The Legendary Spider-Man

by blackknight11757

This is the life story of Peter Parker as the legendary hero Spider-Man. This will explore his destiny as a hero as he goes on the most difficult journey, he'll faces off against all sorts of danger and saving lives, he'll meet and team up with other heroes like himself in his long quest to becoming the greatest hero of all time.

59. III: Advanced Idea Mechanics

Volume III: Advanced Idea Mechanics

Note: This will be the ninth chapter of Volume III, this will introduce a megacorporation called AIM, short for Advanced Idea Mechanics, the company is secretly a terrorist organization attempting to rule the world through technology, it's leader Monica Rappaccini, also goes by the Scientist Supreme, attempts to buy out Stark Industries in a hostile takeover during it's vulnerable state by all the bad publicity the company has suffered, meanwhile Tony Stark has been very absent and going through a spiral by his own guilt in creating Ultron and for blaming himself in all those deaths caused by his own inventions, including the death of Hank Pam, Pepper Potts will enlist the help of Peter Parker by bringing him to the West Coast and talked Tony into getting back on his feet. However Rappaccini will take extreme measure to obtain Stark Industries and all its technology by any means necessary, even kill. Peter will try to use his own experience in guilt to get through to Tony in the hopes that it will turn his life around. Monica Rappaccini and AIM are the main antagonist along with the supervillain MODOK who make his first appearance here in the story, the Beetle will make an appearance on a job AIM hired him to do. AIM will play a vital role in the future for Doctor Octopus and his master plan.

Tonight it's November 2nd at Malibu, California at Stark Mansion, Tony's friend and personal secretary Pepper Potts is sitting all alone at the living room watching the holo screen of the news about Stark Industries facing a hostile takeover during it's most vulnerable time and the lack of Tony Stark's leadership is making it easier for other rival companies to attempting to buy out Stark Industries, this is very bad news for everyone in the company and the Avengers themselves that Stark funded, not to mention that all of Stark Industries's technologies can fall into the wrong hands.

"Still no word from CEO Tony Stark as his company Stark Industries is facing hostile takeover, many rival companies including Hammer Industries, the Life Foundation, Roxxon, and Oscorp are making efforts to purchase the company, but rumor has it, Monica Rappaccini, CEO of Advanced Idea Mechanics, is making a larger effort in convincing the board members to accept her buyout offer, if that happens, all of Stark Industries's resources shall be absorbed and joined with Advanced Idea Mechanics, no telling if all the employees will be able to stay with the company if the buyout becomes a reality. Tony Stark has already abandoned ship as his company will soon go under, what shall become of the titan after this?"

Pepper sighed in worry. "Tony, where the devil are you?"

Pepper is more worried about Tony Stark himself, he hasn't been active in the company as it's CEO nor has he been active as Iron Man, this whole Ultron thing really got to Tony as he blames himself for bringing that monster into everyone's lives and killing a number of innocent people, one of them was his old friend Hank Pym who gave his life to save the world from Ultron. She then hears a car pulling out from outside as she gets up and walks outside to see if Tony is back home or not. She arrived outside to see a luxury car coming up and parked in front, Tony's chauffeur and bodyguard Happy Hogan is coming out and walking to the back to open up the back door, he helps pull out Tony Stark who looked drunk and messy, Pepper is shocked to see that Tony has fallen back to his old habits of reckless behavior.

"Oh no." Pepper is more worried.

Pepper came up and helped Happy escort a drunken Tony Stark inside the house, they then made their way to the master bedroom and laid Tony down on the bed all sleepy and drunk, after they're done putting Tony to sleep, they left him and walked back to the living room where Tony's best friend Jim Rhodes is here waiting to speak with Tony but instead finds Pepper and Happy all looking concerned in their faces.

"Where's Tony?" Jim Rhodes asking about Tony.

"He's laying on the bed faced down all drunk." Pepper confessed to Jim.

"Damnit, Tony." Jim didn't like what happened to Tony.

"Where was he, Happy?" Pepper asking Happy about Tony.

"Vegas, been gambling and drinking too much, I found him all drunk in a hotel room naked with women, I picked him up and brought him back here." Happy explained about Tony's situation.

"How long has he been spiraling?" Jim asking about Tony's reckless behavior.

"For about five months, ever since…" Pepper hesitate to finish that sentence.

"Since Hank." Jim figured out what caused this spiral behavior.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here, been pretty much busy doing Iron Man's job in fighting off his enemies all around the world without Iron Man in it." Jim explains his reasons for not being here.

"I don't know what to do, Jim, I tried talking to him, to get him back up on his feet, but nothing is working, he's completely given up on himself as the CEO and as a hero, the company is already hanging on by a thread, but it's only a matter of time before he loses everything he has, including the company his family has built." Pepper explains the situation.

"So how can we get him back? None of us can get through to him, we've all tried and failed." Jim told Pepper.

"But I may someone who can, someone who was there at the very beginning during his time as Iron Man, someone he trusts the most." Pepper knows someone who can get through to Tony.

"Are you suggesting that we bring in…" Jim was about to finish his sentence.

"Yes, Happy, get the jet ready, we're heading to New York, it's time that we bring in Peter Parker, he's our only hope." Pepper told everyone they need Peter Parker's help.

---

It's November 3rd at 4:32 PM in New York City, at the Spider-Cave, Peter is with his friends Gwen and Miles as they're all working together finish up designing the Spider-Mobile Peter has been working on alone in the past five months out of dune buggy. Miles is at the front seat awaiting the signal as Peter and Gwen are at the engine tuning it up, they got some engine grease on their skins and working up quite the sweat, Peter and Gwen closed up the hood tight after they're done.

"Ok Miles, turn it over." Peter gave Miles the signal.

Miles turns the key and ignites the engine as the Spider-Mobile is shaking and purring, they were able to get it to work so far until the engine turns off and it was a failure to make it stay on for longer.

"That doesn't sound good." Miles figures it's a failure

"It ain't, it's another failed attempt." Peter admits that it was a failure.

"Guess that's we get for attempting to add advance modern technology into an 60's dune buggy, at least we gave it a try." Gwen tells her friends.

"Well, thanks for your efforts, both of you." Peter gave his gratitude to his friends.

"You know, in all these times I've been here in the Spider-Cave, I never asked how you, a simple kid from Queens manage to get his own headquarters full of all this hi tech stuff." Miles is curious about the Spider-Cave and it's resources.

"Well, back before it was mine, it used to belong to a criminal inventor called the Tinkerer, I've managed to track down his hideout and engaged him in combat. After he got arrested, his lair and all it's resources were left behind unattended. So I've decided to take this place and turn it into my new Spider-Cave." Peter explained the origins of this Spider-Cave.

"Still doesn't explain how you still keep getting more resources and equipment for this place. Who backing you up?" Miles is still curious.

"I got a friend who provided me new tools for this place, he even funded the Avengers and gave them cool toys." Peter mentioned Tony Stark.

Their conversation got cut short as they heard a car honking it's horn outside the Spider-Cave, they're curious as to who it could be, Peter went to check up on the supercomputer and accesses the security cameras, they see a luxury car parked outside the entrance as a man went to the back and opened up for Pepper Potts stepping out, Peter and Gwen immediately recognized her as Tony's secretary Pepper Potts.

"Wait here." Peter tells Miles to stay put.

Miles stayed behind as Peter and Gwen went to the entrance. Pepper and Happy are waiting as the secret entrance opens up, Peter and Gwen came out and greeted Pepper Potts and her chauffeur Happy Hogan as they're curious as to the purpose of this visit.

"Hi Pepper, it's been awhile." Peter greeted Pepper.

"Likewise, Mr. Parker. I'm sorry to come here unannounced, but I really to speak to you in person, this is important." Pepper really needs to speak to Peter immediately.

Peter nodded his head. "Okay, come inside and we'll talk."

Peter and Gwen leads Pepper and Happy inside as they walk down the tunnel until they've finally arrived at the Spider-Cave inside an abandoned subway station filled with all sorts of equipment and technology, including the Iron Spider Armor Tony built and gifted him last year, and Spider-Cycles Pepper presented them less than a year ago, both Pepper and Happy are amazed by the place Spider-Man and his friends use to operate from, they spotted a new member to their team Miles Morales waving to them.

"Welcome to the Spider-Cave, please make yourselves at home." Peter tells Pepper and Happy.

Pepper and Happy took their seats as Peter, Gwen, and Miles also sits down to discuss why Pepper Potts came all the way from Los Angeles just to speak with Peter in person, from what they could tell, it must be very important.

"Okay Pepper, what's so important that you had to come all this way to speak with me?" Peter is curious about what's so urgent.

"I'll get right to the point, I need your help with Tony, we all do." Pepper asking Peter for his help.

"Tony? As in Tony Stark? What does he have to do with all this?" Miles is confused about Tony Stark.

"You haven't told him yet?" Pepper is surprised hasn't shared Tony's secret.

"Not yet, but I think it's time I should share somethings… Miles, Tony Stark is Iron Man." Peter confessed Iron Man's secret identity.

Miles's eyes widen by this revelation. "Whoa, no way... Tony Stark is Iron Man!"

"Yeah... but back to the matter at hand, what's going with Tony, Pepper? I haven't heard back from him in a while since he left the Avengers." Peter is worried what's going on with Tony Stark.

"You really don't know, do you?" Pepper tells Peter.

Peter's head shakes telling Pepper no. "What's really going with Tony? Be honest with me, Pepper, no matter what."

Pepper sighed as she's about to explain everything. "Very well, after Hank's funeral and his resignation from the Avengers, he fell down pretty hard, he blames himself for his role in creating Ulron and having his own creation turn on the whole world, he's been consumed by guilt for all the lives that have been lost as a result of his creation, including his friend Hank. He's been very absent in his roles as Iron Man, not to mention as CEO of his own company. Stark Industries is in serious trouble, it has been leaked that their satellites were responsible for killing a number of innocent lives Ultron used to threaten the world. Tony's lack of leadership and all the bad publicity has left Stark Industries vulnerable to a hostile takeover by AIM."

"AIM?" Peter heard that word.

"It's stands for Advanced Idea Mechanic." Pepper pronounce the acronym.

"I know what AIM is, I've heard of them, a megacorporation that has subsidiaries all over the world and owns a island nation as their headquarters, pretty much focuses on improving the world through technology." Peter describes what he knows about AIM.

"That's correct, their company president Monica Rappaccini is making progress in convincing the board to accept their buyout offer, it hasn't been done yet, there's a meeting tomorrow where Ms. Rappaccini will be there in person to finalize the deal, but only Tony has the final word and she needs him to sign the papers to complete the transfer. But with the way Tony has been acting, it's most likely he'll give into her offer and give up his family's company, and if that happens, many employees will be losing their jobs, including yours truly, not to mention that the Avengers will lose their funding along with the tower." Pepper explained about the buyout happening tomorrow.

"But doesn't Tony have money to spare to keep that from happening?" Peter asking Pepper.

"Unfortunately most of his money is tied up in investments and providing funding to both Damage Control and the Avengers, he doesn't much sort to speak." Pepper explained about Tony's financial situation.

"I see, and what does all this have to do with me?" Peter is curious his role in this situation.

"I tried talking to him, even Happy and Rhodey, none of us have made any success. That's why I'm here, I need you to come with me to L.A., you're one of his few closest friends, he trusts you. If anyone can convince him to pull himself back on his feet, it's you. Please Peter, I need your help, we all do, you're our only hope, I'm all out of opinions." Pepper pleaded Peter for his help.

Peter has responsibility to keep New York, his place is here with his friend, but he cares for Tony, they've known and fought beside each other for two years as heroes. He's aware that Tony losing his company could have huge consequences for him and the Avengers. Lucky for him, it's friday and he's already done with school for today and is free for the weekend, besides he has Gwen and Miles who can keep the safe in his absence, it'll be in good hands while he's away.

"Okay, Pepper, I'm in, just let me get home and give me some time to pack up." Peter accepts to help Pepper.

"You got it, hope you're up to it, we're heading to the West Coast." Pepper tells Peter.

Peter then turns to Gwen and Miles. "Are you guys okay with this? Me being away from the city for a while?"

"We'll be fine, Pete, you go and help your friend." Gwen tells Peter to go.

"We'll keep this city safe while you're gone, trust us, we got this." Miles assures Peter they'll keep the city safe.

"I do trust you two... thank you both." Peter smiled at Gwen and Miles.

"Good luck." Gwen tells Peter right before she kissed his cheek.

"Thanks, I'm off to the West Coast." Peter tells his friends.

Peter blushed as Peter liked that kiss from Gwen, she always has a way to make him feel strong and happy, after that he high five Miles as he now entrust the safety of New York City in their hands. Peter is leaving the Spider-Cave with Pepper and Happy as he's about to prepare for his trip to the West Coast for the first time, Tony Stark needs his help, everyone's fates depend on this.

---

Meanwhile at the Island Nation of Barbuda in the Carribbean, also known as AIM Island, the whole island is governed and serves as it the main headquarters for the megacorporation, the whole place is guarded by a private army of soldiers all dressed in yellow battle uniforms equipped with advanced weapons supplemented with battles drones and vehicles. Inside the headquarters themselves, a private conference room surrounded by important AIM officials that made up the council, everyone is seated as a woman with black hair and green eyes just came in, she's the company's CEO Monica Rappaccini who runs the organization as the Scientist Supreme, after she entered the conference room, everyone stand up in her presence.

"Please be seated, no need to stand up." Monica Rappaccini tells the council.

Everyone seated back down to their respective chairs as the Scientist Supreme takes her own chair and seats herself down facing the entire council, the projector in the middle of the large table glows and displays screens all around for everyone to see, images of Stark Industries, all their technology, and most importantly Iron Man.

"How is the progress in obtaining Stark Industries, Scientist Supreme?"

"It's actually going very well, thanks to the leak of Stark's involvement in the creation of the super satellites the supervillain Ultron used against the world months ago, the whole company is left in turmoil and facing bad publicity, and Tony Stark's lack of leadership made this a whole lot easier for us. The Stark board have been convinced to pressure Tony Stark in accepting the buyout happening tomorrow. Once it's done and Stark Industries joins us, we shall have access to all the technology they own, including the power armors they've built that led to the creation of Iron Man and War Machine." Monica Rappaccini explained the progress in the hostile takeover.

"So that's why you want Stark Industries so badly, you're after the armors."

"If we take possession of that technology, we'll have absolute power over the entire world, Iron Man alone has made a huge difference with this technology, it made him a superior being who can take on anyone powerful, he even saved the whole world twice with it. Imagine if AIM has soldiers armed with this technology, everyone in the world including governments will turn and look to us for safety and security, AIM shall reign supreme all over the planet." Monica Rappaccini explain her ambitions for AIM.

"Very impressive, Scientist Supreme, the whole council is pleaded."

"Thank you, I shall make preparations for my departure to California and see to this personally." Monica Rappaccini get up after she's done saying everything she needed to say to the council.

Monica Rappaccini leaves the conference room after she's done speaking to the council, she's being escorted by two AIM soldiers as they reached the elevator and got inside together. The elevator descends down as Monica looks out to see how much AIM has improved the island with it's mighty military and advanced technology, she and the whole company owns the island, the elevator stops as she and her escorts walks down the hallway as scientist all salute to their all mighty leader, she passed them by until they reach a restricted room with the label M.O.D.O.K. above the door, the acronym stands for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing.

"Wait here." Monica Rappaccini tells her escorts.

Monica places her hand on the palm scanner and got her face close to the retina scanner with her eyes wide open, both scanners scans Monica's retina and her handprint until the system grants her access to the room, she enters inside all alone as her escort waited outside as she ordered. She ventured deep inside the dark room as she find a deformed man hooked up to a hi tech chair on life support called the Doomsday Chair, this deformed man has a overdeveloped head fused with cybernetics, Monica quietly approaches him in his sleep and checks out his vital signs on the screen, all beeping normal as he's still alive.

"Hello George Tarleton, it's been awhile.. I know you can hear me." Monica Rappaccini speaks to this man called George Tarleton.

George Tarleton suddenly opens his eyes to see Monica Rappaccini here before him.

"I apologize for not making some time for you, George, I know you've suffered a great deal since this happened to you, you have enhanced super intelligences as a result of the experiment, but it's side effects has affected your brain the most and in turn makes your head enlarged than normal, you also became paralyzed too. But don't look so down, with the help of my best minds we'll make you more than what you used to be, make you something greater and powerful. Trust me, Tarleton, soon you shall play a vital role in AIM's future. A big change is coming to the world and we shall be responsible for that change, the whole world shall look to us and rely on us. Now it's time for me to go and make it a reality, wish me luck, my MODOK." Monica Rappaccini calls George Tarleton MODOK.

Monica Rappaccini then walks away and leaves George Tarleton behind to rest alone in the dark room hooked up to machines providing him sustenance his new paralyzed mutated body needed to keep him alive, Monica has big plans for MODOK in the future for AIM. Meanwhile Monica herself is about to make preparations for her trip to Los Angeles to finalize the transfer of Stark Industries's ownership over to AIM.

---

Meanwhile on a private jet flying across America on it's way back to Los Angeles, Peter Parker is traveling to the West Coast for the first time with Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan who's in the cockpit piloting the jet, he brought both the Spider-Man suit and the Iron Spider Armor with him on the trip as Pepper noticed all the extra baggage he's brought with him, Peter is looking through the window to see all of America from high up, he turns back to Pepper looking at the Iron Spider Armor.

"You brought the Iron Spider with you?" Pepper is curious about the Iron Spider Armor.

"Yeah, Tony told me once that he wanted it back for some modifications, but he never got the chance, at least I now know why." Peter explained why he's bringing the Iron Spider Armor.

"Hopefully when we get to the mansion, you can convince him to turn his life around and pull him back from that dark place he put himself in." Pepper tells Peter.

"I just hope he'll listen to me, from what you're telling me, he still blames himself for being responsible for all those deaths. Having such a guilt in one heart can be a very difficult burden one to live with." Peter is familiar with this kind of guilt himself.

"You sound like you're speaking from experience." Pepper gets the feelings Peter knows too well about what Tony's feeling.

"I am." Peter stayed silent as it's getting to him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" Pepper apologizes for bringing this up to Peter.

"It's okay… I'm used to it." Peter tells Pepper while dealing with this feeling of his own guilt.

Happy came out of the cockpit. "We'll be touching down in L.A. in 30 minutes, just the heads up."

Happy sees Peter and Pepper being silent by their conversation about what Peter and Tony share about guilt of someone's death, it's making things awkward around the air as Happy picked it up.

"Is everything okay?" Happy asking them a bit worried.

"Yeah, peachy." Peter told Happy with a smile.

"Yeah, we're all good, Happy. Thank you for letting us know." Pepper assured Happy everything is fine.

"Sure… I'll get back to flying this bird." Happy went back inside the cockpit.

---

About 30 minutes later at 10:15 PM, the private jet finally arrived and landed down onto the airfield Stark Industries own, the jet has finally stopped as the hatch opens and lowers down to the ground as Happy was the first to came out, then Peter came out soon after to see that he's not in New York anymore, he's in California. He walks down carrying his luggage with Pepper as they walk up to the car and climbs inside. The car is being driven by Happy as he drives it out of the airfield heads toward the freeway, sometime later they're still on the freeway as Peter looks out the window to see the City of Angels itself, Los Angeles.

"Whoa! Now I'm definitely not in New York City anymore." Peter gazed upon Los Angeles for the first time.

"Welcome to L.A., Peter." Pepper tells Peter they're in L.A.

Peter still sees Los Angeles lighting up in the night just like back home in New York. Later the car kept on driving around as it's heading through to Santa Monica and passed by the pier where the amusement park is lighting up even at night. After they've drive out of Santa Monica, they're driving down Malibu where a lot of houses and mansions are so close to the beach where only the rich can afford them, Peter knows that Tony has a mansion out here, the car has finally arrived at the gate and Happy uses his access code to open up the gate, the car drives on through the driveway as Peter looks out to see the huge mansion living so close to the cliff with a perfect view of the ocean in sight. The car finally parked itself, the back door opens as Peter gets out along with Pepper, Happy got out of the driver door, Peter looks to see how big and beautiful this place is.

"Here we are, Stark Mansion, home sweet home for some of us." Happy introduce Peter to the mansion.

Pepper leads Peter inside as Happy went and fetched the luggage, inside the Mansion itself Jim Rhodes has been staying behind keeping an eye on his best friend during Pepper's absence to make sure that he doesn't end up doing something stupid. He then hears the door opening as he gets up from the couch and walks over to see Pepper has returned back from her trip to New York and she brought along one of Tony's closest friends and fellow Avenger Peter Parker.

"Pepper, you're finally back, and I see that you brought Peter Parker all the way here." Jim is surprised by Peter's presence.

"Hey Rhodes, it's been awhile." Peter greeted Jim Rhodes.

"Thank you for coming, I'm sorry if we asked too much from you, I know you're pretty busy doing your job back home in New York." Jim tells Peter.

"It's okay, it's for a good reason, I care about Tony too, besides I'm free for the weekend and I got Ghost-Spider and Kid Arachnid keeping an eye on back home. The city is in good hands, I trust them, this is more important right now, Pepper explained the dire situation you're all in." Peter is well aware of everything that has happened.

Tony came by from upstairs. "Rhodey, is Pepper and Hap back so soon? Did they at least bring back any pizza from New York?"

Tony stopped talking as he sees his old friend Peter Parker is here in his home with Pepper and Happy beside him.

"Hey Tony." Peter greeted his old friend Tony.

"Kid? What are you doing here so far from home?" Tony is surprised by Peter's presence here.

"I came to help an old friend, Pepper asked me for my help and so here I am." Peter told Tony he's here to help.

Tony smirked at that comment. "So Pepper told you about me? Let me guess, she told you that I've been spiraling these past few months? Stopped being the CEO of my own company? Stopped being Iron Man?"

"Pretty much." Peter admits to Tony.

"I appreciate your concern, kid, but I'm doing pretty fine on my own, thank you very much." Tony acting like everything is fine.

"Really? What about your company? Your family's legacy?" Peter reminded Tony of the company.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that, it won't be my company for much longer. Maybe this is for the best, at least I won't be using it to create weapons of mass destruction just like before, but you know that already, know what my weapons are capable of in the wrong hands, so many lives lost because me." Tony told Peter about his mistakes with the satellites and Ultron.

"Tony, what happened all those months wasn't your fault, you saved so many lives." Peter reminded Tony of his heroic actions.

"And killed many more, including Hank." Tony told Peter about Hank Pym.

"That was all Ultron." Peter told Tony.

"Janet doesn't see it that way, and honestly I don't blame her. She has every right to blame me, everybody does, I brought Ultron into all of our lives and many paid the price for my mistakes." Tony told Peter about his mistakes.

"Tony..." Peter wants to speak up.

"I'm going to crash for the night, you can help yourself to the guest house, enjoy your trip out here, kid." Tony said to Peter before walking away without saying more.

Pepper sighed. "Come on, I'll show you to the guest house."

Tony walks back upstairs to his bedroom as Peter could see that this whole Ultron thing is really getting to him and has consumed him. Pepper escorted Peter out of the mansion with Happy following them carrying his luggage. Pepper opens up the door and they enter the guest house used for visitors, it's not as big like the mansion but it's very comfortable enough for one person to live alone, Happy puts down the luggage.

"Here we are, I hope this is to your liking." Pepper shows Peter the guest house.

"Thank you, Pepper, it'll do." Peter tells Pepper it's good.

"Okay then, I'll let you settle in for the night, breakfast is at 7 if you're interested. Goodnight, Peter." Pepper tells Peter when breakfast will be served before leaving him here.

"Goodnight, Pepper." Peter tells Pepper as she leaves.

Peter is left all alone here at the guest house near the Stark Mansion, he picked up the suitcase he brought and opens it up to show all the clothes he brought with him, he took them out and put them aside to see the Spider-Man suit he hidden beneath along with the web shooters just in case of trouble out here. He then pulled out his phone and made a call to Aunt May back home in New York.

Phone is ringing until May finally answered. "Hello? Peter, are you there?"

Peter smiled hearing Aunt May's voice. "Hey Aunt May, I'm finally here in the West Coast, how are things back home?"

"Everything is fine here, nothing big has happened when you left, just some small crimes and people needing help, nothing Gwen and Miles can't handle together." May told Peter everything is fine back in New York.

"I have great faith in them." Peter told May he believes in them.

"And your faith has paid off, New York is in good hands. So how are things over there? Did you see Mr. Stark? How is he?" May asking about Tony Stark.

"Yeah, and he's not looking too good. He's consumed by anger and guilt, he still blames himself for the incident with Ultron." Peter tells May about Tony's guilt.

"I see... and does this bring back old memories about that night Ben died?" May asking Peter if he still feels the pain.

"Yeah, seeing Tony like, he reminded me of myself when I found out that Ben was murdered by the very man I let go that day, all that anger and guilt was burning me from the inside, it felt like I would never get over that feeling of guilt, that it felt hopeless." Peter describes his own feeling of guilt.

"But you did, Peter, you did, eventually... I know Tony will too, he has you to pull him back from that dark place he's in. He'll need you now more than ever, so help your friend get back on his feet." May has faith in Peter.

"I will, Aunt May." Peter tells his aunt.

"Okay, I should get some rest as I got so much work to do tomorrow." May tells Peter she's crashing for the night.

"Yeah, I need to get some shut eye too, tomorrow is a big day where the fate of Stark Industries depends on Tony's decision." Peter tells his aunt.

"Okay, take care over there, I love you." May tells Peter for the final time.

"I love you too, Aunt May." Peter told Aunt May before hanging up the phone.

Peter puts away the phone as he walks over to the big bed in the guest house bedroom, he tossed his shoes aside as he plans to crash for the night as he needs the sleep for the big day tomorrow at Stark Industries.

---

It's 6:30 AM on the Saturday in an airfield, a private plane has touched down where a limousine is waiting along with security details as their escorts, the plane's hatch opens up as Monica Rappaccini has finally arrived in Los Angeles. She walks down with her assistant as they got into the back of the limousine, it drove away from the airfield with escort cars providing protection, Monica and her assistant are in the back discussing the schedule for the day.

"So what time is the buyout meeting at Stark Industries?" Monica Rappaccini asking her assistant for the time.

"12 o'clock at noon, the whole board will be there, possibly Mr. Stark will be there too."

"He better, I still need him to approve the sale, though from what I've heard about him, he's can be quite unpredictable, even if he realizes that his company is sinking, he may turn down the offer and prove to be a bigger obstacle to overcome." Monica Rappaccini has some doubts that this buyout will go through.

"If that's true, what can you do, Ma'am?"

"If he doesn't accept my offer, then I'll have to switch to plan B." Monica Rappaccini has an alternative plan.

"By Plan B, you mean?"

"That's right, take Tony Stark out of the equation permanently." Monica Rappaccini explained what she's willing to do to get what she wants.

"But isn't that very risky? If anything bad happens to Tony Stark, will all eyes look to you as the person with the most to gain from this?"

"Given everything that has happened as a result of his creation, there are plenty of people with motives to kill him. Don't worry, I'll get what I want, one way or another." Monica Rappaccini is quite ruthless and calculating in her plans.

The limousine kept driving through the freeway heading into Los Angeles towards Stark Industries.

---

It's 7:00 AM in the morning at Malibu as the alarm on Peter's phone is ringing, Peter is walking up from the bed and shut off the alarm app, he stretches out his arms to see that the sun has risen differently here than it does back in the East Coast. Peter gets up from the bed and heads towards the bathroom to brush his teeth. Minutes later inside the Stark Mansion, Pepper Potts wearing an apron is in the kitchen preparing to make breakfast as she sees Peter coming in the kitchen.

"Morning Peter, like some waffles? If not, I could make something else." Pepper asking Peter if he wants something to eat for breakfast.

"Sure, waffles are okay, thank you." Peter told Pepper he'll have some waffles.

"So how are you liking the West Coast so far?" Pepper asking about Peter's experience out here.

"It's quite different, the weather around here is surprising less cooler than back home." Peter told about the weather here.

"Well this is California after all, Tony likes the weather around here." Pepper tells Peter.

"Speaking of whom, is he up yet?" Peter asking Pepper about Tony.

"Always, he's pretty much an earlier bird, he's downstairs in his private workshop doing some tuning, keeps himself busy, even during these dark times." Pepper describes Tony's habits.

"You seemed to care so much about him." Peter tells Pepper.

"Of course I care, I've worked with the man for ten years, we're pretty close." Pepper tells Peter.

"Too close, your relationship with Tony seems more than just professional." Peter smiled as he got the sense there's something more to their relationship.

Pepper blushed at those words. "Is it really that obvious?"

Peter nodded his head and smiled. "Yeah, it is."

Pepper sighed. "It happened around Christmas, we were all alone in the mansion watching his favorite movie Die Hard, we pretty much has some fun times together, until later after we finished the movie, we ended up under the mistletoe and... we... kissed."

Peter's eyes widen. "Wow."

"Yeah, and after that kiss, we spent a night together and we..." Pepper embarrassedly tells Peter more.

"Okay, I get the picture, no need to describe that intimate detail. And then what happen later on?" Peter is curious what happens after that.

"Tony and I decided that what we had was quite awkward, he's my boss and I'm his secretary, so we decided to forget that moment, we moved on and just remained friends." Pepper told Peter that they've decided to remained friends.

"If it were only that easy, Pepper, no matter how much you try to bury it and move on, those feelings are still in there fighting to come out again." Peter describe his experience in love.

"You seemed to know from the way you're talking about love." Pepper sensed something with Peter.

"I've been through this more times than I care to count, with the two girls in my lives, I still am." Peter describing his love for Gwen and Mary Jane.

Pepper smiled at Peter. "You and Tony are more alike in many ways."

"You mean besides being super intelligent, we have the same luck in charming women." Peter knows what Pepper meant.

"Well, there might be a decent chance that you and Tony are related." Pepper tells Peter.

"If only that were true. Anyway I should go check up on Tony, let us know when breakfast is ready." Peter told Pepper before walking away.

"Will do, it'll be done soon." Pepper got back to making breakfast.

Peter left the kitchen and made his way to the living room where he found the stair down towards the underground garage that is Tony's workshop. Tony is inside tuning a engine from a car as a hobby while music is being played around the atmosphere, Peter just entered the underground workshop as F.R.I.D.A.Y. turns off the music upon Peter's arrival.

"Sir, Mr. Parker has entered." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informed Tony.

"That explains why the music was killed." Tony being enthusiastic.

"I see you're still your old self." Peter tells Tony.

"I hope you're not here to tell me to get back on my feet, cause I'm not really looking for anyone to save me from myself." Tony tells Peter.

"Pepper says otherwise, she came all the way to New York just to bring me here to help." Peter tells Tony.

"You know most people would just come all this way to explore Hollywood, or go to DisneyLand." Tony tells Peter about California.

"Hmm, sounds like fun." Peter likes the idea.

"Well, since you came all this way, why not make the most of it?" Tony tells Peter to have fun.

"Maybe later, but first, we got a company to save." Peter tells Tony.

"So that's why Pepper came to you? So you can talk me into saving my company?" Tony says to Peter.

"That's not the only reason, Tony, Pepper is worried about you and so am I." Peter tells Tony.

"I'm touched that you all care for me, but I don't need any help." Tony tells Peter.

"We all need help Tony, even us heroes." Peter tells Tony.

"I'm not a hero, kid, I'm not Iron Man, not anymore." Tony gave up being a hero.

"Tony..." Peter tries to say more to Tony.

"Peter, Tony, breakfast is ready!" Pepper calling out from the kitchen.

"Let's go kid, early bird gets the worm. Hope you like waffles." Tony walks away from Peter.

(Later)

Everyone is in the dining room eating breakfast Pepper just cooked, Tony and Peter are eating waffles along with eggs, bacon, and orange juice to drink.

Peter chewing up his waffle. "Mmm, these waffles are good, Pepper."

"Thank you, Peter, it's the least I can do." Pepper tells Peter.

"So when is this meeting happening?" Peter asking Pepper.

"At 12 noon, the whole board will be there, Ms. Rappaccini will be there personally to finalize the deal." Pepper explained about the buyout.

"But doesn't Tony need to give his approval to make it complete. So why not just tell AIM no deal?" Peter suggested to turn down the buyout.

"Unfortunately, it's not that simple, the board can pressure me into giving in to their demands, and even if I didn't, there could be huge consequences for this if I refused, not just for me, but for the company as well." Tony explains how things work in Stark Industries.

"There has to be another way to prevent this." Peter tells Tony.

"I wish there were, but we simple don't have enough capital to keep Stark Industries alive, not with my money all tied up." Tony tells Peter.

Happy came by the dining room. "Boss, the car is ready when you're done."

"Thanks Hap." Tony wipes his hands. "Well, I should get ready, this is the day I lose my company."

"Mind if I come along?" Peter asking Tony.

"Say again?" Tony is surprised.

"If you're going to give up the company, then at least let me be there before it's a done deal." Peter tells Tony.

Tony sighed and smiled. "Fine, you can tag along, wouldn't hurt to bring in someone, but not looking like that. You'll need a suit, kid."

---

It's about 11:55 AM as the car is being driven around in Los Angeles by Happy Hogan heading towards Stark Industries, in the back Tony is all dressed up in his business suit along with Peter Parker who's also wearing a suit and a tie he'll need when being in a board room observing the buyout in person along with Tony's secretary Pepper Potts, Peter is looking at himself all dressed for business as Pepper is sitting up in the front seat using the driver mirror to look back at Peter in his suit and tie.

"How's the suit?" Pepper asking Peter about his new suit.

"I have to say, this isn't really me. Is this really necessary?" Peter tells Pepper.

"Suck it up, kid, you wanted to tag along for business and you need to dress apart. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll found and build your own company, you could call it Parker Industries." Tony suggested to Peter about going into business.

"Yeah, I can't exactly see myself as a business executive in a suit, that ain't me." Peter doesn't want that kind of life.

"Not yet." Tony is being hopeful of Peter.

"Here we are, boss." Happy informs Tony they've arrived.

Peter looks through the tinted window to see protestors outside the front gate protesting about Stark Industries involvement in creating the satellites Ultron used against the whole world five months ago and killed a huge number of lives around that time. Peter could see that things at Stark Industries aren't doing so good these past five months, too much bad publicity has affected stock in the company and the lack of Tony's leadership made things worse. The car drove past the front gate as it ventured deep into the premise and arrived at the entrance, Happy and Pepper each went to the back doors as Tony and Peter climbs out, Peter finally gazed upon Stark Industries Headquarters with his own two eyes.

"Whoa!" Peter gazed at Stark Industries building.

"Welcome kid, to Stark International." Tony introduced his company to Peter.

Everyone enters inside the building as the employees inside are surprised to see the company's CEO Tony Stark finally making his appearance in the company after five months of being absent from running it, Peter kept on walking with the group as soon as they reached the elevator and all entered together. Sometime later, they've finally arrived at the board room where the entire board members are assembled along with Monica Rappaccini of AIM who's already here in person, she spotted Tony Stark finally making his appearance here in person accompanied by Pepper and some kid in a suit.

"Mr. Stark, finally you made an appearance, we all thought that you would never show up." Monica Rappaccini greeted Tony.

"Sorry to disappoint, Ms. Rappaccini, I've been away for a while." Tony tells Monica Rappaccini.

"Because of what happened five months ago? Your satellite technology being used against the whole world and killed a number of innocent lives? That's probably a good reason to jump ship from your own company when everyone is against you." Monica Rappaccini rubs Tony's mistakes.

"That was unexpected, I never intended my technology to be used for world domination by a psycho robot." Tony tells Monica Rappaccini.

"Doesn't matter, the damage is already done, let's focus on the present, shall we?" Monica Rappaccini wants to get down to business.

"Why not?" Tony sarcastically agrees.

Monica Rappaccini takes her seat with her people she brought we her, Tony sits down in the seat with Pepper Potts and Peter Parker seating next to him, Monica sees that Tony's has brought a teenager in a suit and is confused as to why he's here in this important meeting.

"I see you brought your assistant as expected, who's this young man with you?" Monica Rappaccini asking about Peter Parker.

"This is my intern Peter Parker, I'm taking him under my wing and showing the ropes around here, see how business is done. So like it or not, he stays for this important meeting." Tony tells Monica that Peter has a place here.

"Fine, at least you can abuse what little power you have left before you lose your company. Let's get down to business, your company has already suffer significantly these past five months by all the bad publicity and stock has gone down during that same period as well, your company is on thin ice and it's only a matter of time before it sinks down completely, but I'm here to offer a solution to this whole mess." Monica Rappaccini has a proposition for Tony.

"I'm listening." Tony wants to hear what Monica has to offer.

"Sell Stark Industries to me and it shall join my company Advanced Idea Mechanics, I can everything for 69 billion dollars." Monica Rappaccini offers to buy out Stark Industries.

"With all due respect, Rappaccini, Stark Industries hasn't sunken yet, I can turn things around before that happens." Tony wants to fix his company.

"With what money? From what I've been informed, all your money is tied up right now, I doubt that you have a single cent to spare, and no investor will likely try to help a company who's technology was responsible for world domination. Your company has already lost so much, it's better to sell what's left of it rather than have nothing. Accept my buyout offer and walk away with something." Monica Rappaccini being persuasive in her offer.

"She's right, Mr. Stark, take the offer, the whole board agrees, this is the only opinion."

Tony is being persuaded by Monica and the board into accepting the buyout offer and sell Stark Industries to AIM, one of the board members gave Tony the paperwork, is the transfer of ownership of Stark Industries over to AIM, Tony picks up the pen to sign the papers. Peter and Pepper could see that all the things Monica said is very compelling as Tony's company has suffered greatly and they have no way of saving it, Tony will most likely give in and sell Stark Industries over to her. Peter decided to make a stand as everyone including Tony who held back on signing.

"Before Mr. Stark signs anything, I like to say a few words if you don't mind." Peter tells everyone he wants to speak.

Tony sighed. "Go ahead, kid."

"I don't much about the company, and you're right, things around aren't doing so good, and selling the company might be the only opinion left. This company has built satellites that has done so much harm to the world..." Peter says the first few words to everyone.

Monica Rappacini smiled a bit sinisterly as it looked like Peter is convincing Tony to give up the company, both Tony and Pepper are confused by what Peter is trying to say to everyone by his sentence, but Peter isn't done saying more yet.

"But I do know that this company has some good in this world, Stark Industries was responsible for bringing Iron Man into the world, one of the great heroes responsible for saving this world twice with the Avengers. This company has also provided technology to the heroes they still used in their missions to help people, Tony has even donated his tower in New York City as the new headquarters of the Avengers. What I'm trying to say is that this company can still do some go like before, and it will thrive better again under Tony Stark's leadership. So I'm asking you to hold off on accepting the offer and give Tony Stark the time needed to turn things around, Stark Industries will rise again, not all hope is lost yet. After all, there is no Stark Industries without Tony Stark in it." Peter said everything he needed to say.

Some of the board members are compelled by Peter's word as he does have a point in some of the things he said about Stark Industries doing some good for this world, Pepper smiled as Peter spoke up for Tony and his company, even Tony is impressed by how Peter defended him, Monica could tell that this could prove to be a problem for her and AIM's attempts to obtain Stark Industries.

"Very strong words, young man, but unfortunately, this isn't the place for such words, this is business and we need to finish it. So shall we, Mr. Stark?" Monica Rappaccini tries to convince everyone to get back to business.

Tony picked up the pen and pulls the papers in front of him, he found where needs to sign to make it complete, he lowers his pen down to sign but stop at the last second as he hesitates, Peter and Pepper are hoping that Tony won't go through with it, Monica sees that Tony is so close to signing Stark Industries over to her. Tony's absence in the company has left it vulnerable due to his satellites being used by Ultron and the lives that were lost because of him, including Hank Pym. Tony had thought about giving up the company to keep it from being misused by his mistakes, but Peter told everyone that he's has done some good in this world because he became Iron Man, maybe he still might do some good again as it's CEO. Tony's hand pulled away and puts away the pen that made Monica's face looked disappointed.

"I'm sorry Ms. Rappaccini, but no, Stark Industries isn't for sale, the deal is off." Tony turned down Monica's offer.

"What did you say?" Monica Rappaccini didn't like Tony's answer.

"You heard me, my company isn't for sale, I'm not selling anything ever." Tony repeats his answer.

"Do you honestly think you can save your company from sinking?" Monica Rappaccini says to Tony.

"I'll manage, not all hope is lost yet." Tony isn't giving up on the company.

"You're making a big mistake, but so be it. Enjoy your company while it still stands." Monica Rappaccini tells Tony before she gets up from her seat.

Monica Rappaccini and her people all got out and left the board room after Tony Stark has turned down her buyout offer and ruined AIM's chances of taking Stark Industries. Everyone in the board is impressed by Tony's determination to keep the company alive after Peter Parker said some compelling words and convinced him to turn things around for the company. Tony is proud of Peter for standing up to him and giving him back his hope, though Tony still has a long to go to completely get his life back to the way it was.

(Later)

Meanwhile in a limousine driving around Los Angeles, Monica Rappaccini and her people are contacting the council of AIM back at headquarters to inform them about the complications they've hit in their attempts to buyout Stark Industries from Tony Stark, it's not good for her and AIM.

"Scientist Supreme, what's the status over there?"

"It's bad, Tony Stark has turned down my buyout offer, he's not selling the company." Monica Rappaccini informs them about the complications.

"What?! How is this possible?! You said that he would give in to your offer?!"

"He almost did, but then someone had to stick his nose into this business and convinced Stark to turn down our offer, now Tony will attempt to rebuild his company from scratch." Monica Rappaccini explained the problem.

"So what's your next move, Scientist Supreme?"

The assistant is wondering if they try the alternative move. "Plan B?"

Monica Rappaccini sighed. "Yes, Plan B."

Monica Rappaccini is forced to switch to her next plan of action in getting Stark Industries, Plan B is to eliminate Tony Stark.

---

It's 1:45 PM in Hollywood, a lot of tourists are roaming around town taking in the sights, the Chinese Theater has many people gathered around for the ceremony where a celebrity is getting his hands and feet printed into the cement very soon, meanwhile at an In-N-Out burger restaurant where Peter and Tony are chowing down on some burgers after their day at Stark Industries, Peter is trying a California burger out for the first time.

"So how do you like the burger, kid?" Tony asking Peter.

"Hmm, not bad, I still prefer Five Guys, but this ain't bad though." Peter takes sip of his soda.

Peter looks down the street towards Hollywood Blvd as an event is happening soon at the Chinese Theater.

"What's going on over there?" Peter is curious.

"Some celebrity is about to get his handprinted into the cement, mark his place in Hollywood." Tony explains about a handprint ceremony here in Hollywood.

"Oh yeah, I heard about the handprints laying around the Chinese Theater, it's where celebrities in history mark their place in Hollywood by imprinting their hands and feet, leaves their signatures for everyone to see." Peter knows about the handprints at the Chinese Theater.

"Well, after you're done eating, maybe you can go and check it out, takes some pictures." Tony suggested to Peter.

"Maybe I will, it's not everyday I come to Hollywood." Peter might take in the sights while he's here.

"By the way, thanks for everything back there, I had doubts that Stark Industries will survive, but you said some strong words back there to everyone, you definitely got great potential for the business world." Tony complemented Peter's business acumen.

"Appreciate the compliment, but I like I said, that ain't me." Peter tells Tony.

"If you say so, kid. By the way, how are things with you? Any relationships with anyone?" Tony asking Peter.

"It's... complicated." Peter tells Tony.

"Meaning?" Tony is curious by what Peter meant.

"My old girlfriend Gwen Stacy has finally returned home and is living with my aunt and me." Peter told about Gwen.

"Hmm, that's nice, and that's complicated, why? Is there someone else in your life?" Tony senses there's something else.

Peter sighed. "Yeah, I kissed MJ again."

"Whoa, you and the redhead? Wow, and here I thought I was the only one with a redhead complication." Tony is surprised to hear this news.

"You mean you and Pepper? I already know." Peter told Tony that he's aware of him and Pepper.

Tony looked stunned and surprised. "You know?"

"Pepper might've shared somethings that happened between you two." Peter tells Tony.

"We haven't talked about it much since that day, it's complicated." Tony tells Peter.

"Why does it have to be? Isn't there a part of you that felt something for Pepper that goes beyond just simple friendship?" Peter asking Tony about his feelings for Pepper.

Tony sighed. "I've know Pepper since she first started to work for me as my assistant, in those years we've grown closer and I began to see her as a dear friend, someone I can trust with my life. When I came back and became Iron Man, I trust her enough to become my confidant and share my double life as a hero, she stood by me during those tough times. Until one day at Christmas, we..."

"Okay, stop right there, she already told me about that part of the story." Peter knows what happens next in the story.

"Right, after it happened, we decided to put it behind us and just remained friends." Tony told what happens at the end.

"And did you really put it behind you?" Peter is wondering.

"Honestly kid, I don't know, she and I still work together professionally, but at the same time it can be awkward..." Tony was about to finish that sentence.

"Because you two shared a special moment that it make your relationship very complicated to express." Peter finished that sentence.

Tony smiled and nodded his head. "Exactly... Sounds like you're an expert in that area."

"For years I've been best friends with Gwen Stacy until that time I've put my lips on her and we've began to develop feelings for each other, then much later we shared our first kiss under the mistletoe, we didn't express our feelings after that, but eventually we came to realize that we love each other very dearly, still do." Peter describes his feelings for Gwen Stacy.

"And what about your other girl? The redhead?" Tony asking about Mary Jane.

"Me and MJ were also best friends, she's been there by my side since I became Spider-Man, I trusts her with my secret and she became my confidant, we still remained close friends until that time when me and Gwen separated, she just broken up with her boyfriend and was caught in a sad moment, I came to her and sat by herself, I began to see how beautiful she is and my heart started beating in a way I felt for Gwen, me and MJ shared a kiss together. I chose to be with Gwen again and we were happy until she lost her father and was forced to move away with her uncle. On the night before Gwen came back home, me and MJ went out on a date to Coney Island together, later after that she and I kissed again." Peter explained about Mary Jane.

"And now Gwen is back and you're caught up in the middle choosing between the girls in your life." Tony tells Peter.

"Yes, exactly. It's been hard." Peter admits to Tony.

Peter and Tony are still talking outside the In-N-Out as unknown to either of them, the Beetle is on a rooftop looking down towards the restaurants as he has his wrist aimed and targets Tony Stark for elimination, he charges up his wrist laser about to fire and assassinate his target. Peter is still talking until his spider sense tingles and he turns his head to see someone on the rooftop firing a laser shot towards Tony Stark, Peter jumps up quickly towards Tony.

"Lookout!" Peter yells out and pushed Tony away.

Peter tackled Tony away from the laser shot and saved his life, everyone in the restaurant panics by the trouble here and started running away, the LAPD who are eating here looked up to see the assailant responsible for the attack and both pulled out their guns and started shooting at the Beetle. Peter escorted Tony inside the restaurant for better cover as he turns to see the Beetle is here and is trying to kill Tony Stark. Peter finally got Tony inside to safety as he still needs to deal with the Beetle as the police here aren't equipped to deal with him, but Spider-Man can.

"Stay here!" Peter tells Tony before rushing away.

Peter jumps and makes his way towards the back of the restaurant, he finally made it outside and sees that the place is empty, he took the opportunity to remove his suit concealing his Spider-Man suit underneath. Meanwhile the LAPD are attempt to apprehend the Beetle who is flying around above the ground, he then tossed a sonic grenade down at the cops as the sonic pulse explodes and pushed them back hard. Tony is still inside the restaurant as the Beetle has finally landed down and aims his wrist at him ready to kill.

"Tony Stark, you are hereby terminated." Beetle powers up his wrist laser.

Tony is stunned as his life is about to be taken by the Beetle but then Spider-Man dropped down and kicked the Beetle away and missed his shot, saving Tony's life, many people around here are stunned to see Spider-Man all the way out here in the West Coast, including the LAPD still alive.

"Spider-Man? What is he doing here?"

"No way, it's really him!"

Beetles gets back up on his feet to see that Spider-Man is here and he's the one who thwarted his assassination on Tony Stark, he didn't expect to find him all the way here in Los Angeles.

"You?! What are you doing here?!" Beetle is disappointed and surprised to see Spider-Man here.

"I'm on vacation, came to try out the burgers, didn't expect to see you here either. We still have some unfinished business to settle." Spider-Man tells the Beetle.

"Not today, Spider-Jerk!" Beetle fires up his flight pack.

Beetle flies up off the ground and makes his escape by air, but Spider-Man jumps up and hitched onto his back as Beetle is flying them both up in the air, Beetle is flying towards Hollywood Blvd while trying to shake Spider-Man off his back.

"Ah! Get off me!" Beetle tries to lose Spider-Man.

Spider-Man webs up the Beetle's visor, blinding him as he can't see while flying around in the air, Spider-Man got a hold of the Beetle's head and makes him steer, both he and Spider-Man are flying towards the Chinese Theater where a celebrity is attempt to imprint his hands onto the cement, but paused as everyone looks up to see Spider-Man flying on the back of the Beetle heading towards them, Spider-Man could see that they're flying towards the crowd, he then attempts to pull him up and adjust his flight path, he managed to pull him up as he jumps off the villain and lands down onto wet cement prepped for the ceremony, Beetle removes the webbing from his visor but was too late as he crashed him onto the Chinese Theater's wall, he got hurt by the impact and slide down off the wall. Spider-Man has his feet planted in cement as he tries to move but got wobbly and fell down with his hands out and got them both in cement along with his feet.

"Dang." Spider-Man pulls his hands and feet out of the cement.

Spider-Man left both his feet and handprints in the cement, he wipes the cement off his hands as everyone around sees Spider-Man here in person, the hero looks around and sees everyone looking at him as he and Beetle interrupted a handprint ceremony here outside the Chinese Theater.

"Sorry I dropped in, it was an accident. Carry on." Spider-Man tells the crowd.

Spider-Man walks up past the crowd still watching him with their eyes, he approached and picked up the Beetle with his strength, he carried him on his back and fired a web line up to the rooftop and swings away as some are using their smartphones to record the event of Spider-Man here in Hollywood. Spider-Man finally reached on top of the rooftop and tossed the Beetle down for them to talk alone.

"Great, you caught me, Spider-Jerk." Beetle has been captured by Spider-Man.

Spider-Man picked up Beetle to interrogate him. "You tried to kill Tony Stark, why?!"

"Jeez, I don't know, why would a hired gun tried to shoot somebody? Could it be because someone paid me to?" Beetle speaking sarcastically.

"Who?" Spider-Man wants the name of his employer.

"Forget it, I'm not telling you anything." Beetle refused to talk.

Spider-Man aimed his web shooter at Beetle.

"Is that supposed to intimidate me? I know you don't kill." Beetle isn't intimidated by Spider-Man.

"I never said I was going to kill you, but I never said anything about hurting you. See this web shooter here, it's got a taser web that delivers enough voltage throughout you body, it won't kill you, but it will hurt, a lot, it can cause temporary paralysis to the body, not mention involuntary bladder control that'll make you pee in your pants, and you'll be drooling down on the ground unable to move. So unless you want to test out that theory in person, I suggest you start talking before you're left drooping in pain, one... two..." Spider-Man is intimidating the Beetle to talk.

"Okay, okay! I'll talk!" Beetle finally cracks and is willing to talk.

"See? That wasn't so hard. So hired you?" Spider-Man interrogates Beetle.

"I don't know, I don't ask questions, I was just given a name of my target and a task." Beetle tells Spider-Man.

"Not good enough, how are you paid?" Spider-Man wants more details.

"They just pay me half now to take the job and the other half once the job is done." Beetle tells Spider-Man.

"Wire transfer?" Spider-Man guessed on the payment.

"Yeah, they wire the money to my private account." Beetle confirmed the payment.

Spider-Man then looks around the Beetle's utility belt hoping to find something personal on him that could give him a lead on who his employer is, he found a smartphone on him and takes it off his hands as it could contain the information he seeks.

"Hey, that's my phone!" Beetle had his phone taken by Spider-Man.

"Now it's evidence, thank you." Spider-Man holding Beetle's phone.

Spider-Man then takes the Beetle into custody for the attempted assassination on Tony Stark, he looks down to see the LAPD down below gathered outside the Chinese Theater. The officers all looked up to see Spider-Man jumps down towards the ground with the Beetle all tied up in webbing.

"Here you go, officers, one Beetle all wrapped up, he's all yours to take." Spider-Man turns the Beetle over to the LAPD. "I'd be careful with this guy, he's wanted for number of murders, including the deaths of police officers in New York."

"Thank you, Spider-Man, we'll keep that in mind."

The LAPD takes the Beetle into their custody as everyone still here are amazed to see Spider-Man here in Hollywood in action, Tony Stark finally arrived at the scene to see Spider-Man has the situation in hand for stopping the Beetle and saving everyone's lives including his, everyone greet Spider-Man in person, he's shaking hands, signing autographs, and sharing selfies. Some officials came by to speak with Spider-Man about this complication he made during the ceremony here.

"Spider-Man, can you come with us?"

"Why?" Spider-Man is confused.

"We just need you to fix some things, make it right. It won't take long."

Spider-Man has no idea what this whole thing is about, but he went with them to find out, Tony Stark along with everybody here sees what Spider-Man is about to do here at the Chinese Theater. Tony became shocked by what's happening here right now as did everyone else.

---

At the airfield where the private jet awaiting takeoff, Monica Rappaccini is watching the recent news of the failed assassination attempt on Tony Stark and the Beetle being brought into police custody thanks to the intervention of Spider-Man who made his appearance in Hollywood.

"Here in Hollywood where a handprint ceremony was about to happen at the Chinese Theater, it got interrupted by a criminal called the Beetle who made an assassination attempt on Tony Stark of Stark Industries, no lives were lost thanks to the unexpected appearance of Spider-Man who thwarted the attempts on Mr. Stark's life, now the Beetle has finally been brought into police custody for a number of murders he committed all across the world. Meanwhile Spider-Man is being praised by the people here as he now makes his mark on..."

Monica Rappaccini turns off the TV with the remote. "This is all getting very complicated, the attempt on Stark failed and now this Spider-Man messing up our business."

"Ms. Rappaccini, they have the Beetle in custody. What happens when they find out that he was hired by you?"

"They can't, I've been very careful in cover my tracks, the payments was made by an offshore account, they'll never know it was me. But at any event, I always have a backup plan." Monica Rappaccini tells her assistant.

A group of armed mercenaries came on board the private plane with Pepper Potts as a hostage.

"Let go of me!" Pepper tries shaking off her captors.

"Hello Ms. Potts, glad you could join us. Let's talk business." Monica Rappaccini tells Pepper.

Pepper Potts is shocked to learn that she's been kidnapped and held hostage by Monica Rappaccini as she has big plans for her in AIM's attempts to take Stark Industries by whatever means necessary.

---

It's now 3:12 PM at the Stark Mansion in Malibu, Jim Rhodes watched on the holo screen about the assassination attempt made on his best friend Tony, he then turns off the screen as Tony has returned home safe and sound with Peter and Happy following him after a long day in Hollywood, Tony seems to be holding himself together considering someone out there tried to kill him in public.

"Tony, thank god you're alright." Jim is relieved that Tony is safe.

"Barely Rhodey, I almost came close to death, but this kid saved my ass once again." Tony tells Jim Rhodes about Peter saving his life again.

"Someone hired the Beetle to kill you, somebody wants you dead." Peter informs Tony about the Beetle.

Tony smirked. "Yeah well, get in line."

"Any ideas who it could be?" Jim is curious as to who's behind this.

Peter holds up the phone. "I did get this off from the Beetle himself, it's locked but it could hold a clue on the account used to hire him."

Tony smiled. "F.R.I.D.A.Y., scan the phone and hack it, have it unlocked and look up any bank accounts."

"Yes Mr. Stark." F.R.I.D.A.Y. complies with Tony's request.

F.R.I.D.A.Y. scans on the phone in Peter's hand, it remote hacks it and had it unlocked as it accessed it's contents and shows it up on the holo screen for everyone to see the private account Beetle owns, they all looked to see the recent payment made to his account from an offshore account in the Caymans.

"According to the phone, the payments came from an offshore account in the Caymans, untraceable." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs everyone here.

"No from me, F.R.I.D.A.Y., access the S.H.I.E.L.D. network and find out who owns that account." Tony asking F.R.I.D.A.Y.

"Accessing... got it, the account is owned by OmniTech." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs Tony who owns that account.

"OmniTech, that's a subsidiary of Advanced Idea Mechanics." Tony tells everyone about the company.

"This was Monica Rappaccini, you turned down her offer and she sent the Beetle to kill you so that your company would be left without an owner." Peter suspected Monica's ulterior motive.

"I knew that Monica was ambitious in getting what she wants, but I never imagine she go this far." Tony tells Peter.

"We need to protect you, Tony. If she wants Stark Industries so badly, she'll try again." Peter wants to protect Tony.

"Yeah, but I doubt she'll try to kill me since the first time has failed, so if she wants Stark Industries, she'll have to switch strategies." Tony tells Peter.

"Okay, think Tony, what else can Monica do to make you give up Stark Industries? Peter asking Tony.

Tony looks around to see they're one person short. "Wait, where's Pepper?"

"I don't know, she hasn't came back yet. I thought she would come after hearing you almost got killed." Happy tells Tony.

Tony pulls out his phone and makes a call. "Now I'm really getting worried."

Tony holds the phone in his ear until he hears her message. "Hello, this Pepper Potts, please leave a message at the tone."

"She's not picking up, something is seriously wrong? F.R.I.D.A.Y., track the implant inside Pepper and find out where she is." Tony is getting desperate and worried for Pepper.

"You lojacked your secretary?" Peter is surprised.

"With her consent, being Iron Man means making a lot of enemies, call it a pre-occupational hazard." Tony tells Peter.

"And here I thought I was the one being overprotective." Peter tells Tony.

The satellites are tracking and the screen shows the location of Pepper's implant, it's over the Caribbean Sea heading towards Barbuda, AIM Island.

"Oh no, according to this, she's on the way to Barbuda, an Island Nation controlled by AIM. They have her, they have Pepper!" Tony is shocked and worried for Pepper.

"Look, all we know is that they took her alive, they still need her as leverage to force you to give up your company." Peter told Tony they need Pepper alive.

"This is all my fault, they took Pepper because of me." Tony is blaming himself for what's happening to Pepper.

"Tony, that's not true, you didn't do this!" Peter tells Tony he's not to blame.

"Yes, I did, every decision I ever made is always the wrong one, I created Ultron and a lot of people died because of it, even Hank, and now Pepper's life is in danger because I made the wrong choice in not selling my company to AIM." Tony is still blaming himself.

"Look Tony, you can't let this bring you down again, you need to rise above it to help Pepper." Peter tells Tony to get over his guilt.

"How could you understand what I'm going through, kid?! Do you have any idea what it's like to have someone die because of your mistake?!" Tony told Peter those words.

"Yes, I do, because I've been living with that guilt for two years, Tony! Two years!" Peter spoke out loud to Tony.

"What?" Tony is shocked to hear this.

Peter sighed and calms down. "I wasn't always the hero I am now, before I ever became Spider-Man, I was just a kid who had all these powers and I thought I could use them for personal gain and glory. I entered a wrestling tournament and faced their greatest champion, I won so easily and gained so much fame in that moment than I ever had in my life. Later after I collected my money, someone was robbing the place and he was running towards me, I let him go because I didn't think that it was responsibility to stop him, I was wrong. My uncle ended up being murdered by the very man I let go that day, my uncle told me to use my gifts for responsibility and I ignore his advice, and because of it, he died. He died in my house because I chose not to act, I blamed myself for his death."

Tony is shocked to hear all this. "I...I had no idea you carried such a burden all this time, I always pegged you as a saint."

"I'm no saint, Tony, I never was a saint. But my point is that we can't change the past and we can't undo our mistakes, but all we can do is learn from our mistakes and make the right choices in the future." Peter tells Tony how to move past this guilt.

"You make it sound easy." Tony tells Peter.

"It isn't, it never is. But we can move past it and do what's right, my uncle taught me that with great power comes great responsibility, those are the words that kept me going and help me move past my guilt, it made me a hero I am now." Peter tells Tony.

"I envy you, kid, you're one of the greatest heroes I know, you're a better person than me." Tony told Peter.

"You're a great person too, Tony, you helped and saved so many lives, Pepper needs that from you now, she needs the hero we all know is inside you, she needs Iron Man." Peter convincing Tony to be Iron Man again.

"How can I move past this guilt?" Tony asking Peter.

"Whatever you're feeling, Tony, put it aside and focus on saving Pepper, it's the only way you can be the man you've always been, the Iron Man. So what's it going to be, Tony? Are you going to sit here and do nothing, let Pepper die? Or are you going to step up and do something, be the man she needs you to be?" Peter tells Tony to put his guilt away.

Tony is still feeling the guilt of everything Ultron has done to the world, including the death of his friend Hank Pym, but he's got bigger worries than his own guilt, Pepper has been taken by AIM and she needs to be saved from danger, he can't sit behind and do nothing anymore, he needs to move past his own guilt and re-embraced the hero he was before, he needs to become Iron Man again.

"Okay... let's go get my girl back." Tony is finally becoming the hero again.

Peter and Jim smiled as Tony is back to being who he's always meant to be, Iron Man. Tony is heading downstairs as Peter, Jim, and Happy are following him down, they all arrived in his private workshop, they arrived at the secret entrance all closed up.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y., open up the Hall of Armor." Tony orders F.R.I.D.A.Y.

The secret entrance opens up as Tony enters the Hall of Armor, Jim, Peter, and Happy all followed as Peter gazed upon the Hall of Armor for the first time in his life, he sees all types of Iron Man Armor he's created, Peter is amazed by how much armor he's got stored here.

"Wow!" Peter is amazed seeing the Hall of Armor.

One of Tony's armor comes forward and stands before Tony Stark, he looks at the armor he'll need to wear again and become Iron Man.

"It's been so long since I've wore the armor... now it's time to stretch it out." Tony says to his own armor.

The armor opens up as Tony got inside it and it closes back down tight, Tony has become Iron Man again after five months of being absent.

"Kid, did you bring your Iron Spider Armor with you?" Tony asking Peter.

"Sure did, why?" Peter brought the Iron Spider Armor with him.

"I got some upgrades to make." Tony told Peter.

"What kind of upgrades?" Peter is wondering what's upgrades Tony is going to make.

Tony smiles as he got some particular upgrades in mind for the Iron Spider Armor that may prove useful for this rescue mission.

---

It's 7:12 PM at the AIM headquarters in Barbuda, a couple of AIM soldiers is taking in Pepper Potts as their most valuable hostage, they finally arrived at the detention block and open up the cell, they pushed Pepper inside as she fell down to the ground, the soldier activate the force field closing the cell as Pepper gets back up and finds out that's trapped inside a cell with no way out.

"Hey, let me out of here!" Pepper demanded her captors to set her free.

The AIM soldiers are walking away from the cell Pepper is held in, Monica Rappaccini approached outside the cell as Pepper Potts is finally face to face with the woman who orchestrated her abduction.

"Monica Rappaccini? Why are you doing this?" Pepper wants to know Monica's motives.

"Ms. Potts, I apologize for the cruel means of bringing you here, but it's necessary." Monica Rappaccini explains to Pepper.

"Necessary?" Pepper is confused.

"This is all Tony Stark's doing, he should've sold us the company while he had the chance, now we're forced to take extreme measure to make it happen." Monica Rappaccini explains to Pepper.

"Extreme measure? It was you?! You sent that assassin after him! You tried to kill Tony, didn't you?" Pepper is shocked to learn of this news.

"Yes, but the intervention of Spider-Man was unanticipated, so we're forced to switch tactics, for the moment you're more valuable as leverage." Monica Rappaccini told Pepper her role in this.

"You're using me to get to Tony, you have no idea who you're going up against, he'll never give into your demands." Pepper tells Monica Rappaccini.

"Yes, he will, I've done my homework, out of all the women in his life, the only one he truly cares about is you, Pepper Potts. He'll do anything to keep you safe, even give up Stark Industries to get you back safe and sound. So enjoy your stay here, we still need you alive, for now." Monica Rappaccini said everything she needed to say before leaving Pepper behind locked up.

(Outside)

Meanwhile a quinjet is in stealth mode approaching AIM island, Happy Hogan is piloting the craft as Iron Man, War Machine, and Spider-Man are all suited up for the rescue mission, Spider-man is all armored up in his Iron Spider Armor, a hologram display the headquarters of AIM and all it's defenses, the place is built like a fortress and is well fortified, they got a read on Pepper's signal somewhere inside, she's still alive.

"What do we got, F.R.I.D.A.Y.?" Iron Man asking F.R.I.D.A.Y.

"The entire headquarters is surrounded by an army, at least 12 battalions worth followed by 12 more in reserve all armed with advanced weaponry, supplemented by defense turrets and heavy drones, this place is heavy fortified." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs of AIM's defenses.

War Machine sighed. "This isn't going to be easy, Tony, this place is built like a fortress, there's no way we can win against a force of this size."

"We don't need to win, Rhodey, we just need to go in, find Pepper, and get the hell out of here fast. Okay, this is what we'll do, me and Rhodey will attack the outer defense and create a diversion, you Parker will go inside the building itself and locate Pepper, once you find her, signal us and we'll come for you, we'll all leave this place together, are we clear?" Iron Man explained their role of this mission.

"Got it, Tony." War Machine accepted his role.

"Okay kid, I'm counting on you to find Pepper, make sure nothing happens to her." Iron Man placed his faith in Spider-Man.

"Don't worry, Tony, I'll protect her with my life, you got my word." Spider-Man made a promise to Iron Man.

"Thank you, kid, and good luck." Iron Man tells Spider-Man.

"We're here, boss, I'll keep the quinjet at a safe distance and wait." Happy informs Iron Man.

"Thanks Hap. " Iron Man opens up the ramp. "Alright, time to go!"

Iron Man, War Machine, and Spider-Man all jumped out of the quinjet and falls down from the sky, the quinjet is heading away towards a safe distance. Iron Man and War Machine both fired up their repulsor thrusters and flies towards AIM headquarters, Spider-Man then uses the new upgrades on the Iron Spider Armor, it came equipped with repulsors on both the hands and feet for both flight and combat, he fired them both up as he's still having trouble maintaining himself.

"Kid, you need to maintain yourself, follow my lead and do as I do." Iron Man gave Spider-Man advice on flight control.

Spider-Man looks at Iron Man and sees how he does it, he attempts to do the same and it works, he's gaining control on flying around in his Iron Spider Armor.

Spider-Man laughed. "This is so awesome!"

"Okay kid, this is where we part ways, good luck!" Iron Man tells Spider-Man.

Spider-Man splits off from the group and heads towards the big building as Iron Man and War Machine are heading towards the barracks down below, the whole place is on alert as something has entered their airspace, the soldiers all look up to see Iron Man and War Machine coming their way, they all fired their weapons up in the air, plasma shots are coming their way as they both took evasive action and began their attack, both fired their repulsors at the AIM soldiers on the ground, the whole place began to mobilize it's forces to fight off these invaders. Iron Man and War Machine created a diversion as Spider-Man has finally arrived on top of the building to see that he has gone by undetected.

"Looks like everyone took the bait, time for infiltration." Spider-Man looks at the battle.

Spider-Man opens up the vent and sneaks his way inside the building while most of AIM's forces are too busy with the battle happening outside and diverted everyone to the outside, Spider-Man has successfully made his way through the vents.

(Inside)

At the office floor of Monica Rappaccini, the Scientist Supreme is looking out the window to see the battle happening outside, meanwhile her assistant came into the room all troubled by events happening outside, AIM is under attack by Iron Man and War Machine, Monica doesn't seemed to concerned, if anything she's calm as she has big plans for those two.

"Ma'am, Iron Man and War Machine are here, we're under attack!"

"I'm well aware, they brought the Iron Man and War Machine to us, perfect. Inform our forces to capture both those heroes and their armor, activate the shield barrier, make sure those two don't leave here." Monica Rappaccini tells her assistant.

"Yes, Scientist Supreme."

Monica Rappaccini leaves her office as she has something special in mind for this battle, she made it to the elevator and gone down to the special floor, she finally arrived there and made her way down the hallway to the room where MODOK is housed in. She approached the man himself still asleep in his Doomsday Chair she then attempts to wake him up from his sleep.

"MODOK, time to wake up." Monica Rappaccini wakes up MODOK.

MODOK is waking up from his deep sleep, his eyes opens up and sees Monica Rappaccini right in front of him, she's typing in the terminal and unlocks his Doomsday Chair to be fully functional for combat.

"Time to stretch out your new chair, MODOK, AIM needs you right now. I have a special mission for you." Monica Rappaccini tells MODOK.

(Outside)

War Machine is flying around as he spotted some armored war vehicles and drones, he unleashed a volley of missiles and destroyed most of them simultaneously as Iron Man is landing on the ground blasting away any AIM soldiers with his repulsors, War Machine joins up next to him and fires off his gatling gun. Meanwhile they spotted something happening all over the area, a barrier is forming up all around AIM headquarters and sealed everything inside.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y.? Talk to me?" Iron Man is looking up at the barrier.

"A energy barrier has formed up all around the area, nothing can get in or out, boss." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs Iron Man.

"Crap, so much for a simple rescue mission. F.R.I.D.A.Y., locate the power source for the shields immediately." Iron Man tells F.R.I.D.A.Y.

"Scanning... the power for the shields are emitting from a reactor underneath AIM headquarters. Destroy it and the shields will fall." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs Iron Man.

"Got it." Iron Man then switches to Spider-Man. "Kid, are you deep inside the headquarters?"

(Inside)

At the detention block part of the headquarters, a couple of AIM soldiers past on by in the hallway until the vent hatch dropped down on top of them and knock them both out, Spider-Man jumps down onto the floor as he already took care of a couple of soldiers with just an vent hatch.

"I'm here, I'm so close to the signal, she's here nearby, all I have to do is find which cell she's in and we'll all go home, piece of cake." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

"Except one problem, there's a barrier all around the area, we can't leave until the shield is down. F.R.I.D.A.Y. has found the power source to the shields, so change of plans, kid, go rescue Pepper, then go down and destroy the shield generator." Iron Man informs Spider-Man.

Spider-Man got interrupt as more AIM soldiers are here in the hallways heading towards him, they're standing between him and Pepper.

"I'll have to put you on hold for a minute." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

"Is something wrong?" Iron Man asking Spider-Man.

"No, of course not, nothing I can't handle." Spider-Man isn't very worried.

The AIM soldiers pulls out their batons and powers them up with electricity, Spider-Man rushed in and fights them off in combat, one soldier swings his baton but Spidey dodge it by sliding down and kicked the other's foot of and tripped him off his feet. Spidey gets back up and elbows the back of the man's head while he isn't looking, next he pushed kick one in front of him. One came swing from behind, Spidey ducks down and spins for a back kick. Only a couple more are left, Spider-Man runs and grapple the guy, he dropkick the other down, he then jumps up and wraps his feet around his neck and flips him down hard. Spider-Man jumps back up to see that he's taken care of security here in the detention block.

"Okay, I'm all done. No problem at all." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

"Never doubted you, kid. Now can you go and free Pepper?" Iron Man tells Spider-Man.

"Oh right, I'm on it." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

Spider-Man searches around cell to cell for Pepper until he spotted one with a force field still on, he approached it as he finds Pepper Potts sitting inside, she looked up to see Spider-Man in his Iron Spider Armor.

"Spider-Man?" Pepper surprised to see Spider-Man.

"Hey Pepper, hang on, I'll turn off the force field." Spider-Man pressed the switch.

The force field shuts down and Pepper is finally free thanks to Spider-Man.

"Thank you for coming to my rescue." Pepper is grateful to Spider-Man.

"Not just me, Tony and Rhodes are here too." Spider-Man tells Pepper.

"Tony's here too?!" Pepper is surprised to hear Tony is back in action.

"He's outside waiting to see you." Spider-Man tells Pepper.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Pepper is eager to see Tony again.

"Not just yet, we need to make a small detour to the shield generator, otherwise none of us will leave here." Spider-Man told Pepper they still have one thing to do.

Pepper sighed. "Very well, lead the way."

Spider-Man leads Pepper Potts away from the detention block as they're now heading towards the lower levels underground and destroy the shield generator in order to escape from this place.

(Outside)

As the battle continues outside the headquarters, AIM helicopter is firing off missiles as Iron Man is flying away and deploying flares, the missiles all missed their target and explodes. Iron Man then counters by fire his repulsor at the helicopter, knocked its blades off and it falls down. But his celebration got cut short as a heavy laser blast knocked Iron Man out of the air and he fell down hard on the ground. He looks up to see several exosuits heading his way, but several missile got fired upon and blew them all up, Iron Man turns to see War Machine just saved him.

"Now is not the time to lay back, Tony." War Machine offered his hand.

Iron Man took it and War Machine pulled him back up on his feet, they turn to see another wave of reinforcements coming their way.

Iron Man sighs and radios Spider-Man. "Kid, I hope you found the shield generator, cause I don't know how long we can keep this up!"

(Inside)

Meanwhile down below the headquarters, the elevator finally stopped as Spider-Man and Pepper Potts finally arrived to see the power source to the shields blocking their escape, the generator itself is unguarded.

"I got it, all I have to do is destroy it and we're home free." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

"I think not!" MODOK's voice coming from nearby.

Spider-Man and Pepper heard a voice from somewhere, the ceiling opens up as something very big with a larger head is hovering down and getting between Spider-Man and the shield generator, it's MODOK in his Doomsday Chair hovering and opens up his arsenal of weapons.

"Oh crap." Spider-Man is in trouble.

"What's wrong?" Iron Man asking Spider-Man.

"Well, I got good news and bad news, the good news is I can destroy the shield generator very easily." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

"And what's the bad news?" Iron Man asking Spider-Man.

"Bad news is there's something big and ugly hovering between me and the shield generator." Spider-Man tells Iron Man.

"I have a name, insect, it's George Tarleton, but you may call me MODOK!" George Tarleton introduced himself as MODOK.

"Pepper, find someplace to hide and stay there, I'll handle this." Spider-Man tells Pepper get to safety.

"Be careful and don't you die." Pepper tells Spider-Man before leaving.

Pepper left the room as Spider-Man stayed behind to face this villain MODOK alone without having to worry about protecting her during the fight. MODOK unleashed his laser cannons and fired upon Spider-Man, but the hero jumps up and swings around, MODOK kept on firing on the hero as Spidey counter by firing back his webbing, but MODOK activated his shields and protected himself from Spider-Man's webbing.

"Damn, he's shielded!" Spider-Man is having difficulty stopping MODOK.

"Very perceptive, insect! You don't have the powers or the tools to break through my barrier! So give up now and AIM might show you some mercy!" MODOK asking Spider-Man to surrender.

"Appreciated Humpy Dumpty, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass. I'll find a way to crack that shell of your wide open." Spider-Man refuses to give up.

"You're welcome to try, Spider-Freak!" MODOK insults Spider-Man while keep firing his lasers.

(Outside)

Meanwhile back outside, Iron Man and War Machine are being overwhelmed by unending reinforcements, War Machine fires his last volley off rockets and blasted several waves away as his gatling gun stops firing along with his wrist machine guns, he's all out of bullets and rockets as he used up most of his arsenal.

"I'm out of ammo, the tank is empty." War Machine is all out of ammunition.

"Use your repulsors, it's all you got left." Iron Man fired his palm repulsors.

War Machine switches to his palm repulsors as he and Iron Man are holding back as much as they can, the barrier is still active as Spider-Man hasn't shut it down yet.

"Kid, we can't hold them out for much longer, we need the shield gone now!" Iron Man radios in Spider-Man.

(Inside)

Spider-Man got pushed down on the ground hard by MODOK as the supervillain is about to crush Spider-Man down with his Doomsday Chair still shielded, but the Iron Spider unleashed his legs and held back the barrier MODOK planned to kill him with, Spider-Man heard from Iron Man that he and War Machine are facing trouble of their own too, Spider-Man uses his strength to hold back MODOK as much as he can, but he looks at the shield generator and thought up of something.

"It's too late to surrender now, Spider-Man, you and your friends will all die together!" MODOK still trying to crush Spider-Man.

"Not tonight, Humpty Dumpty! I found a way to crack that egg open!" Spider-Man tells MODOK.

Spider-Man uses every ounce of his strength push a shielded MODOK back and pushed him towards the shield generator, damaged by the collision of MODOK's barrier and his Doomsday Chair is also taking damage too from two energies overloading each other, Spider-Man moved quickly and pushed the barrier towards the generator as it's overloading, MODOK is feeling the pain of the generator's energy surging through him, Spider-Man is also feeling the shock as he still pushes MODOK more.

"AHH! What are you doing? You'll kill us both!" MODOK is in pain.

"I'm cracking one very big egg!" Spider-Man still pushes MODOK more.

MODOK's barrier is causing the shield generator to overload on energy to dangerous levels as Spider-Man kept holding MODOK against it, all the screens in the room turned red.

"ERROR! ERROR! OVERLOADING! DANGER! DANGER!"

MODOK screaming in pain as Spider-Man is yelling pushing MODOK against the generator, the power source is overloading until it explodes all around the room, the shield generator is finally destroyed to pieces.

(Outside)

Iron Man and War Machine kept on battle against the force of AIM on the outside until they look up in the sky to see that the barrier keeping them trapped here is finally gone, which means Spider-Man has succeeded in his mission and destroyed the shield generator.

"Spider-Man, you did it, great job!" Iron Man is proud of Spider-Man.

Neither Iron Man nor War Machine are hearing a response back from Spider-Man.

"Spider-Man? Spider-Man, are you there? Spider-Man?" Iron Man trying to reach Spider-Man.

(Inside)

Pepper Potts came back into the room to see the whole place is wrecked and burned, the generator itself is completely destroyed, she looks around hoping to find any sign of Spider-Man around here still alive.

"Spider-Man?! Spider-Man, are you here?!" Pepper calling out to Spider-Man

Pepper kept on searching for Spider-Man until something is coming out of the debris, Spider-Man is alive with his Iron Spider Armor all damaged from the explosion, Pepper smiled as she's relieved to find Spider-Man is still alive.

"Spider-Man, you survived." Pepper is happy to see Spider-Man.

"Yeah... let's not do that again!" Spider-Man felling to exhausted.

Pepper ran up and caught him before he fell, they see MODOK is still alive but all out cold from the explosion, meanwhile Iron Man and War Machine came bursting down through the ceiling as they found Spider-Man and Pepper Potts on the ground. Iron Man lands in front of Pepper and is relieved to see her safe again.

"Hey." Iron Man says to Pepper.

Pepper smiled. "Hey."

"Look, this is very nice and all, but we really need to go now, we've stirred up quite the hornet's nest here." War Machine reminded them they're not out of trouble yet.

"Right, shall we?" Iron Man asking Pepper.

"Let's go." Pepper tells Iron Man.

Iron Man picked up Pepper in his arms as War Machine picked up Spider-Man all weak from the fight, both heroes fly away from the room and headed towards the outside where all of AIM force see them flying out of the hole and flying far away from everything, they all started firing up in the air as Iron Man and War Machine took evasive actions trying to avoid being hit. Back at the building, Monica Rappaccini is still in her office looking to see Iron Man and War Machine fly away with her valuable hostage, she lost any leverage to use against Tony Stark, she lost this battle and her chances to take Stark Industries.

Iron Man and War Machine flies away from AIM Island carrying Pepper and Spider-Man, they kept on flying until they spotted the quinjet flying by, it's now flying up ahead of them as Happy still pilots the craft, he opens up the ramp, Iron Man and War Machine flies up closer to the back and enters the quinjet all together with Spider-Man and Pepper all finally on board, Happy closes up the ramp as everyone is on board.

"Happy, punch it!" Iron Man tells Happy.

Happy fires up the thrusters and flies very far away from AIM's airspace as fast as they can, Iron Man takes off the helmet to check up on Spider-Man and sees that his suit is all damaged during battle, Spider-Man takes off his mask.

"Hey, sorry about the suit."Peter apologizes for damaging the suit.

"No worries, kid, it served it's purpose, I'll get it fixed up when we get back. Get some rest, you earned it." Tony tells Peter to rest up.

Peter laid back and relax after a hard night of his fight with MODOK, meanwhile Tony walks up to Pepper to see that she's alright and safe thanks to him and his friends coming to her rescue in time.

"Hey, sorry I'm late, still dealing with my issues and all that." Tony tells Pepper.

Pepper sighed. "You're such a jerk."

"Yeah, I know." Tony smiled at Pepper.

Pepper smiled back as she and Tony embraced each other, everyone looks to see them getting into the moment. The quinjet is heading back home to California after their rescue mission was a success, Pepper is back where she belongs and Stark Industries is still out of AIM's reach, everything worked out in the end.

---

It's 10 PM back in Malibu as the quinjet is flying towards the cliff where a hidden hanger opens up, the craft slowly makes it final approach and lands inside steady, the ramps opens up as everyone has came back to the mansion with Pepper Potts.

"Here we are, home sweet home." Tony tells his friends.

"What are we going to do about AIM?" Peter asking about AIM.

"We can't do much, even though they did commit a crime, we also made a few of our own when we invade their island and caused a lot of damage. But we shouldn't have to worry since they can't implicate themselves in the abduction of Pepper, so this is pretty much the only compromise we can make." Tony tells Peter.

"Still, we need to watch them more close, I'm starting to suspect that the megacorporation itself is actually a cover for something else entirely." Peter has suspicions what AIM truly is.

"Like what?" Happy is curious.

"A terrorist organization, like HYDRA. If they obtain Stark Industries and took control of it's technology like the Iron Man weapon, they would've used them to dominate the whole world." Peter told them of his suspicions on AIM.

"Yeah kid, I'm starting to think that way." Tony shared Peter's suspicions of AIM.

"Mr. Stark, there are a number of reporters outside the gate awaiting a comment from you." F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs Tony.

Tony sighed. "Thank you, F.R.I.D.A.Y., I got this."

"Do you need us to come with you?" Pepper asking Tony.

"Thanks, but I have to do this alone, I owe it to a lot of people. I'm done running away." Tony tells Pepper he needs to do this alone.

Tony steps out of his armor as he needs to face the press as Tony Stark, he needs to speak to the whole world about his mistakes and making things right for himself and Stark Industries.

(Outside)

The whole press is awaiting for Tony Stark to come forwards after the word of his assassination attempt was thwarted but he never commented back since, everyone then sees the man himself walking down his driveway as the gate opens, everyone is eager to get an interview with him.

"Mr. Stark, Mr. Stark, do you have anything to say about the attempt on your life?"

"No, but I do have something to say to the entire world, I've been running away from everything that's happened as a result of my technology being used to enslaved the world and took a number of lives, but no more, I'm done running away from everything, it's time for me to speak up." Tony speaking to the press.

(Inside)

Inside the private hangar, Peter, Pepper, Jim, and Happy are all looking at the screen of a live news of Tony Stark speaking out to the rest of the world.

"I had no idea that my technology was going to be hacked and used for Ultron's twisted purposes, but I can't deny my involvement in installing those weapons up in space, those satellites were supposed be used to protect us from future threats like Loki, I thought I could prevent a war before it happens, I was wron, I can't do anything to undo the damage that has been done as a result of my creation, but I give everyone my solemn vow that it will never happen again, the weapons up there are already gone, our company's sole purpose will be to help the world through technology, not weapons. With time and patience, Stark Industries will rise again, that's my promise to you and to the world... thank you." Tony finished saying everything he needed to say to the world.

Peter, Pepper, Jim, and Happy are smiling as they're proud of Tony for standing up for himself and his company, he's taken the first step to repairing his mistakes and looking forward to a brighter future for himself and the world.

---

Meanwhile back at the island at AIM headquarters, the Scientist Supreme is before the entire council on recent events that happened as a result of her failures by the hands of Spider-Man, Iron Man, and War Machine, their valuable hostage is back in safe hands and their attempts to take Stark Industries is now lost.

"This is unacceptable, Scientist Supreme. Your plans have ended in disaster, our military force severely depleted and our headquarters suffered extensive damage. We're starting to have serious doubts in your leadership. Perhaps we should consider electing a new Scientist Supreme to lead us into the future of AIM."

"That is not necessary, we only suffered a major setback, but nothing shall stand in AIM's vision of the future for this world. We shall achieve our goals one day and we will get rid of those standing in our way. In the end, AIM shall reign supreme over the entire world, and I shall lead us there, that's my solemn vow to you all." Monica Rappaccini fights to keep her title as Scientist Supreme.

"Do not fail us again, Scientist Supreme. We're adjourned."

Everyone got up from their chairs and walked out of the room as Monica Rappaccini still keeps her title as Scientist Supreme. Meanwhile, one of the council members is making his way to a private room to see that nobody is here and he needed the privacy, he pulls out his phone and made a call.

"This is Chameleon, I'm still here at AIM, turns out Monica's leadership here is in jeopardy." Chameleon talking in his disguise with his Russian accent.

(Underwater Base)

"Thank you for the information, Chameleon, stay put and keep me informed." Doctor Octopus talking to Chameleon.

"Yes, Master Planner." Chameleon hangs up his call.

"Everything is going as plan, Mason, we have been given an opportunity to take AIM, the company itself and it's resources will play a vital role for my master plan." Doctor Octopus tells his associate Phineas Mason.

Doctor Octopus puts away his phone and uses his tentacles to pick up some water and meds, he took in his medication fight off his illness that is slowly killing him, he then got back to work using a hologram display to design a new satellite superweapon he plans to use on the whole world very soon.

---

The next day in the morning, a car is being driven around in Malibu by Happy with Jim Rhodes riding shotgun, in the back Tony is with Pepper and Peter heading towards a place he needs to be to get back to being the hero he was.

"Are you sure you still want to go through with this?" Pepper asking Tony.

"I'm sure, this is what I need to fully recover, to get back to the man I'm meant to be." Tony still sticking to his decision.

"We're here, boss." Happy informed Tony they've arrived.

The car finally arrived outside the gate of a rehabilitation center in Malibu, everyone got out of the car to see the place where Tony will be staying during his rehabilitation, Happy pulled out a case from the trunk and gave it to Tony.

"I'm leaving you as the acting CEO of Stark Industries, Ms. Potts, I'm counting on you to keep the company alive." Tony appointed Pepper acting CEO of Stark Industries.

"Don't worry, I promise to keep it fresh until you're back on your feet, the company will be waiting for you." Pepper tells Tony.

Tony and Pepper embrace each other one last time before turning to his chauffeur Happy Hogan.

"Are you sure you don't need the other case? You know, just in case?" Happy asking about a particular case.

"I'm sure, Hap." Tony smiled at Happy.

Tony and Happy hugged before he turns to his best Jim Rhodes.

"Continue on with my mission, the Hall of Armor is now at your disposal." Tony tells Jim Rhodes.

"Will do, Tony." Jim smiled at Tony.

Tony and Jim hugged each other goodbye before turning to Peter Parker.

"Thank you for everything, kid, for giving me the strength to own up to my mistakes and to keep going. I'm proud of you." Tony tells Peter.

Peter hugged Tony. "Get better, Tony, the Avengers still needs you, they need Iron Man."

"Iron Man will be back into action when I get out, can't let you do everything alone, kid." Tony tells Peter.

"Of course." Peter tells Tony.

"I hope that you work out your relationships with the two ladies in your life, hopefully you'll find happiness with one of them." Tony wished Peter luck with Gwen and Mary Jane.

"Thanks, I hope so too." Peter wishes for the same thing.

"This is we part ways, thank you all for being here for me, I'll see you on the other side." Tony says his goodbyes to his friends.

The gate opens as Tony picks up his suitcase and waves to his friends, they all waved back as Tony enters into rehab and wished him luck on his long recovery to getting back on his feet and cleanse himself of his addictive habits such as alcohol and sex. The gates closes behind him as he continues on to the rehabilitation center, meanwhile Pepper's phone is ringing as she's getting a call from an international number coming from Tokyo, Japan, she's curious who it could be calling her.

Pepper answered the call. "Hello? Who's calling?"

"Is this Rumiko Fujikawa, CEO of Fujikawa Industries, I wish to speak with Tony Stark about something important." Rumiko Fujikawa calling from Japan.

"Tony is unavailable at this moment, he's in rehab, he appointed me acting CEO, so if there's something important you need to tell, you can talk to me." Pepper speaking on behalf of Stark Industries.

"Very well, I saw on the news Tony in need of some help for his company, I came up with a solution that will solve all your problems." Rumiko Fujikawa tells Pepper.

"What kind of solution?" Pepper is curious.

"A partnership between Stark and Fujikawa, if you're free and available, do you think you can come over to Tokyo to discuss this in person?" Rumiko Fujikawa tells Pepper.

"Of course, I have some free time tomorrow, I can fly over there and we can discuss this partnership together in person." Pepper is interested in this partnership.

"Perfect, I'll expect you tomorrow here at Fujikawa headquarter, Arigato Ms. Potts." Rumiko Fujikawa said thank you in Japanese.

"Arigato, Ms. Fujikawa, bye." Pepper hangs up the call.

"Fujikawa? As in Fujikawa Industries, that Japanese tech company that makes all the toys and video games?" Peter is familiar with Fujikawa Industries.

"Among other things, but yes, the same. Their CEO is proposing a partnership with Stark Industries, this could be the solution we're looking for to save the company, it could be huge." Pepper explained about the potential of this partnership.

"Well, I'll leave the fate of Stark Industries to you, Ms. Potts. I should get going, I need to head back home, I've been away for too long." Peter wants to go home to New York.

"Are you sure? You still have a day left before you head back to school. Isn't there anything you want to do out here before heading back?" Pepper asking Peter.

"No, I'm sure." Peter tells Pepper.

"Really? Nothing at all?" Pepper is wondering.

Peter remained quiet until he smiled as he thought up of something fun to do out here in the West Coast before heading back home to New York.

(Later)

"I can't believe that you've talked me into this, this is your idea of fun?" Happy doesn't feel like he's having fun.

"Why not?" Peter on the other hand is having so much fun.

"I should've mentioned I have a fear and sickness of roller coasters!" Happy is looking too scared.

Both Peter and Happy are riding up front as the ride has gotten high enough until Peter raised his hand up in the air smiling while Happy is feeling frightened by the ride, all of a sudden they've gone down with everyone yelling out having fun, except for Happy who's yelling out in fear and giving out a scared look on his face, Peter is having fun at one of the most main attractions in the West Coast, they're at Disneyland as Peter is having too much fun on the rides and enjoying his time here before heading back home to New York.

---

At the same time in Hollywood at the Chinese Theater, a group of tourists gathered around taking pictures of one particular set of handprints in the cement that was made very recently, made by a certain celebrity no one will ever forget.

"Can you believe that he was actually here in Hollywood?"

"At least he left something behind to be remember by everyone."

A set of feet and handprints were made with the symbol of the spider and the signature made by Spider-Man himself, he left his prints behind and marked his place in history in Hollywood.

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