EVERMORE ─ marvel

V. Things Can Always Change

Chapter Five
Zy'aire

"If Wakanda is going to pay for these housing units in other countries, we should at least ask for compensation from the countries we are building in." Uncle Everett says from his council seat. The other tribe leaders nod, along with Aunt Soroya, Sam, and Johnathon.

"I'll ask, but I doubt they'll do it." I respond, tensing slightly as I feel Baba's hand squeeze my shoulder in comfort.

I've been very grateful to have my parents here helping me, advising me on my decisions and ideas. Every king needs people around them to keep them in check...but it's also made me feel a lot worse about myself, as stupid as that is. I know perfectly well that Baba had advisors as king, that he felt overwhelmed, that he sometimes felt the weight of his job press in on him, but I can't stop the voice in my head that tells me he was a perfect king while I'm a failure. I had hoped after listening to what Sam said about never being my father and about my best being good enough, that my insecurities and doubts would go away.

I guess since I've been comparing myself to my father everyday since I was a boy, it will take longer than a single conversation to stop my bad habit. Over these past few months it's certainly gotten better, I am much more confident in myself as a man and a king, but its still not completely gone. Stress certainly doesn't help, and I've never been more stressed out than I am now.

"Has there been any updates on the supplies Stark Industries and Pym Tech sent?" Johnathon asks Aunt Soroya and Sam.

Sam answers: "We're close. Scott contacted us and said they have a promising lead."

"Let me know when the items have been found," Johnathon asks calmly, wearing a formal suit just like Sam is, though his is charcoal black. "We need more computers for the science wing and the students are going through the training weapons like they're twigs."

"How many training weapons do you need?" Uncle Khari asks, leaning against his spear.

"At least two dozen."

"I would be happy to send over some Jabari spears and staffs. They are wooden and very sturdy, they won't easily break. It could be a good substitute while we wait for the missing supplies."

"That would be excellent," Johnathon says with a smile towards my uncle. "I was also wondering if there were any Jabari or Wakandan soldiers willing to come teach fighting at the school. We only have Colonel Rhodes right now, and even though we only have twelve students, we are in need of more teachers."

"I will ask my people immediately." Uncle Khari responds.

"Maybe we should ask Valkyrie if anymore Asgardians are willing to teach as well." Sam suggests, getting a nod from Aunt Soroya in agreement.

"Zy, I was wondering if I could cancel our meeting later on today," Uncle Khari asks politely, but his eyes are filled with slight annoyance. "I have to go have a meeting at the school."

"The Institute?" Johnathon asks confused.

Uncle Khari shakes his head. "No, the regular school. Jo got in a fight."

"What about?" I ask, sitting up more in my throne.

"Some child in her class was saying things about Daniel, calling Jo a traitor. The child then pushed her, and it didn't go well." I now realize Uncle Khari isn't annoyed at Jo.

I'm finding myself annoyed, too. "Let me know if you need any help." Having a cousin as king can have a lot of perks. I don't say that out loud though, it's very unkingly.