The morning sunlight filtered softly through the room as Pepper woke up. She stretched, expecting Tony beside her, but instead found the bed empty. Beside her on the nightstand lay a sleek, silver watch and a folded note.
She reached for the note and unfolded it, instantly recognizing Tony's handwriting.
Pepper,
This isn't just a watch. It's a compact protective device—mini armor, you could say. It's set to activate if you're ever in any real danger. Just a little insurance so I don't lose you.
Take care of yourself.
—Tony
Pepper sighed, slipping the watch onto her wrist with a small smile. Even in his absence, Tony found a way to protect her. It was his way of showing he cared, even if he couldn't always put it into words.
----
In a secure meeting room, Nick Fury was seated at the head of a long table with Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton on either side of him. They were deep in discussion, analyzing the latest intel.
Fury looked up from his file, his one good eye hard. "Hydra's been moving in the shadows. We have reason to believe they're gathering at a specific location in a few days."
Natasha leaned forward. "Any idea what they're planning?"
Fury nodded. "From what our agents picked up, it has something to do with the Tesseract. When Hydra infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., they managed to acquire it. We've reason to believe they intend to use it—and knowing Hydra, they aren't looking to open any harmless portals."
Clint frowned. "So we're talking about extraterrestrial threats?"
Fury nodded. "That's our assumption. But without knowing exactly who or what they're trying to summon, we're in the dark."
Natasha's eyes narrowed as she considered their options. "We could set up an ambush. Get close enough to intervene if they go through with their plan."
Fury nodded. "We need to be ready for anything. I'll mobilize our best assets and get some additional support. Hydra's up to something dangerous, and I'm not about to let them succeed."
Clint adjusted his quiver. "So we're in for a fight."
Fury nodded grimly. "And we're going to be ready."
Captain America who was silent the who asked, "Where's Stark in all this?"
Fury looked at him, "Well, Stark already got you guys a surprise."
They looked at each other in confusion and then turned to fury.
"A surprise?"
"An upgrade," Fury replied.
---
On a nearby rooftop, Peter Parker leaned casually against the railing, his gaze on Miles Morales. They had been friends for a little over a year now, but Peter has his suspicions about Miles' abilities.
"So, Miles," Peter said, his voice casual but with an undertone of curiosity. "How's everything going? School, life… other stuff?"
Miles shifted, sensing Peter was trying to fish for something. "Pretty good. Why?"
Without another word, Peter lunged at Miles with a sudden, sharp punch.
Miles reacted instantly, ducking and weaving with almost inhuman speed, just as Peter suspected.
A quick spar ensued, with Peter launching attacks and Miles dodging every one.
After a few seconds, they both paused, staring at each other as realization dawned.
"You're Spider-Man!" they both blurted out at the same time, pointing at each other.
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