Guest: Well Peter hasn't seen her like this before.
INeedAUsername8: Sorry it took so long.
Chapter 18: Building Ties
(Wakanda, a week later)
T'Challa had led hunting parties for Man-Ape and Spider-Man & Tony tried tracking Kraven through the jungles, but were unsuccessful on each attempt. Ava continued her training when the king was there with her and when he was out hunting. Spidey was weirded out by the Panther's mentorship. Though he explained it was important for her to prove to not just to him, but herself on her dedication to becoming better. One day, the king had an idea. He gathered his three guests in his throne room.
"My people are nervous of M'Baku's elusion in my hunts. They become more secluded in their homes knowing Man-Ape is still free. Also, I've been considering your word about ties with SHIELD. Even though they've tried to sneak into my country, I'm willing to ally myself with them…but they must prove their trustworthiness and ability to create friendly bonds with the people of Wakanda. This will also tie in with your training Ms. Ayala." The king stated.
The others looked at one another confused and then back to T'Challa.
"My people will occasionally have friendly fighting matches in the capital city square. In the ring, people will test their skill against one another yet for no material prize. It displays character and spirit of the warriors my home has given strength to." T'Challa explained.
(Is he saying what I think he's saying?)
"So what?" Tony asked. "I ask that there be a tag team match. Spider-Man and you will represent SHIELD, and Ms. Ayala and I will represent Wakanda." The king explained. "You're on!" The leader of the Avengers chucked.
Peter turned to see the devilish grin on Ava's face as her gaze locked with his.
(We are so screwed…Thanks Tony…How'd he become the leader of the Avengers?)
Pete gulped, his entire body shaking. T'Challa and Tony shook hands.
"The match will be held tomorrow, we need to let my people have their confidence restored. Plus I think they might enjoy the match." The king chuckled. "Oh we'll see." Tony replied, an arrogant smirk on his face. "I suggest you two get some training in. We are, come Ms. Ayala…let us prepare." The king said, walking away.
Ava followed the king, but turned to look at Peter.
"I might have strong ties to SHIELD, Peter, but I won't hold back on you. Hehe." She chuckled, the same grin on her face.
(I'd rather face the Grandmaster and his army again…*Gulps*)
Once the two had left, Peter turned to glare at Tony.
"What's wrong with you kid?" Tony chuckled. "You just sentenced yourself to a major beat down, and ME TO DEATH!" Peter screamed. "Please, we'll beat them no problem. I've made some enhancements on my suit from last time I went easy on T'Challa." Tony chuckled. "If you took it easy on him, why would you need to make enhancement?" Peter hissed. "It'll be fine. But we should get some work done." The man replied.
Peter and Tony got into their suits and headed out into the jungle, but a short distance from the city.
"Ok Pete! I want you to try and sneak up on me from behind! And don't tell me when you're going…"Iron Man couldn't finish his sentence.
Spider-Man leapt from the trees and kicked the Iron Knight in the back. Tony grunted in annoyance.
"Ugh…I didn't have my systems on." Tony mumbled.
(We are so going to lose…)
(Wakandan Royal Palace, the training room)
T'Challa and White Tiger had their suits on and are working on their strategy.
"I expect you can handle Spider-Man?" Panther asked. "No problem." Tiger chuckled.
Over their time with SHIELD, Tiger and Spidey had been in many one-on-one sparring sessions. Every time, Ava had won. Though overtime, it had become more difficult with the arachnid themed hero's continual improvement in hand-to-hand combat.
"Let us begin." T'Challa said.
The king and his guest took fighting posture, both in the style of a cat about to pounce. At the same time they ran forward and leapt in the air.
(Hours later)
Both pairs had completed their preparations. Tony was more confident than his partner. While Spidey had designed a way to possibly deal with Tiger, he still was fearful of the beating he could very well receive. Ava had knocked him out with one hit last week without her amulet, and he dreaded to think of what she could do to him with it now. T'Challa had gone to spread the word of the match tomorrow to the people. Ava is in her room, in her Wakandan clothing. She was quite certain of the win she and the king would pull off tomorrow. Though she knew of Peter's capability of pulling off unique strategies of beating his opponents. She realized that when he chose her to fight by his side against the Grandmaster.
"Is our guest still awake?" A voice chuckled.
Ava turned to find Shuri in the doorway. The young woman grinned at the girl.
"My brother told me of what he has planned tomorrow. Make sure to beat them, I wouldn't want our people seeing their king and the White Tiger beat by two who have no true history with Wakanda." The woman said. "They won't win. Even though I still have an allegiance to SHIELD, I do look forward to beating Web-Head…again. Hehe." Ava chuckled.
Shuri laughed with the girl. Then an idea came into mind. The woman grinned wickedly at the thought.
"Can I give you some friendly advice?"Shuri asked. "Sure." Ava replied.
Shuri walked over to her, and sat down beside her. She began whispering something in Ava's ear. The girl grinned with wicked delight at the words.
"I hope that could be useful. But make sure to give him a good beating. I am a better fighter than my brother, but he's still better than anyone else. His training will show them what a Wakandan king's tutelage can do for someone worthy of the Panther's wisdom." Shuri said. "Thank you…it should go very interestingly." Ava purred, her voice filled with a hint of sinister seduction.
To be continued…