Chapter 64 – Not Me Again
A/n – I'm pretty sure none of you were expecting to ever see an update for this story again. I'm sorry it took so long for a new chapter… if you want the whole depressing story of why feel free to PM me and I promise to tell you. Review responses will be posted at the end because of the amount of them.
Toni stood smirking in the corner of the elevator amused by the fact that her fellow Avengers still seemed to be speechless because of her fighting abilities. She didn't think they'd ever underestimate her again and maybe now Steve would finally let her get more involved in the hand to hand combat side of missions. "Okay get out," she said as they arrived at the top, "we're moving on to the next movie and hoping it's not about me again."
She made sure that Thor and Steve sat in the chairs that they'd already begun to ruin to make sure that she wouldn't lose too much of her good furniture and then collapsed onto the sofa. Only to be joined by Clint instead of Bruce who went to sit with the other two super spies. She supposed it wasn't too bad. After all she was sure her little breakdown was long forgotten by now.
Of course that wasn't the case and Clint was still determined to get her to talk about her breakdown one way or another but he was happy to pretend that it had never happened if it meant he wouldn't get ditched again.
"JARVIS please start up the next movie," Steve told him.
"Certainly Mr Rogers," JARVIS said and the TV screen turned itself on.
"I've got a really bad feeling about this," Natasha muttered. As much as Toni might hope there wouldn't be another film about her it seemed likely that what happened with Ivan Vanko and the palladium poisoning would come up. And it seemed like it would be logical for it to come after the other one about Toni.
A black screen was shown with the dialogue from the press conference from the end of the previous movie playing over it.
"I'm starting to wonder if every single one of these movies about me," Toni sulked, "and before you say anything I know that chronologically that's impossible if this one comes right off the back of the last one because there's not enough time but still. I'm starting to think Amora's obsession is with torturing me rather than trying to break up the team."
"We can stop watching if you really want," Clint said quickly not allowing anyone else to protest. The memory of Toni crying onto his shoulder was far too clear for that. Also the entirety of this just felt really unfair as a lot of it had been centred on Toni even the movie that had included all of them had featured her heavily.
"It's fine," Toni sighed, "it'll only leave you wondering about what this one was about if we stop now. Besides I'm almost certain what this one is about and there isn't anything quite as traumatic as the torture in Afghanistan in here."
Somehow this really didn't reassure any of the others. After all there weren't many things in general that could top being tortured in Afghanistan by terrorists. This left practically every other traumatic experience in the world open for Toni to experience in this movie. Natasha especially was not in a good mood after having her suspicions confirmed. She expected that towards the end of the movie some people (probably mainly Bruce) would be extremely mad at her for what she did.
As the audio from the press conference continued to play the darkness to a view of Moscow covered in snow. A train came hurtling past as the view changed to that of a narrow alleyway. The view then switched to a television showing a rerun of the press conference as Toni said, "I'm just not the hero type." Mumbling in Russian could be heard in the background.
"I'm curious as to why somebody in Russia is listening in on the press conference, especially if they're so poor they have to live in that area of Moscow," Bruce said, "although I suspect I'll find out soon."
With a nod of confirmation from Toni he turned back to the screen.
As Toni got closer to making her big announcement an old man lying on a bed was shown watching the broadcast intently. As Toni announced her identity as Iron Man the old man finally spoke, "Ivan…"
Most of the team noticed Toni flinch slightly at the name although only Natasha and Phil knew why. But it wasn't hard to deduce that whoever this was would cause a lot of trouble during the rest of the movie.
A figure was seen standing at the front door as the old man called out, "Ivan," again. It was only when he called out the name, "Vanya," that the man turned around showing his face.
"I already don't like this guy," Clint muttered getting an eye roll from Toni who had heard him. Although she supposed that an educated guess was a possibility considering how the last chapter of her life had gone it was kind of ridiculous that he pegged Ivan as evil from his appearance and surroundings.
Ivan walked over to sit on his father's bed making sure that he was comfortable as the man said, "That should be you."
"Don't listen to that crap," Ivan told him reassuringly.
"I feel like I should be offended on your behalf," Phil said with a slight smile, "it wasn't as scripted but all in all that was actually a fairly impressive speech."
"I'm at my best when I'm winging it," Toni said with a smile, "and shit like that never bothers me anyway. To be fair sometimes what comes out of my mouth can be a load of crap."
"Mostly when you're trying to get yourself out of trouble," Natasha said with a smirk, "and surprisingly it still works."
"I'm sorry," his father muttered, "All I can give you is my knowledge." Ivan's eyes were swelling up with tears as he held onto his father's face as he coughed.
Toni honestly felt a little sorry for Ivan Vanko watching this. Sure, he had been a complete and utter creep who tried to kill her but unlike Obadiah he had at least had his reasons. In a way he really had been screwed over by her father even if for once Howard's reasons for getting rid of Anton Vanko had been justified. But considering how everything had turned out she couldn't bring herself to feel much pity for him. If he'd come to her in person after her father died and told her his story she would have tried to do something for them but he didn't and the rest was history. History she was just about to be forced to relive.
The next shot of Anton Vanko's face showed his eyes shut and his head no longer moving as he had finally passed away. Ivan gently laid his father down on his pillow before sitting up and taking a swig from a bottle of alcohol before looking up and screaming at the sky.
"I fear this is not going to end well," Thor said with a frown as everyone else who didn't know the full story nodded in agreement.
Ivan pulled some blueprints out of a folder and pinned them to the wall stopping to look at the Stark Industries logo at the bottom. Then he scanned across to the title which read Arc Reactor and the names of its designers Anton Vanko and Howard Stark.
"I thought you said that you created the arc reactor," Steve said with a frown.
"I did mention this at the time but I modified those original plans and made a better version," Toni pointed out, "dad started the project sure but the things I've done with it couldn't be extracted from those blueprints easily."
Next Ivan was shown working with a soldering gun as a shot of the walls shows that there was article after article hung there about Toni Stark. Including some from so far back that she was obviously a teenager in the pictures although most of them were about the Iron Man reveal.
"Why are all the creepy ones obsessed with you Toni?" Bruce sighed.
"I attract the crazies," Toni said with a smirk, "I guess that's why all of you are here."
She got a good natured slap on the arm from Clint for that comment but it was fairly clear that everyone agreed with her. Thor couldn't even manage to look offended he just burst out laughing.
Ivan continued working on a series of different tasks while yet more newspapers were shown. Including a prominent shot of Time Magazine proclaiming Iron Man person of the year.
"No wonder Fury bought that bogus report," Natasha sighed, "not even Time Magazine seems to realise that Iron Man and Toni Stark are the same person."
In a break between working Ivan was shown offering his pet cockatoo a drink before returning to his desk as articles about Iron Man stabilising the East/West relations were shown. A close up of a ring having a liquid on it was shown, then a tank pumping a blue liquid before the lights shorted out and an arc reactor like device in a setting was shown while Ivan laughed. Then a title reading Iron Man 2 came up on the screen.
"Well that's a creative title," Toni quipped as everyone else stared in shock.
"I honestly didn't think anyone else could make one of those," Clint said getting over his speechlessness first.
"Well he had the added bonus of not having to make it work with biological processes considering that his doesn't have to go inside his chest," Toni scoffed, "most smart people I know could make an imitation without that aspect if they have the proper training."
"I was going to say something about the scientist in the last film," Steve said, "but I'm guessing your opinion of what comes under the purview of smart is slightly different than most peoples."
"There's actually a couple of SHIELD scientists I'd be interested in poaching who might be capable of the full thing," Toni admitted, "remind me to call them when we've finished up here JARVIS. You know the pair I mean."
"Certainly ma'am," JARVIS replied.
The screen cleared as a man's voice could be heard over a radio, "270 at 30 knots. Holding steady at 15,000 feet. You are clear for exfiltration over the drop zone." AC/DC's Shoot to Thrill began to play as the words 'Six Months Later,' appeared on screen.
There were a few chuckles around the room remembering Natasha's comment at the beginning of the last movie about knowing you were about to watch Toni's life simply from the music.
Iron Man was standing inside a plane as the rear opened up to reveal the city below. Toni ran forward and leapt from the plane freefalling towards some fireworks below her. Launching into an impressive spin she weaved in and out of the fireworks (some going off directly behind her) using the repulsors. She sailed straight down past a Ferris wheel before landing on a stage with women dancing in the background and raising her hands in the air.
"Of course the dramatic entrance is just the start of a party," Bruce laughed.
"All parties should begin with my dramatic entrance," Toni quipped, "it's in a rulebook somewhere. Well, all good parties anyway."
The audience cheered loudly as yet more fireworks went off behind her and the scantily clad Iron Man cosplayers started a Can-Can line. A panned out shot showed an entire stadium and other buildings with a sign that read, 'Stark Expo – Flushing, New York.'
Steve smiled a little nostalgically remembering the Stark Expo he had gone to with Bucky pre super soldier serum. Even if the main attraction that time had been a car instead of a suit and you know it hadn't actually worked for very long.
The panel Toni was standing on began to rotate and transform into a device to remove the suit taking the mask off first to reveal Toni's smiling face.
"How does your hair even look that nice?" Natasha grumbled, "You've been squashing that fancy up do under a helmet."
"I may have invented a really effective form of hairspray for the purposes of public appearances," Toni admitted, "It's actually one of our better selling products these days. It works wonders when you're attending events all day and have no time to fix your hairdo."
The rest of the suit came off revealing that for once Toni was wearing a dress underneath it. A rather short strapless scarlet and gold number lit up slightly blue by the glow of the arc reactor beneath it. She took a bow and began to wave and point at the still cheering crowd while the dancers finished their routine behind her.
"I've got to admit," Phil sighed, "if everyone opened events like that I might not be so bored at every official function I have to attend."
"Yep," Toni said with a smirk, "if there's one thing I know how to do it is have fun."
"Oh, it's good to be back," Toni exclaimed launching into her speech to great applause, "You missed me? I missed you too. Blow something up? I already did that. I'm not saying that the world is enjoying its longest period of uninterrupted peace in years because of me. I'm not saying that from the ashes of captivity, never has a greater phoenix metaphor been personified in human history. I'm not saying that Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven't come across anyone who is man enough to go toe to toe with me on my best day."
"There's another thing that you know how to do," Clint said, "give a goddamn speech. I bet SHIELD's numbers would have skyrocketed if you'd endorsed them like that."
"I love you Toni," a woman shouted loudly from the crowd.
"Please, it's not about me," Toni said dismissively, "It's not about you. It's not even about us, it's about legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations. And that's why for the next year and for the first time since 1974, the best and brightest men and women of nations and corporations the world over will pool their resources, share their collective vision, to leave behind a brighter future," a great many cheers came after that line, "it's not about us."
"That's really amazing Toni," Steve said nervously hoping he didn't sound condescending. He'd been wrong so many times while watching the previous movie and he was hoping to be more open minded this time and despite the brash nature of the speech it really was rather inspirational. He was thankful to get one of Toni's genuine bashful smiles in response. They so rarely happened and he actually thought this was the first time he'd ever gotten one entirely directed at him and not the team as a whole.
"Therefore," Toni continued, "what I'm saying, if I'm saying anything, is welcome back to the Stark Expo!"
Cheers erupted as people jumped up and down and waved special concert lights designed like repulsors and arc reactors in the air.
"And now," Toni said seriously, "making a special guest appearance from the great beyond to tell you what it's all about please welcome my father, Howard."
Steve couldn't help gasping a little when he heard that although in reflection maybe it wasn't that surprising. Sure, Toni never mentioned Howard unless she absolutely had to but this was an appropriate venue to do so. And she'd made it clear on several occasions that in most cases she appreciated her father's work even if she didn't like the man who had done it. Besides it was fitting in a way since Howard had been the one who created the idea of the Stark Expo.
Toni walked off stage as the screen behind her started playing the video of Howard talking, "Everything is achievable through technology. Better living, robust health and for the first time in human history, the possibility of world peace. So, from all of us here at Stark Industries, I would like to personally introduce you to the City of the Future," here he pointed at the model behind him as the camera panned over it.
Natasha snuck a look at Steve to see how he was reacting to seeing Howard again even if it was in a video within a video. He looked slightly tense which was probably from it being so unexpected but he didn't look to be totally drawn in by Howard's 'I'm on camera so I'm the nicest man in the world right now,' act anymore either. Maybe some sense had finally been beaten into him by just how many times he had been wrong.
The shot changed to show Toni standing backstage as Howard continued, "Technology contains infinite possibilities for mankind and will one day rid society of all its ills," she was holding a gadget and pressed her thumb to it and the screen changed to read 'Blood Toxicity: 19%.
Most of the room who didn't already know about the palladium poisoning dismissed this out of hand. Especially since it didn't appear on screen for very long. But not Bruce who almost had to double check that Thor hadn't just hit him with a lightning bolt. He had known something was bothering him about the arc reactor but couldn't place it. But it was the palladium that was the issue. It was highly toxic and had obviously started affecting Toni by this point. One glance at his friend told him that she knew what he had realised but her eyes pleaded with him not to cause a scene right now so he refrained from crying out. Although he was sure his skin was tinged at least slightly green at that moment.
"Soon, technology will affect the way you live your life every day," the video continued as Toni looked up with a blank expression, "no more tedious work, leaving more time for leisure activities and enjoying the sweet life. The Stark Expo. Welcome." Here the video turned off and the crowd started cheering again as the Expo logo appeared on screen.
After a fanfare the scene switched to a reported standing amongst the crowd, "we are coming to you live from the kick-off of the Stark Expo where Toni Stark has just walked offstage. Don't worry if you can't make it down here tonight because this Expo goes on all year long. And I'm gonna be here checking out all the attractions and the pavilions and the inventions from all around the world. Make sure you join me…"
"It's basically the technology Olympics," Clint laughed.
The scene changed to Happy leading Toni to the door saying, "All right, it's a zoo out there, watch out. Open up let's go…" The doors opened to show a small collection of men and women standing outside who Toni greeted with a, "hey! Nice to see you. Alright. Thank you. I remember you." They continued along the path through the crowd with Happy clearing the way and Toni stopping to sign some Iron Man pictures for some kids who were there. Eventually they reached the exit with a, "come on, Toni. There we go," from Happy.
"You have many dedicated followers Lady Toni," Thor said with a smile.
"What did I tell you about calling me Lady?" Toni said trying to fake being cross but the smirk totally ruined it. Which of course meant she probably wasn't really trying all that hard to hide it.
"That wasn't so bad," Happy commented.
"No, it was perfect," Toni quipped.
"Look what we've got here, the new model," Happy said as he unlocked the car which happened to have a beautiful woman in purple leaning up against it.
"You know I am starting to see why people want your life even though it sucks," Clint joked. Toni didn't snipe at him for it purely because he tacked that end bit on. Honestly, she wondered how well any of the people who wanted to swap places with her would actually do in her place. It's why aside from a few moments when she was younger she never really wished to be anything other than what she was. She didn't want anyone else to have to live her life.
"I did not know that they threw in attractive women to go with the car," Toni said sarcastically, "I thought that they were only there for the ads."
"Well, I am not going to complain if it becomes company policy," Happy said jovially as Toni greeted the woman with a pleasant, "Hi!" and received one in return.
"No seriously, like I know you don't like Everhart but still that's two attractive women by your car near the beginning in two separate chapters of your life," Clint said with a fake frown.
"And you are?" Toni asked.
"Marshal," she told her.
"Irish," Toni said with a smile, "I like it."
"You literally cannot turn off the flirting can you," Natasha laughed, "since you were just told she was a Marshal you knew exactly why she was there and yet you're still continuing with the flirting."
"It's a cross I have to bear," Toni laughed.
"Pleased to meet you Toni," she said shaking Toni's hand.
"I'm on the wheel. Do you mind?" Toni asked Happy who promptly walked around to the passenger side, "where are you from?"
"Bedford," the Marshal told her.
"What are you doing here?" Toni asked.
"Looking for you," she clarified.
"And she automatically flirts back," Natasha sighed, "I mean I know that genuinely is why she was there but she did not need to make it sound that flirty. Is she even interested in women?"
"Don't know," Toni said with shrug, "I never got around to asking."
"Yeah," Toni said getting into the car, "you found me. What are you up to later?"
"Serving subpoenas," she said bluntly holding out the piece of paper in her hands.
"So this is where they start trying to take the suit," Bruce realised.
"Yikes!" Toni said as Happy reached over and took it knowing that Toni wouldn't with a long suffering sigh, "she doesn't like to be handed things."
"Yeah, I have a peeve," Toni said with a shrug.
"I got it," Happy told the Marshal.
"It's official, I like Happy the best of all your friends," Phil said quickly tacking on, "except for Natasha," when he saw her getting ready for a death glare.
"You are hereby ordered to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee tomorrow morning at 9am," she explained.
"Can I see a badge?" Toni asked.
"You wanna see the badge?" the Marshal queried.
"She likes the badge," Happy pitched in.
The Marshal promptly produced it and quipped, "You still like it?"
"I kind of like her too," Phil mused, "she's being straight forward and playing along without making a giant fuss."
"Yeah, she was nice," Toni said, "wouldn't mind if she came around every time the assholes on that Senate felt like having another go at taking my property."
"Yep," Toni said starting up the engine as the Marshal backed away with a smile, "how far are we from D.C?"
"D.C? 250 miles," Happy told her as they pulled away.
"Wait, stop," Clint said, "I have the distinct feeling that Toni's about to make a fool of these people and if so I demand to have popcorn so I can enjoy it to the fullest."
"I knew there was a reason I liked you," Toni said getting up to go to the kitchen.
sierrasteinbrecher – I'm so glad you thought that scene worked as it is so hard to feel respectful in situations involving such serious content. And yes Toni was embarrassed but her masks are all up at this point after her earlier breakdown.
TheNinjaFromYesterday – My love for the Phase 2 films and the TV shows makes me really want to include some of those storylines in the sequel. I don't know how it will work yet but it is the plan. And I have plans for the Shakespeare line.
Arlewena – Some of that is kind of the point. Toni's suicidal tendencies only being the most prominent is something I'm looking forward to pointing out in story.
HetaPastaH3ro – I appreciate your comments on why some issues with Toni bother you. In fact rereading it myself some of the pre-Afghanistan stuff not being as bad as the original is something I would change. And I intend to have some stories in at some point from characters who knew Toni before that clarify some of her less attractive traits still existed.
Ninjaeris13 – In a way I agree with you about their judging of Rhodey and Piper but in my story I feel it's realistic for them to judge them more harshly when they don't have any idea of the backstory that they have with Toni. I'm hoping to do something with this later on.
Effugere – I guess I am now guilty of being one of those people and I am sorry but here's another chapter. Oh that video is going to be one of my favourite parts. So much drama and story importance, it's going to be great.
Thanks also to all my other commenters whose comments certainly made me feel better about myself whenever I felt like giving up writing altogether. In other news there is now a tumblr for this fic (link on my profile) so you can nag me into not taking so long again and ask questions.