Dark Universe(2) MARVEL

Chapter 11: New World Order

"Steve represented the best in all of us. Courageous, righteous, hopeful. And he mastered posing stoically. The world has been forever changed. A few months ago, billions of people reappeared after 5 years away, sending the world into turmoil. We need new heroes. Ones suited for the times we're in. Symbols... are nothing without the women and men that give them meaning. And this thing," Sam looked down at the red, white, and blue shield. "I don't know if there's even been a greater symbol. But it's more about the man who propped it up, and he's gone. So, today we honor Steve's legacy. But also, we look to the future. So, thank you, Captain America. But this belongs to you."

Avalon took a deep breath as she watched Sam hand off the infamous shield. She felt rage flash through her mind as he handed off the shield, but she knew she had to keep up appearances. She could see her wrist shaking and used her other to cover it, crossing them in front of her stomach. She couldn't have photos containing her being infuriated posted on social media and on online news articles. Photos were taken nonstop as the shield was placed in a glass box. Sam was upset but remained straight-faced for the people. Avalon could see past his true feelings. He glanced in her direction as she stood in the front row beside Rhodes.

"Thanks again for coming forward with the shield, Sam. It was the right decision." A Senator said to him as they shook hands, giving a nod to Avalon. "Miss Stark."

"Take a walk?" Rhodes asked Sam.

They stood side by side, leaving Avalon to stand in silence by herself. A small frown formed on her face as she was left with her inner thoughts. Rhodes and Sam noticed that she didn't follow behind. Rhodes huffed, earning Avalon's eyes. He nodded in their direction, silently telling her to follow. He realized that Avalon was equally upset as Sam was. They found themselves in the attraction in the Smithsonian for Captain America.

"Yeah, I've been at home. My sister and my nephews, man. When I left, they were babies. I come back and they're little men." Sam said. "It's crazy, you know."

"Yeah, well you should bring them out to D.C. sometime. I'll teach them how to fly. You know, I mean, the right way." Rhodes said making Sam laugh. "Crazy that nobody's gonna be carrying the shield."

"Hey, we went for 70 years without anybody carrying it when Steve was on ice. So I think it will be alright." He thought.

"That was a different time, Sam," Rhodes told him, as Avalon was looking over the attraction. "I see you're gonna make me ask. Why didn't you take up the mantle?"

Sam spoke, "When Steve first told me about the shield, the first words I said were "It feels like it belongs to someone else." Hmm, that someone else is Steve."

"The world's a crazy place right now. People are... Well, nobody is stable. Allies are now enemies. Alliances are all torn apart." Rhodes said.

"You can't trust anyone," Avalon added.

He nodded. "You can't trust anyone. The world's broken. Everybody's just looking for somebody to fix it."

Now the three of them stood in front of the glass case holding the shield.

"It's a new day, brother," Rhodes told Sam. "I'll be in touch."

Sam kept looking at the shield as Avalon placed a hand on his shoulder, "Something is going to happen, you have to know that. The world won't take lightly to the shield being hung up for good. Whatever happens, I don't want to be involved. I can't, really."

"I know, I know." He said, looking at her, earning a smile from her. "You were with Steve for years while we were gone."

"Yeah, and I ended up knowing him in a different way than others did. That's why I can't step in, plus most of the world hates me." She sighed. "If I say what I am really thinking, the public would weaponize my words against me."

"It seems like he did love you." Sam's words surprised her. "I know I was gone, but I have heard things. People talk."

"I loved him, and he loved me, but I guess not enough because he did leave me. I don't hate him for it." She said. "I could never be Peggy Carter."

"You're wrong. You were more than her. You could be her, but she couldn't ever do and face what you have. Avalon Stark is a badass, you are a Goddess, but you never use that against people." He placed a hand over hers. "Thanks for coming, Avalon. I appreciate it. I know you didn't have to, but you did."

She nodded with a bigger smile, "It's no problem. I don't mind."

"Carly mentioned after our phone call, that you were going through something." He said as Avalon started to walk away. "Are you okay?"

"Again, Sam, nothing I can't handle." She shrugged.

"Wait," He stopped her, she looked back at him. "Captain America was a project formed with Howard Stark, how come you never suited up as Cap? I'm sure they gave you the offer, could've been Miss America."

She laughed, and realized he was serious, "Me? Captain America? I'm Miss Universe, not Miss America, but cute title. Sam, I was secretly contracted for years with our government, doing their dirty work and risking my ass. Do you really think they would want me as Captain America?"

"I guess not." He chuckled.

She kept a smile on her face as she almost left the room, she stopped in her steps. "Oh Sam, by the way, keep me or Carly updated on the Flag Smashers. They are becoming a real pain in my ass. And I would really hate to have to deal with it my way."

"Yes, ma'am." Sam chuckled as he heard the echos of her heels disappear.

Not long after being back in New York for a couple of days, Avalon was already being asked questions. She avoided anyone that bothered her about Sam giving up the shield and what happened with Steve Rogers. Steve was and is still a touchy subject for her. Carly didn't even bother asking her anything about him.

The door of Avalon's apartment swung open. She groaned as she saw the familiar red hair belonging to her best friend. Carly threw her school bag on the floor, making her way to Avalon's large TV in the middle of the living room. She turned on the TV, switching through the guide to find a specific channel.

"Well, nice to see you too," Avalon said, setting down the drying rag for the dishes. "Make yourself at home, why don't you?"

She ignored her, "You need to see this."

"See what?" Avalon asked, rushing over to her friend.

"You'll see." She whispered.

"Unrest, in the wake of recent events has left us vulnerable. Every day Americans feel it. While we love heroes who put their lives on the line to defend Earth, we also need a hero to defend this country. We need a real person who embodies America's greatest values." Panic washed over Avalon's eyes, turning glossy. "We need someone to inspire us again, someone who can be a symbol for all of us. So, on the behalf of the Department of Defense and our Commander-in-Chief, it is with great honor that we announce here today that the United States of America has a new hero. Join me in welcoming your new Captain America."

Carly looked back at Avalon. All color drained from her face. She could see anger and sadness form on her face, a tear falling down her face, but it was quickly swiped off. Avalon was never good at hiding her emotions from her best friends, as much as she tried. Carly reached out to her, but she stepped back, raising a hand at her. For a second, Carly was afraid that Avalon would use her powers just because of how angry she must feel.

"They lied." She mumbled quietly. "How could they?"

"Avalon?" Carly softly called out to her. "Avalon."

She kept a straight face, holding back tears, "I'm fine, but, but you need to call Sam. Call Sam right now. I'll call Bucky, him I can handle."

"And just what do you think is going to happen?" She asked, curious. "What's going through that head of yours?"

"Suit up Red Widow, you're going on a mission," She said proudly, earning a nod from Carly.