78 Three-party “negotiations” -76

The area of New York City known as Hell's Kitchen saw something today it didn't see often. The place was peaceful and clean. Law enforcement that normally kept away from the area were everywhere today. Yet no chaos erupted from this.

Even though the place seemed peaceful, there was still a tension in the air. Everyone knew that this situation wasn't normal, that something big was happening, that something also happened to involve Fisk.

Wilson Fisk wasn't the crime magnate he would become in the future. At this point in time, he was still slowly growing within the cesspool that was Hell's Kitchen, an area that had been left alone by the massive titan that was the Ricci family.

This meant that the area was filled with both opportunity and chaos. With multiple groups and gangs fighting over the profits the area could bring in. Fisk was quickly becoming a big name in the area, with some even starting to call him the kingpin.

Particularly in recent times, since the death of Alexander Ricci, Fisk had been one among many who quickly started to expand to grab the market that would collapse with the death of that titan.

The fall hadn't quite happened yet; some small instances of chaos had shown up in places where the Ricci family was prominent, yet they were small things that had been dealt with easily. Not that many let that stop them.

Wilson Fisk also wasn't about to let his ambitions rest due to this; he was sure it was only a matter of time before the Ricci family ripped itself apart due to infighting.

He was busy building up his forces and finances as well as making useful contacts in the vast underworld. This was also why he had agreed to host a meeting between some big names in crime.

He wasn't a fan of the Hand, they were someone who had recently started to work in Hell's kitchen, while they were reasonable enough and he could work with them, they were in the end competition, yet still too strong to outright get rid of as of now.

Yet other than the Hand, the real reason he decided to host this meeting was due to who the Hand was meeting with; there wasn't a soul in all of the US who didn't know about the 10 rings, not after all the terrorist attacks on American companies and people in Aisa.

Meeting with the Mandarin was risk, yet it was also a massive opportunity, a risk he was willing to take. More then just those two, there would also be someone of high rank from the Ricci family present.

Hosting a meeting of those three was a good opportunity for Fisk, even if nothing came from the meeting that could benefit him in anyway, just the news that he had hosted them would boost his reputation in ways that would benefit his goals.

As Wilson Fisk prepared for the arrival of his high-profile guests, his mind was a whirlwind of strategies and contingencies. The meeting was more than a mere gathering; it was a chance to cement his position in the underworld of Hell's Kitchen and beyond. The presence of the Mandarin and a high-ranking member of the Ricci family, alongside the leaders of the Hand had the potential to elevate his own position greatly.

Fisk's headquarters wasn't anything too over-the-top, yet it was still a large, luxurious building with a lavish interior. Everything was meticulously arranged to accommodate the meeting. Security was tight yet discreet, while every effort was made to accommodate the details of the others.

The first to arrive was the Hand, a small group of men and women who looked slightly downtrodden. They seemed a random mix of young and old, yet Fisk didn't dare slight them, knowing that they, while not the most important guests here today by far, were still important in their own right.

 They had only a few guards with them. Hinting towards the fact that they believed they could protect themselves or that no amount of guards would help should things go sour. The next to arrive was a small army of guards.

These seemed more like a seal team on crack than anything belonging to the underworld. They wore black unmarked tactical gear and powerful top-of-the-line Stark weaponry. Yet the person they protected was a most curious sight.

A small pitch-black childlike silhouette with bright glowing eyes and a creepy smile on their face that also had the same bright glow. Another glow seemed to come off their chest, but one couldn't make out much due to the small tailor-made suit they were wearing.

This, for sure, wasn't the new so-called leader of the Ricci family who had appeared in the news. He might be one of the mysterious lieutenants who had risen to power over Ricci's crime empire after his death.

The fact that he was apparently a child was curious but given that Ricci himself hadn't aged for decades before his death, it wasn't too difficult to imagine that this was someone who had gained the mysterious agelessness while much younger while still being far older than should be possible.

Finally, the Mandarin arrived with a small group of guards and aids by his side. The atmosphere quickly grew increasingly tense upon his arrival. The members of the Hand seemed almost scared. The guards of the Ricci representative looked alert, though the representative seemed no different, though it was hard to tell due to the strange black mask he was wearing.

As the final guest took his seat, Fisk cleared his throat, signaling the commencement of the meeting. His firm voice filled the room. "Let me start by thanking you all for allowing me to host this meeting."

Fisk enjoyed his moment in the spotlight, yet he knew that he role in this meeting was minimal, he wasn't even sure what the meeting was about. So while he would have enjoyed trying to get something more out of the occasion he quickly gave the word to the three parties.

The Mandarin, imposing even in his calm silence, was the first to speak. His voice was deep, resonating with authority. "Mr. Fisk, your hospitality is acknowledged. However your continued presence isn't needed, leave us, take your men with you."

Fisk's eyes narrowed slightly at the Mandarin's blunt dismissal, but he masked any irritation with a practiced smile. "Of course," he said, rising from his seat. "I trust you'll find everything to your satisfaction. My men will be outside should you need any assistance." With a respectful nod, he exited the room, leaving the remaining parties to their clandestine discussion.

Once Fisk had departed, the Mandarin turned his attention to the remaining figures, his gaze lingering on the members of the Hand, scanning them one by one before stopping on one in particular.

"Alexandra, I'm sure Murikami has expressed to you all my demands."

His words, addressed directly to Alexandra, cast a palpable tension through the room. The Hand, known for their secrecy and lethal efficiency, rarely found themselves at a disadvantage. Yet, under the Mandarin's unwavering gaze, a subtle shift in dynamics was unmistakable.

 Alexandra, maintaining her composure, responded with a measured tone, "Murakami has indeed conveyed your... expectations. While we understand your position, we also have our own interests to protect. The Hand is not in the habit of yielding easily."

As if in response to her words, the very air in the room grew heavy, a wind seemed to appear from nowhere, and the rings around Wenwu's arms started to glow and vibrate.

Perhaps due to feeling the direction the situation was turning towards she quickly spoke up again. "Yet for you, Lord Xu, we have decided to compromise."

Her concession brought a momentary pause, the tension momentarily easing as Wenwu's gaze softened, his rings ceasing their ominous vibration. "A wise decision," he acknowledged, his voice holding a hint of respect. "Your flexibility in this matter will not be overlooked. The Ten Rings values allies who understand the importance of... adjustments."

The Ricci representative, still shrouded in the enigmatic aura of the O5 suit, shifted slightly, the glow from their eyes never dimming. "And it isn't like you won't be benefitting somewhat from this deal; after all, Mr. Xu and myself have reached an accord; you will find your continued actions here in this city far easier for it."

Alexandra's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flickering between the Ricci representative and Wenwu. "Indeed? This accord between you and Mr. Xu... I trust it includes considerations for the Hand's interests as well?"

The Ricci representative, Alex still in his disguise, his silhouette emanating a sense of otherworldly calm, responded smoothly, "Naturally." Before turning towards Wenwu.

Wenwu once more took control of the discussion. "Your single dose of the serum isn't enough to sate my thirst. However, given that you have no more, the Ricci family has agreed to give you some assistance in order to fix our mutual problem of a shortage."

The fact that the Mandarin was demanding more than a single dose of the resurrection serum wasn't unnoticed by the members of the hand, who all shifted uncomfortably. Yet they knew that they had to work on producing more no matter what.

After all, if they wanted to remain immortal, they needed another five doses at least. Which was why they could even begin to consider giving up the single one they currently had. They all have an uncomfortable feeling that both the Ricci representative and the Mandarin both knew much more then they should about their reasons for being in New York.

Alex, having been able to spy on their facial expressions, had a pretty good idea of what they might be thinking at that very moment, so he took the chance to push them further. "We are aware of the rarity of dragon bones, we are aware that you seek some buried under this city, you should be aware that without our permission, you won't be able to dig them up."

The members of the Hand exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. Alexandra's posture stiffened slightly, but her voice remained composed as she replied, "Your... assistance in this matter is, of course, appreciated. It seems our interests align more closely than we had initially anticipated."

Wenwu's gaze remained fixed on Alexandra, his expression unreadable. "Indeed," he said slowly, his tone carrying an air of finality. "With the assistance of the Ricci family, the excavation can proceed without unnecessary... interruptions. However, let it be clear, our cooperation is predicated on mutual benefit. The Ten Rings does not forget its debts, nor its allies."

Alex, still enveloped in the dark silhouette of his O5 suit, nodded slightly. "And neither does the Ricci family," he added, the glow from his eyes punctuating his words. "Our collaboration can usher in a new era for all involved, provided that our agreement is honored by all parties."

Even though everyone from the Hand knew that they would surely be getting the short end of the stick in this deal, they also knew that they couldn't do anything. They needed those bones, yet to get them they needed to dig, and dig deep.

Something that could easily be made impossible with the vast resources available to the Ricci family. There was no chance that they could dig for their precious bones and not end up having to share with Wenwu, they would do all the hard work. Yet only get half the reward.

However, no matter how unwilling they were, they could only nod their heads and agree. "Then we are all in agreement then, I on behave of the Hand look forward to our continued cooperation." Alexandra forced out with a stained smile.

Alexandra's forced smile did not go unnoticed, but the assembled leaders hardly cared about such things as they decided to go and take a look at the area where the Hand believed the dragon bones to be buried.

Their sudden exit didn't please Fisk as he had hoped to talk with some of them after their meeting, but he was quick to take whatever opportunity given to him and even as the tree parties left together the news that Fisk had played a big part in the successful deal spread around Hell's Kitchen. 

A/N

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