𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑 // 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐈 𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐔

ＦＯＲＴＹ ＴＨＲＥＥ

ancestral plane

᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃ ᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃

Shuri stood in the room alone with M'Baku. She felt guilt in her body as she watched the Elders leave.

"Where is Ada?" M'Baku asked as everyone left.

"Namor's not finished," she ignored his question. "He promised to destroy the surface world. Now is our opportunity to take him. What are you afraid of?"

"War," he replied. "If Namor is indeed a god to his people, killing him will risk eternal war."

"And so what?" Shuri asked. "Was my mother's life not worth eternal war?"

"Of course it was. Of course, she was. But it is not what she would have wanted for you. Hmm? And it is not what I want... for my people."

"You speak of my mother as if she's still here," she talked. "Of what she would've wanted for me. Her hopes and her dreams. But she's dead. She's gone! Namor drowned her, right in front of me! So, her dreams, her goals, her hopes for me... it doesn't exist. It doesn't matter anymore. What matters is what I want, and what I want is Namor dead! And you're going to help me get it. Ngaba sicacile? (Are we clear?)"

"What does Ada think of this?" M'Baku asked. He could see Shuri visibly tense up. "Where is Ada?"

"I don't know," she finally said. "We— We had an argument and I said I didn't even want her here. So she left. I lost her. I can feel myself losing myself."

-

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the Wakandan landscape, Ada found herself standing before the solemn and sacred grounds that housed the final resting place of T'Challa, the beloved king of Wakanda. Her heart was heavy with grief, she had come to seek solace and closure after the intense fight she had endured with Shuri.

Taking a hesitant step forward, Ada felt the weight of her emotions threatening to consume her. With every stride, memories of their shared journey flashed before her eyes, the laughter, the battles, and the unyielding determination they had exhibited together. As she reached T'Challa's grave, a sense of reverence washed over her, knowing that she stood in the presence of a true hero.

Gently sinking to her knees, Ada's tears welled up and cascaded down her cheeks. She reached out to touch the smooth surface of T'Challa's headstone, tracing her fingers along the engraved name, and feeling the coolness beneath her touch. In that moment, she could almost hear his voice, a reassuring presence that guided her even in his absence.

Lost in her sorrow, Ada closed her eyes and offered a silent prayer, pouring her heart out to the fallen king. She whispered words of gratitude, acknowledging the impact he had made on her life and the world. It was a tender tribute, a farewell to a friend, a mentor, and a beacon of hope.

As her fingertips lingered on the headstone, a sudden shift in the air surrounded Ada. The sounds of nature seemed to hush, replaced by a tranquil stillness. Opening her eyes, she found herself no longer in the earthly realm but rather transported into the ancestral plane, a realm where the spirits of Wakanda's ancestors resided.

Surrounded by ethereal beauty and shimmering energy, Ada was awestruck. The spirits of Wakanda's past kings and queens appeared before her, their regal presence emanating wisdom and strength. Among them, she saw T'Challa, standing tall and resolute, his eyes filled with an otherworldly light.

Ada found herself standing before the ethereal figure of T'Challa, a beacon of wisdom and strength in the ancestral plane. Her heart was heavy with the weight of the fight she had with Shuri, and she longed for guidance.

"T'Challa," she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

-

"T'Challa," Ada began, her voice tinged with sorrow, "Shuri and I had a terrible fight. Our grief has driven a wedge between us, and I don't know how to mend it."

T'Challa's eyes held a gentle understanding as he listened to Ada's words. "Grief has a way of clouding our judgment and straining even the closest bonds. Remember, Ada, that you both share a deep connection. It is in these challenging moments that the strength of that bond is tested."

Ada nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "But it hurts so much, T'Challa. I miss you, and I can't bear the thought of losing Shuri too."

T'Challa's voice resonated with compassion. "Grief is a path we must all tread, but each journey is unique. It's important to express your pain and emotions openly, while also being receptive to Shuri's perspective. Seek understanding rather than judgment, and remember that forgiveness is a powerful healer."

Ada felt a flicker of hope ignite within her as she absorbed T'Challa's words. "Thank you, T'Challa. I will do my best to approach Shuri with empathy and compassion. Our love for each other should be the foundation on which we rebuild."

T'Challa's face softened, and he opened his arms in a comforting gesture. Ada embraced T'Challa tightly. She held onto him for a moment, feeling the weight of his guidance and wisdom surround her. It was a brief but powerful hug, conveying a shared understanding of their shared struggles.

With a sense of renewed purpose, Ada pulled away from the embrace, gratitude shining in her eyes. "I am grateful for your guidance, T'Challa. I must go now and find Shuri. Together, we will navigate our grief and heal our wounds."

T'Challa's smile was filled with warmth and encouragement. "Go, Ada. Embrace your strength and the love that binds you. Know that you carry a piece of Wakanda within you, and may it guide you towards resolution."

Taking a deep breath, Ada stepped back, her gaze lingering on T'Challa for a moment before she closed her eyes. As she departed from the ancestral plane, she carried with her a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to face the challenges ahead and mend the broken pieces of her relationship with Shuri.

She opened her eyes and was met with her face wet with tears. She looked around, seeing the beautiful Wakanda. She looked down and saw T'Challa's headstone. She laughed through her tears, smiling down at the headstone.

She got up and started walking to the palace. Her walk turned into a jog, which turned into a full-on sprint.

She needed to find Shuri.