INeedAUsername8: I'll try to make the fight interesting.
Guest: You'll see.
Chapter 19: Tag Team
(Wakanda, the next day)
It took time to organize, but it was ready. The tag team fight of the Black Panther and White Tiger against Iron Man and Spider-Man had arrived. The ring looked similar to ones used in boxing and wrestling, except it is much larger. People gathered around to watch their king in the battle alongside the Panther's closest ally, the White Tiger. The fight is also a chance for the people to see the abilities of the outsiders, and their worth as allies. Even though the country has only taken hostile action in defending their own home, the Wakandan spirit is thoroughly defined by combat as one's inner resolve is tested most then. None have defeated the Black Panther in combat, though some have proven to be more difficult challenges to the king than others. Peter and Tony have their suits on. Spidey had an idea of how to beat their opponents, but it would be very difficult. He wanted to go over the plan again, but the Iron Knight assured him they'd be fine.
"It is time." A guard said, approaching them. 'Here we go.' Spidey sighed in his mind.
The two followed the guard to the ring. On the path to the ring, people on either side called out. Some cheered for the king and his ally, others booed the man in the red and yellow trash can. However, some did tell the youth in the arachnid suit good luck.
(Yeah, I'm going to need all the help I can get.)
The guard told them to hold at the edge of the ring. Spidey could see Ava and T'Challa on the other side. Her yellow eyes locked on his, and he saw her wink at him. He felt the warmth rising in his cheeks. He didn't move. Then he saw W'Kabi walk to the center of the ring, a microphone in hand.
"Great people of Wakanda, today we are here to honor the proud tradition of honorable combat! Every year, any can enter to test their strength and prove their spirit to their people! For today, is a special treat! Today our king and ally, the White Tiger, combat those who offer their support to our home, Spider-Man…and Iron Man. They are here to test their strength and valor! To prove their worthiness as our allies! We haven't been fond of those not of Wakanda in the past, but our king has put his trust in them! So let us see how they fare against our king, the Black Panther, and one we consider our own, the White Tiger! Good luck to you all, may the greater team of warriors prevail!" W'Kabi proclaimed, receiving cheers from the crowd.
(Here we go.)
"Ready Spidey?" Tony asked, his face not blocked by the face plate. "Let's do this." Spidey replied, nodding at his partner. "Then let's go!" Iron Man exclaimed as the face plate covered his face.
Iron Man flew in the air and dropped to the ground, one fist hitting the mat. Spider-Man leapt into the air and landed beside Tony in a crawling form. Tony looked up towards their opponents.
"Come on! Show us what you've got!" Tony called out.
Tiger and Panther flipped into the air and landed on the mat without making a sound. Both are on in stalking positions. Spidey eyed Tiger, her athletic and fit body made her look truly deadly in the posture she's taking. She eyed him back, grinning under her mask. The king and Iron Knight glared at one another.
"Begin!" W'Kabi called out.
The king and girl leapt within a moment's notice. They flipped in the air and dived towards their opponents. Tony took flight and hit T'Challa head-on. Spidey waited for his moment, staring at Tiger. She threw forth a punch, but he dodged to the right swiftly. Then she followed by a sweep kick, but he leapt over that. Tiger glared at him and leapt at him.
"Come on T'Challa! Just give up! I've upgraded my armor from our last little tussle!" Tony shouted. "I think not my friend! For you are as predictable as you are flamboyant!" The king chuckled. "What?!" He replied.
The king had wrapped his hands onto Iron Man's back. With a single flexion, he clawed up the armor with his claws, leaving long marks. Iron Man head-butted the king. T'Challa's head recoiled back, which gave Tony the opportunity to grab the king's arms and pry the man's hands off his back. He tossed the king onto the mat. The king landed on his feet gracefully.
"Did you really think that would faze me?" The king asked. "Not really…but this will. JARVIS, now!" Iron Man chuckled. "Affirmative sir. The new combat protocol has been activated." The AI voice replied.
Tony's armor suddenly turned from red and yellow to purple and gray. T'Challa's eyes widened with surprise.
"Like it? A little something I picked up from here." Tony chuckled. "Let us see how it does!" The king called out, then leapt forward.
He raked his claws down across the man's chest. Nothing happened. The king looked closer; Tony had gifted his suit with a thin layer of vibranium!
"Impressive Stark." The king chuckled. "Round 3." Tony chuckled, then rushed forth. "Come Tiger, I thought you were faster than this!" Spidey laughed.
Tiger continued to swipe and punch at Spider-Man in various angles. However, the masked teen continued to dodge them. She aimed a kick at his chest, and he ducked under. He did his own sweep kick at her feet. It knocked her off her feet, but she kept up her momentum by landing on her hands and back-flipping back onto her feet. They locked eyes again. Tiger ran at him. Spidey leapt over her and push her forward with his hands. She growled in annoyance.
"Come on Tiger! I thought your training was supposed to make you better! Come on, kitty! Show me what you've got! Let's dance pussy cat!" He taunted.
She leapt at him, claws out in front. His spider-sense went off, and without looking Spidey ducked down which caused Tiger to fly over him. She rolled on the ground, but wasn't hurt.
"Ok, now you're just getting sloppy!" He laughed as he stood up.
Tiger hissed and lunged at him again.
"WILL YOU SHUT YOUR TRAP?!" She shouted as she repeatedly swiped her claws at him, but he just side-stepped each one of them. "Why? Am I making you lose focus? Breaking up your concentration? Or maybe you're a teensy bit worried that I might actually…beat you." He taunted as he continued to dodge her angry slashes.
She narrowed her eyes in anger and growled as she leapt at him. Spidey side-stepped the attack and webbed her to the ground. Tiger growled loudly as she struggled to get free from the webbing.
(YESS! I BEAT HER! OK…That sounded bad…OK: I WON!)
"Way to go Spidey!" Tony cheered as he saw what happened. "You should focus on more immediate matters, Mr. Stark!" The king shouted.
Tony threw a punch, but the king caught it. Quickly, the Black Panther returned several punches to Iron Man's torso. Tony stumbled back and before he could coordinate his next attack, T'Challa leapt once again. His raked his claws at the Arc Reactor. The armor's color change back to its original style. Tony gasped as he looked at the change.
"Cut off the power at its source Mr. Stark. RAH!" T'Challa said, then kicked the man in his 'torso'.
Tony hit the mat hard and didn't get up. He groaned in pain. The king turned to face his Spider-Man.
(Ok, it's me against the King of Wakanda…I don't like these odds…)
The king raced towards Spidey. The arachnid themed hero ran forward as well. The king threw forth fierce, but coordinated attacks. Even with his spider-sense, Spider-Man was barely able to dodge them. He threw forth a punch, but the king caught it. T'Challa moved behind Spidey and held that caught arm behind him back. Spidey turned his body to the left and threw forth his other hand. The Panther caught that fist too. He was determined to beat the king and put forth more of his strength. T'Challa was forced to his knees.
"You seem agitated Mr. Parker, are you still mad Ava left?" The king asked. "That was her choice." Spidey grunted. "You're mad that she left you." The king continued. "I don't know what you're talking about." Spider-Man growled. "I doubt anyone would give her the gift you gave her." The king added.
Peter's mind started contemplating what the king was saying. This gave the king his chance. He let go of one of Spidey's hands and punched the masked teen in his chest. Spider-Man groaned in pain. But then he looked back at the king, and his eyes are narrowed with anger. He grabbed T'Challa's throat with his free hand. Then he freed his other hand from its vice and grabbed the king's side. He lifted the king in the air. And the crowd gasped at what they saw. Spider-Man threw the king forward. Quickly recovering, T'Challa landed on his feet and flipped backwards toward his opponent. His feet came flying towards Spidey. Just as swiftly, Spidey leapt over the attack. They both landed on the ground facing each other. Then the king casually stood in place.
(Uh…Why's he just standing there?...)
"Hello handsome." A familiar voice purred in his ear.
(I'M A DEAD MAN! Wait…did she call me handsome?...)
He turned to face the voice's owner. Tiger stood there, her hands on her hips. She had cut apart the webbing that had restrained her. Nothing about her seemed angry. She winked at him again. He aimed to throw forth an uneasy punch.
"You wouldn't hit a lady would you?" She cooed, her voice a soft purr. "…I'm totally doomed aren't I?" Spidey gulped. "100 percent, hehe. HIYAH!" She chuckled, then punched him in the face.
Spidey grunted in pain at the blow and hit the mat. Tiger turned and saw Shuri wink at her from the crowd. Tiger turned to see the Black Panther nod at her. She nodded back. W'Kabi climbed back onto the mat.
"The winners: The Black Panther and White Tiger!" W'Kabi proclaimed.
The crowd roared with excitement.
"Well done Ms. Ayala. You've done very well." T'Challa chuckled, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, your majesty." Ava replied. "They fought well, especially your friend. Though, he seemed quite distracted by you." He said. "I uh…" She gasped. "It's fine. He's very fond of you." The king said.
Tiger felt herself blushing.
"But enough of that, let us celebrate our victory…and send them to the medical center…" T'Challa chuckled. "Right." Ava agreed.
To be continued…