Hello, all my loyal reader. I know it has been forever since I updated this story. But, I kinda lost interest in this for a while. But, I'm getting interested again. However, with the movies that have come out since I started this, I have decided to revise my plot. As such, this is a re-write of Chapter 1. In my revised plot, there will be far fewer Avengers coming to Middle-Earth. Also, timewise this begins right after Civil War. And, for reference, just pretend the post-credits scene in Wakanda never happened.

Let's get to it.

Chapter 1- The Vortex

Steve sighs as he sits down on a chair outside the Wakandan laboratory. Bucky is still undergoing his procedure, though should be finishing up soon.

It's been over about two weeks since the end of what the media has taken to calling the Avengers Civil War. Since then, the team has retreated to Wakanda. Wanda has already left to pursue her own path. Clint and Scott are preparing to return home to America, having arranged a deal that will allow them to return to their families, provided they agree to a period of house arrest. The rest of them are planning to stay in Wakanda for a brief time.

"Captain," T'Challa says. Steve turns to face T'Challa, who has just stepped out of the laboratory.

Steve stands up. "Yes, Your Highness?" he asks.

"The evaluation and placement went perfectly. We think we have everything we need," T'Challa says.

Steve grins. "Awesome. Can I go in?" he asks.

"Of course," T'Challa says.

Together, the two walk into the room, where Bucky is sitting calmly in a chair. His brand new vibranium cybernetic arm, the installation of which was part of the procedure he just underwent, gleams in the lab's light.

"Hey, Buck. How you feeling?" Steve asks.

"Like a million bucks," Bucky says with a grin.

"Good. Once Shuri finishes getting all of HYDRA's programming out of you, I'm sure you'll feel even better," Steve says.

Bucky nods with a grin. "Alright. I want to get out of here," Bucky says.

"That is good. I was just about to invite you downstairs to our most secret lab," T'Challa says.

"Sure," Steve says.

"Can I get changed first?" Bucky says.

T'Challa chuckles before he says, "Sure. I will be waiting for you. Just ask the guards for directions." T'Challa then walks out of the lab.

Steve and Bucky go to change. Steve puts on his uniform, which still bears the American colors, though he intends to change that. Bucky decides to just change into his black combat uniform.

The two friends then ask a guard for directions to the lab T'Challa went to, then follow those directions down to the top secret lab on the bottom floor of the building.

T'Challa is waiting for them. "Welcome, Captain. Sergeant Barnes. I have several things to show you," the king says.

He beckons them over to a table. Resting on it are two gauntlets in a triangle shape.

"These gauntlets were designed for you, Captain. A temporary substitute for your shield. Try them on," T'Challa says as he picks them up and holds them out.

Steve slides the gauntlets on. They fit perfectly. Then, he extends the shield on the back, revealing it to not only be small shields, but also weapons with very sharp points.

"Nice," Steve says.

"We've been working on developing a shield just like your old one, but one that expands out of a device that will fit on your wrist. It uses nanotechnology, similar to my current suit. We're not finished with it yet though. It should be ready soon," T'Challa says.

Steve nods appreciatively. T'Challa then turns to Bucky. "I know you wish to settle down, Sergeant Barnes. But, we couldn't just let you be unarmed. So, I made there for you. I'm sure you can find other uses for them as well," T'Challa says before handing Bucky two knives made of vibranium.

Bucky takes them, and finds his suit already has two sheaths for them. He slides the knives into their sheaths, and they fit perfectly.

"Thank you, T'Challa," Steve says. T'Challa nods.

Suddenly, an alarm starts to blare from a large device in one corner. T'Challa races over to it.

"T'Challa. What's that? What's going on?" Steve asks in concern.

"This is device Shuri has been working on. We've been researching how to make intradimensional travel possible through technology. Essentially, how to use technology to open wormholes. This is a prototype of such a device. But, something is wrong. It's malfunctioning," T'Challa says.

A bad feeling starts creeping up on all of them as T'Challa tries to shut down the device. Finally, as he realizes his efforts are futile, he turns to Steve and Bucky, and shouts, "We need to get out of here!"

Steve and Bucky turn to run for the door. But, before any of them can do anything, a pulse of energy shoots out from the device, and the three of them disappear.

Well, I hope that was good. And yes, I deleted the old Chapter 1.

I had trouble deciding which Avengers to send to Middle-Earth. I seriously considered Hawkeye and Falcon as candidates. Finally, I just decided on these three. Please let me know if you think I should edit this chapter and have one of them stay behind.

Please let me know how you liked this new Chapter 1, and give me your input as to things you'd like to see in this story. Also, give me your opinions on how you'd like the Lord of the Rings part of this series to go. I'm currently planning for it to take place before Infinity War, and have Infinity War happen a little later in the MCU timeline than it really did.

Until next time, please review, and stay tuned.