“So, how is the Shawarma?” Mr. Stark asked as I took a bite.

“It is rather good.” I replied.

I had honestly expected for there to be no one in the Shawarma joint but surprisingly, the staff had hidden themselves in the basement.

We called them out after assuring them that the invasion was over but they were rather afraid of us since they had seen aliens attacking the city just a few minutes ago. And Thor and Loki didn't inspire any confidence with their outfit either.

However, one look at the social media and they were ready to serve us for free upon seeing the pictures of us fighting against the aliens and saving the city. Although I didn't know there was an idiot in this world who had enough time to click pictures of us instead of trying to save himself from the Chitauri.

“It is indeed a unique dish, clearly something I have never tasted before. But it is not worthy of a victory feast.” Thor said loudly.

“Be quite, you fool. Does it look like a victory feast can be prepared this early after all the destruction this city has faced?” Loki said, admonishing Thor.

“But I still wanted one!” Thor replied meekly.

“Hello, Captain! Has the cleaning up done over there?” Mr. Stark asked through the receiver.

All the Chitauri had surprising shut down as soon as the giant alien spaceship in the space on the other side of the portal had been shot down by my Noble Phantasm. This proved that they were actually robots despite not looking like one.

We had arrived earlier at the Shawarma joint since all we had to do was an overall checkup of the area near the Stark Tower to see if there was anyone injured left behind. Thankfully, there had been none.

The Captain's side was taking longer since they had to take care of the civilians too.

“You have, great! Now, meet us in this Shawarma joint near the Stark Tower. We are having a little party here.” Mr. Stark told Captain where we were.

“Oh, come on! We were hungry after this huge battle. Besides, I need to give a treat to the kids.” Mr. Stark said, referring to my friends.

“Seriously, Cap needs to loosen up a bit. After all, we have already won.” Mr. Stark said after cutting off the call.

“Still, despite our best efforts, we can be said to be lucky. If that Chitauri army had not been directly annihilated, who knows how much destruction they would have caused before they were finally put down? How many people would have died?” Ms. Ororo said as she recalled the massive Chitauri army.

“But we still won in the end. And we would be better prepared if they ever come again.” I said optimistically, trying to cheer her up.

Knock! Knock!

“This is a quaint little place you have chosen, Stark.” Captain said as he entered along with everyone else. I could also see Dr. Banner being supported by Emma and Jean as he entered.

But there was one figure I had never thought I would see here, Black Cat.

“Come on, Spidey! Can't I get just one little gun?” Black Cat said, nagging Gwen as she waved around a Chitauri gun in her hand.

“What is she doing here?” I asked Gwen.

“When I saw the sudden movement of the police, I thought that something big was going to happen. So, I came over out of curiosity and found myself in the invasion. In the end, my poor heart couldn't see the civilians getting hurt so I decided to help out.” Black Cat replied.

“Who is she, Peter?” Mr. Stark asked curiously.

“A rather talented thief who sometimes exposes other people’s thievery.” I answered.

“Can you please let me have this gun, Red Lightning? Pretty please!” Black Cat said, literally begging for the gun.

“Unfortunately, we can't let the gun remain in your hands, Black Cat. If you really want it, ask the SHIELD.” I answered coldly. After all, we could not let a thief have a gun which was more technologically advanced than every other weapon on Earth.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Hmph! Spoilsport!” Black Cat said, knowing that SHIELD would never let the gun remain in her hands.

“Are you alright, Dr. Banner?” I asked, knowing that he had just went through a massive fight as the Hulk.

“Yes, I am alright, Albion. Just a bit tired, both physically and mentally. Phoenix and Silencer had helped calm down the Hulk with their telepathy after the battle was over.” Dr. Banner answered.

“Speaking of the kids, give a loud applause to our little champions who helped us despite them not having any reason to.” Mr. Stark said, clapping for the students, causing everyone else to also clap.

I could see that they were blushing from the applause as they took their seats. Emma even put her seat next to me as she sat down.

“It was quite a hectic battle. But I am glad that we were able to save so many people.” Emma said as she leaned against me.

“Oh! Is that young love I see?” Mr. Stark commented upon seeing us like this.

“It would be if this idiot only agreed.” Emma said as she lightly punched at my side.

“You should chase it while you are still young, Albion. You don't know what will happen in the future.” Captain America advised. Given his past, it was clear that he had an unfulfilled love.

“Now, enjoy the Shawarma, kids!” Mr. Stark said as the staff laid down the servings for everyone.

“Could you give us some private space?” Captain asked the staff who understood the situation and left the room.

I also casted a sound isolation barrier once they left so that there was no chance of eavesdropping.

“Were you that dragon, Albion?” Captain asked seriously.

“Yes, I was. However, it was only a one time power and I can't do it again.” I answered honestly.

“Then, I must thank you for saving New York and its citizens.” Captain thanked me, even giving me a salute.

“Please stop it, Captain. It is too embarrassing for me, especially since it is coming from you.” I said, a little too embarrassed by Captain’s salute.

“Are you really alright, Albion? You had previously mentioned that you couldn't control your powers when they had first awakened.” Emma asked, worried about me.

“It's alright, Silencer. Nothing of that sort happened. You don't need to worry.” I replied, reassuring Emma.

“However, it will be quite a difficult for you in the future, Albion. Your red lightning is just too iconic. Everyone will link the dragon to you, especially since you were also participating in the battle. As such, everyone's eyes will be on you whenever you appear.” Mr. Stark said, realising what laid for me in the future.

“I will ask Director Fury to spread the rumours that I am just the envoy of this great dragon which protects Earth. Although I believe only the public will believe this bullshit.” I replied, explaining my plan.

Mr. Stark was about to say something when suddenly a portal opened before our eyes and out of it came Ancient One, Professor Xavier and Director Fury.

“Great job, everyone!” Director Fury said as soon as he stepped out of the portal.

“I think all of you for saving our planet. Especially you, Albion. I have heard about your circumstances from Ancient One but still I must thank you for using such a risky power without any fear for the protection of Earth.” Director Fury said, thanking me.

“I was just doing my job.” I replied, a little embarrassed from all the praise.

“I must also thank the young mutants. You didn't have to step up to protect the civilians especially since some of you have likely been persecuted for being mutants. But you still protected the civilians from the Chitauri and for that I am extremely grateful.” Director Fury said, thanking the students.

“It was our duty.” Scott replied, his voice filled with a sense of duty.

“As your teacher, I must say that all of you went above everything I have taught you. As such I am truly happy to have such brilliant students.” Professor Xavier said, praising all of us.

“Spider Woman, a superhuman vigilante and Black Cat, a thief which steals half the time and exposes the other thieves in the remaining half. You could have easily ran away from the alien invasion, especially you, Black Cat. But you still stepped up to save the city when it needed help. I will see if I can provide you some legal remedies.” Director Fury said to Gwen and Black Cat.

“Thank you, Director.” Gwen and Black Cat thanked Director Fury.

“Director, take this! The root of this entire disaster.” Mr. Stark said, giving the box containing the Tessaract to Director Fury.

“Thor, once you are ready to leave the Earth, I will hand over the Tessaract to you.” Director Fury said, surprising all of us.

“You are willing to give it so easily.” Thor asked.

“It is clear from today’s invasion that we are not ready to protect and use the Tessaract. As such, it would be better to hand it over to Asgard.” Director Fury explained the reason.

“Stark!” Director Fury suddenly addressed Mr. Stark.

“What is it?” Mr. Stark asked.

“Do you still have any weapon factories?” Director Fury asked.

“Most of them have already been converted to other factories but there are still one or two remaining. May I ask why?” Mr. Stark questioned.

“I need you to secure every Chitauri weapon and tech SHIELD can find inside the weapon factories so that they can be hidden. Moreover, I need you to research how their tech works.

This alien invasion proves that we need to be better and more advanced in case something like this happens again. So, we need to assimilate the Chitauri tech as soon as possible.”

“Fine! Just when I had a left weapon industry, I have alien weapons put before me and asked to research on them.” Mr. Stark said with a sigh as he agreed.

“It is very likely that we would not be able to retrieve every single Chitauri tech. Who knows where they will go? I need everyone to be prepared.

This alien invasion will spark a new age in the human history. If we are not ready, it may not be the end of a war but the start of one.”

Director Fury said, warning us if the uncertain future since it would be up to us to protect it.