Chapter 25 – The Angel of Death
A/n: Hello! Only person in the world who loves Mondays here :) My headcanons are getting a lot of love right now so glad you all liked them :) Enjoy! OMG we broke 200 reviews, you guys are awesome
Ashtree1165: I'm glad you enjoyed it :) Hope you enjoy the rest just as much
Guest: That happens to me all the time too. I'm just going to sleep now… oo update! Well, they'll be shocked for sure
youwannabekate: Aww… your rambling PM's were so flattering :) You know I think it's the first time someone has actually referred to me by name on here /lol/. It just made the storylines work better and I couldn't resist, poor Steve he'll be subjected to a lot in these movies. You can ask and I may provide; I was considering it anyway. Headcanons are awesome /yup/
The Dark Lady55: And I can't wait to write it :D
Booklover2526: I'm glad you liked the start of IM! If they knew everything this sequence wouldn't be as fun for me so I could write their reactions. Besides with Toni it would be unrealistic anyway
paisley15: Congratulations you are the master of Spot the Headcanon. You got all of them :D Mind you I had that discussion with you about headcanons :) I'm thinking about it but it won't be until after the promised Clint/Toni conversation which I thought up a while back.
XxxBellaBellaxxX: If Obadiah was alive I wouldn't like to be him when the Avengers find out what he did. S'all I'm saying :D
LaNaturalBreezeOf-Books: There's a lot of Toni and Steve angst in this section :D Toni is strong but the point is many people still don't see her that way including to a lesser extent her teammates and this movie is out to prove them wrong.
3 Avengers: I probably won't expand on them purely because of the direction that the torture would be liable to take on and the fact that the heart surgery scene is a little awkward already because she's a woman.
Maeleana: As long as you tell me what you're putting in your own story and you credit me with the idea I don't really mind just don't take chunks because that's plagiarism.
Ganondorf-Lover: I'm glad you love it and I've watched the movies and insane amount of times writing this and they're still epic so I see no reason why you shouldn't watch them again :D Yay, always love comments that tell me I'm not OOC and compliment my Toni.
Harm Marie: I'm glad!
Guest: I always do :)
TheGiggleMonster: Yeah, if Phil ever came back for real that would be my reaction :D RDJ has said that he'd love to keep playing Tony Stark for as long as he can so it's likely that isn't a true rumour (or at least I hope) the more accurate ones are that Gwyneth as Pepper may not be in it. The Avengers doesn't work without Iron Man after all.
The room was still dead silent as JARVIS paused the movie to give the Avengers other than Toni time to digest the severity of the situation their friend had found herself in a while back. They knew that the situation could go in a number of ways following this event and they weren't particularly keen to find out which one of them had actually happened. This is why it was a great relief when JARVIS restarted the movie and for now it wasn't a continuation of the previous event.
The words 'Iron Man,' in block capitals were emblazoned on the screen before a narrator began to speak, "Toni Stark," the black faded away to show a gathering for an awards ceremony with the words, 'Las Vegas, 36 Hours Earlier,' displayed across the bottom of the screen as it was revealed the narrator was for a presentation on Toni.
"Yay," Toni said sarcastically, "more of the old me who I don't like anymore. Best day of my life. Why don't I keep alcohol in here? I could really do with some right now."
Bruce shot her a worried look; he knew how it felt to hate a part of yourself of course and it looked like Toni was suffering through the same thing. She regarded the person she had been in the past as someone separate from the her of today which was probably accurate in some ways but she had decided that person was someone she hated. That wasn't good for someone whom according to Natasha had once been considered for therapy and by her own admission had post-traumatic stress disorder.
"Visionary. Genius," the presentation continued, "American patriot."
"The three nicest terms I heard you described by back then," Natasha said with a laugh attempting to ease the tension in the room.
"Well," Toni admitted, "they're most of the good qualities I had before I became who I am today."
"Even from an early age," here in the presentation pictures of a young Toni began to be shown, "the daughter of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with her brilliant and unique mind. At age four she built her first circuit board. At age six her first engine."
"You were that young," Steve said incredulously.
"Technically my first circuit board was before that but the one I'm credited for is the one that my father found me finishing," Toni informed him, "that was the first time he admitted having a daughter might be an asset professionally."
"And at 17, she graduated summa cum laude from MIT," was the next statement.
"The drawing on the board, that's Dummy," Clint realised.
"Yeah he was one of my theses that year; I built JARVIS shortly after I got home. He's named after our old family butler who was the one person I trusted to always take my side if I was right. Well the only one who was ever around for any amount of time anyway," Toni told the group.
Steve suddenly realised that while he might not be pleased that some of the things in Toni's life had happened to her contrary to Amora's intentions it might give the team a better understanding of the woman in the iron suit. She hid everything away so thoroughly that it was hard for anyone to say that they truly knew her. Piper was probably the one exception to that rule but it was highly likely that some things were hidden even from him by the paranoid billionaire. If he could understand her maybe he wouldn't make another serious blunder and earn her contempt once more.
"Then, the passing of a titan," the voice said showing a newspaper article containing the details of Howard's death.
"Wait, Howard died in a car accident," Steve said ignoring the general taboo on the name within the Tower. It had never been officially imposed but didn't really need to be explicitly stated due to Toni's reaction whenever he was mentioned.
"Howard Stark's life-long friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder," the voice relayed, "until, at age 21, the prodigal daughter returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries."
In the background the man identified as Obadiah Stane was seen applauding Toni's image with a grim expression on his face.
"Lady Toni how is it that we have never met this man of such importance?" Thor inquired.
"You'll find out by watching this no doubt," Toni told him not wanting to give anything away that the footage didn't.
"With the keys to the kingdom, Toni Stark ushers in a new era for her father's legacy, creating smarter weapons," here diagrams and schematics of Stark Industries were displayed, "advanced robotics, satellite targeting. Today, Toni Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe."
"And then changed it all over again by eliminating all of her products from production permanently," Bruce acknowledged.
"Okay, it set them back a bit but people were abusing the privilege of having my innovations available and I had to put a stop to it," Toni said firmly, "I still make some advanced defence gear for the military on occasion so it's not like I'm not still helping my country."
"As liaison to Stark Industries," Rhodey said as the spotlight came up on him, "I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. She is my friend and she is my great mentor. Ladies and gentleman, it is my honour to present this year's Apogee Award to Miss Toni Stark."
"That award is really exclusive," Clint said shocked.
"It's just another piece of trash that doesn't really mean anything. I don't like getting the accolades unless I really feel like I've truly done something to deserve them," Toni scoffed, "and coming up with things my brain does naturally doesn't feel like I'm doing anything that impressive."
"The science experiment you were doing the last time I saw you before the Avengers Initiative began was impressive enough to merit an award I think," Phil brought up.
"That probably was yes," Toni admitted, "but I haven't told anyone about that."
The tables broke out into a whole host of applause but there was no sign of anyone moving forward to receive the award, "Toni?" Rhodey questioned.
When people through her looks asking why she hadn't been there she simply said, "piece of trash remember. I didn't want to deal with all the pomp and circumstance in that room. Besides I hate crowds."
"But you always organise balls and you mingle perfectly well there," Steve said puzzled.
"Most of those are for charities and are a necessary evil," Toni informed him, "and the ones that aren't were mostly for show. Image is everything in high profile business and the recluse thing doesn't work for someone who grew up in the spotlight."
Obadiah shook his head at Rhodey subtly indicating the empty seat next to him.
"That was cruel," Toni said with a scowl, "he could have got word to Rhodey that I wasn't there and he could have presented it in a manner that told everyone he knew I wasn't there. Although he really should have known that I wouldn't turn up because I never collect awards in person."
As Rhodey looked embarrassed to have been announced someone who wasn't present Obie rose from his seat and made his way up to the podium saying, "Thank you Colonel!"
"Thanks for the save," Rhodey muttered stepping away.
"Wouldn't have had to be saved if he hadn't gotten you into the situation in the first place," Clint said already disliking the man.
"This is beautiful," Obie said holding up the award, "Thank you. Thank you all very much. This is wonderful. Well, I'm not Toni Stark," this statement was met with amused chuckles, "But if I were Toni, I would tell you how honoured I feel and what a joy it is to receive such a prestigious award."
"Actually I was planning on ignoring the speech you wrote for me Obie and just winging it," Toni said to laughs around the room.
"Toni, you know…" he said about to make her excuses for her, "The best thing about Toni is also the worst thing. She's always working."
"Was that actually true back then?" Bruce asked knowing full well that she never stopped working nowadays.
"I had the same sleeping habits back then aka I didn't sleep until I dropped so yes I did work a lot but at that particular moment in time. I wasn't working that was just his excuse," Toni answered.
Back in the casino Toni dressed in a rather short black and white striped dress and sunglasses rolled two dice down a casino table shouting, "work it!" as the people around her cheered when the numbers came out right.
"You were gambling?!" Steve said disapprovingly.
"It was Vegas and I was bored," Toni said shrugging off his disapproval, "and you're breaking your promise not to judge me on actions prior to a point I designate. Besides there's nothing wrong with gambling especially considering that I could never spend all my money in two lifetimes."
Toni was equal opportunity flirting with both men and women around the table when Rhodey came up to her sighing, "You are unbelievable."
"Oh, no!" Toni said guiltily, "Did they rope you into this?"
"You would have turned up if you knew Rhodey was going to present you with it," Phil speculated confidently.
"Yes," Toni confirmed, "I'd still have ultimately done the same thing with the award in the end but I'd have gone to accept it in person."
"Nobody roped me into anything!" Rhodey informed her as she apologised, "but they told me if I presented you with an award, you'd be deeply honoured."
"Of course I'd be deeply honoured," Toni recovered, "And it's you, that's great. So when do we do it?"
"It's right here," Rhodey said handing her the Apogee Award, "here you go!"
"And if everyone just did that it would eliminate the need for lengthy awards ceremonies," Natasha said, "maybe not for something as high profile as the Oscars or the Nobel Peace Prize but for things like that."
"Both of those events are severely boring to be at trust me. I regularly get invitations to both. They prolong the announcement of the winners for far too long," Toni scoffed.
"There it is," Toni rambled, "that was easy! I'm so sorry."
"Yeah, it's okay," Rhodey said brushing off the apology.
"Wow! Would you look at that?" she deadpanned handing the trophy to the woman standing next to her, "That's something else. I don't have any of those floating around."
She promptly grew bored with this charade and pushed some of her chips forward before shouting gleefully, "We're gonna let it ride!"
"And Toni's lost interest in you now Rhodey," Clint told the movie picture of Toni's friend earning weird looks from the others as he didn't seem to realise he was talking an image of a person.
Toni picked up the dice and held them out to the woman next to her, "Give me a hand, will you? Give me a little something-something." The woman neatly blew on her dice and Toni moved them back to Rhodey saying, "okay, you too."
"I'm not going to blow on your dice Toni," Rhodey said still mad at her for embarrassing him and when Toni insisted he simply pushed her hand away causing her to let go of the dice crying out, "There it is. Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls! And…"
"Two craps. Line away," the dealer said as the dice came up snake's eyes.
"I'm guessing you're never using Rhodey as a good luck charm," Natasha speculated.
"For gambling?!" Toni scoffed, "no way. Unluckiest guy I know who isn't in this room."
This promptly stopped the retorts from the men in the room that they were definitely more unlucky that the Lieutenant Colonel after all that had happened to them in their lifespans however long or short those truly were.
"That's what happens," Rhodey said smugly.
"Worse things have happened," Toni said with a shrug, "I think we're going to be fine. Colour me up, will you?"
The pair was next seen walking through the halls of the casino followed by a security detail as Rhodey shook hands with Toni informing her, "this is where I exit."
"All right," Toni acknowledged.
"Tomorrow, don't be late," Rhodey emphasised.
"Yeah, you can count on it," Toni said in a monotone.
"I'm serious!" Rhodey warned one final time before his departure.
"You're going to be late!" the room chorused and Toni smiled. At least that hadn't changed from her old self to her new self. She loved to be contrary and it seemed to part of her personality for even when she didn't intend to be circumstances made her actions seem that way.
"I know, I know," Toni said not bothered at all before handing her Apogee award over to a tourist dressed as Caesar getting his picture taken, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. There you go."
"Of course you can quote sections of the Bible," Steve said wondering why he was surprised at the revelation. It was probably because Toni wasn't a part of the Christian faith but the genius read anything she could get her hands on unless she could predict it wouldn't be factually accurate. So the Bible would probably have been one of her earliest books,
As she was being escorted to her car a young woman in a business suit came running up shouting, "Miss Stark! Excuse me, Miss Stark!" when she was stopped by the guards she merely kept talking, "Christine Everhart, Vanity Fair magazine. Can I ask you a couple of questions?"
"That's that reporter," Phil said recognising her as the person who had prompted Toni into abandoning her alibi and openly admitting to being a superhero. He was still mildly annoyed at her considering the fact that it had been her who had ruined his plan.
"She's cute," Happy told Toni so she decided to turn and talk to the woman, "Hi!"
"You only talk to reporters if they're cute!" Steve exclaimed.
"Used to, Steve, used to! You've stopped being objective again; it's becoming a problem. And yes I did because reporters annoyed me so much that that was the only consolation for having to speak with them," Toni explained sharply.
"Hi," Christine replied.
"Yeah," Toni said.
"It's okay?" Christine questioned to be absolutely sure.
"Okay, go," Toni allowed.
"You've been called the Da Vinci of our time," Christine began, "What do you say to that?"
"Backhanded compliment so Toni's going to say something ridiculous," Natasha predicted.
"Absolutely ridiculous. I don't paint," Toni quipped.
"And what do you say to your other nickname?" she continued spitefully, "'The Angel of Death'?"
"That's not bad," Toni told her.
"Wait, you thought that was a good thing!" Phil said confused.
"Look in legend avenging angels or Angels of Death are often portrayed as people who bring justice to those who have committed atrocities. That was my ultimate goal, to bring to justice the people in wars around the planet who were hurting American soldiers. They're also seen as guides; figures that light the way to the underworld and my inventions were seen as guiding people to peace. Yes, there are bad Angels of Death but they're more commonly referred to as Demons in any religion as the word Angel is inherently good without the word Fallen in front of it. Therefore I chose to take it as a compliment," Toni explained.
A stunned silence came over the room as the movie restarted. They hadn't even thought to look at the nickname in that way merely connecting the word 'death,' to its usual negative connotations.
"Let me guess. Berkeley?" Toni said changing tack.
"Brown, actually," Christine said not phased.
"Well, Ms Brown," Toni began, "it's an imperfect world, but it's the only one we've got. I guarantee you the day that weapons are no longer needed to keep the peace, I'll start making bricks and beams for baby hospitals."
"Now you're just provoking her," Clint laughed.
"How did you know that?" Bruce said. He had also spotted the signs but had only expected Natasha and Phil to be the others who did. When did she get to know Clint so well?
"For a start Toni did a lot of funding for innovations for the healthcare service even back then especially for children," Clint replied, "that's common knowledge if you're in the right circles which Miss Everhart won't have been. And in tapes of Howard Stark he says the exact same thing. She's parroting him."
"Rehearse that much?" Christine asked.
"Every night in front of the mirror before bedtime," Toni lied.
"I can see that," Christine admitted as Toni turned back to her usual habit of flirting, "I'd like to show you first hand."
"All I want is a serious answer," Christine said not willing to give in to Toni's charm.
"And now we get Toni giving Miss Everhart the bare facts of the situation," Bruce predicted.
"Okay, here's serious. My old man had a philosophy, 'Peace means having a bigger stick than the other guy,'" Toni explained.
Steve was taken aback by this because here was Toni talking openly of Howard to someone she had just met and that statement painted him in a rather alarming light. He knew his friend had changed from previous comments made about him; but how much exactly?
"That's a great line coming from the girl selling the sticks," Christine said bitterly.
"She just said it wasn't her line," Natasha sighed exasperatedly.
"My father helped defeat the Nazis," Toni said in a monotone with the only hint of emotion in it being of distaste at having to say this, "He worked on the Manhattan project. A lot of people, including your professors at Brown, would call that being a hero."
"I purposefully never said I did and she really should have picked up on that when I ignored her insult of him except for another of my normal retorts," Toni pointed out.
"And a lot of people would also call that war profiteering," Christine jibed as this was clearly her opinion on the subject.
"Tell me," Toni began quickly removing her sunglasses, "do you plan to report on the millions we've saved by advancing medical technology or kept from starvation with our intelli-crops? All those breakthroughs, military funding, honey."
"Or funding by you alternatively," Clint interjected.
"Well, for that sort of thing I used the money I got from distributing the weaponry and I could still live off only the money I earned from that venture today and still be high up on the Fortune 500 list but I tend to funnel it into projects that do some good at home," Toni told him, "so it's still technically funded by a form of military in a way."
"You ever lose an hour of sleep your whole life?" Christine asked.
"Yes, frequently," Toni deadpanned, "that is when it's actually possible for me to get any sleep at all to be kept from it by things that I've seen."
"I'd be prepared to lose a few with you," Toni said returning to flirting.
The scene promptly flashed to the pair making out intensely on a bed in one of Toni's many suites which was so heated that the pair ended up rolling off the bed and onto the floor.
Clint wolf-whistled at the scene but the others were frankly too shocked by the image to reprimand him. To be honest knowing Toni swung both ways and seeing it in action just proved to be two completely different things.
A/n: I did say no more genderbent characters and I'm keeping my word. Toni's dress can be viewed via a link on my profile