Shang-Chi paused in the dim light of the subway tunnel, his instincts flaring. Fury and Falcon stepped forward, and Fury spoke first, his tone measured.
"Shaun, right? Or should I call you Shang-Chi?"
Shang-Chi's eyes narrowed as he sized them up, recognizing the names. "I don't know who you are or what you're talking about."
Falcon stepped in, crossing his arms. "Really? Because last time I checked, guys like you don't usually work at fast-food joints."
Shang-Chi smirked, but his eyes stayed wary. "Look, I don't know what you want, but I'm just a regular guy. I left that life behind."
Fury's gaze was unwavering. "It's funny. Just when the world is about to need all hands on deck, I find you here, playing 'regular guy' in a city like this. But there's no hiding from who you are, Shang-Chi."
Shang-Chi sighed, relaxing his stance. "And what, exactly, do you want from me?"
Fury raised an eyebrow, his voice low and serious. "The world's about to get a lot more dangerous. We're forming a team, and we need people with skills like yours."
Shang-Chi crossed his arms. "So you're recruiting me into a war?"
"Call it a precaution," Falcon replied, sizing him up. "You're one of the best there is. We could use someone like you."
Shang-Chi shifted his weight, glancing down the empty subway tunnel, then back at Fury. "I left that life behind for a reason. I'm not a soldier anymore."
"Maybe," Fury replied, "but you know as well as I do, the world doesn't always give us a choice."
Shang-Chi's expression tightened, and he seemed ready to walk away. Falcon, sensing his hesitation, took a calculated risk and threw a quick punch, testing Shang-Chi's reflexes. Instantly, Shang-Chi blocked it, his movements fluid and precise. In seconds, the two engaged in a brief but intense exchange, their moves so fast they were nearly a blur.
Shang-Chi finally halted, holding up a hand. "Alright. You made your point. I'll think about it."
Fury gave a nod, passing him a sleek communicator. "When you're ready, you'll know how to find us."
As Fury and Falcon walked away, Shang-Chi stood in the dim subway light, turning the communicator over in his hands. He'd been running from his past, but it seemed his skills were needed again. With a sigh, he pocketed the device and headed into the city, his mind troubled by what lay ahead.
---
Back at the mutant base, Tony Stark arrived in his stealth suit, deactivating the cloaking to reveal his familiar goatee, rugged build, and intense eyes that bore the weight of valuable knowledge.
His attention was drawn to Wanda Maximoff, sitting quietly, her white hair and ethereal gaze a contrast to the world around her.
Known as the Scarlet Witch in the comic universe in Tony's memories, Wanda's powers stemmed from both her mutant lineage and her mastery over chaos magic, which allowed her to reshape reality itself.
Sensing Tony's presence, Wanda turned, her expression clouded. "Didn't see you there."
Tony sat beside her. "You alright?"
Wanda sighed. "I've been having these… nightmares. I feel like something's calling me. I'm afraid—if I lose control—it'll be like what happened with Anna. And I don't know if I'll be able to stop it."
Tony considered her words, thinking of how powerful and dangerous her abilities were. "Maybe it's time you met someone who can help you control it," he suggested.
Wanda looked up, a spark of hope in her eyes. "Who?"
Tony smiled faintly. "Let's just say… she's got some experience with otherworldly forces."
With everyone assembled, Tony stood, surveying the group. His voice carried weight as he spoke.
"There's something big that's coming. It may or may not involved but we still need to be prepared."
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