The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Epilogue

June

Tony stood at a podium at Inwood Hills Park. It was a warm day, and the sun shone brightly. A surprisingly large group had gathered for the ceremony. He guessed the world had changed its mind about hating Nashira. The rest of the Avengers stood off to the side in their uniforms.

He wore a suit and tie. Vision floated beside him, an oblivious smile on his face. He had hardly any memory of Stella, and no recollection of ever betraying her. Tony thought he could save him the pain. An over cast covered the sun and wind ruffled the leaves.

The trees had tripled in size since they had been planted. They were nearly full grown now, but two new trees had been planted bedside the memorial. Off to the side of Tony was a statue, attributed to Stella. He sighed. He supposed he had to start some time.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming. We are gathered here today for the presentation of the Nashira memorial..."

They all looked at the memorial. It stood on a black marble pedestal. On it stood a bronze dragon, rearing on its hind legs, wings stretched out. Reining it back was a silver replica of Nashira, human form, her sword raised. At the feet of the dragon was a golden replica of Stella, in a dress, her hair flying in the wind as she bravely placed herself in harm's way for the protection of others.

On the front was a bronze plaque that read, "Stella Marie Stark. 'Nashira'. Mighty Avenger, Trusted Friend, Beloved Daughter. 'Thank you for saving our world."

"Um..." Tony swallowed the lump in his throat.

Pepper gave him an encouraging look from beside him. The rest of the crowd waited for him to continue. He let out a laugh as he thought of the memories he had of his daughter.

"I remember when Stella first came to the mansion. I thought she was some reckless delinquent. I never would of thought I would of adopted her. If you had asked me then I would have laughed."

The crowd let out a laugh, remembering how he used to be, "When she first told me about her powers, I didn't believe her. Who would have? I thought she was out of her mind. She had to be to attack the mansion, but boy did I believe her when she turned the first time."

Tony looked back at the forest behind him, "Can you believe that it was this very forest she burnt down? I think it's more beautiful since she ruined it. She always seemed to do that- make things more beautiful in her presence..."

Tony cleared his throat, "I know she certainly changed me. I'm a better man because of her..."

"She certainly found a way into all of our hearts. Without her our world would be so much more different- heck it wouldn't even be here. She saved our lives, all of us, and we couldn't be more grateful. I wish she were here to hear this herself, but if somehow she can hear... Nashira, thank you. Thank you for saving our world."

Tony stepped down from the podium, hardly able to hold himself together. The ribbon was cut and the crowd cheered. As he walked away, the sun came out. He looked back at the statue. The dragon blazed like it had caught fire, Nashira's sword glinted in triumph, but the most beautiful was Stella. She glowed a pure golden color. Tony smiled. Maybe she had been listening after all.

"Thank you," Tony whispered to the statue, before turning and walking away.

"This is not the end."