Chapter 200: Captain America: My Wife Is Gone!

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"Stephen, you're so eloquent. Have you finally found someone?" Tony Stark asked.

Snicker!

Tony Stark's words were like a dagger piercing into Stephen Strange's heart.

"This question has nothing to do with the topic at hand," Stephen Strange replied.

"Really?" Tony Stark responded incredulously. "You, a bachelor, are talking about love here. Don't you find that odd?"

"Alright, alright, I'll shut up. Is that better now?" Stephen Strange shrugged helplessly.

"To be honest, Stephen, that Christine from your hospital is quite nice. I'm sure she has feelings for you too. Don't miss your chance to confess," Tony Stark advised. "She's a great girl, don't let her slip away."

"This is supposed to be a discussion about the question. Why are we talking about me?" Stephen Strange retorted. "What I was trying to say is that Vision and Wanda are a couple. It's highly likely that they either both retired or both didn't. Since they were both present during the Airport Battle, I don't think they retired. If they both did retire, it's too coincidental that they were both called in to help, one for Tony and one for Cap."

"Stephen, you as a bachelor shouldn't be playing relationship counselor here," Natasha Romanoff coldly countered. "Back then, they might have had mutual feelings, but they definitely weren't together. If they were, Vision and Wanda wouldn't have stood on opposing sides."

"Then what do you think, Wanda?" Steve Rogers turned to Wanda Maximoff. "If you were asked to sign the Sokovia Accords, would you retire?"

"I think... I wouldn't, right?" Wanda Maximoff thought for a moment and replied, "No?"

"Even Wanda says she wouldn't retire. So, why are we still discussing this?" Scott Lang shrugged.

"This question 'names' four heroes. So, who's going to answer?" Nick Fury asked.

"Clint is the one who retired, so let Clint answer," Natasha Romanoff suggested.

"I've already answered this multiple times. I think someone else should have a chance," Clint Barton said.

"No, Clint, this reward suits your abilities perfectly," James Rhodes said. "With Perception Haki, your archery would be unbelievably accurate."

"I'm already unbelievably accurate," Clint Barton replied.

"That's true, but if you could predict your enemies' next moves, your archery would reach a whole new level," Wanda Maximoff said. "Perception Haki suits you the best."

"Yes, Clint, you're the most suitable," Nick Fury added.

"Alright then, I'll answer." Clint Barton gave in after hearing their arguments. "I choose B!"

  [Correct answer! Reward granted!] 

"As expected, Perception Haki is truly amazing." Clint Barton sensed the effects of Perception Haki and couldn't help but smile.

Soon, the video resumed playing.

"Last month, in Lagos, Nigeria, 11 Wakandan citizens tragically lost their lives in a clash between the Avengers and mercenaries. These usually isolated Wakandans were engaged in humanitarian activities in Lagos at the time of the attack," the female anchor reported.

"Our countrymen's blood has been shed on foreign soil, not only due to the actions of criminals, but also due to the indifference of those trying to prevent the crimes. The victory achieved by sacrificing innocent lives is no victory at all," King T'Chaka of Wakanda delivered a speech.

Steve Rogers picked up the remote and turned off the TV.

"They aren't bound by international law. If we don't address these kinds of news, this is what will happen. Enhanced individuals like Wanda Maximoff have no right to act in Nigeria..."

However, the news continued playing, with Wanda Maximoff watching another television.

Steve Rogers walked over, took the remote, and turned off Wanda Maximoff's TV as well.

"Blame it all on me," Wanda Maximoff said self-reproachfully.

"It's not your fault," Steve Rogers denied.

"Then turn on the TV. They've called us out by name," Wanda Maximoff said.

"I should have dismantled that bomb vest long ago instead of making you have to take action," Steve Rogers approached Wanda Maximoff. "When Sam mentioned Bucky, suddenly, I became that 16-year-old kid from Brooklyn again."

"Somebody died," Steve Rogers sat down next to Wanda Maximoff, "and it's my fault."

"It's our fault," Wanda Maximoff said.

"This job..." Steve Rogers paused, then continued, "We try to save as many lives as we can, but sometimes we can't save everyone. And if we can't accept that, we might not be able to accept anything next time."

At this moment, Vision, dressed in civilian clothes, phased through the wall.

"Little Vision, we've talked about phasing through walls," Wanda Maximoff said somewhat helplessly.

"Yes, but the door was open, and I thought..." Vision pointed to the open door, then looked at Steve Rogers. "Captain Rogers asked me to inform Mr. Stark that he's back."

"Thank you, I'll head down now," Steve Rogers said.

"I... should go." Vision then walked toward the door, turning back as he reached the doorway. "Oh, and he brought a guest."

"Do you know who it is?" Steve Rogers asked.

"The Secretary of State," Vision replied.

Meeting with the Secretary of State Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross wasn't an event limited to Steve Rogers alone. Black Widow Natasha Romanoff, Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff, War Machine James Rhodes, Falcon Sam Wilson, and Vision were all seated around a table, while Iron Man Tony Stark, dressed in a suit, sat alone on a couch behind them.

"Five years ago, I suffered a heart attack while playing golf. I collapsed during a swing, and that turned out to be the luckiest thing that ever happened to me in my life."

"After 13 hours of surgery and a triple bypass, I discovered something the 40 years of military service never taught me—foresight."

"The entire world owes the Avengers an unpayable debt. You fought for us, protected us, and risked your lives."

"Though many call you heroes, there are some who prefer the term 'vigilantes.'"

Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross went on a verbose speech at the conference table, reading from a stack of notes that seemed like they had been written by several secretaries.

"Which term would you use, Mr. Secretary?" Natasha Romanoff asked.

"How about 'dangerous'?" Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross said. "How would you describe a group of enhanced individuals stationed within the United States? They habitually ignore national borders, going wherever they want, doing whatever they please. And frankly, it seems like they don't care about the consequences they cause."

Then, Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross started playing a video.

The Battle of New York against aliens, the destruction of the Helicarrier in Washington, the battle against Ultron in Sokovia, the clash with Crossbones in Lagos—all of these battles were fought by the Avengers to protect the people. However, the perspective Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross chose was entirely different. He focused on the victims, showing the damage and collateral injuries caused by these battles.

"Over the past four years, your actions have been carried out with unlimited power and without supervision. Governments around the world can no longer tolerate this situation," Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross concluded after playing the videos, his hands clasped behind his back. "But we have a solution."

At this point, a stack of thick documents was handed over to Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross by one of his aides. He placed the documents on the table. "The Sokovia Accords, ratified by 117 countries. It stipulates that the Avengers will no longer operate as a private organization, but under the supervision of a United Nations panel, and their actions will be subject to the approval of this panel."

"The Avengers were formed to make the world safer, and I believe we've accomplished that," Steve Rogers expressed his disinterest in this agreement.

"Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are?" Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross asked. "Losing two 30-megaton nuclear weapons would definitely have consequences."

"Compromise, accountability—that's how the world works," Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross walked around the table, persuading as he went. "Believe me, this is the middle ground."

"So, do we have an emergency plan?" James Rhodes asked.

"In three days, the United Nations will convene in Vienna to ratify the Sokovia Accords," Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross said. "You should discuss it amongst yourselves."

"What if we don't like the decision we make?" Natasha Romanoff asked.

"Then you'll retire," Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross turned and left.

And in the room, a heated discussion among the superheroes ensued.

"Secretary Ross has one more Congressional Medal of Honor than you do," James Rhodes told Sam Wilson.

"So, if we sign, how long will it be before they're hunting us down like ordinary criminals?" Sam Wilson asked.

"117 countries are about to sign this agreement, Sam. 117. And you're treating it like it's nothing?" James Rhodes said.

"How much longer are you going to play both sides?" Sam Wilson said.

"I have an equation," Vision, who was sitting there, spoke up. "During the eight years that Mr. Stark declared himself as Iron Man, the number of enhanced individuals has been exponentially increasing. At the same time, the number of events that could lead to doomsday scenarios has been rising as well."

"Are you suggesting this is our fault?" Steve Rogers, who was reading the agreement, looked up at Vision.

"I'm suggesting there might be a correlation. Our superpowers attract challenges, challenges incite conflicts, and conflicts lead to catastrophes," Vision summarized, "Regulation is something we should consider."

"Getting to the point," James Rhodes said.

"Tony, you've been awfully quiet," Natasha Romanoff noticed that Tony Stark hadn't said anything.

"Because he's already made up his mind," Steve Rogers said.

"Wow, you really get me," Tony Stark stood up, rubbing his head. "Actually, I've got a headache from electromagnetic interference, that's why I've been silent, Cap. Just a headache, uncomfortable."

Saying so, he quickly pulled out his phone and showed everyone a picture.

"That's Charles Spencer," Tony Stark pointed to the young black man in the photo. "He's a good kid, majoring in computer engineering, with an average GPA of 3.6. He plans to work for Intel at the grassroots level this fall. However, he wants to build experience before getting stuck in an office, wants to see the world, do volunteer work."

"Charlie didn't want to go to Vegas or Fort Lauderdale. I'd go there, wouldn't I? Instead of Paris or Amsterdam, the latter sounds much more interesting. He wanted to spend his summer building sustainable housing for the poor, guess where? Sokovia!" Tony Stark grew more excited as he spoke. "He might have wanted to make a difference, but we'll never know. Because just as we were enjoying ourselves, we dropped an entire building on him."

"We have no decision-making process. We need oversight, in whatever form. I'll accept it," Tony Stark continued after taking a sip of water. "Without limitations, we're no better than the bad guys."

"Tony, you can't just give up when someone dies under your watch," Steve Rogers sat on the couch, holding his arm.

"Who said we're giving up?" Tony Stark retorted.

"If you're not holding yourself accountable, that's giving up," Steve Rogers said. "These documents are just a way of passing the buck."

"I'm sorry, Steve, but that's dangerously arrogant," James Rhodes couldn't help but interject. "This is the United Nations, not the World Security Council, not S.H.I.E.L.D., and not Hydra."

"True, but the people in charge are still people, and people have agendas, and agendas change," Steve Rogers said.

"That's a good thing, that's why I'm here," Tony Stark walked toward Steve Rogers. "When I realized my weapons were falling into enemy hands, I stopped production."

"Tony, that was your choice," Steve Rogers looked up at Tony Stark. "If we sign, we give up that choice. What if the panel sends us somewhere we shouldn't go, or doesn't let us go where we should? We may not be perfect, but we're still the best chance we have."

"If we don't sign now, they'll make us sign later," Tony Stark said. "The fact is, it's coming. And it won't be pretty when it does."

"Are you saying they'll come after me?" Wanda Maximoff asked.

"We'll protect you," Vision, who was sitting next to her, said.

"Perhaps Tony is right," Natasha Romanoff spoke up, "if we make a slight compromise, there's still room for maneuver. If we completely break away..."

"Are you still the woman who used to defy the government a few years ago?" Sam Wilson asked in surprise, not expecting Natasha Romanoff to say such words.

"I'm... adapting to the situation," Natasha Romanoff thought for a moment and used a more conservative phrase. "Reading the room. We made a big mistake in front of the public. We need to regain their trust."

"Hold on," Tony Stark looked at Natasha Romanoff, "I'm sorry, did I mishear that? Are you supporting me?"

"I think I'm having second thoughts," Natasha Romanoff said.

"No, no, you can't take it back," Tony Stark said.

At this moment, Steve Rogers received a text message. It was short and to the point: "She passed away in her sleep."

"I have to go," Steve Rogers knew who "she" was, so he casually tossed the agreement aside and left.

After the farewell ceremony for Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers stood alone in the church. Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him.

Turning his head, he saw Natasha Romanoff walking step by step towards him.

"Upon being unfrozen, I thought everyone I knew was dead, then I found out she was still alive," Steve Rogers said as Natasha Romanoff approached him. "I just felt lucky to still have her."

"Having you is her luck too," Natasha Romanoff said.

"Who else signed?" Steve Rogers asked.

"Tony, Rhodey, Vision," Natasha Romanoff said.

"What about Clint?" Steve Rogers asked.

"He said he's retired," Natasha Romanoff said.

"And Wanda?" Steve Rogers asked.

"Undecided," Natasha Romanoff said, "I'm heading to Vienna to sign the Accords. There's still plenty of room on the plane. This may be the easiest path, but that doesn't mean it's the wrong one. Unity is more important than the manner of unity."

"So, what are we giving up for this?" Steve Rogers hadn't changed his mind. "Sorry, Natasha, I can't sign."

"I know," Natasha Romanoff said.

"Then why are you here?" Steve Rogers asked.

"I don't want you to face this alone," Natasha Romanoff gave Steve Rogers a hug.

The space dimmed, and the video ended at this point.

"So, I signed the Accords for these reasons?" Tony Stark couldn't help but say, "Looks like my persuasion skills aren't up to par. I can't even convince my current self."

"Tony, you'll eventually agree to the Accords in the future because of various experiences, because the Avengers have been in many battles and caused collateral damage," James Rhodes, always the hero who understood Tony Stark the most, said. "But right now, you haven't experienced any of that yet. Even the Battle of New York just now didn't cause any casualties due to the spatial arrangement."

"Although I was retired back then, I support Cap," Clint Barton spoke up. "The initial intention of the United Nations to have us sign the Accords is said to be for regulation, but it's actually to prevent us from harming innocents during our actions. However, with regulation, achieving that goal is also difficult. The real battlefield is constantly changing and unpredictable. It's not something that can be avoided by having a group of people sit in an office and analyze in advance."

"True, if we really want to avoid casualties, signing the Accords won't help," Stephen Strange said. "The only way is for us, the frontline fighters, to be cautious and plan ahead during battles, to pre-arrange and evacuate."

"But I think what Tony said is also correct," James Rhodes said. "Superheroes act without any decision-making process, everything is based on individual will. It seems quite prone to mistakes."

"If you're concerned about that, then it's worth discussing, but signing the Accords isn't the solution," Sam Wilson said. "The Accords say our actions must be approved by some committee. It's a joke. When alien ships descend on New York, are we supposed to wait for those people to have a meeting and grant approval? By the time they're done approving, New York would have already been destroyed!"

"That's true," Thor chimed in, "with us charging into battle, taking on the most dangerous tasks, those people hiding in the rear, enjoying safety, have no idea what threats this world is facing. Regulation? Approval? Are we supposed to tell Thanos to hold on when he comes to Earth, and wait for approval before fighting him?"

"Weaklings actually think they can give orders to the strong, that's the biggest joke in this universe," even Loki spoke up.

"While I understand your point, saying it like that is a bit exaggerated," T'Challa said. "I don't think those people are so rigid that they'd see an alien ship in the sky and still worry about approval rights."

"But I don't understand," Loki spoke up again, "because some accidental casualties caused by superheroes during battles upset them? Did they ever consider what the consequences would be without superheroes? What would have happened in the Battle of New York if Thor, Iron Man, and the others weren't there? Would they just let those bastards wreak havoc in New York without a fight? They ignore the hundred people saved by the superheroes and fixate on one accidental injury?"

As these words came out, everyone's gaze shifted to Lokiand their expressions were quite strange.

The one who single-handedly triggered the Battle of New York was actually defending the heroes of the Battle of New York?

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[END OF CHAPTER]