Alrighty folks, here is the new(ish) and improved version of my story Taking Chances. That story will soon be deleted and I plan on actually continuing all the way to the end (and possibly beyond) with this)

Memories plaque her dreams, turning her only escape into the nightmare that was her life. Her daily life isn't much better; filled with having to hide because of the constant fear of being found is so profound. She trusts no one. For trust is what has caused her to be ripped from her family and turned into a monster. Leaving her with no hope for the future. Although, she has always suspected someone was keeping an eye on her, but that suspicion had been shrugged off and ignored until the day she was found.

It was a rainy day in late summer, and Marina had opted stay in her hideaway rather than venture out into stormy weather for much needed supplies. Suddenly the light creaking of the warehouse door was heard and, by a flash of lightning, Marina saw it swing shut. She didn't know if it was the other half of herself or her own fears, but anyone who dared entered her few places of sanctuary was immediately a threat. A low growl came forth from her throat as she spun to face her intruder.

"Ms. Oswell," a man dressed in black said. His one uncovered eye looking directly into her own.

"What do you want?" Marina demanded, her form slowly changing eliciting fangs to protruded from her mouth.

"I am here to offer you a proposition as well as a guarantee" The man replied.

Marina's eyes narrowed. "What sort of guarantee?"

"You will be protected from the people who, unlike us, wish to use your...abilities for their own purpose."

"And what happens to make you oh-so-much better than them?" Marina snarled, green eyes flashing to a chartreuse. "Please do come up with a better lie than that. It will give me some fun while I decipher you truths from tale." She cocked her head. "Tell me what it is you really want and skip the long story. Any lies from that mouth of yours will cost you your vocal cords. Do I make myself clear?"

The man kept eye contact as he reached into his jacket. From it, he pulled out a manila folder. "Here," he tossed the folder onto the ground. "Everything you need to know is in there." With that the man turned to walk away when Marina stopped him.

"How do I know this isn't some ploy to strap me down and turn my insides out?"

"All your questions will be answered by what I've given you. And should you decide you're ready to come to us, SHIELD I mean, go to the base a few miles outside of the town. Show anyone that stops you this." He tossed her a small flat disk with a star on it which she caught easily. "They'll let you pass." He started to walk away when he stopped. "Oh, and do try not to alarm anyone. These people are quite trustworthy."

Marina frowned, bending down for the folder. "Yea well that's something I don't do."

The man chuckled as he continued walking away. "Better start."

Casting one last glare in the direction the man had gone; Marina sighed and opened the folder. It was gonna be a long night, and she might as well get started on her reading.

Tadah! As you can see (for those who know how this originally went) I didn't change much, The chapter is still actually the same amount of words as the last one oddly enough. However, I would like everyone's opinions on this and for all I care it can be a word long. So do me a REALLY big favor and press that lovely blue review button at the end of the page. I hope to get some responses from all who read. Tooteloo for now my chickies, I'm off to dinner and then it's on to editing the next chapter!

Chao!

~Angel