This story is inspired by Mercenary enrollment.

I really love it. But I always hated when it's male character that has so many girls after him. Like really, that can't be possible in real life. Why can't they just see each other as friends and maybe slowly develope some relationship with only one girl. So no harem, crazy fan girls or girls fighting over one boy stories from me.

Anyway I have no idea how properly write male protagonists. I can write them in one-shots, but in longer stories I'm completely lost. So this protagonist will be female, sorry.

This chapter will be on how they met or find out about her and what they were thinking.

Into the chapter:

First meetings and seventh member

August 5th 2009, Africa, Kinshasa, 'The camp', Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton

"What do you think about this," asked Clint. He nearly give away his disgust but he knew Natasha could see it.

"They were trying to make a perfect soldier and were successful. Out of 1000 only 40 survived and become known as 'Numbered'. Three months prior they changed tactic of attack. Instead of whole or half of the platoon they sent individuals," she said in monotone voice. "They were on SHIELD's top hit list for over a year and half."

She was looking through their files face blank.

"They're methods were inhumane, disgusting and cruel. They even worse than Red Room."

That was saying something. Clint thought reading file on the Numbered.

"Twenty seven soldiers were killed in action three months ago," he said aloud.

"Was it in the attack on SHIELD's base?"

"Yes. Then they lost 4 on solo missions. Numbered tried to rebel but half was killed as an example for everyone else. For camp Numbered become failure, so they decided to slowly eliminate them and started second generation. When we got here only 5 remain and they blow themselves up to finally escape the camp. They must have been desperate."

"Are there any names?"

Clint shook his head. "Only numbers, but there is a note on 001. Can you translate it?"

"Sure," Natasha took the paper and read it. Her eyes widen.

"What is it?" asked Clint.

"They inject 001 with super soldier serum," she said.

"That's not good. If they made new serum and were successful, there could be countless super soldiers." Clint said.

"There can be unknown number of enhance enemies." Natasha continue.

December 28th 2009, Africa, Nigeria, no name village, Bruce Banner

Our first meeting was Nigeria. I was helping build a school with some charity. It wasn't safest place in country, so we had to hire some mercenaries. We managed to get 6 in total. Wa were really lucky to get this many people with how little money we paid.

"Don't get in their way, Mark." Luis, leader of our group, warned me. "They won't hesitate to hurt or kill you."

"You exaggerated thinks. I'm sure they are decent people," I know she wasn't happy with our 'guards' but it got little overboard sometimes.

One day at lunch I saw one of them eating ration bar. It didn't looked tasty. Then I got better look at the mercenary. This one always cover his face and was shorter then other adults. I realized it as I saw the face. It was a child! A girl no older than thirteen. How can a child be a mercenary. I was furies on the inside. Only later I realized she had no family and was just trying to survive.

Her face told me she was a mix between American or European and Asian. Her eyes were grey nearly silver but ther was something else in them. She had slightly tan skin and freckles on her cheeks and nose. Her features were soft but tense like she expected to be attack. Her head was covered by camo scarf that usually cover her face too.

She quickly realised I was starting at her. She looked at me. Her eyes were eyes of veteran soldier.

I put on a smile and started talking.

"I'm sorry to startle you. I didn't know mercenaries could be this young. You should eat something batter. Here eat this." I offer her my lunch.

She stared at me then cover her face.

I talked some more.

"You are around thirteen, right. That's a age you are growing a lot you should eat more." I talked in friendly voice but she was still staring at me. 'Can she even understand me?' I thought. "I swear it's not poisoned."

After a while she slowly took the lunch. I sat down on the ground and gesture her to do the same. She set down and uncovered her face and began to eat. Once in awhile she threw me glance.

I spent four weeks there. Every time I had some free time I find her and talked to her. She never answered. She only acknowledge me by giving me a curious look.

Others though I'm crazy at first but soon realized how young she is. They started to giving her meals but she never eaten infront of them nor revealed her face. She nodded as thank you and never gone further. She must've really like me.

Now the school was finished and everyone will leave the next day. I come to her one last time.

"I packed you some clothes, food and medical supplies," I said as I put down a bag next to her half packed one. She looked at it and than at me. She returned to packing.

Before I could continue I heard a voice.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

It was a voice of young girl. It was her voice. For a first time I heard her voice.

When I didn't answer she stopped packing. Her silver grey eyes looked into my own and she repeated the question.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

"Because," I stopped for a moment not sure about my answer. "Because a child should never do such a job or should have such old eyes. I can say you have gone through horrible things. Things no one should have gone through. And because you remind me of my self a little." I said looking down. She is scared of something and is. on a run, just like me. I knew she knew it too.

She was looking at me then she started to pack again. I turned around to let her think.

"Nora"

I turned back at her. "What?" was my answer.

"You asked me what is my name the other day. I call myself Nora."

"Bruce Banner," was my reply

July 4th 2010, South America, Guyana, Clint Barton

It was simple mission. Get in, get the information, get out. But one problem.

I don't know the way and locals refuse to help. SHIELD hired a guide but the guide is mercenary. I hate working with mercenaries they turned their backs on you once you stop paying them.

This mercenary showed up around nine months ago. Her code name is Nora and according to SHIELD she is still a teenager. How could they hire a kid?

Now I'm waiting in middle of nowhere for this kid to appear. If she's successful SHIELD will hire her for more jobs and maybe get her to join.

"Good afternoon Mr. Archer."

I spin around with arrow in bow. Behind me was a person in military clothes and armed, they had scarf covering their head. Only hands and eyes were visible.

"Mercenary Nora," I asked.

"Yes. Code is white raven. Hawkeye I assume," she said.

"Yes. Code is capitan Nemo."

She nodded and gesture to follow her. I obeyed. I only had one though in mind 'how could she get behind me'. As we walk she explained how the base look like and best way to get in. She didn't talk after.

Everything went well so far. I got in, got what I want and got out. We were on our way to check point. Then she suddenly stopped.

"Go this way for another two kilometres and then hide. I will join you later."

Before I could do anything she disappeared. I was angry. We must have a tail if she disappeared like this. I couldn't help her as I don't know this jungle so I had to follow her instructions.

Not even twenty minutes later I heard gunshots. I was debating with myself if I should go or not when they stopped. She must be dead assumed. I hated this feeling a child died here and I could prevent her dead. But I had to move or I'm dead. I hid at the place Nora told me about and waited.

Soon figure came out. The figure looked around and then silver grey eyes locked with mine. These eyes belong to Nora. She gesture to come out and I did so.

"Where are they?" I asked.

"Dead," was the only answer.

It was unsettling seeing child like.

After that everything went as planned and I had to inform Fury about this child.

January 17th 2011, Asia, India, Bruce Banner

Our second meeting was unexpected at least.

I was about to go to bed when someone bang on my door. I got up and opened them. I saw three figures, one was bleeding in alarming speed. Without any questions I assured them in.

I have done major surgery and stabilized the patient. Once he heals he will be all right. I moved to treat the other two.

One go out to get others as soon as he was treated, the other sat there with silver grey eyes fixed on me. These familiar silver grey eyes.

"Nora?" was my answer.

She uncovered her face and and said.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Banner."

I smiled. It was good to see her again. I still didn't like her job but I didn't say anything.

I treated everyone's injuries and stared to talked to Nora like these years ago.

Before she left she asked me "What is a family" at first I couldn't ans

"Family is hard to explain," I said. "Family are people who are blood related to you like your parents and siblings. They love you and protect you, they are not always related. Family can be group of people who had strong emotional bonds. They're closest to you and you can always rely on." I tried to explain concept of family to her. She nodded and didn't asked again. I let her think about it.

Soon she got new job and left again. It was good to see her and it warm my heart. I hope she will find her family.

October 8th 2011, South America, Venezuela, Phil Coulson

This wasn't supposed to happened. This was just investigation of strange occurrence. But they were waiting for us and capture us. I don't know where is my team or where am I. They took away my locator so SHIELD can't find me. I hope my team is okay.

The door open and a man come in my cell. He is saying something and when I don't answer he punch me and repeat his questions.

Suddenly he stiffen and fall on the floor. Behind the man stood same one. I recognize that person, it's mercenary Nora.

"Agent Coulson?" she asked.

"Yes," I answered.

"Your boss send me to get you out of here. Can you walk?"

"I think I can," I stood up successfully.

"Then follow me please," she walked out of the cell.

I followed her and stopped once I saw the hall. It was full of dead guards. She did it while I was integrated. Only Black Widow could do it in such a short time, yet Nora did it.

She noticed I didn't follow her and looked at me.

"Hurry up. One manage to call for help. Reinforcements will arrive soon."

She led me out and made her way to the rode. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a truck and on the truck was my whole team. I was so happy no one died. A voice ripped out of my thoughts.

"Take a cover!" Nora shouted.

A grenade exploded near us and push me to the ground. My vision was blurry. Once the ringing in ears stopped I heard gunshots near me. I saw Nora return fire. She had her head uncovered. I could see her face and raven black hair. She must be fifteen or sixteen. SHIELD knew she was young but this young, we had no idea.

"Get in a car," she barked at me.

I obeyed. Once I was in the car she shouted another order.

"Ther are some guns under the seats, cover me."

We got the guns and started to shoot. She quickly got in the car and drove us away.

Once we were safe she slow down from the mas dash.

"You said my boss send you to get me, were you supposed to get rest of my team?" I asked.

"No, they were believed to be dead," she answered.

"Why did you get them out?" I continued asking.

"I have a favour to ask."

"And what's the favour?"

"Help find my family."

I was surprised. I wanted to asked more but she continued.

"I know for sure my parents are dead, but I remembered I have aunt, uncle and grandfather in USA. I want to find them."

"Can you remember their names?" I asked.

She shook her head. "I have an amnesia since I was eight. Some of my memories came only few months ago. I want back home."

Everything she said was in monotone voice. Everything but the last sentence. It was said hesitant in desperate voice, like a child who was lost. Even her stone cold face changed into the pleading on.

I didn't know why but I promised her I would help her.

October 9th 2011, North America, USA, SHIELD base, Nick Fury

Coulson and his team were successfully rescued by mercenary Nora. She called yesterday and present a deal he made. It was a good deal lives of SHIELD agents for our help in finding her family.

Now she is here in base giving us any information she can remember. It isn't much but her DNA will be plenty to find them if they are in system.

When we tested her blood we found something unexpected. Someone used her as a lab rat and made her into a super soldier.

When asked she didn't tell us anything. She just stared back at us with dull eyes. She's like a doll it's unnerving. Hopefully agent Romanoff will get something.

October 10th 2011, North America, USA, SHIELD base

Fury called me in to interrogate newly find enhance human. Poor girl she couldn't be older than twelve when it happened. I entered her room only to see pair of silver grey eyes staring at me from behind a book. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas I noticed.

"Hello, I'm Natasha Romanoff. You can call me Natasha," I started at friendly manner. "And you are?"

She put the book down and answered, "Nora."

"That's not your real name, isn't it?" I asked.

"No."

"Where did it came from?"

"Someone told me I'm like a Pandora so I made the name from it.

I nodded. "Who told you that?"

"A friend."

"Does ha have a name?"

"I don't know."

"How come aren't you friends?"

"We didn't know each others names."

"Then how did you called eachother?"

She didn't answered.

An idea structure me in that moment.

"Have you ever heard about the Numbered?"

Her face stiffened it was nearly unnoticeable. She has something to do with them.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Are you one of them?" it was a shot in a dark but I was lucky.

She stared at me studying me. For a minute or two no one said anything.

"Yes," she answered quietly.

"Are you the only surviver?"

"As far as I am aware. Twenty six Numbers died the day I escaped then they were slowly killed out." I could see the pain in her eyes. They must have been close to her

"How long were you in The camp?"

"Five years."

She is mercenary for three years. She was eight when she started. It's too young. In that moment I remembered. The only Number that was enhanced was 001, the leader.

"Where you 001?" I asked.

"Yes," there was a steel in her voice.

"Why didn't you saved your platoon?"

"We all wanted to get out. We promised eachother if one escape we won't hunt them even if it means death. If we escape we won't look back to lower the chances of getting caught. To not look back was the hardest decision in my life." Her voice was cooled and full of grief and regards.

She was honest. I could sympathise with her.

Days went by and we got closer. Nearly like a sisters. She is easygoing person even if she is tight-lipped and little cold.

May 11th 2012, North America, USA, Los Angeles, Tony Stark

I went to get some donates from my favourite shop. They already know me so there wasn't any fuss about it.

I was waiting for my order when a teenage girl with two kids came in. That girl was mix of American and Asian with grey eyes, black shoulder lank hair and freckles. She was around sixteen. The kids were both boys and both had blond hair with same silver grey eyes as her. They were seven and five years old

It was like seeing trio of siblings . Each boy held hands with their big sister. It was cute.

"Kenny, can I get chocolate donat," younger boy asked.

"Sure," now named Kenny replied.

"I want strawberry one," said the older boy.

I turned them out in favour of my order. I took my order and walked to my car.

What Tony didn't know was that a pair of silver grey eyes were still watching him.

June 25th 2012, North America, USA, New York, Steve Rogers

It's already five days since SHIELD unfrozen me. They give everything I need and told me to learn what I missed. It's still new to me.

Not long ago I discovered a small gym. The gym was here even 70 years ago. Apparently it passed on in family. Current owner is 65 year old man named Kennedy James Grey. He lives in a flat above the gym with his granddaughter Kennedy Jane Grey. He was nice enough to let me use his gym whenever I can't sleep or feel anxious.

When I asked why he said.

"My granddaughter is the same. When she came to my life again she couldn't sleep and was twitching all the time. Whenever it was too much for her she gone running for few miles or hit the gym. It's helping her a lot."

He is really nice and loves to talk about his family.

The first time I saw his granddaughter I could believe how different they are. While he is blond she is brunette. He is white she is little asian. He is friendly and talkative she is more introvert and tight-lipped but kind non the less. Both are mascular and both has same silver grey eyes.

One night I couldn't sleep and was training with punching bag. I accidentally sent the bag flying again.

"Maybe we should charge you for the repairs." A voice said behind me.

I turned around and saw a teenage girl.

"I think we don't met before. My name is Kennedy Jane Grey. My grandpa own this gym." she said.

"I'm Steve Rogers. Nice to meet you." I replied.

"Can't sleep?"

"Yes."

"Same here. Do you wanna have sparring match?" she asked out of nowhere.

"Ehm... excuse me?" I asked bluntly.

"Do you wanna have sparring match with me?" she asked again.

"I don't think it would be a good idea," I defended.

"We won't go all out and we will have protectors." she insisted.

I didn't know how to say her it's agents my nature to hit a woman.

Like she read my mind she said. "Don't worry it will not hurt me and I'm used to sparring with men double my size and age."

That was not reassuring but I give in.

In a ring we count down the star. Before I knew it I was laying on my back. She encouraged me to another match. This time I lasted longer. I didn't used my super straight but I couldn't beat her for few rounds.

We exchange numbers to arrange another sparring section. She is good I wonder who trained her.