So yeah, that last chapter was a doozy to say the least and the first arc of Season 3 has come to its close.
Thank you all so much for all the reviews you've given and all the support. It's what keeps me going.
Now, several quick rapid things to address.
No mutants or Fantastic Four. Stories been planned and it's already got a bloated cast. Those X-men elements are either enhanced soldiers by SHIELD/HYRDA or regular, highly trained assassins. Don't expect any X-men or F4 to be making an appearance.
Elements and adaptational scenes will be used from What If and Visions but in terms of characters, don't get your hopes up.
Also, I mentioned the Kwa. If you know your Star Wars lore, you know they made a certain something that allowed for instant interstellar travel. Hint, hint.
Oh, and sorry folks, only element of Agents of SHIELD that will be used is Ghost Rider. Punisher will also make his appearance in time.
It's insane really when I say we're just getting started.
But really, let's just keep it going.
Next arc of Season 3 starting now.
Rate Read and Review as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 56: Lost in the Jungle.
"When I was a boy, all I ever wanted to do was see the outside world. To explore and experience the life and cultures that it had to offer rather than being constrained to one place. Quarantined within a domed bubble, in a sense."
"I knew that there was so much more to see than just the borders of my country and the images and videos that cannot capture the feeling of experiencing places and events in person."
"Wakanda… My Home."
"The most technologically advanced nation on the planet. The greatest kept secret on Earth."
"The Kingdom that I would one day stand upon as its ruler. It's King."
"But that would not be for some time."
"My father, King T'Chaka has been ruling for many decades now and has held strong to our roots while also making us look towards the future. I hope to be able to be half the King that he was when my time comes."
"Though… It was he who dissuaded me in my endeavors of seeing the world as is. He told me of how the world outside was one of destruction and conflict."
"Baba told me the outside world bred war, violence and hatred. It had nothing to truly offer Wakanda."
"... And he was right. I saw the world for what it was. All the bad… and all the good. But rather than being dissuaded, I still felt that there was more to it than just what was shown to me. I always believed that if we have the ability to show the world to be better, we can if we want to. We just need to find the courage within ourselves to do so."
"People do not understand the lives of another who is not like them. Not unless they take that one crucial step."
"And then… by pure chance, I had found myself in New York with my father and sister in pursuit of an old foe of my people. It felt rather riveting to be exploring the city where the Avengers were first formed in fighting back an alien invasion. Seeing what had been happening in these last few years, an old nostalgic feeling of mine began to well up. The thought of exploration and experiencing something new."
"And I did, brief as it was. Made allies of local heroes whom I found admirable in their own ways."
"I just never would've imagined my sense of exploration… would take me beyond my normal reality."
T'challa, Prince of Wakanda and holder of the mantle of Black Panther stood before a roaring fire. Around him were bipedal walking carpets who all stared at the Prince with curious and slightly mistrustful eyes.
And this wasn't the only audience that he had.
The Prince stood upon a wide, elevated platform that was built into the tree and surrounding this platform were multiple bridges and ladders that connected to other huts, homes and walkways.
It was a city built in the trees.
A sight to behold even for a man who comes from a nation that was decades further in technology then the rest of his own home planet.
The people who inhabited this place… they were quite tall, shaggy and hairy above all else.
Some seemed rather calm, pleasant and approachable.
Others displayed a warrior's demeanor though many still regarded him with a modicum of respect.
These bipedal shag carpets were intelligent and appeared to know what he was in terms of his species.
None of them acted shocked or surprised for that matter, just a simple intrigue in why he was here.
It was bizarre to say the least.
Thus far, they conveyed no sense of animosity or hostility so that was a plus.
They had even offered him meat of some kind that was cooked and he thanked them for their hospitality.
Now… if only he could-
"RRWWWGG!"
"RAWRGWAWGGR"
-just figure out what in Bast's name they were saying.
To him, this was literally the hardest form of translation he can ever go through.
The Wakandan prince knew how to understand and speak every known language on Earth, yet this was completely new to him.
These humanoid bear-like creatures seemed to somehow understand him. Surprisingly, it appeared they understood every word out of his mouth. It was rather unfair as he didn't understand them.
In a sad way, he greatly wished he was better at Pictionary as it would greatly help him out here.
Shuri always was better at it than him. She was more imaginative that way.
"Is there a way where we can communicate?" T'challa asked, having said this question several times now.
The only answer he got were gruff growls that almost felt like they were telling him to just wait a second while they figured out a means in which to communicate to him.
He was surprised when they started bringing out technology he did not recognize and began to work on it.
Panther was well aware that this was alien technology but at a first glance of this race, technology is not something one would assume them to be proficient at.
T'challa watched as two of these creatures fiddled with some kind of mechanical box, grunting and warbling to one another every now and then, until…
He blinked slightly upon seeing a spark come from the box and one of the creatures let out a roar of victory and held what looked to be some sort of microphone up.
"Can you understand me?" Spoke a distorted, robotic voice through the box.
T'challa blinked once more, mouth slightly dropping in astonishment.
He was at a momentary loss for words until he found his voice.
"I-I-I… Yes, yes I can understand you." His amazement was evident to hear to all. "H-How did you do that? Better yet, how do you understand me?"
"Galactic basic is the universal language of the galaxy." The furry creature holding the mic answered. "Even us Wookiees can all understand it."
Those two sentences alone were enough to give T'challa a slight headache as he realized his questions had just doubled.
Galactic Basic?
Galaxy?
Wookiees?
Where was he?
Was he on Earth or… Another planet?
And Galaxy… was it his galaxy or another one entirely?
Whatever it was, T'Challa really needed to sit down.
But first…
The Prince placed a fist over his chest and bowed forward slightly.
"I thank you for your hospitality and for treating me with such kindness though you do not know me." He said. "My name is Prince T'challa of Wakanda. I am in your debt."
The one holding the mic warbled out a jovial sounding response.
"A pleasure to meet royalty." Furry creature stated through the translator. "I am Rafwarren. Chieftain Tarfful is away on a hunt at this time but shall return shortly. He will be able to answer more of your questions then we can."
T'challa inclined his head forward in gratitude once more.
"Come." Rafwarren gestured for him to follow. "Let us find you a place to rest and talk further until the Chieftain comes back."
Sure enough, the prince was able to learn much of his present circumstances.
To begin with, the species that he was meeting for the first time were known as the Wookiees and the planet that they inhabited was called Kashyyyk.
It was a dense jungle world filled with swamps and trees and an assortment of wildlife both hostile and non-hostile.
When speaking of his home, neither of these Wookiees ever heard of Planet Earth. They speculated it could reside in the unknown regions of this galaxy, which gave T'Challa some measure of hope.
Fleeting hope but hope nonetheless.
They asked about the suit that he wore and he explained to him that it was his Panther suit that allowed him to do a measure of extraordinary abilities.
Curious, the Wookiees were about to ask him to elaborate on it when a loud horn was heard echoing in the treetops.
"The Chieftain has returned." Rafwarren proclaimed and stood up, followed by the other Wookiee named Tulwar.
The Wookiees had all gathered around a particularly large platform that seemed to be built atop the largest tree within the vicinity.
The leader of these people, or perhaps clan, was of the taller sorts of their kind. He wore some more armor than most. He wore armor around his shoulders and chest. Coming down his head were a number of dreadlocks with beads keeping them together. His fur was a dark brown though his eyes were a brighter shade of blue.
This was Chieftain Tarfful.
And it appeared that he had already been notified of T'challa's arrival as he seemed to be expecting him.
Tarfful stood before all in attendance, head held high and proud as he looked down upon the smaller man.
He was quickly given the translator box and spoke into the mic.
"So you are the outsider that had been found by my kin."
"No of my own volition, Chieftain, I assure you." Black Panther stated.
"How is it that you had come by here? Kashyyyk is a place that is not so easily breached by those who do not know it like we do."
"Where I come from, I was tracking a criminal to my people." T'Challa revealed, garnering whispers and murmurs from the Wookiees. "I was nearly successful with my comrades, but unforeseen circumstances caused me to wind up on your home."
"Is this criminal on this planet?" Tarfful eyed the Prince in an accusatory manner.
T'Challa shook his head. "It appears no one I was with, friend and foe, has made it on this planet. That I am aware of at the very least."
Tarfful let out a series of barks and roars that conveyed for the Wookiees to seek out and see if any other non-native sentient species had made their way onto Kashyyyk without their knowledge.
The Wookiee then turned back to the Wakandan Prince and exhaled, crossing his arms and adopting a contemplative look.
"How can we be sure you aren't lying?"
T'Challa hummed in thought, trying to figure out what to say.
"I would have to earn your trust and be sure to not ruin it."
"Can you keep such a promise?"
A more determined expression arose upon the heir of Wakanda as he stepped forward.
"High Chieftain Tarfful. Leader of the Wookiee people." T'challa proclaimed aloud, garnering the attention of all present as he went down to one knee. "I, Prince T'challa of Wakanda, owe you and your people a debt of gratitude for taking me into your homes and treating me with a generosity and kindness few can match. Whatever it is you ask of me, I shall do all within my power to deliver."
He heard the murmurings, warbles, barks and grunts of the Wookiees before they were all silenced by Tarfful.
"If you truly mean that, Prince T'Challa, then know that a word to Wookiee is a sacred bond. One that is not taken lightly and not easily forgiven if broken."
T'Challa found himself grinning.
"Then we are in agreement. My people share such beliefs and sentiments with their hearts and souls."
It appeared that was the right thing to say as he saw a noticeable upturn in Tarfful's expression.
"Then I welcome you, friend, to Kashyyyk."
There was a resounding cheer as the Wookiees all put on a gracious welcome to the Prince who found their openness to be rather endearing and refreshing.
Much as though he wished to enjoy such an experience he was a man of his word.
Not wanting to be a freeloader, as most people say back home, T'Challa put himself to work and assisted his hosts in a number of tasks. It was the least he could do. Besides, he does not want to unpay their actions by doing nothing. His parents taught him better than doing so.
Thus began his many days with the people of Kashyyyk.
Many tasks were presented before the Prince but he faced them all with a degree of determination that few could match.
It came as a surprise to the Wookiees to see a human being able to keep pace with them so easily. From his speed to strength, T'challa was able to find himself working comfortably among his new friends.
The special herb of Wakanda was serving him well in this regard.
He helped the fishermen procure a number of sea life. He hunted with the hunters. Fought and trained with warriors both in and out of his suit. Scaled the trees and connected the bridges.
In a small sense, it was like he was back at home.
Granted there were no advanced cities on this planet like Wakanda, but that suited the prince just fine. The unique forested environment was enough for him.
Throughout his time on Kashyyyk, T'challa has been greatly intrigued and interested with its natives. While the Wookiees usually stick to their home planet, they are willing to venture out to the rest of the galaxy and do what they can to help themselves and others.
He sees them living harmoniously with nature whilst also being incredibly technologically advanced or tech savvy at the very least. They reminded him of the Jabari tribe and how they refused Wakanda's advancements in technology
But now… if shown how the Wookiees live the way they do, perhaps the Jabari can become a part of Wakanda as they always should have been.
The thought didn't fail in making the Prince scoff derisively at such a notion.
Easier said than done.
The Jabari were founded at the same time as all the other tribes of Wakanda.
They were as ancient and as stubborn as any and all of the other tribes of the secret kingdom.
Their leader would be an especially hard man in convincing him to join with the rest of Wakanda but T'challa was anything if not determined.
So he would have to wait and hope that one day he would be able to do just that.
For now, he would have to make do with his current set of circumstances.
While living with the Wookiee people, T'Challa was able to learn much of the present galaxy.
There were millions of sentient species which spanned over hundreds of star systems. And presently there was a galactic war, the Republic vs the Separatists.
It spanned practically the entire known galaxy and was entering into its second year.
Made him wonder when the war will ever reach this world.
He wasn't saying "if" in this case. It was due to him being a realist on this case. This planet wasn't Wakanda, which had highly advanced technology to help protect their borders. Sooner or later Kashyyyk's people will be drawn into the conflict.
Yet rather than shirk themselves away from such a conflict, the Wookiees appeared ready for it should it come to their doorsteps.
Even more, they were just as prepared to head out to war should the Republic ask them of this duty.
It was so strange yet so refreshing to meet individuals willing to go out there to fight for a cause bigger than them.
All these thoughts, these new memories, new information, all of it has been swimming around in the mind of the Prince since getting here as he was still processing his situation.
"Graawwaaarra."
T'challa arched his brow and looked over to Rafwarren who was giving him an expectant look.
"What are you talking about?" The Prince asked in amusement.
The Wookiee let out a few gruffs and snorts, pointing to his face.
"I do not brood." T'challa said with a laugh, lightly swatting away the hand. "This is called deep introspection."
He got a warbling set of laughs in return.
The Prince rolled his eyes at his new tall friend but smirked all the same.
He subconsciously reached up to one of his ears and his hand grazed over an earpiece he had on that he had created with the help of the Wookiees.
It didn't take long for most, including him, to realize that hefting a translator box all over Kashyyyk would be a severe hassle.
To counter this problem, Tarfful instructed their best tech experts on how to deal with this matter and T'challa joined them in creating a shrunken down version of the translator with an earpiece.
Black Panther may not be as tech savvy as his sister Shuri is but he was no slouch in that department.
Growing up around so much vibranium and advanced technology on top of being a member of the royal family exposed T'challa too much knowledge that he will need to use for when the time calls upon it.
This was one of those times.
With some trial and error, a shrunken down version of the translator was created and T'challa was able to understand the Wookiees with no further hassle.
It was still interesting to him as to how the translator managed to understand the language of the Wookiees but Translate was in its name after all.
Shyriiwook is what the native tongue of the Wookiees were called.
There were other languages of course but this was the primary dialect used by all of Wookiee kind.
"Tongue of the Tree People" it was called.
"What can I do for you my friend?" T'challa asked, turning to the fur carpet that now stood next to him.
"Grooorawrawoo"
The Prince tilted his head at that.
"Life day?" He repeated, eliciting an excited nod out of the Wookiee. "What's that supposed to be?"
Rafwarren went over a brief explanation as to what it was.
"A celebration of Life you say?"
"Graaa."
Panther snorted. "I see your point."
"Rawawraaa."
This was certainly a surprise. "Why invite me? I would have thought you would have kept it more personal between family."
Rafwarren shook his head and let out a few grunts while patting Panther on the back.
T'challa only shook his head.
"My deeds hardly count as much."
The Wookiee scoffed in a dismissive manner.
It was a silent message of 'they more than count'.
"Are you certain about this, my friend? Much as you may think I have done, I am still a newcomer to this land." T'challa argued. "I do not wish to impose."
Rafwarren would hear none of it, wrapping his long arms around the head of the Prince and began messing his hair.
"Aurgh, RAF!" The Prince complained.
He managed to free himself of the Wookiees grasp before tackling him down to the ground with the two starting to wrestle against one another.
If he wasn't used to the way they fought, then T'challa would've lost these bouts more times than he could count.
Being enhanced allowed him to fight on par and most times, beyond what many of the Wookiees were physically capable of.
His strength, speed, agility, dexterity and specifically his feline-esque way of fighting gave the Prince a distinct advantage over most of the Wookiees.
It was the more experienced ones that gave him a bit more trouble as they have decades of experience on their side as well as their taller frame and reach.
Their little wrestling match was broken up by the sound of an amused set of grunting laughs and the duo looked up to see a number of Wookiees chuckling at them.
Rafwarren let out a bark which T'challa messed with his top hair.
"You were about to lose and you know it." He shot back with Raf pouting and looking away, murmuring this to be false.
The other Wookiees all gestured for them to get going as Life Day celebrations were about to commence.
T'challa was taken to one of the larger structures within the Wookiee city he was staying in and saw down below at the forest floor a number of raging fires.
Now which one would he choose to rest by for the festivities.
Entering the city, he observed the early celebrations -or preparation for it- as he occasionally made some light conversations.
T'challa sat in front of the fire with a content smile, watching the young Wookiee children run about, jumping and dancing while music played in the background.
It was quaint, simple and peaceful.
Such a juxtaposition to the apparent war tearing its way through the Galaxy as of now.
He saw friends he had been making since his arrival here and food and gifts being exchanged from all around.
This was all so… calm.
Panther's eyes trailed over the roaring fire and he gazed upon the dancing flames. It was as if the flickering fire was dancing with the sound of the music itself, the sound of wood popping in unison with the fireworks going off in the background.
*Snap*
T'challa's ear twitched and he looked behind him at the illuminated yet darkened forest that surrounded the Wookiee city.
He squinted for a second as he could have sworn he saw something moving in between the trees.
For a very brief moment, the prince thought it was the local wildlife.
T'challa slowly turned back to the festivities when he froze at the sound of some rattling bushes.
How naive such a thing that was.
Not wanting to raise suspicion too soon, he carefully rose from his seat and didn't give himself away. Though it didn't mean he wasn't getting prepared for a surprise.
T'challa slowly began to back away from the fire and towards the tree line.
His ears twitched as he heard movement and it was moving away from him.
They either were moving away from him or towards someone else.
It appeared he went unnoticed by whatever it was that was hiding in the trees and shrubbery.
And judging by the sound of it, there was more than one of them.
He stepped into the jungle proper now and turned his head, his more enhanced eyes catching sight of several figures moving carefully through the trees and foliage.
They were bipedal and not Wookiee.
His Panther habit activated and his suit materialized around him, the black and silver suit making him blend completely into the dark forest as the Wakandan moved carefully towards his targets.
He silently leapt up into the trees, quickly scaling up one before jumping one from another in pursuit of these dark shadows.
There were four that he counted.
And they had now stopped.
In lighting fast precision, his arm shot into the foliage and ensnared his prey like a panther. He heard a reptile-like yelp as he quickly yanked the being back and tossed him away from his cover. By the time this being crashed into a nearby tree, T'Challa was quick to rush forward and struck down another reptilian intruder.
Whatever celebration took place quickly came to a halt when the Wookiees heard blaster fire.
Several instantly took up bowcasters whilst a number of them were quick to volunteer to investigate this.
The forest was silent other than the brief sound of a hissing scream that was silenced a moment later.
All were tense and quiet as they awaited for whatever it was that was causing noise in the jungle to come out and face them.
All tensed up at the sound of the soft rustling of leaves and thickets and several Wookiees raised their weapons aimed at what they heard to be the main area of where the sounds were coming from.
The tension then vanished upon all seeing T'Challa coming out and dragging a dead carcass by its leg.
He walked towards the bonfire that many Wookiees surrounded and promptly deposited that which he had brought back with him.
"Is this a part of Life Day celebration?" T'challa asked in a low voice, looking over the dead lizard-like humanoid at his feet.
A number of them all growled, snarled and nearly roared in pure fury and rage.
"Trandoshans?" T'challa said the name of the species to himself. "What are they? Why are they here?"
He heard a number of the Wookiees speak and it was a bit of a jumbled mess for his earpiece to translate but what he heard made his blood run cold.
Bounty hunters.
Poachers.
Slavers.
Though his face was covered, the rage radiating off Black Panther was palpable to say the least as he looked back down at the vermin he had just killed.
"Gentlemen." T'challa's cold voice was heard by all. "I believe it's time to hunt down some unwanted guests."
The Wookiees around him let out bellowing roars of approval, arms and weapons raised overhead as they all turned to face the forest and quickly rushed right in.
Branches and bushes shook as the people of the trees with the Crown Prince of Wakanda scaled up the tall trunks. They began jumping and vine swinging across the canopy with the Black Panther leading the charge against the Trandoshan invaders.
After some time, they were able to find what they were looking for.
Black Panther held a hand up, causing the company of Wookiees to stop as he crawled forward on the edge of a thick branch.
It gave him the perfect vantage point to get a view on a line of vehicles that stuck out like a sore thumb on the jungle floors of Kashyyyk.
It was a caravan of Trandoshan poachers and slavers.
And around and in the many alien vehicles were dozens of captured and collared Wookiees.
The Prince clenched his fist tightly as he spotted a Trandoshan kicked a Wookiee child into a large cage and locked it a moment later.
His eyes narrowed dangerously as he took stock of the situation. There were a multitude of cages though he noticed a clear indication of division amongst those that had been captured.
There were some of the larger and stronger Wookiees being chained on all limbs, neck and head whilst some just had glowing cuffs on.
"Raffie." T'Challa whispered, knowing his friend was by his side. "Why divide them up like that?"
He heard the warbling answer and his initial cold blood began to run hot with a righteous fury
The Trandoshan caravan had divided up the Wookiees into four categories.
One that would be sold off as slaves
One that would be tortured and skinned for their furs and "hides".
Some would be apparently taken to certain intellectuals in the galaxy to be used for experimentation.
And the rest…
Sport to be hunted.
Now… The Crown Prince of Wakanda was a man who was not so easily riled up or angered, if he would say so himself.
He was a man who seldom ever lost his composure and surrendered to rage.
But in this instance?
"I shall go in first." T'challa said. "My suit design and coloring will make me virtually invisible."
Rafwarren garbled out a counter.
"But this is your home." Panther rebuked. "Thus, stealthily as they have behaved, these Trandoshans still expect the likely chance of encountering your people."
The Wookiee let out a grumble of agreement as he shifted back slightly and waved a hand signal for the rest to be on standby.
The Black Panther jumped forward just as the caravan began moving. He noticed that the area they were travelling towards was particularly hard to discern visibly with all the shadows and darkness of the night.
It would serve as the perfect place for an ambush.
He increased his pace and was quickly moving ahead of the Trandoshan invaders and situated himself high above the road the caravan was traveling down.
T'Challa raised his hand and the Vibranium suit around his wrist retracted back to reveal his komoyo beads.
He took them off and pressed down upon them.
A purple ring lit up around the beads.
Leaping from tree branch to tree branch, the Wakandan dropped the activated beads onto the transports. One by one, the electrical discharge deactivated the Trandoshan vehicles, causing a mild uproar from the poachers.
A good number of them exited them to inspect the problem. They were quick to find the beads but had issues trying to remove them.
It didn't take long for them to realize something was wrong.
"Defensive positions." Hissed the group's leader. "Vish, take five of your men and scout out the area. The Wookiees are likely near."
As the majority of the Trandoshan poachers guarded their prizes, the instructed six went out to find any other Wookiees who may have found out about their operation.
For about a minute, no one was able to find anything out of the ordinary.
Vish was at the head of the group and had his men in a circular formation as they carefully walked through the dense jungle.
They saw and heard nothing.
Well, except for when a thud was heard from beside them.
Five lights quickly whipped around to find one of their own dead on the ground with a visible gash in his neck.
The lights then went overhead to find the source of this, which revealed the Black Panther situated on the branches above.
In rapid succession, T'Challa leapt down and ensnared a Trandoshan before swiftly tossing him into one of his companions. When they were down, the Wakandan punched another to send him flying to one of the transports a good distance away.
The moment his body crashed into the craft, stealth finally ended.
Blaster fire went off into the darkness, seeking to kill the ones disrupting the Trandoshan with their latest job. Yet their actions would not be enough to take down the Panther.
Leaping onto a transport, T'Challa took out the gunner before performing a front flip to deliver an ax kick onto another. He swiped his claws through several Trandoshan blasters before going low to sweep the poachers off their feet.
He was actually struck by blaster fire twice but rather than him being sent hurtling back, being injured or killed, he barely flinched and went on with his attack. On his black suit where he had been struck was a glowing purple aura that radiated with absorbed kinetic energy.
"KILL HIM!" The lead Trandoshan shrieked. "KILL HIM NO-HURK!"
The bipedal reptilian violently jolted and fell over dead at being shot at from behind.
Amongst the chaos, the Wookiees came onto the scene and savagely attacked the Trandoshans.
They were caught completely off guard and in a matter of seconds had been overwhelmed and beaten.
Only two were still alive and were being held down by several very angry Wookiees. The only reason they were alive was Rafwarren letting out orders to take one or two alive. They needed to be questioned.
Panther and several of the other Wookiees went about unlocking the constraints and cages that held the captured Kashyyyk natives.
There were cries and cheers of relief, with many quickly taking the kids and getting them away from the caravan and to more secure and safer locations.
A number of Wookiees made sure to take their time in going over to the Prince and giving him their gratitude.
He only nodded and spoke with the other Wookiees that had attacked with him as they made a quick sweep of the area.
It appears that these were the only Trandoshans present on the planet.
T'challa's eyes narrowed slightly at the captured poachers who were being restrained in the same manner that they had used on the captured Wookiees.
Though some had not realized it, the Prince was quick to note that they said that they were the only ones on the planet.
These Trandoshans had come here to poach and capture Wookiees and that meant they had a means off this planet.
The area they had attacked them in may be clear but perhaps they were missing something.
"Raffie." T'Challa called out to his Wookiee friend. "They came here with the intention of getting off your planet in one way shape or form."
The Wookiee gazed upon the Wakandan with a contemplative expression before a small look of realization dawned upon the hairy carpet's face.
"Greh!"
T'Challa nodded. "Likely their way off Kashyyyk is somewhere down this path."
Raffie nodded in agreement and let out a few grunts to some nearby Wookiees while gesturing down the path ahead.
There were grunts of affirmation with a half dozen Wookiees going down the path whilst the captured Wookiees were taken care of.
It was tense but a feeling of calmness fell over the liberated caravan since they were all safe and sound.
*BOOOM*
The entire crowd jolted from the sound of an explosion going off not far from where they stood.
All turned in time to see a ship flying up above the tall tree canopy and make a hasty retreat away from them and the planet.
Black Panther snapped his head forward and ran in the direction where the six Wookiees Rafwarren sent out to scout.
T'challa ran into a small clearing to find several bodies strewn about on the ground.
Several were Trandoshans but four were Wookiees.
His fists clenched up and he looked around wildly when he spotted two Wookiees who were still alive.
One was hovering over the other who was propped up on a tree, nursing an injured leg.
"Are you both alright?" T'Challa asked, making his presence known to the two.
The Wookiee tending to his injured brother grunted and warbled out a tired response making Panther frown.
He looked around the area and then up to the sky when he heard the sounds of rustling leaves and twigs being snapped by running Wookiees.
T'challa spotted Rafwarren with a number of others coming into the clearing and saw the bodies on the ground before seeing him and the other two Wookiees.
The Wookiee the Prince had gotten to know the most walked over to him and asked what had happened.
"The ship that was meant to take their haul off Kashyyyk was being guarded by a number of Trandoshans." T'challa quickly explained. "There were those inside and they escaped."
Rafwarren growled slightly under his breath and looked to the skies.
The Wookiee let out a scoffing grunt which Panther nodded to.
"Yes, we must be ready."
He felt a strong hand pat his shoulder and he glanced over at a grateful Wookiee who then turned to help the wounded get onto transports to the nearest village.
T'challa, for the time, simply remained where he stood and had his eyes trailing at the stars above.
He had now thrust himself into a conflict that was not his own.
This shall not go unpunished.
-Scene Cut-
In a ship orbiting a moon near the planet of Kashyyyk, a lone Trandoshan sat within the captain's chair situated in the center of this vessels' bridge.
He idly tapped his sharp claws onto his armrest, no doubt agitated with his impatience.
"Where are they?" He hissed for the umpteenth time. "They should be back by now."
He looked over to several other Trandoshans, those within the bridge of the ship having either a greenish-yellow or sandy brown tint to their scales.
His grey scales lined with red stripes were a rather distinguishing feature unto himself which added to his overall position as leader of this large band of Poachers and Slavers.
"Claq!" The lead Trandoshan barked out. "Why have they not returned already?"
A light sandy brown Trandoshan responded. "I've been trying to get into contact with our men on the ground but no such luck."
"Get them on the comms." The Boss ordered aggressively. "I will not return to the Hutts empty handed."
Before Claq had a chance to respond, one of the other bipedal reptilians in the bridge spoke up.
"Boss!"
The leader looked over to one of his crew.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I've located our scout ship. They're hailing us."
"Put them on."
The Trandoshan leader sat back in his chair as a holo-transmission of another clearly angered poacher appeared.
"Prussk." The Reptilian on the other end greeted with an aggravated scowl.
"Zaff." Prussk said coolly. "Mind explaining as to what happened down on that flea ridden swamp planet?"
"The Wookiees." Zaff snarled. "They knew we were there. They attacked us and if they were aware of us, likely our haul was intercepted and freed if we were attacked. Most, if not all of my men, they're gone."
"What do you mean gone?"
"What do you think! Either captured or most likely dead!"
"The Wookiees are formidable." Prussk said to himself. "That should not mean you come back empty handed. We have done this a hundred times before."
"Unfortunately I wasn't so fortunate this time around." Zaff shot back.
Prussk sneered and let out a scoff. "And tell me, how was it that they became aware of our raid?"
Zaff shook his head. "I don't know, boss, but I am not leaving until I skin a few Wookiees alive. They're going to pay for killing my men."
The leader of this raiding party remained where he was and contemplated on what to do.
His more feral and savage side demanded blood and retribution for these animals for daring to resist and fight back against his kind.
But his levelheaded and more rational side quickly beat that down into the corner of his mind.
If they were to go back now, especially now, those overgrown carpets would be well aware and prepared for their return.
No, he needed to rethink their approach and go in from a different angle and time.
"Get your hide back here now. Things are too hot down there after this screw up. We'll come back at a later time."
Zaff hissed in distastement but had to comply with the order.
The transmission blinked off, leaving Prussk to stew in this setback.
"Once Zaff returns, prepare for-"
"Prussk! A Wookiee ship is coming for us as we speak!"
He sat up in an instant, standing a moment later and walking over to the Trandoshan that spoke up.
"What?!" He hissed. "How?"
This was far too soon for the Wookies to find them.
"It appears to be a transport vessel." The Trandoshan next to him commented.
"I don't care about that, I care as to why it's coming for us." Prussk nearly shouted, though he didn't give him a chance to answer. "Zaff, intercept that ship now."
Zaff didn't expect to hear his boss calling him back on short notice. He briefly thought it was just him changing his mind to resume the job.
That wasn't the case at all.
In truth, it was that the Wookies somehow found them and were on their way for an attack.
But…
A sick smile wormed its way onto his face.
That just means fresh new merchandise is coming right to them on their doorstep. Who are they to deny such a thing?
He soon received a notification that the Wookiee transport ship had been intercepted and captured.
It was soon brought into the main hangar bay of Prussk's ship with a number of Trandoshans surrounding both vessels.
Inside, Zaff stood with two other reptilians and was getting the door to the transport ship open.
"What's going on down there? What do you see?" Prussk's voice chimed in through their comm links.
The trio of Trandoshans responded as they had their blasters trailed upon the darkened corridor before them.
Zaff shoved the Trandoshan to his left and gestured his gun towards the darkness.
"We'll cover you."
The Trandoshan gave him an uncertain look, one matched by the other on Zaff's right side but he complied nonetheless.
He stepped into the Wookiee transport.
There was nothing.
"What do you see?" Zaff asked.
He looked back at the Reptilian when was violently pulled back, releasing a scream of terror that was silenced in an instant.
Zaff and other Trandoshan fired off a number of bolts that slightly illuminated the dark ship with the light of the blaster fire only briefly illuminating the body of their fallen comrade on the floor.
An infuriated snarl later, Zaff walked forward with his finger squeezing down upon the trigger when the body of his subordinate was thrown at him.
Blaster fire went off and to those on the outside of the ship, all they heard was enraged yells that morphed into terrified screams.
The hangar bay was now tense with the large group of Trandoshans that had surrounded it having their weapons pointed at both ships.
"What's going on down there?" Prussk's voice echoed from the speakers in the hangar. "Why am I seeing you all just standing there?"
"We're not getting any word from Zaff, Boss." A green-tinted Trandoshan responded. "We're-"
*CRASH*
All jumped when they saw a metal pole of some kind burst through the window of the Wookiee transport.
It sailed through the air and struck a light that was blown out in an instant, effectively darkening a portion of the hangar.
"There, there!"
A number of the bipedal reptilians converged around the Wookiee ship and began firing upon it with several throwing thermal detonators into the ship.
They all ran back as the Wookiee ship was blown apart, damaging the Trandoshan ship it was still attached to.
"You fools!" Prussk yelled. "Why would you use detonators inside our ship?! Are you trying to get us all killed?!"
A brief jolt of sheepishness befell those in the hangar that was promptly ended by a black figure with purple linings jumping out from the Wookiee ship.
It slammed a fist down with all its might and a purple energy dome of stored kinetic energy was unleashed upon them all.
The Trandoshans were all sent flying about in the hangar bay as the figure who had arrived on the ship rose to its feet.
"Permission to come aboard." T'Challa said sarcastically, quickly pouncing upon the closest Trandoshan who he grabbed and proceeded to throw into a wall.
"Kill that sleemo bastard!"
Blaster fire erupted once more as the poachers all tried gunning down the fast blur that was the Black Panther.
T'challa grabbed a rifle on the ground and chucked it like a spear at one of the reptilians.
The sound of the butt of the rifle meeting the head of the Trandoshan echoed against the walls as the male keeled over and fell to the ground.
Rage set in within the ranks of the Trandoshans as they let out a war cry and charged forward at the enhanced superhuman.
They reigned non-stop blaster fire upon the Prince yet what a few saw rather frightened them.
It was the human in black that simply walked towards them with no sign of taking any damage from their blaster bolts other than several instances of him flinching and the glowing purple lines running up and down his body.
The white eyes and sharpened claws didn't help in assuaging their fear.
As soon as T'challa got to the Trandoshan in the front, the energy stored punch sent the poacher careening into the ceiling.
And he didn't fall back down.
"K-kill him! KILL HIM NOW!" A Trandoshan yelled in fear with all the lizard-like humanoids using everything they had at their disposal.
Panther went on the assault right there and then.
He started with a spinning jump kick, his heel meeting the head of a Trandoshan and as he landed, he grabbed the closest face and slammed it to the ground.
T'challa's head twitched to the side and he spun about and kicked a thermal detonator thrown at him back to its sender.
All that was heard was a slight wheezing inhale from the Trandoshan before the detonator went off, killing those closest in the vicinity whilst the rest shielded their eyes or went for cover to avoid the explosion.
Once everything settled down, the remaining reptilians looked up and-
"Wha-Where'd he go?!" One yelled.
"He was just here!"
No sooner was that said did several more lights in the hangar bay got destroyed by random items being thrown at them at high speeds.
"What's happening?"
"The lights! He's taking out the-GURK!"
"What the…? Where'd he-GAAH!"
Moment by moment, each of the Trandoshans were swept away with a chilling scream before being silenced. As each one was defeated, anxiety and dread seemed to climb on the remaining members present.
The reptilian alien whirled around and fired his blaster when hearing any subtle sound. His breathing became erratic as he didn't want to be the last one standing.
"WHERE ARE YOU!?"
The slaver then heard a whisper right behind him.
"Here."
A harsh "yelp" gave out before the Trandoshan was taken care of.
And like that, the Trandoshans in the Hangar bay had all been taken care of.
On the bridge, Prussk sat in his captain's chair, watching the camera footage with his jaw dropped and hands clenching the sides of his chairs to the point his clawed fingers were digging slightly into the metal.
Whoever was attacking his men was no Wookie. There was no way one of them could do the feats this person can do.
Either they somehow got a mercenary to align with them, an experimental battle droid or something worse fell into his lap.
"He's coming, Prussk." One of the Trandoshans said grimly.
"I am well aware of that." Prussk snidely said, standing up from his seat and pulling out an old, rusted blade. "Everyone, get your hides in gear! We've got company!"
All remaining Trandoshans quickly pulled weapons out that either hung on their backs or were placed by their stations.
The leaders' eyes shifted about, counting a dozen of his kind left standing in the entirety of the ship.
Prussk's sharpened teeth were tightly clenched against one another.
'How did this happen?' He internally raged. 'Who is this doshin sleemo?!'
Nothing was heard other than the ambience of the ships functions as the group of Trandoshans awaited the arrival of their "guest".
'The Wookiees.' Prussk mentally said to himself. 'Those flea ridden mongrels had something to do with this, I know it. Once this bastard gets up here, I'll be sure to return his head to those fools before I take them. Livestock and game should know their place.'
Whatever additional thoughts Prussk was going to have ended when they heard a light set of knocks upon the door to the bridge.
All tensed up and held their weapons aloft in anticipation.
"Can you please let me in?" came the regal voice from the other side of the door.
The Trandoshans all paused, looking at one another in bewilderment, sharing similar thoughts along the lines of "is this for real?"
"Hello?"
*KNOCK*
A light tap like before.
*KNOCK*
"Seems that if you won't let me in-"
*KNOCK*
This one was a bit harder than the last one.
*KNOCK*
"-I'll just have to get in myself."
*BANG*
The Trandoshans all jolted back upon the force in which the invader applied against the door, causing it to visibly-
*BANG*
The door was kicked out of its hinges and sailed directly into a Trandoshan who was knocked out in an instant.
Black Panther flipped in and above the entrance of the doorway and pushed off with his enhanced speed and strength to have his claws dig into the chest of the closest reptile he saw.
Blaster fire went off to the intruder, who quickly maneuvered around to take down several slavers in a manner of seconds.
Any that struck him was simply absorbed into his suit with a growing purple glow to it.
Black Panther stood up, arms raised above his head and brought them both down.
The purple kinetic dome that exploded off of him sent all the remaining Trandoshans into the walls of the bridge and they all collapsed, unconscious and unmoving.
All save for one.
The Prince of Wakanda turned his head towards a struggling grey scaled Trandoshan who was trying to get his bearings together.
He let out a single groan and slowly turned around with his eyes widening in abject fear of the man standing in the center of the room.
Prussk scrambled up, ignoring his searing pain, in an attempt to flee the room only for T'challa to jump forward and land right in front of the now terrified Trandoshan.
"Ss-Stay back!" The Reptilian said in fear, shakily raising a blaster pistol at the Wakandan who slowly began walking towards him.
Many shots came out of the blaster. Some missed while more and more landed their mark when the Panther came ever closer to his prey.
Unfortunately for the Trandoshan, the ones that hit did nothing at all to end him at all.
Clenching his fist, T'Challa reared it back before clocking the slaver across the face. The collected amount of kinetic energy his suit contained was unleashed. Not only did Prussk go into a state of unconsciousness but was sent flying and collided into a far off wall.
No doubt Prussk's toothy maw is severely broken, but other bones of his body from the second point of impact.
T'challa huffed to himself and looked around at the bridge to momentarily admire his handiwork.
With a nod of his head, he walked over to the many consoles and stations of this ship and began seeing what was still working after his energy outburst.
"Let's see, let's see." He muttered to himself. "Ah, here we are."
*Click*
"Raffie, are you there? I'm going to need a ride back to Kashyyyk."
He heard the familiar grunts of his Wookiee friend a few seconds later, grunts and warbles of relief.
"I come bearing gifts."
-Scene Cut-
His return to Kashyyyk was met with a slightly thunderous ovation, especially from the Wookiees he had helped in saving from a terrible fate.
He passed along the Trandoshans that were still alive off to Chieftain Tarfful before being dragged to a feast in his honor.
It was quite entertaining to say the least as several of the Wookiees who had gone along with him when he first detected the Trandoshans began to explain in a dramatic fashion as to how Panther rag dolled the Poachers.
This was the first time in a long time an occurrence such as this happened on Kashyyyk. Of slavers somehow bypassing their defenses to take most of their own, only for their return in a unique fashion.
The actions of the Black Panther will surely be spoken for years to come.
A number of weeks passed by for T'Challa during his stay on Kashyyyk.
In that time, he had basically endeared himself to the Wookiee people and he in turn found them endearing as well.
Friendly, loyal, fierce and lovable, the Wookiees he had gotten to know had become fast friends to the Prince who found himself rather at peace in being here.
Of course, even with this feeling of content, T'challa knew it was not to last.
He needed to find a way back home, back to his people, to his family.
On top of that, he had long since figured that if he wound up here on another planet in a galaxy that may or may not be his own, there's the likely chance that Spiderman and Daredevil were here as well.
Somewhere out there in the stars.
He could only wish they were safe and sound, just like he was.
But then he learned of something astonishing.
The Avengers were here in the galaxy and have been actively participating within the war that plagued the galaxy.
The Prince was beyond ecstatic now as not only were Earth's Mightiest Heroes here, but in the news reports that were shown, T'challa managed to spot the two heroes he was with in New York when he arrived here.
Upon telling Rafwarren and Tarfful of his connection to the Avengers, they promised to take him to Coruscant.
He just didn't know at the time when they made their arrival, T'challa's reunion with his Earthly brethren would be through an unfortunate circumstance.
…..
…..
But that was in the future, and this is now….
Here he was.
Sitting by himself upon the edge of a balcony in one of Kashyyyk's jungle cities overlooking an absolutely breathtaking sight.
He had found this place to be one of nostalgic comfort and fondness.
A piece of home in a way with how it looks.
The Prince hummed to himself, smiling slightly while looking down at his hands.
T'challa fiddled with the translator earpiece that he had worn for so long since he first came here and laughed to himself. He was inspecting it on all sides when he felt a familiar presence sit down beside him.
"Greeewraaa?"
He put the translator earpiece away and hummed aloud to himself as he stared out at the horizon before them.
The setting sun of Kashyyyk clashed with the overall green of the planet to create a cacophony of lights that he couldn't quite describe.
"It is beautiful." T'Challa admitted. "It reminds me of home."
"Rawwaarwaa?"
"You'll see it one day." He promised. "You and your tribe. I know I can't dissuade you so I'll just promise you. When we get to Wakanda, I'll take you to the heights of Bashenga. That is the greatest place on Earth to watch the sunset."
Rafwarren let out a snort of contentment as the two friends settled into a comfortable silence as they sat together and watched the sunset.
"Warrrara?"
T'challa snorted. "Shuri? Well she'll likely try to get you and your tribe "modernized" to be like the rest of Wakanda."
"Rawawarra." Raffie said with a shaking laugh. "Grerrra?"
"You and your people would probably get along great with the Jabari the most."
Raffie tilted his head as a silent query as to why.
"They are much like you in a sense though not in a manner of speaking."
"Erf?"
"They choose to live in nature, isolating themselves but refusing to use the technological advancements that Wakanda has developed over its many centuries." T'challa elaborated. "But… I believe you and your tribe can help in bringing them into Wakanda proper."
Rafwarren didn't verbally respond, instead placing a friendly hand upon the Prince's shoulder.
T'challa looked over to him with a small smile and nod which Raffie returned and the two resumed gazing upon the sunset of Kashyyyk.
Several more days passed as the Black Panther was now preparing to depart from the Wookiee homeworld, his hosts having upheld their promise to reunite him with his wayward comrades.
Yet… the circumstances for the reunion was shaping up to be less than ideal.
There was a sense of panic followed by a determined sense of duty that befell a number of Wookiees who were now all scrambling ships and were quickly departing
"Chieftain, what is happening?" T'challa asked the dark furred Wookiee whom he was walking beside at a quick rate.
He let out a grunt as he shouldered a rifle and the duo began running down a path that led to a platform that had a ship powering up for them.
"Coruscant?" He repeated. "The Republic Capital? Why there?"
Raffie was standing at the entryway to the ship and having heard T'challa's question answered it for him.
"Under attack?" The Panther said in surprise. "By who?"
Tarfful disregarded as to the who and only said that one thing mattered.
Getting to Coruscant as fast as possible to help the capital of the Republic.
Rafwarren let out a soft warble of an apology to his friend, knowing that this wasn't exactly what the Prince had in mind for a reunion. T'challa brushed it aside and simply told him that at times duty comes first.
Him getting to meet with the Avengers and reunite with his other two comrades was just a convenient circumstance.
Whatever the case may be, they all must help those on the planet of Coruscant from this sudden and apparently devastating attack.
T'challa only hoped that he wouldn't be too late.
AN
So, this chapter was essentially a breeze.
Really wasn't all that hard really other than just filling in the space here and there. Honestly wanted to do this because A. I figured this is a cool place for T'challa to be. B. this was planned from the get-go and C. I just wanted to give Panther a tribe of Wookiees to take home to Wakanda. Plain and simple cause it's awesome.
And welcome my comrades to the next arc that I'm calling the Lost Avengers, an Anthology Arc.
Jebest4781: More or less on the next entry of this story will be another short chapter. But after that will be a bit of a doozy in terms of content for a mini-arc.
FMW: Oh Yeah, you guys are in for a real treat when we get to the tail end of this arc cause wow did Jeb think of a great idea that he and I expanded upon into something special. I know most of you guys wanted to get back to the other Avengers in space but for the past eight or so chapters, we've been going through ensemble casts nonstop so I figured that for this arc, we focus on one specific character at a time. And since this is called the Lost Avengers, should be easy to assume who the other two characters we're gonna have as our focus.
And while it has been more than a year now, gotta do it again cause come on, you know I have to.
This chapter is dedicated to our King, Avenger and Hero Chadwick Boseman. He will be missed and it's a damn travesty that we lost our Black Panther so soon after having him be brought to life by Boseman.
May he continue to Rest In Peace.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.