#141 - duel
"State your reasons, W'Kabi."
T'Chaka sat on the throne with a blank expression, making it impossible to guess his mood.
"My King," W'Kabi began with a respectful bow before explaining.
"Outsiders can never be trusted. Since Wakanda was founded, these outsiders have always sought to plunder our resources, and countless of our people have died because of it."
As W'Kabi spoke, his emotions grew more intense, his body language more pronounced, as if trying to stir the other leaders. However, unlike him, a newly appointed leader, the other tribal chiefs were seasoned veterans, not easily swayed by mere words.
Yet, these leaders did not stop him, indicating that they, too, were not entirely in agreement with T'Chaka's approach.
"Especially we, the Border Tribe," W'Kabi said, patting the tribal emblem on his clothing.
"We have always endured the harassment of outsiders, and we have never complained, for it is our duty. But precisely because of this, we know all too well the disaster that would ensue from placing vibranium in their hands. Think of Ulysses, everyone."
"But this vibranium is the same batch Ulysses stole, and it is these very people who brought it back," Shuri muttered quietly, though the stillness of the council chamber allowed most to hear her.
"Shuri!" Ramonda scolded softly, yet her eyes held a hint of approval. Some things were best said by the mouths of children.
"My sister is right," T'Challa followed up.
"They returned the stolen vibranium and should be considered our friends. Bestowing a gift upon friends, I believe, is a reasonable gesture, Father."
"Hmm," T'Chaka hummed, lowering his head in thought, as if considering the validity of T'Challa's words.
"Please reconsider, my King," W'Kabi pleaded, bowing his head.
"I understand your feelings, W'Kabi," T'Chaka said slowly.
"The Border Tribe, as Wakanda's guardians, has always protected us from harm whenever Wakanda is attacked. Therefore, your hatred of outsiders is understandable to me."
W'Kabi raised his head, his eyes filled with a rage born from what he had seen and heard since childhood – the greed of outsiders, the resulting warfare, and the deaths of those around him.
"However, we cannot generalize," T'Chaka stood up, walked to W'Kabi, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Like these people before us, have they not shown us goodwill? We should not impose the faults of others upon them. To mistreat the kind is not the Wakandan way."
W'Kabi remained silent, still unconvinced but unsure how to refute.
"It seems the hatred in your heart is heavy," T'Chaka said with a grave look, inwardly relieved that a simple meeting could reveal the problem of his subordinate leader, making the vibranium spent worthwhile.
"In that case," T'Chaka returned to the throne.
"W'Kabi, I will give you a chance to speak your mind."
W'Kabi's idea, of course, was to reclaim all the vibranium and then drive these outsiders away. But he saw his wife, Okoye, the captain of the Dora Milaje, frantically signaling him with her eyes, leaving him no choice but to offer the second solution.
"A duel," W'Kabi said slowly.
"Let one of them duel me. If they can win, I will no longer object."
T'Chaka did not immediately agree but turned his gaze to Yang Le and his group.
"I wonder what you all think."
"We need to discuss this," Fury said.
"Of course," T'Chaka nodded. "Would you like a quiet room prepared for you?"
"No, we can discuss it in the corner," Fury said, leading the group to a corner of the council chamber to confer.
"I think we can agree," Tony said casually. "The question is, who do we send?"
"If Thor were here, he would have agreed readily," Banner said with a wry smile.
"That's the problem," Fury pointed at the two.
"Without your armor, you're useless. You can't transform at will, and I'm already past fifty. I don't know if I can withstand this duel."
"I'll go," Vision volunteered.
"I think it's better if I go," Swampfire raised his hand.
"After all, I was originally a warrior. I couldn't be more familiar with this kind of duel."
"Neither of you are human. Will they agree?" Banner asked worriedly.
"None of you are warriors either," Swampfire spread his hands. "This is his own proposal. He can't bully you scientists, so as long as I volunteer, he'll have to agree, even if he grits his teeth."
"That's the only way," Fury thought, agreeing with Swampfire's reasoning. Seeing that no one objected, he led the group back to the throne.
"We've discussed it," Fury said to T'Chaka.
"We agree to the duel."
"Praise your bravery. I apologize that you must participate in this duel," T'Chaka said apologetically.
"So, which of you will be the champion?"
"It is I," Swampfire stepped forward, his unusual appearance drawing attention.
"Agent of the Tinkers Guild, Swampfire, also one of the foremost fighters on the planet of Manyr."
Yang Le, fearing W'Kabi might refuse, added the fighter designation to his introduction. In a primitive society like Wakanda, refusal would brand W'Kabi a coward, an image no martial tribe leader could accept.
"Welcome, alien fighter," T'Chaka said, opening his arms to welcome Swampfire.
"W'Kabi, I wonder if you accept his challenge."
"I accept!" W'Kabi said firmly. As a warrior, he would not back down because his opponent looked strange.
"Then the duel will be held tomorrow," T'Chaka announced, then inquired of Swampfire.
"Do you need any weapons prepared for you?"
"No, Your Majesty. My people do not use weapons," Swampfire declined T'Chaka's offer.
"I must remind Mr. W'Kabi to be fully armed. After all, blades and spears have no eyes, and unlike us, you humans are easily injured."
"Hmph, we'll see who gets hurt," W'Kabi snorted, clearly thinking Swampfire was insulting him.
"No, I'm serious," Swampfire emphasized again, then, fearing W'Kabi wouldn't believe him, he grabbed his left arm with his right hand and, with a forceful tug, detached his entire left arm.
Faced with such a bizarre scene, none of the women screamed. Except for Shuri, who secretly gripped Ramonda's hand, they merely frowned slightly. After all, they were battle-hardened warriors, not delicate ladies.
Swampfire, after removing his arm, reattached it as if nothing had happened.
"See, you understand my meaning now," Swampfire said, showing everyone his left hand, which was no different from before.
