30
'.....'= Thoughts
"....."= Conversations
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"One more thing, Tony," he asked, "does the army know about Bruce staying with me? Will they come for him again?"
Tony replied contemplatively, "Well, from what I gather, the army isn't exactly on the hunt for Bruce at this very moment. But, that doesn't mean they won't grow curious down the line. You see, Bruce's situation is quite intricate, and his powers, well, they make him quite the intriguing potential hazard in their book. So, let's just say it's never out of the realm of possibility. It's crucial for you to keep your guard up and stay aware, you know, just in case."
John asked, "Didn't the ruckus yesterday backfire on them?"
"Yeah, it definitely did," Tony remarked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's the whole reason why Bruce hasn't got the whole world after him yet. And get this, SHIELD swoops in like vultures, capitalizing on the military's screw-up. They're trying to sweet-talk Hulk into joining their squad, even though they can't control him. And the best part? The army can't do a damn thing about it."
John nodded, understanding the situation. "So, Bruce can be considered somewhat safer with SHIELD compared to the military."
"Safer, yes, but not entirely safe," Tony quipped. "SHIELD's got their own plans in motion, and they might just swoop in to exploit Bruce and his fancy green abilities for their own gain. They're eyeing that guy up, just like the army is. So, yeah, while it's an improvement from being hunted by the military, Bruce better keep his wits about him and make damn sure he's not someone else's pawn in this twisted game."
"Well, it's better than him constantly running away," John sighed.
"It is. Anyway, I am going to get ready for the trip. Pepper will drop us off at the airport. So, stay at your mansion, and we'll pick you up," Tony said.
"Does Pepper know about this?" John asked if Pepper was aware of their revenge trip to Russia for his parents.
"Yeah, although she's not thrilled about it, she understands that it's something we have to do. So she insisted that she would drop us off at the airport," Tony answered.
"You are not bringing Happy with us to Russia, right?" John asked.
"Nah, he would be more of a burden. It would be better for him to stay here.....Oh come on, Happy, I didn't mean that.... Happy?..Shoot," Tony clicked. "Anyways, see you soon. Let's make a few preparations," Tony said and hung up the phone.
Tony got up from his chair and went to console Happy before packing his bags. After consoling him, Tony went back to his room and made a mental list of the things he needed to pack. Passport, clothes, gadgets, and most importantly, his suit. He wanted to be prepared for anything that could come their way in Russia.
Just then, Pepper walked into the room with a concerned expression on her face. "I don't like this, Tony," she said softly, her voice filled with worry.
"I understand, Pepper, but we must uncover the truth. I simply cannot let this slide any further. It's been gnawing at my conscience for far too long," Tony retorted, endeavoring to assure her.
It was true. Tony had a special relationship with John's parents. They were not only his friends but also the people he trusted the most after his parents died. They took care of him after his parents' deaths and were always there for him. Without Ross and Rachel, Tony would have found it hard to get through the rough patch of his life. He owed so much to them, and even though he didn't always show it, their deaths hit him hard.
Pepper sighed and nodded, understanding his determination. "Just promise me you'll be careful. You can be reckless sometimes, and I don't want anything to happen to you or John."
Tony smirked and interlocked his fingers with Pepper's, brimming with confidence. "Don't worry, Pep. I've got this. We'll navigate this dangerous path together, sidestepping any looming threats. Piece of cake."
Pepper gave a small smile, still filled with concern but also with a glimmer of hope. "Alright, then. Let's get you ready."
Tony and Pepper spent the next hour gathering the necessary equipment and preparing for the trip. Tony suited up in his Iron Man armor, making sure all the systems were running smoothly. Pepper assisted him, checking each component and verifying their functionality.
After inspecting everything, Tony converted the suit into the form of a briefcase and changed into some casual clothes, finally getting ready.
Exiting the Stark Tower, both Pepper and Tony hopped into the car that had been readied by Happy, and they drove off towards Queens in the direction of John's mansion.
"Boss, why don't you hire a mutant bodyguard instead of a regular person like me? It would provide you with more safety and reduce the burden on you," Happy explained. He spoke with a hint of sarcasm and an accusation in his tone, although he acknowledged the truth in Tony's earlier statement.
Tony Stark turned his gaze towards Pepper for a moment, then shifted his piercing eyes back to Happy. A sly smile played upon his lips as he cocked an eyebrow, his voice dripping with confidence and a hint of amusement.
"Are you seriously questioning my impeccable decision to hire you, Happy?" He asked.
Feeling uneasy, Happy fidgeted in his seat. "No, Boss. I just thought, you know, mutants possess all sorts of special abilities. They could greatly enhance your security."
Tony smirked. "Well, mutants may have special abilities, but they aren't exactly renowned for their discretion and loyalty, are they? Besides, I trust you, Happy. I know you'll always have my back."
Happy nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Thanks, Boss. I appreciate that."
Pepper chimed in, her voice steady. "And let's not forget that mutants are people too, with their own lives and responsibilities. It's not fair to expect them to drop everything and become our personal bodyguards."
Tony nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Besides, I like having you around, Happy. You're like family."
Happy's smile widened, and he straightened up in his seat, a renewed sense of pride in his voice. "Thank you, Boss. I won't let you down."
"Damn signals," Happy further said as he stopped at yet another signal.
Suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere in front of their car. He wore a menacing and powerful suit which was predominantly black with silver and red accents, exuding a sinister vibe.
The chest piece of the suit featured a prominent red arc reactor, similar to the one Tony had in his Iron Man suit. The suit had a sleek and streamlined design, emphasizing its agility and speed.
Thick silver-plated armor covered the man's shoulders, chest, and back, providing enhanced protection. His arms were encased in long, whip-like extensions made of durable metal, each ending with sharp, electrified whips. These deadly appendages crackled with red electricity, ready to strike.
"What.." Before Happy could get chance to comprehend the situation, that man swirled the electric whilp towards the car they were sitting in.
"Shit!!" Happy tired to turn the car away from the range of the attack.
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