Chapter 129 [Talon]
Clark walked up to the counter. Since school let out early, he wanted a coffee before the afternoon's chores. He'd survived the year after Kal's escapade in Metropolis. He'd managed to regain his parents' trust. His school year went in normal fashion. Chloe was free of Lionel and survived the Jameson ordeal. He'd gained two new friends. And best of all, he'd gone from Lana's doghouse to being 'super-engaged' to her.
Talk about an up and down year….
Let's hope it's a better summer than last year! He saw Lana setting an order down at Jasmine's table. He saw the frown on the Princess' face. More striking, he saw her in regular American clothes. Now what?
It's not good, Clark. I'll tell you at the counter. Lana marched up to the counter. She poured his coffee for him. "Sorry, Clark, for the angry mood. You don't deserve it. I just can't believe it!"
"Is everything all right with Miranda? She's not here." Clark looked around the half-filled place.
"You need to talk with her, Clark. I don't want to talk about it here in the middle of everyone. Miri's fine. She's talking with her aunt and uncle right now." She put his mug on the counter. "Can you hang with her for a while? She could really use a friend."
"Sure." Clark nodded. "I've got this." He took the mug. "Thanks for trusting me."
"Always, Clark." Lana smiled. "Thanks. Just let your folks know."
"Right." He dialed his phone.
"Hi, Clark? Is everything all right?" Martha answered.
"Hi, Mom. I'm going to be at the Talon for a while. Jasmine's by herself. She really needs a friend. Can you let Dad know?" He looked at her closer. He did not see the Princess' usual earrings or necklace either. "I think this is serious."
"Sure, Clark. I'll let Dad know. Just let us know what's going on. Okay? This is a really nice thing you're doing." Martha frowned. What else can happen to the kids? She shook her head.
"Thanks, Mom. I'll let you know what's going on. Thank Dad too. Bye." He hung up. Here goes! He sighed. He walked toward the table. "Hi, Jasmine! You look like you could use some company. What's going on?"
Jasmine shrugged. "Sure, Clark. Take a seat. I guess it's a free country. I'm about to find out." She looked at the ceiling. Bloodshot darkened her eyes. "Did Lana send you?"
"Yes and no. I noticed you when I walked in. I was going to come over anyway. Lana did ask because we both care about you. So Miranda's out blowing steam and talking with folks. You're upset." He shook his head. "I noticed the new look."
"Yes." Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Papa's men showed up at Alex's mansion last night. They took my clothes and jewelry. My stocks were sold. I have a mere "allowance" in my bank account. I had to borrow these from Gwen Parker! At least, I kept my scimitar and carpet." She rubbed her eyes.
"Your father did what? He can't!" He gaped. Shock numbed his mind.
"He did." Jasmine chuckled with a rueful tone. "My father said that I can stay and live my life. I am not to return to Javalastan." She shook her head.
"Oh man." He slid closer to her. "Hey umm…I don't know if it's okay to give hugs but…"
"Of course it is!" She grabbed onto him. "Thank you, Clark. I'm sorry. I…"
"Hey we're friends." Clark returned the embrace. "You're with the rest of us. We're glad to have you." He grimaced. "Wait. That didn't sound right."
"You're right. I have a place to live, food, clothes, a new family, special friends, a loving partner and my faith. I will survive this, Clark. Alex has already told me that Miri and I can stay as long as we need to. Things work out for a reason." She squeezed his hand. "It's because of friends like you. Thank you."
"Anytime, Jasmine. My folks send their best too." Clark rubbed her arm. He glanced up to see Lana refilling his mug. "We're here."
"All of us." Lana agreed. "Not that we can do much but…."
'You're here. I appreciate that. I am told Spider-Man talked to King T' Challa on my behalf. I do not know what that would do." Jasmine rubbed her eyes.
Clark handed her a handkerchief. "You need this."
"Thank you." Jasmine composed herself. She saw a courier rushing into the café carrying a slender box in front of himself and a garment bag over his arm. "By the Prophet!
"Just a minute. We weren't expecting anything." Lana rushed up to the front. "Can I help you?"
The slender man in the white outfit nodded. He asked in a thick African accent. "This is the Talon, correct?"
"That's right." Lana nodded. "And who are you looking for?"
"The Princess Jasmine. I have explicit instructions to deliver this into her hands only. That is per King T 'Challa. May I find her please?" the courier requested.
"Uh…sure." Lana felt the eyes gravitating toward them. Great. A public scene is the last thing Jasmine needs! "Right this way."
"I thank you, Miss Lang. I assure you I bear excellent news. That is all I can say." The courier followed her toward Clark and Jasmine. "I bid you greetings, Princess." He bowed to her.
"Thank you but I am no longer that. Please do not bow." Jasmine shook her head.
"It is Wakandan tradition to bow to royalty, Lady. My Prince instructed these parcels be delivered with the utmost speed into your deserving hands." The courier brought out a mini-tablet. "I only require your thumb print, Princess."
"Of course." Jasmine pressed down with her thumb. As she did, the light went from red to green on the drive's side.
"Ah! I have what I require." The courier handed her a slender white envelope. Then he bowed again. "I hope your day improves, Princess. You honor us with your friendship." He turned and hustled out the door again.
The crowd buzzed. They glanced toward the door. Then they looked at Jasmine. Many shook their heads and went back to their business.
"What is this?" Jasmine unzipped the garment bag. She gasped at her three favorite gowns hanging inside of it. "I cannot believe this! Look!"
"Wait! Those are yours! I thought…" Clark frowned.
"They were taken last night. Alex could not…" Jasmine opened the box slightly. Joy's tears brimmed in her eyes. "As you both said, I am not alone." She bid them closer.
Clark and Lana stared at their friend's jewels and her cell phone. They looked at each other and then at Jasmine.
"He did not. Oh no! I will not have a war." Jasmine grimaced. She opened the envelope and unfolded the paper therein. She read it over. Relief's warmth lightened her mood. "Listen…." She began to read from the Arabic:
"Consulate of Wakanda
New York, NY
2003 May 20
Dear Princess Jasmine,
I am most distressed to hear about the situation between Sultan Mahmud and you. I became aware of the news in a most unusual manner. Spider-Man presented himself late last night at our embassy in New York. He requested a favor on your behalf. When he explained the situation, I knew I could not refuse him or you. I am most sorry I did not reach out this morning to assure you, my Comrade. As Alexander and Spider-Man will tell you, I have been occupied with this matter.
The parcels you have in front of you were intercepted in Paris. I have instructed my most trusted courier to deliver them into your hands and no one else's. If you are reading this letter, he has done his duty once again. These are yours. The Sultana wished nobody else but you to wear them. I remember her telling you that when we were children. I respect her wishes.
In this regard, the international community extends its support. Your former sensei has marshalled his contacts in the Japanese government. Other alumni have contacted their nations' enovys. I bring my kingdom's resources as well. We have spoken to the Sultan. After negotiation, he has agreed to these few things, your resources and your title as a 'Princess in Exile'. I am afraid you will no longer bear your role within the Hamijj. You cannot return to Javalastan.
In addition, your sister, Princess Rasniya, has manifested abilities as well. Given the Sultan's views of metahumans, I have extended asylum to her under the same conditions as you are under. She and I have spoken to ensure that she is in good health. By now, she and your little bodyguard should be in flight somewhere over Eastern Europe. Surely you did not think I would forget Cocoa? Ah! I know better than that! They will be there soon. She will be in touch.
Please thank your friends and new family for bringing this to my attention. Even in the darkest of hours, Princess, you have helped many across the world and stood for Just Causes. Now we help your sister and you.
It was good to see you again last month. Be happy with your partner and family.
Blessings Upon You Always,
T 'Challa, King of Wakanda"
"King T 'Challa? Wasn't he at the wedding?" Clark's eyes went wide.
"Yes, Clark. He was in the back with the Fantastic Four." Jasmine shook her head. "He and I have known each other since we were children. We have fought together for his kingdom's sake. I seek nothing in return except his friendship." She looked at the letter. "I cannot believe he and my Sensei would do this."
"You've helped others. Now they help you," Lana agreed. "How about a refill? Be right back!" She took Jasmine's cup and headed back toward the counter.
"Sorry that your sister has to come here." Clark gulped on his coffee.
"Rasie misses me. She and I both had to hide our abilities back there, Clark. I…" Jasmine's phone buzzed at her in the box. She answered it. "Hello?"
"Jasmine?"
"Rasie! By the Prophet! I only heard a few minutes ago!" Jasmine's face brightened akin to Sol breaking through Overcast. "Where are you?"
"We are over the Atlantic now. Princess Shuri is here with me. She bids you greetings, Sister. I am glad she was there! Will I get to meet Miranda?" Rasniya looked to the fit African woman dressed in an elegant silk dress yet looking like she'd prefer her armor or scientific dojo.
"Yes. Miranda cannot wait to meet you!" Jasmine wiped a few tears from her eyes. "Has Princess Shuri said where you will land? We can meet you wherever she would like."
"We will come to you, Jasmine. She wants to speak with you." Rasniya handed the phone to her hostess.
"Princess Jasmine, it is good to speak with you again. It has been too long since we fought side by side," Shuri greeted.
"Princess Shuri, words cannot express my gratitude for my sister's safety or your care. Thank you." Jasmine sucked in a deep breath.
"It is no less than you have done for Wakanda, Sister. Even if the Hamijj is run by fools, we know of your worth. The King and I consider you family. Your new family is quite impressive. This jet we are on can land anywhere. King T 'Challa talked of a field behind the mansion? We shall meet you there. Perhaps you might arrange a meal? Princess Rasniya and I would appreciate it. I shall give you back to her. Talk to you soon, my Sister in Arms." Shuri handed the phone back.
"Jasmine, I will see you soon. I cannot wait to meet everyone. I am trying to be strong as Mother and you would expect of me. Take care. I love you. Cocoa is eating his bananas. See you soon." Rasniya hung up.
Jasmine stuffed her phone in her pocket. She shut and secured the box. "My sister, Clark. That was her! She's coming here. The King's sister brings Rasniya herself." She shook her head. "I cannot believe this has happened." She saw Lex and Gwen walk into the café.
Clark waved them over. "Hey, Lex!" A grin beckoned Glad Tidings to them.
"Uh okay. That grin shouts 'groovy' at us. I didn't…." Gwen raised an eyebrow.
"Neither did I." Lex scratched his head. He'd burnt the midnight oil and spent much of the morning on the phone. For his part, he threatened to pull his contacts as well as LuthorCorp's and Oscorp's resources from the region. Then he called T 'Challa to support Spidey's account. "Let's find out." He led her over to the others. "Clark, Jasmine, why are we…?" He stared at the garment bag and box. "Those are your dresses and jewels? How?"
"King T 'Challa and Princess Shuri send their regards. He was quite impressed by Spider-Man's visit and your calls. She is flying with Rasniya back here. Their aircraft can set down in your estate's fields." Jasmine trembled. "I cannot believe this!"
"Hey! Believe it! One thing I believe in when it comes to certain heroes. When he puts his mind to something, it gets done!" Gwen cheered.
"I will have your clothes back to you…" Jasmine started.
"Whenever you get to it." Gwen shook it off. "Right now, let's get your sister, Miranda and you together! Got it?"
"That goes double for me." Lex saw Chloe and Travers ordering at the counter. "Just a minute." He ran over to them. "Ladies!"
"Hey, Lex. Where's the fire?" Chloe raised her eyebrow.
"We had a near international incident last night and this morning. I'm presuming you'd like an exclusive? Maybe Peter can get a byline?" Lex offered.
"I'm listening, Mr. Luthor." Travers turned away from Lana at the counter. Her attention focused squarely on him. "Would this have anything to do with Princess Jasmine? I had heard rumors about a conflict."
"I have more information on that. We just had an update from the sources themselves. Did you finish your orders? Sorry." Lex caught his breath.
"They're good, Lex. I'll bring them right out." Lana nodded.
"Thanks, Lana." Lex led the newcomers over to where Clark, Gwen and Jasmine sat.
"This is quite a sight I must say." Travers nodded. "Miss Sullivan, if you please?"
Chloe got a nod from Jasmine. She snapped two pictures with her phone's camera. "What happened?"
"Her father's men showed up about 8 PM last night. They took Jasmine's things without a warrant or anything. I spent last night and this morning on the phone. The Japanese and Wakandans combined with Spider-Man's visit last night to the Wakandan Embassy forced the Sultan to reconsider." Lex exhaled.
"Spider-Man? How did you get ahold of him? I…Mr. Parker. He called him?" Travers nodded. "Very creative."
"He knows the Black Panther. Peter hoped he could intercede on Jasmine's behalf," Gwen clarified.
"And he did." Jasmine held up her phone. "I spoke to Wakandan Princess Shuri. She will be here with my sister tonight at the mansion."
Travers connected the dots in her head. "Just a minute." She dialed a number. "Edwards, this is Travers back in Metropolis. Check in with the Tokyo Bureau. You're going to be working with Parker and our intern, Sullivan, on this. I want this story together ASAP! Get back to me." She saw Lana coming toward her. "Best make these to go. Princess Jasmine, my apologies. Would you mind accompanying us back to the mansion? I wish to interview you in private."
"Thank you." Jasmine gathered up her things. "Alex?"
"We're going. Sorry, Gwen." Lex apologized.
"No trouble at all! I'm happy that we can get everything right as rain again." Gwen dialed her phone as she gulped a mouthful of cappuccino. Then she rushed after the group.
"Wow." Clark shook his head. Being left on the sidelines was an unfamiliar feeling to say the least. He glanced at Lana.
"I know. Let's just hope everyone's okay. Then this matter gets straightened out once and for all. I'm sorry but maybe you can help bus some tables? Sorry."
"Sure." Clark put his knapsack in the back. He grabbed the plastic bin and started on the empty tables.
Everyone was pitching in….