The Others' Test

Natsuki found herself sitting in the same room alone, in front of the figure that had appeared behind her. She looked around warily and felt slightly fearful, not being able to see Ad close.

Ororo: Don't worry, they are all fine. We are not attacking any of you.

A little bit more relaxed now, Natsuki looked at the woman in front of her. She looked like an amazonness, but had silvery white hair and silvery, misty eyes. She looked composed and trained, standing at least a head taller than herself.

Natsuki: What is going to happen now?

Ororo: I am going to show you... the determination of who you deem the most precious to you.

After her words, Ororo dissappeared. In her place now stood Ad, talking to King T'chala. He was being threatened, saying that he had to leave everyone behind if he ever wanted to leave the place alive himself and take the treasure. At first, the illusory Ad tried denying it, but as more time passed he began to crack.

In the end, he had kneeled, begging the King to let him go. He stated he didn't care about the others, said that the king could do whatever he wanted with them. He even said that the girls would be good as bed warmers and Eoghan would be a good slave, since he was strong.

Throughout the whole conversation, Natsuki was crying and had a face that oozed indignation. When Ororo finally reappeared, she spoke in a condescending voice.

Ororo: See? That is what you amount to in his eyes. Nothing but a "bed warmer".

Natsuki's frown turned deeper. But she didn't seem sad. Her tears weren't because of what she had seen. All she could think was one thing.

Natsuki: How dare you...

Ororo: Hm?

Natsuki: How dare you use Ad's face and make it say such things!

Ororo was surprised, to say the least. She had tested people like that while she was alive, but everyone had broken down in despair. It was the first time someone got angry at her.

Natsuki: Ad isn't that kind of person! Ad would rather die than give up on us! He is training us and himself as hard a possible because he wants to declare war on MY enemies! Not his!

Ororo didn't know that. She actually thought they were a random group of friends who happened upon the ruins of Wakanda and were guided by greed. When she heard the words of the white-haired girl, she understood her indignation. She would feel just as insulted if someone did the same with her King.

Ororo: I am sorry. I had to test your determination and loyalty. Now I'll show you what he really said...

After she saw the real scene play out, Natsuki smiled warmly.

Natsuki: Now that, that sounds like the Ad I know.

*

Iman had seen the same scene as Natsuki did, but her reaction was one of instant anger, to the point she jumped at the illusion, trying to hit the fake T'chala.

Shuri: You couldn't put up with it any longer?

Iman: I can't stand it. Seeing Darling's face saying things that Darling wouldn't say ever. It makes me feel sick.

Shuri could only laugh at the girls serious answer. She could tell how infatuated she was with the silver-haired boy named Adalwulf. After her brother told her about the kids determination and drive, she had found in herself a newly born respect towards him.

Even she herself felt disgust at using his face to say such things, to the point that she was grateful to Iman for breaking the illusion apart.

Shuri: I'll show you what really happened...

Iman had a smile throughout the entire play. In the end, she jumped up and down exctedly.

Iman: I knew Darling was the best! He is so cool!

*

Eoghan was the angriest of them all. In spite of being a few years older than his Captain, he had come to respect him both as a man and as a person. In his eyes, Ad was the kind of person he had yearned to be as a kid. A leading figure. Someone who people could depend on.

The respect he had for Ad was one strong enough to want to attack those who defamed his name.

Let's not even talk about his wife, whom he loved more than anything in the world.

His illusion consisted of Ad hugging his wife, Keeva, kissing her, touching her. She seemed to enjoy it, but Eoghan didn't pay it any mind. As soon as the illusion finished and Hunter appeared, Eoghan dashed, trying to pierce him with his spear. Of course, he just went through the spectre.

Hunter: So you lost it so much you attack anyone?

Eoghan: I can't stand the fact you dared to use my wife's and my Captain's faces to do such a thing.

Hunter could only smile wryly when he heard the words of the blonde. He had fought his brother over the throne because of jealousy, but apparently, the guys in front of him was not the same. He respected and trusted the people who cared about him.

Hunter: This is what he actually said...

The scene of Ad's speech played in front of Eoghan.

Eoghan: That's just like the Captain.

*

Keeva had seen an illusion slightly different from the one Natsuki and Iman had. Her's involved Eoghan abandoning her with the rest on Ad's advice. She was fuming once it was all over.

Keeva: As if I would believe such stupid lie. It is obvious that it was all fake. The Captain would never propose such thing, and Eoghan would never agree to it!

N'Yani: *chuckle* Well, I told them that these illusions were stupid, but they never listen to their old mother. This is how it actually went.

After seeing the scen of Ad's speech, Keeva found in herself a different respect than she had for the man before. He was much more of a good person and caring man than she had thought before.

Keeva: I'll have to craft even betterbattle plans for him from now on.

*

Once everyone was over with their tests, The spectres stood in front of them. They spoke in unison, as if guided by a practiced script.

Ororo/Shuri/Hunter/N'Yani: Now, it is time for you to prove your strength...