Desi was panicking, hyperventilating as she was consumed in the darkness, the sound of screams surrounding her but she had nowhere to go, nowhere to look. Hearing the heavy sound of laughter, Desi began to panic, her hands glowing white as a light source for herself to keep herself mentally together.

"No fair, no fair! You almost joined me!"

Desi spun around, and her heart dropped as the woman figure from all those years ago stood before her. The spirit from before hovered towards her, her hair in disarray, a sword in her hand as she walked towards her.

"Lost, but found again, and you bare me children, to claim as well. How generous you are…" the spirit spoke.

"Who, or what, are you?" Desi asked, her voice shaking from fear.

"I am what your people call the Weeping Woman, La Llorona…my name was once Malinche. I was once human but no more…" Malinche spoke, smiling as she stood before Desi.

"Why do you want me? And the women in my family?" Desi asked.

"Your ancestor lured my husband, made him unfaithful. He left me and my children…a life for a life…" Malinche spoke.

Without warning, Malinche wrapped her hand around Desi's neck, choking Desi.

"You're the second to last…the baby inside you is also a girl. You both will pay with your lives for mi ninas, I'll make sure of that." Malinche whispered.

Desi was suddenly dropped, coughing hysterically as Malinche hissed, flying off as a portal opened before Desi. She narrowed her eyes as a man came through the portal, his blue suit with a luxurious red cloak, his black hair with white streaks above his ear.

"Who are you?" The man asked.

"Destiny Stark, who are you?" Desi asked as she struggled to breathe.

"They call me Dr. Strange."

Desi shot up from her bed, panting heavily as she felt the tears down her face. The screams wouldn't leave her, the thought of nearly killing Hela frightened her, but now Malinche. Now she knew the truth, and her heart broke for the person, but they were no longer human. And who was Dr. Strange? How was he involved?

Desi looked over her bed and smiled sadly when she saw her four husbands laying in bed with her. Bucky on her left, Steve on her right with Thor and Loki using her thighs as a pillow. She needed to cry, to break, but she knew them-they'd try to keep her happy.

She couldn't…

Desi carefully took her legs back from the Norse Gods before she carefully slid down off the bed, grabbing her phone and oversized hoodie before she slipped on her boots. Once she was safely out of the room, she checked on her kids to see there gone but the room was in disarray; the familiar sight from they would pack in a rush.

Chewy barked when he saw her and quickly shooshed him before grabbing his leash. Attaching him from the harness, she quietly left the home, walking straight down the driveway before she put on her earbuds. She listened to a few songs, but the memories of Asgardians dying before she began to invade her mind.

She began to hyperventilate once more as she approached the nearby lake, sitting down against the tree as Chewy began to bark, whimpering as Desi lost herself. She hugged her legs, hyperventilating with short breaths, her body combusting as the deaths replayed in her head.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Please, stop…" Desi whispered in a mantra, sobbing painfully as she was oblivious to the many sets of feet coming towards her.

"Desi, sweetheart, look at me."

Desi could hear Steve's voice but she began to rock, repeating "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! Please, stop" over and over.

"PTSD…" Bucky stated softly, his jaw clenching as a frown came to his face, something Steve was too familiar with.

"Desi, listen to me. I need you to try to count backwards for me okay? Try counting from 30 down for me." Steve stated but Desi made no motion of hearing him.

"Come on sweetheart, 30…29…28…27…26…25…"

"Twenty….four…" Desi whispered.

"Good, twenty-three." Steve spoke as he slowly and gently took her hands into his.

Desi began to slowly count down as he sat behind her, moving her hands in a crisscross, helping her self-hug. By the time she was finished, she began to take deep shaky breaths, leaning back onto Steve. He smirked as he rested his hand protectively over her stomach and their baby, the men feeling slightly relieved to see her calmer.

"I know it hurts, sweetheart, but you need to talk about it. It helps to endure this." Steve told her.

Desi looked up at him before she looked at them, their hard gazes were enough to know that they weren't letting this go.

"On Asgard, Hela was looking for the sword; the key used to open the portal. The people of Asgard helped hide the sword, but no one would confess the location, despite each life that was lost…" Desi spoke,

"Each time they refused; she'd call on me. Like clockwork, she would force the poison in me as she made them choose. I…kept mustering the strength to break free and try to save them, but it didn't matter. She killed them in front of me, one by one," Desi continued to explain,

"Their voices for me to live for Asgard, scarce amounts asking for my help, feeling their pain with my own was so horrible. She knew of my baby, and I fought so hard to keep the poison out when she pushed more into me each time. I know I didn't kill Hela, but I've…never tried to before…" Desi felt the tears come back, but Thor squeezed her leg in assurance.

"She killed hundreds, if not thousands of our people for her cause. She even tried to kill you and our child, Destiny. You didn't do this out of enjoyment, you did it because you didn't have a choice." Thor told her.

"I mean, she was out for blood. Poor brother here even lost an eye." Loki spoke, hesitant when he felt Thor's glare over him.

"What's important is you and the baby are safe now. Why don't we get you home and make sure you get some rest?" Bucky suggested, but Loki saw her eyes shift.

"There's something else." Loki stated, making Desi frown.

"What's he talking about, Des?" Steve asked, surprised that she would try to hide it.

"I…I had a dream of that spirit again…" Desi said, ignoring the horrified looks on their faces, "She said she was coming for the baby and me. A life for a life…"

"But you haven't killed a soul." Thor told her, confused.

Malinche was her name, a Weeping Widow; a Llorona in our culture. Apparently, her husband had an affair with someone and ran off with them. Malinche drowned her children before killing herself, but…I think either the woman or the husband was part of my family. It's a curse…and it's almost over…" Desi explained.

Steve took a deep breath as she snuggled into him, feeling fearful of her own dreams. She needed to be strong for her baby, and her kids, but for the first time, she was afraid of herself.

"I have an idea," Loki spoke up, "why don't we take the kids and stay in New Asgard? It'd be good for you and the kids, not to mention our parents would love to spend time with their grandchildren."

"That's not a bad idea brother," Thor said, smiling excitedly at this opportunity, "wouldn't you like this, Destiny?"

"What about the Avengers? They may need us." Desi questioned.

"I took my leave," Steve assured her, "I'll be with you until our baby is born."

"I'll go whenever you go, you know that, doll." Bucky said, smirking at her.

"…Okay, fine." Desi said, smiling and chuckling as Bucky and Loki stood up, pumped up by the adrenaline.

"Excellent darling, let me help pack a bag for you." Loki offerd.

"I can get it." Bucky told him.

"No, no, you get the kids' items." Loki insisted as he walked over to the house. He knew that Steve and Thor needed a moment alone with her, but he was certain Bucky was still being obsessive.

"What? Why me? Can't you use your magic or something?" Bucky challenged him, following after him.

"I'm not that type of magic user." Loki said irritably.

"Hmm, pity." Bucky muttered.

Desi took Thor's hand into her own, and he watched her as she kneeled in front of him. Cupping his face in her hands, she smiled before she placed a gentle, chaste kiss on his lips.

"I love you with the eyepatch," Desi told him softly, "but I love you even more. Thank you for coming back for me."

"I wasn't going to stop until I did. Astrid will not lose her mother, and I will not lose the love of my life without a fight. I'm just glad you're safe…" Thor swore, pulling her into a brief kiss.

Thor pulled away reluctantly as shouting could be heard behind them, making Desi and Thor chuckle.

"You're what holds us together, beloved," Thor told her, "Have a moment to relax with Captain. I'll take Chewy and help keep the peace."

"Thank you, my love." Desi said as she let him go, allowing Thor to leave with Chewy leading the way back home.

Desi made an eep noise as Steve scooped her up, cradling her against him as she cupped his cheek. He was glad to see her safe and back to herself in his arms, his hand still over her stomach as he lifted her hoodie, his thumb caressing her cheek.

"I'm not leaving your side until our little star is born." Steve swore and she smiled.

"I'll hold you to that, my Captain. I'm sorry we both found out this way about my pregnancy." Desi told him.

"Nothing is normal with us." Steve reminded her, smirking playfully.

"Too true. I…don't suppose you…want to have a quickie before we head back?" Desi asked, trailing a finger down his chest.

"Taking advantage of a situation, are we, Mercy?" Steve teased.

"Taking an opening of opportunity, as my Captain once said." Desi teased right back.

After saying their goodbyes to everyone, the family moved to New Asgard, as promised and Desi couldn't have been more happy. The people welcomed them with open arms, Frigga taking the children often to allow Desi and her husband much alone time.

Steve would take her into the town, exploring the mini shops and keeping her energized through her pregnancy, but enjoyed the baking sessions together. It reminded him of their first time together when she made apple pie. Desi helped him through his loss but also opened himself to allow his feelings of Desi's beginning to develop.

Thor would leave from time to time to follow the trail on the stone rumors but was coming home more often to be with her and Astrid as she began to walk and talk more, not wanting to miss a moment. He would take Desi on walks, or stargazing with one another.

Loki was the same way, feeling ridiculous sometimes but secretly cherishing their time together. Desi would read to Loki, he reading to her. He would help her practice her magic as a distraction but Desi enjoyed any moment with them.

Astrid and Asmund would cling to one another, which Loki and Thor both were happy to see regardless. Both siblings sought out Jamie more than anything.

Bucky and Desi would enjoy their dates nights dancing to their music, playing Scrabble, and baking burgers for them. Bucky tried to cook once but nearly burned the house down, banning him for a lifetime.

When the baby was born, Bucky did a Skype call as Steve stayed beside Desi, bringing into the world Fiona Eir Rogers. Steve enjoyed every minute, feeling a sense of bliss that he didn't know he could experience a second time, marrying Desi being his first.

For a few months, everyone was in harmony, when Nat and Sam showed up unexpectedly. Thor had left with Loki to gather resources the village needed, leaving the supersoldiers enraged when Tony was requesting them back home.

"Sokovia Accords," Nat explained, "NATO wants us all to sign the document that will call us only when we are needed, by request."

"What does Tony think of this?" Steve asked, tensing up.

Desi took Fiona into her arms, rocking her as they discussed the issue. Tony signed the document, as did a few others. In response, Steve refused to sign it, as did a few others. Desi could see the team was divided, and it broke her heart, feeling the tension between everyone already.

"General Ross is calling a team meeting, you three need to come with back." Sam told Steve, Nat smiling apologetically to Desi.

"Tony said he'd pretend he doesn't know where you are, for the children's sakes." Nat assured her.

"Tell him to thank you for me. Just…make sure they come back home to me, will you? General Ross can be…forceful." Desi asked her.

"Promise, Tiny." Nat swore.

"Don't do anything reckless while we're gone, doll." Bucky warned her, pulling her in for a sensual kiss.

Desi smiled against his lips, kissing him back before he pulled away, smirking down at her but she could see the concern on his face.

"I'll try but you better come back to me before I go looking for you. Remember: Till the end of the line my love." Desi said. He rested his forehead against hers, regretting leaving her but kissed her forehead one final time.

"Till the end of the line, love," Bucky whispered, "I'm going to say goodbye to Jamie before I go."

Desi smiled and nodded before he left the house with Nat and Sam, leaving Steve alone with his wife and child. He carefully approached them, giving his daughter a tender kiss on the forehead, taking in her baby scent once more.

"Thor and Loki should be back any day now, you should stay with Frigga and the children; just to be safe." Steve advised her.

"I know, I will honey. My father and brothers are coming to visit next week. Just...come back to me, okay? We are also together until the end of the line, you and I." Desi assured him.

"Till the end of the line. I love you."

"I love you too, my Captain."

A week had gone by, and Thor and Loki had yet to return. Frigga had helped her with the children, her father and brothers leaving in a few days to come to visit them.

But the nightmares began to come back.

Desi had managed to fend her off until she was forced awake, panting heavily as she sat up. Her toddlers were sleeping sounding beside her, her newborn asleep as well, but was alarmed when she saw a portal open in front of her.

A golden-rimmed portal expanded, and she stood up with a barrier around her children when a familiar man came through, a gentle smile on his face.

"Destiny Stark?"

"..Dr. Strange?" Desi questioned and he nodded.

"Good, you're as smart and polite as you look."

"Thanks for that. What brings you here?" Desi asked, keeping her dome up. He looked at her dome in fascination, probing it with his finger. He couldn't get the effect, but he felt rejuvenation around the dome; no doubt it was coming from the inside.

"You have excellent skill and extraordinary magic. Who taught you?"

"Self-taught, mother was a goddess of healing." Desi said simply.

"Eir, from Norse Mythology; no doubt from Asgard like Thor and Loki." Dr. Strange suggested.

"Human born though, but nearly spot on. The good perception you have there."

"Thank you," he said with a smile before his face grew serious, "So, I saw you had otherworldly creatures seeking you out."

"You mean that Malinche spirit?" Desi questioned.

"That one. She's not really a spirit, not anymore anyways. It seems she had been after your family for quite some time now." Strange answered.

The door had swung open, catching their attention when Frigga came in with four ladies-in-waiting behind her.

"Drop your shield, Dr. Strange is not a threat to you or the children, dear."

"Yes, mother." Desi said as she dropped her dome, relaxing with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry."

"No, I understand," Strange sympathized, glancing over as the women took the children out of the room, "Mother instincts is not something to mess with."

"Thank you for understanding," Frigga spoke, standing beside Desi, "now, you spoke of the creature after my daughter."

"Yes, Malinche. She has been gathering other creatures to come for you," Stranger told them, "she will be coming for you in your dreams or in the real world, or perhaps both. Normally I like things to take their course, but…I knew I had to help."

"I appreciate that but why? Why help me?" Desi asked. Desi noticed he took a deep breath, a distant look on his face.

"You reminded me of someone I once moved with, you and she are more alike than I care to admit. I saw your struggles to get here…and what comes when you die by her."

Desi felt her heart drop, the painful realization in his words, her thoughts going to her children and her four husbands.

"I'm…going to die, aren't I?" Desi dared to ask.

"Yes, but you have a chance to survive with my help," Strange told her as he approached her slowly, "you'll have a chance to live, to grow old with your husbands and your children."

"Let him help you, dear," Frigga told him, "I will take the kids."

"But, my Thor and Loki-"

"Will not make it back in time," Strange told her, "if we do it now, they can help us. Trust me."

Desi took a hard swallow before taking a deep breath. The thought of never seeing her kids again, being with her husband, to end this damn curse was motivating her; she wouldn't back away from this. But fear hit her as she thought of her husbands. If something were to happen to her, they wouldn't be okay. Devastation could overhwlem them…

"Can I ask a favor?" Desi asked.

"I can try, kid." Strange spoke.

"…Can you allow temporary memory loss? Make it where no one would remember me?" Desi asked.

"Dear, allow them to help you." Frigga spoke out of concern.

"What if I fail? I know Bucky and Loki…they wouldn't…" Desi let out a shaky breath.

"I'll do that when we enter the dimension, but I can remove it at any time. I have to ask, are you sure you want to do that?" Strange asked.

"Yes…I'm sure."

"How long will she be gone for?" Frigga asked, knowing this will be no easy feat.

"It's hard to tell. In the other dimension, there's no track of time. You may…want to say your goodbyes." Strange said, turning away to give her some space.

Desi approached her children's sleeping faces, taking in their features one last time, closing her eyes tightly as she took in their scents. Jamie was such a mama's boy, Astrid such a daddy's girl. Asmund loved it more when both she and Loki was with him…she would miss the milestones in their life if she didn't make it….

Bucky would be devastated, Steve would cry but shield and harden himself to everyone, Loki would risk being self-destructive…Thor would brave through it but he'd be either torn or as tough as Steve. Saying goodbye to them wouldn't happen, but they wouldn't remember her anyways…

Heimdall saw everything, possessing both Loki and Thor as he revealed to the brother's what transpired. They had yet to return to Earth, but both are livid.

"I can't believe they left her alone, I will literally ring their necks." Loki swore, feeling enraged that the super soldiers abandoned her in her time of need.

"Not until I get to them first." Thor swore, flying the ship faster to New Asgard.

"Be safe, dear. Please remember to not use all your strength at once...my sons would help you if just let them." Frigga stated, pulling Desi into a tight hug.

"I know, thank you, mother. Please give Odin my apologies, tell the boys I love them…and take care of my children. Let them know I love them too." Desi asked of her.

"You can tell them all when you get back. Be strong, love." Frigga whispered to her.

"We should go." Strange told her, opening the portal once more.

Desi took a deep breath and slowly walked towards the portal. She looked back at Frigga and her children one last time before taking Strange's arm, going through the portal, and closing quickly behind them.