Revamped!

[Remember who I said was coming in chapter 17? That's okay, neither did I.

I also think I should make it clear that I wrote this entire arc before any Black Panther promotion was released]. [2020: Black Panther and the many movies released afterwards was one of the reasons I chose to come back and revamp. This is one of the arcs that is getting the most work but I'm excited because the changes will be epic. It's also extended].


Chapter 17: African Storms Part One

The Warrior Falls - Wakanda - 7:04 AM

"Mother…" Iqadi mutters softly, leaning closer to her mother so that she hears. "If you worry, you'll start getting wrinkles."

Iqadi expected a snide response or a that's a false myth, Iqadi retort but she doesn't get that. Instead, Iqadi notices her mother's gaze out towards the top of the waterfall. Iqadi doesn't want to look because it's a jarring sight but it's nothing new and something she'll have to do one day. It's the time of year where the ritual combat trial for the throne takes place and her father just got the heart-shaped herb taken out of his system.

It's usually a joyous celebration but Iqadi notices her mother isn't feeling up to it today. Queen Ororo's expression is sullen as she watches her husband taunt his competition like an actual panther to its prey even without his enhanced strength. Even after a few victorious fights, some by neighbouring clans for fun, her mother still hasn't lightened up. The surrounding crowd around them roars at every punch and kick thrown. Although the fight is happening many feet below her, she can still see the blood being shed through some scratches.

"Has he won?" Iqadi asks, lightly squeezing her mother's arm to get her attention.

"Not yet, my dear." Ororo sighs. "When you're the queen, promise me that you abolish this ritual, not only for Imanu's sake but for yours as well."

Iqadi is taken aback. Something's not right. Her mother has assimilated into Wakandan culture when she married her father as a teenager. She has watched her father participate and win this ritual annually, cheering him on for all of them. Now, she's telling her to discard it when she's on the throne.

Iqadi turns around and sees Imanu with his family. He and Kili are cheering her father on with his parents. She knows he's uncomfortable about this ritual as well. When he looks at Iqadi, his face drops a little when he sees her concern. He mouths are you okay and Iqadi nods but she doesn't feel as such. She remembers years back when Imanu suggested stopping this ritual because he didn't want her to die.

"Mother," Iqadi says. Her heart feels heavy and her stomach starts tying itself into knots. "This has been done since Wakanda was born. I can't get rid of it nor do I want my future heirs to do the same. What kind of queen would I be if I refuse to prove my power to my people?"

Ororo sees the seriousness in Iqadi's eyes because of that statement. Iqadi expects her mother to smile warmly with you will be a good queen but her eyes only flicker in her direction.

"You're truly the daughter of your father," Ororo says.

"Besides, it's better I fight than Imanu," Iqadi adds. "I love him but he can barely watch the fight, let alone participate in it."

-o-

Another victim of T'Challa's power falls to the ground, his blood splattering at the impact but he laughs along with the king. The crowd chants as the guards help escort the fallen to the side of another defeated body.

"You should fight," Kili says, about to push her brother into the waterfall. "King T'Challa might go easy on you. He might even let you walk away without help."

"Even then I won't stand a chance," Imanu responds.

Imanu looks at sees his father-in-law eyeing him and he pretends not to notice. He wants a fight for fun. Imanu knows that T'Challa has nothing against him. He's only baffled on why his daughter picked him to be her husband out of all the other suitors. As for Imanu, despite him living in the palace with his father-in-law for seven years and getting along with him, he was still intimidated by him.

"Anyone else?" An announcer asks the crowd.

The crowd goes silent as they wait in anticipation. For a moment, they all think the battles are over until one prominent man makes his way over. From the way he was dressed in a vest made of white furs, it was easy to notice that he originated from the Gorilla tribe (the one tribe who has tried numerous attempts to steal the throne from the reigning Panther tribe, even during the period when Iqadi was choosing a husband).

T'Challa grins as he rolls his shoulders back.

"Finally…" T'Challa mutters, holding out his spear. "And who might you be?"

"Ehioze," the man introduces, "it's time we finally take the throne from you."

T'Challa grins. "This shall be interesting."

An announcer calls the beginning of the fight. Ehioze immediately jumps to attack but T'Challa leaps back, avoiding him just in time. Ehioze is much bigger than T'Challa so his punches and swings are much mightier, but T'Challa has the advantage since his smaller frame allows him to flip over them easier. The two warriors stop and stare at each other, eyes narrowed in competition. T'Challa flips his spear in his hand and charges at him again.

Ehioze doesn't move one bit. T'Challa leaps and sends a kick on the way down but is blocked. The two fighters alternate in giving each other slashes and kicks. Eventually, T'Challa knocks him over with a blow to the face.

The crowd erupts in cheers. T'Challa keeps his eyes on the man who looks back at him with a menacing smile.

"I have my own tricks as well…" Ehioze mutters.

-o-

From the edge, Ororo and Iqadi continue watching the fight. Unlike the others, this one has them on the edge. Iqadi could've sworn she saw panic flicker on her father's face. They watch as Ehioze rises with ease. He throws more attacks and T'Challa falls over. Iqadi's heart falls into her knotted stomach.

"No!" Iqadi screams. "Father!"

"T'Challa!" Ororo yells, stretching her arm out.

"He cannot lose…" Iqadi holds her mother tightly. "What would become of Wakanda or us?!"

Iqadi waits for a response but hears nothing. She turns her head to face her mother and sees her leaning over the balcony, getting a closer look at her husband. Iqadi takes a few steps closer. That's when Ororo steps into the waterfall and starts walking over. The crowd goes silent as she summons the winds without batting a lash.

"Mother!" Iqadi calls.

-o-

T'Challa screams as he falls on his knees. Ehioze starts walking closer, tauntingly, as the crowd grows silent. He kicks the Panther King over. T'Challa lands on his back. He rolls onto his front and tries to get up but his arms shake. Ehioze steps on his back, forcing him back down. He's about to finish him with one more punch but someone from behind distracts them.

"Do not hurt him anymore!" Ororo exclaims at Ehioze, standing in the middle of the two men.

"Ororo…" T'Challa mutters painfully.

"Interference by her Highness!" Ehioze yells. "You can't interrupt this! It's a fight for the throne!"

"Then fight me," Ororo mutters through her teeth. Her eyes turn an opaque shade of white as she faces him. "The throne is mine as much as it's is his."

The crowd shifts in mood. Ehioze looks at Ororo, debating on whether to fight the woman who stands boldly before him. Ororo takes one glance at her husband, who struggles to stretch an arm to her to tell her not to fight, but she ignores his request.

Ehioze grins. "So be it."

Ororo holds up her arms and her eyes turn white as she fills the sky with dark clouds. "Come out, primal forces of nature!"


[Now our favourite princess is here!]