Inside the Lucky Diner in Hell's Kitchen, New York.
Alex Ray was on his phone, speaking with someone while leaning against the restaurant bar.
"Did you see the news just now, my dear godson?" came the voice of Wilson Fisk—Kingpin—on the other end of the line.
"Thanks to you, I made a killing this time. Faster and easier than any of my other businesses. Hahahaha!" Fisk laughed heartily.
He was referring to the breaking news that Tony Stark had officially shut down Stark Industries' weapons division.
"You made a fortune, huh? As for when to sell, I'm sure you've got professionals for that, Uncle Fisk. Now, how about you start prepping for that community college I mentioned?" Alex interjected smoothly.
"I've already started, but let me warn you—this won't be easy. The other folks in Hell's Kitchen aren't as easygoing as I am," Fisk replied.
"Even if I hadn't made money off this? You really think I wouldn't help you? My dear godson, you won't even call me godfather," Fisk added with mock offense.
"You know I don't believe in religion. And I doubt you do either. If not for my late father…" Alex trailed off, his tone tinged with bitterness.
Fisk didn't get angry. Anyone who saw Wilson Fisk chatting and laughing over the phone would've been stunned. In Hell's Kitchen, he was a monster to most.
"Don't speak ill of your father. The best decision he ever made was asking me to be your godfather," Fisk said.
"I don't know what kind of school you'll build or what kind of restaurant you'll run when you're back in Hell's Kitchen. But if that all fails, you can take over my job. Let me retire early," Fisk offered.
"You must be joking. You've got Richard. Why hand it over to me?" Alex rejected without hesitation.
"You know Richard isn't made for this world. If he steps into it, he'll be devoured. I just want him and Vanessa to live a peaceful, happy life," Fisk said with a sigh.
"We'll see. If I ever take over, I'll cut off a lot of your business operations. You know how I am. Think your crew can handle that? I doubt it. The whole underworld might fall apart," Alex said frankly.
"This weekend, Vanessa, Richard, and I are coming over for dinner. It's settled. Vanessa said she misses you, you little bastard. Don't even try to refuse," Fisk said firmly.
Yes, this man was none other than Wilson Fisk—the infamous Kingpin, ruler of Hell's Kitchen. Towering and massive, with less than 2% body fat, he was responsible for nearly 40% of all criminal activity in the Marvel Universe.
When you think of heroes in Hell's Kitchen, Spider-Man and Daredevil come to mind.
But when it comes to villains, there's only one name worth mentioning: Kingpin. No one else commands the same level of fear and respect.
Strangely, Alex Ray didn't really hate Fisk. Unlike most Marvel villains obsessed with destruction or world domination, Kingpin only cared about one thing—money. Anything profitable was fair game to him. Of course, his methods weren't always above board.
Alex had strong boundaries—he wouldn't tolerate operations involving drugs or gambling.
Fisk was a rare breed in the Marvel world—a regular human with no special powers, no fancy origin story.
Just a man who clawed his way out of Hell's Kitchen through discipline, intellect, and ruthless determination.
Compare that to a certain spider-themed vigilante: raised in the slums, gained powers, and instead of changing his family's life, swung around playing hero until his uncle died, his girlfriend cheated, and he got fired. Alex didn't oppose heroism—but if you can't even take care of your own family, what's the point?
He couldn't bring himself to save every random nobody. Comics are comics. In real life, people run themselves ragged just to scrape together a few bucks. Who has the time to worry about strangers?
When Alex was born, his father had named Wilson Fisk as his godfather.
Most people misunderstand the concept of a "godfather" through a cultural lens. In Western tradition, the godfather is rooted in religious practice. Families with faith take newborns to church for baptism, pledging the child to God. Since the infant can't speak, a trusted friend steps in to make that vow on their behalf—this is the godfather (or godmother).
But being a godfather isn't symbolic. It comes with real responsibilities—watching over the child's growth and, if the parents die, stepping in as their guardian.
So in essence, a godfather is a lot more than just a sugar daddy.
Fisk, being a fellow non-believer and money maniac, never forced him to say it. Still, their bond ran deep.
Vanessa was Fisk's wife. Richard Fisk, their son. In many Marvel timelines, Vanessa and Richard end up murdered by Fisk's enemies.
It's the classic "fridging" formula—killing loved ones to give the protagonist emotional depth, just like Spider-Man's uncle.
In some alternate realities, Richard's death drove Fisk to madness. He abandoned dreams of retirement and spiraled into such destructive ambition that it nearly triggered a fourth world war.
With enemies all over the globe, he ultimately decided a true king needed no weaknesses—even going so far as to kill Vanessa.
It was the twisted realization of the old saying: "Keep No woman in your heart, and your sword will never waver."
But this world was different.
Alex had traveled through time and built a real relationship with Fisk.
He wouldn't let things spiral like they did in other timelines. Thanks to him, Fisk had softened somewhat.
He hadn't committed atrocities that made even devils blush. If he had, Alex wouldn't have stood by him.
In the comics, Kingpin was a relentless, overwhelming force.
Not just a thorn to Daredevil, the Punisher, or Spider-Man—he even crossed the X-Men and the Fantastic Four.
If Alex hadn't intervened, it's likely 90% of the superhero community would've had it out for Fisk.
That's why Alex kept advising him: make money, quietly. Don't poke the bear.
"Oh, and by the way—Hell's Kitchen hasn't exactly been quiet lately. A few days ago, while you were out, someone tried to break into your restaurant. My people stopped him," Fisk said suddenly.
"Also, the Hand and the High Table have been showing up more and more around here. Looks like they're searching for someone."
"I'll handle it. You don't just mess around in my turf without telling me. Do they really think I'm an easy target? I'm not afraid of some theatrical council of assassins. Let them come," Alex said coldly.
"Got it. Just be careful," Fisk replied.
"I'm not worried. If they come knocking, great. Renovating that school still needs funding, after all," Alex replied with a smirk.
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Kingpin --->
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