Chapter 4
Tony was really pissed. Of all the news sources that could have found out about his connection to Teddy, it had to be the daily bugle.
He sighed as he walked up to the stage of the press conference.
When he stepped up to the podium, they all quieted down. “Hello, thanks for coming good media folk, reporters, camera people, etcetera, everyone except Mr. Jameson of the Daily Bungle. My lawyers are working on the lawsuit against you and your employers. And that brings us to the topic I am here to address. This photo.”
He showed the photo of him hugging Teddy.
“There have been various theories, from people accusing me of kidnapping a kid, to me having an illegitimate secret kid. The first is most definitely false. The second is false, but even if it were true, if I had a kid, and everyone thus far who has claimed to have had my kid has been proven wrong by negative paternity tests, I refuse to believe we live in a day and age when it's wrong to have a kid without the parents married or for said kid not to get hounded by the media.
You want the truth, I'll give you it. The part about me hiding the kid, and his name is Teddy, short for Edward, a nickname from his father, note that was said in third person and not me. Teddy is my nephew, and I was going to visit him when Mr. Jameson trespassed and took that photo without consent, then posting ludicrous accusations towards both my person and that of Teddy's mother.”
The reporters exploded as soon as Tony paused. The most predominant question was how he could have a nephew since he was unmarried and an only child.
He held his hand up as he spoke. “Now for the question of how it's biologically possible for me to have a nephew. My parents failed in keeping me from the sometimes rude eyes of the media since the moment I was born. Whether that was on purpose or an accident I personally don't know because I never asked. But nine years after I was born I had a sister.” Tony had decided not to mention that they had different mothers. He would tell the truth, simply neglecting certain facts sothe media would make their own assumptions.
“She was hidden from the eyes of the world, on purpose and successfully. It was meant to last until she was 18 and could decide for herself. Hermione wasn't as lucky as I am. She died when she was 16 in a targeted terrorist attack, 5 years after my parents died. Teddy is her son, and as his father was killed in the same attack, he was adopted by and lives with his godmother, along with spending time with me as well. Teddy is 8 years old, and I would really appreciate it if you all left him alone, at least until he is legal and can handle his own restraining orders and press conferences.”
“Who is Teddy's godmother?”
“That will be her information to disclose and last I checked, she wants her privacy.”
“Which one of you is his legal guardian?”
“As per Hermione's will, both of us share custody of Teddy, because I was extremely unprepared to care for a child and Teddy's godmother, Hermione's best friend, was 16 when Hermione died.”
“What school did your sister go to?”
“A private English boarding school, which has closed since then.”
“What are your plans for Teddys future?”
“For him to grow up as normal, healthy, and happy as he can until he can choose where his future goes.”
“Who was Teddy’s father?”
“What is Teddy's last name?”
“Was your sister married?”
“How do you feel about your sister being a teen mother?”
“My sister was much more mature than your average sixteen year old, and was prepared to have Teddy. The few months she got with him I couldn't help but feel the residual happiness from her.”
“Is Teddy in line to inherit the Stark Industries empire?”
“Yes, unless when he grows up and decides it's not for him. But given his unusual fascination with math and paperwork, I think he may become CEO when he is an adult.”
“Are you sure you're suited to caring for a child?”
“Yes, I am.”
“How is Teddy growing up with your general debauchery?”
“No comment.”
“How are you going to keep him out of the spotlight?”
“No comment.”
“What is your relationship with Teddy's godmother, nine years younger?”
“No comment. Thank you very much, this press conference is over.”
The TV was clicked off. “Mom, why didn't he say about you two or that we were enhanced?”
“Because the world isn't ready to know, honey.”
“When will they be?”
“Soon, Teddy, soon.”
Lilith hadn't had SHIELD, but she didn't really need them. She had another empire she could use. The Stark Empire was much more suited anyways.
She moved slowly, so nobody would catch on. To all the world, she was a business partner of Tony, and high up on the Stark Industries ladder as his chief security consultant. They didn't need to know security was the cover for her underground empire. Hydra was ready to worship anyone with magic, especially after Gideon Malick seized control. Of course, with a little help from her. Internal Hydra politics were ridiculously easy to manipulate, and they didn’t notice when she sucked the magic out of their beloved Monolith and all it’s extra pieces.
And Tony agreed with her, thinking it was fitting vengeance he controlled the Winter Soldier now, instead of a Hydra leader named McMaverick, who ordered the hit on Tony's parents and was the Soldiers first target. And with them the Soldier's effectiveness grew, as they had removed programming on him and instead kept him on a loyalty potion, so he had free will, which drastically increased his effectiveness. And as Lilith’s reach extended, the Stark Empire changed the world.
And when the original four met every year on the anniversary of their deaths, they contributed to their plans. The work was safe, and so were the people in it. At least until 2011.