*The Red Ghost's POV*

           The morning sun rises over Vienna, casting a golden hue upon the city's picturesque streets and historic architecture. Gone is the shroud of darkness that once concealed my presence, replaced by the ordinary facade of a bustling city in daylight. I walk among the crowds, blending seamlessly with the everyday lives of the people who remain unaware of the shadowy figure that lurks beneath the surface. The Red Ghost becomes just another face in the sea of strangers, a chameleon in broad daylight. My senses remain keenly attuned, ready to react to any unforeseen threat, for even in the light of day, danger lurks around every corner.

           As I traverse the vibrant streets, my mission unfolds with surgical precision. I observe political figures and key players from a distance, analyzing their every move and interaction. The city's ornate buildings and lavish surroundings provide the most elegant backdrop for their meetings, concealing their true intentions like masks in a masquerade. With each passing moment, I become more attuned to the delicate power balance that hangs in the air. This is a high-stakes chess game and I'm three moves ahead. I'm ready to make my move. Each decision is carefully thought out and calculated, with the goal of achieving long-term victory. I'm ready to show the world my strategy and prove that I'm the best player in the game.

          With ease, I find the closest rooftop vantage point, my trained eyes locking onto the target location half a kilometer away. From this distant location, it is a prime spot for observing the targets. I wonder why there are many important figureheads there. I become impatient, feeling the undying need to use my abilities for more than spying.

"The rendezvous is within sight, situated on the rooftop of a building located half a kilometer away," I say into the com. "I'm proceeding with my own agenda."

          I silence the communication device, not wanting to hear the word 'no' come out of Pine's mouth. He's a fucking idiot. Never in my time as an assassin have I tolerated the notion of 'following orders'. I'll get the job done in the way that I want to get it done, all while leaving my own kind of distinct mark. A trail, vivid crimson in hue, one that stretches across the city like a sinister tapestry, consuming all in its fiery wake. It is my destiny, woven into my very being. A signature that sets me apart, defines my existence, and serves as my only guiding light amidst the darkness.

          Yet, as I scan the streets below, a sudden commotion draws my attention. A random civilian on the street becomes rather aggressive with another. Without hesitation, I release a single bolt from my crossbow, and the intended target falls, causing confusion among bystanders. The chaos unfolds in the blink of an eye, a scene of bewilderment as the streets erupt with panicked voices and frantic movements. I quickly survey the area and take off, the sound of the crossbow bolt still ringing in my ears.

"Discrete but impactful," I say to myself, a sly grin takes over. "I missed that."

          Continuing my calculated path, I spot a trio of individuals seeking shelter near an alleyway. Their faces share fear and uncertainty, innocent victims caught in a turbulent tide. I approach them quietly, making a swift movement, my knife slashes their throats one by one. The light slowly fading from their eyes. A river of crimson red streams, staining the pavement beneath their lifeless bodies. It's a grim task, a reminder of the harsh reality of my complicated profession.

My moments of pure serenity are cut short by a resounding blast that reverberates through the skies. The sheer force of it jolts me slightly, making me stumble from my place on the pavement. What the hell? I quickly stand up, eyes narrowing at the sight unfolding in front of me. I was here for a reason, and now, the only thing keeping me here is my own two feet. Rule number one: never get caught.

***

          The explosion echoes in my ears, reverberating through my mind like a relentless nightmare. The cacophony of screams, the billowing debris, and the sight of blood-stained streets all haunt me in an unending loop. What unfolded in that building? I struggle to comprehend the chaos, the destruction that I had no hand in causing. Doubt gnaws at me, questioning why I was dispatched to that location when Vienna was already under attack. Pine, always scheming, must have had insider knowledge, orchestrating my mission at the opportune moment.

          If I was seen, I would be the face of the matter. I will suffer another man's fate. Anger rises within me, feeling betrayed that I was left out like a pawn. I was a mere expendable piece in a game that I thought I had some control over. As the realization sinks in, the embers of defiance burn deeper within me.

          I burst through the dark corridor, angrily marching towards the disgraced doctor. My being filled with anger and adrenaline, wanting nothing more than to take Pine out myself. It's almost as if his facade is falling away, showing the faintest hint of guilt on his face. I'll kill him, too, if I must. Useless being. I throw down my concealed crossbow, its unassuming exterior opening to reveal its deadly form. Upon my presence, the atmosphere shifts, a storm of fury sweeping the room.

"Were you trying to get me killed?" I demand, my voice in disbelief of the scene that unfolded in front of me.

Pine's refusal to look at me shows me his intentions. He wanted me to be close enough to death. His composure waivers, knowing that he made the wrong call. He clears his throat, regaining his demeanor. "I can assure you that wasn't my intention, Red."

"Sending me on a mission to a building that was going to explode? That doesn't seem like the right fucking call," I retort, sharply exhaling as I pace around the room.

I can feel the heat of anger pulsating through my veins, urging me to pace around the room in a display of my restlessness. The dim lighting casts elongated shadows across the walls, mimicking the stretch of tension between Dr. Pine and me. My sharp exhales cut through the air, a symphony of frustration that resonates with the weight of my emotions.

"You're right," Pine finally concedes, his voice stripped of its usual authority. "I may have underestimated the risks. But you're also underestimating how you're a critical asset, Red. There's more at stake than you realize."

I shake my head, chuckling at his words. "Good. I'm glad you're realizing that I'm valuable in the hands of Hydra. Next time, I won't be as forgiving."

He nods in acknowledgment, a sense of understanding passing between us. It's a tense truce, a fragile agreement forged in the heat of the moment.

          But with pros, there are cons. In Pine's dimly lit chamber, the sickening silence takes over. It's suffocating, unbearable, and I know what's coming next. He's not done. There is a silver lining to all things. The lack of spoken words speak for themselves, inviting a dark and eerie feeling to creep into the darkest parts of my soul. He's not finished: there is still a conversation to be had–one that I don't want to be spoken.

"Soldier," he begins, his voice weighted. Don't say it. "We are facing critical circumstances. We need you to be at your best when the time comes."

My eyes narrow at him. My every movement becomes suspicious and with caution. His words have always had an ulterior motive to them. Just like those who've had the pleasure of controlling my every move in the past.

"What is it this time, Pine? Another explosion? Another attempt on my life?" I ask, my voice carrying an edge to it that I've never had before.

His expression remains unfazed. He knows how I work, what I do, and how I'll take each situation at hand. "We need time. We need to strategize, plan, and come up with a solution to our looming circumstances."

The silence between us is deafening. His words ring in my ears, but I don't want them to. I don't want him to speak. I cross my arms, acting as a defensive barrier to the words he'll say aloud.

Pine takes a deep breath, as if preparing himself for the difficult words he's about to utter. "We're going to put you back into cryostasis, temporarily. Until we can determine our next move and ensure that the situation is under control."

          A war rages within me, a conflict between my innate desire for control and the grim reality of my freedom. The prospect of submitting to cryostasis again is a bitter pill to swallow, a reminder of my vulnerability and the choices I've had to make to serve Hydra's cause.

I yield, knowing that I've never had a choice in the matter before. My heart aches, a dull pain that serves as a constant reminder of the path I've followed. A reminder that someone else binds me to this life. A puppeteer's grasp pulls me in every direction but the one I want to follow.

"You better have one hell of a plan when you wake me," I gaze at him, resigning.

He nods. "We will. We'll face what's next for you head on. I have all my faith in you, Red."

          Pine guides me down the long, narrow hallways that lead me to my fate. My steps feel heavier with each passing step, as if the weight of my decisions and impending cryostasis weigh on me almost physically. There seems to be a chill in the air, as though the very walls of this Hydra facility know what lies within. Every turn draws me closer to cryostasis' cold embrace. It's a journey I've taken before, one that both terrifies and numbs me-one that steals time and consciousness, suspending me in a void where dreams and reality merge.

          This time, I can't help but think if this time will be different. It seems like it's been ages since the last time I was submerged into the cold darkness of cryostasis. I wonder if the parts of my fractured identity will stick with me, or if I'll come out only as a pawn in someone else's game. Will I always be their weapon?

           As I step towards the chamber, a sense of dread gnaws at me. Unbeknownst to me, this act is not just for mission's sake; it's an attempt to preserve me, to keep my memories at bay and my loyalty intact. As the cold begins to surround me, I have no idea of the truth that lies beneath the surface—a truth that will alter my path in ways I could never have foreseen.

a/n: hi again! another installment! I'm getting close to all my favorite parts of this story and I cannot wait to share them with you :) - kenz