Let the truth be told

by trinipedia

Summary:

When thief Sam Wilson is captured by Alexander Pierce, a mysterious ally with a bionic arm and a black crow rescues him and leads him on a mission to destroy Hydra. They will have to fight against time and enemies to save themselves and their world.

Notes:

• For Firestar11025.

Written for the Fandom Trumps Hate 2024, and beta'ed by the lovely Zaftique.
Thank you darling, without you there'd be no story!

Chapter 1: Lie Number 1: You're supposed to have it all together

Sam Wilson moved deftly through the dimly lit corridors of the Hydra complex. Known in the criminal world as The Falcon , Sam was used to executing his heists with precision and discretion. This time, however, things hadn’t gone as planned.

The mission was supposed to be simple: break in, retrieve a sample of an experimental drug, and get out before anyone noticed. But Alexander Pierce, Hydra Labs' director and president, was a cunning adversary. Sam hadn’t anticipated how advanced the lab's defenses would be, nor that Pierce would foresee his every move. The heist had turned into a disaster, and Sam now found himself captured and locked inside one of Hydra’s high-security cells.

The cell was dark and oppressive. Its stainless steel walls reflected a cold, blue light that seemed to amplify the despair. Sam sat on the icy floor, racking his brain for an escape plan. The chains binding him to the wall were sturdy, but Sam was determined not to stay there long. He knew his execution was only a matter of time.

Alexander Pierce was a man feared by many—not just for the power he wielded, but for his ruthless nature. At the helm of Hydra Labs, he had access to cutting-edge technology and seemingly endless resources. But what made him truly dangerous was his calculating mind, capable of anticipating every possible threat. He had built an empire on fear and control, eliminating anyone who dared to challenge him.

Sam, however, was no ordinary thief. With a military background and extensive training, he was a formidable adversary. As he sat in the cell, his mind replayed the mistakes he had made during the mission. He hadn’t accounted for the possibility of betrayal within his network of contacts, and it had landed him directly in Pierce’s trap. But there was no time for regrets now. He needed to focus on the present—and on survival.

The metallic creak of the cell door opening snapped Sam to attention. A blinding light flooded the room, and Alexander Pierce’s figure loomed in the doorway. Tall, with an elegant bearing and an expression of cold indifference, Pierce stepped into the room, his gaze exuding an air of superiority.

“Sam Wilson,” Pierce began, his voice calm and measured. “Or should I call you The Falcon ? You’ve been quite the nuisance lately. But all of that ends now.”

Sam remained silent, keeping his eyes locked on Pierce. He knew reasoning with the man would be futile. He just had to wait for the right moment to act.

Pierce continued, undeterred by Sam’s silence. “You dared to steal from me, to take what belongs to me. Do you have any idea of the gravity of your mistake? No? Well, you will soon.”

With a subtle nod, Pierce gestured for one of the guards to step forward. The guard held a syringe filled with a clear liquid.

“This,” Pierce said icily, “is one of my latest creations. A serum that I think will be very interesting to test on a resilient subject like you.”

Sam’s eyes focused intently on the syringe. He couldn’t allow that serum to enter his body. He had to act now.

In a swift, decisive motion, Sam pulled at the chains with all his strength, managing to break one and free an arm. Before the guard could react, Sam seized the syringe and plunged it into the soldier’s neck, injecting its contents into his captor. The guard collapsed to the floor, convulsing violently.

Pierce took a step back, startled but not frightened. “Impressive,” he remarked, his tone unshaken, “but it won’t help you. The guards will be here any moment.”

Sam knew Pierce was right. He couldn’t take on all of them—not yet. He needed to escape, and fast. Without hesitation, he grabbed the keys from the unconscious guard and freed himself from the remaining chains. With a leap, he bolted out of the cell, leaving Pierce behind, still smirking maliciously.

The corridors of the complex were a maze of locked doors and surveillance cameras, but Sam knew his enemy well. Hydra always had escape routes and hidden passages. Sprinting relentlessly, he could hear the pounding footsteps of guards closing in. He had to find a way out before it was too late.

Turning a corner, Sam came upon a door leading to a stairwell. He threw it open and dashed down the steps as fast as his legs could carry him. His footsteps echoed in the confined space, but he didn’t stop. Seconds mattered.

At the bottom of the stairwell, he encountered another sealed door. He tried to force it open, but it wouldn’t budge. Frantically searching for an alternative, his eyes landed on a ventilation grate nearby. It wasn’t ideal, but he had no choice.

Sam pried the grate loose and squeezed into the ventilation shaft. The space was tight and suffocating, but he crawled forward with determination. The sound of guards entering the stairwell sent a chill down his spine. They were close—but not close enough to catch him.

After what felt like an eternity, Sam spotted light ahead. The end of the duct. With a final effort, he pushed the grating aside and emerged outside, finding himself near a storage warehouse at the back of the complex. The cool night air hit him like a wave of relief, but his reprieve was short-lived.

A group of security guards appeared, blocking his path. At their head was Captain John Walker, a man infamous for his relentlessness and combat skills. Walker, one of Pierce’s most trusted enforcers, had come to ensure Sam didn’t leave the complex alive.

“Looks like the party’s over, Falcon,” Walker said, his voice laced with sarcasm. “You’ve got nowhere to run.”

Sam quickly assessed his options. The guards were armed and ready to shoot at the slightest provocation. But surrender wasn’t an option. Not tonight.

“That’s what you think,” Sam retorted, flashing a tense but defiant smile.

The situation was dire, and Sam knew it. He’d need to act fast to escape—before his luck ran out.

The situation was desperate, and Sam knew it. He had to find a way to escape before his strength gave out.

Just then, the roar of an engine in the distance caught his attention—and that of his pursuers. A motorcycle was approaching at high speed.

Before Walker and his men could react, the bike skidded to a stop in front of Sam. The rider, face concealed by a black hood, dismounted with startling agility.

“Do you really think your friend can save you?” Walker sneered, stepping toward Sam. “You’re more naive than I thought.”

But before he could get closer, the stranger acted. In a blur of motion, he delivered a series of devastating blows to the nearest guards, dropping them to the ground before they could even raise a hand.

Sam stared in disbelief. The man moved with a strength and speed that seemed beyond human. His punches landed with a force that suggested something unnatural.

It was the stranger’s left arm that drew Sam’s focus. It gleamed with a metallic sheen, powerful and unyielding. Each strike it delivered resounded with a dull, bone-crushing impact, as though metal were colliding with flesh and bone in an unstoppable assault.

Walker quickly realized this was no ordinary opponent. Temporarily abandoning Sam, he turned his attention to the man with the metal arm. “Who the hell are you?” he growled, raising his rifle and aiming it at the stranger’s chest.

Before he could pull the trigger, a dark mass hurtled toward him. A massive black crow, its wings unusually large, dove at Walker’s face, pecking and clawing with ferocity. The attack distracted him just long enough for the stranger to strike. With a single, precise movement, he disarmed Walker and sent him sprawling to the ground effortlessly.

As the hood fell back, the man’s face was revealed—weathered, battle-hardened. His cold, piercing eyes locked onto Walker, who now looked up at him with a mix of anger and fear.

“Barnes…” Walker breathed, stunned, as he struggled to his feet.

The name had an immediate effect on the remaining guards. They froze, then began to retreat, their eyes fixed on the man called Barnes with expressions of terror and awe. It was clear that his name alone carried weight.

Sam, who had been watching in silence, tried to piece together what was happening. Who was this Barnes, and why was he so feared?

Barnes didn’t waste any time. After a brief glance at Sam, he turned back to the motorcycle and started the engine. “Get on,” he commanded, his voice low and resolute.

Sam hesitated for only a moment, but the look in Barnes’s eyes left no room for argument. He moved quickly, climbing onto the bike behind him.

As Sam clutched Barnes’s jacket, the black crow, still harrying Walker and the guards, let out a sharp cry before taking to the air. It circled above them like a silent sentinel, its calls echoing with an eerie familiarity: “Bu-cky, Bu-cky.”

Barnes revved the engine, the motorcycle roaring as they sped away, leaving Walker and his men in their wake. The deserted streets blurred around them, the crow flying overhead as if to guard their escape.

“Who are you?” Sam shouted, his voice barely audible over the thunder of the bike.

Barnes didn’t respond immediately, his focus fixed on getting them to safety. When he finally spoke, his words were brief and laden with a gravity that Sam couldn’t quite decipher.

“My name is James Barnes. But you can call me Bucky.”

Overhead, the crow cried out again: “Bu-cky.”

The name echoed in Sam's mind. He had heard stories—whispers of a legendary soldier, a ruthless assassin who had survived everything, even death itself. Some tales painted him as a man trapped in a spiral of violence and control, others as a victim fighting to reclaim his humanity. Yet none of those stories had prepared him for the man he had just met.

As they sped away into the night, Sam realized his life had just become even more complicated. He had no idea what lay ahead or what this mysterious savior intended. But one thing was clear: the fate of Sam Wilson, known as "The Falcon," was now entwined with that of James "Bucky" Barnes.

With the black crow soaring above them like a dark omen, the two men disappeared into the night, leaving chaos and destruction in their wake.

Chapter 2: When they ask how you're doing, just smile and tell them "Never better"

Barnes's motorcycle roared along winding mountain roads, civilization fading into the distance as they ventured deeper into untamed wilderness. Sam, still shaken by recent events, clung tightly to Barnes's jacket, struggling to make sense of everything. The cold mountain air stung his face, but the haunting beauty of the landscape was undeniable. The peaks loomed majestically against the night sky, their silhouettes cloaked in impenetrable darkness.

Barnes navigated the treacherous roads with precision, as though he had traveled them countless times before. After hours of silent travel, broken only by the rumble of the engine, he finally pulled to a stop. He shut off the motorcycle in a secluded clearing, hidden among the trees. The dense foliage and uneven terrain provided a natural shelter—a perfect place to stay unnoticed.

Barnes dismounted and scanned the surroundings with practiced vigilance, his every movement deliberate. Sam watched him closely, trying to read the expressionless face that betrayed nothing of his thoughts.

“We’ll camp here for the night,” Barnes said, his tone firm and unwavering. “We can’t go any further without rest.”

Sam nodded, too exhausted to argue. His body ached, his energy nearly depleted. The thought of stopping, even briefly, was a welcome relief. Barnes began gathering dry branches and stones, his actions precise and efficient, as if this routine was second nature to him.

The fire crackled to life, its warm glow pushing back the chill of the night. Sam sat close to the flames, grateful for the heat as it chased away the cold that had seeped into his bones. Barnes disappeared briefly, returning with a blanket, which he tossed to Sam.

“Rest,” Barnes said, his voice devoid of emotion. “We have a long road ahead tomorrow.”

Sam took the blanket, stretching out on the ground as his tense body finally relaxed. But even as his eyes closed, his mind raced. Who was Barnes? Why had he helped him? The unanswered questions churned, each one giving rise to more uncertainty.

Despite his restless thoughts, exhaustion eventually overtook him. Sam drifted off to sleep, lulled by the crackling fire and the soothing sounds of the forest. The hours passed, and the night deepened.

A faint noise jolted Sam awake. It was soft but unmistakable—something moving nearby. He opened his eyes slowly, adjusting to the darkness that had replaced the fire’s light, now reduced to glowing embers. Scanning his surroundings, he realized Barnes was gone. The motorcycle remained, but there was no sign of the man himself.

Sam’s first thought was that Barnes had abandoned him. Perhaps the man was even more dangerous than he had feared. Groggy from sleep, Sam decided he needed to leave before Barnes returned.

But curiosity stopped him. He needed answers—needed to understand who this man was. As his gaze swept the clearing, he spotted a backpack resting against the motorcycle. Moving cautiously, Sam approached it, hoping to find some clue.

Inside, he found ordinary items: a water flask, a couple of knives, and clothing. Nothing revealing. Then, tucked beneath layers of fabric, he discovered an old, faded photograph. Holding it up to the dim light of the embers, Sam studied the image. It showed a young soldier standing next to what appeared to be a close friend. Though much younger and smiling, the soldier’s face was unmistakably Barnes’s.

A sharp crack startled Sam. He froze, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. Lifting his head, he came face to face with a massive black leopard.

The animal’s glowing eyes locked onto Sam’s, its body taut and ready to pounce. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat, sending a shiver down Sam’s spine.

For a moment, Sam’s heart stopped. He was certain this was the end. After narrowly escaping death once already, he now faced a predator poised to finish him off. The cruel irony didn’t escape him: he had survived Hydra’s guards only to fall victim to the wild.

The leopard took a step closer, its paws silent against the forest floor. Sam stayed perfectly still, his breath caught in his throat. Any movement could provoke an attack. His hands tightened instinctively around the photograph, the only tangible link to the enigmatic man who had saved him.

Then, inexplicably, the leopard paused. The hostility in its eyes softened, and the growl subsided. It seemed to regard Sam with an intelligence that went beyond mere animal instinct.

Sam felt his terror give way to a strange sense of familiarity, as though the creature somehow recognized him—or chose not to harm him.

Around him, the forest loomed, its shadows merging with the darkest corners of his thoughts.

The silence pressed in, broken only by the rustling leaves and the leopard’s measured breathing. Sam remained frozen, unsure what to expect. His body was coiled with tension, every muscle ready to react, even as his mind raced to make sense of the surreal encounter.

Suddenly, the sound of soft footsteps on the forest floor shattered the silence. Sam held his breath, his senses sharpened by adrenaline. His first thought was that Barnes had returned just in time, but as he turned slowly, the figure before him was not Barnes.

Standing at the edge of the clearing was a tall, broad-shouldered man. Moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating his blond hair. Sam noticed the black hoodie he wore—Barnes's hoodie. The man moved forward with calm, deliberate steps, showing no hint of hostility, yet Sam couldn’t shake a gnawing sense of imminent danger.

The man stopped a few meters away, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Sam with an intensity that made him shiver. Without a word, the stranger turned his gaze toward the leopard, which regarded him with a quiet, almost reverent attention. For a moment, the silence between them was almost tangible, as though some unspoken communication passed between man and beast.

Then, in a deep but soothing voice, the man spoke to Sam. “Don’t be afraid. He won’t harm you,” he said, his tone calm and steady. “He’s here to protect you.”

Sam stared at him, incredulous. How could this stranger know what the creature was capable of? “Who are you?” he managed to ask, his voice trembling.

The man didn’t answer right away. He stepped closer to the leopard, which lowered its head in a gesture of deference. “His purpose is to keep you safe,” the man continued, ignoring Sam’s question. “You have nothing to fear from him, at least not until the danger has passed.”

Confusion clouded Sam’s thoughts as he tried to make sense of it all. “Danger?” he repeated, his voice laced with uncertainty. “What are you talking about?”

The man crouched beside the leopard, placing a familiar, almost affectionate hand on its back. “There are forces at play you can’t yet understand,” he said, his gaze never leaving Sam’s. “But you must trust him—and me.”

Sam glanced around, scanning for signs of an ambush, but there was nothing. Just him, the mysterious man, and the wild beast. Reality seemed to slip further from his grasp, leaving him tangled in doubt. How could he trust a stranger, especially in such a bizarre situation?

His unease only deepened as the man’s vague assurances offered no clarity. “Why should I?” Sam challenged, hoping for an explanation that would make sense of the chaos.

The man stood slowly, his expression a mix of compassion and resolve. “Because you need us, and we need you,” he replied, his voice filled with conviction Sam couldn’t yet fathom.

Before Sam could press him further, the man turned and gestured to the leopard. The creature rose and followed him obediently into the forest. Sam watched them disappear into the shadows, frozen in place. The only sounds left were the whispering wind and the echo of the man’s parting words.

“Rest, Sam,” he called without looking back. “You’ll need all your strength for what’s to come.”

Then they were gone, swallowed by the night.

Sam remained seated near the dying embers of the fire, his heart pounding in his chest. The man’s cryptic words echoed in his mind, but exhaustion and confusion finally overwhelmed him. Trembling and spent, he lay back down, willing sleep to take him.

Yet as his eyes closed, the images of the leopard and the blond stranger lingered. Who were they? And what was the bond between them? Sam didn’t know what the future held, but he was certain nothing would ever be the same.

Chapter 3: Lie Number 3: Say “I'm fine”

Sleep eventually came, bringing dark, fragmented dreams. In those nightmares, the leopard’s roar intertwined with the calm voice of the blond man, wrapping Sam in a mystery only time could unravel.

The sun rose slowly over the mountain peaks, heralding a new day. Sam awoke, his body sore from the restless night, though the warmth of the sunlight filtering through the leaves offered some comfort. He looked around and saw no trace of the leopard or the mysterious man—only an empty clearing and the remains of the extinguished fire.

Despite the calm morning, unease clung to him. The events of the night before left him with more questions than answers, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. Rising slowly, he tried to organize his scattered thoughts as he prepared to resume the journey he knew was far from over.

Soon, Bucky Barnes emerged from the forest, wearing his black hoodie and an impassive expression. His presence exuded authority, his quiet determination stifling any attempt Sam might have made at conversation.

“Ready to go?” Barnes asked as he brought the motorcycle closer, his voice devoid of emotion, as though nothing unusual had happened the previous night.

Sam nodded, though his eyes were heavy with questions. Despite the turmoil inside him, he managed to maintain his composure as they mounted the bike. The journey continued along the winding mountain trails, the wind biting at Sam’s face as the landscape gradually shifted around them. Still, his thoughts remained anchored to the events of the night before—the enigmatic man, the leopard, and the impossible transformation he’d witnessed.

When evening fell, Bucky decided they should camp again. They found a secluded spot among the trees, and Bucky set about building another fire and arranging a place to sleep. Sam, increasingly restless, pressed for answers.

“You still haven’t said anything about that creature last night,” Sam began, stepping closer as Bucky tended the fire. “Or the mysterious man. Who were they?”

Bucky continued his task in silence, as though he hadn’t heard. Frustration bubbled up in Sam. “I’m talking to you,” he said, his voice edged with impatience. “Don’t you think I deserve some kind of explanation?”

Finally, Bucky stopped and turned to face him, his gaze sharp and unreadable. “These are things you can’t understand,” he replied tersely. “Not yet.”

Sam’s irritation flared, but he struggled to articulate just how disturbed he felt. “Why did you save me, then?” he asked, his tone measured but filled with an uneasy mix of curiosity and fear. “What do you want from me?”

Bucky held his gaze, his expression unreadable. “I have a mission,” he said slowly. “I’m going to kill Alexander Pierce.”

The name sent a chill through Sam, dredging up memories of fear and danger. “Pierce?” he repeated, disbelief coloring his voice. “I can’t help you with that. It’s... it’s too dangerous.”

Bucky’s resolve didn’t waver. “I know you’re the only one who’s infiltrated Hydra’s labs and lived to tell about it,” he said, his tone resolute. “I need you to succeed. Without you, I don’t stand a chance.”

Sam shook his head, the weight of Bucky’s request settling heavily on him. “I can’t,” he said firmly. “I can’t risk my life for something that could get us both killed.”

Bucky’s gaze lingered on him, the silence between them thick with tension. Then, without warning, he moved swiftly, grabbing Sam and securing him with ropes pulled from his pack.

“What are you doing?” Sam protested, struggling against the bonds. “You can’t just tie me up!”

“I need you to stay put and not do anything reckless,” Bucky said calmly, his voice firm. “If you tried to run now, you’d jeopardize not just yourself but my mission.”

Sam thrashed against the ropes, but they held fast. “This isn’t right!” he shouted. “You can’t treat me like a prisoner!”

Bucky’s expression remained serious, unyielding. “I have no choice,” he said simply. “I have to leave again. When I return, I hope you’ll have thought things through and be ready to help.”

With that, Bucky disappeared into the forest, leaving Sam bound and vulnerable. As the fire dwindled and the night deepened, the chill and darkness closed in. Sam felt powerless and furious, but it was clear he had no option but to wait.

The silence of the night enveloped him, broken only by the sounds of the forest and the crackling of embers. Sam tried to focus, attempting to calm the turmoil in his mind and find a way out of his precarious situation.

The hours passed slowly, and Sam found himself reflecting on Bucky’s words and the gravity of the situation. He was at the mercy of a man who, despite his apparent cruelty, had a plan that seemed to stretch far beyond his immediate actions. Now, tied to a tree, the future seemed more uncertain than ever.

What would tomorrow bring? Sam didn’t know, but one thing was certain: he wouldn’t find peace until he had an answer. As the darkness of the night continued to fall, his mind was filled with thoughts and worries, waiting for the dawn and a chance for redemption.

The night settled heavily and silently over the forest, and as the cold enveloped the camp, Sam Wilson remained tied to the tree, the ropes binding him like a prison, with the darkness surrounding him. But his determination hadn’t wavered. With one final effort, he managed to move his hands enough to loosen the bonds. After a long and painful process, he finally freed himself.

Breathing heavily, Sam rose and carefully scanned his surroundings. He knew the situation was dire, but the thought of remaining tied up was not an option. He decided to escape; the thought of Bucky and what might happen if he didn’t act pushed him forward.

Backtracking, he tried to move as silently as possible, avoiding drawing attention. He knew he wasn’t safe, but he found a less-traveled path through the woods. His heart raced as he ran, his heavy breaths blending with the cold air.

Dawn was breaking when Sam realized he was being followed. The sounds of footsteps and engines warned him that time was running out. Despite his desperate run, he was taken by surprise when he found himself face-to-face with Walker and the guards of Alexander Pierce. They had set an ambush, and Sam realized too late that he had walked right into a trap.

 

Chapter 4: Lie Number 4: I'm not broken

“We’ve been looking for you for a long time,” Walker said with a cold smile as the guards surrounded Sam. His voice dripped with condescension, his posture relaxed as though he’d already won. “I hope you’ve had time to reflect. You see, we don’t take kindly to people who meddle in things they don’t understand. And as for your friend—” Walker’s grin widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes. “When Pierce gets his hands on him, he’ll wish he’d stayed dead.”

Sam struggled against the guards’ grip, his voice sharp with defiance. “What does Pierce want with Bucky? He’s just trying to make things right!”

Walker chuckled, shaking his head as if amused by Sam’s naivety. “Oh, it’s not about what Barnes wants. It’s about what he is. You think the Winter Soldier can just walk away from what he’s done? From what we made him into? No, Pierce has plans for him—big ones. But first, we’re going to make sure he’s good and broken. Physically, mentally… hell, maybe even spiritually. Shouldn’t take long.”

“You’re wrong about him,” Sam snapped, glaring at Walker even as the guards tightened their grip. “You don’t know what he’s capable of.”

Walker leaned in closer, his smirk unwavering. “Oh, I know exactly what he’s capable of. That’s why Pierce is so interested. Barnes is a weapon, and weapons don’t get to choose who wields them.”

Before Sam could retort, the guards jerked him forward, forcing him to march. Every step felt like a mockery, his presence meant to be nothing more than bait to draw Bucky into their trap. The forest loomed dark and foreboding, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Hidden in the shadows, Walker’s team set up their ambush, the stillness of the woods disguising the danger that awaited.

Meanwhile, Bucky moved swiftly through the forest, his every instinct screaming that something was wrong. His metal arm flexed, prepared for whatever lay ahead, but even his heightened senses couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment the trap would spring. The crow, his silent and loyal companion, flitted just ahead, circling back every so often as though sensing the same unease.

When the attack came, it was as sudden as a thunderclap. Gunshots rang out, the sharp cracks shattering the quiet. Explosions ripped through the undergrowth, sending dirt and debris flying into the air. Bucky dropped into a crouch, his vibranium arm raised to shield himself from the shrapnel. The crow let out a warning cry and darted toward the attackers, but a sharp report silenced it mid-flight, its small body falling lifeless to the ground.

Fury ignited in Bucky’s chest as he charged toward the source of the gunfire. The guards poured in from all sides, their weapons blazing, trying to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. But Bucky was a force of nature. He moved with precision and ferocity, dodging bullets and returning fire with unerring accuracy.

A guard lunged at him from behind, but Bucky spun, slamming his metal fist into the man’s chest and sending him sprawling. Another approached with a knife, only to be disarmed in a blur of movement before Bucky used the blade to disable yet another attacker. The chaos of the battlefield didn’t deter him; if anything, it fueled him. His singular focus was finding Sam and putting an end to this madness.

Through the smoke and gunfire, Walker’s voice echoed, taunting and calculated. “You’re just making this harder on yourself, Barnes! You can’t save him! You can’t save anyone! ”

But Bucky didn’t stop. He wouldn’t stop. Every punch, every kick, every shot he fired was a step closer to his goal. The forest had turned into a war zone, but Bucky fought like a man with nothing left to lose—and everything to prove.

Bucky fought with unrelenting fury, his bionic arm a blur of deadly precision. Every strike he landed reverberated with purpose, each motion calculated to incapacitate his enemies as quickly and efficiently as possible. The guards moved in formation, their attacks coordinated and relentless, but Bucky’s instincts and training kept him one step ahead.

He sidestepped a knife aimed at his ribs, catching the attacker’s wrist in his vibranium grip and twisting it until the blade clattered to the floor. Without hesitation, he drove his elbow into the guard’s sternum, sending him sprawling. A second opponent lunged with a baton crackling with electricity. Bucky parried the strike with his metal arm, the baton’s charge sparking harmlessly against the alloy, before delivering a punishing roundhouse kick that dropped the guard like a stone.

But the numbers were against him, and even Bucky’s seemingly unstoppable strength began to falter. A third guard landed a glancing blow on his shoulder with a heavy club, sending a jolt of pain through his body. Another strike grazed his side, opening a shallow but bleeding wound. Gritting his teeth, Bucky spun low, sweeping the legs out from under his assailant and slamming his fist into the guard’s jaw before he could rise.

Despite his extraordinary abilities, the battle was taking its toll. His breathing grew labored, and blood from cuts on his face and arms trickled steadily, staining his shirt and gloves. The crow tattoo on his shoulder, symbolic of his dark past, glistened with sweat and blood as he pushed himself to keep fighting. One guard, larger and more skilled than the others, squared off against him, wielding a blade with practiced precision.

The two circled each other, the tension palpable. The guard lunged, slashing toward Bucky’s midsection. He deflected the strike with his metal arm, the blade skidding harmlessly across the vibranium surface. Bucky countered with a feint, drawing the guard off balance, then followed up with a crushing uppercut to the jaw. The guard staggered but didn’t fall, retaliating with a desperate swing aimed for Bucky’s head. Ducking just in time, Bucky closed the distance, driving his knee into the man’s abdomen and finishing him with a brutal punch that sent him crumpling to the ground.

By the time the final guard fell, Bucky was bloodied and battered, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. The battlefield was littered with groaning bodies, the chaos gradually giving way to silence. He paused for a moment, his chest heaving, and surveyed the carnage. Each defeated foe marked another step toward his goal, but the cost weighed heavily on him.

Through the haze of pain and fatigue, Bucky’s gaze landed on Sam. His friend was still restrained, Walker standing guard with a smug expression of authority. Wiping the blood from his brow, Bucky squared his shoulders and began his approach, his steps deliberate and filled with purpose. The fight was over, but another confrontation loomed, and Bucky wasn’t about to let his guard down.

“Finally,” Bucky growled, grabbing Sam and freeing him from his chains. “I thought you had decided to stay tied up forever.”

Sam, still shaken and sweating, looked at Bucky with a mix of gratitude and anguish. “They used me to lure you into an ambush,” he explained, panting. “I didn’t know what to do. But... the crow, where is it?”

Bucky looked at the crow, lying on the ground, gravely injured. “It’s in bad shape,” Bucky admitted, his face drawn with concern. “I need you to do something very important.”

He knelt beside the crow and gently lifted it. “You need to take the crow to a nurse named Wanda,” Bucky ordered, his voice serious and resolute. “She’s our only hope of saving it.”

Sam nodded, the weight of responsibility heavy on him. “And you?” he asked, worried about Bucky’s fate.

“I’ve still got things to take care of,” Bucky replied with determination. “But don’t worry about me. The most important thing now is getting the crow the care it needs.”

Bucky placed the crow in Sam’s arms, ensuring it was settled carefully. Then, without further explanation, he turned and headed back toward the remnants of the battle, ready to follow the trail and settle the score with Alexander Pierce.

Sam prepared to leave, shifting the weight of the injured crow on his shoulders to better carry it and the mission clear in his mind. Wanda’s house wasn’t far, but the journey through the woods would still be dangerous. With a heavy heart and a focused mind, he began to walk, determined to get the crow to safety.

As the sun climbed in the sky and the day went on, Sam found himself reflecting on everything that had happened. Each step brought him closer to Wanda’s house, but each step also took him further from the safety he had known before this journey.

The shadows of the forest surrounded him, and the path was uncertain, but Sam was resolute. He had a clear mission: save the crow and, perhaps, in some way, contribute to the fight against Hydra. And as he walked toward Wanda’s house, his spirit didn’t waver. The fate of Bucky and the crow depended on him, and he wouldn’t let their sacrifice be in vain.

When Sam finally reached Wanda’s house, the sun was setting. His run through the forest had exhausted him, and the weight of the crow, still gravely injured, seemed to grow with each step. Wanda’s house was a modest dwelling, nestled in the peaceful countryside, but for Sam, that place represented a vital hope.

Sam knocked urgently on the door, his heart pounding in his chest. After what felt like an eternity, the door slowly creaked open, and Wanda appeared in the doorway. She was a middle-aged woman with gray hair, her expression a mix of surprise and concern. As soon as her eyes landed on the injured crow in Sam's arms, her reaction was immediate and dramatic.

"Oh my God!" Wanda exclaimed, reaching out for the crow with urgent determination. "Let me see it now!"

Before Sam could ask any questions or ask for help, Wanda swiftly grabbed the crow from his arms, surprising him with her speed. She didn’t give him time to explain or to enter the house. The woman rushed inside with the crow pressed tightly to her chest, and the door slammed shut behind her.

Sam stood there, confused and powerless. He understood that Wanda’s actions were driven by the urgency of healing the crow, but the lack of explanation left him uneasy. He turned toward the closed door, unable to ignore the intense desire to know what was happening inside.

Night fell quickly, and as the darkness enveloped the house, Sam decided to act. He was fully aware of the risk he was taking, but the need to understand the mystery surrounding Wanda and the crow urged him to force the lock on the door to the room where the crow had been confined.

Approaching cautiously, Sam pulled out a tool he had brought with him and began working on the lock. It took several minutes of patient effort, but eventually, the mechanism gave way, and the door creaked open.

The room was dimly lit by an oil lamp, and Sam entered quietly, trying not to make a sound. His eyes slowly adjusted to the low light, and as he got closer, his heart stopped for a moment.

Lying on a bed, carefully bandaged, was the mysterious man. His face was partially visible, but what caught Sam's attention most was the wound on the man's chest. The bandage was positioned exactly where the crow had been shot. The revelation was shocking: the injured man and the crow were somehow connected.

Sam approached the bed cautiously, trying to understand the meaning of what he was seeing. The man, clearly in a debilitated state, didn’t seem to be awake, but his regular, deep breaths indicated that he was alive.

As Sam observed the man, the door to the room suddenly opened, and Wanda entered, her face tense with worry. Her eyes met Sam’s with a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

"What are you doing here?" Wanda asked firmly. "You shouldn’t have come in."

Sam wasn’t intimidated. "I found the mysterious man, and I see he has a wound similar to the crow's," he said, his tone filled with curiosity and concern. "There’s a connection between them, isn’t there? Why are they both hurt in the same spot? And where’s the crow?"

Wanda looked at him for a moment, her face conflicted, then approached the mysterious man to adjust his bandages. "There’s a lot you need to know," she began, her voice promising a more thorough explanation. "But for now, we need to focus on the healing. I promise I’ll explain everything when the time is right."

Sam moved closer, driven by the need to understand. "I want to know everything, Wanda," he insisted. "I can’t go on without knowing the connection between the crow, this man, that leopard, and Barnes."

Wanda’s gaze turned serious. "I need you to give me some time," she finally said. "There’s much to discuss, and everyone’s survival depends on us. I’ll tell you everything as soon as I can."

With that, Wanda went back to work, and Sam watched her, still burning with the need to understand the mystery surrounding the man and the crow. The night passed slowly, and Sam stayed by Wanda’s side, waiting for the long-awaited explanation.

Wanda’s house was now shrouded in tense silence, and the future seemed uncertain, wrapped in mystery. Sam, though fully aware of the complexity of the situation, prepared himself for the answers that would come with the dawn.

Chapter 5: Lie Number 5: Everybody's life is perfect except yours

As the night deepened, the house was bathed in silence, as if suspended in time. Wanda and Sam had finally left the room of the mysterious man, who now rested more peacefully after the initial care. Wanda, visibly tired but determined, sat next to Sam in the main room of the house.

The flickering light of an oil lamp cast dancing shadows on the walls, and the crackling fire in the hearth added a sense of intimacy to the moment. Wanda, with a thoughtful expression, took a deep breath and began to speak.

"You see, there’s a lot you need to know about Steve and Bucky," Wanda started, her voice tinged with nostalgia and revelation. "It’s a long and complicated story, but it’s important for you to understand it in order to make sense of the current situation."

Sam, still stunned by the unexpected revelation, listened attentively. "I’m listening," he said, eager to learn more. "What exactly happened?"

Wanda ran a hand through her hair and began to tell the story, as memories from the past began to take shape in Sam’s mind.

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes were two of the best security agents working for Alexander Pierce, and at first, they were completely loyal to him. They worked directly for Pierce, protecting his secrets and managing the most delicate operations. However, during one of their missions, they began to uncover disturbing details about Hydra’s laboratories.

One day, while investigating suspicious documents and reports, Steve and Bucky discovered the truth behind Pierce’s "experimental drugs." The labs were developing serums and technologies far beyond anyone’s imagination, and the guards had been subjected to these experiments as unwilling test subjects. Steve and Bucky, shocked by the discovery, realized they had to act to stop what was happening.

But their discovery didn’t stay secret for long. During one of their private conversations, they discussed their sabotage plans with Pierce’s security, unaware that the information had leaked. Wanda, who worked as an assistant to the lead researcher Johann Zola, had accidentally leaked the information to her superiors. This fatal mistake led Pierce to take extreme measures to protect his secrets.

Pierce, with Zola’s help, decided to capture Steve and Bucky and subject them to a metamorphic serum experiment. The experiment, designed to separate the two men physically, transformed Steve into a crow by day and Bucky into a leopard by night. This transformation not only physically separated them but forced them to live eternally in these different forms, even though their bond remained strong.

"Steve and Bucky were condemned to live apart," Wanda explained, her face tense as she spoke. "Steve becomes a crow by day, and Bucky a leopard by night. Although they are always together, their condition separates them eternally."

Sam listened, deeply struck by the revelations. "So the crow and the leopard... are Steve and Bucky?"

Wanda nodded. "Exactly. Despite their different forms, their bond is unbreakable. They continue to fight against Hydra, but they must do so under these impossible conditions."

Sam sat down, reflecting on Wanda's words. "And what do we do now? How can we help Steve and Bucky?"

Wanda stood and went to a small bookshelf, pulling out a dossier. "Now we prepare. The fight against Hydra isn't over, and we need to join them. There are still many things that need to be addressed, and we need to plan our next move."

Sam stood up, determined to do his part. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes. Let me know what I can do."

Wanda looked at him with approval. "Let's start by preparing everything we need for our next move. Steve and Bucky need all our help to complete their mission and stop Hydra once and for all."

The night continued as the two worked together, making preparations for their next step. With the bond between Steve and Bucky now clear, Sam and Wanda knew the battle had just begun, and every moment was crucial.

The first light of dawn began to filter through the windows of Wanda's house, creating an atmosphere of calm that sharply contrasted with the tension in the house. Sam and Wanda were caught in a frenzy of preparations, trying to organize everything before Steve and Bucky resumed their journey. However, the morning stillness was abruptly shattered.

A crash of breaking glass and frantic shouting shook the entire building. Sam and Wanda exchanged a worried glance. "They've found us!" Wanda exclaimed, panic evident in her voice. "We need to move, now!"

Before Wanda could finish speaking, soldiers from Alexander Pierce burst into the house with destructive fury. Armed to the teeth and determined to capture Steve and Bucky, their arrival was accompanied by explosions and gunfire that shook the structure.

Sam, armed and ready to fight, made his way through the rooms toward Steve, who lay on a bed, weakened and disoriented. Meanwhile, Wanda had prepared to defend the house. Although not a professional soldier, her military training allowed her to fight with determination and skill.

"Sam, you need to help Steve!" Wanda shouted, moving swiftly to hold off the invaders. "We can't stay here!"

Sam quickly approached Steve, lifting him with care. "We need to go, now!" he said, as the sounds of battle filled the house. With Wanda covering their backs, they headed for the stairs, moving through the debris and gunfire.

Chaos reigned everywhere. Every corner of the house was filled with enemies determined to capture Steve and Bucky. Sam and Wanda fought to gain ground, moving toward the exit. Every time they thought they had a moment of respite, another group of soldiers appeared suddenly, forcing them to fight again.

"We'll never make it like this!" Sam shouted, kicking a soldier away. "We need to find a way out!"

They reached the roof with a brief sigh of relief. The view from above showed a city bathed in the twilight of dawn, but time was running out. The soldiers, furious and relentless, were not far behind and continued to pursue them.

Steve, still weak, needed further assistance to move. Wanda and Sam placed him on a stable surface, trying to buy time to plan their next move. The sun was now visible on the horizon, and the first light of dawn was coloring the sky in warm hues. But just as they were trying to find an escape route, a group of soldiers reached the roof, forcing them to fight once again.

The confrontation on the roof was brutal. Although skilled, Wanda couldn't hold off all the soldiers. Sam engaged in hand-to-hand combat, his training as a thief proving useful in this situation. "Wanda, protect Steve!" Sam shouted, grabbing a soldier by the neck and throwing him to the ground.

Steve, at his limit, struggled to maintain his position. His weakness was evident, and every movement seemed to require immense effort. Sam and Wanda helped him stay upright, but Hydra's forces kept pressing.

As the intensity of the battle increased, the sun climbed higher, and Steve's transformation was imminent. Sam realized that time was running out. With a final burst of energy, he made his way to the edge of the roof, trying to keep Steve safe.

The sun hit Steve directly, causing an immediate reaction. Steve's body began to change rapidly. Sam, with a desperate effort, grabbed Steve for a moment, but the force of the transformation was too powerful. Steve, now completely transformed into a black crow, began to fly away.

Sam, his heart in his throat, tried to hold onto Steve, but couldn't maintain his grip. "Steve!" he shouted, as the crow soared into the morning sky. "No!"

The crow, now fully transformed, flew with agility through the sky, dodging the soldiers' shots and heading toward an unknown destination. Sam watched in despair, realizing they had lost a precious ally.

"Wanda, we need to move!" Sam ordered, as Hydra's forces continued to advance. "We can't stay here!"

Wanda, anxious but determined, nodded. "Yes, follow me," she said, as they headed for an escape route they had identified.

Together, they rushed frantically along the rooftops, jumping from building to building and trying to avoid the pursuing soldiers. The roofs were slippery and unstable, and every step was a struggle to keep their balance. Fear and adrenaline fueled their flight as they sought to put distance between themselves and the soldiers.

Finally, after a long and dangerous escape, they reached an abandoned building that seemed to offer temporary refuge. They hid inside, panting and sweating, as the sky continued to brighten.

With Steve now far away and Hydra's forces still hunting them, Sam and Wanda knew their mission was just beginning. The night of fighting and the rising day were only a prelude to the long and difficult battle ahead.

"Get to safety," Wanda said to Sam as they prepared to plan their next move. "We need to find a way to reach Steve and Bucky and stop Hydra once and for all."

Sam, his heart heavy but determined, nodded. "Yes, we're just getting started. We need to keep fighting."

The night ended with a sense of urgency and determination as Sam and Wanda prepared for the challenges ahead on their journey toward freedom and justice.

Chapter 6: Lie Number 6: Keep your messes, your wounds, and your secrets safe behind closed doors

The first light of day slowly filtered through the windows of the abandoned apartment that had given refuge to Sam and Wanda. The atmosphere was thick with tension as they devised a plan. The sound of approaching footsteps at the door made them spring into alertness. The door opened, and Bucky entered, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. Sam moved toward him, recognizing the weariness and resolve on his face.

"Glad you’re here," Sam said, a note of relief in his voice. "It’s been a rough day."

Bucky nodded. "I heard the situation was critical."

"Your shoulder?"

"It’s just a scratch. I’m good as new, thanks to that bastard's serum. How’s Steve?"

The crow, with a melodic trill, swooped down on him, cawing "Bu-cky, Bu-cky" with affection and joy. Its black feathers gleamed as it fluttered around its friend before gently settling on Bucky's 'human' shoulder, offering comfort amid the chaos.

Sam and Wanda watched the scene with a mix of awe and relief. Steve's presence brought a sense of calm to the tension filling the room.

With Steve still perched on Bucky's shoulder, the four gathered to plan their next steps. Wanda, her gaze heavy with emotion, began to tell the truth about Steve and Bucky's past.

"The transformation they endured was devastating," Wanda began, her tone grave, reflecting the weight of her words. "Steve and Bucky were subjected to an experiment that changed everything. They now live double lives, with a tortured fate."

Her words evoked painful memories of the Hydra lab where Steve and Bucky had been transformed.

 

*****

 

In the lab, the air was thick with anxiety and terror. Steve and Bucky, strapped to metal beds, were at the heart of a nightmare. A thick, dark serum was injected into their bodies. Each drop felt like fire, searing as it entered their veins, and the following pain was excruciating and tearing.

Steve felt his body contort in impossible ways. Every muscle, every fiber was under extreme pressure, as though consumed by an inner fire. His skin stretched and changed color, as black feathers sprouted from his flesh. His eyes, once filled with determination, were now filled with fear and confusion. The pain was so intense that his screams filled the lab, each push of the serum seeming to tear away a piece of his identity. His mind struggled to maintain control as his body took on a completely new form. The metamorphosis felt endless, and his sense of self was lost in a whirlpool of suffering.

Bucky, just a few feet away, was also a prisoner of pain. His body was transforming into a leopard. Muscles swelled and twisted under his skin, which stretched and adapted to a new feline shape. Every movement was agony, his cries of pain blending with the hum of machines in the lab. His bones seemed to bend and readjust, while his skin covered itself in a spotted coat. The sense of loss was overwhelming, as if he were witnessing his own death and rebirth at the same time. The animal instinct fought its way into his mind, mingling with confusion and terror.

Steve, now a crow, flapped its wings in a desperate attempt to fly. The transformation granted him temporary freedom, but his mind was still trapped in pain and panic. Each beat of his wings offered partial relief, but the torment of change had not yet passed. The black feathers, which should have granted him power and grace, were a constant reminder of his loss.

Bucky, now a leopard, struggled to adapt to his new form. Every step was a battle between his animal instincts and his human mind, confused and frightened. His feline movements were fast and powerful, but his mind was overwhelmed with confusion and fear. Every attempt to move felt like a test of endurance and adaptation, while the sensation of being completely transformed was suffocating.

*****

Wanda finished the story with empathy and resignation. "The serum not only altered their bodies but also separated their fates. Steve and Bucky were divided, but their bond remained strong, despite the transformations."

Bucky, with a resigned yet determined look, listened to Wanda’s words. "We've been through hell," he said, his voice breaking with the pain of the past. "But we can't give up. Steve and I need to find a way to stop Hydra and end this madness."

Sam, with unwavering determination, looked at Wanda and Bucky. "We've already been through so much. We can't let this stop us. We need to find Steve and finish our mission."

With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the group prepared to continue their fight. Despite the painful past, they were ready to face whatever came their way to stop Hydra and free Steve and Bucky from their invisible chains.

Wanda’s house was shrouded in the dusk of evening, with the candlelight dancing on the walls, casting flickering shadows. Steve, still in his crow form, periodically perched on Bucky's shoulder, his black feathers glistening in the dim light. Sam and Wanda had gathered around a table covered with documents and maps, Wanda's face reflecting a sense of urgency and worry.

Wanda spoke with a serious tone. "Time is running out, and the situation is critical. Steve and Bucky have only two days to inject themselves with the antidote we found. This is our only tool to restore their human form."

Sam shrugged, confused. "Two days? What if we can’t find it in time?"

Wanda bent down, her face tense. "If they don't inject the antidote during the total eclipse, they’ll be trapped in their forms forever. The eclipse, which happens in two days, is a rare moment when day and night overlap. Only then will the antidote work as intended. Without this opportunity, they will remain condemned to live as animals, losing all hope of returning to a normal life."

The weight of her words fell heavily on those present. Bucky wiped his forehead, his face strained. "We can't do this alone. We need help. Who can assist us?"

Wanda approached a map spread out on the table and pointed to some strategic locations. "There’s a chance for help that could make all the difference. The Howling Commandos are the only resource that might be able to help us in this situation."

Sam raised an eyebrow, surprised. "The Howling Commandos? I didn't know they were still around."

Wanda nodded. "After Steve and Bucky disappeared, the Howling Commandos went underground. They changed their mission and now operate as a band of vigilantes, helping the weak and fighting injustice in unconventional ways."

Sam knew of them by reputation.

Dum Dum Dugan was the charismatic leader and strategist of the group. With his striped hat and command skills, Dugan had led many successful operations. He was known for his talent in coordinating team actions and planning complex strategies. His military experience and strong personality made him an invaluable ally.

Jim Morita, a weapons specialist, was one of the most skilled members in handling military equipment. His agility and cool-headedness in critical situations made him essential for operations requiring precision and timing. His wartime experience made him a versatile fighter.

James Montgomery Falsworth, a former British soldier, brought extensive experience in special operations. A master of strategy and combat, his bravery and cunning had always made the difference in battle. His ability to handle complex situations made him a valuable resource.

Gabe Jones was an expert in firearms and had a sharp sense of humor, which helped keep the team’s morale high. His expertise with weapons made him one of the group's top fighters. His optimism and fighting spirit made him a pillar of the team.

Jacques Dernier, a martial arts specialist, was known for his speed and precision in hand-to-hand combat. His expertise in combat techniques made him a formidable opponent in close quarters. His dedication and physical abilities were a huge asset in battles.

Happy Sam Sawyer was a veteran known for his lively personality and great sense of humor. Though his positive attitude might seem light-hearted, he was an experienced fighter with strong determination. His experience and loyalty made him a reliable and courageous member of the team.

Pinky Pinkerton was a master of infiltration and guerrilla warfare. He specialized in moving unnoticed and gathering crucial intelligence, making him essential for espionage and sabotage operations. His ability to gather intel and maneuver unseen was vital for delicate missions.

Junior Juniper was the youngest member of the group, but his determination and courage were remarkable. Despite his youth, Junior had proven himself to be a skilled and brave fighter. His fighting spirit and dedication made him a valuable and dynamic member of the team.

Wanda looked at the group with seriousness. "The Howling Commandos have a network of contacts and resources that could be crucial in obtaining the antidote and completing our mission. If we manage to track them down, they could make all the difference."

Sam gazed at the map with determination. "Alright, then we need to move fast. Every minute that passes is one less minute to find the antidote and save Steve and Bucky."

Bucky, with a look of resolve, nodded. "If the Howling Commandos are the key, then we have to find them. Their experience and resources might be what we need to get the antidote in time."

With the weight of urgency on their hearts, the group prepared to leave. The fate of Steve and Bucky depended on their ability to track down the Howling Commandos and obtain the antidote necessary to restore them to their humanity. As the sun set and darkness enveloped the world, their journey toward salvation was about to begin.

Chapter 7: Lie Number 7: Say it's under control

The caravan had set out at dawn, with Wanda at the lead, followed by Sam, Bucky, and the crow. The air was fresh, charged with palpable tension as the group moved toward their goal. Despite Wanda's determination and the urgency hanging in the air, Bucky remained visibly skeptical. Each step he took felt like a step toward personal vengeance rather than a larger goal. "I don't see why we have to go through all this. My only target is Alexander Pierce," he kept repeating, his face serious.

Sam approached him as they crossed a mountain path, the sound of the motorcycle fading behind them. "Look, Bucky, I get that you have a personal vendetta, but this antidote is our only chance to restore normalcy to you and Steve. If we don't work together, we risk losing everything."

Bucky cast a skeptical glance but said nothing. His thoughts were clearly fixed on Pierce and the vengeance he sought. The crow fluttered and moved, its intermittent cawing a sign of its nervousness and vigilance.

As night began to fall, they set up camp near a mountain river, the sound of flowing water providing a natural backdrop to their silent camp. The sky was dotted with stars, and the moon rose slowly, casting a pale glow over the scene.

As darkness enveloped the countryside, Bucky began to transform. His form distorted and changed, his muscles stretching and bones reshaping until he was an imposing black leopard. With a powerful leap, Bucky pounced into the dense woods, his animal instincts unleashed and alert. Sam watched the transformation with a mix of respect and concern.

Not long after, a sinister noise interrupted the stillness of the night. The rustling of branches and leaves was followed by a threatening shadow emerging from the dark. Brock Rumlow, a ruthless hunter hired by Alexander Pierce, advanced with lethal precision. Wearing camouflage and light armor, Rumlow was equipped with weapons designed to neutralize threats like Bucky. His eyes were fixed on the darkness, searching for his target.

Sam noticed the impending threat when he saw the sinister movement between the trees. "Bucky!" he shouted, but the leopard was already too far away to hear him.

The battle erupted violently. Rumlow, armed with an electric net and a tranquilizer rifle, clashed with Bucky, the leopard darting like an arrow, its sharp claws glinting in the moonlight. The forces of nature and man collided, the sounds of struggling and gunfire mingling with the roar of the river.

Bucky, in leopard form, lashed out with claws and fangs, but the hunter was quick and cunning. His attacks were precise, attempting to immobilize the animal with the electric net and strike with tranquilizer darts. The battle was intense and dramatic, the two adversaries seeming like a fury of movement and power, with the leopard desperately trying to evade the lethal blows of its enemy.

Sam, by the river, watched the scene with anguish. When Bucky was struck by the electric net, he let out a roar of pain and struggled. The net temporarily immobilized him, but not enough to stop him completely. Sam knew he had to act, and despite the risk, he ventured toward the battlefield.

With great effort, Sam ran through the branches and rough terrain, trying to distract Rumlow and give Bucky a moment to break free. "Hey!" he shouted, drawing Rumlow's attention.

The hunter turned toward him, giving Bucky a moment to free himself from the net. But as Bucky began to rise, Rumlow aimed a grenade launcher, and a heavy shot sent Bucky tumbling into the river. The leopard let out one last desperate roar as it was overwhelmed by the rushing waters.

Sam didn't hesitate. Despite the danger and the wound he'd just received, he dove into the river, grabbing Bucky's body as the icy water engulfed him. His hands trembled as he struggled to keep the leopard afloat, the scratches from its claws cutting into his skin and causing him to bleed. With a tremendous effort, Sam managed to drag Bucky toward the shore, the heavy body of the animal moving slowly.

When they finally reached the bank, the leopard was exhausted but alive. Sam, panting and in pain, helped him back up to safety. His body was scratched and bleeding, but he didn't stop. With one final effort, he managed to pull Bucky out of the water and onto solid ground.

Rumlow's forces seemed spent, and the hunter withdrew, frustrated and angry. Sam, bent with fatigue and pain, looked at Bucky with concern. "I'll keep an eye on you," he murmured, trying to assist the injured leopard as Wanda hurried to their side.

The scene was calm now, but the echoes of the battle still resonated in the hearts of those present. Bucky, slowly recovering from the fight and the water, transformed back into his human form, his face marked with an expression of pain and exhaustion. Sam, despite his critical condition, was relieved to have saved him.

"Thank you," Bucky said, his voice hoarse from effort and pain. "I didn't think... that you'd risk so much for me."

Sam, still panting and with burning wounds, smiled faintly. "Not the time for talking. We need to move. We're not safe here."

With heavy hearts and the urgency of the situation pushing them forward, the group prepared to continue. The night had shown how dangerous their mission was and how crucial the time they had was. Every step was a race against time, and the battle had only just begun.

Chapter 8: Lie Number 8: If something's wrong, you don’t know it

The next day, the group approached an old abandoned warehouse on the edge of a dense forest. Twilight was imminent, and the sunlight began to tint the sky with warm, muted colors. Wanda, Sam, and Bucky, with the crow still fluttering above them, were preparing for the crucial moment of their mission.

The atmosphere was charged with tension and hope as they neared their meeting point with the Howling Commandos. Every step they took felt like a step closer to solving their problems and reconnecting with old friends.

When they entered the warehouse, they were met with a scene that seemed straight out of wartime days. The Howling Commandos, now exiled men and women, had transformed the old industrial space into an operational base. They were surrounded by military equipment, maps, and communication screens. Their arrival did not go unnoticed.

Dum Dum was the first to spot the group. His scarred face and distinctive striped hat were instantly recognizable. His eyes lit up with surprise and gratitude when he saw Bucky. "Bucky Barnes?" he exclaimed, approaching with determined steps. "Is it really you?"

Morita, Falsworth, and Jones joined Dugan, their faces expressive and filled with emotion. Morita stared at Bucky with a mix of surprise and admiration. Falsworth couldn’t hide his joy as he shook Bucky’s hand warmly. Jones, with his usual smile, approached with a look of friendship and respect.

"I can’t believe my eyes," Falsworth said. "We thought you were gone forever."

Dernier and Sawyer were at the center of the action, ready to greet old friends. Dernier, with his agile posture and sincere smile, embraced Bucky affectionately. Sawyer, despite his sunny demeanor, was visibly emotional and touched by the return of his old comrade.

Pinkerton and Juniper approached, both surprised and happy to see Bucky again. Pinkerton regarded Bucky with a mix of respect and curiosity while Juniper offered a sincere hug, his enthusiasm contagious.

The emotions were palpable as the Howling Commandos reunited with Bucky, the faces of everyone present reflecting a mixture of joy and disbelief. Memories of their past missions resurfaced, and the bond they had shared reignited with strength.

"There’s no time to waste," Wanda said, interrupting the emotional reunion. "The antidote must be retrieved and used during the eclipse. It’s our only chance to save Steve and Bucky. We need to move now."

With their goal clear, the group prepared to continue, but night was falling, bringing with it a new challenge.

As the sun set and darkness enveloped the warehouse, the moment of transformation drew near. Bucky, in his human form, and Steve, in his crow form, withdrew to a secluded area to prepare. Wanda, the Howling Commandos, and Sam gathered, some eager to see the friend they thought lost forever, others still in disbelief.

With the arrival of night, the sky turned black, and the crucial moment was approaching. Steve, sensing the change, began his transformation. His crow form dissolved, his feathers retreated, and his body reshaped into that of a man. When the transformation was complete, Steve stood before his old friends, his face marked by pain and exhaustion.

The Howling Commandos, accustomed to seeing Steve as a crow, were stunned and moved to see him once again in his human form. Dugan, his eyes misty with emotion, stepped forward. "Steve Rogers, as I live and breathe. We can’t believe you’re here."

Steve, still weak but determined, embraced Dugan and the other members of the commandos. "It’s been a long time. I never thought I’d see you all again under these circumstances."

The reunion was charged with intense emotion. Each hug and each exchanged word seemed to bring to the surface the weight of the years and the battles they had shared. The Howling Commandos, despite their new lives as vigilantes, were deeply connected to their old comrades.

"We have an urgent task to complete," Wanda said, interrupting the moment of emotion. "The eclipse is almost here, and we need to prepare to retrieve the antidote and use it at the right moment. The Howling Commandos have the skills and resources to help us complete this mission."

The group gathered around the map, planning their next steps with precision. With the experience of the Howling Commandos and the determination of Steve and Bucky, they were finally ready to face the final challenge. The battle to return Steve and Bucky to their human forms had just begun, and the eclipse was the last barrier to overcome.

With the night sky growing darker and the eclipse looming, the group prepared for the crucial moment that would determine their fate—and that of Steve and Bucky. Time was running out, and every second counted as they neared the climax of their mission.

The shadows of the night enveloped the warehouse as the Howling Commandos prepared for the mission. Every movement was calculated, every glance filled with determination. They knew their strategy had to be flawless if they were to have any chance of success.

Dugan, with his characteristic striped hat and authoritative air, led the group as they approached Alexander Pierce’s laboratory. The Howling Commandos were ready for anything, but they knew their plan depended on deception and speed.

Moving away from the secure areas of the lab, they infiltrated a lightly guarded control zone. Their objective was clear: they needed to neutralize the guards and steal their uniforms in order to enter the labs without raising suspicion.

"Get ready," Dugan said, his tone firm and resolute. "Morita, Pinkerton, and Jones, you take care of the guards. Falsworth and Dernier, prepare the uniforms. Juniper and Sawyer, stay in cover and make sure there are no surprises."

Morita and Jones ventured into the darkness. With surgical precision, they neutralized the guards, their actions silent and lethal. The only sounds were the dull thuds of bodies hitting the floor and the short bursts of their weapons.

Falsworth and Dernier, swiftly removed the uniforms from the incapacitated guards. Every movement was quick and calculated, and before long, they were disguised.

"Let’s move," Dugan ordered as the group began to march. "We need to be inside before the shift change."

Wearing Pierce’s uniforms, the group approached the lab. The guards seemed unaware as the Howling Commandos passed through the security checkpoints. Their posture was perfect; their behavior and actions flawless.

Meanwhile, Bucky, in his leopard form, was hidden inside an arms crate. The crate, sealed and camouflaged among the lab’s equipment, was the last safe refuge before entering the lion's den. Bucky's transformation into a leopard had made his movements more animalistic, but the calm and determination still shone in his eyes.

"Stay still, Bucky," Dugan murmured as the group prepared to enter the lab. "Keep quiet and wait for the right moment."

The lab was a maze of corridors and rooms, each corner monitored by advanced security systems and alert guards. The Howling Commandos, now disguised as Pierce’s guards, moved cautiously through the halls. Every glance and every movement was coordinated to avoid drawing attention.

At the same time, Sam Wilson, determined to complete his part of the mission, was making his way back to the labs through the ventilation ducts. He had been there only a short time ago, and now, due to circumstances, he found himself sneaking through what was, for him, one of the most uncomfortable and dangerous situations.

In the darkness of the ducts, Sam moved with agility, though his mood was far from cheerful. "Oh, great," he thought sarcastically as he carefully moved. "Back here again. Really? Is there a prize for the biggest idiot of the month? Because, if so, I think I’ve won it."

The dull sound of his body shifting through the ducts was the only noise accompanying his sarcastic thoughts. His hands were covered in dirt and sweat, and every time he moved, it felt like he was partaking in a precarious balancing act. "Come on, Sam, don’t make a sound," he encouraged himself, trying to ignore the pain in his muscles and the growing sense of claustrophobia.

Finally, after a long and cramped journey, Sam managed to exit into a corner of the lab. The surrounding environment felt familiar, but the stakes were much higher. He quickly realized the plan was proceeding as expected: the guards that had faced off against the Commandos were all down, and the team had successfully obtained the necessary uniforms.

As Sam tried to orient himself, he realized that time was running out, and every second counted. With the determination that had marked him from the beginning, he made his way toward the area where he knew the antidote might be, trying to stay calm and avoid being detected.

The lab, with its fluorescent lights and complex machinery, was an environment where any mistake could be costly. Sam moved cautiously, ready for any surprises. His self-deprecating words had been an attempt to keep his spirits up, but now his only focus was completing the mission and helping his allies find salvation.

In a hidden corner of the lab, Bucky remained concealed in the crate, his body tense and ready to react at the right moment. With every passing second, the wait seemed longer, and the risk of being discovered grew. But the Howling Commandos’ plan was well-rehearsed, and their courage and determination were their greatest allies in this dangerous mission.

As the night wore on and time ticked away relentlessly, the challenge to retrieve the antidote and save Steve and Bucky became a race against time. Every move had to be precise, and every second was crucial as the fate of the two friends and the success of the mission hung by a thin thread.

Chapter 9: Lie Number 9: There's a sign on the door saying "Come as you are"

Alexander Pierce’s lab was steeped in an atmosphere of tension and urgency. The fluorescent-lit corridors and bustling machinery seemed to be waiting for something decisive. The long-awaited moment had finally arrived: the eclipse was imminent, and with it, the chance to save Steve and Bucky.

Now fully infiltrated among Pierce’s guards, Sam moved with determination and caution. His actions were calculated, every step deliberate. He had found a side door leading into one of the lab’s more sensitive areas, and now it was time to act.

With a swift motion, Sam drew his lock-picking tool and, with practiced hands, managed to open the door. The sound of the lock giving way was both a signal of hope and risk, as Sam prepared to enter. Behind him, Wanda and Steve approached cautiously, Steve’s face tense and focused. Every minute was crucial, and every second mattered.

“We’re almost there,” Wanda stated in a hushed tone, “the eclipse is near. Be prepared."

Steve nodded, his gaze focused and determined as he prepared to make his move. The door creaked open, and Steve and Wanda entered quietly.

Meanwhile, outside the laboratory, the sky darkened as the eclipse began to cover the sun. Shadows lengthened, and natural light faded, creating a surreal atmosphere. As the eclipse arrived, Bucky, reborn in his human form, emerged from the weapons crate where he had been hiding.

The change had been dramatic. The pain of the transformation had been sharp, but now, with his senses sharpened and his mind clear, Bucky was ready for battle. His hands, once claws and fangs, were human again, but the animal instincts he had retained were still present.

Inside the laboratory, another scene was unfolding. Walker, the new captain of the guards, was monitoring the situation with an air of arrogant confidence. His presence was commanding, and his demeanor reflected his belief that he had everything under control.

“Where do you think you're going?” Walker asked, spotting Steve and Wanda advancing through the lab. “This laboratory is under my command now.”

Steve, his face tense and determined, responded calmly, “We’re not here to talk. This is our last chance. Time is running out.”

The battle between Walker and Steve exploded with a violence and precision worthy of the best fighters. Steve, in perfect harmony with his abilities, faced Walker with a ferocity and determination that reflected his long experience. Every strike was calculated, every move precise, and the fight between the two captains was as symbolic as it was physical.

Walker, with his brutal strength and strategy, showed no mercy to Steve. But Steve, with his skill and experience, was able to hold his own. Each clash between the two men seemed to represent the larger battle between the past and the present, between justice and oppression.

Meanwhile, outside the laboratory, Bucky faced another formidable opponent: Brock Rumlow, the hunter hired by Pierce. Rumlow, an imposing man with brutal strength, was the perfect adversary for the newly human Bucky.

The battle between Bucky and Rumlow was a clash of titans. Bucky’s powerful and precise moves clashed with Rumlow’s brute force and savagery. The two men fought with a fury that reflected years of conflict and resentment. Every strike was a message, each exchange of blows a declaration of intent.

The nearby river served as a backdrop to their violent struggle. The sounds of battle were amplified by the rushing water as the two fighters exchanged devastating blows. Bucky, with his agility and experience, managed to maintain control, but Rumlow was a determined and fearsome opponent.

Finally, after an intense exchange, Bucky prevailed. The clash had been brutal, each strike testing his endurance, every dodge shaving moments off his already waning strength. Rumlow fought with a ferocity that matched his reputation, but Bucky had something more—he had purpose, rage, and the unyielding will to end the fight for good. As the battle reached its breaking point, Bucky tapped into the wild power that simmered within him, unleashing the leopard that had lain dormant for too long.

A low growl rumbled in his chest, his senses sharpening as primal instinct took over. The world narrowed, his focus singular, his movements flowing with an animalistic grace that defied human limitations. Rumlow lunged, but Bucky evaded with uncanny speed, his metal arm deflecting the blade aimed for his throat. Pivoting on his heel, he leapt forward with explosive power, his boots barely touching the ground as he closed the gap between them.

With a feral snarl, Bucky brought his sword down in a merciless arc. The blade struck true, sinking through skin, muscle, and bone with a sickening crunch. The steel point pierced directly into Rumlow’s heart, a blow so precise and forceful that even his enemy’s reflexes were too slow to save him. Rumlow’s eyes widened in shock, his body jolting as the life bled from him. For a moment, he stood frozen, blood trickling from his lips, before collapsing heavily to the ground.

Bucky stood over his fallen foe, his chest heaving as the adrenaline began to wane. He didn’t feel triumph—only the bitter weight of necessity. His bloodied sword hung at his side, droplets pooling on the ground beneath him. He took a shuddering breath, wiping the back of his hand across his face as he forced himself to steady.

Exhausted, wounded, but resolute, he turned away from the carnage. The fight wasn’t over yet, and the laboratory called to him. With a grim determination, Bucky strode forward, ready to face whatever awaited him in the battle taking place inside.

Inside the lab, the fight between Steve and Walker reached its peak. Steve’s determination and ferocity were evident, while Walker, despite his strength and experience, was beginning to falter.

With the sound of the eclipse covering the battlefield, the atmosphere was charged with electricity. Every movement and every strike seemed amplified by the rarefied light of the eclipse. Sam, meanwhile, had infiltrated a vantage point and watched the scene closely, ready to intervene if necessary.

With one final push, Steve managed to overpower Walker. The battle culminated in a resounding victory for the original captain as Walker was taken out of action. Steve, though fatigued, moved toward the point where he knew the antidote was stored.

With the laboratory finally secured and the echoes of battle fading into silence, the group turned their focus to the antidote. The room was dimly lit, the harsh glare of shattered fluorescent lights casting erratic shadows on the walls. The eclipse loomed high above, its eerie light filtering through the broken windows, painting the scene with an otherworldly glow. Time was slipping away, and every second felt like an eternity.

As they gathered around the makeshift workstation, the weight of the moment pressed down on them like a tangible force. The antidote was their last hope, the only chance to reverse the devastation wrought by Pierce’s plans. Sam, his hands steady despite the turmoil in his eyes, worked quickly, measuring and combining the vials under the tense gaze of the group. Natasha stood at his side, her sharp eyes scanning the room for any sign of lingering danger, while Bruce checked and rechecked the calculations scribbled hastily on a notepad.

The air was thick with anticipation, and unspoken fears hung between them. Each of them knew the stakes; a single misstep could cost them everything. Steve and Bucky, side by side, exchanged a brief glance—a silent understanding of the immense pressure bearing down on them. This wasn’t just about their survival; it was about redemption, about rewriting a future that had been stolen from them too many times before.

Outside, the eclipse inched closer to its zenith, the celestial alignment casting an ominous shadow over their mission. “This is it,” Sam said, his voice low but resolute as he handed the final mixture to Bucky. “Once it’s administered, there’s no turning back.”

Bucky’s metal fingers curled around the vial, the cool glass contrasting sharply with the heat radiating from his tense grip. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, the enormity of the task threatening to overwhelm him. But then he took a deep breath, steeling himself, and nodded. “Let’s do this.”

Every breath, every movement felt magnified in the stillness that followed. The group braced themselves, their hearts pounding as they prepared to take the final, fateful step. This was the culmination of everything they had fought for, and as the antidote was readied, they held onto the fragile hope that their efforts would lead to salvation—not just for themselves, but for a world on the brink of ruin.

Chapter 10: Lie Number 10: The world’s a safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred [like me]

The laboratory room was filled with a tense silence as Steve, Wanda, and Sam readied themselves to inject the antidote. Steve looked at the syringe with the antidote, his face marked by anxiety and hope. With a decisive gesture, he injected the liquid, followed by Wanda and Sam. The minutes passed slowly, the eclipse nearing its peak, but nothing seemed to change.

Steve looked up, worried. “I don’t feel anything different. Maybe it’s too soon to tell.”

Wanda tried to remain calm, attempting to reassure everyone. “It might take time. We have to wait and hope.”

Meanwhile, Bucky, outside the room, felt a wave of disappointment and despair. The hope for a normal life seemed to vanish with every passing second. With a tense expression and eyes filled with rage, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

“If this antidote doesn’t work, we have nothing to lose. I need to find Pierce and finish this,” he muttered through gritted teeth, heading toward the exit.

Bucky moved through the corridors of the laboratory with fierce determination, driven by pain and fury. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions as he neared Alexander Pierce’s room.

When he finally reached the chamber, he found Pierce already surrounded by the Howling Commandos who had taken control of the situation, neutralizing the last remaining guards. Pierce’s face was pale and visibly afraid.

“Do you think this scares me?” Pierce tried to maintain an air of superiority, but his trembling betrayed his fear. “You have no idea what’s waiting for me.”

Bucky, his face streaked with tears and fury, entered the room. “You have no idea what you’ve done. You don’t know how much pain you’ve caused, how many lives you’ve destroyed!”

Every word was a wound, and his voice dripped with anguish and vengeance. “You’ve played with our lives. You turned Steve and me into monsters, and now you’re going to pay!”

Pierce tried to maintain composure, but his terror was palpable. “You think you can change anything? You’re just a puppet with no power!”

Bucky’s resentment exploded in a wave of rage. “You’ve tortured our lives and caused unimaginable suffering. Now, your time is up!”

Bucky approached Pierce, his metal fist raised and gleaming under the light of the eclipse. Each step amplified his pain and fury, his movements fueled by a relentless desire for vengeance. Dugan, alarmed, tried to intervene. “Bucky, stop! This won’t solve anything. Think about what you’re doing!”

But Bucky pressed on, tears streaming down his face as his fist hovered inches from Pierce’s pale, trembling figure. The tension in the room was suffocating; every gaze was fixed on him, and Pierce’s fate teetered on the edge. The silent lab seemed to echo with the pounding of Bucky’s heart, each beat like a war drum driving him forward.

Pierce’s terrified eyes widened as the moment of reckoning loomed closer. Just as the fury and anguish on Bucky’s face reached their breaking point and his fist began its descent, a sudden, piercing cry shattered the air.

“Look at me!”

Steve, his face marked with determination and relief, burst into the room, running with all the strength and speed he had. The sun, now high and bright, illuminated his face, free from any trace of transformation. Steve was human, and the sunlight seemed to highlight his return to normalcy. Behind him, Wanda and Sam entered, their faces a mixture of hope and anguish.

Bucky, surprised and disoriented, turned his head toward Steve. His eyes, once filled with rage and pain, softened and became uncertain. The fist, still suspended in the air, trembled slightly, reflecting Bucky's confusion. With a decisive gesture, Bucky grabbed Pierce by the hair and forced him to face both Steve and himself. Their faces, now human and bathed in sunlight, symbolized triumph and redemption.

“Look well, Pierce,” Bucky ordered, his voice trembling with emotion. “This is our victory. This is the light of our justice.”

Pierce, his eyes wide with fear and disbelief, struggled to comprehend what he was seeing. The sun, streaming through the lab windows, illuminated Steve and Bucky’s faces, highlighting their humanity and determination. The contrast between light and darkness seemed to amplify the significance of the moment: liberation from the transformation they had been forced into, and revenge on a cruel enemy.

With a look of pure determination, Bucky turned to the Howling Commandos, who had been waiting, ready to act. “Capture and restrain Pierce, Walker, and Rumlow,” he ordered. “We’ll bring them to justice.”

The commandos’ eyes were focused and determined. They seized Pierce, Walker, and Rumlow with confidence, immobilizing them and tying them with sturdy straps. The scene was a mix of satisfaction and tension: justice was within reach.

Wanda, with a look of hope and resolve, approached Bucky and Steve. “I’ve gathered enough material to dismantle Hydra forever and put Zola behind bars,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “With your help, we can end this nightmare once and for all.”

Sam, his face filled with gratitude and commitment, joined the group. “Finally, we can put an end to this. No one will ever suffer like we did.”

As the enemies were taken away, the sunlight filtered through the windows, creating an atmosphere of rebirth and hope. The room, which had witnessed so much pain and revenge, now represented the possibility of a new beginning.

Steve, with a tired but sincere smile, looked at Bucky. “We’re free, finally. It’s over.”

Bucky nodded, his face marked by exhaustion and the scars of the past, but also with hope for the future. “Yes, but this is just the beginning. We need to rebuild, make up for all the harm that’s been done.”

With Pierce, Walker, and Rumlow now in custody, and Wanda ready to dismantle the remaining Hydra operations, the group prepared to face the future. Every step toward justice was a step toward redemption, and the promise of a better world was now within reach.

As the sun continued to shine, and the group prepared to confront their past and build a better future, their path was finally illuminated by the light of justice and hope.

The sunlight streamed through the lab windows, illuminating the faces of the reunited group. Alexander Pierce, Walker, and Rumlow were safely secured, and the atmosphere in the room was finally one of long-awaited redemption. Wanda, the Howling Commandos, and Sam were all present, each with an expression of relief and satisfaction. The tension of the past days seemed to dissolve, replaced by a new hope for the future.

Steve and Bucky, now free from their curse and human again, approached each other with a mixture of caution and longing. Their eyes met, and in that moment, all the pain and suffering they had endured seemed to fade away, leaving only a deep connection and a promise of a better future.

“Bucky…” Steve began, his voice trembling but sincere. “I thought we’d never get this chance. That everything would always be ruined by what they did to us. But now, seeing that we’re here, together, it makes me realize how lucky we’ve been.”

Bucky, his face a mix of emotions, moved closer to Steve, his heart full of feelings he’d held back for too long. “Steve, I... I spent days and nights thinking I’d lost everything. That we’d never be ourselves again. But you’re here, and I’m here, and that… that’s all that matters. I’ve always hoped for a future with you.”

A tearful smile spread across Steve's face, his hands reaching for Bucky’s. “And now that we’re here, we can really start over. Build a future not marked by fear and suffering.”

The two embraced, a gesture of affection and relief that encapsulated their entire history and hopes for the future. The room, once a place of great suffering, now vibrated with a new energy of hope and love.

The Howling Commandos and Wanda, who had witnessed everything, exchanged glances and smiles. Dugan, with a satisfied smile, watched the two men embrace and commented, “Finally, just took a little time for these two.”

Morita nodded, adding, “It’s been a long journey, but in the end, they made it. It’s nice to see everything turned out for the best.”

Sam, who had been watching carefully, approached the group with a puzzled expression. “But wait, weren’t they already together? I thought…”

Wanda interrupted with a smile. “They weren’t together like you think, Sam. Sometimes things need a little time to settle. But now, it looks like everything’s finally in the right place.”

With one last approving glance, Wanda and the Howling Commandos began preparing to leave. The weight of the past days—the tension, the sorrow, the battles—was now replaced by a deep sense of fulfillment and quiet joy. The room, which had witnessed so much turmoil, now felt like a sanctuary of peace and renewal.

Steve and Bucky, still locked in an embrace, gazed into each other’s eyes with love and gratitude that needed no words. Their scars, both seen and unseen, told stories of pain and perseverance, but in this moment, they felt whole. Their new life had only just begun, and though they knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, they also knew they wouldn’t walk it alone. Together, they could face anything.

Breaking the silence, Dugan clapped his hands together, his grin as bright as the sunlight streaming through the windows. “All right, folks,” he said, his voice cutting through the tender moment but not diminishing it. “Where can a hardworking soldier find a decent breakfast around here? All this saving the world business really works up an appetite.”

The group chuckled, the sound light and infectious, easing the solemnity that had lingered. Wanda smiled softly, her gaze drifting from Steve and Bucky to the rest of the team. “I think we’ve all earned a little celebration,” she said, her tone warm and resolute.

As the Howling Commandos and Wanda headed for the city, their footsteps echoed faintly down the hall. They walked with a sense of purpose and camaraderie, eager to share a meal and bask in the rare moment of triumph. Their laughter and lighthearted banter faded as they disappeared through the exit, leaving Steve and Bucky behind in the quiet room.

Steve turned to Bucky, his hand still resting lightly on his shoulder. “Ready?” he asked, his voice steady but soft, filled with unspoken promises.

Bucky nodded, a small but genuine smile curving his lips. “Yeah,” he said, his voice rough with emotion but certain. “Let’s go.”

Together, they stepped out into the sunlight, its golden warmth bathing them as if to bless their renewed hope. Hand in hand, they walked forward, their shadows stretching long before them, but the burdens of the past no longer weighing them down.

The city awaited them with all its challenges and possibilities, but for now, they focused on each other, their love a beacon guiding their way. With one last glance back at the friends who had become their family, Steve and Bucky set off toward a new chapter—heart to heart, side by side, as the light of a promising future illuminated their path.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Charity Auctions 2024