A/N: I'm getting a little frustrated with Interns, and I thought about writing this until I get my mojo back.
It's set AU where Ward is still with the original team and they are still on the bus. It's a standalone and is not linked to my Ward has secrets or Interns stories.
I am also sorry the first chapter is a little short, but it's just to set the scene.
"Where the hell are we?" Ward asked as they entered a clearing in the woods.
"I don't know and I don't like it." May said, clearly uneasy.
"What are these?" Skye asked as she approached six tree stumps . Each of them had a small red backpack on it.
As a team they cautiously approached the bags and rummaged in them. Suddenly there was a crackle and a voice called out.
"Welcome to my game, Agent's of S.H.I.E.L.D. You will each take a backpack and place it on your backs."
"Why?" Coulson shouted, throwing caution to the wind.
"You and your team are now entering my game. You will need your backpacks as they will carry vital equipment that you will need to leave the mansion compound."
"What game?" Skye asked.
"Ahhh. I'm glad you asked. You are about to enter 'Release the Hounds'. You will complete six tasks to retrieve a key in each. The faster you do this, the more time you will have."
"Have for what?" Fitz asked, face paling.
"Each key unlocks a box in the kennels. In this box there is a piece of the puzzle that you will need to get out of the mansion grounds. In order to keep these items you will need to outrun my pack of wild dogs."
"What?" Simmons asked, turning green. She knew she wasn't an athlete and could not outrun a dog.
"Please follow the white arrows and proceed to the first task. If you fail to comply I will release the hounds to gently persuade you. When you reach the destination you will find what you need to do. When the gong sounds, the gate will start moving closer to the dogs. I will be in touch."
They heard the crackle of the tannoy being turned off and turned to face each other.
"What do we do?" asked Ward
"I guess we play the game." Coulson replied, looking for the arrow they had to follow.
When they found it they set off towards their first task.