Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5759 - 4782: X Royal Family: Rebirth (22)

On days when the sky is clear, the shadows cast by the towering trees deepen, stretching across the stone steps like hands clad in black silk gloves dancing upon ancient keys. When the heavens are painted in the deepest azure, the foliage’s shadows adopt a rich, blue-purple luminescence. A simple glance is enough to evoke wonder that such vibrant hues could possibly exist in reality.

The architectural style favored in Clarkia prominently features wooden elements, complemented by crystal glass windows and domes. During fair weather, the interiors are bathed in abundant natural light. This sunlight, passing through the crystal panes, imbues everything with a soft, ethereal radiance.

Under this unique illumination, Natasha’s normally cool-toned red hair transforms into a fiery, vibrant orange-red, while Bucky’s dark hair glistens with warm brown highlights. His hair, subtly swaying, gleams as if he’s stepped directly from a medieval religious painting.

Steve moved forward, embracing Bucky warmly.

"You finally made it. And, ma'am, how has your recent work been going?"

"Let me go first," Bucky requested, his voice muffled by the hug. "I have some excellent news; even the notoriously stingy Nick Fury is finally planning to grant me Level 8 Agent status. From this point onward, I’ll be on par with my colleague, Coulson. Oh, right, did you know he consumed a Golden Apple a few days ago?"

"I just heard about it," Steve responded. "Don't forget, he's an ardent admirer of mine. Whenever anything significant happens, he makes it a point to inform me first. Even regarding the Golden Apple, he sought my counsel."

"I'd momentarily forgotten that," Bucky chuckled. "You know, sometimes I struggle to reconcile the fact that you are Captain America with the 'you' I knew before. It's hard to connect the person you are now with the one you used to be."

"That's perfectly understandable. When we first met, I was still a rather frail and awkward young man. Had you not encouraged me to venture out, I likely would have remained confined to my home for an entire year. We have both undergone considerable transformations."

Steve paused for a moment before continuing, "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s workload is incredibly demanding, causing Coulson to age prematurely. In just over a decade, wrinkles have begun to appear on his face. Thankfully, the Golden Apple provided a solution."

"I suspect Nick simply can't bear the thought of losing his capable assistant and wishes for him to continue working for several more years. After all, where else could he find such an economical and efficient Level 8 Agent?"

"You'll be next to receive such recognition soon," Steve said with a smile. "The desire for a crown inevitably brings its burdens. Agent Carter hasn't even achieved Level 8 status yet, and you, arriving much later than her, have already surpassed her in rank."

"That reminds me..." Bucky began, then abruptly stopped, casting a glance towards Natasha, who was standing nearby. It was clear that some confidences shared between close friends were not intended for the ears of outsiders.

Natasha casually waved her hand. "A proficient agent understands the art of playing dead. If you had mastered that skill earlier, you would have earned your promotion long ago."

"Something seems off with you," Steve observed Natasha intently. "You appear somewhat disoriented. Could you be catching a cold?"

"I'm not ill," Natasha replied, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "And who exactly is supposed to have a cold?"

"Tony, naturally. You two arrived a bit late, so you're unaware, but a unwell Tony Stark is exponentially more difficult to handle than his usual self..." Steve trailed off, realizing perhaps he shouldn't be speaking ill of someone behind their back. However, having held this thought for so long, he exchanged a knowing glance with Bucky.

"There's no need for you two to exchange knowing glances; I'm departing shortly," Natasha sighed softly. "When does the spa banquet commence? I believe I require a nap beforehand."

"It begins this evening," Steve informed her. "If you feel tired, please go and rest for a while. We’ll ensure you’re notified when it’s time for lunch."

Natasha departed without another word. Steve watched her retreating figure, a puzzled expression on his face. "What's ailing her? She seems rather..."

Bucky simply shook his head. "I'm not certain either. Perhaps she's just feeling a bit under the weather. Shall we take a stroll around the island? I have quite a tale to tell you about the absurd assignments Nick Fury has saddled me with..."

"Excellent! I have plenty to share as well. Let's converse as we walk."

Upon Natasha’s arrival at her assigned quarters, the personnel from Central Universe were absent. Tony and Shiller had gone to assist with final preparations at the spa, while Matt and Steven had departed to consult with the Mutant leader regarding legal matters concerning sanctions. She had barely made it into the room when she encountered a Captain America from another dimension.

"Good morning, ma'am... Oh, wait, you're not the Natasha from our universe, are you?"

Natasha gave a brief nod, remaining silent. The alternate Captain America looked somewhat perplexed. "You don't appear to be in the best of health. Is everything alright?"

"I'm perfectly fine," Natasha stated, waving a dismissive hand. "I simply require some rest." With that, she entered the room and proceeded directly to her bedroom, where she collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep. The Captain America from the Main Universe stood puzzled at the doorway for a moment before eventually departing. Upon returning to his own lodgings, he found the Black Widow casually snacking on some treats.

"I encountered a version of you from the Central Universe," he stated, "It was my initial glimpse of that universe’s Natasha..."

"That’s impossible," Main Universe Black Widow countered, "During the Multiverse War, you must have seen her, even if you didn't interact."

"That’s not it," Captain America asserted, "While I may have observed any hero during the Multiverse War, individuals from the Central Universe possess a unique distinction, setting them apart from other counterparts. Had I encountered her, recognition would have been certain."

"That might hold true for other heroes, but my experience differs," Black Widow declared, shaking her head. "I know her."

"You imply the Black Widow of the Central Universe shares no significant differences from her other counterparts?" Captain America inquired, making a slight gesture. "Lacking any special abilities?"

Black Widow’s head swayed in negation. "None. If anything, she is less capable than the other counterparts."

"Indeed?" Main Universe Captain America expressed genuine surprise. "She is actually weaker? Can you elucidate why?"

"It appears to be the consequence of a comfortable existence," Black Widow offered with a slight shrug; "A formidable agent necessitates a demanding environment for refinement. Sustained high-pressure conditions are essential for maintaining my physical peak. When circumstances become too facile, various complications invariably arise."

Captain America appeared somewhat perplexed. Black Widow let out a soft chuckle before revealing, "Did you know? The Black Widow from the Central Universe actually experiences menstruation."

Captain America’s movements faltered briefly. "You do not?"

Black Widow lightly rolled her eyes. "I am a transformed warrior; my alteration serves the singular purpose of forging the ultimate agent. Would a perfect agent bleed during combat?"

Captain America’s mouth opened, yet no words followed. He contemplated his own circumstances in relation to Natasha’s. After all, his own transformation yielded predominantly beneficial outcomes: enhanced strength, unwavering resolve, heightened focus, and unimpeded reproductive functions. He had not anticipated that Black Widow, who, like him, had undergone a transformation, would face such a unique challenge.

"Then... how is this managed?" Captain America probed further, adding, "Naturally, this is a personal matter. My inquiry stems not from mere curiosity, but from genuine concern. Even after so many years, the potential for complications persists..."

"It is managed through chemical means," Black Widow explained; "I am aware of the common assumption that I lack a uterus, but the repercussions of organ removal surgery are excessively severe. Their painstaking training is dedicated to cultivating the perfect agent, not subjecting them to invasive surgical procedures; the inherent risks are simply too substantial."

Captain America offered a nod. The selection process for astronauts, pilots, and even members of certain special forces units typically excludes individuals who have undergone surgical interventions. This is particularly true for those who have had open-chest or open-abdominal procedures, as the resulting damage can be significant and potentially compromise long-term physical health. Furthermore, some wounds, while appearing healed, may never fully regain their original integrity. In high-stress or unique operational environments, such vulnerabilities can prove fatal.

Although Natasha is augmented with cybernetic components, these physiological concerns are entirely avoidable, rendering unnecessary risks superfluous.

"But you suggested she might..."

"In truth, after all these years, the chemical interventions have long since ceased to be effective," Black Widow confessed with a shake of her head; "It is now predominantly a psychological element. If I cannot consistently maintain a combat-ready state and risk succumbing to weakness, my operational efficiency would be compromised. Consequently, I have remained in this specific condition ever since."

"Ah, I comprehend," Captain America acknowledged with a nod. "Her operational circumstances are not as perilous, permitting her to live as an ordinary woman. However, she appears quite inconvenienced; this is hardly an unalloyed blessing, is it?"

"Certainly, I do not believe any counterpart would desire menstruation. It’s plausible that a malfunction occurred, leading to her current state," Black Widow stated without any hint of schadenfreude. "However, I am confident she will devise a suitable resolution. After all, regardless of their universe's advantages, she still has professional duties, and this poses a significant impediment to her efficiency."

Natasha remained asleep until the midday meal. Upon waking, a knock echoed at her door. Steve’s voice penetrated the silence from outside, "Ma’am, it is time for lunch; please rise and partake in sustenance."

Natasha slowly stirred and moved. Her emergence drew everyone's attention, not due to any change in her appearance, but rather the noticeable stiffness in her movements—a manifestation many had not previously witnessed in this version of Natasha.

"What ails you?" Strange inquired, his brow furrowed deeply. "Will you not consent to a medical evaluation? I can arrange an appointment at the Elders Council Hospital for you?"

"Do not speak of check-ups," Natasha’s expression turned as grim as a{(-)} pot's underside. "Had that accursed Nick not compelled me to undergo a check-up, none of this predicament would have transpired!"

"So, what’s the matter?" Stark inquired, his brow furrowed, "Are you actually experiencing menstrual cramps?"

He quickly realized the awkwardness of his previous statement, adding, "I always assumed you didn’t menstruate; even if it’s happening now, it’s not necessarily a negative thing, but can’t this issue be rectified?"

Natasha responded with a faint voice, "I didn’t before, but after undergoing a thorough medical examination at S.H.I.E.L.D., they indicated that a specific hormone level in my system had altered, causing me to bleed again..."

"I’m a little unclear on that," Matt pondered for a moment before asking, "Which hormone level underwent a change?"

"The Red Room implemented hormonal suppressants to prevent female agents from menstruating, thereby ensuring their continuous combat readiness. Typically, this effect is meant to last a lifetime, but evidently, my lifetime has proven to be rather extensive," Natasha explained with a sigh, "The hormones in the medication ceased to be effective over a decade ago; they’re no longer functional."

"Then why are you only just now becoming aware of these changes?"

"It’s undoubtedly due to psychological factors. If I hadn’t known, it would have been inconsequential. However, once the awareness set in, the effects began to manifest. Hormones can be quite peculiar in that regard," Natasha elaborated.

Stark suddenly grasped the situation. He looked at Natasha with evident concern and inquired, "Is it not possible to take some painkillers?"

Steve, however, appeared to have already considered the matter. "Standard painkillers are ineffective for us cyborgs, and administering a high dosage could potentially lead to further complications, which is likely not advisable."

Natasha nodded weakly in agreement.