A/N: I wrote this chapter in between doing laundry and taking care of my son. So I'm sorry if it seems a little rushed. This one is mostly a flashback. As always, reviews are appreciated.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Avengers, they belong to Marvel. I only own the OCs
Arista sat awake in her and Mellissande's room for what felt like hours. Contemplating their next move. She knew Mel would bring up their situation about needing patrols through the city. That's why Mel was the brain. She kept going over strategies in her mind. Ever vigilant, her father used to tell her. Ready to spring at the first sign of battle. She hated thinking about her father. Especially the day that ultimately decided her future.
She gazed out into the rolling expanse of hills covered in flowers and trees. Her cerulean dress billowing in the wind behind her. Standing on the balcony overlooking the courtyard she saw her father ride in from his last hunt. The prize of his hunt laying bound and chained to the cart being pulled behind him.
"Arista, darling, come down and look at the candidates for tonights games!" Her father called up to her. He dismounted his massive steed and handed the reigns to a waiting servant. She could see excitement flash in his eyes. Anticipating the evenings entertainment.
"Collect your brothers as well." He called up before she disappeared into her room. She could hear the howling of the poor beasts throughout the palace as she went to get her brothers.
"Farren, Bennet, father wants us outside." She called out as she walked through the halls. She could hear her older half brothers running to catch up with her.
"Has he brough back a nice haul, sister?" Farren asked falling in stride with her. His hazel eyes curious. Bennet, Farren's twin, anticipating her answer. She looked back and forth between the two of them, disgust obscuring her features.
"You know I do not condone the mistreatment of the poor creatures. Father forces me to attend." She said lengthening her stride to escape them. It didn't work, Bennet caught up to her in an instant. Her brothers having at least a foot more height than her, gave them the advantage of longer legs.
"Don't be in such a foul mood, little sister." Bennet said catching her arm in his, "This is a happy day. It is the day that father chooses a suitor for you."
Her eyes narrowed, lips going tight. "He can try." She said. Venom dripping off her words.
The trio came through the front foyer, exiting out into the courtyard. Greeted with the high pitched howling and yelps from the poor creatures. Her father with a hot iron in his hand, prodding at the smallest of the beasts. The scene before her disgusted her, and she made sure her father saw. "There is my beautiful daughter." Her father smiled turning to his children. "I have a long line of suitors waiting to battle for your affections."
"I will not be swayed by acts of cruelty." She said turning her cold stare from her father to the helpless Wolves that were now being led to the holding cells to the rear of the palace. Thick metal collars fastened around their muscular necks. Metal rods separating the massive creatures, going from the back of one, to the front of the other, fastened to the collars. It was disgusting. Watching the creatures walk in single file lines to their doom. She wouldn't stand for it this time. It had gone on for too long. The sun would be setting soon. The people of Delvar would be making their way to watch the bloodbath. It was time to prepare herself for the decision she made.
As the people filed into the stands of the arena, Arista donned her onyx and silver armor, fastening her black cape to the shoulder plates. Tying her sword to her hip as always and holding her onyx helmet under her arm. The intricate black roses marking her helmet intertwined as a symbol of royalty, etched around the outer edges.
"Lady Arista, it is time." One of the servants said stepping into her room. "If you will follow me, I will escort you to the arena." He said motioning for her to exit first. She strode out of the room, head held high, and out of the palace doors. The arena being nestled closer to the forests that circled the outer edges of the palace grounds, she made quick work of the walk.
She entered the arena, making her way to the stairs that climbed their way to the elevated box that her family sat in. Taking her seat on her father's left hand side, her brothers seated on either side of her and their father. Farren being the closest to her, leaving Bennet on the other side of their father.
Her father stood, outstretching his right arm to calm the uproarious crowd. "I welcome you to the Games. This marks a most splendid day, as the warriors below will be fighting for my daughter's hand." Her father boomed to into the stands. Motioning to the three imposing men stationed below. "Now, let the games begin." He said as the heavy doors opened on the opposite end.
She could see the snarling creatures being led out into the arena. Heavy chains pulling them to the center, then fastened to metal loops protruding from the ground. The men that led them out continued to prod at them with white hot irons as they backed away.
The three men below waited for her father's approval to advance. Anticipacion gripping their every fiber. Eager to fight the beasts before them to win the hand of Princess Arista.
Her father lowered his hand in approval for them to go. This was her chance. Pulling her helmet on and brandishing her sword, she jumped into the arena. Advancing on the men who sought death to the beasts. Sword at the ready, she charged to the front of the men and turned on them. "I will not allow you to slaughter them!" She yelled. Her icy gaze burning. She spun her sword, instigating the men to come closer.
Behind her she could hear the Wolves snarling and gnashing against the chains. "You have hurt too many of my mother's people. I will no longer stand for this." She said turning and walking further into the arena. "If you people value your lives, you will leave." And with that she brought her sword down towards one of the Wolves, severing the chain that held it in place. She could hear the screams of the patrons. Chaos was ensuing at the effect of her actions. She could care less.
Turning her attention back to the Wolves, she began severing the remaining chains. twenty-eight Wolves in total were released. Each one dipping it's massive head to her as they stood up on their powerful legs. Letting her know their thanks. As she opened the doors to let them out into the wood line, a child walked up to her, soft brown eyes staring into her fierce blues.
"Thank you, My Lady." The little girl said with a bow, "We knew you were different from those awful people." The child looked no more than five. This angered Arista. She squeezed the little girl's shoulder with a smile. The little girl nodded, phasing into a small, auburn colored Wolf and sprinted into the wood line. The rest of the Wolves howling in unison their gratitude. Sword still in hand, she turned and made her way back to the palace to finish her long awaited penance.
He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. She had just let loose another memory. Letting everyone know a little more about her past. Though, he was unaware that she was to be showing them anything, he now understood a little more about this intriguing creature. But the vision only opened up more questions in his mind. What was she? What did she do after? How did she come to be the creature before him? The questions were endless.
He tossed and turned letting the questions mull in his mind as he let sleep take him once again
Arista had finally found herself in an uneasy sleep. The memory had drained her. She hated thinking about her father. Yeah, she missed her brothers, but her father deserved what he got. She reached out to the building, no one else was awake. She was truly alone with her is, until she felt an ominous presence lurking in the city streets below. It was one of His.
"Mellissande!" She said gently nudging her sleeping friend. "You need to wake up. Someone is here"
"I feel it." She said sitting ramrod straight. "Get Thor and Stark." She urged Arista to reach out and tap into them. Alerting them to the threat down below.
"It's one of Sylus's people. He's bringing more in from Numara." Arista said as she reached out to the others as Mellissande had asked. She quickly donned her armor and sword, pulled her hair into a high pony tail, and made her way into the main area to meet the others. The first battle was about to take place. And everyone needed to be prepared.