For better or worse, Marvel owns all of this stuff, not me.
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Many thanks to my wonderful Betas, Bobbie23 and MasterQwertster, who write some pretty cool stories. Go read them!
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Chapter 37: Stepping Up
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I should note that some of my stuff for the people of Wakanda here is based upon what I wrote before Captain America: Civil War came out. I have also intentionally not seen any of the Black Panther movie trailers, because I want everything to be a surprise when I see it in theatres.
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Previously:
Following the attack upon Wakanda by the Abomination (who was secretly controlled by the Appendix), the advanced nation's king, T'Challa the Black Panther, went to America to go undercover as a hero, so as to be recruited by the Avengers. Before doing so, he made contact with his sister, a mole in SHIELD with the identity of 'Amanda Waller.'
Later, the Appendix launched an attack on Avenger's Headquarters which left Bucky Barnes dead, and the Avengers either missing, hospitalized, working with government, or on the run while accused of serious crimes. Of the last group, Bruce and Natasha Romanoff-Banner, their daughter Laura, and Wanda Maximoff, set in motion a new plan. As part of this, they made their way to Wakanda…
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"I'd do anything to protect the family. And I have. Judge me as you will."
— The Old Man, "Luba and Her Family," by Gilbert Hernandez
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Wakanda
"Oh relax, we're not here for asylum," Natasha said as she continued to be the spokesperson. "We're just here to tell you a couple of things about what's been going on in the world. Then your own scientists and spies can tell you that we're telling the truth, and you'll realize we've come to help save your people. King T'Challa of Wakanda, the Black Panther."
"A bold claim," T'Challa simply said. No skepticism or support in his tone.
Bruce held up a USB drive, and awkwardly waved it at the monarch. "It's all here. Uhm, how do I give it to you?"
Fearlessly, the Black Panther stalked forward and politely accepted it. Then without a word he walked away. "You will go no further up the mountain," he said over his shoulder, just before disappearing around a jutting rock.
Wanda looked down at the narrow, rough and pointy trail they had climbed. "See anywhere good to sit down?"
"Oh," Natasha sweetly said, "I was thinking we could climb all the way back down. For the exercise."
"No," Wanda flatly said, while Bruce pointedly abstained.
"Wanda, Wanda," Natasha mock scolded. "You've become too pampered by the idolatry and flabby American lifestyle."
"Thank you, I enjoy it very much."
XXX
Wakanda
Forward Security Outpost #3
Head Office
T'Challa did not even bother looking at the files until his security experts had finished checking for any software traps. The hardware the information was being read from was isolated, and would be destroyed afterwards to prevent any lingering surprises.
Although a proper spy is one who can be dangerous even when wielding solely truth itself, he thought with a touch of philosophy.
There was certainly a level of risk associating with these foreigners, yet it was worth it to learn more of what had happened with the Avengers. T'Challa had been hoping that the Sokovia Accords would not be passed, as they would grant greater powers to the US government. Now however they were in full force, while those who might have opposed it were on the run and branded as dangerous criminals—with three of them on his doorstep…
They seemed like fundamentally decent people, genuinely believing their methods would make the world a better place. It would be a shame to be forced to punish and evict them.
The majority of Wakanda's scientists, who including T'Challa himself, were uncharacteristically excited to meet the Doctor Bruce Banner. For all the Outside world's own advancements generally trailed behind Wakanda's, there was a good reason the man was held in the same esteem as Darwin, Einstein, Tesla, and Newton. Banner's breakthroughs had created ripples of shock even here, opening up frontiers previously believed to be impossible.
While speaking of Banner, of course there was also that not-so minor detail of the Hulk.
The Abomination's attack –by a man so blinded by his need for power he had willingly irradiated his body— had killed many of T'Challa's people. Including his own father, T'Chaka, who only two days earlier had retired the crown and mantle of Black Panther to his son. Wakanda's military possessed weapons they believed could kill similar beasts, but they could not guarantee they would work in practice. Emil Blonsky's head had inexplicably exploded, and returned to human, with nothing remaining of the secret of his transformation. Scant traces of nanobots hinted at how this cover-up was accomplished.
Regardless, it would be reckless to assault the Hulk without him/it first giving sufficient provocation. I'll ask nicely once for them to leave, and if that fails we attack.
"Your Majesty, we're ready," reported one officer. Several senior members of the military were present, and holograms permitted others back at the Royal Palace to read from afar, allowing them to participate in real-time, without risking transmitting any of the potential viruses on the USB.
"Very well then, let's begin," he ordered with the authority of the Black Panther. It would be rude to send the rogue Avengers on their way without at least looking at what they had brought. Who knows, their cryptic warnings may even present something of value. Something that I can justify giving them some measure of thanks and reward.
XXX
Outside on the Mountain
"Do you actually like, combat rations?" groused Wanda.
"Had worse, last long," chorused Bruce and Natasha, before glancing at each other in happy surprise.
"Ugh," the young woman groaned. "As soon as this is over, I'm going on a vacation away from you sappy pair. Whatever happened to the heartless assassin and scientist with crippling anxiety and anger issues? What happened to them? Why'm I left with you two?"
They all broke out laughing after that, while Laura got to eat a banana –her parents were not so mean as to make her eat MRE's stashed away by her mom while she was still working for the KGB.
"Hmm, that's right," mused Natasha, with a knowing glint in her eyes. Realizing what was to come, Bruce ducked his head in embarrassment. "Now that Steve's found someone, we've got to find you a boyfriend. Or girlfriend."
Almost paling, Wanda quickly threw her loyal teammate to the wolves. "You should 'help' Sam first. He's older, and been alone too long."
"Yes, but he's not here. And thus, we must continue Operation: Virgin Sacrifice!"
Wanda was alone on a mountain with only a two-year old to save her, against her mortifying honourary aunt, with Bruce already making clear he was not getting involved. How is this my life now!? she wailed to herself.
Despite not understanding the situation, Laura laughed at the expression on her 'aunty's' face.
XXX
Forward Security Outpost #3
Head Office
There were many documents to go through, nevertheless what they found was more than enough to call forth the blood of warrior kings that raced through T'Challa. Boiling with a rage he had only felt once before.
Theories and supporting evidence on where the 'Appendix' had come from, and their goals.
Thanos and the threat he posed to the entire world, and his role in previous near-apocalyptic scenarios.
Details of political manipulations, and dozens of assassinations.
It was not all speculation by the Avengers, their raid upon the Appendix's own original base had allowed Vision to copy almost all of their files. The information within was too inflammatory for the Avengers to rashly publish it all on the public domain –their position being more tenuous than when they had done so for HYDRA. In the plans detailing the New York Accords however, it showed that they had planned a timed release of it, as proof of what they were really dealing with.
Worst of all, were the ones detailing how the Appendix had sent the Abomination against Wakanda, including videos of the event from the beast's own perspective. When it had deliberately targeted a school…
There was even a freeze frame for one scene –with T'Challa examining the software to verify it was done by the original owners, as opposed to naked calculation by Black Widow and her companions— allowing him to see the death of his own father. Killed in a failed attempt to save a young child.
Yes, that was what called forth his fury.
Hidden behind his mask, T'Challa took a few heartbeats to calm himself. The men and women with him needed his example to keep them from doing anything rash. Like trying to implement a nuclear assault in the vicinity of wherever they even suspected these murderers could be found.
XXX
Outside on the Mountain
Storming out to confront Black Widow and her cohorts, Black Panther cut himself short as he caught the ongoing conversation.
"—grown woman, and I don't need any help!" argued Wanda irritably. She was not 'angry' per say, since she knew at the core Natasha was not being malicious. Exactly. Teasing, yes. Still, while she was a single celebrity with superpowers, she had bigger priorities to worry about in her life right now.
Never mind making sure her theoretical boyfriend was not cheating on her, she was worried about living to see tomorrow!
"Growing up in Sokovia didn't mean I didn't have a love-life," Scarlet Witch growled. "And no, if I wouldn't let Pietro interfere, I'm not letting you. And the consequences of trying to find out will be the same for you, super-assassin or not!"
It was pointless to try and keep secrets from her brother, given how much they were in each other's heads. Nevertheless, there were topics neither of them commented on, out of respect for their rights as an individual.
"Excuse me," Black Panther cut in testily. They all glanced at him, and he had an uncharacteristic feeling they were considering ignoring him to resume their little 'family time.' "After going over the evidence you've provided Us, Wakanda formerly offers you asylum, for the first time in Our history. Do please come inside, and We can discuss the matter of the Appendix further."
The three adults glanced at each other, and nodded. Then Bruce's 'skin' rippled, revealing he was wearing a futuristic set of armour that none of T'Challa's sensors had detected. Faceplate rising, Bruce smiled. "Sounds good."
Black Panther refused to show his surprise at this display of technology that caught Wakandans defences off guard. Moreover, he recognized it as a display of trust, and patiently waited for them to clean up their lunch.
XXX
Wakanda
(Within the Borders)
"It's beautiful," Wanda breathed.
Sokovia's mountains had been harsh and unyielding, and every plant was a proven survivor as they fought for nutrients against the cold and each other. Wakanda was lush and alive, its surrounding mountains enclosing like a gentle, warm embrace. In the center was a large city of tall, shining towers that was almost alien it was so advanced looking, as small vehicles flew through the air with a speed and grace that only Tony's suits and Quinjets could manage.
"Look at the layout," Bruce mused. "The way the streets are done is artistic, yet organized. This was built according to a centralized plan, not sprawling out as it grew like other places." He also wanted to speculate aloud about the flying vehicles, architecture, examine the plant life to determine if it was natural or engineered, etcetera. Alas, his wife had lectured him several times on limiting his barrage of questions until it was 'acceptable.' Whenever that would be.
"The real important stuff is underground," Natasha reminded Wanda. "After they made their satellites, they buried their military bases and laboratories so that when the Soviets and Americans eventually got theirs, they wouldn't see anything."
"Indeed," T'Challa said, as he stood beside them. He was still in the full regalia as the Black Panther. "The ignorance of imperialists has always been to our advantage. They see peace and beauty, and think us weak. Failing to understand the true meaning of strength does not lie in boastful displays of it."
"Mister?"
The king looked down at Laura, who was looking back at him without concern while tapping on his leg to get his attention. It was refreshing to see such innocence and acceptance, even in a child. "Yes, Ms. Romanoff-Banner?" That little nugget had been surprising.
Pouting, the two-year-old put her hands on her hips. "Dat momma, not me. Me, Laura!" Then she hesitated and glanced at her parents, before adding, "Please?"
Snickering, Natasha did not quite trust herself to speak. For his part, Bruce gave Laura a proud pat on the shoulder.
While T'Challa's face was hidden, his entourage were torn between their own amusement and mild outrage at how their King was being addressed. Granted, the royal family had always been careful to maintain a close and open relationship with 'commoners,' but this girl was an outsider!
(If she were Wakandan, they would silently praise her for balancing her assertiveness with a politeness uncommon for her age. And be amused. As she was not Wakandan however, she had to meet higher standards).
"My apologies," T'Challa merely said. "What is it, Laura?"
She promptly stabbed her finger at one of the massive statues that stood imposingly nearby. "What's dat?"
"That, is a statue of a black panther, the guardian of our people," T'Challa answered.
"Huh?"
"It's a big cat they like here," Wanda answered more simply.
"They care about it a lot," Bruce added. "So, this is how they show it."
"Oh, okay." Then Laura went back to skipping through the long grass as they walked to the city.
"Clearly I need to spend more time with children," T'Challa easily observed. "Although the Panther God knows the burden of the crown keeps me occupied as it is."
"I thought you didn't wear crowns here?" Natasha airily said.
"And I believe that for the sake of our mutual cooperation," Black Panther's voice took on an edge, "you shouldn't continue to make me wonder about how many of our secrets you know."
She shrugged. "Less than I like, given how we've turned up on your doorstep. You've always been good at keeping spies out, even when you've contacted weapons merchants and others beneficial to maintaining your advantage. It's with those agents you've sent to spy on us directly, that you've run into problems. The KGB and CIA both caught on to some of them, and independently decided it was better to observe your agents and learn from them. Later organizations like SHIELD continued this tradition, and from piecing together thousands of hours of observations and recordings, learnt more than you'd expect."
"Wait," Bruce perked up as he remembered something. "When Tony was telling us what he knew about Wakanda, while we were watching Blonksy's attack," –every one of the Wakandans, barring their King, tensed at that— "he never mentioned that. Why didn't you or Fury say anything?"
Once more Natasha shrugged her shoulders. "We had bigger concerns at the time, and Tony and Steve would have been distracted as they yelled at Fury for not keeping them up to date on the world's most technologically advanced nation. As for afterwards, I trusted Fury to handle things with Wakanda. Especially since the Avengers already had enough on their hands." She omitted how it was really Coulson they had expected to manage things after the attack by the Abomination.
"And your comment about me being a vigilante in America?" T'Challa probed.
"It was obvious Wakanda would have to make some sort of response afterwards," Natasha pointed out. "There were the anticipated responses by your spies of course, including Amanda Waller, your most senior ranking agent—"
Now there was the slightest reaction from Black Panther. Interesting, Black Widow thought. Maybe some sort of relationship between them?
"—as they discreetly tried to learn more. Their fascination with news reports of a newly emerging street-level hero is what clued us in. Especially given the respect literally generations of your spies had paid to panthers in zoos."
I dare say there's going to be some heated words amongst their equivalent of senior intelligence management. Out loud, Natasha finished, "The clincher was when I quietly investigated you on my own, to see if you were worth recruiting. Of course, that was your intent, wasn't it? To be recruited by the Avengers to get the inside scoop." –Which was a politer way of saying 'be a mole'— "You were very good, just not good enough." By some trick, she made it sound like a compliment; that it had taken someone of her qualifications to sniff out his true intentions. "That, and Bruce and I were able to copy your computer files, and crack your encryptions."
Instead of being upset, Black Panther pounced upon that last detail. "But you didn't have the rest of your Avengers help you? Not Tony Stark and his artificial intelligences?"
"No. We had other plans. And since the Appendix was making their move, we decided you were a wild card best left to your devices. I'm guessing that given how chaotic things have become, and that you've already noticed that some politicians are acting contrary to their usual policies, you decided that signing up for the Sokovia Accords was not the best idea for now? Or that it was more productive to slip home and figure out what really happened?"
"Among other things," was his vague response.
"Mommy?" Laura chirped.
"Yes, honey?"
"What you talking about?"
"Grown-up stuff. Sorry, are we boring you? Being silly?"
"Yes."
"Alright, we'll wait until after we've found something else for you to do."
Humming to herself, Laura went back to looking at the scenery, until she felt a prompting tap from Wanda. "Uhm? Thanks?"
"Good girl," Natasha smiled, and knelt down to give a quick hug.
Laura beamed, and then pointed towards a pristine lake that was to the far right of Wakanda's capital. "Go there now!"
"No, sorry dear, it's too far away. We have to go to the city."
"Water! Please?"
"Ask later," Natasha compromised, knowing 'try later' was too ambiguous.
"Pleeeease?" Laura adorably pouted. "Now!"
With long practice, Bruce resisted the urge to pull out the I-Phone, with its noise dampener attachment. Instead, he started rifling through his depleted knapsack for something else to entertain his daughter.
XXX
Royal Palace
Later
Despite ten thousand years of violently keeping foreigners out of their borders, all of T'Challa's cabinet members remained quiet as he entered the room alone. Taking off his mask, he sat down in his plain chair.
It was an austere place, with simple chairs and table carved from wood, with miniature holo-emitters discreetly embedded in the latter, as well as the walls, while natural foliage surrounded them. While the artwork that decorated the walls was less impressive than what might be found in Western halls of power, T'Challa believed it more appropriate, since they were painted, drawn, or woven by the younger children of the clan elders represented here. Others were men and women who had proven themselves with their intelligence, competence, and/or unorthodox thinking. They were all loyal to the bone (and he had truth detectors to prove it), and none were so unwise as such to start shouting loud condemnations at him without having first also consulted the evidence. Nor did they dare assume that their King did not have a good reason for his unprecedented act.
"So," Black Panther smoothly began, "we are under attack from time travellers from a parallel universe. While the presented evidence of their origins is not concrete, we still have strong reason to believe they have already attacked us, attacked our children," and now there was something raw and dark in his tone. "Furthermore, we have hints of a worldwide extra-terrestrial threat that extends to Wakanda. How are we to proceed?"
"Use the outsiders as cat's paws," intoned the Chief of the Marsh Tribe, enjoying the 'Western' phrase, secure that it had been used in Wakanda first. "That must be what those refugees really want; they know our forces will never act upon their whim."
"No," growled S'Yan, T'Challa's paternal uncle. "That is the least of what we must do. Our military must be ready to deploy against this 'Appendix,' or 'Thanos.' Despite the risk, we must gather collaborating evidence. Given the strength of what we've already learnt however, it would also be prudent to begin our own hunt for intelligence on these time travellers. It's possible we can use this recently revealed failing of our own agents to lure them out.
"We risk a war with the West if they discover our agents doing so," warned W'Kabi. While his title, 'Chief of Wakandan Security,' was banal, he was effectively T'Challa's second-in-command. "Which is a serious concern if this Appendix really is so devoted to 'survival of the fittest.' What if their next step is to pit us and the Avengers against each other?"
"I do not believe so," T'Challa spoke up. "I believe that their intentions for Wakanda are what we have already done; interact with the world more. Fighting with the West may play a part in it, but for their endgame of defeating Thanos, they would desire for our technology and military to aid the Avengers." Smiling coldly, he observed, "Of course, there's just no need for them to survive to see it happen."
"Hmph," grunted Queen Mother Ramonda. The second wife of T'Chaka, she had been T'Challa's surrogate mother, and blood mother of Shuri. However, her position on the council was not down to nepotism. No accusations of such would be tolerated. Certainly not by the iron-willed, sharp-tongued woman! "I'm just waiting to hear what our 'guests,' the ones who've had all this time to think about this, and came all this way for a reason, have to say. What do they want, and have you checked to be sure they're telling the truth?"
"Straight to the point," T'Challa warmly smiled. "Our passive detectors show that Dr. Romanoff-Banner and Ms. Maximoff are telling the truth, although Mrs. Romanoff-Banner is infamous for beating even SHIELD's more advanced toys. As for what they have suggested…"
XXX
Two Days Later
"Well, I can't believe they agreed," Bruce muttered.
They were all standing in a wide, open courtyard of the royal palace. Laura was occupied with a Wakanda colouring book, studiously ignoring the adults.
"Oh, yea of little faith," Natasha smirked as she elbowed him. Of course, they were both aware Plan B involved the Other Guy, and running away very fast, but details!
"Once they had the identities of those responsible for attacking one of their children's schools," she went on, "and we promised we were willing to take care of them, they were happy to help."
"Uh huh," Bruce sceptically said. "No argument there. It's just what else they were willing to help us with that was a surprise. Like unfettered access to their own labs." He gestured at Natasha's new catsuit, and latest version of Widow Bites. T'Challa himself contributed to them, and while they did not have the upgrades Bruce proposed to his wife earlier, they still had more than she expected while remaining lightweight.
(Bruce also removed the obligatory tracking devices, and related Wakandan 'contingencies')
"And then there's this," he emphasized while pointing at the approaching Quinjet.
For the first time in history, an American built aircraft was allowed to land within Wakanda.
Down the ramp they came, and Wanda was the first to react, throwing a hug around the one in front. "Clint!" she squealed in joy.
"How you doing?" Hawkeye warmly asked, as he hugged his surrogate daughter back.
Then Natasha joined in, embracing them both. Then the three of them crouched down to include Laura as she hurried over. Meanwhile Bruce stepped forward to address the others. "Thanks for coming."
Ant-Man, Wasp, and Spider-Man, all in full uniform.
"Thank Hawkeye," Ant-Man cheerfully said, his posture less wary than Wasp's. "He got a hold of us using one of your own internet dead-drops, and convinced us to assemble."
"He put a good word in for you," Wasp pointedly added to Natasha and Co.
"Not that we believed those news reports about you," Spider-Man promised.
"We got to the Quinjet you hid away," Ant-Man went on. "And then Hawkeye here gave us directions to some farm he was crashing at, and we picked him up."
Clint's adoptive family immediately caught on. Doubtless 'some farm' was actually the Barton Farm, with him carefully suggesting they land at night time. The basement was insulated against passive scans that would pick up the wife and kids, and the dark would hide any further evidence that it was actually his home.
Choosing honesty as the best tool, Natasha got right to the meat of it. "The charges of me killing those soldiers in the US are true." The non-Avenger heroes stilled, yet she went on. "A general obsessed with Bruce, sent a black ops team after Laura and me, with the intention of abducting her to coerce my husband. The ones I left alive as a warning. Unfortunately, General Ross then chose to flood the building with regular soldiers. An EMP they had already set fried my comms and I couldn't call for help, and most of my nonlethal weapons were useless. I did what I did to protect my daughter, to neutralise the threat they posed to her. Then I tried to cover it up so no one would know. Judge me as you will."
The little girl in question cocked her head as her name was mentioned, and then walked away from the group hug she had been a part of, to continue her drawings. She could remember bits of what her mom was saying, and they made her uncomfortable. However, she was a big girl, and would not make a scene now. She could do that later, and maybe her family would give her some more of the local goodies to make her feel better.
Sighing, Ant-Man thought of his own daughter, Cassie. He himself had killed someone who was an immediate danger to her. "I can't condemn you for that," he confessed. "Not when I've done the same. I'll trust that you had no other choice."
Wasp, who looked a little uncomfortable during the exchange, relaxed fractionally.
Spider-Man was the only one visibly upset by the idea of killing like that. That said, he also sympathised that a mother should never be put in such a dilemma. "And the rest?" he asked. "Was that the Appendix who killed those other soldiers they're blaming you for?"
"Probably," Bruce answered. "One of them, Robert, lured me out of the base with information on Thanos, and I threatened him into admitting they were responsible."
The others nodded, having already been fully briefed upon the Appendix, and the Avengers theories about them and the impending alien threat.
XXX
Flashback
"So, we're now your little trump card against the Appendix," Scott grumbled, but they could all tell his heart was not behind the statement.
"I always liked to carry a small gun hidden on me," the Black Widow grinned. Then it bloomed into a smile that was warm, friendly, and more importantly one that they realized was for the first time 100% honest. "Bruce and I first recruited you because we could tell you're as determined, skilled, resourceful, and most importantly having the same moral courage as any other Avenger.
"When the Appendix finally makes their move," she continued, "you'll be our little surprise they won't see coming. And when this is all over, we'll be honoured to introduce you to Steve and the others." Not as eloquent as his wife, Bruce nodded in agreement.
XXX
Present
"And that," Natasha said, "leads us to why we brought you—"
Ant-Man interrupted. "I'm in."
Natasha froze. "What?"
"Same here," Wasp smirked.
"Me three," Spider-Man said with a little wave.
Acting as the spokesman, Ant-Man elaborated. "You're talking about recruiting us for some super-hero team that'll exist in addition to the Avengers," he stated. "As opposed to us joining them down the road. You're worried that right now the US government will be simultaneously too reactionary to peoples with powers, while too hesitant to deal with any serious problems; especially with the Appendix manipulating things, while being clearly insane.
"So, when something bad happens, and it will, the Avengers will be too constrained by the Accords to do anything, unless they break the laws themselves. And at the same time, you want us to prove to people that yes, heroes do still exist."
Bruce, Natasha, and Wanda looked a little dumbfounded, before turning to look at Hawkeye, who was looking decidedly smug. "Hey, don't look at me. They figured it all out on the ride over without my help. They're a bright bunch, that's why you recruited them after all. They've trusted you this far, and they're willing to go along with what comes next."
"Some details would be nice of course," Wasp hedged.
A light chuckle escaped Natasha, although she did not really try to fight it. Bruce gave an embarrassed smile, while Wanda gave the couple a knowing look. "Too used to being the smartest people in the room, yes?" Then she turned to the others. "It'll be illegal," she promised them. "At first for sure, and no guarantee we won't still be labelled as vigilantes in the end. After what's happened in Las Vegas and the Avenger's Headquarters, there will be a lot of people afraid of us."
"And if we mess up, they'll never stop being afraid of us," Natasha coolly warned, wanting to ensure that everyone went into this with their eyes wide open.
Wanda gave Natasha a sharp look, yet it was the Scarlet Witch who spoke. "I can't control their fear. Only my own. There's a threat to us all, and I won't run."
Smiling proudly, Clint nodded in approval. "Hear, hear."
"Although, I don't really want to play devil's advocate," Spider-Man chirped up. "But how sure are you that the Appendix will guarantee it the Avengers can't save the day from the coming threat on their own?"
"Because," Natasha hissed as she vented some of her cold fury, "they believe that all that matters to get through life is being more ruthless than anyone else." Everyone except Bruce, Clint, and Laura were unnerved now, sensing the dangerous aura from this attractive woman. Nevertheless, they instinctively knew that she was the one in control of it, and that it would never take the reins of her.
Natasha Romanoff-Banner was the master of her own fate. She had gone from an empty shell carrying a bloody ledger, to a woman with a family that ranged from a beautiful daughter, to even the obnoxious brother-in-law-via-science, Tony Stark. May her husband and the Hulk have mercy on those who threatened that family, because she. Would. Not.
"They've forgotten so much, or never learnt it at all," she continued. "They've spent their time in the past creating or guiding individual powerhouses that they can play as puppets, or dividing and conquering those they're also depending upon to protect this world, and killing anyone who's an annoyance.
"The one thing they never understood about the Avengers, is that what saves the day is having a solid team. One that can depend upon each other."
.
.
.
Then Natasha blinked, and smothered any amusement at the sight before her. Despite their masks, Ant-Man and Spider-Man were clearly becoming fanboys of hers, and Wanda was also highly impressed. Even Wasp, despite her lame attempt to hide it. Only Clint was unaffected, as he turned to give Bruce a stern look. "Does that mean you'll be fighting too?"
"Why wouldn't he?" queried Spider-Man.
Taking a deep breath, Bruce explained. "Before, I really struggled with whether or not I should let the Hulk fight. I was afraid of the damage he could do, including to the Avengers. For a while I even decided not to, until Natasha convinced me. But for this to work, both the Hulk and I will be right there beside you all."
"Well that's just stupid," Ant-Man incredulously declared, with Wasp and Spider-Man sharing his confusion. "Why would you be worried about the Hulk? Yeah sure, we heard about Harlem, but you've never killed anybody, right? For crying out loud, I watched those YouTube videos of you and Thor fighting side by side like a hundred times!"
"There were YouTube videos?" Bruce flatly asked, a trickle a dread in his belly.
"And SHIELD never took them down?" Natasha tacked on in disbelief. "That kind of uncensored information…" she trailed off. Fury, when will we ever stop finding out about your little manipulations?
"I'm glad to see you've worked everything out." Everyone turned to see the fully adorned figure of Black Panther arrive. "Now we can truly get down to business."
XXX
Muspelheim
Loki's mind slaves nearly died in the First of the Nine Realms they visited upon Loki's command.
Muspelheim, a land of fire, molten rock, and volcanoes.
Worse were the inhabitants.
The protective forcefield they brought nearly failed, yet it had been specifically designed to keep them alive in such extreme heat. At least until they could hurry back into the Portal, a primitive version of the Bifrost, and try again.
There were only nine worlds in the Realms after all, and Master Loki had described the one they were looking for.
Soon, they would find their way to Nidavellir, the home of the Dwarves.
XXX
Wakanda
"So, what are we calling ourselves?" Spider-Man asked. "I mean, if we're really doing this, then this time we've got to have a name!"
The others looked at each other, not having thought that important enough to consider yet.
"Uhm," hedged Bruce.
Ant-Man rubbed his face in his palm. "Stupid! Of course, we should have thought of some ideas already! Uh, how about…" He snapped his fingers. "The Defenders!"
XXX
Elsewhere
Matt Murdock, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Danny Rand, all sneezed at once.
XXX
"…No," Scott sighed. "For some reason that doesn't seem right."
"It's already been taken," Natasha admitted. "But that team has their own problems to handle."
The others looked surprised at this, yet decided to save that conversation for later.
"Ooh, ooh! I know! I know!" Spider-Man cried, waving his hand in the air. Everyone else was honestly unsure whether or not he was being sincere or clowning around for humour. "The 'Bug-Out Squad!'
"Because we've got so many insect themes –and people keep thinking arachnids are insects— and we're going in to save the day when people are 'bugging out' over a threat! It's perfect!"
Catching the looks on Wasp and Natasha's faces, and Clint's guarded expression, Bruce gave Spider-Man a more diplomatic answer before they could speak up. "Yet that implies that the problem has already occurred," he pointed out. "And our membership may change."
Grinning, Ant-Man slapped Spider-Man on the back, and gave him a thumbs-up. Then he put his own sharp mind to the task. "Alright, so we still want something that implies we're more proactive…" He pursed his lip, and glanced at Laura. Unbidden, he saw an image of his own daughter, Cassie.
"…The Future Foundation," Ant-Man declared.
Eyebrow raised in interest, Natasha beckoned him to continue. "Go on."
"We do have a large number of scientists, or scientifically inclined members," Wasp said. She had been a little embarrassed to realize just how proficient Scott Lang really was with electronics. Not that she would ever admit it to him. Barring persuasive tickles. "People who work to improve things. Build things."
"Family," Wanda agreed, rubbing Laura's head. "Children."
Wasp gripped Ant-Man's hand.
"Creating a foundation for the future," Clint clarified out loud. "…I like it."
"Count me in," Spider-Man nodded. "All opposed?"
No one reacted.
"Motion passed, the Future Foundation it is," he concluded. Then gave Ant-Man his own pat on the back, and double thumbs-up.
Then Spider-Man cocked his head in thought. "Speaking of which, what are you going to do with your daughter during this?"
Not missing a beat, Clint said without any give, "Not me." Catching Natasha's hard look, he elaborated. "I know you don't want me involved, and I'll do my best to stay out of it," –a blatant lie and they all knew it; he would never run from threats to others— "but you'll need me for the first bit. I'm the only Avenger who hasn't been seen 'taking sides,' which gives you the edge you'll need. I'll be wasted as a babysitter."
"We're not leaving her here in Wakanda," Natasha warned. "So, who else is there that we can trust?"
Hesitantly, Spider-Man raised a hand. "I might have an idea…"
XXX
Author Notes:
The part about Bruce being on par with Darwin, Einstein, Tesla, and Newton is from "Spider-Man: Homecoming," where in Peter's science classroom there is a picture of all five of them together. Regardless of the stigma of the Hulk.
I must confess, the scene where Ant-Man, Wasp, and Spider-Man surprise Bruce and Co. by knowing what they were planning, was inspired by a certain scene from Lego Batman the Movie. As for the Defenders, I am meaning to watch their TV show, but I still have to find the time.
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Next Chapter: "Grieving"
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