You're the one I Dream of
Attuma arrived at the entrance of Talokan, riding in on the jet stream; the poised above the Capitol of Talokan. It was a welcome home sight to behold. During the first years of being away, he would make the frequent visits. But the last two years, had found him neglecting his returns. So, seeing home after so long of an absence, was definitely a breathtaking moment. A small gentle hand rested on his shoulder. He looked up into a familiar face, he has missed seeing. His sister in arms, Namora.
“It’s been a couple of years, my brother,” she said to him. He turned completely around to her, and pulled her into his arms, holding her; as his emotions poured out. She embraced, him feeling his anguish. “What troubles you, Attuma?”
“I don’t want to talk about it now,” he told her. “All I want, and need, is this right now.” She pressed him closer, and begin to hum a song, he always enjoyed her singing. He became subdued, and relished in her care. Yes, he was home.
Shuri hung up from speaking with Aneka. They were on their way with Okoye, she had collapsed for some reason, and thought it better to bring her in. Shuri looked up to M'Baku, who had heard everything. He could tell, as confident as Shuri is; he also knows, she is feeling the effects, of not being able to save another loved one.
“You got this,” M’Baku encouraging her. “Okoye needs you, no freaking out right now. You will have plenty of time afterwards.” She took in a deep breath, and exhaled, nodding in agreement.
“Thank you M'Baku,” she touched his hand. “Let’s go take care of our sista.” Shuri made calls to get her team to prep for the surgery. As brilliant as she may be, and knew how to perform it. The brain is a delicate organ, and she will need to be very careful, and steady handed; this is a critical situation.
Attuma made his rounds, reconnecting with old friends, and introduced to new ones. Mostly, the young ones, who have grown into adulthood. He played the ball game, took a tour through the city, seeing what’s new, and what has remained the same. All the while, Namora remained at his side. There was one last place, he dreaded going. Seeing Namor, the K’uk’ulkan, his ruler.
“Well, no point in putting this off any longer,” he turned to her.
“Are you sure, you’re in the right mind to deal with him?” She was concern with his mental state at the moment. And curious to, what the Wakandans did, to reduce him to this frail stranger, in his body.
“I’ll be just fine, Namora,” he brushed her arm, trying to convince her.
“I can come for support,” she insisted. He smiled.
“Thank you, but I can do this,” he reiterated.
“Alright,” she conceded. “Remember, I’m here if you need me.” He began to swim away; but stopped, and to turn stare into her eyes.
“If there is one thing, I’m sure of, is your love and loyalty,” he says to her; then swam off to meet with Namor.
Namora watched him go with great apprehension. She will do all she can to get that fire, and drive back into him. She had the feeling; one of those surface dwellers, broke his heart. Only that is the only scenario, that could make someone as strong will as him; diminished to this state of mind.
“So, who is that?” One of the Talokanil females came up behind her, and staring at Attuma. She was of the younger generation, who grew up while Attuma had left.
“That is general Attuma,” she told her. “He has been away for many years.”
“I remember seeing him around, before he left,” she expressed. “I often wondered, where he disappeared to.” Namora looked around to her.
“Be careful young one,” she warned her. “He may be more man, than you can handled.” She smiled.
“Or I may be, more than he can handle,” she stared her in the eyes.
“Maybe so, but understand this. He’s already been through things,” she revealed. “He doesn’t deserve young girls, and their games. Let that be a warning.” Namora swam off. What Namora didn’t know, this one has had designs on Attuma; way before he left. And now that he has returned, she will waste no time in getting what she wants.
Attuma swam into the caverns where Namor had his dwelling. He came up on dry land a little distance away. He was in no hurry to have this conversation with him. So, he took his time walking. And like on cue, he could see Namor come out, and watch him approaching. He had already received news, Attuma was back in Talokan.
“Attuma,” Namor called, as he neared.
“K’uk’ulkan,” he kneels, giving him the Talokan salute; out of respect. Namor walked over to him, and placed his hands on his upper arms; lifting him up.
“It is so good to see you my child,” he says to him, then embraced him. Attuma placed his arms about him, dumbfounded at the reaction he was receiving from him. Namor released him, and looked him over, as if trying to make sure he was intact.
“It’s good to be back,” Attuma trying to move pass the awkward moment.
“Then why did you remiss in visiting, these pass two years?” Namor asked. Attuma placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head. There he is, the Feathered Serpent god; setting up for the attack.
“I do apologize, for neglecting to return these pass years,” Attuma learned to not engage, and just allow him vent. Namor walked inside and pour them drinks.
“Was there someone, who kept you occupied?” He asked, taking a small gulp of the beverage. Attuma stared into his glass, his mind went to Okoye, for the first time he had entered Talokan.
“No, there was no one who kept me busy,” he told him. Namor stared at him; hearing it in his voice, and seeing it on his face. But he would not press him at this time.
“I see,” Namor said. “How long will your visit last this time?” Attuma thought on what to tell him, that would divert him from inquiring further.
“I’m on an undetermined vacation,” he informed him. “If that’s alright with you.” Namor looked at him confused.
“Why would I have a problem with my people, returning as they pleased?” He replied. “Or do you forget, the number of Wakandans who live among us?” Yes, that had slipped his mind.
“How is that going?” He asked. Namor finished his drink.
“Surprisingly, quite well,” he answered. “They bring a lot to aid in our development. They are us, and we are them. The only difference in them and us; they live on land, and we under the water. I am very satisfied with their presence.” Attuma was thoroughly in awe; who was this man, and what did he do with K’uk’ulkan?
“That’s good to hear,” he finished his drink. “I think I’m going to go get me some quiet time. It has been exhausting, reconnecting with everyone.”
“Yes, we can talk more later,” he said. Attuma half smile, not liking that. He turned and dove into the water, swimming towards his favorite place. Namor stood for a while, staring into the place he left; until the ripples disappeared. He turned to reenter his dwelling, when he heard splashing in the water. He looked back at the one emerging, and coming towards him.
“I want your permission to pursue one of your high ranked warriors,” she said.
“And which of my generals, do you have your designs on?” He asked.
“The one who has been gone for so long, Attuma” she answered. Namor raised an eyebrow.
“You were a child, when he left,” he came towards her. How would you remember him?”
“I was eighteen, and am now twenty-four,” she informed him. “I want your blessing, father.”
“And if I don’t?” He came to tower over her.
“You wouldn’t deny your daughter, now would you, my father?” No, he wouldn’t. He had done enough of that all her life, except making sure her mother, and her lived a good life. But he never gave her what she really needed, acknowledgment; his love and affection.
“You have it,” he conceded.
“Thank you,” she kissed him on his cheek. “I saw him leaving from here, where did he go?” Namor sighed.
“The northeast quantum, he goes there frequently to meditate,” he reluctantly conveys to her. She wrapped her arms about his neck, and hugged him.
“You’re the best father,” she released him, ran and jumped into the water, going in search of Attuma. Namor stood silently, knowing she is going to get hurt. As much as Attuma tried to deny it, he could see his heart was broken. And a broken heart; can only be mend, by the one who caused it.