𝙍𝙪𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙄𝙄 (𝙈𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙓 𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙊𝘾) *ON HOLD*

The Black Panther Lives

A few hours after Talokan's attack on Wakanda's capital, Ramonda's funeral was held in the forest. Everyone was in all-white garments as they surrounded Ramonda's coffin.

After the funeral, only Aaron and Shuri stayed behind.

Aaron: I'm sorry. No one should have to go through that.

Shuri remained silent. Aaron simply sighed as Shuri broke the silence.

Shuri: Does it ever go away?

Aaron: What?

Shuri: When you lose everyone that ever truly knew you. Does the pain go away?

Aaron: (sighs) No, not really. That kind of pain, it's like a scar. It fades over time, but it never goes away. The only thing you can do about it is...move on with your life.

Shuri sighs, not liking that answer, but nods anyway as M'Baku approaches them.

M'Baku: (to Shuri) (bows) Jabariland offers you their comfort with your loss.

Shuri stayed silent as Aaron took a few steps away, giving M'Baku and Shuri some privacy.

M'Baku: You must mourn her in accordance to the rituals of your ancestors. Do not bury yourself in your technology.

Shuri: Why are you here?

M'Baku: I promised your brother that I would provide you with counsel and protection. But I am in need of your advice today. Your tribal elders have approached me with a proposition. They wish to evacuate the city and set up camp in Jabariland.

Shuri: So now you are keen to hear from a child who scoffs at tradition?

M'Baku smiles softly, recalling saying the same thing about Shuri 7 years ago when T'Challa bested him in ritual combat to become king of Wakanda.

M'Baku: The world...The world has taken too much from you for you to still be considered a child. It is in my people's interest to know which way your mind is leaning.

Shuri: The elders are desperate. The city is vulnerable. If you are to provide for them, they will be in great debt to you.

M'Baku: (gestures to his heart) And what of your heart? Hm? Which way is your heart leaning?

Shuri: I just buried the last person who truly knew me. My heart was buried with her.

M'Baku bows to Shuri before walking away. He stopped next to Aaron and put his hand on his shoulder before nodding his head. Aaron nods back as M'Baku walks away.

Timeskip

After Aaron informed Bobbi about what happened and that he will stay for a bit longer than planned, Shuri told him to come with her to her lab, where they both met Riri there. Shuri told them both that they should go home while they still can, which both Aaron and Riri refused.

Riri: Your mother protected my like I was one of her own. The lease that I could do is try to return the favor.

Aaron: You said Namor is coming for the surface world. I'm not gonna just stand by and let that happen.

Shuri: We need to find a way to weaken Namor.

Riri: Even weakened, he's still gonna be a problem.

Aaron: She's right. Even with my speed, I had my ass handed to me.

Shuri: The Black Panther has never failed to protect Wakanda.