INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Sept 12, 2021 17:16:19 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
Admittedly, one of the reasons Natasha liked Ava was her attitude. The girl had spunk and was willing to challenge authority. It was the latter that often got her in trouble with Director Hill, among others. And, yes, that attitude often got her into trouble with Natasha, as well, but between them, there was also respect. The respect of shared memories and troubled childhood. Ava was yet young and inexperienced in a million different ways, but what she lacked in knowledge she made up for with enthusiasm, ambition, and loyalty. The girl would go far and, perhaps, one day surpass Natasha. She need only to rely less on her borrowed memories, gain life experience, and lessen the bravado; Be open to learning from her mistakes and what others had to teach her. Practice her craft and control her powers.
Learning her place in the pecking order right now would only help Ava to achieve her goals. Natasha felt that once the young Widow learned how to take instruction and let go of her pride, she would quickly rise to the top. Of course, with a young person, that was often easier said than done. Especially one who was coddled for far too long. Not spoiled - No, Natasha would ever call her isolation that. But coddled within a security cell and kept from the realities of the world did little to help the struggling youth. Sure, Ava ran away eventually and learned some of those lessons the hard way. Perhaps if Natasha had taken more interest in her earlier, removed her from that stupid cell, Ava would already be primed to take Natasha's place. As things were, however, the young woman was struggling with the demands of a regimented but largely free life. That was why they were here.
These were the things Natasha ruminated on while they crossed the mountainsides heading toward the ski resort. They covered the twenty-two kilometers in good time. Natasha kept either of them from steering toward a cliff and neither caused any snow to dislodge from its place. So, at least on the way to their destination, all parachutes, gliders, and jets remained untouched. It bode well for their day together.
Stopping in front of the lodge at the base of the ski resort, Natasha parked her snowmobile. It auto-locked once the engine was turned off, the entire vehicle went on lockdown. It would require Natasha's fingerprint in addition to the key for her to access any part of it again. Ava's would be the same.
"Don't lose your key," she told her protege, "or any fingers. If you do, you may have to walk home." Natasha flashed a smile to accompany her joke. She retrieved her skis and poles then pointed to the map that was on a large wooden bulletin board next to the lodge. "If you get lost, there is a map at each transfer station for the lifts." Tasha then pointed to the left of the map at the small hills. "That's the bunny hill and that's its lift. If you'd like to start there to build your confidence, feel free."
She then pointed higher, at the peak of the highest mountain that was situated to the right of the resort. "I'm going to take the gondola up there. It's the hardest run here but the most exciting." She dropped her hand and looked at Ava. "We can meet in three hours at the lodge for lunch. The snacks we packed were mostly for emergencies, like if some terrorist decided they hated skiing and we had to spend the day taking them down." She winked knowing full well Ava was probably not amused, then turned to go to the lift that would take her to the gondola that would eventually reach the faraway mountain slope.
"See you at lunch!"
________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Sept 13, 2021 14:01:29 GMT -7
She tucked the key into her jacket pocket then chuckled. There was no need for her to say that she wouldn't mind the walk home even if she didn't loose her fingers. As Nat carried on talking she was busy removing the skis and nearly fumbled them as she rolled her eyes at the comment for the location of the maps. It was kinda obvious but she wanted to make sure Nat had something to jibe her about and that was it.
"I think a little time hopping would be good for me. Basics... not cheating... just me."
When Nat talked about where she was going she looked at the map and scanned it over and shook her head at the bad... VERY bad joke. Which made Ava glare then roll her eyes and fold her arms. There was something about being told something to tempt fate. That would be it.
"Lunch in three hours, unless I fall... in which case you will find me there with a hot chocolate nursing injuries. No need to be a hero here."
There was a distant memory as she waved at Nat before heading to the bunny slopes. It was a cold memory and it was one of her own. Snow... blizzard... Moscow... alcove where she sheltered with others just to keep warm. Then a flash further back of fun times in the snow until... what was that memory? Even now she couldn't figure it out.
Arriving at the slope she looked at the area and soon got an instructor to help her with the basics. They complimented her upon her stance, it seemed natural to her. Then he got her moving, that was another matter! Within a couple of meters she was on her backside sliding a little way. This was infuriating but she didn't cheat. Getting up she deepened her concentration and held her pose and soon the instructor had her moving forward. This wasn't too bad and stopping was easy. The turning felt odd. It wasn't like she was expecting.
After half hour she took a break and looked up at where she thought Nat might be. Nothing odd there at all. Getting back to the bunny slopes she started on the next area on her own. There were a few others up there trying to figure it all out but her core strength and physique made her stand out. Plus her instructor was amazed at how fast she had picked it up and asked if she had ever skied before. She didn't think she had but there was still that nagging feeling, the memory.
She did end up falling over a good half dozen times before she was stable enough to work on a beginner slope which was a little more challenging with a few scattered trees and not too steep a gradient. It wasn't bad and she was starting to enjoy herself when a jerk fell into her knocking her off her feet and both of them ending up in the side barrier. Her frown was deep.
"WHAT THE!"
She tried to untangle her limbs when their eyes locked there was a connection there but then her heart plummeted and she got up.
"JERK! Watch where you're going!"
She shook her head and got up locating where her skies had landed. Laying them in the right position she clipped back into them and carried on skiing.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Oct 11, 2021 22:10:57 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
Now this was a vacation. Natasha took the gondola up to the highest peak's lift where she could enjoy the toughest trails on the mountain. Of course, it wasn't a helicopter drop on the cliff face above her, but it was more than enough to invigorate the woman. She didn't need her life to be lived in a constant state of heightened challenge, stress, and intrigue in order to be satisfied. In truth, something many people likely never imagined about the Black Widow was that she actually loved having downtime; time entirely for herself during which she could follow her own interests and forget about the world's problems. "Me" time was in short supply in the twenty-first century; a truth that often made Natasha yearn for the time after the Red Room but before computers. Of course, prior to her defection to SHIELD, Natasha probably didn't have had a lot of her own time anyway, a fact she preferred to ignore when wishing for a slower pace of life. Racing down the steep slopes of her current vacation adventure was far from slow, however. In fact, the scenery was going pretty fast - as was the time! Natasha was able to ride the slopes, top to bottom, four times before 11 am. That meant she had, at minimum, an hour before she had to meet up with Ava. Natasha eyed the helicopter pad. She considered it but after looking at the snow build-up there, she determined it wouldn't be the safest route for her day. So, she again looked to the gondola. She hurried over to it and hitched a ride up to the bottom of the top lift, then took that lift on up to the steepest trail. She was riding down, doing tricks off of the rocks that were to either side of the trail. This high up, there weren't any trees for her to be concerned with, let alone many riders. She'd only counted three others on the trail and they seemed to be a bit more cautious, sticking close to the middle of the trail and taking their time going down. Nat always did have that thrill-seeking side, the part of her that yearned for danger and put her life at risk. She suspected that was what made her great at what she did.
-Craaaack!-
Natasha heard the sound through her helmet clear as day. Her head whipped backward even as she dug in her skis and made her descent come to an abrupt halt. Hoping beyond hope that she did not hear what she knew she heard, Natasha scanned the face of the mountain peak. It didn't take her long to see exactly what she feared: It was an avalanche.
The crown fracture was what she heard, but as she was paused taking in the danger, Natasha watched as she could see one of the flank fractures happening to the far side of the trail. She didn't need to see the other fracture to know it was there. It could have happened beneath her or behind her, but Natasha only focused on the fact that there were two skiers above her, closer to the slab's crown. There was no way they were going to be able to escape it. Natasha could have skied parallel to the slab and possibly caught a break, but her conscience made her go the other way. If she could be close to the other skiers when the slab inevitably stopped down below, maybe she would be able to find them. Maybe.
The snow slid slowly at first, almost as if in slow motion, but as the idiom goes, snow going downhill only picks up more along the way. The other skiers and Natasha rode the slab down the mountain face until its roiling effect broke up the slab and made it into angry waves of white. It happened so fast. Natasha was closer to the lowest of the two riders when the waves began to take her under. She had her hand on the ABS trigger and pressed it at the last instant. The airbags instantly inflated and Natasha practically flew. She rode the waves down, tumbling end over end, always trying to reorient herself to be able to keep at least one of the skiers in her view. The rotations were fast and Natasha lost track of how many before the world was simply...
White.
________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Oct 12, 2021 10:38:52 GMT -7
In Ava's opinion the Jerk was just another distraction to her life. She really didn't need it and there were things she wanted to do. Right now it was mastering skiing on her own! Going down the slope enjoying the sensation and getting to know where things were. Time passed by and with each moment spent she got increasingly better. To say only hours before she was on the bunny slopes and now she was on the medioca slopes where quite a few people were enjoying a more casual pace told of her speed of learning. Be that either tapping into Nat's abilities, old talent or just stubbornness of getting better who knew. She certainly didn't.
Going down one more time before getting a hot chocolate and waiting for Nat was her target. Starting down she saw several people including a family on their way back down. The little girl was on a snow board! That amazing her as the girl couldn't have been any older than seven! Smiling it brought back a feeling she hadn't felt for a LOOONG time. Her mother... something about a vague memory. She shook her head and started on down the slope.
She could feel the cold wind nip at her skin where it was exposed slightly between goggles, helmet and scarf. It felt good to feel it as well as having this time to herself to just be free. Part of her doubted that would ever truly happen. That was the bit that was niggling her. The sound of the crack was quieter where she was due to the facing of the slopes. So she didn't bother to look until the rumble was both felt and heard.
Ava had blocked out Nat as best she could so she had missed the increased adrenalin but now... now... where was she? There wasn't any panic just worry, concern, willing to help and put in danger. Then the headache came but it wasn't like the last time. It was dizzying instead. Her hands gripped her ski sticks as a storm grew deep inside her. Cold... white... she had to focus. The dizziness got worse as she lost control of where she was going.
This time she rammed into the Jerk. She tumbled... white.... cold.... blue... white ... cold.... blue.... brace!
"NO!"
She had stopped moving but she felt like she was still moving. The Jerk was leaning over her with a frown and offered her a hand up but she couldn't let go of the ski sticks. Then the motion stopped. .... White ..... white .... She blinked several times before she could focus on the Jerk. He was frowning at her and saying something. She sat upright and looked around trying to figure out what was going on. The Jerk tried to get her to stay still but she was not listening. Ohhhh that was not good!
Staff were starting to clear people off the slope as her hearing changed from old school TV on standby to what was going on around them. There were four a long streak of melted snow leading to where she had finished and she knew she had discharged the storm at least a little. There was also other things in the snow including a smear of red but that didn't matter. The Jerk had a slight cut on his cheek it must have been that. As the staff got closer she could just make out that they were closing all slopes for avalanche risk.
When the staff got close enough Ava looked at them and moved over picking up her ski's.
"Avalanche. Top slope. My sister is up there. I can help find her."
They looked at her with a frown and shook their heads.
"Sorry no civilians allowed up there."
Ava didn't like being told that but didn't pull the SHIELD Agent 'in training' out of her sleeve just yet.
"Besides, we don't know what has happened yet. Just been told to clear all slopes."
Ava smiled politely. Tracing the link to her Siesta. Almost mentally shouting at her.
"I'm coming. Keep safe. Are you conscious?"
Turning and clipping her skis back into place she headed down as fast as she was able. This also meant sneaking off when the staff were busy escorting others off. She headed straight for the snowmobiles and removed her glove to get the keys. They slipped and fell into the snow. Bending down it was only then that she spotted the blood drop onto the floor. Her hand went up to her face as she found a cut above her eyebrow where the goggles and helmet didn't quite touch together. The cut wasn't deep just enough to cause a bleed but nothing major that she would die from it. Looking at the helmet and goggles, it was clear they had taken the worst of the impact otherwise it would have been far more gory an injury. Picking up the keys she quickly pushed them into the lock and activated the screen. In no time at all she was looking at if she could locate Nat's actual location via any GPS she might have been wearing. Then it would be taking the snowmobile up as far as it would take her to find Nat.... Hopefully it would cope with the hills. Knowing SHIELD it would. At least her equipment had kept her power earthed which was one blessing.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Oct 14, 2021 15:22:34 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
Silence. It was strange after the thundering cacophony of the avalanche seconds before. Because of the absence of sensory input for those following seconds, Natasha had difficulty getting her bearing. She had tumbled as if in the washing machine of an ocean wave but hit a few larger obstacles than one normally found near the seashore. Sure, she'd been battered by a coral reef or two in her time while surfing, and that certainly could leave a mark. In this roiling, wild wave of snow, though, Natasha was fairly certain her body had struck at least two - no, three - jutting rocks or boulders. Maybe a metal post for the ski lift? That obstacle in her downward trajectory had felt smoother than the rest. Her kidneys were likely grateful. These things crossed through her thoughts as Natasha attempted to take in the dark cold with which she had come face to face. Literally, no millimeters separated her face from the snow. Natasha took stock of how her body rested. Both arms were wrapped around her torso, only one of her legs still wrapped within it. She had attempted a fetal position once she felt herself beginning to roll with the waves rather than skating the top of it. This should be helpful, she thought, as she began attempting to move against the weight of the snow. It wasn't so solidly packed yet that she couldn't maneuver. So, the Widow began pressing out for a pocket of air around her face. It took several minutes before she could feel a little easier about breathing. Then, Nat began pressing out further from her body. She needed space before her body heat began packing the snow and making it ice around her. Besides, if she could move a little in her pocket, then maybe she could feel which way was down and, conversely, which way was up. This would be an interesting way to die, she thought to herself. For some reason, Natasha felt a little panic within. She didn't take the time to examine why she would be panicking when it was so unlike her. There was no time. Pushing away the snow had to be her only focus right now, even if her mind was screaming at her, too... It was Ava. Of course, it's Ava.I'm alive, she forced down the connection. Natasha was never quite sure how that worked. Was it like telepathy? Or just feelings? So, she thought about her situation, willing her emotions to have words. Not dire yet. ABS was triggered. Near the middle of the top slope. Others.What happened to the others? They were the priority. Natasha began trying to move the snow away faster. Find them. Find the other skiers.________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Oct 14, 2021 15:45:07 GMT -7
Ava worked and got the GPS tracker out and started to make sure the equipment was right. Looking down it was odd everything she did was silent... Sudden disorientation hit her and discomfort. She had felt similar before. Last time her head hurt so much and her stomach had just churned. Like then she pushed the feelings deeper down. Taking a steady breath in then allowing it to leave her mouth slowly the world around her started to have sound. ... Foot steps!
Turning abruptly she grabbed hold of the person's wrist and quickly twisted the arm and body until she had the cold weather clothed person pinned onto the floor. She didn't say anything but the muffled voice came from under her. Her knew was pressed into the figure's lower back, the arm twisted back. The voice was male as he turned she noticed it was the Jerk.
"HAY! GET OFF!"
Ava eased off the pressure but didn't let go, she knew better than that!
"Didn't you hear me call to you to wait?"
Ava frowned and let the person up. She was on full alert but helped the man up. He looked at her in a funny way as she shook her head in response to his question. Or was it the fact she was starting to feel people were constantly stalking her! Ava let out a sigh. As he continued talking and she returned to the snowmobile.
"I know the slopes. If your friend is up there then you will need help."
Ava focused once more on Nat and felt or heard or something a response. She smiled a little and looked at the young man.
"You come with me but if I tell you to run or leave you leave."
He looked a little puzzled at her as she sat behind the controls and set in the GPS of Nat into the system. A route came up and the young man looked over her shoulder at the screen.
"WHHHHAAAAHOOOO!!!! Nice bit of kit. You won't get that way. The avalanche would have blocked that pass off. Need to go up this way."
He indicated another route as Ava nodded. Strapping on her helmet and putting her gloves back on she looked up at the mountain.
"There are others up there. Hopefully she would have stayed close to them otherwise we will be in a mystery as to where they all are."
She let the snow mobile glide forward, there was a time and a place for her to need help or not. Sure she could have done this on her own but two hands make lighter work. Plus it gave her the added bonus of understanding where to go and a little company to focus on instead of the deafening silence and blackness from Nat.
As she gathered speed she felt the tug of the Jerk behind her and saw a figure clad in snow gear to one side. Speaking up she let out a sigh.
"Go to Siesta. Help her."
The Jerk behind her said something back but his words were snatched away.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Oct 20, 2021 23:43:32 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
The emergency airbags that she had deployed at the last second deflated after 3 minutes, providing more air space for Natasha within her snowy cage. Once they had, between her previous wiggling to put some space between herself and the snow previously and the new space allotted at her back, Nat was able to more freely move her torso. She wiggled a little more, trying to turn her head into the opened space for freer breathing while also attempting to find any light. It was dark, but not quite as dark on the left side of the newly opened space. That was the way out. Her feet could not really move with the skis attached. At the same time, however, Natasha realized that her extended leg may actually have the top portion of her ski extending beyond the snow. That was as long as the snow didn't get deeper in that area and the little bit of light coming through her air space was truly there and not a figment of her imagination. Regardless, now that she had space to breathe, Natasha spoke into her earpiece for the first time. It probably wasn't still in her ear after all those somersaults through the cascading snow, but it was not impossible. "Ava, if you can hear me, I have about an hour of air. I think I can see some light filtering through the densely packed snow above me and I might have a ski sticking out." Nat got quiet. If she didn't get an answer, she was better off remaining quiet and conserving air. Still, hearing herself talk had been a little comforting. It reassured her that she really is still alive. ________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Oct 21, 2021 8:21:42 GMT -7
It was with relief when Ava heard a muffled sound. She slowed the snowmobile down a little to listen carefully. Then sped back up. From the sound the earpiece was a bit away from Nat but at least she knew that she was safe. If it had fallen out then it was a case that the helmet had possibly come loose. That made her panic a little more but there was no time for that. An hour to get her out was not long especially when the snowmobile would only get them so far. Looking for a moment at her watch she made a mental note to be up there before the deadline.... that wasn't worth thinking about. Focusing back on the path ahead she powered the mobile up a little more to cope with the slopes. Soon she had reached the junction and paused turning her head back to Jerk who pointed the direction they would need. She nodded and headed that way. It took them about ten minutes to get to the side where the snow was loose. She didn't risk going any further via the snowmobile. Removing the key and placing it in a secure pocket in her jacket. Next was the medical supplies plus a small shovel and shoes. Taking them out she realised she only had one pair of snow shoes and looked at Jerk who was putting his skis back on. Clipping her shoes on she then threw a smaller bag over to him. "Take this." It contained the medical suplies, emergency cold weather protection tent and couple of flares. She put another couple into her backpack securing it tightly whilst closing her eyes. She didn't need to do this but it was necessary for when others were trying to talk to her. There was still darkness, but faint light, cold, cold. She felt dizzy again, her hand went out to catch herself on the bike. "You ok?" She nodded. There was a memory. Was was there a memory that wasn't Nat's. They shared dreams she hoped she wasn't sharing this memory. Skiing, laughter, tall people holding the hands of a small person (a child).... No she mustn't. Shaking her head she focused back on where they were going. Walking from there was not as easy and was made harder by the loose snow underfoot. "Wow you're serious."
Ava looked at him with a deep frown. "She is this way."
She lead him further up the mountain until they reached the next section of snow. Looking up she tried to figure out where Nat was. There were some tree debris and then there was one person who was waist deep in snow. The man was struggling to get himself free and it was clear why. His one arm wasn't moving and seemed to be at an odd angle. The pair of them moved over as fast as they dare until they were next to him. Ava quickly went through the basics of checking to see if they were truly safe. Luckily for them the man had ended up at the edge of the avalanche. She hoped that Nat wasn't far away, first though this man needed medical help. "Do you know first aid?" "Just the basics."
Ava nodded. "You dig, I triage. Move the snow to form a shelter from the wind. Then use the emergency tent to cover us while I work."Taking off her backpack she quickly removed a blanket and flare. Putting the blanket onto the ground then moving to light the flare and stick it into the ground. It would stay lit for about 10 minutes allowing any helicopters to locate them. Heading back to the stuck man she smile. "Hi, I'm Ava. There were three on the slope yes? Are you hurting anywhere other than your arm?"
To her surprise he started speaking in Chinese to her answers despite him not looking Chinese. It seemed though that he understood English and her basic Mandarin was good enough for her to understand him. Soon she discovered where his injuries were at the same time putting his arm into an instant cast. It would keep the arm stable while he was being moved. His other injuries were lower down, including something pressing into his side. Which taken they were nowhere near the tree line could either be a piece of equipment or rock. She took her watch off and placed it on the man's wrist and waited for a readout to tell her what was going on inside. It looked fairly good, his heart was strong and there was enough oxygen going into the man's lungs. She made light chat which she hoped would comfort Nat if she could hear her. When she heard the helicopter in the distance she poked her head out of the shelter. The flare was sputtering and her heart raced. Jerk was busy lighting another flare to get the attention of the helicopter. As they approached she felt the ground rumble and knew they was more coming but this time it was a little further away. A flash of panic flew through her as she instinctly focused on Nat. Was she in the path? Was she still alive? She tried to focus on the sensations. If she could do that then she could possibly try and figure out how far Nat was from her. Lighter darkness on one side, slight draught, noise... the second avalanche.... What else? Come on give her a clue? She shouted almost through the link. Sestra? She also hoped that their ghost had found her and was trying to help comfort Nat.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Nov 4, 2021 15:06:29 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
Natasha was not a fan of feeling helpless. In fact, it was probably the feeling she was least familiar with. That said, it was not something she had never experienced. This was becoming evident as her heart was beginning to race and her mind was triggered by her inability to move, bringing up a memory from her childhood. "Skryvat', Natasha!" came the hushed whisper of a man. He stood over her, pressing her into a cupboard. There was darkness all around her. Night, but just a wisp of light dared peek through the closed curtains behind him. His silhouette loomed large over her tiny body and her even smaller understanding. But the small girl did as she was told.
She was pressed into the cupboard with some pans. It was a kitchen cupboard. "Za gorshkami," he breathed, pulling them forward. Then he paused and Natasha felt his lips touch her forehead for the briefest of goodbyes. He held her by the arm tightly. His fear was palpable even for a girl so young. Natasha shook. A noise came from beyond him and he pushed her in harshly, quietly piling pots and pans in front of her and closing the door before her first sob could erupt. Then there were footsteps quietly running away. She tried to hold her breath.
Bang!.... Bang! Bang!
Footsteps raced through the kitchen, not even pausing.
Bang! Bang! Bang!...... Bang!
Silence.
Fear. Only fear.
And darkness. The image was hazy in the woman's memory but the fear, the absolute paralyzing fear, remained. Natasha felt her heart racing and her mind spiraling into the same darkness that surrounded her. She breathed deeply, limiting the effect if only a little. This memory was real, not fabricated by the Red Room. Somehow, she just knew it. Was that her real father? A brother? Uncle? Who was killed? Was that when her family died? Was that how she was spared? Who was he? Natasha used considerable effort to keep herself from a panic attack. All of her training as the Black Widow, all of her learned meditations and experiences were brought into play. Her air was limited in here. Natasha had to remain calm. So, to cope, she let her mind wander back through the things she saw and heard in the memory - not what that small child had felt. The man spoke Russian to her. His kiss was gentle if urgent. Who was he hiding her from? This memory would keep her company while she waited for Ava to find her. This would keep her mind focused on things other than the air supply. Still, her watch kept track of every second that remained and Natasha knew it. She would try to hold her breath again. Tick. Tock. ________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Nov 5, 2021 9:17:54 GMT -7
Ava tried to reach out, to find her Sestea. The second avalanche that had hit was only a light one and was soon over. The man she was helping was protected but now... all of a sudden the world around her went darker, as if she was about to faint. There was no sensation of the rumble of added snow but there was panic. The fainting sensation continued but grew into freezing fear. She leaned over and held onto the snow with one hand, it helped ground her. Make her feel safe and in the present. Jerk put his hand on her shoulder to see if she was ok and spoke. There was a distant memory floating around, Nat was alive. That was all she needed, she knew Nat wasn't in the second avalanche or unconscious but she did know Nat was frightened. This man needed her help first though. The hand on the shoulder and cold seeping through the thick gloves was enough to bring her back to the hear and now. She looked up to the man and smiled to him. The helicopter made another pass and this time no more snow was dislodged and she knew help was on their way. She made sure that the man was as protected as possibly by the emergency shelter. She popped out of it looking at Jerk. "One down two to go. They won't be far."
Looking around she knew the area Nat definitely wasn't in and she knew that she wouldn't be too far away... hopefully. As for the third... she just hoped that they would be able to hold out. It was this time that she saw the helicopter heading for a higher area where the skiers were dropped off. The man would be ok... now for the other and Nat. Ava moved around looking for a ski in all the snow. Looking for anything in the avalanche path. Suddenly she was pulled backwards by Jerk and he shook his head. "Can't go that way, too dangerous. There're gullies that are deep. Look at the trees."
Ava looked and saw where there was almost a straight line where there were no trees and a slight dip. Oh she hoped Nat was not in there. Looking up and down that area she knew Nat wasn't far. The man was directly behind her, Nat had gone to be close to the pair but if she had hit more objects her trajectory wouldn't be as far as the man. Thinking back she thought that Nat might be further up the slope. Going carefully but quickly she headed up. Then she spotted something, there was blood in the snow. Enough to leave a red mark and it headed to the gully! It was marbled in meaning it had been moved during the avalanche. That wasn't Nat but at least they had a lead on the third person. People were descending the slope as she looked up once more. One approached them and Ava held up her hand to stop them speaking She shouted. "One over there in emergency tent, he is stable but will need treatment. Vitals are good. Just a little shocked. Speaks a form of Chinese. Two more missing. They were all close together when the Avalanche hit."
Her eyes scanned the ground and she finally found something sticking out of the snow further just in front of the other skiers who were bringing supplies. She grinned widely. "Second found, third I think is over there."
She pointed to the gully and the rescuer's face paled. Heading up the slope she went straight to the ski sticking out, it was Nat's. Her heart raced as she ran the last little bit and called. "Sestra!?!"
She needed hope for if it wasn't Nat and Nat died on her watch.... Nope... it was Nat it had to be Nat.... The pain of all her loss hit her as she skidded to a stop by the ski and tried to find the boot and leg it was attached to. "Sestra!!!!"
There was a slight panic in her voice and Jerk came by her side and frowned. "It's your sister?"
Ava nodded and Jerk got the spade, using it to clear some of the snow to help Ava check to see if there was a leg attached.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Nov 5, 2021 15:47:54 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
Her world was black, but within a moment of meditation and reflection, Natasha had reigned in the terror that was triggered by that distant, long-forgotten memory. All of the psychologists in SHIELD with whom she'd been forced to speak had suggested that she should attempt hypnotism to reclaim her lost memories, but it had always been far too risky for Natasha to undergo something that made her so vulnerable. She had an overabundance of secrets in her head, most of which now consisted less of the Red Room and Russia than SHIELD and her less official personal pursuits. Beyond that vulnerability lay the riskier path of attempting to sort through her multiple histories and programmed personas without causing Natasha to wake up in one of them, rather than as herself. So, that type of therapy was never attempted, nor would she ever allow it. This situation, however, had triggered a memory without such an intrusion. Natasha would have to further consider her subconscious reaction to being trapped in the snow in the upcoming days - should she survive, she supposed. But Natasha had no real doubt that she would. Her body was not in pain which implied she did not break any bones or experience any punctures or internal bleeding from hitting things. Sure, her back ached a bit and Natasha felt like she may never be able to get enough of stretching over the next day or two, but overall she felt healthy. It was really simply a matter of whether her air pocket would last long enough to be found. Because that was the crux of it. Natasha could be attempting to rescue herself and maybe any one of the SHIELD gadgets on her person could have aided with that. However, she was not on this mountain alone. This was not a mission. It was a vacation. And, frankly, her protege could use a bit of a hero complex - especially when it came to their relationship. Ava needed to feel that sense of accomplishment and pride that came with rescuing someone you care about from certain death. And Natasha wanted to share a bond with Ava beyond only mentor and student, leader and subordinate. This rescue would help level the proverbial playing field and make them more equals. Therefore, her laying here doing nothing was exactly what was necessary because the Black Widow, lethal assassin, formidable spy, skilled SHIELD agent and Avenger wanted the bond of sisterhood. She wanted Ava to not only call her "Sestra," but to feel it in her bones. Know it in her heart. And Natasha had faith in Ava; not because of her SHIELD training or because their shared connection would provide her the ability to find her. Rather, because they were sisters and family would always find one another. Alexei would approve. She heard the shoveling and muffled voices above her and smiled. Natasha didn't move but let Ava dig her out. She felt a shovel strike her shin and let out a muffled "Ouch!" That sound alone would confirm to Ava that it was her. Then Natasha waited to be further unburied. Hre smile remained firmly planted in place. ________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Nov 5, 2021 16:07:00 GMT -7
Ava worked with Jerk but when the "Ouch" came she thumped him.
"Careful!"
She snapped more out of frustration than anything else. Other's were there to help get Nat out as well now. At least they had found her which meant there was still one more unaccounted for. With Nat finally being uncovered and ... smiling she smiled back at her relieved that she was ok. She couldn't stand loosing one more. Not at the moment. The relief was consuming.
"You made me fall!"
Was all she said with a bloody forehead that looked wiped away. The relief didn't last long as someone shouted and Ava's attention was drawn that way as she realised someone had spotted the other person who was involved. Ava offered Nat a hand to get up if she would take it but her attention was looking in the direction of where the snow had filled the gully. Her face returned to her normal stoic expression as she reverted back to all business.
"Celebrate later. One more still out here."
There was definitely a few things she needed to speak to Jarvis about when they got back to the lodge. Right now though.... gully. There was another team who had gone to the other side and they had spotted the third skier.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Nov 6, 2021 16:26:59 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
As the snow cleared from her body, Natasha was finally able to begin moving. She wasn't upside down but neither was she right side up. Their eyes had met through Natasha's goggles and Ava gave her a swift smile in return to the one plastered on Natasha's lips, welcoming Natasha back to the land of cold, white snow. Ava then reflected her relief in the accusation that it was somehow Natasha's fault that the avalanche happened and made her fall. Or, that was Natasha's assumption. The original Widow really had no idea why Ava thought she made her fall or when it could have happened. Context was everything and she had none. It mattered very little, however, as Ava quickly assessed that Natasha was fine and left her half-buried. It became obvious that the other rescuers around them would be the ones to finish helping her out of her hole in the snow as Ava began looking for the other skiier. It was mildly amusing to be so quickly discarded but also truly made Natasha respect Ava more. Family came first, yes, but leaving others helpless to suffer or die was never an option on the table. So it was with a modicum of pride that Nat finished the others in helping her dig out of her own hole while Ava moved on to find the final skier. "Xiè xiè," she said in gratitude to the ski patrol who aided her. The Widow was out in minutes, long enough to have lost sight of Ava. "Vah kahan gayi?" she asked again after making sure she was intact. She had lost her ski poles and one ski, but everything else seemed to be on her person. Well, except for her earpiece. She could get another one at the snowmobiles but Natasha did not have access to more skis as easily. She would be walking her way to Ava. The ski patrol kept trying to assess if Natasha was alright. She had to assure them that she was fine several times before they finally answered her question. One of the women pointed toward the gulley, an assumption Natasha had made considering she lost sight of her sister but had not yet acted upon. Nat nodded and began walking that way, her feet sinking deeply into the freshly churned snow. The rescue team quickly followed then passed her on their snowshoes. "Ava?" Natasha called as she crested the top of the gulch. ________________________________________________________________________
|
|
INFORMATION
2,521 posts
► ◄
Awards:
0
|
Post by Gummy on Nov 6, 2021 18:02:07 GMT -7
Jerk was still following her like a lost puppy it was a little annoying but one which couldn't be stopped. Her eyes tracked to where the person was indicating and looked with a deep frown. The pink trail lead almost in the same direction as they were pointing. Ava frowned as she tried to look around. There were a team trying to get a line ready to absail down but Ava noticed something even more harrowing. This area had been shifted a little and the snow mostly had already blown onward revealing jagged rocks which she really didn't like the look of. She didn't stop them latching up ropes though. Bending down she rummaged in her backpack and took out a cylinder which when pressed acted as an emergency foil for her. This time though she was going to use it for something rather different. After expanding it she also removed a pair of pitons at which point Jerk put a hand on her shoulder and she glared up to him.
"I know how to use them. I may not be a great skier but I am good at what I do."
He raised his eyebrow.
"But your what 17? 18? Just a kid you are barely out of nappies."
Ava gave him one of the looks that would kill if it was bladed. She hated being called 'kid' or anything similar. Jerk held up two hands in surrender as Ava slipped the loops of the pitons over her wrists before changing her snow shoes to spikes. It was at this time she heard Nat call her name.
"They are over the lip. He's got your equipment if you need it."
She pointed to Jerk. She was on a job and talk was time as she stood up and put the baton into the ground for a moment before looking over at the group gearing up to go down.
"Ropes will get cut if someone descends down with all their weight but if it is used just as a safety should be fine. You up for a little climbing or do you need longer to recover?"
For some strange unknown reason she was in a heroes pose, not that she knew it. She was for that moment looking a lot more grown up. Hopefully it would stay.
|
|
INFORMATION Female
3,887 posts
► ◄
Awards:
1
|
Post by Super Chick on Nov 15, 2021 15:53:27 GMT -7
________________________________________________________________________
Ava had discovered the final skier. They were over a ledge of rocky outcroppings that made for some difficulty in repelling down. This also meant greater difficulty in bringing up the survivor - if they yet survived. Natasha wasn't entirely sure that was probable considering the view she had from the lip of the crevasse. However, it meant little in the diversion of their focus. Even the recovery of a body could be of great comfort to a family, let alone the possibility (however small) of saving the life. Ava asked Natasha if she needed more time to recover and the Widow merely shook her head. "I'm fine," she replied to her protege. "But time is of the essence. You begin the descent and I'll coordinate from here."Natasha reached for the bag from the young man who stood with them. He handed it over without hesitation but Natasha noted his concern when his eyes flicked to Ava. Nat began pulling gear from the bag, inserting her new earpiece first then began pulling out a rope and climbing carabiners. She attached one to her belt beneath her coat and began looping the rope through it. She assumed her sister already had the wherewithal to have begun getting her own climbing gear ready and held out one end of the rope to her. "Let me know when you have visual," she said. The rescue team was standing with her preparing a backcountry stretcher to lower into the crevasse. One of the rescuers also looked to be preparing to join Ava. The young man just stood beside them all watching with curious, intelligent eyes. ________________________________________________________________________
|
|