Wakandan Arena
T'Challa crashed through the ceiling. Seconds later, his body slammed against the earth. The impact knocked air from his lungs as concrete fragments rained down. He rolled instinctively before conscious thought returned. He snapped to a crouch, vision still spotty, vibranium claws extended.
Blinking away stars, he found himself in a familiar open arena beneath the sky. The royal combat grounds. Where kings had proven their worth for centuries. Where his father had fallen all while he and his family watched.
Man-Ape landed before him, cracking the earth. Stone fractured under his weight, ancient tiles buckling. He laughed. "A fitting place for both father and son to die at my hands."
T'Challa rose. Blood trickled from a cut above his eye."For Wakanda."
Energy swirling around his massive frame. "For the Gorilla."
They charged toward each other. T'Challa shot forward with panther-quick steps. M'Baku stomped ahead.
T'Challa slashed toward M'Baku's. The larger man blocked T'Challa's wrist. Vibranium scraped against enhanced flesh. M'Baku countered with a blow toward the skull, but T'Challa dodged. He twisted away.
M'Baku pressed his advantage. He swung wildly, right fist, left hook, overhead smash.
T'Challa weaved, looking for openings. He slipped past a jab. Blocked an elbow. Ducked under a wide swing. He found one, driving his knee into M'Baku's side.
M'Baku seized T'Challa's ankle mid-kick. He swung T'Challa into the ground twice before throwing him across the arena.
T'Challa rolled to his feet. He tumbled through the air before righting himself.
"I expected more from the supposed prince."
T'Challa dashed forward, low and fast.
M'Baku recognized a desperate and foolish frontal assault. He swung a haymaker but missed.
T'Challa ducked and slid between the M'Baku's legs and struck the usurper's ribs. M'Baku felt the pain.
Before the larger man could counter, T'Challa jumped away.
M'Baku pounded his chest, and energy swirled around him. M'Baku raised locked fists and then slammed them into the ground. Stone shattered outward. The impact sent T'Challa flying backward.
T'Challa spun his body and grabbed the arena wall before kicking off. T'Challa dropped and cut M'Baku's shoulder.
M'Baku charged, and massive hands grabbed the prince. M'Baku hurled him across the arena.
T'Challa crashed into a pillar and broke it. He activated the vibranium charge. The stored energy was released. The pillar exploded outward as he rocketed off it.
M'Baku's eyes widened, and he raised an energized fist. They clashed midair at the arena's center. The impact sent a ripple of energy outward. Both were thrown backward.
T'Challa and M'Baku struggled to their feet, momentarily stunned. The impact had carved a crater.
T'Challa recovered first. His chest heaved as he prepared for the next exchange.
M'Baku shook his head and spat a mouthful of blood onto the arena floor.
Suddenly, Several Dora Milaje marched into the arena and formed a line at the arena's edge. Captain America followed behind them. The two parties had temporarily halted their fighting to regroup with the royal combatants.
Inside the arena, T'Challa and M'Baku circled each other.
The Dora Milaje then prepared their spears to assist the current king. Okoye signaled a flanking maneuver. Two warriors broke left, two broke right.
Captain America, one more, got between them.
"Stand aside, American," Okoye commanded. "This is not your battle." The warriors tensed.
Before either could strike, thunder cracked overhead. The clear sky darkened instantly. Black clouds gathered directly above the arena.
Everyone halted their advance. All eyes turned upward as lightning flashed. A bolt struck the center of the arena floor. The impact knocked everyone off balance.
Thor Odinson now stood in the impact crater. "Warriors of Wakanda. You stand at the crossroads."
The Dora Milaje exchanged uncertain glances. Okoye stepped forward. "Asgardian. This does not concern you."
Thor raised Mjolnir. "I am Thor Odinson, God of Thunder. Divine matters on Midgard concern me directly. Two gods are battling through their mortal vessels. Bast, the Panther Goddess. Ghekre, the Gorilla God."
M'Baku growled. "The Gorilla grants me strength beyond your understanding, foreigner."
"I understand more than you know." Thor raised Mjolnir high above his head. "By the power of Asgard, I call upon the divine patrons of this sacred land." The hammer released tendrils of energy. They stretched upward, connecting with the storm clouds. The tendrils then split toward T'Challa, one toward M'Baku.
The purple aura around T'Challa intensified. The energy surrounding M'Baku grew brighter.
Thor spoke in ancient Norse. The arena darkened as reality itself seemed to thin.
Two translucent forms materialized in the air above the combatants. A massive panther and a great gorilla beating its chest in challenge.
The Dora Milaje and any Wakandan who could see the gods dropped to their knees immediately.
"Bast," Thor acknowledged the panther spirit. "Ghekre," he nodded to the gorilla. "Two of Wakanda's oldest protectors. Both with claims to guide these people."
The spectral panther moved closer to Thor. "The Thunderer speaks truth. This combat must be sanctified."
The gorilla spirit beat its chest again. "My champion has proven his worth through strength."
"And mine through wisdom and heart," countered Bast.
Thor lowered Mjolnir, directing its energy to form a circle around the combatants. "Then let divine will be made manifest through sacred combat. No interference shall be permitted."
"By the gods," Thor proclaimed, "this final battle shall determine the true king. The gods themselves bear witness."
He raised his hand, and silence fell across the arena. T'Challa and M'Baku faced each other once more. Thor's hand fell. "Begin."
T'Challa and M'Baku faced each other, their bodies glowing with the energy of their patron gods.
Steve Rogers stood with the Dora Milaje at the edge of the arena. "Who will prevail?" he asked quietly.
Okoye kept her eyes fixed on the combatants. "The true king."
Rage flooded T'Challa's veins, and he charged. His claws struck M'Baku's chest. T'Challa pressed his advantage, striking at vulnerable points.
Enduring the injuries, M'Baku forced T'Challa to retreat.
T'Challa circled warily, looking for weaknesses. He darted in, feinting high before striking low. Before M'Baku could counter, T'Challa was already out of melee range.
Meanwhile, both the tribal elders and many citizens arrived, drawn by the manifestation of their gods.
"The people come to witness judgment," Thor said to Steve and the Dora Milaje.
M'Baku's face contorted with fury, and he slammed his fists into the ground. The arena floor cracked. T'Challa stumbled.
It was the opening M'Baku needed. He closed the distance, and his massive fist connected with T'Challa's chest. T'Challa crashed and slumped against one of the stone pillars.
M'Baku advanced slowly
Steve stepped forward instinctively, but Thor placed a hand on his shoulder. "The circle cannot be breached. This is divine combat."
M'Baku grabbed T'Challa by the throat and squeezed, "Die like your father!"
T'Challa's claws scratched desperately. His vision darkened as his lungs burned for air.
Meanwhile
The Vibranium Mound
Big Chill hovered near the top of the cavern. "Everyone ready?".
"As ready as we'll ever be," Tony replied.
Klaw's massive sound form was at the center of the vibranium chamber, growing larger by the second. Small pieces of the ceiling broke free, crashing to the ground below.
"Remember," Hank adjusted his helmet. "We need to distract him long enough for Ben to create the path, then Tony goes in and grabs the emitter. I will handle the containment."
Hulk pounded his fists together. "HULK SMASH SOUND MAN."
"Not exactly, big guy," Wasp corrected, hovering near his shoulder. "We got this, though."
Tony's faceplate snapped shut. "JARVIS, route remaining power to thrusters."
"Done, sir," the AI responded. "Power reserves at 42 percent."
Big Chill positioned himself directly above Klaw. "Go ahead, Hulk."
Hulk charged straight at Klaw, drawing the sound entity's attention. Massive fists swung through the entity, disrupting it momentarily before it reformed. "COME FIGHT HULK." He continued his assault despite the futility.
Klaw turned toward the green giant. "You cannot harm me. I am beyond physical matter."
While Klaw focused on Hulk, Hank activated his Pym particles. He rapidly expanded to twenty feet tall. His giant hand sent a collection of mining equipment through Klaw's form.
The distortion was minimal, but it split Klaw's attention. "Insects!"
"NOW," Big Chill called. He inhaled deeply. When he exhaled, a concentrated beam of supercooled air struck Klaw from above. The temperature approached absolute zero.
Where the cold beam touched Klaw's sound form, the waves slowed dramatically. The vibrations became sluggish, creating a visible tunnel through his center.
"It's working," Hank marveled, dodging a sonic blast. "Sound waves can't propagate properly at these temperatures. Iron Man, go!."
Tony didn't hesitate. He engaged full thrusters, streaking toward the opening. His armor's external temperature sensors flashed warnings across his HUD as he approached the tunnel.
"Sir, external temperature approaching minus 200 degrees Celsius," JARVIS warned.
"Just keep the internal temperature regulated." Tony could see his own breath visible inside the helmet. He entered the tunnel, careful not to touch the edges. At the center of Klaw's form, a metallic object was suspended in the vortex of sound. The sonic emitter. "I see it!"
Klaw sensed the intrusion. His form began to contract around Tony. "NO."
"Hurry!" called Wasp.
Hulk, seeing Klaw's attention shift to Iron Man, redoubled his efforts. He clapped, creating his own shockwaves that disrupted the sound entity.
Tony reached for the emitter. His armor groaned as frost formed across its surface. This modular armor was designed against atmospheric freezing. This was another lovel. Warning lights flooded his HUD.
"Power reserves at 15 percent," JARVIS announced. "Thermal regulation systems failing."
"Almost there." Tony's fingers brushed against the emitter, then closed around it.
The moment Tony touched the device, Klaw screamed. The sound blasted through the chamber, shattering equipment and sending everyone but Big Chill staggering backward.
"Got it!" Tony pulled the emitter free. The tunnel began to collapse immediately. He engaged maximum thrust, racing for the exit.
"Iron Man! Out now!" Ant Man commanded.
Tony burst from Klaw's form, the emitter clutched tightly in his gauntlet. Frost covered his armor completely. Systems failed in cascading sequences across his HUD.
Klaw's form contracted violently, then expanded in a desperate attempt to reclaim his power source. "RETURN WHAT IS MINE!"
"Wasp, Pym, containment NOW," Tony called, landing roughly as his flight systems failed.
Wasp darted forward, carrying a small vibranium container. Hank, still at giant size, covered her approach, his massive form shielding her from Klaw's increasingly erratic blasts.
"The vibranium chamber," Hank called to Tony. "Place it inside carefully."
Tony's fingers, stiff from the cold, paused before placing the emitter in the container. "Wait. This emitter is maintaining his sound form. If we shut it down completely, he might cease to exist."
"He is pure sound energy now," Hank confirmed. "The emitter is keeping him alive in this state."
Tony adjusted a control on the side of the device. "I can reduce the power output. Keep him alive but contained."
The emitter's glow dimmed as Tony dialed down its intensity. He placed it inside the vibranium container Wasp held open. The device pulsed with a weak but steady rhythm.
"Close it," Tony urged.
Wasp snapped the container shut. The vibranium immediately began to glow, partially containing the sonic energy while allowing the reduced output to continue.
Klaw's massive form wavered, then contracted rapidly. His roar of rage diminished to a high pitched buzz. Within seconds, his enormous sound body collapsed to the size of an action figure. "YOU CANNOT DO THIS TO ME," Klaw squeaked.
"I just did," Tony replied, kneeling to examine the miniaturized villain. "Not so bad now that he's on a low volume."
Big Chill descended to the ground. "That solves our immediate problem."
"He is still composed entirely of sound," Hank noted, returning to normal size and studying the tiny figure. "Converting him back to human form would be tricky."
"Can the Wakandans do it?" Wasp asked.
"Perhaps," Hank replied. "But it would take considerable time and specialized equipment. His physical body has become sound energy."
Hulk poked a finger near the tiny Klaw, who buzzed angrily in response. "TINY SOUND MAN STAY LIKE THIS?"
"For now," Tony confirmed.
The Arena
M'Baku's fingers crushed down. T'Challa's vision pinched to a tunnel of pain. Then Bast answered. Violet heat snapped through his muscles. He tore free with a sharp upward jerk, gulping air as M'Baku reeled back.
Violet light around T'Challa intensified into a visible aura, and he started striking at M'Baku.
M'Baku swung back, but T'Challa was a step ahead.
M'Baku gathered his remaining strength and channeled the White Gorilla's power. White light surrounding him expanded outward and took shape. A massive spectral gorilla formed around him, its arms mirrored his movements, and its chest heaved with each breath.
"BEHOLD THE TRUE POWER OF WAKANDA," M'Baku bellowed. "THE WHITE GORILLA WILL CRUSH ALL WHO OPPOSE ITS WILL."
T'Challa closed his eyes. He extended his arms, and the violet light outward and formed the spectral image of an enormous panther around his body.
"TREMBLE BEFORE BAST!"
"COWER BEFORE GHEKRE!"
The two spirits met at the arena's heart. Gorilla against Panther. The air crackled with divine power.
M'Baku pushed forward with brute force. The gorilla swung massive fists at the panther. M'Baku pressed his advantage and forced T'Challa backward.
The panther moved back toward the edge of Thor's circle. The gorilla raised both fists for a final, crushing blow.
T'Challa crouched low, and the panther mimicked his stance. As the gorilla's fists descended, the panther slid beneath it. The gorilla overextended.
The panther struck at the gorilla's exposed flank. T'Challa moved inside M'Baku's guard and delivered a strike directly to his heart.
M'Baku stumbled, and the gorilla flickered. T'Challa pressed the attack. The panther did the same to the gorilla from all sides.
T'Challa swept M'Baku's legs from under him. He crashed to the ground, and his gorilla dissipated as his concentration broke.
The panther stood over him and positioned its jaws at his throat.
M'Baku lay under the panther's shadow, blood on his teeth and breathing hard.
T'Challa drew twin push daggers. Divine energy flowed into the metal. The daggers fused into one and created a vibranium double-bladed scythe. "Shall I show you the same mercy you showed my father?"
A cruel smile spread across M'Baku's bloodied face. "Ask him yourself when you join him." He snarled and revealed a miniature sonic device.
Before T'Challa could react, M'Baku activated the device. An ear-splitting vibrating noise pierced the arena. The sound waves struck T'Challa directly. He dropped the scythe and clutched his ears. Like the gorilla, the panther faded away.
M'Baku rose to his feet. He kicked T'Challa in the ribs. "A gift from Klaw." M'Baku advanced on the fallen prince. "Fitting. You meet your end the same way your father did. But you are not even the man he was. You go to outsiders for help." He glanced at Thor and Captain America. "No outsider can help you now." M'Baku raised his fist for another blow, and white light coiled around it. The arena went dead-quiet, and people recoiled.
Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the arena. The ground trembled beneath their feet. All eyes turned toward the sacred mountain. M'Baku's attention wavered for just a second. A Hydra charge detonated on the mountainside. Hydra must have screwed up royally.
The sonic device tilted away from T'Challa, and it was enough. T'Challa lunged forward to M'Baku's wrist. With a sharp twist, he shattered the bones. The sonic device fell silent. M'Baku roared in pain and swung with his other hand.
T'Challa ducked and retrieved his scythe. Power ran along the edge and extended its reach. The blade stopped very close to M'Baku's throat.
"Yield," T'Challa commanded. "Or join your ancestors."
M'Baku's eyes darted from the blade to the explosion at the mountain.
T'Challa pressed the edge slightly against his skin. A thin line of blood appeared on M'Baku's neck.
M'Baku's shoulders slumped. The energy around him dissipated completely. "I yield," he whispered.
T'Challa stepped back and kept the scythe ready. M'Baku collapsed to his knees, then fell face-forward onto the arena floor and went limp.
Thor raised Mjolnir high and proclaimed, "The combat is decided. T'Challa, son of T'Chaka, is victorious by divine right and combat."
The spectral forms of Bast and Ghekre materialized above the arena once more. The panther deity inclined its head toward T'Challa. The gorilla beat its chest once in acknowledgment, and then both faded from view.
Thor's circle guttered out. The Dora Milaje immediately knelt before T'Challa and planted their spears in the ground. Throughout the arena, citizens followed suit and bowed to their rightful king.
Wakandans poured into the arena from all directions. Word of the sacred combat had spread through the city. Thousands gathered to witness the aftermath and filled every available space around the sacred grounds.
T'Challa stood over M'Baku, and the panther faded as he released its power.
"As victor, I declare these terms," T'Challa announced. "M'Baku, you will swear an oath before the gods. You will never again pursue the Wakandan throne nor harm its people. You will return to the White Gorilla village and remain there in peace."
M'Baku glared up at him, and hatred burned in his eyes.
"Should you violate these terms," T'Challa continued, "you will face not my justice, but divine punishment."
Thor nodded. "The gods have witnessed this decree. It is bound in divine law."
M'Baku slowly pushed himself to his knees.
"Swear it," T'Challa commanded.
M'Baku's jaw clenched. Finally, he bowed his head. "I swear."
"This is the man who has brought catastrophe to our land," T'Challa proclaimed, and he pointed to the defeated M'Baku. "The one who took your king through cowardice and dishonor."
An elder struck the ceremonial staff on the ground three times. "Behold your true king."
The elder raised his staff. "T'Challa!"
The crowd took up the call.
"T'Challa!"
"T'Challa!"
"T'Challa!"
"T'Challa!"
"T'Challa!"
"T'Challa!"
"T'Challa!"
The chant grew louder.
The Dora Milaje surrounded M'Baku's prone form.
T'Challa ordered them to stand down. "The oath has been made. He will face divine justice."
T'Challa looked toward Captain America, and Captain America offered a respectful nod.
Thor approached and placed a hand on T'Challa's shoulder. "The throne is yours," Thor said. "As it should be."
The Black Panther had reclaimed his throne.
Later
The heroes gathered in the grand hall of the Wakandan royal palace.
"What will happen to Klaw?" Steve Rogers asked. The Sonic Emitter and the miniature Klaw were carried away.
T'Challa, now dressed in formal royal attire, approached the group. "We will take him to our labs. Our scientists will study ways to restore his human form without risking his escape."
"And if they can't?" Tony asked.
T'Challa's expression remained solemn. "Then he will remain as he is imprisoned in our most secure facility. It is more mercy than he has shown others."
Tony examined the damage to his armor. "Good. That guy gave my suit the worst kind of sound check."
Hank Pym nodded. "A wise decision."
Preparations for the coronation ceremony continued around them. Servants hurried through the halls carrying ceremonial items, while tribal leaders from across Wakanda arrived in their finest regalia.
"You all have honored us with your help," T'Challa said. "I request your presence at my coronation."
Jan clapped her hands together. "A royal coronation. I wish I had packed something more appropriate."
"Your presence is what matters," T'Challa assured her.
Two regal figures approached the gathering. The Queen Mother of Wakanda and the Princess, T'Challa's younger sister.
"These are the warriors who helped save our nation," T'Challa said, gesturing to the Avengers.
The Queen Mother stepped forward. "I am grateful to each of you for protecting my son. M'Baku would have destroyed everything my husband built. You prevented that tragedy."
"We simply did what we thought was right," Steve replied.
Ben Tennyson leaned closer to Wasp and spoke quietly. "I have to say, this ended a lot better than most of the political conflicts I deal with."
Wasp nodded and smiled. "Well, you're with the Avengers now. We might be a bit new, but we're getting better. Tony seemed to get a bit of a reality check."
"True. Plus, we aren't hated. Usually, when I get involved in royal succession disputes, someone ends up imprisoned or betrayed."
"That sounds exhausting," Wasp said and crossed her arms.
"It is. Actually, there were several times when I was almost married into a royal family."
"Several? Seriously?"
"Yeah. Transforming into different aliens attracts all sorts of attention. That, and some people did it for political reasons.
"Ah. I see."
Ben shrugged. "But today we helped restore a rightful king and stopped some bad guys without breaking reality. I will definitely take this win."
The Princess moved closer to examine Tony's damaged armor. "Klaw broke that? I could fix it. Our technology would make your suit ten times more powerful."
Tony scoffed. "Oh, really?"
"My sister believes she can improve everything," T'Challa explained with a fond smile.
"Well, nothing wrong with a little friendly competition."
"Wakanda owes you a debt," the Queen Mother continued. "You came to a land you did not know to fight for people you did not know. That requires courage."
Hulk shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. It felt nice.
The Queen Mother nodded solemnly. "And for that, we thank you." She turned to T'Challa. "Your father would be proud of the allies you have found."
"The Avengers have proven their worth, Mother. We will not forget it."
The Princess grinned. "And next time you visit, I will show you what real technology looks like."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge?"
"It is a promise," she replied confidently.
#
Hours later, the coronation ceremony proceeded. The Avengers watched as T'Challa received the ceremonial mantle of the Black Panther and the crown of Wakanda, officially marking his ascension to the throne.
As the formal ceremony concluded, the Wakandan elder knelt at T'Challa's side. "The true king of Wakanda has returned. Now we may purify our lands of the outsiders, and return to the old ways."
Upon hearing this, the Avengers shared a look. "We're getting kicked out now?" complained Ben.
Tony huffed. "That's just rude."
Wasp groaned. "Was really hoping to enjoy the after party."
"Rise, my friend." T'Challa rested a strong hand on his shoulder. "Outsiders may have threatened Wakanda, but outsiders saved us as well."
Both the elder and the surrounding Wakandans shared looks of shock at the king's proclamation.
"The old ways allowed Man-Ape to do this, and the old way must change." T'Challa continued, silently ordering the armed warriors to lower their weapons.
"My first order as king is to let the Council lead Wakanda as well. We can no longer hide ourselves away, waiting for our enemies to come to us. What happens in Wakanda affects the world, so I will go out into the world when the world needs us." He proclaimed, moving to stand before the Avengers. "I will fight alongside our new allies."
"You attacked, you used us, abandoned us. Now you want to join us?" Tony retorted, not quite on board with the new Wakandan king's idea. "Why should we trust you?"
"You shouldn't." T'Challa understood the billionaire's distrust. "I will earn your trust... should you allow me to join you."
Jan then slid into the conversation. "He is probably our best bet for a ride home, too."
"Wait," Steve interrupted, looking at T'Challa. "What about your duties here? Wakanda needs its king."
T'Challa nodded solemnly. "My people come first. I must attend to Wakanda. But should another global crisis threaten our world, I will stand with the Avengers. Consider me a reserve member, ready when truly needed."
Hulk grunted. "HULK APPROVES."
Though making a good point about their transportation needs, it was not the only reason Tony agreed. "You are in. Part-time works for us."
As the two shook hands, the surrounding crowds erupted with approving cheers.
T'Challa then silenced the crowd. "Before we continue, I have a matter of honor to address." A Dora Milaje stepped forward with a wooden box.
T'Challa opened it, revealing a scroll sealed with the royal emblem. "Hulk, I made you a promise. A king must honor his word."
Hulk approached.
"These documents grant you ownership of five hundred acres of land in the northern mountains of Wakanda." T'Challa unrolled the scroll. "There is a lake filled with fish, forests with game, and caves for shelter. It is yours, for whenever you wish to find peace."
Hulk took the scroll carefully and studied it. "HULK OWNS LAND?"
"Yes. This is your place in Wakanda, where no one will hunt you or disturb you."
The green giant nodded slowly, a rare smile forming. "THANKS."
Banner's scientific mind briefly surfaced in Hulk's expression. "GOOD FISHING?"
T'Challa smiled. "The best in Wakanda."
Hulk carefully rolled the scroll back up. "WILL COME BACK. CATCH BIG FISH."
The assembled crowd murmured in surprise at the exchange. Never before had a foreigner been granted Wakandan land.
"To new alliances," Thor boomed, raising Mjolnir. "And to Wakanda."
T'Challa looked out over his people, then back to the assembled heroes. "To a new chapter for Wakanda, and for the world."
The celebration continued long into the night, marking the addition of a powerful new ally to the Avengers roster.
#
Patreon.com/Firestorm808
Get access to early previews of upcoming chapters.
Like my work? Please consider supporting me, so I can keep writing as often as possible. Even a little means a lot and helps me dedicate more time and resources to my work.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you did, please follow or review/comment. See you guys in the next chapter.
Discord Server: discord.com/invite/2uP8ka2