Bet

Standing in front of Bast reminded Liam of countless myths he had studied in his past life. Even in his previous life in the real world, the legends around Bast—or her name there, Bastet—all mentioned that she was a real lion, known as a goddess of protection and warfare.

'But over time, that image changed into that of a kitten, known as the god of protection, fertility, and home life,' Liam thought, remembering everything he had studied over the years. 'Although it's a little different here since she is represented as a panther, I can see that the personality traits are still very similar.'

'But how can I use that to my advantage?'

"I understand your goal." Liam nodded. "You are just trying to protect them from danger, just like they are protecting themselves by being isolated from the rest of the world."

"And what better place could there be for them to stay and live long lives than a paradise like the Ancestral Plane? This will protect all the Wakandans from the ongoing violence."

"I would say that your plan is perfect," Liam said calmly.

Bast looked at Liam for a second and narrowed her eyes slightly, wanting to know what the strange human was playing at.

Growling in a low tone, Bast responded, "Since you claim to understand my intentions, I will cleanse their memories related to you, and you will leave."

"I will leave your memories intact as a sign of respect to your master, so leave now," Bast said, walking away while purple smoke swirled out in front of her, forming a circle in the air.

"But is that really what they would want?" Liam asked, watching Bast move toward the portal frame.

Bast stopped moving and turned around, locking her eyes on Liam once again. The pressure around Liam immediately returned and worsened, as Bast seemed to be getting impatient.

"You still have more to say, human?" Bast questioned, flicking her tail out of impatience.

"Yes," Liam said, standing firm as he kept his eyes on Bast. "You believe you are protecting them, but is this really what they want?"

Bast's golden eyes showed irritation as the pressure around Liam intensified even more, cracking the ground beneath his feet.

"Your question is irrelevant. Mortals will always choose their survival above anything," Bast said, fully convinced. "This place is that chance at survival."

Not done yet, Bast continued.

"More than that," Bast started. "They trust me and have followed my will for centuries. My will hasn't failed them and has always kept them safe."

Liam could tell that she was very convinced that her people would follow her decision. Even more noticeable was her pride in that fact. Hell, Liam himself would've thought the same with what he had seen from Wakanda and King T'Chaka so far.

But he had knowledge of the future, which Bast didn't have.

'With T'Chaka as king? Sure, she might have been right. But with T'Challa? Everything will be different,' Liam mused, confident.

'In the movies, T'Challa couldn't stand the current Wakanda after he had seen the suffering happening in the outside world. When he finds out exactly what'll happen when the barrier breaks, he won't be able to turn his back on the world.'

Despite knowing this, Liam still had to figure out a way to make Bast wait before taking away their memories.

'I'll have to use her pride against her,' Liam thought. 'I'll have to challenge her somehow. The challenge itself doesn't matter that much since she will most likely agree with it anyway, especially when she is as confident as she is now.'

While it seemed like an easy decision, it was quite difficult for Liam. As if coming up with a favorable bet wasn't difficult enough, he also had to make sure he didn't get killed while challenging her.

Despite the risks, Liam refused to back away. He had put so much effort and time into convincing the Wakandans—he didn't want to see it all go in vain at the very end.

Exhaling, Liam concentrated on Bast, fully preparing himself to do whatever he could in order to escape if needed. Then he spoke up.

"Prove it," Liam said.

"Prove it?" Bast's ears perked slightly.

Liam nodded. "Let's make a bet."

With Liam's offer, Bast's expression changed from irritated to interested. She didn't interrupt him, wanting to hear the end of it.

"Give the Wakandans time—let them learn. I will show them the threats coming for the world. And then, when the time comes, let them choose their own fate."

Bast studied Liam for a moment after he had finished talking, letting a moment of silence fall between them.

"What makes you think I should prove anything to you by agreeing to this bet, human?" Bast questioned, despite revealing an interested expression.

Knowing he couldn't back down now, Liam continued challenging her.

"You have nothing to lose, do you?" Liam questioned, smirking.

"Or are you afraid your own people won't follow your will?"

Bast frowned as another silence fell.

In the silence, Bast studied him once again, the golden glow in her eyes scanning his armor. "And what will happen if they choose my path?"

"Then I will leave. Forever," Liam said firmly. "I won't interfere with Wakanda ever again, even when I'm stronger."

He took a breath before delivering his condition.

"But if they choose to stand and fight, you will not take them to the Ancestral Plane against their will."

The silence from Bast continued. Then, Bast let out a low growl.

"You are bold, sorcerer," she said, suddenly lifting the pressure on Liam. "Very well. But the wager will not be tested today."

Purple smoke filled the air above the panther goddess as she continued speaking. "Return in a few years, when they fully understand the danger that's coming for them. Then, we shall see."

Liam exhaled in relief but didn't let his guard down. "Alright."

As the purple smoke surrounded Liam, he found himself teleported back to the throne room.

Inside the Ancestral Plane, Bast lay back down on a tree branch. Thinking back about her earlier conversation, she laughed to herself.

'This one was entertaining,' she mused. 'I've lived for thousands of years; a few more pass in the blink of an eye. I wonder what his expression will be like when he learns the inevitable truth.'

'No Wakandan would ever risk their people's lives for a world that has never protected them. But… I suppose I will enjoy watching him try.'