Clink.

Thump.

Clank.

Thump.

Fury turned, fuming. "Stark, I thought I made it clear-" He faltered.

A looming figure appeared before him, within the shadows. "They were fools. Believing they could engage Thanos empty-handed. How very… arrogant." He smirked.

"You-" He began trembling. "I-" A string of curse words ran through Fury's head. He swallowed. "There was no other option." No other man could unnerve Fury like this.

The man ignored him.

"There is something I acquire. An energy source." His voice was deep.

"The tesseract?" Fury laughed harshly, the edge in his voice gone. "You're a little late for-"

"No." His voice commanded silence.

After a moment, he continued, "I have no interest in the tesseract. It is a far too predictable target, and of course, out of reach. Thanos always was careless." He spit the name.

"Thanos-"

"Have you ever known me to achieve power for power's sake?" He spoke threateningly. It was not a question.

When Fury did not respond, the man continued, "Besides, such blatant tactics are beneath me. No. I acquire something more…" He paused. "Metallic."

"Metallic…?" The edge in Fury's voice was back.

He continued to pay no attention to Fury's questions. "I suspect a war is coming." Another pause. "Wakanda is more secretive than it lets on."

"A war?" Fury's instincts kicked in. "We, and I mean every goddamn Avenger in this universe, are prepared to fight. You will be stopped. You have been before."

He smirked at the sudden change in demeanor. "If I thought you could stop me, Nicholas, I would not be revealing my plans to you. Besides, I acquire your… assistance."

The man looked as if he was expecting a response. Choosing to ignore the part about "his assistance," Fury managed to squeeze out, "There is hope. We have Banner back, Stark is building again, and the Baxter building is almost-"

"Hope?" He laughed, and its booming sound seemed to vibrate the walls. "Hope? No. There is only…"

He stepped forward, cape brushing against the tile. A gleam of light reflected against the sharp titanium mask.

"Doom."