Winter Soldier (2012 series) #14

Searching for Leo Novokov and the brainwashed Black Widow, Captain America and Hawkeye capture Novokov’s weapons maker Marvin Martin as he tries to leave the country and learn that he has created a massive bomb for his employer. At SHIELD HQ, the heroes determine three possible points around Washington for the terrorist to plant his device and split up to check out each spot. Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, intuits that he strike zone will be Arlington National Cemetery and heads there to rescue his beloved Natasha. Arriving at the gate he discovers a murdered guard and radios Cap for aid; Cap then alerts the other team members to rendezvous there. Bucky is attacked the Widow and he fires at her knowing she will dodge easily but it will get her out of the way while he targets Novokov. Dodging his two enemies Bucky finally gets the drop on the villain just as his arriving teammates flash spotlights on the area. The Widow distracts Bucky long enough for Novokov to get up—but he takes Natasha hostage, surprising her. The standoff is tense but Hawkeye puts an arrow in Novokov’s leg and Bucky shoots him down. The rescued Widow does not recognize her lover….

The villain survives and is placed in custody, and SHIELD scientists are able to restore Natasha’s memories—all except one. She is unable to recall anyone named James Barnes. Cap assures him that there are a lot more they can try but Bucky declines: he doesn’t want her head messed with anymore…and she’s better off without him. As the Winter Soldier heads off into the night, he faces a life of pain and heartbreak but consoles himself that Natasha will not be in the same situation ….