Perfect

They quickly ran through the woods, leaping and bounding over every boulder, log, and bush. They dodged trees and sprinted as fast as they could. Lasers whizzed by their ears, the guns behind them firing as much as they could. Janet practically tripped, almost falling on her face. She looked at Natasha beside her, running with ease and grace, but still barely escaping the lasers.

"Why can't you fly?" Janet panted, jumping over a broken tree.

"I don't have powers," she replied obviously.

"It was a rhetorical question!" Janet bellowed with exasperation. She finally saw the ship ahead, although the distance was still pretty far. She knew they had to park the ship without being detected, but she didn't think they'd be running for their lives afterward. Janet continued to grasp the object in her hands tighter, wanting to protect the object they stole with her life.

The ship was closer, but Modok slowly descended in front of them, blocking the ship. They stopped to a halt, as more guards ran to Modok's side. Both girls stood in a fighting stance.

"Black Widow…I should've known you were behind this," Modok said with distaste, glaring at her. The guards surrounded them fully, all pointing their guns. Modok then glanced at the unfamiliar woman who was at Natasha's side. His eyes narrowed.

Janet wasn't surprised he couldn't recognize her; she did look different. She was no longer wearing her cute uniform that was a dress. Instead, she had a full suit on, looking like Natasha's. The entire uniform was pitch black, made from the same texture and cloth as Natasha's as well. It also had yellow plates running from her lower torso to her breasts, protecting her whole front body. Instead of having a zipper, the collar went all the way up to her neck. The back had small slits for her wings to pry out of her back, but still covering every inch of skin, including her hands. However, her favorite feature, no matter how much she hated to admit it, was the heels. She was surprised at how easy she could run in them. It was difficult at first, but she got used to it quickly.

Other than the entire outfit, she looked absolutely different. She finally admitted to herself how much older she looked when she didn't wear the dress. When she first looked into the mirror, she gasped loudly, making Natasha smile. The uniform showed her sultry curves that she tended to hide. Her long legs were even longer, as the heels made her taller and her bottom was curved and rounded. Her hair remained the same, as well as her natural beauty. She looked like a woman instead of a girl, and she had to admit…she looked hot and sexy.

Modok's eyes suddenly widened, "An Avenger?" He was suddenly worried.

Janet couldn't help but smile slyly at his fear, "Not quite." He noticed the small item in her hands, and that's when his anger returned.

"Baron Strucker has you running his errands again. Both of you clearly don't know what power that entity carries…and that it rightfully belongs to me," he stated, as the guards continued to point their guns.

"You are a crook, Modok. Nothing rightfully belongs to you," Black Widow replied, her eyes scanning her surroundings.

Modok glared, "That specific piece of fortune does! Give it back or die!"

"Listen, big head, we're getting through here whether you like it or not. Your men will die if they do not let us pass," Wasp retorted quickly. Modok began laughing hysterically.

"There are two of you and at least 60 of my men! How do you expect to survive?"

"It's simple, really," Wasp said, feeling Black Widow tense.

Modok pursed his lips, shouting loudly, "Fire!"

The men began firing all at once, aiming the two women. Wasp automatically shrunk her size, as Black Widow jumped high into the air. Wasp stuffed the item down her collar and began firing her stingers at the guns, the power melting the barrel of the weapons. She dodged the lasers with ease, focusing on the guns only for the time being. In the meantime, Black Widow landed on her feet with a thud, noting the lack of weapons that were being fired. She attacked swiftly, kicking and punching every yellow-suited man she came in contact with.

After a few minutes, Wasp was finished with the guns and followed Black Widows' lead. She had taken out most of them, but there were still a lot left. Wasp began attacking as well, growing back into her original size while tossing her leg into one of the guard's face. Modok stared helplessly, watching the two women take down his small army. He could call his other men, but the hideout was miles away from their spot now. Instead, he stood in shock as Black Widow snapped the neck of the last guard.

Both women, barely panting, stood in front of the floating head and ready to deal with him next. Modok did the noble thing and ran away quickly back to his base, screaming panicked words.

"Leave him, he is a coward," Black Widow stated, looking at the fallen men. "How many did you kill?"

Wasp looked at her sheepishly, "None…they're just knocked out." Black Widow's face remained stoic. "Well excuse me if I frown upon killing!"

"It is fine," Black Widow rolled her eyes. Both walked back to the ship. "Did you protect the artifact?"

"Yeah, although I highly doubt it was worth risking our lives for," she replied, taking out the item. "What do you think it is?"

"I'm not sure." Wasp began to unwrap it. "What are you doing?"

"Opening it."

"Baron will notice it is opened."

"We'll just say it was roughed up during the fight. This will be good to report back to Fury," Wasp said, as Black Widow waited with anticipation. Janet's eyes narrowed, pulling out a green stone in the shape of a diamond. "What the hell? Do you know what it is?"

Natasha picked it up and studied it. She shook her head, "Baron has never stolen something such as this. He has taken many jewels in the past, but none as specific and intricate. I will still report it to Fury, nonetheless."

"Great, we steal something from the craziest guy on the planet, and we don't even know what it is. I just love when that happens." They took their seats on the ship, as Natasha manned the controls.

"In time, remember what I said about patience," Natasha reminded, as Janet grumbled. The ship slowly ascended off the ground, gaining height. Soon, it was soaring in the air swiftly, flying back to the HYDRA base. "Baron is giving a speech tomorrow."

"Yeah I know, good luck with that."

"Something tells me he wants you there…"

"What?" Janet replied, shocked. "It's only been two months."

"It's a mere guess, but I believe he wants you to finally step out in the public."

Janet groaned, "The Avengers will be there." Hank will be there.

Natasha shook her head, "You can't let them distract you now. It's for their own protection."

"You don't get it. You don't know how persistent all of them are. First chance they get, they'll be on me."

"You do what I taught you."

Janet rolled her eyes, staring out the window and the darkness of the night. The whole evening had stressed her out. On her first mission under Strucker's command, she managed to steal the item perfectly, but also setting off the alarm and having a small army chase them into the dark forest. Essentially, it was her fault; she tricked the alarm, having the entire base wake up and attack the two women. Natasha didn't seem to mind, for it was her first mission, but Janet hated screwing up after so many days and weeks of training.

Natasha suddenly sighed, interrupting Janet's thoughts. "I know the real reason why you're so nervous." Janet stared at her, trying to figure out what she was getting at. Natasha didn't say anything; she seemed embarrassed for even bringing it up. However, the night was late (or early, as she saw it) and Janet didn't feel like questioning her about it. "What's it like being in love?"

If Janet had water in her mouth, she would have spewed it out and gotten all the controls wet. She almost doubled over in her chair, if not for the seatbelt strapped around her. Her eyes practically bulged out of her sockets, staring at her in bewilderment.

"Excuse me?"

Natasha managed to sigh again, still feeling slightly mortified. Janet had never seen her so embarrassed before. But why? It was simple girl talk, but Natasha didn't do girl talk. A tinge of pink managed to cross her cheeks.

"You know what I mean," Natasha finally said, controlling her emotions better.

"You've never been in love?" Janet asked, as an image of Hank immediately entered her mind.

"Hardly…I've only used men for sexual satisfaction rather than trying to find love the hard way."

"Ew, please do not go down that road, I don't want to know anything," Janet quickly said. "Tasha, I really don't understand the question."

"How do you know?"

"Are you really asking me this? The most beautiful woman I've ever met and you have trouble in the love department?"

"I'm not having trouble, I just want to know how it happens."

Janet scrunched her brows, looking forward. "I…I don't know. It just happens."

"You and the doctor, how did it start?"

Did everybody know about the secret love for her best friend? "How did what start? Nothing has happened…"

"I know you miss him. I know not one day goes by when you don't stop thinking about him. I recognize love when I see it, I just don't understand it. And now you are afraid of going to the speech tomorrow because you haven't seen him in a long time and you can't stand to see him when you're like this."

Janet gulped, pursing her lips tightly, "Yes…"

"But you can't run up to him and hug him, for you still have a role to play and Baron is always watching," Natasha explained, reading her like a book.

"I've already told you once before not to remind me of how transparent I am," Janet grumbled to herself, crossing her arms.

"Keep holding onto that faith, Jan. If we don't have faith, then what else can we count on?"

"Are you done preaching?" Janet asked bluntly. An awkward silence filled the room until she spoke again. "Why did you bring the subject up anyway? Do you know how random that was?" She didn't think Natasha was going to answer.

"I've just been thinking lately," she shrugged. Janet always thought it was weird when Natasha opened up. She was always so confined and kept things close to the chest. However, Janet had managed to break off a piece of Natasha's emotional armor and got through. Janet definitely saw it as a great accomplishment.

"Thinking?" Janet asked, seeing the HYDRA base down below. Natasha lowered the ship into the hanger.

She shook her head, "Just forget about it."

"You can talk to me, you know," Janet sighed with irritation. Natasha landed the ship, powering it down.

"I know."

Janet unbuckled herself, grumbling at how frustrating Natasha was. When she peeked out the window, Baron was standing right outside, waiting. His smile was big, and yet eerily creepy at the same time. Ever since Janet had gotten closer to him, she saw more of his darker side. She acted like she didn't seem to mind. Actually, she acted like she was converting to a darker side…to which hopefully Baron believed it.

"My lovely ladies," Baron said, as both walked down the ramp, heels clanking on the metal floor. Baron smiled hungrily toward Janet, looking as if he wanted to pounce at any second. "Did you get what I asked for?"

"Yes my Baron," Janet answered with a sultry smile. She handed the packaged jewel to him, as he took it from her, gently touching her hand. He opened it in front of them, unraveling the green gem.

"Stunning, isn't it?" he held it up, examining it with his monocle. "In time, both of you will learn the power this small crystal possesses." He gave it to one of his agents, placing it in a steal box. He gazed at Janet, "Or at least one of you." She looked at him with apprehension.

"Green's not really my color, my Baron," she grinned playfully.

He grinned back, "Oh, but it will be, my dear." He took her hand in his, raising it to his face.

"We can work something out, I suppose."

He nodded with excitement, turning to Natasha. "As you know, I will be making a speech tomorrow in front of the Statue of Liberty." He motioned for both of them to walk with him, down the halls. "I will need several agents surrounding the island and both of you at my side the entire time while at the podium."

"Both, sir?" Janet asked.

"Yes, it is time my dear for you to finally step out. You did, after all, help me with the explanation of the company," he explained. "HYDRA is officially over with." Both women didn't say anything, silently agreeing with him. "Now, I suggest some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow…"

Hundreds of people gathered on the island, several different news stations gathering at the front. The anchors were already stating the facts of Strucker's speech in front of the rolling cameras. SHIELD was already on-site, Nick Fury and Mockingbird off to the side of the public. Mockingbird looked nervous, rubbing her hands every other minute. Fury remained stoic, his arms crossed and face emotionless.

"Weapons, sir?" Maria Hill asked, walking forward.

"No weapons. We are here because of peace, not to start a fight," Fury replied, much to Hill's dismay. He glanced upward, seeing the Avenger ship flying low and ready to land. The ship landed next to the SHIELD one, as it powered down. The door opened, falling to the ground as Iron Man stepped out first. "I was wondering when you were going to get here."

"Wouldn't miss it," Iron Man replied, as the rest of the team exited. All of their expressions were twisted with sadness and anxious feelings.

"What's this speech about anyway?" Captain America asked.

"We've heard several rumors, but none of them are clear. It's a mystery to us too," Fury answered.

"Same here," Ant Man responded, his eyes peered to everything. The HYDRA agents were already crawling everywhere; Strucker was already here. He wanted nothing more than to grabbed Strucker by the collar and beat him to death. He wasn't a violent man, but when it came to Janet, he'd do anything.

"These people are eager to hear what he has to say. I cannot imagine the lies he has told to so many others," Thor commented.

"He's just an asshole, Thor…and a really good one," Hawkeye stated, glancing at Mockingbird every chance he got. A few stations were trying to pass the SHIELD agents, wanting to interview Fury and Iron Man. The agents struggled to keep them at bay.

"This better be worth it," Captain America muttered.

In an instant, the crowd began to cheer and applaud suddenly, as the Black Widow took her place beside the podium. As usual, she was poised and graceful, but also fierce and lethal. When the Black Widow stepped out first, it was a given Strucker was right after. However, Baron Strucker wasn't the next person that stepped out and walked to the podium. Loud gasps and shrieks sounded throughout the crowd, as the cameras flashed rapidly.

Wasp stepped out suddenly, walking with the same poise as Black Widow did. She was nervous on the inside, but her face said nothing of her fear. She walked with confidence and determination, taking her place on the left side of the podium.

"Wasp! Wasp!" the anchors yelled, getting close ups on her emotionless face, as security pushed them back. She crossed her arms, saying nothing to the stations and keeping her eyes scanning throughout the crowd.

"Holy shit," Hawkeye said out loud, his mouth hanging open. The entire team didn't know what to say, as all their wide eyes continued to stare at their once beloved friend and teammate. The look in her eyes screamed of hate and betrayal. Her expression had nothing; no smile, no light, and no friendship.

"Janet?" Hank said with distress, staring at the woman he loved looking like a dark villain. "This can't be happening…"

Baron Strucker stepped out next, taking his place at the podium with Black Widow on his right and Wasp on his left. He began immediately thanking the city and its officials and officers. Meanwhile, Janet couldn't bear to look at the team; she could already picture the distraught on their faces.

However, she mustered up the courage. Using her peripheral vision, she got a good look at the team. She wanted to flinch at their despair and anguish. She could sense the feeling of betrayal and deceit rolling off them in waves. She wanted nothing more than to run through the crowd and hug them all. Then again, when she looked upon Hank's face, tears threatened to pour down her face. She kept her expression emotionless, but it was one of the hardest things she'd ever done.

Never had she gone two months without seeing Hank; the longest had been a month. Eight weeks of not seeing Hank literally left her heart empty. She missed him more than anything in the world. She missed his smile, his eyes, and his strong arms that held her every so often. She even missed his ungodly hours of pure nonstop science experiments. She missed him. And now, now that she finally gazed upon his breathtaking and handsome face, she wanted nothing more than to break away from the charade she was playing and run to him. She wanted to kiss him and confess the love she felt for him after so many years.

But she couldn't. She couldn't be selfish and follow her heart on this one, not when innocent people were at stake. And now, as she stood in front of the world, pretending to be someone she wasn't, she knew she couldn't go back now. She was in deep, deeper than she ever was before, but she was ready to put her life down to finally be the hero she desired to be.

"I would also like to finally introduce the newest member of my organization and my most trusted agent…Ms. Janet Van Dyne," Strucker informed, his hand outward toward her. The crowd applauded loudly once more, the multiple cameras flashing. She would roll her eyes if she had the chance, but she definitely didn't want to let everyone else know how bored she truly was. Baron's speeches grabbed her attention only so much. "I have called all of you today to inform you of the HYDRA organization. The rumors are true when I say that the cooperation is officially closed and HYDRA no longer exists."

The crowd cheered some more, now fully trusting Baron Strucker. "With the help of Wasp, my dear agent, we have officially banned the industry and are getting rid of all ships, weapons, and other affiliated systems that have burned the past countless times. If you do not believe me by my words…believe my actions. I truly wish to help New York City and all of its people beneficially. I hope to continue to receive your grace and adoration, for I could not have done it without you. Thank you."

The media immediately took its chance, bombarding the podium with questions and concerns. He answered them politely, choosing every individual.

Suddenly, a man from the crowd came forward from the side, watching Strucker continue to answer questions. His eyes were bloodshot red and one hand was in his jacket. No one particularly noticed him, for he was an average looking man. However, he crept forward and pulled out a gun, lifting it in the air and shooting it off twice. The crowd instantly dropped to the floor, ducking their heads and panicking.

"Wolfgang Strucker is evil! He deserves to die!" the man screamed loudly, pointing the gun at Strucker. Before he could even fire, his eyes widened huge as Wasp was suddenly in front of him, sprinting towards him. In a matter of seconds, Janet ducked under his pointed arm, thrusting her hand up towards the man's elbow and breaking it. He cried out in pain as she took the gun from his hand, tripping his leg and causing him to fall forward on his face. She grabbed his wrist, twisting in an uncomfortable position, as he continued to scream. By the end of a couple seconds, one hand held his twisted and broken arm, the other hand had his own gun pointed at his head, and her foot was against his back, keeping him down.

He screamed some more, tears rolling down his face, "I surrender! I surrender!"

The public was astonished as how fast Janet seemed to move, and detaining the shooter all in mere seconds. Daniela, the blond anchor stood in shock, mumbling to her cameraman, "Did you get that?"

"Hell yeah!" he replied, zooming in on Wasp. Soon, police came to her side, collecting the gun and grabbing the shooter. Janet whipped a small bead of sweat from her brow and walked casually back to the podium.

"I believe we are done for the day," Strucker politely suggested, grinning at Janet when she came back up. "Thank you again." The media begged for more, but Strucker exited off the stage. Black Widow and Wasp followed behind him closely.

"What the hell just happened?" Hawkeye blurted, his hands rushing to his head.

"I have never seen her move that fast before," Black Panther also commented. "It would seem Janet is certainly not wasting her time."

Iron Man shook his head, "She's…she's like a different person."

Captain America retorted, "No, I don't believe that. She's still the same person."

"Cap, did you see what just happened? She was ready to tear that guy's arm off!" Iron Man yelled, pointing to the scene.

"It doesn't matter," Ant Man stepped forward. "She's not the kind of person to change easily. She's still the same! She knows who she is…if you can't trust her, then what else are we supposed to do?" Hank began walking away and back to the ship, "I'm not giving up on her." Captain America watched him walk, as he turned to glance at Janet's leaving back. He narrowed his eyes, knowing the team was still conversing with Fury and took his chance, walking away from the group.

Janet's blood, on the other hand, was still rushing, her heart pounding vigorously. Baron couldn't stop smiling, very proud of the little incident that just happened. She'd be really pissed if he planned this whole thing, but she could tell he didn't; he was way too excited. If he did plan it, he would've been calmer about the situation.

Baron stopped in his tracks, seeing one of his 'clients' standing in front of his ship. He cleared his throat, turning to them, "I have unfinished business to attend to before we go home. Please wait for me." Both girls nodded, watching him enter the ship with the mysterious man.

"This is when I begin to worry," Natasha said, as the two continued to walk, behind the Statue of Liberty, away from the commotion in the front. They stopped when they were alone.

"Who was he?" Janet asked.

"I don't know, but he looked like one of his scientists from Germany," she replied, looking grave. "And that is never good. The technology Baron is attracted to is the type that can cause extreme damage. Knowing he hasn't changed, he's definitely planning something. We need to find out what."

Both heard a noise coming from behind, quiet footsteps that probably couldn't be heard by a normal person, except for Natasha and Janet. Both turned around swiftly, Natasha pointing her wrists towards the assailant, and Janet's hands glowing brightly. Janet couldn't hide her surprise.

"Janet," Steve stated, remaining still and not afraid. He didn't even attempt to take out the shield from the straps on his back. Her hands continued to glow brightly.

"What do you want?" Janet asked, her voice icy. She was dying inside, threatening one of her friends.

"I came to talk," he replied softly. "Put your hands down."

She shook her head, "Not until you leave."

"Jan, I'm here as a friend. I know this isn't you…"

Janet was cursing in her head, shooting a small beam at his feet and causing him to jump backward, "Things change."

"You don't change! Just talk to me," Steve pleaded, taking off his mask and showing his honesty.

"There's nothing to talk about. I'm no longer an Avenger…I work for Baron now," she growled, more at herself for being so cruel. Steve looked like he was stabbed in the back. She blinked back her pain, "Sorry Cap, but you can't save me."

He stared at her once more before turning around and running back. Both women finally put their arms down, Janet looking solemnly at the ground. Natasha stared at her in awe and concern.

"I'm surprised you were so harsh to him."

Janet scoffed, "You aren't impressed? I'm shocked."

"I'm proud that you kept your cover, but your level of ruthlessness was that of mine," Natasha said, as Janet sighed.

"Doesn't matter, he still knows I'm the same person. I just needed him to go away before Baron came back."

Natasha blinked, "How? You've clearly displayed that you solely work for Baron now."

Janet formed a small smile, "Because I called him Cap." Natasha slowly smiled, wrapping her mind around the idea.

"Very clever," her smile remained big, somewhat excited. "I'm glad. I trust Captain America." Normally, Janet would've asked Natasha what she meant by that, but she clearly wasn't in the mood now.

"Can I please be alone?" she asked quietly. Natasha nodded, knowing she was in pain. She silently left Janet within her own thoughts.

Within seconds, Janet dropped to her knees and finally released all the emotions she had been feeling the entire day. She sobbed, as tears rushed from her eyes and down her cheeks. Her tears were hot and burned her eyes, as she cried in her hands. So much pain finally escaped her body, as her passionate feelings were finally liberated. She continued to cry to herself, knowing Natasha was probably listening, but she didn't care. All she cared about right now was letting sorrow and agony wash away, just like her tears. At this point, all she could do was continue to cry until her tears ran out.

Why was it so hard to be perfect?

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever feel…

Like you're less than, less than perfect…

Pretty, pretty please, if you ever feel…

Like you're nothing…

You are perfect to me…

Chapter 8:

Can you feel the tension in the air? I know I can! Emotions are flowing everywhere! I think we're getting closer. A couple more chapters, and we'll be headed for the climax…finally.

Hmm not much to say right now, only to please review because your thoughts are extremely helpful!

SilverShadow65