4 Stronger Than Iron

2 Weeks Later, New York

Ben walked through the streets of New York. He had already dealt with several many houses on his journey through the United States. Along the way, Ben met several interesting characters, but that is a story for another day. According to Bruce's information, the last few safe-houses were here in New York. 'This New York is quite different from my own.' As Ben walked around the corner, the smell of food caught his attention. His stomach rumbled in hunger. 'It's been a while since breakfast.' Walking inside,

"Next!" The owner called out as Ben walked up to the counter. "Welcome to Joe's Pizza! What can I get for ya?"

After looking at the menu for a few seconds, Ben shrugged. "I'll have a slice of Pepperoni and Bacon, breadsticks, and a medium Coke."

The older man nodded. "That'll be five ninety-nine."

After Ben paying and receiving his food, he took a seat in front of the shop. He took in the ambiance of the busy streets. 'Today is going to be a good day.'

Suddenly, a large explosion in the distance shakes the entire block. Several people, including Ben, lost their balance. While some people stared at the smoke in the distance, others were checking online to find out what happened.

In the middle of all that, the Alien Hero stared at his food spilled all over the sidewalk. "Dammit..." Looking in the direction of the explosion, Ben narrowed his eyes. "Hello, stress relief."

United Nations, New York Office

Several vehicles have been turned on their sides. Security forces have been pinned down by Hydra agents. In the background, a massive skull mech approaches. Upon arrival, the soldiers look on in fear as their heavy guns begin targeting them. Just as the gun begins charging, a blue repulsor beam impacts it's hull straight on. The heat and force of the attack allowed it to pierce all the way through, causing all of its engines to overload and erupt in fire and smoke.

Iron Man floated in the air, admiring his handiwork. "Timber." As the Skulls tentacles gave away, the main body tumbled into the ocean. With that Tony scanned the battlefield. "What did we get, Jarvis?"

Jarvis answered. "Armor is down to 40% after using the uni-beam which I recommended against."

Tony rolled his eyes. "I meant on the ground."

The Heads-Up-Display highlighted the enemy foot soldiers. "Ah, yes. fourteen HYDRA targets all heavily armed, sir."

"Huh. Maybe I should have brought Rhodey along." He shrugged. "Jarvis, activate external speakers." The Iron Man armor hovered as he gave a message to them all. "Attention, HYDRA goons. You've been trying to take over the world for 60 years. It's not happening."

One of the ground agents lifts up his launcher and fires at the red target.

Tony leans to his left, narrowly missing the rocket. His eyes widened in surprise, "He actually shot at me." All the agents firing on the armor. Tony glared at them "Fine. We'll do it the hard way." Maneuvering through the projectiles, Tony fired an object that soo split into 12 pieces. Each of them quickly latched onto their rifles.

HYDRA soldiers yell in surprise as the devices beeped before detonation and knocking them out. Two agents took cover behind an overturned car before their cover began to rise, revealing Iron Man.

"Hi, there." Tony raised his free hand and blasted the two of them. Still holding the vehicle, he looked over his handiwork. "Wow, they don't make bad guys the way they used to." He threw the vehicle away casually.

"Warning, incoming projectile," Jarvis spoke.

Looking up, Tony saw three strange metal spheres come crashing down around him. Iron Man groaned from the impact. Through the smoke, the strange object took on a different shape. Iron Man recovered in confusion. "What was- Jarvis?"

Jarvis interrupted him. "Armor power down to 32%. Recommend recharging."

As the dust cleared, three large Armored Hydra Suits towered over Iron Man, readying their weapons. "Target acquired. Designation: Iron Man. Destroy."

Tony narrowed his eyes at the new enemy.

SHIELD Helicarrier, 5 Minutes Earlier.

A stern black man looked at the screens of the Helicarrier's observation deck. "Update," he ordered.

At a terminal to his right, a young woman complied as she read over the reports. "The Helicarrier is roughly five minutes out at this speed. Our local SHIELD units are under attack and unable to respond."

Director Fury frowned. "That's five minutes too long, Hill. You got any news that's actually useful for us."

"I- I-" Maria Hill stuttered for a moment before more radio chatter came in on her comms. "Sir, Iron Man has arrived on the scene. Wait, we have reports of another bogey approaching the area."

At the mention of Tony and an unknown variable, Fury narrowed his eyes in the distance.

Stark Tower

Tony Stark's loyal secretary and friends Pepper Potts looked out the window to the battle with worry.

"I'm sure he's gonna be fine, Pepper. That armor, it's invincible," Coronel Rhodes assured her.

"I'm not worried about the armor, Rhodey." She sighed. "I'm worried about him. He's all alone out there against the people who stole his technology. Tony is out there all by himself and there's nothing that we can do to help him. I understand why he feels he has to do this. I just don't understand why he has to do it alone."

United Nations, Present

Tony groaned in pain from several energy blasts knocking him to the ground. He managed to push himself back up. "Jarvis, talk to me. Divert all power to shields And analyze that blast."

"Shields not responding."

Tony looked back at the incoming drones. "That's not good." Just as a drill punch came down, Iron Man went airborne, dodging at the last second. At the rear, the Hydra Drone launches five homing missiles. With little maneuvers and repulsor blasts, Tony detonated them all before they made contact. The inventor sighed in relief.

"Alert, new contacts," Jarvis warned.

In the corner of his vision, a purple blur entered the fray. Before Tony could respond, a Drone jumped high enough to tackle the armored genius into the building before landing in the fountain. The Drone recovered first and drove his drill towards Tony's head. Reacting in time, Tony holds back the rotating arm. "Don't know how much longer I can keep this up, Jarvis." In the background, he noted several explosions and flashes of light. The drill slowly neared his forehead, before a technicolor blast knocked the robot off balance. With the opening, Iron Man rears both fists and punches straight to its torso, launching the enemy into a wall. Tony breathed a sigh of relief as a new form came running up to him.

The strange purple crystalline being extended a hand to help him up. "Sup."

The genius inventor accepted the hand with hesitation. "Thanks for the help, but who the heck are you? A relative of The Thing?"

Not getting the reference, Chromastone grumbled. "Listen, this thing is named Chromastone. I helped save your butt, and as much as I would like to chat, we still have to deal with those things." Chromastone gestured to the robots.

As one was pulling itself out of a building, the other two were pulling themselves out of a crater.

Tony nodded. "Good point."

Over the external speakers, Jarvis chimed in. "Blast analysis completed, sir."

"Really. Now?" Iron Man huffed. "I was almost skewed."

Chromastone interjected. "A friend of yours?"

"Something like that," Tony smirked from under his helmet.

Jarvis continued on. "The targets are HYDRA Dreadnought class robots, but they've been upgraded with repulsor tech weapons."

All joy fell from the genius' face and turned into anger. "That's my tech. HYDRA's using my technology against me?"

"Woah, that's rough." Ben had heard about Hydra during his web searches. It was disturbing how the organization still thrived from World War Two.

"Prep an EMP," Stark sternly ordered.

"Not enough power," answered Jarvis.

The man growled. "Fine, divert power to repulsors."

Chromastone reached out to the armored man. "Dude, you gotta calm down. We need to make a plan."

"This is my plan, Mr. Rubbles" Marching toward the robots, he fired high-intensity repulsor rays. However, before they could impact, a translucent green sphere formed around them, protecting them from the blasts. Stark widened his eyes. "You've got to be kidding me. That's my shielding."

One of the robots managed to flank Tony and readied a punch. However, an energy beam from behind knocked the fist off course. Next thing Tony saw was the Crystal creature grabbing the drone from behind and suplexing it into the ground. "If you're done with your tantrum, maybe we can finally finish this."

Stark ignored him, glared at the other two, and gave another command. "Uni-beam."

Jarvis didn't comply. "That's Ill-advised. I recommend listening to your new companion. Your current operating power is not sufficient to energize the uni-beam." Not ready in time, the other drone grabbed onto him and threw him into an overturned APV.

Chromastone grappled with a drone once more. "Sheesh. Was I ever that stubborn?"

Azmuth scoffed. "Believe me, you were."

Tony recovered from the crash. "I need those shields, Jarvis."

Jarvis relayed the information. "Repulsor shield re-boot sequence already in progress."

"Fine." Iron Man flew above the two drones. "Come on, you pieces of junk. Show me what else you got. Because you probably stole it from me, too."

"Even I wasn't that obsessed about others stealing my work," commented Azmuth.

Chromastone stuck his crystal hand into shielding and absorbed its power. Charged up, he jabbed into the metal hull and pulled out several servos and wires. "Didn't you become a hermit for the longest time."

"That was because of a completely different reason," the Galvan AI rebutted.

Ben rolled his eyes. "Sure." With his free arm, he stuck into the armor and managed to locate its vital circuitry. Powering up his fist, the robot exploded in a rainbow fashion from the inside out. "Onto the next one."

One of the drones started firing optic blasts at Iron Man. He ducked out of the way fast enough for the beams to destroy the second drone's drill arm.

Noticing its damage, the drone activated its flamethrower, scorching the armor red hot.

Strained to compose himself, Iron Man jettisoned himself out of the flames towards the enemy. He grabbed the armor's thick hull before tossing into the concrete.

Tony's armor started scanning the downed armor for something. It's HUD then displayed a device within the robot with the Stark logo. Visibly upset, Tony landed on the robot, jabbed his arm into its chest and yanked it out. The lights of the bot's eyes went out. "Mine."

"Look out!" Chromastone called.

Iron Man turned his head to avoid another optic blast and flew upwards. As Chromastone ran over to assist, Iron Man grumbled as more of his repulsors were deflected by the shielding.

Meanwhile, on an overpass, a Hydra Agent managed to regain consciousness. Seeing a blaster and another downed agent next to him, he picked it up and got ready to fire at Iron Man. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, another shot was heard, and he felt searing pain across his back before falling back to the floor.

The downed Hydra Agent from before crouched with his pistol smoking. He looked at the injured lackey. "Not yet."

Tony groaned in frustration. He tried an energized punch only for it to be blocked by the shields.

Immediately, Chromastone charged into the robot and grabbed hold. As soon as the shield made contact, it began losing power and faded away. The metallic eyes shined at it blasted the stone creature at point-blank range. Chromastone didn't falter; in fact, his strength grew firmer. The crystals in his body glowed brightly. With enhanced strength, the alien hero crushed the metal torso. "Melt this freak!"

Seeing the opening, Iron Man diverted power to his arms, grabbed a hold of its head, and unleashed it all.

With his hands inside the machine, Chromastone unleashed the stored energy as well. The combined force caused a massive explosion leaving the heroic duo in a cloud of smoke and rubble.

Chromastone dusted his hands in amusement. "That's the last of them."

Tony stretched his arms. "Yeah. Thanks, I guess."

The alien waved it off. "No prob. I always say, when lives are on the line, it's hero time."

Tony chuckled. "Cheesy, but a bit catchy."

The two shared a laugh before loud engines filled the block. Chromastone blinked in surprise. "Uh. What is that?" He pointed upward.

High in the sky, a large airship cast a shadow over the United Nations building.

Tony rolled his eyes at it. "Sure, now you finally get here."

It didn't take long for armored troops to drop from above and surround the heroes. While Iron Man stood ready to fight, Chromastone stood on the sideline, hoping not to provoke anyone.

The apparent leader of the armored squad spoke with authority. "Iron Man and unknown associate, by the authority of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division, you are hereby ordered to stand down."

Chromastone crossed his arms and ignored the threat. "Wow. That is a mouthful."

Iron Man shrugged. "I keep telling them that."

The soldier repeated his message. "Both of you, I repeat, stand down, by order of SHIELD."

Helicarrier

The main monitor in the flight desk displayed both individuals. While one screen displayed information about the Iron Man armor, the second screen had numerous errors about the unknown crystal being. However, the screen took note of the hourglass symbol and connected it to reports of the earlier Hulk containment mission.

"Your orders, sir?" asked Maria Hill.

Fury simply raised a brow in interest.

United Nations

Tony sighed in annoyance. "Jarvis, make a note. Remind me not to wake up in the morning ever again."

"Noted, sir," the AI replied.

"How's the uni-beam power level?"

"26.2%. Recharge in progress. With no further energy expenditure, the uni-beam will be available in 2 minutes 42 seconds."

Chromastone walked slowly to Iron Man and tapped his shoulder. "What's their problem?"

Tony gave a hollow laugh. "Hell if I know."

"This is your last warning. Stand down," the commander ordered.

Iron Man scoffed. "Unless you guys are here to thank me for doing your job for you, I'm not in the mood for this."

"Yeah, we just kicked Nazi ass," argued the Alien.

"You'll need to come with us, Iron Man. The same goes for the creature."

"I have a name, you know," grumbled Chromastone.

"I don't think so." Tony narrowed his eyes.

"Are you sure, you know what you're doing?" asked the Alien.

"Uni-beam power is at 52%," the AI updated.

"Jarvis, scan the Mandroids."

The HUD of the Armor scanned several layers of the SHIELD armor before highlighting several pieces. "Alert- seven components of the Mandroid armor are derived from Stark Industries Technology."

"That's some nice armor you got there. Who's your tailor?" Tony mocked.

Helicarrier

"Director Fury, Iron Man just scanned the Mandroid armor. Why would he do that?" reported Hill.

Fury sighed. "Call them back. Tell the Mandroids to stand down. We did not come here to fight Iron Man and his accomplice."

"Sir?" she questioned.

"Do it," commanded Fury.

United Nations

Tony repeated himself and got into a fighting position. "Where did you get that armor?"

"Back away." The troops also got into battle formation.

Chromastone was getting annoyed by these goons only for him to spot movement in the rubble behind them. A familiar green drill raised up high.

Jarvis highlighted the movement as well. "Warning."

"Look out!" "Watch out!" the two heroes warned.

Chromastone and Iron Man quickly charged their hands with energy.

Provoked, the SHIELD operatives retaliated. "Open fire."

While the SHIELD weaponry peppered Iron Man as he raised his arms in defense, Chromastone continued to absorb the energy of the blasts, gathering more energy into his arms. "Get ready!"

Tony strained from the incoming fire. With a free hand, he knocked down two soldiers. "Fire!"

On command, both heroes unleashed massive beams of energy directly into the Hydra Robot. It's metal shell warped from the heat before erupting in a huge explosion, forcing anyone nearby away. The two continued to fire until another explosion occurred. When the light-show stopped, Iron Man got on one knee with his chest smoking. The lights of his eyes dimmed.

Chromastone ran to him and supported him to his feet. "You okay, man."

The Armor's eyes flickered before he was standing on his own, his system finally rebooted. "I'm fine. I'm fine."

"Good, because I think it's time I made my exit. What about you?"

He shook his head. "No. I'm staying. I've got business to settle with SHIELD." Tony walked to a downed agent. "You all right?" He received only groans of pain. "Good. I need to borrow this." He grabbed onto the helmet and yanked it off cleanly.

"Good luck with that. I'll see you around." Chromastone gave him a thumbs up before flying out of the scene and into obscurity.

It didn't take long for Ben to reintegrate with the public and attempt lunch again. He dug into his chicken parma with vigor. Suddenly, the music through his headphones cut off as Azmuth spoke with worry. "I don't like this Ben. This Earth is progressing far faster than it should."

Ben swallowed and wiped his mouth. "I know. Those weapons. That armor. They are level four, possibly level five tech."

"Combine that with their research into Gamma radiation. It seems our suspicions are true that world powers are in the middle of an underground arms race."

Ben nodded solemnly. "Yeah, and I know we're caught in the middle of it."

Stark Tower Labs, Later

Tony stood in his armor on the maintenance platform. "I'm not gonna lie to you, Rhodey. There were three robots this time and guys in robot suits. There was even this crystal guy backing me up. I think he's a relative of The Thing."

Rhodey placed his hands on his waist. "I tried to watch it on TV, but Pepper wouldn't let me.

"She never watches," he said with a shrug.

"I don't need to," she replied smoothly. "I already know you're gonna be late for your meeting."

As Tony walked away from his friends, Rhodey spoke up. "You don't have to do it alone, you know?"

"Do what?" Stark paused.

"All this. Taking on SHIELD. Giant robots. Super-villains. The whole world doesn't have to rest on your shoulders."

"Yeah, it does. I mean, I know you guys are always there for me, but against this?" Tony closed his eyes. "Who's gonna help me?"

"You're not the only one out there protecting others, you know. You said it yourself, that you had help today. Hell, if you gave me armor, I would be out there with you too."

Tony shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe it was only today, but with the way things are going with SHIELD and the world, I can't help but think the only one I can trust to protect you guys is myself." With that, he walked back to his office.

Omnitrix DNA Entry:

Name: Chromastone

Species: Crystalsapien

Home World: Petropia

Powers and Abilities:

Chromastone has the ability to allow many types of energy, such as lasers, electricity and even mana and radiation, to phase through his body without harm, as well as absorb and channel them into ultraviolet beams. He can shoot these beams from either his hands, or from the nine shards on his body, and can project the beams as either energy blasts or projectiles. He can also produce energy shields for extra defense. Chromastone can project a beam of light for illumination purposes and generate light from his hands. He can also shoot his energy blasts without absorbing anything, but to a limited extent. Chromastone has very dense, crystalline skin, which gives him enhanced durability, making it very hard for enemies to physically hurt or even smash him. He also possesses enhanced strength and can overpower stronger opponents. He can also free himself from force fields simply by touching them. Chromastone is capable of flight. In rare cases, he can leave a multicolored energy trail while flying.