I am Thor

Chapter 176: Chapter 176: The Winter Soldier



The explosion in Vienna reverberated across the globe, leaving a stain on the reputations of all the participating nations. The tragedy propelled the SOKOVIA Act into unanimous approval, passing with 117 votes.

The agreement offered the Avengers a grim ultimatum: either accept oversight by the United Nations Security Council or retire completely. Those refusing to sign would be labeled as persona non grata in every member state that endorsed the treaty. Crossing borders without permission would be deemed an act of aggression, punishable by immediate retaliation—even lethal force.

For Steve Rogers, the result was unacceptable. But the weight of the loss and the burden of conflicting ideals left him no time to fight the battle on paper. The real fight was far more personal.

A suspect had been identified in the Vienna bombing. Surveillance footage, fingerprints, and fabricated evidence all pointed to one man: James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes. Steve's best friend. The world now viewed him as a terrorist.

At least, that's what the evidence suggested.

On the outskirts of New York, the Carter family manor was a rare pocket of calm amid the storm. Inside the cozy living room, Sharon Carter reclined on a sofa, chatting with Thor, who was sprawled lazily across an armchair.

"My mom tried to talk me out of joining the agency," Sharon began, her tone light and nostalgic. "But Aunt Peggy didn't. She even gave me my first holster."

Thor's eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned forward. "Did she now? Did she also tell you that I used that holster first? Back in the day, I was a master marksman. I could take down an entire platoon with a single bullet!"

Sharon bolted upright, glaring at him in mock outrage. "Nonsense! That holster was brand new when she gave it to me—I hadn't even unpacked it!"

Thor chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough, Miss Agent."

Sharon crossed her arms, scrutinizing him. "So, what's your plan now? Steve and the others went to Vienna for the conference. Aren't you worried they'll cave and sign the accord?"

Thor shook his head, his expression calm but knowing. "Not Steve. He'd sooner fight the entire Security Council than compromise his principles. But as for the conference… let's just say the accords are the least of their problems right now."

Her brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Thor gestured toward her phone. "Check the news. You'll see."

Curious and slightly alarmed, Sharon grabbed her phone and pulled up the latest headlines. Her face paled as she read aloud, "A bomb concealed in a news van detonated at the United Nations building in Vienna. Over seventy people were injured, and at least twelve were killed, including King T'Chaka of Wakanda."

Thor's lips curled into a cold smile. "A pity. A few less corrupt delegates might have made the world a better place."

Before Sharon could respond, the door to the living room flew open. Peggy Carter strode in, her usually composed demeanor tinged with urgency.

"Peggy!" Thor greeted her with a sly grin. "Didn't you say you were under surveillance? How did you manage to slip away? Let me guess—your captors were so captivated by your charm they just let you go?"

Peggy shot him a stern look. "There are more pressing matters than your jokes, Thor. The Vienna conference was attacked, and the suspect is—"

"Bucky Barnes," Thor interrupted, his tone casual but laced with certainty. "Our old friend, the Winter Soldier. I told you before—he's alive."

Peggy stared at him, startled by his nonchalance. "You knew?"

"Of course," Thor replied matter-of-factly. "After falling into HYDRA's hands, he was turned into their weapon. Dr. Arnim Zola's experiments wiped his memories and reprogrammed him into the Winter Soldier, HYDRA's deadliest assassin. But Bucky broke free of their control. He's been living quietly in Romania, trying to piece his life back together."

Peggy absorbed this information, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. "If you knew all this, why didn't you—"

Thor cut her off with a shrug. "I'm not in the business of saving every soul in peril, especially not when the ones in need are politicians who put collars on us first."

Peggy sighed heavily. "Regardless, Bucky's been branded a fugitive. The Council wants him eliminated, and Steve won't let that happen. If they resist, the Council will send the Avengers after them."

Thor leaned back, a wistful smile crossing his face. "I've always had a soft spot for Bucky. During our time with the Howling Commandos, he was one of the few who didn't treat me like an outsider. Of course, his bond with Steve is unparalleled—brothers in all but blood."

His gaze turned serious. "But one thing is certain: Bucky is innocent."

In a modest apartment in Romania, Steve Rogers finally came face to face with Bucky Barnes. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with tension.

"I didn't do it," Bucky said flatly, his voice calm but resolute. "I wasn't in Vienna. I'm not that person anymore."

Steve nodded, his faith in his friend unwavering. "I believe you."

Bucky's guarded expression softened slightly. "You're the only one who would."

Their conversation was cut short by the sound of boots pounding on the stairwell below. Steve tensed, his instincts kicking in. "They're here," he said urgently. "Bucky, they won't stop until you're dead. We can still—"

Bucky's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Steve, you're still the same. Always thinking there's a way to talk things out."

The pounding grew louder. A flashbang grenade was tossed through the doorway, its blinding light filling the room.

Steve reacted instantly, snatching the grenade with his shield and hurling it aside. The explosion rattled the walls, and a team of heavily armed CIA operatives burst in, weapons drawn.

==============================================

Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other chapter.

==============================================


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.