The Baxter Building hummed with its usual symphony of machines, computers, and Reed Richards' constant tinkering. Greta, Candy, Louis, and Mona were still in awe of the place — a tower that looked more like the heart of tomorrow than a headquarters of today.
Candy leaned against the console, eyes wide at the array of glowing screens. "So this is where all the crazy inventions happen. I feel like if I press one button, I'll launch a rocket."
"Don't even think about it," Greta said firmly, though her lips twitched with a grin.
Before Louis could reply with his usual sarcasm, Reed's communicator buzzed sharply. The Fantastic Four leader answered, his expression instantly hardening as the image of Nick Fury appeared on the screen.
"Richards," Fury's voice carried urgency, deeper than usual. "We've got a situation. The Black Serpents aren't just a fringe threat anymore. They've moved into full-scale war."
The room fell silent.
"They've already engaged S.H.I.E.L.D units," Fury continued, "and the Avengers are in the thick of it right now. But this is bigger than anything we've seen. We'll need every powerhouse we can gather. That means you and your team. Tell me you're in."
Reed glanced at Sue, Johnny, and Ben — but the unspoken answer was clear. He turned back to the screen. "We're in."
Mona, who had been standing quietly near the viewport, finally spoke. "If the Avengers are already fighting, then this really is serious. We can't sit this one out."
Greta nodded firmly. "We'll help. All of us. Whatever it takes."
Candy cracked her knuckles, a fire dancing in her eyes. "Finally, something that actually matches the energy I've been waiting for."
Louis adjusted his glasses and exhaled slowly. "You realize this isn't just another fight, right? This is world-ending scale. Still…" He looked at the others. "…better to go down swinging than to stand by and do nothing."
Fury's voice broke through again. "Good. I'll send you coordinates. We'll regroup at one of our S.H.I.E.L.D facilities before moving out."
The screen flickered out, leaving the room heavy with anticipation.
Johnny stormed toward the hangar. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go light up some snakes!"
Ben chuckled darkly, cracking his rocky fists. "Now that's a fight I've been itching for."
Within the hour, the group was airborne in one of S.H.I.E.L.D's sleek transport crafts, the city below shrinking into a blur of lights and steel. Greta sat near the viewport, watching the clouds tear past. Candy leaned against the wall, humming a restless tune. Louis scribbled notes in a small leather-bound book, while Mona clasped her hands together as if preparing for a storm she could already sense.
As the engines roared, Sue looked over at the four newcomers. "You don't have to do this, you know. No one would blame you if you stayed behind."
Greta met her gaze without hesitation. "We've already decided. This isn't just your fight anymore. It's ours too."
The transport shuddered as it descended. Floodlights bathed the landing zone — a massive S.H.I.E.L.D base buzzing with agents, weapons, and urgency. The roar of jets and the bark of orders filled the air.
As the ramp lowered, Fury was there waiting, his trench coat whipping in the wind.
"Welcome to the war," he said grimly.
And with that, Greta, Candy, Louis, and Mona officially stepped into the heart of the battle — alongside the Fantastic Four, S.H.I.E.L.D, and the Avengers.