Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Witch and the Widows

By BetterInTexas

Outtake 04:

This outtake concerns Zarola’s trip to Wakanda to find a doctor for the twins. So basically what is going on while chapter 47 and chapter 48 are happening. Anastasia and Dani accompanied her. It gives a bit more insight into Anastasia who stays quiet in the background most of the time and a brief introduction to the new doctor who will help the twins. Hope you enjoy. 48 should be out Monday or Tuesday morning.

---

Wakanda

“Reaper 2 to Wakanda Air Control, requesting permission to enter shield.” Dani called over the radio.

Zarola had informed T’Challa of their need for a visit so they wouldn’t surprise anyone at the gate.

The answer was swift and unexpected.

“Why should we let you in, Reaper 2? Your jet is named after the grim reaper and I have heard that the Red Widows have been attacking countries military bases on their sovereign ground.”

Dani rolled her eyes.

“Wakandan Air Control, our jet call signs refer to a farming tool that reaps crops at harvest when they are ripe. We have no idea what this grim reaper you speak of is nor do we admit or deny any claims of attacking the United States.”

“I never said the United States. Is this Dani I am speaking to?”

Dani sighed. “Yes, Princess Shuri, this is Dani.”

“I was hoping Angelica would be flying. I have a new aeronautics project and I could have used the best pilot the Red Widows has to try it out.”

Dani rolled her eyes. “Beg pardon your highness, but you are speaking to the best Red Widow pilot.”

“Yet you weren’t the one who pulled off the extraction in the great San Francisco jail break.”

“I had a headache that day and left it to the backup pilot. If you think that was a hard maneuver then you definitely need me.”

Shuri’s bell like laugh came over the air. “Fine, permission to enter the shield. Hurry up. I have so much to show you.”

Zarola grinned, enjoying the princess’ banter. She hadn’t gotten to know Shuri that well during the last visit because of the situation but the other girls adored her and could not stop singing her praises.

The landing went smoothly and they found themselves at the entrance to the palace where T’Challa and Shuri waited. Zarola was surprised Okoye was not there.

“Ana!” Shuri call out and clapped her hands. “I didn’t know you were visiting too!”

“I invited myself at the last moment. I needed to get away for a night.” Anastasia told her.

Shuri grinned. “Good, I can regain my honor by winning our next dance off.”

Dani rolled her eyes. “No one can beat Ana in a dance off. She is the undefeated champion at the compound.”

T’Challa cleared his throat. “Sister, I believe Mother said under no circumstances were you to have any sort of social engagements outside of the palace after the last time you gave the widows a tour of our lovely city. Remember all dancing will be done here.”

Shuri winked. “Of course, brother. I would never dream of disobeying our Queen mother.”

T’Challa laughed and offered his hands to the girls. “It is good to see you all. I wish you could all be here but my eyes and ears in the world tell me the Red Widows have been quite busy in multiple countries over the last forty eight hours. This is probably not a pleasure trip.”

Zarola shook her head. “I’m sorry, my King but it is not.”

T’Challa didn’t outwardly react to her addressing him in that way but was hopeful it was a good sign that she may want to know more about Wakanda. He had given Okoye the day off and suggested she wait for Zarola to reach out first.

“Do not apologize. I know if I needed your family they would be by my side quickly. I am happy to help in whatever way I can. Perhaps we can go inside and discuss this in a less public setting.”

The three widows and Shuri found themselves in the throne room with T’Challa. The Queen wasn’t present and T’Challa sat at one of his advisors chairs rather than his throne, no doubt to make them more at ease.

Zarola began explaining the events of the last two days.

T’Challa listened carefully. Zarola gave him a detailed rundown of events and held nothing back as Yelena had instructed.

Neither him nor Shuri were smiling when the briefing was complete.

“First, let me address the girl Tanya. She is still in grave danger. Is there anything that we can do to help her?”

At the moment none of the girls knew. “Natasha has taken a team to retrieve the woman who made the drug. Oksana is hopeful once the formula is known she can make a more effective antidote. If Oksana cannot help Tanya, I am not sure anything can be done but thank you for your offer.” Zarola told him.

T’Challa hated the hear about what these girls had been through. Dreykov’s evil would haunt these and other girls long after his death. “Siera? She is thirteen you say.”

“She is doing well bonding with our youngest. Mika is keeping an eye on her. She is reacting to being free like most of us did. It is a difficult process that is mentally and emotionally taxing.”

The King understood it could not have been an easy process. He had not asked any of the Red Widows directly but had gotten a bit of information from Rogers and Romanoff about what the girls went through.

“The twins. I heard rumors from my intelligence department that the Red Widows were responsible for the take down in Romania because of two girls who were victims of human trafficking. The release of the information has had a profound effect on the world. Romania would have held it close and used it as political capital. Only your group would expose it to the world. I have also received a report that a United States secret base was attacked by Wanda Maximoff, Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova. Supposedly the C.I.A. Director was taken. I expect she will find herself in Romanian custody soon. If you wanted her dead you would have left her at the base.”

Zarola was impressed. “You have a very well informed intelligence agency, my King.”

Shuri snorted. “They have my spy satellites and software. Of course it is the best. The rest of the world is clueless.”

T’Challa raised an eyebrow towards her and she ran a finger across her lips, falsely promising silence.

“I suspect the twins are the reason you are here. How can we help?” he asked.

Zarola paused for a moment and looked towards the others. She hated asking for help. She knew Yelena was right. They needed help and Wakanda was the one ally they could trust with this. They didn’t have many allies and she doubted Sokovia would have what they needed.

“The twins’ drug wore off before we found them. They weren’t being mind controlled. We have no idea how long the drug had been gone from their systems but they were still obeying. Oksana and Romanoff believe they were psychologically conditioned to obey, much the way they would have been before they were placed under mind control. They do not know how to exist without someone telling them what to do. They have been physically abused and psychologically tormented. We need a psychologist. We want a psychologist who would live with us and work with the two girls full time. We live in a very nice and isolated mansion in Northern France. She would have every need provided for and we can pay her whatever she wishes. The girls will be difficult to work with in regard to speaking but without their handlers they are harmless. They are incapable of hurting anyone unless they are ordered to.”

T’Challa was slightly surprised by this request. He hadn’t known exactly how he could help the children but was willing to do whatever was necessary.

“Would you consider bringing the children to stay in Wakanda?”

“No!” Anastasia said quickly. She blushed a bit and shook her head. “Apologies, your Highness. It is just, they are widows. They are our sisters. If you need them to come to Wakanda to stay… we can’t. We take care of our family in our home.”

T’Challa nodded. “No apology necessary. I understand completely. Your dedication to each other has always impressed me more than words can say. I saw it in the way you fought together in Germany and the manner you cared for each other’s injuries afterward.”

Shuri agreed. “I wish I had sisters. All I have is this idiot. I say that with love, my King.”

T’Challa smirked and turned his attention back to Zarola. “I hope you understand that I would not feel comfortable sending one of my people unless I know the exact location of your base.” he told her, testing how much the Widows truly trusted him.

Zarola told him a series of numbers.

Shuri entered them into her pad and showed the satellite image of the Mansion.

“I admit, I wasn’t sure you would give me the location.” he admitted, impressed by the trust.

Zarola was surprised herself. “Yelena and Wanda said we are friends with Wakanda. They gave their permission. You are correct. If you go to war, we will be by your side, just as you have been by our side when we needed you. I also know the location will stay between you and Princess Shuri.”

T’Challa nodded. “It will be kept off our servers and inside this room. We have many counselors, therapists and psychologists. I can think of no one who has dealt with the level of trauma these young girls have suffered. I will approach some who I believe are most qualified, but I cannot guarantee any of them will take the offer. I will offer payment myself, whatever it takes, but it may take a few days to interview people and find someone who will be willing to leave their home for an extended period. I am certain anyone would need time to think before deciding.”

Zarola nodded. “Of course, my King. We understand.”

“I would also like one of you to be present during the interview. The prospects may have questions I am not qualified to answer. Would you be willing to do this?”

Zarola nodded. “I will answer any questions. We do request that only women be considered. The issues are sensitive and in a household of slightly over forty now, only three are men. A woman may feel more comfortable around us and my sisters would feel more comfortable with a woman working and speaking to our youngest about sensitive information.”

Dani agreed. “While we know your people are honorable, the widows would be on very on edge about a man talking to our youngest girls about sensitive issues.”

“Of course.” T’Challa agreed. “Let me make some calls and Shuri can show you to your rooms. As always my home is yours.”

“Sounds good. You take care of the calls, Brother. Ladies, I have many toys to show you.” Shuri said, standing and clapping her hands.

Zarola stood but hesitated. “Please go without me. I will catch up.”

Shuri understood and walked out with her arms around each of the remaining widows leaving Zarola alone with T’Challa.

“I am surprised my aunt was not here, my King.”

“You know you do not have to call me my King. I am proud you think of me as such but out of public, I am T’Challa. Okoye is like family and that makes you family as well. She wanted to be here but was afraid she might pressure you. The last time you were here was a revelation and emotions were high. You had much thrown at you at once. We did not want you to be overwhelmed.”

“I appreciate that my… thank you, T’Challa. I would like to see her. I have thought of calling her many times and yet I have not. Could you tell me how to find her?”

“She is with her mother and father. Should I ask her to come to you?”

Zarola shook her head. “I would like to see them all. Could you give me directions?”

He nodded. “I shall have you driven there. It is good to see you, Zarola. I know you have a beautiful and deeply bonded family but one can have two families. Wakanda will always be a part of you and you will always be a part of us.”

He patted her on the back and walked her to an air carriage. She stood next to the driver of the open air vehicle that only Wakanda would have, and enjoyed the wind blowing through her hair and the sun on her face as they raced over the landscape into the village.

The driver left without a word after leaving her in front of a mid-sized beautiful home she had been in once before. She had met her grandparents there who were a whirlwind of emotion. It reminded her of the days after Yelena had found her parents. Her parents were loath to leave her alone for a moment, night and day. They still fretted when she was gone and made sure they were near her as much as possible. Anya did her laundry and brought her meals to her wherever Yelena was in the compound even when Yelena asked her not to.

She suspected her family might be as clingy judging by the last visit. She wasn’t sure, nor was she sure if it was something she wanted or not.

The Belovas didn’t expect Yelena to leave her sisters behind and move in with them. They came with Yelena. They supported Yelena. Okoye was only interested in bringing her into the Wakandan fold and seemed to make a point to antagonize Wanda and Yelena. Zarola found Wanda’s fright show during the training mission to be hilarious because of this. She and Okoye had left strained and the entire time she spent with her family was awkward.

They were her family and many widows didn’t have that. She owed it to herself and them to give this another chance. She took a breath and knocked on the door.

Okoye opened it and Zarola realized T’Challa must not have told her she was coming by.

A large smile was on her face but then she controlled herself. “Zarola… may I hug you?”

Zarola smiled and opened her arms. Okoye held her and even caused her to grunt. Her aunt was extremely strong.

“So… would you like to come inside?” Okoye asked after they broke apart.

Zarola nodded. “I’ll be here a couple days. I thought maybe we could hang out. I have to be in some interviews but when I’m not, you could show me around properly, maybe get to know the family more. I could stay at your place if you wouldn’t mind.”

Okoye smiled warmly. “I would like that very much. We can do what you want us to. I don’t want… I should apologize…”

Zarola raised her hand. “I should apologize. Or maybe neither of us. We were both caught by surprise. So maybe we can just start fresh.”

Okoye wiped a tear from her eye. “I would like that very much child.”

“Don’t call me child.”

Okoye huffed. “Of course… child. Come say hello to your grandparents. Can I get you a drink?”

“You have a beer?”

“Don’t push it.”

Zarola shrugged. “Had to try.”

At the palace, The two widows stood in a very large hangar with jets that more closely resembled science fiction spaceships and made their own highly advanced jets look like the Wright brothers made them. One of them was particularly shiny.

“My newest toy. Would you like to take it out over the Western reaches?”

“Can I fly?” Dani asked immediately.

Shuri faked being offended. “Would I ask you to see it and not let you fly? I am no sadist Danielle. Ana, perhaps you would like to play with the weapons systems?”

Anastasia shook her head slightly. “I was wondering if there might be another gathering in the village like the last time we were here?”

Shuri winced. “My brother was not lying. My mother was not happy with me after our last excursion.”

Shuri paused at the understanding but disappointed look on Anastasia’s face. “But that only pertains to me. You two can do as you like. I cannot imagine you get out much. I am sure you would like to dance to live music. You have a gift for dance Ana.”

“Thank you, Shuri.”

Dani was surprised by Ana wanting to leave the palace. “I’ll be staying here and flying the coolest jet I have ever seen. You don’t want to hang with us?”

Anastasia smiled. “You two have fun and geek out. I’m going to grab my bag from the jet and unpack. I’m guessing I have the same room as last time. I’m just going to take a walk in the village tonight and maybe dance under the moon. I doubt I could keep up with you geniuses. I will see you at breakfast. Have fun you two!”

By the time Anastasia had completed her tasks, the sun was going down. She decided to dress in black leather pants, green heels and a green bustier. She told herself like the others did that she was not copying Wanda’s style.

She wore greens and blues where Wanda wore red.

She just happened to like multiple rings and bracelets.

She brushed out her hair and threw on a black button down shirt, leaving the buttons open, and made her way out of the palace. One of the men working in the garage quickly offered to give her a ride into the village.

Anastasia was impressed again by the energy of the city. It was a Thursday yet the people were celebrating in the streets. The architecture of the buildings took her breath away. The friendly smiles she received put her less on edge being surrounded by hundreds of people and only having knives strapped to her back and a small gun at her ankle.

She walked into the first bar she found.

Drinking at the Mansion was difficult now. She now had to ration her bottles and mix vodka with soda to mask the smell. Luckily vodka barely left an odor on the breath and breath mints did well enough to fool her sisters. Though she usually followed the rules the Red Widows had set on themselves, she didn’t give a damn about rules that were made after Romanoff and the boy scout came to live with them. They had convinced Yelena she had a problem and most of the widows had followed Yelena’s lead and Wanda had been pressured into giving up drinking.

Anastasia may have been sixteen but she was more of an adult than most people. She was a warrior, a killer, a brilliant hacker and a survivor. Like most of her sisters she was plagued by nightmares and like a few of her sisters, she didn’t give a damn about Romanoff’s opinions. Natasha was becoming more accepted. She had even been give teams to lead and Naomi, Ingrid and Ava seemed to be fine with it.

Anastasia wasn’t. She would follow orders like a Red Widow should but that didn’t mean she had to like the woman. She had already quietly approached Yelena and asked to never be put on a team under Romanoff’s leadership. Yelena didn’t ask questions. She just told her she would make sure it didn’t happen and left it at that.

Wanda would never admit it, but she hated Romanoff. She pretended to not be bothered by her presence for Yelena’s sake. Ana wasn’t the only one who suspected that to be the case.

Wanda had told her a story when they first met about her hatred for dogs. When she had been homeless a dog took a meal away from her, biting her forearm. She still had light scars from the bite that would be more obvious if she had a tan.

Despite her hatred and fear of dogs, she acted as if Fanny and Lucky were the greatest creatures on Earth. She did it for Yelena. She slept in a bed with Fanny, she petted and took the dog for walks, but Ana knew Wanda still hated dogs. It was what she did. She put her personal feelings aside to make others happy, especially Yelena.

That was the way Wanda felt about Romanoff. Ana could tell by the things Wanda didn’t do. She never smiled at Nat, never initiated conversation and often left the room if she were in it. Wanda wasn’t blind like Yelena when it came to Romanoff. Ana could almost read Wanda’s mind. She watched her often.

In truth she watched her constantly. She loved Wanda, in a different way than the others. She was in love with her. It killed her to see Wanda with Bucky Barnes. She wanted him gone but knew it wouldn’t happen. He made Wanda happy, or at least the sex did.

Anastasia would never admit her feelings for Wanda any more than Wanda would ever admit her hatred for Romanoff. It still hurt to see her with him. It hurt to watch those who should love Wanda try to shape her into someone she wasn’t. It hurt to see her struggle with so much power and self-doubt and not be able to comfort her the way she wanted.

So she waited and hoped that one day Barnes would be gone and Wanda would feel Anastasia’s love for her and maybe reciprocate. Wanda would see what was in front of her. She loved them all, but she could have all she would ever need with Ana.

She dare to hope Yelena and Wanda’s mission to attack the American military would drive Steve away and maybe Natasha would follow. They would likely lose Stannic but that was her decision. Stannic was the one who had chosen Romanoff over her sisters. In a perfect world, Bucky would go with his friend and Ana would never see him again.

Why would he leave? Bucky had perfection. He had Wanda. He called her a doll as if she were some toy.

If only Michiko and Helena would have successfully killed him when they had the chance he wouldn’t be a curse on Wanda’s life now.

After drinking a few shots in a bar, she was told about a party North of the village. She made her way with the bottle she had bought to the gathering that resembled the last party she had been to. There was a large bonfire with several smaller fire pits lit around the grounds. Hundreds had gathered and Anastasia listened to the sound of drums blaring. She finished her bottle and walked to the clearing.

She began dancing, letting herself go, giving herself into the heat and the music.

Before she was freed, the only dancing she was allowed was ballet. Since being freed she found she was good in many forms of dance. The freedom to express herself in so many ways was intoxicating. No matter what type of dance she was performing, she was always the most graceful on the floor. Everyone’s attention turned to her. Even for a widow, she was on another level.

By the time she needed a break an hour later, her slight buzz from the vodka was gone. She found a place on an unoccupied log and had a seat, wondering if she should dance some more or walk back to the village and buy another bottle. It wasn’t often that she drank outside of her locked room because of the Avenger’s rules as she bitterly called them.

Her dilemma was solved when a bottle was placed on the log beside her. She was about to rebuff the guy when she saw a beautiful girl maybe a few years older than her.

“I thought Red Widows were a tribe. Where are the rest of you?” the beauty asked while having a seat close to her.

“What makes you think I am a Red Widow?”

The girl laughed. “a Red Widow jet landed by the palace today. You are the only white girl here. It doesn’t take a genius spy to put it together. I’m Yona.”

“Anastasia. Friends call me Ana.”

The girl offered the bottle. “Nice to meet you, Ana. I’m picking up a slight Russian accent from you. I don’t have Vodka. I do have Boukha. Have you ever tried it?”

Anastasia shook her head and Yona passed her the bottle. She smelt it and was surprised it had no odor.

She handed it back to the girl. “After you.”

Yona smirked, understanding. “Trusting strangers isn’t a big Red Widows’ trait is it?”

Yona took a long drink from the bottle and handed it back to her.

Deciding it likely wouldn’t kill her she turned the bottle up.

“Careful. It’s 37.5% alcohol.”

Anastasia shrugged. “Like you said, I’m Russian.”

The two passed the bottle back and forth for the next ten minutes and didn’t speak. They watched the fire and the dancers around it.

“Anastasia is a different name. Wasn’t she killed in a revolution with the rest of her family?”

Anastasia laughed quietly. “My Momma must have believed the fairy tales that she survived. Maybe she did. I survived a massacre. Maybe survived isn’t the right word. I wasn’t killed.”

“What do you mean?”

Anastasia grinned. “I’m going to finish this bottle before I tell that story.”

True to her word a few moments later she opened up.

“Most of us don’t remember our time before the Red Room. Do you know what the Red Room was?”

Yona shrugged. “We heard stories after your last visit. Rumors were all over Wakanda. Mind controlled Black Widows, taken as children, right?”

Anastasia sighed. “That the gist of it. Some are taken as newborns, some aren’t. I wasn’t. I was taken when I was five. I remember my parents. They were very loving. I remember my mama taking me to dance lessons. I remember sleeping between my mother and father at night during storms. I remember my night light and my favorite stuffed bear I couldn’t sleep without.

“We were very rich. I don’t remember what my parents did and I haven’t cared to find out. Whatever it was made the enemies. I remember eating breakfast. I had just put peanut butter on my toast. I heard a door kick in and our alarm system went out. My mama picked me from my booster seat and put me in the cupboard. I could still see out of the little slits. Men in black tied them up and shot them so many times in the kitchen. They were killed right in front of me. Of course I couldn’t stay quiet. I tried to stop myself from crying but I couldn’t. They heard me and I and was taken.”

“That’s horrible.” Yona whispered, never having heard of such a thing or believing she would meet someone who went through that nightmare.

Anastasia laughed bitterly. “If that were the worst thing that ever happened to me, I would have been grateful. I was taken and given to the Red Room. I was brainwashed to become a loyal killer. I was very good and when I turned nine or ten, I was given a drug that gave my owner complete control over my mind. He could make me kill myself if he wished. Then my sisters and I were freed, our owner killed and we do what we do now. That’s it. I’m the Anastasia who survived and many nights I wished I hadn’t.”

Ana paused. “That was really good stuff. Boukha, you called it?”

Yona told her to stay put. After a few minutes she came back with another bottle.

“I thought we could both use more after that story.” Yona told her.

“Good call.”

They sat in silence for a few more minutes, passing the bottle between them.

“So who is she?” Yona finally asked.

Anastasia raised an eyebrow. “She? What makes you think it is a woman on my mind? Or anyone for that matter?”

Yona grinned. “You Red Widows may have poker faces when you are sober but you have a horrible one when you are drunk. That look of longing and sadness isn’t about pizza and if you were drinking to forget your past you wouldn’t have told me that story. As far as she, you haven’t looked at one guy tonight the way you looked at me when I said hello.”

Anastasia took another drink and passed the bottle back to Yona. “She doesn’t matter. She likes a man. Some say she loves him but I don’t buy it. She should know better. She should know the monsters most men are. She is making a mistake but I can’t say anything. I can never say anything. It would make her uncomfortable and I couldn’t take it if she were uncomfortable around me.”

Yona smirked. “Wow, you got it bad. She must be special.”

Anastasia nodded. “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. She is dark and light, a healer and a warrior. She has rarely been shown kindness in her life but is so kind to others who need her. She loves and hates with a passion I have never seen in anyone. She is a goddess. She is my goddess. I’ve never believed in the supernatural or life after death but I believe in her. I would follow her into hell and suffer for her if it meant protecting her or easing her burden. I can never tell her so I hold it inside and am there for her in any way I can be. It doesn’t matter how much it hurts to be so close to her. Being away from her is unthinkable. The only good thing about my life is knowing I get to see her face and hear her voice every day.”

Yona took that in and passed the bottle back to Anastasia.

“You really are very Russian.”

Anastasia laughed. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

“I am none of the things she is.” Yona told her. “I’m here though and she isn’t. This can go three ways. A, we dance, B, we head back to my apartment where I live alone and have mind blowing sex or C, we call it a night and go our separate ways. Your choice.”

“A and B.” Anastasia said immediately. “Let me text my sisters and tell them I am having a slumber party with a new friend.”

After they danced for another hour Anastasia followed Yona back to her apartment, determined not to think about Wanda Maximoff tonight.

She failed but it had been worth a try and the attempt had been fun. If she called out the wrong name Yona didn’t mention it.

The next morning, T’Challa, Okoye and Zarola sat in the throne room. Zarola had asked her aunt to sit in. T’Challa had made several calls the day before but despite many wanting to please their king, all but one of them admitted they were not skilled enough to handle the job. T’Challa had only described the job as treating two extremely traumatized and brainwashed twelve year old girls who had recently been freed from a captor. That was enough to scare most of them off.

Only one said she was interested and wanted to know more.

“Thank you for joining us this morning, Doctor.” T’Challa opened. “Zarola and Okoye, meet Dr. Imi Zaru. Dr. Zaru has a doctorate in psychology from King’s College in London. She graduated at the top of her class at the age of twenty three and has been practicing in Wakanda for the past six years. She is our best.”

“Thank you for agreeing to speak to us today, Dr. Zaru.” Okoye greeted her. “It is good to see you again. This is my niece Zarola.”

The woman smiled warmly. “I have heard about the reunion. It was a poorly kept secret. Wakanda does not have many visitors and a few advanced jets flying to the palace with red hourglass symbols attracted attention. I am happy you have found your way home to us, Zarola. I was a bit confused when my King mentioned two twelve year old girls. I assume you meant the entire Red Widows organization. I would be glad to help all of you.”

Zarola shook her head. “No, Dr. Zaru, I have come to ask for help in regard to a set of twins we recovered two days ago. They have not only been mind controlled through chemical subjugation but also brainwashed without the drug. They need help desperately. The rest of my sisters and I are fine.”

The doctor stared at her for a moment.

“So what the news and rumors say are not true?”

“Likely not.” she assured the woman.

“You and your sisters were not mind controlled as well?”

Zarola shrugged. “Yes, we were.”

“You weren’t assassins forced to carry out murders against your will? You weren’t subjected to physical, psychological and sexual abuse?”

Zarola cleared her throat. “Of course but you see…”

“Are the news reports wrong? The ones that say you now use your skills to hunt human traffickers and kill them using brutal methods including, according to the Boston Police, skinning your enemies.”

Zarola cleared her throat “That was overexaggerated. We only did that a… few times.”

“So you haven’t all killed hundreds of criminals who are doing to children what was done to you? The constant violence in your lives does not prevent you from finding happiness and peace?”

Zarola opened her mouth for a moment but said nothing for a moment.

“I would say we are doing well.” Zarola said, leaving it at that. “Perhaps we aren’t at peace but we do have happiness.”

Dr. Zaru hid her surprise and doubt. “I’m very glad to hear that. I have given much thought to your organization, more since we found out one of our own was a part of it. I thought you all might have recurring problems due to what you have experienced and the pressure you put on yourselves to save others.”

“Like what?” Okoye asked, curious to hear the doctor’s opinion.

“Excessive drinking, resistance to any changes and distrust of outsiders. I would have guessed most of you are struggling to find your place in the world and can’t imagine one where you don’t fight until you die. I thought that would probably have been especially true for the youngest. Were you all given basic or college level educations or are some only educated in certain areas that furthered the mission, like linguistics and computer programming? I would think deficiencies in educational areas might cause low self-esteem. Does anyone have recurring nightmares, repressed memories constantly returning or night terrors?”

Zarola shrugged. “I don’t think so. I could ask around but I would say we are… are all okay.” she finished with a thumbs up.

“What I have read and heard of Wanda Maximoff, I thought she would be severely traumatized. Does she spend many hours alone, have substance abuse problems, stays closed off but makes an extra effort to make sure you are all happy while seemingly miserable herself? I would have thought she would be an emotional mess, full of self-doubt, depression and possible suicidal ideation in the past and possibly in the present.”

“Wanda is the happiest person I know.” Zarola said through gritted teeth. Like all widows she did not like when anything negative was brought up about Wanda. “She is a ball of sunshine. I’m not sure if I have ever seen her frown, much less brood. She is a very glass half full type of person. She even wears many rings and bracelets because she likes pretty sparkly things.”

Zarola paused. “Wanda Maximoff is the greatest woman alive and I would follow her into hell and based on our lives, we may literally do that one day. What you have read or heard when it comes to Wanda Maximoff is likely wrong because only we know her.”

Though Zarola’s voice remained neutral, the doctor noted the underlying tension and backed off. Her suspicion was confirmed. Mention a perceived slight towards Maximoff and the Widows become very defensive and perhaps deadly.

“I understand. I am just trying to get an overall picture of the situation. Tell me about the twins.”

“We rescued them days ago. They were found in a C.I.A. black site that disguised itself as a rundown apartment complex. They were sharing one bed and handcuffed in a makeshift cage. I can give you a full report if you decide to take the job. They have grown up in the Red Room since they were infants, psychologically manipulated and then chemically subjugated at the age of nine. Unlike other widows we do not have a full history of their missions. We don’t know what type of missions or their kill counts. We do know one of them killed a Romanian diplomat by luring him into an alley and stabbing him several times and the other planted a bomb on a passenger train. Since we have brought them to the compound they are very skittish. They don’t like to be touched and the only thing they will say is Wanda.”

“They will talk to Wanda?”

Zarola shrugged. “Wanda offered to heal their wrists after they woke and kicked her in her jaw in a panic. She left to take care of a pressing issue with Yelena. Since then they haven’t allowed each other to be touched. They huddle in a corner in fear but they started asking for Wanda, wanting her to heal their wrists. We aren’t sure why they have changed their minds.”

Dr. Zaru nodded. “What would you say their emotional level would be as far as age?”

“Babies.” Zarola said. “Very protective of each other but very simple. Working with them will be very difficult.”

The doctor nodded, not doubting that. “Do they have names?”

Zarola shook her head.

“So they have no individual identities. Their only natural instinct is to protect each other and their only purpose is to do as told. It is likely if one misbehaved the other was punished. To do this, everyone will need to be a part of this process. I cannot work with the twins without the girls who live and protect them not being a part of the healing process.”

Zarola wasn’t crazy about the sound of that. “I understand and we will behave around the girls in any way that will help them. However it is not a good idea to psychoanalyze Red Widows. We put the psycho in psychoanalyze. If you wish to provide therapy to the others, they will be very resistant to it.”

“Even you?”

“Yes. Some of what you said about us was true but we love each other fiercely. We protect and support each other. Opening up to outsiders is not going to happen. The youngest girls have a chance though. It is too late for most of us. You asked about peace? We will never know peace. The girls, our youngest, they still have a shot.”

“Who would you say the widows look to for leadership?”

“Wanda and Yelena.” Zarola answered immediately.

“Which one specifically? If they disagreed who would the majority follow?”

Zarola shrugged. “They never disagree.”

“Never?”

Zarola could only think of one time they had. It was the fight over the adults meeting and suggesting changes. Wanda had blown up at Yelena and basically told Steve and Natasha to get out. Her and Yelena were distant for a few days. They had made changes though and Wanda had reluctantly gone along with Yelena. Zarola didn’t want to think about how bad it could have been if they stayed divided.

“They never disagree.” Zarola said again.

The doctor was positive it was a lie but didn’t need to be addressed now.

“Are there any adults in the house?” she asked.

“Excuse me?” Zarola asked, a bit offended. “I believe we are all adults. We have made more hard decisions and survived more than most people will experience in a hundred years of life.”

The doctor raised her hands in a hurry, upset that she had accidentally misspoke. “I am so sorry! I meant no offense. I only meant are there those who are older than the majority of you.”

Zarola took a breath. “Yes. We have an older black widow named Oksana. She is the one who made the antidote to free us at great risk to her own life should she have been found out. She is also our doctor though she never went to medical school. She has performed surgeries for us and makes medicine and inoculates us against viruses. She is a Red Widow now. She is one of us.”

“So she must have a prominent role in the decision making process in the house.” Imi said, suspecting that wasn’t true.

“Of course not. As I said we follow Yelena and Wanda. She does as well.”

“Why would you say Wanda and Yelena are the leaders? I would say the most obvious reason is Wanda’s power and Yelena’s… skill? Is she the best fighter?”

Zarola stared at her for a moment not sure if she should bother answering and wondering if this whole thing was a mistake.

“Yelena is the most overall skilled. We each have different talents we excel at but she is the most well rounded. When it comes to strategy in any kind of fight or mission, no one is better than Yelena. Yes, Wanda is very powerful.”

Zaru nodded. “I’m not talking about the missions you go on. Those two lead the household. Why Yelena and Wanda and not Oksana? Oksana made the cure after all. Why do all of you look to those two?”

Zarola almost rolled her eyes and considered leaving but she didn’t want to be rude to T’Challa’ s guest who was the only one to even consider helping them.

“Wanda was on her own. She was attacking HYDRA bases. The Red Room was hired to take her out.” Zarola started. “Dreykov sent Yelena to kill her. Wanda was waiting for her.”

Zarola remembered that day. She had been a member of Yelena’s team and they all remembered Wanda flying off with Yelena as they shot at her.

“Instead of killing Yelena, Wanda used her power to pull the drug from her body. She separated the drug from her blood stream. When Yelena woke she was free. Yelena told me later that Wanda offered her money and help to start a new life but Wanda herself was coming back for all of us. She was going to kill Dreykov. Yelena swore to be by her side. They could have left us. They could have done anything, gone anywhere but they came back to us. When we were taking over the Red Room, Wanda took a bullet to the gut to protect us. She nearly bled out but before she passed out she ripped a control room door off with her power so we could overtake the base.”

Okoye and T’Challa were listening intently. Neither of them had heard details of the takedown or knew that Wanda had almost died.

“They could have done anything. Instead they risked their lives to come back for us. That is why we follow them. We would die for them because we know they would do the same for us.”

Okoye was surprised by the conviction in Zarola’s voice. She was beginning to understand there was more to Maximoff and Belova than she had known when she first met them. She had thought they were cocky and Maximoff was a powerhouse who liked to showboat. Apparently there were many layers she had not thought to look through.

“Are there any other older people present?”

Zarola nodded. “Yelena’s parents. Anya and Dima take good care of us. We found the woman who stole Yelena as a baby on a mission. Wanda tore into her head and learned the names of her parents. Her parents were still looking for her when Yelena found them. They live with us now.”

The doctor smiled, glad some positive things had happened for the girls.

“Have any of the girls ever tried to commit suicide?”

Zarola’s mind went to Stannic immediately. If not for Romanoff she would have been dead.

“I can’t answer that.”

“You can’t?”

“I won’t.” Zarola clarified.

The doctor nodded, her worst suspicions being true. This wasn’t just about two traumatized twins. It was about a mess of a household and a lot of lost girls with more heart and guts than peace and relaxation.

Luckily the household did have some things going for it. They had an older figure who could be encouraged to take a more proactive role. Yelena Belova’s parents were likely good people. Who else would search for a lost daughter that long, knowing in their hearts she was likely dead. The girls loved each other fiercely and were protective and supportive of one another. They did have shared experiences. Yelena and Wanda did want what was best for them.

Wanda Maximoff could be a time bomb or the glue that kept them together. It was more likely they were the glue that kept her together. She had a symbiotic relationship with Yelena Belova. Any serious disagreement between the two could be disastrous.

Imi Zaru was at the top of her game. She had a thriving career in her home country. She loved her land and her people. Her family and friends were here.

This job would be more than a job. It would be an immersive experience in a pool of shark infested waters. It would be a battle to save two young lost souls while dealing with the madness, heartbreak and trauma of everyone around her. It would mean trying to help people who might need help but not want help. She wouldn’t be liked at times. She would be turned away constantly. She would be an outsider.

Wanda Maximoff was a walking tragedy who had such great powered it boggled her mind to think of it. She wasn’t certain of what her power was but knew it was more than the world knew. Some of the Dora Milaje had visited her after the training session during the Widows’ last visit and admitted they had nightmares about her long afterward. They didn’t get into specifics and didn’t have to. She got the idea. Maximoff had gotten into their head. She was more than some red glowing superhero who moved things with her mind.

Yelena Belova, Wanda’s replacement for her twin, her soulmate in a way, had her parents back now. They were wonderful people who lived under the same roof. She had no idea how Wanda dealt with that or many other things. The household revolved around the relationship of the two violent traumatized girls who were heroes at times and nightmares at others but always put the widows first.

“Anyone else in the house I should know about?”

Zarola shrugged. “An immortal witch we call Aunt Agatha, Captain America, Natasha Romanoff and Bucky Barnes.”

Zaru closed her eyes and groaned.

“How do you girls get along with two Avengers, a witch and a former HYDRA weapon?

“We all love Aunt Agatha.”

“Of course you do.” she whispered.

Imi Zaru did not need this trouble in her life. This was a professional nightmare scenario. Yet the root of the problem she was called for were two little girls in desperate need of help. Two girls who had no sense of self, no emotional maturity and the only love they ever felt was an instinctual love for each other.

T’Challa cleared his throat. “It goes without saying that all of this is for your ears only. You could never talk about what goes in in the compound should you decided to take this job. You cannot even talk to me about it. This is a difficult situation. It will be the most difficult situation anyone in your position could imagine. I would ask you to take a few days and give it some thought. If you decide not to, we completely understand and thank you for your time. Perhaps you could recommend some others if you feel this is not a good fit for you.”

Zaru shook her head. “I don’t need a couple days to think. I expect my King will order someone in the palace to take care of my residence while I am away. Give me a day to pack and say goodbye to my family and friends for the foreseeable future.”

Zarola was shocked at the decision being made so quickly. “You will do it?”

Imi smiled. “I suspect you already know this, judging by your actions in saving so many. When a Wakandan learns that help is needed and we can make a difference, we help. We do not back away from challenges or turn away those who need us the most. Of course I will help you.”

Zarola smiled and stood up to offer her hand. The woman shook her hand warmly, noting the hard calloused skin on the young teenager.

“I look forward to meeting everyone. What are you doing today?”

“I am spending the day with my aunt, her parents and my grandmother from my father’s side.” Zarola told her.

“Good girl. I will leave you to it. My King, a pleasure to meet you as always.”

T’Challa smiled warmly and waved goodbye as she was escorted out by a guard.

“Might I come along?” T’Challa asked the women. “I have not met with your grandmother in far too long.”

“It would be an honor.” Zarola told him.

Later that day, Dani retired to her room exhausted. She and Shuri had spent most of the day before flying and talking about the handling and maneuvering components of different Wakandan aircraft. They had talked through the night and into the day and about a variety of topics including music and television. Zarola had told her they had found who they needed and would be leaving soon.

On her way to her room, she saw Ana walking away from hers with a bag.

“Hey girl. Did you have a fun sleepover?”

Ana shrugged. “It was okay. I’m going to stay the night with her again. Sorry if I am baling on you and Shuri but I am… interested in her.”

Anastasia shifted her bag and Dani saw one end was unzipped. She saw the top of the bottle but kept her face from showing any reaction.

“Everything okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be? I just met a girl. Antha shouldn’t get to have all the fun, right?”

Dani shrugged. “Maybe I can come with you?”

Anatasia shook her head. “This is adult stuff, kid.”

“We are the same age!” she shouted as Anastasia walked off.

Dani tried to take a nap but her mind wouldn’t stop thinking about Ana. She finally rose and made her way to the village. She wore robes and a hood to try and blend in. She kept to the shadows and watched the bars. She eventually found her taking shots at a dance club, in the back corner with a young women.

Dani knew that many of the Widows had problems with alcohol. It wasn’t just Yelena and Wanda who drank too much too often. She had thought they had all stopped. Wanda had kept drinking but she was trying, sometimes going weeks without a drink before cracking. This current stretch had been her longest without a drink.

She had thought it would be easier with the house free of alcohol but she should have known better. If a Widow wanted to accomplish something as simple as drinking alcohol in her room, she would be successful.

She walked in and had a seat across the bar from Ana. The girl with her was matching her shot for shot at first but eventually slowed down while Ana continued to pound the alcohol. Whoever this girl was must have suggested they leave because Ana tried to stand up but nearly stumbled before righting herself. The girl put her arm around Ana just as Dani approached.

“Looks like it is time for her to call it a night. I can handle it from here.” Dani told the stranger.

The woman wasn’t happy with a stranger interfering and moved in front of Ana protectively. “She is spending the night with me. I have her bags at my place. I’m not sure what your game is but you better back off. I don’t know you.”

Dani raised up the long sleeve over her arm, showing her widow bracelet.

“No, you don’t know me but I bet you recognize what this is.”

The girl’s eyes widened and she backed away. “I don’t want any trouble. She asked if she could stay for a couple days and I told her it was fine. I’m not taking advantage of her.”

Dani calmed herself. “Yeah, I get that. The problem is she is compromised and a widow can’t leave another widow when she is compromised. I guess we will both be staying the night with you. I appreciate the invitation.”

When the two girls reached Yona’s residence, Dani helped carry Ana to the bed. Yona offered Dani the room and left to sleep on the couch.

“Why are you screwing up my night, Dani?” Ana asked, tiredly.

“You drank so much you can barely walk much less fight.”

“Only so much time I have to drink as much as I want without hiding in my room.” Ana told her, lying back on a pillow. “You aren’t my mom. My mommy and daddy are dead.”

Danis brushed the sweaty hair off her forehead. “No, I’m not your mom. Just your sister making sure you are defended until you can defend yourself. That’s what we do. So while you are drunk is there anything you want to talk about? I get it if you wanted to sneak off and drink, but I’ve never seen you this drunk before.”

Ana laughed quietly.

“What does it matter?”

“It matters to me.”

Ana said nothing and eventually her breathing leveled out. She rolled onto her side and Dani rolled next to her and held her from behind.

“Dani?” Anastasia whispered.

“Yeah?”

“She is never going to love me, is she? Not the way I love her.”

“Who are you talking about? This girl? She is a one night stand, Ana. Since when do you believe in love at first sex?”

“He doesn’t deserve her.” Ana mumbled. “She cured him and got lost in his head. It’s just some side effect from her doing him a favor. The sad thing is even if she were gay, she would be in love with Yelena. It won’t happen for me. Sometimes I wish I were still mind controlled. When I was mind controlled I didn’t hurt. I didn’t love or hate. I wasn’t jealous or pathetic. I just didn’t care. Maybe Oksana can out me back under huh?”

Dani stiffened, listening to the words and understanding dawning.

“Don’t ever say that Ana….Ana?”

Anastasia began snoring.

Dani held her closer until she managed to sleep comfortably with one eye open.

The next morning, Anastasia was surprised and embarrassed to find Dani in bed with her. She hadn’t realized Dani had found her last night.

After saying goodbye to Yona, Dani escorted Anastasia back to the palace explaining how badly Shuri wanted to spend time with her. She also promised not to say a word to the others that she had been drinking.

“Hey, Dani… I didn’t say anything stupid did I?”

“Every time you open your mouth.” Dani replied, avoiding addressing what she knew.

Anastasia stopped catching the forced humor in her voice.

“I did, didn’t I? I didn’t mean whatever I said. I say dumb things when I drink that much. There has been a lot going on with the new faces and the stress. I shouldn’t have gotten that drunk but you know how I say weird things sometimes, right?”

Dani laughed. “Of course. Just be glad it was me and not Sasha. I would never tell a soul anything you said whether it was dumb or not, true or untrue. I keep secrets. If you ever want to talk…”

“I don’t! I mean, thank you, but if you could just forget it that would be for the best.”

Dani patted her on the back. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Let’s forget all about it. We will tell Shuri you made a friend last night, got laid and I watched because we do kinky things like that at Red Widow compound. We are wilder than the Playboy Mansion.”

Anastasia shook her head. “You are a little freak, you know that?”

“Have a room next to Antha for a week. It’s like it seeps through the walls. She still calls Murdoch at his office once a week to have phone sex. So far she has made it ten minutes and thirty two seconds before he hangs up. She told me she wants to start calling Pepper Potts. I’ve been trying to talk her out of it.”

Anastasia laughed and the two carried on their day. Anastasia pretended she said nothing to Dani while drunk about anything of importance and Dani did her best to forget it. It was hard though. Listening to the pain in Ana’s voice was something that would live with her forever.

The next day the two met the new doctor. Zarola was in a great mood and hugged her aunt and all three grandparents before leaving.

Dani supposed in some way it had been a successful trip. Two girls would have a chance at healing. Zarola had bonded with her family and Anastasia… she had hidden four bottles of alcohol in her bag.

Dani looked at the sweet smile Anastasia had plastered on her face as she got to know this new doctor Imi Zaru.

Widows were good with masks and she wondered if Anastasia would ever heal under that mask she showed the world. Would she ever stop loving the woman she couldn’t have?