AN: I own none of the characters or settings you recognize. I only own my original characters and settings. I question why this has to be repeated in each chapter, but well...
Location: South Africa, Johannesburg
26 December 2012
A sleek, black car wound its way through the bustling streets of Johannesburg, a city that stood as both the busiest in Africa and the pulsating heart of South Africa. The vehicle, although conspicuously luxurious, blended into the steady flow of traffic, overshadowed by the towering skyscrapers and the throngs of people moving with purpose along the sidewalks.
Inside the car, Shuri gazed out the window, taking in the vibrant cityscape. "This country fascinates me. Victor used to talk about it often. His interest in African countries outside of Wakanda is unusual for a Wakandan," she mused, her voice tinged with curiosity.
She had managed to convince T'Challa and escaped with him. It was easy leaving when she had access to all the tech in Wakanda, maybe trusting the princess that much was a bad idea.
T'Challa, seated beside her, kept his eyes on the GPS display. "I understand his fascination, but let's stay focused on our mission, Shuri," he reminded her, his tone containing a tinge of annoyance.
The GPS led them to a seemingly unremarkable location: an industrial area filled with warehouses. They pulled up to a particularly inconspicuous building, its exterior weathered and uninviting. T'Challa cut the engine, and the siblings exchanged a determined glance.
"Ready?" T'Challa asked, his voice low but
resolute.
Shuri nodded. "Let's do this."
They exited the vehicle and approached the warehouse cautiously. Despite its dilapidated appearance, they knew this building was tied to Ulysses Klaw, their target. As they drew closer, the silence around the warehouse was almost oppressive.
T'Challa pressed his ear against the door, listening for any signs of movement. "It's quiet," he whispered.
Shuri, pulled out a small device from her pocket and activated it. "I'm scanning for any electronic signals or any heat signatures," she explained. The device beeped faintly, indicating nothing unusual.
"It seems abandoned."
T'Challa's expression hardened. "Let's not take any chances."
With a swift motion, he pushed open the door, and they slipped inside. The interior was as desolate as the exterior suggested—dusty, dimly lit, and filled with empty crates and discarded equipment. They moved through the space methodically, searching for any clues that might lead them to Klaw.
"There's nothing here," Shuri said, frustration creeping into her voice as she rifled through a pile of papers.
T'Challa placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We can't give up. Klaw has to be around here somewhere."
They continued their search, but the warehouse yielded no useful information. Defeated but not deterred, they exited the building and returned to their car.
As they drove away, Shuri's mind raced. "We need another lead, something that can point us in the right direction."
Victor's POV*
Right after escaping, I traveled on foot, putting as much distance between myself and the port as possible before hailing a taxi. As the cab moved through the early morning light, I contemplated my next move.
But first, I had to deal with the screens that appeared in front of me. They were of
critical importance, and when not in combat, the system would present them for my attention.
Quest Completion Notification:
[Hidden Quest: Extremis Incident]
A hidden quest occurs when an event of significance to the trajectory of the world's
events unfolds.
Objective: Escape from Aldrich Killian and his men with the Extremis virus. Your reward will be based on your efforts during the quest.
Status: Completed
EXP: 300K GAINED
Hidden Quest? That's the first I've gotten. Is it only related to this incident or is it because it's something significant? But wasn't Ulysses capture a significant incident? Or does something else trigger them? I boxed my thoughts and unboxed the rest of the notifications.
You have slain a level 27 being.
EXP: 27K GAINED
Slain? My mind went blank seeing that. I only now realized that I had never taken a life before. The goons of Ulysses before hadn't died from my attacks, and we hadn't...
Suddenly, my stomach churned violently. The enormity of what I'd done hit me like a sledgehammer. "Stop the car!" I shouted to the driver, my voice cracking with panic.
The driver glanced at me in the rearview mirror, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong, mate?"
"Just stop the car!" I repeated, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps.
The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and I stumbled out of the cab. I barely made it to the curb before collapsing to my knees and retching violently. My whole body trembled as wave after wave of nausea overtook me. The realization of taking a life was a heavy,
suffocating weight that I couldn't shake off.
After what felt like an eternity, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and tried to steady my breathing. The driver had stepped out of the car and approached me cautiously. "You alright there, mate?" he asked, his voice gentle but I could hear the annoyance layered underneath.
I shook my head, unable to find the words. My hands still trembled as I forced myself to stand up straight. The driver reached out to steady me.
We had been taught how to handle these situations in Wakanda as soldiers being in the situation was different.
"Here, let's sit down for a bit," he said, guiding me to a nearby bench. We sat in silence for a few moments, the early
morning city bustling around us.
"You wanna talk about it?" he asked eventually.
I took a deep breath, still trying to process everything. "I... I just feel overworked. There's a lot that's happened in the past few days."
It wasn't a lie, I'd been pushing myself to maintain a momentum that a normal person shouldn't. Not to mention what I had done.
'But I had to, he was trying to kill me too, it was either him or me.'
He sighed, looking out at the city. "You know, the human body and mind have limits. You push yourself too hard, and it all
comes crashing down. Sometimes, you just need to take a break. Clear your head. Otherwise, you'll go mad."
I looked at him, the weight of his words sinking in. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I do need a break."
'Yes it was either him or me. I'll have to get used to this from now on. No life is more precious than mine.' I thought calming myself down. 'I'm overreacting, he would have died either way with that virus in him, my actions may have been a gift even.'
He smiled kindly. "Good man. Take a day off. This city has a lot to offer. Get lost in it for a bit. You'll be surprised how much it helps."
I nodded, feeling a small sense of relief.
"Thanks. I think I will."
"Alright then," he said, standing up and clapping me on the shoulder. "Let's get you back in the cab. We'll find you a nice spot to start your day off."
As we got back into the taxi, I felt a strange sense of calm. The driver's words had given me a new perspective. Maybe a day off was exactly what I needed to regain my footing and prepare for whatever came next.
A few hours passed with me on the move. It didn't take long for me to reach the inner city of Los Angeles. I was in awe of the beauty of the city. LA really stood up to its reputation.
"I mean, since I'm here, I might as well look around. It's Christmas and I have no real plans," I murmured to myself.
Stepping out of the cab, I found myself in the heart of downtown LA. I got myself a Hotel, cleaned myself up and decided to go out to clear my thoughts. My head felt heavy.
The streets were bustling with holiday cheer—twinkling lights adorned the palm trees, and storefronts were decked out with festive decorations. There was a certain magic in the air that made the city feel alive.
I started my exploration on foot, taking in the sights and sounds. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, mixing
with the scent of freshly brewed coffee from the myriad of cafes lining the streets. Street performers added a lively soundtrack to the cityscape, playing everything from jazz to Christmas carols.
I wandered into Grand Park, where a massive Christmas tree towered over an ice-skating rink filled with laughing families and couples. The sight brought a smile to my face. I couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness, but the joy around me was infectious. One would forget that their in a universe where you could die at any second.
Next, I headed to The Last Bookstore, one of LA's iconic spots. The labyrinthine aisles were filled with towering shelves of books, and I lost myself in the maze, marveling at the unique art installations made from old
novels. The eclectic mix of literature and creativity was inspiring, and I spent a good hour browsing through rare finds and quirky knick-knacks.
It made me realize that as my intelligence Stat increased so did my curiosity and interest to any sort of knowledge. Maybe the system and my stats have a larger effect on my personality than I think. 'I wish it could affect my care for a human life too though.'
As the afternoon turned to evening, I made my way to Griffith Observatory. The view of the city from up here was breathtaking. The lights of LA stretched out as far as the eye could see, a glittering sea of gold and white. I took a moment to just breathe it all in, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.
Inside the observatory, I explored the exhibits, fascinated by the displays on space and time. I even managed to catch a glimpse of Saturn through one of the telescopes, its rings glowing faintly in the night sky.
My final stop of the day was the Santa Monica Pier. The festive lights illuminated the boardwalk, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was soothing. I took a leisurely stroll, stopping to play a few arcade games and watch the street performers. The Ferris wheel was lit up in a rainbow of colors, casting a beautiful reflection on the ocean below.
As I stood at the end of the pier, looking out at the vast Pacific Ocean, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. For this moment, for this city, and for the chance to experience
something new. It wasn't the Christmas I had planned, but it turned out to be a day filled with unexpected joy and wonder.
"I guess LA does live up to the hype," I whispered to myself, smiling as I turned to head back to my hotel. It was a day I would never forget, for multiple reasons, and I was ready to see what else this city had to offer.
The night was still young as I made my way back into the heart of downtown LA. The city had transformed as the sun set, neon lights casting vibrant hues over the bustling streets. I decided to let loose and see what the LA nightlife had to offer.
My first stop was a popular club called The Viper Room. The line was long, but with a
bit of smooth talking and a generous tip to the bouncer, I found myself inside. The bass from the music vibrated through my body as I navigated the crowded dance floor.
"Pour up." "DRANK!"
"Head shot" "DRANK!"
"Sit down" "DRANK!"
"stand up" "DRANK!"
"Pass out" "DRANK!"
'Is that "swimming pools"? I guess this is when Kendrick released GKMC huh, I'm glad some things don't change throughout universes and lives.'
I made my way to the bar and ordered a whiskey on the rocks. The atmosphere was electric, with people dancing and laughing, lost in the energy of the night.
After a few drinks, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see a woman with bright brown hair and a dazzling smile. "You look like you could use a dance partner," she shouted over the music.
I grinned and accepted her offer. We danced for what felt like hours, the rhythm of the music guiding our movements. The world outside the club faded away, replaced by the pulsing lights and the intoxicating blend of music and alcohol.
As the night wore on, we decided to check out one of LA's famous casinos. We hailed a cab and headed to The Commerce Casino, a sprawling complex known for its poker tables and luxurious setting. I wasn't much of a gambler, but tonight felt like a night for new experiences.
Inside, the casino was a whirlwind of flashing lights and ringing slot machines. I exchanged some cash for chips and headed to the blackjack table. Beginner's luck must have been on my side, as I won a few hands and walked away with a nice stack of chips.
Feeling on top of the world, I cashed in my winnings and treated my new friend to a fancy cocktail at the casino bar. We laughed and talked, sharing stories and enjoying the high of the night. Of course most of my stories were based on my past life and lies mixed in.
Our final destination was another club, this one more upscale and intimate. The music was softer, more lounge-like, and the atmosphere was sophisticated. We found
a cozy corner and continued our conversation, the drinks flowing as the night deepened.
Before I knew it, we were back at my hotel room. The details of the rest of the night were hazy, a blur of laughter, music, and whispered conversations.
*The Next Morning*
I woke up with a pounding headache, the sunlight streaming through the curtains piercing my eyes. Groaning, I rolled over and found myself face-to-face with the brown-haired woman from last night. She was still asleep, her breathing soft and steady.
I sat up slowly, trying to piece together the events of the night. The club, the casino,
the drinks—it all came back in fragments. I glanced around the room, noticing the discarded clothes and empty glasses that told the story of our wild night.
Carefully, I slipped out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I looked at myself in the mirror. Despite the hangover, I couldn't help but smile. It had been a long time since I'd let myself have this much fun.
When I returned to the room, she was awake, stretching and smiling at me. "Good morning," she said, her voice husky with sleep.
"Morning," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck. "Last night was... something."
She laughed, a light, carefree sound. "It
definitely was. Thanks for a great time."
We chatted for a bit longer before she gathered her things and left after giving me a way to contact her.
As the door closed behind her, I flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. The night had been a whirlwind, a brief escape from the responsibilities and dangers that awaited me.
But now, as the city buzzed to life outside, it was time to get back to business. There was still much to do, and I couldn't afford to lose focus for long.
*Two Days Later*
Location: South Africa, Johannesburg
Date: 28 December 2012
Shuri and T'Challa had settled into a discreet but comfortable hotel in the heart of Johannesburg. The room was modern, with a panoramic view of the city skyline. It was now their base of operations, a place where Shuri's tech prowess could come into full play.
The suite was bathed in the soft glow of several holographic screens floating in mid-air. Shuri sat at the desk, her fingers dancing across a virtual keyboard as she delved into various databases and encrypted networks. T'Challa paced behind her, occasionally glancing at the data she was compiling.
"I've cross-referenced every known associate of Ulysses Klaw," Shuri said, her voice a mix of determination and
exhaustion. "There's one name that keeps popping up. A man known as Crossfire."
T'Challa raised an eyebrow. "Crossfire?"
"Yes. Real name: William Cross. He's a super-powered individual with cybernetic enhancements that give him enhanced marksmanship and other abilities. He's well-connected in the criminal underworld, often acting as a middleman for mercenaries and big-time crooks."
"Do you think he knows where Klaw is?"
"If anyone does, it's him. Klaw used him to hire some mercenaries recently, but the trail goes cold after that. We need to find him and make him talk."
T'Challa nodded. "Then let's find Crossfire."
Using her advanced tech, Shuri traced Crossfire's last known whereabouts to a hidden nightclub that catered to the city's elite—and its most dangerous elements. The club, known as "The Mirage," was renowned for its secrecy and the high-profile clientele it attracted.
*The Mirage, Johannesburg*
The siblings arrived at The Mirage under the cover of darkness. The exterior was nondescript, a simple facade that belied the opulence within. A discreet door led to a lavish interior, where the city's rich and infamous mingled.
Shuri and T'Challa, dressed in sleek, inconspicuous attire and wearing phantom
masks, a mask Wakndan infiltrators have been using to for stealth operations and such. This hid their appearance making them seem like some random young man and woman. (Victor used this to make his PhantomVeil)
They made their way through the throngs of people. They spotted Crossfire sitting in a private booth, surrounded by a group of rough-looking individuals.
"That's him," Shuri whispered.
T'Challa nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Let's do this carefully."
They approached the booth, and T'Challa, exuding an air of authority, addressed Crossfire directly. "William Cross?"
Crossfire looked up, his cybernetic eye glinting under the club's neon lights. "Who wants to know?"
"We need information about Ulysses Klaw," T'Challa said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Crossfire smirked. "And why would I tell you anything?"
Shuri stepped forward, activating a small holographic device that projected detailed schematics of Crossfire's cybernetic enhancements. "Because I can make your life very difficult if you don't," she said, her voice cold and precise.
Crossfire's smirk faded. His gaze hardened as he leaned back, signaling to his goons who began to rise from their seats.
"I don't take kindly to threats," he said, his tone icy. "You think you can just waltz in here and demand information?"
T'Challa's posture remained unyielding. "We're not asking again."
Crossfire's cybernetic eye whirred slightly as it focused. "Boys, teach these intruders a lesson."
Suddenly, the club erupted into chaos. Crossfire's goons lunged at Shuri and T'Challa, fists swinging. T'Challa, with the agility and strength granted by the heart-shaped herb, moved with precision and power, blocking and countering each attack effortlessly. Shuri, while not as physically formidable, utilized her tech gadgets with precision, disabling and
disorienting several attackers with energy pulses and small explosives.
Crossfire himself engaged, using his cybernetic enhancements to gain the upper hand. His strikes were faster and more powerful than an average human's, making him a formidable opponent. He aimed a powerful punch at T'Challa, but T'Challa dodged, countering with a swift kick that sent Crossfire sprawling backward.
Despite their efforts, the fight continued to escalate. Shuri activated her holographic gauntlet, projecting a force field to shield herself from an incoming attack, then unleashed a burst of energy that knocked two goons unconscious. T'Challa grappled with Crossfire, their movements a blur of skill and strength.
Seeing the fight turning against him, Crossfire attempted to flee, darting through the crowd toward a back exit. Shuri quickly scanned the room and activated a small drone from her belt, sending it to intercept him. The drone fired a net that entangled Crossfire's legs, causing him to stumble and fall.
T'Challa was on him in an instant, pinning him to the ground. "You're not going anywhere," he said, his voice firm.
Crossfire struggled, but Shuri approached, her tech at the ready. "Now, you're going to tell us everything," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Crossfire glared up at them, defeated. "Fine, you win. Klaw's got business
partners, but you won't find him through me. All I know is about his dealings in the metal industry. He's got a huge operation involving steel, gold, and other minerals."
Shuri leaned in closer. "Names. We need names."
Crossfire sighed, realizing he had no way out. "Alright. One of his main partners is a guy named Van der Merwe. He's more involved in the underworld than the metal industry itself. If anyone knows where Klaw is, it's him."
T'Challa tightened his grip. "Where can we find Van der Merwe?"
Crossfire winced. "He operates out of Pretoria, in an old estate. It's heavily guarded, though. You'll need more than
just your fists and gadgets to get to him."
Shuri deactivated her gauntlet, satisfied with the information. "Thank you for your cooperation," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
As they left the club, T'Challa turned to Shuri. "We have our next target. Van der Merwe in Pretoria."
Shuri nodded. "Let's get back to the hotel and prepare. This isn't going to be easy."
*LINEBREAK*
The dimly lit hotel room cast long shadows over the cluttered desk where Shuri sat, surrounded by her tech gadgets. Her eyes were fixed on a holographic
display of Van der Merwe's estate in Pretoria, analyzing every detail with the precision of a master strategist. T'Challa paced restlessly, his brow furrowed in deep thought, the weight of their clandestine mission heavy on his mind.
"Shuri, we need to talk," T'Challa said suddenly, halting in his tracks.
Shuri turned to face him, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "What's on your mind, brother?"
T'Challa hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I'm starting to think we should reconsider. We're defying direct orders by leaving Wakanda. The Dora Milaje are already on the hunt for Victor and Klaw; they're more experienced in these matters."
Shuri hand kept tapping on the desk creating an annoying rhythm, her mind racing. "But you know what could happen if he's compromised, brother. How can I just sit back and watch?"
T'Challa's expression hardened. "And what if he's already been killed, Shuri? The only reason I'm here is because you convinced me we'd find him quickly and finish the job before anyone noticed we were gone. But now? What do we do when they realize we're missing? Is it worth it?"
"Victor wouldn't be easy to capture or kill. He's too smart, too capable. I have a feeling he could have even planned his disappearance. The lack of evidence from the hotel footage in Congo is a sign of that. Or maybe they forced him to help them stay off the grid. That's even worse—
his capabilities are too dangerous in the wrong hands."
T'Challa raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You think he staged it? You're right; I know his capabilities."
'Wakanda does too. They know his worth as the last talented M'Charu.' He continued in his mind not wanting to mention it to Shuri.
Shuri nodded thoughtfully, stopping to face her brother. "It's plausible. Victor's intellect rivals mine. He could have engineered something to evade Wakanda's surveillance. That's why we can't rely on the Dora Milaje alone. We need to find him before anyone else does. Also, I can't risk them not understanding his worth. You know how much they follow the rules in
Wakanda."
T'Challa sighed, torn between duty and loyalty. "I understand your concern, Shuri. But what if this puts us in even greater danger? What if Wakanda sees us as traitors?"
Shuri stood up straighter, her resolve unwavering. "We have to take that risk, T'Challa. Victor is not just an asset, he's also a friend."
T'Challa nodded slowly, his mind grappling with the weight of their decision. "Alright, but we need to be cautious. Sneaking out of Wakanda wasn't easy; we can't afford any missteps."
Shuri smiled faintly, grateful for her brother's support. "Thank you, T'Challa. I
knew I could count on you."
T'Challa returned her smile, a flicker of pride in his eyes for his sister's unwavering determination. "Let's find Victor and bring him home. I'm really going to have to beat him black and blue for making us go through this trouble, I told him multiple times of the dangers of leaving Wakanda."
Shuri just laughed at her brother's retort.
As they prepared to depart, T'Challa's thoughts drifted to Victor. He recalled how Shuri's face lit up whenever they talked about their latest inventions, how Victor had brought a spark of joy into her life.
He couldn't let his sister down, nor could he ignore the potential danger lurking ahead. He also couldn't ignore the
unspoken fear that if Victor had willingly escaped, the Dora Milaje might consider him a threat to Wakanda, a threat they would eliminate without hesitation.
Or worse, capture him to find out more about the M'Charus, he's worth too much to just kill him.
END NOTE: I hope you're excited as I am for this new arc. If you haven't noticed yet, then well, I'm trying out a different writing style, I hope you enjoy it as the rest of the fic will be written in that way.
Anyway, i don't have much to say except thank you for getting this far. Just you wait we're only getting started.
See you next Monday. Well unless we're lucky enough to get another bonus chapter. ;)
Extra note: Ohh and for those who get the music reference, you my friend, are a man of culture. I wouldve prefered to make a reference to Sing about me or backseat freestyle but it's unrealistic to hear those in the club. Not like us makes the most sense in a club but damn cant do that either. SInce we're onthe topic, if any of you have music recommendations then feel free to tell me some. I'd recommend Bleue by Wale the Sage, a song I've been bumbing latelly which i think any hip-hop head would like and its from an underatted artist too, check it out if you can.
Sorry for diverging my love for music is similar to my love for literature and writing. They go hand in hand.