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Chapter 2: Isolation

Peter Parker sat in a dark room; the window blinds being closed which prevented the sunlight coming in. His shoulders were slumped as he was staring at a picture frame he was holding with a mournful look. The image contained him as a boy with Aunt May wrapping her arm around his shoulder. Both of them were smiling widely, being happy. To his left, there was a mess of newspapers scattered on the bed, each of them showing the headlines.

KINGPIN KNOWN AS WILSON FISK IMPRISONED

After the terrible riot that was created, Kingpin was finally captured, thanks to Spider Man and is now being charged to his doings. The police forces promised that Kingpin would not see another day and would remain with tight securities.

"I really thought we wouldn't be able to put a stop to all the chaos Kingpin was causing," Officer Jackson replied. "There was just so much going on all at once. Everything was out of control and having Fisk as a Mayor? It was pretty terrifying in all honesty."

Of course, the police force had some help. Many of the citizens would know him as Spider Man. However, no one has seen Spider Man since Kingpin's imprisoned. Many had wondered where he had gone.

A second newspaper laid beside the first one.

THE FALL OF STARK ENTERPRISES

The page was taken by a picture of the broken tower. It was broken but not abandoned despite the state it was in.

Tony Stark, who was the former CEO, is no longer around his Enterprise. Only his most trusted friend and bodyguard, Happy Hogan, had remained in charge followed by the recent CEO, Pepper Potts.

"With all due respect, I am to not answer any questions regarding with Stark's whereabouts," Hogan stated firmly. "Please don't ask me again."

Pepper Potts is also in the same situation as Hogan, denying the rumors that have been spreading about Stark.

"Yes, we're in the process of rebuilding the Stark tower. Now, please. No further questions. No further questions."

Despite the hidden answers that the two were keeping, sources could also suggested that Stark was currently going to the court in order to make himself a guardian to a young boy whose name is Peter Parker who had recently lost his Aunt…

Peter gripped his grip on the frame before he realized small sobs began to escape. The death was too much to bear. At first, when…it happened, Peter didn't want to believe it—hell, he was still having trouble into accepting that she's really gone. If he only had gotten there on time, she would've made it.

A small vibration sound came but Peter chose to ignore it. The screen on the phone lit up which revealed Tony. Peter was aware of the amount of times she had called him but he couldn't talk to anyone.

Not just yet.

Peter traced the picture with his finger though he only felt the cold from the frame. As he stared at the image, a dark thought entered his mind.

It was his fault. It was his fault that Aunt May had died and he couldn't save her on time.

Tony cursed under his breath as ink from the pen leaked on his sleeve. The pen decided to be useless by squirting all over the place even on the table.

Great. Just great.

In less than half an hour, he was going to the court but before he was, there was something else he had to do. It was necessary. At least, he has a backup jacket. He sighed, dropping the pen and had his eyes trail to the side to see the newspapers lying around.

There were mentions of the sudden Spider Man's disappearance and having himself being the new guardian. Well, technically, he wasn't the guardian just yet but if he wins the case, then everything would go smoothly.

"Sir, are you ready? We need to get going."

Happy Hogan entered the room. His usual emotionless expression etched onto his face though he frowned when he saw paper on the table with a pen followed by the spill.

"Who are you writing to?"

"Um," Tony cleared his throat. "No one. It doesn't matter," Tony fumbled with the paper, covering it. "But uh what matters is that…I do need to get a new clean jacket and then we could go. Um, got a little spill from pen. It's a bit…leaky."

After Tony finished with the paper, he then went on to grab another formal jacket before he headed towards his limo which was parked outside.

"I assume Peter is already in the limo?" Tony asked as they exited out of the building.

"Yes sir."

Tony hesitated. "How is he?"

"To be honest, he was awfully quiet during the whole ride," Happy answered and sighed. "I'm not sure if he'll be back to his normal self."

Tony clenched his fists. "He will. Trust me. I know he will."

Once Tony entered in the limo, Tony stole a glance to the side and saw Peter staring out at the window absent-mindedly. His expression was straight, no signs of any emotions. Tony sighed.

"Hey kid," Tony greeted him as he tried to at least talk to him.

Peter merely gave a slight nod.

They eventually arrived at the court and as expected, there were groups of paparazzi and reporters lingering around; flashes of cameras flashed from almost every angle. It was bothersome. There were also some background voices coming from the paparazzi, shouting out questions at him though Tony ignored them as he was trying to make his way in. Tony pushed Peter to the side, gripping him as though he was trying not to lose him to the crowd. He really didn't need this right now.

After the enormous crowd, Tony finally managed to enter the all too familiar building. It took a while but he settled in at last as he entered in the main room of the court—where all the action took place. Tony made a small grimace as he remembered the last time he was in here.

He was here with Wilson Fisk which didn't end well.

A sudden loud bang came, slightly startling Tony. Peter was now aware of where he was as he looked around the room with a tentative look.

The stern Judge placed down the court hammer and looked piercingly at Tony. A heavy silence hung in the air but it was quickly interrupted by the Judge's voice.

"This court is now session," the Judge announced. "Please state your name and your relationship to the child."

"Tony 'Anthony' Stark. A father-figure of the child."

"Now proceeding to the case. You wish to take the full custody for the child, correct?"

"Yes, your Honor."

"Is the said child in this room?" the Judge asked.

"Yes."

"May he stand?"

Peter got up though he was too busy fixing his look on Tony. Tony could tell that he was nervous and wanted to get out of here.

The Judge made a small glance to the boy who was averting his gaze by staring at the floor.

"Peter Parker. The child of Richard and Mary Parker. Both deceased. Also a niece to May Parker. Recently deceased, correct?"

Peter nodded. "Yes, your Honor."

The Judge pursed her lips before she asked some more questions.

"You seem to be know what you're doing, Mr. Stark. I assume you could take care of the boy but you never had taken care of a child before. What makes you think you could become a guardian to a boy whose not your own? From my understanding, you do not have what it takes to take him under your wing."

Tony took a sharp breath though he still remained calm. "I actually like to think of Peter as my own. He's a very good kid. I do believe I have what it takes to be a guardian. I can take care of him both physically and financially—money's not the problem. And in all honesty, I would rather have the kid be with someone he knows he can trust."

The Judge gave him a hard stare, narrowing her eyes as she studied Tony's body gesture. She lifted her head, holding up high and for a brief moment, the two stole a glance as to say 'challenge me'.

"With all due respect, Tony Stark, you're a bit…advanced for the boy," the Judge resumed.

"I know my limits. I know my standards and of course, I know the rules. I only focus on what's best for the boy and his interests."

"We all heard what the Speaker has to say. I'll decide where the boy goes based on the evidence and the factors. After all, we all want the best for the boy's interest. This court is dismissed," she replied before banging the hammer on the stand.

Peter found himself back in the limo as he waited for Tony. Quite frankly, he was glad that the court was finished and he wanted nothing more than to get out of here. The sound of the door being opened interrupted Peter's chain of thoughts though Peter ignored it as he knew who it was.

Tony fumbled with the ends of his jacket but stole a glance at Peter.

"You alright, kid?"

Peter nodded mutely. The car started to roll away and despite everything that had happened, Peter blurted out.

"What's going to happen?" he asked all of a sudden. "I don't want to live in a foster home."

Sensing the anxiety, Tony softened his expression as he sighed. "I really don't know, Pete. The decision will be based on the Judge. Only she will make it and once she does, she'll notify me. I can only hope that you'll end up with me."

Peter lowered his head, curling his hands into fists. "I feel like I'm failing at everything."

Tony placed a hand on his shoulder. "Peter, you're not failing anyone or anything. We all go through hardships but what counts is the determination and the courage of you pulling yourself back up. When this is all over, I promise you that everything will go back to normal."

"But I've failed Aunt May!" Peter exclaimed. "I failed as Peter Parker and as Spider Man. Do you know what the worst thing is? The fact that I never got a chance to tell her who I am! I can't take this anymore…I just can't…"

Tony made a small smile before it faltered; his grip on Peter's shoulder tightened. "In some ways, I personally believe that Aunt May really does know who you are. Listen to me, Peter. You haven't failed her. You haven't failed anybody. You must keep believing in yourself. You must, Peter. You can never have yourself lose to darkness."

As they were continuing down the road, all of a sudden, sirens were heard which perked Tony's interest and he gave a small smile.

"I believe that's your cue."

"What makes you think Spider Man will return?" Peter mumbled.

"Well, I do believe that's Spider Man's decision. But somehow, I think the people will know that Spider Man will come back," Tony gave him a look. "He has in the past."

Peter lifted his head up and shared a glance with Tony. He bit his lip and within the next seconds, Peter found himself zipping through the city as he was following the sound of the sirens.

Author's Note: Unhhh…this chapter was freakin hard. The amount of research that was put into the child's custody was a pain in the butt. It WAS SO HARD! But it's done! Whooo! And Peter believed in himself again! Yay! What happens next? Find out! Toodles!