The once-arrogant Demon soul facing Monac has now curled into a ball, as Leopard God's eyes, like purple searchlights, emit two small beams that thoroughly examine it from head to toe.
"Strange, how could such a Little Demon provoke humans with your abilities? Is its brain full of magma?" Leopard God withdrew its gaze, tilted its head, showing a puzzled expression on its cat-like face.
Monac shrugged at Su Ming: "See, I told you its brain is all magma."
This isn't nonsense; if this Demon wasn't so incompetent, Su Ming would be worried it had some sort of sinister plot.
"So, did you see anything?"
Su Ming took out a paper-wrapped offering from his belt, leftovers from the hot pot with Old Zheng earlier, intended to feed cats sometime, now perfectly useful.
Leopard God casually flicked with its tail, and the paper package disappeared.
"I've read all its memories, what would you like to know?"
"Check where they've taken Captain America. He's a handsome blonde guy who likes carrying a shield painted with a star and has that American tight rear."
Monac described Steve's appearance to Leopard God, assisting its search through the memories, while gesturing at his lower back, mimicking Captain America's athletic build.
Leopard God's gaze turned sharp, staring at Monac, then turned to Su Ming.
"Supreme Mage, your subordinate seems to be an idiot, thinking a rear description helps find someone. And I'm a god, albeit just Wakanda's Guardian God, but I'm aware of the active Captain America on Earth."
Su Ming shrugged with a regretful expression: "In fact, South American humans have a tighter rear. Captain America is of Irish descent, quite far from America."
Monac was lost, his eyes showing a numbed expression: "Are we still planning to search for them? Is studying America's immigration composition interesting?"
"Alright, Leopard God, can you tell us where Captain America is?"
The bad mercenary finished joking around and got to the point.
Leopard God licked the back of its paw, its black fur glossy and bright, eyes narrowed into slits, presumably checking what's in the paper package.
"He and another woman are trapped underwater, deep within the Mariana Trench. I'll give you the coordinates, but rescuing them is up to you."
Su Ming clicked his teeth, letting out a short sigh: "He's certainly getting his money's worth on this trip..."
................
Steve and Peggy were confined in a bubble, now both hungry and cold.
After all, this is the seabed, a place that never sees sunlight. If it weren't for some peculiar lighting structures around them, they'd hardly see anything far off.
But even if they could see, all they'd find is barrenness, aside from blatantly man-made objects, even the ground is barren rock.
"Are you alright?"
Steve used gestures and shouting till Peggy understood his meaning.
Even though Peggy's physique was improved by the Leech Potion, it wasn't as strong as those injected with the SSS Serum. The purpose of the Leech Potion, after all, was not to create Super Soldiers, but to make durable 'tools'.
Her condition was worse, but years of special agent training prevented her from showing it.
She smiled at Steve, nodded, and gestured for him to think of something, certain matters only a Super Soldier could handle.
But what could Steve do? If it's about executing someone else's plan and overcoming challenges, he's definitely up to it. But in moments requiring rapid wit, he really isn't the most quick-minded.
It's not that he isn't smart, he just lacks inspiration when facing unfamiliar things, feeling somewhat at a loss.
Just like that time he flew the plane, having never flown before, he simply held the rudder intending to crash into an iceberg. Had Deathstroke not appeared in time, who knows what would've happened to him now.
Would he still be alive? Could he still be with Peggy?
So since that incident, he's selectively forgotten about Deathstroke's original abduction of Dr. Erskine and seizure of the remaining serum.
He follows his own set of judgment standards, principles of action, Captain America doesn't entirely stand by the United States; he represents the simple civilian values, such as loyalty, gratitude.
The entire SSR couldn't manage Deathstroke, what could he possibly do?
This bubble is really sturdy; hitting doesn't break it, outside is all seawater, and there's pitch blackness above obscuring the depth, how do they escape?
If Baki were here, would he have a solution?
As Steve was anxiously thinking, the bubble in front of them oscillated, suddenly showing some images, a figure wearing a purple hood was watching them through the screen.
"Captain America... Long time no see."
Speaking in fluent German, Steve felt he'd heard this tone somewhere, but frowned, unable to quite recall.
"Who are you?!"
"Me? You don't remember me? Let me give you a hint." The figure in the purple mask languidly touched the back of his hand, then raised a finger: "You once were our enemy..."
"Red Skull! So it's you! What do you want?!" Steve instantly understood, if there was anyone he'd beaten up the most—certainly, Red Skull was the one.
Without waiting for the other to finish, the Captain rushed to respond, adopting the heroic and fearless demeanor and shouted seriously at the image.
"Purple hooded man: ".... Incorrect."
"Huh? Then... could it be Du Zun? Scoundrel! Release us, we'll duel one-on-one, I can fight you all day!" Though he lacked a shield, Du Zun was an old foe too, and he still had some confidence.
"..... Still incorrect."
Although the purple hooded man still stood before the camera, his hands had begun to tremble seemingly containing his anger.
"Is it Zemo then? Changed your mask? What new scheme?"
Steve pointed a finger, using the 'Uncle Sam wants you' gesture to prod the bubble.
"Finally! You still remember me! I thought you would be intoxicated by military marches and surrounded by countless fallen women!"
The purple-robed figure exhaled as if relieved, stood up, paced anxiously, clearly struggling to calm his emotions.
"I thought you were dead."
Steve recalled, yes, the purple hood was Zemo, not quite the same as before, yet something seemed off.
Indeed, something was off; Steve knew the older Zemo, while this masked figure was the younger version.
Having exchanged information with Faust, Little Zemo had some questions for Captain America, therefore, using Lady Nine-Heads' previous command, he employed the scientist to open the communication line.
To find Red Skull, inquiring through Captain America seemed useful; if the American also didn't know, then surely, he wouldn't locate him.
Feeling somewhat pleased that Steve recognized him, he moved a chair, dismissed everyone nearby, slowly seated before the lens, fiddling with a pen:
"As long as you recognize me, do you know Red Skull's whereabouts? I have only this one question, I might even exchange intelligence with you."
"What are you planning?!" Peggy processed the previous information, still trapped but trying to gather more valuable intelligence.
At least record it down; if in the worst case, she falls, perhaps the allies could find crucial info on the body.
Little mustache glancing at her: "Madam, this is between the Captain and me, you're unaware of the circumstances, best not speak."
"... No, I don't know."
Not having a habit of lying, Zemo was also one of his arch-enemies, not as high a priority as Red Skull, but the Captain didn't need to deceive him.
Shield-bearers always had this nature, preferring straightforwardness, not beating around the bush.
Zemo nodded, sighed: "The last time I saw him was in that city. Post-war, he vanished, where might the Magic Cube send him?"
"I don't know, Zemo, but don't hide behind that screen, face me, let's duel face-to-face! Surrender!"
Steve righteously shouted, seeming uninviting, portrayed like he had the upper hand, but Mr. Wilson once taught him that a skill named verbal sparring requires shouting as if assured victory.
Even without logic, you must disrupt the opponent's thoughts; once holding rationale, express that world righteousness lies within your palms, shining brightly.
He accomplished this perfectly, at this moment, no longer alone, not alone at all! At this moment, as if thousands of Americans stood with him, with the Star-Spangled Banner waving behind.
Peggy gazed at him full of admiration, eyes filled with love, urging the other party to surrender even under such adversity, truly the man she loved.
Surely, he's figured a way to escape from here, knowing Zemo couldn't kill them, thus his confidence right?