IRON MAN #5

By:Nathan Banks

From the shooting at the restaurant where Rhodey took a bullet for Tony, to The Dreadnoughts attacking Stark Industries facilities in Los Angeles thanks to the Mandarin, Tony felt like The Mandarin was testing him, to see how far he could tick. At the same time though, Tony wouldn't let one of his enemies get to him because it would take a lot to make Tony tick. Arriving at Stark Towers, Tony landed on the platform as he raised his arms and walked at the same time, with his armor coming off of him piece by piece. When it was completely gone, Tony walked inside as he went to his bedroom to change into some normal clothes ; a red shirt, jeans, and black shoes. Coming out of the bedroom and down the hallway, before he heard the sound of the TV in the main living room. It must of been Pepper who was waiting for Tony after he left the press conference to deal with the threat at Stark Industries. With Tony walking in, he saw Pepper on the couch, watching the news about the incident at Stark Industries.

Tony: Pepper?

Pepper turned her head seeing Tony as she sighed in relief before getting up and running into his arms, before she buried her face in his neck.

Pepper: Tony, thank god you made it out of there alive. I just saw the news and what those things did...are you alright?

Tony: I'm fine Pepper, I mean I have no broken bones right?

Pepper: Yeah, but you could of gotten hurt. Those Dreadnoughts wouldn't stop attack you or the

facility.

Tony: I know. The facility is in bad shape and were going to have to do some serious rebuilding to the warehouses but everyone was safe before I left.

Pepper: Good.

Pepper looks up at Tony before she brushed her lips onto his before she smiled.

Pepper: I'm just glad that you're alive and safe Tony.

Tony: Well it's not over unfortunately, but how did the press conference go? Was there any problems?

Pepper: No there wasn't, even though some reporters went too far in asking about if you and me shouldn't be together due to our relationship, and so forth.

Tony: Sounds like the media and reporters to me *Chuckles*. But in all seriousness, I need to prepare if The Mandarin attacks again.

Voice: Greetings to everyone and to all that are watching around the world...including you Tony Stark.

The two of them knew that voice as they look at the TV, seeing The Mandarin dressed in his normal attire. Tony narrowed his eyes and glared

Tony : Great, what does he want now?

The Mandarin: For those of you that know me or do not know me...I am The Mandarin, the enemy of one Iron Man, Tony Stark, your charming billionaire playboy. I have come to you with a...lets say proposal to all of those who despise Iron Man, who hate his guts, who want him gone from the existence of this world we live in today. I will offer anyone a billion dollars if you take out Tony Stark and deliver him to me...personally.

Pepper: What? A bounty? Has he lost his mind?

The Mandarin: Let the games begin my friends and like I said before...anyone who succeeds will be awarded one billion dollars for successfully taking down Iron Man and before I exit, may I send a message to Mister Stark?

Tony crosses his arms and looks at The Mandarin on the television screen, not keeping his eyes off of him.

The Mandarin: Have fun my dear adversary

The Mandarin smirks before the screen goes black and returns to normal programming.

Tony: Well that will up the ante for sure.

Pepper: I can't believe The Mandarin is doing this to you Tony. When is he going to stop all of this?

Tony: He won't until he has me Pepper, I need to watch my back, including yours.

J.A.R.V.I.S. : I am sorry to interrupt sir but I have something that I think you will see.

Tony: What is it Jarvis?

A holographic appears showing Whiplash in front of the entrance at Stark Towers dressed in combat, crossing his arms and waiting for Tony Stark.

Pepper: Is that...

Tony: Whiplash, he's probably here for the bounty. Guess I should go down there and give him his gift.

Pepper: If he's going then I am coming too Tony.

Tony: As Rescue? No and not even as yourself, he wants me and only me for this bounty. Stay here, if Whiplash even tries to come in here activate the security systems.

Pepper: Okay...just be careful out there Tony.

Tony: I'll be careful sweetheart, I promise you that.

Kissing Pepper softly on her lips, Tony walked away from Pepper and went to change. Once he suited up in his Mark IV armor before entering the elevator. As the elevator went down, all

Tony could think of is what other villains, what other old enemies could come out of the woodwork to attack him, taking Tony off guard for a bounty like this. All Tony knew was that

he had to watch his back wherever he goes, as the elevator stops at the first floor. With the

doors opening, Tony walked out onto the floor and outside before seeing Whiplash on the steps outside in his full gear. Everyone else stopped and looked at Iron Man and Whiplash

while others got out of the way so they wouldn't get hurt.

Whiplash: Tony...it's been awhile...come...embrace me my friend.

Tony: Embrace you Whiplash? I think that is a recipe for disaster...my friend. I'm just not surprise you're one of the people going for the bounty.

Whiplash: Well what can I say? It's all about the money and you of all people should know that, you are a billionaire. But enough talking, I have the prize right in front me.

Tony: Don't jinx it Whiplash.

Whiplash turns on different parts in his suit of armor, including his energy whips built into his wrist. Iron Man's repulsor rays on his hands were starting to warm up as Whiplash smirked.

Whiplash: Prepare to die!

Tony: Just shut up and fight!

Throwing his energy whips at Iron Man, it catches him as Whiplash tries to pull him immediately but then Tony quickly flies right at him before going up along with the energy whips including Whiplash

TBC In Part 6