Tony Stark Was Shocked

Inside Stark Tower.

"Tony, can't you ever just take it easy? I'm always the one cleaning up after you. Do you know how much—"

"Stop, stop, Rhodey. This time it wasn't my fault. This guy came looking for a fight, and I just... happened to strike back."

Even Rhodey, who was specifically responsible for cleaning up after Tony, felt overwhelmed. There was already more than enough going on within the military.

That damn Ross had caused such a mess recently, and the military still hadn't reached a decision about what to do. No one knew how to clean up the disaster.

If it came down to a fight, not one of them had the nerve. General James's bloody example was still fresh in their minds.

Although he'd brought it on himself, this sort of thing was commonplace in politics. He'd simply been terribly unlucky.

Who knew what had gotten into the Blood God? He'd gone and bestowed a blessing on someone like Ross without a second thought. Who did that?

Rhodey was already fed up, and with Tony making trouble every few days, he really couldn't take it anymore.

"So you're saying you were at home playing around with your suit, happened to be fiddling with the weapons system, and then this guy happened to fall out of the sky? The impact made you fire a shot, and it just happened to hit him?"

"Yeah, exactly. You summed it up perfectly. That's my Rhodey."

Rhodey rolled his eyes. He didn't believe a word Tony said. There were so many coincidences that even a dog wouldn't believe it, and Tony expected him to? What a load of nonsense!

"Being your friend means a lifetime of hard work."

Rhodey sighed. Having a friend like this was truly unfortunate. His rank hadn't gone up much, but he'd sure had plenty of work to do. It hadn't all been for nothing, at least—he'd gotten exhausted.

"Come on, Rhodey. Your timing's perfect. There's something important I need to talk to you about."

"Save it, Tony. You can't still be hung up on the fact that someone attacked you, and want me to help you silence him, can you? He's already in that state. He's practically as good as dead. Let him go, you big capitalist."

Rhodey had also seen the medical report issued by the hospital. He didn't understand the technical jargon, but he'd gotten the gist of it.

Even if the Russian survived, he'd spend the rest of his life in bed. It was a good thing he was so strong—falling from that height and not dying on the spot was truly a blessing from God.

No one else could possibly be as lucky as he was. And with injuries that severe, if Rhodey had been the one to suffer them, he'd rather have died.

"Rhodey, that's not what I mean. I'm talking about why he has armor similar to mine, and even an Arc Reactor.

"That technology isn't easy to get your hands on. I want to know how he got it, and how many other people have this technology."

And why was The Gh'gth Revelations in his possession?

Tony added that thought silently. It wasn't something he could discuss with Rhodey.

Speaking of The Gh'gth Revelations, Tony had had it for a while now, but he still hadn't opened it to read.

Not for any other reason than the fear he felt inside.

It was as if opening the book and reading its contents would cause something terrible to happen.

"I should be the only person in the world who can make an Arc Reactor. But now that Russian has become the second person to master the technology.

"Rhodey, I need your help. I have to find out whether a third person—or even more people—have mastered this technology."

Rhodey shrugged. He'd lost count of how many times he'd done this sort of thing for Tony. One more time wouldn't hurt.

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"That Russian is in the Intensive Care Unit. Just keep him under guard. Make sure no one else gets near him. Once he's out of danger and wakes up, let me know."

Rhodey nodded, then asked, "What if the Russian doesn't make it and dies in the Intensive Care Unit? Or what if he never wakes up?"

"Then we can leave it alone."

After saying that, Tony stood up, ready to head to the lab.

"Hey, Tony, where are you going? What are you planning to do?"

Tony stopped and turned to look at his friend. His lips moved, but in the end, he still said, "Rhodey, it'd be better if you didn't know about this. It wouldn't do you any good."

"You know me, Tony. I'm not afraid of challenges or danger. But if you're being this serious, then I have to remind you to be careful.

"Since you've made up your mind, I'll do as you asked and keep that Russian under guard. But you have to promise me that if you discover anything, good or bad, you'll tell me right away."

There was an unshakable resolve in Rhodey's voice.

Tony nodded, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Of course, Rhodey. You'll always be the one I can count on most. I'll be careful, and I'll make sure you're not put in danger.

"As for that secret, maybe I'll tell you someday. I just hope it won't scare you when I do."

With that, Tony turned toward the lab, his steps carrying an inexplicable urgency.

Rhodey remained where he was, watching Tony walk away, his mind full of questions. He really hated it when people spoke in riddles.

But he knew Tony's temperament. Once he decided to do something, he wouldn't give up easily. If he'd decided not to tell Rhodey, then he wouldn't say a word until he was sure it was safe and under control.

As he walked toward the lab, Tony felt an inexplicable sense of panic.

He'd left the book, The Gh'gth Revelations, in the lab. He hadn't brought it with him. A forbidden book like that was something Tony instinctively wanted to keep his distance from.

But now Tony felt an irresistible force pulling him toward it, compelling him to face his fear and uncover the truth behind The Gh'gth Revelations.

The lab was softly and brightly lit, and various high-tech devices glimmered with a cold light. Tony went straight to the specially designed worktable, where the carefully protected copy of The Gh'gth Revelations lay.

Tony slowly reached out. The moment his fingertips brushed the cover, an inexplicable chill spread through his body.

He carefully turned the pages, afraid of disturbing the ancient power sleeping within. As the pages turned, he realized that this was only the first volume.

Tony frowned. Did he really have to keep searching?

He saw his parents' deaths. He saw the rise of the Red Hulk, and then...

"Tony Stark is about to die of palladium poisoning. Will he have a chance to find the answer his father never did?"

At that, Tony's eyes flew wide open!