THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

10. one man mission

LAST CHAP ON THIS ACT, ONTO ACT TWO NEXT, AND SEVS BROWN HAIRED ERA.

also this one's rough so brace yourself 😬

Tw: killing

BUCKY STOOD IN THE DIMLY LIT corridor of the HYDRA facility, his breath coming in steady, measured intervals. He was preparing for yet another mission, the details of which were still unknown to him. His mind, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of Seven. He had spent every possible moment with her since their last ordeal, trying to comfort and reassure her. As he adjusted his gear, a pair of guards approached him, their expressions cold and unyielding.

"Soldat," one of them said curtly, "you're needed in the briefing room."

Bucky nodded, his face betraying no emotion. He followed them through the winding hallways, the stark, fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows on the walls. They arrived at a heavily secured door, which slid open to reveal a room filled with high-ranking HYDRA officials. At the head of the table sat a man Bucky had come to despise—Colonel Vasily, a ruthless operative who took particular pleasure in inflicting pain and control.

"Soldat," Vasily said, his voice dripping with disdain, "take a seat."

Bucky did as he was told, his eyes fixed on the colonel. The tension in the room was palpable, and Bucky knew that whatever was coming would not be good.

"You're being sent on a critical mission," Vasily began, his tone devoid of empathy. "One that requires absolute success. Failure is not an option."

Bucky's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, waiting for the inevitable threat that always accompanied such briefings.

Vasily leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "This mission is of utmost importance to HYDRA. Should you fail, the consequences will be severe."

Bucky's mind raced, but his expression remained stoic. He knew better than to show any sign of fear or weakness.

"Failure," Vasily continued, "will result in the immediate termination of your... ward."

Bucky's blood ran cold. He had anticipated a threat, but hearing it spoken so bluntly was like a punch to the gut. He clenched his fists under the table, his heart pounding in his chest.

"You mean Seven," he said, his voice low and controlled, though it took every ounce of his willpower to keep it steady.

Vasily's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Yes, the girl. She has proven to be a distraction, and HYDRA has no use for distractions. If you fail this mission, she will be eliminated. Do you understand?"

Bucky's mind screamed in protest, but he forced himself to remain calm. He couldn't afford to lose control, not now. "I understand," he said through gritted teeth.

"Good," Vasily replied, leaning back in his chair. "See that you do not disappoint us."

With that, the briefing was over. Bucky stood, his body tense with barely suppressed rage. As he exited the room, the guards flanked him once more, escorting him back to his quarters. His thoughts were a whirlwind of fear and anger. He couldn't let anything happen to Seven. She was his anchor, the one thing that kept him grounded in the midst of the darkness.

When they reached his quarters, Bucky dismissed the guards with a terse nod. He entered the room and found Seven sitting on the small bed they shared, her legs tucked under her as she read a worn book. She looked up as he entered, her face lighting up with a smile that momentarily eased the turmoil in his heart.

"Papa," she said, closing the book and setting it aside. "Are you leaving for a mission?"

Bucky nodded, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Yes, Sev. I have to go soon."