanity.

Despite what he had told his therapist and Steve, he still had nightmares about the punishments he received while he was the Winter Soldier.

No amount of time within the Mind Chair could ever erase the recollection of the sick things HYDRA did to him to make him listen and be obedient.

Bucky could still feel the hands on him in the moments his mind forced him to remember: the painful intrusions, the feeling of a whip against his back, fingers digging into his scalp and yanking his hair, voices yelling profanities and insults and sexual degradations as he was beaten, tortured, assaulted; whatever HYDRA wanted in those moments.

Taking a shaky breath, Bucky closed his eyes for a moment before Steve's voice had the arms on his hairs standing; forcing Bucky to jump out of his mind and back into the present as the Captain addressed him.

"Shouldn't be too long now before we arrive. Any luck on our guest?"

Bucky shook his head, murmuring softly as he glanced down at the book again.

"So far, nothing. There's a couple notes that say she's hostile before and after activation and some methods that prove successful in making her obedient, but that's mainly it. She's been involved in a lot of assassinations, espionage, a couple data breaches: the whole nine yards."

Steve pursed his lips, shaking his head as he sat back in his chair, staring down at the ground as he became lost in thought.

"If she's a highly-valued asset, then why did they leave her in the facility? Seems like she was pretty high on the ladder just to be left where she was."

Bucky and Steve slowly shared a look with each other before alarm bells began to go off in Bucky's head, and he spun around in time to catch the Soldier's wrist, a large knife within her hands. Steve looked shocked, grunting as he jumped back, and Bucky gripped their wrist hard.

The soldier glared at him before bringing her knee up, slamming into his stomach and forcing him to fall back into the control panel of the quinjet. Steve jumped into action then, calling desperately as he dodged a kick to the face.

"Please, we don't wish to hurt you-"

"-but we will if we have to."

Bucky seethed, Steve giving him an exasperated look. The woman didn't hesitate, throwing the knife at Steve as hard as they could. Steve ducked, his blue eyes widened as the knife embedded into the glass of the windshield; cracks webbing throughout the ruined blade.

During this moment, the Soldier turned her attention back to Bucky as he charged, throwing punches that she expertly dodged and ducked from, her fists punching hard into his ribs and face as he missed. The hits hurt like hell, his face contorting into pain before he swung with his left arm, hitting her in the side and throwing her into the wall.

The woman let out a grunt as she smacked into the side of the quinjet, and Bucky cursed loudly when she grabbed the strap of a supply crate and hurled it at him. As he flew back into the seat, Steve came rushing at her, throwing his shield and hitting her in the side of her knee once it ricocheted off of the wall.

The soldier yelled out in pain, crumpling slightly, and Steve immediately tackled her to the ground. The two of them smacked hard onto the metal flooring, and she punched Steve as hard as she could, the man letting out a hiss as pain bloomed within his cheek.

In that split second, she bucked her hips, her legs coming up to wrap around Steve's neck and forcefully slammed him onto the ground, his head smacking against the edge of a seat and disorienting him. The soldier was quick to scramble to her feet despite her wounded knee, and Bucky met her with a punch to her gut, making her double over and audibly retch.

He then grabbed her by the back of her neck, swinging her back and then forward into a seat a couple of times, her mask breaking off in the process, and she jumped up, using the wall for leverage as she swung herself onto Bucky's back, wrapping her arm around his neck to begin choking him.

Bucky grit his teeth, snarling as he reached behind him with his left arm, curling his metal fingers around her broken knee and squeezing as hard as he could.

Throughout her cries of pain, he could hear the sickly sound of bones shattering; could feel the way her skin and bones crushed beneath his grip, and Bucky was able to breathe again as her grip became loose.

He swung himself backwards into a wall, smacking her against it over and over until she finally let go of him, falling down onto the floor. Grabbing her wrists, Bucky called over his shoulder as he restrained her.

"You alright, Steve?"

"I'm just peachy."

He dropped down next to Bucky, wrapping electromagnetic cuffs onto her wrists before forcing her up and into a seat. The soldier's head was bowed, the cuffs smacking into the wall and jerking her body slightly, and Steve made sure to secure her legs as well.

Once she was properly restrained, Steve glanced at Bucky, noting the anger that was on his face; his jaw clenched and blood running down his temple. He was panting, his whole entire body tensed, and Steve took a few deep breaths as well before he turned back to the soldier.

"Seems like your bad feeling turned out to be right."

"We never should have done this."

Bucky's words were harsh, his blue eyes glaring at Steve as the man hissed out.

"I told you that there was going to be a problem, and there was. There's no hope for these people. They are programmed to kill and serve HYDRA and that is it."

"Even if there is no hope, we still need to try. We saved you, and we can save others."

Bucky sighed, shaking his head. There wasn't really any use in trying to fight Steve on this. Bucky understood that Steve came from a good place and had good intentions, but Bucky couldn't keep the anxiety and fear from filling him.

What if something happened? What if HYDRA had found him again and this was their plan all along? Bucky turned back to the woman as her head lifted, and both of the men seemed surprised at being able to see her face clearly.

There were horrific scars on the bottom half of her face that had been concealed by the mask; some of them raised and seemingly new while others were faded and old. Her bottom lip was cut, blood trickling down her chin, and her nose seemed to be broken as well.

Her (e/c) eyes were glaring at the two of them, a cut above her brow from Bucky slamming her into the wall, and Bucky looked taken back. Steve walked forward slightly, frowning.

"What is your mission?"

Her eyes flicked to Steve, her lips pursed, and she simply hissed out as menacingly as she could.

"Heil Hydra."

She sat back, and Bucky hissed out, a fire raging within his eyes as he snarled.

"Ответь на вопрос, солдат. Какова ваша миссия?"

There was no response. Instead, the soldier seemed to begin staring in front of them; becoming vacant and frozen again. Bucky huffed in frustration before he turned to Steve, shaking his head.

"If you still want to go through with this, you need to let Shuri and T'Challa know that she's hostile and active."

"I'll let them know. We're only a few minutes out."

Bucky nodded before he sat opposite of the soldier, muttering.

"I'll keep an eye on her."

Steve gave Bucky a weary look, an expression of apprehension and concern on his face, and he wiped away some blood that had trickled out of his nose.

"Alright. Are you okay?"

"Peachy."

Steve pursed his lips slightly before he walked to the front of the quinjet, immediately opening a communications line with T'Challa, and Bucky stared right at the soldier.

Despite the fact that she was looking at him, it seemed that she was mentally somewhere else. Blood was still running down her nose and chin, dripping onto the floor, and Bucky couldn't help but to clench his jaw as the sound of the dripping ripped into his memories.

Cloth over his face, a bright light from above, boiling hot water slowly burning his skin with every drop, he couldn't breathe. he can't breathe.

Breathe. Breathe. Let me breathe. Please. Let me breathe! LET ME BREATHE!

Bucky shook his head furiously, and he only felt bitter and disgusted by the amused look that seemed to flash within the woman's eyes. Clenching his fists, the man simply huffed as he listened to Steve talk with the King, the kingdom of Wakanda coming to view.

-TIMESKIP-

"What on earth would possess you to come to the notion that bringing an active Winter Soldier into my kingdom would be a good idea?"

T'Challa was not happy. As Steve and Bucky stood in front of the king, the Dora Milaje surrounding them with a tight grip on their spears at the information Steve had given T'Challa, the king was frowning deeply while Shuri stood next to him with a curious gaze. Steve looked apologetic while Bucky kept his arms crossed, biting his cheek as Steve spoke, the king glancing at Bucky all-the-while.

"I know this isn't really conventional-"

"-it is unacceptable! What you are asking for is not negotiable!"

Okoye was understandably angry as well, her eyes wide with fury as she took a step forward, and T'Challa hummed to her gently.

"Okoye."

The woman did not relent, simply squinting her gaze as Steve bowed his head in shame. Bucky clenched his jaw slightly, and T'Challa glanced at Steve.

"Your vision is noble, and I respect what you are trying to accomplish...but you are asking me to put my people at risk. It was different for Sergeant Barnes...but this...woman...is still under the complete control of HYDRA's programming."

Steve sighed slightly before he pleaded gently.

"I can watch over her...keep her from hurting anybody if something goes wrong. Stark wasn't willing because he doesn't have the technology to reverse the programming like you do, and Wanda is currently MIA."

T'Challa laughed slightly, shaking his head.

"The world will question where Captain America has gone. You cannot ignore your duties to promise something you cannot be sure that you can keep."

Shuri then piped up, suggesting with a shrug.

"Why not have Sergeant Barnes look after her? He has the most experience, after all."

"Absolutely not."

Bucky frowned deeply, shaking his head.

"I have to agree that this is a bad idea. I know that it was different for me, Steve, but that's the issue: I knew you. I had something to cling to...a name, memories and dreams...this woman is completely unknown."

Steve was beginning to look defeated, and Shuri's voice made everyone turn to her.

"If it makes a difference: I would be interested in working on restoring the woman's previous identity, but only if Sergeant Barnes will stay to watch over the process. My brother is right: The Avengers may be a team, but they need their Captain Colonizer to help in times of need."

"Shuri."

T'Challa's voice was stern, but Shuri and Okoye shared a look of amusement with each other before she hummed at the sight of Bucky's apprehensive expression.

"Your expertise on this matter will be beneficial, Sergeant Barnes. I'm afraid that Mr. Rogers will be of no help except for physical."

T'Challa rubbed his temples slightly, and Shuri offered, glancing at the king.

"If it brings you comfort, then I shall have Okoye and select members of the Dora Milaje to accompany as well. The soldier shall be put into cryostasis at all times except for observations and testing."

Steve looked hopeful, and he pleaded softly, T'Challa staring him down with apprehension.

"You have my full cooperation that if something goes wrong, then I will answer for it. I know that what I am asking for is dangerous, but she was a person too. This woman probably had a whole life before HYDRA took it away...just like they did with Bucky and your father."

Okoye bared her teeth slightly at the mention of the late king, and T'Challa shook his head, humming.

"There is no need to appeal to my sympathy. Shuri has made up her mind, and I have learned long ago that even if I do not agree, she will do what she pleases."

Shuri smirked slightly, joking as she patted his shoulder.

"I'm so glad you understand me."

All the while, Bucky was clenching his fists, hidden beneath his crossed arms. There was no way that this was going to go well, and though there was a part of Bucky that did understand and did agree with what Steve wanted to do, there was another part that understood how incredibly risky this was.

Take it from him: this woman was dangerous, especially since she seemed to still be active on pre-existing orders. It was even riskier given the fact that nobody knew what her orders actually were. Steve glanced over at Bucky as he stared at the ground, and he placed a careful hand on his shoulder.

"Buck, I know I'm asking a lot...but she needs somebody."

"She tried to put a knife through our heads, and you're saying that we owe her?"

Steve frowned, and Bucky couldn't stand to look at him in fear of seeing the disappointment. Feeling under pressure and on-the-spot, Bucky sighed and his shoulders sagged.

"Fine, I'll stay and help, but Steve, if something happens...this one is on you."

Steve looked relieved, and he thanked him quietly, saying as Shuri grinned while Okoye and T'Challa shared a stern look together before Okoye began to whisper to T'Challa quietly.

"I know, and I'm ready to accept that responsibility should it come to that. I just...someone's gotta be looking for her, Bucky."

Bucky just shook his head, muttering.

"We don't know how long HYDRA has had her, so there might not even be anybody to miss her."

"But she deserves a chance to be her own person just like you."

Bucky shared a look with Steve, staring at him for a moment before he groaned.

"I hate it when you do that shit. I already said I would help, I'm just...there's a lot that could go wrong."

Steve countered, nodding his head slightly as he rocked slightly on his heels.

"There's a lot that could go right too."

"Yeah, say that to the killer headache you're gonna have tomorrow."

Steve chuckled slightly, joking.

"Already there, but thanks for the concern."

"Whatever."

Shuri clapped her hands together, saying.

"Well, now that we've got this settled, shall we bring our honored guest into the lab?"

T'Challa hummed, his Black Panther suit appearing as the Dora Milaje immediately stood at the ready as Shuri stood a bit behind T'Challa.

"Be cautious. We don't know know what is going to happen once those doors open."

"No need. She's been completely restrained, there's no way she's gotten out."

Sure enough, when the door to the quinjet opened, the woman was still sitting rigid; staring at the opposite wall. Steve hummed, walking up the steps, and Bucky followed reluctantly.

"Welcome to Wakanda."

Steve said before picking her up by one of her arms, Bucky grabbed a firm hold of the other with his metal arm. With her feet dragging on the ground, it was apparent that she was not going to fight back.

However, that did not stop the Dora Milaje from pointing their spears at her as Steve and Bucky took her inside. As Shuri, T'Challa, and Okoye followed, Shuri voiced to T'Challa gently.

"I will take care in monitoring her behaviors and will let you know the second that I am given any indication that rehabilitation will be unsuccessful."

T'Challa hummed, a slight frown upon his face as he stared at the woman in front of him.

"No need to worry. Should something happen, I am ready to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Wakanda."

-

STORY NOTES: While on the way to Wakanda, Bucky and Steve have attempted to identify the woman by reading through the book that was accompanying her cryostasis pod. However, Bucky's efforts are fruitless. Instead, Bucky discovers the activation words associated with the Winter Soldier and other important details about the history of the soldier.

Reflecting on his time as a Winter Soldier, Bucky begins to become increasingly agitated and worried about the situation. Steve makes an observation on the peculiarity of HYDRA leaving behind a highly-regarded asset when the woman begins to engage the two super soldiers in combat.

Despite Bucky and Steve sustaining significant injuries, they are eventually able to subdue the Winter Soldier by Steve breaking her kneecap with his shield and Bucky further crushing it. Although they question the winter soldier, she becomes withdrawn and silent; refusing to answer any questions.

When they arrive to Wakanda, T'Challa, Shuri, and the Dora Milaje are waiting for them. T'Challa is upset by Steve bringing the seemingly-active Winter Soldier to Wakanda, voicing his concerns on her presence while Steve pleads his case.

Shuri makes a suggestion that Bucky should stay to watch over her because Steve has prior obligations to the Avengers. Bucky adamantly refuses, but Steve manages to convince Bucky to stay in Wakanda to not only protect the people, but to be there for the woman should Shuri's methods be successful.

Shuri then suggests to bring the Winter Soldier to her lab, and the two Avengers begin to escort her inside, T'Challa and the Dora Milaje ready to engage should the Winter Soldier try to fight. Shuri reassures T'Challa that she will alert him as soon as she possibly can if something goes wrong, and T'Challa reassures Shuri that if the Winter Soldier escapes and causes harm that he is willing to kill her to ensure the safety of Wakanda. End Scene.

TRANSLATIONS:

Ответь на вопрос, солдат. Какова ваша миссия? - Answer the question, soldier. What is your mission?

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