Chapter 11: Shuri

"And this is my lab," Peter slid a card through a reader and the door unlocked.

Shuri stepped across the threshold and surveyed the room. In contrast to her own laboratory, Peter's lab was smaller and not decked out in the finest equipment. Although, their lack of vibranium may be the reason for the poor substitutes of what they deemed the latest in technology.

But it was a nice lab and Peter looked pleased with it all, so Shuri smiled and offered a compliment. "Cool."

Peter walked beside her as she checked out the chemistry lab set-up. "I know it's not as cool as yours," he commented. "But, it's mine. Tony gave me most of his old equipment to use."

Shuri moved onto the next station. "And what do you do here? What are you making?"

Peter shrugged. "Nothing really," he said. "Tweaking my web-shooters or building up my own robot."

"You have a robot?"

Peter nodded. "Yeah, well, not really. It's mostly just an arm of a robot," he rephrased. "But it recognizes voices and commands. Certain commands."

Shuri scanned the room in search for the robot. "Where is it?"

"Oh—in my room," Peter said. "Not in here. I usually work on it in Tony's lab. Not in mine."

"Is that how you spend most of your days here?" Shuri questioned. "Tinkering on robots and web-shooters?"

Peter shuffled his feet to move to another portion of his lab. "No, I… I do other things. Like, um… reading. And I'm trying to help my aunt learn how to be a better cook. Captain America is also teaching me a bit about motorcycles. And, um… let's see… I do other things too."

Shuri erupted in laughter. "Calm down, skinny, white boy," she quipped. "I was only asking. So, no more heroics then?"

"Can't," Peter replied. "Not until all this Accords business is put behind. So… Spider-man is on hold for now. Aunt May and Tony try to keep me busy with things though. Started me up on some kind of homeschool program. I haven't been able to tell them that it's easy though. I finish it all in an hour.

"I know. It's not really a way to spend one's day, but everyone else is busy with their own things," Peter continued on. "I do what I can to keep myself busy."

Shuri understood that feeling. As a princess, it was hard to make friends and to simply move about on her own without permission or without guards trailing five feet behind her. She had grown up accustomed to the situation, but every now and then, she dreamed of a less monitored lifestyle.

That got her remembering…

"Do you have your suit?" Shuri inquired, interested in checking out the famous Spider-man costume Peter adored. "I want to see it."

Peter checked the door. "Okay… KAREN? Let me know if anyone is coming."

Shuri stared at him puzzlingly. She was about to ask who Karen was when an embodiment voice replied overhead.

"Monitoring the hallway."

Shuri gaped up at the ceiling. "Who was that?"

Peter strode across the lab to his case of cabinets. "Oh, right. Um, Shuri, that's my AI, KAREN," he said. "KAREN? Say hi to Shuri."

"Hello, Shuri of Wakanda. We have been expecting your arrival."

Shuri lit up in pure delight. "You have an AI?"

Peter mirrored Shuri's excitement. "Tony gave her to me when I started out as Spider-man," he said. "She's been very helpful on my missions. She's great."

"Why KAREN?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you call her Karen?" Shuri clarified.

"Oh. I don't know. It was the first name that popped in my head and she liked it," Peter answered. "She's programmed to my lab, bedroom, phone and…" Peter lifted up one of the floorboards in the cabinet and pulled out a red and blue bodysuit, "my suit."

He held up the suit, letting the costume roll so that Shuri saw the whole design. Decked in red and blue colors with a spider logo in the center, Shuri admired the suit quality. While it was not as tech as her own designs, she was admirably impressed with the heads-up display embedded in the eye lenses, the secret, reconnaissance drone and the gliding abilities.

However, it could be improved. Already, ideas brewed within her mind. "What is the material?"

"It's some sort of highly, endurant fabric," Peter responded. "It doesn't tear and the fabric doesn't stretch either. It's waterproof too."

"Interesting," Shuri felt the fabric between her fingers. Smooth and gentle. Not an edge of roughness. "Good quality."

"Yeah," Peter agreed. "I've been meaning to see if I can update it a bit. Wanted to ask Tony, but I'm afraid to show him that I have it."

Shuri looked up from the suit. "Why? It's yours."

"Yeah, you see, he thinks I lost it the day the army attacked me," Peter explained. "I thought I did too until I met Ned again. Turned out he smuggled it out of the school that day. But, if Tony knows that I have it, he might think I might go running off into the night and play Spider-man, which I'm not supposed to do until the Accords are finalized. And, I don't think he really wants me doing it on my own anymore either. Not since I've been outed.

Peter sighed. "I don't want him to take it though. Not yet anyway," he answered, rolling the suit back up. "I still want it in my possession, you know?"

"Yeah, I do," Shuri said as she watched him stow it back into its hideaway. "So… what else does this joint have to offer then?"

Peter gave her a quick tour of the compound. It wasn't as big as her palace back home, but it was well furbished, a great example of modern America design. Shuri was intrigued with every technological aspect of the building, wanting to learn more about it. Peter humored her geek-outs and occasionally joined in with her as he demonstrated how to utilize the elevator that didn't have any buttons.

They spent nearly the whole day together, even playing a game Peter called 'basketball' that she somewhat enjoyed. They weren't bothered until her brother came looking for her.

"Shuri," T'Challa said, finding them walking in a hallway in the direction of the theater room. "I'm sorry I have not been attentive to you today, but I assumed you were busy catching up with Mr. Parker." T'Challa gave a small nod in Peter's direction. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to have dinner with you this evening. Something has come up and I am needed in attendance."

Shuri and Peter both perked up. "What?" Shuri said.

"Is everything okay?" Peter followed up.

T'Challa nodded. "Yes, just a small hindrance that needs some… finalizing," he assured them both. "I hope you aren't too devastated, little sister, but I will see you in the morning."

Shuri curled in her lips. The morning? How long was this meeting going to take? "Why so late? How many hours will it take?"

"It's in the city."

Shuri's face lit up. "The city?" she muttered, stars in her eyes. "I want to go. Can't I go? I want to see Times Square at night!"

T'Challa shook his head. "No, absolutely not. I'm not going for a tourist trip. There won't be time to see a square."

"It's not a square!" Shuri frowned. "Please? Take me there and I will give myself a tour."

"No," T'Challa repeated. "Stay here. Hang-out with Peter."

Shuri flickered a glance to Peter as an idea struck. "Or we can hang-out together in the city," she said. "He could be my local guide."

T'Challa's nostrils flared at her persistence. "The answer is no. You can tour the city another time. Not tonight."

"But—"

"What about tomorrow?" Peter offered, which drew Shuri and T'Challa to turn to him. "I mean, you guys have the Accords meeting all day tomorrow. Shuri and I can go into the city then. In the morning… Your Highness."

Shuri faced her big brother, watching T'Challa stumble over finding a reason to deny the option. "Yeah, big brother?" she smugly inquired, crossing her arms. "What about tomorrow? You don't need me tomorrow at all. I can go with Peter then."

T'Challa caressed the side of his face in thought, but came to one conclusion. "You and Mr. Parker can go to the city tomorrow. But I want one of the Dora Milaje to be with you," he said her. "I don't trust the streets of New York City."

With that compromise, Shuri squealed and wished for the sun to set quicker and rise earlier. She didn't even hear whatever her brother jabbered on about. She kept nodding her head along, picturing her day under the lights of New York, the Big Apple.

Her brother departed and Peter suggested they go to the theater to kill some time before dinner. "What movie do you wanna watch?" Peter asked as he led the way to the theater room. "Tony has all sorts of films, plus Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Even HBO Go."

Shuri didn't know what any of that meant. "How about… actually, why don't you surprise me? What do you want to watch?"

Peters face screwed into one of deep contemplation. "Do you like old films?" he questioned. "It's really good. It's called Point Break."

Shuri woke the next morning, earlier than her alarm. She jumped out of her bed, quickly showering and changing clothes to get the day started. She ate little, telling her Ayo, her bodyguard, that she planned to eat something upon arriving in the city. "There's this poplar dining ritual they have. It's called a brunch," Shuri explained to Ayo. "I don't want to ruin my appetite."

T'Challa joined her for breakfast, trying to back out of their compromise. Heckles rose and Shuri argued with her over-protective brother, yelling at him until he finally conceded to her. However, he warned her to be vigilant. Observe everyone and everything around her and if danger should appear, to get out fast.

His jitters only heightened her nerves, so she told him to calm down. "Stop trying to scare me," she to T'Challa, getting up from the table. "You're acting as if a colonizer is going to kidnap me."

"That's not funny."

"Wasn't supposed to be," she remarked. "I'll be fine. I can protect myself. But if it makes you feel better, Ayo will be with me and so will Peter. Speaking of which…"

She was supposed to meet him at his apartment. She said good-bye to her brother, rushing to the door as he called out. "I don't want any diplomatic issues! Do not terrorize them!"

Shuri gave him the middle finger before running off to find Peter.

She arrived outside a door on the far east side. It was the correct number that Peter told her, so she gave two, strong knocks on the door. On the other side, she heard muffled voices and footsteps drawing closer to her. Shuri backed up, almost ramming into Ayo as she did.

The door opened and a gorgeous, red-haired woman opened the door. She wore thick, round glasses that covered her dark orbs that widened upon seeing Shuri and Ayo. And then, she smiled. "You must be Princess Shuri," she said, stepping aside. "Come on in."

Shuri entered and Ayo followed, examining their new surroundings for any threats and quick escapes. The red-haired woman closed the door. "Sorry… I'm May," she greeted. "Peter's aunt."

When Peter talked about May Parker, Shuri expected a much older woman. Someone as old as Zuri. Not… this beautiful woman! Peter's constant fears for her health had Shuri believing May was in her eighties. Not her thirties… forties at the latest!

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Parker," Shuri answered what she believed was the American custom. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good," May answered. "Very good now that Peter's back home. Which, I actually need to thank you. Peter told me how you befriended him in Wakanda."

"Well, we enjoyed the same interests."

"Peter said the same thing," May brushed a strand of her long hair over her ear. "Thank you though. Peter's a bit shy and being away from home… Anyway, I know it was hard on him and you were nice to him. So… thank you."

Before Shuri could comment, a door opened and Peter ambled down the hallway, pulling a coat over him. He stopped when he saw Shuri in his living room. "Hey! I didn't know you were here."

"Sorry," May chimed in. "That's my fault. I started talking."

May went to her purse and pulled out some cash and chapstick. "Here, take this," she said to Peter. "Be home by ten. Got it, mister?"

Peter pocketed the money and chapstick. "Got it," he said. "I'll keep you updated."

"Smart boy," May said, planting a kiss on his head and pushing him to the door. "Go and have fun! Remember to be nice and considerate. And send my love to Ned."

Peter said he will, leading Shuri out of the apartment. Shuri passed on her goodbye as well. "It was nice to meet you."

"Pleasure is all mine. And call Peter out if he gives you any trouble," May said as she waved them off.

"Promise!" Shuri responded back as she flicked Peter behind his ear before laughing. "You're late."

"Sorry… overslept. Apparently I told KAREN another five minutes at least four times," answered Peter. "But, we're going now."

"Yes, thank Bast we are," Shuri said. "I want to get out of here before my big brother changes his mind all over again."

An hour later, Shuri sat in the car. Her face was glued to the window, peering out as the car drove deeper into the city of New York. She gazed at the shadowy skyscrapers, the flashing billboards and the creative languages New Yorkers threw out at each other. It was all magnificent!

"Where is Times Square?" she asked. "Is it near here?"

Peter, who had been quiet most the way, shook his head. "No, that's on the other side of Manhattan. We're not going there."

Shuri spun, alarmed. "We're not going there? Why not?" she asked. "Are we at least going to Governor's Island?"

Peter chuckled. "No, that's… yeah. No one goes there unless it's summer," he explained. "We're heading to my old neighborhood. In Queens."

"What's in Queens?" Shuri pondered. "Is that where Tribeca is?"

"What? No," Peter shook his head. "No… it's just home. My home. I want you to meet my friends."

Shuri turned away from the window to Peter. "So… we're not going to see the Statue of Liberty? Or Times Square or Tribeca?"

"No, we are," Peter assured her. "We're just going to see my friends first. I want you to meet them."

"You mean Ned, and this… MJ girl?"

"And Harry," Peter added. "You'll like them. They're a nice bunch; although MJ can be a bit serious when she wants to be. I think she scared Tony once. Don't really know how."

Shuri snorted. "Doesn't seem too hard to scare that man."

They drove away from the finer statures of New York, spinning the wheels down a long stretch of road that went from towering skyscrapers to cramped duplex homes, scattered with random, dungy bodegas. The car turned off the highway and entered into a quiet, humble neighborhood with even more duplex homes.

The car purred up outside one particular home. Peter unbuckled. "We're here!" he said, excited as he opened his car door. He ran around the car and opened the door for her, much to Shuri's exasperation. She could open the car door herself.

But, she thanked Peter anyway. "This is where you live?"

"Eh… no," Peter said, pointing up and over the house in front of them. "I lived a few blocks that way. This is Ned's home. Come on! They're inside."

Shuri ordered Ayo to stay with the car as she didn't need a guard to visit Peter's friends. Peter grabbed her hand and led her up to the front door. His knuckles raptured against the wood and they waited for a few seconds before the door flew open. A plumped, Asian boy stood in the doorway, black hair parted in the middle as he wore a navy shirt with an unbutton, Hawaiian shirt. His beady eyes lit up and a smile overcame his face.

"Peter!" he shouted. "Hey! Come on in. Sorry about the mess. My parents have been busy seeing colleges with my older brother."

The host wobbled out of the way, leaving the door wide open for them to enter. Peter let Shuri enter first and he followed. They both shrugged off their jackets and handed them to Ned.

"Ned, this is Shuri," Peter introduced her to his best friend. "She's visiting from Wakanda. Shuri, this is my best friend Ned."

Ned, the best friend of Peter Parker, stuttered in his attempt to properly greet her. He fumbled, bowed and kept uttering words Shuri barely heard until he came full standing. "Your Highness," he said, cheeks rosy, "It's a pleasure to, um, I mean, it's an honor…"

Peter pat his friend's arm. "Dude, relax," he said. "And stop bowing. They don't do that there."

"Oh," Ned flushed and stopped his third attempt to bow to her. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I'm not used to being in front of, um, royals."

Shuri couldn't contain herself. She dropped her head back and laughed. "I like you."

And that made Ned beam with pride. He stood a little taller. "Thank you," he said before gesturing them to follow. "Here… everyone is in the back."

Shuri followed Peter, who trailed after Ned through the small adobe. She heard chattering emitting from the back of the house. They followed a hallway, straight to the end where they came to an opening of a seated area with tables, a television set and a few bookcases stuffed with books and trinkets.

But, that's not what drew Shuri's attention. Sitting on separate furnishings was a tall, thin-limbed black girl. She had frizzy curls, tied in a ponytail and a gaze that showed her disinterest in whatever the other kid was saying. The other teenager in the room sat with legs crossed, relaxed. An air of chill and cool. Sleek blonde hair, blue eyes that held a hint of mischievous to cover up something he hid from others. He wore a charming smirk. A man with time and money to do whatever he pleased, but Shuri wasn't put off by him. Again, something lurked behind those eyes that made Shuri feel sorry for the kid.

Ned shouted for them. "Hey guys! They're here."

They both stopped talking and flicked their gazes to her, studying her outer appearance with some judgment, but not enough for Shuri to find it rude.

"Um, hi," Peter said, swallowing a bit as he looked at the girl first. "This is Shuri. She's a friend who's visiting America for the first time."

"Second time," Shuri corrected him. "I've been to California."

"Right," Peter said, but he wouldn't have known that. After all, he was long gone by that time. "This is her first time to New York. Shuri, this is MJ." He pointed to the girl, who rose up from the couch and shook Shuri's hand.

"Michelle, actually," MJ, or Michelle corrected.

Peter then directed to the next kid. "And this is Harry."

The cool kid got up from his seat and sauntered over to Shuri. He put on another charming smile of his and shook her hand. "Welcome," he said, backing away to stand next to Michelle. "Where are you from?"

"Wakanda," Shuri answered.

"Africa, eh?" Harry noted. "Yeah… I heard of your country. It's opening its borders for the first time, right?"

Shuri nodded. A decision her brother came to after the whole incident with Killmonger. "Yes, we want to reach out to the rest of the world," she said. "Help wherever we can."

"Help as in how?" Michelle questioned, arms loosely crossed. "Not being rude, just interested in how. I read your king purchased a demolished lot out in Los Angeles. What do you plan on using the lot for?"

"My brother plans to build an outreach program to introduce innovative technology to less privileged children in urban areas," Shuri answered. "I'm to oversee its development."

Michelle raised her brows and slowly nodded. "Oh, what type of technology?"

"Vibranium technology."

"It's actually fascinating," Peter piped into the conversation. "The element is nothing like we've seen before. It's the most durable metal in existence with magnetic properties that can help create an effective transportation system without the need for—"

The corners of Michelle's lips twitched into a smirk. "Peter—I know what vibranium is."

Peter's cheeks tinted pink. "Right. Yeah, sorry."

Michelle shook her head and returned her gaze to Shuri. "That's cool. Could use more people in the science field. Women, specifically. Men are too idiotic."

Shuri cracked a smile. She liked this Michelle girl. "They don't have vision. Too narrow-minded like my older brother," she said. "He struggles to see the point of improving things that already work. I recently updated his Kimoyo beads to correlate with his mind, but he didn't understand the necessity of it since his beads worked perfectly. I swear, most of the resistance I get for my developments come from men who are fine with how things are now. It's annoying."

That got an appreciative grin from Michelle. "I like you," she declared. "You're cool."

The compliment flattered Shuri. Not that she didn't think she was a cool person, but to win approval of Peter's friends was a good start of the day. Especially with the only other female in the room. She snuck a glimpse at Peter, sharing a look of pride of her acceptance into the group.

Again, not that she didn't think she wouldn't be welcomed. Peter was a good kid and Shuri imagined he wouldn't hang-out with snotty, arrogant racists that their country seemed to be producing in mass amounts.

Peter cleared his throat, somewhat uncomfortable over the slight against their gender. "Anyway… Shuri has never been to New York and I was going to take her on a tour of the city," he said, looking around at everyone. "Anyone interested in coming?"

Michelle frowned. "You mean attending all those lame tourist traps where you'll get pickpocketed, sore feet and dealing with the Manhattan jostling of crowds?" she poised her sarcasm in a question to Peter.

When Peter struggled to determine if she meant it or not, Michelle answered her own question. "Sure. Why not? I've got nothing to do and I'll find it entertaining."

What she meant by entertaining, Shuri wasn't quite sure. But once Michelle agreed, Harry did too. And, Ned… he was always on board. Already, he ran to fetch his wallet from upstairs.

"Are we taking a cab or the subway?" Harry asked as he and Michelle put on their shoes and coats. "My vote is cab."

"Um, we actually have a car," Peter answered, helping Shuri with her jacket. She was not used to wearing so many layers. "It's outside. Enough room for all of us."

Harry tilted his head to look out the nearby window. His eyes squinted. "Oh… you came in that?" he sounded disappointed. "I thought you might have come in one of Stark's prized vehicles."

"Oh—no. No, Tony won't let me even breathe on them," Peter said, pulling his coat as Ned thundered down the stairs. "Yeah, pretty basic, but we didn't want to draw attention. Once we get to Manhattan, we can take the subway."

"This subway," Shuri leaned in to Peter to speak softly next to his ear. "Is it like the one back home?"

Peter shook his head. "Not even close," he answered. "You'll… just wait. It'll be a surprise."

Shuri didn't like the sound of Peter's tone. She flickered her eyes to Michelle, who made a face that mimicked one of disgust. That was unfortunate. She looked forward to examining the technological aspects of the city life. Perhaps, she'll be inspired elsewhere.

Once they were all bundled up and ready, they headed to the car. Ayo waited for her. She crossed her arms in salute upon Shuri's reappearance, but it seemed no one caught on the gesture. Ayo opened the door for her and Shuri slid into the vehicle.

Everyone sat comfortably in the car. Ned and Harry sat up in the middle row, while Michelle, Peter and her sat in the far back. The driver and Ayo sat in the very front. The driver glanced in the mirror to Peter.

"Where to, sir?"

"Manhattan," Peter answered. "Fifty-ninth and Fifth."

The road-trip to Manhattan was short, but enjoyable. They all talked and joked, Shuri having a great witty repertoire with Michelle at the expense of Peter's embarrassment. Although, Shuri didn't quite understand why Peter kept getting flustered over it. Harry threw in his two-cents, often winking at Michelle before she would throw the middle finger at him. Ned and Peter talked about a show called Game of Thrones.

But the trip ended and they arrived in the belly of Manhattan. The core of the Big Apple.

As promised, they participated in all the touristy activities that Shuri knew an original New Yorker would avoid. But, Peter and his gaggle of friends joined her. They climbed up to the top of the Empire State Building, hung-out with the library's lions, rode a carriage around Central Park, and geeked over the lesser technology at the Apple store. Shuri wasn't too impressed with the variety of tech and gadgets, but she liked the Beats, purchasing a pair for herself.

She took a lot of pictures. Some selfies, others of the view and many with her and Peter. She had a couple of group shots with Peter's friends and had a one-on-one photo op with Michelle, who didn't enjoy having her picture taken. Shuri awed and cooed over all the sights they visited, talking excessively about things she recognized from films, magazines and books. Peter informed her of a few background tidbits whenever he could and even purchased her an 'I NY' shirt. Shuri was excited to show it off tomorrow.

They had finally came to the bottom of the island. They finished visiting the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl, and now entered the line for the ferry rides to Liberty Island. Shuri wore her Lady Liberty crown that she purchased from a street vendor. She also bought Michelle one, who stuck it right on top of her head as well.

As they waited in line, Shuri asked the group of their families' history. Peter, Ned and Harry entertained her with their ancestors' stories of the journey to America. Peter knew little of his family's past, claiming he didn't know when they came to America, but understood to have some German, English and Scandinavian background. When Shuri asked for Michelle's story, she responded, "My ancestors got here by slave ships."

The certainly ended that particular conversation. Shuri caught Peter giving Michelle a look, to which she responded flippantly with a crude gesture.

A man from front of the line beckoned and people started shuffling on board to head to the Statue of Liberty.

Shuri went straight to the top deck and to the stern. She looked over the vast harbor and land before her, taking in the sight. More people joined her at the top deck. She heard feet pattering toward her and recognized Peter's voice as he talked with Harry about the dynamics of hovercrafts.

But then, Peter's voice ceased for a brief moment before it grew alarmed. "Shuri? What are you doing?"

Without thinking, Shuri climbed up on the stern's ledge. Feet planted to brace herself against the strong winds, she stretched her arms out and yelled, "I'm king of the world!"

Her voice carried over the waters, across to the dotted islands to the main land. A hand tugged at her shirt, urging her to come down. Shuri glanced down to see Peter, who cringed in apprehensiveness.

"Shuri! Get down," he advised. "You're going to get in trouble."

Shuri didn't care. The worst they could do was throw her off. But she complied with Peter's demands if only to remove those dreadful wrinkles from his forehead. "Relax, I'm coming down."

Peter took her hand, helping her off the stern. As she put her feet back on the deck, a hum brewed around them. A melody lifted up from the unknown, carried around them by the ocean's breeze. Shuri paused. She's heard the melody before. In an American film. In fact, she heard it from one particular film.

A woman about a few feet away from them began to sing.

"Near and far, wherever you are," the woman sang, but the scarf wrapped around her neck and face muffled her voice. Yet, Shuri could still hear her. "I believe that the heart does go on..."

Shuri clung onto Peter's hand. "She's singing it!" she said, gawking in amazement at the singer. "She's singing Titanic!"

Others around the woman picked up the song. Some tapped their feet to create the melody and others joined in the singing, still being led by the woman who started it.

"Once more, you open the door, and you're here in my heart and my heart will go on and on..."

Shuri was astounded as the improv performance grew to include more and more people on the top deck. Not wanting to miss the experience, Shuri joined in the fun, remembering the famous lyrics. She sang alongside Peter and his friends, clapping to the rhythm.

When the song finished, there was a round of an applause and cheers from not only the deck, but also the dock where those waiting to get on a ferry stood. They all heard and clapped for the performance.

The ferry honked, signaling that its departure. Everyone broke away, heading off to wherever they wished to stand or sit during the journey. Shuri turned to Peter, beaming. "I cannot believe that happened!" she said, ecstatic. "I mean, who expected that?"

Peter shrugged. "You did quote Titanic… on a boat," he said. Then he uncomfortably shifted his feet. "Hey, um, about earlier. Don't mind MJ. She can be a bit… serious. She's kind of blunt. Particularly on that aspect of American history."

"I'm not offended by what she said," Shuri said, quelling Peter's anxiety. "It happened. My people were kidnapped and sold as slaves. It is a part of history. You cannot erase that."

Peter somberly nodded. "I know a lot of people wish they could."

"But they shouldn't," Shuri argued. "My country understands, now more and ever, that we cannot ignore past mistakes and cruelties. It's why we are creating the outreach programs."

"You're going to have to tell me more about those," Peter said. "I won't mind helping out. I mean, that is if I can. I know I'm not Wakandan."

"Not by birth," Shuri said and she looked back to the ring on his finger. "But you are a true Wakandan. I'm sure the director of the outreach program will allow interns from time-to-time to come and assist."

Peter scrunched his face. "Are you hiring me as an intern?"

"No! What? You think we hire whoever we first get off the streets?" Shuri joked, lightly punching Peter in the shoulder. "I'll need a resume, five recommendation letters and, of course, a criminal background check. Need to make sure you aren't a psychopath."

"Shoot," Peter snapped his fingers in disappointment. "I think that compromises my chances then."

Shuri stared. "You have a record?"

"Kidding, Shuri."

"Hey guys! You're missing it!"

Peter and Shuri turned as one toward Ned, who pointed in the direction of a massive green statue. Shuri's eyes enlarged. There stood Lady Liberty in all her glory. The symbol of America. The height of cool of icons. Shuri stepped close to the rail, looking up with her mouth agape.

"You want your picture, Shuri?"

It was Harry who asked. Shuri nodded, but pulled Peter along with her as she got into position right in front of the statue. Harry focused the camera on them and took a few snaps.

"Come on, Parker! Smile! What? You got a frog in your mouth or something? Jesus…" Harry commented as he finished his last snap. "Okay. I got a few pictures. Take a look and let me know."

Harry passed the phone back to her. Shuri scrolled through the five photos Harry took. They all looked fine to her. She smiled in the picture, hand on the railing and the other in holding onto Peter's hand. Peter stood beside her. He wasn't smiling as big as her, but a little smile showed on his face. He looked happy, but in a quiet manner. Must be nice for him. To peacefully enjoy moments without the media shoving cameras in his face.

The fact they had not been noticed yet by the public surprised Shuri. It was one of T'Challa's concerns about the two of them going out in public. He feared that Peter's popularity may cause a riot or some kind of ill-omened encounter. Yet, his fears were so far invalid. No one recognized him. Or her. The strangers around them only saw touristy teenagers, happy to be traveling together.

The ferry docked and they all lined up to get off the boat and explore the island. Shuri took more photos, a few of just the statue and one of her mimicking the statue as she wore her Lady Liberty foam crown. She wanted to go up to the top, but to her utter dismay, the entrance to the top was closed due to high winds.

At least she got the chance to go inside the statue, reading about its history and construction. The group walked around the island, paying quarters to look through the telescopes to get an up-close view of the Manhattan skyline. Shuri asked for a group picture, having Ayo take the photograph.

They all gathered around one of the telescopes. Shuri loped an arm around Peter's shoulders as he leaned up against the telescope. Harry stood on the other side of the telescope with Ned in the back and Michelle squatting in front, pushing her crown further up to her hairline.

Ayo took one picture and returned it to Shuri. Ayo was lucky that it was a great photo the first time around. They took a small break by the seawall, sitting up on it and eating snacks they purchased from the little café.

"Okay, but seriously," Harry said as he licked his orange sorbet. "Captain America or Iron Man? Come on, Parker. Which one?"

"It would obviously be Iron Man," Ned claimed. "Mr. Stark found him."

"Geez, Ned. You make it seem as if I was some lost kid or something," Peter commented. "And, I like them both. I don't see why I need to pick one or another."

"In case they get into another fight," Harry said. "What about you, princess?"

"Well… I think," Shuri began, but noticed Harry's odd look. "What?"

"He meant me," Michelle clarified for her. "He calls me that even though I told him to stop it." She proceeded to glare at Harry.

Harry nonchalantly shrugged. "Old habit."

"It's a bad habit," Michelle returned. "And, I wouldn't pick either of those two."

"Oh, that's cheap," Ned argued. "You have to pick an Avenger."

"Then Black Widow," Michelle answered, finishing up her snack and folding the trash in her palm. She looked to Shuri. "What about you?"

"Black Panther," Shuri responded instantly. "Gotta represent."

Ned lowered his bag of chips. "Hmm… for me, I'm going to say Iron Man. Because he makes cool things."

"Really?" Michelle said.

"What? He can make me a cool outfit or some kind of weapon," Ned defended his answer. "Then I can be a cool hero too."

"You don't need a cool outfit or a weapon to be a hero," Peter said to Ned. "Remember? You saved my life without any of that. It only takes courage to do the right thing."

Michelle squinted at Peter. "Wow. You going all philosophical on us there, Peter?"

"It's the—"

A ripping scream sliced through Peter's rebuttal. Everyone shot up to their feet, snapping in the direction of the horrible sound. Peter leaned over the seawall. Shuri followed, bending over to see what the cause of the curdling scream and saw the source.

A woman was on her knees, arms dangling over the pier as they stretch to something splashing haphazardly in the waves of the harbor sea. The woman kept screaming, frantically and futilely trying to reach the tip of the waves. Shuri examined closer and saw a small hand poking out of the water, tiny stubs of fingers curling to grasp onto anything solid.

Peter moved quickly. He shed his coat in one swift movement, leaping on top of the seawall with ease. Shuri glanced up at him. "Peter—"

But Peter already dove right into the sea. Shuri's mouth dropped as she watched Peter submerge into the transient waves of aquamarine. A moment later, Peter's head broke the surface, a few yards away from the drowning child.

Shuri screamed. "Peter!"

Peter swam forward and Shuri realized he was not going to hear a word she said. She abandoned her own post, running to where the mother, surrounded by onlookers and others trying to help, cried and begged for someone to save her child. Shuri heard Ayo right behind her, but didn't know what Ayo could do. After all, she was assigned to protect her. Not Peter. Or the drowning child.

Shuri squeezed herself through the crowd as park officials stormed down the wooden pier to the source of the incident. They were shouting at visitors to step aside, but Shuri ignored their request and kept in her pursuit to where she last saw Peter adrift.

She got to the spot of the hysterical mother and looked over the pier. The child was gone. No sign of splashing or any hand waving up from the surface. There was also no sign of Peter.

Shuri kept her eyes open, searching the sea. Light scattered over the sleek water's surface. The hue of the sea ever changing, distorting her own vision to pinpoint anything.

But then someone shouted. "There he is!"

It was Michelle who found them. She had stood at Shuri's side, peering into the sea and pointing up ahead. Shuri squinted and spotted two heads bobbing at the surface. Peter and a small child.

At this distance, Shuri struggled to see exactly what Peter was doing. He was moving, adjusting the child as he wrenched to free his arm out of the water. Then, there was a soft hiss in the wind and a string-like substance shot out from the water to the seawall.

A second later, Peter and the child flew up in the air, shooting out of the waters. Shuri concluded the string was actually web, meaning Peter snuck his web-shooters out of the compound.

Another spray of web clasped onto the seawall, marking their landing. Shuri abandoned the dock, turning away as onlookers gasped and awed over what they were witnessing. Ayo was with her as they sprinted off the dock to where Peter, with the child in his arms, climbed over the seawall with ease.

When Shuri arrived, Peter had the child on the ground, doing compressions on its chest. "Come on," Peter muttered. "Don't give up."

"Move!" came Michelle's voice as she dropped beside Peter. She took over for Peter, instructing him to hold the girl's neck. "I've got a pulse."

Michelle restarted the compressions and then put her mouth to the little girl's. Shuri watched as Michelle breathed life into the girl, returning to the compressions again. Another breathe of life and the girl spluttered and choked up yellow liquid from her mouth and right at Michelle's face.

Michelle didn't say a word about it. She just slipped off her jacket and laid it on the girl's body. "Gotta keep her warm," Michelle said.

Shuri then got an idea. She dropped beside the child as well, removing her Kimoyo beads. She dropped one ball on the girl's stomach. The beads checked the child's vitals. "She's in shock," Shuri alerted Michelle and Peter.

"We need more heat," Peter said.

"Already on it," Shuri said, instructing the bead to register the body and emit heat to warm it.

The bead activated and a blue scan enveloped the child before steam waved off her. Peter and Michelle lifted their hands away as Shuri got to work. "There, her blood pressure is stabilizing," Shuri announced just as the emergency crew arrived.

"Excuse us! Move please!" the crew barked as they arrived with a stretcher and equipment.

Shuri picked up her Kimoyo bead from the girl. It did its job. It warmed the girl's body enough to keep her vitals from plummeting into a worse situation. The medics wrapped another blanket over the child, whose eyes peered up at her rescuer.

"Saved me," the girl muttered to Peter.

Peter said nothing. He only watched as the medics bundled her up on the stretcher. The child's mother reappeared, rushing to her daughter as she brushed the loose, wet strands from her forehead. She freely wept, telling her daughter of love and hope as the medics hurried to get her proper medical care (though, Shuri believed they already did).

"Princess?"

Ayo drew Shuri's attention away from the evacuated girl. "Princess? We should leave."

Shuri was confused by the suggestion when she realized that a crowd started to circle them. Many had their phones out, focused on them. She heard them speaking, shouting at them. Well, at Peter.

"Yo! Spider-man!" cried one man. "Over here!"

"Peter! Peter! Can you sign my—"

Shuri looked back at Ayo. "Yeah, best we leave."

Ayo glanced to Peter. "UPetros!" she called. Peter jerked his head to Ayo. "Sishiya."

Peter didn't argue with her orders. He beckoned Michelle to follow Ayo and Shuri. He had to find Ned and Harry, who were somewhere on the island. Ayo kept the four of them together as they tried to push their way through the crowd to find their two missing friends.

"Peter! Over here!"

"Welcome home, Spider-man!"

"Hey! Hey! Peter! Can I get a selfie?"

Shuri took Peter's hand and clasped it tight. Peter responded with the same pressure. Their silent promise to not leave the other behind. Ayo kept her staff up, blocking anyone who attempt to reach over what Ayo considered the boundary line. She even slapped a person's phone out of their hand when it got shoved right in front of Shuri and Peter.

"Only warning," Ayo stated to the individual before marching on.

Luckily, they found Ned and Harry. They were fighting their way to them as well. Ned passed Peter his coat and backpack. Peter threw his coat over him as Ned acted like a bodyguard for him, blocking people from getting any decent pictures of his friend.

Michelle stayed close too, using herself as a barrier to keep the rowdy people away. They reached the docks again and Ayo ordered the group onto a boat before she went to speak with the captain. A few minutes later, Shuri was watching the Lady Liberty shrink in size, almost becoming a figurine size as they docked at the Manhattan pier again.

Once they got off the boat, they found two, black SUVs awaiting them. Shuri's shoulders dropped. That meant the tour was over.

Ayo directed Peter and Shuri to the first car and the others to the second car. "They shall take you home," Ayo informed Ned, Michelle and Harry. "You do not discuss what occurred with press."

"No. Never!" Ned responded on behalf of the group. Harry nodded in concession. Michelle bobbed her head once.

"Good," Ayo said, with no emotion.

Peter, soaked and shivering a bit, said his goodbyes to his friends, apologizing for the shortened trip. They didn't seem to mind, promising one another to see each other soon. For some kin dof video game night.

Ayo interrupted their goodbyes, barking at Peter. "Ukushiya ngoku, uPetros."

Peter ended his farewells just as pedestrians paused, taking notice. Peter joined back to Shuri and Ayo, hoping into the car and closing the door, locking it to seal himself and Shuri in the back.

As the driver pulled the vehicle out of the park and down one of the main avenues of New York, Peter apologized to Shuri. "I'm sorry I ruined your trip."

"You didn't."

"Yeah, I did. I blew my cover."

"Better you blew your cover than let a little girl drown," Shuri reassured him. "I think your friends would agree."

"Still sorry."

Shuri looked at Peter's puppy expression. "I had a good time. Definitely the best day in months," she said. "Thank you. Really, Peter. Thanks for making me feel like a kid again. It's been a long time since I simply got to be just a kid."

"Good," Peter said, that little smile returning. "What do you think of my friends? Cool, right?"

Shuri nodded. "Ndiyavuma."

That silly grin spread. "I'm glad you liked them. They're good people."

Again, Shuri nodded. "How long have Harry and Michelle been dating?" she asked. "Or... did they recently break-up? It was hard to tell."

Peter stared. Her question threw him off, leaving him a gaping fool as he tried to formulate a response. "I-I... wait... what?" he said. "You think Harry and MJ are..."

Shuri began to think maybe she got the wrong picture. "Oh... I didn't know. I thought, with the way they were acting."

Peter leaned his head against his hand, elbow propped up against the window. "Wow... no," he said. "No, MJ and Harry aren't dating. Nor did they ever date. They're just friends."

"Are you sure?" Shuri questioned. "Did you see the way Harry was around her?"

"I wasnt really watching."

"He always had to be next to her in pictures," Shuri said, taking out her phone. She opened her pictures. "See?"

Peter peaked at a few pictures. "Oh. Well, that doesn't mean a thing."

Shuri snorted. "Oh, Peter," she laughed a bit. "Uyi-idiot."

"Wait? What did you say?" Peter asked, repeating the words to himself. "My Xhosa is rusty."

"You're oblivious," Shuri said to him.

"Harry clearly has a crush on Michelle."

Peter shook his head in denial. "Nah, I just don't see it."

"Really?"

Shuri challenged him. "Call him. Ask Harry if he likes Michelle."

"I'm not going to do that."

"Afraid to be wrong?"

"I just don't care."

Shuri smirked. "You're afraid you're wrong."

They continued their banter, moving out of the relationship discussion and talking about the Accords and then Shuri examined all her purchases as they entered the compound. They strolled into the lobby of the residential apartments when they were met by Happy Hogan.

Happy didn't say a word. He just held out his hand.

Peter deflated in one word. "Really?"

"Yep. Come on," Happy said. "You know the rules."

"But it wasn't anything..."

"Kid."

Peter heaved a sigh and snapped his web-shooters off his wrists. He surrendered them to Happy.

"He's not mad," Happy reassured Peter. "Okay? You're not in trouble."

Peter grumbled and walked away from Happy. "I'm going to change out of my wet clothes," he said to Shuri. "I'll see you later?""Tomorrow," Ayo answered for Shuri.

Peter flicked a nervous glance to Ayo. "Oh, yeah, sure," he said. "Tomorrow. Yeah... of course."

Shuri frowned at Ayo's intervention. "See you tomorrow," she said. "Have a good night."

They parted ways and Shuri returned to her rented suite where her older brother sat waiting for her. When she walked in, still decked in her souvenir apparel, T'Challa raised a single brow. "What happened to my little sister?" he joked as he went to greet her. "It appears she has been imperialized by the colonizer."

"Ha-ha-ha," Shuri deadpanned, "speaking of them, why did you send us back home? I didn't even get the chance to walk across into Brooklyn."

T'Challa tilted his head in confusion. "I didn't send you back home."

"What?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," T'Challa said. "I was told a few minutes ago that you returned to the compound. I thought it meant you finished your trip."

Shuri gaped, stumped by the revelation. "Wait... you didn't send those cars to get us from the ferry?"

"I heard about Liberty Island," T'Challa responded, "but I did not order your trip to be cancelled."

That was puzzling. "So, Ayo cancelled it for us?" Shuri looked back to Ayo, hurt by the betrayal. "I didn't have to come back yet?"

Ayo shook her head. "It was not you who was recalled back to the compound," she answered. "I received a message from Tony Stark requesting that Peter Parker be returned to the compound at once. I figured that if he had to return, you would want to as well. Am I wrong?"

No, she was not wrong. While she preferred to stay longer in New York, she wouldn't enjoy it as much if Peter had to be shipped back to the compound. "Wait... Mr. Stark ordered the cars?"

Ayo nodded. "I received a coded message from Okoye."

Shuri heard her brother sigh. "Yes, I passed on the message to Okoye that Tony wanted Peter to return home at once. I just did not think you would have come back with him."

"We're friends," Shuri replied, surprised that her brother would think she would continue on without Peter with her. "Cannot leave a friend behind."

T'Challa smiled at that response. "Very well, I'm sorry your trip was cut short," he said. "But you can now have time to hang-out with me. Do some good, old-fashioned sibling bonding."

"Like squabbling over who got what first?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of dinner."

"That can work too."

Shuri and T'Challa head to the kitchen to have a warm dinner. T'Challa again glanced over Shuri. "You're not going to wear that silly headpiece, are you?"

Shuri straightened her foam crown. "Of course I am," she confidently replied. "I'm a princess."