On Steve's third attempt at standing, he weakly fell back to the ground for the last time. Despite himself, tears started spilling from his eyes. Everything hurt and Steve knew that Azazel's words were true: his mortal body was dying. But Steve refused to let Bucky die because his body was unreliable. Steve's body might have been giving up, but his mind refused to do so. And although he was already dying, he'd rather die than let Bucky die.
There was only one thing that Steve could do. Since he couldn't move, he rolled onto his broken and bruised back. Staring up at the ceiling, Steve's lips trembled. Never in a million years did Steve think that he'd be here, getting ready to pray to the Hydra God. Yet...
"Dear God, The Great Alveus, feel my suffering and hear my plea," Steve started. Taking in a shaky breath, "Though I have been selfish, and don't deserve it. I beg for your forgiveness. I beg for your help, so that I can better... so that I can... better... serve you."
Closing his eyes, Steve hoped that Alveus would be listening. That Hive the Terrible would help him. Although Steve wanted nothing more than to live the rest of his life as a mortal, he knew that he'd never be able to help them if he died. And he'd never be able to forgive himself if he didn't do everything in his power to save them.
"Steve?" A deep, groggy voice rasped out.
Opening his eyes, Steve turned to find Teddy. Teddy was sitting up, looking about as confused as Steve expected him to be. But at least it was actually Teddy. It was Teddy and he was confused, but as he looked over Steve, his confusion turned to concern.
"Steve?" Teddy repeated, stumbling on his way over to Steve.
Attempting to sit up, Steve grabbed at his side in pain. Knowing that he had internal bleeding. As if coughing up blood wasn't as much of a sign as any. Thankfully, Teddy was there. Realizing that just like people said, Alveus worked in mysterious ways.
"What happened?" Teddy asked.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Steve attempted to joke, but the pain was too severe for the ghost of humor to fully take.
"I'm not gonna lie, Stevie," Teddy heaved Steve off the ground. While Steve groaned in pain at the movement, Teddy continued, "You've seen better days, my dude."
Weakly, Steve smiled up at the boy who he idolized growing up. The big brother that he always wished to have, and thanks to Bucky, kind of did have. Bucky. Steve's stomach twisted and knotted in his agony. Steve knew that he needed to save Bucky and Sharon and everyone else that was being hurt by Hydra's sick, twisted game.
"We gotta get out of here," Steve urged. Leaning most of his weight on Teddy's sturdy frame, Steve was adamant, "There's something I gotta do."
"Sure," Teddy nodded and started following Steve's directions of leaving the abandoned asylum. Looking down at the ground and noticing the trail of dark, dried blood on the tile floor, Teddy asked, "Jesus, what happened here? Is that yours?"
"It's not mine," Steve reassured before doubling over. Either from the pain or the taste of blood. Whatever it was, bile rose and left Steve's petite frame. Thankfully, Teddy was there and he held Steve upright while comfortingly rubbing his back.
Feigning playfulness, Teddy teased, "You sure it's not yours?"
Wiping his mouth on the back of his hand, Steve stood again. Even more weak than he had been as they started walking again. Of course, it wasn't his. And although Steve knew it was too old to be Bucky's blood, Steve knew that it still led the way to Bucky.
"C'mon," Steve used more of his energy to tug at Teddy, so he'd move.
Stumbling a bit still while trying to keep himself and Steve upright, Teddy led them out the front door. Steve was surprised to find that they weren't locked inside. Also finding it suspicious, Steve reasoned that this was exactly what they wanted. They'd be stupid to make them work harder to leave than they already had.
Spotting his old truck that he passed down to his brother, Teddy asked, "Where's Buck?"
Chest clenching, Steve lied, "I don't know. But I know how to help."
"I sure don't like the sound of that," Teddy admitted, opening the passenger door for Steve. Rushing around to the driver's side, Teddy started the truck and looked over at Steve, "Just tell me what to do."
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The Chilling Adventures of Steve Rogers: Book One (Magical Hydra Horror AU)
Fanfiction"As though his feet were controlled by something other than himself, Steve stepped out of the trees. Not paying attention to any of the other figures standing as still as statues, Steve crossed the well-lit area. His eyes roamed over the boy. He was...
