The War Without Fate

Chapter 18- Lions, Leopards, And Wolves? Oh My!

We reached Sadonna Arizona by the morning. I looked out the window from the back of one of the many stolen cars.I had slept in the back for quite awhile but it was a restless sleep. I spent more time trying to stay asleep than sleeping and at the sight of daylight I relaxed. The sun was peeking over the mountain just to the side of the little town that we pulled into. I heard Claude in the front seat say his good byes to someone over the phone and with that he turned in his seat to look back at me. 

The group had only taken one car. Seeing as we wouldnt be using it besides to reach our destination. Which meant I was squished in the back next to Castor who was in the middle and Max who was shoved up against the opposite door. A slight scowl was on her face. Jacqueline had insisted on driving and I had no issue with letting her behind the wheel. I wouldnt admit it but she was level headed and to some degree likeable beyond her quite disposition. Much better than Steve's girlfriend or even Max. Both had their limits while Jacqueline was too quite, how could you get tired of something that was barely there. To face the truth her and Clint deserved each other. They were extremely similar and you could see how happy they were together. I was almost envious of them, did Evangeline and I have such a seem less and happy relationship. The kind of relationship that Clint and Jacqueline had that made everyone around them feel the radiating happiness off of them?

I opened the car door after Claude had and I climbed out of the car. As I stretched out my limbs I saw a Starbucks and pointed to notify everyone where I was going. Castor followed and after getting everyone drinks we returned to see Max and Jacqueline standing against the car watching Claude and another man converse a few feet in front of them. We walked up and handed them their drinks. 

I crossed the space between the team and Claude to hand him his drink. He looked at it with surprise when I thrust it out toward him. He took it and gave a nod of thanks as I turned my glance to the man standing in front of us. He was an interesting looking man and was very boyish. He had piercing blue eyes that made his stare uncomfortable for even someone like me. He had a strong jaw and somewhat masculine features but was on the chubbier side of things and looked extremely young. After a moments pause he stuck his hand out to me and his oddly proportioned face split into a wide grin. 

I switched the hand that held my drink and shook his. 

"Tony Stark," He smiled at me

"No thats me," I joked "Who are you,"

He chuckled "My name is Lysander Hollings, but I go by Holly."

"Nice to meet you... Holly." I smiled politely at him "Forgive me and all that but... how old are you?"

"17 years old at the moment," he replied "I will be your guide through the pit. I made the trip many times before and I am urged to confide in you that it gets no easier. And that each time is different. So while I accompany you with some knowledge of what you might expect you must understand there is no guarantee. It is quite an unpredictable arena and you should know exactly what you are getting yourself into."

"It doesnt matter either way," I said 

"The statement 'through hell or high water' comes to mind when referring to Tony's resolve," Castor smiled and clapped my shoulder "Though it is the same for all here. We have no doubts and you must understand that these are very capable companions."

"They are notorious." Holly nodded "Though I think it is always more interesting with people who have not yet been tested. These already have. Then again, as I said before, we can not know what to expect and as such we might see some change out of each and every one of you."

Holly's eyes scanned over us and stopped abruptly. His face spread into a shocked grin and it occurred to me how slimy and unbearable this guy was going to be.