Ferocity

Chapter One - Loss

Kal casually strolled through the bustling market. A small smile crept up the corner of her mouth as a pair of children played in front of her. She watched the locals move about their day taking in the colours, smells and sounds of the busy outdoor plaza. Most moved around her without paying her any mind, however she did get the odd side lined glance and no one said a word to her. 

Her peace was abruptly interrupted by the chime of her Kimoyo beads. Lifting her wrist in front of her the caller's image appeared on the screen.

"Shuri! What's the matter?" Kal was startled by her tear stained face.

"My father...." Shuri's voice broke before she could finish, but that was all Kal needed to understand "Cousin, I need you"

"I'm on my way, I am so sorry Shuri" Kal responded compassionately fighting back her own tears in an attempt to remain strong for her cousin.

Kal disconnected the call, dropping her head into her hands to hide her grief from onlookers while she composed herself. King T'Chakka had never warmed to her, nor truly accepted Kal's presence in Wakanda and among his family. If it wasn't for Denora's insistence and Queen Ramonda's support she likely would not even be alive today. However, T'Chakka was a beloved king and his family adored him, and Kal adored them. Her heart broke for them, none more then T'Challa. Not only had he lost his father, but now he had the weight of the hidden kingdom of Wakanda on his shoulders, in addition to the mantle of the Black Panther.

Kal quickly collected herself and sprinted towards Shuri's lab, careful not to run too fast to raise suspicion. When Kal reached the lab she found her young cousin with her hands pressed firmly on her work table sobbing loudly. Kal  pulled Shuri into a tight hug who in turn leaned into the embrace sobbing loudly and quivering as she cried. 

Information regarding the king's death trickled in over the next few days and T'Challa's grief consumed him. He sought revenge, vowing to track down and kill the man responsible for his father's death, the Winter Solider. Kal worried about her cousin who had usually believed in peace and justice, not vengeance and murder.

"Let me help you T'Challa. If this Winter Soldier person is everything you say he is then I don't think you should go after him alone" Kal pleaded.

"No!" He snapped at her, realizing his tone immediately T'Challa's expression softened "I'm sorry, but I must do this alone as Panther, king and son it is my responsibility"

"I understand, believe me I do, but Wakanda needs you.  T'Challa there is no shame accepting help" She sighed "Also  I know your mother would feel much better knowing you have back up. As your cousin and friend, I would feel much better if that back up were me"

"M'Kali...." T'Challa sighed "You would definitely be an asset, but I can't risk them finding you. We cannot be certain that they are not still looking for you. I must protect my family and you are very much a part of my family"

Kal knew he would not relent. Even T'Chakka had insisted that the world outside of Wakanda was too dangerous for her and forbid her from leaving. Unlike T'Challa he was not concerned for her well being, his insistence was solely for the protection of Wakanda and to prevent her from being used by dangerous people. 

"Cousin if you die... I am going to kill you" With a laugh they disconnected the transmission. 

Kal started to pace around her small home anxiously. Her worrying over T'Challa and the Winter Solider was causing energy to build up inside her. It pressed against her skin, pushing against her will, threatening to come out. She decided to go for a run before her nervous energy split her open and unleash havoc.