Chereads / Albedos Redemption / Chapter 6 - chapter 5

Chapter 6 - chapter 5

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A dull metallic clank reverberated through Albedo's penthouse workshop as he set the Proto-Tool on his newly installed crafting table. Outside the panoramic windows, Manhattan gleamed under a midday sun, skyscrapers arrayed in steel-and-glass splendor. Yet despite the bright summer day, the atmosphere inside felt weighted—stifled by the civil conflict unfolding among heroes. Albedo had spent the previous week in tense uncertainty about the newly enacted Superhuman Registration Act, which forced powered individuals to register with the government or face arrest. He had not yet chosen a side, but recent events pushed him toward making a choice soon.

He gazed at his reflection in a glass cabinet panel—face drawn, eyes rimmed with fatigue. For weeks, he'd juggled a dual identity: wealthy inventor by day, black-and-white–clad vigilante by night. But the lines were blurring now that the government demanded to know who was behind every mask. He'd hidden his heroic efforts from almost everyone in his personal life—Rowan, Ms. Delgado, Ms. Bailey from the youth center, and a handful of others who saw him as merely Albedo, the quiet but successful scientist. That secrecy had weighed on him for months, but with the Registration Act turning friend against friend, it felt wrong to keep them entirely in the dark.

For days, he wrestled with whether to reveal his secret to them. Eventually, he concluded that trust was a two-way street. If he expected them to stand by him should this crisis escalate, they deserved the truth. Tonight, he intended to gather his closest friends and unburden himself. It was a risk—he knew that—but the alternative was continuing alone, caught in a cosmic storm he could not fully navigate.

Running a hand over the sleek surface of the Proto-Tool, he closed his eyes and inhaled. At least his new suit was ready: a refined black-and-white uniform made of unstable molecules, with subtle modifications to accommodate his Ultimatrix transformations. He was still using the "Grey Hero" moniker in the press, though he'd hardly gone out publicly since the registration fiasco. Tony Stark, now Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., had pressured many heroes to come forward or face dire consequences. Meanwhile, Captain America led the resistance. Albedo had done neither. He'd maintained an uneasy neutrality, hoping for a peaceful resolution that never seemed to come.

A soft beep from his phone alerted him that Rowan had arrived in the lobby with Ms. Delgado. They were the first of his invited guests. He'd also asked Ms. Bailey to come along, plus a colleague from the diner, Henry, who had become a good friend before Albedo left that job. They all believed they were gathering to discuss "the state of hero affairs" in a private dinner. They had no inkling that he intended to unmask as a vigilante.

He quickly tidied the workshop—ensuring his gear was neatly stored—and then stepped into the main living area, which he'd arranged like a comfortable lounge. Plush couches, a wide coffee table laden with refreshments, and a panoramic view of Manhattan. He'd even set out a spread of takeout from various restaurants, offering a casual buffet vibe. His friends deserved some comfort tonight; the city's tension weighed on them as well.

A few minutes later, the private elevator chimed, and the door slid open to reveal Rowan stepping out with Ms. Delgado close behind. Rowan was tall and lanky, with curly brown hair and a flamboyant sense of style. In contrast, Ms. Delgado was shorter, older, with streaks of gray in her black hair—an ex-biology teacher who had once helped Albedo refine a few healing-chamber concepts. She wore a warm but puzzled expression, as if uncertain why Albedo had summoned them on short notice.

"Albedo, my man!" Rowan exclaimed, striding in with open arms. "You're looking pale. Have you slept at all?"

Albedo managed a tired grin. "A bit here and there. Thanks for coming."

Ms. Delgado, lugging a large handbag, offered Albedo a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Of course, dear. Though I still don't understand this 'urgent dinner meeting' text you sent. You're not in trouble, are you?"

"Let's wait for the others before I explain," Albedo replied softly. "But no, not exactly. Well… maybe. It's complicated."

Rowan gave Ms. Delgado a teasing look. "Lady, everything about Albedo is complicated. That's part of his charm."

They settled on the couch, nibbling at some appetizers. Rowan poured himself a glass of water, swirling it dramatically as if it were fine wine. Albedo tried to relax, but his heart pounded with anticipation. Within ten minutes, Ms. Bailey, the kindly youth center coordinator, arrived, along with Henry, the diner coworker who had once teased Albedo for being so quiet. They, too, wore curious expressions. The last time they'd all been in a room together was for a casual get-together months ago. Now, they felt the heavy tension in Albedo's manner.

Once everyone was seated, Albedo stood behind the coffee table, hands clasped. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know there's been a lot of chaos in the news—superhero registration, that tragedy in Stamford, tensions with S.H.I.E.L.D. I want to talk to you about all that…and something more personal."

Rowan tilted his head. "More personal than civil war among spandex-wearing do-gooders?"

Albedo mustered a crooked smile. "Indeed. Listen, I consider you all important friends. Some of you have known me only a year, others longer. But you've stuck by me, helped me when I was building my technology, forging a life here. I've… I've kept secrets from you. It's time I come clean."

Henry looked uneasy. "Hey, man, we all have secrets, it's no big deal, right?"

Ms. Bailey frowned. "But if it's something that puts you at risk, we want to help."

Albedo swallowed. "I appreciate that. Let me just say it plainly: I'm a vigilante—one of those costumed heroes you hear about on the news, going by the placeholder name 'Grey Hero.' That's me."

Silence slammed over the room. Rowan's eyes went wide, Ms. Delgado's jaw dropped. Henry let out a soft, "Dude, are you kidding?" Ms. Bailey's expression shifted from shock to mild disbelief.

Rowan recovered first, a disbelieving laugh bubbling up. "Wait, wait. You mean that shapeshifter hero who fought the Sinister Six with Spider-Man? That was you?"

Albedo nodded, heart hammering. "Yes, that was me. I can demonstrate if you need proof, but I'd prefer not to bust up my living room."

Henry put his head in his hands, exhaling. "Holy crap, man. I… I had no clue. I mean, I knew you were kinda secretive, but this? You actually suit up like Spider-Man?"

"Why didn't you tell us?" Ms. Delgado asked quietly, her voice betraying a mix of worry and awe.

Ms. Bailey added, "We thought you just tinkered with advanced medical devices. This is…bigger."

Albedo sighed. "I'm sorry for the deception. At first, I wanted to keep you safe. The fewer who knew, the less chance of blowback from criminals or unscrupulous agencies. But now, with registration being forced on us, I might be labeled an outlaw or forced to reveal my identity to the government. I needed you to hear it from me directly."

He paused, letting them process. Rowan slowly stood, pacing a short distance. "This is… wow. You told me you had all these big ideas, you always came off as slightly socially awkward, but I never guessed you were out there swinging around at night. Actually, wait—do you swing like Spider-Man, or… how do you do that?"

Albedo chuckled nervously. "I have grappling tech in my gauntlet. And, well, I can transform into certain forms that allow for, let's say, more extreme movement."

Rowan blinked. "Transform? Like a werewolf?"

"A little more…exotic," Albedo hedged. "It's complicated. But yes, I can become different creatures with different powers." He left out the full truth of the Ultimatrix, hoping not to overwhelm them.

Henry whistled. "I guess that explains why you never seemed scared walking home at night when we both worked the late shift at the diner."

Ms. Bailey pressed a hand to her forehead. "All those times I saw coverage of the black-and-white hero in the news…I had no clue it was you, volunteering with the kids by day and saving the city by night. That's… quite something."

Albedo's voice softened. "I know it's a lot to take in. I also want to ask your opinions on the Superhuman Registration Act. Right now, the government is basically saying we have to register or be hunted down. Many heroes, like Tony Stark, are leading the push for compliance. Others, like Captain America, resist it. I've stayed neutral, but I might have to pick a side. And if I do, my entire life could change. Possibly yours, too."

His gaze swept the room. Ms. Delgado folded her arms, thinking carefully. "On the surface, I understand the public fear. That Stamford tragedy was horrific. But forcing all heroes to reveal themselves to some government database? That's a big step. It could lead to abuse."

Henry frowned. "But if we do nothing, more tragedies might happen, right? Maybe some oversight is necessary."

Ms. Bailey pursed her lips. "The youth center kids loved hearing about heroes. Now many are frightened. Some parents say heroes are just as dangerous as villains. I see both sides, but I don't trust the government to handle private data ethically."

Rowan nodded emphatically. "Same. I'm sorry, but I don't trust politicians. They'll gather everyone's identities, then—what? Lock them up if they disagree? This is how oppression starts."

Henry scratched his head. "But if it means saving lives, maybe it's not oppression. Maybe it's order."

The debate continued for several minutes, each friend voicing concerns and moral stances. Albedo listened intently, relieved they hadn't rejected him outright. Despite their differing opinions, they all accepted that he'd been acting with good intentions. Ms. Delgado was the calm voice of reason, urging caution with any government infiltration, while Rowan criticized even the possibility of hero "registration." Henry remained somewhat ambivalent, not wanting total anarchy but uneasy about the Act. Ms. Bailey found it heartbreaking that society's faith in heroes had deteriorated so severely.

Finally, Albedo cleared his throat. "Thank you. This helps me see various perspectives. But to make an informed choice, I need more intel—specifically about S.H.I.E.L.D. and Tony Stark's role. He's not just a hero now; he's Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He's got the full weight of government resources behind him. If I'm to consider registering, I need to know if S.H.I.E.L.D. is trustworthy or if they're already crossing lines."

Ms. Delgado's eyes flickered. "You're planning some kind of infiltration?"

"Of sorts," Albedo said. "I intend to hack into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s systems. I have advanced knowledge that might let me do it without detection. If I uncover that S.H.I.E.L.D. is systematically weaponizing hero data or doing unsavory things, that'll confirm my worst fears."

Rowan let out a low whistle. "Hacking S.H.I.E.L.D. is not exactly small potatoes."

Henry frowned. "Are you sure that's wise? They catch you, you're toast. They'll label you a terrorist."

Albedo drew in a measured breath. "I know the risk. But ignorance is deadlier. If I can confirm they're ethical, maybe I can support registration. If not, I have to oppose it. Will you stand by me, whichever way I go?"

Ms. Delgado nodded slowly. "You've always been conscientious, Albedo. I'll trust your decision."

Ms. Bailey gave a brave smile. "You're a hero to a lot of people, especially those kids you've helped. I'm behind you."

Rowan clapped him on the shoulder. "Dude, you're the reason I got that gig on Broadway last month—I owe you. If you need me, I'm here."

Henry shrugged but smiled. "Count me in. You're a decent guy, weirdly enough."

Emotion swelled in Albedo's chest. He'd worried they might reject him. Instead, they offered unconditional support. "Thank you," he whispered. "All of you. I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, please don't share my identity with anyone—this is bigger than me now."

They nodded in agreement. For the remainder of the evening, Albedo tried to lighten the mood with dinner and casual conversation, but a sense of looming uncertainty hovered in the background. By the time his friends left, the sky had darkened, city lights shimmering in the windows. Albedo stood on the balcony, sipping a glass of water, steeling himself for what came next.

Hacking S.H.I.E.L.D. was not a trivial endeavor. Even with his advanced Galvan-level intellect and the partial integration of alien technology into his personal computer systems, he needed the right approach. Over the next few days, he methodically set up remote servers, tested infiltration scripts, and studied known S.H.I.E.L.D. network architecture. The advantage he had, ironically, was that S.H.I.E.L.D. had grown so large and bureaucratic under Tony's new leadership that certain protocols might have fallen behind the cutting edge. Tony was brilliant, but that didn't mean every subordinate was equally so.

He worked in near-total isolation, restricting access to his lab, refusing phone calls from anyone but his closest allies. Even Spider-Man was out of the loop, because Albedo worried Peter would disapprove or find it too risky. Yet the impetus burned at him. He had to know what S.H.I.E.L.D. planned.

At last, one late night, he crouched at his main computer station—a sleek holographic display that responded to his gestures. Lines of code scrolled across the air, pings from S.H.I.E.L.D. networks returning partial matches. He'd found a vulnerability in their auxiliary storage system, a back-end server that archived older mission files. From there, he might pivot into more recent secure files.

His hands trembled slightly. If S.H.I.E.L.D. detected this intrusion, they could trace it. He'd prepared multiple fallback routes with server proxies scattered across the globe. Still, the risk remained. Exhaling, he engaged the infiltration script, watching as a digital progress bar inched forward, bypassing authentication layers.

One beep. Two beeps. The system parted like an old lock, letting him slip in. Albedo's breath caught as a directory tree unfurled. Thousands of files, labeled with mission codes and personnel references, data on superhuman activity. He skimmed them, heart pounding. Some were mundane—incident reports, inventory logs. Others were more ominous, referencing covert ops or "Project Enforcement." Then he spotted a subfolder labeled "Director T. Stark – Authorizations."

He pressed on, opening file after file. One described "enhanced interrogation methods" used on suspected unregistered mutants, with Tony's digital signature approving. Another detailed forced relocation of certain "risk group families." Albedo's gut churned. A third outlined "extraterritorial renditions" for those who refused to comply with registration, shipping them to hidden holding facilities for indefinite detention.

"This is worse than I feared," Albedo whispered, eyes darting over the text. Tony had apparently signed off on some deeply unethical measures, justifying them under national security. So many innocents might have been swept up.

Then came the file that froze Albedo's blood: "Subject: Peter Parker – Alias: Spider-Man." The file spanned multiple pages. It included not just the standard ID data that Peter had reluctantly given Tony in private, but also medical records, genetic breakdown, psychological profiles, contingency plans for subduing him if he turned traitor. Detailed schematics about the composition of his web fluid, the range of his spider-sense, possible ways to overload it using sonic weapons. Even the earliest childhood addresses, the name and location of Aunt May, mention of Mary Jane Watson, and hints that Tony had authorized discreet surveillance on them.

Albedo felt sick. This was beyond "keeping track." This was invasive, controlling, a betrayal of trust. Tony had claimed to care for Peter, yet he'd compiled a dossier of vulnerabilities. Possibly as a failsafe if Peter changed sides.

Rage flared behind Albedo's eyes. Spider-Man was his friend, one who had wrestled with the moral dilemma of supporting Tony. Now Tony was ready to exploit every weakness Peter had. Albedo's hands shook as he saved a copy of the file, along with the rest. This was proof. Proof that Tony—once seen as a champion of freedom—was crossing lines, turning S.H.I.E.L.D. into a tool for oppression.

A sudden alarm pinged on his console. "Intrusion detection triggered." The screen flickered. S.H.I.E.L.D. had noticed a suspicious spike in network activity. Albedo cursed, swiftly executing his exit protocol. The file transfer bar soared to 99%, then 100%. He severed the connection, rerouting final data through a dozen proxies. But the firewall logs might contain partial traces. He'd prepared for that—he'd masked his physical location with advanced encryption. Still, there was always a risk S.H.I.E.L.D. might suspect him.

Panting, he watched the holographic display revert to normal. The files were safely downloaded. He stared at them in grim silence. This was bigger than he'd imagined. Tony was not just enforcing a law; he was orchestrating covert crackdowns, collecting weaknesses on "allies" like Peter.

Albedo flicked a trembling finger, pulling up the "Parker file." So many personal details. He recalled that Peter had done everything at Tony's urging—he'd even half-prepared to reveal himself publicly, though he'd been hesitant. Now, Albedo realized Tony might be prepared to blackmail or neutralize Peter if he disobeyed.

He closed the file, chest tight. "I have to warn him," he murmured. "He deserves to know."

Peter Parker had a well-known vantage point where he often went to think: the top of the Empire State Building's spire was too conspicuous, but a lesser-known location was a narrow rooftop near the East River, offering a sweeping view of Manhattan. He'd once invited Albedo there to decompress. That was the spot Albedo chose when he texted Peter, Need to meet. Urgent. Your favorite viewpoint. Please come alone. Peter agreed, sounding concerned.

Night clung to the city when Albedo arrived, wearing his black-and-white vigilante suit. The gentle breeze off the river kissed his uncovered mouth. He perched behind a ventilation unit, scanning the horizon. Moments later, a faint thwip signaled Peter's arrival. The red-and-blue figure swung down, landing lightly on a ledge.

"Albedo?" Peter called in a low voice. They'd long since agreed to first-name basis in private, though Albedo seldom used Peter's name out loud in case of eavesdroppers.

Albedo stepped from the shadows, mask partially retracted to reveal his face. "Peter. Thank you for coming."

Spider-Man gave a short nod, stepping nearer. "You sounded tense in your text. Everything okay?"

"No," Albedo said, swallowing. "I did something…drastic. I hacked S.H.I.E.L.D.'s files to see if we could trust them with hero data. The results were… terrifying."

Peter stiffened, arms folding. "You hacked S.H.I.E.L.D.? Are you insane? They'll— If they trace you—"

"I covered my tracks as best I could," Albedo insisted. "But that's not the main point. The main point is what I found. Tony's file on you. It's…a detailed breakdown of your entire life. Your biology, your weaknesses, your family's address, Mary Jane's background, Aunt May's medical records—everything. And it's not just a general record. It reads like a contingency plan to subdue or manipulate you if you go against him."

For a moment, Peter didn't speak. Albedo saw tension ripple through Spider-Man's posture, the lenses of his mask reflecting city lights. He took a shaky breath. "You sure?"

Albedo pulled a small holo-projector from a pouch on his belt, activating it. He'd isolated relevant chunks of the Parker file. The flickering projection displayed lines of text: genetic analysis, a psychological profile referencing deep personal traumas, strategic notes about how to neutralize spider-sense by saturating an environment with contradictory signals. At first, Peter's breath caught in disbelief. Then he yanked off his mask, revealing a storm of emotion in his eyes—anger, betrayal, fear.

"I— I trusted Tony," Peter rasped. "He told me if I joined him, if I revealed my identity publicly, he'd protect me and my family. But this file… it's a weapon against me."

Albedo pressed his lips together. "I'm sorry, Peter. I know you were on the fence about unmasking completely. I had to show you this. Tony's not safeguarding your secrets; he's cataloging them for future use. The moment you step out of line, he can exploit them."

Peter's face twisted with anguish, a tremor in his voice. "It's like a betrayal of everything he preached about hero unity. I mean, I knew S.H.I.E.L.D. keeps files, but not like this. Not on me. If he's done it to me, who else? He's obviously going after other heroes, too."

Albedo nodded grimly. "I found references to forced detentions, unethical raids. He's building an authoritarian structure under the Registration Act. I suspect if you tried to keep your identity hidden, he'd come for you eventually. Or if you revealed it, he'd still have the upper hand. Either way, he's controlling you."

Peter stared out over the water, the city's glow dancing in his eyes. "I can't do this. I can't keep working with him. If Tony's filed these details, he might be preparing to forcibly register me. Or blackmail me. This is exactly what Cap was afraid of."

Albedo laid a hand on Peter's shoulder. "I'm on your side. If you choose not to reveal yourself, I'll support you. We can figure out how to keep your family safe, too."

Peter closed his eyes, a sheen of tears threatening. "Mary Jane, Aunt May… they'd be in danger if Tony sees me as a threat. I can't let that happen. But revealing myself to the public is exactly what he wants, so he can put me under his thumb. No. No way."

His voice hardened. "I refuse to follow him. If that means I'm labeled a criminal, so be it."

Albedo squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "We'll handle it. One step at a time. The main concern is ensuring Tony doesn't blindside you."

Peter wiped at his eyes, then donned his mask again, concealing his turmoil. "Thank you for telling me. You risked everything to get this intel. I owe you. Let's… let's figure out a plan. If Tony's got S.H.I.E.L.D. fully behind him, he can dispatch entire squads to hunt us down. We need to vanish for a while or gather resources to fight back."

Albedo nodded slowly. "Agreed. First, you need to protect your loved ones. If Tony escalates, he might strike at them."

Peter set his jaw. "Then let's do that. Tonight, I'll collect Aunt May and MJ. We can stow them somewhere safe—a place Tony can't track. You come with me. If S.H.I.E.L.D. tries to intervene, we'll handle it together."

Albedo felt a spark of determination. "Yes. Let's not wait."

They clasped hands in silent agreement. Then, in the hush of the night, they swung and grappled across the city rooftops, forging a plan to safeguard Peter's family from Tony's hidden agenda. For the first time since the registration fiasco began, Albedo felt a sense of clarity. Tony's path was dark, and they had no choice but to resist.

Unfortunately, Tony moved faster than they realized. Before Albedo and Peter could even gather May and MJ, the city erupted in a manhunt. Tony, alerted by the partial intrusion into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s system, suspected someone had gleaned sensitive data. He also noticed Peter's abrupt withdrawal from registration talks. That, combined with the unmasked data about Albedo's possible location, triggered swift action.

Just as Albedo was suiting up for the night, a friend in the city's underground hero network pinged him: "Watch your back. Director Stark authorized an arrest warrant for you and Spider-Man. He's calling you two criminals for hacking S.H.I.E.L.D. and refusing compliance. The Avengers are en route."

Albedo clenched his teeth. He quickly texted Peter the warning: They're onto us. We have to run NOW.

Moments later, the penthouse windows rattled with the roar of repulsors. Albedo swore, ducking into his workshop. Through the windows, he spotted figures in the sky: Iron Man, flanked by War Machine and a small squad of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents on hover jets. Lights swept across the windows. They intended to capture him here, in his own home.

"Fine," Albedo muttered, strapping on the Proto-Tool and verifying the Ultimatrix. "We do this the hard way."

He triggered an emergency lockdown, the penthouse's security shutters rolling down. The door to the corridor locked. He had no illusions about withstanding a full Avenger assault, but maybe he could slow them. Hurrying to his private elevator, he realized it, too, was compromised. S.H.I.E.L.D. likely had the building's schematics.

A thunderous crash echoed from the living room as War Machine blasted through the shutters. Albedo braced himself. He tapped the Ultimatrix, searching for a suitable alien form—something that could handle heavy firepower without leveling the entire building. Diamondhead was an option, but might cause too much collateral damage. Echo Echo could handle sonic tactics, but War Machine's armor was well-shielded. He chose Big Chill, the intangibility-based form that let him pass through walls.

In a swirl of red energy, he transformed into Big Chill. His body turned moth-like and translucent. War Machine and two S.H.I.E.L.D. troopers burst into the workshop, scanning for him, their weapons lit. Albedo turned intangible, sliding into the floor and reemerging behind them. As they turned, he exhaled an icy breath, flash-freezing one trooper's weapon. War Machine pivoted, unleashing a repulsor blast that seared the air. Albedo phased through it, drifting behind the trooper, then resumed solidity long enough to knock him unconscious with a frosty punch.

War Machine glowered behind his faceplate. "Grey Hero, stand down! Tony wants you alive, but don't push it!"

Albedo's voice resonated with an echo. "I can't trust Tony, War Machine. Sorry!" He launched another wave of frost, forcing War Machine to raise an energy shield. In the confusion, Albedo phased through the nearest wall, escaping the workshop entirely. He needed to get outside, away from civilians in the building. Tony had chosen a direct assault, meaning the entire block could become a battleground if Albedo didn't move fast.

Down on the street, S.H.I.E.L.D. vans screeched to a stop, disgorging more agents. Meanwhile, overhead, Iron Man hovered. Albedo, still in Big Chill form, emerged on a low balcony. Iron Man spotted him instantly. "Albedo, you're under arrest for hacking government systems and refusing mandatory registration. Surrender, or we'll take you down."

Albedo's chest tightened. "You left me no choice, Tony! You're crossing lines, collecting blackmail on allies. This is betrayal."

Iron Man's metallic voice rang out. "You don't understand the bigger picture. We need control to prevent tragedies. Your vigilante approach is reckless."

Albedo snarled, intangible wings beating. "What's truly reckless is exploiting your friends' weaknesses. I won't be part of your tyranny."

Iron Man's repulsors flared. "Fine. Have it your way." He unleashed a beam that roared across the balcony. Albedo phased, letting the energy pass through. The balcony shattered, debris raining down on the sidewalk below. Pedestrians screamed, scattering. This was exactly the kind of public scene Albedo wanted to avoid.

He soared upward, intangible, seeking a less crowded zone. Iron Man pursued, while War Machine emerged from the building, jets blazing. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents below took up positions, rifles trained. The standoff was short-lived, as Albedo flew toward a nearby rooftop. War Machine cut him off, launching small missiles. Albedo returned to solidity just long enough to blow a frigid breath, freezing the missile warheads mid-flight before they detonated. Ice shards cascaded into the alley.

Iron Man circled, coordinating with War Machine via comms. Then, in a cunning move, Tony fired a specialized energy net that crackled with a wide electromagnetic field. Even intangible, Albedo felt the sting of the field. He tried to slip away, but the net's arcs latched onto his silhouette, sending painful pulses through his form. He cried out, reeling in midair.

"Got you," Tony muttered.

But Albedo refused to surrender. With a desperate push, he canceled Big Chill and reverted to his normal self. The electromagnetic net, calibrated for intangible energies, lost its lock. Albedo dropped, plummeting a dozen stories. He smacked the Ultimatrix mid-fall, selecting Four Arms for a strong landing. Red light flashed. Suddenly, he was a towering red-skinned Tetramand, four muscular arms poised.

CRUNCH. He landed on the sidewalk, cracking the pavement but remaining upright. Pedestrians gawked, stumbling back in terror. S.H.I.E.L.D. troopers pivoted, firing stun blasts. Albedo roared, using one massive arm to shield himself while another arm yanked a streetlamp from the ground. He spun it, knocking aside troopers and scattering them. The blasts stung, but Four Arms could handle a good deal of punishment.

Iron Man and War Machine descended, repulsors aimed. "Last warning, Albedo! Surrender!"

Albedo planted the streetlamp like a staff, eyes blazing. "You'll have to drag me in. I won't let you vanish me into some secret cell."

War Machine unleashed a barrage of micro-missiles. Albedo braced, but another figure suddenly swooped in—a blur of red and blue webbing. Spider-Man! He snagged several missiles midair with webs, slinging them into the sky where they exploded harmlessly. Then he swung down, delivering a double-kick to War Machine's chest plate. War Machine reeled, crashing into a parked car.

"Not on my watch," Spider-Man snapped. "Tony, call off your goons!"

Iron Man's faceplate angled toward Peter. "You've made your choice, Spider-Man? You do realize you're abetting a criminal now."

Spider-Man bristled. "The only criminal act I see is you betraying your supposed allies." He fired webs at Iron Man's boot thrusters, trying to bog him down. Tony responded with a concussive pulse that shattered the webs. Meanwhile, S.H.I.E.L.D. troopers regrouped. Civilians screamed, scrambling away.

Albedo seized the moment, swinging the lamppost again to knock troopers aside. With renewed vigor, he and Spider-Man fought in tandem. Albedo's Four Arms strength let him tear up bits of asphalt to block trooper lines of sight, while Spider-Man's agility kept Iron Man and War Machine's attention divided. The troopers fired stun grenades, but Albedo batted them away with lower arms while punching a mechanical drone with his upper arms. The synergy was remarkable—one hero's brute force, the other's speed and cunning.

Yet more reinforcements arrived. A S.H.I.E.L.D. hover transport roared overhead, depositing advanced mechs. Albedo cursed. If the fight dragged on, they might be overwhelmed. Spider-Man recognized it too.

Peter shouted, "We can't keep this up, big guy. Let's move—my family's at risk!"

Albedo nodded, spinning to fling the lamppost at approaching mechs, toppling them. Then he slammed the Ultimatrix to shift from Four Arms to XLR8, the speed-based alien. In a red flash, his form became a sleek, blue-skinned Kineceleran with a visor. Spider-Man hopped onto a chunk of debris, and with lightning reflexes, XLR8-Albedo snatched him by the waist.

"Hold on!" Albedo barked.

In an eyeblink, they vanished in a burst of super-speed. The troopers' shots missed by a mile. Iron Man and War Machine tried to track them from the sky, but XLR8 dashed around corners at over 300 mph, weaving through traffic in a near-invisible streak. In under a minute, they'd put miles between themselves and the fight.

Finally, Albedo skidded to a halt in an abandoned warehouse lot. Spider-Man stumbled off, gasping. "That speed… wow. I always forget how insane that is."

Albedo reverted to normal form, panting. "We don't have long. Tony can deploy drones or track residual energy signatures. We have to get your family right now."

Peter nodded, anxiety etched on his masked face. "They're at our apartment in Queens. Let's go. But we need to approach quietly—S.H.I.E.L.D. might be watching."

They took to the rooftops, moving more cautiously. Albedo used the Proto-Tool's grappling hook, while Spider-Man swung with webs. Their hearts pounded. If Tony had decided to brand them criminals, Aunt May and MJ were at risk. They reached the Parker apartment building near midnight. Lights glowed in a few windows, a quiet street below.

Peter scanned the surroundings with spider-sense. "No immediate threat. Let's hope we beat them."

They slipped in via the rooftop access, descending a back stairwell. In the modest apartment, Aunt May and Mary Jane were sitting anxiously in the living room—Spider-Man had texted them earlier to be ready for anything. MJ, with red hair tied back, jumped up at the sight of them entering through the window. Aunt May steadied herself on a cane, eyes wide.

"Peter," MJ gasped, rushing to him. He pulled off his mask, hugging her tight. Aunt May gave a relieved cry. Albedo stood guard by the window, scanning for any sign of intrusion.

"We have to go," Peter said, voice urgent. "Tony's turned on us. We're labeled outlaws. We'll get you somewhere safe."

Aunt May's voice trembled. "But… Tony was your friend. Why…?"

Peter exchanged a sorrowful glance with Albedo, then gently guided Aunt May to gather essentials. MJ hurried to pack a small suitcase. Albedo kept watch in the hallway. So far, no S.H.I.E.L.D. presence. Yet the tension mounted with each passing second. Finally, Aunt May and MJ emerged, carrying what they could.

"This is insane," MJ whispered, eyes teary. "We're just everyday people. Why is Stark targeting you like a criminal?"

Peter's jaw tightened. "He's not the man we thought he was. Let's go. Albedo, any safe house ideas?"

Albedo nodded. "Yes, I have a friend with an empty property in upstate New York, outside official records. They'll let us stay off-grid. We'll keep moving if we must."

They proceeded down the stairs. Halfway down, the building's main door slammed open. Albedo heard booted footsteps, the telltale whine of repulsor-based gear. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents? Possibly Avengers.

"Stairs!" Albedo hissed, pointing to an alternate fire escape. They pivoted, hustling down a narrow corridor. Aunt May's pace was slowed by her cane. Peter gently lifted her.

They emerged onto a small side stoop. An agent in black tactical gear spotted them, shouting, "Freeze!" A rifle raised. Peter cursed, shifting Aunt May to MJ's arms. Albedo lunged forward, slamming the agent's rifle aside with the Proto-Tool in baton mode. Another agent joined from around the corner, muzzle flashing with a stun bolt. Albedo rolled, baton sparking, taking out the second agent's knees.

"Hurry!" he barked to MJ. She, carrying Aunt May, dashed down the alley. Peter trailed, blasting webs to seal a side door behind them. Albedo covered their retreat, baton thrumming with electricity as he fended off two more troopers. One swung a shock baton—Albedo parried, driving a palm strike to the trooper's chest. The second trooper tried a rear takedown, but Albedo twisted with inhuman agility, flipping the trooper onto his back.

"Go!" Albedo shouted, hooking the baton back into the Proto-Tool. He sprinted after Peter, who was now carrying Aunt May again to move faster. The group burst onto a side street. MJ flagged down a battered van that Albedo had stashed earlier for emergencies. They piled in, Albedo slamming the driver's seat door.

Engine revving, they tore away from the curb. Gunfire echoed behind them, bullets pinging the van's fender. The city lights smeared by. Aunt May clutched MJ's hand, trembling. Albedo pressed the gas pedal, weaving through traffic. Peter watched the mirrors for pursuers.

"I see no immediate tail," he said, though tension thrummed in his voice. "But we can't assume they gave up."

Albedo nodded, knuckles white on the steering wheel. "We'll switch vehicles once or twice. I have a route planned to get us upstate, off major highways. Hang on."

They spent the next hour zigzagging through lesser-known roads. Albedo changed vehicles twice, using safe houses he'd prepared with Rowan's help. Each time they emerged with the suitcases, Aunt May's face paled, but she soldiered on. Finally, with the city's skyline far behind them, they merged onto an empty state route leading north. The swirling stress began to fade.

Peter, hunched beside Albedo in the front seat, let out a long breath. "I can't believe Tony's stooping to this. Attacking your home, labeling me and you criminals, going after my family. All because we refused to sign his Act."

Albedo's jaw clenched. "I read the files. He's got a plan for subjugating or detaining any hero who doesn't comply. He's twisting S.H.I.E.L.D. into his personal enforcement arm. That's not heroism. It's tyranny."

Aunt May, from the back seat, asked shakily, "What happens now? Are we fugitives?"

Peter turned, voice thick with regret. "For now, yes. I'm sorry, May. I never wanted you or MJ in danger."

MJ swallowed hard. "We'll stand by you. We have each other." Her eyes flicked to Albedo. "And thank you, for saving us. We owe you."

Albedo forced a smile. "We're in this together. We'll lay low for a while. Let things settle or figure out how to fight back. We can't let Tony keep crossing lines with impunity."

Peter stared through the windshield at the dark forest looming ahead. "We'll need allies. People who oppose Tony's stance but also have resources. Cap, maybe. Or even some offworld help. We can't do this alone."

Albedo nodded thoughtfully. "Captain America might be our best bet. But we have to be careful. Tony's eyes are everywhere. For tonight, though, let's just get you all safe."

Silence fell in the van as they rumbled further north, leaving the city lights behind. The tension of their recent battle lingered, the sting of betrayal fresh. But for now, at least, they'd escaped Tony's immediate grasp, forcing back the wave of S.H.I.E.L.D. oppression that threatened to engulf them.

Albedo replayed the fight in his mind: War Machine's missiles, Tony's furious glare, the chaos on the city streets. He'd never imagined facing the Avengers as enemies. Yet here they were, forging a path as outlaws. The world had turned upside down. But perhaps, with Peter by his side, they could protect those who mattered—and, if fortune allowed, expose Tony's wrongdoing to the public.

As the van rolled on into the moonlit night, Albedo silently vowed to continue his quest for redemption, even if it meant opposing one of Earth's greatest heroes. Because true heroism, he realized, sometimes required standing against a friend-turned-tyrant—no matter the cost.

End of Chapter 5.