IRON MAN #9
THE PHOENIX RISES FROM THE ASHES PART 9
By:Nathan Banks
Tony saw the explosive bugs behind The Mandarin and there were many of them, but Tony knew that even though he had The Iron Legion, The Mandarin could bring out more from the kitchen sink. Tony would not let that happen as that would give The Mandarin more time to prepare and be at full strength, as he looked at the Iron Legion behind him.
Tony: Go after the bugs, i'll deal with the Mandarin!
The Iron Legion wasted no time and started going after the bugs while Iron Man was going to deal with The Mandarin, but arch nemesis teleported out of nowhere using his ten rings.
Tony: Where did he go?
The Mandarin: Up here Iron Man!
Tony looks up to see The Mandarin in the room at the top he was in when Tony first saw him in the room as Tony groaned.
Tony: Come on Mandarin, fight me!
Then suddenly there was explosions as Tony looked over, seeing the spiders explode near some of the armors of the Iron Legion. Some of the armors aren't affected that much by the explosions but Tony could see the scraps and scratches on them.
The Mandarin: I see that your Iron Legion has underestimated how these 'insects' can actually be an annoyance.
Tony: Jarvis, what are these things?
J.A.R.V.I.S : Like he said sir, they are bugs but if you or the others get near them then they will explode.
Tony: Well Mandarin had something up his sleeve with these things. Jarvis don't let them get near the spiders then.
J.A.R.V.I.S : Yes sir, but I also did find something that can be of use to you and the Iron Legion. In the middle of a room there is a teleport that has a Mandarin symbol on it. If you and the others can lure them there than that will teleport you and the others to the Mandarin in the upper room.
Tony: Very smart Jarvis, now why didn't I think of that? Have the Iron Legion distract the bugs why I get to Mandarin, but make sure they are not getting close to them.
Tony flew to where the symbol of the Mandarin was in the middle of the room as the Iron Legion started to fight with the bugs, getting them away from the symbol. As Tony approached the symbol, he lands on it before the symbol started to glow bright as it transported him to the other room with The Mandarin as the master of the ten rings turned around, seeing Iron Man, who held up his repulsor at The Mandarin.
Tony: Surprised?
The Mandarin smirked.
The Mandarin: Not quite.
Suddenly something to glow on where Tony was stood as Iron Man looked down, seeing a Mandarin symbol, that teleports Stark to where the explosive bugs and The Iron Legion are fighting. Tony hovered above them so that he would not get near the explosive bugs, as he looked at The Mandarin who was in the upper room, smirking at Stark.
The Mandarin: Well what are you waiting for Stark? Are you going to join the party or not? They don't call you Iron Man for anything am I right?
Tony glared at Mandarin before he joined The Iron Legion, attacking the bugs and didn't care if they were going to explode or not. What mattered to him was facing The Mandarin one on one, not needing anyone else's help but if does come down to where Tony needs time to recuperate then he had to let The Iron Legion step in. When Iron Man and The Iron Legion finally defeated the explosive bugs, there was fire, not a lot of it, but some around the room but Tony didn't give a damn. Tony and the legion look up at The Mandarin before Tony spoke to The Mandarin.
Tony: Enough with your games Mandarin, it's just you and me now, fight me like a man, if you are one.
The Mandarin glared at Tony before he jumped down from the upper room where was. Getting up, he had his hands behind his back.
The Mandarin: Well I am not surprised that you were able to defeat the bugs, but they were just a tease of what's to come, now you get to face me.
Tony: Good, because I am done talking Mandarin. Ever since you sent out one of your cronies, nearly killing Rhodey, you made it personal.
The Mandarin: And if I had destroyed your beautiful Pepper then you would of lost it.
Mentioning Pepper made Tony mad as he fired a repulsor blasts at The Mandarin, who in return ducked before using an ice attack from one of his rings. Iron Man moves out of the way before the ice attack hit one of the armors as Tony saw it turn into ice.
Tony: Damn it. Jarvis, get The Iron Legion to stand down and stand out of the way. I will take on The Mandarin by myself.
J.A.R.V.I.S : But sir, are you
Tony: Just do it Jarvis
Jarvis replied with a simple 'Yes sir' and was able to command The Iron Legion into not getting involved into the fight with The Mandarin. Tony used his range attacks at The Mandarin before The Mandarin used a wind attack which sent Tony back a little but not a lot as Tony continued using his
Tony saw the explosive bugs behind The Mandarin and there were many of them, but Tony knew that even though he had The Iron Legion, The Mandarin could bring out more from the kitchen sink. Tony would not let that happen as that would give The Mandarin more time to prepare and be at full strength, as he looked at the Iron Legion behind him.
Tony: Go after the bugs, i'll deal with the Mandarin!
The Iron Legion wasted no time and started going after the bugs while Iron Man was going to deal with The Mandarin, but arch nemesis teleported out of nowhere using his ten rings.
Tony: Where did he go?
The Mandarin: Up here Iron Man!
Tony looks up to see The Mandarin in the room at the top he was in when Tony first saw him in the room as Tony groaned.
Tony: Come on Mandarin, fight me!
Then suddenly there was explosions as Tony looked over, seeing the spiders explode near some of the armors of the Iron Legion. Some of the armors aren't affected that much by the explosions but Tony could see the scraps and scratches on them.
The Mandarin: I see that your Iron Legion has underestimated how these 'insects' can actually be an annoyance.
Tony: Jarvis, what are these things?
J.A.R.V.I.S : Like he said sir, they are bugs but if you or the others get near them then they will explode.
Tony: Well Mandarin had something up his sleeve with these things. Jarvis don't let them get near the spiders then.
J.A.R.V.I.S : Yes sir, but I also did find something that can be of use to you and the Iron Legion. In the middle of a room there is a teleport that has a Mandarin symbol on it. If you and the others can lure them there than that will teleport you and the others to the Mandarin in the upper room.
Tony: Very smart Jarvis, now why didn't I think of that? Have the Iron Legion distract the bugs why I get to Mandarin, but make sure they are not getting close to them.
Tony flew to where the symbol of the Mandarin was in the middle of the room as the Iron Legion started to fight with the bugs, getting them away from the symbol. As Tony approached the symbol, he lands on it before the symbol started to glow bright as it transported him to the other room with The Mandarin as the master of the ten rings turned around, seeing Iron Man, who held up his repulsor at The Mandarin.
Tony: Surprised?
The Mandarin smirked.
The Mandarin: Not quite.
Suddenly something to glow on where Tony was stood as Iron Man looked down, seeing a Mandarin symbol, that teleports Stark to where the explosive bugs and The Iron Legion are fighting. Tony hovered above them so that he would not get near the explosive bugs, as he looked at The Mandarin who was in the upper room, smirking at Stark.
The Mandarin: Well what are you waiting for Stark? Are you going to join the party or not? They don't call you Iron Man for anything am I right?
Tony glared at Mandarin before he joined The Iron Legion, attacking the bugs and didn't care if they were going to explode or not. What mattered to him was facing The Mandarin one on one, not needing anyone else's help but if does come down to where Tony needs time to recuperate then he had to let The Iron Legion step in. When Iron Man and The Iron Legion finally defeated the explosive bugs, there was fire, not a lot of it, but some around the room but Tony didn't give a damn. Tony and the legion look up at The Mandarin before Tony spoke to The Mandarin.
Tony: Enough with your games Mandarin, it's just you and me now, fight me like a man, if you are one.
The Mandarin glared at Tony before he jumped down from the upper room where was. Getting up, he had his hands behind his back.
The Mandarin: Well I am not surprised that you were able to defeat the bugs, but they were just a tease of what's to come, now you get to face me.
Tony: Good, because I am done talking Mandarin. Ever since you sent out one of your cronies, nearly killing Rhodey, you made it personal.
The Mandarin: And if I had destroyed your beautiful Pepper then you would of lost it.
Mentioning Pepper made Tony mad as he fired a repulsor blasts at The Mandarin, who in return ducked before using an ice attack from one of his rings. Iron Man moves out of the way before the ice attack hit one of the armors as Tony saw it turn into ice.
Tony: Damn it. Jarvis, get The Iron Legion to stand down and stand out of the way. I will take on The Mandarin by myself.
J.A.R.V.I.S : But sir, are you
Tony: Just do it Jarvis
Jarvis replied with a simple 'Yes sir' and was able to command The Iron Legion into not getting involved into the fight with The Mandarin. Tony used his range attacks at The Mandarin before The Mandarin used a wind attack which sent Tony back a little but not a lot as Tony continued using his attacks. Suddenly he heard an explosion in the room he was in as Tony looked behind him, seeing three Ultimo Marks come into the room to attack The Iron Legion, including the explosive bugs, who were in bad shape but kept moving no matter what as all of them were nearly moving as The Mandarin chuckled evilly a bit.
The Mandarin: I forgot to tell you about the three Ultimo Marks, much more powerful than the previous so it looks like you have company.
The Ultimo Mark 3's started to attack the Iron Legion as the armors were doing what they could to defend themselves even though the Ultimo's were getting the upper hand. One of them went after Tony as Stark moved out of the way and used his range attacks on the Ultimo, but he wished he could go after The Mandarin, who is watching all of this unfold and smiles evilly. Tony wouldn't let these sucks ups of The Mandarin get to him, but how longer could Tony continue on. Tony noticed suddenly one of the Ultimo's exploding alongside the explosive bugs on one of the Mandarin's symbols as the Ultimo was in pieces as The Mandarin shook his head.
The Mandarin: No...no...NO!
Tony smirked as he gave Jarvis the command The Iron Legion to split up into groups and attack the other two, leading them to other teleports of The Mandarin symbols. Tony lead the Ultimo Mark 3 that he went up against and along with the legion leading the other Ultimo Mark 3 to the other teleport as the bugs were closer to the two robots as they exploded, falling to pieces . One of the Ultimo's fire's a strong ray before it shuts off as Iron Man and the others move out of the way , with ray coming straight at The Mandarin.
The Mandarin: Oh sh-
The ray hit the room that The Mandarin was in but luckily for him he teleported out of the upper room outside.
The Mandarin: Ha! I outsmart you again Stark...
Suddenly there's the sound of the explosion as Mandarin looks up to see debris of the upper room coming down onto him, but it was too late for The Mandarin. He was covered in debris as Iron Man commanded the legion to get everything off of The Mandarin. When they did, The Mandarin wasn't there as Tony knew The Mandarin didn't die or kill himself, he transported to another place where he would plan his revenge, and if that happens then so be it, because Tony will be waiting.
Hours later...
At Stark Towers, Pepper looks out the large windows of the penthouse they lived in as she waited for Tony to come back. She knew Tony wasn't dead and shouldn't be thinking about that at this point, Tony can take care of himself.
Voice: Did you miss me?
Pepper knew that voice as she turned around seeing her knight in shinning armor not in any major damage, wearing regular clothes as she smiled, running into him, giving Tony a hug. She put her head on her shoulder before she spoke.
Pepper: I'm so glad you're alive Tony. I thought you would never make it back, but is it over?"
Pepper looked up at Tony who had a weak smile on her face.
Tony: For now it is, but I have a feeling that it's just the beginning. Let's forget about everything and just...celebrate. Sounds good to you?
Pepper smiles as she leans in and places a soft kiss on his lips.
Pepper: Sounds good to me handsome and this time, how about we stay in doors instead of going out? Don't want to get into anymore danger now do we?
Tony: How could you say that Pepper? You know you're my best girl right? I would never let anything happen to you.
Tony and Pepper laughed at each other as the two went to celebrate this victory, even though it wasn't that big. As for The Mandarin...
Underneath his palace was an underground operation as many of The Mandarin's minions tended to The Mandarin to make sure he isn't hurt, as he pushed them away.
The Mandarin: I'm fine you idiots, forget about me, we need to plan our next move on Iron Man...someone contact Fing Fang Foom right now!
The Mandarin smirked as he looked at his ten rings and thought about Fing Fang Foom, thinking about an idea that can finally put Stark to his misery
This is the end of The Phoenix Rises From The Ashes, stay tuned for the next story arc of Iron Man