*The Red Ghost's POV*

          Tranquility isn't in my nature, but when it falls upon me, greeting me like an old friend, it's oddly comforting. The dull, colorless walls stare back at me, and out of annoyance, I throw a knife that is laid beside me. It punctures it with a quiet bang, causing pieces of the chipped drywall to pour out. But it's not the only one plunged into the wall. There are seven, to be exact. I prop my head upon my hand, boredom taking over as I continue to stare into empty space.

          The metal door swings open, creating a loud creaking sound from its hinges. My reaction, I threw the knife over my shoulder, hearing the startling gasp from the one who walked through the door. I try to hold back my laughter as I turn towards the door, noticing Xavier in the doorway. My eyes narrow towards him, not wanting to exactly deal with him or the constant procedures I have to endure.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Dr. Xavier Pine," my words reek of sarcasm. "For what do I owe the pleasure?"

          The first thing I notice is his posture. It's not as confident as it used to be. His shoulders are slightly hunched forward, noticing his slouch. He's nervous, but to what, I don't know. I don't have the power of telekinesis, sadly. His eyes refuse to meet mine, my brow quirking upwards because of it, but as moments pass by, his hesitant eyes lock onto mine. It's time.

          There's something about his actions that lead me to the outcome. Maybe it's because I've been through this process a thousand times, or simply, it's how everything has played out. There will only be one outcome, and I don't even need him to speak because his actions are screaming out inaudible words. Words that don't dare to be spoken. I know what to do. I know how to get it done. And something tells me that this time, it's going to be the best assignment yet.

"What's my mission?" The words greet me like an old friend and only cause Pine to look somewhat surprised.

His shoulders relax, almost as if he's relieved of something. "Now, before you argue with me, hear me out," he looks at me with the intensity that I haven't seen in a while, "I'm sending you out into the streets of Vienna. There are important political figures in the city, and frankly, I want to see what you'll do with that information."

          See what I'll do? That's a new one. I let his words roll around in my head, thinking about the fun it would be. But I've found that that is just something that doesn't interest me. In fact, I would rather be sent after an actual person. You know, like a political figure like the President or a prime minister. Something of importance, but I look at Dr. Pine, quizzically.

"I like challenges. What's the catch?"

Gears start turning in his brain as his physical appearance becomes more like the one I'm used to seeing. "To see if you're capable of slaughtering lives, instead of sparing them. I want to know if you'll find who I'm looking for," his words threaten to insult my abilities, but my eyes narrow, and if I could, they'd be sending daggers right into his heart.

"I'm no hero," I say through my teeth, getting angry at the fact that he would think of such an absurd concept. Narrowing what I am, down to a hero is definitely not how one would describe me. "Saving lives isn't my forte. But don't you worry, I'll find the prize."

He nods his head at my statement, and he clasps his hands together. "As that may be true, we must take initiative before we send you out on more missions."

          His proposal--more missions--intrigues me. It rolls around in my mind, as it's not something I'm familiar with, to a certain extent. Yes, I've killed hundreds of people during my reign of terror, but freehand, without trying to unmask who I am? Now, that's something I'm willing to test the waters with.

"Compelling. I like the sound of that. I've gotten bored within these walls," I say, getting up from my spot on the floor. "

          Dr. Pine leads me out into the dark corridor. Following the twists and turns of the dimly lit hallways, we make our way into the armory. Inside the armory, an array of advanced weaponry, gadgets, and combat gear line the walls. As I walk through the arsenal, I run my fingers along the sleek surfaces of deadly firearms and pick up a crossbow similar to the one I've used time and time again.

The crossbow feels familiar in my hands, like an extension of myself. Its silent and deadly nature appeals to my preference for stealth and precision. I check the string and examine the bolts, ensuring everything is in perfect condition. A weapon like this can be a valuable asset in Vienna, where subtlety and subtlety alone is the key.

Dr. Pine stands by, watching me closely as I inspect the crossbow. He knows that, despite my sarcastic demeanor, I take my assignments seriously and that I'm meticulous in preparing for the task at hand.

"I trust this will serve you well," Pine says, gesturing toward the crossbow.

I nod in agreement, acknowledging his trust in my abilities. "It will do just fine. I've grown quite fond of this old friend."

"Excellent," Pine responds, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Remember, Red, your primary objective in Vienna is information. Uncover any potential threats to Hydra and eliminate them discreetly."

I offer a slight smirk. "Information is power, and power is what keeps Hydra at the top of the game."

"Indeed," Pine replies, his tone turning serious. "But be wary, Red. Vienna is a city filled with deception, and you may encounter unexpected challenges. There are forces at play that we may not fully comprehend."

          His words only fuel my excitement. The prospect of navigating through political intrigue, manipulating the shadows, and outsmarting potential adversaries sends a thrill through my veins.

"I'll be careful," I assure him, though in reality, caution has never been my strong suit.

Pine hands me a small, unassuming device. "This is your communicator. It's also equipped with a tracking system. Keep it on you at all times, and we'll be in contact if needed."

Taking the device, I examine it briefly before securing it in a concealed pocket of my suit. "Noted. But don't expect me to check in regularly. I prefer to work independently."

"I understand," Pine concedes, acknowledging my preference for autonomy. "Just remember, we're here to support you if the situation calls for it."

           With my preparations complete, I'm eager to step into the darkness of Vienna. The streets will be my battlefield, and my adversaries, unknowing pawns in a game they can't comprehend. The Red Ghost thrives in this realm, and I'm ready to unleash my skills once more.

          As I turn to leave the armory, a thought crosses my mind. The Winter Soldier—the shadow of my past—lingers in the back of my thoughts. Will he be in Vienna too, and if so, what will our encounter be like? I push the thought aside, focusing on the mission at hand.

The metal door closes behind me, sealing me once more in the shadows of Hydra's hidden base. I make my way to the exit, feeling the anticipation building within me. Vienna awaits, and the Red Ghost is ready to dance with death, leaving no trace but whispers in the wind.

           With each step I take, I embrace the darkness that resides within me, accepting my role as Hydra's favorite soldier, their enigmatic and deadly assassin. The streets of Vienna may never know my true identity, but they will certainly feel my presence as I weave through the intricate web of power and politics.

For now, I am the Red Ghost—the relentless hunter, the harbinger of chaos. And as I step out into the night, my mind is clear, my purpose defined, and Vienna will be forever changed by the mark of the Red Ghost.

a/n: two updates within two days of each other? no way! I hope you all like this installment. my brain is working in overdrive because I've missed this story with my entire heart! :) - kenz