" maybe they were going to get some drugs? "
call the police
uh oh things get wack
"Are you sure?" Tony asked, unreasonably sceptical of the whole thing.
"It's fine," Stephen sighed. He had helped Tony on and off the bus and insisted on taking him to his place since it was closer.
"But I could easily go back home and check up on myself," Tony continued to doubt.
"They could've affected something important and you'd have no idea. You may be a genius but you don't yet have a PhD in medicine," Stephen opened the front gate to his home.
"How did I not know your mother had a PhD," Tony mumbled (i really doubt this is canon, after searching the very limited info i found on mother strange, um, but oh well).
"Maybe because before you were too self-absorbed?" Stephen smirked, opening the door.
"Don't insult me, I almost died," Tony whined.
Stephen shook his head and walked into the house with Tony lingering behind. "Mom?! I'm home,"
"Hey," the light voice of a women came from the lounge.
"Um, hey mom?" Stephen led Tony to the lounge room, where Tony saw a blonde woman sitting with their back towards them on the couch, reading. "Um, you know my friend Tony?
"Yeah?" Stephen's mother turned around and made a concerned face when she saw Tony. "What happened?" she immediately stood up.
"Some kids beat him up," Stephen explained as she got out a first aid kit.
"Hi?" Tony awkwardly waved.
"He's probably fine but I was just worried his arc-reactor was effected," Stephen shrugged, gesturing for Tony to sit down.
"It's probably nothing," Tony repeated. "I told him I really didn't need to come-"
"Don't worry about it. It's nice to finally meet you," she took out some examination equipment.
"Um, thanks? Mrs Strange," Tony stuttered.
"You can call me Beverly," she smiled, before eying him. "From a glance, you've got nothing too bad on you other than the usual that results from a casual fight," she glanced at his chest where the faint glow of his arc-reactor lay. "I've studied your report on the arc-reactor a few years ago when you created it,"
"Really? I thought only the dumb Government read it since they asked for it. Oh, and the 'want to create an ultimate weapon' wannabes," Tony raised his eyebrow.
She held out a metal thing with a light attached. "No, most doctors read it. We thought it could be a great medical advancement. Although, as we soon found out, the technology is too advanced for us to adapt," she grinned.
"Oh, well, I could try and help and see. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard-"
"You sound exactly like Stephen," Beverly laughed. Stephen, who was sitting on the other couch scrolling through his phone glanced up in confusion.
"Is that a good thing?" Tony asked.
"It depends," Beverly nodded to his chest. "Do you mind lifting your shirt up so I can see?"
Tony blinked. "Um, sure," he awkwardly pulled up his shirt to reveal the metal contraption on his chest. The glow was a lot more visible now. He glanced up at Stephen, who seemed to be fixated on his phone.
"It's so different seeing it in person," Beverly awed. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it, the muscle around it seems fine. What are these scratches?" she pointed to the fresh cuts around the reactor. She ignored the bullet scar that was on his side.
"Oh, those were from the fight,"
"Were you fighting a cat?"
"No, they wanted the arc-reactor-" Tony was cut off.
"They were teasing him about it," Stephen quickly stood up. "Remember?" he eyed Tony, reminding him of the confidentiality of the whole 'Than or something wants the arc-reactor' thing.
"Oh yeah," Tony shrugged. "But I'm fine right?"
"Yes, you should be fine," Beverly said, ignoring the oddity of what was just said.
"Why did you seem tired afterwards then?" Stephen asked.
"Well, I tried to use the nanotech, which is primarily powered by my reactor, so, I don't know," Tony sighed.
Beverly stood up, putting away the stuff. "Do you two want something to drink?"
"No thanks," Tony answered. Stephen sat down next to Tony, also shaking his head.
"Alrighty," and then she left to the kitchen.
"She's nice," Tony said, initiating small talk.
"Yeah,"
"So...does she do the whole..." Tony then did some weird hand movements.
"What, my enhancement?" Stephen frowned, amused at Tony's interpretation.
"Yeah,"
"No. I learned it all from books," Stephen replied. "She is supportive of it though,"
"Huh. Does she like me? Most people's parent's don't," Tony asked.
Stephen grinned. "I think she likes you. Although she does use you against me in regards to grades,"
"What do you mean?"
"It's a joke, but it's a 'Oh, you got 2 pEr cEnT less than tOnY' type thing. It's been going on since I came to SHIELD," Stephen explained.
"Wow," Tony stared at the floor. There was some silence until Tony spotted a family picture on the coffee table. "Is this your sister?" he pointed to the younger girl in the frame.
"Yeah," Stephen nodded.
"You have a brother too?" Tony asked about the even younger male in the picture aside form Stephen.
"His name is Viktor. He's younger than Donna," Stephen said. "He's probably at his after school activity thing he does,"
"So your mom raised all three of you by herself?"
"Yeah. All while getting her doctorate," Stephen added.
"That's tough. I guess I now know where you get your stubborn intelligence from," Tony joked.
"I guess," Stephen laid back on the couch. His phone then beeped.
"Who's that?" Tony asked.
"Uh, Natasha," he replied, picking up the phone. "I texted her what happened,"
Tony glanced at the phone screen. "What'd she say?"
"Um, she seems pretty mad, I'm not really sure,"
...SceneChange...
"Those gross and disgusting casseroles couldn't get arrested faster!" Natasha fumed, as she and the others were walking through the neighbourhood. They were heading to this small park that was nearby.
Those who were with her were those who were at Stark Tower with Tony a few hours before. Jane, Ned, and Val were with her. Peter had just left to go back to the Exchange House to get somethings.
"So was there a fight?" Darcy's voice came out of the dodgy speaker on Jane's phone.
"Yes, but no one was really hurt," Jane explained.
"I swear to god Than wants to disgrace our entire family!" Gamora's outraged voice came though as well.
"They're going to get caught. We have full evidence of his confession AND he just attacked Tony. He will get caught," Natasha sighed.
"This is so stupid. Why can we just punch him?" Val flexed her fingers.
"We'll get in trouble," Natasha rolled her eyes. They had arrived at the park but her eyes widened when she realised who the edgy teenagers loitering about it was. "fu*Ck,"
"What is it?" Jane asked, just before realising why.
The edgy teenagers were none other than Than and some of his buddies laughing their heads off before they noticed Natasha and the others. "Hey check it out, it's the rest of those losers," Than began, a nasty grin forming on his face.
"Hey Red, do you know where Stark and his boyfriend ran off to hide like the cowards they are? We kinda need his little blue box," one of his friends sneered at Natasha.
"As much as I would like them to be dating already, but Stephen is not Tony's boyfriend and I have no idea where they are," she lied in response, clenching her teeth.
"Should we tell someone?" Ned whispered, waving his phone up.
"Call the police," Natasha mumbled back in response as one of the Westwood's called another insult while they approached closer.
Ned hid behind Val as he dialled 000/999/911. Val glared at the now closer bullies. "Why are you doing this Than? I'm sure there's a bigger man behind this whole stupid scheme,"
"Of course there is," Than snarled, looking pretty intimidating in his black hoodie. "My father has despised the Starks for centuries. Once we have enough energy to power our weapons-hey!" Than noticed Ned hiding. "No calling the police," he swiped, trying to get him.
Ned dodged out of the way as he began to speak fast into the phone.
"Alright stop it," Val stuck out her arm, knocking one of the other Eshays as they tried to grab Ned. Ned then began to dial another number.
"Who are you calling!?" Than screeched, trying to get Natasha off him.
"No one," Ned glared at Than as he raised his phone to his eyes. "Hey guys, we found Than and that. His father is apparently behind the whole thing. Yes! We've called the police," Ned rambled on, ignoring Natasha and Val holding down Than and his two buddies with Jane filming the whole thing.
"Yeah, we're fine," Ned smirked at Than as he hung up. They all heard the police sirens coming closer.
"Let us go!" Than tried to get out of their holds but Natasha wouldn't budge.
...SceneChange...
Peter put down his phone. "That sucks,"
"Argh, I actually despite A'lar and his stupid son!" Gamora screamed into a pillow. They were lounging in the common space in their dorms.
"If his father finds out his son has been arrested he might attack Tony again, or run away," Nebula pointed out.
"Maybe we should go and stop him!" Carol suggested, standing on the coffee table. "Or at least, you know, make sure Alar doesn't run away,"
"You know what? I've had enough of my uncle and their shenanigans, ruining all of our lives," Gamora sat up straight. "Carol's right. Who wants to go and spy on his house,"
"I'll go," Nebula stood up.
"Me too! You might need backup," Peter smiled, putting his phone in his pocket.
"I'll shall join!" Carol got excited and her hair fizzed. They glanced at Rocket, who was frowning at them.
"What the hell," he shrugged and stood up. "I ain't got that long of a lifespan anyway. Now I'm standing, you all happy? We're all standing now. Bunch of jackasses standing in a circle-"
"Stop being so pessimistic," Carol rolled her eyes as they all left the room to the front door.
Rocket brushed his messy hair out of his face. "Ugh, whatever,"
And the team was formed. They marched (well, sort of took the bus) down to the dodgiest neighbourhood and straight to Alar's home (well, they did take a nacho break).
"Alright," Gamora whispered as they hid behind a bush in the front yard. "Do you see anything?"
Rocket peered through his binoculars through the window into the lounge room. "Nothing really,"
"Where is he?"
"Is he home?"
The team shrugged at each other.
"His car is in the driveway," Nebula pointed out.
They kept spying in confusion until Peter said; "Wait second, what's..." he pointed to the faint white mist that was coming from beneath them. The faint white mist became thicker as it rose.
"Sleeping gas!" Gamora began but started to cough.
"Don't breath it in-" but Rocket immediately passed out. Peter managed to crawl out but he found himself face to face with the ugliest man he ever saw. And that was the last thing he saw before passing out.
...SceneChange...
Darcy hummed as she entered through the front door. She chucked the keys onto the coffee table and collapsed onto the couch. It took her a few seconds to realise the house was suspiciously quiet. She slowly sat back up, alert.
"Hello? Guys?" she asked. She cautiously stood up. "It's not funny!" she picked up a baseball bat that was close by. "I'm armed! Don't you dare jump out and scare me,"
There wasn't a response. Darcy quietly walked into the kitchen, which was also isolated. She glanced at the clock. It was 6 pm. She had left only a few minutes ago to get some chips but she accidentally ate them on the way back.
"Hello?" she repeated one more time. Did they leave to go somewhere? she thought.
She then lowered the bat and took out her phone. She dialled Gamora's number and let it ring out. No answer. She dialled Rockets. Nothing. Even Peter didn't answer. She frowned.
She then decided to ring Jane. She did pick up. "Jane!" Darcy exclaimed. "Do you know where the others are? I left to the supermarket only like 15 minutes ago, now I'm back and they're gone,"
"Gone? What do you mean?" Jane's voice buzzed.
"No here? They're not answering. Jaaaane, do you think they ran away from me? Because I ate all the chips?" Darcy whined.
"I don't think so," Jane sighed. Some chatter was heard over the phone. "Listen, I'm busy. Try calling them again,"
"Where are you guys?" Darcy frowned.
"Police station, we caught Than and some of his friends," Jane quickly answered before hanging up.
Darcy stuck her tongue out at her phone and sighed. "Ugh," and then she dialled another number. Stephen's.
"Stephhhhhen!" Darcy whined again. "All my friends ditched me,"
"Really?" Stephen sounded amused.
"Is Tony there?"
"Uh, yeah? Why?"
"Jane's at the police station and the others have vanished. Can I come over?" Darcy asked in the sweetest voice she could come up with.
"Police station? Why are they there?" Tony's voice came through.
"Something about how they caught Than and his dumb friends," Darcy shrugged. "I'm coming over," she stated, grabbing her keys and hoping through the front door again.
"Wait, where are your other friends? Like, Nebula and Rocket? Where are they?" Stephen asked.
"No idea. I left the house for 3 seconds and when I came back they were gone," Darcy shrugged, entering a bus that had arrived. "They won't answer my phone calls,"
"Who did you call?" Tony asked.
"Um, Peter? And Rocket. And Gamora. Not Nebula. She wouldn't answer anyone's phone calls," Jane listed.
"Hm, that's weird," Tony said.
"What's weird?" Darcy asked, squinting at nothing. She tried to hear better.
"I've tried to track their phones but they've got no signal or anything," Tony explained. "The only way for a phone to not exist on these trackers is if they've been completed turned off or, well, destroyed,"
"That's awfully suspicious," Darcy frowned. The bus halted to a stop and she got off.
"It is," Stephen 'hmed'. "Do you have any idea where they could be?"
"No. Otherwise, I wouldn't be at your front door," Darcy shrugged and rang a bell. She smirked when she heard the bell come through her speaker as Stephen and Tony heard it. She hung up just as the door opened.
"How'd you get here so fast?" Stephen frowned.
"The bus," Darcy shrugged, walking in. Tony was on the couch, typing into a computer.
"Hey, Darcy. I've gone through the history of the signals," Tony began. "To try and see where they were late before their phones went AWOL,"
"Have you found them?" Darcy asked.
"Not yet..." Tony looked focused.
Stephen sat down. "Hopefully nothing bad has happened,"
"Got it!" Tony exclaimed. "The last time the satellite scanned they were in Titan Rd,"
"That's odd, that's like the dodgiest place here," Stephen frowned.
"Maybe they were going to get some drugs?" Darcy suggested. "Although I'm pretty sure Rocket's allergic to like, everything in existence,"
"Wait," Tony typed something in and did some hacking with Stephen observing.
"Why are you hacking the school's private student details?" Stephen asked.
"Because, there," Tony pointed to one of the student's files.
Darcy read it out loud for dramatic effect: "Than A'lar, Home Address, 34 Titan Rd...ohhhh,"
"You think they went to Than's house?" Stephen frowned.
"Well, why else would they be there?" Tony shut the laptop.
"To get drugs?" Darcy suggested but got distracted by the bowl of lemons Stephen's mom had on the shelf.
"For some reason, the former sounds more believable," Tony sighed, standing up. "Let's go see if they're okay,"
"Are you sure? It could be dangerous," Stephen raised his eyebrow. "Maybe we should call the police,"
"What if it's nothing? What if they've gone there to spy on him and turned off their phones?" Tony said.
"At least call our friends and get back up," Stephen insisted. "We know what the Alar family is capable of,"
"I agree with the wizard," Darcy pointed out.
"Alright, I'll call Steve," Tony sighed, taking out his phone. They fell silent as Steve answered.
Except all they heard first was; "Aim for the head!" which sounded an awful lot like Clint.
It was followed by; "Shut up you four! It's Tony,"
"Oooh! Is Stephen there?" It was definitely Clint.
"Um, hey?" Tony began. "You're on speaker,"
"What's wrong?" Steve asked. "You're also on speaker,"
"Hello!" Sam's voice seemed amused.
They quickly explained the situation. "Stephen says it might be better if we get back up. Natasha, Val, Jane and Ned are at the Police Station with Than,"
There was some silence before Steve answered. "Alright, we'll meet you on the corner between Titan Rd and Morag St,"
"Gotcha," Tony nodded.
"See ya!" Darcy waved at the phone as Tony hung up.
"Okay, let's go," Tony put his phone in his pocket.
"Mom?" Stephen called into the kitchen. "Tony and I are going out for a bit, okay?"
"It's 7 o'clock, where are you going?" Beverly's voice was heard.
"Um, just to get some chips," Stephen came up with an excuse.
"Alright, stay safe!"
And with that, the three of them snuck out.
...SceneChange...
"Should we have been more prepared? I feel like someone's gonna jump us," Darcy muttered, glancing around Morag St.
"We're fine," Tony replied.
"There are the others," Darcy pointed to the cluster of guys on the corner.
"Shh!" Thor hushed Sam and Bucky, who was messing around.
"Hey," Steve smiled. "We got some more back up," he nodded towards Wanda and Loki, who was standing together.
"Oh, great!" Stephen acknowledged them.
"I really think we should be fine," Tony sighed. "There's way too many of us. Than's dad will spot us a mile away,"
"Well then, we split up. One group goes into the front yard, the rest can spy in," Clint suggested.
"That's a good idea," Steve nodded. "Stephen, Tony, Loki and Clint, go in. We'll spy,"
"What about me?" Darcy pouted.
"You can't fight. If something goes wrong it's best they deal with it," Steve assured.
The team staying behind hid in other people's bushes and fences. Tony and that team snuck into the front yard.
"Can you see anything?" Stephen asked the others as they peered into a window.
"Nope," Clint squinted.
"Hey, Loki, can you do that magic window thing?" Tony suggested.
"Good idea," Loki sat back and begun conjuring up a circular shape with his hands. The magic suddenly sparked and disappeared.
"What happened?" Tony frowned.
"I...I don't know," Loki tried again. "It's not working," she flicked her hands again, trying another spell. Nothing.
"Maybe there's a 'no magic' spell working here," Stephen said.
"Let's go up to the porch," Tony suggested, walked out.
"Tony!" Stephen hissed. "Ugh, we're going to get caught," he sighed as he followed.
Loki got up and went after them. Clint rolled swiftly through the yard. They hid underneath the window sill.
"Can you hear anything?" Tony asked.
"Nope," Clint whispered back.
The light from inside was becoming more evident as outside got darker. "There's definitely someone in there," Stephen stated, as they all saw faint shadows move in the light projecting out. It was about 8 pm now.
They all tensed as the front door slowly creaked open.
"Shit," Loki muttered. Tony's gauntlet quietly materialised.
The artificial light fell into the yard and a shadow was also cast. They all held their breath.
"There's no one sir," whoever was making the shadow said.
Part of Tony's headgear was activated and he turned around quietly as he looked through the wall. He then looked at the others and held up two fingers. The others frowned at him in confusion.
They were only about a metre away from the door. The anyone stepped outside they would immediately notice them.
Tony pursed his lips and typed something on his phone. He held it up.
2 men are inside. let's take them
All of them shook their head. Stephen mouthed 'no'.
Tony rolled his eyes. 'Come on', he mouthed back. He laid back against the wall in defeat.
The door closed. The team internally sighed in relief.
And then everything went to chaos.
...end for chapter...
ahhh this was so lateeeeee im so sorryyyy
thank you to everyone who bombarded my notifications with likes and comments! i noticed there were a lot of new comers, so welcome to this chaotic mess. and to those who went back to read the first book and this one again (?) , uh,, ? *dies*
um, the next page of the comic is definitely going to be a bit later,,,, uh
i got a SAC on tuesday,, um,, and assignments are killing me this week, so super sorry!
anyways, i think this series is coming to a close soon,,um sorry to disappoint? ah
thankssss/DJ
