𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇 | 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬¹

Forging Alliances

I sprint through the dimly lit corridors of the building, a whirlwind of chaos and determination. Guards fall like dominoes, their faces twisted in surprise, their shouts swallowed by the echo of my heartbeat. I don't care about the consequences; I'm fueled by a singular mission—to escape, to free myself and Bucky from this nightmare.

As I navigate the labyrinth of steel and shadows, I remember the weight of the choices we've made. Bucky, once a trained assassin, no longer seeks to end my life. It's a strange truce born from shared trauma and the hope of redemption. We didn't take Zemo's life, but we left our mark; we made him bleed for the pain he's caused.

With each step, I channel my resolve, driven by the need to break free—not just from the walls surrounding me, but from the ghosts of our past. Together, we'll forge our path to freedom, no matter the cost. The fight isn't over; it's just beginning.

Suddenly, a sharp crack pierces the air as a bullet grazes my shoulder, sending me spiraling down the staircase. Adrenaline surges through me, and I barely register Bucky's voice, thick with urgency, calling my name in Russian. "Kira!"

The world spins as I collide with the wall, the impact jarring my senses. I groan, disoriented, just as the Black Panther lands gracefully before me, exuding an aura of calm amidst the chaos. His eyes narrow, and I can see the disappointment etched on his face. "Kira," he sighs, "it really didn't come to this."

I struggle to get up, my shoulder throbbing, but I can't let the pain stop me. "I didn't ask for any of this!" I retort, my voice strained. "I'm just trying to save Bucky!"

The Black Panther's expression softens, understanding flickering in his gaze. "Then let's do it together," he replies, extending a hand to help me up. "No more running alone."

With a renewed sense of purpose, I take his hand, ready to face whatever comes next. Together, we'll carve our way through this turmoil, allies in a world that often feels stacked against us.

Bucky storms over, his eyes ablaze with anger as he glares at the Black Panther. "Let go of my Kira!" he snaps, his voice a low growl that reverberates through the chaos around us. In a swift motion, he lunges, striking the Black Panther with a force that doesn't quite crack the vibranium suit, but is enough to make the king stagger back, momentarily caught off guard.

I can feel the tension crackling in the air, like the calm before a storm. "Bucky, wait!" I call out, trying to diffuse the situation. The last thing we need is a fight between allies.

The Black Panther regains his footing, eyes narrowing as he sizes up Bucky. "I'm not here to take her from you," he replies, his tone steady but firm. "We're all on the same side."

Bucky's glare doesn't soften, but I can see the hesitation in his stance. "This isn't about sides. It's about protecting her."

"Then let's protect her together," the Black Panther insists, his voice a commanding presence. "We need to move. More guards will be on their way, and we can't afford to waste time."

I step between them, my heart pounding. "Bucky, we don't have to fight. We're stronger united. Please, let's focus on getting out of here."

Bucky's jaw tightens, but slowly, the anger ebbs away, replaced by a flicker of understanding. He nods, albeit reluctantly, and I breathe a sigh of relief. "Alright," he concedes, "but I'm watching you."