Savior Of The Seven Kingdoms Chapter 5
31 Years Old:
Ever since that day on the beach with Vulko, Ariel has dedicated her life, her very existence to being a protector of the seas against those who would do it harm.
During this time Ariel has gained a reputation, earning a name all over the world passed around in whispers behind closed doors.
Aquawoman.
It is a name Ariel bears with pride though in silence.
Unlike how Superman did before his death she's not quite ready to have her name spoken so blatantly in the open. That's not her way.
Also, on the down low, Ariel lends assistance to those on land that can't really help for themselves.
For example the small isolated village on the coast of Iceland is one of her regular stops each year. It's not called "Iceland" for no reason at all.
When this miniscule town is surrounded by ice, boats and planes can't really get through to supply them because of the disagreeable weather. So Ariel sought to rectify that by bringing fish. This is one good case where her telekinetic ability to communicate with sea life really comes in handy. Ariel does the same to other places like in Alaska, too, but she needs something from them in return. Basically they keep her existence a secret from others and avoid killing other indigenous wildlife for food like seals and whales. Regular fish and crustaceans Ariel understands, but mammals, no, that's where she draws the line.
Not very ideal for the Icelanders traditional way of life yet it's very necessary for this type of arrangement. One they're all too happy to comply with in order to receiver a ready supply food in a time when they get their hands on very litte.
Out of respect to Ariel and all she does for them the people that she provides for comply as thanks for her compassion.
So in return Ariel not only delivers them fish, but story's and legends about Atlantis. The younger generations, especially the kids, seem to enjoy them while the elders hold a lot of respect for her.
Ariel didn't think anyone could ever trail her here.
Apparently in this Ariel was mistaken. Turns out there are those who may follow her to a remote settlement like this.
Ariel's deeds haven't been as low key as she first assumed if rumors could travel so far. Unfortunately things tend to get out no matter what you do to prevent it.
It's a day after one of these instances when Ariel had finished with a new haul of fish that a stranger showed up outside the village. Asking questions about matters he has no business digging into.
Now this stranger stands in the center of a gathering inside of their decrepit and small version of a town hall after Bruce Wayne requested a meeting with the village elders.
Ariel tries to blend into the crowd, wearing a borrowed heavy coat even though the cold doesn't bother her, and acting as a translator on behalf of the elders.
All eyes are on Bruce Wayne in suspicion wondering what his purpose is here. Bruce Wayne didn't waste any time making his intentions known.
"I'm asking for your help. I believe there is a stranger who comes to this village from the sea. She comes in the winter when the people are hungry and brings fish. She comes on the king tide. That was last night," said Bruce Wayne, speaking to the elders although his gaze is focused quite intently on Ariel.
Ariel has a gut feeling he already knows whom she is, but refuses to play his game.
One of the elders speaks in response to this.
Translating for him, scowling, Ariel said "Icebergs in the harbor, four months since the last ship got through."
Meaning that it's virtually impossible for someone to do as Bruce Wayne described.
"Well, this stranger doesn't come by ship," said Bruce Wayne, knowingly.
Facial expression not giving anything away Ariel straightens her posture, arms crossed over her chest.
"There are enemies coming from far away. I need warriors. I'm building an alliance to defend ourselves. Look, I'll give toy $25, 000 to talk to this woman right now. Outside," said Bruce Wayne.
Oh, so he's going to pull that card. He's giving her a chance to help these people financially instead of just with fish.
Rolling her eyes, speaking in Icelandic, coldly, Ariel said "Pretty sure he'll give it to me anyway."
Everyone in the room listening laughed at this.
Then suddenly from behind the crowd Bruce Wayne sees something that catches his interest. On one of the walls is an articular drawing. At its center is the woman he's searching for in the center of the ocean holding an fish over her head with others surrounding her. On all sides of her depicts three kingdoms. Two of earth and one of sea. Each of the three kingdoms holds a box under heavy guard on either side.
Pointing at it, Bruce Wayne said "Tell me what those three boxes are and I'll make it $30,000."
Ariel doesn't like that.
Slowly approaching him in an effort to intimidate, until she's less than a foot away from him, Ariel said "I believe you've overstayed your welcome here. You should get out."
Not that he has much of a choice.
Smug, Bruce Wayne smirked "Can you at least point me to Atlantis?"
Okay that's it.
Her degree of tolerance and patience has reached its breaking point Ariel nabbed Bruce Wayne by the nape of his neck and slammed him into the wall. The superior strength she has compared to normal humans makes this easy for her.
"Ariel Curry," identified Bruce Wayne, grunting as Ariel slides him back down onto his feet. "Also known as Protector of the Oceans. The Aquawoman. I hear you can talk to fish."
Ariel sighs released her grip on him.
So Ariel allows Bruce Wayne the talk with her he so desires. They did so walking along the scale of the village on the way to the water. That is after he hands the money he promised in the bargain to the elders.
"So let me get this straight. You actually do fight criminals from your neck of the woods dressed as a bat," said Ariel, finding it weird.
It does explain how he's found her through all the walls she's set up on her alias.
At least when she's out there Ariel isn't dressed in an outlandish costume. Ariel simply goes in tribute to her heritage.
Shrugging, nonchalant, Bruce Wayne said "It worked for 20 years in Gotham."
"That shithole. You won't catch me within a mile off the coast of that place," said Ariel.
"When the fight comes we'll need you," beseeched Bruce Wayne.
"Don't count on it, Batman," said Ariel.
"Why not," said Bruce Wayne, not seeing what the problem is.
"Because I don't like you coming here, digging into my business, and getting into my life. I like coming to places like this for their privacy and the fact I can help them without being harassed. People from Atlantis tell me, 'Do this.' Now you say, 'Do that'. I want to be left alone," said Ariel, annoyed.
Bruce Wayne challenged "Is that why you help these people out here in the middle of nowhere? 'Cause you can just leave?"
They've finally reached the waters edge. By now citizens of the village have trailed them here standing nearby to watch her leave.
Beginning to strip out of the clothes and leant to her as she steps deeper and deeper until she's waist deep, unveiling the tattoos over the length of her body, Ariel said "I help them because no one else does."
Persisting, Bruce Wayne said "If you want to protect them, you need to work with me."
" 'A strong woman is strongest alone.'," said Ariel, grinning and backing away as she talks to him. Ariel is now down to wearing her pants and a bikini top that matches her pants. "You ever heard that?"
Flabbergasted, Bruce Wayne said "That's not a saying. That's the opposite of what the saying is. Besides you know of the Amazons. Those women always fight together as one, knowing they're stronger unified."
"Well that's not me," said Ariel. "And that doesn't mean I'm wrong."
"You ever hear of Superman? He died fighting next to me," said Bruce Wayne, trying one more time.
Ariel will not be swayed.
Grimly, Ariel said "My point exactly. If I fight with you I'll likely end up then. And then what'll become of places like this without my assistance? No, I'm not doing that to them."
"What's in the three boxes," demanded Bruce Wayne.
If he can't convince her to join the team he's attempting to build them maybe he can still get some information.
"It's ancient history," said Ariel, failing to elaborate.
Bruce Wayne may not be a threat, but he hasn't earned enough trust for her to spill secrets just like that.
"What is it? Mankind's melting the polar icecaps, destroying the ecosystem. They got it coming," said Bruce Wayne.
"Hey, I don't mind if the oceans rise," said Ariel.
To be fair that's just fine with her. She can survive either way.
"How about if they boil," counters Bruce Wayne.
"Dressed like a bat. You're as crazy as they say, Bruce Wayne," proclaims Ariel, diving headfirst into the sea.
A pulse spread over the surface of the water as she speeds away.
"Doesn't mean I'm wrong," mumbled Bruce Wayne, ominous and forebodingly dark.
Authors Note:
Hope you guys all like this one! I certainly did writing it. ;D
I don't know about the rest of you, but I saw the new movie Avengers Endgame on the big premiere night! Oh man, I couldn't believe it. I am so happy they didn't cut anything, actually make and keeping the three hours running time. There was so much going on that it probably would've ruined it if they did that.
I need your shared opinions.
In light of Avengers Endgame, in preference to my Rise Of The Snow Queen series, what do you all think of a one-shot or flashback chapter for in between where Loki is with Thanos before he heads to Earth?
Here's the idea I'm trying to get at maybe Loki catches a glimpse of his sister on Jotunheim. Because in Rise Of The Snow Queen 2 he makes it very clear that he already knows she's a Queen. So maybe that can be very suitable this time around for our girl.
So, what do all of you hardcore Avengers fans think?
Should I do it?