chsdbacks Chapter 321 Bucky's Return
Chapter 321 Bucky's Return
Deep within the base, the heavy smell of rust mingled with another unpleasant acrid odor, pressing heavily on one's lungs.
At this moment, Steve and Riley stood like two frozen statues at the intersection of shadow and blood.
Their gazes remained fixed on the figure who had just been executed—James Buchanan Barnes—from beginning to end.
In this secret base filled with sin and conspiracy, the last surviving Winter Soldier.
Just now, in those bloody few minutes...
When Bucky, who should have been completely controlled by the brainwashing program, defied common sense and launched a series of counterattacks against Alexander Pierce, he always had his back to Steve and Riley.
His attention was entirely focused on Alexander Pierce from beginning to end.
As a result, Bucky's entire back was completely exposed to Steve and Riley's attacks.
This distance and this timing were a godsend for warriors like Steve and Riley.
Even Steve's legendary shield remains in Bucky's hands.
However, the nanotech suit he was wearing had already completed its system reboot and recovery during this brief rest. It could transform into various weapons according to Steve's needs to compensate for the disadvantage of being unarmed.
Riley is even more of a threat; regardless of whether Bucky is on guard or not, he could never be a match for him.
However, in this atmosphere that should have been tense, a tacit understanding, like an invisible bond, was instantly formed between Steve and Riley.
Even without any eye contact or any physical cues.
The two of them remained motionless.
As an observer, he quietly watched Bucky's every move.
Even when Bucky dealt with Alexander Pierce and turned his attention back to the two men, no one stopped him or took a defensive stance when he strode closer.
The reason is quite simple...
Bucky, who grew up alongside Steve and fought alongside him on the battlefield for the same ideals, forged a deep bond between them that made them practically half-brothers!
Even after witnessing the actions of the other five Winter Soldiers, and confirming that once the brainwashing program is initiated, they will become puppets to be manipulated at will.
But as a flesh-and-blood human being with emotions, the ever-selfless captain still clung to a last glimmer of hope. He hoped that the moment Bucky saw him, it would awaken the deepest memories of who he was, allowing him to break free from Hydra's brainwashing program and regain control of his body!
And that's precisely why...
As Steve looked at Bucky, he turned and shot Alexander Pierce through the chest...
As Bucky, covered in blood and looking like a warrior returned from hell, walked towards him step by step...
There was no trace of defensiveness or hostility in Steve's eyes.
Only the ecstasy of tense muscles and uncontrollable trembling throughout the body!
That's Bucky!
Bucky from Brooklyn!
Even though reason kept reminding Steve that the individual consciousness of "Bucky" had been completely erased in Hydra's repeated and brutal brainwashing.
The voice deep within Steve's soul would incessantly cry out for the approaching figure: "He's still here! He must still be here!"
As for Riley...
Besides relying on his own strength and being confident that even if Buggy suddenly attacked, he would not pose the slightest threat...
More than anything, it stemmed from the moment he entered the battlefield, from the eye contact he made with Bucky, which sparked a conjecture in Riley's mind.
It was precisely because of this conjecture that Riley deliberately allowed Alexander Pierce to act.
Now, seeing Bucky, just as he had predicted, suddenly attack without warning and personally kill Alexander Pierce.
Riley, having confirmed his suspicions, understood why Bucky was behaving so strangely.
Since Riley was certain that Bucky was already a "teammate," he naturally wouldn't waste his energy worrying about anything unnecessarily.
"Bucky... is that you...?"
After a brief silence, Steve broke the somewhat oppressive atmosphere.
He asked cautiously, his tone filled with hope yet also a mix of fear that he might have misunderstood.
With one eye wide open, he stared at Bucky.
He tried to find a familiar glimpse of humanity in the unfathomable, cold indifference flowing from Bucky's eyes.
"..."
When Steve asked him a question, Bucky remained silent. He simply raised his undamaged left hand, which, despite being deliberately avoided, was not stained with much blood, and took the shield from his back.
Steve's heart almost stopped.
He watched Bucky's movements, watched his hand gripping the shield.
The hand was steady, showing no intention to attack, and not even exerting force.
The complex emotions of anticipation and trepidation reached their peak at this moment, tearing wildly in my chest.
It was at this moment that Bucky raised his arm and hurled the significant shield toward Steve!
There was no sonic boom, no chilling killing intent.
The shield traced a gentle, graceful arc in the air, like a frisbee tossed casually. It flew towards its owner, carrying the meaning of "returning it to its rightful owner."
Steve reached out purely instinctively, without even having time to exert any force.
The shield that had accompanied him through countless life-and-death situations and symbolized his beliefs returned steadily to his hands.
An indescribable warmth surged through all the anxiety and coldness in that instant.
This is definitely not the level of attack a Winter Warrior should have!
This...this is...
He suddenly looked up at Bucky.
Meanwhile, Bucky, whose face had always been as cold and devoid of humanity as a machine, managed a few strained twitches at the corners of his mouth. It was as if long-dormant muscles were struggling to recall a forgotten expression.
Finally, a faint yet incredibly real arc, like a sliver of sunlight piercing through thick, dark clouds, spread across his blood-stained lips.
Although it looks somewhat worse than crying.
But that was no longer the indifference of a killing weapon.
It is a smile that carries helplessness and reproach, yet also hides a deep sense of relief at something lost and found—a smile that belongs to "humanity".
Immediately afterwards, Steve's familiar, signature Brooklyn accent rang out in a complaining tone.
"Steve, I remember telling you not to do anything stupid before I get back?"
Bucky's voice was a little hoarse, clearly indicating that he hadn't been able to communicate normally with anyone for a long time and was trying his best to reawaken that ability.
However, the familiarity in his tone and the concern he showed, like that of an older brother, never changed.