C468 Spider-Man (Patreon)
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The press conference had stirred up a whirlwind of questions and speculations, which would no doubt last for months to come. Once it was over, Peter, Lily, and T'Chaka returned to Wakanda through a shimmering portal, leaving behind the buzzing excitement of the media frenzy. As they stepped onto the palace grounds, The Royal Family and the rest of the Tribal Council awaited them.
T'Challa's expression was a mix of concern and determination. He understood the magnitude of the situation and what it meant for Wakanda's future. The council members, each representing a different tribe, looked equally serious and a bit dreadful as they gathered for an emergency meeting.
Peter took his place among the group, flanked by T'Chaka and T'Challa. Some tribes didn’t look kindly on his presence, but sadly for them, he’s their only link to the outside world. They may not like it, but they need him now more than ever.
Lily, not one to sit quietly, found herself fidgeting in place. She wanted to tag along, but meetings like this weren't exactly her idea of fun.
As the discussion was about to unfold, Peter noticed Lily's restlessness. He leaned over and whispered, "Hey, how about I find you someone to play with?"
Lily's eyes lit up at the prospect of escaping the dull meeting. "Yes, please!"
Peter turned to T'Chaka. "T'Chaka, if you don't mind, can we arrange a play date. I’m sure Shuri doesn’t want to sit through this boring meeting either."
T'Chaka nodded with a knowing smile. "Of course. Shuri will be delighted."
Shuri was, in fact, not delighted. She wanted to stay and hear about the big event. After all, this is a grand and crazy occasion. Wakanda has been hiding for a very long time and now everyone knows about them. She wanted to refuse, but a pointed look from her parents stopped any and all of her complaints.
With that, Peter and T'Chaka returned to business, as their two daughters left the room, closing the door on their way out.
Lily quietly followed Shuri through the palace before finding herself in a high-tech laboratory that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie. As the doors closed behind them, Shuri turned to Lily. "So… What do you want to do?"
Lily shrugged her shoulders and peered around the room, her curiosity piqued by the futuristic surroundings. "Umm, whatever you want to do… Is this your brothers lab or something?"
Shuri chuckled. "No, it’s mine. My brother wouldn’t know his way around this place. He’d either blow himself up or burn the place down."
Lily, being exceptionally quick on the uptake, took a quick glance at Shuri's workbench. She couldn't help but blurt out, "Is that a vibranium polymer fabric? Does it improve energy absorption and kinetic redistribution?"
Shuri blinked in surprise. "Yes, it is. How did you know that?"
Lily grinned beneath her mask. “My dad has Vibranium at home. He lets me study it in my spare time. Vibranium technology is fascinating."
Seeing that Lily seemed to understand her work, Shuri was about to explain the details of her many other inventions that laid around the room but Lily, in her typical fashion, cut in with descriptive explanations that were not only accurate but also more comprehensive. Shuri blinked in shock, realizing that she might have met her technological match. Lily seemed to understand everything with just a simple glance.
However, instead of feeling threatened, Shuri felt a sense of camaraderie. Most children her age couldn't relate to her passion for science and technology. She was often isolated from other friend groups. After all, not only is she a princess but also a genius. The other children just couldn’t understand her, and she didn’t care to dumb herself down either. And now, here was someone who not only understood but could keep up with her.
With newfound enthusiasm, Shuri decided to forge a friendship. "You really know your stuff. Want to help me with something?"
Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Sure, I'd love to!"
As the two girls delved into a project together, Shuri couldn't help but pester Lily with personal questions. "So, where are you from? Do you go to school? Do you have any siblings? What’s your real name? I can’t keep calling you Spider-Girl…"
Lily, aware of her father's strict instructions not to reveal her identity or origin, gave evasive answers. "I can't really say much about that. My dad told me to be careful."
Shuri huffed in annoyance. "How are we going to be friends if I don't even know anything about you?"
Lily thought for a moment and then smiled beneath her mask. "Well, maybe someday I can reveal myself. But for now, you'll have to settle for just Spider-Girl."
Shuri sighed in frustration but decided to let it go for the time being. She had found a kindred spirit in Lily, and that was more important than knowing her identity.
Hours passed, and Peter and T'Chaka finally finished their meeting. They made their way over to Shuri's lab, where they found the two girls deeply engrossed in a holographic display of their joint project. Sparks flew, and a miniature vibranium device levitated in the air, a testament to their combined genius.
T'Chaka couldn't help but smile at the sight of his daughter smiling and bonding with a new friend. He whispered to Peter, "It seems our children have a lot in common."
Peter nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's not interrupt their fun."
As the girls continued their scientific collaboration, Peter and T'Chaka retreated to the background, content in the knowledge that this newfound friendship could be the beginning of something extraordinary.
————
Days later…
In the wake of the press conference that unveiled Wakanda's existence to the world, the international stage was set ablaze with intrigue, curiosity, and, in some cases, resentment. The days that followed were a tumultuous whirlwind of events that left Wakanda at the center of global attention.
The United Nations, ever eager to maintain international order and transparency, wasted no time in opening an investigation into Wakanda's history of secrecy and deception. The nation that had long stood among them, posing as a small developing African country, now faced scrutiny like never before.
Wakanda, led by King T'Challa and the Tribal Council, displayed a willingness to cooperate with the investigation. They took unprecedented steps to demonstrate their sincerity, even allowing UN investigators limited access to their hidden nation. However, this access was granted under strict supervision, ensuring that spies and other bad actors couldn’t come to their country and do as they please.
But it wasn't just the United Nations that sought answers. Many countries, driven by curiosity, envy, or a desire for knowledge, attempted to gather information on Wakanda through various means. Some went as far as sending drones equipped with advanced surveillance technology to breach Wakanda's borders.
To their dismay, these drones would never return. Instead, they crashed into the invisible barrier that shielded Wakanda from the outside world. It was a clear message that the nation's secrets were not to be easily uncovered.
As the global spotlight shifted onto Wakanda, the revelation of its true nature had a profound impact, especially within the African communities. Africans across the world were both awestruck and deeply moved by the knowledge that the most powerful and technologically advanced nation in the world was of African origin.
For many, it was a source of pride and inspiration, a testament to what could be achieved. The idea of a hidden African utopia, untouched by colonization and the scars of history, ignited hope for a brighter future. The allure of Wakanda was so powerful that some individuals, overwhelmed by the desire to be a part of it, attempted to sneak into the nation.
However, Wakanda's security was second to none. The nation's borders remained impenetrable, thwarting any attempts at unauthorized entry. While some expressed frustration, others understood the need for Wakanda to protect its most valuable assets.
But not everyone within the African community shared the same sentiments. Some criticized Wakanda for its centuries of isolation, particularly during the painful era of the transatlantic slave trade. They argued that Wakanda, with its advanced technology and resources, had the power to intervene and prevent the suffering of millions.
In response, Wakanda took a nuanced approach, inspired by Peter's advice. The nation acknowledged its past inaction while focusing on addressing present and future challenges. They began sharing knowledge, resources, and technology with the outside world, particularly with African nations and communities.
Wakanda initiated programs aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Africa, lifting up those who had long been marginalized. They offered opportunities for fellow Africans to study and work in Wakanda, with the goal of fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
Most notably, Wakanda opened a path to Wakandan citizenship, albeit under stringent conditions. Applicants had to demonstrate a strong connection to Africa and a commitment to the nation's values. The restrictions were substantial, but the opportunity to become a Wakandan citizen was an unprecedented gesture of openness.
To bridge the gap between Wakanda and the rest of the world, the nation also decided to welcome small groups of influential tourists. These carefully curated visits allowed outsiders to experience Wakanda's culture, technology, and natural beauty. It was a calculated move to change the world's perception of Wakanda, hoping that these influencers would return home with nothing but positive stories to share, posting about heir experiences on YouTube, Twitter, and other platforms.
As the days passed, Wakanda continued to adapt to its new role on the global stage. The world watched closely, eager to see how this enigmatic nation would shape the future.
And in the midst of challenges, criticisms, and newfound opportunities, Wakanda’s leadership couldn’t help but thank Peter for his help. Even the more Xenophobic tribal leaders were thankful. After all, Peter understood the outside world and gave them a perfect game plan, which seemed to be doing wonders for their situation.
————
In the depths of the ocean, where the shimmering city of Talokan lay hidden beneath the waves, King Ch'ah Toh Almehen, known to many as Namor, ruled with authority and wisdom. As a Talokanil mutant, he bore the weight of centuries on his shoulders, his longevity a testament to his strength and resilience.
[Insert picture of Namor/The Sub-Mariner here]
Namor holds a commanding presence that reflects his royal lineage. His distinctive appearance is marked by short, jet-black hair that frames a strong and chiseled face. His tan skin was an oddity for a man who spent most of his life under the sea, away from the rays of the surfaces sun. And his pointed ears were certainly eye catching.
Namor's physique is a blend of strength and grace, characterized by a lean yet muscular build. His body is honed by a lifetime of swimming through the deepest reaches of the sea.
But it is his choice of adornment that truly sets him apart. Namor is often seen bedecked in an array of exquisite jewelry, each piece a symbol of his status and authority. These ornate jewels, often crafted from precious marine materials, serve as a testament to his royal lineage and the splendor of the ocean realm he rules.
With every gesture and every step, Namor exudes an air of regality and power, a sovereign of the sea whose presence commands respect and reverence.
Namor's throne room, adorned with intricate coral and luminescent aquatic flora, was a place of power and command. The throne itself, fashioned from a massive seashell, sat imposingly at the center. He gazed out through the enormous, curving windows that offered a breathtaking view of the underwater realm he had sworn to protect.
On this day, as he contemplated the usual politic problems, a messenger, bedecked in ornate seashell-styled armor, entered the throne room. Bowing low before the king, the messenger delivered grave news.
"Your Majesty," the messenger began, "I bring news from the surface. It is said that the true nation of Wakanda has been discovered by the surface dwellers."
Namor's eyes, resembling those of a predatory sea creature, glinted with intrigue. The revelation of another hidden kingdom was not something he took lightly. He rose from his throne, his regal bearing matched only by his deep concern.
"Wakanda," Namor murmured, the name carrying weight and significance even in the depths of the ocean. "A nation with secrets akin to our own. How have they responded to this revelation?"
The messenger cleared his throat before answering, "They seem to be trying to ally themselves with the rest of the surface dwellers. They’re sharing some technology as well…"
Namor's brows furrowed in thought. Wakanda's decision to engage with the surface world, even if cautiously, was a matter of great importance. He knew that this could threaten their kingdom. If the surface ally’s with Wakanda, then it won’t take them long to find out about them. Whether Wakanda reveals it or not, it didn’t matter. The technology would do that for them.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Namor spoke with authority. "Prepare my royal vessel. I shall make a journey to Wakanda."
The messenger, recognizing the gravity of the situation, bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty. Shall I inform the council of your decision?"
Namor nodded. "Yes, assemble the council. I shall speak with them before departing."
As the messenger left to carry out his orders, Namor continued to gaze out at the vast expanse of the ocean, his thoughts racing like the currents that surrounded him.
A/N: 2265 words :)