Even before we reunited with Namor to discuss matters further Honor seized the initiative... We'd bonded so swiftly and in ways that were hard to describe. It had to be like this too with Thor/his hammer. It was perfect symbiosis. I did have similar with the Hestia lasso. But in this case Honor took the liberty of dissolving both my bracelets and my lasso... As Storm led us back to the main reception chamber Peter took notice of this as we trailed behind the X man. He leaned in close. "What's going on?" "The hammer is asserting its will." Peter frowned. "Isn't that unusual...?" "Yes and no." "What does that even mean?"
"Storm has done well at making her case," said the submerged prince to break our train of thought. He took note of my modified appearance and the ebony version of Mjolnir in my hand. "Forgive me my prince but Thor Odinson visited me not long ago." "And apparently rewarded you well... Asgard would never permit such a powerful weapon to go to anyone lest they had proven themselves worthy..." Storm said, "Surely this should serve as added proof of our intentions. You know well of Thor." "I do. He has done honorable deeds for us in the past..." I held up my new "lasso". "Its name is Honor." Hands behind his back, the Atlantean prince walked over to a nearby wall that showed the greater city of Atlantis beyond. "You would no doubt wield it as its name implies." Peter said, "Highness - my wife has already done a lot - more than most can ever realize - to have saved this world and all in it. You may not have heard of her until now but that means little." It wasn't ideal diplomacy but Peter spoke with heart; and he defended me. It was super sweet after all...
Storm said with more tact, "Peter is correct though highness - wonder woman has already done much to save this world; and just in a short time. We all owe her - including Atlantis." He faced us. "Even if I do withdraw us from the agreement with China...I will not take your side in any coming battles." I took a few steps forward. "That's fine highness. Just not allying with our enemies and staying out of it should be enough." Storm seemed disappointed at this; she'd hoped for more. But centuries of diplomacy had taught me to go for what I could.
"Does your newfound weapon give you solace in this regard?" the submariner said. "Perhaps; but I would do whatever it took anyway. I've already fought the Mandarin once and wounded him good. The next time we meet I intend to finish him for good."
"Very well wonder woman - I'll meet you halfway. Atlantis from this moment will no longer ally with the communists or their allies." "Thank you highness. I truly appreciate this. And maybe, something can be arranged with Wakanda about vibranium for mutant defense..." "As much as I would hope for such I can't expect that to be the case." "Let me speak to King T'challa on this matter and get back to you." He nodded. Storm's disappointment seemed to evaporate at that.
As we left Atlantis I couldn't help but feel a nice draw to Honor. Most of my arsenal was defensive in nature. That was still my way...but there was something offensive about the hammer that I liked more. And if I had to use it to bash Chinese ships to nothing and to beat down Mandarin with it for good then I would. But then again a hammer like a lasso was a tool inasmuch as a weapon...
