The White Phoenix 13: A Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fanfiction

Chapter 8: The White Phoenix vs. Namor

As more of the city was destroyed by water bombs, flooding the streets and drowning people, Namor rose up out of the water with a spear in hand. As he walked, a thud sounded in front of him as I landed on the shore that was still intact. My wings tucked into my back. 

'Namor,' I said, swinging my sword around. 

'This is none of your business,' he spoke. I held my sword in the defensive position, as several pieces of metal weaponry came to surround me. 'You're just like me,' he added as the realisation dawned. 'You're a mutant.' 

'Correction: a mutant, super soldier and vampire. And you're every bit of my business.' I swung my sword around, clashing with Namor's spear, and we fought. In the middle of the fight, he threw a water bomb at me, and I was thrown back by the force of it against a wall, falling to the wet ground beneath my feet. I struggled to get up, and cried out when the butt of his spear met my stomach. Then it met my face, and I fell to the ground, falling unconscious shortly after. 

I came to, hearing shouting all around me. I flew up to the citadel, entering the room to see Shuri crying out. Riri was choking up water, but the limp form of the queen on the floor told me everything I needed to know. I pulled Riri to her feet, holding her steadily in my embrace. 

Several days later... 

Shuri stood, staring at the ground where her mother's coffin had been several moments before. M'Baku walked up to Shuri, bowing slightly. 

'Jabariland offers you their comfort for your loss,' he said softly. Shuri said nothing. 'You must mourn her according to the rituals of your ancestors. Do not bury yourself in your technology.' He turned to leave, but then she spoke. 

'Why are you here?' 

'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,' he said, stepping close to her. 'They wish to evacuate the city and set up camp in Jabariland.' 

'So now you are keen to hear from a child who scoffs at tradition?' she asked. He chuckled softly.

'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.' 

'The elders are desperate. The city is vulnerable.' She looked up at him. 'If you are to provide for them, they will be in great debt to you.' 

'And what of your heart?' he asked, touching his chest. 'Which way is your heart leaning?' 

'I just buried the last person who truly knew me. My heart was buried with her.' The two bowed in respect to each other, and then he turned and left her alone with her memories. 

Alexandria. Virginia. 

Everett Ross stepped inside of his house, hearing noise from the kitchen. He made a noise of shock, seeing Valentina de Fontaine in his kitchen, sniffing a bottle of olive oil. She looked up, gesturing to the oil bottle. 

'Yeah, your olive oil's about to go bad.' 

'What... what are you doing here?' 

'I'm hungry. And...' She picked up the remote and switched on the television, where the announcer was giving the news. 

'Tragedy strikes the international community. Sources can now confirm that Queen Ramonda, daughter of Lumumba, has died. Western allies say that civil conflict was the cause of the Queen's...' Valentina switched off the TV, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. 

'So - you have any comment?' she asked sharply. 'I wonder what else your... friends are keeping from you.' 

'What are you talking about?' Everett asked. 'I have no unsanctioned contact with the kingdom of Wakanda.' She chuckled, popping a nut into her mouth. 

'What about the beads? And we just lost our only lead to the Wakandans. Adelaide Lehnsherr escaped detainment not three days ago.' 

'What?' 

'The beads,' she pressed. 'I had them bugged before you ever even got there. I've been privy to every conversation you've had, including that treasonous call with the Queen. May she rest in peace. But it's good. Well - for us.' 

'All right. Well, you know what? The Wakandans saved my life. They're good people. You ever thought, for a second, what they could be doing? Ever thought what we could be doing if the US was the only country in the world with vibranium?' 

'Oh, I actually dream about that.' She stepped away and he stepped towards her. 

'Val. Val, please.' She reached over to a drawer, pulling out a pair of handcuffs. 

'It's Director de Fontaine.'