Monster Hunter AU: Continuation of 04/01
The seconds slipped past like lead, heavy and injuring in their unhurried passing. The barrier remained firm as Steve numbly slammed his hands into it again and again, beaten red and raw against the faintly shimmering surface. He screamed once more, sounding almost demonic, his voice stolen by the waves of pain twisting his spine and forcing his form to twist.
Bucky's eyes flickered briefly open, the eyes no longer comforting, but instead a solid glistening black that was swiftly hidden once more behind fluttering lashes. Blood oozed freely over the barrier that blocked Steve's progress, dark and sticky and ice cold as it soaked the knees of Steve's trousers. A few drops of his own blood joining the mix, the bright red shocking as his teeth sunk into his lip, shoulders shaking with suppressed tears.
"It just so sad isn't it?"
Steve started as the hand landed heavily on his shoulder, well-worn leather glove creaking.
"It pains me to see you like this Steve," Pierce continued, his voice soft with concern as the tramping of boots met his ears, thin beams of light radiating out like flowers, highlighting the crumbling exterior of the church.
Bucky let out a quiet growl, teeth sharpening and bulging out of his mouth, skin tearing and reforming in their wake, dark eyes slipping out of focus as he ran sharp claws against the barrier, sparks flying in their wake.
"I can't leave him like this," Steve murmured, feeling the hand tighten momentarily on his shoulder, prompting him to stand.
"You can't view extractions Steve," Pierce consoled, voice oily and slick.
And so, heart leaden in his chest, Steve staggered outside the church, gaze not leaving Bucky's twitching form until the last possible moment.
Alone, Pierce smiled, as Bucky blinked away the fog once more to snarl and howl at the man, demonic language falling like rain from his lips.
"Too emotional now, but you will be perfect with a few," Pierce paused, waving his hands to signal the team to swarm around them like bees, strangely objects in their hands, "adjustments. Be strong, Sergeant. I would say that you won't feel a thing, but we both know that's a lie."