The beats of vibrant music flooded every corner of the penthouse's party deck, setting the tone for the evening ahead. Peter slipped into his sleek suit. Gone were the familiar comforts of his t-shirts and hoodies. Tonight, he embraced a semi-formal look that highlighted the colour of his eyes, lending him an air of sophistication that separated from his usual laid-back style.
As he made his way through their hallways towards the elevators, Peter couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through him. The memory of his father's benefit ball, organized in the aftermath of the Battle of New York, flashed through his mind.
As the elevator doors slid open with a soft hiss, he stepped into the fancy lounge, greeted by the sight of his dad engaged in a deep chat with Dr. Banner, their voices mixed with the buzz of the room. The bar counter, polished to perfection, shimmered beneath the gentle radiance of the lights, casting playful shadows that danced around the room's chic decor. Amidst the ambiance, he wondered whether their conversation delved into the intricate depths of Ultron, their expressions suggesting a discussion laden with weighty topics.
Surveying the eclectic mix of guests scattered throughout the room, he noted the presence of seasoned veterans, their profiles hinting at untold tales of valour and sacrifice. Among them, scientists and agents mingling alongside a sprinkle of CEOs and big shot tycoons, their presence evidence to the far-reaching connections of the hosts, which are The Avengers.
In his search for Pepper, his gaze swept across the room, a wave of disappointment washed over him as she was nowhere to be found. He missed her already. She must be tied up with last-minute business.
And then, amidst the crowd, he spotted Sam, Steve's buddy from the post-SHIELD meltdown days. They were deep in a game of billiards with a couple of old-timers, probably swapping war stories between shots.
"There he is," Uncle Rhodes called out, waving alongside Natasha. Peter hurried over to where they stood, greeted by Uncle Rhodes' warm embrace.
"Wow champ, you've really shot up since the last time I saw you. You're practically a teenager already," Uncle Rhodes exclaimed, casting an approving eye over Peter's height.
"Still the smallest in our class," Peter responded with a grin, acknowledging his stature with good-natured humour.
"Oh, just you wait. You're going to outshine them all soon," Rhodes said with confidence.
"I highly doubt that, Uncle Rhodes," Peter responded as he chuckled softly.
Rhodey offered a reassuring pat on Peter's back as they settled onto the nearby couch. Their conversation paused as the waiter approached, presenting their drinks and entrees.
"Hey, little Stark," Natasha said with a smile, her fingers deftly fixing some of Peter's unruly curls in place, "You look very handsome tonight."
Peter's cheeks warmed, and he glanced down, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "Thanks. Um, you also look really beautiful tonight, Ms. Romanoff. Not that you don't always look beautiful, I mean..." He stumbled over his words, feeling the weight of formality pressing on him.
Natasha's smile softened, touched by Peter's flustered response, "Thank you, Peter," she said gently, reaching out to give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're quite the charmer, you know that?"
Peter's flush deepened, his gaze flickering uncertainly.
Natasha continued, her tone gentle yet firm, "And how many times do I have to say it? You can call me Natasha. Or if that still feels uncomfortable, Aunt Nat is perfectly fine. After all these years knowing you and your dad, it's more than okay."
Peter hesitated, a mix of relief and surprise washing over him at Natasha's understanding, "Oh, okay... Aunt Nat," he finally managed, a tentative smile forming on his lips.
None of Dad's female friends he ever called Aunt. Even Dad's girlfriend, the woman closest to him, Pepper. Perhaps it was because Pepper, more than anyone else, filled the void left by his mom's absence. To him, she was more than just his dad's girlfriend and partner. He guessed that if he were ever to call her anything other than her name, it would be 'Mom.'
As the hours passed, Uncle Rhodes entertained them with tales of his diplomatic escapades across the globe, captivating the crowd with his charm.
Peter chuckled at Uncle Rhodes' failed attempts at selling his stories, yet he still managed to entertain Dad.
Meanwhile, Thor transported the group with his tales of otherworldly adventures, drawing in the veterans with his larger-than-life exploits.
Soon enough, a drinking challenge ensued between Thor, Steve, and the rest of the gang, adding a spirited energy to the evening.
As they strolled, Tony draped his arm over his son's shoulders. "Alright, pumpkin. It's bedtime."
The waitstaff had already tidied up, leaving the team as the sole occupants of the building, engrossed in their shared tales.
"I'm not yet tired, Dad. I want to stick around and see if any of you can wield Mjolnir," he said, casting a curious glance at the group awaiting Tony before their competition commenced.
"Piece of cake," Dad said, his voice brimming with confidence, "I'll lift it, then I take Asgard from Thor, end of story," He chuckled, a hint of tenderness softening his eyes as he pinched the tip of his nose, "It's almost midnight. Need me to tuck you in? Maybe sing a lullaby?"
"Dad, come on," Peter protested, rolling his eyes. "I'm not a baby anymore. And Pepper said it's okay since it's Friday. Weekend tomorrow, remember?"
"You'll always be my baby, buddy," Dad replied, a hint of sentimentality in his voice. "And when did you talk to her? Why didn't you call me?"
"You were busy talking science with Dr. Strange and Dr. Palmer earlier. It would be rude if I suddenly pulled you from them. Are they together now?"
It's worth noting that Dr. Palmer remained one of Peter's primary physicians, and they've stayed in touch occasionally. They first met Dr. Strange when she introduced him as her colleague during the last benefit ball.
Tony's forehead furrowed, "Are they a thing? You sense gossip than me, kid. I'm kinda recruiting him as one of The Avenger's doctors. We could use him around like Dr. Cho during emergencies. His work on Neurosurgery is one of the best. Although his arrogance really gets to my nerves so I might really rethink that."
"It's not gossip Dad. It's just observation. You two aren't all that different, you know."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Tony's eyes narrowed, but Peter just chuckled as they settled into the vacant space on the sofa.
"The Iron father and son duo are here, so, should we get this started," Clint rose from his seat, oozing confidence, striding purposefully to the center of the table.
All eyes followed him as he attempted to lift Mjolnir, but the mighty hammer remained steadfast, unmoved by his efforts. His laughter echoed through the room, accompanied by the strained bulge of a vein on his forehead, "I still don't know how you do it!"
"Smell the silent judgment?" Dad replied, a smug grin playing on his lips, while Peter couldn't help but roll his eyes at his father's bravado. It was a trait that had often landed them in trouble.
With a casual air, Tony rose from his seat, his suit jacket falling open as he prepared to take on the challenge of lifting the hammer.
Natasha and Rhodey exchanged amused glances, their teasing tones filling the room,
"Uh oh, here we go," Natasha said, a hint of laughter in her voice, as Dad prepared to test his mettle against the legendary Mjolnir.
"It's physics," Dad said, his grip firm on the handle as he attempted to lift the stubborn object. Despite his efforts, it remained unmoved, "I'll be right back."
This time, Tony donned Lefty, his left iron hand armor, its metallic surface gleaming in the dim light. With increased strength coursing through him, he made another attempt, muscles straining, but the object refused to yield.
Uncle Rhodes stepped in, expression determined, as they joined forces in a useless attempt to lift it. Defeated, they returned to their seats, a sense of frustration lingering in the air.
"It's okay, Dad. Midgard needs you more than Asgard," Peter whispered, his voice filled with reassurance. Tony's gaze softened, a mixture of gratitude and pride washing over him as he draped an arm around his son's shoulder, their heads touching briefly in a silent moment of understanding.
Dr. Banner stepped forward, attempting to intimidate the others with a ferocious roar, hinting at his potential transformation into the Hulk at any moment. However, his display only spurred wary stares from everyone except Natasha, who responded with a knowing smile, as if saying that's not going to work with us, Bruce.
Next, it was Steve's turn. He stood up, rolling up his sleeves in preparation.
Straining with all his might, he managed to nudge the hammer ever so slightly, a feat that caught Thor's attention, albeit causing him to chuckle at Steve's ultimate failure to lift it.
Peter, observing the scene intently, gaped in astonishment.
As the team turned to Natasha, Peter still couldn't believe what he had witnessed, "Dad, did you see that?"
"See what?"
Peter noticed Thor's nervous laughter and Steve's humble smile, realizing he was the only one besides Thor who saw it.
As Tony stood up to grab another beer, "The handle's imprinted, right? Like a security code. 'Whosoever is carrying Thor's fingerprints' is, I think, the literal translation?"
Thor stood up, a smirk playing on his lips, "Yes, well that's, uh, that's a very, very interesting theory. I have a simpler one,"
With effortless grace, he lifted his hammer and flipped it,
"You're all not worthy."
The team erupted in a chorus of boos, but Peter couldn't help but smirk. Deep down, he knew there might be another among them who was worthy.
Their blithe atmosphere shattered abruptly, replaced by a deafening screech that pierced through the air, forcing everyone to instinctively clamp their hands over their ears.
The noise ebbed away, leaving tension in its wake.
"Worthy," the word echoed, its source seemingly emerging from the depths of the underworld.
All eyes turned toward the origin of the haunting voice, settling on a Legionnaire suit, its once tough exterior now a decrepit shell oozing with ominous liquid.
"How could you be worthy?" The voice, laden with accusation, reverberated through the air, "You're all killers."
The group stood frozen, a collective unease gripping their hearts as they grappled with the weight of the accusation.
Tony concealed Peter behind him, his concern mounting,
"JARVIS. Reboot Legionnaire OS, we got a buggy suit."
Silence greeted his command. Tony frowned, tapping his phone to access the Tower's security controls. JARVIS was supposed to have everything under control, yet it seemed as though nothing was functioning properly at the moment.
"There was a terrible noise...and I was tangled in... in...strings. I had to kill the other guy. He was a good guy."
"You killed someone?" Steve's voice sliced through the tense air.
Around them, everyone tensed, exchanging glances yet bracing themselves for whatever might follow.
"JARVIS. He's the first line of defence." Peter said, his hand instinctively gripping his dad's arm.
His words caught the attention of the adults, a subtle reminder of the responsibility they shared in safeguarding the kid.
Thor's grip tightened around his hammer as he demanded,
"Who sent you?"
Tony's voice reverberated from the speaker, its tone laced with urgency,
'I see a suit of armour around the world.'
The words hung in the air.
"Ultron!" Bruce's exclamation burst out.
Yet, Tony remained incredulous. They hadn't even initiated an interface. This wasn't how Ultron was supposed to manifest. Most of all, Ultron wasn't supposed to be like this. Ultron wasn't even supposed to be alive. What could've successfully turned it sentient? All previous trials had ended in failure.
"In the flesh. Or, no, not yet. Not this...chrysalis. But I'm ready. I'm on a mission." Ultron declared.
The team braced themselves, sensing impending danger.
"What mission?" Steve asked, his tone edged with concern.
"Peace in our time," Ultron announced before chaos erupted. The Iron Legion bots crashed through the walls, launching an attack.
Steve took cover behind a table, while the rest of the team scrambled for safety. Bruce and Natasha darted into the bar, retrieving hidden guns to even the odds.
Meanwhile, Thor wielded his hammer with thunderous force, demolishing any bots that dared to draw near.
"I got Peter, Tony," Rhodes assured as they spotted a bot flying nearby. Seeing Peter safe, Tony sprang into action, leaping towards it to disable its system through its neck. Despite successfully shutting it down, Tony ungracefully fell, crashing through shattered glass and onto the stairs.
Meanwhile, Steve and Thor swiftly dealt with another bot that threatened Dr. Cho's safety.
Clint seized Captain America's shield, skillfully hurling it like a frisbee. With precision, Steve deflected the shield, delivering the final blow to the last Iron Legion murder bot.
Ultron's metallic voice echoed through the room, dripping with disdain, "That was dramatic! I'm sorry, I know you mean well. You just didn't think it through. You want to protect the world, but you don't want it to change. How is humanity saved if it's not allowed to...evolve? With what? With these puppets? There's only one path to peace: The Avengers' extinction."
Thor's jaw clenched as he stepped forward, Mjolnir crackling with power in his grip. With a primal roar, he launched the hammer through the air, aiming true at Ultron's menacing form. The impact was deafening, shattering metal and sending shards flying across the room.
As the dust settled, a haunting melody filled the air, reverberating even in the wake of Ultron's destruction,
"I had strings, but now I'm free," the haunting voice sang.
Tony rose from the floor and settled near the stairs while Thor pursued the drone that had snatched the sceptre.
Surveying the penthouse, Tony noted the extensive damage, with broken and shattered items strewn about, reminiscent of the wreckage he'd seen from his former Malibu mansion.
Why do bad guys always have to destroy my home?
He hissed, feeling a throb of pain in his arm— the only part of his body that had directly collided with the stairs upon landing.
Glancing over his teammates, he observed that they seemed to be relatively unharmed, sporting only a few bruises. But amidst the chaos, his primary relief stemmed from knowing his son was safe.
Peter rushed up to his father, his expression filled with concern, "Dad, you're injured."
Steve began to move towards him, noticing the concerned looks on everyone's faces.
Tony created that thing, more than he'd liked to admit.
Steve approached him with caution, like tending to a wounded puppy—gentle yet wary, careful not to poke the bear, "Tony, you okay? Can you stand? We all still need to talk about this Ultron."
Tony braced himself for the anticipated blame from their leader, but to his surprise, it was Steve being Steve—infuriatingly understanding. Tony concealed his disbelief, nobody could be this good, so saintly in fact. Yet, Steve's empathy only stoked his frustration, despite knowing he shouldn't feel that way.
"Yeah, yeah... I'm okay, give me a sec," he said, closing his eyes to regain balance.
With Peter's help, he got back on his feet, Dr. Cho trailing behind to check on him. Tony made sure Peter went to his room to rest before heading to the lab to join the rest of the team.
As Tony approached the room, the murmur of conversation reached his ears before he even stepped inside. Bruce and Natasha were briefing the team on the compromised files and surveillance. It seemed Ultron had exploited the internet as an escape route, potentially acquiring more intel on them than they had on each other.
Upon entering, he was met with a collective gaze that seemed to brand him as some sort of criminal who had committed a grave offence. Ignoring the tension, he made his way to the center, presenting the shattered remnants of JARVIS' consciousness.
He stared at the wreckage, his heart sinking at the sight of his once pristine technology now reduced to shattered circuits. Memories flooded his mind— of Jarvis guiding him through battles and sharing moments even in silence. A wave of grief washed over him, as he realized the depth of his loss. Jarvis had been more than just an AI, he had been a constant companion, a confidant, and a friend.
Bruce observed incredulously, "Ultron could've assimilated Jarvis. This isn't a strategy, this is... rage."
Thor stormed into the room toward Tony, his heavy footsteps echoing, seething anger emanating from him. His emotions threatened to overpower his actions as he moved to confront Tony, but Natasha, sensing the imminent conflict, stepped in front of Tony, poised to shield him from Thor's wrath.
Meanwhile, Steve intervened, placing a firm hand on Thor's chest to stop his advance.
In this moment of tension, Steve spoke with authority to focus on the mission, "Thor, the legionnaire,"
Steve's voice was resolute, cutting through the charged atmosphere, "A fight won't do us any good."
Thor's clenched fists slowly relaxed as he backed away, his anger yielding to reason, "The trail went cold about a hundred miles out, but it's headed north. Now we have to retrieve the sceptre, again," he revealed with a sigh of frustration. "This could've been avoided if you hadn't played with something you don't understand."
Tony turned away from the group, his gaze fixed on the glow of his computer screen. They should have understood by now why he felt driven to create such a thing.
Memories of his initial intentions flooded his mind. He had created Ultron with the noblest of intentions— to safeguard humanity, to ensure peace for generations to come. Yet, in his hubris, he had unwittingly unleashed a monster.
Despite their heroic efforts, threats to the world persisted. Tony had believed that Ultron would be the solution, the ultimate defence against such dangers. But now, as he stared at the screen displaying Ultron's schematics, he realized the gravity of his mistake.
Ultron was supposed to be a force for good, a protector of mankind. Instead, it had become a twisted perversion of his vision— a malevolent entity hell-bent on destruction. Tony couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at him.
Tony finally confessed, his voice trembling with the weight of his revelation,
"I had a vision," he admitted, his mind still haunted by the vivid images.
Around him, the team exchanged concerned glances.
"I saw myself in space, surrounded by death. You were all dead. My son... he died in my arms. My son!"
The words hung heavy in the air as Tony emphasized the last words, his breath unsteady.
Steve's voice carried a hint of accusation as he spoke, "You were compromised, and you didn't tell us?"
Natasha stepped in, her tone reassuring yet firm, "It was likely induced by the enhanced. It's not real, Tony. It won't come to pass."
Tony's response was immediate,
"You can't be certain. None of us can."
"The Avengers were supposed to be different than SHIELD," Steve pointed out. He referenced the Triskellion incident, where SHIELD's efforts to avert disaster only escalated the destruction further.
But this is different, it was supposed to be different.
"Anybody remember when I carried a nuke through a wormhole?" Tony's voice echoed with a hint of desperation, "A hostile alien army came charging through a hole in space. We're standing three hundred feet below it. We are the Avengers. We can bust arms dealers all the live long day, but, that up there? That's... that's the Endgame. How were you guys planning on beating that?"
Steve met Tony's gaze with unwavering determination,
"Together."
"We'll lose," Tony retorted, his voice tinged with resignation.
"Then we'll do that together, too," Steve replied, his tone resolute.
Tony held Steve's gaze for a moment before turning away,
"See, that's the problem, it's a battle I can't afford to lose."
Peter rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn as he made his way to the kitchen for breakfast, the events of the previous night still in his mind. The startling emergence of Ultron's sentience lingered in his thoughts. Raising his gaze, he caught sight of an unexpected figure.
"Pepper?"
Her lips curled into a smile at the sight of the handsome young man approaching her. With a warm embrace, she checked in on him, assessing his well-being.
"Why are you here? You're supposed to be back by next week right?"
"My boys need me here. I heard what happened, sweetheart. Now sit, I prepared your favourites."
He smiled as he settled into his chair. Pepper gently placed a plate of steaming waffles before him, the sweet scent wafting through the air, a comforting embrace amidst the craze.
Pepper cherished these moments, rare and precious, where they could simply be together, even if it meant stealing fleeting moments between her persistent business trips. Each gesture, each word exchanged, a silent witness to their unspoken bond.
She observed Peter as he ate, "Our boy is really growing up," she remarked. "Look at your hair. We should schedule a haircut for you soon, alright? And we need to get you some new clothes, yours are starting to get small." She paused, about to make a phone call, but Peter stopped her.
"No, please don't call Mr. Ford, Pepper," Peter pleaded. "I'm fine with my t-shirts and hoodies."
Mr. Tom Ford always personally visited the Tower to tailor clothes for him and Dad. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate designer clothes, he simply felt more at ease in the casual outfits Dad had bought for him, a preference Pepper didn't really agree with.
Pepper bit her lip for these recent fashion choices. Hoodies? Those hideous sweatshirts Tony insisted on whenever they wanted to go undercover. Ugh. She made a mental note to herself to intervene before Tony could subject Peter to any more questionable outfits.
"We'll still pick out clothes later, okay? But those hoodies have got to go, young man," shooting Peter a pointed look.
Peter opened his mouth to protest, but his words died on his lips as the elevator doors slid open, revealing Tony stepping out.
Tony's smile faltered as he spotted Pepper, a hint of guilt flashing across his features. He hesitated, as if considering a quick retreat back into the elevator, but Pepper's commanding tone stopped him in his tracks. "Tony, sit," she called out, her voice firm yet tinged with affectionate exasperation.
Tony Stark stopped mid-stride, his gaze snagged by the sight of Pepper seated at their table. "Honey! I didn't know you were coming back home today."
He leaned in, planting a quick kiss on her cheek before ruffling Peter's hair with affectionate fingers. Beneath the surface, he braced himself for the unavoidable confrontation.
Pepper settled into the chair between them, her silence thick with unspoken questions. The clink of cutlery against plates filled the air as they began to eat, but the tension simmered, waiting to erupt.
"What were you thinking, Tony?" Pepper's voice sliced through the quiet, "And you also brought your son into creating this robot, this Ultron? You boys watch movies every week. Have you not learned anything from those killing robots in that— that Skynet?"
Tony's fork clattered against his plate, his expression flickering with a mix of defensiveness and regret.
Peter glanced between them, although he couldn't suppress a silent chuckle,
"The Terminator," he murmured. He was surprised that Pepper remembered the movie, given her tendency to doze off whenever they watched movies together.
"It was supposed to be different, Pep. It's a peacekeeping program. But we're nowhere near that. The trial unexpectedly gained sentience. It just..." Tony's voice trailed off as he rubbed his temples, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders.
There was no use trying to convince Pepper. That Maximoff girl played with his mind, she used his fear to create his own undoing, Ultron.
Pepper, seeing the defeat in Tony's eyes, squeezed his hand gently. "I'm sorry this happened. Are you alright? Had Dr. Cho checked your arm?"
"It's fine now. She cleared me before heading back to Seoul."
They exchanged a small smile.
"We already have a lead on where Ultron's going next. We're leaving in an hour to retrieve the sceptre. I had already finished the manual reboot of the security system of the Tower, you and Peter, you'll be safe here."
As the Avengers departed for the South African coast, Peter found himself confined to the Tower with Pepper, under strict instructions not to venture out until the Ultron crisis was resolved.
Reluctantly, he allowed Pepper to tend to him while a barber and tailor were summoned to tidy him up. Despite their efforts, Peter's mind was elsewhere as he retreated to his section of the lab.
Guilt gnawed at him. It wasn't fair for his father to shoulder all the blame for Ultron's creation. They were all complicit, keeping secrets and contributing to its development. Ultron's ominous declaration about the Avengers' extinction echoed in his mind, leaving Peter unsettled and wondering about its implications.
Searching through the thousands of lines of code that birthed Ultron, Peter found no obvious flaw that could explain its descent into malevolence. It seemed Ultron's perspective on the Avengers' shared history had been warped by its own objectives.
Turning his attention to JARVIS's code, he was dismayed by the extent of the damage. Memories flooded back of JARVIS's reassuring voice greeting him each day since childhood, guiding him through life's challenges. Peter couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the AI he'd grown accustomed to.
As he delved deeper into the labyrinth of code, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that the Avengers were only scratching the surface of a much larger threat. The quiet hum of the lab served as a reminder of the uncertainty that lay ahead, and Peter couldn't help but wonder if they were truly prepared for what was to come.
As he stepped out from the lab, Peter was met with a distressing sight. Pepper stood before the TV, her hands pressed against her mouth in shock. On the live news broadcast, chaos ruined the streets of Johannesburg, the Hulk rampaging through the city, leaving destruction in his wake.
"Oh my God," Pepper whispered, her voice trembling with concern, "What could've turned him this furious."
The broadcast suddenly cut off as the Hulk hurled an object at the cameraman, sending the screen into darkness.
Without hesitation, Peter hurried back to the lab, Pepper trailing behind him. With urgency, Peter worked to access Iron Man's suit, desperate to gain real-time insight into the unfolding chaos.
With skillful fingers, Peter navigated the system, granting them access to Tony's perspective. Though they couldn't communicate with him, the live feed offered a glimpse into the danger he faced.
Tony's figure appeared on the screen, encased in the formidable Hulkbuster armor. The mere thought of activating "VERONICA," their last resort, loomed threatening in their minds. Peter couldn't help but wonder where's the rest of the team?
They shared a tense silence, the weight of uncertainty heavy upon them. In that moment, fear gripped them both for Tony's safety. The Hulk's relentless rampage rendered him a force of nature, his actions unpredictable and his power unmatched.
Dad's voice resonated, attempting to reason with the raging Hulk, "That little witch is messing with your mind. You're stronger than her, you're smarter than her, you're Bruce Banner."
Yet, the Hulk's response was a furious roar, escalating into a violent clash. Each blow exchanged was a painful spectacle, causing them to flinch at the brutality. Witnessing Hulk dismantle one of Dad's armoured limbs was gut-wrenching, but VERONICA swiftly dispatched a replacement, empowering Iron Man to retaliate with ruthless strikes aimed at subduing the green behemoth.
Finally, seizing an opportunity, Iron Man ensnared Hulk's hand in his armour. With a determined resolve, he dropped the Hulk through the skeletal frame of an unfinished building, reducing it to rubble.
Peter could only watch, hoping that Dad would emerge unscathed from the wreckage. As Hulk emerged from Wanda's grip, he fell unconscious from the exertion. Moments later, the quintet arrived, bringing an end to the cataclysmic showdown. The suit's projection faded, leaving only the catastrophic aftermath of the fierce battle behind.
Peter spent the next hour anxiously waiting for his Dad's call. Meanwhile, Pepper began organizing all available assistance from the Stark Relief Foundation for the victims in Johannesburg.
Hill was the first to speak to Tony, updating him on the dire situation.
"Dad, are you okay? Is everyone alright?" Peter's concern resonated through the monitor. Tony appeared fatigued, and the rest of the team seemed visibly shaken in the background.
"I am Pete, I'm okay. You heard Hill, I'm sorry I can't come home just yet. Where's Pepper?" Tony asked, his voice strained.
"She's downstairs managing the relief foundation. Do you want me to go get her?"
"No, no. Just fill her in later, alright? We'll figure this out. I love you, bud. I'll be back home as soon as we wrap this up," Tony reassured, though his smile was masked by exhaustion. Peter mirrored the forced grin.
As the call ended, Peter made a beeline for the lab, determined to contribute. There had to be something he could do to help. He delved into JARVIS's matrix files, scouring for a starting point.
"Thor didn't say where he was going for answers?" Tony asked, his axe swinging as he split another log. He couldn't help but notice the sizable pile of wood accumulating on Steve's side.
They found themselves at Clint's secluded homestead, a safe haven nestled in the wilderness where they could lay low and regroup.
Steve and Tony had taken to chopping wood, both as a means of helping out the Barton family and a way to release some tension, but instead of feeling cathartic, it only seemed to amplify the chaos swirling within them.
They're all a mess. Ultron pulled them apart like cotton candy.
"Sometimes my teammates don't tell me things. I was kind of hoping Thor would be the exception," Steve admitted, his gaze drifting towards Clint as he watched him instruct his son on the balcony. It dawned on him that there was a lot of secrecy going on with his teammates that they didn't trust the team to know. A realization stressed by the private struggles evident in the man before him.
"Yeah, give him time. We don't know what the Maximoff kid showed him."
"Tony, it wasn't real." Steve countered, his voice firm yet empathetic. He couldn't help but wonder if Tony had only confided in them earlier, this situation might have been avoided, "You shouldn't have let it consume you."
Tony paused his work, shooting Steve a piercing glare, "Banner and I were doing research."
"That would affect the team." Steve pressed, his frustration evident.
"That would end the team!" Tony's voice rose with emotion, his words echoing with a mixture of defiance and desperation, "Isn't that the mission? Isn't that the "why" we fight, so we can end the fight, so we get to go home?"
It's what he wanted all along. Not just to protect the Earth, and his family, but maybe the obsolescence of the Avengers as well, so they could reclaim the semblance of normalcy they'd lost. His gaze softened as he thought of his son, but it wasn't just for him, he wished the same for his teammates, yearning for them to find peace in their own lives.
Steve's frustration surged as he split the wood in two with his bare hands, "Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Every time."
Steve's words echoed in Tony's mind, reverberating with a painful truth that he couldn't ignore. He stepped back, his fists clenched at his sides, a tangible manifestation of the turmoil within him. Despite his reluctance to admit it, Steve was right. Tony's creation of Ultron stemmed not from altruism, but from the suffocating grip of fear that had consumed his heart.
As he stood there, the weight of his mistakes pressing down upon him, Tony's thoughts drifted to the countless lives affected by his hubris. The memory of their faces haunted him, a constant reminder of the consequences of his actions. With a heavy sigh, he knew that redemption wouldn't come easy, but he was determined to make amends, to ensure that his future choices were guided by something purer than fear.
Laura interrupted their heated conversation, approaching them with a request. "I'm sorry. Mr. Stark, uh, Clint said you wouldn't mind, but, our tractor, it doesn't seem to want to start at all. I thought maybe you might..." she asked, her voice cutting through the tension.
Tony nodded, his response immediate, "Yeah, I'll give her a kick." he turned to Steve, mentioning the difference between their piles of wood, "Don't take from my pile." making his way to the barn to investigate.
"Hello, Deere. Tell me everything. What ails you?" Tony addressed the old tractor, his hand expertly assessing its condition.
To his surprise, a voice responded, one he had believed to be long gone. "Do me a favor. Try not to bring it to life," came the familiar voice, accompanied by the appearance of Fury himself, striding over to join Tony.
"I get it, Maria Hill called you, right?" Tony's tone held suspicion. "Was she ever not working for you?"
Tony couldn't help but notice the unwavering loyalty of the former SHIELD agents to Fury. Their willingness to betray him for the sake of spying was a constant reminder of the complicated dynamics at play within their circle.
"Look me in the eye and tell me you're going to shut him down," Fury demanded, his gaze piercing.
"You're not the director of me." Tony retorted, his voice laced with defiance.
"I'm not the director of anybody. I'm just an old man, who cares very much about you." Fury replied, his tone softening.
Tony stepped closer, his eyes ablaze with accusation. "Really? You didn't tell me about Mary's research, even though you knew. She used her own DNA, and my son was put in danger because of it. Have you heard about that? And he might still be. Tell me, where is that research? Was it lost when SHIELD collapsed?"
"You need to discover it on your own, and you did. I couldn't provide more because I didn't know more. I was clueless before as you were. Now, I don't know, if that animal is dead or what, cause I don't know where she hid it. But I believe Mary had her reasons, Stark. Just as you have yours," Fury explained calmly.
Tony shuddered, stepping back as if struck, "I saw my son die in my arms, Nick. Everyone I care about is dead. It's because of me. I wasn't ready. I didn't do enough."
"The Maximoff girl is playing on your fear, Stark," Fury warned.
"I wasn't tricked, I was shown. It's the end of the path I started us on," Tony admitted, his voice heavy with remorse.
"You've come up with some pretty impressive inventions, Stark. War isn't one of them. That path you saw can be changed. You trust your team. Outwit the platinum bastard." Fury urged.
Later that night, the team deduced Ultron's plan and devised a strategy to stop him once and for all.
The soft murmur of Dad's voice gently roused Peter from his sleep. He instinctively pulled his blanket higher, seeking heat from the chill of the room, and fumbled for his pillow to muffle the surrounding sounds.
"Dad, just five more minutes," he said, still half-asleep. As he shifted, he realized he wasn't in his own bed, another movement, and he'd have hit the hard floor.
Then it hit him- he was in the lab. Wait, what?
With a sudden jolt of realization, Peter's eyes snapped open. His father sat beside him on the sofa of the lab. He must have drifted off during his all-nighter, but the memory was hazy, lost in the blur of tiredness.
"You know, I miss the days when I could carry you in my arms to your bed when you fell asleep on the couch. Now I might have to use the suit to carry you," Tony said, ruffling his hair while Peter suppressed a yawn, "You should be in your bed, pumpkin."
Peter's eyes lit up as he announced what he'd discovered. "JARVIS. Dad, I found out he's—"
"Still alive. I know. I found out at NEXUS," Tony interrupted.
Peter's heart swelled with pride as he looked up to see his dad smiling at him.
Tony's eyes reflected admiration and affection, "You found out JARVIS is still here somewhere and managed to piece him together. Now, that's amazing. You did a good job, my son."
Dad's hand gently patted Peter's head, and he leaned down to kiss his forehead. Peter returned the smile. He had managed to help, at least.
He'd painstakingly searched until he discovered that JARVIS' memory was scattered, yet his protocols remained intact. That explained why the military's codes kept changing. Somehow, JARVIS was still aiding them, so Peter did his best to gather and piece together all the fragments he could find.
Peter tapped his Starkphone, summoning JARVIS's holographic consciousness, which flickered to life in a radiant 3D form, restored to its former glory.
"Welcome back, JARVIS. It's good to have you back." Tony greeted warmly, a hint of relief in his voice.
"Indeed, Sir. I owe my gratitude to your ingenious son, Peter," JARVIS responded, his digital voice resonating with gratitude.
Later that day, Clint arrived with the Cradle. Tony, once again, employed his persuasive charm to convince Bruce to assist them in uploading the final remnants of JARVIS's protocols into the android within. Their goal was to forge a powerful ally against the looming threat of Ultron.
"I know what everyone's going to say, but they're already saying it. We're mad scientists. We're monsters, buddy. You gotta own it. Make a stand." Tony persuaded, "It's not a loop. It's the end of the line."
Bruce agreed even though there was still doubt in his mind. He's just hoping it will turn out okay in the end. Peter eagerly lent his assistance to Bruce, drawing upon the knowledge of BioOrganics imparted to him by the doctor-scientist over the years. Together, they worked, inching closer to completing the intricate upload process.
Their progress, however, was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Steve, with the Maximoff twins, their intentions veiled in uncertainty.
Steve's command sliced through the tension, "Shut it down," he demanded, his voice sharp with authority. "You don't know what you're doing."
Tony's response was swift and defiant. "Nope, not gonna happen."
As the Maximoff twins introduced themselves, Wanda offered an apology, but Bruce's anger simmered beneath the surface. "We're way past apologies," he growled, his voice laced with menace. "I could choke the life out of you and never change a shade."
Internally, Peter was stunned, that was the coldest sentence he had ever heard the scientist say.
As Steve and Wanda attempted to explain the impending danger, Tony and Bruce countered every argument. It was then that Pietro took matters into his own hands, ripping out every cable from the cradle with lightning speed before returning to his position in a blur.
"Whoa, dude, not cool," Peter exclaimed as he exchanged glances with Pietro, who smirked in response.
Bruce and Tony were left speechless, unable to comprehend what had just transpired.
Before Pietro could respond, a bullet tore through the floor, sending him tumbling down into a confrontation with Hawkeye.
"I'm rerouting the upload," Tony declared, his gaze locking onto Peter, signalling for him to resume their work. But Steve intervened, hurling his shield to stop Tony in his tracks. In a flash, the Iron Man gauntlet assembled around Tony, his suits materializing around him in rapid succession.
Peter's gaze shifted to Wanda beside him, "Uh, I'm Peter, hi," he said with a nervous chuckle, "They're usually not like this."
"Hi, Peter. I'm Wanda." She offered a reassuring smile, her intentions clear of not harming Peter despite Bruce's intervention.
Just as all seemed lost, Thor arrived, harnessing his lightning to save the android and bring forth a synthetic being with a mind of its own.
As Wanda shielded Peter from the shattering glass of the cradle, they found themselves transfixed by the figure before them, adorned with a radiant yellow stone embedded in its forehead. This being not only levitated effortlessly but also possessed the uncanny ability to conjure attire seemingly out of thin air, all while emanating a familiar voice reminiscent of JARVIS, yet distinct in its own right.
"Ease up on the lightning, point break. We've got a kid here," Tony Stark interjected, firmly placing his hands on Peter's shoulder.
"Yeah, Stark. My apologies." It was then that Thor proceeded to enlighten them all about the Infinity Stones, emphasizing the Mind Stone's presence within Vision's forehead, "It's the Mind Stone. It's one of the six Infinity Stones, the greatest power in the universe, unparalleled in its destructive capabilities."
As Vision introduced himself, he made clear his distinction from Ultron or JARVIS, embodying a reverence for life. With a simple gesture, he effortlessly lifted Mjølnir, offering it back to Thor, leaving the group utterly bewildered yet assured in their newfound ally.
"Dad, can I come? I'll just be at the Helicarrier with Agent Hill." Peter asked, his eyes fixed on his father as he sorted through his collection of User Interface chips in search of JARVIS's replacement.
Tony paused, meeting his son's gaze before reaching out to gently caress his cheek, "Sorry, Pete, I need to know you're safe so I can focus. So I can end this. Knowing you're within Sokovia, it's just dangerous. I can't let you near it. You've already done so much to help us. Your assistance has been incredible, more than we could ask for. How many times do I have to say it? I'm so proud of you."
"Only about a billion times," Peter replied with a grin, earning a smile from Tony in return.
"That's right. Now what do you think should be our next UI?"
"You know I like TADASHI, 'cause of Big Hero 6."
"Ah, the noble Tadashi. But I was thinking we could consider," Tony paused before plugging in FRIDAY. "Good evening, boss," the familiar Irish accent chimed in.
"Your favourite day of the week," Tony teased, running a hand through his hair. "We can save TADASHI for when you decide to design a suit for yourself."
Peter's eyes lit up, "Really?"
"Kidding." Tony comically laughed, draping an arm over Peter's shoulders as they checked the Iron Man suit's specs and condition.
Peter's face scrunched, caught in a blend of irritation and fondness, "Dad!"
Before the team left, Peter embraced Tony tightly, concern etched on his face. "Be careful, Dad," he whispered, his voice tinged with worry. "I heard Vision mention that Ultron holds a particular grudge against you."
Tony chuckled softly, though there was a hint of seriousness in his tone, "Yeah, Ultron's got some serious issues. He's like an angsty teenager in rebellion. Wonder if you'll be the same in a few years."
Peter's expression soured at the thought, "That would be impossible."
Tony ruffled Peter's hair affectionately, a fond smile playing on his lips. "I know, bud, you're too good for that. You're our pure-hearted cinnamon bun, always."
Peter managed a small smile, comforted by his dad's words.
As the jet engines roared to life, Peter watched the Quinjet ascend into the sky, worry swirling in his chest. He waved goodbye, his heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty, before turning to follow Pepper back inside.
That night marked the onset of the Ultron Offensive, a cataclysmic event orchestrated by the malevolent AI, Ultron. Utilizing the power of Vibranium, Ultron wrought havoc, threatening an extinction-level catastrophe by lifting a vast portion of the Earth into the skies.
In response, the Avengers assembled, their unity forged in the face of imminent peril. With unwavering determination, they engaged Ultron's legion of drones, each hero confronting the tide of metallic enemies. Amidst the chaos, Vision, a being of both humanity and machine, delivered a decisive blow, neutralizing Ultron's escape route with a surge of energy.
Meanwhile, Director Fury orchestrated a rescue operation, ensuring the safety of civilians stranded within the airborne city, utilizing the capabilities of the Helicarrier to facilitate their evacuation.
As the city teetered on the brink of descent, Iron Man, harnessing the full might of his suit's unibeam, and Thor, channelling the primal force of lightning, combined their powers to destabilize the impending catastrophe. Their coordinated effort shattered the city's descent mechanism, sending it cascading harmlessly into the embrace of a nearby lake, averting widespread destruction.
Though victory was ultimately secured with Vision's annihilation of Ultron's final drone, it came at a cost. Pietro, fell in the line of duty, his sacrifice a reminder of the stakes they faced. Moreover, the loss was compounded by the departure of Bruce, burdened by the belief that his presence endangered those he fought alongside, leaving the team fractured and reeling from the aftermath of battle.
"I'm sorry about Pietro, Wanda," Peter said. He settled beside her in the serene living area of the newly built Avengers compound in upstate New York. The tranquil view of the forest and river nearby offered a fleeting moment of comfort.
"He would've been a great addition to the Avengers," Peter added, his thoughts drifting back to their brief encounter at the tower. A wistful smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he imagined the friendship they could've shared if he were still alive. Wanda returned the smile, gratitude flickering in her eyes, but her heart still heavy with grief.
Tony approached them with a solemn expression, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. His gaze was heavy with remorse as he sought a private conversation with Wanda.
"I knew it wouldn't matter now but I apologize, Wanda," Tony's voice carried the burden of regret as he addressed her, "For years, I lived in my father's shadow, blinded by the advocacy of my own company. I made choices that I'm not proud of, and people paid the price for my mistakes, including your parents." His admission hung in the air, thick with the weight of truth and remorse.
Wanda had harboured resentment toward Tony Stark for years, blaming him for her parents' death. Yet, as she gazed into Tony's eyes, she sensed genuine remorse. It was time to release the burden of anger that had consumed her for so long.
The man before her was a testament that people could change for the better, she made a mental note that she could also do that with herself, learning from her past mistakes.
A tear escaped her as she smiled, whispering, "It mattered. Thank you." In that shared moment, a silent understanding passed between them. She had forgiven him, feeling a weight lifted from her shoulders.
"Aunt Nat?" Peter's voice broke the silence of the secluded garden where Natasha stood, her gaze fixed beyond the swaying trees, lost in a maze of thoughts. It had been three agonizing months, with no news or sightings of Bruce. The possibility of his death loomed heavy on her heart.
Peter approached quietly, his presence a gentle interruption to her reverie as he nudged her arm with a comforting touch. "Lunch is waiting downstairs. I think the whole team's already digging in. They've been looking for you."
A faint smile flickered across Natasha's lips as she intertwined her arm with Peter's, following his lead towards the bustling dining area.
"I'm going to miss you, little Stark," she said softly, her words laced with bittersweet longing. "Maybe you'll be taller than me the next time I see you."
"Yeah, I am," Peter chuckled. "I hope so. And we'll make sure to visit as often as we can, or you can always come over to the Tower."
"Of course. You know, we'll be tied up with training the new recruits and handling missions," Natasha replied, a hint of solemnity in her tone.
"I'm really going to miss you too, Aunt Nat, all of you," Peter said sincerely.
Natasha smiled warmly as they paused, embracing each other.
As they entered the expansive dining hall, the atmosphere was festive, filled with laughter and animated conversation. The team members were gathered, exchanging tales and enjoying their meal. Among them were the new recruits—Vision, Wanda, Sam, Rhodey— and even Clint's family, along with Director Fury, Agent Hill, Dr. Cho, and Dr. Selvig.
It was a farewell gathering, marking Clint and Tony's retirement from the Avengers initiative. Though they were stepping down from active duty, their legacy as Avengers would endure. They would be missed, but their heart would always be a part of the team.
After their defeat of Ultron, Tony finally decided to step back. He acknowledged that he had spent enough time avenging and causing chaos rather than finding lasting solutions. Struggling to reconcile with his past actions, particularly the creation of Ultron, he desired to move forward and find peace, especially with his family by his side.
Recognizing that Steve was more than capable of handling global issues, Tony contemplated forfeiting that burden to focus on his personal life, although he knew it wouldn't fully absolve him of his responsibilities in the Avengers, as trouble always loomed.
As the three mighty heroes strolled through the expansive halls of the new Avengers facility, spanning a thousand acres, Steve remarked, "You saw how happy Peter is with Clint's kids? Maybe it's time you give him a sibling, Tony."
Tony chuckled at the suggestion, Peter's already getting older to have a sibling.
"Oh, I don't know, Cap." Tony mused, "But we'll see."
"If there are more little Starks on the way, be sure to let me know via postcard from Asgard," Thor added, his grin lighting up the corridor as he affectionately tapped both Tony and Steve on the shoulder.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do I send a postcard to Asgard?"
Thor's grin widened as they stepped outside, "I'm gonna miss these little talks of ours."
"I have no choice," Thor declared, his voice tense with determination, "The Mind Stone is the fourth of the Infinity Stones to show up in the last few years. That's not a coincidence. Someone has been playing an intricate game and has made pawns of us."
"You think you can find out what's coming?" Steve asked, his brows furrowing with concern.
"I do. Besides this one." Thor patted Tony's chest as he strode ahead, preparing to bid goodbye, "There's nothing that can't be explained."
With a nod to both of them, he lifted his hammer, ready to return to Asgard through the Bifrost, leaving a burnt ancient circle on the grass in his wake.
"That man has no regard for lawn maintenance," Tony exclaimed as they turned back to the garden where the rest of the team now gathered, "I'm gonna miss him though. And you're gonna miss me. There's gonna be a lot of manful tears."
Steve regarded Tony silently, his expression conveying his sentiments, "I will miss you, Tony."
"Yeah? Well, it's time for me to tap out. Maybe I should take a page out of Barton's book and build Peter and Pepper a safe house. Hope nobody blows it up."
They paused in their tracks, their eyes drawn to the sight of children frolicking in the field, lost in innocent play. The simplicity of it all struck a chord within them.
Steve agreed, "The simple life."
"You'll get there one day," Tony said, his gaze lingering on the carefree scene.
Steve's expression clouded with uncertainty, "I don't know, family, stability. The guy who wanted all that went in the ice seventy-five years ago. I think someone else came out."
Tony glanced at Natasha, who was now cradling Nathaniel in her arms, a knowing look in his eyes, "Oh you never know."
Steve furrowed his brow, catching Tony's insinuation, "Natasha? No, it's not... I mean, she's..."
Tony interrupted with a chuckle, teasingly, "Natasha's your 'work wife,' Rogers. Who's to say she couldn't be more? Real wife, perhaps?"
Steve's features softened as he contemplated Tony's jest. Despite the passing decades, his heart still belonged to Peggy, unwavering in its devotion.
Tony clapped him on the shoulder before turning to his son, who waited eagerly nearby. "Just something to consider, Cap."
They exchanged a nod of understanding before Tony headed for his car, leaving Steve to ponder his words as he watched his friend depart.
"Why is Steve's face like that, Dad?" Peter asked as his father settled into the driver's seat beside him.
"We may have a new power couple in the years to come," Tony teased with a hint of mystery, causing Peter to raise an intrigued brow.
"Where are we off to now?"
Tony flashed a warm smile at his son before replying,
"Home."