The Beginning of the End (Elanor)

Chapter 7

   The Wakandan trees bathed in a golden light as we flew over them, coming closer to the advanced city. Not long ago, they'd announced themselves to the world, but they kept up the cloak that disguised the technological advancements from the world. The landscape didn't look like much at the moment, but that's what made the change so exhilarating.

My father got up from his seat beside me and leaned over Sam, staring out the window at the endless forests.

"Drop to 2600, heading 0-3-0," he instructed.

"I hope you're right about this." Sam shook his head as he moved the lever to drop closer to the trees. "Or we're gonna land a lot faster than you want to."

Wanda and Vision looked distressed as it appeared we were about to crash. We headed straight for the line of trees in front of us, but instead of falling to a fiery death, we passed smoothly through the shield, revealing the tall, shining buildings of vibranium and a large panther statue. The dark blue water below sparkled under the gem of the sun as we approached the main part of the city-- which was actually a palace. I watched the red uniforms of the Dora Milaje march a figure dressed all in black closer to our landing point. We landed on the pad, and once the ramp lowered itself, my father and Nat led us toward the King.

It was nice to see familiar faces in all this. I'd met King T'Challa twice-- once at the Accords meeting, and then again at their announcement to the world. And at that second meeting, I'd met his sister, Shuri, Nakia, and his closest guard, Okoye, as well as a few other. Despite their intimidating appearance, what with their constantly carrying around weapons, they were kind people.

"Should we bow?" I heard Bruce whisper to Rhodey as they disembarked.

"Yeah, he's a king." I chose to bite my tongue as I fell into stride beside my father.

"Seems like I'm always thanking you for something." My father took King T'Challa's hand and shook it firmly. Bruce awkwardly started to bow.

"What are you doing?" Rhodey hissed, falling back on his word.

"We don't do that here," T'Challa dismissed, getting Bruce to stand. I smiled at the king and accepted a quick embrace from him.

"It's good to see you again, your highness," I said with a smile.

"As with you, Miss Rogers." He gestured to my father. "I trust you're getting along now." I shrugged and looked up at him.

"We had a talk on the flight here. All's forgiven." With greetings taken care of, we all got down to business.

"So how big of an assault should we expect?" Bruce quickened his steps to catch up with the king as he spoke.

"Sir, I think you should expect quite a big assault," he stuttered.

"How we looking?"

"You will have my Kingsguard, the Border Tribe, the Dora Milaje, and..."

My eyes widened as a figure approached from the side as the warriors cleared away. He wore a suit I'd never seen him in before, likely one that came from here, and his hair now fell to his shoulders, but it was him. He smiled as he looked at my dad, who approached him quickly.

"A semi-stable, one hundred year old man," he finished. My father pulled him into a long overdue embrace, shared among two long-time friends.

"How you been, Buck?" he asked, his voice slightly strained.

"Not bad, for the end of the world."

His eyes wandered from my dad to me, standing behind him with gasping breaths and a bright smile. I couldn't believe he was here, alive, perfectly fine. In fact, he looked completely normal. He even had a new arm that looked like it was made of vibranium, which meant it would be virtually indestructible.