Chapter 2
Zemo sighed as he quickly made his way out of the streets of Riga, attempting to keep himself scarce. Despite believing this was the best option, he found the roads much more noisy than the chaos in that single room. He tried to blink away the headache still aching as he held his coat in his arms. He knew the Dora Milaje was coming after him and needed to find somewhere to hole up until the heat on him died. Leaving the country would be the best option, but something in him didn't want to leave. Not while Bucky and Sam were here along with Karli, who couldn't have gone far since their last encounter.
Zemo sighed, finding it difficult to think with all the noise. He needed to find somewhere to take shelter. Unfortunately, his lovely safe house was now no longer, well, safe. By now, a raid must have been conducted on the settlement camps looking for Karli since they last saw her. He needed to think. Needed to find an out. He was good at this. He should be good at this. Everything was too loud. The man took a second, going to lean into a dark alley to compose himself. He took a deep breath and decided to try and focus on his hearing. He needed to separate the noise from what was necessary. At first, he heard everything—the creaks of the pipes nearby, the rattling of footsteps of the streets. He would wince, slowly but surely, finding which sounds he needed to be muted and which ones he needed to focus on. He could suppress the most unnecessary noise, slowly opening his eyes before looking to the streets. He could finally hear without it killing him on the inside. It took him a bit, possibly several minutes, but he did. It was an accomplishment he would take as he gave a small smile before heading out again.
He found an abandoned apartment he went to hide in, going to try and use his military skills to open it and enter discreetly. Unfortunately, he hadn't considered his new strength and accidentally broke the lock. He sighed at this, giving himself no time to linger on his mistake as he entered the room. He closed the door and sat on the dusty, old recliner chair in the middle. He took a deep breath, finally relieving himself from the day's events. He could finally fully comprehend what he was and what that meant for himself. He would lean forward in the chair, elbows on his knees, holding his head in his hands. He had become the thing he swore to hate. The one thing he vowed to rid of was now, ironically, what he had become. This may be the world's punishment to the man for his actions. The world's cruel game of torturing Zemo as though he hadn't done so enough himself. As if they needed to do more to punish him. He gave a dry laugh as he moved his head to look at the blank canvas of the apartment, hands covering his mouth as he continued to think.
Oh, how cruel life could be. He stayed there, thinking of his home and his family. Oh, how he missed them. How he missed holding them in his arms and enjoying their warm embraces. Now he felt cold and hollow—nothing to compensate for his loss. No passion left, considering he practically completed his purpose... well, all but one, eliminating the Flagsmashers. That was his final purpose. He was sure he could perhaps finish what he started back in Russia once that was done before a certain King interrupted him. Maybe he could edge one of his most esteemed companions into doing it.
Oh, his companions, now thinking back to them, he truly reveled in learning more about them, learning what makes them tick, their differences, and his influence on them. It was so interesting... and a relatively intimate experience between them, particularly between himself and Bucky. He couldn't deny his fascination for the man since he first saw Bucky stand in front of him in his cell. He was interested in understanding who James Bucky Barnes was. Who he was trying to be. Who he wanted to be. That fascination, however, turned into something along the line of endearment. Something more if someone looked deep into it.
They had grown somewhat fond despite spending only a few days with the men. It was clear despite what the three would say about it. The way they spoke to each other was still laced with some malice, but it was much more tame and more meant as light jabs at one another. Zemo most fondly remembers the party at Sharon's hideout in Midripoor. He had taken her words seriously, enjoying himself thoroughly, looking at the art, dancing, and drinking. The other two were on guard as usual but a bit relaxed as they did try to blend in. Sam had to exit to use the bathroom at one point, leaving the two men alone. There had been silence between the two for a bit. Zemo felt wrong about forcing Bucky to go back into the act of someone he wished to forget and wanted to attempt to make up for it. Zemo took another sip of his drink before trying to start up idle chatter.
They were currently stationed in front of one of the several world-class Hokusai paintings part of his nature collection.
" Hokusai, a revolutionary for his time." Zemo started, getting Bucky's attention on him and then to the painting," His painting, The Great Wave, is a popular choice by many people. Personally, I preferred his more natural pieces encapsulating the nature of Japan during his time. Do you have a favorite painting of his?"
Bucky gave a slight shrug, looking tired as he tried to hide his emotions, saying," Not really. I was never a big fan of paintings. It seems you've got your taste down to a T, though."
The comment made Zemo give a small smile, the two glancing at each other momentarily before looking elsewhere. Despite his appearance, Bucky relaxed just the tiny bit that only a trained eye would have seen it.
" I was practically raised on it." Zemo hummed, inclined to share more whether he wanted to or it was the alcohol talking," My father wanted to ensure I was raised to take over his fortune correctly. Gave me all kinds of subjects to learn no matter my personal feelings."
Silence would fill them, although it didn't feel all that awkward. It felt... comfortable, to say the least, as they stood. Neither knew where to take the conversation, so it ended. Bucky glanced at Zemo and watched as the man's eyes looked at his drink, seeming lost in thought. Bucky felt a bit bad and decided to try to give back what Zemo had so willingly given him and was about to speak until Sam came back between them.
It was a fond memory Zemo had of himself and Bucky. He smiled softly to himself at the thought of it all. The memory faded, however, as he thought back to the bar before the kind conversation about how Bucky had so willingly done as he was told by Zemo, how Zemo had treated him at the time. It reminded him why he didn't deserve to be so fond of him. His thoughts were rambunctious today; no matter how he tried, he couldn't shake it. He couldn't escape the growing feeling and the shouting voice.
It's time to end it.
He took a second to process the thought. It wouldn't have been the first time he thought of his way out, with how loud his mind was despite the outer silence and his memories of why it was right. He decided it was time to go. He would slowly get up, unfolding his coat as he held it before putting it on and taking his leave to bid farewell to somewhere he wanted to do before letting himself be taken back. Before the companion, he was fond of found him. Before, he could seek to ensure the end of everything he hated, including himself.
Bucky sighed as he and Sam stood silently in the resettlement camp, barely sparing a glance at each other from their earlier fight with Walker. The shield rested on the table next to Sam, along with a duffle bag of Sam's wing tech lying on the floor. They had lost their leads on Karli, who was now scarce and lost from sight for them, and had just fought tooth and nail to get the shield back from Walker. Things were tense and worse than before.
Bucky would glance at Sam, wondering if this was anytime for him to try and get his friend to vouch for him despite the circumstances. Unfortunately, that decision was made for him as Torres approached, trying to make some idle chat with the two. Bucky couldn't simply stand and do idle chatter when more pressing matters were at hand, turning to take his leave.
" Are you off to take care of Zemo?" Sam asked Bucky, watching the man cautiously. Despite the seriousness of the tone, there was evident worry in it for their unlikely ally.
Bucky would glance back, deciding not to humor Sam as he returned to his search. When he left the place, he would try to call T'Challa. He used the secure line the man had given him when he first decided to take his leave of Wakanda if he ever needed to contact them for anything. Luckily for him, T'Challa did answer, Bucky releasing a breath he didn't know he held when he saw and heard the man from the hologram.
" It's a pleasure to speak to you again, James, although, hearing of what you've done, I am to assume this is related?" T'Challa stated, getting right to the point.
" Ayo already filled you in?" He asked, impressed with how quickly Ayo worked on giving information to their current King," Well, I'm glad. Saves me time on the explanation, and I can get right to what I want to request."
Bucky would look around him, searching for Zemo and figuring out where he could be while speaking to T'Challa. Looking at the man in the hologram, he looked worst for wear and had a rough cough.
" Hey, are you alright? You don't look all that good." Bucky said, genuine concern in his voice for the King.
The King would laugh briefly before saying," I'm doing fine, White Wolf. You should go on with your proposal while you still have time."
Bucky would nod, the concern never leaving his face as he spoke.
" Listen, T'Challa, I know what I did was wrong, and you all want Zemo back in his cell as soon as possible, but I just can't let that happen right now. He is running around, god knows where with that serum in his veins. Nigel said he had perfected it, but I'm worried that the serum may have affected his mental state. I fought Walker earlier, and Sam and I were sure he somehow got his hands on a vial. He was out of his mind after seeing his friend die before him. I'm worried how that serum could similarly affect Zemo."
He took a second to look at the King of Wakanda, observing his facial expression. He seemed to have a look of concern and struggle with the information given.
" If that is the case, Bucky, wouldn't the best course of action be to bring him into Raft as soon as possible? After all, from what I remember being informed in the beginning, neither you nor Sam enjoyed his presence. And what you told me makes him far too dangerous to keep in populated areas where you will search for the Flag Smashers leader." T'Challa stated, giving a curious yet concerned look to the Soldier.
" We both know how his stability is. I remember what you told me about you two in Siberia and later with Sund. The only reason he helped Sam and me was to get rid of the exact formula he has stuck in his veins now. And with this recent excursion, things have changed. Look, I am the reason he's stuck with these powers. I got him out, and as much as that pains me to say, he's my responsibility."
T'Challa would nod, looking to Bucky before asking curiously," So you are simply doing this out of guilt? Or a sense of righteousness?"
This made James halt momentarily, taking a second to think of the question. There was no denying that part of the reason was guilt, but a small part of him genuinely wanted to help him despite it all. He still hated him for what he did, but he has slowly learned more about Zemo since this little trip. Zemo had apologized for using him, showing he had some sort of a conscious in him. He thought of all those times of Zemo as his arrogant, obnoxious self, loathing it, but then he had seen something else in the man's eyes. Something he hid under it all. He couldn't deny he was curious about what lay under that mask he held up for all to see. The two were much more similar than either would like to think. And with Zemo stuck with powers he has no idea how to control, Bucky knew he was the guy to help him through it.
His silence seemed to speak for himself as T'Challa spoke before he could," I can see that this is something you genuinely want to the right, Bucky, and as a man of second chances myself, I will permit it with some restrictions, however."
Bucky would nod, smiling at T'Challa's willingness to help him. He was going to be able to right his wrong.
" What are your conditions?"
————————————————————————
Zemo took in the cold air, staring at the memorial for his home country. One of the only things remaining to show where he gave his heart and soul. Memories of life flashed through his mind as he reminisced on it all. His young childhood growing up in the home with his mother there, his questionable teen life having gone through the streets with the few friends he had then, his lovely wife and son he had cared for in their quaint tiny home. As he thought of it all, he felt a sense of longing and a hollow emptiness that encapsulated him. Now what had he become? He became, but a shadow of who he was, acting on what he believed was a vengeful righteousness he would never regret. He even became what he despised. He became the antithesis of himself. It made him give a dry laugh, looking to the floor for a second as he let the thoughts and voice pass over him.
He knew Bucky would be looking for him and figured he could do what he did best and find his end by someone he preferably liked. He held no malice towards Bucky and had told him so since the beginning. He thought about the list of names Bucky had written down and smiled a bit as he thought of how he had scratched his name out. He held no grudge. In all honesty, perhaps he owed the Soldier for all he had done. He would never admit that, but he could ponder it as he awaited his time. His thoughts would be interrupted when his enhanced ears could hear footsteps approaching from relatively far to his right.
He put his mask back on, keeping his face as neutral as possible. He thought of what he should tell Bucky in his last moments. His mind wandered to Karli, to Sam, to them. It was tricky to pick which to speak of first.
" I thought you'd be here sooner." He stated, sounding a bit disappointed.
Bucky held no expression as he watched Zemo glance at him, something hidden in those eyes that the Baron simply couldn't hide.
" Don't worry. I've decided I'm not going to kill you."
" Imagine my relief," Bucky said skeptically, making the pistol visible to Zemo.
The man would turn to look at it, his eyes going to it before up to Bucky himself. Now was the time to try and reason about Karli before he would go.
" The girl has been radicalized beyond salvation." He stated, moving only a few feet from Bucky," I warned Sam, but he didn't listen to me. He's as stubborn as Steve Rogers before him."
Do it
They egged him on.
Push him
" But you. They literally programmed you to kill. James, do what needs to be done."
Bucky had a slight look of what seemed to be a hint of sadness, possibly resentment? Zemo wasn't sure. His thoughts were too loud, and he needed to say what needed to be said.
" Karli has people everywhere, and there's only one way to ensure she cannot continue her mission."
" I appreciate the advice, but we're going to do it our way," Bucky stated, expression unmoving.
Zemo gave a soft chuckle, having predicted this, as he looked at the ground," Yea... I was afraid you would say that."
His eyes would then move to the gun, seeming trained on it now that all he had to say was done. He was ready to take his departure. Bucky noticed the gaze, sighing a bit as he tried to look the man in the eyes. Bucky knew Zemo was trying to get him. Trying to push him to do the exact thing he wanted to try and move on from. He needed to prove a point before either of them could continue from here.
Bucky would slowly raise the gun, holding it to Zemo's head as the two stared into each other's eyes. Zemo had a look of resignation. Behind the man's attempt to look neutral, it was clear he knew what he wanted.
doitdoitdoitdoitdoitdoitDOITDOITDOITDOI-
Then the gun clicked. Zemo had to take a second to register that James had fired, only for there to be no bullets in the magazine. James couldn't help a small smile and a look of relief on his face as he dropped the pistol proving he was better. He was better than he was before, and he would be better now. He raised his vibranium arm and allowed the bullets to scatter from his hands and to the floor. Zemo watched the scene in front of him, a look of disappointment appearing on his face as he stared at what could have been. The sounds of the bullets hitting the floor practically deafening in his ears. He was denied his release once more. Denied what little peace he could have left. The voices got loud, mind overrun with voices shouting anger at Bucky for not sealing his fate, voices screaming in disappointment at the loss.
He would hear the footsteps before they arrived behind him, turning slightly to see the colors of red, gold, and silver approaching. He gave a small sigh as he put on his usual small smile and neutral expression.
" Ladies..." He commented before looking to Bucky once more," I took the liberty of crossing off my name in your book. I hold no grudges for what you thought you had to do."
Bucky simply nodded before sighing saying," Listen, Zemo, this is going to sound insane, but you aren't going to be put back in prison just yet."
This made Zemo look confused, the expression clear on his face. This choice of change interrupted the man's thoughts, focusing his attention on James' face. Trying to find some sort of deceit in it. Ayo would interrupt his thoughts and gaze as she went to stand by Bucky.
" You should be going to the Raft with us, Dora Milaje, but our King has decided to give you a semblance of a second chance. You are allowed to continue this mission with White Wolf. However, once you are finished, you will return to the prison where you belong."
Zemo would take in her words, simply giving her a curt nod before saying," I understand. I presume there will be some sort of catch for me to continue working alongside James?"
Ayo would nod, pulling out a strange necklace/collar that was clearly made of vibranium in her hands.
" This is a specially made tracker made from Wakanda. You shall be wearing this at all times, and to ensure no one questions why you wear it, it shall camouflage with your skin. It also has a limit as to how far you can go before it immobilizes you." She explained, waiting for Zemo to lean and reveal his neck to the woman so she could put it on him.
Once it was on, the dark vibranium color would disappear as it matched his skin tone to disguise itself.
" I expected nothing less from the most advanced country in the world." Zemo hummed as he gave a curt smile Ayo.
Ayo would dismiss his comment, turning to Bucky. Bucky would nod to Ayo in a silent thanks before speaking up.
" Hey, Ayo, before you go. I have a favor to ask of you." James admitted, giving her a shy smile," I know I asked for so much already, but... could you do me one more?"
Ayo would take a second before nodding, listening to James's request before they would begin to take their leave.
Zemo had simply stood there, observing James as the two had conversed. After his last hope was stripped away from him once more, he felt at a loss. He was back to having no purpose once more, but instead of spending that time with his thoughts in a jail cell, he would be spending it with the one person he was unsure about. The one person that, for some reason, split his thoughts in his mind. More importantly, why would James go through the trouble of keeping him out of jail and at arms-length? So many questions, yet not enough answers.
Zemo focused back on the situation at hand as he watched James look at him once more. The two stared each other down for some time before James was the first to break eye contact.
" Alright, Zemo, ready to head out?" James asked, seeming less tense than in their earlier interaction.
" Why are you helping me, James?" Zemo asked abruptly, finding the need to get that question answered first and foremost," It is clear that we have lost our lead with Karli due to Mr. Walker leaving me with no use. So why are you keeping me away from my imprisonment?"
James would sigh at the questions, looking to the floor as he rubbed his temple with his right hand saying," Listen, Zemo, I... I'm doing this because you got something in you that you never wanted, and I'm pretty sure it's messing with your brain. I broke you out, and it's my responsibility to make sure you're adjusted before I let them take you back. That's it. I am also going to lay down some ground rules since you're going to be with us through all this."
Zemo gave a dry laugh at his statement. Of course, how did he not think of this first? James thought of him as a broken little toy in need of repair. Just one of the things James had to fix in order to amend his mistakes.
The man would give James a smirk before saying," Alright, James, where are we to now then?"
" Well, I need to make a call to Sam about this arrangement and to deliver him some stuff." Bucky stated, sighing as he took a look at the surroundings," I guess we'll need to book a hotel here for a night or two until I get word from Ayo, and then we can head to the States."
Zemo would simply nod, adjusting himself for James' plans before saying," I know a few nice hotels near here we can stay in."
" That'll do. Lead the way." Bucky stated, using his head to signal for Zemo to get a move on. Zemo would nod, going to move his hands to his sides as they began to leave the memorial. Zemo would glance back at it one last time before they finally made their way out.
It didn't take long for them to reach the hotel. James had tried to reach Sam along the way, only to be sent to voicemail. Once they entered the room, both men would go to take their time to relax in it. James headed in quickly, going to take his jacket off and toss it onto the desk within the room as he took a look around. Zemo, on the other hand, seemed a bit slow and cautious as he entered. He would take a look around, seeming almost scared to touch anything as he set his gloves down first before taking his coat off. James noticed the delicate touch Zemo gave when he moved around the room, smirking at it a bit.
" Something wrong there, Zemo? Scared of your own strength?" Bucky teased lightly, enjoying the uncomfortable and careful look the man had. It was rare to see Zemo in such a state, after all.
Zemo would perk up at James, quickly going to hide it, saying with an air of ignorance," I have no idea what you are referring to, James."
There would be a small silence between the two after that, Zemo finally setting his items down before going to sit on the second bed slowly.
Neither knew what to really say or do at the moment, unsure of where to take things until Bucky spoke up.
" Alright, since we're both situated, let's go ahead and set the ground rules, okay?" James stated, tone stern as he turned to look at Zemo.
Zemo would look to Buck, seeming to be listening intently.
" Okay, first rule, no killing. I know you have your qualms with the Flagsmashers and super-soldiers in general, but I can't have you killing them. You will help us detain them and nothing more. And two, no lying and no hiding anything from Sam and me. We know those little mind games you like to play, but while you're here with us, you are not going to be doing all that."
Zemo would think about the conditions, finding them fairly reasonable. He knew he was on borrowed time here, and if he should be thanking James for keeping him out of the Raft, he could respect the man's wishes.
" Those rules seem fair. Any other ones?" He asked, wondering if that was all.
Bucky would take a bit, seeming to be thinking for a while before smiling, saying," Ah, nope, that's it. Just two rules, pretty easy to follow, no?"
This made Zemo give a small smirk saying," Easy enough. Although, I am feeling a bit worn for wear after today's events. Perhaps we can continue this talk tomorrow?"
James would perk up at the request, taking in Zemo's sunken and exhausted figure. It was clear the day was not kind to him and so soon after the whole debacle at the funeral. It was clear Zemo did need the rest.
" Sure. You can shower first. I'll wait." James hummed, gesturing to the bathroom and gaining a small nod of thanks from Zemo.
As Zemo disappeared into the bathroom, James' phone began to ring. He went to check it and saw Sam's name pop up, quickly going to answer it.
" Hey, Sam."
" Hey, Buck, you called? Did your little negotiation work?"
" Yea, thankfully. How are you on your end?"
" Tired, a little worse for wear, but things are alright here too. What is it you wanted to talk about?"
" Well, I was going to ask you about what I should do with Zemo. I know I asked a lot of you, but I never really expected to get this far with him. I don't even really know where to start with helping him with his strength. It really seems to be bothering him."
" Is that so? Never thought I'd hear the day Zemo was really bothered by anything."
Bucky could hear Sam's laugh on the other end of the phone, smirking in amusement himself.
" I know. He was so careful when he was setting his stuff down here. Say, didn't you talk about some boat you and your sister were going to renovate?"
" Whoa, whoa, whoa, there's no way I'm letting Zemo near my family, and you know that."
Sam now sounded extremely concerned and upset about the idea.
" I know, Sam, I wouldn't dream of letting him near your family, but i need a way for Zemo to learn to control his powers. Your boat is the perfect practice ground for it. It's out in the public area where he won't be able to do much but listen to us. I won't take him to your sister's house or even let him interact with her. We'll stay in a hotel nearby or something. I also think it’s something that can help his mind. He’s been stuck in it since he woke up from that fight and he probably needs something to distract himself from everything right now."
Sam would be silent on his end for a while, Bucky worrying that he may have pushed his friend's boundaries too far. He was about to apologize and choose a different path when Sam spoke.
" Fine. He can come and help on the boat, but he better try anything, got it? If he steps out of line even once, he's gone from here."
This made Bucky smile softly, grateful for his friend.
" Thanks, Sam. I really appreciate it. I promise I'll make sure Zemo behaves and doesn't try anything."
" Yea, sure, anytime. And I'm keeping you to that promise."
James chuckled softly at this, thanking Sam once more before hanging up. He held the phone in his hands, smiling gently at it as he thought of Sam's kindness. He knew he would never be able to return it and felt a small pang of guilt for getting his good friend involved in the situation. He hoped the gift he would give Sam would partly make up for it when it arrived. For now, though, he had a Baron to watch and a whole lot of planning to do in order to find a way for the two to work together in any capacity.