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With that, the line went dead and another heavy sigh escaped the young woman beside me.  "...Cass should be the last person the Puppets worry about.... Yeah, wasn't kidding about how very few people know we're the same person. None of the Puppets know, and they'll never find out. Would most definitely shatter their faith in the name if they did...."

"You're rather amazing as yourself."

"Bucky, you see a me that they'll never hear of." The smile she sent my way was tired, but there was warmth to it.

Maybe hiding behind masks and names wasn't something she always wanted.

Another spin of the platform later, we were going through the trees again.

3.6 Kilometers along the clifftop.

"...When we get back, I could use your help with finding any holes in our security systems."

"I... I want to help... but I don't want to replace you."

"Well, for that to even come close to happening, I have to first keep said fucking job. Got to deal with the parent's shenanigans before anything else. After things have calmed some, I'll get cracking on that arm of yours. See if I can find what's still skipping in there."

"Maybe after you're healed."

"...I'll take that into consideration," she said, flashing me a grin.

6.1 Kilometers to the waterfall. The path just as winding and difficult as when we started.

The way she backed the eight legged machine into its cave made it feel like a living beast returning home. Smoothly. Legs curling close to the platform. As if done every day of its life. A habit.

Valeriy moved with the clear intent to leap off.

Do nothing. Target incapacitated.

Reflexively, my hand shot out to grab onto her.

I found myself unable to expect her to do anything else other than jump.

So I carried her down with me.

Not bothering to set her on her feet. Not until we were in the elevator. Dogs and all.

"You're sure about your money?" Valeriy questioned, her hand trailing down my arm in what felt like thanks.

Nodding was easy. Those children need the money and I wasn't using any of it. We used some of the cash on the trip here, but that didn't even put a dent to what was in the bag.

"Eve, you paying attention?"

"What do you take me for?" the A.I. ghost snapped as we exited the elevator.

"Send Bucky's gold Sparks' way."

"...I'll be on it after the funerals."

"Some of those kids don't have that kind of time."

"I don't care! My children.... My children are dead because of them!!! Dead!!!"

"MY BABIES!!!"

"You monster!!!"

"Nonononopleasepleasepleasepleasebaby baby open your eyes please!!"

Fingers, wrapped tightly around mine, pushed away the screams.

Still, the panic only grew. For what I had done. For what's happening.

But she held on tight. Even as she threw her body into opening the rather heavy shelf door to the stairs. She kept a hold on my hand.

"You had the night to weep. There's nothing more we can do for them, Eve. I did my job. I helped you kill every single one of those human trafficking pedo fat fucks. You've had your reven – "

I pulled on her hand. Silently begging for her to stop.

Valeriy took a deep breath in. Eyes closing for a moment. "I only need your information and rendering capabilities. The rest of you can continue grieving but those kids need all the help they can get."

"...I take it that Mr. Barnes shall be lending a hand in this mess?"

Valeriy glanced back at me, and I nodded in agreement.

"Yup," the young woman chirped.

"...Fine.... I'll have everything set up for when he wakes. He hasn't slept since you attacked him in your sleep."

"I did what? Oh shit."

She lifted our hands towards her face.

I expected teeth to sink into my skin again.

"I'm sorry, Bucky."

But it was a pair of lips pressed against my knuckle. Done so very softly.

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Author's Note:

If you enjoyed this part, please consider leaving a vote. They're very much appreciated. ^^

This part was edited by the Anonymous Second Beta and the new beta TinselA/Bunny Carrot (https://www.fanfiction.net/u/7591081/).