A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

Starving

—-Sam—-

'Is this what Amora had decided to do with us?' 'Leave us to starve to death?' There is a sink and toilet in the cell so those needs had been met but we hadn't so much as seen a guard since we got here three days ago. I'm ok for now, hunger had been a very normal feeling for me these past five years.

They kept me hungry and weak knowing how well I could fight not that it mattered they had me completely submissive to them I had learned quickly there was no way out and given up on escape after the first month. I will die before submitting to anyone like that again. I feel ashamed I gave up but fighting back had only caused me more pain. I also doubt I would've survived many more of the punishments for my escape attempts, as horrible as that life was... I wasn't ready to die.

I can handle this three days is nothing but I could tell even towards the end of day one Wanda was having a lot of trouble with it. By day two she had been trying to hide her tears from hunger pain. I went to her and took her hand. Though I can't exactly take it away permanently because it's not a wound I can feel it for her. So I have been since then.

She tried to get me to believe she was fine but I shrugged her off. Steve had refused my offer when I held out my hand he told me he's fine because of the serum I don't know if I believe him but it's possible. I'm not gonna force him to take my help. Wanda obviously wants my help but feels guilty about taking it.

I told her in the vaguest way possible that it's just pain it's temporary and I want to help. She eventually gave in letting me hold onto her. We sit now me dealing with each wave of mine and Wanda's hunger pain as it comes when the door opens. Several guards step into the room.

"Queen Amora has ordered us to take care of you."

'Fuck I guess that's it for the plan then.' 'Why didn't she just kill us right away?' I step forward nervously, ready for a fight but Steve puts his arm out to stop me. I don't know why he does this but I back down I trust his judgment.

"What do you mean by this?"

"You haven't had food, bathed, or changed clothes in days. Is she going to be a problem?"

While this is a relief, I take notice of how this guy looks at me and Wanda as he talks about bathing and changing, it makes my skin crawl. He has a look that tells me he's mentally undressing us. I instinctively move so I'm standing in front of Wanda. I know she's stronger than me when it comes to raw power but I don't want this guy anywhere near her. She's never been through anything like what I have and I intend to keep it that way.

"No she was confused, here 'take care of you' is often used as a synonym for killing you."

"Oh no no that... that would be a waste."

He licks his lips as he says this and I know exactly what he's thinking. Noticing this Steve steps in front of us. Though I don't want to bathe or change clothes with this man around I'm in desperate need of both. I muster enough bravery to speak to the man coming out from behind Steve slightly and speaking at a volume that's nearly inaudible, honestly the man must have some sort of enhanced hearing to be able to hear me as well as he does.

"Alright what do we need to do?"

The man has us place our hands against the wall. He sends us each one by one sending us with a group of guards and staying in the room keeping a group with their weapons trained on everyone else. I feel a panic attack coming on as this all feels far too familiar. When it's my turn I'm shaking.

I'm surprised when the group I'm sent with is sent away by their leader an Asian looking man with dark armor and a stern expression. Great I'm going to have to make a choice between allowing myself to be abused again and ruining the whole plan. My fear must show. His face softens slightly as he speaks to me.

"My men are far to unchaste to be trusted with a task such as this, beyond this door is a bathroom with everything you need, I will be out here keeping guard you aren't going to give me trouble right?"

I look at him in surprise and relief. There is still hope in this universe. I nod.

"Take as long as you need. If you need anything just holler alright?"

I nod again I allow the smallest of smiles to play on my lips. I take another look at him as I walk past him into the room and realize just how young he is. He may even be younger biologically than I am I could probably easily take him in a fight yet he had risked an attack simply so I could have privacy and safety.

This won't be forgotten. Though this man is technically my enemy I'm gonna make sure he survives this and gets a chance to reconsider his loyalties. I walk in and am in disbelief that the door has a locking mechanism on it. It wouldn't stop anyone from getting in if they wanted to but was a sign of privacy I hadn't been expecting. I honestly had been expecting an audience.

I look around making sure there are clothes for me to change into and find undergarments, a plain black T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. There are also fluffy towels to dry off with. I turn on the shower and allow myself to relax a little bit just standing while the hot water runs over my muscles sore from sleeping on the hard floor.

Maybe I can take some towels with me to sleep on. I find some shampoo and conditioner. When I'm finished scrubbing the past few days of dirt off me with the shampoo I step out dry off and get dressed. Unable to find a comb or brush I comb my hair out with my fingers I tuck a towel under my arm. And unlock the door then open it slowly. The man is standing there as I step out.

"Sorry I can't let you take that."

I nod I don't want any trouble so I put it back I am disappointed that I will have to sleep on the bare floor again though.

"Are you mute?"

I shake my head. I know my lips quit working the second he sent the other guards away though it's now clear he's not going to hurt me or force himself on me the fear response is hard to fight and I haven't really seen any reason to start a conversation. We start walking down the corridor his weapon trained on me.

"I'm sorry for all of this, I promise things will get better Amora said she's going to make life better for Midgard. She said the same to my people, the Marauders."

This poor fool has been lied too she's using them.

"They call me Ingfred what are you called?"

This man I'm beginning to realize from his naivety is actually more of a boy. I humor him and force my voice to cooperate with me, it could be good to gain his trust and have some rapport with one of the guards. It would make him hesitate to follow through with orders if he saw us as people rather than just pawns for his queen.

"Sam."

"That is a most unusual name. Lady Sam."

'And Ingfred's not?'

We're both quiet as we draw closer to the cell his demeanor changes he seems to want to impress the other guards. I go back in the cell and put my hands on the wall soon we're all finished washing up and a tray of food is left in the room with us. The guards all leave and I hear the locks on the door being secured. We all eat. The food is incredibly bland. I smile a little my stomach no longer crying out for food.

"Better than the crap I used to get."

Wanda nods.

"Better than Hydra's meals."

Steve also agrees.

"Yup and better than a K-ration from the forties."