Author's Note

Hello everyone and welcome back to my story.

I don't have much to say today, but I do want to say that later today, this story will be posted on Ao3. Meaning you all will be able to watch it on here, Fanfiction, or Ao3. Choose whichever site you prefer.

Now, with that out of the way, I hope you all enjoy today's chapter.

______________________________________

Tony and Pepper where in their private jet, heading home. Pepper was watching a news broadcast where Senator Stern was discussing the Duel of Monaco.

"It's just unbelievable. It proves that the genie is out of the bottle and this man has no idea what he's doing. He thinks of the Iron Man weapon as a toy." Stern claimed.

Tony then entered the room, carrying a plate of food.

"I was at a hearing where Mr. Stark, in fact, was adamant that these suits can't exist anywhere else, don't exist anywhere else, never will exist anywhere else, at least for five to ten years, and here we are in Monaco realizing, 'Uh-oh. These suits exist now.'" Stern continued.

(0:40:12 - 0:40:40)

"You can't blame Stark for that! How was he supposed to know about Whiplash?!" Mei asked.

"It doesn't matter. The fact is, Stark did claim that it was impossible for anyone else in the world to possess the same tech as him, at least not for a few years. But he was just proven wrong." Nighteye said.

"Which means both Hammer and Stern have been proven right. There really are threats that Stark doesn't always foresee." Endeavor added.

"Now the government has even more reason to take Stark's tech. If one person managed to get there hands on the same technology as Iron Man, then it's possible others could do the same." Iida said.

"But it wasn't even a full on suit! It was just a couple of whips! Why are they acting like this is a big deal?!" Bakugo asked.

"That guy with just a couple of whips nearly killed Iron Man. The fact of the matter is that Whiplash has proven himself to be a great threat. And it's reasonable to think that more major threats like him could start appearing. The government, as well as the public, have plenty of reasons to be worried." Aizawa said.

"Plus, this is a convenient reason to try and take the Iron Man armor again. Stern is probably delighted right now." Gentle said.

Tony muted the TV and approached Pepper.

"He should be giving me a medal. That's the truth." Tony said as he sat across from Pepper.

(0:40:40 - 0:40:46)

"Precisely. Whiplash was dealt with, thus proving that even someone with Arc Reactor technology couldn't hold a candle to Iron Man. You should be showing him more respect!" Mei said.

Eri nodded in agreement.

"What is that?" Pepper asked about the dish Tony had brought.

"This is your in-flight meal." Tony answered as he removed the cover of the dish, revealing a plate of very poorly cooked food.

"...Did you just make that?" Pepper asked, trying her best to not be impolite.

"Yeah. Where do you think I've been for three hours?" Tony answered.

(0:40:46 - 0:41:03)

"You spent three hours on THAT?!" Sato questioned.

"That looks absolutely disgusting." Uraraka said, trying not to barf at the thought of eating that.

"Good thing Lunch Rush isn't here." Mic joked.

"Tony, what are you not telling me?" Pepper asked, sensing that something was wrong.

Tony stared at her for a moment, unsure of what to say.

(0:41:03 - 0:41:13)

"Come on. You need to tell her." Kirishima said.

"It'll hurt, but it's better than her not knowing." Recovery Girl said.

"I don't want to go home. At all." Tony answered. "Let's cancel my birthday party and... We're in Europe. Let's go to Venice, Cipriani. Remember?"

"Oh, yes." Pepper smiled.

"It's a great place to.... be healthy." He said.

"I don't think this is the right time. We're in kind of a mess." She said.

"Yeah, but maybe that's why it's the best time." He countered.

"Well, I think as the CEO, I need to show up." Pepper explained.

"As CEO, you are entitled to a leave." Tony said.

"A leave?" Pepper questioned.

"A company retreat." Tony rephrased.

"A retreat? During a time like this?" Pepper continued to question Tony.

"Well, I'm just saying, to recharge our batteries and figure it all out." He explained.

"Not everybody runs on batteries, Tony." She said.

The two smiled at each other before Tony decided to sit silently, realizing that he could not change Pepper's mind. At least not without telling her the truth.

(0:41:13 - 0:42:05)

The audience frowned. Stark obviously wanted to spend what little time he has left with Pepper. And if she knew the truth, she'd probably grant him that wish. Unfortunately, she doesn't know the truth.

"If you would just tell her the truth, then she'd listen to you." Uraraka frowned.

"If you're ever sick like this, you better tell me!" La Brava told Gentle.

"Absolutely, my dear. I'd never lie to you." Gentle said.

______________________________________

Ivan Vanko was sitting in his cell when a guard brought him his meal and left. Ivan took the tray and noticed a note hidden under his drink. He quickly sat down and read the note.

'Enjoy the potatoes.'

(0:42:05 - 0:42:30)

"Enjoy the potatoes? Um, okay?" Mineta said, unsure of why that note was there.

A few of the heroes and villains, however, became suspicious of this. They had a feeling they knew what was about to happen.

Ivan inspected the "potatoes" and spotted a timer on the bottom of it. It was a bomb.

(0:42:30 - 0:42:34)

Everyone widened their eyes.

"Is that a bomb?!" Mina gasped.

"Tch! Someone's breaking him out!" Aizawa said.

"No way! Was getting captured part of his plan too?" Toga wondered.

"I don't think so. The way he talked earlier made it sound like he had accomplished his mission already. He didn't care if he was stuck in jail." Izuku said.

"It's likely that this is the work of someone else. Perhaps a supporter." Kurogiri said.

"Maybe it's the Ten Rings. They did help him out earlier." Tsu said.

"Iron Man is pretty much their greatest enemy. And considering how close Whiplash came to killing Iron Man, it would make sense that the Ten Rings might want to team up with him." Todoroki said.

The guard from earlier returned and opened the cell door while another guard pushed another prisoner into the cell. The two guards locked the door and then left.

Ivan looked at the other prisoner and focused on the number on their uniform. The number was 6219. The same as Ivan's, who gave a sinister smirk.

(0:42:34 - 0:43:04)

"A body double!" Midnight said.

"What's the point of having a double? It won't be hard to figure out that that isn't really Whiplash." Kaminari said.

"It will be when the body's blown to bits!" Shigaraki laughed.

"That's what the bomb is for. It's to make the body harder to identify." Shoji realized.

"Whoever's orchestrating all of this intends to fake Whiplash's death." Spinner said.

Ivan killed the other prisoner by smashing their head against the sink while one of the guards from earlier left the key to his cell at the door.

Ivan set the bomb and used the key to unlock his cell. He then casually walked down the hall to find an exit.

Ivan ended up walking past a guard that tried to stop him. Unfortunately, Ivan punched the guard in the gut before swiftly breaking their neck and walking away as the bomb in his cell exploded behind him.

(0:43:04 - 0:43:34)

The audience cringed at the sound of the guard's neck snapping.

"Jeez. That was brutal." Ojiro said.

"He doesn't waste any time." Dabi said.

"Even without his tech, he is proving to be quite dangerous." Thirteen said.

The sirens in the prison blared as Ivan searched for a way out. He eventually found an exit, but spotted some guards.

Realizing he couldn't go that way, Ivan turned around only to be met by the two guards who had been aiding him earlier. The two guards grabbed him and put a bag over his head. They then dragged Ivan outside and dumped him into a van as the screen faded to black.

(0:43:34 - 0:43:55)

"And just like that, Whiplash is free once again." Shigaraki chuckled. He was interested to see what Whiplash would do next, now that he's free.

"Dang it! He just got put in there too!" Sero said.

"Whoever's helping him is gonna pay! Someone like Whiplash should never be allowed to roam free!" All Might said.

Many in the audience were upset and worried now. Whiplash had accomplished so much already. Now that he's freed from prison, who knows what he'll do next.

______________________________________

Some time later, the doors to the van Ivan was in had opened, revealing that he was in some sort of private airport.

A certain someone was sitting down at a dinner table, awaiting Ivan's arrival.

"Hey, there he is. There he is." Justin Hammer chuckled. "What an absolute pleasure. Welcome."

(0:43:55 - 0:44:17)

"No way." Kirishima said.

"You have got to be kidding me." Jiro said.

"Hammer broke him out?" Midnight questioned.

"Why on Earth would he let that madman out of jail?!" Iida asked.

"Because he and Vanko have something in common." Kurogiri answered.

"They both hate Tony Stark." Dabi said.

"Hammer definitely has a grudge against Stark, but I never would have expected him to go this far." Tsu said.

"See! I was right all along! He's no different than Obadiah!" Mina said.

"Oh, goodness gracious. Can you get the handcuffs off my friend here?" Hammer requested as the guard complied.

Hammer then apologized to Ivan for the rude welcome and told the guard they could leave. 

The guard, who seemed reluctant to leave, said something in French, but Hammer simply brushed them off, not caring about their concerns.

(0:44:17 - 0:44:43)

"I'd listen to the guard if I were you." Aoyama said.

"What did he say?" Uraraka asked.

"To put it simply, they don't want to leave Hammer alone with Whiplash. Because Whiplash is crazy." Aoyama explained.

"I think that's pretty obvious." La Brava said.

"Not obvious enough for Hammer apparently." Sero said.

"Crazy is such a strong word, you know. People toss it around far too casually these days." Twice said.

"I know, right?" Toga said.

"My name is Justin Hammer. I'd like to do some business with you. Please sit." Hammer said as he and Ivan sat down at the table.

Hammer's butlers began setting the table while Ivan looked around, still somewhat confused by what was going on.

Hammer rambled for a bit about the food they have available before eventually bringing up Tony Stark.

"What I saw you do to Tony Stark on that track, how you stepped up to him in front of God and everybody, that was... Wow! You spoke to me with what you did. And I know that you knew that I'd be listening." Hammer said.

(0:44:43 - 0:45:28)

"What?" Kota asked.

"He really thinks everything revolves around him, doesn't he?" Thirteen said.

"This is why I couldn't bear to have you shipped off to God knows where. It would have been such a waste of talent. But if I might make a suggestion, you know, you don't just go and try and kill the guy. I think, if I may, you go after his legacy. That's what you kill." Hammer continued.

Hammer then stated that he and Ivan have a lot in common, the only difference being that Hammer has resources.

"I think, if I may, you need my resources. Someone behind you, a benefactor. I'd like to be that guy." Hammer offered.

(0:45:28 - 0:46:02)

"That could be a problem." Aizawa said.

"Whiplash was already able to turn himself into a dangerous threat all on his own. With the support of Justin Hammer, he could become far more dangerous." Nezu said.

"And Iron Man struggled to beat him before. Who knows how things will go now." Midnight said.

Ivan laughed at the proposition before saying something in Russian.

"...Okay. Do you speak English? Because I can get a translator. I don't know. Have you been understanding everything I'm saying?" Hammer asked, unable to understand what Ivan said.

"Very good, man." Ivan answered in English.

Hammer laughed happily upon hearing that Ivan has apparently agreed to the partnership.

(0:46:02 - 0:46:30)

"If only you knew what he really said." Mic sighed.

"You speak Russian?" All Might asked.

"Yeah. I speak a lot of languages. I love to talk!" Mic said.

"That much is obvious." Aizawa said.

"Well, what did he really say?" Kaminari asked.

"He said 'if I'm killed, don't wake me. It is better to die than to live in your world.'" Mic translated.

"Jeez, talk about harsh. Although I can't say I blame him." Sato said.

Ivan then told Hammer that he wanted his bird.

"A bird? You want a bird?" Hammer questioned, a little confused by the request.

"I want my bird." Ivan repeated.

"I can get you a bird. I can get you ten birds." Hammer said, still not understanding.

"I want MY bird." Ivan slammed his hands on the table.

"Well, okay. Nothing's impossible. I could... Are we talking about... Is this a bird back in Russia?" Hammer asked.

(0:46:30 - 0:46:49)

"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that bird." Toru said.

"I hope they're alright." Koji said.

Meanwhile, the heroes were more concerned with this partnership. Villains are already dangerous enough as is. Having the backing of a multi-billion dollar company would only increase the problem exponentially.

______________________________________

Back at Tony's mansion, Pepper and Natalie were on their phones, talking to different news networks about the recent events involving Iron Man.

Rhodey entered the room and asked where Tony was.

"He doesn't want to be disturbed." Natalie said.

"He's downstairs." Pepper answered.

Rhodey then saw the news reporter that Pepper was talking to on TV.

"But his continuing erratic behavior may lead many people to ask themselves, 'Can this man still protect us?'" The news reporter said.

"Iron Man never stopped protecting us. The events in Monaco proved that." Pepper attempted to defend Tony.

Rhodey chose to head downstairs and talk to Tony. They need to deal with this.

(0:46:49 - 0:47:12)

"Exactly! How can you people so easily doubt the guy who's been protecting you this whole time?!" Bakugo asked.

"This is exactly what Whiplash wants." Shoji said.

"Everyone is starting to turn their backs on Stark." Tokoyami said. "Talk about ungrateful." Dark Shadow said.

"You constantly risk your life saving people, and yet all it takes is one slip up and suddenly everyone is at your throat." Endeavor said.

The students and especially the heroes were very annoyed. Iron Man had done so much for these people. He had saved countless lives. Brought peace to their world. And now, everyone seriously has the gall to question if he can truly keep them safe. Sure, the truth of the matter is that he can't. With him slowly dying, he absolutely can't truly protect everyone. But the rest of the world doesn't know that. And after everything Iron Man has done, he at the very least deserves the people's faith. They should trust him. But no. Instead, they're all doubting him. All because of one villain. All it took was one villain to begin destroying the faith the public has in Iron Man.

The audience wasn't used to seeing the public act this way towards a hero. Due to the nature of their society, heroes are always viewed in a positive light by the public. Their ability to do their job is never called into question. Even the lowest ranking heroes are adored by society. So seeing the people of this world begin to doubt Iron Man was so jarring.

______________________________________

Down in Tony's workshop, Tony was sitting in one of his cars while looking at some holograms of all the information JARVIS had gathered about Ivan and Anton Vanko.

"Anton Vanko was a Soviet physicist who defected to the United States in 1963. However, he was accused of espionage and was deported in 1967. His son, Ivan, who is also a physicist, was convicted of selling Soviet-era weapons-grade plutonium to Pakistan, and served 15 years in Kopeisk prison." JARVIS summarized. "No further records exist."

(0:47:12 - 0:47:37)

"That's it?" Ojiro asked.

"That still doesn't tell us much." Momo said.

"It tells us enough. It's safe to assume that Howard Stark is likely the one who had Anton Vanko deported." Aizawa said.

"That would explain why the Vankos have a grudge with the Stark family." Nighteye said.

"Yeah, that seems plausible." Izuku said.

Rhodey then entered the workshop.

"Tony, you gotta get upstairs and get on top of this situation right now." Rhodey said.

Tony said nothing.

"Listen. I've been on the phone with the National Guard all day, trying to talk them out of rolling tanks up the PCH, knocking down your front door and taking these. They're gonna take your suits, Tony, okay? They're sick of the games." Rhodey warned.

(0:47:37 -