Chapter Four

College was an interesting experience for Tony.

The abundance of humans had made him uncomfortable, something that was exacerbated by the fact that most of them bullied him for being younger than them. They bullied him relentlessly, believing the only reason he'd gotten into the college was his "father's" wealth rather than his own intellect. He endured it as much as he dared, not eager to return to the cruel confines of Howard's lab. The professors weren't any better, eager to single him out in class and prove his genius false if only to make themselves feel superior.

After only two months of dealing with it all, however, he was only a hair trigger away from snapping and killing someone just to obtain a few moments peace. Before he could salvation came in the form a human named James Rhodes.

He'd been returning to the dorms after staying late at the school library when a group comprised of four upperclassmen. They taunted him and sneered at him, then started to beat him. He curled into a fetal position, body wound tight with tension and fangs pushing through his gums as bloodlust tried to overwhelm him.

"Kill them," his mind whispered seductively. "It would be so easy to drain them. We're already isolated. No one would even notice."

Tony shivered. The voice was right. He could smell the sweet blood pumping its way through their fragile human bodies. He could hear it even over his own shaky breathing. They'd already done most of his work for him when they'd cornered him in the alley like they had, all he had to do was snap and kill them. A loud angry voice stopped him from doing just that.

"Hey! What the hell are you guys doing?! Leave him alone!"

One of the bullies was shoved off of him and him the ground with a loud thump while the others turned to face the newcomer with dark snarls.

"This ain't any of your business, Rhodes! Get lost!"

"Yeah, Rhodes. Besides it just Stark."

Even without looking at the newcomer, Tony could tell he was starting to get angry. He could smell it, spicy and tangy in the crisp night air.

"His name doesn't justify you three cowards cornering him in an alley and beating him bloody," Rhodes growled softly and Tony couldn't fight a smile at his words. Unfortunately, one of his assailants noticed and kicked him in the face harshly.

"What the hell are you smiling at?!" He snarled and the Prince gave a beastly growl, bichromial eyes glowing as all five humans looked at him. He stood slowly, hate and rage blazing in his gaze.

"Leave," He ordered silkily, baring his fangs. The humans scrambled back in fear, and did as bid. All but one.

"Hey kid, you alright?"

Tony turned to Rhodes, fangs slowly receding and glow fading, and smiled.

"I'm fine. Merely battered. I will be well come morning." He said observing his attempted savior.

The young man was tall, towering over him at 6'6, curly dark hair cropped close to his skull and kind hazel eyes, his skin a smooth caramel color. He'd make a wonderful chevalier.

Tony smiled, pushing that thought away. "Thank you for helping me."

Rhodes smiled. "No problem. I'm James. James Rhodes."

The chiropteran held out his hand. "Tony Stark."

The human clasped his hand in his larger one and shook it firmly. Neither knowing this one hand shake would spawn a lifelong friendship.

1989**1989

When the Starks died, Tony was happiest person on earth, although he didn't let it show. He pretended to be the grieving son, allowing his 'godfather', Obadiah to run the company the human had left to him for almost a year before taking the reins.

The first thing he did was buy the Metropolitan Opera house, decorating it in the beautiful Victorian gothic style that Valerio had informed him that his mother had fallen in love with. The next thing he did was change his disguise. He was now a young man of 21 with a newly trimmed goatee and short messy black hair. Valerio had informed him that his mother was still sleeping and wouldn't awaken for another two years. He took the news in stride, visiting her resting place in secret every chance he could and taking care not to be caught by her chevaliers. Shortly after he took over Stark Industries, Pepper returned to his side under the guise of his personal assistant, force-feeding him her blood when she realized he was long overdue for his Sleep.

"Why do you do this, my Prince?" She asked softly, stroking his hair. He leaned into her touch, purring, his bicolored eyes half-lidded.

They were at his home in Malibu resting in his living room.

"My mother is going to awaken soon. In addition to this…Valerio seems to have fallen in love with Aunt Saya." Pepper froze, her heart stilling in her chest even as her Prince continued to speak, tears welling in his eyes.

"His love for her is far greater than his loyalty to me and I fear he will betray us soon. I fear it as deeply as I dare, for I do not wish to turn my blade on either of you. You are my children, my family." He shuddered, eyes darkening to a cobalt color.

"However, if her harms my mother in his pursuit of Saya I will end him."

Pepper nodded resignedly, her eyes full of sadness.

"Of course, My Prince. But trust in my brother. He may be interested in Saya but he will do no such thing. We are his family."

A soft chuckle left the elder being, his own eyes full of sadness and fear, so different from the impassive or insane gleam they normally took.

"I hope so, love. I truly hope so."

1992**1992

When Diva awakened from her sleep, she did not expect to find her little prince perched beside her, invisible to everyone but her. Her chevaliers stood side by side on either side of her bed, confusion marring their faces as she gave her son her softest smile

"My Rose." She sighed and he giggled soundlessly, curling around her. A hiss left him as Anshel leaned over to hand her a beautiful blue rose.

The Queen's eyes iced over, confusing them even more. "Leave. I wish to be alone."

Sharing concerned frowns, the six men did as she bid and left the room, leaving her alone with her incognito son. Tears filled both of their eyes and they hugged each other tightly, relieved to finally be reunited after centuries of waiting.

"It's been far too long, My Rose."

He nodded, sniffling and curled closer to her. "I missed you."

She sighed sadly and pulled away slightly.

"I know, love, I know. Unfortunately, we will have to be apart for a while yet. The war with my sister is still going and is planning something dangerous. I don't trust him. If he discovers you, he'll hurt you."

Tony stared at him, knowing better than to revel to her the torture he underwent in the hands of Howard Stark. Instead he lowered his head.

"Solomon has fallen for Aunt Saya." He confided softly. "I fear that he will betray us for her and that I will have to- I do not wish to kill him mother. He is my child."

Diva's eyes hardened and flashed with murderous intent. She was far less attached to her Chevaliers and would have no problem running one through should they betray her. However, she knew her son's soft heart would never allow him to do such a thing.

"Your chevalier has a warm heart, Rosario, and he cares for you deeply. He will not betray you." She paused and gently grabbed his face forcing him to meet her gaze. "And should he do so I will run him through myself. I will not force you to kill one of your own."

His lips twitched into a small smile, but his eyes remained sad and Diva found herself hoping fervently that her instincts and her son's were wrong.

TBC…