Lay Down This Armour.

Prologue

The White House was a battle ground. HYDRA had staged a bold and full on attack. Steve and the team were silently thankful that the President and his cabinet had been evacuated, much to HYDRA'S ignorance. He was only focused on beating them and not having to protect defenceless politicians too. The army and the White House defence systems were working to the advantage of the Avengers and the scum was slowly weakening. One minute the White House remote controlled artillery was mowing down HYDRA forces, the next, to everyone's horror, it was targeting the army. That is when the Avengers knew everything was going to hell.
Their adamantium winged nemesis flew up to the battle field. He hovered over the HYDRA forces, mirroring Vision's and Falcon's hovering over the army. His masked face betrayed nothing as he faced them off. Steve moved a step forward, his hand tightening on the shield's clasp. He knew his team had his six, but he did not let his guard down.
' We won't give them up. You should still surrender while you can,' he shouted.
He was met with silence. The wide wings suddenly retracted into his back and he dropped to the ground, landing gracefully. He took a step forward to Steve. Everyone behind Steve coiled themselves double than they were already. To the surprise of all those present, a voice rough with lack of use was heard.
' And I will not leave while they breathe,' he said simply. The emptiness and cold of the tone was painful to hear attached to the very familiar voice. Steve felt guilt and pain claw at his chest. He knew that half of the team definitely felt the same.
'Fair enough. Before we start, someone wishes to reiterate my position,' Steve spoke.
He was only met with a slight tilt of the head in curiosity. The ranks of the army unfolded to reveal a woman clad in combat gear with a protective vest on top. She stood slightly behind Steve as cover.
'I knew a man once. He had no one else but me and I had no one else but him. I want him to come home. He might not believe it but deep down he knows there is proof that he has a heart,' her voice was scratchy with unshed tears. She continued speaking.
' Do you think he can come home?' she asked.
A silence stretched across the distance, either side afraid to move. It soon came to an end.
'He died in the snow,' came the dead voice. Steve was just about to steel his resolve for battle, when he something he couldn't believe he was finally hearing.
' But he will be avenged for you,'
Then all hell broke loose.