The sound of dragging metal against the cement might have been painful to others, but Tony Stark didn't care; it was the least painful thing that happened to him today.

The cold seemed to stab at his exposed skin and cuts, sinking deep into his veins until it finally reached his heart. A broken, shattered heart that cried out in betrayal.

Why? Why? Tony asked himself over and over. Why was he just so willing to kill me!? Why can they all just betray me without a second thought!? But even his genius mind couldn't understand why the people he once saw as family felt the need to tear his heart out.

He winced, shivering hand going to cover the gash now in his chest thanks to that damn shield. His hand could barley hover over the wound for a second, his whole body desperate to find any hint of warmth.

Finally, after dragging himself against the crumbled wall for what seemed like hours, Tony got to an open window.

He stumbled forward, grabbing onto the side of the wall by the opening, staring out at where the quinjet should have been… It was gone. They really have left me…

Those broken brown eyes filled with tears, his mind going over all that had happened. Clint, Natasha, Sam, Wanda, Steve, T'Challa… They all betrayed him… Did his work and dedication really mean nothing to them?

And Rhodey… oh Rhodey… Tony knew the truth, even if the man tried to hide it. It was all Tony's fault he had lost the use of his legs… All because of him.

Maybe the Avengers had a point… Tony never really was one of them. He was just a weak, helpless civilian. All he had was money, but what did that matter?

I really am just a worthless piece of trash, aren't I?

Tony whimpered again, turning back around and handing onto the wall. He forced one foot in front of the other, but vision swimming, and body screaming for relief, be it by death or other ways.

He leaned against the wall, it remained his only support as he desperately tried to escape the damned base. I have.. To get out. I have to find help. If I'm out here any longer then I…

Tony, in his dizzy state, didn't realize that he was still on the wall of windows. Suddenly, there was no wall for him to lean against.

The brunette fell, body twisting in midair and crashing onto a rocky patch two stories below. Then, the rocky patch shuddered, before giving way as well; Tony Stark tumbled further underground, before finally skidding to a painful stop.

He blinked blearily, his head throbbing, something wet sliding down his forehead and blurring his vision even more. But, he didn't try to get up. The pain was too much, his memories and thoughts were threatening to overwhelm him.

So, instead of trying to escape, the weakened man merely closed his eyes; Accepting death that surely was waiting with open arms.

However, it seemed the world had other plans. A strange, orange glow appeared, even through his eyelids. Despite his pain Tony still couldn't help his curiosity, and opened his eyes.

In the strange cavern, there was glowing orange lines all leading up to the small light in the middle. In the air, strange symbols and silky orange strands seemed to surround it.

His brown eyes stared down at the strange, glowing lines. Then, he slowly reached out his unarmoured hand, placing it against the orange. Instantly, the cold seemed to melt away and get replaced with a strange, unfamiliar feeling of power.

Then, his ears exploded with whispers. Strange voices all chatter at once, sounding excited and surprise. Quickly, Tony yanked his hand away. The whispers stopped, and the warm feeling faded away.

Tony took several quick breaths, eyes flickering towards the bright light in the middle. He slowly brought himself to a stand, stumbling a little bit as his delirious mind tried to keep up with the new developments. So delirious in fact, he didn't even realize that what was left of his armor had vanished.

He slowly drug himself forward, staring at the orange light the whole time. It felt as though he couldn't look away, he wanted to feel the warmth again, he wanted to feel safe again.

Tony's nervous, hesitant hand slowly reached out; He barely even tapped the orange light when a surge of power flew through him again, so bright, so powerful.

The lines on the ground suddenly cracked, making more light surround the genius. The whispers returned, seeming disembodied at first, but then combining into one large voice that seemed to echo throughout the cavern.

"How curious…" The strange voice began,"Most people selfishly seek out our power, you have come upon us by accident… You know what we are, you have felt our power, and you still have no darkened desires…"

Tony frowned, continuing to stare at the light. I know what they are? But I've only ever seen two other things like this and they were- He gasped, and then croaked,"Infinity Stones…"

"Correct," The voice replied,"In your mind, I see it all. You have met my siblings, and yet you never tried to use their power for yourself, you never used it selfishly."

Tony opened his mouth-

The voice cut him off,"Ultron does not count. You had been tricked, and you created him to help, not to be used by you. Same with Vision. You created him in a desperate attempt to save everyone, but people didn't trust you. How curious.. Everyone sees you as a monster, when you are the exact opposite."

The genius felt his eyes burn with tears, and quickly wiped his eyes with his free hand. He couldn't deny the stone's words, not when it all was true. "W-what do you want with me?" He demanded instead.

"How strange… Usually we would be the one asking such a thing," The voice continued,"But you are different, Anthony, much different than those who have come into contact with our power before.

"You would never use our power for your own advantage, only to help those who truly need help. You would not let us fall into the wrong hands, just as with the other two. You, Anthony Stark, are worthy of our power."

Shock, disbelief, and fear flew through him. He quickly held up his trembling hands, trying to show his refusal. "But I don't want-"

The voice cut him off again. "Sometimes what we need is not what we want," They whispered,"You must understand, you are the only one we could trust. It is a big responsibility, and things will have to be sacrificed, but you are the only one who can do what needs to be done."

The stone floated up high, before lowering back down right above the genius. "Please forgive us, Anthony," They said, their voice suddenly mournful,"But one must sacrifice something in order to receive our power."

Before he could say anything else, the glowing orange light connected with his body. There was a surge of power, voices, and extreme pain throughout his body. Tony fell over and screamed. But his screams seemed to grow fainter and fainter, as did his vision when he slowly fell into the dark pit of unconsciousness.