Chapter Text
“Mother! Mommy!” said a little boy running towards his mother. The mother turned around and look down at her son. She smiled and said, “ What is it darling?” while holding his hand. They both decided to head towards the boy’s bedroom. She tucked the child in, then the little boy told her, “I feel different” The mother was confused on what he meant by different. She then asked him, “What do you mean by ‘feeling different’?” The boy was tried to explain the best he could and explained to her, “I just feel very odd. I know I don’t feel sick, but it’s just like there is something wrong with me.” The mother trying to analyze the words her son had said to her until it clicked. She smiled, “That’s because you’re special. Very special, Figlio.” The little boy was upset at the answer that was given to him and said, “Well I don’t feel special...Papa doesn't tell me that I’m special…” The little boy was about to cry until the mother kissed his tears away, and reminded him, “Your father may be neglectful but he does care about you. We wouldn’t have had you if he didn’t want you to be his son. Understand that your father is very...protective of his company, Figlio.” The little sadly smile and nodded in response. The mother kissed her son’s forehead and turned the lamp off. “Goodnight, Mommy.” said the little boy before going to sleep. The mother smiled and replied, “Buonanotte, Anthony.” The door then closed, as the midnight atmosphere engulfed the sleeping child’s room in darkness.
Tony Stark; the billionaire, genius, ex-playboy, and philanthropist. He was most known for he alters ego, Ironman. Everyone knows his origin story by now, parents died when he was 21 and became the new face of Stark industries. Then a few years later, he was kidnapped in Afghanistan and escaped. Next, he became Ironman and joined the Avengers to help save the world. However, the Civil war had occurred within the Avengers and split them apart. While Tony was still in New York since he sided with the Accords. The others, which included Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Falcon, Ant-man, and Scarlet Witch, became fugitives and left.
With the Avengers split up, Tony Stark was put in distress and disarray. The property damages that the Civil War had caused to the Berlin Airport, The Accords needing amendments, and Thaddeus Ross at his throat, it was a lot for Tony and Pepper to handle. Not to mention that property damages from Ultron were still in place, and Tony, who was hospitalized for 2 months, it weighed a lot on Tony. He found out the secrets of his parents death, and Tony now wonders, if there were any more secrets that were kept hidden from him.
Present Day…
Tony was in Thaddeus Ross’ office, staring at what the man was doing to his desk. He knew it was rude but, considering the many attempts at trying to overthrow the Avengers, it had to be done. Once the Ross was done with his sorting, he sat back down on his chair and the two had a silent stare down. “So, it seems that the Avengers have split up,” Ross said, breaking the tense atmosphere.
Tony nodded, he could tell that Ross was delighted by that news. If the Avengers were no longer around, there was no one stopping him. “Yes, but it’s only for a period of time,” Tony replied. Ross seemed a little angered by the replied but continue the conversation by saying.
“They went against the Accords and became fugitives. I knew the Avengers were a problem in the first place, so why should they be brought back.”
Tony glared at the man and said, “I have noticed the number of damages that happened during these catastrophic events, but in the end, we were able to preserve many lives. Without us, the earth would have been taken over by aliens and other dangerous entities that roam around the earth.”
“You do realize that two of the former Avengers, Thor and the...Hulk, have been absent. Ever since Ultron.” Ross mentioned.
Tony knew that they were absent but they had reasons to leave, at least, one did. Thor left to his homeworld to save his father or something. However, Bruce’s disappearance was very odd, since he never explained his reasons why. Although, he seemed very upset when he left. “Thor had to attend family business, while Banner was very unprecedented. However, it may have been for good intentions…” he replied bitterly.
Thaddeus looks at the time and said, “Well, it’s time for my meeting…” and both got up and left the office. However, Ross turned to Tony said, “Your reasoning still doesn’t fix the damages that the Avengers have caused to others. Maybe that is something you should think about…” and left Tony to think about his words.
Tony walked out of the building, and mild anger. He was left in a tight position. Ever since the Avengers had left, Ross has been using this opportunity to finally stop the Avengers. Ross was very sneaky and playing dirty, it angered him. He knew he could have said many more things that could have put Ross’ statements to rest but, he needed more evidence before going through those assumptions. He got in his car and drove back to Stark Tower.
Once he settles in his office, he leaned back in his chair and sighed in frustration. “FRIDAY, please give me a status update.” FRIDAY replied, “Of course, Mister Stark. Pepper Potts has initiated a conference meeting next Tuesday. Stark Industries had no accidents so far, for the past week. Mister Parker has patrolled and helped 3 banks robberies, he left two audio messages for you. Mister Parker’s next visit to the Tower is tomorrow, at 3:30 Pm. The hospital has yet to inform you of anything new about Mister Rhodes.” Tony closes his eyes for a few seconds then asks, “Anything new regarding the Accords or the Ex-Avengers?” FRIDAY responded, “No sir, no update on the current status of the Accords or the Ex-Avengers. However, the meeting that is scheduled to make amends to the Accords is only 4 days left.” Tony thanked FRIDAY, decided to go to the park to clear his head out for a bit. As he was about to press the button for the elevator, the elevator opened to reveal Pepper standing there.
Pepper smiled and jokingly said, “Well this is surprising. ‘ Tony Stark in his own office?! ’ It must be the end of the world!” Tony slapped her arm lightly and smiled, “Haha, very funny Pepper.” Pepper sat in a chair, “A lot of stuff going through your mind recently?” she asked and Tony replied with a nod. He’s been stressed out for the past 2 weeks already, and he really needed to relax and clear his head from all the stress before he gets another headache. “Tony, can’t you just take a break. Let me handle some of these things for you. I’m your friend and I want to make sure you’re safe and healthy.” She said very concernedly for his health. Tony smiled and replied, “Thanks, Pepper. I know this is going to sound out for character but, I need to focus on fixing the mistakes that the Ex-Avengers have caused. It’s really hard keeping every information and secret from the public eye since they are dying to know what is going on. Therefore, I need to be alert on everything that is going on within the Accords, the UN, and the Ex-Avengers.” Pepper looked at him surprised and replied, “Yea, that is very strange coming from you, I almost wondered where the real Tony was.” They both laughed for a bit and sighed.
“Tony, do you really want the Avengers back here? They’ve put you through quite a lot. Sure, they helped out and you all were on good terms but...I just-” Tony cut Pepper off and said, “I don’t know, actually. Yes, we need them because we need all the help we can get in case of any other massive invasion or a terrorist attack. I don’t want the same happening again like Zemo...But, in my opinion, there are not enough words to describe how I feel. I feel...betrayed, sad, alone, and angry..yet those words can’t explain the number of emotions I feel about them. I kind of hope that once everything goes back to normal and after they have been pardoned, we can settle our differences. And try to amend the Accords in a way that everyone could be satisfied, not happy, just satisfied with the results.” Pepper sadly smiled. Tony got up from his chair and told Pepper that he is going to the park for a while just to clear his for a bit.
Once he arrived at the park, he started listening to Peter’s messages, it helped him relax a bit because he wanted to know if the kid was ok or need help in some way. It was a nice feeling. “Hey Mister Stark, so I’m at the rooftop of a building. I know I'm supposed to be sleeping but, crime doesn’t sleep!..” Tony smiled at the kid’s tone, he seemed really happy in saving the city. “ *SIRENS GO OFF*... oh no, another bank robbery! Looks like it’s time for Spiderman. Spiderman, Spiderman~ Does whatever a spider can~...” Tony started laughing, the kid was funny he had to admit but in the worst situations. He closed his phone and decided to go back to the compound, it was getting kind of late to be out.
Once Tony return back to the compound, he went straight to his room and plopped onto his bed. “I’m so done!” Tony yelled as he landed on his bed. “Today was so exhausting...Fri, please turn off the lights and set the alarm to 7:00 am.” Tony told her. “Of course, Mister Stark. Goodnight sir.” Tony smiled and replied, “Goodnight, baby girl.”
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“I CAN’T SLEEP!!!” Tony screamed. The lights turned back on as Friday was alarmed by Tony’s scream. “Sir, is something wrong?” she asked. “I can’t sleep, Fri. I just can’t...I have to go down the workshop!” Tony declared as he jumped out of bed. “Sir, please calm down. You have been working non-stop for the past 2 weeks. You need optimal sleep and rest.” Friday said to Tony. Tony sighed, “Well what do suggest that I should do, read a book?” Friday replied, “That could work. After all, the remaining stuff from the Avengers towers was packaged into the compound after your move. Maybe, something interesting will catch your eye.” Tony rolled his eyes and agreed, “Alright” and he left to the library
As he arrived he went to the fantasy genre. Many would think he like the sci-fi genre, but he mostly likes the fantasy because sometimes it helps him escape the real world and makes him want to go on an adventure into the unknown.
As he went down each aisle, he couldn’t really find what he was looking for. “Fri, do you know where I could find the book “Faded From the Distant Earth”? It was supposed to be on section F, but I can’t find it.” Fri replied, “I think Section F continues to the next aisle, sir.” Then, Tony went to the next aisle to see that the book was nowhere to be found. “Ugh, where could I have put it?” Tony asked himself. He was saddened by the fact, that he lost the book. He never really got to finish it either.
“Sir,” Friday asked, “Why are you searching for that book? Aren’t there any other fantasy books that you could read?”
Tony replied, “It was a book given from Jarvis when I was young. My dad never really thought that I should be interested in anything like fairies, monsters, wizards, and other magical beings. However, Jarvis was able to sneak that book and give it to me as a birthday present. I rarely had any time to read it since my dad wanted me to focus more on my studies. It was a really good book. It focused on Mystical beings and gods that were at war with each other. Well, that what I remember.”
Friday stayed silent for a bit then spoke, “Don’t you put your most important items in your room. Maybe your book is in there?” Tony smiled slightly at the idea and left the library to his room, “Thanks Fri.”
When Tony reached his room, he immediately started searching for the book. He needed to use a stool, much to his embarrassment, in order to reach the top of the closet. “I found think...I got it!” He started to pull the book forward until another from the top had fallen and hit him on the head.
“Ouch! What the heck?!” Tony said while he was rubbing his head from the pain. He proceeds to grab the book he intended to grab, step down from the stool, and close the closet. He grabbed the mystery book along with the storybook and went to his bed. The mysterious book looked oddly familiar, it had a lotus flower on the cover, with little golden writing on the side. It was a burgundy color with the addition of gold and black. He placed the book on his bedside, and read the book he was looking for. After an hour of reading the book, he fell asleep. Friday turned the lights off as Tony fell asleep.
Unknown to the Tony, the book laying on his bedside, the lotus flower started to glow a bit...