Chapter 22. More Time
As Bucky came through the portal with Tracey, he noticed a full guard of Dora Milaje and Queen's Guard soldiers lined up on either side of the large reception room. Shuri stood on a dais, beside M'Baku, of the Jabari tribe, along with the council, while Rebecca, Janice, Nebula, and Everett Ross stood to the side. Feeling somewhat anxious Bucky was aware of Tracey's hand slipping into his own.
"It's alright," she whispered. "You're not in trouble."
"I killed people," he replied. "Of course, I'm in trouble."
She still smiled at him, and he grasped her hand firmly, walking between the two rows of guards. When they reached the end he disconnected his arm, offering it to Shuri.
"Thank you for sending the arm to me to use in the fight on the carrier but I'm no longer worthy to wear it," he said. "It should be given to Nebula, who will transport it to its new owner, as we agreed."
Shuri stepped down and took the arm from him, turning to Nebula who had stepped down with her.
"Give this to your colleague, Rocket," said Shuri. "His careful calculations in designing an explosive that was just big enough to stop an invasion of our country by hostile forces will always be appreciated. You and all of your colleagues are welcome to visit us in the future."
Nebula nervously took it, bowing her head slightly, then she returned to her place. Shuri turned her attention back to Bucky, trying to appear stern but she was too good natured a person to keep up the pretence and she smiled at him before addressing everyone.
"Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes has atoned for his previous assistance to an enemy of Wakanda by taking definitive action against a much larger and hostile army, that would have ravaged our country for its natural resources, would have enslaved our people as its captive workforce, and would have done so to provide profit to foreign interests. In so doing he didn't hesitate to give his own life to protect our country, as well as protecting the lives of his loved ones. He did so forgoing a promise he made to himself to never kill again, knowing that taking this drastic but seemingly necessary step was, at the time, the only way to stop the hostilities permanently. Bast and Sekhmet decided to smile upon Sergeant Barnes for his courage, sending him the means to undo his decision, giving him the time and the extra forces to defeat the enemy honourably. For his actions Sergeant Barnes will be forever known as White Wolf, Hero and Son of Wakanda. He and his family will always have a place in our society. He will always be welcome to use our future gifts to him." She leaned forward and spoke in a lower voice. "The new arm isn't quite ready yet but will be in a few days. Stay with us for a while and show your family your home country."
He didn't know what to say so he bowed his head quickly then went to Rebecca, hugging her for what seemed like an eternity. Even Janice received an affectionate hug. When he saw Everett Ross, he wasn't sure what to say to him, remembering the history he had with the man, but the former CIA agent just smiled and extended his hand to shake Bucky's.
"Just so you know, my ex-wife was always a bitch," he said. "Her ambitions always overrode her loyalty to our marriage. That's about the time I realized she brokered a lot of shady deals. I was here when you were undergoing treatment. They never shared the details, but I could see by their disgust that HYDRA did unspeakable things to you. I'm sorry for not realizing how much torture you went through to force you into compliance."
"Everett was our escape route out of Wakanda if they managed to get into the country," said Tracey. "He was going to pilot us out of here."
It was as if he saw the man in a new light and Bucky offered his hand again to shake Everett's then his gaze fell upon Nebula. She faced Bucky, holding his old arm, seeming almost afraid to look him in the eye.
"You brought my wife to safety," he said. "I am forever in your debt. Take the arm to Rocket. I had a deal to give it to him, in exchange for the little bomb he made me." She looked distressed and Tracey whispered into his ear about what giving the arm to Rocket meant to her. "He will still be thrilled that you're the one giving it to him. I know that he's very fond of you. For five years you only had each other and that's a bond only you two share. Believe that."
Suddenly he remembered something, and he gestured to the arm, removing his wedding ring from the ring finger and placing it on his right hand. He turned back to Tracey with a look of regret on his face.
"I'm sorry I left you. I feared that they would find a way to turn me, and I couldn't let them do it. Once I saw the dark sorcerer there, I knew. My biggest regret was leaving you and our son, not seeing him grow up."
"How do you know it's a boy?" asked Tracey.
Bucky shrugged, reluctant to say anything in front of the others. "A hint of a vision maybe that I don't even know for certain if I actually saw. I just knew. Do you forgive me?"
She stifled a sob and nodded as tears came to her eyes. "I do. For better or worse was in the vows we took. I still get to love and cherish you after death." A ragged breath came out of her, followed by a smile. "Don't you ever do that again, James Buchanan Barnes."
He held and kissed her passionately until a little cough interrupted them. Shuri was waiting.
"Come, you must want to change out of these clothes," she said. "We have something here for you. Okoye will go to the resort and pick up your baggage. Are you hungry, Sergeant Barnes?"
"Always," smiled Bucky. "I haven't eaten since last night."
Tracey took him to their quarters where clean clothing awaited him. While he showered the others went to the dining room and waited on his arrival. A feast was put out for all of them, and Bucky explained many of the dishes that were laid out, remembering them from his time in Wakanda. It pleased him that Tracey, Rebecca, and Janice tried everything that was given to them, taking seconds of many of the dishes. Tracey, especially, still seemed inclined to eat more than her normal amounts. He noticed Shuri watching Tracey. She must have sensed his scrutiny because she looked at him in anticipation of a question.
"Your Majesty, when we talked to you before we left for our honeymoon you said you wanted to examine Tracey," he said. "Were you able to learn anything from the samples you did get?"
Smiling she nodded. "Yes, nothing to be concerned about Sergeant," she replied. "But you mustn't refer to me as Queen anymore as we have a King." She looked at M'Baku who was at the feast. He nodded his agreement for her to say more. "We have an agreement that M'Baku will act as regent, taking on the role of King of Wakanda. I will stay on as head of science and technology as well as another role, that I take over from my brother."
"You're the Black Panther," stated Bucky, standing up as he realized the implications of what she just said. "You would have defended the country. I didn't have to ..."
She stood up also, putting her hand on his and smiled. "I didn't truly understand that was your intention when we agreed to give the raccoon the arm and I pretended I was still queen. It suited our purposes for outsiders to think the country was ruled by someone seen as a child. Ross and Fontaine thought the death of my brother and mother made us weak and, in their quest to conquer us they made many assumptions and mistakes. When you made your sacrifice, it proved your loyalty to Wakanda and its people beyond all doubt."
M'Baku rose and stood next to her. "White Wolf, you have the true heart of a Wakandan warrior and took it upon yourself to protect our country, at the cost of your own life. Even though the battlefield was on the ocean the Avengers willingly came to our defence. With Shuri free to be the Black Panther and be part of the Avengers when she is called, and with me as king, no one will ever think they can take what is ours again. We will not permit it."
The big Wakandan gave Bucky a bear hug as proof of his thanks. Bucky didn't know what to say, as this news wasn't something he had ever expected to hear. It should have made him feel better but there was still a feeling in him that wasn't right.
"A full physical of Mrs. Barnes would still be advised," continued Shuri, as if nothing had changed, "just to clear up any discrepancies. Then we can talk about the pregnancy. There is no rush. I understand some damage was done at your home and it must be repaired before you return. Enjoy your stay with us. Both of your employers are aware of what happened and have given their blessing to you taking another week. I promised Mrs. Proctor and Mrs. Harris the opportunity to visit our border tribe and have the opportunity to pet the rhinoceroses. King M'Baku has extended a similar invitation to all of you to observe the white gorillas in their natural habitat. I understand your own village wishes to meet your family."
"Then I guess we'll stay," replied Bucky. "Thank you for taking care of them."
"It was our privilege and honour," said King M'Baku. "Now, return to the feast. There is much to celebrate."
Over the next few days, the group was escorted to tour the border tribe lands, the Jabari lands, and finally the village where Bucky lived during his treatment. In each place they were all greeted with chants of "White Wolf" as word had already gone out about Bucky's sacrifice. He downplayed what happened, still feeling uncomfortable with the acclaim, admitting only to wanting to keep Wakanda safe. At feasts held in his honour Rebecca was asked to tell stories of him as a young man which she freely obliged, including telling them about Bucky braiding her hair when she was a child. Their encounters with the rhinos, then the white apes and finally some of Bucky's now grown baby goats were all memorable for the group. As they flew back to the palace after the third day Tracey held Bucky's hand on the aircraft, knowing he was still unsettled by something.
"I understand better why you did what you did," she said. "This is an incredible country with amazing people. Ross would have ruined it willingly to get to their resources. You couldn't let that happen."
"I should have trusted that Shuri found a way to resurrect the Black Panther," he replied, looking down. "I just assumed that with T'Challa gone that they had no protector."
"Because that is what you are, Sergeant Barnes," said Ayo, who had accompanied them on the tour. "You have always been a protector, from childhood on. It is why we were sure the HYDRA programming could be successfully removed from your mind. It is why you will be a good father and husband. Do not fret over what you did. Bast gave you a second chance and you succeeded in stopping Ross without the loss of life."
He gave Ayo a small smile, accepting her sentiments, even though he was still concerned he had overstepped his boundaries. When they arrived at the palace and returned to their rooms, he and Tracey finally had some time to themselves. In the privacy and quiet of their room they made love, with a sweetness and gentleness that was welcomed by both. As they lay in the soft bedclothes that were assembled around them Tracey's head was on Bucky's shoulder, his right arm cradling her next to his body. He told her about the two visions he had in the darkness in that final moment of his death before Dr. Strange brought him back.
"Funny that meeting Steve was the first thing that came to mind," he said softly. "But then I had just said goodbye to you. You were the last person I wanted to see. I'm still sorry I hurt you when I sent you back."
"You were protecting me," she answered. "Keeping my soul from being engulfed by the blast, I guess. How did you know how to find me?"
"I didn't," said Bucky, squeezing her closer. "It was laid out in front of me, like the Milky Way but brighter. I just followed it and I saw you sleeping. You were so beautiful, like a goddess, laying in a bower of flowers, except it was all light that surrounded you. My goddess, full of light and our child. Maybe that's where I saw him, his presence in you."
"How did Dr. Strange know where to find you?"
He shook his head. "I honestly don't know but he was there, in the darkness with me, and when I asked if he could show me my parents once more, he was so kind and pleasant to me. He can be very abrupt at times, but he was so compassionate. To see Rebecca as a child again, that was something. For all of our age difference we were so close. He asked if there was one thing I could change in my life what it would be."
His throat constricted and Tracey raised her head to look at him, seeing the emotion on his face as he struggled to reign in his feelings.
"It's okay," she whispered. "You can always cry with me."
"I chose more time with you and Rebecca," he choked out before weeping. It took some time for him to regain control while Tracey stroked his face and chest, comforting him. "I didn't want to leave you or her but there was no one else who could get to that ship and find out what was waiting for us. Once I saw the dark sorcerer, I knew what they planned, and I wasn't going to let anyone become enslaved like I had. I thought ... I thought with that one act I could make proper amends for all of it, all that I did when I was the Winter Soldier. Then to find out that it wasn't ..."
He began weeping again and Tracey laid on top of him, covering his body with hers. He raised his right hand to his face, covering it as he felt the despair overtake him. Calmly and softly soothing him, Tracey stroked and kissed his face and hand, until he was spent. Great sobbing breaths ripped through his chest several times before he was able to look at his wife with eyes that were still tortured.
"Can you sit up?" asked Tracey gently. "I want us to be eye to eye for this."
He nodded and used his single hand to prop himself up against the headboard while Tracey straddled him. Gently, she took the edge of the closest sheet and wiped the tears from his face, before placing her hands on his cheeks. Then she gazed at him, caressing him from his hair down to his shoulders, her eyes following her hands as she did so.
"I forgive you for leaving me," she said first. "I know that you only did it because you felt it was your last resort, the only chance to save your friends, Wakanda, Rebecca, and me. The guilt that you're feeling for making that choice is going to take time to dissipate. It feels worse because you learned the Black Panther still lives and you wonder now if your sacrifice was necessary. You also feel guilty because you killed again, not a single person, but hundreds at one shot. When you found out about Ross being a witness to your slavery, and he so cruelly dismissed it as collateral damage, it's because he knew it would trigger you, that it would destroy you, but it would bring him satisfaction. A man like him always has to be right, no matter who gets hurt, or killed, as long as he can twist it to his beliefs, he'll always think his way is the right way."
"You weren't there, how do you know this?" Bucky asked, puzzled. "That happened before you got there."
"Sam's video cams were active," replied Tracey. "We were watching it happen live, even when time stopped the cameras kept rolling. Then when you wanted to kill Ross yourself and Dr. Strange stopped time to give you the opportunity to do it, I knew I had to be with you. Shuri contacted Wong and he opened a portal and came with me. I wasn't going to let you face Ross by yourself. All the other times I've been with you, maybe not always right beside you, but with you in spirit and with love. Bucky, you did what you thought was right at the time, and it was right. If you didn't do that then they would have turned you and the Avengers, then Wakanda would have been invaded. They would have put up a good fight but all of the enhanced humans that were turned would have had no restraints on them and they would have overwhelmed the country. Ghost, alone, would have been able to defeat Shuri. Wakanda would have been lost, you would be a real monster, as would all the Avengers, and Ross would be the most dangerous man in the world, worse even than Alexander Pierce, because he would have the actual means to take over the world, all in the name of keeping American interests safe."
For the longest time Bucky stared into Tracey's eyes, trying to find the holes in her argument but there were none. It was true. At the time he activated the bomb that was the only option that could be taken.
"Dr. Strange didn't just happen to be there in the darkness with me, did he?" asked Bucky quietly.
She shook her head. "The others don't know this, but I had a vision as well after you pushed me away from the blast and I woke up screaming," she said softly. "They gave me something to calm me down. As I lay there, I saw a life without you. Rebecca, losing her will to live and dying before the baby was born. Me, trying to go on alone. Sam devastated ... all of the Avengers gutted that you made the ultimate sacrifice for them. Except Thor and Valkyrie who see death differently than us. To them you died as a valiant warrior. Shuri, Ayo, Okoye, and M'Baku were filled with their own grief and guilt that you took their fight on as your own and they didn't think you would take that final step of ensuring the country's safety without them. So much responsibility that you willingly take on and you don't have to because there are many who would gladly share it with you." Her lips trembled and she took several deep breaths. "I asked the universe for help in that moment and Dr. Strange was suddenly there, said he heard me through several universes. He knew what you had done and at first, he thought you were the Soldier again then he used his Time Stone and saw everything, not just you but the others, Ross, Mordo, what they did to Walker, everything, including if you didn't activate the bomb."
"What did they do to Walker?" asked Bucky, already sensing the answer. "They turned him first, didn't they?"
Tracey nodded. "He was their test subject, not willingly either. Mordo worked out the process on him so that by the time he attacked the island he was their soldier. But the process wouldn't ever turn off. You told me once that you could be reset if you were knocked out. That when you came around the Soldier would be gone, and you were either yourself or in a confused state. With Mordo's process it would be permanent. Once turned, always turned unless he reversed it. Dr. Strange saw a future where you were all turned and knew he had to undo what Mordo did, so he went back many times and saw all of it. He did all that in the fractions of a second before he finally appeared to you in that moment before you died."
"When he asked me what one thing I wanted to change," admitted Bucky, "and I chose more time with you and Rebecca."
"Oh, Bucky, don't you see?" asked Tracey, grasping his shoulders. "You could have gone back to the beginning, been 4F in the war, not become a Howling Commando, not got on the train, prepared yourself better for the shot that blasted you out the hole, found a different hand hold, not have fallen, so many possibilities. Instead, you took more time with me and Rebecca. To the sorcerer that holds the Time Stone that was like music to his ears. All you wanted was a bit more time with the people you love."
Bucky's face brightened and he gave a quick breath of realization as he accepted that his choices had mattered. Even though the decision to explode the bomb was undone, it had opened up possibilities that made a difference. Life would be alright, and he would be okay, because he chose more time with this woman who meant so much to him. Time with her and Rebecca was worth more than money, attention, fame, all of it. In a world that valued success and material things he had chosen something much more valuable. Smiling at her with all the love he felt at that moment, Bucky raised his right hand to Tracey's face and caressed it.
"I'm a lucky man to have someone who's much too good for me in my corner," he said. "You and Rebecca are everything to me. Don't ever give up on me."
"Not a chance," she replied. "Rebecca feels the same way. Now, how about you and I shower, we get dressed up in our real clothes that Okoye was kind enough to bring, and we start this next part of our lives knowing that it will only get better from here."
"Okay, but now that I have you here," he smiled, looking down at his lap. "We can be a little late for dinner."
She looked as well and embraced him, joining him in celebrating the transcendent essence of their connection. The calls made to their kimoyo bead bracelets were ignored while they explored each other's bodies with joy.
When they arrived at the dining room the difference in them both was noticeable as Tracey glowed in both her early pregnancy and as a wife on her extended honeymoon, while Bucky radiated the confidence and good nature he once did as a handsome young man, even with only one arm. He pulled a chair out for Tracey then sat beside Rebecca who leaned over and touched his hand.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her face concerned. "You seem different."
"I am different," he answered, squeezing his sister's hand with a grin. "We'll have a good talk later. Just know that you mean so much to me."
The Wakandans entered, to which they all rose in respect to King M'Baku. There were others following behind him including a young boy. Bucky was unsure who the boy was, having never seen him before, but he was wearing Wakanda's version of casual clothing. A few steps behind him was Nakia, who he knew had been King T'Challa's lover and rumoured secret wife. Shuri looked indulgently at the boy as they approached, then smiled at Bucky when they reached the table.
"Sergeant Barnes, may I introduce the heir to the throne, Prince T'Challa II, the son of my late brother, King T'Challa I," she said, in a voice loud enough for their small group to hear. "His existence is to be known only within these walls for his own protection, with the exception of you and your family. I would make the formal request that you assume the role of one of his mentors, so that he might learn the necessity of honour and sacrifice firsthand. Do you accept my request?"
"I accept, your Highness," he replied, with a small bow of his head.
"Outside of these walls the prince goes by the name Toussaint, reflecting his Haitian birthplace," said Nakia, who had joined them. "My King wished for him to be raised in a different environment, away from the court. "Toussaint, this is Sergeant James Barnes, known as White Wolf. You recall your baba talking about him."
"Yes," replied the young boy looking up at Bucky with a smile. "He said you were a man of honour and that you liked your baby goats."
Bucky chuckled, remembering the gentle teasing he received from T'Challa whenever he visited Bucky in the village. They were happier times.
"Your father was the best of men, your Highness," said Bucky. "I owe him my life. It would be my honour to be of service to you."
A pleasant smile from the boy reflected his acceptance of Bucky. With a wave of his hand M'Baku encouraged everyone to sit at the large table and the food was served. The conversation was lively and there was much laughter as stories were shared during the meal. When dinner was finished the King approached Rebecca and offered her his arm.
"There is something I would like you all to see," he said kindly. "We will take an elevator to the roof so that you have the best view of anyone in the city. Mrs. Proctor, if you please."
She took his arm, and the big man slowed his steps to match hers, entering a large elevator that took them all up to a viewing area on the roof. It was a stunning scene as the whole city was visible to them in the twilight. Assisting Rebecca to sit in her chair M'Baku stood in front of the group and faced the city. Somewhere a microphone amplified his voice so everyone in the city could hear him. The sounds of activity below lessened as attention was given to the King of Wakanda.
"This past year was both painful and tumultuous for Wakanda," he said gravely, "with the loss of King T'Challa and Queen Mother Ramonda. We were attacked by Namor and found ourselves at a loss of how to adequately defend ourselves without the presence of the Black Panther. Princess Shuri, with her intellectual skills, found a way to regrow the heart shaped herb and in the process was able to resurrect the protector of Wakanda, taking the mantle onto her own shoulders. We thought we were alone in the world but that is not the case. The White Wolf stepped up, along with the Avengers, to show the world they will not stand by when the sovereignty of an independent nation is threatened. Tonight, we honour White Wolf for his sacrifice and his service. This is your home, Sergeant Barnes, always."
A flaming arrow was shot from the roof into the air, exploding into a large firework display that covered the entire sky. As several Talon fighters skimmed overhead, trailing bright plumes of fluorescent smoke, thousands of drones assembled and began showing images of Bucky, starting from his original time in Wakanda, then moving on to the battle against Thanos. When people were turned to dust after the Snap there was an audible gasp, not just from the people on the rooftop but from the population who were watching, as a sprinkling of ash was visible, dissipating as it fell from the sky. The reappearance of the decimated brought loud cheers from the streets as it showed the combined armies of the world reassembling near the Avengers compound to fight Thanos. There were scenes of Bucky at work on the docks, his intervention in the robbery, the rescue at Coney Island, then the wedding, and finally his escape from the helicopter to landing on the aircraft carrier and destroying it, bringing more gasps from everyone. The reversal of the explosion was followed by resumption of the battle on the aircraft carrier with the appearance of the Wakandan force bringing cheers. It ended with an image of Bucky appearing first, dressed in an Avengers uniform with the other Avengers, including Shuri as the Black Panther spread out in a line to symbolize that they would defend Wakanda. When the drones turned off and flew away the fireworks continued for several long minutes.
Throughout the display Bucky watched impassively, even as Rebecca and Tracey stayed close to him, watching him for signs of distress. He was uncomfortable with the attention, that much was certain, but he did stay and watch it until the end, when M'Baku addressed the crowd once more.
"Good people of Wakanda," he began, "it was our desire to name this date the Day of White Wolf, so that James Buchanan Barnes would know how much we value him as a friend of our country. However, it is not his nature to seek recognition, or fame, or acclaim, for doing things that he regards are his duty as an honourable man to uphold. In keeping with his desire to be seen as no better or worse than any one of us, we will respect his need for a simple life by celebrating him for tonight only, as he is a private man. He is a good man, soon to be a father, a husband, a brother, and always a friend to Wakanda." He gestured to Bucky and leaned close to him when they stood side by side. "This once, take your due. It has been a long time coming, Bucky."
Lifting Bucky's right hand in his and raising his other hand M'Baku yelled out "White Wolf" then stepped back when the crowd repeated it and chanted. As music began playing below him, and songs were sung extolling his virtues, he stood and accepted the good will of the people in the city. M'Baku brought everyone up to support him; Tracey and Rebecca each had an arm around him, Janice was at Tracey's side, as the others stood behind him, except for Toussaint who stood in front of his new mentor, occasionally looking up at the man his father considered a friend. It would be a moment both of them would remember in the friendship they developed over the coming years.