I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I know I haven't been keeping to my usual uploading schedule, and I promise I won't take two months to write a chapter again. But in my defence...this chapter was hard! It was draining, physically, mentally and emotionally. And it took nearly 30 pages to write! *sigh* oh well, it's out now. Enjoy...while I go lay down somewhere quiet for a few hours.
Panther's Quest
"You're smiling. Is this a good thing or a cover up?"
I nearly jumped out of my seat as Hawkeye's voice interrupted me thoughts. As he slid into the empty seat opposite me, I briefly thought back on how many times people have caught me smiling these past three weeks. Whenever they catch me smiling widely, they ask what the reason was, and I usually gave them a vague answer. But, honestly, there was only one reason I was so happy.
The quiet, polite, charming and incredibly handsome hero, Black Panther.
For the past three weeks, ever since I had that nightmare, he's been visiting me almost every night. Some nights we'd watch a movie in my room (for some reason, he didn't seem all that bothered watching The Princess Bride, when that movie usually has Tony complaining loudly), and other nights we'd talk about whatever came to mind. We'd talk about science-related topics, literature, daily events (he really got a laugh when I told him about Voltaire getting his first bath, and how much he whined), or even personal hobbies; it came as a surprise to both of us how many things we had in common.
Then there had been nights where I felt drained, or stressed because of Tony and SHIELD hovering over my shoulder every time I went outside, or because I was catching up with my work out and Bojutsu, now that the cut on my foot was healed. Those nights, Panther would cheer me up by either telling me a story he had heard in life, or by cradling me in his arms, gently rubbing my back as he sang lullabies to me. Either way, I always felt better, and was able to sleep easier.
It didn't help that my subconscious acted like a preppy teenager whenever he was around, especially after I discovered that I had a crush on said man, and it kept telling me to get 'closer' to him. As much as Panther made my heart flutter and feel great, I was hesitant to take the step. Like the saying goes: once bitten, twice shy.
:After what happened the last time I fell for a guy, I'm going to need definitive proof that Panther is really for me.: I told myself before focusing on the present.
Today was my only free day this week from all the training and exercise, so I was spending lunch at my favourite Chinese restaurant/cafe, with one of Tony's bodyguards sitting in a nearby booth. And of course, with a SHIELD agent sitting with me, I was very secure.
"It's a good thing." I assured him as I put my book away into my backpack. Hawkeye raised one of his eyebrows before a waiter came over to take his order.
"Really?" He drawled out, almost in a sarcastic tone which made me frown in reply.
"Believe it or not, Clint, but there are reasons for me to be smiling." I answered in a terse manner, causing him to have a small start. Right now, I could see in his eyes that he was very surprised about the snappy retort, and in truth I was rather surprised myself: snappy was not really my thing. Sassy, but never snappy.
My trail of thoughts were interrupted when Hawkeye's surprise turned into a cheeky sly look. "Oh?" He asked in a feigned coy manner, "And, uh, who's the mysterious man who sparked this change?"
"Ptooey!" was my elegant response, since the cheeky sod waited till I was taking a sip from my drink before correctly assuming that it was a guy who made this new change in me. While I was a bit put off that he seemed to know exactly what was going on in my life, I reasoned that it was better him knowing than having Tony find out and grill me.
"So?" My friend prompted, his meal arriving, "Give. Details. Let's go." Knowing how much and how long he'd keep asking till I caved in, I decided to come clean about all of it; after all, I was rather hesitant about my crush, so getting a second opinion might be a good idea.
I didn't leave anything out; from the night in Central Park (if looks could kill, I'd be a dead girl), to the encounter after Zemo tried to blow up the mansion foyer, to being kidnapped by the same street gang and subsequently rescued by Panther, and the past few weeks. Afterwards, Hawkeye was quiet, in thought or otherwise I couldn't tell.
"I have to be honest, I'm not liking this." He finally said, picking up his chop sticks and digging into his meal, "For all you know, this guy could be bidding his time for something." Begrudgingly, I admitted that he did have a point.
"Then again, he may be genuine." He also added, a frown marring his face. Ah, so it wasn't that Panther may be using me badly, it was that Panther—while treating me better than most other men I had known—was a bit too secretive for either one of our liking.
"It also doesn't help that my subconscious is always teasing me about how hot the guy looks." I grumbled quietly, "It's maddening."
"Strange. Wasn't it very against the last guy?" He asked in both curiosity and seriousness. True; it was very, uh, vocal in its protest against the last guy I went out with. No matter what good gesture he did, my subconscious was there with some sort of negative comment. Earlier in the courting, I didn't pay attention, and that was my biggest mistake ever.
"Maybe you should listen to it this time." Hawkeye offered. When I raised my head to give him a dumbfounded look (Hawkeye was never one to listen to his subconscious, or anything else for that matter), I could see a bit of worry in those blue eyes of his, and sheepishly agreed. Considering what was the result of not listen to my inner voice, and how much pain I ended up in for the next few weeks, making the same mistake twice would definitely get me an award for sheer stupidity.
"Maybe." I nodded slightly before giving a soft giggle, "Though, something tells me that Tony isn't going to like it when I break the news to him." Hawkeye paused for a few seconds before shuddering quite visibly: yeah, no one wanted to be the on the receiving end of one of Tony's famous 'what do you mean my sister's hurt?!' rants, and trust me, one of those things had Fury, of all people, tucking his proverbial tail between his legs.
"Well, I'd hate to point out the obvious to you, Starky, but you might want to tell Tony truth soon." My friend pointed out as our bill and fortune cookies came out, "Otherwise, the longer you put it off, the bigger the outburst." And knowing my brother, it'll be the metaphorical equivalent of an atomic bomb, and after tearing strips out of Panther and Cap, I was next on Tony's list and boy, I was going to cop the brunt of his anger, even if I was the baby sister.
"Don't worry, I won't." I promised Hawkeye, giving him a friendly exasperated look when he let me pay for both our meals. Oh, well: I got good advice and two fortune cookies out of it. After we left the restaurant, I introduced Hawkeye to Voltaire, and laughed as my furry companion stood on his back legs and licked my human companion's face exuberantly.
"So, I'll see you around?" I asked, unhooking the end of the dog leash from around the lamppost, "It'll be nice for Voltaire to have another person to play rough house with, and I'd like you to see Avenger's Mansion." Voltaire even broke out the sad puppy eyes and started to whine.
"Well...maybe." Hawkeye replied slowly, patting his new friend's head, "I've got this thing going on, and some stuff that needs doing. Soon, hopefully."
:He's hiding something.: My subconscious pointed out warningly. Normally, I'd agreed with it, but Hawkeye's job with SHIELD often had him doing things that were not only classified, but dangerous. Or he was just hiding something simple like he goofed up big time and didn't want me finding out in case I teased him about it. As I usually do.
"I'll hold you to it." I playfully warned him, "Voltaire will drag you if he needs to." Said big dog just tilted his head at me in confusion, making Hawkeye and I laugh at him.
"See you two around sometime." Hawkeye chuckled, giving me a warm hug and patting Voltaire's head before disappearing down the street. As soon as that happened and the body guard came out from the restaurant, we started heading back towards Avenger's Mansion. Speaking of which, I had better let Tony know that I'm heading there.
Ever since the kidnapping, Tony's ramped up the security detail looking at me to an almost insane amount. If I was going out for the day, I had to let Tony, Pepper and various people in SHIELD know about where I was going, what I was going to do when I got there, what time I was going to be back home, jeez! What else did that from me; my body fluid movements?!
:Ew. Probably not.: My subconscious answered, and I really hoped that SHIELD wasn't going to ask that from me soon. Pushing that disturbing thought aside, I pulled my cell-phone out and dialled the link for the Iron Man armor. More often than not, Tony would be in that thing more than normal clothes, and at one point I've even teased him about sleeping in the armor instead of his own bed.
"You're just jealous." He would always throw back in reply, getting all snooty about it, but we both know that we were just teasing each other, and that he did sleep in a real bed.
"Hello?" Tony's voice finally answered, briefly making me wonder what he was doing that made him take so long to answer.
"Hey, Tony. I just finished lunch, so we're heading back to the mansion now." I informed my brother.
"Ok, awesome." He replied, "When you get back, head to the Assembly Hall; we've been trying to identify the guy in the black cat suit." Ah. Oh, dear.
"Any luck?" I asked casually, though silently praying that hadn't found any footage me and Panther looking rather 'cosy' on the couch after Zemo invaded the mansion. The very idea of Tony finding said footage, and the knowledge of how insanely protective he can be, nearly made me shudder in fear.
"Nah, nothing yet." He answered in an almost sour tone, "We're having a hard time seeing this guy on camera: whatever that cat suit is made of, it's absorbent to any energy spectrum." Wow, sounds like Panther isn't just any run-of-the-mill superhero: an outfit like that would definitely cost a lot of money.
"But something tells me you won't give up?" I asked in a half teasing tone, "After all, this is the guy who showed up and saved your baby sister from kidnappers, remember?" All I could hear on the other end of the line was an unhappy grumble then what sounded like him making exaggerated vocal effects, and the faces to go with it.
"Well, I should be home in a few minutes." I informed him. He gave a vague murmur of an answer before disconnecting the conversation. Somehow the knowledge of Panther giving my brother a hard time, even in an indirect way, brought a smile to my face.
It didn't take that long for us to get home, and once I was safely inside the mansion gates and in the building the bodyguard left in the awaiting car. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that car had been following us the whole day.
"Well, Voltaire, how about a fortune cookie?" I offered as I unclipped his leash. When he gave me that incredibly happy smile, there was no way I could go back on my promise.
After pulling out one and the cookies and cracking it open to remove the fortune, Voltaire easily jumped into the air and caught the cookie when I tossed it to him. As he gobbled up the pastry, I read the fortune inside.
A broken heart lays in wait today.
...Eh, could be better, I guess?
Deciding not to bother with the other one yet, I put the fortune in my pocket and looked up to see Voltaire sniffing the ground intensively, his tail standing straight up in the air. "Voltaire?" I called cautiously. He looked back at me before turning his head back to the scent trail he picked up and started following it.
Stepping carefully, I followed him as he tracked the scent into the theatre lounge, and winced when he followed it to the hidden elevator. Whoever left the scent trail must be very desperate: going into the sublevels with all the Avenger's down there, no less.
Well, seeing as Tony hasn't called to warn me...
As JARVIS let us into the elevator and we started heading down, I could feel my stomach twisting itself into uncomfortable knots. I really hope that Voltaire was leading me to a friendly person; I really didn't feel all that ready to fight.
The lift came to a complete stop, the doors opening to allow Voltaire to follow the path of the scent while I trailed along behind him, gripping my magi-staff tight in case we were heading into trouble. :I'd ask who would be stupid enough to invade this place, but that'd be a silly question on my part.: My subconscious offered, which really didn't do all that much in calming my nerves.
Voltaire was a few steps ahead of me when the doors to the Assembly hall opened. He raised his head and paused for a few seconds. At first I thought that meant trouble, but then Voltaire got very happy and excited, giving off a happy bark before racing inside, various familiar voices exclaimed 'no!'
Eventually, my curiosity kicked me in the rear and I walked into the hall, and saw Voltaire standing on his back legs, his forepaws resting on someone's shoulders as he licked them in greeting. Going by the almost horrified yet slightly bemused looks on everyone's (minus the absent Thor) faces, I needed to stop my wayward puppy.
"Voltaire, enough." I called, walking over to him and gently tugging on his collar, "I think you've said 'hello' enough by now." When he got the idea and sat down at my feet, I felt my heart leap into my throat, fall to my feet before racing around my stomach when I saw a mask-less Panther standing before me.
:...uh, crap.: I inner voice squeaked, something I almost echoed out loud. Instead, I managed to work my tongue enough to get out a shy, "Hello."
"Miss Stark." He formally replied with a small nod, "I trust you are well." Apart from wondering about how formal he was being, and also so intense compared to how happy I'm used to seeing him be, I was good.
"She's fine." Tony answered in my stead, and effectively reminded me that the Avengers were present, one being my overprotective older brother.
"Since you know my sister." Tony stated in an almost scathing tone to Panther, causing myself and Ant Man to give him a look, my brother turned to me with a raised hand gesturing to our guest, "Rose, allow me to introduce the Black Panther." I had just started to think of a reply when Tony added, "Also known as T'Challa, the royal prince of Wakanda."
...
...
:...What?: was all my inner voice could say, and then the information finally sunk in that the guy who saved my life three times, the guys I considered a 'friend', hell; the guy I had a major crush on, was in fact a prince, I felt not only my stomach drop and turn to ice, but my heart stop and shatter like glass.
Belatedly, I realized the fortune cookie was right.
######
WASPS'S POV
When Tony dropped the bombshell that the guy who rescued her was really a prince, I almost winced when I saw her face freeze, and her eyes reflected a lot of hurt. Something tells me she'd gotten a crush on Panther, and another guess said that she never knew he was a royal monarch.
The poor girl: as quiet and shy as she was, I got along with her. But seeing that extreme pain in her eyes and how quickly she covered it up nearly made me want to zap Panther for what he caused.
"O-oh. Uh,...th-thank you." She nearly stammered painfully. A quick glance at Cap told me that he felt bad, too; Hank was probably clueless as Tony was to her pain. Deciding to spare her as much awkwardness as I could, I directed everyone's attention from the sudden stillness in the room and back to the important matter at hand.
"So, you said you needed our help?" I asked, reminding everyone we had another matter to deal with, "But why? You kinda moped the floor with all four of us." Remembering what happened a couple of minutes ago definitely took everyone's attention off Briar, something she looked grateful for.
"Well, heh, for the record, I was holding back." Tony retorted as he leaned against the table console facing T'Challa, the rest of us standing behind it. Briar raised her eyebrows at him; she clearly didn't believe him, but didn't say anything to contradict him. Probably still smarting from the hurt Panther just gave her.
"But Jan's right; we're kinda busy dealing with an army of super villains." Tony added, crossing his arms over his chest and looking slightly arrogant...or annoyed, whichever.
"My country has been overthrown by just such a villain." Panther replied, standing tall and proud before us. Wow, if I didn't believe he was a prince, I did now. I also see was Briar had a crush on this guy, body wise at least. "A brutal fiend called M'Baku the Man-Ape." He finished explaining.
"The White Gorilla cultist?" Briar's sudden question nearly made me jump, and made everyone look at her. "I've heard rumours about him; not one of them is pretty." She explained in a vague and uncomfortable manner, shifting nervously on her feet.
"The same." Panther spoke, answering Briar's question and returning our attention once again to his problem, "I need your help to get past the Wakandan people, so I can restore the throne." ...he say what now?
"Get past the Wakandan people?" Cap repeated in an incredulous tone, "If your people are following this Man-Ape of their own free will, that's the end of the story. That's what the people want."
"You do not understand." Panther retorted, turning away and walking towards the glass wall, probably so we couldn't see what he was thinking of. "The people are the problem. They follow the old ways: Man-Ape won the throne in combat, they feel they must follow him, no matter if it destroys everything." Here, Panther paused, as if the reality of his problem was digging its claws into him, in a rather painful way. "And the Man-Ape will destroy everything." He finished, the anger in his voice all too clear. But...
"I don't get it." I spoke up, scratching the back of my head, "I'm sure he's bad news and all, but how can he 'destroy' everything?"
"With who he's rumoured to be cosy with, it's not a far stretch to imagine." Briar quietly spoke p, avoiding everyone's gaze before looking up at her brother, "And, of course, there's the priceless resource problem."
"Vibranium." Hank agreed, typing something into the computer and bringing up a holographic image of the thing he was talking about: a crystal-like rock. Wait, wasn't that...?
"I've studied it first-hand; it's nothing to mess around with." Hank went on, remembering that incident he had in Wakanda a few months back.
"And legend has it; Wakanda is sitting on a mountain of it." Tony added. So how did Tony and Briar know about this stuff?
"The Vibranium mound." T'Challa said as he walked back to the table, "it is our treasure, and our responsibility."
"It's dangerous?" Cap asked him, but Briar beat the royal to the punch.
"The explosion Zemo caused? That'd be half the result of someone introducing a sonic frequency to a chunk of vibranium the size of a child's fist." And given how trashed the hall was after said explosion? That kinda put a perspective on how powerfully dangerous this material was.
"For centuries, we have defended it against any who would wish to exploit it."Panther added, shooting a look at her, but Briar quickly looked away, clearly not wishing to look at him in the eye and bring up any memories.
"That kind of resource should belong to everyone." Hank pointed out, the scientist in him coming out once more, "Vibranium has the potential to change the world."
"I agree." Panther nodded to him before shooting a really dark look to Tony, "but not necessarily for the better." Not only did Tony look uncomfortable, but so did Briar, but her expression was more pained than Tony's. So, what did Briar have to be guilty about?
At everyone's (but two) curious looks, Tony coughed up. "Ah...yeah; Stark Industries investigated the possibility of using vibranium to make weapons." Ah, that was why they looked so guilty, and how Briar knew all that stuff. Upon hearing that confessions, though, Hank gave him a very dirty look that would have melted his armour.
"It was a long time ago." Tony defended himself almost as heatedly before looking to Panther, "My people tried to deal with King T'Chaka; where's he now?" Panther said nothing as he lowered his gaze, and from the corner of mine I saw Briar tense before giving the prince a sad look. Why do I get the feeling the 'combat' he mentioned earlier was the kind that didn't have a happy ending for the loser?
Cap clearly must have had the same idea as I did, and decided to move things alone, "if this Man-Ape is going to put lives in danger, we have to do something." The distraction was just what Panther needed from his thoughts.
"Lives are in danger, Avenger." The prince stressed as he pulled a small black device from the folds of his outfit and inserted the device into one of the computer ports in front of him, "computer, satellite view of Wakanda."
"Wakanda can't be seen on satellite, trust me; I've tried." Tony pointed out, but even he was flummoxed when a map of said area appeared before our eyes, "ok, how exactly do you know my systems inside and out?" Tony demanded in an affronted tone. Even Briar looked shocked.
"I studied them...inside and out." Panther answered him, adding the last part for an extra sting on insult. Ouch, Briar wasn't going to pleased about that. Tony did mention that most of JARVIS's systems were created by her.
"How thorough of you." He grumbled through gritted teeth, the shocked look turning into annoyance, and was that hurt I could see again? If Panther saw it, he didn't react visibly, or offer any sort of apology. Jerk.
The map continued to zoom in till it showed one giant version of an anthill, and further zooming in revealed a whole bunch of people that nobody cold mistake.
"HYDRA." Cap breathed in anger upon seeing the men in all-too familiar green and yellow uniforms, moving what looked like mining gear. Next the map closed in on two particular people on the sidelines, watching the operation unfold.
"That's Grim Reaper; one of Von Strucker's guys." Tony informed everyone, indicting the guy wearing the dark cloak and the cybernetic scythe attached to his arm, "But who's Abe Lincoln there?"
"I've met him. Ulysses Klaw." Hank answered, not sounding all too happy about this certain guy, "he created a device that converts vibranium into a sonic weapon." With the players identified, the map disappeared.
"So, who's up for invading Wakanda?" I asked in a weak attempt to be chipper, though I really doubt the question needed to be asked.
"It'll be tricky enough with HYDRA; I don't fancy running into Man-Ape and seeing what he can do." Briar commented dryly, "Since that can't be helped, I'm in."
"Pardon?" Tony asked, surprise etched on his face.
"You're not coming with us." Cap put to her in a firm tone.
"It's too dangerous, especially with HYDRA." Hank added in a soothing tone, trying to be the voice of reason.
"This is not a matter you shoulder be involved with." Panther put in firmly, "It is a matter-"
"A matter for the Avengers, which I'm part of." Briar interjected before pointing her forefinger at Cap, "So yes, I am coming with you guys." Her finger moved towards Hank as she turned her attention to him, "I'm capable of defending myself against HYDRA." Finally, she rounded on Panther, "And just because you've saved my life, it doesn't give you the right to gainsay on my decisions." The three of them, particularly Panther, didn't look too happy that she was coming along, but Tony strangely didn't seem all that bothered.
"All right, then; while we plan, you and Wasp can get everything ready." He ordered. Briar gave a short nod in return before she and Voltaire left the room, myself flying after them and just able to hear Tony say "You're screwed. Big time." To somebody, I' guessing Panther.
Speaking of which...
"So I take it you guys...talked?" I asked carefully as we travelled up the elevator. She didn't answer, not even as she led the way up the stairs into the personal area of the mansion and into her room. Oh, I really hope it wasn't something more than talking!
"Yeah. We talked." When she finally answered, I let out a quiet sigh of replied retuning to my normal size and sitting on the edge of her bed, watching as she pulled various clothe items from different drawers.
"How long?"
"Since after the Hulk left." She answered, not turning to look at me, "I was in Central Park when he rescued me from a street gang." Didn't know that one, and I'm guessing Tony didn't either.
Briar briefly disappeared into her bathroom, and came back out wearing summer gear. Although, she actually looked like a younger, less-busty version of Lara Croft. Wearing a pair of tight beige khaki shorts that ended mid thigh on her, a black thin strapped singlet that did wonders for her modest sized chest, and her short black hair pulled back into a ponytail, I had to remind myself that Briar was one of the most painfully shy people I had ever met...though she did have her moments where she came out of her shell, apparently.
"And rescuing you from being kidnapped?" I asked, trying to get an idea of how much hurt Panther had put her through in the last 10 minutes.
"In short?" She threw back in a bitter tone as she sat down on the bed to put on a pair of socks and hiking boots, "We've been talking for three weeks, and at some point I made the stupid move of getting a crush of someone way out of my league, never once knowing that he was a prince in the first place."
...Yeah, I'd say that she was probably going to be bitter about this for a long time.
######
BRIAR'S POV
Getting Voltaire to stay behind in the mansion was the easy part. Getting on the air shuttle while trying to avoid a certain person or raising the suspicion from another wasn't so easy. After finding out that the guy I had a major crush on was a royal prince for some secret African nation, I tried to follow my inner voice's advice and try to let that fact go (no luck there), but even it gave up when it looked like Panther just used me to get to the Avengers for help.
:He could of come out, into the open and ask, be honest that way, but no-o-o-o.: It griped, :He had to go the dirty way, and use you. Lousy, gut-less, bug-eyed jerk off!:
As it continued griping to itself, I merely kept to myself while tying a gear pouch around my right thigh, attaching one end to my belt. Quartermaine suggested that I get it so I could keep my magi-staff within easy reach. Looks like today I was going to put that advice into practice.
As I checked over the pouch, making sure that it wasn't going to slip off or cut off my circulation, I became aware of the pair of eyes on me, and it didn't take a genius to figure out who it was. Even as he walked over to me, I did my best to focus on anything but the feelings I used to enjoy getting when in his presence.
"You should stay behind, little one." I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from reacting but when the guy makes my insides turn to jelly with just a look, it wasn't easy. By some miracle, however, I was able to remain unmoved...mostly because I still remember him lying to me!
"I'll be fine." I replied tersely, shifting my attention to putting on my wrist bracers, "In any case, I have debts to repay, so I may as well start by getting you back home."
"Yet the thought of running into danger does not frighten you?" He asked in a low tone, probably because Cap and Wasp were nearby, keeping a close eye on the both of us, now that they both knew how deeply I had cared about Panther.
"Probably does." I answered him, "But I can't feel it over the feeling utter betrayal." That definitely got a reaction out of him, but because he had put his mask back on I couldn't see it if was a good one or not. And now, I don't think I care anymore.
"Betrayal?" He repeated, sounding as if he was genuinely oblivious, then he caught on to just what I meant by 'betrayal', "Ah. So, finding out that I am a prince, and not a super-hero stalker, unsettles you?" Was he mocking me? Oh, he'd better not be!
"No." I answered through clinched teeth and finally looking up at him with my best icy glare, "But finding out that you only hung out with me just so you could get to the Avengers, and hacking into my systems while at it, does unsettle me. Especially when I thought you cared about me like I cared about you!" This time, he flinched as if my words caused him actual pain, but before he could do anything, Tony and Ant Man arrived, giving me the chance to get away from him.
When final preparations were in place, we got ready for takeoff, and then we were out and in the air and heading to Wakanda.
By any luck, this might be the last time I see Panther this closely. Maybe see him get crowned, then we go home without him, and I could start trying to put my shattered confidence, not to mention my broken heart.
######
The most tedious thing about being in a small air shuttle with a guy who only used you to get to other people, and shattered both your heart and confidence in one fell swoop, is that as some point you'll have to talk to him, especially as the flight was going to be a few hours.
But, even as we passed the four hour mark and things were starting to get very boring, my inner voice refused point blank to let me talk to Panther, only humming in reply if he tried to start a conversation, which didn't happen all that much. Or at all, since I pointed out how much he'd hurt me. So, between the lack of conversation and an inner voice that reflected how angry I was about a certain silent prince, it got very boring very quick, even at the pace we were going at.
I could always sleep, but even that seemed boring, so I settled for staring out the window and at the sky beyond. It was strange to think that it was sometime during the evening that we'd left New York, and it was a bright sunny day in Africa. You could clearly see the jungles below and the mountain ranges, one of the shaped like a skull head, and –WAIT WHAT?!
"Uh, guys?" I called out, turning from the window and nearly jumping in fright when I saw how close Panther was, "Ok, please tell me that skull shaped mountain is not what I think it is?" If it was Dead Man's Mountain, then I was so going to kill Tony if we survived.
"This is not the path I laid out." Panther informed Tony, who clearly led with his ego...again, "You should avoid this area; the jungle is too well protected."
"Don't worry; the Quinjet had the best cloaking tech there is. Mine." My older breath replied in a smug proud tone...right as we started getting shot at from the jungle floor.
"Wakanda defense tech is better." Panther pointed out as everyone was jostled around. A snappy retort was on my lips when the backend of the Quinjet shook violently, the force knocking me into someone's arms. Panther tightened his grip and threw the both of us to the floor just as a god-almighty BOOM ripped through the tail end of the jet, which probably meant the engine were hit and the ground was coming towards us really fast.
This was going to hurt, a lot.
The Quinjet crashed into the trees, knocking everyone around as we continued down, the horrible screeching of metal ripping filling my ears and hurting them badly. I couldn't see what else was happening, mostly because Panther was on top of me and cradling my head against his chest, shielding my body with his. For a brief moment, I was glad to be in his arms again, until the jet made one final shuddering jolt and came to an abrupt halt.
Nobody dared breathe, or even think of moving for a few seconds before I rolled Panther over, sitting on his hips as I pulled myself from his grip and rubbed the back of my neck. "Nice landing, you twatmuffin." I growled at Tony, shooting him a heated glare, "Next time, try hitting a few more trees!"
With that said, we bailed from the wreckage, which somehow managed to precariously hang in the tree branches by a few thick vines. How we didn't drop was a mystery. But aside from a few bruises, nobody was really hurt, aside from Tony's ego, but he did bring that on himself.
Speaking of which...
"You owe me a jet." Tony snapped as he dropped to the ground, directing his frustration at Panther.
"You chose not to listen to me, Stark." He calmly replied, "It was a mistake." No Kidding? But Panther's calm attitude didn't do anything for Tony's already crabby attitude, and this almost sent him over the edge.
"You and me need to have a little talk, kitty." My brother snarled angrily, but Jan and I quickly intervened before those two got into a fight. While I positioned myself between them and put my hand on their chests, Jan settled for being blunt with them. "Hey, look at the time!" She chirped in an overly cheerful tone, "Shouldn't we be somewhere, like in a big fight against HYDRA?" Her pointed question, her tone, and the subtle push I was giving against his chest was enough to bring Tony to his senses, for the time being.
"Right, here's the plan." Tony spoke, going into leader-mode and stepping away from Panther to face the other Avengers, "we take down HYDRA and protect the vibranium mound, then we deal with Man-Ape."
"Do not underestimate the Wakandan army, which is heading this way." Panther interjected in a firm tone, before it softened, "I wish you well, but I will deal with Man-Ape myself." And with that, he elegantly leapt into the trees and disappeared from sight.
"And he left." Wasp commented from her position of Ant Man's shoulder, Panther's actions causing to frustrate Tony...again.
"You have got to be kidding me! What-I" He was lost for words for a few seconds before he managed to grasp the fact that our only hope of navigating the jungle just took off, "Ok, fine: Cap, go after him."
"But you need-" Cap started, but checked himself, "Understood." And went in the direction Panther did. As much as Panther hurt me, did I really want to see him get flattened by a giant gorilla-man, and HYDRA?
:...No, not really.: My inner voice admitted begrudgingly.
"I'll go with him." I told Tony before hurrying after the super soldier. I had a feeling that this wasn't going to end well, but I did owe Panther for saving me a few times.
So, now I was on my own, running through an unknown jungle, following a pair of men who clearly had a distance on me. "Well, things can't get any worse." I exhaled as I leapt over a fallen tree...right into the path of a really big female elephant, and she did not look happy.
"I spoke too soon."
######
BLACK PANTHER'S POV
As I raced towards my old home, my thoughts ran amuck inside me. Not a mere moment ago, I allowed Captain America the opportunity to catch up, if only so I could turn him away. But there was something about him; his manner, his tone, perhaps his gaze, but I finally admitted my darkest secret to him.
I could see in my mind, the past unfolding as if in the present. The rain, the lightning, and my...my father. When begging him not to fight the Man-Ape did nothing, I could only stand aside and watch as my father was slain before my eyes.
The pain was unimaginable; truly, I did not expect Man-Ape to win, but he did, and when my father was taken from this world, his passing left a deep gash in my heart. At once, I was filled with disbelief, but it soon faded, and rage and vengeance over took me. I would kill Man-Ape, avenge my father and retake the throne.
But to do this, I would need help. So I went to America, and sought out the Avengers. But I became sidetracked by someone I never thought possible.
Rose.
When I happened across her in trouble, I only did what any honest man would do, and when I caught up to her again to see if she was not hurt, I never expected what happened afterwards to occur.
As I looked into her eyes, the hidden warmth inside of them pierced through my defences, and I could feel my heart beating stronger than it ever had before.
This young woman, and her caring nature, had ensnared my heart.
Which only hurt painfully when I finally revealed myself to her friends, and she believed I had only used her, and when she admitted that she had cared for me...
I wish I could have told her the truth earlier, and that I had no intention of treating her in such a way, but when I saw in her eyes the depth of which I had inadvertently hurt her, I decided that she should never have to deal with my affections, even if it hurt me to even think of her with another man.
Forcefully pushing those thoughts aside, I focused instead on my rage, and my quest to not only restore the Panther line as rulers of Wakanda, but also avenge my father's death. There was no place for such thoughts about the young woman I barely knew; no matter how charming, or beautiful she was, or how soft her skin was against my own-
:NO! Focus, T'Challa: focus on your quest!: I roared at myself, my rage replacing all thoughts of Rose in my mind.
Sneaking past the villagers and guards proved no challenge, and I was able to make my was to the King's Arena, where all outsiders were presented to the king, and all challenges to the throne were decided. Returning here, to the site where my father was killed, burned my heart deeply, letting the rage within become hotter as it began to sear my soul.
Once in the arena and hidden from those within, I quietly watched as W'Kabi approached M'Baku as he sat on a throne made in his image, two of my father's best trained Dora Milaje stood at his sides. Seeing him sit on a throne that was held the proud image of the Panther King, a seat that once belonged to my father felt like acid in my blood; how dare he pervert the throne where generations of Panther kings have ruled. Before my temper got the better of me, I forced myself to be calm: it would not do myself any favours if I let my anger completely control me. Once calm again, I was able to hear my father's old friend and adviser, W'Kabi address the Man-Ape.
"Our warriors in the jungle do not respond." He informed him, kneeling before his 'king', "I beg you; rid Wakanda of all outsiders. T'Chaka would never-"
"I am king!" M'Baku roared in rage, rising from the throne, "Not the Black Panther. The Black Panther is no more!" Time to unveil the truth.
"You are wrong, M'Baku." I replied, my voice carrying throughout the arena and focusing their attention towards me, "The Black Panther challenges you for the throne of Wakanda!"
"T'Challa." I heard W'Kabi breath, a glimmer of hope in his eyes before looking to M'Baku again, "A challenge has been issued. By tribal lore, you must-" He was cut off by a disgruntled growl from the Man-Ape.
"I have no use for tradition." He replied before turning to the two women on his sides, "Crush the panther cub." My blood froze as they looked at each other before racing towards me, their spears at the ready. In hindsight, I should have planned on M'Baku doing this, but I had let too much anger into my head. By some hope, I should be able to overcome this obstacle.
But that hope was dwindling fast as I evaded their attacks; they were well trained by my father in the art of the spear and combat, perhaps too well. That point was proven when one of their spears connected with my side, the force behind the blow knocking me to the ground, and bruising a rib. When I lifted me head, I could barely hold back a frustrated growl as they stood over me, the spear heads poised to strike me down. The air turned sour as M'Baku cruelly laughed in sadistic glee.
"Your father trained them well, cub." He sneered, enjoying my dilemma far too much. I could not let this end here; I must restore the throne and my kingdom!
Softly groaning from my pained rib, I turned to the two bodyguards preparing themselves to kill me. "You do not have to do this." I implored them, praying that they'd listen to me, but was almost dismayed when they lifted their spears for one final strike.
:Rose, forgive me.: I pleaded as I turned my head away, seeing the gentle smile of the beautiful young woman in my mind before death claimed me as it did my father.
"Heads up!" I heard a familiar voice shout before something flew between me and the attack, snapping the spearheads away. I raised my head in time to see Captain America reclaim his shield, saving my life at the right second. And I could never thank him enough for his timely arrival, or stubbornness.
"You can face Man-Ape alone." He informed me as he prepared his shield for a defence, "anyone else is fair game." I could feel a small chuckle in my throat at his bold declaration, but the dark laughter of M'Baku filled the air once again.
"This outsider is more foolish than you, panther cub." He villain sneered, "What hopes does he have alone again two?"
"Who said he's alone, you ugly monkey?" My head snapped as it turned to the bold female's voice. I could barely breathe as Rose walked into the arena to stand beside her friend. Despite her skin marred by streaks of dirt, and her shirt torn at the bottom, Rose never looked more beautiful than as she did now; an incredible effigy of determination, strength and courage. At once, her words struck in my mind, and my stomach dropped along with my blood freezing: she could possibly not be thinking of trying to beat the two Dora, they are too strong and skilled for her!
As if she could hear my thoughts, Rose looked at me. At first she seemed a little surprised, but then she gave a soft smile before closing one eye in a friendly wink. Honestly, that woman...
"Tear the outsiders apart." Man-Ape growled as he rose from the throne, "I will deal with the Panther. The two Dora obeyed his command and turned towards my two allies, allowing me to get to my feet as M'Baku prepared to fight me himself.
:Please, be careful, my Rose.: I offered silently, :Please be safe.:
######
BRIAR'S POV
:What in the HELL was you thinking?!: My inner voice screamed at me as I dodged an attack from my opponent, and for once, I agreed with it! Sure, I was able to go toe-to-toe against SHIELD agents, but I must be crazy to go against a freaking Dora Milaje! These ladies were trained to defend their king at all cost, so you can imagine that some pretty damn intense training when into that.
:And here I am, fighting one and barely holding myself up: I remarked to myself, a whoosh of air escaping my lungs as a strong kick collided with my side, knocking my against one of the stone totems surrounding the arena. Still, I can't really complain: despite having orders to kill me, my opponent was gracious enough to give me a chance to catch my breath for a second, giving me the chance to evaluate the other fights.
Cap wasn't doing as bad as I was (course not; he's been trained for years to fight) and was able to withstand more attacks than me. T'Challa, however, another thing. He wasn't doing badly: in face, it looked like he was winning, but I also knew that Man-Ape wasn't as honourable as my opponent.
:Speaking of Man-Ape...: My inner voice prompted, just as a intense vibrating sound pierced the air, a pained scream following it. My head snapped around to see the man I still cared deeply about falling to his knees, covering his ears in an attempt to block out the painful sound coming from a device in Man-Ape's hand.
"T'Challa!" I could hear myself and Cap cry out, the latter trying to run over to help, but got knocked back by the Dora he was fighting, meaning they cared more about obeying tribal lore than helping their true king from a dirty rotten cheat.
"Oh, that is it." I growled, turning a heated glare onto my opponent. She flinched in surprise, even more so as I pushed myself off the stone pillar and launched at her with renewed energy. First, I feigned a strike to her head, but caught her off guard with a blow to her stomach, then swung my body down in a circle, extending my leg to sweep her feet from underneath her. Before she fell to the ground, I caught her from inside her elbow, and threw her over my back, the momentum sending us both to the ground, the force of hitting the dirt coupled with an elbow in her stomach effectively knocked the wind from her lungs. Rolling with the moment, I effortlessly rolled to my feet, letting go of her arm and swinging into a defensive pose. Though, not really needing to: poor thing was terribly winded.
:Damn girl.: My inner voice offered as a compliment. I let out a shaky breath, lowering my fists to my sides as my shoulder slumped, effectively drained of stamina. That was when I noticed the small group of people staring at me. Actually, there were a lot of people around the ring, and I found the reason was that M'Baku the Man-Ape was on the ground, prone and not moving an inch, with Panther standing tall and proud.
:Wait...he won?:
"He won." I softly laughed, a silly little smile appearing on my face as relief nearly making me weep. T'Challa looked around to the people surrounding the ring before pointing at the stricken M'Baku and addressed them all.
"This is the man who has brought catastrophe to our land; the one who took your king, through cowardice and dishonour!" He declared, his voice filling the air, the way a true king's voice should. The crowd must have thought that same, and began chanting his name in triumph. The Dora fighting Cap stood down, and went to help the one I fought while Cap and I walked over to T'Challa.
When we were close enough, I couldn't help myself and threw my arms around his neck for a hug. "You did it!" I laughed giddily into his neck, feeling his hands rest on the small of my back, "I knew you could." He didn't say anything in reply, and I suddenly remembered that since M'Baku was defeated, T'Challa was now king.
With that thought, I quickly pulled away from him, folding my hands behind my back. "Right. King now. Sorry." I murmured as I looked away from him. I could hear Cap chuckling.
"Don't look at me; I'm not hugging you." He commented drawing a small embarrassed whine from myself. Things couldn't get any worse, could they?
Suddenly, people started calling out in fear, pointing to the mountain as a giant purple thing emerged, and sent an ear-blasting wave of almost crippling pure sound. I clamped my hands over my ears, but that still didn't stop the noise, or the feedback vibrating my body painfully, and everyone was hurting just as bad.
:Ah, make it stop!: My inner voice wailed, the pain almost sending me to tears. There had to be some- Wait, my staff!
The idea unveiled itself in my head, detailing the steps. Alenka said the staff responded to my energy, and I've been finding that I can create anything with it, so long as I had the energy to put into it. It was also going to need a big enough charge, so it was a good thing that it was a nice sunny day.
Pulling my hands from my ears was hard, especially now that I had pure sound waves assaulting my ears and threatening to burst my ear drums, but it's a necessary evil. I reached into my pouch, pulling my staff out and increasing its length before digging one end into the ground, the other pointing directly at the sun.
:Concentrate.: I told myself, focusing on controlling my breathing, :ignore the pain. Concentrate.: Forcing myself to breath, albeit shakingly, I closed my eyes and focused on the image in my mind: a dome, large enough to cover the village below the mountain, and protect them.
Let's just hope the staff and I can handle something this big.
Concentrating all my effort into the staff, I could feel it begin to tingle, which began to grow more powerful with each second as it began to work. If I opened my eyes, I would have seen the tip of my staff begin to glow like gold, and a water-like beam of golden light shoot into the air above the arena, and as it reached its zenith it reacted to the sun's rays, the beam began to expand to all sides, racing itself till it reached the border of the village and cascaded to the ground; creating a protective dome against the sound.
In the meantime, I just hoped someone found a way to stop that purple thing, because I couldn't hold this up for long: the tingle had now before a powerful shaking that made my head pound badly, and the pressure I was putting on the staff made it heat up till it felt like my hands were on fire.
Finally, the vibrating and heat were too much, and with a sharp yell and threw myself from the staff. The feedback from the staff didn't hurt as the other noise, but it was definitely enough to give me whiplash as I staggered a few steps before dropping. I would've hit the dirt if it hadn't been for the pair of arms catching me, gently lowering me to the ground as my head was cradled against the person's chest.
Admittedly, when I pulled that spectacular piece of work off, I did expect some sort of hideous pain and suffering. I mean, I was effectively channelling pure solar power into a thin beam of magical wood, and using that energy to create a shield around an entire village. Instead, all I had was a whopping case of a dizzy spell, which was starting to cure itself.
Well, enough for me to look up and see T'Challa cradling me in his arms, his mask pulled back to reveal that handsome face of his looking very worried. But seeing me open my own eyes and giving him a small smile, he let out a loud exhalation before giving me an annoyed look.
"That was a foolish thing to do, Rose." He scolded me, and proceeded to lecture me on 'not sacrificing myself to save his village', but honestly, I couldn't stop staring at him with the biggest silliest smile on my face. And when he finally caught on, he asked what I was laughing at.
"You." I answered softly, because despite having a headache, I do remember that he was king now, and that most of the village were surrounding the ring, and probably wondering why their king was holding an outsider so closely.
"And why am I so hilarious?" He asked, frowning in both a handsomely regal way and an adorable cute manner (damn him and his pouting), obviously not finding anything as funny as I did.
"You called me Rose. That's the first time you've said my name, ever since this started." I pointed out to him quietly, "I was starting to miss it." He didn't say anything for a few seconds before his face relaxed into a smile, his head shaking slightly in disbelief, even as the arm curled around my shoulder pulled me closer to his body for a warm hug.
######
Not that long afterwards, Tony, Ant Man and wasp rejoined our little gathering in the arena. By then I was able to stand up on my own two feet again, though Cap stood nearby just in case I needed to lean on someone.
But before we could exchanged any pleasantries, a group of spear-toting warriors aimed their weapons at us as an old man dressed in a white dress, a green ornate head dress on spare white hair and a panther-headed sceptre in his hand approached T'Challa.
"The true king of Wakanda has returned." He proclaimed for all to hear, "Now, we may purify our lands of the outsiders, and return to the old ways." My heart clenched painfully as I turned my gaze onto the now masked face of T'Challa, who looked at the man kneeling before him.
I know that he merely used me to get to the Avengers, and that used all of us to get past his own people, but despite all that, I still cared deeply about him, and not being able to see him anymore hurt a lot. But, if this was what he wanted, then I couldn't really stop him.
"Rise, my friend." T'Challa gently commended the old ma, resting his hand on shoulder before him, "Outsiders may have threatened Wakanda, but outsiders saved us as well." The surprise on the man's face as he stood mirrored the people around us.
"The old ways allowed Man-Ape to do this, and the old way must change." He continued, giving the warriors surrounding us a silent order to stand down.
"My first order as king is to let the council lead Wakanda; a council of the people. We can no longer hide ourselves away, waiting for our enemies to come to us. What happens in Wakanda affects the world, so I will go out into the world." He further decreed, stepping towards the rest of us, "I will fight alongside our new allies."
...OK, I admit it; I felt my face nearly splitting from the smile I was wearing, and the joy I felt was unbelievable...
"You attacked, you used us, abandoned us, now you want to join us?" Tony asked as he stepped towards the king, "Why should we trust you?"
...a-a-a-and there goes the moment. Thanks, bro.
"You shouldn't." T'Challa agreed with him, "I will earn your trust, should you allow me to join." I openly turned to Tony with a hopeful expressing and lots of puppy eyes, while Jan subtly pointed out to him something that was really important.
"He's probably our best bet for a ride home, too."
"You're in." Tony announced, and the pair of them shook hands to a rousing cheer of approval from the crowd. I almost squealed with joy and jump up and down in excitement, but somehow managed to compose myself enough to give him a friendly punch to his shoulder. "Nice job." I lightly teased him, "Not every day a king hangs out with us." You could almost see him wince underneath his mask.
"If anything, Miss Stark, I'd prefer to be your friend." He pointed out, "Though I suspect that may not be the case, as I has wronged you greatly." I had just opened my mouth to reply when someone called for T'Challa. Seeing as he was going to be needed for a few last minute details, he graciously offered us a chance to rest for a few hours, which we gladly took up.
"Ugh, it feels so good to be out of the sun." I gushed, leaning back into the mound of pillows behind me, the others doing the same as they nursed a cold drink of something in their hands.
"Really?" Jan asked, a teasing glint in her eyes, "I thought I heard you were a sun bug?" By now, everyone knew (courtesy of Cap) about what I managed to accomplish in the arena, and after the obligatory once-twice-thrice over by my brother, I sincerely hope they didn't expect me to do that again; it was painful enough the first time. Speaking of which, I got a chuckle as Tony's expense when they recounted their battles, particularly the part where Tony had to fly into the mouth of the sonic creature and was almost shaken to pieces.
"Well, I'm glad somebody got a laugh out of my pain." My brother grumbled at me before turning rather thoughtful, "But I gotta admit, seeing Law's sonic emitter does give me an idea or two."
"Tony!" Ant Man exclaimed, looking almost annoyed while the rest of us groaned before Tony waved him off.
"Not like that." He assured us all, before pausing slightly, "though a mini version wouldn't go wrong in case the mansion gets attacked again." Yeah, somehow I don't think that would last long, Tony.
"But seriously." My brother continued, much to Ant Man's ire, "instead of using it as a weapon, how about a medical tool? Like, a sonic x-ray? Huh?" While Ant Man as the other two looked slightly intrigued and curious about where this thought was going, I felt my insides freeze quite painfully. He wasn't...
"Or maybe a sonic CT scanner." Tony offered, and I barely held back a groan of dismay. He did, he went there. Unintentionally, of course, but he went there and opened wounds best left alone.
Carefully putting my glass on a nearby table, I quietly managed to get away from the group, ducking into an empty hallway, and letting out a shaky breath as I walked across the cool marble floor. As much as I loved Tony and his ideas that helped humanity, but the ideas he was throwing out weren't a very good idea, if only because they brought back bad memories of how much an idiot I was.
Leaning against the sill of a nearby window, I let my gaze slide over the scenery of the village, and the jungle beyond. If I weren't feeling so down at the moment, I would have admired the view, and the brilliant plumage of the exotic birds flying into the air.
"Beautiful isn't it?" I nearly leapt out of my skin when T'Challa spoke into my ear, making him chuckle softly as I tried to catch my breath again and calm my jittery nerves.
"Must you do that?" I asked him as my heart tried to calm down, whether from the fright or from being near T'Challa, I didn't know. Which reminds me...I'm in a hallway, alone, with a very attractive king. And if I wasn't careful about what I said to him, there may be an entire army ready to kill me. Whether he'd really do that or not was left to be seen, but still...
Keeping those thoughts in mind, I folded my hands behind the small of my back and leaned against the side of the window as T'Challa leaned on the other side, his arms folded over his broad chest, and my darn preppy girly side marvelled at the sight of those tight-planed muscles expand and contract as he breathe in and out...whoa, was it hot all of a sudden?
"Rose?" T'Challa asked in a quit tone, effectively dragging my attention from his chest as to his gaze, which thankfully was looking out the window. "May I ask you to accompany me somewhere? There is something I would like you to see"...oh-kay...
"Uh, sure, I guess." I answered softly, "Should I let Tony know?"
"I have someone doing that as we speak." He replied. When I didn't give an immediate response, he glanced my way cautiously, "Does that trouble you?"
"...a little. Tony tends to get-"
"HE DID WHAT?!"
"...overprotective when I'm alone with strange men he barely knows." I replied, not even batting an eyelash as Tony's outburst, "So I suggest we start running now." Seeing how deadpanned I was, T'Challa took my hand in his and quickly led me down the rest of the hallway, through a few others before we came down a flight of stairs and came back outside.
"So where is this 'somewhere' you're taking me to?" I asked him as we finally slowed down to a leisurely walk, but he never got the chance to answer when a loud elephant's trumpet distracted me. Oh, fine, alright: it scared me enough to jump against T'Challa, making him wrap his arms around me, and also making him chuckle. He led me around the wall, where (and I kid you not) an elephant stood waiting, being very patient with the small group of people moving around it.
Hang on...didn't I see that elephant before?
"This is Mitali." T'Challa breathed into my ear, "she has been my closest companion, ever since I was a little boy." Upon seeing the pair of us, the elephant raised her trunk and softly trumpeted in greeting, even reaching for T'Challa as he walked us over to her, and I was definitely positive that I had seen her before in the jungle.
"We've met." I informed him breathlessly, laughing a little as the gentle creature lifted her trunk and gently sniffed around my face, "She led me into the village when I lost track of you and Cap." I could feel T'Challa stiffen a little, but Mitali seemed to bare no ill-will about our encounter. Apparently, not only could my magi-staff be used as a weapon and generate a large shield, but it's useful as a harmless communication tool with another species.
"So...you risked Tony's wrath to show me Mitali?" I asked him, turning my gaze onto him.
Actually...no, he didn't.
In less than a few minutes, I was regretting my decision to go with him. It was one thing to follow an elephant you just shared memories with; it was an entirely different thing to ride one! But, thankfully, T'Challa knew what he was doing, and Mitali was very careful with her passengers. However, that didn't stop me from being nervous because I was the one sitting behind her head with a 'jungle king' sitting very close behind me.
Nerve-wracking...but incredibly awesome!
"This is completely insane!" I giggled madly, allowing T'Challa to lift my arms up till they aligned with my shoulder, "You did this every day?"
"As often as I was allowed." He replied, and I didn't need to turn around to know that he had a wide beaming smile on his face, "But there was always an adventure to be had, or found." I was about to make a cheeky remark when he reached around my waist and pressed a hand to Mitali's head, speaking in his native tongue, making her stop. "We're here."
'Here' being a clearing where the trees rose from the ground like giants, their branches tangling together to create a giant canopy of green over a crystal blue lake, possibly being fed from an underground spring. The sun light did manage to pierce through the canopy above, just allowing enough light to shine onto the water. It was a beautiful place...but why was T'Challa showing me this?
I turned my head to ask my question, but the words died on my tongue when I saw he wasn't sitting behind me anymore. A soft noise from above drove my attention up there, and I saw T'Challa kneeling on a thick tree branch. One hand was holding onto another above him while his other was extended down towards me. Giving him a curious look, I really had to wonder what was going on inside that head of his.
"I have no intention of bring harm to you, Rose." He assured me, "But what I wish you to see requires a bit of a climb." Still, that didn't ease all my worry, but I decided to go along with him. So I put my hand in his, letting him pull me up from Mitali's back and into the trees with him, where he carefully led me up through the branches, helping me when I needed it.
When we reached our destination, I was all at once grateful I went along with him.
Resting above the canopy and in the centre of one of the larger, stronger trees was a thatch hut, and when T'Challa led me behind the large fabric that served as a door, I marvelled at the interior. On the left side of the door, nestled under open window was a rather large wicker couch, its pale cushions looking very comfortable. On the opposite side of the couch, on the right side of the wall from the door, was a large dark wooden bookcase, all of its shelves filled with books of different subjects. And in front of me was a simple desk and chair, with another window that a breath-taking view: above the tree canopy, I could see for miles of the jungle, a mountain range and the tall spires of the Wakandan village in the distance, and if I looked long enough, I could see different types of animals and flowers that only grew in this land.
"Wow." I exhaled softly, the view forever etched into my mind, "This is...it's just...perfect."
"It is more enchanting in the evening light." T'Challa replied from behind me, "and in the nights when there is a full moon in the sky." Hearing that makes me want to stay just that little bit longer, so that I could see it. My thoughts were interrupted when T'Challa politely cleared his throat, and when I turned to face him, he stood in the middle of the room, his hands hiding behind his back.
"If you have a spider behind your back, I swear, king or not; I will deck you." I warned him: just because I smiled as I said this, it did not mean that I was kidding. I hated spiders of any shape and size with a passion, and wasn't afraid to let people know it.
"No, not a spider." He assured me, a sincere smile further enforcing the notion, "But before I do show you what I have hidden, perhaps you may answer a question."
"Go for it."
"Well then; where you ever a student at Oxford University?" That...wasn't a question I was expecting, but then again it was better than what I slightly feared he was going to ask.
"Yeah, actually. Last year was my last after 5 years; I studied a few things, mostly major sciences. And minored in Philosophy." I added that last part as a teasing reference to one of our first conversation, and where Voltaire's name was first coined.
"I see." He acknowledged, an almost sly smile on his lips (...which I would not focus on, thank you, brain!) as he took a step closer towards me, "Were you, also by chance, studying Physics at one point?"
Now he really had me confused. When I answered with a cautious nod, he merely moved one hand from behind his back and into my line of sight, and in that hand was a framed photograph. Looking at T'Challa in silent question, I gently took the offered photograph from hi, looked at it...and whined when I realized what it was, and why he was asking about physics.
"I can't believe it." I groaned good naturedly, holding one hand to my forehead in mock dismay, "Oxford Physics graduation class: I look terrible!" I really did; I was the shortest person in my class, plus the youngest, and I had also gotten braces on my teeth that year.
"Hang on." I began slowly, looking at the man who had given me the photo in the first place with a questioning look, "How come you have a copy?" T'Challa didn't say anything but stood beside me, and pointed to someone in the photo. More precisely, the guy standing in the row behind mine.
"Look familiar?" Hmm...black hair, dark skin, golden eyes, nice-WHAT?!
"You were in the same class?" I asked loudly, then made a noise a realization, turning to point my finger at his chest, "Lucas Okinawa!" The triumphant smile he wore was answer enough for me.
For the duration of my physics class, I had been sitting next to a rather private boy named Lucas, but he was always one of the first people to ask if I needed help. Aside from that, I never really knew all that much about him. Geez, he looked so different as a younger kid, if it weren't for his eyes, I never would have known it was the same man that I eventually got a crush on.
"Imagine how amazed I was, to learn that the young girl I had been sitting next to in that class, had turned out to be the beautiful young woman, who became a light in my darkest time?" T'Challa commented, sounding as if his mind were elsewhere, "Despite what you think, Rose, I never had the intention to abuse your trust as I inadvertently did. I genuinely sought to be your friend, and can only apologize for not telling you the truth sooner."
Hearing his apology, coupled with the look of utter sincerity had my looking away as I bit my lip painfully, almost to the point I drew blood. To be honest, I wasn't really angry with him for all that: he did have a real reason behind his actions, even if it took me a while to get over the initial sting to see it. I just got angry with him because of the memories it brought up, the ones that had been deeply buried for almost 5 years.
But, maybe it was time I owned up to the memories...even if it meant losing T'Challa.
"You're not the one who should be apologizing." I told him quietly, putting the photo down on the table before walking over to the couch, "It's me." And then, came one of the hardest moments in my life.
"Five years ago, when Stark Industries inquired about the vibranium...that wasn't authorized by Tony." I began, sitting down on the soft cushions and leaning my elbows on my knees. Folding my hands together, and bringing them towards my head, I closed my eyes and admitted the dark truth, "It was me."
Not sparing a glance at T'Challa, I let everything pour out, "Tony had appendicitis at that time, and needed to take a week off to really recover. While he was out, he asked me to look after things, because I was smart enough to make the right decisions. Up until then, Tony never really let me near that position in SI; occasionally I was allowed to work on personal projects there, but he claimed that being the boss was going to bore me in five minutes. So when he finally offered, I leapt at the chance.
"At first, everything was going ok. There wasn't much paperwork that needed to be done; just sign some stuff and oversee a few projects his guys were working on, but it gave me the chance to catch up on the theory and prac work from the university, so I never complained. Then we got word about the vibranium, and that's where everything went downhill fast."
I paused to take a deep breath, and to wipe at the hot tears on my cheeks. T'Challa had barely made a sound as I confessed all of this to him, and I wasn't sure if it was a good thing. :Well, might as well get the last bit out.: I snorted mentally and gathered the last of my courage.
"I went over the news with the board of directors, the head scientists, anybody that matter, and asked it is was a good idea to ask for a small sample of vibranium: there were a few tests I wanted run on it before we even committed to even thinking of ideas for it, and they seemed ok with it. The assistant director at the time, Obadiah Stane, said that he'd even oversee the deal himself." Saying that made me give a bitter laugh as I dragged him up, "I knew I couldn't trust that bastard for a minute, but Tony had faith in him, so did the board, and while I was smart and Tony's sister, they weren't going to believe me. So I had no choice but to let him take the lead on the deal. I hadn't heard anything for the rest of the week, then Tony came back, and well...we found out what Stane had done with the deal: he changed it, saying that Stark Industries wanted the vibranium for weapons experimentation. Since the board knew that I had said 'scientific research', heads rolled and backs were flayed, but by then I was mortified."
I could still remember that moment: when Stane admitted that he changed the deal, I felt such anger, and guilt that I had allowed him to make such a deception, but then it all turned into sheer humiliation on a gigantic scale.
"Tony immediately took over, doing his best to clear everything up. He even took the heat for me about the deal when the Wakandan officials asked. So while he got blamed for everything, I turned tail and went back to England." I continued, coming towards the end of my story, "After that I just...gave up. I gave up on the dreams and ideas I ever had of making the world better, and stayed away from SI, even though they never blamed me."
They may not have blamed me, but I certainly blamed myself. When I got back to Oxford, I tried my best getting through my classes with my usual cheerfulness, but my enthusiasm wasn't what it used to be, and at one point, I had gotten so angry at myself, I threw away a journal that carried all my dreams insides, vowing never to go near an idea like that ever again.
Now that I confessed to T'Challa about the truth about who really authorized the deal, I could just imagine the shock and disgust he was probably feeling for me at the present time. Just when he admitted that he wanted to be my friend, too.
"You..." He finally spoke but had to pause as if to swallow what I had just dumped on him, before cautiously speaking again, "You said you wanted to test the vibranium before committing it to anything else. What tests?" Taking a shaky breath, and wiping the back of my hand against my cheeks to get rid of the tears again, I answered.
"I wanted to know if vibranium was safe to use of humans." I admitted, "I had this stupid idea that it could be used to help map the human body, pick up anomalies better than other scanners could, and if there was a unique frequency that could safely disintegrate certain types of blockages, or even tumours, without having to use chemicals." That was the idea, and I was excited to see the possibilities it could have in the medical field.
Was, being the key word here.
Now I was just waiting to see how low I dragged myself in his eyes, and that knowledge hurt me a lot more than when I thought he was using me.
"Ah. So, then this does belong to you?" The question made me look up at him sharply, and in his hand was a leather bound notebook, with a rose imprinted on the front and back covers, and seeing it made my whole body shake intensely and my eyes cloud over with fresh tears.
"H-how did—where d-did you?" I stammered, barely able to form a whole sentence as I stared at both him and the book dumbly.
"In all honesty, it landed at my feet when you threw it away in anger." He explained in a gentle tone, "I had heard about what Stark Industries had tried to do, and was angry. But when I looked through your book, and saw your thoughts and all the ideas and possibilities you had, my anger cooled. I tried to return it to you, but that was also our last day of graduation, and I never saw you again." Here, he paused and gave a soft laugh, "To be truthful, I did not recognize you at first; you no longer wore braces, and you have matured greatly." Despite the tears running down my face, I couldn't help but feel my face flush at his assessment, which didn't stop my inner voice from cooing in delight.
But it didn't really tell me why he kept the book.
"As for your ideas, I agreed with them." He admitted, answering my unasked question, "And when I returned to Wakanda, I inquired if any of these ideas were possible." Finished with his explanation, T'Challa knelt down in front of me, pressing the book into my hands,
"Do not give up on your dreams, Rose." He asserted firmly, his eyes holding mine, showing the truth and determination behind his words, "You have brilliant ideas, and a brilliant mind that can change the world better than anyone else. You shouldn't let it go, just because one man cannot tolerate peace, or see it as a profit."I wasn't sure how to respond to all of that, but my body decided that shedding more tears was an option.
"Th-"I tried to speak, but the tears got in the way, and I had to take a moment to wipe them away, "Dang it. Why am I always crying in front of you?" He merely smiled warmly before standing up right, tugging me long with him. When we were both standing, his arms folded around my body and brought me into his chest in a near bone crushing hug. Getting enough of my senses back together, I wrapped my arms around his waist, and enjoyed the warm fuzzy feelings I was getting again.
We stood like that for a few moments, before T'Challa broke the silence.
"So, was that a 'yes, I do forgive you, T'Challa?' I heard?" he joked, and couldn't help but laugh into his chest before tilting my head back to look up at him and his cheeky smile.
"Only if you forgive me first." I replied.
######
He did, and we became friends again (thanks to a minor tickle battle that he won), after which T'Challa promised to have his scientists talk with me about my ideas, something I politely declined. But I did point out that, perhaps, this was more of Ant Man's field of expertise, and that he could look into it himself instead of Stark Industries.
Speaking of a certain Stark...
As soon as Mitali carried the both of us back to the village, we were quickly escorted to a fuming Tony, who almost tore into the king until I showed him the notebook I had thrown away years earlier, and that T'Challa had agreed with all my ideas. By then, he was grateful for the kind gesture, as I couldn't stop smiling, and my eyes held that old twinkle in them, but he was only just grateful.
It wasn't until the Wakandan scientists had announced that they had retrieved the Quinjet and repaired the damages, that Tony was able to forgive T'Challa for whisking me away for a few hours.
Cap, Wasp and Ant Man had also found out from Tony the truth about the interest from Stark Industries, and when Hank announced that he'd been offered the chance to stay behind and examine the vibranium more closely, he also offered to examine my ideas for the material as a medical tool.
All in all, that was the more successful results from a mission the Avengers have had thus far: we saved a kingdom, stop the bad guys from making off with the loot, restored a king to his throne, said king decided to become an Avenger, and I got my old notebook and confidence back up. Plus, I got to keep my new friend (and crush).
But, with that being said, it may be a while before I could ask him out. Considering what was waiting for us back in the States...
Duh-duh-Duuuh! Hee-hee, I love cliff hangers. Anyway, I forgot to mention before I started the chapter, I apologize for the fight scenes: they are not really my strong point. But at least we know what sent Rose's confidence downhill five years ago...all that's left now is that incident from more recent times (*gasp* what could it be? I'm not telling just yet.)
Anyways, I shall return around the 25th with the next chapter. If you haven't heard from me within three days of that time, feel free to message me and remind me that if I don't get it out, I'm going to have a visit from an unhappy Hulk...which I really don't want.
Bye-bye for now!