The electricity pulsed through my veins as the tears streamed down my face due to the pain becoming unbearable. Weeks had gone by and they've experimented on my body countless times, trying to get me to give into the procedures and become the monster. But as they expected, I, apparently, was stronger than I had looked. My body seemed to feel like it was about to crumble from beneath me and I could barely keep my eyes open. Every bone in my body started to shake as the electricity became too much, and suddenly, I was roughly grabbed off the chair and placed on a table. Restraints went around my legs and arms, but the cold metal exterior of the table was kept as a reminder that I was still alive. I didn't want to survive this because the pain was too much, but I wouldn't dare to scream as the tears flowed like a river down my face.

"Just give in and the pain will stop," the man hovering above said as a deviant smirk rests upon his lips.

I stared back at the man, not a single trace of emotion resided on my face. I forced myself to ignore the smart comments that came from the man, hoping that the more I resisted, the quicker they'd give up on me. Little did I know that that giving up was never going to be an option for them.

Several men gathered around me, holding different sized knives in their hands, and my breathing hitched causing me to panic. When the first blade began to slice my skin, I balled my fist as I bit my lip, trying not to scream and the pain started to become too much for me. One after the other, my vision started to go dark in the corners and my sense of reality started to fade away. I had to give into the pain. I had to give into the power that the men had over me. If I would've listened sooner, I would've known the outcome would've been one of the best things that had ever happened to me.

My eyelids began to get heavy, resulting in my eyes remaining closed. And then, the pain stopped. I couldn't feel the knives anymore because due to the closing of my eyes, the men had to stop. I was changing. I wasn't Avalon anymore. It's like I put up a wall from my emotions and my pain tolerance became heightened... to the point where I couldn't feel a thing. This is just my body's reaction to everything that has happened, but I knew death was inevitable; you can't cheat death.

"Wake up, soldier!" a man screamed at me, but I couldn't move and my eyes wouldn't open.

The noise around me slowly vanished from my ears, but the sound of my heart beat was the only thing keeping me awake.

"Wake up!"

My eyes shoot open to meet a pair of chocolate brown eyes staring back at me. Confusion rises from within me, not knowing who I am and where I am. My hands feels around on the surface, which happens to be damp sand, and I wrap my hand around the handle of a knife. The woman seems like she's trying to help me, but I only see red. Before she can say anything, I lunge at her, swinging my left arm and easily, the knife punctures her neck, causing her eyes to widen in disbelief. Ripping the knife from her neck, blood begins to gush from her neck. Get the hell out of there. Briskly, I stand up on my feet, and I look down on the ground, seeing the pool of blood around me become bigger with each passing second.

I inhale sharply as I realize what just happened. "What the hell did I just do?" I say to myself as I turn and look all around me, noticing the destruction from the events that occurred not long ago.

And without a second thought, I start to run out of there, knowing that not only am I wanted for the crimes I've committed, but yet again, I'm alone in the world without an idea where to go.

***

*TWO DAYS LATER*

After I found out that all of the files from Shield and Hydra were released for everyone to see, my true identity was revealed and I had to make sure I was never to be see. Ever since then, I've been trying to keep a low profile, but due to my lack of knowledge in the twenty-first century, people are smarter than they look. First, I stole from a bookstore because I wanted to get journals to write down everything I remembered. Second, I broke into yet another apartment, stealing clothes from a random civilian in Washington, D.C.. And lastly, I went back to Sam's apartment because something was luring me there and deep down, I hoped they were there.

Oddly, the door is unlocked, and in a swiftly movement, I turn the doorknob and make in inside with ease. Closing the door, I make sure it's locked because I'm not looking to get caught by the authorities today. Looking around, I notice how empty the place is, but something on the kitchen counter catches my attention and I almost run over to it, bumping into the couch in the process. My hands begin to shake as I pick the note up and for a second, it looks like gibberish, but my mind register that it's in English, not Russian.

"Avalon,
Sam, Nat, and I went to the Avengers Tower in New York City. We hope to see you soon.
-Steve"

A smile forms on my lips at the thought of them all being okay. Now, all I have to do is figure out how the hell to get to New York without being recognized by the public. Before I can even think, I shove the note in my pocket and I walk over to the fridge, grab a few bottles of water for my journey and stuffing them into my backpack. I sling the bag back over my shoulder and I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself and Red for what is to come.

But as my hand touches the doorknob, the cold metal exterior causes an image to flash to my mind.

With every punch he threw in my direction, I dodged them, causing him to become slightly angrier than he had been before. My focus was caught on how he had change so suddenly, and with that, his fist made contact with my jaw. Snapping out of my distracted state, I take a few steps back, receiving a confused look from the soldier before I ran in a beeline towards him. Swiftly, I jumped and my feet connected with his chest, sending him flying backwards. I used my momentum and propelled myself backwards and gracefully landing on my feet.

"Not too bad, Princess," said the blue eyed soldier who had been the only one who rarely called me Red. "But watch out."

Before I could even register what was happening, he charged me, his metal hand gripped onto my shirt and pulled me closer to him. I had to look up at the man due to how short I actually am compared to him. The anger he had wasn't towards me, but it was like it was towards himself. Blue on blue stare at each other and I hadn't noticed that I put my guard down. Suddenly, I was pushed into the wall behind me, feeling the cold metal on the bare skin of my arms. My breathing quickened, not exactly sure how to get out of this, but what I did know was that I needed a lot more training.

"Rule number one; never put your guard down," the soldier explained as I'm still pressed against the wall. "But I can say you're something else."

He removed his arm and took a step back from me, allowing there to be some space between us.

"Hey, I'm just learning from Hydra's greatest soldier himself," I said to him, a smile faint on my lips. "Not everyone gets the opportunity to train with the Winter Soldier."

He shook his head as a smirk took its place on my lips. Everything had changed since whenever I could remember. I don't know when or how I got here, but I felt like I was meant to be here; like this was my destiny. And Winter made it more tolerable because it's always so quiet in this place.

"Just remember that there's always someone looking after you, Princess," Winter said. The words caught me off guard. His face was filled with sincerity that I never thought would be present.

"And who might that be, Winter?"

He put his hand on my shoulder, my attention directly on him.

"The person you'd least expect"

It was him. He'd be the one would to protect me, even if I thought he wanted to kill me.

I rip my hand away from the doorknob, perplexed on why that memory surfaced in my mind. Blinking a few times, for a brief moment, it felt like he is standing directly behind me, and by instinct, I turn around, hoping to face him, but he's not there. Where are you, Winter? I walk back towards the door, trying to ignore what just happened. Finally, I turn the doorknob and I'm set out for New York City.

***

*ONE DAY LATER*

Exiting the train at Penn Station, I'm amazed with how many people can be in one area at once. Gripping onto the straps of my backpack, I keep my head low and walk out of the train station, trying to figure out where exactly I'm supposed to go. The sun shines bright in the sky, streets are crowded with an ocean, and I can't but think that I'm the deadliest person they'll walk by today. With each step I take, my eyes gaze at every aspect of my surroundings, and I'm completely taken away by how amazing it is. Have I ever been here before? I walk over to a street light and lean my shoulder against it because for one, I don't exactly know where to go and second, I don't want to be in anybody's way.

"You seem lost, miss," a voice beside me says and I shift my attention to the young man standing next to me.

"I don't exactly know where to go. I've never been to New York City before," I reply, simply.

He looks surprised when I say this. "That's insane! Where are you trying to go? I might be able to help you," his generosity takes me by surprise. I'm still not used to people helping me; they're usually too afraid of what I'll do.

"The Avengers Tower," I feel awkward saying this to the man because he gives me a weird look.

"It's down a block and then, you'd take a left at the stoplight. It's easy to spot," he explains, his green eyes fill will confusion as he knits his eyebrows together. "What's taking you there? You're a superhero, too?"

The question rolls around in my mind, humorlessly, because this guy has no idea who I am and what I'm capable of doing. Most certainly, I'd never be a hero. Whether I'm Red or Avalon, killing is just in my nature, and that'll never change. I have to do it or it feels like I'll go out of my freaking mind.

My hand covers my mouth as a humorous laugh escapes my lips. "Me? A hero? I'm your worst nightmare, love," my voice is dark and devilish. The man looks at me slightly terrified, but he sure is good at hiding it. Sucks that I'm so good at reading people.

Reaching my hand up to my sunglasses, I pull them down my nose to reveal my eyes, and my bright blue greet a fear strickened pair of sea green. The only reason for my actions is that my file is out there, for the entire world to see. I'm not surprised that the authorities haven't caught on to the line of crimes that I've committed in the past few days, but that's the least of my worries right now. The young man's body visibly begins to shakes as he realizes who I am.

"Tell anyone you saw me and you'll be at the top of my kill list," giving him a deviant glare and he just shakes his head vigorously before running behind me, through the crowd of people.

The moment he runs off, I start laughing because it's so amusing to watch people run away scared when I threaten them. If I'm honest, I don't find myself scary, but I understand because even I can be afraid for what I'm capable of. With a smirk rest upon my face, I strut away, feeling like a complete badass, set off to find the Avengers.

***

And there it stands. The Avengers Tower and all of its glory. I thought it'd be easier to get in just because it's a tower in the middle of New York City, but the security is at an all time high. Opening the glass door, six guards stand around armed and they instant snap their heads at me. Stay cool, calm, and collected..... And maybe cause a little chaos.

"Excuse me, Miss, do you have a reason for being here?" the guard, who actually is a woman asks me, rudely.

"Yes, I actually do, but with that attitude, I'd rather not tell you," I state, sarcasm lacing every word.

My words seemed to annoy the woman easily and before I can react, she walks towards me and tries to grab my bag.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I glare at her, tightening my grab on the bag. "Just let me through and nothing will happen."

The guards stand their ground like their forming a protest and it doesn't stop the woman from trying to grab my bag again. Taking another step back, I lean my head down, removing my sunglasses and throw them to the side. People just don't listen, do they?

"I really didn't want to do this, but you've given me no choice," I sigh, taking off my backpack, opening it, and getting out my cross bow and quiver. "Didn't they teach you never to be fooled by an assassin?"

Before they can react, I already loaded my crossbow and shot the woman in the throat when she was just about to yell something. The five remaining guards charge at me, causing more of a commotion than I am. Grabbing another arrow, I aim it at a man's temple and pulling the trigger, I watch the arrow whiz through the air, and as expected, it impales itself into his head. With three guards remaining, they came at me, ready to fight, and it's a wrong move when it comes to me.

Another two guards go down, leaving me against the last one standing. He looks at me terrified but brave enough to take me on. What a shame, he's kind of cute. His fist connects with my nose and I feel a stream of blood start to flow, but I don't care. I swing my leg, kicking in hard in the side and then, in the groin, making him fall to the ground in pain. Easily, I grab the knife from my side and lean down to the man suffering. My hand begins to twitch because I crave to murder the man and Red always has to have her way. Absentmindedly, I push the knife to his neck and slit his throat as blood spatters everywhere. I stand up, putting the knife in my belt and walk over towards the security system.

"How the hell am I-," I begin to say before I walk over to the computer on the desk, and begin typing away.

I have no idea what I'm doing, let alone know how I'm doing it. My fingers seem to have a mind of their own as they type away at the keyboard, creating some sort of code. And then, a message appeared on the screen saying 'Security System is unarmed and disabled'. Whatever I just did, I'm impressed and the sound of the elevator opening catches my eye. In an instant, I'm running over to the elevator and I click the button to the top floor, knowing that that's where Steve will be. Somehow, you're good at hacking into security systems. Since when did Hydra need those skills?

The only sound coming from the elevator is the gears moving it upwards and the sound of my breathing. Blood is still running out of my nose and the 'new' clothes that I stole are covered in blood as well. Should've stayed in your soldier's uniform. It's a better look on you. I sigh, longing for the doors to finally open. A few minutes later, a loud ding goes off and the elevator doors slide open, revealing four individuals that are all startled by the elevator opening. And senselessly, I step out of it, letting the doors close quietly behind me.

"Sorry, I just killed all of the security guards in the lobby and I hacked into the security system, but I don't know how I did it," I say bluntly to the wide-eyed four.

The air is tense and the silence is becoming more and more unbearable as each second goes by. My grip on my crossbow tightens as it hangs by my right leg.

"I'm looking for Steve Rogers or Natasha Romanoff or-" I'm cut off by the sight of the familiar super soldier who just walked into the room, causing my to drop my crossbow onto the floor.

"Avalon, you're alive," Steve's voice is filled with amazement and undeniable relief.

I smile faintly. "I'm an assassin, not a wimp, remember?"

My comment causes a few different people in the room to laugh and Steve walks over to me, pulling me into a hug. His actions confused me because I had no idea what to do with this type of affection, but I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist before letting go and facing the other people in the room.

"Everyone, this is Avalon Rawlins," Steve introduced me to the others as the human, not the assassin, and it's relieving to hear something other than the monster.

"So, we're housing an unpredictable criminal in here?" A man with dark brown hair, an odd beard, and something glowing in his chest asks Steve. Cocky much?

"I mean, if you want to meet Red, contact Hydra and they'll be more than happy to have her back," I snap at the man, giving him a hard glare.

A laugh from an unfamiliar dirty blonde man erupts."I already like her more than I like all of you," the man says, who I will later find out is Clint Barton, an individual who I'd being to grow close to.

A/N - hey guys, it's ya girl kenzie, coming at you with a new update and i'm still very sorry i haven't update the art of war, i just haven't had the time to watch mockingjay part two to get the dialogue. softball season is done on monday so after that i will have more time to write so please forgive me and i love you. enjoy (: - k