A Different Tony Stark

Tony Stark had seen a lot of things in his life, some rational, some even downright insane. But even with all his experience, he had to admit that the sudden appearance of a bald woman in yellow robes in the middle of his living room was something new. She's familiar to him but it doesn't stop him from being amused about magic.

He leaned back in his chair, a glass of scotch lazily twirling between his fingers. His eyebrows lifted slightly, playing the part of a man utterly caught off guard.

"Well..." He said, setting the glass down and glancing at J.A.R.V.I.S.'s silent alarms. "I don't remember putting 'weird house calls' on my to-do list today. Mind telling me who you are and how you got past my very expensive security?"

The woman smiled, an eerie sort of calm radiating from her. "I am the Ancient One, and I am here because you have potential beyond what you realize."

Tony let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Right. Ancient One. Sounds like a cult name. Do you have a business card, or do your followers just show up in cryptic visions?"

"I don't need a card, Mr. Stark. You should already know that the world is much larger than what your science can explain."

Inside, Tony wasn't actually surprised. He had known about them from his past life. But outwardly? He played his role.

"Don't sell Science short but okay, humor me." He said, leaning forward. "You're telling me that beyond the world of physics, robotics, and overpriced military contracts, there's… what, magic?"

The Ancient One simply raised a hand, and reality twisted. The walls of his home bent and swirled like liquid, his furniture floating momentarily before settling back into place as if nothing had happened.

Tony blinked, then exhaled slowly. "Okay, that's new."

She nodded. "You are a man of logic, but even you know that logic has its limits. You've seen technology create wonders, but technology can also be a prison. You are building a new future, but are you prepared for the dangers you cannot yet comprehend?"

Tony let the words settle. There was a long pause before he sighed and leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, let's say I'm interested. What's the catch?"

"No catch. Only a choice." The Ancient One replied, perfectly knowing that she can count on him when the time comes. She wouldn't say no to "You can continue down your path as you are, achieving greatness through science alone. Or, you can expand your knowledge beyond what you thought possible. You can learn to see the unseen, protect not just this world, but realities beyond it. Based on what I can observe, you have tremendous talent in magic." She didn't say that some variants of Tony Stark serves as Sorcerer Supremes in other timelines. 

Tony studied her, weighing his options. He had plans, big ones, but he also knew that power, real power, came from knowing more than anyone else. And this? This was something very few people knew about.

He smirked. "Well, I do like being ahead of the curve. Tell me more."

---

While Tony followed the Ancient One to Kamar-Taj, in a dimly lit underground facility, far from the eyes of the world, a group of Hydra's highest-ranking leaders gathered around a long, sleek table. The room was filled with an eerie stillness, only the faint hum of concealed machinery breaking the silence. A holographic screen displayed images of Tony Stark, his press conference, his rapid company recovery, his technological advancements. Every movement he had made since returning from Afghanistan had been meticulously recorded and analyzed.

At the head of the table sat Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, his fingers steepled as he studied the data before him. "He is becoming a problem." He finally said, his voice clipped and cold. "We had assumed that, like his father, he would be a valuable tool. And unlike Howard, this one refuses to play the game."

Across from him, Gideon Malick leaned forward slightly, his expression one of clinical curiosity. "His elimination is premature. We have yet to determine if he can be… persuaded."

"Persuaded?" Another man scoffed, shaking his head. "The man just dismantled his own weapons division. He is actively cutting off our access to Stark technology. And then there's the Red Room's collapse. We don't know who was responsible, but the timing is too convenient. We cannot ignore the possibility that Stark had something to do with it."

"Then we must be cautious. If Stark did that, a man who could accomplish such operation needs maximum consideration." Alexander Pierce interjected, his calm and authoritative tone silencing the room. "Still, Stark is unpredictable. But we don't make enemies unless absolutely necessary. If he can be brought into the fold, it's worth considering. If not, then we ensure he does not become a problem."

Silence settled over the room as the others considered the implications. Stark was no longer the reckless billionaire playboy they had comfortably ignored. He was a force shifting the balance of power in ways they had not anticipated. His mind, his influence, if they couldn't control him, he could become a threat far greater than his father ever was.

"Perhaps he does not need to be eliminated immediately." Strucker said, his voice measured. "We must first determine whether he is worth bringing into the fold. If he refuses… then we do what must be done."

A murmur of agreement passed through the room. They had taken care of Howard Stark when he became a liability. If his son refused to cooperate, history would repeat itself.

"We will observe him further." Strucker continued. "Test him. Push him. See where his loyalties lie. If he resists… well, accidents happen."

Pierce nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "I'll see what can be done from my end. We have ways of applying pressure."

Strucker exchanged a glance with Malick, both men understanding the gravity of the moment. "Let's see how far he can go before he realizes he's already playing our game."

With that, the meeting ended, and Hydra set its plans in motion.

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