Radioactive | Bucky Barnes

IRON MAN: CHAPTER ONE

Rhiley gasped as she jolted awake, her body immediately tensing, every muscle screaming in protest. Her arms flailed, reaching out for something—anything—to stop her from plummeting into the abyss. When her hands found only empty air, she crashed to the floor, tangled in a mess of sheets. The room fell into a suffocating silence.

Her heart raced in her chest as she lay there, frozen. The overhead lights were blinding, their harsh brightness forcing her to squint, trying to adjust. She felt a surge of panic claw at her, questioning her very existence—was she dead? Had she been captured? Her pulse was fast, too fast, and for a split second, she had to check for the reassuring beat to confirm she was alive.

But then, the terrifying realization hit her—she wasn't where she had been. She was no longer in that place. Where was she? Her mind tried to make sense of it all. Was she dead? Had she been knocked out and taken prisoner?

Looking down at her legs, she saw the unfamiliar white pants and a plain white t-shirt. A hospital? she thought. The thought of it sent a wave of confusion and dread through her. Had Steve, or Peggy, or even Clover rescued her? Or was this some cruel joke, a new nightmare she was stuck in?

The door creaks open, and a nurse steps inside. Her expression was one of mild surprise before she frowned at the sight of Rhiley on the floor.

"You're awake," the blonde nurse said, her voice soft and reassuring, but Rhiley couldn't bring herself to trust it.

"Where am I?" Rhiley's voice was low, guarded. She pushed herself up, immediately tensing as the nurse took a step closer. "Who are you?"

"You can call me Rose," the nurse replied, offering a small, friendly smile. "I'm not gonna hurt you."

Rhiley eyed her suspiciously, still half-lying on the floor, her body tense. "Where am I?" She asked again, her voice shaking slightly despite her attempt to remain calm. "Where is my brother?" She needed to find Howard. She had to.

"Brother?" Rose questioned, flipping through a chart. Her frown deepened as she looked back up at Rhiley. "Who is your brother?"

Rhiley blinked, irritation building in her chest. "Really?" she asked, incredulous. "Howard Stark. The Howard Stark. The famous scientist! He must have visited me—what is this bullshit? Where am I?"

Her guard was up, her fists clenched, but there was desperation behind her words. She backed away, glaring at Rose, confusion and anger clouding her mind. "What do you want from me?"

"We just want to make sure you're safe, miss," Rose said gently, trying to calm her. "You've been asleep for quite a while. You might be a little confused, disoriented. It's normal. Your limbs might feel weak."

"Where's Howard?" Rhiley clenched her jaw, her hands forming tight fists. Her body was brimming with energy that she couldn't release. "I'm not gonna ask again."

Rose's smile faltered, but she kept her composure. "Let's start over," she said, her tone now more measured. "What's your name?"

Rhiley's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You don't know my name? What the hell is going on here?" Her voice trembled with frustration. She shook her head, the need for answers overwhelming. "I'm leaving."

She tried to move, but the nurse followed her, standing in her path. "We can't allow that," Rose said, firm but not threatening.

"So, I'm a hostage?" Rhiley's eye twitched, her nerves raw.

Before Rose could respond, Rhiley's patience snapped. Her fist collided with the nurse's face, the sharp crack of the impact echoing in the sterile room. Rose stumbled back, her hand clutching her nose as she stumbled toward the door.