I am Ironman
by Chaos Nightmare
Chapters
I am reborn
It was chaos out in the streets as I hid in the locked basement of my home. I was supposed to be at a christmas party today with my family when all this chaos hit. As soon as I turned on my radio to hear what the forecast was and was immediately told of the chaos outside I quickly ran to my basement and hid in a corner. I spent most of the day there before falling asleep there.
“Hello my son. “ a voice said as I jumped up from my sleep.
“Who’s there?” I asked startled see in a white void as far as I could see. “Great I’m hearing things.” I said.
“ Nope you're not hearing things.” The voice said as I looked around for the source. “Maybe this will help” The voice said turning into Robert Downey.Jr
“Robert Downey.Jr?” I asked as he looked at himself confused.
“Well that's new.” he said before saying “No I’m god.” he said.
“No you are Robert Downey.Jr” I said
He facepalmed “No I am God” he said this time while glowing.
“Okay so you are god, why am I here?” I asked
“What do you know about the mayan calendar?” He asked.
“Well it said that the world was going to end tod- this was because of the mayan calendar.” I said.
“Well yes and no. It was actually a test by me ” He said as I grabbed my fist.
“What?” I asked in anger.
“You are the first to actually show anger at this” He said.
“YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE DIED TODAY?” I shouted at him as he started to glow.
“You don’t think I know that?” God said as I felt a sudden coldness down my spine.
“O-oh okay.” I said scared ”Anyway why am I here?” I asked
“You are here because you have passed the test I laid out in the Mayan calendar” He said
“Okay so what the reward?” I asked having a feeling there would be a reward.
“Why do all you humans assume there is a reward? I mean you're not wrong but still!” He said before sighing “What you get is a chance at a new life in a new world so if you chose you may also return to your old world with no memory of this” he said
I thought about it for a good minute my old life was nothing to write home about barely any friends, no girlfriend or wife, and I was alway the black sheep of my family of doctors and other important roles.”I want a new life in a new world” I said
“Before I send you do you want anything in that new life?” God asked
I thought about it for a good few minutes before saying “I want to be smarter like Tony Stark smart” I said.
“That would explain why I look like Robert Downey Jr.” He said “Anyway just a quick warning this will hurt” he said as I felt a slight stabbing pain in my neck
“GAH” I screamed as I rubbed the back of my neck “I feel like there should be blood” I said as I blacked out.
I awoke in a dark place seeing a bright light and hearing voices “Congratulations Ms. Sparkle it's a healthy baby boy” The voice said as I felt dread I was literally given a new life.
“He’s beautiful” The voice of what I guess was my new mom said.
“What are we going to name him sweetheart?” The voice of what I guess was my dad said
“Ark T. Sparkle” My mom said as dad carried me out to meet two people whom I guessed where my new brother and sister
“Shining, Twilight meet your new brother” dad said as I saw a girl who couldn’t be older than five and a teenager standing there.
“What’s his name daddy?”
“Ark Sparkle” he said as the girl whom I guessed was Twilight giggled.
“Hello little brother” she said as the teenager whom I guessed was Shining armor grabbed me from dad
“He’s cute.” he said holding me as I smiled and let out a giggle.
“I think he likes you” dad said a sa doctor came by and grabbed me.
“Now now mr. Night Light let the mother have time with her baby boy” The doctor said as I was brought back to mom.
A few years passed as I was getting into trouble, a year into my life Twilight was accepted into Celestia’s school for gifted kids and brought home my younger brother of Spike who was a dragon. Shining joined the royal guards and I got to see him less and less till he joined the guards here in the city. “I don’t understand what you need all that junk for bro?” Shining asked.
“Simple so I can fix it and use it” I said
“Why do you need five blenders?” Big bro asked
“I never said I had to use them for their purpose.” I said as two bullies from my school came up to us.
“What up nerd?” the bully said
“Could you guys just leave me alone” I said
“What's the matter, gonna cry?” he asked as Shining came in
“Do I need to trap you two in a bubble again?” Shining asked
“Shiny, let me handle this” I said as I reached into my back pocket and pulled something out. “Why don’t we all be friends?” I said lying through my teeth.
“Whatever lo-AGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAG” he was cut of by me holding his arm with a modified joy buzzer on my fingers, the voltage wasn’t enough to kill but it was higher than a regular joy buzzer, the joker may have been crazy but he was also creative.
“You want some too?” I asked the sidekick. “I modified this to shoot lightning too.” I lied as they ran
“Did you really modify that to shoot lightning?” Shining asked as we continues walking home
“No I was just lying.” I said
“Good boy, but I’m still going to need that joy buzzer” he said as I handed it to him as we continued home.
“I told you for the last time! No you can’t see that movie.” Mom said angrily
“But mom everybody in my class is going to see it.” I retorted.
“And if they all jumped off the edge of Canterlot would you want to do it?” she asked
“It depends on the circumstance. If it's as suicide then no, if its bungy jumping yes.” I retorted.
“Don’t get smart with me.” she said.
“So you want me to be like Shining?” I joking said
“Don’t mock your older brother.” She said sternly before sending me to my room.
“Well if I can’t see the movie I guess I have to go to plan b.” I said as I made a dummy out of pillows, grabbed my gear and snuck out the window. The city was so peaceful at night as I made it towards the canterlot castle to sneak into the Star Swirl the Bearded section to study not available for public books. Not even Twilight was allowed here and she has been the student of Celestia forever. As I got to the castle gate I found a small hole I could fit in and it was close to the library , well close that was still a good five minute walk and I still had to avoid guards, luckily I had a small stun gun that could hopefully stun the guards long enough for me to escape if caught. As I made it through the maze I was surprised that the guards pattern where easy to deduce and maneuver around it was almost as if I was walking into a trap. As I made it to the library I found an open window and snuck inside the forbidden section “Okay now to study.” I said grabbing a nearby tome and flipping through the pages.
Hours passed as I went from book to book, placing all that I have gathered and deemed important into my little booklet and I was getting tired “Are you alright little one?” A voice said as I jumped in my seat and pulled out the stun gun. “There is no need for violence here little one.” the voice of Celestia said.
“You're not mad I broke in to your forbidden library?” I asked
“Not at all! You were just the first to make it pass my guards... had you actually hurt somebody then I would be angry but what are you doing here half this knowledge seems advance for your age” she said
“I’m smarter then I look.” I said slightly insulted
“I believe you, you’re Twilight’s little brother right?” she asked as I nodded. “Come let's take you home.” she said as we teleported back to my front door where I overheard mom talking.
“OHH when that boy gets home he’s going to be in so much trouble! I told him not to go to that movie and what does he do, He sneaks out and goes sees that movie!” she said angrily
“Can I hide behind you?” I asked as Celestia nodded as I ran behind her as she rang the doorbell.
“I bet its a guard bringing him back home” Mom said as she opened the door and to her surprise it was Princess Celestia.
“Hello Twilight Velvet.” Celestia said as I popped out from behind her.
“Hi mom.” I said sheepishly as she looked angry.
“Before you yell at your son I should tell you that I found him in my library.”
“You what?” she asked, obviously confused.
“He has a thirst for knowledge that could rival your own daughter.”
“He what?” she asked again confused.
“Hey honey I couldn’t find him at the movie...Oh princess Celestia welcome did Twilight do something?” Dad asked
“Actually I was here to talk to you about your son Ark.” Celestia said.
“Oh boy, what did he do now?” Dad asked
“He broke into forbidden section of Canterlot Library and took notes.” Celestia
“Oh you are in so much trouble” Mom said as I tried to run.
“Actualy I want to reward him” Celestia said as Mom and Dad looked at her in disbelief.
“He broke into your castle and you want to reward him?” Dad asked.
“When you put it like that it almost sounds like me rewarding him is a bad thing.” Celestia said before I she pushed me in front of her “What I’m trying to say is half the knowledge he copied would go over his head yet he completely understands it better he found a way to improve some of it. What I was proposing was that he take an after school lesson from me, It's nothing like your daughter but it still will be a learning experience.” Celestia said as My mom’s mouth just stayed open Dad quickly closed her mouth so she could speak.
“We will have to talk to eachother about this but we are sure it would be best for him.” she said as Celestia took her leave. “House now” mom said angrily.
“Yes mam” I said as I walked into the house.
“I’m going to say this first we are going to let you go to that after school thing with Celestia because it would be a good experience for you but that's all you're going to be doing as you are grounded for the next two months.” mom said as I tried to speak “ don’t try to defend yourself while I am glad you didn’t go see that movie you still snuck out and broke into private property you’re not getting off easily.” she said as I just walked to my room. “Oh by the way no napping it's a school day” mom said.
“Okay mom.” I said walking to the kitchen for breakfast yawning.
I am working
As I walked into Celestia’s room for the first time I wondered what I would be doing here. “Hello?” A girl said as I wondered who this was.
“Hello?” I said, confused as I thought it was just going to be Celestia and me.
“I’m Pepper Potts.” She said as I could not believe the coincidence. “You okay?” She asked.
“Yeah I’m fine just wondering what your doing here?” I asked.
“I was asked to come here by Celestia. What about you? I’m pretty sure you don’t go to this school.” Pepper said.
She was right, my parents tried to get me into this school but due to the fact this was a school focused on magic I was rejected for my lack of talent.”Yeah I was asked to come here after I broke into the Starswirl section of the library.”
“So not to sound rude but are you a homeless kid that Celestia has take a shine to?” Pepper asked.
“No I have a home I’m the youngest of the Sparkle line” I said proudly.
“Sparkle as In Twilight Sparkle?” She asked.
“Yes...nobody ever mentions our older brother Shining” I said.
“I’ve never heard of a Shining Sparkle” she said.
“That's because his last name isn’t Sparkle but Armor.”
“You’re related to Shining Armor?” She said getting uncomfortably close to me.
“Yes?” I said.
“Oh man he’s the only one in the royal guard to master level 7 barrier spells that can hold the entire city!” She said with excitement as Celestia came in.
“Hello Ark, Pepper.” She greeted us as a few guards brought us books.
“Umm not to be rude but why is Pepper here?” I asked.
“I thought you would be lonely here so I asked somebody to come and keep you company.” She said as I went to a nearby table and started to pull my notebook out and started drawing.
“What are you drawing?” Pepper asked as I looked at her.
“Its designs for a suit of armor.” I said.
“Thats neat, why does the armor have an energy source? Is it magic?” She asks.
“No it’s not magic it's science.” I corrected her.
“What's the difference?” She asked as I simply got up and moved to another table. “What?” She said as I ignored her. “Oh come on” she said as I went back to designing my Ark trooper armor.
A few years passed as I went to Celestia’s little learning thing with Pepper, it wasn’t all bad as I got to know Pepper some more even though she was kind of thick headed sometimes. “Hey Tony.” Pepper said.
“Oh, hey Pepper.” I said as I walked onto the campus of Celestia’s school.
“So what are you planning for today?” Pepper asked.
“Well I was going to ask Celestia for some parts to start building something.” I said.
“What are you going to build?” she asked.
“Something.” I said coyly.
“Come on tell me.” She asked.
“Nope.” I said sticking my tongue out. “Sorry I don’t want to spoil it.” I said.
“Aw come on.” She whined.
“Let's change the topic.” I said. “My birthday is in a week, you want to come?” I asked.
“Sure I’ll come.” She said as we made it to the hall where Celestia should be. “Twilight?” I asked seeing my sister there. “Where is Celestia?” I asked.
“She had other things to do so she asked me to watch over you.” Twilight said.
“OMC! You’re Twilight Sparkle, I’ve heard so much about you!” Pepper said before she started asking question after question about what she did as the Priceses personal student, what was her days like...stuff like that, this when on for hours and I couldn't get any work done. So when I finally got tired of it I just straight up left.
“Hey Ark where are you going?” Twilight asked. “Celestia told me to keep an eye on you.” She said.
“Out.” I said as I walked out of the classroom and into the streets.
“TONY WAIT!” Pepper called out as I stopped.
“What is it Pepper?” I asked.
“I’m sorry I hogged all the time by asking your sister a ton of questions.” Pepper said as I sighed.
“You want to go to a place I go to be alone?” I asked as she lighted up.
“Sure.”
“This isn’t what I was expecting.” She said looking at the abandoned warehouse before hugging me. “So when do we start making out?” She asked.
“What!” I said surprised “That’s not what I invited you here for.” I said blushing. “I mean if you want...”
She cut me off. “Relax I was joking.” She said as I rubbed the back of my head.
“Right, anyway can you keep a secret?” I asked
“Are we getting into crime? Because if so then no.” She said
“Don't worry I bought this building with my birthday money last year... it was cheap.” I said.
“What about the structural weaknesses?” Pepper asked.
“Actually this building is in great shape the reason it was cheap because a cult of the moon owned it and nobody wanted it.” I said.
“Well that unsettling.” She said.
“Yeah I know, anyway here’s what I wanted to show you.” I said, opening a secret door to a hidden lab.
“Is this hidden lab what you wanted to show me because it's awesome.” Pepper said as I got to a blanket covering something.
“This is what i wanted to show you.” I said unveiling the mark 1 Ark trooper armor.
“Wow..is that the armor you were designing?” She asked.
“Yep.” I said “It’s incomplete but I wanted to show it to you.” I said.
“Why?” She asked.
“To show that I trust you.” I said. “Plus I need your help to finish it.” I said showing a monitor. “My brother is out of town and I need somebody to help bring the scraps.” I said sheepishly.
“Only if you give me a cut.” She said as we shook hands. The next hour was bringing scarps from the nearby junkyard and from the electronic store. “You know if you told me that my day was going to end with me digging through the trash to make a few hundred bits I wouldn’t have believed you.” she said as we returned to the secret base.
“I know the feeling.” I said.
“You do?” She asked.
“It's a long story anyway I need to take apart these electronics.” I said as I ripped a toaster open. “Besides I’m not working on the armor today, I’m working on an Ark reactor.” I explained.
“A what?” she asked.
Hours passed as I finished the Ark reactor I was building I turned it on to see if it would work. “Jarvis are you online?” I asked.
“Umm Tony who are you talking too?” Pepper asked
“JARVIS is online.” A voice said startling Pepper
“AH! who’s there?” Pepper said startled.
“Hello I am Jarvis” Jarvis said.
“Jarvis is a A.I or artificial Intelligence that I built.” I said.
“Like a golem?” Pepper asked,
“Actually he’s built to help manage my lab I said as we left the secret lab/armory. Can you keep this a secret I don’t want my folks to freak out?” I asked.
“As long as you make me something my lips are sealed.”
“Sure thing.” I said.
A week passed as I brought Pepper back to my house to meet my parents. “Mom, Dad this is my friend Pepper Potts.” I said as they smiled and greeted her.
“Nice to meet our son’s girlfriend.” Dad said as we both our faces went red.
“She/he’s not my boyfriend/girlfriend were just friends.” We both said as Dad just laughed.
“That's how it was when I met your mother Ark.” Dad said as I just facepalmed.
“Come on Tony.” Pepper said as Mom stopped her.
“Pepper why are you calling him by his middle name?” Mom asked
“He said he likes it when people call him Tony.” Pepper said as Mom looked at me.
“We’ll have to discuss this whole ‘Tony’ business Ark.” Mom said as we all entered the house.
“Happy birthday Ark.” Spike said as I saw the gifts on the table.
“I guess put your gift on the table.” I told Pepper as she put the gift on the table.
Twilight came into the house carrying a book sized gift before hugging me. “Happy birthday little brother.” Twilight said.
“Thanks sis.” I said as mom grabbed my shoulder.
“I think it's time to head to the restaurant.” Mom said as we all headed out.
After dinner we returned home to find Celestia waiting at the door. “Oh hello Celestia.” Mom said greeting the princess.
“Hello Twilight Velvet, Night light, Ark, Captain Armor , my personal student and Pepper.” Celestia greeted everybody. “I’ve come with a gift for Ark.” She said handing me an envelope.
I looked at the envelope and wondered what it could be “Thank you.” I said as mom unlocked the door.
“Would you like to come in Princess?” Mom asked.
“I would love to but I have business to attend too.” She said as she made her leave.
“Well it was nice of her to drop this of personally.” Dad said as we all entered the house and waited for the cake to be ready.
As soon as it was ready the lights went off and everybody started singing. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ark. Happy birthday to you.”
“Aw thanks guys.” I said as we started to eat the cake and after the cake was done mom brought me a gift.
“Here you go Ark.” Mom said handing me the gift.
“Thanks mom.” I said opening the gift it was a book on the theory of alchemy. “Thanks Twilight” I said hugging my sister.
“Your welcome Ark.” She said hugging back.
The night went on with gifts from my family and pepper, Spike got me a comic book, Shining got me some dumbbells to help with my exercise, mom got me a picture of some chairs though she corrected me saying they were for my warehouse where me and Pepper hung out, dad got me a carpet to place there as well and finally Pepper got me a new notebook, which was good because I was running out of room in my old one. “I guess all that's left is the gift from Celestia brought.” I said as I opened the envelope as I read the letter I couldn't help but smile and jump. “YES!” I shouted as they all looked at me.
“What?” Pepper asked
“Celestia’s council approved my designs for remaking the guard armor and this is a blank check to make that design a reality.” I said happy.
“Congratulations son.” Mom and Dad said as Twilight hugged me.
“I’m sure you’ll do great Ark.” Twilight said as rushed off to cash in the check and get supplies. This was going to be a good year for me.
I am testing
I spent weeks in my hidden lab working, only coming out periodically to sleep and make sure mom and dad didn’t worry about me, but that was every three or so days. “Finally it’s finished.” I said to myself as I stepped out of my lab.
“Hey Tony.” Pepper said sitting in a chair reading a book. When did she get here?
“Pepper what are you doing here?”
“Your mom asked me to check on you.”
“Oh, okay. Well I’m done and I can present it to the council next week.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great.” Pepper said as I smiled at her.
“I hope so.” I said as I yawned and headed home to sleep. This is gonna be something when they see it.
“I’m sorry, but the council has decided to reject your armor idea.” The head of the council said.
“But why?” I asked.
“Because Technology is just a faze that will pass.”
“And if you're wrong?”
“We aren't.” The head of the council said firmly.
“Then good day.” I said leaving, anger at their sheer stupidity boiling inside me. Ignorant mages.... As I left the council room I ran into Celestia who looked worried.
“I’m sorry that the council rejected your design.” Celestia said.
“It’s alright, I have a plan to show them they're wrong.” I said as Celestia grabbed me.
“Oh no you don’t, Look Ark i’ve seen people go down that road before and it's never a good thing, so please don’t go down that road.” Celestia said.
“Alright Celestia I won’t do anything...” I lied. I was still going to do something, but it wasn’t evil.
“Good.” She said as she walked away. I could tell she wasn’t convinced. Well, it’s not like I’ll be doing anything illegal anyway.
“Sorry Celestia but this is something I must do.” I muttered as I returned home, ready to do what is needed.
As I got home the lights were off and when I opened the door all I heard was my family shouting as the lights came back on. “Surprise!” THey all yelled in cheer.
“Whats all this?” I asked.
“Its to congratulate you on getting the contract of the new guard armor.” Dad said. Now I feel bad...
“Actually... they turned down my design.” I said rubbing the back of my head.
“Oh honey, i’m sorry.” Mom said as Shining and Twilight joined in the hug.
“I actually came here to grab somethings before I returned to my lab.” I said as I ran up to my room to collect a few of my old notebooks. I think what’s in here is still here?
“Okay I’m off.” I said running out the house as they looked at the party.
“So what do we do with this...party?” Dad asked as I got out of earshot.
“I don’t know seems like a waste to just throw everything out, but it would seem like an insult to have the cake say ‘congratulations Ark’.” Mom said.
“I’ll go talk to him.” Pepper said as she left the lab.
As I arrived at my lab my armor was delivered there with a note from the council saying that they would approve it if I changed the tech to magic runes, I crumpled the note and began to disassemble the armor to have it sent to my workshop.”Tony, wait.” Pepper said catching up to me.
“What is it Pepper?...I’m kinda busy.” I said as I activated Jarvis. “Jarvis heat up the forge.” I said grabbing a pile of scrap. “I should have enough Oricalcum to make this suit.” I said as pepper stopped me.
“Look I know you want revenge, but you shouldn’t.” Pepper said as I cut her off.
“I’m not looking for revenge I want to prove i’m better then them.” I said as pepper sighed.
“That sounds like revenge to me.” Pepper frowned.
“Then leave.” I said placing the pile of scrap on an alchemy circle as Pepper left.
“Good.” I said getting back to my work as I clapped my hands together and a light emerged from the circle turning the scrap metal to gold. “Now Jarvis turn on the forge I’m going to be here smelting.” I said as Jarvis activated the forge.
Hours passed as I fused gold to oricalcum, oricalcum was stronger and more common than titanium anyway, and began to forge a new suit. Days passed as I finished the suit and spray painted the parts but I had created an Iron man mark 1 suit. “Time to test it.” I said as I put on the suit on.
As I started to fly I bumped into a lot of things before I got out of warehouse I started to get the hang of flying I flew over the city till I got to the border of the city, As I floated there I saw a train coming, but something was off. “Jarvis calculate the speed of that train.” I said to Jarvis.
“Calculating, it is going at least ten miles above the regular speed and speeding up.” Jarvis said.
“So it’s going to crash into the station at this rate.” I said as I flew by the conductor’s compartment to see him being held up by two armed thugs. “Okay so all I have to do is stop this train, beat the thugs, and save the train. No big deal.” I said as I boosted to the front of the train. “Okay Jarvis activate the emergency thrusters.” I said as I grabbed the train and boosted to slow it down.
As the train got closer to the station I managed to slow it down enough for it to get into the station. People were confused what was going on as a flying red and yellow golem get up from holding the train to entering and throwing out a few thugs. “Stop this at once golem.” A guard said.
“Ironman.” I corrected.
“Stand down Ironman.” Shining armor said.
“Why? If it wasn’t for me this train would have crashed into the station killing everyone here.” I said.
“And where is your proof?” Shining said
“Ask the conductor, he will tell you what happened.” I said as I booted my jet boots and took off. ”That could have gone better.” I said to myself as I flew off.
“Okay what happened here?” Shining asked the conductor.
“Well these men attacked the staff and tried to ram the train into the station.” The conductor said as Shining looked at this Ironman.
“What are you?” Shining asked.
Weeks passed as news of this Ironman spread like wildfire across Canterlot and I had been busy saving people and getting an interview with Canterlot's newspaper. ”M-may I help you?” The lady behind the desk asked afraid.
“Yes I have an interview with Miss.Gabby.” I said.
“R-right this way sir.” She said nervously.
“Okay then thank you.” I said walking up to the room where I would be interviewed. “Hello miss Gabby.” I said as I reached out to shake her hand.
She just ignored my hand and sat down at a chair. “Let's get to business sir.” She said as I sat down on a chair next to her.
“Let's start with your name, why Ironman?” Miss gabby asked.
“Well my suit is metallic and most people think of Iron when they hear the something is made of metal.” I answered.
“And is your suit powered by raws magic or runes?”
“Actually it's not powered by anything magical it's all science.” I answered.
“I see, so your mind as the likely inventor in their metal skin, is not that of a mage, but of a scientist?”
“I’ve never been good at magic so technology has always been my strong point.”
“I see, and you must have worked a long time on that suit. It’s nothing like what the public has today.”
“I’m the smartest most capable person on the planet of course its more advanced than anything the people have seen..”
“I would guess. So, since you’re clearly playing the ‘superhero stereotype’ I’m not gonna ask anything personal, but how do you feel about Captain Shining Armors words declaring you a rogue element and possible terrorist in disguise?”
“Well he means well, but he’s just a pawn for a group of old mages who can’t see the turn of the century if it slapped them in the face.”
“Personally a lot of the younger generations agree. Most have been taking to Technology and only using magic for basics. Many say it’s because we might have explored all that magic can teach us.”
“Well there are still things magic can do that science can’t, but never say you’ve hit the peak with something over five hundred years ago we invented the train and many said that was that was the peak of technology
“True. So, how do you feel about Princess Celestia in her neutral tone towards you? She says you might just be a ‘rejected genius’ to quote her.”
“Well she has the right to be on the fence about me I really haven’t done anything to prove I’m..oh wait I saved lives in my first outing.” I said smugly.
“Alright, and how do you feel about the growing threat of the Minotaur rebels? They’ve begun killing innocents.”
“Well, I’ve been hearing the reports a lot lately and I think I might plan a visit in the near future once I make sure some things I have are done before then.” Those bastards have been getting bad. Slaves, drugs, and weapons that are both magic and machine. Rumors say their armor strong enough to withstand cannon blast and is skin tight… Wonder what that’s about?
“Last question. Do you find it odd the minotaur rebels have been raiding all sorts of technology from every town they take over and ship it off to an isolated island? Any idea why they’d do that?”
“Well of I would have to guess they are trying to build something.” I answered as I walked out of the interview. I need to get a plan going here. “It was great meeting you.”
As I flew back to the secret base via my hidden hole and climb up my hidden hatch too see Pepper standing there. ” Pepper?” I asked.
“Hi Ark.” She said.
“Ark don’t you normally call me Tony?”
“You said only friends call you Tony.”
“I thought we were friends?”
“Well you haven’t left your lab in weeks”
“Well I wanted to show you what I’ve done.” I said, opening the hatch.
“Sure.” As we walked down the hidden hatch she stopped when she saw my armor. “You're the Golem?” Pepper said in amazement.
“Ironman actually.”
“How? I thought you were no good at magic?”
“Why does everybody expect it to be magic... Look Its technology the closest thing to magic was alchemy and that's more pseudo science.”
“THAT is awesome!” She cheered as she hugged me.
As we climbed back up Pepper stopped as I climbed into her butt. “Why did you stop?’
“Hello Ark, Or Ironman.” Celestia’s voice said, sending a shock down my spine as Pepper and I finished climbing out. “I don’t think that’s how seven minutes in heaven is played?” She teased.
I am worried
I stood there in shock as Celestia revealed her knowledge of me being Ironman. And blush at that seven minutes in heaven thing. “How?” was all I could ask.
“It was easy. You really should have expected it. I knew you were gonna pull something, plus I was listening in on your interview. Your confession was all the assurance I needed when you said your armor was tech, not magic.”
“I really should have chosen my words more carefully.”
“Nonetheless, I am actually proud you chose to do good, even at your own self risk.”
“So you're not going to tell my parents or brother that I am Ironman?”
“Your parent’s, you’ll have to tell them if you wish, as for your brother… leave him in the dark. It’s wrong, but fun to watch him obsess over who you are.” She chuckled.
“Anyway, why are you here Princess?” Pepper asked.
“Well, I think it’s in the best interest of both the people and Ark’s that I should fund his project, under the table labeled as a regular technology development corporation. That line about the youth attaching to technology more did make sense, and I have noticed it. Who better to prove the council wrong about technology than that one who can evolve it.”
“Well that's great. Looks like Ark tech is getting off the ground after all.” I said as pepper looked at me.
“Ark tech?”
“Yeah, my tech company.” I replied.
“Agreed.” Celestia cut in. “So, how much do you think will be necessary?”
“Well the first suit only cost about five thousand bits in oricalcum and wireing but with improvements and corner cuts I could see it at about seven million for a tech company and secret armory.” I said calculated.
“It would be about eight million sir.” Jarvis said startling Celestia.
“My word, that… is that someone in your tech?” Celestia asked, looking around.
“That’s just Jarvis, he helps me with calculating and helps in combat.” I explained.
“That’s what I want to see from you Ark, fantasy made reality. I can send you the cash from my personal savings tomorrow and deposit it in your bank account without anypony questioning it. Just check your bank account tomorrow, it’s a surprise amount.” Celestia said as she teleported out.
With that, Paper and I went home without much else to talk about. The next day came and I did as Celestia said and went to the bank to see how much I now had… I felt dizzy… n-n-n Ninety million… HOW CAN SHE JUST GIVE THAT MUCH AWAY?! “Well Guess I should head over and start my company...how do I start a company anyway?” I asked myself.
A month later I started my small company in my warehouse and hired Pepper to basically be the secretary/vice president. And fourteen people to work at my for me. “Alright people first day and we have a busy week ahead we have been commissioned to build a satellite.”
“Question.” One of the female employees asked. “What is a satellite?”
“Basically we’re going to be the first people to launch something into space that isn’t a princess assuming the legend is true.”
There was muttering among them. “Such technology would take years to make, even with magic.” Another employee said.
“That’s why I spent a month working on this.” I said, showing blueprints for a satellite.
One of the other female employees, who stood out given her rather punk-rock get up, looked them over. “Damn, no rune spells or anything anywhere… Nice, show those mages up in Celestia’s school they don’t run the world.”
“We have a month to get the testing Celestia wants to prove to her council that Tech can fight against magic.” I said as the crowd cheered. “Let's go!” I said as they got to work.
A month passed as I made another suit of armor and work on Hulkbuster became underway as well as the satellite. “Ladies and gentlemen I present to you our first piece of work at Ark tech.” I said as the crowd cheered at the satellite’s completion. “Now the only problem is launching it.” I said as the crowd looked nervously “Don’t worry we are still getting paid, but we won’t get the full price till it's launched.” I said as the crowd looked nevus.
“Um…” One of the more quiet employees spoke. His name was Jurry Rigged. “I have a rather… insane idea.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Well, we know that oxygen is what fuels a fire, more oxygen, more fire. If we could ignite the air and managed it to fire the satellite up rather than blowing it apart. Plus, burning air, which is recyclable, would give us a new project to work towards after this.”
“That could work, You come with me we have designing to to.”
Jurry Rigged followed my into the drawing room, where we make and improve all out blueprints. “S-so I was thinking of starting the explosion off small, then as it gets higher and further away it another one goes off, sending it out of orbit, but not into or passed the moon.”
“That could work.” I said quickly drawing up a design for it. “If we're lucky we can have it in two weeks.” I said
“The thing is that the shield containing it will have to be strong enough to withstand a 10,000 kiloton explosion. Perhaps a metal aly fuzion would be required. Mixing our usual oricalcum with other strong metals.”
“Maybe mixing it with Titanium would work.”
“I think we still need something stronger. Uh… maybe a way to ‘stitch’ together these metals at an atomic level would help greatly?”
“Hmm... Yes that could work, though, it would be incredibly difficult.”
“Not if we can manage to manipulate the atoms and rearrange them into what we need. A rather powerful and precise magnet might work, though it will take time to build, test, and make the metal.”
“Yes that could work though it might be another month to make the magnet.” I said.
“What if it’s an already magnetized metal, that we amplify with an electric one?”
“Yes...YES That could work.” I said, grabbing blueprints and drawing them up.
“The magnetized metal we get will have to be extremely strong on it's own before we amplify it.”
Two weeks passed as we prepared the final presentation at a remote location for the launch “Ladies, Gentlemen, Princess and members of the council I give you the first manmade object to head to space.” I said revealing the rocket and satellite.
“That will never work.” A council member muttered.
“Fire!” I said as an explosion rocked the ground as the satellite flew off into the air followed by another one and a few more till the satellite was in orbit “Neon Spark, check the signal.” I asked my Punk-rock looking employee.
She turned on the rather large device we set up to check the satellite and on the screen, there was us from a bird's eye view. “We have stable orbit, and it’s fully operational.” She confirmed, to which the entire council’s jaws dropped.
I turned to the head of the council giving him a smug look before heading to talk. “Ladies and gentlemen the Ark tech telescope will tell us what's beyond our little planet and show us the secrets of the universe.” I said as I turned to have the telescope show us what's on the moon. “What?” I said. “Neon enhance the signal there is something on the moon
She did as told and what we saw was surprising. “Is that a castle… on the moon?” Neon said.
“I’m sorry, but this presentation is over.” A guard said escorting the council members and press out of the room.
“Celestia what was that?” I asked.
She sighed. “Nightmare Moon’s castle.” She said rather nonchalantly.
“So the fairy tale is real?”
“Yes, almost every word of it.”
“What do we do?”
“You, don’t worry. I have a plan and it will go well. If it doesn’t, you know who to find.” She said, winking.
“Okay Celestia.” I said walking out.
A few days latter I was in my armor flying over the Everfree forest as that is what the old stories told where the Elements where. ”Pepper can you hear me?”
“Yeah I can hear you.” Pepper said.
“Okay I’m flying over the everfree if there is anything the book said about the elements it should be here.”
“I know Tony I was read the same story. Anyway, they’re likely either in or under the castle.”
“Okay and I see the castle, Jarvis scan for any form of residual energy.”
“Scanning found six forms of energy in the castle and one under the castle.” Jarvis said as I landed in front of the castle.
“Okay find me those energy signatures” I said as I got a layout of the castle.
“The six of the energy signatures are resonating from that tower.” Jarvis said.
“That must be what I’m looking for.” I said walking up the stairs to the top of the tower. When I got to the top I said. “Jarvis give me a energy scan of this room.”
“Scanning.” Jarvis said as I grabbed a small orb. “The object you are holding seems to resonate the same frequency that we are detecting.”
“Well that's good to know.” I said as I realised I couldn't just take these without messing up Celestia’s plan. “Pepper remind me how long till Nightmare moon returned?” I asked.
“Well, the next summer sun celebration is in a few week is the 997th and legends say that she will return on the thousandth so I’d say three years.” Pepper said.
“Which give us plenty of time to scan the relics.” I said grabbing the orb and taking it back to Canterlot.
A week passed as I built a machine to scan the orb. “What are you?” I asked looking at the orb, I had to return it by the end of the week as i wanted to make sure that when Nightmare Moon returned The plan that Celestia had would go off.
“Hey Tony you done with the element of harmony?” Pepper asked climbing down the ladder to my lab.
“Element of Harmony?” I asked confused.
“Yeah that's what the old story calls them at least.”
“Right sorry I haven’t really read that old tale.”
“But it's what Nightmare night is based on... Are you telling me you’ve never celebrated Nightmare night?” Pepper asked.
“I did once, I just remember wandering off and having my candy stolen by some older kids, I never really did it again.” I said as Pepper hugged me.
“Oh you poor thing.” She said as she kept on hugging me.
“Could you let go please.” I asked as she let go her face red as a tomato.”Alright.” I said getting back to the Element of Harmony. “Now how to unlock its power?” I asked before turning to Pepper. “Does the legend say anything about how to unlock them?” I asked.
“Well you could read the story and find out it’s not that long a read.” She said.
“I could, but I have science to do, plus you're the one who went to Celestia’s school for gifted mages so you’re the expert in magic here.” I said.
“Well I wouldn’t call myself an expert on magic.” She said as her ego flew off and started to fantasise.
I snapped my fingers as she snapped out of it. “Snap out of it, I need answers.”
“Right.” she said before she remembered. “There are six elements, Honesty, Laughter, Loyalty,Kindness, Generosity and magic.”
“Of course magic is one of them.” I said exasperated. “Anyway there was a seventh energy signature similar to the elements of harmony.”
“Thats weird, maybe it has something to do with the elements? Maybe we should ask Celestia.”
“No I don’t want her to know i’m working on this armor.”
“Why? She could help us.”
“Or tell us to stop and trust in her plan. Look I know she could help but I need to figure this out on my own.”
“Okay Tony I trust you.” Pepper said as I returned to my work.
I am Fighting Nightmare moon
A month passed as I returned the Element of Harmony to its place and left as I had all the data I could get from it, I knew how to replicate the energy and when the time came for Nightmare Moon to return I would be ready.
Three years passed as my company invented mobile phones and launched more satellites to maintain the system. “We’ve reconsidered your armor design Ark.” The head council member said.
“Is that why you’ve asked me here?” I asked. ”Well any way the armor has already been sold to another party.”
“What, who?” the head council member asked.
“Me.” I said as I walked out before pulling out My Ark cellphone and calling Pepper “Hey Pepper just got out of the meeting with Celestia’s council.” I said.
“That's great Tony.” She said.
“I told them that we’re using the suits that I proposed years ago” I said
“But were not using them-”
“Yet.” I corrected. ”Anyway put up some help wanted ads in the news and we’ll get some guards.I’ll need to invent weapons for them to use but that's a whole different story.” I said getting in my chariot. “To the Ark warehouse please” I told the driver as we drove off.
I gathered my suitcase with the Nightmare buster armor in it and said goodbye to Pepper as I left for Ponyville with Twilight. “Hey Ark Isn’t this going to be great just, the three of us.” Spike said.
“Yeah it is little buddy, we really haven't had much time to be together since I came into all that money” I said.
“Yeah” Twilight said not paying attention to the conversation.
“Anyway let's focus on the summer sun festival you two go do what the princess asked and I’ll head to the place where Celestia gave you alright?” I asked.
“Okay.” Twilight said as the guards that were off landing in the middle of Ponyville.
“So this is ponyville not as interesting as I thought... and I didn’t think highly of it in the first place.” I said looking around at this backwards town, I had the feeling they would run a zebracan out of town just because they had stripes. “Okay so where is the Library?” I asked as Twilight talked to a girl who just jumped, gasped and ran off, “Well that’s not rude or anything.” I said as I asked around.
“Yeah you're looking for royal Oak Library it's hard to miss it's the building inside the tree in the center of town.”A local said.
“Thanks” I said as I walked towards the large tree in the middle of town and read a few hundred books while waiting for Twilight to return, as I was reading the lady from before came in with a bunch of party supplies “What are you doing?” I asked startling her.
“Gasp a new person I’m Pinkie Pie what's your name?” She asked getting uncomfortably close to my face.
“I’m Ark Sparkle and could you get away from my face please?” I asked as she got out of my face
“Sorry” she said as she backed up “what are you doing here I thought this place was reserved for The Princesses student? Gasp are you the... wait no the princesses student is a girl.”
“Yeah my sister I’m her younger brother”
“So that new girl was The princesses student then the one with the dragon?”
“Yes that's her.” I said “Anyway why are you here with...”I paused to look at what she had “Party supplies, you do know this is a library right meaning shhh”
“I know but this is the one place I know where she will be.”
“You're not going to give up on this party thing are you?”
“Nope” she said taking out party stuff and hanging decorations.
The day turned to night as Twilight and Spike came to the Library as I was upstairs reading the books, “Grah why did you let them set up a party here Ark?” Twilight asked
“Hey it's not like I could stop her.” I said.
“Anyway it's time for the Summer sun festival to start and for Celestia to raise the sun.” I said grabbing my briefcase and walking downstairs. Towards the town center.
I stood near the back incase something goes wrong and Celestia’s plan doesn’t work, but as a woman stood on top of the balcony “Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you Princesses Celestia” The woman said as she opened a curtain revealing nothing, Everybody in the audience gasped as I faked a phone call and walked out to place my Nightmare Buster suit on.
“Greetings my little subjects.” A voice said as I burst in blasting the woman in armor. “Gah, who dares?”
“I dare.” I said hovering above the crowd.
“And what are you Golem?”
“Why does everybody assume I’m a golem?” I asked to myself “ I’m no Golem I’m Ironman what have you been living under a rock or something?” I quipped as I fired my repulsors at her. Before long she retreated and the crowd retreated into their homes panicked “Jarvis give me a scan of the local area for her energy signature” I asked.
“Scanning” Jarvis said as I spotted Twilight heading out with five other people towards the everfree forest.
“Whats she doing?” I asked as Jarvis responded.
“Perhaps she is going after the Elements of Harmony also I finished scanning for Nightmare moon she is headed towards the Everfree forest.” Jarvis said.
I flew above the six girls and recognised the girl with the pink hair. “Why are you six heading to this forest?” I asked hovering above them.
“Were trying to find the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight said as I wondered if this was Celestia’s plan. No this couldn’t be Celestia’s plan, she would never put Twilight in danger like this… right?
“Perhaps you might need some help?” I asked not wanting to see my sister get hurt.
“Sure thing metal butt.” Rainbow said.
“Its Ironman.” I replied.
“It’s still metal.” She retorted.
“Anyway I did a Scan of the area Nightmare moon is in that forest so we’d better be on guard.” I said flying over them as they all walked into the forest.
There was an issue with a manticore, but other than that not much actually happened on our way there. Though, how I dealt with said manticore has made Fluttershy both fear/hate me… We made it to the castle, where the elements sat in the same place I saw them at when I first saw them. “Impressive.” Said a voice above us. We looked up, and saw the she-demon herself. “Not a drop of magic in you.”
“Nightmare Moon.” I said firing a repulsor blast at her.
She flicked her hand and a magic barrier blocked it. “So this world has begun to favor metal and gadgets over the raw power of magic and the universe, is that right?” I didn’t retort as I scanned the barrier for any structural weaknesses before blasting it with another shot. “Impressive metal man, you may actually prove useful to me.”
“Twilight get the elements I’ll deal with moon butt here” I said as Twilight ran towards the elements.
Nightmare moon shot magic bolts at me, to which we both were just flying around and shooting at each other, rather repetitively, but it was all we were doing… something didn't feel right here. “Do tell me, how long has Equestria preferred gadgets over magic?”
“Long enough to have a plan for you.” I said lighting up a Unibeam knocking her into a wall.
“Then pray tell, why can’t you use magic, I can feel the mages aura within you, something happen or you just didn’t bother?” She asked, floating out of her impact hole.
“Ironman look out!” Twilight said having five of the elements float around her.
As I got up a flash of light emerged in the castle and when I came in I saw a smaller Nightmare moon and Twilight and the others had jewelry on them. “Sir I am picking up excess energy coming from what appears to be the elements of Harmony.”
“Of course they weren’t at full power when I scanned them.” I said grabbing the tiara off of Twilights head, ‘sorry sis’ I thought as everybody started to wake up and a bright light shown through the room.
When it faded, Celestia was standing in front of me. “I said it was handled.” She whispered to me.
“I had to make sure.” I responded.
“Fair enough. She said, walking over to Twilight. “You have made me proud my student, and have done Equestria a grand service.” She then walked over to the tiny Nightmare moon, who looked scared of Celestia. “Sister?”
“Sister?” I asked among everybody else.
The sister in question started crying. “I just wanted our people to love us like they loved you.” She whimpered.
Celestia replied by hugging her. “I know, and It was my fault you felt so neglected. Rather than being there for you, I figured you could get over it… I was arrogant. Can you forgive me, Luna?”
Luna hugged her back. “I do sister!” She cried.
“Well I wish you two of luck.” I said flying off. As I got far enough I asked Jarvis to call Twilight “Hey Sis where are are you I’m at the train station heading back to Canterlot.”
“Okay Ark I’ll call you when I get to...” she paused noticing something was off “I’ll call you back.” she said as she hung up before turning to Celestia “Umm if there are six elements why am I only counting five of them here?” She asked.
“The element of magic that Ironman fellow is… borrowing for some tests. He said he’d return it soon.” Celestia said.
“Oh, alright then. Why does he want to test it?”
“That he kept to himself.”
I was back in my lab, looking over the tiara. Man, the power reading this thing had back at the castle was crazy, but after we got a few miles away from the castle, it started dying down.
I had guessed they only work right when all six are together, and when apart they start losing most of their power. Talk about strength in numbers. I yawned, placing the artifact in a stasis display and headed off to bed. I gotta run a few more tests before I give it back to Twilight.
As I fell asleep I felt odd, then when I woke up I was in the castle. “The hell?”
“Quite the life you have lived.” I looked behind me, seeing Nightmare Moon. “Both of your lives.” She added.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“Just came to say my farewells til we meet again, while I might no longer be as strong as I once was, while I managed to escape a fragment of myself into you and did some research into you, I met a… allie who can make use of what I can do. I also learned a lot you know, everything you learned, such impressive knowledge.” She said, placing a hand on my face.
“And what's stopping me from just heading to Celestia and tell her about you?” I asked.
“Nothing really, but the dream worlds are vast and not even a million Luna’s can find me in time, besides, the dream realm I head off to is locked behind a special barrier, one that only a few things or beings can unlock. My allie will be waiting there for me.”
“Great.” I said waking up, “I really don’t have a choice.” I said as I returned to my lab to finish the test with the element.