Initiation ▷ BUCKY BARNES

NINE

WHEN AVERY FINALLY WOKE FROM HER SLUMBER SHE FELT GROGGY AND UNEASY. The brunette could only assume that this was due to whatever substance she'd been injected with a few hours ago. She let out a light groan at the memory of the burly man stabbing her with the needle.

"You're finally awake." Someone spoke up from the other side of the room.

Avery's eyes averted to where the sound was coming from when her eyes landed across the restraints that had her tied down to an examination table. The brunette felt a rush of terror course through her veins as a thought came to her mind. Her breaths began to quicken and Avery felt as though she were about to pass out at any given moment.

Hearing a light chuckle drew Avery out of her thoughts.

The man that had spoken a few moments ago had made his way over to the brunette with a pen and clipboard in his hands.

"Your vitals are rather strong considering everything you've been through these past few weeks. What's your secret, steroids?" The man taunted the brunette, making her roll her eyes in annoyance.

Her eyes began to scan the room for an indication on where she was. Avery had a place in mind, but she was hoping, praying, that she was wrong about it.

"In case you're wondering, yes, you're back with us." The man paused and Avery shut her eyes to keep any tears from spilling out of them. "We've had to move you to another base after your previous shenanigans, however. This one is much more secure, you won't be getting out easily. And no one will be getting in either."

Avery remained silent for a few moments until curiosity got the best of her.

"Why haven't you killed me yet? I thought I was a burden to you people."

The man pursed his lips.

"You are. But, considering you just don't want to die, we had something else in mind for you."

The brunette's brows raised in suspicion, "Something like what?"

The man could only chuckle.

"Your friend, Mercedes." The man studied Avery for a moment but when she didn't react to what he said, he sighed. "You most likely know her as Riley."

Still Avery didn't respond and the man's brows cocked in surprise.

"Interesting, you don't remember. Tell me, Miss Peterson, what do you remember?"

Avery was silent.

She didn't want to speak to this man, she didn't want to tell him anything. All of a sudden the brunette felt a jolt of electricity surge through her and let out a yelp of pain.

"What do you remember?" He asked his question again.

He remained calm about the entire exchange, not seeming too fussed about the fact that Avery had ignored him in the first place. But this was most likely due to the fact that he could just shock the brunette at any time. Realising that she wasn't going to win this battle, Avery let out a light sigh.

"Not much."

"Do you remember your time with us?"