Chapter 57 Kol is Ironman?

What do you know, Tony ended up being right, because it was one hell of a long night. It was as if every reporter, journalist, and government agency had shown up, and they all wanted Tony to talk.

Luckily, S.H.I.E.L.D. was able to calm things down for the most part and gave us time, but even that was limited. The people wanted answers, and that's what they were going to receive. So Tony announced an emergency press conference the very next day.

"Tony, are you sure about this? Maybe we should let someone else talk for you," Pepper said, not feeling completely confident in what he'd say.

Tony had a track record, and saying the wrong things on camera happened to be one of them. This was also the reason why Obadiah took charge of the media back then. Too bad he can't do that anymore, considering he's dead.

"Haha, Pepper, don't worry. Look, they even gave me a list so I don't mess up," Tony said with nonchalance, but it didn't really bring confidence to Pepper if her expression was anything to go by.

Tony, however, didn't seem to notice as he left to make his appearance.

"Hey Phil, how much do you want to bet that he just tosses the list?" I remarked, observing Tony's confident stride.

Phil seemed surprised by this offer, expressing doubt that Tony would discard the list, considering the gravity of the situation.

However, as Tony stepped up to the podium and the cameras began to roll, he couldn't help but wonder if he would stick to the script or follow his usual impulsive instincts. After all, Tony Stark was known for his unpredictability, especially in the face of adversity.

"It's been a while since I was in front of you so I think I'll stick to the cards this time," Tony said, causing the room to laugh as he showed them the cards.

Once the room quieted down, he continued following the list but was soon interrupted. "There's been speculation that I've been—"

"Really, Mr. Stark? Do you really think we'll believe that this was just some bodyguard in a suit?" Christine said with a confident look as if she had all the answers.

"Well, that's not what I was—" However, before Tony could continue, she quickly interrupted him again, much to his annoyance. But what she said next intrigued him.

"Well, guess what, Mr. Stark? We know exactly who made that suit and who saved you. It doesn't take a genius to figure this out. Most people already know anyways, so why don't you just tell us the truth?" Her words seemed in line with many of the other reporters as they nodded along with her, waiting for Tony.

While he was just confused by what they were insisting, "And who do you say created the suit, Mrs.… Airheart?" Tony asked, not completely remembering the woman's name.

She was irked by this but continued in a professional manner. "Well, obviously, that would be Mr. Kol Dagon! Creator of the Police Scouts and the lead inventor in robotics." This statement instantly started another wave of flashes from the cameras, capturing Tony's surprised expression.

'They think the kid made my suit? My suit!?' Tony didn't even know what to think after this.

He was in the process of changing his ways but his pride was something he still held, and having people think another person was responsible for his creation was one blow too many.

"Well, I did not see that coming…" Well, I sort of did, it was easy to see where Christine's thought process came from, and this was most likely something shared with many others.

"Oh no, I know that face," Pepper said with a tired expression. She knew that this was something he wouldn't let go for a long time. "Jarvis, prepare his workspace. I think he's going to be busy for the next couple of days."

[Already on it, miss.]

However, while the two were talking, it seemed that Tony was eventually able to regain hold of his press conference and declared something that would shake not only the nation but most likely the rest of the world.

"It's not the kid…it's me. I am Iron Man," Tony declared on the screen before walking away.

Those words instantly caught Coulson's attention as he stood up, grabbing his already fading hairline.

"Oh no, this is not how this was supposed to go," Coulson said, already dreading the post-mission meeting he would have with Fury. His thoughts were soon proven right when his phone began ringing, causing him to leave the room to answer it.

"Should we do something?" Pepper asked hesitantly, feeling bad for the agent that had been there in her time of need.

"Nah, he'll be alright. Besides, it looks like someone else just arrived." Saying this, we both turned to the door, seeing an annoyed Tony walking in.

"Kol, can you believe it? They think you made my suit?" After which he went on a rant about how there are clear differences between our technological designs. Pointing out some patterns he has when making things and pointing out some that I have saying that these are practically our signatures in our work.

Which I agreed with, but that isn't something the regular Joe will recognize. People will see something that looks like a robot and remember some other person who made a robot while automatically assuming it's him.

I quickly explained this to Tony, and he seemed to understand, but it didn't diminish his annoyance. Wanting to vent these frustrations, he invited me to head back to his place so we could keep working on some of his other projects.

"Sorry, Tony, but I can't help out. I need to head back home and finish some personal matters," I said honestly, while thinking back to the new Lab site which is basically completed and the Nerve gear that should also be done at this point.

I really wanted to stay too since hanging out with the guy was fun. Our ideas also bounced off one another pretty well, but all good things must come to an end, at least for now.

"I understand, but you should move over here. California is much more interesting than New York."

"Hmm, I wouldn't be too sure about that," I said cryptically, while thinking of all the crazy stuff guaranteed to happen before walking away to catch a flight.

[+100 You've made a great impression on Tony thus far and he considers you not only a friend but even a decent rival]

Well, would you look at that.