I Am Ironman (MHA)

[Third Person's PoV] 

Tony was moving rapidly around his virtual reality workspace, his fingers dancing through holographic screens. "We've already programmed the symbiote to be dependent on its host, ensuring undying loyalty to whoever it bonds with," he muttered under his breath, eyes flicking between the various models floating before him. His voice grew more thoughtful as he continued, "But instead of preset behavioral patterns in its DNA, it would be far better to leave it blank—allow it to learn naturally from the host. That way, it builds a true synergy, like how babies mimic their parents' mannerisms through observation." He paused, reshaping the twisting helix of a DNA strand in front of him. "Of course, there's always the risk it could try to take over. So, as much as it pains me, a kill switch is necessary. Just in case it gets any ideas about controlling my mind."

Tony's gaze lingered on the constantly shifting DNA strand, the helix pulsating with energy. His brow furrowed in concentration as he whispered, "Everything looks stable... Friday, initiate the final phase. You know—the 'small stuff' we discussed. And start production on Malware."

The DNA strand morphed once more, its chaotic shifting growing steadier, though still retaining an eerie, fluid quality. The strands began to resemble black, white, and red scales turning over, flickering like reflections off a lake.

With a satisfied nod, Tony removed his VR goggles and stretched, cracking his neck with a sigh of relief as tension released from his muscles. He now stood by the cradle, arms folded, watching intently as a black, slime-like substance with white and red spots sat in the center. Syringes began lowering into the cradle, each injecting various fluids into the slime, their contents merging and blending seamlessly.

As he stood there, deep in thought, he felt a gentle hand on his back. Turning, Tony saw Melissa, a warm smile on her face, holding a plate of food. "I brought you something to eat. I know how wrapped up you get in your work, but you still need to take care of yourself."

Tony smiled, leaning in to kiss her. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Melissa returned the smile, though a hint of concern crept into her eyes. "So... are you really sure about all of this?"

Taking the plate, Tony began eating with a casual air. "Everything looks fine so far, and remember—we've got the kill switch built in. Worst case, we shut it down if it tries anything."

Melissa nodded, though the weariness in her smile remained. "I'll stay and watch, just in case you need any help."

Tony returned the nod, finishing his meal with satisfaction. "What's Mei up to?" he asked.

Melissa chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, she's eating while working again. I swear, ever since we gave her the Microbots, she's been glued to her projects."

Tony smirked in amusement as he set his empty plate aside. He cast a glance at the symbiote, which sat in the cradle like a living shadow. "Well, it's a good thing I'll be doing this on a full stomach," he said with a wry smile, grabbing a container and heading towards the containment room.

Once inside, Melissa's voice echoed from the observation deck's speakers. "Good luck, Tony!"

Tony smiled, bracing himself as he picked up the glass container holding the symbiote. Without hesitation, he smashed it on the ground, crouching before the black, viscous substance that now pooled at his feet. "Well, Malware," he murmured, "Here's to a future partnership."

Without giving himself a chance to second-guess, Tony plunged his hands into the slimy mass. Instantly, the symbiote reacted.

"ARGH!" Tony cried out as the liquid-like creature surged up his arms, its cold touch spreading like wildfire across his skin.

"Tony!" Melissa's voice was sharp with panic.

"I'm fine!" Tony gritted his teeth as the symbiote slithered and stretched, covering his body. "The bonding process just... hurts, that's all!"

The substance raced over his limbs, enveloping his torso and creeping up his neck. His muscles tensed, every fiber of his being ignited with sharp, electric pain. He felt the symbiote digging into his mind, like thousands of needles prickling his consciousness. But despite the agony, Tony remained focused, clenching his fists as the black and red tendrils wove into his very flesh, becoming one with him.

The transformation was rapid. The symbiote molded to his body, creating a sleek, otherworldly armor that clung to every contour of his frame. His eyes flickered red, glowing momentarily as the symbiote established a mental link. Razor-sharp edges formed along his arms and legs, the suit standing three meters tall, sleek and menacing. A mask slid into place over his face, sealing him within the new form, his vision now enhanced with a sharp, multi-spectral view. Red lines pulsed through the dark armor, like veins of pure energy.

Melissa watched from the observation deck, her eyes wide with awe and fear. "Tony... what's happening?"

Tony, now fully encased in the symbiote armor, flexed his hands, marveling at the immense power coursing through him. His voice came through the comms, deeper, distorted. "It's... incredible. I can feel it. The power."

Slowly, the symbiote suit began to retract, returning Tony to his normal height, though the black and red substance still rippled across his skin, now becoming a more slick version of the suit. Melissa, still watching in shock, raised an eyebrow. "Alright, Tony, how about showing off some of that power? I know you're dying to."

Tony smirked beneath the suit. "You know me too well." He extended his hand, and with a burst of energy, part of the symbiote surged forward, rapidly morphing into a high-tech motorcycle.

With a laugh, Tony hopped onto the bike, riding it in circles before launching into the air. Mid-jump, the bike melted back into slime, transforming into a large hoverboard beneath his feet. He glided through the air effortlessly, floating above the ground with ease. "I call this 'Instant Fabrication.' I can morph the symbiote into tech as long as I know how to build it. But there's a limit. If I push it too far and create too many things, I'll deplete the symbiote's biomass, leaving me defenseless."

Melissa shook her head in amazement. "And that's just the first ability?"

"Oh, we're just getting started," Tony said with a grin. He extended his hand again, this time summoning red tendrils that wrapped around his lantern ring. "Second ability: Techno Integration. I can scan any technology and copy its primary functions." Red circuitry lines spread over the ring before it settled back into place. "Downside is, I can't use multiple systems at once. But the switch is nearly instantaneous."

"And the rest?" Melissa asked, her voice filled with awe.

Tony smirked as he rattled off the list. "Enhanced strength, speed, endurance, agility, stamina, Constitute-Matter manipulation, body chemistry manipulation, and a healing factor. You know, the usual symbiote stuff."

Melissa could only stare in shock. "My God, Tony. What have you created?"

Tony's form grew larger, towering once more at three meters as his voice echoed in a deep, distorted tone. "We have a name."

He spread his arms wide, his voice booming through the room.

"We are Malware."

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