M94- Villains!

Loki was already pissed.

The fake Tesseract was shattered in his hands, fragments dissolving into nothing. He knew it the moment he grabbed it, but he played along, half-expecting a twist. Now, standing in the middle of an empty warehouse, he clicked his tongue in irritation.

“They really are insufferable,” he muttered.

“Which ones?” came a voice from the shadows.

Loki turned slightly, not surprised. “Take a guess.”

A creature in a combat suit stepped forward. “If you’re upset, I assume things didn’t go according to plan?”

Loki exhaled, brushing dust off his sleeve. “Oh, they went according to someone’s plan. Just not mine.”

The man chuckled. “And here I thought you were good at this.”

Loki shot him a look. “You’re in no position to mock me. If they outplayed me, that means they were three steps ahead of you as well.”

The Other grumbled, "My plan does not change. Blaze the city, and take whatever I want."

Loki smiled, amused. "Of course."

They moved through the warehouse’s rusted doors, stepping into the dimly lit back room where a round table was set. Some of New York's most dangerous figures were already seated, the air thick with tension.

Kingpin sat with his arms folded, his glare fixed across the table at another attendee—Kira. Light Yagami barely acknowledged him, a lazy smile playing on his lips as he leaned back in his chair like he owned the place.

At Kingpin’s behind stood a man in a suit, hands behind his back, posture easy but unreadable. Frank Martin. His presence was understated, but that was the point—he was here as Kingpin’s guard, but in reality, he was Nero’s plant.

The Other took his seat, a creature not meant to sit among men, yet perfectly comfortable among criminals. Loki settled in beside him, lounging like this was a casual business meeting.

Kingpin’s glare settled on Kira, his voice sharp. "Why is he here?"

Across the table, Green Goblin—half-hidden in shadows—let out a short chuckle, barely disguising his amusement. "The same reason we all are, Fisk. Business."

Next to him, Doctor Octopus adjusted his tinted glasses, fingers tapping against the table in idle thought. Beside him, The Vulture spun a knife between his fingers, looking like he’d rather be stabbing something than sitting through another meeting. The Rhino sat at the far end, arms crossed, saying nothing but radiating irritation, while Crossbones leaned back, chewing gum like he wasn’t surrounded by some of the most dangerous people in the city.

Kira smiled, shifting slightly in his chair. "Kingpin, you wound me," he said, voice dripping with amusement. "You talk as if I’m not already part of the landscape."

Fisk’s expression didn’t change. "You’re a nuisance."

Kira exhaled in mock disappointment. "Nuisance? And here I thought I was a respectable adversary."

Loki watched, intrigued but silent, as Kingpin kept his eyes on Kira.

"Enough," The Other spoke, voice inhuman, sending an uncomfortable ripple through the room. "We are not here to settle petty grievances."

Vulture smirked. "Petty? The kid’s been tearing Fisk’s empire apart piece by piece. That ain’t petty."

Kira’s grin widened. "Oh, finally, someone who appreciates my work."

The Vulture ignored him, focusing on The Other. "I assume you called us here for a reason. Get to it."

The Other's hands curled slightly, the air seeming to vibrate with the movement. "We share an enemy."

Osborn leaned forward slightly. "Let me guess. The masked nuisances?"

The Other’s eyes gleamed. "Them. SHIELD. Heroes. All of them. They’ve disrupted too much."

Green Goblin let out a laugh, sharp and mocking. "You expect us to march against them? SHIELD? The Heroes? The lot of them?" He leaned forward, grinning. "We do crime. They chase. That’s the arrangement. You want a war?"

Doctor Octopus adjusted his glasses. "Wars draw attention. Attention disrupts business."

The Vulture spun his knife absently. "So what’s in it for us?"

Loki gave a lazy smirk, reclining in his chair. "Survival."

Kingpin scoffed. "We’re still breathing."

The Other’s voice cut through. "For now."

Kira leaned back, tapping a finger against his chin. "And why should we care? You need bodies on the field, not masterminds at a table."

Loki’s gaze flickered over him, amused. "And yet, you’re here."

Kira’s grin widened. "I like to stay informed. Unlike some of our company, I don’t jump at every grand speech about a greater war."

Crossbones let out a short laugh. "For a guy who burns down half the city every other week, that’s rich."

Kira turned to him, unfazed. "Burning is simple. War is messy."

Vulture chuckled. "And here I thought you’d love mess."

Kira shrugged. "Not when I don’t control it."

Loki steepled his fingers. "You misunderstand. This isn’t about chaos. This is about opportunity."

Doctor Octopus hummed. "Elaborate."

The Other spoke, the air shifting slightly around him. "Earth is… valuable. It has something others want. The ones who come next will not negotiate, they will take."

Kingpin’s expression barely shifted. "And let me guess. You’re here to ‘warn’ us out of kindness?"

Loki smirked. "Kindness is a mortal weakness. I am here because you all have a choice—adapt or perish."

The Vulture scoffed. "You want an army. We aren’t soldiers."

"You don’t have to be," Loki said. "You only have to stay on the right side."

Kira exhaled. "And that side is?"

Loki smiled. "Ours."

The table went silent for a moment.

Kingpin leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "A lot of talking. No benefits. You want us to fight your war, pay us."

The Other nodded slightly. "Payment can be arranged."

Kira stood, chair scraping against the concrete floor as he let out a short laugh. "There seems to be a misunderstanding." His gaze swept over the table, stopping at Loki and The Other. "New York is my city. Villains, heroes, civilians, police, government, mutants, Neogenes—hell, even the rats scurrying in the sewers. They’re all mine." He tilted his head slightly, as if amused. "An alien shows up and thinks he can instigate me against my foolish subjects?"

The Other shifted, displeased, but Kira continued, unbothered. "Get the fuck out of my city." He grinned. "Or burn."

The silence that followed was thick. The villains at the table weren't loyal to anyone, least of all to each other, but they all understood one thing—territory. The Other and Loki thought they were offering an alliance. Kira was making it clear they were trespassing.

Kingpin didn’t react, but the tension in his jaw was noticeable. Green Goblin chuckled under his breath, eyes gleaming with amusement. Doctor Octopus sighed, adjusting his glasses, already considering the long-term consequences of this conversation.

Loki leaned back, unbothered. "You mistake this for a negotiation."

Kira smirked. "No, I don’t."

The Other’s hands curled slightly, the air distorting. "You overestimate your importance, human."

Kira let out a soft scoff. "Human? And what are you? A messenger boy for something bigger? You want war, take it somewhere else. I don’t fight for anyone but myself."

Crossbones let out a low whistle. "Damn, kid."

Green Goblin laughed, leaning forward. "Kira’s got a point. You’re asking us to go toe-to-toe with the people who put us in cells. Even if we win, we’re the ones who’ll bleed first."

Doctor Octopus tapped his fingers against the table. "A war with SHIELD, the Heroes, and every other do-gooder in spandex? Even if I had an interest, the payout better be worth it."

The Vulture spun his knife. "We ain’t cannon fodder."

Kingpin finally spoke, voice calm. "If you want us in, you pay."

The Other's gaze flickered between them. "Payment can be arranged."

Vulture snorted. "Yeah? How much we talking?"

Loki tilted his head, watching them. "Money is short-sighted. I offer power."

Green Goblin raised an eyebrow. "Power’s useless if you’re dead."

Doctor Octopus sighed. "Let's not pretend this isn’t the same speech we’ve all heard before. Some grand entity, promising strength, making us pawns in their game. What’s stopping you from discarding us once you get what you want?"

Loki smirked. "Caution is admirable. But misguided. This isn’t about discarding anyone. It’s about survival."

Kira leaned against the table, unimpressed. "Choose your side carefully. In that battlefield, you will stand against me." Then with a flash of flames, he vanished.

The table remained silent for a beat, the air still hot from his sudden departure. Green Goblin let out a short laugh, shaking his head.

"Kid’s got style," he mused.

Doctor Octopus exhaled through his nose, adjusting his glasses. "Style won’t mean much if he overplays his hand."

Kingpin remained silent, his jaw tight. Crossbones chewed his gum, watching Fisk out of the corner of his eye.

Vulture stretched, arms behind his head. "So, we takin’ that as a ‘no’ from him, or just a ‘fuck you’?"

Kingpin tapped the table, his voice even. “Whatever side he’s on, I’m on the other. You promised power. Show it to me.”

Loki’s smirk didn’t waver. “Of course.”

The Other raised a hand, and the air shifted. A pulse of energy rippled through the room, subtle but undeniable. The weaker-willed men at the table stiffened, their muscles tensing involuntarily. Vulture’s hand tightened around his knife, and even Crossbones exhaled sharply, like his instincts were telling him something was wrong.

Kingpin barely reacted. “Parlor tricks,” he said. “Impress me.”

The Other didn’t speak. Instead, he extended his arm toward the metal tray in front of him. The steel twisted, corroding in seconds, rust spreading unnaturally fast. In an instant, the tray was nothing but dust. Then, just as quickly, the dust lifted into the air and reformed—reshaped into a sharp, jagged spike of pure metal, hovering in front of him.

Vulturetilted his head. “That’s new.”

Doctor Octopus adjusted his glasses. “Molecular manipulation. Limited but effective.”

The Other slowly curled his fingers, and the spike shot across the table, embedding itself into the wood right in front of Kingpin. The table didn’t crack. It didn’t splinter. The metal had fused into it like it had always been there.

Fisk leaned back, unimpressed. “Cute. What else?”

Loki laughed under his breath. “Always demanding, aren’t you, Fisk?” He waved a hand, and suddenly, the temperature in the room plummeted. The shadows stretched unnaturally, crawling up the walls. It wasn’t an illusion—something ancient pressed against reality itself, making even the criminals at the table feel like something was watching.

Goblin exhaled, amused. “Okay, that’s a little more interesting.”

Kingpin’s fingers tapped against the table, considering. “You want a war. What’s your plan?”

Loki leaned back, folding his hands. “It’s simple. SHIELD is stretched thin. The heroes are too focused on scattered threats. We force their attention elsewhere. Keep them chasing ghosts while we carve out something permanent.”

Doctor Octopus tapped his fingers against the table. “Permanent in what way?”

Loki’s smirk widened. “Power. Infrastructure. Something that won’t crumble the moment a man in red tights decides to get righteous.”

The Vulture looked at Kingpin. “You buying this?”

Fisk studied Loki and The Other. “Depends. What’s my cut?”

Loki tilted his head. “New York. If you can hold it.”

Vulture let out a low whistle. “You’re offering Fisk New York?”

The Other’s gaze didn’t shift. “We are offering the strong a place in what comes next.”

Kingpin exhaled through his nose. “And what comes next?”

Loki’s smirk didn’t fade. “A world where the strong don’t have to hide in the shadows. Where we dictate the rules, not the ones in capes.”

Doctor Octopus hummed in thought. “And if we refuse?”

The Other’s hand hovered over the table. The metal in front of him twisted again, this time forming into a small, perfect sphere. A second later, it imploded—silently, completely, vanishing into nothing.

The message was clear.

Crossbones snorted. “Yeah, alright. No pressure or anything.”

Kingpin finally stood, adjusting his cufflinks. “We’ll see. I don’t move without guarantees.”

Loki inclined his head slightly. “You’ll have them.”

Kingpin didn’t look convinced, but he turned and walked out, Frank Martin following at his side.

Doctor Octopus stood next. “I’ll consider the offer.” He didn’t wait for a response before leaving.

The Vulture and Rhino exchanged looks before standing as well.

Goblin leaned back in his chair, grinning. “Well, well. Things are getting interesting.” He flicked his fingers in a mock salute before striding off.

Outside the warehouse, Loki and The Other walked through the dimly lit streets. The city was alive, restless.

The Other spoke first. "Kill Kira."

Loki glanced at him, unimpressed. "You’re assuming that’s simple."

The Other didn’t respond immediately, walking a few more steps before speaking again. "You doubt your own ability?"

Loki exhaled, adjusting his sleeve. "I doubt the effectiveness of brute force against someone who enjoys burning obstacles."

"Kira is disruptive," The Other continued. "He will not join us. If he stands in the way, remove him."

Loki smirked. "Bold of you to assume he isn’t already planning the same for us."

Silence. A car sped by, its headlights casting long shadows before vanishing down the road.

The Other stopped. "Handle it."

Loki studied him, then smiled. "Oh, you’re actually serious about this."

"Do not test me, trickster."

Loki hummed in thought. "You want him dead because he refused to kneel. Kingpin wants him dead because he's an obstacle. SHIELD wants him dead because he’s a walking disaster." He tilted his head. "So tell me, what’s the rush? Because if he dies too soon, someone else will fill the void, and they might not be as easy to manipulate."

"Kira is not replaceable," The Other said simply. "He is an anomaly. His presence disrupts balance."

Loki chuckled. "And here I thought chaos was your kind’s specialty."

"This is not chaos. This is interference."

Loki sighed. "Fine. I’ll look into it."

The Other stared at him. "That is not confirmation."

Loki smiled. "I don't confirm things. I just make them happen."

They continued walking, but the conversation was done. The Other would push, but Loki had no intention of blindly following orders. Kira was a nuisance, but nuisances were useful when directed properly.

Hell’s Kitchen was burning again.

Kira stood on top of a wrecked car, one hand in his pocket, the other engulfed in flames. Around him, what remained of Kingpin’s men groaned on the pavement, some trying to crawl away, others unmoving. A few bystanders watched from a distance, too afraid to interfere.

A man stumbled forward, coughing, gun shaking in his grip. "Y-you think this makes you untouchable?"

Kira smiled. "No. But it makes me entertaining."

The man fired. Before the bullet reached him, flames roared, consuming it midair. Kira tilted his head. "Now that was a waste."

He stepped forward, heat radiating. "Tell Fisk that Hell’s Kitchen isn’t his playground anymore."

The man staggered, fear overtaking him. "You think—"

Kira snapped his fingers. The ground beneath the man erupted, flames licking at his shoes, stopping just short of swallowing him whole.

"You talk too much," Kira muttered.

The man turned and ran.

From the rooftop above, a voice clapped slowly. "You do enjoy theatrics."

Kira didn’t look up. "Loki."

Loki dropped down, landing gracefully. "You’re making quite the mess."

Kira exhaled, watching the last of Fisk’s men drag themselves away. "Are you here to complain, or you have something worth saying."

Loki stepped closer. "I assume you already know what this is about."

"Your little meeting?" Kira smirked. "Of course."

"And yet, you still walked away."

Kira’s grin widened. "Because I don’t take orders. Unlike you."

Loki’s expression didn’t change. "I take orders from no one."

Kira chuckled. "Then why are you here on behalf of your alien friend?"

Loki’s fingers twitched. "The Other wants you dead."

Kira let the words settle before responding. "And you?"

Loki smiled. "I think we can become friends."

Kira raised an eyebrow, barely interested. "I don't need friends."

Loki tilted his head slightly, stepping closer. "That depends. Do you need information?"

Kira didn't answer immediately. The fire in his hand dimmed as he studied Loki, waiting.

Loki took that as permission to continue. "The seven masked vigilantes interfering with business in this city—perhaps you've noticed? They’re not your average costumed do-gooders."

Kira smirked. "You mean the ones tearing apart crime rings and making a mess of things? Yes, I've noticed."

Loki’s eyes gleamed. "You should know—these aren't just heroes playing dress-up. They move differently. They know things before they happen. And your enemies aren’t the only ones they’re watching."

Kira exhaled. "You think I don’t know that?" He stepped forward, heat rolling off him. "You came here to sell me scraps of knowledge, expecting me to be impressed?"

Loki chuckled. "Oh, Kira. I wouldn't insult you with scraps. I’m offering a full picture. Their names, their faces. Their weaknesses."

Kira hummed. "And in return?"

"Nothing." Loki spread his hands. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill."

Kira let the silence stretch before laughing softly. "You think I'm stupid?"

Loki smirked. "No. I think you're practical. And I think you're ambitious enough to know when opportunity knocks."

Kira watched him for a moment, then leaned against the wrecked car. "Keep talking."

Loki nodded, satisfied. "These vigilantes—they aren't independent. They're organized, efficient. Too efficient. Their leader is someone far more dangerous than any hero you've faced."

Kira exhaled. "Let me guess. Your little Chitauri friend is also concerned about them?"

"The Other has his own concerns," Loki said smoothly. "But I prefer my own interests."

Kira tilted his head slightly. "And what exactly are those?"

Loki smiled. "Balance, of course. This city is a battlefield. Sides are being drawn whether you acknowledge it or not. You control Hell’s Kitchen, but soon, control won't be enough. War is coming."

Kira’s expression didn’t change. "And you want me on your side?"

"I want you informed," Loki corrected. "So you don’t end up crushed between forces larger than you realize."

Kira chuckled. "Oh, how thoughtful of you."

Loki ignored the sarcasm. "Do you know why SHIELD is scrambling? Why their assets are being moved under tighter security? Why the heroes are more restless than usual?"

Kira glanced toward the skyline. "Let me guess. The alien invasion you’re planning?"

Loki’s smirk didn’t waver. "Planning is such a strong word. Let's say... anticipating."

Kira exhaled, clearly unimpressed. "You want to lure me into this war by dangling threats in front of me. I don’t scare easy, Loki."

"Scare? No. But even you have limits," Loki said. "You thrive in chaos, but this is beyond chaos. This is extermination."

Kira crossed his arms. "And you want me to care?"

"You should," Loki said simply. "Because those seven masked vigilantes? They aren’t fighting for justice. They’re fighting to prepare for what’s coming. And they see you as a problem, not an ally."

Kira let that sink in before laughing. "Let them come, then."

Loki sighed, almost disappointed. “Such bravado. But even you must realize that fighting alone is a fool’s game.” He rolled his shoulders, shaking his head as if indulging a particularly stubborn child. "Fine. You said everyone is your enemy. Let me just assist with your battle with… everyone. How about that?"

Kira smirked, unimpressed. “If I recall correctly, you just failed against a group of mortals. What assistance could you possibly provide?”

Loki waved a dismissive hand. “You wound me, Kira. I lost a battle of wits. That doesn’t mean I lack resources. You, on the other hand, are running a one-man circus against Kingpin, SHIELD, and every masked fool in this city. Eventually, one of them will decide you’re more trouble than you’re worth.”

Kira leaned against the wrecked car, arms crossed. “And you’re here out of concern? Touching.”

“I’m here because I’m feeling generous,” Loki said, watching him closely. “Let’s talk about your problem. Not Fisk. Not SHIELD. The real problem.”

Kira raised an eyebrow.

Loki’s gaze hardened for a moment, though the smile didn’t leave his lips. "I think we both know you’re dealing with more than just pests. This city is crawling with predators that you can’t burn away with your flames. And I’m not talking about the small-time crooks either."

Kira stepped forward slightly, his eyes locked on Loki. "You want me to listen to you, Loki? Fine. But I’m not your ally. Tell me what you know, and make it quick."

Loki raised a hand, the air around them shimmering with subtle magic. "Very well. Let’s start with the Chitauri. I assume you’ve noticed their presence around here lately, yes?"

Kira’s expression didn’t change, but his mind was already calculating. "Chitauri... You mean the aliens? They’re the ones you’re working with?"

Loki’s grin widened slightly. "Not working with, no. They’ve got their own agenda. One I’m... accommodating. The Chitauri are here for something far more valuable than this city. They’ve got a plan, and you’re a part of it whether you like it or not."

Kira’s fingers twitched, flames sparking at his fingertips. "And what’s that got to do with me?"

Loki took a slow step forward, his voice almost conversational. "It has everything to do with you. They’re hunting for an object—something extremely powerful. Something that could tip the balance of power across multiple worlds."

Kira raised an eyebrow. "An object? What, like some kind of weapon?"

Loki’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Not a weapon, no. An object that controls space itself—the Tesseract, as some like to call it. But it’s not just about the object. It’s about what it can do in the wrong hands."

"Like yours?" Kira asked, eyes narrowing.

Loki tilted his head. "Like the Chitauri's. But yes, I’ve had plans for it too. But that’s not why I’m telling you all of this." He let out a sigh, as if reluctant. "You’re walking into a war, Kira. And it’s not one you can win alone."

Kira crossed his arms, unfazed. "I don’t need an army. I need the power to crush my enemies." He looked Loki up and down. "And it seems like you’re offering information about these Chitauri."

Loki laughed, shaking his head. "And now, those seven. I believe I am one of the few who knows their true identities."

Kira gave a bored sigh. "Then get on with it."

Loki smirked. "Fine. Let's start with the obvious. Their leader? Nero. He’s more than just a strategist—he’s untouchable. You try to predict his moves, and he’s already twenty steps ahead. And unlike most so-called masterminds, he doesn’t just sit back and pull strings—he fights. And when he does, people die."

Kira’s eyes flickered with interest for a second, but he didn’t comment.

"Maria," Loki said, amusement laced in his tone. "Illusions, deception. Her power isn’t just about hiding things—it’s about making you doubt what’s real. You might think you’re winning a fight, only to realize you’ve been standing in the same place, swinging at air."

Kira nodded slowly. "So she’s a liar with extra steps."

Loki groaned, rubbing his temple. “Then there’s Diego. I don’t know much about the others, but he can create storms that disintegrate everything in their path.”

Kira didn’t react, waiting for more.

“Sofia,” Loki continued, “Water and ice. Don’t let her touch you, or you’ll end up frozen before you realize what happened.”

“Anthony—bright and brute, some kind of sun-based power.” Loki said. “He fights like a wrecking ball, and he’s annoyingly tough to put down.”

Kira exhaled, unimpressed. “And the rest?”

Loki tapped his fingers idly against his arm. "Nigel makes clones, carries knives and firearms. The last one…” He tilted his head slightly, then shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Kira’s gaze sharpened. “You said seven. That’s only six.”

Loki smirked. “I simply don't know.”