Kidnapped

5

I wake up in an entirely dark room, I can't even see my hand in front of my face. I don't know the time or if I'm supposed to be up by now. It had seemed I hadn't slept at all but it always feels like that.

I waited for my eyes to adjust before going to the bathroom. There wasn't any light there, either. How fun. I'm glad I've got a good memory and went through Romanoffs room yesterday. Or today, whatever time it is.

Once I'm finished with roaming around aimlessly, I press my ear to the door. There was no commotion on the other side, nor was there light leaking from the bottom.

Everything felt numb. To myself, it seemed I didn't care that I was here. Like I was already used to it and had been living here forever. My entire past was just a vague memory that didn't seem like mine. I lay back down, knocking my shin on the bed as I crawled in. I cursed at the frame and closed my eyes.

__

I wake up again with a start as the bright lights come on without warning. From eternal darkness to staring at the sun, was how if felt. I don't know of any clothing besides what I'm in and change into the dress from before.

It was a routine that I had memorized from one night to the next. It made no sense, but I knew exactly what to do.

I tied my hair up and exited the door, pressing the button on the way out. The other girls were coming out at the same time. I saw the red head and walked over to her.

"Hey."

"Hi." She smiled.

"Weird question, but... do you remember home?"

"What?"

"Like, your parents. Family, what went on before this."

She looked thoughtful... and beautiful... before she responded, "now that I think of it, no. I don't remember anything."

I sigh, shaking my head. "Ok, it's not just me.y memory has always been good, home isn't something I would forget. What is all this, anyway?" I point to the spots that dotted both our bodies.

"Serum. It makes us stronger, less vulnerable, and we can never have kids now."

"Adoption?"

"Pregnancy. We can't physically have them. Not like that. Adoption, yes. I think. If we ever get outta here."

"How do you know all this?"

"I... I don't know." She shrugs.

"Do you remember your name?"

"I've been assigned 'Natasha'. I don't know if it's my birth name. The name 'Natalie' seems familiar, but I don't think it's right."

"Oh, I'm-"

"I know who you are." She cut me off, "but you'll get a new name soon."

"Does it have to change?"

"Apparently."

We enter the room and both of us fall silent as Madam stands in the center, her arms folded neatly behind her back.

I follow Natasha into line, standing in front.

"Position one."

Acquired.

"Two."

Complete.

"Three."

Correct.

We went on with this, different patterns and order for about an hour. Of course, I had no idea of the time. But that didn't seem to matter.

"Up."

In sync, we all threw one leg up, standing on our other toes and spinning, our arms holding an invisible ball above us.

"Down."

Both our feet are placed neatly on the ground, our arms dangling in front of us.

"Better."

This had gone on for weeks. Months, even. I had sort of lost count. I never talked to anyone besides Natasha, who said I could call her Nat. She never gave me a nickname, and Madam never changed my own.

I haven't seen Mr. Mathens at all. We were fed once a day in one large room, showered after the Red Room each day, everything was always the same.

Until now.

As usual, I open the door, my dress already on. When I see the other girls, they're wearing something entirely different. This was something I hadn't expected, or in my mental schedule.

"Nat?" I call out. Apparently Madam was allowing us to talk, not stopping us. It sort of scared me, why she only allowed Nat and I to talk.

"Somethings different about today. I'm not sure what, but they are. Ask them, I can't help you this time."

"Who are they?" I point to the other girls, "I don't know anyone besides you."

"Tall, blonde. See her?"

"Yeah."

"Leona. Ask her."

"Can you come with me?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

She nods and follows behind me.

"Excuse me? Leona? Can you explain what's going on?" I ask as we're walking in the door.

She stares ahead, as if I'm not even here.

"Hello?"

"Shh." She shot back. I backed down, glancing at Nat.

"Just... come on, we'll find out in a minute."

Apparently we don't get in line today. Madam stands in the middle of the floor, her arms crossed. Odd, they were always behind her back.

"Where is your suit?" She glared at me.

"I don't have one."

"Then get one!"

"Yes, Madam." I look at Nat, whispering, "where was yours?"

"Folded just inside my door."

"I never got one, then." I shake my head, "I'm gonna go check again."

"Good idea." She walked off, following the other girls. They all stood in a circle around Madam.

I rush out the door, ignoring Madam shout "Graceful!" behind me. I didn't care about her stupid 'graceful' ness right now.

As predicted, sort of, there was a folded suit in my room. I knew for a fact it hadn't been there before. And somehow, it got there without being disturbed my the movement of the door, so I had pushed it when I entered.

I close the door and change quickly, running back into the Red Room.

I looked at Nat, who now held a gun. So did the other girls.

A shot rang through the room as a bullet pierced the air, ramming into a red target. Whoever had shot it, the brunette with black streaks, had good aim.