You're the one I Dream of
M'Baku stared out a window of the throne room, leaning against a frame. He recalled his visit from Attuma, informing him he would be leaving Wakanda forever. When he inquired about his drastic decision, he proceeded to explain why.
M'Baku was confounded, in his revelation on all that had transpired in the last two days. He left the window and took a seat on the throne. He knows Okoye is fierce in all she does, it comes with the training. But he never known her to be heartless or unkind. It’s not in her nature.
And what is this about her panic attacks, and headaches? What’s with her not wanting him to take her to Shuri, and getting upset because he did? What is going? A lot of questions, but no answers. No, his gut is telling him, there’s strange hidden factors in place. And if Attuma wasn’t so emotionally involved; he would have caught it.
Leaving Wakanda and Okoye, will not ease his mind, nor his heart. He has invested too many years, and fallen to deep in love; to wipe it away so easily. Nothing he said persuaded Attuma’s decision; he will have to learn it on his own. M'Baku made a call. Maybe Shuri can shed some light on the situation.
“Yes, M'Baku,” she called him, which gave him further proof, there’s more to this than they’re letting on. “What can I do for you?”
“You’re in your lab?” He questioned her.
“Yes, I’m in my lab,” she responded. “How can I help you?”
“I’ll be there in a second,” he told her and hung up.
“Now what is it he could want?” Shuri thinking out loud. She continues looking at the tumor, for more details for the surgery.
Attuma stood at the banks, watching the quiet flow of the river; his eyes mist over. He has enjoyed being in Wakanda these many years. He has made a many of acquaintances. His favorite past time was going to the marketplace, or to the park and listening to the music, and watching the people having fun with various activities. Then going to his favorite spot, to watch the sun slowly make its descent; beyond the horizon. He won’t be able to go this time to watch, but here will be just as amazing, as his last sunset in Wakanda.
He had his house locked up, and paid someone to upkeep it while he’s away. It didn’t take long, and it wasn’t as difficult as he thought; to get things in order. The dimming of the day, alerted the end was near. The skies turned into crimson, the sun almost a fiery ball. His heart ached; a dread washed over him. There was a reason he made his home in Wakanda, because he longed for everything it offered. But some times, you can’t have what you desire the most. The thing he craved, and waited to come back, was her. But that proved to be a delusion, a fragment of his imagination. Truly a dream, and not a reality.
He turned getting one last look at the home, he not only designed; but had a active hand in building from the ground up. He purposely decided to reside in the river tribe territory. It was the closest to the exit towards Talokan.
He took in a deep breath, and just as quick released it. He stared as the sun, as it seemed to make a noticeable pop sound; as it vanished. The stars began to blink in place one by one, the moon slowly made its ascension, to claim the night light status. He turned his head in the direction of the border tribe province, where she is; his once dream lover.
“Okoye,” he whispered, as the tears fell from his eyes; his heart crushed beyond repair. And now, he’s returning home; a shadow of the grand Talokan general, Attuma.
He ran as fast as he could, leap into the air with great height, and dove head first into the river. He plowed through the water with speed impossible for a normal man. Attuma isn’t a normal man, he is a beast; he is a Talokanil. Never will he try being anything more, than who he is; a warrior.
“Attuma!” Okoye sat straight up in bed. Ayo and Aneka rushed into the room, hearing her outcry.
Attuma came to an abrupt stop, turning around a few times; searching through the murky waters. He thought he heard his name being called. Maybe another Talokanil, wanting to hitch up with him, and do a swim along; heading back to Talokan.
He waited a few minutes for them to emerge, but there was no one. He shrugged it off; contributing it to the delusions that has been his life; for a while. Once upon a time; he couldn’t wait to leave Talokan and explore the surface world. Now, he embraces; returning. He continued on, plowing through the water; like a torpedo locked in on its target, his was Talokan.
“Okoye,” Aneka came and sat on the bed, pulling her into her arms. She was trembling all over. And sobbing immensely. “What is wrong?” She looked at her, but her eyes weren’t focus on her, they were fixed on a place far away from there.
“Shuri,” M'Baku voice boomed, his guards and his foot steps, sounded like a herd of rhinos stampeding, as they approached her lab. “Shuri.”
“Why is this man, screaming down the corridors, as if he searching for me. When I specifically told him, I was here?” Shuri grumble to herself.
“Shuri,” He marched into the lab, while his men remained out side of it.
“M'Baku, why do you scream like a kwik, entering my lab space?” (banshee). She reprimanded him, with him ignoring it.
“We have a big problem,” he told her, as he looked at the screen; but not comprehending what he was seeing.
“What would that be?” She stared at him, seeing if he knew about Okoye’s illness from Attuma.
“He’s leaving Wakanda forever,” he told her.
“Who?” She inquired, relieved he was there for other matters; that he felt were important. She resumed her task at hand; saving Okoye.
“Attuma, who else?” His volume of his voice turned up a notch. She stopped doing what she doing, to deal with his dilemma.
“Of course, he is. I tried to warn you, this was not going to turn out well. I never got the jest of the whole joke thing,” she reminded him. Suddenly, she froze for a moment, then let out a boisterous laugh. M'Baku jumped back, startled by this.
“Have you taken leave of your senses? What in the name of Hanuman, is wrong with you?” M'Baku looked at her, like she was some crazed person.
“I said, I didn’t get the jest of the joke. Get it? Jest, joke,” she looked at him, and realized it went over his head. “Never mind. Anyways, I’m not surprised. Okoye really played her part in humiliating him, but she did it for the wrong reason.”
“I convinced him, she wouldn’t go through with it, but she did, and now he’s gone,” Shuri saw that M'Baku was taking this harder than he would admit, or show. They had became very close.
“There’s nothing more to be done; let it run its course. If it’s meant to be; it will.” She spoke words of wisdom. M'Baku half heard her, as his attention was drawn to the screen, she was so fixed on; staring at it and taking notes. Then it dawned on him.
“By the gods, Okoye is worst than he knew,” he looked Shuri in the eyes, remembering Attuma had mention she was sick. “Do not withhold anything from me, because Attuma’s already told me about her headaches, and panic attacks; followed by blackouts.” Shuri wanted to lie about the illness, but sooner than later; it will be known.
“There is not much I can tell you, due to her rights to confidentiality. But there are three things I can disclose. I’m very glad Attuma called me and to let me know; what was going on with her. Sadly, he doesn’t know the extent of the illness; and I want you to know, I am on top of it.” With that, M'Baku breathe, reassured she will be fine. If anyone can do it, Shuri could. She is one of, if not; the most gifted person on the planet.
“He’s gone,” Okoye said, her voice absents of emotions; then she collapsed.
“Aneka,” Ayo yelled to her. “We need to get her to Shuri, now.” Ayo pick Okoye up from the bed, effortlessly; and carried her out the room, and to their land rover, out in front of the house.
“I will call Shuri to let her know, we’re bringing her,” Aneka hit a bead on her kimoyo bead. Ayo was already speeding towards the Capitol, and the lab.