Н“‚Н“Ž Н’¹Ð‘’Н’¶Ð“‡ Н“ˆð“…Н’¾Ð’¹Ð‘’Н“Ž – Н“…. Н“…Н’¶Ð“‡Ð“€Ð‘’Н“‡ chapter 5

2016, New York – Queens

Peter Parker had just settled into his room after a long day of school and patrolling when a soft knock startled him. He turned toward the window, raising an eyebrow. Alec Stark stood on the fire escape outside, a small smirk on his face as he tapped lightly on the glass with his knuckle. The boy did a small wave as if this were the most normal thing in the world. Peter shook his head but couldn’t help smiling as he hurried over to unlatch the window.

Peter quickly crossed the room, sliding the window up.

– You know, most people use the front door. – he said, stepping aside to let Alec in.

He hopped inside effortlessly, he landed in a smooth, graceful motion, as if gravity didn’t quite have the same hold on him. He dusted off his jacket and looked at Peter with a tilt to his head.

– Front doors are boring. Plus, I like the element of surprise. – he gave Peter a playful wink as he straightened up. The curly haired boy tried not to roll his eyes.

– Right, surprise. – he muttered, but there was a faint grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Alec had a habit of showing up unannounced (like some kind of cool, older mutant with an unshakeable confidence that always threw Peter off a bit).

– So, how was your day, Parker? – Alec asked, casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed, as his eyes wandered over the cluttered room.

Peter’s face lit up immediately.

– Oh, it was… well, you know, the usual. – he started, rubbing the back of his neck – I mean, first period was fine. Physics was actually kind of interesting today, Mr. Harrington talked about gravitational waves, and Ned and I- oh! Ned’s working on this new LEGO Star Wars model, and we spent half of lunch trying to figure out where the missing piece went but turns out it was stuck in his backpack the whole time. Can you believe it? And then, after school, I, uh, had patrol, nothing major though, just a few muggings and-.

Alec listened, half-smiling as Peter rambled, his hands gesturing wildly as he recounted every little detail. He couldn’t help but think it was adorable – the way Peter’s energy bubbled over, his excitement about the most mundane things making Alec’s usual stoic demeanor soften. The young Stark wasn’t used to people being so open, so earnest.

– -and then I ended up back here, obviously. – Peter finished, finally catching his breath. His cheeks were slightly flushed, either from talking too much or from the way Alec’s eyes seemed to be focused so intently on him – Uh, sorry. That was a lot.

– Don’t apologize, – Alec said, his voice smooth and teasing – I think it’s cute how excited you get about everything.

Peter blinked, his cheeks heating up even more. He opened his mouth to respond, but words failed him for a moment. Instead, he scratched the back of his head and muttered:

– Yeah, well, you know, just trying to keep up.

Alec chuckled softly, then fell quiet, and for a brief moment, there was a comfortable silence between them. But Peter’s curiosity got the better of him. He cleared his throat and glanced at Alec with a more serious expression.

– Hey, um… about Lagos.

Alec’s playful smirk faded slightly, and he raised an eyebrow.

– What about it?

– Well, I mean… – Peter hesitated, unsure if he was overstepping – I saw what happened on the news. There was all that damage, the explosion, but you… you stopped the bomb before it hit the hospital, right?

Alec exhaled, looking away for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. He shifted his weight, the casual vibe from earlier replaced by something heavier.

– Yeah, I did. But… people still got hurt. I teleported the bomb away from the hospital, but there wasn’t enough time. It exploded further away, but the shockwave hit a nearby building. A few people were injured. – Peter’s face softened.

– But you healed them, right? – Alec nodded.

– Yeah. I got to them before it was too late. No one died because of it.

Peter stared at him, his brows furrowed in concern.

– Then why are you looking like it’s still weighing on you? You saved those people, Alec.

Alec sighed, running a hand through his dark hair.

– I know. But it doesn’t change the fact that it happened. And you know how it goes, someone always finds a way to twist what we do. It’s complicated. – Peter shifted uncomfortably.

– You mean… the Accords.

– Yeah. – Alec’s gaze flickered to Peter’s, his eyes dark with thought – I didn’t feel guilty, not after I healed everyone. But they want to control us, Peter. Put us in a box, make sure we only move when they say it’s okay. I can’t sign up for that.

Peter frowned, considering Alec’s words.

– But what if… I mean, what if regulation is the answer? What if we need rules so no one gets hurt again?

Alec stepped closer to him, his voice dropping to a quiet murmur.

– The world is never that simple, spidey. Rules are made by people who don’t understand the stakes we’re dealing with. They’re not out here, risking their lives like you are every day.

Peter met Alec’s gaze, uncertainty swirling in his chest. Alec’s presence was overwhelming, and the truth in his words made Peter’s heart race. Still, the weight of responsibility tugged at him.

Alec smirked again, sensing Peter’s inner turmoil.

– Don’t overthink it too much, Parker. This won’t affect you. – he leaned in just a little, his voice a teasing whisper.

Peter’s heart skipped a beat as Alec’s words lingered between them. He swallowed, trying to focus.

– Yeah… yeah, I guess not.

Alec grinned, giving Peter a light, playful shove on the shoulder.

– Good. Now, any chance you’re up for grabbing some pizza? You know I can teleport us there in, like, five seconds.

Peter chuckled, his nervousness easing a bit.

– Sure, why not? Just don’t teleport me into a wall or something.

– No promises, spidey. – Alec winked, already reaching out to take Peter’s arm.

•••

Austria – Vienna

The atmosphere in the United Nations grand hall was charged with anticipation as delegates took their seats. Among them was King T’Chaka, the dignified ruler of Wakanda, his presence commanding the room’s attention. As he approached the podium, delegates murmured among themselves, eager to hear his words.

– Honorable delegates. – T’Chaka began, his voice rich and authoritative – Today, we gather not only to address the conflicts that plague our world but to celebrate our shared humanity and our responsibility to protect it. We must stand united against those who would exploit our differences and tear us apart. In Wakanda, we believe in the strength of community, and it is this strength that we offer to you all.

His speech resonated through the hall, addressing the pressing need for global collaboration in light of the recent conflicts caused by superhuman battles. He spoke passionately about peace, progress, and the potential for a better world, his words inspiring hope among those gathered.

T’Challa, the young prince of Wakanda, stood off to the side, his eyes focused on his father. He felt a sense of pride swell within him as he listened, but beneath that pride, a nagging sense of unease began to grow.

As T’Chaka continued, T’Challa’s instincts kicked in. He glanced toward the window, noticing the police on the street panicking. Panic surged within him as well, and he stepped forward, calling out:

– Everybody, get down!

But before he could finish his warning, a deafening explosion shattered the moment. The ground shook violently, and a blinding flash engulfed the room. Debris flew through the air as chaos erupted. Delegates screamed and ducked for cover, scrambling to escape the devastation.

T’Challa’s heart raced as he pushed through the frantic crowd, desperate to reach his father. The smoke and dust clouded his vision, making it difficult to navigate the destruction.

Amidst the wreckage, he spotted T’Chaka, but the king was struggling to stand. A haze of smoke surrounded him, and T’Challa felt a cold grip of fear tighten around his heart.

– Father! – he cried, rushing forward as quickly as he could.

T’Challa reached out, but it was too late. The king’s eyes dimmed, and he slumped forward, the light fading from his gaze. T’Challa felt an overwhelming wave of despair crash over him. The hall was in chaos; people were fleeing, and the sounds of sirens began to wail in the distance.

In the midst of the wreckage, Natasha Romanoff, who was there representing the avengers, rushed to T’Challa’s side. She knelt beside him, her expression a mixture of shock and concern.

– We need to get you out of here. – she urged, glancing around at the devastation.

But T’Challa could hardly hear her, his focus solely on his father’s lifeless body. The weight of loss pressed down on him, the reality of the moment striking him like a blow.

– He was… he was trying to help. – T’Challa murmured, his voice thick with grief.

Natasha placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze fierce.

– We can’t stay here, your highness. – she helped him to his feet, urgency coursing through her.

As they made their way through the chaos, T’Challa felt a fire ignite within him. His father’s death would not be in vain. He would honor T’Chaka’s legacy, and those responsible would pay for their actions.

•••

The atmosphere in the avengers headquarters was tense as the security footage from the bombing incident in Vienna was reviewed. The delegates had been killed, and chaos reigned, but what they discovered next would shake them to their core. On the screen, amidst the chaotic aftermath, the grainy video revealed the face of the perpetrator, Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers’ long-lost friend, who everyone had presumed dead.

Steve’s heart sank as the realization struck him.

– Bucky… – he whispered, disbelief mingling with concern. He had been searching for his friend, hoping to find him, but now, the world was about to label him a murderer.

– Steve. – Natasha began, her voice steady but edged with urgency – We have to let the authorities handle this. We can’t protect him if he’s a threat.

But Steve shook his head, determination hardening his features.

– He’s not a threat. He was manipulated, just like before. I have to find him, before anyone else does.

– Steve, the evidence is clear. We need to turn him in. The world wants justice for what happened. – Tony said.

– No! I won’t let them take him. – Steve replied, his voice resolute.

Without waiting for a response, Steve grabbed his gear, determination driving him forward. Sam Wilson followed closely.

– You can’t do this alone, Cap. I’m coming with you.

– Alec, you in? – Steve turned to the boy, who had been watching the scene unfold.

Alec nodded, his expression serious.

– We need to help Bucky. He’s not the enemy here.

With that, Steve, Sam, and Alec Stark quickly devised a plan to track Bucky down, their resolve unwavering.

•••

Romania – Bucharest

In the dim streets of Bucharest, Steve, Sam, and Alec moved stealthily, the city alive with the buzz of the people. Falcon stayed outside, on top of the building, while the other two went in on Bucky’s apartment. As they walked around the place, Steve felt a mixture of hope and anxiety; he was close to finding Bucky, but he knew time was running out.

– Heads up, Cap. – Sam said on the comms – German special forces approaching from the south.

– Understood. – he answered.

   Both Steve and Alec sensed someone behind them, so they turned around to be met with Bucky.

– Do you know me? – the blonde asked. Barnes took a while before answering:

– You’re Steve, I read about you in a museum.

   Sam warned them again about the soldiers, they had surrounded the building.

– I know you’re nervous. – Steve began – And you have plenty of reasons to be. But you’re lying.

– I wasn’t in Vienna, I don’t do that anymore.

– He’s telling the true, Cap. – Alec said, reading the man’s mind. The blonde nodded his head.

– They’re entering the building. – Falcons said.

– Well, the people who think you did are coming in here now. – he got closer – And they’re not planning on taking you alive.

– That’s smart of them. – he steps back.

   As the tension in the air thickened, Sam looked around at the situation, anxiety etched on his face.

– I’m compromised, – he said, glancing up at the roof where armed soldiers were readying themselves for action – they know we’re here. We need to move, fast.

– Bucky, this doesn’t have to end in a fight. – Steve said, his voice steady as he tried to reason with his friend.

   Bucky’s expression was weary, the weight of his past evident in his eyes.

– It always ends in a fight. – he replied, as if he had resigned himself to the fate that had followed him for years. Alec frowned, sensing the despair that clung to Bucky like a shadow.

   Sam counted down, ready to make a move.
– Five… four… three.

   Before he could finish, a grenade sailed through the window, crashing into the room with a deafening roar. Without thinking, Steve swung his shield at the grenade, sending it ricocheting away from them, but another explosive was already on its way. This time, Bucky reacted instinctively, kicking it back toward Steve, who covered it with his shield just in time to absorb the blast.

   The sound of the explosion was followed by chaos as soldiers invaded the room, rushing in from every angle. The tension erupted into a flurry of fists and weapons, each side determined to emerge victorious.

   Bucky moved like a force of nature, his training and instincts kicking in as he fought off the intruders with brutal efficiency. He knocked one soldier down the stairs, sending him tumbling out of the way as he barreled forward, Alec and Steve close on his heels.

– Let’s get out of here! – Alec yelled, channeling his energy to create a protective barrier around them as they pushed through the throng of soldiers. His eyes darted around, scanning for Bucky, who was leading the charge down the stairwell.

– Watch your six! – Steve shouted, tackling a soldier who lunged at him from the side. With a swift movement, he disarmed the man and threw him into the wall, but more kept coming.

   As they descended the stairs, the sounds of combat reverberated around them. Alec teleported briefly, appearing behind another soldier and using his powers to immobilize him with a surge of kinetic energy before teleporting back to join Steve and Bucky.

   Just as they made their way through the door, more soldiers came rushing down from the other end, weapons raised. Steve was trying to stop Bucky from killing anyone – not that it was his intention, obviously.

   Bucky jumped from the stairs to another floor, breaking a door on the way and escaping through the window, jumping into another building.

   Alec stepped forward, drawing on his abilities.

– Hold on, Cap. – he said, focusing on the soldiers’ minds. He reached out telepathically, causing confusion and disarray among their ranks, buying his friends precious moments.

   As they fought their way through the throng of soldiers, Alec couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being hunted, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. But they had to keep moving; they had to stick together.

   With a final push, they broke through the last line of soldiers, sprinting for the exit. Outside, the sun blazed down, illuminating the chaos surrounding them, Bucky now fighting a guy in a cat suit.

– Who the hell is that guy? – Sam said, while Steve and Alec prepared to jump to help Bucky.

   T’Challa, the Black Panther, stepped forward, springing forward with the agility of a predator. He lunged at Bucky, claws extended, aiming for his chest.

   Bucky dodged, the movement instinctive, and countered with a swift left hook that T’Challa deftly blocked. The force of the impact reverberated through Bucky’s arm, but T’Challa wasn’t deterred.

   Bucky ducked under another swing, rolling to the side before launching himself back at T’Challa, using the momentum to throw a kick aimed at his midsection. T’Challa anticipated the move, sidestepping gracefully and bringing his fist down in a powerful counterattack.

   They exchanged blows, the sound of fists meeting flesh echoing through the alley as they moved like dancers in a deadly ballet. Each punch was met with a counter, each movement calculated and fierce.

   Until a helicopter showed up, shooting at them both. Which Sam handled just fine by pushing it out of the way.

   Bucky managed to grapple T’Challa, using his strength to throw him against a nearby wall. But T’Challa recovered quickly, flipping back to his feet and slashing at Bucky with his claws, narrowly missing his face.

   That’s when Bucky managed to escape, running and jumping until he landed on a road full of cars driving by. But T’Challa was soon after him, alongside Alec and Steve.

   In a flash, a chase ensued through the narrow streets, Bucky sprinting away from T’Challa’s relentless pursuit. Alec stayed at the rear, utilizing his telepathy to try to reach Bucky’s mind, offering silent encouragement, but the chaos of the moment made it difficult to connect.

– Bucky, this way! – Steve shouted, trying to guide his friend as they weaved through traffic and crowds, even though he wasn’t listening to him. But T’Challa was relentless, using his agility and combat skills to keep pace, determined to avenge his father’s death.

   The chase continued, escalating through markets and alleys, with bystanders looking on in confusion and fear. Just as it seemed they might escape, law enforcement suddenly flooded the streets, a sea of blue uniforms and flashing lights. The authorities had been tipped off, and the trap was closing in.

– Sam, we need to split up. – Steve urged, glancing at his friend – Get Bucky out of here!

But it was too late. The authorities moved in, swiftly surrounding them. Steve fought valiantly, but numbers overwhelmed them, and soon he, Sam, and Alec found themselves captured, handcuffed and pushed into the back of a police van.

The boy was smirking, obviously he find it funny that the cops thought they could stop him or a super soldier like Steve and Bucky with mere handcuffs.

They got out in different cars, more like a small truck actually. Bucky was restrained in a glass box and Alec, Steve, Sam and the cat man, who revealed himself as T’Challa in another car.

•••

Back to Berlin

They were driving for a while now, the occasional sigh of the youngest being the only noise at the car. That was until Sam decided to break that silent.

– So you like cats? – he asked the prince, earning a small laugh of Alec.

– Sam. – Steve says as a warning.

– What? – he says – Dude shows up dressed like a cat and you don’t wanna know why?

– Your suit… it’s vibrannium? – the blonde asked.

– Yes. A gift from my father. – he replied, his voice steady, though there was a weight to his words – It allows me to protect my people… and, occasionally, track down those who need to face justice.

Alec, leaning against the window, chuckled quietly again, finding amusing the subtle snickering of the prince. Sam, not deterred, had something else to say.

– Alright, but seriously, why a cat? Out of all the animals, why go with a panther?

T’Challa remained composed, his tone shifting into one of quiet pride.

– In Wakanda, the panther is a symbol of strength, grace, and leadership. It is more than just a costume. It is the embodiment of our spirit, our protector.

Steve gave Sam a warning look again, trying to keep the conversation focused.

– We’re all on the same side here. Let’s keep it professional.

Alec raised an eyebrow, glancing between Steve and Sam before adding his own comment.

– Sam’s just curious. Can’t blame him. It’s not every day you run into a king who dresses like a panther.

T’Challa’s lips twitched into a subtle smile, acknowledging Alec’s point without further elaboration, before going back to the stoic expression he had seconds ago.

– But as king and a soldier, how long do you think you can keep me from killing your friend?

That’s how the man made it clear that he didn’t want to talk anymore, and how point of view of Bucky didn’t change.

•••

In a quiet, dimly lit room, Steve Rogers sat alone, his mind racing. Bucky had been captured, and while he was relieved that his friend was alive, the circumstances were far from ideal. The Sokovia Accords loomed over everything, creating a divide within the avengers. Steve knew he couldn’t sign them, but the consequences were weighing heavily on his conscience.

The door opened, and Tony stepped in, his face a mixture of exhaustion and determination. He had been trying to get through to Steve for days now, and this might be his last chance.

– Steve, we need to talk.

Steve glanced up but didn’t say anything. Tony walked further into the room, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him.

– Look, I know how you feel about the Accords. But I’m telling you, it doesn’t have to be this way. We can still work together, still protect people, but under oversight. It’s not ideal, I know that, but it’s the world we live in now.

Steve’s expression remained stoic.

– Oversight means we lose our right to choose. To act when we need to. We become tools, Tony. We answer to people who might not always have the right intentions.

– It’s not about losing control. It’s about gaining legitimacy. We’ve been running around without any leash for too long, and now people are scared. Sokovia… Lagos… it’s all catching up to us. We need to show them we’re responsible.

Steve looked away, the mention of Lagos stirring memories of the mission that went wrong.

– I can’t just ignore what’s happening out there, Tony. Signing these Accords… it’s signing away the freedom we’ve fought for.

Tony sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He hated this part, but he had to say it.

– Steve, I didn’t want to mention this, but… Wanda.

At the mention of her name, Steve’s eyes narrowed.

– What about her?

Tony hesitated before speaking again.

– She’s… being kept at the Avengers facility. It’s for her protection. She’s not exactly in the world’s good graces after what happened in Lagos. – Steve’s expression darkened – C’mon the place’s got a big ass tv, food, whatever she may want, there’s worse ways to protect people.

– Protection? Or containment? – the Stark sighed in response.

– She’s not a US citizen and they don’t grant visas the weapons of mass destruction.

– She’s a kid! – Steve raised his voice.

– Give me a break! – he yelled back – After what happened, people are afraid of her. I’m trying to keep her safe, but we need to sign the Accords for that to work. We need to show the world that we’re accountable, that we’re willing to follow the rules.

– She’s not a prisoner, Tony! You’re keeping her locked away, and you expect me to believe that’s for her own good? She deserves better than that.

Steve’s fists clenched at his sides. He had been trying to stay open-minded, trying to hear Tony out. But the idea of Wanda being confined, of any of them being controlled, was too much. He left the room, leaving Tony disappointed.

•••