S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters – Coulson's Team
Early in the morning, Fitz and Simmons were already in the lab, ready to analyze the genetic formula of the Extremis virus.
Melinda and Coulson were going through the operation report, preparing to follow Killian's leads — tracking down news of suicide bombers that had appeared around the world in recent years.
After scouting and returning to base, Kai greeted the others, then headed back to his office. He filled the kettle and started boiling water for tea.
The bag of tea leaves had come from New Jersey — a small souvenir from his last trip there.
Once the tea was brewed, Kai sat back on the sofa, teacup in hand. He picked up a newspaper and started flipping through it leisurely.
Borsalino's Role Performance +0.1%
It's true — drinking tea and reading the paper at work really is a rare kind of happiness.
"Hey, Kai, did you watch the news last night?"
Coulson walked in after wrapping up his report. He didn't even blink at the sight of Kai relaxing with tea — just smiled as he asked the question.
"News? Haven't really paid attention. What happened?"
Kai set down the paper and gestured toward the teapot. "Tea's still hot. Help yourself."
Coulson grinned and poured himself a cup. "Yesterday, when Stark rushed to Stark Industries, he ran into two guys who'd been injected with the Extremis virus. They were trying to kidnap Pepper."
"He took them down, of course."
"But Natasha and Captain Rogers couldn't save Happy in time. He's seriously injured."
"Mr. Stark's furious with Killian over the incident. After leaving the hospital, he declared war on Killian—right in front of the media."
Coulson grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. On-screen, the cameras were focused on Tony Stark's seaside villa on Malibu Point.
"When he made the declaration last night, Stark mocked Killian on live TV—called him a coward. Told him if he was a real man, he should come and attack him. And then he actually gave out his home address."
"And most importantly—he refused S.H.I.E.L.D.'s help."
Coulson exhaled, shaking his head. "He thinks this is a personal grudge. After what happened to Happy, Tony's gone stubborn as hell. He even refused Cap's help."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "So, what—you're sending me to help Tony?"
Coulson smiled faintly. "That's the idea. Bit of a hassle, and I can't guarantee he'll accept it. But if you're willing, I can put in a request for a bonus with S.H.I.E.L.D."
Kai groaned softly. "Fine. I'll give it a try."
"That's great! Actually—this was Natasha's suggestion. She said—"
Before Coulson could finish, the live broadcast on TV suddenly erupted in chaos.
Reporters screamed as three armed helicopters appeared over the ocean, flying straight toward Stark's villa.
Missiles launched without hesitation.
BOOM!
The explosions rocked the villa. The upper levels cracked and collapsed, stone pillars splitting as the entire structure began to tilt toward the cliff.
Coulson jumped to his feet, turning to tell Kai to move— But the office was already empty.
Malibu Villa
Despite Jarvis's warning, the shockwave from the missile blast sent Tony and Pepper flying.
Mid-air, Tony instinctively raised his hand, summoning the Mark 42 armor and locking it around Pepper instead of himself.
The next second, the blast slammed him into a wall.
Bang!
Tony hit hard and rolled twice across the floor. Before he could get up, the ceiling above them cracked—then collapsed.
Pepper, encased in armor, threw herself over him.
The debris thundered down, shaking the entire structure.
When it finally settled, Pepper opened her visor, looking down at him. "I saved you!"
Tony coughed, wincing. "I saved you first!"
He stood, glancing out the shattered window where the three attack helicopters were lining up another volley.
"Jarvis! Get Pepper out of here!"
The armor reacted immediately, despite Pepper's protests—lifting her off her feet, bursting through the glass, and carrying her to safety.
Another missile hit the villa's cliff supports. The structure groaned, tilting further toward the sea.
Tony braced himself on a cracked pillar, trying to move—when the floor split beneath him.
Crack! Boom!
The villa's foundation gave way. He fell, catching himself on a steel beam jutting from the wreckage.
Looking up, he saw one of the attack helicopters aiming straight at him.
Another missile fired.
"Damn it…" Tony muttered, his grip tightening.
Then—
A blinding flash cut across the collapsing villa.
A figure appeared mid-air—gold light sparking around him.
Facing the incoming missile, Kai raised his foot and—
Kicked it.
The missile spun around mid-flight, whistling back toward its source.
BOOM!
The helicopter exploded into a fiery ball and dropped straight into the sea.
The other two pilots froze for half a second, then opened fire with their machine guns, unleashing a hailstorm of bullets.
Kai looked down at his body riddled with bullet holes and smirked. "Oh, that's so scary."
The bullets phased harmlessly through him—his body flickering like light itself.
He turned his head, glancing back toward the villa. Seeing Pepper's armor reassembling around Tony, he exhaled in relief.
Then Kai looked back at the two remaining helicopters.
His grin sharpened.
"Alright then... let's dance."