A.N. The following is a nonprofit fan fiction. All of these characters belong to with DC or Marvel comics. Please support the official release.
I am very sorry for the hiatus. I lost interest for a while. But then my friend, BuckJohnson, told me that sometime you gotta force yourself to finish the story. Especially when you have fans and friends waiting for the next chapter. And I think he's right. So without further ado, here's Panther's Quest. I hope you'll like it.
Summary: After Tony has an argument with an old friend, the Black Panther shows up, asking the League to help him overthrow his corrupt cousin and liberate the ancient, yet highly advanced kingdom of Wakanda.
The Godfrey Show
On a TV screen, it showed Ferdinand fighting robbers in downtown Midway City, knocking down their van and is shown to be impervious of their bullets and knocked them around. The image then froze at just the right moment where Ferdinand had a mean looking expression.
"And that, folks, is one of the newest members of the world's greatest superhero team," Gordon Godfrey said, sarcastically. "The f(Beep)ing minotaur, in the flesh. Of course, anyone out there who knows a lick about Greek mythology knows that the Minotaur was a brute. A savage that ate people. And the League decided to just up and recruit this man eater." He ranted, clearly not knowing the truth about Ferdinand. Or maybe he didn't care. "But should we really be surprised?" Godfrey went on. "After all, our so called heroes will recruit killers into their ranks," He said, as an image of Aquaman appeared, with the title 'Hero or Murderer?'
"Oh sure. Aquaman has paid for the destruction his people cause in Sicily." Godfrey went on. "But the fact remains that that was a battle that never should've happened. Yet Aquaman allowed it anyways. This is case of royal mismanagement. And it cost him over thirty thousand of his own. Not to mention the civilian casualties that were unfortunate enough to get caught in the crossfire. Local fishermen who were gunned down by Atlantean killers. Yet the League suggests that we should allow these savages to join the United Nations? Wake up folks. Our so called guardians may not have their best interests in us. I mean, what difference have they made, really? All they do is put out fires, and then what? It's not like they're coming up with ways to prevent these fires. They have the power to improve third world countries, like Wakanda, yet they do nothing and let African children go to bed hungry."
Click!
Cue the intro
Switzerland, 14 January 1987
The Vatabur Conference, an annual meeting between the world's top economic powers. Third world countries are not invited to these meetings. That's what the UN is for. A place for the lower class to complain about their shortcomings. But this year, they had invited Wakanda's current leader, King T'Chaka. They had known about Wakanda's technology and their resources for years. Untouched petroleum deposit, medicine unknown to the outside world and of course, vibranium. The rarest and most valuable mineral on the planet. And they want it so much they can almost taste it.
"Your majesty," A representative of the UK spoke to T'Chaka. "We will pay whatever price you set for your goods."
"They are not for sale," T'Chaka sternly told the representative. "Until the morale of the west catches up with Wakanda, it would be irresponsible to share our scientific discoveries with you."
"Are you calling us irresponsible children?" The representative asked in defense.
"No," T'Chaka retorted. "More like seldom teenagers who believe they are more mature than their behavior warrants. The fact that every conversation up to this point has been nothing but profit and power says it all. You could've made all the progress we've made on your own. But there's too much profit in misery," T'Chaka said, accusingly. "Why cure a disease when people pay for medicine? Why provide cheap energy when …?"
"Yes, we get the point, T'Chaka." The representative rudely interrupted. "I have never met a socialist with a crown on his head before. But I guess there's a first time for everything."
"Who gave you permission to use my first name?!" T'Chaka spat.
"I – I'm sorry. I did not mean to offend." The representative nervously said.
"I understand it must be frustrating to deal with a black man you cannot buy with a truck full of guns, a plane full of blondes and a swish bank account." T'Chaka pushed on, as he got close up the representative's face. He then composed himself and lowered his tone and said, "But please, hold onto what little class you have."
"Your majesty, I truly apologize." The representative said, hoping to salvage whatever chance he has for the Wakandan resources, but it's too late.
"Coming here has been a waste of my time," T'Chaka said and turned to leave. "This meeting is over. Wakanda will not open its borders."
T'Chaka returned to his hotel room where his family was waiting. His second wife, Ramonda, who was heavily pregnant, his second son, Jakarra and his first born, T'Challa.
"Pack your belongings," T'Chaka told them. "We're returning home."
"What?" The ten year old T'Challa said with disappointment. "But father we just arrived."
"We were gonna go skiing," The eight year old Jakarra complained.
"Beloved husband, what is going on?" Ramonda asked.
"This is the reason why we must leave. Every breath of European air causes the children to be more insolent." T'Chaka said, angrily.
Unbeknownst to them, about 500 yards away from the hotel, on the side of the mountains, a sniper had taken position. His target was in sight. T'Chaka. The assassin pulled the trigger. He knew the windows were bulletproof. But that wouldn't be a problem for an anti-tank rifle. What he wasn't expecting though was the thin layer of vibranium that coated the windows. It absorbed the vibration of the bullet, enough to stop the shot. T'Chaka grabbed his family and covered them, using his body as a shield. His bodyguards sprinted for the window, ready to protect the royal family. But then there was an explosion from the floor. It was Klaw. The world's self proclaimed assassin.
He had been waiting beneath the floor for over a week, just for this opportunity. As soon as he came out of the floor, he began firing, taking out the guardsmen first. The purpose of an attack like this is to cause as much chaos as possible. But in the initial assault, a splinter from the floor had hit Jakarra in the throat from the explosion. When T'Chaka saw his dying son gasping for air, coughing blood, he went blind with rage.
Klaw noticed T'Chaka coming at him almost too late. T'Chaka brought out a pair of vibranium claws from beneath robes and attacked the assassin with such speed it was almost blinding. Klaw's smile disappeared and replaced with surprise. He turned his guns to the king. The first bullet missed, and T'Chaka slashed Klaw across the face.
Klaw then wakes up from the dream. Next to him is a naked black woman, sleeping soundly. He rubs the scared part of his face and gets up, naked as the woman he spent the night with. He wipes some sweat from his forehead. "Damn this fucking African heat." He complained, while getting dressed. He looks at his right arm, which appeared as a normal human arm. He rubs it, relieving some not so fond memories, before he receives a call on his Nokia. Klaw looks at the number and sighs.
"What do you want this early in the morning?" He asked after answering.
"Don't use that tone on me. Remember I'm king now." Eric Killmonger said from the other line.
"Of course. My apologizes, your majesty." Klaw replied with a mock grin. "The heat is messing with my head."
"Why are you even still in Wakanda?" Killmonger demanded. "You should be out looking for T'Challa. We never found a body. Therefore he must still be alive. His very existence is a threat to my rule."
"Patience, your highness." Klaw said, calmly. "Part of the hunt is sometime you have to wait for your prey to come to you. we both know that if T'Challa is alive, he will return to Wakanda. All we have to do is be ready for him."
"And what if he doesn't return alone?" Killmonger wondered.
"I am way ahead of you," Klaw replied with a smirk.
Stark Tower, New York City
Meanwhile, in New York, Tony Stark is having a meeting with an old friend. A man in his 30s named Simon Williams, owner of a small company.
"I don't need to tell you that Stark Industries is crushing us," Simon told Tony. "Energy was our major initiative at Williams Innovation. Ever since you came out with the arch reactor technology, we've got nothing that can compete." He said, but Tony was just working on whatever new project was on his hands.
"Security image … not found … error." The AI, Jarvis said.
"We're going under, Tony." Simon spat. "But you know that. After all, you've been buying up shares of my company." He said accusingly. "We've known each other since college. So I'm asking now as a friend. Don't do this." He pleaded. "I built Williams Innovation from nothing. It's all I have." He said, solemnly.
"Was, actually." Tony corrected.
"What?" Simon said, in disbelief.
"I'm the majority share holder about 15 minutes ago." Star told him.
"No," Simon hissed.
"Look, your company wasn't gonna make it. So bought it to save it." Tony tried to explain.
"Save it, Stark. I don't want to hear." Simon stubbornly refused to listen, and then stormed off. "You haven't heard the last of me, Stark. I'm not gonna let you ruin my life."
"Ruin your life?" Tony retorted, and jumped out of his chair. "Simon, wait! Let me explain." He said, but Simon already shut the door on him. Tony wanted to go after him, but just said, "Whatever." He went back his desk and sat down, letting out a sigh. He opens one of the drawers, but finds it's empty. "What the hell?"
"Miss Potts was in here earlier and found your hidden bottle, sir. She wanted me to remind you that you promised to lay of the whiskey." Jarvis explained.
"I have laid of the whiskey. I was going for a scotch bottle." Tony retorted.
"You shouldn't be drinking, Mr. Stark." Someone with a deep African accent told him, making him jump. A man in a panther themed suit had managed to sneak up behind Tony. But even more surprisingly, sneak into Stark Tower undetected. "It'll bring you to an early grave."
"Who the hell are you?!" Tony spat, defensively. "How'd you get in here?" He demanded.
"Your technology is impressive," The man said, as he rounded the desk. "It's almost on the same level as Wakandan tech … almost."
"Wakandan?" Tony said in disbelief. "That country with the rare metal? What does Wakanda want with me?"
"Nothing," Another voice spoke, and Tony spun around and saw Shuri and the green shape shifting teenager. "But we have desperate need of you." Shuri told him.
"Hello," The green teen said, smiling and waving his hand. "My name's Garfield Logan. What's cooking?"
"Okay, what the hell is going on here? Who are you people?" Tony demanded.
"My apologizes. I didn't introduce myself." The man said and removed his mask. "My name is T'Challa. And … I need the Justice League's help." He said, and Tony raised an eyebrow.
Wakanda
Klaw meets up with Killmonger, wearing a hat and shades. Alongside Killmonger were four women. Two Dora Milaje, and their general, Okoye. The forth woman stood out from them, as she was wearing a leopard fur bikini, and a coat made from leopard fur. She also wore metal bracelets on her wrists and ankles. The ones on her wrist stuck out a pair of spikes, likely to be used in up close combat.
"Nice hat," Killmonger commented, dryly. "You think this is a James Bond movie?"
"There're many people in Wakanda who wants my head. I gotta keep a low profile, even if I have the king's protection." Klaw replied. "I even had to apply makeup to cover my scars." He added.
"You said you had hired a team to assist us in case T'Challa returns?" Killmonger said, impatiently.
"Straight to business. I like that." Klaw commented with a smirk. They rounded the corner of a building, just in time to see two large figures collide, causing a dust cloud. Once the cloud cleared, only one of the two figures was still standing. The one on the ground was a white rhino, and the other was a talk bulky man. Bigger than the hulk even. He wore red armor, with a large oval helmet covering his head. The man chuckled. "I've always wanted to do that."
The woman wearing the leopard attire stuttered. "That's … that's …"
"The Juggernaut, Madam Slay." Klaw finished, using her name.
"Great," A Frenchman said, dryly. "One less white rhino in the world. They are an endangered species, you know."
"And the Frenchman there is Batroc the Leaper." Klaw said.
"So what?" Juggernaut spat at Batroc. "Every creature on the planet's gonna end up extinct anyways. Why put of the inevitable?"
"We are guests in this country. It's just good manners." Batroc retorted.
"Yeah," Another man said. Though, he hardly looked like a man, as he was wearing some kind of containment suit and his head … was a skull that spewing green fire. "Like when you frogs lifted your skirts to the Nazis, until we Americans had to come save your sorry asses."
"The Atomic Skull," Klaw went on.
"Fucking A," Juggernaut said, and fist bumped Skull.
"Repayment for helping finance your revolution," Batroc replied. "Besides, while we were fighting the enemy of the world in the shadows, you were hiding in your cradles until the Japanese so rudely sunk your ships." He said, hitting them where it hurts.
"You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing, when they have tried everything else." A man dressed as a knight in black armor, said, sporting a British accent. Next to him was a winged horse.
"And lastly, the Black Knight," Klaw said.
"While you were back home, turning a blind eye to the suffering of Europe, we fought of wave upon wave of Luftwaffe over the English Channel." Black Knight told the two. "We defended our island no matter to cost, and we never surrendered." He said with much pride
"Big talk, coming from a tea sucker. How's that empire you don't have anymore?" Skull asked, arms crossed.
"Yeah," Juggernaut said with a smirk. "You Brits suck at war."
Killmonger turned to Klaw, with a look of disbelief. "This is your team?" He asked. "A pack of morons who bicker like immature brats?"
"If used the right way, even simpletons can be useful." Klaw replied. "Now, shall we continue?"
"Right," Killmonger replied as they head for the building entrance. And at the entrance were a bunch of men wearing yellow overalls and helmets, along with black boots and gloves. They were hauling carts that were filled with the rarest metal in the world. On the sidelines were Wakandan guardsmen, who have been told to step aside and let these outsiders take what they want.
Inside the massive mines was the Holy Grail. The source of Wakanda's advance technology. The vibranium mound. A massive meteorite that hit Africa eons ago. And the ancestors of Wakanda were the lucky ones to get their hands on it first.
"The vibranium mound," Klaw said in awe. "The greatest mineral on the planet. It only makes sense that other countries would want it."
"And I intend to sell it to the highest bidders," Killmonger told him.
"And AIM is one of those bidders." A man with a grim voice said. A man wearing a hood.
"Grim Reaper," Killmonger said. "How's your new arm?"
The Grim Reaper, as he was called, lifted his right arm, and in place of a hand was a large scythe. He slashed at a piece of rock, giving it a clean cut. "Thanks for the gift. It's not even my birthday."
"I know the feeling," Klaw said, and raised his own arm, which then transformed into a cannon, and shot at a black panther statue. "I used to hate vibranium. Now I can get enough of it. Just imagine what an army wielding weapons like this can do." He said.
"My boss has," Grim Reaper replied. "And he's prepared to pay billions for it."
"Fine by me," Killmonger replied. "And by the way, there's already an army wielding weapons like yours Klaw."
"Quit," Klaw replied. "And they are all under your command. No matter who the Black Panther goes to, he will never retake his country." He said and the two villains smirked over their advantage.
"So, if the Black Panther returns, how big are our chances of winning?" Grim Reaper asked.
"Pretty good," Klaw said. "Considering I've already killed the previous Panther."
Stark Tower
Back in the states, after the League arrives, Captain America, Superman, Hulk, Batman and Wasp, T'Challa shakes hands with Steve Rogers.
"You fought beside my grandfather many years ago. It's a really honor to meet you, Captain." T'Challa said, sincerely.
"The honor is mine," Cap replied. "Forgive me. But this is all still so weird to me."
"I can only imagine." T'Challa replied. "My grandfather would've been little more than a teenager when you met him. And now, after being encased in ice for over 60 years, here you are talking to his grandson."
"Wait," Wasp spoke. "I'm confused. I thought you entered the war on D-Day. You mean to tell me you traveled the Africa at some point in that time?" She asked, confused.
"Before that, actually." Steve replied. "I was given the super soldier serum in the early year of 1943. Before D-Day I was sent on several covert ops missions. Top secret. One of those missions brought me to Africa, where the Nazis had gotten wind of the subject at hand."
"Vibranium," Tony replied, and activated a hologram. "We've had small samples of it ever since the first World War. Take a gander what Cap's shield is made out of." He said, and all turned to Steve. "The US has been studying it for almost 80 years, and only now are we starting to see the true potential of this mineral. It could be used for so much good."
"Yes. But some would rather want to use it for weaponry," T'Challa retorted, and Stark frowned.
"Yeah … Stark Industries studied the possibility of making weapons out of vibranium." He said, looking ashamed. "That was a long time ago. I'm a different person now."
"I gather," T'Challa said, dryly.
"So then, you want us to help you reclaim your country?" Batman asked.
"That is correct. My people are under the rule of my corrupt cousin, Eric Killmonger." T'Challa replied.
"Killmonger?" Wasp said with a raised eyebrow. "Can you have a less subtle villain name?" She asked, sarcastically.
"If the people are following this Killmonger of their own free will, then that's the end of the story." Superman said, crossing his arms. "We're not some mercenaries you can hire to overthrow a sitting government."
"That's the thing," Shuri spoke. "The people are the problem. They follow the old way. Killmonger defeated T'Challa for the right to the throne. They feel they must follow him. Regardless if what he does."
"Man, for being a so called highly advanced society, your people sure have some real old school ways of choosing your leaders." Garfield commented.
"Indeed we need to change our ways. But that will only be possible if I can defeat my cousin in another battle for the throne," T'Challa replied.
"What's the deal between you two anyways?" Wasp asked. "Sounds like you and your cousin have some shady backstory."
"Not with me. But with my father." T'Challa told her. "Many years ago, my uncle N'Jobo, fell in love with an American woman. So he defected from Wakanda, married her and the two had a son. Erik. Eventually, my father found my uncle, hiding in Los Angeles. Their reunion … ended in shambles to say the least."
"He killed N'Jobo, didn't he?" Batman asked, and T'Challa's silence was answer enough.
"Erik vowed revenge," T'Challa went on. "But my father … my father was killed 15 years ago. You'd think that would be end of that for Erik's quest for revenge. But he was far beyond salvation at that point. His hatred for my father runs deep. He's carrying his grudge against my whole family and Wakanda. Everything my father ever loved."
"And now as the king, he can exact his revenge." Superman said.
"Indeed," T'Challa said and went over to Stark's monitor screen. He put a USP of some kind into the computer and said, "Computer, satellite view of Wakanda."
"Yeah. Wakanda can't be seen from satellite. Trust me. I've tried." Tony said, only to see the entire country of Wakanda on screen. "Okay, how do you know my systems inside and out?"
"I've studied them," T'Challa replied. "Inside and out. Zoom in." He said and they got a pretty good visual of the mines, and the people there.
"Who're the clowns in rubber suits?" Garfield wondered.
"AIM," Batman replied.
"Aim for what?" Garfield wondered.
"Advanced Idea Mechanics," Batman went on. "They're a privately funded think tank organized of a group of brilliant scientists whose sole dedication is to acquire and develop power through technological means. Their goal is to use this power to overthrow the governments of the world."
"So they're just a bunch of geeks pretending to be villains. Doesn't sound so scary." Garfield commented, looking rather cocky.
"They're not the only outsiders in Wakanda, it seems." Shuri said and zoomed in on the super villains present.
"The Atomic Skull," Batman said. "Former scientist turned villain by accident. His powers include super strength, durability and radioactive energy blasts. Batroc the Leaper. A French mercenary villain at peak human condition. He's considered by many to be one of the world's greatest martial artists. He's most notable for his strong legs, which allows him to leap great distance."
"A Frenchman who's special ability is leaping? Ironic." Garfield said, rolling his eyes.
"The Black Knight," Batman went on. "A man downing a magic armor which protects him from projectiles. His helmet has binocular vision and can emit a bright beam to temporarily blind his enemies. His atomic Power Lance is rigged with a number of offensive technological offensives. Thermal beams, ionic energy blasts, force blasts, bolo cables, lasso, machine gun, buzz disks and zappers." Then they cut to the most recognizable villain.
"Oh my god!" Garfield cried out. "That's the Juggernaut!"
"Yeah. Thanks for pointing that out." Wasp retorted.
"He's the guy who fought you and walked away, isn't he?" Garfield asked the Hulk, who was standing next to him. That was a mistake, as Hulk turned his head and growled at the teenager. Garfield jumped and ran over to take cover behind Superman. He peaked his head out from behind the Man of Steel and said, "N-nice Hulk."
"The Juggernaut powers include vast super strength, the limits of which are unknown." Batman went on to explain. "Mostly, he is completely invulnerable. He lives up to his titled name. Once he starts moving, no force on Earth can stop him. He can walk right through a mountain without slowing down."
"How do you stop the unstoppable?" Wasp wondered.
T'Challa then noticed some familiar faces coming out of the mound. "Computer, zoom in on the entrance." He said and it did, catching a clear view of the rest of the villains. "That's him. My cousin." He said with a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Who's the hot chick that thinks she's Tarzan?" Garfield wondered.
"Madam Slay," T'Challa replied. "She's Erik's lover. She's madly in love with him, and will do anything he says. She's a Wakandan criminal with the power to control leopards. Years ago we caught her mutilating poachers who killed her leopards. She escaped capture. And with my cousin on the throne, she's returned."
"Who're the girls with the shaved heads?" Wasp asked.
"They are the Dora Milaje," T'Challa replied. "They are the royal bodyguards. Wakanda's elites. The one in the middle is their general, Okoye. And like anyone else in Wakanda, they only follow Killmonger because they feel they must."
"Who's the guy with the hat and shades?" Garfield asked.
"We can find that out," Shuri said, stepping forward and typing into the computer. "By scanning the shape his skull, and matching it with images from others around the world, we should be able to find a perfect match." She said, and the computer went to work.
"That could take hours. Days even." Tony said.
"For your computer perhaps." Shuri spoke. "But with Wakandan tech boosting it for you," The computer then finished the scan. "Done."
But when the computer showed the match, Shuri froze, and T'Challa's blood started to boil.
"Ulysses Klaue," Batman said, clearly recognizing the man.
"You know him?" Wasp asked in disbelief. "How do you always know everyone?"
Batman was about to reply. But T'Challa beat him to it. "Ulysses Klaue, one of the world's top assassins. His family has a long history with Wakanda. His great-great-great-great-grandfather was a colonel in the British Army during the colonization of South Africa. He once tried to steal vibranium but was stop by my ancestor and the Wakandan king of that time. Many many years later, Klaue's grandfather was a Nazi officer who tried to fulfill his ancestor's attempt in the past. And Ulysses Klaue took on a career as an assassin. He had a natural talent for it. In his early years, he successfully assassinated many higher ups. Mafia leaders, army generals, politicians, you name it. But what really made his name …"
"Was at the Vatabur Conference, fifteen years ago." Batman finished, surprising T'Challa and Shuri.
"You really are the world's greatest detective," Shuri commented.
"What the heck's the Vatabur Conference?" Garfield asked. "And what's your biff with this … Clause or whatever his name is?"
Flashback
Back to Switzerland in 1987, when Klaue got his face slashed by the enraged T'Chaka, he was lucky enough to get a shot in the king's chest, killing him instantly.
Klaue put his hand on his bleeding face, covering his palm with his blood. He was panting, but still alive. He turned his attention to the pregnant Ramonda, who was on her knees, holding her dead son. She looked up at Klaue, tears streaming down her cheeks. The killer raised his gun, aiming at her head, and with a wicked grin he said, "Nothing personal."
BANG!
The shot did not come from Klaue however. It was someone else. And the bullets hit Klaue's right arm, blowing it off. Ramonda was in shock, as was Klaue, when he turned around and saw the young T'Challa had been the one who shot him. He was a good enough shooter to make jumping out the window the better option. Especially when you have a mode of transport waiting outside, as a levitating vehicle of some kind caught Klaue when he jumped out.
End of flashback
Cut back to present day, everyone is feeling sympathy for T'Challa and Shuri.
Batman then asks, "Will his presence cause a problem?"
"What do you mean?" T'Challa asked.
"This mission just became personal," Batman retorted. "Vengeance, hate and anger, those kinds of feelings would cause a great liability."
T'Challa then gets up Batman's face and tells him, "Klaue killed my father. He killed my brother. And now he's working alongside my corrupt cousin who has taken my home. You can't possibly imagine what it's like knowing that the one who murdered your family is still at large."
That last part had Superman looking at Batman with worry, as he knows full well that his friend would know exactly how it feels. Batman however doesn't say anything for a few seconds, keeping a rock hard expression, and he tells T'Challa, "The League will help you reclaim the throne. We will help you get Klaue as well. But it will be justice. Not revenge. There's also the fact that if you're going to be your people's king, you'll have to set aside your personal feelings and put them before hand. Which means Killmonger is your top priority. So I suggest you get over it." He sternly told him.
T'Challa clenches his fists. But he knows Batman is right. He sighs and solemnly says, "Very well."
Batman turns his attention back to the others and says, "If the vibranium is as dangerous as T'Challa say it is, then our top priority is to prevent the enemy from leaving Wakanda with any of it."
"Agreed," Superman said. "Let's get going then."
Wakanda
Juggernaut was seen having trouble opening a can of beer, until it exploded in his face.
"Why is it that the muscle in every operation is always the stupid one?" Madam Slay wondered.
"The Juggernaut can walk through a mountain without slowing down. God help us if he had a brain." Klaw told her.
"Point taken," Slay said, looking nervous.
"So then," Grim Reaper said. "What happened after the brat shot your arm of?" He asked, hitting Klaw where it hurts.
Flashback
"Although I failed to kill entire bloodline, my sponsors were still pleased." Klaw narrated. "They hid me from the Wakandan search forces for over a decade. "But after the clawing of the panther, I was barely alive. But the Belgian government took good care of me. Restoring me as best they could. With a few … improvements."
The scene shows Klaw on an operating table with five surgeons working on him.
"They experimented on me for close to a decade. They even took my left eye. And they could've saved it." He said with anger in his voice. "But in the end, that worked for my benefit."
The scene then shows Klaw practicing with his new cybernetic arm, slashing and clawing at thick metal, shredding it to pieces, as well as transforming his arm into a gun that shot lasers.
"My sponsors made sure to give me everything I needed to get my revenge on the Black Panther. It was in their best interest that I did. After all, once T'Challa ascended to the throne, the Panther wouldn't just settle with the assassin. He would also go after the people who hired me."
Klaw is seen practicing his fighting skills on dummies resembling the Black Panther, shredding them and blowing them to oblivion.
"All those who had anything to do with his father and brother's murder would become a target." Klaw went on. "It was in their best interest that I once again became the world's greatest assassin."
Klaw finished, as the image zooms out of his younger self standing triumphantly over the burning training room.
Flashback ends
"The world's greatest assassin?" Grim Reaper said in amusement. "I can think of at least five people who would disagree."
Klaw got up Grim Reaper's face. "Is that a challenge?" He asked, as his cybernetic arm slowly started to transform into a giant claw, while Grim Reaper slowly pulled his scythe back, ready to thrust.
"Enough!" Killmonger spat, preventing a fight. "Grim Reaper, return to the mound."
"Sure. Whatever you say, your highness." Grim Reaper replied, with a rude tone.
Killmonger furiously turned his head to Klaw and berated him. "I hired you to help me. Not to start petty fights."
"My bad, your majesty." Klaw apologized. "You did indeed hire me. Hire me to help you claim the throne."
"A job you accepted to do freely when you found out who the target was." Killmonger told him.
"And yet, you didn't make sure you killed the panther." Klaw pointed out. "You've been berating me for not taking this situation more serious, when you were the one who simply tossed T'Challa of a cliff, rather than wringing his neck."
"Got me in a box there," Killmonger admitted with a shrug. "But it's alright. After all, we have insurance."
Klaw grinned and said, "Yes … insurance."
Cut to a jail cell, we see an older Ramonda, sitting on a bed, patiently waiting for her children's return.
Meanwhile out in the savannah, three poachers spots a valuable catch.
"No way," One of them said. "A white rhino. Those things will sell for a huge price at the black market."
"Yup," Another said with a wide grin, showing he has a gold tooth. "At least the horn will," He said and aimed at the unsuspecting animal.
BANG!
A shot was heard, scarring away nearby animals … including the rhino. For it wasn't any of the poachers that shot.
"Drop the guns, punks!" A ranger spat, as he had fired a warning shot at the three younger men. The man was an elderly chap, with shades and a mustache. The three men did as they were told and put their hands up. "Start walking." The elder man told them, and they did as they were told.
The Javelin was then seen flying over the savannah, straight towards the hidden kingdom of Wakanda. They passed the mountains and over the jungle, when T'Challa told them, "This is not the route I laid out for you. This part of the jungle is too heavily defended."
"Don't worry. The Javelin has the best cloaking device there is." Iron-Man said with overconfidence. Almost a second later, they were being fired at by AA-Guns.
"Wakandan radar systems are better," Black Panther retorted.
The Javelin's engines were hit and it started crashing. Superman acted quickly, as he rushed outside, got under the jet, and brought it down safely. Once they were out of danger, and the heroes got outside, Iron-Man looked over his damaged jet.
"Ever heard of the Gallipoli Campaign, Mr. Stark?" Garfield asked, looking bemused. "This kind of reminds me of that."
Stark ignored Garfield and turned to Black Panther. "You owe me a jet."
"You choose not heed my advice," T'Challa replied. "And for that, we'll have the Wakandan army upon us soon. I see now coming to you was a mistake. I wish you well." He said and then rushed into the forest.
"Say what?" Wasp said in bafflement.
"I'm … sorry," Shuri said, sheepishly, and then followed her brother.
"Okay, what just happened?" Iron-Man asked/demanded.
"Isn't it obvious?" Batman said. "He's here to reclaim the throne. We're just a distraction."
"In that case, I say we ditch out." Hulk said with an annoyed expression.
"No," Batman replied. "We cannot let AIM leave with any of the vibranium. That is our top priority. But at the same time, we have to make sure T'Challa reclaims the throne, so we can be sure the vibranium will remain in safe keeping." He said and turned to Cap. "Captain America, go after them."
"Understood," Cap replied.
"Um," Garfield said, raising his hand. "I'm just a guest star here. What should I do?"
"Have you ever seen action, son?" Cap asked
"A few times," Garfield replied. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have tagged along."
"You're with me then. Come on!" Cap replied, sprinting into the forest.
"Aw, sweet." Garfield said with a grin, excited to fight alongside Captain America himself.
After the two left, Batman told the rest, "Get ready. We don't know what kind of …" Before Batman could finish, a spear lands at the center of the group, and explodes, sending some flying, but Superman and Hulk are slightly staggered from it. Suddenly they found themselves surrounded by men with spears and shields.
"I don't suppose you're willing to parlay?" Superman asked, dryly, before getting shot by a laser, which dazed him a little.
Back at the palace, Killmonger is formulating his plans for Wakanda, when Madame Slay enters the room and wraps her arms around him.
"You've been working too much lately," She told him, massaging her hands around his chest.
"Well, there's lots of work to be done to fulfill my plans for this country and the rest of the continent." Eric replied.
"May I suggest that we start by getting rid of the vibranium," Slay suggested. "We can liquefy it to get rid of it faster."
"That's out of the question," Eric retorted. "For now, I need the vibranium. It's my main source of income, and the only reason Wakanda is the most technologically advanced society on the planet." He said and turned to look at her. "You are such a traditionalist, you know that?" He said with a smile. "But if it wasn't for Wakandan scientist, you wouldn't have gotten your new pets."
"I never did properly thank you for that," Slay said, wrapping her arms around his neck, as he turned around fully. "I especially am thankful for Bacura. Now let me thank you in full." She said and the two started to make out. Eric grabbed her legs and lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Eric lays her down on his desk and moves his hands down to pull down her bikini bottoms. But just as things were starting to get interesting for you readers …
SLAM! The door to room flung open, as a guard rushed in.
"My king! –AH!" The guard cried out when he saw that he had just interrupted something.
Eric rose up, glared at his guard and growled, "I hope for your sake we are being invaded."
"As a matter of fact …" The guard sheepishly said.
Back in the jungle, Captain America and Garfield, in the shape of a leopard, had caught up with T'Challa and Shuri.
"Why are you following us?" T'Challa demanded.
Garfield reverted back to human form so he could talk. "It's not like the two of you alone can take on whatever stands between you and Killmonger … Right?"
"You came to us for help," Steve told T'Challa. "Well, here we are. Or are we just here to be a distraction. To fight your people while you fight your own personal war?" He accused, but T'Challa didn't say anything. "Look, I have my own personal reason to be here. I fought beside your grandfather during the war. He was my friend. I owe it to him to help save his country. We're coming with you whether you like it or not. And if you don't like it, we go a few rounds." He dared T'Challa, knocking his fist into his palm.
"Wow, hold on there now. We're all on the same side … right?" Garfield said, getting between the two.
T'Challa turned his back on Steven and began lamenting. "Klaw took my father from me. He took my young brother from me. Every night in my sleep for the past 15 years, that moment comes to haunt my dreams. For 15 years, Klaw has avoided Wakandan justice. And now I have this one chance to finally deliver it to him. To finish what he started." He said, tightening his fists.
"I know the feeling," Cap replied. "There're a lot of people who's wronged me that never got the justice they deserved. But going in blindly without a plan is sure to get us killed."
"Oh, but I do have a plan." T'Challa said, turning his head. "It's a sure way to put Killmonger in a bind."
"I'll take your word for it." Steve said. "We'll still help you. But we're doing it of the book."
Back with the League, they just finished up with the first wave of Wakandans. All the men laid scattered, all beaten up.
"Okay," Wasp said, panting. "This could be a little harder than we expected."
"Incredible," Iron-Man said as he analyzed one of the spears. "For a supposed third world country, they've got tech that's decades ahead of anything we've got."
"They did detect the Javelin, even though it had you cloaking shield." Hulk retorted, hitting Iron-Man where it hurt.
"We better get moving," Superman suggested. "There's an even bigger wave of Wakandan forces heading this way. And they're bringing air support."
"We've wasted enough time then," Batman said. "Let's advance to the mound. Superman and Iron-Man, give us some areal cover." He ordered and the two took to the air. "The rest of us, move out!" He ordered.
When Superman and Iron-Man came into view, the aircraft fighters fired on them. Superman dodged the laser and brought them down with his heat vision. He then flew right through some of them, blowing them to smithereens.
"Superman! What're you doing?!" Iron-Man shouted.
"Don't worry," Superman replied, shooting down another aircraft. "There're no onboard those vessels. They're being remote controlled." He assured.
Indeed they were being remotely controlled, as seen in a control room, where hundreds of Wakandans were operating them from the safety of their HQ in the city, inside a large dome like room. Killmonger and Klaw are watching on the monitors as the battle wages on. Besides them were Madam Slay and Okoye.
"Any signs of my estranged cousin?" Killmonger asked.
"Nothing, your grace." One Wakandan woman replied.
"He's obviously on his way here," Klaw told him.
"Then let's prepare a welcome treaty for him," Killmonger replied with an evil smirk. He turned to Okoye and said, "General, gather up the Dora Milaje."
"It will be done, my king." Okoye reluctantly complied.
"And Slay," Killmonger said, turning to his lover, "Prepare your pets." He told her and she grins sadistically. And then he turned to Klaw and said, "I think it's time we bring out our insurance."
Back in the air, Superman is destroying one jet after another with his heat vision, when suddenly he is hit by a green fire blast, knocking him out of the sky. Superman crashes, but is quickly back on his feet, and is met by the one who shot him down.
"Oh, this has got to be my birthday," Atomic Skull said with glee.
"Atomic Skull," Superman replied with weary.
"You've heard of me? I'm flattered." Atomic Skull said in a mock tone.
"I've heard you're a vicious killer. It's nothing to be proud of." Superman told him.
"Oh, cry me a river. They were just lawyers, anyways." Skull retorted, and shot an radioactive blast at Superman, which he dodged, then flew in and tackled Skull.
Back at the mound, Juggernaut, Black Knight and Grim Reaper are awaiting the rest of the heroes.
"Aw, I wanted to fight Superman." Juggernaut complained. "It's been my dream."
They then hear a loud roar, as Hulk was advancing before the other Leaguers.
"Sounds like you'll get a decent fight after all." Grim Reaper told him.
"I already fought that green cock sucker," Juggernaut complained and turned to the rest. "Anyone want him?" Asked, and they all looked like 'You for real?' Juggernaut snorted and said, "Pussies."
Hulk come out of the jungle, pushing a massive tank like vehicle and ripped it in half, letting out a roar.
"HULK!"
The jade giant saw the Juggernaut coming at him, and Hulk felt his rage go up ten times. Hulk growled and charged at the Juggernaut. The two met at the center, where Hulk leaped forward, his fist pulled back, ready to strike, as was Juggernaut. However, when their fists collided, it sent Hulk flying, but Juggernaut stayed where he was. The impact caused a massive shockwave that winded the villains a little.
"What happens when an unstoppable force meets and unmovable object?" Black Knight said, ironically.
Suddenly, Grim Reaper turned to the side and knocked away two Batarangs. Batman tossed a third one, but Grim Reaper dodged it. "Finally, someone to kill." Grim Reaper said with a delightful smile, and attacked.
Wasp decided to take on Black Knight, and the latter mounted his horse, taking to the air. "A knight doing battle with a pixie? How poetic." He said.
"Wow," Wasp said in amazement over the horse. "Where'd you get the Pegasus?" She asked, but narrowly dodged a swing from Black Knight's lance.
"Guess I'll have to deal with the cannon fodder then," Iron-Man said, dryly, as he hovered over the AIM grunts.
"Come at us and try and say that again," One of them dared, and got blasted by Iron-Man's photon blasts.
"If you really want me to," Iron-Man replied, and attacked.
Back in the city, Okoye has a one hundred of her Dora Milaje outside the palace entrance. With them are also Madam Slay and her pet jaguars, which equal the Dora Milaje in numbers. They're also bigger than the average jaguar, as stated before, they were experimented upon. Also alongside them was Batroc.
T'Challa and co arrives at the entrance to the palace, seemingly unharmed. They had been able to get there without anyone stopping them. Best guess is that the people misses T'Challa as their king, and are simply hopping for the best.
"Halt," Okoye told them, stopping them in their tracks. "We have orders from our king to stop you from entering the palace. Turn around now, or be killed." She said, and she's clearly regretful about it. She's just following her orders since she's taken a vow to obey the king of Wakanda. And that is Eric Killmonger.
"I seek an audience with my cousin." T'Challa said, not flinching.
"I'm here, T'Challa!" Killmonger cried out. He was by the entrance of the large gates, downing a vibranium outfit, like the one T'Challa was wearing. However, it had yellow outlines, making look slightly different. "Welcome home, cousin. I gotta say, you are a very lucky one to have survived that fall. But this time, I will rip your heart out." He promises. Before T'Challa can reply, Killmonger turns to the gat and shouts, "Klaw!"
T'Challa and Shuri felt their bloods boil. Cap kept a close eye on them to keep them from doing anything irrational. Klaw appeared out of the gate, holding Ramonda, who had her hands cuffed behind her back. T'Challa nearly snapped at the sight of his mother at the mercy of a man who's already taken two family members from him.
"We meet again, boy." Klaw said with a smirk, locking eyes with T'Challa.
"Did he seriously just used that overused and cliché line?" Garfield asked.
"Killing your father and brother was my greatest accomplishment," Klaw went on, clearly trying to bait T'Challa. "It made me the man I am today. Well, partially. You had a role in that as well." He said, as he held up his cybernetic arm and turned it into a sword, then held it towards Ramonda's throat.
"Mother," Shuri cried with worry, and almost rushed, but T'Challa held up his arm, showing his cool. Okoye and the other Dora Milaje were all visibly disgusted by all this. To work alongside the same man who killed their previous king was incredibly frustrating. But else could they do?
"Come now, little panther." Klaw went on. "Let's finish what we started in Switzerland 15 years ago." He egged on.
"We will settle our score … later," T'Challa told Klaw, much to his surprise. The Black Panther turned to Killmonger and said, "Cousin! I didn't want it to be this way. But have left me no choice. I challenge you for the right to the throne! Do you accept my challenge?" He asked.
Killmonger's reply was a laugh. "We've been over this already. It's over. You have lost! I am the king of Wakanda now. There's no point in repeating this squabble. Dora Milaje, kill them all!" He ordered.
But much to the surprise of everyone who was not accustomed to the Wakandan ways, the Dora Milaje instead pointed their spears towards Killmonger and his goons. Killmonger was so shocked by this turn of event, that he found himself unable to speak.
"Tradition dictates that when the king of Wakanda have been challenged the right to the throne, he must accept the challenge. By refusing the challenge, you have automatically renounced your title. We are no longer obligated to obey your orders." Okoye replied, keeping a cool look on her face. But the tone in her voice says she's glad at this turn of event.
"That was unexpected," Batroc said, looking slightly surprised. But he said it dryly.
"Traitors!" Killmonger furiously shouted, angered that he has now lost control. "I will have you made into cat food! Madam Slay!" He cried, turning to his love. "Kill them all!" He ordered.
"I thought you'd never ask," Slay said with a grin. "Prepare for battle, my babies!" She ordered, and the small army of jaguars prepared to attack.
The Dora Milaje took battle poses, as T'Challam Shuri and the heroes stepped forward, ready to fight alongside them.
"Are we suppose to be scared of a litter of kittens?" Garfield asked with a cocky grin. "We'll turn them into Chinese takeaway."
"Oh, will you know?" Madam Slay asked, smirking. Then one of the jaguars took a swing at a panther statue, smashing the head into smithereens. Garfield suddenly looked pale. "These kittens, as you call them, has been genetically modified. Their claws can cut steel, their teeth can shatter bones and their pelts can resist bullets." Slay explained with a wicked grin.
"You will find that vibranium weapons far surpass primitive bullets," Okoye told her. "We'll make short work of your jaguars."
"I doubt it," Madam Slay replied with a cocky grin. "But just to be safe." She brings her index finger and thumb into her mouth and whistle. Moments later, they heard a loud growl. Rounding the corner of the palace came the largest jaguar anyone's ever seen. It was the size of a T-Rex. The massive jaguar stood besides Madam Slay and lowered its head so she could pet it. "Magnificent, isn't she?" Slay asked. "Her name is Bacura. And she was a gift from my love, made possible by Wakandan scientists. I may prefer the old ways. But I can't deny they still have some benefits. Feeding her is a hassle though. But I thank you all for offering yourselves to fill her stomach." She said. Garfield then stepped forward. "Throwing yourself before her freely I see. How generous of you."
"I only four things to say to you," Garfield replied. "I'm a motherfucking T-Rex," He said and in an instant, he turned into a seven ton Tyrannosaurus Rex. At first, Bacura was taken off guard, but then hissed at the green dinosaur. Everyone started backing away, as they knew two titans were about to class, and they do not want to get in the way. Rex-Garfield roared like in Jurassic Park, as he charges, and Bacura did the same. Garfield bit Bacura's shoulder, and the giant jaguar began scratching and biting the T-Rex. The two struggled and began dragging each other around, destroying properties, like statues and lampposts, and even walls, as they moved their battle away from the palace.
"That was new," Captain America commented.
"Kill them all!" Madam Slay cried out, and her jaguars attacked.
"Wakanda Forever!" T'Challa shouted.
"Wakanda Forever!" The Dora Milaje repeated in unison, attacked and a fierce battled broke out in the courtyard. One Dora Milaje stabbed a jaguar through the chest, while another cut the head of another, but was then bounced by a jaguar from behind, which then bit her head and crushed her skull. Another jaguar cut the belly of another Dora Milaje, spilling her guts out, but that same jaguar got stabbed through the skull of a vengeful sister.
"Guess it's time to get my hands dirty," Batroc said, while tightening his gloves. He walked down the stairs leading to the courtyard, and three Dora Milaje tried teaming up on him, but he knocked them out in a single kick. Another tried taking him on, but he disarmed her and broke her right arm, then kneed her in the face.
Captain America overpowers any jaguar coming his way, smashing their skulls in with his shield. He then spins around the block a kick from Batroc.
Captain America knocks away two jaguars, and Batroc shows his fighting skills, by killing a number of armed Dora Milaje, bare handed. T'Challa goes straight for the entrance, where Klaw and Killmonger retreats back inside, closing the gate. T'Challa hits the doors in frustration and then starts looking for another way in. Meanwhile, Captain America knocks out a few jaguars, before being bounced by Batroc. Although, Cap looked visibly hurt from it, as he winced in pain for a moment.
"Impressive," Batroc commented. "There aren't many who can notice me sneaking up on them." He said and the two began clashing.
Killmonger and Klaw saw T'Challa, chopping his way through the jaguars, and mad a B-line towards them. The two retreated back inside and shut the gates. T'Challa made it just as the gates closed and he began scratching the walls, leaving some scratch marks, until he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Shuri.
"The battle will be over before you cut through that." She told him. "Come on! We both know another way in."
Back inside, Killmonger and Klaw are returning back to the throne room via elevator, with Ramonda still in his hands.
"You don't seem the least bit concerned about your current predicament, your highness." Klaw told her.
"I am no longer scared to die." Ramonda told him. "Because I now know that today is the day you will die. You have brought the full wrath of the Black Panther upon you. Killmonger's actions have cost him his throne. You have no way of escaping. It ends today."
"Don't quite count on it yet, your majesty."
To be continued.
So some of you might be One Piece fans. And as such, you probably noticed that Madam Slay's jaguar is named Bacura. It is true. I did reference that beast from the manga/anime. And I regret nothing. Oh, and I do not own One Piece, or any other Shonen related stuff. I think that's apparent. Please leave a review to let me know what you think. I hope you enjoyed it. And again, so sorry for the hiatus. I'll try to do better.