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[kez2402]

Last Goodbye.

(short story)

I always wondered 'what was it like to have a truly horrible day?'. Was it as bad as people made it out to be? Or was it simply hyperbole? Lets just say it wasn't too long before I discovered it wasn't as bad as it was said to be; it was worse.

It was some day in late July. I remember the sun being an early riser that morning, blinding beams of orange slowly creeping through the crevices of my curtains. It was supposed to be lashing that day, a storm that had been brewing the days before it, but it never came. Waking up to the welcomed heat of the morning sun seemed so much better than the recklessness of a thundering storm. Who could have asked for a more perfect day?

There was a knock on my door, the familiar 'click' signifying someone had entered the room. My dad's silhouette stood leaned against my doorframe, the morning light shadowing any expression. Normally he'd come marching in, playing that ever so famous military tune on the horn, demanding for me to get up; but not today. I thought, hoped, that maybe he'd do it one last time, but I had thought wrong.

Today was the day my dad headed off for America. There were no job opportunities here, in Ireland, for him anymore, leaving him no other choice but to migrate. Mam left him about three years ago , so I had been living between the two houses, something I wasn't so fond of. The past couple of years had been a bumpy road for our divided family. Mam had gotten custody of me when the judge declared dad was in no position to support a child considering the lack of secured employment. I saw my dad every second weekend, this weekend being slightly extended from Wednesday to Saturday . It was a couple of days more than what mam would have approved of, but considering the circumstances of those days in late July, she made a reluctant exception.

Dad's flight was due to leave at six that evening. I had a couple of hours to pack my stuff up for mam's and spend some time with dad before he goes.

It was lunchtime, around two o'clock in the afternoon. The sun was at it's highest peak, the sky as blue as the ocean, as clear as crystal. Silence filled the room. We just sat there. Said nothing. Did nothing. Occasionally, dad would try his best to make a lame joke, which I would still smile at because it showed he was making an effort. I smiled because I knew it would be a while before I would hear them again; if I would hear them again. Every attempt he made failed, allowing ourselves to succumb to the silence that creep in.

Four o'clock. Dad and I were walking around St. Stephen's Green, taking in the scenery around us as we cherished the moment that would soon only be a memory. Once again, it was silence filled. But, it made everything fade away, almost as if it was a normal Saturday with dad; but it wasn't.

Time was slipping through our fingers, and quickly, like sand. The little time we had left was running short, the goodbyes getting closer and closer, and we both knew it. The decision to travel to the airport was agreed on and by half four we were sitting with our Starkbucks, embracing the remaining time we had left together. Mam had met us there.

The sun was beginning to set but the daylight still overpowered the darkness. I hadn't enjoyed our shared Starbucks, something I usually always would; but today was different.

I was paranoid. Any noise I heard, that wasn't the chatter of people conversing, would quicken my heartbeat by a hundred beats per minute. Sounds like phones or announcements especially. I was dreading the signal, or announcement, that would take my dad away from me, and me from him. Mam said countless times that I could visit but deep down I knew this was the last time I'd see my dad, the last goodbye. And, quite frankly, he knew it too.

So there we were, saying our goodbyes. I never really liked goodbyes, there's something so permanent about it, a final farewell and that was the last you see of them, making them live on through only a distant memory. But that moment seemed like the right time to say 'goodbye'. After, all I wanted to do way forget, make that moment in time nothing more than a distant memory.

The sun had acted as my sand timer all day, and now, it was nearly empty. I had been holding back the tears that gathered on my waterline, I was trying to be strong. Sometimes being too strong gets a little too much.

Right then, it was a perfect picture. An orange sky from the low sunset, shadows cast upon the plane, making it a black shape sitting on the runway.

I kept telling myself 'don't cry, don't cry, don't cry'. I felt like i was holding on so tightly to a rope, but as the plane took off into the orange horizon, I let go. Sometimes holding on hurts more than letting go. Everything became overwhelming as realisation kicked in as the sadness took over, spilling across my body. Wet, salty tears stained my face as sorrowful sobs escaped my mouth. But, out of all of this, it was the constant tight, stabbing ache that burdened my heart that broke me the most.

I learned a lot that day. There are a lot of horrible things in the world, horrible and horrific things that cause pain and hurt and suffering. They tear us down and they break us into tiny pieces. After being through something described as 'horrific' or 'horrible' we are only pieces of the person we use to be, it changes us, whether that be for better or for worse.

If I was to take anything from those last few moments staring as the silhouette flew towards the horizon, it's that nothing is as horrific as losing someone you love.

The End.

________________

[kez2402]

Stark Meets Parker.

(Requested story)

Chapter 1

Being Tony Starks daughter was never an easy title to live up to. Everyone expected Jordan Marie Stark to follow the steps of her father, which to a certain extent, I was.

I was born and raised in Malibu, Cali until I was five, before we moved to the Big Apple: New York City. Why did we move? There was a close call. I was nearly killed due to who my father was, after that, we moved. But that wasn't the only precaution he took. Since that day I've been trained in several martial arts, ensuring that I was able to defend myself. However, little did we know, that wasn't my only form of protection. By the age of ten, my father and I discovered that I was a mutant. An enhanced. As time went on; a weapon. I was powerful and as time went on I just. Got. Stronger.

I possessed to power of elemental control. The ability to control the weather. While that sounds all mighty and powerful, there was a downside. It started that I would wake up not remembering what had happened when I used this enhancement. Later, we learned that I became a different person when I used my power. So there I was, a highly powerful enhanced teenager who became a different person whenever she exerted it. Not only was  she in control of my body when I used psychokinesis, she was evil. Causing harm to those that I sought out to protect. So, that being said, I refused to use my power, keeping it supressed in order to keep everyone safe.

Natasha Romanoff taught me well. Over the course of three years she had taught me how to fight and protect by only using martial arts. So that's what I did. I learned to become a hero without my powers. I followed in my father's footsteps, becoming a hero that everyone knew, a hero whose name was known by all. I never used a "hero" name but rather just my own.

I met Peter Parker in third class. He didn't know of the power I held up until a year ago. Push came to shove and she broke loose, out of control. Damage was done, people paid the price, I paid the price. Although I couldn't remember what had happened, the guilt of what I had done, what she had done, overwhelmed me. The fact that Peter knew I was a mutant didn't change his perspective of me. Something I always admired about him. He had the ability to look past all the bad and saw the good in me.

To say it was a shock when I found out that Peter Parker was Spider-Man, would be an understatement. Who would have thought that someone as innocenct and sweet as Peter, could be a person who fought crime on a daily basis.

Spider-Man's crime fighting career only really hit off when he was offered an 'internship' with none other than Tony Stark. Germany was Spider-Man's debut, it was clear that we were all impressed by his abilities, the webs, the acrobatics, the strength, all very impressive attributes.

After that, things got quiet. Peter and I went back to fighting petty crimes and minor inconveniences. We went to school as normal, taking normal classes and normal pop quizzes.

Then things started to get more interesting. Chitari core weapons started showing up around Queens. It caused a knock on effect of problems. It didn't help that my father wouldn't listen to us when we said that trouble was coming and it wouldn't go lightly. Sure, what would two teenagers know? That was their biggest mistake. Their biggest mistake was not listening when we cried out for them to do just that; listen. Nevertheless, we got on with our life, Spider-Man and Jordan were on a temporary break.

____________________________

To read the rest of the story go to Kez2402 on Wattpad or click on the link below:

[kez2402]

50 Days of Lockdown

Bird.

Definition: warm-blooded, egg-laying, vertebrate animal distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, a beak, and typically by being able to fly.

Flying.

Definition: floating, fluttering, waving, hanging, or moving freely in the air.

Freely.

Definition: Not under the control of another; as one wishes.

Example: "I roamed freely".

Life.

Definition: the year 2020.

Example: "I cannot roam freely".

*************************

Dear Diary,

Its day 50 of lockdown.

Weeks seem like days, days seem like hours and hours seem like minutes. The time continuum seems to have stopped. The Earth is standing still. Although time moves on it feels like we are stuck in a loop where everything has simply stopped moving. Nature is finally flourishing, the Earth is healing and people are experiencing the Great Realisation.

I write to you from the deep, green heart of the forest. The green leaves of the trees blanketing me from the sun as it begins it's journey to disappearing upon the horizon. The world has been silenced, but nature is signing louder than ever. The sound of songbirds echo through the grassland, a small bird with a distinctive bright blue crown and a tail with a yellow underside landed in front of me, cocking it's head at me before flying off.

I watch as the yellow of it's wings soar freely from tree to tree and I thought about the times where I, too, was free. As of today, May 4th 2020, I am not free. I am a bird in a cage, unable to roam freely, live freely. Unable to leave your house unless necessary, no social interaction, stress and uncertainty, life is tough.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm. Something that seemed so far away, is now on our doorsteps. Some closer than others.

This morning, I discovered my Nan was admitted to hospital for what they thought was pneumonia......it wasn't.

Covid-19 now threatened the life of someone I love.

While I am aware she is doing well I can't help but find myself preparing for the worst. This pandemic has now hit home and it made me realise how important family is. We often take it for granted and show more care for materialistic things, but the greatest gift of all isn't something you can buy; it's the love of family.

I have abandoned all school work and exam preparation, landing me up here; on a tree trunk in the middle of the forest. The world has become chaotic, stressed and anxious. We often forget about the nature of our planet and the beauty it holds, but we also forget how it harmonises. There are so many different species, predator and prey, but yet there is balance, harmony.

When I enter the avenue of trees the outside world disappeares; its just me and nature. I describe it as a sanctuary of peace. I find the same tree trunk every day and sit there; it was my tree, my space, my safe haven. When I'm here thoughts of the Leaving Cert, death and chaos all disappear and the only thing I have to focus on is the song of the birds, the shades of green.

If only it were real.

For now, it is only a pigment of my imagination and memory. I sit here, the glass of the window standing between me and the outside. The restrictions standing between me and my tree. There is nothing I want to do more than hop the fence of my back garden and run for the trees, standing tall, creating a wall of nature. I envy the birds as they fly free over the emerald kingdom, while we are caged inside.

If anything positive is to come out of this challenging time is the lessons it has, so far, taught us.

Lesson number 1: Be there for each other.

Lesson number 2: Its okay to not feel okay.

Lesson number 3: Nothing lasts forever.

These lessons have also been realisations.

Realisation number 1: We need to be there for each other.

Realisation number 2: Not everyone feels okay all the time and that's okay.

Realisation number 3: Nothing ever last forever.

Not only has our lives changed, I feel we as the Human race have changed too. We had lost sight of who we really are and now, now we have become grounded, realising the things we had prioritised in our lives were, in fact, only temporary. I suppose you could say we only realise what we had when its gone. Things have been put into perspective. This whole situation and how it affects you is all based on your perspective. One might look at this and think of how bad it is, how it has disturbed the flow and routine of our lives, while another might look at this and see it as a way of nature telling us to heal, to find the harmony that it has.

The Leaving Cert is slowly creeping up on me as the motivation to work has completely disappeared. Classes and workloads have continued and will continue into the time frame that I have labelled 'summer'. That summer before college has been cancelled for the 61,053 students who are expected to sit exams, that determine their future, in the middle of a global pandemic. At the moment, for some of us, there are more important things than the Leaving Cert, such as family. By July, some of us will be grieving, we will be scared and we will be expected to preform our best performance when their are people dying all around us. We are risking our health, both physically and mentally, because tradition is more important than us.

There is no point in complaining now, I suppose, it is what it is. The future will be what it will be. The biggest achievement in a time like this, is surviving and coming out the other end of it. In a time like now where everything is uncertain, there is one thing that is certain:

We will get through this.

Not I will or you will.

We will.

Its been 50 days since it started.

Its been 50 days since I've seen my family, friends.

Its been 50 days since life as we knew it, would change.

We can count the days that have passed since we were first caged by the virus, but we cannot countdown the days until it ends.

Until we fly free again,

-K.

[kez2402]

Hang In There// Peter Parker (2)

Chapter 1

Not much had happened after the events dealing with the Vulture. The Allen family had left town, something about him not wanting his family there during the trial, I would have done the same. Homecoming was ruined for Peter, Ned and myself. I had loved my dress and only wished that I could have gotten the full experience, the dress, the dancing, the date. Unfortunately it's our job to keep everyone safe and sacrifices have to be made.

It was three months since Liz had left and I was walking down the hallway with MJ, the usual routine at this point. We met up with Ned in the canteen, Peter nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, Ned."

The boy smiled at us as I sat down, MJ saying she had to go sort something out with a teacher. We engaged in small conversation as I looked around the canteen, noticing that Liz Allen was definitely a person you notice missing from the student body.

"It's sad what happened to Liz."

"Yeah, pity."

He paused for a minute before smirking at me.

"But oh well, she was just a distraction for Peter anyways."

I shot a glare at the boy, furrowing my eyebrows at him.

"That actually makes sense, to be honest."

Ned's eyes widened at my statement.

"It does?"

"Yeah. At Homecoming, Pete said something to Liz before he ran off after the Vulture-"

Ned was on the edge of his seat.

"What did he say?!"

I looked at the boy questionably.

"He told her 'you aren't her'. What's that suppose to mean? That he never liked Liz to begin with?"

A smile grew onto Ned's face as he comprehended my words.

"What's got you so happy?"

"Do you remember what I said to you at Liz's party?"

I furrowed my brows.

"The one from months ago? The one where Pete called me a jealous bitch?"

I chuckled at the last part, making a joke out of the situation.

"Yeah! That one."

I thought for a moment before answering.

"Other than you trying to stick up for Pete, then no. Well, I know you said something as I was leaving but I can't remember what."

"That wasn't the only hint."

"Only hint at what?"

He shook his head at me, chuckling to himself.

"You really are oblivious aren't you?"

"Oblivious to what, Ned?!"

I was so confused as to what Ned was trying to tell me, finding it hard to decode his cryptic message. He just laughed at my reaction as Peter came to sit with us, addressing my confused reaction.

"Hey, what did I miss?"

I scooted over to let him sit down, never taking my eyes off of Ned.

"Ned is giving me a cryptic message that I have no idea how to decode."

Peter then wore a confused look too.

"Cryptic message in relation to what?"

"In relation to Liz Allen being a distraction."

I could feel Peter immediately tense beside me, his eyes widening as he shot a glare at Ned.

"So you know what he's talking about."

"Ehhh-"

I raised a brow at him, a smirk playing on my lips.

"You do!"

I chuckled at the brunet as he sat there frozen in place, not knowing how to react to any of this. I patted his shoulder as I stood up from the table, smiling evilly at him.

"Don't worry, Pete. You can tell me later at dinner."

His eyes widened as I walked away from the two. Peter Parker was in a sticky situation.

__________________________________________________

The rest of the day flew by, classes went surprisingly fast considering that when you have something you're looking forward to, it goes slow. I got the train home with Peter, the rain was pounding against the ground as we went to the underground.

May had dinner ready once we stepped in the door, the aroma of pasta found it's way to our nostrils as we entered into the apartment.

"Hey, May."

We sat around the small table, engaging in small conversation as we devoured the food.

"How was school?"

"The same as always; boring."

I looked at Peter, raising a brow, before turning back to May.

"Ned and Peter, here, have a little secret involving Liz Allen being a 'distraction'."

I seen May share a look with Peter.

"You know too?!"

I sighed heavily as the two broke into laughter at my reaction. May winked at me as Peter turned a new shade of red beside me. To say that their behaviour hadn't me confused would be an understatement.

I helped May wash up after dinner while Peter went to take a shower.

"I'm surprised that he hasn't told you yet."

I looked at May, once again a confused look on my face.

"Tell me what, May? All day I've had Ned telling me the same thing and now you've said it and I'm so confused as to what's going on. Is there something wrong? Or?"

She chuckled at me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Nothing is wrong, dear. It's best if he tells you himself."

I smiled at the woman as Peter came back into the kitchen, a serious expression on his face. I dried my hands and walked over to him.

"Hey, Peter, what's wrong?"

"I was such a fool."

I looked at him confused by his statement as he grabbed my hand and dragged me down the hallway to his room, where he closed the door behind him.

"Peter, what is going on?"

He stood in the corner of the room, looking straight at me.

"It wasn't fair, Sof."

"What wasn't fair?"

"The fact that you had to go to Homecoming alone, no date, nothing because your best friend decided to bring a senior who he didn't even like."

A weight lifted off my shoulders as I chuckled at him.

"Pete, I thought something was actually wrong."

But his serious expression never lifted causing me to look at him questionably.

"You always get the worst of everything, Sof. In the past year you've been shot, sexually assaulted, your home burned to a crisp. Homecoming was suppose to be that one night where everything seemed perfect in the world and I completely pushed you to the side and only cared about myself."

I shook my head at him as I stood up, strolling over to the boy in the corner.

"Pete, where is this all coming from?"

"You give life and limb for everybody and you get nothing but shit in return. It's not fair, Sof. It angers me to think that for one night I could have stood up to the mark as your best friend and made it the best Homecoming you could ever have had; but I didn't. The thing is, you never once complained about it. Hell, you even gave me advice! You had to take a bus to Homecoming, you had no one to dance with, you followed me to that warehouse, you followed me into the fight and not once did you ever complain about it."

I furrowed my brows at him.

"Pete, I was happy that you got to go with Liz because I thought she was the girl you wanted. I followed you into the fight 'cause it's not only my duty as a hero, but my duty as your friend."

I took his hands in mine.

"It's not a matter of what's fair and what isn't. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to ensure those around us are happy."

I offered him a small smile as he squinted his eyes at me.

"And who makes the sacrifices to ensure that you're happy, Sof."

Silence.

"Cause from the looks of it, nobody is making any and you're left shoved to the side."

I could feel the anger and frustration building up inside of him as he ran his hands through his hair, pacing around the room.

"Pete, relax. It's okay-"

"No, Sof, it isn't!"

He stopped pacing, angry tears starting to build up on his waterline.

"Peter, hey."

I walked over to the boy and embraced him in a hug as he dug his head into my neck. I ran my hand up and down his back.

"What's caused all this, Pete?"

He pulled away and sat on his bed, his head resting in the palms of his hands.

"You deserve happiness every bit as much as anyone else."

I sat beside him.

"Pete, I am happy. I have amazing friends, a home, I've got Aunt May, I'm doing half decent in school, I got to go to Homecoming, I've gone to Germany to help Iron Man-"

I looked at the brunet.

"I have you."

"Yeah."

Peter sounded defeated as he looked down at his clasped hands.

"I have got everything I could ever have wanted. I'm happy, Pete, I truly am."

No response. His hands being the most interesting thing to him at that moment. I stood up quickly, causing his eyes to follow me.

"If you want to make it up to me, Flash is having a party tonight. Pick me up at eight, you can be my plus one."

A smirk played on my lips as he looked at me confused.

"You want to go to Flash's party?"

"Well, you obviously feel like you haven't been stepping up to the mark as my best friend."

I patted his shoulder before leaving.

"Here's your chance for redemption."

With that I left the Parker's, all the while I was thinking:

Why did Peter Parker care so much about Homecoming?

____________________________

To read the rest of the story go to Kez2402 on Wattpad or click on the link below:

[kez2402]

Hang In There// Peter Parker (1)

Chapter 1

I've know Peter Parker my whole life. We lived in the same city, went to the same schools. We use to be best friends, key words: use to be. Ever since our journey into Midtown High, we lost touch. We found our own groups of friends, each differing very much from the other. Nevertheless, I still considered Peter Parker a friend. I got dragged into the popular group by none other than Harry Osborn, an old friend of Peter's, but also my older brother. To be quite honest, I didn't exactly feel like I fit in with my clique. I always envied the friendship that Peter shared with Ned and MJ, it was so innocent and true, something that didn't exist in many of the popular groups. So that's why I got out. I traded the popular status for friends who didn't care if I turned up in tracksuit bottoms over a mini skirt. We got classified as the 'nerds' of the school. Did I care? Absolutely not. I knew I was valued more with these three than with a group of ten or more. 

Life at home wasn't what anyone would expect. Our mother died in a family house fire years ago, leaving our family.....broken. Our father, Norman Osborn, was never the same after it. He pushed us away, his work and company being prioritized over his own children. It was tough to say the least, but at least we had each other, and we both had Peter Parker. Harry always lived up to the definition of an older brother, that overprotective nature always coming through in some shape or form. We were known as the 'rich kids' but only Harry could ever carry that title so proudly. Being a 'rich kid' meant your parents were rich, with good high paying jobs, meaning there was very little time left for family. Which is why I practically grew up in the Parker household. Aunt May and Uncle Ben were like parents to me. They fed me, took care of me, loved me, something my brother and I never got off our father. Especially lately, there was a new experiment they had going and there was nothing that could pull him away from Oscorp. Turns out, I couldn't get away from it either.

It was Monday morning and it rained. And rained. And rained. You could call it pathetic fallacy for the weather certainly reflected my mood: gloomy. Why? Because we were going on a school trip. It wasn't the trip itself thag caused my gloomy mood, it was the place we were going to that caused it: Oscorp. The place that made a man love it more than he loved his own son and daughter. Strange things happen in Oscorp, most of which are brushed under the mat...... Like me.

I met up with Peter, Ned and MJ outside the gates of Midtown High. MJ being the only one with the brain cells to think of bringing an umbrella. We chatted about our weekends while we waited another five minutes for the bus to arrive. When it did, people were quick about getting out of the rain. Peter sat with Ned while I sat with MJ in front of them. It wasn't a long journey to Oscorp, maybe half an hour tops. The sight of the ugly glass building was enough to dampen my mood even further, Peter questioning it as we got off the bus.

"Hey, Sof. You okay?"

I smiled back at him and replied with a short 'yep' as the students of Midtown made their way into the building. There was something eery about Oscorp, something I couldn't put my finger on. Perhaps it was the events of that day many years ago that made me dislike the building so much. But nevertheless, I was here. It was interesting what they were showing us, from the beginning up until now. However, I took particular interest in the radioactive spider. Such a strange experiment. The affects of radiation on a spider. I was stood beside Peter, him spitting out random facts to me the whole time. I didn't mind though, it was cute to see him so passionate about science.

"Ow."

I saw Peter raise his hand to the back of his neck, rubbing it gently, a look of discomfort on his face. I furrowed my eyebrows at him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You okay, Pete?"

He went pale very quickly and I thought he was going to pass out right there and then. So, I took him by the arm and guided him outside of Oscorp, hoping some fresh air would help. We sat on the top step of the stairway to the building, a glass panel saving us from the rain. The boy beside me kept his head in his hands, causing concern to build up inside me. I placed a hand on his back, I could feel his body flinch under my touch.

"Pete, how are you feeling?"

He removed his head from his hands, allowing me to see his eyes in behind the thick framed glasses. He gave me a small smile in return.

"I'll be fine, just nausea. It'll go away once Aunt May gives me some of her favourite medicine."

I chuckled at the brunet's simple joke, knowing all too well what medicine he was referring to. Some sort of homemade recipe Aunt May had discovered one day, we haven't looked back since. My friendship with Peter Parker had always played on my mind, morning, noon and night. Did he still consider me one? A friend? Or had I been demoted to simply an acquaintance? Someone he knew.

"We're still friends, right?"

Peter looked at me with confusion written across his face.

"Of course we are. You've been my best friend since...... Well forever."

A smile had made itself onto my face as we sat there. Just remembering all the memories from our childhood together, the stupid things we use to do, the amount of trouble we got into and of course, the consequences for them. It was Sof and Pete. Pete and Sof. You couldn't have one without the other. And it seems that, even though we had drifted, Sof and Pete are still the friends they were when they were ten years old.

_____________________________________

That evening I walked Peter home, to make sure he was okay after the incident at Oscorp. I had an errand to run that side of town anyways so it was really a win-win situation. We reached the Parker residence soon after five p.m., just in time for dinner. I stood outside the door as Peter walked in, looking back giving me a 'why aren't you coming in' look. I could hear Aunt May call from the kitchen saying he was just in time for dinner.

"Dinner is just ready, I'm sure there's plenth for another person."

"Oh, no I couldn't, Pete. Honestly I should probably be going."

I smiled at his efforts but he just raised an eyebrow at me, a smirk growing on his lips.

"May, you'll never guess who's come to visit."

My eyes widen with shock as I glare at the boy, if looks could kill he'd be dead a hundred times over. Without a second to spare Aunt May was at the door, a huge smile making it's way onto her face.

"Sophie!"

She wrapped me in a hug before pulling back, keeping her hands on my shoulders and looking at me.

"It's been so long! You've grown into a beautiful young woman. Hasn't she, Pete."

My eyes flickered over to Peter to see his cheeks go a new shade of red as he replied with a shy 'ye'. Next thing I know I'm being dragged inside for dinner. To say I didn't enjoy my time with the Parkers would be a complete lie because I truly did love it. That same warm and homely feeling had never left. It was as if I had only been over yesterday, not 3 years ago. Nevertheless, nothing had changed between us, it as something constant in a world of constant change.

"What's the time?" I asked, tidying up my dishes.

"It's half six."

I checked the time again to make sure I wasn't imaging things. I was so late. I rushed around the the kitchen helping where I could and collecting my things.

"Thank you so much for the food, May! It was lovely to see you again!  Bye!"

I rushed out the door and got to the large building as soon as I could. I waited inside the waiting room for roughly fifteen minutes before a smart looking lady came out.

"He's ready to see you now."

I stood up and straightened out my outfit, presenting myself as confident despite my panic not so long ago. I entered the office and took a seat, as did he. Once comfortable I leaned back in my seat, crossing my legs.

"So, Mr. Stark, what can I do for you?"

_________________________________

To read the full story go to Kez2402 on Wattpad or click on the link below:

[kez2402]

Chapter 2

I adapted to the Wakandan customs pretty quickly. After a week of training with the Dora Milaje, protecting the Throne and all while doing what I love, I had finally felt....happy.

I had been in Wakanda now for almost three months. I had done nothing but show loyalty to the Throne, obeying their every command. Although King T'Chaka was a bit skeptical at first I think he has grown to like me, and he finally had trusted me. Throughout my stay I had also met Queen Romona and Princess Shuri, who I had taken a shine to. Shuri and I had become close friends, often she'd show me new tech in her lab and I'd try to help out where I could. Queen Ramona had also learned to trust me some bit, as for her son, not so much.

Prince T'Challa had never trusted me since the day King T'Chaka allowed me to stay in his home. He was always very cautious around me, always on guard. The Prince didn't fully like the fact of Shuri hanging around with me, actually he didn't like it at all. They often got into fights over it, but nothing changed. I had gained the trust of the King. The Queen. The Princess. The Dora Milaje. I was determined to gain the trust of the Prince.

Over the course of another three months, totalling six months, King T'Chaka had grown to be like a father to me, he gave me lessons on the Wakandan language and culture. Mostly about the different tribes, religious ceremonies and of course the Heart- Shaped Herb. T'Chaka had also given me tours of Wakanda, and I must say it was one beautiful country, especially the Wakandan sunsets. Over those months I had also gained some of Prince T'Challa's trust. He wasn't as tense or on guard. It was a relief to be honest. The odd time, when I was with Shuri in her lab, T'Challa would visit to see the new designs for various things, we would just end up laughing at each other. Mostly because Shuri was roasting him about one thing or other.

Given some time, a lot of time, T'Challa and I had become good friends, often just sparring and then taking a walk through the gardens. Until I had training and he had 'Prince duties'. Sometimes I would be invited to dine with the royal family, I should have felt out of place, but because of my close relationship with each of them I felt at ease. I no longer address them by King, Queen, Prince or Princess but by just their names. Of course it was weird at first but it just grew into a habit.

I rarely thought about Bucky. He left and I hadn't heard anything about or from him. He was still my partner and nothing could change that, nor could anyone fill that void, fully. Although, Okoye did a pretty good job of temporarily filling it. She had become quite fond of me durning our time training together, and eventually we became friends. She was my friend but while sparring she certainly didn't show it. Okoye didn't hold back on throwing punches at her opponent.

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It was coming up to the end of my second year in Wakanda, life had been great up until then. Up until the attack. Until Hydra had come back.

That night was Romona and T'Chaka's anniversary. Everything was going so well. There was a ball at the palace, and most of Wakanda was invited. A ball wasn't exactly my cup of tea, mainly because when I attended a ball it was to assassinate someone. That and I couldn't dance. At all. And I certainly wasn't use to wearing a gown. I had gotten ready with Shuri and Okoye. We sat in my room and Shuri did my hair and makeup while Okoye got into her gown. Shuri had done an excellent job on my hair and makeup, and it matched my dress perfectly. It was a royal blue, to match my eyes, and had small diamonds around the neck. Okoye wore a beautiful red dress, which really complimented her dark complection. Yellow was Shuri's go to colour. At first when she said she was wearing yellow, you could see the cringe on my face. Then, I took it back because she look stunning in the colour.

The palace had looked amazing that night. The ballroom was full of decorations and the chandelier, it really finished the place off perfectly. Our trio entered the ballroom and Shuri had to go stand by her family on the landing, looking over the room below. They all looked so perfect together, it was very picturesque. King T'Chaka had stood forward and started to speak. The room had fallen silent.

"Wamkelekile. Ndiyabulela konke ngokuza. Kuvuyiswa kakhulu ukuba apha apha namhlanje ebusuku, kwaye ukubhiyozela eli thuba elihle kunye nani nonke. Ndiyathemba ukuba uyavuya.

(Welcome. Thank you all for coming. It is a great pleasure to be here tonight, and to celebrate this wonderful occasion with you all. I hope you enjoy.)"

And with that the celebration had begun. There was music playing in the background, there was people dancing, laughing. Everybody was having a good time. Okoye and I were standing beside the door, it may have been a party but the Dora Milaje were still on duty.

"Ngaba uceba ukudanisa kulo lonke uhlwanje?

(Do you plan on dancing at all tonight?)" Okoye asked me a smirk on her face as she did so.

"kuphela xa wenza. (Only when you do.) Plus, who would I dance with?" I chuckled at her reaction, one I knew all too well.

"Well, a certain Prince is looking kind of lonely."

"No."

"Why not?" She smirked again.

"He is just a friend, Okoye." I was serious and she caught onto that.

"Kulungile. (Okay.) Well, here he comes. Sala kakuhle! (Goodbye!)"

And then she was gone, swallowed by the crowd. I didn't get a chance to say anything before I turned around to come face to face with the Prince himself. I crossed my arms across my chest to form the signature Wakandan curtesy. Prince T'Challa replicated my actions.

"Your Highness."

"Miss Cassidy."

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" I said a smirk playing across my lips.

"Would you like to dance?"

The question had taken me by surprise and my heart started to pound in my chest. I hadn't a clue how to dance, let alone with the Prince of Wakanda! I had composed myself and replied with:

"It would be disrespectful to decline a Prince."

He gave a small laugh at my response and offered me his arm, which I gladly took. T'Challa guided me to the center of the floor, my heart was still pounding in my chest, dreading the dance. T'Challa seemed to notice my uneasiness and asked if I was okay. I just replied that I hadn't a clue how dance and I apologise in advance for my two left feet. He just laughed it off and said 'well that makes the two of us'. We joined our left hands together, T'Challa put his right hand on my waist, while I put mine on his shoulder. T'Challa slowly started leading the dance, and I followed suit. At that moment everything seemed perfect. People dancing in sync with each other, the fireworks illuminating the dark sky, the atmosphere of happy people. In that moment I knew what happiness was. But, it was short lived.

Screaming came from outside, causing everyone to stop dancing and stare at the source. I looked at T'Challa to find he had the same expression as me. Confusion. I let go of T'Challa's hand and slowly started making my way towards the long windows. T'Challa had called my name but I kept going. With every step I took, getting closer and closer, the more tense I became. When I reached the window I looked out into the darkness, seeing nothing but just that. Darkness. I was about to return to T'Challa when I saw something shimmer in the moonlight and I noticed it was a gun, a lot of them. I turned quickly and shouted for everyone to get down. Then the bullets came. Ricocheting through the long windows, causing shards of glass to go everywhere. All the while there was one thing on my mind. T'Challa. It was my job to keep them all safe and thats what I intended on doing. There was dust everywhere, caused by the bullets sinking into walls. My eyes quickly scanned the room, searching for the royal family. I could see Okoye and Nakia with the King and Queen. But there was no sign of Shuri or T'Challa. I scanned the room again to find T'Challa rising from the floor, fear and dread spread across his face as he searched for his family. I quickly ran over to him.

"Your Highness, are you okay?" I said, scanning him for any sign of major injuries. Only minor cuts were visible across his face.

"I am fine, thank you. Is my family safe?" He asked me, bracing himself for the worst.

"Your parents are with Okoye and Nakia." His shoulders dropped like a huge weight had been lifted. But he tensed once again.

"Where is Shuri?! Where is my sister?!" Fear was dripping from every word.

"I'm going to find her now, but I need you to stay here with your family. So I know you are safe."

I was practically begging him at this stage, I knew how stubborn he could be when it came to his sister, or any family member for that matter. Without saying another word, or giving him a chance to reply, I was up and off looking for Shuri, and to be quite honest I didn't know where to find her. I thought of all possible places until I heard someone call my name. I snapped my head in the direction of the voice to find Shuri outside. I ran to her immediately, embracing her in a hug. The cold air was biting at my bare shoulders, as I held her close to me. There was no way I was going to loose her again. As we broke away I saw a gun pointed at us, and an agent wearing a uniform I hoped I'd never see again. Hydra. I swiftly pulled Shuri to the ground, my body shielding hers as the bullet flew over our heads.

"Shuri I need you to run and find your Brother! He should be in the ballroom with your parents. Go! Now! I'll see you later."

I softly pushed her quicker inside the palace, before hands had grabbed me, pulling me towards a truck. I never saw them after that.

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To read the rest of the story go to Kez2402 on Wattpad or click on the link below:

[kez2402]

The King: T'Challa.

Chapter 1

Hi, I'm Emily Cassidy. You're probably wondering who I am? Ye me too. Well, at least I was. I was a Hydra experiment. Orphaned at five, a dangerous weapon by fifteen. I use to be what you'd call a very valuable asset to Hydra, their personal killing machine, all they had to say was those three words; любовь, доверие, горе, (Love, Trust, Grief.), and they were guaranteed a successful mission. I remember them all. All the screams, the cries of mercy, the innocent faces of those who's lives I've took. Looking with fear and disgust in their eyes at one thing. Me. My name was infamously know by everyone. People feared me, just the way Hydra wanted it.

I was born with my abilities, which gave the upper hand when it came to training, I knew the insides and outs of my ability. I was trained with none other than James Buchanan Barnes, AKA The Winter Soldier. Most of the time I was defeated, until I learned his technique, figured out his patterns, learned his fighting style. Then I was more of a challenge for him, often a fight ending with him on the mat, not me.

Barnes and I had become friends while at Hydra, most missions we were paired together. Him the sword, I the shield. To put it simply we were unstoppable. The most feared duo across the planet. The Winter Soldier and the Cassanova. But, everything changed after our mission on the 16th of December 1991. After realising what I had done, who I had just murdered and why, I had to get out of Hydra. They were manipulating us, putting our brains in a blender, all so we could do their dirty work for them. But I couldn't leave, not before I did one last mission.

Wakanda. That was our mission. Go to Wakanda and bring back as much Vibranium as possible. Let's just say it didn't go as planned. I was seventeen. I may have been skilled in combat, I may have had Bucky watching my back, but nothing could have prepared us for the strength of the Black Panther. He was skilled, stealthy and fast, by God was he fast. He had taken us down within seconds. Seconds! Our first ever defeat on a mission. We had failed.

Two years. That's how long I was stuck in Wakanda, alongside Bucky. For a while. I remember it as if it were yesterday, standing in the Throne Room waiting to see if we were to be spared. One thing I learned was that it was against Wakandan customs to sentence a child to death, since I was still technically a child I would only have to challenge a Dora Milaje warrior. If I won, I would be freed. If not, I would be imprisoned until I was no longer a child, then I would be sentenced to death.

So, I fought. I won, but just about. If I hadn't have been trained by Hydra, let's just say the outcome would have been very different. After the challenge we were both pretty beaten, it had been a brutal one to say the least.

Although I had won my freedom, I wasn't ready to leave Wakanda. If I left, Hydra would have found me. They would have made me their personal weapon once again, and I wasn't going to let that happen. I couldn't.

I needed to find a way to stay in Wakanda for a while, but I planned on not being imprisoned in a cell. The only way to do that was to talk to the King, T'Chaka. I walked to the Throne Room once again, this time without the escort of a Dora Milaje. I remember it well. The guards trying to stop me, but I was determined to talk to the King. I may have started a minor....argument with them. The grand doors opened to reveal a room of both confused and disgusted faces. Immediately I straightened myself out, fiddling with my fingers nervously.

"You are dismissed." I heard the King say to his warriors.

One by one they left the room, each one giving me a knowing look, as I kept my head low.

"You may enter."

I cautiously entered the Throne Room, my head still hung low. I stopped about three meters from the King. His son, the Prince, stood at his side by the Throne.

"Agent Cassidy, why have you come before me?" T'Chaka asked, a stern but curious tone to his voice.

It took me a minute to answer. I knew not to push my luck, and I had to choose my words wisely.

"I have come to ask your permission to....to stay in Wakanda, just for a short period of time. Your Highness."

He paused for a minute, his head leaning on his hand. His eyes looking through me as he was deep in thought. Eventually he spoke.

"And why should I grant you permission to do so? You came here with the intention to steal from my country, why should I trust you now?"

His question had caught me off guard. Why should he trust me? I couldn't think of a valid reason. Maybe I had to gain his trust, somehow.

"I have no reason for you to trust me, your Highness. But maybe, with your approval, I could somehow gain your trust."

I knew asking this could be risky, and I was bracing myself for the worst.

"Ukumkani wam, ukuba uthetha oko akutshoyo, kwaye ufuna ukunyaniseka, ndincoma ukuba abe nguDora Milaje Warrior. Ngaloo ndlela uthembeke esihlalweni sobukhosi, kwaye ke uqinisekisa ukuba uthembekile.

(My King, if she means what she says, and wishes to truthfully gain your trust, I suggest she becomes a Dora Milaje Warrior. That way she is loyal to the Throne, and hence prove she is trustworthy.)" A warrior spoke in their native tongue, from the corner of the room.

She had startled me really, since I hadn't seen her standing there, even though I was trained to do so. King T'Chaka sat for a moment, considering the Dora's suggestion.

What felt like hours standing under the eyes of the warrior and Prince, the King had spoken.

"Okoye, u-Agent Cassidy kufuneka ahambe noqeqesho kunye noDora Milaje njalo ekuseni. Uyakugcina kwakhona ingxelo yengqubela yakhe, kunye nayiphi na ingxaki oyaziyo ukuba wenzeni.

(Okoye, Agent Cassidy must attend training with the Dora Milaje every morning. You will also keep a report of her progress, and any problems: you know what to do.)"

From where she stood the Dora, Okoye, nodded her head. Then the king turned to face me.

"Agent."

He paused. I stood straight and looked up to the King, curious as to what he was proposing.

"You will become a part of the Dora Milaje. This means you are loyal to the Throne, if you betray it there will be major consequences. Okoye will show you to your room. You are dismissed."

It took a minute for everything he said to sink in, but when it did I couldn't keep the smile off my face.

"Thank you, your Highness. For your kindness."

I bowed and turned to meet Okoye at the door, when a thought had crossed my mind. I turned again to face the King. A mixture of inquisition and dread written across my face. King T'Chaka had sensed this and immediately knew what I was going to ask.

"Agent Barnes has fled Wakanda. We do not have any lead on his current location. I know this may upset you Agent Cassidy, but we wish to keep peace, so please do not do anything.....erratic while you are staying here."

The King offered me a sad smile as I thought to myself. Bucky had left me? Alone? Did he not care? We were partners! I set my anger aside and thanked the King again, and started to leave.

"Agent Cassidy."

I faced the Throne once more.

"Do not make me regret my decision."

I smiled to myself as I said,

"I won't, your Highness."

And with that I left the room, Okoye beside me.

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To read the full story go to Kez2402 on Wattpad or click on the link below: