SHIELD Headquarters – War Council Room
The air still hummed with residual energy from the Bifrost. The faint aftershock of Thor's departure left an unspoken weight in the room.
Tony sat at the head of the conference table, fingers drumming rhythmically against the polished surface.
Around him sat (or stood) some of the most powerful individuals on Earth, each waiting for what came next.
The Avengers weren't just an idea anymore. They were real.
And this? This was the moment they made it official.
Steve exhaled, breaking the silence. "At least we know Thor's on our side, whenever we need him."
Peggy nodded. "He made it clear—Asgard may call him away, but should the need arise, he'll return."
Clint smirked. "So, what? We've got a part-time thunder god now?"
Natasha arched a brow. "Could be worse. At least he didn't just disappear forever."
Tony, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke, his voice dry. "Yeah, yeah. Goldilocks had to go play space prince. But he left us with a promise. That's more than most people get from gods."
Peggy folded her arms. "And it's more than enough."
Tony nodded, but his mind was already moving. 'Thor's dependable, but he's a variable. We need more constants.'
That's where the others came in.
In the room, seated alongside the others, were three men who had played pivotal roles in the Battle of New York.
Matt Murdock—Daredevil.
Danny Rand—Iron Fist.
And Shang-Chi.
They had fought alongside the Avengers in the chaos, and now came the question—what next?
Peggy looked at them. "You were all invited here because you helped in the battle. And because we believe in what you can do."
Matt adjusted his red-tinted glasses. His face, as always, was unreadable, but Tony didn't miss the subtle tension in his posture.
"I appreciate the offer," Daredevil said finally. His voice was calm, steady, but layered with conviction. "But my fight is in Hell's Kitchen. I can't abandon the people who need me most. That's my war."
Steve leaned forward. "You don't have to abandon it. No one here is saying you need to sign a contract."
Tony nodded. "You helped save New York. Hell's Kitchen is part of New York. If you ever need backup, or if we ever need a guy with your skills, the door swings both ways."
Matt hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'll help whenever I can. Just don't expect me to start wearing an 'A' on my chest."
Clint smirked. "Trust me, the branding's optional."
Natasha shot him a look but didn't argue.
With that, the agreement was made. Daredevil was in—just not all the way in.
Next came Shang-Chi.
He sat relaxed, hands folded, his sharp eyes studying the room. "I don't do politics. But I do believe in balance. If you need my fists, I'll fight."
Steve nodded in approval. "That's all we ask."
Iron Fist, meanwhile, leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "I've spent my life defending K'un-Lun. Now, I think I need to defend more than that. I'm in."
Tony smirked. "Well, at least someone's enthusiastic."
Shang-Chi arched a brow. "I didn't say no."
Tony grinned. "Yeah, yeah. Just making sure you're all feeling the love."
With that, the roster was shaping up. Some full-time, some part-time, but all of them warriors.
Fury leaned forward, elbows on the table. "Alright. We've got the team. Now we need a leader."
Silence.
Natasha smirked. "Well, Stark's already acting like he owns the place."
Tony raised a brow. "Not my fault I have the best chair."
Clint rolled his eyes. "We are in your building, genius."
Steve finally spoke. "We need someone who can think fast, strategize under pressure, and keep us from falling apart when things get tough." His gaze flickered toward Tony. "And whether I like it or not... Stark's already been doing that."
A pause.
Thor had already voted with his absence—trusting them to handle things in his place.
Daredevil didn't comment, but Tony could tell from the slight nod that he wasn't opposed.
Shang-Chi shrugged. "You think fast. I can respect that."
Danny smirked. "Plus, you've got style."
Tony raised a hand. "Flattery will get you everywhere, but let's not pretend I'm a great leader."
Natasha smirked. "You're reckless, arrogant, and unpredictable. But you're also the only one who sees the whole chessboard before the rest of us even know we're playing."
Clint shrugged. "Besides, I'd rather take orders from you than Cap."
Steve rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
Peggy's sharp gaze settled on Tony. "It's settled then. Stark leads."
A beat of silence.
Tony exhaled. "Alright then. King of the nerds it is."
"Which brings us to our next issue," Peggy continued. "A leader is only as strong as his second-in-command."
This time, the answer was obvious.
Steve straightened. "If we're doing this right, then I want in. I might not agree with Tony on everything, but I trust him to see the angles I don't."
Tony grinned. "Aww, Cap. You do like me."
Steve sighed. "Let's just call it mutual respect and move on."
Fury nodded. "Fine. Rogers is second-in-command."
Natasha smirked. "So we've got the genius and the soldier. Should be fun."
Peggy took over. "Now, about SHIELD."
All eyes turned to her.
Fury's voice was steady. "SHIELD has been compromised before. It needs new leadership—someone who won't let it fall apart again." He glanced at Peggy. "You're up, Carter."
Peggy nodded. "I accept. And let me be clear: SHIELD will not repeat its past mistakes. We will work with the Avengers, but we will not be their overseers. Earth's defense isn't a one-agency job anymore."
Tony arched a brow. "So, you're saying SHIELD and the Avengers are equals?"
Peggy met his gaze. "I'm saying that trust is a two-way street, Stark."
Fury smirked. "And with me stepping into a higher role, let's just say I'll still be watching from the shadows."
Tony chuckled. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Cyclops."
Steve leaned forward. "We protect the world. No matter the threat."
Shang-Chi nodded. "No matter the cost."
Daredevil adjusted his glasses. "And we do it our way. No governments. No politics."
Clint smirked. "And we look good doing it."
Tony tapped the table, considering. "Alright, so we're calling ourselves what? Earth's Mightiest Heroes?"
Bruce adjusted his glasses. "It does have a nice ring to it."
Peggy's lips curled slightly. "Earth's first line of defense. That's what you are."
Tony exhaled. "Fine. But I get to put it on the business cards."
As the others stood, stretching, talking, preparing for what came next, Tony lingered.
Steve noticed. "Something on your mind?"
Tony smirked. "Oh, you know. Just thinking a few steps ahead."
Steve frowned. "You've got a plan you haven't told us about, don't you?"
Tony clapped him on the shoulder. "Cap, I always have a plan."
He turned, walking out of the room, his mind already racing.
'Thor's gone. SHIELD's shifting. The Avengers are real now. But the game's just getting started.'