Chapter 11
Tony and Peter were working in the lab when Tony received a call from Steve.
"What is it, Steve?" Tony answered.
"We have a problem. There's an attack at Times Square. We need to go," Steve said.
"What's happening? Is it HYDRA?" Tony asked.
"We're not sure. They have weapons, and they're hurting civilians," Steve replied.
"Alright, I'm coming," Tony said, ending the call. He turned to Peter. "I have to go now. You stay here."
"I'll come too, Mr. Stark," Peter said.
"No, stay here. You don't need to follow me everywhere. FRIDAY, don't let him leave," Tony ordered, suiting up and flying out.
When Tony reached the scene, the place was in chaos. The terrorists were holding hostages. Steve, Clint, and Natasha were slowly approaching them, trying not to provoke the attackers and endanger the hostages' lives.
"What's the situation?" Tony asked, landing near them.
"We need to save the people first, then we can deal with the attackers," Steve said.
"You guys distract them. I'll handle the attack," Tony suggested.
"Be careful. Don't provoke them," Steve warned.
"I know," Tony replied, flying to the side.
"Leave them alone," Steve called out to the terrorists.
"No. You think you can save them? You're all going to die," one of the terrorists shouted back.
"We're not here to harm you. Just let them go," Steve reasoned.
"We're ready to die, Captain. This is a suicide mission for the greater good," the terrorist said, laughing as he opened his jacket, revealing bombs strapped to his body.
"Tony, don't shoot! They're walking bombs," Steve said over the transponder.
"What?" Tony asked in disbelief.
"Yes, we can't risk anything," Steve repeated.
"There must be a way. How many of them have bombs?" Tony asked.
"Two—the ones in the middle. They have the detonators in their hands," Steve informed.
There was a pause from Tony's end.
"Don't do anything impulsive. We need to think," Steve urged.
"There's no time to think, Cap. It's time to act," Tony said.
"What are you going to do?" Steve asked.
"Keep them talking. I'll take care of the rest," Tony instructed.
Steve knew Tony was likely planning something sacrificial, as he often did. But now wasn't the time to argue. So, he complied.
"What greater good do you think you'll achieve by killing innocent people?" Steve asked, keeping the terrorists engaged.
"Power! Fear of their rulers is the only way," the terrorist declared.
"You really think power gained through bloodshed lasts?" Steve asked, watching Tony quietly fly closer to them.
"Clint, be ready. Aim for one of the detonators. I'll handle the other," Steve whispered to Clint.
Tony was now right behind the terrorists.
"Go," Tony said quietly.
Steve threw his shield, and Clint fired an arrow. Both detonators fell from the terrorists' hands. Without hesitation, Tony grabbed the two bombers and flew up into the sky.
The other terrorists started shooting at him.
"Tony, be careful! They're shooting at you. You'll explode!" Steve warned.
"Yeah, that’s the plan. We'll explode in the air—no harm done down here," Tony said grimly.
"Tony, no!" Steve shouted, but it was too late. Tony had made up his mind.
Tony's suit was getting torn apart by the bullets, one shot piercing his shoulder. He knew his time had come. After all the battles he'd fought on Earth and in space, this was it. His moment to rest.
But suddenly, a huge orange shield appeared, blocking the bullets. Tony looked up in surprise. Stephen Strange was flying toward him, his cape billowing.
"Stephen?" Tony asked in disbelief.
Doctor Strange created a portal to an empty, abandoned area. "Go!" he shouted.
Tony flew through the portal, still holding the bombers. Stephen followed and used his magic to confine the terrorists.
Tony collapsed from the pain in his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Stephen asked, kneeling beside him.
"It's bleeding a lot," Stephen noted, examining the wound.
"Come on, let’s get to a hospital," Stephen urged.
"What about them?" Tony asked, gesturing weakly toward the terrorists.
"Wong will take care of it. Let’s go," Stephen said, helping Tony stand and opening another portal.
At the hospital, Stephen helped Tony sit on a couch. Doctors and nurses rushed over.
"He's been shot, and the bleeding hasn't stopped. The bullet's still inside, so prepare for removal," Stephen instructed.
"Yes, Dr. Strange," the staff replied.
Tony was fading in and out of consciousness.
"Tony, stay with me!" Stephen said, tapping his cheek to keep him awake.
"Hurry, we need to stop the bleeding!" Stephen yelled to the medical team.
"Yes, Doctor," the nurses responded as they laid Tony on a bed and started working to remove the bullet.
Stephen stood by, watching their every move. His hands shook, and he wished he could help, but he knew he couldn’t.
Christine Palmer joined them in the room. "What happened, Stephen?"
"Christine, Tony’s been shot. I trust you. Please, take over," Stephen said, his voice tight.
"Don’t worry, I’ve got this," Christine said, taking control of the situation.
After some tense minutes, Christine turned to Stephen. "We’ve removed the bullet and stopped the bleeding. One of the bullets shattered part of his shoulder bone."
"How bad is it?" Stephen asked.
"It’s not too bad, but he won’t be able to use his right arm for a few weeks," Christine explained.
"Thanks, Christine," Stephen said, relieved.
"That’s what we’re here for," she replied with a smile.
Stephen smiled back faintly.
"You can go home now, Stephen. We’ll take care of him from here. We’ll inform Mr. Stark’s fiancée too," Christine said.
"I'm not leaving. I’ll stay with him," Stephen insisted.
Christine was surprised. Stephen was usually so detached, never one to show much emotion. But now, she saw fear, sadness, and concern written all over his face.
"Alright, you can stay," Christine said, understanding, before she left the room.
Stephen moved closer to Tony’s bed and sat down. He knew Tony could’ve died today if he’d been just a little late. The thought filled him with dread. He gently brushed a hand over Tony’s hair, but Tony didn’t stir.
A tear slipped down Stephen’s face