The quiet hum of the city faded as Albedo stood before the modest storefront. The sign above the door read:
"Stark & Parker Mechanics and Technology"
The shop was nestled on a quiet street corner, unassuming and small compared to the corporate giants that loomed elsewhere in the city. Yet its simplicity spoke of grit and determination, traits Albedo recognized and respected.
"This is it," he muttered, pushing the glass door open. A bell jingled softly as he stepped inside.
The interior was a controlled chaos of tools, blueprints, and half-assembled machinery. At the center of the room stood a sleek, futuristic car—its aerodynamic design giving it a predatory elegance. The metallic surface shimmered faintly, reflecting the overhead lights with a faint glow. Exposed panels revealed an advanced propulsion system and a glowing energy core, its hum barely audible but steady.
Two young men worked on the vehicle with a level of precision that immediately caught Albedo's attention.
Tony Stark Jr., tall and broad-shouldered, stood at the car's engine bay, his hands moving with practiced confidence. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, and his focused expression gave him an air of calm control. With a small wrench in hand, he adjusted the connections to the energy core, muttering calculations under his breath.
On the opposite side, Peter Parker, wiry and energetic, crouched near one of the car's thrusters. His sharp eyes darted between the propulsion system and a tablet displaying schematics. His movements were quick, almost too fast, as he adjusted the system with precision that belied his age.
"You think Stane's gonna notice this time?" Peter asked, tossing a small part to Tony, who caught it without looking.
Tony smirked. "Notice? Probably. Appreciate? Not a chance. But if we win the competition, maybe we can finally get some decent funding."
Albedo's gaze lingered on the car, then shifted to the two young men. Their synergy was remarkable. Albedo noted that these two were working more efficiently then even some Galvan. To a genius like Albedo it was like looking at a work of art.
The conversation between Peter and Tony continued as they worked, the banter flowing naturally between them. Albedo had the feeling that calling this the millionth time would still be low balling their work.
"The Stane Expo," Peter muttered, tightening a bolt on the thruster. "A chance for unrecognized geniuses like us to 'shine,'" he said, air quotes implied.
Tony snorted. "More like a chance for Stane to look good while milking us for ideas. But as long as we get paid I guess it doesn't really matter much."
Albedo tilted his head, stepping further into the shop. "What is the Stane Expo?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.
Both young men froze, turning toward him. Peter's expression shifted to one of suspicion, while Tony raised an eyebrow.
"Who's asking?" Tony said, setting his tool down.
Albedo held his hands up slightly. "Just someone interested in… innovation."
Peter exchanged a glance with Tony before responding. "The Stane Expo is supposed to be this big opportunity," he said cautiously. "A place where underfunded scientists and inventors can showcase their work. If you win, you get a small fortune and a chance to work with Stane Enterprises."
Tony crossed his arms. "Not that we're expecting much. Stane's people always have their favorites, and it's not us. They also have a habit of stealing ideas from other people."
"But it's worth trying," Peter added with a shrug. "Even if we don't win, we'll at least get some recognition. Plus Stane Enterprises has been trying to make an invention like this for years and failed. We did it with barely a week of trying."
Albedo's gaze shifted back to the car. It heavily reminded Albedo of Levins car. It obviously lacked the alien technology Levin installed over the years, but with enough time these two would possibly surpass even that. "And this? This is your entry?"
"Yep," Tony said, patting the hood. "Custom-built, energy-efficient, fully autonomous, and capable of flight. A few more tweaks, and it'll outperform anything Stane Enterprises has to offer."
Peter grinned. "And we did it all without their fancy labs or endless budgets. Just blood, sweat, and tears. Also hours spent in junk yards, scrounging for just the right equipment and just the right price."
Albedo leaned against a nearby workbench, observing the two in silence. Their movements were precise, their work meticulous. They bantered like friends but worked like seasoned professionals, their trust and respect for each other evident in every interaction.
'They're more than just talented,' Albedo thought, his analytical mind piecing together their dynamic. 'They're extraordinary. Working with limited resources, they've built something that rivals the tech I've seen from much larger operations. And they've done it all while flying under the radar'.
He studied Tony more closely. Despite the modest surroundings, the young man carried himself with quiet confidence. His focus and precision were unmistakable, echoes of the Stark legacy Albedo had heard about. Peter, on the other hand, worked with an energy and enthusiasm that bordered on superhuman, his quick wit and sharp intelligence complementing Tony's calm demeanor.
"They're working with scraps and making miracles," Albedo murmured under his breath.
Tony paused, his sharp brown eyes narrowing as he turned to Albedo. "Okay, seriously. Who are you, and what do you want? Do you have work for us, because I'm sorry to say until the expo is over we are closed."
Albedo stepped closer, his dark gaze locking onto Tony's. "I came to see what Howard Stark's legacy looks like in this world," he said evenly. "And from what I've seen, it's still alive and thriving."
Peter frowned, stepping beside Tony. "That's a weird thing to say. You sound like you've been watching us or something."
Albedo smirked faintly. "Let's just say I recognize brilliance when I see it."
Tony's suspicion deepened, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his expression. "And why would that matter to you?"
Albedo gestured to the car. "Because in a world like this, brilliance like yours is rare. And I'd like to know how you've managed to survive in the shadow of someone like Obadiah Stane."
Tony's sharp eyes stayed locked on Albedo, his body language guarded. Peter stood slightly behind him, but his fingers tapped nervously against the workbench as he studied their unexpected guest.
Albedo ignored their suspicion, instead turning his attention back to the car. He crouched slightly, his dark eyes scanning the exposed propulsion system and advanced energy core. Every component was perfectly aligned, its design efficient yet adaptable—a hallmark of genius-level engineering.
"You built all of this from scratch?" Albedo asked, his voice calm, almost impressed.
Tony crossed his arms, his tone cautious but steady. "Every piece. The propulsion system, the energy core, the adaptive AI—it's all our work. Why?"
Albedo stood and turned to face them. "Because this isn't something just anyone could create," he said simply. "This is beyond what I've seen from most so-called 'experts.' Even in a world like this."
Peter raised an eyebrow, stepping forward. "A world like this?" he echoed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Albedo smirked faintly, folding his arms. "It means you're surrounded by people who underestimate you. And yet, here you are, creating technology that rivals anything coming out of Stane Enterprises."
"That's because we're better," Tony said, his voice laced with quiet confidence. "And we don't have an army of scientists or endless funding. Just skill, hard work, and a few favors when we need parts."
Peter chuckled. "And coffee. Lots of coffee."
Albedo's gaze lingered on Tony for a moment longer. His calm demeanor and sharp focus reminded Albedo of another version of Stark—one who had built his legacy through sheer force of will. Yet there was a humility here, a quiet determination that set this version apart.
"You work well together," Albedo observed.
"Thanks, I guess?" Peter said, exchanging a glance with Tony.
Albedo's expression didn't change, but his tone grew more thoughtful. "It's rare to see a partnership like this. Two minds working in perfect sync, building something extraordinary without letting egos get in the way."
Peter shrugged, smirking. "Well, when you grow up broke in Queens, you learn how to play nice with people who can keep the lights on."
Tony rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
Albedo moved closer to the workbench, picking up a small component from a tray and examining it. It was simple but efficient, its design optimized for maximum output with minimal resources.
"Do you ever wonder why people like you have to scrape by with scraps?" Albedo asked, his tone casual but pointed.
Tony frowned, leaning against the car's hood. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Albedo placed the component back on the tray, turning to face them. "You're obviously talented. Brilliant, even. Yet, instead of leading the charge in innovation, you're stuck in a small shop, fighting for recognition at expos run by people who don't respect your work."
Peter's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "That's just the way the world works," he said. "Guys like Stane control everything, and people like us have to fight for scraps."
"But does it have to be that way?" Albedo asked, his voice quiet but cutting. Albedo couldn't admit it to even himself but he kind of related. An unrecognized genius being pushed down by the man in charge.
Tony's brow furrowed. "You talk like you've got some big insight into how the world works," he said. "But unless you've got a magic solution, we've got a car to finish."
Albedo stepped back, his dark eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Maybe I do. Or maybe I just see things more clearly than most."
Peter narrowed his eyes. "You're being cryptic. What's your deal, man?"
Albedo hesitated, then allowed himself a faint smile. "Let's just say I'm here to understand how people like you survive in a world that seems designed to hold you back."
"People like us?" Tony asked, his tone tinged with suspicion.
"People who create," Albedo said simply. "People who innovate, who push boundaries. You're not just fixing cars or building gadgets. You're laying the groundwork for something bigger. Something that could change everything."
Tony and Peter exchanged a glance, the weight of Albedo's words hanging in the air.
Albedo stepped away from the car, his gaze drifting across the shop. Despite its humble appearance, the space radiated purpose. Every tool, every blueprint, every piece of equipment told a story of relentless effort and unyielding determination.
This is Stark's legacy in this world, Albedo thought. Not a sprawling tower or a multinational empire, but two young men who refuse to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them.
He turned back to Tony and Peter, his expression softening slightly. "You have something special here," he said. "Don't let anyone take it from you."
Tony's eyes narrowed. "And why do you care?"
Albedo hesitated, then said quietly, "Because there's more at stake than you realize. And people like you… you might be the key to fixing it."
Peter tilted his head, frowning. "Fixing what?"
Albedo didn't answer. Instead, he gave them a faint nod and turned toward the door. These two don't have the posture or makings of being warriors. Albedo determined he could hire them for inventions later, but he wouldn't be able to have them as front line fighters.
"Good luck at the Stane Expo," he said over his shoulder. "You're going to need it."
With that, he stepped outside, leaving Tony and Peter staring after him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.
Albedo paused just before the door, his hand resting on the frame. A thought lingered in his mind, tugging at him. He turned back to Tony and Peter, both of whom were still watching him with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"Before I go," Albedo said hesitantly, his tone softer now, "there's something else I've been wondering about."
Tony tilted his head, arms crossed. "What now?"
Albedo's gaze flicked to Peter. "Spider-Man. By any chance are you him?"
Peter froze, his expression immediately hardening. His easygoing demeanor vanished, replaced by a guarded intensity. Tony's jaw tightened, his sharp eyes narrowing as he stepped slightly in front of Peter.
"Why are you asking about Spider-Man?" Tony demanded, his voice low and clipped.
Albedo hesitated, sensing the sudden shift in their mood. "I've heard stories," he said carefully. "A hero who fought for what he believed in, no matter the odds. Someone who stood up for people who couldn't stand up for themselves."
Peter's expression darkened. "Well, you've got the wrong guy. I'm just a mechanic. I don't know anything about Spider-Man."
"Right," Tony added, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And even if we did know something, it's none of your business."
Albedo raised his hands slightly, his tone calm but insistent. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to understand what happened. Spider-Man was… different. He stood for something bigger than himself. I've come across quite a lot about the current pretender. He is a lot more brutal. Acts less heroic. He can't be the original. He shouldn't be a hero."
"That's rich coming from someone like you," Tony snapped.
"Someone like me?" Albedo echoed, his brow furrowing. Albedo knew they couldn't know his history, but he still took some offense to the comment.
Tony took a step forward, his voice rising. "Yeah. You come in here, poking around, acting all mysterious, and then you start asking questions about Spider-Man? You're with them, aren't you?"
Peter crossed his arms, his glare icy. "The government. SHIELD. Whoever sent you, tell them I'm not interested. I'm not Spider-Man anymore, and I'm not breaking any laws."
Albedo frowned, his confusion evident. "I'm not with SHIELD."
"Sure you're not," Tony said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You just happen to know enough about Spider-Man to bring him up here, in this shop, out of nowhere."
Peter shook his head, his voice quieter but no less firm. "Look, whoever you are, you've got the wrong idea. Spider-Man isn't my problem anymore. I retired years ago."
Albedo's gaze lingered on Peter, studying him closely. "Retired?"
Peter nodded stiffly. "Yeah. After the Civil War, there wasn't a choice. Registration won, and that was the end of it. I wasn't going to let SHIELD put me in a cage for doing the right thing."
"So you gave it up," Albedo said softly.
Peter's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists. "Yeah. And you know what? I don't regret it. I've got a good life now. I've got a job, a family, and friends who actually care about me. Spider-Man? He's someone else's problem."
Tony stepped closer, his tone sharp. "And for the record? I'm the one who helped him survive as long as he did. I kept the lights on. I built the suits, the gadgets, everything he needed to keep fighting. And when it was over, I helped him move on. If your here for him your here for me too. But make no mistake you'll be up for one helluva fight."
Peter nodded, his voice steadier now. "So, if you're here to drag me back into that world, don't bother. I'm not Spider-Man anymore. I'm just Peter Parker, mechanic."
Albedo took a step back, his expression unreadable as he absorbed their words. The tension in the room was palpable, the air heavy with unspoken resentment and pain.
"I didn't mean to offend you," Albedo said quietly, his tone surprisingly genuine. "I just wanted to understand."
"Well, now you do," Tony snapped. "And you can leave."
Peter folded his arms, his gaze hard and unyielding. "Yeah. And tell whoever sent you that I'm not interested in getting involved. Not now, not ever."
Albedo nodded slowly, his dark eyes lingering on Peter for a moment longer. "For what it's worth," he said, his voice softer now, "I think you made the right choice."
Albedo hesitated at the door, glancing back at the two young men standing in the center of the shop. The weight of their words hung heavy in the air, but something about them—about the fire they carried even after everything they'd been through—kept pulling at him.
"You know," Albedo said, his voice measured, "it doesn't have to stay this way."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Albedo turned fully, meeting their skeptical gazes. "You're brilliant. Both of you. You've built something extraordinary here, despite the odds. But this shop, this… small corner of the world? It's not where you belong."
Peter crossed his arms, his expression hardening again. "What are you getting at?"
Albedo stepped forward, his tone earnest but firm. "I've seen what happens when people like you step up. You make a difference. You change the rules. You've been kept in the shadows long enough. It's time to do something about it."
Tony scoffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, because that's gone so well before."
Albedo's gaze flicked to Peter. "You've fought before. You know what it's like to stand up for something bigger than yourself."
Peter's jaw tightened, but he didn't reply.
"And you," Albedo continued, turning to Tony. "You've been the one holding it all together. The one making sure that fight was even possible. Don't tell me you don't want to do more."
Tony hesitated, his arms falling to his sides. For a moment, a flicker of longing crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced by a sharp edge of skepticism. "Of course I do," he admitted. "But I've seen how this story ends."
Peter finally broke his silence, his voice cold and measured. "You think we haven't tried? I wore the mask. I fought in the Civil War. I put everything on the line because I thought it mattered. And you know what it got me? Nothing."
Tony nodded grimly. "The people who win in this world aren't the ones with the best ideas or the strongest convictions. They're the ones with the power. And right now, that power belongs to SHIELD and Stane Enterprises."
"That doesn't mean you give up," Albedo said, his tone sharp. "You've seen what happens when people like them win. You've seen the damage they do."
Peter's eyes narrowed. "And we've seen what happens when people like us fight back. It tears everything apart. You can't change a system that's built to break you."
"But you can resist it," Albedo countered. "You can build something better."
"Yeah, until they find it and burn it to the ground," Tony said bitterly. "You think we don't want to make a difference? We do. But we've already paid the price once. We're not doing it again."
Albedo's gaze softened slightly as he studied them. Their words were steeped in pain, but there was still a fire in their eyes—a lingering spark of hope, no matter how much they tried to bury it.
"I'm not asking you to fight alone," Albedo said quietly. "And I'm not asking you to rebuild the world overnight. I'm just asking you to think about what you could do with the tools you have. The skills you have."
Peter shook his head. "We've thought about it. Trust me. But we're not doing this again. Not now. Not ever."
Tony glanced at Peter, his expression conflicted, but he finally nodded. "Look, whoever you are, you've got your own mission. And we respect that. But we've seen how this ends, and it's not worth the cost."
Albedo turned to leave, his steps measured as he headed for the door. He paused for a moment, glancing back at Tony and Peter. "Fine," he said quietly. "But when the time comes—and it will—you'll have to choose. I just hope you make the right decision."
The tension in the shop was palpable, neither Tony nor Peter responding as Albedo opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air. The door jingled shut behind him, leaving the two young men standing in silence.
Peter broke the silence first, his voice low and thoughtful. "Do you think he's serious? About all this 'change the world' stuff?"
Tony sighed, leaning back against the workbench. "I don't know. But something about him… he's not just some random guy with an agenda. He's got conviction. You don't fake that."
Peter nodded slowly, his fingers drumming on the edge of the bench. Finally, he glanced at Tony. "What about Doom?"
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Victor von Doom?"
"Yeah," Peter said, shrugging. "If anyone's still standing up to SHIELD and Stane, it's him."
Tony frowned. "Doom's a wild card, Parker. Sure, he's untouchable thanks to that diplomatic immunity of his, but you think he'd actually help this guy? He's not exactly the most approachable person."
Peter smirked faintly. "He's not as bad as people think. At least, not this version of him. You remember how he fought in the Civil War, right?"
Tony nodded reluctantly. "Yeah. Doom was anti-registration. A hero, if you can believe it. He stood his ground even after the pro-registration side won."
"Exactly," Peter said, gesturing emphatically. "And now he's the last holdout. SHIELD and Stane can't touch him because of his diplomatic immunity, and he's got more resources than anyone else who's not in their pocket. If this guy really wants to take them on, Doom might actually be willing to help."
Tony crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "You're forgetting one thing, Parker: Doom doesn't trust anyone. Especially not strangers who show up out of nowhere."
"True," Peter admitted. "But I've worked with him before. Back when I was… you know."
Tony's gaze softened slightly. "Spider-Man," he said quietly.
Peter nodded. "He helped me out during the war. Built tech, gave me intel, even fought alongside me a few times. Doom's not as heartless as people think. He cares about his people, about Latveria. And he's not a fan of Stane or SHIELD. If anyone's going to listen, it's him."
Tony considered Peter's words for a moment before sighing. "You might be right. But this guy? He's going to need more than just a name to get Doom's attention."
Tony turned to his desk, rummaging through a drawer until he pulled out a small thumb drive. He held it up, the faint light catching its polished surface.
"What's that?" Peter asked.
Tony tossed it to Peter, who caught it easily. "Information," Tony said. "Everything I've dug up on SHIELD, Stane Enterprises, and some of their nastier projects. If this guy's serious, he's going to need all the help he can get."
Peter nodded and headed for the door. Outside, Albedo was already halfway down the street, his dark figure fading into the shadows.
"Hey!" Peter called out. Albedo stopped and turned, raising an eyebrow as Peter jogged up to him.
Tony followed a moment later, tossing the thumb drive toward Albedo, who caught it effortlessly.
"What's this?" Albedo asked, his tone cautious.
"Call it a parting gift," Tony said. "Intel. Stane Enterprises, SHIELD projects, the works. Don't ask how I got it."
Albedo turned the drive over in his fingers, his dark eyes narrowing. "Why give me this?"
Peter shrugged. "Because we've seen what they're capable of. If you're serious about taking them on, you're going to need every advantage you can get."
"And if you're not serious," Tony added, his tone sharp, "you'd better stay out of their way."
Albedo pocketed the drive, nodding slightly. "Thanks. I'll make use of it."
Peter hesitated for a moment before speaking. "One more thing. If you're really going up against SHIELD and Stane, you should consider reaching out to Dr. Doom."
"Victor von Doom?" Albedo asked, tilting his head.
Peter nodded. "Yeah. He was anti-registration during the war, one of the only big names who stuck to his principles even after the pro-registration side won. He's untouchable now because of his diplomatic immunity, but he hasn't stopped resisting. If anyone's got the resources and the guts to stand up to them, it's him."
Tony crossed his arms. "Just be careful. Doom doesn't trust easily, and if you get on his bad side, you've got a whole new set of problems to deal with."
Albedo smirked faintly. "Noted. Doom, Latveria. I'll keep it in mind."
With that, Albedo turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the city.
(Late as Hell but imagine Tony as Iron Man Armored Adventures and Peter as Spectacular Spider-Man. Obviously age them up a bit)