A/N: Hello faithful readers! So, a few more answers to those burning questions in this chapter. We are getting close to Ragnarok and Infinity War now. Only a few more chapters before the big battle. But I will keep you in suspense a little longer :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, Disney, ABC, FOX or the Avengers. Just Sera!


ARSENAL came back a few days later that it wasn't affecting me negatively. After a month, I wasn't exhibiting any radiation sickness symptoms, so my experiments continued. My training was intensified, moving outside to keep our training rooms clean. Loki and I worked flawlessly together, and Okoye commented as such, noticing how well we used weapons and our powers combined.

The Guardians were around a lot more, as were the X-Men, to fine-tune our battle plan. With our good Thanos in play and Black Bolt prepared to help us, along with Crystal who was already paired with Eli, we were feeling more confident that we would win this fight.

Natasha, Callie and I were walking our babies towards the labs one day, just to say hi to Bruce, Fitz and my Dad who was visiting with Peter, when I saw said Peter tearing down the halls, dodging Bucky's attempts at grabbing him.

"Oh no," I whispered, activating ARSENAL's cameras in the hallway to record. This was gonna be a good story.

"She's TWO!" Bucky growled as Peter dodge him again. Peter webbed him to the hallway wall and said, "No offense intended, but she is an adult in her own right."

"Because of her genetics! She was barely born two years ago, not 18!" He said, ripping his metal arm off of the wall and chasing after him again.

"Hi, bye!" Peter said running past us again, Bucky on his tail.

"Is that…" Natasha said, giving Callie a little smirk.

"Yeah. I think he asked Daddy if he could date me," She sighed, "There goes the plan to date him. He'll be dead in a minute."

"Steve, grab him!" We heard from the hangar.

"What do you mean "No"?" Bucky yelled annoyed.

"She may look 18, but she is still my little girl. She's only two for fuck's sake!" Was heard at a higher decibel.

"Okay, maybe not dead," I said, gesturing to follow me to the hangar. Ollie was asleep in Callie's arms as Anna giggled in mine. Niklaus was playing with Nat's hair as we walked into the hangar. Bucky was being restrained by Steve, who was talking him down. Peter was standing still; not turning his back as he realized it would be foolish too.

"She's still a child. She doesn't know what she wants," Bucky said, struggling against Steve's hold.

"Bucky," I said, approaching him as Anna was smiling at her Uncles.

"Bucky, this is true. It's not a passing notion, and he won't use her. I promise," I said softly.

"You knew!?" He asked, confused as Steve felt him relax. He loosened his grip on Bucky's arms as I said, "Yes. She told me months ago that she liked him, and I knew already from 'future Callie'. She was heartbroken, because he died trying to save you. He was one reason she came back to warn me. Would you deny our daughter someone who is going to love her unconditionally? Who will defend our planet to ensure her safety? Because I don't think I could ask for anyone better for our little girl."

"Daddy," Callie said, "Just give him a chance. He'll be a perfect gentleman. Won't you Peter?"

"Sir, I would never disrespect your daughter. You can watch me like a hawk-"

"You better believe it," I heard Clint rom the rafters. Looking up I asked, "How long have you been up there?"

"Heard Barnes threatening to kill him. Thought it might be a good vantage point to watch the show," Clint smirked as he repelled down.

Shaking my head, I turned to see Bucky eyeing Peter. He was taking deep breaths, which was a good sign that he was calming down.

"Bucky, give him a chance to make her happy?" I asked softly.

"What about you?" He asked Steve, ignoring my question.

"I trust him to watch my back, and I trust him to take care of our little girl. If he doesn't, he can count on the beating of a lifetime," Steve said, watching Peter. Peter swallowed visibly, before nodding, "I would expect nothing less."

Bucky was silent for another beat before saying, "You have more then the three of us watching you. Every single person on our team will be."

"There will be nowhere you can hide, детский паук," Natasha said seriously.

"Yes мама паук," Peter responded, making me snort. Bucky shook his head saying, "You better treat her right."

"Of course sir," Peter said, still looking scared, before glancing at Callie, who was beaming at him.

"Well, bloodshed avoided today," I thought to myself.


As I was in the middle of my secret training that night, I realized that with the right radiation from the right source, Lagos could be repeated, on a much larger scale. The thought stopped me short.

"A contingency plan," I whispered to myself. Just like Steve had to put that plane down, just like my Dad had to fly that nuke through the wormhole… like I had to absorb that bomb. Hadn't Bruce and Selvig said the Tesseract and the Mind Stone gave off gamma radiation?

"A, calculate the amount of radiation needed to equivalent a nuke," I said, sitting down cross-legged.

"Shall I cross reference with Dr. Selvig's notes?"

"Yes," I whispered. If Black Bolt fell, if our 'good' Thanos fell, what would stop Thanos?

"Mom?" Eli's voice came from the doorway.

"A, you didn't lock the door?" I groaned. No response, so I turned to my son, who looked confused at the state of the room.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm… testing something. A new ability I developed after Oliver was born," I said, pulling him in and closing the door.

"A new power? Why didn't you say something?" He asked, confused.

I started explaining what I had discovered, not leaving out a single thing, happy when he didn't interrupt. He waited patiently for me to finish before asking, "So what does this mean?"

"Ma'am, calculations complete. Given the gamma signature of the Tesseract and the Mind Stone, a total of four stones are needed to achieve the equivalent of the Hiroshima atomic bomb."

"Shit timing A," I said towards the ceiling.

"So, you're planning to blow yourself up?" He said after a beat. I shook my head, "No. I'm not planning on it. I'm not counting on it. I don't want to, but this is for when the shit hits the fan. Eli, I need to know you will take this to your grave. I mean it."

"Mom, I can't-"

"You can and you will, that's an order," I said seriously, holding his shoulders. He frowned, looking down at his feet and saying, "Yes ma'am."

"Eli, your Dad's are counting on our battle plan."

"But why you?"

"Because Eli… I might be the only one that can do this. No one else had to die, I won't let him steal your future. Anyone's," I said truthfully, "But like I said, it may be a last ditch effort. If it does, I need you to promise me to go when I tell you."

"How will we get clear in time if you do?" He asked, gritting his teeth in frustration.

"I don't know. I guess I'll either force Callie to get everyone back home or pray that everyone gets away…"

He nodded, looking back down at his feet.

"Why are you up Eli? And over here."

"LUCY said you were awake. I needed to talk to someone," He said, looking uncomfortable.

"About?" I asked gently. He paused, blushing and saying, "It's nothing. Forget I was here."

"I can't do that. You are my son, and I almost passed out giving birth to you," I smiled, making him screw his face up in disgust.

"Gross Mom. No, I… I can't sleep."

"What's on your mind?" I said, pulling him outside the Hulk Room. I would clean it up in the morning.

"It's… I can't sleep, I can't eat…"

"Ah, I think I know what this is about."

"You do? Because I asked Jemma and she waved me away saying it was nothing."

"First of all, Helen isn't the one on maternity leave and is readily available everyday. Stop bugging Jemma," I said flicking his head. He sighed, "I don't know Helen as well."

"Besides, it isn't medical," I smiled up as we walked up the stairs to the kitchen.

"What is it?" He asked, confused.

"It's emotional," I explained.

"I don't follow," He said, as we walked into the kitchen.

"Sit," I said, pulling out mugs for hot chocolate.

"Whose eyes do you search for in training? Whose laugh makes your heart swell? Whose touch do you crave?" I said, putting a mug in front of him.

"That's not it," He said blushing and shaking his head.

"Then what could it be?"

"Mom, I don't think… the word unrequited comes to mind," He explained, slightly frustrated.

"Oh, don't be obtuse," I said, waving the notion off, "That girl likes you."

"How do you know?"

I sighed, "Because I am a girl sweetie. I remember stealing glances when they weren't looking, the butterflies, the desire to know them better than anyone. And have you seen her smile at anyone like she does for you?"

"She does? I just thought all her smiles were radiant," He said, hopeful.

"Eli, we have time for you to sort out how you want to ask her out. There may be a 'Royal' protocol, but don't let that stop you. I want you to be happy, and I know she makes you happy. Your fathers do too. It's just Callie they are really protective over," I teased.

"Dad told me that I was to watch Peter every moment he was in the same room. He's gone a little crazy."

"Yes, he has," I sighed, shaking my head at the ceiling.

"But both of them taught me to be a gentleman. I want to treat her like a princess, because she is one. How could I be worthy of her?" He said, honestly.

"Eli, she is a princess because her sister married the King. But you are more worthy of her than you think. You want to know why?"

"Why?"

"Because instead of sitting around thinking about how to use her, you are thinking of how to woo her. She's a great girl, and you want to treat her right. Most guys wouldn't be thinking of her heart first," I explained.

"I just wish I knew the words to tell her," He said, laying his forehead on the table forcefully.

"First of all, stop that, you'll lose brain cells. Second, what does she like about Earth?"

"She likes your horses," He said, resting his head on a fist, "The sunsets, the ocean. Music."

"Ah, yes!" I exclaimed, "That's your ticket."

"Really?" He said confused.

"Does she know how to dance?"

"Uh…"

"Never mind, I have a plan," I smiled, quirking at eyebrow at him.


Elijah's POV:

I was a little freaked out when Mom gave me that mischievous smile. She said Grandma Anna had it. It's where Callie and I got it too apparently. So, the next night and for another week, I was in the studio with Mom, learning how to dance. Auntie Nat only taught Callie, cause I wasn't as coordinated. But a waltz was easy, or so Mom told me. There was a few lifts she did teach me, and then it was time to pick out a song. I was pretty up to date on music, as my mother had a playlist for everything.

So, my birthday came around, with the whole family, and out of town team members invited. It was a giant party, and the Royals had been invited too. I steeled myself, seeing Crystal over by the party's edge.

"Eli, happy birthday," She smiled as I got closer. I swallowed thickly, "Thank you. It's weird to be celebrating my second birthday, but I've already gone through puberty."

She laughed and I felt my heart swell, just like my Mom said it would. She looked up at me, still smiling and said, "Well, you look good for two years old."

"Would you like to see something?" I asked, nervously.

"Depends on what it is," She said, smiling mischievously at me.

"It's nothing bad. I promise you," I chuckled, "But it's outside."

"It might be cold," She said, "I should grab a coat."

"No, I promise it will be warm. Trust me," I said softly. She didn't say anything, but slipped her arm through mine, motioning for me to lead the way. As we snuck out, I caught the cheesy thumbs up my Mom was giving me and rolled my eyes.

"So, how do you find Earth so far?" I asked. It had been a few months since they became permanent citizens of Earth, but Crystal was adapting the best out of the Royals.

"It's wonderful. My sister has been so entranced with the snow. I can't complain, after an artificial environment my whole life. But the snow falling was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen."

"I can think of a better one, but I'm biased," I said, fighting my blush as I looked at her. Seriously, the one time I need my father's genetics to fail me…

"What? Me?" She said, blushing herself.

"Yes," I said softly.

"But there was something I wanted to show you, seriously," I said, leading her outside. My Mom had set up a small outdoor patio for the winter, with heat lamps, so Crystal would be warm. I ran warmer anyways, so the cold didn't bother me.

"ARSENAL, my playlist please," I said, and speakers on the outside of the building started to play some music. Lockjaw appeared, panting happily as he laid down in the open door of the hanger.

"Good boy," She said.

"Is this what you wanted to show me?" She asked, looking around.

"Yes and no. But… first, may I have this dance?" I asked, offering my hand. She smiled slowly, taking my hand gently. I gently pulled her closer, feeling my nerves racing and my stomach doing somersaults at the feeling of her hand in mine.

"I don't know how. Earth dances weren't relevant on Attilan," She said, looking down embarrassed.

"Trust me," I whispered, looking into her eyes.

There goes my heart beating

Cause you are the reason

I'm losing my sleep

Please come back now

There goes my mind racing

And you are the reason

That I'm still breathing

I'm hopeless now

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken

Oh, cause I need you to see

That you are the reason

As we waltzed, I felt her head come to rest on my chest, sending my heart racing even faster.

There goes my hands shaking

And you are the reason

My heart keeps bleeding

And I need you now

If I could turn back the clock

I'd make sure the light defeated the dark

I'd spend every hour, of every day

Keeping you safe

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken

Oh, cause I need you to see

That you are the reason

I don't wanna fight no more

I don't wanna hide no more

I don't wanna cry no more

Come back I need you to hold me

(You are the reason)

Come a little closer now

Just a little closer now

Come a little closer

I need you to hold me tonight

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken

Cause I need you to see

That you are the reason

"Crystal," I whispered, as she pulled her head back. Her eyes were soft, gazing up into my own.

"One more," She said, "Please."

"Anything for you Princess," I said honestly. As she laid her head back against my chest, I laid my cheek against her head. Her hair smelled heady and tropical, but balanced. As the next song started, she put both her arms around my neck, snuggling into my embrace.

I found a love for me

Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow

Your heart is all I own

And in your eyes you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

When you said you looked a mess

I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it,

Darling, you look perfect tonight

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a love to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids but we're so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

When I saw you in that dress

Looking so beautiful

I don't deserve this

Darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

I have faith in what I see

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this

You look perfect tonight

She looked up at me, eyes shining in the pale moonlight and asked, "Why me?"

"Why wouldn't I feel this way? You're smart, funny, and beautiful. You have a kind heart, and I…"

"I what?" She asked, wondering why I had stopped.

"I know I haven't been alive long enough to know what this is supposed to feel like, but I just know. I know there couldn't be anyone as amazing as you, for as long as I live. No one I could care this much about," I said, staring at my shoes.

"How much?" She asked, tilting her head up to brush her nose against my own.

"I… I don't want to push you. It's getting late," I said, losing my nerve. She kept me glued to my spot, by keeping her arms wrapped around my neck.

"Don't run from this Eli," She whispered.

"I don't want to run from you. But I want to treat you with respect, Princess," I said, gently pulling her hands from around my neck, and holding them delicately in front of us.

"Eli, you treat me as a normal person. You don't make my feel inferior, or unwanted. You accepted me, and to me, that shows more respect than titles and etiquette. But please, tell me you feel it too," She said, pressing a hand over my heart. I shuddered, "I do."

"Then, please, forgo all the manners you think I want, and please…. Kiss me," She said softly, looking up at me.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met," I said, studying her face as I cupped her cheek.

"Eli," She chuckled.

"No, I mean that. I can't eat, can't sleep. All I think about is you. How much I wanted to prove I was good enough for you, to know how your lips would taste… to know a moment's peace, because it tormented me that I couldn't know, if you thought about me the way I do about you," I explained.

"I do, I do… Just please, kiss me. Tell me," She pleaded softly again. I couldn't restrain myself any longer, leaning down to slant my mouth over hers, unsure if I was doing things right, or failing miserably. After seeing my parents, and every other couple on our team kiss, I had a pretty fair idea of what to do. Her soft sigh as I gently nipped her lower lip was a confidence booster, giving me the guts to gently thread my fingers into the hair at the base of her neck.

"Eli," She sighed

"Crystal," I said softly, pulling back to kiss her forehead. She blushed, as I looked up to the patio quickly. I saw my Mom give me another thumbs up and resisted the urge to roll my eyes, before looking back at Crystal.

"We should probably rejoin the party. I don't want to keep you from your family."

"I don't want them to know just yet," She said, suddenly.

"I've never had something like this. I want to be selfish awhile more. Stolen kisses are much sweeter," She reasoned.

"I don't want to show your brother-in-law and sister any disrespect though. I want to do things right," I rationed with her.

"Just… let's wait until after the battle. This can be something for us, to hold onto during the fight."

"I'm gonna be on you like a fly with honey during that battle. Don't try anything heroic," I said, feeling a sense of dread in my stomach. I already had my mother's possible suicide mission to worry about, but if Crystal was in harm's way…

"I promise. I'll be within easy reach in case… well, in case I'm in too deep. Lockjaw will be close by too."

"Good," I said, pulling her close once more, leaning down to gently kiss her again. She smiled into the kiss, before I released her. She laid her head on my chest once more, and I noticed it how calm my heartbeat was slowing as she breathed contently against my shoulder.