Coulson and Clint Barton returned to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, their expressions grim. Coulson handed over the latest report to Nick Fury.
"Sir, the diaper has been classified as Object P-084 and secured."
Fury leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "A moving diaper gets its own designation now? Well, let's file that one for later. Right now, I need your thoughts on Watson."
Coulson took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "Sir, I think we should consider forming an alliance with him."
Fury's one good eye narrowed. "An alliance? Coulson, that's not the kind of statement I expect from a senior agent."
Coulson stood his ground. "From the data we've gathered, Watson has two monstrous creatures under his command. They resemble super-evolved Komodo dragons. Initial assessments indicate they can be injured by large-caliber weapons, so their threat level is rated at Level 5.
"However, Watson possesses technology—or perhaps an innate ability—that allows these creatures to appear and disappear at will. We don't know the range of this capability, nor how he tracks their movements, but it raises their collective danger level to 7.
"During his confrontation with Hydra earlier today, Watson wore medieval-style armor that seemed to incorporate monster scales. While wearing it, he displayed pyrokinesis and withstood a direct rocket strike without injury. His personal threat level has been escalated to 8. He also seems highly independent, and any attempt to forcibly control him could provoke severe backlash."
Fury stood, pacing the room. "So, unless we throw an army and heavy artillery at him, he's untouchable. For now, I'm ending your and Clint's mission to trail him. I'll classify his file under Level 10 permissions. We'll maintain the trade relationship we've established, and given his assistance in repelling the Hydra attack, he's clearly not an enemy. Also…" Fury smirked. "The media's already dubbed him the Fire Knight. He'll be tomorrow's headline."
He turned to Natasha Romanoff, who had been silently observing. "Natasha, you'll monitor him next. Timing's your call."
"Understood, sir," Natasha replied with her usual calm.
Fury tapped on the display, and an image of Silver Snake filled the screen. "Now, back to Hydra. They've lost their precious assets, and unfortunately, we're the ones babysitting this mess. Colonel Rhodes from the Air Force will assist with retrieval operations."
"Sir," Coulson interjected, "we could potentially ask Watson for assistance with this. He's proven resourceful, and…"
Fury held up a hand. "Fine, Coulson. If he's willing, you're responsible for bringing him on board. And don't forget to test those potions he provided."
Elsewhere in New York, Watson lounged at a table outside LadyMCakeBoutique, savoring the last slice of a towering matcha mille-crêpe cake. Beside him, his Detel—affectionately nicknamed Braised Egg—purred contentedly.
"Perfect," Watson muttered, licking his fork clean. "Got the last one."
He turned to the Detel. "Alright, what's next? Let's see… lobster rolls, steak, barbecue… Shake Shack! The best burger spot in New York!"
The Detel let out an enthusiastic meow, and the two made their way to the famous burger joint. They joined the line, basking in the cool air conditioning.
A few tables away, three young women were giggling, sneaking glances at Watson.
"Bella, look at him!" one whispered. "He's gorgeous, and he's got muscles for days. Plus, that cat! He must be so sweet."
The girls erupted into laughter, teasing each other about who should approach him.
Watson, with his enhanced senses, couldn't help but overhear. He smiled slightly but stayed focused on the line. Just as he was about to order, the door swung open, and Coulson walked in. Watson's smile froze.
"Hey," one of the girls, Jodie, approached him with a shy grin. "Are you here alone?"
Watson opened his mouth to respond, but Coulson interrupted, stepping between them.
"Excuse me, miss," Coulson said politely, "but I need to borrow your 'boyfriend' for a moment. I promise it won't take long."
The Detel suddenly stood on high alert, its fur bristling as it let out a low, warning growl.
Watson sighed, casting an apologetic glance at Jodie. "I'm sorry. Duty calls." He turned to Coulson. "Alright, let's step outside. But Braised Egg says no funny business."
The Detel let out a sharp meow, earning a raised eyebrow from Coulson. "Noted," he muttered as the three stepped out of the restaurant.
"What's so urgent?" Watson asked, crossing his arms.
Coulson handed him a secure tablet. "We need your help. Hydra's been making moves again, and we think you're uniquely qualified to deal with their experiments. Fury's authorized me to bring you in—if you're willing."
Watson studied the file. His expression hardened as he scrolled through the images and reports. "Alright," he said, his tone serious. "But you owe me a Shake Shack burger after this."
Coulson smirked. "Deal."