Author's Note: In the comics, Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne were the original incarnations of Ant-Man and Wasp beside being founding members of the Avengers. It confuses me why the MCU had to change that. Also, in 'Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow' movie, they have a son named Henry Pym Jr.

Anyway, have any of you heard the song 'Rivals 'Til the End' (Chrissy Costanza Version from 'MARVEL Rivals: Galactic Tunes' because it is actually totally awesome!

I don't own Avengers or its characters. I only own Riley Stark and other OCs that appear in the story.

Take on the World

Chapter 36: Bucky

Riley told Pepper where she was going as she packed a bag for London to get on a flight with Sam and Steve two days later to attend Peggy's funeral.

At the funeral, the Stark heiress wore a black dress with matching black short heels and a small black headband attached on her short chestnut brown hair.

Riley remembered the first that she met Peggy was when she was eight years old.

Peggy told her various stories of her time fighting in World War 2 including the dangerous missions and her romance with Steve.

Following the war's end, she married a man named Walter MacGowan and had two children; a son named Albert and a daughter named Louise.

Surprisingly, it turned out that Peggy's future husband had been a member of a battalion of over one thousand soldiers that were pinned down by a HYDRA blockade for several months before they were rescued by Captain America in 1945.

Though Walter passed away a few years after the Vietnam War ended.

Overall, Peggy had lived a long happy life despite having been suffering from alzheimer that affected her memory and thinking as well as living in a retirement home in Washington, D.C.

Riley was going to miss Peggy.

She had been an amazing great-aunt figure to her.

She taught the Stark heiress that women played important roles during World War II, both at home and in uniform.

Not only did they give their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers to the war effort.

Women gave their time, energy and some even gave their lives.

More importantly, a valuable lesson.

Anything a man can do, a woman can do too.

If not better.

Riley slowly turned her head a bit, only to catch a glimpse of Peggy's two children and grandchildren sitting on the seats that were in the opposite side of the church.

Then Steve had walked into the church while carrying Peggy's coffin with other men.

A small tear fell down from Riley's face as she watched the coffin being gently placed down.

When Steve sat down next to her, the young brunette gently took his hand in hers.

After giving some words, a smile appeared on the Priest's face.

"And now, I would like to invite Sharon Carter to come up and say a few words."the Priest stated.

Sharon walked forward to give a speech about her late great aunt.

When Sam reached over to tap Steve's arm, Steve looked up in shock at Sharon upon not realising her connection to Peggy.

Sharon took a deep breath before smiling awkwardly and beginning her speech.

"Margaret Carter was known to most as a founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. But I just knew her as Aunt Peggy. She had a photograph in her office."Sharon declared."Aunt Peggy standing next to JFK. As a kid, that was pretty cool. But it was a lot to live up to. Which is why I never told anyone we were related."

Riley gave Sharon a bittersweet smile as she listened to her speech.

"I asked her once how she managed to master diplomacy and espionage in a time when no one wanted to see a woman succeed at either."Sharon continued."And she said, compromise where you can. But where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move...it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in they eye and say, 'No, you move'."

After the funeral ended, Riley and Sam sat on the pew next to Steve as Natasha walked over to them.

The super soldier glanced at his attractive red haired girlfriend for a moment before he began speaking to her.

"When I came out of the ice, I thought everyone I had known was gone."Steve declared, making Riley's heart clench."Then I found out that she was alive. I was just lucky to have her."

Natasha smiled. "She had you back too."

"Who else signed?"Steve asked.

"Tony, Rhodey and Vision."Natasha answered.

Riley looked over in silent shock.

Her father agreed to the Sokovia Accords despite the possible negative impacts that it would bring to the Avengers.

Steve nodded. "Clint?"

Natasha shrugged in respond.

"Says he's retired."Natasha stated.

Riley smirked, knowing Clint would never hand over his rights as Hawkeye.

"What about Uncle Pietro and Aunt Wanda?"Riley asked.

Natasha glanced at Riley with a hint of sadness.

She had seen how broken up Tony was over Riley not being on his side.

"TBD. I'm off to Vienna for the signing of the Accords."Natasha admitted."There's plenty of room on the jet."

Both Riley and Sam shook their heads as Steve let out a sigh.

"Just because it's the path of least resistance doesn't mean it's the wrong path. Staying together is more important than how we stay together."

"What are we giving up to do it?"Steve asked, looking at Natasha with a glimpse of disbelief."I'm sorry, Nat. I can't sign it."

Natasha smiled. "I know."

"Then what are you doing here?"Steve questioned.

Natasha pulled Steve in for a hug and then gave him a small kiss on the lips, showing that she still loved him deeply.

"I didn't want you to be alone."Natasha replied.

Sam and Riley smiled at their interaction.

When Natasha walked out of the church, Riley stood up to grab Steve's hand.

"Even if I'm still a teen, I'm won't sign those wretched papers."Riley informed."I doubt Uncle Pietro and Aunt Wanda would too. We got your back, Cap."

Steve squeezed Riley's hand gently before the two of them walked out of the church with Sam.

Riley sighed, turning on her iPhone to make sure her jet was still there waiting for her to take her home.

She could see texts from Tony, but she only sighed and ignored him for now.

When the jet was flying it's way to New York, Riley placed on her laptop to use her hacking skills to check the regulations established by the Sokovia Accords.

In less then 2 minutes, an immediate scowl of annoyance escaped from the young brunette's mouth at what she just read on her laptop's screen.

"Given how many criminal provisions there are in the accords, forcing individuals to reveal their secret identities is almost certainly a violation of the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination."Riley muttered bitterly."The Sokovia Accords are probably backed by HYDRA still mixed with S.H.I.E.L.D, so they can figure out who and what secrets every enhanced human has. That is foolish enough to sign it."

When she made it back to the Avengers Tower almost four hours later, Tony was not there.

Only Pepper, Morgan and Happy were in the tower.

Smiling to see that her step-daughter returned safely, Pepper hugged Riley.

"Riley."Pepper remarked as Riley hugged her back."Thank god, you're back."

Riley noticed a fearful look on Pepper's face.

"Pepper, what happened?"Riley questioned.

"Tony was freaking out about your location since the bombing at Vienna."Pepper admitted.

"Bombing?"Riley questioned with wide eyes before contacting the new artificial intelligence."F.R.I.D.A.Y, pull up the bombing in Vienna."

"Right away, Miss Stark."F.R.I.D.A.Y. answered.

Around Riley, the holographic video screens showed headlines that had 'WINTER SOLDIER: TERRORIST AT WORK. KILLS HUNDREDS' written on them as well as the horrific scenes of the incident.

Pepper and Happy watched the news on the screens nervously while Morgan nibbled on her pink teether.

Riley covered her mouth at the disturbing news.

"Dios mío."Riley muttered.

Riley suddenly noticed her iPhone ringing and saw Steve was calling her causing her to answer him.

"Steve, have you heard of-"Riley started.

"I know, Riley. But I need you to stay out of this one."Steve ordered."Sam and I are going after him."

"They'll arrest you!"Riley argued.

"Exactly why I need you to stay away."Steve informed."I don't know if Bucky did this."

This caused Riley to become worried beside confused.

"I don't understand."Riley commented.

"He's been living in hiding for the past two years."Steve exclaimed."Why would he come out for a bombing?"

"Do you think he was framed?"Riley assumed.

"I do. I just need to find him before the government does."Steve replied."They'll kill him on sight."

"Then I'll meet you-"Riley suggested.

"Sam and I will find him."Steve assured in a firm yet stern tone."Don't worry."

Riley simply nodded before Steve ended the call.

The Stark heiress clenched her iPhone tightly, annoyed that she had to sit and do nothing.

"If I do something to help the Avengers, I'm a criminal."Riley retorted, not liking how bad the situation was going."If I don't, I'm a horrible person."

Pepper walked up to Riley while holding Morgan in her arms.

"You need to do what's right, sweetie."Pepper instructed with a supporting smile."Not what's easy."

"She's right, Riley."Happy agreed."Even if your dad is on the opposite side."

It didn't take Riley too long to pinpoint her father's location.

He was in the Joint Counter Terrorist Centre Building in Berlin, Germany.

Before leaving and say goodbye to her loved ones, the Stark heiress decided to change into another attire.

The Stark heiress now wore a black faux leather jacket, a white t-shirt with a pink, cyan and yellow flower on the front and an silver belt with dark blue jeans. On her feet were sneakers that had white shoelaces, toe caps and soles. The sides of her sneakers were decorated with blue, lime green and pink heart and star patterns with black outlines. There was a moderate mint green crown on the left side of her left shoe and a white skull on the left side of her right shoe.

Sometime after finding her father's whereabouts, Riley then had set her flight to him by using the helicopter he kept for emergencies.

Steve, Sam and T'Challa (King of Wakanda) were brought to the Joint Counter Terrorist Centre Building in an armed vehicle while Bucky was brought to there inside a containment cell.

The Joint Counter Terrorist Centre also confiscated Rogers' shield, uniform and the EXO-7 Falcon.

After showing her identification, Riley made her way inside the building and managed to make it into the office just in time to see Tony busy taking with Secretary Ross on the phone.

Tony's eyes went on Riley for a moment while he kept talking to Betty's father.

"No. Romania was not Accords-sanctioned."Tony continued."And, Colonel Rhodes is supervising cleanup."

Riley turned her head just in time to see Natasha come with Steve and Sam.

Try not to break anything while we fix this."Natasha commented and pointed at Riley."Don't get involved. You are just a kid."

Riley simply frowned in respond before bringing her attention back on Tony.

"Consequences? You bet there'll be consequences."Tony continued, making Riley's frown deepen."Obviously you can quote me on that cause I just said it. Anything else?Thank you, sir."

Tony then ended the call before he looked at the comrades that stood next to his daughter.

"Consequences?"Steve questioned.

"Secretary Ross wants you both prosecuted."Tony answered."Had to give him something."

Riley folded her arms in disappointment.

"I'm not getting that shield back, am I?"Steve asked.

"Technically, it's the government's property."Natasha remarked as she walked away from the group."Wings too."

Sam frowned. "That's cold."

"Warmer than jail."Tony informed.

Afterwards, Steve and Riley sat together in a glass-walled office overlooking the control room as they watched one of the security screens that showed which room Bucky was imprisoned in.

"Even if HYDRA messed up his head to make him their latest weapon, he doesn't deserve to be in there."Riley admitted."He's a human being. Not an animal."

Steve gave Riley a small smile.

"Not many people see it like that, Riley."Steve reminded.

"Well, they should."Riley retorted with a frown."And speaking of your so called arrest, I am still surprised that 117 countries would have agendas and try to abuse the Avengers into acting in their own countries interest instead of the interest of the entire planet."

Steve smiled lightly, making Riley confused a bit.

"What?"Riley asked.

"If I ever end up needing a lawyer in the future, I now know who to turn to."Steve complemented.

Riley blushed and let out a small chuckle, now feeling a bit embarrassed.

"I am no lawyer, Uncle Steve."Riley assured."Just a teenage kid that still has a long way to go to head to graduation."

Tony then arrived into the office, earning Steve and Riley's attention.

"Hey, you wanna see something cool? I pulled something from Dad's archives. Felt timely."Tony remarked and placed on the table a small case that had two elegant pens inside it."FDR signed the Lend-Lease bill with these in 1941. Provided support to the Allies when they needed it most."

"Some would say it brought our country closer to war."Steve stated.

Tony frowned while Riley simply smiled anxiously at Steve's declaration.

"See? If not for these, you wouldn't be here."Tony informed before he sat down on a chair as well."I'm trying to...what do you call it? That's an olive branch. Is that what you call it?"

"How are things back in the tower?"Steve asked.

Tony was silent for a moment before he began speaking to his father's idol.

"A few years ago, I almost lost Pepper and Rye-Rye, so I trashed all my suits."Tony exclaimed honestly."Then, we had to mop up HYDRA...then Ultron and later we had Morgan. And then, and then, and then, I never stopped. Because the truth is I don't wanna stop. I don't wanna lose them. I thought maybe the Accords could split the difference."

Tony glanced at Riley, who was busy playing 'Space War' on her iPhone.

"In their defence, I'm a handful."Tony continued as he stood up to put his jacket."Yet, Dad was a pain in the ass, but he and Mom always made it work."

"You know, I'm glad Howard got married."Steve remarked."I only knew him when he was young and single."

"Oh, really? You two knew each other?"Tony asked with a hint of sarcasm."He never mentioned that. Maybe only a thousand times. God, I hated you."

Riley glanced at Tony in silence at what he just said.

The Stark heiress was told by Peggy that her Grandfather Howard constantly talked about his admiration for Captain America far too much which caused Tony to develop hatred and resentment towards the super soldier.

But it was sad to know that her paternal grandfather didn't show any love to her father.

Though she was happy that her father had a loving relationship with her Grandmother Maria.

But part of her couldn't help but wonder if her paternal grandparents would ever love her even if her father didn't marry her mother.

"I don't mean to make things difficult."Steve assured.

"I know because you're a very polite person."Tony responded bitterly.

Steve smirked. "If I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it. Sometimes I wish I could."

"No, you don't."Tony replied.

Steve shook his head.

"No, I don't."Steve agreed with a small frown."Sometimes-"

"Sometimes I wanna punch you in your perfect teeth."Tony declared in a stern yet firm tone."But I don't wanna see you gone. We need you, Cap. So far, nothing's happened that can't be undone, if you sign. We can make the last 24 hours legit. Barnes gets transferred to an American psych-center instead of a Wakandan prison."

Steve picked up the pens as he walked closer to where Riley sat.

Riley glanced at Steve, silently hoping that he won't agree with the Sokovia Accords.

"I'm not saying it's impossible, but there would have to be safeguards."Steve suggested.

Tony nodded in agreement.

"Sure. Once we put out the PR fire, those documents can be amended."Tony added."I'd file a motion to have you and the Maximoffs reinstated-"

Riley turned her head sharply at the mention of the Maximoff twins.

"Aunt Wanda and Uncle Pietro?"Riley questioned, her eyes narrowing a bit."What about them?"

Tony jumped at the anger in Riley's tone.

"They're fine, Rye-Rye."Tony answered."They're confined to the compound, currently. Vision is keeping them company."

Riley let out a mocking laugh, furious that her father would agree with the corrupted rules on the Sokovia Accords without any second thoughts.

"Damn it, dad! Every time!"Riley snarled."Every time I think you see things the right way-"

"What? It's a 100 acres with a lap pool. It's got a screening room."Tony interrupted, making Riley stand up from her seat in annoyance."There's worse ways to protect people!"

Steve shook his head.

"Protection? Is that how you see this?"Steve argued."This is protection? It's internment, Tony."

"They are not U.S. citizens."Tony reminded.

"Oh, come on, Tony!"Steve scowled.

"And they don't grant visas to weapons of mass destruction!"Tony added.

Riley glared at Tony.

"They're both kids!"Riley snapped."Just like me!"

"Give me a break!"Tony yelled out."I'm doing what has to be done to stave off something worse!"

"Keep telling yourself that."Steve retorted.

Out of anger, Riley slammed her hands on the table.

The impact on her hands slamming the table made Steve and Tony get startled a bit.

"The Sokovia Accords is just the Government's attempt to put superheroes under legislation thus bringing one of the variables in this changing world under their control!"Riley argued, her voice tone firm and sharp at the same time."Also, when the heroes are arrested, they are placed in a prison without seemingly due process! In a prison that would definitely violate their right to 'not suffer cruel or unusual punishment'!"

There was deep silence at Riley's declaration.

After letting out a sigh to cool down her anger a bit, the Stark heiress went closer to her father to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you, dad. I really do."Riley assured in a soft yet strict tone."But I'm on Cap on this one. I would never trust the government to make a decision for the greater good.

Tony frowned. "So you're basically saying you're not on my side?"

"The best part of this is both of you are right."Riley informed while putting her hands up in defence and began to back away a bit."You're right because the Avengers need checks and balances. But Uncle Steve is right in that the Government isn't the best provider of it."

Riley then headed out of the office as Steve dropped the pen back on the table.

"Hate to break up the set."Steve retorted.

When Steve left the office as well, Tony harshly placed on his sunglasses back on.

In another office, Steve, Sam, and Riley sat at a table.

Riley silently fiddled with her bracelet since her iPhone was running out of power.

She hated how divided everyone was because of the Sokovia Accords.

She wished someone would listen to them and search for the man who framed Bucky.

Sharon then walked in the room with a paper.

"The receipt for your gear."Sharon declared.

Sam scoffed when he saw what was written in the paper.

"Bird costume?"Sam scowled."Come on."

"I didn't write it."Sharon assured.

Sharon then pressed a button to allow them to hear what was going on.

Bucky looked angry, but Riley could see the scared look in his eyes.

"I'm not here to judge you."the therapist declared."I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you know where you are, James? I can't help you if you don't talk to me, James."

"My name is Bucky."Bucky retorted.

Riley smirked at that, knowing Bucky had finally figured out who he was in all of his time away.

She couldn't help but think of the reaction of Bucky meeting Tristan as well as finding out that her crush was his younger sister's grandson.

Steve stared at the photo on a newspaper.

"Why would the Task Force release this photo to begin with?"Steve asked.

Sharon shrugged in respond.

"Get the word out, involve as many eyes as we can?"Sharon assumed.

"Right. It's a good way to flush a guy out of hiding."Steve complemented."Set off a bomb, get your picture taken. Get seven billion people looking for the Winter Soldier."

"You're saying someone framed him to find him?"Sharon asked incredulously.

"Steve, we looked for the guy for two years and found nothing."Sam reminded.

"But you guys didn't bomb the UN."Riley retorted."That turns a lot of heads."

"Yeah, but that doesn't guarantee that whoever framed him would get him."Sharon informed."It guarantees that we would."

"Yeah."Steve murmured.

Riley, Steve, Sam and Sharon brought their attention back on the therapist.

"Tell me, Bucky."the therapist replied."You've seen a great deal, haven't you?"

Bucky became uncomfortable at the therapist's question.

"I don't want to talk about it."Bucky responded.

"You fear that...if you open your mouth, the horrors might never stop."the therapist complemented."Don't worry. We only have to talk about one."

The lights around them suddenly went out.

Riley suddenly felt being uneasy beside alarmed.

Something wasn't right.

"Sub-level 5, east wing."Sharon stated.

Steve, Sam and Sharon left the room while Riley went to where Tony and Natasha were.

Agent Ross pulled out his walkie-talkie, barking orders to his men.

"Come on, Guys, get me eyes on Barnes."Agent Ross demanded.

Riley activated her thrusters, making them appear in her arms as she glanced at Tony.

"Dad-"Riley started.

"Got it."Tony answered before tapping his watch and speaking to his AI.""F.R.I.D.A.Y., get me a source on that outage."

"Evac all civilians. Get me a perimeter around the building, and gunships in the air."

Natasha and the Starks turn around and quickly walked around the control room that was full of panicking and rushing people.

I quickly dial up my thrusters as I walk in between Dad and Natasha, setting my jaw.

Red lights blared and flashed all around them as Agent Ross barked more orders, reminding them that they needed to hurry and stop the Winter Soldier.

Natasha looked at Tony.

"Please tell me you brought a suit, Tony."Natasha begged.

"Sure did. It's a lovely Tom Ford, three-piece, two-button."Tony declared and swivelled his head back at Natasha."I'm an active-duty non-combatant."

Sharon suddenly sprinted up to Natasha's side, moving past them.

"Follow me!"Sharon insisted.

Tony, Riley and Natasha all run after Sharon while following the sounds of the fight.

Riley took a slow and measured breath before they all split up and set into their own positions.

The group all carefully watched as the Winter Soldier took down man after man in the task force headquarters' cafeteria.

Natasha spoke lowly over the comms.

"We're in position."Natasha reported.

Tony tapped his finger over his watch and soon a red metal glove formed over his skin.

He quickly moved from his place behind a white cement pillar and raised up his iron hand, listening to it whir up before a large shimmering flash juts forward.

The rims collide into the now distracted Winter Soldier, making him wince and pull his head to the side.

Tony began to run towards the assassin.

When the Winter Soldier stepped forward even a little, the billionaire sent another disorientating flash that makes the assassin move back to his knees.

Tony quickly jumped over the bodies that litter the ground and pushed away the Winter Soldier's gun.

The assassin quickly broke free and soon he was pulling the trigger right into Tony's face.

Tony's eyes widen in shock and immediately put his iron glove in front of the barrel before they both pulled the gun back.

When the cartridge stayed in Tony's hand, he gave a proud smirk and then snapped it across the Winter Soldier's face.

It went fine and well until the assassin elbowed him in the face and then smacked him back into the tables and chairs nearby.

"Dad!"Riley yelled out.

As the Winter Soldier began towards Tony, Riley run forward and duck his oncoming punch by sliding on her side underneath him.

The young brunette curled back around, kicked him the back and leaped up, only for the man to turn around and backhand her hard across the face.

Riley stumbled and shoot for him with her thruster before he snatched onto her wrist and then her neck.

The Winter Soldier's ocean eyes darkly stared into Riley's warm brown eyes as she glared lightly at him.

"Bucky, snap out of it."Riley groaned as she struggled to breathe."Your little sister is waiting for you."

The Winter Soldier suddenly released Riley from his iron grip when Natasha jumped on his shoulders causing the young brunette to gasp and cough for air.

Riley rubbed her throat as she watched Natasha getting thrown off the assassin and T'Challa started fighting the Winter Soldier.

When the Winter Soldier made his escape to the stairs, T'Challa chased after him.

Riley went to check on Tony and went on her knees as he let out a groan while laying near the table he was thrown to.

"Dad, are you okay?"Riley asked worriedly.

"Yes."Tony retorted sternly as he gave his eldest daughter a frown."And this is why I don't really want you to continue the hero life."