The past few months had been a constant battle every time you and W.S crossed paths. Every mission you stopped, every time you got in the way—it infuriated him.

You were good. He had to admit that.

After all, you were another product of Hydr—only you’d managed to escape, to break free, and now you fought for what was right, standing alongside the superheroes.

But Winter S was determined to stop you. He knew it was only a matter of time before you slipped up. You couldn’t escape him forever and today, his patience finally paid off.

You dodged, kicked, and punched as the two of you were locked in battle. The power granted to you through those cursed experiments with the power stone had always given you an upper hand.

But this time, he was ready.

Before you could launch another attack, his metal hand shot out, gripping your throat. His other hand slapped a power-dampening bracelet over your wrist and locked it in place. A jolt surged through your body, and you groaned as he tossed you down the alleyway. Your back slammed hard against the stone wall behind you.

Disoriented, you pushed yourself into a sitting position and glared at him from down the alley. Your powers were now useless, but the Super Soldier serum still coursed through your veins so you weren’t entirely down for the count.

“What are you going to do?” you asked, your voice mocking despite the situation. “Kill me, Mr. Soldier?”

He stared at you. His mask was still on, but his eyes no longer hidden—were locked on you with cold intensity.

“Oh, I’m not gonna kill you,” he said, his voice calm, measured.

“Then what?” you asked with a smirk.

“I’m just gonna hurt you.”

He paused as he stepped closer. You didn’t move, still recovering from the hit, your body sore and unsteady. He crouched down, eye-level now.

“Really… really… bad,” he finished, and his metal hand reached out again, wrapping around your throat.