End of Battle

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Ivan Vanko was about to escape through a side door when a voice called out from behind him.

"Ivan Vanko, in a hurry to leave? You'd better stay."

Kai stood there, arms crossed, watching Vanko's retreat.

Vanko didn't bother looking back. Instead, he bolted for the exit.

With a sigh, Kai teleported him back inside.

Vanko stumbled, finding himself back where he started. He blinked in confusion, then sprinted for the door again — only to be teleported back once more.

Realizing escape was impossible, Vanko activated his armor. Electric whips crackled to life in his hands as he sneered.

"Still clinging to those?" Kai remarked. "After all that time, you're still swinging around glorified jumper cables?"

Ignoring him, Vanko lashed out. Kai barely moved, slicing both whips cleanly in half with a swift spatial cut. Sparks danced from the severed cords.

Vanko roared and lunged forward, fists raised. Kai sidestepped and struck him on the neck with a precise backhand. Vanko staggered, his vision blurring. Before he could recover, Kai followed up with a series of powerful strikes, ending with a decisive blow that snapped Vanko's neck. The armored criminal crumpled to the floor.

Kai turned to the control console.

"Gear," he called over comms, "release Rhodes' armor controls."

In the garden, Rhodes' armor powered down briefly before rebooting.

Tony, mid-fight with Rhodes, saw the red glow in the helmet's eyes vanish. With a well-timed repulsor blast, Tony knocked Rhodes off his feet.

"Tony," Kai's voice came through Tony's comm, "Rhodes is back in control."

"Thanks, Kai. You and your friends really saved the day," Tony replied.

"How's Vanko?"

"Dead," Kai answered. "Resisting arrest can be dangerous."

"Got it," Tony said, relieved. "I'll check on Rhodes, then catch up with you."

With that, Kai asked Gear to locate Peter and May.

"Found them," Gear reported. "They're outside the venue, heading home."

Kai teleported directly to them.

Peter, still in May's arms, spotted him immediately.

"Wow! It's you!" Peter shouted, pointing excitedly.

Startled, May turned quickly but relaxed when she saw Kai.

"Sorry," she said, "Peter surprised me. What's your name?"

"Kai," he replied with a smile. "I just wanted to check if you were both safe."

He turned to Peter.

"You're Peter, right?"

Peter nodded eagerly.

"You were brave today," Kai said. "But listen — being brave isn't enough. Always make sure you're safe first. You can't help anyone if you're hurt."

Peter's excitement dimmed as he absorbed the advice.

"Got it," Peter said seriously. "Stay safe first!"

"Exactly." Kai ruffled Peter's hair.

May smiled warmly.

"Thank you," she said. "Since Peter's parents... and his uncle... I've been doing my best to teach him, but sometimes I worry."

Hearing that, Kai knew for sure — this Peter Parker was indeed the future Spider-Man.

After chatting a bit longer and exchanging numbers, Kai left to meet Pepper and Happy.

Meanwhile, Tony checked on Rhodes, who was unharmed. Together, they quickly mopped up the remaining Iron Soldiers with help from Jarvis.

Outside the venue, Tony reunited with Pepper. The moment she saw him, Pepper ran into his arms.

"I'm fine," Tony said softly, holding her. "Relax."

Pepper took a shaky breath.

"I can't do this anymore," she said. "I quit."

Tony stared at her, surprised.

"You're quitting?" he repeated. "Wow... Not that surprising, actually. You deserve better."

"You're right," Pepper said. "But..."

"You've always looked out for me," Tony added.

The two drifted closer until they kissed, completely ignoring the crowd around them.

Rhodes stood nearby, watching with mild annoyance.

"They're kissing like two seals fighting over a grape," Rhodes muttered.

Kai, standing beside him, stifled a laugh.

Tony broke the kiss and turned to Kai.

"Hey, Kai. Thanks again for everything. I'd love to meet your friend sometime — the one who hacked Vanko's systems."

"Oh, you will," Kai said with a knowing smile.

____