Chapter 1: Loss of Iron Man
Peter sighed. He once again lost a big father figure to him. He didn't know how much he could take, first he lost his parents in a plane crash…. Then his uncle was murdered after he let a robber go and he carjacked Uncle Ben... And Now Tony was gone. Every male role model he comes to respect and look up to, dies. It feels like a lot for a 16-year-old boy to have to deal with.
Peter looked out over the lake that lies on the Stark property, where the funeral transpired, and breathed one last heavy sigh. "Goodbye Mr. Stark. I'm sorry you had to die. If only I been stronger, I would've gotten the glove off so many years ago and this would have been avoided." Peter says as a tear falls down his cheek. At that moment Peter feels a hand grab his shoulder and he turns to see Captain America. "Don't even think of putting that on yourself Peter. Tony was proud of you. We did everything we could. Tony really did see you as a son Pete. You are probably the main reason Tony decided to help us in the first place." Steve says trying to comfort the boy.
Peter nods and says "Thank you Cap. I tell you what, being an Avenger sucks. Day 1, I turn to dust… Day 2, Iron man dies." Peter wipes his tears away and shakes Captain America's hand. Peter walks away, leaving Steve to his business as Peter walks up on the porch where Morgan Stark is sitting. Peter sits beside her and says "Hey Morgan. I know you don't know who I am but my name is Peter. I was a friend of your fathers. I am so happy to finally meet you." Peter smiles at Morgan. Morgan, not fully understanding what is going on at this age, smiles and says "Hi Peter. You know my daddy?"
Peter chuckles and says "Yeah, check this out." Peter hits a button on his phone and the Iron Spider armor lands right in front of them, the metal arms out showing off. "Your father built this for me. Your dad is one of the best men I know." Peter smiles at Morgan. Morgan starts to giggle.
Peter looks surprised at this and ask "What's so funny?" Morgan smiles up at him and says "So you're underoos!" Morgan laughs. "Daddy told me so many stories about you. He says you're basically my older brother, but you were lost before I was born. I'm happy you're back." She smiles at Peter. At that moment Happy pulls up in his car with a bag of burgers. "I believe someone wanted 6 cheeseburgers?" Happy says. Morgan squeals in excitement as she runs towards Happy.
Peter smiles, feeling humbled and grateful to learn that Tony thought of him as a son. Peter dismisses the Iron Spider suit and sighs once more. "Thank you, Mr. Stark. I can't express my gratitude enough. But I promise, I will look after Pepper and Morgan for you. No one will hurt them." Peter says, vowing to his mentor, his friend. He gets up and walks to Pepper and says "I am so sorry for your loss."
Pepper hugs Peter and says "Thank you Pete. I know this is hard for you as well. I know you two were very close. He thought of you as a son… Speaking of which..." Pepper reaches into her purse and hands him a thumb drive. "He left this for you." She smiles softly as tears roll down her cheeks.
Peter took the hard drive and looked at it and smiles "Thank you." He whispers, not able to speak any louder for fear of a sob to come out. He hugs Pepper once more and turns and walks away. May offered and Peter got in the car and left for home, a very quiet ride home. When they got home Peter went to his computer and went to plug the thumb drive in his computer to only realize it doesn't fit. Confused, Peter looks at it and realize it's a specialty drive. 'Of Course.' Peter thought.
He re-activated the Iron Spider Suit and entered it. He found the slot for it on the second knuckle on his left hand. His HUD shifted to display a video of Tony Stark.
"Hey Kid. If you're seeing this, this means something went wrong in the mission and I died. But… It means something went right, cause you're seeing this, which means you're back. Peter, I have no doubts you're going to go far. You might even be the best hero out of all of us.
I don't want you to mourn me for to long. Continue with your life, continue being Spider-man. I already have it set-up with Pepper and my will and everything. You're going to be taken cared of. Funding for new suits, college, car whatever you need, Stark Industries will take care of it.
I just have one last favor to ask of you kid, make sure Morgan grows up to be a great lady, take her under your wing and teach her what it means to be a good person. I know just by being around you, Morgan will grow up to be a fine adult. Be the big brother she deserves Pete. I'm counting on you.
Last of all, I am proud of you Peter. Always have been. Keep doing what you know is right and you'll do great." Tony smiles as the video closes. Peter opens his mask and sits on the bed as a new stream of tears rolls down his cheeks. "I promise you Mr. Stark, I'll do everything I can for Morgan."
