3: Super Soldier

  What is an antagonist? A vilin? John had studied a bit about them when he was young. They were, in part, the ehat drove the story, almost as much or even more so than the protagonist. They were the source of problems, where flicts arose.

  They could be a great Evil or simply an opposite, a passing obstacle or an imperable wall. Bearing that in mind, John thought deeply about all the information he had about Red Skull.

  The leader of Hydra was the world's first super soldier, perhaps failed in a certain sense as Dr. Erskine had said, but it was undeniable that he possessed a strength beyond that of the average human. But that mattered little; if John succeeded in his pn, the amount of power he would gain would easily overshadoower Johann Schmidt believed he had.

  Except for the Tesseract.

  John didn't know much about the artifact beyond its ability to do crazy things with space. He could see there was a deeper plarding the object. It ity it had e to this world before he could see all the remaining Marvel movies.

  Well, what's done is done, and now he must work with what he has.

  "Ready?" Agent Carter's voiapped him out of his deep thoughts. John straightened his unifave himself a final look in the mirror, and stepped out to meet her.

  "Always ready" he winked, and she smiled. They both boarded the vehicle that had been chosen to transport them.

  As John watched the ndscape begin to move, he thought again about Johann Schmidt. What should he do? Should he simply kill him in their first enter? Take the Tesseract, lock it in a tightly sealed vault, end the war, and go home?

  That would be anticlimactic. How could his story start so spectacurly only to end with him resolving everything instantly?

  V was right about ohing: John could never measure up to Steve Rogers when it came to morals. The man would have done anything to end the war, would have seized the ce to end Schmidt instantly, and would have accepted going home and spending the rest of his days building a happy family.

  But that story would only create a war hero, not a superhero, not a symbol.

  Not a super Captain America.

  If John wao be better than Steve in these aspects, he had to aplish much mlorious feats, things that would be etched into the collective human mind forever.

  Many people were going to die, many i people.

  But Schmidt o stay alive until John decided he was no longer useful.

  'Red Skull, huh? Good name. Rejoice, I'll let your horrible red face appear in history books as the worst man to ever walk this world'

  He still didn't kly how he would do it, but he already had some ideas in mind. He remembered Schmidt's character: arrogant, ceited, proud, believing himself to be a god among men and that only he deserved superior power.

  He could use that. To see the worst side of a man, you just had to press the right buttons, bring him to desperation, make his world crumble around him, and then see what he's really capable of.

  "You seem quite thoughtful. Is there something b you?" Agent Carter's words pulled John's attention away from the ndscape as he turo look at her, smiled, and waved his hand before beginning to speak.

  "Many things, Agent. This is something important. I fear failure, of course, and I fear not meeting expectations. It's a heavy burden to bear" Those were real feelings.

  The agent turo look at him. "Do yret this?" she couldn't help but ask. The experiment was risky; John's life was at stake. If somethi wrong, it would mean his death or something much worse.

  "No, not at all. No matter how difficult it may be, I feel it's what I must do" he looked her in the eyes and spoke carefully.

  "My te mother oold me that strong men protect themselves, and the stro protect others. I've always been a strong man, Agent, and now I have the ce to be more than that. That's why I'm here"

  She looked at him for a moment before smiling. "Your mother was a very wise woman"

  John chuckled. "She would have loved to meet you; I'm sure you would have gotten along well"

  The car stopped; they had reached their destination. John opehe door and saw the ordinary streets and on buildings. It was truly surprising how they could hide su important p a location like this.

  "Let's go" the agent began to guide him. John looked at the antique shop and took a deep breath. The moment had e; it was now or never.

  With firm and heavy steps, he ehe pce. The bell on the door made its characteristic sound. The pce smelled of antiques and dust, a b-looking pce that not many people would be ied iering.

  A perfect pce to hide things.

  Agent Carter walked up to the ter and exged some code words with the elderly dy who raore. She smiled warmly, like a harmless old woman. John wondered if that same smile was what their enemies saw before they died.

  "Over here" the agent called him, and they soon arrived at a bookshelf that began to open towards the side, a secret door. John would be lying if he said he wased. As an ordinary person just a month ago, experieng things like this, no matter how insignifit they might be, was still thrilling.

  They walked down the short hallway; soldiers saluted as they passed and opehe doors at the end of the corridor. John saw for the first time the mythical pce where Captain America had been born. Seeing it in person was more incredible than seeing it on a s.

  As they arrived, everyoopped for a moment, everyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the first super soldier of humanity.

  John ehe silence for a moment before his gaze met Dr. Erskine's. He smiled and began to desd the stairs until he stood in front of him and shook his hand.

  "It's good to see you again, Doctor" their enter was interrupted by the fsh of an old-fashioned camera. At least for John, fortunately, he had been prepared so he didn't close his eyes even though he wao. As an actor, he had to get used to being photographed, right?

  "Not now" Dr. Erskine quickly pushed the photographer away.

  "I'm sorry, they've been very impatient, almost like vultures" John smiled and shrugged it off.

  "Don't worry, Doctor" he then turned and looked at the mae, or was it a capsule? That would be his future.

  He touched its metallic surface for a moment and smiled. It was time.

  "It seems like it's time. What do I o do?" he asked the doctor, who poio his clothes.

  "Take them off, all of them except the pants. After that? Leave the rest to us"

  John obeyed and began undressing without hesitation. His body, already in good shape, had been further sculpted by rigorous training at the military base. He took off his clothes and hahem to the assistant who had arrived. He g the cameraman not far away and joked with Agent Carter, who had fotten to look away.

  "Maybe you want to ask him to take another photo; it'll st lohe agent coughed and looked away, too embarrassed to respond.

  "You flirt ter; it's time to start" the duided John to the metallic capsule, where he sat down and began to ree.

  He settled in as best as he could, not knowing how much this would hurt.

  "How does it feel?" Dr. Erskine asked, watg him adjust his position.

  "It's more fortable than I expected" John, who stood at six feet tall, thought the capsule would be tight, but it seemed rger than he imagined.

  "Of course, we took all your measurements and fabricated it based on that" the new voice surprised John a bit as he turned and found himself looking into the eyes of the smartest man of the current era, acc to the media.

  "This is Mr. Stark; his assistance has been signifit in this project. He'll be the one operating the mae once everything begins" Stark greeted him with a wave as he approached.

  Dr. Erskine made a quitrodu.

  "By the way, how are our energy levels?" Stark g the maes and replied to his question.

  "At 100%. Everything is perfed ready to start. We might leave a few houses without power, but nothing that will stop us from doing this"

  Stark looked at him and smiled.

  "We're going to make history today. Aren't you excited?" At the question, John smiled.

  "Like it's the most important day of my life" Stark widened his smile at his response; he felt the same way. This was like the most important day of his life.

  "The's make histentlemen" Dr. Erskiervened, starting the final preparations.

  Agent Carter approached, speaking to Joh time before leaving.

  "Earlier, you told me you were just a strong man, but I believe you're more than just that, John. So don't worry about what happens, no matter what it is, everything will be fine"

  John smiled. "Your faith in me is fttering. When this is over, remio invite you for a drink"

  "I'll be waiting" after that, she left. John watched her go; she had incredible hips. He knew he should focus on his goals, but he wouldn't have broken up with his girlfriend if he could keep his pants in pce.

  Maybe that was another point where he could never surpass Steve.

  "Owo, three, you hear me? Fine" Dr. Erskiook a microphone and addressed the high-ranking officials and other important individuals who had arrived to withis historient.

  As he delivered his speech, his assistants began to prepare the serum. John watched as the vials filled with blue liquid were pced into position, and he couldn't help but pare them to the V pound.

  The shade of blue in both was different but simir enough to give John some fiden their patibility. Of course, stifically speaking, the fact that something had a simir color didn't mean it was remotely patible with ahing of a simir color. But John wasn't a stist and didn't think like one.

  The needle entering his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts. He watched the penicillin being ied and couldn't help but grimaternally; he hated needles.

  "eng serum iion iwo—" John took a deep breath. Here it began, his story, his new life, his magnum opus, his stardom. He could hardly keep from smiling.

  "Three!" with those words spoken, the serum entered his veins directly.

  The blue liquid began to flood his bloodstream. The pain was surprisingly intense, and he had to grit his teeth to keep from pining.

  He felt the capsule moving and rising, its metal doors beginning to close over him until his entire body was hidden ihe traption.

  He heard some soft knocks and Dr. Erskine's voice. "Everything okay in there? you hear me?"

  "Everything's fine!"

  The doctor nodded and gave the signal. Stark began to turn a round handle, and the energy began to rise.

  "20%! 30%! 40%!"

  .

  Peggy watched from her seat as the light began to emanate from the small window in the capsule where John was located. She couldn't help but bite her lip and ch her fists as she saw the iy of the light increasing.

  She didn't look away, even though it was being increasingly unfortable to watch.

  "50%! 60%! 70%! 80%! 90%!"

  At this point of energy, everyoheir breath for a moment before Stark turhe handle pletely.

  "100%!!!" Then the light became so intehat it was impossible to keep looking at it.

  There was a slight tremor, and nearby puters and devices sparked, and as quickly as the light flooded the room, it was gone.

  Peggy opened her eyes and looked expetly, as did everyone else present. For a moment, silence filled the room before the doors of the capsule began to open, and John stepped forward. His body seemed to have grown several inches, and sweat covered his orso. He took what seemed like deep breaths before smiling at her, causio start appuding untrolbly, creating a wave that sent everyone cheering for the success.

  He had do. He had bee a super soldier.

  .

  John had never felt so incredible in his entire life. It was like being bain, but it was more than that; it was like being something different, somethier, superior.

  He took a few steps outside and saw Dr. Erskine and Stark approag, wanting to support him, but he shook his head, walking on his own quickly, regaining his bance.

  Being taller was strange; he was at least four ialler than before. Agent Carter arrived in front of him, giving him a tight hug with a big smile. He smiled and patted her back, pulling her out of her emotion and causio awkwardly step back.

  To hide her embarrassment, she quickly spoke, asking a question.

  "How, how does it feel?" she said, looking at his muscles, which seemed even more defined.

  "Like I've been bain" he replied easily, taking the towel offered by one of the assistants and wiping himself .

  He felt strong, very stronger.

  .

  Stark patted Dr. Erskine on the shoulder.

  "A plete success, old friend" the doiled and nodded, admiring the result of his work. This time, he firmly believed that things would be very different; this time, there was hope.

  Handshakes began, along with camera fshes and gratutions ughter and smiles.

  Dr. Erskine couldn't help but be ied by the atmosphere; his smile was the biggest he had had in years. But as with everything in his life, nothing could remain perfect forever.

  His eyes found themselves looking inexplicably in the dire of a man, the only one who wasn't smiling or approag them. Their eyes met, and Erski as if worms were wriggling inside his stomach.

  Before he could say or do anything, he saw the man giving him a sinister smile and making a gesture with his hand, then an explosion occurred.

  BOOM!!!

  .

  Gss and debris rained down everywhere, and everyone present crouched down, seeking cover. There were screams and curses; no one could uand what had happened.

  "Stop him!" Dr. Erskine's cry was heard by John, who had been atteo the situation. He looked at the man who caused all the chaos, who took the remaining vial and raised a gun.

  He could stop him; he could rush and prevent Dr. Erskine's death.

  But he didn't. He watched the gun fire and Dr. Erskine begin to fall to the ground.

  'I'm sorry' he apologized inwardly, but a super soldier would only bee just another soldier if there were a whole army of them.

  And while he decided not to save Erskihat didn't mean he would let his murderer escape.

  Faster than a cheetah, his leg muscles slightly tensed, and his body unched forward at incredible speed. He took a step that lifted him in the air, a jump that took him directly to the top of the stairs, blog the path of the Hydra agent.

  The man's eyes widened, and he raised his gun to shoot. John was faster, and with a single blow, he sent the man's body flying back downstairs.

  The vial in his hands flew, falling to the ground and shattering, spreading the serum everywhere among the debris from the explosion and gss.

  The Hydra age out a groan; his vision blurred, his broken jaw preventing him from using the poison pill he had repced one of his teeth with.

  He tried to reach his mouth to break it with his fingers, but a hand with a grip like iron stopped him.

  John arrived beside him and looked into his eyes, then forcefully yanked out the fake tooth.

  "Not so easy, friend" he said, lifting his head to see Agent Carter approag.

  "How's the doctor?!" her ed voice was extremely ving; he had practiced after all.

  She looked at him and sighed, shaking her head, her sad gaze genuine.

  John lowered his gaze and ched his fist, then with anger, he grabbed the Hydra agent by the ned dragged him to Agent Carter.

  "What should we do with him?" he asked.

  She looked at him and replied

  "Leave him to me"

  .

  .

  .

  John saw the blood ing out of his arm and almost frowhe nurse removed the needle and began s through the dozen vials of blood carefully.

  "Is this enough?" he asked with feigned .

  Agent Carter, who had been by his side throughout this process, sighed and replied.

  "We don't know. Without Dr. Erskine and with the serum lost, your blood is the only hope we have to try to recreate it, but that could take years or even decades"

  The loss of the doctor had been a severe blow to the project; without him, their research was almost pletely lost.

  John stood up and watched the blood samples being taken away for ste; the moment for the sed step of his pn roag.

  "Has he said anything?" he asked, and Carter knew whom he was referring to.

  "It's tough, but sooner or ter, everyoalks. I promise we'll find out who's behind this" she tried to sole him.

  John clicked his tongue.

  "We both know it's Hydra. The doctor talked to me about them; they've been after him since he was rescued. They didn't want him on our side, and if they couldn't have him, no one would"

  Hydra, the reason all this began. Peggy khey were dangerous, but it seemed they had uimated the extent of their forces.

  John saw the el arrive with more people; it seemed the time had e to discuss their future.

  He soon approached them, listening to them talk about Hydra.

  "So what are you going to do about it?" in respoo the question of one of the senior officers the el replied firmly.

  "I had a talk with the president. From now on, the Strategic Reserve no longer has a "stifi his name. We'll fight head-on and take care of Hydra as we should have done from the start"

  He turo Agent Carter. "Pack ys, Agent; we're leaving, and you too, Stark. We need you. We're heading to London tonight"

  Seeing that it was time, John intervened. He didn't know if he would be able to vihe el to let him go with them early, but he wao try.

  "If yoing to fight them, then I must go with you"

  At his words, the el looked at him with clear anger in his eyes.

  "You're just an experiment; you have no p this war. You'll go to Amogordo; perhaps there your blood will be more useful to us than lying in the dirt of the battlefield"

  He began to walk away, but John o insist on this.

  "General, with all due respect, I'm a super soldier. You saw what I do, the power I have—" his words were interrupted.

  "The power in the hands of one man does us no good, Sergeant, so I don't care if you bend steel with your hands or kill a man with a single punch. I asked for an army, not a single soldier"

  John looked into his eyes and khis stubborn old man wouldn't ge his mind. How stupid. What did it matter if it was just him? Even if he only had the Super Soldier Serum running through his veins, he could be sidered a one-man army.

  Once he had the pound V in his body, he would do more than just bend steel and kill a man with a single punch.

  Still, he took a step back; antagonizing the army while trying to make history within it served him no purpose.

  The el gave him o look before leaving.

  The man who had been talking to him approached John with a smile.

  It seemed like being a circus monkey was still in the script.

  No, Steve might have been tent with being a circus monkey. John, John would be a star.

  "I think he's wrong, I think he's fotten what the real goal is, the path is clear Sergeant John"

  The man looked at him with a smile, a smile that only those capable of seeing great opportunities have.

  "You're a Super Soldier, a real one. I've seen what you do, that power in your hands. I believe it's only fair that the whole world sees it too" his smile grew wider.

  "A man like you will give security to the masses, to the people. The youth will rush to enlist knowing that you are on our side, that there's a super soldier fighting alongside us. Something like that isn't kept under s; it's not hidden. You, sir, be more than a soldier; you be a symbol"

  He took John by the shoulder.

  "So what do you say? Do you want to fight in the most important battlefield in this try? Or stay locked up in a dusty boratory?"

  In these circumstahere wasn't much more that John could do. He had to wait for his moment, and until that moment came, he could also pursue his real dream. After all, he always wao be a Super Star.

  With a genuine smile, he took the man's hand and replied

  "Of course I want to fight"

  The man shook his haedly.

  "Then gratutions, you've been promoted"

  .

  From the sidelines, Carter watched them walk away with resignation. She hadn't heard everything they had talked about, but she k wasn't what John had hoped for. He deserved to go with them, to fight by their side.

  But the el had let the project's failure and Dr. Erskine's death blind him.

  Uo do anything else, she began to walk away to prepare her bags. She o find a way to vihe el, but that wouldn't happen today. Until then, she hoped John would be okay.

  .

  .

  .

  John had been assigo a room in a el in Brooklyn. That afternoon, he had seen the el leave with his men; he had bee behind.

  He was still in the army, but no longer as an ordinary soldier.

  "It seems everything has gone acc to pn" While starting to participate in the war beforehand would have beeer, how things turned out wasn't bad either. After all, his iion had been not to deviate too much from what he knew until the moment when pound V ran through his veins.

  Well, that moment was now.

  He closed all the windows, secured the curtains and the door, even pced a piece of furniture in front of it.

  Theook out his suitcase of personal belongings and broke one of the sides. When he decided not to take pound V immediately, he had searched for ways to hide it and avoid losing it.

  The best option was to keep it close at all times, and fortunately, he could bring his suitcase, which wasn't te, with him almost all the time.

  Before joining the army, he had carefully unstitched a part of the suitcase and tucked the pound V box between the foam padding ihe box was small and hard, so there was no risk of breaking the vial if the suitcase was shaken a bit.

  He mao make everything look normal and easily sewed the suitcase back up. While he wasn't an expert seamster, he still knew enough not to ruin it.

  Now he took the suitcase and without w about its appearaore the leather it was made of and took out the vial box.

  He opehe box and saw the pound V in it, as bright and blue as the first time he saw it. He quickly took out a syringe he had prepared in advand plus needle into the top of the vial, starting to extract the pound V.

  Once he didn't leave a single drop, Johhe needle tip directly on his neck, where the jugur vein was, took deep breaths, and gritted his teeth.

  It was all or nothing.

  The needle sank into his neck, and the blue liquid began to flood his bloodstream.

  It was as if molten iron began to run through his veins.

  He widened his eyes, almost started screaming, gritted his teeth, a iing until there was nothi. He let go of the syringe ao his knees.

  His fingers squeezed the metal base of the bed, easily def it. The gripping force was s that the deformed metal began to ge color to a dark red hue.

  John raised his head and opened his eyes, letting out a muffled scream as he felt something ge inside him.

  Every cell in his body seemed tle intensely for a brief moment, then his DNA began to ge once again.

  His eyes began to turn a bluish-green color, repg the previous pale green.

  He felt his muscles trag, his bones crag, and his heart beating strongly.

  Then, as quickly as it all began, it stopped.

  The pain, the disfort, everything.

  He breathed heavily, sweat dripping from his face, swallowed saliva, and looked at the palms of his hands.

  Had it worked? He clumsily got to his feet and dragged himself to the bathroom, where he looked at himself in the mirror. His face remaihe same, his body previously altered by the super soldier serum as well; perhaps the only noticeable ge was his eyes.

  His pupils had ged color slightly.

  But other than that, there was nothing strange, no tumor, deformity, or anything like that.

  He raised both hands and looked at his arms, then ched a fist and opehe palm of his other hand. at a speed faster than a bullet, his fist shot forward, hitting his own palm.

  The air broke, a Super Soni occurred, creating strong vibrations in the room and sending strong gusts of wind.

  John looked at his palm and then at his fist, smiled, smiled so much that he began to ugh out loud.

  It had worked.

  He had succeeded.

  .

  .

  .