#Dakarai is coming soon!

[veil-over-miitopia]

The Tumblr app is doodoo, so have my version of Neksdor's queen in this format while I listen to cover after cover of Naraku no Hana;

(Picrew link is in the picture ID)

Character run-down is under the cut;

✨🌟✨🌟✨

In my AU/HC, "Neksdor" (endonym being Thulmisa; from ظلمة دامسة, another term for midnight in the Arabic language) is not just based on Ancient Egypt and its neighboring empire of Kush, but outright descended from them- it's a long, complicated history that requires a lot of explanation regarding Aeronia's/Miitopia's relationship with Time itself and how it is treated as a physical dimension; one that will be explored in another post inshallah.

Echidna is the late mother of Prince Dakarai, and the former queen of Thulmisa. Her reign was marked by peace and curiosity going hand in hand; a perfect reflection of who she was as a person. She was a gentle spirit, first and foremost, soft-spoken yet knew the exact words to comfort her subjects- they knew her not as a queen with an iron grip, but as a mother to them all.

But her softness was not her one and only trait that made her so beloved and...eccentric in comparison to the rest of the family line; she was an alchemist by profession- dedicated to uncover the world's inner-makings and bring forth its secrets to all that seek to know them for their own benefit, but it wasn't out of disenchantment with the world around her, no, no- she loved life and Earth so much that she just wanted to bring forth its true beauty.

Despite her breakthroughs both as a scientist and a queen, she had met her demise far too soon; the in-depth details were hidden from the public, and her kingdom was left with fragments of the entire truth; the Realm of the Yokai, a spread of dark ichor, and dust in the air. Shambling to reattain order, her only kin was chosen to inherit rule; the then-young prince Dakarai al-Rahim, who was only 7 years of age at that time...

[mindful-ss]

Misfits

Chapter 1: Queen of the Cene empire

It was a dark stormy night at the Cene empire and it was quiet in the palace…

…..

…..

…..

Too quiet.

Akari was alone in her lab working on a spell and wasn’t focused on her surroundings, she was just focused on getting done. It seemed important to her since she has been working on it for days now…

She suddenly heard a Glass window break from upstairs and she quickly turned whatever she was working invisible to quickly investigate the noise. She made her way up to the throne room slowly but carefully.

Then there was a familiar scent in air making her gasp and quickly dodge a sudden blast. She turns to see a fellow enemy of black panthers…Namor.

“Long time no see Princess or should I say empress?” He had a sly grin on his face “Empress to you Namor” she had a annoyed frown. “Dearest Akari why so upset?” He asked walking up to her closely still keeping his distance from her “you are such a persistent person it annoys me that you came searching for me after all these years” she brawled up her fist walking up to him closely with a irritated face “Aren’t you just lovely, the way you grown from that child I knew long ago to this beautiful empress of half of the African nation* he smiled. She looked at him suspiciously “what do you want Namor and I hope it isn’t love because that was over a long time ago” She turned her back, he walked behind her caressing her waist whispering in her ear “I wish it was” he smiled slyly. Then a bunch of his goons jumped through the glass window surrounding her “you know I’m here for your power beautiful” his grip on her waist tightened.

She then grabbed his hand and scoffs “you should’ve asked for my love back” she flipped him over on his back, she then walks over to him but before she can land another hit he teleports away leaving his goons to jump her “you all want to challenge the Empress of the Cene empire? So be it” she said sternly and loudly letting the goons run up to her fighting her. She use her agility to dodge quickly making her be able to get the right angles to blast them with her energy blast. Then the goons behind her try to sneak behind her and she then use the rock floor to make a tower making the goons ontop of it slam to the roof. “Im getting tired of this fight so let’s end this.” She then puts all her strength and power in this powerful blast that blasts all the goons back into the wall making them unconscious.

She then runs back to her lab to quickly finish her project “it seems like you need to be made today” she then quickly finishes up it seemed like the project was a magic made baby “my dear baby brother you will have to carry my power and use it for good I hope you will make the right decision In the future and that we Will reunite in the future my dear Dakarai” she then cast a spell to transfer half of her power to him and then quickly grab a hoodie and made a portal to Brooklyn New York to meet some friends.

Akari traveled far and wide to meet her friends Milan and Jordan and finally found there apartment. She then knocked on the door hoping they answer, as soon as she heard them coming down the stairs she left her baby brother Dakarai on the steps along with a note and then quickly leaves back to Africa.

….

….

….

“Jordan there’s a baby and a note at the door” Milan says “read the note” Jordan says while walking down the steps. The note said “dearest friend Milan this from Akari I have no time to explain but this is my baby brother Dakarai and I need you to watch him and never tell him about me or his powers in the future I could maybe tell you but for now this is all love Akari” Milan read through the note shocked “what does it say baby?” Jordan asks curiously, Milan turns to him “well to say for short”

“This is now our son Dakarai the warlock prince of the Cene empire”

[miracleweaponhunt]

Miracle Weapon Hunt Chapter 18: Cyborg Zombie Bears

“Okay, so here’s what I’ve come up with.” Dakarai said, holding a glass eye. It looked like a normal eye, only with a red iris. “There’s a small heat pack inside this that heats up in the sun. If you take out the eye and apply the pressure, like this…”

Dakarai slapped the eye, and a small blast of heat came out.

“…that’ll happen. The worst it can do is a mild burn, but nobody’ll expect it. If you pull it off right, you could get someone to drop a weapon they’re holding.”

“Yeah, got it.” Julian nodded, throwing his head back and inserting the eye into his empty socket.

“Also, if it overheats and explodes in your eye, I’m not responsible.”

“Don’t sue, got it.” Julian repeated, winking a bunch of times to let the new eye fully settle.

“Julian, did you just put a bomb in your face?” Roxanne asked, glancing between the two men treating this matter like something that could be a legitimate fighting technique.

“It’s only a bomb if it overheats.” He replied calmly, putting his hair back over his eye. “No big deal.”

“It sounds like a pretty big deal!” Roxanne yelled. “Dakarai, what are you doing?”

“Putting an attack mechanism in his new eye, we just went over this.” Dakarai replied calmly. “Now, do you have the bear?”

“If you could help me get it out of the ship, that’d be cool.”

“I can help with that.” Roxanne announced calmly, stepping out of her seat. “Gotta stretch the leg, you know?”

“You know that the leg is a temporary healing measure, right?” Dakarai sighed. “If you strain it too much, you could get seriously hurt.”

“So I have to stay here?”

“It’s only for a couple minutes, don’t worry.” Julian replied as the two walked out, leaving Roxanne in the room to contemplate her next move.

She sat behind Dakarai’s desk, opening the drawers behind it and flicking through the documents. A lot of hastily drawn diagrams with wording she probably couldn’t understand even if the handwriting was legible. She wasn’t one to stereotype, but Inariu people having awful handwriting seemed to be getting truer by the moment. So with nothing to do, she looked at her necklace.

She thought about how likely it could be that her parents were nearby. As far as everyone back on Miracle was concerned, she just showed up one day on the ship as an infant. They tried tracking her parentage down, but to no avail. But soon she could join a hero group and travel the world, they said. But with next to no combat abilities, she was stuck behind the hiring desk. But Cassandra showed up a decade later. No parents, no memories. Just a girl stuck on a ship and in her room. And they promised to each other that they would each get their dream romances and travel the world once they hit adulthood.

Then Julian showed up from his old hero group and hit it off with Cassandra. But they promised that Roxanne would be next once the world tour started. And well…it’s started. Dermot was nice, but she didn’t see anything working out in the long term. Dakarai didn’t seem like prime boyfriend material either. She tried cuddling him from behind like what she saw on TV shows she watched while he was asleep, and she wasn’t feeling any sparks fly from it. Maybe smart guys weren’t her thing? Then what was her thing? Someone wilder, perhaps? As she lay on the revolving chair aimlessly spinning around, a cough was heard behind her.

She quickly spun around to see two men standing in front of the desk.

“Are you Dakarai’s new assistant?” The skinnier of the two men asked. He wore a sportier version of what Dakarai wore, a simple red tracksuit. He also had much wilder hair than anyone she saw here, with dreadlocks tied upwards into a ponytail, each one dyed red at the end.

“I’m just Dakarai’s friend.” She replied calmly, eyeing him up and down. He looked a little familiar, even if she couldn’t quite place it.

“Any idea where he could be?” The larger man asked with his calm voice as he glanced across the room. Despite the weather being pretty good, he wore an oversized deep blue coat and a dark purple beanie to match.

“He’s just gone out for a bit.” Roxanne informed calmly. “He went out to get something, so he’ll be back in a little bit.”

“Alright, works for me!” The man announced loudly, sitting down with his hands behind his head, seeming to instantly start daydreaming the second he sat down.

“He’s always just like this, don’t worry.” The larger man said as he sat down beside him, looking meditative as he sat down next to the other guy, staring at nothing in particular.

After a few minutes of Roxanne spinning in her chair to distract herself from the awkward silence, Julian walked back in with Dakarai, with the bear corpse held behind a white sheet as the only noise became squeaking noises from the wheels it was being brought in on.

“Dakarai!” The skinnier guy yelled as he walked in. “How’s it been?”

“Pretty good.” Dakarai nodded. “What brings you here, Samuel?”

“Figured I’d stop by on the way to the Fightston games.” He said, before locking eyes with Julian. Julian returned the stare, looking at him with a scowl.

“Julian.” Samuel said, his tone of voice changing immediately.

“Samuel.” Julian sighed.

“So, what’s that you got behind you?” Samuel asked.

Julian silently removed the sheet, revealing the bear underneath.

“Still doing that whole necromancy thing?” Samuel asked.

“It’s…how my powers work.” Julian replied with another sigh.

“I’m way too aware.” Samuel replied, narrowing his eyes towards him. “So why’s it here?”

“I’m helping him make modifications. Make it stronger around the arm areas to prevent anyone with a weapon from cutting the limbs off.”

“Ah, I see. At least it’s a bigger creature this time.”

“The spider thing was funny, admit it.” Julian said, trying to hide his creepy smile.

“Nothing about that was funny!”

“It was a little funny.” The large man replied, fist bumping Julian.

“Good to see you’re as good humoured as ever, Adebayo.”

“Do you know these guys?” Roxanne asked.

“They’re the Maximos. Top ranked hero group here.” Julian replied.

“Fourth overall, with two people!” Samuel replied. “And if that Luca would fight me one on one, it’d be pretty obvious who’d win.”

“Him, like the last six times.” Adebayo replied flatly.

“Hey, I’ve been working out!”

“Is what you said the last five times.”

“Anyway, Julian!” Samuel yelled. “Has your group been invited to the Fightston games?”

“You mean the Battlestorms?” Julian asked. “No clue.”

“They probably were, seeing as they invited the top five hero groups.” Adebayo said calmly. “But hey, apparently they're letting anyone in this year. So if you wanna test out the bear you got there, maybe check it out.”

“Only if you want to lose to me!” Samuel yelled, pointing a finger at Julian.

“Okay.” He said, stepping back. “Would the bear be allowed?”

“I can ask.” Adebayo said calmly. “I’m assuming the bear was from Fightston during its life?”

“It was, yeah. Think it was used to train soldiers, considering the mild bruise in its chest area.”

“Maybe it could end up a mascot of some kind. I bet Zach would like it, at least.”

“So, Adebayo.” Dakarai said. “You able to help me cut the arms off?”

“Sure thing, man.”

Adebayo got a surgical saw and began cutting the bears arms off while Dakarai found some metal cuffs and put them against the arm. They were luckily the perfect size for the bear and inserted in without much issue. He then inserted a small metal tube into the arms before getting Julian to reattach the arms. Julian punched the metal with all the force he could muster, and an audible noise was heard as the metal collided with his fist. Roxanne flinched as she heard it, but most of the men were nodding at the resounding success while Julian was shaking out the pain. Adebayo was next to the punch, and almost knocked the bear over.

“Yep, it works.” He nodded. “Felt it in my bones.”

“So would you be able to fight it?” Dakarai asked.

“Probably, but it’s still impressive.” Adebayo nodded quietly to himself.

“And an abomination of nature.” Samuel muttered through gritted teeth, moving next to Roxanne in an attempt to avoid it. There was a certain musk to him. The musk of a hero, possibly.

“I mean, I got a surplus of bugs who’s lifeforce I could transfer into the bear, let Adebayo test it out.”

“Do I use my powers?” He asked.

“Nah, it’s just a test drive. I’ll just get the bugs.”

“And I can assist you!” Samuel replied, leaping out of his chair.

“You sure?” Julian replied flatly. “It’s…a jar of bugs.”

“Yes, but…I need to get my brother a souvenir, you see.”

“But…he lives here?” Roxanne asked.

“And he needs to get food! Which I am getting!”

“Whatever, let’s go.” Julian sighed with an eye roll. Or an eyes roll, even. Today was good.

The two of them made their way to their ship on the top deck, not saying a word to each other. Eventually, the two reached his ship. There didn’t seem to be any guards stationed around the place, which was definitely strange.

“Weird how nobodies looking after this place.” Julian whispered to himself.

“There wasn’t anyone here when I landed, either.” Samuel replied with his hands behind his back, before he let his words simmer in his mind, his face souring once he did. “Actually, what’s with that?”

“No…clue.” Julian whispered, looking around for any suspicious characters. None. The few people here looked like regular people trying to go about their day. He slowly crept near the entrance to the ship, with Samuel following behind. There were shuffling noises heard from inside the ship.

Something…someone, was inside.

“Cass?” He asked. No response. Cassandra would at least say something. Samuel stood in front of the door. The noises relaxed, but then shuffling noises increased in intensity.

Until finally, a hooded figure appeared running to the exit.

Julian swung his arms towards the figure, and they fell against the wall before quickly trying to run past the doors. Samuel quickly pushed two pointed fingers into his shoulders, and his left side fell and forced him to the ground.

“Anyone else?” He asked.

“There…doesn’t seem to be.” Julian confirmed slowly. “So what do we do with that guy? Do we lock him in the ship?”

“I think so?” Samuel nodded, removing the man’s hood. “It doesn’t seem to be anyone well known, anyway.”

Samuel carried the man onto the couch of the ship and sat him down nicely. The sole exception being placing his leg behind his back in a very uncomfortable position.

“Now then.” He started, sneering as he knelt down to meet the bored looking man. If there was a ‘most ordinary looking man’ competition, he’d probably lose due to the hosts glossing past his face and forgetting to enter him. “What has you sneaking around another man’s ship?”

“Bringing the axe to the legion.” He replied without an ounce of shame.

“Legion boy, huh?” Julian asked, standing behind Samuel with arms crossed. “Just you?”

“Currently, yes.” He said calmly. “We thought you were all distracted, so I went alone to steal the weapon.”

“And look where you are now.” Julian sighed, trying to flip his phone open in the most stylish manner possible, putting his hand in front to ensure the top half doesn’t snap off.

“Cassandra, we got a legionite.”

Once Cassandra made it to the ship, she inspected the axe outside the ship, launching a thunderbolt outwards without much issue. It was the real deal, anyway.

“Yeah, he didn’t switch the axe out, anyway.” Cassandra sighed, putting it in her room once Samuel covered the legionites eyes. “We gonna bring him to Ola?”

“I can handle it!” Samuel announced, looking pleased with himself as he picked the man up with one hand.

“Nah, I’m gonna go too." Cassandra said. "Gotta speak to Ola. Julian, could you stay on the ship?”

“Sure thing.” Julian nodded, texting Roxanne to let her know undead cyborg bear antics would have to wait.

When Samuel and Cassandra entered Ola’s lab, the door was locked. Cassandra knocked harder until the knocks essentially became punches, and Ola eventually answered looking extremely groggy.

“What can I help you with?” She mumbled with a yawn.

“We found a legion guy snooping around the ship.” Cassandra said.

“And I stopped him.” Samuel added.

“Right, right.” Ola nodded. “Good job, just let me call a guard and have him deal with it.”

She opened her phone, dialling a number in and putting it up to her ear. No response. She tried with another number. Still no response.

“What’s going on here, exactly?” She whispered to herself.

“If you’re asking about guards, there weren’t any at the dock when I showed up.”

“Son of a-look, just leave him with me.” She said, looking around and finding some rope to tie him up with. “You two are free to go.”

“Actually, Ola. Can I ask you something?” Cassandra asked as Samuel left the room.

“Sure thing.” She replied calmly, not looking up from tying a knot.

“Have the Lucians done anything…bad, lately? Or ever?”

“Aside from being really full of themselves, they’re fine. Nothing me or any of the others would call evil, anyway.”

“Because when I was attacked, they mentioned something about the Lucians hiding something. Just wondering if you’d know about that?”

“Personally, I’d ignore anything a bunch of hooded figures yell at you. Even then, I genuinely have no idea what would be happening there. As long as I’ve known what they do, it’s just dealing with the bureaucracy of the whole thing.”

“So…I can leave?”

Cassandra walked out of the room and back into her ship, where Julian was listening to music in his room.

“You good?”

“Pretty good, yeah.” Cassandra nodded while giving him a peck on the cheek. “Would you mind if you turn down the music, I need to lay down for a little.”

“Sure thing.” Julian whispered, turning the music down on the cassette player.

Cassandra lay in her bed back in her room. She tried getting some sleep or taking a small nap, her body was telling her she needed it. She tossed and turned around for a few minutes. The evening barely started, but she still like felt she needed a nap to reset her body.

As she drifted away, thoughts of everything filled her mind. The weapon thieves, the Legion, and most importantly, the Lucians.

Were they hiding anything? And if so, what was it?

[agrimedena-drax]

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Context:

The scene takes place around the first parts of the story (around 3-4 months after beginning of the action).

Vieno and their friends come back to Quinque Lupi Academy after winter break spent at Devina's house, where the Expo Winter Ball took place.

This ball was an important meeting of many political and education personas, it's also the great occasion to meet old friends, meet new ones, tighten the bonds and dive into passionate romances...

Many things happened between Devina and Lubos, Dakarai and Azar, Ferrer and Vieno. Vieno especially will soon know the consequences of their recent actions...

Cast:

Vieno Mustonen (they/them) x Ferrer Wiseegoth (he/him)

Devina Mishra (she/her) x Lubos (mentioned)

Nurah Sultan (she/her) x Lech Sokol (he/him)

Dakarai Pretorius (he/him) x Azar Inness (he/him)

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

"Snowball battle royal!"

Quinque Lupi fluff snippet

***

Strong shrug woke me up from a dream. With my eyes blurred, I looked up to see Lech's smiling face.

"Heir Mustonen, shall thee wake up finally!" he teased me.

I immediately raised myself from the bed, pushing him off me and grabbing his hair. Sokol whined quietly under the pull.

"What in the spirits are you doing here?" I asked, surprised. "How did you pass the dormitory guard?"

My eyes went to Nurah's blushing face. Of course.

I giggled under my nose. Then looked into Lech's eyes again.

"Why would you wake me so early on the weekend?" I asked, yawning.

"Look outside" he smiled with a little pain on his face.

I did what he said. I gasped quietly.

The area of Quinque Lupi was covered in a thick layer of snow. My eyes immediately widened and shone with thousands of little starlights. I let go of Lech and sprang from my bed, just to look closer out of the ice cold window.

"You know what that means," Lech asked playfully.

"Snowball battle royal!" I jumped, delighted.

"Just don't drag us into this" Devina spoke from her bed, nose in book. "You know how Nurah and I hate the cold".

"I want to go with them," Nurah corrected her.

"You do?" Devina couldn't believe her pointy ears.

"Why not give it a shot?" Sultan shrugged her arms. "There is a good reason why they've been convincing us for all those years".

"Oh, come on, Devina!" I rushed to her bed and grabbed her arm. "It will be so much fun!"

She looked at me with her coal eyes with "begging for not doing this" cold expression.

"Oh, please!" I pulled her hand while jumping from the excitement. She sighed and shook her head.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," she mumbled. "Fine! I will go outside!" she announced.

"Yay!" I squicked and hugged her tightly.

"But you better lend me some warm clothes," she added. "I already had enough of this Lasan climate"

"But you could never get enough of Lasan dick" Nurah mumbled a little too loudly.

"Said who last night?" Devina barked back, her ears trembling.

Nurah's cheeks turned raspberry red. I could see the air around her vibrating.

"What?" Lech broke the atmosphere so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Nothing, we will join you on the courtyard!" I instantly started pushing him from our room.

Basically threw Sokol behind the door and slammed them quickly. Not even a second had passed, when I turned around to see Nurah’s eyes lighten with fire.

“How could you say that in front of him?!” she yelled at Devina.

“You are the one who started it!” Devina raised herself from her bed.

“Girls, girls, please don’t fight” I calmly approached them and put hands on their shoulders. “It’s supposed to be a fun day, right?”

They both took hunched postures, turning from each other, sulking.

“Oh, come on! How far up did they go up your asses?!” I laughed and ran for my life to the bathroom, being barely hit by Devina’s flying slipper.

“Vieno!” they gasped in unisom in the tone of disbelief.

I could hear them laughing behind the shut door.

“Ok, we better get dressed or we will freeze to death” said Nurah.

"Tell me about it," Devina laughed shortly.

~~~

I was running down the hall, far before girls, so badly wanting to take the first breath of cold, icy air that year.

The wood of the mahogany floors cracked under my heavy boots. The smell of crackling wood flew into my nostrils from two big fireplaces on both sides of the entry room. I pushed the big, heavy doors, which opened with a loud squeak.

The freezing breeze from the ocean hit my face as I got to the courtyard. The grey stone stairs were covered in a thin layer of snow.

I looked around, searching for Lech. From up there I could see the whole yards of the Academy and the dark, pine forest. Everything seemed so still and dull, but for me the grey clouds and piercing wind reminded me of home, which made me smile nostalgically.

“Vieno Mustonen” I heard a melodic voice from behind me.

There stood Ferrer, leaning on one side of the archway. My heart beat faster at the sight of him, causing this surprising uplift in my chest.

“Ferrer Wiseegoth” I smiled and put my arms behind my back. “You too want to enjoy the first day of snow?”

“Don’t act so surprised” the half smile appeared on his face. “Little birdy told me there is going to be a snowball fight. I couldn’t miss it”.

“You are surprising me every day, Sir” I teased him, wrinkling my nose.

“I told you not to call me that, Heir,” he said, visibly annoyed. “Come here!” he suddenly rushed from his position and started running in my direction.

I squicked and ran down the stairs to the fields. They were slippery, but I managed to levitate just an inch to avoid sliding down. I safely landed on the last step.

Ferrer appeared right in front of me out of nowhere, probably taking the opposite route. This one time levitation betrayed me as I slipped and fell right into his arms.

He spinned us around, laughing. It was so comforting seeing him finally smile and laugh. A year ago I wouldn’t believe this would ever happen. My heart filled with joy of hugging him tightly while the whole world spinned around us. Uncontrollable giggle evaporated in the silent, cold air.

We both landed on the snow pit behind us, laughing so hard that we couldn't catch our breaths. Opened my eyes to see his almond skin face, reddish from the icy breeze. His chestnut eyes shone. The coldness of the snow suddenly disappeared, warmth spread around my body. I didn't think I'd ever felt so calm. Seeing him next to me, smiling, being happy, going out, it was enough to make me feel elated.

Ferrer's hand slowly reached my cheek. He stopped right before it, hesitant. His fingertips were so close. The electrifying sensation of them barely touching my skin gave me warm shivers. I leaned towards him, allowing his hand to touch my face.

Warmth of his palm spread on my reddened cheek. My hand slowly reached towards his and touched it gently. I melted under this soothing sensation, closed my eyes to forget myself in his soft touch. He slowly rubbed his thumb on my cheekbone, very carefully and gently. Soft smile creeped onto my face.

"Get away!" a sharp, raspy, feminine scream rang in my head.

A sudden rush of coldness went down my spine. Piercing pain struck my skull like an icicle. I flinched as if I got splashed with cold water. My eyes opened widely, awakened from the void of comforting pleasure.

"Get away!" I heard the voice again, now recognising it belonging to Nurah.

I turned around to see my friend being grasped in the waist by Lech and dragged towards the pile of snow. She was screaming and laughing at the top of her lungs, smiling.

"Was it her voice or the one I've been hearing? Or are they messing with my mind even if I am awake now?"

"Are you alright?" I realised Ferrer was still holding his hand on my cheek, staring into my eyes.

I found comfort in his worried expression. His chestnut eyes shimmering with compassion. The freezing feeling faded away as quick as it came.

"Everything is perfect" I reassured him, smiling.

"Hey, lovebirds!" We heard male voice over our heads.

Dakarai was bent above us with his mischievous grin.

"Mind if I join you?" he jumped forward to land right between us. "Comfortable may I say".

I looked at him with death entering my eyes. Bubbly smile appeared on his face. He shrugged his shoulders and giggled.

"Oh, don't be so mad, Vieno, you had enough time during the Mishra Ball. And I still can't believe you forgot about your one and only best ball buddy!" he whined, dramatically touching his forehead with the upper side of his palm.

"You were busy yourself" Azar appeared right in front of us out of nowhere.

Dakarai jumped on his legs as if he had been stabbed in the butt. Straight as he had never been, he stood there tensely in front of Inness with frightened deer expression.

"No, I wasn't," he mumbled.

"Oh, you were, you were" Azar started teasing Pretorious with a mischievous smile.

"Ok, what was that now?" I asked myself in my mind.

In the meantime, Ferrer stood up and helped me raise myself from the snow. When I approached Rai, I could see his face blushing so hard, I'd never seen him like that.

"Is he shy?!" I could hear me squeaking in my head.

Azar grabbed his hand delicately with both of his hands.

"Do you want me to stop" his tone shifted to more soft and caring?

"Stop what?" Devina showed up right next to Azar, trying to warm up her hands by rubbing. Lech and Nurah stood right behind her.

Inness looked into Dakarai's eyes, as he was asking for something. Rai sighed and smiled softly. I could see his hand tighten on Azar's.

"Wait, are they?!..."

"We are together" Pretorius's voice rang in the cold silence of awaitance.

There was a pause. We were all stunned by this information. I could see Rai's eyes desperately seeking approval.

Suddenly we heard a quiet sob. Devina's eyes got filled with tears, she wiped her nose with the handcarechief. She raised their conjoined hands and kissed them ever so slightly.

"Hey, Devi, what's wrong?!" Azar asked, clearly confused.

"I am just so happy for, you idiots," she laughed quietly, one tear falling down her cheek. "Especially you, Dakarai".

Rai brought Lady Mishra to them and closed them in a hug.

"I am happy, too, Devina," he said quietly.

"Wow, wow, wow! Hold on!" Lech broke the tension. "What just happened?!"

"Well, we got together during the ball," Rai answered shily.

"Dude, why didn't you tell me in the first place?" Lech got noticeably upset.

"It was no new to me, you know, being in a normal relationship" Rai tightened his grip on Azar's hand. "It felt so fragile and precious, I was scared of even admitting it to myself at first".

"Now I know," he looked into Azar's eyes. Innes's face brightened. "That it's not going anywhere" Rai smiled brighter than ever.

"Oh, man!" Lech whined. "I am so happy for you, too!" he cried and threw himself at Pretorius.

They both landed on the snow, Sokol ostentatiously sobbing, Dakarai annoyed that his friend was ruining his best coat.

"Ok, ok, buddy, you're ruining my outfit!" Pretorius mumbled, annoyed. "This is the finest, tailor-made coat!"

"Spirits, you're all so dramatic" said Nurah, doing a big eye roll.

Our loud laugh rang in the winter air like sweet bells. It was a wonderful sound. I looked around and saw all my friends smiling, happy, careless. I wanted to remember this image forever.

Ferrer's hand quietly slid into mine, gently tickling my palm. I felt a tiny, pleasant shiver go up my arm. Shy smile creeped on my face, which dived into my black shawl, covering the rush of redness on my cheeks.

"Ok, children, we didn't gather here for the sappy confessions" Azar clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "Who is ready for snow dodgeball?"

Everybody immediately snapped out of the wholesomeness of the moment. We all know what is dominant in your group: determination. And today nobody wanted to leave the battlefield as a loser.

Before I ran behind the others, I grabbed Dakarai by his wrist. He looked at me curiously.

"I am happy, too," I whispered. "You deserve somebody, who loves you unconditionally and Azar is the good guy. You have my blessing".

"Thank you, Vieno," Rai smiled warmly. "You and Ferrer, too" he winked before joining the others, leaving me slightly bedazzled.

"You will regret calling me a child, Azar!" Devina's yell could be heard from afar.

~~~

"I still can't believe that you idiots decided to throw ice at them" Azar murmured over his cup of rum hot chocolate.

"It wasn't my idea" Ferrer mumbled, slurping his white chocolate. "Rai threw it first".

"You shady traitor!" Dakarai dramatically raised himself from the armchair. "Who was so desperate to win and gave me ideas?"

Ferrer quickly looked away, avoiding Rai’s angry gaze.

"You were lucky that I have reflexes" Nurah looked at him angrily. "If it weren't for my kinetic powers, Devina would have a broken nose".

Silence spread around the room. We were all sitting, siping out beverages. I was looking at my friends, all of them weirdly quiet after the best fun of our lives.

"So, did we win?" Lech asked out of the blue.

Azar angrily put down his mug and looked at Lech with a deadly stare.

"Nevermind" he mumbled, curling up into the sofa.

I looked at Devina, who almost became a victim of the ice cube snowball. She was silent, but also observing everything with a barely visible smile. I knew that expression. Lady Mishra was simply enjoying the over seriousness of the present scenario.

Finally, her sight met mine. That was the end, we couldn't hold it anymore. We burst into laughter, spitting a little bit of liquid from our mouths. Not much later, Ferrer covered his face to not do the same thing while holding back from losing it.

"Ew, you guys are so gross!" Rai immediately pushed himself back. Nurah did the same thing.

"What's so funny, sister?" Azar asked, clearly confused.

"You are-, you are-" Devi couldn't catch a breath.

"Spirits, you're so funny when you're serious" Ferrer ended, now grabbing his stomach with his hand, leaning back. "Au, my stomach hurts!"

"It was a very serious situation, Ferrer," said Azar, completely serious. "Someone could die!"

Now everybody except him joined the carousel of manic laughter. Nurah's giggle spread like thunder around the chamber. Lech let out the noise of an agonising deer. I could barely see anything as tears started falling down my cheeks.

"Oh, you're so dramatic, Darling" Rai leaned towards Azar with a big smile and kissed him softly on the lips.

Tense body of Innes melted under Dakarai's caress. Little smile creeped on his face. My heart couldn't help but bounce a little. I was so happy for them.

"Not right in front of my hot chocolate!" I laughed, to which both of them blushed uncontrollably, breaking the kiss.

Still a little red, Pretorius took his cup and sat on Azar's lap, purring like a cat in his embrace. It was the cutest view I've seen in a while. Of course not counting my dance with Ferrer. This was even more than cute…

I unconsciously looked at Ferrer. When my eyes met his, the blood rushed to my face. Couldn't stop myself but to feel the burning sensation in my ears.

We still haven't established our relationship, aware of each others' fear of big words. It wasn't like between Lech and Nurah. They both knew where they were emotionally, doing slow, but sure steps as a couple. A couple, another big word.

I knew one thing: he was so dear to me, he made me feel safe, my heart beat faster, my spirit calm and elated. And that's what really mattered now.

Unknown cold shiver went down my spine. In Ferrer's chestnut eyes I saw a glimpse of green, then again orange fire, a reflection of which was dancing and crackling in the common room. My body rapidly tensed, I clutched the hands of the armchair with my hands.

I tried to cover the fear with a smile, tried to fake it and put on a calm expression. I took a deep breath, only to notice Ferrer still looking at me.

He looked around, as if he was checking if anybody was paying any attention to him. Azar and Dakarai were cuddling on the armchair, Lech and Nurah playing with their hands, Devina took out the esthetic paper and started writing.

"Probably writing to Lubos" I thought.

I jumped on my seat from the sudden circular touch of Ferrer's hands on my knees. Worry and care was visible in his eyes.

"Is everything alright?" he asked softly.

"Yes, I think I am just a little underslept" I whispered, trying to avoid eye contact.

"Are you sure?" Ferrer asked as always when I wasn't alright. He had great intuition. "Sorry, if I was to clingy today-"

"You weren't" I cut in, taking his hand and putting it on my cheek, hugging it delicately. My sight went straight onto his.

"It's comforting. It makes me calm" I rubbed my thumb on the outside of his hand.

His eyes shined the red lights of the fireplace, filling themselves with barely visible tears. Ferrer slowly reached behind me and pulled me closer. He hugged me tightly, kneeling and laying his head on my chest. I felt his hands travelling on my back, massaging them with slow motions.

I took a deep breath from feeling so blessed and loved for the first time. My arms brought Ferrer closer to me, closing him in my embrace. I laid my head on his. The smell of his hair glided in my nostrils like the sweetest aroma. Our hearts, now pressed against each other, were both beating insanely.

It was the best end of the day filled with laughter, snow fights and time spent with people I loved. I wished this happy memory never died in me. I wished this happiness could last forever.

***

Hello everybody!!!

Yay!!! Agrimedena finally made a comeback!!!!

Don't ask me how many time and courage it took to post this...

Now that I am here, I am so happy to post a little ✨manifesto✨, exaggerating of course, of Quinque Lupi characters, lore, relationships and mystery...

Hope you had a good time reading this snippet!

I am more than open for your opinions and suggestions on anything, by posting here I am trying to constantly improve on my writing and your words would help me a lot with getting better with every single piece.

Thank you so much for reading till the end! Have a wonderful time! ✨

Taglist:

@circa-specturgia @bloodlessheirbyjacques @aninkwellofnectar @aalinaaaaaa @writing-with-melon @helathorloki @queensummer

[bringmetolife-pwff]

Part One : Chapter Twenty-One - She’s a heartbreaker

It was their fifth day in Zimbabwe and they had less than week left.  Evelyn was loving it here so far and wanted to explore everything.  So far, Chelsy had taken her to all of her favourite places.  Tonight though they were having a family and friends party at the Mangwanani restaurant which Dakarai owned.  

It was a beautiful restaurant with rich dark mahogany wood and they had an open area with vibrant green grass and a patio as well as fairy lights that were turned on during the night to give a cosy feeling.  It overlooked the beautiful ocean which Evelyn and Chelsy already swam and surfed in.  They saw sea turtles and took a boat tour out to see the dolphins.  She was able to snorkel with the sea turtles and thought it was the best holiday she had been on in a while.  Evelyn had also brought her under water camera along as well and was glad she had to document the trip.  

She was able to take a picture of a sea turtle that swam right up to her and she couldn't wait to get it printed and hang up in her apartment.  

Evelyn hadn't properly spoken to William since she landed in Zimbabwe as he wanted her to fully enjoy her holiday.  As she was applying her blusher to her cheeks for some colour - Chelsy popped her head in the bathroom.  

"Hey, you almost ready?"

"Yeah, just need to finish the other cheek then all set."

"Perfect," she squealed.

Evelyn was wearing a white flowing dress that had spaghetti straps.  It was from one her favourite brands from needle and thread and she paired it with some flip flops and her blonde hair was in loose waves.  Chelsy was dressed in something similar wearing all white as well but instead chose to wear a white tank top and a flowing white skirt and put her blonde hair in a loose bun and wore bracelets on her wrist.  

"Okay all done," Evelyn announced as she walked out and met with Chelsy.

The two girls linked arms as they walked out and met Chelsy's family in the car.  Evelyn was loving Zimbabwe so far and couldn't believe that their holiday was coming to an end.  Evelyn let the cool Zimbabwean air flitter across her face as she looked out at the beautiful scenery.

Little kids were running around, chasing the other as Evelyn and Chelsy were laughing and chatting with Dakarai and his wife Aaliyah.  Their two children, two girls, Daliah and Imani.  Chelsy's family were talking to their friends as well.  Daliah was eleven and Imani - twelve.  Chelsy's brother unfortunately wasn't able to be here for when the girls were but Chelsy hoped that next time he could meet Eve.  

The clinking of the wine glass got everyone's attention as they stopped speaking and focused their attention on Dakarai as his wife stood next to him.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out tonight and meeting our dear friend, Evelyn Bennett.  It truly has been a pleasure spending time with you and any friend of Chelsy's is a friend of ours.  You are always welcome here.  As we say in our shona language: kusvikira tichisangana zvakare which means until we meet again," Evelyn put her hand to her heart touched by the kindness that Dakarai, Chelsy's family and everyone she had met had shown her.  Cheers everyone and enjoy the rest of the night," he finished his speech as he and the rest of the party drank their champagne.

*

"You should go," Harry told Evelyn over the mobile.  

He had known how close the two blondes were and he hated how things were ended between Harry and Chelsy.  Knowing that Evelyn felt as though she were playing tug-of-war with herself on who to choose, he would never forgive himself if she distanced herself from Chelsy.

"Harry-"

"Listen to me, all right?"

She stayed silent as she listened to him talk.

"I know how close you two were and I hate to think that you can't hang out with her anymore because of me.  I'll be all right, promise.  You don't have to worry about me.  I hate that you feel like you have to choose because you don't.  I know that you are still a good friend to me and now I'm being a good friend to you.  Go."

"Thanks Harry, I appreciate it.  Truly."

"Yeah, yeah.  Just do me a favour and tell her how great I'm doing since she broke up with me, yeah?"

Evelyn let out a laugh as a happy tear trailed down her cheek and she wiped it away.  

"Of course.  Couldn't let her know anything else.  You'll be fine, Harry.  Just fine."

"Thanks, Eve."

"Of course.  I'm always here for you, Haz."

After they ended their phone call, Eve let out a sigh.  Not long after they got back from their holiday, Chelsy unfortunately broke up with Harry.  This time for good.  Evelyn should have seen it coming but it threw her out of left field still.  When Chelsy had asked Evelyn when she and Wills were going to come out as a couple she had seen the worry and concern in her.  

It was November twenty-eight and a bit chilly.  Evelyn decided to wear black stockings along with a red suede skirt and a long sleeve black blouse.  She paired her outfit with some black booties and wore her blonde hair straight adding a bit more makeup to her complexion.  Eve finished off the look with spritzing on her favourite perfume.  Evelyn grabbed her parcel for Chelsy and left to go to the club.

*

The music was blaring and Chelsy was downing shots wanting to get wasted for her birthday.  

"Eve," Chelsy shouted at her friend as soon as she saw her and drunkenly walked to her throwing her arms around her neck.  "I'm so glad you made it."

Evelyn could already smell the alcohol on her breath but was excited to drink as it had been a crazy week at work.  

"Happy Birthday, Chels," Eve told her happily handing her the parcel she bought.

"Aw, thank you.  Come on.  Come meet the rest of my friends," Chelsy took Eve's hand and guided her to their table.  

"Guys, this is my good friend Evelyn.  Evelyn, this is Natalie and my good friend Gemma.  Lastly, my good friend, Noah."

"Nice to meet you all," they exchanged pleasantries and order Evelyn a drink which she happily takes.  

Everyone was downing shots as the club music was playing, Evelyn was dancing in her seat.  She loved to dance and let loose.  Chelsy grabbed Evelyn's hand and guided her to the dance floor as they danced and laughed.

After they became tired of it, they moved over to their seats and let out a breath.  

"I'm gonna go make a call I'll be back," Eve yells at Chelsy over the loud music.

Chelsy nodded her head and then went back to the dance floor as Eve made her way over to a quieter area although she was sure that during the phone call the loud dancing music could still be heard.  Of course, his mobile went straight to voice mail.  She had expected it as he was back at military training and they weren't allowed to properly have them.  Still, nonetheless, she left a voicemail anyway.

"Wills?" she shouted into the mobile.  "I know you won't hear this until you get back.  But," she sucked in a breath letting it out, pouting slightly.  "I miss you loads.  I haven't seen you in weeks and I miss being around you.  I wish you were here," she begins to cry due to being drunk.  "Lots has happened since you've been gone.  Did you know that Chelsy broke up with Harry?  I don't want us to break up.  Only two more months until I get to see you again, talk soon!"

It was a wild birthday, but everyone had loads of fun.  Evelyn stumbled in a cab as she didn't want to drive drunk.  She made it to her home and unlocked her door, feeling hungry and thirsty so she decided to make some dinner.  Looking through her cabinet, she got out some shell pasta and heated up her stove on the oven.  Eve waited for the water to boil a bit before pouring them in and then she also put some pesto sauce on.  This was one of her favourite dishes also to make as it was so simple but good.  Whilst she was making dinner, she was also drinking loads of water and took some pain medicine for the headache she knew would come in the morning.  

--

sorry for the shortish chapter, but i wanted to get something up.  thoughts?

 happy thanksgiving everyone!  please follow my wattpad account if you want faster updates: herbologyx- 

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

“My Love, My Life, My Queen” Part One

Summary: Dakari and Jaha Furaha are scientists whose formula erased the trigger words from Bucky implanted by HYDRA. They didn’t waste any time eliminating the Furaha’s with hopes of finding the serum formula to no avail. Little did HYDRA know, the information was right under their noses. Eventually, she appears on the Avengers radar; especially James Buchanan Barnes.

Pairings: Nick Fury x  Characters of Color: Jaha, Dakari and Nuru Furaha

Word Count: 1,730

A/N: I’m stepping outside the box with this series. Hope you enjoy part 1 and thanks for reading!

Dakarai and Jaha resided in a gated community in upstate New York. Their 4 bedroom tudor-style home with sprawling lawn and lush green foliage, was tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac. An electronic wrought iron fence stood at attention around their property.

Jaha instantly fell in love with the spacious rooms, floor to ceiling windows and high vaulted ceilings. In the backyard was a patio and pool.

Dakarai’s office, in a shed like building afforded him peace and quiet away from the main house. It was there he worked on various SHIELD projects.

Jaha appreciated the time to herself. She converted one of the bedrooms into her sewing nook.  Colorful cloth on shelves dotted two walls.

On another wall, thread in every color imaginable. A cutting table with ruler sat against the back of the room. The crown jewel of the room was a Brother Project Runway sewing machine. Dakarai often teased Jaha, saying she loved her sewing room more than him. All she did was laugh and shooed him out.

Tucked away behind a ‘phantom’ wall inside Dakarai’s office, was a door leading down winding stairs, leading into 2 sectioned rooms.

The first room housed their computers and work spaces. Mock safes on the right of the desks, were there to throw anyone off in case of an emergency.

Room 2 was converted into a laboratory, with bunsen burners, glass beakers and microscopes. Cameras were hidden in each corner of the rooms.

In addition, a panic room installed underneath the stairs, provided extra security. Inside  monitors, an emergency outside phone line to SHIELD, weapons and food in case.

Jaha and Dakarai loved their spacious backyard, including screened in deck with large gas grill, out side refrigerator, and blue chaise loungers.

Once the rain stopped, Dakarai decided a cookout was in order.

Inside the huge kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Jaha prepared rice, peppers, tomatoes and onions on the stove. She loved cooking dishes from their homeland. Whenever their daughter, Nuru came to town, Jaha would cook a feast.

Leaning against the deck rail, Dakarai felt his cell phone vibrate. He pulled it from his pocket, looking at the screen. Nicholas Fury’s name was on the screen.

Dakarai answered his phone, “Hello Nicholas, how are you my friend?”  

Fury chuckled, “I’m fine, busy as usual. Would you mind if I drop by? There’s been HYDRA chatter. They’re desperate to find you and Jaha.”

He turned and watched Jaha through the sliding glass doors, happily singing the the kitchen. “Uh yes Nicholas. It’s quite alright. You’re in luck. We thought it would be a good idea to cook under the stars tonight.”

Never one to turn down a delicious meal, Fury agreed to dine with them. “I’ll see you, um 30 minutes?”

“That’s fine. We’ll see you then.”

Nick Fury and Dakarai have been friends for over 10 years. They met while Nick was on the Ivory Coast working to curtail the flow of illegal weapons being moved from Togo to Sierra Leone. Through the years, they drifted apart after Nick Fury became the Director of SHIELD. After the Furaha’s left Togo for the United States, the two friends reconnected.

Shoving the phone back in his pocket, Dakarai returned to the grill. The chicken, steaks, and plantains were ready. Grabbing a platter and tongs, he carefully removed everything and carried it into the house, where Jaha put the food in the oven to keep it warm.

Dakarai appeared to be nervous. Jaha felt the air shift. She gently laid her hand on his shoulder.

“What is it Daka?”

“Nicholas called. HYDRA has reared its ugly head again. They’re determined more than ever to find us. He should be here soon.”

Jaha trembled. “I knew this would happen. Why can’t they just leave us alone?!” Tears flowed down her face.

Dakarai pulled her into his arms, “I know, I know. Shh. I’m here.”

They were pulled out of the moment by the buzzing of the intercom on the main gate. Watching the kitchen monitor, Dakarai saw Nick Fury and opened the gate.

The black Hummer rolled up the winding driveway, coming to a stop at their garage. Stepping out the vehicle, Nick’s tall lanky frame strolled into the backyard, greeted by Jaha and Dakarai.

The two men shook hands, “Nicholas, it’s so good to see you again. It’s been too long.”

“Good to see you old friend.”

As he embraced Jaha, Dakarai knew whatever he had to tell them was extremely serious.

Sitting at the deck table, everyone fixed their plates. Dakarai asked Nick to bless the food.

Sighing deeply, the concerned Director readied himself to tell his friends some bad news.

“Listen, I’m not gonna beat around the bush,” Nick quipped, folding his hands in front of himself at the table. Jaha and Dakarai’s solemn expression didn’t go unnoticed.

“As of this morning, Natasha Romanoff and Maria Hill plugged into one of HYDRA’s back channels. Someone within SHIELD leaked your information to HYDRA. We’ve neutralized the mole, but not before your location fell into the wrong hands. It pains me to tell you this.”

Taking a sip of wine, Dakarai expressed his feelings. “My dear Nicholas, you can’t prolong the inevitable. Jaha and I felt something wasn’t right; the blocked number phone calls, a black SUV driving around here and an envelope with cut off letters spelling ‘you’re next.’ It’s the price we’ll pay for our life’s work.”

Jaha nodded in agreement. Fury’s somber demeanor signaled the gravity of what was about to occur.

Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, Jaha talked about Nuru and her work with Stark Industries in Los Angeles to the eager ears of Nick Fury. For a moment, HYDRA wasn’t the topic of conversation. Dakarai and Jaha knew what they had to do.

Saying their ‘goodbyes’ to Nick Fury, Dakarai and Jaha walked down to their underground laboratory.

First, they uploaded their most important and sensitive work. Then, Jaha erased any program HYDRA could use against anyone.

Any liquid let in the beakers on the counter, Dakarai disposed of.

Jaha needed a way to safeguard the flash drives. She looked around her sewing room. Nothing stood out. Suddenly, Jaha had an epiphany; sew the flash drives into her African attire!

Should anything happen to them, Nuru would take her clothes.

So, she grabbed geles and dresses, carefully stitching 3 drives into each garment.

Dakarai entered the room. “That’s a good idea. Should anything happen to us, Nuru will have your clothes. Also, send an email to Nicholas in the form of a riddle.”

Jaha stopped what she was doing, “That’s a wonderful idea. You’re extremely smart husband.” Dakarai chuckled,

“So are you wife.”

Taking a seat behind his mahogany desk, Dakarai began to type an email to Nick Fury in the form of a riddle:

Greetings Nicholas:

The parable of life is woven with care in the fabric of humanity; stitched by the African goddess, held together with love. Live like there’s no tomorrow. Please tell Nuru how much she was loved. We will always be proud of what she’s accomplished. Let her know she’s our sun, moon, and stars!

Nick, our friendship spans across the years. We were two young men in Africa, trying to sow our wild oats. Alas, Jaha settled me down. It has been a joy and privilege being your ‘brother.’ God bless!

Dakarai

Wiping tears from his eyes, Dakarai hit ‘send’. He didn’t wait for a reply. It would be too painful.

Meanwhile, Jaha finished stitching the flash drives into her African attire, making sure nothing stood out to raise suspicion. She knew something was about to happen; so did Dakarai.

HYDRA was closing in and they would be as ready as anyone could be.

As the days passed, Dakarai and Jaha were getting weird phone calls from a blocked number. No one on the other end would say anything.

Also, a black SUV drove through their cul-de-sac. It was cause for alarm because they knew the kind of cars their neighbors had.

But, Dakarai and Jaha refused to live in fear. They continued about their regular routine as if nothing was wrong.

3 months had passed since Dakari and Jaha received any type of harassing call or threatening note.

One afternoon, Jaha suggested they go to the farmer’s market for fruits and vegetables. Laying in wait were two HYDRA operatives.

Dakari and Jaha never saw them. Two precise shots rang out, striking them in the back of their heads. The car careened off the road into a tree.

Not wasting any time, Brock Rumlow rummaged through the wreckage for house keys.

Once inside, they tore everything apart, looking for any evidence of Dakari and Jaha’s notes for their methods used to remove Bucky’s trigger words.

What they didn’t count on was the flash drives were in plain sight; sewed into Jaha’s clothing.

Nick Fury took the news of his longtime friend’s passing extremely hard. He’d have to make the dreaded call to Nuru and he wasn’t prepared to tell her Dakari and Jaha had been killed.

With trembling hands, Fury grabbed the phone receiver and called Tony Stark. Explaining his dilemma, Stark agreed to send a jet for Nuru, under the pretense of a meeting in New York.

The usually stoic director poured himself a drink and raised a glass to Dakari and Jaha.

“Rest in peace my dear friends. I promise to take care of Nuru and continue your life’s work. SHIELD won’t stop until HYDRA has been ripped to shreds.”

Taking a sip of aged scotch, Fury’s hurt turned to anger. “You messed with the wrong people. Now it’s my turn to take you down.” He wasn’t talking to anyone in particular; just stating a fact.

Mourning would be done. Afterwards, it was time to get to work catching the sons of bitches who did this.

Nicholas Fury was a man on a mission!

TAGS: @omalleysgirl22 @erisjade @blackcaptainrogers @kimistry27 @rebelslicious @papi-chulo-bucky @sparklemichele @magellan-88 @pegasusdragontiger @sgtjamesbuchananbarnes107th @supersoldierslover @3brosangel @beyondbarnes @jezzula @theimpossibleg1rl @barnesvogue @buckybabybaby @shy2shot @caplanbuckybarnes

[veil-over-miitopia]

I know that you mean so well-

But I am not a vessel for your good intents.

(As usual, Picrew link is in the ID)

More details (and trigger warnings) under the cut!

🌙🍂🌙🍂🌙

(TW: Death of a parent, mishandling of grief, implication of child abuse)

The crowned prince of Thulmisa (Neksdor); Dakarai "The Merciful"/Al-Rahim comes off as a rather...cold individual. Harsh and direct with his words, his people skills are as lacking as his free time; he finds no time with frivolous matters such as "breaks" or, Gods forbid, visiting the neighboring kingdom. To him, maintaining the country's stability and its survival is of top priority- and his ONLY priority.

That is not to say that the concept of 'love' is unfamiliar to him; he loves his people, he loves his kingdom, and, most of all, he loves his mother - the late queen of Thulmisa -. He wasn't given that title of "The Merciful" out of thin-air, after all. He's just...sort of...pretty much a stuck-up dick tbh.

It was a mystery how Echidna gave birth to him; she was not married, nor was she spotted to have had relationships beyond platonic affection- yet, lo and behold, she comes out of her palace with a small baby in her hands. Theories ran rampant throughout the streets of Thulmisa ever since the day of the little prince's "birth", but nothing was ever confirmed.

Dakarai was a shy child back in his youth; he was almost never seen without hiding behind his mom, especially when around new people. Those who have gained his trust back in the day, however, claimed he was a bright kid with extensive knowledge of the human body- a trait that would carry on to his adult years as his profession leaned more into that of medical territories.

A fire burned inside him; a fire that, day by day, grew dimmer. From his encounter with the nobles of Greenhorne and him meeting with their soon-to-be Besmirched son, to that fateful day in the neighboring realm. Incident after incident etched themselves unto Dakarai's mind even when he was chosen to take up his mother's mantle so suddenly at the age of 7.

The weight of an entire kingdom was heavy on his shoulders; even at a young age, he wasn't even able to cry over what had befallen the late queen. All Dakarai was able to do was focus; do his best to look past his own noblemen's attempts at manipulating the youth for their own gain.

His own reign throughout the years was...bumpy, completely unlike that of Echidna's, so it wasn't uncommon for comparisons between the monarchs to be made. Thus, a mission was set in stone in his mind; not only was he supposed to keep his people alive, but he must also preserve her legacy. Even when the world turned dark and people fell into corruption, he didn't let go of his promise to his kingdom, and to her...

[tallulahchanel]

“The Rose of Wakanda” Chapter 6

Warnings: Angst.

Words: 2.3k

Tags: @lady-olive-oil @marvelheaux @zaddysqueen7 @ovohanna24 @thegodmother97 @sarcastic-sunshines

Masterlist

November 2, 2016 19:51 My chambers

Dear Diary,

Guess who I finally heard from. Not with a call or a message, but with a….

Let me start from the beginning.

I wanted to get an early start on my day, so I awoke around six to accompany Leo on his morning bathroom break with a light jog in the jungle. Adorned in my pink sports bra with black trimmings and black shorts with pink trimmings, I listened to the energetic drum beats playing from my kimoyo beads. I don’t usually jog, but during my leave of absence, I found it relaxing—minus the sweat of course.

About an hour later, Leo and I returned to the palace, entering the kitchen through the back door, so I can give him his morning steak and shower before making breakfast.

Once inside, I heard the suspicious sounds of shuffling coming from the lower cupboards, an indication that someone was there. Besides Weza and I, no one else in the palace was usually awake and moving around this early.

I inched closer to get a better look, but all I could see was someone squatting and fishing through the junk food stash cabinet. From my view, I could see this person had big Afro-textured hair, sun-kissed mocha skin, and a medium brown dress—intricately woven with furs and complimented by a grass skirt—with a pair of medium-brown fur boots to match.

“Isis!” I addressed her, and she jumped. “What are you doing here?”

“Don’t scare me like that, chica,” She responded with a glare towards me, her words laced with a thick Dominican accent.

Isis is a Dominican-Wakandan. She was born a year after me in the Dominican Republic to a Wakandan War Dog and her Dominican lover, who decided to remain unmarried. Unfortunately, an incident, one she hasn't given me the full story on, cost Isis her father and her childhood home, forcing her mother to return to Wakanda to raise her. She and I met in our teens when we both took jobs at the market—she worked the fabric stand while I worked the fruit stand—and have been friends ever since. Of course, T’Challa did have some jealousy about me having another best friend, but I guess chasing after Nakia kept him too occupied to care. Isis now lives in the Jabari mountains as Lord M’Baku’s wife and the mother of their two children--three if you count the little one inside of her now.

“Isis, why are you here?” I asked again.

After grabbing a pack of Oreo's out of the cabinet, she stood and scoffed at me. "You sound like I'm not welcomed."

“I didn't say you weren't," I rebutted while walking to the fridge to find Leo's steak and a bottle of water for myself. "I would've liked it if you called or something before coming over."

I didn't mean to be annoyed with her. After all, it wasn't her fault that I've been jumpy since T'Challa's long-lost cousin attacked the palace. The worse he's ever done to me was grab my wrist after I refused a pass he made at me. Had Ayo not intervened, stating that Weza needed me—which turned out to be the truth—who knows what could've happened to me?

“Hey hermana," she addressed me with her unique nickname for me and put a supportive hand on my shoulder, "what's wrong?"

Heaving a heavy sigh, I closed the fridge and turned to her. “Have you heard from Dakarai?”

It seems that I’m always asking someone that question.

Isis scoffed and rolled her eyes at the mention of his name. “If that idiota knows what’s good for him, he wouldn’t think to contact me.”

“You’re right,” I agreed defeatedly.

“I don’t know why you want to stay with that man after everything he’s put you through.”

All I could do was nod before taking a sip of my water. “I know. I know. It’s just that….” my voice trailed off when Weza entered the kitchen with a sorrowful look on her face, causing me to furrow my brows. “Weza? Is something wrong?”

She reached into her yellow dress pocket and pulled out a pink envelope, holding it out towards me. “This came for you yesterday. I should've given it to you, but you said you wanted to be alone, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

I hesitantly took the envelope from her, and the first thing I noticed was the familiar handwriting. Dakarai's cursive had always been a bit sloppy, but with time, I learned to understand and recognize it. The other thing I noticed was the envelope didn't have a return address, almost as if he didn't want to a return message from me.

“Good morning," T'Challa's cheerful morning voice caught my attention. When we briefly locked eyes, I saw him lift a concerned brow before I shifted my focus back to the envelope.

Biting the bullet, I decided to open it. Inside of it was a white Get Well Soon card, beautifully decorated with red tulips (Dakarai knows that’s my favorite flower). Shaking my head, I made a mental note to scold him for giving me this card of all greeting cards—especially since he knows why I was absent for a month. I, then, opened the card to find a long paragraph, nearly filling the entire card space, of his handwriting.

‘Dearest Rose,’ it read, ‘I hope you won’t take it personal that I chose a Get Well Soon card, but I…’

I wasn’t in the mood for the formalities, so I stopped reading and began skimming over the words, hoping to find something about where he was and why I haven’t spoken to him since I left Wakanda a month ago.

But then, something caught my attention, and I gasped at the words I read, words that smashed my heart into pieces.  As I reread them to make sure that I hadn't imagined them, a lump formed in my throat and a sob escaped my lips.

“Rose?” T’Challa addressed me in concern, gaining my attention. “Yintoni ingxaki?”

Instead of answering him, I turned on my heels and ran out of the back door and towards the jungle, dropping the card in the process.

“Rose!” he called after me, but I kept running, quickening my pace as leaves from the trees slapped my face.

The leaves and my tears blurred my vision, so I didn't notice the root that stuck out of the ground until I tripped over it and fell,  getting dirt on my face and leaves in my hair. Once the shock of what happened wore off, I sat up and winced at the pain in my knee. I looked at it and saw that it was scraped and bleeding from the fall.

“Rose?” I heard T’Challa’s voice, an indication that he caught up to me, killing any chances I had at running from him. Then again, it was stupid of me for trying to run from the Black Panther.

“I'm fine," I tried to keep him from worrying about me, but it was no use.

When he saw me on the ground, he knelt beside me to inspect my knee, causing me to wince at his touch. He scooped me up bridal style and began carrying me away from the area. I assumed he was taking me back to the palace until I saw the path he was taking me on, a path I haven't walked in almost two years.

This path leads to our tree-house that was built for us when we were children. Of course, it looked fancy for a couple of kids to play in, but King T'Chaka always wanted the best for his children. Over the years, it turned from a playroom for two kids, to a teen spot, and now a quiet place for both of us to get away from life's anxieties.

T’Challa carried me inside and set me on one of the chairs before he went to look for something. “Here we are,” he said after a few minutes, returning with a first aid kit—we needed that on many occasions. He knelt in front of me and took an alcohol swab to the wound, evoking a wince out of me. "Sorry." He finished cleaning the wound and placed a band-aid over it.

“Thank you," I told him before he left to put the kit back in its compartment.

A few minutes of silence passed between us before he broke it.

“Rose, we need to talk.”

“About what?!” I snapped, evidently annoyed. I was already emotional from that sorry card Dakarai sent me, so I wasn’t in the mood for whatever ridiculousness he was about to subject me to.

“You told me things were fine between you and Dakarai.”

“They are….were," I corrected myself. "It doesn't matter anymore. Besides, what happened to the you-know-when-I ‘m-lying thing?"

“I knew you were,” he replied. “But I was waiting until you were ready to come to me with the truth.”

Instead of responding verbally, I hugged my knees to my chest and stared at the ground, avoiding eye contact with him.

“What is it that you're not telling me?" He asked, and the concern in his voice caused another lump to form in my throat.

Another silence passed between us before I released a sigh. “He broke up with me.”

T’Challa’s brows furrowed. “When?”

“Just now," I answered as tears fell thick and fast down my cheeks. "He feels that it's in our best interest if we go our separate ways. At least, that's what he said in that card."

I released a small laugh at those words. This wasn't an amused or joyful laugh. This laugh was laced with sadness, anger, pain, despair, and bitterness.

“Can you believe he actually broke off our engagement with a greeting card?” I asked T’Challa, my brown eyes locking with his sympathetic baby-doe eyes. “And of all the cards, he chose a Get Well Soon one.”

One last bitter laugh left my lips before I looked at the floor again, resting my head on my knees and letting the tears fall.

“I am so sorry, intyatyambo.”

I shook my head. "Don't be. I've handled everything else alone, so I guess I'll deal with this alone too."

"Hey now, that's not fair!” He expressed and took a seat in the other chair. “Haven't I always been there for you?"

"You have," I emphasized. "You've been there for me through everything, but you shouldn't have. When I was sick during the early stages of my pregnancy, it shouldn't have been you helping me get through it. It shouldn't have been you that held me after I lost our child or held my hand through the grief. And it shouldn't be you that I run to every time I have a nightmare or a dream about my baba or my son. He should be the one doing those things. Not leaving me to deal with them alone, and certainly not going weeks without speaking to me."

My tears came faster and harder, my body was shaking, and I was struggling to catch my breath. I soon felt T’Challa’s warm arms encircling my small and fragile body as he pulled me out of the chair and into his lap. He began rubbing calming circles on my back while guiding me through a breathing exercise to get it under control. My breathing returned to normal after a while, but the tears were still leaking from my eyes.

“The last time I saw him was when he abandoned me at that mental health center,” I broke the silence between us. “He told me that going there and taking time away from Wakanda would be best for me. Then he left. He never called, never visited. Nothing. Just left me there by myself.”

Silence fell between us again until T’Challa broke it with words that threw me for a loop.

“I know.”

My eyes widen and I sat up to look him deep in his eyes. “You know?”

“I came to visit you one day. You didn't know because you were asleep."

My heart dropped in my stomach and more tears fell from my eyes.

“When I asked the nurse if anyone has checked on you, she said I was the only one.”

“Y...you saw me there?”

“Yes,” he answered with a nod.

I released a small sob before my gaze shifted to the floor in pure shame. "I never wanted you to see me like that. To see me so….so weak."

“Hey, look at me." He lifted my chin, so I could look him in the eyes. "You're one of the strongest persons I know. After everything you've been through, you still manage to fight through it. I've always admired that about you." He cupped my cheeks with his hands and pulled me closer to him, so my head could rest on his. "I know you're going through a tough time right now, but I also have faith that you will fight through it, just like you've done everything else. And you won't do it alone. I promise you that."

“Thank you,” I said softly as T’Challa began wiping my tears with his thumbs.

“Anything for my intyatyambo ekhethekileyo.”

I smiled a bit before wrapping my arms around T’Challa’s neck and snuggling into his warm body. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes contentedly.

“Rose,” he broke the comfortable silence between us.

“Hmm?”

“I’m glad that you’re comfortable, but you’re going to have to get up eventually.

I sighed heavily, assuming that he was talking about work. "I don't feel like doing chores today."

He shook his head. "I have no problem with you wanting to take the day off, but you need a shower. You smell like a mixture of sweat and dirt."

I playfully slapped his chest, receiving his loud, but pleasant, laugh in return.

~~~

Translations

Spanish

Hermana - sister Idiota - idiot

Xhosa

Yintoni ingxaki? - What’s the matter? Intyatyambo - flower intyatyambo ekhethekileyo - special flower

[dramaqueeenamby]

Wicked Games [1] [preview]

“So, considering what we’ve covered thus far, what are some ways we could determine if a child is in the preoperational stage?”

A plethora of hands shot up as Nala surveyed the room for students who typically preferred to remain quiet. She liked to ensure that all of her students participated in her classes.

“Tatenda,” she spoke, pointing to a first-year student who’d she initially been unsure of considering her lackadaisical mentality during class but noticed a growing change following Tatenda’s dismal midterm exam grade.

Clearing her throat, Tatenda pushed a few of her faux locs behind her shoulder. “The development of language.”

“How many words?” Nala pressed and waited to see if the young woman could see what Nala was trying to do.

“It varies from child to child, but the research shows that up to even 20,00 words can be learned by the time the child reaches age eleven-”

“Which is what stage?”

“Again, it varies but typically the Concrete stage.”

“Very nice.” Nala nodded and smiled. “What else?”

“Egocentrism.”

“Ahhh,” Nala walked from behind the podium to see that Eamon was the one who’d chimed one of the major facets of Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development. “Define and elaborate.”

“Egocentrism refers to a child’s inability to envisage situations, elements, and scenarios from a viewpoint other than their own.” He responded instantaneously much to the chagrin of several other students, something that was not missed upon Nala. She knew that a good chunk of the class sometimes grew frustrated with the third year’s tendency to showcase his intellect, but Nala viewed all of her students the same in terms of ability.

Eamon just stood out in some situations and hardly failed to meet her expectations.

As he finished his explanation, Nala again, nodded and thanked him for his contribution before searching for the next student when she saw him.

Carefully hiding her smirk, Nala briefly wondered how she’d missed his entrance.

Sneaky bastard.

“Tell you what,” glancing at the time on her kimoyo bracelet, the queen made a quick decision. “You all have done well today. Why don’t we end class a little early?” A round of relieved sighs filled her ears before she lifted her hand. “For your homework, I want a 5 to 8-page case conceptualization on a fictional character of your choosing based upon what we’ve learned regarding the sensorimotor and preoperational stages.”

Nala chuckled as the relief easily transformed in frustration and groans of protest until she added on the last part. “It will not be graded. I’m more interested in seeing how much of the theory you really understand.” Various claps and raised fists caused her to laugh. “You’re welcome.”

“Thank you, professor Nala.” A student called out as Nala grimaced.

“I told you all to call me Nala.” The mutant queen reminded as she turned around to gather her lecture notes.

“Forced habit, I suppose, your highness.” Nala turned around to see Eamon standing in front of her desk with a shy smile.

Nala gave a half smile. “And you think that is better?”

He shrugged. “We’ve never had a professor who also happens to be our queen.”

“And I’ve never been both a queen and a professor so I suppose we both must learn to accommodate.”

Eamon grinned. “Accommodation. That’s sensorimotor.”

Nala laughed and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Go home, Eamon. Enjoy your weekend.”

Removing her hand and turning around to finish gathering her stuff, Nala missed the way Eamon gazed at her with sadness as soon as she removed her hand from his body or the way his eyes lit up at the way she said his name.

“Mommy!”

Spinning around, Nala’s smile widened as she watched her six-year-old happily descend down the steps in between the students who were eager to exit the large lecture hall.

“Bun Bun!” Nala matched her tone and moved to the side, squatting down and opening her arms as Bunme threw herself in her mother’s welcoming embrace. “What are you doing here?”

The queen’s voice was full of delight in spite of the speculation that rested at the bottom of her question.

Bunme, of course, only focused on the happiness she saw in her mother’s eyes. “Baba let me leave school early!”

“Ahhhh,” Nala hummed. “Did he now?”

“I did. I am the king, am I not?”

Nala smirked as T’Challa finally made his entrance, the lingering students trying to hide their surprise at the king’s presence in their classroom.

“So, the king overpowers his queen?” Nala pondered as she stood, Bunme still holding onto her body. “Is that what I am hearing?”

“No. That is what you are interpreting,” he corrected, coming closer and lightly cupping Bunme’s cheek before pulling Nala into his side with his other arm.  

Nala quipped her brow. “And just what are you implying, Mr. Udaku?”

He chuckled and moved his mouth to the side of her neck, pecking her clavicle. “Absolutely nothing, Mrs. Udaku.” Nala smiled bashfully as T’Challa lifted his head to see Eamon was still, very awkwardly, standing there.

“I believe she said the class was dismissed, did she not?” Though it was a question, T’Challa’s tone indicated that it was more of a declaratory statement.

Tugging on her father’s pants, Bunme quietly asked: “What does de-dec-declo-”

“I’ll tell you in the jet, sweetheart,” Nala explained as she glanced at her student. “Did you have something you wanted to talk to me about?”

Eamon shook his head and stammered. “N-no. Have a nice weekend, Nala.” He hesitantly saluted T’Challa and gave Bunme a halfhearted smile to which Bunme returned her attention to her parents, moving so that she was clinging to her father’s legs.

“Let me just log out,” Nala stated as Bunme went running around the room while T’Challa leaned against his wife’s desk. “I spoke to Shuri during my lunch break.”

T’Challa’s eyes lit up. “You did?” When she nodded, he quietly inquired. “How is she?”

“Good,” Nala assured and moved to place her arms around his shoulders. “She said to tell you hello.”

“Of course, she did,” he muttered. “Bast forbid she returns any of my calls.”

“Hey.” Nala frowned and pressed her lips to his mouth. “Give her time. She’s just going through something right now.”

T’Challa shook his head. “Yes, but why-”

“Mommy, daddy, can we go get ice cream?” Bunme requested, holding her hands behind her back and tipping back and forth on her heels. “Please?”

Nala laid her head on T’Challa’s chest as the king held his wife. “Bun, you know we must pick your brother up from your Aunt Hawla and Uncle M’Baku.”

Bunme pouted. “But the little babies wanna play some more.”

“I don’t think so, Sam Isipho.” T’Challa chuckled, breaking away from his wife to pick up his firstborn. “Maybe tomorrow.” Still detecting her disappointment, T’Challa came up with a compromise. “How about we pick up Dakarai, your mama and I spend some time with him, then you and I go to your zoo and get some ice cream on the way home?”

Bunme’s eyes lit up as she happily shook her head. “Can mommy come too!”

“Mommy has to spend time with Little Baby, Bun.” Nala informed, coming to stand beside her husband and daughter, laughing as Bunme started to pout again. “You have to share, Bun Bun. Your brother needs me too.”

“I know,” Bunme moaned. “All little babies need a mommy and daddy.”

T’Challa laughed and kissed Bunme’s forehead before grasping Nala’s hand. “Come. Let us go get Little Baby.”

[tallulahchanel]

“The Rose of Wakanda” Chapter 5

Notes: Sorry this chapter took so long, but I would like to thank everyone for their patience. I’ll have the next one out as soon as possible.

Warnings: Angst. This chapter includes the loss of an unborn child, so I can understand if you’d like to skip it.

Words: 2k

Tags: @queen-of-the-jabari @zaddysqueen7 @ovohanna24 @thegodmother97 @marvelheaux

November 1, 2016 21:16 My chambers

Dear Diary,

Another uneventful week passed, and I still haven't heard from my good-for-nothing fiancé.

This morning I took the liberty of sending him a message saying that I needed him. Nothing. How hard is it to pick up a kimoyo bead or even a cellphone to let the person you’re going to marry know that you’re at least thinking about them?

Considering what today was, I hoped he would've had the courtesy to check on me, but I must be asking for too much.

November 1, 2015 was a day like any other day, and yet it became one of the worse days of my life.

I awoke that morning to an empty bed. No surprise, because Dakarai was away on another business trip, leaving me alone with our unborn son. Releasing a sad sigh, I sat up as best as I could with my seventh-month belly and started my morning routine. In the midst of me wrapping my microbraids in a headwrap, I began to feel a slight pain in my stomach, causing me to wince. I knew abdominal pains at that point in the pregnancy was common, so I didn't worry too much about it.

The rest of the morning went by smoothly with breakfast and chores. Even though I was seven months pregnant, I was still adamant about working. Of course, it wasn't comfortable with my condition, but Weza was there to help out where she could.

It wasn’t until around noon when things took a turn for the worse......

I was in the kitchen making lunch for King T’Chaka and T’Challa, who were busy in an elder’s meeting. T’Challa was still a prince at the time, but T’Chaka thought his son was capable enough to attend the meetings as well as conferences out of the country.

While stirring the stew, I felt a pair of arms encircle my shoulders and a kiss placed on my temples.

“You know you shouldn’t sneak up on me like that,” I told whoever engulfed me.

“Is it wrong that I’m happy to see my best friend?” T’Challa replied softly in my ear.

I set the spoon on the counter and turned in his arms to hug him. "How was the meeting?"

He rolled his eyes, and I giggled. “Don’t ask. If that’s what I’m going to have to deal with when I become king, I may not make it.”

"T'Challa, you're going to make a great-" I was cut off by a sharp pain in my stomach, causing me to pull away from our embrace slowly. "Ow!"

He frowned in concern. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I tried to reassure him, but the tears that were welling in my eyes told a different story. “I just—OW!” I felt another sharp pain, this one hurting more than the last.

A sticky substance between my legs alerted me, and I looked down to see blood dripping down my ankles and onto the floor.

“Rose!” I heard T’Challa address me in concern before scooping me into his arms and rushing me to the infirmary.

Everything afterward became a blur. The only thing I remembered before succumbing to darkness was hoping that my baby boy was going to be alright.

I wasn't sure how much time passed before I opened my eyes and found myself in one of the recovery rooms. The first thing I felt was someone’s thumb stroking my hand, and I looked over to see Queen Ramonda cradling my hand in hers.

“Quee-” I tried to address her, but the dryness in my throat followed by a cough prevented me from doing so.

“Here, drink this,” she instructed and presented me with a cup of water and a straw.

I did as she said and took a sip of the water. I was still groggy and tired from the day’s events, so I laid back down to rest. However, when my hand instinctively went to my belly, my eyes widen at how flat it felt, and I shot up, wincing at the pain in my abdomen, to see that the bulge was gone.

My heart pounded in my ears as I began looking around the room, searching for answers. A bassinet, an incubator, or something to let me know my son had survived and the doctors were taking care of him.

“Queen Mother?” I bore into her dark brown eyes with a look of hope. “Where’s my baby?”

Her solemn expression told me what I didn’t want to hear.

My lips quivered and my eyes filled with tears. “No, no, no,” I managed to say with a head shake of disbelief before a sob escaped my lips.

Queen Ramonda set the cup of water on the nightstand and put an arm around me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. I buried my face in her shoulder and cried, not caring that I was ruining her elegant dress with my wet tears.

The doctor came in hours later to inform me that I suffered a placental abruption and, despite their best efforts, they couldn’t save my baby. When asked if I would like to see him, I shook my head. I couldn't allow my only memory of him to be a lifeless body that never took a breath.

After telling me that I was staying in the infirmary for observations, the doctor left, and I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to hold back the next set of tears.

"Holding it in only hurts more," Queen Ramonda said to me, and I nodded in response. She was right, but at that moment, I wasn't in the mood for any more tears.

“Does Dakarai know?” I asked, speaking for the first time in hours.

She nodded. “I had both Shuri and Weza send him a message."

I could tell by the look in her eyes that she was resisting the urge to roll them. She didn’t like Dakarai, never have. I didn’t understand her disdain towards him at first, but it made sense months later when our relationship hit a patch so rough that we only spoke a handful of words to each other.

“Is there anything I can get for you?” She asked me a few minutes later, but I shook my head. One, because I didn’t think it was proper for the king’s wife to wait on me—a mere servant—and two, I just needed my fiancé.

The next couple of days consisted of nurses changing the dressing over my c-section scar when I wasn't sleeping or reading a book I've meant to finish for two years. At some point, Weza and Shuri would come in to cheer me up with reruns of Match Game 78, but not even Dumb Dora could put a smile on my face. Eventually, T’Challa made his way to the infirmary with a vase full of blue tulips—my favorite flower (ironic, I know)—to keep me company. He had been busy working on some plans that King T’Chaka wanted to put into place, so that’s why he has barely seen me since he had to carry me there.

By day three, I was agitated. My nerves were so bad that Queen Ramonda had to be called down to relax me because I had punched a window, even though the glass was too thick for me to break.

“Rose,” she regarded me with concern once she entered the room, “yintoni ingxaki?”

“Have you heard from Dakarai?”

She shook her head.

It was dumb of me to ask her. If Dakarai knew what was good for him, he wouldn't bother contacting her. But that doesn't explain why he hadn't tried to reach me. No call, no messages. Nothing to let me know that he heard what happened to our son and that he was on his way.

Releasing a frustrated scream, I aimed for the window again, but Queen Ramonda grabbed my wrist from behind and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. “No! No! No!” I exclaimed before roughly pushing her away and walking back to the bed.

“Rose,” she addressed me again, this time her voice was laced with sympathy, but I shook my head. I didn't want to hear it. I couldn’t bear to listen to a chorus of “I'm sorry” and “I just want to help.”

“You’re going to have to deal with this at some point,” she said sternly, receiving a glare from me.

“No! I shouldn’t have to! I should not be in here, waiting to hear from my fiancé! I shouldn’t.......” my voice trailed off as a lump began forming in my throat and my bottom lip started to quiver.

I felt her hand on my shoulder, but I flinched away and walked over to the window opposite of the one I had punched earlier. This one had a view of the mining trains, so I watched them run on the track while the lights stabilized the vibranium inside.

I leaned my head against the window and sighed. “It isn’t fair,” I managed to say as a tear rolled down my cheek. “I should be holding my baby.....not burying it.”

The sound of the automatic door caught my attention, and I turned to see Weza entering, and, for a second, I had a glimmer of hope that she'd tell me that Dakarai was in Wakanda or he at least bothered to leave a message that he was on his way. She must’ve read my mind because she shook her head with a grim look on her face.

I bit down on my quivering lip to hold back a sob, but it didn’t work. Before I knew it, my head was in my hands while tears fell thick and fast on my brown cheeks. I slid down the wall and onto the floor where I hugged my knees to my chest and buried my face in them, rocking myself back and forth. I could hear Queen Ramonda’s footsteps coming towards me, but, once again, I inched away from her. Thankfully, she didn't press on and left me there.

I wasn't sure when or how, but she was able to convince me to lie back down in bed and rest. I was still crying by that point, but not as hard as I had been.

A while later, I heard the doors open and close, but I wasn’t sure if someone had come in or out, and I didn’t bother removing my hand from my tear-stained eyes to see for myself.

“She doesn’t want to be touched,” I heard Weza say.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I took my hand from my face. Instead of seeing Dakarai like I hoped, to my disappointment, I saw the baby-doe eyes of T’Challa gazing into my brown ones with sympathy.

“Intyatyambo?” He addressed me as his knuckled brushed the wet tears from my cheeks.

A sob escaped my lips followed by a fresh set of tears coursing down my cheeks. T'Challa climbed in next to me and pulled me into a warm embrace. I buried my face in his chest and released a heart-breaking wail.

“It’s alright, i ntyatyambo ekhethekileyo,” he said soothingly and started to rock me while his fingers entangled themselves in my microbraids. “Ndilapha ngoku. I’m right here.”

T’Challa rubbed my back soothingly as Queen Ramonda and Weza left—actions indicated by their retreating footsteps. He ended up staying with me that night after I cried myself to sleep.

I was released from the infirmary the next day, but a couple of more days went by before Dakarai finally made an appearance. He stayed long enough for us to bury our son together and leave again on another business trip—something about a new project his baba needs him on. I didn’t ask for more details because, truth be told, I didn’t care about anything that seemed to be more important than our son.

It’s getting late. I should get ready for tomorrow and get some rest.

Write later.

~~~

Translations

Yintoni ingxaki? - What’s the matter? Intyatyambo - Flower i ntyatyambo ekhethekileyo - my special flower Ndilapha ngoku – I'm here now

Masterlist

[bringmetolife-pwff]

Part One : Chapter Twenty - Zimbabwe

Evelyn was feeling better now and she was back to her old self.  She was packing for her trip to Zimbabwe with Chelsy and she couldn't be more excited as she had never been to South Africa before.

"I wanted to be the first one to take you to Africa," he told her with a pout.  

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise that you wanted to take me there. . ."

"It's quite alright," he waved a hand of his before grabbing her hand.  "Just as long as you promise me that some day you'll allow me to take you to see my Africa."

"Deal, I'll hold you to that Lieutenant," she grabbed his hand and kissed the palm of it.

"I always keep my word, Stormy," he winked back at her.

Eve felt her heart flutter at his new nickname for her.  Wills watched Eve pack and even helped by giving some helpful tips on outfits she should pack.  He told her to bring a mixture of clothing items ranging from jumpers just in case it rains and shorts as well as cami's.  She was glad that he had already been there as he was able to give her advice on her clothing items and of course she brought a swimsuit as well for when they would go to the beach.

William drove Evelyn to the airport as it was time for her to leave.  As he put the car in park, they snogged a bit and he helped her with taking her luggage out of the car as he had his sunglasses on.  He held her in his arms as her cheek was pressed to his chest.

"I'll miss you," she murmured as she tightened her arms around his waist.

"I'll miss you as well," he agreed with her as he tilted her face to look up at him.  He softly strokes her cheek with his thumb as he leans down and presses his lips to hers.  She smiles into the kiss, savouring the feeling of being with him before she was without him for almost two weeks.  

"Have fun, all right?" He told her even though he would miss her, especially since he had some off time from the military.

"I will," she smiled at him.  "I'll call you when I land," knowing how he would freak out if she didn't.  

He was always so protective of her and her security.  Wanting to make sure she was as safe as possible, if he had any control of it.  She remembered her talk with him the night before as they lay in her bed.

"Have you thought about when we want to go public?" Evelyn asked him as she lay in his arms and their legs were tangled together.  

"Yes and no," William told her as he thought about his next words carefully.  I would like us to have more time alone before we do.  More time to get to know each other and see if this is what you really want and to see how well we progress over the next months or so.  Would you be okay with that?"

"Yes, thank God," she breathed a sigh of relief, giggling slightly as her boyfriend sat up on his forearm and looked at her.

"What?  Were you nervous or something?" He teased lightly, laughing with her.

"God, yes."

"Really?  Why?" He asked shocked.

Eve sat up as well and took his large hand in her small hand.

"Because, you're you and I'm me.  I'm used to the spotlight now but growing up I always struggled with it.  I know that it will be different than my last relationship.  I know that the public will scrutinize the fact that I've been engaged before and possibly not be okay with it.  I also know that there will be a hell of a lot more paparazzi in our lives.  I've just never had to deal with it on that kind of an intense level before."

"I know," he tucks a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.  "That's what I'm most nervous about as well.  Because unlike my last relationship, we don't have the protection of the university to protect us from all of the intrusion.  I promise you this though, when the time does come for us to come out as a couple, I would like it to be on our own time.  That way we have the control, yeah?  What do you think about that?"

"I think," she took a deep breath letting it out as she traced circles on the palm of his hand making him shiver slightly.  "That sounds like a great plan."

"Yeah?" He raised his eyebrows as the wrinkles in his forehead increased  due to the expression.

"Yes," she exclaimed laughing and leaning in to her boyfriend to kiss him.  

His hand by instinct wrapped around her waist bringing her closer as the kiss got more heated and she landed back on the mattress again with him hovering above her.

*

"Welcome to Zimbabwe," Chelsy said to her friend as she spread her arms out a bit wider for emphasis.

"Oh wow," Eve exclaimed.  "It's beautiful Chels.  I'm so excited to explore!"

The two girls were going to spend their time at Chelsy's parents home instead of booking a room  at a hotel.  That way Evelyn also got a real sense of what Chelsy's life was like in Zimbabwe.  Chelsy wanted to show Evelyn all of her favourite spots and where show her the heart of her Zimbabwe.  The part that you wouldn't get to see if you were a tourist.  

"My parents should be here soon," Chelsy told her good friend.  

She was glad that she was close with Evelyn.  When William dated Kate they never got really close.  It felt nice to actually be close with someone else who was in the same boat as her.  

"What are their names again?" Eve asked as her eyebrows furrowed.

"Beverley and Charles," she nodded her head in confirmation.  "They're literally the best.  You'll love them!  I have a brother too, but he won't be here."

Growing up in Zimbabwe it gave Chelsy a different outlook on life.  She was able to live in a country that only most people dreamed of visiting for a holiday.  She never took life in Zimbabwe for granted and it was one of the many things her and Harry had in common.  

Chelsy was excited for this holiday and to be home again.

They were only two hours ahead of England, and decided to send her boyfriend a text that she made it there safely.  She was absolutely gutted when she found out that Wills would be home while she was away.  But she had made a commitment to Chelsy already and she was really excited to see Zimbabwe with her good friend.  

"Oh there they are," Chelsy pointed to the jeep as it made a stop on the side of the road for them and a blonde woman came out, that must be her mum.  

Chelsy let out a loud shriek of excitement and immediately went to hug her mum as Eve stayed behind a bit, letting the mum and daughter have their moment.  

"Mum, this is my good friend Evelyn.  Evelyn this is my mum, Beverley," Chelsy introduces the two.

"It's so nice to finally meet you," Beverley gushes to the young blonde.

"It's nice to finally meet you as well," Eve greets Chelsy's mum with a smile as Beverley pulls her in for a hug.  "I've heard so much about you."

"Thank you for letting me stay at your place while we're here," Eve told Beverley.

"It's no problem at all.  It's our pleasure.  You can call me Bev for short if you please."

*

Evelyn had slept in through almost half the morning unfortunately, due to jet leg and the long flight.  Unfortunately, Eve was never one to be able to sleep all through out long flights, only being able to get an hour or two of sleep at most.  Evelyn had texted William when they had landed and let him know that she missed him but that she would be taking loads of pictures to document the holiday.

She had decided to unplug from work and was leaving everything in her assistant, Samantha's hands.  

Rummaging through her luggage, she got out some pants and a rose gold cami as well as some flip flops.  It was sunny today with a slight wind making it slightly chilly.  She brought her jumper as well just in case she got cold through out the day.  Eve had put on minimal makeup and brought her purse with her belongings in it as well as her favourite polaroid camera that she can't travel without.

"How are you girls doing?" Bev asked Chelsy and Eve.

"We're doing good. Thanks again for letting me stay here," Eve thanked Chelsy's mum.

Beverley waved her hand.

"Oh darling, it's the least we could do. We love having both of you here. So, what are the plans for today?"

"Well, I was going to take Evelyn down to that little market place we shop at often. And then to our favourite spot that only locals go."

"When you go to the market place can you pick up some more of those spices I love? Oh maybe some flowers if you see any. I'll give you money."

"It's alright, mum. I can pay for them. I'll get them for you."

Chelsy and her family always loved fresh food and spices. Whenever they went to the market place Beverley always got her favourite spices that were cloves, pepper, ginger, garlic and shichimi.  The girls also bought some fresh fruit and a beautiful bouquet of flowers for the home as they walked down the dirt road.  Their would be street sellers lined along the whole road with their own "shops" selling whatever they had.  

"Oh pretty lady, would you like to try some alcohol?" A man came up to Evelyn in particular.

"What is it?" Eve asked curious.

"Coco loco," he exclaims happily.  "Bols banana, malibu and pineapple juice."

"It's free?" Eve questions.

"Free!  Free sample."

"Is it safe?" Eve murmured to Chelsy, knowing she wouldn't normally take free alcohol from people in a foreign place she had never been before.

"Completely!  I trust them.  How have you been Dakarai?" Chelsy greeted the man she had grown to know over the years.

"Alright and you?"

"Great.  This is my good friend Evelyn.  Evelyn this is Dakarai.  He's the owner of the restaurant owner of Mangwanani which means good morning in shona."

"It's nice to meet you," Eve greeted him with a smile.

"You as well.  Any friend of Chelsy's is a friend of ours.  Please have a sample of the Coco loco and any others you wish to try.  If you are interested in them we do sell them over there."

"Thank you, I'll have one," Eve said giving in and giving one to Chelsy as well.

They both drank the sample of the alcohol tipping their heads back.  Eve could feel the slight burn of the alcohol hit the back of her throat but she could also taste the sweetness as she loved the drink.

"That's so good," Eve said to her friend.

"Right?"  Chelsy laughed.  "Want to look in their shop?"

"Yes."

*

"You know, I'm glad we're friends," Chelsy told Evelyn with a smile on her face as she took her hand, then letting go just as quick.  "Truthfully, I was never close with Kate and it just made things awkward."

"What was she like?" Eve asked curious.

Evelyn was always curious about Kate and her relationship with the others when she started dating William.  She never felt as though she could ask Wills though as she wasn't sure if it was a sensitive topic or not and he didn't ask about her ex unless she spoke of him.  But she didn't like talking about him as she didn't really like to live in the past with him.

"She was all right," Chelsy shrugged her shoulders.  "A bit quiet though and never really tried to get to know me like you have.  She was more reserved, which is fine.  But it also made things very awkward at events or family get-togethers.  I tried to get along with her - I really did.  But I was done after Kate wouldn't make half of the effort.  Instead, I just focused on my relationship with Harry and the rest of family."

Evelyn nodded her head, listening to her intently.  

"Can I ask what it was like for you when you and Harry first came out as a couple?" she asked quietly.  

This was what Eve was most nervous for.  She and Wills weren't hiding it from everyone or the press but they wanted be sure about each other before it was too early.  Eve had met his family and even the Queen before they were technically dating, but not since they were official, although she would get together with Harry and his friends quite often.

"It was daunting," Chelsy's shoulders shivered slightly due to the fear.  "I mean - I'm still young.  I was nineteen when I began dating him and I wasn't used to spotlight like you are.  I'm still not.  There are some days when I feel very alone like I'm the only one whose going through this because no one else besides family or close friends reach out to you.  There are days where I have more than an hour conversation on the mobile with Harry.  Him having to reassure me and why we're dating.  I feel terrible for having my doubts but I don't like being in the spotlight and I just want it to be me and him as Harry not Prince Harry.  I'm sorry if I'm scaring you with my information but I just think you need to know what it could be like.  Luckily for you though, you're used to it.  What was it like for you?" she asked as she ate some papaya.

Evelyn paused before gathering her words wisely.

"Believe me, I'm still not really used to it.  I don't really know why the media or normal people are interested in me or who I date because I'm not famous.  I'm a fashion designer.  It's my dad who is famous.  I just so happened to be his daughter.  It's hard though because it's like people think they have this perception of who you are and what you are like and when you're trying to grow up it does get very lonely to make friends.  I was never very popular in school, despite what the tabloids say."

"Do you mind if I ask when you and William will come out as a couple?" The Zimbabwe beauty asked her as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I'm not sure," Eve shrugged her shoulders.  "I know though that when we do come out we want it to be on our terms.  Whenever that may be.  We want to be in control."