The early morning air was crisp and clear, filled with the subtle golden light of sunrise. Su Zhan stood quietly at the edge of the park, watching the world come to life. The city was just beginning to stir, the streets still mostly empty except for a few dedicated runners making their rounds. He felt a sense of peace, the kind that only came after a night of meaningful conversation and a sunrise shared with someone special.
His attention was drawn to a figure running steadily toward him. The man's skin was dark, his hair cropped short with a hint of stubble along his jaw. He wore simple sportswear, and a sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. There was a quiet determination in his stride, the kind that spoke of discipline and habit. Su Zhan could not help but smile as the runner approached.
Sam Wilson.
The name Sam was common enough, but Sam Wilson was anything but ordinary. A former US Air Force pararescue jumper, Sam had made a name for himself in the military, participating in secret projects and piloting a unique biplane system for aerial combat. This experience had earned him the nickname "Falcon," a nod to his sharp instincts and the mechanical wings he would one day wield. In the future, Sam would become an Avenger, and eventually, like Bucky Barnes, he would even take up the shield as Captain America.
But now, Sam looked just like any other veteran out for his morning run. There was no sign of the biplane or the battle suit. He was not yet the Falcon, not yet the hero the world would come to know.
Su Zhan reflected on the nature of the Avengers. Their strength was not just in their powers but in the people themselves. Members came and went, but the core remained strong. Compared to his own alliance, the Avengers' resilience was remarkable. Su Zhan knew that meeting Sam Wilson was not something he could let slip by.
As Sam finished another lap, Su Zhan's companion Sif, the Asgardian warrior, glanced at him with curiosity. She had noticed his thoughtful expression and could not help but ask, "What is on your mind?"
Su Zhan shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. "Nothing much. I just met an interesting person. Maybe I will meet another soon. I had planned to show you around and let you enjoy life on Earth, but it seems there are other things I need to handle. Would you mind if I sent you to SHIELD first?"
Sif shook her head, her long hair catching the morning light. "It does not matter. Do you need my help?"
Su Zhan considered her offer. Sif was always ready to charge into action, a true guardian of Asgard. But this time, he wanted her to focus on another matter. "No, this is just a small issue. There might be trouble with Skye and the team later on, so I need you to keep an eye on things there. If the situation becomes complicated and there is nowhere else to turn, bring them to the War Alliance. Skye knows the location."
Sif nodded, her expression serious. She understood that things might not be as simple as they seemed.
"I will send you there now," Su Zhan said, placing his hand on her shoulder. In a blink, Sif was gone, transported back to the SHIELD plane.
Su Zhan remained in place, watching as Sam completed another lap. The man's pace was impressive, though not quite as fast as Steve Rogers's. After all, Sam had never received the super soldier serum. He was a regular man, but already stronger and more disciplined than most.
Su Zhan did not approach Sam right away. He knew that simply introducing himself would not be effective. Steve Rogers was a symbol, a living legend, and even if Su Zhan was stronger, his name did not carry the same weight. Influence was as important as power, and Su Zhan knew he had a long way to go before he could match the captain's legacy.
He waited patiently, knowing that sooner or later, Steve would reach out to Sam. In the meantime, he watched as Sam continued his run.
After another lap, Sam slowed and stopped beside Su Zhan, a little surprised to see someone standing there so early. Su Zhan greeted him with a friendly nod.
"Hey," Sam said, catching his breath. "Are you having a fight with your girlfriend? I saw you watching the sunrise together, and now you are here alone. You have been standing here for a while."
Su Zhan laughed, shaking his head. "No fight. She left earlier, and I was just thinking about what to do next." He was pleasantly surprised that Sam had noticed him.
Sam grinned. "Running is always a good choice. My name is Sam. If you have nothing to do, you can run with me. You know, a man needs to keep his body in shape. You never know when you will need to move fast."
With that, Sam set off again, his stride steady and strong.
Su Zhan smiled at the invitation and quickly caught up. "My name is Su Zhan," he said as he matched Sam's pace.
Sam glanced over, surprised at how easily Su Zhan kept up. He nodded in approval, and the two men ran side by side.
Su Zhan kept his speed steady, matching Sam's rhythm. They ran several laps together, and as the sun climbed higher, Sam began to tire. He glanced at Su Zhan, noticing that his companion was not even breathing hard. Su Zhan's face was calm, his breath even, and there was not a drop of sweat on his brow.
Sam could not hide his astonishment. "You are not an ordinary person, are you?"
Su Zhan smiled, his eyes twinkling. "No, I am not, and neither is he."
Sam was about to ask more when a sudden shout came from behind them. "Watch your left!"
Before Sam could react, a man sprinted past at incredible speed, little more than a blur. Sam could only catch a glimpse of his back as he pulled away, the distance between them growing rapidly.
"Who was that?" Sam asked, bewildered.
Su Zhan only smiled, saying nothing. A few moments later, the warning came again. "Look to your left!"
Sam groaned in frustration as the runner streaked past once more. He tried to speed up, determined to catch up, but after a few steps, he realized it was hopeless. He slowed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Catch up with your buddy; you can definitely catch him!" Sam called out to Su Zhan, who had slowed his pace.
Su Zhan shrugged, a playful grin on his face. "If you wish, man!"
With a burst of speed, Su Zhan surged forward, quickly closing the gap with the mysterious runner. He felt the wind in his hair and the strength in his legs, exhilarated by the simple joy of running.