Avengers The Captain's Secret Book 2: Waiting for Thor

Part 36: Battle of Wakanda Begins

"I will watch the screens, Wanda can watch the battle," I suggested as Shuri began her work on Vision.

"Thank you." Shuri nodded.

"Other tribes are coming!" Steven observed.

"No time for our petty differences," Shuri said, still not sparing us a glance. "We can do that later. Too important."

"The forcefield is working," Steven said, wide-eyed as we watched the shots disintegrate when they landed on it. He held my hand as we watched the screens.

"It is working well enough," Wanda observed aloud.

"They--they are killing themselves to get in!" I was appalled. Those things didn't seem to care what it took to get in, and then some were squeezing in right behind each other. "Some are getting through!"

"If they come around the back of the fortress, they may find a way inside," Shuri said, still concentrating on her work. "Sedi?"

"Yes?"

"I have never seen your powers," she said. "Do they really work the way they say?"

I didn't know what they said, but I answered, "Yes, and more."

"Good, we will need it."

I stood in disbelief as we heard T'Challa give the order to open the barrier. I shook my head.

I watched the battle ensue. This was it.

"Mom?"

"Steven you've got to go."

"What?! No!"

"You have to go and get the elder children and take them to the Ancestral Caves."

"Mom--"

"Steven," I knelt before him. "This is your first mission!"

Steven stood straight, and stepped back. He gave a curt nod, turned on his heel and ran out of the lab.

"Do you think he is ready?" Shuri was still working but hadn't missed anything.

"Yes, I believe in him, you don't know him like I do." I told her. "He's been training since he was four."

"Two years?"

"How long have you been trained by warriors?" I asked Wanda. Her mouth clamped closed. "He will be fine."

"How much longer, Shuri?" T'Challa's voice came over the speakers.

"I've barely begun brother." She said, however slightly increased her speed.

"You might want to pick up the pace!"

I watched the war get closer. It was getting bad, and then suddenly--

"What is that?" For the first time, Shuri glanced away for just a second.

"It's my Uncle Thor!" I jumped up and down, then frowned. "And who are those--"

"You are Asgardian royalty?"

"A princess of Asgard, father's side," I said with a smile. He could turn it all around, I thought but didn't dare say. It then occurred to me that I did not see Loki. He could be along. He does like to make an entrance...I hoped.

Two things happen in a battle such as this. Either desperation or annihilation occurs. I felt myself get on guard. This may be my time. This may be my hour--

Just then, large metal wheels emerged from the ground, getting past the Wakandan forcefield. I gasped as the building sized wheels crushed everything in their paths. Where was Steve?

Suddenly, Wanda flew outside. I stood mouth open as I watched her take care of the metal monsters with waves of her hand.

Suddenly the creatures appeared. They were in the lab! I managed to knock some out as Shuri tried to keep working. I was afraid to use too much power because of that; I could accidentlally blow the lab, the building, everything.

"Get below!" She screamed, turning to fire. "Get below, now!"

I moved just of the lab, still blasting, and I turned to see one coming at me at blinding speed. Vision flew at him and they tumbled out of the window.

I stood in shock, looking around. Why were the creatures still here? I began fighting, trying not to use the window to the field as an escape, but to stay within the castle as I promised Steve. I didn't know why but they were still coming.