Whoosh!
The roaring jet engines of a S.H.I.E.L.D. aircraft blew strong gusts of wind across the tarmac. The airport was a flurry of activity as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents moved with purpose, some carrying high-tech weapons while others stood guard, their eyes scanning for potential threats.
At the edge of the commotion, a man in a black leather jacket stood out, the iconic five-star shield strapped to his back. Steve Rogers—better known as Captain America—watched the organized chaos with quiet intensity.
"Captain, you're finally here," Natasha Romanoff said as she approached him.
"Sorry, I was delayed," Steve replied apologetically, adjusting the shield on his back. "I received a message from Peggy before I left. What's the situation?"
Natasha offered a small smile and motioned for him to follow. "Everyone's here. We'll go over the details in the briefing with Director Fury."
As they walked toward the aircraft, Natasha continued, "You probably heard from Peggy about the Avengers Initiative. This crisis is bigger than any of us can handle alone, which is why we need to work together."
"I understand," Steve said with a nod. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "By the way, thank you and Professor Snape for helping me access those magical texts."
"It's nothing," Natasha replied casually. "The knowledge wasn't classified—just some basic magic for enhancing physical abilities. Honestly, Snape didn't seem to care much about it."
Steve chuckled lightly. "It's rare to find someone with your potential for magic."
Natasha smiled. "Still, I owe you one. Let me know if I can ever repay the favor."
The two entered the aircraft, which was arranged like a spacious lounge. Inside, several people were chatting, their voices rising and falling with the hum of the engines.
Inside the Aircraft
"Johnny Blaze! I've seen your stunts—impressive work," Tony Stark said as he approached the former stuntman, drink in hand. "Be honest—when you're pulling those death-defying tricks, are you using any… special abilities?"
Johnny laughed. "Never. When I'm on my bike, it's all skill and adrenaline. The rush comes from knowing it's just me and the jump."
Tony raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but chose to steer the conversation elsewhere. "How'd you end up with S.H.I.E.L.D., anyway? They're not exactly known for recruiting thrill-seekers."
Before Johnny could answer, the sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation.
"Tony, that's not exactly polite," Natasha teased as she entered the cabin with Steve. "You know Fury doesn't like it when people badmouth S.H.I.E.L.D.—even if it's you."
"Please," Tony retorted with a smirk. "Fury hears what he wants to hear. The rest he pretends doesn't exist."
Natasha ignored him and addressed the group. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce someone you've all heard about: Captain America—Steve Rogers."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Steve.
Johnny Blaze and Bruce Banner exchanged surprised glances, while Tony's expression shifted to one of mild irritation.
"Captain," Tony said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I hear you're alive and kicking. Guess I never got around to visiting."
Steve smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Tony." He refrained from mentioning Tony's father, following Peggy's advice.
Natasha continued her introductions. "This is Johnny Blaze—he's worked with Professor Lockhart before."
Johnny extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Captain."
Natasha added, "Steve is now a close-combat instructor in the Vientiane World. He's helping train sorcerers."
Johnny raised his eyebrows in surprise but didn't comment further.
"And this," Natasha said, gesturing to Bruce, "is Dr. Bruce Banner, one of the world's leading nuclear physicists. He holds seven doctorates."
Steve shook Banner's hand. "It's an honor, Doctor."
"Likewise, Captain," Banner replied.
The introductions were cut short as the aircraft began to vibrate slightly, signaling their ascent toward the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier – Command Room
"Professor Snape, your presence as our magical consultant is invaluable," Nick Fury said, his tone unusually cordial. "S.H.I.E.L.D. will do everything in its power to secure the materials Vientiane World needs."
Snape, his expression cool and detached, nodded curtly. "I understand."
Fury, aware of Snape's reluctance to engage with Muggle organizations, decided not to press further.
Moments later, Natasha entered the room with Steve, Tony, Johnny, and Banner.
"Snape, I didn't expect to see you here," Steve said, clearly surprised.
"Lockhart sent me," Snape replied. "He believes S.H.I.E.L.D. might struggle to handle this crisis alone, so he asked me to provide magical support."
Nick Fury stepped forward to introduce the group. "Professor Snape, meet Tony Stark, our scientific advisor; Dr. Banner, our nuclear physicist; and Johnny Blaze, who brings a unique set of abilities to the table. Gentlemen, this is Professor Snape. For any magical matters, he's your go-to expert."
The exchange was cut short by a sharp buzz, followed by a panicked voice over the intercom.
"Director Fury, we've got a situation. Aliens are invading New York."
New York – Stark Tower Rooftop
Standing atop Stark Tower, Loki exuded an air of arrogance. Dressed in a sharp black suit and wielding the Mind Scepter, he gazed down at the bustling city below.
Behind him, a massive, intricate machine hummed to life. Selvig, focused on his task, worked tirelessly to calibrate the equipment. In the center of the device, the Cosmic Cube hovered, its blue light pulsing with energy.
"Master," Selvig called out, his voice tinged with excitement, "the machine is ready. Once we input the spatial coordinates, we can activate the portal."
Loki turned to inspect the device, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Slowly, he approached and touched the machine with the tip of his scepter. Pale golden light flowed into the mechanism, synchronizing with the Cosmic Cube.
Boom!
A massive blue beam of light shot into the sky, piercing the clouds. At its apex, the beam opened into a swirling black hole—a cosmic portal connecting Earth to the void beyond.
From the portal emerged a deafening roar, followed by a cascade of movement.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Densely packed, the Chitauri army poured through the rift, their alien crafts descending like a flood upon New York City.
Loki stood tall, his grin widening as chaos unfolded below. To him, Earth was already conquered
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