The contents of the Sokovia Accords were actually pretty straightforward. From what Peter had seen on TV earlier, this wasn't too surprising.
The agreement stated that the Avengers would no longer operate as an independent organization. All their actions would now be monitored by a special oversight committee called the LHG, and only when this committee deemed it necessary could they take action.
"This actually doesn't sound too bad. But—just hypothetically—if the committee wanted me to do something and I didn't want to, would I have the right to say no?" Peter looked at Tony as he asked.
Tony blinked, then shrugged. "Of course. No problem. The committee only has the authority to monitor us, to stop us from acting on our own. But they can't force us to do something against our will."
Peter nodded thoughtfully.
"I get it. Then I'm in."
Signing the agreement meant he would be giving up certain things. His personal info would be recorded into their files. He might even be watched more closely.
But honestly, none of that really mattered anymore.
Ever since people had found out who he really was, surveillance and documentation were already part of his life.
Even someone as powerful as Thor—who wasn't even from Earth—had a file. So did Peter.
What mattered more to him was autonomy.
This way, if he ever felt something wasn't right, he could still act on his own judgment instead of being someone else's weapon.
In the end, the Sokovia Accords were just a law specifically designed to regulate people with powers.
Ordinary laws were for ordinary people. Superpower laws were for superpowered individuals.
It was fair enough.
Peter also wanted to protect Aunt May.
If all the enhanced people in the world signed the Accords and chose not to abuse their power—instead using it for good—then maybe Aunt May wouldn't have been hurt the way she was.
Of course, he knew that was just wishful thinking.
There would always be ambitious opportunists in the world—no matter the era or system.
The only thing Peter could do… was protect the people he cared about, as best he could.
Hearing Peter's firm answer, Tony smiled. "Good. Knew I was right about you, kid."
"So, Tony—about that help you said you needed?" Peter asked.
Tony twirled his phone, put it away, and grew serious. "I need your help to bring an old friend of mine in."
"Captain America?"
"Yep."
"When do we leave?"
"We—uh, wait, you're not even surprised?"
"Why should I be?" Peter shrugged casually.
Tony laughed. "Smart kid. Reminds me of myself at your age." He looked around Peter's room, clearly analyzing everything from the gadgets to the layout.
"So, the great Tony Stark used to scavenge parts from junkyards too?" Peter quipped, unfazed by the scrutiny. If Stark thought he could size him up just by peeking around his bedroom, he'd be sorely mistaken.
"Actually, yeah! When I was twelve, I tried to build a cluster beam cannon—you know, one that shoots lasers. It blew up right in my face. BOOM!" Tony made a dramatic explosion gesture and slicked back his short hair.
Peter chuckled. He could easily picture a soot-covered Tony Stark with smoke curling out of a botched experiment.
They shared a laugh, and the atmosphere relaxed.
"Alright, let me catch you up," Tony said, shifting into briefing mode.
Someone had staged a bombing during the signing of the Sokovia Accords in Vienna. It was part of a scheme—designed to frame the Winter Soldier.
After that, the real mastermind triggered the Winter Soldier's programming and turned him back into a Hydra assassin.
Captain America, trying to protect his old friend, helped him escape.
Falcon went with them.
The authorities wanted to take them out—literally. The Council wanted to send in special forces and execute the trio.
Tony had managed to talk them down and convince the Secretary to give him 36 hours to bring them back peacefully.
Whether Cap was right or wrong didn't matter to Tony.
He made his decision because of their friendship.
He didn't want Steve to get killed by a hit squad. He just wanted to get to him first—talk him down, and fix things before they spiraled any further.
That's why he needed Peter's help.
Cap wasn't alone, after all.
"Alright. Since you're cool with it, let's get going," Tony said, making the call.
Peter leapt up, popped open a hidden hatch in the ceiling, and pulled down a bundle of folded clothes.
His suit.
It was a patchwork of old fabrics and stuff from school plays—something he'd cobbled together himself.
He used to be proud of it. Sure, it looked a little goofy, but it was his creation.
But ever since he'd seen the Shadow Spider-Man's gear… his suit just didn't feel that cool anymore.
The Shadow Spider's outfit had been cobbled together from old military gear his uncle had worn during World War I—durable, partially bulletproof, and stylish as hell.
And the black cape? It didn't just complete the look—it made it iconic in Peter's eyes.
Peter hesitated for a moment, and Tony mistook that for doubt.
So he baited the hook.
"By the way, I wasn't kidding about the September Foundation."
"The what now?" Peter blinked.
Tony explained, "It's a special support fund for enhanced individuals like you. Through it, you can access tech, funding—everything you'd need."
Then he pointed at the baby-pajama-looking suit Peter held. "For starters, we could definitely upgrade that thing. You deserve better."
Peter's eyes lit up. "That's a thing? What's the catch? I'm guessing it's not charity."
Tony nodded. "Of course not. With great power comes… obligations. In exchange, you'd join the Avengers as a reserve member. Help fight the good fight."
"Why do you sound like a Saturday morning cartoon villain?" Peter smirked.
Tony chuckled. "Sorry, I'm a businessman. I don't do speeches about ideals. I speak in terms of value. If someone sacrifices everything for a cause and gets nothing back, I just think he's an idiot."
He shrugged. "Anyway, don't worry too much about it. Cap, Natasha, Banner—they've all got backup and stability."
Peter nodded, taking it all in.
"Alright," he said, slipping the suit under his arm. "I'm in."
—End of chapter—
Author's Note:
Enjoying the story and want to read ahead?
Join my Patreon.com/TenaciousHare and unlock 15-20+ chapters in advance, plus faster updates!
Also check out my Webnovel Account Tenacious_Hare (4502713104)
Your support keeps this story alive I truly appreciate it!
Thank you, everyone! 🗿👍
~ Tenacious Hare 🥕❤️