Mila Markova

## History

### Early Life

Mila Markova was born in the small village of Novaya Zemlya, located in the vast Russian countryside. Her parents, Ivan and Elena Markova, were hardworking farmers who instilled in Mila a strong sense of discipline and resilience. Growing up in a modest household, Mila learned the value of hard work and the importance of community.

From an early age, Mila exhibited exceptional physical abilities, surpassing her peers in agility, strength, and reflexes. Her talents did not go unnoticed, and whispers of her extraordinary skills reached the ears of a mysterious figure associated with the Black Widow Ops Program.

At the age of ten, Mila's life took an unexpected turn when she was visited by Natalya Romanova, a recruiter for the Black Widow Ops Program. Natalya, herself a former Black Widow operative, saw great potential in young Mila and believed she had the makings of a formidable agent. Convinced that Mila's abilities could be honed for the greater good, Natalya extended an invitation for her to join the program.

Mila's parents, hesitant to let their daughter embark on such a dangerous path, were initially resistant. However, Natalya assured them that the program would provide Mila with the education, skills, and opportunities that their small village couldn't offer. Recognizing the once-in-a-lifetime chance for their daughter to have a brighter future, Ivan and Elena reluctantly agreed to let Mila join the Black Widow Ops Program.

Thus, Mila bid farewell to her family and ventured into a world of secrecy and shadows. She was transported to a hidden facility deep within the Russian wilderness, where she would undergo intensive training alongside other young recruits.

### Red Room

#### Early Years

The early years in the Red Room were marked by grueling physical and mental conditioning. Mila endured a relentless regimen of combat training, acrobatics, and martial arts. She learned to harness her agility and strength, honing her body into a lethal instrument. The instructors were ruthless, pushing her to the limits of her endurance and beyond, leaving no room for weakness or failure.

In addition to physical training, Mila underwent rigorous mental and psychological conditioning. The Red Room's operatives sought to mold her mind, erasing emotions and instilling unwavering loyalty to their cause. Through a combination of psychological manipulation and chemical treatments, they aimed to suppress any trace of individuality and mold her into a perfect, obedient weapon.

Amid the harsh training and indoctrination, Mila's spirit remained unbroken. She displayed remarkable resilience, finding solace in her memories of her family and a stubborn determination to reclaim her freedom. Mila became adept at masking her true thoughts and feelings, learning to navigate the treacherous waters of the Red Room's manipulation while secretly plotting her escape.

As Mila grew older, she began to question the morality of the Red Room's mission. She witnessed the consequences of her training firsthand, forced to carry out missions that left behind a trail of bloodshed and suffering. Doubt crept into her mind, and a flicker of defiance ignited within her.

### Escape

Driven by an unyielding desire for independence and justice, Mila dedicated herself to learning everything she could about the inner workings of the Red Room. During her spare moments, she studied their protocols, exploited weaknesses in their security systems, and secretly gathered intelligence to expose their operations.

Years passed, and Mila's training reached its peak. She emerged as one of the Red Room's most promising recruits, possessing unmatched combat skills, intelligence, and resourcefulness. However, unbeknownst to her captors, Mila had harnessed her abilities for a different purpose—to dismantle the organization that had robbed her of her childhood and her freedom.

One fateful night, seizing a rare opportunity, Mila executed a daring escape plan. She slipped past guards, bypassed high-tech security systems, and vanished into the shadows, leaving the Red Room behind forever. With the knowledge she had acquired and the skills she had honed, she sought to expose the Red Room's dark secrets and bring their reign of terror to an end.

### Fugitive & America

As Mila Markova continued her journey as a vigilante and protector of the innocent, her actions and reputation in New York City caught the attention of both the criminal underworld and the media. While she operated under the name Nightstrike, her distinctive combat style and her relentless pursuit of justice led to whispers among both criminals and those she had saved.

One fateful night, during a particularly daring mission to dismantle a human trafficking ring, Mila's actions left an indelible mark on the criminal organization. In a display of her exceptional skills, she swiftly incapacitated numerous armed thugs and freed the captive victims. As the confrontation reached its climax, a crimson red light illuminated the scene, casting an eerie glow on Mila as she struck down the ringleader with her trademark precision.

Word of the encounter quickly spread throughout the criminal underworld, and Mila's exploits became intertwined with the legend of the "Crimson Widow." Criminals began associating her with the color crimson, symbolizing the blood she spilled in her pursuit of justice and the mark she left on those who dared to cross her path.

Embracing the name bestowed upon her by the very individuals she fought against, Mila Markova adopted the moniker of the Crimson Widow. The name represented her relentless determination, her unwavering commitment to protecting the innocent, and the fear she instilled in the hearts of criminals. It became a symbol of her fierce presence, striking fear into the hearts of those who would harm others.

From that moment forward, the Crimson Widow became a name whispered in hushed tones by both the underworld and the city's residents. She stood as a symbol of justice, an avenger for those who had suffered at the hands of evil. With her crimson attire and unwavering resolve, she continued her mission to eradicate the darkness that plagued New York City, leaving a trail of justice in her wake as the enigmatic and formidable Crimson Widow.

## Personality

Mila Markova, known as the Crimson Widow, possesses a complex and layered personality shaped by her upbringing in the Red Room and the challenges she faced during her time there. While initially appearing as a quiet and goal-driven individual, a closer examination reveals a multifaceted persona, marked by both strength and vulnerability.

Raised in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Red Room, Mila developed a steely determination and a sense of discipline that allowed her to survive. Her early experiences of deprivation, including the lack of sufficient food and water, hardened her exterior, creating an initially cold and reserved demeanor. This shell protected her from emotional pain and served as a survival mechanism during her time as a covert operative.

However, beneath the surface, there exists a kind, caring, and sweet nature within Mila. Moments of tenderness and compassion emerge when she allows herself to show vulnerability and connect with others on a deeper level. The act of being freed by Cassandra Volkova, for instance, stirred a long-suppressed sense of gratitude and warmth within her, prompting Mila to express her appreciation through a soft and genuine embrace.

Despite her inner kindness, Mila bears the weight of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her traumatic experiences in the Red Room. The haunting memories of her time there can resurface when triggered, particularly if she experiences a strong blow to the head. These intense flashbacks transport her back to the horrors she endured, temporarily overwhelming her with vivid and distressing recollections.

The duality of Mila's personality, with her stoic exterior and underlying warmth, coupled with her struggles with PTSD, adds depth to her character as the Crimson Widow. She is a formidable and determined warrior, driven by a sense of justice and a desire to protect the innocent. However, her past experiences and the emotional scars she carries serve as a constant reminder of the traumas she has endured, reinforcing her commitment to fighting against the darkness that once consumed her own life.

As the Crimson Widow, Mila strives to find a delicate balance between her unwavering resolve and the compassionate soul that lies within. She navigates her path with strength, kindness, and an unwavering determination to make a difference in the world, drawing upon her complex experiences and emotions to fuel her relentless pursuit of justice.

## Powers and Abilities

### Powers:

**Artificially-Enhanced Physiology:** Mila was biochemically enhanced through the Black Widow Ops Program when she was an infant. She received the Red Room's version of the Super-Soldier Serum that was created by Dr. Lyudmila Kudrin to enhance her immune system, bodily condition, and longevity.

**Peak Human Strength:** Mila's physical strength is enhanced, enabling her to consistently press lift 500 pounds (226 kilograms).

**Athletic Speed:** Mila's speed is that of an Olympic athlete, enabling her to run at speeds of 32-36 mph.

**Enhanced Durability:** Mila's body is enhanced to withstand greater physical injuries than normal humans.

**Athletic Reflexes:** Mila's reflexes are similar to those of an athlete.

**Athletic Stamina:** Natasha’s stamina is similar to that of an athlete.

**Peak Human Healing:** Dr. Kudrin theoretically stated Mila's wounds heal five times faster than average human rate.

**Enhanced Immune System:** The Black Widow's has been enhanced by biotechnology that has slowed her aging, and augmented her immune system.

**Enhanced Longevity:** The serum extends Natasha's lifespan and youth, resulting in her maintaining the appearance of a woman that's 29 (Her physical & mental age).

**Peak Human Endurance:** Mila exhibits extraordinary levels to physical pain. She once resumed functioning in spite of her undergoing unbearable surgery without anesthesia.

### Abilities:

**Master Spy**: Trained in the Red Room, Mila is a master in infiltration and spy craft.

**Master Martial Artist**: Having gone through the training of the Red Room and trained to be a Black Widow, Mila is an incredibly skilled martial artist. She was able to fight Natasha Romanoff evenly, matching her move for move before they had a truce. Markova is able to quickly use her surroundings to her advantage and use random items as improvised weaponry.

**Knife Mastery**: Markova was shown to be highly skilled using a knife.

**Master Markswoman**: Mila possess great proficiency, capabilities and knowledge in guns, a ranged weapon designed to use a shooting tube (gun barrel) to launch typically solid projectiles, allowing them to perform great feats and benefit in far ranged combat. Mila can aim excellent bull-eyes on her targets via bullets.

**Master Acrobat**: As a Black Widow, Markova is trained in ballet and highly acrobatic.

**Master Assassin**: As a Black Widow, Mila is a master assassin. She was shown to be able to kill her targets with incredible efficiency.

**Bilingualism**: Mila is able to speak and understand her native Russian and English.

## Equipment

### Weapons

#### Black Widows Baton:

These batons are a common piece of Black Widow's arsenal. Some of these batons can be electrified similar to her gauntlets while others can be combined into a bō staff.

**Electrocution**: Similar to the Black Widow's Bite, most versions of the batons can deliver powerful, electrical shocks to incapacitate her targets. The electrocution is powerful enough for Markova to take down multiple enemies.

**Staff Assembly**: Black Widow was able to combine the final version of her batons to form one longer staff, giving her alternate fighting options.

#### Black Widow's Bite/Gauntlet:

Markova's gauntlets were more akin to bracelets (actually they are called bracelets by the KGB), and they had no offensive purpose. Like Spider-Man’s web-shooters, they generated a piece of string for her to swing around on (a "Widow's Line"), but unlike Spider-Man's web-shooters, they can't tie up enemies or incapacitate.

**Electrocution**: The Bite's main function is to deliver powerful electrical shocks to incapacitate the target.

**Grappling Hook**: The Bite also contains a grappling hook able to support Romanoff's weight and slow her descent in case of a fall.

**Taser Disk Shooting**: The Bite also shoots Taser Disks, which are small disk-shaped objects that deliver an electric discharge with the purpose of incapacitating and disorientating targets.

**Electrical Blasts**: The Bite's new upgrade allows for a projection of focused electricity to knock the target unconscious or disrupt any electromechanical device from either a long or short distance.