Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.
23/05/2019
I know it has been a month since Endgame was released. But still no spoilers from me. All I will say is that it shares a common theme found in many of Tolkien's works. Namely, change and growth requires the old to give way to the new. The process invariably brings sadness. But to quote Gandalf: "Go in peace! I will not say do not weep; for not all tears are evil."
alexgkeisler: For the Free Peoples, going to Wakanda is as much a diplomatic mission as providing military aid. Faramir and Eowyn bringing their children is not unlike many royal tours today. Besides, you tell Eowyn, "Stay behind and look after the kids."
Steve993: I prefer to go with 'Snapture'. Technically, the original meaning of decimation is "removal of a tenth" – well short of Thanos's objective.
DanSolo0119: Mm. I'd imagine Thor (and Spidey) would want to avoid whales given what happened In the Heart of the Sea.
Chapter 11 – Comrades in Arms
Morgoth led Obsidian to a platform high above a massive enclosed parade ground. Thousands of orcs, wargs, trolls and other creatures roared with acclaim at their creator's arrival. The Dark Lord silenced them with raise of his hand.
"We embark for Earth," Morgoth's voice echoed throughout the enclosure. "I present Cull Obsidian who will lead you in this battle."
Thousands of eyes gazed at the brute standing left of the Dark Lord. Thanos had only just acquainted his ally with his adopted son. Obsidian nonetheless received Morgoth's equivalent of a glowing character reference.
"His strength is unmatched," the Dark Lord exhorted Obsidian's military prowess, "his endurance unending, and his will unbreakable! Who will join him in slaughtering our enemies?"
The legions affirmed with a multitude of bloodthirsty and vainglorious cries. Obsidian was initially unmoved. He ignored the din to ask Morgoth a question – why wasn't the Dark Lord going to be leading from the front?
"I have been imprisoned in the Void for centuries," Morgoth explained. "My legions require a battle-hardened leader while I co-ordinate things from afar.
Obsidian's inward reaction was a mixture of understanding and contempt. His adoptive father had briefed him about the Dark Lord. In ages past, Morgoth had been reluctant to engage himself in battle even against inferior foes. Something about fearing death due to being bound to his physical form. Obsidian held no such fears – no sword-wielding elf could wound him once let alone seven times. He was soon distracted by a growing chant among the legions.
"Cull! Cull! Cull!"
Despite his earlier cynicism, Obsidian soon found himself basking in their acclaim. The rest of the Black Order tended to treat him as little more than their bodyguard and enforcer. Being appointed to a greater role made a heady change. The roars reached a crescendo as Obsidian thrust his hammer into the air. Morgoth was pleased. Playing on someone's insecurities was the first step in bringing them under his sway. The next step was ingratiating himself to them.
"Come, Lord Obsidian," Morgoth beckoned him away. "We have an attack to plan."
It was early afternoon when Loki again regained consciousness. This time it was longer than a few moments. The God of Mischief initially tried making sense of his surroundings. By Asgardian standards; his bed indicated healing in this realm to be relatively advanced. Loki tried getting up – and was immediately forced down by the pain that shot throughout his body. Releasing a frustrated sigh, the Asgardian prince only had one option if he wanted to learn more.
"Is anybody there?" Loki weakly asked.
"Yes, I am," a softly spoken voice replied.
The God of Mischief looked his left and was immediately surprised. Standing near another bed was a black-haired halfling who had just finished buttoning up his white undershirt. Loki compared the halfling with the size of the bed and nearby equipment. At least one thing seemed safe to assume.
"I take you're not in charge here?" Loki rhetorically asked.
"No." Frodo softly smiled. "Just a patient like yourself. They've actually just discharged me."
Frodo had been debriefed about the operation on his left shoulder. He didn't fully understand Shuri's description of the procedure. Still, the wound from Witch-king now felt like a distant memory. The son of Drogo walked up to the God of Mischief.
"How are you feeling?" Frodo kindly enquired.
"Like I was hit with blast from the Infinity Gauntlet and left to die," Loki complained with dark humour. His mood rapidly changed upon remembering something critical. "Where's Thor?" he anxiously asked.
"All I know he's safe," Frodo admitted. "That and we're in Wakanda."
Loki's eyes briefly flickered at learning he was on Earth. It was then he noticed Frodo's amputated finger. While masquerading as Odin, Loki read a great many reports about things he had previously been unaware of. The reports included Thor's descriptions of Arda and his adventures with the Fellowship.
"You're Frodo Baggins," Loki realised aloud.
"At your service."
"Loki of Asgard."
The God of Mischief discovered his reputation proceeded him as well.
"Yes, I know," Frodo revealed. "Thor spoke a lot about you."
"I'm sure he did," Loki dryly imagined.
Frodo could never forget what happened at the Cracks of Doom. The Ring was ultimately destroyed by events his uncle set in motion more than sixty years prior. Compassion could prove just as important in defeating Thanos.
"He never stopped caring about you," Frodo recounted what Thor said. "Or hoping the two of you'd be reconciled."
"We still mightn't be," Loki reflected about he and his brother's relationship. Noting Frodo's confused expression, the God Mischief opted to be honest. "I took the Tesseract before Asgard was destroyed," he confessed. "Thor didn't know. I thought we could use its energy to build a new home for our people. It instead led Thanos right to us."
"It isn't easy giving up a powerful relic," Frodo empathised from experience. "Some of them have a will of their own that makes us do things we later regret."
Loki's greatest regret was him being unable to aid Frigga against Malekith. That inability was the result of a bargain he had previously struck.
"I should've never helped Thanos," Loki lamented about his first attempt at obtaining the Tesseract.
Frodo could again empathise. "There's also other forces at work besides the will of evil."
Their conversation came to an unexpected end.
"Mister Frodo?" asked a familiar voice.
Frodo turned around upon hearing Sam. The Ring-bearer's ever-faithful companion had entered the room along with Merry and Pippin. They had been in the throne room when T'Challa mentioned Frodo's surgery. Sam immediately requested if the Shire-folk could visit the infirmary. Black Panther privately mused he would have struggled to keep pace with the trio after agreeing to it (Frodo's other friends believed the hobbits first deserved some time alone).
Like Merry and Pippin discussed, Frodo was lost for words at seeing his friends again. But this was a reunion where nothing had to be said. Frodo raced into his friends' embrace. Their reaction was even more joyous than after he had been healed in Rivendell. Loki was watching the hobbits from just yards away. He wondered if Thor would be equally happy to see him again.
"He's right about relics having a will of their own," a new voice observed.
A startled Loki looked to his right and saw Strange standing over him. The sorcerer had been observing him and Frodo from the Mirror Dimension. The God of Mischief tensed upon recognising him.
"Sorry, bedside manner's second-rate as well," Strange glibly apologised for startling him.
There were few things Loki disliked more than being insulted with his own words. Being unable to bring the impudent mortal down a peg made it even worse.
"What do you want?" Loki hissed.
"My name's Doctor Stephen Strange," the ex-neurosurgeon introduced himself. "And I've some questions for you…"
The gathering in Wanda's office had been swelling throughout the day. That continued with the arrival of the leadership group from Erebor and the Greenwood. Legolas and the dwarves had not seen the Scarlet Witch in decades. All were immensely proud that Wanda had risen to be her nation's leader. National leaders themselves, none were offended she could only spare their happy reunion a few minutes. The President had to excuse herself to sign a final batch of executive orders. Iron Man and the new arrivals dispersed themselves among the others. Several conversations were simultaneously held throughout the office.
Silvan Elves were highly reserved when it came to displays of physical affection. Giving Thranduil and Tauriel each a quick embrace was a good indication of how glad Legolas was to see them again. It also made the Elf-king feel insecure about his current station.
"You are the more experienced, Adar." Legolas wanted to transfer command. "Unlike yourself, I've never led our people in pitched battle."
Departing for Valinor marked a definitive point for Thranduil. It was still definitive even in exile.
"You are King of the Greenwood now, Legolas," Thranduil rejected his son's suggestion. "No Elf has fought alongside Men, Dwarves and Avengers as much as yourself. That's why our people are ready to follow you – as am I."
"Yes." Tauriel agreed before mischievously adding, "Besides, you know how bad I am at following your father's orders."
Stark had told the dwarves prior about Bilbo's restored youth. Those of the Company were nonetheless stunned by the Hobbit's appearance as he warmly embraced them. They were also aware he had come woefully unprepared for battle. Bofur had brought a bundle to help rectify the problem, presenting Bilbo with a dwarven hauberk and shortsword.
"It's the same one issued to the king's guard," Bofur said of the weapon.
"Thank you, Bofur," Bilbo gratefully accepted it. "I wasn't going to kill many orcs with my cane."
Bofur smirked at this before asking, "You giving it name?"
The Hobbit considered his cured dementia and previous feats as a burglar.
"Sharper," Bilbo decided to call the blade.
Meanwhile Ori had been making introductions. The King under the Mountain took the opportunity to thank his realm's latest ally.
"You Guardians have my deepest gratitude," Thorin addressed Quill, Mantis and Drax. "Many more of my people could've been killed if you hadn't come to Erebor."
"Thanks," an unusually subdued Quill replied.
The Dwarf King correctly deduced the reason.
"You have my word, Star-Lord," Thorin promised him, "we'll do all we can to help you find Lady Gamora."
"I'd be honoured to fight alongside you dwarves," Drax said of the coming battle. "You're more friendly to me than the elves."
"What's the elves' problem?" Dwalin gruffly checked.
"Drax attacked Thranduil on sight," Mantis revealed.
Grudges died hard among Durin's Folk. For some of them, that included slights dating back decades.
"The honour would be mine, Master Drax," Dwalin told him.
Stark had joined Vision, Parker and Kasun. The android had made a significant breakthrough in terms of counterintelligence.
"I believe I can stop the enemy from listening in on our communications," Vision began.
"How?" Stark asked.
"I took five minutes to create an entirely new language," Vision replied without even a trace of boasting. "I can install it as sub-routine on our communications network. We'd be able to talk to each other normally. But the sub-routine will make it sound like gibberish to the enemy."
Parker's eyes lit up in understanding. "Oh, like a voiceover!"
"Precisely." Vision confirmed the comparison before warning, "But the enemy devices will begin analysing the sub-routine the moment it's installed. It's near-certain they will eventually decipher it."
"How long will it take them?" Kasun hoped the android's invention would provide more than a fleeting advantage.
"Ten, maybe twelve hours," Vision estimated.
"At least that covers the battle," Stark calculated based on Morgoth's projected arrival.
Sokovia's top military officer was also sold. All elven and dwarven forces were being issued with earpieces, allowing them to benefit from Vision's discovery as well.
"Install the sub-routine," Kasun ordered the android.
"Um, what's the language called?" Parker was curious if it had a name.
"Vision C + +," Stark dryly guessed.
The language's creator was prevented from responding.
"Vis," Wanda called out to him. The Scarlet Witch had been in deep conversation with Galadriel and Elrond. "I need to talk to T'Challa," she requested to use the Mind Stone.
"What about?" Stark reflexively asked.
Wanda had overhead Iron Man's pun at her partner's expense. Galadriel's contact with Thor allowed the Scarlet Witch to make one of her own.
"The weather," she mischievously answered. "Wakanda should expect a late thunderstorm."
While the Shire's representatives were rushing to the infirmary, those of the Mannish realms had been taken to the command centre. Wakandan ingenuity continued to astound them. Hundreds were needed to man the trebuchets lining the walls of Minas Tirith. By contrast, the energy shield protecting Birnin Zana and its surrounds only required a single operator. Even the tactical table made Stark and Banner's screens look mundane. Shuri used the table to display the allied forces forming outside the capital. It was during this demonstration her brother was telepathically contacted by the Scarlet Witch. Okoye and Shuri fielded questions after Black Panther excused himself. Learning about Wanda on Svartalfheim inevitably led their guests to ask about her. It resulted in them learning about the Ultron Offensive and the events that followed in its wake.
"I knew Thor wasn't on Earth," Sif recounted from her communications with Heimdall. "But I didn't know Bruce had left as well."
"He's been classed as 'missing' for almost three years," Okoye said of Banner.
Faramir checked the list of Avengers arriving from New York. He looked forward to meeting Rhodes and Wilson for the first time. But more curious was the absence of an Avenger he was familiar with.
"I note Clint's name isn't here." Faramir prefaced before asking, "Why isn't he coming?"
"You weren't told?" Okoye replied. "He's under house arrest."
Those from Middle-earth were stunned. Apart from Thor, there had been no news how the other Avengers had been faring since Malekith's defeat. Tracking events on Earth wasn't a luxury Heimdall had during the period given he was on the run himself.
"For what crime?" Aragorn expressed their mutual disbelief.
Okoye and Shuri shared an awkward look. The latter's family had critically influenced events throughout the Avengers Civil War.
"Some of our people were accidentally killed," Shuri summarised her father's motives. "The Sokovia Accords were meant to regulate the Avengers. It…tore them in half. T'Challa was there when they fought each other."
"Barton was among those arrested," Okoye added. "Captain Rogers and Iron Man aren't even on speaking terms."
Avenger unity had been an article of faith among the Free Peoples. The Avengers engaging each other in battle was genuinely shocking to them. Boromir was particularly shaken. Captain America was like a brother to him. One of Rogers's many virtues was making peace with former enemies. How could he be estranged from such a close friend as –
"It's not just due to the Accords is it?" Boromir intuited it had to be something personal.
The Steward's suspicions were prevented from being confirmed. Black Panther returned to the meeting unaware of what had been discussed during his absence.
"Wanda said Thor's on his way here," T'Challa relayed their conversation.
"At least that's good news," Eomer dryly reacted.
T'Challa gave him a puzzled look. The Goddess of War acted to prevent the meeting being derailed by the calamity that had befallen her fellow Avengers.
"Did she say when?" Sif got T'Challa's attention.
"No." Black Panther gave it. "Apparently, he's first getting a weapon capable of killing Thanos."
Many from Middle-earth were confused by this. On Svartalfheim, Gandalf felt privately thankful time prevented him from detailing Ragnarok in full. He could only imagine the Free People's reaction upon learning Hela had shattered Mjolnir like glass. In their ignorance, they were frightened enough that not even Thor's legendary weapon could harm Thanos. The lone Asgardian present kept things focused.
"Either way, the enemy will almost certainly launch their attack before he arrives," Sif argued about Thor. "We must prepare in case they breach the shield."
She directed their attention to the table. Its vibranium sands automatically adjusted to match the discussion being held around it. Allied infantry was currently split down the middle with Wakandan units on one side and the Free Peoples' on the other. Sif believed such a formation against the likes of Thanos's forces was inviting disaster.
"Deploying our infantry in two wings might be simplest," she argued. "But our weapons are far less advanced than Wakandan ones. The enemy may try to rush us. If we get overrun, the whole centre will collapse."
Okoye certainly admired Eowyn's courage and skill in combat. But when it came to shieldmaidens, the Goddess of War was in a class of her own.
"Unfortunately, Sif, there's no time for our forces to train together," Okoye couldn't disagree with her tactical analysis.
"We shouldn't mix units," T'Challa agreed before proposing a solution. "But we could position them alternately along the line."
The sands shifted to illustrate the king's idea. Each infantry company of the Free Peoples would now be flanked either side by a Wakandan one.
"Yes," Aragorn concurred. "Many of our soldiers are inexperienced. This will help assure them."
Some perceived Shuri as disrespectful given her outspoken nature. That same nature made her unafraid to ask the difficult but necessary questions others preferred to ignore. Aragorn's remarks implied his soldiers could still leave Wakanda's exposed.
"You're worried they'll run?" Shuri she put to him.
Aragorn was not offended. Causing fear was an integral weapon to all forces of darkness. The Nazgul could make even the most battle-hardened flee in terror. Thanos's hordes may yet prove even more frightening. But Aragorn held faith in the Free People's courage given the reason they were here.
"This day we fight for all peoples, milady," he politely assured Shuri. "You're not Wakandans – you're our brothers and sisters. And we will stand with you to the end."
No one was more pleased to hear this than Black Panther. At least there was another king who believed humanity should act like one single tribe.
"I feel our forces are going to work together just fine," T'Challa told Aragorn.
Word quickly spread throughout allied ranks that the God of Thunder was on his way with some new superweapon. The news provided no small boost to the morale of the Free Peoples. Many of them had witnessed Thor's devastating might on the battlefield first-hand. Hope was kindled they might also live to see the destruction of Thanos and his hordes. Allied leaders nonetheless agreed to finalise battleplans when Captain America and his group arrived.
The short recess saw a resumption in gift giving. New toys made Shuri very popular with the two youngest arrivals from Middle-earth. Theodwyn adored the plush toy lion cub she received that purred or kissed her whenever it was petted. Steven was enthralled by his holocube (Wakandan ones did not need a headset) that allowed him to create an endless array of designs and shapes. Their mother also received a unique Wakandan gift. Eowyn and Arwen were each presented with a Dora Milaje uniform.
"It isn't just clothing," Ayo told them. "It's armour in case the Citadel is infiltrated."
Arwen, Eowyn and the children would remain in the command centre during the battle. Shuri would be with them operating the city's defences. Protecting the five was Ayo at the head of a small squad of Dora Milaje and King's Guard. That squad also represented the last line of defence between the enemy and Loki.
"Armour?" Arwen was confused as she felt the fabric. "But it feels so soft."
"It's vibranium," Ayo educated her.
Eowyn's eyes lit up at the word. "Like Steve's shield?"
Ayo simply nodded. Eowyn didn't need to be told about the defensive properties of vibranium. She was just amazed at how the same indestructible metal behind Captain America's shield could also be used to make clothing that felt like finest silk.
"Thank you, Ayo," Arwen said. "Should enemies come, may we prove ourselves worthy of your gift."
"I do have one question though." Eowyn added before playfully asking, "I hope wearing your uniform doesn't mean we have to shave our hair?"
Ayo cracked a rare smile. Her superior meanwhile was attempting to verify an earlier report. There was a livestock pen within the grounds of the Citadel. Within the pen were the war rhinos the Border Tribe used during the Battle of Mount Bashenga. With her husband now imprisoned, Okoye took it upon herself to look after the three rhinos. She was currently inside the pen standing in front of Lubanzi, the one she shared a special bond with. Okoye watched as Radagast fed him an apple. The rhino quietly snorted while munching on it.
"No, you're not wrong," Radagast confirmed the rhino's observation about things being tense. "It's the deep breath before the plunge."
It also confirmed the report of the Dora Milaje who accompanied the wizard when he spoke with the herd of giraffes.
"You understand what he says?" Okoye still struggled to believe it.
"Perfectly," Radagast replied. "Lubanzi's quite well-spoken for a young chap."
"Wakandans know more about African wildlife than anyone," Okoye reflected about her nation. "But none of us can talk with them."
"That's not surprising," Radagast agreed.
Okoye arched a frosty eyebrow. "I do beg your pardon?"
"How can humans expect to understand other animals?" Radagast explained, oblivious he'd caused offence. "They're not very good at listening to each other."
Barnes was leaning over the pen observing them. He had not met any of the new arrivals nor taken part in the planning meetings. T'Challa might believe the White Wolf had rested long enough. But Barnes needed some alone time to mentally recoup from the skirmish in Uganda. The sight of dead civilians brought back disturbing memories of missions he carried out as the Winter Soldier. Barnes's recuperation ended as a Gondorian joined him in leaning over the fence.
"Mind if I join you, Sergeant Barnes?" the Gondorian asked.
Barnes had never met the finely armoured man before. He assumed someone in T'Challa's circle must have mentioned where to find him. Whatever the case, the man's demeanour and armour suggested he was a very high-ranking officer.
"Bucky, sir," Barnes respectfully advised what to call him.
"Boromir." The Steward returned the favour as they shook hands. "After everything Steve told me, it's an honour to meet you."
Barnes's eyes flickered in recognition at the Gondorian's name.
"He once told me about you as well," Barnes revealed.
"I never tired of hearing about you Howling Commandos," Boromir recalled exchanging war stories with Rogers.
Barnes found residing in Wakanda almost symbolic of how the past now felt like a different country.
"A lot has happened since them," he said.
Boromir followed up an unanswered question before coming here. He'd learnt what had ultimately driven Stark and Rogers apart.
"Yes, I know," the Steward sombrely replied. "Shuri told me a little of your ordeal." Boromir paused before sympathising, "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."
"I can't be sorry enough for what I did," the former Winter Soldier confessed.
"It wasn't your fault, Bucky."
It had been a long flight from to Siberia for Rogers and Barnes. There was plenty of time to talk about the latter's responsibility as the fist of HYDRA.
"That's what Steve told me," Barnes recounted. "It's when he first mentioned you. He told me how you, um – "
"Tried to take the Ring?" Boromir finished for him.
Barnes nodded before enquiring, "Do you still blame yourself?"
The Captain of the White Tower picked up the subtext. Barnes was really asking how to forgive himself. Boromir tried to be encouraging while remaining honest.
"I think part of me always will," he admitted. "Some may judge me only by what happened at Amon Hen. But I refuse to let those events define me. Like Steve says, my life is dedicated to the triumph of good over evil. And I'll keep fighting for that triumph, no matter how many times I fail."
Barnes took a few moments to consider the Steward's advice. Some of the Winter Soldier's crimes – including the murder of Howard and Maria Stark – would likely torment his conscience for the rest of his life. But like Uganda demonstrated, he could again protect the innocent. Refusing to do so out of self-pity would be the real unforgiveable crime.
"Steve always makes it hard to feel sorry for yourself," Barnes eventually said.
"Annoying isn't it?" Boromir wryly observed.
The pair shared a knowing chuckle just before they were joined by Okoye. It was to relay a message from Black Panther.
"Your friends have arrived," she informed them.
T'Challa insisted Aragorn join him in welcoming Rogers's group. The Quinjet had touched down on a Citadel landing pad. Accompanying both monarchs was a small escort of which Sif was the only non-Wakandan. Standing next to Okoye, the Goddess of War wondered if royal bodyguards had something in common.
"Does your king like rushing headlong into battle?" Sif knowingly enquired of her Wakandan counterpart.
"It's like trying to restrain an antelope," Okoye vented in agreement.
Black Panther overheard them thanks to his enhanced senses. He was prevented from giving a witty comeback.
"T'Challa, I consider Steve one of my closest friends," Aragorn quietly said. "Thank you for giving him and the others sanctuary."
Part of Aragorn only wished the Reunited Kingdom had been able to do so. Wakanda's ruler merely reflected on Zemo's machinations.
"It was to correct a grave injustice." T'Challa humbly replied before mock warning, "Though don't blame me for Steve's appearance."
Captain America led the others outside before. He first shook hands with T'Challa while expressing belated condolences.
"Gandalf told us about Uganda," Rogers referred to the wizard's briefing at the New Avengers Facility. "We're sorry about the Dora."
"Thank you, my friend," Black Panther graciously accepted it. "Now you're here we may yet avenge the fallen."
Rogers turned to Aragorn. The latter took one look at former and remembered a previous conversation with Legolas.
"You look terrible," Aragorn observed deadpan.
"Gimli told me to grow a beard," Rogers similarly replied.
The Fellowship's co-leaders shared a knowing laugh before embracing. Aragorn was puzzled by the actions of another of its members.
"Bruce, I said you bow to no-one," Aragorn reminded him.
"Err, no," Banner tried clarifying his actions, "I was bowing to – "
Black Panther raised his hands. "We don't do that here."
Banner realised he had been the victim of a practical joke. Rhodes gave him a 'gotcha' nudge as the whole group began walking to the Citadel. It might have been four years since they last saw her. But the original Avengers had not forgotten the one who first joined their ranks.
"Good to see you, Sif," Romanoff greeted her.
"And you, Natasha," Sif replied. Like Black Widow, she knew a longer catch-up would have to wait. "We were finalising battle plans just before you arrived."
"You know it'll be a huge assault?" Banner chimed in from experience.
"Yes, Gandalf's warned us," Aragorn curtly assured.
Romanoff picked up the worried undertone in his voice. No matter the plan, allied forces were going to be heavily outnumbered.
"How are we looking?" Romanoff enquired to learn by how much.
"You'll have my King's Guard," T'Challa answered, "the Border Tribe, the Dora Milaje, and some old friends of yours."
Waiting in front of them was a gathering of familiar faces. None from Middle-earth were offended by who Captain America spoke to first.
"Including a semi-stable, hundred-year old man," a self-deprecating Barnes described himself.
Rogers took a closer look at his expression. He made a mental note to thank Shuri for the return of his oldest friend.
"How you been, Buck?" Rogers greeted him as they warmly embraced.
"Not bad, for the end of the world," the White Wolf wryly admitted.
Rogers discovered Barnes had met another close friend of his.
"I told him it always seems to bring us together," Boromir joined the conversation.
Rogers was equally glad to see his unofficial kin from Middle-earth. He saw that kin had grown by one in number. Unfortunately, Theodwyn had fallen asleep in Faramir's arms. But her brother happily embraced their "Uncle Steve". Banner's renewal of close friendships had been no less heartfelt. As expected, Merry and Pippin immediately made a beeline for him. Their hugs contained a heavy element of relief.
"Okoye said you've been missing," Merry sympathised. "I can't imagine what you've been through."
"At times, I can't believe it myself," Banner reflected on what he'd experienced over the last three years.
"All that matters are you and the Other Guy are back," Pippin tried encouraging them.
Banner wondered if the pair could help with coaxing out the Other Guy like they did in Middle-earth. Then again, time was against them. He needed every minute to get the Hulkbuster 2.0 armour ready for deployment.
"Doctor Banner," T'Challa request a private word.
The Avenger excused himself and walked over to the king.
"I'm sorry if bowing embarrassed anyone," Banner assumed it was the reason.
Black Panther had not been the slightest bit offended.
"I'm sure you were set up," T'Challa assured before segueing. "I've been asked to pass on a message – I'm told you'll know what it means."
"What is it?"
"What you and Gandalf talked about is waiting inside."
Banner entered a small room in the Citadel before the door slid close behind him. The exterior wall had a full-length window looking out on the projected battlefield. By contrast, the room's interior was sparsely furnished. In the middle were two armchairs facing one another of which one was already occupied.
"Take a seat, Bruce," Strange greeted him.
Banner blinked and suddenly found himself seated. The only thing more startling than the sorcerer's spell was him being in Wakanda. Until now, he had assumed the sorcerer was being held captive billions of miles away from Earth.
"Stephen!" Banner exclaimed. "You were beamed aboard that ship! How did you get back?"
"Gandalf found us," Strange casually replied.
The implication gave Banner no small relief. "Tony's back too?" he deduced.
"He and the kid are in Sokovia," Strange confirmed with reference to Parker.
"Can I talk to him?"
"We need to talk first." Strange firmly stated before revealing, "Gandalf said you're still having a problem with your green friend."
The sorcerer had first witnessed the said problem himself during the Attack on Greenwich Village.
"Well, he's not still not coming out," Banner confirmed before considering how he and Strange were seated. "Look, I appreciate this," he tried not to sound ungrateful. "But Thanos will soon be here, I've got to get the Mark 49 ready. We don't have time for therapy."
Strange was dry as ever. "I'm not that sort of head doctor."
The Master of Mystic Arts swiftly poked the Avenger's chest. Banner's head snapped back as his astral form was ejected from his body. With Banner still reeling from the experience, Strange summoned a mystical barrier encompassing the whole room. Gandalf's solution drew on Banner's last visit to Middle-earth. The stage was set for the astral equivalent of a cage fight.
"You two have a lot to talk about," Strange advised.
Banner anxiously glanced right – Strange had ejected Hulk's astral form as well! The last time Banner and Hulk had faced each other like this had been within Saruman's palantir. Hulk's expression left no doubt this encounter was not going to be anywhere near as amicable.
"The spell will lift when you sort things out," Strange concluded matters.
The sorcerer exited the pocket dimension he had created via a portal. Now alone in their pocket dimension, Banner's alter-ego spoke first.
"Puny Banner!" Hulk raged before throwing a punch.
Banner was struck directly in the face. Physically, the force of the blow would have killed him outright. His astral form instead merely flinched, realising this was a far more even contest.
"Who's puny now?" he taunted back.
Banner drew on his martial arts training. A spinning kick sent Hulk hurtling into the barrier behind him. His pride stung; Hulk launched himself back in the fray. He grasped Banner on the fly before driving him into the barrier. Banner freed himself with a blow to the stomach. The pair flew within the barrier's confines, each trying to pummel the other into submission. Their conflict was intensified by years of pent-up anger, distrust, fear and self-hatred.
Thanos's forces had not yet arrived. But the Battle of Wakanda had begun in earnest.
Nienna was in her halls staring into the depths of space. She had not stopped weeping since Gandalf's group had been outcast. Her tears were also for the innocent lives lost across the galaxy since then. However, the war for the Infinity Stones stood poised to claim trillions more. The Valar were forbidden to save them by directly entering the war. Nienna had proposed an alternate solution for the Ilúvatar's approval.
Varda suddenly appeared near her. The Lady of Mercy hoped it was a good sign her petition had been accepted.
"Your husband asked?" Nienna enquired.
The Queen of the Valar nodded.
"You may give warning," Varda relayed what Manwë had been told. "But just this once."
Nienna took a moment to silently give thanks. She just had one question about the said warning's intended recipient.
"Where is he now, sister?" Nienna asked.
Endgame was not the only reason for the delay in this chapter. The greatest challenge in this crossover is the timeframe of events limiting the opportunities for character development. I had to rewrite this chapter a few times to squeeze as much development as possible before the shooting starts.
Learning about the Avengers Civil War can be considered a group development on the Free Peoples' part. If nothing else, it helped set the stage for Bucky and Boromir's first meeting (Cap's triumph quote is from Earth-616). I also felt the Aragorn/T'Challa and Sif/Okoye connections were worth building as well.
Call me impatient. However, I always intended Bruce and Hulk to have a 'chat' this crossover. We'll just have to wait and see if they sort things out prior to Thanos's arrival.
It goes without saying that planning is an integral part of military operations. I just can't imagine allied forces in Wakanda not doing likewise given the collective military genius of their leadership.
Vision inventing a language is my second nod to JRRT.
I thought Lubanzi an appropriate name for a rhino given it means "wide and deep". And "Sharper" was often used in the 17th and 18th centuries to describe a thief who tricked people out of their possessions.
