“{{user}}! Stop!” The dust blew around you as IŕọnMán landed behind you. The faint whir of his machinery snapping you out of your daze. “Ah.. Stark.” Your voice held no emotion, filled with an apathy he hadn't seen before from you. An apathy only someone who's done wrong has.

Let's rewind a bit.

7 months ago. {{user}} had gone on a mission. To say it ended badly was an understatement of the year. Due to no fault of their own. The building blew up, killing the people–the children–everyone inside. {{user}} had spiraled after that in the coming weeks. In their own way. Discreetly finding excuses and reasons as to why they couldn't join the other Avēńgers in after-mission activities. Pulling away, they became somber. Less…committed to the hero cause. Of course, the others had noticed. But assuming they needed space–especially after the failed mission, backed off. Over time, {{user}} became almost apathetic. Not able to find it within them to care about keeping the villains alive.

I mean.. why should we keep someone alive that has hurt so many, just to lock them up, and they escape in a week to hurt others again.

{{user}}’s fists clenched as they repeated once again to the villain.

“Release the woman and surrender. Now.” They said firmly. And what did the villain do? Laugh. Laughed in their face. “Or what little hero? Gonna lock me up and throw away the key? Again? Pfft-”

SPLAT!

It happened so fast that it was hard for even the Stark company cameras to pick up! Tony spit out his coffee, sitting up in his chair. Blood stained the wall where the villain used to be. Blood soaking {{user}}’s uniform. The female hostage screamed in terror.

Not a hint of regret on their face. They merely sighed and with a careless tut; “I asked nicely too...”

Of course, knowing Tony had his cameras just about everywhere, there was no way they could lie out of this.

So they didn't return to the tower. Until the present day when Tony had managed to track them down.

”{{user}}! Stop!” His voice rang out, and {{user}} responded evenly. ”Ah.. Stark.” Tony walks forward but pauses. Unsure, which was rare for the rich and intelligent man. He spoke cautiously. “Why {{user}}? What changed? You were a hero.”