_ ᔕTᖇᗩᑎGE ᗪIᗩᖇY _

[Xura]

@theFabuloushorse

Aww, shucks, you made me blush c:

@Immafluffyunicorn

Lol!

[CookieCat000]

-Bows down to senpai Xura-

[Xura]

Hey! Sorry to bump for the hundredth time today, but I need answers for the poll so I can continue the post I'm writing as soon as possible :) thanks!

[Xura]

The clouds of smoke flew newspapers and trash into several directions.
Me: Thanks, Loki
He nodded.
Loki: Good Luck. I hope you become the person you really are.
Me: And who is that?
He smiled.
Loki: You'll know soon enough.
He opened my hand and placed a green pendant in the middle of it.
Loki: If you ever need me, just tap the stone three times.
I nodded.
Loki: Be safe. Going bad isn't easy.
He smiled, winked, and then poofed away.
I looked around me. So this was Chicago. Smaller and stranger than New York, but it would have to do. I was in an Alley. Graffiti was everywhere, and the smell of smoke was no different from back home. The sky was so polluted that the moon provided hardly any light. Hopefully, it wasn't too late and I could still get to a bank.
I was cold, my feet crunched in the snow as I continued forward. I passed a few buildings until I reached a bank. I rubbed my hands together and went for the door. Locked. There was an ATM outside of it, I walked near it.
Me: Well, time for my first criminal act.
I noticed a camera above the ATM so I pulled a knife out from my sleeve. I threw the blade into the lens of the camera and ran over to the bank machine. I slid my hand over my left arm.
A panel for vitals appeared so I swiped it to the side. Just what I was looking for. There was an Internet browser and some plugs for wires. I cut open the side of the ATM and attached the wires into the ports of my suit. After a little hacking magic, a lot of coding, and trying to act natural, I successfully obtained $5,000 dollars from the machine.
I casually slipped away and down a few streets until I reached a pay phone. 4 quarters were left in front of the phone, my lucky day. I two of the quarters in and called Amy. It dialed for a few moments until I heard a successful click from the other side.
Amy: Hello?
Me: Amy. It's me.
Amy: Xura? Where are you? Why are you lowering your voice?
Background voice #1: LET ME TALK TO HERRRRRR!!!!
Background voice #2: NUUUUU! LET ME!
Background voice #3: *sighs*
Amy: Would you all be quiet?! Anyway, answer the questions please.
Me: Whose that?
Amy: Zack, Matthew, and Koda. We've been looking for you.
Me: Oh. Okay. I'm in Chicago.
Amy: What? How'd you get there.
Me: I had some help.
Amy: Does it have to do with the smoke you disappeared into?
Me: You saw that?
Amy: Everyone did. You're on the news, known as the girl who fell from the sky on SDN. You're also known as the girl who vanished on XSNews
Me: Well, any publicity is good publicity, right?
Amy: Well, you're lucky they didn't use your real name. Otherwise, any future career for you would be toast. Are you coming home soon?
Me: ... No.
Amy: What?
Me: Can you fly down here?
Amy: I-I- guess. What's going on?
Me: Amy, I'm a rogue agent. When I fell off that Helicarrier, I quit SHIELD and became a fugitive. And I'm not turning back either, I'm ready to become an actual criminal.
Amy: Wow. You made the goverment and criminals sound terrible in the same sentence. You'll need to go into hiding
Me: I know.
Amy: Do you have any cash with you?
Me: I just robbed an ATM.
Amy: oh. Okay. ...Wait! What?
Me: Yeah.
Amy: Impressive. How much you got?
Me: Five thousand.
Amy: Meh. You'll survive the night. I have a contact that can keep you safe. His name is Lucas. You can find him in the blackstone hotel under the name Trent Mikels. Tell him I sent you.
Me: Okay. How do you know he'll help me?
Amy: Tell him that I'm cashing in my favor for the job in Poznan, Poland with his brother.
Me: Okay.
Amy: I'll be there soon. Bye, Xura.
She hung up and I ran across a few streets to the Blackstone Hotel. I walked in, looking like a mess, I went straight to the man in charge of the hotel lobby.
Guy: Uh... Can I help you?
Me: I'm looking for someone who stays here. His name is Trent Mikels. Can you tell me his room number?
Guy: I'm not allowed to disclose that information...
I opened his hand and slipped 2 crisp hundred dollar bills into it.
Guy: Room 204, you didn't hear it from me
Me: Good. You never saw me.
He nodded and I went to room 204. I knocked.
Me: Room Service!
Trent: Busy.
Me: Not room service! And not going away!
He opened the door

Me: You're Lucas, right?
Lucas: What if I am?
Me: Amy sent me. Something about Poland and favors. On our call, She said that I could find you here.
Lucas: *sighs* So you need protection. How long?
Me: One night
Lucas: Okay. We need to go. If you spoke with Amy on the phone, no doubt the NSA Intercepted your call.
Me: Why would I care if the NSA intercepted the call?
Lucas: Why else would you need protection?
Me: Touché.
Lucas: I have a safe house that isn't far from here. We need to leave, now.
He went inside, grabbed everything from the minibar, and then we left the building. After about two blocks away, I saw a few police cars and black vans pull up by the hotel.
Me: Wow. You're right.
Lucas: Are you new at this or something?
Me: um.. Kinda. Is that criminal or something?
Lucas: Ha! I get it. That's funny.
Me: AHHHHHHHH! You're like the only person in the world that actually appreciates my humor!!!!
Lucas: Well, the people I normally work with aren't really the laughing type. I enjoy anything that comes my way. That's how we should live, right?
I hesitated.
Me: I guess...
Lucas: ... What happened?
Me: What-...what *clears throat* do you uh.. mean?
We turned a corner.
Lucas: I can tell when someone's just gone through some kind of tragedy. Clearly you're not the type to turn tail and go bad, am I right?
I sighed. There was no getting past him.
Me: No, I'm not.
I looked up at the few stars in the smokey skyline and held tight to my arm.
Lucas: If you want to talk, I'm here.
Me: Thanks. You know, you're a bit nicer than I expected
Lucas: Well, I've learned that kindness is better received to my customers. As long as I don't pry of course. But you're a different story, you're not as villianous.
Me: Hey! I can be bad
Lucas: Yeah, I'm sure you could. The problem is, why would you want to be?
Me: ... I'd rather not talk about any of my reasons. I'm pretty decided.
He noticed that I had no interest in saying anything more so he changed the subject.
Lucas: Where are you from?
Me: A city more polluted than this one.
Lucas: New York then, am I right?
Me: Yeah...
Lucas: You miss it already?
Me: a little bit.
Lucas: Are you going to go back?
I paused and thought about it. New York was home but things had changed a lot.
Me: I... I don't know. I think so, maybe after I get this whole criminal empire thing started.
He snorted
Lucas: You make it sound easy
Me: My relatives sure make it look that way. Plus, I have Amy.
Lucas: Yeah, Amy... That girl is something. She saved my life once.
Me: Really?
Lucas: Yeah, Long time ago though. How did you meet her?
Me: I am not getting into that story.
I laughed.
Me: Let's just say that some events escalated quickly.
He gave me a confused glance as we walked into a very narrow pitch-black alley. Lucas held his hand to the brick wall, a small panel that scanned his prints appeared, and then the brick wall opened.
Me: Wow.
We stepped onto the elevator shaft that was inside. He did a small break dance in the corner until the elevator gave a "ding" and started going up.
Lucas: This safe house has enough goods for someone to last a week inside so you should be all set for a single night stay.
Me: Cool. Do you have hair dye and clothing I could change into?
Lucas: I believe so, I'd check the bathroom.
Me: How about little mini pizzas?
Lucas: No
Me: Nutella?
Lucas: Nope
Me: Goldfish?
Lucas: Nuh-uh
Me: IM GOING TO DIE HEREEEE!
He laughed.
Lucas: You're too dramatic.
The door opened and we stepped in. The bedroom room couldn't have been nicer. The ceiling had... You know what? Bleh. I'm not going to describe it, you can enjoy a picture.

Isn't that AMAZZZINGGGGG?!!! There was also a loft hammock that hung in the hallway. The kitchen was pretty normal and the living room was full of those really soft furry sink-in hard-to-leave chairs. The bathroom was promising, considering that the bathtub had a TV above it and a drink bar next to it.
Me: How in the world did you make this gorgeous place?
Lucas: I had a lot of help from Ex-Girlfriends. A lot of people have different taste so I created various safe houses with the best accommodations. That's why I'm known as the best in the city for this.
Me: How often did Amy ask for something like this?
Lucas: whenever she comes to Chicago. She told me that staying in one of my houses is better than the best hotels there are here.
Me: Can't say I don't agree. Wow.
Lucas: Well, I'll be leaving now. Enjoy your stay
He walked toward the elevator.
Me: Wait!
He stopped.
Me: Uhm...
I curled my hair in my fingers.
Me: Do you think... Maybe... You might be able to stay?
He raised an eyebrow and cleared his throat. His cheeks had become just as red as mine.
Me: I just... I'm not used to being alone... And you uh...
I bunched the back of my hair together in my fingers.
Me: You offered to talk with me.
There was a long lapse of silence between us. I was very lonely in Chicago. It was a city that I didn't know, and I had no one to share the experience with. I clicked my heels together in anticipation of his answer.
Lucas: I'll... I'll go set my things in the guest room.
He half-ran to the guest room as if to escape the awkward situation. I let out a long sigh.
Nice going, Xura. He probably thinks your weird.
I sulked away into the room where I was staying and flopped forwards onto the bed with a groan. Today was too long. As if yesterday wasn't.
I flipped over and reached for my phone. I had to remind myself that I had fried it earlier when fighting off that shield guard. I let out another groan and scratched at the itch on my side. I lifted my shirt to check on the wound I had only received two days ago.
There was a small white scar there. I ran my fingers over it as the scientific part of my brain came to a realization. The rate at which this had healed was impossible. I felt a growing concern rising in me. Impossible, I repeated to myself as I reviewed the facts again in my mind. I continued to finger it until I noticed Lucas at my door.
I let out a small yelp of surprise.
Me: How long have you been there?!
Lucas: If I remember correctly, you wanted me to stay.
Me: -_- Stay, not stare.
He laughed.
Lucas: What happened?
He came near and examined the white scar. He touched it and I winced slightly.
Me: Bullet wound.
Lucas: Oh yeah? I have one of those too.
I let my shirt fall as he lifted his. There was white scar over his abbs. I poked it and this time he winced.
Me: I have a knife wound on my left shoulder.
Lucas: I have one on my right shoulder
Me: Tiny scars all around my ribs from glass.
Lucas: One long scar across my chest from a machete.
Me: Black Friday bite mark from a grandma with dentures
He grinned.
Lucas: I've gotten a black eye from Black Friday shopping
Me: I've had two black eyes before
Lucas: Yeah? I've had three.
We had an intense glare off.
Me: Alright, well-played. You win.
I smiled and pushed my hair behind my ear.
Me: I think I'm going to change and take a shower, would you mind making me a cup of hot chocolate?
He nodded and left. I let out a long sigh as I shut the door. Hot chocolate. I'm missing Christmas.
I bit my lip and fought back tears. Jake doesn't even know where I am. Guilt punched me in the gut for lying to him. I was tempted to call but also reminded that the NSA had been quick to respond with my last call so I stopped myself. I didn't want to put Lucas in danger.
Slowly, I dragged myself away from the softest bed of the century, and went to the bathroom across the hall. I set down a towel and a robe on the sink and turned on the water. There was a slight squeak of the pipes when the water went from cold to hot. I stepped in and jerked back to one side when I realized how hot it was. Reluctantly, I reached over and turned it down. After it cooled off, I stepped towards it again and let the water pour down my back. I finished my shower then decided I would dye my hair.

I was sick of looking at it because it made me think of everyone and everything I've been through. I sifted through the bathroom cabinets until I found light brown hair dye. I used it on my hair then retreated back to my room to find some clothes. I picked out a purple hoodie and some casual black pants.

Yup. It felt good not recognizing myself. Made me feel like I could have a fresh start somehow.
I left the room and went over to where Lucas sat, there was Chinese takeout on the table.
Me: What's this?
He half-shrugged.
Lucas: I thought you might be hungry, and it seemed like you had long day so I didn't want to make you cook.
I smiled.
Me: Thanks.
I sat down and started pouring food onto my plate.
Me: I'd like to warn you, I'm a monster when I eat.
He laughed, his smile warmed my heart
Lucas: Me too.
We spent the next hour talking about my crazy life while we ate. Sometimes he gave a look of disbelief, or his mouth was full of food and he nearly spit it out from laughter. It was something I needed today and I was really relieved that he had decided to stay.
Me: Thanks for the food
Lucas: Anytime. Thanks for the life story that can't possibly be real
Me: It is!
Lucas: Really? You expect me to believe that you just happened to be the daughter of two criminal organization leaders, worked for shield, and spied- not on your parents- but your grandfather?
Me: That does sound ridiculous when you say it, but I promise it's true
Lucas: Well, if it is true, then you sure are something special, Xura Stryker.
Me: Thanks.
He smiled then yawned.
Lucas: I'm going to hit the hay. Goodnight.
He left to the Guestroom. I went to my room, turned the light off, closed the door, and went to sleep

[Xura]

New poll. Last one ended in a tie. I switched some last names around too, so read them carefully and decide
Which is best :)
Thanks guys!
#strangers4evah

[Apyrisol]

Keep those fingers a typin' Xura!

[Xura]

Hey Diary!
I fell flat on my face out of bed today. After wiping the drool off my face, I ran to my closet. It was wayyyy too difficult to find an outfit. I was throwing clothes everywhere... I heard a lot of cat sounds (???). So while I'm getting dressed here's a joke:
Why do golfers always wear two pairs of pants?
- In case they get a hole in one!
Ah. I love that joke. Anyway, Amy is coming in today so I'm a bit excited.
I almost reached the door today, but then I suddenly tripped on my robe strap beneath me.
Me: AHHHHHH! Oof.
I face planted to the ground. It seems everywhere I stay, I'm always tripping up- In more ways than one.
I stood up, brushed myself off and then slid down the wooden floor with my socks. I reached the kitchen and took out a pan and some eggs. I turned on the radio and started randomly dancing and singing in the middle of the room.
While my eggs sizzled on the stove, I danced around the living room. I leapt onto the couch and jumped on it for a little bit.
It took me about ten seconds to notice Lucas standing in the hallway.
Lucas: What are you doing?
Me: Cooking eggs.
I cartwheeled off the couch, turned the stove off, and flopped the eggs onto two plates. I stuck two pieces of bread in the toaster and yawned.
Me: How did you sleep?
Lucas: ... I woke up to what I thought was a dying walrus. Turns out, it was just you trying to sing.
Me: Shut up!
I laughed and playfully punched his shoulder. He grinned.
Lucas: I hope your eggs are better than your voice.
Me: Yeah? I'd like to hear you sing!
Lucas: Gladly!
He showed me up. *invisible eye-roll*
Lucas: Choir. I was a soloist.
Me: Pfft. Whatever. You still can't dance as gracefully as me.
Lucas: You mean to tell me your imitation of a Mexican jumping bean was you trying to dance?
Me: AGH! No toast for you.
He laughed and I pulled the toast out of the toaster and put it on my plate. I took jelly from the fridge and made little smiley faces on the toast. I sat across from him.
Lucas: You're really not going to give me any toast?
Me: You're mean.
I took a large bite out of my heated crispy piece of bread.
Lucas: That's just cold.
Me: Actually, it's hot. Deliciously hot. You jealous?
Lucas: No. .__. *stares at toast* ... Maybe.
Me: Good, you should be.
Lucas: How could you be so cruel?
Me: Pshh. Please. This is nothing. I could have put glue on your sandwich, like I did for that Jimmy kid in the second grade.
Lucas: That's horrible!
Me: What? That's nothing. Third grade... Some girl was stealing my lunch. I asked my parents for advice-
Flashback!

Little me: Mom?
Mom: *types busily on computer*
Little me: Mom!
Mom: *types busily*
Little me: MOMMMMM!
Mom: What?! *ahem* uh... I mean.. what?
Little me: I'm being bullied by Jessica at school. She keeps stealing my lunch. What do I do?
Mom: *sighs* Jerry? You want to take this one?
Dad: No. I'm headed to the shooting range-
Mom: *glares at him*
Dad: *ahem* I uh.. Mean the bowling alley with my colleagues. We have to uh... Test the new bowling balls they have
Mom: Alright... Sweetheart *rolls eyes* Okay, Ashlee. Take matters into your own hands. Remember, offense is the best defense. You won't get in trouble with us for anything you chose to do to her, okay?
Little me: Okie! But what do I do?
Mom: Uh.. I don't know. What does Jessica like from your lunch?
Me: The pudding.
Mom: *smiles* I'm sure you can think of something more creative to put in place or that

Me: -they told me to take matters into my own hands. So the next day, I came to school with my lunch. Jessica was waiting for me and took my lunch right away.

Jessica: Give me your lunch, or I'll beat you up again.
Little Me: Here! Take it.
I handed her the bag. She opened it and pulled out the pudding.
Jessica: Smart choice.
She took a bite and her eyes bulged.
Little Me: Eat my dirt!
She spat it out and wiped her tongue.
Jessica: Ew! Ew! Ew! What kind of pudding is this?!
Little Me: It's not pudding. It's wet dirt.
She glared at me.
Jessica: It is not.
She grabbed my shirt collar.
Little Me: Yeah, it is. Would you like to move onto the gummy worms? These ones actually move for a change.
Her cheeks filled up, she let me go, and then threw up all over the pavement.

Me: What she didn't know, was that I had spent all of yesterday night mixing water with dirt and caught a few worms as a bonus. I ate the pudding inside a cup and then I filled it with dirt and all the creepy icky creatures I could find. I also poured some milk and a dab of hot sauce in there. I spray painted the worms different colors, rolled them in sugar, and then threw them into a bag in case she went for gummy worms first. I gave her the lunch bag the next morning and little Jessica never talked to me or stole my lunch again.
Lucas: ... And you didn't get in trouble with your parents?
Me: Nope. They actually took me to a movie after that.
Lucas: O_o Poor Jessica.
Me: She had it coming.
I finished my eggs and dropped the plates into the sink.
Me: At least that's what mom said.
Lucas: Did you ever take any of that advice as training to become an agent one day?
Me: No. I never knew. I thought that advice was pretty normal. It's a miracle that I turned out to be this gorgeous intelligent witty and kind teenager.
He rolled his eyes.
Lucas: Too bad humility didn't come in that miracle package.
I smiled and washed my hands. Then, I retreated to the couch.
Me: Time to make like a potato and do nothing. Want to join me?
He leapt along side me as I turned on the TV. On the first channel, was agents of shield. On the second channel, was the cartoon Ultimate Spider Man and a scene with Nick Fury was on it.
Lucas: Wow, I've never seen so much bad luck
Me: Quiet you.
I flipped it again to see that the avengers movie was playing.
Me: AGHHHH! Is there anything on that doesn't involve shield?!
Lucas: Well, we could turn it to news.
I flipped to channel seven and the news was on.
News guy: there was an incident in New York yesterday involving a girl falling out of the sky. Care to elaborate Janet?
Janet: No problem, Gary. The girl was identified as Ashlee Pawson and she disappeared in a cloud of smoke halfway through the sky. Authorities-
I turned off the TV.
Lucas: You know her?
Me: I am her.
Lucas: Oh. So you weren't exaggerating when you said you fell out of the sky yesterday. Which means, your life story is true...
Me: Yeah, I know. The sad truth.
I buried my face in my hands. Then, out of nowhere, we heard the elevator ding. Amy came out from behind the elevator doors.
Amy: Xura. We need to talk.
Me: it seems like everyone says that to me. Okay. What do you want to talk about? Food? Fandoms?
Amy: What is Lucas doing here?
Lucas: She asked me to stay
Amy: *sighs* I am having such a rough week bumping into my Ex-boyfriends.
Lucas: Who'd you bump into this time? Was it that hunky Australian again?
Me: You two dated?
Lucas: Only for a week. We both were rebounds for each other so it didn't work out.
Me: Oh.
The more I learn about Amy, the more human she gets.
Amy: Anyway, I'm here now, and I want to know what happened to you.
I threw her my diary.
Me: I don't really want to talk about it if that's okay.
Amy: No.
Me: What?
Amy: You're trying to become a bad guy, right?
Me: Yeah, so?
Amy: Don't say "if that's okay" or try and appeal to my humanity or whatever, demand what you want.
Lucas: She's right, ya'know. For a criminal, the most evil nickname you'd get is the teddy bear.
Me: Hey! ... I like teddy bears .-.
Lucas: we're just trying to give you some tough love. Don't take it personally, it's just... *scratches back of head* you're not bad enough
Amy: Anyway, try again. *throws diary back*
I caught it and glared at them.
Me: I'm not talking about it, read this.
I threw the diary back.
Amy: much better.
She opened it and leapt between us.
Me: Want some food, Amy?
Amy: Sure.
I rolled off the couch and slid to the kitchen.
Lucas: *whispers to Amy* I wouldn't trust her with your food.
Amy: Psh. This is Xura you're talking about.
I laughed a little and put a Jalapiño inside Amy's sandwich. I gave her the plate and sat across from her.
Amy: Thanks, Kara.
Me: Kara?
She took a bite of her sandwich as flipped a page of my diary.
Amy: I'm trying on some new alias's for you. You only give your real name to clients... That you trust. So you'll need to be known as something else.
Me: Oh.
Lucas: Can I help?
Amy: Since when are you helpful? *takes another bite of sandwich*
Lucas: come on, Amy. We ended on good terms.
Amy: *shrugs* I can't help it. Whenever I'm around old boyfriends it just slips out.
She took another bite of the sandwich and flipped another page.
Lucas: How about Lucy?
Me: Lucy? ... I don't think so. Too sweet.
Lucas: Tammy?
Me: Ick.
Lucas: Maria?
Crumbs fell onto Amy's plate as she took a fourth bite of the sandwich.
Me: Nah.. It's too- too-
Amy: SPICY!
Me: Spicy? That's an interesting word to describe a name
Amy: NO! WHAT DID YOU PUT IN THIS SANDWICH?!
Me: Oh, well, you didn't listen to Lucas. I thought I should prove I'm not a teddy bear.
Amy: POINT MADE!
She ran to the kitchen and ran her tongue under the water.
Lucas: Rose?
Me: Ha! Imagine if I had the name Rose Thorne.
Lucas: ... You know, that's not bad. A lot of people in this business have creative names like that.
Me: Yeah, I'll put that in the name bank *eyeroll* I don't think I want to choose a name right now. I think I should just let it happen.
Lucas: Alright.
Amy: IT STILL BURNSSS!
Lucas: I heard you could withstand the toughest torture, but you can't handle a small Jalapiño?
Amy: You want to eat one?
He shook his head. She gulped down an entire glass of milk.
Amy: Ahh...
She wiped the milk off her face, then clutched her head.
Amy: Brain freeze!
I laughed.
Me: This week is just snow good for you, Amy.
She glared at me.
Me: the joke was there *shrugs*
Amy: *sighs* we just need to get this whole-
she moved her hands in the air to express what she was trying to say.
Amy: -mercenary thing started.
Lucas: I'm gonna make my exit now-
Amy snatched his arm and yanked him back.
Amy: You aren't leaving, we need your contacts in order to get clients.
Lucas: Awww D: Why does it have to be my clients?
Amy: It's both of ours. Clearly, after spending some time with her, you can see why I want to help her, right?
Me: Aww, shucks C: that was so sweet Amy.
I gave her a hug.
Lucas: Come on, you know how dangerous it is to have connections in this business...
Amy: Are you looking at the girl?
I handed Lucas a thank you note for letting me stay here. He raised an eyebrow and scratched his chin.
Lucas: Alright, fine.
I squeezed him in a tight hug.
Me: Thank you, Thank you!
He became red in the face almost at once. Amy half-smiled as if she knew something.
Amy: Okay, Lucas and I should go find our contacts. You stay here.
Me: But I want to go with you! D:
Amy: It's best if your not seen right now. We'll be back soon.
I sighed and they left.
Alone time. Okay. Wow.
I went over to the couch and groaned as I lifted the remote. I turned on the news as they went over the ATM robbery that happened last night. But I saw something at the corner of the screen, it looked like a little shield symbol. Next to it in tiny print was the number "007". Strange. Just for the fun of it, I punched the number into the remote.
The screen went completely black. All of a sudden, a teal scanning light from the TV scanned the entire room.
TV: Identified as "Stryker, Xura".
I backed up a little, shocked. The TV seemed to fold itself into a computer. I hesitantly approached it, then knelt in front of it.
TV: You have one new message.
I clicked on it. Coleson appeared on the screen.
Phil: Xura, if you are seeing this, that means you've discovered our Telecommunications broadcast device version 8.6. It's installed in every brand of TV that was made past the year 2008. Here you can watch the latest in Shield news, find past mission briefings, and send messages to anyone who works with Shield. That's it for now, Agent Stryker.
The message shut off. I felt a lump in my throat. Agent Stryker. A nagging voice in my brain told me to just call this whole thing off and go home, but I ignored it.
I flipped to the Shield news, there was a woman in a blazer behind a black desk and in front of a huge shield logo.
Woman: I'm agent Cindy Noele, and I'll be reporting the latest in shield events.
She cleared her throat.
Cindy: Shield would like to inform all of its agents to be aware of the rising criminal kingpin by the name of Daniel Croft- he is believed to have ties with the criminal organization, "Cobra". We're not entirely sure of his position with them but we know he's a threat and should be brought in immediately for questioning if seen. Also, an agent gone rogue today, agent Xura Stryker. Director Fury, as her security officer, has declined to comment. He has ordered that if anyone finds her, they are to bring her in immediately.
I snorted. Declined to comment. Afraid to tell everyone why I left? I heard the elevator starting to head up, and I struggled with the remote. I tried every button, but nothing worked.
Me: Turn off!
The TV folded back into place and I let out a sigh of relief. The elevator opened.
Amy: We brought Pizza!

[Apyrisol]

Oh... my... llama! This is just flip floppin' crazy! Btw I laughed at both Xura's jokes X3

[Xura]

Meanwhile.. On the shield helicarrier...

Director Fury sorts through holographic documents in his office. He sighs and scratches the spot next to his eyepatch. Without warning, someone bursts into his office.

Tony, Tony Stark.

Of course. Fury had expected that he may get a visit from him, so he turned off the holographic display and faced him.
Nick: You're not authorized to be here.
Of course he didn't care, Nicholas just hoped that maybe one day Tony would get it into his thick skull that he can't just come in whenever he feels like it.
Tony: What did you say to Xura?
Nick: That's a shield matter-
Tony: Oh really? You know as well as I that people don't jump off of flying fortresses without good reason
Nick: Like I said, confidential.
Tony: Pfft.
He rolled his eyes.
Tony: I know where she went
Nick: How?
Tony: I used some of my new Stark technology.
Nick: Tell me.
Tony: I can't. It's confidential.
Nick rolled his eyes.
Tony: Tell me what happened, then I'll tell you where she went
Fury let out a long sigh, then gestured to the chair in front of his desk.
Nick: You're going to want to sit down for this

Back to Strange diary #Strangelife

Day three of my running away. Yippee. .-.
I still can't believe what I discovered yesterday night with the TV. I mean... A secret channel? Weird. Kinda creepy. I mean, in retrospect, that sort of means that shield is everywhere. o-o; That unnerves me.
Anyway, I woke up today like this:

SPLASH!
Amy: Wake up! You have an appointment in an hour!
Me: AHHHHHHHHHHHH! *shivers*
Amy: You would never have survived that night in Venice. *sighs, and shakes head* You have a lot to learn.
Me: -_-
I threw a pillow at her and rolled out of bed.
Me: Can I go like this?
Amy: Uh... No. Try and look more... Uh.. Intimidating.
Me: AGHHHHHHHHH!
I groaned and rolled halfway off the bed.
Amy: Yeah, I'm gonna leave now. Be ready by the time I get back.
I sighed and she left. I sat up, threw off the covers, jumped in the shower, then went through my closet. I couldn't seem to find my hair tie today but I found a candy bracelet and used that instead.

Ta-da! Wow, I've looked so much more intimidating than this. Amy is going to be disappointed. Oh well.
I slid down the Hallway and Amy was at the door.
Amy: What's in your hair?
Me: Candyyyy
Amy: Why?
Me: Because it makes this outfit look sweet.
She facepalmed herself.
Amy: We have no time, so I can't fix all of... whatever that outfit is.
Me: Okie-dokie.
Amy: Don't say that
Me: Okie- uh... Er... Loki?
She let out a long sigh and checked her phone as we went down the elevator.
Amy: We're running late
Me: Story of my life
She glared at me.
Me: What?
Amy: The only way we can make it there on time is if you fly.
Me: Haha, nice joke.
Amy: I'm serious
Me: I can't fly!
Amy: You're going to have to.
Me: Ughhh fine.
I took off my jacket and let my wings come out. Amy started climbing on my back.
Me: What are you doing?
Amy: Well, I'm supposed to fly with you. It's not like I have wings.
Me: You're going to regret that.
Amy: believe me, I know. I brought my barf bag.
Me: -_- thanks for the vote of confidence.
Amy: Come on! Time is running out.
I lifted off in the alley. It was shaky and I had trouble, but somehow I managed to get above the buildings. I felt Amy grab my wings tightly and start to steer me.
Me: What are you doing?
Amy: I don't know, but you're not flying backwards! Maybe I can pilot you.
Me: Pilot me? I'm not a PLAAANNEEEEEE!
She had tightened her grip on my wings and lurched me forward.
Me: AHHHHHHHHH!
The flight was actually smooth, although Amy was pretty heavy :T Finally, we were right above the warehouse where I was going to have my first meeting. Amy snatched my wings, pulled them upwards and then leaned her weight down. It actually made for a perfect landing.
Amy: Well that was fun.
Me: Speak for yourself.
Amy: Okay, good luck in there.
Me: You're not coming with me?
Amy: If I did, they would just hire me instead of you. This criminal game is all built on reputation and the right friends.
Me: Great.
I rolled my eyes and She put my hand on my shoulder.
Amy: You'll be great. As long as you're able to scare the heebeejebes out of them.
I sighed and strolled into the warehouse. I saw a very serious-looking cat standing next a crate. I walked near her and she as she began to open the briefcase next to her.
Client: I assume your the mercanary for hire?
Me: And you're the client.
She nodded and looked just a tiny bit nervous. She tried very hard not to show it though.
Client: I'm Elena Casey, I'll be meeting you on behalf of my employer. I hope you understand his need for discretion.
Me: Sure.
I was fighting back the urge to eat from the candy bracelet in my hair. Can you even imagine how difficult it is? It's candy- traveling with me- in my hair. And I'm not allowed to touch it without looking incompetent. Ughhhhh. The struggle is real.
Elena: *clears throat* My employer has his doubts about you-
My hand was halfway up to my ponytail and I had to stop myself.
Elena: -He doesn't believe that you're truly ex-government.
My hand reached it and took off a piece. Ugh. I have no self-control. She eyed my piece of candy.
Elena: Quite frankly, I don't either.
???: That's enough Elena. Good job, now go home.
She turned around as a man that looked about 3 years older than me came in from the other side of the warehouse.
Elena: Mr. Price! But I haven't finished-
He waved his hand to stop her from saying anymore.
Mr. Price: I'll take it from here. Go home.
She nodded reluctantly, then left.
He reached out a hand to me. I shook it with hesitation.
Mr. Price: I'm Erik Price, you are?
AGHH! It's spelled with a 'k'! Every Erik spelled with a k has some kind of evil dark side.
Moving on to the more important fact: WHATS MY NAME?! AHHH! I can't give this guy my real name! Okay I've got to wing it.
Me: My name is uh.. Scarlett uhm... Hunter... *clears throat*
Nailed it.
Erik: meeting you is certainly a pleasure, Scarlett. Like my assistant mentioned before, I have my doubts that you're any sort of ex-goverment.
Me: But I am. Ex-Shield.
He stared intently at me.
Erik: My father was ex-shield. He used to come home and tell me stories from work. Why should I believe in that someone not even my age is ex-shield?
Me: Do you watch the news?
Erik: Yes
Me: Then you remember the girl that fell out of the sky in New York? That was me. Jumping off the shield helicarrier.
He gave a suspicious glance.
Erik: Why should I believe you?
Me: Ask me a question about shield.
Erik: What does it stand for?
Me: Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division.
Erik: Okay. One more question, if you answer correctly, I'll believe you
Me: Alright.
Erik: What's the name of the shield agent who plays galaga on the shield helicarrier?
Wow, this worked out.
Me: John.
He let out a long sigh.
Erik: My father told me that, so you must be the real thing.
I nodded.
Erik: Well, I suppose I'll give you the mission. But I'm still doubtful about your abilities
He was staring at the candy bracelet in my hair.
Me: Don't judge a book by its cover. Strange can sometimes be good.
Erik : Sometimes. Which is why I'm still uncertain.
He paused. And the next thing I said I will forever regret
Me: Tell you what,
No! No! Stop! SHTAP! Don't say it!
Me: I'll do it for free.
UGHHHHHH WHY DONT I LISTEN TO MY CONSCIOUSNESS?!
He raised an eyebrow.
Erik: Free?
Me: I'm going to prove that I can do it without the influence of money
BUT I LIKE THE INFLUENCE OF MONEYYY *cries and opens the lid on my tub of ice cream*
He looked just about as taken aback as I was.
Me: But there is one thing I want in return when I complete the mission.
Erik: What's that?
Me: That you spread the word about me.
Erik: if you can successfully obtain what I want, I'll gladly spread the word.
He handed me some documents. I saw pictures of a bottle with red liquid in it and some notes about a big estate.
Erik: What I want is that bottle, better known as Potion 13.
Me: What does it do?
Erik: If consumed, it works simply like a spell. It can influence a person into doing something against their will or better judgement, and they will believe it is there own thoughts or choices. It can only be undone with an antidote or a counter-spell.
It sounded crazy, to think that just a sip of something can influence you into making decisions
Me: How was it made?
Erik: About twenty years ago, it was discovered deep in a cave along with a variety of other elixirs and potions. It's said to be Asgardian, and that a enchantress created it. It was put up for a silent auction last year.
Me: Who bought it?
He handed me another pile of papers.
Erik: That would be Charles Kaplan- owns a huge American multinational banking and financial services holding company. His estate is in France, he keeps the bottle in his safe upstairs.
Me: Alright. The only problem is, how do I get in?
Erik: Just your luck, he's having a party tomorrow night. You'll already be on the list by this afternoon as a wealthy customer who has donated years to their corporation... But be warned, I'm not the only employer who wants potion 13. You may encounter some issues with other competitors.
Me: Okay.
Competition? And I'm doing this for free?
Erik: Here is your ticket, Your flight leaves tonight. Good luck, Scarlett.
He handed me a ticket. I nodded and we went our seperate ways. As soon as I walked out, I was tackled by Amy.
Me: AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
We fell onto the ground and she grabbed the documents I was holding.
Amy: WHATS YOUR MISH?
Me: Get off me!
She sat on me until she finished reading.
Amy: Ahhhh that's a good first mission
Me: He said there might be competition.
I brushed the dirt from the ground off me after I stood up.
Amy: All the better. So long as you're not competing against Xaviar, Haverfield, Me, or Sapphire, you'll be fine. But I'm coming with you just in case.
Me: I wouldn't have it any other way.
Amy: Good, we'll need some supplies.

***

After a long day of visiting Amy's suppliers, we finally got home. Only to pack. UGHHHH.
Lucas: Why do girls have so much clothing?
Me: Why do men not have enough?
Lucas: Touché
Finally, we were all packed.
Me: Bye Lucas! We'll be back soon!
Lucas: *clears throat and half shrugs* Whatever... I'm uh... not going to just go and cry in that corner until you get back. Because I don't form attachments. And I'm a man.
Me: We'll miss you too.
Amy: Yeah, and don't flood the place with your tears before we get back.
Me: Bye!
We left to the airport at 11:00 PM and got on the plane. It was a 9 hour flight and I slept through most of it. But we finally got there, at 8:00 AM. Amy managed to find us a hotel. We checked in to room 119, with two beds, a minibar, and an HD TV.
Amy: Work on finding-
I fell asleep on the bed.
Amy: Or... Do that.

After a long nap, I woke up to find Amy on her laptop.
Amy: Finally! You're awake. It's like 4 in the afternoon.
Me: Oh? Did I really have such a short nap?
Amy: You slept for 8 hours.
Me: I was aiming for 10.
She rolled her eyes.
Amy: Anyway, I found what time this party is at. It starts at seven, which gives us three hours to prepare.
She smiled.
Amy: And this time, I'll be choosing the attire.
Me: Oh boy. I don't have to wear a dress, do I?
Amy: Here you go!
She threw a pile of clothes at me.
Me: I don't wanna wear these!
Amy: Stop acting like a child.
Me: I am not acting!
She rolled her eyes and continued to type. Reluctantly I put it on.
Amy: Great! Now I'll do your hair.
Me: Wut?
She pulled me into the bathroom and took out a curling iron and some dark brown hair dye. She dyed it all professionally and stuff, then took out a green bottle.
Me: What's that?
She dumped it on my head.
Amy: Growth formula!
My hair grew almost at once.
Amy: Its expensive, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Me: Great.
Next, she curled my hair. By the time she was done, it was 6:00.

Amy: What do you think?
Me: I think this mirror is defective. There's a stranger in there.
She rolled her eyes again then gave me a small purse thing.
Amy: There's acid lipstick in there to help you burn through the door of the safe. All you need to do is draw around it, then kick it in. There's also other things but I'll tell you about them when your there.
Me: Are you going inside with me?
Amy: Yes, but you'll also have me in your ear to guide you.
She handed me an earpiece. I put it in.
Amy: Now, I have to change.
She went and changed for about thirty minutes. Then came out looking like this:

Me: Wow, Amy. You clean up nicely.
Amy: Oh why thank ya' darling. Back out on the big ol' countryside, we're always try to look our best.
Me: An country accent?
Amy: It's for my character. I'm Alice Hunter, your big sister. I chose the country life and ya'll choose to be with the city folk.
Me: Okay. We should go.
Amy: Yes, indeedy! Oh this is so excitin'!
We out the door.
Me: Are you going to talk like that the whole time?
Amy: Why! My golly, Scarlett! Has mama darn taught you nothing? It's rude to say things like that
She shook her head as we stepped into the parking lot.
Amy: Socially unacceptable, I tell you. Just like that wicked Holly Atkins who told me my new yellow sundress was burning her eyes off. Pfft! Holly had another thing comin' if she thought she could talk to me like that. So I told her-
Hotel guy: Ladies, pardon the interruption, but your limo is here.
Amy: Oh why thank you! You know, your mama must be real proud of you. You have some mighty fine manners. You know our cousin-
Me: Sorry! Alice tends to ramble on. Come on, sis.
He nodded and we got into the limo. I gave the directions to the driver.
Amy: Scarlet. I was talkin' with him. You city folk leave no time for conversation, always bustlin' about.
Me: Oh boy, this is going to be a long night.

[Apyrisol]

When Amy changes her accent, this is my reaction by the end of it: OH MY LLAMA AMY, SHUT UP! XD



btw I'm yo biggest fan :3