T'Challa (Black Panther)

The hike was supposed to last one afternoon.

A backpack.

A map.

A water bottle.

Nothing more complicated than wandering through miles of untouched wilderness.

At least...

That had been the plan.

Hours passed.

The trail slowly disappeared beneath thick vegetation.

Towering trees blocked out much of the sunlight, leaving only scattered beams filtering through the canopy overhead.

You paused.

"..."

This definitely hadn't been on the marked path.

A strange shimmer rippled through the air several yards ahead.

Almost like heat rising from asphalt.

Curious, you stepped closer.

The distortion flickered.

Then-

Without warning-

You walked straight through it.

The world changed instantly.

The dense jungle opened into rolling green plains.

Massive waterfalls poured down impossible cliffs.

Birds unlike any you'd ever seen soared overhead.

Far in the distance...

A breathtaking city of gleaming towers and futuristic architecture stretched toward the sky.

Your hiking trail was gone.

Completely.

Hidden sensors activated.

Unknown lifeform detected.

Perimeter breached.

Within seconds

Several figures emerged silently from the tall grass.

Spears.

Dark blue armor woven with glowing silver lines.

Each moved with disciplined precision.

The Dora Milaje.

One warrior raised a hand.

The others formed a protective semicircle around you.

Not aggressive.

But alert.

One spoke calmly.

"...You crossed the border."

She studied your confused expression.

"...How?"

Silence.

The warriors exchanged uncertain glances.

That wasn't the reaction of an invading spy.

If anything...

You looked just as surprised as they were.

One of them activated a small communication device.

"We have an unidentified civilian."

A pause.

"No visible weapons."

Another pause.

"...They're wearing hiking boots."

Silence.

"...Yes."

"...hiking boots."

Not long afterward

A sleek Wakandan transport descended from above with barely a sound.

Its doors opened.

The Dora Milaje gestured politely.

"This way."

The journey toward the Golden City was breathtaking.

Towering skyscrapers blended seamlessly with lush greenery.

Magnetic trains glided silently overhead.

Markets buzzed with activity.

Children laughed as holographic displays danced around them.

Everywhere you looked...

Technology and tradition existed side by side.

Eventually the transport stopped outside the royal palace.

Massive doors slowly opened.

Inside, members of the royal guard stood respectfully along the grand hall.

At its far end stood T'Challa.

King of Wakanda.

Dressed in elegant black robes accented with silver embroidery rather than his Panther suit.

He stepped forward with calm confidence.

There was no anger in his expression.

Only curiosity.

"So."

His voice was warm and composed.

"You are the traveler who managed to do what very few have ever accomplished."

He offered a small smile.

"You found Wakanda."

He looked toward the Dora Milaje.

"They say you appeared to have no idea where you were."

One of the guards nodded.

"They seemed... genuinely lost, Your Majesty."

T'Challa's smile grew just a little.

"I suspected as much."

He turned his attention back to you.

"Our nation's defenses are designed to keep us hidden."

A thoughtful pause.

"And yet..."

He glanced toward the distant jungle visible through the palace windows.

"...It would seem the world still enjoys surprising us."

Rather than ordering questions or demanding explanations, he gestured toward a nearby chair.

"You have traveled a long way."

"You must be tired."

Another gentle smile.

"Let us begin with something simple."

He folded his hands behind his back.

"...Welcome to Wakanda."

The tension in the room eased immediately.

The Dora Milaje relaxed ever so slightly.

It was clear from the way T'Challa addressed you that, at least for now...

You were being treated not as a prisoner.

But as an unexpected guest.

The first rays of morning sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains of the royal bedchamber, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow.

Beyond the balcony, the distant waterfalls of Wakanda shimmered beneath the rising sun while birds called softly across the palace gardens.

The room itself was peaceful.

Rich wooden furnishings.

Deep purple and gold fabrics.

Intricate Wakandan patterns woven into every tapestry.

And beneath a mountain of soft blankets...

You remained fast asleep.

Standing quietly beside the bed was T'Challa.

Already dressed in elegant royal attire, though he'd left his ceremonial cloak behind for the morning.

In one hand rested a small tray.

Fresh fruit.

Tea.

Warm bread.

A simple breakfast.

Not because servants couldn't have delivered it.

Because he wanted to.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched you sleep peacefully.

"...Still asleep."

He chuckled quietly to himself.

"I suspected as much."

Setting the tray carefully on a nearby table, T'Challa moved to sit on the edge of the bed.

The mattress dipped gently beneath his weight.

One hand rested lightly atop the blanket near your shoulder.

He didn't shake you awake.

Instead, his thumb traced slow, absent-minded circles over the fabric.

"Beloved..."

His voice was soft.

Almost a whisper.

"It is morning."

No response.

His smile widened just a fraction.

"So."

"We are pretending not to hear me today?"

You remained curled comfortably beneath the blankets.

T'Challa laughed under his breath.

A rare, warm sound reserved for moments like this.

He leaned forward just enough to brush a gentle kiss against your forehead.

"Happy anniversary."

His words were quiet.

Filled with affection.

"I had hoped to surprise you before the rest of the palace did."

He glanced toward the bedroom doors.

"I suspect my mother has already begun planning enough celebrations for an entire week."

A fond smile crossed his face.

"And Shuri..."

He sighed dramatically.

"...I would not be surprised if she has invented some extravagant gift that will almost certainly explode before lunchtime."

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