Retaliation

Chapter 49 Rebuilding

I set my small bundle of roses down next to the large stone monument. Slowly, but surely, the surrounding land was rebuilding itself. The tress were starting to grow leaves again, the birds were chirping, and the water was cleaner. 

I looked closer at the statue. In the center was the Sokovian eagle underneath a crown. On top were the carved heads of a man, a woman, and two children. Towards the bottom was a plaque that I assumed read 'in remembrance of all of those who lost their lives.' Or 'in remembrance of Sokovia.'

"I know you're there Bucky," I said. I turned around and saw him staring at me. 

"Guess you can cross this off the bucket list." He walked up. 

"Why did you follow me? Shouldn't you be helping Sam find Karli?" 

"Thought I'd check on you first. We all just found out that Jasmine is alive after all." 

"Well, I'm fine. Thank you for asking." 

"I know that's a lie." 

"Good for you, detective. I'd thought I'd bring some extra flowers for Zemo." 

"You're too kind."

"If he were here right now he would be saying something about how he warned us and that he was right all along about Karli. Imagine what he would be saying about John Walker right now." 

"We are going to do it our own way." 

"Never said I was going to stop. Unfortunately, I fear this may not end the way we want it to. Karli has proven she will take the lives of those not involved with the flag smashers."

"All we can do is try, that's best we can do." 

"Where did you hear that one?" I chuckled. 

"Read it on a fortune cookie."

"Wow. Can't even give me credit?" 

"Or was it a cereal box?" He ignored. 

"Stop it." I giggled as I hit his arm.  "Hey, are you still on good terms with Ayo?" 

"Hopefully." 

"Good. I'd hate for you to be on bad terms with them after everything you guys have been through." 

"I wouldn't worry too much."  

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I walked down the dimly lit streets of Baltimore with my hands in my pockets. I noticed Isiah's grandson was out playing basketball in the street with one of his friends. As I neared he spotted me. 

"Come on now, you're here too?" 

"What do you mean?" 

"Falcon came by not too long ago. What the matter? You two fightin'?" 

"No. I swear I didn't know he was coming here. I just came by to talk with Isaiah, is now not a good time?" 

"He hasn't kicked him out yet so I'd take that as a good sign. Go around back, they might still be in the backyard." 

"Thank you, um." 

"Eli." 

"Eli. Thank you." 

I did as he said and peeked my head over the fence, like Eli said Sam and Isaiah were still there. Isaiah was watering his plants and Sam was holding the shield in the bag that Steve had originally given it to him in. 

"Just what I needed." Isaiah scoffed at me. "And boy you better leave that thing covered. Them Stars and Stripes don't mean nothin' good to me." 

"Elara? What are you doing here?" Sam asked me.