A/N - Hello Readers, here is the next chapter of the recently renamed story Still I Rise: Nariah Rose Stane. I changed it from Angel of Death because I used quotes form the poem Still I Rise in the chapter titles so I thought this would work better. And I thought the picture was cooler.

Anyways. So here is the first real chapter I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own this, :(

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED!

Chapter One:

I Bear In The Tide

For the past three months the world had been spinning on its head, then it began to get back on its feet and things looked to be getting back to normal, one press conference however had the word spinning on its head once again. Stark Industries was going to stop making weapons. The idea seemed almost impossible to understand never mind try to make heads or tails of it. Nariah trusted her Uncle Tony and knew fair well that he was a genius. Most of his ideas did not make sense to everyone else.

His brain worked differently and on a thought process most wouldn't understand taking shortcuts in thinking that would leave even the more educated of people stunned, it also worked faster, problems normal people would not think off until it was too late where all factored into his calculations. For each decision he made, no matter how jarring it seemed, was usually calculated and factored in necessary risk. Tony however, had always enjoyed pretending everything in life was a crap shoot and the press ate up the luck of a billionaire spin so much that at some point practically everyone began to believe it.

Those closest to him knew the truth though. Pepper, Rhodey, Happy, Obadiah, and Nariah did not by the luck of a billionaire act for a minute. They knew there was a thought process that one, if they were well versed in the short cuts Tony Stark's brain took, could follow that would explain every word, every gesture he had made in the press conference. Nonetheless none of them were able to find out exactly what those thoughts where, and presently, only minutes after the press conference, none of them wanted to. They were all too angry at him to try and get inside his head.

Except for Nariah, she was determined to figure it out, she had too. She owed it to her honoree uncle to at least understand his motives and thoughts before judging them. He always did. No matter the circumstances. At the moment though, Nariah just couldn't figure out where to start. Her Grandfather, the morning he sat her down at the breakfast table and explained that Uncle Tony went missing, had explained to her the circumstances of Uncle Tony's capture. She remembered his speech word for word.

'An enemy grenade hit his convoy which was carrying Stark Weapons in them. The military reports show half the damage was made by Stark Weapons because of the enemy targeting the weapon sections of the convoy. They probably thought it sick irony to attack the convoy with what was meant to protect them.'

So, in a roundabout way her Uncle was correct, Stark Weapons had killed American Soldiers, men and woman who should have been protected by said weapons not harmed by them. That was easy to understand, after that, well then came the problems. Nariah could not understand how pulling weapon making would change anything. Even if the cars where filled with Hammer weapons the terrorists would be able to use them against the convoy. They would probably be even more dangerous considering the amount of mistakes Hammer Industries made with in their tech division.

Sighing she let her body deflate as her small manicured hands slid on the catwalk railing until her arms crossed in front of her and her head rested on them. Her legs and feet were covered in sheer black stalking's her shallow black heals lay forget on the walk way next to her small black over the shoulder purse, behind her as her feet swung free though the gaps in the security fence. Stray blonde girls poked from a practiced braid. Despite the natural light coming from the windows above her she was bathed in a soft blue glow from the large Arc Reactor she gazed down upon.

The image reflecting in her large rimmed black glasses. Lifting one hand from the rail she pushed her glasses higher and tucked the lock of light blind hair behind her ear. Her right leg came to rest on the walk way before she pushed herself up enough to smooth down her pale purple aline dress. The skirt of the dress fell just above her knees with a simple pale purple lace pattern while the top was a spegetti straped purple sweetheart neckline with a lace covering from the waist line up, the waist line itself was accentuated by a small black belt. She had spent most of the last two hours in make-up because of the press conference so her normal freckles and pale skin where replaced by a spray on tan and what seemed like pounds of cake makeup.

The 'press face' as she deemed it when she was young she was very used to. After all she was born into this life, a life of press conferences and charity events, a life of fake smiles and feigned perfection. She had been a favorite of the press since she was two months old thrown into the spotlight after her father's mental break down that had him sent to Ravenscroft and carted her off to her Grandfathers. After all that ment she spent a lot of time of the medias most irresponseable golden boy Tony Stark and the press had a feild day with nit picking every action the man made, some of them where bad she wouldn't deny it, the Press had grown a foundness for her.

There was someone climbing the latter behind her, she heard the slightly off rhythmic thump of latter rungs as someone began the decent to the high sitting cross walk. She knew in a second who it was, "At least pull back a little bit." It said with a sigh, Nariah complied scooting back slowly. "You are going to fall in one of these days Riah, I can hear the media now 'Electrifying end to the Angel of Death."

"May take some headlines from the weapons manufacturing company that doesn't manufacture weapons," She quibbed back with a smile her eyes staying trained on the large Arc model before her she would have to talk soon so she could not allow herself the wealth of emotion she knew would be accompanied with sparing a glance at the man who moved to lean beside her. After all crying really wasn't an option she knew the press was still close and breaking down clinging to the man for dear life would make a skeptical they did not need at the moment.

"Touché," He said before twisting and hopping up on the ledge the other way facing the windows. "How have you been Riah?" He asked.

"Better than you, I would ask if you are okay but I doubt I would get a straight answer." She said she heard the loud puff of breath her bangs blew up slightly as her eyes found his reflection in the reactor.

"I had Happy get me a cheese burger," He said off handedly, her lips twisted into a smirk.

"Bet Pepper hated that." Nariah said with a soft chuckle.

"She wanted me to go to the hospital."

"That would be the normal response," she said trying not to smile at the hurt face Tony pulled at the statement. "Most people would go to a hospital after being captured, not have press conferences that reimagine the face of their company."

"Since when have I been normal?" He asked "I got you one as well, no mayo no tomato, had Happy keep it in the car. Don't tell Obie though, I may have eaten his burger." He said a cocky grin sliding on to his face hoping to get the girl to give him a real smile. She turned her head though and bit her tongue schooling her expression. The feeling that zinged though Tony's now half metallic heart was mixed. Some of it was pride at the fact she had a good poker face, after all her grandfather and father had horrible poker faces so he liked to take credit for teaching her. The other part was sad for the same reason. After all she was only ten; she should not be that good at controlling her emotions, she was a kid not a robot.

"It's the onion I don't like, Pepper doesn't like tomato." She said tucking her legs up onto the platform.

"I remembered that," He said.

"I somehow doubt you did. It's okay. You had a lot on your mind; after all you eyes were opened over there."

"Ri," His tone was lower and warned her not to keep pressing like she was probably thinking of doing she sighed.

"Sorry, I just… it's nothing, I am Sorry."

"Look Riah, It's different I know that, but it will work. I promise. Everything has changed but we are going to be alright, I promise kid." When he didn't get an immediate answer he pressed harder.

"Blind trust is hard,"

"I know, and I promise I will explain later, but just give me a bit okay." He continued to press, "you and me against the world, right kid."

"You forgot Grandfather, Pepper, Cornel Rhodes, Happy, and the rest of Stark Industries,"

"Yeah, those people. Somehow I always forget those people." He smiled shrugging meeting her eyes in the reflection and winking.

"I trust you, its just, I wish I understood why you are doing what you are doing." She said twisting around and pushing herself to her feet. She wrapped her arm around his middle careful of his injured arm resting her head against his chest. Do you know that jump throat feeling you get when something hits on your stomach hard and make you fear that whatever meal you last ate is going to show itself again? That was the usual feeling accompanied with one of Nariah Stane's hugs this hug however was weak in comparison. As if she was scared Tony would break if she squeezed to hard.

This hug was so much different from the one she wrapped him in three months ago as she sat in his Workshop beside him elbows deep in grease as she helped him fix his latest engine before he went off to Vegas for the gala. It void than the full speed bone crushing force that one held as she made him promise to be home soon because if not she may just loose the small bit of sanity she had left.

Sickeningly enough despite the tender touch, Tony tensed before his uninjured arm came to rest against her back. Anthony Edward Stark was never one for physical contact. In fact he found most physical contact revolting and unnecessary. Before his 'vacation' in Afghanistan few people were able to touch him and have him comfortable with the gesture now, it was even worse. Nariah broke part of that wall down three years ago however, and continued to do so since then. Her breath caught, he could feel it, and her small hands reached up and slowly pushed back before stepping away and starting her way down the latter. Tony followed after her a little bit slower than he normally would. One armed latter climbing is harder than one would think.

"I am glad you are home Uncle Tony," She whispered once they were on the floor her arms wrapping back around him for a brief hug.

"Sorry it took so long Riah Rose," He said as he tightened his arm around her.

"Not your fault."

"There you are Nariah; Mrs. Williams has been looking for you, you can't just disappear." Obadiah said as he entered the building his voice separating the two. Pulling his Granddaughter into a hug, despite seeing her only a half hour before Obadiah leaned down his voice a low whisper. "The media has been out for blood today and I do not want you in the middle of this."

"Sherman has been with me all day," She said pulling away from the embrace to point at one of the large men who stood at the entrance to the building. "Haven't you Sherman?" She asked turning to him. The body guard smiled slightly and gave a short Lewis had been Nariah's body guard her entire life, he was ex-military and despite graying hair still held the build of a line backer. "See Grandfather,"

"Nariah," Her Grandfather frowned crossing his arms over his chest. Tony frowned as well though his frown was less rooted in anger in more in inquisitive concern, Nariah was degrating to reflective sarcasm, it was usually a Tony move when he wanted to annoy Obadiah, Nariah rarely coppied the act. He wondered what had changed in the three months he missed.

"Sorry Grandfather, I lost track of time. I will get going now." Her tone was softer more self-conscious as she walked began to walk away, then suddenly she stopped and turned back around. "I will see you later, right Uncle Tony."

"Yeah, Riah Rose, we will have a lab day later," She nodded and sent back a reassuring smile before continuing her way out of the building.

"Well, that... That went well." She heard her Grandfather say as she walked away. Stiletto heal clicking Nariah was positive she would be able to find her Nanny and PA Mrs. Rebecca Williams in a labyrinth. Just follow the clanking sound similar to that of stampeding animals. Poking her head around the corner Rebecca's annoyed face turned into a sickeningly sweet one. A swirl of over tanning and bleached blonde hair tucked into a hooker red colored dress that was two sizes to small and covered, slightly with a suit jacket Rebecca ran to give the girl a hug.

"Nariah, darling, there you are, I was so worried, and the press is going crazy I thought I lost you." She said pulling back her voice pitched and dripping feign concern in a way that made your skin crawl. Rebecca Willams did not like children, in fact she hated children, with a passion, and they were messy, annoying, and well children so that was a mark against them automatically. When she first landed her job with Stark Industries four years ago she had expected visions of travel setting up meetings for the gods among men who ran the company. She did not expect to be settled with, at that time only six years old, Nariah Rose Stane.

"Thank you Thomas for your help." She said turning to one of the monkey suited men who worked for security. If Nariah was not mistaken Thomas was the one that Rebecca was sleeping around with. As the monkey suited men left Rebecca moved to take her hand and lead her down the halls spewing off nonsense words about how worried she was as she led Nariah to the awaiting car.

Clanking heals followed them down the path "Miss. Stane, Miss. Stane, Christine…."

"Ms. Everhart, trust me I remember you." Nariah said twisting to face the reporter. Mrs. Williams moved forward and grabbed Nariah's elbow leading her away from the reporter.

"The press conference has ended."

"I just have one quick question,"

"Ms. Everheart," Mrs. Williams said win a slightly warning tone.

"It is fine Mrs. Williams, as long as that question does not have to deal with the events my Uncle talked about in the press confrence. Those are personal, I am sure you understand what that means."

"It doesn't, as you know Tony Stark has been called the Da Vinci of our time. My quesiton Miss. Stane what is the future for him and the company now that Stark Industries is no longer a weapons manufacture."

"Who knows, maybe he will begin making bricks and beams for baby hospitals," Nariah smiled seeing the look of suprise on the womans face glad Happy had regaled her with the tale of her Uncle and the reporters last meeting. "or maybe he will start painting. Anything is possible, I hope you have a grand day Ms. Everhart," She said before stepping away and slipping and into the black sudan.

"Tell Mr. Stane she is in route to the mansion." Rebecca whispered to Thomas the exchange a bit softer than professional. Nariah turned her head and sighed. Slipped into the other side of the car and shut the door.

"You really shouldn't try to make the press hungrier for a story than they already are." Rebecca said

"And you really shouldn't have an affair with a security guards. But you don't see me correcting you now do you. Everheart is a yellow journalist and a whore,"

"Nariah," Mrs. Willams said her hand flying to her chest as if she was affronted by the language. She always put on a simular act when Nariah cursed as if she did not understnad whenre the girl had learned such language and or making comments on how others should watch their mouths around Nariah's young ears. Nariah disliked both of these reactions.

"Am I wrong? She has slept with almost every single one of her cover stories, Uncle Tony included. She seduces them by wearing clothes that don't fit and then goes snooping their house for a story. She tried it in Tony's house." Nariah said.

"I doubt that,"

"Pepper stopped her, the day before he went to Afghanistan for the demonstration." Nariah said raising her eyebrow as if begging her to counter. She didn't and Nariah smiled turned around and pulling out a holographic tablet and pulling up some old projects.

The car was silent for almost five minutes before Mrs. Willams spoke again, "Look Nariah, I don't want to fight, I only want what is best for…"

"Do not start that now. I really do not need your feigned sympathy Mrs. Williams."

"Now Nariah don't…."

"You know what I changed my mind Sherman. Please take Mrs. Williams home first, the faster the better." She said the man in the front seat nodded. The P.A shut up after that and the ride was in relative silence with Nariah reworking some old blueprints on her tablet.

"Have a nice evening Miss. Stane,"

"It is looking better already Mrs. Williams." Nariah said her eyes only raising form the screen for a second before she began to tinker once again as the car pulled away. Despite the fact he was driving Nariah could feel Sherman's stare on her as she tinkered.

"You are really bad at hiding your concern Sherman."

"Who said I was hiding my concern, are you sure you want to go home Nariah? Your grandfather is flying off to New York and will probably be there most the month, the house will be silent." He asked after a few seconds, Nariah twisted so their eyes caught in the mirror.

"Yes," She said, "where else would I go Sherman?" she huffed the question rethorical as she began to tinker once again.

"Tony's," He answered freezing Nariah for all of a minute before she recovered and looked back up, their eye catching each other in the mirror for a second.

"He has a lot on his mind, he doesn't need the distraction." The words where practically whispered more for her own benefit than for that of Sherman but as always the man did not leave it there.

"In my experience with Stark Industries tells me that when Mr. Stark has a lot to think on distraction is his usual course of action."

"Sherman,"

"Yes Miss. Stane,"

"Just…. just drive."

"Always Miss. Stane."

A/N - I hope you all enjoyed. Please Review.