Black Panther: Rise of the Princess (COMPLETE)

Chapter 49: Tony

If I'm being honest, I don't remember the flight over to Wakanda. All I know is that Natasha woke me up when we entered Wakandan airspace, and that I wished I had brought Pepper and Morgan as soon as I looked out the window.

I had been to Wakanda, five years ago, but there hadn't been much time to take in the view. No one really had, I think everyone was a little more concerned about the impending doom Thanos had promised to rain down on us. Now that we were dealing with a slightly less pressing matter, people were taking the chance to look out the window. I'm surprised Natasha managed to keep the plane steady with such a gorgeous view.

After a smooth landing, I climbed out with Bruce and Rhodey. Rhodes actually wasn't planning on coming, due to some meeting, but with a last minute cancellation (that was maybe staged by me), he got to come too. Anyways, Peter walked behind us, since he had just been here a month ago, according to his story. Not that he had disclosed many details, despite my desperate efforts to convince him.

T'Challa and his sister greeted us on the landing platform. "Welcome. I hope you didn't have much trouble landing, Ms. Romanoff," he said, eyeing our ride. "I imagine the barrier guard was a little suspicious of your plane."

She just shrugged it off. "Nothing a bit of conversation couldn't solve. I just had to explain why a jet with 'Stark' written on the side was doing in Africa."

"We're here for emotional support," I declared, opening my arms. "How hard is that?"

Bruce didn't think that was as funny as I did, judging from his groan. T'Challa's sister held out thin bands to each of us.

"These will give you guest access to most areas of Wakanda," she explained. "Each of them were synced individually to your identity. We apologize for the caution, but after recent events, we feel that it is necessary."

"We did hear that something big had happened recently," Bruce noted, "but not what. Peter wouldn't tel-hey, wait, what's he doing with a fancier bracelet? What does that mean?"

Peter slid it onto his wrist. "Don't take it personally, I just helped save the country. How is everyone recovering, now that I think about it?"

The Princess answered. "Our Mother has recovered from her coma, but she is still suffering from some brain damage. We have started her on a treatment that will speed the healing process. The Queen, on the other hand, is perfectly fine."

"This...these people attacked your family? Directly?" Bruce asked, turning to the King. "Was this some kind of terrorist attack?"

T'Challa shook his head, leading everyone inside. "It was HYDRA. They infiltrated our Outreach Centers and have stolen resources for the past five years. From what Peter has told us, most of those resources were sent to the HYDRA base in Germany."

I tried to concentrate on the conversation while simultaneously being distracted by the architecture. "Yeah, Barnes mentioned seeing a few crates here and there. I'm sorry, how long has this palace been standing?" I pointed up at the ceiling, although I was referring to the whole building.

The King seemed amused. "For generations, Mr. Stark. Wakanda has built on this land since before the reign of the Roman Empire."

"You mean there has been an African utopia this whole time, and we're just hearing about it now?" Rhodey asked, not noticing Peter snickering behind him.

"I am afraid so, Colonel," T'Challa answered, grinning at his sister. "I don't suppose you would care to show our guests the lab? I will direct the others to you as they arrive."

She nodded, turning a corner down a set of carpeted stairs. "Come, this way. There is much to show you."

The five of us followed her down to a separate, smaller hanger, where a shuttle was waiting for us. Well, Rhodey, Bruce, Romanoff, and I followed. Peter ran up beside her, striking up a conversation. About what, I have no idea, but Rhodey began whispering next to me.

"This place is amazing. I haven't even seen a lab here yet, but there's already more tech in this building than M.I.T."

Bruce scratched his head. "Oh, you have no idea. I managed to get a tour inside the Outreach Center in California last year. I only got in for an hour, but I have never been more impressed, or confused, in my entire life."

I stared at him. "How did you get on a tour?"

"It's good to hear you boys impressed every once in a while," Natasha commented behind us. "I'll bet if you ask nicely, Shuri would give you a lesson or two."

"Is that what her name is?" Rhodey asked, whispering so she couldn't hear. I shrugged, since I didn't know either.

Bruce looked down at his wristband from her, musing, "I know I asked him to watch the lab while I was gone, but I wish that Harley could ha-"

I covered his mouth, making sure that Peter hadn't heard. "Do NOT say that name while he can hear you," I gritted through my teeth.

"Why not?" Rhodey asked, lowering his voice too. "I mean, you've kept an eye on both of them for how long? Shouldn't they at least meet one day?"

"No, because that would set off a time bomb hither to undreamt of," I warned him. "I know those two, if they figure out the other exists, something will end up exploding. I don't want to see what kind of trouble those two would find."

Bruce looked over at Peter, who was boarding a shuttle of some sort with Princess Shuri. "I do. If he can save Wakanda with her, there's no telling what he'll do when he meets up with your other protégé."

Author's Note: I am going to go back through and change Ethan to Morgan. If you see multiple updates of past parts/books, that is why. Also, not to mention, this book is at 10 K reads! I've never had a story do that, so many thanks to you guys!!! Lots of love <3