Chapter Twenty-seven

Once on This Journey

By early morning, the fires had died down. In its wake was nothing more than a charred graveyard. All that remained of Strathcona was a pile of smoldering ashes. Homes, businesses, roads, docks, and transportation were all destroyed in the onslaught, trees and plants included. Down the river, where the evacuees had escaped to, was where the real devastation lie.

Survivors were strewn in a wretched mass. A cacophony of screams and cries filled the air. The screams came from the wounded. Several of the survivors wept from experiencing grief. Others mourned upon relatives that had perished in the attack. Many were still looking for loved ones. Thoughts were buzzing through their minds, but only one question stuck out: where was T'Challa and the people that aided him in the fight against the monster?

The barge that carried the household landed just as soon as the sun peeked over the trees. After the group gathered up what they could in their arms and tucked the barge behind the rocks, they dispersed. One look was all it took to see how many were drenched. The people were envious of animals that shook themselves dry. Fires were lit throughout the makeshift camp. The group quickly handed out the blankets and other goods among many of the people.

"These are dry," Nakia told an old couple, handing the quilts to them. "You'll need them."

"Thank you," the man said through chattering teeth.

As Nakia passed a quilt to the elderly woman, she noticed a crossbow tucked beneath her arm. "I don't think that will be necessary," she commented.

"We've got a lawless town," the woman answered, accepting the quilt. "You can be damn sure I need it."

"Right," Nakia drawled. Not wanting to make it more awkward, she continued on with her charity.

Meanwhile, Everett had joined Nova and Nick in their task. He had also been occupied searching for T'Challa and Shuri.

"T'Challa!" he called out. "Shuri!"

"Forget it. There's no way you're going to find them like this," Nick commented on the mass surrounding them.

Everett stopped and turned to Nova.

I would like to not do anything to further fuck up the situation, Nova telepathically said, leaving the senator baffled.

"We'll just have to keep looking," Nick insisted nonetheless. "They have to be around here."

M'Wabu scanned the people around him. Not a single one could be identified as T'Challa or Shuri. None even looked like one of the Avengers. "Come on. I know you guys survived. Where are you?"

Cassie was resting on Bucky's shoulders. Even she was wondering where the others could be. "Do you see them?"

"I can't tell. There's too many people around here."

They stopped once they regrouped.

"Anything?" Nakia warily asked.

Dave bowed his head. "None of them were there, and yet more bodies keep coming down the river."

"We have to keep looking," M'Wabu insisted. "Unless we find a body, they're alive."

The idea failed to inspire hope in Bucky, despite wishing otherwise. The normally puckish war veteran became tearful at the thought of their deaths.

"There might not even be one," he whispered.

A depressive silence came over the group. Nick might have the ability to slap down such pessimism, but that wasn't something Luis was good at doing. He looked down the river to where the city once stood on the lake's only island. There was a major chance that the royal siblings were reduced to a pile of ash. Or they met a fate far worse than Scott did.

"Oi!"

Nakia inwardly groaned. Why was it whenever she tried to do good, it attracted the worst attention possible?

"Give me one of those," demanded Alfred from behind. "I'll catch my death!"

"Good," Nakia said simply. "Maybe the people will have one less thing to worry about. Besides, you have no power here."

"That is where you are wrong," the bureaucrat spouted. "In absence of the Master, the power cedes to his deputy. Which in this instance is my good self. Now give me that blanket!"

Having made his point, Alfred tried to snatch a blanket. A brief tug-of-war broke out between them.

"You? The deputy? Don't make me laugh," Nakia mocked.

Nearby onlookers witnessed as she ripped the quilt from Alfred's grip. But she didn't stop there. She proceeded to beat him with it.

"You're nothing but a crooked, thieving, conniving, mendacious, lily-liver weasel!" she summed up. "After all that you have done to these good people, you don't even deserve to be the deputy of this town! The only thing you deserve is a swift kick in the ass! I'll die first before I serve the likes of you."

Nakia ceased her lashing once she was sure she was done venting. She turned to leave before she was grabbed from behind. Alfred's hand was poised to strike.

"Maybe that can be arranged," he snarled.

Nakia dropped the remaining quilts and revealed a chakram in her hand. She held it up to Alfred's face.

"Try it," she challenged. "You won't even have a chance to flick your wrist."

She pushed him backwards. Bucky swiftly swung his leg and used his foot to trip the official. Both thought of it to be justice given how Alfred acted towards them.

"Nice," Nakia complimented Bucky's handiwork.

"Thanks," Bucky said.

"Nakia, remind me to never get on your bad side," Kurt requested.

Nova's eyes lit up at a familiar presence that popped into her mind. She looked around the milling crowd, but she couldn't point out who it was that was calling to her. She levitated off of the ground to see what was going on. Over each head, she scanned over the people before she saw who sent the signal to her.

"Shuri!"

Everyone looked up at Nova, watching as she dropped to the ground and squeezed her way through the crowd. They had been so occupied with the township's former deputy that they didn't hear the commotion around them. The people were whispering, shouting, and making other sounds of surprise and shock. The group looked up, but the crowd was thickening to the point they couldn't see what it was that made them like this.

Nick couldn't help grinning either way. He immediately rushed to greet what they were seeing with Everett behind him.

Coming through the gathering, the very thing that caught their attention, T'Challa and Shuri strode through them. Right behind them were seven strangers clad in armor from the late Dark Ages. Anyone who would have read the stories would know instantly who they were. It was why many children were racing through the crowds to catch up to them, giddy as ever to see them, and the elderly were amazed and shocked to see them in person. The group finally halted when they stopped in front of a familiar face.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm so happy to see you all alive." Nova clasped the royal siblings' hands and held them. She had to fight the tears that were ready to be shed.

T'Challa smiled kindly at her. "Not without you," he said.

Nova couldn't help smiling back. It was like the sun had burst through the clouds. Their only injury was being covered in soot and a limp. They were happily greeted by the household as they rushed up to them. They would rather that Ultron had taken the New World than to lose their friends. All thoughts were lost as they rejoiced in their reunion. They nonetheless refrained from being high-spirited given the sight around them. Fortune hadn't been so kind with many of the townsfolk.

"Master Fury," the Black Panther said as they shook hands. "Do you doubt me still?"

"Almost," Nick said. "Almost."

Cassie and M'Wabu rushed through the crowd and threw their arms around T'Challa. The man almost barked out a laugh as they hugged him tightly.

"I'm so glad to see you," Cassie said.

"I thought you would give me the memoranda first," T'Challa responded.

"It was them! They did it. They killed the dragon!"

Maurice stepped out of the onlooking crowd. He was among a handful of officials who stayed behind when Fin Fang Foom attacked. His selfless efforts ensured there was an organized passage of evacuees through the tollgate. Remaining behind also allowed him a glimpse of the battle that led to the dragon's demise.

"I saw it with my own eyes," he told those around him. "They brought the beast down. One by one they struck it until they cracked its hide; shot it dead clear out of the sky."

The announcement had been unexpected, but brought a freshly new and happy sight. The townspeople cheered as they laid their hands on them in gratitude. T'Challa knew the last few moments meant a brighter future was shining upon them. Faith was one thing the helpless clung on to, almost lost if he would admit it, and now it felt like it like the people were regaining it. The crowd had suddenly become silent as Alfred triumphantly raised T'Challa's arm.

"All hail to the dragon slayers!" Alfred loudly exalted. "All hail King—"

Shuri couldn't believe what she was seeing and hearing. How dare this man try to praise them after what he had done! As if he would gain anything out of it. She had enough. Clutching the bottle in her hand tightly by the neck, she raised it above their heads. She brought it down as hard as she could, watching it shatter upon making contact with Alfred's head. The crowd watched as he crumbled to the ground.

"You killed him," Luis gasped.

A slight whine came from Alfred's throat.

"Or not," Cassie huffed.

The crowd chuckled in agreement.

"I thought he would never shut up," Dave laughed.

"That's one clown taken care of," Everett spoke suddenly. He turned to the crowd. "Where is he? Where is the Master?"

"You're not going to find him here."

Everyone turned their attention to Thor.

"And why not?" Everett questioned.

"Because he's at the bottom of the lake," Sam revealed.

A wave of sadness fell over the crowd. If the Master was down there, that meant all of their own income was as well. It was bad enough they had been robbed by him during his life. He had also now robbed them in death of their future.

"Listen to me, all of you," Nova addressed to the people. "I know you are angry, and I know you are upset. But we cannot stay here."

"She's right," Natasha agreed. "This place is attracting too much attention. We need to head out of here now."

"And go where?" an elderly man anxiously prodded.

"Davenport," Everett spoke of his plan. "It's only a four day travel from here. It's protected and well supplied. I've just sent word to the governor that we're coming. There's enough shelter for everyone with supplies. Enough to build Strathcona ten times over."

Hearing the city's name was enough to overshadow their misery. The townspeople felt their spirits lifted given they could finally start a new future for their descendants to live happily in without experiencing what poverty meant. T'Challa considered the quickness of restored hope among the survivors the equal of the most powerful magic users.

"Those who can stand, tend to the wounded," Steve rallied. "Anyone with the strength — follow me back to the island. We must salvage what we can."

The crowd broke up as they carried out his instructions. They had quickly forgotten an important loose end. T'Challa looked down at the lost subject. The dazed Alfred hadn't moved an inch from where he hit the ground. "Can you wake him?" he asked Tony.

The sorcerer smirked. He splashed an energetic cloud into the bureaucrat's face, forcing him to shoot up.

"Oh, you're awake," he said. "Good. Grab something. We're leaving." He didn't even give him a chance to retort as he shuffled off.

"Take what you can," Nick said. "We have a long march ahead of us."

"The trail's been cut off," Sam informed. "How are we gonna get there?"

"There are ruins in the mountains out west," Nick said. "We can take up shelter there for the night if we have to."

"The mountains! You are a genius," Alfred said. "We can make it home for all we care. It might stink — the women can clean it up. It will be safe, warm, dry, full of food and shelter…maybe a bit of odd gold."

T'Challa stopped in his tracks and glared at the bureaucrat. "Ah, hell no, Alfred. Keep your bland ass hands to yourself." He dumped a bundle of sticks into his arms and walked away. The official in turn shoved the bundle into a boy's arms.

"Here! Pull your weight," he said as he walked off. He suddenly stopped when he heard the child make a statement of gratitude. He turned to find Steve taking the bundle from the boy. "Oi! You weren't suppose to do that. I told him to."

"True, but a good person provides service without having to be asked to," Bruce stated as he passed by.

Alfred gave him a dirty look as he followed them. "You all best better watch yourselves. Things were a lot easier before any of you came along. No one even asked for you to come save us in the first place. Not that we ever needed any of you to begin with," he sneered.

The entire place had fallen silent. All eyes were trained on them now. Steve hadn't been affected by his words most likely. Even when he turned to Alfred he had a look of complete tranquility. It didn't stop Alfred from trembling in his spot.

"I'm not here to ask for forgiveness," the captain said. "And I'm way past asking for permission. Your people just lost their best defender, and we're here to fight for him. And if you stand in our way we'll fight you too." He left the rest hanging in the air as he continued his way.

Alfred scowled. He was was about to turn away, only to realize what Steve had just said. Hearing how the town lost its "best defender" effectively meant that Scott was actually dead this time. He thought for sure now that he could gain an opportunity to maintain privilege and authority once they reached Esgaroth.

He adjusted his cap, feeling triumphant for once. As he turned around, he found himself face-to-face with Nova.

"You've once already," she warned. "I would hate for you to stop."

"Why?" Alfred asked.

Nova smirked. "Ask Pahom," she answered. She turned to join the others, grinning as Alfred demanded the others to identify themselves as Pahom. Nova easily picked up Nakia's anticipation to see the people safe again. Shuri, though, had a troubled look. The telepath decided not to read her mind to find the reason.

"You seem quiet. Is there something wrong?" Nova prodded.

"Oh, it's just T'Challa," Shuri huffed. "I'm very proud of him and all, but it's hard to have a brother who's as stubborn and reckless as they are brave."

Nova chuckled, "I know what you mean."

D'Kar had been relieved to see C'China make it to the rendezvous point with many of the survivors. With everyone accounted for, they would prepare to go into exile once more. While D'Kar did not want to lead his people outside of Wakanda, he didn't want to risk them staying there. The safest course was to keep them as far from any city as possible.

"I lost M'Wabu," C'China told him.

"He's dead?" D'Kar asked.

"No. He just left my side without my knowledge. I don't even know where he could have gone to."

D'Kar looked behind him to where the refugees had been hiding. M'Wabu's father had been killed during the ambush. How the Black Order had managed to find their sanctuary was still a mystery. With the boy missing and one their own sons dead, D'Kar knew his wife was in turmoil.

"I have seen your scouts return from the citadel," D'Kar prefaced. "Is there something considered good news to us?"

"Not at the moment," C'China reported. "But we have learned that Ultron captured Klaue."

"And?"

"He was dead when they returned here."

D'Kar didn't show emotion, but his eyes hinted satisfaction. "Well. It's not how I imagined justice to be served, but it is good."

"Until we have learned why." C'China sounded bitter. "It was enough to get the Border Tribe to join in his crusade."

"What?"

"That is not even the worst part. Ultron chose Corvus to lead the assault on Esgaroth in Auradon."

"Oh, gods. Where is a good king when you need him the most?"

C'China shook her head. She had expressed her belief of T'Challa not being anywhere near Wakanda for their own good. And the fact that he had been discovered by the elders was enough to think there was a chance they could have been found. But right now, it was not a time to start an argument. They had to get back to their people.

"We must be careful with what we do now," D'Kar decided. "One false move, and we could all face a darker future."

"And the burden is upon us," C'China said.

"There is no way I want anyone else to know of this for a time being. Not until we can find someone to trust with this information."

"Secrecy is a paramount," C'China agreed. "Not even my least trustiest scout will speak a word of this matter."

A butterfly came into view. C'China laughed as it perched itself on D'Kar's nose. He stared at it, watching it spread its wings out before it fluttered away.

"Perhaps the gods haven't abandoned us after all," he said.

"Hearing you say that," C'China replied, "I see why T'Challa had been reliant on you when he disappeared."

"I take my job seriously, my dear," D'Kar stated stoically. "I have always been ever since Ramonda's passing."

C'China stared back at him. She nodded and took his hand in his.

"Come now," she guided him. "The others will be wondering where we've been to."

By late afternoon, the survivors of Strathcona had started the exodus to Davenport. They had to be wary of any wild animal or highwaymen that could attack them. However, the walking had become incredibly boring before nightfall. It occurred like that for two more days. The reports on nearing the city claimed that they would arrive by late evening tomorrow.

T'Challa had volunteered to take the night watch on the third night. It helped give him time to reflect what happened during the year. He decided that it could have been far worse than some otherworldly creature coming to enslave everyone on Arda. Morale still remained strong among the people. At least with the aid of the Avengers, the supply of fish and wild game was still steady. Even Alfred hadn't stepped out of line. Either he cooperated or he risked facing Nova or Tony.

Yes, it seemed like things would be okay. Until he learned what had been happening.

"Ultron has gained the full support of the Border Tribe," Nova had reported. "And then he had the Garden of the Heart-Shaped Herb burned."

"However, Ultron had failed to overlook it," M'Wabu revealed.

T'Challa had blinked. That had been right. They had managed to salvage the surviving bulbs before escaping Wakanda. With them, they may be able to replant the fruit. It would take years for it to be bountiful, but it was a start.

The sound of footsteps reached his ears. Anyone would have heard them from inches away, but his enhanced hearing told T'Challa they were yards away. In seconds, Nakia was standing next to him at the ridge. He could see the troubled look in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I heard Fury speaking quietly with Rogers and Stark," she told him.

"And?" he pressed.

"He's leaving after we get to Davenport for something important."

T'Challa didn't know what to say. "Oh."

"And I think I heard that maybe he would take Cassandra with him."

Now that T'Challa didn't expect to hear. "Why?"

"I heard what happens to some children when they are orphaned here," Nakia quietly revealed. "Some of them are put into orphanages or forced into child labor in some parts. Otherwise, the best option is to send them to live with a family member."

"Oh, no. No way." T'Challa shook his head. No way was anyone going to allow that sweet little girl to be forced to live with a weasel like Alfred. "There is no way anyone would allow her to live with Alfred."

"I had hoped so, or else she wouldn't be in any trouble for her future," Nakia said.

T'Challa picked up a subtext from her words. She was using Cassie's future problem as a substitutes for something else.

"It's not just Cassie you've feared for, is it?" he prodded.

Nakia sighed. "I'm worried about you." There. She admitted it. Now, she waited to see what he would say.

"Worried? About what?" T'Challa asked.

"About what happens when we return home," she confessed. "Nova told me why he was desperate to hunt you down. Do you remember the legend behind Osiris' heart?"

T'Challa was baffled. "He was chasing me because of a fool's story?"

"That's what she told me."

The Black Panther had a uneasy look. Searching for legendary cities such as Doradas and Atlantis had been a common thing to hear. But this was a different story. However, given Ultron's circumstances, it made sense to see why he would believe it. T'Challa faced his closest friend again.

"We'll face him like we have many times in the past," he valiantly declared.

"Not even Nova knows what he's truly capable of," Nakia said. "He will kill you if you so much as speak a word in Wakanda."

"He just admitted that I committed a sin simply by existing," T'Challa pointed out. "If that is true, then I will risk my life to end it all. But, I don't think I will kill him just yet."

Nakia blinked in surprise. Like many children in their generation growing up, T'Challa had felt nothing but hatred towards the liche king. She heard him say many times into their teen years how he would one day return to drive Ultron from their homelands and reclaim the throne. Hearing him go against it now was something Nakia didn't expect to hear. Until she realized why.

"Is it because of his past relationship with them?" she wondered.

"Yes. But most importantly, to be put to death is just an easy punishment. I would rather see he had gotten the proper help he needed."

"I think it's too late for that," Nakia sighed.

T'Challa looked at her. She looked so lovely with the moonlight cast down on her face. He took her hand and enveloped it in his.

"I would be a hypocrite if I turned a blind soul away," he softly remarked. "Do you remember the day we met?"

Nakia glanced at him. How could he have remembered that?

"I was broken the same way he was, and I was angry at the world. And yet, you welcomed me with open arms. Because of you and what little that village was at the time, the children wouldn't fear me. Nor would the elders be so quick to shun me out."

"Because I knew you could change for the better. If we could all see it, why not you?"

T'Challa's heart felt like it had jolted. His conversation with Wanda crashed into him. Abruptly he burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Nakia was smiling when he calmed down.

"Nothing. It's just that…" He paused, gazing into her eyes. "I don't know where I would be without your own words of wisdom."

With the moon and the stars as their only witness, T'Challa and Nakia tenderly and unconsciously kissed. Or, so they thought.

"Alright!"

The pair quickly pulled away from each other. Looking back, they saw Sam and Bucky concealed in the foliage. Shuri had the same look Scott had when he realized he screwed up. However, Sam wasn't upset about the sudden interruption. Shuri had hinted that there may have been something there between the pair, but so far, none of them had made a move. The younger woman quickly walked away as the two men nodded in approval.

"I'll be heading back to the camp now," Nakia informed T'Challa. "Clint said he would be picking up your shift in a minute." Afterwards, she walked away, brushing past the two men.

"And they won't?" T'Challa mumbled underneath his breath.

"Aw."

"He's adorable!"

"Shut up," T'Challa laughed.

The survivors were closing in on Davenport by sundown. They had planned to take rest in the outskirts of the forest before sending someone to meet with the governor. Everyone was oblivious to the exchange between T'Challa and Nakia. They were surprised that the "Three Stooges" hadn't squealed on them. They all then same decided to keep it a secret until this was over.

"I don't get it," M'Wabu said suddenly. "Why do most of the fairy tales always end with the couple living happily ever after? Aren't there any where they don't?"

Nick had an evil grin plastered on his face. "Boy? If happy endings aren't your thing, then I think you'll like Hans Christian Andersen."

"Who is he?"

Natasha and Clint shared a look before looking away. T'Challa didn't dare to press for an answer. Instead, they all continued to walk until they could see where the forest ended.

T'Challa took in a breath as he saw what lay ahead. Davenport would have been considered a part of Wakanda if not for its establishment. The city was displayed like a fort, surrounded by a wall made of concrete and brick that towered over them. To the left, snow-capped hills rose above them, high enough to touch the clouds.

"Natasha. Clint. Let's go take a look around," Steve said.

"I'll come with you," Nova volunteered. Then she added privately, Ultron could have sent more of those berserkers.

Steve gave her a nod of approval. The quintet immediately set out on patrol, leaving the rest of them alone. T'Challa watched them go before overlooking the crowd around him. There was no sign of any men who would cause them trouble. However, the pit of his stomach tightened as he spotted Cassie. She was teaching M'Wabu how to make a bird's call with their hands. She looked happy playing with him, but it would be short-lived soon.

Once more, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footfalls. Nick Fury stood to his right as T'Challa continued to watch the children bond.

"Kid's gotten to you as well, huh?"

"I heard you were planning to take her back to Earth with you," T'Challa said.

"Nakia really likes that girl, doesn't she?"

"We all care for her. She just lost her father and may not be able to grow up with anyone she knows."

"Who says she will?"

T'Challa stared at him.

"Looking at the child's situation, I figured she deserved a lot more than what she has," Nick explained. "Taking the Three Stooges won't be a problem, so long as they stay together."

T'Challa looked at the children. Then he spoke, "Will you take M'Wabu with you?"

You want me to take him as well?" Where did T'Challa decide to ask that?

"Yes. He had just recently lost his father to the Black Order protecting the refugees. I will talk to him about it. If he refuses, then you won't have to. However, knowing the boy, he will likely not object and go with you."

"You sure of that?"

"You bet so."

The two men gawked. M'Wabu and Cassie had decided to encounter them when they saw the pair talking. How they managed to approach without making a sound was a mystery.

"I always thought I would be safe growing up. But now my father is gone. And I find Nova and Cassandra to be good friends of mine. I would like to go to this Earth with you and live the rest of my days there. That is, if you will let me."

T'Challa found himself impressed. He hadn't seen M'Wabu act this mature since they had last seen each other in Wakanda. Apparently, there was more to the boy than he thought. Watching Zuri's murder, seeing the village sacked, escaping death was too much for a boy. However, here M'Wabu stood without showing bitterness towards the world and the people surrounding them.

"Nova told me what you said to her the night Fin left," T'Challa said.

M'Wabu held his gaze. "I meant what I said," he stated. "Anyone would have died with what Ultron did. But you, sir, you didn't. You just struggled to get back up on your feet. I had faith you would return home. I hope you will keep your word and defeat Ultron so we can all live in peace."

Nick looked between the two. There was visibility of a bond between them, similar to a child and their role model. He experienced it a few times before, a rare sight if he had to admit it. Finally, he gave a nod.

"Once you return to Wakanda, I'll take the kids and the Stooges with me," Nick informed. "I need to get back to Earth anyways."

T'Challa gave a nod of understanding. Come morning, the Black Panther will make his return to face off his greatest threat yet.

The sun peaked over the horizon in the east when the group awakened. There was no report on any berserker or any of Ultron's surprises when the patrol came back. The last of the campfires were being doused out as the team prepared to be transported for either Wakanda or Earth. The coming battle was the last thing on one's mind.

"I'll be glad when this is over," Shuri groaned. "My feet are starting to kill me."

"Walking will be good for you," Nakia said. "You'll have soles of steel if you walk enough, if that is how the saying here goes."

"Close enough," Natasha nodded.

T'Challa had joined them for breakfast as they said that. He had slept better than he thought he would. For some unknown reason, his own fears felt diminished compared to what he felt when he came here. That still didn't fill the empty feeling that plagued his soul.

Vision's and Scott's absence felt chilling. Against all tradition, the Avengers were given permission to bury the wraith in their domain. Before she had left, Nova had gone to gather wildflowers to place them at his grave. She and M'Wabu paid their final respects to him before transporting to Strathcona. Watching another close friend and ally be killed over a disagreement was more saddening than vengeful.

A representative from Davenport had arrived to the camp shortly before dawn. The city had estimated no more, no less than eight thousand rooms for them to stay in until the president arrived from Esgaroth. The survivors were given shelter in exchange for work. While detached courtesy wasn't something he practiced, T'Challa felt it would be better than to start another fight. He had overheard the governor's sense of mercy was slender as of late.

"Well, whatever the saying is, it ain't gonna give me a run for my money," Shuri said.

"Who is teaching you all of these weird sayings?" M'Wabu finally inquired the strange phrases he had been hearing from her.

"You would be surprised what you can learn here," Shuri responded.

M'Wabu gave her a look before he went back to his activity. His plate contained leftovers of dried fruit and nut. The boy was busily sketching in a leather-bounded journal he had been given sometime during his stay in the last city. T'Challa noted it was a detailed rendition of a young maiden and a man in armor fighting against a monster by a pond.

"That's good, M'Wabu," T'Challa complimented on his work.

M'Wabu smiled as T'Challa served himself some breakfast.

"Where is Steve and the others?" Natasha wondered.

"Talking to that Brygstad guy from the city," Shuri answered.

"Let them talk," Nakia said. "It may do these people some good once they reach the walls."

"What if the governor does something stupid and backs out?" Shuri asked.

Natasha snorted. "Good luck with that. Tony made sure the last guy who did that actually kept true to his word."

That made the younger woman smile. "Now that I gotta see."

Cassie was leaning against Nakia, the coming events on the forefront of her mind.

"Are we going to be alright?" she asked.

Nakia tenderly stroked her hair. "Of course we will," she assured the little girl.

Cassie sat up straight. "What if…" She hesitated, but proceeded to ask, "What if you don't stop Ultron?"

Shuri looked up at the pair. Rubbing her arm, Nakia started, "Cassie…"

"I heard stories from the Great War." Cassie stopped, and she fingered her blouse. "Stories about a fight like this, but it didn't end well with the good guys. And what happened to them afterwards…"

"You pay no mind to that," Nakia told her. "And half of those stories are barely fact."

"But I heard what happened to Queen Sabra of Ersya," Cassie whimpered. "How after the rebels were defeated, many terrible things were done to her to teach her people a lesson. Then one night―" She took hold of Nakia's arm. "―they beat her almost to death."

"Don't forget that she reignited another rebellion because of it and won that one," T'Challa reminded. "Afterwards, she had them hang for their crimes." He looked at them all in the eye. "We will win this battle. We will not let the enemy crush us. We must join together and crush the darkness before it consumes us all. Let us do it for Vision. For Scott. For all who had died fighting for freedom in the past twenty years."

Nakia held his gaze, and slowly she nodded. A moment later, so did Natasha and Shuri. They now saw T'Challa would do anything to take back the throne and their homeland, and to liberate the world before it fell apart. A life would be taken, or they will lay down theirs.

"We make our way now."

The sudden voice startled the small group. Steve stopped shortly behind them within moments accompanied by Bucky.

"Two minutes. Be ready then," Steve finished up.

T'Challa nodded and climbed to his feet. He followed Steve to where others were gathered. Nakia carried Cassie and passed her to Dave.

"Be careful where you go," Nakia told him.

Dave nodded and she went to join the Avengers as they gathered together. M'Wabu watched as one of his friends decided to join them.

"Won't you come with us?" he pleaded.

Nova stopped in her tracks. After moment's hesitation, she turned to look him in the eye.

"I am Ultron's daughter," she said to him. "If war should come, I may be needed."

M'Wabu stared forlornly at her before he bowed his head. Heart growing heavy, she walked up to him and crouched down to his eye level.

"Do you remember what happened in the mountain?" she asked.

M'Wabu nodded.

"Think of it like this. If I were to survive this massacre, when Ultron is done for, I will think about joining you the next time Fury comes to visit. And I will make sure he agrees to let me seek asylum with you all."

M'Wabu couldn't help smiling. He reached up and grasped her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

"Go with them, before the arrows fly high," he quoted an old Wakandan saying.

"They only seek for hearts of the faint to strengthen their character," Nova finished.

The two burst out laughing. When they calmed down, Nova gave M'Wabu a hug. She pulled back and looked at him one last time before she got up to her feet. M'Wabu watched as she walked away and the entire group disappeared into the forest. A faint whirring sound could be heard, followed by a short pop and a rush of heat. Then, silence.

"Time to go, son."

M'Wabu nodded. He turned and followed Nick, where Luis, Dave, Kurt, and Cassie were waiting for them. Before they could disappear, they had to overcome one last obstacle.

"Oi! Where do you think you're going?"

M'Wabu peered over his shoulder to find Alfred marching up to them. He didn't know much about the man, but Cassie showed great disinterest towards him.

"Far away from you," Luis responded curtly.

"Scott's dead, so you have no say about her," Kurt added.

"That's where you are wrong," Alfred spouted out. "If the parent is found dead or incapable of caring for their child, then by law they are to be sent to the nearest relative. Which, if I can see correctly, is my good self. Now, give me that brat!"

As he reached for Cassie, something cracked Alfred across the face. The former bureaucrat stumbled back and cradled his cheek as he glared upwards. Everett stood protectively between him and the group.

"Lay one finger on them and I will see you are set behind bars for the rest of your days," the senator warned.

Nick had slipped on the ring when Alfred had advanced. The magic was already flowing through him. A quick decision had to be made. Seeing Everett's act, his mind had already been made up. He grabbed hold of Everett and yanked him back as a barrier surrounded and twirled around them. It soon exploded into a flash of light and soon, they were gone.

Alfred stood there, blinking at the spot where they had all been. He slowly turned to the angry crowd that seethed at him.

"Well, I guess some of us don't get what we want," he said.

"Get him!" a young woman declared, and Alfred found himself pelted with rotten fruit and vegetation.