#Mama Bast and me :)

[evvyyypeters-fics]

“One just isn’t enough”

Kit Walker x f!reader

Warnings! Smut, Porn w/ zero plot, rough sex, (HEAVY) breeding k!nk, overstimulation, 100% not proofread, short drabble/ imagine

This idea popped in my head and I needed to write it immediately. Yes, I am working on the other fics. Here’s a snack in the meantime.

Knawing on my prison bars rn I need him so bad

I can barely keep my mouth closed from the intense heaving pants leaving my lips, harmonized with effortless moans.

Kit’s hips slam harshley into me, skin slapping shamelessly as he pins me deep into the mattress as hard as he can in some sort of primal way. My legs hooked over his shoulders as his hands grip the bed at the sides of my face. Folding me and squishing me down into the bed.

I can feel the blown look of my gaze watching his, his expression clouded with this carnal lust, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Fuck, I’mgonna ge’ you so pregnant, suga’” He groans loudly, the words spilling from his lips as he ruts into me desperately, his tip ruthlessly slamming into that spongespot that makes my whole body shiver. His pelvis brushing against my swollen clit.

“You’re gonna look so pre’tty.” He babbles on, his brows furrowing. He moans shamelessly, his cock pulsating as he gets closer.

“Kit—!” I whine desperately, the words stumblibg past my lips wantonly.

“I know, suga’. I know.” He coos, swiping a comforting hand on the side of my face for a moment before steadying back into the mattress as he picke up again.

I can feel my second orgasm coming, and before I can get out a single whine, my thighs practically vibrate, exploding with come. Kit feels the intense vibrating, my moan choking out after as my face furrows and I dig the back of my head into the mattress, gritting my teeth.

The sight sends him into overdrive and he presses himself further flush against me, nipping at my ear after raising my gaze and slamming his hips as deep as he could go, bullying my cervix. A string of sweet moans and whimpers fall from his lips.

“Gon’na make you a pretty baby, jus’ for you mama,” He groans for a final time in my ear, his sexy boston accent thick. My mind is completely blank, overstimulated to the moon and back. To my relief, he had already begun to falter before completely botting out and going still. Pumping his seed thick and deep, he pants, still holding me down for a few more moments.

I couldn’t tell if he did it to baste me like a turkey or if he was truly tired. Maybe both. But I didn’t care, I just hoped it would be more than enough to have another kid with him, and the tender kiss he placed on my nose after—showering me in affection—made up for the brutal fucking that was sure to leave me swollen for the next few days. More the next 9 like months.

Taglist (you can be added or removed at any time):

@fear-is-truth @xkaisxjazzxsingerx @lemoniiiiiii @jazz-berry @marchsfreakshow @colinzabelswife @dearlizzies @am3ricanh0rrorwh0re @xrag-dollx @lacucarachapisser @alittleobsessedbitch

[russanogreenstripe]

So many good moments in Ep 5 of Burrow's End, but this is the one that sets my mind buzzing the most. The idea that community predates identity. We know mama, dada, and baba before we know not only their names, but our own names. And in the season all about family, community, in-group versus outgroup? This feels like such an important idea, and it was came up likely on the spot. It's fascinating to think about, and touches on such big themes about Burrow's End in general.

My mind keeps trying to read "name" as "self," and come up with something like "we have to know others before we know who we are," but I think there's a fundamental error in that idea. Neurologically, we just start off with just "Me" - one of our basic senses is what is "Me" and what is "Not Me." That's fundamental to further categorization, and faults in that sense is where things like depersonalization / derealization come from. Names are just labels, and they're not even the first labels we have for them.

This ties into another point that a lot of people had when watching the trailer at the end of Ep. 4 and during the live reaction of Ep. 5 - the idea that because Sybil was so reluctant to say her brother's name after he died, that it was the result of some top-down oppression within Last Bast and further proof that it's not as idyllic as it seems. Now, Last Bast almost certainly isn't a utopia, and I'm sure we're going to learn more about that in the next episode. And it's possible that it is a top-down enforcement that Sybil, having been raised in Last Bast, has internalized. However, there's a chance this isn't the case.

Less than 30 seconds on Google turns up several cultures that have taboos around speaking the names of the dead - Aboriginal mortuary rituals, the Apache of the Southwest US, the Tolowa tribe of California, the Yanomami on the border of Brazil and Venezuela, certain Romani/Irish Traveller groups, and almost certainly more. While it initially seems unfathomable to Western cultural mores around remembering and memorializing the dead, it's just as possible possible that instead of a method of social control, it's simply a cultural taboo.

https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/gravematters/2017/04/18/aboriginal-mortuary-rituals/

And as Aabria has commented both during the live discussion and general discord channels,

Aabria's a smart cookie, and I trust that she's done plenty of worldbuilding and put tons of thought into how Last Bast's society works. We've seen she's great at her cultural analysis while in the DM's chair in both Misfits & Magic and in A Court of Fey and Flowers. Culture and society are interwoven in all of her games, and where does all that start? With family.

[only-fragments]

Me when Mama Bast is always there for me 🥺

(Panel from volume 3 of the manga A Man and His Cat)

[starcrossedxwriter]

Unbreakable Part 4 (Erik Killmonger x OC)

A/N: So... we're getting into the thick of the plot here! So a lot happens in this chapter - maybe too much LOL but two parts were holdovers from chapter 3 that weren't quite ready lol so this chapter ended up jam-packed. Enjoy!

***

“You know we have staff to do that?” Nakia asked while she nursed Wakanda’s new princess and Naja moved at lightning speed folding all her clothes and straightening up her nursery.

Naja merely smiled and waved off her sister’s statement. “Yes I know. But the staff could use a break every once in a while. Besides laundry and organizing are the few domestic tasks mama taught us that I actually enjoy. How does such a tiny human make so many dirty clothes? She already has more clothes in this closet than I do.”

Nakia merely shook her head and laughed. “We have to change her outfit no less than 5 times each day. And she’ll outgrow 90% of that closet by the time you leave in a month.” 

Naja’s shoulders sagged a bit as she realized she only had about four weeks left in Wakanda. She had been so disgruntled about coming and now she did not want to leave. She knew she had to, there was much work waiting for her in Niganda and she missed her life there. But for the first time in a long time, she wondered whether she would miss what she was leaving in Wakanda more. Particularly her sister, her niece and her nephew. The Queen of Wakanda was incredibly busy with the new baby and her regular duties but she and Naja still made time for sister bonding, even if it was merely fawning over the baby together. 

“Who knows how big she’ll be when I am able to return again. Those five years with TJ went by so fast.” 

“Yes, this time will be very different though. Thank Bast,” Nakia whispered. Naja abandoned her task and squeezed her sister’s hand. 

“Yes, it will.” Naja pressed a soft kiss to the baby’s head before returning to her task. 

“You ever think about having one of these one day?” 

Naja was thankful her back was turned to Nakia as that question hit her ears. Her eyes clenched shut for a moment as if she could block out the avalanche of emotions that started barreling down at her at the question. She had to force her fingers to loosen around the baby onesie she was holding, her tight grip wrinking the pristine fabric. However, she did not let it show beyond that as she quickly schooled her expression into one of pained laughter. 

“Nope,” she asserted with a tone that made it seem like the suggestion was laughable to her. “Don’t think years of murdering people make you the mothering type. Hardly a nurturer.” 

“I disagree. You were amazing with TJ during his first 5 years. You were always the more nurturing of the two of us.” 

“Even if that were true, it would require me to be attached to a man for more than a night.” She winked at Nakia who merely rolled her eyes with a chuckle, always amused by her sister’s flippant attitude about sex. “And there is not a single man on this continent or Earth I am interested in saddling myself with for a lifetime.” She ignored the vision of a certain prince that popped into her head. 

“There’s not a single man whose company you enjoy in Niganda?” 

She scoffed. “There’s barely a man who can give me an orgasm to enjoy on a regular basis. I certainly don’t enjoy their company. They are merely a necessary means to an end.” She chose to leave out the part where many of her late night callers were men she wanted information out of for the rebellion… her sister hardly needed to know that part. 

“You can’t run from love forever, sister.” 

Naja rolled her eyes. Here we fucking go… A lecture. 

“I’m not running from it. I’ve actively decided I don’t want it. I love this life for you, Nakia. But I… I want something different.” 

Naja knew Nakia was not foolish enough to actually believe that lie. Naja had always been the one who wanted what Nakia now had, not being Queen, but to settle down and build a family once she had the adventures she and Erik discussed. While Nakia had yearned for the life Naja now had but had fallen in love with the King, which came with responsibilities she could not ignore. 

Sometimes those plans haunted her as vivid nightmares of the future she and Erik planned together when they retired from their posts as War Dogs and returned to Wakanda to serve T’Challa and Nakia as advisors and raise a family together. Fifteen years later and she could still see that future clear as day, only now it mocked her for ever believing it could be a reality, for putting so much stock into childhood fairytales and fantasies that could never happen. 

“Love can fit into your lifestyle, Naja. You can have the life you want and make room for love.” 

“The only people I love are in this palace right now. You, your children, T’Challa, Shuri. And our parents… most the time,” she muttered under her breath. “That’s all I need.” 

“I understand. I just don’t want what happened with N’Jadaka to close you off from love forever.” 

“It has nothing to do with him!” Another lie. “Not every decision I make in this life has to do with what he did.” Another lie. She despised just how much of the person she fashioned herself into was because of Erik. But there were some hurts… some wounds she simply could not let go. And no one on this planet, even Nakia, knew how deeply Erik had cut her. Everyone knew he abandoned her and broke off their engagement but their last conversation? That nail in the coffin of their love and friendship? Naja had never breathed those words aloud to another soul. Every time she tried, it felt like the poorly constructed stitches holding it together ripped open and pain flowed as if he had just hurled those words at her. 

“I am not saying it does. I had just hoped… since you have clearly forgiven him and you are becoming friends again, perhaps it had softened some of this. I know a future with him is not possible but that doesn’t mean getting to a better place with him will not open doors for others.” 

Naja paused but this time for some introspection as she tried to find the words to describe her increasingly complex relationship with a certain prince. She had two hearts where Erik was concerned and she had no idea which one would win out each day. One was held together by duck tape, still shattered and reeling from his actions. While the other, the heart that she tried her best to ignore, yearned for him as she did air to breathe and sustenance to survive. For that heart, he was as critical to her survival as the blood it pumped through her veins. And the control over her actions and her brain ebbed and flowed between the two, toggling back and forth in ways that made her increasingly frustrated.

She wanted to hate him, her hate for him was fuel and she was not ready to let it go. Today or ever. Once those feelings were the most clear and easy aspects of her life. And now? They were murky and she found herself wanting to forgive him so she could experience the once-in-a-lifetime love he offered her again. Since he held her the other night, she could not shake the feeling it left her with, the reality of how much she had gone without in the last 15 years. But she could not pretend that the mere idea of giving into that made her feel ashamed of herself. How could she forgive him so easily? He had not even really worked for it yet. She had to make him work for it, she could not let go that easy. She would hold to the tether of her rage and pain until it broke. Because he did not deserve easy this time. 

“I haven’t forgiven him… not yet anyway and I wouldn’t use the words friends. And whatever we are was not intended, believe me. I planned to go to my grave hating Prince N’Jadaka. I still might. But he’s… I don’t know. Every bit the same as I remember and completely different too. And he sees me? In a way no one else really does. So I am willing to give him a chance to earn my forgiveness, prove he’s changed. We are going out together on Friday.”  She glanced over her shoulder expecting to see an excited look on her sister’s face. Instead, she saw an expression she could not read fully. Partially shock but under the surface, Naja could not help but wonder if she saw a hint of anger. Of course, Nakia was able to school her face to throw on a fake smile but Naja noticed it too fast. “What’s that look?? You think I’m completely stupid, don’t you??” 

Nakia cleared her throat and shook her head. “No, no. You’re far from stupid. I just… Just be careful, Naja.” 

Naja scoffed. “I’m surprised you aren’t jumping for joy. Am I to believe the ulterior motive of this whole visit was not to get us back together? Was your husband alone in those intentions? It’s not gonna happen, I don’t want that,” Not really, she added silently in her head. “I just… there’s a part of me that has to know if he really has changed? And I lost a bet,” she admitted. 

“T’Challa and I merely want you and N’Jadaka both to be happy. And be able to coexist for the sake of this family. And perhaps that is best done apart. I just don’t want to see you hurt again. There are things you don’t know about him a-” 

“I’ll never be hurt like that again,” Naja answered sharply, cutting her sister off. She became immediately frustrated by the insinuation that she was anything like the 17 year old girl Nakia and T’Challa had to nurse back to health like a broken bird. As if Erik or anyone could break her again. She was stronger, she was different. “I know everything I need to know about who Erik is now. We’ll never be more than friends.” 

Nakia fell silent and merely nodded, though Naja could tell there was more she wanted to say. “You’re right, you’re right. Sometimes I just get overprotective.” 

Naja immediately felt bad for biting her head off. This was Nakia’s job as her older sister. But Naja already felt rubbed raw by N’Jadaka’s clear advances and effort. Old woulds were open and now her own sister was questioning whether she was strong enough to withstand the inferno that was Erik once again. If Nakia could not see how much she had changed, had she really at all?

“I know and I appreciate it. But I don’t need you or anyone else to protect me anymore. I’ll be ok. I promise.” 

***

Naja barely laid her head down to attempt to sleep when she got a call on her kimoyo beads. She glanced down, surprised to find a voice message from N’Jadaka. 

“Meet me outside. Bring your notes and journals. Got somethin’ to show you.” 

Naja could not help but stare at her beads in confusion. She had seen Erik several times throughout the day and he had not mentioned wanting to see her tonight or that he had anything to show her. 

Despite all of her questions and annoyances about having to leave the palace so late, she still forced herself out of bed and back into the first set of acceptable clothes she could find. Since she worked late nights at the bar and often did her recon and other illegal activities in the dead of night, all of her clothes were designed for stealth and to hide weapons. It was all the clothes she had so even tonight, when there was no stealthing or defending to do, her light black jacket was still home to four well hidden knives and her soft black leggings held spots for two guns, which she chose to leave at home. She stuffed all of her notes and journal into a small backpack.

She slid on her soundless shoes and out of her room with a mere nod to the Dora assigned to her room. She walked through the palace and out to the landing pad, Erik arrogantly leaning against the Royal Talon. 

“That was quick. When I didn’t get some smart ass response, I assumed you didn’t get it.” 

“It’s not too late if you need a dose of smart ass. I always have a few in my back pocket for you.” 

Erik surveyed her body, taking in her perfect curves and toned ass in her leggings. He licked his lips and winked at her. “What else you got back there for me?” 

Naja stopped in front of him and smiled sweetly. “A gun… though I’d prefer a knife. But trust me, you wouldn’t.” 

“How you know knife play ain’t a kink of mine, baby girl?” 

Naja almost choked before she recovered with a shake of her head as Erik burst into laughter. “You’re my least favorite person on this continent, you know that right?” 

“Don’t believe that for a second. Come on,” he gestured toward the Talon as the ramp opened for them to climb on. 

“Does our King know we are stealing his plane?”

Erik merely shrugged as he slid into the driver's seat. “More or less. Not my first time takin’ it out for a little ride. But don’t worry, we’re just going to Shuri’s lab. So we won’t be far.” 

“What’s at Shuri’s lab?” Not that she did not mind going to Shuri’s lab, she enjoyed learning from the Princess and getting to try out new gadgets before anyone else. However, she did not understand why he wanted to go there with her or what he would have to show her. 

“You’ll see.” 

Naja rolled her eyes before sliding into one of the seats. The short plane ride was virtually silent though the tension between them, in such a small space, was palpable. Things had somehow both become more difficult and more effortless between theme since he spent the night two days prior. The vulnerability they shared broke down a few barriers in a way Naja had not expected but she did not know what to do now. She was not accustomed to gray space when it came to Erik. They were not friends, they were not lovers but they weren’t enemies anymore either. They were just something else that she was not prepared to decipher or understand. 

“So are you going to reveal the big secret?” Naja asked as they entered Shuri’s private workspace. She was surprised to not find the Princess in her usual spot. Everyone knew she did her best work in the middle of the night when she should have been resting like everyone else in Wakanda. The Wakandan Palace was filled with night owls.

“Shuri told me we could use the space at night for a while cause she’s working on a different project downstairs. Wanted to show you this,” he took her over to the giant work table which was usually covered in completed or half-finished gadgets. However, tonight, it was filled with notes and papers, treaties, aerial photos, and a giant 3-D map of Niganda. 

“Whoa.” Naja’s hands started grabbing random pieces of paper. There was enough material here to keep her busy for weeks. “What’s all this?” 

“Notes from the other three War Dogs in Niganda from the last year, I didn’t tell them why,” he added at the freaked out look on her face. “I just asked all War Dogs to send an update to make it seem routine. After our talk the other night, I pulled some recon photos we had from before the peace treaty talks started. Figured we could use all this and your notes to piece together some more information. And T doesn’t really come down here unless Shuri invites him so it’s a good spot to do shit we ain’t supposed to be doin’.” 

Naja glanced at him with wide eyes. “You did all this to help me?” 

“There’s nothin’ I wouldn’t do to help you. I know you don’t believe that but it’s true. And you ain’t in this alone, this ain’t just on you to figure out.” 

Erik did not have the heart to tell her that his actions were not totally altruistic. He had his own motivations for finding a reason to end these peace talks with Niganda. His future, or rather the future he wanted, was as tightly wound in discovering what Niganda was doing as Naja’s was, if not more so. 

She sighed, grabbing more papers. “I do now. Thank you, N’Jadaka. Seriously. Also a bit old school don’t you think?” She gestured to the printed papers. 

“Less likely for T’Challa or anyone to notice on our tablets and shit. And stop thankin’ me and let’s get to it, aight?” she nodded with a smile before putting on her game face. “So you said the King is definitely behind the kidnappings? Any theories as to why?” 

“Definitely. Witnesses report soldiers taking the kids. It’s possible it is a rogue faction of the guard doing something nefarious and they are getting away with it because most of the people will think it is the King’s orders. But King Bisi runs the guard with an iron fist, hell, most do not breathe without his command. There are claims that his mental health is waning so perhaps someone in the palace is taking advantage of that? But there are few in his court with the skill to pull something like this off besides him.” She sighed. “And I have several theories but none of them are particularly good and haven’t panned out.”  

“Ok well let’s hear 'em anyway.”  

She started pacing up and down the length of the table. “First I thought intimidation? You know taking the children to keep their parents in line. But that doesn’t explain the first four kids who were all orphans. And the entire country, save the rebels, are already terrified of him. And those with parents… none of them are part of the Front or involved in illegal activity. They are just regular people so that would not make sense. It could be trafficking or labor for the fields? It’s the poorest village of the Capitol and in the country so outside of those of us who live there, no one would know or care that these kids are going missing. The wealthier villages are just happy to remain in the King’s favor. The first few were from the local orphanage, the man who runs it is who sounded the alarm to Dayo initially. But Dayo ruled out trafficking. The kids aren’t showing up in those channels either. Whatever he is doing with them, they are still in Niganda.”

“Yea, and there are a lot easier ways to get bodies… prisoners, rebels. What else?” 

Naja glanced up at him with a helpless expression. “That’s it. If we were finding bodies, we’d have more to go on but these kids are vanishing without a trace.”

“Anything else suspicious happened since this started?” 

“Not really. Two doctors were kidnapped about a week before the kids started. But we found one of their bodies the same week so we assumed they were both dead and fell into something they shouldn’t have. We never found the body of the second one so maybe that’s something?” 

“Yea but most people kidnap adults or kids… kidnapping both is uncommon. What’s the deal with this rebellion anyway?” At her skeptical look, he smiled. “Don’t worry, ain’t gon’ rat you out to T.” 

“How else do revolutions and rebellions start in this world? The people have nothing and King Bisi brutalizes them while leaving them destitute. Dayo… he and a couple rebel leaders were once in the King’s court but he escaped after the King murdered an entire village who was ‘harboring’ a father who had stolen from the palace. He realized that the freedom we deserved was only possible if the king was not in power. He created the Nigandan Liberation Front to overthrow the Royal Family and install a true democracy.” 

Eek could not help but hear how she used the word “we” to describe Nigandan citizens as if she was not a spy masquerading as one of them. Nor could he stop the smallest kernel of hope from blossoming in his heart. If the rebels succeeded, that nagging reminder of the promise he made that he desperately tried to forget, the reminder that his future did not belong to him at all, would be null and void. 

“How likely you think that is?” 

She scratched her forehead. “Honestly, I don’t know. We’re inching forward but it could be years. The King loves his grip on power. Many refuse to join the rebellion because they hold hope that his heir will be different but…” 

“You disagree? You know her?” 

She laughed humorlessly. “No, never met her. Gotten a glimpse of her a few times. She’s been to the village more than once. She’s known for her charity work, feeding and clothing those in need.” 

Erik could hear the disdain in her voice. “That’s a good thing, ain’t it?” 

“Not when she has the power to ensure there are no poor in the country to begin with. Niganda has the money for everyone to live in prosperity. Her father has chosen policies that hoard resources for him, his council, and the wealthy while the rest of the country starves. Many of the country may love her for it but I won’t celebrate someone saving lives when they are the reason the people are dying to begin with. All Princess Imani is doing is keeping the people on life support so they can continue to serve her family and eventually her interests. As far as I’m concerned, she is as soulless as her father.” 

Erik’s eyes grew wide. “Damn, tell me how you really feel. Who knows, maybe she’ll be different.” 

Naja did not look up from the written accounts of one of the war dogs she was reading. “Why do you care so much? It’s not as if you have to live under her rule. You met her?” 

Erik fixed his face to seem as disinterested as he should be. “Only once at an event. She was a bit vain but hella independent. I’d hardly describe her as soulless. Her father? That nigga definitely. But she seemed like she wanted to do some good.” 

“I’ll believe it when I see it. But that’s a ways away, unfortunately. According to the palace, King Bisi is in perfect physical health by all accounts. And despite his age and ailing mental health, the ancestors will have to drag him to whatever heaven or preferably hell is waiting for him before he willingly gives up that throne.” Silence fell for a few minutes before she paused. “Wait… this could be something. Did you read this one from… M’Badu?” 

“Haven’t had a chance to read any of them. What’s it say?” 

Naja stood and walked over to where he sat to hand him the papers, sliding to sit on the table in front of him. “His cover is a doctor at the biggest hospital in the Western Province, smart cover… that’s were all the wealthy go. A life of comfort as you put it. He reported that half of their supply of medications and drugs was stolen the day after the first child was stolen. Things like anesthesia, blood supply… opioids.” 

“So? Could be for a black market or somethin’.” 

“No, I know every major player in Nigandan’s underground… none of them have the manpower, capitol, or balls to pull this off. And they are all egotistical men so they would’ve bragged about a score this big. I never even heard this happened, which is saying something. They still small amounts with the help of doctors and nurses in their pockets to avoid attention. Whoever did this has all those things and sophistication.” 

“Why you say that?” 

“Because… I didn’t think it was relevant but this same hospital houses the country’s largest scientific research center and they had a break in not long ago… about a month before the first child was taken. I don’t even live in that Province and I heard about it. It was the biggest breach of security they’ve ever had. They redid the security for the entire facility and hospital afterward. So this person had to get around all of that and M’Badu said Princess Imani had been there earlier that day visiting sick children. So they had to avoid additional palace guards too.”

“Ballsy to hit the same hospital twice.” 

“Not really when you know the health care infrastructure is crumbling. Biggest hospital in the country and the only significant research facility. If you want as many chemicals and drugs as you can get your hands on, this is your only option.” 

“What chemicals were taken?” 

“They took a bit of everything the facility had. All raw chemicals and drugs that could be used to make a million different things. Dayo and I check the black markets every night to see what will turn up but nothing of note has.” 

Erik raised an eyebrow. “Does T know you frequent black markets this much?” 

“He knows I check to see if there’s vibranium floating around. But does he know I go almost every night and sell what I can get my hands on? Nope.”

“What do you even have to sell?” 

“Whatever I can buy with my War Dog riches without raising attention… and whatever I can steal from the King and the wealthy and give back to the people where it belongs.” 

Erik was shocked, and admittedly aroused, at how nonchalantly she talked about theft. A ruthless spy indeed. 

“How’d you get into that? Also you must not do much bartending on your shifts with all this extra shit?” 

She let out a barking laugh and waved her hand dismissively. “No. Truth be told, I’m a terrible bartender, which Dayo figured out fairly early on. But Dayo is not a fool and recognized I had skills that were far more important to him so he keeps me around to bookkeep for him, manage the bar… flirt with men to get information. And some talents that he appreciates but won’t dare ask how I got. My speciality in the Hatut Zeraze … besides torture and murder, of course, was infiltration. When he realized, Dayo helped me start to steal from the trucks that supply the palace and wealthier restaurants with food and other delicacies. Sometimes from the houses of the wealthy. I take whatever I can and sell it.”

Erik let out a low whistle. “Infiltration… that shit’s hard. I was good at gettin’ niggas to talk but the gettin’ in and out was always my weak spot.” 

She shrugged as she looked down at him from her spot. “I’m surprised. All it takes is being a good liar. And you’re the best one I know,” she mumbled under her breath before she could stop herself. She clenched her eyes closed as she saw the hurt flash across his face. “Sorry, habit.” She stood up from her perch she had taken on the edge of the table by him and moved to the giant screen they had in the room. She started writing the information they had on it. 

Erik let the papers he was holding fall back onto the metal table. “My feelings for you weren’t a lie, Naja. The things we talked about, the life we wanted to have together… none of it was lies… I just… shit happened and I handled it all wrong a-”

Her hand stilled as she heard his words, painfully clashing against the narrative she had created for over a decade. Her heart wanted her to leap and fall but her brain forced her feet to remain planted where they were until he proved he could be trusted again. All of this was a good first step but that was all it was: a first step. 

“Don’t.” 

“Don’t what? We need to talk about what happened. Let me explain.” 

“Look… I want to trust you… get to a place where we can, at least, be friends again, Erik. Because as hard as I try to hate you with my entire soul… part of me will always care for you more than I should. You caught me at a weak moment the other night and I appreciate you being there for me. But nothing that’s happened should make you think the door is open for that conversation. I don’t want to hear you excuses and reasoning… whether or not what you felt was true doesn’t matter anymore. Why you left… why you said those things, none of it matters because it doesn’t change the fact that you left. All that matters is that you did it and you said it. And because of that, we can’t go back. But we can create something new… a new friendship. So all I want to see and hear from you now is something different. That’s all I have space for.” 

Erik’s head fell in disappointment at her words. He knew he should not have gotten his hopes up, that he should have listened to T’Challa and not gotten his heart back invested in Naja because she would never feel the same. He knew that was not the only reason T’Challa had cautioned him to stay away but he had not listened. He never listened. And though he knew he should take her words as fact and accept the friendship she offered, he knew it would not be enough. Whatever time he had left of freedom, he wanted to spend what time he had left with her, choosing her. He also knew her better than any other soul on this Earth, there was more than just care for her too even if she did not want to admit it. 

Luckily for him, Erik was as patient as he was committed. He would not stop trying and he would play the long game to continue softening that barrier between them for as long as he was able.  

“Ok so…” she turned back to him, a determined look on her face as she quickly changed the course of their conversation. “We have missing kids, a doctor, drugs, chemicals, and medication. But no obvious links between any of them. So we have nothing.” 

“The links are always there. We just gotta find them.” 

***

Nakia stalked through the palace, an aura of anger radiating off of her so strong that the few servants walking about immediately moved out of her way as she raced to her husband’s office. She did not give Okoye a chance to knock or announce her presence as she walked inside. She had tried to not let her overprotective nature get the best of her since her conversation with Naja that morning. However, when Ayo alerted her to Erik and Naja taking the Talon for a late night joyride, she could hold her tongue no longer. 

T’Challa glanced up from his tablet as the door opened and she swept in. However, his fatal error was not noticing the look of rage contorting her features. 

“I will come up to bed soon, my love. I need to finish thi- what’s wrong? Is it the baby?” T’Challa immediately jumped up as he realized his wife was not there to drag him from his office to get rest. 

“What part of ‘Tell Erik to stay away from Naja,’ did you not understand, T’Challa??” she exploded. No one except Nakia could yell at the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther. “Because what is happening right now is NOT staying away!” 

T’Challa grimaced. “I told him to stay away.” 

“What did you say exactly??” 

“That she despised him and that she would never forgive him, which is true. Naja won’t forgive him so there is nothing to be concerned about.” 

She shook her head as she paced up and down by his desk. “No it is not true! They are currently Bast knows where in the Royal Talon. He spent the night in her room a few days ago and they are going out on Friday.” 

“Nakia…” his voice took on a chastising tone. “You can’t spy on your sister.” 

“Do not take that tone with me as if you do not spy on N’Jadaka too. You knew this was going on and you’ve said nothing. You’ve DONE nothing to stop it. I will spy on her all I want when she is in harm’s way. Someone has to protect her, no one else in this country seems to.” 

The jab hit exactly where she wanted it to, T’Challa’s face twisting up in indignation. “That is not fair, Nakia. I protect Naja just as I do my own sister. She is my sister in every way that matters. But I cannot stop N’Jadaka from trying to mend fences with her if that is what he wants to do.” 

Nakia shook her head. “This is more than mending fences and you know it. He is in love with her and making her fall in love with him again. And you and I and he all know that cannot happen. The only person who is going to get hurt is Naja.” 

T’Challa shook his head. “What we are talking about is a hypothetical situation that is 10… maybe 15 to 20 years down the road, Nakia. The King will have to die and she would have to choose N’Jadaka among a list of eligible princes. We have years before it is even a conversation and even then, it is only a possibility. The Princess does not even want to get married.” 

“You and I both know that King Bisi did not raise a fool. There may be a list… but every nation on it knows that Wakanda, thus Prince N’Jadaka, is the list. If she is forced to marry someone, which she will have to according to Nigandan law to be queen, there is no one else who would give the Nigandans the power and resources they want and need other than him. Just because N’Jadaka chooses to play the fool and pretend that is not the case does not mean we have to. I am not ok with my sister’s heart being broken in 10 or 20 years either when I can stop it now. Since N’Jadaka and you have clearly forgotten, remind him of the promise he made to this country or I swear to Bast, I will tell her myself.” 

“Nakia… Erik offered his life and future for this country and for us. The life he has led… what he has endured because of what Wakanda took from him… he deserves happiness. He deserves hope even if it is only for a short while. Do not ask me to take it from him. I have faith that N’Jadaka will tell her when the time is right. Before it progresses to anything serious.” 

“No one deserves happiness at the expense of someone else’s. My sister deserves happiness too… with someone who can actually dedicate their entire life to her, not years with an expiration date stamped to them. I love N’Jadaka like he is my own brother and I wish for his happiness as I wish for Shuri’s and everyone else I love. But I will not allow your guilt for what your father did to hurt my sister. He broke her once and I lost her for years because of it but if he does it again, I don’t think she will be able to get back up. Tell him to stay away from her, T’Challa. I mean it. Before this ill-fated date on Friday. And do it properly this time.” 

She did not even wait for him to agree or respond before she swept out of the office, Okoye peering in as if waiting for an invitation. 

“I suppose you heard all of that?”

Okoye nodded. “Our queen’s voice does certainly carry when she is impassioned and angry at you. Did you really believe what you told the Prince that first night would stick?” 

T’Challa’s head thudded back against the soft material of his chair, his hand rubbing his eyes. “I had hope… foolishly perhaps.”

“Seems as if there is a lot of foolish hope floating around this palace since Naja returned.” 

“Do you believe it is my guilt?” T’Challa asked as Okoye handed him a glass of rum from his stash. He sought counsel from precious few people but Okoye was most certainly on that list. 

Okoye sighed. “What did you tell me your father said when you saw him in the Planes? You’re a good man, T’Challa… and it is hard for a good man to be king. You want to do right by him to make amends for what your father did and I understand that. But you, who seems determined to carry the weight of his triumphs and mistakes, aren’t accountable for what King T’Chaka did, the fate he allowed to befall his own family. That was his choice and is it a shame that he did not live to take accountability for that, yes. But that how Bast saw for his life to play out. What Prince N’Jadaka lost? That is not a debt you will be able to repay, my King. Even saving his life won’t do it. And you would be a fool to try… and you are not a fool. Prince N’Jadaka must make peace with what he lost and you, my king, must make peace with your father’s role in it. But denying Prince N’Jadaka hard truths because it makes you feel better about what happened to him will do nothing but hurt him when those hard truths come to call. And they always do.” 

And with those words, Okoye returned to her post outside his office and left her King alone with his thoughts. 

***

“Fuck!” Naja’s frustrations got the better of her as she and N’Jadaka spent another night pouring over all their notes and information. She threw a knife at the wall, the very tip of it lodging into the vibranium. “This is hopeless.”

“We have a good startin’ point. Seems like experimentation of a new drug or chemical or somethin’ is the most likely bet.” 

“Yes but what good is that if we have absolutely no way of determining what they are testing and why?” 

Erik stared at her for a moment and sighed. It did not matter how many nights they spent working on this, it would never satisfy Naja until they… she found each one of these kids and returned them to their parents. 

Naja was fascinating puzzle to him. Depending on the setting and context, he saw a different picture every time he looked at her. When they trained, he saw Naja, the ruthless assassin. She was everything T’Challa said: a lethal beauty… Killmonger’s equal in every way… just as cunning, pragmatic and unemotional as he - maybe more. That night in her room he saw the Naja he used to know, the soft second daughter of the River Tribe who could not wound a fly, much less murder a person. And when they stood among the low blue lights of Shuri’s lab, he saw the Naja he imagined she did not want anyone else to see: a ruthless assassin who was still felt everything far deeper than she should. 

He knew the real Naja was the latter version. Just as Killmonger was not the real him nor was the 18 year old he was before he fled Wakanda. It had taken a brush with death and a year to finally come to terms with the fact that it was not an either/or calculation. The real him was the best and worst parts of all of the hats he wore. He prayed to Bast it would not take the same thing for Naja. 

“Let’s get out of here.” 

Naja looked at him like he had grown several heads. “You’re joking right?”

“We’ve been staring at this shit for hours every night and recycling’ the same theories. Let’s take a break. You know one night ain’t gon’ make a difference.”

“And go where?” 

“For me to know and you to find out. Come on.” And with that, he walked out of the lab. 

Naja stared at his back for a few moments before letting out a soft chuckle and following after him. She followed his footsteps to the elevator, which took them up to the panther opening of the Great Mound. 

“When’s the last time you saw a Wakandan sunrise?” He asked as he walked to the edge of the cliff and sat down, his legs dangling off the side. A small sliver of the sun was visible over the horizon. 

“You remembered?” Her entire body stilled as she looked at him. 

“If I remember correctly, it was the sunrise over the falls specifically but I figured this would do too.” 

While sunsets were always Erik’s favorite thing about Wakanda, Naja’s was the sunrise. Different sides of the most beautiful coin Wakanda had to offer. Naja often snuck out as a child, when she needed to calm her spirit, to the falls to watch Bast bring a new day across all of Wakanda. 

“I forgot how beautiful it was,” she muttered as she sat down next to him. “Niganda has a different sort of beauty to it. But it’s not this.” 

In the distance, she could see a herd of antelope racing by, the sun only barely peeking out. They sat in silence as they both stared out into the distance. Erik could tell that the picturesque landscape was not doing much as her shoulders still hunched forward with the weight of everything she felt. 

“What are you thinkin’?” 

“That I can’t find them…. That all these kids are going to die because I’m too much of a failure to connect the dots. ‘A wallflower who will never be quite good enough’ indeed.” The words of her father rang loudly in her head. Aside from her rage for Erik, he was the other man whose words fueled this version of her, fueled her desperate need to be the best. 

Erik sighed. “You were always too hard on yourself, Naja. Never saw your potential.” 

She wrinkled her nose. “Nobody here saw my potential… my father made sure of that. Nakia’s shadow and nothing more. You know he tried to stop me from becoming a War Dog? Tried to get T’Challa’s father to decline my application.” 

Erik bowed his head. “Yea T told me.” 

“Of course he did,” she chuckled. She brought one knee to her chest and hugged it. “I passed the trainings and tests and he still tried to go behind my back to stop me from doing it. You know that’s why I became Hatut Zeraze? Wasn’t the route I intended when I applied, even Nakia didn’t go that route. But I just wanted to spite him, prove I could do it. That I was built for it. That’s all my entire life has been. Proving I’m worthy… that I’m something to the people who claim to love me. But maybe all of you were right. I should’ve just stayed in Nakia’s shadow.”  

Erik pressed his palms into the warm surface of the mountain’s cliff and scooted himself closer to her so that their shoulders were touching. He placed a tentative hand on her thigh, right above her knee, gently rubbing it. 

Her breath nearly stopped at his touch, tender and loving just as she remembered. She felt everything in that simple touch. It had been too long since she let someone touch her for comfort and in the last week, she had let him do it twice. And this time, she had no desire or inkling to pull away from him. 

“Nah we were all wrong. I ain’t just sayin’ this, Naja but you can figure this out. Your father’s words… my words… they don’t gotta be what you believe about yourself. You can choose to believe that you’re the woman who took all her pain and fashioned herself into a weapon, someone who people quake in fear when they see comin’. You think I ain’t heard stories about you since I got back?” He nudged her with his shoulder causing her to laugh. “You might’ve started down the road cause of me and your dad and whatever else but where you are now? That’s all you. So own that ’n use it to figure this out. You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met. Always were.” 

She sighed and glanced at him. “How is that you always know what to say? It’s extremely annoying, in case you were wondering,” she added with a teasing smile. 

“I always know what to say with you. But only because I’ve always seen all of you.”

“Oof… all of me? Quite the dark picture I imagine,” though she tried to keep her tone light, Erik could see it. The shame in her deep brown eyes that she tried to hide by dipping her head, avoiding his stare. 

“Nah, parts of it are dark… but those parts were always eclipsed by light and vibrancy. There were just too many people contributed to dimming that light. Me included. But from where I’m sittin’, the only person dimmin’ your light ‘n doubtin’ you right now… is you. Can’t hide in the darkness forever, baby girl. Gotta let that sun rise at some point.” 

She rested her cheek on her kneecap, his words settling into her mind. She did not have the words to respond to that. Or rather, she had so many words, so many feelings bubbling to the surface that she did not know where to start. Tears pricked the back of her eyes, forcing them away from him as she pushed them back down where they belong. 

He did not say anything, thank Bast, he merely just took her hand, lending her as much nonverbal support as he could. She squeezed his hand gently, praying that the small gestured conveyed what her words could not. Her thanks for always seeing her even when she desperately tried to hide. 

***

Only T’Challa was at breakfast when Erik arrived, an additional pep in his step despite the somber tone this day usually had for him each year. Today was finally his date with Naja and he would be lying if he said he had not strategically picked today in hopes she would distract him from the painful memories and rage he usually felt. Naja had always been his peace and solace, his place to retreat to. She still was. 

Though she would never call it a date, it was close enough to one for him. To an outsider, it might not have seemed like much. But to him, it was everything. Spending the night with her, working with her every night, solidified one fact he had always known: he was madly and insanely in love with her. And her friendship was not enough… he’d do anything in his power to get her back. 

“Morning,” he offered as he settled into the seat across from T’Challa. 

“How are you today? I know what today is.” The words were simple, T’Challa did not even look up from his tablet as he offered them. 

Erik shrugged. “Just another day like any other day.” As much as he loved T’Challa, in his own way, his father was not a subject he would discuss with his cousin. Ever. “What did you want to talk about?” 

T’Challa glanced at Okoye who merely offered him a dead pan expression that demanded he get on with it. He closed the cover of his tablet and lifted his eyes to his cousin. Erik could immediately since the tension… a power imbalance that was not usually present when he spoke to T’Challa. He straightened up slightly, he was not speaking to his cousin today. Today, he was speaking to his king. 

“You and Naja have been spending quite a lot of time together. Daily sparring sessions. Late night rides on the Talon. You spent the night in her room?” 

Erik raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Is that a question cause seems like you know already?” He and Naja’s sparring sessions were no secret around the palace, they were often a spectacle for training Dora and War Dogs alike. Everything else was not common knowledge, though Erik knew he always had eyes on him. But Erik did not understand what that had to do with him being called to the proverbial principal’s office. 

T’Challa sighed. “Do not do this, N’Jadaka. You will only end up hurting her.” 

“Do what? Stop beatin’ around the damn bush ‘n just say what you need to say.” Erik’s patience was running thin, as it often did when T’Challa clearly had something on his mind but did not want to confront him. Save Naja perhaps, Erik was the only person in the entire palace T’Challa handheld like a child. Like he would pick up and run the moment T’Challa did his job as King and ordered him or told him something he did not like. But Erik was no stranger to hard truths, his life had been shaped by them. There was nothing T’Challa could say that would make him run, not anymore. 

“Stop working her! Naja is not a mark or a challenge to conquer. You are falling in love with her and trying to convince her to do the same because you believe you have time. Time to undo the mistakes of the past, time to try again even if it is fleeting. You made a promise and I expect you to keep it. So stop pursuing something that can never happen.” 

Erik stilled. He had made that promise to T’Challa and the Nigandans in service to Wakanda, a promise that he was assured may not even happen. Had he foolishly held onto that too tightly? Maybe. 

“You told me she didn’t even want to marry. That it was unlikely given Niganda and Wakanda’s relationship.” 

“Plenty of monarchs don’t want to get married, N’Jadaka. But she will because it is her duty. And marriage alliances are one way to cement peace, which puts your name at the top of the list. Frankly,” T’Challa sighed. “You might as well be the only name on the list. I’m sorry… I should’ve been more clear when Naja returned about this. That is my fault.” 

“Wait, wait. Nah, nah, nah. T, I’m just… I’m just gettin’ her back. This is a once in a lifetime shot. Don’t ask me to give her up. Retract my name from consideration. Please.” 

Erik Stevens had never begged another human being in his life, his pride would never allow him to do such a thing. However, for Naja? Pleas were all he had to over, pleas that T’Challa would give him this reprieve as his cousin and not his King. He could not give Naja up, would not give her up. 

“The peace between our countries is fragile as it is, N’Jadaka. Any perceived or real slight could tip the scales. I know it is not fair, I know it is not right. And I am sorry. But you made a promise when we offered up your name that you would serve Wakanda’s interests if chosen. And as your king, I expect you to uphold that. Whether it is 5 years or 20 before she is queen, you are as good as engaged to her. You need to start acting like it.” 

“So what do you want me to do?” 

T’Challa sighed and clenched his eyes closed before saying, “Stay away from Naja. Temper your feelings for her so you can fulfill your duty when the time comes. You can do whatever you want with your life and your heart until then but Naja is off limits.” 

“That an order?” 

T’Challa stood up and walked over to Erik, placing one hand on his shoulder, which he immediately shrugged off in frustration. “I tried to warn you once as your brother and hers. I hoped the knowledge that she still harbored such anger toward you would be enough to keep you away. But I was wrong. I give you a long leash, N’Jadaka and I do it because you have proven yourself worthy of it. But yes. On this subject? This is me ordering you as King. Do not continue to foster feelings you know you cannot act on. Stay away from her.”

Erik’s hands curled into fists. Those were two things he could not do. “Why’d you even offer up my name when you knew she lived there? If she had not come home, were you ever gonna tell her that the man she despises would be her King consort one day? That I would be leading the country she calls home. Were you ever gonna tell me that the woman I loved more than anyone on this planet was living in the country you offered me up to like a prized horse? I didn’t know where Naja was when I agreed to this but you did… and you said nothing.” 

“At the time, I did not owe either of you that information. And I did not say anything because your dedication to this country should outweigh whatever childish feelings you still harbor toward her. Beyond that, Nakia wants Naja here… home with us. I will not pretend as though I do not see this eventuality as a way to push her toward returning here for good.” 

“You’re talkin’ about me workin’ her like a mark? As if you aren’t usin’ this shit to manipulate her into comin’ home. Just like you did to get her back here in the first place. She deserves the truth. She can handle the truth ‘n make her own damn decisions.”

T’Challa scoffed. “Bold of you to say as if you did not abandon her and throw a grenade behind you as you went.” 

“That was different,” N’Jadaka rose from his chair, his rage getting the better of him. “And you fuckin’ know it.” 

“Hardly. You found out the truth of what happened to your parents and instead of trusting Naja with it and what you wanted to go do, you destroyed her to ensure she would not follow. You did not see what Nakia and I saw after you left. It took months to piece her back together. Nakia refuses to see that happen again. Better you hurt her now before she grows too attached to you again.” It will hurt her but it will not break her.” 

Erik shook his head, finding his cousin colder than he had ever known him to be. He was not talking to his cousin who was basically his brother. He was talking to King T’Challa, son of King T’Chaka indeed. “That’s cold, T.” 

“I know… and I take no pleasure in it. I would love for you and Naja to be what you once were. I will even admit that I may have considered it a blessed side effect of her return when I invited her back. But I am King and that means I must often act contrary to my whims of my heart and do what is best for Wakanda. And whether T’Challa, your cousin and brother, likes it or not, what best for Wakanda is that you are free to secure this alliance between Wakanda and Niganda when the time comes. You and Naja’s feelings and complicated relationship do not supersede what Wakanda needs to survive or what this continent requires to avoid another needless war.” 

Erik could not stomach to hear another word. He stood up with such force, his chair screeched loudly against the marble floors. “Yes, my king,” he sneered before marching toward the door, his breakfast forgotten. However, when he got to the door, he stopped. “Your father chose Wakanda and politics over family ’n we all know how that turned out. Thought you would’ve learned from that nigga’s mistakes but I guess you’re more like him than I thought.” 

And with that, Erik stormed out. 

***

Erik fiddled with his kimoyo beads, dreading what he had to do. Words could not describe how much he hated T’Challa in this moment. He was well within his rights as king and things had only gotten this far because Erik allowed himself to have hope - a fool’s errand really. But here he was and now he was going to have to break his own heart and Naja’s again. He hated himself for it. But he had forced himself to hurt her once to fulfill a selfish need for vengeance. He could do it again for his country. He had no choice. 

This was not how he wanted today to go. On today of all days, to have to lose another person he loved, it was too much. 

He pressed the button of his kimoyo beads, calling Naja. He hated how quickly she picked up, a soft smile on her face. 

“Hey,” he offered. 

“Hey… you ok?” She asked. “You sound weird? You better not be calling me to cancel. I let Shuri drag me to get a manicure and pedicure for this…. Painstaking shit if you ask me. I adore her but that girl basically wants to dress me up like a damn doll. I drew the line at her taking me to get my make up professionally done.” At his silence and the grimace on his face, she frowned. “Oh you are canceling.” 

“Yea, I’m sorry.” She clearly tried to hide her disappointment, the deep frown that overtook her features. He did not understand how he did this all those years ago. It felt like the worst form of torture to make himself do this again. And as he struggled to find the words, he realized he couldn’t. So like the coward he was, instead of telling her the real reason he needed to cancel, he said, “T’Challa just dumped a bunch of shit on my plate for the peace talks and it’s pretty time sensitive. Will keep me busy ’n workin’ late for a while. A-and honestly… just havin’ a really shitty day. Wouldn’t be much fun anyway.  Figured it’s only right to free you from your debt.” 

She chewed on her lip for a few minutes before saying, “No worries. Your work and Wakanda comes first and I’m sure you’ve been falling behind since spending every night helping me. All good.” 

“I am… really sorry, Naja. I hope you believe that.” 

“I do. Still have time for our sparring session tomorrow?” 

He could hear the hopefulness in her voice. And that hopefulness felt like a beacon of light in a hopeless situation for him, proof that she felt everything he felt. He lowered the beads so he could not see his face and clenched his eyes closed. He knew he should say no but he heard himself say, “Yea, we’re still on for tomorrow.”  

He could see the small sigh of relief she let out. “Good. See you tomorrow, Erik.” 

He offered her the same refrain before ending the call and tossing the beads across the room in frustration. 

***

Naja paced back and forth outside N’Jadaka’s wing. She knew the Dora stationed there was eyeing her as if she were a madwoman as she muttered to herself while holding a picnic basket and a backpack. 

“What are you even doing here?” She whispered to herself. It took all of two minutes after hanging up with N’Jadaka to realize why he had cancelled, to remember that today was his dad’s birthday. She did not even know how she remembered it, a memory so buried deep in her brain that she was shocked she was able to retrieve it. Every year on this day, Erik distanced himself from everyone and everything without a word. 

One year, when they were 15, she found him at the Great Mound watching the sunset. He had disappeared and T’Challa, Nakia and Naja were sent to find him and bring him back to the palace. Naja, who knew him best, was the only one who knew where he’d be. She did not approach him at first as he sat there quietly, she just watched him. Like a creep, admittedly. But she watched him, took in every bit of his lean teenage form as her heart ached for him more than it should at that age. 

Her heart broke as she heard his deep youthful voice, cracking with the strength of his sobs, offer a prayer to Bast on behalf of his parents, prayed they would come back to Wakanda soon, that they would return to him. She remembered bowing her head as she prayed for the same thing on his behalf. She had never met Prince N’Jobu a day in her life, just knew him as a traitor that most of the country hated, who was likely on the run to avoid facing the consequences of his treason. But even back then, Naja could not believe that was the full story, could not believe that N’Jobu stole what he did for selfish reasons, that he was just a traitor.

And that’s why she was now standing outside his door with a picnic basket feeling rather foolish. But resolved to do what Erik had done for her a few nights ago, show up for him. Because everyone deserved someone to show up for them in their darkest moments. 

She bowed her head to the Dora who shifted to the side to allow her to knock. It only took a few moments before he swung his door open. 

Naja lost the ability to speak as she took in his perfectly tone chest, the deep V that led down to his most formidable and tantalizing weapon. Her brain and the reason for her visit disappeared as a cloud of lust hazed everything. 

“H-Hi.” 

“Hey, everythin’ ok?” He wanted to scream at her that she should not be there. She could not be there. This was the opposite of distance. But try as he might, those words refused to surface. 

“Y-Yea, yea. Everything’s ok. I just… well, I know you didn’t cancel tonight because of work. I know what… I remember what today is. Your dad’s birthday. And if you want to bury yourself in work, I understand. But I figured you could use a friend while you do it. So I brought snacks and liquor and work of my own. And I have Boyz in the Hood queued up on my tablet, which I doubt is still your favorite movie. But I do remember you mentioning your dad liked it so… I thought we could watch while we work.” 

She lifted the backpack and basket in her hands as if to ask him if she was allowed inside. 

This woman, he thought to himself. Something inside him wanted to break down in tears at her thoughtfulness. And before this moment, he was not even sure his body still produced those. 

“Guess it’s my turn to be shocked you remembered all this?” 

“Well… tell anyone and I’ll have to kill you,” she joked. “I remember everything about you too. Much to my chagrin, I suppose. So can I come in?” She asked as she balance back and forth on her heels. 

Right then and there, Erik knew he had an impossible choice to make. He could do what T’Challa demanded and be the Erik that destroyed her or he could be the man he wanted to be. And the man he was and wanted to be loved this woman beyond comprehension, adored her beyond comprehension. 

It was a gamble, a gamble that could cost him her and everything he wanted. But a relationship with her was worth risking everything for… war, damaging his relationship with T’Challa… he did not care. She was worth every risk in this world. 

So then and there, he decided to hell with T’Challa. Fuck his orders, fuck marrying some woman he did not know because of a promise he made years ago. Even if it took every day of the next 20 years until King Bisi was with the ancestors, he would dedicate his life to finding a way out of that promise so he could be with the only woman that mattered in this world. The only person that mattered in this world. 

“Only if there’s some lime cake in that basket?” 

Her entire body, which was weighed down by her nervousness, seemed to lightened as she walked in past him. “As if I’d bring anything else??” 

“You didn’t have to do this. I’m sorry… for canceling on you.” 

Naja waved her hand. “I know I didn’t have to. Probably shouldn’t have. But I lost a bet. Besides, this is way better. What would the Wakandans say if they saw their most feared assassin at dinner with their beloved prince? We’d never live the rumors down. Can’t have anything destroying my… how do you Americans say it? ‘Street cred?’” 

“I thought I was Wakanda’s most feared assassin?” 

Naja tilted her head as if she had to think about it as she sat down on the giant couch in his living room. “Second… did you forget how I was beating your ass on the mat everyday?” 

“You forgot what bet you lost to earn this date, baby girl?”

“Beating me twice hardly means anything when I’ve beat you no less than 30 times.” 

“Touche.” 

He settled on the couch next to her as she pulled out all of their supplies and poured him a drink and hit play on the movie. “Remember when we used to sneak bottles of rum from my dad’s collection?” 

He let out a barking laugh. “Yea I remember you bein’ scared as fuck too. Goody two shoe ass.” 

“One of my endearing qualities back then. Afraid to steal,” she threw back her head and laughed. “Oh if the 15 year old me could see me now.” She straightened up and raised her glass. “To our 15 year old selves? Maybe they be forever shocked and dismayed by our crimes and debauchary.” 

“Cheers.” He chuckled, the first genuine laugh he had all day before clinking his glass against hers.  

They did not talk much as the movie played and they both did their “work,” which really was stealing glances at each other and Naja commenting on the movie, which she had not seen since she last watched it with Erik. 

“Can I ask you something?” She asked him as the movie credits rolled. “It’s ok if you don’t want to answer.” 

“Shoot.” Erik brought the glass to his lips. 

“Did you ever find them? Or at least what happened to them?” 

His hand stilled. He did not know how to answer that without opening a conversation that she explicitly told him was off limits. He never talked about the truth about his parents, let everyone save T’Challa, Queen Ramonda, and Nakia believe what the rest of the country believed: that his parents had dumped him at the border and disappeared with their fortune from stealing vibranium and selling it to the highest bidder. When he thought about the real story, he found it difficult not to fall back into that vengeful 18 year old he was when he left. 

“Yea,” he cleared his throat and sat up. “Didn’t have to look far, they died not long after they dropped me here.” 

She did not seem deterred by the sharpness in his tone as she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry. I know you doubted it back then but I… I believe that they would’ve come back for you if they could have. Would have faced up to what they did for another opportunity to be with you.” She paused. “Everyone’s fighting to get back to something. And you were worth fighting to get back to.”

Naja did not let go of his hand or break the stare between them as they gazed at each other, their work long forgotten. Erik tugged on her arm, Naja offered him no resistance as his superhuman strength pulled her gently into his lap. His hand cupped her face as he stared into her eyes and saw his future. As breathtakingly beautiful as a Wakandan sunset and sunrise, he saw everything he wanted in this world, his first real shot at happiness. 

“You’re what I’m fighting to get back to. No matter what gets in my way or how long it takes. Rhoqo ukutshona kwelanga nokuphuma kwelanga ubomi bam bonke.” 

Tears glistened in Naja’s eyes as she heard his words. 

Every sunset and sunrise for the rest of my life. As long as she lived, she never forget those words. The words he had said when he proposed, an eternal reminder that they were two sides of the same perfect coin. 

“N’Jadaka…” she breathed. 

The sound of his Wakandan name on her lips drove him insane. Whether a plea to stop or continue, he could not hope to care.

Every fiber of her being, down to her very cells begged her to fall. The sea was right there, the water felt warm and safe and like everything she had ever wanted. And yet, her feet were still planted. Something still made her hesitate. 

And Erik could feel it, every ounce of her that warred with the other. Every cell in her body that pushed her lips to meet his and every other one that begged her to retreat. She was not ready yet, he could feel that… see that. And that was ok. They would have time, he would make sure of it. 

He forced himself to muster superhuman self control and stop himself. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, Naja letting out a deep exhale. 

“I want…” she whispered, her voice breaking with the weight of everything she felt for him and wanted to feel for him. She wanted him so badly but she did not want to regret it tomorrow. “I want you so badly. I’m…” she lifted her eyes to the ceiling. “F-fuck if you ever tell anyone I uttered this, I’ll kill you. But I’m scared. Fucking t-terrified. A-nd I’m j-just not…” 

“I understand.” he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “For as long as it takes. I meant that shit.” 

“I’m sorry… I should go.” She started to move when he halted her. 

“Stay.” At her weary expression, he amended. “I don’t need that. But I do need you… stay.” 

Naja nodded, there was no resistance left. Erik shifted so he could lie down and Naja laid between his legs on his chest. He pulled a blanket around them and pulled her in tightly as he cued up another movie on her tablet for background noise. 

“And I know… no one can know ‘n this don’t change shit between us,” Erik’s deep baritone filled her ears. 

“No, this time… it changes everything,” she whispered back before closing her eyes to go to sleep. 

Erik watched her sleep for almost an hour, her soft snores reaching his ears. He did not need much sleep so he merely let movies continue playing while he watched her, committing every feature on her face to memory. Once she was deep enough in sleep, Erik slid out from under her. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed. He was surprised she stayed asleep through all of the movement, most spies he knew could wake up at mere shift of a body next to them. 

However, before he joined her, he quietly snuck to his front door, easing it open. He leaned out, getting the attention of the Dora assigned to him. 

“Teela, remember that favor you owe me?” Erik asked lowly, referencing a mission he and the Dora went on to recover vibranium not long after he returned, a mission in which he saved the young Dora’s life. She said she would be indebted to him, a debt he never thought he’d need to call in until now.

“Yes, my prince.” 

“As far as Okoye ‘n that nigga T are concerned, you ain’t seen Naja here tonight or any other night. You got me?” 

The Dora sized him up for a few minutes, Erik could tell she was weighing the pros and cons of keeping a secret from her superior and King for the prince. However, thankfully, she merely nodded and saluted him, her nonverbal agreeance to his words. 

“Preciate you.” 

And with that, he closed his door and returned to his bed. Tonight, he would not think of how he would hide what he was doing, tonight he would not think of how he was going to help overthrow the very monarchy he was promised to, tonight he did not think of how he was going to hide a potential engagement from the slumbering woman next to him. Tonight, he merely reveled in the feeling of Naja in his arms and the peace she brought, a night where his heart was calm and at ease.  

Tag list: @miyuhpapayuh @pipsqueak-98 @injerafiend @themakingsofdion @lishabaybee @certifiedlesbianbaddie @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @dangerous-history @roguekiki @mysteryuz @shyblackgurl

***

A/N: le sigh... everybody's lying to our girl smhhhh lol so hopefully you caught the couple hints in chapter 3 that Erik was keeping some secrets. But hopefully you also caught the hints that his impending nuptials are not the only secrets he is holding back. So what do you think? How do you think this is going to blow back on him? Cause you know it will lol Drop a comment and let me know what you thought! Thanks for reading!

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓃮 Even the Sun Influences the Tide: Chapter One

Even the Sun Influences the Tide: After the death of your foster brother, King T’Challa, you had spent much of your year of mourning in isolation. When your mother gathers you and your sister to end your mourning period, you encounter the newest threat to Wakanda: Namor. You don’t know what to think of Namor, but you do know one thing: he probably shouldn’t be making trips to see you at your beach hut.

Warnings: None.

To Note: Namor/K’uk’ulkan x Fem!Reader, I Tried To Make The Yucatec Maya & Xhosa Translations/Traditions As Accurate As I Can Get.

Word Count: ~2.0k

Masterlist | Next

Standing in a circle of white around the black carved casket of your brother, you clenched your fists tightly in an effort not to let your emotions get the best of you. You didn’t need to lift your head to see the silent tears of those gathered, everyone was mourning the death of your brother. Why did you have to continually lose those who you cared the most for? First it was your birth parents, then the man whom adopted you, and now your foster brother. Hadn’t you lost enough already? Why did the ancestors continually take from you?

Sope continued to speak words of Xhosa as the Dora Milaje picked up the casket and began walking. You followed, taking numb steps through the city and only faintly hearing the singing throughout the city. Besides you, Shuri held T’Challa’s helmet. She had refused to put it down for so long, her fingers clutching it tight, almost as if she held it long enough, he would come back.

T’Challa’s casket was placed down in front of Bashenga’s hut, where Zawavari, the newest shaman for Wakanda stood. The Dora Milaje fanned out, allowing, you, Shuri, and Ramonda to approach. Shuri silently placed T’Challa’s helmet down next to his casket and Zawavari began the prayer in the native tongue.

Here in front of the home of King

of Bashenga, may we honor King

T’Challa. Who united the five

tribes of Wakanda. And may Bast

watch over him as he travels to his

resting place.

The royal talon fighter flew directly over the casket, prepared to take it to T’Challa’s final resting resting place. That’s when Shuri finally broke down and rushed forwards, giving T’Challa one last good bye. Your nails broke through skin and blood welled, dripping from your palms and staining the ground with your pain. Shuri was pulled back and the casket was raised into the air by the talon fighter. The moment it tilted vertical, the entire kingdom gave T’Challa one last salute.

Long after the dancers and people began quietly returning home, Shuri remained, staring at the sky. Out of everyone, she was hurting the most, if hurt was quantifiable. You knew it wasn’t, but Shuri was suffering, consumed by the failure of helping treat T’Challa’s illness.

“Y/N,” Your mother softly spoke, taking one of your hands and unclenching your fingers. Her eyes washed over the crimson staining your flesh, and the wounds that still oozed your viscous life force.

“How many must I lose before I break entirely?” You asked, emotion leeched from your words as you stared at her. “How can I possibly have enough heart to feel this ache and agony?”

“Ayo,” Your mother spoke, her eyes never once leaving yours. “Please see that Y/N has her wounds tended to.” You pursed your lips as Ayo approached and gave your mother a firm bow.

“Queen mother,” You look to your mother one last time.

“I would be more worried about Shuri, mama,” You told her before slowly walking back towards the citadel. Ayo took you straight to the medical bay, not allowing you to wander or deviate from the queen’s order. Sitting down on a gurney, you obediently held out your hands and let one of the nurses tend to your cut palms. They don’t have to do much, only clean the blood and bind your palms. You were left with Ayo staring at you. Your eyes flittered to hers. “They are flesh wounds, must you stare so intently?”

“Forgive me, princess, but your ‘flesh wounds’ are a reflection of the mind.”

“You are worrying about the wrong princess, Ayo.” You stated, thinking about Shuri. Ayo thought differently.

“If your words were true, you wouldn’t be here.” 

“Why do you wish to separate yourself from your family after such a loss?” Zawavari asked as the council members stared at you in shock. “Why do you wish to push us away?”

“Because I need time, time to think, time to be alone,” You answered, your eyes tired, fatigued. You needed to find peace. You needed to find a way to rid yourself of the pain and hurt you felt within your body. Deep within your heart, you felt that you would only find it by distancing yourself and immersing your mind in silence. “I need to find myself again, and I feel that I can’t do that here, not in these walls, not surrounded by people.”

“You are safe here in these walls, princess,” M’Kathu pointed out. “Surely the peace you seek can be found where you are most safe.”

“I am within Wakanda, where else am I safest?” You pointed out, your eyes flickering to your mother who had remained silent throughout the discussion. You could see the pain in her eyes from your wish, she had lost her husband and her son, and now one of her daughters wished to leave her side to be alone? She most likely felt like you were abandoning her. “I do not feel that I am ready to heal until I find my place within Wakanda. Please allow me this one wish, queen mother. It is all that I will ever ask of you.”

Ramonda was understanding of your wish, your wish to be alone, to find yourself. But deep within your words she knew that you were indicating that you still felt lost and without purpose. Even after all of these years living within Wakanda, you still felt an outsider.

“Where do you wish to go, my daughter,” She questioned you, as much as it pained her to let you go, she knew that you were doing this to get better. “Where will you find your peace?”

“If the river tribe does not mind,” You answered, you mind set. “I would like to take residence in the Wakandan bush, upon a remote beach where I can find myself, find the ancestors. I do not wish to be consumed by my pain but I feel that each passing day I spend here I only grow closer to insanity.”

“As much as it pains me, daughter, I will grant you your wish, so long as the river tribe elder is accommodating.” Ramonda decreed, looking to the elder for confirmation or denial. He bowed his head.

“The river tribe would be honored to house Princess Y/N, and will do so for as long as she so wishes.” He spoke, his blue lip plate flashing beneath the light.

“Then it is decided.” Ramonda spoke solemnly, gazing at you and hoping to the ancestors that she hadn’t just lost another one of her children.

10 Months Later

Carrying the buckets of water on your shoulders, you made your way down the path you had walked thousands of times before in the direction of your hut. Living by yourself on a beach with only the bare minimum necessities was a hard, and drastic change from life within the citadel. You couldn’t say it was helping you find your purpose, but it kept you far too busy to be consumed by your thoughts. The path curved to the left and the brush opened up to the beach. You let out a sigh and continued walking.

“Molo, Okoye,” You spoke while walking over to your water bin and slowly easing the wooden buckets from your shoulders. “What brings you by my humble beach?” The warrior huffed at your words and moved closer to you, raising an eyebrow.

“It is concerning that you have made no notion of finding purpose out here in the bush, princess. Is it not time for you to return to the city?” You dumped one of the buckets into the water bin before overturning it and sitting down.

“Have you come here for any other reason than to request that I return?” You asked her, resting your arms on your knees and feeling a trickle of sweat travel down your neck. “I am at peace here,” You said, looking out over the water, in the distance elephants where splashing themselves, cooling down from the heat. “Is that not enough?”

“This is not about it being enough, princess, this is about a mother wishing to see her child.” Okoye corrected you. “You have not once visited since you came to live here, one might think that you aren’t just punishing yourself but your family as well.”

“This isn’t about punishing me or my mother or Shuri.” You sighed, reaching for the remaining bucket and hefting it up. You poured it into the bin and covered your collected water.

“Then what is this about?” Okoye asked, nodding her chin at the hut. “You love your family, why do you stay away? Why do you seek a purpose? You are the daughter of Queen Ramonda and that is all you need to be, Y/N.”

“Have you ever considered that perhaps I need to feel useful? Need to have a purpose to fit in? Everyone in Wakanda has their place but then there is me, the orphan taken in by the king and queen, with no ancestral blood, and entirely useless.” You heaved out a breath and pushed your sweaty hair from your eyes. “I need a purpose to find peace, Okoye, and until I find it, I do not want to return.”

Okoye’s face soured at your words and she took a deep breath.

“I will leave you, princess, to find your purpose,” She said, eyeing your home once more. “But I will be returning. Make sure you are keeping up with your knife skills.” You watched as she strode away, entirely displeased by the conversation. Watching her until she faded into the underbrush, you then looked over at the water and sighed. You seemed to bring nothing but conflict as of of late, it really was for the best that you stayed away.

Your dinner of dried meat and rice was stale in your stomach as the moon rose high into the sky. Normally on nights like this you went for a swim, cleansing the days sweat from your body and drying by your campfire. You would watch the stars overhead and enjoy the crystal clear skies, breathing in the air and let your mind go blank. But not this night. No, this night your mind was spoiled by the words of Okoye, riddled with guilt and ire that clawed at your desperation for peace and purpose.

She didn’t usually get to you, your stubbornness protecting you from falling back into a spiraling mind dive. But something in the back of your mind was begging you to go back to your family. Wasn’t that the reason why you had left? Because you couldn’t bare the hurt you were feeling? You sighed out and rubbed your forehead as the fire next to you crackled and popped. You really needed to get out of your head.

So you stood up and dusted the sand from your simple clothes, eyeing the dark water lapping at your beach. Walking forwards, you stepped into the cool water and let it surround you, hoping that it would wash away the darkened thoughts currently plaguing your mind.

“Please ancestors, for once can you relieve me of my pain and give me my purpose.” You whispered out, bowing your head and clasping your hands together in front of you tightly. “I just want a place to belong, please.” You were answered with silence and the subtle sound of wind through grass. Crickets. The occasional call of an elephant. Nothing. You sighed heavily and lifted your eyes to the stars. A dark figure, hovering over the water in front of you caught your gaze instead.

For a brief moment you thought that is might be the ancestors answering your prayer. But behind you came an eruption of calls from the elephant herd that had been peacefully moving about, and your head twisted to see what had disturbed them so. You couldn’t see anything, and there was no evidence of what had disturbed them, so you turned back around. The hovering figure was gone and you sighed to yourself, disappointed that you were so desperate for a purpose that your mind was playing tricks on you.

Sloshing your way back to shore, you approached your dying fire and sat back down with the intention to watch the night sky in hopes of distracting yourself once more. You laid on your back and settled your hands on your stomach, wondering if anyone was listening to you.

Date Published: 3/5/23

Last Edit: 4/2/23

Masterlist | Next

[underwaterbanshee]

I'm trying to be reasonable about my what ifs and keep them based on what we know from watching the show but its so fucking hard I can't stop thinking about these little stoats.

It's been driving me crazy how fast this story is moving. They took exactly zero time to figure out how Last Bast worked. They tried exactly nothing to fit in. They made so many assumptions and acted with no information.

Which is how stories like these get told.

But. But. But.

What if this lack of care towards learning about their new home is simply because it isn't a new home for Ava, Tula, and Viola? What if Kenji and Ava took their baby girls away from civilization (maybe with Geoffrey's family, maybe not) because they didn't believe the propaganda about the humans coming back?

And because they weren't believers, it was easy to stick their heads in a lovely rabbit warren before evidence continued to mount that humans were real.

It's only because Last Bast is so fucking large that they weren't missed and weren't recognized when Ava returned with her wildly different stoat family?

I don't think it bodes well that Lila refuses to follow up on that lie she discovered and blindly trusts her mama on everything. I cannot wait for the fallout on that >.>

But if no one slows down or follows up or even asks polite questions the humans are probably going to win and that's the least possible happy ending for our stupendous stoats.

[mal-urameshi]

Girl same but anywayyy a shuriri story about them being stuck inside wherever (idk you pick) bc of a stormmmm

Thanks for coming in clutch, Mey!

You guys know I’m here to spread the Mama Okoye and Daughter Riri doctrine. So yall still gonna be indoctrinated.

“Shuri, that storm’s looking pretty bad out there.” Riri paced and fidgeted as she observed the tempest that was waging war on the landscape down below. They were presently the only ones at the Wakandan Design Group as everyone else opted to go home earlier in the evening.

“Don’t worry, Riri, why are you so antsy all of a sudden?” Shuri threw Riri a glance before re-focusing on upgrading the programming of GRIOT’s interface.

“I’m just saying I got a bad feeling. I’m getting goosebumps.” 

“You know what you need?”

“To get back home? I should get back home. Mama’s probably worried about me.”

“No, to preoccupy your mind! Why don’t you give your suit some attention? Ever since you saw a bit of lightning you refused to move away from that window.” Shuri’s fingers danced across the holographic keyboard as she gestured to the abandoned parts at Riri’s workspace. 

Riri sighed through her nose. She could have always went back to her village, it wasn’t like she was being held captive. But she didn’t want to leave Shuri by herself. It’s not like the older girl would have minded, but she’d consider herself a shit friend just leaving Shuri by herself while she sassed the circuits out of her AI.

Riri walked over to her work area and picked up her previously abandoned blowtorch just when an ominous clap of thunder boomed across the atmosphere, and with it, the lights were snuffed.

Riri lost her grip on the torch with a loud clang as her panicked scream filled the lab.

“Riri, Riri! Calm down. The power will turn back on!” Shuri tried to placate as Riri hyperventilated against the darkness. 

Three beats of silence passed.

“Where the hell are the lights Suri! Where are you?!” Shuri heard Riri’s panicked steps run about the lab as she crashed into the tables and equipment.

“Riri, relax. Where are you? I’m coming to you.” Shuri navigated herself around the darkness.

“I-I’m over here!” Shuri held out her arms to feel around for the shorter girl, but didn’t feel her presence. That was, until her feet hit something.

“Ow!” Riri grumbled.

Shuri kneeled down and felt around Riri’s form, which had been curled up into a ball. Shuri planted herself next to Riri and wrapped an arm around her.

Another deafening clap of thunder assaulted their ears which had Riri shrieking again, “It’s okay Riri. I’m here. I’m here.”

Riri covered her face as her breathing continued to be labored. It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s just thunder. It’s just thunder!

“Why isn’t the p-power back on Shuri!” Riri dug her blunt fingernails into Shuri’s arms to try to ground herself. 

Shuri shifted closer to Riri as she tried tapping on her kimoyo beads.

“Now, let there be light.” 

A flash of lightning illuminated the lab before it was consumed by darkness once more.

“Shuri, why the hell isn’t the power on! There aren’t supposed to be power outages!” Riri rocked herself to soothe her anxiety.

Shuri fiddled with her beads to try to get to the bottom of it before they lost their power as well, “Oh, Bast.”

Riri tampered with her own beads to see if they’d respond, but to no use, “Shit! Are we under attack or some shit?! Some sort of…I dunno cyberwarfare or something?”

“Riri, calm down. No, you know that nobody could hack our systems. I’m hypothesizing that this is most probably no ordinary storm. It is perhaps an interference of Cosmic Forces.”

“Like them, Avengers fights? Or X-Men or something?”

Shuri nodded, but remembered Riri couldn’t see her, “Precisely.”

Riri took a deep breath, “Okay.”

“I’d go try to find a flashlight, but I don’t think you’d like me to leave your side in this pitch blackness.” Riri’s hands tightening around her arms confirmed her answer.

“I don’t care if it’s just for ten seconds, you’re not leaving me here by myself.” Riri pressed herself impossibly closer to Shuri as the rain tried to force its way by violently pelting itself into the reinforced glass of the lab.

“Fun fact,” Riri started, to try to get her mind at ease, “We aren’t actually in pitch darkness right now. It’s just a reaaalllly dark grey. Called eigengrau.”

 “You’re scared enough to piss your pants but still want to one-up me?” Shuri scoffed teasingly.

“Hey, I’m just correcting you so that you don’t look stupid the next time you’re in ‘pitch darkness’. Be grateful I’m looking out for your ass.”

Another ear-drum-bursting roll of thunder had Riri landing on Shuri’s lap, hiding her face in her neck.

“That shut you up, didn’t it?” Shuri chuckled, waiting for Riri to snap back at her with her own arsenal of sass, but it never came. 

Shuri wrapped her arms around Riri’s now shaking body and gently rubbed her arms in an effort to comfort her.

“I didn’t know your fear of thunder was this bad.”

Riri shifted a bit in Shuri’s hold, “Well, coupled with my fear of the dark, you have a terrified lil kid on your hands.” She took a shuddering breath, ”Sorry for making you see me like this. It’s kind of embarrassing, not gonna lie.”

“I have no idea what you’re apologizing for. I have seen you in objectively more embarrassing situations than this.” Shuri found herself absentmindedly caressing one of Riri’s twists. 

Riri didn’t contest it, she knew it was true. She just felt…bad reacting like this.

“Sorry for screaming and making a scene earlier.”

“You were scared, Riri. You don’t have to apologize. I know you’re feeling uncomfortable and you don’t know what to do with yourself, but it’s perfectly normal. You’re acting like I’m some stranger who is going to judge you for very human reactions.” She pressed her cheek on Riri’s forehead.

Though the rain interrupted the silence, Riri still found that it was too quiet so she started talking, “I was scared of the dark as long as I could remember. I never really liked sleeping alone so I’d bunk with Mama more often than not. Especially when I was younger. But she didn’t mind, of course.”

“Of course Okoye doesn’t mind. She has you spoiled rotten.” 

“What can I say? The luxuries of being an only child.” She grinned.

“Anyway. There was this one time Mama was on a mission with Aunty Aneka, so Aunty Ayo was looking after me by herself. And a particularly bad storm was passing through. I couldn’t sleep. I was balling my eyes out and I was tryna call Mama on my beads but she wasn’t answering. Aunty Ayo tried her best to console me, but nothing was working. I just wanted Ma.”

Riri closed her eyes and took a refreshing breath, “I dunno when I’d fallen asleep that night. But when I woke up, I was in Mama’s arms. We were going home.”

“Aw, that’s really sweet, Riri.”

Riri grinned, “Yea, I remember I started crying and borderline shouting at her though, for not answering her beads when I called. She calmed me down and apologized, saying she was in the middle of Recon. But she made it up to me anyway. She took me out.”

“See? Spoiled. Had I shouted at my mother I would have been lectured about respect. Not taken out for food and snacks. Let’s switch mothers.”

“Ha! And have Queen Mother give me that death stare she gives you everytime I’m up to some bullshit? No way. I was victim to her pinches twice. I dunno how you do it.” She rubbed her arm where she felt the phantom pain.

“I developed a thick skin for it.”

“Lies! Last time she pinched you I saw tears come out of your eyes.”

“You were clearly seeing things! My allergies were acting up.”

“What allergies? See? You always on some bullshit. Just admit you were crying.”

“I don’t cry. My eyes just water involuntarily. It is a medical issue I have to look into.”

“Oh, sure, Miss Head of Research.”

Just then a hum of energy filled the room as the lights came on again.

“All Systems are back online, Shuri.” Griot announced as he booted up again.

“So I guess the Avengers won or something?”

“Pray to Bast they did.” Shuri sighed in relief.

Riri knew that she should get up, but she didn’t feel like it.

“I kind of don’t want to get up either.” Shuri replied.

“Yooo, you can read minds now?” Riri pulled back to look at her.

“No….you just said that you didn’t feel like getting up so I agreed. Even though my legs are numb, I liked you holding me like I’m your lifeline.” She chuckled..

“Are you saying I’m fat?” She went to get up but Shuri pulled her back down.

“I didn’t say that I didn’t like it.” She pressed a kiss to Riri’s cheek.

“Thought so.” Riri smirked as she leaned into Shuri again and activated her beads to see if there was any news about Avengers level threats.

Taggies: @somethingcleaverandwhitty @karimwillia @neptoons1998 @pantherheart

I ain't feel too good about this one, but I have to write to oil my gears. Apologies, everyone!!

[hometownrockstar]

:•) i love media where a human kid gets dropped into a magical world and there is a group of funny creatures who become their friends and guide them along, like undertale and james and the giant peach. this is also where i get a bit conflicted about the whole "found family but we make it completely analogous to the nuclear family model" bc like i kinda like associating them with the roles and using family terms (like sans being frisk's uncle-figure, or canonical stuff like toriel essentially adopting frisk at the end) but to me i prefer it to have flexibility and to not be completely forced into these family roles. thats how i do it with Sunnie's world story, where Sunnie sometimes calls Arvard and Delilah papa and mama, but theyre more like teachers to him and not actual parents, or like Bast is a big sibling figure but also the older kid in school who you are friends with. you understand me?

[noirandchocolate]

Just thinking again about this gorgeous art Bast made for me of our Kohga, and how he's a loud, brash kinda fella but then also has these quiet moments.

Fun facts/headcanons though! Our best guy's been playing shamisen since he was about five, his mama taught him, aaaaand he can actually play two of them at once using his self-duplication trick! It's pretty cool, he can keep track of all four hands at once and do neat stuff weaving more than one melody around each other and then making phrases sound real emphatic by doing them on both instruments simultaneously.

Kohga often plays at Clan matsuri and parties and it's always a huge hit with the whole banana crew. <3

[letitias-wife]

Our Countries Greatest

Description: After the loss on the bridge against the Talokanils, Okoye returns to Wakanda without Shuri and the scientist. The Queen is not pleased. A/n: There is a serious lack of Attuma/Reader fics. I will do my best to fill that hole. Feel free to dm or comment for any chapter or other story ideas. Warning: mentioned kidnapping Word count: 756 (I know it's short but I'm posting the second chapter tonight)

Chapter 2

Chapter One: Anathi, Daughter of Okoye

Once Okoye was dismissed I sunk back into my throne, my heart full of dread and regret. My daughter has been taken, Bast knows what they're doing to her.

Vivid images of Shuri helplessly reaching for me, "Mama!" 

My vision blurred with tears, "Call in Anathi."

The council and crowd of Doras gasped and whispered to one another. I silenced them with a wave of my hand, "Bring her in immediately, tell her nothing of her mother's dishonor or she will want to bargain."

Aneka nodded and silently marched out of the throne room, accompanied by Ayo who gave me a worried but reassuring nod. M'baku, still chomping on a carrot leans forward. He grins and sighs, "I hope you have a real plan for her. She does not take well to authority."

I nod, "My daughter and Anathi have a close...bond, I'm sure she'll be ready to listen when she hears about Shuri." I know she'll find Shuri and bring her home safely, I remember when they were what their generation calls "a thing". I stared up at the ceiling, trying to prevent more tears from falling. I stood to my feet, "I will have Anathi work with Nakia to retrieve my daughter by any means necessary."

Anathi has been through decades of training since she was 4, but what has made her so strong is that she is fearless and merciless. Death is not something she fears but welcomes.

"That's a grand idea!" M'Baku mocked, "Bring in Wakanda's blood-thirsty, war machine and force her to team up with Nakia, the spy with some sort of common sense."

"They have worked well together in the past." Isaach, the River Tribe elder spoke.

"That was before we imprisoned her father for treason." the Merchant Tribe elder darted her eyes to Isaach, "She adored her father, did she not my queen?"

I nodded, "We can talk about that when she gets here."

I rested my hands on either side of my throne and sighed, "You all are dismissed for now."

The council and their guards slowly shuffle out of my throne room except for M'Baku. He walked to me and held out his hand, "She will be okay, my queen. They wouldn't dare risk war with our country."

I hum and nod to my friend's comforting words. Once the silence settles in the throne room I could only hear the subtle sniffles and cries coming from me, burning tears streaked down my cheeks and my hand tightened around M'baku's. Everyone is gone. My love, my son, and now my daughter.

Anathi's point of view

I hummed along to the music that played softly in the background of my workspace. I run my fingers down the side of my Nifo'oti (a Samoan axe), carefully testing the sharpness of the blade. My eyes burned from being awake for so long, I looked up at my clock...4:27 pm. 

"What day is it?" I stood up from my workbench with a loud grunt and began softly singing to calm myself, hoping to make myself tired so I can finally sleep.

Someone's here. I turned towards my door, waiting for a knock. "It's probably Shuri." I smiled and rushed towards the door.

"Anathi." A deep, feminine voice stopped me before I could open the door. I turned to face my mother, whose demeanor gives me chills.

"Don't open the door." she gently took my hand in hers and set it to my side. Her body was trembling as if she were anxious or disturbed by something

"Mama, what-" she cut me off.

"Shuri's been kidnapped." She whispered, "By...Namor."

"That fish thing?" my face dropped, "How did this happen?"

"It happened on the bridge, I got knocked into the water and- Anathi, you have to get her back." My mother begged, folding her hands.

"Why should I?" I scoffed, trying to hide my concern, "You all banished me from the Dora like some filth, do it yourselves."

"We didn't banish you." Another voice spoke that I recognized as Ayo.

I turned to face her standing at my door, "We removed you because of your- well this." She waved her hand around mentioning my room that was covered wall to wall in different weapons, armor, and shields. I collected them from different tribes and countries when I traveled. They were given as gifts or rewards for my service. There was an obvious spot missing from my wall, where my spear used to be. The one gifted to me by the Dora when I completed training years ago. The one they took from me.

"Queen Ramonda requests your presence Warrior Anathi." Aneka ushered me from my room, clamping on a pair of vibranium, "Behave this time."

I sighed, "This is gonna be a shit show."

Next part

[neptoons1998]

Future & Past

Summary: Riri gets stuck in the past and she meets a younger verison of her mama.

Tag gang: @mal-urameshi @xblackreader @s0lam3y

Riri wasn’t sure how she did it but she thinks she traveled back in time. I am never trusting Dr. Strange again, the young scientist thought as groaned from the ground. She looked around to see the park she would go to with her mom alot as a child. Riri started fiddling with her beads to send a request to go back home. Let’s hope Shuri is super genius about this one Riri’s cruel humor is too consumed with getting back to her time. She heard sniffles like someone was trying desperately hard not to cry but it was a loosening battle. 

Riri couldn’t believe her eyes couldn’t help but stare at the pregnant woman, who was sitting on a bench, in front of her. Riri couldn’t help but be a little shell-shocked seeing a young adult version of her mother. She knew like most adults that Okoye had a life before Riri came into the picture. The young engineer couldn’t help to feel very off-putting seeing a younger version of Okoye. 

“A-are you alright?” Riri questioned her mama. No matter what timeline Riri will always love her mama. Okoye quickly brushed away tears from her face. Riri’s stomach twisted she had never seen her mama cry before. 

Frustrated, mad, and happy.

 Never sadness. 

Okoye gave a watery laugh, “No, but I’m sure Bast is having a good laugh.”

Certain things don’t change Riri thought as she had heard that expression too many times as a child. 

Riri twisted her fingers, “Do you want to talk about? I love jokes.”

Okoye looked at her, whether to see if she should trust her or not. Riri guessed her mama thought she didn’t have anything to lose to tell her woes to a complete  “stranger”.

“Well I finally told the man that got me into this condition, “ Okoye said Riri could see that she bit into her cheeks, “And he said he wanted no part of it. Which is so cruel to call her an it.”

Riri’s heart broke hearing this. Riri never knew who her father was. Anytime she wanted to know, her mother would have a sober look to her which made Riri’s curiosity die down. The young woman decided around the age of twelve that’s one discovery she was okay not knowing. 

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Riri said as she wrapped her small hand in her young mom’s hand. Okoye gave a soft smile, “What makes it such a cruel joke was that he wanted a huge family, but apparently I wasn’t supposed to be the one.”

The pair sat in silence before Okoye’s eyes let the tears cascade down her cheeks, “Am I that unloveable?”

Riri’s eyes widen twisting her body to look at Okoye’s, “No no you’re not.”

Riri had to stop herself from making a wormhole or not being born. Riri knew later down the line her mama would fall in love with Attuma. That shark man loves her mama more than anything.

“You just can’t rush it. P-plus that guy was a jerk anyway,” Riri commented, “I need you to believe one day just not today that there is a man who will love you. It would so much love that you won’t know what to do with it.”

Riri wiped some of Okoye’s tears from her face, “And there whole bunch of love you can have right now. Like with her.”

Riri pointed at the round belly of her mama. Riri tried not to think how trippy it was to know that she was in there. Being a whole fetus. 

“Really? She won’t hate me for not giving her a father?” Okoye questioned as she rubbed on her stomach. Riri nodded cause she did love her mama. 

“I’m sure she’ll understand,” Riri answered. Okoye smiled at the thought of her future daughter loving her just as much as she loved her. 

“Thank you, Priestess,” Okoye said before Riri could correct her on not being. Okoye left the bench to go bother Aneka and Ayo. 

With that Riri’s bracelet started to beep before she was sucked back to the right timeline. 

“Took you long enough,” Riri teased her girlfriend. Shuri rolled her eyes before coming closer to her. 

“Just never trust a doctor not from Wakanda, hm?” Shuri joked as she pressed a soft kiss on Riri. 

“Riri?” Okoye’s voice out making the pair break apart. Okoye with her hands on her hips. 

“Mama!” Riri rushed to her side giving the woman a surprised hug. Riri knew now that her mama was being loved, but just knowing for a time her mama thought she was unlovable still stung Riri. 

“Ah,” Okoye wrapped her arms around before stroking Riri’s hair, “What’s all this about?”

“I’ll tell you later on tonight,” Riri said as she continued to squash her cheeks on her mama’s chest. Okoye ‘hm’  at Riri’s request. 

Riri will always love her mama from the stars and back. 

[hetr0ph0bic]

give it up pt3 final

your body stirred wake, from noises. still laying against the window, you pry open your eyes. your brown eyes are met with a sight, a sight in deed. shuri and riri exchange sloppy wet kisses. riri’s body is twisted over the driver seat, shuri’s hand rest beautifully on her neck. riri releases whimpers from the kiss

“ shhh don’t want to wake sweet y/n, now would we” shuri voice low and dark

“nahh i would love to” riri gives a louder moan. but shuri cuts it off by smashing their mouths together again.

“stop, i want to talk to her first”

“oh please, you didn’t even ask her yet, only know how to piss her off”

“ be quite” 

“don’t need to”

“bast, yes you do”

“she would love it, i know it, she would beg for it shuri”

heat coils in your lower stomach, a heartbeat thumping through your body. you can feel it in your heart. deciding to cut the conversation short, you make it know that you're awake. with a big yawn, you sit up, wiping your eyes. looking out the window, you see concrete and light, what time is it?

“ri? where are we?” you ask in a voice groggy. 

“ a parking garage” you look over your shoulder finding them separated but now their eyes rake over every hair mole and mark on your body.

“look” shuri begins sitting back on the seat, head turning to the right watching you play with your fingers

“listen, i’ve been with you for the past twenty-four hours. and because of my own trauma and riri’s history of knowing you, i know why you're spiraling and confused.”

sitting up from the window, your eyebrow raises “well why”.

 “tell me …who do you call when you are sad” shuri starts with a series of questions

“umm”

“who do you call to have sex or even make love?”

“....”

“do you have anyone whom you can be vulnerable with!?!” shuri hopes and begs for a yes

“i don’t need any of those things” you shoot back, shooting glares at her.

“and that’s why you're fucked up now! when someone barely touches you

and why you can't even control yourself when you're interested in someone. i bet you don’t even realize you're interested, that’s why you are confused and bothered by basic human interaction.” shuri finishes huffing out air, silence filling the car as you look out the window. knowing shuris somewhat right in what she said. riri clears the emptiness of the car,

“ at the diner last night, you said nothing changed. this level of success you are at… college freshman, you could never achieve this. you shut people out, you became a dominant force that no one could walk over. when you walk into a room, heads turn just by your power alone. but that’s not you, well a side of you. but you chillin at home in your natural state, it’s not. under the hardness, it’s still the girl who loves pink and plushies. hell, you became business a lawyer and engineer for all people in need? you're the same caring, soft, mushy, person as before. i know it’s for protection. the arguments and defense is to spare your feelings. all cause the powerhouse, dominant, businesswoman is all the world allowed you to be. so when the soft caressing and comments come, you run. 

soft and sensitive. still easily overstimulated mama i know you.”

“... is that so?” you know it's true. your body shakes as tears threaten to spill over

“ say the word y/n, and imma give you everything” 

“what” you whisper.

once you look back at her, she is still kissing shuri. in fact, shuri is pulling her over the armrest to the small backseat. riri sits happily in shuri's lap. their lips collide, still looking at you. never breaking or blinking. heat swirls in your lower stomach as you turn your head to look away. doing your best to ignore them and the seeping juices in your underwear. you hear a loud, wet, slurping sound. nosiness powering your body, you turn your head to the source. you see shuri sticking her tongue out her mouth and riri sucking on it. she grinds her clothed body on shuri’s. riri lifts her hand, telling you to come here. the two break the hot kiss to lean over to your ears. 

“ is it too much? ill drive back to your house right now” riri whispers in your ear.

“bruh-”

“ say what you want. now. ” shuris lips lightly touch your left ear. in response you groan, head hitting the headrest.

“ i guess she doesn’t” shuri taps riri’s butt, the small girl getting up about to hop in the driver seat. 

“ fuck, don't make me say it” you try to plead. shuri dips her head low, you can feel her breath on your ears

“ nah princess, that’s not how it works” shuri looks deep in your eyes, you shiver under her piercing gaze. princess? princess! your mind sways at the name. you clamp your legs close, afraid theyll be able to tell how your core leaks at the pet name. riri slides back down on the seats. she drags her hand from or knee to your jaw, once there she cups and caresses. thumb swiping from left to right.

“ no matter what, we respect your choice, one hundred percent y/n. from platonic to romantic, we are here, whatever you need and desire.”

your head swirl with a light, electric feeling. continuing to lie and ignore your body and feelings doesn’t seem like the right idea. plus… princess.

“ please... i- i need it” you barely get out.

it was all so fast, in an instant the two were on you. riri works on slipping you out of the tight top, and shuri peels the leggings off of you. hands grip and squeeze all over your body, while the royals roam over your body. you let your head rest on the headrest. eyes shut as you take in the massages, teeth digging into your lip as you try not to moan. just breathing in and out.

“damn ma, we haven't even started yet” shuri teases

“awww baby she’s so touched starved, prolly been months even worst”

your eyes open at the words, the car is so dark you really can't see them clearly, how you like. finding their eyes,

 “wow, yall talk a lot” you start up, trying to get riri’s mind off the subject. 

“ it's fine, let's see if that pretty mouth can talk back when im done” shuri gives an evil laugh at the new fear and lust settling in your eyes. chills fall over your almost naked body, the only piece of clothing is the thin black underwear. ass on the cold leather seat, riri attaches to your lips. it's sweet, and new feeling. down right warmth and pleasure settling in your heart. riri places her hand on your neck, slowly entering her tongue in your mouth. your chest rising as she explores and tastes every part of your mouth. riri flicks her tongue over yours and the two of you continue to swirl them around. tugging you from the light kisses, shuri’s heated hands travel over your body. stopping on your boobs, she cups, shakes, and admires them. her index finger lightly graze over the top of your hard nipple. the pain and bliss causing you to break from riri, the panther smiling at the reaction. she licks her lips, diving into the left nipple. biting it with her teeth, the right nipple is pinched and twisted. your back arches with a cry.

“fuck! shuri! please!” with the beg she actually lets up, begging to suck and rub with the pad of her thumb. happy whines slip out your mouth, easy stopped by riri connecting lips again. riri moves to straddle your left leg. clothed knee hitting your thumping, wet, core. your hands busy themselves digging in shuri’s curls and tugging on riri’s shirt. breaking the kiss to complain, shuri takes over your mind. her cheek rests on your chest as she flicks her tongue back and forth sinfully. you strain your neck to look down at her movements.

“ god if only you only used your mouth in good ways like this” shuri grunts at you comment. biting down on the nipple. you cry out at as you tug hard on riri’s top.

“fuck ri take it off, damn! take it off!”

“now mama, you know that’s not how you ask.” out of patience, your eyes roll to the back on 

from your lips. 

“nah after you cum, then you get to see us” shuri shoots up from your chest. arm sleeve rolled up. she taps your jaw with her hand

“open up” you quickly open up your mouth wondering why. your question quickly answered,

 shuri pushes her ring and middle finger inside your mouth. you yelp at the two digits on your tongue. shuri senses your confusion as she looks at you from above.

“baby, suck on it” and you do, using your power to get the fingers wet and dripping as quick as possible. you swirl your tongue around her fingers, looking up to lock eyes with her. you flick your tongue, just as she just did. the panther sets her hand by riri’s head. softly, beginning to rock the fingers in and out your mouth. hitting the back of your tongue, your eyes start to water from her thrust. quickly, you apply pressure to her fingers with your teeth, then sliding off with a popping sound. you fully sink back on the seat, spreading your legs wide. the other two girls share a look before they dive deep. it’s nasty. sinful. and you love it. you never let anyone touch your body like this. you hit notes you had no idea you could hit. riri and shuri break you down from fighting back, and starting shit. to begging with tear stained faces. shuri hands set in a deep curve as she rams into you. her fingers curve back and forth, hitting spots, making you see stars. while riri rubs your clit, whispering nasty shit in your ear. riri pulls your arm from, muffling from moans. pulling the arm away, pressing with all her strength. you struggle trying to pull it back. her hands move in fast circles over your swollen clit. you turn your head to the side to hide the moans as you buck into the pumps and thrums.

“ aww baby don’t hide from us, we need to hear you”

your breath hitches as she talks into your ear. she dips her hand a little lower, collecting slick from inside your folds.

“ god” riri picks up her fingers from your pussy, finger in the air, she opens and closes them. the slick smacking and dripping between her middle and ring fingers. 

“ look how wet you is, just for us” riri ends with a wet kiss to your neck.

“ man shut the fuck up and-”  you inhaled sharply  “fuck me” you barely get out the demand, breath going in and out as shuri snaps her hands. the power and speed, she works you in thoroughly. literally digging you out. with her free and shuri grabs your jaw making you look at her. unable to muffle the moans, they fill the car.

“ mmh mhhh fuck ahhhh” your body shakes and trembles. your vision get blurry and more blurry as riri lifts up your hood to swipe over your clit. 

“ princess, you so pretty” shuri says above you. you try to give a clear response, but moans and cries fall out instead of words.

“so, ahhh so good. please  i never- baby ” tears falls down your face as riri stops you.

“y/n, who else seen you like this?” unable to speak fully, you just shake your head.

“ i said who else did this” riri grabs your hair, pulling you to look at her. she rubs circles into your clit, fast.

“n-nobody!” you crack out. riri leans down in your ear, switching up her strokes again. she slips her hand up and down your slit. you, her and shuri in perfect sync. you grinding against riri’s hand and shuri abusing a certain spot.

“ don’t fucking lie to me” 

“ its yours only. shuri and riri’s” and that does it. your eyes rolling to the back of your head. your legs fluttering as they try to clamp close. you chanting “it’s yours” “it’s yours” while squeezing on shuri’s fingers. they dont stop. after continues to move her hand back and forth, hitting your sensitive part again and again. after a while of milking your orgasm, shuri grabs her bag and uses wipes to clean you and riri off. you sit in the back seat, laid out as the two rub and massage your body.

“how do you feel” she asks as she works on your thighs.

“i feel good”

“that’s good, yall ready to head back to the house?”

“ummm wait… you said if i came we were gonna do it again” you complain

“ohh we not done, but i can't do what i want in this tiny ass car” shuri says as riri hops in the front seat again. 

okay yall thats all i got ill prolly add more or something thank yalll!!!!!!! remember like comment and repost if you enjoyed <333333

tag list  @karimwillia @shurismainbxtch @shuriszn @widowmakker @letitias-fav @rxcently @acommonwhor3 @garbagesleepschedule @nightlife-things @sweetalittleselfish-honey @louderfortheback @heartsforjojo @youralphawolf72 @blackqueensforeva

part 2 

part 1 

[only-fragments]

Made a Pride Bast because Mama loves all of her queer children!

(This is a mostly random selection of pride flags. If you want a specific flag that I didn't include, just let me know!)

[unovan-gardener]

no its not their fault, bugs just hurt plants, its nature, mama seperated you from them to keep you safe

thats...

m

maybe...

mama and Bast did say they were keeping me safe...

[descendent-of-the-sixth-heaven]

Great! I know you are a good friend.

*Cherry kisses his cheek, but Sakura suddenly whimpers*

Oh? You don't like me kissing your father? But he is my husband, sweetie.

Takeru: Mama! No...

*Takeru doesn't want Cherry to make Sakura sad. Meanwhile, Ken is nodding off as he is falling asleep*

..............

*They order the maids to bring the food and soon they have breakfast together*

Shingen: To be fair my love, I would love to get back to you whenever I can, but that bast- I mean he forces me to duel with him. It's quite difficult to run from him.

*He immediately stops himself from cursing as their children are listening*

Shingen: He will suddenly asking for a fight, just because he is in a bad mood. Without his wife nearby, he is like an unleashed wild dog.

Kenshin: oh? Is Sakura jealous? Don’t worry, my daughter, I will always love you. But I also love your mother.

*He kisses Sakura’s cheek lovingly*

Kenshin: ken, stay awake to eat your breakfast.

————

Selena: he must tire you out a lot with those fights… you always seem exhausted after fighting him.

[jadebomani]

Ubasti Wakanda forever

Hello hope fellow nashuri and black panther fans in general enjoy this story if the characters are a bit off to canon please let me know and I will fix that. Please also share, comment, and like below. Without further ado…

Chapter 1: Dreams

-Shuri-

I felt listless as I continued my journey to where I didn't know. This feeling has been a constant occurrence in this world, just as I am when not in this deep rem. I felt like being on the ancestral plane, but there was no usurper cousin or old black panthers to welcome me. No baba, no mama, no…T’challa.

But there was the familiar blu purple sky. The forest now led to a building, A Pyramid. Surrounded by desert sand and cat statues emboldened the structure's vibranium and ancient style.

A panther, small and wide-eyed stared at me as I stopped at the entrance. The cub had a mischievousness to its eyes, its challenge piqued my interest.

As the cub darted inside, I moved after the cub taking glimpses at the texts in Wakanda, Egyptian, and other African dialects on the walls. The constant image was always cats. I reached out after the little panther.

'Wait' It ran faster. Bast, help me.

I sped up until I saw the cub stop at an entrance. I slowed down and knelt before the cub coaxed it into my arms cooing at it.

“Why did you send me on that chase ehn” I petted it as I got up, mindful of its claws. I looked into the room to see the sight of more cubs sleeping, playing, and cuddling with a panther. I walked in cautiously, to not startle or provoke the panther.

I was in awe of the panther, it looked different from the cubs. The panther was big, bigger than any adult panther ever seen, and it had a white coat rather than signature black. Its eyes had a galaxy color purple with hints of red as it looked over its cubs.

As I got closer, I noticed some cubs were not just panthers. They were cheetahs, tigers, pumas, lions, jaguars, and some domestic cats. Two particular cubs clung to her side. A jaguar and a panther seemed to be brothers. Their dynamics reminded me so much of N’jadaka and T’Challa. The Jaguar is bold and extroverted and the panther calm and recluse.

The white panther finally noticed me, or rather I noticed its stare. The panther cub in my arms squirmed until I released it and ran over to the mother. The panther got up and approached, its body slowly changing from a stalk to a human gait as the white panther transformed into a woman. She picked up the cub and addressed me.

“Welcome Shuri, my cub you've had a very tiring few days. I know you feel lost this was not a mantle you chose to claim along with the role of queen. But my cub I need you to be strong for these next few days ahead. I’ll be with you soon.” The woman gave me a reassuring smile and nodded.

The listlessness lifted and the fog cleared as I woke up. I would later write it off as a dream or hallucination, but one thing was sure that woman, that Panther was Bast. The same Bast From stories and legends she is real?

Dream over

===========

I woke up in a sweat confused and yearning to know more. The whispers of the woman/panther latched to my mind.

‘I will be with you soon my cub.’ ghosts of fur and a warm embrace on my skin.

‘It’s just a dream…a recurring one but a dream nonetheless. There must be an explanation.’ I put aside my racing thoughts and started the routine I’d made with Toussaint and Nakia.

Since my abdication from the throne and Wakanda, Life has been quiet. My days were filled with my nephew's laughs and banter. Days of me teaching him all I know, satisfying his natural thirst and conquest for knowledge.

I have found a sort of peace being here, planning all I can about the issues of Talokan, Wakanda, and the U.N. Along, with my imminent role back home, I try to avoid it. I am more focused on my role as head scientist and the black panther. The throne has a king already.

As for the U.N., my plans were ready to be initiated in accomplices of the alliance. Wakanda will find a way to shift the blame as it all comes back to what the world wants Vibranium.

I dread seeing Him or talking with him after everything. I can avoid him for only too long until he starts snooping. It'll be a cold day in the ancestral plane if he finds out about Toussaint.

“Usisi what are your plans for today that you're going to miss our trip?” Nakia asked breaking me from my thoughts. I looked up from making my second coffee this morning. She was dressed in a nice mustard sundress and flats with a hat and bag in hand(The outfit Lupita wore in her zombie movie). Toussaint came in dressed in a casual suit.

“Yes Udadobawo(auntie) please come with us it’ll be so fun” he pleaded as he hugged me.

“Sorry, umtshana(Nephew) but I have some work to get done as soon as you come back you can tell me all about it just have fun for the both of us okay.” I hugged him back holding him close.

“Okay I promise Udadobawo(auntie)” he said and went out to the car. Nakia approached me with a concerned look.

“Are you sure you can’t hold it off? You can’t be holed up in your lab all the time” She asked gently settling a hand on my arm.

“I’m sure and I won’t be long I’ll go to the market to run errands and I’ll also go for a swim I’ll be okay” I assured her.

She stared into my eyes searching until she finally relented hugged me goodbye and left. I listened closely as the door closed and the car finally drive off. I grabbed my coffee and went to my lab a few feet away from the house on the beach. I entered my workspace the mini-lab had pictures of cat statues, different texts in Egyptian Coptic, and Wakanda legends on a whiteboard and monitors.

I saddled up to the computers and prepared for the last hours of research until the ritual to enter the realm I saw her in.

“Okay, Bast you’ve come to me after so many unanswered prayers and left no clues except one why?” I spoke staring at a picture of the goddess down along with the way I could contact/pray to her beside it.

“This better work I don’t have much time’ I thought as my eyes skimmed the screen.

Hope you liked it I will be posting chapter two either later tonight or tomorrow. Also again here is the bast she sees in her dreams.

Also please send live interest for bast I know she’s married to Ptah like sekhmet is but in this fic their legend is them being twins or so and later being derived of being one and the same person. So Ptah is more a brother in law to her then husband.