Begin Again In Marvel

POV Rio

I was watching Tony make his announcement of shutting down the weapons division.

'Hmm, now we wait and see if he stays on this new path or regresses.'

I make sure we start making our moves to acquire all the Stark Stocks we can for the next part of the plan.

'Howard is a piece of work. Even after he died he wanted to challenge Tony. Whatever, I profit from it so I will do as the contract asks of me.'

The plan was simple enough all I had to do was ensure Tony didn't die. I nearly facepalm as I see Tony show Stane the Ark Reactor. Especially when I specifically warned him about being surrounded by Vipers and Snakes.

'I swear he is brilliant but stupid at the same time. It doesn't take a genius to spot some strange behaviors from those around them. But I guess I can give him some slack as he did just come home from a traumatic experience.'

I decided to leave observing to a Water Clone as it wouldn't send memories back but it would let me know that I need to act if it dispells. After all, I was busy with other tasks today and can't be bothered to watch Tony for the next few weeks.

'Now let's see what is next. Ah, Team Galatic is attacking AIM. Search and Destroy. We need 300 Grunts to pull off flawlessly.'

I teleported to an open area we reserved for actions involving the creation of many clones. I created the Shadow Clones and we got equipped. Our goal was the elimination of all AIM personnel and the collection of all Data they have collected. Some people would be spared but not many. Those who would be spared had unfortunate accidents on their way to work that caused them to be late coming to work. This included Maya Hansen. We chose to strike now as they just succeeded in their first human subject. Mind you the success was not very effective and the person was very unstable but it did work. Thus we can't have them make more Super Soldiers.

Rio: "That should be everything we need now let's get this over with."

I open a Gate and we start the attack. We overwhelm the guards quickly with accurate headshots. Once they are done we rapidly move through the compound and eliminate the defenders. Once the defenders were eliminated we gathered all the scientists and I began using Drain Knowledge. With my fast processing speed, I was able to sort through the memories rapidly. After about 30 minutes everyone except Killian was dead. I saved him for last as he would take more time to process.

Killian: "Wait! I can give you guys whatever you want. Just please don't kill me!"

I keep walking towards him.

Killian: "Money, women, power, political access, technology, anything!"

Rio: "I only need one thing from you."

That makes him breathe a sigh of relief.

Killian: "Name it and it's yours."

Rio: "You memories."

I grab his head and he passes out from fear. I wait for a second and realize he fainted from fear.

Clone: "Wow, I didn't know that was actually possible. I thought it was just a figure of speech."

Rio: "I know right? But then again we are fairly fictious beings so."

I shrug my shoulders and start using Drain Knowledge. Once I finished I looked at the clones.

Rio: "Did we get everything?"

Clone: "Yep, the Palantir confirmed there is nothing left. Monika took care of everything digital. We are good to go."

Rio: "Good let's blow this joint."

The Shadow Clone looks at me.

Clone: "You have spent too much time around Yang."

Rio: "What?! It was a good pun. There is nothing wrong with making puns."

The Shadow CLone opened his mouth but closed it a second later before nodding.

Clone: "Fair point."

We set up a crap ton of Explosive Tags and then detonate them.

BOOOOM

The entire compound was erased from the blast and we were already gone. I made sure that we didn't miss anyone or anything before closing the report and filing it away for Tex and the other command staff to review at a later date. The only thing remaining to do was erase Maya Hansen's memories of Extremis and all her records. Killian was smart and never revealed much about Extremis and further took credit for the invention. Maya would be safe for those trying to learn about it and we wouldn't have to worry about her redoing the research. There were some discussions about recruiting her but Orochimaru and Tsunade stated that it would be a bad idea. I trusted their judgment and we decided to erase her memories and leave her with a sizeable amount of wealth.

A Few Weeks Later...

I was made aware that Tony was calling for my help. I teleported to his home where I found him crawling on the ground trying to get downstairs. I used the Force to levitate him and the old Ark Reactor to a comfortable position. Then I put the Reactor in his chest and he gasped for air.

Tony: "You could have been a bit more gentle with that. Slapping it in like a battery hurt."

Rio: "Mr. Stark, I know you are in pain but you called for me. I didn't have to show up but I did. Now stop crying and hurry up and go save your girlfriend."

Tony: "She's not my... Oh crap, you're right. Stane has the improved Ark Reactor and will use it for ill."

Rio: "Indeed, but before you go. I will warn you that a group will approach you by the end of the night. They have already approached you. Don't trust Shield. It is not what it appears. I have also added a little extra power to your Ark Reactor. Use it well."

Tony gets in his suit and starts to get ready to leave.

Rio: "Oh and one last thing before you leave Mr. Stark."

Tony: "What?"

I smile.

Rio: "May the Force be with you."

Tony: "Sigh. I would hit you right now if I wasn't in a rush."

I disappear while he isn't looking.

Tony: "Damn it how does he do that!?"

I watched as Tony flew off with his Armor.

'Now I just wait for Stane to die so I can ensure that Hydra doesn't steal the armor. And make sure no innocents get caught in the crossfire.'

The fight didn't take too long to be resolved and when Iron Monger fell into the large Ark Reactor I stepped in and made Stane and the suit disappear. Not before I cast a simple soul-binding spell so I could resurrect him later for his knowledge. Once that was done and I was sure no one saw me I went home to watch things unfold. When I arrived home Monika told me good news.

Monika: "Good news everyone. I have just confirmed the sale of all the stocks that Tony doesn't own. With this, we now own 62% of the company."

Rio: "Perfect that means all we need to do is wait. Stark will contact me in the next few days."

A Few Days Later...

I arrived at Starks home and got ready for the last test Howard had set up for me to give Tony. I showed up behind Stark.

Rio: "Boo!"

Tony: "AHHHHH!"

Stark fell over and reached for a gun he had hidden near him.

'Hmm, I don't remember him hiding guns all over his house in the MCU. Wonder if that is my fault. Nah.'

Tony: "Don't sneak up on me! I might have shot you!"

Rio: "Do you honestly think you would be able to injure me let alone manage to fire the gun?"

Tony: "Well... Okay, yeah this probably wouldn't hurt you. But still don't sneak up on me."

He puts the gun back in its hiding place and motions me to follow him.

Tony: "I called you here to thank you for your help. Pepper mentioned someone got her away from the explosion and there were also reports that everyone got out alive from all the damage."

Rio: "Well I wasn't going to allow innocents perish because you ignored my warnings."

Tony: "Well in my defense your warning was vague."

Rio: "Well now that Stane is gone have you understood the rest of my warning?"

Tony sags a bit before sighing.

Tony: "Sigh. Yeah, yeah I have. It was way worse than I ever expected. In these past few days I have gone through many records and other than Pepper and Happy, I haven't found a single person that wasn't involved in some sort of under-the-table dealings. It will take me months to track down all my weapons that were sold to Terrorists, Criminals, and foreign governments."

Rio: "And what will you do about all those Snakes?"

Tony: "I was planning on turning them into the authorities."

Rio: "And what do you think will happen?"

Tony: "I will be stuck in legal battles for years. Much of what I have developed and stored will be leaked to my competitors. By the time I have dealt with all the issues my company will likely be swimming in debt and what little faith we could get would be gone. And even if I try to kick everyone out all the Snakes have allies in low places making it very likely I will see retaliation. I can survive that but I don't think Happy or Pepper could."

Rio: "Which is why I have an offer for you. I currently own 61% of your company. I will sell it to you for 300 Billion USD."

Tony: "How would that help me!?"

Rio: "Take a second and think about it."

Tony: "Well it would nearly bankrupt the company to repurchase those stocks but by doing so I could go private. I would have to liquidate a lot of assets. Which would leave the company unable to pay for its employees. Which means massive lay-offs. But it's perfectly legal and those who are guilty of dealing under the table would think they are safe. If they think they are safe they won't leak things as they would lose the compensation and get arrested. If they do go down they would be silenced by the others who want to keep their crimes hidden. Peer Pressure. But this is a risky play."

Rio: "Indeed it is but a wise man once said. Decay has no cure, it has to be eradicated by the flames of a cleansing fire. If you use your current strategy it wouldn't be a cleansing fire but a wildfire that spreads uncontrollably. What little that remained would be ashes."

Tony: "Why sell it to me? And why such a price?"

Rio: "I can see a person's level of sin or evil. You are sitting at around -50. Babies start at 100. To put it bluntly, you are guilty of numerous crimes. You are just now realizing it. What happened in your company is very much on you. The deaths they caused are not completely on you but you hold some responsibility. I want to believe that you changed but that is hard to do with your past."

Tony stops and I feel guilt wash over him. He takes a deep breath before looking me in the eyes. Or where he thinks they are as he still can't see my face.

Tony: "I have changed. I am ready to do good to make up for what I have done in the past."

I smile and sense he is being completely truthful.

Rio: "Then sign this contract but before you do read it. Never sign anything without signing it. There are many out there that will try to steal your soul that way or trick you into a dangerous agreement."

Tony: "What like the devil?"

Rio: "Yes, Devils are the most well known but any halfway decent magic user can make a magically binding contract. That isn't even mentioning the far more scary beings that can do so. I am one of the rare few that makes even or mutually beneficial contracts and deals."

Tony: "Wait devils are real?"

Rio: "Yes, though most are dead now after hell was destroyed."

Tony: "I'm sorry but did you just say Hell was destroyed? Which means it existed. Wow, anything else you want to share or are you done making me question everything I ever knew."

Rio: "I am done. For now."

Tony: "You know I am starting to not like talking to you."

Despite his complaining, Tony reads the contract carefully and then signs it.

Rio: "Congratulations Tony Stark you passed the test."

Tony: "Test? What test?"

Rio: "I made a contract with your parents and your father required me to test whether you were worthy of inheriting his legacy and that you were ready to get their final message from them. Sorry about all that but I couldn't break the contract. Now where do you want all the stuff?"

Tony: "You met my parents?! What?! How?! Were they Force Ghosts or something?"

Rio: "Hahahaha! No, sorry they weren't Force Ghosts. I brought them back from the dead to make a deal with them. Before you ask no I can't bring them back again. We can chat about that later for now you have many things to do and see."

Tony: "Sigh. Fine but I want a chance to sit down and ask a lot of questions."

Rio: "You will get the time. Now where do you want this stuff? Also, I have the Iron Monger suit for you."

Tony: "That's where it went. Why... never mind just place everything but the suit in my lab. You can just keep the suit. I don't need it nor do I want it. Just give me the Ark Reactor."

I give him the hunk of metal that used to be the Ark Reactor. Then placed all the items that used to belong to Howard. Once that was done I left.

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Authors Note:

I decided that AIM would be better to remove now rather than later. Also, I considered adding Dr. Hansen but I thought her morals and loyalties were suspect. That and she was smart but not that smart. Also, Rio is going to be messing with Tony. Lastly, several people suggested I make Freddy Fazbears just to mess with Tony and I have decided to add it in a future chapter. I just love the idea of creating it to mess with Tony. And it could be a little profitable. Until next time Ciao.