Location: Wakanda Royal Palace
Time: Evening, 15 Days Before the Arrival
The air shimmered as Mark stepped through a portal alongside Steve, Natasha, Sam, and Bucky.
They found themselves on the palace's vast balcony overlooking the vibrant Wakandan city below—alive with light and life.
Waiting for them was King T'Challa, regal and composed, and his sister Shuri, bright-eyed and calculating. Okoye, always watchful, stood silently nearby.
The Welcome and the Weight
T'Challa bowed his head slightly. "Friends. Wakanda is honored to receive you again."
Mark gave a casual nod, eyes scanning the group. "And it's good to see that Wakanda's still the one place that feels like the future instead of the apocalypse."
Shuri grinned. "It's definitely busy, but we're holding."
Steve stepped forward. "We have little time. There's a threat approaching. A war that will require more than just weapons."
T'Challa's gaze sharpened. "Explain."
Mark's Calm Explanation
Mark took a deep breath. "Thanos. A cosmic warlord. He's after the Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power that can unmake reality itself."
Shuri's eyes flickered with interest. "Like vibranium's own mystical cousins?"
"Exactly," Mark said, smiling. "But more dangerous. And he's coming soon."
Okoye's hand went instinctively to her spear. "Then we prepare."
Natasha added, "This is bigger than any Hydra cell or rogue agent. This is the universe's biggest problem."
Bucky's Perspective
Bucky looked around. "This isn't just a fight with guns and fists. It's a fight for survival."
Sam nodded, cracking a grin. "Well, guess it's lucky I'm good at flying into crazy situations."
Shuri and Mark: Science Meets Magic
Later, Mark found himself with Shuri in her lab, surrounded by glowing tech and humming machines.
"You said you're training with the Ancient One?" Shuri asked.
Mark nodded. "Yeah. The mystic arts are weird, but powerful. I've learned to manipulate energy — portals, constructs, protections — but there's a lot more coming."
Shuri smiled, intrigued. "If you're bending reality, I want to see how vibranium can work with magic."
Mark's eyes sparkled. "That's the future right there."
Strategizing with T'Challa and Okoye
In the war room, plans were drawn and alliances discussed.
T'Challa's voice was steady. "We must secure Wakanda's borders and protect the people."
Okoye nodded. "We will defend the throne and our home with all we have."
Steve clasped his hands. "And we'll stand with you."
Mark looked around the room, sensing the fragile but fierce hope binding them all.
"We fight as one," he said softly. "Because it's not just Wakanda, or Earth — it's everything."