Winter's Daughter

Chapter 12

Victoria slowly gained consciousness as she lifted her head. A bright light filled her vision as she squinted from its brightness.

"It's nice to have you back. We've been waiting a long time."

She recognized the voice and clenched her fists.

"Rumlow you-!" She stopped herself from saying something she'd regret as she tried to stand. She remained still and tried once more.

"You aren't going anywhere. After what's happened, you won't be going anywhere for a very long time."

She began to panic. She felt her mind draw blank as she tried to escape. Instinctively, she felt for her com that was originally secure in her ear, but found it was knocked out during a fight in the mission. She cursed under her breath and tried to pull herself free.

"Y'know, since you left, we've come up with a nice little system that we think will suit you well." He smiled and walked to her right and flicked a few switches on a panel. She hear the familiar sound of electricity crackling through the machine and her heart stopped.

"Don't. Please, I promise I won't try anything. Just don't make me go through what you made him go through." She pleaded, feeling her blood rush from her face and her fears rise.

Rumlow raised a brow at the sixteen year old and stooped down to her level. "You swear?"

Vic closed her eyes tightly as she gulped in breaths as she hyperventilated. "Yes, I swear. I promise."

She felt bitter tears slip down her cheeks as she spoke. She hated herself for agreeing to their terms. She didn't want to be here. All she wanted was to be back safe at home with her father and Steve.

"In order for me to believe you, you gotta do one thing for me."

She opened her eyes hesitantly and stared at the man with glassy eyes. Her tears fell rapidly as she assigned herself the fate that was before her.

"Anything."

Rumlow smiled and laughed lightly. "Follow me."

She felt the restraints loosen and she stood. Rumlow led her to a freezing lab that was filled with large chambers. Every chamber had large glass panels that had been frosted over with ice. She knew exactly what was ahead of her. Her father had told her about his experiences. He'd seen this room many times, but only left it when it was absolutely necessary. An empty chamber lay ahead of her and she stared at it with uncertainty.

"Step in."

She looked at Rumlow and back at the chamber. She shakily waked forward to the pod and slid into the cradle shaped pocket.

"Sleep well." He sneered and closed the pod. She panicked again and tried to push the door open, but found that it was locked. Escape was futile and her mind ran at a high speed. She felt the chamber cool and ice start to form onto the window. She placed her hand on the window and tried to get out one last time before she took her last breath. She focused on one thought as she felt herself freeze with the pod.

'I promised Dad I'd come back. I'm not about to break it.'