My thumb rubs at my bottom lip as I stare out the window. My eyes hurt from crying.
She's gone.
Agent Natasha Romanoff, the infamous Black Widow is gone.
Traded a soul for a soul.
From where I stand, I can see five figures mourning the loss of their fallen teammate on the dock overlooking the lake. No, not a teammate, a friend. A family member. The person that pushed to do this whole mission. The reason why we're so close to bringing everyone back.
But it seems so wrong to do this without her.
My other thumb rubs at the piece of metal clenched in my fist. My new sword is tied to my waist with a belt I tore apart in my emotional state.
The hissing and whining of Rhodey's leg braces snap me out of my daze, alerting me of his approach.
"Hey." Rhodey murmurs as he steps up next to me. "How they doing?"
I shrug my shoulders as my gaze focuses on the five figures of the original Avengers gathered. Rhodey gives off a hum as he glances over at me. He places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes it lightly. "How are you doing?"
I shrug my shoulders again. "Could be better." I murmur as a tear escapes. I viciously wipe it away.
Rhodey nods his head before noticing the piece of metal in my fist. "What's that?"
I hold it up to show him.
In my hand is a belt buckle with the Black Widow insignia on it. "I grabbed it for Stevi," I explain as I rub a thumb against it. "Thought he might like it." More tears escape my eyes as my hand begins to tremble. "Rhodey, what... what am I gonna tell him? He adored Nat. He... he thought she was the best. He's going to be devastated..."
Rhodey wraps an arm around me as he pulls me into his side. I rest my head on his shoulder, letting the tears fall freely. I feel his breath hitch in his chest as he fights his own tears.
I wipe at my face as I stand straight. "I'm being inconsiderate." I murmur as I glance up at him. His eyes are red and emotional. "You knew her longer than I did. How are you doing?"
He cracks a small smile as he glances out the window to the dock, nodding his head slightly. "Could be better."
I smile lightly as I glance out the window with him. We watch as Dr. Banner rips a bench off the dock before tossing it across the lake into the woods on the other side.
"I think they're done mourning," Rhodey says. I nod in agreement.
🐺
I sit in a courtyard away from everyone else, rubbing my fingers against my kimoyo beads. I'm trying to muster up the emotional stability to do this.
Finally, I activate my beads and call Okoye.
"Kidara, what is it? Is it done?" Okoye questions as she appears over my open palm.
"No, not yet Okoye," I say as I glance over my shoulders. "Tony, Rocket, and Dr. Banner are in the process of building a gauntlet to house the stones."
"So, you were successful in retrieving them? The stones?"
"Yeah... yeah, we... we were successful..." I trail off as my voice gets emotional. I shake my head, regaining control of my emotions. "I'm calling you to inform you that we will be doing it soon, they're almost done. I want you to station Dora Milaje out in the field and the forest and Shuri... Shuri's lab for when they return. Inform them of what has happened. Also, you will have to notify the citizens, they must be prepared for when their loved ones return."
"Yes, of course." Okoye agrees with a nod of her head. She watches me for a moment before continuing. "Kidara, are you okay sweetheart?"
I open my mouth to respond but instead a tear traces its way down the side of my cheek. So instead, I shake my head. "No." I moan quietly, more tears falling down my face.
"Kidara, sweetheart, what has happened?"
"It's Nat." I hiccup, my breathing beginning to hyperventilate. "She... she didn't make it..."
Okoye is silent as she lowers her head. She takes a deep breath before refocusing on me. "She is with the Ancestors now. Do you... do you wish for me to tell Steven?"
"No," I say with a shake of my head, wiping at the tears on my face. "I should be the one to tell him."
Okoye nods her head in agreement before focusing on me. "Kidara, what is on your mind?"
I take a deep breath, glancing around. "I just wish everything can go back to the way it was." I murmur. "Before Thanos. Before Killmonger. Before Vienna. Before Lagos. Before all of it." I take a breath, calming myself. "Everything was so much better before."
Okoye nods her head. "Yes, I agree with you, everything was better before all of it." She pauses, staring deep into my eyes. "But things wouldn't be the way they are now if it wasn't for what has happened." A tear trails down my face as she continues. "Yes, we had many losses in the last eight years, but we have also gained many incredibly good things. Especially you, Kidara. All the bad things may hurt but take pride and happiness in the good that's happened."
I nod my head as I smile at her. "You are right, like always."
"Of course, I am right," Okoye says smugly. "When will we be expecting you back in Wakanda?"
I release a breath, blowing some hair out of my face. "Once it's done," I answer as I brush my hair behind my ear. "The minute we're positive everyone's back, I'll return to Wakanda and collect Stevi. I'll return him to Tommy and Birdie, then return home."
"Do you think he will be happy?" Okoye asks with a raised eyebrow. "Being left with people he does not know or remember?"
I shake my head. "Probably not. But they're his parents, Okoye. He deserves to be with them." She just nods her head but doesn't look convinced. "It's what's best for Stevi," I argue. I shake my head as I continue. "I should get going. I will see you soon."
Okoye nods her head in understanding. "See you soon. Hlalani niphephile." Stay safe.
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Till the End|MCU|3
FanfictionThe War was Lost. The Innocent are Gone. Life goes On. But Not for Everyone. Book Three of the Ingcuka Series.