**Chapter 13: Natasha's Concerns**

Natasha Romanoff stepped out of the shadows, her eyes fixed on Yelena as she walked towards her. The dimly lit alleyway seemed to shrink, as if the very walls were closing in, as Natasha's gaze pierced through the darkness. Yelena, sensing her friend's presence, turned to face her, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Natasha, what's wrong?" Yelena asked, her voice low and even, but with a hint of curiosity. Natasha's expression was a mixture of concern and admiration. "You're getting too reckless, Yelena. I've been tracking your movements, and it's like you're courting death. You're taking on demons that even I wouldn't dare to face alone." Yelena shrugged, her shoulders barely rising off the wall. "I'm just doing what needs to be done, Natasha. I've got the skills and the firepower to take them down." Natasha's eyes narrowed, her gaze boring into Yelena's. "That's exactly what I'm worried about. You're not just taking them down, Yelena. You're mouthing off to them, taunting them, and then killing them with ease. It's like you're trying to prove something." Yelena's smile grew wider, but there was a hint of defensiveness in her voice. "I'm just being myself, Natasha. I've got the power and the confidence to back it up. I won't apologize for being effective." Natasha sighed, her shoulders sagging in relief. "I'm not asking you to apologize, Yelena. I'm asking you to be careful. You're not invincible, no matter how much you think you are. You're still human, or at least, mostly human." Yelena's laughter was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, but it carried a hint of steel. "Mostly human?" she repeated, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You know better than that, Natasha. I've got the Devil Trigger now, and it's changed me. I'm not just a skilled fighter; I'm a force of nature." Natasha's expression turned serious, her voice taking on a warning tone. "That's exactly what I'm worried about, Yelena. You're losing yourself in the Devil Trigger. You're becoming something else, something more. And I'm not sure I like it." Yelena's smile faltered, and for a moment, Natasha saw a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes. But then, Yelena's mask slipped back into place, and she grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry about me, Natasha. I know what I'm doing. And if you're worried about my methods, just remember that I'm not the one who's been playing by the rules all these years. I'm the one who's breaking free." Natasha's eyes lingered on Yelena's face, searching for something, but Yelena's expression remained inscrutable. Finally, Natasha nodded, her shoulders relaxing. "Alright, Yelena. I'll trust your judgment. But promise me one thing: you'll stay alive, and you'll stay in touch. I don't want to find out about your next adventure through the grapevine." Yelena's laughter was like music, warm and reassuring. "I promise, Natasha. I'll stay alive, and I'll keep you posted. But don't worry; I'll always have your back." As they parted ways, Natasha couldn't shake off the feeling that she was watching a ticking time bomb, waiting for the moment when Yelena's reckless abandon would finally catch up with her. But for now, she could only stand back and watch as Yelena Belova, the Unseen Twin, continued to dance with destiny, her sword and her pistols at the ready.