The Future Sucks. Bucky Barnes.

Chapter 12: When push comes to shove.

     The Spectre stood above Captain America, when it happened. A sound like nails on a chalkboard arose from the far off mountain. How it reached them from that distance, he didn't know. He clamped his hands to his head, the pain pulsing in his mind. Everyone present was holding their head too, though, meaning no one was going to try to attack him.

     The Spectre was sure the one who felt the greatest pain was the Panther, whose suit would be reacting like crazy to the pulsing noise. Spectre looked over to see him on the ground, his screaming inaudible in the screech coming from the mountain.

     It stopped soon, ending with a hush that fell over the entire assembly of people gathered around.

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     Cap saw his chance. Once the sound had stopped, he regained his composure. Then, with all the force in his body, physical and emotional, he launched himself at Bucky, forcing him to the ground. His old sidekick was briefly stunned, then he kicked up at Cap's gut, flinging him off, and, in the same movement, flipping up onto his feet again. He landed in front of Cap's ready figure. They circled each other for a moment, like cats waiting for the other to make a move.

     Cap knew that, if Bucky was going to be this way, then he'd better knock some sense back into his partner.

     "Alright, Bucky. I don't want to hurt you, but you leave me with no choice."

     His eyes darted behind Bucky to the Black Panther, who was about to jump at the kid again. He shook his head slightly, making it clear that this was his fight. The Panther stood back.

     Bucky sighed. "When will you learn? It's Spectre!" He launched himself at Cap again, planting his heel into Cap's shield, knocking him back slightly. Cap used his shield to fling him back. Bucky flipped back, landing on his feet.

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     Spectre didn't think he'd need it, but he grabbed the knife out from his belt. He then ran at Captain America, slashing, then making quick stabs that couldn't reach his adversary, the Captain being too quick himself, blocking the swings with his shield, and trying to make any moves that could incapacitate his partner at least.

     He would never find an opening; Spectre would make sure of that. His moves were calculated, and too well thought out. He would make it to where it would be impossible to even touch him.

     He switched hands on the blade, hoping to surprise the Captain, but he only got a hit from the shield, making his hand go limp. He dropped the blade, jerking his arm away. In that time, the Captain grabbed him by the collar, striking him in just the right place in the back of his neck. The Spectre fell unconscious.

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     Captain America dropped Bucky to the ground. His almost still form looked vulnerable out in the open. Finally! He'd gotten his friend back. All he needed was to get him back home. That's when he felt something sear his back, making his world turn black also.

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     Baron Zemo stood behind the Captain a few feet, having just come out of a portal. His gun smoked from the shot he had just fired. To say he was irritated would be a major understatement. He looked to the figure of the Spectre lying on the ground. His newest project a failure...just like everything else he'd put his work into.

     The rest of his team came out behind him, making it to where no one would think of attacking them. The Crimson Dynamo picked up the Spectre, carrying him like a rag. He would take him and make him even better. He'd make a machine out of him that would not fail next time...