Never Back Down // TFATWS

09

[The Power Broker]

The Avengers made their way to Berlin, Germany to talk to Zemo. Jessie had left to tend to some things. They arrived at a prison and were led down a corridor by a guard.

"He's just through that corridor," the guard informed, looking back to the three.

"Give us a sec," Bucky replied as the guard walked away. "I'm gonna go in alone."

"Why?" Sam asked, looking Bucky up and down as he pocketed his hands.

"Because you and Reya are Avengers. You know how he feels about that."

"It's not like you two were known for frolicking in the sun together."

"He was obsessed with HYDRA. We have a history together. I got it."

Bucky followed after the guard and as he continued down the corridor, it grew progressively darker. The guard said codes to the camera to get them further in and the door opened with a buzz. Bucky went into the room. The walls seemed to have barbs sticking out. There was a glass door and wall. A rectangular ray of light shined on the ground, which held Zemo's feet and hands.

As Bucky walked closer to the glass, Zemo began saying in Russian, "Longing. Rusted." He stood, revealing his face. "Seventeen."

Bucky answered in English, "Those days are over."

"I know. I just wanted to see how the new you reacts to the old words." He walked up to the glass and studied Bucky. "Something is still in there. But there is also a light there."

Bucky smiled as he thought of son.

"At least you were not conscious for most of your imprisonment."

"That time wasn't exactly a picnic."

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. It was never personal. You were simply a means to a necessary end."

"Someone is recreating the Super Soldier serum. I need to find out who."

"You are assuming HYDRA has something to do with this, which is why you came to me, which means you are desperate. Luckily, I know where to begin."

"What's the book you're reading?"

"Machiavelli."

As he left, Bucky pulled a tiny scroll from his pocket. He tossed the scroll on a table and left.

He rejoined Sam and Reya and told them about an address he'd gotten from Zemo about a possible lead. They looked around the warehouse with flashlights.

Bucky glanced at Sam and Reya before saying, "I want to break Zemo out of jail."

Sam shook his head. "What are you talking about? What do you mean you wanna break Zemo out outta jail? Have you lost your mind?"

"We have no leads, no moves, nothing." Bucky looked around with his flashlight while trying to find a light switch.

"What we have is one of the most dangerous men in the world behind bars," Reya said.

"And we also have eight Super Soldiers that are loose."

Sam frowned. "Zemo is gonna mess with our minds, especially yours. No offense."

Bucky turned on the lights and he turned off his flashlight before retorting, "Offense."

"So tell me. What are you gonna do if he messes with Reya's mind?"

"I'm not gonna let that happen," Bucky said.

"Super Soldiers go against everything he believes in."

"He's crazy, but he still has a code."