39. Confrontation
'.....'= Thoughts
"....."= Conversations
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Harry emerged into the designated room, his breath heavy but his resolve unbroken. The room was stark and utilitarian, filled with storage crates and equipment, a testament to HYDRA's meticulous organization. He quickly located the central structural support identified by Tony and retrieved the explosive device from his pouch.
Placing the device carefully against the support beam, Harry activated it, setting the timer for 15 minutes. The digital countdown began its relentless march, a stark reminder of their limited window to escape. Just as he was about to re-enter the tunnel, Tony's urgent voice crackled over the communication device.
"Harry, we've got a problem. Five jets are rapidly approaching, and they've locked on to the HYDRA base. It looks like HYDRA called in backup, but instead of saving their base, they're planning to wipe it out. They're trying to destroy any evidence that could lead SHIELD back to them."
Harry's heart pounded. The situation had escalated dangerously. "Got it, Tony. I'll get out of here now."
"Listen, Harry," Tony continued, "you can't use the tunnel. The jets are going to obliterate this area, and being underground might get you killed. I'll try to buy us some time. Use the Iron Man suit I gave you and get out of there as fast as you can."
Harry nodded, even though Tony couldn't see him. "Understood. I'm on it."
Without wasting a second, Harry activated the Iron Man suit. It enveloped him swiftly, the familiar hum of the suit's systems coming to life around him. He felt a surge of power and confidence, despite his limited experience with the suit. He raised his arm, aiming the repulsor at the wall. With a blast of energy, he shattered the concrete, creating an exit.
He launched himself into the air, the suit's thrusters roaring to life. As he ascended, he spotted Tony engaged in fierce combat with HYDRA forces, explosions lighting up the night sky. Harry angled towards him, determined to provide backup.
The situation above was dire. The number of enemy jets had increased from five to ten, and they had formed a menacing circle around Tony. The jets locked onto them, missiles streaking through the sky. Harry and Tony worked in tandem, firing repulsors and mini-missiles to intercept the incoming threats. The air was thick with the sound of explosions as the missiles were destroyed mid-flight, but the jets were relentless.
Harry's inexperience with the suit began to show. Despite the three days of training, the combat scenarios were far more intense than anything he had practiced. His hands trembled slightly as he fired at another missile, blowing it up just in time. But in the chaos, he lost track of one missile.
"Tony, I can't get them all!" Harry shouted over the comms.
"Just focus, Harry! You can do this!" Tony's voice was steady, but Harry could hear the strain.
As the missile closed in on him, Harry's instincts kicked in. He quickly activated his C Rank Lightning Overdrive technique, enhancing his endurance and physical strength. The missile struck him at point-blank range. The impact was devastating, and Harry felt a searing pain as he was thrown from the sky, crashing into the ground below. He groaned, the suit's systems struggling to keep him conscious.
Through the haze of pain, Harry saw the unmistakable shapes of Quinjets approaching the battle. Before he could process what was happening, he succumbed to unconsciousness.
---
When Harry awoke, the first thing he noticed was the sterile white ceiling above him. He was lying on a medical bed, various monitors beeping softly around him. He tried to sit up but felt a sharp pain in his chest.
"Easy there, kid," Tony's voice said from beside him. Harry turned his head to see Tony sitting in a chair, looking exhausted but relieved.
"Tony...what happened?" Harry croaked, his throat dry.
Tony took a deep breath, avoiding Harry's eyes. "SHIELD showed up just in time. They intercepted the jets and neutralized the threat. They saved the day."
Harry narrowed his eyes, feeling a pang of doubt. "How did SHIELD know about our little operation against HYDRA?"
Tony hesitated, the guilt more evident now. "I... I had to inform them. I knew the risks were high, and I wanted a backup plan."
Harry's mind raced. He understood that Tony had informed SHIELD even before they had made the contract, as there was no way around it. Although it wasn't technically a breach of their contract, Tony hadn't meant to harm Harry. However, SHIELD was another matter entirely. As an ex-agent labeled a traitor and having killed multiple SHIELD agents, Harry knew SHIELD wouldn't let him go easily. Nick Fury, in particular, wouldn't allow a dangerous variable like Harry, with his unique powers, to roam free.
Harry closed his eyes, quietly using his chakra to assess the damage to his body. His left arm was utterly broken, the bones shattered beyond repair. His ribs were fractured, and his right leg was broken but might be usable after recovery. His left hand, however, was completely useless. The realization froze him. He had taken on risks far above his level, foolishly chasing quest points as a weak Genin.
Although his path advocated taking risks to become stronger, that didn't mean that he had to make stupid decisions to enter into risky scenarios above his level.
He made a vow to himself to be smarter, to avoid the stupid risks that had landed him here.
Opening his eyes, he fixed Tony with an angry, disappointed gaze. "I don't blame you, Tony. I blame myself for believing in you."
Tony looked stricken, the weight of Harry's words sinking in. "Harry, I'm sorry. I didn't want it to come to this."
"Where are we?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
"My mansion," Tony replied softly.
"Is Nick Fury here?" Harry pressed.
Tony nodded. "Yeah, he and some agents are here, but they don't know you're awake yet."
Harry sighed, feeling the gravity of his situation. "Can you at least hide the fact that I've regained consciousness? I need some time."
Tony nodded again, his resolve strengthening. "Don't worry, Harry. I won't let them take you. You've saved my life and helped me find the truth about my parents' deaths. I owe you that much."
Harry's anger simmered beneath the surface. "Thank you, Tony."
'But understand this—I won't be so foolish to trust you again. I have to think of a way out of here without getting caught,' he said the rest of the part in his mind.
Tony placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll find a way, Harry. I promise."
As Tony stood up to leave, Harry lay back, his mind racing. He knew he needed to come up with a plan quickly. SHIELD was relentless, and he couldn't afford to be captured. With his injuries, his options were limited, but he couldn't let that stop him.
As the door closed behind Tony, Harry began to focus his chakra, formulating a plan that would ensure his escape. This time, he wouldn't let his anger cloud his judgment.
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