Chapter 17

Nat's POV

Time Skip... The Next Day...

  The battle commences and all of us begin to prepare for Thanos' arrival. We're scattered about different target areas like New York City, Wakanda, and a few other places. Vision unfortunately got his stone ripped out of his head and is very weak. Wanda's a wreck and is about to kick Proxima Night's ass. Vision is lying on the ground clutching his side, wincing in pain constantly. Bruce has already Hulked out and is fighting off a ton of creepy alien beings. He's doing a pretty good job holding his own, but he needs backup soon. He can't fight all of them on his own. 

 Steve's POV

  Thanos came for me before the rest and I'm honestly shocked as to why. I figured Loki would have been his first target followed by Tony, but I guess not. He jumped out of the sky and appeared out of nowhere, beginning the toughest fight of my life. I'm doing the best I can to hold my own, but the truth is, Thanos is too powerful for me. I don't know much longer I can last. I'm beyond exhausted and can feel the energy being sucked out of me faster and faster with each passing second. Eventually, Thanos overrides me and I collapse onto the group, bleeding in various areas and gasping for breath.

   I try to shout for someone, for anyone... but no one is coming for me. I don't want to accept that but I have to. I bleed out and lie there, silently praying that the universe reminds my friends and loved ones of how much I love them. Before the life leaves my body, Nat finds me and tries her best to revive me but unfortunately fails. I smile tiredly at her Nat. "Nat, don't tire yourself out. We all die at some point. I'm a lot older than I look." Nat who never cries looks at me sadly, tears streaming down her face. "This isn't fair Steve. You're one of my best friends and the few people on this Earth that I trust. Don't go." 

   I put a hand on Nat's cheek and stroke it gently. "Nat, you have Bruce. He loves you and you love him. Take care of each other, all of you. You all need each other, both old and new Avengers. Tell everyone that I love them and to continue to fighting. Don't give up and resort to darkness just because of my death. I'm dying as a hero rather than a villain. That's how I want to be remembered." My last breath escapes me, my eyes close shut, and my body goes limp. The life leaves my body and I'm officially dead.  

Nat's POV

  I don't like being emotional but I'm a mess. Steve just died and I wasn't able to save him in time. I don't know who hurt him but I should been here. DAMN IT!!!!!! I sob like a baby and rock back and forth in a fetal position. No one deserved to die, especially not someone like Steve. He had his ways like anyone else, but he was amazing inside and out. I'm going to miss him each and everyday of my life. 

   Bruce eventually finds me, still in Hulk form. He notices how sad I am before looking at Steve's bloody and limp body that I'm cradling in my arms. He lets out a roar of anger before sitting down beside me, holding me while I continue to hold Steve. Neither of us says another word but Hulk holds me while another round of sobs hits me quite hard. 

A little while later... 

 Hulk carries Steve's body back to where we've been staying in Wakanda so we can have a proper funeral and burial for him when this is all over... if this ever ends. Hulk and I soon go back out and fight, anger quickly replacing my sadness right now. I kill and kill alien beings until I can't anymore. The feeling of knowing that they're now dead and can't bother any more innocent people puts me slightly at ease, but I wish that I could have tried their lives to bring Steve back. Not even Loki or Doctor Strange have that ability... 

   When I'm completely drained from fighting, I allow myself to collapse in Hulk's arms and have him whisk me away back to our living quarters that's still in tact surprisingly. I try to stay awake long enough to check on Vision when we pass by his room but exhaustion overcomes me. I pass out quickly and sleep for god knows how long.

Bruce's POV

  The world is being destroyed more and more with each passing second and a majority of us are having our energy sucked right out of us. Nat who is never drained collapsed in my arms, well Hulk's arms but you catch my drift. I'm beyond heartbroken that we lost Steve in battle. No one knows besides Nat and I but when they find out, they're going to be shattered. We're never going to be the same...

Hoped that you guys liked this chapter! I wanted to get an update in tonight because I didn't feel well enough to do so last night and I might not be able to do one tomorrow either because I have to be up early on Monday to head back home and go straight to work.My updates will get back to normal in the next two to three days hopefully.  :) -Mary