Chapter 8: Maefa, ya huu!!!

Nestled within the lush, emerald expanse of the Wakandan rainforest lay the ancestral lands of the Jabari. The territory was rugged and remote, its craggy mountains rising like fangs from the verdant jungle below.

The trees that blanket the mountainsides are ancient and towering, their branches creating a dense canopy that blocks out the light, shrouding the land in perpetual twilight.

The dense forest canopy blocked out much of the sun's warmth, leaving the ground perpetually shaded and cool. Yet, despite the cold, the mountains were far from silent.

The calls of exotic birds and the rustling of wild beasts filled the air, punctuated by the sound of the wind howling through the mountain passes.

Hidden deep within the Jabari Lands lay the village of the Jabari, a tribe of mountain warriors who have long guarded the secrets of Wakanda and its history. The village itself was built into the mountainside, its stone buildings blending seamlessly with the rock formations around it.

The palace of the Jabari King stood at the heart of the Jabari Lands, atop a towering, flat-topped mountain known as the "Bastion of the Jabari." This lofty citadel could only be reached by a narrow, winding path that zig-zags its way up the sheer cliff face.

The path, treacherous and steep, was dotted with ancient fortifications and guard posts, evidence of the long history of conflict that has shaped the Jabari.

Atop the mountain, the palace loomed over the surrounding forests, its walls made of the same white-veined wood that adorned the king's throne.

The architecture was a masterful blend of traditional Jabari craftsmanship and modern Wakandan technology, creating a structure that is both awe-inspiring and imposing.

The throne room was carved from the living stone of the mountain, its high ceiling supported by massive stone pillars that seemed to stretch into the very heavens.

The floor was polished to a mirror-like shine, reflecting the light from dozens of braziers that lined the walls.

At the far end of the room, upon a raised dais, sat the imposing figure of M'Daku. Dressed in traditional Jabari attire, his body was cloaked in layers of colourful cloth and animal hides, accentuating his massive frame and powerful physique.

He wore a silver necklace adorned with fangs, signifying his rank as leader.

To the side stood the young and yet imposing figure of his son, M'Baku, prince of the mountain gorillas. He stood attentively at his fathers side as they stared at the kneeling figure before them. 

M'Daku's dark, intense gaze rested upon the figure, a frown evident on his face. The throne room became still, the air thick with anticipation. A palpable sense of authority radiates from the Jabari King as he speaks in a deep, commanding voice.

"Speak! What news have you brought me?"

One could notice the scars that crisscrossed his face, each marking a victory or important event in his life. His presence filled the room, his confident stance and powerful build speaking of years of training and battle.

"T'Chaka king of Wakanda has brought in a man, a foreigner into the country and not as a prisoner. He and his family personally invited the foreigner to stay in the palace as a guest."

At the mention of 'foreigner' and 'guest' M'Daku's eyes narrowed in contemplation. He let out a low, guttural growl, his hand reaching for the spear that rests beside his throne.

"A foreigner in Wakanda? Has that senile old fool lost his mind! Tell me, what of this man?" The Jabari king commanded.

"It was a white male sire. He wore long white robes with golden accessories and walked around with a golden staff. He introduced himself as Darius."

M'Daku stood up and took a step forward, the earth trembling slightly beneath his powerful gait. His gaze piercing the young soldiers own gaze, as if seeking to gauge whether or not he was telling the truth intentions.

"Foreigners are not welcome in Wakanda. I M'Daku will not allow this!" 

The air in the throne room grew heavy, as if the very earth beneath everyone's feet was anticipating a conflict. The kneeling man realized that one wrong move could bring the wrath of the mad king down upon him.

"Come with me, you will take me to this man. The old king seems to have forgotten why Wakandans have remained hidden for the past centuries. A change of status is required." With those words the king grabbed his spear and descended from his throne.

"Today we remind them of what their ancestors fought for. Maefa!!!" The king shouted out.

"Ya huu!!!" His soldiers roared in return. Their blood boiling in anticipation of the battle that was to come. It was a known fact the Jabari were a tribe of beasts always hungry for a fight, M'Daku being the biggest beast of all.

"MAEFAAA!!!"

"YA HUU HUU!!!"

As M'Daku and his soldiers emerged from the palace, the Jabari King began to chant in a deep, guttural tone that is quickly echoed by his warriors.

The chant rose and fell like the swell of the ocean, growing louder and more insistent as the Jabari begin their descent down the mountain. The warriors chant as they marched, their feet pounding out a steady rhythm on the stone steps.

The sound of the chant echoed through the mountains, a call to the ancestors and a warning to any who might oppose the Jabari. 

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[Location: Royal palace, Back garden]

[Time: 11:34 AM]

[3rd POV]

The gardens of the royal family, located in the heart of Wakanda's capital city, were a breath taking sight to behold.

Tall, flowering trees provide a canopy of shade, while colourful vines climb up the sleek metallic-stone palace walls. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of exotic flowers and herbs, while a gentle stream trickles through the centre of the garden, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dry heat of the blazing summer.

Amidst the foliage, one could notice a series of stone sculptures, each depicting a different aspect of the Wakandan history and culture.

Spanning across several acres, the gardens were a mosaic of vibrant colours and fragrant aromas, where exotic flowers and plants flourish in the Wakandan sun.

Tall palm trees and lush shrubbery create a natural canopy, providing shade and serenity from the hustle and bustle of the city beyond.

A central fountain serves as the centrepiece, its waters dancing and shimmering in the light.

Three figures could be seen walking through the garden, side by side. One walked with hands behind his back, a long black traditional robe with intricate designs adorned his body. This was the prince, T'Chala.

Beside him was his sister walking with a youthful gait. Shuri's casual wear was a unique blend of African influences and modern fashion trends, reflecting her confident, creative personality.

She sported a bold, colourful dashiki with vibrant patterns, paired with a pair of stylish sneakers. A pair of dazzling hoop earrings hanged from her ears. Colourful feathers were dotted here and there.

[Image]

Walking directly ahead of them was a man with long flowing white hair that obscured his back. He wore white shorts, a golden belt around his waist. His upper body was bare and the two behind him stared at his back with curiosity.

Golden lines ran across his covered back, down his shoulders and arms and around his neck. They glistened in the sun creating a hypnotic effect to those looking.

[Image]

The lines were in such a intricate pattern that both T'Chala and Shuri could not make out what they could possibly represent.

Noticing the two's unhidden gaze towards his back, Darius with a teasing smile on his lips turned towards them and said, "Is my back really that interesting to you?"

Darius' voice brought them out of their trance and they raised their heads to meet his gaze. 

"Very interesting. What do this lines on your body mean?" Shuri asked. She was the type to say what was on her mind without mincing her words.

"Oh these little things? They are seals," Darius simply said with no further explanation.

"Seals? What for?"

This time it was the young prince who asked. His curiosity getting the better than him. He and his sister were alike in so many areas including their love for the unknown. However as a scientist, Shuri was the one who would go head first in pursuit of the unknown. T'Chala was more reserved in that regard.

"For my power of course. If I walked around with even a hundredth of my power this world would have crumbled the moment I landed on it." Darius said. His voice was calm and cheerful, a sharp contrast with what he just said.

The two siblings looked at each other in shock trying to comprehend what they just heard. If a hundredth of his power was enough to destroy the world then what of his full power?

"Why are you so shocked? There are more like me out there with even more power than me. They are the ones you should fear."

It was true. In the Trinity of Life, Harmony and Judgment, Darius was the last born and therefore the weakest. However he was the strongest physically as useless as that was, as there was no point in time did Darius ever need to use physical strength.

His sister, Life, was a force to be reckoned with. She was second only to their father the Creator. 

"M-more?" T'Chala asked fearfully.

"Yes more, plenty more. Don't worry though, not many of them hold interest in mortals as I do so it's nigh impossible to ever meet anyone like me. Lucky ain't ya."

 The siblings went quite as they tried to digest the information. The garden became silent and tranquil again, the only sound they could hear was the sound of Darius' feet thudded on the ground softly and the jingle of his staff.

They walked in silence, absorbed in their own thoughts. However this was soon broken by the rushed footsteps of a panicking soldier making their way towards them.

"Princess, my prince! Your presence is required in the throne room immediately," the soldier said through breaths.

"What's the matter?" T'Chala asked. Concern was etched onto his face, wondering what could have possibly happened.

"We are under attack! They have invaded the palace walls!"

T'Chala opened his eyes in shock and concern, "Who, who is attacking us? Is it a rebellion from the people?" Multiple theories formed in his mind on who their attackers might be.

"The Jabari have invaded the palace walls!!"

"!!!!"

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