Author's Note: OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS! BOOK FIVE PEOPLE BOOK FIVE! I SWEAR THAT THIS WAS THE FARTHEST BOOK I HAD EVER REACHED AT! THANK YOU GUYS! THANK YOU! And perhaps this was one of the most anticipated book I had ever waited for—I'm just so pumped for this one ^^ since not only am I excited for this but the fact that I'm bringing in one of the most anticipated villain which I hope Marvel would bring him in one day into Spidey Universe…one day, guys, one day…and I admit book four dragged on a bit too much so I apologize :3 but I still hoped that you had enjoyed it nonetheless. ANYWHO, if you guys remember, back in book four, Tony stated that he'll have a hearing about either continuing to be Spidey's mentor or not. That being said, we will get to see Tony's hearing in this book! Huzzah, that should be fun—of course not for Stark but yeah…ALRIGHT, time for me to shut up and let's get going!
Summary: Spider Man knew that peace could not fully come, not while there is still evil. He resumes his second year at college only to learn that trouble is brewing at the Stark Enterprises. A corrupted madman with a Hunter at his side who will do everything in his power to stop the web-crawler Vigilante.
Chapter One: The Stark Enterprises
Tony 'Anthony' Stark was a highly-respected man. Many people admired him but some people doesn't. Either way, Tony was that one man who had it all even if he did had a rough relationship with his father. His father owns a company—the Stark Enterprises which was a large decorated building.
Since his father passed away, the company was handed down to Tony who is the now CEO of the Stark Enterprises. But of course, things had changed a little. He now had Mrs. Potts, whose now the CEO.
Tony also had an assistant—the most trustworthy and loyal person he had ever met. Happy Hogan was the kind of guy who would knock some sense into you and would sometimes agree to a plan or a situation even if it does seem...ridiculous or insane.
Tony stared at the window with a deep thinking look. So much had happened as of last year, it still scarred him. Even more so with his protégé: Peter who had suffered a terrible lose with the battle of Mysterio.
Tony ran both of his hands over his hair before he clasped his hands together so that they can let his chin rest upon them. Peter wasn't the same again. He would mourn, crying himself to sleep, repeatedly told himself over and over again that he would move out of his dorm.
Of course, his other friend, Michelle, slapped some senses into him but that didn't worked out as much she had hoped for.
"Sir, these came in for you."
Tony blinked, jumping at the unexpected voice. Eyes wide, he turned around to see Happy placing some mail on the top of the table.
"If its advertisement or anything, throw them out."
"One of them holds important information, regarding with your hearing."
Tony sighed as he took the envelope from Happy. In everything that has happened, he had forgotten that he still had that hearing.
Tony opened the envelope, unfold the letter and skimmed through it.
Dear Mr. Stark:
This letter is to remind you of the upcoming hearing that will take place on July 20th at 8am. Please be advised that it could take more than an hour if needed to be...
"Rubbish," Tony muttered angrily as be threw the letter away. He got up but immediately staggered down due to the pain that shot through his leg.
He winced and Happy extended his hands out in case.
"I'm fine," Tony mumbled, shoving his hands away. He was still in pain from that wall where he had taken a full blast of it. Luckily, he survived but he had injuries and because of his leg, he had to use a cane which he wasn't so enthusiastic about that but Happy forced him too as it would help him heal.
"I need some air," Tony muttered.
"Shall I cancel today's schedule then?"
"Please."
Nodding, Happy walked away and exited the room. Tony sighed. He supposed that in some way, he also had changed and Tony wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
A week later had passed and Tony soon found himself getting ready for his hearing. Even though he was wobbling, he still was able to make it to his car and of course, he declined when Happy offered to drive to his hearing.
It seemed as though that Tony was just stress about everything and he didn't know if this hearing was having him more pressure. He tightened his grip on the wheel and pushing the accelerator just a bit more than he needed to. Tony eventually arrived at the court and he snorted upon seeing the reporters and the cameramen. The reporters were already talking but as for the camera crew, they were all eagerly waiting for Tony Stark to appear on sight so that they could start taking pictures.
"…We are gathered here in front of the New York's Court, waiting to hear about the Hearing. Of course, it has not yet started but there were some debates on whether Stark would actually make an appearance. The Hearing is being hold to determine if Tony Stark also known as Iron Man should continue to be a mentor to the young web slinger Spider Man. Furthermore—"
The black expensive car rolled into the view and commotions started to take over which made the reporters to yell.
"And there he is! Mr. Stark himself!"
As soon as Tony opened the door, he heard his name calling out and flashes of the cameras began to flash at him.
"Mr. Stark! Mr. Stark!" the reporter shouted as she pushed through the crowd.
"In lights of recent, people were arguing if you should continue to be the tutor of the young web crawler Spider Man. What do you have to say about this?"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "You just ran out of time."
He pushed through the crowd, ignoring the calls and the flashes as he made his way up the stairs and into the tall glass building. The guards were far behind Tony as they were walking down the hall and as they did, Tony glanced to the right to see two people—one of them he recognized but the other he didn't since he was hiding in the shadows and Tony couldn't see him clearly.
"I will not do it. You have no power over me. Only I will make the decision."
"But Minister, regarding with what has been happening, I think you should know that we're both on the same sides and this is what I want. What we both want."
"I—"
The Minister stopped talking as he turned to the side only to have his stare meet with Tony's unreadable expression. There was a heavy thick silence until Tony disappeared from his sight.
Tony stared at the wooden door with a hard gaze once he reached it before he grasped firmly on the doorknob and then he turned it, stepping inside the courtroom.
"You're late," a cold male voice rang throughout the room.
Tony stood boldly as he spoke. "With all due respect, Minister, I'm not the one who's late but it is you who had not arrived on time."
There were murmurs around the room and Tony couldn't help but let out his hidden smirk. He gave a small glance around the room. The walls were decorated with a rich brown wood that matched with the tables and the chairs; there was also a red carpet that was covering the floor. It was a large room, having the audience sitting in the chairs while the judges were in front of the room, sitting at the highest point, automatically sending out an immense power of authority.
There were about nine judges with the Minister in the middle, all wearing black robes and they stared down at Tony stark with serious expressions. However, since this was Tony Stark, there were others who were curious as to how this hearing would go since Tony was also known to make sarcastic remarks.
The Minister was chubby with some grey hair as he wore his black robe with a neatly red tie followed by glasses. He fixed his gaze at Tony before he cleared his throat and spoke.
"Very well," said the Minister. "The accused being present—we can proceed. Are you ready?" he called down the row.
"Yes sir," they spoke.
"Disciplinary hearing for the twentieth of July," said the Minister as he began to list the names. "Into the trial that would determine if Tony Stark should continue to be a mentor to the web crawler vigilante Spider Man. Interrogators: James Isaac Albert, the Minister; Emilie Winslet, Head of the Department of Law Enforcement…"
Tony zoned out as the Minister continue to list the names until it was done.
"Ready?"
Tony snapped out of his thoughts and cleared his throat. "Ready, your Honor."
The court began to call out. "Swear in the court."
The prosecutor called out. "Do you swear to tell the truth, all the truth and nothing but the truth in this case?"
"Yes sir," Tony answered.
"Please state your name and other personal circumstances."
"Tony Stark, the owner of the Stark Enterprises, billionaire, playboy and an Engineer."
"Right then. Tony Stark. Do you or do you not agree or disagree that you are not suited to continue to be a guide for the young Spider Man?"
"I believe I am the right mentor for the young web-crawler Spider Man—"
As soon as he said that, the crowd began to murmur, being displeased.
"Order in the court! Order in the court!"
"Let me explain!" Tony slightly shouted over the noise. Almost immediately, the room was silent. "I've studied him. I've took him under my wing, stood by him when no one else had believed that he was suited to fight for what we were fighting."
"And who were these 'people?'" the Minister asked.
"I believe you all know them as the Avengers."
"How does the Avengers come into this?"
"Everything. It's what made Spider Man to be the hero he is today. It's what made him to be better."
"While you were being the mentor, was it not your duty to keep Spider Man in check?"
"Yes but—"
"Was it not your duty to not allow him to go wherever he goes? To cause even more problems than he already does? I know you mean well, Tony Stark, but most of us had come to the conclusion that you are simply…mad."
Tony's stare hardened at the Minister as he took in a breath. "I think, perhaps, I've made myself clear. I will continue to be a guide to Spider Man. He will continue to be under my wing as long as I want to until he is ready. Spider Man does not, will he ever, cause harm!"
"If that was the case, Mr. Stark, he would not leave the damage behind him. He has too much freedom; he's reckless. And many people agreed that you're not exactly a great influence on him."
"He's learning and I can assure you, Minister, he would grow out to be a fine hero."
There was a small pause until the Minister spoke. "Does anyone else care to share their arguments?"
There seemed to be silence and Tony felt a small hope that he would win this case. He had spoken everything that he needed to be stated and he hoped that it was enough for him to triumph. Just as Minister was about to speak, someone else spoke from the crowd.
"I do, Minister," a deep rumbling voice.
"Please state your name."
The announcer rose from his seat and the way he got up, it had an intimidating effect on the audience. However, Tony stood his ground as he stared at the large figure. As the person spoke, it made Tony's throat go dry.
"Fisk, your Honor," the deep voice boomed. "Wilson Fisk."
Author's Note: Dun dun dun…man, this was actually…really tough to write. I've never been into a Hearing and I only know a limited amount of information on how it actually goes but I hope I did alright. If some parts were confusing, I apologize :3 writing court things aren't my strong points. So uhm, yeah…What happens next? Find out! Toodles!
