The world moved on and stopped for nothing and no one. Things change — and that was something Steve Rogers, Captain America, had learned. It took the death of a comrade for him to open his eyes, and that was something he would carry in his mind forever.
He changed his suit to a darker blue, and the star on his chest looked as if it had been ripped off. He needed to make changes, because being stuck in the past was no longer an option. He had made mistakes — mistakes that couldn't happen again.
"Captain."
He smiled at the sound of the King of Wakanda's voice.
"Good to see you, T'Challa," he replied.
He extended his arm, and the king accepted the greeting.
"Nice look," he commented as he sat down. "I've heard news over the past few days," he said, locking eyes with him. "I must say: it was a bold decision."
"Those things didn't have to happen," he said sincerely. "We failed as a team. It was time for change. Time to start acting like a real hero," he declared.
"You're not an Avenger anymore, Cap," he said. "Stark won't pay you, and neither will S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Peter survived, kept his life stable," he whispered. "If he could do it, so can I," he looked at him.
"Your determination is admirable," he smiled. "But I doubt you called me just to chat. What do you need?"
"Technology, guidance, and a base."
"Is that all? Want a cup of coffee, too?" he said with sarcasm.
"I-I... well..."
"I'm kidding. Consider it done," he stood up. "I know you want to follow in Peter's footsteps, and honestly, I'd rather it be you," he crossed his arms. "I'll take care of it as soon as possible," he stated.
"Why?"
"What do you mean you don't know?" the king whispered.
"Know what?" asked the Captain.
"When I was coming here," T'Challa began, "I heard about the new Queen of Crime. Criminals are emerging under the command of someone clever," he explained.
The Captain frowned.
"What did you hear?"
"Apparently, the new queen is someone Spider-Man knew. Does this name sound familiar to you... Black Cat?"
...........
Japan
It had been a few days since her arrival. She was calm and reflecting on everything that had happened in recent months. She heard gunshots nearby and, although part of her wanted to ignore it and focus on the reason she came, the other part screamed to go see what was happening — because that's what a hero would do. That's what Spider-Man would do...
She put on her suit and approached via the rooftops. She entered through the ceiling and used her powers to create the illusion of being invisible. She frowned at the sight of the mobsters' bodies, and when she looked up, she saw one of them walking past her. The man fell to the floor, and she stepped back.
"N-no, p-please..." he murmured, nervous.
She looked in the direction he was staring, and then she saw the one responsible. He wore a red helmet, gloves, a gray shirt and pants, a light brown — or hazelnut — leather jacket, and black boots. He also carried a belt with several pouches. The guy crouched and stared at the mobster.
(Just like Jason Todd's Red Hood outfit, but without the bat symbol on the chest)
"Traffickers disgust me," he said. "I don't know what brought you to these territories, but as long as I'm here, whatever you're planning won't work," he whispered.
"T-the boss is gonna kill you for ruining the deal with the Japanese," he said.
"I'm not afraid of death," he pointed the gun, "because I already died once," he whispered.
"Wha..."
The mobster didn't finish — he took a bullet to the head. The man then pointed at her and stared.
"I know it's an illusion."
Surprised, she dropped the illusion and revealed herself to the stranger.
"Emma," he whispered, lowering the weapon.
She frowned. The fact that he knew her didn't inspire trust.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
He remained silent, as if debating whether or not to respond.
"I'm the Red Hood," he replied. "And you weren't supposed to see me."
"I can't read his mind... there's a barrier. This reminds me of Peter... What's going on?" she thought. "Why do you think I'd be scared of whoever's behind the mask?" she took a defensive stance.
He didn't reply. Quickly, he pulled something from his belt and threw it on the ground — a small explosion occurred.
"Damn it," Emma growled.
...........
New York
She smiled as she felt a gaze behind her. She looked over her shoulder, trying to spot the silhouette.
"Spidey?" she asked.
"No."
She tensed up at the familiar voice. She turned quickly and saw Captain America emerging from the shadows.
"Captain," she murmured, surprised. "According to my file, I'm just a thief, not a world-level threat," she crossed her arms. "What brings you to these parts?" she asked, eyeing him up and down. "By the way, nice suit. Brings out your blue eyes."
"You're doing things the wrong way," he growled. "I need an explanation. What's this about a new Queen of Crime?"
"Oh, please. Just rumors, Captain," she replied. "You shouldn't believe everything you hear out there," she smiled.
"This path you're on... it's not what Peter wanted for you."
"You're walking on thin ice," she said with a frown.
"Perfect. I was frozen for 70 years," he crossed his arms. "Thin ice doesn't scare me."
"You'd better go back to your tower and deal with world-level threats."
"Sorry to disappoint, but I'm no longer an Avenger," he confessed. "Now I'm forging my own path."
"Captain America as a vigilante... didn't see that coming," she commented sarcastically.
"It took a comrade's death to open my eyes," he crossed his arms. "If Spidey saw you..."
"Spider-Man knew me. He knew who I was," she assumed a fighting stance.
"I didn't come to fight," he sighed. "I came to stop you peacefully. Where's the Cat who was Spider-Man's partner?" he asked.
"That Cat never existed, Captain."
"Another performance by Black Cat," he whispered. "Now I understand why you and Peter didn't work out."
She glared at him angrily, then unsheathed her claws.
"Get out of my sight!" she shouted, furious.
"Spider-Man may have left this life... but that doesn't mean he left the city unprotected," he said with a raspy voice.
"Sticking your nose into things that aren't your business isn't smart, Captain," she smiled arrogantly. "Especially when you don't even understand how the criminal world works."
"Can't be that hard if someone like you is in charge."