I am going to give you guys a heads up: a couple of characters have been borrowed from the Hobbit film trilogy. So, if you ask who they are from the Marvel medias, they're not from anything Marvel related. And I hope the wait was worth it. So, have fun and happy readings to you all.

(On the side note, I am not good at writing chase scenes. That's the biggest scene I am weak at besides battle sequences).

Chapter Eleven

A Change In the Winds

Luis gently guided the barge down the river with a strange looking steering device at the back of their transport as they floated down in its tamed currents. From what T'Challa could make of it, it was a long wooden pole with a handle connected to it. He used it to steer the blade attached to it in the water. Silence reigned as they traveled down the river. Those born in the New World knew it wouldn't be long before they reached the island Strathcona was located on. T'Challa was speculating if Ultron knew they were there. He wondered if there was a place for them in the Lonely Hills.

"I've been into the mountains they live in, and those people are savages."

Now how on Arda did he let the memory slip back into his mind? That was the last thing he wanted to think about! He sighed and tried to change his sitting position to make himself more comfortable. Hearing Klaue make such accusations still disturbed him greatly. But the more he thought of it, the more believable those words looked to be. Now, he could not help but believe the black ops dealer's deranged accusations.

"T'Challa."

The man flinched at the sound of his name being spoken. He found Nakia coming to sit next to him.

"You look lost," she observed of him.

"I am fine," T'Challa lied.

"No, you're not," Nakia disagreed. "You've been quiet most of the time. I know something is bothering you. What is it?"

T'Challa shook his head. "I cannot say. You would not like to hear it."

"Try me," Nakia dared with a smile.

T'Challa took in a breath and soon confessed to her exactly what Klaue had told her word for word. Nakia listened with wide eyes as her longtime friend described the conversation that took place between the two in the interrogation room. T'Challa felt like he was about to be undone, stripped naked and laid bare at her feet of revealing such information once he had finished.

"My father left a group of people in chaos and a child scarred," T'Challa concluded with a sigh. "What kind of king…what kind of man does that?"

"No one is perfect," Nakia reminded.

T'Challa shook his head. "We had the tools to help them. We could have helped the boy. Now, we are paying the price for it."

"You think Ultron was the child?" Nakia asked.

"I don't know what else to think unless I meet these people myself," T'Challa voiced his thoughts. "Ultron may be a creature of chaos and destruction, but I fear that he had not made himself that. We may have created a monster bigger than krakens."

"Hey. Look at me."

T'Challa could not help but comply.

"You cannot let the actions of your father dictate who you are," Nakia said. "You get to decide what kind of king you get to be."

T'Challa looked back up ahead. "I fear that I may not have that choice anymore."

"So, how is it that you two know each other?" Everett inquired of Luis' and Scott's relations with each other.

"Just showed up one day in Strathcona to look for a living and ended up sharing a house with him and two others," Scott answered.

"You have told us you didn't have any place to call home," T'Challa said.

"And you didn't say anything about who you were before Ultron took control of Wakanda," Scott retorted.

T'Challa scowled, but said nothing.

"He's got you right there," Shuri smiled.

"You could have something, too," Scott pointed out, causing her to glare at him.

The youngest of the two women was about to respond with a withering remark when Vision turned to Luis. "I have heard tales of the Midwest. Most specifically the Lonely Hills. Is it true that the mountain range there is as magnificent as they claim it to be?"

Luis and Scott gave each other a knowing smile.

"How about you tell us?" Luis offered, gesturing up ahead.

A parting of the fog revealed the company's objective to the north in the distance. Nakia gasped upon what laid ahead of them. The fog was slowly being lifted up to reveal the mouth of the river. Hills and buttes stretched for miles on one side of the small lake. Stratchcona was silhouetted on the only island located in center.

"Hurry, into the barrels," Scott instructed them.

With time the essence, Luis assumed the strangers would demand to know why. He was consequently surprised when they complied and climbed into the barrels. They understood Scott's urgency. That was why he hurriedly started to bury them in the items they had taken out of Wakanda. Luis was still uncertain of his friend's relationship with them.

"Um, Scottie?" Luis asked. "What about you?"

"I can take care of myself," a determined Scott said, glaring at the silhouette of the city.

"Not if we enter the town," Luis argued. "I mean, the Master and the entire town still think you're dead. You need to stay that way for now. If we go inside and they all find out you're alive, we're done!"

Scott breathed in and out of his nose. As much as he hated to admit it, Luis did have a point. There was no telling what would happen if they entered Strathcona and word of him in town spread. He finally complied and stowed into one of the barrels, letting Luis cover him up. His attention was immediately then set upon he other occupant.

"Ooh, I forgot about you," he said.

Everett reached into his pocket and handed him a few notes.

"Money's not the problem, sir," Luis said.

"Consider it a tip," Everett casually shrugged.

"A tip?" Luis was baffled. "For what?"

Everett sat on the raised section of the stern with White Wolf lying right next to his feet.. Standing besides him, Luis began slowing the barge upon inching towards Strathcona. The town was nestled on a decent sized island, constructed of either wood or brick. T'Challa ducked his head beneath the quilts again as they approached the tollgate. Luis came to a full stop alongside the gatekeeper's office.

"Maurice? You home?" Luis called out.

The gatekeeper stepped out of his office, stumbling over the threshold. He held up his lantern to see who it was. "Oh, it's you, Luis. You're back early."

"Yep, and I'm ready to go back home," Luis answered before handing over the papers.

"You and me both," Maurice spoke in agreement.

He took Luis's papers back into his office. The gatekeeper was a very rare public official in Strathcona. Unlike most of the officials, he used his position to serve the people. Luis kept a wary eye out for the town master's henchmen. They were not sympathetic towards him or any of the others.

Maurice came out with the papers. "Here you are. All filed and ready for you."

A man dress in black snatched the papers out of Maurice's hand.

"Not so fast."

Luis groaned inwardly. Alfred was the town's deputy and the people hated him more than the Master himself. To make matters worse, he was also the first cousin Scott mentioned in Wakanda. He spent most of his time harassing Scott, Luis, Dave, and Kurt on a daily basis. Behind him was a small armed group of the policemen.

"Let's see what we've got here," Alfred surveyed the barge. "Barrels of hideous items, eh? If I recall correctly," he said as he stepped onto the barge, "your place was to secure the area, not to deliver illegal profit."

"Illegal?" Everett stood up from his place. "This is one of the most finest pieces of work you'll ever see in your days."

"And who are you suppose to be?" Alfred sneered.

"I'm Senator Everett Ross of Esgaroth," Everett announced with more confidence than ever. He pulled out a badge to prove his position in the capital's government.

T'Challa peeked out of his hiding place to see what was happening. Everett's back was turned to them, but he could clearly see Alfred's face and, oh boy; the look on his face was priceless! The regime of guards looked at each other in surprised confusion.

"Good enough," Alfred said. He stepped off the barge and left the scene with his entourage. The two residents looked at each with open mouths. The gatekeeper seized the opportunity before something else could happen.

"Raise the gate!" Maurice called out to his subordinates.

An uncomfortable silence settled on the barge as they progressed down the main channel. Scott had little doubt that there would be a lot of trouble once word of Everett's presence spread into the city. Would his title as a welcomed foreigner to Wakanda lessen the disastrous results that could follow? But he was more concerned what would happen if anyone found out of him and the unexpected guests they have hidden in the barrels.

The barge finally reached its usual mooring spot. Luis jumped off as Everett tossed a line to him. Luis began tying it to a wooden bollard. After looking around, Everett started to knock on the barrels, it's hidden passengers throwing the quilts off of them as the group climbed out.

"What is that awful smell?" Shuri coughed.

"For Bast's sakes, will you stop?" T'Challa sighed.

"Come on," Scott hissed. "We have to get out of here before the guards come this way."

The company hurried away from the docks. They were led through the back streets to get to Scott's residence.

"What is this place?" Vision wondered aloud.

"This is the Midwest," Luis whispered.

T'Challa could barely believe his eyes. Strathcona was like a Western version of Amarna. The buildings were mashed together, with only walls to establish a different shop entirely. A long bridge stretched out towards the mainland. Upon a further glance, he thought it could use a bit of fixing. There were so many places that he wanted to explore, if only some of the streets weren't full of people in rags.

"What is this?" Everett gestured at them. "This can't be right. The last time I was here there was hardly a person living in the streets. This town was full of trade and people of different countries and festivities and…well, it was very different. What happened here?"

"Remember when we warned you about the Master miles back?" Scott scowled about the town's current ruler. "Well, here's your answer."

T'Challa's nose wrinkled in disgust. If they weren't in such a dangerous territory, he would have offered assistance to overthrow their current ruling system. Scott and Luis pushed them further into the back roads as a couple of policemen walked by.

"Did you hear of what happened at the gateway?" one of them queried the other.

"That Mr. Sanchez brought home a senator? Briggs told me of it. He said that he was right there when the man pulled out a badge to confirm his position in the capital. Doesn't explain the wolf or the barrels of goods from a foreign country. There hasn't been any trade in years."

The conversation was cut off the further they went down the street. By the looks on the men's face, he sensed this was uncommon. The entire company also knew it was impossible to enter Scott's residence unnoticed through the front door. They would have to wait until nightfall to sneak inside. T'Challa thought maybe there was another option.

"Can you get us past the guards?" he silently asked Vision.

"Not unless you want everyone to know that I'm a wraith," the man in question responded.

"You two wouldn't have a plan in mind, do you?" Everett inquired.

Luis and Scott gave each other a knowing look. Shuri instantly recognized what was about to come next.

"Not again," she grumbled.

The two-story house was different from the other houses in Strathcona. The place was made of wooden planks that had been sprayed down to prevent rot. The house itself was situated in a bustling neighborhood that acted like if it were part of uptown. That was why with the money that was given, Everett was given a cap of his own to help hide his face as he followed Luis to the house. He looked behind himself to see if they were being followed, but shook his head as he realized that he was being paranoid. A silly habit he had picked up upon returning to the New World.

The house was looming in front of them, and Everett caught a glimpse of across the street at a smaller building. He noticed the unsavory stares of the drunken men who were lounging by its stoop. Luis saw them as well and, figuring they could be spies or something to take them off of the house, turned to Everett.

"This is my home sir," he started. "Sorry if I start to ramble off. It's just, how often is it that a personal official from Esgaroth asks a poor man like myself for a place to stay during their visits?"

Everett stole a glance across the road. Apparently, some of the men weren't as drunk as they had thought. Two of them had their attention on them. Time to play the part.

"Don't get too excited boy," he said snobbishly. "I don't need anybody to know of my presence here. I have been requested to visit this town to ensure of Strathcona's condition. The president's only hope is that the current master has not forgotten the consequences to what happens if he sees the town as it is."

"Do you want me to alert him?" Luis offered.

Everett scoffed. Both men quickly made for the inside, wishing to avoid those glares.

"The president would not allow that," he chided. "And besides, I wouldn't allow politics to be in the hands such as yours. If I am not pleased with the town's current status, I will advise the president to establish its reputation elsewhere."

Once the door was closed, they cut off the act. The senator took time to inspect the interior. It was nice for men who had to struggle through the hardships.

"I just hope they bought it," Luis prayed.

Everett glanced at the door as if he had heard something. "By the looks of them? Probably."

"Luis, is that you? We have a question on this," Kurt said as he and Dave held up a large poster. On it was a drawing that was identical to a blueprint of a house.

"What? What's the problem now?" Luis asked as he set the box down.

"Kramer was concerned for this," Dave pointed out, gesturing to the problem.

"You got that kind of a deal?" Luis sounded incredulous.

"You said to get the whole works as soon as possible," Dave reminded.

"That was a scam!" Luis exclaimed. "We live in the Midwest, not the east coast."

As they started to argue, a small girl descended from the steps, rubbing her eyes. Her eyes instantly went to the table. Never before had Everett seen a child's eyes widened, but she was amazed at the sight of the box's contents. Not only were there more items than what they regularly bought. The box also contained a small amount of goods that regular townsfolk often had to do without.

"Food!" she cried out gleefully. She dashed down through the last steps, missing a few that almost tripped her. All three men looked over as she reached the carton. They could hear the poster drop as they rushed to see what it held.

"How did you manage to afford these?" Dave wondered. It was then he noticed Everett nearby. "Oh, hi senator."

Cassie looked up at Everett. She rushed forward and threw her arms around the senator. "Thank you, sir!"

A grin burst across the senator's face. Before Everett could respond, Scott had allowed the rest of the runaways to enter the house.

"Scott!" Dave and Kurt rushed forward and threw their arms around their missing friend. Scott laughed as he returned the embrace.

"Yeah, I'm home," he said.

"Daddy?"

Scott's eyes brightened as he picked her up.

"Cassie!" he returned the greeting. "How's my little girl?"

"We all thought you had died." Cassie lamented. "You didn't come home that night. We looked and we looked, but we could never find you."

Scott smiled sadly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to leave you."

"Scott, who are they?" a confused Kurt asked.

Cassie looked up at the four strangers that were behind her father and inwardly gasped at the sight of them. Ever since her mother had left, Scott spent his free time dotting on her, even introducing her to stories of magical beings and mysterious far off places. She wiggled out of her father's arms to get confirmation from the person of interest to be what she thought.

"Are you a prince?" she honestly inquired of T'Challa.

T'Challa felt his cheeks burn as he heard Nakia and Shuri snicker. "Well, I suppose I am," he answered.

White Wolf emerged from behind and bounded up to Cassie, nudging her gently with its snout.

"Is that a wolf?" Dave asked.

Nighttime had come around. It was lightly pouring as they settled down with the reunions and questions passing by. The entirety of the household gathered around the fireplace to keep warm. As supper was being prepared to ease chilled bones, Scott was describing what he went through during his absence.

"These are very warm," Everett commented on the blankets.

"That's because they're made of wool," Kurt told him.

The others didn't hesitate to thank for the quilts they were offered. Noticing this, Scott went to the box and collected a parcel wrapped in string. It was something he hoped would warm his friend's spirit. He walked over to the chair T'Challa occupied and gave it to him.

"What's this?" T'Challa was confused.

"A thank you gift," Scott explained.

T'Challa gently unwrapped the gift. Revealed were three books that covered the history of the Great War and the Avengers. The thief's motive was like the one he had been given.

"First editions," Scott said of the books. "I know it's not like the ones you have in the library in Amarna, but after all you had to go through, you deserve something nice."

T'Challa didn't know what to say. He was beyond grateful. The king of Wakanda hadn't considered returning to pack some of his own possessions among the ones they had taken. Word's couldn't describe how much he was touched by this simple gesture.

"You have no idea how happy I am," T'Challa said. "But, you didn't have to do this."

"Well, you did a lot for me," Scott shrugged. "I thought I would return the favor. My parole officer would have thought the same."

Their guests gave him a comical look.

"Apparently, I'm not that funny either," Scott muttered.

One of the occupants seemed to agree.

"Daddy," Cassie chided. "Really?"

T'Challa found himself laughing as he stood up from his seat. He then noticed Vision peering out the window with a troubled brow. Concerned, T'Challa set his books on the coffee table and walked over to the eldest child of Ultron.

"What is it?" he inquired.

"I am concerned about what is happening back at home," Vision exposed his fears and concerns. "I fear that Ultron might be able to piece together where we might have disappeared to. Should he figure out our whereabouts…" He stopped, drawing in a shaky breath. "I do not know if I can bear anymore of it."

Suddenly, T'Challa felt as if he had been hit with a wave of raw emotions — anger, sadness, fear, guilt, anxiety; all of those feelings were more powerful than what any man could grasp. Just as soon as it crashed on him, those thoughts and feelings had been withdrawn. Vision found himself at fault for the sudden surprised reaction the Wakandan king displayed. As far as he knew, T'Challa had been exposed to enough trauma in his childhood.

"I am sorry," Vision apologized. "That was odd."

"I was almost murdered by your father by one of his favorite tricks," T'Challa told him. "By the way the shaman and two of his generals looked, no one had survived it before."

"Yes, I have heard from Nova," Vision said.

"Oh, gee," they heard Scott grumble. "Luis, when's the last time we fetched any vegetables from Kirby?"

"Ooh, can I get them?" Shuri volunteered.

Scott gave her an odd look. "You. You of all the people here want to get them?" he questioned suspiciously.

"For cultural purposes," Shuri lied.

Scott frowned. He turned around and opened up a drawer. He pulled out a small pouch and placed it in her hands.

"Just buy what we need," he instructed. "Do not draw any attention."

"I may be a foreigner, but I am from a country that is ahead of your own time," Shuri said. "I know how to not attract attention."

Scott was ready to retort with a witty remark when the young woman took off. He scrunched up his face and threw his hands up in defeat.

"What did she mean by that?" Cassie wondered.

"Nope," Dave exclaimed. "We do not need to know of that."

As the dishes were being prepared, the room broke out into different several conversations. A few minutes had ticked by as Cassie approached Vision.

"Excuse me, but what part of Saxony are you from?" she inquired.

"What makes you think that?" Vision asked.

"Your accent," she revealed.

Vision wasn't sure whether to be touched by this, take it as a compliment, or find it insulting. "Well, I wasn't really born there," he told her. "But, I suppose that I was if you think that."

Cassie was confused as to why a man with a Saxonite accent wouldn't have been born there, unless his parents were immigrants. T'Challa didn't know for sure if it were okay to expose his identity to them. While all four of them had been surprised to learn who he and Shuri truly were, they had sworn to keep it secret.

The Black Panther noticed movement from the corner of his eye. Glancing up, he saw Shuri approach the house, her face concealed. Her brother frowned. She had not been wearing a hat when they had arrived. Nor had she worn a blouse with a vest, a skirt, leggings, and boats. He gestured for her to meet him in the back. He pretended to go upstairs to check on the items they had savored from the barge. Checking to see no one was behind him, he opened the window and slipped through it, jumping down to the ground turning to his sister.

"Shuri? Where did you get those?" he asked.

Shuri looked up at him from beneath the rim of the hat. She tore it off of her head and threw it on one of the poles. He noticed how deeply disturbed she looked.

"Are you okay?" he changed the subject.

"I don't think we will be safe outside here," she said.

"What do you mean?" T'Challa wondered.

Shuri looked around at the occupants of the room. She leaned in closer and whispered, "I think I saw Klaue."

T'Challa felt his eyes open at the revelation. "Where?" he asked.

"Uptown," Shuri gestured to her left. "I just saw him."

T'Challa looked to the door that she had entered from. Scott had specifically said not to leave the house during the light hours due to the spies. He honestly found it ridiculous that the Master thought these men were trying to gain power. All they ever wanted was a simple and quiet life. If they screwed this up, that dream would be dashed. On the other hand….

"We have to go now," T'Challa decided.

"What about the others?" Shuri questioned.

T'Challa looked up to the rest of the house's current residents. They were occupied in conversations and other activities. How to do this without getting any of them into trouble was the question indeed. Supposed they were arrested and brought to the main office to be interrogated. Would there be a way to connect the siblings to any of them? Would Everett help them?

"They will be fine for now," T'Challa said. "We'll just have to lie in case this goes wrong. For now, let's go find ourselves a murderer."

T'Challa knew that he needed to move fast. Brother and sister raced through the streets in search of Klaue. "Where did you see him go to?" he asked.

"Uptown," she said.

T'Chaka's children wasted no time as they scurried down the road to where Shuri had first seen the man. T'Challa scolded himself for being so careless. It was not long before his thoughts wondered back to Glashiem. The roads would have been a battlefield with many people hurt or killed. It had been a happy accident on Klaue's behalf for traveling up to the rooftop.

They reached uptown of Strathcona, a semi-busy neighborhood where most of the hangouts were. The two slipped into an alleyway near one of the saloons. Quietly, they peeked around the corner to see the man of interest that was there. There was no sign of him yet.

"Cannot believe the audacity of that tavern owner throwing me out. Does he not know who I am?" one voice exclaimed angrily.

"Apparently so."

T'Challa sucked in a breath. He knew that voice.

"I cannot believe that bastard. He should be taught a lesson. Ought to have some respect for me."

"Why should anyone here? The poor idiot you call a cousin left this town in disgrace."

"Well, they should. Especially if I am to marry Cynthia."

T'Challa heard the familiar wheezing laugh. "You really think she would give in to you? You're from the most shamed family in the district."

T'Chaka's children peered around the corner. They could see their target among a group of gentlemen. At least, they thought they were gentlemen by their clothing. T'Challa didn't care, just as long as Klaue was in their sights. He will not let him get away this time. Even if it meant tearing this town apart to catch him.

A barmaid exited out of the tavern and locked the place up before heading down the road. One of the men eyed her. Blowing out a puff of smoke, he began to follow her.

"Sean, do not even think about it," another one said, trying to stop him.

Shuri and T'Challa looked at each other. Time to put themselves into action. They slipped out of their hiding place and cautiously made their way down the sidewalk towards them. He wanted to discreetly apprehend the man as soon as he could to avenge the people he had killed years ago.

They were led on one miscalculation. Just as soon as they approached the group, one of the men was suddenly flung at them. T'Challa managed to catch the man in time. By the time they had been straightened out, Klaue was already making his escape.

"T'Challa!" Shuri exclaimed.

"Let's go!" T'Challa said.

Shuri whooped as they took off after him. Together, they wove through various tiny crowds to catch up to their target.

"I hear the town square is the busiest because that's were the markets are usually set up at," Shuri said as they scurried down the roads. "We may be able to trap Klaue there."

"We have to find a way to corner him first," T'Challa growled.

"Then let's split up!" Shuri put forward. "We may be able to trap him from both sides."

T'Challa sighed and agreed. Shuri ran to her right that left T'Challa solo. He dodged every person that came his way and tried to avoid the guards. He tried to gain on the Klaue. It was as if they were playing a shell game. T'Challa realized that Klaue was trying to confuse him. Well, not if he could help it. He will catch Klaue, for he was not going to fail this time.

I have you now!

Klaue, on the other hand, had a plan of his own. He stopped and turned around, his prosthetic hand thrust out. Instead of aiming it at T'Challa, he had it focused on a wagon. He fired at it and watched as the wagon was sent flying back towards a group of beggars before he continued to run. Many of them clung onto each other as it came barreling at them. T'Challa didn't bother to hesitate. He jumped into the path between them and the wagon, forcing to scream at him. He didn't care. He slammed his hands against it and used his strength to slow it down. He was inches away when he had it come to a complete stop.

"Shuri, do you have your sights on him?" T'Challa asked through the ear pieces. He ran down the road, ignoring the people that were whispering and pointing at him.

"Not yet," Shuri responded.

"Keep an eye out for him," T'Challa instructed. "Do not let him leave the city."

Eventually, Shuri tried to forge up a plan to corner the criminal. She looked around for something to quickly apprehend him before it was too late. As it turned out, there was a few carts by an old warehouse. Tilting one upward, she jumped into it and launched it down the road on the sloping hill. A group of people were passing through when they heard the noise coming from above the hill.

Get down!" Shuri shouted.

The pedestrians didn't hesitate. They scrambled out of the way as the cart jumped over them. As luck would have it, she saw her target come into view. The cart slammed into him, causing both of them to fly forward and into the front of the Master's house.

Shuri was sent sprawling on the ground. She sat up groggily, the world a kaleidoscope of color. She blinked her eyes and shook her head to clear her vision. A blurred image did appear to be moving among the shapes. She quickly scrambled away, not wanting to be in the line of firing if Klaue had the will to do it.

"Klaue!"

T'Challa's voice rang out for all to hear.

"Did you think we would forget?"

Klaue raised his prosthetic hand up toward the Black Panther. "Here, kitty, kitty," The blaster powered up and fired. T'Challa held up the plank before it could hit him. It didn't seem to affect him as the object blew up and crumbled in his hand. Just before the gangster could fire again, Shuri appeared from behind and kicked him in the leg. T'Challa sprinted the rest of the way and ripped the arm off of him, crushing it. He glared at the weapon, now spitting with sparks. He was surprised to see what it was made of.

"Vibranium?" Shuri gasped.

"Where did you get this?" T'Challa demanded to know.

"You savages don't deserve it," Klaue sneered.

Angry, T'Challa threw down the weapon and grabbed Klaue by the shirt. He let the nanites bleed from the Panther's Habit and run along his arm before he drew out his claws from his gauntlet.

"Mercy, King," Klaue pleaded with false fear. "Have mercy."

"Every breath you take is mercy," T'Challa snarled, poised to strike.

"Stop!"

T'Challa hesitated at the sound of his long term friend's voice.

"Let him go," Nakia implored as she and the others approached from the crowd.

"There's people watching," Dave noted.

T'Challa looked around. He could see very well their words reign true. Most of the people gathered were watching with fear and curiosity. The destitute were in awe of this man that saved them from a flying wagon without so much as sweating. The Black Panther knew they were right. He released Klaue from his grip. Nobody had to the time to react as he made his escape.

"It's Scott!"

"Praise the lord!"

"He's back!"

Scott barely had the time to react as people came forward and placed a hand on him. The people were just glad to have one of their saviors returned home safe and sound after a lengthy disappearance. It was also their way of apologizing to him for past inconveniences on their behalf. The man was not sure how to respond; he never had been used to receiving such a welcoming committee. He never had time to think on it. A short moment later, Strathcona's ruler stormed outside, still putting on his coat and cap.

"What is the meaning of this?" the Master finally demanded, both confused and flustered. "Who are these strange people?"

The group looked up.

"They're nothing to be concerned about," Scott sternly said, putting himself between the group and the two officials. "They're just guests of mine."

The Master's eyes widened in surprise and fear. Alfred was more afraid as he was the one who oversaw the man's disappearance. Scott's guess was correct! They had to have been the ones who arranged his kidnapping.

"Mr. Lang!" the Master sputtered. "You're alive."

"That's right," Scott remarked. "I am."

The gang had been silently asking the same question since entering the yard — where was Everett? They were hoping the official would help them once again. Luckily, they had a few men who knew who they were dealing with.

"Ah, it would make sense that these people would be associated with you," Alfred observed in recovery.

"Alfred, come on," Scott said. "Why do you have to be like that? You don't even know these people. They don't have to get caught up in this. Haven't enough people suffered?"

T'Challa felt grateful for Scott's defense. The Master, though, was their greatest obstacle yet. If the Black Panther knew exactly what kind of a person this pungent man was, he was about to get a taste of it tonight. The circumstances of keeping their identities a secret were now put to the test as a cunning opponent seized the opportunity to turn someone's honor into a liability.

"Now, now," the Master chided. "We must not be too quick to bid to lay blame on who suffered. Let us not forget that you, Mr. Lang, who was the reason these people are impoverished in the first place."

The people groaned in annoyance, having to hear the exact same excuse. The conditions had been hard on them for almost an entire year now. However, if Scott hadn't been stealing from the town's regime just for them, the entire place would see to no future. They knew that the former burglar had little care for gold and jewels. His greatest treasure came in the form of his daughter and three friends. And he would protect that treasure with his life.

"Lies!" someone yelled.

Everyone started to shout and yell. Many more tried to push back the policemen just to get to the Master and Alfred for punishment. It was justice for themselves and the men. Danger was about to rise, and it had to be stopped.

"All of you!" T'Challa tried to draw out their attention. "Listen! Strathcona is in too much disarray as it all ready is. Do you want bloodshed to be added to that list? You cannot let an action of a vile man blind your judgment. You have to make it fair. Do we even know why this all happened?"

He turned to Alfred. "I'll tell you why," he continued, ignoring Scott trying to get him to shut up. "All for the ambition of greed so great that one man cannot see beyond reason."

"What do you know?" Alfred sneered at T'Challa. "You're not even from around here. You're just a stupid foreigner."

T'Challa's eyes blazed with anger as he turned his gaze to him. In the corner of his eye, he could see the exact same fire suddenly ignite in Scott's eyes. The thief clenched his hand tightly. He would let Alfred get away harassing him, but he would not allow his first cousin to make such insults onto people outside of their own personal war. It was then the youngest of the runaways voiced her own anger.

"Bite your tongue, you cock-eyed bastard," Shuri angrily rebuked. "You do not know to whom you speak to." She proudly gestured at her brother. "This is no ordinary man. This is T'Challa, the true king of Wakanda."

T'Challa stepped forward and gave his sister's shoulder a careful squeeze. The revelation threw the Master as well as how the crowd murmured in amazement. Until recently, the liche king had been a fairy tale until one fleet of ships managed to escape and warn the New World of his conquest. There had been rumors that his wife and children had evade his wrath when none of their bodies turned up. Perhaps this was what was left of T'Chaka's legacy?

"We are the children of T'Chaka," T'Challa confirmed. "We only come to seek asylum for a time being." He turned to the townsfolk. "I remember hearing of this town and its glorious days of trade. Scores of boats lay in harbor, filled with treasures of many nations and islands. Hence, the reason why it is known as the Gateway to Both Worlds."

Even the town's oldest citizens remembered those days before the Old World was closed off to them. It was not just having to see their town flow with sorts of treasures. They had ached for the same freedom and would have enjoyed having their children and their children's children be granted of those same privileges.

"I would like to see those days of old return," T'Challa told the people. "I will offer of our greatest treasures to help all in need to rebuild their nations and move into a better future. Should we succeed, all will share in the wealth of Wakanda. Even the nations that were invaded will have enough to rebuild their countries five times over!"

"T'Challa, are you sure that's a good idea?" Shuri asked.

"I am as sure as ever," T'Challa nodded.

Murmurs broke out through the crowd. Many couldn't believe how a king of an isolated country would be willing to aid them in their time of need. Questions were spreading like wildfire among them. A very popular one was how a country full of farmers would help them.

Nakia took that as her cue. She reached into the folds of her coat and pulled out a small canister of vibranium. She held it up for all to see.

"This here," she indicated, "is vibranium. The strongest metal you will ever lay eyes on. This is likewise the very same metal that made up Captain New World's shield."

The crowd was intrigued of the metal. Never before had they seen a mineral of this form of beauty and potential of advancing livelihoods. For a majority, they believed that this was the first real hope they felt.

"I, too, would like to see the days of old again," Nakia voiced her opinions. "Not just to see trade flow through these lands and have people experience many fantastic things beyond their wildest imaginations, but to see the world return to what was and what it can be."

The Wakandans noted how the crowd cheered in joy. The Master seemed satisfied with the predicament. The town's deputy was still concerned that this was some sort of scheme by Scott for revenge.

"And just how do we know we can believe you?" Alfred challenged. "We don't know anything about you. Who here can vouch for you, eh?"

The entire square was silent.

"If I may," a voice came from the crowd.

All present watched in silence as an individual stepped out of the crowd and made his way forward.

"I was there in Wakanda when the liche king himself took over," Vision spoke. "For the last twenty years I have been living there forced in his command. I'm only here now because of T'Challa."

"You don't have any proof of that," Alfred dismissed the man's credibility.

Vision's eyes flashed. With T'Challa's identity exposed in the public of the Midwest, there was no point of secrecy. In an instant he changed from a normal human to his true form, casing himself in a golden aura.

"I am the Vision Knowledge!" he declared. "Son of Ultron! Consort of the Scarlet Witch! Friend of Quicksilver! If I say T'Challa is king of Wakanda, then dammit, may he be so!"

The wraith's aura quickly dissipated along with any doubts of the royal children's identity. A chorus of frightened cries had erupted in all directions when he displayed his power. The gendarme were too stunned to even make a move. Even those in the household found Vision's display far more frightening than Ultron's practice of dark magic.

"Everyone, remain calm! You have nothing to fear of him!"

Everett had used the chaos caused by Vision's display to slip through the crowd and join the others. All attention was turned to him. T'Challa, his sister and friend were for once relieved to see him.

"Vision may be a son of Ultron, but he's different from his brethren," Everett referred to what he knew. "He's helped us without so much as asking for anything in return. Compared to his siblings, you would never have met an inhuman individual kinder nor more selfless than he. If my words do not prove true, then I don't know what will."

"I'm not sure of this, sire," Alfred whispered to the Master. "It all seems strange to me."

"Was the badge I showed you at the tollgate strange to you?" Everett asked. Everyone chuckled while Alfred grumbled in intimidated humiliation.

"I am sure most of you know who I am," the senator continued. "I cannot speak for the country itself when harboring fugitives. But I can say that even when I was serving in the capital, I was specialized in training men who would uphold our country's beliefs. Not for glory, but because I want to see men become greater than me. I know many of you worked very hard to get to where you are now. Well, most of you. Even I had to get my hands in the dirt to prove myself first. I know my value. So believe me when I say you can trust Vision with his magic like you can trust T'Challa with his words."

Vision wasn't the only one moved by Everett's words. An uprising of warmth spread through the crowd. If the senator wasn't afraid of a powerful magic-wielding wraith, why should they be? His own courage began to stir theirs. T'Challa could sense exactly what many of the residents were thinking. They believed they could use this to regain their freedom easily. He learned long ago that freedom always had a price, and it's cost was always high.

And then there was the outcome of what would happen if Ultron found out they came here. Any country they searched in would surely give out word that no such person had crossed borderlines. The fear inlaid within the people would be enough for him to understand why they would hesitate of his true heritage was not revealed. But promises are promises, and he was bound to keep his.

"I speak to you," T'Challa forced the issue. "What say unto you?"

The crowd held its breath as the Master thought for a few seconds. Not even Vision could see what T'Challa was doing, that the question wasn't directed to him. The Master released a shark-like grin as he pointed at the Wakandan King.

"I say unto you…" he started to answer.

"I was talking to Scott, not to you," T'Challa told the Master.

Scott thought for sure he had heard wrong there. "Me?" he checked for clarification.

The Master's eyes were wide open. "What? You ask him?" He was furious. He stormed down the stairs and pointed a finger at T'Challa. "Listen here, you. I don't care if you're the emperor of Nihon. I am the master of this town here, not that disgraceful thief. Whatever I say around here—"

T'Challa glared at the Master. He wasted no time whirling around to meet him. His face was inches away from the terrified expression Strathcona's leader had on.

"I don't care who you are," T'Challa hissed in his ear. "The only reason you have not been killed yet is because it would be a waste of valuable time."

The Master whined in fear. T'Challa stepped back, satisfied, and directed his attention to the one companion he hoped would still help.

"Well?"

Scott looked around the crowd, taking in what they were thinking. Everyone looked to him in desperation. For once, they saw him as a leader. He turned back, holding up a finger. He ushered his friends into a huddle, harsh whispers apparent. The crowd held their breath as the matter was discussed between the quartet before Scott stood up directly.

"Fair point," he said. "T'Challa, you have a deal."

The crowd erupted into loud cheers. Both men shook hands to seal the agreement.