Johnny leaned back in his chair, boots kicked casually on the table. "So, what's your angle, sugar rush? You waltz into our HQ, drop Serpent conspiracies on us, and now what—expect us to roll out the red carpet?"
Candy's grin never faltered. She pulled her lollipop from her mouth with a pop. "Not exactly. I came here to ask one thing."
Reed raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"
Candy jabbed her thumb toward Greta, who looked suddenly uneasy. "She's not the only one I trust. Back home in Germany, I've got two more friends—good ones. Fighters. If we're gonna stop the Black Serpents, I want them here too."
Greta blinked, her tentacles shifting in surprise. "Candy… are you sure that's wise?"
Candy leaned forward, serious now, her usual mischief dimming just a little. "The Serpents aren't just picking fights—they're spreading. Every corner, every rumor, every artifact. If we're gonna face them, I'm not doing it without my crew. We've been through hell together, and we work best as a unit."
Sue studied Candy carefully, her expression unreadable. "And you trust these friends?"
"With my life," Candy answered without hesitation.
The room fell quiet. Reed tapped his console, the hum of machines filling the silence. Finally, he spoke:
"Very well. If they can bring something to the table, they'll be welcome here. But understand—this isn't just about loyalty. Every person we add to this circle has to be ready for the risks. The Serpents won't hesitate to kill them."
Ben cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like a family reunion's in order."
Candy's grin returned, bright and unshaken. "Then let's get the family together."
Greta exhaled slowly, watching Candy's fire infect the room. Maybe this was reckless. Maybe it was dangerous. But looking at the Fantastic Four, she felt—for the first time—that they weren't fighting alone.