A few months ago, I watched Black Panther. There isn't much to say that hasn't already been said about Ryan Coogler's adaptation of the character for the MCU, but in short, I loved it. But Black Panther struck a chord with me; there was something about the world of Wakanda and its culture. The fear of the outside world, the idea of a morally obliged king invested with power like no other to keep his kingdom safe and far away from the world around him, and the mix of culture with technology our world is just starting to research into was fascinating to me. But there was also something else that piqued my interest. While T'Challa and Killmonger's views of how Wakanda should approach the outside world has relevant and important answers regarding real world issues, I believe there is no place that can exhibit this more literally than RWBY. While the idea of race has to change a little, the concept of Wakanda in RWBY has been in my mind for months. In my investigations into RWBY crossovers, I found no proof of Black Panther in RWBY and find that as a huge missed opportunity. I've been going over this for months, and with recent inspiration from Infinity War, I think I'm going to do it. Here it is.

Years Ago

"Baba, tell me a story?"

"Which one, my son?"

"The story of our home."

"As you wish. Millions of years ago, a meteor crashed into Remnant. This meteor was filled with the strongest metal ever, Vibranium. When it hit our world, all life around it changed. The Vibranium became one with the forest around it and soon settled. Seeking the riches of the meteor, five tribes found meteor and called it home. They named it Wakanda. But peace could not be settled; as they fought over the gift they were given. One warrior-shaman was given a vision by the Panther goddess, Bast. The goddess led him to the heart-shaped herb. The herb gave this man super-human strength, speed, and instinct, he became the first Black Panther and King of Wakanda. As the new Black Panther, this man created peace between the tribes and started to live together coexisting. But one tribe, the Jabari, refused and kept in the mountains beyond Wakanda. With Vibranium, Wakanda became the most advanced nation on Remnant."

"What about the outside world?"

"Ah, yes. As Wakanda lived in peace and prosperity, the outside world grew worse and worse. Wars were fought, Faunus were enslaved, and unspeakable tragedies occurred. Fearing the misuse of Vibranium, Wakanda isolated itself from the world never to allow anyone to come in and letting all those outside to themselves."

"But why? They could help us."The young boy looked at his father, who looked at him with caring eyes.

"One day you will understand Erik, one day."

Black Panther

"Today, the world mourns the loss of Wakandan King T'Chaka, after an unexpected heart attack that killed him earlier today. As one of the last living monarchies in the world, the throne goes to his 18-year-old son T'Challa. We are expecting to hear from the young prince turned king later this week at a council meeting between Kingdoms. Stay tuned with us as we discuss the ramific-"The monitor turned off, and in the reflection sat T'Challa.

Today was a heavy day for him; the passing of his father was devastating to him. It was only last week did his father tell him of his journey outside of Wakanda. He desperately wanted to go with him, he pleaded to let him travel with his father. But he was denied, and now here he was, coming home to a corpse.

"Brother, are you in there?"He turned around to his door; Shuri was on the other side.

Did a 10-year-old understand death? T'Challa had no idea, but nonetheless, he had to be there for his sister. T'Challa opened the door; the normally lax Shuri was in tears. T'Challa reached down and hugged her, these were trying times and T'Challa must be strong for his family for he was to be King.

"Come Shuri, we must meet with mother,"T'Challa said, guiding her to their mother.

Shuri shook her head as they left to find their mother.

Later On

T'Challa hadn't gone to very many funerals, he thought they were depressing. Life was supposed to be valued and enjoyed, not sorrowful. As they brought the hearse to the mausoleum, T'Challa felt a shiver down his spine. The mausoleum was made for the Kings of Wakanda, every Black Panther past present and future were to be placed here after their death. As the next King, T'Challa knew this is where he would be when he died.

"Come, we must keep ahead."His mother Ramonda told him and his sister.

The two walked alongside their mother, watching as the men and women brought the casket to the mausoleum. As they entered, T'Challa could see every casket used to bury each and every King. As they moved onwards, the dry and Vibranium-laced stones made T'Challa feel cramped. He didn't want to be here, he wanted to get out, and get as far away from-

"Are you okay brother?"T'Challa looked down to his sister, her eyes gave a sense of worry and her cheeks were still red from crying.

Who was he? A child? No, T'Challa was the prince of Wakanda and soon to be King. He could not let his emotions get the best of him. He must stand tall, and exude a sense of calm and respect. Wakanda looked to him for protection, and so they should have it.

"No, sister, I am alright. What about you? Do you feel better?"T'Challa asked.

"Not much, but, you are helping,"Shuri said, with a sad smile.

They came to a stop, they were finally here. The resting place of King T'Chaka. T'Challa didn't hear what Zuri said, he did not care. His father was dead and he was to be King, nothing had changed. Instead, T'Challa focused on what his role as King must be. He was to protect Wakanda; he had to protect his family. And he'd do anything for them.