Chapter 6
The Rescue
Harry leaned on one of the transparent walls from where all of Wakanda could be admired. But he wasn't admiring the beautiful scenery. Instead, Harry frowned, his eyes not leaving one of his best friends. He was worried, never having seen her in that state.
Not that Hermione was losing her mind, or crying, or desperate. The opposite really. She was in a cold, controlled state. A killer mindset that sent chills down his spine whenever he caught her eyes, a testament to her growing feelings towards the ex Winter Soldier.
He wasn't the only one worried though. Ron hadn't left her side since Bucky was apprehended. And Harry knew that if there was one person in that room to bring her to her senses from her hunting mindset, that would be their red-headed, witty friend.
"He's been taken to Siberia, one of their most high-security research centres. The most important data that our agents were able to retrieve from their databases, however, is that it seems that since the Blip, someone has been trying to bring back HYDRA," said Rhodes from a holographic screen.
"Are you implying that this arrest is a covert to, what? Brainwash him again? Create a new Winter Soldier?" Queen Ramonda asked from her throne.
Harry saw Hermione tense her shoulders; that killer look sent him scary chills again. It confirmed that she would not want to leave unless Bucky was back, safe.
Rhodes sighed. "We honestly don't know. We're working on hacking their systems as we speak. This is extremely alarming. If HYDRA operates again, the repercussions on the present political and economical scenery could be disastrous."
Ramonda hummed and agreed. "We have to rescue White Wolf."
"There's a little problem with that. The rescue mission can't go on with our government approval, even if we supply all the information. The White House wants to …maintain peace …" Ron loudly scoffed; Sam groaned; Hermione dangerously narrowed her eyes, "...for as long as it is possible. And we should work on the premise that our various offices might be infiltrated again by HYDRA agents. An armed conflict would be inevitable."
The Queen sighed as well. It wasn't right what had happened to White Wolf. But, if they did retrieve him, HYDRA might know it was under the Kingdom of Wakanda's approval. That might open the possibility of conflict for their people. But then again, if they could dismantle the new HYDRA…
Harry felt Hermione's eyes on him. They were fierce, imploring even. He nodded with his eyes. It would be dangerous, but it was for her. She wouldn't forgive herself. And if she suffered, neither would he.
"Mother, our technology will protect the mission, the invisibility features on our jets will permit Okoye and the Dora Milaje to enter the Siberian installations," explained Shuri.
Harry then saw Hermione make eye contact with their friend. Ron gave her a knowing smirk. Of course he did.
"But daughter, the Dora Milaje would be open to their cameras. They will know that..."
"If I may interrupt," Hermione cut in on the discussion, taking a step forward with her chin high and standing tall, bringing all the present's attention towards her. "Potter, Weasley and I will be the ones entering their facilities, retrieving White Wolf, and destroying the site. Rhodes, we will need the plans and all the information you have." The man raised his eyebrows at the unmistakable order. "Queen Ramonda, we would only ask for a jet to take us near the perimeter. None of your governments will be associated with this mission. I promise."
From one of the corners of the room, Sam sighed, relieved. Shuri smiled, and without waiting for her mother's authorization she replied, "Oh, you're on!"
Four days later, evening time, three disillusioned figures waited patiently outside a bar. Even though it was cold and some patches of white covered the corners of the various rackety establishments, their black, magical cloaks protected them.
Loud steps grabbed their attention. Yes. It was who they waited for. The poor old fellow lost consciousness as it passed in front of a dark alley, disappearing in it. Five minutes later, three figures came out of the darkness, dressed for the cold evening: a scientist, a guard, and a maintenance clerk.
The three of them entered the almost empty high-security research centre with a minute difference from each other to work their night shift. Once inside, they met in one of the maintenance rooms.
"In another universe, I reckon I'm a maintenance guy. It's been twice now." The fatty, white-haired man said in clear Russian.
The scientist smirked. The guard, however, checked again with his wand and nodded, "Good, the translation spell works. You know what to do and where to be."
None of his companions spoke but silently agreed.
Three minutes later, the scientist walked towards cell 24B together with the guard through a well-lit hall full of security devices. Unusual treats, odorous articles, and natural catastrophes left by an old maintenance clerk in security rooms and resting areas would give them some time.
When they arrived at the door, the scientist opened the door after putting his hand on a pad and, together with the guard, entered the cell.
A room that was more a lab than a prison jail received them. Bucky was there, in a crystal box with only one bed, buckled, dressed in black prison clothes with long sleeves, his left one empty. His bionic arm lay on a table beside the transparent box.
The guard stared at the sight of the previous Winter Soldier. It had only been four days, but the torturing signs were there, visible on the numerous black and purple bruises that covered his skin and the delirious sleep he seemed to be under tormenting bright lights.
The guard murmured "Evanesco," the transparent walls from the jail disappearing instantly. He then quickly approached Bucky, pointing his hand towards the binding straps, vanishing them as well.
"Bucky, wake up," said the guard in Russian, shaking his shoulder.
Bucky tiredly opened his red-shot eyes. "Who are you?" He asked in Russian as well. His voice was hoarse, probably from screaming.
"Frigus flammae." the guard said. Realization passed through Bucky's eyes, so he made the effort to sit. "Easy. Let's take you out of here."
Bucky felt not only one pair of arms but two. When his eyes focused, he saw one of the scientists that had tortured him for information the previous night. He flinched.
"I'm not who I appear to be," said the scientist in Russian, receiving a piercing look from Bucky. The ex Winter Soldier observed the two and nodded.
"You speak Russian?" Bucky asked as the guard gave him his bionic arm.
"Translation spell," murmured the guard, controlling the anger that wanted to come out of his mouth as he saw Bucky's torso covered in angry wounds. "Can you walk?" he asked after Bucky was ready with his arm attached to him again and wearing the long-sleeve black t-shirt.
"Yes." Some focus came back to his eyes, enough to reassure the guard and scientist.
"Let's go." said the scientist as he checked his wristwatch. "Right on time." As the scientist pronounced the last word, an alarm started pounding in their ears. But neither the scientist nor the guard seemed worried.
The guard took Bucky by his human arm, playing the role of a warden that took his prisoner to the torturing rooms. Bucky tensed when he saw an old clerk calmly swiping the floor amid the chaos of people puking in the halls, tornadoes that exited a room and entered another one, and guards running with open umbrellas. To his surprise, the white-haired man followed them.
The magical trio.
They had planned the mission to the second. And magic was luckily at their disposal. Without encountering any obstacles, and just stopping enough to let a couple of scientists run away from hundreds of spiders that crawled behind them, the four of them took to the air on a Wakandan jet piloted by Okoye, not five minutes later.
"I didn't expect you for another couple of minutes," Okoye said to them, worryingly frowning when she saw the weakened state Bucky was in.
"Believe it or not, we're experts in infiltrating and a good team." Said the scientist now in a clear British accent, taking a seat beside the wrinkled man who only nodded.
The guard helped Bucky sit in the co-pilot seat, probably a sign of normalcy and hope.
"It's good to see you again, White Wolf. Now rest. I'll take you back home." Okoye smiled at him.
"Okoye," the guard interrupted from behind the pilot; Okoye nodded in understanding, "in five, four, three, two, one…" the guard counted.
Okoye held the controls tightly before the sound of an explosion reached them.
The old man sighed and closed his eyes, a pleasant look on his face, "Easy peasy."
With Shuri's advanced medical treatments and technology, Bucky recovered enough to show up in the Royal Meeting Room the next evening. He sat beside Hermione and held her hand while they listened to Rhodes give a top-secret briefing to the most prominent world leaders.
The magical trio had gained their place in their political affairs after their successful mission. But Bucky was sure it was also a matter of opportunity. You never know when you'll need allies from another universe.
"... Skrulls are a technologically advanced race of reptilian humanoids. Ten days ago, Captain America and James Barnes were able to catch a couple of agents that turned out to be shape-shifting Skrulls."
Murmurs were heard, both in their room and from the various open channels. Hermione pressed his hand.
"Our intel, composed of agents from various international governments, agrees on one thing: their mission is to invade Earth."
Voices now resounded in their room. Rhodes kept talking after a man asked for silence, "According to the information we gathered, Skrulls have impersonated various ex-HYDRA members to bring the organisation back. They needed information, not only related to current military affairs, weapons and projects, but also information only the previous Winter Soldier had, like ex-members and projects such as the super-serum."
"Were they able to get that information?" asked someone with a French accent.
"No. James Barnes successfully endured torture," replied Rhodes, "and was retrieved by a special unit."
"Where is he? Does he need protection?" asked another one with a Spanish accent.
"He is in hiding, not even our government knows his current location," affirmed Rhodes.
"Good, good, of course," the man hurriedly replied.
"Thank you, Colonel." A woman appeared on screen, "Respected leaders, it is of paramount importance to follow up in a few days after a thorough examination of the information shared during this session. You will receive another invitation similar to today's. Until then, goodbye." The woman finished the meeting.
The different members closed their connection until only Rhodes was left.
"As you all heard, the circumstances are dire. If HYDRA is infiltrated by Skrulls, most probably many governmental bodies are as well. These fake leaders will take any opportunity to provoke a war under the pretence of persecuting a previous war criminal that has vital information about the past and current military status. We can trust no one."
"Yes, yes." Queen Ramonda agreed, "Colonel Rhodes, our agreement still stands?"
"Yes." Rhodes took a pause, "Bucky, have they told you?"
A bright holographic button appeared in front of Bucky. He pressed it without hesitation.
His face showed on the translucent screen.
"Yes." He answered.
"I'm sorry that our government cannot offer you the protection you need for the moment. But I'm sure you will be safe in Wakanda as before. I believe it is better this way."
"It is not my safety I'm worried about, Rhodes. It is the Kingdom's safety if news of my presence in their territory gets to them." Bucky said through his clenched teeth. Wakanda was his home, more than his apartment in Washington D.C.
"You do not worry about it, White Wolf, we plan for when the time comes," Shuri said from her chair beside her mother. She had such certainty in her opinion that her mother gave her a praising smile.
"Thank you, Princess. Yet…" Bucky tried but was interrupted by the Queen's raising hand.
"Enough, White Wolf. We shall talk tomorrow more privately. You must rest now as the doctors recommended. Thank you again, Colonel Rhodes."
After the meeting, Bucky returned to sleeping in his bed, back in their previous rooms. The only difference was the witch with curly brown hair in his arms.
Next morning, the magical trio would leave together with the wizard that used to be Sentry and that waited in one of the prison cells.
Her last night in his universe. And he welcomed, cherished, her presence in his bed. How could he not when it was mainly her memory that prevented his mind from breaking during his torturing?
During those painful hours, the intensity of his feelings had been clear and bright as the sun. And now? Now he had promised himself to stay awake all night if only to watch her sleep. The first woman he cared for since he could remember.
This night was a gift.
"Bucky?" Hermione started, her face resting on his pillow, "I… we, Harry, Ron and I, have an offer for you."
He curiously raised his eyebrows and waited for her to continue as he lovingly caressed her back. She inhaled, her eyes filled with courage.
"Your presence for the next weeks, probably months, in this universe might be the spark of a war that would weaken your earth for the benefit of the Skrulls. And we think that you have another option. An option that would safeguard the Kingdom of Wakanda." Hermione bit her lower lip, but before Bucky encouraged her to keep going, she blurted out, "Come with us. Tomorrow morning, come with us."
The offer punched him and left him without breathing. Bucky remained silent. Had he heard her correctly? He observed her. Yes, she was telling the truth. His mind rushed and almost immediately came to a decision. That option, going to her universe, even as a temporary refugee, would be a present from heaven if it meant being closer to her.
He saw her bite her lower lip again and felt her hands curl in fists, stopping their calming caressing on his back. Why was she hesitating?
"You want me to come with you? To your universe?" Hermione nodded, a frown marred her face at his questions. "Can I …"
"Yes, you can think about it, I understand if you don't want to come. We met barely ten days ago. I know I am nothing to you." Bucky felt her hands press the skin of his back again as she impatiently explained, "But listen, Bucky, this way everyone will have time to plan and prepare for…"
"You are nothing to me? Hermione, baby doll, what are you even saying?" Bucky tried to calm her by holding her closer to him, his bionic arm stroking her hair. "I was gonna say that I didn't know I could go with you. I thought only magical people could travel through your portal."
Hermione frowned, looking at his bare chest, "Of course you can come with us. Anyone can travel with our portkey. The problem lies in the travel frequency and legality of it."
A rush of happiness as he never had felt before, filled Bucky's chest. He raised her face towards his. He wanted to see it in her eyes.
"You want me to come with you? You? Hermione?" he asked her as he couldn't contain his grin, a grin that was so contagious that made her giggle.
"Yes, me. I want you to come with me. To my universe. Will you? " she breathed expectantly.
"To the end of the world, baby doll." Bucky kissed her forehead, then her eyes, then her mouth between chuckles.
"I promise to work on a two-way portal so you can return to Wakanda as soon as possible."
"What about your job? Weren't you going to quit?"
"I've decided to quit my research on genes, not on new projects that might give us an opportunity for an exchange program." She raised an eyebrow as her right hand moved from his back to his face and stroked his stubble-almost-beard. "But, are you sure, love? I confess I don't want to part from you, Bucky, I … I fancy you. But…"
"Hermione, sweetheart," Bucky looked into her eyes, "I'd be stupid to not take this chance." Bucky gave her a short kiss, wondering if he could summon the courage to open up more. His psychologist mentally nudged him. "Ron was right," he started, his voice low, "you know when you know."
Her smile was like a balm to his nerves. After kissing him back, she groaned as if mentally remembering something, "Please, don't ever say that to Ron."
After the sun raised next morning, he shared his decision with the Queen and Princess of Wakanda. The Queen couldn't hide her confusion until she saw Bucky holding hands with the witch.
"White Wolf, you are a proud member of the Golden Tribe and our protector. Our previous King T'Challa had faith in you, White Wolf. I know you will return home when the time is ready," said the Queen before Bucky laid a knee down in respect.
Shuri was ecstatic, promising to establish a cooperation portal between the two universes and work together with Hermione.
"White Wolf," started Okoye, her proud chin up in the air, " You've walked a long path. I am proud of you. Take care of yourself over there."
Bucky gave her the Wakandan salute which caused another proud gleam from Okoye. She replied, her arms crossing as well.
"I promise to bring you a souvenir from their France." His comment made her chuckle.
The moment to say goodbye, albeit temporary, to his friend Sam, came. They stood leaning on the balcony of one of the many terraces.
"I'm sorry to leave you with the Skrulls matter," Bucky started, but to his surprise, Sam chuckled.
"You sound already like her, apologising for everything." He clapped Bucky's shoulder, "Buck, you don't have to apologise. You deserve this, more than anyone in this world, buddy. Once, I told Steve that he could do whatever he wanted to. Whatever made him happy. Same for you, man. What do you want? What will make you happy?"
"To go with her," he nervously accepted.
"Then, don't hesitate."
Bucky thanked Sam with a nod then took the paper bag he had left beside his feet, "For you."
Sam took out his favourite grey jacket, with two sleeves. "Wow, man, are you sure?" He said with a grin on his face, already trying it.
"I'm sure." Bucky then shook his face attempting to hide a shy smile, "You were right after all."
Sam chortled and happily clapped Bucky's shoulder again, "It was so obvious… from both sides." He gave his friend a knowing look.
Bucky smiled as he looked down, "If you don't wear it, punk, you'll have to return it to me when I come back."
An understanding smirk came out of Sam as he saw Bucky's reserved behaviour. "Thank you, man. Enjoy your holiday," Sam chuckled and gave a goodbye hug to his friend. He would surely miss him. But, he was looking forward to the life Bucky made for himself from now on.
As they waited for the portkey to activate, the four of them together with a handcuffed Anthony, Bucky held Hermione's hand, sure of never letting it go.
A/N: This is the end of this short story. Only epilogue left. :)