Hello everyone. It's me, NiteOwl18. It's been so long since I posted a chapter on this story. I took my time to make this story special. On August 28, 2020 Chadwick Boseman passed away from colon cancer. I was shocked to find out this happened. I never knew he had colon cancer for four years. Ever since his death, I wanted to do a chapter that dedicates to Chadwick Boseman as I watched him play as Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I put some effort into this story and watched Black Panther, Age of Ultron, and Civil War to get the ideas flowing. I hope you all like this. Sorry it's was so late.
Chapter 18: Wakanda
In the early day of July, Royal Woods' savior, Hercules, apprehended a couple of street thugs harassing a local flower store. The thugs ended up having a few concussions and busted bones. The crowd gathered at the crime scene as police arrested the thugs. Hercules is met with roars of applause.
"We love you, Hercules!" Dana shouted.
"You're the man, dude!" Sully, one of Luna's bandmates, hollar, throwing a rock horn.
Hercules responds with a simple wave at the crowd. "I hope these guys would think twice of causing trouble at the flower store. Remind me not to send them a 'See you in about a few months' boutique when I visit them in jail," He quipped, gaining lots of laughs at the flower joke. Seeing his work is done, he prepares to leave until the owner presents him with a batch of sunflowers wrapped together in plastic. Hercules thanked the man for the gift, and jumped high to the roof and ran by leaping to each building. As he raced back to home, the white haired boy thought back at the last conversation that involved his grandparents finding out his double life.
Lincoln was at the living room, where his mentor and brother figure present, Peter Parker, and his family. Pop pop and Myrtle were also here, though the surprise expression is spelled in their faces. Peter is a little scared in telling Lincoln's grandparents the truth about Lincoln being a superhero and the web-slinger is teaching him. After defeating both Sandman and Shocker, the two made it back home once Lincoln told him that his grandparents knew. It was Lincoln that told his grandparents the whole story, with Lisa providing additional information regarding Lincoln's status as a mutant.
"Never in my wildest dream. My grandson is a hero," Albert said, wide-eyed and feeling breathless. The retired marine was sitting on the recliner with his girlfriend sitting on the couch.
"And an Avenger," Lincoln added.
"How long has this been going on?"
"Since the start of summer, Myrtle," Rita answered at the bewildered grandmother. "The whole family has been keeping it a secret. Nobody outside knows of Lincoln's gift."
"I'm surprised no one has taken the time to investigate it. Or a man in black knocking on our door," Luan added, she was standing up next to the couch.
"Director Fury contacted Mr. Stark to let me find Lincoln so I can teach him, and since then we've been working together in Royal Woods," Peter chimed in, his protege was next to him.
"But you're so young!" Myrtle exclaimed, coming to the web-slinger to touch both of his cheeks. "And my poor grandson!" She went to Lincoln to press his face together. "You shouldn't be fighting what kind of scum are out there!"
"Gran gran, I'm fine," Lincoln said, putting the red haired grandmother's hands down. "I have known superhero life since I readed Ace Savvy. Me and Peter can handle it together."
"If Stan was alive, he would've flipped in meeting you," Albert shook his head in amusement. "So it's just Lincoln who got powers?" He asked the whole family if they share the same mutant DNA as his look alike.
"Negative. I test everyone in the room with the required DNA sample," Lisa explained, her tone was haughty at the family's complaint in the prodigy's request of more than a DNA sample. "None of our family, from both mother and father, have mutant DNA."
"It stinks. I was really looking forward to having the ability of a frog," Lana crosses her arms in dismay.
"What other abilities does Lincoln have?" Myrtle asked. Both grandparents have been filled with details in Lincoln's unbreakable superhuman strength.
"He has that thing he literally can see into people's minds; it's like a warning to know if they're dangerous based on what they had done," Lori revealed of Lincoln's sixth sense, confusing both grandparents but they let it slide. The news of their only grandson being a Avenger was surprising. They turn to Peter to explain what Lori meant, only to find him on his phone.
"I ran tests based on Lincoln's performances in performing his heroic duties in Royal Woods and his missions as an Avenger captured by my drone. Needless to say, his actions are average, yet his durability increases followed by how far he can keep up with Lynn's brawness," Lisa said, providing the information in Lincoln's abilities.
"So no weaknesses?" Myrtle said, finding it hopeful Though the face her granddaughter was making made it vanish.
"I didn't say there was no weakness in Lincoln's resilience. I had yet to find no solid clue in what negates his mutant abilities."
"Now that you and Myrtle know about Lincoln's gift and Peter's identity, it's very important to keep this a secret," Lynn Sr said to both the grandparents with pleading eyes.
"There's no way I'm letting my government take my grandson away so they can make super soldiers. Captain American won't approve of this," Albert said, declaring he'll protect both superheroes identities, one of which was Lincoln.
When Myrtle saw the look on her boyfriend's face, she hesitated to stand by what the entire family wanted her to agree. The grandmother wasn't completely sure in letting one of her grandkids risk his life to save a city and go one wild adventures with Spider-Man. But she saw Lincoln fought off against Shocker back at the bank and how he defeated him with clever skills. With a heavy sigh, she nods "I'll agree in keeping Lincoln's secret," Lincoln hugged his grandmother and then his grandfather. Peter ended the call and directed his student's attention.
"That was Fury. He rounded both Flint and Herman," Peter said.
"That's two bad dudes we won't see again," Luna declared, the inspiring Loud rockstar was frightened at the one with the shock gauntlets that her little bro had a hard time handling.
"After dealing with two bad guys in one day, I could use a break," Lincoln huffed, sitting on the ground. Peter expresses the same as well.
"I'll go and order some pizza, if any of them are available," Lynn Sr declared, walking to the kitchen to phone a delivery.
"Say Lincoln, Peter, how about telling us what it's like in the Avengers H.Q?" Albert asked his grandson and his mentor, the smile returning on his face in eager to learn his grandson in meeting Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Both superheroes reply in telling about their first time meeting the Avengers.
Lincoln was glad his grandparents were keeping this secret, though his Myrtle was still concerned for her grandson protecting the city and the world. It was then Peter often told Lincoln the same thing happened with his Aunt May after accidentally walking in on him with the Spider-Man suit.
He lands in the backyard and walks into the kitchen to see his father preparing lunch. Lynn Sr turned his back on the pot and greeted, "Hiya sport."
"Hey dad," Lincoln greeted, pulling off his hood. Lynn Sr then saw the sunflowers his son was holding.
"A gift from your fangirls, son?" The chef asked with a grin. Lincoln chuckled, saying it was from the owner from the flower shop a couple of bandits that were trying to rob. Leni and Luna walked into the kitchen to see their brother returning.
"Lincy!" Leni sequels a little and kisses Lincoln on the cheek.
"I thought you were on patrol, dude," Luna said, fist bumping her little brother.
"It ended so soon, just like before," Lincoln replied. He was hoping his patrol lasted a little longer than catching a couple of street thugs at a flower shop. "Hope you girls like sunflowers," Lincoln held the flowers in his hands. Leni took it to put them in a vase and filled them with water.
Lincoln walked up the stars with Luna behind him. "What's up in the house?" He asked the inspiring rockstar.
"Lori's been talking to Booby as usual," Luna said, making the lone Loud boy roll his eyes. "They're discussing the party for Lori going away to college," At the beginning of Summer, Lori is heading to Fairway University at late August. Their parents have the idea of planning a going away party for Lori. But when she told the news to Bobby and Bobby's extended family overheard them, the Casagrandes declared of having the party in Great Lakes City. Both families fought. They voted on having the party in their homes. Then Lori told her friends and asked where the party should be held. In the end, the party is set to be held at the Casagrande's bodega/ apartment building complex.
"Dad cried when he found out about the result," Lincoln said, sporting a grin.
"Can you blame the old man, Linc? He and Lori are best buds from way back before some of us were born," Luna was interrupted by the sound of 'In coming!' A hand is stretched in front of her face to catch a tennis ball.
"My bad!" Lynn Jr yelled, holding a tennis racket.
"The ball was out; it's my serve, Lynn," Lana declared as she held a racket as well. Lincoln and Luna both sported a look at the two tomboys, with the former holding the ball in his hand. "Hi Lincoln, back so soon?"
"I thought mom and dad said you can't play ball in the house," Luna said.
"It was my idea; don't worry, we didn't break anything from outside of the second floor," Lynn waved off their discomfort.
"How about when you almost gave Lori a black eye?" Lucy said, scaring both the tomboys and Luna.
"She ducked! And if she wasn't talking to her 'boo boo bear', she would have torn my head off!"
"And you wouldn't duck without a head as a result," Luan said, giggling from outside of the shared room of her and Luna.
"How was your patrol, Lincoln?" Lucy asked, acknowledging her big brother in the hallway.
"It was alright. Stop a couple of jerks from messing up a flower shop. Got a couple of sunflowers as a 'thank you' gift," Lincoln explained.
"Sunflowers, you say?" Lola pops out of her head with interest. "I prefer roses, but sunflowers will have to do," Lincoln said the flowers are in the kitchen, in a vase provided by Leni. The pageant princess rushed down to the stairs to see the flowers.
"Have Peter call you guys?" Lincoln asked about his mentor.
"Not since approximately five hours since you started your patrol, elder brother," Lisa answered, exiting out of her shared room. Lincoln thanked Lisa and went inside his room. He sat on the bed after grabbing the phone from his desk. Checking on his message app, he found twelve messages from his friends, and a couple from Ronnie Anne. Lincoln bit his lips to see the Latina's constant asking him where he was instead of being in their usual live chatting.
Lincoln sent a reply message to Ronnie Anne, but right as his fingers pressed on the send button, his phone interrupted him from a call from Peter.
"Hey Peter. I just got home. You're at H.Q? Nick and the others want me here now-Ahh!" Lincoln suddenly screams when a portal opens up from the mattress, and sends him inside.
Lincoln is thrown upward and lands on the ground from another portal. He leans up to see Doctor Strange with the portal next to him.
"My apologies, Lincoln," The sorcerer said, moving his hands to shut off the portal. He offered a hand to lift Lincoln off from the ground, which he accepts. Lincoln faces the entire team on the circular table, and gives them a look.
"Next time, give me a heads up," He said. The white haired boy walked to the chair that was next to his mentor and Thor.
"Sorry for leaving you from your family, Lincoln, but Fury have something to said," Steve said to him,
"It's fine; just ended my patrol. What's the news?"
"It's about the next mission you and Parker are heading. Tell me, have you heard of a country called Wakanda?" Fury asked the newest member of the team.
"I remember Lisa watching the U.N, and there was this guy representing the country you mentioned now. But I can't remember his name," Lincoln answered. The Director nodded his head, and touched the touchpad to bring up an image of a late thirties African-American man, making Lincoln point out it's him.
"His name is T'Challa, but he goes by another name," The image of the man's clothes is replaced by black armored suit, and adding the face with a helmet. "Black Panther. We worked with him on off-shore missions," Fury then showed the team, mainly Lincoln, footage of several members of the Avengers fighting alongside with Black Panther. The white haired boy took note of how amazingly skilled Black Panther is as the hero took down a couple of human traffickers. "He's also the ruler of Wakanda," Fury brought up the image of said country; Lincoln is awestruck at the beauty of a utopia an entire country is. "While hidden from the rest of the world, Wakanda is known to be fundamentally advanced with technologies scientists can never accomplish. Vibranium. Being flourished with unlimited natural resources and technologies no one can get their hands on, it's a protected nation. That's why you don't see the real Wakanda with it on maps," Lincoln is now seeing an image of a foreign country that Fury dubbed it as Wakanda to hide its real existence to the rest of the world. "Since then no one has found its existence, until we receive an alert from his highness," Fury stated, pressing more keypads to bring an image of a stern Russian man in his early forties with a short black beard and mustache combo and black slick hair. His attire bears a resemblance as a big time hunter to Lincoln as the man was wearing a lion's mane as a tunic to barely cover his torso, leopard pants, a belt with claws around his waist, pelt bands around his strong arms and wrists. medium bear and dusty brown hair. "Sergei Kravinoff has entered Wakanda's territories. How, we don't know. But he's alone, like the big time hunter he is."
"We learned of Kravinoff from a message sent by Wakanda," Black Widow said, taking up what Fury meant to say after telling the next villain.
"The message was encrypted in isiXhosa," Vision added. "Though the sender was anonymous."
"That's weird. If you guys know T'Challa, surely you know who he is?" Lincoln asked, then he saw the mood in the room being down.
"Since the Ultron incident, T'Challa isn't fully trusted in the rest of the team," Fury addresses, his voice turning down in a sigh. During the times they hang out, Peter tells Lincoln more information regarding The Avengers battle with Ultron in Sokovia. The mission ended up losing an entire city and Scarlet Witch's twin brother. It also resulted in gaining negative backlash from the world, calling the Avengers as untrustable and negligent.
"Not since Ultron forced Ulysses Klaue to steal vibranium from the country so he can wipe out all humanity," Captain America answered. Lincoln and Peter both saw Iron Man shifting in his seat in a wince. "T'Challa doesn't want our help after the destruction of Sokovia. He only worked on who he can trust. Your mentor is one of them," Lincoln looked at Peter at the mention of his name. When Peter asked what was the big time hunter's goal, it was Tony's turn.
"We're not sure. Kravinoff isn't one to steal vibranium," Tony shook his head. "Our anonymous sender said Kravinoff was spotted somewhere in the city and left behind certain destructions. With what Peter had told me about what he likes, this man talks a big game and wants to fight the most dangerous animal on the planet."
"I nearly died fighting him," Peter added, shaking his head at how many times Kraven the Hunter had gotten to him with his knowledge of being an expert hunter.
"Your mission is both you and Parker heading down to Wakanda to get Kravinoff. T'Challa had already alerted his presence. But that man needs to be brought back here instead of being held as an international prisoner," Fury looked at the two heroes. "You're leaving in twenty minutes. It's a one day mission. It shouldn't take you too long."
"Should any of you guys come along than just me and Peter?" Lincoln asked, bringing up eye raise from the crowd. "I've never been in a country that is hidden from the world. And I doubt T'Challa might not ease up on me even though I'm a new member of the team."
"You're an Avenger, Lincoln. His highness isn't meant to frown upon to a kind child," Captain Marvel commented with a grin.
"Just act like you're around us," War Machine advised, "But don't be at his bad side. You have Peter beside you; that should be enough protection since you two have each other's back." Lincoln thanked both the heroes for the comments, and left the room with Peter behind his back. When they're gone, he addresses the entire team "What are the odds of T'Challa reacting in meeting the newbie?"
"Like how meet Peter for the first time in Wakanda, he'll be impressed in meeting a boy who's a soldier," Thor proudly grinned.
"Or another reason why he doesn't trust some of us, namely Stark," Scarlet Witch stated, making Iron Man grumble.
"Who can hate a kid? If he sees what Lincoln has done, there's no way T'Challa can despise him," Hawkeye smirked.
"I still think one of us should go with him. For the boy's protections," Hope said with concern.
"Hope, they're not babies. They can take care of themselves real good. Lincoln's been amazing. You know, he and Peter fought Shocker and Sandman in a day!" Ant Man smiles, his face reveals to the team with his helmet on the table. The man was still beaming in how both the youngest members of the Avengers fought two villains. It amazed the entire team in how well Lincoln was doing when dealing with two foes. Still, several members are still concerned for Lincoln in going to one of the most hidden countries of the world to fight against a notorious crazy hunter with a knowledge of trapping every animal.
"These missions are getting risky everyday," Bucky commented with a troublesome sigh.
Lincoln and Peter are resting in the jet still in their outfits as they're heading to Wakanda. Lincoln doesn't know much about Wakanda with what little infor Nick had told him and Peter added he knows the king of said country. Still, the white haired boy is excited to see what lies ahead into a country no one has been to. There was some nervousness in his heart when meeting T'Challa, otherwise known to the Avengers as Black Panther. T'Challa wasn't fond of the entire Earth's Mightiest Heroes due to the Ultron disaster. So did some countries and people as well. The people of Wakanda, as Peter mentioned, grow to dislike Tony Stark as the man responsible for creating Ultron. He wonders how they'll react in meeting him since Stark technically recrewed Lincoln.
Outside of the jet stood the camouflage drone hovering above one of its engines, led by a certain prodigal genius.
"How long till they reach Wanada?" Lynn Jr asked, feeling impatient of seeing the jet flying to who knew where.
"Wakanda, Lynn, and Lincoln said he doesn't know when they'll arrive at their destination. According to Lincoln's message, the country is said to be kept in secret from the entire continent as Director Fury said the city accrued advanced technologies and military weaponry that is superior to other military," Lisa answered, her hand in one the control pad. Before leaving, Lincoln gave them a message of where him and Peter are heading.
"I wish he would've given us the heads up a while ago," Lola complained. The sisters in the hallway heard Lincoln yelling in his room. Luna entered and found her little brother was gone.
"Blame Dr. Strange for sending Lincoln to H.Q," Luan huffed. Lincoln also mentioned how he got to H.Q thanks to the sorcerer by teleporting.
"Anything we should know about Wakanda?" Rita said, sitting on the couch with baby Lily in her lap.
"The man who was representing the aforementioned country in the U.N was said to be the King of Wakanda," Lisa brought up the man's name she heard from watching the United Nation live.
"So lucky Lincoln is meeting a king in a mystical country," Lola said in awed, feeling slightly envious of her big brother meeting a man from royal blood.
"I can't wait to see what the city looks like literally," Lori smiles.
"I hope the king likes Linky," Leni added.
"Oh, heads up, folks, something happening!" Lynn Sr yells, his eyes glance at the screen. The Loud family saw a certain part of the skies was fuzzy once the jet was preparing to enter. As expected, Lisa pressed a button which triggered the bottom of the drone's bottom to pop out two small skies hooked the drone on the engine it was hovering like a magnet. The jet entered the camouflage skies.
When the jet exits, Peter nudges Lincoln to look at the window. The white haired boy glances at the window, and his jaw drops from the sight of the city. Like what he saw from the hologram photos back, it was amazing from every angle. Compared to what he knows of Wakanda from the world's perspective, this was like a modern city with beautiful golden buildings. A tribe expanding to a more progressive nature. It was something out of a book you read when a lost city is discovered after years being declared lost.
"Holy cow," Lynn Sr's eyes widened in the wonderful city.
"It's beautiful!" Lori exclaimed.
"It's like a kingdom!" Lola squeals with Lana glancing in awe.
"I can see why this place is hidden from the rest of the world," Lucy uttered, the sight of Wakanda brought a short breath to the young girl. Lisa grew quiet from seeing what the city has to offer. Lincoln mentions the city has technologies that are not available to the rest of the world.
The jet, controlled by auto piloted by FRIDAY, leaned to the highest golden tower. It slowly descended to the hanging bridge. Peter got up from the chair once the jet landed.
He patted his student on the shoulder with a small smile, "Let's go meet the king," He said. Lincoln took a deep breath and covered his head with the blue cloak.
Bodyguards of Wakanda are brought in response to the jet. Both heroes exit out of the jet from the back. From outside of the home stood three people, in the middle was a man Lincoln regonzies as The King of Wakanda. Between him were two women, one was middle age and the other was a little younger to the man. Both women were dressed in the most incredible fashion and equipped with fine jewelry that can make the rest of the fashion world jealous. The king was dressed in a modern African (or Wakandian) men dashiki black dress.
When stopped in the presence of the three people, Spider-Man was the first to bowed. "Your highness," He said with grace. Hercules followed suit.
"Spider-Man, " T'Challa addresses the webslinger. "I have heard from Fury you were coming here, along with your partner," He glanced at the newcomer whose face is covered by the blue cloak. "Are you the one the world called Hercules?"
"Y-Yes," Hercules hesitated. The man and two women heard the edge in his voice.
"Let us see your face," The middle aged woman kindly asked. Lincoln turns to Spider-Man, who nods his head. Hercules flipped his hood off to show them his face, surprising them.
"My goodness, I didn't expect a child to be part of the Avengers," T'Challa said, finding it a bit odd. Then he turns to Spider-Man with his voice drawing bitterly. "Was this Tony Stark's doing?"
With a regretful sigh, Spider-Man nodded his head.
T'Challa then sighed before saying to the child, "What is your name?"
"Lincoln Loud."
"I am T'Challa, King of Wakanda. This is my mother, Romonda," He gestured to the women to his left, "And this is my sister, Shuri," He gestured to the other women to his right. "Come," The three entered the building with Hercules and Spider-Man followed.
"So that's the king, huh?" Lynn Jr eyed on the young man in present.
"Let's hope Lincoln can make a good impression for the king. Let me remind you all Wakanda isn't fond of the Avengers due to their reckless actions for the past years. Mainly the Sokovia disaster," Lisa said, hovering the drone (which is invisible) above the tower.
"This was surprising for you to receive Shuri's message," T-Challa said, walking with his mother and sister. Peter and Lincoln were behind him. The white haired boy is awed at the decor of the hallway, much as he first glance at the entire city.
"We were surprised you asked for our help," Peter replied. "Given your country's very high security with elite forces, you could've taken care of Kraven."
"I was thinking the same thing," Shrui nodded her head, making her elder brother glance at her dryly.
"How did Sergei get into Wakanda? Shouldn't your guards have already got to him? Or you?" Lincoln asked the news about the crazed hunter loose in the city.
The three Wakandians entered a room. T'Challa answered as his mother sat down at the table at the center, "Several mercenaries were spotted in the mountains to steal vibranium from the mines. I went in to stop them. One fled; so I went after him," As T'Challa sat at another chair, Shrui had her small tablet ready. She shows the two heroes a footage of T'Challa handling the mercenaries and Karen running away. It was shown from the suit her brother wore. She fast forward to where he confronts Kraven the Hunter at the edge of the waterfall. The fight went on with Black Panther avoiding Kraven's offences and defences. Then as Kraven was kneeling down, almost as if he was giving up, he jumped off the cliff like a tiger.
"A man who fought in the jungle isn't meant to surrender when meant with an adversity," T'Challa said, furrowing his brows at the hunter committing suicide. "I went to search the body, but it wasn't there. I went home on my jet. Moments later, he showed up," Shrui swiped her finger on the screen to show another video. Both heroes saw Kravinoff, alive, causing mayhem in the city.
"While my son went to round up the mercenaries, that man went into the jet and hid inside. The cameras weren't able to show because he destroyed them," Romonda took over to reveal how Kraven got into the city without haste.
"I guess he didn't need someone from the city to get inside," Lincoln said, crossing out the possibility of a traitor betraying the king.
"My people, as well as my troops, frown upon betrayal. Make no mistake this man will be brought down. I had my troops searching for the big time hunter after hurting a family," The next video shocked Peter. The hunter was seen terrorizing a family by throwing furtiature clawing the husband. Lincoln saw the bloodlust in Kraven's eyes, which are deep dark purple.
"But I found him first," Shrui grinned, swiping her finger again. "The white hunter is somewhere in the mountains, primarily in the jungles."
"Of course," Lincoln rolled his eyes at the hunter's obvious hiding place. "But what the heck happened to him?"
"Okoye explained he was under the influence of the Heart-Shaped Herbs," T'Challa answered grimly.
"Heart-Shaped Herbs?" Lincoln repeated.
"The garden is filled with Heart-Shaped Herbs, a powerful plant that gives the powers of the Black Panther," T'Challa turns to the white haired boy sternly. "Only the heir of Wakanda can consume it, no one else. He infiltrated my country, harassed my people, and stole an herb to use the Black Panther powers for evil!"
"Sergei isn't a thief; just a guy who wants to fight the deadliest creature. He's there to have you fight him," Peter pointed out Sergeri's usual motive, though it didn't ease the king's anger.
"We better move before he hurts Zuri and consume one of the plants," T'Challa declared. "Where is Sergei now?"
Shuri quickly moved her finger to view the other cameras in the whereabouts of the hunter. "Got it!" She exclaimed, showing the gang the bright red dot on the map to her brother and mother. Both T'Challa and Romonda's eyes widen at the sight of the location.
"He's near the gardens!" Romonda exclaimed.
"Peter, Lincoln, help me fight this man before he hurts more of my people," T'Challa aided the young heroes. The gold necklace around his neck triggers as his entire antire is replaced with the Black Panther's suit.
"We won't let you done, your highness," Peter said, and Lincoln nodded his head.
Black Panther, Hercules, and Spider-Man traveled to the location where Kraven was. It was a short trip to the gardens that is filled with the herbs that are said to grant the powers of the Black Panther to a worthy heir. And Kraven happens to be one of the people outside of Wakanda to consume. They came across the garden, and as they entered, they saw a man wearing a Wakandian ceremonial robes kneeling on the ground.
"Zuri!" Black Panther shouted, rushing to the man. "Are you hurt?"
"No. I'm fine," The man known as Zuri said.
"Where's Sergei?" Spider-Man asked after seeing the hunter wasn't here.
"He came to ask more of the herbs," Zuri said, his voice keeping from the fear building up. "The man is influenced by the powers, but he can't consume more. I saw what it's doing. He is turning into a vile monster! I try stopping him. He ran to the jungle after collecting more herbs."
"Let's go!" Black Panther turns to the two young Avengers, who left the gardens already. He follows them when Zuri grabs his arm.
"Be careful. I sense the herbs are corrupting his mind," The priest warned him.
"I will, my friend," Black Panther patted him, and ran out of the gardens to find the hunter.
Moments after the three heroes entered the jungle, they kept their eyes out for the crazy hunter that is lurking in the trees. Given how Peter encountered Sergei oftentimes, the odds of finding him were slim. And the hunter was under the influence of the herbs.
"Why did the herbs make him go crazy, eh, crazier?" Hercules asked.
"The Heart-Shaped Herbs can't be consumed by anyone who is an heir. Only an heir must be chosen from a ritual that has been instigated for generations. If it's consumed without going through the ritual, they become driven with powers they can't handle," Black Panther explained.
"And now he's in the jungle, hooked up on those special herbs like a junkie," Luna said, becoming very scared for Lincoln. The drone had watched them enter the deep part of the jungles as the heroes were tracking down Sergei.
"Those herbs are very interesting to take a look," Lisa muttered under her breath.
"You crazy if you want to commit an international felony," Lynn Jr rebuffed.
"And the suit isn't part of the herbs?" Hercules glanced at the Black Panther's suit.
"The suit is made out of vibranium. It comes with soil of the herbs that came from space millions of years ago. What you and Peter are standing are mountains of vibranium. And from that material came a city with advanced technologies neither can the world can get their hands on, The Black Panther serves as Wakanda's protector for many generations. My father was the previous protector until the end," He told the boy the small version of the country.
"That's impressive, your highness," Hercules commented. "My armor is made out of metals, the same material to make the armors for the Greeks."
"Now I ask you this: why are you a protector? More importantly, why are you an Avenger?" The king of Wakanda asked the boy this question since he met him.
"I want to help people. I've been a major fan boy since I read Ace Savvy. Then when I saw the Avengers, I grew to admire them. I even wish I could be a hero like them someday. I got my wish since I discovered I was a mutant."
"A mutant? You?" Black Panther said in surprise.
"The first one in my family. I saved a butch of people, some were my friends and little sisters, from a accident. From that day, I want to use my powers to help people in my town. And when Mr. Stark sent Peter to recruit me, I couldn't resist but to say yes. Me and Spider-Man have been teaming up often," Hercules said, expressing his joy behind the hood to the day he became a member of the Avengers.
"You are young for a boy your age. You're not worried about what would happen if you suffered the same way the Avengers faced?" Black Panther's voice sends slight concern into the boy.
"I figure you said that since you're not a fan of the entire team," Hercules rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I know you don't see us as heroes since Sokovia. But we're trying. I'm new in this job. I know all about Sokovia, New York and Washington D.C. The Avengers are still protecting the world despite the setbacks."
"My father, before he died, used to see the Avengers as protectors of the world. Did they ever give the thought of taking responsibility for their actions around the destruction and the deaths?" Black Panther spoke without hesitation. Hercules stayed silent to listen to what the king was saying. "Tony Stark is responsible for creating Ultron, and unleashing the worst kind of hell on all of Sokovia. All so he can protect the world from invaders."
"That's what happens when you give too much free will on an A.I," Peter added. "It starts to attack the very people who are seen as a threat."
"I trust Peter outside of the Avengers. As for you, Lincoln Loud, I don't know you well except your involvement and actions in your town. You seem to have a warrior spirit, yet you continue working for them," Black Panther continues. "Are you preparing to face the words of people who will reject your help if another disaster occurs in the future?"
"That's the role of a hero, T'Challa," Hercules replied back, not backing down. "A few people in my town don't take me lightly as a hero cause I'm too young, I'm a vigilante, I'm a public menace. The Avengers cause so much destruction as well as Thor and Iron Man. But you can't save everyone, even as a team like us. I'm not sure if I'm ready to face the thought of someone getting hurt, or my family being caught in the crossfire. As long as I'm here, I'll do what I can as a hero."
Black Panther looked at the boy in surprise from his helmet. When he met Peter, the king thought he was too young to fight in the battle the Avengers are currently fighting. But eventually, Peter earned T'Challa's respect. Now the king of Wakanda was seeing Hercules in the same way Peter proved to get his respect. Despite being young, the boy was mature as a hero. The Loud family had watched the interaction between T'Challa and Lincoln and smiled for the wise words. Though a part of them couldn't help but to think what T'Challa had said regarding Lincoln is ready to face the world's wrath if a disaster such as the Sokovia disaster happened.
"And we pray that won't happen," Rita said, earning nods from the gang.
As Lori was about to say something, she saw Peter raising a hand at the two heroes. She got everyone's attention back at the t.v screen. Spider-Man crouches down to inspect a clue on the ground. He puts two fingers on the small purple substance.
"What you got there, Spider-Man?" Black Panther asked as he and Hercules eyed on the clue.
"Small remnants of the herbs, Panther," Spider-Man replied, his voice trailing dryly. "Sergei is here."
"Be on guard," Black Panther ordered the two heroes. The three heroes lean their backs to each other to scout the area around them. It was likely Sergei was hiding from the clue they came across.
"Lisa, can you track down the hunter's whereabouts?" Lori asked. Lisa flipped a switch on the control pad.
"This drone also comes with a heat signature," She said. The screen turns into heat signature mode. She moves the two small joysticks to find the hunter based on his movement. Unknown to the prodigal Loud, Spider-Man asked Karen to track down Sergei's heat signature. The intense was much harder for the three heroes.
Then Lisa and Spider-Man both utter "He's there/ up there!""
Suddenly, something jumped from one of the trees and landed on the ground. There he was, Sergei Kravinoff. The heroes took notice of his appearances and condition. Breathing heavily, his eyes were glowing deep purple with the vein being shown as well as the same color. His mouth open to reveal a snarl-like grunt. His small slick black raven hair shines with luminant purple. His pose mimic of a dangerous animal Sergei had encountered.
"Dear god!" Rita cried. Both Lana and Lola hugged each other in fear of the hunter's state.
"How much herb did he consume?" Luan asked in surprise and scared.
"Probably enough to boast the man's condition to render his physical capabilities, but takes a great toll at his mental state that cause him to behave as one of the most dangerous primal in the animal kingdom," Lisa answered, she was eyeing on the result of anyone who isn't worthy in consuming the herbs.
"Sergei! My god!" Spider-Man uttered in fright.
"Spider...Man!" Sergei uttered the name of his foe in his Russian accent, and snarled at the two heroes behind him. "Hercules! Black...Panther!"
"The Heart-Shaped Herbs have corrupted his mind like I had said. Zuri warned you!" Black Panther pointed at the hunter's ignorance in taking more herbs for himself.
"Kill you...kill you Spider-Man!" Sergei growls, taking a step that causes all three to get into battle position.
"He's lost his mind!" Hercules said in shock.
"Sergei, come back to me. Come back to being the regular crazed hunter that wants to kill me or take my skin," Spider-Man quipped, though he wasn't joking in attempting to snap the hunter out of his mind.
"I'm stronger now! Stronger to take you down! I'll kill you! Then the king! And finally the boy!" Sergei declared his intentions thanks to being influenced by the herbs' powers. "Hercules, you can take down a rhino, you can take down a man who summons water, you can take down a man who shoots lightning; but can you take down me, Kraven the Hunter?"
Hercules tightens his fists and glares at the enemy. The Loud family prayed Lincoln gets out this alive as he's about to fight against a homicidal crazed hunter with boast from consuming Heart-Shaped Herbs. Sergei (who calls himself Kraven the Hunter) lunges at the heroes with a lion's roar and hand rising up. The heroes jumped back to avoid; Black Panther hit the hunter in the face. He then ran forward to collide his hands against Kraven's hands, each of them trying to knock his opponent to the ground. T'Challa had the powers of the Black Panther easily since he was the current heir of Wakanda; he could've taken Kraven down. However, he was surprisingly evenly matched by the hunter's boasted strength. Black Panther separated himself by throwing an uppercut at the hunter's chin. Spider-Man delivers an aerial kick at Karven's back.
Karven snarls loudly at the web swinging menace as he jumps high with both hands to strike Spider-Man. Spider-Man dodge, making Hercules grab the hunter's neck around the back and throwing his entire body to the bushes. Like an agile cat, Kraven lands on both hands and feets.
"He's tough!" Hercules exclaimed in surprise.
"That's the herbs. It gives him the powers of the Black Panther to increase his strength, agility, and speed. We must remain careful for what he plans," Black Panther said, crossing his arms together to trigger his claws.
"Knowing Sergei, he's a knack of planting things ahead," Spider-Man added, switching his web shooters to provide an offensive attack on Kraven. The hunter growls, preparing to attack. "Here he comes!" As he jumped high, Spider-Man fired multiple webs at Kraven's chest to slow down his attack.
Kraven stands in the center with the three heroes around him. Black Panther strikes Kraven in the chest with one of his vibranium claws. Kraven looked to be unfazed from the claw strikes; the herbs also made him painless. Kraven fought Black Panther; each striking blows from kicks and punches. As they fought, Hercules notice T'Challa's suit was glowing purple from where Kraven strike
"Is his suit supposed to glow?" Leni asked about the condition of the king's hero suit. The rest of the family, mainly Lisa, kept their focus on the suit.
It would seem Black Panther couldn't keep up with Karven striking at him wildly. He threw a harsh kick in the helmet. Kraven thought he had taken him down, but T'Challa was pretending to let his guard down to strike the hunter at his bare stomach. A large force is triggered that sends the hunter straight into the jungle.
"Woo, what a hell of a punch!" Lynn Jr awed in excitement.
"The suit responded to a kinetic energy pulse from the attacks made by the hunter. Brilliant work by the scientist who made this!" Lisa grinned.
Seeing the hunter was running away, the three heroes chase after them. The drone from above the battlefield follows as well. They saw Kraven's backside not for long. Black Panther increases his speed while Hercules did the same. Spider-Man swings from tree to tree. Not even a minute later, they couldn't see a glimpse of the hunter.
"Aw man, did they lose him?!" Lana shouted in disappointment.
"Wrong," Lucy said. "It's the power of the Black Panther as T'Challa had said. It grands him the speed of the protector of Wakanda."
Despite losing him, they keep following the trail Kraven went. At last, Spider-Man made it first by landing on the ground with his apprentice and T'Challa coming in last. They found themselves on a cliff. This reminded Black Panther of his last encounter with Kraven that took place on a cliff outside of Wakanda. He was tricked into thinking he jumped from the cliff and into the water below. He walked to the edge to scan the hunter if he was there hanging on.
"Where is he?" Hercules asked about the hunter who apparently came here.
"He's not hiding in the cliff," Black Panther said, checking the edge. The heroes started searching around the place and up the trees. Although they couldn't see the movement from one of the trees, except a trigger from Spider-Man's spidey sense.
"Your highness!" He shouted too late. Kraven jumps out from the trees and slams his foot against Black Panther's back.
Black Panther quickly got up to block Kraven's punch. The hunter strikes at the king's chest a few times. The suit started glowing purple again. Black Panther twists his body to kick Kraven to send him to a tree. The kick brought a daze look from the Russian hunter.
"You're losing your powers," Black Panther declared. Sergei was holding his head like his boast was slowly drifting. "It would be easy for you to surrender," The words send the Russian hunter to glare at the king and regain his position. "Have it your way," With the suit fully charged on energy, Black Panther charges with a fist pulling back. He didn't see Sergei smirking at the last minute before he dodge to let his opponent strike the tree. The strike from the tree created a trigger mechanism that fired a net out of the bushes. The net covered T'Challa, much to his confusion. Kraven attacks him with a shoulder arm. He grabs the net that held T'Challa to swing his entire body; his back landed on another tree. Kraven jumps high to slam T'Challa's protected helmet on the ground, and repeatedly punches him.
"T'Challa!" Hercules screams, jumping at the hunter to deliver a roundhouse kick. Kraven the Hunter rolls around to stare at his new opponent.
"Hercules!" Kraven growled, the purple influenced herbs still look menacing to the young boy. "I heard of your tales! I will kill you!"
"You and every other villain who is my mentor's enemies want to kill me since my debut," Hercules quipped as he rolled his eyes. He yelps and jumps back at the hunter striking him. He blocked a fist and held its grip. Hercules duck down to avoid a swift punch. Kraven jumps to avoid a low kick and proune on all fours.
"Come on Lincoln, get that hunter!" Lana cheered.
"Kick that junkie in the junk!" Luan quipped.
Spider-Man fired two web ropes to tie down Kraven, and missed. He went on to fire multiple web shots. Kraven took the web blast from his back. Hercules slammed both hands together at his stomach. While the white haired boy deals with the hunter, Spider-Man went to free T'Challa from the net. They turn to see Kraven charging at Lincoln, and sending them to a tree hard.
"Lincoln!" Lori gasped.
Kraven processes to punch the boy in his unprotected face. Despite his unbreakable skin, Lincoln was embracing the pain afflicted. His punch was stopped by a web rope.
"Oh no, you don't! You're not hurting my pal, you drug crazed hunter!" Spider-Man yelled.
"How dare you interrupted my battle?!" Kraven yelled loudly. He rushed at both Spider-Man and Black Panther. Hercules slid down on the ground. His ears ring a little from being hit a lot of times. Ignoring the pain, he glanced at his mentor and the king fighting the Russian hunter together. Even with just them, they weren't still a match against Kraven who was still in his hyper drug state. T'Challa never mentions a time limit of anyone consuming the Heart-Shaped Herbs. His only guess is to tire the hunter into using up all the energy from the herbs.
Black Panther punched Kraven, then the hunter retaliated by grabbing the man's right arm and throwing him at Spider-Man. Spider-Man fired a web rope at Kraven's right leg, and with a hard tug, the hunter was sent to the ground but stopped by ripping the rope.
"No more. Time to die, Spider-Man and King of Wakanda!" Kraven declared with a laugh. Before he can start to deliver the final deed on them, his eyes are met by a blue sheet. "What?!"
"Hey Sergei! Since you're the animal, let's see how mad you can get while I'm on your back!" Hercules grinned. He had his cloak around the man's eyes. The white haired boy tugged on the cloak to make his head yell. Kraven growled more while trying to rip the cloak out of his face. "Hiya!" He kicked the side torso, which triggered the hunter to run back into the jungle.
Black Panther and Spider-Man utter in disbelief. "Is the boy crazy?" The man said.
"No. Just a man with a plan," Spider-Man quipped back.
Hercules hold on to the crazy hunter's back as both him and Kraven rush into the jungle. He tightened the cloak. He hoped he wouldn't accidentally cut off the hunter's oxygen. The plan was crazy when he thought of it. Just making Kraven run back into the jungle while blinding him with his cloak to burn all the powers. Like a jockey on a horse, he used the cloak as a sash to control the hunter's movement.
"You can't defeat me! I'm Kraven the Hunter! The deadliest and stronger hunter in the world!" He shouted at the boy on his back.
"Not for long!" Hercules shouted, tugging the cloak to force Kraven's head to run right. Kraven ran long enough to jump to knock the hero. It was good fortunes for the hunter as a tree branch hit Hercules.
Hercules roll to the ground and quickly stand up. Kraven got rid of the cloak off his head, and glared at the young hero. "You made a mistake in separating from the Spider and the king! Though I will be honored for taking your life!" He laughed in his deep Russian accent.
Kraven charges at Hercules; instead of dodging, Hercules pulls his fist back to Kraven's face. Running at him, Hercules slid a kick at his torso. Kraven responded by pulling one of the boy's arms to throw him at the trees. Hercules's back hit the tree branches to glance down the hunter climbing up like a skilled predator. Hercules quickly jumped to the next tree. Kraven pouce with a roar that made Hercules go to the next tree branch.
"Where the heck is a tranquilizer gun when you need one?!" Hercules curses, hopping one branch quickly. Kraven was behind his back at full speed.
"Run away, Linky!" Leni shouted in deep worry.
"No, fight back!" Lynn Jr yelled at her little brother.
The boy looked ahead to see he was running out of branches, only replaced with vines. Hercules took one vine to swing his body around to face the hunter again. As Kraven leaps, Hercules slides down the vine he was holding. The hunter grabbed the vine to prevent himself from falling. He swung his body at him like a javelin. Hercules went to another vine, propelling himself to swing back at the hunter to slam both feet at Kraven's chest. The hunter failed to grab the vine and fall below. Hercules lets go as well and lands on the ground to see Kraven still standing.
It was then Hercules saw Kraven was holding his head like he had a headache. He gets a closer look at the Russian's face to see the veins are slowly disappearing. "No, not yet!" The hunter yelled, his purple eyes are dimmining fast. "Need more!"
"You really need to go to rehab; those herbs are seriously messing your head," Hercules quipped, preparing to face the hunter at last with some of the energy left.
Kraven pouce at him again, and Hercules jumps to slam the hunter's body to the soil. Kraven swung his arm at Hercules' face. The white haired boy blocks a kick, then twisting his body to shoulder slam the hunter. The hunter saw an opening to quickly wrap his arms around Hercules' body into a bear hug.
"I caught you!" Kraven lays out a victorious laugh, and processes to crush the boy.
"Lincoln!" The family cried in horror. Rita covers her mouth in seeing her son being slowly crushed.
Hercules gritted his teeth. Kraven's arms squeeze the boy's body together. The dim light purple from the hunter's eyes indicates the powers of the Black Panther was at its low percentage. He puffed his cheeks to let both of his legs hit the chest to separate himself. Kraven stumbles back, and before he reacts, Hercules slams his fist at the man's face, kicks several times in the torso, and finally, he grabs the hunter's lion pelt vest to slam his body. Hercules then punches him in the face to bring the hunter to sleep.
"A good night's rest should give you time to recover your addiction," He quipped at the unconscious hunter.
"And another one bites the dust!" Luna cheered, throwing devil horns. The rest of the family cheer for the white haired loud boy. Rita's heart stopped breathing fast after seeing her son had won the fight. Spider-Man and Black Panther arrived at the scene.
"Hercules, you alright?" Spider-Man said to his student. Hercules replied he was fine with a thumbs up. Black Panther crouches down at Kraven and the bruises on the hunter's body. He turns to the boy with his helmet open to reveal his surprise expression.
"You defeat him," He said. Hercules turned his attention back at the king. "Even with the powers of the Black Panther, you were able to stay still till the end."
"Actually, his boast was running low. I stopped him from returning back to get more herbs," Hercules corrected as he was getting his blue cloak off the ground. T'Challa then walked to the boy and presented him with a hand.
"Well done, Hercules," T'Challa said, presenting a small smile that any king would do to a warrior for accomplishing a dangerous mission. Hercules returned the gesture with a smile.
Spider-Man and Hercules returned back to the landing dock where the jet was parked where they entered Wakanda. Spider-Man contacted the Avengers letting them know they have Sergei in custody. The still unconscious Russian hunter was inside the jet and placed in a cell. Both heroes are standing with T'Challa, his sister and mother.
"We thank you two for stopping that rigid man," Romonda expresses her gratitude in a motherly tone.
"It was no problem, your highness," Spider-Man bowed in respect, same goes with Hercules.
"I never thought a warrior so young can take out a man under the influence of the Black Panther's powers," Shrui comments to the youngest hero, making Hercules chuckle in modesty.
"The hunter was tough, even after consuming so much herbs. Hopefully there's no side effects," Hercules said, pondering whether Sergei could gain side effects from the Heart-Shaped Herbs.
"The herbs give him the panther's powers, but in the wrong way. He stole it to consume without going through the ritual. The goddess Bast saw the man's ambitions and took away the powers," T'Challa proclaims at the hunter's thoughtless actions. He turned to both heroes, "I thank you two for protecting my country. My most gratitude is to you, Lincoln Loud. You have a warrior spirit, just like my father. For your accomplishment in defeating Sergei, I present to you a gift," He reaches into his pocket, and a silver necklace dangles in his hands. The detail of it was similar of Black Panther's golden necklace silver necklace with a small panther's head. "As it was for your mentor, you are now a friend to the people of Wakanda," T'Challa walked to Hercules as the boy bowed his head to let him put the necklace on him. Spider-Man smiled for his student while T'Challa and his family clapped their hands to the boy. "Keep doing what you promise and listen to your teacher," T'Challa added.
"I won't forget, your highness. Thank you for the gift," Hercules smiled. The two heroes wave their byes at the family as they enter into the private jet. The jet exits through the invisible barrier.
Hercules glanced at the silver necklace T'Challa had given him as a token for his bravery. Spider-Man, with his mask off, laughs "You had nothing to worry about; T'Challa and his family already respected you. And you got that amazing necklace," He pointed at the item.
"Is this how you feel when you become friends with T'Challa?" Lincoln asked his teacher, which he nodded. "It's so cool. I can't wait to go back there again."
"We'll see," Peter chuckled more. The web slinger took out his phone to text message his girlfriend and aunt to tell them about their mission. Lincoln continued to glance at the necklace. Today was a really great time for Lincoln. He went into Wakanada and saw the cities and met the king himself. It didn't go off as well since the king frowned upon the Avenger and the boy being part of the team. Now T'Challa and his family greet the white haired boy as a friend.
Lincoln thinks back at T'Challa and sees him in action as the protector of Wakanda. It was amazing he was a king to a city that is filled with riches and advanced technologies and warriors to the eyes of his people. As the boy saw the light shine from the panther's head, he said these words, "Wakanda Forever."
How did you like it? Lincoln is now a friend to Wakanda. I changed a few details in the chapter. I know I saw it takes place in the MCU. I wanted to make this story more enjoyable. Since I watched both Age of Ultron and Civil War, I decided to make T'Challa dislike the Avengers because of their actions, namely Stark. When I watched Civil War, T'Challa's father is one of the people who holds the team to be held responsible for their actions in Sokovia and the incident in Lagos. So I made T'Challa express his opinions against the team. I hope this chapter was enjoyable to everyone. Be sure to check out my profile for upcoming stories. You wanna message me? Feel free to do so. I'll see you later. And thank you, Chadwick Boseman, you will always be remembered as a king. It was sad to see you go; thank you for all your work. Wakanda Forever. NiteOwl18 out.