Disclaimer: I own nothing.
"... Our first guest is the CEO of Stark International and the younger brother of the Stark-dynamic duo and a good friend. Here's Arno Stark! Everybody."
A man glided through the rails on the top of the studio to the desk of the host and landed on the stage. Turning towards the crowd, he waved his hands and performed a bow.
"Wow... that was mighty impressive!" said the host, shaking hands with the man mentioned above, Arno.
"Welcome to the show and happy holidays!"
"Thank you! And Happy Holidays as well."
Arno with a big grin performed a bow for the audience.
There was a pause between both men as they waited for the audience to stop clapping.
"So good things have been going on for you? Was it last month that you were declared the youngest billionaire?" The host clicked his fingers.
Giving a reserved chuckle, Arno nodded, "Uhh... yeah. A week ago when I took over Stark International to help Tony with running the business, Forbes declared me the youngest..."
The talks continued for a good ten minutes with David and Arno discussing the working of Stark Industries and its various subsidiaries.
"Before we continue further, this here is a picture that you recently posted on your Starkbook... this is DUM-E & U the first artificial intelligence prototype your brother made. And you captioned this post as, 'Might donate this bot to the Fire Department' Tell us the story behind this?"
Enthusiastically Arno spoke, "So there is this thing with Dummy... He LOVES to make smoothies... or coffee... well any drinks, he loves making stuff in the blender. The only problem is that he seems to make the perfect order for Tony. Yes 'Only Tony.' Whenever I am handed a glass of smoothie or coffee, it is nothing but motor oil dumped into the steel container. So one day, the day I uploaded the picture, I eventually snapped and told Dummy that I am donating it to the Fire Department. And I almost went through it, but a certain brother of mine stopped me."
As the laughter died down.
"Away from the lighter sides of the topics, we also would like to know your stance on the Meta-Human Act and its impact on the Meta-Human community. While Senator Kelly has been spearheading this bill and proposed it to the general populous, it was Professor Xavier and you who are opposing the bill."
"Frankly David, the very bill is a mockery of our democratic institution…"
The show continued as David and Arno discussed the obstacles faced by the Meta-Human community.
"What are you writing?"
Tony twirled the pen in his hand, "I am working on the eulogy. I am considering taking Obie's speech and reading it."
We were in the chapel for the funeral of 'our' parents, it had been a week since I woke up in Arno's body. The day after the 'accident' Obadiah Stane visited us in the mansion. To say that I was wary of him would be an understatement, but considering all the things he did in 'Iron Man' it was a reasonable stance. The man acts quite pleasant, he stayed for a couple of days which he spent with Tony consoling him, but I saw the way his hands were like claws around Tony. The only good that came out of meeting him was that he kept Tony from going all pessimistic. He kept him busy with the talks of Howard and the company, the Stark legacy.
I spent most of the week with Ana. And I tried, I tried my best to act like a six-year-old, but it was difficult. The act was me being whiny and lazy, and I didn't like that, so I ultimately decided to act like my usual self. Which means it won't be much different from what I was like before but a bit mature, body hormones and expected 'Stark genius' for the win? Though I haven't done anything noteworthy like Tony but people still considered Arno/Me quick-witted. I also went through Howard's lab and found quite valuable things like notes on X-Genes and the mutant community (which makes me question the continuity I am in), Super Soldier Serum Version 2 which were not complete (most likely to be done on purpose), and theory behind Vita Rays. I took all these notes with me to my room. I knew that SHIELD would sooner or later sweep through the whole mansion packing all the projects Howard was working on, and not wanting them to have these notes I ultimately decided to keep these notes on me.
Besides SHIELD and Stane, the company was also becoming a nuisance. Before his death, Howard planned to take the company public, and Stane was subtly pushing Tony to make the decision now. Not only making the company public he was also asking Tony to declare SI's subsidiaries like Stark Pictures defunct, which I was strictly against. The company held the patent to the brand Captain fucking America, and I especially knew how much money Entertainment Industries will make in a decade from now on.
"You got something in mind?" He asked me, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I hummed for a while before saying, "I never got to say goodbye to them, Tony..." A pause and a chuckle were all he got, "I really have nothing to say for the old man. Sorry, I have nothing for you."
He smiled back, "Don't sweat kiddo, just like I said, I am struggling to write something decent myself." There was a pause as we continued staring at the notepad.
"You know... there are so many questions I wanted to ask him. He knew from early on that I never wanted to be in the weapon industry, but we never talked and now... now I hope Obie can make magic happen cause I really don't want to... want to do this." A sigh escaped his lips, he paused for a while before continuing, "Do you believe that dad was every inch of man we remember from the newsreels and the newspaper. I mean I can't even write a decent lie about the man. All I remember was him being this cold and calculating man, whom I saw the most satisfied when I was sent to the boarding school... maybe I can include that."
"Whew, I avoided a situation back there then, huh?" surprised I asked him.
He looked at me and laughed, "Yea, you did. Let me tell you, boarding school sucks."
We were interrupted by a knock on the door, we both saw Stane standing there with hands in his pockets. He moved towards Tony and placed his hands on his shoulder, "Heavy lies the head that wears the crown." This immediately brought a frown on my face, even here the dick head won't stop.
"Obie, not now," Tony replied in a tired tone.
"Alright, buckaroo. I just came here to tell you that your friend from MIT is here."
That certainly perked Tony up, James was here. He stood up and asked Obie, "I will go and see him in, why don't you look at the eulogy and tell me how it is?" turning towards me, he said, "I'll be back in a second Bambi, stay here." I gave a thumbs-up in return.
Tony left Stane and me in the room. Stane pulled the note pad up and started to work on it. I simply sat on the chair near, waiting for Tony and Jim to arrive.
I let my thoughts wander back to Stark Industries. I need to be strong. Both in the sense of personal power and corporate power. I am living in a world where potential enemies are everywhere, each one stronger than the other, held in place by... well nothing.
Kree and Celestials have already fucked us, humans, over. The only reason no one has paid attention towards Earth for millennia is because we offer nothing. But knowing that Kree and Celestial experiments are coming to fruition in this era, Inhumans and mutants respectively, we are royally fucked.
Earth will be ground zero for the recruitment of super-powered individuals. And empires like Shi'ar and Kree will go up and above to add these individuals to their domains. And with allies like *cough* Asgard *cough* who are unreliable at best, Earth needs defenders. My shoulders sagged when I thought of this, why I am even thinking of this. It hasn't been even a week here, and now I imagining myself to be the de facto guardian of Earth.
'With great power comes great responsibility and little happiness.'
My head snapped up, what the fuck was that? Who said that?
"Buckaroo!" I saw Tony and Rhodes walking towards me with a huge grin plastered on the former's face.
"Arno meet Honey Bear. Honey Bear meet mini-me." He introduced us to each other.
"Name's James Rhodes, not Honey Bear," said James with a pointed voice while looking at Tony, "and you must be Arno."
"Don't be a sour patch, Platypus," Tony replied nonchalantly. Before they could bicker, I stood up.
"Nice to meet you, James." Passing a glance at Tony, I continued, "I admire your tenacity to keep up with my brother. Not many can do that."
"It's a gift what can I say, I am good with kids." He flashed Tony a smirk and continued, "May I comment on how polite and courteous you are unlike certain someone." He replied with a grin.
Nodding my head slowly, I said, "Well, being the grown-up, I have to present a certain level of decorum." Just like Rhodes, I flashed a smile to Tony and said, "Also, allow me to thank you for taking care of my brother, I know how much of a menace he could be, you have my eternal gratitude." I ended with a slight bow.
Tony, who was gritting his teeth in the corner, interrupted us, "Okay. Stop this, the smile and all this 'Tony is immature' talk, stop. I don't like you two getting together anymore." Looking at Rhodes, he said, "I needed someone who would help me tease my cute little brother, not me." Pointing a finger towards me, he continued with a mocking tone, "And since when were you the mature one? Last I remember, I am the older brother."
"I don't know, dear brother. If I recall correctly, I have done my absolute best to portray myself as the perfect gentleman, unlike some toga party enthusiast." I grinned before putting my finger on my head, doing a thinking pose, "Aww... I get it, you are jealous. Well, don't worry, I won't steal James from you."
Tony gasped at that, "What Jealous? Jealousy is an emotion of simpletons, not me. Nuh-ah, I don't do jealous."
We both stopped at Rhodes snickering, "Okay, you both are so precious. As much I love this, I think someone wishes to talk to you, Tony."
Tony looked over and saw Stane looking at him with a smile. He moved towards him, I suppose he amended the speech, to be appropriate.
Now that Rhodes and I were alone, I asked him, "How's he doing?"
"Hmm." he had a puzzled look on his face.
"Tony. How is he doing?"
"You don't need to worry about that kid. He is doing fine."
But I didn't relent, so after some poking from me, he told me how Tony is doing. He also mentioned something that I didn't know before. 'Drunk', that is what the autopsy reports say was the cause of the accident, the report was most likely altered by SHIELD.
"I never got to say goodbye to my parents. I had so many questions for the old man..."
Fuck! Okay... this is not what I expected. Nothing wrong with Tony's speech, it's just that I am on the upper level of the church, which is packed with armed guards. Guards for who you ask? Everyone. This church is filled with so many influential people; national politicians, renowned scientist/inventors, famous actors and actress, hell the fucking president and ex-president of united states, Bush and Regan, are here. Shit! This is scary and kinda awesome.
I can see Stane from here, trying to sweet talk to anyone and everyone in the crowd, fuck that man.
Stars above, I need a distraction. Ooh! A Piano, just what I need, though I shouldn't think of playing it, I know for a fact how loud church pianos are. I made my way towards the piano and sat on the chair. Looking down on my right, I could see Tony, every video camera in the hall was pointed at him while he was giving the eulogy. Damm! That are a lot of cameras.
I can't imagine the pressure he must be feeling right now.
From what I read the part about dad, said how he was a man of principles and
"...m-my mo-mother made New York her ho-home..."
Aaaand I just jinxed myself. I saw Rhodes move on the stage to comfort Tony. I stood up to make my way downstairs, I momentarily lost my balance and ended up leaning on the piano while pressing the keys with both of my hands.
*DUUUUM*
Alright, now I just screwed myself. Don't look back, everyone is staring at you. Through my peripherals, I can see Tony and Rhodes staring up at me. If I just leave, no I can't, that would be even more embarrassing. I mean they would dismiss me as a child, but my pride (scratch that it is embarrassment) as a man won't allow it.
Uhhh... Damage Control. I started playing the piano, as much I wanted to stop and smack my face, I held myself back together. What is my dumbass playing? Samidare from Naruto.
As soon as I was done playing, I stood up. Making sure that I was not making eye contact with anyone, I made my way downstairs. Until I bumped into someone.
"Oh my! I am so sorry, are you alright?" I looked up and saw... a teenage John Krasinski..? The nose looks the same, the hair could have been longer, but yea... this is a younger-looking Jim. While I was busy staring at him, he spoke first.
"Hey, you are the younger Stark, right? I just heard what you were playing on the piano, it was beautiful." He babbled.
Gathering my composure, I replied, "Thank you..."
"Ah... Reed Richards. Hello." Oh... Wow... What a surprise.
Calming my nerves, I spoke, "Hi, and thank you very much. I am so glad that you enjoyed it." After a pause, I continued, "I am so terribly sorry, but I am in a hurry to be somewhere."
"Oh, okay."
As much as I wanted to fanboy over Mr. Fantastic, I need to get out of this place, it is too crowded for my taste (translation: my baby hormones and adult mind can't handle the stress.) Is this the reason I took all those public speaking classes. Dammit! Taking a few turns, I found myself in the same room where Tony and I initially were. It was after five minutes that someone entered the room.
"Jarvis!"
"Young Master." He sat next to me, "Are you alright?" and embrace me.
Smiling weakly, I leaned into his embrace, "I am Jarvis. Please tell me that I didn't cause a scene?"
"None of that, Arno. Everyone loved the piece you played, and it bought enough time for Master Anthony to compose himself." Patting my head, he continued, "Personally, I loved the track. Does it have a name?"
I sighed, "Yes." Taking a breath before I continued, "It's called Samidare, which is Japanese for 'Early Summer Rain.'"
He hummed in return, "An apt name, your mother did enjoy tea and snacks during a rainy day, especially if the sun was out."
She did?
"Anthony has asked me to take you back to the mansion. Do you wish to leave?"
"Yes." If my reply was quick, Jarvis didn't mention it.
"Okay, then. Ana is waiting for us in the parking lot, let's go then."
As we were walking through the back door, a sudden realization dawned on me. This will probably be the best chance to act on it, because from now on leaving the mansion would be very problematic for me.
"Umm... Jarvis. Before leaving for home, there is someplace that I need to be."
After much begging and a little insistence from Ana, Jarvis agreed to make a pit stop for me.
Some more begging on my part and Jarvis allowed me to enter the building alone, with a promise that if I am not out in ten minutes, he will burst in through the doors of the building.
Walking up to the door of the New York Sanctum, I knocked it.
An old man opened the door, looking at me for a moment, his eyes wander off to meet Jarvis who was standing on the sidewalk.
"My name is Arno Stark, I would like to request an audience with the Ancient One."
Before the old man could speak, someone else answered my request.
"Oh my. I wasn't expecting any guest today." The old man moved away, and Ancient One came in his place.
"Hello, little boy. How can I help you today?" Alright, I will allow that.
"I am here to request a personal tutor." She is already here, well it has been a week since I have been in this universe, she might have detected some kind of changes in the western hemisphere.
"Personal tutor? You must be in the wrong place, little one. No academic services are offered here." Okay, my fault I should have made my request a bit clearer.
"I wished to be trained in the mystic arts." I knew that she knew why I was here, but hearing it from my mouth confirmed it for her.
"Ah... I am sorry, but we don't offer that service here. You need to be in Kathmandu, Nepal, to be eligible for those amenities. Even if you reach Nepal, there would be a very minuscule chance for you to learn arcane arts. Last I heard the one who runs that place is a bit of a stickler." Okay, she is playing with me, right? She must be!
"Maybe you can make an exception for me, Ancient One." I tried pleading again.
There was a long pause between us before she continued.
"How peculiar... I am sorry, but my answer is no." She paused to look over my shoulder and said, "I believe it is time for you to leave; your custodian is getting impatient."
Before she could close the door, I made a gamble and spoke, "Do you believe Stephen will be enough to protect Earth when the time comes?"
She stilled for a second before her eyes moved over towards me. And I knew that this time she wasn't amusing a six-year-old child, she is taking me seriously.
"Explain." She was looking at me with such intensity, it was as if she was trying to see my soul.
"Have you used 'the eye' since last week? A whole lot of future has changed in such a short time."
Deliberating for a while, she replied: "Why should I take your words into consideration and not just..." She tilted her head, leaving the threat to my imagination.
There is only so much information regarding her that I can discuss here in the open. Dormammu is a definite no-no, so what else is left.
"Arno!" A shout interrupted my thought process. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Jarvis pointing at his watch.
I returned a forced smile in return and asked him for a minute. After weighing all the options, I replied, "675 years of experience. And you gamble all of it on Stephen Strange? Do you really think he could stop the Destroyer of the Worlds?"
She looked taken back by my words, "What travesty have you bought upon us?"
"Nothing. None. There is nothing wrong, but I need help, and you need time to think this through. Please get back to me as soon as you can." I ended the conversation and made my way back to the car. Leaving her staring at my back.
Author Note: Sorry for such a long delay. Being new to writing, I am second-guessing my every move. Ideas come to me easy, but adequately executing them is very difficult.
Uhh... Tell me your thoughts about the chapter, I'll do my best to update by next week. Next chapter is halfway done, so no waiting for a month.
And yes, Reed looks like John Krasinski, you can imagine who Sue Storm will look like.