I had the wonder plane find Barnes; it did in short order. He was definitely inside Wakanda's borders and was working with confirmed Sobek operatives. I sought the king's permission to handle this alone with Peter. He agreed. Together we flew off for southern Wakanda toward some small settlements to deal with this. If it did go violent at least we'd be in less populated areas. It wasn't much of a comfort but it was better than a city setting to be sure. That was just casualty generation fact at that point.
We landed at the outer edge to the target village Barnes was located in. All wonder plane data had been sent to our suits. "Got him," said Peter. It was a Sobek stronghold where rural cult villages were concerned. The Wakandan rebels were heavily armed. They spotted us quickly and came out to deal with us. "You are not welcome here," they said. "We're here on behalf of the king-" "We don't care!" They brought up their guns. "Oh boy," said Peter.
Barnes came out of a dwelling. "You shouldn't be here." "Steve and Natasha want you to come home Bucky," I said after dissolving my helmet. He gave no immediate reaction; he walked to be in front of the local rebels. "I've heard of you - the wonder woman." He looked at Peter. "And your husband; you came from another reality." "That's right. We sought a better life after all we'd been through. You can still have the same Bucky." "You call me that but you don't even know me." "No; but I'd like to." "This is ridiculous Barnes-!" the rebels challenged but Barnes kept them quiet with a raised cyborg hand.
"Bucky...I've been where you have." "Have you?" "Yes. I'm over five thousand years old; I fought in both world wars in my reality. Trust me, I've been through quite a bit too. I've lost many people I've cared about too; people I couldn't save..." I took Peter's hand. "But I never stopped loving. That's the key. Fighting for love makes you the greatest warrior of all."
I actually reached him; he looked away in thought. The rebels grew concerned. "Enough! Barnes - let's deal with them." Bucky then looked up into my eyes. "Barnes?" Still he didn't respond. They brought up their guns; Bucky was quick to aim his modified assault rifle at the rebel leader; some switched pointing their weapons at him instead. A tense standoff occurred; magic could enter into it at any moment. I wouldn't take any chances to risk losing him again.
I fired repulsor bursts into those closest to Bucky to give him room. Peter was quick to follow and Bucky fired into his now former allies. The fight heated up fast in the village but Peter and I were quick to put our armored forms before Bucky to give him added room/cover. We now fought together. The Sobek followers fought intensely but proved no match for our enhanced capabilities. Noncombatants stayed out of the way and we were surgeon careful not to hurt them.
The last few tried to retreat but Peter and I let Bucky shoot them down. It was over. He dropped his weapon and put his wrists together. "I surrender." I smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "That won't be necessary, winter soldier. Pick up your weapon, join us in the greater fight ahead and together we'll make sure your redemption is complete." He picked up his weapon. "Thank you wonder woman...for believing in me." "It's actually iron patriot right now; and you're welcome." We shared a smile at that; hope was in his eyes again.
Bucky hung on to Peter as we flew back for the capital. This brief fight would no doubt prove vital in the days ahead. All it had taken was a little love; but love conquered all. It would prevail against communism as well.
