The Winter Soldier and the Queen of the Moon [SailorBucky]

Maeve had spent two weeks in Wakanda, surrounded by the strength and warmth of the Wakandan people. King T'Chanda had been a generous host, making sure she had everything she needed to find some peace. However, she had decided to take her leave from the king to visit Thor and Loki in Asgard, when her plans were interrupted by news of an imminent attack on Wakanda.

The news spread rapidly through the royal palace. Determined to protect her friends and allies, Maeve decided to head to the war room, an imposing place adorned with detailed maps and advanced military strategy tools. At the center of the room was a large round table, made of vibranium, around which the king’s most trusted advisors gathered. Aneka, the leader of the Dora Milaje, was discussing strategic plans when Maeve entered with a determined stride.

«King T’Chanda. I wish to offer my help in defending Wakanda. This land is a second home to me, and I will not allow it to be destroyed» Maeve said, addressing the monarch with the due respect as she approached the table, her heart heavy but her gaze resolute. Aneka nodded in respect, and T'Chanda also nodded, grateful for Maeve's support.

«Your help is welcome, Princess. The Dora Milaje and our warriors are ready to fight, but your presence will be an inspiration to us all.»

Maeve lifted the communicator bracelet she wore on her wrist and called the Sailor Guardians. «Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, I need your help. Teleport to Wakanda immediately» she said, summoning the Inner Sailor Guardians, ready to call the Outer Sailor Guardians if necessary, as Wakanda prepared to briefly open its defenses to let them in.

In moments, the Sailor Guardians materialized in the room, their faces determined and battle-ready. They were already wearing their fighting uniforms, and Maeve smiled gratefully.

«Princess, we will fight by your side. What is happening?» Venus asked resolutely.

At this point, it was T'Chanda who explained to the guests what was happening, and Maeve transformed into Eternal Sailor Moon. She immediately called forth her scepter, the Eternal Tiare, which gleamed with the power of the Silver Crystal.

The sun of Wakanda shone high in the sky, its warm light illuminating the royal palace and the weapons of the Dora Milaje. The warriors, with their unparalleled discipline and strength, prepared for the impending clash. Maeve took a moment to admire their dedication and courage. It was a privilege to fight alongside them.

King T'Chanda fought in the guise of Black Panther, his agility and power unmatched. Maeve joined him, their combined efforts pushing back the enemy forces. Their synergy was evident, their movements perfectly coordinated: Maeve used her attack "Silver Moon Crystal Power Therapy Kiss" to heal and protect, a beam of moonlight that struck the enemies and healed the allies' wounds.

Sailor Mercury, with her VR Glasses, quickly identified the weak points of the enemy forces, sharing the information with the others. «Jupiter, cover the west area! Mars, Venus, follow me! Let’s protect the princess!» she said.

Sailor Venus, with her "Crescent Beam Shower" launched a rain of golden beams that blinded and downed the mercenaries. Sailor Mars, with her "Mars Flame Sniper" shot fire arrows that exploded in devastating flames. Sailor Mercury used her "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody" to create water barriers blocking enemy attacks, while Sailor Jupiter, with her "Jupiter Oak Evolution," unleashed a storm of lightning that decimated the enemy ranks.

Aneka led the Dora Milaje with impressive precision and grace. Her moves were swift and lethal, her vibranium spear striking enemies with devastating force.

The battlefield was a vortex of movement and sounds. The battle cries of the Dora Milaje and the attacks of the Sailor Guardians blended with the clangs of weapons, creating a symphony of chaos and courage.

Maeve sensed a powerful presence. Turning, she saw a figure in the distance leading the enemy forces: Achebe was a disturbing and charismatic figure. Tall and thin, with penetrating eyes that seemed to see through anyone who looked at him, he wore a ceremonial robe contrasting with the armor of his troops. Achebe was known for his brilliant mind and ability to manipulate people, fueling chaos to achieve his goals. Once he had been a man of faith and peace, but the loss of his family and the devastation of his village at the hands of an oppressive regime had turned him into a man thirsty for revenge. His madness was as great as his intelligence, making him a formidable opponent.

The battle raged around them, a whirlwind of movements and sounds. Maeve felt her heartbeat synchronize with the clanging of weapons, adrenaline coursing through her veins like a burning fire. Determination shone in her eyes as she fought alongside King T'Chanda, united against Achebe’s dark presence.

«T'Chanda, the great king who cannot fight alone. Do you need the help of the moon princess to defend your kingdom? And you, Serenity, do you really think you can save Wakanda with your fairy-tale power, without your prince saving your life at the last minute?» he said, sarcasm dripping from his words like poison.

Maeve’s Silver Crystal responded to the challenge, shining intensely from above the scepter, as T'Chanda advanced, his figure imposing and resolute.

«You don’t know who you’re dealing with,» he growled, trying to maintain his composure, but Achebe's confidence wavered for a moment, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

«Wakanda will not fall. Princess, leave him to me» declared Black Panther firmly, his tone full of authority and conviction.

The battle between the two men grew increasingly intense, with T'Chanda moving like a shadow, a whirlwind of strength and speed that struck down anyone daring to come close.

Achebe, however, was not an opponent to be underestimated. His sharp mind and madness made every attack unpredictable. «You think you can protect this place forever, but every kingdom falls eventually. Wakanda and the Moon Kingdom will be the next to fall.»

Achebe's words were laced with venom, but T'Chanda responded with unwavering determination. «Wakanda is more than a kingdom. It is a symbol of hope and resilience, and I will not allow it to fall into the hands of a tyrant.»

The battle continued to rage.

Each blow and parry was a testament to the strength and determination of the fighters. The Dora Milaje, with their skill and discipline, were an unstoppable force on the field. Whenever Maeve faltered, she found renewed strength in seeing the Sailor Guardians fight with such courage and honor, alongside the Wakandan warriors.

Maeve felt a painful impact when Achebe managed to strike her full in the chest, causing her to stagger back a few steps. She felt the pain radiate from the point of impact but did not let it stop her, and with a look of pure determination, she rose, the Silver Crystal shining brighter than ever.

«You won’t stop me so easily» Maeve said, her voice firm and resolute as she attacked with «Silver Moon Crystal Power Therapy Kiss» an attack capable of neutralizing and dissolving malignant energies, demonstrating the purifying power of the Silver Crystal; but the attack seemed to have no effect, though Achebe appeared surprised by her resilience.

«You’re stronger than I thought, but not enough» Achebe said, but Maeve decided it was time to end the fight: everyone was exhausted, and it was time for everything to come to a close.

«For my friends! For the Moon Kingdom! Cosmic Moon Power!!» she declared to seal the victory, a beam of moonlight that struck Achebe, causing him to faint.

«It’s over» Maeve declared, exhausted, but her voice resonated with authority.

With Achebe’s defeat, the enemy forces dispersed, retreating in disarray. The victory was theirs, and Maeve sat down on the ground, placing a hand on her belly, reverting to the form of Princess Serenity. Her pure white dress contrasted with the dark clothing of those around her.

«You shouldn’t have done that; it could have killed you!» Venus said.

«Fortunately, it didn’t» Maeve replied with a smile.

«You'll make me crazy, Serenity» Venus replied gravely, and Maeve smiled at her.

Later, having declined medical attention, Maeve joined in the celebrations and found herself reflecting on the battle. Despite the victory, she still felt an emptiness in her heart. The absence of Bucky was a constant presence in her life, a wound that only time and hope could heal.

King T'Chanda approached with his son T'Chaka, his gaze filled with understanding. «You fought with courage and honor, Serenity. Wakanda will be forever grateful to you.»

Maeve nodded, a sad smile on her face. «Thank you, King T’Chanda, but I need to go home.»

«You will find Bucky. And until then, Wakanda will always be here for you.» T'Chanda placed a hand on the princess’s shoulder, a gesture of comfort and respect.

Maeve found comfort in the king’s words, and despite her loss, she knew she had strong and loyal allies. The battle of Wakanda was not just a military victory but a demonstration of the power of unity and determination. After having something to eat and bidding goodnight to those present, Maeve retired to her quarters, seeking a moment of solitude to reflect on what had just happened. She sat by the window, gazing at Wakanda’s night sky. She searched for the Moon with her eyes and sighed. Her mother had been understanding, knowing that she needed to return to her duties soon, having been away too long.

«Bucky, where are you?» she whispered.

Just then, she heard a gentle knock at the door.

«Come in» she said, knowing that only a few would have left the party to speak with her.

T'Chaka and Aneka entered the room, their faces serene but determined.

«How are you?» T'Chaka asked.

«I’m feeling good, but I miss my husband. I’m sorry for leaving the party, but I was exhausted.»

«Don't worry about that. I know it’s hard, but you should know that you’re not alone in this search: we are also actively looking for Prince Endymion» T'Chaka said.

Maeve smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude and her eyes began to well up with tears, not knowing that soon the bond of brotherhood she felt for T'Chaka would extend to his son, T'Challa.

«Thank you. Your support means a lot to me.»

«Wakanda is a family, and you are part of it. No matter what happens, we will never forget that» Aneka said, and with those words, the warrior departed.

«Serenity, a piece of advice: get checked by the healer tomorrow before returning home. I wouldn’t want the Queen Mother to summon us» T'Chaka said with a smile before leaving through the door he had entered, leaving Maeve alone with her thoughts. Maeve lay down and closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the day slip away. She knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but with allies like the people of Wakanda by her side, she felt she could face any challenge.

That night, Maeve slept peacefully for the first time in a long while. She dreamed of Bucky, their moments together, and a future where they might be reunited. When she awoke, the sun of Wakanda was shining through the window, bringing with it new hopes.

Before bidding farewell to the king, Maeve decided to undergo a medical check-up to ensure that the battle had not affected the baby. The Wakandan doctor, skilled and attentive, examined her carefully, using advanced technologies to monitor the baby's growth.

«The baby is growing healthy and strong, princess. The battle and the use of the Silver Crystal don’t seem to have caused any problems; but it would be wise to avoid further conflicts until the baby is born» the doctor said with a reassuring smile, and Maeve nodded, relieved by the news.

«Thank you, doctor. I will make sure to follow your advice. This will be the last fight before Emma is born» she promised.

With a lighter heart, Maeve prepared to devote her time and energy to searching for Bucky and protecting the child she carried. The battle in Wakanda had been a test of strength and determination, but now she knew she had to be even more cautious and protective.