It took time for Scarlet to accept the Avengers, even after they had let her out of her cage. She navigated the space cautiously, her instincts still telling her to be on guard. The sleek, sterile lab was filled with advanced technology, the hum of machines creating an undercurrent of tension. Though free, she felt that the weight of their scrutiny was still upon her—like a predator being tested in a bizarre arena.

Tony was at a nearby console, adjusting various screens that monitored her vital signs and reactions. Sam, who wore his Falcon suit and maintained an easy demeanor, stood a few feet away, watching her intently. "How are you feeling, Scarlet?" Sam asked, his tone casual but his gaze assessing.

She flicked her tail again, a small act of defiance that didn't go unnoticed. "Like a lab rat in an experiment," she replied sharply. "So, what's next? Are you going to poke and prod me to see what I can do?"

Tony chuckled, without looking away from the screen. "No poking or prodding—at least, not yet. We need to understand your capabilities, sure, but it's more about figuring out what you're comfortable with. We're not just testing; we're trying to build a partnership here."

"Partnership?" she echoed, skepticism invading her voice. "You mean to keep an eye on me while I do your dirty work?"

"Partially," Sam admitted with a grin. "But we also want to help you take down Alpha. We're stronger together. You think you can do this alone?"

Scarlet paused, considering the offer. "I could take on Alpha by myself. But..." She hesitated, feeling the weight of their stares. "I don't want to be a pawn in someone else's game. If I join you, I need to know I'll have some say in what happens next."

"Fair enough," Tony said, finally turning to meet her gaze. His expression was earnest, lacking any hint of malice. "Let's talk about what you want, then. What's your plan, Scarlet? What do you need from us?"

With a flick of her tail, she retreated to a corner of the lab, considering her response. "I want information first. What do you know about Alpha's movements, his plans? If I'm going to work with you, I need to know what I'm getting into."

Sam nodded, stepping forward. "We'll share everything we know. But in return, we need to see what you're capable of—training, combat skills, the whole package."

Scarlet crossed her arms, weighing her options. "Let's see how it goes. But remember, this isn't a charity. I'm looking out for myself just as much as for you."

"Fair enough," Tony replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "Let's get started, then. No cages, no chains—let's see what you can really do."

The door to the pen creaked open, and a large pig shuffled out, its eyes a striking wooden amber streaked with red—remarkably intelligent for its size. Scarlet raised an eyebrow, intrigued and a bit amused. "You ran to see me hunt?" she asked, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

Tony looked momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. "Well, I didn't exactly plan on bringing a live specimen into the mix, but why not, right? It's all part of the process. Just think of it as a warm-up."

The pig snuffled around, seemingly oblivious to the presence of the humans and Scarlet, who watched with a mix of curiosity and predatory instinct. "You're telling me I'll be able to hunt out in Central Park when we're done here?" she asked, her tone teasing but with an undercurrent of seriousness.

"Once we're sure you can control your abilities and we can trust you not to cause a scene," Tony replied, leaning against the counter, crossing his arms. "I mean, let's be honest—New York City is already chaotic enough without adding a fierce creature on the loose."

Scarlet chuckled, her confidence bolstered by the thought of freedom. "So, what's the plan? Just me versus this pig?" She glanced back at the creature, sizing it up. "It seems a bit unfair, doesn't it?"

Sam stepped in, spotting the gleam of competitive spirit in her eyes. "Not just yet. First, we want to see how you interact with it. Observe your hunting tactics, agility, and precision. It'll help us understand how to support you when the time comes to take down Alpha."

"Got it," Scarlet said, her eyes narrowing in on the pig. "And what happens if I miss?"

"Then we'll know you need more practice," Tony replied with a shrug. "But I have a feeling you won't. You've got instinct—time to show us what you've got."

With a flick of her tail, Scarlet approached the pig, her movements calculated and deliberate. The room held a palpable tension, as the humans watched, anticipation hanging in the air. "Consider this my introduction to the team," she said, confidence radiating from her. "Let's see if this pig can play the role of prey."

And with that, she crouched, a fierce determination in her amber-streaked eyes, ready to begin.

~~~

The testing session escalated quickly as Scarlet engaged with the pig, her instincts driving her movements. The large animal, initially calm, soon turned frantic, and before long, it was a whirlwind of chaos as Scarlet hunted. The soft thud of hooves against the ground was drowned out by her own heart pounding in her ears, and the challenge became a brutal, instinctive dance of predator and prey.

As the exercise reached its conclusion, Scarlet found herself standing amidst the aftermath—blood pooled around her, the scene stark and visceral. The pig lay still, its life extinguished, and she could feel the weight of what had just happened settle heavily upon her.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the lingering adrenaline and the faint echoes of that primal hunt. "Sorry," she coughed, wiping a hand across her mouth and raising her gaze to meet Tony and Sam's eyes. There was a mix of astonishment and concern reflected back at her.

Tony took a step closer, observing her intently. "You went full hunter mode there, didn't you?" His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of something deeper—perhaps admiration or concern for the darkness that dwelled within her.

Sam leaned against the wall, arms crossed, considering the scene. "That was... intense. You've got skills, but we need to talk about the control side of things. This wasn't a training exercise; we just turned the lab into a slaughterhouse."

Scarlet took a deep breath, swallowing hard as the taste of blood lingered. "I didn't mean for it to get out of hand. It's just instinct; I can't help it. You wanted to see what I could do, and apparently, that's what I'm good at." She felt a flicker of shame surface amidst her pride, disliking the aftermath of her actions even as she reveled in her own capabilities.

"We get that," Tony said, raising his hands defensively. "But we need to refine those instincts. There's a line between hunting for survival and just... well, this." He gestured toward the pig's body. "You're not a mindless beast, Scarlet. We want to make sure that when you hunt, it's for a purpose and not just to showcase your power."

She nodded slowly, the weight of his words settling in. "I understand. It's not about the kill; it's about the mission."

"That's right," Sam added, stepping forward. "We want to help you channel that power. There will be lives at stake—ours and others. Control is just as crucial as the ability itself."

Scarlet took a moment to gather her thoughts, recognizing the truth in their words. "I'll do better next time," she promised, resolve firm in her voice. "I'm not looking to just be a weapon. I want to be part of something bigger, something that matters. I'll learn to control it."

Tony smiled, a hint of pride breaking through the seriousness of the situation. "That's the spirit. Now let's get this cleaned up, and we can strategize from here."

As they began to sort through the bloodshed and wreckage, a sense of camaraderie started to blossom. It was a strange bond formed over survival, struggle, and the delicate balance between power and responsibility. Together, they would find a way forward.