𝙴𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚁𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 - Bucky Barnes

9. LEAP OF FAITH

PRESENT DAY - KAUNAS - LOCATION: LITHUANIA.

Anastasia jolts awake, her heart pounding against her ribcage as the remnants of her nightmare cling to her consciousness like cobwebs. She sits up in the darkly lit motel room, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as the memories of her confrontation with the Winter Soldier within that training room flood her mind, haunting her even in sleep.

The motel room feels suffocatingly small as she swings her legs over the edge of the bed, her feet landing on the worn carpet with a soft thud. She runs a trembling hand through her disheveled hair, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare that still cling to her like a stubborn fog.

Glancing around the room, Anastasia's eyes fall on the sparse furnishings—the peeling wallpaper, the flickering light bulb overhead, the musty smell that permeates the air. It's far from semi-luxury she once knew in Ivanov's apartment, but it's a small price to pay to continue the fight for her freedom.

With a sigh, she pushes herself to her feet, the ache in her muscles a constant reminder of the trials she's endured since fleeing two days before. She knows she can't stay here for long—Hydra will undoubtedly track her down soon enough. She needs to get out of Lithuania, and she needs to do it today.

Despite the urgency of her situation, Anastasia refuses to let the panic consume her. She's been alone in this world before, and she'll be damned if she lets fear dictate her actions now. Ivanov may have been her only security, but she won't let his absence weaken her resolve.

With a sense of grim determination, Ana heads for the bathroom, the sound of running water echoing in the cramped space as she steps into the shower. The hot water cascades over her body, washing away the sweat and grime of the night, but no amount of scrubbing can cleanse her of the memories that still linger in the recesses of her mind.

***

Bucky and Steve stand on a quiet street in Kaunas, the cold morning air biting at their exposed skin as they survey their surroundings. They've been tirelessly scouring Lithuania for any sign of Anastasia, their determination unwavering despite the mounting challenges they face.

Their search has led them to this nondescript neighborhood, where rumors of suspicious activity and unfamiliar faces have drawn their attention. With the help of their contacts and a network of informants, they've managed to piece together a rough trail, leading them to this rundown motel on the outskirts of the city.

As they approach the building, Steve's eyes scan the area for any signs of trouble, his senses on high alert for any potential threats. Bucky follows close behind, his expression grim as he braces himself for whatever they may find inside.

The motel looms before them, its faded sign swinging lazily in the breeze, a testament to its dilapidated state. With a shared nod, they make their way inside, the creaking door offering little resistance as they step into the dimly lit lobby.

The air is heavy with the scent of stale cigarette smoke and cheap perfume, the sound of muffled voices drifting from behind closed doors. Bucky and Steve exchange a knowing glance, their silent communication speaking volumes as they prepare to confront whatever lies ahead.

Approaching the front desk, they find a bored-looking clerk flipping through a tattered magazine, his attention barely registering their presence until Steve clears his throat.

"We're looking for someone," Steve begins, his voice firm but measured. "A woman, early uh, twenties, dark hair, about this tall," he adds, holding his hand at chest level to indicate Ana's height.

The clerk regards them with cautious suspicion, his gaze darting back and forth between Bucky and Steve, as though assessing them. He responds with a terse remark in Russian, implying his lack of proficiency in English, prompting Bucky to roll his eyes in exasperation. With a subtle shift, Bucky moves ahead of Steve, assuming control of the situation.