PROLOGUE
Hidden in the unbridled shadows of the night, the figure rode the stallion like it was their last time. The majestic beast, as they had named Shadowfall, ran hard. The dark, sleek black hooves sent clumps of dirt flying up in the two's wake as they rapidly approached the end of the night. The figure only held the steed's reins with one hand, the other loosely gripping the hilt of a glinting sword.

The person leaned and shifted with the rhythmic movements of their stallion, leaning over so that their chest brushed against its broad neck. Their breaths fanned out onto the back of its head, seemingly not bothering Shadowfall as he pushed forward. The light of dawn, steadily, began to dispel the darkness of midnight, revealing the masked head of the Dark Knight.

Made of a hard, unknown material, it covered the whole of the person's head. Dark, mesh covered eye openings revealed nothing, but through them, the Knight could see almost perfectly. There was no opening for their nostrils, but the mesh coated holes were large enough to provide a decent oxygen intake. There weren't any carvings or inscriptions, just the smoothness of the impenetrable material.

And with the sun, came the heat. The Knight had an uncanny ability to withstand extreme temperatures, even in their jet black, thick attire. Their dark eyes narrowed in a glare as the sun peeked over the horizon, bleeding golden light directly through the mesh.

The stallion sharply turned, barely avoiding a large, vibrant leaved tree. Fog hung at the equine's broad legs, separating as the horse gained speed. The Dark Knight exhaled sharply as Shadowfall's pace began to slow, as the marvelous beast had to begin avoiding and jumping over more roots and trees. They could, even from here, see the lovely, intricately carved rock that sported the face of a black panther.  The Knight gently tugged on the reins, sending the horse to a slow stop.

Behind the mask, the Dark Knight smiled. Reaching up, they slowly unsecured the mask from their head. Dark, thick hair fell out from its pinned state, falling to the Knight's shoulder blade. Tanned skin dappled with small acne, lips coated in a cherry red, the Knight shook out their hair. The breeze loosened it further, locks fitting around their neck. A wicked smile graced Jacqueline Ramirez's face, dark eyes twinkling with something unknown.

"I think it's time for a vacation, Shadowfall, don't you think?" the woman crooned, gently tugging her uncared for fingers through the stallion's thick mane. The horse whinnied in response, lifting his front left hoof and stomping it back down. Jack straightened her back, patting the horse's neck lovingly.

"Wakanda, here we come."