Eclipse (Born at Dusk - Book 1)

18

November, 27th 2025

Kate thought she wouldn't have a hard time in physical rejuvenation, but she couldn't have been more wrong.

With such a recent surgery and surprise beating right before cryostasis, the wounds had healed badly, causing almost internal damage.

Even six weeks in training proved that the damage was nearly permanent. She feared she could never recover, but Shuri assured her that a full recovery was soon. Eventually.

Kate currently sat still on the leg press, contemplating every possibility that had run through her head. The artificial lights lit the room evenly, giving her perfect vision of the mirrors across from her. She was wearing the usual black leggings and t-shirt, today, a worn red Adidas tee.

She was eating a nutritious meal three times a day. Her body was still getting used to it, having taken over five weeks to keep the food down. She stayed away from nearly everything else, turning down Sheeřa's offers on her pastries. Kate didn't like pastries, they were too sweet and impossibly unhealthy.

Being harvest season, or Thanksgiving as Kate knew from the U.S., she had agreed to have a meal with those from the tower.

It didn't feel natural to Kate, what they were doing for her. Almost four months in Wakanda has made Kate realize the habits she used to have, the habits she still had. Though they didn't stop her from her schedule. She now walked with Sheeřa each morning so she could train in the tower.

Kate had gotten used to the technology of the country, and especially so in the training rooms. There was a standard gym and plenty of equipment she had to learn the purpose of. But her favorite part was the simulations, which Shuri only allowed when she was monitored. Within them, she could digitally shoot guns, relearning what she knew.

Kate was still frustrated with how little progress she was making. She'd gained eight pounds, bringing her to ninety seven pounds, still not enough to compare to how much she was at twenty three.

The memory was awfully colorful as Kate remembered her pre-Hydra life. It was in the past, and was only allowed to occupy her dreams.

Finally deciding to stand, Kate got off the machine, finishing her hour and a half set in the gym. She frowned at the amount of weight, how little she could do.

"I hope you're done." A voice called out to Kate. She turned to look at Sam, who stood at the door.

Kate used a washcloth and wiped her neck, grabbing her things and making her way to Sam, to the door he was blocking, "I am."

"Good, Shuri is looking for you. She's going over your simulation scores."

As Kate exited the room, the lights flicked off, the automatic door closing behind her; Sam followed. "Why?"

"Something about progress tracking." Sam shrugged, his own workout gear still on him. He wore black shirt and shorts, his skin still sheen from a run he'd taken across the city.

Kate hummed in response as she made her way to the elevator. Unfortunately, Sam followed. Kate didn't know what to think of the few people she knew, and how they all acted like she wasn't part of one of the deadliest organizations in the world.

Shuri treated her like a science partner, making deals and speaking mostly in scientific terms. Sheeřa acted like Kate was a kind neighbor, offering her over and giving gifts; but they both knew where Kate came from. Sam had immediately taken a liking to Kate, following up on the fact that she could shoot. According to the simulation stats, she really could shoot, and that seemed not enough because he wouldn't ever stop talking. He didn't pry, but the questions were reoccurring. Kate admired him for it, the challenge of becoming her friend, one he liked. She could almost call him a friend.