THE FIRST SUNSP⦻T

-Kingpin's Office, Late Afternoon-

The room is dimly lit, casting long shadows on the polished marble floors. The air is thick with tension as Jose Martinez steps into the lavish office, his boots clicking against the floor. At the far end of the room, seated in a large, imposing chair, is Wilson Fisk the Kingpin. His massive frame seems to dominate the space, and his cold, calculating eyes lock onto Jose as he enters.

Kingpin: (calmly) Have a seat, Mr. Martinez.

Jose glares at Kingpin but doesn't hesitate. He walks forward and takes a seat in the chair across from Fisk, his posture rigid. His mind races with suspicion, but he keeps his expression neutral, refusing to show any vulnerability.

Jose: (with an edge to his voice) What do you want from me this time, Kingpin? The last time we met, my cartels were being threatened by you, and I don't want any disrespect like that again.

Kingpin leans back in his chair, his fingers steepled together, as if he's savoring the moment. His gaze never wavers from Jose, and there's a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Kingpin: (in a measured tone) I understand your concerns, Mr. Martinez. And I assure you, that was a misunderstanding... one I'm not keen to repeat.

Jose's jaw tightens at the mention of the "misunderstanding." He's been through enough of Kingpin's manipulations to know that nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

Jose: (snarling) A misunderstanding? Your people were threatening my business, Fisk. If I hadn't stepped in, there wouldn't be any Cartel left to manage.

Kingpin's smile widens just slightly, but it's still devoid of warmth. He regards Jose for a moment before responding.

Kingpin: (casually) You misunderstand, Mr. Martinez. It was never my intention to ruin your operations. In fact, I believe we can help each other, if you're willing to listen.

Jose's brow furrows in suspicion. His gut tells him that Fisk has something bigger planned, something that won't end well for him. Still, he leans forward, trying to maintain a controlled demeanor.

Jose: (gritting his teeth) I'm listening, Fisk. But if this is another game to make me your pawn, it'll be the last one we play.

Kingpin laughs softly, the sound rumbling through the room. His voice is low and measured, almost soothing.

Kingpin: (leaning forward) I respect your spirit, Mr. Martinez. Truly. But I'm not here to play games. What I'm offering you is an opportunity to expand beyond your current operations. Think of it as... a partnership. A mutual benefit.

Jose: (skeptically) A partnership? What kind of "mutual benefit" are we talking about?

Kingpin's smile fades into a more serious expression as he stands up, walking around his desk with deliberate, measured steps.

Kingpin: (slowly, with purpose) You see, there are forces at play in this city that neither of us can ignore. The world is changing, Mr. Martinez. And I believe we can be at the forefront of that change. But to do so, we'll need resources, power, and influence.

Jose feels a slight chill run down his spine as Kingpin continues, his voice growing more insistent.

Kingpin: (coldly) I'm offering you the chance to join that change. To become a part of something much bigger than your Cartels, much bigger than anything you've ever dreamed of.

Jose doesn't respond immediately, his mind working overtime to process the offer. There's something about Kingpin's words, something about the way he speaks, that makes it clear this isn't just a business proposition. The Kingpin wants more.

Jose: (gritting his teeth) You always want more, Fisk. What's in it for me, then? What's the catch?

Kingpin's eyes glint with a dangerous light, and he slowly sits back down in his chair. He leans forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk.

Kingpin: (softly) The catch is simple: you help me eliminate certain... threats. And in return, I help you achieve a level of power that would make your Cartel seem insignificant. Think about it, Mr. Martinez. You could be untouchable. A force to be reckoned with.

Jose's thoughts race. The temptation is there, but so is the risk. He knows he can't trust Kingpin fully, but he also knows that without power, his empire won't last long.

Jose: (sternly) And if I refuse?

Kingpin doesn't flinch. Instead, his gaze hardens.

Kingpin: (coldly) Then you continue to struggle, just like every other small-time player.

Jose's grip tightens on the armrest of his chair. The weight of the decision bears down on him, but he's no stranger to hard choices. He leans back slightly, trying to mask the conflict in his mind.

Jose: (narrowing his eyes) Let me think about it.

Kingpin smiles again, the expression more predatory this time.

Kingpin: (calmly) Take all the time you need, Mr. Martinez. But remember: time is a luxury neither of us have.

The atmosphere in Kingpin's office has shifted, thick with hostility. Jose Martinez stands firm, his jaw set and his eyes locked onto the massive figure of Wilson Fisk. The Kingpin watches him carefully, his expression a mixture of disappointment and cold calculation.

Jose: (sternly) I refuse.

Kingpin leans back in his chair, unfazed by the sharpness in Jose's voice. For a moment, the room is silent, save for the distant hum of the city outside the window. Kingpin's eyes narrow slightly, his lips curling into a small, almost imperceptible smile.

Kingpin: (calmly) Then you're my enemy now.

Jose's eyes flash, but he doesn't flinch.

Kingpin: (pausing, his voice deepening) I can always take you back to Mexico, if you want... I'm sure you'd find it more... familiar.

Jose's gaze hardens as he rises from his seat, his hands gripping the edge of the desk as he leans forward slightly. His tone is firm, unwavering, filled with the weight of everything he's built.

Jose: (coldly, cutting him off) No need, Kingpin. I'm still walking these streets of New York, and that means something. You might have power here, but you're not the only one who can control things.

He steps back from the desk, his posture stiff but defiant, as he continues to speak with a calm authority that matches his confidence.

Jose: (with increasing intensity) I'm an immigrant, Kingpin. I've lived and controlled all of Mexico's Cartels, carving my own empire out of the chaos there. But now I'm here, in New York, and do you honestly think I'm the kind of weak fool who would bow to you?

Kingpin's face tightens, a flicker of something—maybe surprise, maybe anger—flashes across his features, but he quickly masks it.

Kingpin: (smiling darkly, voice laced with menace) You speak of power, but you're still just a pawn, Jose.

Jose stands tall, his gaze unwavering as he takes another step forward, his eyes never leaving Kingpin's.

Jose: (with conviction) If I was a pawn, Fisk, I wouldn't be standing here right now. You underestimate me... and that will be your downfall. You don't control me. Not now, not ever.

The room crackles with tension as the two men lock eyes, the silence hanging heavy. Kingpin's jaw clenches as he stands up slowly, the weight of his stature creating an oppressive presence.

Kingpin: (coldly, almost amused) We'll see about that.

Jose smirks, his resolve unshaken. He turns and walks towards the door, the sound of his boots echoing in the silence. Before he exits, he turns back to Kingpin, his final words ringing in the air like a warning.

Jose: (firmly) I'm not your enemy... but don't make me one.

.

.

The bustling noise of New York surrounds Jose as he strolls down the street, casually biting into a slice of pepperoni pizza he bought earlier from a street vendor. The smell of pizza mingles with the city's unmistakable scent exhaust fumes, food carts, and the faint aroma of coffee from nearby cafes.

As he walks, lost in his thoughts, a frantic voice cuts through the urban symphony.

Woman: (shouting) Stop the balloon! Somebody, please stop it!

Jose glances up and notices a bright red balloon drifting higher into the sky. A small child cries, reaching futilely for the escaping string. Without hesitation, Jose tosses his pizza into its box, sprints forward, and leaps just high enough to grab the trailing ribbon.

He secures the balloon and walks back to the woman, who stands holding the child's hand, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Jose: (calmly) Here you go. No need to panic.

Woman: (smiling) Thank you so much! You have no idea how important this balloon is.

She hands the balloon to the child, who beams up at her. Then, she turns back to Jose, extending a hand.

Woman: My name's Nina. Nina Da Costa.

Jose pauses, raising an eyebrow at the familiar surname but shaking her hand.

Jose: Jose Martinez.

Before he could say more, Nina reached into her bag and pulled out some cash, pressing it into his hand.

Nina: (smiling) Here, take this. A little thank-you for your trouble.

Jose looked at the money, confused, and started to protest.

Jose: (protesting) I don't need-

But Nina was already walking away, waving cheerfully over her shoulder.

Nina: (calling out) Thanks again, Jose! Take care!

Jose stood there, holding the cash in one hand and his half-eaten pizza in the other. He stared at her retreating figure, a mixture of confusion and mild amusement on his face.

Jose: (to himself) What the hell just happened?

He shook his head, slipping the cash into his pocket and returning to his pizza as he continued walking down the street.

Jose: (muttering) This city gets weirder every day.

A group of people had gathered in a semi-circle, watching something with fascination and excitement. Curious, Jose made his way toward the commotion, wiping his hands on a napkin.

As he approached, he saw a woman in a flowing purple dress standing at the center of the circle, her hands gracefully moving through the air as sparks of colorful light danced around her. The crowd gasped as the sparks morphed into the shapes of birds, which flitted through the air before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

The woman bowed slightly, smiling at the crowd, and spoke with a warm, commanding voice.

Agatha: (cheerfully) Thank you, thank you! You're all too kind. Now, who's ready for the next trick?

The crowd clapped eagerly. Jose smirked, unimpressed but intrigued, as he leaned against a nearby lamppost, finishing the crust of his pizza. The woman's gaze scanned the crowd, and suddenly, her eyes locked onto Jose.

Agatha: (calling out) You there! The man with the pizza!

Jose blinked, looking around to make sure she wasn't talking to someone else.

Jose: (confused) Me?

Agatha: (playfully) Yes, you! Don't be shy. Come on up!

The crowd turned to look at him, some people chuckling. Jose sighed, tossing the pizza box into a nearby trash can as he stepped forward.

Jose: (grinning slightly) Alright, alright. But I'm not pulling rabbits out of hats or anything.

The crowd laughed, and Agatha gestured for him to stand beside her.

Agatha: (smiling) Oh, don't worry, darling. I do all the magic here. Now, tell me, what's your name?

Jose glanced at the crowd, feeling their eyes on him, then looked back at the woman.

Jose: (calmly) Jose just Jose...

Agatha: (grinning) Well, Mr. Jose, how about you lend me a hand? I promise it won't hurt much.

Jose raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he glanced at the crowd.

Jose: (suspiciously) What kind of "hand" are we talking about?

Agatha smirked, leaning in slightly as her voice dropped to a lower, almost conspiratorial tone.

Agatha: (softly) Just a little fun. Let's see if you're as ordinary as you look... or if there's something more beneath the surface.

The crowd murmured with excitement, the tension rising as Jose considered her words. Finally, he rolled his shoulders and sighed.

Jose: (reluctantly) Fine. But if this is a trick to make me look stupid, I'm walking.

Agatha: (chuckling) Oh, don't worry, Jose. The only trick here... is discovering what lies hidden.

Agatha stood in the center of the circle, the energy around her crackling with mystery. She waved her hands theatrically, her voice commanding and filled with flourish.

Agatha: (grinning) Abracadabra, Jose! Let us see your future!

Jose stood still, arms crossed, unimpressed.

Jose: (flatly) Yeah? Nothing happened.

The crowd chuckled lightly, but before anyone could dismiss the moment, Jose's eyes began to shift, moving independently of each other. He blinked rapidly, his expression shifting from skepticism to confusion and then fear.

Jose: (stammering) What the hell...

Suddenly, visions flooded his mind. He saw himself strapped to a metallic table, men and women in lab coats standing over him, injecting him with unknown substances. Pain radiated through his body as his skin began to glow, his veins coursing with fiery energy.

His body transformed, encased in a radiant shell of solar energy. He saw himself walking through cities, his presence casting both light and heat, admired by some, feared by others. The visions shifted to a wedding ceremony he was exchanging vows, but the bride's face was blurred, impossible to recognize.

The flood of images overwhelmed him, and he clutched his head, his voice cracking with desperation.

Jose: (shouting) Stop! Make it stop!

The crowd stepped back in alarm, their laughter and curiosity replaced by concern. Agatha's smirk faded as she watched Jose stumble backward, her expression unreadable.

Agatha: (calmly) Fascinating...

But Jose wasn't listening. He bolted from the circle, shoving past the onlookers, his breath ragged as he tried to shake the haunting images from his mind.

Jose: (to himself, panicking) This isn't real. It's just some trick... Just a stupid trick!

The echoes of Agatha's voice followed him as he ran down the street.

Agatha: (calling out) You can't escape your destiny, Jose!

Agatha lowered her hands, her expression unreadable as she whispered to herself.

Agatha: (softly) Interesting... very interesting future.

Meanwhile, Jose ran as fast as his legs could carry him, his heart pounding in his chest.

Jose: (to himself, panting) What the hell was that? What did she do to me?

-Meanwhile to Kingpin-

The atmosphere in the dimly lit penthouse was tense, with the most dangerous figures in New York's criminal underworld seated around a large, round table. At the head of it sat Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, his massive frame imposing as he tapped his fingers rhythmically on the polished wood.

Scattered across the table were the few who could make it in person: Tombstone, stoic and unflinching; Hammerhead, adjusting his tie with a scowl; The Owl, his sharp features twitching with impatience; Madame Masque, her masked face betraying nothing; Mister Negative, calm but clearly interested in the discussion; Lady Yulan, poised yet visibly uneasy; and Mariah Dillard, exuding a quiet authority.

Kingpin: (authoritatively) Thank you all for coming. Those who couldn't attend have sent their proxies, but this matter requires the insight and commitment of the leaders present. The Mexican cartels have long operated as a separate entity, but Jose Martinez, their so-called leader, has encroached on our territory a very long time... His presence is a threat to our control of New York. He must be dealt with permanently.

Hammerhead: (gruffly) So what's the plan? You gonna send us all south of the border to take him out?

Kingpin: (shaking his head) No. Jose has made way here in New York our playground since i call a meeting earlier. That's where we'll end him.

Lady Yulan, seated further down the table, leaned forward, her voice calm but cutting.

Kingpin: (shaking his head) No. Jose has made way here in New York our playground since i call a meeting earlier. That's where we'll end him.

Lady Yulan, seated further down the table, leaned forward, her voice calm but cutting.

Lady Yulan: (calmly) If we kill Jose, there's a bigger issue at stake. Without him, the Mexican cartels will descend into chaos. They'll splinter, each faction fighting for power. It's not just about one man; it's the stability of their entire network.

Kingpin turned his cold gaze toward her, his voice sharp and commanding.

Kingpin: (snapping) Shut up, Yulan. Do you think I'm an idiot?

The room went silent, save for the faint hum of the city outside. Yulan stiffened but held her ground.

Kingpin: (pointing at her) I know all about your... history with Martinez. Don't think for a second I've forgotten.

Tombstone raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Hammerhead let out a low whistle.

Mister Negative: (curiously) History?

The room went silent again, tension crackling in the air like electricity. Yulan didn't flinch, but her jaw tightened as Kingpin leaned forward.

Kingpin: (mocking) You of all people should know better. Don't think I've forgotten your... relationship with Martinez before you married into power. Or do you expect me to believe you're objecting for purely professional reasons?

Lady Yulan: (coldly) My personal history has nothing to do with this. My concern is strictly business. Chaos in the cartels will spill over into our operations.

Mariah Dillard: (smirking) She's got a point, Fisk. Cleaning up their mess might cost us more than just taking out one man.

Mister Negative: (interjecting) And yet, if we let him continue, his influence grows unchecked. It's a delicate balance.

Kingpin: (leaning forward) And who do you think will pick up the pieces? I will. The Mexican cartels will answer to me, just like every other organization in this city.

Mariah Dillard: (dryly) And you think the cartels will bow to you just because you killed their leader?

Kingpin: (grinning) They won't have a choice. Fear is the most effective weapon in our arsenal.

The Owl chuckled softly, breaking the tension slightly.

The Owl: (mockingly) Always the strategist, Fisk.

Kingpin: (coldly) And don't you forget it.

Lady Yulan: (calmly) You're playing a dangerous game, Fisk. Jose isn't like the others you've crushed.

Kingpin: (snarling) Shut up, Yulan! Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I don't know the risks? I'm asking for your input, not your damn moral lectures!

Lady Yulan's gaze never wavered, but there was a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. Kingpin's anger was palpable, but she stood firm. She had her own reasons, personal ones, for thinking twice about Jose's death.

Kingpin: (icy) Now, I'll ask again. Raise your hand if anyone here disagrees with eliminating Jose Martinez.

A silence fell over the room. Kingpin's glare swept across the table, daring anyone to speak up.

Mister Negative (after a pause, reluctantly raising his hand): (sighing) I can't. Jose... he's been one of my greatest friends and assets. You know how valuable he's been to me. We've been through too much together for me to betray him like this.

The room grew even quieter as Mister Negative's hand remained raised. Kingpin's gaze locked onto him, his lips pressing into a thin line.

Kingpin: (gritting his teeth) Negative, this is business. Nothing personal. But I understand.

Then, without a word, Tombstone raised his hand as well, his stony face impassive.

Tombstone: (gruffly) I agree with Negative. Jose's been good for business. He's a valuable asset. Killing him... it's a bigger risk than you're letting on, Fisk.

Kingpin's eyes flashed with irritation, but before he could respond, he saw Lady Yulan slowly raise her hand, only to lower it again, her face betraying a moment of guilt. She whispered, almost inaudibly, as if speaking to herself.

Lady Yulan: (softly) I'm sorry, Jose...

Kingpin: (gritting his teeth) So, it's settled then. You two want to get in my way? You've got your reasons, fine. But don't think I'll back down. Martinez is mine to deal with.

His glare swept across the room, the weight of his authority hanging in the air. The crime lords remained silent, their conflicting loyalties and fears palpable. Kingpin could feel the tension in the room how some still valued the Mexican Cartel's power, but none dared to challenge him outright.

Kingpin: (commanding) The decision is final. We move forward with eliminating Martinez. Prepare yourselves, and do not fail me.

Madame Masque: (confuse) So, we're just going to eliminate him? Sounds simple enough?

Hammerhead: (grinning) Yeah, and one that doesn't leave us cleaning up a mess bigger than the one we started with.

Kingpin: (growling) You all worry too much. Martinez is a man, not a god. We eliminate him, and we ensure his cartel stays fractured. Divide and conquer.

-Season 1/Act 1: WEAPON X-