A/N: So I just saw Black Panther again for the second time, and I was hit with this plunny like you wouldn't believe. It demanded to be written, so here we are. I hope ya'll enjoy this.
Black Panther spoilers if you haven't seen the film yet.
Many thanks to my beta gaeilgerua for her assistance.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Black Panther nor the Marvel universe. They belong to their respective owners. I'm also not making any money from the posting of this fic.
Chapter One
Shuri raised her spear. Shifting her feet, she moved herself into a ready position. Stance apart just so. Spear lifted, pointed at her opponent. She paused, waiting for her trainer to speak.
Okoye shook her head as she observed Shuri's stance. "Lift your spear higher," she commanded, her voice firm.
Shuri frowned. "But it's heavy," she protested weakly, knowing that Okoye wouldn't take that as an excuse. She lifted the spear higher, the muscles in her arm protesting the movement.
"You wanted to learn to fight like the Dora Milaje, did you not, Princess?" Okoye asked.
"Yes," Shuri said, knowing that she shouldn't anger Okoye too much. The warrior was doing her a favor by training her - she didn't want to accidentally lose the privilege she was currently privy to.
"Then do not complain."
"Sorry, Okoye," Shuri murmured, sending a pleading glance to Okoye. "I know I'm not very strong, it's why I'm trying to train harder."
Okoye's hard gaze softened. "Shuri," she said gently. "Don't push yourself. You have a bright future in front of you. You don't need to push yourself. Your technology and inventions give you a more than acceptable method of fighting."
"I… What if that's not enough?"
"Shuri, what's going on?"
She let out a deep breath. "What if… What if T'Challa dies? I'll take the crown, yes, but without the herb, I won't be able to be the Black Panther. If I am to protect my people, I need to be able to fight skillfully." She scowled when Okoye looked at her sympathetically. "Don't do that."
"I'm not doing anything," Okoye protested.
"You're pitying me," Shuri accused, her temper starting to simmer.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Princess." Okoye lifted her own spear. "Let's go, then."
Shuri lifted her spear. She let out a small battle cry as she lunged at Okoye, swinging her spear. Okoye blocked each move with skill, stepping just out of Shuri's reach as she blocked.
Shuri grinted, jabbing her spear at Okoye. This time, Okoye didn't just block. She swung her own spear, knocking it into Shuri's side. Shuri stumbled, dropping her own spear.
"That hurt," she huffed.
"There is pain in training, Shuri."
The two of them stopped and turned, seeing that T'Challa had entered the training area.
"My king," Okoye said, nodding her head.
"Brother," Shuri greeted. "What brings you down here?"
T'Challa grinned. "Wanted to see how my baby sister was doing with the spear."
"Terrible," she admitted.
"But determined," Okoye said. "She will master the skill soon enough."
Shuri beamed at Okoye's words. "Thank you," she whispered softly.
"Okoye, I actually require your presence in the throne room," T'Challa said. "M'Baku is due to arrive on behalf of the Jabari."
Shuri raised a brow in surprise. "Really? Has he agreed to open trade between us?"
"I believe so," T'Challa said, grinning. "It took some convincing with the council, but they came around. Mending the bridge between us and the Jabari is in Wakanda's best interest."
"Look at that, big brother, not so terrible at diplomacy after all," Shuri teased. She smiled. "Thank you for the lesson, Okoye."
"Where are you going?" T'Challa asked.
"I've neglected my lab long enough," she answered. "Besides, I'm working on a small project with Agent Ross." Her grin clearly suggested that the two of them were up to no good.
Shuri kissed T'Challa on the cheek before bounding towards the stairs.
"Come, Okoye," T'Challa said.
"Yes, my king," Okoye answered, snapping into position. She followed him to the throne room.
Two hours later found T'Challa and the rest of the council in the throne room, M'Baku and a few of his men joining them. The discussion had been going fairly well, to his surprise. M'Baku had agreed to most of the terms that had been presented.
T'Challa thought quietly to himself as he listened as W'Kabi spoke. He wondered if his baba would be proud that he was creating an alliance with the Jabari. His mother certainly was if the look on her face was anything to go by.
When W'Kabi stopped speaking, T'Challa smiled. "M'Baku, thank you for coming to meet with the council and myself. Your willingness to cooperate means much to Wakanda."
"I admit it will be nice to eat the fruits that do not grow at our elevation," M'Baku said with a smile, leaning back in his chair. Even though it was just a chair, he sat upon it with the same dignity that he would his own throne.
"Is there not anything else you desire besides fruits and plants?" T'Challa asked. "You are contributing much more than you are receiving and I want our alliance to be equal."
"There is one more thing I would like to request," M'Baku said, his voice clear and concise. His tone suggested there was no room for discussion.
T'Challa leaned back against his own throne. "And what is that, M'Baku?"
"Your sister's hand in marriage."
