Chapter 4: Willow
October 6, 2005 – Thursday
The famed Stark Industries Arc reactor was housed inside a simple, eight-story-tall building that didn't look like much of anything from the outside. It was a nondescript facade that hid the incredible technological marvel within.
Faith sat cross-legged next to her father as they finished their fries and soda they had gotten before the press conference. Her eyes were fixed on the ten-foot-tall, thirty-foot-diameter reactor that was shaped like a doughnut. It was a breathtaking sight, with blue metal tubes intricately wrapped around a pulsing purple plasma core. Faith couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe as she looked upon the engineering marvel before her.
"This is what you based the one you cobbled together in the cave?" she asked, her voice filled with admiration.
Tony nodded proudly. "Yes," he answered, his voice tinged with a mix of satisfaction and humility. "Impressive, isn't it?"
Faith couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "Like you wouldn't believe," she admitted, her eyes still glued to the mesmerizing reactor.
They heard a footfall behind them, and Faith followed her father's lead by not turning around immediately. Stane had approached them, and the tension in the air was palpable. Tony, ever the master of defusing tension with humor, offered a lighthearted comment.
"You know," Tony said thoughtfully, his gaze momentarily leaving the reactor to settle on a french fry, "if we just carpet bomb everyone who hates us with fries, they'd grow to love us."
Stane, however, didn't respond to the jest. Instead, he tossed a rueful glance in the general direction of the building they'd left, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment as he spoke blandly, "That went well."
Tony let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping with the weight of the decisions he had just made. His voice carried a mix of regret and self-doubt as he spoke, his emotions laid bare.
"Did I just paint a target on the back of mine and Faith's heads?" Tony's words were filled with concern for their safety, and the emotional weight of his actions weighed on him like a burden.
Stane, on the other hand, responded with a touch of skepticism, his voice laced with the worry of a pragmatic mind. "Your heads?" he questioned; disbelief evident in his tone. "What about my head? What do you think the over-under on the stock drop is going to be tomorrow?"
Tony didn't mince words, his reply carrying a sense of grim reality. "Forty points."
"Minimum," Stane agreed, his own resignation evident as he let out a weary sigh. He crouched next to Tony and Faith, placing a reassuring hand on Tony's shoulder as if to offer comfort in this tumultuous moment. "Tony, Tony," he began, his voice softening. "We're iron mongers. We make weapons. That's what we do. We're a weapons manufacturer."
Tony's response was heartfelt and resolute, his desire for change clear in his words. "I don't want a body count to be our only legacy."
Stane, however, remained steadfast in his belief, his voice carrying the weight of conviction. "What we do here," he declared, gesturing around them to encompass the entirety of Stark headquarters, "keeps the world from falling into chaos."
"No, it doesn't," Faith replied firmly, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "It's people like me who do that. You don't know half of what waits out there in the dark. I do."
Tony's touch on Faith's arm was a reassuring gesture, and he turned his attention back to Stane, his determination undeterred. Bitterness tinged his words as he spoke, the frustration at the current state of affairs evident in his voice. "Well, judging from what Faith and I just saw, we are not doing a very good job," Tony said, his disappointment clear. "There are other things we can do."
Stane, always the pragmatist, challenged Tony with a hint of sarcasm, but his curiosity was genuine. "Like what?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism. "What do you want us to do? Make baby bottles?"
Tony's response was a sweeping gesture toward the impressive reactor, his eyes filled with determination. "Invent a new kind of power generation, Obadiah," he insisted. "Remember? Clean. Safe. Won't hasten global warming. One Arc reactor, built upon Repulsor technology, could serve the power needs of the entire state."
Stane, however, remained cautious, his skepticism evident. "In theory," he countered, shaking his head slowly. "In theory, Tony. Remember that part?"
"Theory only becomes fact if we work on it," Tony insisted, his voice carrying a sense of determination and hope.
Stane, however, interjected with a note of resignation, his words revealing a harsh reality. "But it didn't work! Tony, you remember! At the end of the day, the Arc reactor was a publicity stunt. We built it to shut the hippies up."
Faith, ever the optimist, countered with a glance at her father's chest, where the life-saving reactor was housed. Her voice held a touch of defiance. "It works."
Stane nodded, acknowledging the truth in Faith's statement, and adopted a more conciliatory tone. "Yeah, as a science project. It was never cost-effective. We knew that before we built it. I mean, don't get me wrong," he continued, a hint of regret in his voice. "If it hadn't been for the Arc reactor, we never would have realized the weapons possibilities that Repulsor technology represented. Thanks to the reactor, we have the Jericho missiles and other weapons applications."
Tony's bitterness was palpable as he reflected on their unintended consequences. "Yeah, that's us all over," he said bitterly. "Try to find ways to save the world, and we wind up finding ways to blow it up. Iron mongers, just like you said."
Stane, in an attempt to be pragmatic, tried to bring the conversation back to reality. "I didn't mean to rain on your parade, kid," he said. "All I'm saying is that when it comes to being utilized as a means of generating energy, Repulsor technology is a dead end, right?"
Tony's response was guarded, his uncertainty about the future evident in his words. "Maybe."
Stane, no longer attempting to conceal his impatience, pressed on with his line of questioning. He couldn't help but wear his curiosity on his face as he asked, "There haven't been any breakthroughs in thirty years, right?"
Tony couldn't help but chuckle at Stane's failed attempt at neutrality. "You're a lousy poker player. Who told you?"
Growing more impatient, Stane abandoned any pretense of secrecy and pointed directly at Tony's chest. "Let me see the damn thing."
Tony couldn't help but speculate on who might have spilled the beans. "Was it Rhodey? I know it wasn't Faith."
Faith chimed in, offering a dose of practicality. "Just show him, Dad, he's never going to let it go," she said, resting her head on her father's shoulder.
With a frustrated sigh, Tony gave in, feeling somewhat like a high school science project. He pulled open his shirt and yanked up his undershirt, revealing the soft glow of the miniature Arc reactor that suffused the room.
Stane shook his head in amazement, clearly astounded by the sight. Then, with a shrug that suggested he had seen stranger things in his line of work, he commented casually, "Well, everyone needs a hobby."
"Yeah, it was either craft a scientific breakthrough out of stray missile parts or take up stamp collecting. But I hate getting the sticky part of the stamps on my fingers," Tony quipped, his humor a mask for the gravity of their situation, as he started to pull his shirt down to cover his implant.
Stane moved to assist Tony, but Faith was quick to intervene. With a determined expression, she gently pushed aside Stane's hands and began helping her father button his shirt, a silent but strong display of support.
"Listen, we're a team," Stane said, his tone gentle yet unwavering. "There's nothing we can't do if we stick together. No more of this ready, fire, aim business. No more press. Can you promise me that?"
In the same cautious tone, he had used earlier when discussing Repulsor Tech advancements, Tony responded, "Maybe."
Stane, undeterred, pressed on, his concern for Tony's well-being evident. "Let me handle this. I did it for your father; I'll do it for you, but please, you just got to lie low."
Tony held Stane's gaze for a long moment. Then, with a warm smile and a nod, he agreed, "I'll see what I can do."
October 7, 2005 – Friday
Tony's house came to life as night fell. The windows and lights began to shift, transforming the once-opaque windows into transparent ones and casting a soft, romantic glow throughout the room. The television, as part of its fail-safe programming, came to life and automatically tuned in to CNN.
Some of the shifts were a bit out of sync with the usual routines. Typically, the television came on first thing in the morning, not in the evening. But Tony had only been back home for less than forty-eight hours, and he hadn't fully adjusted to the correct time zone. His long hours of sleep had thrown off his customary day/night sleep cycle.
However, this posed no challenge for the sophisticated computer entity known as Jarvis. Jarvis had patiently awaited Tony's awakening, and as soon as Tony stirred, it adjusted the household patterns accordingly.
Tony descended the main steps into the living room, still rubbing his eyes and trying to shake off the grogginess of sleep.
"Hello, Mr. Stark," Jarvis greeted him in his crisp British tones, a reliable presence in Tony's life, always ready to assist.
"Hello, Jarvis," Tony replied with a yawn, still shaking off the remnants of sleep.
"What can I do for you?" Jarvis inquired, ever ready to assist.
Tony's first concern was for his daughter. "First, is Faith up?" he asked.
Jarvis responded promptly, relaying Faith's current status. "Ms. Stark is currently out," Jarvis informed him. "She wanted me to inform you she was checking to see what nightlife was around. She said you would understand what she meant."
"Of course," Tony replied with a sense of understanding. He knew his daughter well enough to interpret her intentions. It was clear to him that when Faith mentioned checking out the nightlife, she had likely gone out on patrol to see if there were any vampires lurking in the shadows.
"Is there anything else, Mr. Stark?" Jarvis inquired, ever the attentive and efficient AI.
Tony nodded; his expression serious. "Yes," he said with determination. "Let me know when Faith gets back. And second, I need to build a better heart."
Jarvis paused, processing Tony's statement. The AI made every effort to approach the remark from multiple angles and make sense of it, but it seemed to be struggling. Finally, Jarvis responded with a touch of regret, "I'm not sure I follow, sir."
Tony's reply was straightforward as he headed for his workshop, his voice filled with purpose. "Give me a scan, and you'll see."
A few minutes later, in his workshop, Tony sat shirtless in front of a 3-D laser scanner. He wore protective goggles to shield his eyes as a series of beams played across his body, meticulously mapping every molecule of his structure. Various monitors in the workshop displayed terabytes of data racing past, with every piece of information being logged into Jarvis's vast data banks.
"What were your intentions for this device?" Jarvis inquired, seeking clarity on Tony's miniature arc reactor.
"It powers an electromagnet that keeps the shrapnel from entering my heart," Tony explained, his voice laced with a sense of urgency. "Can you recommend any upgrades?"
On the main monitor, Tony's chest device was magnified, and Jarvis effortlessly deconstructed the image, breaking it down into its component parts. The intricate details of the device flashed on the screen, one after another, in rapid succession. Tony realized that there was no need for him to provide a step-by-step explanation to Jarvis; the AI was essentially reverse engineering the creation of the mini-reactor. Jarvis could decipher it far more quickly than Tony could explain it.
"It is difficult to offer counsel," Jarvis responded, "in light of the fact that your stated intentions are inconsistent with your actions."
Tony was taken aback by Jarvis's statement. "What are you talking about? That is ridiculous. That is exactly the purpose of this invention."
As he glanced at the monitors, Tony was struck by the complexity and sophistication of the device he had created. While he had assembled every circuit and component himself, seeing it displayed on the monitors, with Jarvis delving deeper into its inner workings, gave him a newfound appreciation for its intricacy.
The disembodied computer voice continued its analysis, delivering a surprising revelation. "The energy yield of this device outperforms your stated intention by eleven orders of magnitude. You could accomplish your stated goal with the power output of a car battery."
Tony couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance as Jarvis seemed to assume it knew his thoughts and intentions better than he did. The rapid calculations flashing on the monitors only added to his frustration. He stepped out from the scanning booth, his voice devoid of its usual warmth as he issued a command.
"Upgrade recommendations. List," Tony requested, his tone intentionally flat.
Jarvis, ever observant, noted the change in Tony's demeanor and responded with curiosity. "Why are you talking to me like a computer?"
Tony didn't miss a beat, his voice laced with a touch of exasperation as he retorted, "Because you're acting like one."
However, their exchange was interrupted by a voice from the doorway, one that held a hint of amusement.
"Ah, welcome home, Ms. Stark," Jarvis greeted Faith, and Tony turned to see his daughter standing in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face.
Without missing a beat, Faith's voice chimed in from the doorway, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Because you're acting like one."
Jarvis acknowledged Faith's presence with a polite greeting. "Ah, welcome home, Ms. Stark," the AI said as Tony turned to see his daughter standing in the doorway, her smile revealing her knowing understanding of the situation.
"Jarvis," Faith interjected, her tone carrying a hint of impatience, "would you just do what my dad wants?" Her request was straightforward and to the point.
In response, Jarvis's accent playfully shifted, adopting the tone of a Liverpudlian resident. "It would thrill me to no end," the AI replied with a touch of humor.
Faith, satisfied with Jarvis's compliance, settled in next to her father as they both watched the designs on the monitors change and evolve before their eyes. The room was filled with the hum of creativity and possibility.
Faith then admitted to her father, "There were no vampires." She paused for a moment before adding, "If it keeps up like that, and I stay with you for long, I am going to need a place to work out. Slayers produce too much energy to just sit around and do nothing. It makes us restless."
Tony nodded, understanding the need for physical activity that came with being a Slayer. "We can certainly arrange for a suitable training area," he assured her.
"Should I begin machining the parts?" Jarvis's interruption brought Tony and Faith's conversation to a halt. The flashing images on the screen had ceased, replaced by a new model of the reactor that was paradoxically both more complex and simpler, or perhaps more streamlined.
Tony nodded slowly in response to Jarvis's question, a sense of determination in his eyes. He gathered an armload of raw metal stock and carefully placed it onto a lathe. "Machine away," he instructed.
Faith watched in awe as robotic arms descended from overhead, efficiently organizing the metal sheets and, once everything was properly stacked, selecting a sheet and placing it onto the lathe. Precision laser beams, adjusted to the perfect cutting width, sliced through the metal. What would have taken Tony, even with Faith's assistance, hours to accomplish, the computer-guided lasers and robot arms completed in a matter of minutes. As each piece was cut with an astonishing margin of error of one thousandth of an inch, other robot arms would pick them up and sort them into individual piles.
As Tony worked with his various tools, milling the parts for the new generation of the reactor in his chest, the device began to come to life. A grim smile played on his lips.
Jarvis had been right. Tony knew it, and Jarvis knew it. He had grand plans for something far more than a heart reactor, and he hoped and prayed that, sooner or later, he would have the opportunity to implement those plans against his and Faith's former captors.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Pepper's presence in her work alcove off Tony's living room was a solitary one, her attention was firmly fixed on the large flat-screen television that graced the wall of the living room. The news report that played before her had seized her full attention, rendering her unable to tear her eyes away from the unfolding story.
The news anchor's voice was charged with a sense of urgency as they delivered the shocking report, "In a stunning turn of events, Isabella Maria Stark, daughter of billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, reportedly escaped from prison two years ago before the completion of her sentence. Isabella Stark, who also goes by the name Faith Lehane, had been incarcerated for her alleged involvement in the deaths of Sunnydale Deputy Mayor Allan Finch and Professor Lester Worth. She is currently considered a wanted fugitive."
As images of Faith flashed across the screen, Pepper's heart sank. The news report continued, delving into the details of Faith's daring escape, leaving law enforcement authorities puzzled.
Questions swirled in Pepper's mind as she contemplated the circumstances surrounding Faith's escape and what could have driven her to take such a drastic step. It was evident that this turn of events would have far-reaching consequences, not only for Faith but also for Tony and the Stark family.
With growing concern, Pepper addressed Jarvis, her voice filled with worry. "Jarvis?" she inquired, seeking information and reassurance. "Where is Faith?"
Jarvis's response brought a small measure of relief amid the turmoil. "Ms. Stark is currently with her father in his workshop," the AI informed her.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
"Okay, Faith," Tony instructed his daughter, his voice focused and determined. "We're going to swap them out and switch all functions to the new unit. When I lift it off, I need you to reach into the socket as far as your hand can fit and gently move the housing away from my heart. Do you know which direction that is?"
Faith responded confidently; her voice tinged with a touch of exasperation. "Dad, I'm not an idiot. I'm going your right, my left."
Just as they were about to proceed with the delicate procedure, Pepper's voice interrupted, "Tony?" drawing their attention. She saw Tony seated in a chair in the middle of the room as Faith sat next to him. He was shirtless and his chest was glowing.
Tony acknowledged her with a calm, "Yes, Pepper?"
Pepper's gaze remained fixed on the Arc reactor embedded in Tony's chest. Her voice carried a sense of wonder as she inquired, "So... so that's the thing that's keeping you alive?"
Tony's response was tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "That's the thing that was keeping me alive. It is now an antique. This is what will be keeping me alive for the foreseeable future." He pointed towards the new Arc reactor that sat next to Faith.
"Amazing," Pepper breathed, her eyes still locked on the innovative technology.
Tony gently brought her attention back to the matter at hand, asking, "What is it, Pepper?"
Pepper's revelation carried a weight of concern as she informed Tony, "Did you know Faith has allegedly killed two men and went to prison?"
Faith chimed in, acknowledging Tony's prior knowledge. "He knows," she confirmed. "I told him when we were being held captive. How did you know?"
Pepper explained, "It was on the news just now."
The gravity of the situation became more apparent as Pepper inquired further, "Are the police looking for you?"
Faith's response was honest and open, reflecting the complexity of her situation. "To tell the truth, I do not know," she admitted. "It's been two years since I broke out."
Pepper pressed for more information; her curiosity tinged with concern. "Why did you break out?" she asked.
Faith's answer revealed her unwavering commitment to her cause. "To help Angel and later Buffy," she replied, highlighting the sense of duty and loyalty that had driven her actions.
Tony's response reflected his awareness of Faith's situation and his determination to take action. He confirmed, "I know all about that, Pepper. I meant to talk to you about it. I want to make sure my lawyers are on top of it. I want to get her a retrial. She agreed to a plea deal because she wanted to atone for her mistakes."
Faith's voice carried a note of frustration and disbelief as she added, "They convicted me solely on my confession. There was literally no evidence. Finch was killed by a wooden stake and Worth with a knife that is very likely buried somewhere at the bottom of the Sunnydale crater. There is no evidence, no eyewitness testimony. Just my confession."
Tony, showing his legal acumen, pointed out, "And last I checked, you're not supposed to get a conviction based solely on a confession."
Pepper listened to the father-daughter duo and considered the weight of Faith's past actions. Finally, she sighed and posed a deeply personal question to Faith, "Do you regret it?"
Faith's response was laced with remorse and self-reflection as she admitted, "Every day. Worth was a lifelong bachelor. But Finch, he was a family man. Finch, by the way, was an accident. But I took someone's husband, father, brother, son away from his loved ones. Every day I regret what I did."
Pepper's gaze softened as she absorbed Faith's heartfelt confession. It was a stark reminder of the complex journey the young woman had been on, a journey that had led her to seek a chance for redemption.
"I appreciate your honesty, Faith," Pepper said gently, her voice carrying a sense of understanding and empathy.
Faith expressed her gratitude to Pepper with a heartfelt, "Thank you, Pepper." Her appreciation for the support and understanding was evident in her voice. Realizing the urgency of the situation, she turned her attention back to the task at hand. "Dad, we probably ought to get the reactor changed out."
Tony concurred with Faith, acknowledging, "You're right, Faith." He carefully removed the existing reactor from its receptacle in his chest. He nodded to Faith, signaling her to proceed.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Faith steeled her nerves and reached into her father's chest, her hand disappearing into the cavity. Pepper couldn't help but be both fascinated and concerned as she watched the delicate procedure unfold. She posed a crucial question, seeking clarity, "How deep does it go?"
Neither Tony nor Faith provided a verbal answer, but instead, Faith continued to insert her hand deeper into the receptacle. Tony's guidance was crucial as he instructed her, "That's it. Deeper. Now press."
As Faith's fingers delved deeper into the receptacle, she felt a slight resistance, and then her fingers came into contact with a latch release mechanism. With careful precision, she pressed down on it, causing a sudden and unexpected reaction. Tony's head flopped backward, his body going limp, appearing for all the world like a puppet severed of its strings.
Pepper's eyes widened in sheer panic, and she gasped out in alarm, "Tony!"
Faith couldn't help but roll her eyes, her amusement evident in her tone. "Dad, quit teasing her."
With a lopsided grin, Tony suddenly snapped his head back up, revealing that it had all been a playful ruse. "Just kidding. I'm fine."
Pepper's exasperation was evident as she muttered under her breath, resisting the urge to give Tony a good scolding.
Faith, however, remained focused on the task at hand. "I can't tell, Dad, is it?"
Tony confirmed the progress, his voice steady. "Yes, it's releasing." He indicated to Faith that she could extract her hand, and as she did, she saw it was covered in a pink slime
Pepper couldn't hide her disgust as she looked at Faith's hand, letting out a groan. "Eww! Pus!"
Tony quickly corrected her, his annoyance evident in his tone. "It is not pus. It's an inorganic plasmic discharge. It's from the device, not my body."
Pepper wrinkled her nose, clearly put off by the smell. "Well, it smells."
Meanwhile, Faith walked to the sink to wash her hands as Tony began the process of cleaning out the discharge from the opening. Tony offered reassurance, explaining, "The new unit is much more efficient. This shouldn't happen again."
As Faith returned from washing her hands and was about to inquire if Tony needed any assistance with installing the new device, they were all taken by surprise. A robot arm descended from overhead, seamlessly inserting the brand-new device into Tony's chest.
Hoping desperately that she might be able to inject a shred of normalcy into the proceedings, Pepper suggested, "I don't suppose you want to go over things. Business-related things, I mean. I can just grab them off my desk and—"
Tony's response was laced with irony as he interrupted, "Can it at least wait until I install my new untested groundbreaking self-contained power source and lifesaving device prototype?"
Pepper found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond. The pressing business matters she had wanted to discuss with him suddenly felt much less urgent in the face of the ongoing procedure. "I suppose," she finally conceded, taking a step back.
Faith, seizing the opportunity, approached Tony and the previous chest piece that had been set aside. She made a request, "Hey, Dad, can I keep it, as a memento of what we endured?"
Tony, focused on supervising the installation of the new unit, responded without hesitation, "Throw that thing away, Faith."
Pepper, however, couldn't help but inquire, "You don't want to let her keep it?"
The notion that the chest piece held any sentimental value seemed to surprise Tony. He questioned, "Why? Faith has no use for it, and it's antiquated. I'll build her a better one if she wants something to remember that hell by."
Pepper couldn't help but laugh at his response. The idea that he could dismiss something that had been a monumental achievement and a lifeline in the same way he would discard last year's computer model left her stunned. "You made it out of spare parts in a dungeon. It saved your life. Doesn't it at least have some nostalgic value?"
Tony, ever pragmatic, replied, "Pepper, I have been called many things. Nostalgic is not one of them."
Faith couldn't help but feel hurt by Tony's dismissive attitude. She questioned, "Is that how you feel about me? You're not nostalgic for the time we missed?" With those words, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.
Tony watched Faith walk out of the room, a pained expression crossing his face. He hadn't meant to hurt her feelings with his comment, and her question had struck a chord deep within him.
Pepper, sensing the tension in the room, decided to address the issue. "Tony, you know she didn't mean it like that. She's been through so much, and she just wants to feel connected to you, to have some sense of belonging."
Tony sighed, realizing his response might have been too callous. "I know, Pepper. It's just... I've never been good at handling emotions, especially my own. I've spent most of my life burying them under layers of sarcasm and technology."
Pepper approached him; her tone gentle. "She's your daughter, Tony. Between what we've learned of her past and what she went through with you in that cave. She's been through a lot, a lot more than she should have been through. Maybe it's time to start letting some of those emotions out, to show her that you care."
Tony nodded, understanding the wisdom in Pepper's words. "You're right, as always. I'll talk to her, try to make things right."
The room held a palpable tension as the robot arms completed their work, leaving the chest plate in place. For Pepper, it was a nerve-wracking moment, although Tony appeared more confident. They waited, their eyes fixed on the chest plate, as if holding their breath.
Then, in a sudden and reassuring display, the new reactor came to life, its brilliant glow filling the room like a lighthouse beacon. A wave of relief washed over Pepper, and she let out a long, sigh of relief. Tony, in contrast, simply nodded in approval.
"There. Good as new," Tony declared, his confidence in his creation evident in his voice.
After the installation of the new reactor, Tony couldn't shake the lingering guilt he felt from his earlier exchange with Faith. He knew he had been too dismissive of her feelings, and the thought of her being hurt weighed on him.
Determined to make amends, Tony left his workshop and headed to find Faith. He knew she needed some space after their conversation, but he couldn't let things remain strained between them.
Tony eventually found her in one of the common areas of his expansive mansion. Faith was sitting by herself, lost in thought, her expression a mix of sadness and frustration.
Approaching her cautiously, Tony cleared his throat and said, "Hey, Faith."
She looked up, her eyes meeting his, and there was a hint of surprise in her gaze. "Hey, Dad," she replied, her tone a mix of uncertainty and longing.
Tony took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to express himself. "I wanted to talk to you... about earlier. I didn't mean to be so dismissive. I know you've been through a lot, and you deserve more than that."
Faith studied him for a moment, her guard still up, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "You think this is easy for me? All of this... it's overwhelming. And I want to be a part of your life, to connect with you."
Tony nodded, his expression softening. "I know, and I want that too. I've just never been great at handling emotions, especially my own."
Faith could understand how that was. Till her reunion with Tony during their captivity, she had been much the same way. Her heart had always been guarded; her emotions locked away like precious treasures. It's why she always gave people nicknames, a way to keep her distance from those who might break her heart.
Faith's heart, once encased in layers of self-preservation, began to thaw in the warmth of Tony's sincerity. She realized that her father, the genius inventor, the billionaire playboy, was just as human as she was, grappling with his own emotional complexities.
With a soft sigh, Faith allowed herself to open up a bit more. "You know, Dad, I've always been a bit guarded myself," she admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. "Maybe that's where I got it from. But I want to change that, for both of us."
Tony's eyes gleamed with a spark of excitement. "I have a project planned," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. "I think it could be for both of us, if you're interested in helping your old man."
Faith's curiosity piqued, and her smile widened. "Tell me more, Dad. I'm all ears."
"Remember the armor I made during our captivity that I used to help us escape?" Tony asked, his eyes gleaming with a mix of nostalgia and determination. "I was thinking about building a better one. And maybe a second one for you."
Faith's eyes widened in surprise and intrigue. The memory of that makeshift armor they had crafted together in the darkest hours of their captivity was etched into her mind. It had been a symbol of their resourcefulness and the unbreakable bond they had formed during that challenging time.
"A better armor?" Faith repeated, her voice tinged with excitement. "That sounds incredible, Dad. I'm in."
Tony's face lit up with pride and enthusiasm. It was a rare moment when he got to share his genius with his daughter, and he relished it. "Great! We'll make it a team project. With your insight and my tech, we'll create something extraordinary."
"Faith," Tony said, his voice softening as he looked at his daughter. "The reason I didn't want you to keep that reactor was because it brought back memories of Yinsen."
Faith let out a thoughtful sigh, her gaze turning introspective. "I know," she said, her voice carrying the weight of shared memories. "I see his face too."
October 13, 2005 – Thursday
Tony and Faith labored diligently over the next few days, their workshop becoming a hive of creativity and innovation. They had started with building Faith an arc reactor for her own suit, a project that held both symbolic and practical significance. Unlike Tony's reactor, Faith's would be fully incorporated into the suit itself when they finished building it. The task was no small feat, but they tackled it with the same determination that had brought them closer together.
After successfully crafting Faith's reactor, they moved on to the next phase of their project: the boots for Tony's armor. They meticulously designed and assembled the components, ensuring that every detail was just right. Sketches and diagrams sprawled across their worktable, a testament to their dedication to perfection.
"Still having trouble walking?" Jarvis inquired, his digital voice a constant presence in their workspace.
"These aren't for walking," Tony replied with a grin, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Once they had finished the work on the boots and allowed them to cool, Tony carefully laid down a test circle on the workshop floor using pieces of tape. They had wired the boots to a chest bandolier that was lined with sensor equipment.
Tony gripped the hand-controlled joysticks with a sense of excitement and anticipation, his fingers poised to operate the intricate mechanisms within the boots they had meticulously crafted.
"Ready to record the big moment, Jarvis?" Faith questioned, her eyes filled with a mix of eagerness and determination.
"All sensors ready, Ms. Stark," Jarvis replied, his artificial voice as precise as ever.
But then, Faith's voice held a touch of warmth as she made a request. "Jarvis," she said gently, "would you call me Faith, please? Ms. Stark just sounds so formal."
There was a brief pause, as if Jarvis were processing this request. Then, in a tone that conveyed a touch of empathy, he responded, "Of course, Faith. Your request is duly noted."
"We'll start off easy," Tony said, his voice laced with anticipation and a hint of caution. "Ten percent." With a determined flick of his fingers on the joysticks, he activated the newly crafted boots. Tony had expected a slow buildup, followed by a gradual acceleration, especially since he was operating the boots at just ten percent of their capacity.
However, Tony had badly miscalculated. The moment the boots came to life, he found himself in a whirlwind of sudden, unexpected motion. One moment he was firmly on the ground, and the next, he was hurtling upward, defying gravity's grasp. Panic briefly gripped him as he struggled to maintain control, his fingers desperately clutching the joysticks.
In that critical moment, the safety mechanisms Tony had designed came to his rescue. The joysticks functioned as a dead man's switch, and as he lost his grip on them, the jet boots promptly shut off. Instead of plowing through the ceiling, he merely ricocheted off it, resulting in a crash landing in a corner of the workshop.
The impact was chaotic, with tables and scattered diagrams tumbling around him as if caught in a storm. Tony lay there for a moment, gasping for breath, his heart racing from the adrenaline rush.
Faith, concern etched on her face, rushed to her father's side. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Tony didn't answer right away. He needed a moment to collect himself, to ensure that he wasn't seriously injured. As he lay there, he and Faith could hear Jarvis calmly informing them, "That flight yielded excellent data."
"Dad?" Faith persisted, her concern deepening.
"Just a minute, Faith," Tony finally replied, his voice strained. With deliberate care, he began to experimentally flex his lower body to make sure he wasn't paralyzed. After a few cautious movements, he let out a breath of relief. "I'm okay," he said, his words tinged with a touch of embarrassment. "And I, uhh, think I know what this needs."
October 17, 2005 – Monday
As Tony and Faith approached the hangar at Edwards Air Force Base, they heard Rhodey's commanding voice delivering a lecture to a group of student pilots. The topic was "Manned or unmanned: Which is the future of air combat?" Tony and Faith stopped at the doorway, listening intently as Rhodey paced in front of a Global Hawk drone, the student pilots gathered around him, hanging on his every word and scribbling notes on their pads.
"For my money, no drone, no computer, will ever trump a pilot's instincts," Rhodey declared with conviction. "His reflexes, his judgment—"
Tony couldn't resist chiming in, his irrepressible curiosity getting the best of him. "Why not take it a step further? Why not—a pilot without the plane?"
Tony and Faith stepped forward, and a wide grin broke across Rhodey's face at the sight of them.
"That I'd like to see," Rhodey declared, making a sweeping gesture toward Tony and Faith as he addressed the class. "Look who fell out of the sky."
The student pilots turned as one, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions. Some wore expressions of astonishment and awe, recognizing the legendary Tony Stark and his newfound daughter. Others had blank looks, perhaps unsure of the significance of this unexpected visit.
As the attention of the young pilots settled on Tony, Faith noticed a flicker of pain in her father's eyes, a fleeting glimpse of a memory that still haunted him. She understood the source of his discomfort—it was tied to Jimmy, the young soldier who had lost his life. Faith had been told about Jimmy, and she knew that the watch she had taken from one of Raza's men, the very watch she now wore, had once belonged to him.
Faith reached over and patted her father on the back, a silent reminder that she was there, standing beside him, offering support and understanding in a moment that stirred up painful memories.
Tony glanced at Faith, a silent acknowledgment of her supportive gesture. It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes of their unspoken understanding.
Turning his attention back to Rhodey and the eager student pilots, Tony clapped his hands together briskly, his enthusiasm palpable. "Who wants to take these apart and put them back together?" he asked, inclining his head toward the drones.
Several hands shot up immediately, eager to dive into the opportunity presented by the genius inventor.
Rhodey, however, interrupted the enthusiastic response of the pilots. "All right, let's wrap it up," he directed them.
As the student pilots began to file out of the hangar, their excitement still tangible, a number of them paused to shake Tony and Faith's hands, offer words of congratulations, and express their admiration for both their return to civilization and their heartwarming reunion.
Tony and Faith graciously accepted the accolades, sharing smiles and even agreeing to sign a couple of autographs, though they were well aware of the impending payback from Rhodey for that particular indulgence.
When the last of the pilots had departed, Rhodey shook Tony's hand and then Faith's, a warm smile on his face. "I didn't think I'd be seeing you two for a while," he admitted.
"Why not?" Faith asked, genuinely curious about Rhodey's perspective.
Rhodey's gaze shifted between Tony and Faith, his expression thoughtful. "I figured you'd both need a little time," he explained. "Not only to get over, well, you know. But to get acquainted with each other."
Tony glanced upward, as if hoping for guidance from the heavens, before addressing Rhodey's statement. "Why does everybody think Faith and I need time?"
Rhodey shrugged, his expression carrying a touch of empathy. "You've both been through a lot," he explained. "Thought you both should get your heads straight."
Faith chimed in, acknowledging the validity of Rhodey's concern. "I can see where he's coming from, Dad."
Tony, however, was quick to assert his point. "We've got our heads straight," he insisted. "And I'm back to work with Faith's help."
Rhodey's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really?"
Tony lowered his voice, a hint of excitement and secrecy in his tone as he leaned in closer to Rhodey. "Faith and I are onto something big," he confided. "We want you to be a part of it."
"I knew it," Rhodey exclaimed, thumping his fist into his open palm with an air of triumph. "I knew when you said you were done with weapons systems, that it was just crazy talk."
Tony began to speak, but Rhodey continued, his enthusiasm evident. "Man, a lot of people around here will be happy to hear that. To hear that you're getting back in the old saddle," he said, referring to Tony's return to the world of technology and innovation. "What you said at that press conference really threw everyone."
Faith interjected, her voice carrying a note of determination. "Dad meant what he said."
Rhodey paused, taken aback by Faith's assertion. "No, he didn't," he responded to her before turning his attention back to Tony. "You didn't mean that at all. You took a bad hit. It spun you around."
Tony locked eyes with Rhodey, and for a moment, the weight of their shared history and understanding hung in the air. He then sighed and admitted, "Maybe I do need a little time."
Faith's gaze remained fixed on her father, a knowing look in her eyes. She sensed that there was something he had left unsaid, something deeper that he was wrestling with beneath the surface. She couldn't help but think that he was reflecting on the losses they had endured during their captivity.
Rhodey observed the father-daughter duo for a moment, his understanding of their unspoken dynamics evident in his gaze. He then nodded, his gesture a sign of acceptance and support. "All right, then," he said, patting first Tony and then Faith on the shoulder. "Good seeing you both."
"Likewise," Tony replied with a warm smile as he led Faith away from the hangar.
Once they were back in Tony's car, Faith couldn't hold back her concern any longer. "You're thinking about Yinsen and Jimmy, aren't you?" she asked.
Tony's expression grew somber, and he nodded. "Yeah," he admitted with a heavy sigh. "How can I tell him about what we both faced over there?"
Faith didn't have an easy answer to that question. She knew that some wounds ran too deep, some memories were too painful to share easily. Instead, she placed a reassuring hand on her father's arm, a silent gesture of support. They would face their demons in their own time, together or separately, but always with the unspoken understanding that their shared experiences had shaped them in profound ways.
October 26, 2005 – Tuesday
In the workshop, Tony and Faith worked in companionable silence, fully aware of Pepper's presence as she entered the room. However, they didn't say anything to her, choosing instead to focus on their ongoing project. Tony acknowledged Pepper's arrival with a brief wave of his hand, a nonverbal greeting that conveyed his attention was elsewhere.
A week had passed since their visit to Edwards Air Force Base, an event that had rekindled their drive and determination. The setback they had experienced had only served to strengthen their resolve.
Pepper addressed Faith, her voice breaking the concentration in the room. "Faith," she said, "there is a Ms. Willow Rosenberg to see you upstairs."
Faith's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "Red's here?" she mused aloud. She got up from her workspace and made her way upstairs, her thoughts racing as she wondered why Willow had come to visit.
Upstairs in the living room, Faith found Willow waiting. "Red?" she greeted the redheaded witch with a mixture of surprise and warmth.
"Hey, Faith," Willow replied, turning to face the Dark Slayer with a friendly smile. "Giles sent me to check in. We couldn't reach you on your phone."
Faith raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "How did you know I was here?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"Buffy saw you when the press conference aired on TV," Willow explained. "She tried calling your phone, which was out of service."
aith nodded as she explained, "It was damaged beyond repair several months ago." She paused, her expression reflecting her remorse. "I meant to call G-Man and tell him where he could reach me. But I've been busy."
"We noticed," Willow admitted with a hint of concern. "After the press conference, Giles did a background check trying to find out why Mr. Stark would think he was your father instead of Mr. Lehane. He found your original birth certificate connecting the dots."
"I know I should have called," Faith said, her voice tinged with regret. "Things have just been hectic since we got back from Afghanistan."
The mention of Afghanistan piqued Willow's curiosity and concern. "What were you doing in Afghanistan?" she inquired, worried about the events that had unfolded.
Faith didn't mince words as she shared her harrowing experience. "Being held captive," she stated matter-of-factly. "I was captured by a group who made a deal with the demon Cristos for me. They were supposed to turn me over to the demon. But they changed their minds when they learned Tony was my father. They probably thought that by holding me captive, they could pressure him into doing what they wanted him to do, which was building weapons for them."
Willow's eyes widened with shock at the revelation. The gravity of Faith's ordeal in Afghanistan, the dangerous circumstances she had faced, and the sinister motives of her captors were deeply troubling. It was clear that Faith had been through a traumatic experience, and Willow couldn't help but feel a surge of concern for the Dark Slayer.
With a sense of urgency and concern, Willow pulled out her cell phone and dialed Giles' number. The familiar voice of Rupert Giles answered from the other end of the line.
"Rupert Giles," came Giles' voice.
"Giles, it's Willow," she began, her tone serious. "I'm with Faith right now, and I need to talk to you. I want to be assigned as Faith's Watcher. She just revealed some stuff to me, and I think I need to be here to help her."
Giles' response demonstrated his respect for Faith's autonomy and his understanding of the dynamics within their group. He asked the crucial question: "What does Faith say? After all, it's really her decision."
Willow turned her attention to Faith, knowing that, ultimately, it was her friend's choice that mattered most. The International Slayer's Council (ISC) had its own unique dynamics when it came to its founding members, with each member contributing to their collective strength. Dawn was technically Buffy's Watcher, but the situation with Faith had been less defined for some time.
"Giles wants to know what your opinion is on what I suggested to him," Willow explained to Faith, her expression supportive and encouraging.
Faith met Willow's gaze, considering the implications of having Willow as her Watcher. She knew it could provide her with the guidance and support she needed, especially in light of recent events. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded and addressed Giles' question directly.
"I'm on board with it," Faith said, her voice steady and resolute. "If you're willing to step into that role, it's something I think would be beneficial."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Faith led Willow into the workshop, their footsteps echoing in the space filled with the hum of machinery and the scent of metal. Tony turned his attention toward them, his eyes locking onto Willow as Faith introduced her.
"Dad, I'd like you to meet Willow Rosenberg," Faith said, her voice tinged with a sense of pride and warmth.
Tony Stark, the genius inventor and billionaire, offered a genuine smile, his usually charismatic demeanor softened by the moment. "Hello, Mr. Stark," Willow said, her voice carrying a mix of admiration and respect. "Believe me, it is an honor to meet you. You were one of my role models in high school."
Tony's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise and appreciation crossing his face. His charismatic facade softened further as he responded to Willow's words. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Willow," Tony said, his voice warm and inviting. "You can call me Tony."
Faith chimed in, adding a touch of humor to the conversation. "Red's a witch, Dad," she said with a playful grin, emphasizing Willow's unique abilities.
Willow, ever the modest yet proud individual, corrected the description with a hint of humor in her tone. "I guess you could say I'm a computer-savvy witch," she said, her words infused with a sense of her own expertise. "In fact, I was approached by Techfusion Innovations while still in high school to work for them after graduation."
Tony's eyebrows raised in recognition; his interest piqued. "I've heard of them," he admitted, leaning forward slightly. "They've been putting out some cutting-edge technology in the personal computer industry."
"Dad is it okay if Red stays in the spare bedroom," Faith asked. "She's going to be here for a while. She's going to be my Watcher."
Tony thought about the request and then smiled. "On one condition," he said. "You can take on the supernatural things with Faith. But I would like you to come work at Stark Industries."
Willow looked at Tony in complete surprise, her eyes wide with amazement. Even back in high school, she had never imagined working at a place like Stark Industries, and the prospect left her momentarily speechless.
"Wow," she said finally, her voice filled with wonder and excitement. "What would I be doing there?"
Tony leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled thoughtfully. "We have all sorts of projects and research happening at Stark Industries," he explained, his voice a mix of enthusiasm and confidence. "With your computer skills and magical knowledge, you could be a game-changer in our R&D department. We're always looking for fresh perspectives and innovative thinkers. In fact, how would you like to be the head of the R&D department?"
Willow's eyes widened in astonishment at the unexpected offer, and she hesitated for a moment. "But you haven't seen my qualifications," she replied, her voice filled with a touch of uncertainty.
Tony leaned forward; his eyes fixed on Willow with a reassuring smile. "To be approached by Techfusion Innovations while still in high school is not something to be overlooked," he countered, his belief in her abilities unwavering.
Faith added her endorsement with a grin. "There is also the fact that B told me you had hacked into the FBI while still in school," she revealed.
"Really?" Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise as both Faith and Willow nodded in confirmation. The revelation left him even more impressed with Willow's skills and potential. "Well, I think that speaks volumes about your qualifications," he said with a chuckle.
Willow's initial surprise and uncertainty gradually gave way to a sense of determination. She could sense the genuine belief in her abilities from both Tony and Faith, and it was incredibly empowering. With newfound confidence, she nodded and replied, "I accept the challenge. I'll do my best to lead the R&D department at Stark Industries."
Tony's smile widened, and he extended his hand across the table. Willow shook it firmly, sealing the agreement with a sense of camaraderie and shared vision. "Welcome aboard, Willow," Tony said with a sense of excitement. "I have a feeling you're going to bring some extraordinary ideas to the table."