Chapter 6: Into the Lion’s Den

The cab ride to Stark Tower was quiet, the weight of the previous encounter still lingering in Emma's mind. Peter sat beside her, casually scrolling through his phone, but she could tell he was on high alert. She was too. Whoever those men were, they knew about her—her powers, her presence in this world. That wasn't something she could ignore.

As the city lights blurred past, Emma finally spoke. "Do you think Stark will actually help?"

Peter glanced up. "Honestly? Yeah. He's got a soft spot for people with potential. Plus, if you're on his radar now, it's better to meet him on your terms rather than wait for him to come knocking."

Emma exhaled, nodding. "Makes sense."

A few minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of the massive Stark Tower. The sleek glass exterior reflected the night sky, standing as a beacon of modern innovation. Peter paid the fare, and they stepped out onto the sidewalk.

"Alright," Peter said, leading the way. "Time to meet the billionaire genius."

They entered the lobby, which was surprisingly quiet this late at night. The receptionist barely glanced up as Peter tapped a few buttons on a nearby screen. A moment later, the elevator doors slid open, and they stepped inside.

Emma watched as Peter casually pressed a button that required security clearance. "You come here often?" she teased.

Peter smirked. "Let's just say I've got a VIP pass."

The elevator shot upward, and within moments, the doors opened to reveal a spacious, high-tech lab. Screens flickered with data, and various Iron Man suits stood lined up in their display cases. And in the middle of it all, lounging casually on a sleek couch, was Tony Stark himself.

"Well, well, if it isn't the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man," Tony drawled, setting down a holographic tablet. His gaze shifted to Emma. "And a guest. You must be the new fire hazard I've been hearing about."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Word travels fast."

Tony smirked. "You set a gang of mercs on fire in the middle of New York. That kind of thing tends to make headlines."

Peter cleared his throat. "She needs help, Stark. Someone's already watching her, and not in a good way."

Tony's playful demeanor shifted slightly, his eyes sharpening. "Who?"

Emma crossed her arms. "Two men approached us at a diner. They knew about my abilities. They called me 'new' and warned me that I didn't know who my real enemies were."

Tony exhaled, rubbing his chin. "That's... concerning." He stood up, walking over to one of his computers. "Let's see if we can figure out who these guys are."

As he worked, Emma glanced around the room. It was surreal being here—Stark Tower, the heart of so many pivotal events in Marvel history. And now, she was part of it.

After a few minutes, Tony frowned. "No hits on facial recognition. They're either ghosts, or someone's actively wiping them from databases."

Emma's stomach sank. "So, what does that mean?"

Tony leaned back. "It means you've got someone very determined keeping tabs on you." He turned to face her. "What exactly can you do?"

Emma hesitated. Then, deciding there was no point in hiding, she summoned a small, controlled flame in her palm. It flickered, shifting colors as she cycled through her different fire aspects.

Tony watched, intrigued. "That's not just fire."

Emma nodded. "Each one does something different. I don't fully understand them yet."

Tony rubbed his chin. "That's... unique. And dangerous, if in the wrong hands."

Emma tensed. "I'm not in the wrong hands."

Tony smirked. "Didn't say you were, Firecracker." He turned to Peter. "You sure know how to find the interesting ones."

Peter shrugged. "It's a talent."

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. If someone's watching you, you need protection. A safe place to train, to figure things out. I can help with that."

Emma blinked. "Just like that?"

Tony gave her a look. "Kid, I've been doing this a long time. I know when someone's gonna be a big deal. And you? You've got potential. Plus, if bad guys are after you, it's better to have you on our side than out there alone."

Emma exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Okay. So, what's the plan?"

Tony grinned. "First, we get you a proper suit. Then, we train."

Peter smirked. "Oh, you're gonna love the training part."

Emma shot him a playful glare. "I have a feeling I won't."

Tony clapped his hands. "Welcome to the big leagues, Firecracker."

Emma couldn't help but smile. For the first time since arriving in this world, she felt like she had a real shot at making a difference.

And she wasn't going to waste it.