IRON MAN #7
THE PHOENIX RISES FROM THE ASHES PART 7
By: Nathan Banks
For months, The Mandarin has been playing games with Tony, such as trying to kill Rhodey, attacking and destroying Stark Industries and even putting a bounty of Stark's head which has failed miserably for any one who decides to take Iron Man out. Now it was time for Tony to take advantage and end this once and for all as he flew out from Stark Towers to the Mandarin's Palace, but he wasn't coming alone. In fact, it was him and The Iron Legion because Tony knew The Mandarin would expect him to be at his palace, but as always The Mandarin would try to stall Iron Man with obstacles. After a few hours, Iron Man arrives at the palace and as expected, they weren't alone as Clay Warriors and Shaolin Monks surrounded the palace of The Mandarin, ready to attack Tony and the suits he brought with them.
Tony: Well...nothing more than someone that you at least expected to see in the first place.
As Tony looked up at the other Iron Man suits before he spoke.
Tony: Take them all out, that's the only way we can get inside the place and to The Mandarin.
Without hesitating, each suit of The Iron Legion started to go after the Clay Warriors and Shaolin Monks using the various weapons that Tony put in each of them, such as repulsor beams, missiles, and everything else but it wasn't like Tony was going to stand there then do nothing. He went right after the first Clay Warrior and Shalolin Monks he saw, as Tony focused on using his range attacks on the Clay Warrior and Shaolin Monks. Just as he was about to defeat them, out of nowhere, something wrong hits Tony from behind as he falls down and groans a bit.
Tony: What the hell was that?
J.A.R.V.I.S : I believe that was an Ultimo Mark I sir.
Tony: An Ultimo Mark I?
Tony got up quickly and turned around, seeing an Ultimo Mark II, just like Jarvis said standing far away from where Tony is.
Tony: Looks like Ultimo is under control or Ultimo is doing The Mandarin's dirty work, but whatever it's all the same if you ask me.
Ultimo Mark started to use his beam attack at Iron Man as Tony dogged it before using his power repulsors on his feet as Tony started to hit him hard when he could. At the same time though, Ultimo Mark II came back with more of his beam attack and even though Tony tried to dodge it, no matter now many times he did, Ultimo Mark kept on attacking him with it.
Tony: Jarvis, activate the Deflection Shield but the reflection shield at the same time, when he hit's the beam I want it come right back at him.
J.A.R.V.I.S: Yes sir
Once the reflection and deflection shields were activated, Ultimo Mark started to use his beam attack on Tony.
Tony: Reflection shield!
He commands as it came on when the beam hit, it reflection as it came back to hit Ultimo Mark, sending it back a few steps.
Tony: My turn.
Iron Man used more of his ground attacks at Ultimo Mark but no matter what Tony threw at Uitimo Mark, the thing just kept continuing to attack, but then Tony thought of something.
Tony: Jarvis, does the Ultimo Mark have a some kind of master switch in him? If so, then locate it for me and do it quick Jarvis.
J.A.R.V.I.S. : Yes sir
Taking only a couple of seconds, Jarvis showed Tony a visual of what the master switch looked like while he continued using the ground attacks at Ultimo Mark.
Tony: There it is, Jarvis activate Operation Arrow please.
Suddenly a large light saber bow and arrow extended from his right arm as Tony uses it the way Hawkeye would before he points at the Master Switch that's in Ultimo Mark.
Tony: And away we go.
Once he let go, the arrow struck Ultimo Mark in the portal on Ultimo's chest, deactivating it as Ultimo stopped attacking and collapsed on the ground.
Tony: Is he moving Jarvis?
J.A.R. . : No sir.
Tony: Good
He looks back, seeing The Iron Legion defeat the Clay Warriors and Shaolin Monks. Once they were gone, Tony looked at the entrance way of The Mandarin's, seeing that it's clear as Tony gives the signal to The Iron Legion to follow him inside of The Mandarin's palace. Going through the Ancient's Hall and into the Golden Court, Tony saw someone one, a familiar for and enemy standing in the middle of the Golden Court. It was not The Mandarin, it was Grey Gargoyle as Tony commanded The Iron Legion to stop.
Tony: So you're in on this too?
Grey: Well I have to say, The Mandarin offered me something in return after I pummel you to the ground
Tony: If you think The Mandarin is going to help you after this then you're a fool to believe in him. Just get out of my way because The Mandarin and I have a little...date with destiny.
Grey: Sorry Stark, you and you're Iron Men going to have to defeat me in order to get to The Mandarin.
Tony: Alright, you're funeral I guess.
Grey Gargoyle smirked before his hand started glowing and headed straight to Iron Man to attack.