The Tiger and the Panther: Episode I

Dedicated to Chadwick Boseman

Disney owns all the characters except mine

Fuck, where do I start without sounding insane? Well, let's start at the beginning.

This is Captain Cedric August of Kentucky, now Cedric August of Wakanda.

I was your everyday American: Second Amendment, apple pie, and baseball. I was born and bred a soldier, and such a trade, as far as the men went, stretched back to the start of the United States.

My folks were born and raised in the New York, but when taxes started going up, they moved to deep rural Kentucky, building a nice little farm for themselves.

I was born 1991, the only son out of three, with two younger twin sisters, Sharan and Tiloh, who were identical and forces of nature.

Tiloh was cheerful and joyful, always full of energy and a love of machines. She wanted to be a mechanic.

Sharan was loving, but cool and intense, despising her father for reasons only she knew. Laconic and witty, master of interrogation and negotiation, she wanted to be a CIA agent, and being part of MENSA didn't hurt either.

We all shared red hair, blue eyes, and pale skin.

My Mom knew how to balance gentle and badassery. She knew how to cook, but damned if she didn't know how to shoot either. She was one of the premier archeologists in the field, but changed to horse farming. Anybody who crossed her or her horses regretted it.

My father wasn't the gentle sort. A task-master, he raised me as a soldier and baby-sitter of my girls from day one. I had no objections, inheriting only his love of causing hell to people who preyed upon the innocent. He was an FBI HRT negotiator. Trust me, business was always booming, so we were well to do. He could talk anyone into do anything, but he was not the emoting type.

9/11 was when I learned how to hate, and damned straight I wanted to sign up to fuck up Bin Laden and his goat-fucking butt-buddies. But I never got the chance, being too young.

I had to settle for helping my brothers and sisters stave off the Iraqi insurgency. I had fun getting my first kills, as well as training and being accepted into the Delta Force, the biggest honor of my life.

After I joined Delta Force, I got tattoos of two Tigers across the back of my shoulders, and one across my collarbone area. The first was ferocious and vengeful, the second gentle and serene. I had always loved tigers, and the tats represented two sides of my personality, as well as my sisters.

My first tangle with ISIS was in January 2015, and my favorite mission was Operation Kayla Mueller, the killing of the ISIS/ISIL leader Abu Al-Baghdadi. Kayla had been raped and tortured as Al-Baghdadi's forced wife, and I was intent on taking my time with him.

I saw the cocksucker blow himself up after being chased by K9s, but the death of the two children would haunt me forever.

The fun ended when yours truly was when I was called into a meeting in South Korea, just as I was packing to go home to transfer to an American Airline. Dammit.

I was ushered into a conference room, and my eyes widened as I recognized CIA Director Ross waiting for me. I hadn't met him, but I had seen him once or twice in briefings. He wasn't the nicest of guys, and a little too sanctimonious for my tastes. "At ease, Soldier. Sit down, please."

I did, and he opened a folder on the table in front of him. He smiled slightly. "This is quite a career you have here, Captain. You're apparently one of the best soldiers in Delta, if what your superiors say is true."

I flushed. "I was born a soldier, but everything I do is for my country and family."

He nodded. "I'm aware that you are about to go on a well-deserved leave, but your services are required in a different sector."

I mentally groaned, but I was a soldier. "What's the job?"

I jumped as the middle of the table came alive to show a playback of the UN headquarters. "One week ago, during a meeting at the UN General Assembly, King T'Chaka of Wakanda was assassinated."

I frowned. "Isn't Wakanda in Africa, and are the only ones who have Vibranium?"

He nodded. "Yes, and now his son, Prince T'Challa, has become king. Your mission is two-fold: find the assassin, and keep the Prince safe from harm."

Great, looks like I won't see home again any time soon. "Do you have any leads?"

"T'Challa is investigating as well. He has more information than we do, and he is insistent that no one interfere."

I grimaced. "Well, aren't I interfering? And what makes you think he'll want my help? They're tough bastards, those guys."

Ross smirked. "I suggest you ask him."

I whirled to see a tall, bearded, well-built man stepping into the room.

He was dark-skinned, and his eyes showed nothing as he looked me over. I could see a bald woman dressed in armor and carrying a spear behind him.

"Your highness!" I stood to attention, and saluted.

He smiled slightly, and gestured, his voice accented but smooth and cultured as he shook my hand. "Be at ease, Captain. I would've been remiss not meeting the man the director chose to help me. Shall we go?"

"Yes, your highness," I said, grabbing my knapsack, and moving to him.

"Captain." I turned to Ross. "Play this right, and I'll transfer you to SHIELD."

Holy shit!

After I had left the room, I met his other bodyguard, Okoye, who gave me a curt nod as she walked at his right, myself on his left. She looked like she could kill me without a sweat.

I couldn't resist speaking my mind. "I'm not questioning your judgment, your highness, but I don't know why you need me when you've got her."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Okoye giving me a surprised yet grateful look as he answered. "International cooperation, Captain."

I nodded. "Understood. What's the latest on the investigation?" I said, as we went out into the street heat where a car was waiting, and handing me a photo once we were strapped in. "This is the man responsible," he said, as we stopped at a travel agency, which we entered.

We then moved into an observation room were a couple of plain-clothed CIA operatives, and a pretty dark-skinned woman who introduced herself as Nakia. She reminded me of Tiloh with her cheery and energetic demeanor.

The king gestured to the manacled man who's picture I had just been handed, a man I knew very well. My only failed operation came from him escaping my sight...sights, more accurately.

I let out a snarl. "Ulysses Klaue!"

"He is the man responsible for my father's death amongst others, and has been stealing our Vibranium as well. After a lengthy chase, we apprehended him. We are now going to interrogate him. It won't take-"

I raised my hand to stop him. "I'll handle the interrogation, with your permission."

He seemed surprised, but nodded, and I entered the little room, pulling out my side-arm just as the door closed behind me. "Two years, sixty-five days, and three hours, you fucker!" I growled, pointing at the scumbag's kneecaps.

He smiled. "Well, if it isn't GI Joe. My little boy's all grown up. A Captain, too! You missed me that much?"

"Only by three inches, but this time, I won't. Looks like somebody's winged you. You seem to be doing fine," I said, pointing my Desert Eagle at the arm cannon that was set aside, well out of reach. "I'll send those heroes some good shit in return. Anything for the fucker who took you down a peg."

He smiled, as devious as ever. "It's an old mining tool that I made some adjustments to. But I can get you one if you'd like. You know, you really shouldn't trust the Wakandans. I'm much more your speed."

I fired into the lap of the chair, inches from his dick. "I've just now made some adjustments of my own. The next one will be higher unless you spill whoever put you up to your latest bullshit. I knew you were a smuggling, grab-asstic piece of pigshit, but assassination is a leap, even for you."

He was unfazed, seeming almost proud of my ruthlessness. "Now we're talking, Kid. He's outside, why don't you ask him?"

"That thing's from Wakanda? Can't say I'm surprised. Sweet tech," I commented. "I'm going to give you ten seconds."

It was then that I noticed something on my wrist-sleeve. It was a listening device, by the looks of it. That sneaky bastard of a king put it on me before I came in here!

"It's all a front. The cool clothes, the culture, everything. Explorers searched for it for centuries. El Dorado : The Golden City. They thought they could find it in South America, but it was in Africa the whole time. A technological marvel. All because it was built on a mound of the most valuable metal known to man -Isipho- they call it. The gift. Vibranium."

"Yes, I already heard of the fucking shit that you stole, being the thieving prick you are. Nine, eight, seven-"

He interrupted me with a long laugh. "I stole all of it? All of it? I took a tiny piece of it. They have a mountain full of it, kid. They've been mining it for thousands of years and still haven't scratched the surface. I'm the only outsider who's seen it, and got out of there alive."

I yawned. "Cookie for you, asswipe. Six, five, four-"

He was supremely unconcerned. "If you don't believe me, you ask your friend what his suit is made of ... what his claws are made of."

I holstered my pistol. "Piss break for me. You can wet your thong for all I care," I said, before moving out, and into the observation room.

I was not in the best of moods. I needed some information before I went back in. "First off, why did you bug me? Secondly, what the shit is he talking about?"

I saw that Nakia was distracted by something outside the front window, leaving the room to get a better look, but I ignored this as T-Challa spoke. "And you believe him?"

"Goddamnit-"

I was distracted once again by Nakia dashing into the room, and spoke something I didn't understand.

And then I heard and felt the explosion of a Breaching Charge as the interrogation room lost a wall.

"Motherfucker! Get down!" I grabbed T'Challa, but found that he had transformed into a black suit with a cat's head, and was protecting the CIA operatives.

My instincts took over, and I sprinted into the destroyed room, followed by the two women. We were met with automatic gunfire, and turned to shove the two women out of the way.

And then I couldn't breathe, and spots flashed in my vision as I something hit me in the back.

I had been shot.

Everything went hazy as I lost control of my body, slumping to the floor as the pain hit me like a train.

A black blur rushed past me, and hands guided me gently to the floor.

Okoye's shocked eyes, and Nakia's worried face swam with my vision. "Breath, soldier. You are going to be fine."

I thought only of my girls before blacking out.

I woke up in a bright room decorated with blue screens and what looked like various projects in states of progress, and found to my surprise that I felt no pain. I was still alive, I thought, rising from the cot I was lying on.

It was then I noticed the girl nearby.

She was about my girl's age, sixteen, and was dark-skinned and slender, with a cherubic face and intelligent dark eyes. Her hair was braided into long locks, wore a red dress, and she was busy at work on one of the screens.

I moved to her, glancing down to see that my uniform had been cleaned. "Excuse me."

She jumped, and turned towards me. "Don't scare me like that, Colonizer."

I raised my hands. "Sorry, Ma'am. And I haven't been to Africa, and I'm not interested in colonizing it. I'm Captain-"

She interrupted me. "Captain Cedric August of Delta Force. My brother told me."

I moved closer, in awe of the tech around me. "Your brother?"

She nodded. "T'Challa. I am Shuri."

I straightened, standing to attention. "It's an honor, Princess. You made all of this?" I asked, gesturing to the tech, and to the railroads outside the window that weaved through an enormous cave.

"Mostly." She turned to the colonizer, smiling at his look of awe and respect. His grey eyes were kind and warm, and he moved next to her as the warning from Okoye came about Erik Stevens, and she heard him gasp as his picture came on her screen. "Oh, hell, I know him. We were in the same class of West Point."

Shuri grabbed his arm. "Follow me. I can take you to T'Challa. He wished to speak to you anyway."

We weaved through corridors until we came to an ornate room with T'Challa sitting on a dark throne, surrounded by what was probably his Council.

Amongst them was Okoye, who gave me a nod. A muscled man next to her gave me the same nod, and I returned both.

The jungle outside was as breath-taking as the surroundings around me.

Turning to the prince, I saluted. "Your Highness, I have information of the man in your custody. He was in my class at West Point, and we served in a couple of operations before he went rogue as Killmonger. He's the most dangerous guy I know. Don't take him lightly."

T'Challa nodded, and rose to walk over to me. "Thank you for the information, Captain. I welcome you to Wakanda as an honored guest, and we owe you a great debt for nearly sacrificing yourself for two of our people."

I stood to attention. "I did my job, your highness. Any other soldier would've done the same."

He then presented his council, which included his mother, who seemed austere and dignified, but her smile was warm and genuine when I gave her my condolences for her husband.

"As we wait for this Killmonger, I must explain why, of all people, you were chosen to be my guard. I do not just want you to serve as such. I would like to know the views of those who are not Wakandans. Your record shows an unusual amount of care towards those of younger ages, and respect towards those not of your kind. It is my request that you remain here."

I cleared my throat uncomfortably. "You want me to advise you? I'm honored by your request, but I have a family of my own who'll miss me. I was a caregiver of my twin sisters as well as a soldier, so I guess I don't mind being around kids. It is my duty to keep you safe, but I'd like contact with my girls. Maybe even visits from time to time if that would be acceptable to you and your advisors."

T'Challa smiled. "Of course. I've already sent a messenger to tell them of your latest exploits, and to invite them to live here if they wish."

I let out a relieved breath. "Then I'm your man."

A short time later, I stood beside T'Challa on the left, Shuri at his right as Erik Stevens was led in, bound at the wrists, and wearing a blue jumpsuit.

He had changed. His formerly short hair was now in short locks perched on his head, and his eyes were hard and cold. The Erik I'd known was quiet but friendly, and we had had a friendship before he betrayed his oath.

T'Challa said something, and Erik answered with a sneer after the guard Okoye seemed to translate: "Speak."

"I'm standing in your house, serving justice to the man who stole the Vibranium, and murdered your people. Justice your king couldn't deliver."

I moved forward until I was standing inches from him, cutting T'Challa off from doing the same. "Keep it in your pants, or he'll cut it off. Maybe I'll do it for him, you fucking traitor."

He looked me over, surprise and anger on his face. "And now you let the white man in your house," he said to T'Challa over my shoulder.

"Fucking hell, Stevens, what the fuck happened to you?" I asked, never having heard him speak like that.

"That's not my name," he snarled.

I half-turned to the Council, keeping him in arm's length just in case. "Erik Stevens, formerly of West Point. We served in Iraq together for a year before he became a black operative. Now, he's a killer for hire, a traitor to his country."

Stevens snorted. "That was never my country. Now piss off, white boy."

I moved closer, cold and deadly. "I will after I kill-"

I felt a hand pull me back, Okoye pulling me out of the way as T'Challa took my place. "I don't care that you brought Klaue. The only reason I don't kill you where you stand is because I know who you are. You can thank the Captain for telling me. Now, what do you want?"

"I want the Throne," he said, ignoring the resulting gasps and incredulous laughter. "Y'all sitting up here, comfortable. Must feel good. There's about two billion people all over the world that looks like us. But their lives are a lot harder, thanks to him and his people," he said, pointing to me.

"Yeah, like I had anything to do with that. I'll-" I snarled, Okoye having to hold me still as Killmonger continued, no longer Erik Stevens to me. "We got the tools to liberate 'em all."

"And what tools are those?" the king asked.

"Vibranium. Your weapons."

"Our weapons will not be used to wage war on the world. It is not our way to be judge, jury, and executioner for people who are not our own."

"Not your own? But didn't life start right here on this continent, so ain't all people you're people?"

"I am not king of all people. I am king of Wakanda. And it is my responsibility to make sure that our people are safe, and that our Vibranium does not fall into the hands of a person like you."

As Killmonger snorted, the Queen Mother spoke. "Son, we have entertained this charlatan long enough. Reject his request."

Killmonger spoke to her. "Oh, I ain't requesting nothing. Ask who I am."

Before I could speak, a council member with a lip-ring seemed to do just that, and Killmonger's reply started in their language before returning to English, and what he said shocked all around. "I found my Daddy with Panther claws in his chest. You ain't the son of a king, you're the son of a murderer!" He said to T'Challa, who froze as the guard next to him defied the Queen Mother in producing a ring on a golden chain, which she took.

Killmonger spoke again. "Hey, Auntie. I'm exercising my blood-right, to challenge for the mantles of King, and Black Panther."

I spoke up, not liking where this was going. "Don't do it, your highness. He's trying to get your goat."

But the council had been swayed, as was T'Challa. One said it would take weeks, but Killmonger said that he only needed T'Challa.

"I accept your challenge," T'Challa said.

Some time later, I was summoned to him as he prepared to fight. I didn't allow him to start. "You should've just let me kill him. Fuck his rights, he's too dangerous to live. Just let me-"

He cut me off, swathed in warpaint and wearing a loincloth. "No, that is not our way. You will do only what I command. Do not mistake your role as to do what you please."

I reigned in my temper. "Then what are your orders?"

He gestured, and a large two-handed sword shaped like a scimitar was slung across my shoulders by two female guards. "This will be yours. If I am slain, you will use them to protect my sister and the Queen Mother, and to avenge me. You will remain on the outskirts of the fight, out of sight, since the challenger doesn't trust you will stay out of the fight."

I wanted to argue, but I figured he wasn't in the mood to be argued with. "I will keep them safe, even if it means me buying the farm...again."

He nodded, and put a hand on my shoulder. "I believe you will."

A day later, this was indeed the position I had found myself in: T'Challa had been defeated, and thrown off a steep waterfall.

Now the grief-striken were on a log amidst a thicket of trees as I made a fire, my SERE training coming in handy. "There. You guys stay warm while I'll stand watch."

They did, speaking amongst themselves, sad that they couldn't bury him. I straightened and drew my sword as someone stepped from the trees. I lowered my weapon when I recognized Nakia. "The hell are you doing here?"

"Saving my country," she said, brushing by me. "We cannot stay here."

I was about to argue, but remembered that this was her country, so I nodded instead. "Okay, I'll follow your need."

She raised an eyebrow. "I was expecting more of an argument."

I shrugged. "It crossed my mind, but I don't know the topography. Plus, I'm concerned with their safety. It doesn't matter who's leading the way. I'm all they have right now."

Nakia smiled. "You're a good man, Captain."

Nakia was surprised when his eyes took on a haunted look. "Not with the things I've done," I said, helping the girls gently to their feet. "I'm a soldier, not a hero."

Nakia wanted to protest, but now was not the time.

She led them into the mountains, with the soldier keeping a sharp eye out from the rear.

He moved with a deadly grace, his blue eyes fierce and hard. She was reminded of a jungle Tiger.

Nakia lead Shuri, Ramonda, and the officer through the bitter wind and harsh conditions. Thankfully she had brought fur blankets and other winter necessities.

"Where are we headed?" the soldier asked, after a making a small fire while they had a short rest and making sure the girls were warm.

"We're taking the Heart Shaped Herb to Jabariland. It is what made T-Challa strong."

He frowned, but Ramonda spoke before I could

"Nakia. I don't like this. The Herb belongs to us. We may be creating a bigger monster with M'Baku. He is our nation's rival," The Queen Mother said.

"Your majesty, while I-"

"Ramonda, please," she interrupted, smiling.

"Ramonda. While I agree that this guy may not be a saint, there's an old saying where I'm from: The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Shuri spoke up. "Nakia, give the herb to Cedric. We don't need M'Baku when we have him."

"No, not me. Never me," I said, blushing. "I've done things, Princess, things that-"

Shuri interrupted me gently. "I know, I've seen everything on your record while you were healing. You were at war, and those two children-"

The three woman saw his eyes widen, and he flinched as if Shuri had slapped him. "Don't! You weren't there!"

Shuri moved to him until she was within touching distance. "You couldn't have saved them. Not even Captain America could've. The only person that blames you is yourself."

He turned away. "I watched two kids die, and when I fight, I kill in cold blood and I enjoy it. I'm a monster."

Ramonda moved to him, and cupped his cheeks in her hands, and felt him shudder at her touch. "A monster doesn't save people, or care for young ones as much as you. We need you to do this for us, to keep us safe. Are you going to disobey T-Challa's last command?"

He straightened, and nodded. "Then bring it to me," he said, suddenly a soldier once again.

Nakia brought a large waterflask from her robes, and bid him to sit down. "You will only need a mouthful to change your life, and make you a warrior to rival any who've come before."

I nodded, and let out a long breath as Ramonda began to chant. "I call upon the ancestors. I call upon Bast. Make this soldier a hero without measure, so that he may protect the innocent and the wronged."

"Praise the Ancestors," all three intoned, and Nakia filled my mouth with what tasted like liquid flames and a mixture between soda and a protein drink. Their chanted voices faded away as felt something exquisite spread through my body. It lit every nerve, bone, and muscle on fire, but not fire that hurt.

What the hell?

When it was done, I opened my eyes, feeling as though I could take on an entire army. "Wow, that was awesome. But I still think having an ally might be good. If-"

I stopped when we found ourselves surrounded by armed men that came from all sides. I snarled, standing to kick some ass, but Nakia gripped my arm. "Be calm, they are M'Baku's men."

I relented, allowing my sword to be taken.

Some time later, we found ourselves before the very man. He was tall and imposing, and had a mohawk and a beard. Apparently, he was a traditionalist who was disgusted with T'Challa's city's technology and way of life, so he had decided to start his own rule, and was sitting in an ornate chair to match it.

He glared down at me before turning to the others. Ramonda spoke first. "My son was murdered in ritual combat."

"Were the odds fair?"

Nakia spoke. "Yes, but-"

"So it was less a murder than a defeat?"

Shuri bristled. "Do not rub our noses in it-"

His booming voice echoed throughout the room. "Silence! I make the pronouncements here, girl."

This wasn't going well, and I decided to speak. It wasn't smart on my part, but I was running on no sleep for over a day, so I was out of fucks to give. "Look, we're here to-"

M'Baku drowned out my voice with loud barks. The surrounding Jabari followed suit. "You cannot talk. One more word and I will feed you to my children."

I stared back, anger rising. "They're welcome to try. You'll find out how much of me y'all can take!"

M'Baku glowered, and then laughed loudly. "I'm kidding. We are vegetarians."

"I don't give a-"

Nakia stepped forward, cutting in front of me. "Great Gorilla M'Baku, an outsider sits on our throne. Only you can help us stop him."

He thought for a moment. "Come with me."

M'Baku lead us to Jabari healers working on T'Challa in a small hut in the snow.

"Impossible. Is he breathing?" Nakia asked, as the other girls let out cries of delight, and I let out a long breath of relief.

"He is in a coma, barely clinging to life. One of our fishermen found him at the edge of the river border. He brought him to me."

"Why do you have him in the snow?!" Shuri cried.

I spoke before he could. "Cold preserves the body."

Shuri shook her head. "We need to get him to my lab! I can heal him there."

M'Baku snorted. "Take him. He'll be dead in seconds."

Ramonda took the herb from Nakia, and pushed past M'Baku. "I call upon the ancestors. I call upon Bast. I am here with my son T'Challa. Heal him. We must bury him."

Resigned, we watched Ramonda perform the ritual, and I wanted to join them in prayer, but I didn't understand anything until they praised the ancestors, which I copied.

"Wake up, T'Challa, wake up."

And he did.

I pulled him out of the snow. "You look damned good for a dead guy."

"Do you have a blanket?" he asked, before getting mobbed by the women, and Shuri giving him his king's necklace.

Back in the Throne Room, we all met to hammer things out, my sword returned to me.

Nakia spoke first. "Killmonger has the full support of our military. And he burned the garden of the Heart Shaped Herb."

I spoke up. "That's his MO."

All turned to me, and I explained. "He and I helped destabilize ISIS before he went to the CIA. The unit I'm in, Delta Force, are meant to work behind the scenes to squash our enemies. We do counterterrorism, giving them what they bring to everyone else. As far as ISIS went, we were sent in when the bastards were getting the shit kicked out of them. We made sure they stayed down. Transitions of power are the best time to do our work, and that's what Killmonger did. But he didn't plan on having me here. It's time I went about my work. He's still transitioning as well."

The king laid a hand on my shoulder. "Sleep first. But my challenge must continue."

I shook my head. "I'll sleep when this is all over. You don't know him like I do. We have the same skills and training. Let me take him down."

T'Challa shook his head. "That was not a request. It was an order. Are you refusing to obey an order?"

He had me, but I couldn't resist a parting shot. "You wake me up when the time comes. I need to take him down-"

I was cut off by a loud yawn from M'Baku. "Are you done? Are you...are you done?"

T'Challa bade us to leave him with M'Baku, and we left them alone. I sat against the wall of a small alcove, and was out a second later.

I found myself in what looked like the Serengheti, and surrounded by elderly African men and women.

One of them moved forward, and I recognized the previous king, T'Chaka.

Despite my confusion, I stood to attention. "Your highness."

He smiled. "Forgive us for our intrusion, but we wished to meet our newest descendant. And before you speak, forgoe using titles. We are family now, after all."

I frowned. "As ordered, but I don't recall any Africans in my family tree. I mean, look at me," I said, pointing to myself.

There was a ripple of gentle laughter from the Peanut Gallery, and T'Chaka's smile widened. "We know this. But you ingested the herb that all Black Panthers, Kings of Wakanda, that is, have taken for time inmemorial. Our power, and the blood of Black Panthers, flows through your veins. And though you and your ancestors are not Wakandan, you have proven yourself worthy of being the first of your race to earn our blessing."

I had to sit on a nearby log. "What have I done to deserve it?"

He sat next to me. "Because no matter what you've done, you did it all from duty and a desire to protect."

He laid a hand on the shoulder closest to him. "You don't need to seek forgivness from others. You have to forgive yourself."

I let out a breath, thinking of the violence and hatred of the past, and nodded. "I'll try."

He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "My kin and you will need much in the times to come. You will need them in the days to come. Now rise, Tiger of Wakanda. Duty awaits."

I woke up to someone shaking me, and the king helped me to my feet. "How'd it go with the big guy?"

T'Challa clapped me on the shoulder. "He said no, but he didn't seem entirely sure that he will not. My mother will stay behind, but the rest will be with us, helping Shuri get to her lab. Are you with me?"

I grinned. "Two against an army. Sounds like fun."

The battle didn't get off to a good start. We used a craft to get to the capital, but we crash-landed before we could reach it, brought down by defensive weapons.

"Next time, I'm driving," I muttered to myself, as T'Challa left the downed plane to confront his would-be killer.

I joined him as Killmonger answered. "All that challenge shit is over with. I'm the King now!"

He said something to his men, and they got the ball rolling, charging right for us.

What the usurper didn't know was that we had a plan of our own. Our friends were in amongst the enemy.

I drew my sword, and glanced at T'Challa. "This time, you won't be alone in facing that fucker."

He turned to look at me, his face unseen as he was in full Panther gear. "Good. Take my hand."

I did, and he flung me over the phalanx of enemy fighters before he joined me. Surprisingly enough, I landed on my feet, and we both engaged the second wave in a flurry of blows and blood.

Thank god I had taken Fencing in college!

Before we could stop W'Kabi, he blew for reinforcements, and we found ourselves dealing with fucking armored rhinos and enemy aircraft.

All seemed lost, even as some of the King's Guard joined us.

And then I heard the roaring-shriek of jet fighters before they engaged the enemy fighters. One in particular bore the CIA crest, and I caught on: Ross had been an Air Force pilot.

I didn't have the time to wonder how he got there before I took a Rhino horn graze that tore my jacket and shirt right off. It missed my flesh, but I didn't care. My coat was gone, my beloved coat, and I was pissed. As the Rhino came back around, I opened its rider's guts.

I roared, red haze in my eyes. I was lusting for blood now.

And then I saw Shuri being tackled by Killmonger. I lowered my shoulder, and checked him hard just as he was about to kill her.

"Try me for size, fucker!" I shouted, and then yelped as my momentum carried us both down a massive cavern.

I hit the bottom of what looked like a mine, and cried out as my ribs were at least bruised.

But I could still fight.

I dodged a knee drop, and gave him a black eye. A haymaker was exchanged for a elbow.

And then the weapons, the end of a spear against my sword, engaged in vicious intent.

Two former friends, brothers in arms, now mortal enemies.

This wasn't about good or evil, or anything more than pure hatred.

"Cedric!" Shuri's voice called after me, but she couldn't do anything other than watch as her friend fell out of sight, and keyed her brother's comm. "Brother. Cedric and Killmonger fell down a shaft that leads to the railways."

To her surprise, her brother was at her side. "Shuri, turn on the stabilizers!" He said, as Okoye, Nakia, and the King's Guard fended off all comers.

Shuri nodded, but grabbed her brother's arm as he went to join the American combatants. "Brother, don't. The stabilizers will deactivate your suit. You won't have protection."

T'Challa nodded grimly. "Neither will he. Besides, he's not as good as he thinks. He will need my help."

Underground, I let out a snarl as my sword glanced off what looked like an energy shield. "Should've figured you cheat. You never did like a fair fight!" I said, exerting more and more energy trying to ward off his blows.

"The only fair fight's the one you win," Killmonger said, quoting a Marine proverb, kicking my legs out from under me before performing a Boot Party on my weakened chest, and I heard a wet snap.

I bent double, and he caught my sword hand in a grip, and broke it at the wrist. I tried a desperate kick to his balls, but he dodged, and beat me to the ground. He was about to finish me off when we were separated by a speeding train, and then T'Challa was there, even as I went to one knee.

"I have you," my employer said, as I coughed up blood, unable to breathe without pain.

His back was to the train that suddenly gave way to Killmonger's attack, his improvised knife coming straight for T'Challa.

"No!"

With the last of my strength, I shoved him aside, and the spearpoint meant for the true king took me directly in the chest.

I found myself pinned to the wall before he wrenched the blade free, sending me to the floor.

"No!" It was T'Challa's turn to yell, and the two men engaged as I fought to stem the flow of a small crimson river.

The agony had me arching and writhing. I was beyond screaming, mouth gaping as realization crushed me.

I was going to die slowly as my stomach acid would mix with my body, and I would never see my girls again.

I lay there, curled into a ball before I felt hands cradling me, my head resting on someone's knee.

I spat out blood as I saw T'Challa's mask melt away to reveal his worried eyes. "...Get him?" Was all I could manage.

He nodded. "He is dead. But you will live. Shuri will be here soon. I just received word that M'Baku came after all."

"So my...not...waste?" I said, body racked by anguish.

"You will not die, my friend. I am a King, and I command you not to die."

"Not your choice." My mind went to my girls, and tears filled my eyes. "Tell my girls...I love them. Please look...after them. It's been...honor."

"You will tell them yourself."

T'Challa fought to hold back waves of emotion, which was getting increasingly difficult as he fought to stem the gushing blood, and lifted the American into his arms.

It was horrifying listening to the soldier drowning in his own blood. The bravest and strongest man he'd ever known in so short a time was going to die if he wasn't fast enough.

This wasn't fair, he thought, inwardly cringing at the resulting cry of pain.

This wasn't supposed to happen. This foreigner had saved so many he held so dear, even himself. This couldn't be how his bodyguard...no, his friend; died in one of the more painful and slow deaths.

He called for Shuri to prepare the lab as he climbed out of the mine.

Shuri looked up to see her brother emerge from the mine, and let out a cry. "Cedric?"

"Go!" At a shout from her brother, she was sprinting to her lab.

Nakia and Oyoke helped wrap his wound as best they could before carrying his body after Shuri, as M'Baku and T'Challa embraced.

The battle had been won.

I woke up, and groaned as pain made itself known like the bastard it was, along with a wave of nausea. I was drenched in sweat, and felt like I was on fire.

"Don't move." Shuri's face appeared above me, seeming to swim in my vision, her voice far away. "You were just healed, and you have a fever. You punctured a lung, and your innards are newly repaired."

I let out a long breath, my nausea giving way to exhaustion. "Water?"

"It's being injected into you."

Another voice came, and Ramonda's face came into vision. "Please do not worry, Umsindisi. You will heal," she said, one hand putting a icy-wet cloth on my forehead, the other squeezing one of my hands.

"What did you call me?" I croaked.

Ramonda smiled. "Savior. You are a hero to Wakanda."

Shuri took my other hand. "You saved us, all of us. Thanking you is not enough. But enough of that. Rest."

And I did.

I woke once again in Shuri's lab, and found that my fever was gone, although with more scars than ever. I saw the girl in question looking up from her instruments, and hurry over to me.

"I said to rest, not to flat-line, idiot." She snarled, before her face softened, and I found myself wrapped in her arms. "You died three times."

"I'm sorry," I said simply, hugging her back from my sitting position.

After a moment, she pulled away, smiling. "The tigers suit you. T'Challa has requested your presence as soon as you are able."

I nodded, looking around for my uniform. "Well, I shouldn't make His Majesty wait...Um, Princess, where is my uniform?"

"Call me Shuri, and it was destroyed in the battle. While you were...sleeping, I had your new uniform made."

She pulled on my arm, and I rose, wrapped only in a blanket, and followed her.

I only could manage a couple of steps before my legs gave out. Shuri, to my surprise, held me up with seemingly little effort. "I forgot that your body is still getting used to my healing. Let's put it on, then I'll help you back on the bed."

I nodded, leaning against a pillar as she disappeared, raising an eyebrow at all the different Panther suits.

My jaw dropped when she emerged with a different suit. This one was striped like the body of a tiger, and had a tiger's head for a helmet. "This suit's colors will adapt to every environment that you are in," she said, handing the Kevlar suit to me before turning to give me privacy.

Fortunately, I had enough energy to put it on myself before she helped me back to the cot.

"God, Shuri, you're too much."

She beamed, and hugged me. "It was the least I could do for you."

It took me a few minutes to get acclimated with the suit before she and I left the lab, myself being supported by two guards that were awed to be around me, much to my discomfort.

She guided me not to the Throne Room, but to a smaller but more decorated room that had so many furs and other furniture that made me realize that this must be his room. I wasn't terribly surprised to see Okoye and Nakia there, but I was surprised to see Director Ross there, each taking turns sign a parchment.

Nakia came over to me, and I noticed that she was dressed to kill. "You are alive. I am glad. We shall talk later," she said, grasping my hands in hers before moving back to the king's side.

Okoye smiled at me, relief and respect in her eyes, but stayed where she was. Her smile, stiff but genuine, was enough.

I grinned back, as the two men finished their thing.

"Congratulations, in more ways than one," Ross said, smiling, and clapping the king on the shoulder.

Okoye stiffened, and moved closer to her king. She spoke in her native tongue, and Shuri giggled behind me.

"Can she speak English?" Ross asked, looking at her while speaking to the king.

"When she wants to," she answered through gritted teeth.

He made himself scarce after that, but not before telling me that SHIELD would be getting in contact with me. His smile, quick and genuine, told me something more was going on just before he left.

The king looked up at me, and his smile was not one of a king to his bodyguard, but a smile that was for the very best of friends.

I straightened, and made to salute in the Wakandan style I had seen, but he waved for me to stop. "You will never do that around me again. Not after what you did, or rather, what happened to you. Please, sit."

The two guards helped me into the chair. "I did everything that my duty-" I stopped when he raised his hand. "Can you never admit that you have a good heart?"

I shook my head. "No, because it's not true. There was a village in Iraq that we thought held a huge arsenal of weapons. Delta Force operatives work undercover, and I went in as a guest from a different village. I found no weapons, but when I had left the village, I reported that there I wasn't sure that they had no weapons, our forces wiped out the village with artillery and troops. And I didn't do anything to stop them. I couldn't move or speak, struck dumb by the sheer bullshit of it all."

I felt the long-buried memories and emotions come back with a vengeance, and I clenched my teeth against the unfamiliar feeling of tears in my eyes. "I watched children and entire families get torn apart by explosives, my own men using guns and grenades to just fucking-" My voice broke, and I clenched my fists. "If I had used different words, they would still be alive."

"You did not know that, and did not want, such a thing to occur," T'Challa said, his hands unclenching mine, which had balled into fists. "And here we stand, all of us in this room, because of what you did. You don't do this for duty, you do this because you have a gentle heart, a nurturing warrior's heart."

"I didn't expect you to be so kind, so understanding," I admitted, blinking back another wave of tears. "I guess I had the wrong view of monarchs when I first started working with you."

He smiled. "You are not the first. Now, I hear that you ingested the herb."

"Yeah, but it didn't help me."

He smiled. "I would not have defeated him had you not fought him. You are more than worthy of such a burden. The blood of our people now flows through your veins."

I had nothing to say, and he handed me the parchment that Ross and he had signed. I took a look at it, and did a double take, shock rendering me breathless. "You made me and my girls Wakandan citizens?"

He shrugged. "I know you do not want a reward, but this is nothing compared to what you've done for me. You and your sisters are the first of your kind to be allowed to live here. All of Wakanda knows what you have done, and the council would deem it an honor for you and your sisters to live here."

I fought to maintain control of my emotion. "My father might not-"

His gaze became steely. "Your father, however, is not free to visit, and Secretary Ross will make sure he is handled appropriately. My messenger that I sent was nearly killed by him. Your mother is working with SHIELD to locate an item they lost, and she may visit if she wants."

I rose, shaking slightly as the guards gently held me up. This was beyond my wildest dreams. "I don't know what to say, other than thank you, and I am very grateful."

He rose as well, smiling. "No more grateful than I am. The girls should be here soon. I cannot wait to meet them. I only ask that you lead my guard, since the last betrayed me."

I took a long breath, and stood to preform the Wakandon salute, arms crossed with fists touching near the shoulders. "Wakanda forever."

He returned the salute, and we clasped our right forearms in brotherly embrace.

A few days later, I was called to the throne room, and I was back to full strength as I strode in.

I slowed, seeing the king, his family, and Nakia was waiting. I wasn't used to being thanked for my service, and their smiles told me that I was going to get uncomfortable very quickly.

The thought was confirmed when I was given a standing ovation by the female guards, and I blushed bright red as I heard that 'Savior' title shouted, along with 'Ingwe!'

The king rose, grinning at my discomfort as he stepped to wrap my arm around my shoulder. "At last, our hero is well again."

"Your highness-"

"This foreigner nearly died saving my family, myself, and Wakanda," Ramonda cut me off, moving to my other side. "He expected no reward, but we have given him a Wakandan citizenship."

Everyone cheered, while I was completely speechless. I could only manage a Wakandan salute, which was returned by all as Ramonda placed a kiss on either of my cheek, and Shuri hugged me from behind.

I then sat in one of the Council chairs as Nakia politely refused the king's offer of anything except permission to return home, which was granted.

Passing by me, she winked.

I waited until she was gone before speaking. "Your highness-"

"T'Challa," he corrected, smiling.

"T'Challa. Got any more life-changing surprises for me? I mean, I'm mighty grateful, but-"

"You're wondering why I didn't tell you? Blame your father."

"What do you-"

"He disowned you."

I froze, heart pounding. "Wh...what?" I had to take a moment to think instead of denying it.

Dad would've been pissed that his favorite girls were leaving, and that he had no power to do anything about it. There was nothing he loved more than being in control.

I turned away my face, rising to move to the window to look out over the jungle and city. "You move quick, I'll give you that."

At a word, all left the room except for my foster family and Okoye.

I gritted my teeth against the rising tears, and kept my back to everyone.

I couldn't break around them, around anyone. I just needed to bury it, and do it by getting back to work, like I had my whole life.

But I knew that I couldn't bury this, not this time. And it enraged me to the point that I briefly considered breaking the window in front of me. "Thank you for telling me. Now, I suppose y'all want me to dispose of a few traitors, or something to get shit back on track."

Just give me something, anything. For fuck's sake.

"It has all been accounted for."

I felt a lump in my throat, and angrily cleared it. "There has to be something."

"There is. You can turn around."

I turned, but moved for the door, fully intending to leave the room. I wanted to leave, and find anything to do except face the growing despair that threatened to break over me.

Okoye stepped in front of the door, blocking my path. "The king did not give you permission to leave the room."

My anger grew, made worse by the pitying look in her face. "Get the fuck out of-"

Ramonda interrupted, her warm voice cutting in. "Cedric, please sit down."

At hearing the motherly tone in her voice, I obeyed, and closed my eyes tightly while listened to her ask everyone to leave, forcing tears back once again.

I heard everyone leave before I felt soft hands taking mine. "Cedric, you are not to blame for anything."

I felt an involuntary tremor pass through my body, and my eyes blurred with tears. "He never loved me. Mom didn't stop him. I don't...I can't..."

She cupped the young man's face in her hands, her heart aching for him. "It will be alright."

He let out a heart-wrenching cry, and began to silently weep as he pitched forward, his face burying into her collarbone.

She wrapped her arms around him, crooning and rubbing his back as his silent tears streamed like twin rivers.

After he was done crying out decades of pain, he retired with shy thanks, and she kissed him on both cheeks before he left the room.

The next day, the twins arrived in a Vibranium shuttle. T'Challa smiled as the teenage twins ran straight for their brother, who wrapped his arms around both of them.

They were lithe and wiry, with waist-length flame-red hair, ivory skin, and sky-blue eyes. In about five years, he mused, Cedric would be beating off suitors.

Or killing them, he thought, with an mental smirk.

When they were done, the girls made their way to T'Challa, his mother, and his sister.

T'Challa noted that the girls moved differently. One had long, eager, energetic strides with a bright smile. The other had slow steps, watching everyone and everything with shrewd, calculating eyes.

The latter bowed, and spoke first. "King T'Challa. A pleasure. I'm Tiloh."

He raised his hands. "We do not bow here, Tiloh. The pleasure is mine, and our hospitality is yours. Any family of Cedric's is family of ours."

Tiloh raised her eyebrows. "Family? And you're on first name basis with our brother?"

Her twin rolled her eyes. "Quit being such a Debbie-downer. Wow, your highness, your architecture and technology is stunning. I've never seen anything like it. I'm a mechanic, and if you ever need help on anything, I'd love to help! I'm Sharan!" Unlike her sister seeming to chose every word, Sharan spoke in a blur, leaving those around her smiling at her kind smile, and somewhat confused.

Her joy and exuberance were contagious, lightening the air.

T'Challa knew then that he had made the right decision by bringing the girls here: Wakanda could only benefit.

After a meal, Cedric told his story.

Sharan held a hand to her mouth, horrified that she'd nearly lost her brother twice.

Tiloh gritted her teeth. "Damn it, Ced. You promised us that you'd at least not try to get yourself killed. How many times do I have to patch you up before you learn."

"I don't try-"

T'Challa and his family watched as Tiloh's fury unleashed on her older brother. "You know full well what I mean! God, do you have any idea what it's been like for us with you away. Neither of us protested coming here at all, and I told Dad to fuck himself, and die fucking alone!"

Sharan spoke, tears in her eyes. "You were always more of a father to us than Dad. He makes Tywin Lannister look like a teddy bear. We really can't think of a life without you."

I sighed. "I'm sorry. I just want to make sure nobody else has a dad like ours."

Tiloh snorted. "We may have been his favorites, but he was still a bastard. I hate him for what he's done to you, and I'm never going back."

Ramonda spoke then. "You will not have too, little ones. All has been accounted for. Come, Shuri and I will show you to your rooms."

Not a week later, I watched Shuri and the girls interact like family as they watched her work, with Sharan providing assistance while Tiloh had been made one of the king's councilors. The girls refused to be idle, and T'Challa was more than happy to accept their help.

I was distracted by Okoye, who pulled me gently aside, and told me to follow her. We came to the throne room, finding T'Challa talking to a man with a suit and tie.

He was tall and brown-haired, and his eyes were calm and poised. He turned to me, and reached out his hand. "Captain August, my name is Agent Coulson. I was sent to you to take you to SHIELD Headquarters. We have a situation, and our Director has called for your expertise."

End of Part I