Sorry for the long wait everyone. I have been super busy lately. Also I have an idea but also a not idea where this story is going so I wrote this chapter a while ago just wondering it if this was going to change or not. I still need a beta reader for this story so if you are interested pleas PM me. Hope you like this Chapter
Bucky had felt like he had just gotten to sleep when he was jolted awake out of instinct he lunged for his attacker but somehow missed and he hit the floor hard.
"Wow there." A voice said in the dark Bucky turning he focused on the new figure in the room seeing a figure he might have seen in passing. In the dark he couldn't be sure.
"Decoda? is that you what time is it?" Peter asked rubbing his eyes but to Bucky he could tell Peter was on high alert.
"It is 2am. Jason asked me to come get you." The young man stated. Now Bucky remembered he was Hazel's Centurion. He was one of the older campers being in his early to mid 20ies, they met briefly on the tour then again at last night's dinner the one with the cool aid obsession he had heard about.
"Come get us? what is going on? Did something happen?" Bucky asked silently getting up off the floor still on high alert but also knew better then to make too much noise.
"It will be explained later just do as I tell you and stay quite." Decoda ordered Bucky looked at Peter wondering if the reason they were being woken up at this hour had something to do with why Jason and Percy were called away at dinner. His body tensed something was wrong but he couldn't tell if Jason was calling for them meant was he going to try to get them out of camp or something worse. Was that note something to do with them or the avengers? Shaking his head to focus the two followed the centurion out of their little cabin. Bucky looked around it wasn't as dark as he thought it would be for this early in the morning he could vagally make out the patrols and understood that they couldn't afford to get caught.
Decoda quickly ushered them to follow him instead of going down the hill or even in the direction of the city they were lead further up the hill to a new building they didn't even get close to on their tour. They had to dodge two patrol groups but made it to a small building on top of a hill overlooking the military side of camp. Opening the door lights flickered to life Bucky and Peter were momentarily blinded as they were lead down a passage way. their eyes adjusted to the lights when they made it to a stair well. Decoda led the way down. The stairs seemed to go on for a lot longer than he thought was necessary. Finally, they made it to a metal looking door.
A bunker.
There was a guard posted at the door a Gril looking to be maybe 15 or 16 she was also armed she looked over the group before opening the door to let them pass. What they saw was not at all what they expected. Peter gasped slightly seeing a group of teens all arguing around a large table with maps and other things thrown about the room to Bucky this actually looked like an old-world war communication bunker. The wall was lined with sheets of bronze colored metal to block signals he guessed, and there were some pieces of modern technology on one end of the room. The noise stopped the occupants of the room tuned. Bucky recognized Frank and the other kids from Percy's group the ones that were Centurions. Decoda moved pasted them also a centurion so he assumed the ones not mentioned of being higher rank like Percy and Jason were all centurions.
"Good you're here." Percy said breaking the silence
"um what is going on?" Peter asked shifting in the uncomfortable atmosphere. All the people in the room looked at Percy.
"Percy what are they doing here you know this room is for centurion and up only" Renya snapped apparently not aware they were being brought here
Before Percy could explain anything Jason spoke up "This concerns them so they should be here." his eyes lit up with electricity making it clear that he was the one that called them here.
"What is going on" Bucky repeated Peter's question seeing that they were now being ignored as everyone was watching the staring match or silent conversation.
"We found the Avengers" Percy said moving closer to the table as Jason and Renya broke eye contact
"Really! where are they is everyone alright?" Peter asked excitedly Bucky's eyes narrowed sensing the tension in the room.
"What happened?" Bucky asked Peter frowned now picking up on the tension as well
"We don't know we lost contact with our scouting team after they found some information honestly we don't even know the state of our people but we know they are in Bulgaria somewhere." Frank said gesturing to the largest map on the table which was a map of Europe focusing on Bulgaria
"What are they doing there?" Peter asked with a frown
"well if we knew that then—
"Are we going to get them?" peter continued cutting off a random camper. Again, everyone looked at Percy and Jason. Their faces were hard to read but it looked like the either end of the table were having silent conversations with each other. This is what they must have been arguing about before we walked in. both Peter and Bucky thought. "If you aren't going to go get them give us the information you have and Bucky and I can take care of it" Peter snapped when it was clear no one was speaking up
"Peter don't be stupid if the enemy could take out the rest of the avengers in short time and discover our scout team then they are an enemy you don't want to be fighting blindly." Piper said turning to face Peter. surprisingly though Peter didn't flinch or back down.
"We want to go rescue them but it is also not up to us we have to take this to the senate and check with the council" Frank said sadly looking down at the map as if he could see their friends also lost.
"And how long will that take." Bucky asked not taking is eyes off of Percy who uncharacteristically hadn't spoken since they first walked in.
"We set up an emergency senate meeting for this morning as for the council who knows" Percy sighed leaning back in his chair he looked older now the same look in his eyes like when he was back at the compound and they were talking about war and nightmares. Peter hated that look on Percy and seeing Bucky frown Peter knew he didn't like it either. To them if felt like Percy wanted to go out there right then and there to save his friends either just their scout team or both them and the Avengers he wasn't sure. "Also, I don't think sending more people is a good idea." He added making them wonder if they had read his reaction wrong.
"What you can't just leave them there!" Peter gasped "Didn't you say you were the good guys? Or was all that a lie! Because knowing people are in trouble and leaving them isn't just wrong but it is cowardly! Which either didn't expect for you to be so cold hearten" he shouted surprised at Percy cold heartiness. Bucky saw the flash of pain in Percy eyes but it was gone just as quickly.
"Frist off we don't even know if everyone is still alive and secondly why would we send more people in that could end up just like the rest this is unknown territory they could have traps set that's how they probably got our scout team—
"Are you saying they just stumbled into some traps and got caught Clarisse" a boy hissed angerly from a crossed the table
The girl's eyes narrowed at the interruption she was in Military attire and was wearing a red bandanna on her head her arms were crossed and was glaring challenging everyone around the table, almost daring them to tell her she was wrong. as she continued "-this group or whatever they are must have a lot of man power to take out these Avengers if what I have been hearing about them are true. The Avengers 'if they are still alive have been held captive for several days at this point not to mention it will still take us several days to get there so if we do manage to get in and rescue them they might not be in a condition to fight what then? Same goes for our scouts." She finished with a hiss
"So, you are okay with just leaving your friends to die?" Peter snapped it was rare to see him this angry and for everyone else round the table were either surprised at his tone or the fact he challenged the girl. Clarisse looked both annoyed and impressed that Peter stood up to her.
"Peter as much as I hate to admit it and hate to leave any of my friends behind we might not have a choice. we are soldiers this kind of stuff happens all the time if we die we die there insist much we can do about that especially when we are out on missions." Jason said calmly before the girl could continue it several teens around the table frowned at the remark. Bucky flinched wishing Jason worded that better.
"Jason has a point we need to come up with a strategy if we go. I for one say screw the rules we have lost to many people in these last mouths alone if there is a chance they are still alive which I have a feeling they are then we need to try and rescue them." Percy said Bucky and Peter blinked just a moment ago Percy was saying that it wasn't a go idea to send anyone now he was saying the opposite Bucky was trying hard to figure out what Percy was thinking but if he couldn't read Percy back in the compound he was unlikely to be able to read him now.
"Are you saying that because one of the reasons they went on this mission is because you requested it?" Renya asked the room feel silent again everyone looking at Percy. Peter and Bucky now a little more confused about what Percy was thinking… or what Renya had meant.
"Percy you did what?" Peter gasped more to himself then asking the question. Did Percy send people out on a mission because he was worried about the Avengers? Did he have more power in this camp then they originally thought if he could send people on missions?
"or maybe you have gone soft. your time as their Prisoner has made you feel pity for them." Clarisse said glaring at Percy.
"That has nothing to do with that and Clarisse if this is a new way to try and challenge me then just come out and say it. You know I will take the challenge there is no need to try and piss me off." Percy eyes narrowed in a silent order not to push the topic and also as if he was daring Clarisse to try. It was clear something was going on between the two but Bucky didn't know what and he felt if he tried to challenge the issue defending the Avengers it was bound to blow up in his face. These kids were dangerous and he didn't feel like getting in the middle of any of their fights.
"So your saying we should risk more live to try and save a few. I don't want to sound heartless but this will be a point brought up in the meeting and Percy your point about all of our losses might not work in your favor since we would have to risk more lives to save them." Another camper said a boy with dark hair and stormy gray eyes.
The room was quite again
"We can help!" Peter shouted his chest felt tight "if you can't go for whatever reason they let us go you said it yourself we were more like guest then prisoners so prove it we can save the Avengers if you won't." Peter finished glaring at Percy with more force than anyone else in the room. Didn't Percy say they were heroes? Didn't he talk about wanting to save his friends to make this camp a better, safer place. Was all of this a lie being all that talk about protecting people all for show and he didn't care at all? Peter thought his eyes pleading into Percy as if he was asking all this out loud wanting Percy to reassure him to tell him that everything was true and they would rescue everyone.
"Pet—
"What is going on in here?" a new voice cut off Percy everyone turned to the open door. There stood a man his presence would have been imposing if it weren't for the loud leopard print shirt and coke in his hand and the fact he smelled like alcohol. Bucky's eyes narrowed subtlety moving Peter closer to him as he stepped to the side. this was the other director from the other night the one they call Mr. D "Are you all having a secret meeting in here without permission, far passed curfew and with our... guests" at the last word his eyes locked onto theirs and they both felt a threating aura coming from the director Bucky body tensed like he needed to get ready to fight and Peter's spider sense kicked up starting to give him a headache either though it was telling him he wasn't in immediate danger but this guy was very dangerous.
"Sir" Jason started the man turned his gaze from Bucky and Peter the presser lifted a little as he faced Jason
"Peter Justin do you mind explaining " Mr D said ignoring Jason. Bucky eyes narrowed he already didn't like this guy and for the look on Percy's face it was clear the teen didn't like this guy either.
"It's Percy Jackson sir" Percy said tightly almost in a mocking tone, the others in the room looking at Percy as if they were screaming 'do you want to die' Percy however ignored them and continued "there was a report that our scout team went missing in Bulgaria where the Avengers are also most likely being held."
"That still doesn't explain this secret meeting no one is going to be leaving camp without orders from the council" he said everyone in the room shifted Bucky could feel it they knew not to argue. this was someone they were wary of someone keeping them here he was a prison guard Bucky thought. he didn't take his eyes off the director but out of the corner of his eyes he saw Percy clenching his fist he was fighting himself not to make trouble. Bucky didn't want to move Peter was still slighting Infront of him and he was desperately wishing he was behind him. he wasn't sure what was going to happen the tension was almost suffocating
"We asked for an emergency senate meeting and director Bruner knows about this." Jason spoke up keeping his voice level and calm. Bucky would have been impressed at how diplomatic he was being if it wasn't for the fact he thought this director would do something to start a fight.
That had been the wrong thing to say because the director eyes narrowed and flashed dangerously half the room flinched the ones closest to the director took a step back if they were standing. Percy got to his feet and Bucky was thinking Percy might attack.
"Do I really need to punish all of you for being up past curfew?" he asked in a low hiss but his tone also sounded bored as if he shouldn't be bothered and wondered why everyone was even arguing with him "As for this report I didn't read it there for it could have waited for a more reasonable hour."
"I didn't know you could read." Percy muttered under his breath the director eyes flashed dangerously obviously still herd him. Everyone in the room looked at Percy like he was crazy the director said something in another language, everyone looked back to the director whose eyes were locked onto Percy's like he could read Percy's mind and was almost challenging Percy to make a move.
"But sir—" Jason began to say trying to ease the tension.
"No- all of you head to bed you have a few hours before this senate meeting all your concerns will be addressed then." He said now sounding more annoyed then angry. Everyone began shuffling out "except you Paul Jacobson" Bucky watch Percy tense and turn back into the room glaring at the director, the other teens giving worried and sympathetic looks as they shuffled past. Bucky stopped as well about ready to fight this guy for Percy but Jason grabbed his arm and gave warning glace silently telling Bucky not to do anything before they disappeared out the door, Bucky wanted to pull his arm out of the teen's grasped but Jason just nudged and held his arm a little tighter as the door closed and a lock was engaged
"Jason what about Percy?" Peter asked when the door closed
"I wouldn't worry there is nothing we can do now anyway" he said pushing them in the direction of the stairs
"But it is just one guy" Peter insisted looking back at the door the guard moving to stand Infront of the door
"Trust me that is one guy you do not want to cross Percy should be fine we will see him at the meeting if not breakfast." Jason said his voice low and if Bucky wasn't so used to Steve's mannerisms he wouldn't have detected the barely concealed anger and frustration. This kid was so much like Steve and yet he knew they were different people they were different in other aspects as well but all Bucky could see was Steve's frustrations Steve's determination to be just to do what was right yet also follow orders. Bucky want to say something but knew nothing he could say would change what Jason was feeling. So much like Steve
Once outside they were escorted back to their little cabin, the door forcibly shut behind them Bucky had half a mind to go and check to see if it was locked. but grumbled to himself before tuning and climbing back into bed, wondering why he wasn't trying to fight. Only for him to answer his own question a second later.
"Peter are you alright?" Bucky asked noticing that once they made it outside Peter had been silent and now sat on his bed, a blank look on his face.
"Yeah I'm fine." Peter muttered moving to get under the covers hiding his face from Bucky. Bucky frowned not knowing what to say he laid down as well but sleep didn't come for a while.
Peter felt like crying. It had been a while snice he had felt this lost and utterly useless. He was spider-man for crying out loud yet the past couple of days he acted like the child he was. When he first meant Percy and Jason he felt sorry for them… but he was mostly excited thinking of the awesome idea of having his own superhero team, a team of heroes around his age. Then when he got to camp he found more people like him this place didn't seem as bad as the Avengers were making it out to be. Sure he felt uncomfortable at times but he felt safe and among people he could see as his friends…friends that could understand him, relate to him. but in that meeting he felt like he was slapped in the face for the first-time snice arriving here he felt like he was really trapped, he felt small and confused. He was angry at Percy and Jason for not doing more for not running out to save the Avengers and their friends as soon as they heard the news that they could be in trouble; only to feel terrible for thinking that. Seeing the look on their faces they were worried too, Percy looked angry not at Peter or Bucky but at himself for not being able to do anything and now knowing it was his plan he probably blamed himself if they were killed; and what did Peter do? he scream at him for being coldhearted and not doing enough for thinking he had lied and they weren't heroes. They were good people he had seen and heard of everything Percy and Jason were trying to do how hard they must be working how Percy had put that meeting together to come up with a plan which Peter knew must have been against the rules. Peter was also worried about that other director, he felt wrong and very dangerous and Percy was left there with that guy alone. Shouldn't he have done something? Could he have done something? Was Percy being punished right now because of that meeting or inviting Peter and Bucky to that place either though Jason was the one that invited them. That director even seemed to have it out for Percy which just made him feel more guilty for not doing anything. How badly was Percy suffering just for trying to help them he didn't have to tell them where the Avengers were or that they were even looking into their capture. But they did and what had Peter done? he had yelled at Percy saying things he shouldn't have. the more Peter thought the more quilt he felt.
'With grate power comes great reasonability'
Of all times he had spoken those words, his uncles' words always seemed to surface at the worst times. Percy was powerful and a leader in this camp. Peter could see it now how much presser he was probably under. Jason was the same rank as him but according to Will Percy had more experience so even Jason looked up to him. that director even looked to Percy already blaming him for having all those campers up after curfew and bringing them there. He was also probably blamed if anything went wrong with Bucky and him. that just made him feel even more guilty. He was supposed to be the one to take reasonability for his action he was a hero but against Percy he felt like he was just stumbling in the dark. a Newbie all over again and those words his uncle said were for Percy... the real hero. The one with all the reasonability. Peter sighed and closed his eyes. Sleep didn't come easily and when it did come it was filled with nightmares.
7am: Bucky and Peter were once again woken up when a horn went off they left their cabin to see a bunch of people in what looked to be dress military uniforms headlining towards the city. They caught up with Leo also in a dress uniform mumbling something about it being too tight while attempting to adjust it. the uniform was black with accented gold and orange he had a couple metals on his chest. on his left arm the same crest that he showed them last night, below the crest a patch that read Legion Fulminata 13 4th century BC then on his other arm a similar patch but this one had a Pegasus on it and words under it in another language.
*if you want to see a picture of what they look like go to my Instagram Free_spirit_artwork when I get the chance to post it*
"Leo what is going on? is this for the senate meeting?" Bucky asked gesturing to the crowd all in similar uniforms.
"How do you two know about it? It was just called a couple hours ago?" he asked Bucky frowned now remembering Leo was not one of the centurions in the room last night.
"Percy told us last night." Peter said frowning slightly the thought of Percy making his heart hurt knowing he need to apologize to him when he saw him again.
"Oh well yeah that building over there is called the Senate house. I know pretty obvious name isn't it. anyway I have to get going I don't want to be late" Leo said they got though the City check point and he gave up fiddling with the uniform. This was the first meeting were everyone was wearing these Leo was more nervous than anything hoping the unlimited snacks pocket worked.
"Could we go with you we know what this meeting is going to be about" Bucky asked seeing Leo put his hand in a pocket and muttering to himself about snacks or something. He looked up as if he forgot they were there.
he frowned "umm normally senate meetings are only for officers and members of the senate, unless you are directly invited but... I don't see why you guys shouldn't be there so come on." He said nervously smiling. They caught up with the gathered group of campers all in uniform Bucky towered over most of the campers his head moved around seeing if he could spot Percy or Jason in the crowd he frowned not seeing them hoping they were already inside the meeting hall.
They got to the doors however two guards blocked Peter's and Bucky's pass.
"You are not authorized to enter." One of them said Leo tried to argue their case but the century didn't budge
he sighed gave his apologies. "Stay close to the building I will see if I can get you in later". With that Leo disappeared into the building.
Peter and Bucky waited an hour before the doors opened an older Gentleman who looked very unhappy ushered them in. the senate building looked like a high school, collage lecture hall. A semicircle of tiered seats faced a dais with a podium and three chairs. Sitting in them were Frank Reyna and the girl from the meeting last night Peter realized that she must be Clarisse the third Pertor. To the right of the podium there was another group of seats separated to the tiered section. Sitting there looked to be the directors Peter glared slightly at the one director who was wearing slightly more formal purple clothing but still seeing to be loud print where as director Brunner was in a suit now looking a lot more like a professor, there was a third person and he assumed this was their third director she had silver gray hair and the most intimidating wolf like eyes he had ever seen moving his gaze. Peter eyes widened slightly there next to the directors sat Percy and Jason. Their uniforms matched the pretors. It was the same style as everyone else uniforms but with half capes on the right shoulder the cape had a folded back piece the Predors were purple and the Percy and Jasons were gold.
Peter felt uncomfortable as they were ushered to their seats in the back of the room everyone eyes were on them Peter detracted himself by looking at the rest of the room. He noticed on the other side of where the directors sat there was a similar setup and currently two teens were sitting there a very pale looking teen wearing all black formal where and a girl with the frizziest red hair Peter had ever seen. see was wearing formal clothes as well but compared to everyone else it was sleek and simple. He wondered who those two were and why they were set apart.
"Now that you two are here we can move to the subject of a superhero team called the Avengers." Renya announce getting the senate attention to turned back to the front of the room "at 19:00 last night we lost contact with our scout team near Bulgaria investigating the attack on the Avengers compound and their disappearance. As all of you have been briefed this group also held Jason Grace and Percy Jackson captive for two and half weeks." The hall began muttering to themself. Now this hall reminded Bucky of a court room and he didn't like it one bit. He could feel the heated looks from several people and a sense of hostility form several others. Renya spoke up again she explained how Percy and Jason brought them to this camp and a short rundown of some events. Bucky wondered what the necessity of that was since he thought everyone was already aware of their presence here. Then the conversation switch to HYDRA which made Bucky's blood run cold. According to the last message they received from their scout team HYDRA was reasonable for the attack at the compound and the capture of the rest of the Avengers. Peter was about to stand up to say something as Bucky was too lost in thought to move but someone had grabbed Peter's arm and forced him back down
"Stay quite unless you are asked a question directly." Someone whispered behind them and saw it was the same man that had brought them into this meeting.
In the senate house volume exploded at the end of Renya's rundown of the situation there are some arguments about the worth of this mission if superhero captors were even worth saving and speculation on what this 'HYDRA' group wanted. Bucky didn't care about any of it he didn't care about the stupid rules either and he couldn't just sit there and wait for something to happen. He was about to take action when Percy stands up the whole hall goes quite Bucky eyes widened.
"Reyna I know I am not Pretor anymore but can I have a turn to speak" Percy asked she nodded Percy turned to the hall his eyes cold but bright everyone's attention was drawn to Percy. Bucky was impressed how Percy action was able to quite the infighting. "it is true that in the resent war we have lost a lot of people and we are still far from full strength but this Hydra and whoever is helping them could lead to more problems and possibly another war down the road. Jason and I have met the Avengers they are good people and might be an alley for a new upcoming conflict. Not to mention our own people were also captured."
"Sorry for the interruption but weren't these avengers your captors and we have no guidance from the council that means we can't act." A voice from the main part of the meeting hall asked. More muttering echoed throughout the hall.
"Being a prisoner of the avengers is not relevant." Jason spoke from his seat.
Percy nodded " Peter Parker and James Barns have already expressed their willingness to help in this matter. if the idea of not wanting anymore losses in our ranks is the main issue then I will volunteer to go with them that makes three, a standard mission number" everyone started at Percy with wide eyes the hall erupted in chaos.
"Silence!" Clarisse shouted from the propidium now standing alongside Renya. The hall slowing quieted down Bucky notice that the only ones making a most fuss about any of this were the only adults in this room it was only the teens that stayed professional and level headed, he was sure why that surprised him.
" mr. D'Angelo do you have any news from your father or any information to add?" Everyone turned to the other side of the room as the teen in black stood Bucky was once again lost on who that kid was he wasn't in one of the military uniforms so he guessed that meant he wasn't a camper…
"as everyone is awhere the council has been more silent then usual but the events have been set in motion we should act instead of waiting to be attacked by an new unknown enemy." The pale kid said in a voice surprising for his fragile looking physically. The hall began muttering again as the kid sat back down
"Directors anything you would like to add." Renya asked turning to the other side of the room
Mr D stood up looking bord and un bothered the hall quieted again the energy was different for when Percy stood up not the wall seemed more respectful if not a little bit afraid
"If Peter Johnson wants to get himself killed I have no issues besides this whole thing being a pain there is something moving in the dark a new enemy that can be more trouble than previous battles. " he sat back down clearly have said his peace, Bucky eyes narrowed
"I don't like that guy" Peter whispered to Bucky who nodded in agreement.
They erupted in protests Clarisse stood once again silencing the room once the room quieted down she spoke "I am all for this mission. To save our comrades but the avengers are another story so for this mission I also want to bring into question Barns readiness and mentally to this mission." Everyone turned to face him Bucky felt like he had just been punched in the gut now it felt like he was on trial for something. "You were brainwashed by HYDRA and your performance during the war games shows you are not capable of controlling yourself in battle ready conditions " she continued
Bucky stood up ready to defend himself and hopefully help this camp reach a decision. "Yes I was a weapon for HYDRA but they no longer have the ability to control me. I do apologize for my behavior during your war games" he paused taking a deep breath " that game just brought back memories from my time during World War two and then everything that I have done for HYDRA while I was under their control. But I am Still capable for performing missions." He voiced he ignoring the muttering about not believing him or if he was a spy for HYDRA which really bothered him. he kept his eyes locked on the pretor he never actually met.
Clarisse however didn't seem convinced " then you won't mind if I find that out for myself how about we have a little sparing match if you can either defeat me or land one blow while staying in control then I will believe you." The hall was dead silent now all waiting for a response to the challenge.
"that's fine with me I accept the challenge." Bucky voiced he didn't know why but he felt like he needed to prove himself to this camp not just for the chance to leave this place but for something else he couldn't put his finger on.
"Parker has proven he is a capable fighter during the war games so I am fine with allowing him to go barns will be tested and Percy has volunteered to go." Frank voiced now also standing up and breaking the eye contact Clarisse and Bucky were having.
Jason stood up "I will also volunteer to go seeing that I also familiar with the avengers." He voiced
"Is Having both of our Legatus Legionis go doesn't seem wise."
"Just see how this camp was when both of you were gone and we didn't know when you would return this is too dangerous." An older gentleman shouted starting up the debate once again
The red-haired girl stood "since this enemy is in Blegonia the best course will be to fly I also suggest two more people go on the mission if that works with the directors and the council." She said looking at the other side of the room. Bucky was unclear on her role in this camp or why her words held so much weight but to him it also looked like she was directly asking Mr.D was this man also part of the mysterious council was he the main link to the monsters that ran this camp and child weapons?
"That is fine has no formal revelations." Mr. D look at the red head as of waiting for something. When that something didn't happen, he continued "as an official member of the council you can consider this mission an order." The whole hall was silent for a few minutes now taking that as law.
"Clovis do you have anything to add form your powers?" That was met with silence everyone turned to a teen fast asleep in the bottom row "Cloivs!"
He woke up "Umm what sorry did you ask me something?" A lot of people sighed but seemed used to this from him Bucky remembered seeing this kid in the meeting last night but now that he thought of it the kid was also sleeping then. Based on the reaction from everyone he assumed he wasn't sleeping because of the late meeting he seemed to fall asleep a lot.
"Can you add anything helpful from using your powers to our current discussion?" Renya asked in a very professional matter and the patience to boot
The sleepy teen nodded a stood almost reluctantly "the group known as the avengers and our scout team are alive they are badly wounded but alive they are all hidden underground and I sense a dark presence but wasn't able to investigate further." He announced the muttering picked up again Peter watched the sleepy teen he remembered him form the meeting last night and now wonder what his powers were to be able to get that kind of information.
"Clovis the presents you felt was it familiar or unfamiliar?" Jason asked once the hall quieted again the sleepy kid yawned and sighed
"Unfamiliar"
"Then is this really worth the extra man power?" someone shouted
"You can't just give up on someone because the situation's not ideal" Peter shouted now tiered of staying quite he was never good at it anyway and was impressed he managed to stay out of the conversation so far the all turned to face him
"Mr. parker I appreciate you input but if you are not directly addressed –
"I am not a camper I'm a superhero, so sorry if that bothers you but I act when people are in trouble it doesn't matter if they are my friends or citizens or even my enemies sometimes." His voice dropped at the last part as he cleared his throat and continued "Hydra is dangerous and has been around for a long time. They will still be around unless you do something about it which if the Avengers die at their hands and all of you do nothing then there will be no one to stand up against them!" he said. The hall fell silent again
Percy smiled for the first time since this meeting started as if he was waiting for the outburst. Percy stood once again gaining the attention of the room "we all have been fighting for a long time all have fought to save the world, so why should this time be any different Peter is right that if we don't do something now then later on it might be more of a problem that we won't be able to handle. This could be our chance to bounce back to your former glory and brush of the all the tension and despair we have all been feeing after this last war." He said the room felt lighter now somehow like Peter and Percy's words were that inspiring that got the whole room to agree. Bucky wanted to know more about this war that kept getting referenced but knew better to ask in this room
"Every well Mr. Parker and Mr. Barns we need to discuss a few more things please step outside." Reyna ordered neither of them wanted to leave. They slowly stood and left the building. They didn't go far however as they waited for it to be over.
After another hour or so people started exiting the building Peter squeezed his way through the crowed hoping he didn't lose Percy he was pulled back by Bucky telling him to wait. making it down to table he had seen Percy at there he was talking to directors and the pretors not wanting to bring any of the Director's attention to himself he decided it would be best to wait outside.
"Hey Percy I umm…" Peter stated waving at him as he exited the hall he caught up to Percy as the older teen turned to face him. "I just wanted to say… I'm sorry" he finished running a hand though his hair nervously looking at the ground not wanting to look into the intense sea green eyes for what ever reason he had a feeling he wanted to impress Percy wanted Percy to be proud of him and right now he didn't want to see any disappointment or feel the since that he had failed.
"Sorry for what? You were great in there" Percy said Peter looked up seeing the genuine smile on the older teen's face.
"No, not that. I'm trying to- for last night, the things I said… I'm sorry for doubting you I just—" Peter stopped looking back down to the ground when he felt a hand on his shoulder he looked up to see Percy's Sea green eyes and a lopsided smile
"don't worry about it I have been called plenty worse and by worse uh people. You were just worried about your friends and I don't blame you. If it were up to me we would have left already and had them half way home but" Percy's voice faltered and he sighed
"I know and thanks for everything." Peter smiled his chest swelling happy that Percy wasn't mad or disappointed in him.
"Hey you two do you want some lunch after all that?" Leo asked coming up behind the two followed by Jason and Bucky. Peter's stomach growled loudly just now realizing how hungry he was.
"I will take that as a yes." Percy laughed and lead the way to a café in the city the tension further vanishing.
SHIELD
Fury was sitting at his desk looking over everything the search team and Coulson found. "I heard the Avengers are in trouble" an accented voice spoke from the shadows
"King T'challa nice of you to drop in" Fury spoke not seeming surprised at the voice in his closed high security office. The mentioned man materialized from the shadows in his black panther's suit.
"Wish it could have been under better circumstances." The king said revealing his faces as he stepped closer to the desk "can you tell me the situation so far?" he asked Fury nodded handing the Wakanda king two folders.
There were a few minutes of silence as T'challa looked over the folders his face not revealing any emotion "and the Avengers do you know if they are still alive?"
"No. there has been no word from anyone. Barns might be dead by the amount of blood that was found." He paused "as for the other Avengers they could being held by that Organization we have been looking into or by someone else. Currently you are the only Avenger we were able to get a hold of since Thor is still currently off world."
"I see" Black panther slowly spoke setting down the folders
"There your copies. I hope they can help you shed some light on the frustrating mystery." Fury sighed gesturing to the files which the king picked back up again.
"I will keep you informed if I find anything." He said turning to leave Fury just nodded knowing that Wakanda had more advanced technology then SHIELD and might have better luck in finding more information on the missing teens. He would never admit it at how lost he was in this that he needed to call for help, but he was glad that there was still an Avenger around.
Outside T'challa walked to a dark masked shaped ship now in a dark suit tunic with purple and silver designs.
"That was a short meeting." Okoye said bowing slightly to her king
T'challa nodded to the Dora Milaje general "the Avengers are in trouble and these two are the top suspects" handing the files to the female warrior. Together they walked onto the ship
"Children?" she asked looking at the files as the ship lifting off
"It seems so" he spoke the files appearing on the screens. Along with pictures of the destroyed compound. They were heading back to Wakanda for now until he found a lead on where the Avengers were or these two teens.
Back at Camp Jason
"So, when do we leave?" Peter asked bringing down the mood from the previous conversation.
"Tomorrow morning earlier the better." Percy said looking at him, Jason nodded. They need to hurry but they couldn't rush anything either "Bucky you are fighting Clarisse later today right?" he asked turning to the only adult in the group.
"yes" he muttered Jason had a hard time reading the Avenger from learning of his story he couldn't help of feel somewhat sympathetic for the ex-HYDRA solider talking from experience having your memories take 'played' with he could understand how he didn't like being accused of being a Spy for HYDRA but the cold reactions and the lost look the man often had Jason thinking he wasn't so sure this man was really all 'there'. Steve and him were some sort of childhood friends before the war but from what he understood they were separated and Bucky somehow got the same powers as Steve but from Hydra and were only recently brought together again. while Steve was frozen for 70 some years Bucky was a puppet for an evil origination.
"Will you be okay?" Peter asked looking at the Avenger with worry instead of answering Bucky's eyes locked with Percy
"You should be fine Clarisse is a strong fighter and gives off the impression of a bully but I have known her a long time so believe it or not she has mellowed out a bit just don't let her get under your skin."
"Last night it sounded like she wanted to fight you do you two fights with each other a lot?" Peter asked Jason frowned also curious to hear the answer for as long as he had known Clarisse she gave off the vibe that she would rather kill Percy then fight with him but then she also seem to respect Percy as a fighter while trying to make him angry.
"our relationship is… complicated" Percy sighed "she does challenge me a lot but I am not sure if she is just trying to keep me on my toes or if she really wants my title. She is not a bad person and when it comes down to it you can trust her to watch your back in an actual fight. She just… sometimes she can be bull heading in what she wants to do and makes it known when she is not happy about something."
"didn't she mellow out because she now has a boyfriend?" Leo asked like he wanted to gossip
"For your title is that how all of got the positions you have fight your superiors?" Bucky asked cutting off Leo's question Jason's eyes narrowed a little wondering where the question had come from part of him didn't want to trust Bucky or the Avengers seeing as this might just be the long game to learn more about them but then again they didn't seem like bad people they just had the mind to try and help as many people as possible if they needed saving or not.
"Both yes and no." Percy said slowly Jason wondered if he was thinking the same thing "there are several was to get promoted. Fighting the person, a rank above you is one of them but it actually doesn't happen much."
"Piper got to be head councilor that way though." Leo pointed out Peter and Bucky seemed surprised by that Jason chest filled with pride seeing Piper fight to protect her cabin mates from Drew.
"Yeah she did but that was—" Jason faltered he didn't know how to really explain it
"She was justified her previous Cabin leader abused her power and in turn when Piper meant the qualification to make a challenge she did of course there was actually no fight involved as Drew just ended up surrendering." Percy explained either know he wasn't actually there for that.
"What qualifications?" Peter asked
"To make a challenge of title or rank you have been on the same number of missions or more then who you are challenging and to state the reasons for the challenge like the case of piper Drew was treating her sib- subdominants like a dictator Piper was feed up with that." Jason explained
"so, then Clarisse keeps challenging Percy because she isn't happy the way he is doing things?" Peter asked not seeing anything wrong with the way Percy has been doing things he was trying to make things better for everyone right.
"No, or at least not to my knowledge." Percy shrugged "Plus I have gone on more missions than her and I was voted by the camp to the rank I am now" he added
"Anyway, we should move on Peter you are not a Legionnaire so normally you wouldn't be able to go on a mission with us" Jason stated
"Wait but—
"You don't have to say it I know" Jason said holding up his hand cutting of peter and ignoring the look bucky was giving him "normally we have three person teams Percy and I are going and then with you that would be three." Jason paused glancing at Percy for a second "from what the senate was talking about Peter and Bucky… if you beat Clarisse's challenge. You two don't count in the number of three."
"Why three though?" Peter asked
"That's complicated. It doesn't really matter anyway I have been on several qu-missions with more than three people it was more of a superstition that three was a lucky number or something." Percy waved it off a dark look flashing in his eyes but he shrugged it off. Jason wondered if Percy was referring to the quest he had gone on with the hunters of Artemis or just about the quest of seven. Percy had given him a quick rundown of that quest but not the whole story. from what he knows two of the hunters that accompanied them were killed, which lead to his sister joining their ranks.
"The senate or really Racheal suggested two more people would go." Leo pointed out
"The red-haired girl?" Bucky asked Percy and Jason nodded
"What is her rank she wasn't in a uniform and from where she was sitting she seemed like someone important" Peter asked
"that's because I'm not a camper." The group looked up seeing the same red-haired girl from before but instead of the fancy clothes she now wore paint covered blue overalls and a grey t-shirt underneath. Jason saw that Bucky and Peter were a little surprised they didn't notice her approaching the table.
"Hey Rach." Percy greeted with a relaxed smiled as if he expected her sudden sneaky appearance.
"Percy do you mind if I talk to you?" she asked Percy smile faltered he looked at the group then back at the red hair girl.
"Sure." He stood turning back to the group. "See you guys' later Jason we can talk about the other members of the team later." With that he walked off with the mysterious teen.
"Okay does she had some physic ability to know when people are talking about her?" Peter asked
Leo laughed "that would be cool or would it be more of a headache?" Leo asked the last part Jason watched Bucky's watching Percy and Rachael walking away again with the look on his face.
"Rachael is kind of an outlier and her position is a little complicated as well." Jason said getting back the attention he could tell that wasn't the answer either Peter or Bucky wanted but he wasn't sure how else to explain Rachael the oracle. "Anyway, Peter we should get you ready for tonight and Bucky as well for your fight with Clarisse." He added standing up as well.
Later
A large crowd had gathered to see Clarisse and Bucky fight. Bucky wasn't sure how he should feel about fighting a child… No that wasn't what he was worried about he was lost in his thoughts about what had happened this morning or really everything that has happened the last couple of days.
"Are you feeling okay?" Bucky resisted the urge to jump from the sudden presence behind him. turning he was Jason standing there an expression that wouldn't have been out of place on Steve.
He sighed "yeah just thinking." Turning back to the arena training grounds the seats filling up making this seem more like a festival or some form of entertainment then a test.
"I am guessing it isn't about Clarisse but about something else?" Jason asked again so much like Steve's ability to know what he was feeling honestly sometimes it felt like he was talking with the younger Steve one that acted like an older Steve. The more he thought about it he felt that it wasn't just coincidence how could someone look and act like so much like someone else the he thought about it he thought Jason as either Steves son or a clone.
Bucky remembered how many fights Steve got into when they were younger how he had often bailed him out in situations when he go in over his head. but then watching Jason blue eyes how reserved they were and he wasn't seeing Steve anymore this kid wasn't Steve he was a different person.
"Yes I know I need to win this fight if I want to help the Avengers" if I want to leave this camp' Bucky finished in thought "but—
He faltered not sure what he wanted to say Jason nodded in understanding at the unspoken words. "I say that I don't know you all that well but if you don't mind, let me say this. You might not trust us or you don't how you feel about all of this." Jason waved his hand around. Probably mentioning the camp as a whole or just the stadium Bucky wasn't sure. "You don't know who to blame if your friends the Avengers get hurt while you are here. I can't pretend to know your whole story but I can understand what it is like having someone mess with your mind to unmake you." Jason paused Bucky's eyes widened in surprised horror his head snapping to look at Jason who was not even looking at Bucky his electric eyes flashing in pain staring off in the distance. Before he could ask what the teen meant, Jason continued "we can't focus on what went wrong not just in our pasts or what we could be doing elsewhere let's focus on how to make it right and live in the present. What you can do in the here and now, you can't change the past and you shouldn't try to live their either." That last part Jason turned to face Bucky "you can trust us to help bring your friends home you can trust me if something is bothering you. You don't have to view us as your enemies or Somone you have to protect." Jason gave a small smile. Bucky felt his chest tightened if Steve ever had a son he would think of them to be just like Jason…
"Thank you." Bucky said hearing the teens words and also listening to the words beyond there meaning
"Anytime." Jason nudged Bucky' arm "you will do great and then we will go take care of HYDRA together."
Bucky smiled for the first time since coming to this camp the first time his thoughts fell silent. Bucky took a brave step out in the arena.
Clarisse stood at the center wearing a combat suit with accented gold and bronze. A bandana holding back her hair and spear in her hands. Buck had no such weapons he was asked if he needed anything but he refused. He didn't want to fight this girl no matter how capable she probably was. He also didn't want to lose himself again like he did in the war game he didn't want to accidently hurt anyone.
Director Brunner announced the conditions of this fight and singled when to begin. The girl charged her spear lighting up with electricity he managed to doge wide eyed in surprise she swung down landing a glancing blow on his metal arm. Electricity sparked against the shielded metal. Bucky kicked at the camper to gain some distance she took the blow skidding a few feet back. Bucky hoped that counted as a hit and this fight was now over however she attacked again hitting him in his side electricity shot thought his body pain flaring up his whole right side. he brought his elbow down hard of the spear hoping Clarisse would drop it. she didn't instead her grip tighten pulling back the spear to strike again. Bucky grabbed the spear with his metal hand and pulled it out of her hands tossing it to the side. now hoping it was over he looked up to where the director was watching waiting for him to call the fight. Clarisse tackled him now going for hand to hand. They grappled for a bit and traded blow for blow until a horn went off Clarisse backed up a scowl on her now dusty face.
"He beat your challenge Clarisse" Jason said coming up beside Bucky who got to his feet the fight didn't have a clear winner but he nodded his respect to the girl for how she fought hoping never to fight her in a fight to the death. She was strong and fast but she also let rage be her driving point which in turn made her unpredictable and much like the hulk anger fulling his power.
"Fine he can go." She said tuning to leave the arena picking up her spear and disappearing in the disappearing crowd.
"Bucky that was awesome!" Peter shouted running up to him he gave a halfhearted smile but continued to watched where Clarisse had disappeared. The flash of her last attack stopping short wondering now if he could have been killed.
"Bucky are you okay or do I need to get a doctor?" Leo asked he blinked tuning to face the teens watching him not noticing when the group had gotten bigger
"I'm fine" he said
"Well, it looks like we got a team now so why don't you wash up and get some rest we will be leaving first thing tomorrow." Jason said with a nod
"Hey are you sure your okay is your side bothering you?" Peter asked when they were alone. He had walked with Bucky back to their little hut the campers they pasted going back to their usual tasked and training.
"Yeah that fight just" he voices faltered he couldn't explain it if felt strange like that wasn't a normal fight she was examining him as much as she was trying to push his buttons to make him lose control all at the same time holding back wanting him to win to beat her. He shook his head "its nothing." They made it inside and Bucky was glad to be out of sight if only back in their little prison.
"Okay well then I am going to head over to the work shop get some things done before we head out." he paused "see you at dinner?" he asked Bucky still lost in thought nodded
He started to move again once Peter closed the door. He grabbed a new change of clothes and headed out to the bath houses, hoping no one else would be there.
Sorry for the shorter chapter not sure what else to write in this chapter.