She was surprised that Fury said nothing against her leaving with Thor and Loki. Or that he never questioned Thor when he stated he would be taking the Tesseract as well. She figured that after all the trouble it caused to get it back he would've wanted the damn thing next to him, but that goes to show she could still be surprised. That talk was a day ago and now she was laying down in a bed staring at the ceiling.
What can I even say to him? Where do I even begin?
Don't make a fool of yourself. Go correctly or don't bother, he is a great warrior and time is fickle for him. He will not heed what you say unless he deems it important.
How is it that you seem to know more about my father then even I do?
I am a being older than you by many eons. Though trapped, my knowledge is ever flowing.
I hate you and your philosophical answers.
She sighed aloud before turning on her side, drumming her hand on the bed. All she had ever wanted after finding out that her dad wasn't her father was to find him. Now she would meet her biological father in a days time and all she felt was an immense sense of dread. She had thought him dead and that was easier to accept then him alive and just never searching for her. How was she supposed to face him with anything but anger? Thinking of him now only made the feeling in her stomach turn, as if he were an unappealing meal despite her starving. There were so many questions she had but her anger casted it's shadow.
Dwelling will do me no good.
She got up from her sanctuary and was out the room. Tony was polite enough to show them all where they could release pent up anger, to which she was heading towards now. It was late and Aria assumed most if not all the others would be asleep. Getting to the door, she input the code Tony gave her for the room and walked in past the swooshing door. She stopped before looking around at the plain room. Punching bags littered the large room, dummies spaced out to practice on, and a wall garnished with weapons at the entrance. Further back was furnished with weights and machines found at a normal gym. She walked to the middle of where multiple dummies converged, stopping to take a breath in.
With nimble fingers she reached for her daggers, jutting them out to the heads of the dummies with not a noise besides her daggers lodging into the wood. She sprinted towards another, wary to not enhance any move, and began to throw various punches and kicks to the mannequin. Shooting her right hand out, spinning herself to be parallel before shooting her left hand to connect. Bending back as if to dodge a hit, she continued the motion and flipped backwards to another. Aria called her daggers and once in hand, slashed at the immobile object. Anger creeped on her and she stopped to huff out. Annoyance plagued her even through this mindless activity.
She shook her head before continuing to fight imaginary opponents, her daggers flying back and forth seamlessly between the dummies and her hands. She even began to exert her energy into some of the punches and kicks, breaking apart mannequin and punching bag alike. Sweat began to glisten on her forehead but she paid no attention. Dancing and skimming through the room, each blow devastating to its foe. And in spite of her trying her best to also release her emotions out on them, the feelings hovered and suffocated her every move. Once the last mannequin had been destroyed, Aria stood straight slowly. Her eyes were glued to the ground, unwelcome tears threatening to spill over.
She went to the middle and threw her daggers down harshly, impaling them on the wooden floorboard. Sitting between them cross legged, she closed her eyes, wiped at her cheeks, and retreated in her mind. If physical activity wasn't therapeutic enough, casting herself into her own head would have to do. After all, what else could she do? Go sit and mope in her room? She's already destroyed all the "enemies" in the room and doubted anyone would be awake to spar with her. Clearing her mind of thought, she breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. When she opened her eyes, she was no longer in the training room but now in a vast darkness.
Come forth Hati. I want to discuss a few things with you. She asked politely, too overwhelmed to act snarky with him. She hoped he would be in the same mood of kindness.
Suddenly what was once darkness began to morph into the meadow she once lived near during her youth. The trees lush and bright, the grass soft to the touch. Various flowers bloomed through the field, giving color to the otherwise green landscape. While this was only the second time she had been in this version of her mindscape, Hati had every detail down to the flying ladybug matched to her memory. Granted he had access to it all hours of the time, yet it was still fascinating, and she slightly wished they could have been having conversations in this setting versus the black hole. She watched as Hati conjured himself through flower pedals dancing together in a flurry of wind. Once fully formed he laid down in front of her, a small distance between her and his grand snout. Though he was a demon, Aria couldn't help but find him beautiful to gaze at. But that's not what she was here for.
I want to know of my father…please. She added softly, hating that she couldn't hide the meekness of her request.
What of him? There is much to consider when speaking of Vidar Tilfeldig.
I want to know everything.
Haiti's eyes seemed to pierce hers and Aria could've sworn she saw a glimpse of understanding pass through them. He lifted his large head off the ground and looked out past the sky. Aria stared at his actions confused before slowly turning her head to see where he was looking. In the sky forged from their minds, a dark purple energy seemed to swirl before it gave way to a picture. Vidar could be seen there, however he seemed much younger than when she saw him through her vision.
He was a bright Asgardian, strongest of his age, and was humble despite his successes on the battlefield. Beloved by all and right hand to the Allfather, Tilfeldig was one of the best of Asgard citizens. His parents have long since passed but I believe him to be such a great warrior due to his father...your grandfather fought alongside Odin's father.
Aria felt somewhat sick at his statements of how glorious her father seemed to be. It made the wound burn, as if Hati was unintentionally pushing salt onto it. She bit her lip as she thought about where to go with the questioning. Hati seemed to be kind, not once mocking her for her curiosity of him.
How old is he here in this...conjuration of him?
Asgardians age at a much slower pace than humans, living up to at least 5,000 years. Here he is about 1350 years old. Do not mistake the slow aging for dull mind however. While Midgard has evolved, Asgard makes Earths greatest inventions look as if a child forged the idea.
Well since I'm both, will I live to be that old? As far as intelligence goes, I think I've benefited from their gene pool.
Even with you being partially mortal, your life hinges on mine mostly. You may outlive Thor, if you don't kill us first that is. Neither of your bloodline are immortal, otherwise you would not house me. You will eventually die and I will be locked in another.
Does my father…does he know I exist?
Hati huffed out before turning his large head slightly to look at her. If she didn't know him any better, she would've thought she saw a streak of sadness pass through his icy eyes. Yet she didn't have much time to study it due to him looking back at the projection.
I believe so. I have memory of him holding you. It was right after I was sealed to this cage.
Aria looked upon the image with a sense of urgency. Her stomach twirled as she waited for the picture to clear, slowly inching forward out of impatience. The images cleared and she could make out herself as a newborn. What she didn't expect to see was her mother, clad in some sort of armor, standing next to her father who was also dressed in armor. She couldn't bring herself to care too much about why her mother was wearing such things, for she'd never seen her mother wear that. Instead, Aria could feel tears springing to her eyes but found herself captivated. The small smile on her parents faces yet a deep sadness tinting them. Her chest began to ache, watching this unfamiliar memory slowly unfold. Watching what she could've had, a family, but knowing she wouldn't ever be able to. So close yet so far away.
I…are there any other memories like this?
No.
The projection disappeared in a slurry of light and Aria slumped ever so slightly. She blinked rapidly before casting her face down, sadness deepening her rage. She stayed in Hati's silent company for a long while. Nothing was to be said between them while she sat still, shuffling through everything Hati told her. Now more than ever she detested him, the one she used to search for. The one she'd hope would come save her from the clutches of those evil people testing on her. The one who she yearned to be with after losing the rest of her family. She stayed in Hati's silent company for a long while.
But at the end of the day, she only had herself. And Hati. The thought took her aback and she looked up at the resting wolf, his eyes watching her. He was the only one always there and though he might be a monster, he'd always proven to be helpful and supportive. Aria began to think she may have been too harsh to him and used him as a scapegoat to all the horrid things she's faced and done. Now that she could actually see him and not just his eyes, she felt a little more comfortable with him being trapped within her. She never would've thought that the beast inside would be an actual friend, yet here she was second guessing the way she'd treated him all these years.
I feel the need to apologize to you.
There is no need. I've always felt your gratitude.
And yet I've never showed it. You've been both a curse and a blessing it seems...so thank you.
Hati growled softly as Aria stood up and walked towards him. She watched as his eyes followed her every move, caution lacing his eyes. He knew she couldn't hurt him physically but still was on his toes which made Aria feel amused. She put her hand out to pet his snout, stopping a mere few inches from making contact. Waiting for him to move as well. Seconds ticked by and Aria began to feel anxious at him not meeting her hand, enough to almost pull away. Almost.
The softness of his fur was surprising, more so because she didn't think he would feel like anything. His pure white fur contrasted against her tan skin. The relief that happened with that small moment shocked Aria. He was a prisoner himself and that made them more alike. He was all alone just as she was and Aria wondered if he wanted the stones only for their power, or if there was more to it. She moved her hand gingerly over the part of him she could reach. Maybe he was a monster and maybe he did cause destruction when free, but here with her he was more like her guardian angel. Giving her power and knowledge alike, despite his tendency to withhold information at times. And of course, the never ending lust to spill blood. Him moving back from her hand jolted her from her thoughts.
You must leave. I sense someone approaching.
This late? Hmm...well I will go. Again, thank you Hati.
Aria closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. When she opened her eyes again, she was back in the training room with the destroyed dummies. The door swooshed open and Natasha was revealed to be standing there. She walked in slowly, her eyes surveying the room before landing on her. Aria dipped her head slightly as a greeting and watched her do the same.
"Well...I guess Tony needs to redecorate." She simply said with a small chuckle as she walked over to where Aria was.
"He should probably invest in stronger targets," Aria joked back as Natasha lowered herself in front of her.
"So I know we kinda got off on a bad foot and I want to rectify that," Natasha said as she put her hand out, "I'm Natasha Romanoff but Nat is fine."
"Aria Czen...it's nice to informally meet you," Aria clasped her hand.
"How're you holding up? Word of the mouth is that you died. And now you're going to Asgard." Nat asked as she brought up a leg to hug and rest her head against.
"I'm holding up fine. Hati wouldn't let me die even if I wanted to," Aria breathed out, relaxing her posture.
"Well that's relieving. Didn't feel like losing the only other female here. We're outnumbered as it goes."
Silence. But Aria felt as if this were more than just idle chat. Natasha was one of the best spies the world has ever seen, nothing was done on whim. Every move, every word uttered was intentional and with benefit.
"Why are you really here Nat?"
Nat's eyes hardened at the statement but her body didn't betray her as it stayed relaxed, "This is the one room that doesn't have video or audio feed. I like to come here for that is all."
"Or to convince me to stay here on Earth...but for what or who I'm not sure..." Aria said slowly, looking at her face for any clue. She found none.
"Who's to say it's not for myself? Like I said, I'm outnumbered here alone."
"It's never bothered you before, why now?"
"You're pretty powerful. It's nice to have a woman who can level someone like Banner."
So that's what this is about. She's fearful of Banner's other personality.
"You're afraid of Banner aren't you?"
Nat pursed her lips as if to say no but her eyes said enough with the tears beginning to come forth. She looked away and her face turned grim. She may have not said it, but Aria knew what she meant. She wasn't afraid of him; she was terrified. Rightfully so, Nat was just a human. No matter how well she was trained none of it would matter up against the big guy. She was just something to squash and she knew it too.
"I'm not afraid of him…I just wish there was an off and on button. Kind of like how you control Hati."
"Mm," Aria shook her head at Nat, "while I'm usually fully in control, sometimes when I accept his energy the lines get a bit blurry. Think of it as being passenger in a car but you're the one driving. Control is never something someone knows how to do... Especially with something like what we harbor," Aria said quietly as she ran her finger along her palm. "If anyone else here knows about having to learn to control something, it would be you would it not be?"
Nat stared back at her in answer and Aria couldn't make out the look in her eyes. She was indeed the spy that everyone revered, not an emotion escaping without her wanting it to. Maybe even the glimpse of terror on her features a moment before was calculated. Aria would never know for sure. She allowed the silence to linger just a moment longer before standing up and offering her hand to the woman.
"Let us blow off some steam. I promise to play nice and let you leave here with just a couple bruises, far better a deal than what I gave the dummies," Aria offered a small smile as Nat clasped her offered hand.
"Don't think that for one moment I'll make myself an easy target. Unlike them, I can move."
"I know I was hoping on something a tad more difficult," Aria slurred out as she walked backwards to make some distance, "after all, it wouldn't make this any fun if you were to just stand there."
"Couldn't have said it better myself."
They both slipped into defensive positions and stared at one another blankly. Aria knew she would win due to more experience but she had seen what the woman was capable of in person and video. She wondered how long she would last. Maybe twenty minutes if she pulled her punches, ten if Aria didn't.
"Nay boites. On nauchitsya pobezhdat demona, kogda budet gotov," Aria spoke and began to lunge at the stunned woman.*
Silence permeated the training room after Aria's words. Yet there wasn't a need for their spar spoke its own volumes.
oOXXOo
They met at a fountain in Central Park. In the middle of the day. Where there were various people around. Aria internally groaned at the spectacle, so much for wanting to be discreet and go about not garnering attention. They were all told to stay a low profile and yet here they were sending off in a busy park. Loki stood slightly in front of her and his brother in front of him. Thor held the cube in some type of container and Aria noticed that the lullaby was toned down. She wasn't stirring in her skin from being so close to the thing when before it made her skin sweat and her mouth salivate. There was still an itch there but not to the magnitude as before.
Aria shook hands with those that approached her and gave small smiles. Thor was giving out hugs to each one he could. Tony came up to her and shook her hand before surprising her by moving for a hug.
"While I may not trust you...you did save the world and at the end of the day seem to be on our side. Good luck."
She watched him mutely as he pulled back and gave a smirk out to Thor before turning around to his car. A genuine smile graced her features as she turned herself to face the brothers, Thor putting out the Tesseract contraption as a sign of their departure. She grabbed onto Thor's arm as she was told she had to be touching one of them in order to pass through. She didn't miss the look Loki gave them but it lasted a mere moment before they were engulfed by a vortex of color.
The feeling was indescribable. She felt whole yet empty and her skin tingled as air rushed over it. She looked around mesmerized by all the colors, keeping in mind to hold tightly to Thors arm. In all her years she'd never seen something as beautiful as this. She reached out with her hand and watched the wall swim around her hand, breaking as easily as a warm knife through butter. For a moment Aria felt a giddiness she hadn't felt in a long while. Lapping at the feeling like a fat cat. But it was cut quickly and the rainbow was now replaced by a bright sky, with a large and golden building looming in the horizon.
"How do you suppose we get to the other side?" Aria mused as she looked at the broken bridge between them and the city.
"I...I didn't think that far ahead Lady Aria," Thor sheepishly said.
At that both Loki and Aria rolled their eyes before Aria saw boats drawing close to the platform they were standing on. She sighed out mutedly, the gnawing feeling coming back in full force. She was here and there was no going back. Aria was going to finally find out who her true father was. And yet she couldn't find herself excited.
The boats pulled forward and Thor peered over before looking back up at her. He smiled a bright smile and before she could react, his large hand gripped Loki's robes and dragged him off the edge. She stared down at Loki falling and hitting the boat loudly before snapping her head back at Thor. His laughter rumbled out of his chest before he soon followed. Aria again watched before shaking her head.
Boys will be boys. I wonder if Huskon would be like them, jesting in ways like this.
Aria took a deep breath before jumping down as well. The fall was short and she landed with a small sway. Sitting down next to Thor, she couldn't help the small chuckle making its way out of her throat. She watched as Loki laid there ungraciously on the boat floor and couldn't help but think that he had been the "bad guy" not even thirty-five hours ago.
"How are you feeling?" Thor asked quietly.
Aria turned to him slowly, surprised at his question, "I'm feeling fine for being on a whole different planet."
"I mean more of the upcoming events regarding your true father."
"Ah, well I'm fine."
"I believe it may be very daunting however if your father is who you claim, he is a very noble man. I do believe he had his reasons of not searching for you across the realms."
"What could have taken him 150 years to accomplish?"
"That must be asked to him not I and with an open mind as much as you may hate too." He looked at me softly, his eyes shining with a wave of anguish.
Aria slowly looked away from him and looked at the ground. Hopefully his words were more than just a comfort. She didn't want to hope that there had been an important task appointed to him just to be met with the more able fact that he just never tried.
The rest of the boat ride carried on silently, not that it lasted long anyways. They were walking through the city in less than what was maybe thirty minutes. It was a sight to behold in itself from the outside but once within the city...it was like walking into a fairytale. The architecture was vastly different from Earth, tall towers and winding roads. They were made from stone she believed or at times made of gold. The citizens there all seemed perfect, not a single imperfection to view on any. And they were all so tall that she felt short standing at 5'9. Aria continued looking forward despite the fascination, keeping in time with Thor's long strides.
Within moments they reached the tallest golden building she'd seen as of then, heavily guarded at its large gates. Ten guards on each side respectively. At their approach, each guard turned around to push the doors open. Aria watched with narrowed eyes, the abysmal feeling coming back to ravage her stomach. Each step began to feel heavier and surprisingly enough she began to feel sweat building on the back of her neck.
Go figure, I can calmly kill people but the prospect of meeting my father makes me feel skittish.
The panic you feel is quite amusing.
Shut. Up.
They walked down a long corridor and from what she could see there was a man sitting in a large throne at the end of it. A great staff was held in his hand and his armor the colors of gold and black. There was a beautiful woman standing at the base of the steps and behind the seated man was a multitude of guards. Aria secretly looked around and saw that guards were now actually behind them as well. She moved her eyes forward before slowly stretching out her senses to see how many people were around them. Her eyes widened slightly at the feedback she got and quickly retracted them; there were a lot more than what her eyes could see.
"Father, Mother. I have stopped Loki's invasion of Midgard and brought him home," Thor spoke as they neared the steps to the mans throne. Aria followed slightly behind him, "and I have brought an ally seeking our council."
"Thor, well done on accomplishing the defeat and capture of your brother. We will speak of consequence once this ally is heard from, for it is a matter of family," His father bellowed lowly.
Aria kept her face downward as she narrowed her eyes at his loose use of the word "ally" but she didn't think acting out here was a good idea. She also felt a pit grow in her stomach at the mention of punishing Loki. She chanced a look back at Loki, his skin awfully white and his face hard as he looked forward. His eyes slid over to hers and for a moment they just stared at one another. Aria began to think of a small plan to hopefully lessen the punishment for him, after all he hadn't been fully in control of himself. Maybe he did harbor ill feelings towards his family and the people on Earth, but that stone inside the scepter amplified them along with allowing the Titan to control him.
"Her name is Aria Czen and she hails from Midgard. However, she is not fully mortal. In fact, she claims to have the blood of Tilfeldig coursing through her veins. I believe her to be true in her sentiments after fighting alongside her," Thor spoke loudly in the great hall. His voice carried through the corridor, making each word sound that much louder. "She also claims to harbor a demon inside, such as the tales my brother and I were told as children. Seeing her power and abilities, I also believe her to tell the truth in this matter as well."
The audible gasps and murmurs from those around made Aria wince. She didn't think that Thor would've announced her that way in front of everyone but then again, she was a stranger to this world. Of course Thor would announce Aria as such. She looked up and the eyes of the woman at the base of the steps bore into hers, a wicked gleam in them with her soft smile made Aria shift slightly in discomfort.
Who is that?
"The bloodline of Tilfeldig is here on Asgard my son, not on Midgard," His father replied and Aria slid her eyes over to him to see him glaring at her, "and as for the beast such as you claim...they've all been thought long dead after my grandfather's grandfathers hunted them all to extinction. Lady Aria, please step forward and defend your claims at once."
Aria ignored the deep growl she heard Hati give out and swiftly walked ahead, holding Thor's fathers gaze. She bowed her head in courtesy before taking a deep breath in and kneeling in one moment. It had been such a long time being in front of any form of royalty yet the old customs seemed to be in-practice with how she acted. "Your Lord, I would not make the journey from the place I've called home for the last century and a half just to make false sentiment. I doubt your son would bring me with him during such a crucial time for your people due to one of the prince's actions. But I have strong belief that Vidar-"
"I believe that the more pressing matter at hand is that of the demon, we shall discuss your parentage in a moment. What beast dwells behind your eyes?" His father interrupted, grating on Aria's nerves.
This man is rude.
He is a king, rudeness is their nature.
"I've only been given the name Hati from him...and I ask that we refrain from calling him as such, he is but my greatest companion. Not a beast nor a demon, but a guardian of my life and an enhancement to it as well." She answered firmly yet soft toned, not wanting to irritate the king.
"Companion?" He laughed, "what you harbor is a being of mass destruction and chaos. Its kind were imprisoned to stop their rampages through the realms. Hati was sentenced to Midgard for its drive to devour the moon, for it would always be taunted by its presence but unable to move to consume it. Young child, do not be brainwashed by its words. It is pure evil, nothing more nothing less." Odin sat straighter as he huffed out annoyed before his gaze shifted to his son "Thor I applaud you in your woes of capturing and defeating not just your brother, but this woman as well. She is a danger to all the reams due to what she carries within and Asgard will watch over her just fine."
"But Father, Lady Aria is no enemy of ours! She fought alongside me on Midgard against Loki's army and even lifted my broth-"
"ENOUGH! This lady is a wolf in sheep drapes and must be treated as such. Any moment the beast can overpower her and rampage out, destroying what we both have worked tirelessly to maintain between the realms!"
Aria glared at Thor's father harsher, grinding her teeth in frustration. He either was stupid enough to think that she could be overrun by Hati or truly was frightened and just had no idea about the wolf-creature. After all, he'd gone his whole life thinking that these beings were wiped from the worlds. She heard movement at her side and turned her head slightly to watch as some of the guards began to move forward at her. Aria looked back at the King before starting to send energy to her arms and legs to build up.
"If I may My Lord," the woman Aria had momentarily forgotten about broke through the tension building between them, "I believe that this young lady is in fact a true ally. I see no evil looking into her eyes. If she had been tainted by Hati's influence it would leak into them but I see no infringement...and my love look at her, does she not resemble Vidar? Pink hair is not a common color among hair yet she has the exact shade he has. What good would it do for us to treat a child of our greatest warrior with such hostility?"
The man stared ahead silently, his eyes raking over Aria. Aria returned the stare with vigor with no signs of faltering. Thor's father sighed heavily before tapping his staff twice on the floor, to which the guards began to quickly shuffle back to wherever it was they came from. "Frigga, your eyes may see something I do not. I trust your judgement...for when are you ever wrong? I must say however that this hindrance must be taken care of at once. We must destroy the trapped entity before it does influence Lady Aria. Huginn, fetch me Vidar at once." A crow flew from its perch above the throne seat, cawing as it flew away. His one eye stayed watching her, almost as if testing her. She snarled silently at him before standing in protest, Hati's anger matching her own.
How could they manage that without killing her? They were fused together at this point; she couldn't tell where she ended and he began. She glowered at the King before taking a deep breath to control the anger bubbling in her chest. She knew some came from her but a majority of it also surfaced from Hati himself. He had been particularly quiet during this confrontation. She wondered why that was when he normally gave his two cents when it came to everything else in her life.
"If you destroy him, you destroy me. Our lives are intertwined and have been for the last century and a half. If you choose to continue with what you have planned...I'll have no choice but to eradicate that threat to our lives," Aria coldly stated. "Had I come to Asgard sooner, maybe the chance to kill him could've come to fruition but as of now that is not…not an option. Consider me an enemy, so be it. It will be their blood on your hands for those who try to kill him."
The silence was thick and off putting but Aria stood by her words. Thor seemed tense next to her, unsure whether to listen to his father or to back her up. Regardless, if he chose to listen to his father Aria would do her best not to kill him. But she had to protect herself and Hati. Had this opportunity presented itself to her years ago she would've taken it in a heartbeat. As it goes now though, there was no getting rid of Hati. She wasn't sure how killing him would go and if she would even die, yet she wasn't so keen on finding out.
"I promise we are no threat. He may be titled in a distinct evil fashion but under my guise he is but a harmless entity trapped within my mind. I came here not to murder him but to meet my father." She added, hoping that he would budge and let the topic drop. Thankfully his eyes showed his mind was made up.
"That you shall. As far as the entity in which you jail...if I ever catch wind that the beast is let free, I myself will come to end your lives. Thor and Frigga have spoken on your behalf and I will hold you to their word. Must it ever be broken, pray we never have to find out." He thundered before hitting his staff once with a resounding thud.
What a shell of the greatness he used to welcome. Now he just cowers when another strong presence is near. As if he could kill us.
Hush, I just argued for our lives and that's what you decide to say?
Oh I feel ever indebted. Have you forgotten the various moments I have saved yours from meeting the steps of whatever end you believe in?
A simple thank you would suffice.
"I will now ask audience of Thor, my son," Odin stared at his eldest with admiration, "you have brought Loki here in chains and ambitions squashed. There is no greater punishment to him than that-"
Don't you do it foolish-
"Of nothing if not a shallow imprisonment," Aria blurted out quickly before kneeling down again, staring at the floor. "I beg forgiveness for the interruption yet again but I cannot bear the sentencing of someone who is not to blame for their actions. While yes, it is true that Loki has a disdain for Midgard and it's people...he was not in his right mind when attacking."
Out of the corner of her eyes she could see Thor staring at her but she heeded none of his shock. She also could feel someone staring at her from behind but shook the feeling off. What was important was making sure Loki would get less of a grueling punishment for things out of his control.
"What is it that you speak? Of course Loki was not sound of mind when attacking, no fair rule ever is sound when subjecting unwilling patrons to such war."
Aria shifted slightly, not sure what to give as information to him. Telling him the full truth could cause problems about Hati yet not telling the full truth could mean Loki's possible death. She swallowed thickly before looking back at Loki, his green eyes boring into her person. Shock swirled in those mossy pools and Aria's breath hitched when she thought of them closing forever. She turned forward and scrunched her nose at the feeling.
Remind me never to bind someone more than once. That has to be the reason behind my random feelings to this God.
That may be, but your thoughts seem to say otherwise.
Okay once we're done here, we have to set boundaries. You can't be poking around everywhere.
She blinked rapidly before looking back at the brother's father, "The scepter that Loki was using was given to him by a greater being, but not after being used on your son first. I'm still not quite sure how the scepter worked, but it did compromise other agents from Earth. I worked on your son to free him from his entrapment which is why I advocate for him now. His actions should not go unpunished due to the vulgarity of them, but I must acknowledge the fact he was not in his own control."
She watched as the Allfather sat back in his throne before his hand came up to rub at his chin. His lone eye seemed to gleam at her statement and Aria could've sworn she saw the ghost of a smile play at his lips. Thor standing up and stepping ahead of her surprised Aria greatly.
"Lady Aria has not spoken an ounce of a lie. My brother was indeed acting on another's will. I know myself with the fact that he asked for my assistance once the effects of whatever hex lifted from his consciousness. I again stand by Lady Aria's words, for I agree."
She held her breath as she watched the man contemplating what to say. He stood up abruptly and another raven swooped to perch on his shoulder, or maybe it was the same one. He walked down towards them before stopping just before Thor. Suddenly he clasped his large hand on Thors shoulder before giving a loving smile.
"The day I don't see you fight for your brother will be the day I no longer breath," he breathed out before settling his gaze beyond the two of them, "I believe you to be able to find redemption. I believe spending time in solitude may provide some humility. Loki, bare gratitude for the two who have rose to respect your name. May it help you find sanity as you rest within the walls of your own confinement. As for now, you'll be restricted to the dungeon. On good behavior, you may be allowed to the private training ground you and your brother used to spar during the day. That is all."
The silence this time was less stressed and Aria let out the breath she had been holding. Confinement over death she would take, even if she knew Loki would detest it. Surprisingly he hadn't said a word. She watched as guards appeared out of no where and took ahold of Loki before slapping chains on him with unknown engravings that glowed gold when placed on him. They rushed him out and Thor gave her a small smile before walking behind them. Aria watched before looking around the massive throne room. The paintings on the roof were marvelous, giant captures of Thor and his father in different scenarios. Loki peppered these scenes and so did their mother. Speaking of, Aria turned to look at their mother. Y'all and beautiful, she seemed to be unlike what a Queen would be. Outspoken and witty. Aria was quite fond that this was the case, she'd met Queens that were just trophy wives for the old Kings.
Aria was aware of someone entering the throne room when another gawking sound touched her ears. She turned around and her breath hitched in her throat. Tan skin and pink hair made up the man walking towards them, his body noticeably thicker than even Thor. His armor was a golden rose color, with black accents in the cloth. A large axe sat on his back and various little weapons hung around his belt. Her eyes roamed carelessly over the man as he walked up to where they stood, his gaze never faltering from the King. Aria felt hurt that he wouldn't even spare her a glance. Did he not want to see her? She was here in the flesh not a mere few feet away and he didn't even flash a quick look in her direction.
"King Odin, I have been summoned?" His deep voice boomed out, making Aria feel so small. As if his towering height didn't do the job enough.
"This young woman claims to have your blood sake. We called to test the statement." Odin replied as he rose his chin up.
Aria watched as his head turned to look at her. Deep blue-green met emerald. She searched for any emotion, a flicker of something…and found not a single flame. She was sure this was the man Hati had shown her, though age did play into some of features. Maybe he had no memory of her, which made Aria's heart sting, but it was completely possible. She wanted to tell him about her mother to see if that could jog his memory but her mouth was suddenly dry.
Remember my dear, lowest expectations cause less disappointment.
I don't want low expectations. Do you believe he doesn't remember me?
Maybe his mind decided to blur you away for it was too tough to live with such a pain as leaving your own child.
That's giving me a false hope.
False hope or bitter reality?
Fair point. False hope it is.
"How shall these tests be done my Lord?" Vidar asked as he continued to stare at Aria.
"Frigga has a way to determine it."
"Yes. And all I ask is but a prick of your fingers," Frigga chirped as she strode towards them, "even if by my eyes alone I can all but confirm so." She grabbed Aria's hand first, slowly fondling it within hers before flipping it palm side up.
"These old men and their ways," she joked before poking Aria's finger and collected a droplet of blood.
She turned and did the same to Vidar. She took a step back, droplet of their blood in each hand, before softly speaking an incantation. Aria watched as their blood began to levitate into the air and swish around. She tilted her head slightly at the spectacle for she'd never seen something like this before. Their blood began to thrash around before connecting to each other. First as if small ropes hooked onto the other before bonding fully together. It was very quick but Aria felt as if that small moment lingered on for an eternity. Their mixed blood was now a perfect floating sphere above Frigga's hands. Calm.
"Well I think we have our answer gentlemen. Our fair Lady Aria is true with her spoken word. Now, my dear, I believe it best to let their reunion be private. An audience is not needed, in fact I will show them to the lounging quarters just past the hall. Come come, I believe you two have much to talk about." She clapped her hands before briskly walking away.
Aria stood and watched her father for his reaction, but was again disappointed by the lack thereof. She growled lowly before shoving past him to walk with the woman. Catching up fairly quickly, she let her shoulders slump to mirror what she was feeling. All this way to find her father because a damn stone gave her a glimpse of him, Thor and Loki being on Earth at the right time, and her dropping everything to come. She expected to come to a man who was dripping with excuses or even one who outright denied her being his. But to have no reaction to any single thing at all? Aria figured maybe shock but still, his eyes bore no emotion at all. Not even an ounce of annoyance.
"Vidar is a shell of a man my dear. He was not always the stoic being you see now," Frigga spoke softly as they walked along. Aria snapped her head up at her words, a small panic bubbling in her chest.
Can she read minds?
"No I cannot read minds. I have no need to when each thought is plastered to your face girl. As guarded as you seem to be, I'm surprised how much it gives away," she chuckled before giving Aria a soft smile, "My heart pains for you my dear. I couldn't imagine my sons without their mother...and here the Gods have brought me a child who's been without either parent for a century?"
Aria swallowed the lump in her throat that rose at the woman's words, "it has been about a century and half my Lady."
This woman is spell casting without uttering a sound...remarkable.
She's putting a spell on me? What kind of spell?
Hmm...this should play out interesting...
Hati! What kind of spell?!
They stopped in front of a door and Frigga turned towards her. Her eyes were watery and a sad smile adorned her perfect face. The look Aria was receiving angered her. It was the look of pity. Of childish emotion. Yet she said nothing. Not even when Frigga went in to give her a hug. Or even when Frigga helped her through the door by putting a soft hand on her back. She watched silently as Frigga gave her a last loving stare before closing the door and leaving her alone.
Aria breathed in and out before looking around. There was two couches, silk she found after running her hand over them, a couple of various types of chairs, and small tables of differing sizes spread around the room. Gold, red, and pink was the color scheme of the room. She dryly laughed at the color choice.
Surely she didn't put two pink haired people who were just confirmed to be related by literal blood in this room now did she?
Her thoughts quieted when she heard the door opening once more. Her father stepped in and closed the door behind him slowly, his big frame covering the door completely. Aria felt an immense anger flood her being as she stared at the empty expression on his face. The least he could do was show some emotion at this point, after all he just found out she existed. That she had indeed been living out in a world without his guidance, attention, or love. She grinded her teeth together before balling her fists together at her side. If he wouldn't show it, if he was indeed a "shell" she vowed to make him feel her anger.
"So...all these years...you've just been here? Living carelessly? Beginning a new family?" She questioned with a poison in her voice. He stared at her blankly and suddenly the anger burst forth. "So what?! Mom wasn't good enough for you to stay? Was I not good enough? You left and never came back. Not even a checkup, not even a rejection letter saying some fucking corny excuse of 'oh it's not you it's me'. I don't have a single memory of you outside of one! You have no idea how many times I-I cried for you! How many nights I prayed...prayed you would suddenly just show up. I would've taken any excuse, any reason but now you're telling me you didn't know I even existed?! Well I call bullshit because I know you held me when I was cursed with Hati."
She picked up a book and threw it at him. He moved his shoulder out of harms way, to which she threw the rest of the books at him. She was breathing in and out heavily, the anger just rolling through her. Growling, she pivoted on her heel to a small table. She ran her fingers over the polished wood set, a pang of regret hitting her before being brushed away. No regret would be shed for breaking anything in here. It's not like they couldn't replace the furniture. What couldn't be replaced was the time lost, the feelings felt, and the tears shed. Nor could the anger and anguish through those lonely years. Now that she thought about it, thinking he was dead was probably better.
"I had to bear everything alone," she whispered in anguish, "everything. My time alive has been nothing but blood, tears, and loss. I have lost practically everything. Had I died, there would be no one to mourn me. Yes, I have my stories all around Earth due to me doing something good in life...but no one would mourn ME. They would mourn my ideal, my mask. On the contrary, I've had to mourn. My mother, my brother, my uncle, my old life. I've had to deal with the aftermath of killing alone. Figuring out my powers, which I still am not sure the depths of. And finding out that I was not just crazy for hearing another voice, but that I shared a body with a literal God-demon dog who I now know was "sentenced" to Earth because he wants to eat the moon?!"
She grabbed the chair and slammed it on the table, energy surging to her arms. The chair broke into chunks and the table caved under the pressure. Still holding a handle in each hand, she threw them at the wall. With a satisfying thunk they embedded themselves within the wall. She kicked part of the table into the bookcase and the other into the back of one of the couches. She turned away from her father and sunk down to her knees, hugging herself as the anger turned to complete agony. Tears ran themselves down her cheek despite her tightly closed eyes and she began to experience every emotion she bottled and buried.
Why am I feeling all this now? Surely seeing him isn't the reason for it all?
"I thought you dead."
She slowly opened her eyes and turned her head, barely seeing him in her peripheral. I might as well been, she wanted to scream to him but her sobs took over.
"Heimdall is the one who sees all...and once Heimdall told me of your mother's demise...I never wanted to return. He told me he couldn't see you anymore either, so I believed you dead as well. I mourned you and your mother..." He spoke softly yet Aria swore she could hear him right by her ear. "Since being told that the love of my life and my child were gone, I've thrown my heart into what I was excellent in. I've been patrolling the realms, outside of Midgard because I could not bear the loss, and keeping the peace. I'm surprised you've been invisible to Heimdall...hence why I didn't believe when I was told a visitor was claiming to be my blood."
"But you never went to go see for yourself? Never went to go look for our bodies? But you've mourned right? And still found time to bear another child? So much for my mother being the love of your life," she spat out before looking towards the floor.
"I had to move on. Staying miserable would not bring her back, nor is it something she would want. Yamilex was the greatest thing to-"
"YOU DO NOT GET TO SAY HER NAME YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Aria whipped around and pointed a finger at him, striding towards him, "she did everything ALONE. She took my burdens and swallowed them. She cried by herself and when she died...when she died...she died with MY HAND in hers. NOT YOURS."
She focused energy into her arm and punched him, sending him crashing into the adjacent wall. He blinked rapidly before shaking his head and pulling himself out of the wall. Aria walked over to him and grabbed his collar, pulling him up to meet her eyes. She felt fury at his expression; sorrow. She snarled before dropping him and turning towards the door. She grabbed at the door handle and stopped before looking back at him. Just sitting there, hands in his lap, and his face downward. She scoffed and opened the door.
"You may be great to everyone else...but to me? You're a bitch."
OOXXOo
Aria walked down the steps silently, reaching out again to find his aura. It was getting stronger which meant she was getting closer. She saw two guards at the bottom of the stairs. She cursed her luck before an idea began to form in her head. She shrugged her shoulders before continuing towards them. She stopped right behind them and lifted her hands to the back of their heads. She closed her eyes and thought of sleep before pushing energy through her hands to hook onto them. When she connected a white noise blasted through her head that made her flinch back in slight pain. She blinked her eyes open and victoriously watched as both men slump against the wall. She got up quickly and stepped over them, hopping on her right foot to gain her balance.
"So I see you've found the dungeon," he sarcastically spoke aloud.
"It's better here than up there. You were my second choice, I couldn't find your mom," She joked back as she walked over to his cell.
Peering inside, she saw a table in the middle and a bookcase with titles she couldn't read. She sat down next to the golden barrier between them on the visible slab of concrete. Leaning against the cold wall was pleasant. Her body felt as if it were on fire.
"While I don't mind the company, I do wonder how you were able to find me so easily."
"I think it's because I've bonded my energy to you so many times. When reaching out, I can pick up which aura is yours very easily." She said truthfully while closing her eyes.
"You seem troubled."
"I just met my disappointment of a father."
"And you met mine, where's the issue?"
"That's a long story..." she breathed out as she started to tap against her blade with her fingers.
"Considering I'm bound here until Odin decides I've played nice enough," he paused and Aria heard some shuffling before he sighed, "I believe I have enough time."
"You had an idea I was Asgardian, didn't you?" Aria countered as she stole a glance at him, noticing he was now sitting next to her.
"Yes."
"Didn't think to tell me?"
"I figured you smarter. Once I told you it was my own moth- that I had heard the lullaby from Frigga, I thought that was telling enough." His voice had a small jesting tone to it making Aria think he was teasing her.
"Well lullabies can be sung from anywhere. Asgard isn't the only place that has lullabies."
"It is the only place I know where lullabies are sung about asking creatures to come out and show their power," Loki retorted.
"So that's what it means..." Aria whispered dumbfounded as a smile graced her lips.
"How did you get past the guards?" He questioned almost innocently.
"A magician doesn't give out all her secrets," Aria said as she brought up her left knee to her chest. "It'd be the same as asking how you can practically teleport."
"A small teleportation spell I learned when I was your age if I remember correctly in fact. That is nothing like messing with someone's mind and not turning it into mush," He smirked which made Aria feel a warmth around her cheeks.
"Ah ah, magic is magic."
"Indeed, but there's levels to it for a reason."
"Well, then I guess that means I'm a better magician than you at a younger age."
"That may be, but I also don't have an all ancient and knowing being dwelling in my mind."
"That's not even fair to bring up."
"Then admit you're not better than I. I will always be superior to you." Loki shrugged before leaning back against the wall, arrogance rolling off him in waves.
Aria scoffed before a dry laugh left her lips. When he wasn't mind controlled and pressured by an impending task of leading an army of aliens, he was a witty and funny person. She thought back to their first actual conversation where he was also a prisoner.
"I say it's fair to say that had we met under different circumstance...we could potentially be of friends...wouldn't you agree?"
She sat up and turned to face Loki. He lifted a brow at her sudden enthusiasm, but she didn't care, "We're under different circumstance now, aren't we?"
Loki's eyes widened a fraction of an inch before that smirk graced his features. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, "I assume we are. However, I am still imprisoned."
"Yes. True. But...friends?" Aria held up her hand, a small ounce of anticipation drudging past the heartache she felt.
Without opening his eyes, he slowly raised his hand to mirror hers, "you mortals and your showcases of fragile mortality."
"I'm only part mortal, remember?"
"Yet you possess none of the brawn of an Asgardian. However, I must thank you for speaking out on my account. I could possibly have been dead at this moment. So maybe you aren't just stupid after all."
She smiled and put her hand against the barrier, or tried to. Surprise caught them both when her hand continued forward and landed against his own. His head shot up and looked at their touching hands as if affronted. He in turn tried to push past the barrier and was met with the solidity of it. Aria pulled her hand back out and tried again, successfully going through the so-called prison. Well, that was surely interesting.
HI GUYS!
Sorry it's taken so long but here it is. This was a tough one to write. I honestly have had this done for awhile but I kept changing the flow of the talk between odin and everyone. I still don't particularly like it but it's still the better alternative to it.
Aria finally meets her dad here and boooyyyyy do I have plans for them. I wanna see where you think I might go with it ehhehee she still has to meet her brother as well, who will play a crucial part later on.
Again, I'm following the MCU for the most part BUT I obviously am taking from actual Norse mythology and other things as well :) Hence why Odin has his ravens. For those that don't know, Huginn is the raven of thought and Muninn of memory. Now I couldn't find concrete evidence of what they did to help Odin exactly besides gathering information for him so I'll be working in my own thoughts of how they can help. The spelling of their names also seem to differ on whether it should be one "n" or two so I'm just going with two.
*Don't be afraid. He will learn to defeat the demon when he's ready* is what Aria tells Nat before they spar. I figured that Aria would learn a couple languages while being alive so long hehe I don't speak russian myself so it's just based off what translate gives me, so I'm super sorry if it's not 100% accurate!