#vi was put between the two city's conflict and had to make an impossible decision and yall ignore that

[itoshikha]

some people refuse to understand characters deeper than simply surface level and it's extremely infuriating. i really do hope they're not going to reduce her 'black hair' arc as just 'situationship' when she's clearly suffering.

FINALLY SOMEONE SAID IT!!

Even if most people are just joking, it bothers me when other people actually think it's all due to a failed relationship when the problem is actually bigger than that. Vi getting to this point isn't because she broke up with Caitlyn. She has bigger, more difficult things going on than just a failed relationship. Adding to that the most painful factor for Vi is when she fights Jinx, which is one of the factors that really affects her. She went from being protective of her sister to "hurting" her sister. (Even though her sister Jinx brought this on herself, but anyway)

"Losing Caitlyn was the last straw, as they say"

Caitlyn was the one who got Vi out of prison, She got her out of the worst place Vi had ever been in. And Caitlyn was the last person Vi could trust and now she's gone.

I mean you can see she wasn't that miserable when she was in prison because she said herself, "The only thing that kept me going, was the thought of getting back to you." Now her sister is gone and Caitlyn is gone, the only two people left in her life. It's only natural that she would come to this point after literally losing everything.

Vi now has no hope no purpose and no one left after all the people she's lost along the way. It's really hard for Vi.

[avengers-nextgen]

The Aftermath VI

“What is it?” Piper asked, arching a brow as Siyanda returned to the lab with a look of annoyance.

“My father.”

“What’d he do?” Piper winced, setting down her wrench and perching on the edge of the work bench.

“He wants me to go home,” Siyanda shrugged, angrily jerking open the top of a tool box.

“You don’t want to,” Piper noted.

“Of course not. It’s not that I don’t love my home-I do-but I have priorities here. One of those is making sure Thalia heals properly and isn’t...you know.” Siyanda waved her hand as if the word she was looking for would magically appear.

“Being hard on herself?” Piper guessed.

“Something like that,” Siyanda nodded. “Not to mention the issues with Drew. Scout may need my help getting his plan to work and I can’t abandon him. It’s horrible timing, that’s all.”

“Do you know what your dad wants you for?” Piper asked, swinging her legs slightly.

“No. He says it’s important and urgent. That I should make arrangements to return home as soon as possible,” Siyanda sighed, not finding the tool she was looking for. With an agitated flick of the hand she closed the tool box lid with a ‘thud’.

“I can cover for you. I don’t mind putting some of my projects on hold to help Scout out,” Piper suggested.

“I would appreciate that,” Siyanda nodded, “but it doesn’t ease my frustrations.”

“I know,” Piper smiled faintly.

— — —

Siyanda packed her bag hurriedly not caring enough to settle her belongings neatly inside. Instead, she shoved and crammed whatever was needed into the bag and hoped for the best.

“I won’t be long,” Si assured, turning to see Thalia watching her with faint amusement. “What is it?”

“You’re cute when you’re angry...and one of your bras is half hanging out of the bag,” Thalia noted.

Huffing, Siyanda shoved the garment fully into the bag before checking it over: no other clothing was spilling out. With a final tug she zipped the bag shut and slung it over her shoulders. “That would have been embarrassing.”

“Eh,” Thalia shrugged, “worse things could happen.”

“You’re right,” Siyanda sighed, “I’m too worked up.”

“It’s okay,” Thalia promised, “change is difficult especially when it’s sudden.”

“When did you become so wise?” Siyanda smiled, arching a brow.

“I don’t know,” Thalia shrugged looking very much like a kid.

“Well, you’re very intelligent and I think people forget that at times.”

“Thank you,” Thalia blushed faintly.

“Of course,” Siyanda smiled, “now, uh, I have to go. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone but I will try to get in touch as soon as I find out what’s going on.”

“Alright,” Thalia nodded, clambering from her bed where she’d been trying to beat a dueling game Enzo had lended her.

“Love you,” Si breathed, giving Thalia a quick kiss and a hesitant hug.

“Love you too. Oh, make sure you say hi to the animals for me,” Thalia noted.

“I will,” Siyanda snorted.

— — —

The jet ride to Wakanda was a long and silent one. Of course, Siyanda tried to distract herself from the nagging anxiety in her chest, but it was nearly impossible. Her only relief was sleep but even the nap was filled with a faint sense of dread.

Her brain refused to shut down. She laid there for nearly two hours thinking of nothing and everything all at once before finally drifting off to sleep. When she woke, the pilot announced their slow descent.

Collecting her bag which-remained untouched on the flight- the princess waited impatiently for her jet to land. Wheels gracing the small landing strip and a bit of rough rocking later Siyanda was standing once more on Wakandan soul.

The place was unchanged from what she could tell, and the atmosphere brought a sense of nostalgia. Almost immediately her worries disappeared. The golden grass blowed gently in the breeze, the sun was warm upon her shoulders, and the natural world replaced the sounds of New York.

“Siyanda!” A voice called out from across a tiny field.

Turning, Siyanda spotted her aunt waving enthusiastically. “Aunt Shuri!”

Running excitedly through the knee high grass, Siyanda embraced her aunt fiercely. It seemed like forever since they’d seen each other.

“Hey, have you gotten taller?” Shuri asked, pulling back from the hug to study her niece.

“No!” Siyanda laughed, “I stopped growing ages ago. I’m only taller because the ground is slanted.”

“Right,” Shuri winked, “well, I hope your trip was comfortable.”

“More or less,” Siyanda admitted as Shuri set a slow pace towards the looming city ahead. “Do you...well, would you happen to know why my father wanted me here so suddenly?”

“I do,” Shuri nodded, “but he has sworn me to give no information to you and it isn’t my place to do so.”

“Oh.” Siyanda’s shoulders drooped.

“Anyways, how is that girlfriend of yours?” Shuri arched an expectant brow.

“Great,” Siyanda stammered, “she’s uh...well...great.”

“Did you freeze?” Shuri teased, seeming to sense something different about her niece.

“Freeze for what?” Siyanda snorted, giving her aunt the side eye.

“You know what I mean. I can tell when relationships hit third base,” Shuri laughed maniacally as Siyanda punched her arm.

“And no...I didn’t freeze,” the princess glowered.

“Good girl,” Shuri smiled, slinging an arm about Siyanda’s shoulders. “Now, I know there were issues with New York and a group of anti-heroes. One of them being one of our own. He was buried properly as you asked, but did the rest turn out okay?”

“Yes, mostly.” Siyanda spent a good portion of their walk back home relaying the details of their battles and the end result of the conflict. How Nathaniel and Harper went to Killian’s funeral, that Drew had the potential for a recovery along with Bianca, that there was tension in the Laufeyson family, and much more.

“I’m sorry to hear of Thalia’s injuries ,” Shuri frowned, “Are the others alright? Aside from the new comers and Bianca?”

“Yeah,” Si nodded, “things are going good. Piper has a girlfriend now. That’s pretty neat. Her name’s Gen. Very intelligent and thankfully keeps Piper in line when Alex can’t.”

“Ah,” Shuri laughed, “no different than her parents.”

The two chatted for a few more minutes before they arrived at the palace. Siyanda acknowledged the guards with a small smile and nod. It felt odd but refreshing to be at home.

The entire place was as spacious as she remembered with the well manicured gardens, pristine palace walk way, arching walls, glittering ornaments from statues to painting frames, and much more.

“There she is!” T’Challa beamed, standing in the middle of the entry-room.

“Daddy!” Siyanda ran excitedly to her father no different than when she was little. The king picked her up with ease.

“How I’ve missed you,” he grinned, taking a moment to study her appearance. “You’re...you’re so much older. Wise and beautiful too.”

“Where’s mom?” Siyanda asked, looking about expectantly.

“She will be here shortly,” T’Challa promised. “Your mother was only making sure your room was prepared.”

“And it is,” Nakia noted, striding rather proudly into the room.

“Mom!” Siyanda broke away from her father to embrace her mother.

“Hi honey,” Nakia laughed, kissing the top of Siyanda’s head. “Come, take the back pack off it will be put in your room. You’ll be more comfortable without all of this weight. What did you do? Pack a small country in here?”

“I didn’t know what I needed so I took as much as possible,” Siyanda explained bashfully. Shuri rolled her eyes and took the bag from her niece before heading off to put it away.

“You must tell us everything you’ve been up to-“

“After the business we need to discuss,” T’Challa reminded his wife.

“Yeah,” Siyanda frowned glancing between her parents, “what am I here for?”

“Come.” T’Challa waved for Siyanda to follow. The princess jogged to keep pace with her father’s quick stride until she could match it. Nakia trailed slightly behind as the trio headed for the gardens. “As you may know, the kingdom faced unrest.”

“Kubu,” Siyanda nodded.

“Indeed,” T’Challa sighed, “and it was handled with care. Care by you. It was wise to bring him home and offer a proper burial. It was the right thing to do. Such actions only reaffirm what I see in you. Strength, wisdom, kindness, and a strong moral compass.”

“It wasn’t anything you wouldn’t have done,” Siyanda shrugged.

“Perhaps, but I was not faced with the decisions you were,” T’Challa remarked, “but we digress. It is my decision and firm belief that you are old enough to take my place.”

“I’ve known this,” Si laughed, “one day I will take the mantle of ruler and guide Wakanda.”

“Darling,” T’Challa stopped beneath a small veranda leaning against the railing, “that time is now.”

“What?”

“I have served my time. It has been a long and a valiant reign. The people crave a new face, a new perspective, and I think they have grown tired of me,” T’Challa explained.

“Father,” Siyanda frowned, “this isn’t how-“

“I know. My father died and I took the throne. His father died and he took it and so forth. However, I would like to see the day that you take my place. I want to be there and be proud. That time is now. Trust me, I know it’s sudden, but I feel it. It’s right. It is your time here and now to do all things you see just and fit for our people.” A faint smile graced the King’s lips. “You are of age and the coronation is in a week’s time. There is plenty of time for you to finish your studies and begin stepping into the water. Slowly at first then all at once.”

“Dad,” Siyanda interjected before he could continued, “I-I don’t want this.”

“You can’t ignore your responsibilities anymore,” T’Challa glanced at his daughter, “your place is here. Your mother and I have let you stay with your friends in New York. We’ve been flexible and we’ve wanted you to have a good and free childhood, but you must remember your roots. This is your home. You have always been intended to return and flourish amongst your kingdom.”

“I-I know,” Siyanda stammered feeling her throat grow tight, “but you don’t understand. The people don’t want me. They don’t.”

“How can you know that when you have yet to see?”

“Daddy,” the princess’ voice sounded incredibly small, “I can’t rule them because I am me. They do not love me. They never have.”

“But they do.”

“They don’t. They don’t! They hate me. I will divide this kingdom in a heartbeat without ever lifting a finger...Dad! Listen to me!” Siyanda watched her father shake his head in despair. “They will eat me alive. I have driven a rift through our nation because of ancient principles. It’s why Kubu-it’s why he’s dead. Our people value tradition and order and stability. I don’t. I can’t offer them an heir to the throne like our ancestors. They know that and they hate it. If I were to ever bring Thalia here they would destroy her like a pack of hyenas.”

“You cannot give up on your responsibilities because of the Norse girl.” T’Challa insisted.

“It’s not just that. Dad, people will side with me and my views but others won’t. Your advisors won’t. They already made that clear with Acacia’s burial. They practically disgraced her because I loved her. I won’t be the reason Wakanda has a civil war. I won’t!” Siyanda slammed her palm down on the railing drawing her father’s attention.

“You cannot be such a coward as to fear the public. Whether it be now or later you cannot succumb to them. You must have thick skin. You know this. The nation has not always been happy with me but I decide what I see fit. If you cannot do that now or ever you are not meant to rule,” T’Challa’s brow furrowed in worry.

“Then maybe I’m not,” Siyanda shrugged, feeling the familiar sting of tears in her eyes, “and maybe you should have had a son instead!”

“I want what’s best for you.”

“No! You want what’s best for Wakanda,” Siyanda’s voice was loud enough to frighten a few wandering birds from their perches. “When has Wakanda ever wanted what’s best for us?”

Setting her jaw Siyanda left the veranda behind. She didn’t want the crown. She didn’t want the crown if she couldn’t have Thalia. She didn’t want the crown if it destroyed all her father had built. She didn’t want the crown if she couldn’t be happy. She didn’t want the crown if it meant she couldn’t do what she believed was right. She didn’t want a crown if it made her a puppet.

— — —

“I don’t understand. I-I don’t know what to do. What I’m expected to do,” Siyanda sat cross legged in front of the tomb stone wiping furiously at her eyes. “You would know. You always made better sense of all this. Hell, you would’ve been a better heir than me.”

The princess sniffled and looked through bleary eyes at the carefully carved name of her best friend. She didn’t know why she came to Acacia’s tomb but she felt that calling Thalia would only worry the girl. Siyanda knew that in an instant Thalia would encourage her to take he crown and forget about their relationship. Because Thalia was selfless and Siyanda was selfish.

“Hey.” The Princess looked at the unexpected arrival with burning hostility before realizing it was only her aunt. “Your mother told me...”

“Yeah?” Siyanda sniffed. “She tell you I’m a coward too? Cause they’re not wrong you know.”

“Si,” Shuri sat down beside her niece, “it’s okay to be scared. I know you are. I know you’re frightened by the responsibility, the power, the reputation, and I know you’re scared you won’t get to keep your second family in New York. I also know that more than anything you’re terrified you’ll have to give Thalia up.”

“I don’t want to lose them,” Siyanda whimpered, “I love them. I didn’t think having two homes would be hard but it hurts. I feel like I’m being pulled in two different directions.”

“Hey,” Shuri gently tilted Siyanda’s face to wipe away the tears with her thumbs, “there are ways to work things out. You’re smart. Just give it a try. Everything has a learning curve just like everything has gravity pushing down on it. It’s unavoidable but we learn to adapt and deal with it.”

“I just...I want to be me, but I’m worried that Wakanda wants me to be someone else. I don’t know if I can do that.”

“Wakanda can learn. We’ll have to. Heirs are always changing things. For all those old geezers set in their ways spewing hate-they’re all replaced by a younger more tolerant generation. Things have already become so different from when I was a kid. Things will be different again and I trust it’ll be for a good reason. You just have to trust yourself.” Shuri winked, drawing Siyanda into a tight hug. “Now, sleep on it. If you really don’t want this that’s okay. I’ll stick by you. But, if even the smallest part of you wants the crown-to do something beautiful in Wakanda-do it. Do it no matter what people say.”

“Okay,” Siyanda nodded, taking a moment to steady her breathing. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Shuri smiled. “Come on. It’s late.”

And just as Siyanda had arrived back in Wakanda she headed home once more with her aunt.