26: Fury Seeks Kingpin's Help

In the heart of New York City, within the opulent confines of an exquisite hall, a gathering of elegantly dressed individuals in black suits reveled in their enjoyment. Among the sea of attendees, a colossal figure occupied a grand chair at the front, dressed in a crisp white suit, a crimson rose adorning his lapel.

There was no exaggeration in calling him a "giant." The servers who attended to him looked like children in comparison to his towering presence. This imposing figure was none other than the undisputed king of New York's underground realm, Kingpin, also known as Wilson Fisk by those who traversed the city's dark avenues.

As Kingpin leisurely sipped his wine, he inquired, "I've heard rumors that our recent business dealings have been tampered with by Daredevil. Is that true?"

One of his underlings promptly rose to respond, "Yes, Boss Kingpin, but those were merely minor setbacks."

Kingpin nodded thoughtfully, "Well, even minor disruptions make it worth our while to handle Daredevil. However, if we were to be a bit more assertive and succeed in eliminating him, I believe the rewards would be even greater."

A hushed silence befell the gathering, as everyone understood the gravity of such a task. Kingpin's piercing gaze bore into the speaker, who, in turn, promptly prostrated on the floor, breathless and immobilized.

In the midst of this tense atmosphere, a mysterious figure cloaked in black entered the hall. The abrupt interruption did not seem to faze Kingpin, who swiftly abandoned his authoritative demeanor in favor of a welcoming smile.

"Oh, Director Nick Fury, I heard of your arrival. I'll have these drinks and dishes prepared immediately," Kingpin greeted the unexpected guest.

Without acknowledging the flattery, Nick Fury surveyed the room and bluntly instructed, "Clear the room; we need more privacy."

Kingpin immediately gestured for everyone to withdraw, knowing that even in his world of crime, he was but a pawn in the presence of the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Unabashedly respectful now, Kingpin addressed Fury, fully aware that this meeting was not to be taken lightly, "Director Fury, how may I assist you today?"

Fury got straight to the point, unfazed by the obsequious atmosphere, "I require your help in locating an individual within the Thirteenth Block."

Kingpin couldn't help but chuckle, "Director Nick Fury, you must think highly of my abilities. If S.H.I.E.L.D. cannot find this person, how can I?"

Fury, instead of explaining further, presented a video to Kingpin, who watched in astonishment as he beheld a mechanical entity that defied his comprehension.

"Locate this person, but ensure you do not expose their identity. Furthermore, it's imperative that you do not provoke them," Fury added firmly.

Kingpin was left flabbergasted by the impossible task before him, as he pondered the nature of the enigmatic entity in the video.

As he made assurances, Fury continued, "And, have you had any involvement in the disappearance of Tony Stark?"

Kingpin responded firmly, "Director Nick Fury, I have never crossed paths with Tony Stark, and his disappearance in the Middle East, well, that's a region teeming with chaos. I have my own concerns there."

With a nod, Fury and his associate Hill took their leave.

Alone once more, Kingpin regained his composure and pulled out a miniature walkie-talkie, which now seemed like a mere toy in his massive hand. He gave orders to his subordinates, "Search the Thirteenth Block for any recent incidents and gather all relevant files. Place them on my desk by tomorrow morning."

In their return to S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury chose to share his true intentions with Hill, "Coulson's discovery suggests that our target possesses a certain understanding of S.H.I.E.L.D. We cannot risk exposing our agents. This way, I can draw him into our plan."

Hill nodded knowingly, recognizing the strategy at play. 

As they journeyed through the darkened New York streets, a sudden, massive, dark figure darted across their path. Nick Fury braked abruptly, his car skidding to a halt.

"Did you see that?" Fury questioned Hill.

Hill, trembling, managed to respond, "It looked like... a lizard."

Nick Fury's stern countenance darkened further. In his mind, there was no doubt – it was a colossal green lizard that had leapt right in front of them.

"Strap in; we need to get out of here," Fury ordered as he floored the accelerator.

To be continued...