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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.

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"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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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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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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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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 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?"
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Odin and Loki were walking through the halls of the Palace, enjoying the quiet peace that had settled over Asgard.

In the distance from where they are, a group of young maidens are walking together. In the midst of them Loki sees his betrothed is in conversation with another one of the young women. They're laughing together, and Loki is relieved to see her making friends among the Asgardians, for her doesn't want her to be lonely after they've wed.

They are precisely one month away from when they would exchange vows not be all of Asgard but a good portion of it. Eva's family will also be at the ceremony that Odin had agreed to officiate as both the King of Asgard, and as the father of the groom.

Loki had hesitated at the idea of Odin having such a huge role in their wedding, but Eva had thought it would be a good idea as it would help to continue to heal the rift between them.

He'd bowed to her wisdom.

Suddenly, Eva looked in his direction, her face lighting up when she saw him, and she waved.

He returned her wave, and was suddenly aware of the fact Odin was watching him closely.

"Have care, Loki. For while she seems to be strong, vital, and beautiful now, all too soon she will wither, then die. And she will do far sooner than you will."

Loki was taken aback by his words, and then he grew angry, "How can you say such things when we are to soon wed?"

"Mayhap you will not believe me when I say this, but my words are not intended to be cruel. They are a simple reminder of the folly which you are about to enter into with your union with the Midgardian woman. Her people are fragile creatures as they are born, live, and they die after such the blink of an eye for us. It is the way of things concerning them."

"But does a shorter lifespan means she is weak? Eva may not be as powerful as a single warrior of Asgard, but she has qualities that I admire. She is endlessly kind, and an indomitable strength of character that I admire."

With a nod, Odin acknowledged Loki's words, "It is true that that mortals, especially those of Midgard, have some admirable traits. Even so, it is their mortality that makes them weak when compared to us. When compared to them, we have life eternal, and we are far more powerful than they will ever be."

He thought about Odin's words for a moment. He knows there is truth to what Odin said. He knows that mortals are weak in some ways, but that didn't necessarily make them lesser beings than those who dwelt in Asgard. Yet he knows he cannot condemn Odin for perhaps having such thoughts as he himself once thought of humans as being less than the dust on his boot.

"I concede your point, Father," Loki said, "Nevertheless I still see Eva as the remarkable woman she is, despite her mortality."

"I do not doubt that she is a remarkable woman, my son, as she has been able to capture your heart so completely. But you must bear in mind she is also fragile and mortal."

"I will, Father. Now if you will excuse me, I must go seek out Thor."

Odin dismissed him, and as he watched him go, his old battle hardened warrior's heart ached for both of his sons. For they both loved mortal women, and sailed in seas that had a false calm now. He knew that when the two women they loved breathed their last, both of them would find themselves lost in the raging seas of grief, to perhaps perish on the razor sharp rocks of its shores before they returned to shore.

If they ever did.

Odin prayed they would not perish.
 
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Once in the land of Asgard, Loki was spending some exquisite time with his beloved daughter, Sigyn. They were on their rare visits to the Palace, and were spending some time walking through the gardens. Sigyn loved and was delighted by the colorful flowers and the fragrant smells.

"Father, why do some flowers grow taller than others do?" Sigyn asked, as she craned her little neck to look up at them."

Loki's grin contained mischief as he answered, "Well, little snowflake, it's all a matter of how much they've grown as nature dictates. And nature dictates that some flowers are destined to grow bigger and stronger than others." 

Sigyn wrinkled her nose that was so like her mother's, in thought, "But what does nature have them grow at all??

Loki chuckled, "Well, it is nature's way of ensuring that everything and everyone can survive and thrive. Some things grow to be big and tall, while others will stay small and delicate."

His daughter scowled, deep in thought, "But what about me, Father? Will I grow big and tall like the flowers do?"

Loki knelt down beside her, his expression going soft as he looked up into her eyes, "Of course you will, my little snowflake. You grow up to be very strong and as brave as your mother.

Although she'd never known her mother, Sigyn beamed with pride at the mention of her mother. As they continued to walk, she continued peppering her father with question after question. Loki could not help but marvel at how much his daughter had grown in both physical and intellectual.

"Boy, Father, grown-ups sure so know bunches and bunches of stuff, don't they?" the little girl remarked, her gaze holding adoration for her father.

Loki smiled at her, "Yes, we certainly do. But do not worry, my little snowflake. Even when you all grown-up and a beautiful young woman, I will always be here to teach you new things."

Then with a sigh of contentment, father and daughter continued their walk hand-in-hand, basking not in the warmth of Asgard's sun, but of each other.
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Although Loki and Eva had been together for years now, it wasn't until recently that he had come to realize that she had completely enchanted him. He had always been a mischievous trickster, leaving chaos behind him wherever he went, and apparently Eva was the only one who could keep up with him.

"Eva minkjære, have you ever stopped to consider how you have enchanted me?" Loki asked one day as they worked in their garden together.

Eva raised an eyebrow, and wiped her forehead, surprised by the sudden question, "You find me enchanting?" she asked as she gestured to the dirt in her face. "Looking like this?"

Loki stepped closer to her, "I mean it, minkjære. In the most literal sense. You have cast a spell over me, and I am hopelessly bewitched by the power you hold over me."

Eva laughed, "What makes you think that?"

He smiled, "It is simple, my love. I cannot get enough of you, and every time my eyes behold you, I become all the more entranced. Your unparalleled beauty, your razor sharp wit, and your intelligence are all more than I know how to handle."

Warmth spread throughout Eva, "I never dreamed I would be able to enchant such a notorious trickster."

"And I never dreamed I would fall in love with a woman of Midgard. But I have, and I never ever want to be freed from your spell, minkjære. My heart would stop beating if I ever am. Be mine forever?"

Eva looked into his eyes, "Of course, minkjærlighet. Of course, I will! My heart stop beating too if I were to lose you!"

A bird's nearby call shattered the moment, and Loki said, "Come, we have worked enough for today." He held out a hand towards her.

Eva considered arguing for a moment, then took his hand with her hand covered one, and together they returned to the inside of their cottage.
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Loki had never expected to ever visit Earth in way that wasn't a brief visit to the planet — not after what he did to their city of New York. It did not matter that twenty of their years had gone by or that he himself had spent many of those years imprisoned on Asgard by Odin's orders. Although he'd set foot on the world many times since, those visits had always been fleeting and he knew they must remain always so.

So when he spends two weeks on Midgard, exploring one of its countries with his wife, he cannot help but feel the wonder of being on Earth each and every moment he shared with Eva. They'd been married almost three years when she asked him if it would be possible for them to have a honeymoon together on Earth in England. At first, he'd said no it would be impossible but then he had talked with Frigga about how he could use his limited magic to bring it about.

Frigga had agreed to help him, and after long talks with Odin, the visit on Earth with granted. Loki would be free to disguise himself to those on Midgard, but only if he agreed to allow Heimdall to watch him at all times. At first that seemed an invasion of privacy, but Heimdall swore an oath he would honor Loki's privacy when it came to certain matters.

Now, on this day in the middle of their two week honeymoon in the country of England, they found themselves strolling in the lush, vibrant green countryside. The landscapes were breathtaking he had to admit, and the quaint stone cottages fascinated not only him but Eva. On this day, Eva wanted to see the ruins of an old castle.

As they neared the castle, the air was thick with an air of mystery. Moss covered the walls, and the remnants of the castle's once strong towers stood as testaments of a forgotten era. The sun's fading light filtered through the trees, casting an ethereal glow on the ruins.

Eva, so adventurous and inquisitive like her father, turned to Loki with a playful gleam in her eyes, "I've heard the local says this is a haunted place. Do you believe in ghosts?"

Loki regarded her with a smirk, his eyes twinkling as he answered her, "Oh, my dear Eva, it's a mere matter of perception when it comes to ghosts. As a trickster and conjurer or magic, I've encountered much supernatural phenomena, but ghosts... well I suppose they have their own elusive charm."

Understanding her husband's ever-curious nature, she smiled. She took a hold of his hand, and then led him deeper into the ruins of the castle, with its forgotten grandeur. The wind whistled through the cracks, bearing on it echoes of the past.
 
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Tony was just finishing up making breakfast for his family when his daughter Eva walked into the kitchen wearing a pair of brightly colored socks. The socks caught Tony's eye, and when he looked down at his own feet, he was surprised to see his socks matched Eva's perfectly. He grinned and lifted her up and they showed off their socks to each other, happy to have matched each other without meaning to.

Pepper walked into the kitchen next, and caught a peek at their matching socks. She shook her head and said with a smile, "Look at you two! Matching socks and everything!"

Later in the day, while Tony and Eva are watching a movie together, Ethan came walking through. He'd spent the night on his Uncle Jimmy's floor, and had yet to see their socks. He stopped, and looked at their matching socks, then asked, "Are you guys seriously wearing the same socks?"

Tony glanced at his daughter, and they burst out laughing. He wrapped his arms around Eva, and informed his son, "You know what they always say - the family that wears matching socks stays together!" Ethan rolled his eyes as they laughed again.

"Oh you guys are so silly!"

It was from that moment on, Tony and Eva always made it a point to wear matching socks whenever they could. It was a small tradition they'd started by accident on Sunday morning, but it was one they are happy that got started as it brought them closer together. They don their matching socks whether they're getting ready for school or just lounging around the penthouse, they always had on a fun pair of colorful socks. And each and every time they wore them, they were reminded of their special bond they had together as father and daughter.
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Ethan seated himself at the small table at the window, then placed a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee in front of his father with care. He hated to admit to himself how fragile his father looked these days, what being wheelchair bound. But at least Ethan could smile at how sharp his Dad's mind still was.

Sharp as ever!!!

"Morning, Dad!" Ethan said with cheer.

"Morning, Ethan," Tony replied, carefully taking a sip of his coffee. "What's for breakfast today?"

"Just some oatmeal. It's good for you," Ethan said with a smile.

Tony rolled his eyes. "Since when did oatmeal become gourmet cuisine?"

"Since you became a health nut a few years back!" Ethan teased, remembering when his father's obsession started and how much it'd increased along with his age.

Tony chuckled, "Touché. So, what's on the agenda for today?"

"You've got a doctor's appointment at eleven. Remember?" Ethan said as he flipped through his Dad's caledar

"Oh, that's right! I remember now! My memory's not what it was once upon a time!" Tony sighed.

Speaking of memory... "Hey, Dad, do you remember that Avengers cereal they used to have when Eva and I were kids?"

Tony's brow furrowed. "Avengers cereal?"

"Yeah, it had all the little marshmallow shapes in it," he said, and laughed, "Eva and I used to fight over who got the Iron Man one after she started eating that kind of cereal too!"

Tony thought about it a second then his face lit up with the memory, "Oh yeah! I remember it now! Your Mother always fussed when I used to give you and your sister that cereal without any fruit in it!"

"Yeah, that's the one!" Ethan said with a smile, but a wisp of sadness overtook him thinking about his late Mom, "It's funny how thing stay with you, you know?" He raised the spoon of oatmeal to his Dad's mouth.

Tony nodded, lost in the memories of those days long past, his dear Pepper gone for several years now. He couldn't help the sadness he felt now because the past was forever in the past. His life had been filled with so much adventure, and excitement then, but now he was in a wheelchair, dependent on hos son and daughter for his daily needs.

At the same time though, he was grateful to his kids for their devoted love and care of him. He might be quite old now, but he still had so much love to give and experience.

"Don't worry, Dad. We'll make sure you get some Iron Man marshmallows in your cereal tomorrow," Ethan said, sensing his father's somber mood.

Tony's face brightened up, "Sounds like a plan."
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"Sigyn, sweetheart, are you all packed up?" Pepper asked as she entered her granddaughter's room.
 
"Almost, Gam Gam!" the little girl answered her.
 
Pepper paused when she caught sight of Sigyn's fiery red hair, its vibrant hue lighting up the room.
 
She was so focused on pushing something into one of the knapsacks that had accompanied her from Asgard two weeks ago, and she hadn't noticed her grandmother entered the room. This allowed Pepper to observe silently.
 
She's so much like Eva when she was that age!, she thinks as she watches her granddaughter. Sigyn stuck out her tongue in concentration, just as her mother used to when faced with a challenging task. Pepper couldn't help but smile, reminded of her daughter's playful spirit. Eva lives on this little wonder she made with Loki....
 
"Gam Gam?"
 
Pepper blinked and realized that Sigyn had stopped what she was doing.
 
"What's wrong, Gam Gam?" Sigyn asked, sliding off the bed, and coming over to her.
 
She brushed aside a lock of the little girl's hair, and forced a smile, "Nothing, sweetie."
 
"You sure, Gam Gam? You look sad."
 
"I do?"
 
"Yeah."
 
Pepper's heart sank, a pang of longing washing over her as memories of her daughter flooded her mind. She forced a smile, not wanting to burden Sigyn with her sorrow. She wrapped her arms around the little girl. "I guess I am just a little sad. You look so much like your Mommy when she was your age that I started to think about her, and thinking about her made me miss her."
 
"Oh."
 
"Yeah."
 
Grandmother and granddaughter stay that way for a moment or two before Sigyn wiggles out of Pepper's arms, and returned to the bed. The moment has passed, and Pepper shook off the residual feelings before she walked over to the bed where Sigyn has resumed her struggle.
 
"Here, sweetie, let me help you with that," Pepper said, pulling the knapsack over, "What's all this you're trying to put back in here?"
 
Sigyn watched as her grandmother pulled out the contents of her bag, "It's all the  new things you and Pop Pop have given me while I've been here on Mid... Earth! I want to take it back to Asgard with me!"
 
"Oh, I see," her grandmother responded with amusement, "Well, let's see if I can't help you get it all packed so it'll fit. Okay?"
 
"Okay."
 
Pulling out the contents of the bag, she placed the items on the bed. Despite the difficulty of getting them packed, they'd only gifted the little girl with a few items. They had known she would want to take them back to Asgard with her when her father arrived to take her back home, and they didn't want to over do things. Mostly what they'd given her were some books, three games, and a few toys that Pepper doubted could be found on Asgard. The packing of Sigyn's knapsack went more smoothly with Pepper's experience of packing luggage, and soon there were only two items left on the bed. 
 
"These too, Gam Gam! I want to take these with me too!" the girl proclaimed, holding up the items.
 
What she was holding up were two long red gloves that had been decorated by a child to resemble Iron Man's gauntlets. They were kinda faded, and the frayed around the edges, and Pepper had been sure Sigyn would even want them before she had presented them to her granddaughter.
 
She took one from the child, and asked, "Are you sure you want to take them to Asgard, Siggy? I mean they're a bit faded and don't look all that Asgardian."
 
Sigyn would not be discouraged, "No, they don't, Gam Gam, but that's why I like them. But I want them because they were Mommy's and you said I could have them."
 
Ah, there was the real reason Pepper didn't want to pack them to be taken away with her granddaughter. The two Iron Man gloves had belonged to her own little girl once upon a time. Eva had spent hours playing with her brother and cousins, insisting that she was Iron Man when they said she couldn't be because she was a girl!
 
"Gam Gam? Please can I take them with me, Gam Gam? So I can have something with me that was my Mommy's?" Sigyn begged.
 
Pepper swallowed, took a deep breath, and nodded, "Of course, you can take them. Just promise me that you'll be careful with them and look after them."
 
"I will, Gam Gam, I promise."
 
After one last look at them, Pepper folded the gloves and placed them into the knapsack.
 
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"Are you ready to go, Sigyn?" Loki asked as he stops outside the closed door of his daughter's room.

"Almost, Father!" Her muffled voice responded.

"Darling, what are you doing?" He asked after hearing a series of slamming going on.

"Nothing!"

"If you are doing nothing, snowflake, then pray why am I hearing such—" The rest of his inquiry was cut off when his daughter's scream was followed by the sound of something of a fair size hitting the floor.

Upon hearing the crash, Loki quickly turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. The scene before him was a whirlwind of chaos. Clothes lay strewn across the floor like a colorful tapestry, with his daughter at the heart of it, half covered with more of her garments.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the disarray even as amusement tugged at the corners of his mouth. Since her head was covered by one of her cloaks, he crossed the room, and lifted it from her face, "Sigyn, what happened here?"

"I...I.." the little girl, then dropped her head.

"You were trying to fetch something off of the top shelf of your wardrobe again, weren't you," He stated without asking.

"Yes, Father, I was," she murmured quietly.

"Stand up please."

His daughter got to her feet.

"What have we discussed about this, Sigyn?" he asked solemnly.

"That... that I'm not to climb on the shelves in my wardrobe because it's dangerous. They could break or I could lose my grip and fall and get hurt," she answered still looking down.

Loki lifts her chin up, and looks her in the eye, "Yes, you mayhap be hurt if either should happen. I do not want you to ever do it again, Sigyn. You are to ask me to help you if there is something that you want and cannot reach. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now, as for the matter of your disobedience in this, your punishment shall be for you to muck out, on your own, Drifa's stall for an entire week after we return from Høstgudstjeneste. Do you understand this, Sigyn"

Her eyes are bright with tears as she nodded her head, "Yes, sir."

He allowed the decree to sink in for another moment, then he asked, "Now tell please me what you were trying to find when this happened?" He waved his hand over the mess in the room.

"I was trying to find the gloves Gam Gam gave me on Midgard. I want to take them with me."

Ah, the gloves her grandmother the Midgard woman had given her. Sigyn had told him the story of them belonging to her own mother when she was a child the first time he'd seen her playing with them on. He certainly approved her of her having anything that once belonged to his beloved wife, but the fact they were made to resemble the gauntlets of his once enemy were a bit much.

"I am sorry, snowflake, but you will have to leave them here," Loki informed her.

Her lips turned down in a frown, "But why, Father?"

"Well for one thing, you do not know where they are at this moment do you?"

"No, Father."

"Then there is your reason why. Now, come let us—"

"But I want to wear them to the Gratitude Ball, Father!" Sigyn said, crossing her arms, and stomping her foot.

Loki frowned at her now as she was close to a tantrum, and in the most serious tone he replied to her, "Sigyn, I have told you that we do not have time for you to look for them. If you wanted to take them with us, you should have located them before the day and hour of our departure. Now, come with me outside to await our ride to the city."

She opened her mouth.

He held up a finger, "Not another word, Sigyn, or you will be mucking out Drifa's stall for two weeks. Am I understood?"

Sigyn clearly was not happy, but she nodded her understanding.

"Alright, please pick up your bag of the other things you wish to take with you, and let us depart." The mess of her room would have to wait until they came home to be picked up.

With that, father and daughter stepped out of their cottage home to await the skiff that was to take them to the Palace. Loki tried talking with his daughter as they waited, but Sigyn was more interested in moping over her favorite gloves. After they were waiting more than ten minutes, Loki almost gave in and told her she could go look once more for them as he hated to see her unhappy. But he kept his silence as he knew it was better not to let her have her way. He also knew after they were departed for the city, her spirits would brighten, and by the time the' reached their destination, she would be the easygoing child she had always had been.

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With the vast blackness of space stretched out in every direction before them, both Gamora and Nebula who are sisters not by choice by the machinations of Thanos, stood by one another on the deck of the Benatar. Wounds, they had so many open wounds of the past between them that thanks to recent events, they had finally started to close. They were slowly becoming friends instead of adversaries.

As they looked out upon the beauty of space, a somber quiet filled the atmosphere. Finally, when she could take the tense silence no longer, Gamora turned to her sister, "Nebula, we've come a very long way since we were children and warriors under Thanos. We've been through a lot on our own and together. I don't know how you feel but I feel as though we're stronger together than when we are apart."

Nebula nodded, a glint of sadness tempered by resilience in her cybernetic eye, "Yes, Gamora, we have learned that we are more strong joined together than when we're fighting each other or when we are just alone."

With conviction in her voice. Gamora went on, "Alone we can do so little, but when we're together, we can and will be able to accomplish great things. I believe we even have the ability to change the course of the galaxy and make a difference."

Nebula turned away from the port, "You know, I never thought I would find solace in anyone else, especially not you. But through you, I realize that I can make my own choices, follow my own destiny. Thanos does not own me."

Nebula's gaze shifted from the stars to her sister. A flicker of gratitude shone in her eyes. "I never thought I would find solace in another person, especially not in my own sister. But you've shown me that we can choose our own destiny. Let's make a promise to each other that no matter what challenges we face ahead, we will always face them together."

Gamora nodded in agreement, "Yes, let's promise that. Let's also promise to lay down our past forever. Never again will we let it come in between us. Together, we can be a force to be reckoned with. We can be unstoppable."
 
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Pepper gasped as she looked out, "Wow, Tony, look at the view!"

Tony smiled but his eyes are not looking at what hers are as they're firmly turned to her, "How could I not look? This is the... one of the most beautiful sights I've seen in a long time."

She continued to be oblivious of his gaze, or does she? Her eyes are still glued to the city below, "Did you know this only took them two years to build it? Amazing, isn't it?"

"Absolutely incredible!" Tony replied, his voice dreamy.

Pepper noticed, and she turned to look at him with that foolish look on his face, "Tony what—"

Suddenly in the distance came a loud disturbance, shattering the moment. Once Tony turned to see what it was, he didn't hesitate to jump off and deploy his Iron Man suit.

As he flew off towards danger, Pepper didn't know whether to be happy that the interruption had come or disappointed because never had she seen Tony Stark look at her in such a way before.

 
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Pepper was hard at work in her study, reports and other paperwork related to the founding of a new company littering her desk top. She'd spent enough time as CEO of Stark industries to have grown accustomed to the demands of such work but she had no idea that laying the foundations of an entirely new company would be so challenging. As soon as she finished writing the sentence she was currently on, Pepper turned her eyes away from the screen, and immediately they fell upon the picture of her daughter.

Eva was five years old now with more curiosity and wonder than either she or even Tony sometimes knew what to do with. She's a perfect combination of both of her parents with her mother's feisty spirit and Tony's brilliant mind. Pepper loves Eva beyond any boundaries or measure, and she treasures each chance she gets to making unforgettable memories with her daughter. 

On a day where the sun was shining so brightly, Pepper received an invitation to attend a charity ball that was being hosted by the Maria Stark Foundation — an origination that Tony had founded in honor of his late mother. As she opened the invite and read, she soon realized it was a girl's only invite. The theme of the charity ball was "Pearls and Lace", which was a nod to Maria Stark's exquisite taste in both jewelry and fashion. With a smile, she accepted the invitation, knowing it was the perfect occasion to share a special night with her daughter.  

Excitement danced in the air when Pepper showed the invitation to Eva. Her daughter's eyes twinkled with ardor, "Mommy, will I have a beautiful dress too?" Eva asked, her voice teeming with enthusiasm.

Pepper gave her a warm smile and replied, "Of course, you may, sweetheart. Now, let's find the perfect dress for you that'll match the ball's theme." After making sure the guys in their aka Tony and Ethan would be okay without them, they left to go on a shopping adventure, and visited the city's most upscale boutiques.

It was in a small boutique tucked away on a charming street where they discovered a breathtaking dress. It was adorned with delicate lace patterns and shimmering pearls, the epitome of elegance. As Eva twirled in front of the mirror, her laughter filled the room, making Pepper's heart nearly burst with joy.

Finally when the night of the charity ball arrived, Pepper watched as Eva fluttered about the penthouse, eager to have her turn to get ready. Then the moment came when they were both standing in front of the full-length mirror, and Pepper couldn't help but marvel at their reflections. She was dressed in a gown that stunningly highlighted her poise and grace, while Eva was vision in her tiny pearl and lace dress.

Eva clasped her Mommy's hand as they descended the grand staircase, stepping into a world of glamour tempered by the philanthropic reason they were all here for the night. The ballroom was dazzling with bright chandeliers and tables adorned with shimmering pearls and lace.

While Pepper mingled with the other attendees, she couldn't help but take note of Eva watching her interactions with pride. But watching her Mommy with interest only last so long with the little girl, and soon she was talking to the ladies in the room on her own. One thing she was not as Tony Stark's daughter was shy!

In the midst of the elegant affair, Eva's eyes turned to a quiet corner of the ballroom where an elderly sat alone. As she watched the lady for a little while, Eva began to wonder why she was alone. She thought the lady looked sad, and so she ventured across the room.

"Hello," the little girl said sweetly, "Would you like me to stay with you and talk to you since you don't have anyone to talk to?"

The lady's eyes brightened with gratitude, and she nodded at Eva, "I'm Mrs. Montgomery, dear. What's your name?"

"My name is Eva. Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Mont...Monty!"

The woman smiled, as she realized that the child didn't quite know how to pronounce her name.

Later, that evening when they were on their way home from the ball, Eva exclaimed, "Tonight was so fun and magical, Mommy!"

Pepper leaned over and kissed the top of Eva's head, "Yes, baby, it really was. And while pearls and lace might be beautiful, it's the kindness and love we show others that makes life truly remarkable."

"You mean like me and Mrs. Monty?" Eva asked.

Placing an arm around her daughter's shoulders, Pepper murmured, "Yes, my love, like you and Mrs. Monty."
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James Rhodes, highly regarded as War Machine to the world, has been so much throughout his years of service. Years ago, he'd been paralyzed from the waist down at the German airport, and while some would have let that be the end of them, he didn't. He had fought back to return to walking, and thanks to a little help from Tony's special apparatus, he had walked again. Yet, with every battle and every victory, that had followed especially after the loss of Tony, it had all started to feel hollow to him.

Rhodey had been thinking about retiring from not only being War Machine, but also from the military. At his age, the constant battles have taken its toll on his body, and he knew he just couldn't keep fighting forever. Tony's death had rocked him down to his very core, and he been questioning if this life was really worth it anymore.

One day, when he was in his quarters of the rebuilt Avengers Compound packing, he heard a familiar voice behind him ask, "Going somewhere?""

He turned around, and saw the holographic version of his late best friend, and a pang of sadness hit him again, "Yeah, I just retired."

The Tony-hologram chuckled, but it was a chuckle without mirth, "You know, I really thought that the two of us would retire together. That we'd be old men, sitting on a beach somewhere exotic, and we'd be downing Mai Tais while we talked about the days we were out here kicking bad guys butts!"

Rhodey couldn't help but smile as he thought about the absurdness of getting to live a quiet, retired life together with Tony. Then the sadness that would never happen now hit him. He sighed, "Yeah, that would have been nice."

"But of course the universe had other plans," Tony-hologram said, flicking a second, "But I'm glad you're retiring, Rhodey. You've done more than enough for the world. It's time you looked after yourself first!"

Rhodes felt a weight lift off of his shoulders, "Thanks... Tony. I'll miss you." Even if you're not the real deal, you're the closest I've got now.

Tony-hologram gave him a warm smile, one of satisfaction and the knowledge that Thanos had been stopped once and for all time. Then the hologram smirked, "I know. But I'm always going to be with you, in some way or another."

With that, Tony-hologram vanished leaving Rhodey alone to finish packing which he did. Once he was finished, he took one last look around the room, then walked out of the door to get started on whatever the rest of his life would be. This might not be the retirement he'd dreamed of, but whatever came next was a new chapter of his life, and he was eager to get it started.
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Tony was in his workshop with dozens of holographic displays lit up showing various projects he has been working on when Rhodey entered the room. When he took a quick glance over, he noticed that his BFF had on his War Machine armor.

Rhodey took off his armor, leaving it to be a silent sentry with the rest of its metal brothers, and then he walked over to Tony, "Hey, Tony, I don't know why but I've been thinking about our recent victories a lot. It's unbelievable what we've been able to do together."

When Tony glanced up from his work, Rhodey thought his friend looked wearied, and when Tony actually spoke, he confirmed it.

"Yeah, I know we've have some big successes, but you know what they say, Platypus: Success is not final."

Rhodey gave a nod as he understood the sentiment that went behind Tony's words, "You know, you're right about that, Tony. I mean success is just a passing moment in time, right? It's what we do next that actually matters."

Tony leaned back, and stretched out his legs, lacing his fingers behind his head, "You know, we have saved the world so many times, but there will always be a new threat coming down the road in the future. We can't stop to rest on any kind of applause we might have gotten for our heroics. No, we have to keep looking forward, and try to be ready for whatever might come."

Rhodey nodded, and after a few seconds of silence, he motioned for Tony to get up, "Now if we're all done philosophizing, I need you to take a look at my armor. I'm having some issues."

With another stretch, Tony got up, and gestured for him to lead the way, "You started it, you know."

"What? Started what?"" Rhodey said on his way back to his armor.

"The philosophizing!" Tony retorted, making air quotes with his fingers even if Rhodey wasn't looking at him right then.

"I did not!"

"Did too!"

"Yes, you did!"

"No, I didn't!"

Yes, you—"

Rhodey threw up his hands, "Okay, maybe I did! Can we please just get on with looking at the armor?"

Tony smirked at him, and said, "So tell me, what seems to be the problem?"
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Dearest Pepper,

As I am writing this letter, I hope you are in good health and the highest of spirits. I wish to confess, my dear, that I've been keeping a secret you. Lately, I have found myself so captivated by your radiant presence that there's no hope of escape for me. Not only this but a certain admiration for you has taken hold of my heart. The best I can describe it is if It's a flame that had nearly been snuffed out has suddenly had log thrown onto it, and it has now a new burning bright life to it.

Every day, you take my breath away as I witness your unwavering strength as a woman. Every day, I behold the infinite reasons why I fell in love with you. I love how dedicated you are to the things we want to accomplish together, the light in your eyes when you do something that before looked impossible, and the sheer brilliance to all that you touch which is always nothing short of extraordinary!

For now though, my intentions will remain secret within my secret admirer's heart. I hope you will consider this first letter a microscopic sample of the unspoken feelings that are found deep inside my heart. You should know that my love grows for you with every moment that passes by.

Yours faithfully,
A Secret Admirer
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It is time, Jarod decided one day as he stood by Sydney's grave. It is time to disappear forever off of the Centre's radar forever now that the man who for all intents and purposes was his father is gone.

As Jarod looked down upon Sydney's final resting place, he finds himself hoping that somehow, someway that the man who knew him better than anyone else, is actually at rest. But whether or not he is at rest, there is nothing Jarod can do to help him. Now the only thing he can do, is to help himself by disappearing forever.

And it is time to do just that as he'd been playing this cat and mouse game with the Center for almost twenty years now, and he's tired of it.

He begins to walk away from the grave, and stops after a few steps. He looks back at the headstone, and considers. His mentor is gone, never to be touched by the Centre's evil influence again, but there are others they can still get to. They will too if they think it will make him come back.

No, he decides, it's time. It ends today. They will be okay. This can't go on forever, and he doesn't want it to. He wants to have a normal life for once, or rather as normal as he can make it. So with that in mind, he starts to walk forward again, and this time he does not look back.
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There is a very special day coming up soon for Natasha and Nadia — it's the annual recital for the eight year old's ballet class. The recital is almost here, so they have spent every moment they can rehearsing their routines. Yes, mother and daughter are going to be dancing together during a very special moment in the recital. Natasha had helped out with Nadia's ballet class over the years, and this year her daughter's teachers insisted that she must perform a dance in the recital.

The night of the recital finally arrived, and the auditorium quickly filled up with the families of all the school's students. All of them were eager to see the progress their sons and daughters had made over the last year of learning.

Minutes before the recital was scheduled to begin, Natasha and Nadia had spent a few minutes with Clint and Franky, the family talking and laughing together. Then when one of the teachers came through to tell them it was five minutes before the performance started, the family broke up.

Clint took his five year old son's hand, and kissed his wife, "I'd say break a leg, honey, but you're far too graceful for that! So instead, I'll say good luck!"

"Good luck, Mommy, Nadia!" Franky echoed.

"Thank you, boys, " Natasha replied with a smile.

"Thanks, Daddy, Franky!" Nadia said, also smiling.

"Go get 'em, girls! Come on, Franky, we'd better go find our seats!"

As they disappeared, Natasha turned to her daughter, "Ready, Nadyechka?"

"Da," Nadia answered, "Я готов, мама."

With that, they took their places, ready to go on stage and dance together when their moment arrived.
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Sebastian was sitting on the couch in the living room with his father, Steven. His Dad's arm was wrapped around his shoulders and the atmosphere in the room around them was so solemn. Sebastian's great-grandfather Steve Rogers, widely known as Captain America, had recently passed away and his absence hung heavy in their hearts.

"Dad, I miss him," Sebastian said quietly, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness and longing, "I miss Grandpa Steve so much!"

Steven's eyes reflecting his own grief. "I know, son. Your great-grandfather Steve was an incredible man, and we were so very fortunate to have as much time with him that we had."

Sebastian nodded, tears glistening in his eyes. "I'll never forget all the time I had with him. He taught me a lot, Dad. He was my hero."

Steven gives his son a warm smile, doing this own remembering. "I know, he was mine too. Along with Nonno. Oh, I wish you could have known Nonno too."

"Me too but I am grateful that at least I got to know Grandpa Steve. But I wish I could've had more time with him, Dad."

Steven leaned closer, his eyes filled with understanding. "You know even though he may not be physically here, his spirit lives on in you, Sebastian. I see a lot of him in you."

"You do?"

"Mmmhmm, I do."

Sebastian felt a tear escape, and he swiped it away. But even as sad as he was, his Dad's words stirred up a flicker of hope deep within him. "You really think so, Dad?" he asked one more time.

Steven gave his son an enthusiastic nod. "I really think so Sebastian. I see your determination, your sense of justice, your unwavering belief in doing what's right. I believe all these qualities that you'll carry on Grandpa Steve's legacy in your own way.

Sebastian's cracked from the mix of gratitude and determination he was feeling. "I'm not going to let fade away, Dad. I'll do everything I can to honor him, along with the legacy of our great-grandparents Tony and Pepper Stark. I want to and I will make a difference, just like they did."

Steven's face lit up with with the pride he could help but feel, "That's my boy. I know you will, Sebastian. You have the intelligence, the heart, and the courage to make a lasting impact on the world."
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"Hey bud, do you want some cereal for breakfast?" Tony asked around a yawn.

Three-month-old Eva had had a miserable night with colic. She had only passed out a little over an hour ago, and since Pepper was away for a few days on a business trip, Tony had also been awake all night.

"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" Ethan said, dancing around, "Seeweeal! Seeweeal! Seeweeal!"

Thankfully there was no need to shush the little boy since his baby sister was tucked away in her nursery, and so instead he asked, "What kind of cereal do you want, sport? Cheerios? Frosted flakes or—"

"Bengers! Bengers, Daddy!"

Bengers or rather Avengers is the cereal some cereal company came out with, with the team's blessings of course, a year and a half after Ethan was born. It is made up of rice corn in six different colors with each color representing each Avengers. Each piece was shaped differently, with a red helmet representing Iron Man, a blue shield for Captain America, a green fist for the Hulk, a yellow hammer for Thor, a red spider for Black Widow, and a purple arrow for Hawkeye.

The cereal is a bit on the sugary side, so Pepper prefers that Ethan doesn't have it all too often, but this morning is different. Since she's not with them this morning, and he's not had the cereal in awhile, Tony is more than happy to pour him up a bowl.

"Please cut up half of a banana if you give Ethan the Avengers cereal while I'm gone on my trip."

It is a simple request, so Tony makes sure to cut up half of banana into small pieces into the cereal. After a splash of milk, he puts the bowl in front of his son.

"Tank you, Daddy!" Ethan said before digging in.

Tony smiles, and kisses the top of Ethan's head, "You're welcome, champ."
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Once upon a time, in the realm of Asgard, a young and curious Sigyn, one day when she was supposed to be studying. approached her father with wide eyes and an eager smile. She held a picture book of enchanted tales in her small hands, she said excitedly, "Father, I want a magic wand! I want to do magic just like Grandmother and you!"

Loki knelt down to so he was at Sigyn's level, his eyes sparkling with both amusement and love. He gently brushed aside a stray strand of her red hair then said, "Oh, my dear Sigyn, why would you want a silly, old thing like a magic wand?"

"I told you, Father! I want a magic wand so I can do magic like you and Grandmother do! And this book says if you want to do magic, you've gotta have a wand!" Sigyn explained solemnly.

Loki felt his heart melting all over at his daughter's precious innocence, and for a moment, he considered just giving in to what she wanted without argument. But he knows there is really no value to the magic wand she's requested, so he shook his head, "No, my little snowflake, there won't be a magic wand for you."

Sigyn's face crumbled, and she huffed, "But why, Father?"

"Because," Loki began, "I know the idea of a magic wand and of everything that it is supposed to allow you to do is enchanting, but such a thing is false. The reason it is alse, my little snowflake, and why it is false is this: Magic is not something found in objects like a wand made of wood or metal. No, my dear, the place where magic comes from is found within you."

"In me?" she said, puzzlement all over her little face.

"Yes, you," Loki confirmed, kissing her cheek.

"But how, Father? How can I have magic inside of me? I can't do anything special like you or Grandmother!"

He gave him a warm smile, and took her hands into his own, "Oh, my little snowflake, magic is not just about conjuring tricks or illusions. Instead, magic is out the energy that is a very part of our being. It's the way we think and feel and create! It's found in the love we give to others, and in our hearts dearest dreams.

Loki smiled warmly and took Sigyn's hands in his own. "Magic is not just about conjuring tricks and illusions, my little one. It is about the energy that flows through our very beings. It's in the way we think, feel, and create. It's in the kindness we show to others, the love we share, and the dreams we hold dear."

Sigyn's brow was furrowed as she tried to understand what her father's words meant, "So, I have magic inside of me because I love you, and Grandmother, and Uncle Thor, Uncle Heimdall, and Auntie Sif and Uncles Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg? Oh, and Grandfather too although he's terribly grumpy most of the time?

Loki chuckled, heart almost bursting with pride, "Yes, precisely, my precious snowflake! Magic is found in your heart and in the joy you bring to all of those who love you. It is the happiness you find in helping others, and the wonder you find in the simple things. With all this, you have the power to create your own magic."

Sigyn thought for a moment, biting her bottom lip as her mother used to do, then she said, "I don't really need a wand to make magic, do I?"

"No, my love, you are magic itself. Be who you are, and you'll find boundless wonders within your heart.

Loki nodded, his eyes filled with pride. "Exactly, my precious Sigyn. Magic is in your heart. It's the joy you bring to those around you, the happiness you feel when you help someone, and the wonder you find in the simplest of things. You have the power to create your own magic, just like your grandmother and I."

Sigyn's eyes sparkled with newfound understanding and excitement. "So, I don't need a wand to do magic?"

Loki chuckled softly. "No, my dear. You are magic itself. Embrace who you are, and you'll discover endless wonders within."

She threw her arms around his neck, and exclaimed, "Thank you, Father! I don't need a wand because I have my own magic within!"

He hugged her back, murmuring, "You do indeed, my little snowflake. You do indeed!"

Sigyn beamed, her small hand reaching out to touch her father's cheek. "Thank you, Father. I understand now. I'll find my own magic within me!"
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Peter Parker was nervous when he walked into the offices of the Daily Bugle. Why was he nervous? Well because he knew he was already skating on very thin ice with the newspaper's editor-in-chief, J. Jonah Jameson. The editor had already verbally shredded his latest batch of photos of himself as Spider-Man calling them "uninspired" and "bland," and as a result Peter had a sinking feeling that his days as a freelance photographer for the Bugle were numbered.

From the very second he stepped into Jameson's cluttered office, the editor got straight to the point just like he always did. "Listen, Parker, I'll make this quick. I need a new, spectacular picture of Spider-Man and I need it in the next 24 hours. If you can't deliver, you're fired for good."

Peter's stomach did flip flops. He had been struggling to capture a new angle on himself as Spider-Man for weeks now, and he had no idea how he could come up with something truly spectacular in just one day.

Of course he he couldn't let himself get fired. He needed the money, and he needed to keep his connection to the Bugle, even if it meant putting up with putting up with Jameson's not so nice personality.

After taking a couple of deep breaths Peter set out to find new inspiration for his secret identity. He went swinging throughout the city, in the hopes something, anything, might catch his eye.

With most of the day already having gone by, Peter could feel his desperation get bigger and bigger. He took some pictures of himself stopping a few petty crimes here and there but so far he'd captured nothing that was sensational enough for Jameson's standards.

Peter had just nearly given up any hope he had of saving his freelance work with the Bugle when he spotted a group of children trapped in a building that was in flames. He didn't hesitate, swooping into the flames using every bit of his physical enhancements to get them all to safety.

As he rescued each child from the peril, he saw the flashes of cameras, and one time he turned his head to look to see who was taking the pictures. A group of reporters were nearby capturing all of the action. Peter couldn't help but smile to himself as he felt some hope, because perhaps just the sort of shot Jameson would want had been captured.

Sure enough, the next day's edition of the Daily Bugle featured a front-page photo of Spider-Man saving the children from the burning building. Jameson sings the praises of the shot calling it spectacular and iconic and Peter breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course, Peter knows he will never ever be able to satisfy the editor all of the time, but at least for today, he'd managed to keep his job. But best of all, he'd been able to rescue those little kids from an awful fate. That was the best thing of all.

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Vincent ascended the spiral staircase of the old abandoned library, his keen senses alert for any signs of the presence of others. When he finally reached the top of the staircase, Vincent emerged into a large room filled with ancient books and manuscripts, illuminated by the soft glow of candles.

It was here that Vincent found a place refuge in the world above, and the best part was it was a place where he could lose himself in the knowledge and wisdom of the ages. The library laid completely forgotten and so it was hidden from the world, known only to a select few who shared Vincent's desire for solitude and contemplation.

While Vincent was perusing through the stacks of books, he heard a faint rustling sound, even as a familiar presence flooded his being. He turned with a smile to see Catherine standing close by, her form illuminated by the light of the candles.

"Vincent," she said softly, her voice echoing in the quiet of the library. "I went Below looking for you, and Mouse told me where you were."

"But I've yet to tell anyone Below about this place yet," Vincent mused.

"I guess he must have followed you here," Catherine supplied.

Vincent nodded, knowing she was right in her speculation about Mouse.

"So are you going to show me around this... breathtaking place, Vincent, or what?"

With a smile, he picked up his lantern, and after Catherine's hand, Vincent guided into the sanctuary of the old library.

 
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Sebastian sat at his desk, surrounded by paperwork and case files. It had been case after case after case lately, and he had gotten a little too bad in this aspect of the job. Thankfully, things were a little slower, and he had time to get things all caught up.

Suddenly, he heard a knock at the door, and he looked up. Pride was standing in the doorway, with a curious expression on his face.

"Hey, Sebastian," Pride said. "I think I've found something interesting when I was going over the surveillance footage from our last case. It looks like the suspect was wearing a shirt with stripes."

Hearing this piqued Sebastian's interest, "What kind of stripes?" he asked.

"Vertical stripes," Pride replied. "Thin, navy blue and white stripes."

Sebastian pulled up the surveillance footage on his computer and studied it closely.

"You're right. He is wearing stripes. And you know what? I am pretty sure I've seen a shirt like that one before. Just let me check something."

Pride nodded and waited.

Sebastian pulled up a website on his computer and started searching for the shirt. After a few minutes, he found a match.

"Aha, I knew it," Sebastian said a triumphant smirk on his face. He pointed to his computer screen, "See? It's a popular brand among college students. They've got a store in the French Quarter."

Pride nodded, "Good work, Sebastian. Let's go pay them a visit, and see if they can't help us ID our suspect."

The visit to the store was not a waste of time. Once they identified themselves as federal agents, the store's employees were only too happy to help. They gave them the information they needed to track the man down, and arrest him.

"Nice work, Sebastian," Pride said, as they headed back to their office, "You've got a sharp eye for detail, and a good memory, two things very helpful in this job."

Sebastian smiled. "Thanks, boss. I guess you could say the stripes gave him away."
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When Tony had just snapped his fingers and defeated Thanos once and for all, he knew exactly what the cost to him would be. He knew there was no possibility of surviving the power of the Infinity Stones, and they would leave him fatally wounded. As he began to fade away, he could feel his consciousness drifting until he found himself in a strange and ethereal realm.

He stood on an endless plane that glowed in shades of red and pink. Where was he? Was this Heaven? Or was this Hell? He didn't know, and he had nothing to base any sort of conclusion on. As he looked around, he saw a single stone floating in the distance. When he started to walk towards it, he felt another presence nearby. As he turned, he saw a familiar figure standing before him.

It was Ho Yinsen, the man who had sacrificed his own life to help Tony escape captivity in Afghanistan all those years ago. At seeing the other man, Tony felt a flood of emotions - among them, immense gratitude.

A warm, welcoming smile was on Yinsen's face when he said, "Hello, Stark. It's good to see you again."

Tony was at a loss for words, "Yinsen... you're so how am I seeing you now? How is this possible?"

Yinsen did not speak, waiting patiently while Tony figured things out for himself.

"I'm dead aren't I?" Tony said suddenly, "I'm dead, and this is some sort of afterlife?"

"No, you are not dead, not yet anyway," Yinsen told him, "Your life is hanging by a thread. What is the last thing you remember before waking up here, and see me?"

"Thanos. I remember he had the Stones, and I fought he for them to keep him from snapping his fingers. He threw me away like I didn't weigh any more than Morgan's favorite toy dog and then I...I remember that I snapped my fingers."

Yinsen nodded, "Yes, you welded the Infinity Stones, and with their the power you saved the universe. And in doing so, you will pay a heavy price. Your physical body is dying, but your spirit as always is still strong and determine. That's why you're here."

Tony looked around where they were, and then he looked to Yinsen, trying to understand. "Where are we? What is this place?"

Yinsen smiled once more and gestured, "This place is the Soul Realm generated by the Soul Stone. It is a place where those who sacrifice themselves or are sacrificed by another in order to obtain the Soul Stone go."

"But I already had the Soul Stone. I wasn't... wait she sacrificed herself to get the Stone. Does that mean this is where Natasha is? Is this where she went after she... she..." He could not finish the question as he remembered Clint's account of what had happened in Vormir. He'd been heartbroken by her death, as had they, and their heartbreak had been the reason they'd gone forward with their plan.

Yinsen gave a solemn nod, "Yes, this is where Natasha Romanoff went when after she made her sacrifice for the Soul Stone. However, this place is not the final destination. She was here for a little while, but her spirit has moved on to a different plane of existence."

Tony was quiet for a moment, thinking about Natasha and all the sacrifices that had been made to bring this moment into being. Finally he asked, "So what now? What happens to me?"

"You have a choice to make, Stark," Yinsen said.

"A choice? What kind of choice?"

"One where you can stay here for a little while then move on as Natasha did when you're ready. Or, you can go back. You can return to the world of the living and finish what you started."

Tony thinks of Pepper and Morgan instantly, and about how he wants to be with them. He also thinks about the kid... Peter, how he had literally just gotten him back, and how he doesn't want to leave him again so soon. Rhodey, they'd been brothers for almost forty years. Did he want to leave him right now? And what about Happy? He is pretty sure Happy would have a hard time dealing with his death if Tony made the choice to move on.

"I have to go back," Tony said finally, "I have to finish what I started."

Yinsen nodded, "I thought you might say that. But remember, Stark, the path ahead is not an easy one. You were gravelly wounded by the Infinity Stones. The road ahead of you is a long and very painful one."

"As long and painful as leaving everyone I love behind?" Tony countered.

"Point well taken. They will give you strength for the road again. Just remember to swallow your pride once in awhile and let them help you when it feels like it is too much to take.

"I will," Tony nodded, feeling a newfound determination. "Thank you, Yinsen. Thank you for everything."

Yinsen smiled again. "Well, this is goodbye for now. Stark. Remember I'll be watching."

"So we'll see each other again?"

"Yes, when the time comes for you to move on."

And with that, Tony felt his consciousness returning to his physical body. He opened his eyes and found himself lying on the ground, surrounded by family and his friends. The road would be hard, of that he could be sure, but he was ready to face it.
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Bruce Banner had always been different from other people. He had never been interested in either power or dominance, but rather in compassion and empathy. He was a scientist by profession, but it was his kindness and gentleness that truly set him apart.

One day, while on a research trip to a small village in a remote part of South America, Bruce was approached by the father of a little girl who was sick. He explained to him that since their village was so remote, they had no access to a doctor, and his wife was at her wit's end at how to help their little girl. After Bruce agreed to help them, her father told him his daughter's name was Maria as he led Bruce to his family's home.

Maria was her lying in bed, looking weak and feverish. Sitting down beside her, Bruce began to talk to her in a gentle and calming voice.

"Hi there, Maria. My name is Bruce. I heard that you're not feeling well. Is that right?"

The little girl nodded, "I don't feel good."

"I think I can help with that but first I need to take your temperature and ask your mother so questions. Okay?"

"Okay," Maria said.

After putting on some gloves, Bruce took out a thermometer from his bag, "Okay, sweetie, I need to stick this under your tongue. It needs to stay there for a few minutes."

Maria opened her mouth, and allowed him to put the thermometer under her tongue.

"Okay, Maria, close your mouth please. I'm going to watch the time, and I'll let you know when it's time to take it out. Okay?"

She nodded again.

While they waited for the right time to take out the thermometer, Bruce turned around and said hello to the little girl's mother. He then asked her a series of questions about how long Maria had been sick, and what her symptoms were. When he finished, it was time to take the thermometer out.

Bruce felt all of their eyes, especially Maria's parents' eyes on him as he read the numbers there. He looked at Maria, "Well, sweetie, you've definitely got a fever, but the good news is, it's not too high and I have some medicine with me that will help bring it down. The only thing is, I have to warn you, the medicine doesn't taste all that great."

Maria made a face at hearing this.

"I know, I know, but I promise you, Maria, it's going to help you feel all better," he said, while taking it out of his bag, and getting the dose ready. "Can you sit up for me, Maria?"

Maria nodded, and tried to sit up, but soon it was obvious the little girl was too weak. Her mother started to come over to help her, and Bruce told her, "I've got this." She stayed back as he helped the girl sit up, and then he picked up the small cup again.

"Ready?" Bruce asked.

"Yes," said the little girl.

"Okay, on the count of three. One... two... three." He put the cup to the girl's lips, and Maria took it into her mouth.

She swallowed it without spitting it out, although she did make a face, "That was yucky!"

"I know, sweetie, and I'm sorry. But like I said, it's going to help you get better soon. Ready to lay back down?"

"Yeah," she said.

After Maria was settled back down, and it was obvious she wasn't going to go to sleep, and her parents approved, Bruce decided to stay with her awhile. Bruce asked her about her favorite things to do and about the games she liked to play. Maria also told him about her dolls and how they went on grand adventures together all over her hometown.

Bruce smiled as he listened to the little gir.l He'd only been in their family's home for about an hour, but he could tell the little girl was already seeing him as a new friend.

After a little while longer, Maria started to yawn, and Bruce insisted she tried to get some rest now. Once she was settled in the bed, Bruce handed the medicine to her mother, and gave her instructions on how to give it to Maria. He looked over to see the child asleep so, he said a quiet goodbye to the parents, and was about to leave when the little girl called out.

"Bruce?"

He stopped at the door, and looked at her, "Yes?"

"Don't go!"

Bruce smiled at her, "But I need to, sweetie. You need your rest, and there are some other little boys and girls who need me to check up on them. But I'll come back in the morning to check up on you, and we'll talk some more, maybe play a game if you're feeling like it. Okay?"

Maria yawned again, and nodded, "Okay." Her eyes closed, and she was asleep.

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"The sun and water are so beautiful here!" Pepper said, as she gazed out at the pristine blue waters of Indonesia. The sun beamed down on her skin, warming her to the core of her being. The sound of waves crashing against the shore were filling the air, and the salty scent of the ocean was so pungent that she could almost taste it!

They had arrived for their honeymoon destination two days ago and since then they'd all been getting over the jet lag while enjoying a little of what the beautiful paradise had to offer.

She smiled as her husband's arms were wrapped around her from behind.

"He's going to be up soon," James murmured into her ear, "Are you ready for Cyclone Morgan this morning?"

Pepper turned around in James' embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you're feeling better this morning."

"Me too."

"So Cyclone Morgan?" she asked, her heart filling with warmth at the mention of their son's name.

James grinned. "Yeah, with me down for the count yesterday you know he's going to be keeping me busy this morning. You know how he is - always full of energy."

Pepper chuckled. "That's our little Morgan. I can't wait to spend the day with him."

Just then, a loud crash echoed from their private bungalow on the beach. James tensed, his War Machine instincts still kicking in even after all these years of retirement. "Stay here," he said, moving towards the door.

Pepper's heart raced with fear as she watched him go. "Be careful," she called after him, hoping that everything was okay. She stood there, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios, until James emerged from the bungalow with a sheepish grin on his face.

"Sorry about that," he said, holding up a broken vase. "Looks like Cyclone Morgan got into a bit of mischief while we were out."

Pepper breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that everything was okay. "It's okay," she said, smiling. "We'll just have to keep a closer eye on him from now on." Together, they both went back inside, and thankfully found Morgan where James left him, sitting on the couch.

James knelt down beside Morgan, who was now sitting on the couch. "Hey there, Cyclone. What are you up to?"

Morgan grinned up at James. "Playing with my ball," he said, holding it up for James to see.

James smiled. "Looks like fun. Did you have a good time with Mommy yesterday?"

Morgan nodded vigorously. "Uh-huh! We went swimming in the ocean and saw lots of fish."

"That sounds amazing," James said, ruffling Morgan's hair. "I wish I could have been there with you."

Morgan's face fell for a moment, but then he brightened up again. "But you're here now!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around James' neck. "I'm so happy you're my daddy."

James' heart swelled with love for his son. "I'm happy too, buddy. And I promise we'll have lots of fun together while we're here."

Morgan beamed up at him. "Can we play catch on the beach later, Daddy?"

"Well, I can't think of a reason why we shouldn't, buddy! But what do you say we get the little mess you made cleaned up, and then have some breakfast Sound good?"

"Yeah!"

"Okay, let's get cracking!"
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It's been a few years since Tony and Pepper had married each other, and needless to say, they were still very much in love. They had been through so much together, from battling supervillains to running Stark Industries. Despite all the challenges they faced, they always managed to come out on top.

One evening, they were out on the balcony, enjoying the sights of the city below. Pepper leaned against Tony, and he wrapped in his arms around her as they also took in the sunset together.

"Pepper?" Tony said softly.

"Hmm?" Pepper murmured sleepily.

"Never let me go."

All her sleepiness vanished in an instant, and Pepper turned to look at him. When she saw the sincerity in his eyes, it both touched and frightened her.

"I won't, Tony," she replied, softly caressing his cheek. "I'll never let you go."
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Director Phil Coulson was having a busy week at SHIELD Headquarters, managing multiple operations and fielding countless phone calls from his team. He was grateful for the help of his most trusted agents, Daisy Johnson, who had been working alongside him for years. He never could have dreamed that when they found her in the back of her van tracking to hack her way deeper into SHIELD's mainframe, how much of a part of his life she'd be.

Despite the chaos of their work, Coulson always made sure to take a few moments each day to check in with Daisy and make sure she was doing okay. She'd been through so much in her life, especially with the last few years after learning the truth about her parents and discovering she was Inhuman. He knew how much pressure she was under, with her unique abilities and the weight of responsibility on her shoulders, and he always wanted to be sure she was as okay as she could be.

One day, as they were both taking a breather at the same time in the break room, Coulson noticed that Daisy looked particularly tired. He knows she's been working non-stop on one thing or another for days, and by the weary expression on her face, it was starting to take its toll.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Daisy gave him a look then, shrugged. "Just a very long week, you know? And it's okay like, what, Monday? Or is it Tuesday?"

Coulson nodded, taking a seat beside her, "It's Monday. But yeah, I hear you. But you've been doing great, Daisy. You're making a real difference out there."

Daisy smiled faintly, "Thanks, sir. I appreciate it."

As even more of the week wore on, he continued to check in with Daisy, and they worked together to tackle each challenge every freak, super villain, or HYDRA presented to them. By the end of the week, they had successfully completed several missions, and Coulson knew it was time to give the team a little downtime.

"Hey, how about we grab a drink tonight?" he suggested, grinning at Daisy.

Daisy raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing when she asked, "Are you asking me out on a date, sir?"

Coulson laughed. "No, no, just a friendly drink. I think we've earned it after this week."

Daisy grinned back, "Sounds good to me."

And so, that evening, Coulson and Daisy, along with Mack and Yo-yo headed to a nearby bar to unwind and chat about their week. They laughed and shared stories, forgetting about their crazy world and work for just a little while.

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