It has been six months since Thanos was defeated and peace was restored everywhere, galaxies were thriving, and the earth was getting back to normal, but things still were not the same with some people.
Hotaru went back to New York with Bruce while the scouts went back to Japan, Hotaru did not like leaving her princess, but Sailor Moon was happy for her and that was all Sailor Moon wanted Hotaru to be happy and to have a life of her own.
Of course, Amara was hesitant to let her stay in America with Bruce even though she wanted her firefly to be happy she did not like the fact that it was with an older man who looked old enough to be her father, but Hotaru did not care about any of that she only cared about Bruce.
Eventually Amara begin to accept Bruce because Michelle had threatened her if she did not lay off them, she was happy that her daughter finally found someone that she cared about plus who can protect her from danger.
Now we find Hotaru in Tony's lab where he was working on a new idea once he returned to New York he meant what he said he was done with the avengers and SHIELD, he had everybody's things moved out and into there own apartments within the city that was his last kindness to any of them.
"Tony-San what are you working on now," said Hotaru watching him work.
Tony smiled at Hotaru glad to have her there at the tower with him and Pepper he was glad that she decided to come back with Bruce.
"I'm trying to work on a shield around my tower for when something were to ever happen say if someone decided to attack New York again my tower will be protected it's a test run then I'm going to try to expand it to protect all of New York if I can, kind of like your attack but 10x's more", he said tinkering with a machine.
Hotaru was impressed truly she was amazed at what Tony was doing she smiled at him, but she knew it was still going to take him some time to forgive the avengers especially Steve she remembered there talk when she came back from Wakanda.
Flashback
Bruce and Hotaru had finally came back from Wakanda and were getting settled in although it was Hotaru's first time in America she was fascinated with everything around her, when they got to Stark Tower the first thing Bruce did was go to his room to rest even though he wanted to be with Hotaru his body was very tired still from saving her.
While Bruce was resting, Hotaru began walking around the tower amazed at what she was seeing she couldn't believe how advance everything looked but she knew Tony was a genius and he loved inventing things as she walked around she came face to face with a women with red hair dressed in a white business like dress.
"Hello there," said Pepper.
Hotaru smiled at her," Hi…. sorry I came back with Bruce, and he is resting now," she said kindly.
Pepper nodded, "You must be Hotaru, my name is Pepper, Tony wouldn't stop talking about you and everything you have done to save the world I have to say thank you for everything and thank you for making sure Tony came back home to me", she said as she hugged Hotaru.
Hotaru hugged her back, "It's nice to meet you Pepper I've heard a lot about you even though Tony-San was flirting with me, but Bruce told me that it's in his nature but I'm glad he was able to come back to you," she said kindly.
"Are you looking for Tony," said Pepper.
Hotaru nodded, "Yes I need to talk to him about something," she said knowing that after what happened in Wakanda with everyone she had to get to the root of the problem.
"He is actually down in his lab let me walk you down there," said Pepper.
Hotaru nodded as they began walking towards his lab once they got down there, they saw Tony sitting at his desk working on something, Pepper put her hand on the handprint to let her in once the doors opened, Tony looked up and saw Pepper and Hotaru.
Tony smiled as he stood up and walked up to Hotaru, he hugged her tightly and spun her around which caused Hotaru to let out a laugh, once Tony put her down, he kissed Pepper on the lips as he sat down on his couch.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of you lovely ladies," said Tony.
"Actually Tony-San I wanted to talk to you alone," said Hotaru.
Tony looked at Hotaru and saw how serious her eyes were he looked up at Pepper who nodded at them both, "I'm going to head to the office to get some work done I will see you both later", she said waving at them both as she walked back up the stairs to leave the tower.
"What's going on Hotaru, why do you look so serious," he said quietly.
Hotaru sighed as she took a deep breath," Tony-San what happened in Wakanda with the other's I sense a lot of tension with everyone, but your aura was the most that I felt and I knew something was wrong quickly," she said gently grabbing his hand.
Tony sighed as he closed his eyes when he reopened them and looked her in the eyes, he knew he could not lie to her.
"A lot got revealed and I just do not trust them anymore secrets were kept…. friendships were destroyed…. hatred was in its place…," he said looking away.
"Tell me everything Tony-San I want to help you to heal from whatever has been plaguing your heart and soul," she said gently.
Tony looked up at her he had to smile he really liked her a lot, Bruce is lucky to have her in his life she was good for him.
Tony sighed," Hotaru…. well let me start from the beginning…. you see my dad was young when he met Steve Rodgers, he was collaborating with a scientist who gave Steve the super soldier serum to make him into captain America…," said Tony.
Hotaru nodded, "Continue…," she said gently.
Tony shook his head, "Well after Steve became Captain America dad was helping him out more with the inventions he came up with he even created his shield believe it or not but when Steve was fighting against Hydra and he had to crash the plane my father and everyone at Shield began looking for him hoping that there savior was found….well they did find him but he was frozen in the ice but he was alive and they had to unthaw him", Tony said looking away.
Hotaru just stared at him now she knew where his pain was coming from the fact that his father worked with Steve personally and knew him personally made her wonder why his own father would want Tony to be just like him.
Tony let out a dark laughter," Well I came along and no matter what I did or achieved I was never good enough for my father because I couldn't live up to Steve Rodger's when I was never trying to live up to him I was my own person and he didn't see that only my mother did and I grew hatred for my father because he even said he wished that Steve was his son and not me you know how hard that was listening to that", he said turning to her.
Hotaru got up and gently touched Tony's hand as she stood in front of him,"Tony-san you have every right to feel the way that you do, yes your father was wrong for telling you that you would never live up to Steve's legacy but to tell you that he wished Steve was his son and not you was very wrong of him if you could have the chance to tell your father how you truly feel would you", she said seriously.
Tony scoffed at her, "Of course I would in a heartbeat….I would tell him that he was wrong and that he should have loved me like a father should have loved me and not try to compare me to someone else in my opinion the fact that my father loved that man more then me made me have this cold heart inside of me that I would never give up because of him", he said darkly.
Hotaru pulled Tony up and hugged him, "No matter what Tony-San you have us and we love you, I know I am not your mother but I want you to know that I love you just as equally as Bruce does even though he doesn't show it to much because of the lack of love he received from his own father so I understand where you all are coming from but just know that I will always be here for you whenever you need me and whenever you want to talk I will always be here for you", she said gently.
Tony hugged Hotaru tightly to him as silent tears rolled down his face he felt each of her words and he knew she was telling the truth he finally had someone aside from his mom that truly cared for him, "Thank you Hotaru so much", he said quietly as the tears wouldn't stop rolling his face.
Hotaru nodded as she felt him tighten his hold on her she closed her eyes as she hoped that this would be a start for Tony-San to begin the healing process.
End of Flashback
Hotaru walked away from Tony and headed to her room with Bruce when she walked in, she smiled at him," Hey can we go someplace," she said quietly.
Bruce smiled at her and nodded, "Of course where did you want to go my love," he said gently taking her hand in his.
"I want to go see Steve I think it's time for me and him to have a heart to heart," she said quietly.
Bruce dropped his smile, "Are you sure Hotaru that you want to do that I mean Tony is doing a little better I don't want that to change," he said kindly.
Hotaru nodded at him, "Yes I'm not saying that their friendship will ever be the same again, but I have to talk to him myself," she said.
Bruce nodded as he got up, "Well let's go," he said taking her hand.
"Friday can you tell Tony that me and Hotaru have gone out for a while if he is looking for us," said Bruce.
"Of course, Bruce," said Friday.
Bruce and Hotaru walked out of the tower and began heading towards Steve apartment as they were walking Hotaru began looking around at all the tall buildings and she could never get over how tall the buildings look in New York.
After a twenty minute walk the couple made it to Steve's apartment, Hotaru gently knocked on the door.
Steve and Bucky were watching tv when he heard his door being knocked on, they both cut the tv down wondering who it could be.
"Were you expecting anyone," said Bucky.
Steve shook his head, "No I wasn't," he said as he got up and grabbed his shield.
Bucky grabbed his gun just in case it was someone looking for him.
When Steve got to the door, he opened it and a breathe a sigh of relief it was Bruce and Hotaru at the door.
Hotaru seeing his shield in his hand looked at him "Is everything alright Steve-San," she said gently.
Steve turned to Bucky," It's alright buck it's only Hotaru and Bruce," he said.
Bucky nodded as he put his gun away, he was glad it was someone that he knew.
Steve opened the door wide enough to let both in, once they were in, he offered them a spot on the couch.
"How have you two been haven't seen you guys since the battle with Thanos," said Steve.
Hotaru smiled at him, "We've been good had to get adjusted to being here and getting to know the custom's here as well it's very different then Japan," she said quietly.
"So, what brings you both here," said Bucky.
Hotaru turned to Steve, "I actually came here to talk to you alone Steve-San" she said seriously.
Steve was confused as to why Hotaru needed to talk to him, he could only nod his head at her.
"Yeah sure, hey Buck can you and Bruce give us some time alone please," he said quietly.
Bruce knowing what the conversation was about stood up with Bucky, "Why don't we go grab some food I'm hungry and the hulk is hungry as well," he said laughing as Bucky eyes widen in slight fear that the hulk was hungry as well.
Bruce and Bucky left out of the apartment to find something to satisfy their appetite more so Bruce.
When Bucky and Bruce left, Steve turned to the young girl who was looking at him with those eyes, those same eyes that could see inside of your soul.
"What did you want to talk about Hotaru," he said still staring into her eyes.
Hotaru knew she was getting him with her eyes she laughed as she looked away, "Sorry about the eyes Steve-San I do that to everyone…..I wanted to talk to you about Tony-San and before you say anything this talk needs to happen Steve-San because there are things that you don't understand and I want you both to be happy even if that means your friendship could possibly be over you still need to talk but I want to get your point of view of everything", she said gently taking his hand.
Steve lowered his head he knew she was right and that it was time to talk to Tony and settle this between them.
"Your right Hotaru we need to talk and clear the air between me and him, but do you think he would want to talk though," he said quietly.
Hotaru sighed, "I don't know Steve-San, but we will get to that when the time is near now, I talked to Tony-San and he had a lot of things to say about you and his father," she said quietly.
Steve sighed, "Hotaru….I didn't know that it what Howard had done to Tony believe me I never would have thought that Tony life would have turned out the way that it did nor did I know that Tony lived the life that he did now as for Bucky I am guilty for not telling him the truth but Bucky has been my friend far longer then Tony has and I know that it was wrong of me to not tell him the truth of his parents and I have to live with that but Bucky wasn't in control of himself he was being controlled….", he said quietly.
Hotaru listened to his story and she understood where he was coming from, "But steve-san if Tony-San was your friend as you claimed him to you should have told him a long time ago instead of keeping it from him I understand you are trying to protect Bucky-San but what Tony-San and the lost he had to suffered because of Bucky-San even though he was controlled…don't you think it would have been fair to have explained things to him so that he could have understood better", she said gently.
Steve for his part knew she was right it was not fair to have kept that from Tony even though he was trying to protect Bucky he should have explained everything to Tony instead of keeping it from him.
"Your right Hotaru I should have told Tony but I just couldn't though but your right it wasn't fair of me to keep this from him especially knowing what he was going through and that is something I have to bare knowing that I protected one friend but I ended up hurting another friend", he said bowing his head.
Hotaru sighed as she understood where he was coming from it was not fair, but she has hope that things will work out between the two.
"Now Steve-San you know Tony-San still hates you because of how much his father worshipped you more then his own son…. Tony-San is more upset at his father then you since you were not aware of everything," she said quietly.
"How do I fix this Hotaru," he said quietly.
"Give him some more time to heal then talk to him and explain everything to him and be sincere about it and show him how much you are sorry and how much you value his friendship even if he doesn't return it at least you know you had tried with him", she said standing up.
Steve looked up at her, "Are you leaving," he said quietly.
"Actually, I was wondering if we could go to the museum, if possible, I would love to learn about your history here," she said excitedly.
Steve perked up hearing that she wanted to go to the museum he quickly stood up and grabbed his jacket and put on his hat he held his arm for her," M'lady shall we depart," he said as Hotaru laughed and took ahold of his arm.
While Steve and Hotaru were walking to the museum, Bucky and Bruce were eating breakfast at a café down the street from Steve's apartment.
"Do you think it was wise to leave Steve with Hotaru…. I mean she can be scary when pushed," said Bucky.
Bruce had to laugh at Bucky's statement, "I can assure you that Steve is more than safe with her they only want to talk to each other, but I need to talk to you myself since the team is divided," he said bringing his mood down.
Bucky knew what he wanted to talk about it was something that he knew could not be avoided anymore.
"If I could go back in time and change everything I would but I was under hydra's control and I didn't have control over myself at that time….I never wanted to hurt Tony let alone kill his parents but it was hydra's controlled that made me do it and ever since I haven't been under there control I have lived with regret with all of the lives that I have taken when I was the winter soldier", he said sadly.
Bruce sighed as he listened to Bucky's story, he knew he was telling the truth, but the damage was done, and it was not able to be repaired.
"I know Bucky but with Tony he lost everything especially knowing the fact that Steve knew about all of this and kept it from him is even worse, Steve protected you because you are his best friend but Tony was his friend to and he should have told him instead of keeping it from him and the way he found out everything is what really caused the team to become divided…..", he said quietly.
Bucky look down as he moved his eggs around on the plate, he knew that Bruce was right but to hear it from someone else was hard to hear.
"Your right he should have told him, but I also bare that burden because it was me who had killed his parents not Steve," he said quietly.
Bruce nodded, "In time Tony will forgive you because he knew it was out of your hands since you were controlled he is more upset with Steve and his father then you, so I don't think you have anything to worry about just give him some time to heal", he said popping a bacon into his mouth.
Bucky could only nod his head, "Yeah your right I will give him some time to himself before I approach him," he said picking up his fork and continued eating.
Peru
Druig held Makkari in his arms as she slept soundly it has been six months since the battle, and he finally claimed his mate in his arms he knew she was not going anywhere, and life was peaceful for them, and he would make sure it stayed that way.
Makkari felt movement as she gently opened her eyes and saw Druig looking down at her with so much love in his eyes she smiled at him as she gently grabbed his head and brought it down to her lips as she kissed him gently on the lips.
Druig for his part melted into the kiss, he knew nothing could ruin their moment together.
Suddenly Makkari bracelet from Wakanda went off, Druig heard the sound as he pulled away from her, confused Makkari looked up at his face as she saw something flashing in the corner.
Makkari turned and saw her bracelet was beeping she quickly got up and ran towards it she quickly put it on her wrist as she activated the call.
Okoye face appeared on the bracelet she smiled at the girl, "I just wanted to check in with you Makkari there is no danger here in Wakanda," she signed to her.
Makkari drew out a breath she did not realize she was holding she was glad her general was only checking up on her," Everything is fine here general I am good, how is the king" she signed to her.
Okoye smiled at the warrior," He is well he misses you we all do but we know you needed time away…I won't keep you my dear just check in with us every once in a while," she signed.
Makkari nodded as she ended the link and put her bracelet back in her bag, she turned back to Druig and smiled at him as she ran towards his open arms.
"Is everything ok back home," he signed to her.
Makkari nodded at him," Everything is fine she was only checking in with me to make sure everything was good," she signed to him.
Druig nodded at her as he bought her lips down to his face, he knew she missed home but he was glad she decided to stay with him for a while.
London
Vision and Wanda were walking around London now that the danger was over, they could live in peace, and they did for the past six months no danger, and nobody was looking at them as they walked along the pier.
"What's on your mind Vis," said Wanda.
"Nothing Wanda I'm just enjoying this time with you, but I still have that feeling that something is still coming I just can't put my finger on it," he said quietly.
Wanda knew Vision was telling the truth, but she did not know what was coming she just wanted to have this peaceful moment with him.
As they were walking, they saw a hair of golden walk around the corner with a red bow on the back of her head.
Wanda looked up and saw from behind that the girl looked familiar to her," Hey vis wasn't she with Hotaru isn't she a sailor scout," she said quietly.
Vision nodded his head, "Yes she is one of them I wonder what she is doing here, we should follow her," he said as Wanda nodded at him as they walked to catch up with Mina.
Mina sighed as she walked towards a bakery so much has changed in the six months since they were brought back to life by Saturn.
Artemis poked his head out of her bag he looked up at his charged, "Mina is everything alright," he said quietly.
Mina looked down at her companion and smiled down at him, "Yeah everything is fine I was just thinking over everything that had happened to us you know," she said quietly.
Artemis felt something, "Mina I think someone is following us I get that feeling," he said.
Mina stopped walking as she looked down at Artemis, she too felt like someone was following them before she could grab her henshin pen she saw two familiar faces appear in her line of sight.
Mina felt relieved," Artemis they were in Wakanda with us against the battle with Thanos and Galaxia," she said quietly.
"Hello there," said Vision.
Mina smiled at them, "Hello you two at first I thought you guys could be a possible enemy," she said quietly.
Wanda bowed her head, "Sorry if we startled you, I just recognize your hair and bow and I wanted to make sure it was you and not someone else," she said.
Mina nodded, "Of course what are you guy's doing in London," she said facing them fully.
"We were actually on our way to eat would you care to join us," said Vision.
Mina looks down at Artemis who nodded at her, "Sure I would love you lead the way," she said excitedly.
Wanda laughed at her excitement as the three left for the café with Artemis.
New York
Strange walked down the street with Wong walking next to him things had been quiet since the defeat of Thanos and the time stone was safe with him.
"Thing's have been really quiet don't you think," said Wong.
Strange nodded at him, "Yes it's peaceful but for how much longer will the peace last since Saturn has all of the infinity stones with the exception of the time stone someone is bound to come looking for the stones or even be drawn to this planet," he said quietly.
Wong nodded his head, "That is true we will just have to be on our guard, but I don't think evil will come here considering there is to many people with powers here", he said as they approached a café when they walked inside, they saw Bruce and Bucky sitting at a table.
"Dr. Banner, Bucky pleasure seeing you too here," said Strange.
Bruce and Bucky looked up and notice strange and a guy they did not recognize call their name.
"Dr. Strange and who is this," said Bruce.
"I'm Wong," he said quickly.
Bucky and Bruce nodded at him, "What brings you guys here," said Bucky.
"We got hungry, so we decided to grab something to eat," said Strange.
"Why don't you guys have a seat and join us," said Bruce.
Wong and Strange nodded as they sat down, when they did a server came over and took their order once she took there order she left to go put it in.
"How is Hotaru," said Strange.
Bruce smiled at hearing her name, "She is good she is actually with Steve right now," he said cooly.
"Is everything alright," said Strange.
"Yeah, she just needed to talk to Steve that's why we're here," said Bucky.
Wong being curious about the mysterious scout got excited, "Can you tell me about her, I have only read about her, and she is very legendary just to be in her presence would be amazing," said Wong.
Bruce shook his head, "Why don't you come with us to meet her when she is done with Steve," he said.
Wong's eyes widen, "Are you serious…. could I really meet her," he said excitedly.
Bruce nodded, "Of course gives you a chance to meet her and ask her whatever you want," he said eating a piece of toast.
Somewhere in the universe
Thor opened his eyes from his meditated state he was on a planet he did not know too much he was there helping the people he sighed as he looked up at the sky, he missed his family he was all alone he did not have anyone anymore.
Thor could go to earth to see Jane, but he figured she had moved on from him and is happy and he did not want to disturb her life.
As Thor stood up, he grabbed storm breaker as he saw a small army slowly coming towards the people he was protecting.
Thor turned to them, "Fear not for I Thor Odison will protect you," he said as he got up and held storm breaker in his hand as the small army was getting closer and closer.
Thor shook his head, "I still have not found my purpose in life yet and I still don't know what to do," he said as he jumped up high in the air and brought storm breaker down on to the small army as they were all electrocuted.
Once the small army was defeated, he turned to the people who were bowing down to him he laughed, "Oh please don't bow it's the least I can do for you," he said loudly.
"We are forever grateful to you for saving us," said the leader of the creature.
Thor nodded at them, "Of course well I must be off now," he said lifting storm breaker into the air as the Bifrost opened and he stepped into it.
Thor not having a destination in mind managed to land on Xandar which scared some of the people who were around him.
Nova Prime heard the loud explosion she looked up from her desk, "What was that" she shouted as she stood up.
Someone pulled up an image they all got a good look at him, and their eyes widen in shock there on there screen was Thor and he was on Xandar.
Once Thor got his bearings in order the people of Xandar recognize who he was right away they gravitated towards him quickly.
Thor for his part smiled at everyone he looked up as he saw Nova Prime walking out of city hall, he quickly walked up to her, "Nova Prime…. sorry for dropping in like this I did not have any destination in mind," he said loudly.
Nova Prime nodded at Thor," It's alright dear what brings you to Xandar," she said curiously.
"Honestly the Bifrost brought me here I was thinking of going to earth since it's been a few months since the defeat of Thanos, I was helping to restore the realms after the carnage he had caused," he said.
Nova Prime nodded, "Of course we have just completed our repairs from his destruction please won't you stay for awhile if you have nowhere to go," she said quietly.
Thor nodded, "Of course Nova Prime I would be honored to stay on Xandar for a while," he said as he followed Nova Prime into the town hall.