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Chapter Text

Shuri was lost, well not really. She knew exactly where she was, but mentally she had no idea which direction to go. She felt numb and so incredibly cold. If only the avengers were stronger, if only she was faster, if only…

Shuri was sitting alone in the throne room, half of the council was turned to dust with her brother and mother. She had dismissed the council until further notice to allow them to grieve. How could they grieve at a time like this, no bodies to bury when half of the population turned to dust. They were able to grieve those that fell in the attack properly, but what of the missing, what of her family?

Shuri had allowed the avengers to spend time here in Wakanda, but she knew they were ashamed. Ashamed, of course they should feel ashamed, they are, or at least were, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, but Shuri knew better. They were a weak group that hated each other from the Battle of New York to the Battle of Wakanda. They were no longer the avengers, just a group of people processing their trauma by fighting between themselves.

Okoye walked through the doors, startling Shuri out of her stupor. “Princess, you must stop your pity party, Wakanda needs a leader.”

Shuri stood, “What am I supposed to do? My brother was taught how to lead, how to protect. All I am is a scientist, a child who scoffs at tradition, I cannot lead Wakanda.”

“That is where you are wrong,” Okoye counters. “You have led Wakanda to greatness, keeping our people safe with your technology. Do not listen to the ugly overgrown gorilla, you have grown into a bright woman. Your people need you now more than ever. The UN is approaching Wakanda about sharing resources. I am worried that if we do not show a strong front we will lose our way of life.”

Shuri took a deep breath, sitting back down on the throne, “Tell the UN we are in a state of mourning as we have lost our King. This should buy me some time to gather my thoughts. I will address Wakanda tomorrow.” Okoye nodded her head, walking back out of the room.
“Bast, please provide guidance, what can I do? Wakanda has no allies to lean on,” Shuri buried her face in her hands. She was found later that night asleep on the throne, dried tears on her cheeks. She was then carried to her rooms and laid in her bed.

When Shuri awoke she was met with one of the palace servants laying an outfit out for her. “Thank you, but I can prepare myself today.” The servant nodded their head and left the room. Shuri had no idea what to say to her people, this was the first time she would be saying anything to all of Wakanda.

Once Shuri was finished with her hair she decided to put on her war paint, showing that she was going to fight for Wakanda in any conflict she faces. She returns the outfit the servant chose, trading the outfit for battle armor, she exuded the power she held. She would never be caught off guard again.

Shuri follows the dora onto a balcony, people crowding the streets. “My people,” Shuri raises her arms, gesturing for them to calm, “I know this has been a trying time for us all, we are in a mourning period for the loss of the victims of Thano’s atack. I give you my word, as princess, that I will protect Wakanda from any threat. Unlike my brother I will not allow outsiders into our home. However, unlike my father, I cannot allow Wakanda to be weakened with no allies on the global scene. I will strengthen this great nation no matter the cost. We will not be weak in the eyes of the world, we will be strong!” The crowd began to cheer, applause echoing through the city. Shuri knew what she had to do now.

Shuri called for her staff to gather the head scientists and military leaders. No matter what Okoye said, they had to break tradition for the betterment of Wakanda. She entered the throne room to see Okoye and M’Baku waiting for her.

“That was a wonderful speech princess,” M’Baku chuckled, pointing a carrot at her. “I cannot wait to see the changes you bring when you become queen.”

Okoye rolled her eyes at the man, turning her attention to Shuri. “Are you sure you know what you are doing princess? You are not a warrior, nor have you been trained in the ways of politics like T’Challa.”

Shuri huffed, “I am no longer a child. I can figure this out, humans are predictable, especially greedy colonizers.” Shuri flopped down on the throne, very unqueenly as M’Baku would later comment. Just a few moments later the dora guards announced the arrival of the scientists and generals.

Shuri sat up in the throne, trying her best to appear as confident as her brother and father had before her. “I have summoned you all here to strengthen the borders and provide upgrades to our military armor. I want the military to be able to go toe to toe with enhanced beings such as Captain America and the Hulk.”

Okoye objected, “You cannot change centuries of tradition.”

Shuri glanced at her, “I will not let Wakanda fall due to our traditions. We will not lose them, but they must be upgraded. Your spears must become more lethal and accessible. I will not have my people die in another pointless war due to being overpowered physically. You may keep whatever traditions you would like, but there must be changes.”

“Yes princess,” Okoye agreed reluctantly.

Shuri faced the scientists, “The borders must also be calibrated to withstand an attack from the atmosphere as well as beneath the ground. Set up sensors and satellites to warn us of any approaching attacks. Whatever you can think of to strengthen the border, I approve of it.”
The scientist nodded their heads in affirmation. “You are all dismissed.” Shuri waved her hand, the group shuffling out of the throne room leaving Shuri with Okoye and M’Baku.
Okoye stood and turned towards Shuri. “What is the meaning of this, we cannot break tradition. I cannot replace a spear with any of your technology.”

Shuri stood, placing her hands on Okoye’s shoulders. “I am not asking you to do that. The dora will remain with their spears, spears that will be modified so that no one but the Dora may use them. I also ask that the dora have a secondary weapon with them just in case.”

Okoye contemplated Shuri’s ideas. “What of our armor?”

“The armor will appear to remain the same, however, the armor will provide more strength and agility to the users. There will also be a small amount of the dora that will have nanotechnology suits that allow them to fly like Iron Man or Vision.” Okoye seemed to brighten up at the idea. Shuri gestured for her to leave, “I must speak with M’Baku alone.”

Once they were alone M’baku spoke, “I now see that I was wrong, you are not a child who scoffs at tradition. You are a leader that brings the ideals of your people to a new level.”

Shuri was about to speak when he interrupted her. “The Jabari may never agree to unite with the rest of Wakanda, but we would be happy to become allies, friends. If you would allow us.”

Shuri smiled warmly, “Of course, but I must ask that you train me to become a warrior. I have training with the Dora Milaje now as well, but if I am to become queen I must be able to fight at warrior falls in a year's time.”

M’Baku nodded his head, “If I cannot train you personally I will have my best warrior train you.” With that M’Baku left the palace.

Shuri wandered the halls of the palace, suddenly she heard a faint hissing noise. She kept walking, the hissing became louder. Shuri was able to hear a small voice, “Come find me, I can help you.” Shuri stood frozen, the voice grew louder and louder, drowning out all the sounds of the busy palace.

Suddenly the entire palace, including the hissing, came to an abrupt stop. There was no noise, just emptiness. Shuri tried to call out to her guards, but no noise came from her. A shiver grew up Shuri’s spine, raising the hair on her neck. She turned to see two glowing purple eyes.

“WAKE UP,” a looming, dark voice shouted from the void.

Shuri gasped, sitting up straight. She frantically looked around, trying to grasp where she was. There was a large window, the moon’s glow reaching into the room. Red dirt under her feet. Shuri came to realize she fell asleep after M’Baku left. It seemed to have been late at night, possibly early morning.

Shuri shook her head, trying to get rid of the weird dream she had occurred. Quickly leaving the throne room in favor of her lab, knowing she wasn’t going to be getting any sleep for the rest of the night.

Chapter Text

It had been a full year since Thanos’ army had attacked earth. In the past year Shuri had met with the UN, trying to keep the outsiders’ attention from Wakanda and its vibranium. She had learned much about the workings of global and internal politics. She was proud of how well she had been doing.

Providing assistance to the avengers, mostly Okoye’s job, was depressing. They were all dealing with their traumas in different ways, unhealthy for the majority. Shuri had sent a doctor to them for a few weeks to make sure nothing drastic would happen. Shuri had also become close with Tony Stark, bonding over their shared love of science and technology. She was even invited to the small wedding of Tony and Pepper.

After a few months of grieving for those lost to the snap, Shuri had become Queen of Wakanda. It was a happy day for her people, no one had challenged Shuri, not even the Jabari tribe.

Now a strange man has emerged from the river, seeking an audience with the queen. Shuri had called M’Baku to attend the meeting, she nodded towards the dora standing guard, silently commanding them to open the doors. It was not only the man who walked through, but two blue warriors.

Shuri could not stop M’Baku’s choice of words, “What is it that you, the fishman, wants from Wakanda?”

The man glared at M’Baku, Shuri interrupting the forming argument, “Ignore Lord M’Baku, it seems that the elevation change has caused him some confusion.” Shuri glared at M’Baku, silently telling him to remain quiet.

The man’s gaze returned to Shuri, “You are the woman I have heard so much about, your technology keeps you people safe from a world that wishes to destroy your nation.”

Shuri smiled, knowing what he was going to ask, “You are K’uk’ulkan, the god-king of Talokan, your people are scattered throughout the ocean. Now though, there are only a small handful of your people, able to fill your entire capital city. You now have only a mere fraction of the population that your nation once was.”

K’uk’ulkan sneered, “How do you know so much about my people?”

Shuri scoffed, “It is difficult not to notice that when Thanos supposedly snapped half of the population, the outside nations came close to 50% loss, but they came up short. I had ordered Wakanda to claim more had been lost to the snap than what was feasibly possible, during that time I had used the satellites of one of Wakanda’s allies to search for any hidden nations.”

“Who all knows of my nation?” the man gripped his spear, ready to attack. The dora immediately sprung into action, pointing their spears at the king.

Shuri raised her hand, the dora reluctantly withdrew, “I was the only one to know of your nation until you so kindly broke into my nation last night. I had briefed my commanders and Lord M’Baku of your nation just this morning. I give you my word, no outsider knows of your existence, I had deleted all of my findings from the satellites, making sure that your nation wouldn’t be found in the future.”

K’uk’ulkan relaxed, “I give you my thanks Queen Shuri of Wakanda.”

Shuri smiled warmly at her fellow ruler, “In these uncertain times the other nations have begun to corner Wakanda, looking for vibranium. If there is any chance that a hidden nation built on vibranium exists, it is in Wakanda’s best interest for them to remain hidden.”

“I have come here seeking an alliance that seems to have already formed,” K’uk’ulkan chuckled.

Shuri nodded her head, “It is an alliance, however it is not a strong one. If you wish, we would gladly draw up a formal alliance with the kingdom of Talokan.”

K’uk’ulkan grinned, “Talokan accepts your offer, we will return in two days to discuss this alliance.” The three Talokanil left the palace, returning to the river.

Shuri slumped against the back of the throne, “I will begin drafting the conditions of the alliance tonight.”

“Good, now I must return to my children, they will be finishing their classes shortly.” M’Baku’s wife had been one of the people turned to dust. Shuri had offered him a place in the palace for him and his children, but he refused, wanting to stay in the spot where his wife had vanished from.

Shuri stood from her throne, “Okoye, have the scientists begin preparations for an underwater barrier. The barrier should cover the signal of vibranium and make it appear as if the area underneath is uninhabited.”

The truth about Shuri’s discovery of Talokan was through dreams, the horrible dreams that haunted her every night. She had begun to dream of an unfamiliar place six months ago, a soft glow filling the caves, pools of water filled with glowing eyes screaming at her, begging her to come to them.

She had made the decision to dissolve the council of elders after an unfortunate meeting led to them arguing with her ability to lead. “I am queen of the most powerful nation known to mankind. I have lost my entire family, I will not let this council throw me out as if I am nothing but a pest.” M’Baku had been the only one to defend her, so she had made him her advisor.
Shuri had then begun searching for the place from her dreams. She had used Stark’s satellites to search the world faster than her War Dogs would have been able to, she had covered her tracks so well that not even she could find the nation of Talokan with the satellites again.

Shuri had decided that after dissolving the council she would go to all of the tribes to listen to the people’s concerns. Each day was a different tribe, with two days where she didn’t go to any tribe. Today she was to go to the river tribe, the tribe her mother and sister-in-law were from. Shuri knew of Nakia and T’Challa’s son, but he was one of the dusted along with Nakia herself. Shuri was truly the last of her family and there was no way for the dusted to return, the avengers had told Okoye of Thanos getting rid of the stones.

Shuri made her way through the city towards the river tribe, once she had arrived there was a line of people that had formed. Most were people looking to gain favor of the queen, a few small children and infants with their parents to be blessed by Shuri in the name of Bast, there was only one tribesman that had come to gain her hand in marriage this time.

When Shuri had just begun these meetings there had been many men looking to become King, but Shuri had always rejected them with grace. Shuri had not wanted to marry anyone as of yet, the future was too uncertain, the world too unstable. Wakanda needed to get back up onto her feet before Shuri would even consider marriage. Now with the possible alliance between the only two nations with vibranium, Shuri had hope, hope for a better future for Wakanda.

Once Shuri had finished with the river tribe she had made her way back to her palace, to her labs. She knew that Wakanda was vulnerable due to the loss of the Black Panther, she was working on an artificial herb but her discoveries had begun to plateau. There was a key element to the herb that was missing. Shuri remained in her lab for the rest of the day. Alternating between working on the herb and drafting the alliance papers.

The next day Shuri had decided that there would be a celebration in the city to welcome their new allies. She had the palace staff begin the preparations and spread the word into the market as she finished her draft.

She finished at midday, deciding to stretch her legs, and she took a walk through the market. Her people were moving excitedly through the shops and restaurants, decorations were lining the streets, the smell of wet paint hung in the air. Shuri smiled, knowing that this alliance would help protect Wakanda in the absence of the Black Panther.

She saw a young mother struggling to carry a basket full of food and keep her energetic toddler close by. Shuri rushed over, grabbing the basket before it fell, “Here, let me help you.”

“Thank you my queen,” the woman sighed in relief. “M’Kaba, come here.” The toddler ran over to his mother, babbling.

“What a sweet child you have,” Shuri smiled warmly.

“Oh yes, he is a miracle. I am just sad that his father, who has turned to dust, cannot be here to witness him grow up,” the woman picked up her son, wiping tears from her eyes. Shuri moved the basket to rest on her hip, comforting the woman with her freed arm. “Come, the food is needed at a nearby food stand.” The woman led Shuri through the market.

Chapter Text

The very next day, Shuri waited with her entourage at the river’s bed. Namor and his two generals emerged just as the sun was rising into the sky. “K’uk’ulkan, it is good to see you,” Shuri crossed her arms in greeting, bowing her head slightly. “Come, my people have organized a celebration for our countries’ alliance.” Shuri turned leading the king and his people through the market.

Her people were cheering and dancing through the streets, laughing loudly with one another. “I will give you a true tour once our discussions are complete,” Shuri smiled, seeing Namor’s face fill with wonder at the sights, smells and sounds of the celebrations.

Namor smiled, “That is a generous offer Queen Shuri, we would be honored for you and your two advisors to join us in Talokan after the alliance is formal.”

Shuri beams, nodding her head, she moves quickly through the street. The royal guards greeted them at the entrance of the palace, escorting them to the throne room. The room held only three permanent seats, two smaller seats on each side of Shuri’s larger throne. Across the room were three other smaller seats for the Talokanil and Namor.

“Please take a seat,” Shuri sat, bringing up the draft she had created on the tablet. She handed the tablet to Namor, “This outlines what Wakada expects in this alliance and what I have deemed to be a fair trade for Talokan.”

“Your reputation precedes you,” Namor glances over the tables, noticing two columns of writing, one in Xhosa and the other in his native language, Yucatec. He hands the tablet to Attuma, “We have the same ideals when it comes to caring for our people, I applaud your resolve in these trying times.”

“Thank you mighty K’uk’ulkan, your reputation however, is less known. You are the plumed serpent that created the winds and rain of the earth. You are the protector of your people, Wakanda has lost their protector due to a mad man from space,” Shuri took a breath, glancing at M’Baku and Okoye for strength at what she was about to say. “It is my duty to protect my people now, but i do not have the powers of the Black Panther to provide that protection, now I ask you K’uk’ulkan, would you be able to extend your protection to the people of Wakanda? In return you will have our utmost loyalty, access to all of our technology, and shelter for your people within our borders if need be.”

Attuma muttered in K’uk’ulkan’s ear, “~This alliance would allow for Talokan to walk upon the surface without fear. Our actions would be protected by Wakanda, with the technology they could provide our nation would be undetectable by surface nations.~”

“We will accept your terms, but in return Talokan would like a border similar to the one that your nation has, one that will stop the pollution in our cities, one that will be undetectable by any nation from the surface.”

It wasn’t Shuri that spoke but Okoye, “That is reasonable, but I must ask, what are Talokan’s military capabilities?”

“As Queen Shuri had known, my people are warriors, they outnumbered the blades of grass in this nation. They all had the strength greater than even the best warriors of this earth. Now there is a mere fraction of the grand army there once was, but I promise that my people will fight with the same strength that they once had before the disaster.”

“Do you accept this alliance God-King K’uk’ulkan?” Shuri stood, extending her hand to Namor.

“We accept this alliance, I will extend my protection to Wakanda in return for a barrier to keep my people safe,” Namor stood, grasping Shuri’s arm. They quickly signed their names to finalize the documents, Namora, Attuma, M’Baku and Okoye following their leaders.

Okoye took Namora and Attuma to the training grounds of the Dora Milaje. Meanwhile, Shuri led Namor to her personal labs where the head scientists were working diligently on the barrier. “I had known that even if you did not agree to an alliance, Talokan would have been found within a matter of years by the other nations. They have been attempting to infiltrate the War Dog program ever since my brother decided to tell the world of our secret.” Shuri then pulled up a model of the barrier on her screen, “This is the best way to protect Wakanda from their advances, by not allowing them to access any vibranium whatsoever.”

Namor gently took Shuri’s hand, “I did not make an alliance with Wakanda.” Shuri withdrew her hand, her face going cold. “When you have lived as long as I have, you do not make alliances with nations, you make them with the leaders. When I was a boy I had my advisors and each advisor was replaced with their next of kin, and they do not always hold the same ideals as the advisor before them making it difficult to do what was needed for my people. I made an alliance with the mighty queen of Wakanda, not the nation.”

Shuri’s face remained passive, “You are saying that once I am gone that Wakanda will no longer have the protection of you and your people?”

“Only if the next in line for Wakanda’s throne no longer has Talokan’s best interest in mind.”

“There is no next in line for the throne, I am the last of my family. My father was murdered and the rest returned to the dust from which we came,” Shuri’s voice turning clinically stale.

“What would happen to your people if you were to perish or disappear just as your family did? What would happen to Talokan if Wakanda decided to tell the surface of my nation in your absence?”

Shuri crossed her arms, “I am not the Black Panther, a god-like being such as yourself or even Bast herself, I will die and everything I do now will be in the best interest of both of our people. The betterment of your nation protects my nation if I were to have an untimely death.”
“You are incorrect in reina, there is so much more to you than what you have been told,” Namor stepped closer to Shuri.

Shuri turned away from him, “We must get ready to announce the alliance in front of my people, as is tradition. Dress in your formal royal attire, my staff will escort you to your rooms and back to the throne room before the announcement is made.” Shuri quickly left Namor in her labs, her mind racing from what he had said. Immediately the recurring dreams and glowing eyes were at the forefront of her mind.

Shuri stumbled through the door of her room, gasping for breath. She had not had a full night’s sleep since before Thanos, she knew how to help herself recover as she had done for Sergeant Barnes and many of her own people after the traumatic events from the last few years. However she could not allow herself to take that much time away from her people, her people that had been through too many battles and suffered too many losses in her brother’s short reign.

Shuri quickly changed into her royal battle garb, similar to the outfit she wore in the battle against her cousin. The gauntlets were turned into nanotech that was stored in clawlike jewelry that covered her nails and a panther fur cape held in place by black vibranium rings that were the same as the dora’s neck armor. The panther teeth on her jaws were more pronounced, as if she took the bone jaws from her falls outfit and covered them in vibranium.

Shuri then strode through the palace back to the throne room where Namor was waiting, wearing his giant feathered headdress and a cape. “In reina, you are as if Ix Chel walked the earth once more,” Namor bowed his head in greeting.

Shuri glanced at him, “Come, my people are waiting.” Shuri led Namor onto a balcony overlooking the capital city.

Shuri raised her arms, quieting the roar of the crowd. “My people, Wakanda has found its equal. Talokan’s King K’uk’ulkan has agreed to an alliance, protecting Wakanda in the absence of our black panther. Wakanda has now opened her borders and her arms to her new brothers and sisters, celebrate as one with Talokanil tonight and tomorrow Wakanda will rise.”

The people in the streets cheer and the celebrations continue, a few talokanil warriors scattered throughout the crowd. The two rulers retreated back into the palace, Shuri quickly turning to face Namor, “I will be attending a UN meeting to discuss the trade of vibranium in a week, as Wakanda’s ally-”

“-your ally.” Namor interrupted.

“As I was saying,” Shuri huffed. “Here is a set of kimoyo beads that will play the meeting in real time for you or as a recording if you are unavailable at the time of the meeting.”

Namor took the bracelet from Shuri’s outstretched hand, placing it carefully on his wrist. “I would like for you to come to my kingdom after this meeting, you have yet to see it in person and you have already done so much to protect my people as your own.”

Shuri nodded her head in acknowledgment, “I will need Okoye and Ayo to be with me as they are my commanding officers.”

“Of course,” Namor bowed his head slightly, “As you had allowed my generals within your country, your’s are allowed to accompany you.”

Chapter Text

Shuri sat, lost in the memory of the UN meeting that just finished not half an hour ago. The US and France were claiming her to be an incompetent leader. Shuri had stayed silent during the two nations’ tirade.

Once the two had finished their accusations, Shuri stood and walked in front of the table for Wakanda. “I know that I am the youngest in this room, I know that it appears that I have the least amount of experience in the politics of this world. But never think for one second that I am incapable of leading my nation through these tough times, and I must say that the condition of my people and my country are infinitely better than the condition of all of your people and countries. While all of you are worried about Wakanda attacking your nations, you forget that we have suffered the most amount of losses due to the battle against Thanos and we have suffered the greatest percentage of our population turning to dust. Focus on your own people and resources, once you have all shown that you can be trusted Wakanda might just entertain the thought of trading with other nations, until then Wakanda’s borders are closed, the outreach programs will be withdrawn and any outsider found lurking around our borders will be met with hostility.” Shuri stormed out of the meeting with the Dora Milaje following in formation.

“My queen we are approaching the coordinates,” Okoye spoke from the front of the Royal Talon, startling Shuri out of her trance.

Okoye gently landed the jet, following Shuri out of the ship and to where Namor was waiting, “In reina, it is good to see you again.”

Shuri smiled, “It is good to see you as well K’uk’ulkan.”

“Follow me, there is a cenote not far with diving suits for you and your companions.” Namor led the three women away from the beach and into the forest. “I must inform you we were only able to obtain two of the diving suits.”

Shuri waved her hand, “No need to worry, I have a specialized suit for myself that can withstand the pressure and temperatures of the ocean.”

Namor smiled softly, “Of course in reina, your intellect knows no bounds.”

The group came to the cenote, Namor dove in first to lead the Wakandans, Okoye and Ayo taking a bead from their kimoyo beads and placing it in their mouths. Shortly after Shuri found out about Talokan she had begun to develop ways to allow for her people to breathe underwater for short periods of time. Shuri however activated a modified black panther nanotech suit.The suit was stored in the vibranium jaws she seemed to always wear now, as if the panther jaws were fused with her skin, always meant to be there.

The group of four emerged from the water to see a cave system with glow worms hanging from the ceiling. Namor helped Shuri out of the water as Okoye and Ayo swam to the rocky shore. Two Talokanil women bowed to the two leaders and greeted the warriors warmly.

“They will help your people into the suits, please come with me while we wait,” Namor took Shuri to a small building with traditional mayan art spread across the walls.

“This is beautiful, did you do this yourself?” Shuri reached a hand out towards the paintings, stopping short, worried that touching such detailed art would be seen as an insult.

Namor however took her hand and guided it along the lines of the painting, “Yes, I have painted all of these to show the history of my people. The murals in the temple holding the vibranium sun are much grander and hold even more stories. I will show you and teach you all of my people’s history in time.”

Namor’s hand fell to his side, he turned away from Shuri and towards a small table holding paints. Shuri turned her head back to the paintings, mesmerized by them, as if they were calling to her.

“In reina, my generals offered to give your companions a tour of our training grounds while I show you the city.”

“Of course, lead the way.”

Namor guided Shuri through the currents by her hand, bringing her to the markets where the Talokanil were just beginning their day. Children were playing, laughing joyfully. One small child saw the two royals, grabbing the attention of the other children.

“K’uk’ulkan!” the small child quickly swam up to the two adults. “~What are you doing in the market today? Who is this woman? Is she to be our new queen? Why is she dressed as Ix Chel?”

“~Patli, it is good to see you,~” Namor smiled warmly. “~I am showing Queen Shuri of Wakanda the city. Her people worship their own jaguar goddess named Bast who protects Wakanda. Now run along, you will be late for your classes.~” Patli ran off with the group of children deeper into the heart of the city.

Shuri chuckled, “It seems the children of our nations are very similar.”

“How so?”

“Many of the children join me when I visit the tribes and tend to skip their lessons unless I send them away.”

“In Talokan, parents bring their newborn children to me to choose their names and to bless the child.” Namor guided Shuri through the markets and toward the temple.

“Before Thanos and the false king killed our shamans and burned our sacred gardens, newborns would be brought before Bast for her blessings. Now the children are brought to me.”

“How was this false king able to burn the gardens?”

“My father killed his own brother, leaving my cousin to seek revenge. When my cousin came to Wakanda just two years ago he nearly killed my brother in ritual combat for the throne. Assuming he won, the outsider took our heart shaped herb, giving him the enhanced abilities of the black panther. He ordered the shamans to burn the rest. My sister in law was able to get one of the herbs before it was burned as well, later my brother was able to defeat my cousin after the herb healed him.”

Namor laid a gentle hand on Shuri’s shoulder. “My people used a similar plant that granted them the ability to live underwater. We have more of it in our temple, if you are as much of a scientist as you claim you may be able to use our flower to recreate your herb.”

Shuri’s eyes brightened, “You would truly allow me to have access to your temple and take a sample of the plant.”

“It is for the betterment of both of our nations.” Namor led Shuri through the underwater city, quickly reaching the temple. They quickly swam to the gardens, the blue light from the flowers bouncing off the walls of the temple. Namor took one of the flowers from the ground. “On your journey back to Wakanda make sure that it is kept submerged in water, the flower will be more helpful to you alive.”

Shuri was about to take the flower from Namor’s hands when a priest came over and placed the flower into a basket.

“Do not worry in reina the flower will be waiting in the shallow pools of the cenote.” Namore then led Shuri through the temple, telling her the stories from the large murals that covered the walls. Some were from before Talokan and some after. The largest mural was at the end of the hall. A Mayan-inspired mural with a central figure featuring wings on his ankles, surrounded by intricate Mayan patterns and glyphs. On the left side, people appear distressed and oppressed. On the right side, the same people are depicted with blue skin, joyful, and celebrating.