Adamantine (A Post-Black Panther Bucky Barnes Love Story)

4

The car pulls up outside of the Wakandan palace. I raise my eyebrows at the structure, impressed by the designs and splendor. I'm nearly made breathless, though, by how much nearly-pure vibranium is in one place. The metal is so untainted, just neutralized enough to be handled by human hands. It's incredible. It's also terrifying, in a way, that I could completely destroy the entire building with a snap of my fingers. If I really wanted to, I could do that to plenty of buildings- not just here, but everywhere.

It's crazy to think of just how easily I could take over the world if I didn't care about being the sole cause of World War III.

I mean, I've brought down regimes before. Who else do you think was working in the shadows when ISIS lost hold in Raqqa? I'm the US military's secret weapon, and almost nobody knows it. The government loves when people don't even realize what's right in front of them. Hiding in plain sight really does always work.

"What are you thinking about?" Michael asks me, cutting me from my thoughts.

I shrug, climbing out of the car on the far side from the palace while he gets out on the near side.

"Nothing," I tell him, not feeling any guilt over the white lie.

Eyeing the strange way the female palace guards watch me, Michael hints, "The king said you're a legend here."

"I am in a lot of countries. All over Africa and Asia, plus throughout most of Eastern Europe. A couple Western European countries are iffy about me too," I say dismissively. "They hear stories. They say once I'm sent after someone, it's death sentence. If I come after you in the night, you're dead."

"Is there any merit to it?" he asks, sounding somewhat nervous.

"Plenty," I nod. I look at him strangely. "Why are you asking me about this? You've heard the stories."

He nods and twists his silver watch around his wrist one full rotation.

"It's just," he pauses, searching for the right words to say as we walk up to the palace doors. "I didn't think you had been here before, that's all."

Glancing over at him, "I haven't."

"So how have they heard of you?" he asks, confused.

"Beats me."

Michael is about to reply when two guards pull open the huge double doors. The princess is waiting for us.

"Princess Shuri," Michael greets politely, bowing his head in respect.

"Please," she laughs lightly, "just Shuri is fine. Being all formal is for my brother. Come, dinner will be laid out soon."

I walk silently behind Michael, my fingers twitching slightly with the desire to take control of the metal surrounding me. I resist the temptation and follow the young princess and Michael to the dining room. I move silently behind them, keeping a careful eye on our surroundings. The Dora Milaje warriors who line the hall watch me suspiciously, but when I lock eyes with any of them, they instantly look away. I look back toward the back of Michael's head with a small, pleased smirk.

We enter the dining room, and Shuri sits at her brother's right side, while Michael is at his left. I'm next to Michael, and I survey the room. It's beautiful, decorated in blue and gold.

"Lovely palace," I remark to Shuri.

"Thank you," she replies graciously. She opens her mouth to say something else when the king walks in. We all rise to our feet instantly, only sitting after he's taken his seat.

"Welcome," he smiles warmly, and I notice his gaze repeatedly settles on me. "How was your journey here?"

"It went well, your Majesty," Michael replies politely. "The planes you provided us were incredible."

"Thank you," T'Challa nods. "And yourself, Ms. Azar?"

"It was smoother than many trips I've taken," I reply with polite interest. "Thank you for your hospitality, your Majesty. The accommodations have been lovely."

"Glad to hear it," he replies, sounding pleased. "But, please- call me T'Challa. Among private company, it's what I prefer."

Michael and I nod, and we all dig into dinner. Maybe half an hour in, I feel a jolt go down my spine as I sense more vibranium enter the room. I stiffen, and Michael looks concerned as he notices my rigid form.

"Aurea-"

"Sergeant Barnes!" T'Challa suddenly exclaims, clearly happy. I glance over my shoulder, and my eyes widen the slightest bit at who I see. It's none other than James Buchanan Barnes- Captain Rogers' friend from the 40s. I see the metal arm attached to his body, and I realize that was the metal I sensed. "How are you?"

"I'm okay," he grins. His eyes meet mine briefly. "I didn't realize you had company."

Instantly, I rise to my feet and offer a handshake. I manage a smile.

"Aurea Azar," I introduce myself. "Personal security detail to the ambassador."

Recognition flicks across his eyes, and he smiles.

"I've heard of you. I thought you were a myth," he admits, easily accepting my handshake.

"A lot of people thought you were one, too," I counter with a small smirk.

"Touché," he nods. "Shuri told me the ambassador had minimal security. It makes sense now why."

"Oh?" I'm interested in what he has to say.

"If what I've heard is true, you're a one woman army."