Chapter 1: 6 Months Later…

The New York Public Library was swamped one Saturday afternoon. Unlike the regular expectation of a busy day consisting of curious tourists and the city locals, the library was filled with excited patrons awaiting the debut of the new exhibit.

Banners within the library read "A Story of Super Heroes" and had images of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Natasha Romanoff, and more members of the Avengers.

A tour guide adjusted her nametag, reading LISA, and smiled brightly as a group of middle schoolers approached her.

Lisa clapped her hands excitedly as she greeted the group of pre-teens. "Welcome to the New York Public Library everyone!" She was greeted back with the same level of enthusiasm from the students.

"Today, we get to review our new exhibit, 'A Story of Super Heroes.' We'll get to see and learn more about those we call the Avengers." The tour guide motioned for the students to follow her.

Lisa led the students down a hallway adorned with pictures, newspaper articles, and other documents showcasing the biggest stories surrounding the Avengers and their missions.

"We opened the exhibit to celebrate the final revision of the Sokovia Accords," Lisa explained to interested youngsters. "As we all remember, the Sokovia Accords were first introduced about five months ago to change the way the Avengers could assist their country and the world. And with recent events and new information provided, the President himself amended the accords in order to reinstate and grant amnesty to the Avengers."

The students cheered. One girl stopped at a framed newspaper article with the headline: "PRESIDENT MEETS WITH IRON MAN AND CAPTAIN AMERICA. AVENGERS BACK IN BUSINESS."

Turning a sharp corner, Lisa laughed wildly. The students laughed as they watched the tour guide almost crash into another person.

Lisa straightened out her pant suit and turned to the students. "Sorry kids. I almost ruined this poor librarian's day."

Violet, arms full of binders, gave a small smile to the students.

"This is Violet. She is the main lead and archivist who helped assist with this exhibit," Lisa explained.

The students waved at Violet. Following the tour guide's bubbly energy, the students and Lisa disappeared down a different hall.

Violet continued her direction to a private backroom.

Her office was unfortunately in the basement. Violet, however, made no real complaints as she had privacy.

Violet placed the thick binders on her crowded desk and sat down at her chair tiredly. She pinched her nose and leaned her head back.

Taking in deep, slow breaths, Violet closed her eyes and rubbed her face.

"Long day?" a deep voice spoke from the corner.

Nearly falling out of her chair, Violet jumped up, hands lit up in gray light, and prepared to attack.

Her pose softened when Violet realized T'Challa was leaning against the wall.

"T'Challa," Violet sighed, "what the hell? You scared me."

The Wakandan king laughed. Violet watched as three members of the Dora Milaje appeared from the shadows too.

"I need to call Maintenance about the lighting in here," Violet joked, "I had no idea you guys were here. Pretty stealthy."

The king and protector of Wakanda approached Violet and embraced her. "Good to see you, Vi."

Violet patted T'Challa's back and pulled away. "Good to see you. Considering all things."

"I hope you are enjoying your new job here at the library," T'Challa asked.

"At least I'm not moving around so much anymore," Violet shrugged. "Consistency is nice."

T'Challa turned to the Dora Milaje and nodded his head. The women nodded back and proceeded to leave T'Challa and Violet in her office alone.

Violet turned to T'Challa, perplexed, and put her hands on her hips. "What's going on?"

T'Challa motioned for Violet to sit down. She hesitated at first, but slowly sat back down in the chair.

T'Challa leaned against Violet's desk. Violet became immediately concerned.

"T'Challa, what is it? Is it him? He's back-"

"No no," T'Challa coaxed. He placed a hand over Violet's. "We have had no reports of sightings. This is…complicated."

She licked her lips and Violet took in a deep breath. "Why are you here?"

He shifted uncomfortably; T'Challa, while dressed coolly in an all black suit, could not hide his reluctance to speak.

"C'mon, talk to me," Violet asked gently.

He pushed his lips tightly together and T'Challa finally spoke: "I need your help."

Her eyes widened and Violet smiled. "That's it? That was easy. I'd love to help. In any way I can. What is it?"

T'Challa bit his lip.

"Oh," Violet slowly realized. She looked down at her hands. "You know…when I said in any way I can…there are some things…"

"I know it's been a long time," T'Challa said calmly. "I know you have struggled with his power. Learning new abilities. Understanding the difficulties." He leaned in, putting a comforting hand on Violet's shoulder. "But I think I have someone who truly needs your help. Only you can help."

Violet slumped further back into her chair. She touched her chin, thinking, and then rose to her feet.

"You know I can't. I'm not good at any of this. I'm still…" Violet looked down at her hands fearfully. "This is still…"

T'Challa stood with Violet.

"You are familiar with Sergeant Barnes?" T'Challa asked suddenly.

Violet rolled her eyes. "Of course," she laughed. "I'm a librarian now, remember?"

"He is currently at one of my facilities."

Her mouth dropped open. "What? You have him?"

Nodding, T'Challa continued, "He is of no danger. Currently. But Steve Rogers has been adamant in helping his friend. I believe you are the answer to that."

"How?"

"Come to Wakanda with me. I believe your powers can help heal his mind…to an extent. I believe you are capable of removing what Hydra put inside of his mind."

Violet threw her hands in the air and walked away. "No way! That's someone's mind I'd be messing with!" She spun around, looking angrily at her friend. "I've only done the mind-thing a couple of times. It hasn't worked! And I don't want to hurt anyone."

T'Challa raised his hands in defense. "I believe that you can do this, Violet. I believe that trying will not cause damage."

"Unless I fry his brain."

"Violet, please."

The woman groaned and looked away. She stared at her dark office and new boring life. Violet thought about rejecting T'Challa's request. Just be a boring librarian. Just say no.

But Violet turned to look at her friend's face. How could she refuse him? Violet remembered T'Challa's rescue from the warehouse. From him.

What could it hurt to try? You could help someone. Or you could kill him, accidentally.

Violet's shoulders fell in defeat. She pointed at T'Challa and said, "I have to check with my boss."

Author's Note:

I am writing again to get the creative juices flowing. It's been a long time since I've written fanfiction. All feedback welcome. Please and thanks!