Chapter 75:
[Steve Rogers POV]
[Village, Wakanda]
[Command Center.] The whole team is gathered within the command center, a tense silence hanging in the air. Our eyes are glued to the holo display in front of us, the glowing blue and red markers indicating our forces and the enemy's movements. It's a grim sight. In a span of 12 hours, nearly half of the resistance has been wiped out by Erik Killmonger and his War Dogs. The once vibrant green patches of our controlled territories are rapidly shrinking, replaced by the red zones of Killmonger's forces. The casualties are staggering, and the reality of our situation weighs heavily on all of us. I glance around at my teammates, each face etched with worry. Natasha's eyes are hard, her jaw set in a way that tells me she's already planning our next move. T'Challa stands beside her, his usually calm demeanor replaced with a barely contained fury. Karai and Spartan are in quiet conversation, likely discussing strategy and tactics. The room itself is a flurry of activity, with operatives and analysts moving swiftly between stations, relaying information and updates. The holographic map flickers as new data streams in, each update a reminder of how fluid and precarious our situation is. We can't afford to lose any more ground.
"We need a new strategy," I say, breaking the silence. My voice sounds louder than usual in the hushed room, "Killmonger is outmaneuvering us at every turn. We need to think differently, act faster." T'Challa nods, his eyes fixed on the map, "We cannot let him continue this rampage. The people of Wakanda are counting on us." Spartan stands up from his seat, his eyes etched with a serious gaze, "I say it's time we take the fight directly to Killmonger." His words hang in the air, charged with the kind of determination that sparks action. I see the resolve in his eyes, the unwavering commitment to doing whatever it takes to protect Wakanda and stop Killmonger. There's a collective shift in the room as the team processes his bold statement.
"Directly to Killmonger?" Natasha echoes, her brow furrowing slightly, "You mean a frontal assault?" Spartan nods, his voice steady and confident, "Exactly. We've been on the defensive for too long. It's time we go on the offensive, hit him where it hurts the most. We take the fight to him and his War Dogs. Show them that we're not just going to sit back and let them decimate us." T'Challa's eyes narrow thoughtfully. "A direct assault carries significant risks. Killmonger's forces are well-prepared, and their strongholds are fortified." "True," Spartan replies, "But it also carries the potential for a significant victory. If we can disrupt their command structure, take out their leadership, it could turn the tide in our favor. We need to show them that we can strike back just as hard, if not harder." I can see the gears turning in everyone's minds. The idea is bold, but Spartan's conviction is infectious. Karai nods slowly, her expression resolute, "He's right. A well-coordinated strike could catch them off guard. We need to plan this carefully, but it could be our best shot."
Natasha crosses her arms, her eyes sharp, "We'll need to gather as much intel as possible, pinpoint their weaknesses." I look around at my team, feeling a surge of pride, "Alright, let's do it. We'll take the fight to Killmonger. But we'll do it smart. Gather your gear, prepare your teams. We move out as soon as we're ready." The room buzzes with renewed energy as everyone springs into action. The fight for Wakanda is far from over, but with Spartan's bold plan, we have a chance to turn the tide. And we'll do whatever it takes to protect this land and its people.
[Wanda Maximoff POV]
[Wanda's Living Quarters.] For a long while, I stare in silence at the plus symbol on the pregnancy test, the small plastic device feeling impossibly heavy in my hand. The world around me seems to blur and fade as my mind races, trying to process the reality before me. So, I really am pregnant. The faint line, stark against the white background, feels like a declaration, a promise, and a question all at once. I'm pregnant with Spartan's child. My thoughts whirl in a chaotic dance. Memories of our time together flood my mind – the tender moments, the laughter, the whispered promises in the dead of night. We've faced so much together, from mundane challenges to life-threatening battles. But this, this is something entirely different. A new life, a fragile, tiny being, growing inside me. A mixture of emotions surges through me: joy, fear, uncertainty, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. I gently place the test on the nightstand and sink onto the edge of the bed, my hands instinctively moving to rest on my still-flat stomach. The enormity of the situation begins to sink in. What does this mean for us, for the life we've been building together amidst the chaos of our world?
The room around me is filled with the familiar comforts of my personal space – the soft glow of the lamp, the faint scent of lavender from the diffuser, and the stack of books I've been meaning to read. Yet, everything feels different now, as if the air itself has shifted with the weight of this new reality. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind inside me. I think about Spartan – about how he will react, what he will say. Will he be as shocked as I am? Will he be happy? Scared? I know he's strong and capable, but this is a challenge of a different kind. A child. Our child. It's both beautiful and terrifying. A soft knock on the door startles me, pulling me out of my reverie. I quickly wipe the tears that have unknowingly begun to fall and try to compose myself. "Come in," I call out, my voice barely above a whisper. The door creaks open, and Karai steps inside, her eyes immediately finding mine. There's concern etched on her face. "Wanda, are you alright?" she asks softly, closing the door behind her.
Karai moves closer, sitting beside me on the bed. I take another deep breath, feeling the need to confide in someone to share this monumental news. "Karai, there's something I need to tell you," I begin, my hands trembling slightly, "I'm... I'm pregnant." Her eyes widen in surprise and then soften with understanding. "Wanda, that's... that's incredible," she says, reaching out to take my hand in hers, "How do you feel about it?" "I don't know," I admit, my voice breaking, "I'm happy, but I'm also scared. This changes everything." She squeezes my hand reassuringly. Her presence brings a small measure of comfort. I make a silent vow to myself and to the tiny life growing within me. I will do everything in my power to protect this child, to give them a world where they can be safe and loved.
My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but I try to push them aside as Karai begins to tell me what went down at the command center. Her expression is serious, and I can see the weight of recent events reflected in her eyes. I nod, indicating that I'm ready to listen. "Wanda," she begins, her voice steady, "Things have escalated. Killmonger's forces have made significant gains in the last 12 hours. Almost half of the resistance has been wiped out." I swallow hard, trying to imagine the scene she's describing. I've been in countless tense meetings before, but this sounds particularly dire. "What's the plan?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "The team opted to take the fight directly to Killmonger and his forces," Kara tells me, "Spartan argued that we've been on the defensive for too long and that it's time we hit them where it hurts the most." A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of Spartan taking such a decisive stance. "A full on assault? That's incredibly risky," I murmur.
Karai nods in agreement. "Natasha pointed that out. But Spartan was confident. He said that while it carries significant risks, it also has the potential for a major victory." "And what about you?" I ask, looking directly into her eyes, "What did you think?" Karai smiles slightly; her resolve is evident, "I agreed with Spartan. I think he's right. A bold move might be exactly what we need to turn things around. We can't keep losing ground." I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of pride for my team. They're ready to take decisive action, to do whatever it takes to protect Wakanda.
[Spartan POV]
[Wakanda]
The dense jungle canopy above filters the sunlight, casting dappled shadows across the forest floor. Every rustle of leaves and distant bird call heightens my senses, making the world feel sharper and more immediate. Under stealth-camo, I am practically invisible, a ghost moving silently through the underbrush. The tech in the camo suit hums softly, masking my presence even from the most advanced detection systems Killmonger's forces have deployed. I move with purpose, my mission clear in my mind. Ahead, through the scope of my sniper rifle, I spot two War Dog soldiers patrolling a narrow path. They're heavily armed and alert, but they have no idea I'm watching them. Target of opportunity. My breathing slows, and I center myself, focusing solely on the task at hand. In moments like these, the world narrows down to the crosshairs of my scope, and everything else fades into the background. The first soldier steps into my line of sight, his head turning slightly as if sensing something. Too late. I gently squeeze the trigger, the suppressed rifle emitting a soft thud. The bullet strikes true, and the soldier crumples silently to the ground, a look of surprise frozen on his face. His companion, unaware of the danger, takes another step forward, right into my sights. Another controlled breath, another squeeze of the trigger, and he, too, falls without a sound.
I wait for a moment, watching for any signs of alarm. The jungle remains still, and I know I've taken them out cleanly. Slowly, I lower my rifle, scanning the area for any other threats. Every target taken down is a small victory, a step closer to disrupting their operations and giving us a fighting chance. Making my way towards the fallen soldiers, I move with deliberate care. The camo suit adapts to the changing light and shadows, ensuring I remain undetected. Reaching the bodies, I quickly search them for any intel or equipment that might be useful. One of them has a map tucked into his vest pocket, marked with locations that could be supply depots or other strategic points. I take it knowing this information could be vital for our next move. As I move deeper into enemy territory, I think about the team back at the command center. Steve's unwavering resolve, T'Challa's righteous fury, Natasha's sharp strategic mind, and Karai's calm determination. They're all counting on me to pave the way, to take out threats silently, and gather the intel we need to strike back effectively.
Every step I take is measured. The jungle is dense, and the air is humid. Ahead, I hear the faint murmur of voices and the clinking of equipment. More War Dogs, likely setting up another checkpoint or preparing for a patrol. I find a vantage point, positioning myself with a clear line of sight. Through the scope, I see a small group of soldiers. I carefully pick my targets, prioritizing those with radios or higher-ranking insignia. Taking them out first will cause the most disruption and confusion. One by one, I line them up and take them down, each shot precise and lethal. The jungle falls silent once more as the last soldier falls. I scan the area, ensuring no one is left to raise the alarm. Satisfied, I press on and then activate the comlink, sending a brief, coded message back to the command center, "Two targets down. Secured intel. Moving to the next objective."
[Steve Rogers POV]
[Village, Wakanda]
[Command Center.] The command center is a hive of activity, with operatives moving between stations, relaying information, and updating our tactical displays. Amidst the controlled chaos, my eyes remain fixed on the holo display in front of me, showing the live feed from Spartan's visor. The feed is a blend of green hues from the jungle, overlaid with digital readouts and targeting data. Spartan is out there, deep behind enemy lines, executing his mission with the precision and calm I've come to expect from him. His movements are fluid, almost ghost-like, as he navigates the dense foliage under the cover of his stealth-camo. I watch as he spots two War Dog soldiers and takes them out with deadly efficiency. Each shot is precise, and each kill is clean. He's a master at what he does, and right now, his skill is a lifeline for our operation. Beside me, Wanda stands silent, her gaze also locked onto the display. Her face is a mixture of concern and focus, emotions I can understand all too well. Spartan's out there alone, and despite our confidence in his abilities, the danger is real. "He's good," I say quietly, more to reassure her than anything else. Wanda nods, not taking her eyes off the screen. I place a hand on her shoulder, offering what comfort I can. The feed shows Spartan moving again, this time approaching the bodies of the fallen soldiers. He searches them quickly and efficiently and finds a map. He holds it up to his visor for a quick scan, and the image appears on our display. Marked locations – potential supply depots or strategic points.
For the first time, I notice Wanda is acting a little strange today. It's subtle, but there's something different about her. Maybe it's a trick of the light filtering in through the high windows of the command center, but she almost seems like she's glowing. I glance at her more closely, trying to pinpoint what it is that's changed. She's always had a quiet strength about her, a calm in the storm that's both comforting and inspiring. But today, there's an added intensity to her presence, a vibrancy that I can't quite put my finger on. Her eyes, usually so sharp and focused, seem to hold a deeper warmth, and her skin has a faint luminescence as if lit from within. I shake my head slightly, wondering if it's just my imagination. The stress of the ongoing conflict, the high stakes of Spartan's mission, and the constant need to stay one step ahead of Killmonger could make me see things that aren't there. But as I continue to watch her out of the corner of my eye, I can't shake the feeling that something is different. Wanda's hand moves to her stomach, almost unconsciously, and she catches herself, quickly placing it back at her side. The gesture is so fleeting I almost miss it, but it sets off a quiet alarm in my mind. I've seen that kind of protective, instinctual movement before, and it raises more questions than it answers.
"Wanda," I say softly, not wanting to break the fragile bubble of focus around us but needing to understand, "Is everything alright?" She turns to me, a small, almost shy smile playing on her lips. "I'm fine, Steve," she replies, but there's a hint of something unspoken in her voice, "Just... a lot on my mind." I nod, accepting her answer for now but filing away the observation for later. There's a time and place for deeper conversations, and right now, our focus needs to be on Spartan and the mission at hand. Still, I make a mental note to check in with her properly once things settle down. The feed from Spartan's visor shifts as he moves deeper into enemy territory, and Wanda's attention snaps back to the display. Her concern for him is evident, and I can't help but admire her strength. Whatever she's dealing with, she's still here, still present, ready to do whatever it takes to support the team.
As Spartan approaches another group of War Dogs, taking them down with his usual precision, I glance at Wanda again. The glow I thought I saw before is still there, more pronounced now that I'm looking for it. There's a serenity about her, a quiet confidence that seems almost otherworldly. She catches me looking and raises an eyebrow. "What is it?" she asks, her tone light but curious. I hesitate, unsure how to put my thoughts into words without sounding ridiculous. "I don't know," I say finally, giving her a half-smile, "You just seem... different today. In a good way." Her smile widens slightly, and she looks down for a moment, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "Maybe I am," she says cryptically, and there's a spark in her eyes when she looks back up at me. Whatever it is she's not telling me, I trust that she'll share it when she's ready.
[Steve Rogers POV]
[Hours Later, Wakanda]
The sun has dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dense foliage of the Wakandan jungle. The air is thick with humidity, and every step we take is muffled by the damp undergrowth. Working off the intel Spartan gathered earlier, the team and I move with practiced stealth toward our target – a heavily guarded weapon storage facility that Killmonger's forces have been using to supply their relentless assault. The map Spartan retrieved from the War Dog soldiers marked this facility as a critical supply point. If we can take it out, it will deal a significant blow to their operations, slowing their advance and giving us much-needed breathing room. We're all acutely aware of what's at stake, and the weight of our mission hangs heavily in the air. I lead the way, my shield securely strapped to my back. Natasha moves beside me, her eyes scanning the surroundings with the sharpness of a seasoned spy. Behind us, T'Challa moves with the silent grace of the Black Panther, his senses attuned to the slightest hint of danger. Karai and Spartan bring up the rear, their weapons at the ready, every muscle coiled with anticipation. Approaching the facility, the sound of our breathing is the only thing that breaks the silence. I signal for the team to halt, and we crouch low, hidden among the thick foliage. From our vantage point, we can see the facility's perimeter – high fences topped with razor wire, guard towers at each corner, and patrolling War Dogs with their eyes peeled for any sign of intrusion.
"Natasha, any idea on the best way in?" I whisper, keeping my voice low. She nods, her eyes never leaving the compound, "There's a weak point in the southeast corner. It's less guarded, and there's a blind spot between the patrol routes. We can slip in and disable the alarm system before they even know we're there." "Good," I reply, glancing back at the rest of the team, "T'Challa, Karai, you two take out the guards in the towers. Spartan and I will handle the ones on the ground. Natasha, you're on the alarm system. Once we're inside, we regroup and move to the main storage area. Everyone clear?" They all nod in acknowledgment. We break from our cover and move towards the facility. Every second feels like an eternity as we creep through the shadows. As we reach the fence, T'Challa and Karai peel off, their targets clear. I watch them scale the guard towers with ease. In moments, the guards are neutralized, their bodies slumped. Spartan and I take out the patrolling guards on the ground, his silenced pistol, and my hand-to-hand combat skills, ensuring there's no noise to alert the others. Natasha slips through the fence and makes her way to the alarm system, her fingers flying over the controls with practiced efficiency. "We're in," she whispers through the comlink, and I feel a surge of relief. "Alarm is disabled. Move in," I call out.
We regroup just inside the perimeter, the facility looming ahead of us. The main storage area is a large building in the center of the compound, heavily fortified but not impenetrable. We move quickly, knowing that every second counts. We breach the door and enter the storage area, a vast space filled with crates of weapons and ammunition. The sight of it all, the sheer scale of what Killmonger has amassed, is staggering. But there's no time to dwell on it. We need to plant the charges and get out. "Set the charges," I instruct, and the team moves into action, placing explosives at strategic points throughout the facility. The seconds tick by with agonizing slowness as we work. With the charges set, we make our way back to the entrance, our movements quick and efficient. "Everyone clear?" I ask, receiving affirmative responses from each team member, "Good. Detonators ready?" We all hold our breath as we move a safe distance from the facility. "On my mark," I say, "Three… two… one… now!" I press the detonators, and the night erupts in a blaze of light and sound. The explosion rips through the facility, sending shockwaves through the jungle and lighting up the sky. Once the dust settles and the flames rise, we take a moment to catch our breath, knowing that we've dealt a significant blow to Killmonger's forces. It's a small victory, but in a war like this, every win counts.
[Village, Wakanda]
After completing the mission, we make our way back to the village. Just as we pass the hill, we come to an abrupt halt, our breath catching in our throats. The scene before us is a nightmare brought to life. The village, which was once a haven of safety and community, is engulfed in flames. The orange and red tongues of fire leap into the night sky, devouring everything in their path. My heart sinks, a cold dread settling in my stomach. The roar of the flames is deafening, a relentless, hungry sound that drowns out everything else. I glance at my team, seeing the same shock and horror reflected in their eyes. Spartan is the first one to snap out of his daze and dashes into the inferno, calling out for Wanda. "Spartan, wait!" I call after him, but he's already too far ahead, driven by a desperate need to find Wanda. I exchange a quick glance with Natasha, T'Challa, and Karai, and we all spring into action, following Spartan into the burning village. The heat is almost unbearable as we move closer to the flames. The acrid smell of burning wood and thatch fills the air, stinging my eyes and throat. The once familiar paths through the village are now a labyrinth of destruction, with burning debris blocking our way at every turn. The roar of the fire is punctuated by the occasional collapse of a structure, sending showers of sparks and ash into the air.
I push forward, my shield held up to deflect the worst of the heat. Every corner we turn, every obstacle we navigate, I'm praying to find Wanda and the villagers safe. The sounds of their cries and shouts for help cut through the cacophony of the flames, driving us onward. "Over here!" Natasha calls out, her sharp eyes spotting a group of villagers huddled near a well, trying to stay clear of the worst of the fire. We rush to them, helping them to their feet and guiding them towards a safer path away from the flames. Their faces are streaked with soot and fear. "Thank you," one of them gasps, clinging to my arm as I help her over a fallen beam, "Thank you so much." "Stay together and keep moving," I instruct them, pointing towards the outskirts of the village where the jungle offers some refuge from the inferno, "We'll get you to safety." As we work to lead the villagers away, I can't help but keep looking for Spartan and Wanda. The fear in my gut grows with every passing second. We reach a relatively safe clearing, and Natasha and T'Challa take over guiding the villagers the rest of the way to safety. Karai and I turn back towards the heart of the village, determined to find our friends.
The flames are relentless, the heat intense. We navigate through the burning debris, calling out for Spartan and Wanda. The smoke thickens, making it hard to breathe and see. Just when the despair begins to creep in, I hear Spartan's voice, faint but unmistakable. "Over here!" he shouts, and I follow the sound, heart pounding. I round a corner and see him, his arms wrapped protectively around Wanda. She's coughing, her face streaked with soot, but she's alive. Relief floods through me. "She's okay," Spartan says, his voice rough, "But we need to get her out of here, now." Together, we help Wanda to her feet, supporting her as we make our way back through the burning village. The flames seem to close in around us, but we push forward, determined to escape the inferno. The heat is oppressive, the smoke choking, but the thought of getting Wanda to safety keeps us moving. Finally, we break through the worst of the flames, emerging into the relative coolness of the night air. The sight of the other villagers, now safely gathered at the edge of the jungle, brings a sense of relief. We guide Wanda to them, and the village doctor quickly attends to her. The survivors tell us what happened during our absence. They explain that Killmonger and his forces located the village and attacked it.