AN: Hey everyone Nobel Six here. It's been a very hectic and trying time for me personally. Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 Hurricane when it hit an hour East of my hometown in the Florida Big Bend. As a precaution my family and I evacuated to the Mountains of North Carolina to seek safety in the home of my uncle. While our town barely, and I do mean barely got anything due to the storm shifting East at the last possible second, the remnants remained a strong Tropical Storm and actually made it up to those mountains where many sought refuge from the storm.
The devastation in North Carolina... it's heartbreaking. I saw lots of destruction first hand. My uncle who is an EMS Responder got deployed at 4:00 AM on the morning it hit, he's still in the field actively trying to save as many lives as he can. It's truly heartbreaking the things I saw and heard first hand. Entire towns flooded, homes washed down the mountain itself. There's really no other words I can use to describe it.
Miraculously we where able to descend and escape the mountain due to a lesser known dirt road my cousins and aunt told me and my family about that was thankfully still functional while the main roads are being repaired.
My friends, my fans, my fellow members on the 'Nobel Patriots Production' Writing Team, and all my fellow authors. I ask you all to please pray for everyone in the mountains, everyone who was affected by this storm. My family and I got out and just tonight got back home in Florida... But many didn't get to make it back home, or even have a home to return to.
I officially dedicate this chapter, to every soul affected by Hurricane Helene. May God be with us all, May God Bless us all, and may he offer his Divine Love for us all, and allow us to come together.
Before you begin reading this chapter:
Please have a Moment Of Silence and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Helene, and all those affected and still being affected...
-Manhattan, Far Side Of The City, The Next Day-
Vixen's eyes started to flutter open, her vision starting to clear. She felt the aching in from her head. The young Fox felt as her skull was going to split in two. Her memory as to the origin of this pain was still a little fuzzy though. Vixen brought one hand to her head as she groaned.
"Easy now."
The young Fox turned to the owner of the voice, seeing a young man with a S.H.I.E.L.D. badge on their shoulder on a doctor's coat. He put a a cold cloth over her head and gently pressed her back on the bed that she was on.
"You need to rest, you've been unconscious for a day. Your skull took a hard hit, you have to stay in bed till we get you fixed up and you've let it heal."
"B-But-"
"Listen to him."
Vixen turned her gaze, seeing Vulpine sitting in a chair beside her bed.
"V-Vul-"
The Fox motioned for her to lay down and she did.
"The soldier hit you with tis shield before your blade incinerated it. A wound from either shield or blade will take time to heal. You can't go back onto the battlefield or you risk graver injury then capture."
"W-Why not kill me?"
"That's not his desire, I feel. He said he would bring Faunia back and likely desires to return you to our home. It's a part of his vision for reality."
Vixen frowned.
"If he thinks I'll just-"
"It's his design, what he sees as the greater good and what is the perfect structure for all that is known."
Vixen sighed as she rested her head on the pillow.
"How did I get here?"
Vulpine sighed.
"After you were knocked to the ground, your human friend with the armor flew over after releasing a barrage of missiles at the soldiers to hold them off long enough to extract you."
Vixen slowly nodded.
"What about everyone else?"
Almost as if on key, some of the Secret Warriors walked into what Vixen just realized was a tent. Daisy, Riri, Rayshaun, and Dante walked in. Vixen gasped a little, wincing.
"W-What happened after I fell?"
Daisy sighed.
"We got pushed back, Imperious' army has taken over nearly the entire city. S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military has created a temporary medical camp on the far side of the city. Riri and I are about to go meet with the Director, the Avengers, and the general that's commanding the armed forces that are stationed here."
Riri nodded.
"The military has set up a perimeter here along with some of my drones and some of Stark's extra armors. The rest are out in the city skirmishing with the invaders."
Rayshaun and Dante sighed, shaking their heads before the former spoke first.
"These things are so much stronger than the previous ones. My shield was seriously damaged, a S.H.I.E.L.D. engineer and scientist are working on doing what repairs what they can."
"My fire was useless against these things, they just walked right through it."
Vixen looked to them.
"What about Chavez, Doreen, and Gwen?"
Daisy rubbed the back of her neck.
"Chavez is out doing some guerrilla warfare and Doreen is doing some harassment to try to keep them from the camp...and Gwen..."
She and the others shared a grave look. Vixen's eyes widened at this.
"Where's Gwen?"
Riri's breath shuddered as she spoke.
"Gwen got hurt, bad. Doctor say some of her ribs are broken, one punctured her lung. The doctors fixed her up some...but she won't be in the field for a while. Her dad also knows she's Ghost Spider."
"How did he take it?"
"From what we heard, he's just been terrified she was going to die. He's with her now, we just came from visiting her."
Vixen nodded as best as she could.
"What about Sensei Metatron? Cassandra? Jacob?"
Rayshaun crossed his arms.
"They got hit, a serious number of the soldiers attacked and freed Stalker. The Cat and Hedgehog took out a good number of the things but were about to be captured then the Wolf and some agents killed the rest before his students could be taken."
Vixen scowled though not at anyone in the room.
"Stalker...now Imperious has his apprentice by his side again. And we didn't get any information that was useful."
Daisy shook her head, frowning.
"He planned this too well. He did a surprise attack and then sent a large group to free Stalker. Now we have nothing."
"You killed a lot of them from what we've heard."
Vixen shook her head.
"He'll make more, just as dangerous and I simply overexerted myself in the battle. My fury took over and I called out for Imperious to face me...I just wanted to destroy as many of his precious soldiers as I could..."
Tears started to form on her face.
"I want to make him pay for what he's done...and I almost fell right into his hands."
Daisy took hold of her friend's hand.
"You did your best. And right now you need to rest and heal."
"...Ok..."
Daisy nodded then turned to Riri.
"We have to go meet them now."
Riri turned to Vixen.
"Wait, you said your dad and his people are supposed to protect humans right?"
"Yes?"
"Why didn't they show up to help us? I thought the deal was as soon as Imperious attacked Earth, we'd have the Continuum army running to our aid?"
Vixen sighed, her breath unsteady.
"I can't say for certain why they haven't arrived. All I can tell you is: when they're here, you'll know it."
Riri sighed after a moment, nodding.
"Ok...ok...We'll do what we can in the meantime. Get some rest."
The young Fox did her best to nod before the two left.
Gwen's eyes slowly started to open, her breathing incredibly slow and shallow. She looked down to see her torso was heavily bandaged. Then she saw a doctor from S.H.I.E.L.D. checking her vitals on a nearby screen. He turned to her.
"Don't move, we fixed up one of your lungs and reset some ribs that were broken. You're going to be in recovery for a while."
Gwen rested her head against the pillow, frowning. She was about to curse before she saw her dad out of the corner of her eye, sitting by her bed.
"D-Dad?"
Captain Stacey had been bandaged up some as well, though not nearly to the amount his daughter was. He opened his mouth to speak, though not words came out at first. Then he turned to the doctor, who checked her vitals again before turning back to the man.
"I'll give you two a few minutes. Then I have to come back and give her some more morphine."
The doctor then exited the tent.
Captain Stacey's voice shuddered.
"W-Why didn't you tell me?"
Gwen was quiet for a moment.
"You hunted me."
The man eventually nodded slowly.
"I thought you...your other self...killed your best friend."
"Even after you knew I didn't...I wasn't sure if I should tell you...I didn't know how you felt about Ghost Spider after you admitted you were wrong."
Captain Stacey's eyes shook a little at this.
"I...you were a..."
"A vigilante?"
"...How did I not see it?...How did I not know it was you?..."
"I have to put on another face when I wear the mask...to keep those I care about safe, the ones who can't do what me and my team do."
Her father shuddered, his gaze seemingly staring into space.
"Gwen...I'm a cop."
"...You saw what those things did..."
Captain Stacey nodded.
"I did...what are they?"
"They're a monster's personal army."
"What?"
"He's called Imperious...he goes from universe to universe, taking what he wants and shaping everything around him to his personal liking. He wants to control everything...he offered me a place in his empire...I refused."
Captain Stacey almost laughed.
"You always did dance to your own beat."
"R-Really?"
Her father then chuckled a little at this.
"I still can't believe this."
"W-Well...now you know. So...what happens now?"
Captain Stacey was quiet for a moment.
"Our...working relationship will be greatly different...knowing you're out there fighting these things...doing things not humanly possible...working for S.H.I.E.L.D...this is a life I never imagined for you."
"Well...it's my life."
Her father slowly nodded.
"Some things will be different, when you're out in your costume and I'm in uniform...how we'll work together...it will...take some getting use to."
Gwen did her best to nod. Her father then smiled.
"But this doesn't change anything else. You're my daughter and I love you. And despite any hesitance or uncertainty on my part of you fighting in this madness...you going out to willing fight for the public like you did...it makes me...proud."
Gwen smiled.
"Thanks dad."
Her father then knelt over and kissed her forehead.
Gwen smiled as her dad sat back down in the chair beside her bed. As they were quiet for a moment, Gwen's mind returned to what had happened before she fell unconscious. Her mind delved into the unclear yet striking memories of what seemed and sounded a sword being used in the store against the invaders.
She then turned to her father, who noticed the look on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"D-Did...Did you see someone...in the store after I was knocked down?"
"Someone?"
"My vision was blurry...but, I could've sword I saw someone standing in the store after killing those things."
The man shook his head.
"I was only knocked out for a few moments before I got up and I didn't see anyone."
"But who killed the soldiers? They were there one moment and then they were ash."
Her father scratched his chin.
"True...with all that's happened and what's happening, I guess you can't rule it out."
"I just...don't know...I could've sworn I saw someone."
Her dad put his hand on her hand.
"It's ok. Just rest, we're gonna need you and that glowing bow of yours."
"Crossbow."
Her father chuckled.
"Right."
Daisy and Riri walked through the camp, witnessing many people walking in lines with cuts, bruises, and different injuries as doctors and nurses sat and stood at various stations with tents within the camp. At its perimeter stood men of the military as did Cassandra and Jacob with S.H.I.E.L.D. veils. The two had argued against wearing the veils, but Director Fury had warned them about how humans would respond. They both agreed, tentatively.
Soon they made their way into the command tent, which was guarded by a few soldiers. They showed their S.H.I.E.L.D. passes to the men, who nodded to them, and then walked in. Within the camp stood Director Fury, who they assumed was the general commanding the soldiers in the city, Captain America, Captain Marvel, and Metatron who was also wearing his veil. Metatron had turned to them first, nodding as he stood up. Captain America followed his gaze, a bitter smile on his face.
"We're all here."
Fury turned his agents, nodding.
"Let's begin."
Riri motioned with her hand and a holographic cube emerged from her sleeve and then took a central position in the space between those in the tent. Then she motioned with her fingers and the cube widened and altered to transform into a projection of Manhattan. Riri walked forward and pressed one finger to the position where the camp was located on the far north side of the borough.
"The camp is here, we made sure to make a considerable space in the city for the people here. Guards are posted around its perimeter."
Director Fury nodded.
"I have some of my agents scouting out the rest of the borough, they'll send in reports of any enemy movement they find significant."
The general rubbed his chin at the sight of the hologram then inwardly turned his attention to the position of the camp.
"We have snipers positioned around the outside of the perimeter with clear shots both outside in case these guys try to make a siege on the camp and they can fire in the camp in case any get in."
Captain America nodded at this. He then pressed a few positions on the map.
"J.A.R.V.I.S. has placed a large group of Iron Man armors in defense of the camp near here in case of an attack as well. Iron Man is out doing some 'shock and awe' as he put it with J.A.R.V.I.S. having sent a small group of the same armors around the city to perform the same task."
Captain Marvel chuckled.
"Here I thought the egghead would want in on the planning here."
Director Fury rolled his eye.
"Probably wanting to redeem himself for underestimating the situation earlier. Some of my super powered agents are also acting as guerrilla units, they'll buy us some time and hopefully keep the enemy off balance."
Daisy then motioned to Times Square.
"This is where the invaders started their attack on the city. They used one of the most populated spots with multiple roads to the rest of the borough to spread their force. I have no doubts more continue to march through those portals."
The general frowned.
"I'll call in an airstrike, bomb them to kingdom come and plug their doorway here."
Captain America shook his head.
"It's possible they have captured civilians and there's people still coming in from the city, we can't risk an attack when we don't know if civilians will get hurt or not."
The general sighed.
"Listen, Captain. I mean no disrespect you, your service record has inspired generations of Americans to join the Armed Forces...me being one of them. What I've learned in my career is that sometimes innocent people do get caught in the crossfire. It honestly makes my stomach turn...I just have to think about the bigger picture, the wider population of American citizens in this country. If we don't act decisively against these guys, we might not get another possible chance at the very least of severely delaying their attack. Their leadership might also be here and we can wipe them out. I also fear that if any people have been captured, they might already be as good as dead."
Captain America was about to respond, but Metatron shook his head at the general.
"This enemy sees no point in harming unarmed people even in the matter of invasion. They will, however, deal with any perceived threats."
The general turned from him to Director Fury.
"Who's this guy?"
"This is M, he's seen the enemies first hand and has experience fighting them."
The general turned to Metatron.
"Did you win?"
Metatron shook his head. The general pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Director, I understand you have a vast organization and have ties to powerful groups like the Avengers...this is just a matter of combat more than anything else. And I can't go to the president with the words of someone who's lost a war with this threat."
Captain America spoke now.
"General, our friend here is an experienced soldier and fought for this enemy far longer than anyone in this tent has. He knows them better than us and in combat, intel is a vital asset. M knows the stakes, believe me."
The general looked from the Avenger and sighed, before turning to Metatron.
"What's your intel?"
Metatron looked a little unsure at the hologram and decided to speak from his memory.
"This foe total control of your home, he will not stop until he has it whether by surrender or by conquest. The soldiers are empowered by their master's magic and-"
"I'm sorry, magic?"
Metatron sighed then turned to the Director. Director Fury turned to the general.
"Yes, magic. These things exist because it and they use a blend of magic and also technology as weaponry and armor. That's why conventional weapons have no actual effect on them."
"I wouldn't call a missile 'conventional'."
"We aren't risking the lives of the citizens of the city for an attack that might not even work. Even if they did, their puppet master would just make more. This is just a fraction of the military force he can call upon according to M."
Metatron nodded.
"This is only just a small army that's been summoned to this city. Vast legions are no doubt being mustered to invade this world."
Captain Marvel's hands clenched into fists.
"That's why we need a plan of attack, a counterattack to beat these things back."
Metatron shook his head.
"You can try to fight these soldiers as much as you like, their master is the one who holds the power here. Unfortunately, you will need great power to defeat him."
Captain Marvel's hand glowed with energy.
"Here's the 'great power' needed."
The Wolf shook his head again.
"I fear you will need more, much more. Their master is too powerful by his own base strength to challenge."
Daisy nodded.
"We've seen his strong his commanders are, one nearly killed my entire team on his own. Their leader is unthinkably powerful."
The general shook his head.
"What? Are we going up against the Devil or something?"
The Wolf sighed.
"Or something."
The general paused for a moment.
"You guys are serious, aren't you?"
Captain America nodded.
"This is the gravest threat our world has ever faced. We need to work together to beat him. The extent that this force has on the population is more dangerous and insidious than just soldiers marching into the city and taking the streets."
"What do you mean?"
"People keep reporting either seeing people than know or around them being snatched away by someone or something unknown or just appearing then reappearing altered. Their minds and bodies almost unrecognizable, as if possessed."
"What?"
"This enemy is attacking on multiple fronts and it's all coming from one mastermind."
"Can't the Avengers just go in and take this guy out?"
Captain America sighed.
"We don't know where is and even if we did, not all of us are on world right now."
The general shook his head.
"Damn it...then we build a strike team, my men and the Avengers on world will strike at the heart of this threat's base of operations and deal with this threat."
Riri shook her head.
"We managed to get into his fortress once, we were lucky to get out. He has countless soldiers like the ones invading the city now patrolling his ship and he'll have made sure to make extra security measures to ensure we can't sneak on board like we did last time."
The general frowned.
"You're underestimating my men."
"No, you just don't realize the threat we're facing."
"And you do?"
Daisy nodded firmly.
"Yes, she does. She's on my team and she was out fighting them in the city when your men still weren't deployed yet. We've been secretly skirmishing with his forces before and now he's just enhanced his soldiers."
Captain Marvel sighed.
"We can't just sit here, we have to do something."
Director Fury nodded.
"What we need is a plan. And that's why we're here."
Captain America nodded.
"The enemy is pushing us in a single direction and cutting off all other methods of retreat. We're being corralled into one spot."
Metatron nodded.
"He used the same tactic on my home. Sometimes it didn't work...sometimes it did."
Captain America nodded slowly.
"That's why we must find away around his blockade. If we can get civilians to safety away from the fighting, we can counterattack."
The general slowly nodded.
"I can see if my men can find a way through the sewers, maybe there's some paths down there that can lead people out."
Metatron shook his head.
"He'll have his soldiers in the sewers as well, he did the same at home. That was one way he surprise attacked some of our cities and towns."
Captain Marvel rubbed her chin.
"Perhaps air evacuation? Bring in anything big that can fly and take people out of here."
Metatron turned to her.
"You will need to secure the area around the camp. He will have his soldiers prepared to cut off and prevent any escapes."
Captain Marvel grinned.
"Believe me, they won't get through me."
Metatron was quiet for a moment then nodded.
Suddenly alerts on the Avengers' comms started blaring. Captain Marvel and Captain America pressed something on their comms and a single large holographic screen appeared. On it were King T'Challa in his Black Panther armor and Princess Shuri beside him. Captain America nodded.
"King T'Challa, Princess Shuri, is everything alright?"
The royal siblings shared a grave and bitter expression on their faces. The king spoke first.
"Wakanda is under siege by the force my sister's young friends have warned us about."
Director Fury's one eye then opened wide.
"No...Don't tell me."
T'Challa nodded.
"We are losing the battle."
Captain Marvel gasped.
"What?"
"Our army is being pressed back to the city and the shield. We've been fighting them for hours and while we have caused damage, their strength was far greater than we anticipated."
Princess Shore's frown turned into a scowl.
"These invaders' technology is more advanced than we suspected."
Riri gritted her teeth, cursing under her breath.
"First New York and now Wakanda?"
Shuri nodded.
"Our warriors have been trying to drive them away from our people outside of the city, but their numbers and level of technology are greater than any foe our nation has ever faced."
Metatron turned to the princess.
"Not just technology, Your Highness, it is also magic. Sorcery tied to a immensely powerful source has created these soldiers to battle their creator's foes."
Shuri grumbled.
"I can't believe this."
The Wolf turned to the King.
"Your Grace, my people fought this enemy and magic is something that has been successful in battling these legions."
"Our technology has been proving to be effective against these invaders. We shall trust our science in this. Those who wish to rely on magic may do so as well."
"Your Grace, I implore you-"
"(My King!)"
A man shouted in the native Wakandan tongue, gaining the attention of the royal siblings. T'Challa nodded then turned back.
"I wish the best for your people. I must defend mine. We will see you when this war is done here."
"Your Highness, magic may be your best-"
The connection cut out.
The Wolf tried not to growl at this. He knew that many of the people of this world didn't believe in magic, he'd reasoned this was because of their disconnect from nature and the deep magic of this world. At times he sensed some of what he felt were these vary powers. Here though, a king of a nation that was blessed by a goddess...the Wolf thought the king would wield magic in the battle. He turned to the other people in the tent, frowning.
"He is making an unwise choice."
Captain America sighed.
"Forgive him, King T'Challa has come to the stance that science is the right path...those of the more mystical realm do not impress or inspire him or his sister."
Metatron shook his head.
"I wish them good fortune then. I fear what this result in."
Captain America nodded then turned to the others.
"We need to continue. We have a possible way of having civilians retreat, but we also need to find a way to either distract or hold back these invaders as to secure the evacuation."
The general nodded.
"I'll have my men scout on possible locations for ambushes and sniping spots. Even if we can't put down these b, we can slow them down. I'll have my men prepare to attack them from multiple locations as to divide their attention."
Captain America nodded.
"J.A.R.V.I.S. should be able to spare some suits of armor to aid in those efforts. I'll speak with Iron Man so he can surround the perimeter and guard the sky above the camp with the rest of his armor suits."
The general sighed then nodded.
"I don't like the idea of having a hotshot like Stark covering us, but I guess it's the best extra line of defense we have now."
Captain Marvel scoffed.
"I can fly faster and hit harder than any of those tin cans."
"Wanna bet?"
The general gasped at this. Suddenly, a holographic image of Tony Stark's smiling face appeared above Cap's communicator. Steve Rogers pinched the bridge of his nose."
"Tony-"
"Hey, Cap, the atypical blonde is mocking my tech. I can't just take that lying down."
Captain Marvel scoffed.
"Please, as if-"
"Is this the best use of the time we have here?"
They all turned to Metatron, the Wolf had a small frown on his face.
"Your home is at risk and you make jokes?"
The general almost chuckled.
"No nonsense, I like this guy."
Director Fury got a notification over his ear piece.
"Yes? Understood."
The man sighed then turned to the general.
"I've been called to provide intel and extra security to the White House for the president. I need to speak with my people here before I leave. I hope you wouldn't mind excusing us?"
"Very well, I have to give the order to my men."
He saluted Captain America, Captain Marvel, and Director Fury then nodded to Metatron, Daisy, and Riri then gave a partial nod to Tony Stark before he left. Captain Marvel and Tony turned to Metatron, the latter spoke first.
"Everything ok, Old Yeller?"
"That attitude wasn't called for."
The Wolf crossed his arms.
"I find it hard to understand how your world faces the gravest threat she's ever seen and her children just laugh about such small matters."
Tony Stark chuckled.
"Oh, you have no idea how big my bets can be."
Metatron frowned.
"I worry for your focus of mind and spirit in this war. You cannot afford to not take this seriously."
Tony Stark's smile retreated has his face turned almost grim.
"Believe me, I am."
Metatron shook his head.
"You already underestimated the enemy once, don't do so again."
The Wolf then turned to Captain Marvel.
"The same goes for you."
Captain Marvel frowned.
"Look Wolfman, you just can't give orders to-"
"I'm not giving orders. I am merely advising you."
Captain America leveled his hands to either of them.
"Please, infighting won't solve anything."
The Wolf sighed.
"I'm not here to cause conflict, the war made my tone blunt and perhaps insolent."
The man out of time rested a hand on the warrior's shoulder.
"You are not at fault here, no one is. As a man who has also seen horrors firsthand and seeking to avenge the fallen, I understand why you spoke like you did."
Captain Marvel rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment.
"I can be a little stubborn myself."
Steve gave a small smile.
"Just a little?"
"Ok, a lot."
Director Fury got a notification on his ear piece which he raised a finger or two to it.
"Director Fury. I see, very well. Fury out."
He then pressed a few buttons on his comms and a holographic image of a woman with short dark brown hair appeared.
"Yes, Director Fury?"
"Hill, I'm leaving you in command of S.H.I.E.L.D. forces here in the city. Coordinate with the Avengers, the police, and the military here and heed the advice of Metatron and his students. I'm heading to D.C."
"Understood."
Then the image of Hill vanished and Director Fury turned to the rest of the group.
"I've been called to the White House to add extra security and act as a strategist for the president."
Captain America nodded.
"Good luck, Fury."
"Same to all of you."
Metatron nodded to the Director.
"I wish you good fortune in the future of this war."
The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. nodded then exited the tent.
-Outside Of The Camp, Several Blocks Away-
From alleyways and street corners, an ever slowly massing crowd of people started to emerge. Except these people gazed at the camp from afar with gleaming red eyes and their bodies showed increasing changes to their physiology: thick dark veins, oily black tendrils wrapped around their arms, claws sprouted from where their enlarged and twisted hands. A low hiss reverberated from all of them as the invading soldiers marched to stand with them, all gazing in the direction of the camp.
-Wakanda-
A soldier of Wakanda held his left arm in front of him, the Vibranium powered energy shield emblazoned in front of him. Energy blasts from several yards away struck the shield. The man gritted his teeth as he felt his shield held off the blasts yet he found his feet struggling to keep a firm grounded position. Despite this struggle, his focus was on the people behind him.
The attack on Wakandan soil had been sudden, the portals the invaders marched out of had attacked the farthest parts of the borders of the country and were aiming towards the capital city. Every available soldier stationed in the tribes of the border had mobilized to defend their homes. The force of the attack had been much stronger than any attack in the history of their nation. All the Christian, Islamic, and other tribal armies had never been nearly so powerful or organized.
These soldiers were armed with weapons that were able actually able to combat Vibranium and their shields and armor held their ground respectively against Vibranium weapons. The Wakandans had never gone up against an army such as this, thus they were caught off guard because of such an opponent. It had taken hours for the invaders to approach the shield protecting the capital city.
Every Border soldier stood their ground as civilians fled to the city as the invaders continued their march, rank upon rank of these soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and shield to shield before the ever slowly weakening line of Wakandan soldiers. The young soldier felt his physical strength and his resolve slipping little by little. He'd seen other soldiers, men who knew and considered brothers, fall or be captured by these invaders.
The soldier also spotted past many ranks of these soldiers machines moving forward on their own. They seemed to resemble artillery of the past such as catapults and mortars yet he had an uneasy feeling about their true power. He looked to the other soldiers closest to them including an older man, one who held a high rank. While he saw that feeling of unease on his face, he also saw his resolves especially as he spoke in the Wakandan language.
"(Hold your ground! People are still retreating to the city and we will hold the line to protect them! Hold fast!)"
He and the other soldiers responded.
"(Hold fast!)"
A central figure in the invading army watched from within the ranks of soldiers, a smile on his face.
The Wakandan warriors stood firm though they felt this eerie feeling crawl up their spines as they locked their gazes on the figure. Suited in draconic or serpentine scaled armor that were coated in night black with red scales that took appeared to be moving in a slithering motion. The entity had an incredibly lean and strikingly tall form, it was almost a head taller than the soldiers around it. Each of the Wakandan soldiers knew that whatever this entity was, it wasn't human especially given the shape of the neck and head.
There was no mistaking the serpent form of this creature. Though the helm it wore was in the guise of a cross between a dragon and a snake with thin fangs and visor had two lights that took prominence: red and yellow. From its hips was a kusarigama with long curved blades that from their hilts were in the shape of the open maws of serpents. It held out one armored clawed hand to the soldiers. The march of the invaders halted.
The creature walked forward then stopped several yards ahead of the Wakandan Border soldiers. Then it spoke in a calm almost serene tone yet the Wakandan men felt the subtle sense of power.
"I am called Disturbed! I command this legion in the name of the Dragon Emperor, Imperious, himself! We are here to secure this world in his name and his vision of perfect peace! We do not want to invade your home! We simply want to secure your loyalty and allegiance! Take the banner of the Dragon Emperor as your own and there shall be no more conflict! I beseech you, summon your king here so I may treat with him! If he bends the knee to Imperious and your nation will be more secure than ever before!"
The leader of the Wakandan Border soldiers took a step forward and spoke in English.
"We know of your 'Imperious'. The only true rulers of Wakanda are the Royal Family and Bast herself. When you enter Wakanda, you are at their mercy and once the Black Panther comes you shall receive one chance to surrender. I suggest you accept it."
Disturbed sighed.
"Until your king comes and surrenders, I suggest you take shelter behind your shield. I wish to send a message."
Disturbed then motioned the same hand forward. Behind the front lines of soldiers, the Wakandan soldiers witnessed the machines start to move. The commander of the Border soldiers frowned.
"To the shield!"
-Wakanda, Capital City, The Next Day-
T'Challa stood in the Black Panther suit, his head uncovered as the helmet and retracted off of him. The king had his arms crossed as he and Shuri watched what on the display screen: the invaders stood outside the shield as their war machines fired and their projectiles bombarded the shield. The Wakandan engineers and scientists had assured the king that the shield was holding up against the artillery barrage as it has against every other invading forces.
The Black Panther had received word of the summons the one call Disturbed had given. T'Challa frowned at the invader's arrogance and veiled threats disguised as sympathy.
"(This one is as arrogant as every other would be conqueror. He will learn that Wakanda does not bow to any foreign power.)"
Shuri nodded to her brother.
"(It seems we do not need magic to protect ourselves.)"
T'Challa nodded.
He had heard of the Wolf's story, about his homeland being destroyed by the same forces that now threaten his own home. The Black Panther sympathized with the Wolf and understood his counsel. Metatron just didn't understand the last several centuries of Wakandan history had proved that technology was more than capable of defending against any enemy.
"(The Wolf strikes me as a good man. He just doesn't know of the technological might of our nation. The High Priest of Bast would like him though, their reverence for the mystical and divine is something that many soldiers still have.)"
Shuri sighed.
"(Perhaps we should apologize after this battle is won?)"
T'Challa grinned.
"(Are you admitting you were wrong?)"
Shuri scoffed.
"(Not wrong, just that OUR tone could've been better. Mother continues to chide me about my...'beliefs' on magic.)"
"(As she does both of us.)"
"(My King.)"
T'Challa turned, a man dressed in Vibranium weave and armor with tribal markings on his face and hands approached and bowed to the Black Panther. The king smiled and motioned for his friend to stand up.
"(W'Kabi, no need to be so formal.)"
His old friend smiled, partially.
"(We have compiled all the reports from our scouts.)"
"(What do we know about these invaders?)"
"(My men in the Border Tribe have alerted us that while some of our men have been lost or captured, the invaders have not appeared to damage the environment around us. Our War Rhino mounts have all been tranquilized, none killed. Any wildlife has been chased off as well, none killed from what my scouts have said. Only our soldiers have been the victims of their soldiers.)"
"(That doesn't sound like what the Wolf has said.)"
"(From what we've been told by the Americans, this Faunia resisted fiercely against these same invaders. Perhaps because of their unwillingness to yield made the one behind this invasion choose to raze their world because of no other choice?)"
T'Challa rubbed his chin.
"(Fury explained the Faunians would not bow to this 'Imperious' and fought literally tooth and claw against them.)"
"(These beings sound like true warriors.)"
Those present turned. A large muscular Wakandan man dressed in furs and heavy armor approached the group, several men and women fitted in similar attire followed him as each carried a large war club in one hand. W'Kabi held back a frown at the sight of these people though Shuri showed hers.
"(The Jabari. Brother, are you sure-?)"
T'Challa turned to her as he spoke.
"(The legion we face has required all of Wakanda to fight together regardless of grievances and disputes. M'Baku, I thank you and your soldiers for coming.)"
M'Baku smiled slightly before he rested the war club on his shoulder.
"(We are here to protect our home, Panther King. The followers of Ghekri won't back down from those who threaten his children.)"
T'Challa nodded.
"(I am preparing to go to the shield to confront the commander of this legion with half of my Dora Milaje. Would you accompany us?)"
"(I wish to see what this threat is for myself. Let's see what pushes the Black Panther to call upon my people for aid.)"
Shuri sneered at this.
"(Perhaps we just wish to throw your-)"
"(Shuri! Enough!)"
T'Challa's words silenced his sister as he also held an unamused look on his face.
"(Monitor the situation and keep communications up. We cannot afford for them to get past the shield.)"
"(Yes, brother.)"
T'Challa's helmet then covered his head and the helm of the Black Panther was what all Wakandans saw when they looked upon him now.
-Edge Of The Wakandan Shield, Several Minutes Later-
Black Panther, M'Baku, W'Kabi, and several Dora Milaje and Wakandan soldiers walked towards the the very edge of the shield as now that the artillery barrage and halted. The one called Disturbed stood just outside of it, flanked by a few soldiers. T'Challa didn't retract the helmet as he wished to have the eyes of the Panther lock upon the invaders. Though they showed no signs of hesitance or fear in their body language. He then turned to Disturbed.
"I am T'Challa, son of T'Chaka, the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther. You invade Wakandan soil, surrender now and live. If you continue with your assault on our home, then you will suffer the wrath of Wakanda."
Disturbed then took a step forward.
"King T'Challa, I am Disturbed an acolyte of the Dragon Emperor Imperious. I am here to accept the surrender and allegiance of Wakanda. Imperious wishes no harm upon your people or your lands."
"What of the men whom your soldiers have killed?"
"An unfortunate part of battle. If you and your people bend the knee to Imperious, your home will become a part of his Eminence's empire and those who have been slain on the battlefield shall be returned as they once were."
W'Kabi scoffed.
"You expect us to believe that? Your master is not a god."
"You may be surprised at his majesty's power."
"And you shouldn't be surprised what the people of Wakanda has prepared for you."
"Wakanda has always been a nation of proud warriors, no human nation has such strength and technology. Still, his majesty has defeated many Wakanda's in his journey to secure a perfect order to reality."
M'Baku scoffed.
"If you had fought Wakanda before, you would be dead now. You lie, invader."
Disturbed removed his helm and revealed his true face. The visage that held a striking resemblance to a mamushi snake greeted the Wakandans. Some of the soldiers motioned for their weapons at this, doing their best to hide their shock at the face of the invader. The serpent man's tongue flicked out of his mouth for a moment as his slitted eyes, one red and one yellow, locked on the Wakandans.
"I assure you, I am not lying. Though I am not human with the tell tales signs of little facial expressions that betray a lie...I wish you to see that I am telling you what I know to be true."
Black Panther crossed his arms.
"Serpent or human, you threaten the people of Wakanda and that is something I will no tolerate or respond to with surrender. A true king does not cower when his people are targeted by a tyrant."
Disturbed frowned before putting his helmet back on.
"Imperious does not wish for Wakanda to be harmed. He finds your home a marvel on every Earth. Your War Rhinos intrigue him, such beasts fitted for battle are a unique element to your military force."
W'Kabi chuckled.
"Perhaps I shall introduce you to mine and see what he makes of you."
Disturbed chuckled in return.
"Your beasts won't be harmed, they don't know the subtleties of these matters. Your soldiers, if you continue to resist his Eminence, I cannot assure peace."
Black Panther took a step forward, not even an inch between them despite the shield separating them.
"You, your master, and his armies will have to beg for my mercy for coming to my home to invade. We will not surrender. You have been here not even two days and we have only been on the defensive. You will not withstand my people's wrath if we attack."
Disturbed didn't flinch at the threat.
"I will ask one more time in honor of his Eminence's hopes for a peaceful solution. Surrender to Imperious, swear allegiance to him, and your home will be spared and soon after will enjoy a prosperity it has never known before. If you don't, we will be forces to attack then your shield will fall and your city will be razed. Now, do your surrender?"
Black Panther growled his answer.
"Wakanda surrenders to no one."
Disturbed sighed and shook his head.
"Very well."
He and his soldiers then walked back to the army before the serpent raised his hand. The artillery renewed its barrage against the Wakandan shield. Black Panther then walked over to his command group, rank upon rank of Wakandan soldiers standing close behind them.
"(They believe they shall conquer Wakanda! They believe they have the power to take our home from us! They do not know the heart of Wakanda! They do not know who we are! Today we show the world why Wakanda has never been conquered! No invader has ever taken our home no matter what man or god they served!"
The Wakandan army cheered, raising their weapons and smashed their fists against their chests. Black Panther then walked back to the ranks of soldiers with his command group. He then turned back to the invading army.
"(Form up!)"
The Wakandan soldiers then locked their shields together, placing their weapons atop them as they all formed ranks right before T'Challa gave the order.
"(Fire!)"
The Wakandan infantry began firing blasts from their weapons, the Vibranium powered energy blasts phased through the shield and surged towards the ranks of the enemy army. Each Wakandan watched as the shields of the enemy struggled against the energy blasts from their Vibranium weapons. Some of their eyes widened a little as despite some of the soldiers struggling to hold their ground, not nearly as many of them fell as they would've believed.
Disturbed stood, unmoving, as some of the soldiers held their shields around him to cover him.
"Unfortunately, as expected. Still, their Vibranium will be a welcome addition to his majesty's forces."
Every so often, the Vibranium blasts cut down some of the soldiers as many of these attacks struck certain soldiers more than once. T'Challa stood with his arms crossed, awaiting the time when the invading army's soldiers would finally all fall or most of them so the rest of the army could be dealt with swiftly.
M'Baku had spoken on how they should attack the army once they didn't surrender, to show their military prowess in close combat to prove Wakanda wouldn't fall. T'Challa had listened to this, but decided he didn't want to take the risk of anymore of his soldiers falling to these invaders. He and Shuri had shifted the shield's energy to where Vibranium weapons could phase through it without issue. This gifted them the ability to return fire without opening themselves up to an attack.
Disturbed motioned with his hands and the soldiers formed ranks then began firing with their blasters, the energy blasts struck against the shield though did no apparent damage. The shield was strong, he reasoned, artillery and infantry fire would not bring it down with just a few strikes. The continuous attacks from both though continued to hammer the shield, it was having to hold back against multiple strikes from a large range.
The legion that now sieged the city vastly outnumbered the army that defended it. With their surprise attack the day before, they had managed to kill or capture several Border soldiers and guards. All captives were held at the very rear of their army where the soldiers had set up a camp for Disturbed to prepare the attack and hold prisoners.
He did watch as soldier by soldier, more of the his lord's soldiers fell to enemy fire. Vibranium weapons were one of the very few threats to their legions given the advanced degree of tech Wakanda had. Despite being more effective than the weapons the rest of the planet used, Disturbed knew that the army he led could and would hold against the Vibranium weapons.
M'Baku frowned slightly as both armies continued to fire. He tried not to pace back and forth. Despite his eagerness for battle, his Jabari soldiers would struggle against the continuous fire from the enemy if not reinforced by the other Wakandans. Though he wouldn't admit this to anyone. He turned to his soldiers, he held their composure as they awaited whatever was to come. The man then turned to T'Challa.
"(So what? Your men are just going to shoot them through the shield till all of their toy soldiers fall?)"
"(Yes, this will secure our home in the most effective way possible.)"
W'Kabi turned to his king.
"(Shall I send for my Rhino Riders? My men managed to bring most of them to the city as they retreated behind the shield.)"
The Black Panther was quiet for a moment.
"(Keep a battalion of them to guard the city and the rest at their rear of the army.)"
"(Yes, my king.)"
W'Kabi then started sending a message from his Kimono beads. The Black Panther focused his gaze on the enemy army. Their shields held their ground against the Vibranium blasts, slowly some of these soldiers fell and crumpled into dust once they had fallen. He frowned.
"(What power could create these soldiers?)"
M'Baku frowned.
"(Dark magic. The High Priest of Ghekri had warned me of a power that had been starting to claw at the world and began to approach Wakanda. Every soldier I've brought was given the blessings of our God. Have your soldiers been given the blessings of yours?)"
The Black Panther turned to him.
"(Some went to Bast's High Priest for counsel the day before and today. I am confident though in the strength of our people's technological power.)"
M'Baku sighed, shaking his head.
"(Despite my people's conflicts with yours in the past centuries, the leaders of the Jabari did note the respect many of the Black Panthers held for your God and sought her blessing in battles to come. Has your family become so disconnected from your God?"
T'Challa frowned.
"(I shall let that slide. This battle must hold my full attention.)"
M'Baku then turned back to the enemy army.
"(Very well.)"
They watched as the Vibranium blasts continued to strike the enemy army, one by one some of the enemy soldiers fell from their enemy's attack. Disturbed saw in the distance behind the Wakandan army appeared men riding upon large Rhinos, fixed with Vibranium plate armor. The beasts were larger than their wild kin and their horns were fixed with Vibranium blades that were fixed upon them. The serpent almost smiled at the sight of them.
"They will make for good war beasts...or pets, whatever his Eminence desires."
He then fixed his reptilian gaze upon his soldiers, more and more fell though not swiftly. Disturbed then heard a hiss. He smiled under his helm, knowing what it meant.
"It's time for the real battle."
Disturbed pulled out a device and pressed a button on it with a few fingers.
In the city behind the Wakandan army, the roar of an explosion was heard and felt. The Wakandan command group turned back quickly, eyes wide. T'Challa then pulled up comms to his sister.
"(SHURI! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?! WHAT HAPPENED?!)"
"(B-Brother...the...the shield generator...it's gone.)"
"(WHAT?!)"
The Wakandans' gazes turned back at seeing the shield that began starting to waver in its strength, they then turned to their king. The Black Panther focused on his sister though.
"(SHURI! WHAT HAPPENED?!)"
"(I...I pulled up video of the generator's location and scrubbed back...somehow...somehow invaders had planted explosives to destroy it. And our defense systems are down, including our aerial force.)"
"(That...That's not possible...Shuri, bring up the back up generations, we must power the shield and bring up the city's defenses. We will hold these invaders here.)"
"(Yes, brother.)"
Black Panther then turned back to the faltering shield. eyes wide under his helmet. He turned to his command group. M'Baku readied the club in his hands and began hooting, his soldiers following him in this chant. W'Kabi looked to his king.
"(I will go to the riders to prepare a counterattack!)"
Black Panther nodded and W'Kabi rushed to his cavalry. The king then turned to his soldiers who all looked to him.
"(Hold fast!)"
His army responded.
"(Hold fast!)"
"(Hold fast!)"
"(Hold fast!)"
They then turned as the shield fell and the artillery barrage from the enemy stopped. The invading army then marched forward, Disturbed being seen marching with them.
The Black Panther then called out his cry.
"(WAKANDA FOREVER!)"
All the Wakandans present cried out in return.
"(WAKANDA FOREVER!)"
Black Panther led the charge, his army racing behind him as they surged towards their foes. Disturbed motioned with one hand and the invading force charged to meet them. Then the armies clashed.
The Black Panther lunged towards one of the soldiers, his claws locking onto the shield of one of the soldiers. The creature held its ground and dug its feet into the earth below it. The King of Wakanda pulled the shield down with one hand then slashed his other hand forward, the claws leaving scratch marks against the soldier's helmet.
"You will fall invader!"
The soldier didn't respond as it turned, thrusting with its sword to stab the king. The blade struck against the Vibranium armor though only stopped once it struck. T'Challa gritted his teeth, as he responded with another slash with his claws. This time he knocked the sword out of the soldier's hand before then slashing at the soldier's helmet again. The creature now hissed at this tough the king then stabbed with his claws. The Vibranium blades pierced through the helmet and the soldiers crumbled to the ground to dust.
T'Challa grumbled at this, the soldiers were as resilient in close combat as his soldiers informed. The Panther's claws cut down most foes with one strike, but not this one. He couldn't analyze this for long though as another soldier rushed forward. Black Panther ducked under the slash from the soldier's sword before he dropped down and sweep kicked the soldier. As the entity fell to the ground, Black Panther lunged forward and stabbed his claws into the helmet of the soldier.
A roar to his side earned the king's attention. As the soldier below him crumbled, Black Panther watched as he witnessed M'Baku duel a invader. His club slammed into the shield of the soldier, knocking the invader onto its back. The leader of the Jabari bellowed as he then slammed the war club down, striking against the helmet more than once. The invader hissed as it aimed a stab at the man, but M'Baku's armor actually halted the blade's attack.
T'Challa's eyes widened a little under his mask at this. M'Baku then snatched the sword out of the soldier's hand then stabbed it into the helmet of the soldier. The creature screeched before into melted into a puddle. M'Baku chuckled before rushing at another soldier, swinging his club. The Black Panther quickly turned back to his immediate area, a few soldiers rushing forward. T'Challa shouted as he charged forward and slashed with his claws.
W'Kabi rode on his rhino to the flank of the armies, his fellow riders moving alongside him. His eyes narrowed at the enemy then turned to his soldiers.
"(To the flank! Charge!)"
The Rhino Riders let out a war cry as they charged their mounts into the flank of the enemy army, several ranks behind the infantry battle. Despite their armor and shields, the invading soldiers were either crushed beneath the charging rhinos' bodies, impaled by the Vibranium plated horns, or were thrown across the battlefield by the headbutts of the war beasts. The riders did not leave the fighting solely to their mounts. W'Kabi pulled out a small cylindrical object which he then pushed one side with a few fingers as did the other riders.
This objects then expanded into long Vibranium spears. W'Kabi let out another command over the sounds of battle.
"(Slay these invaders!)"
The riders then began stabbing down with their spears, the bladed points piercing through the helms and armor of the soldiers as the rhinos continued to charge through the ranks of these invaders. Some soldiers moved to block their advance, their sword morphing into spears. W'Kabi saw this then let out another command.
"(Shields!)"
The riders pressed something on one of the armor plates on their rhinos. In front of the war beasts manifested Vibranium energy shields. With the force of the rhinos' charges and the protection of the shields, the spears were dismantled and the soldiers crushed. W'Kabi and his riders let out a unified war cry as they continued to charge through the enemy ranks.
Disturbed watched from afar, a few soldiers with more ornaments on their helms and armor than the other soldiers stood around him. The serpent turned to them.
"Without their shield, the Wakandans will eventually be worn down by our army."
One of the soldiers turned to him.
"How were you able to bring down the shield, sir?"
Disturbed showed the device he'd pushed earlier.
"This detonator had been ready to be used once the bombs were placed in their city. Our master's power allowed for spies to be teleported within their shield and city. His magic had kept them invisible to move through the city till the informed me that the bombs were ready. Their flying ships are also of no use now. They will attempt to use back up generators, they won't last though. Our sabotage will reach farther than they believe and soon we'll march into their city."
"Yes, sir."
Disturbed turned to see the rhino riders smashing through his army while the riders stabbed with their spears. A smile spread across his face.
"Such magnificent beasts, I'll make them a gift to his Eminence."
Black Panther growled as he slashed with his claws, the Vibranium blades leaving five long scratch marks across the shield of one of the soldiers. The invader tried to bash the king with its shield, but the king jumped up then kicked the shield. The soldier fell onto the ground from the strike and when it tried to get back up, T'Challa stabbed his claws into its helmet before it crumbled. The king of Wakanda looked around at the battle, his warriors held their ground against the invaders.
The Dora Milaje had been cutting their way through the invaders with their spears, the sisterhood had been fighting as a single unity as their order had been trained to do so since Wakanda's founding. Each warrior woman had been holding off one invader as they quickly traded opponents for their spears to strike decisive blows against them. The Black Panther nodded at this, he knew that hiss Dora Milaje needed no aid in this combat. Still, he knew that this enemies had struck a blow even before the close combat even begun no invader had ever accomplished before.
"(Panther!)"
Black Panther turned, seeing M'Baku smashed his war club into the helm of one of the soldiers, the blunt weapon actually denting it from the strike. This caused the soldier to screech as it tried to strike with its blade, but the Jabari chieftain had grabbed its sword hand then smashed the club into the soldier's helmet again. As the soldier fell, the chieftain approached the king as he battered aside another soldier with his club.
"(These invaders are moving to surround us!)"
The Black Panther turned to see battalions of the invaders running past the flanks of either side of the battle and prepared to encircle the Wakandan army. T'Challa grumbled as he quickly prepared a counter strategy in his mind. He activated a comm in his armor.
"(Rear guard! Turn to face the foes! W'Kabi! Sending a detachment of your riders to protect the rear of the army!)"
"(Yes, my king!)"
W'Kabi called out to some of his riders. A third of their numbed then quickly turned their rhinos in the opposite direction of where they were charging. The riders hurried to aid the infantry at the back of the army, but it would take time as they charged through more of the soldiers that had taken the place of the invading warriors they'd rode down.
Black Panther gritted his teeth as he blocked a sword strike from an enemy soldier then unarmed it then stabbed the sword into its helm. The soldier hissed then melted from this counterattack. He turned to see M'Baku smashing the club into the helmet of another soldier before then smashing the club to the side, literally knocking another invader off its feet before then following up by smashing the club into the soldier's helm and denting it.
The chieftain of the Jabari bellowed as he hit his chest with one hand as he chanted, his soldiers following him. T'Challa almost grinned at this sight. Fighting alongside the Jabari was far better than fighting against them. He would need to ask M'Baku how his weapons and armor were more effective than he would've believed after this battle was won.
He then turned and lunged forward, slashing his claws against the helm of another invader before kicking another as it attempted to flank him. The king landed on his feet before lunging again at the one he attacked first, stabbing his claws into its helm before lunging back at the one he kicked and executed the same attack. Both soldiers crumbled to ash as M'Baku watched. The Jabari leader nodded to the king.
"(Well done, Panther King.)"
Black Panther nodded in return.
"(These warriors are strong, but Vibranium does its duty as always.)"
They were then rushed by more of the soldiers to their flanks. Both leaders moved back to back and quickly blocked the attacks. Black Panther grunted as he held his arms up, his Vibranium armor halting the sword strikes from multiple soldiers. M'Baku had thrown his club forward, blocking the strikes from multiple blades as well.
"(M'Baku, how are your weapons and armor able to harm these warriors and block their attacks if they aren't from the Great Mound?)"
"(The Jabari have their own resources that come from the land and the High Priest of Ghekri and his acolytes blessed are tools of war before we came to join the defense.)"
Black Panther's mind went back to what the Faunian, Metatron, had told him. Magic was needed to better combat this foe. The king had never taken much stock in magic and now he was frustrated at having been proved that the supernatural was more powerful and needed than he believed.
"(Shuri isn't going to like this.)"
M'Baku brushed aside the swords before striking with his club, the blunt weapon smashing aside the soldiers that attacked him.
"(Your sister and you both have much to learn, I fear.)"
T'Challa almost laughed.
"(I thought you feared nothing?)"
The leader of the Jabari gave a partial smile after a moment.
"(It seems even a king can be wrong.)"
Black Panther was tempted to laugh, but his mind fixed upon the invaders once again. More of the warriors under the direct command of Disturbed continued to move to where the shield had touched the ground. He frowned as he quickly contacted his sister again.
"(Shuri?! Are the backup generators ready? What about the city defenses?!)"
"(I'm working on it brother! But I fear the invaders were more decisive in their sabotage than I first believed!)"
The king quickly kicked at a soldier, sending it flying and smashing into more of its kin. Then he jumped up and slammed a punch into the helmet of another soldier, sending it to the ground.
"(What do you mean?!)"
The energy shield started to manifest into form. As it began to move to take its protective place that it once held, but Black Panther heard a loud hiss. He then watched as the enemy's artillery bombarded the shield and they all hear a loud crackling then they saw the shield short out as more explosions went off in the distance of the city.
T'Challa's eyes widened at this.
"(No...)"
M'Baku smashed the helmet of another enemy soldier then turned in the direction of the city as well. The leader of the Jabari then looked to Black Panther.
"(The city...)"
Black Panther kept his focus on the city.
"(Shuri?! What happened?!)"
"(The backups are destroyed! The first explosion had created a delayed chain reaction! Are defenses are down!)"
Black Panther gasped then heard roars in the air. He looked up to see a group of aircraft manifesting in the sky above them. They were shape almost like the head of a dragon with its said wings jutting out to either side of main body. Black Panther's helmet's software honed in on the ship. He saw parts of the ship channeling some kind of energy that glowed bright purple with flecks of green that spread throughout the aircraft. The metal of the ships reminded him of the armor of the soldiers yet they were much more leaned and plated.
The king then brought up the wider comms of the army present on the battlefield.
"(Wakandans! This is the Black Panther! The invaders have neutralized our city's defenses! Fall back to defend the city! The first few ranks of soldiers will cover our retreat! W'Kabi! When half of our force is halfway to the city and your riders will on the field will cover the retreat of these few ranks! Alert them once you are ready!)"
"(Yes, my king!)"
Black Panther then turned to M'Baku, who nodded to him. The leader of the Jabari let out a loud hooting which caught the attention of his warriors, who quickly followed their chieftain and the other Wakandans.
Disturbed smiled under his mask.
"Even in the face of defeat, Wakanda is ready to fight to the end. I can respect that. Still, we have a duty."
He then motioned with his hands and the rest of the army marched forward.
Black Panther rushed past his soldiers, desperate to return to the city to protect his home from the invaders. But he watched as the aircraft above them moved to close in on the city.
"(Fire at the fliers!)"
Wakandan soldiers quickly took aim and began firing with their Vibranium weapons, the energy blasts peppered some of the aircraft moved to evade the infantry fire. The king of Wakanda gritted his teeth as he hurried to reach the city but he and many of the Wakandans were thrown back as the aircraft quickly turned around and fired back at them. The energy blasts hit the ground in front of them and the force of this attack sent them flying back.
Black Panther got back on his feet, gasping then grumbling as he watched his army being surrounded by the invading infantry and air force. M'Baku stood by his side and locked eyes with Disturbed. The commander of the invaders looked to the Wakandans.
"One last chance. Bend the knee and you and your people will face no further harm."
Black Panther felt the growl rumbling from his throat.
"Wakanda does not bow to anyone!"
M'Baku beat his chest with one hand.
"(For Wakanda!)"
The Wakandans chanted in unison at this which received a sigh as Disturbed shook his head.
"So be it."
He readied to move his hand. Then all those present heard it: thunder. The sky darkened as thunder bellowed and lightning cracked in the sky above them. What they heard next was a thunderous roar. They all looked up to see someone flying towards them as they let out a shout.
"FOR MIDGARD!"
Thor bellowed as he landed amongst the enemy army, bringing down Mjolnir onto the ground. Countless enemy soldiers were destroyed on the spot from the god's attack and countless others were thrown back, some whose shields were destroyed instantly while others' armor had been scorched by the lightning blast from Mjolnir once it struck the ground.
Thor let out a bellow as he raised his divine weapon to the sky and a surge of rainbow colored energy shot from the sky and struck the ground which annihilated countless more of the invading army. Once it had vanished, a small army of Asgardians fitted in gold armor and wielding golden shields and weapons stood in its place. Three men stood at its head: a tall rotund man with a thick beard, a lean man with golden hair and facial hair, and a man with dark facial hair dressed in dark blue robes and dark gray plated armor.
The large man called out as he lifted a sword.
"Asgardians! To battle!"
The small force of Asgardians rushed into the battle, their surprise attack striking against the enemy force. Black Panther almost laughed at the sight.
"(Wakandans! Forward!)"
The Wakandan army roared as they rushed back into the battle.
The king snarled as he lunged forward, slashing his claws against the helmet of one soldier before slashing the other claws against another soldier's helmet. M'Baku bellowed as he smashed his club against the helm of another soldier before grabbing another by the throat and choke slammed it onto the ground before he smashed his club into its helmet.
(Wakandans! This battle is not over! Onward brothers and sisters!)"
W'Kabi laughed as he charged forward as his rhino. The beast smashed through more ranks of the invaders, his rhino rider unit crushing more of the enemy soldiers under foot or were impaled on the horns of the beasts.
"(No retreat! Cut them down!)"
Thor watched as the Wakandans surged through the enemies on their rhinos. The God of Thunder laughed at this sight.
"Well met Wakandans!"
He then brought down Mjolnir on an enemy soldier that rushed him. The Asgardian twirled Mjolnir, lightning shooting from the divine hammer and incinerating ranks of the soldiers. The prince turned to see his friends, the Warriors Three, cutting through the soldiers. Fandral laughed as he slashed with his blade, parrying and deflecting attacks from the enemy soldiers before he disarmed them then stabbed his sword through the helmets and armor of the soldiers.
"Thor! I thought you said this was be a challenging battle?!"
Thor grinned as he brought down Mjolnir on the helmet of an enemy soldier, instantly destroying it.
"The battle is not over!"
Fandral then was quickly mobbed by several enemy soldiers that stabbed with long spears. The Asgardian warrior cut through the half of them, but another soldier jumped forward then smashed its shield against the Asgardian's face right before Handrail's sword pierced through its chest plate and slayed it. The Asgardian fell onto the ground, his sword falling from his grasp. More of the enemy soldier lunged forward, readying to skewer the man.
Fandral watched as a member of the Dora Milaje lunged forward, swinging her spear and cutting through the enemy spears before she sweep kicked some of them and quickly pierced her spear through one of the chest plates of the soldiers. The Asgardian quickly grabbed his sword and stabbed another soldier through their helmet. Thor jumped forward, battering aside the rest of the soldiers with his faithful hammer.
Thor smiled to the woman.
"Thank you, friend."
The Dora nodded to the thunder god and prepared to hurry back into the fray only for Fandral to approach her with a grin.
"Such fierce beauty, I am-"
The Dora raised her spear to the Asgardian's face.
"Not the time and not interested."
She then hurried back into the battle. Fandral stood aghast while Thor laughed while Hogun and Voltsagg approached, both had seen the small instance and joined their prince in laughter. Their friend grumbled as he crossed his arms. Black Panther lunged forward, piercing his claws into the helmet of another soldier that rushed at the Asgardians.
"Thor! I am glad to see you! Thank you and your friends for your assistance."
Thor nodded to his friend.
"Tis no problem, T'Challa. Heimdall saw your home was under siege and your shield had fallen. I managed to gather a small force to come to your aid."
Black Panther nodded.
"We can continue this conversation later. We have a battle to win."
Voltsagg grinned.
"Yes!"
He laughed as he jumped into the air, slashing down with his sword as he cut a soldier in half before cutting to the side. His sword cut another soldier in two before he punched another foe. Hogun scoffed as he watched this.
"Voltsagg! Don't think you're going to hog all the glory to yourself!"
The Vanir warrior charged into the battle, following his friend. He swung his mace, crushing the helmet of one soldier then dented another's as the swing didn't stop after hitting the first foe. Hogun evaded the stab from one soldier's spear and grabbed the weapon just bellow the blade then pulled the enemy forward. He then smashed his mace down, caving in the helmet of the soldier.
Thor laughed as he surged forward, holding onto Mjolnir as he flew into the air. He twirled the divine weapon in the air, creating a storm above him which then shot down lightning from the sky. The lightning destroyed countless enemy soldiers while avoiding the Asgardian and Wakandan forces.
Disturbed frowned and shook his head.
"Pity, it seems Wakanda will have to wait for another day. Still, we have enough information now for his Eminence's future plans for this world. Let us return before more of the Asgardians arrive."
Several ghastly green portals manifested into the area which the enemy soldiers that were still alive quickly retreated back into. Disturbed look back at the combined Asgardian and Wakandan army before him.
"We'll be back soon, my friends."
Then he walked into the portal and with that, the portals vanished and the army that had faced them in battle now stood in either celebration over their victory or in silence as the suddenness of the enemy's retreat. The Black Panther frowned, an uneasy feeling gripping him as to what the future now held...
AN: Please let us know your thoughts about the battle for Wakanda. Also, regarding what information Imperious gained by Disturbed ordering a retreat, well... you'll see next chapter, and a more questions will be answered, and even more will be raised...
I also wanted to thank: Story's Shadow, Rushstar32, Death Fury, and every member of the Nobel Patriots for their continual prayers while I was trapped in the mountains. I got lucky and got to go home, many didn't... I thank everyone for their prayers, and ask for one last moment of silence...