You know what guys? 2017 is going to be amazing. (I say with the pending fear that it'll actually be trash).

Chapter Twelve: The First Time

The attack I just experienced, surprisingly, was not the worse I have been through. The worst that I have seen happened when I was only thirteen-years-old. I was only a teenager with not nearly enough training in combat.

I was outside the palace when the attack happened. There was no time for me to run inside because I was already cornered moments after I was aware of what was happening. I did not know what to do so I began panicking. That was the most scared I ever remember being. I screamed for help as loud as I could. The attackers who cornered me laughed at the fear and helplessness I had as a little girl. During my screams, I noticed the sky getting darker with storm clouds. Thinking it was my mother saving me, the attackers pointed their weapons to shoot me. I crouched down, holding my hands up in defense, and lightning bolts fired at them - but it was not my mother firing those shots, it was me. I could not believe what was happening to me and I was told that I blacked out after.

That was the first time I experienced my mutation. And at the time, I did not want it.

It gave me headaches, it was complicated, it was hard to tolerate, it reacted with my mood and emotions - basically, it made me miserable. I wanted it to go away but it was not a visiting guest who could just leave when evicted. Even something as minute as my nightmares would result in a thunderstorm.

My mother, who I inherited the mutation from, explained to me how her mutation saved her from death, saved my father, and most important, it ended up saving my life.

Without it, I would have never been born.

-o-

After the attack and the banishment of the Gorilla, my suitors and I were taken to our rooms. I had to be carried there and after I was changed into comfortable linens and put into bed, I did not get up for a long time. A nurse would come in from time to time, informing me on what there is to know and nourishing me.

Every time I would shut my eyes to sleep, I would wake up either minutes to hours later because of nightmares or the pain seeping back in. I completely lost track of time while in bed.

When my parents eventually came in, I broke down into tears, putting a fist into my mouth in order to muffle the sound of my crying. My mother immediately rushes over to my bedside and kneels beside me, trying her best not to break down but fails.

"Oh, my darling..." Mother says, holding my head as gently as she could.

I take her hand and hold it tightly as I continue crying into it. My father stands behind my mom, looking down, not knowing how to react to his two women in such emotional distress. He finally says something when my teary eyes meet his.

"Are you in any pain?" He asks me. "Should I call for the nurse?"

I shake my head. "I am just grateful you are alive."

I hold out my hand for him and he takes it. He holds my one hand with both of his and brings it close to his heart, rubbing its coldness away with his warmth. My mother looks up at him as he kneels down beside her.

"I am more grateful that you are alive," he tells me. "If you died, I do not - "

My father stops himself from a cry in his throat. He cannot bring himself to finish such a sentence. I cry a bit more, out of joy this time. My father leans forwards and gently kisses my forehead.

-o-

Days after, I am finally well enough to exit my room. I walk down into the dining hall where I see my parents eating a meal with my suitors in silence. I take one step into the room before all eyes turn to me. Chairs back for politeness due to my presence but I allow them to remain seated by a small hand gesture. I have something extremely important to tell my suitors and this could change everything depending on how it results.

"The rules state that a suitor may not leave in his own accord but be dismissed by me," I start solemnly, "because of recent events and how close your lives were to death from someone you thought was like you, I am giving you all permission to leave, should you want to."

All of my suitors glance at each other with undistinguishable expressions on their faces. My parents are the same. Femi slowly rises from his seat, clearing his throat.

"On behalf of myself and the other suitors," he starts, "we have come to the conclusion that the attack and betrayal of the Gorilla tribe was cowardly but it would be even more cowardly for any of us to leave because of that. The point of a leader is being able to protect Wakanda and being ready to challenge what will come in the future. Iqadi, you and your parents were willing to sacrifice your lives for us - or anyone. We owe it to all of you to stay till you dismiss us."

I am truly lost for words. I look at my other suitors who nod in agreement with the words of Femi. My parents are beaming with pride and I smile in gratitude. This is why my suitors were so great. I thought I was going to have to suffer through a painful meal with only my parents and their absence, unable to talk. Now, I am silent because I am much too amazed.

They opened up. They are willing to stay.

They are remarkable.

That second part really got me emotional.

Stay Tuned - they're taking a little trip to the jungle.