Prompt: Branding


Shuri didn't know how much longer she could survive. She was the only person in her lab when the raid happened. They were arms dealers, like the ones who kidnapped Tony Stark. They knocked out the security system so Shuri couldn't cry out for help. They were quick to knock her out.

Shuri lost track of how long she was gone. She couldn't escape because her leg was chained. The chain ended on a nearby wall. She would be under close surveillance daily as they forced her to work. If she didn't meet her daily quota, the group would take turns hurting her. The leader seemed to take pleasure from her pain.

The door swung open. The leader of the gang entered, scowling at the princess. He was holding something in his hand. "When will you learn," he growled. He yanked on the chain, pulling her close to him. She was laid flat on her back. "I know what will make you learn."

Shuri heard sizzling. She tried to yank herself away. The leader quickly ended her escape attempt before she could get too far. He kicked her in the ribs, causing the princess to let out a small moan. He leaned close to her neck.

Shuri bit her tongue to stop screaming. The pain was unbearable as the iron pressed onto her neck. He yanked it away from her neck. On her neck now sat the gang's symbol. "I'll be back later," he muttered. The leader left the room.


Another week passed. Soon, Shuri couldn't do anything, meaning she couldn't meet her quota. So, the punishments got worse and worse. She knew her time was probably coming to an end soon.

Shuri heard screams upstairs. She couldn't make out the sounds, but they were loud and frequent. It sounded like there was some sort of battle happening. Shuri fought to keep her eyes open.

The leader kicked down the door. He approached the princess, holding a knife. "Goodbye, princess," he said. Before he could jump on her, someone tackled the leader to the ground. Her nine-month captivity finally ended.

Eventually, someone lifted Shuri. "You're going to be okay," a familiar voice whispered. Her brother. If she survived, the trip to Wakanda would be okay. However, the scars would last forever.