[center][img]http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0992/1818/products/8-a_Captain_America_Shield_Logo_T-Shirt_grande.png?v=1444091873[/img][/center][center]-and-[/center] [center][img]http://orig07.deviantart.net/56a8/f/2015/015/d/7/winter_soldier_logo_1_by_cptcommunist-d8e342e.png[/img][/center] The scene in person was just as much a disaster as it was when she saw the recording of the explosion. It made Stephanie’s stomach churn to see the charred corpses being carried out. It wasn’t so much the carnage and death, Stephanie had to become used to that during the war. It was more the people involved, mutants or supporters, none of them deserved this. By all accounts from what she saw the protest was very peaceful, even though some news channels were trying to spin it saying they were being hostile to people who disagreed with them, regardless of a lack of proof. Stephanie’s mind was clearly wondering in numerous directions, even as she agreed to be interviewed at the scene of the disaster. Giving out whatever information SHIELD had and was willing to let be out there. It wasn’t a lot, but it was all a start. They know HYDRA is involved, but to what end, and why remained unsolved. It was the why that bugged her the most though, HYDRA took after their forefathers in Nazis by not exactly being subtle. But this seemed so forward that it still felt uncharacteristic. Were they just trying to prove something? Remind people who they are? She didn’t need the reminder, just seeing that octopus logo of theirs made her just as furious as 80 some years ago when she would see it. She was speaking to another SHIELD operative about picking up any security footage that they can get their hands on when suddenly the televisions all around the scene started playing a message from the bastard himself, Red Skull. She never had many moments of feeling helpless, barring being frozen and thawed 80 years later. This though was driving her mental, he was gloating about killing innocent people. Why? Because he could. [i]"... And to prove that we are no hoax, and that HYDRA can strike you down ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, I will now kill CNN News Anchor, Caroline Haines, live on air ..."[/i] “Wait what?!” Stephanie blurted out. She needed a second but she remembered the name and looked over to where the reporter was. She was scared, and although SHIELD agents were rapidly trying to give her some means of protection Stephanie knew it was probably not enough. The early reports made it clear that HYDRA had some kind of sniper in the area. But where? She had to frantically look around the nearby rooftops until... a single glint of reflecting light. Stephanie quickly reacted, grabbing hold of the side of her trusty shield, and throwing it as hard as she could. The curve of the shield and launch speed had to be perfect to save Ms. Haines’ life. In an instant a thundering hard sound of metal hitting vibranium smashed through the air. the bullet was caved in and sent sky high. Finally landing harmlessly on another rooftop. The shield though ricocheted off of a phone pole nearby before swinging back around to Stephanie who caught it effortlessly. The sound of the bullet still rang deep in the air for a moment before people finally realized what had happened. A sudden and very loud applause broke out as Stephanie was already back to looking to where that glint of light came from. Only to get a hug from Ms. Haines. Bawling her eyes out and thanking Stephanie for saving her. “Yeah no you’re welcome, hold on no here let go please?” Stephanie awkwardly stammered as she had to muster seemingly every ounce of strength she had to scrape the thankful news reporter off of her. Finally the reporter did so, as the crowd part for Stephanie as she was off to go catch some HYDRA scum. "<>" Vasily Jr barked into The Winter Soldier's ear-piece yet the soldier didn't flinch. "<>" The Winter Soldier replied cool as ice, awaiting to be told to take the shot again or take out who had intercepted the shot. Karpov was watching the chaos unfold live on air, when he realised exactly who had deflected the fatal-bullet he knew he had two options. The first, take out Captain America from a distance and end her for good ... or two, get the Winter Soldier out of there. Missions in America were usually more risky for the Soldier, HYDRA feared some of his old memories could be triggered and that his conditioning would be undone. His oldest friend, Captain America, would surely be a risk, but the Winter Soldier was the only person in HYDRA with a strength and ability to match Stephanie Rodgers. As far as Karpov was concerned, it would be a great opportunity to rid himself of this bothersome woman once and for all. "<>" Karpov ordered coolly, "<>" "<>" The Winter Soldier trained his weapon on Stephanie's head as people clamored around her and she struggled against the crowd. He was un-phased by the fact she'd intercepted the bullet ... it was an impressive feat, but he was still going to get his job done, he wasn't afraid of her, or impressed, he didn't think, or feel, he just acted. Captain America had finally broke away from the crowd and was on a B-line straight for the building. Though she was carefully making sure to not make herself a clear target, since the shooter was still there presumably. Hopefully aiming at her now rather than the CNN reporter. Karpov's headpiece started to buzz loudly though, as reception came in from the main base. "Comrade Karpov, what the hell do you think you're doing with Soldier?!" The deep, raspy voice bellowed in. "You are not to engage her. We're only going to take care of her when the time is right and on our terms. Get yourself and him out of there, have the cyanide pills ready though if you're intercepted, am I understood?" As it was happening, Captain America was in the building, making her way past people to get to the elevator. Rapidly pushing the up button to get to the shooter and hoping they're still there. The Winter Soldier was ready to fire off a lethal shot but he hesitated as Red Skull intercepted the comm channel and chided Karpov. Karpov was conflicted, Captain America, or rather, Stephanie Rodgers, was a piece of Bucky's past, and the past was a dangerous weapon when it was primed and aimed towards the Winter Soldier. "<>" Karpov ordered. The Winter Soldier complied but didn't move, he kept his weapon trained on Stephanie. When she vanished out of sight inside the building, he switched out the sniper rifle for a handgun, better suited for close range, she was clearly searching for him and he may have to take her out. "<>" Karpov ordered. If Stephanie caught up, The Winter Soldier could use any means necessary to shake her off, but she wasn't a target ... not yet. "<>" The Winter Soldier replied, turning to run across the rooftop and jump to the next building, from there he'd scale his way down and disappear across town. "The Asset is heading for extraction, Rodgers will be spared." Karpov reported to Red Skull through clenched teeth. He didn't like it ... it just didn't sit well with him, letting Captain America walk would only cause trouble in the future, especially since Karpov had plans for the Winter Soldier in the 'States. He couldn't afford to "remember" who he'd once been. "I think this is a terrible idea, she will cause trouble for us later, I could end her now" Karpov grumbled, of course, what he meant was that he could order The Winter Soldier to end her.... It took a bit of time but finally Captain America reached the top floor and as she got out, looking around and not seeing anyone. "Darn it!" Captain America was ready to lambast herself as an idiot for trying to run after the shooter. Best case scenario they would've opened fire on her. Worst case he might've taken another shot at the reporter while she was in the elevator like an idiot. Only though the rooftop wasn't as high up as many other buildings in New York City, so she could hear the distinct sound of peeling tire nearby. Running over to the building ledge she saw what looked like a silver SUV pulling away quickly from the scene. They weren't getting away from her that easily. Using the fire escape to make a quicker decent down the side of the building. Captain America had to stop and look around. Needing a vehicle she finally spotted a guy nearby about to get on a motorbike. The thing was one of those speedy bikes she's seen, doesn't like nearly as much as her beloved Harleys, but it'll do nicely. "Sir, may I borrow your bike? This is a very big emergency!" She asked, trying to sound polite, but her winded tone and very frantic nature made it clear it was as important as it sounded like. "Holy crap THE Captain America?! Yeah sure go ahead!" The rider seemed awfully chipper for being a New Yorker, must be visiting from out of town. Still stepping aside the rider gestured to the bike which Cap hoped onto. Kicking the bike's engine alive but stopping for a moment. Glancing around Cap spotted the helmet in the guy's hand. "Oh uh... the helmet too please?" The rider paused confused what she was talking about until he remembered the helmet in his hands. He quickly handed it over and Cap put it on, thankfully it fit well, even though the front cover wasn't something she was used too. "Thanks, I'll try to get it back to you when I'm done!" Cap muffled through the helmet before finally speeding off to catch up with the shooter. "Karpov's lapdog failed ... HYDRA's secret weapon my ass." a grunt in the get-away van grumbled, giving the Winter Soldier some side-eye. The Winter Soldier didn't respond to the various barbs. Even though they didn't say it, the HYDRA goons knew what Captain America was capable of, everyone did ... and they were on edge. They knew The Winter Soldier was possibly an even match for Captain America, but it was unsettling to know Captain America was pursuing them. At least The Winter Soldier was her target, not the lackeys, they could probably get out of this alive if they stayed out of the way. "Don't waste your breath, you won't rile him, ain't nothin' left in his brain, Dr Zola scooped it all out ... Plus, Karpov and the Red Skull will likely take care of him for you" the other HYDRA agent replied to his teammate. The van careened in and out of lanes, sharply cutting off other drivers and driving with reckless abandon, they didn't care if they caused a few pile-ups in their escape, shaking off Captain America was most important. She'd hijacked a motor cycle and was in pursuit The driver glanced warily at his rear view mirror and noticed a motorcycle tailing them. "Shit!" he cursed. The passenger made a movement as if about to get up and throw a grenade out the window but the Winter Soldier pushed him back down into his seat roughly, priming his hand gun, he opened the rear doors of the van and aimed for the motorcycle, a quick shot to the front tire ought to end the pursuit. Super Soldier or not, she couldn't keep up on foot. "Captain America is pursuing us. We may be compromised! Give us a kill order!" a terrified HYDRA agent called in for Karpov, hoping that Red Skull's orders may be overruled, just this once to spare them, though it wasn't likely. No one betrayed Red Skull and didn't regret it afterwards. As Cap was able to get closer and closer, the SUV was clearly wrecking mayhem in its wake. Smashing and just missing other cars leaving Cap with an obstacle course of cars to swerve around to avoid. Finally the SUV was in range of her and Cap was only able to get a moment of something interesting, an arm. The arm though was metallic, shined and with a red star it looked like at the shoulder area. It also had a pistol aimed at her. The bullet blasted out and nailed the front tire, leaving Cap having to quickly think of a plan. Immediately as the bike started to wiggle violently under her she hopped up, getting as good a footing on the front of the bike as she could before she was airborne. Sailing towards the SUV and pulling out her shield to slam it through the roof of the SUV. Leaving her dangling off the back of the SUV and grasping at her shield to stay on, only to use one hand awkwardly to yank the helmet off her head and throw it out of the way to the highway just below her. Bucky hadn't been ordered to kill Captain America, and therefore, he'd disable her from attacking, or shake her off their tracks ... but he'd spare her life ... albeit barely if it came to that. Perhaps The Winter Soldier took orders too literally ... or perhaps it was a small piece of Bucky piercing through, defiant enough to spare who he could, even if that didn't mean sparing everyone. The tire exploded, surprisingly, Captain America kept up her pursuit. If Bucky knew who his assailant was, it wouldn't have surprised him in the least, but he wasn't Bucky any more and the fact that this stranger was still pursuing him was odd. She leapt onto the roof of the van and The Winter Soldier fired a round of shots through the roof to try shake her off. Failing that, he gripped onto the metal frame of the van, steel buckling under the pressure of his metal hand, and swung himself up onto the roof to try and wrench the pursuer off himself. His nose and mouth was covered with a black tactical mask, but his eyes, vacant and blank, were trained on Captain America. His dark brown-black hair whipped in the wind as they raced through traffic. He reached for Captain America's wrist, to pull her from her hands off her shield and throw her off the van. As bullet started flying out of the SUV around her Cap swayed around, awkwardly trying to avoid getting shot as she moved herself around to the other side of the SUV. Suddenly though she watched on as from the passenger side came a man clad in all black who swung effortlessly up onto the roof with her. He grabbed her hand, leaving Cap for just a moment to let go of the shield, clinching at his wrist. Just a moment of trying to find footing and Cap moved quick. Yanking herself hard on Winter Soldier's grasp she got enough momentum to get up and forward. Planting a boot into Winter Soldier's chest before landing, her other foot kicking the shield to pop it out of the SUV and catching it. "Alright buddy, I don't know who the heck you are but you're coming with me." Cap boasted with a stern tone. She winded back to throw a haymaker but as she did so she looked into the man's face. Though most of it was covered Cap couldn't finish the punch. There was something there, familiar, strangely comforting. She stood motionless, just enough to barely keep her balance as she struggled. She knew she had to do it, but something was getting to her to not do it. Something much deeper than she could prepare for. The kick knocked The Winter Soldier down with a heavy 'thud' onto the roof of the van, though he planted his metal arm firmly into the frame of the car so he didn't slip off, quickly regaining his footing, though now Captain America was re-armed with a shield and they were in too close-quarters for him to draw a gun, he had a tactical combat knife on him but he'd need to be quick to draw it before she struck. One thing he had though, was his bionic arm, and it was always primed and ready to strike. His arm swung up to deflect a blow but ... it never landed. Captain America paused and stared at him. Even The Winter Soldier was slightly disarmed by the strange staring match that took place. She had her shield and she'd reeled back to try level him with a punch but instead was frozen before him, but unafraid. No one ever did that to the Winter Soldier before... they either never saw him, froze in fear, or struggled hopelessly for their lives... Captain America was not doing any of that. She saw him, stared at him with an air of bewilderment, a prying look in her eyes, boring into his. Was this some sort of mind game? A trick? His gaze flickered a moment, but returned to the steely, determined, and oddly vacant mode of before. She'd given him an opening and now he could take her out and get away to receive his next order. He quickly took advantage of her shock , aiming for her weak spot, the legs. He swept an undercut-kick to take her legs out from under her to chuck her back into the traffic behind the van weaving through lanes. Captain America was still trying to make sense of the jumbling thoughts clouding her brain. Why was this happening? She was a trained soldier, and she sure as Hell wasn't normally one to not take advantage of the situation when it presented itself. Why now? What was causing her to not pull the metaphorical trigger? Something just couldn't let her do it, and it was about to cost her. Her already weak balance on top of the vehicle came out from under her. A sweeping kick by the mysterious man took her off her feet plenty. She couldn't even let out a noise as the surprise sent her falling back to the asphalt below. Although she was able to get the shield under her for protection. It didn't do much good though as the shield slammed into her side and chest. The force still causing her to roll scraping the bit of exposed skin her suit had against the road. Finally rolling to a stop Cap finally got a moment to breathe. Laying still for a moment, staring up at the light of the highway tunnel. After laying there she finally started to slowly get back upright. Her hands rubbing her face as she looked around. Thankfully traffic coming on the lane she was on was blocked so she didn't have to worry about someone making her a hood ornament. It didn't help matters though as she was bruised, scrapped up, and her heart ached she let the bastard go. "Captain, Captain come in." Nick Fury's voice blared through the ear piece she had forgotten she was even wearing. Awkwardly as she glanced back to where Winter Soldier escaped too, she put a hand up to it. "Cap speaking, he got away. Got a detailed look at the shooter though. He got away in a silver SUV, Connecticut license plate." Getting to her feet Cap felt aches all over and slightly winded. Though normally she would just be able to shrug something like this off, she'd been out of practice since thawing out. So Cap still moved a bit slow. "Need clean up crew, also reimbursements for a civilian's sports bike used..." Cap felt what seemed like something in her spine popping. "AH... medic would be great too..." She clinched at her back with a hiss as she waited for a response, God she needed a stiff drink.