One week later...
A painful week has quickly passed. Widow's training was as rigorous and as gruesome than I had originally thought. Took all my willpower to not breakdown in tears because of how horrible the experience was. She's relentless and undeniably brutal. Unfortunately, her training is effective. Learned more about hand to hand combat and tactics than I originally thought. Thank God, or whatever put me here, that the body of my other self was able to adapt well with the various fighting styles.
Ever since I talked to Tony Stark about making me armor, Commander Hill has been hounding him every day on when it will get done. Per usual, Tony either deflects from answering by making some snarky comment or just complains on how busy he is. I think he doesn't really trust me. I probably wouldn't if I was him. No doubt he's probably had the time to research everything about me.
I am a bit flatttered to know that one of my favorite characters would do that. Never thought of myself as important enough for people to care. Then again, that was in my old life.
Whenever I had the time I would call Jen. Tell her how my day was and she would do the same. Being busy training with Widow and being tasked by the Commander to review files on notable villains has pretty much been my full day schedule. Hearing Jen's voice has been so wonderful. I really love this woman and I could tell that she loved me.
Still can't believe this is all real.
Currently, I'm in my quarters doing some sit ups. Oh did I forget to mention that Widow supplies me with an exercise schedule? No? Well I do. Missing the fact that I become sore every time we train, I have to do various exercises on different times to keep myself in top shape. I'll admit that I really hate exercising but given that this body is better adjusted than my old one then I really can't complain.
Then, I hear it.
"Agent Morrison. Please report to the command deck" the PA voice said in my quarters.
So I stop what I'm doing and clean myself up real quick before I head to the command deck. When I get there, I'm immediately greeted by the Commander to which I salute. She gestures me to be at ease.
"Agent Morrison, I have your next mission" She tells me.
"What's my objective?" I ask
"48 hours ago, Agent 13 and Captain America received intel of a possible Winter Soldier sighting in a small town called Pilsburg. Sometime after, they were contacted by a few members of AIM begging for their assistance as their underground base was infiltrated by these individuals" Maria then shows me two pictures of said individuals.
One was a man wearing some light military garb and a skeleton-like luchador mask while the other was a red headed woman with a sinister smile on her face. I recognize these people.
"Crossbones and Sin" I said
"Correct. Rumlow is a well known associate of the Red-Skull. Was enhanced to rival Captain America in terms of strength and speed. He is also a very capable assassin. Sinthea Schmidt, or popularly known as Sin, is the unfortunate child of the Red Skull. If the Red Skull is the embodiment of evil, then she is Rosemary's baby. They kidnapped and murdered one of our agents. For what reason, we don't know" Maria sounded angry about this loss.
Don't recall her being so caring about her subordinates. Then again when you're the Director of at least several hundred to thousands of agents around the world, you have to compartmentalize.
"But according to Agent 13, there is a likelihood that the Winter Soldier is targeting this man" Maria then shows me another picture of an older gentleman with a mustache and goatee
"This is Aleksander Lukin, head of the Kronos Corporation. Various law enforcement agencies have been after him for sometime, including SHIELD, but could never find anything to stick him with. Regardless, he has a well known hatred for Captain America and the Red Skull. He's also linked with several assassinations involving the Winter Soldier. Most likely the reason why he is being targeted. Agent 13 and Captain America are heading to London where Lukin is currently located."
"You think Rumlow and Sin will make an appearance?" I ask
"It's likely. I've already informed Agent 13 of the possibility. I'm sending you as backup" Maria said
"Just me, ma'am? No additional backup?" I asked her
"Too much for you?" She asks
"No ma'am. Just thinking that based on what we know of Lukin, he is a dangerous man. Most likely aware of the Winter Soldier's intentions as well as the fact that the Captain is coming to stop him. It's not unlikely to assume that he would have precautions prepared for that. Not to mention whatever Rumlow and Sin have planned when they appear" I reasoned.
This scenario is very familiar for some reason. I feel like I've read it before.
Maria then hums in thought
"You are probably right. So I'll send some men with you to ensure civilian casualties are at a minimum. You are set to leave in an hour" Maria said as I nod my head and get ready.
London, Several hours later...
You know I've always wanted to go to London. The city has as much history within it than New York. Probably even more. Always figured my first time being here would be when I'm with Jen while we travel the world for vacation. But now I'm here trying to make sure that things don't go to hell. I'm not that good to prevent that.
If I remember right, there is a sleeper here. A HYDRA sleeper.
You don't know what that is?
Well basically they are giant machines created by the Red Skull during World War II to be the absolute tool of destruction. The Allies destroyed a majority of them but rumors suggested that the Red Skull planted the remaining ones deep within various places around the world.
Now you might think that's crazy but if you know the Red Skull, then it isn't a crazy conspiracy theory. It's a fact that's been waiting to be found.
This entire situation with Cap, Bucky and Lukin definitely reminds me of that comic arc in my world where Lukin has the spirit of the Red Skull inside him. I think it's because of some Cosmic Cube or something.
That's not important right now. Right now, Captain America needs my help. Good thing I got some backup with me. The Commander put me in command of a standard SHIELD unit of ten men known as Bravo Company. They seem disciplined and well armed. Their bulky armored uniforms were made to ensure that they don't die too soon. Which is a good thing. I'm just wearing the standard Agent uniform.
I'm amazed that Agents wear this gear and not die but I guess they were trained to survive with minimum equipment. I can only hope that my one week training with Widow really pays off. I'm not really sure I'm ready for this but I'm a Marine in this world. Marine's don't back down. They don't run away from the fight. They seek it.
And that's what I'm doing.
Just got word from Agent 13 that Cap and his friend, Union Jack, are at the British Secret Service headquarters getting a stern talking to about their actions last night. Blowing up a ship in the pier is apparently a big no-no. Who would've thought?
I go to meet to her there while the rest of the men head to the nearby SHIELD safe house that not even MI-13 knows about it.
I'm wearing a black long coat, just like Nick Fury wore in the movies, and driving my motorcycle, Shirley.
Yes, I named my bike Shirley. Don't judge me.
I park in front of the building and thats when I see her.
Sharon Carter, Agent 13 wearing a beige long coat. Guess it's a thing for Agents wearing long coats.
She notices me as I walk up to her.
"Agent 13, I'm Agent Morrison. I'm here as reinforcements" I greeted as I offer my hand. She then shakes it.
"Got word from the Commander about reinforcements. From what Cap reported from his mission last night, we may need the help. Where's the rest of the reinforcements?" She asks
"They are in Safe House 15." I answered. She then nods her head
"Excellent. Now let's save Cap and his friend from being chewed out by the head of MI-5" 13 joked as I followed her inside the building.
As we passed through the main floor, we get inside the elevator and head to the top floor. As we walk through the hallway, we heard voices from a nearby door.
"No offense but I don't work for you" a voice said from the other side of the door
Sharon then opened the door and entered the room
"He's right Gavin, he works for me. And for the next week so is Union Jack and Spitfire" she said to the older British gentlemen as I saw both Captain America and Union Jack in the room.
It was taking me a lot of willpower to not geek out.
"What? On whose-" Gavin was interrupted
"Orders should be on your desk by now directly from Downing Street" She said with a smug smirk on her face.
She then looked at Cap and Union Jack and gestured them to come with us
"This isn't the last you've heard of this, Agent 13" Gavin said to her with a bit of anger in his voice.
"I'm sure. But in the meantime, you'll coordinate with SHIELD on the hunt for these Master Race people while we look into a different angle" Sharon said as we walk away from him.
"You're late" Cap said to her.
"I was early until you blew up the docks" she said
"I did not-"
"I know" Sharon interrupted "But your photo going out all over the wires didn't help me much. Luckily, I still have some leverage with the Prime Minister."
Union Jack looked at Sharon and me
"Uh, Steve...Who is this scary woman and her steadfast bodyguard?" He asked the American Patriot
"Oh sorry. Jack Chapman, meet Sharon Carter, my personal SHIELD liaison" Cap then looked at me "I'm sorry I don't your name"
"I'm John Morrison sir, another Agent of SHIELD. I'm here as backup" I said as I offered my hand to which Cap and Union Jack shook.
"Didn't think Hill would send reinforcements" Cap said
"She felt it necessary due to your encounter of Sin and Crossbones in Pilsburg" I said which made Cap nod his head.
"Wells it's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm also pleased to meet anyone that can make Phil Gavin squirm" Jack said to both of us
"I know what you mean. I've met the man before. Now let's go find your friend and go over our course of action" Sharon said as we began to leave
"Bravo Company is standing by for orders, ma'am" I said to her
"Very good." Sharon said as we begin to leave the building
Next night...
"Bravo 1 to Gold Leader, area is all clear" Sharon heard over the comms in her ear
"Acknowledged Bravo 1. Maintain position. Union Jack and I are going in" Sharon said
"Copy" Bravo 1 said as Sharon and Union Jack begin their investigation.
"Is there a reason me an' you are looking into what these Kronas geezers're up to while the two most powerful members of our gang, along with your SHIELD partner, track down Steve's old mate?" Union Jack asks her
"This is how Steve wanted it. Spitfire knew Bucky too. Neither of us did" Sharon explained
"And the military escort?" He asks
"Steve didn't want to scare Bucky and cause some kind of misunderstanding." Sharon said
"Smart move" Jack said "So it doesn't bother you. That Steve is working closely with Jackie? She always fancied him"
"He's not "My Man". And no, it doesn't bother me" Sharon answered as she looked at Union Jack "Should it?"
"Least you hide it well, don't ya?" Jack asked
"I can still fire you"
"An' miss my clever wit? Not likely." Jack said as both he and Sharon enter a tunnel
Elsewhere...
Cap didnt want me to send the entire Bravo company with Agent 13 and Jack. I agreed so I commanded Bravos 1 to 5 to be their backup while 6 to 10 are on standby while me, Cap and Jackie Falsworth, Spitfire, are in a place called Gerry's Oddities.
We are here to find information on the Winter Soldier. The owner of the store, Gerry, is an arms dealer that SHIELD and MI-5 have been keeping an eye on. Rather low level in comparison to a few others but he's moving a fair amount of artillery from here to Russia. Despite that, he's not that important.
And right now, Cap is threatening the man
"...And trust me, Mr. Gerry. Your goons aren't going to be any help here" Cap told him as Gerry's three goons look ready for a fight
"Like hell they won't" Gerry said in a disagreeing tone
"You really are a fool" I told him
"What?" Gerry asked
"Jackie" Cap said
"Right" she said as she used his powers to speed around the room and kill all of the goons ass'.
She even kicked one out of a window.
"Bravo 6 to Blue Leader, do you need reinforcements?" He asked me
"Negative, Bravo 6. Situation is under control. Stand by" I said
"Copy" he said as I admire Spitfire's work
"I must admit that that was by far one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in my life" I complimented to Jackie to which she smiled and did a mock bow
"I aim to please" she answered.
I soon see Cap pick Gerry up from the ground and get his face close to his
"Ready to talk now?" Cap asked
"Who the bloody hell are you three? I've done nothing to you" Gerry said fearfully
"You have information that we want, Gerry. Information about the Winter Soldier" I told him
"You must be out of your bloody mind" Gerry said.
"We want to know who has seen him. Have you?" Cap asks
"No...not me. I heard that he was in town making some inquiries about supplies." Gerry said
"I want a name, Gerry. Who is he talking to? Or else I'll set the girl on you" Cap threatened
"And I'll record her beating you like a plum and post it on the Internet to discredit your reputation as an arms dealer just for shits and giggles" I threatened with a dark smirk on my face. Even Jackie was smiling at that.
"Oh please let me have a go" Jackie practically begged Cap for a chance.
Gerry looked like he was about to wet himself. Got to love learning intimidation techniques from Widow. I feel like Batman.
"Awright...but it won't matter anyway. You won't find 'im. The Winter Soldier. He's a ghost" Gerry said
"Not from us" I retorted as Gerry gave us the intel we wanted.
After he was done, we get a call from Agent 13.
"Steve, it's Sharon...we're cutting it short down here. Got a possible on those Nazi wackos you tangled with. I'll send you the details when I get back to the car" she said
"Understood" Steve said as we leave Gerry's.
Twenty minutes later...
Agent 13, Cap and I were flying over a suburban area of London in our respective flying vehicles. We were heading towards a specific building where the Nazi's were stationed. Bravo Company was securing the perimeter while we do this.
I then see Cap fall straight to the building and crash inside.
"Saw that one coming" I said to myself as I've always known the noble Captain to always do what he believes is right
So me and Agent 13 had to park our vehicles nearby and then enter the building. It was obviously abandoned and dusty as hell. As we go in, we found Cap, Union Jack and Spitfire standing around some bodies.
"Dead bodies? That's never a good sign" I commented as I walk around to investigate with Spitfire following my lead
"Definitely not" 13 said
"Who called this in?" Cap said
"MI-5 got a hit from a surveillance camera from the corner" 13 answered
"Right. So what're these Nazi Supermen doin' meetin' with the terror scientists, then?" Union Jack asked
As he did, I found some half burnt paperwork that had some troubling information on it. I showed it to Spitfire and her eyes widened at the information. I then walk back to the room with the others.
"We got a problem" I said to them which caught their attention
"What is it?" Cap asks
"We found some information that suggests that there is going to be an air assault on London." Spitfire explained
This shocked them immensely.
"When is it suppose to happen and what's the target?" 13 asked
"Unknown. Most of this information got burned but I can take a guess on the target" I said
"The Kronas Gala" Cap said grimly
"That would be my best guess." I added
"There's no definitive proof to suggest that" 13 said
"It is the most likely target" Spitfire said
"Definitely cause some fireworks" Jack said
"It's likely that Crossbones and Sin would be the ones behind the attack" I said
"What makes you say that?" Cap asks
"I don't think it's a coincidence that they appear sometime before you coming here. I think this was planned for a while and Lukin is the one making sure it happens" I added.
"Wait a minute mate, Lukin is scum but he would never associate himself with those two wankers. Their too bloody crazy to control" Jack reasoned
"Maybe but Lukin is a well known schemer. No one would think that they would be affiliated with him in any way. Plus I imagine if something goes wrong with his plans, he'd bring out something worse to finish the job." I explained
"This is all just conjecture without any proof. We can't be certain of anything" 13 said
"Maybe not but Morrison may have a point. Perhaps everything is connected. Bucky, Crossbones, Sin, Lukin, all of it. Maybe it was planned from the beginning and we are just pawns in a bigger game. If so, then we need to be ready for anything." Cap reasoned
"So what's the plan?" Spitfire asks
"The Gala isn't until tomorrow night so we rest and prepare. What happens next is something I doubt we could predict with absolute certainty but the most important thing is to make sure that civilian lives are protected from any mayhem that comes our way" Cap answered
"That's where Bravo Company and I come in. I can set up two teams. One to back you up and the other to ensure that civilians are out of the area in case the worse should happen." I added to which Cap nods at me
"Good but we may need more men in case the worst does happen" Cap said
"I'll talk to Gavin. See if he's willing to gives us a few men to help" 13 said
"Not bloody likely." Jack scoffed
"The more men we got, the better our chances" Spitfire said
"Alright then. Guess we should head back to our lodgings and meet up tomorrow for an official strategy meeting?" I ask everyone.
They all nodded their heads as we leave the area and rest up for tomorrow's grand adventure
The Next Day...
"Blue leader to Bravo Company, you guys set up?" I ask over the comms
"Bravo 1 to Blue leader, we are all set around the perimeter. Got eyes on several aerial vehicles in the sky" Bravo 1 informed me
"Alright, keep an eye out. Agent Hadsley, how about you and your people?" I ask a female agent from MI-5.
Gavin was ordered by the PM to send out some of his people to work with us. Apparently hearing about a possible air assault is not something to take lightly. So Gavin sent out one of his best, Agent Hadsley. A 28 year old agent with a very distinguished background. She is a Caucasian woman with long black hair and dark brown eyes. She is in charge of MI-5's forces. Our partner in this mission.
"Affirmative, Agent Morrison. My men and I are keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious in case if this threat is a ruse for something else" Hadsley said
"Very good. Let me know of anything" I said
"Understood" she answered
Meanwhile, I'm on a rooftop of a nearby building that is being overlooked by the Kronas building. I'm focusing on the aerial vehicles overhead but I'm also trying to find Bucky as well if I can. I know he's here somewhere but I don't know where.
"Agent 13, Cap, how you doing up there? Anything on your end?" I ask
"There is a blimp here that we believe to be the one that we are looking for. Cap and I are going in" Sharon answered
"Alright, be careful. Spitfire, Union Jack, you think you can back them up?" I ask
"Definitely" Spitfire answered
"Right behind them" Union Jack added
"Good luck. Bravo Company, Agent Hadsley, we got visual on possible target. Cap and his team are moving in. Maintain positions for now but be ready for anything" I ordered
"Acknowledged" I hear from everyone.
If you haven't noticed, I'm basically mission control. The guy that manages everything and guides everyone else. I was voted for this position by Gavin since he likes me more than Agent 13. Despite the fact I've never met the man. Guess Agent 13 really pissed him off. Everyone agreed with the vote so as to get as many people on this as possible.
So now I'm focusing on finding Bucky. I now have to think like him. His target is Lukin so he will need to be in a position where he has a clear line of sight. Not many buildings that fit that criteria. So I look at the buildings that do with my binoculars.
That's when I lucked out and saw a shadowy figure on the rooftop that's five buildings away from me. I quickly go on Shirley and activate stealth mode. Instant camouflage making me and my bike invisible. Thankfully the engines become near silent in this mode. I fly over steadily and carefully. Don't want to tip one of the deadliest assassins in the world that I'm here.
I soon land nearby his position, deactivate stealth mode, and take out my Beretta M9 pistol. I crouch and move slowly as I approach the Winter Soldier who is also crouched and aiming his Barrett M82 sniper rifle to the Kronas building. I get close and aim my pistol at his head
"Stand down, Bucky" I said to him but Bucky didn't move a muscle
"Not bad. I can tell that Natasha taught you stealth but I knew you were here the moment you landed on this rooftop." Bucky said
"Then you know about the SHIELD and MI-5 forces that are with me" I said
"I do. I'm surprised that they are here and working together but they are no threat to me. And neither are you" he said
"I can't let you kill Lukin" I told him seriously
"I imagine so but he needs to die. You know better than I do that the law can't touch him. But a bullet from me can" Bucky said as he began to adjust his sights
"Captain America has been looking for you. He wants to help you." I said
"That's Steve for you. Always trying to save everyone even when they don't deserve to be saved. Funny how things work out huh?" Bucky asked
"I read the stories about you, Bucky. The second most famous hero of the 40s. The kid that fought alongside Captain America against the worst of humanity. I also know that you were forced to become a killer. To be the Winter Soldier. I don't know what that must've felt like but killing Lukin won't give you the peace you are looking for" I attempt to reason to him
"Peace is not an option for a guy like me." Bucky said grimly "What's your name kid since you obviously know mine?"
"John Morrison, Agent of SHIELD" I answer
"Ever fought in a war, John?" He asked
"Yeah...I have" I said sadly as I still aimed my gun at him.
"Then you might understand my dilemma. Lukin used the mental programming inside my head to kill a lot of people. His enemies, his friends, lovers. I was his tool just as much as I was HYDRA's. You must've hunted down men that don't deserve to walk this Earth because of what they have done, regardless of physical evidence. That's what I'm doing. Killing him will save many lives in the long run" Bucky explained to which I can truly sympathize with
"I agree with you. Killing Lukin may very well be saving thousands upon thousands of lives but as much as I would want to let you do this, I have my orders to make sure you don't. You want to take him down, you got to do it the right way." I told him.
"I can respect your line of thinking. A soldier is a soldier. Got to follow orders. Plain and simple. But you and I both know that there's nothing you can do to stop me" Bucky said as he quickly aims the rifle at me.
Both of us were now doing a Mexican stand off with our respective weapons aimed at each other.
"You think you're fast enough to pull that trigger before me?" Bucky asks
I then cock the chamber of my gun
"Don't make me try it" I answered.
Both of us stood there like statues. Waiting for one of us to make a move. I'm not afraid of death. Dying once was enough to make sure that fearing it is useless.
"This is Bravo 1. The target blimp is on fire" I hear over the comms
I then turn to the direction of the blimp and see that it was true. Bucky even turned with me. The blimp was also going down.
"Someone talk to me. What's happening?" I ask
"The blimp is a giant bomb. Cap is making sure it falls to the Thames while also fighting Steroid Nazi." Agent 13 said to me
"What about you, Spitfire and Jack?" I ask
"Cap had us leave. Said he could handle it alone" Spitfire said
Then I see two people fall out of the blimp.
"CAP!!!" Both me and Bucky screamed.
"Unidentified plane is coming at your 10'o clock. It's coming in fast" Bravo 1 told me as I look up and see said plane.
"Can you take it out?" I ask
"Negative. Can risk causing collateral damage to the property and nearby civilians" Bravo 1 answered
But before the plane could crash, the earth shook beneath our feet.
"What the hell is going on?" I ask
"Something is rising to the surface. It's...It's some kind of machine" Hadsley answered with astonishment.
Then some kind of energy beam destroyed the plane above. Bucky and I looked at the source of the beam. That's when we saw it.
"A HYDRA sleeper" I said out loud as I instantly recognized it
"Hadsley, immediately start evacuating the area of civilians. We need to minimize its potential targets. Bravo Company, begin firing your weapons at that thing. Keep it distracted so that Hadsley and her people get the people out." I ordered over the comms
"Acknowledged/Understood" Hadsley and Bravo 1 confirmed as they begin.
Before the sleeper could blast Hadsley and other civilians, it was hit by an explosion. It certainly caught its attention. It turned hits head and soon saw Bravo Company flying around it as they had their own jet packs. The person that shot the sleeper was Bravo 3 with a M202 Flash rocket launcher. And he had three rockets left.
The sleeper then fires a beam at Bravo 3 but he quickly evades and fires the rest. All were direct hits. But as the smoke cleared, the sleeper only suffered minimum damage. So the rest of Bravo Company began to shoot their energy rifles at the sleeper to keep it occupied.
While this happens, I then look at Bucky.
"You think you can help my guys take it down?" I ask him
"You'd trust me to do that?" He asks
"I trust the man that hates HYDRA more than anyone. Right now we have a common enemy and my priority is to ensure that civilian casualties are at a low. But my guys can't take that thing down alone, you can help even the odds. Help them and I'll say that I lost you during the conflict. You understand?" I ask him.
Bucky looks at me for a moment and then nods his head as he charges after the sleeper.
I watch as my guys try their best to damage the thing. Their weapons only did minimum damage but it could be seen that the sleeper is not indestructible. Bucky then jumps on the thing to try to take it out with his metal arm. He was about to get hit but Cap showed up in time to save him.
God this is just awesome.
"Morrison, I think I'm going to need help" I hear Agent 13 in my ear.
"What's wrong?" I ask
"I got company" she said and I just knew who's with her
"I'm on my way" I said as I head to Shirley and fly to Sharon's position in stealth mode
It's a good thing that I knew where she was thanks to her comm signal. I see an empty office building where Sharon's car clearly crashed into. I jump inside which made me visible again. I go look for Sharon and then I see fighting both Crossbones and Sin. And she was losing.
Sin punched her in the face and before Sharon fell to the ground, she grabbed her by the collar.
"Time to die" Sin said with a sadistic smile on her face.
Before Sin could punch again, Sharon quickly head butted her which instantly broke her nose and released her grip on my fellow agent. Crossbones was going to retaliate but he was blindsided by me tackling him. This disoriented for a bit to which I quickly punched him in the face and kicked him in the chest.
This pushed Crossbones back a bit and cause him to look at me with anger.
"Who the fuck are you?" Crossbones asked
I then take out some heavy duty brass knuckles. Rumlow is essentially a super soldier. He's stronger than me so I need the edge.
"I'm the Calvary" I said as I taunt him come forward
"This bitch broke my dose" Sin said as she was trying to stop the bleeding from her nose
"Deal with it" Sharon said as she kneed Sin in the gut, which took the wind out of her, and roundhouse kicked her in the face.
Their fight was still going.
Meanwhile, Crossbones came charging at me. He was fast but, thanks to Widow, I knew what he was planning. As he goes to punch me, I already dodged and quickly did a right uppercut to his face followed by a left haymaker. This took him by surprise but he quickly recovered and retaliated with a punch to my face.
It made me stumble due to the amount of force he used. Before I could do anything, he quickly kicked me in the chest which pushed me back. He then charges again as he goes to jump kick me. I dodge and counter with a quick series of jabs in his abdomen along with a roundhouse kick to his face.
This pushed him back as he began to spit out some blood and wipe his mouth. He laughed at this.
"Not bad. Didn't expect a lowly SHIELD agent to be able to give me a bit of a challenge." He said to me
"Glad you think so" I said sarcastically
"Still..." Crossbones then throws something at me with incredible speed
I grunt in pain as something penetrates my right shoulder. I look at see that it's a five inch double edged dagger there.
"Playtime is over" Crossbones said as he takes out a black tactical bayonet knife and quickly charges at me.
I rapidly take out the knife in my shoulder as he begins to slash me. I was able to dodge but the blade pierced my suit and a bit of my flesh as a result. Before I could counter, he goes to stab me in the side which causes me great pain.
I grab his hand and try to take move his blade out of me. The attempt made me groan as he uses his strength to twist the blade inside me. Blood was soon coming out of my mouth as a result.
"A shame. You could've been something great but now, you're just someone in my way" Crossbones said
I then pressed a button on my brass knuckles which opened up. I then go to punch Crossbones in the chest. The punch then sent him flying several feet away from me and then landed hard on the ground. I quickly hold my side to try to stop myself from bleeding profusely.
"Got to love these sonic knuckles. Who knew SHIELD even had them?" I state as I look at Crossbones laid form and saw he wasn't moving.
It seems as though he's unconscious. That's not going to last long and so I decided to go help Agent 13. I then turn around and saw her dodge a punch from Sin. She then immediately countered with an uppercut to the jaw. This didn't deter Sin much as she then head butted 13. 13 becomes disoriented long enough for Sin to do a left haymaker on 13's face. This put her in the ground. Sin then takes out the same combat knife that Crossbones had.
"Time to die, you bitch" Sin snarled as she gets ready to stab 13
BANG!
A gunshot was heard and suddenly Sin was screaming in pain as there were was a hole in her hand now. Both 13 and Sin were shocked at this to which they turned to find the shooter. That's when they saw me, pointing my gun at Sin, with smoke coming from my gun
"You bastard" Sin growled at me trying her best to block out the pain
"Next shot goes in your head if you even so much as twitch" I threaten her and I look to 13 "You good?"
"Yeah" she said as she wipes off the blood from her mouth and gets up from the ground "You're hurt"
"Just a scratch. Nothing major" I said with a shrug
"Where's Rumlow?" She asks
"Unconscious behind me" I said to which 13 looks to check and see that it was the case
"Well done. Keep an eye on her while I make sure to secure Rumlow" she said as she takes out her handcuffs
"Understood" I said still aiming my gun at Sin
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that" a Russian voice said to which I get hit with something on my neck.
I quickly feel my neck and take out whatever was there. I look and see that's it a dart. I then hear a thump from behind me to which I saw that Sharon was on the ground. I look back and aim my gun at whoever shot me and Sharon. But my vision was becoming blurry. My body was becoming limp.
I couldn't help but fall to my knees while I try desperately to stay focused. But this gave Sin the opportunity to knee me in the face and put me on the ground. I could fairly see that she was going to do more but I saw a figure stop her from doing so. I could fairly recognize the figure to be Aleksander Lukin. Son of a bitch is as good as they said.
I could see him talking to Sin. Their voices are beginning to fade from my eyes and my vision is darkening around me. Feels like I'm dying. Don't remember the feeling of death in my first life. Though, the memories of this second life was filled with near death experiences. A lot of close calls. But right now, it feels like I'm getting really close.
God, I don't want to die. Not again
I want to live
I want to love
I want to be better
Give me that chance
Please...
"Give me that chance" I whisper before I go unconscious
But before I do I hear something of a whisper saying...
"Very well"
Some time later...
My eyes begin to open slowly as light was surrounding me. I'm not sure where I am. Hard to see. Need time to adjust.
After a few minutes, my eyes start to get used to the light and I can see my surroundings. I'm in some kind of bedroom with IV's connected to my arm. I try to move but I grunt in pain to which I remembered that I was stabbed. Twice. I look down on my side and then to my shoulder to which I see both of my wounds are bandaged up.
Then I hear the door, that was in the corner of the room, begin to open. And I see Agent 13 come into my room.
"Agent 13" I greet as I slowly sit up from the bed
"I think after last night we are both allowed to be more familiar with each other, John" she said with a smile.
"Understood, Sharon" I said with a smile on my own. Then my smile fades as I remember something "How's Bravo Company? Are they ok?"
"They are fine. A few cuts and bruises but overall alive and well" Sharon reassured me.
"Thank God" I said as I slowly sit up "What about everyone else?"
"Cap, Spitfire and Jack are fine. Cap, Bravo Company and, surprisingly Winter Soldier, took down the Sleeper. Jack and Spitfire also took down Master Race. Agent Hadsley was successful in ensuring civilians were moved to fortified bunkers that MI-5 have maintained since the 40s"
"Crossbones and Sin?" I ask
"Gone in the wind. No clue where they are. Camera's in the area were disabled so we have no way of getting a bead on their possible destination" Sharon explained
"Before I passed out, I saw Lukin talk with Sin. I'm assuming that they are with him" I said to her. She looked shocked at this
"I find that surprising if not unbelievable. Then again, I don't doubt that he could find a use for them. Might explain why we are still alive, didn't want to bring the full might SHIELD on his doorstep. If it's true, we'll need to keep an eye on him. Fortunately, the Prime Minister has allowed SHIELD to operate with some level of autonomy in London thanks to our efforts last night. Though, it's in condition to us working with MI-5 to which we don't exactly have the best relationship with" Sharon explained
"Think Gavin would stone wall us?" I ask
"He'll try but for now he has his orders and needs to at least appear to like it. If there is one thing I can say about him, it's that he's a man that does what he is told. That works in our favor. For now at least" she said
"Fair enough" I said "So what time is it?"
"3 o'clock in the afternoon. The IV cocktail you have right now made sure you slept well, revitalize your nutrients and dull the pain of your injuries. Been unconscious for not even a day. Frankly, I assumed you weren't going to wake up until a few days from now since you lost a fair amount of blood. Guess you are pretty resilient. Are you a secret super soldier or something?" Sharon asked jokingly.
"Resiliency is a requirement if you want to survive the Corps. More so when you become a field agent for SHIELD I imagine" I said with a smirk but internally I was surprised that it's been a day since I got wounded.
Maybe I was lucky.
"You did well being a rookie agent. Though calling you a rookie is a bit ridiculous given your record" Sharon said
"I don't mind. I was promoted not even a week ago so I'm not looking for any special treatment. So you are good to haze me" I responded. She chuckles at this
"Not from me. You earned my trust and respect. Along with Cap and the others. Even Commander Hill was impressed on your actions" Sharon commented with a smile
"I didn't do much in comparison to everyone else" I countered
"Never sell yourself short. You played a pretty big role in ensuring that civilians weren't killed and you took down an enhanced killer that is on par with Captain America. Not many people can do that" Sharon pointed out
"Luck and advanced tech. Nothing more. I doubt I could've taken him down without it" I said
"Modesty doesn't suit you, Agent Morrison" a familiar voice said
Sharon and I look at the door in the corner and see Black Widow standing there. I quickly salute her.
"Agent Romanoff, I didn't know you were here" I said to her
"That was the point" Romanoff said as she entered the room "At ease, agent. You are not required to salute me."
"Sorry, it's a force of habit" I said as I end my salute.
"There are worse habits" Widow said as she stood at the edge of my bed with a slight smirk
"Good to see you, Natasha" Sharon said.
"You too, Sharon. How's your injuries?" she asks
"Nothing major. It could've been worse if not for John here" Sharon answered
"You are giving me far too much credit." I commented
"You give yourself far less than you deserve" Sharon said
"Well I like to think I don't have much of an ego to arrogantly assume that I'm the best at everything or anything. I'm just a soldier trying to do what is right. I knew this job wasn't going to be easy going in when I took it" I said
"It's almost scary how similar you are to Steve. Are you sure you are not related to him?" Sharon asks. I chuckle at this
"I'm pretty sure. Though it would be cool if that was the case" I said
"Regardless, you have proven to be an honorable man. A quality that not many agents have. If at all. There is a price to this kind of work and it's not the risk of dying. It's the risk of losing who you are because there will be a day where you will be put into a situation that might break you and turn you into...something else. I know what that's like better than anyone" Natasha said with a sad tone in her voice
Sharon and I understood what she was talking about. People change when they witness and/or experience terrible things. Turns them into something else. Maybe something worse than they were before.
I don't want that to happen to me.
But would I have a choice?
Can I prevent that?
I don't know if that's in my control.
I didn't plan on coming into this world. The choice was made for me.
I understand that there are a billion things that are out of our control but is it possible that I could?
Ugh. This is becoming depressing. There are too many unknowns to even attempt to answer that question. Even then, nothing is guaranteed.
My knowledge of the Marvel universe isn't exactly airtight. Granted I've read many of the comics and there storylines. I just don't remember them all at the top of my head.
If I had a better memory, it might make the difference. Hell if I was like Captain America. I probably would remember everything since he is the peak of human evolution.
The ideal man.
Sometimes I wish I was like him in my previous life. Brave, honorable, good. Instead, I was everything but. Probably why I liked Batman so much.
Now here I am. Being given a second chance to be better. I just hope that I'm worthy of it.
I'm soon cut off from these thoughts when Sharon begins to talk to me.
"On a brighter note, your fiancée is coming over" she said to me
"She is?" I asked shockingly "How? Why? I thought this mission was supposed to be classified?"
"Well I don't know the details but apparently Ms. Walters demanded that Commander Hill give her your location or else she would, and I quote, "Smash SHIELD into a pile of rubble until she gets what she wants"." This made me chuckle as Natasha continued her explanation "And no one wants to risk another Hulk rampage. So the Commander had Cap inform her of your whereabouts. She'll be here in a couple of hours"
I'll admit that I'm loving her more right now
"I look forward to that." I said with a smile "What about the Winter Soldier?"
"Disappeared after the destruction of the HYDRA sleeper. No idea where he is. Might be still hunting Lukin but we probably won't know until we strikes" Sharon answered
"I can try to locate him. We used to work together in a...darker chapter of my life. Doubt I'll find anything of use but it wouldn't hurt to make an attempt" Natasha said to which I nod my head.
I remember vaguely that Black Widow and Winter Soldier used to be a thing. Both are the best assassins in the world. If anyone could possibly come close to finding him, she might.
"Ok. Is there anything else we need to talk about?" I ask them
Natasha and Sharon take a moment to think of anything.
"Nothing yet. For now rest up, your fiancée will want to make sure that you are reasonably healthy when she gets here" Natasha said as she began to leave the room.
"I agree. I do not want to be a casualty of a rampaging She-Hulk if her soon-to-be hubby is not up to par" Sharon said with a smirk which made me chuckle.
"Fair point. Appreciate the check up" I said
"No problem. See you when you're better" Sharon said as she leaves the room as well.
As they leave, I just lay in bed and think about something.
The voice
The last thing I heard before I went unconscious.
I don't know who spoke. Better yet, I certainly don't want to even contemplate the infinite number of possibilities behind the voice. Ranging from the Beyonder to One Above All. Each possibility is scarier than the last.
To be honest, I didn't think I would be alive right now. Figured Sin or Crossbones would kill me and Sharon. Me especially since I did do a fair amount of damage to either of them.
Something tells me that I'm probably on their top ten list of people they want to kill. Guess I should be thankful that Red Skull, or preferably Lukin, convinced them to not kill us. I didn't want to die again.
But I'm not really afraid of death since I already died once before. I know Death, in this universe, is a woman. Has a thing for Thanos and Deadpool. Weird bed fellows to say the least. I wonder if I met her. Seems likely but doubtful. Not sure I would be allowed the memory of our meeting if it did happen.
"Oy vey" I said as I rub my temple.
So much to think about. It's unlikely I would get the answers I'm looking for anytime soon. May as well wait until I get lucky.
For now, I'll just rest some more. Pass the time until Jen gets here.
God, I miss her. Never felt this way about anyone before. At least in my old world. These feelings from this version of me is...nice. I'll do my best not to fuck it up.
I then lay back down on the bed and close my eyes to drift into a peaceful sleep.
Couple hours later...
I feel a warm hand on my cheek. Caressing it gently. The action makes me feel safe and happy. It also stirs me awake. As I open my eyes, I smile at the person who standing before me.
"Hey Jen" I said
"Hey Johnny" she responded with a smile of her own
My God. Jennifer Walters, the She Hulk. Standing before me in all of her green glory. My soon-to-be wife. She's even more beautiful than my memories suggest.
"I'm so glad to see you. Just wish I was more presentable than you seeing me on a hospital bed" I said
"You still look handsome to me" she said as she gave me a sweet kiss that was...extraordinary
It only last a second but it felt like an eternity kissing her lips.
She then looks at me sadly
"What's wrong?" I ask her worriedly.
Jen then looked around for a chair. When she saw one, she grabbed it and placed in near my bed. She then sits on it and sighs. I do my best to sit up to hear what she says.
"I was working in my office, one morning, doing what I do best beside being an Avenger. I was writing up some notes on a case I was working on at the moment. Everything seemed fine and relatively normal until...I felt something" she explained
"Felt what exactly?" I asked
"I felt...well you" she said which shocks me
"Me? But how?" I ask because I clearly don't remember her having any ESP in her abilities list
"I...don't know. I just felt that something was wrong. That something happened to you. Something very bad. I was beginning to panic with worry so I had to call your Director. I had to know if you were ok. At first, she tried to stonewall me but I made a very...convincing argument for her to change her mind. When she told me you were hurt, I nearly lost it. I felt my heart nearly break and as a result I threatened her to tell me where you are because I needed to see you. T-To see if you are ok because I-I'm not sure I could handle l-losing the person I love the most" she explained as she was beginning to cry.
I admit that I'm stunned. It sounds like she developed a Star Wars force bond with me. But it's one way. She could feel me at my most distressed while I can't. Then again, it's unlikely that Jen is ever distressed with her powers.
But what's concerning is that, to the best of my knowledge, she never had that power before. At least never displayed it. Which means something must've changed. Could it be me? It's highly possible. But there is no certainty behind this.
However, right now I need to hold these thoughts because my fiancée is crying.
I then grab her hand that closest to me and lightly kiss. This catches her attention.
"I'm ok, Jen. You will never lose me. Not now and not ever." I said to her
"Y-You can't promise that. You don't have powers like me" she said
"You're right I don't. But that doesn't mean that that will stop me from coming back to you. Jen, you are everything to me. You're the one I think about when I feel alone. You're the one that keeps me centered. I gave you my heart and you never took it for granted just I like I do for yours. And if anything should happen to me, I trust you to look after my family. I may be weak in comparison to some of the people you work with but as long as I have you, I'm the strongest one there is" I said jokingly which made her giggle
"Don't let my cousin hear that" she said
"Point is Jen, there is nowhere you can go where I won't be with you. Just like you are always with me." I said to her with a smile "I love you, Jennifer Walters. Always and forever."
There was some silence in the room after that. Next thing I know, Jen then cried more. Which made me panic
"W-Wait. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you more" I said in the hope that it'll make her feel better
Nice one, Morrison. You really are an idiot
I then go to hug her in the attempt to calm her down. But I become surprised as she quickly embraces me and gives me the most passionate kiss that I ever had in my life.
Her lips were crashing upon mine. Her tongue forcing her way inside my mouth, caressing my own and exploring her way around. She was dominating my mouth so intensely that I was unable to do anything but let this happen. I must admit that I was enjoying this very much.
This is my first kiss with her, technically. The best thing that could ever happen to me.
We kiss each other for some time and soon separate as she looked at me with loving eyes.
"Silly boy. You made me happy. Your love for me gives me strength too. Now and always, I love you, John Morrison" she said to me with a smile to which I smile in response
And so we hugged each other and felt comfort within our embrace. Everything just felt safe.
Four days later...
I was able to walk around with only some level of discomfort. Nothing that I couldn't handle. Training with Widow does wonders for ones pain tolerance. Jennifer went back home a few hours ago once she felt comfortable I was healing well.
Now I'm here with Sharon, Cap, Union Jack and Spitfire in their house while wearing our civilian clothes. We were all watching the television as we watched the news speak about the return of the Red Skull and Lukin making a spectacle on how it was the fault of superheroes that disaster happened.
Fortunately, no civilian casualties certainly made his argument a bit less significant than he might've hoped for.
Steve shut off the tv because he couldn't listen to it anymore.
"What a prick" I state about Lukin. Union Jack and Spitfire chuckle at this.
"Preaching to the choir, mate" Joseph said as he pats me on the back.
I slightly groan since I'm still sore. He notices that.
"Sorry" he said
"Not a problem" I assure him
"Red Skull lives and Lukin gets to smell like Roses. I hate this" Steve said
"Well his new building collapsed and we stopped civilian casualties from occurring. All in all, I say it was a victory" Sharon stated
"Yeah. I'm feeling very victorious right now" I sarcastically say which brought chuckles to most in the room
"What you did was brave, Agent Morrison. Though a little bit foolish but brave nonetheless" Jacqueline said with a smile.
"It's part of the the job, ma'am. But please call me John" I told her with a smile as well.
"You guys sure you don't want a ride? It's no trouble" Joseph asked
"No Joey, it's fine. Sharon and I need to have a talk anyway" Steve answered
"Well I have to report back to SHIELD HQ" I told all of them as I shake hands with Union Jack and give a hug to Spitfire before I leave.
I was going to give Sharon a handshake but she settled for a hug. Guess saving her life won me brownie points.
Now I was standing in front of Steve Rogers, Captain America himself. It's still a shock to be meeting the greatest hero Marvel ever introduced but I must compose myself and not let the inner geek loose.
I salute the man because he is truly worthy of respect.
"It has been an honor working with you, Captain" I said to him
Steve produces a small smile and salutes back.
"The honor is mine, Lieutenant" he said to me
We finish saluting and shake each other's hands.
Man this is unbelievable.
After the handshake, I leave the house and get on my back, which was lucky to not have suffered any damage during the whole mission.
I ride off as I secure transport at the nearest airport.
This mission was intense but I know that it will get harder when the Civil War begins. I don't know whose side I should take but I know one thing.
I won't let Captain America die