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sjsmith56 · 1 month

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Making Amends, Chapter 18 - Eyes of the Father

Summary: Bucky and Sam deal with Zemo and the Flag Smashers. A cryptic warning has Bucky on edge.

Length: 5.3 K

Characters: Bucky, Sam, Walker, Zemo.

Author notes: I made the decision not to use dialogue from the TV series to avoid copyright issues. As a result, there is a lot of exposition in this chapter which may just seem like a rehashing of the plot from the series. There is some made up dialogue. While you're reading it and you think back to the scene in the series just remember that my dialogue is different. After this chapter everything will be original plot and dialogue as Bucky takes on the danger threatening Lacey and Tommy.

<<Chapter 17

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The next few weeks were time that Bucky would never get back. After "helping" Zemo escape custody, then flying to Madripoor to seek out information about the super soldier serum they found themselves on the wrong side of the faction that ran the lawless colony. A woman in the criminal world in Madripoor gave them the name of the man making the serum, Wilfred Nagel, then was killed herself, which prompted a bounty on their lives, even though they had nothing to do with her death. Only the appearance of Sharon Carter helped them temporarily out of being killed by the bounty hunters. Carter, obviously part of the criminal underworld herself, helped them locate Nagel's lab. He confirmed the existence of the serum, admitted it was formed from a blood sample taken from an unwilling Isaiah Bradley, and that he had created 20 doses. They knew of eight Flag Smashers who had taken the serum, meaning there were potentially another dozen people that could be or already were transformed.

It literally blew up in their faces when Zemo killed Nagel, then a bounty hunter sent a rocket into the shipping container where the lab was. Zemo disappeared while Bucky helped Carter and Sam out of the wreckage. After helping them dispose of the rest of the bounty hunters Zemo showed up with a car to get them out of there and back to his private jet. At least they had a name, Donya Madani, a source of inspiration to the Flag Smashers, and a place, Riga, Latvia, to search for the group.

When they arrived in Riga, and Zemo led them to a safe house there, Bucky noticed several kimoyo beads in the vicinity and hung back, knowing the Wakandans were near. In a quiet street he spoke to Ayo, the Dora Milaje warrior, who gave him 8 hours before she and her squad came for Zemo. It was long enough for Zemo to find out where the funeral for Donya Madani was being held, and long enough for Sam to try and talk to the leader of the Flag Smashers, Karli Morgenthau. At least it would have been long enough if John Walker hadn't shown up to arrest Karli. She escaped in the confusion Walker's appearance caused. Later when the Dora Milaje came to take Zemo into custody Walker intervened again starting a fight that never should have happened. In the confusion of that fight Zemo escaped.

Karli reached out to Sam, via a veiled threat she made to his sister and nephews. When he and Bucky met with her they realized quickly her true intent was to occupy them while the rest of the Flag Smashers went after Walker and Hoskins. It was during that fight that Sam realized Walker had somehow taken the super soldier serum. That was also the fight where Hoskins was killed and Walker retaliated by killing one of the Flag Smashers in front of a crowd of civilians recording on their cell phones, using the shield to do it. After Walker ran off they followed him to an empty industrial building where both could see the mental turmoil the man was in. Sam asked for the shield and Walker took it as a threat. In the ensuing battle between the three Walker tried to kill Sam and Bucky was forced to fight unrestrained against the man who insisted he was still Captain America. It took breaking Walker's arm to get the shield from him then Bucky picked up the shield and dropped it beside Sam as he lay on the floor, not caring at that point whether Sam picked it up or not as he was done.

Walker faced a hearing back in the US where he was stripped of his Captain America title as well as his military rank. Sam returned back to Delacroix after a brief stop in Baltimore, while Bucky stayed in Europe tracking Zemo, fulfilling what he saw as his personal responsibility to return him to custody. He found him in what was left of Sokovia, at a memorial to the people who died. Zemo tried to convince him to go after Karli and kill her. In response, Bucky aimed the pistol at Zemo's head and pulled the trigger. It clicked instead of firing and Bucky let the bullets fall through his fingers to the ground, emphasizing for all time to Zemo that he wasn't a killer anymore. The Dora Milaje appeared at that time to escort Zemo to his new home in the Raft, a high security prison located underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. Just before he left Zemo glanced at Bucky.

"Now that Nagel is dead the Power Broker will be looking for a new scientist and a new source of super soldier blood for the serum," he said, looking intently at Bucky as he stopped. "You may want to make sure your son and his mother are safe."

Bucky was startled by this warning. "How did you...," he began.

"I find out things," interrupted Zemo, then glanced at the women warriors, acknowledging they were there for him.

As they walked away Bucky called out. "Ayo," he said. "I have a favour to ask of you."

She turned and looked at him as if that was the last thing she wanted to do for him. "As long as you make yourself scarce in Wakanda for a while," she replied.

He nodded his assent then made his request. She looked at him intently. "I will see what I can do," she promised. "He is a good man so it shouldn't be a problem."

Bucky watched them walk away then pulled his wallet out followed by a business card. He looked at it for a moment, considering his next action, and dialled the number.

"Hey, it's Bucky Barnes," he said to the person on the other end of the call. "I'm in Europe right now but I wonder if I can see you tomorrow or the day after. I don't want to say anything more on an unsecured line but it's important. It has to do with Lacey and Tommy. Thanks, I'll call you when I get to New York."

Two days later Bucky called and met with FBI agent Dan Jones at a coffee kiosk in Greenwich Village. Bucky asked if he wanted one and after paying for the two coffees walked to a bench away from people. Jones sat next to him, looking at Bucky intently.

"What's on your mind?" Jones asked Bucky.

"Do you know where Lacey and Tommy are staying now?" queried Bucky. "I know they aren't with the Bartons anymore."

"I might but I wouldn't tell you," replied Jones. "You really shit the bed on that relationship."

"You heard," said Bucky tersely. "I still love her and Tommy, and I care about keeping them safe. Someone gave me a warning about them. You ever hear of the Power Broker?"

Jones looked at him in surprise. "What interest does the Power Broker have in them?" he asked.

"The Power Broker was behind the serum that made the Flag Smashers into super soldiers," said Bucky. "The man who made the serum for him was killed, and the remainder of the serum was destroyed. I was warned the Power Broker might be looking for a new source of super soldier blood to make more serum. He wouldn't come after me because I can defend myself against a room full of people. Tommy is strong but not strong enough. If they put a gun to Lacey's head ...."

Jones let out a big breath. "Jesus, Bucky," he said. "What do you want me to do?"

"Can you put a detail on them?" asked Bucky. "Surveillance ... something, anything."

"Okay, I'll come up with something," said Jones. He hesitated then continued. "They're doing good, Bucky. Tommy's in school. Lacey is working on her fourth book. For what it's worth I think she still loves you. She hasn't been dating."

Bucky stood up and drained his coffee, dropping the paper cup in the garbage can next to the bench. "Thanks, Dan," he replied, smiling grimly. "I appreciate it. You have my number. Let me know if anyone comes after them."

Jones nodded and watched as Bucky walked away. The revelation that the Power Broker may be interested in Lacey and the boy troubled him. He pulled his cell phone out and made his own call to ask for a meeting. He was sure Nick Fury would want to know this development.

Bucky stayed home in Brooklyn for several days researching the location of more people on his list that he had to make amends to. When he received a shipment from Wakanda, via their embassy in New York, he booked a flight to New Orleans. There he rented a car and drove to Delacroix. After asking where he could find Sam Wilson he was directed to a gathering of people on a dock. He picked Sam out of a group of men gathered near a wrapped engine loaded on the back of a truck. Putting the case from Wakanda down he picked the engine up and lifted it off the truck, putting it down on the dock. He looked back at Sam and the other men, smirking at the faces they made.

"It wasn't that heavy," he said, then he picked up the Wakandan case and put it on the truck. "You needed a new wing suit and I figured the Wakandans could build you a good one so I called in a favour.

At that moment a hose on the boat blew and Sam jumped on the boat to tighten the fastener on the hose. Bucky could see Sam didn't know much about boats and jumped on beside him, taking the wrench and explaining he had to turn the fastener up to tighten it. Then he checked out the boat, thinking it reminded him of when he worked on the Brooklyn docks.

"Can I help?" he offered. Sam nodded and Bucky noticed a woman watching them, who he assumed was Sam's sister. He waved at her. "I'm Bucky."

"Sarah," she replied smiling then turned away, a little flustered.

Sam looked from Bucky to his sister and back again. "What about Lacey?" he asked.

Bucky made a face. "I kind of messed things up with her," he replied. "Your sister seems nice."

"No!" said Sam. "Don't even think of it."

Bucky gave a cheeky grin then followed Sam to another part of the boat. For the next few hours he helped with the repairs. They talked about the Flag Smashers and Bucky told him about Zemo's thoughts on the matter. As it got close to sunset they stopped to have a beer. After draining his last one Bucky told Sam he had a flight to take the next day and was going to get a hotel for the night. Sam, being the man he was asked him to crash at his place as long as Bucky didn't flirt with his sister. Bucky laughed again, knowing he had made Sam uncomfortable with his mild flirting. He slept on the couch without any nightmares until he woke up to the sounds of Sarah's boys, A.J. and Cass, play fighting with the shield. For a time he watched them, a soft smile on his face.

"Good morning," he said to the boys who desperately tried to get the shield back in its cover before running off.

For several moments he lay on the couch before deciding he should get up. Learning that Sam was already at the dock, Bucky made his way there, finding him working on the engine. Seeing he needed two sets of hand Bucky helped him with a part, which made Sam stand back and look at him with new eyes.

"Where did you learn about boats?" Sam asked.

"Brooklyn," replied Bucky. "I worked the docks there after I graduated from high school. Couldn't afford college until I made some money. It was still the Depression in 1935."

Sam suggested they work on the water pump so they pulled it apart then began rebuilding it. Sarah came, looking critically at what they had done and ordered them away from the dock. She had her no nonsense voice going so both men obeyed and returned to the house where Bucky tried to teach Sam how to throw the shield. They had a heart to heart talk while they threw it around and Bucky apologized to Sam for getting in his face about giving up the shield. He explained how the shield was the closest thing he had to a family. When Sam retired the shield, it made Bucky feel like he had nothing left and was truly alone. The counsellor in Sam stopped and listened intently as Bucky told him the decision made him question everything about Steve, Sam, and even himself. It was a humbling experience that Bucky trusted him enough to tell him these things, calmly but with feeling. Sam asked him about the nightmares and Bucky admitted he still had them. In his mind they were proof that he was still there, in those situations. It was also proof, in his mind, that the Winter Soldier was still in him. He coloured for a moment then opened up even more.

"That's why I left Lacey," he said emotionally. "We were right in the middle of amazing sex and I had a vision of the Winter Soldier tying her up and doing terrible things to her. I pulled out, took the condom off and left her in her bed. I hid out on the farm until Steve found me in the morning and I asked him if we could leave. I was afraid of hurting her physically, Sam. Instead I broke her heart and I don't think she'll ever forgive me for that. Tommy spit on me. That's how much I hurt him by it."

Bucky turned away, coughed and wiped his eyes trying not to break down. Sam watched for a moment then put his hand on Bucky's shoulder in commiseration.

"I'm sorry," he said. "That had to be tough for you to do."

"Well, it's done," shrugged Bucky. "If you have any advice on that or my other issues I'd appreciate it."

"This making amends, is it part of your conditional pardon?" asked Sam. Bucky nodded. "Well making amends is more than just saying sorry. It might make you feel better but it does nothing for the families of your ... sorry, the Soldier's victims."

"It wasn't just that," replied Bucky. "I know that there isn't anyone from HYDRA who will make amends to them. Part of me still feels responsible so I accepted the task. I've already identified and helped arrest several people who benefitted from HYDRA's and the Soldier's actions."

"Yeah, and that was good but that was just stopping the bad guys from getting away with it. Some people, especially the surviving family need to know what went down, how their loved one died. Only you can tell them."

"There's a lot of those," said Bucky, somewhat despondently.

"Okay, all it takes is one to start the healing," replied Sam. "That will be the hardest one. The next one won't be quite so hard. You'll give them closure and perhaps in the process you can forgive yourself along the way. For what it's worth, I don't think it was fair to put this all on you. You were their victim as well and no one has made amends to you, have they?"

Bucky considered his words then looked at Sam appraisingly. "You're not bad at this counsellor stuff," he stated. "I'll never get an apology for what I went through but I can deal with it. Maybe not well, or quickly, but I will."

Sam smiled and nodded. They both stepped towards each other, sharing a pound hug, and Bucky asked Sam to call him when he had a lead on Karli Morgenthau. Bucky turned away to walk to his rental car, then turned back to Sam.

"What about Lacey?" he asked loudly. "How do I fix that?"

"A lot of grovelling," suggested Sam. "I haven't had a girlfriend in over 5 years so you're going to have to figure that one out on your own. She is the mother of your son so she's worth it."

"Yeah, she is," Bucky agreed.

A few hours later he was back in Brooklyn. On the way to his flat he passed a bookstore and on impulse went inside where he noticed they had a display of women authors. They had Lacey's second book and her third. He smiled softly when he saw the title of the third, His Blue Eyes. It was published during the Blip, when no one knew the decimated would return someday. Set in a 2018 that didn't experience the Blip, it told of a chance encounter between a woman writer and a man who had to go into hiding. The ripples from their encounter affected the lives of their friends and colleagues. It also explored the long distance relationship they had until an act of heroism changed their lives forever. The dedication page was emotional for Bucky.

For B. There will be never be another like you. You gave me the greatest gift.

L.C.C. December, 2021

As he paid for it the clerk looked at him strangely, noticing his blue eyes, then recognizing him when he saw the artificial hand.

"You're Bucky Barnes," he said. "I've read this book. You don't strike me as the type of guy who would read something like this."

Bucky looked at him calmly. "I know the author," he replied. "I have her other books, including her first one, written under a different name."

"It's a good book," said the clerk. "Most people think it's a typical romance novel but there's a lot more in it, about longing for someone who is out of reach. There's a sense of loneliness to it, of being held hostage by fate and circumstance, things they had no control over. I also liked all the ripples their initial meeting created, changing the lives of people close to them. I've heard rumours of a possible movie."

Bucky smiled kindly at him. "I'm sure she'll be thrilled with that," he stated, then picked up the book and nodded at the clerk before leaving.

It took him two days to read it and when he finished he knew it was about them, even though she changed all of the circumstances, and the character's names and back stories. The book store clerk was right about it being more than a romance novel. Lacey captured the sense of longing felt by both characters, even though they attempted to carry on with their lives. The side stories described the effect their encounter had on their circle of friends exploring the inter-connectivity between people. The biggest difference, of course, was the main male character in the book stayed dead after his act of heroism whereas Bucky came back. He was surprised to find the second part of the book explored how the main female character Lauren ended up with a different man but the more he thought about it the more sense it made. His own initial advice to Lacey had been to find a good man and take a chance on love with him. If he never came back from the Blip he wished she would have found someone, a good man, to live her life with.

While he waited to hear from Sam he set about tackling his list of names in the little notebook. It was hard, especially to the families of those he had killed. Some threatened to kill him, some to sue him, but he left their homes knowing he had given them an answer. One woman's response surprised him with its unexpected emotion. His victim's daughter had let out a visible breath when he told her what he had done to her father then looked at her hands before talking.

"My dad wasn't the best man," she said calmly as she sat in a chair across from him, looking at him intently. "He had issues, and he raised his hand to my mom and me more than once. We suspected he was involved in something shady so when his body was found we weren't surprised. Surprisingly, he had a life insurance policy and the money helped both me and my mother to start over. I was able to go to college. She was able to enjoy a comfortable life until she died of cancer." She turned to Bucky. "I know what you're doing because I've been in therapy for this love – hate relationship I still have with my dad. I hope you find the closure you're looking for but I won't forgive you because there's nothing to forgive. Instead I thank you for killing him and freeing us from a lifetime of abuse. I truly believe he would have killed one or both of us if he had lived."

Several days after meeting with that woman he heard from Sam that the likely target of the Flag Smashers was the GRC council, meeting in New York later that evening. Bucky promised to meet him at the location and hurried back to his flat to change. When he arrived at the site of the meeting he was allowed in through the security perimeter. Apparently he was already known as an Avenger. A person did challenge him, then removed a nano mask, revealing Sharon Carter's face. She offered her help and together they went closer to the building where the GRC council was being evacuated. Sam told them to keep people in the building as he realized the Flag Smashers wanted them outside and exposed. As Bucky walked, a woman with a security ID gave him a phone, saying it was Karli. He looked at the screen and was puzzled that the call came on a phone app, not through the cell phone itself.

It was Karli on the other end and she tried to convince him to join her. He tried to convince her that she was going about things the wrong way by pointing out that all this death she was causing wouldn't make the nightmares go away because she would remember everyone she killed. Once more he asked her not to do this but she laughed lightly and told him not to get involved. When he pointed out he already was she laughed again and thanked him for his time. She hung up making Bucky realize she had been delaying him from intervening. He ran to the parking garage and took a motor bike, hoping he could catch up to the transports the council members were obviously on. It took several blocks but he saw the vehicles stopped at a barrier and several Flag Smashers gathering between them. Pressing on the accelerator he aimed the motor bike at the barrier, then applied the front brakes causing the back wheel to come up. He flew over the barrier, flying into the chest of the biggest man the Flag Smashers had, knocking them both away from the others. While he fought him he noticed the others set fire to one of the vehicles and quickly disabled the man he was fighting with. Running to the vehicle he pulled on the handle, trying to force open the door. Noticing an extra lock on the door Bucky hit it with all of his might several times, eventually breaking it. Then he pulled on the door handle again and it finally gave way. He helped the people out, telling them to go. The last man stopped and thanked Bucky for saving them, a sentiment that caught him by surprise.

Turning he saw several Flag Smashers beating a man who was on the ground and realized it was John Walker. Running towards them he saw one about to hit him with a parking meter and launched himself into the man. Another Flag Smasher came at him and he recognized Karli's hair. Grabbing a piece of chain that was within reach he hit her with it but she shook it off and kicked him, sending him over a barrier and down several stories to the ground. As he looked up he saw another one jumping towards him holding a steel beam as a weapon. Raising his vibranium arm it took the brunt of the hit then he grabbed the steel beam and tore it from the other guy's hands. He hit him several times until the man didn't get up again. A sound from above made him look up and he saw the other vehicle teetering at the edge of the structure, slowly breaking through the beams that were supporting it. Knowing he couldn't stop it he watched helplessly until it suddenly began to inch backwards and he realized that someone, hopefully Walker, was trying to keep it from falling. When Walker suddenly fell, with two Flag Smashers hanging on to him, the vehicle began breaking through the structure again. Only this time, it was stopped as Sam and his new suit had the strength to keep it from falling. Pulling Walker out the way Bucky watched in awe as Sam was able to push it back up to safety at the top of the structure. He could hear people cheering above as Sam hovered over the scene and knew they had accepted him as Captain America.

A sound from behind him made him turn in time to intercept a metal bar thrown to kill him by Karli. She attacked Bucky but was hit by the shield as Sam descended into the space. Suddenly smoke bombs were shot into their midst and they lost sight of her. Sam looked around then turned to the other two yelling to follow him while he ran into the smoke. As they ran through a tunnel Sam's display showed that the three Flag Smashers had split up. Bucky and Walker took the path of two of them while Sam continued following the one. Their path quickly petered out and Bucky led Walker through the maze of construction then back out into the open.

"Shit," swore Walker. "What now, Bucky?"

Bucky took the phone out that the security person gave him. "I have an idea," he said. "They have an app. Maybe I can lure them here."

Quickly he opened the app and smiled when it showed him everyone else who had the app. He entered a message then they both stood back and waited to see who showed up. Within minutes three figures came out from the construction site, stopping when they saw the other two men. Walker quoted Abraham Lincoln with a smile, impressed at Bucky's improvisation. Bucky held the phone up to the three Flag Smashers, commenting on the app as sirens and flashing lights heralded the arrival of the police. They were surrounded by a heavily armed tactical squad and the three Flag Smashers were taken into custody.

Together Walker and Bucky walked towards where several ambulances had been parked. As they walked in between they saw Sam fly in carrying the lifeless body of Karli Morgenthau. The media were throwing questions at Sam but he just ignored them, instead facing the people on the GRC council who were still there. Bucky watched as Sam challenged every one of their decisions which he believed had set off the time bomb of the Flag Smashers movement. Then he laid it all on the line, telling them they had no right to make decisions for billions of people without having them represented. It was inspiring stuff. After when Sam approached him Bucky pretended he had been texting the entire time which made Sam laugh. In Bucky's mind, the shield was now in good hands and he left with Carter to get her some medical attention feeling pretty good about what they had prevented.

Back in his neighbourhood later Bucky found himself outside where Yori Nakajima lived. For some time he stared at the building entrance from the sidewalk then he went up the steps and up to the floor where Yori lived. Slowly he walked to the old man's door and knocked. Yori was surprised to see him as it wasn't Wednesday, their usual day to spend together but still invited him in, asking what Bucky wanted.

Sombrely Bucky told him it was about the murder of Yori's son, RJ. He told him the Winter Soldier had been responsible for it and that he, Bucky, had been the Winter Soldier. His voice was shaking as he said it and the old man looked at him with hurt confusion on his face then asked why. All Bucky could offer was that he didn't have a choice and the old man's face suddenly displayed all the grief he had held inside for so long. He looked away from Bucky then stood up and walked to the shrine he had dedicated to his son, saying nothing. With sadness Bucky stood up and went to the door, looking at the broken man he had just hurt all over again. There was nothing further he could do for Yori; no condolences, no support, nothing he could ever say would help the sweet old man who had been his friend.

That night Bucky broke into Dr. Raynor's office and left her a gift bag with a note thanking her for all of her help. Inside the bag was his notebook with every name inside crossed off. Then he went home and opened the new notebook he bought and wrote in two names that he still had to atone to. Lacey Chapman and Tommy Chapman. He didn't put their names in the first book because they weren't victims of the Winter Soldier. Their pain was all on him, James Buchanan Barnes, and even if it took years he would find a way to make up for what he did to them. Maybe, just maybe they could forgive him. The following day he walked past the sushi bar and saw Yori sitting at the counter while Leah poured his sake. She looked at Bucky through the window but said nothing and he wondered if Yori told her about the confession. Subtly he nodded his head and took a breath before continuing on his way. He stopped in front of his building then turned and looked around the neighbourhood. It had been somewhat familiar to him when he first got the flat but it wasn't home anymore. He could see that now. Home was where he would be welcomed and he knew it was somewhere else.

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If you wish to read Lacey's book His Blue Eyes, it is fully published on Wattpad, under my user name SJSmith56. I hope you find it entertaining as Lacey used all the people she had come in contact with while she was pregnant and raising Tommy on her own as inspiration for many of the characters in the book she wrote after Bucky was turned to dust in the Blip. It has attracted some other readership already.

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#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #buckybarnes original female character #sam wilson #john walker #baron zemo #sharon carter #flag smashers

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dailybuglefandom · 6 months

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Winter Baron Space AU (part 9) Космическая АУ (часть 9)

#zemo #baron zemo #marvel #daily bugle fandom au #buckybarns #winter baron #winter baron space au

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krazykiki05 · 1 year

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There’s Just Not Enough Hours in the Day

Zemo accidentally had a daughter at 16 with a 17 year old. When she found out what he was doing back in 2016, she teamed up with the Avengers to help fight her father at the age of 19. During this time, she helped Bucky and they grew close.. She moved to Wakanda to help him readjust to modern life. When Bucky came back from the blip, he lived with her. He would miss therapy if it wasn’t for her. She would have never seen her father again if it wasn’t for him.

I Part 5 I

Bucky shut the container door and it was pitch black. Sam and Sharon used their phones' flashlights to light up the room. Bucky held onto me as bullets were still fired outside. “You okay?” He asks me.

“I’m fine.” I lie. A bullet was lodged in my torso, off to the side so I know it didn’t hit any vital organs. I’ll live as long as I dress it in time. I discreetly place my hand there, to cover the seeping blood. It was an all black outfit, but blood still shines in light.

After a few minutes, all gunshots were gone. “Stand back.” Bucky says before using his metal arm punch the doors open. As soon as we get out, a car speeds our way before stopping right in front of us. My father. “Supercharged.” He explains. I chuckle.

“You’re going back to jail.” Sam threatens.

“Do you want to find Karli or not?”

“He’s right. We need him.” My boyfriend defends. I hop in the front seat, where it’s less likely for them to see my wound. I pull my legs up to my chest, which hurt a lot but I was comfortable. I lean against the door and try to relax. Sam tries to get Sharon to come with us, but she refuses. Papa speeds off.

“Malyshka, what’s wrong?” Papa asks as he drives us back to the plane.

“What? Nothing.” I answered too defensively. Papa glances at me.

“I’m your father. Something’s wrong, I know it.” He argues in our native language. I glare at him.

“I’m just tired. We all are.” I lie in the same language. Papa shakes his head with a frown.

“I don’t buy it. Are you hurt?” He asks. I hesitate.

“No.”

“Then that means you would be okay moving your hand and getting your feet off the seat.” He challenges casually. I look at Papa worriedly, also glancing back at Bucky and Sam who were curious to what we were talking about. I move my hand, palm side covered in blood. I place it on my calf. My father harshly grabs my hand, looking at my palm. Sam and Bucky catch a glimpse of it too. “Dammit!” Papa curses in English.

“What the hell.”

“Annika what the hell is that?” Sam asks. I tank my hand away, placing it back on my wound. My father punches the wheel.

“She got shot.” He answers. Both men look at me.

You said you were fine!” Bucky chastises.

“I am fine!” I defend.

“A bullet wound is not fine! It’s not!” Sam yells. Papa takes out his phone.

“Oeznik, get some medical supplies. She has a bullet wound.” My father commands on the phone in Sokovian. I sigh. I got back to leaning against the car door. I felt a hand rub my shoulder from behind. Sam.

“Hey. Don’t fall asleep.” Bucky calls. I obey.

~~~~~~~

Once we arrived at the airport, walking to the plane was easy, even swatting Bucky’s hand away from helping me. It was until I got to the steps. Sam and Papa both went in front of me to get the supplies ready. Bucky triled behind in case I fell. I didn’t, but it still took me a good minute to get up there.

“Sit. Here. Now.” Sam snaps. With the help of Bucky, I sat on the couch part of the plane. I lift up my shirt to reveal the hold bigger than I thought.

“Shit.” I mumble. Sam pulls out a pair of tweezers. Right. He had to get the bullet out. Bucky sits next to me, facing us so that he’s behind me. He places his metal arm over my mouth.

“Place your hands on my arm.” He says, guiding one hand. I grasp his metal arm lightly. My heart starts racing. My father couldn’t watch, running to the cockpit. Bucky places his right arm around my torso. Sam and Bucky both nod at each other. Wait, what about me? I wasn’t ready! But they didn’t care. Sam uses one gloved hand to hold the wound open. I yelp into Bucky’s hand. I felt him place his face into my hair. Sam takes the tweezers and dig it into my skin. I yell and squeeze Bucky’s arm, nails bending at the metal. I let out a sob, shutting my eyes.

“Okay. All done.” Sam said. Bucky releases the hand over my mouth, I drop my arms. Having to endure that took up the last of my energy. My head feel back onto Bucky, well, my whole body did. Sam looks at me with sympathetic eyes. “Lay her down, Buck.” He whispers.

Bucky gently sets me down. He is moved out of the way by my father. Papa places his overcoat on top of me and kisses my forehead. Just like tucking me into bed when I was a little girl. “Rest for now, Malyshka. I’ll wake you later so you can eat.”

Zemo’s POV

I sat in my chair, contemplating if I should ask him or not. Well she is my daughter. “James, I am going to ask you an..unusual question. But I’m going to need you to answer.” James looks up from cleaning his metal arm. His eyebrows are furrowed. “How much does Annika eat in a day?” I could tell he was taken back by the question. But nonetheless, he thinks.

“Um. Not that much, honestly. You could say she has the appetite of a sparrow.” Bucky answers, chuckling at himself. I frown. It has returned.

“Why you ask?” Sam asks. I sigh. Technically it’s not my place to tell. But Bucky is her...boyfriend. And he should know. She will just have to deal with Sam knowing.

“When Anni was 16, she developed Bulimia. Anorexia if her mother and I were out of town for days at a time. It lasted 2 years, 2 years until one day, her mother and I heard a noise from the bathroom. A thud. The door was locked. I had to break it down. And there she was. My little girl, unconscious on the floor, vomit in the toilet. We took her to the hospital, where she had to stay there for 3 days to pump nutrients into her body. Her body was so used to digesting only itself, that digesting real food caused her great pain.” I explain. Both men look concerned. I look at my sleeping daughter. “She should not be this exhausted if she has been eating well.” I add.

“So, you’re saying it’s back?” Bucky asks.

“I know it’s back. I know what she looks like healthy. And that is not it.” I say, pointing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We’ve been in the air for some time now, the sky has grown dark. I think Anni has slept enough. So I started putting together some food. Sam was on the phone when I walked in so I just set his plate on the table next to him. I set mine and Bucky’s on the same table. I kneel down to gently wake Annika from her slumber by rubbing her shoulder. I see her twitch. “Malyshka, you’ve got to eat.” I whisper. Anni moans in annoyance but gets up. I set the plate on her lap. “I want all of this gone.” I demand before leaving to sit in my seat.

“She died in Riga. a city near the Baltic sea.” Sam explains.

“I have a place we can go.” I announce.

#sebastian #Sebastian Stan #sebastianstan #bucky #Bucky Barnes #buckybarnes #bucky imagine #zemo imagine #zemo #daddy zemo #helmut zemo #sam wilson #daniel brühl #captain america #captain america fluff #anthony mackie

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jbb32557038t41t420 · 2 months

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Entering my beefy era...

Bucky: me

Zemo: Indilven_cosplay (insta)

Pic by: frostlord.photography (insta)

Based on a fanart: aryjacobs (insta)

#bucky barnes #bucky #captain america #marvel #winter soldier #buckybarnes #zemo #helmut zemo #winter baron #civil war

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emptymidnight · 1 year

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Treated myself to some Panny goodies for my birthday 😍 Thanks @pannypunkpanda , they are adorable 🥰♥️

#winterbaron #zemo #buckybarnes #bucky x zemo #winterbaron merch

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lis-alis · 2 years

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an illustration to the wonderful fic "The Sound of Your Heart" which i made for @samothy-wilson few days ago❤

#tfawts #the falcon and the winter soldier #buckybarnes #helmut zemo #winterbaron #fan art #marvel

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kippiekippiee · 1 year

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Zemo: *standing on a balcony and sneezes*

James: *standing on the roof* Bless you.

Zemo: Jesus?!

#marvel #mcu #winterbaron #zemo #baron helmut zemo #baron zemo #helmut zemo #zemobucky #buckybarnes #bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #james barnes #tfatws #falcon and the winter soldier #incorrect quotes #incorrect marvel quotes

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mademoisellefantasy · 6 months

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" There has never been another Steve Rogers,has there? " | Captain Ameri...

Actually, this is soooo trueee!!!!!

As much as I like Sam Wilson as a character, it just wasn't the right decision for Marvel to replace Captain America. Maybe it makes sense in the comics where, because the storylines literally continue over decades, passing on the mantle of certain characters to others is narratively helpful and refreshing.

But in the MCU, it feels totally wrong. The whole point of Captain America being Steve and vice versa is that NO ONE ELSE had the moral integrity and strength of Steve Rogers. That's the reason he was chosen and no one else, no matter how great of a character they might be on their own right, could ever feel in his role.

Kinda how no one else is as brilliant, eccentric, and self-sacrificial as Tony Stark, thus no one but him can be Iron Man. I think that Steve and Tony were kinda supposed to be mirrors of each other, the one the heart and the other the brain of the Avengers. And so both should be irreplaceable.

I also think that it would have been much more honorable for Sam to accept that his old friend left a legacy behind that shouldn't be changed or affected by anyone (including himself), and go make his own arc focus on the future of America, symbolized by him AS THE FALCON.

In previous movies, because Steve (and Bucky, tbh) was always the main focus, we never got to see the full potential, backstory, motivations, etc. of the Falcon, just vague mentions. He was just a loyal friend and sidekick to Steve.

Imagine if the Falcon FINALLY had an arc that didn't center Steve Rogers, imagine if he was allowed to keep his core hero identity but also evolve in it. It would have been SO MUCH BETTER.

Additionally, I think that most of that passing on the mantle stuff, is just pandering to minorities, which in of itself isn't bad AT ALL, but they were SO LAZY about it in TFATWS.... Seriously, the script was mostly trash (apart from the more intimate Bucky and Sam interactions and Zemo's storyline), and it didn't allow Sam, the AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN THE WHOLE SERIES IS ABOUT!!!! to actually evolve in his own right and be a truly good protagonist.

Anyways, after TFATWS it became apparent to me that Marvel is no longer interested in good storytelling, character development, and representation. So, at least for me, Captain America in the MCU will forever only be Steve Rogers.

#mcu #rant post #steve rogers #will forever be #the only one #captain america #tfatws #sam wilson #the falcon and the winter soldier #bucky barnes #the winter soldier #i am so disappointed #iron man #tony stark #i am iron man #shorts #captain america edit #representation matters #poc representation

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sjsmith56 · 6 months

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The Duel - Chapter 4, Lord Buchanan

Summary: The combatants meet on a mist covered island in the middle of a river and begin their deadly duel of swords. Zemo’s poisoned blade sets up a race against time where Sir Samuel does all he can to keep Buchanan alive until he can be healed by magic. A tryst at a waterfall turns into an incident when two strange men make an attempt against Lord Buchanan.

Length: 5.8K - they’re all quite long as the story was originally published on Wattpad.

Characters: Lord Buchanan, Baron Zemo, Sir Samuel, King Steve, the Sorceress, two strangers from the next kingdom.

Warnings: Minors DNI. This chapter contains content not suitable for readers under the age of 18, including sexual content, violence causing death, Ileana feeling homesick, cursing.

Author’s notes: Photo edit of Bucky Barnes (Lord Buchanan) by Instagram artist nixakimbo. A duel, a race against time, and another sword fight with two adversaries. This is a dangerous world that Ileana has fallen into but she’s not the only modern woman who has landed here. What she does know is that she trusts Buchanan more than any man she has ever met, as he would defend a woman’s honor anytime at the point of his sword. Is he too good to be true? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.

<<Chapter 3

🌫️ 🌄 🗡️ 🧺

Ileana woke up before the sun rose and left her bed. Pulling back a tapestry that covered the window she looked out over the misty covered landscape and wondered where the duel was taking place. Women were not permitted to attend a duel. Only the combatants and their seconds would be there. Resting her chin on the stone edge of the window Ileana hoped that Buchanan would prevail.

Out of eyesight from the castle, Sir Samuel and Buchanan rode their horses towards the river. Their destination was an island in the middle of the river. The mist of the morning still hugged the low ground but they could see the top of the island peeking out. Baron Zemo and his second, his manservant, were already there waiting.

"It's been a long time coming, Buck," said Sam, looking at his friend in the pre-dawn morning light. "You know he will take advantage of every trick to kill you."

"I know it," said Buchanan. "He has tested me sorely for many years. I should have done this when Hannah killed herself. He was to blame for her death."

"But to do it over a servant?" exclaimed Sam.

"If I can't protect the lowliest person in my care then how will I protect those I love the most?" he replied. "Promise me, if I die that you will protect Ileana until she returns to her world. Don't let him touch her."

"I give you my word, brother," said Sam, solemnly.

They crossed at the shallow part of the river and onto the island. Dismounting, Buchanan touched foreheads with Magnus.

"If I die, old friend, you must stay with Sam, and serve him faithfully," he whispered.

The horse nickered then tossed his head. Buchanan removed his jacket and laid it across the saddle. Then he turned and walked with Sam to where the Baron and his manservant waited.

"Well Buchanan, you finally have your chance," said the Baron haughtily. "No doubt you have been praying for this day to come."

"It's long overdue Baron," said Buchanan with menace. "Once and for all it will be settled with your death or mine."

"Falconer, you may search me for hidden weapons while my second searches your friend," said the Baron, turning to Sam. "As agreed, we may each have a rapier and a dagger at our disposal."

Sam began searching the Baron, starting at his shoulders and moving down, looking for hidden pockets in his breeches and knives hidden inside the boots. As he performed his search the manservant did the same to Buchanan. Both men stood back and announced they were satisfied with their searches. Stepping back, Sam and the manservant watched for the first rays of the sun to reach them. Buchanan and the Baron both drew their rapier from its sheath and waited at the ready for the signal. Buchanan narrowed his focus to the man in front of him. Nothing else mattered at this moment. The sun hit the island making everything gleam in its golden rays.

"Begin," ordered Sam.

Buchanan and the Baron began circling each other, sizing each other up. They each made a feint move to the other hoping it would lead to a committed attack from their opponent but both men were too experienced to actually fall for it.

"I think once I kill you I will kill your bird man then go and pluck that delicious bird in your bed," said the Baron in a mocking tone.

"The King will prevent that," said Buchanan. "You will be killed before you set foot in the palace."

"He can try," said the Baron. "Tell me, what is she like in the sheets? I would ask if she is like Hannah but you never laid with my late wife, did you?"

Despite himself Buchanan was goaded into attacking and received a slash on his arm that cut through his shirt. Calming himself he went back into a more defensive stance. As he was stepping back he rolled his ankle on a large rock and stumbled. The Baron seized on the moment and attacked, slashing and thrusting furiously. Buchanan regained his footing and charged back, succeeding in slashing the Baron's arm.

The Baron looked at the blood seeping into his shirt with distaste. "That shirt was one of my favourites," he snarled. "That little wench I tasted yesterday will have to fix it for me, while I fuck her fully."

"You're such a pig, Helmut," snarled Buchanan, going on the attack again.

The two men were deep into it now slashing and thrusting at each other. Both were marked multiple times and the blood flowed freely, staining their shirts along with the sweat of their exertions. Both men stumbled and were pummelling the other with the hilt of their rapiers. Buchanan was stunned by the last hit, lying back in the dew soaked grass a moment too long. The Baron stood over him with his rapier pointed at his neck, gloating. Buchanan kicked out in desperation at the Baron's knee with his boot sending the other man down onto his back. Slipping his dagger out from his side sheath Buchanan leaped upon him, shoving it into the Baron's chest. As blood gurgled out the Baron's mouth it was obvious the death blow had been struck.

"You think you won," gasped the Baron as his life bled out of him. "But I got you first, James. You won't make it back in time."

He laughed at first, then coughed, before dying in the grass, with his eyes open.

"What did he mean?" asked Buchanan, looking up at the manservant, but he was already on his horse ready to flee.

"Your second didn't check what was on the blade," was all he said as he spurred his horse hard to get out of there.

Buchanan stood up immediately feeling dizzy. Stumbling to Sam he fell just as he reached his friend.

"Poisoned," he gasped. "Get the Sorceress."

Sam whistled and a red-tailed hawk appeared from nowhere, landing on his outstretched hand. Calming the bird, Sam whispered desperately to it then sent it on its way. Rushing to his horse he searched his saddlebags and found a pouch. Tearing a strip off of his shirt, he ran to the water's edge wetting it, then poured the contents of the pouch onto the strip of cloth, adding water with his hand to make it into a paste before returning to Buchanan. Tearing the sleeve where the first slash had been made he applied the poultice and mashed it into the cut forcing the contents into Buchanan's blood stream.

"Buck, stay with me," he spoke urgently to his friend. "Help is on the way but you have to stay awake."

"Tell my lady that my last thoughts were of her," whispered Buchanan, trying hard to stay awake. "Tell her, Sam, that she meant so much to me."

"You're not going to die, man," yelled Sam, trying not to cry. "Fight it. Fight the poison. Sorceress, where are you?"

He felt the healer’s presence in his mind before he saw her. "Is he still breathing?" she asked, her voice whispering in Sam's mind.

"Yes, he still breathes," he replied. "What else can I do? I put a poultice of dandelion and cat's claw on it."

"Good," she said, her voice sounding louder and clearer. "That will slow it down. I'm almost there Sam. Keep him awake."

He looked down at his friend. Buchanan's eyes were still blinking but his look was far away as if he was seeing something in the distance.

"Hannah," he whispered. "I see Hannah, my first love."

"Buck, don't go to her," said Sam, desperately. "Not yet, stay with me Buck. Look at me, don't look at her, look at me."

Buchanan turned his head and looked at Sam. Then he smiled. "Sam, I see you," he said. "But you look different."

"Buck, remember when we met?" asked Sam. "The first time. Not the second time during the war but the first time when we were but children?"

"We met when we were children, Sam?" asked Buchanan confused. "When, how?"

"You and your father were selling vegetables at the market," he said emotionally. "You saw me chained up to the slaver. You looked me in the eye."

"That was you?" asked Buchanan, looking more clearly at his friend. "I came back that night and picked the lock."

"You picked the lock, gave me a bag of food and told me to keep to the streams, that there were caves I could hide in," said Sam desperately. "Eventually I came to the falconer's hut and he took me in, taught me everything he knew because he didn't have a son. I owe my freedom to you Buck."

Sam was crying now, desperately trying to keep his friend alive long enough.

"Why didn't you tell me this when we met during the war?" asked Buck. "I always wondered if you got away."

"I don't know," said Sam. "I wasn't sure it was you at first but the longer we fought together the more I realized that you've always been honourable, since childhood. You changed my life Buck. Please stay awake. The Sorceress is almost here."

The Sorceress rode up onto the island on a beautiful white mare followed by the King. He dismounted and helped her off the horse leading her over to his friends.

"You've done well, Sam," she said, touching his arm. "Your poultice is drawing the poison out and your revelation to him drew his interest. He wants to stay now."

"You heard that?" said Sam. "He saved me and he was just a boy when he did."

"It inspired you," said the King. "He did the same for me when his family fostered me. I was sickly as a child but he protected me, stood up for me and was like my big brother. Sam, we both owe him. Sorceress, can you heal him?"

"Sam's already done the hard part," she said, as she lightly ran her hands over his chest and head. "I'll just neutralize the remaining poison and heal his cuts."

Her hands glowed and as they rested on his cuts they slowly healed them showing no scar. At the first cut that was made, where the poultice was, the cloth was stained a sickly black and green colour. She peeled it off and healed the cut, throwing the poultice far away from her. Buchanan stirred and sat up. Sam and the King both offered him their hand. Taking them both he pulled himself into a standing position.

"The Baron is dead," he said flatly, looking at the body lying a few feet away. "He would have taken me with him."

"Good thing you had a second who had a hawk and knew the healing herbs," said the King. "The Baron's lands are forfeited and I think his tenants would like a new master. Sam, do you want to be a Baron?"

"No, but I could be Lord Falcon," he said, drawing himself up fully. "If that title is acceptable to you, your Majesty."

The King nodded and put his hands on both of his friend's shoulders. "Let's go make it official then," he said.

After helping the Sorceress onto her mare the three men mounted their horses and rode to the castle. For Buchanan it was a joyous ride. He had seen Hannah and knew she was in a better place, not the hell that the church said a suicide would be in. Someday he would join her but it wouldn't be today. The revelation that his friend Sam was the slave he had freed as a boy filled him with a sense of satisfaction. The slaver had looked everywhere for his missing property and had threatened to bring the Mad Titan's wrath on the village but no one seemed to know anything. His father had suspected that Buchanan had done it, glad his son had known what was right and what was wrong, just as he had done when he accepted the sickly small son of his dead king as his foster son. For Sam it was a relief to finally reveal his connection to Buchanan and the sense of obligation he had always felt to him. From slave to falconer to Knight Commander and now Lord he was proud of how he had risen in the world and vowed to live up to the ideals of Buchanan and the King. For the King it was vindication of the men his deepest friendships were with. Of royal birth himself he knew the nobility had looked sideways at him when he made Buchanan their equal. They were going to have a stroke when he invested Sam with his title but he didn't care. To him the true measure of a man was how he conducted himself and how he treated people. Both men had risen from humble beginnings and both had proven they had noble hearts and minds.

In the Castle, Ileana had been bathing when Alice rushed in to say the King and the Sorceress had been called to the site of the duel. Ileana quickly dressed and ran down to the Queen's quarters to learn what had happened.

"The Baron is dead but he poisoned Buck," said the Queen. "The Sorceress goes to heal him while the King went in the event they were too late. His affection for Buck is deep and he didn't want him to die alone."

"Oh, Peg, what if he is already dead?" cried Ileana. "I love him so much."

"All we can do is wait," said the Queen, not bothered by the use of her given name. "Stay here with me. Once my morning sickness has passed we'll eat breakfast."

"You're pregnant?" asked Ileana. "Does the King know?"

The Queen smiled. "No, I was going to tell him this morning," she said. "If Buck lives there will be two reasons to celebrate."

When she was certain her morning sickness had abated the Queen ordered breakfast be served and the two women dined. A servant entered to say the King had arrived in the courtyard with the Sorceress, the Knight Commander and Lord Buchanan. The group entered the dining hall five minutes later. Ileana looked at Buchanan in his dirty clothes and torn shirt, wanting to go to him. Before she could he excused himself to get changed, motioning for her to stay. No one spoke until he returned ten minutes later in day clothes of grey leather. Before anything was said he offered Ileana his hand and raised her to a standing position. Gently he embraced her and kissed her in full view of the King and Queen.

"I'm sorry your Majesties," he apologized. "It had to be done."

"Quite right, Buck," said the King, smiling. "Let's get some food into us."

More food was brought out and soon the talk turned to Sam's investiture as Lord Falcon. The King was concerned that some of the nobility were already jostling in position to be awarded the Baron's lands so he wanted to do it as soon as possible, either that afternoon or the following day at the latest. The King turned to the Sorceress and asked if she had an opinion on it.

"Tomorrow," she said. "Tomorrow will be a better day."

"Very well, tomorrow then," he said. "I will send out the notices today."

"Good," said the Queen. "There is another notice you may send out today, your Majesty. I carry your child."

He choked on his food and looked at his wife with wonder. "You're with child?" he exclaimed. "How long have you known? When?"

She laughed. "A week or two with the morning sickness," she said. "The Sorceress confirmed it but I swore her to secrecy until we were certain of it's strength. About seven months from now you will have a son."

The King stood up to lean over the Queen, kissing her full on the mouth. "Peg, my darling," he said for her ears only, "you surprise me more and more. I love you most dearly."

The breakfast continued with the laughter and light conversation. Ileana felt something on her thigh and looked to see Buchanan's hand squeezing her knee. He leaned to her.

"Come for a ride with me," he whispered. "There's something I want to show you."

"Well, I did miss it last night," she whispered back.

He smiled. "Not that, something else, although if you're up for it we can do something there," he said. "You'll need to change into your riding clothes. It will be a warm enough day for a swim."

"Will you tell me what happened with the Baron?" she asked. "Everything?"

"I will, although it will distress you," he replied.

They were interrupted by a question from the King. "Buck, I asked if you and Lady Ileana wanted to be alone for a while seeing as how you are returned from near death," he said.

"Yes, your Majesty," said Buchanan. "We were just discussing that. I would like to take her to Angel Falls. With it being so warm out today we can dangle our feet in the waters there."

"That's not the only thing you can dangle there," muttered Sam, just loud enough for Buck to hear.

Buck turned to Sam with a warning expression on his face but his eyes were smiling. The King caught the exchange and smiled, having taken his wife there several times when they courted.

"I think that's a good idea," he said. "Take a pony to carry a lunch and a blanket to lay upon the rocks. I'll make sure there are no excursions there today. As for us, Sam and I will plan his investiture with the Bishop."

Buchanan smiled, excusing them both from the table so they could get ready. He escorted Ileana back to their quarters and sat in the chair of her dressing room watching as she changed out of her day clothes and into her riding clothes.

"I would think you would want me right here in this dressing room," she said playfully as she hung the gown up.

"I do want you," he said. "But I would rather have you in the waters at Angel Falls. I am enjoying this display immensely."

She put the stockings and riding skirt on, then the tunic and corset. Finally she slipped on her boots, ready to go. He stopped at his dressing room and took a leather satchel off of a shelf, inserting two rolled up drying cloths into it. By the time they got to the courtyard Magnus was there, saddled and ready for them. A small pony was tethered to the big horse with a small case attached to each side. One side had a small feast packed into it while the other had a blanket. He put the satchel in the case with the blanket, securing it. Then he helped Ileana up onto the great horse, mounting behind her. Clicking his tongue they started with an easy pace. When they were out of view of the castle and well beyond the farms of the tenants Buchanan began to kiss Ileana on her neck and shoulders as he caressed her breasts.

"What are you up to, James?" she asked.

"Just thinking of something we can do to while away the time until we get to the falls," he said. "It's making me hard thinking of it."

"What?" she said. "Tell me."

"Are you wearing your lower undergarment under your chemise?"

"No."

"Good, I'm going to stop and unbutton my pants," he said. "You're going to turn around and face me, lift up your skirts and mount me. We'll ride that way to the falls."

"Is that possible?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I don't know but I'd like to try," he said kissing her neck again.

They stopped and did as he described. She eased herself onto his hard cock and he grasped her with one hand as she settled in. He was in deep and the erotic nature of doing it on horseback had aroused her.

"Feels good to me," he said. "Are you alright?"

"I think so," she said. "I'm turned on."

He looked confused for a moment then understood her reference. Slowly Magnus began walking and Ileana gasped at the movement within her.

"Oh fuck," she whispered. "That feels good."

"For me as well," he said, looking down at her. "Kiss me."

She kissed him and felt even more aroused. When she pulled away his breathing was heavy and he had a hard time concentrating on their path. He grasped her and began thrusting up into her as Magnus continued walking. Using his rein hand to support her, with his free hand he sought her breast to mouth. She helped expose it and he leaned onto her kissing and mouthing her breast.

"Fuck," he gasped. "I don't know how much longer I can hold it in."

"Come, dammit," she said. "I'm ready too."

They stopped and finished coming together in a furious fit of pumping and thrusting. Magnus waited patiently as if it was nothing new to him. He turned and looked at the pony who was happily munching on the tall grasses next to the path. The couple held each other kissing and caressing until they were both content.

"That was unexpected," he said drily, then smiling. "I'm not sure what I expected but that was, what's the expression... something else. I think we should go back to the way we started. That was definitely distracting, worth it but we need to get to the falls."

They took a moment to reset themselves although it was more time consuming than when they started it. Finally they were able to resume their journey and arrived at the falls well before noon. Buchanan dismounted and helped Ileana off of Magnus to view the spectacle ahead of them.

A wide river on the cliff above fell lazily down, the top of the falls looking like the outspread wings of an angel. The widest edge of water dissipated quickly but the central portion was more concentrated and resembled an angel's garment. He looked up at the sun.

"At certain angles of the sun there is a halo above the whole thing," he said. "The pool below is quite shallow and warms up quickly. Come, we can get a swim in before the sun is at its highest."

They had to go down a shallow path to get to the water's edge, leading the horses behind them. Buchanan pulled the cases off the pony but kept it tethered to Magnus' bridle. He removed Magnus' saddle and saddle blanket, telling the great horse to eat his fill of the tender grasses but not to go far. Magnus nickered and pulled the pony away to a shady, grassy area.

Looking at Ileana Buchanan kissed her passionately as he began to undress her. When she was naked he picked her up and threw her into the pool. She screamed with laughter then started to splash him as she treaded water. Quickly he undressed and dove in, coming up right in front of her.

"What do you think of our Angel Falls?" he said, kissing and caressing her.

"It's beautiful," she said. "I think it would be a popular place for a date."

"What's a date?" he asked. "I don't think I've heard what that means before. Certainly, Elena never spoke of that term."

"When a man asks a woman out," she said. "This would be for a date after they've had sex already. It's beautiful, and private, and warm enough to do this."

She kissed him, stroking his cock until it was hard. He pulled her close enough to slide it into her, wrapping her legs around his waist. It was shallow enough for him to stand but he leaned back onto a ledge for leverage and fucked her hard until they both came. When he released her she swam away from him and positioned herself under the water fall. The water was much colder than that in the pool and she laughed until it was too much for her, swimming out again. Buchanan wasn't visible, and she swam to the middle of the pool calling him. Then she heard him from above and he dove into the deepest part of the pool, coming up beside her again.

"When I was a teenager," she said, "and went to the swimming pool the teenage boys would do stuff like that to impress us girls."

"You bathed in pools together?" he asked. "Unclothed?"

"No, no," she laughed. "We had special clothing to wear called bathing suits. Enough to cover the important parts. Families would go, or people wanting to use swimming for exercise. It was a socially acceptable way to see the opposite sex with little clothing on."

"Were you impressed with dives like that?" he asked pulling her close again.

"Oh yes," she said. "Not that it ever led to anything. They stayed with their band of boys and I stayed with my group of girls. Occasionally, one of them would get brave enough to ask one of us out and that couple would have their first date. But not to a swimming hole like this. To a movie or the fair."

"Sounds fun," he said. "Your world seems much kinder to children than mine does. I was expected to work in the fields with my father from my earliest memories. It was always work, sunrise to sunset. Even on the Sabbath we couldn't just play, it was considered sacrilegious. We were expected to be learning our catechism. I was lucky, as I was permitted go to school with Steven, our King, starting when I was about eight. He was a handful to others but mindful of me. Many others of my age never learned to read or write. It is one of my great joys to own books."

She smiled. "My world sounds good," she said. "But there are many troubled people. There's so much other stuff that I miss. Shit.... Can we just sit in the sun for a while?"

She reached into the case with the drying cloths and pulled one out drying her hair then laid it on a flat rock next to the water. Laying face down on it she folded her arms under her head and began to cry. He quickly got out of the water, dried off and sat next to her, stroking her back, not saying a word. Eventually she stopped crying.

"Thank you for letting me get that out," she said. "Despite all of the problems my world has I miss it. I miss turning on a hot water tap and flush toilets. I miss my friends and my mom. I'm really missing a good coffee. You're the only thing that is keeping me here and I love you, I truly do, but...."

"But you don't know if it's enough to keep you here," he said quietly. "I can understand that."

He laid down on his back next to her, one leg bent and shaded his eyes as he looked sideways at her. She looked back at him and they smiled at each other.

"Do you think there is someone back in my world that is you?" she asked. "Like I am your wife's?"

"It's likely," he said. "I'm very jealous of him right now if he exists. But my wife was a modern woman and you are also. Perhaps there are several. If you aren't meant to stay maybe another one is. Maybe you're meant to be with him when you return."

Magnus gave a snort and Buchanan was instantly on alert, listening for several minutes.

"Put your clothes on, quickly," he said, getting up himself.

He quickly dressed, making sure his sword was at the ready. Ileana put her clothing on, just finishing tying her corset when two men wearing green and black rode in. They looked surprised to see the couple.

"Hold there and identify yourself," commanded Buchanan, his hand on the hilt of his rapier.

"Who are you to command us?" said one of them harshly.

"Lord Buchanan, right hand of the King," he replied.

The two men conferred and raised their hands, showing their open palms. "Two travellers from the next kingdom," the other one said. "We've been on the road but heard this pool was a good place to bathe. We wish you no harm. If you wish to saddle your horse and take your good wife with you we will wait M'Lord."

Buchanan called Magnus over and saddled the great horse while watching the two men closely. Then he loaded the cases back on to the pony. He helped Ileana onto Magnus and mounted himself. The men backed away and he rode past noticing how they stared hungrily at Ileana. He made sure they saw his arm around her as he passed. After about ten minutes travel of constantly looking back, he spoke to her.

"They're following us," he said. "I will have to cut the pony loose so no lunch for us. Remember before when I asked you to lean forward? You need to do that again on my mark."

"Alright," she said, frightened.

He kept looking behind him, then reached into his boot for his dagger. "Take this," he said. "Use it if one of them gets close to you. I will have to fight them on foot."

"James, no, they'll kill you!" she cried turning to him.

"I have to do what I have to do," he said, kissing her on the head.

He pulled his sword out, cutting the pony loose. Then he gave her the word, spurring Magnus on. Ileana lowered herself as did he but he kept looking behind him before making a sound of disgust. Pulling up fast he jumped off , yelled for her to go, then slapped Magnus' rump and told him to go. The great horse took off with Ileana holding on to the horse's mane as best she could. Just as she thought she would fall off a hand reached for the loose rein, pulling the great horse to a stop. His sides were heaving and it was obvious he couldn't run any more. She looked up to see it was one of the men and gripped the knife Buchanan gave her as the stranger circled around her on his horse.

"Your husband was right to send you on," he said. "You are worth a second look."

"Come near me and I will kill you," she warned. "He certainly will."

"Right," he said, approaching closer. "By now my friend is sticking your husband and he is drawing his final breath."

He approached too close and Magnus pawed the ground in response. Ileana wrapped her hands in his mane and squeezed her thighs tight expecting the great horse to rear. He did just that, startling the other man so that he was almost unseated from his horse. Turning his horse he tried a different tack but Magnus wasn't having it.

"Good boy, Magnus," cooed Ileana.

In the distance she could hear the sound of pounding hooves and worried it was the man's partner but it was Buchanan. When the first man saw him he dropped Magnus' rein and took off. Buchanan didn't stop, still pursuing the other man. Ileana reached for the reins, finally snagging them and encouraged Magnus on. They caught up to where Buchanan was engaged in a sword fight with the other man. She had seen sword fighting in the movies but the reality was much more brutal. She was afraid for her lover but could see he was a much better swordsman than the man he faced, eventually dispatching him with a thrust into his belly. For a moment he bent over regaining his breath, then he loaded the body onto his horse and tied him on. He came over to her with both horses, tying them onto Magnus.

"They're wearing the uniform of a prince of the Kingdom of Green Lands," he said. "Likely deserters but the King needs to see this. The other one can rot where I left him. I'm sorry our date didn't work out so well."

He mounted Magnus behind her and set off at an easy pace. Within an hour they were back at the castle where he reported the incident to the King, who came out to see the body and the horses himself. Although he agreed they were likely deserters he sent two emissaries with the dead man's jacket and the insignias from the horses' saddles as proof of an incident. It was a day's ride so no answer was expected for several days.

That night, in bed, James apologized for not keeping her safe. He was very gentle with her, making love slowly, stretching out the pleasure they took from each other. He kissed and mouthed her breasts and neck as he pushed himself into her while stroking her legs and bottom. Her hands touched him as well, confirming they were as soft as her skin. As they lay together after they came he told her about the Kingdom of Green Lands.

"Two brothers rule the kingdom," he said. "The older is brave and honourable. It was he who helped slay the Mad Titan and save my life. The younger brother is cunning and calculated. Those two men wore his colours. I hope their foray into our kingdom wasn't on his bidding."

"Why would he do that?" asked Ileana.

"He can be a troublemaker," replied James, kissing her head. "I fear this may lead to a war between us, or a civil war for them."

They laid not speaking for a time then he took her face in his hands.

"If you are meant to return to your world, I hope it is before any war starts," he said. "War is when good men do terrible things and I don't want you to see me in the middle of a war."

Buchanan's admission that the incident could lead to a war worried Ileana. Although, James continued to be gentle with her during their lovemaking she could tell he was troubled. As she drifted off to sleep, she was unaware that he lay awake for some time, worried about how this modern woman could handle being in a medieval war. He had seen some of the Sorceress' visions of wars in the modern world and they seemed terrible in their own right but he was knowledgeable enough to know that the warfare of his world was bloody and brutal compared to hers. He could only hope that Ileana was returned to her world before his world descended into the madness of battle.

Chapter 5>>

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