A Test of Strength

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The warehouse was silent, save for the low hum of the barrier and the tension crackling in the air. Peter’s senses sharpened, every instinct primed to protect himself and the people he cared about. He could feel his Spidey senses tingling, the telltale prickle at the base of his neck warning him of the threat Voss posed.

“Ready when you are, Dad,” Peter murmured, his voice low but full of resolve.

Tony met his son’s gaze, pride flashing in his eyes. “Let’s get you out of here, son.” He turned back to F.R.I.D.A.Y. “What’s the update on the barrier?”

“Sir, I’m close to breaching the system,” F.R.I.D.A.Y. responded. “Just a few more seconds.”

Across from them, Voss’s smirk only widened, as if daring them to try. “You really think you can just waltz out of here?” He tightened his grip on a small device in his hand, sending a pulse through the room. Peter’s vision blurred for a split second, his enhanced senses struggling to filter out the disorienting wave.

“I don’t need to fight fair,” Voss sneered. “Not when I have you exactly where I want you.”

MJ, undeterred, stayed by Peter’s side, her gaze locked on the restraints. “Peter, if you can just lift your arm—”

Peter nodded, fighting through the haze. With a surge of strength, he strained against the metal bands binding his wrists. His healing factor kicked in, helping him push past the initial pain as he focused all his energy into breaking free.

“Got it!” F.R.I.D.A.Y. announced, just as the barrier flickered and vanished. Tony lunged forward, a gauntlet blaster trained on Voss. “You’re done here,” he growled, a protective fury in his eyes.

But Voss was quick. He pressed a hidden switch on his device, and several Hydra agents stormed into the warehouse. MJ glanced at Peter, her expression determined. “Are you okay?”

Peter nodded, rolling his shoulders as he regained his full strength. “More than okay. Let’s do this.”

Together, they took down the agents with precise coordination, Peter’s agility and enhanced healing allowing him to take on multiple attackers with ease. MJ’s quick reflexes matched his, and the two moved in perfect harmony. Tony kept Voss occupied, his movements relentless and calculated.

Finally, after a fierce struggle, the last Hydra agent went down. Voss backed up, cornered and breathing hard. “This… this isn’t over,” he spat, his voice laced with venom.

“Oh, I think it is,” Tony said, stepping forward. With one last blast, Voss was rendered unconscious, crumpling to the ground.

Peter and MJ exchanged a breathless look, relief flooding through them. Tony placed a reassuring hand on Peter’s shoulder, his gaze softening. “You did good, kid.”

Peter managed a small smile, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Dad.”

As they left the warehouse, MJ slipped her hand into Peter’s, a quiet solidarity between them. He squeezed her hand back, feeling the weight of the experience settle on his shoulders.

But one thing was certain: as long as he had his family, he was ready to face whatever came next.

As they emerged from the warehouse into the dimming light, the weight of the ordeal settled over them. Tony kept a steady hand on Peter’s shoulder, grounding him, while MJ stayed close, her expression a mixture of relief and concern.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y.,” Tony called, “alert Steve and the others. Mission successful. We’re heading back.”

“Of course, sir,” F.R.I.D.A.Y. replied. “I’ll inform Pops and the team to meet you at the tower.”

Peter’s lips tugged into a weary smile at F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s casual acknowledgment of Steve as “Pops.” Despite everything, it was these small reminders of their unconventional family that gave him strength. He glanced at MJ, who had her hand wrapped tightly around his, a silent show of support that he deeply appreciated.

As they made their way to the jet, Peter’s gaze drifted back to the warehouse, a flicker of doubt still lingering. “Dad, what if this isn’t over? What if Hydra’s just getting started?”

Tony’s face softened as he considered his son’s question. “Listen, Pete, Hydra will always be a threat. They’re like cockroaches—hard to kill, and they’re everywhere.” He squeezed Peter’s shoulder a little tighter. “But you’ve got more than enough strength to handle whatever comes. And you’ve got all of us watching your back.”

MJ nodded, her eyes fierce. “You’re not alone, Peter. I’ve got your back, always.”

Peter took a deep breath, absorbing their words. His heartbeat steadied, the echo of his worry slowly dissipating. “Thanks, guys. I just... I know I can face it, but sometimes it feels like everything’s crashing in.”

“Then we crash back harder,” Tony replied, his voice steely. “Remember, you’re not just Spider-Man; you’re also our kid. And anyone messing with you is messing with us.”

The jet hummed to life as Tony guided them aboard. MJ sat beside Peter, her hand finding his again as the sky blurred past them. They were silent for a while, each lost in thought, until Tony’s voice cut through.

“Hey, you know, Pops is probably gonna give you a speech about ‘recklessness’ and ‘patience’ when we get back,” Tony said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood. “Prepare yourself.”

Peter laughed, a small but genuine sound. “Oh, I know. He always does that ‘look-before-you-leap’ thing.”

MJ raised her eyebrow, leaning into Peter. “And do you listen?”

“Sometimes,” Peter admitted, grinning. “Okay, maybe… once or twice.”

Tony chuckled. “Sounds about right. Just know that you did good, kid.”

The jet touched down on the rooftop of Stark Tower, and as they stepped out, they were greeted by Steve and the rest of the team. Steve moved immediately to Peter’s side, giving him a once-over.

“You okay, Peter?” Steve’s voice was full of concern, his gaze sharp.

“Yeah, Pops. I’m good.” Peter’s eyes softened. “Thanks for coming to get me.”

Steve smiled, his hand resting on Peter’s shoulder. “Always. We’re family, remember? That means we look out for each other.”

As they all headed inside, Peter’s heart felt lighter, and he knew that, no matter what Hydra tried next, he wasn’t alone. This fight wasn’t his to bear alone—it was theirs. And together, they were unstoppable.

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