Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
Tony leans back in his chair, a flicker of concern crossing his face as he takes a sip of champagne. It's subtle, but I catch it. The swagger, the jokes, they're all a performance, a way to mask the ticking clock inside him.
"So, Ethan," he says, his tone shifting from jovial to serious. "You mentioned something about my… palladium poisoning. How exactly could you help with that?"
"Well, Tony," I begin, trying to keep my voice steady. "I might have something that could help."
Peter and Gwen exchange worried glances across the table. "Is everything okay, Mr. Stark?" Gwen asks, her voice laced with concern. "You seem… a little off."
Renamon, who's been quietly observing the whole conversation, tilts her head. She nudges my arm subtly, her icy blue eyes fixed on Tony. She mutters under her breath, a soft, almost imperceptible sound, "He smells… metallic."
Peter's eyes widen. "Metallic? Like… like the arc reactor?" He looks at Tony, his brow furrowed with worry. "Mr. Stark, are you alright?"
Tony forces a smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine, kids. For now." He sighs, the mask slipping. "The arc reactor in my chest… it's got a bit of a flaw. It's slowly building up palladium in my system, poisoning me. I've been… trying to manage it. Drinking chlorophyll, trying to slow it down." He looks down at his chest, a shadow crossing his face. "But if it's left untreated… I might not have more than a year or two."
The weight of his words hangs heavy in the air. A year or two. It's a death sentence, delivered with a casual sigh. Peter looks devastated, and even Gwen's usual composure cracks a little.
"There has to be something," Peter insists, his voice cracking. "A cure, a treatment… something!"
This is my cue. I pull out my Digivice, the screen glowing faintly as I access the System shop, unseen by anyone but me. I scroll through the available items, my fingers flying across the virtual interface. Food, gear, Digi-Memories… and then I see it. A small, unassuming item, nestled among the more potent upgrades: a Poison Recovery Pill. Only 200 Digi-Coins. A steal, really.
I tap the purchase button, the coins vanishing from my balance. Then, I discreetly pull the small, iridescent pill from a hidden compartment in my jacket. It feels cool and smooth in my palm.
"I might have something," I say, holding out the pill to Tony. "It's… experimental. But it's designed to expel palladium from the system."
Tony raises an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "A pill? To expel palladium? Ethan, I've never heard of anything like that. If a medicine like that existed, I would have bought the entire stock myself. My doctors would have…" He trails off, his gaze fixed on the pill. He's intrigued, but deeply doubtful.
He takes it anyway, his fingers brushing mine as he accepts it. He pops it into his mouth, and for a moment, nothing happens. Then, his eyes widen in surprise. He lets out a violent coughing fit, doubling over as a hacking sound fills the room. A dark, metallic substance spews from his mouth, hitting the pristine carpet with a sickening thud.
Peter, Gwen, and Happy react instantly, a collective gasp escaping their lips. Peter takes a step forward, ready to help, but Tony waves them off. He's still coughing, but the fit is subsiding. He pulls out a small blood-testing device from his pocket and pricks his finger. He watches the results, his eyes widening with disbelief, then profound gratitude.
"It's… gone," he breathes, looking at the device, then at me. "It's actually gone. Ethan, I… I don't know how to thank you."
I shrug, trying to play it cool. "No worries, Tony. Just a little something I had. But," I add, my tone becoming more serious, "this only treats the symptom. The arc reactor itself still has that flaw. It's going to keep building up palladium unless you find a way to fix the source."
Tony nods, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, the source. That's… that's the real problem. But knowing there's a way to deal with the immediate threat? That's… huge. I don't have to fear dying in the short term." He looks at me, a newfound respect in his eyes.
Tony stares at me, a million questions in his eyes. I offer a small smile, the weight of his near-death experience still heavy in the air. He doesn't know about the new element, Howard's little gift to his son, hidden away. I need to build trust first. "Glad I could help, Tony," I say, keeping my voice light. "Think of it as an investment in future collaborations." He nods, a thoughtful look on his face.
"About the palladium poisoning?" Peter asks, his voice still shaky. "Is there a permanent fix?"
I turn to Peter, a strategic smile playing on my lips. "Maybe not for the reactor itself, not yet. But maybe… maybe you and Tony could work on that. Peter," I say, meeting his excited gaze, "you're a genius. You've already built those web-shooters and created a cure for the Green Goblin, right? You can definitely help Tony research a replacement for palladium. Something safer, cleaner."
Peter's eyes light up like a Christmas tree. "Me? Work with Tony Stark? Are you sure? I mean… I'm just a high school kid."
Ethan just sighs, turning to Tony. "So, Tony? You willing to let Peter help you out? He's a genius, really. He can definitely help you with the palladium issue."
Tony looks from me to Peter, then back again. He strokes his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face. He sees the earnestness in Peter's eyes.
"Alright, kid," Tony says, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Let's do it. Peter, you're in. Welcome to Stark Industries. Try not to blow anything up on your first day."
"I will, Mr. Stark!"
Gwen claps Peter on the shoulder, beaming. "That's amazing, Peter! Uncle Ben and Aunt May are going to be so proud."
Peter beams, practically vibrating with excitement. "Yeah! I can't wait to tell them!"
I smile, genuinely happy for them. It's good to see them this excited.
***
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