Chapter 189 Indifferent
Finney actually felt that this was the perfect opportunity to tell Tony the truth about his parents.
The most direct cause of Wanda and Pietro's parents' deaths was, of course, the bomb, but the main reasons were Tony's manufacturing of it, Obadiah's smuggling, and the terrorist war.
Howard Stark died at Bucky's hands, but Bucky was like that bomb; although he was the most direct culprit, he wasn't the primary cause of the outcome.
"My friend of mine is a genius, and he has a father who, though not very talkative, loves him dearly!"
Tony drank his wine, assuming Finney was trying to comfort him, so he didn't interrupt, just listened quietly.
"His father was also a genius, the most outstanding scientist of his time, without a doubt."
However, as he listened, Tony's expression became slightly surprised. Finney's friend, whose father was the most outstanding scientist of his time—it seemed that no one else fit that description.
"As a top scientist, of course, he has many inventions. For example, one of his studies on serum attracted the attention of some people."
Tony put down his glass, his expression turning serious. He sensed that Finney seemed to have something important to tell him.
"So, the bad guys sent their top assassins. As an ordinary person, he unsurprisingly died, without even having time to say goodbye to his son."
"You're saying he was murdered!?"
Tony jumped to his feet. He wasn't stupid; Finney had made it so clear. If he still didn't understand, he might as well find a block of tofu and kill himself.
"Let me finish!"
Finney looked at the agitated Tony and said reassuringly, "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything."
Tony's face was somewhat grim, but he still took a deep breath, sat down, poured himself a full glass of wine, and drank it all in one gulp.
"The assassin staged the scene as a car accident; you should know that's a normal development."
Finney took a sip of his drink, sighed, and continued, "What I'm about to tell you is something you don't know."
"The assassin sent by that organization was someone your father knew, even considered a friend!"
Tony gripped his glass tightly; if it weren't for its sturdiness, it would have shattered.
"He was brainwashed and controlled by those people, so when he killed your parents, he had no independent thought whatsoever."
"Who is he?"
Tony stared at Finney, his calm tone masking a barely suppressed rage.
"Before I tell you, do you think he's like that bomb?"
Finney suddenly asked, looking at Tony. Although he didn't want to join the Avengers, didn't want to take sides or get involved in potential infighting, many people considered him and Tony to be on the same side.
Even Finney himself understood that as their relationship deepened, it was impossible to remain completely detached, which was why he was trying to comfort Tony.
"It's different!"
Tony said in a low voice, though his tone wasn't as firm as expected.
"He was just a weapon in someone else's hands!" Finney sighed, then stopped hiding it from Tony and said, "His name is Bucky Barnes, a former member of the Howling Commandos, the captain's only brother and family."
"I know him!"
A look of surprise flashed in Tony's eyes as he said, "It's said that he fell off a cliff and died during World War II!"
"He was rescued and modified along the way."
Finney slowly sipped his drink and said, "After that, his codename was Winter Soldier. He was always sent out to handle assassinations. It seems that Romanoff even encountered him once."
"Where is he now?"
Tony continued to ask.
"Are you planning to seek revenge?" Finney looked at him and said, "He's Captain America's only brother. If you kill him, your relationship might never be able to improve."
"He has to take responsibility for what he did,"
Tony replied in a deep voice. Hatred isn't something you can just let go of. Although he could understand what Finney was saying, the thought of his parents being murdered still ignited his anger.
Because of Finney's involvement, the relationship between Tony and Captain America wasn't like the original storyline where they first clashed, then understood each other, and finally cooperated closely.
Now, there was conflict, but understanding hadn't been achieved, let alone cooperation. The two were more inclined to dislike each other and were too lazy to even acknowledge each other.
"He was in Sokovia before, but now, I'm not so sure."
Tony didn't blame Finney for not capturing Bucky since he knew; he'd rather take revenge himself.
"Who's controlling him?"
Finney's words had some effect, diverting some of Tony's hatred.
Hearing Tony's question, Finney hesitated slightly, but ultimately didn't reveal Hydra directly, saying, "It's a very secretive and massive organization. I've been investigating it recently."
Finney wasn't deliberately trying to keep Hydra from Tony, but felt it wasn't the right time; at least a few months later, after Tony graduated, wouldn't be too late.
Tony didn't doubt him, nodded, and looked down at the cup in his hand, a silent atmosphere settling in the room.
Seeing this, Finney slowly stood up. He had said what he needed to say, and it was time for Tony to think about how to handle the matter himself. However, before leaving, he thought for a moment and still reminded him,
"Bucky Barnes is the only brother Captain America would die for. If he knew about this, he would stop you at all costs."
"Okay, thank you!"
Tony came to his senses, looked at Finney who had stood up, and thanked him in return.
"I'm leaving now. Don't forget about those two siblings. They're just like you; they won't let go of their hatred so easily." Finney reminded him one last time, then opened a portal and disappeared from the room.
This was why Finney chose to tell Tony about it at this time. Tony was a superhero, and even though he had many flaws, they couldn't overshadow his strengths.
Finney didn't know about Tony's choice. After returning home, he put the matter out of his mind and picked up the Mind Stone to examine it carefully, thinking about how to use it to help the siblings awaken their superpowers.
"Can you make a sound?"
Finney gently tapped the table with the Mind Stone and then asked the Mind Stone on it.
Silence filled the air.
This wasn't the first time Finney had tried to communicate with the Mind Stone or the Space Stone. Since acquiring them, he had attempted to talk to them several times.
Unfortunately, the two stones were like mutes; no matter how he insulted, flattered, or threatened them, they remained silent.
This inexplicably reminded him of the 'magic cloak' at the New York Sanctum. What was that saying again? "You ignored me then, now you can't afford to miss me!"
Read 15+ Chapters Advanced chapters ahead at Patreon.
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)