The Chilling Adventures of Steve Rogers: Book One (Magical Hydra Horror AU)

Thirty-Seven

It took exactly fifteen minutes for Steve to unpack his belongings and place them in his provided space. Even if the space wasn't the largest and made Steve glad that he was only going to be there for the weekend. He wasn't sure what he would've done if he had up and moved there full-time. Especially since his roommates seemed to want him there about as much as he wanted to be there.

Once everything was put away, Steve turned off the one dim lamp that had been left on just for him. Steve half-expected one of his new roommates to complain about the light. But none of the three boys had. Instead, they kept on ignoring him. Steve wanted to care about that, but he just didn't. He didn't want to be there and he didn't want to bond with these very muscular boys who looked like they could -- and would -- kick Steve's ass at the drop of a hat.

So, Steve gathered his pajamas and toiletries, and headed over to the ensuite. Happy that the room had its bathroom, even if he did have to share it with three other boys. At least it was better than having to share it with twelve other boys, the way that he had feared.

Closing and locking the door, Steve took a moment to lean against the door. Allowing himself a moment of vulnerability and to catch his breath. Taking in a deep breath, Steve closed his eyes and prayed that the tears would stay back. Also praying to not go into an asthma attack.

Standing in the bathroom, Steve knew that he shouldn't spend too long in there. But the more he warned himself and his anxieties spoke, Steve's lungs felt like they were going to collapse. Which was extremely inconvenient. After all, Steve needed to seem strong. Needed these boys to know not to mess with him. Follow Hildy's words of wisdom.

So, Steve pushed himself off the back of the sturdy wooden door, and quickly changed into his pajamas. Brushing his teeth next, Steve tried not to think. Choosing instead to just go through the motions until all of his business was taken care of and he was exiting into his dark room.

A bit more cautiously than Steve had been wanting to portray, Steve returned his items to their places and climbed into his bed. For a moment, he thought about getting his cellphone, but remembered that he had turned it in at the door. Something about health and recharging at night while the phone charged in one of the locked stations. Steve had to roll his eyes at that. He was supposed to be gaining more independence and becoming a positive member of society, he should be allowed to make those decisions for himself. Especially when he was expected to make such an important decision about his body and health as to follow through with something so sensitive as a terrigenesis.

Nevertheless, Steve placed his glasses on the desk between the bunks and sighed. Not nearly tired enough to fall asleep. His nerves were all a flitter and Steve knew that even if he did snooze, he'd probably wander. Sure, there was no way of knowing until he was asleep. But Steve could make an educated, accurate hypothesis.

Still, Steve closed his eyes and allowed his mind to go through as many happy memories that he could. Even ducking his nose into the collar of his sleep shirt that smelled of protection charms and home. Taking in a deep breath, Steve clung to the thought of home.

Even though Steve's anxiety was begging him to stay awake. To not let his guard down. The exhaustion became too much. And eventually, Steve --

Jerked. Harshly crashed on the hard dirt-covered ground and woke with a twitch. Not being able to see, Steve knew that he wasn't sleep wandering this time. Oh, no. This was not that.

In his blurry, nearly legally blind sight, Steve realized that he was in a damp, cold space. Not outside. It smelled too musty for that. No, he was in a room, that much was certain.

Squinting, Steve tried to make out as much of his surroundings as possible. Feeling a breeze to his back like a breath against his neck, Steve whipped around to face behind himself. Although Steve's eyesight was poor, he was able to make out three shadowy figures. No, not figures. Three people. Three boys with broad shoulders and --

"You think you're so special, don't you," Steve's new roommate, Brock sneered.

Attempting to appear unshaken, Steve surprised himself by how steady his voice was as he questioned, "Where am I?"

"The Hell-Beast's Cell," Brock answered, sounding sickly satisfied. Melodic as his gruff voice was, Steve still hated how he recounted the old myth, "It's said that this is where The Great Alveus was held way back in the beginning. When the foolish mortals planned to execute him for showing wondrous powers that their simple minds didn't -- couldn't -- understand.

"This is the very place where Hive the Terrible and Powerful, realized that he had been praying to a false god," Brock took a step into the cell. Although Steve couldn't make out much, he still tracked the boy as he glided across the room while he narrated, "Where he found the strength within as well as found the very thing that would set him free. What set us all free. The Terrigen Crystals."

A chill ran down Steve's crooked spine as he asked, "Why am I here?"

Brock crouched down, close to Steve and explained, "It's apparent to me -- and everyone -- that you are lacking faith. And those who lack faith come here."

"It's said that those who refuse Our True God go mad here," one of his other new roommates sneered.

"Some even slash their own throats in their madness," Brock snidely warned. Patronizingly, Brock slapped Steve's cheek. Not hard enough to leave a mark, but hard enough to sting, "We'll see you in the morning."

"As long as you don't lose your head," the other roommate taunted.

Brock scoffed at that and mocked, "Don't worry boys. He's an Odinson. The son of a High Priestess. He'd rather saw off his own head than confess that he's as dirty and faithless as his mortal father."