MAX 2000
Featuring Black Panther
A C.O.D.E. Confidential Tie-in!
Within the void of space beyond planet Earth, a shape was just barely noticeable because it was blacker than the area around it. Light was absorbed into the vibranium, as were all forms of energy, and powered its silent acceleration to Earth. Inside the specialized spacesuit, the young woman of Wakanda known as Shuri prepared to enter the atmosphere of her home.
Terrible though the friction and heat were, Shuri was unconcerned. She had designed the suit and knew well its limits. If anything, the powerful energy was a benefit, as it powered the counter-thrust that slowed Shuri’s descent. At manageable speeds she neared the planet’s surface, and soon Shuri recognized the nation of her birth.
When the landing platform was in sight, Shuri noticed a lone figure waiting. Though of average height, he was clearly of powerful build underneath the white suit he wore. His hair was dark but skin was white, which was unusual in Wakanda. Shuri recognized him immediately, and upon landing spoke his name.
“Hunter. Brother. I did not expect to see you.” The spacesuit folded away from Shuri and compressed into a ball that fit in the palm of her hand. She was significantly younger than her brother, who had been adopted by King T’Chaka before T’Challa had been born. “Where is my mother?”
“Ramonda could not risk coming here,” Hunter said. “It was a risk to send you a message, and to request that I meet you. Wakanda is under threat, Princess.”
Shuri frowned. “What could possibly be too much for King T’Challa.”
Hunter reached into his jacket pocket. “You.”
The laser burned through the cloth of Hunter’s jacket, and through the image of Shuri. The hologram’s frown became a smile. “Brother, did you ever think I could trust you?”
The sphere burst apart in a fantastic explosion of light and sound. A short distance away, Shuri ran through the jungle. The deception had been simple, but had not purchased so much time as expected. Hunter was not one to be so bold. He must be acting with the support of another.
Shuri needed to reach her brother, and aid the Black Panther against this threat to Wakanda.
The defenses of Wakanda were extensive. They were also well-known to Shuri, and the young woman avoided them with ease. Soon she was deep within the capital of Wakanda, the golden city of Birnin Zana. Concern for her mother took precedence, and so Shuri made her way to Ramonda’s quarters.
Soon after entering the lovely home of Wakanda’s Queen Mother, Shuri realized she was not alone.
“Sister.”
Clad in his ceremonial garb, King T’Challa allowed himself to be seen. “It is good that you are here. When your mother disappeared, I discovered the message that she sent you. But those I dispatched to meet you found an explosion. I knew you would be well, and would come here.”
“My king.” So great was Shuri’s relief that she missed the slip. “Our brother met me first. Hunter dared to try and kill me! To be so bold he must have a powerful ally.”
“Indeed,” said the Black Panther. “The list is short. I have dealt with many of Wakanda’s enemies. One of the most pressing, only one remains.”
“Who is it, my king?” Shuri stepped toward her brother, unsuspecting.
The Black Panther moved swiftly, his energy dagger plunging into Shuri’s heart before the word escaped his lips. “You.”
Shuri had no chance to react before the darkness overwhelmed her.
Sensation returned slowly to Shuri. The sounds of the waterfall came first, followed by the scents of water and air. She felt the cold metal of a shackle on her leg, and heard the breathing of others. A scent of flower and warmth reach Shuri, and she knew her mother was present.
Shuri’s eyes fluttered open. They were on a cliff overlooking Warrior Falls, near Mount Kanda. Ramonda was similarly shackled, but otherwise unharmed. The man wearing the garb of the Black Panther was also there.
“Who are you?” Shuri demanded. “My brother, the true king, would never do this!”
In response, the man removed his mask. It was T’Challa underneath. “You are wrong in that, sister.”
“I should have caught it,” Shuri said. “You referred to my mother. But though he is not of her body, the king has always loved her as such. Who are you imposter?”
A twisted smile passed over the man’s lips. “You know your king so well, but he and I are so much alike. I am T’Challa, little princess, but of a different reality. One where the Black Panther is not afraid to exert Wakanda’s power beyond its borders.”
The mirror of Black Panther put his mask back on and turned to look out over the falls. “Hunter was eager to follow my vision. Your mother…was very convincing until she could send a message. I now offer you the opportunity, Shuri, for the sake of both your lives.”
“I will not aid in such brutal methods,” was Shuri’s response.
“Nor would I ask you to. They are crude and unimaginative, useful only to throw you off guard. The technology of Wakanda allows for subtle methods, campaigns of disinformation and mild aggravation. In time our enemies will weaken themselves, while believing they’re strong enough to strike at us over the slightest provocation. As they lose influence and we gain sympathy, the counterstrike will appear a tepid resistance.”
“And when they rush to kill us, the brutality of our weapons will break their nations,” Shuri finished. “I, and Wakanda, want no part in your schemes.”
This Black Panther turned to look at her, and sighed. “That is unfortunate, your genius would have been of valuable use. But Wakanda will accept my vision, provided there is no dissent.”
He approached, claws glistening. Ramonda shouted in protest, but Shuri shouted something else.
“I challenge!” She cried. “By royal blood, it is my right! Do they not have that on your Earth? Or do you ignore our ways, too frightened of a girl?”
Black Panther’s mirror chuckled. “No, we have it, as my father learned. Very well, you shall have a fighting chance.”
At a snap of his fingers, the shackle around Shuri opened. She leaped forward, and smashed a fist against his chest. He had neglected to search her body, and from Shuri’s bracelet came a powerful enhancement to her blow.
Unfortunately, this enhancement was not meant for the vibranium weave of the Black Panther suit. He barely flinched, and brought Shuri to the ground with a backhand. “Your intellect is negated by rage. I have the ancient strength, brought by the Heart Shaped Herb. This your lack, and with it any true chance.”
He kicked Shuri hard in the ribs, and with the impact Ramonda screamed. Shuri only grunted, her own garb of vibranium weave providing some protection. She rolled to her feet and struck quickly, getting past his defenses once and twice. But this was only because he offered no defense. His counter was with a speed Shuri could not comprehend, and against she was on the ground, near the edge of the waterfall.
“You would be far more useful than the White Wolf and his Hatut Zeraze,” he said. His boot pressed against her neck, and a gloved hand gestured at the water. “I offer you a final chance, girl.”
“I have not eaten the Heart Shaped Herb,” Shuri conceded. Her hands grabbed this version of her brother by the ankle. “But I am born of one who had.”
The swift burst of strength was enough to surprise him. Wakanda’s false king went over the falls, and its true princess rose to her feet.
Stumbling toward Ramonda, Shuri released her mother’s shackles. “He will survive that fall. We must go.”
Ramonda allowed her daughter’s help in standing. “But where? I have no idea of who to trust in Wakanda.”
“We must find T’Challa,” Shuri said. “I know he is still alive. You saw how hesitant this doppleganger was to kill us. He must have our king bound, in case of a need.”
Ramonda nodded, more in hope than agreement. “And there is only one place the Black Panther would be.”
Waves pounded his body, the forces absorbed by his vibranium suit but felt nonetheless. Drowning was the true risk, and so this doppleganger of the Black Panther struggled to reach the surface. Rage drove the moments of the man known, in his reality, as the Black Leopard, for only once before had he been so humiliated.
Wakanda was the greatest and most powerful of all nations, in any reality. But in the universe of the Black Leopard choose to exert its power. Most of the enormous continent was known as Wakanda, save for the coast in the north. The desert made for an effective enough border, especially after Egypt was devastated by the damming of the Nile.
The push north would have come eventually, but the warrior-kings of Wakanda had preferred to continue south. They had been the first to build outposts in Antarctica, and thus the first to discover the Savage Land. The subjugation of that realm had taken generations, ending soon after the death of this T’Chall’s father. With control over those great beasts, the Black Leopard had begun the shift north, entering South America through Tierra del Fuego.
With the great resources of the Savage Land added to their own, Wakanda had planned to overwhelm most of South America within a decade. The Black Leopard remembered with fondness the initial assault, riding astride a great beast long though extinct. He had counted on the United States of America remaining hesitant about open conflict. He had not considered The Great American acquiring ultimate power.
In moments the mighty forces of Wakanda had been vanquished, and the Black Leopard was placed at The Great American’s feet. Holding high his crackling scepter, The Great American had made his offer. Serve, and Wakanda would be favored among the U.S. colonies.
The Black Leopard wasn’t sure where the surface was, and he was swallowing water. It tasted almost as bitter as the pride he swallowed at accepting The Great American’s demands. His head was in the tiger’s mouth, and it was not possible to negotiate. But the Black Leopard could bide his time, and strike should an opportunity present itself.
The Wakanda of his new world was isolated but strong. With control over its power, the Black Leopard could take full advantage should The Great American falter in his plans. Any vulnerability, however meager or fleeting, and the Black Leopard would show that Wakanda was forever.
But then that girl….that girl!
A black hand broke the water’s surface. The Black Leopard’s head followed, gasping for air. He grabbed at a nearby rock, and pulled himself up. So near had he been to death, because on this world he had a sister.
Not for much longer, the Black Leopard vowed.
Ever since the days of Bashenga, the first Black Panther, there has been the Necropolis. City of the Dead, tomb for the kings of Wakanda, only the Black Panther has ever been permitted inside. Shuri, daughter of a king and sister to a king, has dared to break this tradition in the hope that T’Challa lives.
The defenses of the Necropolis went beyond technology, and it pained Shuri to cross the threshold. Her link with the royal bloodline was enough to keep her alive. Her breathing shallow and skin wet with perspiration, she was fortunate to quickly find the open tomb. Bound inside was the still form of her brother, but she confirmed with elation that T’Challa the Black Panther was still alive.
“Praise be to the Panther Goddess!” The young woman dragged her brother and king from his confinement. He lacked the royal garb of the Black Panther, and Shuri had come prepared. But first he had to awaken. “My king, brother, you must open your eyes!”
A needle was injected by Shuri into her brother’s skin. Within seconds, T’Challa had opened his eyes. It took less time for him to recognize his surroundings and speak.
“Shuri…sister, I knew you would not be taken as I was.”
“What was it that happened?”
With her aid, King T’Challa rose to his feet. “This is no true imposter, but a doppleganger from an alternate world. The knowledge he possesses, and the element of surprise, is what took me off guard. His error was in keeping me alive, and I suspect not having a sister who is more capable in every way.”
“Not capable to kill him, I suspect. And he will know to come here first. I have brought your raiment.” Shuri produced a necklace of silvery metal. “This contains nanites that constructive a vibranium weave, less than a millimeter thick.”
“A small project you developed in the Asteroid Belt?” T’Challa accepted the necklace and placed it around his neck. Instantly the finely woven metallic cloth encompassed his body, and the Black Panther was again dressed appropriately. “Was there any further success?”
“None at this time,” Shuri said. “I left as soon as Mother’s message reached me, but the search continues. If there are additional Vibranium deposits in the solar system, Wakanda will-”
Black Panther silenced his sister with a gesture. From her bag he grabbed a light grenade and threw it to illuminate the chamber. His doppleganger, the Black Leopard, was revealed silently approaching them.
“A novel idea,” said the eavesdropping villain. “One that will benefit my cause, once I’ve eliminated the two of you.”
“There is nothing else you can do here,” Black Panther told his sister. Still pained by the magic of the Necropolis, she nodded agreement that her presence was a hindrance. As she moved to go around Black Leopard, Black Panther approached his doppleganger directly.
Unconcerned, Black Leopard stepped forward and away from Shuri, allowing her to pass. As she cautiously hurried out, he said to Black Panther, “Sentries have been placed outside. She won’t get far.”
“You have underestimated her once before.” Black Panther leaped forward. Black Leopard did likewise, and they briefly clashed in mid-air. They swiped at each other to no effect and landed nimbly to the floor.
“Then it will be a hunt,” said Black Leopard. “After you are dealt with, I will take my time.”
“This time I am ready for you.” Black Panther produced an energy dagger in each hand. “And this is a place of power for the Black Panther.”
Black Leopard chuckled. “Yes, yes it is. The spirits of kings past dwell here, to lend their strength and knowledge to Wakanda’s current leader. But when given a choice, what makes you think they would back you?”
The ghostly figures began to coalesce behind Black Leopard. Each had been Black Panther, once upon a time. Standing tallest among them, behind Black Leopard’s right shoulder, was Bashenga the first of them.
But not all spirits were gathered behind Black Leopard. An equal number had appeared behind Black Panther, including his late father T’Chaka. Still, the lack of support pained T’Challa. His policies would never see universal support among Wakandans.
Beneath his mask, the Black Panther’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever the past may believe, Wakanda would have no future under your rule. I suspect such policies have driven your own nation to ruin. Why else would you come here, as a lackey?”
Black Leopard bristled with anger. “I am king! Wakanda has and will thrive at my command, and dominate the world forever!”
“Yes,” Black Panther agreed. “Wakanda forever!”
Deep in the Necropolis of kings, the Black Panther’s of varied times and worlds clashed.
The ground beneath Birnin Zana began to shake. Shuri felt the tremors as she was bypassing the city’s outer defenses. They were relatively faint, and the princess of Wakanda knew the buildings of the capital were designed to withstand quakes of far greater strength. She was concerned of the cause, of the clash between kings.
When the Black Panther emerges from the Necropolis, who will it be? Shuri could not risk choosing wrong. Her brother had contingences for every possibility, including doppleganger from another dimension. She needed to trust in his plans, and do her part.
If it was the true King T’Challa T’Chaka that survived, he would bide his time and strike at the right moment. And if it was not, it would fall on the next Black Panther to do just that.
Check out more of the secret wars in C.O.D.E. Confidential!
Featuring Black Panther
A C.O.D.E. Confidential Tie-in!
Within the void of space beyond planet Earth, a shape was just barely noticeable because it was blacker than the area around it. Light was absorbed into the vibranium, as were all forms of energy, and powered its silent acceleration to Earth. Inside the specialized spacesuit, the young woman of Wakanda known as Shuri prepared to enter the atmosphere of her home.
Terrible though the friction and heat were, Shuri was unconcerned. She had designed the suit and knew well its limits. If anything, the powerful energy was a benefit, as it powered the counter-thrust that slowed Shuri’s descent. At manageable speeds she neared the planet’s surface, and soon Shuri recognized the nation of her birth.
When the landing platform was in sight, Shuri noticed a lone figure waiting. Though of average height, he was clearly of powerful build underneath the white suit he wore. His hair was dark but skin was white, which was unusual in Wakanda. Shuri recognized him immediately, and upon landing spoke his name.
“Hunter. Brother. I did not expect to see you.” The spacesuit folded away from Shuri and compressed into a ball that fit in the palm of her hand. She was significantly younger than her brother, who had been adopted by King T’Chaka before T’Challa had been born. “Where is my mother?”
“Ramonda could not risk coming here,” Hunter said. “It was a risk to send you a message, and to request that I meet you. Wakanda is under threat, Princess.”
Shuri frowned. “What could possibly be too much for King T’Challa.”
Hunter reached into his jacket pocket. “You.”
The laser burned through the cloth of Hunter’s jacket, and through the image of Shuri. The hologram’s frown became a smile. “Brother, did you ever think I could trust you?”
The sphere burst apart in a fantastic explosion of light and sound. A short distance away, Shuri ran through the jungle. The deception had been simple, but had not purchased so much time as expected. Hunter was not one to be so bold. He must be acting with the support of another.
Shuri needed to reach her brother, and aid the Black Panther against this threat to Wakanda.
The defenses of Wakanda were extensive. They were also well-known to Shuri, and the young woman avoided them with ease. Soon she was deep within the capital of Wakanda, the golden city of Birnin Zana. Concern for her mother took precedence, and so Shuri made her way to Ramonda’s quarters.
Soon after entering the lovely home of Wakanda’s Queen Mother, Shuri realized she was not alone.
“Sister.”
Clad in his ceremonial garb, King T’Challa allowed himself to be seen. “It is good that you are here. When your mother disappeared, I discovered the message that she sent you. But those I dispatched to meet you found an explosion. I knew you would be well, and would come here.”
“My king.” So great was Shuri’s relief that she missed the slip. “Our brother met me first. Hunter dared to try and kill me! To be so bold he must have a powerful ally.”
“Indeed,” said the Black Panther. “The list is short. I have dealt with many of Wakanda’s enemies. One of the most pressing, only one remains.”
“Who is it, my king?” Shuri stepped toward her brother, unsuspecting.
The Black Panther moved swiftly, his energy dagger plunging into Shuri’s heart before the word escaped his lips. “You.”
Shuri had no chance to react before the darkness overwhelmed her.
Sensation returned slowly to Shuri. The sounds of the waterfall came first, followed by the scents of water and air. She felt the cold metal of a shackle on her leg, and heard the breathing of others. A scent of flower and warmth reach Shuri, and she knew her mother was present.
Shuri’s eyes fluttered open. They were on a cliff overlooking Warrior Falls, near Mount Kanda. Ramonda was similarly shackled, but otherwise unharmed. The man wearing the garb of the Black Panther was also there.
“Who are you?” Shuri demanded. “My brother, the true king, would never do this!”
In response, the man removed his mask. It was T’Challa underneath. “You are wrong in that, sister.”
“I should have caught it,” Shuri said. “You referred to my mother. But though he is not of her body, the king has always loved her as such. Who are you imposter?”
A twisted smile passed over the man’s lips. “You know your king so well, but he and I are so much alike. I am T’Challa, little princess, but of a different reality. One where the Black Panther is not afraid to exert Wakanda’s power beyond its borders.”
The mirror of Black Panther put his mask back on and turned to look out over the falls. “Hunter was eager to follow my vision. Your mother…was very convincing until she could send a message. I now offer you the opportunity, Shuri, for the sake of both your lives.”
“I will not aid in such brutal methods,” was Shuri’s response.
“Nor would I ask you to. They are crude and unimaginative, useful only to throw you off guard. The technology of Wakanda allows for subtle methods, campaigns of disinformation and mild aggravation. In time our enemies will weaken themselves, while believing they’re strong enough to strike at us over the slightest provocation. As they lose influence and we gain sympathy, the counterstrike will appear a tepid resistance.”
“And when they rush to kill us, the brutality of our weapons will break their nations,” Shuri finished. “I, and Wakanda, want no part in your schemes.”
This Black Panther turned to look at her, and sighed. “That is unfortunate, your genius would have been of valuable use. But Wakanda will accept my vision, provided there is no dissent.”
He approached, claws glistening. Ramonda shouted in protest, but Shuri shouted something else.
“I challenge!” She cried. “By royal blood, it is my right! Do they not have that on your Earth? Or do you ignore our ways, too frightened of a girl?”
Black Panther’s mirror chuckled. “No, we have it, as my father learned. Very well, you shall have a fighting chance.”
At a snap of his fingers, the shackle around Shuri opened. She leaped forward, and smashed a fist against his chest. He had neglected to search her body, and from Shuri’s bracelet came a powerful enhancement to her blow.
Unfortunately, this enhancement was not meant for the vibranium weave of the Black Panther suit. He barely flinched, and brought Shuri to the ground with a backhand. “Your intellect is negated by rage. I have the ancient strength, brought by the Heart Shaped Herb. This your lack, and with it any true chance.”
He kicked Shuri hard in the ribs, and with the impact Ramonda screamed. Shuri only grunted, her own garb of vibranium weave providing some protection. She rolled to her feet and struck quickly, getting past his defenses once and twice. But this was only because he offered no defense. His counter was with a speed Shuri could not comprehend, and against she was on the ground, near the edge of the waterfall.
“You would be far more useful than the White Wolf and his Hatut Zeraze,” he said. His boot pressed against her neck, and a gloved hand gestured at the water. “I offer you a final chance, girl.”
“I have not eaten the Heart Shaped Herb,” Shuri conceded. Her hands grabbed this version of her brother by the ankle. “But I am born of one who had.”
The swift burst of strength was enough to surprise him. Wakanda’s false king went over the falls, and its true princess rose to her feet.
Stumbling toward Ramonda, Shuri released her mother’s shackles. “He will survive that fall. We must go.”
Ramonda allowed her daughter’s help in standing. “But where? I have no idea of who to trust in Wakanda.”
“We must find T’Challa,” Shuri said. “I know he is still alive. You saw how hesitant this doppleganger was to kill us. He must have our king bound, in case of a need.”
Ramonda nodded, more in hope than agreement. “And there is only one place the Black Panther would be.”
Waves pounded his body, the forces absorbed by his vibranium suit but felt nonetheless. Drowning was the true risk, and so this doppleganger of the Black Panther struggled to reach the surface. Rage drove the moments of the man known, in his reality, as the Black Leopard, for only once before had he been so humiliated.
Wakanda was the greatest and most powerful of all nations, in any reality. But in the universe of the Black Leopard choose to exert its power. Most of the enormous continent was known as Wakanda, save for the coast in the north. The desert made for an effective enough border, especially after Egypt was devastated by the damming of the Nile.
The push north would have come eventually, but the warrior-kings of Wakanda had preferred to continue south. They had been the first to build outposts in Antarctica, and thus the first to discover the Savage Land. The subjugation of that realm had taken generations, ending soon after the death of this T’Chall’s father. With control over those great beasts, the Black Leopard had begun the shift north, entering South America through Tierra del Fuego.
With the great resources of the Savage Land added to their own, Wakanda had planned to overwhelm most of South America within a decade. The Black Leopard remembered with fondness the initial assault, riding astride a great beast long though extinct. He had counted on the United States of America remaining hesitant about open conflict. He had not considered The Great American acquiring ultimate power.
In moments the mighty forces of Wakanda had been vanquished, and the Black Leopard was placed at The Great American’s feet. Holding high his crackling scepter, The Great American had made his offer. Serve, and Wakanda would be favored among the U.S. colonies.
The Black Leopard wasn’t sure where the surface was, and he was swallowing water. It tasted almost as bitter as the pride he swallowed at accepting The Great American’s demands. His head was in the tiger’s mouth, and it was not possible to negotiate. But the Black Leopard could bide his time, and strike should an opportunity present itself.
The Wakanda of his new world was isolated but strong. With control over its power, the Black Leopard could take full advantage should The Great American falter in his plans. Any vulnerability, however meager or fleeting, and the Black Leopard would show that Wakanda was forever.
But then that girl….that girl!
A black hand broke the water’s surface. The Black Leopard’s head followed, gasping for air. He grabbed at a nearby rock, and pulled himself up. So near had he been to death, because on this world he had a sister.
Not for much longer, the Black Leopard vowed.
Ever since the days of Bashenga, the first Black Panther, there has been the Necropolis. City of the Dead, tomb for the kings of Wakanda, only the Black Panther has ever been permitted inside. Shuri, daughter of a king and sister to a king, has dared to break this tradition in the hope that T’Challa lives.
The defenses of the Necropolis went beyond technology, and it pained Shuri to cross the threshold. Her link with the royal bloodline was enough to keep her alive. Her breathing shallow and skin wet with perspiration, she was fortunate to quickly find the open tomb. Bound inside was the still form of her brother, but she confirmed with elation that T’Challa the Black Panther was still alive.
“Praise be to the Panther Goddess!” The young woman dragged her brother and king from his confinement. He lacked the royal garb of the Black Panther, and Shuri had come prepared. But first he had to awaken. “My king, brother, you must open your eyes!”
A needle was injected by Shuri into her brother’s skin. Within seconds, T’Challa had opened his eyes. It took less time for him to recognize his surroundings and speak.
“Shuri…sister, I knew you would not be taken as I was.”
“What was it that happened?”
With her aid, King T’Challa rose to his feet. “This is no true imposter, but a doppleganger from an alternate world. The knowledge he possesses, and the element of surprise, is what took me off guard. His error was in keeping me alive, and I suspect not having a sister who is more capable in every way.”
“Not capable to kill him, I suspect. And he will know to come here first. I have brought your raiment.” Shuri produced a necklace of silvery metal. “This contains nanites that constructive a vibranium weave, less than a millimeter thick.”
“A small project you developed in the Asteroid Belt?” T’Challa accepted the necklace and placed it around his neck. Instantly the finely woven metallic cloth encompassed his body, and the Black Panther was again dressed appropriately. “Was there any further success?”
“None at this time,” Shuri said. “I left as soon as Mother’s message reached me, but the search continues. If there are additional Vibranium deposits in the solar system, Wakanda will-”
Black Panther silenced his sister with a gesture. From her bag he grabbed a light grenade and threw it to illuminate the chamber. His doppleganger, the Black Leopard, was revealed silently approaching them.
“A novel idea,” said the eavesdropping villain. “One that will benefit my cause, once I’ve eliminated the two of you.”
“There is nothing else you can do here,” Black Panther told his sister. Still pained by the magic of the Necropolis, she nodded agreement that her presence was a hindrance. As she moved to go around Black Leopard, Black Panther approached his doppleganger directly.
Unconcerned, Black Leopard stepped forward and away from Shuri, allowing her to pass. As she cautiously hurried out, he said to Black Panther, “Sentries have been placed outside. She won’t get far.”
“You have underestimated her once before.” Black Panther leaped forward. Black Leopard did likewise, and they briefly clashed in mid-air. They swiped at each other to no effect and landed nimbly to the floor.
“Then it will be a hunt,” said Black Leopard. “After you are dealt with, I will take my time.”
“This time I am ready for you.” Black Panther produced an energy dagger in each hand. “And this is a place of power for the Black Panther.”
Black Leopard chuckled. “Yes, yes it is. The spirits of kings past dwell here, to lend their strength and knowledge to Wakanda’s current leader. But when given a choice, what makes you think they would back you?”
The ghostly figures began to coalesce behind Black Leopard. Each had been Black Panther, once upon a time. Standing tallest among them, behind Black Leopard’s right shoulder, was Bashenga the first of them.
But not all spirits were gathered behind Black Leopard. An equal number had appeared behind Black Panther, including his late father T’Chaka. Still, the lack of support pained T’Challa. His policies would never see universal support among Wakandans.
Beneath his mask, the Black Panther’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever the past may believe, Wakanda would have no future under your rule. I suspect such policies have driven your own nation to ruin. Why else would you come here, as a lackey?”
Black Leopard bristled with anger. “I am king! Wakanda has and will thrive at my command, and dominate the world forever!”
“Yes,” Black Panther agreed. “Wakanda forever!”
Deep in the Necropolis of kings, the Black Panther’s of varied times and worlds clashed.
The ground beneath Birnin Zana began to shake. Shuri felt the tremors as she was bypassing the city’s outer defenses. They were relatively faint, and the princess of Wakanda knew the buildings of the capital were designed to withstand quakes of far greater strength. She was concerned of the cause, of the clash between kings.
When the Black Panther emerges from the Necropolis, who will it be? Shuri could not risk choosing wrong. Her brother had contingences for every possibility, including doppleganger from another dimension. She needed to trust in his plans, and do her part.
If it was the true King T’Challa T’Chaka that survived, he would bide his time and strike at the right moment. And if it was not, it would fall on the next Black Panther to do just that.
Check out more of the secret wars in C.O.D.E. Confidential!