Authors note: I know I know, i'm a horrible person. But I wrote this, and really don't know how to continue without starting a new chapter, it's like a mental block. . I promise to make the next chapter weally weally long? :3 Much love. Xo

Nadiah POV

8AM sharp, I arrived at the gymnasium. However, after poking my head around the door, I was surprised to see no one there. I frowned. Something was amiss. I walked into the room, keeping my guard up. Not even Steve was working out, the place was dead. I turned the corner to the running machines and stopped. Director Fury was stood there, hands in pockets.

"Where are the rest of the agents?" I asked, suspiciously.

"They're ah, not being trained here. We have a special training centre, they begin there today."

"So why aren't I with them?" I asked; my voice growing cold. This, was definitely weird.

"Because," he said, slowly walking towards me, "I wanted to train you personally." He was stood a foot away from me, hands still in his pockets, his body language supposedly at ease- but I could see his arms were tensed, and ready to jump into action. He was smiling fondly at me, as though he were a teacher and I his favourite student. But his smile didn't quite reach his eye. Something, wasn't right.

I lifted my chin up, and looked him in the eye. "You're lying." I said, matter-of-factly. He chuckled quietly. "You're good. Very good, in fact. You'll do well here."

My body was in fight-mode, adrenaline pumping through me at an alarming rate. I didn't trust this situation at all. I couldn't make any sense of it. What was his game? I was sure he didn't want to hurt me, but now, looking at the situation; he had lured me into a room, under false pretences, with no witnesses. Was he planning to kill me? Surely he should know he can't, he's read my files. Then what? He had said, "you'll do well here", does he mean to still train me as an agent? But I couldn't imagine Director Fury personally mentoring people; somehow I didn't think that was the sort of thing he would sign up to do. I sighed internally, resigning myself to having to ask him.

"Why am I here?" I asked, coolly, trying my best to keep my voice as level as possible. Fury's brow creased, obviously not wanting to tell me what he knew.

"SHEILD has received some information, regarding the group of scientist who took you, all those years ago." I froze, not wanting to believe him.

"They have discovered, from sources which we can't detect, that you are under the protection of SHEILD. Therefore you will be kept here, under my personal, protection."

I nodded, numbly. I must've been visibly shaking by now, but I couldn't help it.

"Oh- and, one other thing. Tony Stark, ah, how shall I put this? Got wind of this investigation, and has said to tell you that you're under his protection as well. Apparently, he owes you one." Director Fury smirked.

I smiled a small smile, and silently sent a thanks to the mischievous bearded scientist. I would need all the protection I could get against the nightmares of my childhood.