Xcalibur Xc

[Ironman] Ch: 48 [Iron Maiden vs Ironman]

Tony barely had time to breathe before his sensors picked up another threat.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the wreckage. A tall figure emerged from the smoke, walking toward him. From her armor, he could tell that the newcomer was a lady. She was wearing a silver armor, that covered her entire body and a red hoodie-like thing. Her helmet had a dark visor, hiding her face. But Tony knew exactly who she was.

Melina Vostokovna.

Also known as Iron Maiden, one of the Red Room’s most dangerous enforcers.

"Well," Tony muttered, rolling his shoulders. "This just keeps getting better."

Melina didn’t respond. She simply raised her arm. A wrist-mounted cannon snapped into place.

Then she fired.

A plasma blast tore through the air. Tony barely dodged, the heat searing past his helmet. He shot back, but Melina was fast. She twisted, avoiding the repulsor beam with ease.

"Wow! Easy now," Tony landed, his boots slamming into the steel floor. "You don’t have to do this," he said, keeping his palms raised. "I’ve already won. The Red Room is finished. Just stop, and we can end this nightmare."

Melina didn’t lower her weapon. "You don’t understand," she said. Her voice was calm, but there was something else. A hint of... hesitation?

"I understand perfectly," Tony said. "You think you owe Dreykov something. You think this place, this nightmare, is all you have. But it’s not. You don’t have to fight for a ghost."

Melina took a step forward. "And what do you fight for?"

Tony sighed. "Right now? The chance to finally end this and free the Widows."

Melina’s fingers twitched.

For a moment, Tony thought she might actually listen.

Then she attacked.

Her gauntlet opened, releasing a cluster of micro-drones. They swarmed toward him, tiny machines with razor-sharp wings. Tony raised a shield, but they cut through it like paper. One of them tore into his shoulder, sparks flying.

"Alright," Tony muttered. "Talking’s over."

He fired an EMP blast, stopping the drones. Then he rocketed forward, slamming into Melina with full force. They crashed through a wall, tumbling into the next room.

She was strong. Fast. Trained for this.

Tony barely blocked a strike before her fist smashed into his chest, sending him skidding across the floor. His HUD flickered. His armor took the hit, but he felt it.

‘This isn’t a lab test,’ he realized. ‘This is real.’

Melina didn’t let up. She was already moving, her blade flashing toward him. Tony caught it with his gauntlet, twisting it to the side. He countered with a knee to her ribs, then fired a blast at point-blank range.

Melina flew backward, but landed smoothly, her boots digging into the floor.

'Tsk. That fucking armor,' Tony clicked his tongue.

"You’re good," she admitted.

"Yeah, well," Tony said, rolling his neck. "I do my best."

Melina charged again.

They clashed, metal against metal. Sparks flew with every strike. Tony’s systems kept up, but he was feeling the strain. Fighting a real battle wasn’t the same as running simulations. His suit had weaknesses. He just hadn’t noticed them until now.

His repulsors needed a second longer to recharge. His shoulder joints were stiff after heavy impacts. His left boot propulsion wasn’t balanced due to overheating.

Tiny flaws. But in a fight like this, tiny flaws could get him killed.

'Well, there's always more room for upgrades,' He thought.

Melina noticed.

She adjusted her attacks, targeting his weak points. Her strikes were precise and efficient. A punch to his side, where his armor was slightly thinner. A blade strike aimed at his shoulder, where his suit’s reaction time-lagged by half a second.

Tony gritted his teeth. "You’re annoying, you know that?"

Melina didn’t smile.

She pressed forward, forcing him on the defensive. A kick to his knee sent him stumbling. Another strike to his ribs. His armor held, but the impact rattled him.

‘She’s going to wear me down,’ Tony realized. 'If not for the promise to Nat. And she doesn't look mind-controlled like the others. Haaa... Women are so annoying to deal with. She could gain her freedom, yet here we are fighting without any reason.'

He had to end this.

Melina lunged, aiming for his neck. Tony twisted at the last second, grabbing her wrist.

"Enough!" he shouted.

He slammed his other fist into her chest, releasing a shockwave blast. The force sent her flying, smashing through the floor into the lower level.

Tony dropped down after her.

Melina groaned, pushing herself up. Her armor was cracked, her visor shattered. Blood dripped from her lip.

She looked at him.

For the first time, Tony saw something in her eyes.

Doubt.

He exhaled. "This doesn’t have to go on."

Just then...

Tony’s eyes flicked to the small earpiece tucked into Melina’s helmet. A faint red glow pulsed from it. 

"Shit," he muttered under his breath.

Dreykov was still pulling the strings.

Melina’s expression changed in an instant. The hesitation vanished, replaced by a cold, robotic intensity. Her posture stiffened, her movements eerily mechanical—like a puppet on a string.

Then she attacked.

Faster. Harder. More reckless.

Tony barely had time to react before her fists came crashing down. Her strikes were no longer calculated... they were brutal, relentless, and without any concern for defense. Her blade slashed wildly, her armored boots aimed for crippling blows. It was as if Dreykov had activated some kind of override, forcing her into a berserker state.

"Goddammit, Melina!" Tony grunted, blocking a savage strike that sent him skidding backward. "You were holding back before, weren’t you? Now you’re just trying to break me in half!"

She didn’t respond. Didn’t hesitate.

Her knee smashed into his stomach, denting his armor. Tony gasped as the air left his lungs. He managed to twist away just as a blade nearly took his head off.

His HUD flickered with warnings.

[ARMOR INTEGRITY: 32%]
[WARNING: HIGH-SPEED COMBAT STRAIN DETECTED]
[LEFT SHOULDER ACTUATOR DAMAGED]

This wasn’t just a fight anymore. It was a race against time. If he didn’t disable her fast, she was either going to kill him, or she was going to break herself in the process.

Because that was the problem.

Dreykov didn’t care if she survived this battle. She was disposable. Just another weapon in his arsenal. 

Right now, she was tearing herself apart just to kill him.

And that pissed Tony off.

"Alright, enough of this bullshit," he muttered.

He shifted tactics. Instead of fighting back, he focused on analyzing her movements. The cracks in her armor. The tremors in her arms from overexertion. The microseconds where her body hesitated—little moments where her real self was struggling against the control.

He saw his opening.

When she lunged again, he sidestepped at the last second, grabbing her wrist and twisting. Using her own momentum, he flipped her over and slammed her into the ground, hard enough to rattle the steel floor.

Then, before she could recover, he tore the earpiece straight out of her helmet.

Sparks flew as the device shattered in his grip. A small burst of red static crackled in the air before flickering out.

Melina’s body twitched violently.

She gasped, her muscles convulsing as if an electric shock had just ripped through her nervous system. Her fingers twitched, her breathing ragged. Tony quickly poured his nanites into her body.

"Do it!" He ordered his AI.

It took a few seconds to undo the brainwash and remove the serum's effect from her body. 

Tony knelt beside her, scanning her vitals. "Melina?" he asked cautiously.

She groaned, her head rolling to the side. Her voice was hoarse. "Wha… what happened?"

Tony let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. "You got brain-jacked by Dreykov," he explained. "I just hit the off switch."

Her eyes flickered with recognition. Then with something else. Rage.

"That bastard," she whispered, pushing herself up, despite the pain. She looked at the shattered earpiece in his palm. "He was controlling me."

"Yeah. And I’m guessing that wasn’t a gentle override," Tony pointed at the burns on her temple. "He nearly fried your brain."

Melina clenched her fists. Her whole body trembled, not from weakness, but from anger.

Tony exhaled and stood up. "Look, we can keep punching each other, or you can help me finish this. Your call. Don't waste this chance."

Melina was silent for a moment.

Then she nodded.

'Phew! Finally,' Tony grinned. "Good choice."

She stood, shaky but steady, and turned toward the upper level leading to Dreykov’s office. "He’s still up there."

Tony nodded. "Yeah. And I think it’s time we paid him a visit."

Melina’s fingers twitched. "I want to kill him."

Tony smirked. "Get in line."

Together, they strode toward the final battlefield.

Dreykov’s reign was about to end.

[Ironman] Ch: 47 [Ironman vs Omega Red: Overdrive Mode]

The air was thick with smoke and the scent of burning metal. The corridor leading to Dreykov’s office was eerily silent, save for the distant hum of flickering lights and the low hiss of sparking wires. Bodies of elite guards lay scattered across the floor, their weapons still clutched in lifeless fingers.

At the far end of the hallway, a grand staircase spiraled upward to the command center. Tony moved forward. His systems had already mapped out the layout of the top floor—Dreykov was cornered.

'No escape, you bastard.'

But as he neared the stairs, his HUD flickered with an urgent warning.

[WARNING: UNKNOWN ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED]
[HIGHLY VOLATILE – EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED]

Tony stopped in his tracks. The temperature around him suddenly dropped, his breath fogging up inside his helmet. A deep, guttural mechanical growl rumbled from the shadows above. Then, heavy, metallic footsteps echoed down the staircase.

A figure emerged.

Seven feet of towering, muscle-bound monstrosity encased in pale, cybernetic enhancements. His chalk-white skin was lined with deep, vein-like circuits pulsing with red energy. His long, unkempt blond hair swayed slightly as he exhaled, and his eyes glowed like one of those freaks from the Terminator movie.

Two thick, segmented metal tendrils unfurled from his back with a sickening clank, twitching like the fangs of a serpent.

Tony’s HUD identified him instantly.

[SUBJECT IDENTIFIED: ARKADY GREGORIVICH ROSSOVICH]
[CODE NAME: OMEGA RED]
[STATUS: ACTIVE – EXTREMELY HOSTILE]

"Intruder," Omega Red rumbled, his voice carrying a mechanical distortion. He stepped forward, the floor beneath him groaning under his weight. His eyes narrowed. "You are not Widow. Not soldier. Who are you?"

Tony tilted his head. "Wouldn’t you like to know, Frostbite?"

Omega Red’s tendrils lashed forward.

Tony dodged, just barely. The steel whips slammed into the wall behind him, shattering it like paper. The entire hallway trembled as debris rained from above.

'Those things hit like a damn wrecking ball.'

Before he could retaliate, Omega Red lunged. His speed was unnatural for his size, thanks to his enhancements. Tony barely had time to raise his arms before a massive fist slammed into his chest.

BOOM!

He rocketed backward, smashing through several walls before tumbling across the floor, his suit’s impact dampeners struggling to absorb the force.

[ARMOR INTEGRITY: 89%]

"Okay," Tony muttered, shaking off the hit. "That sucked."

Omega Red stalked forward, slow and deliberate. His tendrils scraped against the floor, leaving deep gashes in the steel. "Your suit… advanced technology. Not government. Not S.H.I.E.L.D. Not Red Room." He grinned, sharp teeth glinting under the red emergency lights. "I will tear it apart and upgrade myself even further."

Tony’s gauntlets shifted. Twin repulsors flared to life, crackling with unstable energy.

"Come try, Tin Man."

Omega Red moved.

Tony fired.

A blinding blue-white repulsor beam lanced forward, slamming into Omega Red’s chest—only for it to dissipate against his reinforced plating. The massive mutant barely flinched before one of his tendrils snapped forward, wrapping around Tony’s wrist.

WARNING: FOREIGN ENERGY SURGE DETECTED

A sickly red glow pulsed through the tendril. Tony’s systems screamed in warning.

That freak was siphoning power straight from his Arc Reactor.

"Shit!" Tony tried to yank free, but Omega Red tightened his grip.

"You feel it, yes?" Omega Red sneered, his voice thick with sadistic amusement. "My Carbonadium tendrils leech life. Power. Strength. Soon, you will be nothing."

Tony’s vision flickered. His power levels were dropping at an alarming rate. If he didn’t break free now—

He had no choice.

With a snarl, Tony deployed a concentrated pulse burst from his gauntlet. A concussive shockwave erupted from his suit, sending Omega Red staggering back. Tony stumbled, his systems struggling to reboot.

[POWER LEVELS: 61%]

'Jesus, he drained almost half my damn battery in seconds.'

Omega Red recovered instantly, grinning like a predator who had just found the perfect prey. "Interesting. Your power… unlike anything I have seen." He extended his tendrils again. "I will take it all."

Tony clenched his fists. His suit was already adapting, recalibrating energy shields to resist the Carbonadium effect. But it wouldn’t hold up forever.

'Gotta end this fast.'

[ACTIVATING ADVANCED WEAPONRY]

The nanites on his shoulders shifted, forming two multi-barrel plasma launchers.

Tony raised them.

"Eat this, Snow White."

He fired.

Twin streams of high-energy plasma tore through the air, searing toward Omega Red. The massive mutant crossed his arms, his cybernetic enhancements absorbing most of the impact—but the sheer force sent him skidding backward.

Before he could counter, Tony followed through.

He rushed forward, boosters in his boots igniting as he closed the gap in an instant. His gauntlet morphed into a blade, vibranium-tipped, and slashed...

SLICE!

Omega Red roared as a deep gash opened across his chest. Cybernetic fluid and blood spilled onto the floor. But instead of retreating, he grinned.

"You bleed," Tony taunted.

"So do you."

Omega Red’s fist slammed into Tony’s ribs. The impact was devastating.

Tony felt the shock reverberate through his entire body as he crashed through the floor, slamming into the level below. His HUD flickered violently.

[CRITICAL DAMAGE: INTERNAL STRUCTURE COMPROMISED]
[ARMOR INTEGRITY: 42%]

Tony groaned. His nanites were already working overtime to repair the damage, but Omega Red wasn’t giving him a chance. He wanted to use the nanite swarm, but he used too much already while healing the Widows and fighting this long. He couldn't afford to waste anymore.

The mutant descended through the hole, landing like a war machine. He lifted Tony by the throat, his tendrils coiling around his limbs, locking him in place.

"You are strong," Omega Red admitted, his grip tightening. "But not strong enough."

The Carbonadium tendrils pulsed again. Tony’s suit screamed in warning.

His vision blurred. His power levels dropped.

[POWER LEVELS: 15%]

He had seconds before Omega Red drained him dry.

There was only one option left.

A last resort.

His fingers twitched over the emergency override.

[ENGAGING OVERDRIVE MODE]

Overdrive Mode: Activated

The nanites in Tony’s suit shifted violently, surging like liquid metal. The Arc Reactor in his chest pulsed, drawing five times more energy than before. The nanites inside his body began to fuse with the outer suit and the Arc Reactor's energy was replenished almost instantly. 

His suit evolved.

The black armor expanded, its design becoming sharper and more aggressive. Red, glowing lines etched across the plating, pulsating with raw energy. His gauntlets expanded, repulsor cores burning hotter than ever before. His helmet’s HUD adjusted, adapting to the new surge of power now coursing through his systems.

His strength—multiplied. His speed—enhanced. His weapon systems—recalibrated for maximum lethality.

Omega Red’s tendrils tightened.

Tony grinned.

"Your turn, asshole."

With a massive shockwave, Tony detonated a massive energy surge from his core, blasting Omega Red away in a violent explosion. The mutant slammed through multiple walls, his body embedding into reinforced steel.

Tony stood, his Overdrive mode fully engaged, red energy crackling like lightning around his body. 

He flexed his fingers.

His suit hummed like a goddamn supernova.

Omega Red growled, pulling himself from the wreckage, eyes burning with fury.

Tony smirked. "Round two, motherfucker?"

Omega Red snarled, blood and cybernetic fluid dripping from the deep wounds Tony had inflicted. His mechanical tendrils lashed violently, carving trenches into the steel floor as he prepared to strike again.

But Tony was done playing games.

His Overdrive-enhanced systems pulsed with raw power, his suit now a weapon of pure destruction. Every servo, every repulsor, every ounce of nanite-infused energy had been pushed to the limit. Omega Red wanted a monster?

Tony Stark would give him one.

He launched forward with explosive speed.

BOOM!

Before Omega Red could react, Tony’s fist slammed into his gut with the force of a wrecking ball. The impact folded the mutant in half, sending a shockwave rippling through his entire frame.

CRACK!

The sound of cybernetics snapping filled the room. Omega Red coughed, spitting out a mix of blood and hydraulic fluid.

Tony didn’t stop.

He grabbed Omega Red’s head and drove his knee into his face. Once. Twice. A third time.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The reinforced cartilage in Omega Red’s nose shattered. Blood gushed down his face as he reeled back, stunned. But Tony wasn’t finished.

He reached out, grabbed one of Omega Red’s infamous Carbonadium tendrils mid-swing, and ripped it out with a brutal yank.

“AAAGGHHH!” Omega Red howled in agony as sparks erupted from the severed appendage, his entire body convulsing. His nerves were directly linked to those tendrils, meaning Tony had just delivered searing, unimaginable pain.

“Hurts, doesn’t it?” Tony growled. “Good.”

Before Omega Red could recover, Tony twisted the torn tendril around his gauntlet, superheating it with a focused repulsor blast. Then, without hesitation, he plunged the red-hot metal straight through Omega Red’s shoulder.

SHUNK!

The mutant screamed as the molten steel impaled him, pinning him to the reinforced wall behind him. His remaining tendril flailed wildly, but Tony was already moving.

He grabbed the second tendril and ripped it out just like the first.

Omega Red howled again, his body jerking violently from the sheer agony.

His greatest weapons—his pride—were now gone.

“You like draining people?” Tony spat, his voice a mixture of anger and disgust. “Let’s see how you like it.”

He raised his gauntlet and activated a powerful reverse energy siphon, targeting Omega Red’s failing cybernetics. The mutant convulsed as his own life force was yanked away, his body spasming as his enhancements flickered in and out.

His strength—gone.

His speed—gone.

His invincibility—gone.

Omega Red, the infamous terror of the Soviet Union, the Red Room’s ultimate weapon, now lay slumped against the wall, barely clinging to consciousness.

Tony knelt down, his helmet retracting to reveal his face. His expression was cold. Unforgiving.

“I could kill you,” Tony said softly, tilting his head. “Snap your neck. Vaporize your body. Leave you as a pile of ash.”

Omega Red wheezed, barely able to keep his eyes open.

“But that’s too easy,” Tony continued. “You don’t deserve easy.”

He reached down, grabbing Omega Red by his ruined cybernetic throat. Sparks flickered from the damaged implants.

“I want to kill you slowly and painfully,” Tony whispered. “But sadly, I don't have time to waste on a failure like you. So, you gotta go." He yanked out the implant and then punched his fist into Red's chest, crushing the mutant's heart, and then to stop his healing factor, Tony, fried his nervous system and incenerated his body to ashes after taking his blood sample.

[Ironman] Ch: 46 [Codename: Omega Red]

Dreykov sipped his tea, the warmth doing little to chase away the ever-present chill of the Ural Mountains. He stood before the massive glass wall of his private office, high above the rest of the underground command center. From here, he could see everything... the control room, the training floors, the surveillance feeds displaying his network of bases worldwide.

For decades, he had built the Red Room into something untouchable. A shadow empire that stretched across governments, economies, and battlefields. Assassins, informants, and agents—all threads woven into the fabric of global power.

No war happened without him knowing. No country moved without someone whispering in his ear.

He smiled to himself.

They thought they could take him down before.

They were wrong.

A soft chime echoed through the room. Dreykov turned his head slightly as Colonel Vasily Ivanov, his head of security, strode toward him.

"Report."

"Routine checks, sir," Ivanov replied, standing at attention. "Surveillance is stable, all communications are running normally. Our assets in Washington and Beijing confirm that there are no external investigations into our operations."

Dreykov nodded. "Good. And the Widows?"

"Fourteen active in the field, thirty-two in rotation here at the main facility. All protocols remain intact."

"Perfect."

Dreykov took another slow sip, exhaling through his nose. Nothing could touch them.

Then everything collapsed.

It started with a flicker.

One of the surveillance feeds glitched, just for a second. Barely noticeable.

Then another.

Then all of them.

The main screen in the control center stuttered before stabilizing. The officers below exchanged uneasy glances, fingers flying over keyboards as they attempted diagnostics.

Dreykov's grip tightened around his glass. "What is happening?"

"Sir," an officer called out, voice laced with confusion. "We’re detecting..."

The main map of the Red Room’s operational network went black.

All of it.

Every facility. Every server. Every communications relay.

Gone.

Dreykov’s blood turned to ice.

The control room exploded into chaos. Officers shouted over each other, scrambling for answers. Error messages flooded the screens. Every attempt to re-establish contact failed.

"No... No, no, no!" One of the senior technicians slammed his fists on the desk. "It’s not just a communications blackout! The systems, our entire network... it's not there anymore!"

"What do you mean, 'not there'?" Ivanov barked, stepping forward.

"I mean it’s been wiped! Deleted! Every system, every backup, every off-site server!"

Dreykov’s fingers twitched. He forced himself to remain still, to keep his face expressionless.

This was impossible.

Even if someone had attacked a base, they would have received warnings, distress calls, encrypted messages—anything.

Instead, they had received nothing.

Because someone had made sure of it.

Then came the first security alert.

[Siberia Base – OFFLINE]

Dreykov’s throat went dry.

Another alert.

[New York Hub – OFFLINE]

Then another.

[Moscow – OFFLINE]
[Cairo – OFFLINE]
[Hong Kong – OFFLINE]

The alerts piled up, one after the other, cascading across the screen like a digital avalanche. Every hub. Every sub-base. Every safehouse.

All gone.

It was as if every last piece of the Red Room had been erased at the exact same time.

Dreykov’s teacup slipped from his fingers, shattering against the floor.

"Who did this?" he whispered, voice barely audible over the panic in the control room.

No one answered.

The realization settled in like a lead weight in his stomach. Whoever had done this wasn’t just attacking them.

They had planned this for a long time.

They had infiltrated his systems so deeply that they had been feeding false reports, creating a loop to make everything appear normal, until now.

Until the moment they decided to end it.

Dreykov turned sharply to Ivanov. "Activate full lockdown. I want every Widow on standby. If they could take down everything without us knowing, then there's a possibility that they are already here. If there is even a single breach, I want to know about it..."

A new alarm blared, high-pitched and deafening.

Not a cyberattack.

A physical breach.

Dreykov’s hands curled into fists.

"Where?"

A terrified officer turned from his console. "Sir... It’s coming from above."

The first explosion came from the north wing.

A controlled blast, just enough to cave in the tunnel leading to the armory, cutting off security’s access to heavier weapons.

Then, the lights flickered.

For a brief moment, everything plunged into total darkness.

Then, the emergency lights activated, bathing the base in an eerie red glow. Shadows twisted along the walls. Gunfire, explosions... Sudden silence...

Something was in the base.

Someone.

Ivanov was barking orders, mobilizing the soldiers. He ordered the Widows to move.

It wouldn’t matter.

Dreykov watched the security feeds. Fear was something he never knew, heck he was the fear, until now. Droplets of sweat appeared on his forehead. 

His men were dying.

Not in firefights.

Not in battle.

They were being hunted.

The first team of guards vanished in the northern corridors. A black figure moved through the red haze, fast and silent. Bodies dropped before they could scream.

Another group—elites this time—stationed at the south gate. They raised their rifles, scanning the shadows.

Something moved in the darkness above them.

A single shot rang out. One man crumpled. The others turned, only to be yanked violently into the air, their bodies smashing against the walls before collapsing in a heap.

Who the hell was this?

Dreykov’s fingers dug into the armrest of his chair. "Get me visuals!"

The cameras flickered, struggling to keep up with the movement. But for a fraction of a second, one frame captured a silhouette.

Not a Widow. Not a soldier. Not one of theirs.

The figure wore a black suit. No insignia. No markings. A metal gauntlet gleamed under the emergency lights, shifting as the figure flexed its fingers. Around him lay the broken dead bodies of his men and unconscious Widows.

Then, the person looked up and tilted his head, right at the camera.

And showed them the middle finger. 

The feed cut to static.

Dreykov’s heart pounded in his chest. This wasn’t a random strike force. This wasn’t S.H.I.E.L.D. or any other agencies.

This was something else.

Someone else.

'A personal grudge? But who? When? Why?' Too many questions assaulted his mind, yet no answers.

"Sir!"

Dreykov turned as Ivanov rushed toward him.

"The intruder is non-lethal against the Widows, but he’s executing the rest of our forces. We have reports of close-quarters combat... guards taken out before they can fire a shot."

Dreykov’s breath was shallow. His empire, his life’s work, was being dismantled before his eyes.

But he was still here.

And as long as he lived, the Red Room lived.

He straightened his spine. "Activate the final protocol."

Ivanov hesitated. "Sir, she is not ready. If we get her out before the synchro process..."

"DO IT!"

Ivanov swallowed hard, then turned to the nearest console, inputting the necessary commands.

Dreykov exhaled slowly. Whoever this was, they had underestimated him.

They thought they were hunting him.

But he had spent decades being the hunter.

And he wasn’t done yet.

...

[Deep Containment Level]

The alarm’s shrill wail echoed down the cold steel corridors of the Red Room’s most classified sublevel. Rows of cryogenic pods lined the chamber, each one filled with failed experiments, discarded weapons of war frozen in time.

But at the very end of the chamber stood one pod that was different. Larger. Reinforced. Adorned with heavy locks and warning symbols in bold red Cyrillic letters:

"ОПАСНОСТЬ: ОМЕГА"
(DANGER: OMEGA)

Inside, submerged in freezing stasis fluid, was a monster in the making.

Arkady Gregorivich Rossovich.

Arkady Gregorivich Rossovich was known to be a cruel and violent man who served with the USSR’s Spetsnaz in early 1960’s. However his crimes were eventually discovered, which lead to his supposed execution. Surviving a fatal gunshot to the head thanks to his newly-discovered mutant abilities, Rossovich was court-martialed and forced into USSR’s own Super Soldier Project after the potential of his abilities was noticed. Rossovich underwent years of experimental torture and enhancements that not only turned his skin chalk-white, but transformed into a deadly cyborg who soon took the name Omega Red.

The glow of his pod’s biometric scanner pulsed yellow, showing incomplete synchronization. His latest cybernetic upgrade, a next-generation neural interface designed to push his combat efficiency beyond human limits, was still at 72% integration. Under normal conditions, the process would take another forty-eight hours to complete.

But Dreykov had no time for patience.

[Command Center]

"Ivanov," Dreykov barked, eyes locked on the surveillance screens. "Override containment failsafes. Wake him up."

Ivanov hesitated. His thick fingers hovered over the terminal’s final authorization key.

"Sir, the cybernetic fusion isn’t complete. We have no idea how unstable—"

"DO IT!" Dreykov’s voice cracked with raw desperation. "Now!"

Ivanov swore under his breath and slammed his fist against the console.

[Deep Containment Level – Omega Red’s Pod]

The stasis fluid drained with a deafening roar, hissing steam rolling across the floor as the chamber’s temperature rose from -200°C to 35°C in seconds. Hydraulic clamps hissed and released, their steel locks disengaging one by one.

Inside the pod, a pair of burning crimson eyes snapped open.

The biometric scanner turned red.

Subject: Rossovich, Arkady Gregorivich

Codename: Omega Red

Status: Reawakening – Forced Manual Override

Cybernetic Synchro: 72%

----

AN: 1 more ch coming in a few...

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 84 [Brainiac vs Sentinels]

[Stark Tower – Bruce's Lab]

Bruce's fingers hovered over the communicator, ready to contact Harley, but the sudden blare of the emergency alarm made him jump up. The tower's red warning lights flared to life. Instantly, the holographic monitors flickered, replacing his open files with urgent threat assessments.

ALERT: UNIDENTIFIED VESSEL DETECTED IN SOLAR SYSTEM

SIZE: UNKNOWN.

ORIGIN: UNKNOWN.

TRAJECTORY: EARTH.

THREAT LEVEL: EXTREME.

Bruce's jaw clenched as he pulled up the satellite feed. A massive, skull-shaped spaceship had breached the solar system—one he recognized all too well.

Brainiac.

His hands immediately moved over the console, activating defensive protocols. He had prepared for extraterrestrial threats, but Brainiac arriving now was too soon. Something had accelerated his arrival.

But it didn't matter.

Bruce Wayne wasn't about to let another world be taken.

With a few rapid commands, Stark Tower's defensive systems engaged. The orbital satellite weapons powered up, massive energy cannons hidden in space stations around the planet locking onto the incoming vessel. But that wasn't enough.

Bruce exhaled sharply before initiating the Sentinel Protocol.

Across various hidden bunkers, in the depths of Wakanda, in the Arctic outpost, and even beneath Shield's classified installations, mechanical giants began to stir. Jarvis and Shuri have upgraded them further over the months and made them even better than before. 

And now, they had only one mission.

Terminate Brainiac's vessel.

Hundreds of Sentinels launched into the sky, their bodies vanishing into the dark abyss of space. Some shimmered with energy fields, others crackled with stolen omega-level mutant power. They weren't just weapons; they were extinction-level enforcers.

Bruce didn't even pause to watch the Sentinels leave Earth's orbit. He had other matters to attend to.

He tapped the console, immediately connecting to SHIELD's emergency frequency.

..

[SHIELD Headquarters – War Room]

Natasha Romanoff stood at the center of the command station, watching the massive holographic display of Brainiac's ship as it moved closer. Her expression was unreadable, but the sharp glint in her eyes said everything.

They were on the clock.

"Status report," she ordered, her voice sharp.

A technician, barely keeping himself together, responded. "The ship is moving at a steady pace, no weapons fired yet, but it's enormous. If it gets any closer, we won't be able to stop it before it enters Earth's atmosphere."

Natasha pressed her lips into a thin line. That meant they had one chance. One shot to knock it out before it got too close.

A familiar voice came through the speakers.

"Nat, the Sentinels are already en route. We need to mobilize your team."

Bruce.

Natasha exhaled through her nose. "Understood. We're suiting up now."

She turned on her heels, exiting the command room and heading straight to the armory. The temporary Avengers team was already assembled, waiting for her.

Ami Han, Tigra, Hazmat, Clint, and Natasha.

The five of them stood in front of their gear—custom-made suits, designed by Bruce Wayne himself.

These weren't standard issues. They were Crysis-grade armor, each suit tailored to enhance their individual abilities. Adaptive camouflage, nanotech-weave reinforcement, power-amplification systems, and many more.

Natasha's gaze swept over the team. "You all know the stakes. Brainiac doesn't leave this solar system intact."

Ami Han flexed her hands, the armored gauntlets adjusting perfectly. "And if he lands?"

Hazmat let out a slow breath, her visor clicking into place. "Then we'll beat the crap out of him."

Clint smirked, adjusting the straps on his quiver. "Same as always then."

Tigra rolled her shoulders. "Let's do this."

Natasha gave a final nod before slamming her palm against the deployment console.

The doors to the launch bay slid open, revealing the waiting stealth ship, its engines already primed. They went inside.

"We'll meet with Bruce at the space station. And try not to throw up in my ship," Natasha said as she took the pilot's place.

Selina and Harley received the emergency message from Bruce. Both of them left whatever they were doing and flew toward the space station. When they arrived, Bruce was already there, looking at the live feed from the sentinels. Soon, the Natasha's team arrived. 

The alarms blared one more time—

Brainiac's ship had just engaged Earth's defenses.

The war had begun.

...

The void of space erupted with streaks of energy as the Sentinels launched their first assault. Hundreds of them flew toward Brainiac's ship.

Brainiac’s ship responded instantly. Its outer hull rippled, transforming as thousands of automated defense drones deployed, swarming toward the incoming assault. Each drone was a killing machine, armed with disruptor beams and adaptive shielding. But they weren’t prepared for what they faced.

A Sentinel at the front of the charge extended its arms and then its entire body shifted, splitting apart into a swarm of nanites. The swarm twisted through the incoming barrage, reforming behind the first wave of drones before detonating in a chain of plasma explosions.

Another Sentinel caught an energy blast midair, its liquid vibranium skin absorbing the attack before reshaping the energy into crackling tendrils of lightning. With a flick of its hand, it hurled the energy forward, arcing through the swarm and disintegrating dozens of drones in an instant.

Brainiac’s ship adjusted. The massive skull-shaped vessel pulsed with green energy, its outer plating rearranging itself into a more defensive configuration. From its underbelly, colossal mechanical arms unfolded, each armed with gravity-warping cannons. They fired, sending out crushing waves of force.

A Sentinel twisted its body, morphing in midair as the gravity blast hit. Instead of being crushed, its form flowed with the attack, stretching and reshaping itself until it reformed a moment later, completely unharmed.

Another Sentinel landed on the ship itself, its hands pressing against the hull. Its liquid body shimmered and then its entire form turned translucent, phasing through the ship using Kitty's mutation. The next moment, it phased directly through Brainiac’s defenses, reemerging inside the ship’s core systems.

A pulse of red energy rippled outward as the Sentinel activated telekinesis. The very metal within Brainiac’s ship groaned as it twisted and contorted against its own will. Consoles short-circuited. Drones fell from the sky. The entire ship shuddered.

Brainiac’s voice boomed through the void, calm but edged with something eerily close to frustration.

“This level of resistance… was not anticipated.”

He extended a single hand. The ship responded. 

The Sentinel inside the ship was teleported outside. Then...

A new wave of drones emerged, but these were different, larger, their forms more humanoid, their energy signatures mirroring the Sentinels’ own. Brainiac had analyzed them and adapted to them.

The counterattack was brutal.

Drones with energy fields resistant to the Sentinels’ attacks tore through the battlefield. Blasts of anti-matter erupted across space, erasing Sentinels upon impact. The ship’s gravity cannons shifted frequencies, compressing entire portions of the battlefield into singularities.

And then, the main cannon began to charge.

At the ship’s core, a massive energy array activated, its glow intensifying as it drew power from an artificial star housed within the vessel. The energy built up, reaching critical levels. If it fired, it would wipe out everything in its path—Sentinels, defenses, and Earth itself.

Bruce saw it from the space station, his hands gripping the console. He was ready to jump into the action, “Come on…” he muttered. “Adapt.”

And they did.

The Sentinels stopped their individual attacks. Their bodies rippled as they moved as one.

Two, five, ten of them converged, liquid vibranium merging into a single entity. Then a hundred more. The massive Sentinel took form, growing larger, its body crackling with power stolen from mutants.

It raised a single hand.

The energy blast from Brainiac’s main cannon fired—an unstoppable beam of destruction. But just before impact, the Sentinel activated a giant pink portal using Blink's ability. 

The attack vanished.

For a single, deafening second, there was silence.

Then, on the opposite side of Brainiac’s ship, another portal opened.

The ship’s own cannon blast erupted back toward it, slamming into the hull with full force. Energy cascaded across the vessel, tearing through its structure. Explosions rocked the entire ship.

Suddenly, a massive wave of cosmic energy swept over the space, nullifying the explosion... 

A silvery-looking humanoid appeared out of nowhere before Brainiac's ship. He took a single step and appeared before the space station. His speed was so fast that other than Bruce, Selina, and Harley, none of the others noticed. 

Bruce clenched his fist, the lightning ring crackled as he teleported outside and hovered before the new enemy.

"Who the fuck are you?"

---

Next Ch: Bruce vs The Fallen One

[Ironman] Ch: 45 [The power of technology]

The agonized screams of Lyudmila and the Headmistress echoed through the cold, steel walls of the Red Room's underground facility. Their bodies convulsed violently as the experimental serum overloaded their systems, cells breaking down at a molecular level. Flesh bubbled, twisted, and liquefied into a grotesque sludge, the last remnants of their existence vanishing into the very hell they had built.

Tony stood over their remains, unfazed. "Huh. Guess that formula wasn't quite perfected, after all," he muttered. He turned to face the freed Widows, who were watching in silence. Some looked disgusted, others relieved. But there was no pity.

Natasha's voice crackled through his comms. "Tony, we need to move. The longer we stay here, the higher the chances of someone catching on."

Tony nodded. "Agreed. You got somewhere off the grid where you can hide them till I finish the job?"

There was a pause. Then Natasha responded, "Yeah. I have a safehouse in the mountains. No digital footprint, no records, nothing. It's secure."

"Perfect." Tony turned to the Widows. "Alright, ladies. Field trip time."

With the base now fully under his control, Tony led the group to the hangar, where a fully operational carrier plane sat waiting. He ran a quick systems check—engines, fuel, flight path. Everything was good to go.

As the Widows boarded, Tony issued silent commands to his nanite drones. A pair of invisible sentries detached from his suit, slipping onto the plane unnoticed. Their directive was simple—monitor the Widows, ensure their safety, and eliminate any external threats.

Once all were inside, he tapped on his gauntlet. "You're clear for takeoff. Hermes, override base controls, open the hangar doors."

"Affirmative, sir," the AI confirmed.

The massive steel doors groaned open, revealing the vast stretch of the Siberian night sky. The engines roared to life, and moments later, the plane was airborne, disappearing into the darkness.

Tony exhaled, watching as the craft faded from his HUD's tracking range. "Hermes, maintain a secure link with the drones inside that plane. I want real-time updates."

"Understood, sir."

Satisfied, Tony turned toward the remaining map of Red Room facilities displayed on his wrist interface. One down. Five more to go.

He flexed his fingers, nanites shifting over his suit. "Alright," he muttered, cracking his neck. "Next target."

With a surge of repulsor energy, he took off into the sky, disappearing into the cold night, heading toward his next mission.

...

The frigid winds of Siberia howled around him as Tony hovered above the next Red Room installation. His HUD mapped out the facility below, a sprawling underground bunker hidden beneath the ice, marked only by a handful of disguised entry points.

His scans confirmed it—no Widows. Just another hub for Red Room logistics, supply chains, and intelligence storage.

'Good. That makes things simple.'

Tony flexed his fingers, the nanites in his suit shifting seamlessly as he tapped into the facility's security network. Firewalls? Child's play. Encryption? Not even a challenge.

Within seconds, the entire base was under his control. Cameras, turrets, automated defenses—they were all his to command.

"Hermes, initiate lockdown sequence," he murmured.

"Lockdown in progress," the AI confirmed. "All exits are now sealed. Internal communication has been cut off."

Below, Red Room operatives were beginning to panic. Doors refused to open. The ventilation system shut down. Emergency override codes failed. Their entire base had become a steel coffin.

Tony smirked. "Alright, boys. Let's light this candle."

With a single command, he activated the base's self-destruct system.

T-minus 60 seconds.

From the sky, Tony watched as the countdown played out in his HUD. The agents scrambled, banging on doors, trying to escape. But there was no way out. They were rats in a burning maze.

10… 9… 8…

A Red Room officer screamed orders at his men, but it was useless.

3… 2… 1…

BOOM!

A massive explosion ripped through the icy wasteland, sending shockwaves across the tundra. The ground trembled as fire and debris erupted into the air, swallowing the facility in a towering inferno.

Tony hovered above, arms crossed, watching as the flames consumed everything.

"No more ghosts," he muttered, before turning toward his next target.

[New York – Abandoned Docks]

The Red Room had always been careful. Their New York operation had been hidden for years, tucked away in the shadows of the abandoned dockyards. On paper, it was nothing but a forgotten warehouse—a relic of the past.

But Tony knew better.

He landed silently on the rooftop, his sensors already scanning the area.

No Widows detected.

Just like Siberia, this was a logistical hub, a place for moving weapons, intel, and personnel under the radar. A dead-end for human trafficking and black-market deals, all disguised as an empty lot.

Tony's fingers danced across his wrist console, hacking into the facility's systems. Within moments, he was inside their network, sifting through classified data, tracking every financial transaction, every encrypted message.

Names flashed across his screen. Bank accounts. High-ranking officials connected to the Red Room.

He smirked. 'Gotcha.'

"Hermes, copy all relevant intel and forward it to Elena," he ordered. "Then initiate lockdown and self-destruct."

"Confirmed, sir."

The same scene played out as before. Panic spread through the ranks of the unsuspecting agents below. Doors sealed shut. Communications failed.

T-minus 60 seconds.

Tony watched the chaos unfold from the sky.

BOOM!

The explosion tore through the dockyard, sending shockwaves across the harbor. Flames engulfed the abandoned buildings, reflecting off the water like hellfire.

Tony didn't look back.

Two down.

[Meanwhile]

Deep within Tony's lab, Elena, his secondary AI, was already working ahead of him. 

Her target? Three Red Room dummy sub-bases scattered across the globe.

Moscow – A disguised embassy office in the heart of the city.

Cairo – An underground intelligence hub hidden beneath a luxury hotel.

Hong Kong – A high-tech research facility specializing in biochemical warfare.

Elena's attack was silent. Deadly. Untraceable.

She easily bypassed their security networks, infiltrating their servers. Within seconds, their systems turned against them.

Moscow – The security doors locked, trapping the agents inside. The temperature dropped below freezing as Elena manipulated the temperature control systems, leaving them to freeze in their own tomb.

Cairo – The ventilation system flooded with a colorless neurotoxin, the same kind they had used on innocent test subjects. The agents dropped, choking on their own crimes.

Hong Kong – The automated defense turrets, once programmed to protect, now turned on their masters. Gunfire echoed through the facility as the AI-controlled weapons exterminated every last agent.

Within ten minutes, all three sub-bases were eliminated.

The Red Room was collapsing.

Tony stretched his arms.

"Elena, status report?"

"All three sub-bases have been neutralized," Elena's voice responded smoothly. "Surviving data has been extracted and archived."

"Good girl."

"Sir," Hermes interrupted. "With these bases destroyed, the Red Room's operational network has suffered an 80% collapse. Only the main base remains."

Tony exhaled, rolling his shoulders.

"Time to finish this."

[Ural Mountains]

The icy winds howled as Tony Stark soared toward the last standing stronghold of the Red Room. This was it. The heart of the organization. The place where the real decisions were made. The bastards who sat comfortably in their hidden fortress while others did their dirty work.

His HUD flickered, displaying the underground network beneath the mountain range. The base was massive—easily the size of a small military compound. And it was heavily reinforced. Unlike the other bases, this one had layered defenses, designed to withstand full-scale assaults.

Not that it would help.

"Hermes, give me a full breakdown," Tony muttered, adjusting the repulsors in his boots.

"Scanning now," Hermes replied. "The facility has reinforced titanium walls, electromagnetic shielding, and anti-air defenses spread across the perimeter. Surface-level security consists of twenty-four automated turrets, eight drone sentries, and seventy-five ground operatives on patrol. Internal forces include over two hundred Red Room personnel and approximately fifty high-ranking officials."

"And the Widows?"

Hermes hesitated for half a second. "Unknown. My scans detect at least thirty active Widow signals at the base. According to the data. Many are currently off-site, deployed on missions across the world. Exact number- Unknown."

Tony clenched his jaw. That was the biggest problem. Even if he wiped out this base, the Widows still out there were effectively ghosts. Agents hiding in plain sight, woven into the very fabric of society. Some were embedded within governments, others working as assassins-for-hire, unaware that their so-called loyalty was nothing but chemical programming.

That’s why he needed the leaders alive.

They had the names. The locations. The failsafe protocols.

This wasn’t just about destroying the Red Room.

It was about erasing it.

For good.

---

AN: Yeah, I know, only hacking doesn't sound fun. So, for the next chapter, I planned a big fight. It will be fun.

[Spiderman] Ch: 12 [Brutality]

The air vibrated with energy as Peter’s cosmic aura flared like a supernova. His eyes burned with raw, celestial fire, his body thrumming with enough power to level entire cities. His patience had run out.

It was time to end this.

Shaw, still grinning like a beast drunk on his own strength, stomped forward. Every step cracked the ice beneath him as his muscles pulsed, veins bulging unnaturally from the Nether energy coursing through him. His power had reached monstrous levels—absorbing everything thrown at him had turned him into a walking bomb of destruction.

"What's wrong, Parker?" Shaw sneered, rolling his shoulders. "Out of tricks?"

Peter exhaled slowly, cracking his neck. Then, in the blink of an eye, he moved.

A deafening BOOM echoed through the battlefield as Peter blitzed forward, his fist colliding with Shaw’s gut so fast the air itself combusted. The sheer force of the impact sent ripples through Shaw’s body, distorting it like a rubber balloon stretched to its limit. His grin faltered, replaced by shock.

Another hit.

Peter’s knee rocketed upward, slamming into Shaw’s ribs with such force that his bones cracked like dry twigs. A third strike... an elbow straight to his spine that sent him crashing face-first into the frozen wasteland, sending fractures spiderwebbing across the battlefield.

Shaw coughed violently, blood pooling from his mouth. He tried to push himself up and was about to release the absorbed energy but Peter wasn’t done. He flicked his fingers, creating a containment shield around Shaw's body, preventing him from using his energy.

Before Shaw could react, Peter blinked before him, grabbed him by the throat, and lifted him high into the air. Cosmic energy crackled in his grip, raw power flowing into Shaw’s body like an overcharged circuit.

Shaw’s eyes widened in panic. "W-What are you—?"

BOOM.

The first wave of energy surged into Shaw’s chest. A hard knee smash... His body twitched violently. His muscles, so used to absorbing power, suddenly couldn’t contain it.

Peter smirked. "You like absorbing energy, huh? Well, let's see how much you can really take."

BOOM.

Another surge. Then another. And another. More. More.

Shaw’s screams turned guttural as his skin began to crack and glow. His veins bulged grotesquely, pulsating with unstable energy. The very thing that made him invincible was now turning him into a living bomb.

"Wait!!!"

Peter clenched his fist. Final surge.

A colossal burst of cosmic force funneled into Shaw and his body couldn’t hold it anymore. His mouth opened in a silent scream as light erupted from his eyes, his skin splitting apart. His entire form detonated in a blinding explosion, sending gore and chunks of flesh raining down onto the battlefield.

SHAW EXPLODED.

Peter wiped some stray blood off his shoulder. "Guess you finally hit your limit."

Before he could turn, metallic limbs shot toward him. Doctor Octopus.

The twisted scientist laughed as his spectral-enhanced mechanical arms moved at unnatural speeds. Peter dodged the first two strikes, twisting in mid-air, but the third tentacle coiled around his waist.

CLANK!

With a sharp yank, Peter was slammed into the icy ground with bone-crushing force. He grunted but gritted his teeth as the tentacles wrapped around his limbs, pinning him.

"You always thought you were better than me," Octopus growled, his glowing, undead eyes burning with hatred. "Let’s see how smug you are when I TEAR YOU APART!"

The tentacles constricted, but Peter had enough.

A savage grin spread across his face. "Oh, Doc. You never did learn, did you?"

Before Octopus could react... "ARGGGG!!!" Peter grabbed his tentacles and with sheer brute strength, he ripped them apart. Two down.

CRACK!

Doctor Octopus sent the remaining tentacles toward Peter, slamming them on him.

SNAP! SNAP! 

He grabbed the remaining arms and wrenched them clean off, sending sparks flying. Octopus howled in pain. Each removal sent the doctor stumbling back, his body wracked with agony.

“No, STOP!” Ock shrieked. “You can’t...”

Peter didn’t listen.

He wasn’t finished. He plunged his fingers and grabbed Otto’s spine through his back and began to pull.

"ARRGGGG!!!" Otto screamed. A guttural, horrific wail.

RIP!

Peter tore Otto’s spine clean out of his body, blood spraying like a geyser. Otto twitched violently before his body went limp, his organs spilling onto the frozen ground from his back.

FATALITY.

Peter flicked the blood off his hands and turned just as a green glow illuminated the sky.

Green Goblin as usual laughing as he flew around on his glider, dozens of spectral pumpkin bombs hovering around him. "You think you’re unstoppable, Parker? Let’s see how you handle—"

Peter vanished.

BOOM!

Before Norman could finish his sentence, Peter appeared on his glider.

"Hey, Gobby. Open wide."

Before Norman could react, Peter grabbed one of his bombs, jabbed his throat, and forced him to open his mouth then he shoved it straight into his mouth.

Goblin’s eyes bulged. He tried to scream, but Peter webbed his jaw shut and jumped back.

The green energy inside the bombs flickered wildly, unstable, seconds away from—

BOOM.

Norman’s head exploded like a melon. Blood, skull fragments, and burning green embers showered the battlefield as his headless corpse twitched before falling off the glider, and crashing into the ground below.

Peter landed smoothly, brushing dust off his suit. "Damn. That was messy."

On the other side of the battlefield, Skarlet faced off against the Ice Lady. The frigid air howled around them, the temperature plunging as ice magic clashed with Skarlet’s crimson energy.

“You’re a resilient one,” Ice Lady purred, twirling a jagged spear of frozen death in her hands. “But let’s see how well your blood flows when it’s frozen solid.”

She flicked her wrist, and a dozen razor-sharp ice shards launched toward Skarlet like bullets.

Skarlet smirked. With a flick of her hand, tendrils of boiling hot blood surged forward, slicing through the ice with ease.

The Ice Lady barely had time to react before Skarlet closed the distance.

SHUNK!

Skarlet drove a blood dagger deep into her gut. "Kuggg!" Ice Lady gasped, but before she could scream, Skarlet twisted the blade.

Then she went wild.

SLASH!

Skarlet carved through Ice Lady’s torso, blood spraying like a fountain.

SLASH! SLASH!

She shredded the woman’s arms, severing them at the elbows. Ice Lady fell to her knees, eyes wide with shock, her body trembling as she bled out.

“You talk too much,” Skarlet whispered.

She drove her hands into Ice Lady’s chest and ripped her in half. Blood and entrails splattered across the icy battlefield as her mutilated corpse collapsed into two grotesque pieces.

Skarlet licked the blood off her fingers. 

Peter whistled. “Damn. And I thought I was brutal.”

Skarlet smirked. “She had it coming.”

The battlefield was silent. The enemies were nothing more than lifeless corpses, their blood soaking into the ice and molten rock.

Peter took a deep breath, his cosmic aura fading. "Well, that was fun."

A slow, mocking clap echoed through the cavern.

Peter turned, his fists tightening as Shang Tsung’s spectral form flickered into existence once again.

The sorcerer smirked. "Impressive, Spider. Very impressive." His eyes gleamed with something sinister. "But this… was merely the beginning."

Peter rolled his shoulders. "Yeah, yeah. Villain talk, part two. You’re gonna threaten me, say it’s not over, blah blah."

Shang Tsung chuckled. "Oh no… I merely wanted to tell you that there has been a change in plans," His grin widened. "We are going to do this the old way. Through Mortal Kombat. The winner takes it all." A sinister smile appeared on his face. "I'll have your soul sooner or later and there's nothing you can do to stop me. Rules.You strike down any of my champions and the wrath of the Elder Gods will befall you. But the hell I've unleashed on your world... hahaha. I wonder, will you save your Earth or sacrifice it to save your entire Realm?"

[Crackle!] A burst of lightning crashed on Shang Tsung's spectral form, shattering it to pieces. 

A man with lighting sparking in his eyes stood before them. 

V1 Stealth Suit

[Ironman] Ch: 44 [Widows]

Tony stood over the unconscious Widows, ready to wake them, when his HUD flared with alerts. A new analysis report popped up, flooding his screen with data.

ALERT: FOREIGN COMPOUND DETECTED

"Sir," Hermes' voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. "The Widows' neural scans are showing anomalous activity. There's an unidentified serum in their bloodstream, distinct from the Super Soldier Serum."

Tony frowned. "Details."

A holographic display formed before him, showcasing a molecular breakdown of the compound. His enhanced vision zoomed in, watching how the foreign serum latched onto neurons, hijacking signals, rewriting, and turning free will into an illusion.

"It’s a synthetic neurochemical suppressant," Hermes continued. "A highly advanced mind control serum. The chemical bonds suppress independent decision-making while amplifying external commands. If they wake up now, they will not be in control of their bodies."

Tony exhaled slowly. "So, I just traded one problem for another. Great."

He rubbed his helmet, pacing in a slow circle. This wasn’t just conditioning—this was biological enslavement. If he woke them up now, they'd fight him, whether they wanted to or not.

Natasha’s voice crackled over the comm. "Tony? What’s wrong?"

"Yeah, so… small problem. The Widows aren’t just brainwashed. They’re chemically rewired to be puppets. If I wake them up, they won’t see us as allies. They’ll see us as targets."

Silence.

Then, Natasha spoke, her voice low and controlled. "How bad is it?"

Tony glanced back at the motionless Widows. "Bad. The serum doesn’t just make them obedient, it removes their ability to disobey. They’re stuck in their own bodies, unable to fight back. Even if they wanted to resist, they couldn’t."

A sharp inhale from Natasha. "Can you fix it?"

Tony smirked. "Fix it? Babe, I’m Tony Stark."

He turned away from the Widows and flexed his fingers, watching as the black and gold nanites along his armor shifted and swirled like liquid metal.

"Legion," he called out.

A second voice, deep and smooth, filled his helmet. Unlike Hermes, which was precise and analytical, Legion sounded almost… alive.

"Yes, Sir?"

Tony grinned. "You ready for some fun?"

A low hum vibrated through the suit. "Always."

"Hermes, send Legion everything you have on the serum. Activate the Bio-Nanite Mode."

"Processing," Hermes replied.

Tony knelt beside one of the Widows, placing his hand over her arm. Nanites slithered from his gauntlet, sinking into her skin like ink dispersing in water.

"Legion, I’m giving you free rein on this. Adapt. Override. Burn out whatever’s in their system without causing any side effects."

"Understood."

Tony’s HUD lit up as data flowed between Legion and Hermes. The nanites worked fast, mapping the Widow’s neural pathways, isolating the foreign serum, and beginning the delicate process of neutralization.

The holographic screen in front of Tony showed a live simulation of the Widows’ biology. The mind control serum was deeply embedded, its tendrils wrapped tightly around neurons, forcing chemical obedience. Legion’s nanites latched onto it like microscopic surgeons, cutting away the invasive compound molecule by molecule.

Natasha’s voice came through, quieter this time. "Tony… are you sure this will work?"

He hesitated, watching as the Widow’s vitals fluctuated.

"I never test things before I use them," he admitted. "But if it doesn’t, well… then I just committed mass murder by accident."

"Tony."

"I’m kidding. Mostly."

Legion’s voice cut in. "Sir, I am progressing through the first subject. The serum is deeply integrated into the motor cortex and hippocampus. Full removal will take approximately three minutes per Widow."

Tony glanced at the 113 bodies before him. "Three minutes each?" He did the math. "That’s… five hours and some. But, you can adapt after the first, so approx. 15-16 minutes should be enough."

"Correct," Legion answered. "Once I adapt to the first subject, I will optimize the process for the rest. Estimated time for full detoxification: fifteen minutes."

"As I thought."

A sharp beep from Hermes. "The first subject’s neural pathways are stabilizing. The serum is being overridden."

Tony watched as the Widow’s breathing changed—her chest rising more naturally, her fingers twitching slightly.

Then…

Her eyes snapped open.

Tony tensed, ready for a fight.

But she didn’t attack.

Instead, she gasped, her body jerking as if waking from a nightmare. Her pupils dilated wildly before focusing on him. She looked around, confused, then down at her own shaking hands.

"I…" Her voice was hoarse. "I can… move?"

Tony exhaled. "Hell yeah, you can."

The Widow stared at him, disbelief washing over her. Then… tears formed in her eyes. Silent, unrestrained, but real.

"Legion," Tony said. "Execute on the rest."

"As you command."

The room was filled with a faint hum as thousands of nanites dispersed, flowing through the air like invisible mist.

One by one, the Widows began to wake.

Some gasped. Others clutched their heads, overwhelmed by the sensation of choice returning to them. A few immediately broke down into sobs, years of stolen autonomy crashing back all at once.

Tony stood, watching it unfold.

Then his comms crackled.

"Tony," Natasha’s voice was tight, emotional. "Put me through to them."

Tony pressed a button on his gauntlet, activating the speakers in his suit. "Widows, you have a call."

Natasha’s voice filled the room.

"Sisters."

Every Widow froze.

Then, one by one, they turned toward Tony, toward the sound of the voice echoing through the room.

Natasha took a shaky breath. "You’re free."

Silence.

Then—

A single whisper from one of the Widows.

"…Natasha?"

Tony crossed his arms, watching as the chaos of emotion spread through the room. Some fell to their knees, sobbing in relief. Others clutched their heads as years of programming fought against their newfound freedom.

"Welcome back to the world, ladies," Tony said softly.

Then he turned to the two very unfortunate women still lying at his feet... the Headmistress and Lyudmila, both watching in horror as their empire crumbled before their eyes. Well, the Headmistress looked tougher than she looked. Despite passing out, she woke up again and was looking great for someone who lost their limbs.

Tony smirked.

"Now," he said, rolling his shoulders. "Time for your turn."

The Headmistress and Lyudmila.

The two women lay on the cold steel floor, their bodies broken but still conscious enough to understand what was happening. The Headmistress groaned, clutching the burned stumps where her legs used to be. Lyudmila, still slumped against the wall, glared up at Tony with a mixture of hatred and something close to fear.

The Widows turned toward them.

Some of them clenched their fists, their faces unreadable. Others just stared, their expressions dark, their minds processing years of pain, abuse, and stolen choices.

Tony sighed dramatically, placing his hands on his hips. "Alright, ladies. Let’s have a little chat."

The Widows turned to him.

He motioned to the two women. "Now, I could kill them myself. Wouldn't take long. Hell, I could make it so they never die, just keep them suffering in some underground cell forever. But that doesn’t feel right, does it?"

He took a slow step forward.

"No. That’s your decision to make."

The words hung in the air.

The Widows blinked. A few of them exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. The very concept of being allowed to choose was foreign.

Tony crouched down next to Lyudmila, tilting his head. "You hearing this, Kudrin? You should be honored. You spent years turning these women into tools, stripping them of their freedom." His voice dropped to a mocking whisper. "And now? They get to decide what happens to you."

Lyudmila’s breathing was ragged, but she still held her glare. "You think this will change anything?" she spat, blood dripping from her mouth. "The Red Room is bigger than one facility, bigger than me. You may have freed these puppets but they are replaceable. There will always be more."

Tony smirked. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that while you piss yourself in fear."

He stood up and turned back to the Widows.

"So," he said, clapping his hands together. "What's it gonna be?"

Silence.

Then—

One of the Widows stepped forward.

She was young, barely in her early twenties, with short black hair and dark, hazel eyes. She walked slowly, almost cautiously, until she stood before the two fallen women.

Her hands balled into fists. "I remember you," she said, her voice steady but cold.

Lyudmila looked up, squinting.

"You took me from my family when I was eight," the Widow continued. "You made me kill my best friend when I was twelve."

A pause.

Then she turned to the others. "How many of you were forced to kill someone you loved?"

A murmur rippled through the group. Dozens of hands went up.

The Widow's jaw tightened. She turned back to Lyudmila and the Headmistress.

Her next words sent chills through the air.

"Then we decide together."

Tony crossed his arms, watching with interest. He wasn't going to interfere.

One by one, more Widows stepped forward, their expressions unreadable.

One of them, a woman with a deep scar across her cheek, knelt beside the Headmistress and yanked her by the hair, forcing her to look up.

"Do you remember me?" she asked quietly.

The Headmistress gritted her teeth, pain evident in her face, but she said nothing.

"You should," the Widow continued. "You made me watch while you killed my sister. Said it would make me stronger."

Another Widow spoke. "You drugged us. Made us think we wanted to be your weapons."

Another. "You laughed when we cried."

More voices. More memories.

Then, the black-haired Widow, the first to speak, turned to Tony.

"What do you think we should do?" she asked.

Tony blinked. "Oh, no, no, no. Don’t put this on me. You get to make this call."

"I... We..." They somewhat hesitated. The word freedom was foreign to them. Tony noticed it and thought it would take some time for them to get used to this.

He exhaled, rubbing his jaw. "Killing them would be easy," he admitted. "A quick solution. But you have to ask yourselves—will it make you feel better? Will it fix what they did to you?"

The room was silent.

Then Tony shrugged. "Or maybe you don’t care about fixing it. Maybe you just want them to suffer. And that’s fair, too."

Lyudmila let out a sharp breath, laughing weakly. "You're no better than us," she rasped.

Tony grinned. "Sweetheart, I never said I was a good person."

Then he turned back to the Widows. "Your choice, ladies. Just know... whatever you decide? No one’s gonna stop you."

Silence stretched.

Then...

A gun clicked.

Tony raised an eyebrow as one of the Widows aimed a pistol at Lyudmila’s forehead.

Lyudmila closed her eyes.

The Widow's finger trembled over the trigger.

Tony watched, curious.

Then...

The gun lowered.

The Widow exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "No," she muttered. "Death is too kind for them."

The others murmured in agreement.

Scarred Widow smirked. "Then we make them suffer."

The Widows moved as one, dragging Lyudmila and the Headmistress toward the far end of the facility. There was a lot of equipment down there. Medical labs. Surgical stations. Places where they had been experimented on.

Now?

They were about to return the favor.

Tony didn’t need to watch what happened next.

Natasha’s voice came through the comms. "Tony… Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. I'm far from done."

----

AN: I am thinking of rehabilitating them and then sending them back to their families. For those who don't have one, maybe I should create a force for Tony. He can teach them and a group of Widows in suits. That would be fun.

The Ultimates

What do you think?

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 83 [Weight of time]

[Stark Tower]

The lab at Stark Tower was bathed in the dim glow of holographic monitors, the hum of machinery a constant background noise. The interdimensional gate pulsed faintly, its energy waning now that the transmission had ended.

Bruce stood in front of it, hands resting on the console, his body rigid. His jaw clenched so tightly it ached, and his fingers curled into fists at his sides. His chest rose and fell in deep, controlled breaths, but inside... inside, he was breaking.

Ten years.

Ten years he had been gone.

His children were ten years old.

A decade of their lives had passed, and he had missed it all.

The first words. The first steps. The first scraped knees and bedtime stories. The first days of school. Their first victories. Their first failures. Their first everything.

And he hadn’t been there.

His family—his parents, Talia, Diana, Pamela, and the League—they had all moved forward, and raised his children without him. Damian and Elissa had grown up without knowing their father. They were strong, they were brilliant... they were everything he could have ever hoped for, and yet...

They had done it without him.

Bruce felt something crack inside him, deeper than he could explain. A pain beyond anything he had felt before... beyond broken bones, beyond lost battles, beyond any war he had ever waged.

This was time itself betraying him once again. 

A bitter exhale left his lips as he squeezed his eyes shut. He tried... he really tried to suppress it. The raw grief clawing its way up his throat. He was Batman. He was Ironman. He didn’t break. He didn’t falter.

But this… this wasn’t a battle he knew how to fight.

He barely registered the sound of footsteps approaching behind him until a gentle, familiar hand rested on his shoulder.

Sue.

She didn’t say anything, didn’t try to force words into the moment. She just stood there, offering warmth, offering comfort. Offering understanding.

And that was what broke him.

Bruce turned, exhaling a shaky breath as his composure finally cracked. His head dropped slightly, shoulders slumping in a way they never had before.

Sue didn’t hesitate.

She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a firm, steadying embrace.

It had been years since Bruce had allowed himself to be held like this. To let someone see the pain beneath the surface. He had buried so much... too much. But right now, it was impossible to pretend.

He didn’t hug her back at first. He just stood there, rigid, as though afraid that if he let go of control for even a second, he might never regain it.

But Sue… Sue knew him.

She just held on.

And then, slowly... so painfully slowly, Bruce exhaled. His hands trembled as he finally allowed himself to hold onto her, his arms wrapping around her tightly, desperately.

His breathing was uneven, the weight of time pressing down on him like an anvil.

“I missed everything,” he finally whispered, his voice hoarse. "First with Morgan and now..."

Sue’s grip tightened. “No, you didn’t,” she murmured. “You still have time, Bruce. You’re still their father.”

He shook his head, his chin resting against her shoulder. “I should have been there. Every day. Every moment. I should have...”

“You didn’t choose this,” she reminded him, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. “Life wasn't fair to you. You sacrificed so much... Again and again, yet... But, you found a way. You always found a way.”

Bruce swallowed hard. His throat felt raw. “They grew up without me, Sue.”

She brushed her fingers through his hair gently, in the way only an old friend would. “And now they’ll get to know you.”

He let out a slow, shaky breath, his grip on her loosening slightly. “I don’t even know where to start,” he admitted. “What do I even say to them? ‘Hey, sorry I missed your childhood. I got lost in another universe’?”

Sue gave a soft chuckle, shaking her head. “Honestly? That sounds like the most Bruce Wayne... no, Tony Stark thing ever.”

A small, reluctant smirk tugged at his lips. It faded quickly, but it was there.

“You’ll figure it out,” she said softly. “You always do.”

Bruce inhaled deeply, grounding himself. He wasn’t alone in this. He still had people who cared. People who had waited for him.

He pulled away slightly, but Sue kept her hands on his arms, as if making sure he was steady.

“You okay?” she asked.

Bruce nodded once. “Not even close.”

She smiled a little. “Yeah. That sounds about right.”

A brief silence hung between them before Sue’s expression shifted, more serious.

“You know they’re going to do it, right?” she said.

Bruce met her gaze. He already knew what she was talking about.

“Elissa and Damian,” she continued. “They’re going to build that gate. They’re going to find a way to bring you home.”

Bruce’s throat tightened again. His children, the ones he had never met, had never held, had never seen beyond a flickering hologram—were fighting to bring him back.

And this time, he wouldn’t be the one leaving them behind.

He straightened slightly, his posture regaining some of its usual steel. The storm inside him hadn’t passed but it had settled.

“They’ll do it,” he murmured, a flicker of confidence returning to his voice.

Sue arched a brow. “That sure of them already?”

Bruce’s lips quirked into the faintest of smirks. “They’re my kids.”

Sue rolled her eyes but squeezed his arm one last time before stepping back. “Well, you better be ready. Because when they open that portal?” She grinned. "You won't have time to prepare a speech."

As much as Bruce held onto hope, he knew that by the time they finished building the interdimensional gate, more time would have passed on their side. Ten years? Twenty years? He had no way of knowing.

But it didn’t matter.

He knew his kids. He knew his family.

And he knew that when they opened that portal, he wouldn't let that chance go and create a permanent doorway between DC and Marvel. In the end, time was just another battle. And Bruce had never lost a fight.

...

[Later that evening]

Bruce sat at the console, fingers hovering over the communication interface.

He had barely processed what had happened, but one thing was clear—he needed to tell them.

Selina.

Harley.

They had been by his side through everything, trapped in this universe just as he was. He had meant to call them the moment the gate activated, but everything had moved too fast. Now, he had a recording of his children and they needed to see it.

Bruce exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders before tapping a few commands into the system. The first call went to Stark Industries.

[Stark Industries – Selina’s Office]

Selina was the new CEO of Stark Industries.

She leaned back in her chair, spinning a small diamond between her fingers as she half-listened to one of her financial advisors drone on about quarterly projections. She wasn’t really paying attention. Numbers were numbers. She had people for this.

Then, her private communicator lit up.

Bruce.

Instantly, she sat up, cutting the meeting short with a wave of her hand.

"Out. Now."

The advisor blinked. "M-Ms. Kyle, we were just—"

"Now."

They didn’t argue. Within seconds, the office was empty. She tapped the screen, crossing her arms as Bruce’s face appeared on the holo-display.

"Well, well," she purred. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Handsome? Miss me already?"

Bruce’s expression was unreadable, but Selina knew him too well. There was something different in his eyes and she knew that look.

"This isn’t a social call, Selina," he said quietly.

She tilted her head, studying him.

"Alright, you’ve got my attention. What’s wrong?"

Bruce didn’t waste time. He tapped another command, and the recorded footage flickered to life behind him. The moment the portal opened. The sight of the Wayne Manor. The faces of everyone gathered. The instant his children stepped forward.

And then—Elissa and Damian.

Selina’s playful smirk vanished.

Her breath caught as she leaned forward, eyes locked on the screen.

Selina Kyle wasn’t the type to freeze. She had spent her entire life adapting, slipping through tight spaces, and landing on her feet no matter how hard she fell. But as the recording played, as the faces of her family and the two kids filled the screen, she felt the breath leave her lungs.

Damian.

Elissa.

Bruce’s voice echoed over the footage, shaky but full of restrained emotion.

"Look at you two, all grown up. My God, you're so big!"

Selina’s lips parted slightly, but she didn’t speak. She couldn’t.

She had known, of course, she had known that there was a chance Bruce had children waiting for him back in their universe. But knowing was one thing. Seeing was another.

Selina barely registered the moment the transmission cut out. Her gaze lingered on the flickering blue holo-light, her fingers twitching slightly against the polished surface of her desk.

“Selina,” Bruce’s voice was softer now. Almost hesitant.

She exhaled sharply, forcing her expression back into something controlled. But there was no teasing smile, no playful sarcasm.

“How long?” she finally asked, her voice quieter than usual.

Bruce didn’t pretend to misunderstand. “Ten years,” he admitted.

Ten years.

The words hung in the air between them.

Selina didn't know what to say. Ten years was... she couldn't wrap her mind around it. She could only imagine how Bruce was feeling, watching his children grow up without him.

But it wasn’t just about him.

It was about her as well.

She had lost ten years with Damian and Elissa too.

It was a strange thing to grieve something she never even knew existed. It wasn’t like they had died. They were still out there somewhere, waiting for them.

But that didn’t stop the pain.

Selina stared down at her desk, jaw clenched tightly, her expression unreadable.

"You alright?" She asked, clearing her throat slightly.

"No," Bruce responded quietly. "You?"

She hesitated. "Not even close."

A heavy silence followed before Selina leaned back in her chair again, drumming her nails against the desk. She tilted her head, arching a brow at the screen. "You should call Harley. She deserves to know."

Bruce nodded once. "I will. I just... needed to tell you first."

"Yeah." Her voice was hoarse. "Yeah, I get it."

Silence settled between them again as she looked away. Her gaze shifted across the room, resting on the framed picture she kept on her desk.

"Just call me if you need anything," she finally said, looking back at the screen.

"I will." Bruce gave a small nod. "And... I'm sorry, Selina."

She swallowed hard. "Don't be. Just... find a way to... You know."

"I will, I promise," he answered firmly. "I'll do everything I can from this side."

A small smirk tugged at her lips, and for a moment, she was almost her old self again. "You better, handsome." He could tell that she was forcing that smile.

Bruce let out a huff of amusement, some of the tension lifting from his shoulders.

"Well, I will call Harley... See ya later, Kitty."

Selina's smirk turned into a genuine grin. "Goodbye, Batsy."

And with that, the communication cut out. Selina was left alone in the office.

[Ironman] Ch: 43 [Ursa Major vs Iron Man]

If not for Tony's upgraded armor, his body would have turned into meat splatter. His systems screamed warnings as he picked himself up from the rubble, nanites already working to repair the micro-fractures in his suit. He groaned, flexing his fingers as his HUD recalibrated from the impact.

He had been hit by a damn truck.

No.

Not a truck.

A bear.

Standing before him was a 7’5” monstrosity of muscle and fur, its massive paws curled into fists the size of cinder blocks. A humanoid brown bear, breathing heavily, and he looked angry.

Ursa Major.

Tony's mind raced as he processed the scene.

'Wait... I know this guy.'

He had read about him in the comics in his past life. A Russian mutant with the ability to transform into a massive bear while retaining his intelligence and combat skills. His strength in this form put him on par with mid-tier powerhouses, capable of lifting 15 tons and tanking damage that would flatten normal humans.

His lips curled into a smirk under the helmet.

"They really brought a bear to a high-tech fight? Cute."

Ursa Major cracked his knuckles. “You are strong,” he rumbled in Russian, his voice like gravel being crushed under steel. “But not strong enough.”

Tony barely had time to react before the massive bear lunged at him, moving deceptively fast for something his size.

45 miles per hour.

That was the speed of a charging brown bear, and right now, Tony was experiencing firsthand why that was terrifying.

The beast closed the distance in a second, swiping a paw at Tony with enough force to send a jeep flipping end over end.

Tony barely managed to dodge, thrusters firing at the last moment to push him aside. But not fast enough. The edge of Ursa’s claws scraped against his armor, sending out a shower of sparks as deep gashes formed along the nanite plating.

That’s a problem.

Before he could reposition, Ursa was on him again, his massive frame looming over Tony as he raised both arms and hammered down with a double-fisted strike.

BOOM!

The impact sent shockwaves through the room, the floor beneath Tony cratering as he was slammed into the reinforced steel ground.

"Sir! Would you like to activate auto-battle mode?" Hermes asked. 

"Nah! I wanna stretch my muscles a bit," Tony groaned. His HUD flickered for a moment before stabilizing. His enhanced armor had absorbed most of the impact, but that hurt like hell.

Ursa Major grinned, showing massive teeth. “Not so tough now, are you?”

Tony coughed, rolling onto his back. “Buddy, you have no idea who you're dealing with.”

Ursa snorted. “I do not need to. You will die all the same.”

The bear leaped into the air, aiming to bring his full 1,500 pounds of muscle down onto Tony.

Big mistake.

Tony's palm lit up with a sudden pulse of repulsor energy.

BOOM!

The blast caught Ursa mid-air, sending him slamming into the ceiling before gravity took over and he crashed back down, flattening a nearby metal crate.

Tony shot back up, dusting himself off. "Huh. Big guy, but I expected more out of Russia's finest."

Ursa Major roared and charged again. This time, Tony didn't dodge.

He caught the bear's fist.

A shockwave rippled through the air as metal-clad fingers clamped down on Ursa’s paw, stopping the attack dead in its tracks.

Ursa’s eyes widened. “What?!”

Tony twisted, leveraging his enhanced strength, and flipped the bear over his shoulder, slamming him spine-first into the steel floor.

CRASH!

The ground dented under the force, cracks spreading outward.

Ursa gasped, the wind knocked out of him.

Tony didn’t let him recover. He jumped up and smashed into Ursa’s ribs, followed by a brutal kick to the jaw, sending spit and blood flying as the bear staggered back. His HUD showed Ursa's shattered ribs and jaws.

'Nice.'

Before Ursa could even think, Tony grabbed his head and slammed it into the wall, leaving a crater in the reinforced steel.

The bear slumped for a moment, dazed.

Tony cracked his knuckles. “You hit like a drunk panda. Now, my turn.”

He grabbed Ursa’s massive arm, twisting it behind his back. A sickening crack echoed through the room.

“ARRRRGHHH!” Ursa howled in pain as his shoulder dislocated.

Tony then planted a boot against the back of the bear’s knee and kicked forward, forcing him to collapse onto all fours.

With a smirk, Tony placed his boot against Ursa’s head and pinned him to the ground.

The once-proud warrior of Russia was now completely immobilized, his massive frame quivering in pain.

Tony sighed dramatically. “So much for ‘not strong enough,’ huh? You talk a big game, but when it comes down to it? You’re just a big, hairy punching bag.”

Ursa growled but couldn't move.

"Shhh," Tony whispered mockingly. "Let me just..."

A needle extended from his wrist. He jabbed it into Ursa's thick fur, extracting a blood sample. He never expected to come across a mutant... An evil mutant at that. Now with his blood, he should be able to create counter measures against them... Nullifiers, cures, or boosters. Well, it all depends on who's good or evil.

The bear grunted in protest but was in no condition to stop him.

“Thanks, big guy. You might be useless in a fight, but your mutant DNA? That’s valuable.”

Tony stood up, stepping off the bear’s head. Ursa tried to rise, but his arm was useless, his body battered, his pride shattered.

Tony shook his head. "Pathetic."

Ursa Major panted, glaring at him with a mix of fury and humiliation.

“This isn’t over,” he snarled.

Tony just chuckled, twirling the vial of blood in his fingers.

“Oh, it really is.”

Ursa Major's breathing was ragged, his massive chest heaving. Blood dripped from his broken nose, his jaw hung at an odd angle, and his right arm was completely dislocated. 

Then... Crack!

A drop of blood mixed with whatever he took fell on the floor.

Tony's HUD immediately flared with alerts as he detected a foreign chemical compound being released into Ursa's bloodstream. 

"Sir! His vitals are spiking—adrenaline, endorphins, muscle density—he just crushed something in his mouth!" Hermes warned.

Tony’s eyes widened as his sensors analyzed the substance.

Mutant Growth Hormone.

A temporary, high-risk power boost derived from mutant DNA. It overloaded the body, granting immense strength, speed, and endurance at the cost of life itself. 

Ursa Major had just turned himself into a walking nuclear bomb of raw power.

“Ah, shit.”

The bear’s eyes rolled back for a second before snapping forward, now glowing a deep crimson. His muscles bulged, veins throbbing like thick cables under his fur. The dislocated arm? It snapped back into place on its own. His shattered jaw realigned, his wounds sealing in mere seconds.

Then he moved.

FA-WHAM!

Tony barely had time to react before an unbelievable force slammed into him, sending him through six reinforced steel walls like a ragdoll. His world became a blur of twisted metal and concrete as he finally skidded to a halt, smashing into a storage room.

He groaned. His HUD flickered violently.

"Suit integrity at 92%."

Tony shook his head, clearing the ringing from his ears. “Okay... ow...”

The roar that followed made the ground tremble.

Ursa Major tore through the debris, his massive form now even larger, standing at nearly nine feet tall. His fur crackled with energy, his claws extended into razor-sharp talons that could probably tear through titanium.

Tony sighed. “Yeah, see, this is why you don’t take mystery drugs, buddy.”

Ursa didn’t respond. He wasn’t just stronger.

He was gone.

The MGH had overridden his rational mind, leaving behind nothing but pure, animalistic rage.

And it was all directed at Tony.

Ursa lunged.

Tony barely had time to throw up a hard-light shield before the bear’s claws shredded through it like paper. A massive swipe sent him flying again, crashing through more reinforced walls.

Tony groaned, pushing himself up. “Okay. This is getting ridiculous.”

"Sir, at his current output, he’s operating at nearly 50 tons of lifting strength. Avoid taking direct hits."

Tony spat out some blood. "Yeah, I figured that out when he punted me like a football, Hermes. Tsk. The laser has 2 more shots, can't waste it. And I can't use stronger explosives down here. Repulsor beam won't work on his thick skin..." He tried to lure the bear away from the widows. 

Ursa charged again.

This time, Tony was ready.

His nanites shifted, forming impact dampeners across his arms and legs. His thrusters roared as he dashed forward, meeting the behemoth head-on.

Ursa swung.

Tony ducked. Barely.

The sheer force of the swing split the air, sending out a shockwave that shattered nearby windows.

Tony capitalized. He countered.

A repulsor-charged uppercut slammed into Ursa’s gut, sending out a massive kinetic shock. The beast stumbled, but he was already healing from the internal damage.

Tony scowled. "Okay. Plan B."

He vaulted over Ursa, landing behind him. His gauntlet shifted, forming an energy scalpel.

One way to beat a healing factor?

Shut down the nervous system.

With a swift, calculated movement, Tony drove the energy blade into the base of Ursa’s skull, targeting the brainstem.

SPARK!

The bear seized up, body spasming violently as the electrical surge overloaded his nervous system.

Ursa let out a choked roar before collapsing, twitching uncontrollably.

Tony exhaled. "And... nap time."

His HUD ran a scan. Ursa’s vitals were critical. His body was literally tearing itself apart from the overdose.

Ten minutes.

That’s all the MGH gave him.

Tony sighed, rubbing his helmet. "Jesus."

He turned, activating his comms.

"Nat, you still there?"

"I—what the hell was that roar?!" Natasha’s voice came through, urgent.

"Long story short? Big angry bear. Took steroids. I won.”

"…what?"

"I’ll explain later," He stomped on Ursa's head, splattering blood and brains under his heel. "Time to wake up the Widows."

[Spiderman] Ch: 11 [Hard to hold back]

Shaw roared, his body surging with terrifying power. His muscles expanded grotesquely as he stomped forward, the entire ground fracturing under his sheer weight. His ability to absorb kinetic energy had evolved. Every movement, every impact made him stronger. With a thunderous step, he lunged at Peter, his colossal fists swinging like wrecking balls.

Peter’s Spider-Sense screamed, but he smirked. “Gotta be faster than that, big guy.”

In a blur, Peter flipped backward, but Shaw’s strike obliterated the space where he stood, sending shockwaves that shattered nearby rock formations. Peter twisted in mid-air, firing a web needle infused with cosmic energy straight at Shaw’s face.

SHWIP!

The glowing strand speared through Shaw’s cheek, burning through his flesh. He snarled in pain, but instead of retreating, he absorbed the energy from the attack, his veins pulsing brighter.

“Not bad, Parker.” Shaw cracked his neck, his wounds instantly regenerating. “But I can take whatever you throw at me.”

Peter landed smoothly, his hands still in his pockets. “Good to know,” he said. “Means I can go all out.”

Suddenly, the battlefield was plunged into freezing darkness. The temperature plummeted to impossible lows, the molten rivers turning to jagged ice in an instant. Green energy was seeping from the ice. Peter’s breath came out in visible puffs as the Ice Lady floated above the battlefield, her body encased in eerie frozen Nether energy.

“Spider…” she purred, her voice laced with eerie pleasure. “Do you like it cold?”

She lifted her hand, and the air around her twisted unnaturally. Large spikes of corrupted ice burst from the ground, encasing everything in a frozen wasteland. The cavern transformed into a frigid battlefield, the very air slicing like razors.

Peter flicked his wrist, firing organic webbing, only for it to freeze solid before it could fully extend.

“Okay… That’s new.”

The Ice Lady laughed, twirling a long ice spear between her fingers. “You can’t escape, love. The cold… it’s eternal. Just like my desire to see you in pain.”

“Lady, you seriously need therapy.”

She snapped her fingers, and hundreds of frozen spikes shot forward, each one infused with dark Nether energy.

Peter’s body moved on instinct, cosmic energy flaring around him. He weaved through the deadly barrage with inhuman speed, dodging by mere inches. But as he landed on a nearby frozen pillar, the surface shattered beneath him.

Before he could launch an attack, Skarlet stepped in front of him, her crimson aura flaring to life.

“Leave her to me,” she said, her voice steady but sharp with resolve. Her blood tendrils slashed through the air like living whips, pulsating with deadly energy.

Peter smirked. “Alright. Just don’t get too cozy with her. She’s got issues.”

Without another word, Skarlet lunged at the Ice Lady, their battle igniting in a frenzy of frozen energy and blood magic.

But Peter didn’t have time to watch since Shaw was already charging at him again.

Peter's eyes narrowed. 'Gotta be smart about this.'

Shaw roared, throwing a punch that could level a building.

Peter moved like lightning, flipping over the attack while firing a web needle infused with cosmic energy.

SHWIP!

The web struck Shaw’s arm, but instead of burning him, he absorbed the energy, his body surging with even more power.

“Heh. Thanks for the boost, Parker,” Shaw grinned, his muscles swelling grotesquely.

Peter exhaled sharply. “Okay. No more freebies.”

Before Shaw could capitalize on his advantage, Peter flicked both wrists, firing web bombs infused with cosmic energy. The strands glowed with a deep violet hue, crackling with raw celestial power.

The web bombs struck Shaw’s chest and immediately exploded into a gravitational force field, anchoring the behemoth in place.

Shaw struggled, his limbs fighting against the unseen force. “What?!”

Peter blurred into motion. No wasted movement. No second chances.

He zipped above Shaw, twisting in mid-air before slamming a cosmic-powered heel kick directly into his skull. "Absorb this motherfucker!"

BOOM!

The impact created a shockwave that fractured the frozen battlefield, sending chunks of ice and rock flying. Shaw was sent skidding back, but instead of being injured, his body flared with power as he absorbed the impact.

He grinned. “That all you got?”

Peter scowled. 'This guy’s turning into a walking nuke.' He was holding back because knowing Shang Tsung, he must be watching him and analyzing his abilities. He couldn't risk that.

Suddenly, his Spider-Sense screamed.

From above, Green Goblin cackled, his spectral glider twisting through the air like a demon possessed.

“Did you forget about me, Parker?” he sneered.

Goblin hurled a barrage of glowing, spectral pumpkin bombs, except these weren’t just bombs. They were hunting him. The projectiles zigzagged through the air, locking onto Peter’s energy signature like guided missiles as he flew around.

Peter reacted instantly, flipping backward and firing two cosmic web needles at the incoming bombs.

BOOM!

The first two detonated mid-air, but three more spiraled past the explosion, curving toward him.

Peter’s eyes flashed. "Fine. Let’s improvise."

He extended his arms and spun rapidly in mid-air, releasing a flurry of cosmic webbing. The strands spread out like a spider’s nest, creating an intricate web barrier. As soon as the bombs hit the glowing web, they imploded instead of exploding, sucked into a miniature gravitational void.

Goblin’s grin faltered. “What?!”

Peter vanished.

A split second later, he appeared above Goblin’s glider, his foot glowing with cosmic energy.

“Boo.”

WHAM!

His foot crashed into the glider, sending Goblin spiraling out of control. But instead of panicking, Goblin twisted in the air, hurling a green fireball straight into Peter’s chest.

BOOM!

The explosion sent Peter hurtling back, his suit smoldering. He flipped mid-air, barely landing on a frozen ledge.

Before he could recover, Doctor Octopus struck.

The mechanical limbs shot out unnaturally fast, their spectral chains lashing toward Peter with incredible range. The arms stretched farther than ever before, as if they had no physical limits.

Peter dodged the first two strikes, but the third wrapped around his ankle.

CRACK!

Peter was yanked off the ground and slammed into the frozen rock below, the impact sending cracks spiderwebbing across the battlefield.

Octopus tightened his grip, lifting Peter into the air and slamming him down again.

And again.

And again.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The icy battlefield trembled under the brutal assault.

“Parker…” Octopus’s voice was eerily calm. “This time, you’re not walking away.”

Peter grinned. “You know… That was a nice massage.”

His hands snapped forward. Webbing shot out, infused with cosmic energy.

Instead of aiming at Octopus, Peter fired at the surrounding battlefield.

The glowing webbing struck the icy ground and erupted into a massive shockwave of cosmic force.

The explosion launched Peter free of Octopus’s grip, sending him flipping through the air. Before Octopus could react, Peter fired a precision web needle straight at his opponent’s chest.

SHWIP!

The cosmic web pierced through his torso before detonating in a burst of energy. Octopus stumbled back, his spectral chains writhing as if in agony.

Peter landed with a smirk, brushing dust off his suit. “Man… for dead guys, you sure don’t know when to quit.”

Before he could savor the moment, Shaw slammed into him like a freight train.

Peter’s body smashed through multiple ice pillars...

Shaw cracked his knuckles, his entire body now radiating with absorbed energy.

“You’re strong, Parker,” he admitted. “But this time? You’re not walking away.”

Peter made an impossible flip in the mid-air and regained his balance before landing on the icy ground. He flexed his fingers as cosmic energy crackled through his body. His eyes flicked to Skarlet and the Ice Lady, their fight raging fiercely. He had to end this soon.

He exhaled. Time to stop playing.

His body glowed with cosmic energy, his eyes burning with celestial power.

Peter cracked his knuckles.

“Alright, boys.”

He vanished in a flash of speed.

Game on.

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 82 [A Moment Too Short]

The impact of the drone against the shield sent shockwaves rippling through the room. Sparks flew as the armored shell skidded across the floor, groaning under the interdimensional energy. The portal behind it flickered, its energy surging wildly before stabilizing once more.

Everyone tensed, eyes locked on the machine as it twitched, limbs jerking in erratic motions. The Trial robot, Bruce's probe, had made it back. But something was wrong.

"Malfunction," Skylar muttered, her fingers crackling with electricity as she prepared to strike it down if necessary.

Damian stepped forward, his stance guarded. "Stand back. We don't know what it—"

But before he could finish, Elissa was already moving.

Her sharp eyes had caught something the others hadn’t. A faint, erratic glow pulsed from the center of the drone’s chest. The power core was on the verge of collapse. The energy readings were unstable, fluctuating wildly between containment and overload. If it exploded inside the manor, the results could be catastrophic.

Without hesitation, Elissa pushed forward.

And shattered the shield.

The entire room gasped as Skylar’s supposedly impenetrable energy barrier cracked like glass before completely dissolving around her. For the first time in a long time, Skylar looked... startled.

"What the hell?" Kara whispered, watching as the young girl darted toward the fallen drone.

"Don't!" Thomas and Martha were about to rush in.

"Don't worry, she can handle it," Diana said as she watched her daughter go toward the robot. She knew an explosion of that level wouldn't even scratch her, but well, as a mother, she clenched her lasso. If things go wrong, she'd use it to pull her back.

Pamela’s heart clenched, her instincts screaming for her to pull Elissa back, to keep her safe. But she saw the determination in the girl's eyes... the fire of someone who refused to let this moment slip away.

The others remained frozen in shock, but not Elissa.

She dropped to her knees beside the bot, already scanning its systems with her enhanced vision. She had never met her father, only heard the stories about him. The genius warrior. The man who had saved the world more times than she could count.

And now, this was her only link to him.

No way was she going to let it slip through her fingers.

Her hands moved faster than most seasoned engineers. The knowledge she had gathered from JARVIS’s teachings and her father’s old notes flooded her mind as she worked, dismantling the outer casing of the core with a delicate touch.

"Power readings are critical," she muttered under her breath, rerouting the energy pathways. "Failsafes are completely fried… Damn it, Dad, what were you thinking sending this thing through a storm like that? You should have added another triple layer of energy shield with dual power core."

Talia, watching from the sidelines, arched a brow. "She sounds just like him."

Elissa tuned everyone out, hyper-focused. Wires sparked and the metal frame groaned, but she didn’t flinch. With a flick of her wrist, she bypassed a damaged conduit, redirecting power flow just before a red warning light could turn into a detonation sequence.

The drone let out a low, mechanical whine… and then powered down. The pulsing glow in its chest stabilized, shifting from a dangerous red to a steady blue.

Elissa let out a deep breath, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.

"Done."

A heavy silence hung over the room before Damian finally broke it.

"You just hacked and defused an unstable, interdimensional AI drone," he stated flatly. "In under a minute."

Elissa smirked. "Yeah, it was easy."

Before anyone could respond, the drone let out a mechanical click, and its mainframe rebooted. A soft hum filled the air as a holographic projection flickered to life above it.

Static buzzed for a moment before a grainy image finally took form.

And there he was.

Bruce Wayne.

For a moment, the room was dead silent.

Bruce from the other side looked around the room and sighed in relief. Everyone was alright. Then he spoke, "Yo! How are you guys? I'm sorry about the mess."

The others were too stunned to speak.

But then, one person finally snapped out of her stupor.

Talia rushed over, grabbed the robot's arms, and yelled, "Don't you dare 'Yo' us! What were you thinking?!"

"Hey, it's good to see you too." Bruce chuckled, scratching his head sheepishly. "You look feisty as always. And I am sorry. There was no other way. Oh, Harley and Selina are doing fine." He said quickly before Talia could throw another tantrum.

Martha and Thomas were in tears. They were so relieved that Bruce was alive and well that they didn't know what else to do but cry.

Talia stared at the image of the man she loved and sighed, her shoulders drooping as all the tension drained from her body. "You're alive," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's all that matters."

"Bruce," Diana stepped forward.

"Diana," Bruce looked at her with a warm smile.

They didn't need any words to converse with each other, just their gazes and expressions. It was like telepathy, like the two were communicating on an entirely different level. Both could tell how much they missed each other.

Bruce then looked at Pamela. "You look tired. Don't push yourself too much, Pam." She just gave him a nod, lost for words. He then looked at the girl and boy, both around 9 or 10 years old, standing next to her and asked, "Are they...?"

Talia stood behind Damian and Elissa, her hands on their shoulders. "Yes," she replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "They are."

Bruce smiled. He could feel a lump in his throat, but he swallowed it down. He felt a sharp pain in his heart. He never got the chance to see them grow up and that fact made him incredibly sad. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside and smiled warmly at the children. He felt Sue's hand on his shoulder from behind.

He knew what he had to do.

"C'mon, introduce yourself," Talia pushed Elissa and Damian forward with a gentle nudge.

Elissa cleared her throat and straightened her back. "I'm Elissa," she said with a smile, her voice strong and confident. "It's nice to finally meet you, dad."

Damian followed suit, puffing up his chest and raising his chin proudly. "I'm Damian," he said, his voice a touch softer than his sister's. He didn't know what to say.

Bruce's eyes softened. He couldn't help but chuckle.

"Look at you two all grown up," he said with a wide smile. "My God, you're so big!"

A moment of silence hung in the air before...

"Ho... How old are you two?" He asked.

"We're 10 years old."

"10 years?! I... I see..."

Suddenly the robot began to crackle again as a suction force from the portal began to pull it away.

"It looks like the portal is destabilizing. Listen to me, you need to create another interdimensional gate here on this side. It will stabilize the portal and we should be able to communicate with each other... Probably even travel between worlds if we are lucky. You got that? I know you can do it. Elissa, Damian... I love you both so much. Take care of each other. Take care of your family. And I'm sorry. I wasn't there for you two. And the next time we meet... Too much time may have already passed. I'm sorry... Mom, Dad... Everyone... I... We miss you so much."

He gave Sophia and Aquawoman a quick nod.

And then the robot flew through the portal. A small data drive ejected from its body and flew right into Elissa's hands.

"Wait, Dad!" The siblings tried to stop the robot from leaving but it was too late.

"Built the gate! I believe in you two." The portal closed.

"Dad! Damn it!" Damian punched the ground in frustration.

Elissa felt her knees buckle and she sank to the floor. Her hands were trembling, the data drive still clutched tightly in her grasp.

"We... We finally met him. And he's gone," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Kara finally sighed in relief. Bruce was alive and doing well. She felt as if someone just lifted a huge boulder from her shoulders. 

[Spiderman] Ch: 10 [Old enemies resurrected]

Skarlet informed Peter about the upcoming invasion from the Outworld empire, led by Shao Kahn. But since this realm is new and unknown, Shao Kahn ordered Shang Tsung to infiltrate it first and observe it in secret before deciding if it was worthy of an invasion. She also told Peter that the Earthrealm warriors were in danger since Shang Tsung and his minions would surely try to eliminate them so that the path would be clear for the invasion.

"If they succeed, then there's nothing we can do. Without the Earthrealm champions, the invasion will be a breeze for Shao Kahn. If you want to stop him, you have to get to them first before it's too late," Skarlet explained.

"I see... That sounds like a serious problem. And how is he planning on killing the heroes?" Peter asked with a frown.

"Shang Tsung will use his magic to awaken Magik or what you call superpowers in this realm's criminals. Then he'll use them to hunt down the Earthrealm champions one by one. They will be completely outnumbered and unprepared. It will be a slaughter. The more they kill, the stronger Shang Tsung's magic becomes, and the more power he gains. And by the time the Elder Gods realize what's happening, it will be too late."

Peter shook his head, "The same old melodrama as always. Let's see if we can make things interesting, shall we? Where is Shang Tsung now?"

"What are you going to do? You just fought me! You can't face him without your full power!" Skarlet protested.

"My full power?" Peter tilted his head to the side. "Oh, oh. Oh, no. I haven't got all day. I left my girl standing on our date. So, chop, chop. Take me to them!"

"But you..."

"Now, please," Peter said impatiently. "Ah! Wait a sec." He called Sue.

"Pete? I'm guessing you'll be late, right?"

"Yeah... Sorry, but there's a serious threat I have to deal with first. You know, the world domination and all that shit from another realm. So, I'm gonna try to hurry and get it over with as quickly as possible."

"Oh, don't worry. You be careful out there, okay?" Sue said sweetly.

"Will do! And hey, thanks for understanding, Sue. You're the best."

"Oh, don't thank me yet. I'll show you what I'm best at tonight. So, you better take care of that threat fast," Sue said seductively.

Peter chuckled, "Bondage?"

"I'll let you tie me up and pound me in every way you want. I'll even wear the school uniform."

"Mmmm. Nice. That sounds amazing. Okay, I'm gonna make this quick. Love you, babe."

"Love you too, Pete," Sue said before hanging up.

Skarlet looked at Peter with a raised eyebrow. "You have a mate?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, I have more than one mate. Why? You fell for my handsome face?" Peter teased with a playful grin.

Skarlet shook her head and rolled her eyes, "No, of course not! I... was just curious, that's all."

"Well, let's go then. We're wasting time," Peter said with a shrug.

As Skarlet raised her hands, a swirling vortex of crimson energy enveloped them, distorting the space before them. The air crackled with dark magic, and within moments, they were pulled through the bloody portal, vanishing from the alleyway.

In an instant, they reappeared inside their base. Molten lava churned below jagged rock formations and it was freaking hot. The stifling heat was suffocating, but Peter remained unfazed. Skarlet, however, tensed immediately.

Something was wrong.

Her crimson eyes darted around the chamber. The air carried an unnatural stillness. There was no movement, no sign of Shang Tsung’s presence. Just an unsettling quiet.

“This doesn’t feel right,” she muttered, stepping forward cautiously.

Peter placed his hands in his pockets and scanned the area with a nonchalant expression. “Yeah, I figured. It’s never easy. Let me guess, trap?” He could see some weak-looking glymps around the place.

Before Skarlet could respond, a slow, mocking clap echoed through the cavern.

A shimmering green mist coalesced before them, swirling into the form of Shang Tsung’s spectral projection. The sorcerer stood with an amused smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement.

“Skarlet... you disappoint me,” he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. “I truly believed you were beyond redemption. But here you are, clinging to a foolish dream. What would your father think about this betrayal?”

Skarlet’s fists clenched at her sides. “I see through your lies now, sorcerer. You and Shao Kahn used me, molded me into a weapon. But I am no longer your pawn.”

Shang Tsung chuckled. “Ah, such naïveté. You think you can simply break free from the chains of your past? Do you truly believe Earthrealm will accept a monster like you?” He turned his gaze toward Peter. “And you… the so-called protector of this realm. Do you really trust her so easily?”

Peter sighed and stretched his arms. “Man, you guys sure love the dramatics. You got anything new, or is this just the classic ‘You can never change, join me again’ villain speech?”

Shang Tsung’s smirk deepened. “Perhaps you would take me more seriously if you realized the position you are in.” He gestured to the cavern walls, and suddenly, fiery glyphs ignited all around them. The ground trembled as chains of molten energy erupted from the earth, snaking toward Skarlet.

Peter moved in an instant, slicing through the magical chains with glowing web-like energy constructs, dispersing them before they could ensnare her.

“Nice try,” he said, cracking his knuckles. “From a third-rate sorcerer. But you gotta do better than that.”

Shang Tsung’s eyes narrowed. “I expected nothing less from you, Spider.” His form flickered slightly, signaling that this was merely a projection. “No matter. You are already too late. The awakening has begun. Even now, the criminals of this world are being transformed, their latent powers unlocked to serve my will.”

Skarlet’s expression darkened. “Where are they?” she demanded.

The sorcerer chuckled. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about them just yet. You should be more concerned about what’s coming for you.”

As if on cue, the entire volcano rumbled violently. The molten rivers surged, bubbling up as dark silhouettes emerged from the lava. Dozens of grotesque figures rose... twisted amalgamations of warriors infused with Shang Tsung’s dark sorcery. Their eyes burned with an unnatural glow, and their bodies radiated raw, malevolent energy.

Skarlet immediately readied herself, her blood tendrils lashing out in preparation for battle.

Peter, however, simply sighed. “Man… I was really hoping for a quick resolution.”

Shang Tsung’s projection faded, his laughter lingering in the air. “Enjoy your final moments, heroes.”

As the monstrous warriors let out guttural roars and charged, Peter cracked his neck and took a relaxed stance.

“Well, guess we gotta do this the hard way,” Peter muttered before launching himself into the fray with a large grin. Things were getting too peaceful lately. Well, not that he was complaining, but he wanted a good fight and maybe stretch out his legs a bit. "Thanks for the exercise. I was putting on a bit of weight lately."

Skarlet followed, summoning her crimson blades.

As Peter swung his fist forward, an explosion of cosmic energy erupted from his palm, annihilating the wave of grotesque warriors charging at him. The force of the blast sent shockwaves through the lair, causing molten lava to burst upward like geysers. The entire cavern trembled violently.

"What the?!" Skarlet was surprised to see him take them down with one strike.

"Well, that takes care of..." Peter started, but then his Spider-Sense screamed.

From the burning embers of destruction, four distinct figures emerged, their bodies flickering with eerie, green Nether energy. The air around them twisted with raw malevolence.

Peter narrowed his eyes as his vision adjusted. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me..."

Standing before him, fully restored and pulsating with unnatural power, were some of the most twisted enemies from his past.

Shang Tsung’s spectral voice echoed through the air. "Surprised, Spider? Death is merely a door... and I hold the key." His laughter was sinister, full of mockery. "Do you recognize your old friends?"

Peter let out a low chuckle. "Man, I must've really left an impression. You guys are still obsessed with me, huh?" He tilted his head. "Let me guess… revenge?"

Shaw, once a crime boss who Peter humiliated by turning into a hairy clown before snapping his neck, sneered. His body rippled with muscle, and his face was twisted in rage. "You humiliated me, Parker. I will carve that smile off your face!"

The Ice Lady was a crazed assassin who had a very specific fetish. She wanted Peter to fuck her raw while she slice off his head. She stepped forward with cold blue eyes. "Oh, Spidey… I still remember the pain. How my flesh tore apart... Oh, such ecstasy. This time… I'll make sure you enjoy it first." She licked her lips, her breath fogging the air. 

"Lady, I put a stinger in you, and you still wanna do this?" Peter sighed. "You gotta move on."

The Green Goblin let out a maniacal laugh, his body flickering with unstable energy. He had his new custom-made glider and a new suit burning with green energy. "You took everything from me, but now... I've returned to take your soul! Are you ready to die, Parker?" His iconic cackle filled the air, but it was darker, more twisted like it came from the depths of hell itself.

And finally, Doctor Octopus, whose end was particularly brutal, stood tall, his mechanical arms now covered in spectral chains. "Parker…" His voice was calm but venomous. "You fed me to the wolves… but now, I will tear your limbs apart and watch you die slowly."

Peter yawned. "Yeah, yeah. Heard it all before. I killed you all once, and I can do it again." He flexed his fingers, his cosmic energy crackling around his body. "But, gotta admit, this is a little nostalgic."

Skarlet remained tense at his side, her blood weapons at the ready. "These spirits… They are not natural. They are tethered by dark magic. If we destroy their link to the Nether realm, they will vanish."

Peter smirked. "So, what you’re saying is, we just have to kick their asses extra hard? Love it."

Shang Tsung’s projection sneered. "Fool. Their rage transcends death. This time, they will not fall so easily."

The four resurrected enemies surged forward in unison.

Shaw roared and charged, his body expanding with monstrous strength. His veins pulsed with Nether energy, and with a single stomp, the ground beneath them cracked.

The Ice Lady flicked her wrist, and jagged spears of blackened ice shot forward at blinding speed, aiming directly for Peter’s heart.

Green Goblin summoned a barrage of spectral pumpkin bombs, each one glowing with hellfire, and cackled as he hurled them.

Doctor Octopus’s mechanical arms stretched unnaturally, his chains striking out like whips, aiming to crush Peter’s ribs.

Peter grinned, his Spider-Sense guiding his movements. In an instant, he flickered out of sight, dodging all four attacks effortlessly.

"Sorry, boys and crazy ice lady, but I've got a hot date tonight. So let's wrap this up!"

[Ironman] Ch: 42 [Interrupted by a Bear?!]

[Red Room's Widow's training base]

Tony soared through the night sky, the nanite armor molding seamlessly around his body. His HUD displayed a real-time map of the Red Room’s training base. The power grids, security networks, personnel movements, and every last digital vulnerability he had cracked open like an egg were being displayed before his eyes.

He wasn't just going to burn them down.

He was going to erase them.

“Hermes, status update.”

“All security measures are under your control. Turrets, surveillance, automated drones—everything is now running on a falsified loop. As far as they’re concerned, tonight is just another night.”

Tony smirked. “Perfect.”

Hovering high above the base, he engaged his suit’s cloaking function. The armor shimmered briefly before rendering him invisible to the naked eye and infrared scans. He wasn’t about to storm in guns blazing. No, this was going to be surgical.

“Hermes, begin Phase One.”

“Executing, sir.”

The first sign that something was wrong came when the automated sentries along the perimeter began dropping offline one by one. Not disabled, just reporting normal functionality while being completely blind. Guards patrolling the walls had no idea their overwatch had gone dark.

Then, the base’s internal security grid started feeding falsified data to the command. Doors that were locked showed as open, and guards were reported in places they weren’t... a complete digital illusion.

Tony descended, landing silently on the rooftop of one of the command buildings. He knelt down, his armor shifting and adapting, integrating into the shadows of the night.

“Bring up scans. Mark the Widows and the other trainees with priority tags. I want to know where everyone is and what they're doing at all times. No surprises tonight. We go in fast and hard, kill those bastards, and rescue the Widows and those unlucky girls. So, I want accurate results," He said.

With the security under his control, his AI began analyzing the base's personnel movement and feeding it to him through his HUD. Hermes was able to locate the Red Room's personnel with ease, marking them with a green tag on his HUD and the female trainees with orange tags.

"There are one hundred and thirteen Widows-in-training currently in the Red Room underground level. And four hundred and fifty Red Room operatives" The AI reported.

Well, none of the agents were leaving here alive.

"Hermes, execute Phase Two."

"Affirmative, sir."

The carnage began in silence.

Every turret lining the corridors turned on its owners. Suppressed gunfire echoed through the steel halls as rounds tore through agents before they even had time to scream.

Hallways were sealed shut, trapping squads in isolated kill boxes where poison gas seeped in through the vents. Colorless. Odorless. By the time they realized what was happening, they were already choking on their own blood.

Drones, reprogrammed and weaponized, descended from the rafters like mechanical predators, slicing through panicked agents with pinpoint accuracy.

Some tried to fight back.

It didn't matter.

The security systems Tony had rewritten turned every safeguard against them—electrified floors frying agents alive, reinforced doors slamming shut with enough force to crush bones, and automated turrets unloading pinpoint kill shots.

It was merciless. Efficient. Over in five minutes.

The HUD counters in his helmet ticked down with every confirmed kill.

450 agents. All dead.

Tony stood amidst the carnage, exhaling slowly. It was too easy.

Then came the hard part.

The Widows.

...

[Underground Level]

Tony stepped through the ruined security doors. The underground level was massive, stretching out into the distance like a twisted military academy. Rows of young women in identical combat uniforms stood at attention, their faces blank, their postures eerily perfect.

And at the front of the room, two figures stood apart from the rest.

One was an older woman with sharp, angular features, dressed in a white, high-ranking officer’s uniform. The Headmistress. A woman who had shaped generations of Widows with brutal efficiency.

The other? Lyudmila Antonovna Kudrin. A name Tony had dug up while tearing through the Red Room’s files. She was the mind behind the program’s Super Soldier Serum variant—an enhancement that made the “perfect” Widows stronger, faster, and deadlier. If Dreykov had been the mastermind, she was the executioner.

Both women turned to face him as he entered.

Tony smirked beneath his helmet, already activating the nanite swarm.

Invisible to the naked eye, the microscopic machines streamed from his armor, dispersing through the room and entering the Widows' bodies without them even noticing through the air, integrating with their nervous systems.

One command, and they’d all drop.

But first, he had a show to put on.

The Headmistress stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. “Who are you?” Her voice was steady and cold, but beneath it, Tony could sense the edge of unease.

“You can call me Iron Man,” Tony said casually, rolling his shoulders. “And before you ask how I found this place? Let’s just say your firewalls need an update.”

Her gaze flickered to his suit, analyzing it. “This technology… I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Tony smirked. “Yeah, you’re about to see what it can do.”

Before she could respond, his repulsor flared and a focused laser beam sliced through the air.

Zing!

"ARGGGG!!"

A scream tore through the chamber as the Headmistress collapsed, her legs severed clean from the knees down. Blood pooled beneath her, and the cold, composed mask she had worn shattered into raw agony.

“Attack!” she shrieked, her voice cracking with rage. Well, she passed out in pain.

The Widows moved instantly. Like a single organism, perfectly trained, perfectly conditioned.

Guns raised.

Blades unsheathed.

Bodies launched toward him with terrifying speed.

But Tony was faster.

The nanites activated.

In the blink of an eye, every Widow froze mid-motion. Their bodies seized, their limbs locked up, their weapons falling from their hands. And then, as if struck by an unseen force, they all collapsed into a perfect, synchronized coma.

Silence.

The only sound in the room was the Headmistress’s ragged breathing as she clutched at the stumps where her legs used to be. The laser burnt her flesh, so there was minimum blood loss, but the pain... Well, it was just the beginning.

Lyudmila, to her credit, hadn’t moved a muscle. She simply studied Tony, her expression unreadable.

He walked toward her. “So, Lyudmila, I have to ask—how’s it feel knowing your perfect little program is about to burn?”

Her lips curled into a thin smile.

“You have no idea what you’ve just started.”

Tony smirked. “Do you?" He grabbed her throat and pulled her off the ground, her feet dangling beneath her. "I have to say, it must be nice to live in such a delusional world where you think you're safe, protected by these girls who'd gladly die for you. But let me tell you something... You're not. None of you are."

As much as he wanted to kill her, she still had the formula of the SSS. If he can get his hands on it, then he should be able to perfect it and replicate it.

Tony threw her on the floor and her body crashed against the ground. She was in so much pain that she didn't even try to fight back, instead, she crawled to the nearest wall and leaned her back against it while she glared at him.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice low and laced with anger.

"I want the formula for the Super Soldier Serum you've developed." Tony crouched before her. "Or should I start pulling out your nails one by one? You will scream and beg in pain. I will simply stuff your mouth with a sock to muffle it. Then I will chop your fingers, sprinkle salt to make it more painful, and you will still scream... But it'll be muffled, and no one will hear you. Do you know if you cut off a human's big toe, they won't be able to maintain their body's balance? In short, you won't be able to walk. But you can crawl, so I'll have to cut your tendons and break your knees just to keep you immobilized."

"You will kill me even if I give it to you," she said, glaring at him.

"Yeah, I'll kill you either way. But do you really want to die screaming in pain as I break your body little by little? Or..."

Tony's eyes went toward the medical labs lined up at the far end of the facility.

"...die even more painfully as I inject every single serum in that place into your bloodstream one after another? Now, how many times have you tested them on a human? Hundreds? Thousands? Maybe more? The first couple will be painless but then you'll start feeling your muscles tearing and your organs rupturing. Blood vessels breaking and lungs shredding as you fall to the floor and struggle in pain, gasping for breath. But my nanites will repair your body over and over again. You will want to die, but you won't be able to. Imagine it, your body burning in agony and healing at the same time..."

"There is no such thing as that. You are bluffing."

"Do you want to try?"

"..."

"So... What's it gonna be?"

She opened her mouth and began reciting the formula, her words were laced with hatred and anger.

Tony punched her, smashing her nose in anger. Blood sprayed from her broken nose, staining her uniform. "You bitch! You think I am stupid? Well... Doesn't matter. I will extract the formula out of their blood." He grabbed her hair and dragged her through the halls.

Then he stopped. As much as he wanted to put all those serums into her body, he thought it was only fair for the Widows to take their revenge with their own hands.

Tony made a video call to Natasha. She picked up the call on the second ring.

Natasha's eyes widened as Tony focused on Lyudmila's face and then on the Headmistress' face. Then he showed her the unconscious Widows.

"You... Are they?" She stuttered. She couldn't believe the scene before her.

"They are alive. And these two... I'm pretty sure you'd like to take your time with them," Tony said, turning back the camera to face him.

"The girls? How many are there?"

"There are one hundred and thirteen of them. They are still alive."

Natasha sighed in relief. "Tony... I..."

"No time. Do you have a way to persuade them or maybe extract them somewhere safe for a while? I can't leave them alone in their condition. They are completely brainwashed."

"I... Yes, I think I can."

"Okay, I'll wake them up."

However, before he could do that a massive kick on his back sent him crashing through the walls, breaking through several layers of concrete.

"What the fuc-" Another kick sent him crashing through another wall. This time, he broke through several reinforced steel girders, cutting his back and chest.

"Sir! It appears to be-"

Tony grunted as he got back up, "Yeah, I know!"

"Tony, you alright?" Natasha's voice came over the comms. "What happened?"

"A fucking bear?!"

[Ironman] Ch: 41 [Red Room logs]

Warning: Gory and disturbing scenes ahead. I tried my best to keep it a bit down.

----

The holographic world map hovered in the air above the phone. Red markers blinked on the map, indicating the known locations of the Red Room’s bases. There were two main bases, three dummy sites, and six sub-bases. A sprawling network, deeply entrenched in secrecy.

Natasha crossed her arms, staring at the display. "The two main bases," she said, reaching out to highlight the critical locations. "This one here, deep in Siberia... that’s where they train the new Widows. The second, in the Ural Mountains, is for the important officials. That’s where they pull the strings."

Tony leaned back against the couch, nodding. "And the others?"

"The sub-bases are for supply chains, intelligence, and operations. The dummy sites? Distractions. If you hit one of those, the real base vanishes before you can even blink."

Tony smirked. "Classic shell game. Smart. But not smart enough."

Natasha arched an eyebrow. "You keep talking like you already have a plan."

Tony picked up his beer and took a sip before placing the bottle back down. "That’s because I do."

She narrowed her eyes. "There’s no way you’re taking them all down in twenty-four hours. Even if you cut off their supply lines, they’ll just scatter and regroup like they always do."

Tony leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees, his smirk never fading. "That’s the thing, Nat. I want them to scatter. I want them to run because they’re all going to end up in one place." He tapped his fingers against the map, right over the Ural Mountains. "The second main base. Their last stronghold."

Natasha stared at him. "You're forcing them to retreat to one location."

"Exactly," Tony said, his eyes gleaming. "Cut off their sub-bases. Eliminate their hideouts. Kill their information network and field spies. Make them desperate. Make them think they have only one safe place left."

Her mind worked fast, analyzing his strategy. "Even if you pull that off, which is a big if, you’d still have hundreds of highly trained assassins, scientists, and operatives all in one place."

Tony’s smirk deepened. "Good. That’s exactly what I want."

Natasha inhaled sharply. "You’re planning something big."

"You have no idea."

She studied him for a moment, searching his face. Tony wasn’t reckless but arrogant, sure, but never reckless. If he was this confident, then he knew something she didn’t.

She leaned forward. "How?"

'Sorry, Nat. I can't trust you yet,' Tony chuckled, shaking his head. "That’s a secret. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the show."

Natasha scowled. "Tony..."

He held up a hand. "Nope. No spoilers. Just trust me."

Her jaw clenched. "You’re asking me to trust you with everything... my past, my future, my life, but you won’t even tell me what you’re planning?"

Tony’s expression softened slightly. He reached forward, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Nat," he said, voice low, "I need you to trust me on this. Because if I tell you, you’ll want to get involved. And I can’t have you in the middle of it."

Natasha swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. "Why not?"

"Because I need you to be safe."

Her breath hitched. No one had ever said that to her before. No one had ever thought about keeping her out of danger—she was always the one sent into danger.

She shook her head. "That’s not how this works, Stark."

"It is now."

Natasha exhaled sharply, gripping the edge of the table. "So what? You want me to just sit here while you wipe out the entire Red Room in one night?"

"Pretty much, yeah," Tony said, standing up and stretching. "You can make popcorn if you want."

She glared at him. "I’m serious."

"So am I."

Tony turned to leave, but Natasha grabbed his wrist, pulling him back. "What if you fail?" she asked, voice tight.

His eyes met hers, unwavering. "Then I die trying."

Natasha felt her heart clench. He said it so casually, like it was just another day in the lab.

She didn’t like it.

Not one bit.

"Fine," she said after a moment. "But when this is over, if you actually pull this off, I want answers."

Tony smirked, stepping closer. "Deal."

She hesitated, then added, "And Tony?"

"Yeah?"

Her fingers curled around his shirt, and she pulled him down into a searing kiss. It wasn’t soft or slow. It was raw, desperate, filled with everything she couldn’t say out loud.

When she finally pulled away, her lips were swollen, her breath uneven.

"Come back in one piece," she whispered.

Tony’s smirk softened into something almost tender. "I plan to."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked out the door.

And Natasha was left alone, praying that Tony Stark wasn’t making a mistake.

...

Tony slid into his Audi R8, the door shutting with a soft click. He pushed the start button. He looked at the night sky, deep in thought.

He was aroused.

Of course, he was. Natasha Romanoff wasn’t just another woman. She was the woman—dangerous, intoxicating, and brilliant in her own right. All those kisses and seduction? That was enough to send even the most rational man into a tailspin. But Tony Stark prided himself on being anything but rational.

He shoved those thoughts aside and focused on the real issue at hand.

Trust.

Or rather, the lack of it.

Natasha Romanoff.

She had given him everything. The Red Room’s locations, their movements, their weaknesses. It was the jackpot—too easy.

And that was the problem.

Leaning back against the leather seat, Tony took a deep breath, fingers drumming against the wheel. Natasha was good... too good. Her manipulation techniques were legendary, her ability to weave deception through truth seamless. A trained assassin and spy like her didn’t just switch sides because of a few sweet words and a promise of freedom.

She wanted something.

Maybe it was real. Maybe it wasn’t. Either way, Tony wasn’t betting his life on it. 'It's better to be a bit paranoid than to end up with a dagger in the chest in sleep.'

"Hermes," he said.

A smooth, synthetic voice responded. "Yes, sir?"

"Monitor all outgoing and incoming communications from Natasha Romanoff’s known devices. Shadow her movements, but don’t let her suspect a thing. I've already put the nanites into her body, but still... I don't want to take a risk."

"Understood. Any specific parameters?"

"Flag any unusual activity. If she’s playing both sides, I want to know before she screws me over."

"Understood, sir. Initializing shadow surveillance."

Tony shifted gears and pulled onto the road, the city lights flashing past in a blur. His thoughts drifted to the mission ahead.

Twenty-four hours.

That’s all he had to erase one of the most dangerous organizations on the planet. And he would.

...

[Lab]

Tony entered the lab after doing a proper scan and discarding his clothes and phone as usual. As for the car, he put the worker bots to dismantle it and check for anything suspicious, then put it back together. 

'Time to get to work.'

A holographic interface flickered to life as he activated the main AI system.

"Welcome back, sir," Elena's voice came through the main computer.

Without wasting any time, he began hacking. His fingers danced over the projected keyboard, bypassing firewalls, decrypting encrypted data, and worming his way through layers of digital security like a ghost in the machine.

Whoever designed the Red Room’s system was good.

But Tony Stark was better.

“Hermes, status?”

“All primary and sub-networks are breached. Accessing classified archives now, sir.”

“Elena, start indexing everything. I want files on their operations, assets, and personnel, especially high-ranking officials.”

“Understood. Running deep-scan protocols now.”

Tony leaned forward as raw, unfiltered data poured into his system. His eyes flickered through rows of names, locations, mission reports, and… video logs.

A sinking feeling settled in his gut.

His jaw clenched as he accessed the first recording.

And then, his blood ran cold.

[Red Room Experimentation Archive – Log 2379]

A dimly lit, sterile laboratory. Metal tables with restraints. Rows of medical instruments laid out with precise cruelty. And in the center of the room, a child no older than eight was strapped down, her tiny limbs thrashing against the steel bindings.

She was screaming.

Not in the way a child screams when they’re afraid of the dark.

This was raw, guttural agony.

A scientist, clad in a white coat, injected a thick, glowing serum into her arm. She convulsed violently, her back arching off the table as her veins bulged beneath her skin. Blood vessels ruptured in her eyes, turning them a horrifying shade of red as she gasped for air.

“Subject 2379 unstable. Increasing dosage.”

The child’s screams turned into a hoarse gurgle. Blood dripped from her nose. Her fingers clawed at the metal restraints until her nails ripped from their beds.

And then...

Flatline.

A monitor beeped. The scientist sighed.

“Another failure. Dispose of the body.”

A soldier approached, unfastening the restraints, and with a casual flick, dumped the lifeless child onto a pile of corpses in the corner. Small, fragile bodies stacked on top of each other like discarded trash.

Tony’s hands curled into fists. His breathing was slow. Controlled. Dangerous.

But he clicked on the next video.

And the next.

And the next.

Each one worse than the last.

[Red Room Training Archive – Log 3101]

A group of girls, no older than twelve, stood in a straight line, their expressions vacant. Hollow. A man in a crisp suit paced in front of them.

“Lesson three. Obedience.”

He gestured toward one of the girls. She stepped forward, her hands trembling.

“Kill the girl next to you.”

The girl hesitated.

A mistake.

A gunshot echoed through the room, and she crumpled to the ground, a single bullet between her eyes.

The instructor turned to another girl. “You. Pick up the gun.”

The girl did.

“Kill the girl next to you.”

She didn’t hesitate.

The gun fired.

A dull thud as another body hit the floor.

A twisted game of survival.

By the end of the video, only one girl remained standing.

She was covered in blood.

And she didn’t even flinch.

Then, the bastard stopped in front of another girl.

She was smaller than the others, her red hair disheveled, her green eyes flickering with barely contained fear.

“You failed your last assessment,” the instructor said coldly.

The girl flinched but said nothing.

The instructor stepped aside, revealing another Widow—a slightly older girl. Expression blank, posture rigid. She held a knife in her hands.

“Correct the failure,” the instructor ordered.

The red-haired girl’s eyes widened in horror. “Please, no...”

The blade slashed across her throat before she could finish. Blood sprayed across the pristine floor. The dying girl gasped, clutching her neck, her body convulsing.

The other Widows didn’t even blink.

“Failure is not tolerated,” the instructor said simply, turning back to the group. “Continue.”

Tony inhaled sharply, his stomach twisting.

[Red Room Obedience Test – Log 5420]

An older Widow in her late teens, or twenties, stood in front of a high-ranking Red Room official.

Her posture was perfect. Her expression devoid of emotion.

The official studied her for a moment before giving a simple command.

“Kill yourself.”

The Widow didn’t hesitate.

She brought her hands to her throat.

And ripped out her own veins with her nails.

Blood sprayed across the cold, sterile floor. Her body convulsed as she choked on her own lifeblood, her eyes wide, but not afraid.

Obedient.

Even as she died, she didn’t resist.

The official simply nodded. “Perfect.”

End log.

[Red Room Graduation Archive – Log 9999]

A dimly lit auditorium. Lined up in perfect formation stood a dozen women... no, not women. Weapons.

Their faces were expressionless, their eyes hollow. Each one bore the scars of training, both visible and unseen. They did not fidget, did not breathe too fast, did not betray even a flicker of emotion. They were the survivors. The best. The perfect Widows.

A man stood before them. Tall, clad in a black suit, his face obscured by a silver mask. A voice-modulated rasp emerged from beneath the metal.

"Today, you are no longer children. No longer weak, no longer disposable. You are the culmination of years of sacrifice. The embodiment of strength. The very essence of control."

He paced before them, his hands folded behind his back.

"You are Widows."

A synchronized step. A perfectly timed blink.

"You are weapons."

A slow exhale. Not one of them moved.

"You do not feel. You do not hesitate. You obey."

Silence.

Then he turned to one of the girls standing at the front of the formation. She was young, maybe twenty, maybe younger. Her raven-black hair was cut at sharp angles, and her eyes had that emotionless gaze.

She looked just like Natasha.

But there was no warmth in her green eyes. No soul.

"Who are you?" Dreykov asked.

"Widow," she answered robotically.

"What is your purpose?"

"To obey."

The footage ended.

...

Tony Stark leaned back in his chair, his entire body rigid. His jaw clenched so tightly it hurt.

A metallic taste filled his mouth. He hadn’t even realized he had bitten the inside of his cheek.

Slowly, deliberately, he exhaled.

And then, he spoke.

“Elena.”

“Yes, sir?”

"Let's burn these bastards down," He cracked his fingers. "But let's make sure they don't get an easy death."

....

Next Ch: The end of Red Room

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 81 [Gathering at the Wayne Manor]

The wind howled outside the vast estate, the storm clouds thickening over Gotham as lightning split the sky. Inside, the Wayne Mansion remained warm and lively despite the tempest brewing beyond its grand windows.

But in that very moment—something shifted.

A spark of energy, subtle but unmistakable, rippled across the planet. It was faint, yet for those attuned to cosmic forces, it was like hearing the whisper of a long-lost soul calling out across the void.

Skylar felt it first.

Her silver-white hair flickered with static as arcs of blue lightning crackled around her fingertips. Standing atop one of the Kryptonian watchtowers on Mars, she closed her eyes, reaching out, tracing the disturbance. It wasn’t random—it was a signal. A beacon.

A connection.

Her eyes snapped open, glowing with a bright, electric blue.

"Took him long enough."

Without hesitation, she vanished in a burst of lightning.

[Wayne Enterprises – The Meeting Room]

Pamela Isley sat at the head of a glass conference table, surrounded by some of the world's top scientists and defense strategists. A holographic projection of Earth's orbital grid hovered in the air before them, displaying the locations of the newly developed Orbital Defense Weaponry Systems—a network of satellites capable of neutralizing threats before they ever reached the planet.

"This project is our best hope against extraterrestrial threats. It's an upgraded version of the existing system," one of the engineers explained. "With this, we can..."

A sharp crack echoed through the room.

A pulse of blue lightning flashed, and Skylar materialized in the center of the meeting. The lights flickered from the energy surge, causing a few startled gasps from the gathered experts.

Pamela, however, didn't flinch. She simply folded her arms and gave Skylar a tired look.

"This had better be important," she said, arching an eyebrow.

Skylar took a deep breath, locking eyes with her.

"He's here."

For the first time in a decade, Pamela felt her heart stop.

Her composure nearly cracked, but she held firm. Her hands were trembling. Ten years... Finally, she found hope. Slowly, she exhaled. "You're sure?"

Skylar gave a rare, sharp nod. "He's trying to connect to this universe. It’s faint, but I can feel it. The door to the other side will open somewhere around the manor. Go. I'll inform the others."

Pamela stood up immediately, her chair sliding back with a sharp screech. "This meeting is over," she declared. Before anyone could protest, she was already walking toward the door. She activated the bracelet. Nanites swarmed over her body, forming her armor. Then with a crackle of lightning, she disappeared.

[Themyscira – The Training Grounds]

The clash of steel rang through the air as Diana and Kara sparred on the golden sands of Themyscira. Diana, clad in her Amazonian battle armor, ducked beneath Kara’s lightning-fast strike, countering with a powerful shield bash.

Kara skidded back, grinning. "You're getting slow, Princess."

Diana smirked. "And you're getting reckless."

Kara launched herself forward again, but before their blades could meet—BOOM. A crack of thunder tore through the sky, and a streak of blue lightning slammed into the sand between them.

Skylar stood there, unshaken, her gaze fierce.

Diana straightened, gripping her sword. "Skylar?"

Kara tilted her head, wiping sweat from her brow. "You look like you just saw a ghost."

Skylar took a step forward, eyes gleaming.

"He's here."

Diana froze.

For a second, she thought she had misheard. But no, Skylar wasn’t one to play games. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she barely noticed when her grip on her sword slackened, the blade falling into the sand with a soft thud.

Kara, on the other hand, clenched her fists. "You better not be messing with us, Skylar," she said, voice raw with emotion.

Skylar didn’t blink. "I'm not. Go to the manor."

Diana swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice barely a whisper. "...Then what are we waiting for?"

Both Kara and Diana flew into the sky, making their way to the Wayne manor.

[Justice League Base – The Training Room]

Blades clashed in the dimly lit training chamber as Talia and Nyssa al Ghul moved in perfect synchrony. Their duel was a dance of precision and skill, neither sister giving the other an inch.

Nyssa struck low, forcing Talia to pivot and counter with a swift kick, sending Nyssa back a step.

"Still relying on brute force, sister?" Nyssa teased.

Talia smirked. "And yet you still fall for it."

Then—CRACK!

Lightning exploded in the room. The temperature shifted instantly, the very air charged with energy.

Skylar stood between them, unbothered by the blades still in their hands.

Talia and Nyssa didn’t even get the chance to scold her before she spoke:

"He's here."

Nyssa frowned. "Who..."

Talia dropped her sword.

Her lips parted slightly, her breath catching in her throat. "Are you certain?"

Skylar gave her a knowing look. "Go to the manor. Now."

Talia closed her eyes for a moment, steeling herself. Then, she opened them. 'I'm so gonna punch that guy. How dare he make me worry for 10 long years.' 

She was already walking toward the door. Nyssa followed her.

[The New Atlantis – The Surface Citadel]

The ocean had long since ceased to be a prison for the Atlanteans.

Once, they had been cursed to live beneath the waves, bound to the sea, unable to walk the land without suffering. But that had changed.

Bruce had changed it.

Before his disappearance, he had done the impossible—healed the Atlanteans of their affliction, allowing them to walk among humans once more. And now, New Atlantis stood proud on the ocean’s surface, a marvel of engineering, built on the ruins of a forgotten island, merging ancient Atlantean architecture with modern advancements.

At the heart of the citadel, standing atop a balcony overlooking the endless blue, Ariel, the Aquawoman, watched the horizon. The wind whipped through her crimson hair, her piercing green eyes narrowed in thought.

Something was wrong.

A shift in the currents.

A whisper in the tides.

Then, before she could fully process it—lightning struck.

Not real lightning... Skylar.

Ariel didn’t flinch as a flash of blue energy erupted behind her. The Queen of Atlantis turned, already knowing who she would see.

Skylar stood before her, still crackling with energy, breathing slightly heavy from the rapid teleportations.

Ariel’s expression remained calm, but her fingers curled into fists. "I assume you have a reason for nearly shattering the water barrier with your entrance?"

Skylar stepped forward, gaze unwavering.

"He's here."

For a moment, the world stopped.

Ariel's breath hitched.

She had waited ten years for those words. Ten years of prayers whispered to the ocean. Ten years of doubting, hoping, despairing, and believing all over again.

And now…

The Queen of Atlantis closed her eyes for a brief second, grounding herself, then looked back at Skylar. Her voice was steady.

"Where?"

"Wayne Manor," Skylar answered without hesitation.

Ariel turned without another word. She instantly sent a telepathic command to her warriors. Within seconds, her royal guards appeared, ready to follow.

"Prepare the teleporter," she ordered. "We're leaving immediately."

One of her generals hesitated. "My Queen, should we not alert..."

Ariel cut him off with a sharp glance. "There is no time for alerts. This is Bruce."

That was all she needed to say.

[Wayne Manor]

Inside the grand halls of Wayne Manor, chaos was brewing.

Elissa Wayne, the young Amazon-Kryptonian hybrid, had once again outdone herself.

Thomas Wayne stood before the grand mirror in the living room, his mustache completely gone. He was staring at his reflection with a mixture of horror and betrayal.

"You little—!"

Elissa, sitting cross-legged on the couch, gave him her best innocent smile. "Grandpa, you look so much younger now. You should be thanking me."

Martha Wayne, standing beside him, covered her mouth, clearly holding back laughter.

"Don't laugh," Thoman turned toward Elissa. "You miss, you are grounded. And for the record, I look very much young thanks to the serum your dad made."

Damian sighed, arms crossed. "I told you this would happen."

Elissa shrugged. "I regret nothing."

Then... lightning struck.

A pulse of raw energy filled the room as Skylar materialized right in the middle of the hall.

Everyone turned to face her.

She looked directly at them, her expression unreadable.

Then, she spoke:

"He's here."

The room fell silent.

"He...?! Bruce?" Thomas stuttered.

Damian’s eyes widened. "Father?"

Elissa shot up from the couch. "Dad?! Where?!"

Thomas Wayne, shock written across his face, reached for Martha’s hand. Martha, unable to speak, simply tightened her grip around his fingers.

Even Maggie, who had been bringing in a tray of cookies, stood frozen in place.

Skylar looked around at them all.

"Everyone's gathering in the main hall. Now."

No one hesitated.

Because after ten years, after all the waiting, all the pain, all the uncertainty...

Bruce Wayne was coming home.

And none of them intended to miss it.

....

By the time Ariel arrived at Wayne Manor, the storm had grown.

Raindrops pattered against the gothic estate, the sky above Gotham swirling with unnatural energy.

One by one, the legends gathered in the grand hall.

Pamela was already there, standing stiffly with her arms crossed, trying to mask the emotions running rampant beneath her calm exterior. Her green eyes flickered toward the Wayne family portrait above the fireplace, her thoughts unreadable.

Diana stood beside her, her lasso coiled at her hip and she was fiddling with her fingers. Kara, standing slightly apart, remained quiet—her hands clenched into fists, her expression unreadable.

Talia and Nyssa arrived next. Nyssa held back, observing, while Talia’s eyes scanned the room, searching, waiting.

And then...

The doors swung open once more, and Aquawoman walked in, her presence commanding. She looked around the room.

Damian and Elissa stood at the center of it all, barely able to contain themselves.

The young Amazon, Human, and Kryptonian hybrid practically vibrated with energy, bouncing on her heels, while Damian remained still... too still. He said nothing, but the way his fists tightened at his sides spoke volumes.

Thomas and Martha Wayne stood behind them, their expressions a mix of hope and disbelief.

Then, finally, the last arrival...

Skylar appeared with a final crackle of lightning with Sophia with her. Sophia was in Europe making a deal with another company when she got the news. 

Skylar looked around, nodding in satisfaction. "Good. You're all here."

A heavy silence settled over them.

And then…

A sound.

A low hum, barely perceptible at first, like the distant vibration of a tuning fork. The energy in the room shifted and static danced along the skin of everyone present. The very air crackled.

Skylar lifted her hands, her eyes glowing pure white as the floor beneath them trembled as she created a shield around everyone. 

Then, with a BOOM, the space before them ripped open.

A swirling vortex of deep blues and purples expanded outward, its edges crackling with arcs of electricity. The portal stood tall, unstable for a moment before finally settling into a perfect, circular gateway.

And then—a figure emerged.

At first, all they could see was a silhouette, bathed in the blinding glow of the portal. Then, slowly, an armored drone, shot out, crashing on the shield. 

Quick poll

How many of you are still interested in the continuation of Spider-Man 0X?

So far 3 of you asked me to continue, so let's decide with this poll. If I get enough vote, I might squeeze out some time. You will get 2 chs/week. I won't be able to upload more than that since my focus is on the Ultimate Ironman and Batman.

[Ironman] Ch: 40 [Natasha's choice]

Natasha's breath came unevenly, her body still straddling Tony’s as his words echoed between them.

Freedom.

That single word had shaken her more than any truth serum ever could.

She wanted to scoff, to tell him he didn’t understand. But she couldn't. Because for the first time in her life, someone was offering her a way out. 

Her fingers curled against his chest, her muscles taut with instinct.

"No one escapes the Red Room, Tony," she whispered. "No one."

His smirk didn’t waver. "Then it sounds like a challenge."

Before she could react, Tony's hands gripped her waist and flipped her, sending them tumbling off the couch. She hit the floor with a sharp gasp, his weight pinning her down and keeping her exactly where he wanted.

'God! Am I really this weak? Am I falling for him? His eyes...'

Natasha was a trained assassin, the best the Red Room had ever produced. No one had ever dared flip her like that, to dominate her in a fight. Yet here she was, flat on her back, looking up at Tony Stark—of all people.

And he wasn’t done.

He grabbed her shirt and tore it open.

The sound of ripping fabric filled the room.

Cool air kissed her skin, her toned stomach rising and falling with every uneven breath. She was wearing a black bra with a little gun tugged between her left breast and bra. Tony took the gun and threw it away.

"If you want," he murmured, "I’ll erase every single trace of the Red Room. In one day."

Her breath hitched.

'God, he’s serious. No, it's the drugs! But...'

She had spent years trying to sever her ties, to reclaim what little of herself the Red Room hadn’t destroyed. And here he was, offering to burn it all to the ground as if it were nothing but an inconvenience.

The temptation was dizzying.

But temptation was weakness. And she had never been weak.

Her hand moved without hesitation.

In a blur, she reached under the couch, fingers curling around cold steel.

The pistol whipped out, the muzzle pressing against Tony’s throat.

His pulse beat steady beneath the barrel.

"You think you can just say pretty words and make me betray everything I know?" she hissed, green eyes burning. "I could kill you right now. End this game. Complete my mission."

Tony didn't flinch. He didn't pull away. If anything, his lips quirked in amusement.

"Then do it."

Her finger tightened on the trigger.

"I mean it, Romanoff," he pressed, tilting his throat closer to the gun. "Pull the trigger. Prove me wrong. Kill me, go back to the Red Room, and spend the rest of your life as their puppet. Used. Controlled. Never free."

The gun trembled slightly in her grasp.

"Or…" His lips hovered near hers, his voice a quiet promise. "Join me."

Her heartbeat slammed against her ribs.

"Let me burn them to the ground."

"Let me give you your freedom."

"Your life back."

Her throat tightened.

This was a game. A game of control, of power. She had mastered it. Yet somehow, he was winning.

The weight of possibility crushed her.

One pull of the trigger. One second. That’s all it would take.

And yet, she hesitated.

Tony’s voice was softer now. "Your single choice could free them all."

Natasha sucked in a sharp breath.

"The other Widows."

Girls taken from their homes. Molded into killers. Forced to kill each other to survive and become the best. Trained to obey. Just like she had been.

She had spent her entire life believing escape was an illusion. That freedom was meant for others.

But now…

Tony was offering something she had never dared to dream of.

A way out.

Not just for her. But for all of them.

Her grip on the gun was steady, but her voice was not. "Why?"

Tony exhaled, his fingers brushing against the bare skin of her waist. Just a whisper of contact—yet it made her hyper-aware of his presence.

"That’s a stupid question, Nat."

She hated when he called her that. It made her feel… real.

"Try me." She pressed the gun harder against his throat.

Tony smirked, voice dropping lower. "Because I see you, Romanoff."

Her breath caught.

"You walk around pretending you don’t want anything. That you don’t need anything. But I know better. I see the way you hesitate before pulling the trigger. The way you look at families on the street. The way you pretend you don’t want more."

Her jaw clenched. "You don’t know me."

His gaze held steady. "Don’t I?"

She should have called him arrogant. Overconfident.

But deep down, she knew it wasn’t arrogance—it was a certainty.

She tested him, pushing the barrel harder into his throat. A final chance for him to flinch. To show fear.

But he didn’t.

Tony just looked at her.

"If you’re lying to me…" her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.

Tony smiled. "Then you can kill me yourself."

She searched his face, looking for deception. A crack. A lie.

There was none.

Her gun trembled slightly. Her pulse quickened. Every instinct screamed at her to complete the mission and be done with it. 

But...

She let it fall.

The cold metal slipped from her fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud. Tony didn’t reach for it. He just waited.

She grabbed his collar and pulled him down, crashing her lips against his.

Tony didn’t hesitate. He kissed her back with equal hunger, his hands cupping her face, his body pressing against hers. Heat surged through her veins, drowning out the doubt, the fear, the hesitation.

This was reckless. Dangerous. A mistake.

But it felt right.

She broke the kiss, her lips brushing against his as she whispered, "Twenty-four hours."

Tony arched a brow. "That’s all I get?"

She smirked. "You said you could destroy the Red Room in a day. Prove it."

His eyes flickered, then darkened with something unreadable. "And if I do?"

Natasha held his gaze. "Then my life belongs to you."

Something shifted in his expression. She had surprised him.

His thumb brushed her jaw, voice quieter now. "Careful, Romanoff. That almost sounds like a vow."

Her smirk deepened. "It is."

"I might make you cook, do laundry, do my bed, clean my shoes," He leaned forward and whispered into her ears. "I might take advantage of you, just like right now. Like this. In every single way."

Her pulse quickened, but her voice was steady. "If you can destroy the Red Room in twenty-four hours, then I will do whatever you ask. I will become your woman, wake you up with blowjobs every day, give you sex whenever you want. Even if it means you are going to keep me naked in your house as your own fuck toy. I won't complain or object. My body is yours to play with, and I'll do everything I can to please you."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You really have some intense fetish, don't you?"

"You started it," She blushed.

"You tried to drug me. I simply returned the favor."

"How did you do it? How did you drugged me?" She asked.

"Ah! Don't you wanna know?" Tony smiled and kissed her on the neck. "Maybe I'll tell you someday." He stood up and stretched his arms. This surprised Natasha. She was expecting him to take off her bra and do the deed right there. She was hoping he would fuck her right on the floor, right on that very spot. The thought of sex made her heart flutter. 'God, he's not gonna leave me here, is he? After he got me so aroused.' The drug's effect was still in her body.

Tony ordered Legion to cleanse her body of drugs. The nanites went into action, purging every single drug in her system.

And just like that, her senses returned. 

"What the...?" Natasha felt normal again and even though the effect was neutralized, she was horny. But she somehow composed herself and sat up on the floor. 

Tony extended his hand. She accepted his hand and stood up. She felt a bit embarrassed but kept her emotions under control.

"So, what happens now?" Natasha asked.

"Now? Now, you will give me the location of Red Room's main base," Tony said as he sat on the couch and crossed his legs. He took out his phone from his pocket and placed it on the table. He activated the holographic projection mode. Instantly, the world map appeared, hovering over the coffee table. "Please." He motioned his hand towards the map.

----

AN: 2 more chs for Red Room takedown and then find Zola AI.

[Ironman] Ch: 39 [Heated information]

Tony's gaze held Natasha’s as he asked, “What’s stopping you then?”

Natasha’s lips parted slightly, her breath hitching as the serum forced the truth from her. She wanted to fight it, to keep her composure, to maintain the carefully crafted walls she had built over the years. But the drugs had already seeped into her bloodstream, working their way through her defenses like a slow-burning fire.

She clenched her fists, trying to resist, but the words slipped past her lips before she could stop them.

“The Red Room,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tony remained still, his expression unreadable. He had expected something like this, but he wanted to hear it all.

“They sent me,” Natasha continued, her green eyes flickering with something between guilt and defiance. “I was assigned to get close to you, to spy on you. They wanted to know what you were working on. They’re… curious about why you’ve distanced yourself from Stark Industries, why you’ve buried yourself in a lab after MIT instead of taking over the empire your father built.”

Tony swirled his beer bottle absentmindedly, letting her words sink in. “And what did you tell them?”

“I told them you were unpredictable,” she admitted. “That you were working on things that even I couldn’t get full access to. That whatever you were building, it was locked away behind layers of security I couldn’t crack.” She exhaled, frustrated with herself. “But I was getting closer.”

“Were you?” Tony smirked, tilting his head. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you fell for your own game.”

Natasha didn’t answer. She couldn’t. The warmth of his touch, the heat lingering on her lips—it was messing with her focus. She had always prided herself on being the one in control, but right now, under his knowing gaze, she felt exposed in a way she hadn’t in years.

“And what exactly does the Red Room want with my research?” Tony pressed.

Natasha hesitated again, but the serum wouldn't let her hold back. “They think you’re building something new. Something dangerous. Something even more advanced than your father’s weapons.”

Tony hummed, taking another sip of his beer. “Interesting theory. And what do you think?”

“I think…” She met his gaze. “I think you’re hiding something. Something big. But I don’t know what it is.”

Tony smirked. “And yet, you kissed me anyway. You sure this was all just part of the job?”

Natasha opened her mouth to respond, but Tony leaned in slightly, cutting her off with his next question.

“Tell me, Natasha… did you kill Madame Hydra?”

A flicker of surprise crossed her face. A rare, genuine crack in her usual mask. “What?”

“Viper,” Tony clarified, watching her reaction closely. “Did you kill her?”

Natasha’s breath hitched, her pupils dilating slightly. Then, after a pause, she nodded. “Yes.”

Tony didn’t look surprised. “And what did you do with her eyes?”

Natasha’s brows furrowed. “Her eyes?”

“You heard me.”

She hesitated again, but the truth serum wouldn’t let her lie. “I didn’t keep them. The Red Room took them.”

Tony’s fingers drummed lightly against his bottle. “Why?”

Natasha swallowed hard. “Because they found out something. Something about those eyes.”

Tony leaned forward. “What do they open?”

Her breathing was shallow now. The truth serum was forcing the words from her lips, even as her instincts screamed at her to stop talking.

“There’s… an underwater Hydra base. The Red Room discovered it by accident, but they don’t know what’s inside.”

Tony’s expression darkened slightly. “And Viper’s eyes are the key.”

Natasha nodded. “Yes.”

Tony sat back, processing this. Hydra, an underwater base, and Viper’s eyes being some kind of access key? That wasn’t just a coincidence. Something bigger was at play here. He thought that Zola AI must be there in that base or the original formula of the SSS. 

And Natasha, whether she had intended to or not, had just given him the key to unraveling it.

He looked at her, smirking. “You really should’ve used a stronger dose.”

Natasha exhaled sharply, glaring at him. “Bastard.” She began to feel hot and was blushing. Well, it would seem Tony also pushed the aphrodisiac into her body along with the truth serum. His touch made a jolt run through her body.

Tony only chuckled. “Oh, Romanoff. You should know by now... I always play to win.”

Natasha’s breath was coming faster now, her chest rising and falling as heat curled through her body like a slow-burning fire. She pressed her thighs together, trying to ignore the way her skin tingled under Tony’s touch, how every nerve in her body was suddenly hypersensitive.

'This shouldn’t be happening,' she thought, clenching her fists. Her body was enhanced, trained, experimented on, and conditioned to resist poisons, toxins, and drugs of all kinds. Truth serums, sedatives, aphrodisiacs... none of it should have affected her. And yet… her mind was clouded, her thoughts slow and unfocused, every inch of her aching for something she shouldn’t want.

She should be questioning this. She should be fighting it.

Instead, she leaned in and kissed him.

Tony didn’t hesitate. He met her halfway, his lips crashing against hers, tasting the heat and desperation in her kiss. His fingers slid into her hair, gripping just tight enough to make her shudder as he pulled her even closer. Natasha pressed against him, her hands roaming over his chest, tracing the strong lines of muscle beneath his shirt.

The fire inside her only burned hotter.

Between kisses, she barely managed to whisper, “Tony… we have a problem.”

He hummed against her lips. “You don’t say.”

“No. Listen.” She pulled back slightly, her breath shaky, eyes glazed over with a mix of desire and urgency. “By now, the Red Room has heard everything. They’re on their way.”

Tony exhaled slowly, brushing his thumb along her jaw. “Romanoff,” he murmured, “do you really think I didn’t plan for that?”

She blinked, her hazy mind struggling to keep up. “What?”

Tony smirked, his grip on her tightening just slightly. “Right now, the Red Room is only seeing and hearing what I want them to see and hear.”

Her eyes widened, realization dawning through the fog of desire clouding her thoughts. “You… You tampered with my comms.”

“Of course I did,” he said smoothly. “You didn’t really think I’d walk into your game without playing my own, did you?”

Natasha exhaled sharply, her body still burning, but her mind starting to catch up. The bastard had flipped the game on her. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to kill him or kiss him again.

He chuckled at her expression. “Don’t think too much, Nat. Just enjoy the moment.”

She should be furious. But all she could do was pull him back in for another kiss.

Natasha didn’t hesitate. She pushed Tony down onto the sofa, straddling him with ease, her legs on either side of his hips. Her hands gripped his shirt as she kissed him harder this time... raw, desperate, as if she were trying to consume him. Tony responded in kind, his hands roaming over her waist, pressing her closer against him. The heat between them was unbearable, like an electric current crackling in the air.

Between kisses, his voice came out in a teasing murmur. “What if I help you?”

Natasha barely registered his words at first, too lost in the sensation of his hands, his lips, the fire burning beneath her skin. “Help me?” she breathed against his mouth, her body pressing into him.

Tony smirked, tilting his head back slightly as he looked up at her. “What if I give you what you want?” His hands slid up her back, tracing slow, lazy circles. “What if I undo the damage? What if I fix what the Red Room took from you?”

Natasha froze.

Her breath caught in her throat, her body suddenly still atop his. For a moment, she just stared at him, searching his face. "That’s impossible," she said, her voice quieter now, but laced with something fragile.

Tony’s fingers traced a slow line down her spine. “Impossible for most people,” he admitted. “But I’m not most people.”

Natasha swallowed, her heartbeat hammering against her ribs. “The damage was done on a cellular level, Tony. My body was altered, my DNA changed. The Red Room’s serum didn’t just make me stronger—it made me sterile. There’s no cure for that.”

Tony’s gaze never wavered. “What if I told you I could change that?”

Natasha wanted to scoff, to call him out for giving her false hope, but something in his eyes stopped her. He wasn’t joking. He wasn’t messing with her.

He was serious.

Her fingers curled against his chest. “…You’re saying you can undo what they did to me?”

“I’m saying I will,” Tony corrected. His voice was steady, unwavering, filled with the kind of confidence that made people believe the impossible. His hands rested on her waist, grounding her. “All you have to do is trust me. I can rewrite the damage. I can fix it.” His voice dropped lower, softer. “I will give you what you want, Natasha.”

Her throat tightened, her emotions warring inside her. She wanted to believe him. God, she wanted to believe him so badly it hurt. But hope was dangerous. Hope had never been kind to her.

She shook her head. “Even if you could… The Red Room would never let me go.”

Tony leaned up slightly, brushing a kiss against the corner of her lips. “Then what if I add a little side bonus?”

Natasha swallowed hard. “What?”

His hands tightened on her hips, his voice a low, steady promise.

“Freedom.”

[Ironman] Ch: 38 [Natasha's dream]

Wednesday Evening – Natasha’s Apartment, Malibu

Tony pulled up outside a modest apartment complex. He looked at the address again, smirking to himself. This was his first time visiting Natasha’s place, and from the looks of it, she lived in a surprisingly low-profile spot. Smart. It fit her cover perfectly.

Stepping out of his sleek Audi R8, he adjusted his jacket and walked toward the entrance, hands in his pockets. The building was simple, clean, and well-maintained, but nothing flashy. Definitely not what you'd expect from a world-class spy. But that was the point, wasn't it?

He reached her door and rang the bell twice.

A moment later, Natasha opened it, leaning casually against the frame. She wore a loose off-shoulder sweater and fitted black leggings—effortlessly alluring, but casual enough to seem unintentional. She smiled, tilting her head slightly.

"Right on time. Color me impressed," she said.

Tony smirked. "Punctuality is my middle name."

"I thought it was ‘Trouble’," she teased, stepping aside to let him in.

Tony glanced around as he entered. The apartment was small but well-decorated... minimalistic yet warm. A few books were stacked on a corner table, a simple gray couch, and a kitchen that looked barely used. No personal photos, no real sign of attachment. It was a temporary home, just like she was a temporary employee in his restaurant.

"You know," he said, looking around, "I expected more… flair. Maybe a punching bag in the corner. Some throwing knives hidden in the furniture."

Natasha smirked. "You checked under the couch already?"

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Should I?"

She chuckled and walked toward the kitchen. "Drink?"

"That depends. Are you actually offering, or is this a trick question?"

"Relax, Boss," she said over her shoulder. "No poison. Just beer." She grabbed two cold bottles from the fridge, popping the caps effortlessly before handing him one.

Tony took it, eyeing her playfully. "No wine? No fancy vodka?"

"Not tonight." She clinked her bottle against his. "To a peaceful dinner."

Tony smirked. "We both know it won’t be peaceful."

They each took a sip. What Tony didn’t know, or at least what Natasha thought he didn’t know, was that she had laced his beer with a carefully measured cocktail: a mild truth serum and a subtle aphrodisiac. Nothing too obvious. Just enough to lower his guard, loosen his tongue, and… increase certain impulses. 

She had played this game before, but never against Tony Stark.

He was her target, her mission. He wasted enough of her time. And she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away.

Tony, on the other hand, already knew.

His nanites had detected the tampering before he even took a sip, but he played along. The drugs won't even affect him at all and he had expected Natasha to try something like this. After all, their entire dynamic had been built on layers of deception. But tonight, he planned to end their little cat-and-mouse game.

"So," Natasha said, settling onto the couch, curling her legs beneath her. "You’ve been busy lately."

Tony took another sip, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, you know me. Always something to build, something to fix."

"Mm. And that something wouldn’t happen to involve certain… experiments, would it?" She ran a finger along the rim of her bottle, watching him closely.

Tony chuckled. "Oh, Nat, if you wanted to know what I was working on, you could’ve just asked."

"And you’d tell me?"

"Depends. What's in it for me?" He smirked.

She smiled, shifting closer, her green eyes meeting his with playful challenge. "Well, that depends on what you want, doesn't it?"

Tony swirled the beer bottle in his hand, his smirk deepening. “Dangerous question, Romanoff. What if I say something you’re not ready for?”

Natasha leaned in slightly, tilting her head with a smirk of her own. “Try me.”

Oh, he was tempted. But he wasn’t going to let her control the pace of this game. He glanced down at his beer, pretending to be lost in thought. “Well,” he said, taking another slow sip, “I suppose I could use some motivation. Something worth spilling my darkest secrets over.”

Natasha arched an eyebrow, playing along. “Like what?”

Tony exhaled, setting the bottle down on the table between them. Then, he leaned forward, closing the space between them just enough to make her pulse quicken. “A kiss. From you. Right here, right now. And then you can ask me any one question you want, and I'll answer honestly. No tricks, no games."

'The drugs are working,' Natasha tilted her head, giving him a look of amused disbelief. "Really? You want me to kiss you?"

"You offered," he replied, looking at her expectantly.

"I did." Natasha looked into his eyes, studying his face with a small smile.

His expression was playful, confident, yet soft. It was an unusual mix—one that made her pulse race. 'How does he do that?' she thought, unable to look away. 'Is it the serum?' She bit her lip, her gaze falling to his mouth.

She felt his breath against her skin, his lips barely grazing hers, teasing her, tempting her. She closed her eyes, leaning in slightly.

For a moment, nothing happened. Tony remained perfectly still, his eyes fixed on her. And then, she pressed her lips against his, gently at first, and then more forcefully as the tension broke. Her kiss was soft but passionate, and Tony felt his desire stirring inside him, begging him to take her in his arms and make her his.

But he held back. Instead, he pushed his nanites out, letting them spread across Natasha's lips and enter her body through her pores. He sent the microscopic robots through her mouth, into her bloodstream, spreading throughout her system. Now, there was nowhere she could hide from him.

Tony knew she would try to use some kind of drug to get him to talk. It was her modus operandi, and he had expected it. But he hadn’t counted on this kind of reaction.

As their lips parted, Natasha couldn't help but let out a quiet gasp, her eyes fluttering open. She looked at him with an expression of surprise and desire that made his heart beat faster.

"Why are you so good at kissing?" She couldn't help but blurt out.

Tony smirked. "Good? You are my first kiss."

Natasha chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, that's not possible. No way I'm your first."

"It's true," Tony said, smiling. "You're the first woman I've ever kissed."

Natasha looked at him with wide eyes. "How is that even possible? You're, like, a billionaire! Women must be throwing themselves at you every day."

"I have more important things to focus on," he replied. "Besides, I never really saw the point in all that nonsense. You know, the whole hookup culture thing."

"Yeah, right. You are just cooped up in that lab of yours. I'm pretty sure if you get out more often then you would find plenty of willing women." Natasha replied.

Tony shrugged. "Is that so? Is the woman before me saying she's willing?"

Natasha smiled. "That depends on what you're asking."

Tony leaned forward, placing his hand on her cheek. He traced a finger along her jaw, bringing his lips close to hers. "I want you, Natasha."

Her breath caught in her throat as his words sent a shiver down her spine. She placed her hands on his chest, feeling the strong muscles beneath his shirt. Her mind was racing, but she forced herself to calm down. 'Get a hold of yourself, Romanoff,' she thought. 'This is what he wants. He's trying to throw you off balance. He's good. Even with that dosage, he's holding on pretty good.'

"Only if you tell me what you do? You can't expect a lady to go out with a man without knowing a little about him." she purred, brushing her lips against his.

Tony's hand slid behind her head, pulling her closer. His other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her body flush against his. He could feel the warmth of her skin through her sweater as his fingers trailed up her back.

"Tell me, Natasha, what is the one thing you want? The one thing you wish to have but can't? The one thing that makes your heart ache when you think about it?"

Natasha hesitated, her eyes searching his. She knew she shouldn't answer, but she couldn't help herself. "To be free."

"There's something more. I can see it in your eyes. You want to be free, but there's something else. Something you want even more than freedom. Something that keeps you awake at night and makes your heart ache when you think about it." Tony said as he continued to caress her face.

Natasha's breath hitched in her throat, her lips parting slightly as she gazed into his eyes. She couldn't look away from him, and she knew he was right. There was something else. Something she had wanted for so long but never thought she could have. The experiments, training, and harsh discipline she endured in the Red Room flashed before her eyes. The constant drugs and experiments, the cold, sterile lab, and the painful needles piercing her skin, making her body burn with pain and fever. She remembered the nights spent curled up on the floor of her cell, shivering and alone. She remembered the fear and helplessness.

She remembered the darkness that swallowed her up and never let go.

She remembered it all. She remembered everything.

She remembered she could never become a mother after she went through the Red Room's SSS program.

"I want to become a mother... Have a life filled with freedom, laughter, and love. I want to touch those little hands, feel them curl around my finger, hold them close to me..." she breathed out, unable to stop herself. Her voice was barely a whisper as she confessed her deepest desire. 'What's going on? I... I can't lie...?!'

Well, when Tony pushed the nanites into her body, he made sure to send the extracted truth serum into her body. Now, all she could do was tell him the truth.

"What's stopping you then?" He asked.

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 80 [A glimpse of DC]

The interdimensional gate thrummed with raw energy, its circular frame crackling with arcs of blue and white light as the stabilizers locked into place. The entire lab vibrated with power, monitors flashing lines of data faster than the human eye could track.

Bruce stood at the main console, fingers flying across the holographic interface as he set the coordinates. His brow furrowed in concentration.

Sue crossed her arms, watching over his shoulder. "Are you sure about this? We’ve never tested the gate on a living subject, let alone across universes."

Bruce smirked. "That’s why I’m not going first."

With a few more taps, he activated a secondary terminal. A compartment on the far side of the lab hissed open, revealing an Iron Man suit. This wasn’t one of Tony’s older, bulkier models. It was a solid built, designed purely for reconnaissance, carrying no weapons—just sensors, comms, and a reinforced frame for durability. Perfect for dimensional travels.

Bruce pulled up the telemetry feed on one of the larger monitors as the suit booted up. The HUD flickered to life. The live footage was being displayed on the screen. He did a little adjustment, making sure everything was fine and then it was time.

"Alright," Sue said as she walked out of the containment room and walked toward the main console. "I'm ready." Her hand was over the big red button.

Bruce also went out of the containment room and nodded at her. "Alright," he took a deep breath. "Go for it."

Sue pushed the button. A bright flash filled the lab followed by a loud bang, sending Sue and Bruce stumbling back a bit. When they looked up at the gate, the armor was already gone and the gate was stable.

"Do you think it worked?" She asked, looking at the screen. It was all hazy and statics.

"No idea. Give it some time. It's crossing to a completely new verse, so who knows how much time it will take."

Both of them sat down at their seats, waiting.

...

[Ten Years Later – Gotham and Beyond]

Wayne Enterprises

The skyline of Gotham had changed in the past decade, but one constant remained—the towering monolith of Wayne Enterprises. Once the brainchild of Thomas Wayne and the legacy of Bruce Wayne, the company had flourished beyond expectations under its current CEO: Pamela Isley.

Pamela had proven to be an unconventional yet exceptional leader. With her unmatched intellect in bioengineering, she had shifted Wayne Enterprises toward a greener future. Under her guidance, the company pioneered self-sustaining infrastructure, biodegradable technology, and clean energy sources that powered not just Gotham but cities worldwide. It wasn't as perfect as the Arc Reactor, but closer enought to stop unnecessary pollution.

Yet, for all her success, Pamela never stopped hoping. Hoping that Bruce, her love, would return.

Every now and then, she found herself looking at the massive portrait of Bruce Wayne in the CEO’s office... His piercing blue eyes seemed to silently judge her, asking the same question she asked herself every day:

“Are you keeping them safe?”

And she was.

Sometimes at night, she would cry herself to sleep, her mind playing back that fateful day, the day when Bruce sacrificed himself. She wondered if she was there with him, if she could have changed the outcome. But those were just thoughts. They wouldn’t bring him back. She knew he would want her to keep moving forward. He always wanted her to keep moving forward.

In the end, it was the sound of thunder that shook her from her reverie.

A storm had blown in suddenly, sending rain lashing against the windows of the room.

Pamela just lay there on her bed looking at the sky...

...

[League of Assassins]

Talia al Ghul took over the leadership. She kept the rules Bruce made. No longer did they strike from the shadows to create chaos; instead, they maintained peace in the shadows. It was Bruce’s vision—one that Talia had once mocked, yet now honored.

She had changed. The day Bruce vanished, something inside her broke... and rebuilt itself. She had carried more than just his ideals... she had carried his child.

Damian Wayne.

The boy had been raised away from the league's shadows. Talia knew that Bruce wouldn't want their child to become an assassin and put himself out there in danger. Instead, she raised him in Gotham... with Martha and Thomas Wayne. However, she trained him everyday for two hours to make sure he could handle himself in trouble.

Damien learned what his father would have wanted—for strength to be used for justice, not vengeance. But when it comes to evil who threatens the innocent, Damien was taught to be ruthless. Although he was just ten years old, Damian was already skilled enough to fight men twice his age.

Talia had never truly loved anyone the way she had loved Bruce. And now, every time she looked at their son, she saw his father’s eyes staring back at her.

“He’ll return one day, Mother,” Damian would often say with certainty.

"Of course he will. He never broke a promise," she always replied.

She knew he would keep his promise.

...

[Themyscira]

The throne of Themyscira had been offered to Diana, but she had refused. The Amazons needed a queen, but the world needed a warrior. Instead, she had taken another title:

Leader of the Justice League.

Her mother, Queen Hippolyta, had been disappointed but understood. Diana’s heart had always belonged to the world of men. And more importantly, to a man she had lost.

She had lost Bruce.

But he had left something behind.

Their daughter, Elissa Wayne, was the strongest link between their two worlds—an Amazon princess with the intellect of her father and the compassion of her mother. She was raised in the Wayne Manor alongside Damien. And Damien, being the big brother, always kept a watchful eye on her and even covered for her pranks and stunts.

"Did you shave off Grandpa's mustache when he was snoring on the balcony last night? I told you not to do that. He's gonna be mad," Damien crossed his arms over his chest.

"Come on! You saw how ridiculous he looked with that bushy mustache. It's like he's trying to be a supervillain or something," Elissa rolled her eyes. "Like that guy from Sonic... Eggman!"

"Haaa..." Damien sighed, "You can't go around and shave people's mustaches when they're sleeping. Grandpa's angry. And no chocolate for you for an entire month. That's what he said. And he even banned Aunt Maggie from smuggling in those chocolate cakes in your room."

"But it was for his own good," Elissa pouted. "And why don't you help me instead?"

"And get my butt whooped by grandma? No way."

Elissa took out her limited edition Pokemon card and held it before Damien and he snatched it like a snake and held it to his eye level.

"It's yours if you help me. Come on!"

"Deal!"

Diana watched the scene on her surveillance pad and just smiled. She was glad that they were getting along and Damien covering for his sister. She swiped the screen and opened a picture of Bruce that she took when he was sleeping. She brushed her fingers gently across his face. She missed him every day and prayed to her gods for his safe return.

...

Two years after Bruce's disappearance, Aquawoman had officially joined the League. The peace between the Amazons, Atlanteans, and humanity remained strong, built on a foundation Bruce had helped reinforce before his vanishing act.

Yet not all had handled his absence well.

Kara Zor-L, known to the world as Power Girl, had changed.

She had been there that day. She had seen the space crack consume Bruce, Harley, and Selina. She had heard his last words—words that haunted her every waking moment:

"Sorry, I leave the Earth in your hands. And look after my family, will ya? Also, thank you for everything... Don't worry, I'll be back."

She wanted to believe him. But ten years had passed, and there was still no sign of him.

So she had stopped waiting.

Power Girl had become ruthless. Villains no longer got second chances. She still fought for justice, but there was no longer any hesitation in her methods. The Clark Kent way of handling things? Too slow. Too merciful.

Kara knew better now.

If Bruce had been stronger, if she had been stronger, he wouldn't have been taken that day.

And so, she made sure no one else would ever be taken.

...

[Mars]

Skyler and the other Kryptonians patrolled the solar system and they fought off a couple of aliens. They managed to drive them out of the system. Under her rule and unique ways of training, the Kryptonians became a force to be reckoned with, and well... Despite their superior numbers, no one dared to raise their voice against her methods. She did not tolerate disobedience.

They built new bases on Mars and on the Moon.

...

[Present time]

Skylar's lighting crackled around her fingers. She could sense a familiar feeling. It was very faint but it was there... "Took him long enough."

[Ironman] Ch: 37 [There's always more room for upgrades]

After eating, Tony took a nap. He was tired.

A few hours later...

He woke up after a nice nap.

Tony stood in front of the mirror, rolling his shoulders and flexing his fingers as he studied his reflection. At first glance, he looked the same. But he felt different. He was stronger, faster, and more attuned to every fiber of his being. The nanites had done more than just integrate; they had become him.

A smirk tugged at his lips. "I really am a genius."

But there was no time to marvel at his own brilliance. Testing was next.

“Alright, Hermes, Legion,” he called out, stepping toward the center of his lab. “Diagnostics check. I want a full analysis of my biometrics, reaction time, and energy consumption.”

“Running diagnostics,” Hermes responded smoothly.

Tony exhaled, his muscles already buzzing with energy. He needed a real test, something to push the limits. And he had just the thing in mind.

“Activate the training protocol.”

He went to the training room.

“Alright, boys. Let’s see what I can do.”

Without warning, a barrage of rubber-tipped projectiles shot toward him from multiple angles. His instincts kicked in, and before his brain could consciously react, his body moved. He dodged to the left, then twisted, narrowly avoiding another volley. His perception of time felt different... It was much slower and more controlled.

'Wow! That felt good.'

“Reaction speed increased by 34%,” Hermes noted. “Neural transmission rates are exceeding baseline human limitations.”

Tony grinned as he effortlessly sidestepped another projectile. He hadn’t even activated his suit yet.

“Alright, let’s crank it up,” he muttered. “Give me something real.”

“Commencing Phase Two.”

The walls shifted, revealing a set of reinforced training bots. Each one is capable of mimicking real-world enemy attack patterns.

Tony cracked his knuckles. “Come on, big boys. Let’s dance.”

The first bot lunged at him. Instinctively, Tony dodged and countered with a sharp jab. The impact sent the bot flying into the wall, leaving a dent in the reinforced plating.

He blinked. “Whoa.”

“Muscle density has increased by 27%,” Hermes reported. “Nanite-assisted motion control active.”

The second bot swung at him, and this time, Tony didn’t bother dodging. He caught its fist mid-air, feeling the force reverberate through his arm. With a simple twist, he ripped the bot’s arm clean off and tossed it aside.

He whistled. “Okay, that’s new.”

But his moment of admiration was cut short as three more bots charged him at once.

Tony moved purely on instinct.

One bot swung for his head—he ducked, pivoted, and delivered a vicious knee strike to its midsection, sending it crumpling to the floor. Another bot tried to grab him, but before it could, Tony’s palm snapped out, shoving it back with enough force to shatter its chest plate.

The last bot attempted to flank him, but something new kicked in. His vision momentarily overlaid a predictive trajectory... a faint red arc showing where the attack would land. Without hesitation, he sidestepped and delivered a pinpoint strike to the bot’s head, dismantling it in one hit.

“Adaptive combat processing detected,” Hermes confirmed. “You are subconsciously analyzing attack patterns and adjusting response efficiency in real-time.”

Tony grinned as the last bot fell to the floor in pieces. He barely felt winded.

He stood there for a moment, letting it sink in.

“I just wiped out an entire squad of combat bots… without the suit,” he murmured. 'With the bio-nanites, I should be immune to toxins, diseases, and drugs. And I should be able to dodge more or less every assassination attempt on my life in the future. Well... Gotta get more vibranium..."

But as exhilarating as it was, that thought came with a new weight. If he had this power, how long before someone tried to take it from him? Or worse—weaponize it?

His smirk faded. “Alright, that’s enough for today.”

“Ending simulation,” Hermes responded.

The room powered down, and Tony exhaled. His heart was still steady. His body felt alive.

But there was one last thing he needed to test.

Tony took a steady breath, focusing inward. It was time to push the limits even further.

He willed it to happen.

Instantly, the nanites in his bloodstream responded. A subtle tingle crawled over his skin as microscopic machines surged outward, flowing like liquid metal. They coalesced along his arms, his chest, his legs... until his entire body was encased in black and gold armor. The transformation was seamless, the transition instantaneous. No assembly, no delay... just pure, living technology forming around him like a second skin.

“Whoa.” He flexed his fingers, watching the plating shift and adapt to his movements. The suit wasn’t just an extension of him. It was him. It moved when he thought, and responded before he even finished a command. No mechanical whirrs, no clunky locking systems. It was just pure, fluid motion.

“Suit integrity at 100%,” Hermes chimed in. “Nanite dispersion is stable. Energy output within safe limits.”

Tony rolled his shoulders, feeling power course through his every fiber. With a thought, he activated the repulsors. Energy flared to life in his palms, humming smoothly. He raised one hand, palm out, and fired a short burst at the nearest training wall.

The blast erupted with ten times the force he expected, the impact leaving a molten, smoldering crater.

Tony blinked. “Okay. That’s new.”

“Repulsor output has increased by 243%,” Hermes noted.

Tony grinned. “Wow! Dial it down a bit. Set 100 as default."

"Affirmative." The AI replied.

'Engage flight,' The moment he thought it, the nanites shifted. Energy coursed through his legs and back, and in a smooth, effortless motion, he launched into the air.

The lab blurred around him as he hovered, stabilizing with an ease that felt… almost instinctual.

“Flight control is 89% more efficient than previous iterations,” Hermes informed. “Your reaction time is compensating for turbulence before it even registers.”

Tony smirked. “Let’s crank it up.”

He rocketed forward, weaving through the lab with impossible precision. There was no lag, no overcorrection—just pure, perfect motion. It was like his body already knew what to do.

"Ah! It's already night?! Haaa... Gotta keep an eye on time. Elena, take care of the surveillance... I'm gonna take a spin around..."

"Have a safe journey, boss," Elena replied.

Tony spun midair, twisted, then shot straight up through the ceiling hatch, bursting into the night sky. The night air rushed past him as he ascended, the city sprawling beneath him like a sea of twinkling lights. He took a deep breath, letting the moment sink in. The nanites adjusted to the altitude seamlessly, regulating his oxygen intake, compensating for air pressure. Every part of his body felt alive, enhanced beyond human limitations.

“Alright, let’s see just how fast I can go,” Tony muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips.

He angled his body slightly forward and thought, 'Full acceleration.'

The response was instant. Energy surged through his suit, and in a blur, he rocketed forward. The cityscape became a streak of neon and motion as he tore through the sky, breaking the sound barrier with a muted boom that barely left a ripple in his wake. His AI was already adjusting for wind resistance, minimizing turbulence, and keeping his trajectory smooth.

“Mach 2.5 and climbing,” Hermes reported. “Systems operating at peak efficiency.”

Tony let out a whistle. “Damn. I might just be the fastest thing in the air.”

He wove effortlessly through the skyscrapers, feeling more like a force of nature than a man in a suit. This was different. This wasn’t him piloting an exosuit; this was his body, his reflexes, his mind seamlessly integrated with the nanites.

After taking a spin around...

Tony grinned as he soared over the ocean, the city lights fading behind him. The rush of speed was intoxicating, but he needed to test more than just flight.

"Alright, Hermes," he said, eyes locking onto the vast expanse of dark water ahead. "Time to see how this baby handles underwater."

"Adjusting nanite configuration for aquatic mobility," Hermes responded. "Hydrodynamic resistance calibration in progress."

Tony angled downward, shifting his body into a dive position. The moment he hit the water, there was no violent impact, no sudden loss of control. The nanites adjusted instantly, dispersing the force of entry and allowing him to cut through the ocean like a torpedo.

"Alright, that’s smooth," Tony muttered as he streamlined his form. The HUD adjusted, filtering out the darkness with thermal imaging and sonar overlays. The suit moved seamlessly, adapting to the new environment without lag.

"Buoyancy stabilization active," Hermes informed. "Current speed: 75 knots and climbing."

Tony propelled himself forward with a mere thought, and the suit responded instantly.

"Hydrodynamic efficiency has increased by 312% compared to the Mark 50 suit," Hermes noted. "Estimated max velocity: Mach 1.2 underwater."

He whistled. "Mach speed in water? Now that's something." He tested maneuverability next, twisting and spiraling upward, executing tight turns that would have strained even his previous suit designs. The nanites responded flawlessly, adjusting instantly to the shifting currents. "Alright, Hermes, let's see how the repulsors work down here."

He raised his palm and fired a low-energy blast. The result was a focused, superheated burst of plasma that vaporized the surrounding water, creating a pressurized shockwave that displaced everything within a ten-meter radius.

"Holy—!" Tony barely had time to react as the force sent him backward slightly.

"Repulsor efficiency underwater at 167% of baseline projections," Hermes stated. "Compensating for pressure resistance."

Tony grinned. "Good. Let’s up the ante."

He activated his unibeam, but instead of the usual wide dispersal, the nanites automatically reshaped the output, creating a narrow, high-intensity energy lance. The blast carved through the ocean like a laser, creating a tunnel of superheated vapor before the water rushed back in.

"Damn," Tony muttered. His eyes went toward the oxygen level. "Well, time to get out of here. I can think of a way or two more to improve it further.'

---

Next ch: A spy game with Natasha

Batman x Ironman POLL

Should I do the Merge DC with Marvel and wrap up the main story and at the end, a tournament between Justice League vs New Avengers?

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 79 [Interdimensional gate & Old flame]

The lab at Stark Tower hummed with energy, a symphony of beeping monitors, flickering holograms, and the occasional spark of live wires. At the center of it all stood Bruce. His sleeves were rolled up, his eyes narrowed in focus as he adjusted the power calibrations on the interdimensional gate's energy matrix.

Opposite him, with arms crossed and an equally focused gaze, was Susan Storm.

"You're overcompensating," she noted, her voice cutting through the low hum of machinery.

Bruce smirked, tapping a few commands into the interface. "You wound me, Sue. My calculations are always perfect."

Sue arched a brow. "Then why is your quantum stabilizer output fluctuating by 0.2% every five minutes?"

Bruce's fingers stilled over the keyboard. He turned, meeting her gaze, and for a moment, the years melted away. There was a time, long ago, when their interactions had been less about physics and more about... something neither of them had been brave enough to name.

She tilted her head, an amused glint in her blue eyes. "Speechless? That's a first."

Bruce took a deep breath, a shadow of a smirk returning. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"A little," She shrugged. "Now, are you going to admit I'm right, or do I have to fix it myself?"

Bruce gestured toward the control panel. "By all means, be my guest. But if you blow up the tower, I'm putting that on your tab."

Sue rolled her eyes but stepped forward, fingers deftly working through the calculations. As she did, Bruce found himself watching her—not just in the way a scientist observes his peer, but in the way a man watches a woman who had once meant more to him than he'd ever admitted.

The past resurfaced like a whisper in his mind. One-night stands, stolen moments, laughter between sheets of tangled silk. It had never been serious. Or at least, that's what they had told themselves.

Until it was.

Until Tony Stark decided to settle down with Pepper, leaving that part of his life behind.

But he wasn't Tony anymore.

And maybe—just maybe—Sue had never truly let go, either.

The holographic interface flickered as Sue finalized the stabilizer adjustments, her fingers moving with practiced precision. Bruce, arms crossed, watched with a smirk—not just at her skills, but at the way she carried herself. Confident. Controlled. Just like he remembered.

The machine let out a soft beep, indicating the stabilization matrix had successfully locked in. Sue leaned back, brushing a few strands of blonde hair from her face as she turned to Bruce.

"Fixed it," she announced, crossing her arms.

Bruce exhaled dramatically, feigning reluctance. "Fine, I'll admit it. You were right."

Sue smirked. "Damn right, I was."

She patted the machine and turned toward him. Their eyes met—just for a second, but it was long enough. Long enough for Bruce to remember how those same blue eyes used to look at him in the quiet moments. Long enough for Sue to remember the warmth of his touch, the way his voice had once whispered things that made her forget everything else.

It was dangerous, this kind of nostalgia.

And yet, neither of them looked away.

Bruce cleared his throat, forcing himself to break the silence. "How about a break? Before we fry our brains?"

Sue glanced at the console, ensuring everything was stable, then nodded. "You read my mind."

A few minutes later, they were in one of the private lounges in Stark Tower. The room was dimly lit, designed more for relaxation than work. A massive screen stretched across the far wall, and a selection of old movies was available on the system.

Bruce sat on the couch, rolling his sleeves back down. Sue sat beside him, stretching her arms over her head.

"So," she said, scrolling through the movie selections. "Action? Sci-fi? Please don't say horror. I don't need an excuse for you to pretend to be all protective."

Bruce smirked. "You think I'd pull that move?"

Sue shot him a knowing look.

"Okay, fair," he admitted. "But in my defense, it worked last time."

Sue scoffed but didn't deny it. "Fine. You pick."

Bruce selected an old classic—Casablanca.

Sue blinked. "Really?"

Bruce shrugged. "It's a good movie."

She gave him a look but let it slide. The film started, the black-and-white visuals casting a soft glow in the room. They watched in silence for a while, the atmosphere settling into something almost comfortable.

Almost.

Because every now and then, Bruce would catch Sue glancing at him. And every now and then, he'd find himself remembering the way her hand used to rest against his chest when she was half-asleep.

At one point, their hands brushed as they reached for the popcorn at the same time. Neither of them pulled away immediately.

Bruce felt the warmth of her skin against his own, a stark contrast to the cold calculations they'd been buried in for months.

Sue glanced at him. "This feels weird, doesn't it?"

Bruce smirked, but there was something softer in his eyes. "Yeah."

She didn't move her hand. Neither did he.

But eventually, the movie ended, and reality settled in again.

"Alright," Sue said, stretching as she stood. "Break's over. Back to work, Stark."

Bruce chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

[1 month later]

The lab was alive with energy—literally. The interdimensional gate was finally stabilized, and the energy output reading was perfectly balanced. It had taken months of work, but the moment had finally arrived.

Sue let out a breath of disbelief. "We did it," she muttered, eyes scanning the readings. "Holy shit, we actually did it."

Bruce ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head with a smirk. "Told you my calculations were perfect."

Sue rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

Then, without thinking, without hesitation, she turned, grabbed him by the collar, and kissed him.

It wasn't a soft kiss. It was fierce, a collision of months of tension, of unsaid words, of old feelings clawing their way back to the surface. Bruce responded instantly, his hands gripping her waist, pulling her closer.

For a few seconds, it was just them. Just heat. Just want.

Then Sue pulled back.

Her eyes widened as she realized what she'd done.

Bruce's lips parted slightly, breath still heavy from the moment. "Well," he muttered, voice low. "That was unexpected."

Sue stepped back, running a hand through her hair. "I... damn it."

Bruce smirked. "You gonna blame that on quantum mechanics?"

She shot him a glare, but there was no real fire behind it. Just confusion. Just desire she wasn't sure she was ready to face.

"We should... We should get back to work," she muttered and turned around. 

Bruce’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping gently but firmly around Sue’s wrist. She froze, her back still turned to him, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, neither of them moved. The hum of the lab’s machinery filled the silence, a steady reminder of the world outside the bubble they’d just created.

Then, he pulled her back toward him. Sue turned, her blue eyes wide with surprise, but before she could protest, his lips were on hers again. This time, the kiss was slower, more deliberate, as if he was savoring every second of it. His other hand came up to cradle her face, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek.

Sue’s initial resistance melted away almost instantly. Her hands found their way to his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she kissed him back. The tension that had been building between them finally broke, and it felt like coming home.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless. Sue’s cheeks were flushed, and Bruce’s usual composure was nowhere to be found. He rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and rough.

“You can’t just kiss me like that and walk away, Sue,” he murmured. “Not again.”

Sue’s lips curved into a faint, almost rueful smile. “I wasn’t planning on it,” she admitted softly. “But this... complicates things.”

He chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. “Since when have we ever done anything that wasn’t complicated?”

She laughed, a short, breathy sound that made his chest tighten. “Fair point.”

For a moment, they just stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future hanging in the air between them. But for the first time in a long time, it felt like they were on the same page.

Sue tilted her head back to look at him, her expression softening. “What happens now?”

Bruce’s gaze was steady, his dark eyes searching hers. “That’s up to you,” he said quietly. “But for what it’s worth... I’m done pretending I don’t want this. I’m done pretending I don’t want you.”

Sue’s breath hitched, and for a moment, she looked like she might argue. But then she sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she leaned into him. “You always did know how to say the right thing,” she muttered, though there was no real annoyance in her tone.

Bruce smirked, his hand sliding down to rest at the small of her back. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.”

She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips betrayed her. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told,” he replied, his tone light but his eyes serious. “But you’re still here.”

Sue hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah,” she said softly. “I am.”

The moment stretched, the air between them charged with something unspoken but undeniable. Bruce’s hand tightened slightly on her waist, and Sue’s fingers traced idle patterns on his chest, as if she was mapping out the contours of his heart.

Finally, Sue broke the silence. “We should probably... finish stabilizing the gate,” she said, though her voice lacked conviction.

Bruce raised an eyebrow. “Probably,” he agreed, though he made no move to let her go.

Sue laughed, shaking her head. “You’re terrible.”

“And yet, you’re still here,” he repeated, his smirk widening.

She sighed, but there was a spark of amusement in her eyes. “Fine. But after we finish this, you’re buying me dinner. And not just takeout from that place down the street.”

"I'll cook you some..." He kissed her forehead.

[Ironman] Ch: 36 [Merging Man and Machine]

[Back to the facility]

Tony's suit had performed well, but it wasn't perfect. The lack of proper scans through the reinforced walls, the difficulty in breaching the security system, and the minor energy fluctuation after extended usage of stealth and cloth transform mode... These were all things that needed fixing.

As he stepped into his workspace, Hermes, chimed in.

"Welcome back, Boss. Mission outcome: 92% success. However, I detected multiple instances where suit efficiency could be improved."

Tony smirked, deactivating his suit. The nanites retracted back into the arc reactor. "Yeah, yeah. Don't rub it in. I already have a list of things to tweak."

He pulled up a holographic blueprint of the Nanite Suit. The design shimmered in the air, layers of data running across the screen.

"Alright, let's get to work. First up..." He tapped on the scanner module, magnifying its schematics. "...the visor. Those Hydra bastards used some kind of material to block my scans. I need a workaround."

He began running simulations, analyzing what materials could block his current sensor suite. After a few minutes, the results came in.

"Their walls were lined with graphene-composite plating mixed with trace elements of anti-surveillance alloys," Hermes informed.

Tony exhaled, rubbing his chin. "Tsk. That's annoying."

His fingers moved rapidly across the holographic interface, making adjustments.

Upgrade #1: Multi-Phase Scanner

1) Added an alternative scanning mode using low-frequency sonic pulses to map out structures blocked by traditional scans.

2) Integrated infrared particle tracking, allowing him to trace movements through dense materials.

3) Built a quantum resonance filter, capable of detecting signals hidden behind electromagnetic dampeners.

"Scanner upgrade complete. Estimated efficiency increase: 68%," Hermes announced.

Tony grinned. "That should give me an edge next time. Keep running the simulations and amp it up to 80% or above. Then begin the production process."

"Affirmative," Hermes replied.

Next, he focused on the suit's power distribution. While it was already cutting-edge, he needed just a bit more efficiency to ensure sustained combat operations.

Upgrade #2: Amped-Up Energy Grid

1) Increased the energy output by 5% using an advanced nanite-based superconductive weave.

2) Optimized the power routing system, ensuring faster charge redistribution across different modules.

3) Installed a secondary micro-reactor to provide emergency power if primary energy sources were disabled.

"That should stop any nasty surprises," Tony muttered as he finalized the schematics. "Legion, you are up for this one. Run multiple simulations then send the data to Hermes. Hermes, you'll take care of the production process." 

"Affirmative," Both the AIs replied at the same time.

Finally, the biggest challenge was creating a new class of drones designed to handle situations like Hydra's air-gapped, analog-based security systems. Although the old ones are good, he wanted to create something specifically to handle all types of security.

He leaned back in his chair, thinking. 'If I can't hack their systems remotely, I need something that can get inside and do the dirty work for me.'

His hands flew across the holo-display, designing two types of specialized micro-drones:

M.I.T.E (Micro Infiltration & Tactical Espionage) Drones

1) These tiny, spider-like drones could physically bypass analog systems by directly rewiring circuits or manually flipping switches inside locked facilities.

2) Equipped with nano-plasma cutters, capable of silently slicing through mechanical locks and security panels.

3) Could override manual safeties, forcing doors, safes, and vaults open without traditional hacking.

WASP (Wireless Adaptive Surveillance Probes)

1) Designed to attach to fiber-optic cables and manually intercept data streams, bypassing the no-wireless security measures.

2) Could deploy a physical bypass circuit, fooling air-gapped systems into believing they were still operational while feeding false data.

3) Used high-speed neural-link processors to analyze security patterns and predict the next lockdown sequences.

Tony smirked as he completed the designs. "Let's see Hydra block this."

It was past midnight, but sleep was a foreign concept when he was on the verge of something groundbreaking.

His AIs, Hermes and Legion, were running simulations on the M.I.T.E. and WASP drones, ensuring they could operate flawlessly against Hydra's security. But Tony? He was working on something even more ambitious.

'Project: Internal Nanite Integration'

He tapped a sequence into his console, bringing up a detailed anatomical model of his own body, rotating it in midair. Every artery, every vein, every nerve pathway—mapped down to the smallest detail.

"Alright, let's make this work without turning me into a walking tumor," Tony muttered.

This wasn't the Aegis Serum. That project had been about externalized bio-nanites that accelerated healing at a cellular level. But what he wanted now was different. He needed seamless nanite integration into his bloodstream, merging them with his biological functions without causing rejection or catastrophic failure.

It wasn't easy. 

Nanite Rejection: His immune system would immediately treat foreign nanites as invaders and try to destroy them.

Energy Consumption: A constant supply of power would be needed to keep the nanites operational inside his body.

Neurological Syncing: The nanites had to respond instantly to his thoughts without requiring external commands. Toxicity & Clotting: A miscalculation could cause clotting in his bloodstream, leading to a stroke, or worse.

He needed a biocompatible interface—something that would allow the nanites to merge with his body on a fundamental level.

And that's when it hit him.

He placed his hand on his forehead, feeling the subtle warmth of the gem in his skull.

The Infinity Gem had already enhanced his intelligence far beyond human limits, allowing his brain to process information at speeds no normal person could comprehend. If he could use its energy signature to stabilize the nanites, they would function as an extension of himself rather than as foreign objects.

Tony grinned. "Time to break the rules of biology."

'The Formula: Nanite Symbiosis Compound'

Over the next twelve hours, he ran hundreds of calculations, synthesizing potential formulas at the molecular level. His hands worked tirelessly, blending synthetic proteins with quantum nanomaterials, creating an entirely new form of bio-nanite fusion.

Step 1: Adaptive Cellular Integration

He modified the nanites to mimic stem cells, tricking his body into recognizing them as part of his system. This would prevent rejection and allow them to self-repair like natural cells.

Step 2: Quantum Neural Link

Using the Infinity Gem's frequency, he created a neuroelectric interface, allowing the nanites to link directly with his synapses. No external commands. No delays. His thoughts would be the control system.

Step 3: Infinite Power Supply

The nanites wouldn't rely on a conventional power source. Instead, they would draw energy directly from his bioelectrical field, just like mitochondria in his cells. Backup power would come from a quantum capacitor, allowing them to sustain operation indefinitely.

It didn't take long to create it.

The final formula shimmered inside a reinforced vial with a faint golden glow... A liquid-nanite hybrid made out of carbon nanotubes. Tony made sure to take early precautions against mutants like Magneto who can control metal.

Tony smirked, twirling the vial between his fingers. "If this works, I become the next step in human evolution. If it fails… well, let's not think about that."

He placed the Aegis serum on the table before him and had Elena use the humanoid robot. If things go wrong, Elena would inject him with the serum, preventing his death.

"I am ready," Elena said.

"Good luck to me," Tony said with a smirk. He rolled up his sleeve and injected the solution directly into his forearm.

Instantly, he felt it.

A strange warmth spread through his veins, not painful, but intensely aware. He could feel the nanites moving, integrating, adapting. His heart rate spiked for a moment before stabilizing.

The system recalibrated as Tony focused. He closed his eyes, concentrating. Move.

The nanites responded.

For the first time, Tony Stark didn't just control technology—he was technology.

...

Tony’s stomach growled loudly, breaking the silence of the lab. His enhanced metabolism was already kicking in, burning through calories at an alarming rate as his body adapted to the nanites.

"Alright, science can wait. Food first."

He exited the lab and made his way to the kitchen, where he pulled out a leftover steak, mashed potatoes, and garlic bread from the fridge. He barely had the patience to heat it up before digging in, devouring the meal like a starving man.

Between bites, he checked his vitals on his holo-watch. The nanites had fully integrated... No rejection, no clotting, no system failures. Instead, his body was functioning at peak efficiency, absorbing nutrients faster, and breaking down waste more effectively. His muscles felt stronger, his reflexes sharper.

By the time he was finished eating, he felt unstoppable.

[Ironman] Ch: 35 [The Widow’s Shadow]

The facility was in chaos.

Thick steel blast doors had slammed shut, isolating squads of Hydra agents into separate sections. The emergency klaxons wailed, red lights pulsing along the narrow corridors. Some guards frantically checked their radios, barking for status reports, only to receive static. Others held their rifles tight, scanning the dimly lit hallways with growing paranoia.

Tony walked among them, a phantom clad in stolen Hydra gear, visor down, rifle slung over his shoulder. He moved carefully, never rushing, never hesitating—just another faceless soldier obeying the lockdown protocol. 'To think they built something like this out in the open.'

No one questioned him.

And that would be their first mistake.

Two Hydra guards stood by a security checkpoint, muttering under their breath. Their fingers rested near their triggers, nerves taut. The sudden lockdown had rattled them.

Tony approached with measured steps, stopping just short of their line of sight. He examined the environment. A large industrial pipe ran along the ceiling, marked with faded yellow warning labels: HIGH-PRESSURE STEAM. A maintenance panel was bolted near the corner.

He had an idea.

His nanites shifted into a small multi-tool and he unscrewed the bolts silently. One. Two. Three. The last bolt came loose. He placed a small explosive. It would just make a pop sound, but powerful enough to crack the unstable joint. 'Alrighty.'

The moment the panel shifted, the pipe groaned. Steam hissed from the growing crack, building pressure.

Tony took a step back and waited and threw the bolts on the ground near the pipe.

One of the guards noticed.

“Hey, you hear that?” The taller one turned, brow furrowing. He nudged his partner. “Check it out.”

The second guard hesitated, then stepped forward. As soon as he reached the loose panel, Tony activated the explosive.

POP! HISSSSSS—FWWWWOOOSH!

Superheated steam blasted from the fractured pipe, enveloping the guard’s face in a scalding cloud. "ARGGGGG!!!!" A garbled scream tore from his throat, skin blistering instantly. He fell to the floor, squirming like a worm.

"What the fuck?!" His partner recoiled, eyes wide in horror.

Tony was already moving.

He walked behind the second guard and wrapped an arm around his throat, cutting off his scream. The man struggled, kicking wildly, but Tony’s grip was ironclad. He held firm until the man’s body went limp. He then walked to the first one. The guard was still twitching, his face melted beyond recognition, steam still hissing from his ruined skin. well... he died after twitching for a bit.

Two down.

Tony dragged the dead bodies to the room on his right and dumped them inside a big garbage drum. Then he went back and flicked the loose panel back into place, sealing the breach.

No witnesses. No evidence.

...

Further down the corridor, another Hydra operative patrolled alone, checking the secured doors. He had his rifle at the ready but was distracted, grumbling about the sudden lockdown.

Tony stalked him from above.

He moved across a maintenance walkway, silent as a shadow. Every step was calculated. The metal grates beneath him barely made any sound under his weight. He watched the guard’s movements, analyzing his route.

The timing had to be perfect.

As the guard stopped beneath an overhead support beam, Tony activated his invisible mode and flew down behind the guard. Then he reached carefully unclipped the man’s holster. The guard stiffened.

“What the—”

Tony didn’t let him finish. He punched the guard's throat to stop him from making noise. Then he grabbed the guard’s throat and flew up. Tony hovered in the air. The man’s boots scraped against the floor as he was lifted off his feet, hands clawing at Tony's arms, but all his nails scratched was the armor on his hand.

Tony twisted. CRACK.

The neck snapped clean.

Tony took the body and shoved it into a maintenance alcove. The shadows swallowed it whole.

No alarms. No blood. Just another missing agent.

'Time to hunt my next target.'

..

Two more guards were stationed in a narrow corridor, standing near an exposed electrical junction box. They were deep in conversation, oblivious.

Tony crouched near the edge of the hallway, eyes scanning the area. The junction box was old, covered in layers of dust and rust, with thick cables snaking out of it.

A quick scan with his HUD showed high voltage.

Perfect.

Tony unslung his rifle and took aim—not at the guards, but at the ceiling above them. A single suppressed shot rang out, striking a loose ventilation grate.

CLANG!

The guards snapped their heads up.

“The hell was that?”

One stepped forward cautiously. The other reached for his radio.

Tony made his move.

He lunged from the shadows, grabbing the first guard and shoving him violently against the exposed junction box. His body seized as thousands of volts surged through him. His partner barely had time to react before Tony punched his throat, breaking his windpipe, and kicked his knee out, forcing him down.

The he grabbed the second guard’s face and slammed it against the crackling wires. Sparks danced. The smell of burnt flesh filled the air.

'Wow! Roasted meat... Argg! Now, burnt meat.'

Their bodies jerked, then fell still.

Tony stepped back, watching the lights flicker for a brief moment before stabilizing.

Once again, no alarms.

He kept moving.

...

A lone officer hurried through a side passage, likely heading for the command center. Unlike the others, this one had rank—Tony could tell by the insignia on his uniform.

That made him valuable.

Tony moved fast, trailing him through the dim corridors. His nanites shifted and formed a knife. The officer didn’t sense the danger until it was too late.

A firm grip on his shoulder. A knife to his throat.

The officer choked, hands clawing at the blade pressing against his jugular.

“Shhh,” Tony whispered in his ear. “You make a sound, and you die painfully.”

The officer whimpered.

“Where’s Viper?”

The officer hesitated. Tony pressed the blade deeper. A bead of blood trickled down his neck.

“L-Level three,” he stammered. “Security w-wing.”

Tony exhaled. “Good boy.”

Then he twisted the knife.

The officer’s body slumped into the shadows.

...

Tony decided to kill all the Hydra agents first, so he just did that. He was stealthy about it too. He killed all the guards on the first two levels with environmental accidents and stealth takedown and hid the bodies all over the base.

Then he made his way to the third level.

The security wing was close now. He could see it—reinforced doors, an additional squad of Hydra operatives stationed nearby.

Viper was inside. Tony tried to check through the wall, but couldn't. It was made of special material. 'Tsk. Gotta tweak the visor later...'

He needed one last play.

Tony spotted a fire suppression system near the ceiling. It was one of the few systems still operational. He simply shot at the sensor from the shadows.

BZZZT.

The fire alarm shrieked.

Panic. The guards flinched, distracted by the sudden blare.

That was all he needed.

Tony moved like a ghost, gliding through the chaos, silencing each guard before they even realized what was happening. A knife to the throat. A snapped neck. A precise strike to the temple.

By the time the alarm died down, the security wing was drenched in silence.

Tony stepped toward the door and placed his palm against the control panel. His suit’s interface worked its magic.

ACCESS GRANTED.

The security wing was eerily silent. The heavy blast door hissed open, revealing a scene Tony hadn’t expected. Bodies littered the floor, contorted in ways that told of brutal efficiency. Limbs bent at unnatural angles. Necks twisted sharply. Some corpses bore scorch marks from electrified weapons, while others had crushed throats, their faces frozen in mid-scream.

Tony stepped inside cautiously, his visor scanning the room. No gunfire residue. No spent casings. No alarms were triggered during the fight. These people never had a chance to shoot back.

His gaze landed on the centerpiece of the massacre—Madame Viper.

She sat slumped against the far wall. She was wearing her black leather outfit. A whip dangled from her stiff fingers, coiled uselessly. But it was her face that drew Tony’s attention.

Her eyes were gone.

Tony exhaled sharply. "Interesting."

He crouched beside her body, his HUD running a forensic scan. No sign of hesitation wounds. Whoever did this went for maximum efficiency—quick, brutal takedowns, no wasted movements. The patterns were too familiar. He’d seen this before.

He turned to the nearest dead operative, rolling the body slightly. Burn marks on the chest. Small, circular entry points... High-voltage electric darts. And the joint breaks…

Tony’s lips pressed into a thin line. "Baton strikes. Classic."

His fingers tapped against his thigh as the realization settled in. The crushed windpipes, the broken clavicles, the calculated brutality... This was a very particular kind of fight. One that only a handful of people in the world could execute with such ruthless precision.

And he knew one of them very well.

“Nat.”

It had to be her. No one else had this exact blend of skills. Fast. Precise. Overwhelming in close quarters. She hadn’t just killed them; she had humiliated them. None of these guys even got a shot off.

But why take Viper’s eyes?

Tony frowned, standing up and scanning the rest of the room. If it was Natasha, she was already gone. No lingering traces, no accidental footprints. Nothing. She had come, done her job, and disappeared like a ghost.

He looked up and saw a broken vent, "Hahahaha... Dang! Well... A pro is a pro. I'll give her that. She must have seen the car and followed me here or she was on a side mission. And the eyes... If I were to guess, her eyes must open something good... Something like a vault or doors and whatever lies beyond that must be very valuable. Now what does Hydra have that's so valuable that the Black Widow would risk infiltrating an enemy base? A new strain of SSS? Tesseract? Or... Zola AI?!"

Tony quickly did another scan of the room. He wanted to extract some data but he noticed that everything was wiped clean. So, without wasting any time he went to the armory and placed a nanite bomb. Then he went out of the base and flew high up in the air and activated the bomb.

BOOOOOOOM!!!

The ground shook from the blast as the facility was engulfed in a fiery explosion. The flames roared, swallowing anything in their path, metal bending and melting under the extreme heat. Debris flew everywhere, crashing through the surrounding forest.

Tony watched it all burn, then flew away.

..

[Somewhere far away]

A woman in a black suit watched as the base exploded. Her long hair fluttered in the breeze. Her face was covered by a black mask, leaving only her piercing green eyes exposed. Her phone rang.

She took the call, "Mission successful. But there was someone other than me who was after Viper. Whoever that was, blew up the base."

"Good job," a male voice said on the other end of the line. "Now go back to your previous assignment. We'll send another Widow to check up on our unknown friend."

"Yes sir."

The line went dead.

The woman lowered her phone and walked away from the burning base. She vanished into the night.

..

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 78 [Time Skip]

[3 months later]

A lot of things happened in the past three months. Let's talk about Morgan first.

Morgan, thanks to her high intelligence, got into college with ease. She took a bunch of exams behind Bruce's back and well, she got into MIT. Bruce was happy and proud of her. Harley cried when Morgan broke the news that she was going to live in the dorms. She tried to make Morgan stay by telling her how lonely she would be without Morgan.

"What about the late-night sneak-out movie nights? What about stealing new cars from the Tower? What about the pranks? Who will help me prank Selina?" Harley sobbed.

Morgan reassured Harley that she could still hang out with her whenever she wanted. Plus, they could still have movie nights via holographic video calls. So, that was that.

As for Hela, she felt sad. After months of living with them, she changed and Morgan was like a daughter to her. She would miss the girl, but she knew this day would come. She smiled at Morgan and gave her a necklace as a parting gift. It was a green gem attached to a chain. Morgan wore it around her neck and promised Hela that she would keep in touch.

"C'mon. You all, don't be sad. It's not like I'm going away forever. We'll still see each other often."

Morgan reassured everyone and well, with a bright smile on her face.

Selina hugged her.

"You take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will."

"If anyone tries to pick on you, call me. I'll scratch their eyes out."

"I can't make any promises." Morgan smiled. "But, I'll try to handle them myself. Thank you for everything, Aunt Selina."

Hugging Selina tightly, Morgan made her way towards Bruce.

"I know you're going to miss me and so am I. But, I promise I'll keep in touch with everyone."

Morgan packed up and moved out. Now, she had to deal with college life, which was quite different from what she expected.

Morgan Stark had imagined college life would be different. She thought she’d blend in, study hard, and maybe even pull a few harmless pranks to keep things interesting. What she hadn’t accounted for was the weight of her last name.

MIT was filled with the best and brightest, but none of them were Tony Stark’s daughter. That alone made her a spectacle. Some students approached her, hoping to get close to her for the prestige, while others steered clear, intimidated by what she represented. Professors either expected her to be a genius like her father or dismissed her as a rich kid who didn’t need to try. Either way, “normal” was out of the question.

The only person who didn’t care about her last name was Riri Williams. A genius in her own right, Riri had no interest in clout or connections—she was all about the work. They met in an advanced engineering course, where Morgan had barely sat down before the professor called her out.

"Ah, Miss Stark. Are you here to revolutionize the world like your father, or just here for show?"

Before she could respond, Riri snorted from the seat next to her. "Damn, Professor Thompson, let her warm up first."

Morgan grinned. That was all it took. Riri didn’t treat her like royalty or competition. She just saw her as another student, which was rare. From that moment on, they were practically inseparable.

...

Morgan had barely settled into the MIT routine when she realized one thing—Harley Quinn wasn’t about to let her live a normal college life.

It started with a thud at 2 AM.

Morgan jolted awake, reaching for the nearest object, a textbook, to chuck at the intruder. But before she could, a familiar giggle filled the room.

"Jeez, kid, you got way better aim than Bruce ever did," Harley whispered, rubbing her shoulder where the book had hit.

Morgan groaned, rubbing her face. "Harley, what the hell are you doing here?!"

Harley grinned, holding up a bag of snacks and a six-pack of soda. "Midnight snack run. Thought you could use some sugar and chaos."

Morgan sighed but couldn’t help but smile. "You do realize I have classes in the morning, right?"

"Yeah, yeah," Harley waved her off, already making herself comfortable on Morgan’s bed. "But come on, this place is boring. No explosions, no car chases, nothing." She tore open a bag of chips. "We need to spice things up a little. And I got the perfect idea."

Morgan raised a brow. "Oh no."

"Oh yes," Harley smirked. "Besides, with your power, I doubt you need to sleep anyway. So you should be fine!"

Morgan had to admit that she had a point. Thanks to her infinity power, she barely needed to sleep. It was more of a luxury than anything else at this point.

Harley patted the spot beside her. "So, what do you say?"

Morgan rolled her eyes but didn't argue. After all, Harley did go through all the trouble of breaking in just to hang out. Plus, Morgan had to admit she missed her. "Fine. But I'll choose the movie," She grinned mischievously. "And no more heist movies."

Harley gasped. "How dare you! They are not heist movies! They're classics!"

"Whatever you say," She smirked, turning on the laptop.

The two girls stayed up all night, bingeing on junk food and watching movies until the sun came up. They talked about everything and nothing—and it was exactly what Morgan needed.

As the sun began to rise, Harley packed up her things.

"Well, kiddo, I gotta head out. Bruce is probably gonna freak if he realizes I'm missing."

Morgan nodded and walked her to the door. "Hey, Harley?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for coming over." Morgan smiled. "I really missed you."

Harley grinned. "Aw, you missed me? Don't get all soft on me now, kid." She teased. "But yeah, I missed you too."

With that, Harley left, leaving Morgan with a smile on her face.

...

[SHIELD's Base]

The soft glow of the screens in Natasha Romanoff’s office illuminated her face as she sifted through reports from various S.H.I.E.L.D. branches worldwide. It had been three months since the launch of Heroes Academy, an initiative designed to train and mentor the next generation of heroes—young mutants, superpowered individuals, and those with the skills and drive to protect the world.

S.H.I.E.L.D. was no longer just an intelligence agency. Under her leadership, it had expanded into a true global force for good. From New York to Wakanda, London to Madripoor, its presence had grown stronger, and so had the need for new heroes to step up. The Avengers, as they once were, were gone. Clint was still around, mentoring young sharpshooters. Nat was taking care of the political and power mess. Tony/Bruce was developing new ways to make everyone strong and defend Earth from the upcoming threats. So, they needed a new team to fill the void. It was time for something new.

Natasha leaned back in her chair, spinning a knife between her fingers as she replayed Harley Quinn’s words.

"Why don't we have a big tournament of heroes?"

Bruce also agreed that it was a good idea. 

It was reckless. It was chaotic. And yet, Natasha smirked, because the idea forming in her mind was brilliant.

A Hero Tournament.

A grand event, open to the best of the best from Heroes Academy and beyond. A competition that would separate the exceptional from the ordinary. The winner? A place on the New Avengers, the team that would carry the legacy forward.

The idea wasn’t just for entertainment. It was a test. A way to see who had what it took—not just strength, but strategy, resilience, and the heart to fight for something greater than themselves.

Natasha tapped a button on her desk, opening a direct line to her top operatives.

"Clint. Bruce. Get to the war room. We have something big to discuss."

Minutes later, Natasha stood before a massive holographic display, the outlines of the Hero Tournament plans already in place.

Clint crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "A tournament? Really? What is this, Mortal Kombat?"

Natasha smirked. "Something like that. But with fewer fatalities. Hopefully."

Clint said, "And you think this is a good idea? We’re talking about superpowered individuals going head-to-head. That could get out of control fast."

"That's why I made those suits and even upgraded the weapons. Besides, you got me, Harley, and Selina. Plus if Morgan joins in... Well, you already know her power. So, start the prep, Nat," Bruce said as she took a sip from his cup of coffee.

...

The next day, Natasha stood before the cameras, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s emblem glowing behind her as the world watched.

"This is a new era. The Avengers as you once knew them are gone, but the world still needs heroes. And now, we offer you a chance to prove you have what it takes."

The Hero Tournament was officially announced, set to take place in four months.

The world exploded with excitement.

And in her dorm room, Morgan Stark stared at the announcement, a smirk forming.

"Well, damn," she muttered. "This is gonna be fun. Should I join in?"

------

AN: Next we will see Bruce building a device for interdimensional travel with Sue. I am thinking of doing the merge soon...

[Ironman] Ch: 34 [Lockdown initiated]

As the Hydra agents roughly dragged the two surviving terrorists inside the bunker, another operative took the wheel of the stolen SUV, guiding it toward a makeshift garage adjacent to the facility. The heavy steel doors slid shut behind them with a deep metallic groan, sealing them off from the outside world.

Tony remained motionless, a ghost in the back seat, watching through his suit’s HUD as his cloaked drones silently detached from their compartments and hovered into action. One drone, equipped with high-resolution optics, tailed Madame Viper and the prisoners, its sensors recording every detail of the facility's interior. The other two split off, scanning the perimeter and discreetly mapping out the structure's layout.

As they moved deeper into the facility, Tony’s eyes narrowed at the tech on display. He had expected a heavily digitized setup, something he could easily infiltrate and manipulate. But what he saw instead made his stomach twist with irritation.

Hydra had learned.

The usual weak points—wireless networks, cloud-based surveillance, and remote-controlled defenses—were nowhere to be found. Instead, the facility operated on a patchwork of analog and optical fiber-based systems. Everything critical was air-gapped, isolated from outside interference, making remote hacking impossible. Old-school mechanical locks replaced biometric scanners, and encrypted hardlines ran through the walls like veins, ensuring no digital signals could be intercepted.

Tony clenched his jaw. "Clever bastards," he muttered under his breath.

Zola’s AI had adapted. It must have analyzed past breaches, tracing them back to external hacks that compromised Hydra’s entire network. Now, Hydra was using a hybrid defense system. It was an infuriating mix of old and new, designed specifically to counter someone like him.

He needed another way in.

Inside the bunker, the two prisoners were shoved into metal chairs, their wrists locked into thick steel cuffs bolted to the floor. Madame Viper sauntered in front of them, a cruel smirk playing on her lips.

"Now," she purred, "let's see if you're worth keeping alive."

Tony watched through his drone’s feed, carefully analyzing her movements. Viper was no fool. If she was here, that meant this location was important. It wasn’t just some random hideout, it was a core piece of Hydra’s resurgence. And she might know the location of Zola AI. So, killing her wasn't an option. He needed her alive.

He turned his focus to his other drones, studying the facility’s blueprints as they pieced together a virtual layout. Multiple underground levels, thick reinforced walls, old-fashioned security checkpoints… and somewhere, deep inside, the mainframe. If he could get inside physically, he could still find a way to break through.

But first, he needed an entry point.

And more importantly, he needed to make sure Viper didn’t suspect a thing.

Tony smirked. 'Time to get creative. If I can't find a solution, I'll do it the old-school way. Kill them all and interrogate that bitch.'

Madame Viper tapped her gloved fingers against the hilt of the knife at her hip, watching the two prisoners with an amused smirk. "Now, tell me," she drawled, tilting her head, "Who killed your entire team?"

Scar swallowed hard, his muscles tensing. The other man, still gripping his sore wrists, glanced around the room. They knew they were trapped. But before either of them could utter a single word—

BZZZT.

Both men suddenly convulsed, their eyes rolling back as their bodies seized violently. A faint sizzling sound crackled through their skulls, and within seconds, their bodies slumped lifelessly in their chairs. A faint whiff of burnt tissue filled the air.

Brain dead.

Viper blinked, her smirk faltering. The guards stiffened, stepping forward in alarm.

"The hell?" one of them muttered, nudging Scar’s motionless body with his rifle. No response.

Viper’s eyes narrowed. Her instincts screamed that something was wrong. "Check their vitals," she ordered coldly.

A guard pulled out a scanner, placing it against Scar’s neck. The display blinked red. No brain activity. The same result came from the second prisoner.

"They’re… dead," the guard confirmed, baffled. "Both of them. Just like that."

Viper exhaled through her nose, her lips pressing into a thin line. This wasn’t a coincidence. Someone had just silenced them before she could extract any information. 'They are here in this base, watching us...' She looked around.

"Initiate the agent number count," she snapped. "And double the security. There is a rat or rats among us... Capture them alive."

As the Hydra agents scrambled to comply, Tony was already several steps ahead.

Still cloaked in the garage, he watched the scene unfold through his drone’s feed, allowing himself the slightest smirk. 'Stupid bitch should have checked the car first. Well, that takes care of that.'

Now, onto the next step.

His other drones were already deep inside the facility, slipping undetected through ventilation shafts, bypassing locked doors and security checkpoints. The goal? The power mainframe.

The facility was using a complex mix of analog and fiber-optic systems, but even the most paranoid security setups had one common weakness—power distribution. If Tony could get to the mainframe, he could disrupt their infrastructure, create his own backdoor, and most importantly, cripple the entire operation if things went south.

The drones whirred softly as they navigated the tight ducts, their micro-sensors mapping every inch of the facility. A cluster of heavily armed guards patrolled the main corridors, and several checkpoints had reinforced blast doors that wouldn’t be easy to breach.

But that didn’t matter.

Tony’s drones were too small and invisible to be noticed. They slipped through vents, weaving through the labyrinth of air shafts until they reached a large, secured chamber.

Bingo.

The power mainframe was a reinforced room filled with thick industrial conduits, cooling units, and an array of analog switches lined along the walls. It wasn’t just an electrical hub—it was the control center for everything in this facility.

But Tony frowned as he analyzed the setup.

'Damn. Hydra really had gone old-school.'

There were no digital ports and no remote-access nodes. Everything was controlled manually through a network of insulated relays and switches. Even the circuit breakers were locked behind mechanical barriers. Zola’s AI had ensured that no external hacking could penetrate this fortress.

But Tony Stark wasn’t just any hacker.

He smirked. 'If I can’t hack my way in… I’ll just have to break it the old-fashioned way.'

His drones dispersed, scanning for vulnerabilities. They found them quickly—coolant pipes running too close to key transformers, a pressure release valve that could be overloaded, and most importantly, an emergency failsafe system that, if triggered, would force a facility-wide lockdown.

He could use this. He got out of the car and waited for the perfect opportunity...

Tony exhaled slowly, flexing his fingers as he watched the facility’s main gate slide open from his position in the garage. A trio of Hydra patrol guards stepped through, rifles slung over their shoulders, murmuring among themselves about the sudden security increase.

This was his chance.

Tony activated his suit’s silent propulsion system, slipping into the facility behind them. He was invisible.

The guards continued down the hall, oblivious to the silent predator trailing behind them. Tony took in every detail... overlapping patrol routes, security cameras mounted at blind angles, and thick reinforced doors blocking deeper access points.

'Fifty agents. Maybe more.' He smirked. 'Could’ve been a fair fight if I were feeling generous.'

But stealth was the name of the game tonight.

As the patrol reached an intersection, they split off. Two turned left, the other kept walking toward an access panel to input his security credentials. Tony seized the moment. There were no cameras around that area.

His arm blurred as he lashed out with a nanite-clad hand, clamping over the lone guard’s mouth and pulling him into the shadows. A muffled grunt, a quick pulse of an electrified gauntlet, and the guard’s body went limp.

Tony caught him effortlessly, dragging him behind a stack of metal crates. He scanned the guard's uniform and his suit was reshaped into a perfect replica of the Hydra uniform.

Moments later, he stepped out, fully disguised... Helmet on, visor dark and that guard's gun.

'It's like playing the Hitman game.'

...

[Command Center]

Madame Viper tapped her polished nails against the steel console, her emerald eyes scanning the live security feeds with cold precision.

“This doesn’t add up,” she muttered, narrowing her gaze at the motionless bodies of the two dead prisoners. “Someone wanted them silenced. And whoever it is… they’re already inside.”

A Hydra officer approached, saluting crisply. “Agent count is complete. No discrepancies.”

Viper’s lips curled downward. “Of course, there aren’t. If our intruder is competent, they wouldn’t be foolish enough to replace an existing agent. They would be a ghost.”

Her grip tightened around the console as she turned to the officer.

“Shut down all external access points. Lock down the power grid. If we have a rat, they won’t be leaving this base alive.”

...

[Lower Level - Power Mainframe]

Tony smirked as he received the transmission from his drone. 'Exactly what I wanted.'

Hydra had just activated their own cage.

His drones, using pinpoint plasma cutters, targeted the emergency failsafe system.

BZZT-CHHK!

The moment the failsafe was triggered, a loud warning announcement blared throughout the facility. Thick blast doors slammed shut across every section, sealing off corridors and locking personnel in their designated zones. Emergency red lights pulsed violently as automated security protocols engaged.

[Ironman] Ch: 33 [Madame Viper]

The red and blue lighting in the underground facility flickered sporadically, casting eerie shadows across the cold, sterile walls. The faint hum of machinery filled the air, punctuated by the occasional spark from an exposed wire. Tony had spent the last hour setting up a controlled 'malfunction'—an illusion of a security failure so convincing that even the most paranoid escapee wouldn't question it.

Sitting in the back of a sleek black SUV parked just outside the facility, Tony watched through the live feed displayed on his wrist interface. The two surviving terrorists were still unconscious in their containment cells, strapped to their chairs, unaware of what was about to happen.

"Hermes, begin phase one," Tony ordered.

"Initiating system failure simulation," Hermes replied smoothly.

Inside, the lights flickered again. This time more aggressively. A low alarm sounded, followed by a distorted robotic voice from the PA system:

"Warning. Security systems are compromised. Manual override detected."

Tony smirked. 'That should do it.' He had carefully calibrated the warning so that it sounded just vague enough to be plausible, but not alarming enough to raise suspicion.

Next, the restraints on the two men were unlatched with an audible click. The metal cuffs sprang open, freeing their bruised wrists. At the same time, the heavy steel door to their holding cell let out a mechanical groan and slid open by a few inches, just enough to make it look like a forced override.

One of the men, still groggy from the sedatives, blinked in confusion and looked around. His companion, a wiry man with a scar along his jaw, reacted faster.

"Shit... are we free?" he muttered, rubbing his wrists. His voice was hoarse from dehydration and stress.

The second man, still disoriented, stumbled forward. "The restraints... the door... something’s wrong."

"Not something," Scar muttered. "Someone. Maybe the system’s fried. Maybe someone hacked it. Either way, I’m not staying to find out."

Tony watched as they hesitated for a split second, their minds torn between caution and the overwhelming desire to escape. Then, as expected, survival instincts kicked in. In their mind, it was better to take this chance and run rather than wait for their demise. So, they ran.

Phase two.

As they stepped into the corridor, Tony activated the next part of his plan. He deployed the old, glitchy security bots. They were relics from one of his past projects, outdated and barely functional, but tonight, they served a purpose.

One of the bots, a humanoid drone with visible rust on its joints, stumbled forward erratically. Its single glowing red eye flickered as it moved, making a static noise before spitting out a garbled warning.

"ERROR... SYSTEM... OVERRIDE... THREAT DETECTED—"

It convulsed, sparks flying from its frame. Then, without warning, it collapsed into a heap of useless metal.

The terrorists didn't stop to question it. Instead, they sprinted past the malfunctioning robot, completely buying into the narrative Tony had crafted. The plan was working. They took the elevator to the main floor. Those two were so desperate that they didn't even think how the heck was the elevator working when everything was glitched up or why was there a single button on a panel with the main floor written on it.

"Boss, they're approaching the exit," Hermes informed.

Tony leaned back, folding his arms. "Perfect. Let’s see where they run."

The final piece of his plan fell into place as the two men stumbled outside, gasping for air. After being locked up and experimented on, their only thought was escape. They didn't bother to check their surroundings nor did they stop to consider if they were walking into a trap.

The moment they saw the black SUV parked near the gate, their desperation took over.

“There! A car!” Scar, the lucky third one-pointed.

The other man didn’t hesitate. He rushed to the driver’s side and smashed the window with his elbow. Blood dripped from his elbow as he reached inside, unlocking the door. Within seconds, he was inside, hot-wiring the ignition.

Tony smirked in the back seat, perfectly hidden in stealth mode. His suit’s advanced cloaking tech ensured he was completely undetectable—silent, invisible, just an observer in his own twisted game.

The engine roared to life.

"Let’s go!" Scar barked, jumping into the passenger seat.

The tires screeched as they sped off into the night.

Tony exhaled slowly, watching as the city lights blurred past through the window.

"Now... take me to your friends."

The stolen SUV sped down the darkened roads of Malibu. Scar, still rubbing his sore wrists, glanced at the onboard map, tapping the screen with a tense urgency.

“Thousand Oaks,” he muttered. “Take the canyon road. We’ll lose anyone tailing us.”

The driver gritted his teeth, his hands still slick with blood from smashing the window. “You sure about this? What if this is a setup?”

Scar shot him a glare. “You’d rather stick around and find out? We need to regroup. That base is the only place off-record. No chatter, no heat. We’ll lay low and figure out who the hell just let us walk out of there.”

In the back seat, Tony remained invisible, his breathing steady, his pulse calm. He let the conversation play out, watching the desperation seep through their words. The fear. The uncertainty. They were walking right into his hands.

“Just drive,” Scar snapped, double-checking the map. “We’ll take the back roads, avoid traffic cams.”

Tony smirked. Smart, but not smart enough. His suit’s built-in signal scrambler ensured that any surveillance tech they might’ve worried about had already been dealt with. As far as the world was concerned, this SUV didn’t exist.

The vehicle wound through the twisting canyon roads, the city lights shrinking in the rearview mirror. The air was thick with tension. Scar leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the dashboard.

“Alright,” he exhaled. “Once we get there, we contact Vasquez."

"Why don't know about this place?" The driver asked.

"You are a newbie, aren't you?" Scar said, scoffing. "Anyway, we are in this together. So, I'll tell you. We train sleepers in this facility. We brainwash them to work for us. They act normal, but they follow our commands. It's called the Hydra Brainwashing Method. One word is all it takes to activate them. You have heard of it, haven't you?"

The driver nodded. "Yeah, just some rumors."

"Well, after the fall of the main force and the hunt by Mandarin, we are reduced to a shadow. But, we won't give up. General Zola has a plan. Our men are already rebuilding the force. And Vasquez has been doing a good job of recruiting new members," Scar said, chuckling. "You can't really see it, but we are a small force. And yet, we have managed to sneak under the radar of all these so-called Shields. That's why they call us HYDRA. Cut off one head, two more shall take its place. Our numbers may be reduced, but we are far from defeated."

'These bastards!' Tony thought in anger. 'They are like cockroaches!'

The driver was silent for a few moments. Then he spoke, "You aren't gonna off me are ya?"

Scar laughed, "If I wanted to do that, I would've done it right there at the base. Just because you're a newbie doesn't mean we are that cruel. Vasquez will kill me if I kill you."

"That's a relief," the driver sighed.

'Well, I'll kill you all,' Tony thought, darkly.

"How many sleepers are there?" The driver asked.

"Enough," Scar replied cryptically. "Don't ask me the number. I don't even know myself."

Tony listened to their conversation in silence, his mind already formulating the next part of his plan.

'Hydra Sleepers. Things are going in a circle. If I were to take down Hydra, I need to find that freaking Zola AI,' he thought as he watched the road.

As the SUV made its way along the deserted back roads...

30 minutes later…

Scar checked his watch, then nodded to himself. “We’re close.”

The driver tensed. “What’s the approach?”

“Pull up to the checkpoint slow. Let them see our faces before they put a bullet in our heads. Vasquez runs a tight operation. If we do this wrong, they’ll assume we’ve been compromised.”

Tony smirked. If only you knew how right you were.

The canyon widened, revealing a barely visible dirt road leading into a dense patch of trees. A single floodlight flickered in the distance. A makeshift checkpoint—two armed guards, clad in black tactical gear, stood behind a steel barrier blocking the entrance. Scar rolled down the window as they approached.

One of the guards stepped forward, rifle raised. “Identify yourself.”

Scar didn’t flinch. “You recognize my face, don’t you?”

The guard hesitated before lowering his weapon. “Didn’t think we’d see you again. Thought you were dead.”

“Not yet. Now let us in.”

The second guard tapped an earpiece. “Bringing them through.”

The steel barrier groaned as it lifted. The driver exhaled sharply and rolled forward, the SUV creeping past the guards into the facility perimeter.

Tony took a mental note of everything... the placement of guards, the defenses, the layout. This wasn’t just some hideout. This was a real operation. Hydra was rebuilding from the inside out, and if Zola’s AI was still pulling the strings, things could get ugly fast.

The SUV rolled to a stop in front of a reinforced bunker entrance. More armed personnel stood on either side, their faces partially obscured by helmets. Scar and the driver stepped out cautiously, stretching their limbs after the long ride.

The bunker door slid open with a hiss, and from the dimly lit corridor emerged a woman in a dark suit. Her presence was commanding—sharp eyes, a calculating expression, and a cold smirk that sent a chill down the spine.

She took one look at Scar and shook her head. “You look like shit.”

Scar stumbled back in fear seeing the woman. He wasn't expecting to see her here. "Madame Viper..."

"Don't be so afraid. Your entire team got killed and luckily you two survived... It'd be such a waste of intel if I were to kill you two right now. Oh, no. First I'll take everything you know out of your skulls and then I'll kill you," she said with a smile, chuckling creepily.

[Batman x Ironman] Ch: 76 & 77 [White Fox- New Harem Member]

Words: 3.2k. A complete wholesome chapter.

----

Bruce studied Ami as she stood before him, her tail swishing anxiously behind her. Her usual confident demeanor was replaced with something else... Hesitation, maybe even vulnerability.

“Mr. Bruce,” she began, shifting on her feet, “can we talk somewhere private?”

His eyes narrowed slightly, picking up on the tension in her voice. “Sure. And just call me Bruce.”

He gestured for her to follow him. They made their way past the sparring grounds, through a quiet corridor, and into an empty briefing room. The walls were lined with reinforced glass, offering a view of the training fields below. Once the door shut, Ami exhaled, crossing her arms tightly.

Bruce leaned against the table, arms folded. “Alright. What’s going on?”

Ami hesitated, struggling to find the right words. She took a deep breath, her fox-like ears twitching. “It’s… getting harder to control.”

His expression hardened. “Your transformation?”

She nodded. “The more I push myself in training, the more I have to rely on my Kumiho form. And the more I use that power…” She trailed off, biting her lip. “The harder it is to keep my instincts in check.”

Bruce tilted his head, studying her carefully. “Instincts?”

Ami looked away, embarrassed. “You know what I am. A Kumiho isn’t just some fox spirit... it’s a predator. We… feed on life energy.” Her voice dropped, barely above a whisper. “And mine is starting to crave it.”

Bruce stayed quiet, letting her speak.

She clenched her fists. “At first, it was easy to ignore. I’ve always been disciplined. But now, the more I transform, the stronger the urges get. It’s like a hunger, Bruce. And I don’t know how much longer I can keep it under control.”

He remained calm, processing what she was saying. “How bad is it?”

Ami finally met his gaze, her golden eyes flashing briefly with something primal. “Bad,” she admitted. “When I push myself too far, I start… thinking differently. My body gets hotter, my mind gets hazy, and suddenly...” She swallowed hard. “It’s you. I keep seeing you everywhere. I can't get you out of my mind.”

Bruce blinked. “…Me?”

She nodded with a blush. Her tails were wagging behind her. “I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because you’re strong. Maybe because you saved me. But whenever I transform, my instincts focus on you. And it’s driving me crazy.”

Bruce studied her for a moment, a mixture of emotions washing over him. Concern, confusion, but most of all, intrigue. It wasn't every day you had someone confess that they were constantly thinking about you in some sort of primal way.

"I see."

Ami bit her lip. "I'm sorry. I just... needed to tell you."

"It's fine, Ami," he said as he crossed the room toward her, stopping inches away. He looked down at her with his intense blue eyes.

The girl gulped as she felt the heat radiating off of him. His eyes were hypnotizing. His scent filled her senses, making her shiver with desire. She leaned in, her face flushed, her body aching to be touched by him. She was already wet for him, soaking her panties. She could feel her own heat pressing against her thighs as she inhaled his scent.

"Tell me, Ami. What do you want? I want to hear it from your mouth," he asked.

"I want you. I want your scent on me. I want you to mark me, claim me," she moaned, her tails moving behind her as if they were snakes. "I want to taste your essence. Please." She went on her fours and crawled toward him like an animal. Her nine tails were swirling and wagging in excitement. She wanted to bury her nose between his legs, to smell and taste him. The need was unbearable.

He smirked and gently grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "You want me to mark you? Claim you?" He asked her as his fingers traced down the side of her neck.

"Yes." She shuddered at his touch. She loved it. His simple touch sent down a jolt of electricity through her spine.

"Then we should go somewhere private," He whispered softly. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her ear as he spoke. "Wouldn't want the others to hear, would we?"

Her heart pounded in her chest. She could feel his breath on her neck as he spoke, his voice low and husky. It was all she could do to keep herself from whimpering.

"Yes," Ami whispered back, her voice trembling slightly. "Please, take me away from here."

Since Bruce and his girls have an understanding, he knows that they will happily welcome Ami to the harem. And with Ami's hypersexual need, they are going to have so much fun in the future. Maybe Harley, Selina, and Jennifer might even join in for a big group sex. Well, that's for later. Right now, he focused on the horny foxy lady before him. He couldn't possibly let her go on a killing spree.

Bruce called Clint, "Clint, I'll be taking Ami away to do some tests. I'll send someone in my place to look over the training."

"Please, not Harley," Clint begged. "She can't teach anything without pranks being involved."

Bruce chuckled as he looked at Ami. "Don't worry. I know someone perfect for this job." After that, he called Hela, who was watching a daily soap opera in the TV room. She had been trying to catch up on current pop culture references but found most of these shows too mundane for her tastes. However, she enjoyed the drama of these shows.

"Hela, I have a task for you," Bruce said.

"What is it?" she asked.

"How about you train some new heroes? You did a great job with Morgan, so...?"

"Fine. I was getting bored anyway."

"Thanks. I'll send someone to pick you up."

"No need. Morgan will give me a lift. I want to ride her new bike," Hela said with a grin.

Yup! Morgan ended up keeping that prototype bike and even did her own customization to fit her taste.

"Alright. Have fun," Bruce said before hanging up.

Bruce turned to Ami and extended his arm. She blushed and took it, holding onto his arm tightly. He used the lightning ring to teleport out of the room and appeared in one of his penthouse apartments.

Ami was in awe as she looked around the luxurious apartment. "Wow," she breathed.

The entire place was decorated with various paintings and sculptures. There were also a few bookshelves filled with books from all around the world. The floors were made of marble and there was a large window overlooking the city. It was a very beautiful place, and Bruce couldn't help but smile at her reaction.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

She nodded, her eyes wide and excited.

"It's yours from today. Now, shall we begin?" he asked. His eyes were fixed on hers while he slowly stripped himself naked. His muscular body was now fully exposed before her, and she couldn't help but stare at his massive cock that stood erect before her. It was so big that it made her mouth water as she imagined how delicious it would taste if she put it inside her mouth. Her tails wagged as she watched him undress.

He sat on the sofa.

"Take off your clothes," Bruce ordered. He watched as Ami stripped off her training uniform, revealing her sexy body to him. He admired her curves, especially her large breasts, which bounced freely as she removed her top. When she removed her pants, Bruce noticed that her panty was dripping wet with her juices. As she pulled down her panty, he saw her clean-shaven pussy.

Ami blushed as she stood naked in front of Bruce. She felt embarrassed by how aroused she was getting. Her nipples were already hard, and her pussy was leaking with her juices. She couldn't control herself anymore. She needed him inside her right now or else she might lose control. She had to have him.

"Come here. Sit beside me," He patted the empty spot next to him. Ami obeyed and sat next to him. "Let's start with a little kiss."

Ami smiled shyly and leaned forward, kissing him gently. Bruce kissed her back, his lips pressed against hers as his tongue entered her mouth. Their tongues danced together, swirling and twirling around each other as their bodies pressed close together. They broke the kiss and stared into each other's eyes for a moment. Bruce smiled at Ami.

Ami drowning in lust began to kiss him again, more aggressively as he grabbed his cock and began to stroke it. Her tongue was exploring his mouth as he reached for her breasts. His fingers were running over her nipples, making them harden instantly. Bruce squeezed them gently, massaging them softly.

Ami moaned against his lips as he continued playing with her nipples. Then, Bruce began to move his hands lower towards her stomach. His fingers traced circles around her navel and then moved further down until they reached her thighs. Ami gasped as he touched her thighs and squeezed them tightly.

She broke the kiss again and looked at him, breathing heavily.

Bruce was already touching her pussy and rubbing her clit slowly, smearing her juices all over his fingers. Her pussy was hot and squishy, and her juices coated his fingers as he rubbed her sensitive bud. Ami whimpered as he did this, her legs spreading wider as she opened herself up to him completely. And she was stroking his cock even faster.

Bruce smirked. He leaned forward and whispered into Ami's ear, "I wonder how you taste."

"Huh?" She blinked.

He went down between her legs and buried his face between her thighs, his tongue licking her dripping pussy. He lapped at her slit, savoring her sweet juices as he inhaled her scent. His nose pressed against her clit, sending shivers up her spine as he inhaled deeply. His tongue was teasing her, exploring her folds while he sucked on her clitoris. He nibbled lightly on it and licked her again, tasting more of her juices.

"Oh, God! Yeah!" Ami threw her head back, moaning loudly as Bruce ate her out. His tongue was so skilled! It was like he knew exactly how to lick and what would drive her crazy. She couldn't help herself; she grabbed hold of his head and pushed him deeper between her legs. His tongue penetrated her opening, causing her to moan louder than before. She writhed beneath him, her body shaking uncontrollably as she came hard on his face.

A splash of squirt shot from her pussy. Bruce didn't stop, instead, he licked her faster, lapping up her juices as they gushed out of her. His tongue flicked across her clit, sending shivers up her spine. She gasped, unable to breathe properly as she climaxed again, coating his face with more of her fluids. Her hips bucked wildly, slamming against his mouth as he continued licking her relentlessly.

Ami felt his tongue going into her pussy hole, causing her to scream in pleasure. She came again, squirting another spray of liquid out of her opening. Bruce drank it greedily, swallowing every drop of her essence.

When Bruce finally pulled back, she was panting heavily, her entire body trembling in ecstasy.

"I think you are ready now," He grabbed his cock and began to rub on her swollen clit.

"Fuck me," Ami pleaded. "Please fuck me!"

Bruce smirked and grabbed her waist, pulling her down on the floor, then he pushed his cock into her wet pussy, thrusting deep inside her. She was too tight as if she was a virgin. He looked down and saw a trickle of blood dripping down his shaft.

"Are you...?!" He was surprised because considering that she was a Kumiho, he thought she'd be experienced.

"I-I'm sorry. I've never had sex with anyone before," She admitted in a bashful tone.

He was even more aroused after hearing this. It turned him on knowing that he was the first man to fuck this beautiful woman.

Ami wrapped her legs around his waist, locking them tightly together. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to her as he kissed her while slowly thrusting his hips.

Bruce was in heaven. The sensation of her warm, wet walls surrounding him was incredible. He groaned loudly, gripping her hips firmly as he moved faster, pushing himself deeper into her. Ami moaned, kissing him passionately as she squeezed her inner muscles around his shaft. She loved feeling him inside her, filling her completely. She arched her back, bucking her hips against him, eager to take every inch of his thick cock.

Ami broke the kiss and looked up at Bruce, her eyes filled with lust as he fucked her hard. Her nails dug into his shoulders, scratching his skin as he pounded into her harder and faster.

"Yes! Yes! Fuck me! Fuck me!" Ami screamed in ecstasy, throwing her head back and crying out in pleasure. "Oh, God! I love it! I love it!"

Bruce grunted and slammed his cock into her hard, driving himself deep inside her, hitting her G spot with every thrust. Ami cried out, screaming in bliss as she orgasmed again, flooding his cock with her juices. Her aura began to swirl around her body. Her tails wrapped his body, pulling him closer to her as he continued pumping into her, sending waves of pleasure through her body.

Her breathing became heavy as her vision blurred slightly. She could feel another orgasm building within her as she clung tightly to Bruce.

"Let's cum together," Bruce whispered into her ear, kissing her neck gently. He thrust harder and faster, pounding her pussy relentlessly as she moaned uncontrollably. She buried her face in his neck, biting down hard on his shoulder as he fucked her harder and faster than before. "Cum now," he ordered, and she obeyed instantly.

Her eyes rolled back as her mouth opened wide, letting out a loud scream as she climaxed once more, squirting her fluids all over his groin and stomach. Her pussy contracted tightly around his shaft, milking his cock for every last drop of his seed. Bruce groaned loudly, his whole body shuddering as he came inside her, filling her womb with his hot cum.

'Dang! So tight!' He thought.

The two of them lay there for a while, panting heavily. But thanks to their super endurance and stamina, both recovered pretty quickly.

Amy flipped him over and saddled him.

"Wow!" Bruce was surprised by her strength. She straddled him with her pussy, pressing down on him as she sat atop him.

"Fuck me more," She demanded and began bouncing up and down on his cock like a rabbit.

Bruce grabbed her hips and pushed up, thrusting into her hard and fast. Amy screamed in ecstasy as he fucked her deep and rough.

The sound of their smooching and bodies slapping echoed throughout the penthouse.

Bruce grabbed Ami's big boobs as they bounced before him. He loved how soft and bouncy they felt in his hands as he squeezed them gently. Ami moaned as she continued riding him, taking every inch of his thick cock into her tight pussy. Her juices dripped down his shaft as she slid up and down it, coating it with her essence.

Ami was in heaven. Her entire body felt like it was on fire. The pleasure was incredible as she rode Bruce hard and fast, taking him deeper and deeper inside her.

"So big! So good!" she moaned, her eyes rolling back in her head as she reached another orgasm, screaming in bliss. Her aura flared brightly around her body. Her tails were fluttering wildly in the air as she came hard, coating his cock with another spray of her juices.

Bruce pushed her down on the floor and grabbed her throat while pounding her hard.

"I'm in control, don't ever forget that," He growled as he fucked her roughly. His grip tightened slightly around her neck.

Ami nodded, whimpering softly. "Yes... Yes, sir. I'm yours."

"Good girl," He said, smirking as he pumped harder and faster into her wet pussy. Her walls tightened around his shaft as she came again, gushing more of her juices onto his groin. He was close too, and he knew it wouldn't be long before he'd reach his limit. He pulled out of her and stood up. "Suck me off," He ordered.

Ami quickly got on all fours, her tails wagging wildly behind her as she wrapped her lips around his cock and began sucking hard. Her tongue swirled around the tip of his shaft while she bobbed her head back and forth, taking him deeper and deeper into her mouth. Bruce groaned loudly, his hand gripping her hair tightly as he forced his cock into her throat. Her eyes widened slightly as she gagged around his cock, struggling to breathe properly. He didn't care though; he just kept thrusting his hips, forcing his length down her throat.

She looked up at him, tears welling up in her eyes as he fucked her face. Her tongue continued swirling around his shaft while she sucked harder and faster, taking him deeper into her mouth.

'So big! So tasty!' She thought to herself as she sucked hungrily on his thick length, eager for more.

Bruce grunted loudly, thrusting harder and faster into her mouth, "Take it." He grunted as he came.

A warm spray of his seed erupted from his tip, filling her mouth instantly. Ami swallowed every drop of his essence greedily, sucking hard on his shaft while she swallowed every drop of his seed.

She licked her lips clean once he finished cumming in her mouth. She smiled up at him, licking the last traces of his cum off her lips.

"I want to drink more of your cum," She begged, her eyes pleading. "Please give it to me again."

So, they continued to fuck each other's brains out. Ami was insatiable, wanting to be fucked in every position.

At this point, Bruce had lost count of how many times he came inside her or on her body. She loved swallowing his cum as well as having it splattered all over her body. She would lick up every drop of it from her skin, savoring the taste before swallowing it all. By evening, Amy lay on the floor, twitching and covered in cum. Her pussy was leaking Bruce's cum as he lay beside her.

"Ahh... I'm full," She groaned happily.

"You girl were amazing," Bruce said as he panted heavily.

"Thank you. It felt good. I've never imagined my first time would be so wonderful." She blushed.

The thing is her parents taught her to control her power and she'd lived in hiding as a normal human for years without using her power. Thanks to that, there were no urges. But now that she was transforming to her fox form to train and master her power further, her Kumiho traits awakened.

"You are a natural. And very beautiful," Bruce complimented her.

"You really think so?"

"Of course. You have a nice body with a cute face, and you're sexy as hell."

"Thank you... Can we do it again?" She asked bashfully.

"Absolutely."