Location: Wakanda Royal Palace, Private Strategy Room
Time: Night, 15 Days Before the Arrival
The glow of the city lights filtered softly through the tall windows. Around the polished table sat Mark, Bucky, Natasha, and Shuri. The air felt heavy, charged with the weight of what was to come.
Bucky's Burden
Bucky stared at Mark, his usual guarded demeanor flickering.
"So, let me get this straight," he said quietly. "You're from another universe. You died there. You came here. You saved my life."
Mark nodded calmly. "It's complicated, but yeah."
Bucky's eyes darkened. "In my head, I'm still that Winter Soldier. The weapon. The ghost of a past I can't outrun."
Mark leaned forward, voice steady. "You're more than your past, Bucky. I know it's hard to believe, but you can be more."
Bucky exhaled slowly. "I want to believe that."
Natasha's Pragmatism
Natasha crossed her arms, always the realist.
"I've seen a lot of 'other worlds,'" she said dryly. "People who come back from the edge and expect us to just follow their lead."
She looked Mark up and down. "But you're different. You're calm. You don't pretend to have all the answers."
Mark smiled softly. "I don't. But I know this much: the universe isn't done with any of us yet."
Natasha's expression softened. "Then I'll follow you. But I expect a plan."
Shuri's Analytical Mind
Shuri interjected, her voice curious but cautious.
"If this Thanos is real, and the Infinity Stones can truly alter reality… why haven't we seen him yet? Why now?"
Mark considered. "Because, like any storm, he's been gathering strength. Waiting for the right moment. And now, with the multiverse unstable, the pieces are falling into place."
Shuri's fingers tapped on the table. "Then we need to be ready. Magic, technology — combined. No more secrets."
Mark's Zen Wisdom
Mark looked around the room, his tone shifting to something softer, almost meditative.
"We can't control everything. Fate, destiny, they have their roles. But how we respond — that's our choice."
He paused. "I've learned to accept that. To live in the moment. To find peace before the storm, not after."
Bucky nodded slowly. Natasha smiled faintly.
Shuri's eyes gleamed with renewed purpose.
Closing Moments
The room's tension eased, replaced by a quiet resolve.
"We fight not just for survival," Mark said, "but for the future we want to see."
Natasha stood first. "Then let's get to work."
Bucky followed, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
Shuri looked at Mark. "Lead the way, then."
Mark's eyes twinkled. "That's what I'm here for