章 81: Kara the Mercenary: Wakanda's Friend Forever

T'Challa hesitated for a moment before voicing his question, his tone both curious and cautious. "During our battle, I noticed something remarkable. The vibranium claws of my suit fractured upon contact with your vambraces. This implies that your vambraces are crafted from a material even stronger than vibranium. So, why did you request vibranium from Wakanda?"

At his words, both Shuri and Ororo turned their gaze toward Kara's vambrace. Shuri's scientific curiosity was evident as her eyes widened, and even Ororo, who was intimately familiar with vibranium's properties, looked visibly intrigued.

Kara hesitated briefly, calculating how much truth she could reveal. Opting for a carefully measured explanation, she raised her arm slightly to display the vambrace. "This?" she began. "It's made of Kryptium, a non-ductile metal with a hardness exceeding that of diamond and tensile strength surpassing any earthly metal. I extracted a small amount from a meteorite, just enough to forge this single vambrace." In truth, after months she had only managed to create this much with her Virtual Substance,

Shuri's eyes sparkled with wonder. "You're telling me this is alien metal? And you named it yourself?"

Kara nodded with a wry smile. "Yes. It's alien, as you guessed. It's rare and practically irreplaceable—hence why I only have one. The process to refine it took months, even with my technology."

Shuri stepped forward, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Let me see."

Kara lowered her arm, allowing Shuri to study the smooth surface of the vambrace. Shuri's fingers hovered just above the gleaming metal, her expression a mixture of awe and analysis. "This is incredible," Shuri said after a moment. "It's priceless. If word of this got out, you'd become a target for every nation and organization on Earth. They'd stop at nothing to acquire even a fragment of this."

Ororo added, her voice tinged with concern, "She's right, Kara. Such a discovery carries great risk."

"I know," Kara replied, her voice steady. "Which is why I'm careful. That's also why I sought vibranium. While Kryptium is strong, it lacks certain energy properties that vibranium possesses. I'm looking to refine and balance both for… future purposes."

Shuri raised an eyebrow. "And your other vambrace? I assume it's not Kryptium?"

Kara suppressed a smile, her mind racing. "No, it's not." She removed her black cloak, an Astral Dress-like accessory, revealing the sleek mithril battlesuit beneath.

The suit clung to her form like liquid metal, its dark surface absorbing the light around it, creating an almost otherworldly sheen. Intricate arcane symbols flowed across its surface, their patterns shifting faintly as though alive, enhancing its mystic allure. The high collar framed Kara's face with a regal air, while the sleek design melded aesthetics with function, making it appear as though the suit were an extension of her very being.

"This is Mithril," Kara explained. "It's another extraterrestrial material, one with unique mystical properties. I combined my scientific and magical knowledge to forge it into this battlesuit."

Shuri's analytical instincts kicked in immediately, her eyes narrowing as she examined the intricate patterns and fluid movements of the material. "It's not just metal, is it?" she asked, her voice filled with admiration. "It responds to you. Is it... alive?"

Kara nodded. "The mithril possesses a semi-sentient quality. It reacts to my energy, my movements, and even my thoughts as if it were an extension of my will. Its defense capabilities are unparalleled, and it adapts dynamically in battle. However, it has its limits. It struggles with energies I can't directly manipulate, and that's where vibranium could bridge the gap."

As Kara moved, the suit seemed to ripple with a life of its own, shifting its texture and density to match her intentions. The way it subtly conformed to her every motion made it clear that this was not merely armor—it was a partner, a living interface between wearer and material.

Shuri's mind was already racing with possibilities, but her tone remained cautious. "If what you're saying is true, then we need to proceed carefully. Mixing alien and Wakandan technology could lead to... unforeseen consequences."

After a moment's pause, inspiration lit her face. Shuri trotted over to a cabinet, verified her pupils and fingerprints, then opened the secure door. From within, she retrieved two strands of vibranium-beaded bracelets, similar to the one she wore on her wrist. She hurried back to Kara, excitement evident in her stride.

"These are vibranium-beaded bracelets," Shuri began, her tone brimming with pride. "They contain the same nanovibranium material as the Black Panther suit, and they can easily cover both arms. You can try and see how they interact with your tech."

She demonstrated by slipping one bracelet onto her wrist. With a simple gesture, the nanovibranium flowed from the beads, spreading seamlessly over her arms in less than half a second. The process was fluid, almost organic, as the material adapted to her form. "It can absorb, store, and release any form of energy, such as vibrations, sound waves, electricity, and more."

The nanovibranium shimmered briefly before retracting back into its bead form. Shuri picked up the second bracelet, syncing it with her own larger one, before handing both strands to Kara.

"The user permissions have been fully unlocked," Shuri explained. "Once you wear them, turn them around your wrist until you see a flickering purple light. That means they've re-bound to you and can be used normally."

Kara accepted the bracelets with a nod of appreciation. She examined them for a brief moment, then performed what seemed like a practiced, almost ritualistic gesture with her hand. To everyone's astonishment, the bracelets vanished into thin air.

"Wow! Did you just make them disappear?" Shuri's voice was a mix of awe and disbelief. "Cool! And very unscientific."

"Yup," Kara replied, flashing a mischievous smile.

T'Challa and Ororo exchanged intrigued glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and admiration. Neither could discern where the bracelets had gone, but they were both impressed by Kara's effortless handling of what seemed like a fusion of science and sorcery.

Shuri, however, was captivated. Her eyes sparkled with the wide-eyed enthusiasm of a true scientist meeting something utterly new. To her, Kara wasn't just powerful—she was a walking enigma. "You're seriously amazing. First mithril, now this… You've got to teach me some of your tricks someday."

"Maybe someday," Kara replied with a wink.

As the playful banter continued, the sun dipped below the horizon, and the soft glow of Wakandan lanterns illuminated the surroundings. The scent of spiced food drifted on the evening breeze, signaling the imminent start of a grand feast. Kara, T'Challa, Shuri, and Ororo made their way toward the celebration.

...

As the host of the evening's grand celebration, King T'Chaka stood tall on the dais, his regal presence commanding the attention of all. Clad in ceremonial garb that gleamed with intricate Vibranium accents, he raised his hands to quiet the murmurs of the gathered crowd.

"Tonight, we celebrate not only the prosperity of our kingdom but also the triumph of justice," T'Chaka began, his voice carrying the strength of a king. "It is my solemn duty to inform you that Ulysses Klaue and Georges Batroc, whose treachery and crimes have plagued our land, will face judgment for their actions. Their execution will be carried out at the dawn of a new era for Wakanda."

The announcement was met with a ripple of approval, the people nodding in quiet satisfaction. Justice, after all, was a cornerstone of Wakandan values, and the king's resolve only solidified their trust in his leadership.

With the formalities concluded, T'Chaka extended his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Now, let us revel in our shared strength and unity. Let the feast begin!"

The festival erupted into a vibrant display of Wakandan culture. Long tables were laden with steaming dishes crafted from native ingredients—spiced stews, roasted meats, and fragrant rice dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas.

Kara's eyes widened at the bounty laid out before her. There were platters of tender roasted goat, marinated in a blend of smoky spices and herbs, the edges caramelized to perfection. Large bowls of fragrant rice—yellow with turmeric and studded with dried fruits and nuts—caught her attention. Beside them, a large tureen of vegetable stew simmered with deep red and orange hues, filled with root vegetables, okra, and bits of what Kara assumed was a slice of local, hearty meat.

On another table, skewers of grilled fish, its flesh perfectly charred, sat beside piles of golden flatbreads. The aroma of roasted vegetables and sweet mangoes mingled with the spices, sending waves of hunger through her.

"Okay, I think I'm going to need a second plate. Maybe a third," Kara said with a grin as she reached for a platter of golden fried yam chunks, the outside crispy and the inside soft and sweet.

Shuri, seated beside her with a mischievous grin, picked up a piece of meat from a nearby platter. "You think you're going to need more food? You're going to need more than that. Try the mbege stew. It's a Wakandan delicacy—laced with spices and a hint of citrus."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "I'm game. What else have you got for me?"

Shuri leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Wait for the piri-piri sauce. It's going to blow your mind. But if you can't handle the heat, we'll get you some chibichibi fruit—sweet and cool, just in case you need to calm down."

Kara laughed, reaching for a dish of piri-piri sauce, a rich, fiery red concoction that shimmered with hints of garlic and herbs. She dipped a piece of grilled fish in it, savoring the heat and the layers of flavor that danced across her tongue. "That is... intense," she said with a grin, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. "But good. I might need that chibichibi after all."

"Don't worry, we've got your back," Shuri said, offering Kara a small fruit that looked like a cross between an apple and a pear. "It's a sweet bite to balance out the heat. You won't regret it."

As Kara bit into the fruit, she couldn't help but be impressed. The cool, sweet flesh was the perfect antidote to the fiery sauce, a burst of refreshing relief.

Nearby, a group of warriors performed a synchronized routine, their Vibranium-laced spears catching the light in a dazzling display of skill and precision. The dancers were draped in colorful garb, their movements fluid and graceful, echoing the rhythm of the drums. Kara watched in awe as they performed acrobatic flips, landing gracefully as they twirled and jumped, their movements showcasing the rigorous training and culture of Wakanda.

Shuri watched Kara's wide-eyed expression and snorted with laughter. "You should join them! You've got the height for it."

Kara shot her a playful glare. "The white girl making a fool of herself, hell no!"

Not far from them, Ororo, dressed in flowing robes adorned with tribal patterns, joined the crowd of onlookers. Her presence was magnetic, and she exuded a quiet grace as she interacted with the dancers, her hands occasionally summoning gusts of wind to accentuate their movements. Her laughter, light and melodic, blended with the music that surrounded them.

"Come on, Kara," Shuri teased. "You can't just watch all night. You're part of the team now. Get in on the fun!"

Kara smiled but shook her head. "I think I'll stick with the food and the music for now. You know, I'm not that wild."

The festivities were as much about honoring the past as they were about looking toward the future. Vibranium artifacts were prominently displayed, showcasing the kingdom's technological marvels. Kara admired a nearby sculpture, a blend of traditional Wakandan artistry and sleek, futuristic design. The level of detail was stunning—each carving was as if it had been meticulously crafted by both hands of history and innovation.

Kara couldn't help but smile as she lifted her cup of fruit wine. "Mmm, delicious!" she muttered.

The Wakandans continued their festivities. Soon, more traditional African dances followed.

Of course, as worshippers of Bast, their attire and choreography were inspired by the image of the Black Panther. The opponents in their performances included common carnivorous animals from the African continent, such as lions, crocodiles, and hyenas.

What surprised Kara was that the climax of the banquet and performance was a performer, dressed in attire closely resembling the Black Panther suit, wielding claws and engaging in combat with an opponent wearing a mask, adorned in green fish-scale armor, and wielding a trident.

"Is that... Namor?"

Shuri, equally intrigued by the spectacle, noticed Kara speaking but couldn't hear due to the noisy ambient sounds. Assuming Kara was puzzled about something, Shuri continued her diligent commentary:

"Although my brother and I haven't seen it with our own eyes, we've heard from our elders since childhood about a race living in the turbulent azure seas, a people who call themselves the descendants of Atlantis. Their hatred for surface dwellers runs deep, and they are known for their viciousness and warmongering ways. They are creatures of the sea—cold and brutal, with no respect for life on land. They've often sought to bring destruction to the surface."

Kara raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but Shuri's story continued.

"Thirty-five years ago, they unleashed their fury. The Atlanteans, wielding a dark, unnatural power, summoned a wave the size of a mountain, a tsunami that ravaged the East African coast. The kingdom of Wakanda was not spared."

As the performance by the bonfire continued, a group of dancers dressed in sea-blue attire began to march across the venue. Wherever they passed, the actors portraying animals and plants fell, emitting mournful cries.

"My father, the Black Panther, was the protector of Wakanda then. He led the warriors of all eighteen tribes against the Atlantean scourge. They were ruthless, and my father was forced to slay the Atlantean priests responsible for that deadly tsunami, sending their kind back to the dark, lightless depths where they belong."

Shuri's voice hardened as she continued. "It was after that attack that Wakanda, fueled by vengeance and the desire to protect our people, spent three years building the Vibranium-powered energy shield that now isolates us from the rest of the world."

Kara's focus wavered as she finished the mountain of food in front of her, blissfully unaware of the attention it drew from the high-ranking individuals watching her. She absentmindedly chewed as she listened.

"So, you and Atlantis are true archenemies?"

"According to our elders and the records," Shuri replied sharply, "we are. And after what they did, no one in Wakanda would ever forget the wrath they brought to our shores."

Kara blinked at Shuri's seriousness. "Wow, that's... intense."

Shuri chuckled, though it was clear she didn't find the topic light. "It is, but you don't eat like someone from the outside world! You remind me of my brother with your appetite."

Kara laughed and shrugged. "What can I say? The food's too good!"

"Sure, sure, but don't act too much like you haven't ever eaten before," Shuri joked back.

A towering figure rose from the crowd, his skin marked with the white powder of the Jabari Tribe. He stepped forward deliberately, standing out from the crowd. His voice boomed.

"I am M'Baku of the Jabari Tribe. You eat well, a true warrior! I toast to you!"

He raised a large jug of wine and drank it all in one motion, his eyes locked on Kara. The crowd murmured in approval at his boldness.

Kara set down her plate, studying him. "A toast returned," she said, grabbing a jug from the table. She tilted her head back and drank it all, lowering the jug with a sharp exhale. She wiped her mouth, meeting his gaze.

The room fell silent for a moment before M'Baku broke into a grin. "Not bad! Perhaps you are stronger than you look."

Shuri leaned closer to Kara. "This is M'Baku," she said in a low voice. "Leader of the Jabari Tribe. They stay apart from us. His strength rivals my brother's—when T'Challa isn't wearing the suit."

Kara nodded, still watching M'Baku. "He's testing me."

"Obviously," Shuri replied, raising an eyebrow.

M'Baku approached their table, his voice booming again. "You, alien, have the appetite of a Jabari. But do you have the endurance?" He slammed another jug onto the table in front of her.

Kara smirked and grabbed the jug. "Let's find out."

The two drank in unison, each draining their jug in long gulps. The crowd cheered as they finished almost simultaneously. Kara leaned back, resting the empty jug on the table. "Not bad yourself."

M'Baku laughed loudly. "You are strong. But strength is not only in the body—it is in loyalty and spirit. Perhaps you will learn that." He clapped her shoulder heavily, then returned to his seat.

The feast continued, the energy high as food and drink flowed. Kara kept an eye on M'Baku, intrigued by his presence. She leaned toward Shuri. "He's interesting. Not like the others here."

Shuri nodded. "The Jabari don't follow the same ways as the rest of us. They respect strength, but they don't bend easily."

Later, T'Chaka stood, his movements slow and deliberate. The room quieted as he exited, leaving a subtle shift in the air.

As Kara turned to speak to Shuri, Storm and T'Challa approached. His voice was low, his expression serious.

"Kara, my father has made a decision. He will try your offer. You may proceed with restoring his vitality."

Kara nodded at the group, stood, and gave T'Challa a firm pat on his shoulder. "Don't worry. This will work."

T'Challa hesitated, then nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Shuri, Ororo, let's go. He's resting in his chambers."

Shuri and Ororo exchanged glances and followed. Their footsteps echoed in the quiet hallways as they moved with purpose, an unspoken determination hanging in the air.

When they reached the king's chambers, the door was slightly ajar. T'Challa stepped forward and pushed it open. Inside, T'Chaka sat upright on his bed. His once-powerful frame now appeared worn and thin, but his eyes still carried the strength and resolve of a king.

"Kara," T'Chaka said, his voice rough but steady. "You are certain this won't harm me?"

Kara stepped forward, clasping her hands respectfully in front of her. "Your Majesty, I promise that what I'm about to do will restore your vitality to a healthy man of your age. Nothing more, nothing less. This isn't about extending life unnaturally."

T'Chaka's eyes studied her, cautious but softening. "You speak with conviction. I trust you will honor your word."

She inclined her head deeply. "I will."

T'Chaka's eyes searched hers, still cautious but softening. "Very well. I trust you."

T'Challa stepped aside, allowing Kara to approach. Shuri and Ororo lingered near the door, their eyes on the scene, silent but attentive.

"You'll need to bare your chest, Your Majesty," she said, her voice even and professional. "I need direct contact for the energy to flow properly."

T'Chaka nodded, loosening his robe and exposing his chest. "Let's proceed, then."

Kara placed her palm firmly on him. "Relax. This won't hurt. You might even feel... oddly pleasant." A faint smile tugged at her lips, lightening the moment.

A soft glow appeared around her hands, white and radiant. As she focused, the light grew brighter, spreading across the king's chest and filling the room with a calm energy.

At first, T'Chaka felt only warmth, like sunlight on his skin. Then, as the energy seeped deeper, he felt a stirring within, a return of vitality he hadn't known in years. The fatigue that had clung to him began to lift.

Kara, meanwhile, felt the strain immediately. Her breath quickened, and a slight tremor ran through her arms. The glow around her hands flickered as her youthful features began to change.

Shuri took a step closer, her voice tinged with concern. "Kara, are you—"

"I've got this," Kara said firmly, though her voice had softened. "Stay back. It's working."

The white energy pouring from her hands continued to flow, even as Kara aged visibly. Lines formed on her face, and her once-bright eyes dulled slightly. Her hair lost some of its sheen. She gritted her teeth, standing tall despite the obvious toll.

As the energy stabilized, Kara's appearance reversed. Her features smoothed, the lines vanishing, and her hair regaining its brightness. She inhaled deeply, her stance steadying.

The glow faded, leaving behind a stillness in the air. T'Chaka's breathing deepened, his presence renewed. Though still marked by age, his strength was apparent, his gaze sharper.

"I feel... different," he said, his voice steady and clear. "Not young, but stronger. Clearer."

Kara took a step back, bowing her head respectfully. "You've been restored to what was meant to be, Your Majesty. No more, no less. Use it well."

T'Challa exhaled deeply, the relief evident on his face. "Thank you, Kara. You've given my father a gift beyond measure."

Shuri stepped forward, her smile wide. "That was incredible, Kara. You've got to show me how you managed that."

Kara smirked faintly, shaking her head. "It's not something you'd want to learn."

Ororo's gaze lingered on Kara, unease flickering in her expression. She couldn't help but recall the stories of Selene, the life-draining sorceress, and Kara's uncanny resemblance to her before she dropped her "disguise," after their fight earlier today. Was it just a coincidence? She thought to herself.

Noticing Ororo's expression, Kara raised a brow, her tone light but steady. "Relax, Storm. I'm not planning on adding 'life-stealer' to my résumé." What Kara didn't know was that the Selene she often goes disguised as was based on this universe's Selene Gallio.

Storm unwilling to let things go asked a sensitive question, "Are you a mutant?"

Kara's smile deepened, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Neither a Mutant nor a Man," she said, her voice laced with just enough intrigue to keep Storm guessing.

Storm frowned, unsure whether Kara's words were meant to reassure or to mystify further. The woman's power and poise were undeniable, but her origins remained an enigma, one Storm couldn't quite shake.

Kara smirked and turned back to T'Chaka, her tone turning sincere. "Your Majesty, I've done my part. The rest is up to you."

T'Chaka inclined his head, his voice warm. "You have my deepest thanks, Kara. May the ancestors guide you as they guide me."

Kara's expression softened further as she responded. "And may they grant you peace in this new chapter, Your Majesty."

…

At noon the next day, T'Challa found Kara standing on the platform of the trial grounds, her figure bathed in the golden rays of the midday sun. Her eyes were closed, her face calm, as if she were soaking in the warmth of Wakanda one last time.

He approached her with measured steps, his voice steady. "My father is doing well, and the vibranium has been prepared, as you requested."

Kara opened her eyes and turned to him, her expression unreadable but serene. "Good. Then it's time."

They made their way to the Royal Palace together, where Kara bid farewell to King T'Chaka and the nation of Wakanda. Her departure was as abrupt as her arrival, leaving on the same helicopter that had brought her there. As for the pilot? No longer an issue—her shadow duplicate had taken care of that the day before. Deadpool? He wasn't her concern.

By the time the sun set on Wakanda, Kara was already in a hotel in Egypt. By nightfall the following day, she had returned to New York, the city's familiar skyline waiting to greet her under the cover of darkness.