Wakanda's Marionette (Erik Killmonger Fanfiction)

Prologue

Solana POV

Being an international relations major has definitely had its ups and downs. I don't have a job lined up yet. I haven't had an internship. I haven't even built a network. My short term goal is to get an A. After I possibly get an A, I don't know what's lined up for me but at least getting a good grade would be somewhat attainable.

"What should I do my thesis on?" I sighed heavily as I paced my room.

"I could do it on US international relations." I thought out loud. I can't, everyone does that.

"Canada?" Nah, everyone does that too.

"I'm gonna fail." I flopped on the couch and my tv turned on.

"Wakanda. A small nation nested in Northeast Africa. Today, we will be focusing on this poor third world country and how their economy has been suffering since their establishment. We will give you the viewers a look into the poorest country in Africa. One interesting fact about this country: Wakanda has one of the lowest GDPs in the world but they refuse to receive any foreign aid. Let's take a look at this rural impoverished nation." The presenter introduced his show.

I can do my thesis on Wakanda. I pulled out my laptop and googled Wakanda. After reading articles upon articles and watching dozens of videos about Wakanda, I felt like a light bulb went off above my head. "Why didn't I think of doing my thesis on Wakanda before."

After what felt like hours of research, I looked at flights to Wakanda. $700 for a round trip. Wow that's a bargain. I looked up where to stay in Wakanda. There was an opportunity to be hosted by a host family.

Being that my only course this year is my senior thesis course, I emailed my professor to see if she would approve a leave so I can conduct research in Wakanda.

She emailed back. "Sounds like a great idea. Take as much time as you need."

I swear as soon as she approved the trip, I booked my flight. A huge chunk of my savings is going towards this trip.

Two weeks later

I'm on my way to Wakanda. This all feels like it is a very spur of the moment type of thing because it is, but anything for my short term goal.

Once I was out of the plane, my host picked me up. "Solana, it's so nice to meet you in person after emailing back and forth." I went in to shake my host's hand.

"Lulama. We do hugs here." She gave me a hug instead. Lulama is as kind in person as she is via email.

"Thank you so much for agreeing to host me." I held onto my backpack straps.

"Too many thank yous. I'm happy to have you here." She grinned at me.

Once Lulama started to drive, all I saw was what looked to be a very destitute area. It made my heart sink to my stomach remembering all the research I did on Wakanda's economy. I would see farmers with their livestock. There was one person I saw with a unique hat that made me think about how they might have worn that hat to brighten up their day at work. After a while I felt like I kept seeing that same hat. I had to question it. "Hey Lulama." I kept looking at that person.

"Yes Solana."

"I don't mean to be rude but are we lost? Are we driving around in circles?" I kept looking at my surroundings.

Immediately she said, "Of course not, why do you ask?"

"I'm sorry. It's just, it's just I feel like I keep seeing the same person. Maybe I'm just seeing things- it was a long flight after all." I sighed.

About 10 minutes later, I saw that we were approaching that same person. "Wait there they are again. I knew I wasn't seeing things. Lulama, it's that gentleman over there with the cool hat." I pointed. She quickly glanced.

"Oh right... yes I think that there might be a seamstress who makes things for the farmers for fun or something. I've seen those before too." She reassured me. "I've seen those recently."

"Oh okay, I really thought you were just driving around aimlessly." I laughed.

"Of course not." She smiled at me once more. "We're almost there. I just need to make a quick call to make sure everything is ready for you. Do you mind if we stop?"

"Take all the time you need. I can get some fresh air while you're talking." I walked around and stretched.

Omniscient POV

"Udidekile, kutheni unxiba loo nto? (You idiot, why would you wear that hat)" Lulama said on the phone through a smile as she watched Solana.

"Kwimoya. (It's in fashion)" The "farmer" said.

"Andikhathazeki ukuba kusemfashini, uyazi ukuba unendwendwe apha. (I dont care if it's in fashion, you know we have a visitor here)"

"Awuyithandi intsimbi yam?! (You don't like my hat)" He retorted.

"Ndiyathanda loo nqaku kodwa akusiyo ixesha lokugqoka. (I do like that hat but this isnt the time to wear it)"

"Ngoba? (Why)" he responded quickly.

"Nceda uthathe isicatshulwa. Uyabonwa ngokuphindaphindiweyo ngamaxesha amaninzi. Ucela ukuba silahlekile ngenxa yokuba uhlala ekubona. (Please take the hat off. She's seen you multiple times already. She's asking if we're lost because she keeps seeing you)"

"Demethi. (Damn)" He suddenly became worried.

"Kulungile ungakhathazeki ndize ndibe nesisulu. (It's okay don't worry I came up with an excuse)"

"Kukubona kancinci. (See you in a bit)" Lulama laughed and hung up her phone.

"Are you ready Solana?" Lulama called out to the doe eyed woman who was staring at the sky.

"Absolutely." She hustled back to the car.

They drove once more and past that same farmer just without his signature sunhat.

Solana started to feel herself getting tired and she started to shut her eyes every once in a while.

"We're here Solana." Lulama woke her up gently.

They headed to where Lulama would host Esmeralda. The area looked a little different than what she expected. It was slightly less rural than the places they passed in the car but there were still the traditional huts that I saw in my online research.

"Oh Solana you have to see this." Lulama pointed to the West.

Solana looked to where she pointed and gasped. She felt frozen in place. "Wow that's so beautiful." She was amazed at the sunset. "This is amazing." She felt close to tears. She vowed to herself to make sure that she watches the sunset as much as she can during her stay.

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Hello,

I'm just trying out this fanfiction because I got an interesting idea. I haven't made a cast list because I'm not sure if this will be continued. If I do continue this, I will tell you that everything is not going to be depicted the exact same way Black Panther/Wakanda is in the MCU. Hopefully you like this since I got inspiration from such an amazing film.

If you don't like it, please let me know.

Oh and also I used Google Translate so please forgive me if you see any errors in translation.

Thank you so much for reading!