CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
DO YOU TRUST ME?

     "CAPTAIN AMERICA! HOW EXCITING! I'M a great fan of your films." Schmidt walked over so that he was standing on the other side of the bridge, right across from Steve. Bucky was leaning against the railing, trying to keep himself up as the explosions continued all around. Celeste kept a hand on Bucky's shoulder as she looked towards Schmidt. She narrowed her eyes at the man who had an evil smile on his face. The two men grew closer and closer to one another. "So Dr. Erskine managed it after all. Not exactly an improvement, but still impressive."

     Steve quickly reeled his fist back, punching the man hard in the face making Celeste and Bucky exchange looks before looking back towards the two. "You've got no idea."

     "Haven't I?" Schmidt quizzed. His face was dragged down on one side from the power of Steve's punch. He reeled his own fist back, and it headed towards Steve. Steve quickly held up his shield, blocking the punch. However, the force of the punch left a fist imprint on his shield. He hit Steve again, making the man fall to the ground and lose his gun.

Celeste's eyes widened slightly, balling her hand up into a fist and preparing to use her powers if she needed to. However she stopped herself from doing so when Steve kicked the man back, forcing himself to stand up. As he did that, the bridge separated in two parts. Steve on one side, Schmidt on the other. The explosions continued to grow louder and louder as they grew closer. Schmidt smirked.

      "No matter what lies Erskine told you, you see I was his greatest success!" Schmidt yelled over the noise. The trio watched as Schmidt started to pull his face off. Celeste watched Schmidt with a raised eyebrow whilst Steve looked confused. When the skin was completely peeled off, it reveled the red skull he held underneath.

     "You don't have one of those, do you?" Bucky muttered in slight disgust. Celeste glanced towards Bucky, rolling her eyes slightly. An uneasy feeling seemed to settle in her stomach, one that brought Celeste nothing but discomfort. Something was going to happen. She didn't know what it was, she didn't know if it was a good or bad something. All she knew was that something was ticking, something was being set into motion, and sometimes she just wished that she could see the future in order to prevent whatever it was from happening.

     "You are deluded, Captain. You pretend to be a simple soldier, but in reality you are just afraid to admit that we have left humanity behind. Unlike you, I embrace it proudly. Without fear!" He threw the skin down into the fire and Steve watched with furrowed eyebrows. He walked back towards his scientists, growing farther and farther away.

     "Then why are you running?" Steve questioned him. The trio watched as they made their escape. Another big explosion happened, making the three shield their faces from the heat and bright light of the fire. Steve looked up, noticing another way out. "Come on, let's go." Steve started running and Celeste and Bucky were quick to follow him. Celeste kept herself close to Bucky, not wanting him to fall. She couldn't help but worry about him, even though she knew that he was going to be okay. He was going to make it through this,  he had to. They made it to the destination where there was a metal walkway that lead to the other side. It looked extremely unsteady, shaking every time another explosion went off.

     "Bucky, you first." Celeste told him, swallowing thickly as she and Steve helped him over the railing. Bucky walked across the walkway, trying his best to keep his balance. Her heart slammed in her chest, fear seeming to creep through her veins as she watched him. The walkway moved downwards as another explosion went off. Bucky froze, almost losing his balance before he got it again. Another explosion went off and the walkways made a loud a scraping sound as it started to detach from the other side. Celeste's eyes widened as Bucky quickly ran and jumped as the walkway fell. He grabbed onto the railing on the other side and pulled himself over to the other side. She closed her eyes in relief.

     "Now, the real question is, how are we gonna make it over there?" Celeste questioned, glancing up at Steve. He looked down at her before moving his gaze over to Bucky who was looking at the two with worry. Not only was his best friend on the dangerous side, but so was the angel who had quickly become someone important to him. He wasn't going to leave here without them, he refused to.

     "There's gotta be a rope or something!" Bucky yelled.

     "Bucky, go! We'll be fine!" Celeste called, offering him a reassuring smile. Bucky shook his head.

     "Just go! Get out of here!" Steve yelled out.

     "No!" Bucky yelled back. "Not without you!"

     Steve looked around before motioning for Celeste to back up. She did so, watching as Steve started to bend the rail, leaving an open space. Celeste cocked an eyebrow as she realized what it was that he was about to do. She shook her head in disbelief. "Steve, I have a better way to get us over there."

     Steve looked at the woman in confusion. "What do you mean?"

     Celeste swallowed thickly. She was really about to expose herself and who she really was to another human. But she was saving his life. She took a deep breath, glancing towards Bucky who was starting to panic. Celeste closed her eyes as a deep sigh feel from her lips. She opened her eyes, meeting Steve's. "Steve, do you trust me?"

     "Of course." Steve nodded his head.

      "Good. Just don't kill me, and I promise that I will explain everything to you." Steve didn't question it, and instead nodded his head. Celeste grabbed onto his hands, before closing her eyes, and when she opened them again, they were standing there beside of Bucky. Steve looked back and forth for a moment before opening his mouth. "Later." Was all she said before grabbing onto Bucky's hand as the three mad a run for it, successfully exiting the base as it continued to blow up.