Winters War

Chapter 39:

~BUCKY'S POV~

"The GRC is conducting raids to try and find Karli, but so far they have only found her followers. They've searched this camp, and just like the last camp, nothing."Sam explains, my eyes focusing on the shield on the table. Blue left last night. I don't know when or why, she just vanished. I thought my Blue was coming back but I was wrong.

        "Are you listening to me Buck? She's gone, we'll never find her." I glance up at him but remain silent. "Hey you got your sleeve back."says Sam's friend as he strolls in. I just roll my eyes and walk away. "Are you off to take care of Zemo?"Sam says with a bit of a sarcastic tone. I stop and turn to him before continuing on my way.

I pause for a moment in the doorway of our hideout. There is nothing left of her in this room, it's as if she vanished. I rest my head against the wall in frustration. Why would she leave? I thought we were finally on the right path. I pull out my phone and scroll to her contact. My eyes scan over the picture of the two of us. Normally I feel like I'm not a sentimental person, I want to let every memory go. I don't know if that's the Winter Solider in me talking but every memory I have with her, I cherish with all my heart.

Finally I click the call button knowing she won't pick up, but part of me is praying she somehow does. My heart sinks when I hear her machine. "Hey it's me, listen I am worried about you. I woke up and you were gone."I sigh as I try to keep my composer, "was it something I did or said? Please Blue just call me back." And then the words come out as a whisper "I love you." I migrate back over to the bed and begin looking for modes of transportation to Sokovia. There is someone there I am supposed to meet.

Zemo stands quietly in front of the memorial statue. Feelings of guilt and sadness ping inside me even though I wasn't even there. The closer I get to him the sooner I realize his eyes are closed, as if he is just reflecting. His minds is probably drifting back to his family on that fateful day.

"I thought you'd be here sooner."he says, "don't worry, I have decided I'm not going to kill you." "Imagine my relief."I say. The gun clicks in my hand grabbing his attention. "And may I ask were is the lovely Blue? I figured she would be glued to you by now." I remain silent, not giving him the privilege of getting in my head. "She has left again hasn't she?" There is just a moment of silence until he speaks again "the girl has been radicalized beyond salvation. I warned Sam but he didn't listen to me. He's as stubborn as the Steve Rogers before him. But you.....they literally programmed you to kill. James do what needs to be done. Karli has people everywhere, there's only one way to make sure she cannot continue her mission."

"I appreciate the advice. But we're gonna do it our own way." I respond. He just chuckled slightly at my response. "I was afraid you would say that." Slowly I lift the gun to him, ready to be done with this. I can see the fear and sorrow in his eyes as he stairs down the barrel. With a tug of the trigger the gun clicks and he jumps. That's when I lift my other hand and drop all the bullets, letting the rain to the ground.

Ayo stands behind Zemo, this small hint of a pleasured look on her face. "Ladies....I took the liberty of crossing off my name in your book."he says, "I hold no grudges for what you thought you had to do. Goodbye James." I give a small nod before he is lead away. "We will take him to the Raft."says Ayo, "where he will live out his days. It would be prudent to make yourself scarce in Wakanda for the time being, White Wolf." "Fair enough." We give each other a final nod before she walks towards her ship.

"Hey!"I say to grab her attention just before she joins the others, "I may have another favor to ask of you." She listens to my request before walking away again. For now I stand alone at the memorial listening to the sounds around me. I grab my phone and press the name again. "Hey, just please tell me what's going on and where you are. I'm worried." This time there was no goodbye, no I love you, I just ended the call.