Revamped!

[You know what guys? 2017 will be amazing. (I say with the pending fear that it'll be trash)]. [2019: All I remember from 2017 was publishing Daniel's story, finishing Emily's and Britney's stories, publishing PNG, and starting senior year high school but the latter is a whatever for me].

Chapter Twelve: The First Time

The attack I experienced, surprisingly, wasn't the worst I've been through. One of my scariest memories happened when I was thirteen-years-old and had a basic knowledge of combat.

I was outside the palace when the attack happened. There was no time for me to run inside because I was already cornered moments after I was aware of what was happening. I didn't know what to do so I began panicking, screaming for help. That was the most scared I ever remember being.

I yelled for help as loud as I could. The attackers who cornered me laughed at the fear and helplessness I had as a little girl. During my screams, I noticed the sky getting darker with storm clouds. Thinking that it was my mother saving me, the attackers pointed their weapons to shoot. I crouched, holding my hands up in defence, and lightning bolts fired at them. But it wasn't my mother because it was me. I couldn't believe what was happening to me and I was told that I blacked out after.

That was the first time I experienced my mutation. And at the time, I didn't want it.

It gave me headaches, it was complicated, it was hard to tolerate, it reacted with my mood and emotions. It made me miserable. I wanted it to go away but it wasn't a visiting guest who could leave when evicted. Even something as minute as my nightmares would result in a thunderstorm.

My mother, whom I inherited the mutation from, explained to me how her mutation saved her from death, saved my father, and most important, it ended up saving my life.

Without it, I would have never been born.

And now, I appreciate it more than anything.

-o-

After the attack and the banishment of the Gorilla, my suitors and I were taken to our rooms. I had to be carried there and after I was changed into comfortable linens and put into bed, I didn't get up for a long time. A nurse would come in from time to time, informing me of anything and nourishing me.

Every time I would shut my eyes to sleep, I would wake up either minutes to hours later because of nightmares or the pain seeping back in. I lost track of time while in bed.

I unintentionally created thunderstorms and overcast for all of Wakanda.

When my parents eventually came in, I broke down into tears, putting a fist into my mouth to muffle the sound of my crying. I don't want them to hear me. Mother immediately rushes over to my bedside and kneels beside me, trying her best not to break down but fails.

"Oh, my darling…" Mother says, holding my head as gently as she could. Her thumb barely traces the stitches on my forehead.

I take her hand and hold it tightly as I continue crying into it. Father stands behind Mother, looking down, not knowing how to react to his two women in such emotional distress. He finally says something when my teary eyes meet his.

"Are you in any pain?" He asks me. "Should I call the nurse?"

I shake my head. "I'm just grateful you're alive."

I hold out my hand for him and he takes it. He holds my one hand with both of his and brings it close to his heart, rubbing its coldness away with his warmth. Mother looks up at him as he kneels beside her.

"I'm more grateful that you are alive," he tells me. "If you died, I don't - "

Father stops himself from a cry in his throat. He can't bring himself to finish such a sentence. I cry a bit more, out of joy this time. Father leans forwards and gently kisses my forehead.

-o-

Days after, I'm finally well enough to leave my room. I walk down into the dining hall where I see my parents silently eating a meal with my suitors. I take one step into the room before all eyes turn to me. Chairs back for politeness due to my presence but I allow them to remain seated by a small hand gesture. I have something important to tell my suitors and it could change everything depending on how they respond.

"The rules state that a suitor may not leave on his own accord but only be dismissed by me," I start solemnly, "because of recent events and how close your lives were to death from someone you thought was like you, I'm giving you all permission to leave, should you wish."

All my suitors glance at each other with undistinguishable expressions on their faces. My parents are the same because they didn't know I was going to make this offer. Femi slowly rises from his seat, clearing his throat.

"On behalf of myself and the other suitors," he starts, "we have concluded that the attack and betrayal from the Gorilla tribe were cowardly but it would be even more cowardly for any of us to leave because of that. The point of a leader is being able to protect Wakanda and being ready to challenge what will come in the future. Princess, you and your parents were willing to sacrifice your lives for us or anyone. We owe it to all of you to stay till our end."

I'm truly lost for words. I look at the other suitors who nod in agreement with Femi's words. My parents are beaming with pride and I smile in gratitude.

This is why my suitors were so great. I thought I was going to have to suffer through a painful meal with only my parents and their absence, unable to talk. Now, I'm speechless because I'm too amazed.

They opened up. They're willing to stay.

They're remarkable.

[That second part made me emotional].