Brooklyn POV-
"Is this such a good idea with all thats happening?"
Dad smirked, "Just because an assassin sent you a friend request to go to war doesn't mean you have to put your life on hold. Besides, if Ivan tries to get to you, he won't be able to do it in Wakanda. That's the safest place you'll be"
She knew he was right, was aware Damian had already made up his mind and was on his way as well, with Jon tagging along as his guest. Though Harry had bailed last minute because of his duties as captain of the football team, Brooklyn suspected some of the other heirs she'd met during family day would be going.
A chance to make more friends, or so mom had said.
It just felt odd going away for a week, missing a week of school with her friends after they had just reunited. She knew they wouldn't be in trouble with Agent Claire on extreme vigilance, but the worry was there.
Yesterday, Brooklyn had decided that instead of taking Peter to Wakanda, she'd use her extra invite to take Yelena away for her safety. SHIELD wasn't happy, but Fury approved the leave only because Steve Rogers was joining them, not as an intentional bodyguard (he was not part of the 'Innovation for the future' experience).
Steve had also chosen to bring Wanda so she could get to know the place as he took care of some business. Though Wanda and Steve were on house arrest, Fury had been able to get the leave approved under the excuse of them being bodyguards for the Ivan targeted girls.
That had surprisingly worked.
The three of them were already waiting out in the courtyard of the compound, luggage in hand. Brooklyn still hesitated at the entrance of the compound, looking back at her mom and dad, Harley standing between them.
She knew they would be safe too, that dad had some simple missions these next few days, and mom would be doing company work at the compound. Harley was in good hands too, Peter had sworn to look out for her little brother.
Maybe it was just the thought of going far away from them that worried Brooklyn, she cared about her family more than anything after all. If something were to happen to them while she was away...
"Just go have fun" mom sad, stepping forward to bring Brook into a tight hug, "This is a learning experience after all. The event is sort of like an internship, a way to establish connections with Wakanda and ensure the heirs of companies understand what kind of change they want to take part of, not profit, but something better for the world and those in need. Think of it as a mission, not a vacation"
That did make Brooklyn feel less guilty.
This was her first overseas job for the company, and Brooklyn would push all worries aside to make sure she could do it right.
That's when a peculiar jet landed on the front lawn. It looked nothing like Brooklyn had ever seen in SHIELD, rounder, somehow more agile. It touched down with little fuss, and when the back opened, a woman in traditional red attire came out, holding a spear of sorts, she even had intricate tattoos on her bald head.
It wasn't until Brooklyn hugged her parents and sibling one more time and joined the others that she realized that spear was made of pure vibranium, and that the dark skinned woman was nothing but strength and muscle, face passive as she made some sort of greeting with her arms crossed on her chest.
When the teen saw Wanda and Grandpa Steve returning the greeting, it only took a small heartbeat for Brook and Yelena to follow.
In her defense, Brook had tried doing some research on Wakanda for this trip, she and Yelena had stayed up last night trying to research with Damian and Jon on video call. Unfortunately, most of the information found online was still from before the country decided to reveal its true colors.
All Brooklyn knew for certain is that the previous king of Wakanda had been killed at the United Nations submit in Vienna to try and ratify the Sokovia Accords that brought so much internal fighting amongst the Avengers. Some assassin (that had later proved to be innocent) had blown up the place and killed the Wakandan king.
Now the young man Brook had seen at Family Day was the new king, and he had very recently decided to make a change, one in which they revealed their technology, mass amounts of vibranium, and the Black Panther's identity.
At least this trip wouldn't be boring...
The woman friendly introduced herself as Ayo, part of the Dora Milaje, an elite group of female bodyguards, Wakandan special forces, and the king's guard. Steve greeted her with kindness, proceeding to ask about the well being of the king and princess as they boarded the flying jet that looked much more elegant from the inside.
It was large, spacious, with a table in the middle that, was that sand atop the table? Maybe decoration?
Brooklyn still looked out a nearby window as soon as she settled one of the comfortable seats, watching her family wave as the ship ascended, which she only knew was happening because her family was getting smaller. Inside, it felt as if nothing had happened, even when they moved at fasts speeds towards their destination.
Ayo was sitting crosslegged by the front of the ship piloting it, not with a steering wheel of sorts, but a sort of holographic system. It was mesmerizing.
Yelena was silent beside Brooklyn, keeping her eyes down below as if she was waiting for trouble. She was clutching her sweatshirt tightly and her quick bun looked about ready to collapse.
Brook knew Yelena was more than a little worried about the Red Room package from the Yule dance, that some part of her was afraid of being taken back not because it would likely mean a traitor's death (Black Widows did not fear death) but because it would be saying goodbye to this life.
Though Yelena would likely never admit it, Brook knew she and Jon were creating some sort of trust bond. The blonde would no longer threaten the boy with death since the dance, and when Natasha had asked about it yesterday, Yelena might've gotten little flustered with her words.
Then again, Natasha had grilled both girls on details, enough so that Brooklyn almost felt bead about lying of only dancing with Peter.
"Jon will be coming with us" Brooklyn said, carefully to keep quiet enough that Steve and Wanda wouldn't hear from their place seated before them, "You have nothing to worry about"
Yelena ripped her gaze from the windows, breathed a sigh, and replied with a nod as she let he head fall back on the seat.
"You sound confident all will go well, since when are you the optimist sestra ? Does the Wayne coming with us have anything to do with that?" Yelena asked.
Brooklyn was momentarily stunned.
"What do you mean?"
Yelena looked towards Steve and Wanda who were busy in a conversation of their own.
The blonde shook her head, merely stating, "You and the Wayne may despise one another, but you are an effective team when it comes to fighting others. I'm merely saying that with the al Ghul, you seem more at ease"
Damian was her best friend, and him coming along did make her relax a bit more, not because they would be able to fight more effectively together if trouble showed up, but because in Wakanda, his mother couldn't get to him.
Brook debated telling the truth then.
Damian and Brooklyn had originally decided to keep the secret of their friendship from even their friends because they were not sure who else to trust with it. But as of late, Brook truly felt that her group of friends had become a little family, people she could trust, perhaps not with some of the things she and Damian shared and talked about, but enough that sharing their friendship might be a good thing.
Jon would not judge, Peter likely wouldn't either, the two of them always rambled about wanting the two heirs to get along. Yelena and Brook had reached some sort of understanding by now, a small friendship that could secure secrecy from Natasha. Ned was not exactly the most enthusiastic about keeping secrets, but he'd yet to say something he wasn't supposed to.
If they told the team, maybe Brook would get to just be Damian's friend more hours during the day, it certainly would be less exhausting than pretending to glare and snap and the Wayne all the time.
Maybe once they landed, Brook would talk to him about it.
******
Though the kingdom of Wakanda was a small isolationist landlocked country located in Africa, surrounded by mountain ranges and a thick forest, it did not take nearly as long to arrive as Brooklyn had estimated.
Soon she was standing on a landing area of Birnin Zana, the large capital city, the place now considered to be the most technologically advanced nation of the planet....
It truly was a sight to behold.
The buildings around the royal's home were tall and beautiful decorated with African styles or architecture with a blend of modern techniques. There was color everywhere, technology far beyond her understanding as trains that seemed to levitate passed by, more ships like the one Brook had arrived in docking around them.
But one of the first things Brooklyn noted upon stepping outside was not the country's beauty, but the unfamiliar heat. It was already snowing in New York, and Brook's party was dressed in warm attire that they quickly shed as the blazing sun greeted them.
Almost as soon as they all gathered their luggage and thanked Ayo, Steve and Wanda excused themselves to go see the king, apparently, Brook and Yelena would have to wait out here for the rest of the 'students' to arrive.
It didn't take very long for a pair of familiar faces to emerge, also in warm attire they quickly shed. Damian and Jon had their eyes on the buildings around them, but as if he could sense them, Jon quickly turned around and dragged Damian over to them.
Kent did not hesitate to pull Yelena into a quick hug, then Brooklyn into one that ended up lifting her off the ground. They had been working their way to longer embraces, and the Stark had no doubt Yelena would soon be the one lifted off the ground by the rate their friendship was evolving.
Damian and Brooklyn exchanged a simple nod, though she took the chance to send him a wink when Jon turned around to show Yelena some building he found fascinating.
It seemed that all the ships had coordinated to arrive around the same time, because soon the landing area was full of two dozen or so kids.
Some she recognized, like Richard Reeds' kid, the mutant. He was already with a group of older teens, talking as if they'd known one another since birth.
Mia Queen was there too, the daughter of Oliver Queen from Star City, an acquaintance of the Waynes. The blonde girl did not make to stand by Damian through, she kept to herself, seemingly unbothered by all around her as she talked to the tall guy she'd brought as her companion.
To hers and Damian's pleasure, Lex Jr. truly hadn't been invited, which was a small blessing in itself.
Before anyone could try and introduce themselves, the Dora Milaje standing diligently around the teens brought their spears down twice agains the ground, a loud sound resonating from the action around them as if indicating something.
Brooklyn soon realized why...
A woman in white was stepping forward, dressed so beautifully that Brook could only guess that was the Queen mother of Wakanda. Beside her, a familiar teen was dressed much more casually, but there was no doubt by her confidence and shared smiles with the Queen that it was Shuri, the princess of Wakanda.
They were escorted by two Dora Milaje, but looked relatively relaxed as they stopped before the gathered crowd. Unsure what to do, Brook saw a few teens bow and curtsy, so she and Yelena followed suit, with Jon practically having to shove Damian into a bow.
The princess chucked at their reverence, only stopping when her mother shot the teen a reprimanding look. The queen was kind as she asked everyone to rise, introducing herself and her daughter, as well as thanking them all for coming.
Shuri locked eyes with Brook then in recognition, and shot the Stark a quick wave.
Brooklyn did not get to return the gesture as they were all led inside the building and into a large elevator that guided them to a very large hallway full of paintings of Kings and Queens past.
Brook walked beside Damian by the front of the group, examining all the royals and the Black Panthers from times past. There was so much luxury, culture, history...
At the end of the hall, the teens stepped into a throne room of sorts with an elegant chair in the middle of a half crescent circle of chairs before a pit of red sand. It seemed humble but lavish at the same time, plus the of the city in the windows at the end of the room was a wonder of its own.
Everyone stopped to behold the king of Wakanda, a handsome young man dressed in a suit with little embellishments of African designs at the cuffs and collar line. He wore no crown, not that he needed it with the presence he seemed to carry.
T'Challa was strong, confident, and above all, Brooklyn actually managed to spot some similarities in him to those of his ancestors in the paintings they'd spotted in the main hall.
To her surprise, the King flashed them all a gentle smile, urging his council to stand as well.
Again, everyone was clueless as to how to greet the royals, so they all just clumsily bowed, this time it had been Brook's turn to nudge Damian into doing so.
She knew him better now that to think the Wayne just relished in being impolite, Damian just despised showing weaknesses.
The king did not seem to notice a thing though, he greeted them all with a smile, introducing them as the future the world was counting on. Brook felt a brief flash of panic at the words, even when they were likely supposed to be reassuring and flattering.
Damian must've sensed it, because he gave her a discrete nod, one Yelena and Jon copied. It was a silent promise that if the well being of the world would be in Damian's and Brook's hands, its safety would not have to be a lonely burden, they were a team after all.
A team that stuck together as the princess proceeded to show all of them around what they called the 'public areas' of their home. There were large rooms for meetings and parties, smaller rooms that were used that day to hold 'school-like' lessons on the country and its vibranium.
Because Jon insisted on sitting next to Yelena every 'class', Brooklyn and Damian had the perfect excuse to sit beside one another, but unlike in history class, they did not spent it passing notes to one another. This was new information, important matters that made both the Stark and Wayne pay as much attention as possible.
Not only were they being taught about all the wonderful and useful things vibranium could do, but Brook was surprised that the dangerous uses of the metal were also brought up. As future heirs of companies, it was their duty to decide whether they'd be willing to make trade deals with Wakanda, to accept the responsibility of knowing they were dealing with something that could change lives for the good of many, if they chose the 'darker' path...lets just say the Wakandan scientist made it very clear there would be consequences.
Between that, going to a mess hall to eat exquisite traditional food, and being shown the rest of the palace, Brooklyn almost collapsed on her bed by the afternoon, barely noting each teen was given a separate bedroom.
It wasn't until she took a few breaths that she realized the room was incredibly elegant, especially since it was just a mere guest bedroom. Its color scheme was mostly blacks, grays, slivery tones, and metal accents. But there were sparks of color scattered around, in paintings of textile designs, the whole ceiling looking like a dark sea of swirling purple that could likely only be achievable thanks to vibranium.
There was a balcony in her room, and though Brook was likely twenty floors up from the ground, the height did not seem overwhelming as she looked out at the beauty of the city beyond.
There were drums playing in the distance even if she could barely hear them.
There was a gentle cooling breeze on her skin, chasing away the heat of the day.
The simplicity to Wakanda, even when its technology was beyond the bounds of what Brook had thought possible, the people she'd met, even just in passing, had been kind and welcoming, not one person seemed like they were faking their joy.
A true wonder indeed.
After turning on the TV to some Wakandan music station, Brooklyn finally noted that there was a pile of clothes neatly folded on the cozy end-of-bed bench. The teen moved away from the balcony, past the gentle blue flowing curtains to scan the items left for her.
Apparently, someone had likely guessed everyone would bring winter clothes for the trip like fools, and they had been nice enough to lend these. Most of the outfits were one piece pantsuits, only loose and patterned with bright colors and designs common in Africa.
Some had thin straps to hang around the neck, but due to her scars, Brooklyn opted to wear the ones with full backs and sheer sleeves. Though there were some dresses in the mix, the teen stuck to the jumpsuits, the simple sandals, and even took a liking to many of the thin cotton pajamas laid out as well.
But then, at the bottom of the pile was a bracelet made out of black beads with symbols Brook had seen around the palace and in all rooms. It was the Wakandan language no doubt.
The Stark had seen almost everyone wearing one of those bracelets today, and after reading the note attached to it, she realized it was more than jewelry.
It was a communication device amongst other things for sure, but the instructions said to wear it during the stay, that it would help unlock access to rooms, provide information, and even created holographic video calls.
Not bad.
Brook hesitated, but ended up placing her Stark watch back in her small luggage bag, replacing it with the Wakandan Kimoyo Beads above her scarred wrist. They glowed purple for a few seconds, but eventually settled back down.
She spent some time testing out how they worked, eventually getting test calls from Jon, Yelena, and Damian. The three actually spent hours trying to figure out how they worked, and by the time Jon had fallen asleep (even though it was still bright outside), they three ex-assassins concluded that perhaps only Ned would be able to figure these out in the timespan of an evening.
A knock came at the door then, and when Brooklyn opened it she was almost startled when it was the princess who stood on the other side, smiling at the bracelet on Brook's wrist.
Out of all the things Brooklyn had learned today, how to greet the Wakandan royals was not among them. All Brooklyn could think to do was that greeting from earlier, arms crossed on her chest.
Shuri seemed happy with that greeting, and though this was her home, she still asked for permission to enter, request Brooklyn granted. The teen was dressed most oddly, with a tight white dress, but wearing Nike sneakers. She still looked very inch the right hand of the King, held a joy and contentment that Brooklyn had just begun to understand these past few months.
"I remember you from Family Day, the girl who stood up to the man who was ignoring his son" the princess said causally as she looked around the room.
Brooklyn had been expected to be remembered by her last name, perhaps even by her victory at the end of the competition...just not that.
"Harry is my friend, his father was...out of line. I had to do something"
The princess smirked, settling on the bed.
"Thats partially why we invited you despite the council's advice that Starks should not be granted the opportunity to come to this event, because of their background with the Avengers and the old weapon branch the used to have" Shuri said honestly, "But you fought for the right thing that day, and though it may not seem like much, your actions that day said a lot about you and your company's future"
Brooklyn hadn't realized her own invitation held so much controversy, none of the people she'd spoke to today had seemed unhappy by her presence, much less judgmental by her family's past. Was that why with any question answered during the lessons, the 'teachers' seemed unusually pleased with her responses?
Has those questions been a test of her character too?
Brook had proven herself to Stark Industries already, but she hadn't considered that the rest of the world would test her on that ability as well. Regardless, she didn't feel angry at the princess or her people, after all...they had no idea they'd let an ex-assassin into their home... well, three.
"I can see why this was held in the first place, Wakanda is powerful, but there are people who would use this power for bad things. I will try to prove I'm right for the job during my stay, Stark Industries is more than capable of doing right by an alliance" Brook said, earning a smile from the princess.
"I know" Shuri said, pushing back locks of her braided hair as she added calmly, "I've been told you were quite interested in using vibranium for medical purposes, that you suggested many uses to help the disabled"
Ah, that.
Brooklyn had been curious mostly because of the improvements she was making for Barbara Wayne's brace, but also for the medical branch Stark Industries was starting.
Shuri spent the next hour showing Brooklyn all the ways in which vibranium could be used further than what had been explained today, how it reacted with the body, and how it could be molded and shaped for improvements of the brace.
Not only was the princess incredibly smart, but the limits of vibranium were near endless.
It was a nearly indestructible element, one that crash landed as a meteorite from outer space millennia ago.
Prior to this, Brooklyn had only know the metal because Steve's shield had been made of the material, just as Vision's body was. But there was so much it could do...
It was stronger than steel, but only a third of the weight, as well as being completely vibration absorbent. Any attempt to physically damage the material would be negated on a molecular level, mechanical/kinetic energy was be absorbed instead of breaking any bonds in its molecular matrix.
Shuri had worked with the metal for years, had lived with it as part of her life since birth, and now she was the person in this country that knew the material best.
She's been the one to use vibranium's deflects of kinetic energy to their limits, figured out its magnetic properties long before dad had implemented that knowledge so that Steve's shield could return to his arm by using a magnetic device.
That could be useful....
Brooklyn spent hours learning about how vibranium was sown it into their clothes, implanted into their bodies as tattoos, and used as a power source for the advanced technologies of their city.
The metal could actually conduct electricity, something Brooklyn was hoping she could use to improve her gauntlets.
All that knowledge, it made Brooklyn appreciate the country more, see further beauty in their lifestyle.
"You and your people are perhaps right to keep your barriers up, if people knew all the uses of your metal, then the peace of your home could end" Brooklyn said somberly, staring out into the bright blue sky beyond her balcony.
Shuri shrugged, "I wouldn't say Wakanda is in peace, not when we just had a civil war for power recently. There are still rebels out there who want Wakanda to be something else, led by a person with a different vision. That's why mother was so hesitant to host this event"
So there were bad apples in the golden tree...
"Were YOU hesitant to host the event?"
The princess looked out at her city, the country beyond.
"No, Wakanda is strong, we can protect ourselves and still do some good outside our kingdom"
"Something tells me you're right" Brook mused, truly hoping this place remained the way it was now, that it could do the good it hoped for.
Thats when another knock came at the door, and a familiar face peeked into the room only to see Brook and Shuri sitting on the bed, a dozen holograms around them full of knowledge.
He looked a little bashful when coming in, greeting the princess with familiarity.
"I suspect the talk with my brother went well?" Shuri asked Steve, to which the man nodded, looking significantly less worried that he'd been on their way to Wakanda.
Dare she say, Grandpa Steve looked happy.
"Thank you so much for all you have done" Steve said to the teen beside Brook, looking close to tears until he turned to the Stark, opening and closing his mouth as if he were debating saying something.
He ran a hand through his beard nervously.
"Brook, I was told you were done with duties for today, and I'd like to introduce you to someone, if you're open to it" Steve said, eyeing the blazing sun outside.
Brooklyn hadn't been expecting to meet anyone else, but Steve had been talking to the King, perhaps T'Challa wanted to see if Brooklyn was worthy of being an ally as well.
She stood up, smiling in thanks to the princess before excusing herself with a Wakandan salute.
Guess it was time to truly meet the King...only it wasn't.
*********
This chapter talked a bit about vibranium because it will be important in the future! Now that Wakanda is getting ready to open up to the world, its resources will be important. Perhaps even in fighting the alien weapons....*wink, wink*.
I've already shown a special appearance by Loki and Thor, now here come another familiar face for the marvel fans....enjoy.