#attuma

And then here comes M’akiva marching down the steps of the temple angrily. Probably wearing this…

“You fool! Idiot! Going into battle on your own without waiting for backup!”

And Attuma just smiles at her as she approaches looking down at her with warmth.

“Was my desert cobra worried her shark would be in danger?” He coos.

This night before the day of battle everyone prays to their gods, drinks and shares stories and even makes love as if it is their last time together. I sat in the middle of the temple room, staring at the ten rings, my mother’s rings, that each hold vials of the Mama Wati. The purple glowing liquid sloshes around. The rings are made of raw vibranium. Once released into water, they release their poison. Kebi and Ma’at growl and groan as they press their large heads against my body. I rub Kebi’s thick mane.

“If I do not come back, this temple is yours.” I replied with a tease.

The next morning, I dress in my black war gown. It’s regal but dangerously elegant all the same. Its corset is covered in gold embroidery and baroque-inspired detailing, giving it its goddess like appearance. The thigh-high openings and flowing velvet like skirt give me space to move and grab the blades I will have strapped there.

I braid my hair down and place my gold and black hair pins laced with poison in my hair. The rings fit perfectly on my fingers. Once I am ready, I raise my spear already dipped with my favorite acidic poison and turn and leave the temple commanding Griot to activate the defense shield. As I make my way to the harbor, the Jabari see me and bark at me in greeting. I nod at them and when M’Baku sees me he barks in shock.

“M’akiva! What are you wearing! You are not going to battle dressed like that! Cover yourself girl!” he says. I pout at his nagging and cross my arms.

“Brother you are embarrassing me!” I whine.

“Priestess.” The rich voice of Nakia grabs my attention. I look at her and smile and approach.

“Nakia.” I said and moved to hug her. We embrace for a moment before she pulls back, her hands moving to my hands to see the rings, the sharp purple tint catches her attention. I await her stare as her eyes find me.

“Shuri spoke to you first I see.” she said. I nodded.

“It has been a long time since I have seen battle…” I said. She nodded slowly.

“Just… do not be to ready to end it all.” she advises. I nodded slowly.

“Of course.” I replied and she gives a gentle smile. We turn and see another young girl approaching. From her clothes alone I can tell she is not Wakandan.

“High Priestess M’akiva, RiRi Williams.” she introduced. So this is the young scientist responsible for all of this. RiRi cleared her throat nervously and nodded.

“Hi.” she said. I nodded slowly, a mild scowl on my face.

“So, you are the cause of all this… the reason our queen is dead.” I said icily. Her entire body stilled, the emotions in her eyes turning to angst.

“Wow and I thought holy women were softer.” she says.

“I am a warrior first and a holy woman second in this situation… you are fighting with us?” I asked. Her eyes showed strength and she nodded.

“Yes, for the queen.” she said, and my head lifted as I saw the fight in her eyes. I take her arm and hold it tight which made her shocked at the sudden acceptance.

“Do not die.” I said. She swallowed and nodded giving my arm a squeeze. We see Shuri coming out in her Black Panther suit. I inhaled quietly at the sight of her. Her eyes were dark yet held strength. She was ready to lead to fight.

Warriors were boarding the Sea Leopard now. Shuri looked at me.

“When you hear my signal… do it.” she said. I dipped my head into a bow, and M’Baku approached us, looking at me.

“Let’s go… you’ll stay by my side, Priestess.” he says. Priests and priestess were still seen as high nobility in Wakanda and require some type of bodyguard during times of war. I nod and follow him aboard the vessel. We stood side by side looking at the water below.

“It has been quite a long time since we fought together.” M’Baku said and I nodded staring at the relaxed water.

“Yes, it has been.” I said calmly. M’Baku inhales.

“We will be victorious, one way or the other way.” he said. I nodded.

“I believe we will be.” I agree.

“Can I be honest with you about something?” he asked. I nodded once, our eyes never meeting each other.

“You’re admitting you’re in love with me and you wish you had married me when given the opportunity?” I tease. He gives a low chuckle, and I smile at the water.

“I never agreed with Queen Ramonda assigning you to the Temple of Bastet… I felt it was a way to keep eyes on you to ensure you didn’t use your poisons on Wakanda.” he said. I inhaled as he said this his voice filled with emotion. “You were still a young woman when the Venom Tribe parishad. You should have been accepted into another tribe, raised with them, found a husband, had babies if you wished, not isolated from Wakanda like it was from the rest of the world.” He said. I was quiet for a moment before looking up at him.

“Why didn’t the Jabari tribe take me in?” I asked now a hint of vulnerability in my tone. M’Baku looked down at me.

“My father wouldn’t allow it. The Jabari were still outcasted as well, high in the mountains. The cold is no place for a snake in mourning.” he said raising his hand and gently pressing it onto my shoulder. Slowly that vulnerability faded as I nodded.

“I understand… whatever happens, we will return to Wakanda together.” I said. He nodded with a smile.

“Together.” he said. The Sea Leopard began to move through the water.

The Atlantic – Normal POV

By now the Talokanil were in the water led by Namor to seek and destroy a machine they caught mining for vibranium. However, the high-pitched blasts hit their ears making them all lean over in pain gripping their ears. The whales that swam with them fled from the noise.

“Get out of the water!” Namor commanded as they all swam to the surface. Their brown skin faded blue as the air hit their flesh. Many warriors shook their heads as a large vessel began to appear before their eyes. Shuri stepped to the front, a dark look in her eyes.

“YIBAMBE!” she yells with her fist to the air.

“YIBAMBE!” her warriors behind her chant as they too raise their weapons to the air. Namor’s eyes widened as he sees them all, but takes note of the priestess, her dark colors almost like that of a serpent. He has heard of the poison that adorns her body through weapons. Two large ships fly overhead taking aim to fire. He points his weapon to the priestess.

“DO NOT LET THAT WOMAN’S BODY TOUCH THIS WATER!” he commands as the fighter ships fire on the water. The Talokanil dive into the water heading toward the ships as Namor flies into the sky to take on the ship. Attuma sees the priestess and immediately dives into the water.

M’Baku looks at M’akiva.

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