Capítulo 26: Stark Expo
Next day after Ritsuka left...
The morning sun filtered through the large windows of Tony Stark's house, casting a soft light across the open hall where the group had gathered. Tony, Bucky Barnes, Da Vinci, and Yinsen sat comfortably on the modern couches, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. Yinsen, ever the considerate one, had brought in a homemade breakfast for everyone, carefully placing plates of food on the coffee table in front of them. They missed Ritsuka food but they know Ritsuka had his own family to take care.
The large television on the wall flickered to life, playing the morning news. As they ate, the news anchor's voice caught their attention.
"In local news, reports are coming in of a mysterious figure seen late last night, cloaked in flames and riding a motorcycle through the city streets. Witnesses describe him as a ghostly apparition with a skull for a face, wreathed in fire. The people have started calling him the 'Ghost Rider.' Authorities are still investigating the identity of this fiery enigma."
Tony took a sip from his glass, his eyes narrowing at the screen. "A ghost with flames for a head? Sounds like something out of a bad Halloween special."
Bucky, munching on a piece of toast, leaned back. "Could be some rogue mutant. Wouldn't be the first time someone with freaky powers caused a stir."
Da Vinci, who had been quietly sipping her coffee, set her cup down thoughtfully. "In a world like this, it's entirely possible. Meta-humans, mutants… there are countless possibilities. But I have to admit," she added with a grin, "the name 'Ghost Rider' does have a certain flair to it."
Tony chuckled, the corners of his mouth quirking up into a smirk. "Sure, but 'Iron Man' is still cooler." He raised his glass in mock salute before downing the concoction Yinsen had prepared to help mitigate the effects of the palladium poisoning coursing through his veins.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. A moment later, Jarvis's polite voice echoed through the room. "Sir, there's an officer at the door."
Yinsen stood up to answer the door, always the gracious host. When he opened it, a stern-faced officer stood on the other side, his posture rigid, and his expression cold. The man barely acknowledged Yinsen, his eyes sweeping dismissively over him.
"Stark," the officer barked, his tone grating. "You're hereby ordered to present yourself before the Senate Arms Service Committee in a week." His voice carried no hint of respect, only the weight of the government's authority.
Tony, lounging comfortably on the couch, didn't bother to get up. He regarded the officer with a look of barely concealed disdain. "So, they're sending lackeys to do their dirty work now?" Tony's voice dripped with arrogance. "Tell your bosses I'll be there, but don't expect me to show up with a friendly smile."
The officer didn't react, merely nodding curtly before turning on his heel and marching away. Yinsen closed the door, his expression tense. The officer's rudeness hadn't gone unnoticed by any of them.
Da Vinci crossed her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Jarvis," she called out, "do me a favor and dig up everything you can on that Senate committee."
"Certainly, Miss Da Vinci, And apparently he is a Hydra agent listed on hydra agents list which gaven by BB." Jarvis replied smoothly.
As she expected, Tony's expression darkened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "The Senate, huh? Wouldn't be surprised if some of those snakes were Hydra too. If they are, I'm looking forward to crushing them under my boot."
Yinsen and Bucky exchanged glances, both of them catching the shift in Tony's demeanor. They didn't fully understand his plans, but the spark of defiance in Tony's eyes was enough to reassure them. Da Vinci simply smirked, enjoying the anticipation of what was to come.
As they finished breakfast, the television droned on in the background.
The preparations for the Stark Expo were in full swing. Tony, Yinsen, Bucky, and Da Vinci were busy getting ready, each absorbed in their own tasks. The event was just few hours away, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
As Tony adjusted his tie in front of a mirror, Da Vinci's sharp eyes caught a faint, dark line crawling along the skin of his neck, just barely visible under the collar of his shirt. She frowned, stepping closer to get a better look. "Tony, what's going on with you?" she asked, her tone a mixture of concern and suspicion.
Tony waved her off with a forced grin. "It's nothing, just a scratch."
Yinsen, however, wasn't having it. "Tony, you should tell her. She needs to know."
Da Vinci's gaze shifted between the two men, her frown deepening. "Tell me what?"
Tony sighed, the weight of his secret finally pressing down on him. He knew Da Vinci was too smart to deceive. "Fine. The palladium core in my chest—it's keeping me alive, but it's also poisoning me. My body is slowly being poisoned by my own lifeline." His voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of frustration and vulnerability.
Da Vinci's expression shifted from concern to anger in an instant. "And you didn't think to tell me this sooner? What, did you think you could just tough it out and everything would be fine?"
Tony tried to play it off, but Da Vinci's scolding hit harder than he expected. "I didn't want to worry anyone," he muttered, avoiding her eyes.
"And... His pride as a genius stopped him from asking for help. He thought he could figure it out on his own." Yinsen continued while looking at Tony
"Your pride could have killed you, you idiot!" Da Vinci snapped, her voice sharp but her eyes softening. "You can't do everything on your own, Tony. Letting your ego get in the way of your life is the most foolish thing I've ever heard."
Tony finally relented, looking at her with a mix of gratitude and humility. "I know, I know. You're right. I need your help, Da Vinci."
She sighed, her anger dissipating as quickly as it had flared. "Of course, I'll help. Let me take a closer look." Da Vinci began to analyze the situation, her mind already working at a thousand miles per hour. Bucky, watching the exchange, asked, "Can you fix it? Is there a way to stop it?"
Da Vinci gave him a confident smile. "I'm Leonardo da Vinci, remember? If there's a solution, I'll find it."
Tony, sensing the mood lightening, pulled out his phone and made a quick call. "Happy, I need you to bring some bakery supplies for Ritsuka. He's going to need them later."
Happy's voice crackled through the speaker. "Already on it, boss. I'm on my way to Ritsuka Fujimaru's apartment now."
Tony ended the call and turned back to Da Vinci. "Let's get to work. We've got an Expo to prepare for, and I'm not letting a little thing like imminent death get in the way."
---
**Scene Shift**
Meanwhile, at Ritsuka's apartment, the atmosphere was lively and filled with an unusual energy. Ritsuka and Morgan had spent the morning together, both of them in high spirits. Morgan had a serene smile on her face as she watched Ritsuka moving around the kitchen, preparing breakfast. There was a warmth between them that was almost tangible, a bond that had deepened after their time together last night.
Morgan's thoughts drifted to the experience she had shared with Ritsuka, a moment she couldn't help but boast about. As she sat with Ereshkigal, Artoria Lancer, Archetype: Earth, and Void Shiki, Morgan couldn't resist teasing them. "You know," she began with a smirk, "last night was... special. Unlike you, I'm no longer a virgin."
Her rivals glared at her, jealousy clear in their eyes. "We're just waiting for our turn," Ereshkigal shot back, her voice carrying a hint of competitiveness. The others nodded in agreement, each of them determined to have their moment with Ritsuka.
Morgan simply chuckled. "Good luck with that, virgins," she said, her tone playful yet triumphant.
...
Ritsuka was in the bakery, putting the final touches on the pastries when Happy arrived. The two exchanged quick pleasantries, and as Ritsuka continued to work, Karna took Karen out for a walk. Despite the leisurely pace, Karna's mind was anything but calm. He was having a mental conversation with the Phoenix, whose presence in his thoughts was as strong as ever.
"Don't you ever rest?" Phoenix's voice echoed in his mind, a mix of curiosity and irritation.
Karna's gaze swept over the surroundings, always on alert. "My duty is to protect. I don't have time to rest."
Phoenix let out a sigh, almost exasperated. "You really do have a one-track mind, don't you? All you ever think about is being a warrior."
Karna remained silent, his focus unwavering. The Phoenix scolded him, "For someone with such power, you sure have a dumb brain."
Despite the sharp words, there was a strange sense of camaraderie between them, an understanding that went beyond their usual bickering.
When Karna and Karen returned to the apartment, Ritsuka was ready with breakfast. He handed a plate to Karna and smiled. "You should set aside the servant duties for a while and just enjoy life."
Even the tsundere Phoenix chimed in, appearing in Karna's mind. "He's right, you know. You're not just a warrior."
But Karna only shook his head. "I'm the bodyguard of this apartment. That's my duty."
Ritsuka and the others shared a knowing look before leaving him to his thoughts. They understood that Karna was bound to his sense of duty, but it didn't stop them from wishing he would take it easy once in a while.
---
**Scene Shift: Heading to the Stark Expo**
Later, Ritsuka prepared to leave for the Stark Expo, taking Karen with him. His other girls—Ereshkigal, Artoria Lancer, Archetype: Earth, and Void Shiki—decided to stay behind, claiming they weren't interested in the event. "Give our greetings to Da Vinci," they said, waving him off. They are more interested in knowing about this new world.
As Ritsuka walked out the door, he pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number. "BB, let's go on that date I promised you. We've got some time before the Expo."
BB appeared almost instantly, materializing in a stylish, normal outfit that looked stunning on her. She gave Ritsuka a playful smirk. "How pathetic, Senpai, taking your daughter on a date with your kouhai girlfriend. Aren't you ashamed?"
Ritsuka chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "You look cute, BB." and BB blushed at his words.
Karen, holding Ritsuka's hand, looked up and declared, "Dad's hitting on BB!"
The trio spent the next couple of hours enjoying their date, visiting various spots around the city, sharing laughs and sweet moments together. BB, despite her usual teasing, couldn't hide her genuine happiness.
Finally, with the Expo time approaching, Ritsuka used his new dark Phoenix powers to teleport them to the event, ready to face whatever challenges the day would bring.
The night sky was illuminated by the vibrant lights of the Stark Expo. The energy in the air was electric, with the crowd buzzing in anticipation of what was to come. Ritsuka, BB, and Karen stood among the spectators, watching the spectacle unfold with keen interest.
In a dramatic display, an airplane soared above the expo, and the Iron Man suit shot out from the aircraft, making its way toward the stage. The crowd erupted into cheers as Tony Stark descended from the sky, landing with impeccable precision. He removed his helmet, revealing his signature smirk, and walked to the microphone, ready to address the world.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Tony began, his voice commanding the attention of everyone present, "tonight isn't just about technology, it's about legacy. The legacy we leave behind for future generations. The Stark Expo has always been about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and this year is no different."
Ritsuka watched Tony with admiration, impressed by his charisma and ability to inspire. Karen clapped her hands in excitement, her eyes wide with wonder. Even BB, usually so quick with a sarcastic remark, found herself quietly appreciating the moment.
Tony continued, "We're not just talking about technology; we're talking about the future of humanity. About what we can do, not just as individuals, but as a collective. And speaking of legacy, there's someone I'd like to introduce to all of you."
The spotlight shifted, and Tony gestured to the side of the stage. "Let me introduce to you the youngest genius to grace the halls of MIT—Da Vinci Junior."
The crowd murmured in surprise as a young little girl stepped into the light. Da Vinci was dressed impeccably, exuding both confidence and elegance. Her long hair flowed behind her as she walked to the podium, her every step full of poise. Tony continued, "She's responsible for many of the innovations you'll see here tonight. With a perfect score on all MIT exams on her first attempt, she's a testament to the legacy we're building. Her name is taken from the great Leonardo da Vinci, and she's proving to be just as remarkable."
The murmurs turned into gasps of astonishment as people realized the significance of Tony's words. The news quickly spread across the world, with cameras capturing every moment and broadcasting it live. In the X-Mansion, the X-Men were gathered around the television, watching the event with smiles on their faces.
Scott, sitting next to Jean, couldn't help but feel proud. "He really knows how to put on a show," he commented.
Jean nodded, her eyes twinkling with warmth. She and Scott had grown closer since Ritsuka had given them his advice. Scott had finally confessed his feelings to Jean, and to his relief and joy, she had accepted. They were now an official couple, and the happiness of their new relationship made this moment even sweeter.
---
Back at the Expo, Da Vinci reached the podium and took a deep breath, looking out at the sea of faces. "Thank you, Mr. Stark, for the generous introduction," she began, her voice clear and steady. "I might not be a superhero, but I believe we all have the potential to make a difference in this world."
The crowd quieted, hanging on her every word. Da Vinci's presence was captivating, and the audience could feel the sincerity in her speech.
"The future isn't just about advanced technology or groundbreaking discoveries," she continued, "It's about how we use that technology to bring people together, to solve the challenges we face as a global society. It's about fostering collaboration and innovation, not just for the sake of progress, but for the betterment of all."
Da Vinci's eyes scanned the crowd, particularly focusing on the younger faces in the audience. "To the young minds out there who stand with me in future, those of you who dream of changing the world—don't let anyone tell you that your ideas are too small or too impossible. Every great innovation starts with a spark, a simple idea that, with passion and persistence, can grow into something extraordinary."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "My hope for the future is that we can create a world where knowledge is shared freely, where the brightest minds come together not for personal gain, but to solve the problems that affect us all. I challenge you all, especially the younger generation as I'm one of them, to think beyond the limits of today and imagine what's possible for tomorrow. The future is yours to shape, so make it a future you can be proud of."
The crowd erupted in applause, moved by Da Vinci's words. Her speech had struck a chord with everyone present, inspiring a sense of unity and purpose.
Ritsuka watched her with admiration, his heart swelling with pride. "She really knows how to inspire people," he murmured to BB, who nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, Senpai," BB said with a smirk, "even I have to admit, she's pretty amazing."
Karen tugged on Ritsuka's sleeve, her eyes shining with excitement. "Daddy, she's so cool!"
Ritsuka smiled down at her, feeling the warmth of the moment. "Yes, she is, Karen. Yes, she is."
As Da Vinci finished her inspirational speech, she concluded with a flourish, "Let's not hold you all for too much time and welcome Mr. Howard Stark!"
The crowd erupted in applause, but Ritsuka barely noticed as his attention was drawn to two teenagers standing nearby. They were talking excitedly, and their words reached Ritsuka's ears:
"Wow, isn't she amazing? To get a perfect score on the first attempt!" one of them said.
"Yeah, to think a girl, younger than us reached this level. I can't wait to meet her in person." Another one said.
Ritsuka turned to look at them and instantly recognized who they were. The boy with glasses, brimming with youthful energy, was none other than Peter Parker, and the girl beside him, with blonde hair and a sharp mind, was Gwen Stacy. Both were MIT students, and Ritsuka realized with a start that this Peter was from the *Amazing Spider-Man* universe, the one portrayed by Andrew Garfield, and Gwen by Emma Stone.
He quickly pieced it together: Peter was still two years away from becoming Spider-Man, which meant Ritsuka had time to intervene—to ensure Peter and Gwen's lives wouldn't be cut short by the tragic fates they faced in their world.
As if sensing Ritsuka's gaze, Peter turned and noticed him, along with BB and Karen. With Gwen following, they walked over, curiosity evident on their faces.
"Hi there," Peter greeted with a friendly smile. "I'm Peter Parker, and this is Gwen Stacy. That was a really impressive speech from Da Vinci up there."
Ritsuka smiled warmly, introducing himself. "Yes she is, by the way. I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru, and this is my daughter, Karen. And this—" he gestured to BB, who stood with a slightly mischievous grin on her face, "—is my girlfriend, BB."
Peter and Gwen exchanged a glance, the situation clearly puzzling them. It wasn't every day you met someone with a daughter who also had a girlfriend tagging along. But they kept their thoughts to themselves, more intrigued than judgmental.
Karen, ever the center of attention, caught their eyes. Gwen's face lit up with a smile. "She's so cute!" she said, kneeling down to be on Karen's level. Peter nodded in agreement.
"Thanks," Ritsuka replied, his pride as a father evident in his tone.
Gwen pulled out a small piece of chocolate from her bag. "Here, Karen, would you like some chocolate?"
Karen looked at the candy, her little face scrunched up in thought. She then turned to Peter, who also offered her a chocolate. Karen shook her head and said very seriously, "My mummy told me not to take chocolate from strange people. They might kidnap me."
BB burst into laughter, her amusement uncontained. Even Gwen couldn't help but chuckle, while Peter just sighed, muttering something about "Peter luck."
Ritsuka, trying to keep a straight face, reassured his daughter. "It's okay, Karen. Peter's a good guy. You can take the chocolate from him."
Karen hesitated for a moment, then nodded and took Peter's chocolate, adding it to the one from Gwen. "Thank you," she said sweetly.
Peter smiled, grateful that the situation had been resolved without further embarrassment. "You're welcome, Karen."
As the conversation continued, Ritsuka handed them both an invitation card. "We're opening a new bakery this weekend. So feel free to drop by, We're offering some great deals on the first day."
Peter and Gwen looked at the invitation, and Gwen smiled.
"Peter, It's close to our college, and the opening is this weekend" Gwen said
"That sounds awesome! We'll definitely be there."
Peter nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Karen waved her tiny hand at them as they said their goodbyes. "Bye-bye!" she chirped, her voice full of innocence and joy.
"See you soon," Gwen said, waving back, while Peter gave a friendly nod. As they walked away, Ritsuka couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. To them, Da Vinci was just another genius, someone they had no idea was connected to him. This allowed Ritsuka to maintain a low profile while still making a connection with two people whose lives he knew would soon take a dramatic turn. But perhaps, with his knowledge and presence, he could help steer them toward a better future.
With that thought in mind, Ritsuka, BB, and Karen made their way back home, the bustling energy of the Stark Expo still echoing in the night air.
The applause was thunderous, and as the night continued, the Stark Expo became more than just a showcase of technology—it became a celebration of potential, legacy, and the power of coming together to create a better future.
***
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