Sick Bird

Trapped

Grian pov:

Waking up was like emerging from a dense fog, my mind sluggish and disoriented. My eyes fluttered open, only to be assaulted by harsh, fluorescent lights overhead, their brightness searing through the haze and making it difficult to focus. Everything around me was a blur of white and gray, the sterile environment adding to my confusion. I squinted against the light, trying to make sense of where I was, but the disorientation was overwhelming.

I was still dressed in my villain outfit, the familiar feel of it against my skin a stark reminder of who I was and why I needed to stay quiet. My heart pounded in my chest, the confusion and fear swirling together as I tried to piece together what had happened. The last thing I remembered was fighting off those intruders, sending Mumbo, Scar, and Jelly through a portal, and then… nothing.

I attempted to stand, but as soon as I moved, a sharp, searing pain shot through my neck, forcing me back down with a gasp. I instinctively reached up to touch the spot, but my fingers trembled as they hovered over the tender area. My vision was still blurry, the room spinning slightly as I tried to look around. Everything felt distant, like I was underwater, and it took all my effort to focus on my surroundings.

My thoughts were jumbled, fragments of what had just happened coming together in a disjointed mess. “I think they gassed Hot Guy’s home,” I muttered to myself, the realization sinking in. It made sense now—why I felt so disoriented, why I was here, wherever ‘here’ was. I must have triggered some sort of alarm by going into the city, the city protected by the Heroes Association, always on the lookout for anomalies like me. Gosh, I’m such an idiot.

Why had I thought it was a good idea to venture into the city, to hang out with him? I should have known better. My reckless decisions had led to this, and now I was paying the price. My thoughts were cut short by the sound of a door opening somewhere nearby. I tensed up, my heart racing as I forced myself to stay still, the fluorescent lights still glaring down at me as I tried to prepare for whatever was coming next.

As my eyes adjusted to the brightness, I began to take in my surroundings. The walls were a dull, oppressive gray, and the room had the unmistakable feel of an interrogation chamber. Two large windows dominated the far wall—one was an actual window, revealing a dimly lit hallway beyond, while the other was undoubtedly one-way glass. The kind where they can see me, but I can’t see them—or at least, they don’t think I can.

I shifted slightly and realized I was chained to the table, the cold metal cuffs biting into my wrists. Despite this, I managed to reach up and gingerly touch my neck, where a sharp pain had radiated earlier. My fingers brushed against something hard and unfamiliar—a shock collar. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. That’s what had triggered when I tried to stand up. They’d put it on me to keep me in line, to make sure I didn’t try anything.

My wings were completely bound, the familiar weight of them now a source of discomfort rather than reassurance. They must have restrained them tightly, making sure I couldn’t use them to escape. My hands were encased in something soft, but restrictive—mittens, by the feel of it. Thick, padded mittens that were meant to render my hands useless. They hadn’t accounted for everything, though. I could still feel the sharpness of my claws beneath the fabric, and I knew if I tried, I could probably cut through the material.

But that would have to wait. I needed to stay calm, assess the situation, and figure out my next move. The sound of footsteps approaching the door brought my attention back to the present. My pulse quickened as the door creaked open, and I braced myself for whoever or whatever was about to enter.

"My, my, I didn't think I'd ever be able to catch you," a voice chimed with a playful tone, though it sent a chill down my spine. I remained silent, biting my tongue slightly to keep my composure. A sharp jolt of pain shot through my neck as the shock collar activated again. So, he had the remote.