*During the time Steve was fighting against Hydra*
POV: General
In the continent of Africa, in the middle of a particular nation, into the far distance, one can see an astonishingly large temple, greater in size than two Vaticans side by side.
Its walls and arches are adorned with countless plants, trees, and other living elements, so much so that it resembles an immense, divine greenhouse rather than a temple.
Yet, despite its overflowing greenery, the air around it feels sacred, as if every leaf and petal is part of an ancient blessing whispered through nature itself.
Inside, a multitude of dark-skinned worshipers prayed in solemn silence and at the front stood a pale young woman with blonde hair, praying before the statue of a female deity.
Her garments were a striking blend of emerald green and ruby red, with touches of pure white.
Despite the unusual combination, it gave her an unmistakably sacred presence.
This young woman was Emily, currently still at Sequence 5, due to the secret changes the protagonist had made to the pathways.
A change who was quite simple, from Sequence 5 onward, progress required advancing in parallel with one's adjacent Pathway.
Which meant that yes, Emily now knew of the "Moon" pathway and Star also know about the "Mother" pathway
And although she and Star were both currently Sequence 5… Emily had already fully understood her sequence, but Star had not.
Setting that aside
The moment of prayer came to an end, and as it did, a soft green light radiated from Emily's body.
That light washed over the crowd, healing the sick, the injured, and the disabled.
No one reacted with shock, that ended happening long ago
Instead, there was understanding, acceptance, and among the families, joy.
After the miracle concluded, Emily looked toward the sunlight entering through the window and spoke with a warm, maternal voice:
"That will be today's service, brothers and sisters, May Mother hold you in her embrace."
"May Mother be with you, Great Priestess!"
They replied in unison before leaving in an orderly fashion.
Once the last worshiper had departed, Emily exited the temple as well, where a group of spear-bearing warrior women awaited her.
"Good day, Great Priestess,"
The leader of the Dora Milaje said respectfully.
"We apologize for arriving without prior notice, but His Majesty has requested that we escort you to the palace."
Emily was slightly surprised by the sudden summons, but understanding it could be an emergency, she responded kindly:
"Very well. Take me to the palace."
She boarded a craft that looked more alien than anything else and was flown to the capital of Wakanda.
By this point, Wakanda had opened itself to the rest of Africa, yet still maintained its independence.
The rest of Africa, however, felt betrayed, believing Wakanda had prospered in secret while they suffered under foreign exploitation in the past
If not for Emily's guidance and teachings, war would have broken out, even if defeat was certain to the rest of Africa.
The flight was short, and upon arriving, Emily was escorted into the royal chamber, where King T'Chanda awaited her.
"My apologies for calling you so suddenly, Great Priestess,"
He said, and despite his attempt to appear composed, it was clear he was anxious.
"But our guardian goddess Bast commanded us to summon you at once."
"Do not worry, little one,"
Emily replied with a gentle, soothing smile.
"I understand what it means to answer a god's call. Did your goddess tell you why she wanted to speak with me?"
"No,"
T'Chanda admitted, regaining his royal composure, yet still humble.
"She only instructed us to send that message, and to tell you to meet her at her sanctuary."
"I see,"
Emily replied calmly and made her way toward the sanctuary.
As soon as she arrived, she collapsed, and her consciousness was transported elsewhere.
She awoke in a vast, endless meadow, and before her stood a great tree, beneath which rested panthers of every size.
"You came, young priestess,"
spoke a voice within her mind while a panther formed of starlight materialized.
It was Bast, and though she attempted to hide it, urgency weighed in her tone.
"Of course I came Bast.
If someone from my family calls for me, I will always answer,"
Emily said, her voice overflowing with warmth, while Bast could not help but smile as well, memories of their shared past resurfacing.
"I may not know the deity you serve,"
Bast confessed softly,
"but I am grateful to her."
Emily's power was incredible even for Bast
And if Emily was merely a priestess… then her deity must have been far beyond Bast herself.
"In that case… I wish to ask you a favor,"
Bast continued hesitantly.
"Please, protect my ch—"
"Understood,"
Emily interrupted still smiling.
"…You're not going to ask for anything in return?"
Bast asked surprised, ignoring the interruption.
"No, mostly because everything I need, I already have,"
Emily answered, still smiling.
Yet, what Bast truly believed was another matter, she believe that Emily valued their friendship more than any bargain.
And that, put the goddess sentimental, more than anything because the past
When Wakanda first discovered Emily, Bast had feared Emily might try to steal her worshippers.
But Emily did not.
Instead, she earned Bast's trust, passed every trial with ease, and treated Bast's presence as something familiar rather than overwhelming.
And since in Bask's eyes she was already an abandoned priestess, given that she never saw her faith lead anywhere, nor receive any answer, it led her to trust Emily more and more.
Over time, they became genuine friends, so much so that Emily would occasionally serve as Wakanda's guardian in Bast's place while the goddess rested without Wakanda knowing
During one such rest, Bast met the Tiger God, and in time, they conceived a child.
That child was the one Bast now asked Emily to protect
And why Emily was asked for that?, because Bask feared for his child, after all, she herself could barely survive with the faith gathered from Wakanda
She didn't know if her Child could also need the faith of the people, or will be born with a real body, whatever was the case, she knew she couldn't help his own child (Translator: ..... WAIT WHAT THE HELL?? THAT'S POSSIBLE IN MARVEL!? 😳)
"Thank you… truly, thank you,"
Bast said as tears formed in her eyes
For though she was a goddess, in the divine hierarchy she was incredible weak.
"Don't worry. That's what family is for." (Translator: Dominic Toreto, is that you? 🍻)
Emily gently wiped Bast's tears, and after some time, Emily awoke back in her body.
She bid farewell to T'Chanda and returned to her temple and instead of going inside, she simply walked, quietly reflecting.
So much had changed in such a short time, she had become a friend of a goddess, soon she would be godmother to her child, she was the most powerful woman on the continent, and she was surrounded by people who would give their lives for her.
She had worked hard to get here, yes, but the effort had been worth it, she had gained a family, one whose bonds would endure beyond death.
And believe me when I say, she would do anything, TRULY ANYTHING, for her family.
For now, she only have to wait for Star to grow her secuence, so she could continue her pathway and protect even better her little family
After all, she understood that out there exist a lot of people who could end everything she actually have if they wanted thanks to the protagonist
The Celestials, who sculpted galaxies like clay, The Eternals, who walked untouched by time, The Old Ones, sleeping beneath infinity, The Outer Gods whose names were spoken only by reality itself.
And those beyond even them
A single careless gesture from such a being
could end Earth in a moment.
Emily knew this, and she would not allow it, not while she had something to protect.
Not while she had family.
(Translator: Don't dare to insert your furry nonsense into this story, you bastard, I was actually enjoying it 👹🔪
Writer: Too late 😘🤙)