Changes
After almost a year on the run, Steve and his team have finally returned home.
It had taken more than what Steve imagined it was gonna take, but it finally happened.
And while Steve had some regrets, he didnt regret the stand he took. It was the only way to show the world that they wouldn't stand for the governments to control them.
And while the accords were still around, Steve knows it's just a matter of time. They being pardoned is already the first step.
Now he just needs to start working on fixing things. Make sure that everything is back to the way it was before.
Speaking of...
He grabbed the flip phone he had been holding for almost a year. A phone that never rang.
He had hoped Tony would make the first contact. That he would show the team that he was sorry and ready to move past everything.
But Tony never called. Which made Clint and Wanda angier, and Steve disappointed. Still, he is sure that a conversation with Tony will allow the man to see where he went wrong, and that he can move past everything.
Natasha saw him starting at the phone.
"He will come around Steve." She smiled at him. "He always does."
"I know Nat." He smiled at her. "We are a family after all. He's gonna come back."
He is sure of it. So will Rhodes and Vision. And Thor and Bruce now that they are back. Though Steve is disappointed at them for signing the accords instead of standing with him.
"Yeah right." Sam whispered.
Steve sighted. Lately Sam has been bitter with Steve, and he doesn't understand why. He though Sam agreed that they had to take their stand. So why is he acting like he is regretting it ?
"Stark can't be in a family." Wanda said. "He only cares about himself."
"I know you have problems with Tony Wanda. But he is part of this family. Don't worry, I'll make sure he apologizes to you."
She and Tony really needed to put behind their past. But honestly Steve can't blame Wanda. His bomb killed his parents, and Ultron killed her brother. Tony hasn't apologized for anything, always saying that it was not his fault, and leaving the room. Steve should have pressured him more.
When things get settle, he will have Tony, Wanda, and himself on a room, and they will talk things threw.
The same goes for Bucky.
Steve smiled at his friend, he was finally back at his side.
T'Challa had managed to block the trigger words, so no one could call the Winter Soldier anymore. However, he was unable to get Bucky totally free from the Soldier. Only that he wasn't activated anymore.
When Steve demanded to know why couldn't they do more, T'Challa said they didn't have the capacity or the technology to kill of the soldier. And that they had other issues to work on then Bucky. Steve wanted to scream, to tell them that Bucky is important ! But Bucky himself stopped that.
"T'Challa is right. He has his own country to work on."
It killed what Steve wanted to say. But then, he overheard Shuri talking about the BARF tech. Something Tony was working on that could help Bucky !
He wanted to call him so badly, but Sam advised against it. Saying that forcing Tony to help Bucky would make things worst. Natasha agreed that Steve should wait.
But they were back now. And Tony has surely done more progress on his tech. He could help Bucky !
With Steve's supervision of course. After Tony's unprovoked attack, he won't allow him to help his friend without him being there.
Steve however can't deny, he does trust Tony more than Wakanda. At least Tony, with the proper motivation, can be friendly. The Wakandians were always grumpy and mean with Steve and the team, except for Sam and Scott, who they treated kindly. Even T'Challa was cold to them. Clint and Wanda coldly reminded him that T'Challa is still on Tony's side, and it showed.
"Holly shit !" Clint said. Breaking Steve from his thoughts. "What happened to the compound ?"
That's when Steve looked from the car window and gasped.
The compound was big. Much bigger than before.....
"Stark rebuilt the facility, didnt' he ?" Scott said behind them. "It was on the news."
"Yeah. He said it was to collaborate with the Justice League." Sam said. "Gotta say, it looks nice."
The Justice League...Steve had heard about them. They had defeated that alien, Steppenwolf, when he and his team were hiding. He wanted to act when he saw the news. He and his team were ready to go there and defend the world as the Avengers. But T'Challa didn't allow them to leave. Or if they did, they wouldn't been allowed to return. Steve hated to comply, specially when people needed their help. But at the time Bucky was still on ice...and Steve couldn't leave him.
So they stayed on Wakanda. And watched as this new heroes came in and saved the day. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg.
They gained the love and reputation of the Avengers. The Accords counsel soon opened contact with them, and unlike the Avengers, they didn't split. They all signed together. It made Steve question how much can this team really be trusted.
Something that outraged Steve, was the condemnation that the Avengers received. Or most importantly, Steve's team received, because they didn't help. The others got out unscratched. Thor and Bruce were still off world when that happened, Rhodes was still hospitalized, and when asked, the Accords Council, they said that Iron Man and Vision had been deployed to deal with another incident. Something the Justice League later said they knew about and that they didn't call for help from them, knowing the mission was important. Tony had soon proof with the arrests of two individuals. Alexei Shostakov, and Melina Vostokoff.
Natasha looked shocked at those names, but refused to say why. Only that she was glad Tony arrested them.
But that did nothing so that Steve and his team avoided the criticism, and he hated it. He would tell the world soon enough.
Soon, the jet started landing. Finally !
He expected Tony to be there, waiting for them. Greetings and apologies on his mouth.
But they could all she that the person waiting for them had blond hair. A woman. It wasn't Tony.
"Too good for apologies eh ?" Clint grunted.
"Did you expect anything else ?" Wanda mumbled.
Steve shook his head. They'll meet Tony soon and get what they deserve.
"Wait a second. Is that Sharon ?" Sam said suddenly.
Steve looked and...indeed. The one there was Sharon Carter.
"What is she doing here ?" Steve wondered. He wasn't expecting Sharon to be here.
The plane landed in front of the building, and Steve went out first. Taking a moment to breath the American air. They were home.
"Sharon, it's good to see you !"
"Rogers." She greeted coldy.
Steve was shocked by her voice. It wasn't as warm as the last time. It was so cold...
"Sharon why...."
"Good you are all out of that thing. Well, let's get you all settled in so I can be on my way." She walked threw the door. "Come on."
With a look at his team. Steve nodded at them, and they went inside.
"So as you can all clearly see. The compound has been remodeled to feet both the Avengers, and the Justice League. Once the initial meeting is over, you will be given a pass that will allow you to enter the places you can go into. Don't force entry on places you can't. or the consequences will be big."
"Sharon wait !" Steve said. "What...it's good to see you."
"Can't say the same."
Steve stumbled. Wasn't Sharon on their side ?
"Sharon...why...you helped us..."
"I didn't help you Steve." She finally turned back to them. "That person that gave you the gear, it wasn't me."
Steve was shocked. That....that can't be true. That was Sharon !
"What do you mean it wasn't you ?" Sam asked. "Then who was it ?"
"An Agent sent by Ross, with a face mask to impersonate me. He sent her to get your weapons to, incite the violence between heroes. So he could go on with his anti enchanced agenda. Obviously it didn't work out in the end for him, but you guys proofed him right on that. As for the real me. Well I was hospitalized, as Doctors didn't know if Barnes had broken my skull when Zemo set him off."
Steve saw Bucky flinch, and immediately got defensive. It wasn't Bucky's fault !
"By the way. The one that gave you the file on Romania, was also an agent. You are really easy to trick," Steve knew she was mocking him. "The only real time that was me, was in the funeral. The rest, I was off on another place."
"I don't...I don't understand."
"Ross tricked you Steve. And you fell for it, right where he wanted to." She said before turning back and walking.
That...no that can't.....there is no way Steve fell for Ross' trap. It's thanks to the stand he took that the man is in prison now.
When they got close to the meeting room, Steve felt another pang of hope. Tony had to be there. Together, they could fix this.
But he opened the door, and once again, Tony wasn't there.
Instead, there were two of the Justice League members, Batman and Superman, in full costume.
"Ladies, Gentleman." Superman greeted. "Welcome. Please take a seat."
Steve sighed, disappointed that Tony wasn't here, and took a seat.
"As you provably know, I am Superman, and this is my teammate, Batman."
"We know that." Natasha said. "But we don't know who you are."
Superman looked at her, before chuckling.
"Ah I see. I'm sorry Ms. Romanoff. But both of us will be keeping our identities secret."
Wait. They can't do that ! How will Steve be able to trust them when they go into battle ?
"I can see what you are thinking Mr. Rogers." Batman said. "Yes, we can keep our identities secret. It's totally legal."
"It's under section 7D on the Accords." Sharon said. "Signess can keep their indentities secret from their teammates, and most of the staff. Only a private board will be told and they have to remain quiet, or face consequences. Of course, they can choose who they tell who they are." Sharon send them a friendly smile. One Superman returned.
"Now, let's get things started. From what i understand. Mr. Lang you don't wish to be part of the Avengers roaster, and instead be a private signee signed on San Fransisco."
"WHAT !" Steve turned to Scott. "Scott ! What are you doing ?"
"Look man. I can't stay here on New York. I talked things out with Maggie, and we agree it's for the best that I return to San Fransisco to be with Cassie."
Steve looked at him. Couldn't Scott see being a hero required sacrifice, he should be here !
"That's alright Scott." Sam said. "You do what you feel is the best man. It's your daughter."
"Mr. Lang's request was accepted, and he will be working with Ms. Van Dyne on San Fransisco as was established with him on Wakanda."
Steve then realized something else.
"How did you know we where in Wakanda ?"
"Did Stark cause another international incident by hacking them ?" Wanda sneered.
Batman growled at that. But Superman spoke first.
"I am sure that if Tony hacked someone, they wouldn't find out, he's a genius after all. But in case you are wondering. No, he didn't. King T'Challa revealed from day one that you were there."
T'Challa told the world that they were there ? Then why didnt he allow them to leave to save people ?
"As for the rest of you." Superman continued. "Based on this, you wish to continue working as Avengers."
"Of course." Steve said surely. "But I got a question. Where is Tony ?"
Sharon, Batman, and Superman grew colder at the question. "Excuse me ?"
"If we are getting the Avengers back together. Shouldn't Tony be here ?"
"Told you they didn't read the news." Batman growled. Steve glared at him. He didn't like him.
"Ah I see." Superman chuckled. "I understand the question. Dr. Stark is not cited as an Avenger."
"What !" Steve shouted. That can't be true. Tony is part of his team !
"Due to his past history with the team. Dr. Stark chose not to be an Avenger again. He operates either individually, or within a group named, the Revengers, which Thor and Dr. Banner are also part of." He explained. "The Avengers roaster is currently the ones present. Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wison, Clint Barton, Wanda Maximoff, and James Barnes."
"There are others team now Mr. Rogers." Batman grumbled.
"It's Captain." He said firmly. Steve deserves respect.
"No it isn't." He said with a nasty smirk. "Captain America is just a stage name. And even then, you were dishonorably discharged by the army after your actions during the Civil War. So you are no Captain."
Steve paled a bit. That...that can't be true. He's Captain America !
"How many teams are there ?" Natasha asked.
"A lot. The Justice League, the Avengers, the Revengers, the Ultimates, The Defenders, Task Force X, The X-Men, Fantastic 4, the Guardians of the Galaxy." Superman said. "And those are only the ones from the tip of my mouth."
"And if the whole teams come together. Who will lead them during that time ?"
"Ah that. When a level 10 situation is called. It was decided that the highest ranking and most experienced signee will take command during that time of crisis."
"So that's Steve then." Steve smiled grateful at him.
"Bullshit." Both Batman and Sharon mumbled.
"As Batman already declared. Mr. Rogers has no military status, and his stay on the ice is not counted as years of experience. It is Colonel Rhodes the one that takes command during situations like that."
Rhodes ! But...
"It makes sense." Sam said. "Steve, with all what happened outside, Rhodes is a Colonel. He outranks everyone here."
Steve was forced to agree on that. Still, he is sure he can get Rhodes to see that Steve should be on command.
The meeting went mostly like that. Announcing changes that he and his team didnt know nor where consulted about.
"What do you mean we have to pay for our own things now !" Wanda yelled.
"As I said Ms. Maximoff." Batman said. "You will be payed a salary and use it to buy your stuff."
"But Tony..." Steve started.
"Mr. Rogers for the 7th time. Dr. Stark is not in your team. And even if he were, he is not legally obligated to pay for everything you buy."
"Wait, you guys used Stark's money for personal stuff ?" Sam asked. Scott also looking at them.
"Didn't you ?" Clint countered.
"No ! I used the money for my gear or for missions. But all my stuff I bought it with my money ! I have a job."
"He is rich. It's not like it bothers him." Wanda argued. "And it's blood money so..."
"Ms. Maximoff, if we can continue !" Batman yelled.
Nothing that Steve said was listened to. Why couldn't they listen to him !
After 3 hours, the meeting was over.
"Well that's that. Agent Carter, can you kindly escort them to their quarters. Mr. Lang, we'll escort you to the plane taking you to San Fransisco"
"Of course. See you boys later. And please send Wonder Woman my regards." With that, she pointed Steve and the others to follow them.
Steve was shocked, how had things changed so much ?"
Scott left without saying goodbye. Is this how he repayed Steve ?
They passed threw the kitchen when he heard a voice. A familiar one...
"Seriosuly, I don't need you to follow me all the time !"
It was Tony !
He was walking threw the hall. A woman with hair....very red. At his side.
"I know that, but you know we can't take any chances !"
"Between you two, I swear I am being taken care like a peace of glass."
"Well that's what you get for being special one. Besides Arthur would kill me if anything happened to you."
"That's why I love my cousin."
"Tony !" Steve called.
When Steve finally looked at him. He noticed that...Tony looked a bit different.
He looked healthier, with no bags on his eyes. He also looked more...buff.
And his hair, it had some color on it. There were some points with some orange.
He also smelled a bit like...sea water.
Tony looked at them. "They are back already ?" He asked Sharon.
"T'Challa got fed up with them and wanted them gone soon."
"Ah I see. Good on King Kitty."
"Tony.." Steve took a step forward.
"Well, we are on our way. See you cuz !"
He and the woman left.
"Tony wait !" Steve called. But he was ignored.
Steve ran after him, but the door they went threw didn't open.
Stumbling at the rejection. He followed Sharon when she shouted at him.
"Did you see Tony ?" He asked Natasha.
"Yeah...he seemed different."
"I know...what happened Nat ?"
"I wish I knew...that woman though. He said something about...needing protection.."
Needing protection ? What had happened ?
What had Tony done now ?
Steve will have to get to the bottom of this soon. He needs Tony back so he can fix everything !
Steve has to act now.
Tony sighed and dropped on the couch.
"So they are finally back." He groaned. "Great, just great,"
"It's not like they have the same power as before." Mera sat besides him. "You'll be fine. The Soul Stone made sure of that."
"I know I know. I just dread what dealing with them is gonna be. Rogers is bound to make things hard. And with Thanos and Darkseid coming..."
"We can just leave you know. Yelena wouldn't mind. Though she might want to give Romanoff a peace of her mind."
"It's best to stay here. Besides where are we going to go ?"
"Atlantis. Arthur would welcome everyone, and Loki said he can make Yelena one of us."
"I am only half." He reminded her.
"I know...doesn't matter really."
"Well that does sound tempting. But for now, we have to stay and help the others prepare. That's what the stone wants."
"Well if Rogers gets out of hand. I can always drain the serum from him. It would give me a chance for payback, and leave enough for Yelena to break apart."
"You two are so protective of me really ?"
"Yet. you love us like that."
"Yeah...I do love you both like that."