At the Triskelion, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s imposing headquarters looming over Theodore Roosevelt Island in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., the atmosphere was tense and electric. The Triskelion itself-a massive, twenty-story marvel of modern architecture and comic book legend-served as the nerve center for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s global operations. Its vast glass atrium and reinforced steel structure reflected both the agency's commitment to transparency and its absolute need for security in a world filled with superpowered threats.
Inside, Director Nick Fury-the legendary one-eyed leader, his presence unmistakable in a long, black trench coat-stood before a sprawling virtual display. The high-definition screen replayed footage of Su Zhan's recent confrontation with Pyro John: flames swirling, power unleashed, a new name rising on the radar of the world's most secretive organization. With a thoughtful frown, Fury pressed a remote, pulling up Su Zhan's dossier. S.H.I.E.L.D. maintained a comprehensive "list"-a registry of super-powered individuals, each carefully monitored, each a potential threat or asset. Su Zhan had been added the moment he appeared on their radar.
A knock sounded at the door. Maria Hill, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Level 9 agent and Fury's most trusted assistant, stepped inside, her posture crisp, her expression all business.
"Director," she greeted.
"How's the Taxi Plan coming along?" Fury asked, his gaze never leaving the screen.
"All smooth. It should be ready soon," Maria Hill replied, but she hesitated for a moment before adding, "Are you sure about this, sir? I think it's a risky move."
Fury didn't answer her concern directly. Instead, he asked, "What about the candidates?"
Knowing full well there was no changing his mind, Maria handed over the folder she'd brought. Fury flipped it open, scanning the files:
Melinda May, codename "The Cavalry"-the legendary pilot and field operative.
Leo Fitz, a genius in high-tech weaponry and physics.
Jemma Simmons, a brilliant biologist and specialist in advanced technology.
Grant Ward, Level 7 agent and combat expert.
And finally, Skye, the super-hacker and Rising Tide member.
Fury paused, then said, "Add one more: Su Zhan."
"But-" Maria started, concern evident in her tone.
Fury cut her off with a wave of his hand. "His abilities are unique. His identity is a mystery. We don't know if he's a threat yet, but it's easier to judge if he's on the team. Plus, he and Skye are inseparable right now. When the time comes, let him handle it himself."
Maria Hill nodded. "Yes, sir."
Elsewhere, as dusk painted the city in golden hues, Skye glanced at Su Zhan and asked suddenly, "She doesn't seem to have an ordinary relationship with you, does she?"
Su Zhan was caught off guard, then laughed. "I thought you'd ask about the situation, not that."
"A woman's intuition is very accurate. I noticed the way she looked at you," Skye said, her tone light but probing.
"I noticed too. She was definitely wary. She came to invite us to S.H.I.E.L.D., but I didn't think it would be a friendly invitation, so I refused. But she knows your identity," Su Zhan explained calmly. "Still, it doesn't seem like a big problem, so you don't need to worry. Just remember: if anyone wants to hurt you, they'll have to go through me first. Because… you're my girlfriend."
"I know, honey!" Skye replied, her earlier jealousy melting into a sweet happiness.
"But you're amazing. Pyro John was supposed to be tough, but you beat him easily. And… you absorbed his power, right? So, you can control fire now?" Skye asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Of course. If you want, I'll set off fireworks for you tonight!" Su Zhan grinned; his tone playful.
"Okay!" Skye replied happily, her eyes sparkling.
That night, Su Zhan brought Skye to the rooftop of a tall building. The city lights stretched endlessly below as he conjured a dazzling display of fire and smoke. He shaped the flames into glowing letters that spelled out, "I love you, Skye!" against the night sky. For Skye, it was perhaps the happiest moment of her life.
"My dear, am I more beautiful, or is Black Widow more beautiful?" Skye suddenly asked as she lay in Su Zhan's arms, her voice soft and full of curiosity.
Su Zhan couldn't help but smile wryly. It seemed that all women in love were the same-Skye was no exception. He didn't answer; instead, he gently lifted her chin, tilted her head up, and kissed her deeply.
Nearly ten minutes passed before their lips finally parted.
Skye gazed at Su Zhan in a daze, then hugged him tightly, almost wishing they could become one and never separate.
"It's cold, let's go back," Su Zhan said softly, his breath warm against her ear.
"Okay, but you have to carry me down," Skye replied playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"It's my pleasure!" Su Zhan picked Skye up in his arms and carried her down the stairs, holding her close the entire way.
Back in the van, Skye thought Su Zhan might take advantage of the romantic atmosphere, but instead, he just held her gently in his arms.
"You... don't want to do anything?" Skye asked softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Su Zhan smiled. "Of course I want to-really, I do. Every day with you is a test of my willpower. But... I don't think this is the right place. Some things are worth remembering, so we should leave the best memories for the right time."
"My dear, you're so good to me. I... I love you!" Skye murmured, deeply moved. In that moment, she decided she would have no more secrets from Su Zhan.
"Actually, I have a secret I haven't told you. I... I didn't mean to hide it, but I didn't know how to say it. It might be a little dangerous for you," Skye confessed, her voice trembling slightly.
"What is it?" Su Zhan asked, looking at Skye with gentle patience, ready for whatever she might reveal.
"Actually, the reason I became a hacker and learned these skills was to investigate my past. I want to know who my parents are. The best chance to find out is through S.H.I.E.L.D. I joined the Rising Tide organization and opposed S.H.I.E.L.D. partly because I felt they shouldn't keep so many secrets from the world, and partly because I hoped to join them," Skye explained, her eyes shining with determination and vulnerability. "But... if I join S.H.I.E.L.D., you-"
"I'll join too," Su Zhan said without a moment's hesitation. "Wherever you go, I'll go. Besides, you don't have to worry about what S.H.I.E.L.D. will do to me. Maybe they hope I'll join, so they can keep an eye on me more easily!"
"But..."
"No buts. Don't worry about me being in trouble or danger. In fact, joining S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't a bad idea. There's nothing else to do right now and being a superhero doesn't sound so bad!" Su Zhan interrupted her with a reassuring smile. "Alright, it's settled. If there's a chance, I'll join S.H.I.E.L.D. with you."
"Thank you," Skye said softly, her heart full.
"Silly, go to sleep!" Su Zhan said, gently patting her shoulder. Not just for his own goals, but for Skye's sake, Su Zhan was willing to join S.H.I.E.L.D.