The Avengers #145

"The Taking of the Avengers!"

The mysterious masked Assassin has been hired by a man who is a representative for many of the Avengers' former foes. After showing the Assassin a series of recordings of various Avengers in action as a team, or in their solo careers he asks the Assassin if the masked killer will take the job. After some consideration, the Assassin takes the job and vows that the Avengers will all be dead in a year.

A year later, Captain America happens upon a group of thieves robbing a store, all wearing Captain America masks. The Star-Spangled Avenger battles these common thugs were completely unaware that they are in the employ of the Assassin, and this is all part of the killer's plan. Captain America makes short work of most of the crooks, but one flees down the street, luring Captain America into firing range of the Assassin's special weapon. The blast seemingly kills Captain America, and the Assassin then calls one of the local residents whose window overlooks where Captain America has fallen and ask her to call the police.

As planned, Captain America is taken to the hospital which brings in the rest of the Avengers. Thor and Iron Man arrive at the hospital first to learn that Captain America's life is slowly dwindling away, when the two contemplate if Thor should try to aid the doctors as Donald Blake, Iron Man decides it's better for them to go to his Long Island research lab. Hawkeye, having heard the news as well rushes into the hospital and toward Captain America's room. There he finds two strange creatures about to enter the Captain's room. Hawkeye fights them off however they manage to escape when they fill the hallway with gas. When he arrives outside Cap's room he finds Beast, Scarlet Witch and Vision all waiting for him. Hawkeye relieves them from watch duty, however, the Vision stays behind with Hawkeye to continue to watch forward. As the night carries on both Hawkeye and Vision reflect on their relationships with Captain America.

The Avengers are completely unaware that even now the Assassin is watching their every move and is going to strike again very soon.