Alright. We've come to it. The final chapter of the fourth story of the MACU.

Before I get started, I wanted to make a quick notice. I have a new story up called Final Countdown: World at War. I am really excited by it. Go check it out.

I have more to say, but it can wait until the end. For now, let's get to the chapter.

Chapter 25- Victory

"So, they're all in custody?" Bucky asks.

"Yes. Cutter. Viper. And Evelyn. The prison on Lian Yu survived the explosions, and Lyla thought it appropriate they spend the rest of their days on that island," Diggle reassures him.

"Good. And we have confirmation that all of Viper's men are dead?" Bucky says.

"Those on Lian Yu, anyways. There could be more of them, but Viper isn't sharing anything," Diggle says.

"That's still good. With Viper in ARGUS custody, any more of her men out there are leaderless," Laurel says.

"Not necessarily. But we'll talk about that later," Bucky says.

Bucky turns where Vincent is standing in the corner. Dinah is standing next to him, wearing a collar meant to suppress her powers. Bucky walks over to Vincent and extends his hand. "Thank you for your help, Vincent. It's greatly appreciated," he says.

Vincent takes the offered hand. "It was nice to fight alongside you, Barnes," he says.

Bucky nods, then turns to Dinah. "Why would you side with Chase, Ms. Drake?" he demands.

Dinah looks slightly ashamed. "I...I let myself get caught in his lies. He helped exact my revenge, and I was desperate to get back at Sonus for killing Vinnie and torturing me. After he helped me, I felt like I owed him. He painted Oliver Queen as this menace. I took the bait, and he eventually had me believing in him completely," she says in a low voice.

Bucky and Vincent both look at her for a moment before Vincent turns back to Bucky. "We're gonna leave Star City. I'm gonna take her someplace where nobody will know us. A place where she can heal from all this. And hopefully, we can restart things. And I know you'll be glad to have me off the streets," Vincent says, an air of humor in his last sentence.

"You were kind of right though, Vincent. We need to be a bit more aggressive. I don't agree with your methods of just executing people. But we can't hold back as much as we have," Bucky admits.

Vincent grins a bit. "Maybe we both learned something from each other," he says.

"Maybe. Take care of yourself, Vincent," Bucky says. Vincent nods, then leads Dinah out of the bunker.

"Well, how about it? We got the Defenders back together!" Barry says cheerfully. This draws chuckles from everybody still in the bunker.

"Yup. And it was nice to be working together again," Bucky says cheerfully.

Clint chuckles. "It was good to get out of Central City for a bit. And Viper was a more challenging opponent than anybody I've faced in Central City so far. Nice spat of exercise," he says a little cocky.

Bucky chuckles. "Thanks so much for your help, you guys. I don't know if we could've done this without you," he says.

"Of course. It was no problem. You can call us for help anytime," Barry says.

"Same here. You ever need us, give us a call," Bcuky says.

Barry nods before walking over and giving Bucky a hug. After releasing him, Barry says, "Well, we'd better be heading back Central City. Cisco and Caitlin can only hold down the fort for so long." And with a flash of lightning, he, Wally, and Clint are gone.

Bucky stares off into the distance for a few moments. THen, he turns to Diggle and asks, "And William and Samantha?"

"Lyla arranged a new home for them. They'll be under ARGUS protection, and they have new identities. But, through ARGUS you can contact them when you need to. And Samantha said to call her when Oliver gets back. She wants to talk to him about William," Diggle says. Bucky nods.

Then, Diggle asks, "So, you said Viper's men might not be leaderless? Why?"

Bucky looks at Diggle. "Because. Viper is former HYDRA, as are her men. There's a chance some of them may try and go back to HYDRA. Malcolm told me a bit about HYDRA. And it's clear to me now that their goals aren't that much different from the HYDRA on my Earth. So, even if we're gonna be here protecting Star City, we need to start working to track down HYDRA," Bucky explains.

Diggle takes a second to think, then nods. "Alright. If that's what you think, then we'll follow you," he says. Laurel and Rene both nod to that.

Bucky cracks a grin. "Thanks, guys. I'm not sure where to start, but I know with this team behind me, we can do it," he says confidently. Everyone smiles.

"No, if you'll give me a minute, I have to go say goodbye to Slade Wilson. I'll be upstairs if anyone needs me," Bucky says as he walks over to the elevator.

A few moments later, the doors open in the office on the ground level. Bucky steps out and sees Slade is waiting just a few feet from the doors.

There's silence for a few moments before Bucky says, "I had a chat with ARGUS. You're in the clear. They're gonna keep a very close eye on you, but so long as you don't cause trouble, you're free to go."

"Good. I've had enough of ARGUS for a lifetime," Slade says.

Bucky chuckles, then says, "Thank you for helping us out, Slade. Even though you didn't know me. I really owe you for that."

"I did what I needed to do. I have a lot to make up for. This was one step on that road," Slade says. He's quiet for a moment, then says, "You're a good man, Barnes. No matter your past. If you need a favor, give me a call."

"Will do," Bucky says. He then extends his hand, and Slade gladly takes it.

"Take care of yourself, Slade," Bucky says.

"Always do," Slade says before he turns and walks out of the office.

Bucky stares after him. Behind him, he hears the elevator doors open. A few moments later, he feels a hand take his, and he looks next to him to see Laurel, smiling at him.

"Thanks for having my back on Lian Yu," he says.

Laurel smiles broadly and says, "You came and saved me. What else was I supposed to do?"

Bucky chuckles, then his face grows more serious. "We need to talk, Laurel. About that kiss," he says.

Laurel instantly looks worried. "Look, I know it was sudden, and in a life or death situation. But I'd been wanting to do that for a while. I feel something when I'm around you that I haven't felt since-" she starts to explain, but is cut off when Bucky leans in and kisses her.

Laurel stands there, surprised for a moment. Then she throws her arms around him and kisses him back. For a few seconds, they remained locked in the embrace. When they separate, they are both beaming.

"I like you too, Laurel. And I want to see where this goes," Bucky says.

Laurel smiles and says, "I would be happy to do that." And she leans in and kisses him again.

Right as she does, Bucky's phone starts to ring. The two pull apart, and Bucky says, "Sorry." He looks down, sees its Quentin, and holds up a finger to say "one second" as he answers the phone with, "Hey, Quentin. What's up?"

"Well, I have a proposition for you now that Chase is gone. Come by City Hall in the next 30 minutes, please," Quentin says before hanging up.

Bucky looks at his phone in confusion for a moment before putting it away.

"What did he want?" Laurel asks.

"I don't know. But he wants me to come to City Hall. So, I better get over there," Bucky says.

"Yeah. And I'd probably ought to get to the DA's office," Laurel says.

"Huh?" Bucky asks.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. With Chase dead, I'm now the new DA," Laurel says proudly.

Bucky breaks out in a big smile. "That's amazing. You'll do great!" he says.

Laurel smiles again, then says, "Come on. We'll drive together." Bucky smiles and nods, and the two walk out, hand in hand.

(Thea's apartment)

Thea stands on the balcony, knowing he's coming. Sure enough, after just a minute, she hears a soft landing next to you.

"I knew you'd come," she says.

"I'm sure you did," Malcolm says.

Thea turns to him, looking at him sternly. "I am grateful for what you did. Being willing to sacrifice yourself for me. But that still doesn't change everything you've done. I am not going to forgive you so easily," she says firmly.

"Thea, I saved your life," Malcolm says defensively.

"I know. And that's why I'm letting you even be here. But you have a long way to go before you can even begin to have a hope of making up for what you've done," Thea says even more firmly.

Malcolm looks like he's about to protest more, but Thea holds up her hand. "Don't say anything. It doesn't matter to me right now anyways," she says.

"Why?" Malcolm asks.

"Roy and I are leaving town. We want to start afresh somewhere. Plus, Bucky needs someone outside the city trying to run down leads on HYDRA. That's what we're going to do. Maybe we'll see each other again, but right now, we still have no relationship. Now go," Thea says.

Malcolm looks at her for a few more moments before he turns and disappears. Thea walks back inside the apartment, where Roy is waiting with her bags.

"Ready to go?" he asks her.

Thea beams at him. "More than ready," she says as she walks over and kisses him.

(City Hall)

"Quentin, are you sure about this?" Bucky asks, actually feeling a little nervous.

"Of course. I need somebody, and you're the best person for the job," Quentin says confidently.

"But, I don't think I'm qualified," Bucky protests.

"Nonsense. You've got about the same level of qualifications Oliver did, and he was a great mayor until those aliens took him. Now, all those reporters are expecting me to make this announcement. Are you in or not?" Quentin asks.

Bucky stands there for a few moments, then sighs and nods. "Yeah," he says.

"Good. Then let's do this," Quentin says as he opens the doors and leads Bucky into the conference room, where multiple reporters are waiting.

Quentin steps up to the podium, motioning for everyone to quiet down. Once they've quieted down, he says, "Since I became mayor following the disappearance of our beloved mayor Oliver Queen, I have been somewhat short-handed here at City Hall. Despite all the good work me and my staff have done, one crucial person was missing. A good deputy mayor. Today, that spot has finally been filled. Ladies and gentleman, I would like to introduce the man who helped us in the manhunt for Adrian Chase, and my new deputy mayor, Mr. James Buchanan Barnes."

There is polite applause as Bucky acknowledges this, then he steps up to the podium. He clears his throat, then says, "I will admit, this is very nerve-wracking for me. I never thought my contribution would lead to this. But, in many ways I am glad it did. I love this city, and would do anything for it. And now, I am very honored to be able to serve alongside Mayor Lance to try and save this city."

There is more applause from the crowd, and Bucky smiles. After spending so much time living in a very dark and uncertain state, things are really starting to look up for Bucky Barnes.

And with that, this last chapter has come to an end.

I really hope you like what I did here. And I hope you like me making Bucky deputy mayor. I thought that since Laurel was taking Chase's place as DA, why not make Bucky deputy mayor?

Yes, the Bucky/Laurel romance has officially begun. I hope you guys like that I put them together. I'm hopeful that I can do great things with this pairing.

Now, as for those of our friends who left us in this chapter. Vincent and Dinah will show up again, but not for some time. Roy and Thea's mission will play a big role in the Winter Soldier sequel involving HYDRA and Taskmaster, and Roy will show up even sooner than that. And Slade. I plan for Slade to show up a few more times in this series, so don't worry about him. Oh, and Malcolm. I know some of you may be disappointed he didn't die, but I have a use for him. I do plan on killing him off in the future, but not quite yet.

I plan to go see Endgame tonight, and I am super excited for that. Once I've seen it, I'll get to work on devising the plot for the Infinity War story. I think you'll really like it. I'm really excited by what I've come up with so far.

Well, with that, this chapter has come to an end.

Or has it? Come on, you know me. I have to include an end credits scene.

(North China Sea, 2046)

William stares ahead at the island up ahead. Finally, after fighting through that terrible storm, he's finally found Lian Yu.

William waits as the zodiac that the fisherman is using to bring him from the boat nears the shore. FInally, it hits the beach.

William leaps out, then turns to the man. "If you don't hear from me in a week, I'm not coming back," he says. Then he turns and walks straight towards the treeline. The fisherman shakes his head as he pushes his zodiac off the beach.

For hours, William combs through the trees, hoping to find what he's looking for. Or rather, who he's looking for.

Hours into his search, he comes across what look like small graves covered in rocks. Boards with names carved in them identify the people buried here. William kneels down next to one, picking it up and reading the name. Robert Queen.

William stares at the name for a few moment before setting it down. He can't afford to get distracted right now. He has to find him.

William resumes his searching, which lasts well into the night.

As he walks through a small clearing at around midnight, William curses his luck and whispers to himself, "Where are you hiding?"

Suddenly, with no warning, William is yanked up by his ankle. Caught completely off guard, William looks around in confusion until he sees a dark figure approaching him.

"You never should have come here," the figure says before William feels a fist connect with his face and everything goes dark.

Some time later, William wakes up next a campfire. Quickly sitting up, he sees his attacker standing across the fire from him.

"Who sent you?" he demands, his harsh tone not able to hide the age in his voice.

"Nobody. But you knew my father. A long time ago," William says.

"How am I supposed to know who your old man is?" the figure demands.

William responds by reaching into his backpack and pulling out a hozen. A hozen that had once belonged to his father.

"My father...is Oliver Queen," Williams states.

The figure stands there for a moment, then says, "So, you're Queen's boy?"

The figure then steps forward, revealing himself. His grey hair and gray beard, and slightly wrinkled face, show he's easily twice William's age. He's wearing a tattered black uniform of sorts, with a symbol that looks suspiciously like a bat on his chest.

William nods. "Yes, I am. And we need your help, Mr. Wayne," he says.

BOOOMM! I bet you weren't expecting that!

I have finally done it. What the directors of the Arrowverse shows refuse to do. Bruce Wayne, the Batman himself, has arrived in the MACU.

Now, obviously, this is Batman in the future, when he's at least in his 70s, if not 80s. And, he has taken Roy's place on Lian Yu in the future. The reasons for that will be explained later, as well as why William sought him out. Also, just for an image, I imagine Batman being portrayed by Joe Manganiello. Obviously, he's aged a bit here, so for the future, just imagine Joe Manganiello in his 70s or 80s. When he shows up the present, it'll be Manganiello as he is now.

Now, let me be clear, as the author Stand with Ward and Queen has already asked me in regards to me using flashforwards. William has not sought out Batman because Star City crumbled and Oliver is gone. He has a very different reason. But, I promise, that Batman's future self will play a key role in the future of the MACU. And, I promise that Batman's younger self will be showing up soon. How soon, I'm not sure. But I promise he will.

I was considering multiple different characters to take Roy's place on Lian Yu and as William's objective. I considered Moon Knight, Deathlok, Black Knight, Crystal, Wonder Woman, Beast Boy, and even Deadpool. I even thought of using Batman, but of a new person to take up the mantle. But, eventually, I decided on Bruce Wayne himself. I felt he best fit what I wanted to do with the character I chose to stick on Lian Yu in the future.

Well, I hereby declare this story completed. I hope you liked it. Please review this chapter and give me your thoughts, and stay tuned for the start of the Infinity War story! It should come up within a week or two, and I will post notices in all my MACU stories to let you all know it's up.

Until next time, this is Raptor2216 signing off.