Cherreads

Chapter 21 - Chapter 20: The Panther's Bargain.

More advance chapters on P@treon.com/Saintbarbido.

-0-

(General P.O.V)

The cell door creaked open, and Bond squinted against the sudden flood of light.

Sw'Thandi stood in the doorway with two Dora Milaje warriors behind him. They stood at attention their spears gleaming.

"Get up," Sw'Thandi said, "My father has agreed to hear you out. But tread carefully, Sergeant Bond. This is your last chance."

Bond rose to his feet, his muscles stiff from the cold vibranium floor. He stretched, cracking his neck, and smirked. "Careful is my middle name."

Sw'Thandi didn't smile. "Follow me."

The walk through the palace was silent.

Bond's mind raced, replaying the dream—or vision—he'd had the night before.

Bast's words lingered in his thoughts, a strange mix of warning and promise. He didn't know what to make of it- this was the first time he had ever been contacted by the Divine after all- but he knew one thing: Wakanda held secrets that could change everything.

He'd been right to come here.

The throne room was just as grand as before, but this time, the atmosphere was different.

King Azzuri sat on his throne, his expression stern but not hostile. The Senate was present, their eyes fixed on Bond as he entered.

Even more Dora Milaje lined the walls, wielding modified lances that slightly buzzed like Hydra's energy guns, their presence a silent reminder of Wakanda's strength.

"They're under instructions to eliminate you incase you threaten the king's life again. Please behave." The prince warned, pushing him forward.

Bond stopped in the center of the room, his hands clasped behind his back. He met the king's gaze head-on, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

"James Bond," King Azzuri began, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You have made quite the impression on my people. Your actions yesterday were… bold. Foolish, but bold."

Bond inclined his head slightly. "I don't believe in half-measures, Your Majesty."

The king's lips twitched, almost as if he were suppressing a smile. "Indeed. My son has spoken on your behalf. He believes you are a man of honor, despite your… abrasive methods. He has convinced me to hear your proposal. Speak."

Bond took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Your Majesty, the world is at war. Hydra, led by Johann Schmidt, sought to use the Tesseract to dominate the globe. Captain America gave his life to stop them. But Hydra is not the only threat. There are others—men and organizations who would see the world burn for their own gain. Wakanda has the power to help. Not just with vibranium, but with knowledge, technology, and strength."

The king leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "And why should Wakanda involve itself in the affairs of the outside world? We have remained hidden for centuries, protecting our people and our way of life. Why should we risk that now?"

Bond's jaw tightened. "Because the world is changing. Hydra's weapons, their technology—it's only a matter of time before someone discovers Wakanda. And when they do, they won't come with open hands. They'll come with guns and greed. You can either wait for that day, or you can act now. Help us stop the threats before they reach your borders."

The room fell silent, the weight of Bond's words hanging in the air. The king's gaze shifted to Sw'Thandi, who gave a subtle nod.

"And what do you propose?" the king asked finally.

Bond straightened. "An alliance. Not an open one—Wakanda's secrecy is its greatest strength. But behind the scenes, you can provide resources, technology, and training. In return, the SSR will ensure that no threat comes near your borders. We'll keep the world's eyes away from Wakanda."

The king leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "And what of you, James Bond? What do you gain from this?"

Bond hesitated, then spoke the truth. "I gain the strength to protect the world. Erskine's serum can turn a normal man into a singular force of detterance like the Black Panther. but it's not enough. I need more. As the one to continue Erskine's legacy, I need to be more. Wakanda has the knowledge to help me enhance the original serum, to make it what it was meant to be. I'm not asking for power. I'm asking for the tools to do what needs to be done."

The king studied him for a long moment, then turned to Sw'Thandi. "What say you, my son?"

Sw'Thandi stepped forward, his voice steady. "Father, Bond is a man of his word. He has proven his strength and his resolve. If we are to step into the world, even in secret, we will need allies like him. I believe we can trust him."

The king nodded slowly, then turned back to Bond. "Very well. We will consider your proposal. But know this, James Bond: Wakanda does not give its trust lightly. If you betray us, there will be no place on Earth where you can hide."

Bond met his gaze without flinching. "Understood."

The king stood, signaling the end of the audience. "Sw'Thandi will show you to your quarters, not as a prisoner but as a guest. We will discuss the core matter further and give you our decision."

"Thank you, your majesty. Senate." Bond bowed slightly, then followed Sw'Thandi out of the throne room.

As they walked through the grand hallways, Bond couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

He'd thought he would have to burst out Bast's name as an endorsement but things went well. He was closer than ever to achieving his goal.

"You kept your word. That earns you my respect, Prince Sw'thandi." Bond nodded to his companion.

"And you played your part well. My Nation's isolationist policy has never sat well with me. This could be the first step towards a new Wakanda. A more tolerant Wakanda." Sw'Thandi said quietly as they reached a set of ornate doors. "But the real challenge begins now. The senate may be swayed by your posh accent my friend, but I fear father is not easily convinced."

Bond smirked. "Good thing I'm not easily discouraged."

Sw'Thandi opened the door, revealing a spacious room with a balcony overlooking the city. "Rest. I will return when the king has made his decision."

Bond stepped inside, his mind already racing with possibilities. He walked to the balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of Wakanda. The city pulsed with life, a testament to the strength and resilience of its people.

As he stood there, the memory of Bast's words returned to him. "You are exactly what this world needs."

Bond clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. Whatever it took, he would protect this world.

Later, after a shower and introduction to Wakandan Cuisine, Bond was notified that the King had agreed to a secret alliance with the SSR.

He had accomplished the first part of his mission.

More Chapters