My dream has been the same every night since I can remember…
I awake in a solid gold palace in a pure white dress with women surrounding me brushing my hair, giggling. I am confused as to who they are and before I can ask what is happening, these two large doors open and an older man enters. He has the same markings on his arms as I do. Bright red, yellow and orange swirled tribal markings. I feel connected to him. He extends his hand to me and says "Time to go." I take his hand and instantly I feel like I found something I've been searching for forever, in this man. His smile was wrinkly and warm, and I couldn't help but stare. The older man was walking me down a corridor to a bigger room full of people. The people make a path to an alter. By this time I realize that I am a bride in a wedding. By the time I get to the alter, the elderly man kisses me on the cheek and whispers in my ear "this is what you are meant for." He smiles and then disappears. As I turn to look next to me I see my groom. I can never remember his face but I know that his voice is deep and strong. And he has golden blonde hair. As the groom moves in to kiss me I violently wake up. I don't know what this means and neither does anyone else but this haunting dream has got to make since at some point soon.
My name is Alexandria. No middle, nor last name. Just Alexandria or "Ally", that's what everyone called me at S.H.E.I.L.D. I don't know my last name; I don't know where I came from. All I know is that I was born with these terrible powers I have yet to control. For as long as I can remember, I've had these tattoo markings on the back of my neck and arm that glow bright orange when I used my…gifts. Nick was the one who took me in when I was an infant. He gave me a home, and told me that my powers can be used for good when I could control them. I was trained for 19 years – yet I still can't fully control anything. I knew about the Avengers project. Nick and especially Phil, had planned for me to play a big role in it, but I ran away. I couldn't take that pressure. How could I protect lives when I can't even control myself? If anything I'm a danger to everyone. So now I'm here. On this island, where there isn't a soul I can hurt. Maybe this is the way it was meant to be…just me. Alone.
"Okay, I can do this." I whispered to myself. As if anyone could hear me. The sun was setting over the sea and if I didn't get this fire going I'd freeze during the night. But I couldn't master up any fire from my hands, it just comes and goes when I feel emotional, especially if I'm angry. I cupped my hands and squeezed my eyes tightly closed. All of a sudden I hear a loud horn. I looked over my shoulder and saw a massive ship about a mile from shore. I felt my hands getting hot. Anger swept over my body.
"They found me."
I could see a tiny boat coming towards the island. Two men sat in the back of the boat, with one man standing in front. Right away I knew who it was. Nick and phil stepped out of the boat but for some reason kept distance from me. I looked down at my hands, I didn't notice they were engulfed in flame.
"Oh. Sorry. I still can't seem to control myself."
Nick smirked. "I missed your sarcasm. It's good to see you again, Ally."
"Yeah well, it's been awhile." I folded my arms across my chest. I was angry that Nick found me, but for some reason I felt a sense of guilt for leaving behind what was technically my family.
Phil walked up to me and embraced me. "Everyone has missed you, Ally. Its been three years since anyone saw you! We need you."
I pulled away. "For what cause? To 'protect the planet'? Sorry not my thing."
"The people of earth need you to protect them. That's why you're here." Nick exclaimed. "You have to join the Avengers. There is a threat against us and we can't do this without you. We need you, we need the Star Fighter."
I cringed at that name. I didn't deserve that title. I couldn't be a hero. "I can't control my powers."
"We have a better training program now than we did back then. Things are better. Let me help you Alexandria." Nick touched my shoulder and looked into my eyes, like he would see the answer there. This man was like a father to me. I abandoned him. I knew I owed him.
"Take me to the ship." I sighed and smiled.
"Welcome home, Ally." Phil patted me on the back. Inside I was scared of myself and what was ahead. But in all honesty, I was so glad to see my so called family again.
We finally reached the ship. I turned to look at the island where I had been for three years and felt a little relieved. To be quite honest, I was very angry Nick had found me but I didn't like feeling so alone. And besides, in the back of my mind I knew Nick would eventually come for me. Was I secretly hoping for that all this time?
"Ally." Nick called. He was always so stern. I could bring out a more laid back side in him sometimes, I loved when I could do that. But that's when I was young and rampant; now I'm a 23 year old run away...he should be angry with me. But to my surprise he wasn't. "You need to come meet everyone."
"Everyone? You mean the avengers?"
"Yes, now quit fumbling around with you bags and follow me!" If only Nick would help me carry my bags maybe I wouldn't be dropping things everywhere. Okay, so maybe he was a tiny bit angry.
"Yeah, thanks for your help. Ugh." I moaned and threw my bags on my shoulder following him to the conference room. Although I wasn't aware that the people in that room would make a significant impact on my life forever.