UPRISING His trainer Themba had been putting him through his paces for a week straight T'Challa felt like he'd never worked out so hard before in his life five miles every morning followed followed by core work and a cool down period using Kemetic yoga which was all about centering yourself through breathing breathing exercises This was a reward of sorts after such a hard session and T'Challa always came away from his workouts refreshed and calm He tried some of the plantains chewing thoughtfully and savoring the taste when he was interrupted by a knock at his door T'Challa paused Who could that be No one came near the Prince of Wakanda's residence without close inspection Whoever was on the other side had already been vetted by his guards that was certain T'Challa opened the door and was met with a smiling face M'Baku What are you doing here Huh M'Baku asked practically bowling T'Challa over on the way in Do I need a special invitation to see the prince T'Challa closed the door and shook his head He and M'Baku were the best of friends and had been since they were little kids But their friendship wasn't always sunshine and roses It was put to the test a while back when the two boys visited America for the first time M'Baku had fallen under the sway of a charismatic student named Gemini Jones and his gang the Skulls T'Challa soon found out that 2
SMITH they were more than just a street gang They were a secret society operating out of their school and trying to summon dark magic What followed was a nightmarish adventure that ended in a deadly confrontation with a supernatural entity It took T'Challa a while to forgive M'Baku for his part in all of it but they soon became friends again and had left their previous dustup in the past Still M'Baku had a way of testing T'Challa's nerves Like now for example M'Baku walked around at his own pace picking up items and putting them back down He was a big teenager and his size seemed to take up all of the air in the room Looking for something T'Challa asked M'Baku inspected the underside of a small panther figurine figurine No not really Never know what kind of royal stuff you have hidden away Any new tech to try out T'Challa sat back down while M'Baku thumbed through several books Nope I left my invisibility suit in the science lab M'Baku's mouth fell open In visibility Gotcha T'Challa exclaimed and burst out laughing M'Baku frowned Knew that sounded too good to be true Serves you right T'Challa teased him for being so nosy M'Baku finally flopped onto one of the chairs and released a heavy sigh although he still eyed the room as if T'Challa were hiding treasures It was an unassuming place 3
UPRISING for a prince but if one were to look more closely a marvelous marvelous blend of nature and technology would be revealed The floor was woven bamboo reeds covered by soft fabrics Vivid watercolors depicted scenes of the Wakandan landscape A flat panel monitor where T'Challa watched American movies when he got the chance took up most of one wall Earthy brown wood carved into intricate shapes made up the furniture The beauty and craftsmanship of Wakanda was reflected in every object from simple knives and forks to the straw baskets that held fresh fruit So what are you up to today M'Baku asked I have to spend a little time at the Academy T'Challa replied Father says I'm a good role model for the students so he wants me to make an appearance at least three times a week M'Baku scoffed I'm sure they'd rather be racing around on hover bikes than listening to you drone on about being a prince T'Challa shot his friend a sardonic grin He was used to M'Baku's barbs and wasn't offended in the slightest Well it's important for them to learn about Wakanda and its history history too right M'Baku shrugged The students at the Academy for Young Leaders more commonly known as the AYL were the best and brightest Wakanda had to offer In a few years they would be applying applying for roles in the government as assistants hoping to one 4
SMITH day land a prime job in the Wakandan cabinet T'Challa was glad to be a mentor to them Well M'Baku said the Festival of the Ancestors is coming up in a few days That should give you a break All of Wakanda's gonna be partying T'Challa bit his lip He had almost forgotten about the Wakandan holiday which made him feel a little guilty It was a day of celebration and remembrance a tribute to Wakanda's noble ancestors ending in a ceremonial display honoring Bashenga the first Black Panther All of Wakanda was awaiting the day But not all for the same reasons 5
