Maya Stark

Chapter 51: I am the Shadow

Adrenaline is a weird thing. It makes you do stupid things. That is what I'm blaming this on. I mean it was going to happen one way or another, what better way to make it on my terms. That's what I told myself as I drove to the location, I told reporters to meet me. I couldn't do it at home. They didn't need to know where Pepper and Morgan lived. Pulling up to the random location I sent out there were many people with cameras and microphones and recorders. They surrounded my car, giving me just enough space to open my door and get out. I kept the door in between me and the reporters, not taking any chances. They were all ready to hear from me. I haven't really been in the public eye since everything. As soon as I was out of the car, they start shouting questions at me.

'Are you going to be the next Iron Man?' One asked.

'What are you planning for Stark Industries?' another asked.

'Will you be taking over the business?'

'How do you feel about John Walker being the new Captain America?'

'Will you try to make a new Avengers?'

'Will you make your own Iron Man suit to take over that role?'

'Okay!' I said, loudly. They all quieted. 'Remember, I called all of you here. There is only two big questions and topics I will be talking about. John Walker. He is not really Captain America. You can't just slap a familiar shield and name on someone and pretend that everything is the same. Like nothing has changed. Steve Rogers was Captain America, not the other way around. Him and the name are one. There can never be anyone that matches up to Steve. But Steve is no longer with us and the sooner everyone accepts that, the sooner America can start healing. The world has changed, drastically. I get that people need comfort, but this isn't the correct way. Not telling Sam Wilson that the shield wasn't staying in the museum before he gave it away, isn't the way. It's disrespectful to Steve, Sam, everyone who personally knew Steve. We can't depend on the ones no longer with us, people. We need to count on the others. The new heroes more than willing to fight. Like the Falcon, Ant-Man, Spiderman, and so, so many more.

'Now, the second thing...' I take a deep breath. I put my hand up, willing a ball of energy to my hands. 'I am the Shadow. And I am fully prepared to get that shield from people who don't deserve it in order to protect the citizens of America. No matter what it takes. Thank you.'

There was an instant uproar. Instead of answering anybody, I just slid back into the car and closed the door. I start the car and people quickly got away from the front of it. I drove off pretty fast, even more adrenaline filling my veins. Either way, that went well. I was suddenly very glad that my phone was back in my bag. Now onto seeing Sam. A small smile forms on my face as I put down the windows fully, enjoying the feeling of freedom washing over me.