song: Desire - Meg Myers

The streets of Manhattan weren't like they were back where she had come from, it was booming with cars of various sizes. And the crowds of people which were scattered among the streets, chattering like birds. And for a sheer moment, she allowed herself to finally be free, no longer captured by the fear and torment of her father. And the feeling of liberation, in the openness.

"You coming?" The man who caught her in the street asked, she hurriedly climbed into his SUV.

"So where are we going?" Anastasia asked, she took in the appearance of the male sitting in front of her.

He had short light brown eyes and piercing green eyes. He wore a black suit that made him look deviously sharp.

"We've been out on the streets looking for recruitments to our organization. But I sensed something in you, this pure and intense rage. You see we work for this man, of great power and wealth. Prove yourself worthy and you won't live on the streets no more." His words were crisp and clear.

"What makes you think I live on the streets, huh?" Anastasia spat, annoyed.

"You only have one bag, you're out at an age where you've probably a runaway. As well as it looks like you haven't even slept in days, am I wrong?"

Anastasia scoffed, he was right but she didn't need to admit that he was.

Within the half-hour, the car had come to a halt, "We're here." The driver announced.

"Where even is here?" Anastasia asked slightly questioning whether this agreement was a good idea or not.

"Welcome to Hydras recruitment center." Anastasia was then toured around the facility close guarded by other tall, buff men in suits.

"Here, we train to use our minds and our bodies. We intend to push the limits to take down our enemies. Forgive me I have forgotten to introduce myself, my name is Devon Strucker. I am head of all trainees and I am your ticket to whether you can make it big time."

Anastasia nodded she was crossing past multiple training rooms which were mostly occupied. "Athena"

"Pleasure to meet you, Athena, these are your sleeping chambers. There is a video on the screen with a short introduction to your stay. While you watch it, Heather here will bring all of what you require."

From then on she was to be called Athena, to her any connections to the name Anastasia is and forever will be dead.

In her room, the walls were white, and the floors a type of light oak wood. She had a double-sided bed and only one set of drawers and a dresser.

In front of the room, a small flat screen attached to the wall. A video of a male displayed paused.

After what seemed to be an hour, Athena had settled in, watched the video, and seemed content with her choice.

Heather had returned as told, with clothing, toiletries, and pajamas. "After supper, it is lights out at nine, and a six AM start. Should you be late, you'll be faced with the consequences." Heather then proceeded to leave.

Fortunately, there were signs, directions on how to get to the Cafeteria. In the distance a howl from a man who seemed unsatisfied with meal choices, "Great it's either Meatloaf or Baloney sandwiches."

"Shut up, Pietro, and choose!" A woman cried impatiently in front of Athena, her accent was thick and sounded Europen.

When dished up, she eyes the cafeteria. Seats were all filled, though a couple vacant around a singular table. Bickering like children did the people gathered about this table.

"Excuse me, can I sit with you, everywhere else is full." Athena inquired, their presence seemed off-putting.

"What makes you think we will allow you to sit with us? As noble and amazing as we are." The male with white ashy hair questioned.

"For starters, no other seats are vacant. Two, if you could stop being a jerk and realize the world doesn't revolve around you, you'd possibly have more friends." It felt good standing up for herself, she'd usually shut it down and walk away eating in the bathroom stalls alone.

"I like her, she and I think alike. You do have your head up your ass, dear brother." The female replied smirking, she then pulled out a seat inviting her in.

"You must be new. Considering you don't know who we are, you'd see no one here would dare speak to Pietro like that besides me. I'm Wanda, and this is my twin brother Pietro. And you are?"

"Athena." Nothing more, nothing less the three enjoyed their meatloaf, well Athena's Baloney sandwich.

Dinner was enjoyable, though as Athena was surprised by the warming welcome embraced by Wanda. Finally, she could take a breather, and maybe just maybe things were going to work out.

However, that was far from the truth.

Athena that night laid in the sheets of her bed, too hot for covers. Still unable to keep away the restless thoughts that still seemed to haunt her. Her eyes staring at the white ceiling,

No, she couldn't think of the past, the past was dead. Anything that remains back there is gone.

So as minutes turned to hours her eyes felt heavy. And her sight darkened finally slumbering taking over.

The morning came, her alarm sounding caused her to stir, "Get up, trainee, your first season begins in twenty minutes." A male voice instructed,

Athena groaned, how many hours did she sleep? It felt like only she just shut her eyes. A much-needed cup of coffee was needed, "Twenty minutes." She repeated, sitting up wiping her eyes. She clambered to the bathroom, turning on the cold faucet and cupping her hands. She splashed her face, but that didn't hide her baggy eyes.

In the training room, she spotted all recruitments lining up facing three people which included Devon, Wanda, and Pietro. The suit which she wore was a uniform, it was of navy blue it felt like a second skin, clinging onto her life form. She didn't mind its flexibility, "Welcome to those who have just joined. You were all chosen for a purpose, to kill, to learn simply one mistake may cost you your life." Devon welcomed.

"These two beside me are Wanda and Pietro, I am your commander. Should you fail to meet the requirements of your tasks, well you'd face punishment. Anyhow, you will begin by training your body, you'll fight each other so we can report on your strongest points. Wanda if you'd honor us,"

Wanda smirked looking at Athena, "Athena and Max." Max was much taller, much buffer than Athena, and her small figure.

Athena suddenly felt weak. "Don't let him frighten you, Athena." Whispered Wanda, she winked at her. As the two climbed into the ring,

"Begin!" Pietro announced.

And Max immediately flew in with a punch, causing her to fall. Everyone watched as the two quarreled. Athena held her hand to her jaw knowing it was to slightly bruise she stood up, But then was kicked to the side, she fell again. "Get up or you're done. If you're done, you're out." Devon then announced.

"What, you never said that before!" Athena roared in frustration.

"You questioning me?-" Devon asked venom seething, "No, sir." Athena stood up. She couldn't lose this spot, it was all she had now. She had to make a reputation for herself, too valuable.

This caused some newfound power surge lights to begin flickering as she stood, it was amazing yet somewhat strange.

First, punch to the face, another left him with a bloody mouth. She kicked him into his gut, he cowered in agony, this rage, this anger was powered by something else. Wanda watched in interest as did everyone else.

Athena kneed Max, breaking his nose as she heard the crunch. She pushed him down and smiled at the hurt she caused.

Soon a claps erupted by Devon, "Amazing display. Max your out, pack your shit. Meanwhile, Pietro ensures each of our recruitments is well and doing what they must. Wanda, can you please walk Athena to the med bay."

Wanda nodded, Athena by her side within seconds. And as the two side by side walked, Wanda started to speak, "What was that?" Athena couldn't help but feel herself less than what she was in the ring, the surge going.

"I'm not entirely sure. It was like a power surged through me, it was fight or flight. And I chose to fight." Wanda nodded.

"When I look at you, I see myself. I too must do whatever it takes to survive, my brother and I fight with our lives every day whether it's on missions or here. We must battle our own demons." Wanda was right, whatever demon's she has she's speaking from experience.

They reached the med bay, it was empty except for a few scattered nurses. "Here." Wanda tossed over an ice pack, which Athena caught. "Devon sees a lot in you."

"How it is only my first day?" Athena asked clearly confused.

"The day he found you, we were on a mission to infiltrate another enemy's base, however, you caught his eye. And rarely is he wrong? You seem to be important to him therefore important to Hydra. Pietro had his suspensions and doubts, as did I give honest. "

Athena wasn't at all surprised by this confession that Wanda felt. But this made it feel like her coming had a bigger purpose, one she couldn't fully comprehend. Just yet.

"So, what made you change your mind about me?"

"At first, it was tactical. No one dared displayed that much confidence in speaking like that to a higher rank. Second, my doubts were at ease when you took down Max, Max is actually one of the more skilled and trained soldiers. He was purposely out with you to test you."

Athena felt different emotions bubblings inside her, some of which made her feel queasy. "But won't he get kicked out?" Wanda laughed, chuckling at the girl's question. Athena gritted her teeth, "It was a lie to fuel you. Why would we kick out our best? Devon saw something in you, something that was simmering it needed to surface. As you said fight or flight, a battle of survival. Max will be fine, he's tough." Athena nodded taking all the words in like a breath of new air,

She was grateful for her place. "You look like you need coffee and something to eat. You're skinnier than a stick. Come down to the cafeteria when you're ready. I'm sure you remember the way." Wanda smirked leaving Athena to tend to herself.

Athena laid back on the bed, her head hitting the soft pillow, she inhaled deeply to exhale deeply. A sense of calmness washing over her, "What a day." Athena commented.

-TingTing ( Co-Writer )

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Thank you so much to @TingTing_17, did so much help! 

not much on the update! thank you for reading!