The great throne room of Wakanda opened before Legion like a monument to technology and tradition.
King T'Chaka presided from his seat, his presence filling the entire space. To his left, Queen Ramonda maintained an elegant and severe posture, while to his right, T'Challa observed the young man with curiosity.
The great window behind them framed the city — a display of skyscrapers and magnetic trains humming in the distance.
The silence was broken by Queen Ramonda.
"How long have you known?" she asked, without preamble.
Legion tilted his head slightly, his helmet reflecting the ceiling lights.
"How long have I known what?"
Immediately, one of the guards escorting him tapped his shoulder lightly with the base of her spear — a physical reminder of where he was. Legion let out a small laugh.
"Alright, alright... sorry. But seriously, could you at least give me something to drink? I wasn't joking about the thirst."
The guard looked to T'Challa for approval, who gave an imperceptible nod.
A servant approached with a glass of cool water. In one motion, the section of the helmet covering the lower half of Legion's face retracted, revealing his mouth. He drank it all in one go, leaving the glass empty within seconds.
"Ah..." he exhaled with relief. "Taking in sunlight from the stratosphere is quite the experience, but it leaves your throat like a desert."
One of the advisors present frowned, processing the boy's words.
"Space?"
"Sometimes you need to relax and get a little vitamin D without clouds in the way," Legion replied with indifference, handing the glass back to the servant with a "thank you." "But getting back to what the queen was asking... I've known about Wakanda's existence for a few months."
Ramonda interlaced her fingers, keeping her gaze fixed on him.
"How?"
"I took some time to search around the world for dangerous individuals and that sort of threat," Legion explained, downplaying the matter. "I ended up in this area by chance. Interestingly, I ran into some rather clever firewalls and digital diversions, but beyond that you reach a massive defense network. It wasn't very hard to sense that something big was happening here. I dug a little deeper and, well... I'd say you've done an incredible job keeping yourselves hidden from the rest of the world."
"Have you shared this information with anyone else? Or with any government?" the prince asked.
Legion shook his head immediately.
"Nope. I fully understand that Wakanda wishes to remain isolated from the rest of the world. You're not a country looking to conquer others or rule the planet, so I have no reason to expose you. Keeping the secret is up to you — I gain nothing by breaking your privacy."
T'Challa nodded, appearing satisfied with the answer, but King T'Chaka intervened from the throne, his voice reverberating through the hall.
"Then tell us... why did you enter our territory in that way? Why did you surrender so easily before our spears?"
Legion shrugged, glancing for a moment at the great window before fixing his gaze back on the King.
"Because things seemed like they were going to escalate far too quickly. I intervened before it was too late. I knew someone else was on their way, and if I hadn't been there to hold Namor back, he would have attacked. If that had happened, you would have had every reason to become permanent enemies with Atlantis."
He paused briefly to emphasize his point.
"Naturally, you wouldn't cooperate with envoys from the deep after Namor and his warriors had attacked you so openly. My intention was to keep a door open so you could talk, rather than launching straight into war."
T'Chaka leaned back in his throne, processing the boy's logic. It was a risky move, but a sensible one. Not many people know it, but Namor's abilities are no joke — confronting him requires very detailed planning.
"You say you knew someone else was coming," the Queen cut in. "Are you referring to Byrrah? How could you know before our own radar did?"
Legion crossed his arms, relaxing his posture despite the spears.
"Well, you're not the only ones with advanced technology," he replied calmly. "My purpose is to protect the Earth and all its inhabitants. That's why I try to stay informed about anything important that's about to happen. It's surveillance, nothing more."
Queen Ramonda interrupted him with a cold tone.
"So you've been spying on us? Watching us in case something happens according to your own judgment?"
"I have no interest in controlling anyone, ma'am," Legion replied, meeting her gaze directly. "I'm only here to help and save as many lives as possible."
"Wakanda already has a protector," she declared with pride.
"If there's one thing I've learned, it's that a single protector is never enough," the young man replied without flinching. "Everyone needs help at some point, and I try to be that help before the disaster becomes total."
T'Chaka intervened again.
"Our nation has managed to prosper and defend itself for millennia without help from anyone outside."
Legion let out a small dry laugh that could be heard beneath the helmet.
"Well, with all due respect, with a vibranium meteorite the size of a mountain beneath your feet... of course, anyone would have a clear advantage with that."
Several of the advisors and elders present frowned at the comment. It struck directly at Wakandan pride.
One of the elders leaned toward T'Chaka and spoke in isiXhosa:
"Lo mntwana akanalo imbeko kwaphela, Kumkani (This boy has absolutely no respect, King)," he said with a gesture of contempt.
A woman beside him nodded, displeased.
"Yintoni onokuyilindela kumntu wasemzini? (What can you expect from someone who comes from outside?)"
Legion didn't wait for the king to respond. He turned toward them and, in fluent isiXhosa, replied:
"Kumele ukuba kumnandi ukuzimela ekhaya, apho unako konke okufunayo, uhlale ugxeka umhlaba wonke ngenxa yokuba uziva ukhuselekile (It must be nice to hide away at home, with every comfort you need, and criticize the rest of the world because you feel safe)."
The advisors went suddenly quiet, exchanging looks of astonishment.
T'Challa, who had been following the scene closely, stepped forward.
"Ah, I forgot to mention," he said, looking at his father, "that Legion speaks our language perfectly."
T'Chaka stayed silent for a few seconds before picking up the thread of the conversation.
"Setting that aside... I assume you understand the gravity of having discovered our kingdom," he declared. The elders around him nodded solemnly, reinforcing his words.
The hero shrugged, maintaining that relaxed attitude that seemed to unsettle everyone present.
"Well, there's not much that can be done about it at this point. And if you have some kind of memory eraser, like in Men in Black, I'm sorry, but I'm going to flatly refuse."
T'Challa coughed lightly to break the moment and draw his father's attention.
With a respectful gesture, he indicated he had a proposal. His father gave him a nod to continue.
"I believe everyone here understands who is best suited to be sent to Atlantis," he began, looking at the advisors.
One of the elders was quick to speak, with an evident tone of concern.
"The Black Panther leaving Wakanda? Could the young princess not go instead? She is exceptionally gifted — I don't think acting as a mediator would be a problem for her."
Queen Ramonda cut him off immediately, fixing him with a stare that left him speechless.
"Shuri is not going anywhere," she declared firmly. "She is too young to leave the country, let alone be sent to a kingdom that may very well be hostile right now."
Another of the elders spoke up, trying to defend his point.
"But the prince? He has been designated as the next king and is the current Black Panther — Wakanda's protector. He must understand that without him, the kingdom is far more vulnerable. He would be putting all its inhabitants at risk."
The queen frowned, but it was T'Chaka who responded, asserting his authority.
"Like it or not, there is no better candidate than my son. If something were to happen, who better than the Black Panther to come out alive? He has proven himself worthy and will not fall before the enemy easily."
The king looked at T'Challa with pride and confidence before turning back to the elders.
"My daughter is not a born warrior. She operates best with technology — she is a scholar, an inventor, but not a warrior. So no, she will not go."
The elders bowed their heads slightly, accepting the king's words without further argument. T'Chaka turned back to his son.
"Continue with what you were saying."
T'Challa nodded, grateful for his father's backing.
"Both Atlantis and Wakanda are currently walking a tightrope. Neither trusts the other and both sides will be constantly on guard. But... if we have a mediator — someone who is respected by both peoples and in whom both nations can place their trust — perhaps this mission becomes easier."
The elders began to murmur among themselves, analyzing the proposal.
T'Chaka looked steadily at his son and then exchanged a meaningful glance with his wife, who seemed to immediately understand who her son was referring to.
One of the elders stood up, pointing at Legion with a gesture loaded with disbelief.
"Are you suggesting that this 'superhero' be the mediator?" he asked, looking at T'Challa. "If Princess Shuri is too young for this mission, this boy is even more so. By his build, I doubt he's even past 17. He is not a viable option — his immaturity will be a burden, and being a foreigner, he lacks the wisdom of our nation. He will only be a hindrance to you."
Legion didn't wait for T'Challa to defend him. He stepped forward, ignoring for a moment the proximity of the Dora Milaje's spears.
"Say what you like, sir, but this 'young man' found your country months ago and was researching you without anyone noticing. And on top of that, I was capable of stopping Terrax. I also prevented you from entering an immediate conflict with Atlantis today, stopping Namor from harming T'Challa."
Another of the elders let out a laugh, full of contempt.
"That is precisely why you are unworthy. You dare believe that the prince of the deep is capable of defeating the Black Panther? Your arrogance only confirms that you don't know where you stand."
Queen Ramonda observed Legion in silence. Although she valued his earlier intervention, distrust weighed more heavily on her judgment.
"Though I dislike agreeing with the council, they are right this time. There is no way this boy is worthy of our nation's trust for a task of this magnitude. He is an unpredictable element — the fact that he already knows the truth about our country is problem enough."
T'Challa looked at his mother and then at his father, keeping his composure. He knew the elders' and his mother's logic was rooted in pride, but the reality of the approaching war demanded something beyond tradition.
"No one can deny that he possesses an uncommon intelligence. He was capable of discovering Wakanda and monitoring us without our systems detecting him. That alone is proof of his capability."
The elders and the queen fell silent for a moment, considering his words. However, Ramonda slowly shook her head.
"Intelligence is not everything. The task at hand requires wisdom and a full capacity to defend oneself under the most extreme conditions."
Legion let out a frustrated sigh, crossing his arms.
"Come on, ma'am... I faced a galactic conqueror. What more proof do you need?" he said with sarcasm.
T'Challa looked at his father and then at the elders, a spark of determination in his eyes.
"In that case, there is a way to put him to the test," he proposed.
The advisors exchanged glances before fixing their gaze on the king. T'Chaka scratched his chin, thoughtful, letting the silence stretch for a few seconds before speaking.
"If that is the case, we could do it... but he must also follow our rules," the monarch declared.
"Legion already mentioned he is willing to follow Wakanda's rules," T'Challa added quickly.
"Wait, wait! What are you talking about?" the young man interrupted. "I said I'd go along with things for now, but I think you're getting confused. I don't have to prove anything to you. I've been going around the world fighting all kinds of threats, saving thousands of—"
T'Challa stepped closer to him, lowering his voice.
"If you want Wakanda to cooperate with you in resolving this conflict with Atlantis peacefully, you need to do this. It's the only way the council and my parents will accept you."
Legion went quiet, looking at T'Challa and then at the elders. He was weighing whether the effort was really worth it. One of the advisors, taking advantage of the silence, dropped a comment dripping with venom.
"This is a waste of time. Foreigners always lack the courage needed for real combat."
That was the last straw. Legion fixed his gaze on the elder and then turned toward T'Chaka.
"Fine, why not? I assume you want a fight? I can do that," he said, bringing his hand to the Omnitrix. He began turning the dial until the silhouette of Four Arms appeared in the center. "I'll kick whoever you put in front of me."
T'Chaka raised an eyebrow, but showed no sign of being impressed.
"If you are going to undergo this trial of combat and courage, the use of any artifact will not be permitted," the king declared with authority. "Opponents may only choose a traditional weapon and fight to demonstrate their honor. No tricks, no technology. Just you and your opponent."
"...So you're planning to have a young man fight an experienced Wakandan warrior?" Legion asked.
"No," the King replied. "You will fight a warrior apprentice. It is the least we can do to make the trial fair. Otherwise, we would have to find a newly initiated warrior, but the rules forbid them from participating in this type of ritual combat."
Legion looked around, taking in the faces of the elders and the steadiness of the Dora Milaje. He let out a sigh, resigned to the fact that he wasn't getting out of there without breaking a sweat.
"Alright, I'll fight. You said no technology, just a weapon you give me. But I'm not taking off the helmet — my identity must remain hidden."
Several members of the council let out mockery and dry laughs at the demand. Queen Ramonda shook her head, looking at the young man coldly.
"It has already been said: no technology. It seems there will be no combat after all."
However, the prince intervened quickly again before the situation closed off entirely.
"In that case, why not use a modified bandana? It can cover the lower half of his face. It would offer no protection whatsoever, complying with the rule while keeping his identity concealed. We can secure it so it doesn't tear or come loose by accident."
Legion stayed quiet, hesitating. The idea of fighting with his face half exposed held no appeal for him.
One of the advisors let out a mocking laugh.
"Foreigners always find an excuse to avoid real steel," the man said with contempt.
Legion clenched his fists and fixed his gaze on the elder.
"Fine. I accept," he said firmly.
"So be it," the king declared. "You are permitted to wear a cloth that covers the lower half of your face to maintain your anonymity as you wish."
The council members nodded, murmuring about the unusual request, while T'Chaka turned to his son.
"T'Challa, escort our guest. In thirty minutes we will have everything prepared in the arena."
The prince smiled sideways and nodded. He approached Legion and gestured with his head for him to follow through one of the side corridors of the hall.
"Come with me," he said as they walked. "I suggest you use this time to stretch. The apprentices here train from the moment they can walk — they're not like those from anywhere else in the world."
==
T'Challa walked alongside Okoye and Legion through the corridors.
"Do you have any experience in martial arts or any kind of combat?" he asked, glancing sideways at the young man.
"I did a little Taekwondo as a kid. I never got past white belt because my parents didn't have the money for the yellow tip exam, so I was stuck there for about... two years. That and, well... a couple of typical street fights."
Okoye let out a huff, not breaking her stride, her eyes fixed ahead.
"Then your chances of winning are close to zero," the general declared. "Your strength lies in that device on your wrist. Without it, you're just an ordinary kid from the outside world playing at being a hero because technology allows it. Without that, you are nothing."
"Ouch... harsh," Legion said in a joking tone.
T'Challa, without slowing his pace, interjected in a calm voice.
"Don't mind her. In combat, many things can happen. If you're not stronger than the enemy, you need to be faster; and if not that, smarter. There are reports and news about how you've fought against many people at once — that gave you real battle experience. That is your advantage."
Legion gave him a brief nod.
"Thanks, but don't worry — I'll figure something out. I always do... I hope."
T'Challa nodded with a smile and stopped in front of one of the doors, which slid open smoothly. Entering the room, the place was filled with traditional weapons hanging on wooden and metal racks.
"We're going to be here for a little while," the prince said as they walked in. "I'm going to explain a bit about how the combat works and what's going to happen down there."
====
T'Challa finished explaining the details of the encounter and Legion nodded in silence. The young man brought his hand to the center of his chest and pressed a section of his armor. Immediately, the metal plates began to retract and fold in on themselves until they shrank down to a cube the size of a palm.
The young man walked to a nearby table and left the object there. T'Challa watched the mechanism with a smile of recognition.
"You designed it yourself?"
"It's a prototype," Legion replied. "I don't have as many resources as you do, so I make do with what I find. I don't like admitting it much, but the invasion helped me quite a bit — most of the things I use I built from pieces that were left scattered around. The problem is they're limited, so I have to use them carefully."
T'Challa nodded, impressed by the boy's ingenuity in recycling advanced technology.
The young man turned around to stretch his arms, but before stepping away from the table, he issued a warning.
"Oh, and I'd recommend not touching it. If anyone other than me tries to handle the cube, it'll explode."
T'Challa raised an eyebrow and Okoye maintained her stern expression.
"We weren't planning to," the prince said.
"I wasn't saying it for you," Legion replied, pointing toward an apparently empty corner of the room. "I was saying it for her."
T'Challa and Okoye looked toward where Legion was pointing, but saw nothing but the stone wall. However, a young and curious voice emerged from thin air.
"Since when do you know I'm here?"
"Since always," Legion answered without missing a beat. "I saw you in the throne room, but I didn't want to expose you in front of everyone. It seemed like it would ruin your... plan. Besides, I know that being scolded in front of others is embarrassing."
At that moment, the air seemed to distort and a figure began to materialize.
It was Shuri, wearing a full tactical suit with an active camouflage system that had kept her invisible until that very second.
The princess deactivated the suit's helmet, revealing an expression that mixed surprise with the irritation of having been found out.
"My interference system is state of the art," Shuri protested, stepping closer to the others. "Not even the Dora Milaje's sensors are supposed to be able to track me."
Okoye sighed heavily, clearly accustomed to the princess's antics.
T'Challa smiled sideways, shaking his head. He had actually been surprised that his sister had given up so easily at their father's order.
"You know that if he finds out you're here you're going to be in serious trouble?" he said, though his tone made it clear he had no intention of turning her in.
Shuri returned his smile with a mischievous grin.
"That's what the suit is for. If he doesn't find out, it never happened," she replied with total confidence. "Besides, I know very well that the Black Panther is not a snitch."
T'Challa looked at Okoye.
The general, with a sigh of resignation, simply closed her eyes and looked away, making it clear she hadn't seen anything.
Shuri took advantage of the gesture to approach Legion with an easy step. She observed him with curiosity, but her attention quickly drifted toward his wrist.
"I've been wanting to meet you for a while," the princess said, giving him a smile as she leaned in slightly to get a better look at the device. "But first things first... why don't you let me take a look at that watch on your wrist?"
The hero raised an eyebrow beneath the helmet, seeing the gleam of scientific interest in the girl's eyes.
Why can't all these super geniuses just keep their hands off the damn Omnitrix.
====
ALRIGHT EVERYONE, HOW ARE YOU? ALL GOOD? HOPE SO!
AS FOR ME, THINGS GOT A LITTLE COMPLICATED — I HIT A BIT OF A BLOCK AND WASN'T SURE HOW TO HANDLE THIS SCENE PROPERLY. I HOPE IT TURNED OUT REASONABLY WELL. EITHER WAY, THIS IS WHERE WE STOP FOR NOW. IT SEEMS THAT IN ORDER TO AT LEAST EARN A LITTLE OF WAKANDA'S TRUST, OUR YOUNG HERO WILL HAVE TO FACE A DUEL AGAINST ANOTHER YOUNG FIGHTER TO PROVE HIS WORTH AND HIS "PRIDE" AS A WARRIOR — SHOWING HE CAN HOLD HIS OWN WITHOUT RELYING ON TECHNOLOGICAL TRICKS.
ALSO, HE HAS FINALLY MET THE PRINCE AND THE PRINCESS, WHO — MUCH LIKE TONY AND BRUCE — SEEMS TO HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE OMNITRIX.
IN THE NEXT CHAPTER, OUR PROTAGONIST WILL FACE A FIERCE DUEL AGAINST AN APPRENTICE, ONE WHERE HE'LL HAVE TO GIVE EVERYTHING IF HE WANTS TO WIN.
AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND ALL YOUR SUPPORT. I'LL TRY TO GET YOU THE NEXT CHAPTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
SEE YOU SOON, KISSES 😘