Tony Stark's Pov:
I watch the press conference replay for the fifth time in my private workshop, holographic displays surrounding me with data from the Harlem incident.
"JARVIS, run another analysis on the transformation sequences. Focus on the energy signatures."
"Certainly, sir," JARVIS responds. "Though I should note this is the seventh analysis we've performed."
"And each one tells us something new." I manipulate the 3D rendering of 'Shift' mid-transformation. "Look at these energy patterns. They're not gamma radiation like Banner's, not technological like my suit. It's something else entirely."
The footage from Harlem plays again. The speed form evacuating civilians shows precision that develops mid-rescue - like the user is learning in real-time. The dinosaur form exhibits tactical awareness, and that evolved version... that's something else entirely.
"Sir, I've compiled the background check on Samael Fisk as requested."
Data streams appear before me - medical records, genetic test results, classified document fragments, all pointing to a government project that supposedly created him. The paper trail is perfect. Too perfect.
"Wilson Fisk outdid himself," I mutter, sipping my coffee. "Every document, every database entry, every witness statement - it's comprehensive. Almost like he knew someone would look this deeply."
"The adoption papers appear legitimate," JARVIS notes. "DNA matching confirms paternal relation."
"Yeah, that's what bothers me." I pull up more footage. "Fisk 'discovers' a super-powered son right when New York is dealing with gamma-enhanced monsters and armored billionaires? Convenient timing."
But something about the kid's actions in Harlem nags at me. The way he prioritized civilian evacuation, his attempt to minimize collateral damage, his coordination with the Hulk...
"JARVIS, what's your assessment of his combat choices?"
"Analysis suggests primary focus was civilian protection, sir. Despite significant offensive capabilities, subject 'Shift' showed remarkable restraint."
I lean back, watching the press conference one more time. The kid's responses seem genuine, especially about helping others. There's real emotion there.
"Pull up his public appearances since the conference, JARVIS."
Multiple feeds appear - Shift stopping a runaway train in the speed form, preventing a building collapse as the dinosaur creature, even rescuing a cat from a tree with some sort of monkey-like transformation.
"Interesting pattern," I note. "He's deliberately showing different forms, establishing a power set... but I bet he's holding back. Way back."
"Indeed, sir. I've documented four distinct transformations so far, though energy readings suggest capability for more."
I pull up the schematics of my Mark III suit, comparing its readings to Shift's energy signatures. "The transformations even though they don't seem technological that watch he wears... Something tells me that's not just a fancy Rolex."
"Sir, Miss Potts reminds you that the Maria Stark Foundation gala is tomorrow night. Both Fisks are confirmed attendees."
"Perfect." I stand, walking through the holographic displays. "Time to meet New York's newest hero in person. And JARVIS? Keep running deep scans on any footage we get. I want to know the moment something doesn't add up."
"Of course, sir. Though I should note - despite extensive analysis, the documentation supporting Mr. Fisk's story still remains remarkably consistent."
"Yeah," I smirk, "almost like someone really smart put it together. Or really dangerous." I pause at a freeze-frame of Shift's evolved dinosaur form. "The question is - is the kid in on it, or is he being played too?"
The footage from Harlem plays one final time. The way he fought, the choices he made...
"Sir," JARVIS interrupts my thoughts, "Colonel Rhodes is calling."
"Put him through." I continue studying the footage while Rhodey's voice fills the workshop.
"Tony, tell me you're looking into this Shift situation."
"Way ahead of you, honeybear. Let me guess - Ross is breathing down military intelligence's neck?"
"He's obsessed," Rhodey confirms. "After Banner escaped again, he's fixated on Shift. Keeps insisting there's no way the kid just 'happened' to show up during the Harlem incident."
I manipulate the holographic display, focusing on the moment Shift evolved his dinosaur form. "For once, I might actually agree with Ross about something. The timing's too perfect."
"You think it's a setup?"
"I think Wilson Fisk doesn't do anything without twelve backup plans and three hidden agendas." I pull up more data.
"But here's what's interesting - the kid's actions don't match Fisk's usual playbook. Too public, too heroic, too... genuine."
"You've read his file?" Rhodey asks.
"Files, plural. Birth records, medical history, classified documents about genetic experiments - it's comprehensive. Almost like..."
"Like someone knew exactly what we'd look for," Rhodey finishes.
"Exactly." I zoom in on the watch visible in press photos. "But there's something else. Something we're all missing."
The energy readings from Harlem flash across my screen - patterns unlike anything we've seen before. Neither gamma radiation and nor my arc reactor technology - not even close.
"Tony?" Rhodey's voice carries a note of concern. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking tomorrow night's gala just got a lot more interesting."
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The Maria Stark Foundation gala transforms Stark Tower's ballroom into a sea of designer suits and evening gowns. I scan the crowd, martini in hand, until I spot them - Wilson and Samael Fisk making their entrance.
The kid carries himself well, I'll give him that. Custom suit, perfect posture, those distinctive features drawing every eye in the room.
He plays the role of reformed victim turned hero with practiced ease. Almost too practiced.
"Mr. Stark," Fisk's voice carries its usual calculated warmth as they approach. "Thank you for the invitation."
"Wilson! And this must be New York's newest hero." I extend my hand to Samael. "You know, most people wait for the movie deal before making such a spectacular debut."
The kid's handshake is firm, his red eyes meeting mine steadily. "Sometimes you don't get to choose your moment, Mr. Stark."
"Please, call me Tony. So, tell me..." I gesture to the watch on his wrist - not the expensive decoy he wears for photos, but the real one, barely visible under his sleeve. "That's some interesting tech you've got there."
Something flickers in those red eyes - surprise? Concern? But his poker face is good. "Just a watch, Mr. Stark. Though I'm flattered by your interest."
"Really? Because the energy readings from Harlem suggest otherwise." I take a sip of my martini. "You know, I have a workshop upstairs. Love to show you some of my projects, get your... transformation on them."
Fisk's hand lands on his son's shoulder - protective, possessive, or warning? "Perhaps another time. We have many people to greet tonight."
"Of course, of course." I smile, but my eyes stay locked on Samael. "Just remember, kid - my door's always open if you want to talk shop. Hero to hero."
As the Fisks move away, I observe their interactions with other guests. The kid handles himself well in high society, but there's something off about his mannerisms.
He's too... aware. His responses are perfect, but his eyes constantly scan the room like he's mapping escape routes. Which fits with his supposed containment by the military during experimentation.
Yet, it nags at my instincts - which I've learned to very much trust.
When Senator Stern approaches him, Samael's posture shifts slightly - almost imperceptibly - but to someone who's spent years reading people at these events, it's noticeable.
"...military has concerns," Stern is saying, "about unregistered enhanced individuals..."
"Senator," Samael's voice carries just the right mix of respect and steel, "I believe my father's legal team has already addressed those concerns. Unless there's something specific you'd like to discuss?"
The way he says it - it's not just deflection. There's something else there, something in his confidence that suggests...
"JARVIS," I mutter into my earpiece, "run facial analysis on our new friend. Compare his reactions to trained responses versus natural ones."
"Processing, sir. His behavioral patterns show interesting inconsistencies with his documented background."
Now that's interesting. Very interesting.
I make my way closer, timing my approach as Stern leaves. The kid's good at hiding his relief, but it's there.
"You know," I say, appearing beside him with a fresh drink, "for someone who supposedly spent years in isolation, you handle politicians remarkably well."
Samael accepts a water from a passing waiter. "My father's been thorough with my... social education."
"I bet he has." I gesture around the room. "Though I have to wonder - why this? Why go public? With your abilities, you could have operated from the shadows, avoided all this political circus."
His red eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see something calculating behind them. "Maybe I learned that shadows aren't always the best place to make a difference."
"Like in Harlem?" I take a sip. "Interesting choice of debut. Almost like you knew exactly when and where to be."
"It showed up on the news, and I had the power. I call that heroic spirit," he replies smoothly.
"Heroic spirit, huh?" I lean closer, dropping my voice. "Here's what I find fascinating - your transformations.
Each one perfectly suited for the situation. Speed for evacuation, strength for combat, that evolved form for the final showdown. Almost like you'd planned it."
"Or maybe I'm just that good at adapting," he counters, but there's a tension in his shoulders now.
"Maybe. Or maybe there's more to your story than what's in those perfectly crafted files." I tap my glass thoughtfully.
"You know what I think? I think you're playing a game, kid. I just can't figure out if you're a player or a piece."
For just a second, something flashes across his face - amusement? Recognition? But before he can respond, Wilson Fisk materializes beside us.
"Mr. Stark," Fisk's voice carries a subtle warning, "I hope you're not interrogating my son at a charity event."
"Interrogating? Me?" I flash my media smile. "Just having a hero-to-hero chat. Sharing war stories, comparing notes on property damage..."
"Indeed." Fisk's expression remains pleasant, but his eyes are cold. "Though perhaps this isn't the venue for such discussions."
"Actually," Samael interjects, surprising both of us, "I'd love to hear more about Mr. Stark's experience going public. After all, 'I am Iron Man' set quite the precedent."
Clever kid. Redirecting the conversation while acknowledging the parallel. I can't help but grin.
"Well, first tip - try not to announce your identity at a press conference. Oh wait..."
He actually chuckles at that. "At least I didn't have to deal with congressional hearings."
"Give it time, kid. Give it time." I notice Fisk's subtle discomfort at our rapport. Interesting. "Though I have to ask - that evolved form of yours.
The one that helped take down the Abomination. Any chance of a demonstration someday?"
"I try to save the bigger transformations for actual emergencies," he replies carefully. "They tend to be... intense."
"Samael," Fisk interrupts smoothly, "I believe Ms. Potts was hoping to discuss your involvement in the foundation's youth outreach program."
The dismissal is clear, but before the kid leaves, I catch his eye. "My offer stands. Lab's always open if you want to... compare notes."
As they walk away, I catch Samael's slight nod - almost imperceptible, but definitely there.
"JARVIS," I murmur, "log everything about tonight. Something tells me we haven't seen half of what this kid can do."
"Indeed, sir. Though I must note - despite your suspicions, his actions in Harlem saved numerous lives."
"Yeah," I watch as Samael seamlessly transitions into conversation with Pepper, "that's what makes this interesting. Whatever game Fisk is playing, his 'son' might be playing a different one entirely."
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Do tell me how you found Tony's perspective? I hope I showed his intelligence well, while also how thorough the Kingpin is.
So yeah, do please comment and review if you haven't and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)