Chapter 211: The Running Rhino

Tony Stark wasn't about to follow General Ross's orders to arrest Bruce Banner. The very idea was absurd. Not only was Hulk their strongest available asset in Thor's absence, but losing him would leave their team completely defenseless.

If not for his responsibility to protect the world, Tony might've been tempted to turn against Ross entirely. The thought lingered in his mind as the day dragged on.

By the next morning, chaos was spreading across Wakanda's borders. In a small village near the edge of the country, Bucky Barnes stumbled through the underbrush, his body battered and bleeding.

He had awoken from his deep sleep feeling oddly at peace, the mental torment that had plagued him for years finally silenced. But before he could celebrate, Wakandan soldiers descended upon the village, attacking without hesitation.

Now, after hours of fighting and running, Bucky was at his limit. His Vibranium arm allowed him to deflect some of their weapons, but the relentless pursuit had taken its toll. He crouched behind a dirt slope, struggling to bandage his wounds.

"Why are they doing this?" he muttered to himself, his breath ragged. "Do they still think I killed their king? T'Challa wouldn't let that happen…"

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden movement. A blur of black and silver zipped past him.

"Hey, buddy! Looks like you could use a hand!" a voice called out.

Startled, Bucky swung reflexively, but his attack hit nothing but air. The blur stopped, revealing a young man with a cocky grin.

"Relax, soldier. I'm not your enemy. See? No Wakandan armor," the man said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

Bucky eyed him warily. "Who are you? And why should I trust you?"

The young man smirked. "Pietro Maximoff. People call me Quicksilver. I'm with the Avengers—or, I was, before that Sokovia nonsense. Captain America sent me ahead to help. He'll be here soon."

Bucky hesitated, scanning Pietro's face for any sign of deception. Finally, he relaxed slightly. "If you're with Cap, then I guess I can trust you."

Before Pietro could respond, a deep rumbling noise echoed across the plains. The ground beneath their feet trembled, and Pietro's grin vanished. "Uh, what's that?" he asked, looking around nervously.

Bucky's face darkened. "That's no earthquake."

On the distant horizon, a stampede of massive creatures appeared, charging toward them with terrifying speed. Pietro's eyes widened. "Are those rhinos?!"

"Not just any rhinos," Bucky muttered. "They're Wakandan war rhinos. Each one is equipped with Vibranium armor. They can crush tanks like they're paper."

At the head of the stampede, W'Kabi sat astride one of the massive beasts, his expression grim. "It's time for the world to see Wakanda's power," he declared. "T'Challa squandered our Vibranium on outsiders. I'll correct his mistake."

Back on the ground, Bucky and Pietro stared at the approaching horde in disbelief.

"Okay, new plan," Pietro said, shifting nervously. "Run."

Before they could move, the roar of helicopter blades filled the air. Above them, a helicopter descended, its hatch opening to reveal Steve Rogers.

"Bucky, get in!" Steve shouted, tossing down a ladder.

Bucky grabbed Pietro and shoved him toward the ladder. "You first, kid!"

As Pietro climbed, Falcon's voice crackled over the comms. "Heads up! Incoming fire!"

A beam of energy shot out from the rhino cavalry, striking the helicopter's rotor. Smoke and sparks erupted as the aircraft spiraled downward.

"Brace yourselves!" Hawkeye yelled from the cockpit.

Before the helicopter could crash, a massive figure appeared, grabbing it mid-air. With incredible strength, the giant gently set the damaged aircraft on the ground.

The figure turned toward the approaching rhinos and delivered a devastating kick. Several rhinos were sent flying, their armored bodies landing with heavy thuds.

From his position, W'Kabi watched in shock. "What in Bast's name…" he muttered. As more rhinos fell, a grim realization dawned on him.

==============================================

Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.

Check out new fanfic in 2nd account Garuda_Translation - Bleach: The Invincible Slacker from Rukongai With more Early Access in my P@treon

==============================================