IRON MAN#1

THE PHOENIX RISES FROM THE ASHES PART 1

By:Nathan Banks

In the city that never sleeps, New York, there many be many attractions that stand out but there is one that always steal the show every time. It's Stark Towers, as one of the tallest buildings in the city, stands tall and shines bright with the name STARK in the middle with a bluish color. All this is created by one man who had a vision, one man who is known to everyone as the Iron Avenger, the billionaire and philanthropist...Tony Stark...but he is Iron Man. Tonight Tony was taking Pepper Potts, his lovely girlfriend and CEO of Stark Towers, out on a date tonight one of the finest restaurants in the city. Leaving Stark Towers in the Stark 33 , Tony, dressed in a suit, slacks, white button shirt, shoes, and a bow tie is drives through the streets of New York, before briefly looking at Pepper next to him, smiling a bit before looking at the road in front of him. Dressed to perfection in a red dress and red high heels, Pepper looks at Tony and smiles at him before speaking.

Pepper: You know something Tony?

Tony: What's that Pepper?

Pepper: You look very good for tonight. I'm glad we get to go out and just be ourselves, get away from work because to be honest, we need it.

Tony: I know, and what better way to start it off by taking you to one of the best restaurants in town?

Pepper: Are you going to tell me the name?

Tony: Oh come on Pep, I want to keep it a surprise for you.

Pepper: *Arches eyebrow* You know that I don't like surprises Tony.

Tony: But this is going to be a good surprise honey, I promise you

Pepper: Alright then, I trust you Tony, I just hope you don't have to save the world for tonight.

Tony: Well the world can wait because all that matters baby is you

Pepper smiles brightly as Tony stops the car at a red light before Pepper brushes her lips onto Tony's. Tony always appreciated Pepper's love and support, he never doubted her for what she did Tony smirks a bit and is just about to kiss Pepper back but the light turns green as Tony continues to drive before finally stopping at the restaurant. Parking the Stark 33, Tony takes the keys out as Pepper looks up at the restaurant as he eyes widen.

Tony: Surprise honey

Pepper: Oh my god Tony...were going to eat at the Legend Bar Restaurant?

Tony: Yes ma'am and if you thought that was good...you ain't' seen nothing yet Pepper

Tony steps out of the car first before he walks to the other side of the Stark 33, opening the door for Pepper as he takes her hand. Once Pepper thanks Tony for being the gentlemen that he is, the two of them walk inside The Legend Bar Restaurant, hand in hand, ignoring others and only focusing on themselves. Walking up to the front desk, Tony tells one of the people who work here about his reservations. After checking in, the person escorts Tony and Pepper to their special tables that Tony requested, as the three of them take the elevator. While in the elevator, Pepper gives Tony a smile as Tony smiles back before the elevator stops, with the doors opening, they follow the man outside on a rooftop where they can see the beautiful view of New York City. Pepper gasped and was in shock, as he couldn't believe that Tony went to all of this for the evening, something she would never forget.

Pepper: Oh...my...god...Tony you shouldn't have done this...

Tony: And do what? Not give my best girl in the world what is so far the best night ever?

Pepper: I mean this is just fabulous but knowing you Tony, you love to push the envelope don't you?

Tony: *Leans in and kisses Pepper softly on the lips* Anything for you Pepper, anything

Reaching the table, they can see that the table is filled with two glasses of red wine, two candle lights on each side, even two plates of their favorite meals. It's what Pepper always imagined when Tony would do something like this, because he knows what she likes to eat, what she likes to do, etc. There was nothing that could stop these two, but Pepper felt that this night was almost too perfect. But what the hell, it wasn't like Tony had to leave The man tells them that if they need anything a waiter will be there to check on them as he leaves. Tony pulls out Peppers chair for her as she walks up to Tony, placing a kiss on his cheek before speaking.

Pepper: Thank you Tony, such the gentlemen *Smirks a bit*

Tony: Well you know me Pepper, I always give my lady anything she wants or needs

The two of them finally sit at the table and Tony raises his glass of red wine before he clears his throat.

Tony: Allow me to make a toast...to us and to a perfect night here at The Legend Bar Restaurant...all of this is for you Pepper Potts.

Pepper: I'll drink to that...cheers *Smiles*

Tony and Pepper clink their glasses before taking sips of the red wine. Suddenly his cell phone starts to ring as Tony takes it out as Pepper frowns and groans a bit.

Pepper: Let me guess Tony...it's time to save the world as Iron Man

Tony: Now hold on sweetie...I just need to take this and I will be right back, it shouldn't take me that long, I promise Pepper. Okay? I'll be back

Tony stands up from his chair and walks over to Pepper, giving her a kiss on the cheek before he left her and going back inside. He took the elevator and reached the first floor to where he and Pepper entered in the restaurant before he stepped out. Pressing the green button to accept, Tony places his cell phone near his ear before he spoke.

Tony: Tony Stark speaking...

Voice: Stark...it's been a long time hasn't it?

Tony: Uh...I don't know...maybe depending on who's calling me...

Voice: I think you know who this is Stark...it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out *the call ends*

Tony had a weird look on his face after that call ended, wondering who that was but he shrugged his shoulders, thinking that it might have been no one, maybe someone got the wrong number.

Just as Tony is about to head back up to where Pepper is, he bumps into someone and that person is James Rhodes, the War Machine.

Rhodey: Tony! Whats up man, good to see you here? I didn't expect to see you *Smiles*

Tony: Hey Rhodey, good to see you too as well. Pepper and I came here tonight so that we can take a break from everything and enjoy ourselves.

Rhodey: That's good
Tony: What about you Rhodes? Let me guess...you have a date for the evening too?
Rhodey: Not quite, just having a nice dinner with a friend, that's all
Tony: Oh really? *Smirks a bit*
Rhodey: Don't believe me then Tony? Well let me introduce you to her.

Tony: Okay, but quick Rhodey, Pepper is waiting for me

Rhodey shows Tony to where his table is and when they get there, Tony see's Rhodey's friend, not a smoking hot lady but just a normal guy.

Rhodey: Tony, meet my friend Mark. Me and him went to collegetogether, we even fought together overseas in the Air Force.

Tony: Nice to meet you Mark *Tony and Mark shake hands*

Mark: You must be the man Rhodes told me all about, it's a pleasure to meet you

Tony: Uh guys sorry to cut this short but I have a red head waiting for me up on the rooftop if you excuse me. Nice meeting you-

Rhodey: TONY!

Rhodey lunges himself at Tony, like he is shielding him, pushing him to the floor, as a shot is fired with people screaming,guys like Mark taking cover under the tables. For Tony, everything was going too fast as he slowly got up and looked over at Rhodey...who was holding his chest in pain, which was in blood. Tony's eyes widen and his mouth was open.

Tony: Rhodey!

TBC In Part Two