A/N: Back again! Thank you to everyone who has viewed, reviewed, followed, and favored this story. This chapter is focused around Ross getting a deeper understanding and lesson about Wakanda from of course his favorite Wakandan, Shuri. And we see them slowly allowing their new feelings to build. Anyway onward with the story.
Disclaimer: All Rights to Marvel, Disney, Stan Lee, and etc responsible for the characters of the MCU and comics. I do not own these characters.
T'Challa and Agent Ross discuss the intricate details and plan precautions for Wakanda's formal introduction as a power to the world. As an hour past they decided to conclude the conversation for another time as the King had other matters to attend. They both pause at the center of the palace.
"You know on this whole continent there's rich history that surrounds us. Some of us only know a fraction of it. Even where we stand holds secrets of the past, waiting to be uncovered." T'Challa speaks softly."
Admiration adon in Agent Ross's eyes. His gaze soaks in the wonder the palace holds. Generations of strong kings and queens gracing the walls. From behind light footsteps heading toward the two men could be heard. They both turn and are greeted by the sight of Shuri.
"Oh brother. Save the tourism for someone more entertaining," she says to T'Challa.
She approaches in a more comfortable outfit. A beautiful cream color blouse with the royal sigil and a flowy grey skirt. Her hair is pinned in her bun with white beads delicately placed all around her braids.
"More entertaining? I was giving our guest a taste of peace before being whisked off by chaos on legs." T'Challa quipped back.
Everett could see where this conversation was leading by the fierce expression that crossed Shuri's face. Her tongue ready to engage war with her brother. However, he noticed that daylight was fading and decided to stop it in its tracked before it continued. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder. He felt a shock of electricity rush through him once his skin made contact with hers.
"As lovely it is to see your highnesses squabble but I do believe we have a tour to begin."
He interjected calmly.
Shuri noticed the strong yet tender graze on her shoulder and turned towards the source.
"Yes. Come, Agent Ross. Let me officially welcome you to Wakanda." She says sweetly to the American and swiftly turns to her brother and says laced with venom
"To be continued brother."
The King smiles and turns to walk away chuckling to himself
"I can't wait, dear sister, I can't wait."
She turns once more to Everett and looks down at her shoulder
"Ahem."
"Oh right. Heh- erm, let us go." He nervously speaks as he moves his hand from her shoulder and walks in one direction quickly before coming back to wear the princess stood.
"Umm, I don't know where I'm going. You're lead."
Shuri smirked, hiding her mirth. She begins to walk leading them to a vehicle to go to the capital.
"Slowly but surely you're learning Colonizer," she says over her shoulder indicating that he follows.
A blush is tinted on his cheeks briefly and he fixes himself before heading Shuri's direction.
They reached the capital of Wakanda and submersed themselves into the routine hustle and bustle of life. The vibrant people walking to and fro, merchants selling savory foods, the children playing all around. The quick-paced environment was as similar to a big metropolitan city but instead of the cool steel distant vibe that is engulfed in those regions, the aura was one of warmth and open arms, beckoning you to come close.
Agent Ross couldn't help but lose himself as Shuri and he walked around. He was so engaged in his surroundings that he didn't notice the princess closing in on him.
" Hello, you still with me Colonizer. There's a lot to see and explain and not enough time." Shuri says with a tint of annoyance.
"Yes, sorry. What were you saying again?"
Rolling her eyes she continues to walk forward and speaks again
"First, let's start with some basics. Wakanda is made up of five tribes. You can identify which Wakandans are from which by clothing. For example, the women in front of us."
Shuri points to a group of women sitting in a circle on a stoop of stairs talking as their children played three feet nearby. Everett nodded his head in understanding.
"Those women are wearing green or some sort of crocodile texture meaning they are from Nakia's, the River tribe."
She then points to a man wearing a cape with blue hues.
"That man right there is from the Okoye's and her husband W'kabi's tribe known as the border tribe upholding the meek farm Sheppard facade the world sees and maintaining the cloaking mechanism of the border works."
From her peripheral vision, she can see she has Everett's full attention. She stops at a merchant selling a traditional Wakandan dish and buys two before directing him to walk towards a path that leads out of the busy city streets to a quiet hill that overlooks the city.
"Then you have the other three tribes: Mining, Merchant, and yours truly the Golden or Panther tribe," Shuri says flashing a self-satisfied smirk
"Okay, let me get this straight. All of these tribes make up Wakanda."
"Is it that hard to follow, Colonizer?
Everett turns to her and rolls his eyes but continues walking alongside Shuri.
"My question is where does that place M'Baku's tribe and when did you all become as prosperous and advance as you are?"
She smiles and tells him
"All will be answered soon enough but first you must eat."
She then walks to a medium-sized boulder and sits down, motioning for Everett to come and sit. He follows and sits beside her and eats the food she handed to him. He takes a spoonful of a lamb dish and audibly expresses his content and wonder of how delicious this was. It took the most restraint he could muster to not inhale the rest of the food since he didn't realize how starved he was.
"This is amazing!"
Shuri smiles "I'm glad you enjoy colonizer."
As they finish eating the sun is setting over the city leaving a beautiful sight over them. The reflective sun rays hit Shuri and Everett happens to look over and his brain fizzles.
She seemed to glow as the sun reflects off her smooth, flawless skin and her smile seemed to brighten, He knows she's speaking but he barely can concentrate, catching the tail end of her speech.
"Take a picture, it last longer," she says flashing him a flirtatious smile
Without filtering his speech he blurts out
"Maybe I will."
He grows nervous realizing what he said and is certain his cheeks are red so he deflects to the rest of the Wakandan history.
"Ahem-well, So will all answers be revealed now."
"Very well."
She moves closer to Everett either not noticing or ignoring his discomfort of her close proximity she clicks one of her kimoye beads and up pops a virtual reenactment.
"Centuries ago this continent, before the hunger of imperialism poisoned the hearts of European countries that set foot on this land, war plague the ancestors. One day from the sky fell a meteorite containing the powerful metal Vibranium which the five tribes began a war with one another over control of metal in the region. It was an unstoppable battle until one warrior named Bashenga received a vision from the panther goddess Bast that led him to the heart-shaped herb which gave him agile, advanced human speed and strength. Because of these displays, the others fell before the warrior. With this power, he united all of the five tribes except for the Jarabi and became the first black panther and ruler of Wakanda."
She clicks off her bracelet and her eyes meet Everett's staying close to him and places her hand gently on his hand.
"Ever since that day we as a people cultivated the vibranium and preserve for the next King, the next defender of Wakanda for generations to come. It's not just a resource that we trade or technology or clothing, it's our livelihood, our spirit."
Everett was staring into her eyes as she finished. He felt something stir inside as she told him the history of this country. There were so many things he wanted to say. He opened his mouth to say he understands or relates to the gravity of importance that vibranium has but he closed it instead. He thought to himself he'll never truly experience the same fears that the last couple of days had on the people of Wakanda, but he understands he will do all that is in his power to ensure none of the other countries attempt to snuff or retaliate against Wakanda out of exaggerated fears or imperialistic greed.
"Thank you for sharing this all with me." He briefly turns away from her gaze and looks out to the city before him observing the nightlife.
"Understand that Wakanda, T'Challa and you of all have not just an ally, but a friend."
Shuri knew she should've released his hand as she grabbed it to just prove her point but she decided to give herself this one thing. She hasn't figured out why yet but she feels this warmth and giddiness every time she's near the American. She squeezes his hand in silent solidarity.
She releases his hand much to both of their dismay.
"Well, we must return. It's been a long day."
Ross moves to stand and stretching his hand to help the princess up.
"You're right. We have quite the trek ahead of us," he says.
He feels the subtle sparks as their fingertips touched again. He briefly closes his eyes in reaction to this to keep his emotions in check. Ross was preoccupied with his thoughts he didn't see Shuri smile before shaking herself back to her senses.
"Actually, we will be returning back in style," she says with mischief laced in her tone.
Before he can question what she meant, appearing from it's cloaking device above them was the Royal Talon Fighter.
Shocked but amused at the stunt she's pulling he opens his mouth to speak
"Are you even allowed to use this for recreational use? An even better question does T'Challa know you're…"
He cuts himself off when he sees the look Shuri giving him which says I'm the princess and I don't give a damn if my brother knows or not.
He continues "Right… so you've got some great taste when it comes to style."
"Did you really expect anything less, Colonizer?"
"At this point princess, I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to you."
She smirks at Everett and beams them up to the craft
"Good answer."
They leave and fly towards the palace. Arriving back they exit the craft laughter and talking to one another enjoying the company.
"You aren't how do you say, sticking out like a sore thumb."
He snorts. "I'm not completely incompetent your highness, out of my element? You bet."
"Keyword, completely."
"You wound me." Everett feigns offense.
"You'll survive." she laughs quietly to herself.
Entering through the doors and walking the halls they reach Shuri's room. Everett speaks first
"It looks like this is goodnight."
"Yes, you're right."
They stand there not budging an inch. Compelled to the other, unable to look or walk away."
Everett knows he shouldn't but could not help himself but grabbed her hand placed a soft delicate kiss that lingered as he bore into her eyes. He knows this is a bold move and going to cause confusion to himself but he didn't care at the moment.
"Goodnight princess." he stands straight once more and walks backward before turning around the corner to the guest chambers.
Shuri stands there still smiling to herself. Walking up behind her was T'Challa noticing Agent Ross turning the corner to his room and decided to see how things went.
"So, I take that the formal introduction to Wakanda went well."
Shuri jumps and turns t glare at her brother
"Don't do that brother!"
"Did I really startle you or were you merely distracted?" he questions
"It went well, brother. I think having Agent Ross on our side will help progress in your plans," she says ignoring his question.
"He quirked an eyebrow and crosses his arms
"That's great, sister but you didn't answer my question."
Annoyed at how her brother is prying she speaks fast
"I'm too tired for this brother. Let's talk tomorrow."
Shuri goes into her room and shuts her door. T'Challa is surprised but is amused at his sister antics. He has an inkling that it may have to do with their visitor but needs more proof. He dismisses this for now and heads to his chambers with a knowing smile resting on his face. Someone finally has Shuri off her game.
Next chapter these two are going to be getting even more friendly and close with one another and we'll learn about Agent Ross's past. Thank you so much to all of you out there reading. Til next time!