The Soldier's Luna: Ascension

Chapter 2

As Bucky and I walked through town, I told him about my phone call with Tony. He listened and asked a question once in a while for clarification. Other than that, he remained impassive about it. When the children saw us, Bucky transitioned from his hard demeanor and started to play soccer with the kids. Then, they asked Bucky to teach them how to play baseball. I decided to play umpire for the mini-game. I had to admit I was distracted every time he interacted with the kids. The way Bucky was around children—so carefree and warm—it always melted my heart. Something in his smile and the way his eyes lit up was something truly genuine. It reminded me of the 40's Bucky I met when I was inside his mind.

After some time, we went back to the palace to meet with T'Challa. Bucky and I agreed it would be best if we didn't talk about my conversation with Tony until our friends settled down a bit. While Bucky tried to contact our friends for their location, I decided to speak to T'Challa in his office about my conversation with Tony. I also showed him all the articles and videos that Tony sent me.

"So, what do you think of all of this?"

"There will always be someone who fears those who are different," T'Challa sighed as he placed his hands behind his back. "It's a shame how much time has passed but the way people view those who are different hasn't moved forward. They fear the different and the unknown."

"I agree. Fear, jealousy, and arrogance are always the factors those people have." I wrapped my arms around my chest. "Did you hear anything about the Accords?"

"Just that it's much more complicated than anticipated. The UN assumed the Sokovia Accords would bring structure and assure the Avengers would only be called when they were truly needed. They believed your friends and the mutant community would agree to the terms, but many made it clear that wasn't going to happen."

"Losing the right to choose never ends well. To be honest, the government's security system isn't anywhere near as good as yours or Tony's system. It's too easy to hack into their database. Any enhanced individual would be put in danger of getting discovered. I mean, the whole point of heroes wearing masks is to hide their identities to protect their loved ones and themselves."

"Though the incidents caused destruction and lives were lost, the UN needs to accept the loss would've been much more gruesome if your friends hadn't stepped in. The people of New York would've been slaves with the rest of the world following soon after if they didn't fight Thor's brother. As for Sokovia, it could've been avoided in some way but if nothing was done, the world would've been destroyed. If your friends didn't save you, you would've been forced to kill again. If Steve and you didn't find James before I did, I would've killed an innocent man."

"They point their fingers at us and made the Accords because they don't want the people to see the government failed to protect them," I stated. "But thanks to the Accords, the people finally see that now."

T'Challa tilted his head to the side. "Then, why do you seem unhappy?"

I grimaced, "When I was invited here after Bucky woke up, I thought we could finally live in peace. I thought this was happily ever after but it was just a dream—and now, I have to wake up."

"You seem a bit more grim than usual," T'Challa chuckled. "I think I prefer the insightful optimistic side of you."

I shrugged, "I guess it comes and goes."

"Well, hopefully, this will brighten your day."

I was about to ask what he meant until the door to T'Challa's office opened with Shuri and an attendant had a large metal suitcase in his hand. The attendant placed the briefcase on the desk before he left and closed the door. Shuri smirked at T'Challa and walked over to me.