Captured (a short story)

two

I'm out of breath as I hear the whistle blow to end. Sweat trickles down my forehead and I look up to the sky catching my breath. My opponent lays on her back on the floor groaning. I go to put my hand out to help her up and she takes it. Once on her feet she smiles weakly at me. We stand before General Aneka and Okoye. 

General Aneka whispers something to Okoye and she hands her  something in her hand. She nods and adverts her gaze to me. " I was very pleased to see both such brave and bold individuals step forward to show their power. You both have proven you have the capability and strength to fight as a Wakanda warrior. But their must only be one who can move forward." 

General Aneka walks forward with Okoye right behind her and stands in front of me. She looks me in the eye. "ndiyavuyisana nawe" (Congratulations to you) warrior you are moving forward." She places a black panther badge onto my chest and I smile widely. I cant believe this is happening. I've been recruited into the Dora Milaje! This is a dream come true! All the months of overnight training and dedication would  pay off. Okoye grins to me and I smile and look up to the panther Gods thanking them.

Later that night I sit at the dinner table with my father enjoying a delicious dinner. My father explains how proud he is for me. "I cannot wait to see you in uniform. My daughter a Dora Milaje." He beams and I giggle. "Yes, its all really happening I cant believe it. Okoye has really helped me. I have to thank her, because she really believed in me." 

"Yes of course, Okoye is always welcomed here too. We must show her our appreciation and invite her here one night for a dinner."

"Of course baba." I say as I finish my plate of food. I go to place my dish in the sink and wipe my hands. As I'm drying my hands the sound of a knock is heard from the front door. 

"Ill get it." I say as I quickly go to open it. 

My heart beats out my chest as  General Aneka along with the rest of  Dora Milaje stands firmly behind her with spears. "General." I say in a query tone and stand up straight quickly. She chuckles.

"Good evening, Sorry to intrude you on a late evening  Asha. We just wanted to come by and congratulate you on moving forward."

I smile shyly and nod. "Thank you general, I look forward to serving along side of you."

"Tomorrow it is requested that all victors meet tomorrow at the palace. You will be meeting the king." She says and I widen my eyes. "The king? oh my so soon." I say and cover my mouth. "Of course. As the Dora Milaje it is our job to also protect the king and be his bodyguards. He is excited about meeting the new recruits. Will you be able to attend?" 

"Of course, I will be there." I say and she nods. "We look forward to seeing you tomorrow Asha, goodnight."

"Goodnight." I say and watch as they walk off together in a group. I release a breath and close the front door. "Who was that?" My father says looking up from the table. "You wont believe this Baba, I'm meeting the king tomorrow." 

The next day comes quickly and my palms are sweaty as we stand at the wakadian transportation station waiting for the train to pick us up to head to the palace. My hands are shaky and I see Okoye glance over and notice. "Breath intombazana." She says and I inhale deeply. Okoye looks at me and scoffs. "and release! Exhale." She says and I let it go.

"Asha, you must pull yourself together. We are about to meet the king. you cannot set yourself up for humiliations."  

"I'm sorry I know its just I've never seen inside the palace. Ever. And the King. He seems scary.."

Okoye laughs.

"Whats so funny? He does seem scary. I heard he feeds his children people. Whoever his children are.-"