The Dark Captain

Chapter 24

The clearing was dark except for the fire burning at its center. Steve sat on a log, staring into the flames. His hands gripped his pants to keep them from shaking. He wanted this to be the last time they did this, to be the final step before he was free from HYDRA.

"It is time," Ayo said, her spear ready.

Arianna and Bucky were just out of range for Steve to hear them, but close enough that both of them could see what was going on. Arianna looked worried. She wanted to go to Steve now and assure him that he could do this, but Bucky told her they had to give him a chance to do this on his own.

"When do I-" she began.

Bucky took her hand in his as he said, "Trust me, you'll know."

Tony had known for him. It was like an instinct. Bucky shook his head. He couldn't let those thoughts, happy or otherwise, intrude. He had to be ready in case Captain Hydra decided to make an appearance. He looked at the familiar scene in front of him. Everything was almost a direct copy of what he had said and done.

"You sure about this?" Steve asked.

Just as she had done with Bucky, Ayo said, "I won't let you hurt anyone." She began walking around the clearing. "Время- Time." Bucky used his training to make sure no unsuspecting bystanders made an appearance, as did Steve. "Лед- Ice." Arianna let a tear fall, seeing the fear in Steve's stiff shoulders, even from so far away. "Мститель- Avenger."

Ayo came closer as Steve replied in a choked voice, "It's not gonna work."

But the warrior did not stop. "Четыре- Four."

Steve let out a breath, one word, one name escaping with it in a whisper. "Ari."

"Война- War." Images of his book, his failed escape, and when Tony and Bucky rescued him and Arianna played in his mind. "Рассвет- Dawn."

More memories of the first time he wore the Captain Hydra suit, killing Grant Ward, and slapping Arianna flashed before his eyes. Arianna couldn't take another moment of it. Steve was giving up. She could tell by his body language. She ran from Bucky's side, not caring about the noise she made or if the super soldier followed. Steve looked in the direction of the noise, welcoming whatever animal had decided to end his existence.

But Ayo's voice didn't falter as she continued, "Один- One."

"Steve!" Arianna gasped as she emerged from the foliage.

"Arianna?" Steve said in disbelief before the situation sank in and panic invaded him. "You need to leave!"

Tears fell as she hugged him and gave Ayo the okay. "I'm not going anywhere!"

Ayo said, "Щит- Shield." New memories played, ones of Arianna in the collar for the first time and how he killed the agents trying to force themselves on her. "Заказ- Order."

Dread and need warred within him as images of Arianna's bruised face after a beating danced among the flames. From him or the guards, he could no longer differentiate between the two. But he had put her into that situation, hadn't he? Did it matter the hand that delivered the blow when it was his fault?

"Please," Arianna said to herself, "let this work."

More memories kept coming. The moment Arianna surrendered to him for the first time, their first kiss that held their mutual feelings. Those seemed to be on repeat. He focused on them, holding her tight to him. She was worth fighting for. Even if he could never have her, he would fight for her.

"Капитан- Captain," Ayo's voice rang out.

He gripped Arianna's shirt. For a moment, there was doubt as he held back his emotions. Did it work? Or was it simply delayed? Ayo waited to see how the man before her would react, wondering if it was the fact that Arianna was in his arms that prevented Captain Hydra from attacking or if it worked.

Bucky emerged from the wilderness and waited. He knew he could help contain Captain Hydra if he had emerged again. He stood just on the other side of the fire, staring at the man he hoped was his oldest friend.

Arianna was the one who pulled back and looked into Steve's eyes as she asked, "Did it work?"

Steve ran his hands over her face and through her hair. Tears welled up. This had to be a dream right?

Ayo smiled and said the words they were all dying to hear, "You are free." Steve looked at her, needing her to repeat herself in confirmation. "You are free."

Steve burst into tears, pulling Arianna back to him and burying his face into her shoulder. She moved to sit next to him and comfort him, her own tears falling. Bucky smiled. At least this one thing was different. Tony had given him space to come to terms with his freedom. Steve needed Arianna in his arms for that same feeling.