C470 Spider-Man (Patreon)
Content
In the grand Wakandan throne room, Peter stood at the center of a tension-filled meeting. T'Challa had just finished explaining the unexpected arrival of Namor, the King of Talokan, and his ultimatum. The tribal leaders were both shocked and worried, and Peter couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the gravity of the situation.
‘Damn, I didn’t think the Aztec Atlantis would show up this early…’ Peter thought as he listened carefully.
(A/N: Fun fact: Marvel’s version of Atlantis came before DC, but they didn’t call it Atlantis in the MCU because Aquaman came to theaters before them. So they called it Talokan instead.)
After T'Challa's explanation, a few of the tribal leaders exchanged glances, their expressions etched with concern. They didn't trust outsiders easily, and the sudden appearance of Namor had caught them off guard. One of them, a stern-looking elder, eyed Peter as he spoke up, "This matter is for Wakandans to decide. The presence of outsiders, even allies, may influence our judgment."
Peter raised an eyebrow, recognizing the cautious nature of the Wakandans. He was well aware of their xenophobic history. However, T'Challa, ever the diplomatic leader, intervened, "Spider-Man has proven himself as an ally of Wakanda. He has aided us far more than we could have ever asked for, and his presence here should not be seen as a threat. He is a member of the Avengers alongside my father, and we must consider his perspective."
A few council members nodded in agreement, while others remained skeptical. Peter, feeling somewhat out of place but determined to contribute, spoke up, "I can leave if my presence causes any discomfort. I don't want to interfere with your deliberations."
T'Challa shook his head, his expression reassuring. "No, your presence is valued here. You are an ally, and your insights may prove invaluable in this situation."
Peter nodded, realizing that T'Challa had just offered him a seat among the council. At least for today. It was a significant gesture of trust and respect, and Peter took it gratefully. Seconds later, a group of Dora Milaje guard came forward with a chair, which Peter gratefully took, his posture relaxed yet attentive.
As Peter settled in, he couldn't help but notice a couple of tribal leaders who still wore expressions of unease and mistrust. It was clear that not everyone was on board with his involvement, but he was determined to win them over.
Suddenly, a sly smirk tugged at the corner of Peter's lips. ‘Hehe, everything is going exactly as I planned…’ By personally assisting Wakanda during its exposure to the world, he had gained a large portion of their trust. So much trust, in fact, that they were willing to allow him access to their council meeting.
‘Now I just need to win over the stubborn fools and Wakanda will be a trusted ally. And trusted ally’s can be given responsibilities… I’m getting closer and closer to my lazy life dream!’ Though Peter knew that changing the deeply ingrained attitudes of this secretive nation would take time, but he was patient and persistent.
With Peter now seated, the Tribal Council of Wakanda began to deliberate Namor's ultimatum. Ideas were thrown around, and the council seemed split. Some advocated for forming alliances with the rest of the surface, while others leaned towards siding with Talokan. Of course, the xenophobic isolationists among the council were those that sided with Namor.
The leader of the River Tribe stood firmly on one side of the argument. "We must consider Namor's perspective. Talokan has been our silent ally for centuries, and their grievances are valid. Aligning with them would secure our borders and protect our way of life."
Opposite him, the leader of the border tribe voiced a different opinion. "We cannot ignore the progress made on the surface. Many nations have shown a genuine commitment to cooperation with us. It is in our best interest to form alliances with those around us, not to mention the Avengers, who will no doubt side against Talokan!"
Instantly, all eyes turned to Peter, who had been observing the debate closely. He could sense the deep-rooted divisions within the council. But he remained silent for the time being. He didn't want to push too hard or appear overbearing. He knew that earning their trust was a delicate process, and he needed to tread carefully.
T'Challa, sensing the mounting tension and the need for a direction, finally spoke up. "We have some time before Namor's deadline. Let’s explore all possible avenues. After all, I would much rather avoid choosing sides altogether."
M'Baku, the leader of the mountain tribe, who never attended such meetings, leaned forward, his eyes locked onto T'Challa. "And how do you plan to do that, T'Challa? Namor has made his demands clear."
“…” T'Challa didn’t have an answer for him, though he hoped someone else would. Instantly, his gaze shifted to Peter, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Spider-Man, you have shown great wisdom and resourcefulness in solving many of our problems. Do you have any insights?"
Peter paused for a moment, considering his words carefully. "I suggest that we initiate diplomatic talks with the United Nations. Many of the issues Namor mentioned, such as pollution and environmental degradation, can be addressed through international agreements and cooperation. If we can convince the surface world to fix these issues, then Namor's reasons for war may lose their foundation."
A tribal leader, her expression thoughtful, raised a concern. "What if Namor remains adamant and chooses to wage war despite diplomatic efforts?"
Peter's eyes swept over the council members, his voice firm. "In that case, the Avengers will step in to neutralize the threat. Wakanda won't have to raise a finger. Our combined strength can handle any threat, and we'll ensure that peace is preserved."
The room fell into a contemplative silence as the council members absorbed Peter's proposal. It was a plan that held the promise of avoiding bloodshed while addressing the concerns raised by Namor, which they certainly liked.
T'Challa nodded in agreement, breaking the silence. "Let us consider this approach seriously. We will convene with the United Nations and seek a peaceful resolution. Namor's ultimatum need not lead to war if we can find common ground."
Peter stood from his seat and whipped out his phone. “Good, I’ll call the President and have him assist you in arranging everything as quickly as possible…”
————
Namor, the King of Talokan, returned to his undersea kingdom after his visit to Wakanda. As he descended beneath the waves, he could feel the familiar embrace of the ocean welcoming him home. His people, the Talokanil, awaited his return with eager anticipation.
As Namor emerged from the water's surface and walked onto the underwater shores of Talokan, his subjects greeted him with jubilant cheers. They swam around him, their blue-skinned forms gliding gracefully through the water, celebrating the return of their king.
Namor acknowledged their cheers with a regal nod, his piercing green eyes scanning the crowd. He was a formidable and imposing figure, and his presence commanded respect among his people. He knew that the decision he had made in Wakanda would weigh heavily on their hearts. After all, war wasn’t something normal people could look forward to.
After a brief moment of revelry, Namor signaled for his generals to gather. The word had to be spread, and preparations had to be made. He summoned them to the grand chamber of Talokan, a massive underwater palace adorned with intricate carvings and glowing coral formations.
The generals, a collection of fierce warriors and strategists, arrived promptly. They kneeled before their king, their loyalty unwavering. Namor wasted no time in delivering his decree. "In one week's time, we shall wage war on the surface world."
A collective murmur of approval and determination rippled through the assembled generals. They had long prepared for this day, honing their skills and readying their armies for the inevitable clash with the surface dwellers.
As the generals took their leave, Namor's gaze shifted to the colossal window that overlooked the kingdom of Talokan. Beyond the glass, the sprawling city of blue-skinned inhabitants bustled with activity. Already, he could see military men and women rushing through the city, preparing for what’s to come. His army was eager to defend their way of life, their sanctuary beneath the sea.
As he watched the bustling activity of his kingdom, Namor couldn't help but feel a sense of gravity settle over him. He had made his decision, and there was no turning back. Talokan would go to war to protect its interests, and the surface world would soon bear witness to the wrath of the Sub-Mariner.
The army personnel, in their distinct armor and carrying spears, each formed from Vibranium, began to gather in formations, preparing for the impending conflict. They moved with a sense of purpose, each soldier knowing the weight of their duty to Talokan.
Namor observed his army from above, perched on a coral outcropping that offered a commanding view of his kingdom. His expression was resolute, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming war. Wakanda had been put on notice, and Namor only had to wait for their reply. But either way, his army would march to the surface.
A/N: 1560 words :)