Marvel

What if - You died instead of Tony Stark?

Your pov.

Fighting was all you knew. For years had you been fighting for the weak, for the forgotten, for your country, and for yourself. It was hard for you to remember how it was not to fight.

Just like your brother had you been frozen for almost 70 years, but aside from him, you'd been frozen on purpose so you'd be able to fight alongside him again. Howard Stark had assumed that Steve hadn't died yet and suggested to put you on ice as well. Of course, it hadn't been the only reason, but it had been the one to finally convince you to do so. And now you knew that it had been the right choice.

Tony, Howard's son had been the one to wake you from your cold sleep, a week after Steve's awakening. Together with Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Thor, and Bruce Banner you had fought Loki, defeated Ultron, where you got to know Wanda and Pietro, the Maximoff twins. Both fought with you now, still grateful that you saved the young man.

It was because of you that all the Avengers fought together today, even though not everyone survived. Natasha was one of those who didn't, and you felt guilty, despite knowing that it wasn't your fault she died. Out of all the Avengers, she'd been the one to always be there for you, the one you could relate the most to, not counting your brother in. Yet you shared a special bond to the Maximoff twins since you felt at least a little bit responsible for them. It didn't take long until you were like a mentor to them, a person to look up to.

After meeting them, you began to teach them several things and fighting styles. Both of thm improved under your care and one day they were able to return the favor.

It was then that you and Steve found out that your long lost friend, Bucky Barnes, was still alive yet unable to recognise you because of the brainwash Hydra put him through. Thanks to Wanda he recovered, with little to no damage, except the nightmares. But even that got better, and after some time you were able to reconnect your brother and Tony, who was somehow able to forgive Bucky. Little did you know, that you'd been an important part of it, and little did you know how much he admired your strength and courage to defend anyone, wether they were worth it or not. That you were the reason the Avengers sticked together, no matter what.

Your journey was long, longer than those of normal people. And there you stood; tall and ready to fight for what you thought was right.

Next to you stood Stephen Strange, bruised and breathing heavily, just as everyone. Right now you saw Wanda fighting the violet alien, filled with anger and grief. She'd lost Vision, and you understood her too well. Your heart ached at the thought of going through the same that she did currently.

Then, suddenly, three things at once happened.

Firstly, one of the enemies was abe to get the golden gauntlet from the kid, throwing it over to his leader.

Next you saw, how Thanos threw the young witch to the ground, reaching out to cathc the object he desired so much.

And lastly, you found yourself up in the air, trying to prevent Thanos obvious catch  of the gauntlet. It was to no avail.

With a punch you were slammed to the ground, coughing violently. You spit blood, silently cursing. So close. So close.

You closed your eyes, furious about what you were about to do. But you had no choice.

"Out of 15 million possible futures... we win 3."

"Which are they?"

Neither you, nor Steven answered Tony's question, your eyes avoiding his. You knew how he'd take it.

'Don't.', you silently begged Stephen. He nodded, uncertainty in his eyes.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked, causing you to open your eyes, that were now burning with determination.

You clenched your fist, hauling yourself to your feet. In front of you, Tony tried to get the gauntlet back, only to be now pushed away by you. With an angry cry you ripped it off his arm, falling on your back doing so. Your eyes were filled with anger, determination, and a sudden coldness, as you sat up, watching the titan staring at you.

The metal around your hand began to glow, as your body took in the energy that would defeat him. A short moment of sadness went through your head as you thought about the people you'd leave behind. You noticed Tony, staring at you with wide eyes, trying to understand. You smiled at him.

Steve... Tony... Wanda and Pietro... Bucky... Everyone... I'm sorry...

"I... am (y/n) Rogers... An Avenger... I may have not been able to save everyone... but I'll avenge them all... That's... sure as hell!" You cried the last part, quoting a part of Tony's speech when you first fought together to defeat Loki. And then...

Snap...

Slowly the enemy turned to dust, the same way half of the universe's population did five years ago. Thanos watched it with an unreadable, yet somehow broken expression. He was the last one to fall, leaving nothing but burned ashes behind. 

Your vision got blurry, and your breth trembled as you fell.

"No..." Tony whispered, rushing over to you. Steve did the same, taking you into his arms like he did when you were younger.

"(Y/N)" He breathed out, while Wanda, Pietro and the others approached as well, yet slower. The young with raised her hand in front of her mouth, and her brother embraced her shakingly. Peter, who always saw you as his cool second aunt, stopped next to Tony, an incredible sadness in his eyes.

"(Y/N)? We... we won... Do you hear me? We won..."

A small smile tugged at you lips. You were grateful to see him and the others one last time.

I'll see you on the other side...

And then you closed your glassy eyes, leaving this world behind to reunite with everyone you missed...

Next part will be published at the 25.04.