MD-Chapter 37 A Special Day

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#### Brooklyn, New York

A sleek black sedan glided down the streets. Arthur shifted his gaze from the window back to the young man seated beside him, the future Captain America, who appeared lost in a whirlpool of emotions.

Today was indeed a special day. The young man, destined to become the iconic star-spangled hero, was about to face a pivotal moment in his life due to a choice he had made. Yes, a choice.

In a fleeting moment, a single decision can shape one's destiny. When the future Captain decided to use his own body to shield his comrades, he set in motion the events leading to his rebirth today.

However, Arthur felt a detachment from all this. He had no intention of forming unnecessary bonds with the man next to him.

To Arthur, heroes were often burdensome. They might embody noble qualities, striving to inspire those around them with their ideals. But Arthur feared that being influenced by such ideals might lead him to become someone willing to sacrifice himself for others.

And if he ever became such a person… well, that would be a problem.

So, Arthur preferred to keep his distance from the future Captain. Yet, the sentiment was not mutual.

"Instructor, look over there! I once got into a fight in that alley… well, more like I got beaten up," The future Captain said excitedly, gripping Arthur's arm and pointing to a nearby alleyway.

The term "Instructor" made Arthur feel helpless, but he couldn't deny it— he was indeed their shooting instructor.

Sighing softly, Arthur replied, "If it were now, I think you could just shoot them dead."

"Oh, Sir, you're joking," The future Captain chuckled. "I could never kill someone over something like that… Besides, I never intend to harm anyone."

"Then why did you get into a fight? Or rather, get beaten up? Why allow yourself to be harmed?"

Arthur regretted the question immediately after asking it.

As expected, the young man beside him quickly responded, "It's precisely because I've been bullied so much that I hope no one else gets hurt. I know all too well what it feels like to be bullied— it's a terrible experience."

Arthur turned to look out the window.

"Instructor…" The future Captain's voice called out again.

Arthur looked back at him with a resigned look on his face.

"What will happen to me?" The future Captain asked, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. His expression steadied, and he smiled faintly. "No matter what happens, I'm ready to face it."

Arthur blinked, suddenly realizing that this young man might just need someone to talk to, not necessarily to get answers or reassurances. He was probably just using this conversation to calm his nerves.

After a moment's thought, Arthur asked, "Let me ask you something— if you succeed and gain unimaginable power, what would you do with it?"

"I think…" The future Captain paused, then asked abruptly, "Do you think I'll grow taller?"

The unexpected question made Arthur chuckle, despite himself. "I suppose… it's possible?"

"That would be amazing," The future Captain said, smiling. "If I gain that power, I want to win this war, then find a simple, ordinary woman and live a quiet life together."

Arthur was taken aback by the sincerity and simplicity of the young man's dreams. Despite the potential for great power and glory, he desired nothing more than a peaceful, ordinary life.

Arthur found himself both amused and touched by the young man's aspirations. As the car continued its journey, he couldn't help but wonder how much of this conversation would shape the future hero's path.

The car eventually stopped in front of an antique shop in Brooklyn. Arthur and the future Captain stepped out, and Arthur's lips curled into a slight smile as he took in the surroundings. 

Walking into the shop, they were greeted by an elderly woman who smiled warmly and said, "Lovely weather today, isn't it?"

Arthur's mouth twitched as he responded, "Yes, but I always carry an umbrella."

Whoever thought up this ridiculous code phrase deserved a beating, it sounded utterly nonsensical to any outsider.

Satisfied, the old woman smiled and pressed a button under the counter. Arthur led the future Captain into a narrow back room with a large bookcase against one wall. The bookcase swung open to reveal a hidden door.

Agent Carter stood just inside, looking at Arthur. "I expected you earlier."

"The steering wheel wasn't in my hands," Arthur shrugged. "You two go ahead. Take care of the doctor. I need to check on something."

"Is there a problem?" Agent Carter's expression grew tense.

"Just something interesting," Arthur said nonchalantly. "But nothing major, just a minor distraction."

The future Captain glanced between Arthur and Agent Carter. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Just focus on your thing," Arthur said, patting the young man's shoulder. He smiled at Agent Carter before turning to leave.

As he walked away, Arthur's gaze lingered on the bookshelves. He had an urge to take all the books with him but decided against it. This place was on their side, after all.

Back in the main room of the antique shop, the old woman smiled at Arthur. "I thought you'd want to witness the next part."

Arthur sighed. "I would, but I've been feeling unusually busy lately… By the way, who owns the car with the license plate 'SM553A'?"

"Let me check…" The old woman replied promptly, aware of the day's gravity. Outside, numerous agents kept a vigilant watch on the street.

"That car belongs to Fred… He's from the State Department and is inside now," The old woman said, looking at Arthur. "What's the matter?"

"There's a snake among us," Arthur said, picking up a pack of cigarettes from the table and heading outside.

Breathing in the stale street air, Arthur pulled a cigarette from the pack and placed it in his mouth. He patted his pockets and then moved toward his target.

His acting might have been slightly over-the-top, but the two agents waiting for their contact likely had no idea they'd been compromised. Even if they suspected, they wouldn't be certain enough to act abruptly. 

Arthur was confident that his plan was coming together perfectly.

(End of Chapter)