Chapter 30
The Royal Talon Fighter emerged from stealth, gliding silently over the Wakandan mountains as dawn broke. Inside, T'Challa and Nakia sat quietly, her hand reaching for his. He looked at her and smiled just as Okoye's voice broke the silence: "Sister Nakia... My Prince. We are home." Together, Nakia and T'Challa moved to the front of the craft, peering out at their homeland with solemn admiration.
Below, shepherds of the Border Tribe tended to flocks of sheep and cattle as the ship's shadow passed over straw-thatched huts. Children ran out smiling and waving excitedly at the Prince. Two Border Tribe kids on horseback raced ahead, their horses kicking up dust in the air. The Royal Talon Fighter soared overhead as T'Challa watched them, smiling. "This never gets old," he said, the pride unmistakable in his voice.
From the air, the trio gazed down at a vast, beautiful rainforest stretching endlessly into the horizon, where they all spotted a white man in strange metal and leather armor standing alone just before the trees, staring toward Wakanda. No one said a word as the plane plunged toward the forest. At the last second, it passed through the dense foliage, revealing it to be a massive hologram shielding the hidden wonder beneath.
The Golden City of Wakanda shimmered below, a sprawling metropolis of futuristic grandeur with veins of public transportation threading between majestic skyscrapers. The Royal Talon Fighter made its way to the center, touching down at the Royal Palace's landing pad. Ramonda, regal and composed, stood flanked by Shuri and Ayo. As Okoye, T'Challa, and Nakia exited the craft, Nakia bowed respectfully and said, "Queen Mother... Princess. My comfort for your loss."
"Thank you, Nakia. It is so good to have you back with us," Ramonda replied warmly. "Take her to the River Province to prepare her for the ceremony," Okoye ordered Ayo, who replied, "Yes, general," before walking off with Nakia. Shuri, ever observant, teased, "Did he freeze?" "Like an antelope in headlights," Okoye answered dryly, making Shuri laugh. "Are you finished?" T'Challa asked, rolling his eyes as Okoye signaled the Dora Milaje to follow her out. Turning to Shuri, he added, "So surprised my little sister came to see me off before our big day."
"You wish. I'm here for the EMP beads, I've developed an update," Shuri replied. "Update? No, it worked perfectly," T'Challa protested. Shuri smirked. "How many times do I have to teach you, just because something works, doesn't mean that it cannot be improved." T'Challa teased her back, "You are teaching me, what do you know?" Shuri extended her hand, and T'Challa handed her the beads. As she turned to leave, he called out, "I cannot wait to see what kind of update you make to your ceremonial outfit."
Shuri flipped him off. "Shuri!" Ramonda called, and Shuri quickly said, "Sorry, mother." T'Challa turned to Ramonda, asking gently, "How are you feeling today, mama?" She smiled with quiet pride. "Proud... your father and I would talk about this day all the time. He is with us, and it is your time to be King."
The air around the Royal Palace held a soft warmth, the sun casting golden light across polished stone as a breeze rustled the trees in the distance. T'Challa, arms behind his back, turned slowly toward Ramonda, his voice low. "And what of the invisible portal?" Ramonda sighed, her expression weary, but it was Shuri who stepped forward, arms folded as her expression turned serious. "Another came, just as expected," she said. "It was stronger than the last." T'Challa's jaw tensed as he asked, "And you still haven't detected the point of entry, or how to stop it?" Shuri shook her head slowly. The room fell into silence for a heartbeat, before T'Challa glanced sideways and asked, "And what of the strange white man outside?"
Shuri's lips curled into a half-smile. "Oh, you won't believe who it is." T'Challa exhaled sharply through his nose. "Then don't make me guess." Shuri pursed her lips, fingers dancing over her Kimoyo Beads as a hologram shimmered to life—there stood Ash, arms at his sides, facing the massive illusionary forest wall without stepping forward. "Ashborn," T'Challa said in surprise. "Yap," Shuri nodded. "He arrived a couple of minutes ago. Out of nowhere." Intrigued, T'Challa stepped back thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing. "Are you going to meet him?" Ramonda asked gently. "I have to see what he wants," T'Challa replied. "Can I come?" Shuri chimed in with a grin. "No. Work on the beads," T'Challa said firmly, already turning toward Okoye.
The quiet hum of the Royal Talon Fighter echoed softly in the distance as it hovered above the edge of the rainforest. T'Challa and Okoye stood inside, the light bouncing gently across the vibranium panels as the craft descended. It landed just before the shimmering wall of the hologram, wind blowing softly through the grass. The ramp hissed open, and the two stepped out, their steps steady and composed. Ash stood still on the other side, arms relaxed, a confident smile across his lips. "Good morning, Your Highness," he greeted, voice calm, posture unbothered, like he wasn't standing before the King of Wakanda. T'Challa's stare was unreadable as he stepped closer. "And what brings you here, Ashborn?"
"Please," Ash chuckled softly, tilting his head, "It's just Ash. And I'm here to help you." T'Challa didn't flinch, his voice sharp with skepticism. "Help us? With what, exactly? And how did you even know where Wakanda was?" Ash gave a casual shrug, gaze steady. "Because it's my duty." Okoye's brow furrowed slightly as T'Challa took a step closer. "Your duty?" he repeated, tone clipped. "The creatures," Ash said, voice lowering, "The ones that appear out of the invisible portal." T'Challa's eyes narrowed. Okoye's hand briefly hovered near her spear. Ash then raised a hand, pointing toward the west. "The one that is coming from there."
The wind shifted slightly, stirring the leaves as a flock of birds scattered from a nearby tree. T'Challa didn't look where Ash pointed—he already knew. "Impossible," he muttered. His voice had a hard edge. "How could you detect them?" Ash met his eyes with quiet certainty. "Because it's my duty... as the champion of my god." T'Challa's brow raised at that. Ash continued, his gaze drifting toward the sky. "I don't like being in the domain of Bast. It's... uncomfortable," he admitted, well, lied, his lips tightening. "But I go where I must. I didn't come here to cause trouble. I came to slay the monster—and more importantly..." He paused, eyes returning to T'Challa. "To make sure they disappear permanently."
T'Challa stood quietly, his stare lingering. Okoye didn't speak—she never did in moments like this. But her body was taut, ready. T'Challa finally exhaled through his nose. "Give us some time," he said. Ash's smile returned, easy and unconcerned. "It's fine," he said, patting the dark leather bag slung over his shoulder. "I packed the essentials." His voice took on a lighter tone. "So take your time... well, not too much." His expression sobered as his gaze shifted toward the tree line again. "Another beast is coming through soon."