As my senses began to adjust, the scientists, seeing that I was awake, gave orders for two heavily armored guards to enter.
I heard a series of locks being undone on the room door, and when it opened, the guards, without saying a word, entered and forcibly seated me. And man, sitting down at that moment was painful.
As the guards stepped back, the scientists who had been outside hurried into the room, followed by two more scientists.
" John, John, look here, " said the man, and as I looked, he shone a small flashlight in my eyes. It was an unpleasant experience.
Meanwhile, the others checked various things—one measured my blood pressure, another asked me to open my mouth, and another asked how many fingers he was holding up.
" You really gave us a scare, John, " said the middle-aged female scientist, jokingly.
John... that's right, my name is John, or at least it's the name they gave me. As the scientists talked among themselves, I focused on recalling my memories.
My name was John, or at least that's what they called me. I grew up here; they test the limits of my body daily and also give me " classes "—as they like to call the brainwashing attempts they make on me.
Oh shit, I'm Homelander ! How ?
I was calm until just a moment ago, but I don't feel any different. It's like I've always been... me ? This is so confusing.
With effort, I slowly raised my right hand in front of my face. A small hand—I'm a child now. What a beauty.
" Alright, John, we'll let you rest. Tomorrow we'll come back for more tests, " said the middle-aged woman.
" Come on, you can't be serious! We still have plenty of time ! " said the irritated middle-aged male scientist.
" Yes, I am serious, Peter ! He's 10 years old, for God's sake ! Stress won't do his body any good ! " the woman responded, equally irritated.
" Rest well, John, " she said to me in a falsely affectionate tone.
Not knowing what to do, I weakly nodded in agreement.
With that, both the scientists and guards walked out of the room, and once everyone was gone, the white door closed with a series of locking sounds.
Now that everyone had left, I looked around the room and at myself more closely.
I was wearing a hospital gown for some reason. Around me were some children's books, toy soldiers, comic books, and on one wall was a US flag hanging from a pole, with a calendar on another wall showing the year 1999.
My bed was a simple one, with a pillow and blanket, also featuring the US flag.
I rubbed my forehead lightly; this seemed too crazy to be true. How did I end up here ?
One moment I was at peace, and the next, I'm the most egocentric and god-complex fictional character.
What luck, huh...
A few minutes later, the lights in my room were turned off, and I slowly lay down on the bed, staring at the dark ceiling.
What am I going to do now? I'm not a child, at least not mentally. In the show, I would be subjected to brainwashing and become a psychopath, but thankfully my personality is already formed.
At least their attempts to mold me will be one less problem. Now comes the second issue: where am I ?
I don't remember any place indicating where I was hidden from the world, and obviously, I don't want to stay here. But without knowing where I am, things get complicated.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sleep overtaking my body, and slowly my eyes closed as I fell into a deep sleep.