BGM-Marvel Ultimate Alliance OST-Menu

Captain America: On your left! Captain America reporting for duty! Our search for the Sacred Treasures led us to Nanzca Village, where their people still believe in Chronoa. Joined by Knuckles and Yang, we completed the temple trials to gain the Spear of Mira, and learn something else. Our battle with the Time Eater changed history, inadvertently creating Chronoa. We're more responsible than ever to stop the Syndicate, which means finding the last Treasure before them.

BGM End

Issue 9: The Iron Menace

Temple of Kako

BGM-Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric OST- Abandoned Research Facility (Amy & Knuckles)

"Are you positive this is the right location?" Thor asked.

Alongside the Thunder God, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, and Wolverine are exploring the temple ruin of an ancient research facility belonging to the Chronoans which has been deserted for a long time. "Absolutely. Thanks to my detector, and Fury's intel, this old research facility has a Sacred Treasure just waiting to be taken." Iron Man responded.

"This place looks like an old temple from the outside, but everything looks so advanced in here. It's like the distance past slammed into the far future, all wrapped up in an incredible present. A little weird." said Ms. Marvel, complimenting this ancient temple.

"You call it a little weird, I call it creative genius. The Kako Tribe knew their tech." quips Stark, taking a quick study of an operational machine that looks highly advanced, "JARVIS, remind me to come back here during me-time for further study of this place."

'At once, sir.' JARVIS replied.

"Cia won't mind if I revive this place as a Stark Industries facility." Stark said, hovering to explore upper sections of the temple.

"Though she is not of the Kako Tribe, you should still ask permission. This facility is remnants of her kingdom and she would probably want it left as it is in memory of her people." Thor replied.

"I'll convince her over dinner." Stark quips, descending near his friends.

"Besides robo guards and annoying puzzles, we haven't run into this Guardian yet." Wolverine said.

"We should be close by now. Use that sensitive nose of yours while I use my scanners." said Tony, scanning for any traces of the Guardian or the Relic that it guards. He receives a faint ping, "Got something. It's up ahead. Signal's faint, but energy readings are similar to that of the Guardian of Tempus."

Wolverine sniffs the air with his nose and says, "Smellin' smoke. Don't like that smell. It's fresh."

"Oh no…" Stark mutters, suspecting something has gone wrong for the Guardian.

Tony flies ahead as the rest of his group catches up. They arrive at what appears to be a massive abandoned laboratory that was recently destroyed in battle against the Guardian of Kako, which was a gigantic legless robot sharing body characteristics to the previous Guardians. Except this Guardian is smoking, having been broken apart along with its arsenal of weaponry.

"Is that the Guardian of Kako?" asked Ms. Marvel, surprised to see it already destroyed.

"It was." Stark responded solemnly. "Someone beat us here, and who else but the Syndicate."

Wolverine sniffs the debris that was left from the battle, "Yeah, they were here. Not too long ago. Along with someone else I don't recognize." He noted.

"We should search for clues. It is possible they did not find the Armor." Thor said, remaining hopeful.

Tony hacks into the deactivated Kako Guardian to unveil a hidden circular container rising from the ground. The container opens to reveal the outline of an armor that was recently stolen. Tony says, "Sorry, Thor, but they got away with it. And I was so looking forward to studying it too. We should head back to Avengers Tower and update the gang on what we didn't find." He ordered.

BGM End

Later at Avengers Tower…

BGM-Mega Man ZX Advent OST-Den of Hunters

"So the Syndicate have stolen the Armor." said Cia with a solemn tone, speaking to the Avengers as a hologram in the briefing room.

"Afraid so. Just how worried should we be?" Tony jokingly asked her from the couch.

"Very." Cia answered. "In many ways, the Armor of Kako is similar to the Iron Man Armor: Invincibly crafted from the most cutting-edge technology."

"How invincible are we talking about?" asked Captain America, with his arms crossed while he stares at Cia.

Cia says, "It possesses the perfect balance of blazing speed and monstrous power. It has an analyzer that can access the timestream, immediately compute any large-scale analytic calculations that's capable of defeating even unknown enemies instantaneously. And it's powered by a quantum fusion energy generator inspired by the raw power of brute dinosaurs that once invaded the Chronoa region, allowing its user to mow down anything in their path like a tank. It was the Kako Tribe's masterpiece. The ultimate weapon."

"And the ultimate way to make Ruby drool." quips Tony, looking at Ruby drooling in awe after hearing what the Armor of Kako is capable of.

"What?! I wasn't drooling! I was just sweating in awe…From my mouth." Ruby retorted awkwardly.

"This Armor sounds more dangerous than both the Crown and the Spear." Wolverine remarked.

Bruce says, "If it is anything like the Iron Man Armor, we're in deep trouble now that the Syndicate has it. Imagine if they learn to replicate that technology."

"I rather not, because that sounds extremely terrifying." quipped Ms. Marvel.

"Is there anything else we should know about the Armor? Any weaknesses that we can exploit just in case?" Steve asks the holographic sorceress.

"Not that I know. I'm not of the Kako Tribe, and I am not a scientist." Cia replied.

"Thankfully, the greatest scientist in history is sitting right here." Tony quips, cockily smiling while pointing at himself. "Give me some time in the lab and I'll have something cooked up by the time the Syndicate is ready to showoff their second-rate Armor."

"Second rate?" Cia scoffs with a teasing smile, "My, you do have quite the ego to mock our technology."

"Technology based off Eggman and Doc Ock. They're geniuses, yeah, but anything they can build, I can build ten times better without even trying." Stark remarked.

"Hence why you have had a difficult time understanding our technology before I sent you a cipher." Cia snarks with a smirk.

"Obviously because your people had a 5000-year-old headstart in the tech biz thanks to the generous donation of a time-traveling monster of a corpse." Stark quipped.

Cia shrugs with a smile, "Fair enough. Guess I should leave while Fury is still searching for the Syndicate's base-."

BGM End

Before Cia could leave, the tower alarm's blares, immediately capturing everyone's attention including her. "What's going on?" She asked.

"JARVIS?" Tony asks his AI for answers.

BGM-Sonic Adventure 2 OST-Suitable Opponent

A holographic screen pops up for everyone to see as JARVIS says, 'The local TV station is under attack.'

"By who?" Bruce asked.

The screen then displays live footage of a person wearing a silvery and large Iron Man-like armor standing near the camera in front of scared newscasters. Spidey's eyes widen in shock he says, "Is that…?"

"Iron Monger." Stark answered, recognizing the armor of one of his old enemies.

'I expected more security at a place like this. Doesn't anyone care about live television anymore?' Iron Monger asked, which annoys Tony to growl. 'This is a message for the Merchant of Death, Tony Stark. Your day has come. It's time for you to pay for your crimes, Tony. You have one day to hand yourself over. I'll be waiting. And come alone. Leave your little friends out of this.'

"Never heard of someone challenging people through the news." Kamala commented.

"What deception is this?" questioned Thor.

"Obadiah Stane is supposed to be dead. He died during a fight with Tony." Spidey remarked.

"Then who is this new Iron Monger?" Tails wondered.

"Ezekiel." Tony answered, shocking most of his friends. "He's Obadiah's son. The kid holds a personal grudge."

"So he broadcasted this message to avenge his father." Cia replied.

"Tony. You know this is a trap." Black Widow said to the genius.

"You don't have to do this." Steve said.

BGM End

Tony glances at his friends, "Ah, come on, don't worry about it. I don't have time to resolve this little brat's daddy issues anyway." He proclaimed, not planning to confront Ezekiel.

Later at night, at an Unfamiliar Location…

BGM-Mega Man X8 OST-VS Sigma Demo

The moonlight shines down through the windows of a dimly-lit workshop. A workshop that has many pictures of Iron Man pinned to a wall. Standing before the Iron Monger Armor is a young brown-haired man in blue clothing. That man is the son of Obadiah Stone, Ezekiel. He shivers and sweats in anger, scowling as he says, "So you think you're a hero now, Stark? Have you forgotten? Have you forgot all the lies you sold just to make a profit? I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN!" He angrily throws a wrench at the wall of Iron Man pictures. He moves around for a bit while saying, "All the things you've done…I'll never forget."

"Then it is fortunate for you we have crossed paths, Ezekiel?" said a familiar voice, which shocks the young man that someone else is inside his hideout.

Ezekiel turns around to see a man walking out of the shadows. That man so happens to the Red Skull, smiling at the young genius. "What do you want?" Ezekiel asks with a stoic tone and expression.

"Nothing. I already have what I want thanks to you. And in return, we have put the finishing touches to your ultimate weapon against Tony Stark." Red Skull proclaimed with a sinister smile.

BGM End

Meanwhile at Avengers Tower…

The Chronoblade. The Crown of Tempus. The Spear of Mira. All three ancient Chronoa relics are floating inside their own tube for extent analysis by JARVIS. Tails is sitting on a desk creating special devices for his team. Nearby next to blueprints of armors for his teammates, Tony is in the middle of constructing a new Iron Man Armor.

"I've always said Eggman tech is notoriously weird. Never imagined I was also insulting Chronoa tech." Tails said to make conversation.

"Don't feel sorry, kid. At least the Chronoa were wise enough to use that tech for the good of the planet. I'm just glad that I'm finally understanding their stuff thanks to Cia's cipher." Tony replies with a wrench.

"It's still fairly complex around the fundamentals. The Chronoa were geniuses in their own right." Tails responded.

Tony smiles, "You are too. Able to build these devices to channel quantum energy in a day."

"Thanks. I learned from the best, but these are just prototypes based off the OOPArts." Tails smiles, glancing at their Chronoan relics, "Only allow for short-range teleportation and empowering attacks."

"Combined with these new armors I'm building, they should also grant us faster movement speed and better defenses against possible time-based attacks. I'm also creating a little surprise for when the Syndicate plan on using that Kako Armor against us." Stark responded.

"And what about Ezekiel?" Tails asked.

"What about him?" questioned Tony in a solemn tone, while remaining focus on his armor.

"How are you gonna deal with him? He really put you on edge." Tails said, being worried for his mentor.

Stark frowns, "There are some things from my past that I'm not happy with."

"Like when you were a weapons dealer?" Tails remarked.

"That's one of them. And my relationship with Obadiah didn't end great. Used to be my business partner until he went power-mad and tried to take over my company with my own tech. I'm learning to move on from past mistakes and focus on the future. Wonder if Ezekiel will ever do the same, but he's become too blinded by rage. If he does something stupid, I WILL put a stop to him." Tony vowed to Tails, who replies with a smiling nod of agreement.

That morning…

"Nothing like starting your morning before saving the world than eating an Avengers sandwich." said Ruby, happily eating her breakfast in the living room kitchen alongside Kamala and Natasha.

"Even with their super futuristic technology, I'm still surprised that the Chronoans were losing against Apocalypse." said Kamala, having a conversation with Widow.

"Goes to show you just how powerful Apocalypse really is." Widow replied.

"No kidding. Don't forget that I was forced to be one of his Horsemen." Ruby frowned, not wanting to recall those dark memories.

"Wouldn't the right word be 'Horsewomen'?" Kamala quipped.

"Yeah." Ruby replied before taking another bite from her sandwich.

Widow frowns at Ruby, "Sorry you were used as Apocalypse's puppet."

"It's okay. It was thanks to him that I got the codename 'Rose Reaper'." smiled Ruby, cheering up Widow with a giggle.

"It is always good to see our young Avengers in high spirits." Thor smiles at the young girls, then looks at Tails near him, "How about you, Tails? I can imagine it has been difficult balancing being an Avenger and Freedom Fighter."

Tails shakes his head with a smile, "Not really. I've been learning to multitask. Think I'm getting the hang of it."

"And how's the married life been treating you, Spidey?" Steve asks Spider-Man with a smile.

"Fine. Think I'm finally comfortable with it." Spidey replied.

"Enough to start having kids soon?" Steve asked.

Spidey's eyes widen in shocked nervousness, "Uhhh, not THAT comfortable. Lemme finish college and find a well-paying, stable job first before going through that life-changer."

BGM-Mega Man X8 OST-Perplexity

Suddenly, the alarms blare like yesterday to get the heroes' immediate attention. 'Avengers. He has returned and hacked the news again.' announced JARVIS, projecting three holographic screens displaying Iron Monger for the Avengers to see and watch.

"Looks who's back on the big screens. Iron Monger Jr." quipped Spidey.

"Right on time." Steve remarks with a stoic expression.

Iron Monger says, 'What's the matter, Tony? Too ashamed to show yourself?'

Tony grunts with annoyance from Stane's taunt as Widow softly says, "Tony." to calm him down.

Iron Monger scoffs as he continues, 'I figured maybe your guilt would've forced you out of hiding. Coward. Maybe seeing the consequences of your actions would help "motivate" you. Hit the cameras!"

"Huh? What do you think he means by that?" Ruby wondered.

The holo-screens change display, each one depicting live footage of an Iron Monger hovering over different areas of New Vale City. "More Iron Mongers?" Tails questioned.

"What is he up to?" Steve wondered.

'If you won't come and face me, I'll just give this city a classic Stark Industries welcome.' said Stane, as an Iron Monger fires a repulsor ray that blows up a street with civilians, shocking the Avengers. 'Don't keep me waiting.' He taunted his nemesis.

Having seen enough, Tony grunts before running towards the door with Widow shouting, "Tony!"

Tony stops for a moment and glances at his teammates, "I'll be back. Don't wait up." before running out the door to get ready for his fight against Iron Monger.

"Tony…" Tails muttered with a concern expression.

"He's gonna need backup!" Cap announced.

"Agreed!" Thor retorted.

Cap grabs his shield from his back and poses shouting, "Avengers assemble!" He looks at Spidey, Ruby, Tails, and Kamala, "You go protect the civilians! Get them clear!"

"Right!" Kamala responded urgently.

"Let's get going, guys!" said Ruby, as the Avengers all hurry out of the building to stop Iron Monger.

BGM End

With Iron Man…

BGM-Mega Man ZX OST-Rockin' On (Tunes Ver.)

The Armored Avenger hovers over the news station where Ezekiel was broadcasting his taunting message. Both armored combatants stare at each other, with Iron Monger remaining ominous and silent while Iron Man quips, "There are nicer ways to get my attention. Singing telegram, maybe."

Iron Monger remains silent but decides to attack. He flies towards Tony and throws a few punches that were easily dodged by the armored hero. "Seems you haven't lost your edge." quips Tony, delivering a few quick blows that were enough to defeat his enemy, "But you're using outdated tech." As Iron Monger crumbles to pieces, Tony is shocked to notice no one was inside the armor, meaning it was remotely-controlled.

Suddenly, a powerful energy beam hits Tony's back with enough force to smash him into a skyscraper. The person responsible for that cheap shot is a man wearing blue and white Iron Man-like armor with glowing yellow accents and eyes hovering across from Tony. "You can't even BEGIN to imagine how long I've waited for this moment, Stark." said Zeke Stane, piloting the armor.

Iron Man flies out of the skyscraper to confront his rival in the sky, growling as he asks, "Where did you get that armor?"

Zeke opens his faceplate and says, "You took my father from me. You killed him! Like he was some…disgusting, irremediable criminal!"

"Your father WAS a criminal, Ezekiel." Stark retorted.

Zeke scowls angrily, "It takes one to know one, doesn't it?" He puts on his faceplate and says, "Your hypocrisy knows NO bounds. It's time that you answer…FOR ALL THE PAIN THAT YOU CAUSED!" He yells furiously as he charges at full speed towards his hated foe.

Meanwhile, scared civilians are running away from the intense fighting between the armored fighters with assistance from the other Avengers. "Everyone, stay calm!" Ruby shouted at the fleeing civilians.

"We're here to help!" said Kamala.

"This way, quickly!" Spidey points the civilians to a safe zone.

In the air, Iron Man and Zeke are fighting each at speeds so fast it's hard to keep track by a normal person. Their battle gets so intense that it destroys a portion of a rooftop holding a large billboard, causing it to slowly fall towards the busy streets. Spidey notices this and quips, "Don't go falling for me! Just stick right there!" while webbing the billboard to prevent it from falling completely.

"Good job, Spidey! We'll clear out everyone else!" said Tails, flying to search for more people to evacuate.

"Yeah!" Spidey nodded.

Across the city, the other Avengers are doing everything they can to help stop this madness. Hulk and Wolverine fight an Iron Monger. Black Widow is pointing dozens of civilians to a safe place away from the action. And Captain America and Thor are just about done destroying another Iron Monger.

On a rooftop, Iron Man fiercely lock hands with Zeke as he struggles to overcome his armored foe in this clash. "How do you like my new suit? It's based off my father's design, with some of my own modest improvements. It's also based off a certain 'armor' you were searching for in a temple." Zeke taunted, shocking his nemesis with this news.

"Armor…You mean the Armor of Kako? You're working with the Syndicate?!" Iron Man retorted, still struggling in this lock of hands.

"A temporary alliance. I was searching for the Armor myself when I bumped into them. They helped me unlocked its secrets to complete my suit, so I may have the utmost advantage over you!" Zeke proclaimed.

Tony grunts, "In the end, most of that suit is nothing more than just a cheap imitation of MY design!" He lets out a mighty cry as he manages to lift Zeke and about to slam him, "NOTHING BEATS THE ORIGINAL!" Before he could slam Zeke to the ground, he shockingly escapes his grasp with ease.

Zeke mockingly scoffs at his foe, "I've analyzed your fighting pattern." He delivers a punch so powerful to Tony's stomach that it causes him to gasp in pain. Zeke chuckles, "I can predict your every move!"

BGM End

Back on the streets, Tails meets up with Kamala. "Has everyone evacuated from this area?" Tails asked her.

"Almost." Kamala replied.

All of a sudden, an explosion from near the young heroes caught their attention as a civilian shout, "THE GAS MAIN JUST BLEW!"

Then, the cries of a little girl are heard shouting, "MOMMY! MOMMY!" while she is pinned down by rubble.

"She's trapped!" Kamala exclaimed.

"Let's save her!" said Tails, as he and Kamala hurries to the girl's rescue.

BGM-Sonic Adventure 2 OST-Suitable Opponent

Back with Tony, he fires repulsors that Zeke easily dodge left and right. Zeke charges at his foe to throw several punches, but they were dodged by Tony as he quips, "You call that a punch?"

Zeke smirks, "Come on, Tony, got anything new!" He fires a powerful repulsor right in front of Tony, causing him to painfully scream as the massive explosion knocks him to the edge of the rooftop. "Give it up. You've lost. I've spent YEARS studying your tactics. The data I collected and programmed into this suit will counter your EVERY move. No matter how hard you try, you will NEVER beat this armor." He coldly boasts while approaching the downed Avenger.

Tony struggles to even move his head up when he spots Tails and Kamala struggling to lift up the rubble pinning down the young girl. "Tails…Kamala…" He muttered.

Zeke points his palm at his weakened enemy, charging up an energy beam that should kill him. "Goodbye, Tony." He said coldly. Before he could launch his attack, he was caught off-guard when Tony fires a powerful blast from his foot to knock him away.

Meanwhile, Kamala and Tails continue struggling to lift up the large rubble from the little girl. "Man, this thing is heavy!" Kamala grunted.

"Then grow big! Hurry! The fire is getting closer!" Tails retorted.

Kamala complies, embiggening herself to incredible size and uses her large hands to lift up the rubble enough for Tails to grab the girl and move her away. Kamala returns to normal size and pants exhaustedly, "Whew! Embiggening like that still takes quite a bit from me."

BGM End

"Quick thinking. Guess you didn't need my help after all." quips Tony, suddenly appearing next to the young heroes.

"Tony! Are you okay?" Tails asked.

"A little winded, but alright. Good job here. Get that girl to safety. It's still not safe." Tony ordered.

Tails nods with a serious expression, "Right." before running away with Kamala and the young girl.

BGM-Sonic Unleashed OST-Boss Battle (Day)

Tony looks to the sky and find Zeke hovering near him, having survived the surprised attack. "Hm, I guess you didn't calculate for any variables in your programming." Tony mocks him.

"How…are you still standing?" Zeke snarled.

"It's called being a hero." Stark quipped.

"How…DARE you call yourself…A HERO!?" shouted Zeke, charging down to clash punches with the Armored Avenger. He lands a deadly blow across Tony's face while saying, "My father is DEAD for doing the very thing you built a fortune on! What gives you the right to be praised as a hero?! Your crimes are no different! So why aren't you dead like him?! Everything! You stand for! IS A LIIIIEEEEEE!" He delivers a flurry of furious punches at Tony until he is punched to a wall.

"Tony, do you need help?!" asked Tails, flying towards the battle.

"No, Tails. Stay out of this one." Tony retorted.

"But why?" Tails asked with a worried look.

"This is a fight I have to win myself." said Tony, standing strong and tall in front of the approaching Zeke.

"How honorable of you." quips Zeke, pointing his right gauntlet at Tony while approaching him. "Let's make this quick." He proclaimed.

As Zeke charges up his repulsor gauntlet, Tony sees this as his quick chance to grab and stop it while quipping, "I couldn't agree more." and enters another intense hand lock. "Ezekiel! I don't blame you for hating me!" He said.

Hearing that shocks Zeke as he remarks, "What?!"

"Your reasons are understandable. And you're right about my past. There's no taking back the damage I done." Tony replied calmly.

"That's right!" Zeke retorted.

"I'll carry those regrets with me for the rest of my life. I can't erase them. But I WON'T let them define me!" said Tony, unleashing a mighty roar as he lifts over Zeke and tries to slam him to the ground like before. And like before, Zeke easily escapes his grasp with a smirking chuckle.

"You keep being so predictable, Tony Stark!" Zeke throws a furious punch, but to his surprise, Tony dodges it, "What? He dodged?!"

"The only things you studied are the mistakes of my PAST!" Tony retorts, grabbing Zeke to unleash full-powered Unibeam at point-blank.

"IMPOSSIBLE! HOW DID YOU DO THIS?!" yells a surprised Zeke, taking the full explosive force of the Unibeam that ultimately knocks him down.

BGM End

The battered Iron Man could barely stand after unleashing that reckless attack. He coughs and stares down at the defeated Zeke Stane and says to him, "Learning from our mistakes…THAT'S what defines us!" He lectured. "JARVIS…remind me to never use the Unibeam in such close proximity again." He orders as Tails lands next to him with a smile at him, watching Zeke coughing and trying to stand until his suit loses power as he loses consciousness.

Hydra Submarine

BGM-Mega Man X8 OST-Deepening Mystery

Red Skull stands behind a viewscreen, having been secretly watching the fight against Zeke Stane the entire time. He smiles as he says, "Thank you, Ezekiel, for helping me collect data on how to properly utilize the Kako Armor. Stark has taken the bait and will soon come to us. Our plan is going nicely, Mephiles." He turns at the ghostly entity still floating in his containment tank.

Mephiles says, "Indeed. I look forward to meeting with the son of Howard Stark. He was the fool behind Project PEGASUS, trying to harness my power. He is gone, and Ezekiel failed to kill his son. The sins of the father shall be visited upon the son…I will make Iron Man pay tenfold." He declares, staring at the Armor of Kako that is truly in the custody of the Syndicate.

BGM End

BGM-Marvel Ultimate Alliance OST-End Credits

KFX Here: Ezekiel "Zeke" Stane has now been introduced to the United Heroes Universe, with armor based off his Marvel Future Avengers (anime) counterpart. We are nearing the end. All three Sacred Treasures have been found, but which side will keep them?

Question of the Chapter: Based on what's been showed off so far, which Sacred Treasure do you like the most?

Next Time: Mephiles' Scheme! Banished to the destroyed future!

Remember: I have a forum page! Link can be found on my homepage or search for the "United Heroes Series" forums!

BGM End