p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="52558c1089604358f1708dba32f7a2b1"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I JUMP AWAKE, MY EYES DARTING/em/spanem style="box-sizing: border-box;" /emacross the room for danger. It's quite sad that that's my first reaction, but that's just my instinct. Once I calm myself down and reassure myself there's nobody else in the room with me, I stand from the comfy bed I'm lying on and glance around the room much slower this time. Everything looks quite expensive. There's the king sized bed, a matching dresser, a night stand, and a mirror in the corner./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="24a13a7a3cbb7122d5f253d3d5c966c4"I step closer to the mirror to examine myself, cringing instantly at the mess my blonde hair has entangled itself into. There are dark circles under my eyes even though I've been sleeping for who knows how long. I'm wearing different clothes than what I was when I was put under, which means someone has changed me and must be taking care of me. My body seems well-kept and clean./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1b50804f59b4dce5e1c230e7837b293b"Noticing a brush on the dresser, I grab it and attempt to tame the tremendous sight that is my hair, cringing as the task causes pain in my scalp. Once I make myself look somewhat presentable, I head to the door and am not surprised when I find it locked. Of course T'Challa wouldn't want me running around Wakanda wrecking havoc./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a68f09e3ca6def02fba2669aac707890"I close my eyes and attempt to unlock the door with my mind; however, nothing happens. When I open my eyes again, the only thing I've accomplished is almost popping a blood vessel from exerting myself so hard. I narrow my eyes, wondering why my telekinesis isn't working./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="04df1c42af64b7356af32dbd2fb72c2f"I don't get the chance to try again because the door opens and in walks T'Challa himself with Shuri right behind him. I step backwards, slightly startled by their appearance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f202adbb3b580162c02a2609e9a4c0b6"Shuri glances from the door to me, and realization passes over her face. "You tried to open it with telekinesis didn't you?" She didn't even have to look at my face to know she's right. "Avery, you might want to sit down. There's a lot we need to catch you up on."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="997b0b199a0e5ad596d1c8610053f309"I glance between her and T'Challa before slowly lowering myself to sit on the side of the bed. "What is it?" I ask, bracing myself for bad news. That's all that ever seems to come to me. Bad things happen around me whether I want them to or not./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1ca004435a8080e80c06fc8a749dee1c""There's good news and bad news," Shuri said, trying to sound uplifting. "The good news is that I successfully removed the mind control Hydra put inside your body."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2a5a56a91c872c84432a1cf5974ea801"I close my eyes, relief flooding my body. Maybe now I won't ever hurt anyone I care about again. Maybe now I can finally rest without worrying about some impending war./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f42814e9fce8d3aa485148c31f5dcd87"Shuri glances at her brother unsurely, as if she's unsure I can take what she's about to say. He nods, signaling that I can take it. "The bad news...is that the process made some of your abilities essentially delete themselves from your system."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="8b9068e6bfb3c3777e2840f9ed57cbbc"My eyes narrow as I try to comprehend what she means. "Deleted themselves? Like a computer?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="641033e8eeeef87f3ba5fa1a56b006ae""Yes. You see, all the powers Hydra put into you was inserted into your mind by technology. That's what made you understand how to use your new abilities so easily. After they inserted this knowledge into your mind, they genetically modified your DNA to give you these powers," Shuri explained excitedly, as if it was a fascinating subject. I didn't blame her. I am a walking science experiment gone wrong./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="02810fbfc8fc30745985bbfca40fa7ef""So, I'm a normal human again?" I ask just to clarify./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="25ee24720e30c81e1c464d6ccf1dc51e"Shuri's eyes found her brother's again. She obviously didn't want to tell me whatever news was coming next./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a98df43768f7b5e3daab1481f125916f"Finally, I glare at the two of them. "Would one of you just tell me. I'm not getting any older."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="6f991987f791d3c7f43e3782ea60b51f""You aren't a normal human, Avery," T'Challa finally admits. "You are barely human at all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="54c0a79faa705ccc8a78e72ef558f4c1"My eyes widen as I wonder what on earth he possibly means. I gesture for one of them to continue, and Shuri reluctantly speaks. "I found out when I was digging through some old Hydra files to figure out more on your past. The truth is quite disturbing, I won't lie, but my brother and I believe it's your right to know."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="8e74d79ea65ca2dbe998377d96576db5""Could you please spit it out, Shuri?" I request, my jaw clenched in annoyance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="17d7565ff9641e94139fcff659d9e9b8""Right, you see, Avery, you are only half human. The other half is foreign. You are...an alien," Shuri admits, wincing at my shocked expression. "I'm not sure what race, though. For the record, Hydra didn't seem to understand either. Anyway, the point is you do still have you electric manipulation, which is obviously part of your alien genes that cannot be wiped away."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="61af90d02a678a7a706cbd377ad45e68"As soon as she says this, I can't help but allow my eyes to find the mirror yet again. I should've known that I haven't been a human all this time. To Shuri's surprise, I actually start chuckling. "Why am I not surprised? Nothing about me or anything I could do was ever normal. What kind of normal person can produce electricity from their bare hands?" I exclaim, my voice raising slightly. I'm not even shocked, but instead, I'm angry. Angry at Hydra. Angry at how my life has ended up. Angry at myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="fa6e8481af10b2feaf6b1fff36ee9e2d"T'Challa notices my distress and sits down next to me, a kind smile on his face. Now that he's not trying to kill me he looks much nicer. "There is nothing wrong with being different. I am different. All great people are different. You," he pointed at her, "are a good different, Avery Evans." His accent practically kills me. It's so unique and beautiful./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="cf15e1e88ea8d7ae049682e15a2a5e8b"Despite how cheesy his words may be, I am reassured after he says them. "Thanks, T'Challa and Shuri."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="693ee2989ed2d125baace5fe98e15ff9""I guess I should probably catch you up on everything that has happened in the last few months," T'Challa suggests, gesturing that Shuri can leave the room if she pleases. "Where should I start?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="451d5ad80d6ec84952b75a27696aae79""How about the beginning?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555; text-align: center;" data-p-id="74cdac3bf1c086a325a8c077a1ffdf46"()()()/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="12c5d994bf05ecef813ea6089965f6c5"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""SO, YOU'RE THE KING NOW?"/em/span I clarify once more just to be sure. It took T'Challa a whole hour to explain what happened while I was asleep. "And your crazy cousin from America tried to take your spot as king and basically killed you, but then you came back to life and defeated him in a huge final battle. Correct?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1b685e9951ab3abe51688fdc50df13e9"T'Challa nods. "Sounds about right to me." He stared at her in confusion. "You don't even sound surprised or shocked."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="67b45d3b178e0481478966f6e15e8c19"I shrug. "I've seen a lot of shocking things in my day. That story doesn't even scratch the surface."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="44846307aac4abd4f454832283e633d1""I'm assuming you'd like to see Bucky, am I right?" he asks, a small smile on his face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="88e70c43057cc79c31a5228d0a61914c"At the mention of Bucky, a huge smile appears on my face. I didn't even realize how much I missed him until now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="0d243cbd289e98314f4d4ebfd48e7530""I'll take that as a yes," T'Challa comments teasingly before standing up and heading for the door. "I would suggest putting on different clothes, though. I mean, I'm sure Bucky wouldn't mind seeing you in sweatpants, but it's completely up to you I guess."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="20abb7a91b9e1073ba33e63df6d44876"I smile sheepishly as he closes the door to leave me to change in private. I walk over to the dresser and open it, noticing that all of it was like clothes from America and not what citizens wear in Wakanda. I swiftly pull on a pair of athletic leggings, a tank top, and a jacket. Pulling on a pair of Shuri's special sneakers, I open the door and gesture for T'Challa to lead the way to Bucky Barnes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555; text-align: center;" data-p-id="89707b5d3d2662853a148a3cdedb82ba"()()()/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="b52434fee2ce31a6f68d19fe2b4f1132"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"WAKANDA IS BEAUTIFUL, EVEN/em/span more than the first time I saw it. So many amazing buildings and advanced technology. It's amazing what Vibranium can do. T'Challa allowed me the choice to decide if I'd like us to walk there or fly. I chose the former since I wanted to see the city and its surroundings./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ea4372e0e79cc07979f02df52905cbe7""I love this place," I comment nonchalantly, not noticing the way T'Challa stares at me in amusement. "It's so different than America. America is so...chaotic while this place is so peaceful."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="661d8540f779ae7f83c39253fbcc3201"T'Challa glances around at his successful kingdom, shaking his head slightly. "Not for long. We opened our walls to outsiders and are helping our people outside of Wakanda. Someone will come along one of these days and make it not to peaceful."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1460a311c15f6f65ad82db8046b8e6c7"I stare at the king for awhile, analyzing him slowly before finally speaking, "You're a very good man, T'Challa. I admire you and your home." I'm tempted to add 'when you aren't trying to kill me,' but decide against it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a01a8aa759d093435321e558390ea9db""And you are a good woman, Avery," he responds without hesitation. "I have learnt a lot about your past in the last few months. You've been through so much, yet here you are."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="0620c9caccf5369a17465895b02bcee2"I shrug. "What can I say, I never give up."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="063b766545f7ba0108050dc4bd4b1f46"T'Challa leads me to this shack on the edge of Wakanda that has farm animals outside it. I smile when I see Bucky tending to one of the goats. "Bucky!" I yell, and before I can stop myself, I'm running towards him and wrapping my arms around him tightly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1d0655ed51d8368c07c26e5698956219""Aves," he mumbles against my hair, his right arm snaking around my waist and bringing me closer./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="4397937b831a790372195b30464f0247"I feel like I haven't touched him or seen him in forever, but it's only been a few months. When we pull back from the hug, I'm the one that presses my lips to his. It's just as exhilarating and breathtaking as the first time. His lips are so soft while mine are slightly chapped since I just woke up. My fingers find their way in his long hair, and I feel him smile during the kiss./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="34430795e567a1325af39dc92707c7b8"When we pull back, we're both breathless and have goofy smiles on our face. Bucky always has that effect on me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="702ddbe56b3104545b7ed321f37d6cdb""I missed you," he whispers, his voice low and husky./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="cb4770b300aa227eb8c817c415ff9210""I missed you more," I reply./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="0c0593fb0beaa967b4615925c41f9437"T'Challa clears his throat, reminding the couple that he's there. He smiles at the two of them, as if he's happy to see them together at last. "Avery, Bucky has chosen to live out here and do farm work. It's up to you if you'd like to live with him or in the room you woke up in in the palace."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="7b38862a126218b958f1e0d0960cf5d7"I glance from Bucky back up to the city where I came from before remembering what I have learned about myself. I'm an alien. I need to understand more about my past and find out any information I can about myself. Shuri will be the one to help me with that. I can't do that from a farm on the outskirts of Wakanda. "I think I will stay in the room I woke up in so that I can research more about my powers and such like that," I respond./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f249e1399e9e292556354cd4c4867fcd"T'Challa nods in understanding. "In the meantime, I assume you two will want to catch up. I will come back around dusk to lead you back to your room since I'm sure you don't know the way." When he sees that I understand, he walks away, leaving Bucky and me alone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="7844aa15c48128e9e4a1c42107120e91""Alone at last," Bucky says suggestively, pulling me closer to him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9fd1f11300f1dc2f100f90b19848734e"I snicker in response. "Yes, it seems that's the case, Buck."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9c43fdb8f326ee77c867f359c02541bf""Why don't we go inside my bungalow and 'catch up?'" he says, wiggling his eyebrows at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f767013e7dc695732abeb18cbf4495e2"I smile widely. "I'd say that's a great idea."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="24a13a7a3cbb7122d5f253d3d5c966c4"I step closer to the mirror to examine myself, cringing instantly at the mess my blonde hair has entangled itself into. There are dark circles under my eyes even though I've been sleeping for who knows how long. I'm wearing different clothes than what I was when I was put under, which means someone has changed me and must be taking care of me. My body seems well-kept and clean./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1b50804f59b4dce5e1c230e7837b293b"Noticing a brush on the dresser, I grab it and attempt to tame the tremendous sight that is my hair, cringing as the task causes pain in my scalp. Once I make myself look somewhat presentable, I head to the door and am not surprised when I find it locked. Of course T'Challa wouldn't want me running around Wakanda wrecking havoc./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a68f09e3ca6def02fba2669aac707890"I close my eyes and attempt to unlock the door with my mind; however, nothing happens. When I open my eyes again, the only thing I've accomplished is almost popping a blood vessel from exerting myself so hard. I narrow my eyes, wondering why my telekinesis isn't working./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="04df1c42af64b7356af32dbd2fb72c2f"I don't get the chance to try again because the door opens and in walks T'Challa himself with Shuri right behind him. I step backwards, slightly startled by their appearance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f202adbb3b580162c02a2609e9a4c0b6"Shuri glances from the door to me, and realization passes over her face. "You tried to open it with telekinesis didn't you?" She didn't even have to look at my face to know she's right. "Avery, you might want to sit down. There's a lot we need to catch you up on."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="997b0b199a0e5ad596d1c8610053f309"I glance between her and T'Challa before slowly lowering myself to sit on the side of the bed. "What is it?" I ask, bracing myself for bad news. That's all that ever seems to come to me. Bad things happen around me whether I want them to or not./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1ca004435a8080e80c06fc8a749dee1c""There's good news and bad news," Shuri said, trying to sound uplifting. "The good news is that I successfully removed the mind control Hydra put inside your body."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2a5a56a91c872c84432a1cf5974ea801"I close my eyes, relief flooding my body. Maybe now I won't ever hurt anyone I care about again. Maybe now I can finally rest without worrying about some impending war./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f42814e9fce8d3aa485148c31f5dcd87"Shuri glances at her brother unsurely, as if she's unsure I can take what she's about to say. He nods, signaling that I can take it. "The bad news...is that the process made some of your abilities essentially delete themselves from your system."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="8b9068e6bfb3c3777e2840f9ed57cbbc"My eyes narrow as I try to comprehend what she means. "Deleted themselves? Like a computer?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="641033e8eeeef87f3ba5fa1a56b006ae""Yes. You see, all the powers Hydra put into you was inserted into your mind by technology. That's what made you understand how to use your new abilities so easily. After they inserted this knowledge into your mind, they genetically modified your DNA to give you these powers," Shuri explained excitedly, as if it was a fascinating subject. I didn't blame her. I am a walking science experiment gone wrong./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="02810fbfc8fc30745985bbfca40fa7ef""So, I'm a normal human again?" I ask just to clarify./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="25ee24720e30c81e1c464d6ccf1dc51e"Shuri's eyes found her brother's again. She obviously didn't want to tell me whatever news was coming next./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a98df43768f7b5e3daab1481f125916f"Finally, I glare at the two of them. "Would one of you just tell me. I'm not getting any older."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="6f991987f791d3c7f43e3782ea60b51f""You aren't a normal human, Avery," T'Challa finally admits. "You are barely human at all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="54c0a79faa705ccc8a78e72ef558f4c1"My eyes widen as I wonder what on earth he possibly means. I gesture for one of them to continue, and Shuri reluctantly speaks. "I found out when I was digging through some old Hydra files to figure out more on your past. The truth is quite disturbing, I won't lie, but my brother and I believe it's your right to know."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="8e74d79ea65ca2dbe998377d96576db5""Could you please spit it out, Shuri?" I request, my jaw clenched in annoyance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="17d7565ff9641e94139fcff659d9e9b8""Right, you see, Avery, you are only half human. The other half is foreign. You are...an alien," Shuri admits, wincing at my shocked expression. "I'm not sure what race, though. For the record, Hydra didn't seem to understand either. Anyway, the point is you do still have you electric manipulation, which is obviously part of your alien genes that cannot be wiped away."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="61af90d02a678a7a706cbd377ad45e68"As soon as she says this, I can't help but allow my eyes to find the mirror yet again. I should've known that I haven't been a human all this time. To Shuri's surprise, I actually start chuckling. "Why am I not surprised? Nothing about me or anything I could do was ever normal. What kind of normal person can produce electricity from their bare hands?" I exclaim, my voice raising slightly. I'm not even shocked, but instead, I'm angry. Angry at Hydra. Angry at how my life has ended up. Angry at myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="fa6e8481af10b2feaf6b1fff36ee9e2d"T'Challa notices my distress and sits down next to me, a kind smile on his face. Now that he's not trying to kill me he looks much nicer. "There is nothing wrong with being different. I am different. All great people are different. You," he pointed at her, "are a good different, Avery Evans." His accent practically kills me. It's so unique and beautiful./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="cf15e1e88ea8d7ae049682e15a2a5e8b"Despite how cheesy his words may be, I am reassured after he says them. "Thanks, T'Challa and Shuri."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="693ee2989ed2d125baace5fe98e15ff9""I guess I should probably catch you up on everything that has happened in the last few months," T'Challa suggests, gesturing that Shuri can leave the room if she pleases. "Where should I start?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="451d5ad80d6ec84952b75a27696aae79""How about the beginning?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555; text-align: center;" data-p-id="74cdac3bf1c086a325a8c077a1ffdf46"()()()/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="12c5d994bf05ecef813ea6089965f6c5"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""SO, YOU'RE THE KING NOW?"/em/span I clarify once more just to be sure. It took T'Challa a whole hour to explain what happened while I was asleep. "And your crazy cousin from America tried to take your spot as king and basically killed you, but then you came back to life and defeated him in a huge final battle. Correct?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1b685e9951ab3abe51688fdc50df13e9"T'Challa nods. "Sounds about right to me." He stared at her in confusion. "You don't even sound surprised or shocked."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="67b45d3b178e0481478966f6e15e8c19"I shrug. "I've seen a lot of shocking things in my day. That story doesn't even scratch the surface."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="44846307aac4abd4f454832283e633d1""I'm assuming you'd like to see Bucky, am I right?" he asks, a small smile on his face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="88e70c43057cc79c31a5228d0a61914c"At the mention of Bucky, a huge smile appears on my face. I didn't even realize how much I missed him until now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="0d243cbd289e98314f4d4ebfd48e7530""I'll take that as a yes," T'Challa comments teasingly before standing up and heading for the door. "I would suggest putting on different clothes, though. I mean, I'm sure Bucky wouldn't mind seeing you in sweatpants, but it's completely up to you I guess."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="20abb7a91b9e1073ba33e63df6d44876"I smile sheepishly as he closes the door to leave me to change in private. I walk over to the dresser and open it, noticing that all of it was like clothes from America and not what citizens wear in Wakanda. I swiftly pull on a pair of athletic leggings, a tank top, and a jacket. Pulling on a pair of Shuri's special sneakers, I open the door and gesture for T'Challa to lead the way to Bucky Barnes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555; text-align: center;" data-p-id="89707b5d3d2662853a148a3cdedb82ba"()()()/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="b52434fee2ce31a6f68d19fe2b4f1132"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"WAKANDA IS BEAUTIFUL, EVEN/em/span more than the first time I saw it. So many amazing buildings and advanced technology. It's amazing what Vibranium can do. T'Challa allowed me the choice to decide if I'd like us to walk there or fly. I chose the former since I wanted to see the city and its surroundings./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ea4372e0e79cc07979f02df52905cbe7""I love this place," I comment nonchalantly, not noticing the way T'Challa stares at me in amusement. "It's so different than America. America is so...chaotic while this place is so peaceful."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="661d8540f779ae7f83c39253fbcc3201"T'Challa glances around at his successful kingdom, shaking his head slightly. "Not for long. We opened our walls to outsiders and are helping our people outside of Wakanda. Someone will come along one of these days and make it not to peaceful."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1460a311c15f6f65ad82db8046b8e6c7"I stare at the king for awhile, analyzing him slowly before finally speaking, "You're a very good man, T'Challa. I admire you and your home." I'm tempted to add 'when you aren't trying to kill me,' but decide against it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a01a8aa759d093435321e558390ea9db""And you are a good woman, Avery," he responds without hesitation. "I have learnt a lot about your past in the last few months. You've been through so much, yet here you are."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="0620c9caccf5369a17465895b02bcee2"I shrug. "What can I say, I never give up."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="063b766545f7ba0108050dc4bd4b1f46"T'Challa leads me to this shack on the edge of Wakanda that has farm animals outside it. I smile when I see Bucky tending to one of the goats. "Bucky!" I yell, and before I can stop myself, I'm running towards him and wrapping my arms around him tightly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1d0655ed51d8368c07c26e5698956219""Aves," he mumbles against my hair, his right arm snaking around my waist and bringing me closer./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="4397937b831a790372195b30464f0247"I feel like I haven't touched him or seen him in forever, but it's only been a few months. When we pull back from the hug, I'm the one that presses my lips to his. It's just as exhilarating and breathtaking as the first time. His lips are so soft while mine are slightly chapped since I just woke up. My fingers find their way in his long hair, and I feel him smile during the kiss./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="34430795e567a1325af39dc92707c7b8"When we pull back, we're both breathless and have goofy smiles on our face. Bucky always has that effect on me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="702ddbe56b3104545b7ed321f37d6cdb""I missed you," he whispers, his voice low and husky./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="cb4770b300aa227eb8c817c415ff9210""I missed you more," I reply./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="0c0593fb0beaa967b4615925c41f9437"T'Challa clears his throat, reminding the couple that he's there. He smiles at the two of them, as if he's happy to see them together at last. "Avery, Bucky has chosen to live out here and do farm work. It's up to you if you'd like to live with him or in the room you woke up in in the palace."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="7b38862a126218b958f1e0d0960cf5d7"I glance from Bucky back up to the city where I came from before remembering what I have learned about myself. I'm an alien. I need to understand more about my past and find out any information I can about myself. Shuri will be the one to help me with that. I can't do that from a farm on the outskirts of Wakanda. "I think I will stay in the room I woke up in so that I can research more about my powers and such like that," I respond./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f249e1399e9e292556354cd4c4867fcd"T'Challa nods in understanding. "In the meantime, I assume you two will want to catch up. I will come back around dusk to lead you back to your room since I'm sure you don't know the way." When he sees that I understand, he walks away, leaving Bucky and me alone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="7844aa15c48128e9e4a1c42107120e91""Alone at last," Bucky says suggestively, pulling me closer to him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9fd1f11300f1dc2f100f90b19848734e"I snicker in response. "Yes, it seems that's the case, Buck."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9c43fdb8f326ee77c867f359c02541bf""Why don't we go inside my bungalow and 'catch up?'" he says, wiggling his eyebrows at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f767013e7dc695732abeb18cbf4495e2"I smile widely. "I'd say that's a great idea."/p
