IR0N MAN

The scene opens with the warm glow of a Malibu sunrise spilling over Tony Stark's cliffside mansion. Inside, Tony works feverishly in his workshop, surrounded by holographic displays and scattered blueprints. His face is a mix of determination and frustration. The Mark III armor stands tall in the center of the room, its sleek design a testament to his genius, but its systems are still unfinished.

Pepper Potts enters, carrying a tablet. "Tony, you've been at this for hours. You need a break."

Tony doesn't even glance up. "Breaks are for people who don't have Hydra knocking on their door, Pepper. They hit us once—they'll do it again."

Pepper sighs, placing the tablet down. "Nick Fury called. He said the person he mentioned is arriving today."

Tony finally looks up, his expression skeptical. "Right, Fury's secret agent. Do I need to roll out a red carpet or just act surprised when they drop through the ceiling?"

Before Pepper can respond, the mansion's security system chimes. "Incoming visitor: authorized by Nick Fury."

Tony narrows his eyes. "Guess I'll get my answer."

The main entrance opens, and in steps Natasha Romanoff, clad in tactical black, her gaze sharp and calculating. "Mr. Stark," she says, her voice smooth, "I'm here to make sure you don't get yourself killed."

Tony raises an eyebrow. "And you are…?"

"Natasha Romanoff," she replies, extending a hand. "But you can call me Black Widow."

Tony smirks, shaking her hand. "Well, aren't I lucky? Fury sends me a spy with a flair for dramatics."

Natasha's expression doesn't waver. "This isn't a game, Stark. Hydra isn't just after your company. They want your tech—and they won't stop until they get it."

Tony's smirk fades, and he gestures toward the workshop. "Let me guess—you're here to babysit?"

Natasha steps closer, her tone firm. "I'm here to make sure Hydra doesn't use your brilliance against the world. Whether you like it or not."

As the tension between them simmers, the sound of wings draws their attention. Warren Worthington III lands gracefully on the balcony, his newly developed wings shimmering in the morning light.

"Am I interrupting?" Warren asks, his voice light but his expression serious.

Tony gestures toward Natasha. "Meet Fury's latest gift: Black Widow. She's here to make sure I don't blow myself up."

Warren steps forward, his wings folding behind him. "Good. Because we've got a bigger problem. Hydra's mobilizing—and they're not working alone."

The three exchange looks as the gravity of the situation sinks in.

"Looks like the fun's just getting started," Tony mutters, heading back to his workshop. "Let's suit up."

The room grows quiet after Warren's ominous warning. Natasha follows Tony as he heads back into his workshop, while Warren remains on the balcony, scanning the horizon with his wings slightly unfurled.

Tony pulls up a holographic map of recent Hydra activity. "Alright, Angel," Tony says over his shoulder, "spill it. What's the 'bigger problem'?"

Warren steps inside, folding his wings with practiced precision. "Hydra isn't acting alone. They've partnered with a rogue group of mercenaries. One of them is codenamed Blacklash. He's got tech—not as advanced as yours—but it's deadly. They're targeting your distribution centers globally."

"Blacklash?" Tony scoffs. "Sounds like a knockoff villain from a bad sci-fi movie."

Natasha, leaning against a console, interjects. "Don't underestimate him. Blacklash specializes in tech-based weaponry, and he's been a thorn in SHIELD's side for years. If Hydra's recruited him, it means they're ramping up."

Tony strokes his beard thoughtfully, then turns to Pepper. "Pep, I need you to start shutting down our overseas facilities temporarily. If Hydra wants my tech, they're not getting it."

Pepper hesitates. "Tony, that'll cost billions in lost revenue—"

"Better than letting Hydra weaponize it," Tony interrupts, his voice resolute.

Natasha adds, "Good call. But we can't just play defense. We need to hit them before they strike again."

Tony smirks. "Oh, don't worry. I'm always up for offense."

Warren steps closer to the map display. "I traced their movements to a facility outside Budapest. It's heavily guarded. Hydra's tech team is working on something big there. We need to shut it down."

Tony glances at the Mark III suit, then at Warren and Natasha. "Alright, team. Widow, you're my eyes and ears on the ground. Angel, keep the skies clear. I'll bring the fireworks."

Natasha raises an eyebrow. "Team? Stark, this isn't your personal mission."

"Maybe not," Tony replies, "but it is my tech they're after. And last I checked, I don't sit on the sidelines."

Before Natasha can argue, an alarm blares across the mansion. J.A.R.V.I.S.'s voice fills the room. "Sir, an unauthorized vehicle is approaching the property. It appears to be Hydra."

Warren unfurls his wings, Natasha readies her weapons, and Tony steps toward the Mark III. "Looks like they brought the fight to us. Time to suit up."

The mansion's exterior security cameras feed into Tony's workshop monitors, revealing a convoy of black SUVs speeding toward the property. Natasha steps to one of the screens, her sharp gaze analyzing the situation.

"Hydra doesn't waste time," Natasha says flatly, checking her sidearms. "We'll need to split up. Stark, get that suit ready."

Tony's hands fly over the controls, initiating the assembly of the Mark III armor. "J.A.R.V.I.S., activate perimeter defenses. Let's show these Hydra goons what they're messing with."

"Perimeter defenses activated, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. responds. Outside, automated turrets rise from hidden panels in the mansion's grounds, locking onto the convoy.

Warren steps forward, his wings casting an imposing shadow across the room. "I'll take the skies. Hydra won't even know what hit them."

"Try not to get shot down," Tony quips, stepping into the Mark III as the armor begins to encase him.

Natasha spins her pistols, cocking them with precision. "And I'll keep things grounded. Someone has to make sure Stark doesn't blow his mansion sky-high."

Tony's faceplate closes with a sharp clink, his voice now filtered through the suit. "Don't worry, Widow. This place is insured."

Outside, Hydra operatives spill out of the SUVs, armed with advanced weapons glowing faintly with stolen Stark tech. The automated turrets fire, taking down two vehicles in explosions of flame and metal.

From the balcony, Warren launches into the air, his wings cutting through the wind. He dives toward the attackers, using his agility to knock weapons out of their hands with precise strikes.

Natasha moves like a shadow, slipping through cover and taking down Hydra agents with quick, efficient blows. Her Widow's Bite bracelets crackle with blue energy, disabling operatives before they can react.

In the distance, a larger truck pulls up, its cargo doors swinging open to reveal Blacklash. Dressed in high-tech armor, he steps out wielding electrified whips that spark menacingly.

"Well, well," Blacklash sneers. "Stark's little fortress. Let's see how it holds up."

From above, Tony rockets down in the Mark III, landing between Blacklash and the mansion. "Nice toys," he says, aiming his repulsors. "But you're out of your league."

Blacklash cracks his whips, their electric charge lighting up the battlefield. "Big talk from a man hiding in a tin can. Let's see if you can keep up!"

The fight begins as Blacklash charges at Tony, his whips slashing through the air with deadly precision. Tony dodges, his repulsors firing bursts of energy. In the sky, Warren keeps Hydra reinforcements at bay, while Natasha continues to dismantle the ground forces.

The mansion becomes a warzone as Tony and Blacklash clash, sparks flying and the sound of metal-on-metal echoing across the property.

Blacklash swings his electrified whips, the crackling energy lighting up the night as Tony raises his arm, deflecting the strike with the Mark III's reinforced gauntlet. Sparks rain down, and Tony's HUD flashes with warning signs.

"Okay, that's enough playtime," Tony mutters, unleashing a repulsor blast that narrowly misses Blacklash but sends him stumbling back.

"Is that all you've got, Stark?" Blacklash taunts, recovering quickly. "I expected more from the great Tony Stark!"

From above, Warren swoops down, his wings a blur as he dives toward Hydra reinforcements. He slams into a cluster of operatives, scattering them like bowling pins. His voice crackles over the comms. "Stark, Blacklash isn't just stalling. Hydra's setting up something big near the mansion's perimeter."

Tony glances at the holographic feed on his HUD. Small blips show multiple Hydra operatives planting devices along the edge of the property. "Nat, we've got company near the perimeter. They're planting something—probably explosives."

"On it," Natasha replies through the comms, already moving. She vaults over debris, her Widow's Bite sparking as she takes down two Hydra agents with precision strikes. She picks up one of the devices, her eyes narrowing.

"Tony, these aren't standard explosives," Natasha says, examining the glowing circuitry. "They're EMP charges. If they go off, they'll knock out your suit—and everything else."

Tony's heart skips a beat. "J.A.R.V.I.S., scan the area for more EMPs."

"Scanning now, sir. Multiple devices detected along the northern perimeter," J.A.R.V.I.S. reports.

"Great," Tony mutters. "Angel, cover Widow while she disables those charges. I'll keep Blacklash busy."

Warren changes course mid-flight, soaring toward Natasha as she works on disarming the EMPs. A Hydra agent aims a high-tech rifle at her, but Warren dives in, using his wings to shield her as he lands a devastating kick on the operative.

"Thanks, Angel," Natasha says, not pausing in her work.

"Just don't blow us up," Warren replies with a smirk, taking to the skies again to fend off more attackers.

Meanwhile, Blacklash presses his advantage, his whips cracking through the air as he closes in on Tony. One whip wraps around Tony's arm, the energy surging through the suit and causing his systems to flicker.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., reroute power!" Tony commands, using his free hand to fire a repulsor blast that severs the whip.

"Power rerouted, sir, but sustained damage will compromise mobility," J.A.R.V.I.S. warns.

"Noted," Tony grits out, launching a counterattack. He fires a barrage of micro-missiles from his shoulder, forcing Blacklash to retreat.

On the ground, Natasha disables the last EMP charge, breathing a sigh of relief. "Charges neutralized. You're clear, Stark."

"Perfect timing," Tony says, as he launches himself into the air, gaining distance from Blacklash. "Now let's finish this."

Blacklash snarls, activating a device on his armor that powers up his whips even further. The energy crackling around him grows more intense, illuminating the battlefield.

"Big mistake, buddy," Tony says, his targeting system locking onto Blacklash. "Let's see how you handle full power."

The Mark III's chest opens slightly, revealing the arc reactor. Tony fires a concentrated unibeam, the blinding blast of energy cutting through the night and slamming into Blacklash, sending him flying backward.

Blacklash crashes into a Hydra vehicle, his armor sparking and damaged. Tony lands in front of him, aiming his repulsors. "You're done."

Before Tony can finish him off, a sudden explosion rocks the area. Smoke and debris fill the air as more Hydra reinforcements arrive, including a massive armored transport.

"Hydra's not done yet," Natasha warns over the comms.

Tony clenches his fists. "Then neither are we."

The battlefield erupts into chaos as the Hydra reinforcements pour out of the armored transport. Tony's HUD lights up with multiple hostiles, and J.A.R.V.I.S. immediately warns, "Sir, the new arrivals are equipped with enhanced weaponry and armor. Tactical caution is advised."

"No kidding," Tony mutters, boosting into the air to get a better view of the situation. Below, Natasha and Warren are already engaging the Hydra operatives.

Natasha flips over an incoming attacker, landing a precise kick to his chest before firing her Widow's Bite at another. She spots Warren struggling against a particularly aggressive Hydra soldier armed with an energy staff.

"Angel, to your left!" she shouts, and Warren ducks just in time to avoid the staff's swing. With a powerful beat of his wings, he propels himself upward and delivers a devastating aerial kick that sends the soldier sprawling.

"Thanks for the heads-up!" Warren calls, his wings gleaming under the glow of the battlefield's chaos.

Tony targets the armored transport, firing a barrage of micro-missiles at its wheels and turret. The vehicle shudders and tilts, smoke pouring from its damaged components, but it still stands. "Stubborn thing," he growls.

From behind the transport, another figure emerges—a Hydra enforcer in a hulking exosuit, its arms equipped with twin rotary cannons. The mechanical voice booms across the battlefield.

"Stark! Surrender now, or face annihilation!"

"Wow, that's original," Tony quips, locking onto the enforcer's weak points. "J.A.R.V.I.S., analyze his armor. I need a strategy."

"Analysis complete. Target's armor is reinforced, but vulnerable at the joints and rear power supply," J.A.R.V.I.S. reports.

Tony nods. "Perfect."

The enforcer unleashes a hail of bullets, forcing Tony to dodge mid-air. He dives low, weaving through the chaos before firing a concentrated repulsor blast at the enforcer's leg joint. Sparks fly as the blast lands, causing the enforcer to stumble.

Meanwhile, Natasha makes her way toward the transport, taking cover behind debris. She notices a control panel on the vehicle's side. "I think I can disable this transport. Cover me!" she calls through the comms.

"On it!" Warren replies, swooping down to shield Natasha from incoming fire. He uses his wings to deflect bullets, creating a path for her.

Natasha reaches the panel and begins hacking into it with deft precision. The transport shudders again, this time from within, as she overrides its systems. "A few more seconds…"

Tony keeps the enforcer occupied, circling around him and firing at weak points. The enforcer growls in frustration, swinging one of his massive arms at Tony, who narrowly evades it.

"Nat, how's that transport coming?" Tony asks, dodging another attack.

"Almost there!" Natasha replies, sweat beading on her forehead as the hacking sequence nears completion. "Just keep him off me a little longer!"

Tony smirks, diving toward the enforcer. "Hey, big guy, you're looking a little slow. Is that suit weighing you down?"

The enforcer roars, turning his attention fully to Tony.

Finally, Natasha's efforts pay off. The transport powers down with a loud whir, its turret falling limp and its doors locking shut. Hydra operatives inside bang against the doors, but they're trapped.

"Transport disabled!" Natasha announces triumphantly.

"Great work!" Warren shouts, flying past her to assist Tony. Together, the two of them coordinate their attacks, with Tony focusing on the enforcer's weak points and Warren distracting him with swift aerial maneuvers.

After a final, well-placed unibeam to the enforcer's power supply, the exosuit explodes in a shower of sparks, leaving the Hydra enforcer incapacitated on the ground.

Tony lands next to Natasha and Warren, his armor slightly scorched but fully operational. "Nice teamwork, everyone. But something tells me this isn't over yet."

Natasha nods, scanning the area. "Hydra doesn't go down this easily. They're planning something bigger—I can feel it."

Warren folds his wings, his expression tense. "Whatever it is, we need to stop it before it's too late."

Tony's HUD picks up a faint energy signature in the distance. "And I think I know where to start. Let's move."

*****

As the dust settles from the intense skirmish, Tony, Natasha, and Warren regroup near the disabled transport. The night is eerily quiet, with only the faint hum of Tony's suit and the occasional crackle of burning debris breaking the silence.

J.A.R.V.I.S. chimes in, "Sir, the energy signature detected earlier appears to be originating from an underground facility approximately two miles from this location."

Natasha tightens her grip on her weapons, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Hydra always has a fallback plan. That facility could be their command center for this operation."

Warren stretches his wings, still recovering from the fight. "Do we have any idea what's inside?"

Tony's HUD zooms in on the location, displaying a schematic of the area. "Not yet, but whatever it is, it's giving off enough power to light up a small city. My guess? Weapons or something even worse."

Natasha nods. "Then we need to move now before they have a chance to regroup."

As they prepare to head out, Tony notices Warren favoring one side, his wing slightly singed. "You good to fly, Angel? Or do you need a lift?"

Warren smirks, attempting to shake off the injury. "I'll manage. Wings heal faster than you think."

The trio moves swiftly, with Warren taking to the air as Natasha and Tony navigate the terrain below. The path to the facility is treacherous, littered with jagged rocks and remnants of earlier battles.

Inside the Hydra Facility

Meanwhile, inside the underground Hydra base, Madame Masque stands before a massive control panel, her golden mask gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights. The room buzzes with activity as Hydra operatives scramble to execute her commands.

One of her lieutenants approaches nervously. "Madame Masque, the transport has been compromised. Stark and his allies are advancing toward our position."

Madame Masque turns slowly, her voice calm but laced with menace. "Let them come. They'll find more than they bargained for." She gestures toward a large containment chamber in the center of the room, its interior obscured by swirling energy.

The lieutenant hesitates. "The prototype isn't fully stable yet. If we activate it now—"

She cuts him off with a glare. "Stability is a luxury we can no longer afford. Prepare the weapon."

The lieutenant nods and rushes off to carry out her orders.

Approaching the Facility

Back outside, the trio reaches the entrance to the Hydra base, a heavily fortified steel door embedded into the side of a cliff.

Tony scans the structure. "Reinforced titanium alloy. It'll take more than a repulsor blast to get through."

Natasha steps forward, pulling out a small device from her utility belt. "Let me handle this. I've cracked tougher locks in my sleep." She attaches the device to the door, and it begins to hum as it works on bypassing the security system.

Warren hovers nearby, keeping watch. "We should hurry. I don't like how quiet it's been. Feels like a trap."

Tony tilts his head. "With Hydra? It's always a trap."

The door suddenly hisses and slides open, revealing a dimly lit corridor. Natasha smirks. "And… we're in."

The group enters cautiously, their senses on high alert. The air is thick with tension as they make their way deeper into the facility.

As they turn a corner, an automated defense system activates, and gun turrets descend from the ceiling, firing a barrage of bullets.

"Take cover!" Natasha shouts, diving behind a nearby column.

Tony steps forward, activating his suit's energy shield to absorb the incoming fire. "J.A.R.V.I.S., disable those turrets."

"Working on it, sir," the AI responds, and within seconds, the turrets power down, their barrels retracting into the ceiling.

Natasha emerges from cover, shaking her head. "Hydra always did love their toys."

"Yeah, but I love mine more," Tony quips, his suit's arc reactor glowing as they press onward.

Ahead, they hear the faint sound of machinery and voices, growing louder with each step. Natasha signals for them to stop, her voice a whisper. "We're close. Stay sharp."

As they peek into the main chamber, they see Madame Masque standing by the containment chamber, her masked face illuminated by the swirling energy within.

"Looks like we found the party," Tony mutters, his tone darkening.

Madame Masque turns her head slightly, as if sensing their presence. "Welcome, Stark. I've been expecting you."

Madame Masque steps closer to the containment chamber, her voice echoing through the cavernous room. "Did you really think you could walk into Hydra's stronghold and leave unscathed, Stark? You underestimate me—and my father."

Tony's eyes narrow behind his helmet. "What's in the chamber, Masque? Another failed Hydra science project?"

Madame Masque chuckles, her golden mask catching the light. "You'll find out soon enough." She presses a button on the control panel, and the swirling energy in the chamber intensifies, causing the walls to tremble.

Natasha glances at Tony, her tone sharp. "Whatever she's powering up, we can't let her finish."

Tony nods, his repulsors humming to life. "Agreed. Angel, take the high ground. Widow, you're with me."

Warren flies up to the rafters, his wings spreading wide as he scans the room for threats. Natasha moves swiftly, using the shadows for cover, while Tony advances head-on, his suit glowing with power.

Madame Masque raises a hand, signaling her Hydra operatives. "Delay them. I need more time."

A wave of armed Hydra agents pours into the room, their weapons trained on the intruders.

Tony fires a barrage of repulsor blasts, scattering the first line of Hydra operatives. Natasha engages the second wave, her movements fluid and precise as she disarms and incapacitates them with a mix of martial arts and expertly aimed shots.

From above, Warren swoops down, using his wings to knock over a group of agents before ascending again. He spots a sniper aiming for Natasha and dives, shielding her just in time.

"Thanks," Natasha says, reloading her pistols.

"Don't mention it," Warren replies, gritting his teeth as he lands nearby.

Tony advances toward Madame Masque, his voice amplified through his suit. "You can end this now, Masque. Shut it down, and maybe we can negotiate."

Madame Masque laughs, her voice dripping with disdain. "Negotiate? With you? You're as arrogant as your father." She pulls a lever, and the containment chamber begins to open, revealing a glowing device suspended in mid-air—a prototype energy weapon unlike anything Tony has ever seen.

J.A.R.V.I.S. immediately scans the weapon. "Sir, the energy output is off the charts. If that device destabilizes, it could level the entire region."

"Of course it could," Tony mutters. "Why wouldn't Hydra make a bomb disguised as a science project?"

Madame Masque steps in front of the weapon, her arms outstretched. "This is the future, Stark. A new dawn powered by Hydra's vision—and your company's stolen tech."

Tony's jaw tightens. "That tech wasn't stolen. It was sold—by someone who's about to regret it."

Natasha signals from the side. "We need to take her down now. She's stalling for time."

Tony nods. "Angel, Widow, focus on the operatives. I'll handle Masque."

*

The Fight with Masque.

*

Tony launches himself forward, his repulsors flaring as he targets Madame Masque. She counters by activating a hidden device on her wrist, emitting an EMP pulse that temporarily disrupts his suit.

"Cute trick," Tony grunts, regaining control as he dodges a second pulse.

Madame Masque draws twin daggers, their edges glowing with the same energy as the weapon behind her. She moves with deadly precision, aiming for the weak points in Tony's armor.

"You can't stop progress, Stark," she taunts, slashing at his arm.

Tony blocks with a shield generated by his suit. "I'm not here to stop progress. I'm here to stop you."

Their battle intensifies, sparks flying as Tony's repulsors clash against Masque's daggers. Each move is calculated, their skills evenly matched.

Across the room, Natasha and Warren are locked in their own battles. Hydra agents swarm them, but the duo fights valiantly. Natasha's combat training and Warren's aerial agility make them a formidable pair.

"We need to disable that weapon!" Natasha shouts over the chaos.

Warren nods, taking to the air once more. "I'll draw their fire. You get to the control panel."

Natasha moves swiftly, dodging enemy fire as she makes her way to the console. She begins hacking into the system, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

As Tony battles Madame Masque, J.A.R.V.I.S. alerts him. "Sir, the weapon is nearing critical mass. If we don't shut it down soon—"

"I know, J.A.R.V.I.S.," Tony interrupts, firing a concentrated repulsor blast that knocks Madame Masque back.

Masque stumbles but doesn't fall. Her mask is cracked, revealing a glimpse of the woman beneath. Her eyes burn with hatred as she screams, "You won't win, Stark!"

Natasha's voice comes through the comms. "I'm almost in. Keep her distracted!"

Tony smirks. "Oh, don't worry. I've got plenty of distractions."

The energy weapon in the containment chamber pulsates with an ominous glow, its hum growing louder and more unstable. Tony remains locked in combat with Madame Masque, his suit sparking from her relentless attacks.

"You're stalling for nothing!" Tony growls, dodging a swipe of her glowing dagger. "Your little science experiment is going to take us all out, including you!"

Madame Masque smirks, her voice cold. "A necessary sacrifice for a greater cause. Hydra's legacy will endure—even if I don't."

Tony's repulsor blasts barely graze her as she ducks and weaves with alarming agility. He realizes she's not fighting to win—she's fighting to buy time.

On the other side of the room, Natasha crouches by the console, her focus unshaken despite the chaos around her. Her fingers move deftly across the controls, bypassing firewalls and overriding security protocols.

"Come on, come on," she mutters, sweat dripping from her brow.

Through her earpiece, J.A.R.V.I.S. updates her. "Miss Romanoff, the weapon's energy output is reaching critical mass. Estimated detonation in three minutes."

"Not helping, J.A.R.V.I.S.," Natasha replies sharply.

Suddenly, a Hydra agent lunges at her. Natasha twists, delivering a brutal kick that sends him sprawling. She grabs her pistol, firing at another agent before returning to the console.

Above the fray, Warren dives through the air, his wings a blur as he disrupts Hydra's formations. His movements are precise but increasingly desperate as more agents pour into the room.

Spotting an incoming rocket aimed at Tony, Warren swoops down, shielding him at the last second. The explosion sends him crashing to the ground, his wings singed but intact.

Tony glances back, his voice filled with concern. "Angel! You good?"

Warren groans, pushing himself up. "Still flying, Stark. Don't worry about me—take her down."

Tony vs. Masque: The Tides Shift

Tony refocuses on Madame Masque, his HUD analyzing her movements. Her daggers glow brighter, their energy destabilizing as the weapon behind her surges.

J.A.R.V.I.S. chimes in. "Sir, her weapons are directly linked to the energy core. If you disrupt them, you may cause a chain reaction."

Tony narrows his eyes. "Then we do this the hard way."

He charges at her, activating his suit's magnetic clamps to disarm her daggers. The move succeeds, sending the weapons clattering to the floor, but Masque retaliates with a hidden blade, slicing into his armor's shoulder joint.

"Persistent, aren't you?" Tony grits out, firing a concentrated blast that sends her sprawling.

As Masque struggles to her feet, she pulls a remote detonator from her belt. "You think you've won? This is just the beginning."

Natasha's voice comes through the comms. "Tony, I've almost got it. Just hold her off for another minute!"

Tony eyes the detonator in Masque's hand. "No pressure, right?"

Madame Masque presses a button, and the containment chamber's energy field flickers, growing more unstable. The room begins to shake violently, debris falling from the ceiling.

"Time's up, Stark!" she sneers, her mask partially shattered to reveal a defiant glare.

Tony activates his thrusters, launching himself at her in a final desperate move. They collide, the detonator flying from her grasp as they crash to the ground.

Natasha's voice cuts through the noise. "I've got control! Disabling the weapon now!"

The energy field dims slightly, but the weapon remains unstable, its core glowing with dangerous intensity.

Tony pins Madame Masque to the floor, his voice cold. "You're done. Call off whatever backup you've got, or this ends here."

Masque glares up at him, blood trickling from a cut on her temple. "You'll never understand the world Hydra envisions. It's bigger than you, Stark. Bigger than all of us."

As she speaks, Natasha and Warren regroup with Tony. Natasha holds up the deactivated detonator. "The weapon's offline, but the core's still unstable. We need to shut it down manually."

Tony nods, standing. "J.A.R.V.I.S., give me options."

The room trembles violently as the weapon's core continues to destabilize, radiating heat and light. Tony, Natasha, and Warren regroup in front of the containment chamber, their faces grim.

J.A.R.V.I.S. reports, "Sir, the core is reaching a critical meltdown. Estimated detonation in ninety seconds."

Tony scans the chamber, his HUD displaying chaotic energy readings. "Alright, team. I'm going in."

Natasha steps forward, grabbing his arm. "Stark, you're not doing this alone. We've got your back."

Warren nods, flexing his wings. "We're in this together. What's the plan?"

Tony exhales. "Natasha, cover me. Warren, keep any stragglers off us. I'll handle the core."

Before they can act, Madame Masque rises from the ground, bloodied but unyielding. Her mask is cracked, revealing part of her face, twisted with determination.

"You think you've won?" she snarls, pulling a concealed plasma pistol. "Hydra's plans don't end here!"

She fires a volley of energy blasts, forcing the trio to scatter. Natasha flips to the side, unloading her pistols at Masque. Warren takes to the air, using his wings to deflect stray shots.

Tony launches a repulsor blast, hitting Masque square in the chest and sending her crashing into a console. Sparks erupt, and she slumps to the floor, coughing.

"Stay down!" Tony commands, but her defiant glare tells him this fight isn't over.

With the room's shaking intensifying, Tony focuses on the weapon. He activates his thrusters and flies toward the containment chamber.

J.A.R.V.I.S. warns, "Caution, sir. The energy levels inside the chamber are lethal."

"Noted," Tony mutters. He reaches out, his gauntlets glowing as he prepares to interface with the core.

The heat is oppressive, even through his suit. As he connects to the weapon's systems, streams of data flood his HUD.

"Alright, J.A.R.V.I.S., give me options. How do we shut this thing down?"

"The core requires manual stabilization, but doing so will compromise your suit's integrity."

Tony grits his teeth. "What's the alternative?"

"Complete evacuation within thirty seconds."

"That's not happening."

Outside the chamber, Natasha and Warren fend off the remaining Hydra agents. Natasha lands a brutal takedown, while Warren soars across the room, sending agents flying with powerful gusts from his wings.

Spotting Tony struggling within the chamber, Natasha shouts, "Stark, we're running out of time!"

Tony's voice crackles through the comms. "I've got it—just keep them off me!"

Warren glances at the weapon and then at Natasha. "I can help him."

Natasha hesitates. "No, you need to stay out here. If something happens to Stark, we need you to get us out of here."

Warren reluctantly nods, redoubling his efforts to keep the agents at bay.

From the floor, Madame Masque weakly raises her plasma pistol, aiming at the chamber. Her voice is ragged but filled with spite. "If I go down, I'm taking you all with me."

Before she can fire, Natasha's Widow's Bite zips through the air, striking the pistol and disarming her. Natasha strides forward, aiming her weapon at Masque.

"It's over," Natasha says coldly.

Masque's laugh is hollow, but her eyes burn with defiance. "You're all fools if you think this ends with me."

Inside the chamber, Tony pushes his suit to its limits, redirecting energy and stabilizing the core. The suit's systems scream warnings as heat and radiation overwhelm its defenses.

J.A.R.V.I.S. chimes in. "Sir, the reactor is stabilizing, but you have less than fifteen seconds before critical failure."

Tony grunts, sweat pouring down his face. "Just a little more... come on..."

The room quakes once more as Tony's suit struggles under the immense pressure. The core flickers, threatening to explode any moment. His vision is clouded with flashing alerts and increasing radiation. His hands are shaking as he works furiously, tapping into every last ounce of his suit's power.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., what's the status?" Tony asks through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his face.

"The core is almost stable, sir. You have four seconds."

Tony closes his eyes for a moment, exhaling deeply. This was it. The final push.

"Come on, just a little longer..." Tony mutters to himself, his fingers flying over the controls, recalibrating the systems to counter the energy surge.

J.A.R.V.I.S. chimes again. "Reactor stabilization complete. Critical threat averted."

A sigh of relief escapes Tony's lips as the room goes quiet, the chaos ebbing away. The rumbling ceases. The core is now under control. The weapon no longer threatens to explode.

"You did it, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. says, the voice tinged with admiration.

Tony slumps against the control panel, letting the tension drain from his body. "Yeah... but I need a drink."

Outside the containment chamber, Natasha moves swiftly toward Tony, her gaze sweeping over the now-neutralized Hydra agents. Warren swoops down, landing beside her, his wings folding with a swift rustle.

"Is it over?" Natasha asks, her voice steady but laced with concern.

Tony grins weakly from behind his mask, his voice crackling through the comms. "For now."

As he powers down his suit, the sound of Madame Masque's harsh breathing draws his attention. Natasha has her weapon trained on her, her face set in stone.

"You're done," Natasha says flatly. "Your plans are over."

Madame Masque glares up at her, blood trickling from her mouth. "You think you've won? Hydra... will never stop. There are bigger players than you... than all of you."

Before Natasha can respond, a sharp explosion rocks the facility, echoing in the distance.

"Not again..." Tony mutters under his breath. He taps his suit, bringing up a new alert. "Sir, we're receiving an incoming signal. It's encrypted."

Tony looks up at Natasha and Warren, determination settling back in his chest. "We're not done yet. Someone's making their move."

The facility begins to shake once more, but this time it's not from a potential explosion. It's the sound of something far more ominous: a new player has entered the game.

Madame Masque, though weakened, smiles. "It's not over, Stark. Not by a long shot."

Tony steps forward, narrowing his eyes. "Who else is pulling the strings?"

Her lips curl into a bitter smile. "You'll find out soon enough..."

Before anyone can act, a blast of energy knocks everyone off their feet. The figure emerging from the shadows is imposing, tall, and shrouded in a dark aura. His voice is cold, a deep tone that cuts through the tension like a knife.

"Time's up."

As the figure steps into the dim light, his silhouette is unmistakable. A familiar figure with dark, flowing robes, and an iron will. Count Nefaria. His presence is overwhelming, and it's clear that Hydra's game is far from over.

"Count Nefaria?" Tony mutters, his expression darkening. "You're too late. Your pawn's already out of play."

Count Nefaria's lips twitch into a smile. "This is far from over, Stark. You've disrupted one plan, but there are many more."

He gestures to the horizon outside, where massive Hydra airships hover, their shadows stretching across the battlefield.

Tony's eyes harden, but his mind is already racing. "We'll be ready. No matter how many pawns you have."

*****

As Tony, Natasha, and Warren leave the facility, the camera pans up to the skyline, where a small, private jet is descending. From the shadows, a figure steps out, watching from a distance.

Professor X (Charles Xavier) watches the team closely, his thoughts racing. He'd been following the events, sensing the potential in young Warren Worthington III. His time to act had finally come. But not just for Warren…

His voice, calm and authoritative, fills the air. "It's time to bring them together. They'll need more than just a genius. They need a team."

*****

The scene shifts to a moment of quiet reflection. Tony is standing in front of a large window in Stark Tower, staring out at the city below. The events of the night—the battles, the betrayals, the threats—are weighing on him. But one thing is clear: everything's changing. His world will never be the same again.

He's alone for now, and his mind races with the same question it always does: What's next?

A soft voice breaks his reverie.

"Are you gonna keep hiding behind that mask, Tony?" Natasha's voice echoes from the doorway. She steps inside, arms crossed, but her gaze softens when she sees the look on his face.

Tony doesn't turn to her immediately. He stays facing the city. Then, with a deep exhale, he says, "I've been hiding behind a lot of things, Nat. But you're right. It's time to stop."

He slowly walks to a nearby console, a sleek piece of tech integrated into the wall. He taps a few buttons, and in an instant, his full Iron Man suit assembles around him, the iconic armor clicking into place piece by piece.

He turns to Natasha, now fully armored, the red and gold gleaming in the dim light.

"Tony Stark. I am Iron Man."

He lets the words hang in the air, letting them settle.

Natasha simply nods, no surprise in her eyes—only understanding. "I knew it," she says, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of her lips. "But now... the world will know."

Before Tony can respond, the door opens again, and Nick Fury steps in, cutting through the moment with his usual intensity. "That's the reveal, huh?" Fury says, his voice tinged with both approval and urgency. "Well, Stark, it's time we talk about something a little bigger than just one man."

Tony's hands fall to his sides, still in his armor. "I'm listening."

Fury's tone grows more serious. "You're not alone in this fight. And you're going to need backup. A team. A team to take on threats like nothing we've seen before."

Tony stands tall, eyes narrowing as Fury's words sink in. "I don't do teams."

"Well, you will," Fury responds. "Because we need you. And the world is going to need more than just you. You're the one that's going to lead them."

Tony glances back at the mirror, considering it for a moment. "So, what's this team called?"

Fury doesn't hesitate. "The Avengers."

IRON MAN WILL RETURN...