Entries tagged with fanfic

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Fill 27 Card 3: Sun / Son (Wild Card)

Loki leaned back in his chair, peering out of the window of their home. watching as the rain continued to pour down. He let out a sigh, and turned to look at his daughter who was sitting on the settee also watching the rain, a pouting frown on her face.

"Is the rain ever going to stop, Father? I'm tired of being stuck inside all day!" Sigyn whined.

"I know, my little snowflake," Loki replied.

Oh how he knew! The rain had gone on for days on end now, bringing more gloom in both the lack of sun and in his daughter's disposition.

"But I'm not sure when it will cease," he added. "The weather is quite unpredictable, even for me."

Sigyn groaned and slumped further into the settee, "I wish there was something to do! I am sick to death of watching the rain!"

Loki looked at the rain again, thinking about the situation, then he turned back to her with a smile, "Perhaps we should play a game?"

"I don't want to play a game!"

"Oh, you would prefer to watch the rain instead? Very well, then, we shall but I know you would have loved the game instead!" Loki said, watching her from the corner of his eye, "It was a very good idea if I do say so myself. Oh well!"

Sigyn straightened on the settee, "What game, Father?"

"You said you don't want to play, so that means you're not interested in hearing about it."

"Yes, I am! Please, Father, tell me!" Sigyn begged.

Loki chuckled, "Oh, I was thinking we could have a foraging hunt. I will hide things all around the cottage and you will have to find them."

Sigyn wasn't sure how much fun that would be, but she really was bored with watching the rain pour down so she decided to go along with the idea, "That sounds like it could be fun, Father! Let's play!"

"Very well. I'll go hide somethings. You stay here and when the game is ready, I'll come fetch you."

The girl nodded, and settled back to wait.

Loki took about twenty minutes to hide some things in each room of the cottage that was not the main room where his daughter awaited him. He didn't use any magic but still hid them well where she would need to look carefully. Finally satisfied once the final object was concealed he went to get her.

Sigyn bolted from the settee the moment her father gave her the signal, and ran to the first room. She looked high and low with her father watching her in amusement as she searched every nook and cranny.

After several minutes, Sigyn held up a previous hidden item, "I found one, Father!"

"Good job, snowflake! See if you can find the others I hid!"

Sigyn continued her search, moving from room to room, leaving no room without finding all the hidden items.

Sigyn was still looking when she walked past a window, and saw something she'd been looking to see for days peering back at her. She pointed to the window, "Look, Father! It's stopped raining and the sun has come out!"

Loki grinned and captured her in his arms, "Yes, my little snowflake, it seems our time of hunting brought the sun out, both inside and outside. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of time spent together and fun to brighten up a gloomy day."

"May I go outside now, Father?" Sigyn asked.

He nodded, "Yes, you may as long as you're clear to stay away from any bodies of water. With all the wain we had in the past few days, I am sure they're swollen."

"I promise, Father!" she said, already grabbing her cloak and hiding outside with a squeal of excitement.

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Fill 26 Card 3: Well = Good / Fountain

Peggy finds Steve sitting on an intact bench, staring at well nothing.

"Are you well, Steve?" Peggy asked, sitting down beside him.

He sighed, not looking at her, "I'm okay. I'm just feeling... overwhelmed."

Peggy put a hand on his arm, "You want to talk about it?"

Steve finally looked at her, "Sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough, Peggy. There is so much that's happening in the world, and there are times I feel like I can't keep up."

She smiled, gently, "It's okay, Steve. You may be Captain America, but you're still human, which means there's only so much you can do. Even so, you're still doing your part to make the world a better place."

After a moment, Steve nodded, "You're right. Thanks, Peggy, I need to hear that."

Peggy moves her hand to grasp his, "Anytime, Steve. I'm here for you, always."

"I know, and I'm grateful for that."

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Fill 23 Card 3: Well = good/fountain

The sun is shining brightly one morning as the birds sing their happy songs, serenading father and daughter as they sat outside their home, breaking their fast. The aroma of freshly baked bread lingered in the air, and Sigyn's eyes were bright with delight.

"Father, this bread is delectable!" Sigyn exclaimed before taking another bite.

Loki raised his eyebrows, "And where on Midgard did you ever hear that word, my dear?" 

"It wasn't on Midgard I heard it, Father! I heard Uncle Volstagg say it last time we went to see Grandmother and Grandfather!"

Ah yes, the last time they'd visited the Palace, there had been a feast.

"And do you know what delectable means, snowflake?" Loki asked.

Sigyn thought for a moment, "It means it's good right, Father?"

He nodded, "Yes, but more specifically, it means it tastes delicious. And I thank you for saying so, as I made our bread myself."

"Did you use magic to make it, Father?"

Loki laughed, and gave his daughter's vibrant red curls a tousle, "No magic, my snowflake. I just used a bit of love along with a dash of mischief." He winked as he said that last part.

"Well, it is very good, Father! My bread doesn't even need anything upon it!"

Loki smiled at her compliment, and then his eyes wandered a bit until they found their well. The well was quite old having been used by the cottage's former family. The well had served them adequately since he'd first come to live here with his late wife, but of late, Loki had noticed the well was providing less and less water. He knew they would have enough water for two, perhaps three months but they would need to dig a new well soon.

"Sigyn, my love, it seems we have a problem," Loki said, his eyes fixed on the dwindling water supply. "Our well is running dry, and we must dig a new one. Don't worry, little one. We will hire some giants to do the work for us. But first, we must find the perfect spot for the well."

"Sigyn, my little snowflake, it seems that we may have a problem," he said, his eyes locked on their well, "Our well is beginning to run dry, and we will need to dig a new one. But fret not, for as soon as a new fresh water source has been located, we shall ask the giants to dig the well for us."

"Giants, Father?" Sigyn echoed, her eyes wide.

"Yes, my dear, giants."

"I've never seen giants before, Father. Will I get to meet them? the little girl asked.

"Of course, snowflake, you will meet them."

Sigyn cheered and clapped her hands.

Loki felt warmth throughout his being from heart at the sound. Her laughter was the most bright and beautiful he had ever heard in the universe, and he knew he was truly blessed to have it. Still smiling, he rose from the table, "Go fetch your cloak, my little snowflake, and we shall begin the search for the new well."

Sigyn nodded, and hurried back inside of the cottage, and reappeared without delaying her cloak fastened around her shoulders. She grabbed his hand and started tugging his towards the woods, "Come on, Father. Let's go! Let's go!"

With a chuckle, he followed his daughter into the forest.

The search lasted three days, and then Sigyn located a perfect location for their new well. It was a small clearing in a lush, green meadow that sloped gently towards a babbling brook. The little girl danced in celebration when her father declared this was the spot.

The next step was to approach the giants in the right way, something Loki knew what to do.

He'd had many dealings with the giants in the past and he understood their nature as well as their traditions. The key to approaching the giants without offending them right off so they would not help you, was to show them both respect and humility. 

"Listen closely, my snowflake," Loki said, gathering his daughter close to him, "when we meet with the giants, it is very important that we show them not only kindness but respect. They are very powerful beings, but they are also gentle, and they are pleased to help those when they are treated properly."

Sigyn nodded, "But I always try to be respectful and kind to others, Father. You and Grandmother have taught me that."

He kissed the top of her head, "Yes, you do, my snowflake, and I am proud of you. Here, hold onto my hand and keep close."

They walked deeper into the forest, the sound of trees rustling as well as a distant roar of water growing louder. It wasn't long before they came to a large clearing where the massive forms of the giants could be see touching high in the sky. 

With much caution, Loki approached the giants, being ever careful to make sure Sigyn was close to his side. He held his hand out in a gesture of peace, and called to them, making his voice as loud as he could.

"Noble and mighty giants, I, Loki of Asgard, and my daughter Sigyn, have come before you to petition for your assistance. Our well is running dry, and we seek your great strength as well as your great expertise in digging a new one."

The giants gave their attention to the trickster and his daughter, so tiny to them in comparison. The eyes of the giants shone with curiosity and interest. Then one of the giants stepped forward, shaking the ground with his steps. When he spoke, his voice was like a clap of thunder.

"We have heard your petition, Loki of Asgard and Sigyn of both Asgard and Midgard. We will consider what you ask of us, but first, you must prove your worthiness."

Loki nodded, knowing the giants would often test those who seek their help. With confidence, he accepted their test.

"What task do you require of us to prove that we are worthy of your help?" 

The giant pointed to towering tree in the distance, and said, "Bring us a leaf from the highest branch upon the tree. If you succeed, it is then and **only** then, we shall grant our aid."

With a soft bow, Loki looked at his daughter, and he saw a determined look in her eyes. With a nod, they started towards the colossal tree.

Even while they were still walking towards it, Loki used his magic to conjure a staircase that encircled the tree's trunk that reached the highest branches. Sigyn did not hesitate to start climbing towards their prize with her father following close behind her.

They ascended the staircase around tree for minutes until they finally reached its top. Loki lifted his daughter up, and Sigyn reached out to pluck one of the shimmering, vibrant leaves from its branch. After setting her back down on the staircase, father and daughter descended together.

Once they had reached the ground, Loki held aloft the leaf, and he called out to the giants, "We have completed the task that you requested of us. Here is the leaf plucked from the highest branch."

The giants all nodded their approval, their faces showing signs of their respect for the completion of their assigned task. The one who spoke to them earlier stepped forward and said, "You have proven your worthiness, Loki of Asgard, and Sigyn of Asgard and Midgard. In turn, you shall have our help in digging your new well. Show us the spot, and we shall dig for you."

"You have proven your worthiness, Loki of Asgard. We shall assist you in digging your new well. Choose the spot, and we shall make it so."

***
It was evening two days later, and Sigyn sat snuggled into her father's side, listening as the giants labored to fulfill their promise to them.  Soon, they woulf have a replacement for their well that was indeed drying up.

Loki played with her silken locks as he softly told her, "You are so much like your mother, my little snowflake. She could be no prouder of you than am I."

Once more the girl wished she had known her mother, but even so, she is grateful for how much her father loves her.

The giants' continued work digging had been a constant noise in the background. so when the moment they'd been waiting for happened, they almost missed it. But they heard the giants give a shot, and when they did so, Sigyn bolted. She ran towards the meadow, and stopped as she beheld the sight of the new well.

"They did it, Father! We have a new well! See?" she said as her father joined her.

Loko grinned, and nodded, "I see, my snowflake. I see. Come, let us take our first drink of the new cool water."

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Fill 21 Card 3: Trust the Plan

When Clint's eyes fluttered open, his surroundings were a distortion of blurred shapes and colors. He felt as though someone were banging on his head with Thor's hammer, with every beat of his heart sending a jolt of pain through his temples. He struggled to make sense in his disoriented state, to find his way through the fog that had wrapped itself around his thoughts.

Little by little, tiny fragments of memories pierced through the fog. He recalled the cold, rigid touch of the metal pole against his back, the din of the SHIELD STRIKE team readying their weapons, and the deafening shots that still echoed in his ears.

"What the..." His voice came out as a raspy murmur, barely heard above the muted ache that pulsed through his body when he made an attempt to sit up. He clenched his teeth, then he yielded to the protesting of his enervated form, his muscles refusing to comply.

With a renewal of determination, he forced his eyes to open once more, striving to understand his surroundings. The room, saturated in sterile white, enlightened his blurred vision. The unforgiving glare from the lights overhead penetrated through his fogginess, magnifying the pounding in his head. As he took a deep breath, the sharp of disinfectants seized his nostrils, flooding his senses and leaving an almost metallic taste in his mouth.

At that moment, a door swung open on the other end of the room, revealing Nick Fury, the Director of SHIELD, clad in his customary black attire. Clint's heart, which shouldn't have been beating at all, skipped a beat in his chest. As he watched Fury approach, conflicting emotions swelled within him. This was the man who had betrayed him, the one who had carried out the order for Clint's execution. In the moments leading up to his supposed death by firing squad, Clint had told Fury he had understood why he had to be the one to give the order. But that'd had been a lie. The truth was, he couldn't comprehend how Fury, the Director, could have been the one who ordered his own agents to kill one of their brothers.

Fury's face was as stern as it ever was when he approached Clint, but also he got closer, Clint could also see a tiny bit of kindness. He wasted no time with a preamble but told Clint simply in a low, steady voice, "You're alive now because I arranged for your death to be faked at your execution. There was no way I could let the world take you away from your family forever."

Clint's emotions were a tangled web while his mind raced. All he'd wanted to be with his family again through those five long years they were dead. He'd literally had two weeks with them following Tony's funeral, and then he'd been arrested. He doesn't know how the world learned about what he'd done so quickly because even when he'd been consumed by his rage, he concealed his identity. He doesn't know how the world found out... unless one of the Avengers who had known of his Ronin identity had given the media their anonymous tip.

"How long have I been here, sir? How long since my exe.."

"It's been eighteen hours since you stood in front of the firing squad."

"So the world thinks I'm dead?" Clint asked.

"Yes, they do. We made sure we staged your execution so convincingly that every person who tuned into the broadcast now believes they watched a SHIELD firing squad shoot you through the heart," Fury replied.

"Okay, I'm dead to the world. What now? Am I going to have to spend the rest of my life in some hideout somewhere, where I'll never see my family again? Is that what I've been saved for?" Clint countered, his anger and despair rising with every word.

Fury frowned, as it was his turn to get angry, "You are not listening to me, Barton!"

"I told you he wouldn't be able to listen to you," a new voice contributed.

Clint whipped his head towards the door, "Laura? What the..."

His heart, his perfectly whole not shot through with bullets, heart skipped a beat when he saw his wife standing in the doorway. She looked so weary, her eyes betraying all the anguish and pain she had to endure during this entire ordeal. Her presence was both a comfort and a bewildering mystery.

"Laura, wha... how?" Clint's voice trailed off, as he was unable to form a coherent question.

Laura walked over to his bedside, then instead of answering him with words, she seated herself beside him, and she kissed him like she had in his cell in the SHIELD facility. Fury looked away to allow them a moment of privacy in their reunion, but he finally cleared his throat when Clint's heart rate shot up. Laura pulled away from him but didn't stand up. Instead, she intertwined her fingers with his, and kept her eyes on him as Fury spoke.

"You want to know what is going on, Clint," the older, gruffer man began, "and how it is you're here, not dead, instead of being buried six feet in the ground actually dead?"

Clint nodded, "Yes, sir, I do," Everything had happened so fast that he can't figure out a way the Director had been able to save his life instead of letting the execution actually succeed.

"To begin, I had gotten wind that your identity as Ronin had been exposed a very short time before your arrest. There wasn't enough time to warn you, so I had to settle with ensuring your survival, regardless of whatever happened next or whatever punishment the world deemed to be the right one for your actions.

"Needless to say, convincing the world of your death seemed like the best course of action since they were so thirsty for your blood, and wouldn't settle for anything less. So we orchestrated what the world thought to be your execution to be just that, an execution in which you were shot through the heart by a SHIELD firing squad."

Clint didn't miss he said we, not just him, but he knows it would be pointless to ask who else was involved. Fury would never tell him, and anyway, he could guess that Maria Hill had been one of those involved. In the end it didn't matter, and maybe it was better that he didn't know who else was involved. Instead, he squeezed his wife's hand so she'd look at him.

"You knew?" he asked.

Laura nodded.

"Did you know when you and the kids came to... when you came to see me before the..." Clint couldn't finish the sentence.

Laura nodded once again, "Yes, I knew Nick had arranged to save your life. I knew that you wouldn't actually die when they fired."

He couldn't help but marvel at his wife's acting skills during their goodbye. When he had looked into her eyes during their goodbye, he'd a depth of grief and pain that he'd never seen there before. Laura had looked and acted the part of a woman whose husband was about to be executed and she was helpless to stop it. It'd been over a decade since she'd been an active agent in SHIELD herself, but it seemed it was just like riding a bicycle for her. He marveled until an awful realization dawned on him.

"Lila and Cooper, they... they thought I was going to die."

Tears glistened in Laura's eyes as she nodded, her voice choked with emotion, "Yes, they believed you were going to die, Clint. They're kids and not trained agents. They had to believe you were going to die in order for anyone who might be watching for signs of deception to believe that you were actually executed. Looking my children in the eyes and tell them you were going to die, that they were saying goodbye to you, was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life."

Clint squeezed his eyes shut when he heard this, the weight of the revelation weighing down on him like a ton of bricks. Learning that his oldest two children had suffered such anguish because of the level of deception that had to be used to save his life, hurt him in a way nothing else had before. He hated him too in that moment because Lila and Cooper didn't deserve to know that kind of pain, and now they had, all because of him.

When he felt tears well up in the corner of his closed eyes, Clint squeezed them even more tightly shut. When he spoke, his voice trembled, the words barely finding their way past his lips, "I... I can't... what they've been feeling since... I'm their father, and they were never supposed to know this kind of pain! I was supposed to keep them for it! I will hate myself for putting them through this for the rest of my life!"

Laura reached out and grabbed his chin, turning his face towards hers, "Clint, look at me!"

He opened his eyes, and looked into hers.

"I want you to listen to me, Clint. We can't change what happened or what we had to do to keep you alive. Lila and Cooper, they'll understand all of this, in time. You love them, and they now that. They know how much you love them, and in the end all that will matter is they will have their father with them to still love them."

Fury, who had been silent in the corner, took a step forward to remind them that he was still in the room. "Look, I understand your regrets over the pain you've caused them, but dwelling on the past isn't going to change anything. You've got to find a way to focus on the future because in order for this to work, you've got to have your head completely in the game, Barton."

"In order for what to work, sir?"

"In order for you to have a life with your family."

Clint laughed, without mirth, and when Fury glared at him he said, "A life with my family/ How? I'm supposed to be dead, sir. Dead! The moment I step out of this facility into public, whichever one I'm in, facial recognition will have me made in a split second, and they'll just kill me again. And my kids are not going to live out their lives in SHIELD facilities or safe houses, isolated away from the rest of the world."

"And they're not going to have to do that," Fury in a firm voice, "I will say it again, we have a plan that is going to allow you to be with your family, and you'll all be safe. Unfortunately the plan isn't one that is going to happen over night or even over several nights. It won't be quick because of what we must do to ensure you won't be ID'd the second you step out into public with your family."

"What does that mean exactly?" Clint asked, trying to understand the gravity of the situation.

"What it means is through both surgery and technology we're going to create an entirely new identity for you, that no one on the world is aware of. We are going to give you a completely new face that even the facial recognition scans won't be able to ID you as being Clint Barton. You will have a new name to go with the new face, and a new personal history that you will have memorized frontwards and backwards. Clint Barton is dead in the eyes of the world, and that's exactly how he'll stay. When you are finally ready to step back into the world in general, you'll be someone else completely, and the world will never know you were not, in fact, executed like they wanted you to be."

Laura squeezed his hand in support because she knew what Fury was about to say next would be the most difficult part for her husband to hear.

"Now here is the bad part—"

"You mean besides me being erased from existence, and looking into the mirror to see a stranger staring back?" Clint quipped.

"Clint!" Laura murmured, "This is the only way forward for you to stay alive and be with us at the same time!"

He nodded, and looked at the other man, "Sorry, I know this is going to be a lot of trouble, and already has been. I don't mean to sound ungrateful you did and are doing all of this to keep me alive."

Fury gave a curt nod, then continued, "Fifteen months. Fifteen months is the bare minimum is the estimate as to how long it is going to take to completely change your identity, and get you reintroduced into the world."

"Fifteen months? And I'll have to be away from them the entire time," Clint surmised.

"Correct. I'm sorry that it will take so long after the five years you spent without them but this is a painstaking process, and one we can't afford to make any mistakes on as your life quite literally depends on it. We get one shot to get this right, because if the world learns you didn't die at your execution, then I believe they would simply have you taken out this time. With extreme prejudice."

Extreme prejudice.

Clint knows those two words are just another way of saying that they would come after him without any regard for any innocents that might be around him at the time. His heart sank when in that moment he realized fully the gravity of the situation, and that in order to keep everyone he loves safe, things would have to done this way. They couldn't risk the lives of his wife and children just so he could be with them sooner.

"I understand," Clint finally said aloud, resignation in his voice, "If this is what it takes to keep my family safe, and allow me to be with them, then I will do whatever I have to for it to make it happen." The fifteen months would be a long time, but he could do it because unlike before, he has the hope of knowing they're alive, and well, and that he will be with them again.

"Good," Fury said, nodding in acknowledgement to Clint's commitment to the plan, "We'll start the preparations immediately. I've put together a team of experts who will handle the entire process, from the surgical procedures to the creation of your new identity. When they're done, Clint Barton will truly be dead, and a new man will be in his place."

"How do we know that none of them will tell the world who I really am?" Clint asked, "There's a lot riding on this, sir. and just for me." He looked at his wife, and thought of their children.

"Because I know each of the team members personally, and I know they can be trusted to keep your secret for as long as you live. They will take this with them to their own graves. We need to get started on this ASAP, so I'm afraid you both need to say your farewells now because it is going to be a long time before you're able to see each other again."

"Could we have a—"

Fury walked towards the door, "I'll leave you two alone."

Laura touched his face, her voice steadied as she told him, "We'll be waiting for you, Clint. No matter what name they give you, or the face you are going to have, you are always going to be the man we love."

Clint opened his arms, "Come here, honey. I need to hold you,"

Laura scooted up closer to him, and let him wrap his arms around her as she wrapped her arms around him. They didn't talk, just held onto each other, and finally she laid her head on his chest to listen to the sound of his heart beating.

When the ten minutes were up, Fury returned, but stopped at the door without speaking. There was much they still needed to talk about such as the logistics and the security protocols for the next fifteen months. But looking at them now, he knew what they needed to talk about could wait a little longer, and so he let them have it.

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Fill 19 Card 3: A secret admirer

My Dearest Pepper,

It has been said that love is like the (redacted) within (redacted) (redacted) radiating warmth, strength, and boundless energy that powers everything around it. Did you know, honey, that you are the core that makes my heart beat, and you're the brightest light that illuminates the darkest of nights?

Do you remember when we danced on the rooftop? I do, and what I remember most is how the stars reflected in your eyes as if they were created for us and us alone. Or do you remember the countless late night conversations of ours that were filled with laughter and our dreams as we planned the future we knew we'd share?

Your unwavering belief, and more importantly your undying love for me, when I doubted myself, had given me the courage to face any challenge. You are my rock, my anchor, and my guiding star through the storms of life. In the moments I stumble, you're there to life me up, and remind me of the hero I can be.

Pepper, your grace, intelligence, and compassion inspire me each day. Your smile lights up my entire universe, and your touch ignites an inferno within me that can't be contained. I am in awe of your strength, and the way you effortlessly balance love, your family, and all responsibilities that come with being a remarkable woman.

As I pen this letter, I'm reminded of the countless time we've faced danger together. Side by side, we've been triumphant over all adversity, and our love has only grown all the more stronger as a result. It is a testament to our bond — a bond that nothing in this universe will ever be able to break.

This letter comes to you from an admirer who watches you, loves you, and cherishes you every step of the way. I may not always say it or even show it. but you are the love of my life, and my heart is yours for eternity.

Yours forever,

You know who I am

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Fill 18 Card 3: Moon

Morgan was lounging on one end of the couch flipping through some pictures of her parents together while Pepper was on the other end reading a book. She eventually came across a photo of her Dad in his Iron Man armor standing beside her Mom who was in a suit of armor of her own, a suit Morgan knew was called Rescue. Morgan looked at the photo for a long time, then finally said to her mother, "Mom, tell me about the time you and Daddy flew to the moon together please."

Pepper looked up from her book at her daughter and smiled, "Well, it wasn't exactly a real mission, Mo. It was just for fun."

Morgan grinned, and she asked eagerly, "What sort of fun? Did you have to fight aliens? Did you bring back moon rocks?"

Pepper chuckled as she marked her place in her book. and began to remember, "No, Morgan, we didn't fight aliens. We went just to explore the moon and we had fun while we did. Your Dad just had an idea one day to create a modified rocket that could get us there. He spent weeks getting it ready and perfect."

Morgan gasped, "Oh wow! That is too cool, Mom! What did you do there on the moon?"

Laughing as she thought about their adventure, Pepper replied, "Well, we jumped and bounced around for one thing. Even with our suits of armor on we could since the moon's gravity is so much less than it is on Earth. We pretended to be space explorers and your Daddy... even had a Frisbee with him. We spent I don't know how long throwing it back and forth. Tony... your Daddy said it was the best game he'd ever played."

Morgan giggled, "Daddy always loved to play games and make things fun, didn't he?"

Pepper nodded, "Yes, he really did. I'm so glad that we had that time together. It was an adventure I'll always treasure and never forget."

The little girl sighed, feeling sad all of a sudden, "I wish I could have gone with you, Mommy. But maybe someday I can go to the moon too!"

Pepper scooted closer, and hugged her daughter, "Maybe you will someday, sweetheart. The possibilities are endless. Your Daddy always believed that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and don't give up."

"I miss Daddy, but it was nice to hear about the fun you had together. Thanks for telling me about it, Mom."

Pepper kissed her daughter's brow, "Anytime, Mo. Your Daddy and I loved having adventures together, and I love sharing them with you."

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Fill 16 Card 3: Tower

"Tony Stark towered, rose above all the others..." said the history teacher.

As she spoke all eyes kept looking in Morgan's direction. Why oh why hadn't she changed her last name to Potts before she entered high school?

With a sigh, Morgan rolled her eyes. Of course, she was used to the unwanted attention her last name brought but sometimes it was a bit too much to handle. Finally when she knew she couldn't take hearing any more than day, she raised her hand.

"Yes, Morgan?"

"Uh Ms. White, can we please move the lesson along and stop talking about Tony Stark exclusively?" Morgan asked, ignoring the open mouths shocked expressions her classmates had.

Ms. White nodded, "Of course, Morgan. But you have to admit, your dad was pretty cool."

Morgan couldn't help the pride she felt, and she smiled, "Yeah, he was." I just wish I could actually remember him.

The rest of the history class went by, Morgan zoned out and thought about home. Although she could remember very little about him, she missed her dad. She wondered what he'd say if he knew how everyone was still obsessed with him even after twelve years had passed since he died.

Finally, when the bell rang, Morgan gathered up her things and left the classroom. As she walked down the hallway to her locker, she heard someone call out, "Hey, Morgan, wait up!"

Morgan turned around, and smiled when she saw her best friend Jamie hurrying towards her.

Jamie returned her smile as he caught up with her, "So you want to be my partner for the science fair next month or what? I mean with your brains and my building skills, we could make something that would be really cool."

Morgan nodded, her smile becoming a grin, "Yeah, I'm in. Let's make something epic."

Current Music: 694 words

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Fill 15 Card 3: Black Hole

Once the Guardians of the Galaxy found themselves on a dangerous mission that would wind up take them into the heart of a black hole. Peter Quill who also prefer to be known as Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Mantis, and Nebula gathered together aboard the Milano, their ship ready to go into the unknown.

As they approached the massive black hole, it's great gravitational forces already threatening to tear them apart. The ship rattled and groaned under the strain of the forces, but the Guardians were strapped in their seats, and held on tight, determined to go forward.

Nebula's cybernetic enhancements pulsed with energy as she observed the black hole intently. "This is a very dangerous undertaking, even for us. But if we are success in retrieving the prize, it might be worth the risk we are taking."

The colors of the cosmic wonder before them were reflected in the eye of Mantis, "I sense a great disturbance coming from the heart of the black hole. It is important that we uncover its source, and put an end to it."

Quill took the helm, both excitement and caution present in his voice, "Alright, Guardians, this is it! Hold on tight and believe in each other! We're taking a dive into the unknown!"

As the Milano descended into the black hole, the Guardians braced themselves for whatever was coming their way. The ship's hull started groaning and creaking, while the gravity began to mess with their perceptions of time and space

Groot's branches started to intertwine with Rocket's furry paws as they hurried to keep the ship stabilized. "Hold it together, buddy!" Rocket shouted above the din, voice strained.

"I am Groot!"

"Yeah, you and me both!"

"I shall not falter! Nothing can stand in our way!" Drax proclaimed, his muscles bulging.

They reached the even horizon, and they found themselves surrounded by a kaleidoscope of swirling colors and gravitational anomalies. It was something that would overwhelm most people, but the Guardians were a special group

The phenomenon surrounding them heightened Mantis's empathic abilities, and she closed her eyes as she reached out with her mind. "The disturbance is pulling towards a hidden pocket in the universe. We much stay focused and be cautious as we proceed.

Star-Lord navigated the Milano into gravitational forces precisely, taking them deeper into the black hole's realm. The Guardians' eyes grew wide as they beheld a breath stealing cosmic domain, filled with cosmic wonders and cosmic phenomena.

Nebula scanned their surroundings with her cybernetic eye, "There it is, the source of the disturbance. We must retrieve it before it can cause more irreparable damage."

Mantis nodded in agreement.

Quill landed the Milano, and after a few scans to be sure they would be able to breathe, they disembarked.

The Guardians took cautious steps forward as their strange, surreal environment had them all on edge. Drax was leading the way, and for once Quill was happy to let him, because maybe his muscles paired with scary appearance would intimidate who or whatever they encountered.

As they made progress, they saw a faint glowing ahead, and then as they got closer they saw that it was a crystal orb.

"This is the source," Nebula confirmed.

Gamora was for some reason she could not explain, drawn to it. She approached it, hand outstretched to touch it when suddenly a voice boomed, "Who dares to trespass in my realm?"

The Guardians were startled, but it was Nebula who came forward, "We are the Guardians of the Galaxy. We've come to retrieve the source of the disturbance that's causing problems in the universe."

They never did see the source of the voice, and after whomever it was had given her words consideration said, "Okay whatever makes you happy. Just be sure to be careful with the orb as it's a very powerful object!"

So they took the orb, left the black hole, and set a course for Xandar in order to turn the orb over to Nova Corps.

"Well done, Guardians!" Quill said as they left the black hole.

"Yeah, not bad for the galaxy's biggest idiots, huh?" Rocket said with a laugh.

Current Music: 148 words

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Fill 14 Card 3: Dance like nobody's watching

"Like they say dance like nobody's watching!" Eva told her husband one day.

"What a peculiar saying!" Loki inquired.

"Put simply it means to let yourself go and be free. Don't worry about what others might think of you while you're enjoying the moment. Experience life fully in other words!" she answered.

Eva grinned at her husband's newly found appreciation for human wisdom, and she continued to sway to the music in her mind.

Loki watched her enjoying herself thoughtfully, "Yes, I can see the value in this. I shall have to try it sometime." Then he extended his hand towards his wife, "I think perhaps there is no time better than the present. Shall we dance, my love?"

With a giggle, Eva took his hand, "Yes, let's dance like nobody's watching!" And with that, they began to twirl and sway together, lost in their own little world.

Current Music: 260 words

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Fill 13 Card 3: Healer

"Father," Sigyn began one day when she was ten years old, "I want to be a healer when I grow up."

Loki smiled at his daughter, "What a noble profession, my snowflake. But tell me, why do you wish to be a healer?"

She considered her answer for a moment, then said, "I want to be a healer because I want to healer people. I want to help people when they are sick or they're hurt, and help them to feel better."

Loki nodded, pride swelling up within him at the his daughter's kindness for others and her desire to help them, "Being a healer is not just about knowing which herbs to use or how to set a broken bone. Being a healer takes a great deal of compassion as well as having empathy. You also will need to be a god listener and do your best to understand their pain, even in the moments you can't heal their illness or injuries."

The girl nodded, making her red curls bob up and down, "I understand, Father, and I will work hard to learn everything that I can so I can help others."

"That is good, my snowflake. Always remember the greatest healers are those tho know how to use a gentle touch along with a kind word to lift up someone's spirit," Loki said, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder

Sigyn smiled at her father, so grateful for love and his support. She knew with his help, she would become the healer that she dreams of being someday.

Current Music: 301 words

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Fill 12 Card 3: Trust the Plan

Tony was sitting in his workshop screening at the screen, trying to get rolling on translating his latest ideas to an upgrade for his armor. Rhodey came into the workshop and Tony didn't notice. Finally, Tony made a sound of frustration, and stood up from his desk, nearly jumping out of his skin when he saw his friend standing there. "What the... when did you come in here?"

"Oh, about half an hour ago," Rhodey replied with a shrug.

"And you've been just standing there and watching me the entire time?"

"Yep."

"Enjoying the show?" Tony asked, annoyance in his voice.

"I've seen better," Rhodey quipped back.

Tony rolled his eyes, and went back to what he'd been doing.

It didn't take Rhodey long to see that he was distracted, and getting nowhere fast so he finally blurted, "Come on, Tony! Trust the plan!"

"Plan? What plan?" Tony asked.

Now it was Rhodey's turn to roll his eyes, and shake his head, "The plan to have some fun! Come on! We're going out! Hit some of the clubs and try to relax!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes, really. Now, come on and shut that down so we can get going!"

When Tony acted like he wanted to continue on with what he was trying to do, Rhodey rolled his eyes again, then requested, "A little help, JARVIS?"

"Of course, Colonel," the AI replied.

Tony's screen went blank.

"Hey! JARVIS, what—"

"I saved everything you were working on, Sir, before shutting it down," JARVIS reassured him.

Tony muttered, "Well, thanks for that... Traitor."

"Come on, Tones! We're losing time! Fun time! Let's go!" Rhodey said, tugging his arm.

Tony sighed, and looked at him, "Okay! Okay! I'm coming!"

"Good finally! Trust the plan, Tones! Trust the plan that we're going to have fun tonight!"

Current Music: 248 words

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Fill 9 Card 3: Curse

"Am I under a curse or something?" Wanda Maximoff shouted.

Vision gave her a look of concern, "What do you mean, Wanda?"

She paced the room, not looking at him as she answered, "Only all of my attempts to have a normal life end up in complete disaster! First, I lose my parents, then Pietro dies, and now this." Wanda gestured all around her to indicate the chaos and the destruction she always seemed to leave in her wake.

Vision approached her, and took her hand into his own, "Wanda, I think it's important to remember that we are both powerful beings. Our actions have consequences, which means sometimes those consequences can be dire."

Wanda yanked her hand back from him, shook her head, and started pacing again, "But why does it always have to happen to me? Why can't I just have a happy, normal life like everyone else in the world?"

Vision approached her and he put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her, "I don't have the answer to that question, Wanda. Life can be hard and unfair at times. But I know that together, we can face all of the challenges that come our way.

Wanda looked up at him, and smiled weakly, "Thank you, Viz. I needed to hear that. More than you know."

Vision wrapped his arms around her, and Wanda let herself be comforted by being with him. Together they would face whatever the future brought, curses or not.

Current Music: 466 words

Fill 6 Card 3: Career

The final day of his career as an Olympian is a gorgeous one for Franky. Johannesburg is the host city for the 2048 Summer Games, and once he's finished his final competition of the Olympiad, Franky is looking forward to seeing some of the city with his family. Now while he waited for the event to start, Franky is reflecting back on his career, which began all the way back in 2036 in Melbourne, Australia.

"Are you ready, son?" Clint asked right before the competition was set to start.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Coach," Franky replied with a wink, "I'm just not sure if I am going to be able to win a medal this time."

To say Franky's career as a Olympian had been golden would be an understatement to say the least as he'd taken home a combined 5 gold medals in the previous three Games he'd competed in. Heck, last time in Los Angeles he'd even won a bronze medal too for good measure.

"You've got this, Franky," Clint encouraged him, "Just remember everything I've tried to teach you and everything else you've learned on your own without your old man."

Franky smiled, and hugged his father, "Thanks, Dad. I love you."

"Love you too, Hawkeye. Go get them!" Clint said, patting his back as he pulled away.

"Will everyone please take their positions? The event is about to begin!" an official called out.

"Well, that's my cue," Franky said, and walked to his assigned area.

Clint nodded, and went to stand where all the other coaches would watch from the sidelines.

Three minutes later, Franky was drawing back his bow string, and aiming for the target.

Twang!

The arrow soared through the air, hitting the center of the target with precision.

"Great shot, Franky!" Clint murmured, "Good way to start this thing!"

Franky continued to loose his arrows with precision, hitting the target almost always dead center. The crowd cheered as he completed each round with a high score. Then as he entered the final round for the gold, Franky faltered in some of his final shots. After his opponent from Japan loosed his final arrow in a spectacular shot, Franky let out a low whistle, and immediately offered the man his congratulations.

"That was an amazing closeout to your career, son!" Clint told him, "I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks, Dad. The silver isn't quite what I hoped to close out my career with, but Kohaku-san was just better than me today. In fact, he was pretty amazing! I think I need to go congratulate him again! Be back in a moment!"

Clint watched his son walk back over to his opponent, beaming with pride at his son's sportmanship as once more he shook the other man's hand.

Jeremy Allen White as Francis "Franky" Barton

Current Music: 594 words

Fill 4 Card 3: Holidays

It was almost Christmas day on Earth, and eight year old Sigyn is spending the special day with her Gam Gam and Pop Pop while Loki

"Did you know that one time when your mother was a little girl, she called your Grandfather Odin Santa Claus?" Pepper asked as she clearly placed tinsel on the tree before looking at her granddaughter.

Sigyn's eyes went wide, and she gasped, "Really?"

Pepper nodded, "Really."

"She really said that to Grandfather?"

"She did. And she did it not once but twice!"

Sigyn giggled, "I wish I could have seen the look Grandfather had on his face!"

Pepper smiled remembering how Odin had responded, and then she told her, "And it got even better as your mother, not much younger than you, actually if your grandfather, the King of Asgard, if he were a pirate."

"Oh my stars! How did Grandfather react to that?" Sigyn asked once she stopped laughing.

"He wasn't offended. Actually he laughed, just like your Uncle Thor did. Thor laughed first because none of us could understand what Eva... your mother was asking," Pepper recalled.

"I wish I could've been there!" Sigyn sighed.

"I wish you could've been there too, but that wasn't possible since your mother was only a little girl herself."

Sigyn placed an ornament on the tree, and then looked at her grandmother, "I wish I had known my Mother."

Pepper hugged her, "Oh sweetie, I wish you did too. You would have loved her, and I know she loved you from the moment she knew she would have you. She had wanted a child so much, and she was so excited when she found out ~~she was pregnant~~ about you. You were her dream come true!"

Sigyn's eyes welled up with tears, and the girl was about to cry when the front door opened, and they heard a voice calling out.

"Hey, Mom! Dad! You guys here?"

Without waiting for her grandmother to react, Sigyn put down the ornament in her hand, and ran to the door, "Uncle Ethan!"

Ethan just managed to empty then open his arms as his niece flew at him. "Sigyn! It's so good to see you again!" He pulled back from hugging her, not quite letting go as he looked at his sister's little girl. "Wow, you look more and more like your mother and my sister every time I see you, kiddo!"

Sigyn grinned, "Merry Christmas, Uncle Ethan!"

"Merry Christmas to you too!"

At that moment, Maggie came into the house, her arms loaded with Christmas presents.

"Aunt Maggie!" Sigyn said excited.

"Let me put these down so I can get a hug!" Maggie replied, placing the gifts down, "Come here, sweetie, and give me a hug!"

Sigyn went over to her aunt, and hugged her, "Merry Christmas, Aunt Maggie!"

"And a Merry Christmas to you too!"

Pepper appeared, and hugged her son then her daughter-in-law.

"So, where's Dad?" Ethan asked.

"Where else?" Pepper said.

"Workshop."

"Mmm hmm."

"Pop Pop's working on a surprise!" Sigyn declared.

"A surprise huh?" Ethan mused.

Pepper nodded, "Yes, and before you ask, I don't have a clue. I guess we'll find out when your Dad wants us to know."

"I suppose we will," Ethan agreed.

"Siggy and I were just putting the finishing touches on the tree. Would you like to help so we can get all of the gifts underneath?" Pepper asked.

"Sure!" Maggie said with a smile.

Ethan nodded, "Sounds fun."

Sigyn led the way back to the tree, singing O Christmas Tree as she went.

Current Music: 3575 words

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Fill 25 Card 1: Death

Today, Clint Barton would meet his end under a relentless barrage of bullets fired by SHIELD's specially commissioned firing squad.

After Clint had been convicted for his merciless acts of murder in the aftermath of Thanos's snap, the world demanded justice. A trial was held, and when the overwhelming evidence of his crimes had been presented to the world, a firestorm of outrage had quickly built up which had ultimately sealed his fate. As an Avenger, Clint's position carried a weight of responsibility, demanding the highest price for the blood he had spilled. SHIELD, being the organization he once served, reluctantly agreed to carry out the public execution within their fortified facility. Every detail of his death would be broadcast live, ensuring the eyes of the entire world would bear witness.

As he lived out his final hours of life, Clint tried not to pace his cell or show any fear about what was going to happen to him today. But the closer he got to the hour of his death the more restless he became. He had not been allowed to see his family after his arrest and he was afraid he would die without the chance ro tell them how much he loved them.

The loudness of the security buzzer on his cell block sounding off made Clint look up through the bars and the other end of the hallway. Through several gates he could see the people he loved the most in all of the universe making their way towards him.

Clint stood up and as he waited for them to reach him, he looked at each of them.

Lila was openly crying, Cooper was trying to be stoic he was faltering, while Nate was too young it seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. The little boy was smiling as though he were walking into McDonald's for a Happy Meal and some time on the playground. Although Laura was plainly relying on her past training as an agent to hide her emotions, Clint had known his wife far too long, and he did not miss her grief with every step she took.

Finally they were at the last gate, and the lead agent of the guards escorting them swipe his keycard to raise the final gate, and Clint's family entered the large cell he'd called home as he awaited execution. The guards stepped into the cell with weapons pointed at him just to be sure he did not try to bolt, and they allowed his family to pass. Clint made sure not to move a muscle as he did not want to give them reason to call off the only visit he would have with his family.

Laura and the kids didn't move forward towards him until the agents withdrew and the gate had been lowered once more. Then Laura flew at him, momentarily knocking him back as she kissed him like there was no tomorrow. Well there wasn't any tomorrow for him as he would be executed in four hours time. He kissed her back until they were both breathless, and then he clung to her.

"I'm sorry," he whispered into her ear, "I'm sorry!"

Laura said nothing in response, instead she just held onto him as she tried to imprint everything she could also him. The impending loss of him hung over heavily in the air like a funeral shroud, but the brief moment in each others arms, there was solace.

Their solitary embrace last a few more moments, then Clint pulled back, and gestured for their children to joint them. Lila, his first child and only daughter reached him first and she wrapped her arms around him, crying softly into his ear, "Oh, Daddy!"

Clint hugged her back, and did his best comfort her. "Shhh, sweetheart. It's okay, it's okay." He kissed her cheek and combed his fingers through her hair for a few minutes.

Cooper was the next to hug his Dad, and Clint heard his breath hitch as the boy buried his face in Clint's neck. All he could do was hold his holding son tightly as he was at a loss for words to say to Cooper. The moment ended when his youngest squeezed in between his brother and Dad. Cooper reluctantly released his Dad and stepped away to allow his little brother his moment.

Clint knelt and wrapped his arms around the little boy, "What's up, squirt?"

Nate pulled and looked at him, "Mommy said we had to come and see you coz you're going away, Daddy, and we needed to say bye to you. Daddy, where are you going? Can I come with you too?"

Nate's innocent questions hurt him so bad, so the only thing Clint could do was pulled the boy against him again, "I'm going on a little trip, Natty. It's somewhere that you and Mommy and Lila and Coop can't come to yet. But one day you all will and when you do, I have everything ready for you guys and we'll be a family again and never be apart again. How's that sound, bud? Sound good?"

"Yeah, yeah!" Nate said excitedly.

After kissing the side of his head, Clint stood up and looked at Lila, "Come here, sweetheart."

In the meantime, Laura herded Cooper and Nate to the other side of the room where she talked to them quietly, mostly an effort to occupy her youngest.

Clint led his daughter over to the bed, and sat down.

Lila stared at him, her bottom lip trembling, "Why, Dad?" Why did you do what you did to all those people? Why did you hurt them like that?"

Cooper's expression contorted with a mix of anger and sadness. "But Dad, we needed you. We needed our hero."

Tears welled up in Clint's eyes as he caressed Cooper's cheek. "I know, Coop, and I let you down. I'm so sorry, son. I wish I could turn back time and undo everything I've done, but I can't. All I can do now is accept the consequences and hope that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Clint looked into his daughter's eyes, eyes that were so full of pain and confusion. He took a deep breath before he answered her, "Lila honey, I did what I did, because at the time, I was so very angry that you and your Mom and your brothers got erased like you didn't matter, like you were not worthy of living that I just... got even angrier when I realized that the people who actually didn't deserve to like were still here. I went crazy with my grief and anger. Neither of those excuse what I did though, and it wasn't my place to judge those people unworthy. But I did, and I... and I erased them as a result."

He looked away from her, "I made choices, bad choices that hurt people, and I have to face the consequences of what I did. I wish I could change it, make so those people were still here, but I can't. All I can do now is accept the consequences, even if those consequences mean I pay the highest price for what I did."

Lila was trying to process what her father had said to her, but more tears welled up into her eyes, "But Daddy, you've always been a hero. I still don't understand how you could have done those things? I mean I looked up to you!"

Clint took her hands in his own, and his voice trembled when he told her, "I know, Lila, and that is one reason why this hurts so much. I let everyone down, but especially our family. Even heroes sometimes make horrible mistakes. All you can do is try to learn from them always, and understand the consequences that come with them, and never forget the value of life or compassion."

The teen girl sniffled, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand, "I miss the old you, Daddy. The one who saved people, and fought against the bad people. You did what was right."

"Me too. I miss that version of me too, Li," Clint murmured, his voice remorse-laden, "But I lost my way, and I hurt those people. Now I have to face the consequences of what I've done, and maybe when I do, it'll help people get some of their faith in heroes back."

"I don't want to lose you, Daddy!"

Clint tightened his grip on her hands a little bit, "And I don't want to leave you either, but I have to face what I've done. I know it is a hard thing to ask, but promise me that you'll remember the good times we all had together. That you will remember the lessons I taught you, and you'll carry them in your heart. That you'll do your best to be strong and make the world a better place. I believe in you, honey."

"I promise, Dad." Lila whispered solemnly as tears pour down her face, "I'll make you so proud of me. I love you."

He pulled his daughter into a tight embrace, and he held her for a long moment, "I love you, too, baby. Never ever forget that."

When Clint released her, he looked over where Laura was still talking to Cooper and Nate. His heart ached so badly at the thought he would get to see them grow up that he could almost believe he was having a heart attack. They would have to grow up with their father and it was all because of what he had done. He knew one day they'd realize the truth of why he wasn't here anymore, and he hoped that on that day, they would hate him for leaving them like this. He hoped that they'd forgive him.

Time was beginning to run short, and he caught Laura's eye. He looked at Cooper then back at her, and she nodded. She said something to him, and he got up to come over to where his father and sister were. Clint kissed Lila again, and told her, "I'll always be with you, Lila. I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Daddy," she said, hugging him one last time before she went over to her mother and brother.

Cooper arrived, and immediately he went to his father's arms.

Clint held onto Cooper tightly, savoring the weight of his son against him. He could feel Cooper's tremors against him as the teen tried to contain his sobs. Once more, Clint was at a loss for the words to tell Cooper how much he loved him, how far the depths of his love went. He could on;y hold his son with the hopes that somehow Cooper felt in it what he could not say.

Cooper finally pulled away, his red eyes looking into his father's, "How, Dad? How could this be happening? How could you have done all of what... what they said you did? I mean you always protected people before. You didn't hurt them! What happened?" Cooper's voice went on the rise as he asked his questions and he was almost yelling by the end.

Clint looked over in his wife's direction and saw Laura looking over at him. He shook his head, and she went back to comforting Lila. He turned back to his oldest son.

"Because, Coop, even heroes are not infallible. They make mistakes too, and this one was the worst one I could have ever made. I let my grief and anger consume me, and then I let it lead to do things I can't take back. Horrible things."

Cooper looked puzzled by his words, and angry, "I don't get it, Dad! You let what happened to me and Mom and Lila and Nate make you so made that you went out and and killed all those other people? Dad, you doing something like that goes against everything you and Mom have ever tried to teach us!"

The anger in his eyes aimed at him is almost most than he can bear, so much so that Clint must take a deep breath to steady himself before he tries to respond. Regret, so much regret tainted his voice as he told his son, "You're right, Coop. You are so right. Like I said I let my anger and my grief consume me, I let it burn in my heart like a fire until it was raging, and it clouded my judgment. I didn't want to see what I was doing was wrong, so wrong, and I lost sight of the values I hold dear. I lost sight of all the things I ever tried to teach you and your sister and brother."

Blinking back tears, Clint went on, "I failed, Cooper, both a father and as a hero. I let my anger have control and I let it lead me to make choices that are unforgivable. I hurt people, people who maybe deserved judgment for what they did but it wasn't my place to be their jury, judge, or executioner. I can't ever change what I did but I hope that the three of you will learn from my mistakes, and never let your anger lead you to do something like I did."

Cooper's anger start to soften a little, and was replaced by sadness as he thought about what his Dad's words mean, "How do we move on from this, Dad? From what you did and what they're going to do to you because of it?"

Clint put his hands on his son's shoulders, his gaze as steady and sincere as he could make it, "I'm not going to lie, Coop. Moving on won't be easy for any of you. It's going to take time for all of you to heal from this. But try to remember that we all make mistakes, and how you learn from them and how you strive to become better for what you've learned is what defines you. You're strong, Coop, and have the resilience to overcome what I did and from... from my death. You can be the person you want to be. Don't let my actions or my death define your future, son."

The teen looked down, "I don't think I can ever look at you in the same way again, Dad. And I... and I don't know if I can forgive you."

His broke at his son's words, but he understood why Cooper would feel in such a way because of how his actions had affected their family forever. He swallowed a lump, nodded, then said, "I understand, Cooper, because forgiveness is not that can be demanded or even expected. It's can only be earned by being sorry for what you've done, and actions someone takes moving forward. I can't do anything to earn your forgiveness. All I can do is face the consequences of what I did, and hope one day you might find it in your heart to forgive me."

Cooper looked at him again, his eyes searching his father's face. After a moment of silence, he said, "I don't hate you, Dad. I'm just so... hurt and disappointed."

The tears Clint had been fighting streamed down his face. He pulled Cooper into another tight embrace, "I'm disappointed in myself too, son. I wish I could go back and change everything, but I can't."

After spending a few more minutes talking to Cooper, he spent some with Nate, talking with the little boy about the things of his world that interested him. He knew he should try to impart some words of wisdom to his youngest but in the end he didn't want to shatter his youngest's innocence as that would come soon enough. So they talked, then Clint hugged and kissed him, and then sent him to sit with his siblings.

Then Laura came over to him, and once more they kissed like there was no tomorrow, before they pulled back, and the sitting together wrapped in each other's arms.

They talked in soft tones, allowing themselves to briefly to escape their present by escaping into the past, remembering their life together. They talked about their children, the dreams they'd accomplished, and the challenges they'd faced as a family. 

Clint gently brushed a stray hair away from Laura's face, looking at her with tenderness. He couldn't help but marvel and be grateful for her strength and resilience. He admired how she had always been there for him and for their children. They'd faced so many battles together, on and off the field, and their love have always grown stronger for it.

"Five minutes!" one of the guards yelled out, shattering their quiet time together.

Clint looked into her eyes, nodded, and after one last kiss, they got up. Together, holding onto one another's hands, they walked back over to their children as it was now at last time for their last goodbyes. 

Clint had no final words for his children beyond telling them how much he loved them. Instead, he just held onto them as tight as he could, and let himself believe time had frozen. Then the sound of the guards coming to take his family back out shattered the peace. His heart shattered as he made himself let go before tany orders were issued to him.

He stood against the wall, and watched as they left clinging to each other. He called out, "I love you all so much! Never forget that! I love you!"

Laura looked into his eyes one last time, and told him, "You were a good husband and loving father, Clint Barton, and we will always remember that! We love you!"

With those words, his family was gone.

Just over an hour later, the same guards returned to take him to the execution chamber, They bound his hands behind him, and led him down a hallway his family thankfully hadn't seen. He was led into a room that on one end a screen had been set up to conceal the firing squad's identities, and on the other a metal pole had been placed into the floor. They led him to the pole where the cuff were briefly unlocked so they could secure his hands behind the pole. Finally the fastened his body to the pole with leather straps before a target was pinned to his shirt over his heart. 

"Oh you're not inspiring a lot of confidence from me if these guys need a visual aid to find their target," he quipped.

The guard said nothing but instead stood to the side, coming to attention as a lone figure entered the room. When Clint turned his head to meet the gaze of the man who had entered, one lone eye gazed back. One eye full of all sorts of emotions with the most prominent being sadness.

"Hello, sir," Clint said quietly. "I'd heard rumors you'd be the one to give the order but I didn't really believe it until just now."

Nick Fury nodded, "I'm sorry it came to this, Clint, that it's me. But since we're the ones who agreed to carry out this... entire thing, I have to be the one who gives the order."

"Of course, sir. I wouldn't expect otherwise."

"Three minutes, Director."

Clint swallowed, and dropped his gaze.

"I will look after them you know... from a distance as I don't imagine she'll want anything to do with me after this," Fury murmured.

Clint knew Laura might eventually forgive Fury for his role in this but he didn't think it was wise to say so. Instead, Clint just nodded, and said, "Thank you, sir. That means more to me than you know."

"One minute until we're broadcasting!"

Fury looked at the guard, who took out a black hood, and approached Clint.

"I don't need that. I'm not afraid of dying," Clint said, moving his head away.

"I'm sorry but you have no choice. It's one of the things that's been insisted on," Nick told him.

"I guess they don't want people to see the life leaving my eyes."

"I  guess not."

Clint sighed, and allowed the guard to slip the hood on.

"Twenty seconds."

"Godspeed, Barton," Fury said before he walked over to the side.

"You too, sir," Clint said.

Clint assumed they were live on the airwaves when he heard the sound of the firing squad enter the room. He listened as they positioned themselves opposite of his position without any verbal commands.

"Do you have any final words?" Fury asked him.

"The only thing I want to say is, I am sorry for how I was like Thanos and I thought I had the right to bring balance to the universe. I didn't and I hurt innocents because of it. I hope those who love me can forgive me one day."

Fury waited a moment to see if he would speak again, and when he didn't he yelled out, "Ready your weapons!"

Clint heard the sound of the guns being readied.

"Aim!"

He swallowed, his heart and breathing quickening.

This was it.

"Fire!"

Deafening shots rang out, and Clint felt the bullets pierce his heart.

Then his head rolled forward, and his body went limp.

A medic on standby went forward, and listened for a heartbeat, then looked at Fury.

"The prisoner is dead."

"Time of death, 10:07PM, December 7th."

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Fill 24 Card 1: Ghostwhite

"Come on, minkjære, let us explore the realm of Ghostwhite!" Loki grinned with mischief shining in his eyes as he tugged at her arm.

Eva looked around and hesitated as she looked at the shimmering mists around them. She is not sure how she let her husband talk her into coming to this place when all she really wanted to do was spend a lazy day lounging underneath her favorite tree.

"Are you sure it's safe? We don't have any idea what's out there!"

"But that's the fun of it!" Loki exclaimed, holding out his hand, "Trust me, minkjære. It will be worth it."

Although she's still a bit uncertain, Eva takes his hand, and together they ventured deeper into the otherworldly, surreal landscape. They encountered cretures Eva was sure had come from her dreams, and the landscape around them seem to be shifting, transforming with each passing moment.

Eva marveled at the mystifying beauty that surrounded her, and suddenly she started giggling.

Loki laughed in response, and again each time she did. Their exchange went on for some minutes until Eva pulled her hand free and started dancing around in a way that frightened him.

"Oh look!" Eva exclaimed, "There's a red elephant over there on the other side of the glade!"

He looked in the direction she pointed in and saw nothing but the mists of Ghostwhite.

"Come on, Loki!"

Loki wrapped an arm around her waist when she started walking towards it without regard for the water.

"What's wrong, minkjærlighet? Don't you want to see the elephant?"

"As much as I would love to, minkjære, I believe it is time you and I made our departure and return him."

"But I want to see the elephant!"

"Minkjære, you're starting to frighten me. Please come with me, and let us depart."

"Oh, okay. Bye bye, Mr. Elephant!" Eva said with a wave and a giggle.

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Fill 23 Card 1: Sunglasses

Tony, whenever he knew he was going to be out in public any length of time, made sure that he was never seen without a pair of sunglasses on. Whether he was in a meeting or later out saving the world, he always had a pair of shades to complete his look.

But why did Tony have so many sunglasses?

The answer to that question goes back to when Tony was a boy. Tony could look back and he could never remember ever seeing his father Howard without them on when he was in public. When he saw his dad wearing them, the thought they were the coolest thing ever. Howard would often buy him different pairs of sunglasses in hopes that Tony would share his of them too.

As he got older, Tony's love for sunglasses stuck with him. He started collecting them, always on the lookout for the coolest, and the most unique pairs. He would wear them while in the his workshop sometimes, or when he was out on the town, trying to hide that it was him under from the paparazzi.

But it's not only a fashion statement that he loved making with the sunglasses. Tony had sensitive eyes due to all the welding he did when he was creating his Iron Man suits. The sunglasses helped to protect his eyes from harsh lights and harmful rays.

At some point his love for sunglasses became infectious to those around him, and soon it seemed every one of the people close to him were sporting their own pairs. Pepper, who was at first for many years his assistant only and later the love of his life, always had a pair on her desk, ready for him to pick out a new pair to wear.

Even after Tony became Iron Man, and he could look at the world through his helmet, he always still kept up the tradition of wearing sunglasses. They had become a part of who he was, a symbol of his personality and style before the world.

Over the years, Tony's collection grew and rivaled his other collections in its size. He had pairs from every corner of the world, some having personalized touches like his name or Iron Man's emblem on them. But even with all the thousands of pairs he had, he would still go out and buy more. He loved the feeling he got when he found another new pair that he loved.

So don't be surprised when you see Tony Stark, and he's rocking a new and different pair of sunglasses. They're not just a fashion statement for him, they're a symbol of times gone past with his father, and a reminder of his own journey to being who he is now.

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Fill 22 Card 1: Pilgrim

Thor and Jane's twins, Freyja and Freddie, are very excited about their school's upcoming Fall play. They are both going to be playing pilgrims in the play and they can't wait to get on stage to show everyone what they've been practicing for weeks. But when Thor asked who the pilgrims are were, Jane knew it was time to share their story from history.

Jane asked her son to bring her his history book, and after Freddie returned with it, she flipped through the pages until she found the section. She showed him he pages as she said, "The pilgrims were a group of people who left England in the early 1600s in order to escape religious persecution that was going on at the time in England. They sailed to what later became Massachusetts here in the United States."

Thor looked confused, "Why did they leave England?"

"They wanted to be able to worship in their own way instead of being told how to do it by the government of the Church of England."

Thor nodded, "This is very different from what we believe on Asgard. No beliefs or religion is imposed on any of our citizens. although most of our people hold beliefs of the All-Fathers within their hearts. What did these **pilgrims** do in America?"

"Well they had a very hard time after they arrived. They had to make a life for themselves and had to build everything from scratch. They also needed to grow their own food since they didn't have much left from the journey, and the winter they went through after getting here was a very harsh, cold one. Although many of them died during the winter, they didn't give up."

"Yeah, they were very brave!" Freyja said, "Weren't they, Mommy?"

"Yes, sweetie, they were."

In the week leading up to the play, the twins dressed up in their pilgrim costumes and they rehearsed their lines to be sure they knew them. They recited lines about the hardships the pilgrims had faced, along with lines of gratitude for the native peoples who befriended and helped them, along with some about the importance of perseverance and faith.

Both Thor and Jane looked on with pride as they watched their children come onto the stage. Along with their classmates, Freyja and Freddie brought the story of the pilgrims to life, helping the audience to remember the bravery and determination that had helped to shape the foundation of the United States.

The audience applauded when the play ended, and Thor turned to his wife, "That was a very interesting story. I am pleased that our children were able to learn about such an important part of this Midgard's history."

"I'm glad too that they got to share the story with others. I think they made us all very proud!" Jane agreed with a smile.

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Team Omega E5: Beautiful Vision

The sun was setting over District Twelve as Katniss and Peeta returned from a long day of hunting in the woods. Their two children, a boy and a girl, ran to greet them as they entered the Victors village.

"Mom! Dad! We have something to show you!" their son exclaimed.

With their curiosity piqued, Katniss and Peeta eagerly followed their children to another small clear in the wood. As they came closer, they saw that a beautiful mural had been painted on a close by rock face.

"Wow! Amazing! Did you guys paint this?" Peeta asked as he went closer to look at it.

"Yes, we did!" said their son.

"Katniss, you've got to see this!"

Katniss walked over to the mural and said, "Wow, this really is amazing, you guys!"

"It's our vision for a better future," their daughter proclaimed.

"What do you mean, Rosa?" Katniss asked. 'What's your vision for the future?"

"Well," their son began, "they've started to teach us about the Hunger Games, and Rosa and I, well we decided that we want to do everything we can to make sure nothing like the Games ever happens again. We painted our mural to show everyone what the future should always look like!" 

They looked at the mural again, and studied it. Katniss and Peeta can't but feel so proud as they look at a scene of plentiful crops, kids play at schools, hospitals open and available to all. There was even a section for a memorial section remembering all of those who had died fighting the war for freedom against the Capitol's tyranny.

"This is so beautiful," Katniss said, tears in her eyes as she looked at the faces of those lost, "Your vision is so important. It reminds us why we fought and what we must always keep fighting for each and every day."

Peeta wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and he nodded, "I could not have said it any better myself. With vision like this, you two are going to change the world!"

As they returned to their home in District Twelve, Katniss and Peeta couldn't help but feel grateful for their children's VISION of a better future and the hope it had made swell up inside of their hearts.

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Team Omega E4: Cry

It is a not so quiet day on board the Razor as the hull reverberated with the sounds of Grogu's cries. Din immediately rushed to Grogu's side, who was in his floating pram. The little one clutched his tiny frame, as he shivered uncontrollably. "Kid, what's wrong?" he asked as he picked Grogu up.

Din cradled him gently as he looked the baby over. Grogu's usually bright eyes were glazed over, and his tiny hands were hot to the touch. Din felt his heart sink as the realization that Grogu was sick sank in.

"Oh, kid, shhh," he said as soothingly as he knew how, "I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."

Din needed to return to piloting the ship, so he picked up the blanket from the pram, and wrapped the child up in it. He returned to his seat, and settled down into it with Grogu resting against his chest. The control of the ship hummed softly, but Din's attention was mainly on the tiny being still crying in his arms. In an effort to calm Grogu, to offer some measure of comfort, he started to stroke his head.

As the hours went on, Din was steadfast, and did not waver in caring for Grogu. He made a warm bone broth, and coaxed the baby to take some, in the hopes it would help Grogu feel a little better. Grogu fell asleep after he ate half of the bowl, and still Din continued to hold him.

Night came, and Grogu remained sick, Din continued to care for him. Grogu's rest was restless for most of the night, so he hummed a tune he supposed was a lullaby his mother sang to him once. The lullaby soothed the baby, and soon Grogu was finally asleep. Din took the opportunity to get some rest himself while keeping one ear open for any whimpers from the baby. But Grogu slept through the night, and the next morning, Din was awakened by a tiny hand banging on his helmet.

Din opened his eyes, and looked at the kid, "Hey, how are you feeling this morning, Grogu?"

Grogu babbled in response.

"Feeling better, huh?"

"Patu."

"I'll take that as a yes. I'm so glad you're better!" Din said, picking him up, "So how about some breakfast?"