At the New York Police Department, the underground prison echoed with the constant hum of medical equipment. The beeping sounds were oppressive, filling the room with tension.
Anna and Peter stood with furrowed brows, their eyes fixed on the life-monitoring instruments.
After a moment, Peter removed his mask and said, "Miss Anna, this isn't a long-term solution. These ordinary medications are only keeping him alive. We need to make an anti-gene serum to bring him fully back to consciousness." He hesitated, looking troubled. "But…"
"But what?" Anna asked.
"Even though I know how to make an anti-gene serum, I don't have a lab to work in. I used to work in Oscorp's lab, but there aren't many places in New York suitable for such experiments…" Peter trailed off, frustration evident in his voice.
Anna knew he was right; Oscorp was out of the question, especially with Norman Osborn involved.
And most of the other suitable labs in New York were controlled by wealthy corporations, requiring paperwork that would take far too long.
"Wait," Anna suddenly brightened, looking at the prison's medical equipment with a spark of hope. "Peter, stay here—I might know someone who can help."
She stepped outside with her phone, and after a brief wait, she returned with a smile. "We're in luck. My friend hasn't left New York yet, and we can borrow her lab. Get ready to move."
Peter, relieved but still cautious, asked, "Your friend? I didn't mention the specific lab requirements…"
Anna understood his concern and reassured him, "Dr. Helen Cho, the medical prodigy. Does that name sound familiar?"
Peter's eyes lit up. "Of course! Helen Cho, the internationally renowned medical genius. She's made major breakthroughs in cell research and self-healing techniques. She's one of the youngest and most celebrated experts in her field!"
Anna grinned, "I see you know her work."
"I read her research papers in school when I was studying cell biology… Wait, are you saying she's your friend?" Peter asked, shocked.
Anna nodded, "Exactly. Now, hurry up—she'll be here soon."
Peter quickly resumed preparations, excitement and relief evident on his face.
---
Meanwhile, on a secret island not marked on any maps, there stood a massive facility, bustling with activity.
Inside, a sign hung on a wall that read: "Joint Dark Energy Mission, Project Pegasus."
In a central underground chamber, a faintly glowing blue cube, pulsing with energy, sat in a special containment device. Surrounding it were scientists, busy recording data on the mysterious object's energy fluctuations.
At the forefront stood Dr. Selvig, observing the activity intently.
A fellow researcher approached, "Dr. Selvig, the energy emissions from the Tesseract are remarkably stable. At this rate, we'll soon be able to harness its power fully."
Dr. Selvig glanced at the report, a trace of concern on his face. "I still feel that something's not right. Has Barton returned?"
The researcher checked his roster and shook his head. "No, not yet."
"Damn it, Nick Fury," Selvig muttered. "He promised Barton was here for my protection, but he's always being pulled away."
Selvig then moved to another part of the lab. "How's the energy transfer for the new weapon coming along?"
"Progress is steady. Would you like to see?"
"Lead the way," Selvig said, following the scientist.
After they left, a small flicker appeared in the center of the Tesseract, a brief pulse too short for anyone to notice. None of the monitoring equipment picked up the anomaly either.
But somewhere, in the vast reaches of space, a figure in black armor stood at the edge of an asteroid. Sensing something amiss, he gazed out, as if feeling a distant connection to the energy that had just pulsed from the cube.
Beneath the mask, his lips curved into a faint smile. Behind him, Loki—dressed in his princely attire, with two long horns crowning his head—approached and asked, "Did you sense it? The trace of the Tesseract?"
The black-armored figure glanced dismissively at Loki. "An Asgardian. So, why have you pledged yourself to our king? Is it revenge? Or are you just eager to prove yourself to that decrepit Odin…?"
A glint of malice flashed in Loki's eyes, but he masked it well, responding with a cheerful smile, "Neither. I only wish to help our lord conquer Earth."
"That's more like it." The black-armored figure sneered. "But I haven't forgotten your title…"
Loki's eyebrow twitched slightly as he waited for the figure to utter it.
"The God of Mischief and Deception... Loki."
"The Tesseract's power has only just begun to activate; it's still not strong enough to send you there. Be patient." The black-armored figure floated away, adding, "The Chitauri army is gathering. Prepare your plan."
Loki knelt respectfully, pressing one fist to his chest. "Yes, Lord Ebony Maw."
Without looking back, Ebony Maw floated past him and soon arrived before a grand throne. There, he knelt with deep reverence. "The location of the Space Stone has been confirmed. My King, are you certain you want the Asgardian to handle this? Any one of your warriors could do better."
A deep, rumbling voice replied from the throne, "I need them to find the rest of the Infinity Stones for me. When the time comes, give him this to take to Earth."
A scepter, no larger than a human arm, floated from the figure's hand toward Ebony Maw, hovering in mid-air before him. At the top, a blue gemstone glowed with an eerie, ethereal light.
Recognizing its significance immediately, Ebony Maw bowed again. "Understood. I will carry out your orders at once."
With the scepter held carefully in both hands, Ebony Maw retreated from the throne room.
---
Elsewhere on Earth, the Ancient One, wearing an ancient pendant that resembled an eye on her chest, was instructing her disciples.
Suddenly, the pendant pulsed, its energy briefly flaring. Sensing this, she looked toward a specific direction and murmured softly, "Another crisis… yet one mankind has brought upon itself…" She sighed deeply, this being a familiar sight to her after so many years. She then turned back, as if nothing had happened, continuing her teachings.
Mordo, watching her from the side, noted her unusual reaction but chose not to inquire, instead focusing on his own role in guiding the other disciples.
---
"Alan, where is this place?" Gwen looked around, taking in the view of a small room with glass walls that offered a panoramic view of New York City.
Alan clapped his hands lightly, and a glass door slid open before them, letting in a rush of wind that tousled Gwen's hair.
"This will be your base whenever you head out to protect New York," Alan explained. "It's positioned to overlook the whole city. No matter where a crime occurs, you'll be able to respond immediately."
Inside the small room, a display on the glass wall showed a map of New York City. Whenever a crime was reported, an alert would trigger, allowing Gwen to quickly pinpoint and reach the location based on Red Queen's guidance.
Looking around the small room, Gwen nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Alan. I love it…"
Alan nodded in return, feeling gratified by her reaction and the success of his design for this space.
Since the positioning of this place was just right, Alan had Red Queen add this small design element as a bonus.
"This house has several functional areas and leisure spaces," he continued. "But the most important part is that there's a—" Alan leaned close to Gwen's ear and whispered, "We should find some time to buy you a swimsuit."
Gwen nodded shyly, "Okay…"
"By the way," she asked, "Is Cousin Anna also moving in here?"
Alan smiled. "I talked to her this morning. She said she'll stay where she is for now since it's closer to the precinct. She'll move once this case is resolved."
"And after that, she'll be heading to Germany."
"To Germany…" Gwen mused. "She's just as busy as always."
Just then, Gwen's stomach growled.
"Alan, I'm starving."
Alan chuckled lightly. "Alright, let's head to the dining area. I'll cook us dinner."
"Perfect!" Gwen beamed, grabbing Alan's hand happily as he led the way.
Outside, the sun was setting.
Meanwhile, Tony stood by the large windows of his home, watching the sunset over the sea.
"Beautiful view… I should have Pepper here to watch it with me."
Despite his words, Tony wasn't sure how to apologize to Pepper and gain her forgiveness. He had been planning to ask her to move in, but after his self-destructive behavior due to the palladium poisoning, Pepper assumed he hadn't changed and held some resentment.
"Jarvis, any advice?"
"Sir, I'm afraid I don't know," Jarvis replied candidly.
Tony sighed, "If only Yinsen were here… he might have some ideas."
Then, an idea struck him.
"Jarvis, call Yinsen."
"Right away, sir."
After a moment, Yinsen's voice came through, "What's up, Tony, missing me?"
"No, no, I'd never miss anyone," Tony quipped, though he felt differently.
On the screen, Yinsen appeared, wearing a straw hat and seated in what looked like a countryside estate.
"Hey, Yinsen. Where are you?" Tony asked, curious.
Yinsen replied, "I'm on a farm. Came here a while ago to visit an old friend, only to find out he'd passed away."
Tony poured himself a drink. "My condolences…"
Yinsen continued, "After that, I decided to buy his estate. Honestly, I've enjoyed my days here in New York, but I'm getting older and thought it'd be nice to settle down somewhere peaceful. Why don't you come visit?"
Tony was happy for him but, still bantering, replied, "So that's why you disappeared without a word. And what if you run out of money out there?"
"No worries—I'm resourceful! I even took a job as a rural schoolteacher," Yinsen said proudly.
"Now, tell me, Tony, what's on your mind?"
"Is it that obvious?" Tony asked.
"Come on, you wouldn't be calling if there weren't something up," Yinsen responded with a knowing grin.
Tony sighed with a wry smile. "It's Pepper. Lately, we…" He explained, and Yinsen offered a few pieces of advice.
"Think it'll work?" Tony asked.
"Of course. It's how I won over my wife," Yinsen said, beaming.
Just then, Jarvis's voice interrupted, "Sir, there's a call for you."
Tony paused, "Who is it?"
"Unknown—location cannot be traced," Jarvis replied.
Tony and Yinsen both frowned, exchanging a wary glance.
"Looks like you've got something to handle," Yinsen said. "Catch you later."
"Alright, talk soon."
Ending the call with Yinsen, Tony answered the incoming call, only to hear a voice sneer, "Hey, Tony. Didn't think you'd still be alive…"
"I figured that palladium would have killed you off by now…"
The voice was oddly familiar. Confused, Tony asked, "What?"
"You told me to double the rotation for more power—great advice, Stark."
Realization dawned on Tony.- Ivan Vanko!
On the other end, Vanko continued mocking him and spitting threats. Meanwhile, Tony began tracing the call's location.
"Your Stark family's forty-year feud with my father? I'll make sure you feel it in forty minutes…" Vanko spat before ending the call.
Just then, Tony managed to pinpoint Vanko's location.
"That's… the Hammer Industries press conference!" he noted, glancing at the news on his TV. The two locations matched exactly, and Pepper had been invited to the Hammer Industries press event…
Pepper was in danger!
"Jarvis, get Mark VI ready!"
"Understood, sir," Jarvis replied.
A storm of fury brewed in Tony's chest. If anything happened to Pepper, he'd make sure Ivan Vanko understood the true meaning of pain.
…
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