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  In the middle of New York, Nero walked with his crew, sisting of Maria, Anthony, Sofia, Donald, and Diego. Despite his reservations about ing to the epiter of forthing aria had insisted orip for business, and the others were eager to visit.

  The city buzzed around them, its energy palpable. Nero adjusted his suit jacket, gng at Maria, who walked beside him with an air of fidence. Anthony, t and muscur, kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.

  "Feels like the calm before the storm," Nero remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

  Maria chuckled softly. "You always think everything is about to explode, Nero. Sometimes, it's just a walk iy."

  Anthony grinned. "Maybe for you, Maria. For Nero, it's always strategy."

  Sofia, her green eyes sparkling with excitement, nudged Donald. "What do you think of New York, Donald? Not too different from home, right?"

  Donald, leaning slightly on his e, gave a wry smile. "Fewer broken bones and more skyscrapers. I think I prefer my usual chaos."

  Diego fshed a dazzling smile at a passerby who blushed in response. "It's the people, really. So many stories, so much potential... it's like a living novel."

  Nero shook his head, ughing. "Always the poet, Diego. Just make sure your living novel doesn't bee a tragedy."

  Diego protested, "Hey, tragedies are more of our local giant Shakespeare's hobby really. I am more of a romance guy. Seriously, romaween a few guys."

  Anthony spped his back. "I'm no Shakespeare, Diego. Maybe I shake and have a spear, but I 't live up to that title. Right babe?"

  Sofia rolled her eyes, choosing not to answer. Instead, she turo Maria. "Where's Mary Jane?"

  Maria giggled. "She should be close by. I heard she'll brier along too."

  The group chuckled, knowing it would be amusing to i with Spider-Man, especially sihey were aware of his secret identity while he remained oblivious to their knowledge.

  Soon, they arrived at a well-known local café and took their seats. Mary Jane was already there, sitting with a teenage boy who looked half excited, half nervous.

  As they settled in, Nero leaned back, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Peter, right? o meet you. Didn’t know MJ had a friend with her."

  Peter shifted unfortably, trying to maintain his posure. "Just tagging along with MJ. Always good to meet new people."

  Maria smirked, sensing his unease. "So, Peter, aing stories from the city?"

  Peter's eyes darted around the group. "Uh, not really. Just the usual stuff. You know how it is."

  Diego leaned in. "e on, there must be something iing. A city like New York is never dull."

  Peter chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I guess. It's just... normal stuff."

  Nero exged a gh Anthony. "Normal? In New York? That’s a bit hard to believe."

  Mary Jaerjected, trying to ease Peter's disfort. "Peter's always busy with his photography. You knoturing the city's essence."

  Sofia nodded, pying along. "Photography, huh? You must see a lot of a."

  Peter shrugged, smiling awkwardly. "Sometimes. But it's mostly just iing angles and good lighting."

  Donald tapped his e thoughtfully. "Sounds like you’re quite dedicated. Any award-worthy capture? You must be quite fast with shots."

  Peter shook his head eagerly, seizing the opportunity to steer the versation. "None really. I am just an amateur. But yeah, it's all about finding the right moment."

  "So, I heard there's a friendly neighborhood hero around, saving people, fighting monsters." Sofia teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  Anthony chuckled, "Family business?"

  Diego shook his head, "I doubt spider genes pass from geion to geion. I’ve never heard of that before."

  Sofia rolled her eyes, "Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah, MJ, know anything about this hero?"

  Mary Jane smiled, shaking her head. "Not much, really. Just the usual stories—swooping in to save the day, dealing with the city's criminals."

  Peter shifted unfortably in his seat, trying to py it cool. "Yeah, he's quite the character. I've seen him a few times while out on my photography runs. Always seems to be in the right pce at the right time."

  Nero leaned forward, his gaze steady oer. "And what do you think of him? Hero material or just aninte?"

  Peter hesitated, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on him. "I think... I think he means well. New York's a tough city, and sometimes you need someone willing to get their hands dirty."

  Maria nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's not easy bang a normal life with such responsibilities. Must be a lot of pressure."

  "Yeah," Peter agreed, gng at MJ. "It be. But I guess someone has to do it, right?"

  Diego grinned, "And what about you, Peter? Ever thought of stepping into those shoes? You know, being the oo save the day?"

  Peter ughed nervously. "Me? No way. I think I'll stick to capturing the moments, not creating them."

  Donald, who had been quietly , chimed in. "Everyone has their role. Maybe your role is t those moments to light, show the world what these heroes do."

  Peter smiled, appreciating the se. "Thanks, Donald. Maybe you're right."

  They spent the afternoon at the café, enjoying each other's pany and the vibrant energy of New York. Peter and Mary Jaually bid their goodbyes, leaving Nero and his gang in the café.

  "So, where are we meeting this person?" Nero asked as he raised his hand to signal for the check.

  Maria, pying with her bag alongside Sofia, answered, "Not far. I chose this locatioo its proximity."

  When the check arrived, Nero left a few bills oable, and they all stood up to leave. They drove Nyx. The jourook them to the Upper East Side, just outside of New York, where a massive mansion awaited them.

  Upon their arrival, a legion of butlers opehe door and lined up on both sides to wele them. The mansion's grandeur was almost overwhelming.

  The butler at the front of the line, an elderly man with a dignified demeanor, stepped forward and bowed. "Wele, Mr. Prince. Mr. Worthington is expeg you."

  Nero nodded, aowledging the butler. "Lead the way."

  As they walked through the grand halls, the opulence of the mansion became more apparent. Priceless art adorhe walls, and every piece of furniture seemed to be an antique.

  Sofia whispered to Anthony, "This pce looks like it's straight out of a history book."

  Anthony grinned, "Yeah, I hem, in my room!"

  They were led te study, where Warren Worthington III sat behind an ornate mahogany desk. He stood as they entered, a charming smile on his face. "Mr. Prince, heard a lot about you."

  Nero ughed as he shook Warren's hand. "Only the good things, I hope."

  Warren smirked. "The best, of course. And the most intriguing. Please, have a seat."

  As they settled into the plush chairs, ook a moment to admire the opulent decor. Anthony remaianding, ever the vigint bodyguard. Maria and Sofia shared a knowing gnce, both sensing the underlying tension in the room.

  "So," Warren began, leaning back with a casual elegance. "What brings you to my humble abode today, Nero?"

  Nero’s eyes glinted with purpose. "Opportunities and alliances, Warreh know the value of strong partnerships, especially in times like these."

  Warren nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. And what sort of alliance are you proposing?"

  Maria leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "We're looking for support, both financial and strategi return, we offer prote and colboration oain... mutual is."

  Warren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Prote from what, exactly?"

  Nero’s smile was cold and calcuted. "From the chaos that's brewing. You and I both know that New York is a p waiting to explode. With our bined resources, we trol the bst and steer it to our advantage."

  Warren sidered this, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk. "And what do you need from me specifically?"

  Diego interjected smoothly. "Your bag, Warren. Financial support tthen our operations and your influeo open doors that might otherwise remain closed."

  Warren's gaze shifted, assessing each member of Nero's group before settling on Nero himself. "I am afraid I am not sure what you are ."

  Nero leaned forward, his expression serious. "May I be brutally ho, Warren?"

  Warren raised his hand, signalio tinue. Nero hen pced a bundle of photographs on the desk in front of Warren. As Warren examihe images, his eyes narrowed. The photos depicted various ses and individuals with extra limbs, unusual skin colors, or abilities far beyond what could be sidered normal.

  "What does this mean?" Warren's voice was cold, his eyes fixed on Nero.

  Nero leaned back, crossing his legs. "Warren, like I said, I will be ho. I know about your feather situation. Though it is manageable now, in a week or two, something big is going to happen. People like you, or those in the pictures, call themselves Mutants. Currently, two majroups are at the forefront, and one is pnning a drastic move that will put mutants into the spotlight. This will certainly impact even bystanders."

  Warren's fingers drummed on the desk as he processed the information. "And you want my support to navigate this impending chaos?"

  "Precisely," Nero replied. "With your financial bag and influence, we strengthen our operations and steer the situation to our advantage. Iurn, we offer to protect people like you and work together in some of the projects that may require your presence."

  Maria added, her tone persuasive, "Warren, this is an opportunity to be on the winning side when the dust settles. Your resources bined with our strategic capabilities will ensure we're not just surviving, but thriving."

  Warren's expression remaihoughtful. "And what about the risks? The exposure?"

  Donald spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "Exposure is iable, but it's about how we trol the narrative. With your influence, we mitigate the fallout and direct public perception."

  Sofia nodded, chiming in, "We've already begun pnning for various sarios."

  Warren scrutinized each face before him, his gaze intense. "And how do I know I trust you?"

  Nero leaned forward, his smile widening as he extended his hand, which began to shimmer and darken, covered by an almost ethereal shadow. "We're a bit of mutants ourselves" he quipped, his tone light yet revealing.

  Warren’s eyes widened momentarily before he burst into ughter, the tension in the room dissolving. "Well, that certainly makes things more iing. Alright, you've got my attention."

  As they left the mansion, the grand doors closing behind them, Diego couldn't help but chuckle. "Did you see his face? Priceless. And, he’s kind of cute."

  Sofia rolled her eyes pyfully, nudging Diego. "You need me to set you up? I’ve got a good track record."

  Diego grinned, "As tempting as that is, I'll manage. Besides, I think he’s a bit out of my league."

  Maria looked at Diego in disbelief. "Humble Diego? Who are you? And what have you doo the real Diego?"

  Diego grinned, shrugging nontly. "Just being ho, Maria. Even I know my limits."

  Nero chuckled. "Why don't we hit up a nightlife of New York before we head back? Let off some steam."

  Diego's eyes lit up. "Now you're talking, Nero. I know just the pce."

  Anthony looked skeptical but intrigued. "As long as it's not one of those sketchy underground pces you usually like."

  Diego raised his hands defensively. "I promise, it's a cssy joint. You'll love it."

  Nyx's headlights blinked in respohe car's engine purring to life as if in agreement.

  As they piled into the car, Diego took the fro, guidihrough the bustling streets of New York. The city lights fshed by, painting a vibrant picture of the nightlife awaiting them.

  "So, Diego, what's this pce called?" Maria asked, leaning forward from the back seat.

  Diego turned slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It's called Elysium. Exclusive, elegant, and eic. Just like us."

  Donald, sitting beside Maria, chuckled. "Sounds like a good time. I could use a break from all the madness."

  The ride was smooth, Nyx navigating the traffic effortlessly. As they approached the club, the neon sign of Elysium glowed brightly, casting an inviting light orance. A line of eager patrons waited outside, but the bouncer, reizing Diego, waved them through without hesitation.

  Ihe club ectacle of lights, musid energy. The dance floor acked, and the bar was buzzing with activity. Diego led them to a VIP se, where they could enjoy a bit of privacy amidst the chaos.

  Sofia immediately started tapping her foot to the beat. "This pce is awesome! Good call, Diego."

  Diego bowed theatrically. "Thank you, thank you. Now, who's up for a dance?"

  Maria grabbed Nero's hand, pulling him towards the dance floor. "e o's show them how it's done."

  Nero ughed, allowing himself to be led. "Alright, but don't bme me if I step on your toes."

  Anthony gri Diego and took Sofia's hand, pulliowards the dance floor. Diego g Donald, who shivered slightly.

  "Sorry, cripple," Donald said, leaning on his e.

  Diego sighed dramatically. "You use that excuse just to avoid dang with me? Cold, Donald. Cold!"

  Donald smiled, ign Diego's exaggerated pout, and poiowards a group of men at the bar. "Seems like your type."

  Diego followed his gaze, his eyes lighting up. "Now that's more like it," he said, already making his way towards the bar with a charming smile.

  They joihe others on the dance floor, the vibrant music pulsing around them. Nero found himself rexing, letting the rhythm take over. Maria moved with a fluid grace that was mesmerizing, ached her steps, their movements in perfect harmony.

  Anthony and Sofia were lost in their own world, dang close, their e evident in every move. Despite his t frame, Anthony moved with surprising agility, and Sofia's ughter was iious.

  After a while, they returo their VIP se to catch their breath. Donald was already seated, sipping on a drink and watg the crowd with a ptive expression. Diego returned, fnked by two men who were clearly captivated by his charisma.

  "So, how was the scouting mission?" Nero asked, smirking at Diego.

  Diego grinned. "Successful, as always. Meet Alex and Ben."

  The two men nodded, looking a bit star-struck by the group.

  "o meet you," Anthony said, extending a hand.

  "Likewise," Alex replied, shaking his hand.

  Ben looked around, still taking in the se. "This pce is incredible. hought I'd end up in the VIP se of Elysium."

  Diego pulled two men away from the group. "We’re at the stage," he announced before dang away with them. Nero smiled, shaking his head, but his smile quickly faded as he noticed a man taking Diego’s empty seat. The newer, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit with a charming but arrogant demean Maria and Sofia.

  "Well, hello there, beautiful dies. How about joining me for a drink?" he proposed, his tone fident.

  Anthony's fist ched, ready to intervene, but Nero subtly signaled him to stand down. Maria gave the man an unimpressed look. "Not ied."

  Sofia leaned into Anthony’s embrace, mirr Maria's disi.

  The man didn’t seem deterred. "Seems like I’m not as famous as I used to be. It is I, Tony Stark."

  Reition fshed across their faces. One of the richest men in the try and a notorious pyboy, Tony Stark was a hey knew well. Nero had reized him from the start, his keeaking in the billionaire's fident posture and trademark smirk.

  Tony’s focus shifted baaria. "You know, a woman like you deserves the best. I could show you a world beyond your wildest dreams."

  Maria rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "I’m quite tent with my world, thank you."

  Uony turo Sofia. "And what about you? A man of my stature could offer you anything you desire."

  Sofia snorted, "I already have everything I need right here."

  Tony ughed, seemingly enjoying the challenge. "You dies are a tough crowd. How about this? One drink. If you’re not impressed, I’ll leave you in peace."

  Nero leaned back, watg the iion with amusement. "I think they’ve made themselves clear, Stark."

  Tony's eyes met Nero’s with a glint of curiosity. “You don’t look like a s or a movie star. She’s clearly out of your league, buddy.”

  Nero smirked, amusement flickering in his golden eyes. “I’m well aware. Lucky me, right?”

  Maria’s expression softened as she leaned in and kissed Nero. Tony groaned dramatically, “Ugh, love.”

  Tony shifted his attention baaria and Sofia, ying on the charm. “You know, dies, I have a private jet waiting. We could be in Paris by m. Ever had champag 30,000 feet?”

  Sofia cpped her hands, feigning innoce, "I like this game. Let me try." She eyed Tony up and down, then said, "A rich, pompous scum who thinks he get any girl with money. If not, his silver tongue and all the toys he has. And when, God forbid, any of those women say no, he’ll just ig arying. After all, it's he, Tony Stark, and he doesn’t care what others think."

  Tony grinned, unfazed by Sofia's harsh words. "Ouch, harsh. But I like ‘em feisty." He leaned in closer, his voice smooth as silk. "You know, there’s more to me than just money and toys. I have a heart too, ohat's ag to show you a good time."

  Maria rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "We've heard it all before, Stark. Save it for someone who cares."

  Tony’s grin widened. "e on, dies. Just one drink. What’s the harm in that?"

  Nero, the iion with a smirk, decided to interveony, you really think a drink will ge their minds? They’re not as easily swayed as you think."

  Tony raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Nero. "And what about you, Mr. Serious? What’s your secret for keeping these lovely dies around?"

  Nero chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Respect, Tony. Something you might want to try."

  Tony looked at him, "Hmm, no. B."

  Before he could tinue, a hand patted him on the shoulder. "How about you show me some good times? I heard a lot about pyboy Tony; you must be good." Diego arrived, his usual fidence radiating from him.

  Tony literally shivered as he said, "Diego?"

  Diego grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Surprised? You shouldn't be. You do make quite the impression."

  Tony forced a smile, trying tain his posure. "I see my reputation precedes me."

  "Oh, it does," Diego replied, leaning in closer, "But you live up to it?"

  Tony chuckled nervously, "Well, I'm always up for a challenge. But it seems you already have your hands full with admirers."

  Diego ughed, a carefree sound that eased some of the tension. "I do, but there's always room for one more. What do you say, Stark? Up for a little dance?"

  Toated, gng at Nero, who watched the exge with amusement. "I'm more of a talker than a dancer, but maybe aime."

  Diego pouted pyfully. "A shame. I was looking forward to seeing those moves. Maybe ime then."

  Tony nodded, relief visible on his face. "Yeah, maybe ime."

  As Tony excused himself, Nero leaned back, his gaze shifting to Diego. "You hahat well."

  Dieged, a sly smile pying on his lips. "What I say? I have a way with people."

  Sofia ughed softly "Looks like Diego saved us from another round of Tony's charm offensive."

  Anthony grinned, "He's good at that. Now, let's get back to enjoying the night."

  The group settled bato their seats, the music pulsing around them. Maria leaned into Nero, her voice soft. "You seemed to know him before he introduced himself."

  Nered. "He’s one of those heroes. Well, he will be soon."

  The group looked at him in disbelief. "Him?" Anthony asked. "That bastard?"

  Nero chuckled. "Yep. He will be the Iron Man."

  Anthony shook his head, disbelief clear on his face. "Him? Iron Man? You have to be kidding."

  "No joke," Nero replied, amusement glinting in his golden eyes. "He’s got the brains and the resources. Just needs a bit of dire."

  Maria leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "And you think he’ll actually make a difference? With all his ego?"

  Nero nodded. "More than you'd think. He'll o be knocked doeg or two first, but that's ing."

  The group shared a knowing gnce, uanding Nero's fiden his knowledge of the future. They decided to let the matter rest, ign the boisterous Tony Stark and fog on enjoying the rest of their evening.

  As the night wore on, the musi Elysium tio pulse, and the group fell into a fortable rhythm. As they gathered their things and prepared to leave, Nero caught Tony's eye across the room. The billionaire raised his gss in a mock salute, a smirk on his lips.

  Nero returhe gesture with a nod, his expression unreadable. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Nyx was already waiting for them.

  “Home, Nyx," Nero said.

  "Of course, Little Brother," Nyx replied, the car's voice warm and familiar. The engine roared to life, and they were off, weaving through the city's streets with practiced ease.

  --

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