Chapter 52: Falling

"Failures!"

This word had become Red Skull's constant refrain. HYDRA's bases were falling one by one to the Howling Commandos, no matter how fortified they were. Each time, the defenses crumbled under relentless assaults. He'd sent reinforcements to crush this so-called elite squad, only to watch them return defeated.

One of his most heavily fortified bases had even been breached after a lightning strike blasted through its energy systems on a rainy night. The strike was suspiciously precise, as if it were aimed by a god's wrath.

"We're on the brink of launching an operation that will shake the world," Red Skull snarled at Dr. Zola. "And we're being held back by a fool with a shield and some coward who hides behind him, sniping from the shadows!"

Dr. Zola tried to defend himself. "Weapons, I can create. But controlling the battlefield? That's beyond my expertise. And as for the 'coward,' he's proven more formidable than Captain America."

An officer entered, visibly shaken. "Sir, I'm afraid…we fought to the last man."

Red Skull's fury erupted, and he shot the officer in one swift movement. "Clearly, you didn't."

Turning back to Dr. Zola, he spat, "Eliminate them. Or you will pay the price."

Dr. Zola's face turned pale, knowing Red Skull's threats were never empty.

…

Finally, the Howling Commandos received information about an important HYDRA train carrying weapons through the snow-capped mountains. Unbeknownst to them, it was a trap. Desperate to save his own life, Dr. Zola had decided to take a stand.

As the Commandos advanced, Steve and Bucky found themselves separated by a metal gate that Zola controlled. Meanwhile, Thor was isolated in another car, surrounded by a squad of HYDRA soldiers encased in thick alloy armor, nearly impervious to standard weaponry.

"Well, it looks like they came prepared for me," Thor muttered, glancing at the security camera. "But who said I only know how to shoot?"

With a smirk, he aimed his pistol, taking out the cameras in quick succession, cutting off Zola's watchful gaze.

Elsewhere on the train, Bucky raised his shield to block a barrage of energy blasts, but a powerful hit sent him flying back through the carriage door. He managed to grab onto a crumbling handrail, dangling precariously above the snowy abyss below.

Seeing his friend in danger, Steve fought his way to Bucky's side, frantically reaching out. "Bucky! Grab my hand!"

Bucky stretched out his arm, but before he could clasp Steve's hand, the railing gave way, and he plummeted into the chasm.

"Bucky!!!"

Moments later, Thor entered the car, dragging Dr. Zola behind him, only to find Steve kneeling on the ground, fists clenched as he tried to contain his grief.

…

As fate would have it, Dr. Zola's talents didn't go unnoticed by U.S. politicians, who were quick to secure his defection. Thor, however, had no interest in the politics of it all.

The loss of Bucky weighed heavily on Steve, and he poured his grief into action, leading the Howling Commandos on a series of brutal assaults against HYDRA's remaining strongholds. After weeks of relentless attacks, they finally located Red Skull's base.

The Commandos launched an all-out assault. HYDRA's forces fell back, retreating as Red Skull made a desperate escape with the Tesseract, heading toward a massive bomber. Its target: New York City.

Thor, Peggy, and the rest of the Commandos held off HYDRA reinforcements as Steve pursued Red Skull, charging onto the bomber and confronting him for a final showdown.

Even armed with the Tesseract, Red Skull was no match for Captain America, who quickly overpowered him with his hammer and shield. Desperate, Red Skull attempted to harness the Tesseract's power, but its energy surged uncontrollably, consuming him in a blinding flash before he vanished from sight.

Steve hurried to the cockpit, only to realize the autopilot had locked the bomber on course for New York. Lacking the skills to override it, his only choice was to manually crash the plane.

After reporting the situation to headquarters, he connected the comm to Thor. By now, the HYDRA forces had been neutralized, and Peggy was by Thor's side, listening silently.

"Have you decided?" Thor asked. "Maybe we can contact Howard—he might know another way."

Steve shook his head, his voice steady but resolute. "There's no time. If I don't take it down now, too many lives are at risk."

"This is my choice."

Thor fell silent, fighting back his own emotions. He'd known this moment would come, yet facing it was harder than he expected. "Any last wishes?" he asked, his voice thick with feeling.

Steve gave a sad smile. "Not really. Just wish I could see the day the war is won. And maybe Bucky, one more time…"

"There will be another time, someday…" Thor's words trailed off as Peggy quietly watched, her gaze steady and unflinching as she listened to their final exchange.

Steve pulled the landing lever down, preparing for the descent. As the bomber crashed into the icy waters, it disappeared beneath the waves, coming to rest in a frozen grave beneath layers of snow and ice.

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