Chapter 28

A jet, cloaked in invisibility, and expanded on the inside, flew over the shores. Inside, Harry sat, with Diana piloting the jet. Given it was Diana's invisible jet, of course she would be the one piloting it. Two of Harry's beloved teammates, Mareena and Donna sat on either side of Harry. And Mareena's mother, Mera joined her. And finally, Nina Dowd, the woman transfigured into a sexy busty cat lady, accompanied them.

"Just think, Diana, we'll find it at last," Donna said.

"I hope so, my dear sister," Diana said.

Diana had been after the totem, the totem which would hopefully reverse the plight of Barbara Ann Minerva, her old friend who turned into the Cheetah. Oh, Diana's sorrow of the entire situation festered. Hopefully today is the end.

One of the members of their crew shifted nervously.

"You okay?" Harry asked Nina.

"Well, I'll do everything to help," Nina said. "And if you need me to test the procedure, I will...but….I'll be honest, I'm more comfortable in this form."

Harry understood. Nina leaned back, rocking back and forth.

"We have a situation," Mera said.

Oh, they had come across a hell of a situation. Diana's eyes widened and she had gasped out the exclamation.

"Hera," Diana said.

A battle took place, and Harry recognized both sides immediately. Close to the temple where they needed to head to. On one side, AIM fought, and on the other side, the League of Assassin's fought against them as well. But, that was not all, not by a longshot.

In the middle, sat the Black Panther, who sliced through one of the AIM tanks with a vibranium gauntlet. The two soldiers on the outside scrambled and fought the Black Panther. Black Panther turned around and avoided a swipe of the sword from one of the assassins. She spun around, grabbing the man's arm and snapping it back.

"Looks like she's in the middle of something again," Donna said.

"We are close to Wakanda," Diana said. "I'm taking the jet down safely...it might be rough."

Even rougher now. A much larger version of the hovering platform used by AIM which Harry encountered some months back arrived. Harry headed towards the exit.

"Diana, I'm going to clear us a path," Harry said.

"I'll come along with him," Donna said.

Wondergirl and Superman jumped down onto the platform and smashed through it. They steered the platform into a small contingent of ninjas and AIM soldiers, who scattered as quickly as they could to avoid being smashed to bits.

The sky platform, smoking on the ground, sputtered to a stop. One of the AIM soldiers rose up, only for Wondergirl to take him down with a kick. Another kick dropped the science soldier to the ground.

Mera, Aquagirl, and Wonder Woman joined them, with Nina showing up as well. While she had joined in on the training sessions from time to time her fighting style had not been as fine tuned as the rest. Still, she was able to distract one of the AIM agents with her assets which allowed Diana to disarm him and take the man to the ground.

"Fall back!"

The AIM soldiers left and the League slumped into the shadows like they assassins they were.

Black Panther turned to face Superman.

"So, we meet again, Superman," Black Panther said.

"Queen Shuri," Harry said. "We have much to discuss."

"And not much time to do it, with both the League of Shadows and AIM causing problems," Shuri said. "This way, I will explain why we walk. There will be more."

Harry, Diana, Donna, Mera, Mareena, and Nina all followed Shuri down the path. They moved down a pathway to idols with several cats looking down onto them. One of them had been a panther and Shuri stopped in front of it to pay her respects.

"Their...idea of respect," Shuri said. "Not as finely carved as the magnificent statues in Wakanda, but it will due. We have had an uneasy existence with the tribe of Urzkartaga for years, especially with their tendency to sacrifice virgins for his cause."

Shuri spoke softly and tore her eyes away from the crudly created panther statue.

"AIM and the League of Shadows performing operations this close to Wakanda's borders mandated me to investigate, and you saw what happened," Shuri said. "It's not an effort of them working together, but their presence causes problems...but why are you here?"

Diana decided to field this one.

"Your highness," Diana said. "My friend, Barbara Minerva, she had been victimized by the tribe of Urzkartaga, as was Nina. I was hoping to locate the totem they used and reverse the effects."

"Well, your mission is noble, Princess," Shuri said. "But, I'm not certain whether or not that would be possible."

"Between Atlantis and Wakanda we might be able to work together," Mera said. "I know our kingdom's have had a rocky existence…."

"That is in the past, we are in the present," Shuri said. "And I will help you do what I can, but be warned, we're dealing with power that very few understand and even less can safely yield."

"And the League and AIM wants a taste of said power," Harry said.

Those words spoke well to the urgency of this situation. Shuri turned to Nina.

"Do you remember where the totem was located?" Shuri asked.

"Yes, it was...well these temples are...something has changed," Nina said with a frown.

Harry put a hand on Nina's shoulder and caused her to take a deep breath. Her breasts rose and fell before finally relaxing just.

"Just focus," Harry said. "I have faith you can find it."

It was nice Harry had faith Nina could find the temple because she was sure something changed. It was almost like the totem did not want Nina to seek it out.

Ra's al Ghul hunched over, taking a deep breath. The years had not been kind to him. He picked up a rag and coughed. Specks of blood splattered out of it. The Demon had most certainly seen the ravages of hundreds of years.

The moment he heard footsteps, Ra's ensured the rag had been out of sight and he rose up, to face his daughter Talia.

"AIM has arrived and then the Black Panther intervened," Talia said. "Superman, Wondergirl, Wonder Woman, Aquagirl, and Queen Mera as well, and I had to ensure the League would fall back, to prevent our plans from being foiled."

"AIM is a nuisance as always, even more so with Maxwell Lord backing them," Ra's slowly said. "He knows nothing of long-term gain or planning, rather he seeks instant gratification. A common flaw in this current generation. As for Superman, well it may come a time where I'm going to have to meet with him face to face."

Ra's knew everything would be a gamle.

"Klarion has been destroyed, and Ocean Master and Vandal Savage are both indisposed," Ra's said. "Even with Black Manta added to the Light, we are not at full strength.

Ra's reflected upon the last few months and all of the challenges very nicely.

"I hoped our operations on Isla de las Munecas, would allow us to unearth the Lazarus Pit underneath. A much more potent source than before which would...fix things. But unfortunately it was all to nothing."

Ra's leaned against the wall for a second and Talia said to her.

"Father, perhaps you should rest," Talia said.

"I will only rest when my plans for the world are enacted," Ra's said.

"Noble one, it's an honor."

A gentleman's submerged in shadows appeared. Talia withdrew her sword.

"You have some nerve entering the sanctum of the Demon without permission, dog," Talia snarled when she withdrew her sword.

"Talia, stand back," Ra's said. "Mr. Killmonger, I presume."

A dark skinned man dressed in the finest suit appeared from the shadows, a smile on his face. Erik Killmonger, sworn enemy of the Black Panther tribe, stood before the Demon.

"We have a mutual problem, the Black Panther continues to foil our operations," Killmonger said. "And I believe there is a seat vacant on the table for the Light. Truly, Wakanda and all of its resources would be a perfect acquisition for the true masters of the world."

Ra's saw before him a man who knew all of the right things.

"We will discuss this matter," Ra's said. "Perhaps we can come to some kind of agreement which would make both of our goals mutually beneficial."

Ra's and Killmonger departed. Talia, leaning up against the wall, just frowned. Her father making a deal with that man, indicated the trips into the Lazarus Pit had eroded his judgment even further.

Not the first time Talia had that feeling in recent memory.

It took a fair bit of luck and a whole lot of searching, but they made their way to the temple. Hours of searching later in fact. Shuri leaned in and pointed forward.

"There's what you seek," Shuri said. "Tread carefully."

Nina's fingertips burned and her adrenaline raced. So very close to getting her hands on this particular item in front of her. She had seen it up close once more and now, it was there. She was close to it.

"How very nice of you to lead it to us."

Shuri turned around and saw a suited up Killmonger.

"Killmonger!"

"Yes, Princess...excuse me, Queen," Killmonger said. "It's a pity I was not the one to personally tend to your brother's demise. But, it is my destiny to snuff out the Black Panther tribe, and soon you will fall much like T'Challa."

Killmonger had been joined by a small group of his soldiers, along with members of the League of Shadows.

"It belongs to us, now step away and I'll make your death a little less painful," Killmonger said. "Or attempt to anyway."

Black Panther saw red, her family's enemy standing beside her. Shuri dove up into the air and engaged Killmonger in battle. Killmonger, being no slouch in the fighting department hit.

Harry blew up one of the fountains and flooded the tunnels with water. This allowed Mera and Mareena to join together in a tandem and slice the hard jets of water through the swords of the League member.

Two of the league members battled with Diana and Donna. Donna grabbed the man's dagger and pushed him down. She avoided a poison dart coming close to hitting her in the neck. Harry jumped up and sent the man flying off of the edge of the pedestal and made him crash down onto the ground.

Donna flashed a thumbs up to Harry. Diana avoided a dagger to her neck and Donna helped her sister take down the man, sliding into his legs with a kick while Diana kicked him underneath.

A particularly large League brute dove down. Harry avoided the man's large punches and then dodged behind him, hitting him at just the right spot in the back to induce paralysis.

"AIM WILL HAVE THE POWER!"

The AIM soldiers came in blasting away at everyone. Three of the League Ninjas came up into the air and sliced through the suits at just the right angle. Without all of their technology, they were as fleshy as anyone else. The stabbing motion put them down to the ground.

Shuri and Killmonger fought each other high above the rest of the battle. One of the ninjas wrapped a large chain around Shuri. Killmonger prepared to cave her head, but at the last minute, Shuri flung the ninja holding her over. Killmonger caught him and threw the man down to the ground.

"Die with dignity," Killmonger growled.

"You first," Shuri curtly replied.

Shuri stabbed Killmonger in the shoulder. The two grappled for position until the two of them landed down onto the ground.

The AIM soldier climbed on top of the pedestal. Killmonger rushed towards him and knocked him off.

"Yes, the power will be…"

Shuri threw a dagger to break Killmonger's balance. He spread his arms and flew backwards and sent the totem flying in the midst of the battle.

The totem flashed over Shuri and caused her eyes to glow. Painfully, Shuri's body shifted and she screamed in absolute agony.

"No, get away from her!" Nina yelled out.

Shuri nailed Nina in the ribcage and forced her down onto the ground. Sputtering and spitting, Nina watched in horror, as Shuri turned into a large feral panther creature.

She dove in, knocking Donna, an aim goon, and an assassin down to the ground. Killmonger stepped back and picked up one of the AIM weapons before firing at Shuri. The burning energy blasts had no effect against the Panther Creature and just riled her up.

Shuri launched herself paws first into Killmonger's ribs and sent him flying over the edge. Killmonger just barely kept his balance.

Harry sent two League goons down at once with a blinding fury. Another one had little more luck in fighting him.

"And even without using your abilities, you are impressive."

Harry turned around and came face to face with the one and only Ra's al Ghul. Harry tensed up, ready for battle.

"I do not wish a fight with you," Ra's said. "My time grows short, and each trip through the Pit has worked for shorter and shorter times. Nature will catch up to me, but before I go, I want to ensure that my legacy is at hand. I've seen a vision for the future….a true leader leading one. Ruling through strength, and taking down anyone who fought him. And I seek my one true heir and…."

Ra's heard something roar and a figure come up from below. Harry stepped back, mouth hanging open in surprise. Any conversation between Harry and Ra's was put on hold for the moment.

"Shuri?" Harry asked.

The mystical energies surrounding her indicated the totem just did something to her. Ra's pulled out his sword. Shuri blocked the attack and grabbed the Demon by the throat. She clawed into his throat, ripping it open and causing blood to flow everywhere.

Three darts hit Shuri in the shoulder as Ra's fallen, mangled body just collapsed down to the ground. Talia stood in the background, Ubu right beside her.

"Get him out of here!" Talia called. "Run!"

Ubu, knowing what to do, scooped up Ra's and bulldozed like an unstoppable force. Talia stepped closer to Harry.

"The serum will not keep her paralyzed for long," Talia said. "Take this scroll...it's the incantation of reversing the curse...the longer the curse has been on, the harder it is to break, but….with the Queen….."

Shuri rose up from her slumber. Harry grabbed Talia underneath his arm and jumped all the way down. The mangled bodies of scientists and ninjas laid on the ground.

The feral panther creature dove down to the ground. Talia rushed to safety as Harry picked up the totem and unhooked the scroll.

In a long forgotten language, Harry spoke the incantations. Shuri dove at him, claws bared, but Harry refused to stop for anyone. A beam of light spilled from from it and hit Shuri in the chest.

Shuri had been back into a woman, breathing heavily.

From the shadows, Killmonger stood. A gun at hand, ready to shoot Shuri in the back of the head.

"Long live the Queen."

A slice of a sword in the back of Killmonger's arm caused him to drop the gun and one to the back of his leg made him unable to stand. An agonizing scream followed and when Killmonger had been hurled down over the ledge, smashing on several rocks.

Talia locked eyes with Harry, smiled, and disappeared into the night. Harry turned away to the retreating form of Ra's al Ghul's daughter and dragged Shuri.

"The totem's secure, let's go!"

Mera sent a rushing wave of water and Harry froze it into a wall of ice, blocking the League and AIM from proceeding forward. Harry half-dragged Shuri.

Diana's jet had been ready for them. They climbed onto the ship, with Shuri breathing.

"I can...I can manage," Shuri said. " And if I need help, Wakanda has some of the best health care in the world."

"That I don't doubt," Harry said.

A couple of days passed and Harry had been in front of a computer monitor. Shuri sat in front of the monitor, dressed in a low cut purple shirt, and a pair of nice well-made pants.

"We searched the tunnels for Killmonger, but unfortunately we could not find his rotting body," Shuri said.

"We both know what that means," Harry said. "So how are you feeling?"

"Well, being turned into my tribe's namesake was an experience," Shuri remarked idly. "But, not one I would want to repeat any time in the future. And I hope the next time we meet up, it will be under more pleasant circumstances."

"Well, there's nothing stopping me from teleporting over to you and making your circumstances very pleasant," Harry told her.

"Wakanda has some of the strongest barriers against magical teleportation on the planet, and you can't just fly in without being noticed," Shuri admonished him. "It's impossible for you to get it."

"I enjoy a challenge," Harry said.

Despite Harry challenging Wakanda's security, Shuri could not help but fondly smile.

"As enticing as your offer is, I still have much to do, with Killmonger being at large and his new Light Partnership."

Harry had a long hard road ahead of them. Talia pointed out and she had been correct, that a transformation like that would be much harder to reverse. Fortunately, Harry had some good minds working for them.

"I looked over the algorithm you sent me," Shuri said. "I have some suggestions about how to tackle that, if you don't mind."

"Given that you're one of the smartest women in the world, I am honored for your assist," Harry said. "And if I need any help, I'll be thinking of you."

"Well, I tend to think of you after those long frustrating days of dealing with the politics of my nation," Shuri said. "Have a pleasant night, Hadrian."

"You too, Shuri," Harry said.

He disconnected the call. There had been some work Harry needed to do.

Barbara Ann Minerva stretched in her cell, looking positively bored with the entire situation. She craned her neck and Diana came around the corner.

"We have the totem," Diana said. "And soon, we'll fix this."

"It's your fault," Minerva replied. "And I believe it when I see it...and save your self-serving apologies for someone who believes them."

"I'm sorry regardless," Diana said.

She hated having Minerva locked in a cage, but the woman had been driven mad by her situation. It only caused the bitterness and hatred to fester even further. Diana turned to walk off. She had to meet up with Donna and Harry, and perhaps Mera and Mareena would join them.

If Diana could do it all differently, she would have discouraged Minerva about that trip. But, the past could not be undone.