AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay, people, here is my multi-chapter fic, Rise of the Mandarin. This is my version of 'Iron Man 3.' So, usual disclaimers, I own nothing, so please don't sue me. If you try to, you're not going to get much. This fic is rated T for now, however rating may go up in the future. You guys will get to have a say in that, but depending on my reviews depends on whether or not I continue it, so keep them coming. On a side note, a special thanks to everyone who read 'I get off' and 'In good company.' For ten days my hits count locked up, so all those hits have been lost, so if you read it, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to those of you who reviewed those stories, you guys are awesome, every single one of you are. So, without further adieu, here is 'Rise of the Mandarin.' Don't forget those reviews!
Rise of the Mandarin
Prologue
Hong Kong, China
Nine figures stand in a dark room, in a circle with hoods over their heads, each one representing their district of China. To their left, stood a golden throne atop a three tiered platform, wrapped with Chinese dragons, and velvet cushions. Their leader had not arrived yet, but these men were leaders themselves. They were the leaders of the Ten Rings terrorist organization.
"The Russian failed to dispose of him," said one of the figures through gritted teeth. "He was promised that the blood of Tony Stark would be shed."
"Stark has the capability to destroy him," said another figure, hysterically.
"Iron Man must die before he takes power," said another one.
"Iron Man is not the only problem we have, is there?" They all turn and see a man wearing a gold dragon face mask, walking towards them out of the shadows. All of them bow to their leader, keeping their faces to the ground. "Where is the tenth member?" he asked.
"Mandarin, Sire," one of them spoke up, still not daring to look up. "We cannot find him."
"I see." He said nothing after that. He stayed quiet for a few moments, but they knew an outburst would come, there always was when he went silent. He took a few steps to move to the center of their circle, and then it came.
"How did you fools allow this to happen?" He yelled. "He has the tenth ring!" He began to kick each of them in the stomach.
"Yes, Sire, we know," one said, still bowed. Mandarin turned to look at him, then walked over and grabbed his hair through his hood, turning the man's face to look at him.
"Do you, now?" he asked. The man was so frightened he was shaking. He knew what The Mandarin was capable of, but he did not want to be an example, not today, not ever. The Mandarin growled and threw the shaken man to the ground. "Stay down you insolent pigs!" he yelled as he walked across them. "This incident is not acceptable," he said as he walked up the tiered platform and sat down on his throne. "The tenth member must be found with the tenth ring, and you all will find him. If I do not have the tenth ring here in five days I will start killing off each of your families." He paused to listen to see if anyone of them dared to say a word. No one spoke. "Each of you have pledged your allegiance to me, and this act is unforgiveable. I will NOT allow my father's dream to perish because one member decided to defy me!" He stopped a moment, to allow his words to sink in. "The Iron Man is a minor problem. With the Russian's research, I can build my own suit, capable of obliterating him right off the planet. I will see to it myself that Tony Stark, the mighty Iron Man himself, die without mercy."