Shadows of the Past

High above the clouds, the sleek S.H.I.E.L.D. aircraft glided silently, its hull camouflaged against the azure sky.

Inside the ship, a palpable tension filled the air as Nick Fury stood at the helm, flanked by Black Widow and Captain America.

Peggy Carter paced back and forth in her combat suit which was an exact copy of Captain America's Suit.

Her sharp eyes focused on the tactical display, which pinpointed a remote HYDRA base nestled in the mountains below.

"Remember, this is a stealth operation," Fury reminded the team, his voice steady. "We don't want to alert them until we're ready to strike."

Captain America nodded, adjusting his shield strapped to his arm.

The iconic red, white, and blue colors gleamed under the ship's lights, a stark contrast to the looming threat they were about to face.

"What about the potential hostiles?" he asked, recalling Tony Stark's briefing.

Fury handed him a data pad. "Stark's intel indicates the Viper will be there, among others. Peggy, you're on her."

"I can handle her," Peggy replied confidently.

She could almost hear Stark's voice, his nonchalant tone highlighting the danger. "Don't let her get to you, Peggy. She's just a snake in a suit."

With that, the team prepared for deployment. A few moments later, they launched from the aircraft, descending into the heart of the HYDRA stronghold.

As they landed in the shadows, Captain America's gaze swept over the imposing base.

Towering walls loomed ahead, adorned with HYDRA insignias, casting a sense of foreboding over the landscape.

The moment they stepped into the compound, the silence shattered.

HYDRA agents swarmed around them, their faces masked in menace. The clash began. Captain America threw his shield, sending it ricocheting off several agents, taking them down with calculated precision.

Black Widow flowed through the chaos, dispatching foes with her agility and deadly grace.

In the thick of battle, Peggy spotted a figure slipping between shadows, flanked by two armed agents.

She recognized the Viper immediately—a striking woman with sleek black hair, dressed in form-fitting green and black tactical gear. The Viper's eyes glinted with malice, her fingers twirling a serrated knife.

"I'll take her!" Peggy shouted, charging forward. The Viper smirked, revealing a predatory confidence.

"Ah, Agent Carter, how delightful to see you again. Ready for round two?" the Viper taunted, lunging at Peggy with her knife.

Peggy dodged deftly, her training kicking in.

"You'll find I'm not so easy to take down," she retorted, delivering a swift kick that sent the Viper stumbling.

They exchanged blows, each strike filled with fury and determination.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the compound, Captain America had found himself face-to-face with a formidable opponent—Captain HYDRA.

Clad in a twisted version of his own uniform, Captain HYDRA's colors were dark green and black, and a menacing "H" was emblazoned on his forehead.

The shield he wielded bore the same design, but its sharp edges reflected a deadly intent.

Captain America couldn't shake the feeling that this man was more than just another HYDRA soldier.

As the two clashed, Captain America couldn't help but wonder.

This is the guy Stark warned us about? He blocked a punch aimed at his face, countering with a jab to Captain HYDRA's stomach.

"Strong, but not strong enough," Captain HYDRA growled, pushing Captain America back.

His voice sounded rough.

'It doesn't seem to be his actual voice,' Steve noted.

They moved like a well-rehearsed dance, punches and kicks flying, each trying to outmaneuver the other.

The combat escalated, with Captain HYDRA tossing Captain America into a metal compartment.

"Is that all you've got?" Captain HYDRA sneered, lunging again.

They exchanged powerful blows, Captain America's shield blocking a knife strike, then returning fire with a series of precise punches.

"Too predictable!" Captain HYDRA shouted, sweeping Captain America's legs from under him.

As he fell, he rolled aside just in time to avoid a brutal stomp.

The fight raged on, a blur of movement and sound.

They collided again, Captain America launching into a powerful uppercut, catching Captain HYDRA off guard.

But the blow didn't faze him; instead, he retaliated, pinning Captain America against the wall with a metal arm that gleamed ominously.

"I've fought you before, old friend," Captain HYDRA hissed, leaning in closer. "I know your weaknesses."

Suddenly, a message buzzed through Captain HYDRA's communicator, breaking the rhythm of their fight.

With a quick shove, he forced Captain America back. "This isn't over," he warned, his tone shifting. "Goodbye, Steve."

The words struck Captain America like a thunderbolt. "What did you just say?" Confusion flooded his mind as he recognized the voice.

Bucky?

In that moment, Captain HYDRA turned, disappearing into the shadows, leaving Captain America reeling with realization.

Just then, Baron Strucker stepped into view, flanked by the Viper, who had gained the upper hand over Peggy.

With a swift motion, he activated a hidden panel, revealing a sleek HYDRA jet waiting in the shadows.

The Viper and Captain HYDRA climbed aboard, exchanging knowing glances, while Captain America watched helplessly, his heart racing.

As the jet ascended, Captain America's mind raced with questions.

He turned to Peggy, who had just regained her footing after her battle with the Viper. "Did you hear what he said? It's Bucky," he said, his voice strained.

"Bucky Barnes?" Peggy asked, stunned.

"Yeah," Captain America confirmed, his expression darkening. "I thought he was dead."

Fury walked in at this point with an angry expression.

"We messed up this time."

"I need a talk with Stark."

A/N: Your support is very helpful to me so please, If you can, support me on Patreon and get early access to chapters, visit the site below;

www.patreon.com/marvelstark