Hello everyone,

Here is Chapter 52, enjoy.


October 1st, 2016

Wakanda Facility

Kat awoke that morning pressed against Bucky, his strong chest was still radiating heat as she rested her head. She heard the steady strong beat of his heart and smiled as she ran her hand over his chest. Her fingertips moved steadily downwards to his toned stomach. The sharp intake of breath made her stop as Bucky grumbled out. "That tickles."

"Awe the super soldier is ticklish." Kat giggled as she reminisced about the previous night. She moaned softly when she moved feeling the ache of her body. Seven times Bucky took her. Now that they were husband and wife, he showed less restraint about their bedroom activities. Before in Russia the situation had been different. Both were heading into a dangerous situation making it all seem more urgent, more dire. Now there was no dangerous or dire situation, just them. According to Bucky's thoughts he had felt he had done some crime against her and Tess, and was trying to do right by them. To Kat he was merely being ruled by the age-old customs of the nineteen-forties, and while she did not mind the decisions that led to her being in that bed with him. She did not want him to feel obligated to do anything. He had not done anything wrong, and there was no resentment from her or Tess about the situation. At least now he could relax they were married and whatever obligation he felt he needed to fulfil had been met.

She shivered with a pleasant smile as he gently ran his metal hand up and down her back. His flesh hand came up to brush her hair from her face. Peeking at the small clock on Bucky's side of the bed, Kat saw that it was still early in the morning, so they had a couple of hours before they would have to get up. As it was Tess' first birthday, the couple were faced with yet another big day. Sadly after that it would be time for many to say goodbye and go their separate ways.

The Avengers that sided with Steve had recently been offered deals to return to their families if they turned themselves in. It meant going into house arrest and being monitored, but of the group only Clint and Scott had decided to take the deal for their families. Kat could not really blame them being parted from Tess was excruciating, no doubt both men missed their children. The Shadow Network leaders also would be heading back to China to continue much as they always had, but with Sharon taking a new job with them she too would be wanted. Coulson's team felt it was time to head home and get back to work. The Accords were still happening regardless, and so that meant the SHIELD team would have to adhere to the new rules. Steve and the other Avengers were going into hiding, but since there was six untouchable HYDRA heads still in play the group decided to take them out of play. It would certainly be a lengthy mission, but Steve, Nat, Sam, and Wanda seemed up to the task.

Still if Kat could get away with it she would be helping them since this group was unlikely to surrender. After all, they were not called 'Untouchables' for nothing, they had paid off seventy-two countries to get their way in the Accords. Kat learned early on that those in power always viewed themselves as above everyone else. That their wielding enough power and influence to never need fear consequences. Of her job destroying HYDRA, Kat loved most proving those powerful individuals wrong. That they could be touched and more importantly harmed. Still she doubted those six individuals would surrender just because four Avengers showed up and said: 'You're under arrest.'

Either way it did not matter in the moment that was an issue for later. Today she had a little girl turning one that appeared about two to three years old. Also she was suppose to be enjoying this particular morning that was simply perfect. For the first time in years Kat at long last could relax and simply be happy. HYDRA was the furthest thing from her mind, instead she could focus on the super soldier next to her. Said soldier chuckled getting Kat's attention, she was just about to ask him what was so funny when he rolled over on top of her and felt the press of his hard-on against her stomach.

"Do I still have make-up sex to do?" He asked teasing her.

"Yes lots of making up to do." Kat replied getting excited by the thought of him touching her again.

"Well then... it is a good thing we have a few hours before we have to be up." Bucky teased, a moment later Kat cried out as she felt him push into her. At this point it was both pleasure and pain, but the pain was so worth it. Would she be sore later? Yes, but it would be welcome. As he began thrusting into her, Kat held onto him adjusting to him to make it even more pleasurable for both of them. As Bucky kissed her lips, face, neck, and worked his way down to her chest. Mid-way through this latest session, Bucky growled and picked her up into his lap. It forced another cry from Kat as she felt like she was impaled on his large member.

From there Bucky gripped her hips as he thrust up, and Kat instinctively moved with him feeling him deeper than before. It felt like he would thrust into her womb, as she gasped and moaned. 'Holy fuck! He always feels too big for me.'

Again Kat forgot herself as Bucky chuckled, she had sent her thoughts to him by accident. Oddly her powers seemed to be used naturally when it came to Bucky. Perhaps it was some kind of stronger mental connection forming because they were lovers? Either way Bucky enjoyed the thought as he smirked at her. "It is nice to know what you think doll," He then sighed, "But if I am hurting you, you need to say something."

"Precisely why I am not saying a damn thing. You would stop." Kat said as she moved her hips urging him to keep going. It was enough to get him thrusting again, and this time he didn't stop as she moved with him. Like the previous times, Kat felt the pleasure building up inside her and knew Bucky was close by his thoughts and how he quickened his pace. He grabbed her butt in two powerful hands one cold metal the other hot flesh as he thrust wildly into her. She became dizzy with pleasure as she threw back her head and screamed. "Oh Bucky!"

A second later Bucky jerked hard again spurting his seed deep inside her. What followed was a series of jerking thrusts until Bucky pumped out the last of his warm seed, filling her, fulfilling her. Both held onto each other trying to catch their breaths. Finally Bucky broke the silence. "You have no idea how much I love you and am blessed that you are my wife."

"I don't know I think I love you more." Kat said still a little breathless, "I also feel like I am either dreaming or in heaven being married to you, Mr. Barnes."

He chuckled as he reached up and brushed her hair out of her face. "Well you are neither in heaven nor dreaming. You are my wife now, Mrs. Barnes."

Bucky calling her that name sent a happy shiver down her spine. "I love it when you call me that, please say it again."

"Mrs. Barnes. Mrs. Katrina Sakura Barnes. Katrina Barnes." Bucky whispered as he kissed her neck making her giggle as his stubble tickled the sensitive part of her neck. They might have continued that way for much longer, but they would need to shower and prepare to celebrate Teresa Barnes' first birthday. No doubt the one year old would be spoiled by those here, and happy to have both her parents on this special day. Kat was going to take a shower, but Bucky insisted on joining her making for an interesting shower that took a lot longer than intended.


Eventually Bucky and Kat emerged from their room ready to face the day. They came to the same room the reception was held in where Steve and Sharon were already setting up for Tess' birthday party. Quietly the pair joined to help set up. If they hoped to go unnoticed they were about to be disappointed as Sam and Mack came in.

"There they are, Romeo and Juliet finally joining us?" Sam teased.

"Let them be." Steve said knowing that the pair would be teased endlessly if he let Sam continue. A second later Coulson came in setting down some bowls of snacks on the long table.

"There they are. We got the snacks together, and will be bringing the cake out soon too. Aida says she is setting up some Disney music, so we are good here."

"Also there was a slight issue we wanted to discuss..." Sharon added.

"Oh what is it?" Kat asked.

"Well you see we had this surprise, but May has flat out refused to go along with it." Coulson added.

"I am not doing it!" May replied arms folded across her chest her calm as ever but with an annoyed glare.

"Doing what?" Bucky asked.

Coulson sighed. "Tess' favourite Disney princess is still Mulan right?"

"Yee—aahh, why?" Kat asked confused as the glare May gave darkened.

"Come on May, it is just for a few hours." Coulson urged, as Kat read their minds then burst out laughing.

"That is why I am not doing it." May said as Kat could not stop imagining May dressed up in a kimono like Mulan. Between long bouts of laughter Kat asked barely able to get the words out.

"You want...May to dress like MULAN?!" Kat asked bursting up laughing once more as May glared even more at the idea. Now Bucky was also imagining it and with May glaring he was trying very hard not to burst out laughing as he pretended to cough. The others also focused more on what they were doing to avoid being caught laughing. Now that they were imagining it, it sounded less like a good idea. Aside from that Kat already knew May would not take this one for the team. Once finally done laughing about it, Kat straightened. "Guys Tess is turning one. There will be plenty of other birthdays where a Disney princess can be present."

"Yeah you're right. Besides Tess might be a little overwhelmed by all of us here anyway." Coulson agreed, and May relaxed glad she would not be talked into this.

"Besides May is not drunk enough to agree to do it. We are talking a strong bottle of alcohol and a recorded agreement that she would dress up as Mulan." Kat added trying to lighten the mood, as May gave another glare.

"I am never drinking with you again." The conversation might have continued, but as the group finished preparing the room it was time to go get Tess. Kat and Bucky left to go to Tess' room, as usual Myra who slept in the bed across from Tess' was up and dressed.

"How was she?" Kat whispered to Myra.

"Very good, she was worn out after last night and slept straight through." Myra whispered back as Kat came over to the bed and knelt down by Tess. The little girl was clutching her cat-backpack Sake to her. For a few minutes Kat just watched her sleep, then reached up and brushed some dark strands of hair back. The little girl stirred, but remained asleep as Bucky knelt down beside Kat also watching Tess. Meanwhile Myra quietly excused herself to go to where the party would be held and give them some time alone with Tess.

"It seems such a shame to wake her. She's sleeping so peacefully and just looks so beautiful." Kat whispered.

"Well both my girls are beautiful." Bucky whispered making Kat look at him. He was smiling at her before looking back at Tess. He leaned in kissing the top of Tess' head and gently brushing back her dark hair. It was past time to get her up and ready for her birthday party.

"Tess sweetie, come on time to get up." Bucky said gently nudging her. The little girl groaned as she opened her eyes, then rubbed them as she yawned. Now awake she still hugged Sake as she sat up a little propped on her elbow.

"Mommy? Daddy? What is it?"

"It's time to get up and get ready for a certain someone's first birthday." Kat replied.

"You do remember it's your birthday, right?" Bucky added, and Tess nodded, "Well then we best get you ready for your party."

Tess got up and Kat took her to have a quick bath, then they let the little girl pick out a cute pink and purple dress that made her look like a princess. It was decorated with little roses and bows, and she wore matching shoes. Once they had her ready, Tess grabbed Sake and Bucky gave her a piggy back ride to the room for the party. Already Disney songs were playing from various films, and the other attendees were there. So that Tess was not completely surrounded by just adults some of the extended royal family brought their children. Some of them were older and others were too young, but seeing Tess they found her exotic and were naturally curious. Mostly Kat and Bucky sat not too far away just watching Tess play with the other children. Even with the language barrier, the children seemed to enjoy playing. When they got tired they went to small tables set up and would start drawing. Tess drew three or four pictures, then folded them up neatly and resumed playing when she had enough energy to continue.

Meanwhile Jemma came up and handed Kat something. "What's this?"

"You'll see open it." Jemma replied, as Kat opened it up to find a chart? She looked up at the SHIELD agent with a raised brow.

"It's a chart," Jemma explained.

"I can see that, but for what?"

"Tess' age progression. I know early on there was concern regarding Tess' ageing process. I have since been able to map it out and figure out the progression of how Tess will continue to age."

"Oh okay," Three said looking at the chart as Jemma sat down next to Kat while Bucky sat on her other side looking at the chart curious.

"You see since you rapidly transitioned through the pregnancy and Tess aged faster then a normal child. Tess now has the physical appearance of a two to three year old while only being the age of one. Her mental processing will always exceed her current age that cannot be helped due to the Mastermind serum. However judging by my calculations Tess' rapid growth spurt is already slowing down to a normal range. Once she hits two years old she will appear about the age of a four to five year old, but after that..." Jemma pointed to the flow chart showing a red line going back down to a black line marked normal range. "She will begin ageing normally again all the way up to here."

Again Jemma pointed out something further down the chart which showed Tess' when she would enter her teens. There another blue line spiked upwards on the chart. "Here she will stop ageing physically all together as her natural age catches up to match her physical age. I call this the levelling process where everything synchronises back up to accuracy. By the time Tess hits thirteen to sixteen years old she will stop ageing for approximately five years. Once her actual age catches up she will naturally resume ageing at a normal pace."

This was kind of good news if a little unnerving. Every parent wanted a normal child, and wanted the best for that child. It was good to hear that Jemma was able to map all this out, and spare both Kat and Bucky future worries. At first it sounded scary to hear it, but after a few moments looking over the chart Kat relaxed. It was not as bad as some parents would think it to be.

"Thank you Jemma. This is brings us some much needed piece of mind."

"No problem at all. It also helps to indicate what to expect should you and James wish to have more children." Jemma pointed out. The idea made Kat internally cringe as she wished to not go through that so soon. Folding up the chart, Jemma left them to enjoy the party as she went back to Fitz. While Bucky watched as Kat put the chart away.

"Well now we know what to expect when we want more children." Then he was thinking of how many more children to have with her.

"Bucky!" Kat gasped and smacked his arm making him laugh as he pulled her close and leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"I am thinking I would want a son next. Or maybe three more kids.. two girls two boys? How about one a year, the old-fashioned way? Prophylatics be damned!"

"Bucky!" Kat gasped shocked as Bucky chuckled.

"I want to have lots of babies with you, doll." That whisper sent a shiver down Kat's spine. Right then more children was the last thing they needed right now. Especially later when they would have to leave Wakanda and go on the run and into hiding. It was just not the right environment to raise children in let alone have more in. Besides if anyone discovered Tess they would try to take her away from them, protecting her was more of a priority then having more children. Bucky must have noticed the worried expression that crossed her features because he gave an annoyed sigh then caught her chin. Turning her head to face him he said. "Relax doll I have not forgotten our earlier discussion on the matter. Just keep in mind later we will have another discussion about it."

Then he kissed her lips ensuring she could not argue about it. Later on one way or another the discussion of more children would come up again. Kat could not see that conversation going well, but let the worry slip from her mind as Bucky kissed her. Once he released her lips, Kat shivered as she realised that if Bucky asked right then to have another baby she would have said yes in a heartbeat. The fact that all he needed to do was kiss her senseless and she would agree to anything made her shiver even more. God help her if Bucky ever found out that type of power he had over her. He chuckled at her and she wondered if she had accidentally sent her thoughts to him. Either way it hardly mattered as Tess ran up getting their attention.

"Mommy, Daddy... I drew these!" Tess said holding a bunch of drawings. The first was of a man in black and red. Next to it in Tess' child-like handwriting was the large then small print saying: 'Cassie Your dad is kool!' "This one is of Ant Man, it's for Cassie. Do you think she will like it?"

"Yes I am sure she will." Kat said imagining Tess having a pen pal in the near future. Next was a picture of a man in black with long pointy ears and claws. The pointy ears were overly long and next to him was a drawing of a dark haired girl smiling which was no doubt Tess.

"This one is King Twalla and me." The way Tess said T'Challa's name almost got Kat laughing as Bucky's jaw dropped. Hopefully Tess had not called T'Challa by name, it would be unclear how the King of Wakanda would react. Sadly above the two figures it said 'King Twalla and me.'

Trying not to laugh or get worried about who the picture was shown to, Kat leaned forward. "They are beautiful pictures sweetie. Umm who told you King T'Challa's name was spelt this way?"

"I wrote it the way it sounded." Tess answered innocently as Bucky had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing as he shook slightly. 'Oh dear god, how do I explain she spelt the king's name wrong?' Kat thought as she didn't want to upset Tess or the king. As she thought of how to correct the error, Tess showed her the next drawing. This one was a bald woman in red and gold holding a staff. Again it had Tess next to the woman smiling, but this time holding a matching staff. The awkward writing showed up again above the figures said 'Okkoya and me'. "This is of Okkoya and me."

Again Bucky was covering his mouth and trying hard to keep from laughing at the butchered names. 'Great my daughter is going anger both the King of Wakanda and the Dora Milaje general.' Kat internally groaned, but had to ask another question. "Why are you holding a staff like Okoye?"

"Because she is." Tess replied and Kat had to bite her tongue as she remembered Myra mentioning Tess mimicking Okoye. The general did not seem to mind being copied by Tess, but she might mind the slaughtering of her name. The last picture both Bucky and Kat had to cover their mouths to keep from bursting out laughing. It was a picture of a blonde man in red, white, and blue. Next to the man was a blonde woman in black trousers and a white blouse. They had little hearts all around them and a in a bigger heart above them it said: 'Steve and Sharon'. With the end part of Sharon's name almost escaping the heart.

Bucky couldn't help it he started laughing, and Kat giggled a little. Finally Bucky said, "That is beautiful princess. Your Uncle Steve and Aunt Sharon will love that. You should go give it to them."

"Okay Daddy." Tess smiled happily then rushed off to do just that taking all her drawings with her. The pair watched Tess run up to Steve and Sharon holding up the picture to them. Steve knelt down in front of Tess with Sharon doing the same as she handed them the picture. Both blondes blushed at the picture, but seemed to simply thank her and give her a hug. Then Tess spotted Scott and ran over to him apparently wanting to give him her drawing to pass onto Cassie. However Kat and Bucky continued to watch Steve and Sharon as both stood still admiring the picture, and seemed to be laughing about it. Then Steve leaned in kissing Sharon as Kat pulled out her phone and turned on the camera setting. She quickly snapped a picture of the pair, then both seemed to realise they were being watched as both looked at Kat and Bucky who were grinning. Again the two blondes blushed, however now Kat looked to see what Tess was doing. She was no longer by Scott for he was smiling down at the drawing she had given him.

Scanning the room Kat frowned not finding the pink and purple dress. She turned in her seat to look back towards the entrance to the room to find her in front of King T'Challa, Shuri, Ramanda, and Okoye. She had just handed the drawing to T'Challa who had knelt down to accept it. Shuri looked at it too and laughed before urging Tess to give her a high five. The King was not mad in the least as he smiled at the picture then at Tess before giving her a hug. Then Tess turned to Okoye who was standing there still as a statue. The woman looked down confused as Tess stood up on her tip toes to give her the picture. Okoye first looked to T'Challa for advice on what to do then took the offered drawing. Again Shuri was laughing as she stole a peak at the drawing and saw the butchered name. A slow smile spread across the Dora Milaje's face before she knelt down and hugged Tess. Then Tess came back to the table excitedly reporting. "Mommy, Daddy. They loved my drawings!"

"That is wonderful princess." Kat replied partly relieved T'Challa and Okoye did not take offence to their names being misspelled. After that Tess ran off to play with the other children some more before doing some more drawings. Eventually the lights were dimmed and Tess was sat at a larger table. The cake was brought up holding the number one candle. The cake itself had 'Teresa' In pink icing in the top left part of the cake. While the rest of the cake showed an image of Mulan dressed in her pink and purple kimono holding the number one. The group sang happy birthday to Tess before urging her to make a wish and blow out the candle. From there the party goers ate food, snacks, and cake while Aida moved through the electronics and put on different Disney cartoons to entertain the children.

It was a fun way to spend the day for a little girl's first birthday. Towards the end Tess also got to open presents and cards which she enjoyed doing. Some was cute clothes for her to wear, a few others were some toys, learning/colouring books, a crayon set, and some gifts that held a bit more significance. One was a tribal bracelet from Okoye it was braided leathers with a special metal plate over it. At first no one really understood what the pretty bracelet signified until Okoye began to explain it to Tess after the little girl hugged Okoye thanking her for the gift.

"It is more than a mere bracelet, it actually holds great importance. See these colours..." Okoye pointed out the red, gold, and black braid. "This signifies the colours of the Dora Milaje, and this..." Okoye pointed to the slim metal plate over it. "This image here is the royal emblem. A Panther head in a circle. And these bars on either side of the Royal emblem signify the protection of the Dora Milaje. The Royal guard."

Tess looked at the bracelet stunned as Okoye helped put it on her. "Young girls from all the tribes in Wakanda often seek to join the Dora Milaje, but it is a rare honour gifted to few. This bracelet marks you as one specifically noticed, and later when a little older you can seek training to become a Dora Milaje too."

Tess' eyes went wide as she looked at the bracelet Okoye had given her. It was a break with tradition Tess was not of any tribe here, but perhaps Okoye had taken a bigger liking to Tess than Kat originally thought. However before Tess could reply Okoye added. "But whatever you do, do not lose it. As I said only a select few are offered such a invitation."

"I won't I promise." Tess said then hugged Okoye again for good measure. While Kat was in no hurry for Tess to be trained to fight, she guessed there was no harm in the bracelet itself. After all she could not see them remaining in Wakanda for much longer. Most likely Tess would not be trained by the Dora Milaje at all in this case. Maybe Okoye knew this and still wanted Tess to have something important to show that Okoye had a soft spot for her. With King T'Challa, Shuri, and Ramanda they gave her a set of Kimoyo beads. To help Shuri explained that one bead contained Tess' information such as personal and medical. Naturally she reassured Kat and Bucky that no one outside Wakanda could access this information. Another bead was GPS, so that Tess could be tracked or if lost track others. A third bead acted much like a holographic cell phone allowing Tess to contact Okoye, the Royal family, or anyone else she knew that held the same tech. Lastly there was an AV bead connecting to the Wakandan internet. There was two more beads that later on Tess could activate to perform other functions, but for now she had those and the bracelet was a little big for her as it was. T'Challa explained that as she grew up she would grow into the bracelet, and when she gets older it would expand so that she didn't grow out of it.

The Kimoyo beads was another gift that had Kat wondering why they gave Tess that if they were not staying much longer. Again the King urged Tess not to lose them as they were important too. In truth to Kat they seemed off gifts to give an advanced one year old, but perhaps she was just reading too much into it. The gifts were still appreciated regardless, and Tess seemed to love them.

Eventually it was getting later in the evening and many of the children were leaving to go home and go to bed. Tess was also getting sleepy after a day of playing, drawing, watching cartoons and eating the party's food and cake. As Bucky sat in a chair Tess came up and climbed into his lap where she hugged him.

"Getting tired princess?" Bucky asked brushing her hair back. There was a slight nod followed by: "Uh-huh."

Bucky chuckled as he held Tess for a few minutes then carefully picked her up. He was about to take her to her room when she pointed back. "Wait... Sake."

Turning back Bucky spotted the cat-backpack in a chair, and Kat picked it up as she came over handing it to Tess. "There we go sweetie. Don't want to forget about Sake she will be mad if forgotten."

The sleepy girl hugged the toy cat as they took her back to her room. Getting her changed into her pyjamas and going through the nightly procedure they eventually laid her down and she was fast asleep. Carefully Kat laid the Kimoyo beads and tribal bracelet on the dresser nearby to avoid Tess hurting herself. Lastly because Myra was not back and had gotten caught up talking to Sam, the couple asked Aida to monitor Tess and let them know if she woke. Leaving the room Kat and Bucky returned to help clean up after the party. Then the group relaxed in the mess hall just talking about what the next couple of days would bring. After all, all good things had to end eventually.


October 3rd, 2016

Wakanda

Sadly the day all good things had to end came. Many would be heading off their separate ways, and would regrettably be missed. But it was not like they could all stick around anyway. Clint Barton and Scott Lang were finally taking that deal so they could return to their families. They had already been gone for close to a month and both men just wanted to go home and be with their families. As promised Scott told Tess he would give the drawing to Cassie, but was worried his daughter would not be able to reply. So Shado gave him a card with instructions that if the drawing was sent to an address the Shadow Network would get the reply to Tess and vice versa. It was the same for Clint who was later given a similar drawing to Scott's for his kids.

Meanwhile the Shadow Network were going to be heading back to Shanghai China, but they did keep an 'open door' policy for those Avengers on the run offering to hide them and help in any way they could. With Sharon they were giving her a job, not doing anything illegal or morally unjust. Mostly she would be doing much like she had for the CIA and SHIELD only more covertly. Yeah she was now wanted, but with the Shadow Network they would protect her too. They knew she was important to Kat, and Kat knew to trust them. If nothing else Sharon should feel right at home amongst the Shadow Network. In fact Sharon was working on learning Mandarin so that the language barrier would not be an issue.

While on the other hand Coulson and his team were heading back state side, with the Accords things were going to start changing and if SHIELD was to ever be rebuilt then they would have to play ball with the Accords. Sooner or later President Ellis would be sending someone to ensure SHIELD was playing by the Accords new rules. As it was before Hive was defeated General Talbot had been by to ensure that the Accords' mandate was going to be followed. Coulson knew with Talbot staying off the grid was no good. The general might think Coulson was trying to hide something, and in this case Talbot would be right. Coulson knowing the location of Captain America and several other criminals but not reporting it was technically illegal. It was partly why Coulson wanted to get back before Talbot overreacted. In this regard, Kat would have to step away from SHIELD as their 'advisor' with both sides keeping their distance.

On this particular day two Quinjets were being fuelled and prepared to leave. It was outside on the landing platforms that Kat stood with Tess, Bucky, and the remaining Avengers. It was Sam that finally spoke up. "I still can't believe you and Barton are turning yourselves in, Tic-Tac. What if they renege on this deal?"

"Mr. Lang and Mr. Barton are covered," Coulson replied, "I have already informed General Talbot that they have turned themselves in to us and have accepted the deal that was offered. Talbot is already making the arrangements, so technically there is no backing out. I have also made it clear that General Thaddeus Ross is to have no say on the matter."

"I bet General Ross was not pleased to hear that." Natasha said smirking a little.

"I'll admit I wish I was there to see two Generals go head-to-head. Talbot made it sound like they nearly came to blows over it." Coulson said smiling a little.

"So that means you bring them in and the deal still stands?" Steve asked sceptically.

"Pretty much. Don't worry Cap, if it were anyone else than yeah I would be concerned too. Especially with General Ross, Fury mentioned once that that idiot should never have been made a General to begin with."

"Oh why is that?" Scott asked.

"You know that destruction in New York between the Hulk and an uglier version of the hulk?" Coulson asked.

"Yeah..." Scott replied.

"You can thank General Ross for creating that nightmare version, and for the lives lost. He should have been kicked out of the army for that." Coulson said apparently hating to have to deal with Ross. It was then Kat saw the memory that came to Coulson's mind.

It was in an office somewhere. Due to the situation there were three military generals, Fury, Hill, Coulson, and Pierce. They were seated at a long table with General Thaddeus Ross seated in the middle. The men were arguing over the incident in New York involving the Hulk and this meaner version called Abomination. Finally Nick Fury's sharp voice cut above the argument. "Then explain to us why SHIELD was called in after two giant monsters tore through down town New York!"

That shut up the Generals, it was then Pierce spoke. "The fact that you cannot see where you went wrong and admit you made a mistake says it all. General Ross illegally experimented on a U.S soldier to combat the Hulk. He got innocent people killed including fellow soldiers and civilians, yet you're still arguing the point."

It always amazed Kat how her father could 'act' the good guy when he was pure evil, but she focused on the memory Coulson was thinking about in that moment. Pierce now looked at General Ross. "You are lucky you were invited at all to this discussion and are still allowed to be wearing those stars marking you as a General. If it were up to me you would be stripped of your rank and thrown out of the army. You would also be facing prison time, so consider yourself fortunate."

Ross looked like a sulking child told off by his parents for trying to take a cookie out of the jar. It was then Fury looked to Hill who cam forward with two folders. The first Fury slapped down on the table. "Take a good hard look."

The file contained gruesome pictures and a list of those injured and killed in the rampage caused by the Abomination thanks to Thaddeus. "This is the report on what my people led by Agent Phil Coulson found after your little experiment tore through New York."

Giving them a moment to see the damage caused, Fury continued. "You have two options, Generals. Option one..."

Fury laid down the second folder, opened it, and pushed it towards Ross. "You sign on the dotted line relinquishing all claims to anymore super soldier serums, and cease any further attempts to create a super soldier. Furthermore the second document you will sign is an agreement that Doctor Bruce Banner also known as the Hulk is under SHIELD's protection. Meaning General you will not even attempt to look for Banner again. Unless of course you want option two..."

"And what is option two?"

"The public is made aware of the U.S government's involvement in this incident, and more importantly your involvement. To which the U.S army will most likely strip you of your rank and boot your dumb ass out of the army, or sink with you. I doubt they will want to sink with you. In short your military career will be over, and you'll be looking at spending some years in jail." They literally had Ross by the balls on this one as Thaddeus did not look happy about the agreement, but was left with little choice but to sign the documents in the end. Eventually the Generals left after signing the agreement, and Fury sat by in his chair.

"That idiot got off light." Pierce grumbled.

"I completely agree with Secretary Director Pierce Sir." Coulson added.

"I know, that man should never have been made a General in the first place." Fury sighed as he looked at the document signed by Ross. "At least now the U.S Army can't go near Doctor Banner. It may just prevent another incident and save lives."

Kat shook her head as the memory ended then looked back at the SHIELD director as he continued talking to the group. "I will also be monitoring the situation as will the Shadow Network, and Aida. They will be under house arrest, that can't be helped. Anything more than that... Well I am sure Aida and the Shadow Network will have something to say about it."

"What about SHIELD?" Nat asked concerned that Coulson would not do anything if Clint or Scott were thrown in jail.

"Well in this situation by law I would be required to report a potential jail break." Coulson said trying to keep a straight face then smiled, "But SHIELD is quite busy. Lots of missions, reports, updates from other agents. I am very busy, so my reporting it to the proper authorities? Might be a little or a lot late."

Nat smiled then knowing Coulson would help if Clint or Scott were arrested by delaying giving a heads up. This would allow Aida, and the Shadow Network time to extract both men.

"I got you didn't I?" Coulson asked, "You almost believed me, Nat." The Avenger simply smiled before coming up to hug Coulson unwilling to say if he did almost trick her. Knowing both Barton and Lang would be ensured the deal helped the group to relax. If the authorities reneged on the deal three distinct groups would have no problem pulling them out of the situation.

Kat smiled wishing she would not have to say goodbye to the Agents of SHIELD, she would miss these amusing moments with Coulson, Daisy, and the rest of the team. Hopefully they would not et into too much trouble without her. As it was she felt she would be missing out since she only just met Yo-yo. The two seemed to get along rather well with Yo-yo also calling Kat 'Galadriel' just as Mack seemed to love to do. The SHIELD agents were saying goodbye to the remaining Avengers when Coulson finally turned to Kat.

"Well looks like you will be hanging out with Cap and co for the foreseeable future. Not sure when we'll see you again."

"You going to get all teary-eyed on me Director?" Kat teased.

"Nah, but we will notice a certain HYDRA hunting Advisor missing from the base." Coulson pointed out. "Guess that means I need to take you off of speed dial when things go south."

"Actually keep me on speed dial just in case. You guys have a knack for getting into trouble, besides if Darth Vader shows up to take over the world you might need backup." Kat said making Coulson smile, then she added. "Just make sure it is your private phone. I don't want to get SHIELD in trouble for contacting a known criminal."

Coulson came up giving her a hug. It was strange she always imagined having to walk away from SHIELD, but she had never gotten to say goodbye like this before. It didn't seem as final as before. On some level she knew she would see them again and it was not permanent. Whereas with others she never got to say goodbye or if she did she knew she could never go back to them. In the past she had to force herself to walk away before HYDRA could move in, but now there was no need to do that. As Coulson released Kat from the hug and turned to Tess, May came up hugging Kat next. "Take care Kat."

"You too May."

Next came Daisy up with the SHIELD agent saying. "We will miss you Kat," The two hackers hugged each other, then Daisy whispered, "Just remember what I said before. There is no monster waiting around the corner to take Bucky or Tess from you. Even if there is you know we will come to help you kick it's butt."

Kat smiled as she hugged Daisy. "I know you will. Take care Daisy, and if you need me call me."

Pulling away Daisy gave her attention to Tess as Fitz and Jemma came up next.

"We will miss you." Fitz said hugging her tightly, and Kat sensed he would miss her a lot since he was part of the reason Kat went after the Mastermind serum. She had always been protective of him and that formed a strong unshakable friendship.

"Hey c'mon Fitz, you know where I will be. I am not disappearing on you guys, and if you need me you need only call me." Kat said as Fitz nodded then a moment later let her go, then came Jemma.

"It is just we don't know when we will see you again, and you have become part of our little family." Kat smiled having never expected to be welcomed in by the SHIELD team in such a way. Like with Fitz Jemma was getting a little tearful as she hugged Kat.

"Awe Jemma don't worry. We will see each other again." Kat said.

"Of course," Jemma replied then went to say goodbye to Tess. Next was Mack and Yo-yo. The big guy as always towered over Kat as he smiled and leaned in to hug her.

"Good luck Galadriel. Don't forget to check in once in a while."

"You too Mack." Kat then whispered, "Also don't forget to take Yo-yo out to dinner. She really likes you." She felt more than heard Mack's chuckle before he pulled away. Then lastly Yo-yo came up speaking Spanish to which Kat easily understood what Yo-yo was saying.

"I heard that Galadriel."

"Well he needed a kick in the butt." Kat replied and both women laughed as they peaked at Mack.

"Yeah he is slow like a turtle."

"Big guys are often slow," Kat shrugged then dropped back into speaking English. "It was a pleasure to meet you Yo-yo."

"You too Galadriel." Yo-yo replied before the two gave a brief hug, and Kat handed her a off network phone.

"To keep in touch," Kat said then said in Spanish, "Especially if Mack refuses to leave turtle mode."

"Thank you." Yo-yo said, and moved to say goodbye to Tess. That was when the other group leaving appeared seemingly out of nowhere with Cutter, Shado, Doc, Mei, and Yuma coming up to give her a big group hug.

"Guys come on one at a time." Kat automatically said in Mandarin only for them to continue hugging her, and speaking in Mandarin themselves.

"We will miss you sooo much!" Cutter pointed out.

"You must keep in better contact." Shado and Mei stated simultaneously.

"Otherwise we will be back," Yuma added trying to sound like the Terminator even though it sounded funny in Mandarin.

"Alright I promise." Kat replied as the group hug continued for a moment, then she was released to allow them to each give her an individual hug before moving on to hug and say goodbye to the others. Since the various groups made friends with like minded individuals you had certain ones exchanging cards and numbers to keep in touch. The Shadow Network was the main ones giving out their business cards in case anyone needed their help. But ones like Yuma, Fitz, and Shuri exchanged contact information due to matching interests, as did Doc, and Simmons.

After some lengthy goodbyes the Shado Network leaders got on one of the Quinjets to head home. While the Agents of SHIELD, Scott Lang, and Clint Barton got on the other to head back to the States. From the platform Kat, Bucky, and Tess along with Sharon and the remaining Avengers watched as their friends flew off. Seeing the Quinjets disappear into small dots then nothing, Kat sighed. Even though she knew she would see them again, in a lot of ways it was still hard to say goodbye. However feeling eyes on her, Kat looked to see Bucky watching her and smiled. While one chapter of her life had closed, another began. Some would call her a criminal, but many were already calling her an Avenger even if she was not officially one. Either way she could no longer hide in the shadows like she had before, and her world was turned on it's axis by James Barnes.

One thing was for certain her world had changed, and that was only the beginning...


Author's Notes:

First off thank you all for the lovely reviews. I really appreciate it and am sorry I meant to post this yesterday but real life got hectic.

As for this chapter, I've gradually made them more and more light-hearted since it is between movies and even heroes need time to unwind and do normal things. Tess is fantastic for bringing a sense of normalcy to the gathered group of heroes. With a lot of fun and laughter to boot.

The birthday was especially fun to right in regards to funny ideas. Like some of the heroes wanting May to dress up like Mulan, and Tess drawing pictures and misspelling T'Challa, and Okoye's names.

Of course later in the chapter we see the Agents of SHIELD and Shadow Network heading for home. Also we see like in the movies Clint and Scott take the deal to be with their families. Though I thought it was a nice touch to have Coulson be the one to bring them in and ensure the deal goes through. Thaddeus Ross is cut out of that deal, Heehee.

Also one more thing, the next chapter 53 is the last of the pre-written story. What I mean is back when I very first posted the first chapter I said in the Author's Notes that I had written most of the story out before hand. 600 plus pages were written before any of this story was even posted, and chapter 53 is the last pre-written story. After 53 it's me writing it as it comes, which also means an eventual dreaded hiatus. There are still some chapters yet before that happens, but it is on the horizon. Luckily today here in the UK I just got the DVD of Black Panther so that will help in future chapters.

For now though I do hope you enjoyed the latest chapter. Please let me know what you thought by leaving a review.

Lesliezin