CHAPTER 19

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters except my own. The characters belong to MARVEL.

CHAPTER 19 Testing

"Come on old man, hurry up," Shuri called over her shoulder. She shoved the cart with several prototypes along the newly trodden path to their testing area.

And to think, Hel even paved it to make transport easier. Bucky huffed. Even, if some of it is rather sloppy and still uneven… He craned his neck, trying to look around the stack of armour in his arms. "Yeah, you could help me you know," he jokingly called back. "Since I am an old man." Neither of them really expected to do anything about it, but Shuri did slow down just slightly so Bucky could catch up to her.

"I really wish Hel would help us with this. It'd be so much easier." Shuri grabbed one of the prototypes to prevent them from falling. "Or we could take Peter, but he really needs to work on that crystal."

Bucky didn't reply. Before his mind's eye, he saw Hel sitting behind her desk. She had stared at him with a frown. "I cannot always jump and help you out. As much as it would entertain me to watch all of you blowing wood and ghosts and whatever else catches your fancy to smithereens," she had closed her eyes for a moment too long, "I have a duty to my subjects. Now go help the princess." And thus, he and Shuri had set out on their own from the lab towards the shooting range.

Around the targets, a few of their team mates had gathered. Both Fury and Hill examined older prototypes with expert eyes. But Bucky's eyes immediately strayed towards Wanda. She stood to the far side, arms curled around her middle. Steve would run right over to make sure, she's okay.

Bucky put his stack down. "Do you mind, if I -" He gestured vaguely in Wanda's direction.

Shuri just waved him off. "I'll take care of the rest, thank you." And with that, Shuri switched into presenter's mode. With a proud smile she gathered the adults around her to show off her new prototypes. Even Loki appeared to graciously lend his magic in lieu of his daughter for the demonstration.

Bucky ambled over to the far side, towards Wanda. The young woman mutely watched him approach. Why do I feel like Wanda is so used to stand at the fringes of whatever group she's with? Wanda pulled the cardigan tighter around her shoulders. Or maybe she's had enough people walk in on her, wanting the one or other thing to have given up on trying to escape them? Bucky bit down on the "hey" that threatened to spill from his lips. She should have the option of just my company and nothing else.

For a moment neither of them said a word. They watched as Shuri took up the first weapon. "This is based on one of our traditional shooters. Usually they're shaped like panther claws, but since we aren't the Wakandan army, I refrained from that this time." She held the weapon out to Fury. "If you don't mind, I'd like someone else to showcase them for now. So, I can explain the mechanics and you can get a feel for them, in case there is anything I should change."

Fury took the weapon without hesitation. "I heard of your expertise," he levelled it at the target with the calm of someone used to shooting, "I'm sure there is nothing to improve."

"There is always room for improvement."

And she won't ever finish if given the chance. She'll keep working with the magic as long as there is someone willing to pour their power into her inventions. Bucky flexed his metal hand. Knowing Hel, she'd spend her time helping Shuri out. It does serve her entertainment after all. If she can get away from her actual duties.

Fabric rustled as Wanda shifted her stance and Bucky instinctively focused on her while letting the presentation drift into the background. Wanda shifted again, face troubled. Bucky could feel her working up the courage to ask what was stuck on her mind.

"Do you," Wanda paused, "Do you think it would have made a difference?"

That is a dangerous question. Bucky kept his expression neutral, his eyes fixed on Shuri's presentation. It might have made a difference, if we had had enough magic users to actually power them all. But we didn't. Loki was the first to be killed and Hel was unable to interfere at the time. And most of all, Shuri didn't have the time to test and experiment with weapons and armour of this calibre. With magic.

"I don't think so. There are too many things we needed to do to get them to work to have made it in time." Bucky turned to look at Wanda. "But it will make a difference now. We will get back to the others," he paused, "Thanos will pay for what he did."

For a moment they stood in silence with just the echoing booms of the weapons and Shuri's excited explanations for company. Sometime through the presentation, Janet stepped up next to them. "It looks like the armour might come up soon," she said. "Shuri was very excited to test that against simple weapons. She even asked Drax to be the attacker for the demonstration."

"Won't she need any of my magic?"

Something in Wanda's voice, an uncertainty, made Bucky tense up in preparation for defence. Her fingers were curled into the crook of her elbow, knuckles white. Shadows flickered through her eyes. Right. Steve showed me the pictures. She hasn't made many good experiences with her magic. From blowing up buildings to staving off Thanos' minions. She killed her love, only for Vision to be violated and killed again.

Without really thinking about it, Bucky put his hand on her shoulder. "Shuri wouldn't ask anything you'd be unwilling to give. You're safe." Wanda stared up at him, but said nothing. Her gaze wandered between him, Janet and the weapons glowing green with Loki's magic. Something clicked. She used her magic mostly as a weapon until now. Does she even know how to use it for something different? How much have they trained these other abilities until now?

As if sensing Wanda's troubled thoughts as well, Janet smiled softly at her. "You always do the best you can to save as many as possible," Janet offered. "Even if it's at the cost of your own happiness."

A ghost of something like recognition fell over Bucky like a bucket of ice water. That sounds awfully like something Steve would say. His stomach tightened. Wanda must notice too…

Janet, unknowing of the implication of her word choice, went on, "And you wouldn't power the weapons. Their design is more suited to this different style of magic. Not even I could warp enough to make them work, mostly Loki and Hel with their abundance of magical prowess are responsible for that. Shuri intended for you to power the armour she said. The shielded protection for us so to speak."

Before Wanda could answer, Sam's holler of excitement cut through the air. "Man did you see that?" He turned to look back at where Bucky, Janet and Wanda stood. Bucky looked between the smouldering remains of the target and the weapon in Sam's hands. When did he get here?

"Let me guess, you didn't see that." Sam dropped one hand from the weapon, eyebrows rising.

"Can't say I have," Bucky gave an apologetic shrug, "But I'm sure, Shuri did an amazing job of getting that thing to work."

Sam raised his eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. Shuri did the only work on that. It shot itself into the dead centre of that target and made it practically explode."

"Yes, how else do your mortal weapons work?" Loki chimed in while feeding his magic into another prototype. "Pure willpower of the inventor. Nothing else."

He doesn't even seem insulted anymore. Not even for show, Bucky thought. Maybe Loki finally found something to fight for besides his daughter and his pride after all. As if on cue, the god looked up directly at Bucky, raising his eyebrows. Stop reading my thoughts.

Loki smirked, pushing off the ground with a new glowing weapon in his hands. "Would you like to try this one, soldier?" That got everyone's attention. "My daughter seems to think very highly of you and your talents. Might as well show them off, right?"

Shuri looked between the two men with a frown. Clearly, she was going to say something about how Bucky didn't have to test the weapon. But Bucky was quicker.

Striding forward, he pulled the rifle out of Loki's hands. "Yes, Hel does value my existence," he deliberately looked the weapon up and down, "Which is why I am still here and was here for a very long time." And because I didn't forget her, she sometimes relies more on me than you.

Loki's lips pressed into a tight line for just a moment before he offered a feral grin. With a small nod, the god stepped back and Bucky felt as if he had just succeeded in some kind of test, he didn't know Loki was putting him through. As if his gall to even insinuate to be more important to Hel than her own father had earned him some standing with said man.

"Are you planning to stare at each other any longer?", Shuri called, "Should we move on?"

"No need." Bucky turned towards the targets. Most of them were smouldering ruins a good distance away. He readjusted his grip on the rifle in his hands. I know this weapon. Shuri made that just for me. Of course, I should use it. He caught sight of a target behind all others, farther in the distance and still intact. Just far enough. I should be able to hit that without much trouble. I've hit farther, he cut that thought off, forcing his focus on images of protecting Steve during their campaigns to destroy HYDRA.

Three prototypes later, Bucky put the last one back onto the cart. Fury and Hill had taken some of them for second rounds to get a feeling for the weapons, but otherwise relied on Bucky's feedback. Shuri was glowing with pride that her inventions were turning out so well. Both helpful and decisive in their upcoming fight.

"That's the last of the weapons," Bucky said unnecessarily as he turned back from the cart. His gaze wandered to where Wanda had ever so slowly stepped closer to the shooting range. She still hunched in on herself with her hands stuck in the cardigan. But something in her eyes had changed.

"Do you want to test the armour now?" she asked Shuri.

"Yeah, I mean, sure," Shuri paused, staring down at the pile Bucky had unloaded next to the weapon's cart. "I mean, I think it'd be advantageous to have everyone watching this part. It's our way of protecting ourselves after all. Only, if you want to, of course."

"No, I think that is an understandable demand." Wanda nodded her head once. "Let's call them here."

Fury and Hill turned as one to stare at Loki. He blinked back at them seemingly guileless. "What do you want?"

"You know exactly what," Hill cut in. "Your magic could be useful on the battlefield to carry messages across large distances."

"Did you forget I should probably fight my evil step-sister? Or would you like the psychopath of death to rampage through your troops first perhaps?" Loki tilted his head, regarding Hill with the same interest one might a particularly shiny bug. "I thought we came to that understanding in your little tactical meeting."

"Why does he still try to antagonise everyone?" Sam asked in a stage whisper. "I thought a god might notice that it doesn't exactly work anymore."

"Because he's itching for a proper fight," Janet said without missing a beat. "He was too busy running around for our host to actually partake in training or stay long enough for the training fights at the end."

Loki straightened to his full height, hands behind his back. "Are we done talking about me?" Green spheres of light sprung to life around him before darting off towards the palace. "They should all be informed in an instant. In the meantime, might I reload some of these weapons." Loki offered a theatrical bow to the assembled.

With that said, their showing was at its end. Sam, Janet, Hill and Fury crowded around Shuri with additional queries about her designs. Loki turned his back on all of them, hands glowing green. Well, I'm sure Hel and Strange will take portals back here. Bucky stepped back to the side of the shooting range towards Wanda. It won't take long.

"You don't have to do this," Bucky offered in Sokovian.

Wanda startled at hearing her mother tongue. It was rare they used it nowadays. There was no one around to tease with it. Wanda looked up at him. "I'm sure and I have to do it," she gave a confident nod, "I want to help protect them."

Bucky gave her an answering head tilt. It's her decision, really. But she should know that people are here to support her through all this. An image of Steve swam in front of his mind's eye. All soft smiles and bright eyes. Determination in the set of his shoulders and a stubbornness that got him in trouble more times than anyone could keep track of. Bucky bit the inside of his cheek. I wonder how he is right now…

Portals flared to life around them. Green and golden and sparkling.

"You wanted to demonstrate your new inventions," Hel strode out into the open. Her hair was braided back, she wore leather armour as if planning to go out for battle. "I hope, you're sure about this."

"Of course, she's sure," Peter piped in as he strode out of the portal right behind Hel. The teen threw Shuri a bright smile and offered to help with anything she might need help with.

Bucky's attention was snatched from them as soon as the mountain of an alien strode through one of the golden portals. Drax was always an impressive sight. I'm glad we have him on our side. Bucky shifted on his feet. Fighting with him sure is an exercise. Even with my additional enhancements. But he does make for a good teacher. He noticed the teens looking back at Drax with bright smiles. Even Fury gave him a silent nod. I wonder, if Steve would appreciate the training as well…

"Are you okay?"

Sam deliberately didn't look at him, choosing to observe the preparations for the fight. Wanda had moved to Shuri's side as she explained the technique of magic conversation within the armour. No one else was looking their way.

"Yes, I´m fine," Bucky offered back. "Just thinking."

"About Steve."

It wasn't a question. So Bucky didn't answer.

"You always have that look in your eyes when you think about him," Sam went on, "Like someone is going to take something dear from you, you know?" Now he did look back at Bucky. "He had that same look when we were looking for you, you know?"

"I don't think this is the appropriate time to talk about this." Bucky steadfastly ignored how his heart stumbled for a moment at the thought of Steve searching for him. He gritted his teeth. I had to do it. I had to get away before I could face any of it, he reminded himself. I couldn't stay with him. I needed my space. To find whoever I am right now. The image of Steve frowning like he remembered from the difficult missions back in the war swam to the forefront. He looked for you and you disappeared.

For a moment, it looked like Sam might say something else, but then he just turned back to the demonstration. Apparently, Starlord had volunteered to test the armour. Wanda's hands still glowed a faint red as her magic swirled around her in soothing circles. Drax and Starlord marched into the shooting range now turned fighting ring.

"The armour should absorb the blunt force of most hits especially to vital parts of the body," Shuri announced. "With the additional protection falls should be cushioned as well."

"Make sure to get a few good test hits on those in then," Starlord said, "Got it." He clapped his hands, setting his feet apart in a fighting stance. "Now then, big guy. Let's get this party started."

Drax tilted his head. "I don't think this is a party, but I will make sure to hit you." A grin crawled across his face. "Let's see what you learned."

A green wall shimmered into existence between the arena and onlookers.

"Anytime you please," Hel waved a hand.

Something's not right, Bucky's brain said. Something's bothering Hel. She's keeping something back. Not even one clever quip from her? That's unusual. His eyes tracked across the others. They caught on Peter, standing between Mantis and Groot. Both of the guardians were excitedly watching the fight of their friends, cheering them on. Mantis keeps her distance from actually touching Peter. Why would she do that? She tends to touch people a lot even without the intent of reading their emotions.

"Your left side is open," T'Challa called into the ring. "You're giving him too much room for an attack."

Starlord groaned as another punch hit him square in the chest and might have broken ribs if not for the magic armour. His feet skidded a few paces back. "You don't say! Wanna trade places?"

"Already tired?" Loki crossed his arms. "After a measly few minutes? Puny mortals."

"I don't see how this is proving the armour to be more effective than what we developed before," Hank Pym grumbled, even though he looked grudgingly impressed when at the next punch, Starlord wasn't pushed off his feet but rather lifted off the ground with red magic dancing along his feet. He blocked a bone-rattling punch with the gauntlet, hissing through his teeth.

Shuri seemed to have waited for just that. "Punch him back! Drax, give him an opening."

To their credit, both men just followed her instructions. Drax lowered his fists ever so slightly while Starlord lunged to land the punch.

For some reason, T'Challa raised a hand to hide a smile.

Drax flew through the arena. Red magic sparking along his limbs and purple sparks raining down around him and Starlord. More red magic leapt from Wanda's hands to catch his fall.

"What the hell?" Sam cried, eyes wide. He stepped towards the green barrier that flickered and died away. "What was that?"

"A combination of magic and my sister's invention of transferring kinetic energy when applied to her armour," T'Challa calmly explained as Shuri rushed off to take a look at the armour and Drax. "She installed the same mechanic in my Black Panther suit if you remember."

Hank Pym looked appropriately impressed with this feat, breaking away from the crowd to take a closer look now.

"So that's the purple shockwave you send out." Sam looked T'Challa up and down as if he could see the suit with its purple shining energy on him.

The king nodded. "I'm just glad she did indeed delete the footage of me testing that for the first time." He shuddered.

"Are you sure about that?" Shuri said in a sing-song voice. "The armour has taken no damage. Wanda, how did that feel for your magic? Was it manageable or too much of a strain to keep up for longer periods of time?"

Bucky's gaze snatched on Hel once more. While Peter was by now babbling along excitedly about how cool Shuri's invention was and asking a million questions of his own to ensure they could improve the armour further, Hel still stood to the side. Something's not right. She was so excited to discover how her magic worked with the weapons last time. She was so willing to allow Shuri and Peter to experiment and develop further weapons for our cause. Why isn't she fawning over the progress? Bucky made sure the others were suitably distracted by Shuri's invention. Guess there's only one way to find out.

She didn't even look up when he stopped next to her. Just stared out at the aftermath of the fight and everyone milling around, discussing the results. No wind to pick up strands of hair. Her armour looked impeccable as if painted on as well.

"Your longing is strong today." Even her voice was flat. No teasing or snark. Like water down the drain.

For a moment, Bucky allowed Hel her silence just as he had done with Wanda. Maybe she just had an exhausting day at work with the ghosts and doesn't want to talk about it, he reasoned, although his gut told him that wasn't the case. Or she's just generally tired or doesn't want to talk at the moment. There are a hundred reasons why Hel might behave like this. It doesn't have to be anything serious.

"I can hear the cogs turning in your head from here," Hel groused. "It's annoying."

Well then, no time like the present. "What's going on?"

"Nothing."

Across the field, Peter turned to look back at them. His face suddenly fell. Worry lined his face as clearly as if he'd worn a sign around his neck. Quickly, the teen turned his back. But his shoulders were stiff and his enthusiasm just a bit too much to be entirely honest.

Right. Nothing happened. That's why two of you behave different than before. Bucky sifted through anything that might both Hel and Peter pull the faces they did. The crystal. Something to do with Hela's crystal. Peter and Shuri were looking into its energy signature and possible tracking methods before Shuri changed her focus on the weaponry.

"What did you find?" Bucky mumbled more to himself than Hel. The goddess couldn't quite hide her wince.

"Nothing of consequence," Hel's voice was brittle. "Nothing for you to worry about. I can handle it alone."

"But you don't have to. We're here to help. I'm here to help. You said, you'd work with us."

If Bucky hadn't known Hel for as long as he did, he might have missed the anguished smile that flitted across her face before the mask of neutrality slammed back into place. Her back straightened even more, as if pressed back against a wall with no escape. Her eyes flickered up to him. "I did promise that, didn't I?"

He could only nod. Afraid. Why is she afraid. Why won't she tell us? What is happening?

"There was a tracking spell on the crystal. I disabled it before we got it here, but I missed another one." Hel forced a shuddering breath. "I just noticed it after Peter burned his fingers on the crystal trying to – do something."

That's still not an answer. What scared you? Why aren't you telling us and why isn't Peter telling us either? What's going on?

Hel looked back at the cart with weapons and the pile of armour next to it. "It's a good thing Shuri is such a genius. We'll need those sooner than any of us thought." A hot wind picked up around the shooting range, dust whirling skyward. "Hela tracked me down. She sent an army of Einherjar, my guards reported back just this morning. They'll be here soon. And it's my fault."