Cold Revenge (A Star Wars Avengers Crossover)

Chapter Two "Allies"

Tony landed on the ground in typical Iron Man fashion, knees bent, one fist against the pavement. His opponent stood only a few feet away, wielding a big and dangerous weapon that he had stolen from Stark Industries the night before.

Tony, along with Steve and Clint had been out looking for the thief all night, and when Tony had gotten word of a bank robbery involving a weapon packing some serious firepower, he had gone there immediately. Steve and Clint were lagging behind so he had no choice but to confront the miscreant who was trying to make his getaway with his bags of cash.

Tony straightened up and held out his hand, palm first, the center glowing with a repulsor waiting to be unleashed. "Something you should know for next time," he said to the man, "I don't like it when people take my stuff."

The man was unfazed as he trained his weapon on the hero. "Seeing as you built this weapon, I'm sure you know how much damage a few blasts will do to your armor."

Tony had been counting on the fact that this guy didn't know the power he held in his hands, but that had been a little careless of him. Why would anyone go through so much trouble to steal from him and not know what they were going after?

"Sir, he's right," JARVIS said. "This armor cannot withstand more than two close proximity blasts-"

"Thank you," Tony said to the A.I. "Tell me something I don't know. Like how to get out of this mess."

"Perhaps waiting for backup next time would be a more desirable course of action."

"A little late for that now."

"Get down on your knees," the man commanded.

Tony didn't like being told what to do, and he certainly didn't like losing control of a situation. He was going to try to bluff his way out of this. "That's an old prototype I worked on ages ago. It won't even put a scratch on my armor. Put it down. I'm only asking once."

"Or what? You're going to stop me? This isn't a prototype. This is the weapon that will bring the Iron Man to his knees, ending your pathetic hero existence. There's no way you're stopping me."

"You really should put that down before I take it from you."

The man laughed. "You try so hard."

What is that supposed to mean? Tony wondered.

A new voice interrupted his thoughts. "Tony, what's the situation?" Steve said over their comlinks.

"Not good. I'm entertaining a lunatic right now. You?"

"Trying to catch up with a lunatic."

"Had to move fast."

"What are you doing?"

"Creating a distraction," Tony answered. "What's taking you guys so long?"

"I'm afraid neither of us can fly."

"I guess that's problematic. I'll have to look into that later. Clint, you there buddy?"

"Yeah."

"As soon as you're within distance, string up that bow of yours and take a shot because if I make a move on this guy he's gonna roast me."

"That gun can penetrate your armor?" Steve asked, alarm evident in his voice.

"Yep. I built it in the event I ever had to stop--nevermind. Just hurry it up will you?"

"Do us all a favor next time and wait for backup."

"I second that motion," Clint added.

"Yeah, we can work on that," Tony replied. "But hurry. I have dinner plans tonight."