Royal Palace of Zamunda
Golden banners rippled in the warm breeze as Steel's footsteps echoed through the marble corridors of the Zamundan palace. The air smelled of frankincense and roasted meat, a reminder that this kingdom — untouched by colonizers — thrived not just in secret, but in pride.
At the end of the hall, two towering guards in obsidian-colored armor slammed their spears against the floor.
"Announcing: His Majesty, King Akeem Joffer, the Golden Lion of Zamunda."
Steel inclined his head slightly as Akeem entered, draped in regal white-and-gold robes, his crown set with polished Adamantite. Though older, his posture was still straight, his eyes sharp — eyes that carried the faint inner fire of Sekhmet's blessing.
"I should have known it was you," Akeem said, his voice both warm and guarded. "When the reports spoke of a man with glowing eyes and tricks beyond our scientists, I thought — perhaps he has returned."
Steel smiled faintly. "It's been a while, Akeem. You wear the crown well."
"And you…" Akeem studied him, expression caught between recognition and disbelief. "You wear a body now. Though I still see traces of the machine I once knew."
They circled each other like two lions on neutral ground, respectful but wary.
The Lion Hierarchy
Behind Akeem, members of the court stood in careful order. The hierarchy of titles was unmistakable:
The Golden Lion — the king himself, ruler and living embodiment of Sekhmet's will.The Platinum Lioness — Princess Meeka, crown heir, draped in silver-white Adamantite jewelry that glowed faintly with inherited power.The Silver Lions — other royals of the bloodline, nobles whose veins shimmered faintly with the metal's blessing.The Steel Lions — commanders of the armies, clad in polished armor etched with lion motifs.The Black Lions — the secret guard, their faces hidden behind dark helms, eyes never leaving Steel.The Grey Lions — spies, unseen but always present, moving like shadows beneath the throne.The Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond Lions — champions chosen from the people, bonded with Adamantite shards that enhanced body and spirit.
Each title was more than ceremonial. The Adamantite infused into them was alive, resonant, carrying fragments of Sekhmet's blessing.
The Meeting
"You know why I'm here," Steel said, folding his arms. "The world's shifting, faster than anyone expected. Vibranium and Adamantite won't stay hidden forever. If Wakanda continues to bury its head in the sand, Africa will be carved apart when the outsiders come."
"And you would have Zamunda step into the light first," Akeem replied, eyes narrowing.
"I'd have Zamunda lead," Steel corrected. "Your lions already fight in the shadows. Why not let them roar openly?"
From the dais, Princess Meeka — the Platinum Lioness — raised her chin. "And what would you gain from this? You've walked with kings, Steel, but never without leaving chaos behind."
Steel's neon eyes flicked to her, then back to Akeem. "I'm building something. Tools to keep the balance when the real storm comes. Makino. Thanos. You know those names — or you will. When that day arrives, even lions will need armour."
The chamber fell silent.
The Pact
Akeem's gaze hardened. "You once walked among us as something neither man nor machine. Now you wear the flesh of Max McGrath, yet claim the wisdom of a ghost from our past. You ask me to risk my nation's greatest secret on faith."
Steel stepped forward, close enough that the Black Lions tensed. His neon glow dimmed, replaced by an old familiarity in his gaze.
"I've offered Ghana soldiers drawn from the beasts of Africa. Not lions. Never lions. That honor is yours."
Akeem's golden eyes studied him carefully. "You've done your research. Sekhmet's lions guard this family, as Bast's panthers guard Wakanda's. Zamunda does not share its fire."
Steel inclined his head. "I don't need your lions. But when your soldiers march with crocodiles, falcons, bulls, jackals, and scarabs at their side… Africa will remember its gods. And the world will finally understand it cannot feast on this continent forever."
The king rose. His aura blazed with Sekhmet's presence, the heat of a lion's roar behind every word.
"Zamunda does not fight wars of ambition. But when the pride is threatened — we burn first. Remember this, Steel."
Steel bowed slightly, respectful but not meek. "That's all I needed."
And though Akeem gave no further word, the priests at his side whispered the truth — Sekhmet had stirred.
Meta Excerpt // Deadpool's Unauthorized Commentary
"Okay, so Wakanda = kitties. Zamunda = big kitties. Guess which one I'd rather cuddle? (Spoiler: neither, because they'd both shred me like Taco Bell after midnight).""Black Lions = ninja bodyguards. Grey Lions = sneaky spies. Diamond Lions = Pokémon rare drops. Got it.""And can we just pause for Steel dropping Thanos like he's asking if anyone wants fries with that? Dude. Chill."