"Hailey Harkness" I say, folding my arms.
"can't say it's been a pleasure working with you. But you've helped me with what I've needed, so.... thank you" I said

She gives me a bitter laugh.
"So what now? I go back to being your puppet? No control again?" She said

"Oh no" I shake my head.
"I'm giving you back control- mostly. You'll still follow your normal routine, but you'll have freedom. Talk how you want. Dress how you want. Just...you still stay here. In case I need you again" I said

Her glare sharpens.
"You're unbelievable" she said

"Yeah." I smirk softly.
"Goodbye for now, Hailey" I said

Before she can answer, I step outside and launch into the sky, the glow of my power leaving streaks of blue across the clouds.

"Friday, update me. Short and sweet" I say as I drop back into my apartment.

"Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, the Red Guardian, Ghost, and John walker appear to be working together" Friday reports.

"Oh God" I mutter.
"That sounds like a migraine waiting to happen. I need a nap....then food...then you can fill me in" I said

"Sleep well, Elizabeth" Friday said

"Yeah, yeah" I mumble before collapsing onto the bed and instantly passing out.

Over the next few days, i watch the chaos unfold from afar. The team clashes with something darker, something that feels like a shadow of every battle we've already lost.

Through the holograms, I see Yelena standing before the void, trembling. Her knuckles whiten.

"You must face the darkness head on" I whisper into her mind, soft enough that it sounds like her own thoughts.

She steps forward.

If only I could listen to my own advice.

Grief. Guilt. Loneliness.

Yeah, those are still around.

The nights are the worst. My nightmares had disappeared when Peter was still here. But once he was gone, they came crawling back- memories, fear, pain. Every one of them my fault.

Hydra. The Red Room. The lives I couldn't save. The people I lost.

Every sin has my name written on it somewhere.

So why do I keep doing this? Why do I keep these holograms running, tracking heroes I barely know?

It's not for me- God knows I would've quit long ago. Maybe it's for Steve and Tony. Or maybe...it's just because I don't know how not to.

Maybe I'm still trying to make up for all the things I destroyed. Maybe I'm trying to believe that redemption is real.

But even with all that, there's still one small spark of hope left.

Maybe one day Peter will remember who I am. Maybe- just maybe- I'll get that happy ending.

The avengers building has changed- new walls, new tech, new people- but it still smells the same.

Friday keeps me off the security grid as I move quietly through the hallways until I reach the main room.

Weapons are drawn before I even open my mouth.

"Who the hell are you?" Yelana demands.

"And how the hell did you get in?" Ghost- Ava- adds.

"Woah, woah, easy" I raise my hands.
"No need for the weapons. I'm unharmed. Mostly" I said

"You didn't answer the questions" Bucky says, stepping forward.

"Gosh" I mutter under my breath.
"You save a guys life and he still pulls a gun on you" I said

"My names Elizabeth. And I got in thanks to Friday" I said

"Friday?" Yelana frowns.

"Hello, everyone" Fridays voice echoed through the room.
"It's great to finally be able to speak with you. I'm firday" he said

Everyone glances around the room in confusion.

"I may have.... I updated your system a little" I admit with a shrug.

Bucky's eyes narrowed.
"He said 'finally'. How long have you been watching us?" He asked.

"Quite a while. I've got files on all of you. Even you, Bob" I said

He looked up from his chair, eyes wide.

Before they can react, I take a deep breath and let the blue energy pulse through me, shifting into my suit.

"Sapphire" Bucky whispers.

"Hey, there he is. You might not remember everything, but I've known you for a long time. If you trust me, just a little- I can show you" I said

Bucky hesitates, then gives a slow nod.

I step closer, pressing a finger gently to his temple. Blue light flickers- memories flash- and he stumbles back, eyes wide.

"Liz..." he breathes.

"Hey, buck" I whisper.

He pulls me into a hug, laughing.
"You've grown" he said

"That's typically how time works" I laughed.

He shakes his head, smiling.
"You here to help fix the Avengers mess?" He asked.

"Yeah. Something like that" I grin.

Yelana crosses her arms.
"Your voice. I heard it. Before I stepped into the void" she said

"That was me. You knew what to do- i just gave you the nudge" I nod.

She gives a small, grateful smile.

"Alright" i say, taking a breath.
"This might sting a bit. I'm giving you back any memories you might have of me. Any flashes, headaches- sorry in advance." I said

One by one, i reach out. Blue light spreads through the room. When it fades, they all stare at me- stunned.

Walker speaks first.
"Where the hell were you when we needed some freaking help?" He asked.

"Watching" I reply simply.
"You had to prove yourself before I asked you to join the avengers" I said like it was obvious.

"Join the avengers?" The Red Guardian- Alexei- scoffed.
"We are the avengers!" He yelled

"Yeah, love the enthusiasm. But... no. Not yet, you're not. Not until the world's ready- and now while Sam's still saying otherwise." I said

They exchange glances, and I can tell they know I'm right.

"So what now? We just follow you? You're the leader now?" Ava asked.

Bucky shakes his head.
"She's always been the leader. Steve and Tony set it up. Files confirm it. When everything went to hell, she was next in line" he said

I nod.
"Buckys right- but I can't lead alone. I need every one of you with me." I said

Bucky sighs.
"I've talked to Sam. It didn't go great" he said

"I'll give him a Steve Rogers speech" I smirk.

He laughs quietly.
"Yeah, that'll do it" he said

I look around the room- the broken, rebuilt, scarred people who remind me so much of the ones we lost.

"The world needs the Avengers. They need to remember what we stood. What we stand for" I said softly.

I meet each of their eyes.
"So....are you ready to remind them?" I ask

"Yeah!" Alexei tells, pumping his fist.

I can't help but laugh- until an alarm blares overhead. The hologram shifts to show a ship descending fast, a blue insignia glowing on the hull- a 4.

I exhale.
"Guess my timings on point" I said

"Whatever, Steve 2.0" Bucky mutters

I shove his arm.
"Shut up" I said

The ship grows larger in the hologram.
And for the first time in a long time-
I feel ready.

Here we go again.