EVERMORE ─ marvel

VI. Preparing For War, Again

Chapter Six
Zy'aire

Naomi called a little while ago and told us that we failed in getting the Sword of Surtur and that Njord will make his strike in a few hours. Freyr told her that Njord plans to attack Wakanda since he knows it's the base of operations for the Avengers and the 'pinnacle of human innovation and strength'. The Avengers have been spread between here, Alfheim, and Jotunheim. As have the Masters of the Mystic Arts, the Asgardians, the Skrulls, and the Nova Empire's forces. For the last hour I've been trying to get all the troops into position throughout the city and the border as well as evacuate all citizens to Jabariland. It's no easy task, especially with a time limit.

"I want the Dora Milaje and the Jabari stationed at every corner of the city. The border, mining, merchant, and river tribes I want inside inside every building to cover those below. Have all citizens been evacuated to Jabariland?"

Uncle Khari nods. "Besides the troops and us, all that remain in the city are Shuri, Analiese, and Livy."

Originally we planned to do a cesarean delivery for our twins in a week, and if all goes well with the coups happening on Hala and Vanaheim, we will still be able to do that. But there's a chance Livy will go into labor beforehand, and if that happens, she'll need to be at the lab with Shuri and Ana on hand. I pray to Bast that won't happen, I can't imagine her having to go through childbirth in the middle of a battle. But at least if she does then she'll be in safe hands. I know Aunt Shuri and Ana will protect her and our children at all costs.

"Are the Asgardians, Skrulls, and Nova forces in position at the barrier?"

"Yes, they're awaiting your orders."

Uncle Khari and I have been staring out the balcony of the palace for some time now, making our preparations and plans while simultaneously taking in the view of the city. It's something neither of us do nearly enough; look out at the kingdom we both run, appreciate its majesty and its beauty. Between the glimmering gold buildings, the lush forests, crystal lakes, towering snow topped mountains, Wakanda is straight out of a dream. I would do anything to keep that dream from falling apart, but I'm given no choice. By later today our whole kingdom could be reduced to ashes, us along with it.

My uncle places his hand on my shoulder, his voice softening. "Everything will work out, Zy."

"I wish I had your optimism, Uncle Khari."

"I have enough for the both of us."

I turn my head to smile at him, my thoughts gravitating back towards Livy, as they always do. "Could you call Jo and ask her to come to the city? If things go wrong...I want her here to protect Livy and the babies." 

"Of course. Between her, Shuri, and Analiese, they'll be in safe hands."

I pause for a moment before asking: "How do you do it? Do your duties as a ruler while your spouse and child are in danger?"

Uncle Khari's hand tightens on my shoulder. "Alex and Jo are both capable warriors, they know how to keep themselves safe. I just have to have faith in them and trust that they're doing their duties just as I am doing mine. Your fear for Livy and the babies is understandable, especially since none of them can use their powers to defend themselves, but they're in capable hands. Trust in Jo and the others."

I turn to face him fully, my back now to the kingdom I love so much, the kingdom that I'm in charge of protecting. "The last time we were at war, I lost Baba and Aunt Okoye. I nearly lost Stevie, Uncle Alex, and Jade. I can't bare to lose anyone else."

Uncle Khari's hand rises from my shoulder to the side of my face, the pain in my eyes mirrored in his. "Being optimistic isn't as hard as people seem to think. When faced with a horrible situation, you just chose to focus on the good instead of the bad, you chose to have hope. Hope is a very powerful thing, Zy."