In a secure underground S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, the assembled group of extraordinary individuals sat around a circular table.
The atmosphere was tense as Nick Fury addressed them.
"Hydra's actions are escalating. We can no longer afford to waste anymore time. That's why I've called all of you here. Together, you represent Earth's best defense against this growing threat."
Steve Rogers, clad in his Captain America uniform, nodded solemnly. Beside him sat Peggy Carter, also known as Captain Carter, her shield resting against the table.
Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) and Clint Barton (Hawkeye) listened intently. Sam Wilson (Falcon) leaned back slightly, studying the room, while Daisy Johnson (Quake) seemed ready for action.
Danny Rand (Iron Fist) and Shang-Chi exchanged glances. This was their first time facing such a matter.
Not only them, even most of them are yet to encounter such a great battle.
Before Fury could continue, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall.
"Sorry I'm late," Tony Stark announced, striding into the room with his usual confidence.
He carried a holographic tablet, which he placed on the table. "But I've got some intel that's going to blow your minds."
The group watched as Tony activated the hologram, displaying a series of maps and images.
Tony began pacing as he explained.
"The group's been making moves in Germany. I followed the trail and stumbled onto something big. Turns out, they've got an ace up their sleeve—or rather, a god."
"A god?" Steve asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yep, and not the friendly kind," Tony replied.
The team was still ignorant of Loki's involvement and it was time to enlighten them.
"Meet Loki, an Asgardian. Think Norse mythology, but real. He's Thor's brother and, from what I've gathered, a certifiable maniac with a penchant for mind games."
"Wait," Sam interrupted. "Asgardians? You're saying the gods we read about are real?"
Tony nodded. "Oh, they're real, alright. Remember that incident in New Mexico with the giant metal guy? That was Thor—another Asgardian—fighting something called the Destroyer."
Some of them nodded as Shield had Intel on that battle but while they tried to investigate those involved in the fight were already gone.
Natasha frowned. "If Loki is anything like Thor, we're in serious trouble."
Tony smirked. "Oh, he's worse. Loki's a schemer. He's been alive for centuries, which means he's got more tricks up his sleeve than any of us can imagine. And if he's working with them, we're looking at a whole new level of chaos."
The group exchanged uneasy glances as Tony continued.
"Now, here's the kicker: Loki's not just working alone. Now that he got the Tesseract which is more than just a glowing cube. It's housing one of those Infinity Stones—ancient artifacts with the power to rewrite realty. My guess is he is planning to open a portal."
The room fell silent as the weight of Tony's words sank in.
Steve stood, his voice firm. "Then we need to act fast. If Loki and Hydra are planning to use the Tesseract, we have to stop them before they can follow through."
Peggy nodded. "Agreed. But we'll need a coordinated plan. We can't go in blind."
Fury who had been silent so far leaned forward. "We need intel on their location and defenses. If Loki's involved, he'll have contingencies for contingencies."
"Anyway, have you guys gotten the gifts I prepared?" Tony smirked.
Fury nodded, "I've told them but that are yet to see."
"Yeah, what's the gift all about?" Falcon asked with curiosity.
"Oh, nothing much," Tony waved it off casually.
___________
In Asgard, Thor was caught in the midst of chaos. Loki had created a massive illusion, conjuring images of an invading army descending upon the golden city. Asgardian warriors scrambled to defend their home, unaware that their enemy wasn't real.
Thor, wielding Mjolnir, fought valiantly against the phantom army, unaware that Loki's true aim was to keep him occupied.
Far from the battlefield, Loki smirked as he observed his handiwork. Standing in the shadows of the royal palace, he whispered to himself, "With Thor preoccupied, Earth is mine to claim. Let's see how the mortals fare without my brother in the way."
As the illusion continued to wreak havoc, Thor began to sense something was amiss. The attackers didn't bleed, didn't tire.
"What's going on?!"
"Where is Loki?"
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