I am Thor

"You're playing with fire." Nick Fury said, locked in a tense exchange with the council at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. "The Tesseract is more than just energy—it's something beyond your control."

One senator's voice cut in sharply. "And have you ever fought a war, Director? Because in a real war, you don't want to be dependent on others for power."

"Are you implying that Asgard has declared war on us?"

"No, not Asgard. This is Loki acting alone. He doesn't represent Asgard," Fury clarified.

"What about his brother?" a congresswoman asked. "What's Thor's stance?"

"For now, he shows no hostility toward us," Fury said. "In fact, he's arranged for help from his allies at Trudheim Manor, and he even convinced Captain America to step up."

"And yet," another council member interjected, "you're entrusting the defense of our world to a bunch of misfits and anomalies, when you command the world's finest agents."

Fury's tone hardened. "Let me correct you. They're not 'freaks'—they're extraordinary people with unique abilities. And right now, I need a specialized response team. They may be unconventional and unpredictable, but used correctly, they're our best shot."

"Why put your trust in them?"

"Because," Fury replied, "seventy years ago, we trusted them, and that's why we won the war."

Elsewhere in the universe, Loki was receiving pressure from his cosmic allies.

"The Chitauri are growing restless," a voice warned. "When will you open the portal?"

"Soon," Loki replied calmly. "As long as your army is as powerful as you promised."

"Are you doubting us?" the voice growled, indignant. "Don't forget who gave you this opportunity. When you were defeated—"

"I am the rightful king of Asgard!" Loki interrupted, rage flashing in his eyes. "I was betrayed!"

With renewed fervor, Loki raised the scepter, the Tesseract's glow illuminating his face. "The Tesseract is in my hands now. Until I open the portal, I decide how this plays out."

A silence settled. Then, the voice sneered, "Fine. Play your games. But know this: if you fail, there will be no place left in the universe for you to hide."

The holographic transmission blinked out, leaving Loki to stew in his frustration.

In Thanos's command chamber, Ebony Maw bowed before the imposing figure of Thanos. "Master, do you think Loki will succeed? According to our sources, his brother Thor is also on Earth."

Thanos's expression darkened, his usual purple hue seeming almost black with anger. For ages, he had conquered planets without contest. Yet Thor had dared to intrude upon his domain, causing chaos and even taking his "daughter." Thanos's pride, deeply wounded, now fueled his impatience.

"He's merely a pawn," Thanos muttered. "Success or failure is irrelevant. The true goal is gathering the Infinity Stones for a greater purpose. Right now, the locations of four Stones are confirmed; we're only missing the Reality Stone and the Soul Stone."

He turned to Gamora. "Any progress on locating them?"

Gamora maintained a neutral expression, shaking her head. "No, Father. We've searched extensively, but they remain hidden."

Thanos nodded, unbothered. He never doubted Gamora's loyalty. "I have a feeling," he murmured, "that this will all come to a head in a few years."

In Berlin, a crowd gathered, blocked by Loki as he stood on a high platform, his scepter held aloft. The Mind Stone at its tip glowed as he pointed it toward the crowd.

"Kneel!" he commanded, the stone's light casting an eerie glow over the crowd. Slowly, they obeyed, dropping to their knees, and Loki's expression twisted into satisfaction.

"See? Isn't this natural?" Loki sneered. "Your race is born to serve! The illusion of freedom deprives you of peace. You crave power, authority, and a master!"

A white-haired man in the crowd suddenly stood up, defying the command. "But not to someone like you!" he shouted. "I've lived long enough to see tyrants like you come and go!"

Angered, Loki raised his scepter. "Fine! Let this old fool be an example!"

He aimed, unleashing a bolt of energy. But before it could strike, a shield intercepted it—a shield emblazoned with stars and stripes.

Steve Rogers stood tall, lowering his shield. "The last time I was here, someone else tried to make people kneel," he said calmly. "Didn't end well for him, either."

Loki sneered. "A relic like you? Out of your depth."

"Funny, that's not what your brother said," Steve shot back, deliberately provoking him.

Infuriated, Loki lunged at Steve, and the two clashed in a fierce hand-to-hand fight.

Overhead, a meteor-like object streaked across the sky, and soon Stark's voice buzzed over Natasha's communicator. "Agent Romanoff, miss me?"

A faint smile crossed Natasha's lips. "Sure did. Never realized I had such a big 'nephew.'"

Stark's face fell on the other end. Great, he thought. Not only does this guy have seniority, he's rubbing it in with half the world as witnesses.

Transforming his irritation into energy, Tony targeted Loki with a laser barrage, sending the god sprawling across the pavement. He landed, opened his mask, and aimed his repulsor at Loki. "Drop the scepter, Bambi. Hands up."

Loki considered surrendering, but his recent setbacks left him itching for revenge. Annoyed by Stark's nickname, he pretended to comply, then lunged forward, attempting to stab Stark with the scepter.

Nothing happened.

Loki frowned, stabbing Stark again with the same lack of effect. "Why… why isn't it working?" he stammered, his confidence faltering.

Stark grinned, relaxing. "Tough break, pal. Word of advice—try reading the instructions next time."

Loki's expression shifted from shock to humiliation as he realized his plan was unraveling.

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