#original story thread

[lrialthewriter]

Let's start this again, shall we?

Hi! Welcome to my humble abode, I decided that maybe I will actually go in post here my original works and maybe some scattered fanwritings every now and then!

Author's notes are in the tags of each chapter!

Tags used

#lrialtalks for posts I do and write related to this blog, said posts will also be marked with the tag used for the story it references, if there's any.

#lrialanswers is for whenever someone asks me a question (and you can do so! I may or may not give a concrete answer).

#lrialfanwrites is for possible fan oneshots I write!

#part intro is for the introduction of each parts, this holds the main tags, synopsis and warnings of a part. This also holds the master list of the chapters per part!

Story Tags

#RoVoices: Reign of Voices

Read more for the links for the stories!

Main Story

Reign of Voices

Part 1: Into the College Life

[moonrvsh]

forbidden fruit

[weaversthread]

A Letter, A Lecture, and A Question of Loyalty ⚔️

[zuzu-draws]

About time I see something on my TL that is not blatant Sukuna slander.

I feel like this Quote tweet in addition to the given thread perfectly summarises why a character like Sukuna intrigues me so much. He's like a complex puzzle piece we've yet to solve. An enigma of conflicting sides.

Despite my best efforts i still can't picture his backstory and motivations fully yet. I just hope that whatever Gege has planned for his backstory, it thoroughly shoves my heart through the meat grinder :') Hopefully, it is well thought-out and ties in nicely with his character. It's about time we get to know why he turned out the way he has. And i am DYING to know what Sukuna knows about "Love" ..

[holfelderwrites124]

QUESTION

So @frostedlemonwriter mentioned that they have posted massive chapters on Tumblr. I'm currently getting like no interest on Substack. So, Poll Time!

Reblog for sample size pls! <3 Also, pls vote, seriously.

[serenastark-writes]

Chapter 4: Donuts, Revelation and Invinitation

Malibu, California. 2010.

The roar of engines filled the air as the Monaco Grand Prix reached its peak. Serena Stark sat in the backseat of a car, excitement bubbling within her as she watched the live feed of her father, Tony Stark, racing his sleek blue car. The blur of colors on the screen, the screech of tires on asphalt—this was her father in his element, pushing the limits of speed and technology.

Suddenly, the scene on the screen shifted, the camera capturing a figure stepping onto the track. The man wore a jumpsuit, his face obscured by a helmet, but what stood out were the electrified whips he wielded, crackling with deadly energy. Serena’s heart stopped as the figure swung the whips, slicing through the air before bringing them down on the bonnet of Tony’s car. 

The front of the car split away, and Serena’s breath caught in her throat as she watched in horror. The car twisted in the air, flipping upside down before crashing onto the track, trapping Tony inside. 

“Dad!” Serena’s voice trembled as she shouted. 

Pepper Potts, who was in the front seat, gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Tony!” 

Happy Hogan, ever the stalwart protector, slammed his foot on the gas, the car lurching forward as they raced to the scene. The chaos that unfolded in front of them was a nightmare, with debris scattered across the track and panicked spectators fleeing in all directions.

When they arrived, Serena’s heart raced as she took in the scene. Her father’s car lay in ruins, smoke curling from the wreckage, and the menacing figure of Whiplash stood over it, his whips sparking as he prepared to strike again.

Just as Whiplash was about to bring the whips down on Tony, Happy steered the car directly into him, slamming into the villain with a loud crash. The impact sent Whiplash stumbling backward, giving them the precious seconds they needed.

“Dad!” Serena cried out as she saw Tony crawling out of the wreckage, his suit tattered, but his spirit unbroken. Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived as she heard her mother’s voice, sharp with fear and anger.

“Are you out of your mind?” Pepper screamed, her voice echoing Serena’s own thoughts as she took in the sight of Tony’s battered form. 

“I was being attacked!” Tony argued back, his voice defensive, yet tinged with the same frustration Serena felt.

Before Serena could chime in, their attention was drawn back to Whiplash, who had recovered from the impact and was advancing toward them again, his whips slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Without a second thought, Serena reached for the suitcase that housed her father’s portable Iron Man suit. Her hands shook with urgency as she fumbled with the locks before finally tossing it to him. Tony caught it with ease, a brief moment of understanding passing between father and daughter before he activated the suit.

With a series of mechanical clicks and whirrs, the suit enveloped Tony’s body, the familiar red and gold armor gleaming under the scorching sun. Serena watched, her heart pounding, as her father stood tall, facing Whiplash head-on.

Flames from the wreckage danced dangerously close to them, but Serena knew, deep in her heart, that as long as her father wore that suit, he would protect them. He was Iron Man, and nothing would stop him from keeping them safe.

Whiplash lashed out, his electrified whips cracking through the air, but Tony was ready. A burst of energy erupted from his suit, sending Whiplash staggering backward. Seizing the opportunity, Tony pressed his advantage, launching a counterattack with the precision and power only Iron Man could muster.

The air was thick with tension as the two adversaries clashed, each refusing to give an inch. Serena held her breath, her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she watched the battle unfold, every strike, every blow, feeling like a direct hit to her own heart.

And then, in a flash of light and heat, it was over.

Whiplash lay defeated, his whips sizzling and smoking as Tony stood victorious amidst the wreckage. The relief that washed over Serena was overwhelming, the tension draining from her body as she let out a shaky breath. Tony was safe, and for now, that was all that mattered.

As they emerged from their car, Serena couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for her father’s bravery and resilience. He was more than just a hero; he was her father, and in that moment, she knew that there was nothing he couldn’t overcome. 

Pepper rushed to Tony’s side, wrapping her arms around him, her earlier anger giving way to pure relief. “Don’t ever scare me like that again,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Tony hugged her back, his expression softening. “I’m sorry, Pep. But you know me—I can’t just sit back and do nothing.”

Serena joined them, wrapping her arms around her parents, feeling the warmth and safety of their embrace. Together, they stood amidst the chaos, a family united by love and the knowledge that no matter what dangers they faced, they would face them together.

Tony Stark and his daughter, Serena, sat comfortably inside the massive donut atop Randy’s Donuts, the iconic landmark in Los Angeles. It was a perfect day to escape the craziness of the world below, especially after the chaos they had just gone through in Monaco. Tony, clad in his Iron Man suit minus the helmet, casually munched on a glazed donut, while Serena sat beside him, enjoying her own.

“Seriously, Dad?” Serena smirked, watching as Tony took another bite. “A giant donut in a giant donut? You’re going for full-on irony now?” Tony chuckled, brushing off a few crumbs. “What can I say? When you’re feeling existential, nothing beats a good donut.” Just as Serena was about to respond, a voice boomed from below, cutting through their moment of peace. “Starks, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut”

Tony and Serena exchanged glances before leaning over the edge of the donut to see who was shouting. Standing below, in his long black leather coat and eyepatch, was none other than Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. “Great,” Tony muttered, rolling his eyes. “Can’t a guy enjoy a donut in peace?”

“Not when you’ve got a giant target on your back,” Serena quipped, grabbing another donut for the road as she followed her dad down from the oversized pastry. They descended from the donut and landed in front of Fury, who looked at them with his usual stern expression. “I hope you two aren’t thinking of spending the whole day up there,” he said, crossing his arms.

“What can I say, Nick?” Tony said with a nonchalant shrug. “It’s the perfect spot for some father-daughter bonding. You should try it sometime. Fury’s eye narrowed. “We have more pressing matters to discuss. And the world isn’t going to save itself while you’re sitting in a donut.”

Before Tony could make another witty remark, Natasha Romanoff entered, Tony’s assistant—who up until now, Serena had thought was just another one of Tony’s hired hands. But the presence of Daniella Romanoff, Serena's adopted sister, was what truly surprised her. Serena had always known Daniella was a little more intense than your average assistant, but she had never expected this.

“Nat?” Tony asked, surprise evident in his voice as Natasha approached them. “And Dani? What’s going on?” Natasha didn’t break stride as she approached, her expression all business. “We need to talk, Tony. Serena.” Daniella, standing beside her, crossed her arms, her expression a mix of seriousness and concern. “You might want to listen to her, Tony.”

Fury watched the scene unfold with an almost amused glint in his eye. “Allow me to introduce Agent Natasha Romanoff, also known as the Black Widow,” he said, gesturing to Natasha. “And Agent Daniella Romanoff, who has been keeping an eye on you as well.” Tony blinked, glancing between the two women he thought he knew. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You two are S.H.I.E.L.D. agents?” Serena was equally stunned, looking at Daniella with wide eyes. “Daniel, how could you keep this from me?”

Daniella sighed, stepping closer to her sister. “I didn’t want to keep it from you, Ena. But it was for your protection. And for Dad’s. We had to make sure you were safe before we could tell you.”

Tony ran a hand through his hair, the realization slowly sinking in. “So all this time… you two have been spying on me?”

“Not spying,” Natasha corrected. “Protecting. Monitoring. Making sure you don’t get yourself killed while you’re out there playing superhero.” Fury, tired of the chit-chat, stepped forward. “Stark, we need you to focus. The world is changing, and we need to be prepared. That’s where you come in. We’re putting together a team—a team of people with special abilities, and we want you to be a part of it.”

Tony arched an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite himself. “A team? What kind of team?”

“A team to defend the world from threats it can’t handle on its own,” Fury replied. “We’re calling it the Avengers Initiative.”

Serena’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Avengers. She had heard rumors about S.H.I.E.L.D. working on something big, but she never imagined her dad would be at the center of it. “You want Dad to join the Avengers?” she asked, looking between Fury and Natasha.

“We want both of you,” Fury said, his gaze locking onto Serena’s. “You’ve inherited more from your father than just his wit and stubbornness. Your skills and intelligence make you a valuable asset. You’re both needed for what’s coming.” Tony let out a low whistle, leaning back slightly as he considered the offer. “You really think I’m Avenger material?”

Natasha smirked, her serious demeanor softening just a fraction. “With some guidance, yes. But it’s not just about you, Tony. This is about something bigger than all of us.”

Tony glanced at Serena, who looked back at him with a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was a lot to take in. His daughter had already been through so much, and now they were being asked to join a team that would put them both in even greater danger. But he knew they didn’t really have a choice. The world was changing, and they needed to be ready. Tony finally nodded, his usual bravado returning as he looked at Fury. “Alright, Nick. We’re in. But I’m going to need a new suit—and maybe a bigger donut.”

Fury’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I think that can be arranged. Welcome to the Avengers, Stark. Both of you.”

As they walked back to the car, Serena couldn’t help but glance at Daniella, who gave her a reassuring smile. This wasn’t going to be easy, but at least they would face it together—as a family. And as for Tony, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride as he looked at Serena, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would tackle them side by side. After all, they were Starks—and Starks always found a way.

PS: Daniella Romanoff is an OC of @mutantwitchgirl

[bookshelf-in-progress]

I've had an odd nostalgia for the Once Upon a Time series of mediocre short-novel-length fairy tale retellings. I've been wanting to read the retelling of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" from that line.

The trouble is that there is no such book.

Which makes me want to write it.

Unfortunately, the only straightforward traditional retelling of that fairy tale I want to write doesn't fit with that style.

But thinking about it got me excited about that old idea all over again.

[keepofkandrakar]

i wanna see the origins of candela obscura. how was it founded? who founded it? what made them want to do this? i am seriously this close 🤏 to writing a series focusing on the first ever circle of candela obscura that inspired the creation of the secret society with a duty carried out for generations in the fairelands.

[duskianfae]

N o r a

[katiekatdragon27]

No I don't have a favorite oc what gave you that idea?

This is like a month old I just forgot to post it lol

Does this work as a good promotion for people to support my object show? Cuz it took me like 3 straight hours to finish lol. Spool is my favorite character to make things with, I love her sm.

Look how silly she is! I hope he explodes <3

Also, she can dance! Like the CB plush!

I doubt I'll be making more of these cuz it hurt my hands and took forever, but that just makes him more special^^

Have a lovely day guys :)

[h-ironosarchive]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀❝  手を伸ばした  DEEP!  DEEP!  DEEP!  SPLASH  FREE!  🌊 桐嶋  郁弥  ·  ₊  ¹  . .  canon-divergent  and  heavily  headcannoned  portrayal  of  𝐈𝐊𝐔𝐘𝐀  𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐀  from  the  series/movie  HIGH☆SPEED！－FREE!  STARTING  DAYS.  loosely  taking  inspiration  from  the  canon,  as  well  as  taking  place  in  a  SOL  UNIVERSITY  verse.

[weaversthread]

The Lovers 🌙☀️

[turgid-cucumber]

PLEASE tell me about your Arrigal because I’m obsessed w him

Alright okay wow sure!

Arrigal Kaldera is the second son of a prominent Vistani family. Like every member of his immediate family, he is a werewolf.

With his older brother as the head of the family, Arrigal was largely sidelined and left to his own devices, which suited him just fine. It allowed him to get away with not having a wife and kids, and leaving most of the whole serving Strahd business to other people.

Still, when push comes to shove, he will take on responsibility, often more than necessary.

When he came home from gallivanting on the Prime Material Plane and found his family had kidnapped a local child in order to blackmail its family, he took it upon himself to set things right, both for the sake of the boy and his family. Unfortunately, things went very wrong.

The consequences were dire - for everyone involved.

Plagued by guilt, he now avoids responsibility even more than before, but it seems he can neither escape the consequences of his actions nor fate itself.

And then there is the arrival of a group of adventurers who appear to be tied to the fabric of Barovia itself. A chance encounter with them led to an unusual friendship, especially with the cleric Galen, who knows a monster when he sees one, yet seems to see someone capable of kindness and tenderness when looking at Arrigal. (Homosexual behavior tbh)

As the story unfolds, he finds himself thrust both into the role of a leader and a slave, with more responsibility and less agency than ever before in his life.

(Ooff. Sorry that got long. I turned Arri into a stupidly complex character and this isn't even half of what's going on with him. A lot of his story is still spoilers, while other parts are tied to van Richten,Strahd and Ezmeralda)

[holfelderwrites124]

Severed Threads

Chapter 2: Schemes

(Chapter 1: Promotion)

Two weeks go by before Aisha is finally able to drag Ian away from Abby and Dennis for a night to celebrate his promotion. Ian is full of excuses during that time — thin excuses that Aisha can see right through. Abby needs me to do this, Dennis wants to hang out, I’m too tired tonight. She knows damn well that Abby just wants to control Ian’s time, and Dennis only cares about Ian’s … well. He only cares about getting Ian into bed.

I’m too tired is the only excuse that Aisha truly believes. She can see the exhaustion in the dark circles under his eyes and in the way he drags himself around the offices when he thinks no one is looking. Every time Aisha runs into Ian, his eyes have lost a little bit more of their usual sparkle. After week one of being put off, Aisha reaches out to Paul to see if he knows what’s going on.

Paul tells Aisha that Ian has been deteriorating for a while now, maybe two months.

“He hides it well,” Paul tells Aisha. “His performance is the same as always — spectacular. He’s adjusted well to his knew position.” Paul shakes his head. “But when he thinks no one is looking, I can see the cracks in that mask he’s putting on.”

“What do you mean?” Aisha asks.

“I’ve caught him having panic attacks several times in the mornings.” Paul sighs. “He always straightens up and puts on a smile when he hears me coming. But he’s … shaking and I can hear him talking to himself, trying to calm himself down.” Paul stuffs his hands in his pocket and leans against the door. “And that thing he does with his left arm, when that chronic pain flares? He’s doing it again.”

Aisha winces. “Shit. That’s not great.”

Ian was diagnosed a few years ago with fibromyalgia. It often flares up if Ian is stressed, sleep-deprived, or extremely upset. If he’s been tucking his arm stiffly against his side, that means he’s struggling again.

Paul nods. “Yeah, he’s not doing so hot. But I can’t get him to crack. He just smiles and tells me he’s fine.”

Aisha huffs. “That’s the same response I’m getting. Just a grin and a don’t worry about me.” Aisha purses her lips. “It’s that damn couple he’s been with, the McCartneys. He’s been getting worse ever since he moved in with them.”

Paul tilts his head, considering. “You know, I think you’re right. That is when it first started.”

“I was so happy for him when he got together with them. They seemed like just the right fit for him.” Aisha shakes her head sadly. “He’s been so lonely since he cut ties with his family, and I was hoping these two would be healthy for him.” Aisha snorts. “Fucking unicorn hunters.”

Paul raises an eyebrow. “Unicorn hunters?”

“Oh, sorry.” Aisha laughs softly. “It’s a term in the poly community for a couple looking for a third. It’s usually a male-female couple looking for a woman to join them for funsies, but occasionally you’ll find some looking for a man.” Aisha rolls her eyes. “It’s rarely a true ethical non-monogamous situation, because the unicorn isn’t really allowed to date outside of the throuple, while the other partners can usually do what they want.”

Paul looks vaguely ill. “You think they trapped Ian?”

Aisha nods. “I really do. Ian’s been withdrawing from John and I, and you. First it was just that they wanted to spend time with him, but now …”

“Now he’s working overtime any chance he can get,” Paul fills in. He shakes his head. “I’ve noticed. It makes me wonder how much they’re asking him to contribute to stay in that house of theirs.”

Aisha snorts. “It’s … not a great house.”

“Really? It looks great from the outside, I’ve seen pictures Ian’s shown me.”

“Yeah.” Aisha huffs. “They’ve done a ton of cosmetic work on the interior, so the rooms even look great. But half the plumbing doesn’t work, kitchen cabinets are falling off the walls, and the structure? The structural integrity of that house is not good.”

Paul lets out a long sigh. “Shit.”

“You can say that again.” Aisha frowns up at Paul. “My guess is they’re making him pay more than he should be, with all the overtime he’s clocking.”

“He’s apologizing again too, like he did when you two were in the Academy.”

Aisha winces. “Yeah, I noticed that. He’s doing it with you too?”

Paul nods, and Aisha sighs.

Apologizing for every opinion or thought that came out of Ian’s mouth had always been a habit — Aisha blamed his religious upbringing — but since the McCartney’s, Ian was always apologizing. His inherent lack of confidence in his personal life was worse. He cut himself down more often, and his negative self-talk was worse than Aisha had seen it in the five years she had known Ian.

“I blame Abby for that,” Aisha says. “I met her once. She clearly thought I was a threat. She was such a snob.” Aisha snorts. “And Dennis? Jesus, Dennis couldn’t keep his hands off Ian. It was so uncomfortable to watch. Hell, I even caught Ian swatting at Dennis once or twice to get him away from Ian. It was weird.”

Paul makes a disgusted face. “Yeah, they came here once to see Ian. I met them in the hall. Dennis followed Abby around like a lost puppy. I think the only thing other than Abby that he cares about is Ian. And … I mean … well …”

“No I get you,” Aisha nods. “The only thing Dennis cares about is Ian’s dick.”

Paul sputters and turns a faint shade of red.

Aisha raises an eyebrow. “You know I’m right.”

Paul clears his throat awkwardly and nods. “No, I … I know.”

Aisha smirks at him. “I’ll try to be less blunt next time.”

“No, it’s alright.” Paul laughs quietly. “I’m just … I don’t … I don’t think about Ian in that way ever, so it’s weird to hear.” He frowns. “It’s so weird to hear anyone think about Ian … like that. He’s so private about everything …”

“Related to sex?” Aisha smirks again as Paul rolls his eyes at her bluntness. “Yeah. He’s not comfortable with the topic, and frankly, I don’t know how comfortable he is with Abby and Dennis’s attention.” Aisha sighs. “Well, I guess we both agree, then. Something’s going on with Ian, and it’s not great.”

Paul nods. “Plan?”

Aisha shrugs. “I’m going to keep badgering him until he agrees to come over and have dinner with me and John, but I have no idea how long that will take.”

“I can get on his case about having dinner with Shannon and I. Maybe he’ll agree to at least one of us to get us off of his back.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Aisha says with a smile.

The two of them part ways, Paul returning to his office and Aisha focusing back on her monitors. They play out their plan for nearly another entire week before Ian breaks, agreeing to spend Friday night with Aisha and John. Aisha lets Paul know, but they both agree that Paul shouldn’t come. Ian can clam up when he feels trapped, and they want him to feel comfortable enough to open up about whatever is bothering him.

Aisha sets a time with Ian, lets John know, and then commences to plot out the best way to get Ian to talk.

In the end, her plans don’t really matter. Ian’s body takes matters into its own hands.

Ian looks pale and unwell from the moment he sets foot in the bullpen that Friday morning. Both Aisha and Paul notice it, and furtively text each other about the circles under his eyes and his stiff posture. He perks up the moment he catches Paul watching him, pasting on a fake smile that doesn’t reach his eyes and choking out an off-kilter greeting. Paul asks how he is, as he always does, but today, Ian just shrugs and says hanging in there.

He didn’t even try to fake it, Paul texts Aisha.

Alarm bells go off in Aisha’s head. If Ian isn’t even bothering to fake a chipper doing great, then he must really be hurting, physically or mentally — or both. Aisha keeps a close eye on Ian from her lair through the one window that opens to the bullpen. She notes how slow he moves, and how tired he looks when he thinks no one is watching. Aisha wonders how his conversation with Abby and Dennis went when he told them he was having dinner with Aisha and John. She assumes it went poorly.

Somehow they make it to the end of the day with no crisis requiring either Ian or John — who is a Philadelphia EMT — to skip dinner, and at promptly six, Ian knocks on the door to Aisha and John’s apartment. John lets him in, as Aisha is finishing putting the chicken in the oven.

“Hey, Ian! Long time no see!” Aisha hears John greet Ian.

Ian’s response is a low murmur, which makes Aisha anxious. He used to be full of life, especially around John. She had tracked for a while how animated Ian would get around John, always ready to regale him with some story or another, and always willing to listen to whatever John had to say in response. If even John can’t bring Ian out of his shell … well, they may just have to stage an actual intervention.

Aisha joins Ian and John in their living room once the chicken is in the oven. They engage in small talk for a while, just chitchatting about jobs and hobbies. Aisha can see Ian giving a valiant effort to brighten up — tiny smiles, a curious glint in his eyes, and the occasional encouraging head nod, but he’s hardly like himself at all. John catches it too, glancing at Aisha out of the corner of his eye every now and then. Something is wrong, even more so than usual.

It’s not until John stands to grab them all drinks that everything comes to a head. Ian abruptly stands as well.

“I’ll … I can help,” he says softly, but earnestly. There’s a small smile toying at his lips, and Aisha notes the way John lights up at Ian’s offer.

John motions for Ian to follow. Ian takes two steps, then comes to a hesitant stop.

“I’m … sorry. I think … I think I should s-sit down?” Ian glances down at Aisha, confusion in his face.

Then his eyes close, his knees buckle, and he collapses onto their carpet.

Taglist: @lofiyaketyblr

Drop a comment/reblog and let me know your thoughts and if you'd like to be included in a taglist :)

Chapter 3: Fights and Fainting

[michaelbaileywriter]

Station Identification Time

Who Am I? I’m a writer originally from Falmouth, MA who now lives in Oxford, MA with my awesome wife Veronica, two dogs, and four cats who don’t like to let us sleep in. After 15 years with the Falmouth Enterprise, where I worked as a general and political reporter, blogger, and editor, I left the news industry to focus on my creative writing. In addition to my novels (more on that in a…

[serenastark-writes]

Chapter 2: Foundations of a Genius

Malibu, California. 1999.

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Stark family’s cliffside estate, casting warm golden hues over the pristine living room. Two-year-old Serena Stark toddled across the plush carpet, her tiny legs wobbling yet determined. Her unruly black curls bounced with each step as she clutched a screwdriver in one hand and a small metal panel in the other.

“Careful, Starkling!” Tony called from his workbench, glancing up from the prototype he was fiddling with. He’d coined the nickname the first time Serena managed to dismantle her toy robot rather than play with it. “That’s a plasma conduit cover. Not a teething ring.”

Serena tilted her head, her wide black eyes filled with innocent curiosity. “No teeth,” she said, her tiny voice resolute as she waved the part in her father’s direction. "Fixsh dis"

Pepper chuckled from the kitchen, where she was making coffee. “You started this, Tony. Don’t be surprised when she wants to join you in the workshop full-time.”

“She’s a Stark. She’s already got the instinct,” Tony replied with a grin, walking over to crouch in front of Serena. He gently took the panel from her and showed her the intricacies of its design. “See this? It fits into a larger system. Everything works together—nothing’s just there for no reason.”

Serena frowned, her tiny brow furrowing in concentration as her father spoke. “Like pushle?”

“Exactly like a puzzle,” Tony said, his voice softer than usual. “And someday, you’ll solve ones even I can’t.”

By the time Serena turned three, her knack for problem-solving became impossible to ignore. She spent hours sitting at Tony’s feet in his workshop, watching him tinker and asking endless questions. At first, he tried to brush her off, convinced she was too young to understand, but Serena had a way of demanding answers with her sharp gaze and unrelenting persistence.

One day, while Tony was working on a miniature arc reactor, Serena walked up to the table and pointed at the power module. “Too big,” she said confidently, her tiny finger jabbing toward the component.

Tony raised an eyebrow. “Too big? What do you mean, it’s too big?”

Serena shrugged, the nonchalant gesture looking comically out of place on such a small child. “No fit.” She tapped the schematic with her chubby hand.

Tony blinked, his brain working to process her suggestion. The crazy part was, she wasn’t wrong. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered under his breath, ruffling her hair. “You might actually be smarter than me one day, kid.”

Serena giggled, hugging his leg. “I smart!”

Pepper walked in at that exact moment, a folder of contracts in hand. “She’s not wrong,” she quipped, smiling as she leaned against the doorframe.

These moments became the foundation of Serena’s childhood. She grew up surrounded by the hum of machinery, the click of Pepper’s heels on marble floors, and the sound of Tony’s voice, alternating between sarcastic quips and heartfelt advice.

Malibu, California. 2001.

Though the Stark name carried its burdens, Serena didn’t seem to notice. To her, life was a series of problems to solve, puzzles to piece together. Her bedroom became a miniature workshop, filled with gadgets she’d disassembled and rebuilt.

“Let her be a kid, Tony,” Pepper would say during their late-night discussions.

“I’m not stopping her from being a kid,” Tony would reply, his tone defensive but soft. “I just want her to know how incredible she can be.”

And incredible she was. Serena’s intellect blossomed, matched only by her curiosity and boundless energy. But for all her brilliance, she still had a child’s heart—filled with love for her parents, endless questions about the world, and the occasional tantrum when things didn’t go her way.

As the years passed, the Stark family’s bond only deepened. Tony and Pepper worked hard to shield Serena from the darker sides of their world, but they also made sure she knew that she was loved, supported, and destined for greatness.

Serena’s early years were filled with laughter, learning, and the steady hum of innovation. She was a Stark through and through, but even then, there was something more—a spark that hinted at the extraordinary journey ahead.