The First Avenger [1]

Epilogue

Captain America: The First Avenger - Chapter Fifteen: "Epilogue"

Steve's eyes flickered open, a flicker of confusion passing over his features as he found himself lying in what seemed to be a hospital room. Yet, even in his groggy state, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, but there was an underlying scent, a faint aroma that didn't belong in any hospital—suspicion.

His gaze wandered around the room, taking in the details—the crisp white sheets, the bland walls adorned with medical equipment, the faint humming of machinery. It all seemed normal, too normal, and Steve's instincts screamed at him that it was all a facade.

A distant sound drew his attention, a familiar tune emanating from a crackling radio nearby. His brows furrowed as recognition dawned upon him. It was a game, a game he knew all too well, a game from a time long past. "This can't be right," he murmured to himself, his thoughts racing as he tried to piece together the puzzle of his surroundings.

Before he could dwell further on his predicament, the door to the room swung open, revealing a figure standing in the doorway. "Good morning," the woman greeted, her voice smooth and practiced, but there was a stiffness to her demeanour that did not escape Steve's notice.

"Where am I?" Steve's voice cut through the air, his tone sharp with urgency.

"In a recovery room in New York City," the woman replied, her words flowing effortlessly, though Steve could detect a hint of unease lingering beneath the surface.

"Where am I really?" Steve pressed, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with the woman before him.

"I'm afraid I don't understand," she deflected, her composure faltering slightly under Steve's intense scrutiny.

"The game, it's from May, nineteen forty-one. I know, 'cause I was there," Steve stated firmly, his resolve strengthening as he rose from the bed, his muscles protesting against the sudden movement.

"Now, I'm gonna ask you again. Where am I? And where is Diana?" he demanded, his voice unwavering as he confronted the woman with unwavering determination.

"Captain Rogers..." she began, her words trailing off as Steve's actions triggered a sudden alarm, the shrill sound echoing through the room.

"Who are you?" Steve's voice rose in aggression, his patience wearing thin as he awaited answers that seemed to elude him.

The room erupted into chaos as soldiers stormed in, their weapons drawn as they moved to apprehend Steve. Yet, Steve was not one to go down without a fight. With a swift movement, he launched himself into action, his fists flying as he incapacitated his assailants with ease.

Ignoring the woman's protests, Steve burst through the nearest wall, his heart pounding in his chest as he raced through the unfamiliar corridors of the building. He could feel the eyes of unseen watchers upon him, their presence looming over him like a dark shadow.

"I repeat. All agents, code 13!" the woman's voice crackled over a nearby walkie-talkie, the urgency in her tone sending a shiver down Steve's spine as he pushed himself to move faster, his instincts driving him forward despite the uncertainty that clouded his mind.

Finally, he reached the exit, the blinding light of day flooding his vision as he stepped out into the open air. The sight that greeted him was unlike anything he had ever seen before—a bustling cityscape teeming with life, yet there was a strangeness to it, a surreal quality that left Steve feeling disoriented and out of place.

Before he could gather his bearings, black SUVs surrounded him, their ominous presence cutting off any hope of escape. As the dust settled, a familiar figure emerged from one of the vehicles, his expression unreadable as he approached Steve with measured steps.

"At ease, soldier," the man commanded, his voice carrying a weight that demanded respect.

"Look, I'm sorry about that little show back there, but... we thought it best to break it to you slowly," he explained, his tone tinged with a hint of remorse as he spoke.

"Break what?" Steve's voice was barely a whisper, his mind reeling as he struggled to make sense of the chaos that had consumed his world.

"You've been asleep, Cap. For almost seventy years," the man revealed, his words hitting Steve like a punch to the gut as the full weight of their meaning settled upon him.

"You gonna be okay?" the man asked, his gaze softening as he regarded Steve with a mixture of sympathy and concern.

Steve's gaze drifted around him, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the world he had been thrust into—a world that had moved on without him. A sense of awe washed over him as he realised the magnitude of the changes that had taken place during his absence, yet beneath it all, there was a profound sense of loss, a longing for the life he had left behind. He frowned and looked down, remembering his final moments with Diana Prince, the woman he loved.

"Yeah. Yeah. I just...I had a date."