Living Nightmare ~ (Bucky Barnes) COMPLETED

war

Maddie and Bucky changed into their gear and traveled into the city, ending up at the palace just as a quinjet landed. Maddie felt the presence of her friends and wanted to run over and greet them but Bucky held back. She raised an eyebrow questioningly and he nudged her towards the back of the group. Sighing, she followed his lead, figuring he was waiting to make his entrance, dramatic as ever. They watched from a distance as Steve, Nat, Wanda, Vision and Sam exited, followed closely by Rhodey and Bruce who seemed to be deep in conversation.

"should we bow?"
"yeah, he's a king"

Maddie snickered as she caught snippets of their conversation and Bucky looked at her, telling her to be quiet. She composed herself but couldn't wipe the smile from her face.

"You will have my Kingsguard, the Border Tribe, the Dora Milaje, and-"

"A semi-stable 100-year-old man" Bucky interrupted, grinning as he went to hug Steve.

Maddie followed behind him beaming as she took in the sight of her friends. It had been too long.

"don't forget everyone's favourite super soldier" she added, hugging Nat and waving to Rhodey and Bruce. Sam pulled her in for a side hug, messing up her hair as she laughed.

"How have you two been, Buck?" Steve asked, sparing a wave to Maddie.

"not bad for the end of the world"

"not tired of this one yet?" Sam asked and Maddie poked him in the ribs.

"never" Bucky answered smiling at Maddie.

Sam made fake gagging sounds and Maddie rolled her eyes, speeding up slightly to catch up with the others but deciding to stay back outside the palace as Sam and Bucky caught up, mostly just teasing each other.

"Hey, Cap, we got a situation here" Sam spoke into his comms, offering both Maddie and Bucky an earpiece.

A massive explosion crashed towards them and Sam flinched, preparing for impact but the dome around the city protected them.

"God, I love this place" Bucky sighed, forever the nerdy kid who planned dates to science conventions.

Maddie looked in awe as Rhodey warned of more incoming. These hit outside the dome, laying waste to the beautiful countryside surrounding the city. Maddie winced as if she had been injured herself as she and Bucky readied themselves alongside Sam and Rhodey. The group traveled to the battle field on hover ships, landing at the front of the amassed armies. Steve, Nat and T'Challa approached the border, attempting diplomacy although it was clear that it wouldn't end without a fight. The tension in the air was electric, and Maddie used her powers to channel the extra energy from those around her, psyching herself up. After a few moments, the trio returned, ships mobilising in the distance.

"They surrender?" Bucky asked half heartedly, already knowing the answer.

"not exactly"

***

Gross, alien monster things began hurling themselves at the border, dying on impact. T'Challa started a chant and the warriors prepped for battle. The group watched in horror as half mangled corpses pushed through the barrier, as soon as one fell, four more had taken its place, scratching and clawing at the force field.

"They are killing themselves" Okoye realised.

A handful of the outriders made it through, snarling in perceived victory as they raved towards the army. Bucky opened fire, Sam flew into the field and the Wakandan warriors activated their shields.

"Cap, if these things circle the perimeter and get in behind us there's nothing between them and Vision" Bruce pointed out.

"Then we better keep 'em in front of us" Steve said sternly.