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Today, a grand celebration was underway, hosted by Black Panther, to formally introduce Shuri to the Avengers and their esteemed guests. Among the attendees, Smaug patiently awaited, an enigmatic presence in the midst of the festivities. Shuri, the sister of the Panther King, had been the guest of honor, and Smaug watched as the evening unfolded.

Shuri approached Tony Stark, who had been nervously checking his watch. Tony smiled as she drew near, and the two engaged in conversation. Smaug couldn't help but overhear their exchange. "Tony, you seem nervous. Is that why our Panther isn't here?" she inquired. Tony chuckled and nodded, admitting, "Yes, he knows this party means a lot." Smaug raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the significance of the occasion. "Indeed, it is important, Tony. She must be of great importance as the King's sister," she affirmed, playfully giving Tony a gentle nudge.

Tony, with a smile, gestured towards the crowd that had gathered on the Avengers' tower helipad. "Go out for a bit. Have some fun. You might even join the dance in that splendid dress," he suggested. Smaug couldn't help but tease him, remarking, "Are you trying to flatter me, Tony? There's no harm in that, but a dragon is not easily courted." With that, she gracefully moved away and perched at the safety railing, a vantage point that offered her some respite from the bustling event. Smaug had never been one for grand parties, having spent half her life beneath a mountain of treasure. Her existence only truly awakened when a certain barrel rider had disrupted her slumber.

Natasha Romanoff's voice interrupted her solitude. "Are you enjoying yourself out here alone?" the red-haired spy inquired. Smaug offered a genuine smile. "Ah, Natasha. You could say that I am. Parties and dancing have not been my forte. You see, I spent half my life in hibernation," she mused with a hint of amusement. "But I suppose I can join the revelry when the time comes." Natasha, always adaptable, suggested, "I can teach you to dance, if you'd like." Smaug, appreciating the offer, agreed, and the two of them began a quiet dance on the helipad.

In due time, the Panther King, T'Challa, arrived. "Now that everyone is here, this is my sister, Princess Shuri," he introduced, as the elevator doors opened to reveal the young woman in a beautiful Wakandian dress. Smaug approached, offering her arm with a warm smile. "You look lovely, young Shuri. I am Smaug, the Queen under the Mountain," she said, guiding the princess to her brother and Tony. Shuri graciously reciprocated the compliment, saying, "Yes, my brother has told me about you. Thank you, and you look stunning as well." T'Challa chuckled, and Smaug added, "T'Challa, you have quite a sister. She knows how to treat a queen."

The party proceeded with joy and laughter, but unforeseen events soon disrupted the festivities. An alarm blared throughout the tower, and the heroes geared up, unsure of the impending threat. Smaug, ever vigilant, arrived, joining the group. Before they could comprehend what was happening, a colossal dragon landed on the helipad, eliciting screams of surprise from the guests. The Avengers, however, bowed in respect to the magnificent queen of dragons.

Shuri, realizing her brother's connection to this awe-inspiring creature, whispered her astonishment. T'Challa, now clad in his Black Panther mask, was ready for action. Smaug noted, "There was no need to mention it. I've rarely been in this form." Smaug took to the air and returned after a brief flight, her eyes reflecting both fury and determination. "Some Atlanteans are attacking the bridge, one of them resembling a shark," she informed the group, her tail lashing behind her.

T'Challa wasted no time and departed to address the threat, despite Tony's protests. Smaug, too, was prepared to assist. She extended her back to allow Kamala Khan, the young superhero, to climb aboard. The girl's excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "Wait, you want me to ride you?!" Smaug nodded, and Kamala couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "Tony, take care of the rest of the team. I'll meet you at the bridge," Smaug directed.

With that, they departed towards the unfolding danger. As the events unfurled, Smaug found herself facing challenges that could reshape her friendship with the Avengers and influence the fate of the world. Only time would reveal whether she was prepared for these trials and if her unique abilities would prove invaluable in this moment of crisis.~ ▬ι═══════ﺤ ~

cliff hanger 

-saph