✓ | parted [ ➁ ]

[ chapter eighteen ]

As soon as Tony got Steve out of the way in a fit of anger, he leaped toward Bucky. The soldier didn't seem to do much to defend himself, almost as if he believed that he deserved what was coming, though when Tony began to come at him with increased strength, Bucky was forced to fight back. By then, Steve had gotten up as well so he could spring into action. Andi didn't know if he intended to support one of them or try to play the role of peacemaker. All she knew was that there was no way Tony was about to back down any time soon.

Unsure of what to do, Andi looked back at the container where Zemo had been standing. She figured she'd find him happily watching what he'd aimed to achieve, but instead she found the container empty. There was nothing Andi could do to stop this fight at the moment but at least she could try and stop the person responsible for all of it.

Glancing once more to the blur of bodies moving around up ahead, tackling and tossing each other about, Andi pried her gaze away and headed back out the way she came in, hoping to find Zemo somewhere.

As she continued on, Andi heard several things crashing and falling in the background. Part of her wanted to go back but what would she do even if she did go back? Tony wouldn't listen to her, and if anything, she might just make matters worse, so as much as she hated the idea that someone might really end up hurt, she forced herself to trudge forward to tackle a lead she might have more success with.

Andi hadn't been able to follow Zemo directly but she soon exited the facility by retracing her steps and coming out the way Tony had initially led the way inside. It was bright outside, and the whiteness of the snow nearly blinded her as she stepped out into it. Ignoring the cold, Andi was able to recognise Zemo sitting on the ground a few feet away near a large rock. He held a phone to his ear, and it seemed like he was listening to something intently, though Andi couldn't hear what it was.

As she attempted to make a step toward him, she noticed another figure emerging from the side. He was dressed in all black, and Andi recognised that suit. She'd seen it back at the airport. The king of Wakanda had followed them there to get his revenge, but he seemed to realise that Bucky hadn't been the one responsible for his father's death after all.

Andi hung back, once again unsure what to do. She would intervene if T'Challa had plans of killing Zemo off because then he wouldn't get the punishment he deserved, and if he was alive then she figured Bucky had a better chance of being acquitted for all the things he was being accused of.

For the time being though, T'Challa just slowly approached Zemo from behind. He took off his helmet and set it down in the snow while Zemo dropped his hand from his ear. If either of them knew Andi was present, they didn't show it.

"I almost killed the wrong man," T'Challa said to Zemo, walking slowly till he came to stand beside him. Zemo didn't at all seem surprised by the young king's presence.

"Hardly an innocent one," Zemo replied, looking up at T'Challa for all but a second before he stared back down at the phone in his hand.

"This is all you wanted?" T'Challa questioned. "To see them rip each other apart?"