Tony Stark POV:
The Stark Expo roared to life beneath a sea of lights and music. Spotlights swept across the crowd, fireworks cracked above the skyline, and the giant globe centerpiece rotated proudly with STARK EXPO 2010 emblazoned across it.
The audience erupted as I descended onto the stage in full armor, backed by dancers in glittering red and gold costumes moving in perfect sync. My landing was flashy, cocky and magnetic. The kind of entrance only I, Tony Stark could pull off.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I said, helmet sliding back to reveal his grin, " Welcome to the future!"
The crowd went wild.
A Second Arrival
But before I could continue, the stage shuddered. A new sound cut through the music. A low, predatory hum that wasn't part of Stark's rehearsed performance. Heads turned skyward.
An aircraft thundered into view, sleek and menacing, its engines leaving no trail. The massive aircraft angled downward, floodlights blazing across the Expo plaza.
[Image]
Gasps spread as the aircraft vertically descended, its VTOL gravitational thrusters kicking up a controlled storm. It settled onto the stage just behind Tony, dwarfing him. The dancers scattered, confused and alarmed.
The audience froze, half-expecting an attack.
The hatch opened and a single person came into view.
Peter Parker stepped out in his tailored black suit. Uncle Ben, Aunt May, Captain Stacy and Gwen who were at the front row were the first to start the applause and soon everyone followed.
The newly appointed generals and high-ranking officials in the VIP stands immediately took notice, leaning forward, whispering furiously to each other. To them, the VTOL was no show prop. It was a statement.
I turned, quirking an eyebrow at Peter with a smirk.
"Nice of you to crash my party, Parker. You couldn't just walk in through the front door like everyone else?"
Peter grinned. "Front doors are boring."
The audience laughed nervously, not sure if this was planned or not.
In the balcony, General Ross narrowed his eyes, lips curling into a scowl. Beside him, General Hale murmured, "That's no prototype. That's production-ready. Parker just made Stark look like yesterday's news. Again."
Ross muttered, "We'll see how long the kid lasts when the pressure mounts."
Aunt May & Uncle Ben POV:
Down below, May whispered to Ben, "Did he really have to fly that… that war machine into the middle of a crowd?"
Ben chuckled, though his eyes were still wary. "That's Peter. Always mixing brains with drama. Just hope he knows what he's starting."
The Stark Expo had begun and with a single VTOL landing, Peter Parker had redefined the stage of celebration.
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