Still being tormented and haunted by the memories of when he was the Winter Soldier. Bucky has tried so many things to help him deal with the trauma of his past but nothing has helped.
The Avengers can see how bad the nightmares are affecting Bucky...
We were on the road for about an hour when we arrived at the rescue, I pulled up to the barn where Carly was waiting for us. I had called her before we left Austin to let her know we were on our way, I quickly got out and walked over to Carly who wrapped me in a hug.
"Oh it's been a while since I've seen you," she told me.
"You too Carly, how have things been here?"
"Busy, you already how things can get," I smiled at her.
"So, where is he?"
"He's inside but I gotta want you he's really shy and doesn't like anyone touching him."
"Yeah I don't blame the little guy but when has that ever stopped me."
Carly laughed, "No your right, and shouldn't even doubt your skills."
"Okay, give me a quick moment while a get something that I'm hoping will entice him to come out," I walked back to the truck to grab the container of oats that I made, I turned to James before I left.
"Can you open the trailer while I go get the pony?"
"Sure thing, where is it?"
"Carly said he's in the barn but is wary of people and doesn't let anyone near him."
"How are you going to get him into the trailer?"
I smiled at him, "want to come see?" he nodded.
"Okay, go ahead and open the trailer and then you can come with me."
James got out and went to open the trailer then joined Carly and me, I introduced James to Carly as she led us to the stall that the pony was in. When I saw him my heart broke for him, he was huddled in the back corner of the stall facing away from us and he looked in worst shape than what the picture showed, I wanted to cry so bad but I pushed those feelings down because and got to work.
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Bucky's POV:
When I saw the pony that we came to pick up I felt so much rage that I wanted to punch something but held it in I didn't want to startle the little guy, I still couldn't believe someone would do something like that to an innocent animal.
I watched as Hope entered the stall but didn't try to get closer to the pony, instead she crouch down as she opened a container she had in her hands and softly called out to him.
"Hey buddy, I have a little treat for you."
I quietly whispered to Carly, "does he have a name?"
"No, I told Hope I would give her that honor since she will be spending so much time with him and will see his personality come through."
We both turned our attention back to Hope and the pony, she was now sitting patiently on the ground, the pony must have caught the smell of what was in the container because he was slowly turning around watching Hope.
"That's it, your okay," Hope softly said, the pony took a few small steps as he sniffed the air making Hope chuckle.
Hope stayed still as the pony kept taking small steps towards her until he got closer to the container that she had set down, he gave it a few sniffs and then started eating it. We then saw Hope slowly reach her hand out closer to the pony but didn't try to touch him. When the pony noticed her hand he leaned towards her sniffing her hand too at that Hope made a move to pet him, he at first jerked a bit back but she quickly calmed him down with her soft voice.
"Shh, it's okay, your a sweet boy aren't you, yes, you've just been given a bad hand at life for a while, but it's okay now because I promise you that life is over and everything will be better for you."
The entire that Hope was talking to the pony he got closer to her until his head was over her shoulder allowing her to pet him more and even clip a lead to his halter. She slowly got up so as not to startle him and coaxed him to follow her.
"That's it, boy, come in, let's go to your new home," they walked out of the stall, I was completely amazed by Hope.
"You always know what to do with horses," Carly said making Hope smile.
Hope made a clicking noise and got the pony to walk with her to the trailer, I stayed behind with Carly.
"How did she know what to do?" I asked.
Carly looked at me, "she has a way with horses, it's a gift really and every time I see her in action I'm amazed every time.
"Well I better go give Hope a hand," I said as I waved to her and ran back to the truck.
"Need any help?"
"Yeah, can you go and fill this bucket with some water for me please."
"Sure thing," I took the bucket from her hand and went to fill it up, and brought it back.
She placed it in front of the pony letting him take a drink, once he was done she dumped out the remaining water and put the bucket away.
"Alright you let's get you in the trailer so we can go home," the pony snorted as he bobbed his head up and down.
"I think he's excited."
"I think your right," Hope guided the pony into the trailer and tied the lead up.
Carly came over to say goodbye to us, "alright you two be safe on your way back and you," she pointed to Hope, "keep me updated on that little okay."
"Of course Carly, you know I always do."
"Okay then, safe trip, and I'll talk to you soon."
"Bye Carly," we both called out and we got in the truck, Hope in the passenger seat and me in the driver's side."
"Okay, do you want me to put the GPS or just guide you where to go?" Hope asked me.
"But the GPS is on in case you fall asleep on the way back," I told her.
"Okay," Hope got the GPS on her phone up and set it up on the mount and I got us back on the road.
