Chapter 20: Ivan Vanko
May 12, 2010 – Wednesday
Stark Expo
The scene inside the dome had transformed into something reminiscent of an ancient samurai standoff, albeit with a modern, futuristic twist. Amidst the cascade of cherry blossoms swirling in the air, Tony, Faith, Willow, and Rhodey stood back to back, a tight-knit formation like seasoned warriors facing impossible odds. The tranquility of the space around them—the quiet pool, the fluttering blossoms—only heightened the contrast between peace and the impending chaos, giving the moment an almost cinematic feel, like a duel in the heart of a forgotten battlefield.
Their enemies—relentless, mechanized, and programmed for destruction—rushed in waves, charging only to fall back when met with calculated resistance. There was a rhythm to the fight, a push and pull, with the attacking drones throwing themselves into the fray with no heed for tactics, while the quartet, sharp and disciplined, remained unflinching. Each of the team moved with precision, their suits glinting under the dome's light, their motions choreographed by countless battles fought side by side. It was as if time had slipped into slow motion—an artful dance of destruction, the air thick with the scent of cherry blossoms and the faint ozone of laser fire.
Foom! A Navy drone went up in flames, a sudden, violent explosion that formed a small mushroom cloud. Tony, Faith, and Willow exchanged quick, knowing glances through their HUDs—an overloaded RT reactor. Usually, they just powered down, but when there were impurities, the arc space at the heart of the reactor could go critical and, as they all knew too well, blow sky-high. Another drone down, reduced to scrap, its once-gleaming armor now smoldering in a heap on the floor.
Meanwhile, Rhodey had his hands full. He had pinned one of the Marine drones to the ground, holding it in place while his suit's weapons chewed through its thick plating. The sound of ricocheting bullets and sizzling electronics filled the air as the drone jerked violently under his grip, its movements disturbingly lifelike, as though it were writhing in pain. For a brief moment, it was almost unsettling—this cold, mechanical thing, twisting and thrashing as its internal circuits fried, before it finally went limp under the assault.
Faith, not far off, ripped the arm clean off another drone, the jagged limb dangling in her hand like a broken toy. Without missing a beat, she dropped the mangled appendage and clamped a hand over the drone's empty socket, stopping it from setting off its internal grenades. Her repulsor charged, and she unleashed a bolt of pure energy straight into the socket. There was no dramatic explosion, just a quiet, muffled whump as the drone's internal systems shorted out, melting into molten slag. The drone collapsed, another lifeless husk joining the growing pile.
Through the comms, Tony's voice broke the tension, light and irreverent as always. "Ahoy," he said. "Taking bets on whether we get this done before Ivan shows up to take advantage of us in our weakness."
Willow, mid-battle, rolled her eyes at Tony's casual tone, even as more drones poured in. They came fast, but they were no match for the quartet's seamless coordination. As long as they stayed back-to-back, covering each other, there was no chance of being completely overwhelmed. Even in the chaos, they had the upper hand—four against an army of drones, but they weren't just holding their ground; they were dominating.
"Well, now, that would be just like him to take advantage, wouldn't it?" Rhodey said, sounding more than a little irritated as he crushed another drone underfoot, its systems sparking briefly before going dark.
"Thing is," Faith began, pausing just long enough to dispatch a crippled drone with a swift punch to its central processor, "if he's not coming here, then where's he hiding? I mean, really. If he wants to kill me and Dad, well, here we are."
Her words hung in the air, a challenge to their unseen enemy, as Tony and Rhodey combined their firepower on another Marine drone. This one had been fiddling with something dangerous, something neither Tony nor Rhodey wanted to leave to chance. Rhodey pinned it down, his machine gun tearing into the drone's torso with brutal efficiency, while Tony's repulsors delivered the final blow. Whatever it had been working on detonated with a searing flash of heat, the intensity so high it melted the drone's body into a molten puddle of metal.
Tony's HUD blinked as he surveyed the aftermath. "What do you guys think? Thermite? Something like that?"
Willow's voice chimed in, steady and analytical as she watched the glowing remnants. "Looked like it burned hotter than that. Tell you what, remember the spot and we'll figure it out later."
In the chaos of battle, Tony's HUD blinked with an incoming call. Without hesitation, he answered, even as explosions and whirring drones filled the air around him. Pepper's face flickered onto the display, and despite the grainy resolution, Tony could see the unmistakable fear etched into her expression. His stomach dropped. This wasn't the usual battle stress; it was something deeper, something primal.
"Pepper?" Tony's voice sharpened with concern.
"Tony ..." Her voice trembled, and as the view shifted, the reason for her terror became clear. Standing beside her, a menacing figure loomed—Ivan Vanko. The realization hit Tony like a punch to the gut. Pepper wasn't just scared, she was in immediate danger. Instinct kicked in, and without missing a beat, Tony shared the feed with Faith and Willow, so they could see exactly what he was seeing.
Faith's reaction was instant—an angry flash of light as she fired a repulsor bolt into a nearby Marine drone. The bolt hit its mark, obliterating the already weakened grille, sending molten metal and fragmented circuits flying across the rock garden. There was no time for hesitation, and no room for fear. They were in the middle of a battle, but this... this was personal.
"Jarvis," Tony barked, "track Pepper's location now!" But, of course, Jarvis was always one step ahead. The AI had already pinpointed the source of the call, providing Tony with the coordinates before he'd even finished the command.
The chaos around them continued to escalate. Rhodey's voice cut through the clamor, his tone rough, but undeniably dependable. "Where the hell are you going?" His Gatling gun roared, spitting a continuous stream of firepower at the advancing drones. Tony quickly surveyed the battlefield—two Marines and four Navy drones remained, the odds no longer overwhelming, but far from safe. Every second counted, especially with Pepper's life hanging in the balance.
Tony made a decision, fast and focused, his leadership shining through the urgency of the moment. "Willow, stay with Rhodey. Keep them contained, and whatever you do, don't let those things get into the fairgrounds." His voice was firm, but there was a confidence in it, the kind that let Willow know he trusted her with the responsibility. She was capable of handling this, and he knew it.
"Faith," Tony turned to his daughter, his voice carrying the weight of both urgency and determination. "You're with me."
Without wasting another second, Tony and Faith rocketed away, their thrusters kicking up clouds of dust and cherry blossoms as they tore across the battlefield.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Fifty seconds later, the ground trembled as Tony and Faith landed in front of Ivan Vanko and Pepper Potts with a force that sent ripples through the earth beneath them. The impact generated a momentary distortion across their heads-up display, the HUD flickering as if momentarily overwhelmed by the intensity of the confrontation. The air crackled with tension, a potent mixture of fear and defiance.
Ivan loomed over Pepper, one hand gripping her firmly while he casually flicked the tip of a whip around her feet. The movement was almost mocking, a deliberate show of control. Pepper stood tall, her back straight, refusing to crumble under the pressure. Even with the whip teasing at her ankles, she maintained a demeanor that screamed resilience. There was no begging, no pleading; she was a fighter in her own right, and Ivan's intimidation tactics only seemed to fuel her strength.
"Let her go," Tony demanded, his voice a low growl that held all the authority of a father ready to protect his child. Each word was laced with an underlying current of anger and urgency.
Ivan, relishing the power he held, responded with a smirk. "If you and your daughter take her place, maybe I will let her go." The flick of his whip added an unsettling rhythm to his taunt, emphasizing his confidence in the situation.
"Is that what you want?" Faith stepped forward, her voice fierce and unyielding. She could feel the weight of the moment, the lives at stake, and the responsibility resting on her shoulders. She wasn't just fighting for her father or Pepper; she was fighting against the darkness Ivan represented.
"Tony, Faith, no!" Pepper interjected, her voice rising with a mix of urgency and desperation. "Don't do it." Her gaze darted between the two, clearly understanding the dangerous path they were teetering on. She knew the stakes and wanted to protect them at all costs, even if it meant putting herself at risk.
In their HUDs, Rhodey's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, "Don't do what?" His confusion mirrored the tension, a testament to the urgency of the situation unfolding before him.
"Not now, Rhodey, they're dealing with Vanko," Willow replied, her tone pragmatic but tinged with worry. "We have to take care of the drones." She could feel the pressure building; the urgency of their mission was palpable, even from a distance.
"They're about to be taken care of," Rhodey reassured, the determination in his voice unwavering. "Then you and I are headed their way." There was a promise there, a shared resolve to back up Tony and Faith when the time came.
Meanwhile, Ivan Vanko, keenly observing Tony and Faith but oblivious to the HUD conversation happening behind the scenes, leaned into his manipulation. "Fine woman you have here, Stark," he taunted, his tone dripping with condescension. "She doesn't want you to be a fine man." The wink he delivered was infuriating, an unwelcome reminder of the twisted control he thought he held over them. "Or maybe she knows you too well."
"Hope you're coming soon, Red," Faith said, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension crackling in the air around them. The cherry blossoms swirled gently in the wind, a stark contrast to the violence brewing just ahead.
"Keep an eye out," Willow replied, her tone resolute as she coordinated their movements with Rhodey. "Rhodey and I'll be coming in low and hot." The urgency in her voice matched the quickening of Faith's heart, anticipation building like a coiled spring ready to explode.
In perfect synchrony, Tony and Faith triggered their armors' automatic-eject protocol. With a series of sharp clicks and whirs, their suits began to disassemble piece by piece. The helmet detached first, followed by the chest and limbs, cascading to the ground like falling leaves in autumn. Each component folded neatly into compact shapes, transforming into a scarlet and chrome rectangle and a scarlet and black rectangle not much bigger than a bathroom scale. The rapid deconstruction left them feeling both exposed and liberated, ready to face the danger that loomed ahead.
"Okay, Ivan," Tony said, his voice low and controlled, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. To Pepper, he added, "Chivalry, Ms. Potts, is not dead." There was a flicker of determination in his eyes, a promise to protect her at all costs.
Ivan Vanko spread his arms wide, a theatrical gesture reminiscent of a host welcoming guests to a grand affair. "You think I want to kill your woman? No." The whip snapped ominously, a sharp sound that cut through the air, serving as a reminder of his power. "I only want to kill you and your daughter." His voice dripped with malice, a twisted smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"We have a problem, then," Tony replied, his expression hardening. "Because what I want to do is kill you." The weight of his words hung heavily between them, a stark declaration of their shared animosity.
"On this we agree, Stark," Vanko sneered, relishing the confrontation. "So, let's get on with the swap. You and Isabella for her. Then you two can play hero. In your head. While I kill you both slowly for what you did to my father." His eyes gleamed with a malevolent satisfaction, clearly savoring the thought of revenge.
Vanko allowed Pepper to step away from him, but the whip coiled menacingly at her feet, a threat that hung in the air. "Slowly, Pepper Potts," he taunted, his voice laced with sinister amusement. "You wouldn't want to surprise me so I make sudden moves." The warning was clear; Vanko thrived on fear, and he intended to wield it.
Tony, measuring his steps carefully, motioned for Faith to stay put. He advanced toward Ivan with a determined gait, ensuring that every step he took brought him closer to Vanko as Pepper moved further away. "It's not mine or Faith's fault your dad thought he could turn the arc reactor into an ATM," he said, his voice steady yet charged with emotion. "It was never meant as a way to get rich. And it's not our fault that you had to grow up in Siberia because your dad couldn't follow through on the promises he made to the Kremlin."
Snap!
Miscalculation, was the first thought that jolted through Tony's mind, a momentary spark of clarity amidst the chaos. Amazement that he was still alive followed swiftly in the wake of that thought, each second stretching into an eternity. If the whip that Ivan Vanko had just flicked out to curl around Tony's neck had been charged, it would have melted through skin, muscle, tendon, and bone, decapitating him before he had even registered the movement. The realization sent a cold shiver down his spine, a grim reminder of how close he had come to an untimely end.
But the whip wasn't charged, and instead of severing his head, it coiled around his neck, jerking him off balance and yanking him toward Vanko. The force was unexpected, a brutal tug that left Tony momentarily dazed. "Tony!" Pepper screamed, her voice slicing through the tension, filled with urgency and fear.
In the periphery, Ivan flicked his recently deactivated whip toward Faith, capturing her as well. "How do you like being the powerless ones?" he crooned, his tone dripping with a twisted satisfaction that sent a chill through Tony's veins.
Faith's laughter erupted, sharp and defiant. "Yeah, I'm not powerless…" The sound was fierce, a testament to her resilience even in the face of danger.
Ivan's eyes flicked toward Faith, momentarily distracted, but the whip tightened around her neck, cutting off whatever else she had intended to say. "I told you and your father I was going to destroy in forty seconds what it took your family forty years to build," he taunted, relishing the power he held over them. "But perhaps it will take a little longer." His words dripped with malice, echoing the bitterness that fueled his vendetta.
"Let them go," Pepper pleaded, her voice steady despite the underlying tremor of fear. She was a beacon of strength, unwavering even when faced with the threat of losing everything.
Ivan chuckled, a chilling sound that brought Tony back to their shared memories in the French jail cell, where darkness had seemed to close in around them. "Miss Potts," he said, his tone mocking, "I've waited too long to get them."
As the whips slithered tighter around Tony and Faith's necks, a wave of panic surged through Tony, clashing with the determination ignited by Pepper's presence. The constricting coils felt like chains binding them to a fate they refused to accept.
"Please," Pepper urged, her voice rising above the tension. "Tony. Faith."
Another slight contraction of the whip brought sparkles to the edge of Tony's field of vision, each twinkle a stark reminder of the life slipping from him. He looked desperately at Pepper, his throat constricted, and tried to speak, but the whip was too tight, cutting off his words before they could form. "A little tighter, a little tighter," Ivan murmured, his voice a sinister whisper, reveling in the moment as he tightened his grip.
"Tony," Pepper said, her voice steady, a lifeline amidst the chaos. "Faith."
In a moment of shared determination, Tony and Faith rolled their eyes in Pepper's direction, silently vowing to keep their focus on her. They figured that if Ivan Vanko was going to strangle them to death right in front of her, they could at least try to maintain eye contact and reassure her of their resilience. Their shared gaze flickered for just a moment before they realized that Pepper was trying to show them something—an unexpected glimmer of hope hidden in her purse of all places. The Tech-Ball.
Tony and Faith exchanged a quick glance, a silent understanding passing between them, but they knew they couldn't nod in response; they were the sole focus of Ivan's attention, and any movement could provoke him further. Instead, they let their eyes stay a little unfocused, giving their best impression of someone slowly strangling to death. It wasn't a difficult performance to bring off, given the tightening grip of the whips around their throats.
"Think fast," Pepper urged, her voice cutting through the tension. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the Tech-Ball to Faith, low and flat, like a pitcher making a quick sacrifice bunt down the first-base line. The trajectory was perfect; Faith instinctively got a hand up, reacting more out of reflex than conscious thought. She watched as the Tech-Ball snapped itself into the glove shape Tony had surprised Pepper with just a couple of weeks before, its mechanism engaging with a satisfying click.
Things happened a lot faster after that pivotal moment. Faith quickly got the glove up, catching the whip that constricted her throat, the fabric of the glove absorbing the tension as she pulled herself to her feet. With a sudden jerk and a fierce twist of her wrist, she snapped the whip off, feeling the rush of oxygen flood her brain as the pressure lifted. The world surged back into focus around her, vibrant and sharp, colors and shapes crystallizing from the haze of her near unconsciousness.
"I told you," Faith declared, her voice ringing with newfound strength and defiance. "I'm not weak." With determination fueling her steps, she walked over to her father and snapped the other whip off him with the same decisive jerk and twist of the glove. As the second whip fell away, she turned back to Ivan, her eyes blazing with intensity. "I am what is known as the Slayer, called to fight vampires and demons with more strength than you have."
"Pepper," Tony said urgently, his voice slicing through the chaos surrounding them. "Get out of here!" But Pepper wouldn't budge; her fierce loyalty rooted her to the spot despite the danger looming before them. Frustration bubbled within him as he turned back to face Ivan, the embodiment of his father's torment and anger. "Are we really doing this because of something you think my dad did to your dad?" Tony challenged, his words laced with disbelief as he watched Faith dance around in front of Ivan, a calculated distraction. "And what was that thing, exactly? You think my dad stole the arc reactor idea, right? That explains all of the mimicry and your whole shtick about me and Faith being thieves and murderers? Because we don't think either of us are thieves or murderers." He felt the weight of his argument press against him, the truth sharpening his resolve. "You, on the other hand, are a murderer for sure. Thief? I don't know about that. But you have killed a bunch of race car drivers, and I think a couple of Hammer's security guards, although maybe we can write those off to self-defense. What's your excuse for the drivers, though? Or for the people who died here today because of your drones? Is it their fault that your dad didn't get credit for the arc reactor?" His head shook, frustration morphing into pity. "You're just nuts, is all. Your dad is a convenient excuse, but you're nuts. It's nobody's fault but your own."
Faith observed her father's strategic maneuvering, recognizing that he was trying to provoke Ivan to shift his focus. It was a tactic she understood well, and it worked; the tension crackled in the air as Ivan's fury seemed to amplify. But her father's goal was not merely to draw Ivan's ire—he was also buying her precious moments to maneuver around to the new football containing her Ironheart armor. Faith smirked, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she stepped onto the football, feeling the familiar thrum of power enveloping her.
As Tony bent backward from a last flick of the whip, Faith's suit began to build itself around her, the sleek armor morphing into place with practiced precision. But just as she was ready, a whip snapped around Tony's ankles, yanking his feet out from under him. The ground rushed up to meet him, a harsh reminder of the stakes at play. But Tony was a master at rolling with the punches; as he hit the ground, he was already starting to rise again, determination etched on his face. Yet, Ivan had other plans.
Ivan, sensing the shift, turned to look for Faith, but it was already too late—she was fully suited and ready for combat. In a split second, Ivan shifted his attention, searching for Pepper instead, the hunger for revenge evident in his eyes. "Dad, get to your suit, now," Faith commanded, her voice resolute as she seized the opportunity of Ivan's distraction. In a swift motion, she launched herself at Ivan, driving him into the pavement with a force that echoed through the dome.
Ivan, now disoriented, caught Pepper around the waist, his grip tightening like a vice as he attempted to use her as leverage. The sound of Rhodey and Willow's thrusters rumbling nearby filled the air, a powerful reminder that reinforcements were closing in.
Tony stepped onto his own football, the familiar sensation of his suit building itself around him providing a surge of confidence. "Willow," he said, urgency lacing his words. "We really need to get your nanites incorporated into our suits."
"When we get home, I will work on the next generation of yours and Faith's armors," Willow promised.
And then Tony and Faith blasted away, their armors thrumming with energy as they soared into the air above the Stark Expo. Below them, the entire front of the Tent of Tomorrow erupted in a magnificent explosion—a colossal blooming sphere of fire and debris that lit up the sky like a macabre celebration. Flames danced, swirling through the air as shards of metal and remnants of the structure rained down, a fiery testament to the chaos unleashed by Ivan Vanko.
"Pretty good throw," Tony quipped to Pepper, his voice laced with irony. "For a girl." His tone was light, almost teasing, an instinctual defense mechanism against the gravity of the situation. But the weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, the smoke rising in the aftermath of destruction a stark reminder of the stakes they faced.
With a powerful thrust of their thrusters, Tony and Faith landed on the roof of a ten- or twelve-story building just beyond the Expo grounds, the wind whipping around them as they steadied themselves. The distant sounds of chaos echoed beneath them—sirens wailing, people shouting, the frantic energy of a crowd caught in the throes of panic. Tony set Pepper down gently, his hands lingering on her shoulders for a moment before stepping back. He took a deep breath, inhaling the sharp scent of smoke and scorched metal, and exhaled slowly, feeling the bruises Ivan Vanko's whip had left not only on his skin but deep inside his chest, tightening around his trachea.
"What were you two thinking?" Pepper yelled, her voice cutting through the haze of adrenaline and confusion. The fury in her eyes was palpable as she confronted the father-daughter duo. "Why did you two take off your suits?"
Tony triggered the protocol to deconstruct his suit, watching as the pieces folded away from him, each component clicking and whirring as they retracted. "Faith and I were trying to be selfless," he replied, standing there before her in his casual attire, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them.
"Selfless!?" Pepper echoed, disbelief dripping from her words.
"Yeah, selfless. Is that so weird?" Faith interjected, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of Willow and Rhodey.
Pepper boggled at them; her frustration evident as she struggled to comprehend their reckless bravado.
"Don't answer that," Tony interjected, cutting off any potential rebuttal as he turned his gaze toward the burning remnants of the Expo. For a moment, he simply watched the fires rage, feeling an odd sense of catharsis wash over him. It was kind of like watching the shadow of his father burn away, each flicker of flame an echo of unresolved anger and betrayal. The steps leading up to the Tent of Tomorrow, now nothing more than rubble and ash, were transformed into Ivan Vanko's funeral pyre—a fitting end for the man who had turned vengeance into his life's mission.
"Selfless," Pepper said again, her voice now laced with a mix of concern and disbelief. "Faith might be selfless because she has to be when it comes to protecting people from demons and vampires. But Tony, you've never played the hero because you were selfless." Her words hung heavy in the air, challenging him to confront the truth hidden beneath layers of bravado and sarcasm.
Tony took a breath, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on him, and said, simply, "I'm sorry." The words hung in the air between them, an acknowledgment of the turmoil that had passed and the rift it had created.
"Wow," Pepper replied, a hint of surprise threading through her voice. She took a moment to savor the moment, letting the gravity of his apology wash over her. "For a first apology, that was decent. Apology accepted."
Just then, something out in the Expo exploded with a thunderous roar, likely the remnants of drone ammunition cooking off beneath the burning geodesic dome. The sound reverberated around them, a reminder that chaos still reigned below. But in this moment, encased in their own bubble of vulnerability, everything else faded. Pepper reached out, her fingers intertwining with Tony's as if reconnecting them to each other amidst the madness. "I missed you," she said, her voice softer, the warmth of her hand a comfort against the backdrop of destruction.
"I missed you, too," Tony replied, taking her other hand, holding on tightly as if anchoring them both against the storm of their circumstances. The sincerity in his voice echoed in the air, filling the space between their hearts.
Sirens began to rise in the distance, the wailing sound creeping closer as Willow landed gracefully on the roof beside her wife, her presence a beacon of calm amidst the tempest.
"You okay, Red?" Faith asked, her voice cutting through the tension as she initiated the protocol to deconstruct her suit, the familiar sounds of metal and machinery withdrawing into themselves like a retreating tide. Simultaneously, Willow tapped her RT, and the nanites that formed her armor retracted into their housing with a soft whir.
As Faith leaned in and kissed Willow, a moment of peace enveloped them, a brief respite from the chaos around them.
"I quit," Pepper suddenly declared, her words slicing through the air like a bolt of lightning, drawing immediate attention from the trio.
"What?" Tony, Faith, and Willow chorused, their voices laced with surprise as they turned to her, disbelief dancing in their eyes.
"I can't be CEO," Pepper explained, her voice tinged with exasperation and a hint of relief. "It's too stressful, it… I just can't do it." The admission felt like a weight lifting, the liberation evident in her expression.
"So, you don't want to quit," Willow countered, her brow raised in playful skepticism. "You want a different job. Less responsibility. But I bet you want the same salary."
"Actually," Pepper responded with a half-smile, a spark of her old tenacity returning, "after this, I think you owe me a raise."
"A raise?" Willow said, her brow furrowing in thought, weighing the implications of Pepper's words against the backdrop of the chaos still unfolding beyond them.
"Imagine how Stark Industries stock is going to take off now that Iron Man, Ironheart, and Iron Witch have shown up and taken care of business," Pepper responded, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of possibility. The thought of their triumph reverberated through her, igniting a renewed sense of purpose.
"Spoken like a true CEO," Willow replied, half-hoping that Pepper would admit, deep down, that she really didn't want to step down from her position of power. A flicker of longing danced in her eyes, the desire to lead battling against the urge to yield.
Pepper shook her head, a resolute determination settling on her features. "No, Willow. I am your subordinate." The weight of her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the reality they faced.
"You want me to take over as CEO?" Willow said, her voice barely above a whisper, a mix of surprise and excitement threading through her words. The magnitude of such a responsibility felt almost overwhelming.
"Yes, I do," Pepper affirmed, her tone unwavering, as if she had made this decision long before the chaos of the day unfolded. Her conviction provided a solid foundation upon which Willow could build her own aspirations.
"I think it's a good idea, Will," Faith chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. "And Pepper can remain on as your assistant to bring you up to speed." Faith's support wrapped around them like a protective shield, reinforcing the idea that they were in this together.
"Exactly," Pepper added, her expression softening as she recognized the value of having a partner by Willow's side. Together, they could forge a path forward, combining their strengths and insights.
"It is a good idea; after all, you do have majority control of Stark Industries," Tony interjected, his voice steady and affirming. "It makes sense that you would eventually take over. After all, Stark Industries is yours and Faith's future." His words resonated, the truth of them settling into Willow's mind like the final piece of a puzzle falling into place.
Willow nodded in agreement, feeling the pieces coming together. The prospect of leading Stark Industries, with Pepper guiding her as a mentor, suddenly felt less daunting and more like a thrilling adventure. "Okay," she agreed, a smile breaking across her face.
Before Tony could convince himself not to, he leaned in and kissed Pepper. It was a long kiss, slow and sensuous, and it lit both of them on fire. In that kiss were all the times that they had ever wanted to kiss but hadn't, every stolen glance and unspoken word that hung heavy in the air between them. It was a culmination of years spent dancing around their feelings, a silent acknowledgment of the depth of their connection. Tony couldn't remember another kiss like it, with any woman at any time. This kiss felt different, electric, like a storm had suddenly broken free within him, igniting every nerve ending, every suppressed desire. Pepper was one of a kind, and he realized in that moment that she had always been the one.
When at last it broke, he wasn't sure what to say. Words seemed inadequate to capture the intensity of what had just transpired. As she usually did, Pepper stepped in, her voice tinged with vulnerability and curiosity. "Was that weird?" she asked, searching his eyes for clarity.
"No," Faith said, her tone confident and unwavering. "It didn't look weird to me. It looked right. It looked like two people who had been avoiding their feelings for years finally admitting how they felt." Faith's words hung in the air like a benediction, affirming what Tony felt deep inside.
"Faith's right," Tony said, his heart racing as he processed the truth in her statement. "I liked it."
"You liked it? Just liked it?" Pepper asked, her brow arching in playful disbelief, yet there was a spark of excitement in her eyes that betrayed her interest.
"I really liked it. It was… it felt good. You know?" Tony said, searching for the right words to convey the overwhelming rush of emotions coursing through him.
Pepper shook her head and cut her eyes away from him, a smile tugging at her lips. "You sure know how to romance a girl, Mr. Stark." The lightness in her voice belied the gravity of the moment, but they both felt it—an undeniable shift in their relationship.
"Well, I tell you what," came Rhodey's voice, breaking through the intimate atmosphere. Startled, all four of them turned to look at him. He was sitting on the edge of the roof, still suited up, with the face shield open, his expression a mixture of amusement and incredulity. "I think it was weird," he said, shaking his head as if trying to process the scene he had just witnessed.
"Good thing you didn't have to do it, then," Tony shot back, a smirk dancing on his lips, the tension broken.
"In fact, it was so weird that I'm feeling a little traumatized," Rhodey went on, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. "I might have to keep this suit just to make myself feel better. So, I can make the bad memories go away."
"Keep my suit?" Tony said, his brow furrowing in mock disbelief, though a hint of amusement danced in his eyes.
"It's not your suit. This here suit is the property of the United States Air Force." Rhodey thumped his chest with a playful swagger and then saluted the skyline, the gesture punctuating his point with a blend of bravado and humor.
"It's Stark technology," Pepper chimed in, her voice steady and confident. "I was just arguing with a general about that this morning." The memory of her heated debate flared in her mind, the tension still palpable as she recalled the clash of wills.
"Well, whoever the tech belongs to, I'm keeping this suit. Maybe when Iron Man, Ironheart, or Iron Witch takes a day off, I'll step in." Rhodey's tone shifted slightly, the levity giving way to a hint of seriousness. He was well aware of the gravity that came with wielding such powerful technology.
Tony walked over to Rhodey and stuck out his hand, the gesture a testament to their camaraderie. Rhodey responded in kind, extending a gauntlet, and they shook firmly, the bond between them forged through countless battles and shared experiences. "Thanks for dropping by with the ex-wife," Tony said, a sly grin playing on his lips.
Rhodey acknowledged the thanks with a little dip of his head, his expression softening momentarily. "It was time for her to go," he said. "I'd been carrying her long enough. She needed to earn her keep." His words were laden with the kind of wit that only old friends could share, a playful jab at the complexities of their lives.
"There is just nothing that the two of you can't turn into frat-boy humor," Willow interjected, her voice dripping with exasperation. "Is there?" She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk, knowing all too well the banter these two shared.
Tony and Rhodey took a moment to ponder her words, exchanging glances that spoke volumes. They looked at Willow, Faith, and Pepper, the three women embodying a strength that complemented their own. "Probably not," Tony finally said, shrugging playfully. "But you three can keep trying if you want to." He walked back over to his daughter, daughter-in-law, and Pepper, slipping an arm around Pepper's waist. The four of them stood together, a united front against the backdrop of chaos.
As they looked out over the ruined Expo, the sight was sobering. Ivan Vanko's funeral pyre had spread, flames licking hungrily at the front of the Tent of Tomorrow, illuminating the darkness with an eerie glow. Smaller fires dotted the grounds like malevolent stars, remnants of drone missiles igniting or drones themselves crashing in a chaotic ballet of destruction. The air was thick with the wailing of sirens, every fire department in the tri-state area scrambling to respond to the pandemonium that had unfolded.
"Later," Rhodey said, breaking the silence. "I've got a suit to hide and all kinds of superior officers I should tell lies to." The seriousness of their situation returned briefly, a reminder of the responsibilities they each bore.
With a swift motion, War Machine's face shield snapped down, and he blasted away from the roof, riding a bright blue spark into the sky. He trailed an arc of condensation, reminiscent of a jet's contrail, as he vanished quickly over and beyond the Manhattan skyline, leaving a fleeting moment of awe in his wake.
"Huh," Tony said, his mind still spinning from the recent events.
"Huh what?" Pepper, Faith, and Willow asked in unison, their voices tinged with curiosity.
"I never saw the suit fly away before." Tony turned to them, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Wicked cool."
May 26, 2010 – Wednesday
Stark Industries
Willow stepped into the polished glass and steel lobby of Stark Industries, the early morning sun pouring through the towering windows, casting a warm glow over the sleek decor. Her heart raced with a blend of excitement and trepidation as she took a moment to absorb her surroundings. Today was the first day of her new role as CEO, a position she had never anticipated, but one that felt like the culmination of her journey, from being the head of Stark Industries R&D to marrying Faith and getting majority shares in the company as a wedding gift to Pepper suggesting she should take over as CEO.
"Ready for this?" Pepper asked, walking up beside her, a supportive smile brightening her features. Clad in a smart, tailored suit, she exuded an air of confidence that reassured Willow.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Willow replied, trying to inject some enthusiasm into her voice. "I just hope I don't trip over my own feet."
"You won't," Pepper assured her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "You've got this. Just remember, we're a team. If you need anything, just ask."
Willow took a deep breath and nodded, gathering her resolve. They stepped into the sleek elevator, which hummed softly as it ascended to the executive floor. The scent of polished wood and fresh coffee wafted through the air, a reminder of the countless hours that had been spent in this very space, planning, scheming, and dreaming.
As the doors slid open, Willow felt a wave of determination wash over her. The executive office was vast and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a stunning view of the city. It was a world away from her previous adventures battling demons and dark magic or as Iron Witch alongside Iron Man and Ironheart.
"Okay, first things first," Pepper said, breaking the brief silence as they stepped inside. "Let's go over the agenda for the day." She led Willow to a sleek conference table, where a tablet lay waiting, displaying a series of meetings and objectives lined up for the day.
"Wow, there's a lot here," Willow remarked, glancing at the packed schedule. "You've really kept things organized."
"Just doing my job," Pepper replied with a grin. "We'll start with a briefing from the finance team at nine. After that, you've got a meet-and-greet with the heads of each department. They'll want to know who's in charge now."
Willow's stomach fluttered at the thought. "What if they don't take me seriously?"
"They will," Pepper said, her tone firm. "You're here because you earned it. Remember, you have the support of the entire team, including Tony and Faith. They believe in you, and so do I."
Taking a deep breath, Willow squared her shoulders. "Okay, let's do this."
The morning unfolded in a whirlwind of meetings and introductions. Willow navigated through discussions about upcoming projects, budgets, and technological innovations. She found herself surprisingly at ease, her years of experience as a member of the team helping to ground her in the chaotic environment of corporate strategy.
During a particularly lively brainstorming session with the marketing team, Willow's enthusiasm sparked a creative energy in the room. Ideas flowed, and soon they were all bouncing concepts off each other, each thought building on the last until they had an impressive marketing plan for the launch of the latest Iron Man suit.
By lunchtime, Willow felt a surge of exhilaration. She and Pepper retreated to the rooftop garden, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city below. The air was crisp, and the sun warmed their skin as they settled at a small table adorned with greenery and blooming flowers.
"See? You're doing great!" Pepper said, pouring them each a cup of herbal tea. "What do you think so far?"
"I love it," Willow confessed, a broad smile stretching across her face. "It's so different from what I'm used to, but it feels right. I never thought I'd enjoy this side of things so much."
"You're a natural," Pepper replied, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Just remember, it's okay to lean on me when you need to. I'm here to help you every step of the way."
After lunch, they returned to the office, where Willow had a brief chat with Faith, who stopped by to have lunch with hers. "How's it going, CEO?" Faith teased, ruffling Willow's hair affectionately.
"Faith, don't mess up my hair! I have to look professional!" Willow shot back, laughing.
"Dad and I both have faith in you, Red," Faith said, her tone turning sincere. "This place is in good hands."
As the day wound down, Willow found herself reflecting on the challenges ahead and the responsibilities she now bore. With Pepper by her side, she felt more than ready to face whatever came next. They ended the day with a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant, where they toasted to new beginnings and the adventures yet to unfold.
Willow couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something extraordinary—not only for her but for Stark Industries as a whole. She was determined to lead with compassion and innovation, carrying the legacy of the Stark name forward while carving her own path.
September 7, 2011 – Wednesday
West Hills Hospital
The sun poured through the large windows of the hospital room, bathing the space in a soft, golden light. Willow lay in the hospital bed, her heart swelling with a blend of joy and disbelief. The faint sound of a baby's cry filled the air, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. She turned her head just in time to see the nurse gently placing a tiny bundle into her arms.
"Meet your daughter," the nurse said, smiling warmly.
Willow's breath caught in her throat as she looked down at the delicate face staring back at her, wide eyes blinking in surprise at the world. A tiny tuft of dark hair crowned her head, and Willow couldn't help but be struck by how perfect she was, a blend of Willow's softness and Faith's fierce spirit.
"She's beautiful," Willow whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Absolutely stunning," came Faith's voice from the doorway. Willow looked up to see her partner stepping into the room, her face lit up with pride and happiness. Dressed in comfortable clothes, she looked every bit the warrior turned nurturing mother.
Faith crossed the room quickly, moving to Willow's side. She gently brushed a finger against their daughter's cheek, her expression a mix of awe and love. "Wow, look at her," Faith said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "She's so perfect."
"What should we name her?" Willow asked, glancing at Faith, her heart pounding with excitement.
"Maybe something strong," Faith suggested, her voice filled with warmth. "Like Aria, it means 'air' or 'song.' Or how about Lila, it means 'night' in Arabic, which sounds kinda mysterious and cool."
Willow smiled, "I love both names. But what about something that pays tribute to our families? Like if we combine our names and call her Filla, or we could honor Tony and call her Maria."
"Maria," Faith repeated, letting the name roll off her tongue. "I like it. It has a nice ring to it, plus it's Dad's mother's name."
"Then it's settled. And for her middle name, I think we should give her your name. Maria Isabella," Willow said.
The room fell into a gentle silence as the weight of Willow's words settled over them. Faith's heart swelled at the suggestion, her chest tightening with a mixture of pride and emotion. Maria Isabella. The name felt imbued with a sense of history and strength, a beautiful homage to the legacy of her family and the deep love that surrounded their new daughter.
"Maria Isabella," Faith repeated softly, letting the name wash over her like a warm tide. It resonated in her heart, evoking visions of all the possibilities that lay ahead for their little girl. "I love it."
"Maria Isabella Rosenberg-Stark it is," Willow said, her heart swelling as she gazed down at their daughter. "Welcome to the world, Maria."
Just then, the door swung open, and in walked Tony, his usual bravado momentarily softened as he took in the sight before him. He paused for a moment, clearly taken aback by the tenderness in the room. "Well, look at this," he said, his voice filled with wonder. He glanced at Maria, a proud grin spreading across his face. "What's her name?"
"Maria Isabella," Willow said, her voice filled with joy. "Named after your mother, Tony, and Faith."
"Welcome to the family, Maria," Tony said, his eyes sparkling. He reached out to gently stroke her tiny hand, a protective glint in his eyes. "You're going to be a force to be reckoned with."
Faith laughed, "You better believe it. She's got our genes, after all."
As the three of them settled into a comfortable rhythm, Willow felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over her. This moment felt like a beautiful culmination of their journeys, intertwining love, bravery, and the promise of new beginnings.
"Do you think she'll be a hero someday?" Faith mused, looking from Willow to Tony.
"Oh, definitely," Tony replied with a wink. "With a legacy like ours? She'll have no choice but to be a hero."
Willow chuckled softly, holding Maria close, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against her chest. "As long as she gets to choose her own path, that's what matters," she said.
Faith nodded in agreement, leaning closer to Willow and Maria. "Whatever she chooses, we'll be right here cheering her on," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
As the sun continued to shine through the window, casting a warm glow over the new family, Willow knew that this was just the beginning of their incredible adventure together. The future was bright, filled with possibilities, and she couldn't wait to see what it held for Maria, their daughter—a shining star in their extraordinary world.
Author's Note: As it sits right now this going to be the end of the story unless I change my mind and go ahead and do Iron Man 3. It's why Willow takes over as CEO and why Willow and Faith have a daughter as both would have likely been reserved for Iron Man 3.