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Bucky and Zemo are fighting the flag smashers when Karli arrives with reinforcements.
Karli: Well, Mr. Barnes, you're quite the hypocrite. You call me a terrorist, but you have no problem working with one.
Zemo: You and I couldn't be more different, kid.
Karli: Great conversation. Now I'm going to kill you both.
The reinforcements attack Zemo and Bucky. They fight back. Zemo takes out a few with his sword before Karli goes for him herself. She dodges a few slashes from his sword before delivering a strong blow to Zemo that sends him flying into the wall.
Bucky: Zemo!!!
Bucky's vision turns red. It's been a while since he's felt this angry. He's not even sure why he's so angry. He quickly takes out his opponents before launching himself at Karli with murderous fury, grabbing her by the neck with his vibranium hand.
Bucky: You're going to pay for that.
Karli manages to get away with a kick to the stomach and runs away. Bucky is about to follow her, but Sam arrives.
Sam: I'll take care of her, you take Zemo to the hospital.
Bucky goes to where Zemo is. He's unconscious but has a pulse. He holds him in his arms to get him out of the building.
Bucky: Hang in there, jerk. Don't you dare die.
A few hours later.
Bucky is sitting next to Zemo's bed in the hospital. Sam and Sharon arrive.
Sharon: Hello there.
Bucky: Hi, and Karli?
Sam: Dead, Sharon killed her.
Bucky can't help but feel satisfied about that, but he still says,
Bucky: I'm sorry, Sam. I know how much you wanted to save her.
There's a small, awkward silence, which Sharon breaks.
Sharon: Okay, guys, I'm going to get a doctor for me. I'm exhausted. I'm available for anything you need. Don't be stupid.
Sharon leaves the room.
Sam: How is he?
Bucky: Stable, he regained consciousness an hour ago, but he was so exhausted he went back to sleep. The doctors say it's a miracle he only has a few broken ribs.
Sam: The bastard is lucky, in more ways than one.
Ayo and the Doras arrive half an hour later.
Ayo: White Wolf, it looks like your mission is complete. Go home. We'll take care of the Baron from now on.
Bucky gets up from his chair to face Ayo.
Bucky: He's not going back to prison.
Ayo: What did you say?
Bucky: I said he won't go back to prison.
Ayo: I remind you that we agreed to give you extra time with him and let him keep his vibranium sword in exchange for you returning him to Wakanda when your mission is over.
Bucky: First, that sword is his. Your people gave it to his family as a gift, for protecting them from HYDRA during WWII. Second, he just risked his life to save thousands, that counts for something.
Ayo: That doesn't change the lives he took.
Bucky: If you want to take him, you'll have to step over my dead body.
Ayo: You dare go against Wakanda, using a gift from us?
Bucky looks at his vibranium arm, then with a flick of his finger, takes it off and leaves it on the floor.
Bucky: Okay, problem solved, so are we going to fight?
Ayo sighs.
Ayo: No, I'll talk to the King about Zemo's situation, see what he decides, but from now on, your title of White Wolf and your status as an agent of Wakanda will be revoked. You will no longer have the right to enter the Kingdom, do you understand?
Bucky: I understand.
Ayo: Good luck, stranger.
Ayo and the Doras leave with the vibranium arm. Sam is in shock.
Sam: What the hell was that?
Bucky: I'm not sure, but I'm relieved. For too long I've been what others want me to be: Cap's best friend, Hydra's best weapon, Wakanda's agent. I want to find out who James Bucky Barnes is.
Sam: You know you can count on me, no matter what?
Bucky: I know, buddy. You can count on me too.
The two hug.
Sam: Well, I have to go now.
Bucky: Say hi to Sarah and the kids for me.
Sam: I will.
Bucky: Good luck, Cap.
Sam walks through the door. Bucky sighs.
Bucky: How long have you been awake?
Zemo: Long enough.
Bucky smiles and sits back down next to Zemo.
Zemo: James, do you really think I deserve a second chance?
Bucky: You believed there was a good man beneath all this blood. It seems only fair that I offer the same to you.
Bucky extends his hand, and Zemo takes it, a promise of a new beginning.
