50. Avengers: Endgame (5)

KATIE'S POV

A group from Thanos' army started coming at us again, and Peter grabbed me in a protective hold. But before they reached us, they turned to dust. I let out a shaky breath of pure happiness as I smiled. Watching Thanos' entire army turn to dust, I turned to watch as Thanos disappeared too. When he was gone, Peter wrapped his arm around my waist to swing us over to Uncle Tony, only for us to find him sitting up against some of the rubble with Uncle Rhodey standing in front of him.

"Mr Stark?" Peter asked, and he ran over to crouch in front of Uncle Tony. I couldn't move and stayed beside Uncle Rhodey as Peter spoke with a shaking voice, "Hey– Mr Stark? Can you hear me? It's Peter. We won, Mr Stark. We won, Mr Stark. We won. You did it, Sir. You did it."

Uncle Tony looked weak and burnt on one side of his body, and he didn't answer. Tears started forming in my eyes as I crouched down. Aunt Pepper came over and placed her hands on Peter's shoulders, pulling him back as Peter cried out,

"I'm sorry– Tony–"

"We won, Uncle Tony. Please. I'm sorry," I spoke with a shaky voice. Uncle Tony's hand twitched, seeming as though he was trying to reach for me, but Aunt Pepper crouched beside me, so I reluctantly stood, letting her speak. I turned to face Peter, and we fell into each other's arms, crying. My head was facing Aunt Pepper and Uncle Tony, and watched as Aunt Pepper spoke,

"Hey."

"Hey, Pep," Uncle Tony whispered, barely able to move his head. My aunt placed her hand on my uncle's chest, and he placed his hand on hers.

"FRIDAY?"

"Life functions critical," FRIDAY announced, and more tears fell from my eyes, causing silent 'clink' sounds as they fell onto Peter's suit. Uncle Tony smiled before Aunt Pepper spoke again,

"Tony. Look at me. We're going to be okay. You can rest now."

With that, Uncle Tony's arc reactor flicked off, and Aunt Pepper cried on his shoulder. I held onto Peter for support as I broke down even more. He was gone. I then watched as everyone around us began to kneel. Peter and I followed suit, still holding onto each other. Although I felt broken, my heart swelled at the sight of such powerful beings kneeling for my uncle. When Aunt Pepper stood up, I moved from Peter's arms to give her a tight hug before she guided me in the direction of Dad. I ran into Dad's arms for a hug, and we both cried with joy and grief. After a moment, Uncle Clint walked over, and I hugged him before asking while choking on sobs,

"Where's Aunt Nat?"

Dad and Uncle Clint looked down to avoid my gaze, and I demanded again, "Where is she?" I was terrified of the answer when Uncle Clint's gaze met mine, and I saw sadness and pain written on his face. Falling to the ground on my knees, I bawled my heart out and let out the most pain-filled scream possible, not caring if everyone else was looking. Everything was overwhelmingly painful. My friend, Vision, was gone, I had been gone for five years, I watched my uncle Tony die, and Aunt Natasha was gone. I never got to say goodbye.

We eventually went home, and I stayed silent the whole drive. Uncle Bucky and Uncle Sam came with us since Uncle Bucky didn't have a place, and it would be easier for Uncle Sam to stay with us until everything was sorted out. The house that Dad bought in Brooklyn was beautiful, and I tried to be positive as Dad showed us around. It was like the one we had always talked about getting. I was thankful that we had won and that I was home with Dad and my two uncles. But my heart ached from the pain of loss and grief. Over the next week, I attempted to somewhat get things back to normal, but every night, I would cry myself to sleep, wishing it wasn't real. The last time I had seen Uncle Tony before the day he died was during the fight in Siberia, and I hated myself for it. That's what hurt the most: Knowing I walked away without saying goodbye and knowing I'd never get the chance again. On Saturday, there were fireworks, and the four of us went up to the roof to watch. It was meant to be in celebration of getting everyone back, and I laid my head in Dad's lap as we all watched. They were beautiful, and tears formed in my eyes at the thought of Uncle Tony, Aunt Nat, and Vision smiling down on us from wherever they were. Two days later, it was the day of Uncle Tony's funeral. I curled my hair, leaving it down and putting on my black headband before pulling on my . As I picked up my phone and slipped it into my dress pocket, there was a knock on my door.

"Come in," I invited, and Dad opened the door in a black suit,

"Are you ready, Honey? Buck and Sam are waiting."

I nodded, trying not to let tears fall as I took his hand and walked to the front door. While I pulled on my shoes, I thought to myself that I wanted to be brave today. I wanted to be strong. We arrived at Uncle Tony and Aunt Pepper's farmhouse. It was beautiful and decorated for the occasion. I was introduced to Peter's aunt, May, and gave Peter a tight hug before I had to go inside. Uncle Tony's helmet was laid at the centre of the living room on the coffee table, and I realized that he had probably left us a message on it. I greeted Happy and Uncle Rhodey with hugs, along with Uncle Bruce, Uncle Thor, and Uncle Clint and his family. Figuring I'd speak to everyone that I didn't know very well later, I moved over to Aunt Pepper before engulfing her in a hug.

"Aunt Pepper," I greeted, hugging her, "I am so sorry."

"Sweetheart, he'd want us to celebrate."

I nodded, holding back the tears in my eyes, and smiled at the little girl hiding behind her mother. "Katie, this is Morgan. Morgan, Honey, this is Katie Rogers."

I crouched down to greet Morgan,

"Hi, Morgan."

"Daddy talked about you a lot," Morgan told me with a shy smile, and I looked up at Aunt Pepper, who nodded with tears in her eyes. I turned back to Morgan,

"Well, your dad was my uncle, so that makes us cousins. And we can hang out anytime you want." I smiled before it was time for us to hear Uncle Tony's message. Aunt Pepper asked FRIDAY to play the message, and a hologram of Uncle Tony appeared and started speaking,

"Everybody wants a happy ending, right? But it doesn't always roll that way. Maybe this time. I'm hoping if you play this back, it's in celebration. I hope families are reunited, I hope we get it back, and something like a normal version of the planet has been restored. If there ever was such a thing. God, what a world. Universe, now. If you told me ten years ago that we weren't alone, let alone, you know, to this extent, I mean, I wouldn't have been surprised. But come on, you know? The epic forces of darkness and light that have come into play. And, for better or worse, that's the reality Morgan's going to have to find a way to grow up in. So I thought I'd probably better record a little greeting... In the case of an untimely death. On my part. I mean, not that death at any time isn't untimely. This time travel thing that we're going to try and pull off tomorrow, it's– it's got me scratching my head about the survivability of it all. That's the thing. Then again, that's the hero gig. Part of the journey is the end." The hologram then stood up and walked toward the helmet as he continued, "What am I even trippin' for? Everything's going to work out exactly the way it's supposed to." He leaned down and smiled, looking in the direction of Morgan before finishing, "I love you 3,000."

When the hologram disappeared, I wanted desperately to wake up from a horrible dream. But that was never going to happen. Aunt Pepper then stood up and grabbed the wreath with Uncle Tony's old arc reactor on it before walking out with her daughter. Happy and Uncle Rhodey followed them out onto the dock, where Aunt Pepper placed the wreath in the lake. Dad and I followed behind my uncle and Happy, and Peter followed us with his aunt. As we stood, I leaned into Dad's right side with my right hand reaching behind me to hold Peter's hand. With all my strength, I held my tears back. But a rogue tear slipped out and fell down my cheek. When it came time for the reception, I was able to finally meet the 'Guardians of the Galaxy', Harley Keener, Carol Danvers, Hope Van Dyne and her parents. I also spent some time with Uncle Nick and Aunt Maria, Uncle Clint and his family, Uncle Bruce, Wanda, Uncle Sam and Uncle Bucky, and Uncle Rhodey and Happy, and I was able to talk with Dr Strange and T'Challa, Okoye, and Shuri. When I went to speak with Uncle Thor, I consoled him on the losses he had experienced, and he told me about how Asgard had fallen before Thanos posed a threat due to his evil sister Hela.

"I am sorry I didn't get the chance to take you there, dear Katie," he told me, but I smiled reassuringly at him,

"Don't worry, Uncle Thor. I'm sure New Asgard is just as beautiful. And if not, better. I'd love to visit sometime in the future."

We parted after a hug, and I turned to see Aunt Pepper with Morgan. I asked with a small smile,

"Can I get you both something to drink?"

Aunt Pepper returned my smile, and they told me what they wanted before I walked to the kitchen. As I was looking for cups, I spotted a picture of me and Uncle Tony on a small shelf near the kitchen sink. I couldn't hold it in anymore and silently cried, leaning against the counter, when I suddenly heard someone come in. Quickly wiping away my tears, I turned and saw Peter.

"Hey," he greeted me with a swift, small, sad smile, and I returned it,

"Hey. How are you feeling?"

"Could be a little better," Peter replied, and I looked down, giving a small nod. "You know, I've noticed you have been trying to make everyone else feel better. Consoling everybody. But what about you?"

"I'm fine, I just want to make sure everyone else is, too."

"I know I don't know you that well, but I've noticed certain things about you, and I can tell that you're lying. You don't have to be strong for everyone else, Katie. Don't hold it in, it just hurts more."

I looked down again, and Peter placed his hands on my shoulders, "You were there for me. Let me be there for you." He pulled me into a hug, and I let the tears fall as Peter laid his hand against the back of my head. When I felt better, I pulled away and asked,

"Hand me your phone."

"Why?" he asked, handing it to me, and I put in my contact before answering,

"If you ever need a friend, one that understands what this job is like, call or text me anytime. And as a bonus, we can get to know each other better."

We both smiled, and then I spotted Aunt Pepper. I swiftly tried to wipe my tears away as I apologized about the drinks, "I'm sorry, Aunt Pepper, I'll grab your drinks now."

"No need, Sweetheart," she replied, "I have something for you."

I said goodbye to Peter before Aunt Pepper brought me back to the beautiful living room. She handed me a circular device, and I gave her a confused look, causing Aunt Pepper to explain,

"Tony had this labelled with your name. I hope it helps with how you may be feeling."

I took a deep breath before smiling,

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I looked at the device in my hand before Aunt Pepper spoke again, "Peter's right. We're in this together." She squeezed my shoulder reassuringly and walked back outside. I followed her soon after to find Dad, and we went home. The next day, Dad drove me to Ohio so that I could say goodbye to Aunt Natasha. Her sister, Yelena, who I had yet to meet, had requested that Aunt Nat's grave be placed here. It had only been a few days, but there were already so many flowers and small gifts. I kneeled in front of the gravestone labelled 'Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Avenger.' and laid the flowers that I brought. My tears were silent as I placed my hand against the smooth, cold stone.

"I miss you, Nat. So so much," I whispered. "Thank you for your sacrifice." I paused to wipe a few tears. "God, I'm so scared to do this without you. But I'm going to try because that's what you'd want me to do." Releasing a shaky breath, I kissed my middle and index finger before pressing them against her gravestone. "I love you, Nat." When I turned around, Dad had his arms open for me to fall into a hug. I cried the entire way home while Dad simply held my hand. That night, I said goodnight to Dad and my uncles before going to my room. As I was brushing my hair, I saw the device from Uncle Tony and decided I should play it now since I couldn't avoid it forever. Sitting on my bed with crossed legs, I pressed the button to play the message. A hologram of Uncle Tony stood in the middle of my room, and I took a deep breath before he started to speak,

"Hey, Katie. My favourite Munchkin."

I lightly giggled at the nickname that I felt I hadn't heard in years. "I haven't seen you in seven years... wow. Time really does fly by. God, I've missed you and your cheeky smile and silly jokes. I don't think I could ever put how much I've missed you into words. Morgan always enjoys the stories I tell her about you."

It felt good to know that Uncle Tony still loved me enough to tell his daughter stories about me. "So I guess what I wanted to do with this was record something for you in case our time travel thing ends up... well, if you're seeing this, then that means I've probably met my end. But I know that if that is the case, it's what is meant to be."

I almost broke down at the fact that he really was gone but kept the tears at bay for a little longer. "Anyway, I want you to know that you were part of the reason I tried. If this plan works, and we get everybody back, then I can tell you that half the universe would still be gone if it wasn't for you. I know the way we parted in Siberia definitely wasn't great, and I'm sure you agree with me on that. What happened was regretful, and I'm sorry you had to be a part of it. But, if we don't get to say what we want to each other, don't blame yourself. You were the first kid that I ever enjoyed the company of, and trust me when I tell you that that is saying something. You were like the daughter I never had until I lost you. We had some great memories together."

The tears burst as sobs leaked through the hand that was covering my mouth. "I know you're going to be and are an amazing young woman. Cap knows how to raise a great kid. I just hope that I started out doing it right. I'd like to ask that you watch over Morgan for me. She'll look up to you, and I can't think of anyone more qualified for the position of her role model. Keep being your adorable, smiling self, Katie. I love you, Munchkin." Uncle Tony's hologram leaned down and reached a hand out to probably turn the machine off before the hologram froze with his face smiling at me. I couldn't stop the grief-induced tears as they hit my bedsheets. The urge to walk over and grab Uncle Tony's hand was so strong that I didn't realize what I was doing until my fingers went through the hologram hand.

"I love you, Uncle Tony," my voice came out in a whisper. I wanted to do what he asked: Not blame myself for what happened and take care of Morgan. The last request, though, I knew was going to be hard. The pain I felt right now was too strong to push through, but I was going to try. He was with me. Nat was with me. Vision was with me. No matter what. I could get through this. Eventually... everything was going to be ok.

A few days later, it was time to return the stones to where we had gotten them. Uncle Bruce was setting up, and when it looked like he had finished, I asked,

"All good?"

"Should be good to go now," Uncle Bruce replied, and I smiled,

"Great, let's do this!" I cheerfully encouraged before walking over to Uncle Bucky, my loose hair flowing behind me.

"I'm glad you're feeling a bit better," Uncle Bucky said with a smile.

"Well, I'm trying. For them, like they would want me to."

Uncle Bucky put an arm around me and pulled me into a side hug while we waited for Dad to finish talking with Uncle Bruce.

STEVE'S POV

"Now, remember," Bruce began after Katie walked away, "You have to return the stones to the exact moment you got them. Or you're going to open up a bunch of nasty alternative realities."

"Don't worry, Bruce," I assured him, closing the case again, "Clip all the branches."

Bruce looked up at Katie as she hugged Bucky and looked down.

"You know, I tried. When I had the gauntlet, the stones, I really tried to bring her back." Bruce turned back to me, "I miss her, man."

"Me, too."

Sam and I then started to walk over to Bucky and Katie when he spoke,

"You know, if you want, I can come with you."

"You're a good man, Sam. This one's on me, though."

Dad came over to Uncle Bucky and me, and I hugged him before he looked at Uncle Bucky and said,

"Don't do anything stupid 'till I get back."

"How can I?" Uncle Bucky laughed, "You're taking all the stupid with you."

I let go of Dad so he could hug his best friend.

"Be careful, Buddy."

"It's going to be okay, Buck." Dad placed a hand on my cheek and softly rubbed his thumb against it before stepping up onto the Quantum portal.

"How long is this going to take?" Uncle Sam questioned, and Uncle Bruce answered,

"For him? As long as he needs. For us? Five seconds."

Dad picked up Mjolnir, and Uncle Bruce checked with him, "Ready, Cap?"

Dad nodded, and Uncle Bruce continued, "Alright. We'll meet you back here, okay?"

"You bet."

"Going quantum. Three, two, one..."

Dad disappeared, and I took a deep breath. Uncle Bucky placed a hand on my shoulder to reassure me as Uncle Bruce started counting again, "And returning in, five, four, three, two, one..."

Dad didn't return to the pad right away, and I was confused.

"Where is he?" Uncle Sam asked, and I tried not to panic. I couldn't lose anybody else. After a minute or two, Dad appeared on the Quantum portal again, and I let out a breath of relief as tears of joy began to fill my eyes. When he stepped down, I hugged him tightly before stepping back and asking,

"What the hell happened?" Dad didn't answer for a moment. "Dad?" He took a deep breath, slightly smiled, and then replied,

"I saw Peggy. We talked and enjoyed the time we had-"

"Then why didn't you stay?" I questioned, wanting my dad to be happy, no matter the cost.

"Because, as we talked and caught up, I started telling her about you. And we both knew that you were the most important thing and that I just needed to have our last dance in order to truly say goodbye."

"But she's the love of your life. You could have ended up having a daughter with her and naming her Katie," I protested, not wanting to be the reason Dad wasn't happy.

"Peggy was the love of my life, but you are the light of my life. I'm happy where I am."

My eyes filled with tears again, and Dad and I hugged.

"I love you, Dad," I whispered, and he whispered back,

"I love you, Pumpkin."

"So, what's next?" Uncle Bucky asked after Dad and I pulled away.

"Well, I think it's time that I retire. I am a 100-year-old man, after all, and when little miss isn't off on her own missions, we can spend more time as a family."

I smiled and hugged Dad again before looking at Uncle Sam as he spoke again,

"That sounds great, Steve. Truly. Only thing bumming me out is that I have to live in a world without Captain America."

"I have something for you," Dad told him, and he pulled out the shield that he brought back. Uncle Sam looked at him with confusion etched on his face, and Dad explained, "Try it on." Dad urged while Uncle Sam looked at Uncle Bucky and me to see if this was real. We both nodded, and I smiled with excitement as my uncle fit the shield on his arm. "How does it feel?"

"Like it's someone else's," Uncle Sam answered.

"It isn't," Dad assured.

"Thank you. I'll do my best."

I noticed Uncle Sam trying to hold back tears, and I smiled even more.

"That's why it's yours," Dad assured Sam as he put an arm around me. "Shall we head home for some dinner?"

The three of us nodded, and we all said goodbye to Uncle Bruce before going home. Dad's arm around my shoulders, and Uncle Bucky's arm on Uncle Sam's shoulder with reassurance. As we made our way to the car, I saw Uncle Nick waiting for us. I ran over to give him a big hug, that he returned. When Dad joined us, he and Uncle Nick shook hands.

"It's good to see you, Nick," Dad smiled, and Uncle Nick replied,

"You too, Steve."

"To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"After Stark's passing, I gained possession of any important files regarding the Avengers. Included in these files was information regarding the identity of your mother, Katie."

"My mom? Really?" I questioned, feeling excited yet nervous.

"It was an old S.H.I.E.L.D file that stated who the donor of the eggs used to create you were provided by. And after reading, I found that Margaret Carter was that very donor."

My breath got caught in my throat, and I felt Dad also slightly stiffen as we continued to listen to Uncle Nick explain, "After Carter and her husband had children, she wanted to donate the rest of her eggs to a good cause."

"My mother is Peggy Carter," I whispered in disbelief, my eyes wide.

"Yes indeed. I'll let you process this new information and will speak to you soon."

"Thank you, Nick," Dad said before Uncle Nick walked away.

"Well, that is some exciting news, right?" Uncle Sam asked since I hadn't said anything for at least a minute.

"Yeah," I answered, still shocked. I could hear Uncle Bucky clear his throat, and after a moment, he and Uncle Sam got into the car. Finally, I turned to look up at Dad, only to see he had a loving smile on his face.

"What?" I asked before Dad placed a hand on my cheek and responded,

"I just realized... you have her nose," Dad told me, and I smiled, slightly looking down. Dad gently moved his hand under my chin and lifted my face back up to look at him. "And her smile." My smile only grew more, and I hugged Dad tightly, happy that after seventeen years, I finally knew who I was. I am the daughter of Captain America and the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter.

I am Katie Carter-Rogers, a legacy of the Avengers.