"How can this be?"
At this moment, Tony's eyes went wide. He even rubbed them, unable to believe what he was seeing. Standing before him were his dad and mom, who had "died" many years ago. What on Earth was going on? How could they appear before him? Was all this real? Thinking of this, Tony couldn't help but pinch Captain America, who was standing beside him. Hearing the other man cry out in pain, Tony finally confirmed he wasn't dreaming.
"Old man, Mom..."
With a complex expression on his face, Tony stepped forward, wanting to say something, but couldn't get the words out. At this moment, Tony's heart was very conflicted—joyful yet depressed, and also somewhat resentful. He resented that the two of them had kept it from him, but he was happy that they were okay; it was really great.
"Where is your sister, Artoria? X2"
Looking at their son's complex expression, Howard and Maria didn't comfort him; instead, they asked about Artoria's whereabouts. Actually, Howard had planned to take Maria to find their little daughter first and hadn't intended to see their eldest son first. But having run into the President in exile, and not knowing where Artoria was, Howard had to bring the President to find Nick first, and coincidentally see his eldest son to ask about his little daughter's location.
"Captain, let's go talk over there!"
Although he sympathized with Tony, Nick decided not to watch the family drama unfolding before him. He pulled Captain America, who was still in a daze acting as background, and walked out of the room together to give this special family some private space. Besides, he had very important matters to attend to; after all, they had started preparing for a full-scale counterattack, and he needed to make arrangements.
"Sister is fine. I didn't let her come to such a dangerous place. She should be staying safely on the island with her friends right now."
Tony, who didn't care for Howard, ignored his old man and spoke to his mother, who now had some wrinkles. He was very glad that Artoria hadn't come over this time; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to explain it. Although many years had passed, as the mistress of the stark family, Maria's authority was something no one could shake. Tony carefully explained things to his mother and told her about his experiences and growth during this period.
"Enemy attack?"
While he was briefing Captain America on the mission, Nick suddenly saw a golden light flying towards them. Captain America raised his shield, ready to fight, but when the golden light got closer, Nick realized it was an acquaintance. By the time Nick noticed this, Artoria had already flown in front of him. The reason she came to Nick was that Artoria wanted to learn about the cyborgss and hoped to get some information from S.H.I.E.L.D. Artoria didn't know that the people she was looking for were right there; everything was just too coincidental. Being able to accurately locate Nick was thanks to the help of Saturday.
"Welcome, Miss Artoria."
Nick felt deeply depressed about Artoria's arrival. He hadn't notified this girl, Artoria, had he? He had intended to have Tony take Howard and Maria to find Artoria directly. He didn't expect Artoria to come knocking on his door. What a coincidence; it was so coincidental that he even thought his every move was known to Artoria, which made cold sweat seep from Nick's forehead.
"I want the data and information on those cyborgss."
Artoria didn't care about what Nick said. She wasn't very interested in this one-eyed "Nick Fury," especially his black-hearted actions; it was truly terrifying. Have you ever seen a guy who hasn't taken a vacation in a year, works overtime, and doesn't get reimbursed? Ask the hidden Hydra Special Agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. if they have ever seen a paycheck. The source of all this lies with the one-eyed "Nick Fury" in front of her. How scary; she, Artoria, would never do such a thing.
"Why don't you ask the creator about this, Artoria?"
Seeing Artoria's attitude, Nick knew the little girl didn't like him much. But there was no help for it; her parents were here. If he didn't tell her, he didn't know what tricks Lady Maria might use to make him miserable. Moreover, Nick, who was already decades old, didn't want to throw a temper tantrum with a little girl. Thinking of this, Nick pointed out the matter. His words were very clear: since she wanted the data on the cyborgss, she should go ask the creator!
"The creator? Could it be... Mom and Dad aren't planning to hide anymore?"
After hearing Nick's words, Artoria instantly understood what he meant. It meant that the creator of the cyborgss was right here. So, had Howard and Maria both come? Thinking of this, Artoria's originally calm attitude changed instantly. She glanced at Nick in surprise. Nick smiled, revealing his big white eyes and two front teeth with a very large gap between them. He reached out and pointed to the house behind him, gesturing to a room for Artoria.
"Mr. Howard, this can be considered a happy family reunion."
Watching Artoria's back as she ran toward the room Nick had pointed to without saying a word, Captain America said with some emotion. Although he looked only in his twenties, Captain America's actual age was much older. Even though he had been frozen and asleep for so many years, this didn't change the emotion he felt when seeing an old friend. Working with Howard many years ago, the reason Captain America didn't step forward to catch up immediately was that seeing the other man's weathered appearance made his heart ache. Carter had already left him, having died of old age right in front of him. Howard's appearance touched a nerve in Captain America's heart.
"If you want, you can also find a good girl and get married! After all, you don't look that old right now."
Captain America's words made Nick look at him carefully, and he spoke to him jokingly. Nick wasn't just talking nonsense; if Captain America really intended to start a second romance, he would be the first to strongly agree. It wasn't just for the Captain's sake, but also because he was curious about whether the Super Soldier Serum could be passed on to the next generation. Nick was very curious about whether Captain America's child would have the powerful strength of the Super Soldier Serum.
"Stop teasing me, Director Nick. She is in my heart."
Nick's teasing made a bitter smile hang on Captain America's face. After all, Carter, who was in his memories, had left him less than a year ago. How could he let go? Even though many girls liked him now, Captain America didn't respond to any of them. He hadn't adapted to the new era yet and couldn't integrate himself into it. It would probably be difficult for him to start a second romance in the short term.
"Mom, Dad, you..."
When she reached the door, Artoria paused. She composed her anxious mood. After so many years, news had finally come. Artoria's heart was pounding; she was very worried that her parents might be doddering and sitting in wheelchairs. How heartbreaking that would be! But love for her relatives suppressed this anxiety. Artoria pushed the door open and walked in, just in time to see Howard and Tony arguing. Maria was standing quietly to the side. Artoria's arrival attracted the attention of all three of them.
"My precious daughter, Mommy missed you so much."
"My dear little princess, Daddy missed you so much."
Maria came to Artoria. Looking at her daughter, who had grown up and become very beautiful, Maria happily cupped Artoria's cheeks, tears of joy streaming down. Howard threw aside Tony, who was arguing with him, and ran over too; this damn brat was nowhere near as good as his daughter.
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