Chapter 4:

**Post Iron Man 3, pre-Avengers: AoU**

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Tony, Pepper, Jarvis or any of the characters from Avengers, Marvel, Agents of SHIELD or their likenesses. They belong to Disney, Marvel, Stan Lee, Joss Wheddon for any and all movie adaption and television show adaption ideas that I have gleaned information from. P.S. It still may have some spoilers here and there from the movies or show, for anyone who cares. Small warning. I do, however, own the mystery woman in his dreams, Serafina, and a few other OCs that may find themselves in the story. Who knows?

This is going to be mainly focused on the movies than the comics, so please if you are a die-hard fan of the comics-while I greatly respect that, you may or may not like the plot of my story. But it is also going to be slightly AU because my original character has been brought into the story now. This will be a short lived Pepper X Tony story, and will change to Tony X OC later on; however, I do want that to happen gradually so I can fulfill more plot before any romance happens.

A/N: HI, back again! Here is chapter four. To recap, the mystery woman in the nightmares of Tony Stark has been revealed as Serafina- one of the Goddesses of the Morrigan and original character. This chapter will further her side of the story and offer connections that she and her sisters have to Tony, his family and Captain America… as well as their connection with S.H.I.E.L.D. Thank you for those who have looked at my story, liked, followed and/or favorited it and a big thank you for the review LilyMayRose and SolitaryNyght! That means the world to me. Please read, review and let me know what you think. I appreciate it!

The group and I sat in the lounge/lobby area in the front reception hall when you first walk into the Avengers Tower. I knew it wouldn't take long for Serafina and her siblings to get here, especially if they were able to fly… not that they would risk that sort of transportation in broad daylight if they could help it, I'm sure…

I glanced over at Pepper, who was looking at her phone with mild irritation. Yup—so much for a date night. Honestly, depending on how this meeting, or interaction, went with the Goddesses might be the straw that breaks the camels' back if you know what I mean. Pep and I were walking a very fine line.

I took a deep breath as I internally counted to see how long I could bear the silence. I was never really good with quiet, awkward pauses between a group like this.

But amazingly enough it wasn't me who broke the silence.

Lucky for me, Clint Barton—Hawkeye—being the sarcastic, witty bastard that he is, also couldn't take the quiet and one barb from him got us all interacting as we awaited the newcomers.

"So, you ran into some chick, goddess even, and now we are trying to see if Thor can give her a thumbs up on her credibility as a god—excuse me demi-god, and if Captain America knows her as… what? A friend? An ally?" Clint said, his words echoing in the vast foyer in of the lobby.

Steve gave him an exasperated look, but Natasha seemed perfectly in agreement with his inquiry.

"If what Tony said about her is true, then she is someone that I knew long before I became Captain America. However, I know nothing about her being a goddess… they were there for the experiment, I just don't remember why. As far as I knew, they were human. But I could be wrong."

"I will judge if they are an ally for us," Thor piped in, adding to Steve's commentary.

I rolled my eyes at his seriousness. Judge away, Lord Hammertime….

Before I could interject a witty comment of my own, aloud, the doors of the Avenger's Tower opened and three blonde women walked in to be further greeted by all of us. Like Serafina, who was leading since she was the only one that I was familiar with, and her sisters were also both blonde and blue-eyed. They all dressed well and seemed to pass off as perfectly "human" ladies. I have to say that if I had never come across Serafina and heard what she had to say about me and my life, I never would have guessed their story. Not in a million years.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Maria's eyes widen. Which only piqued my curiosity.

"Sarah? What are you doing here… Tony—he said your name, but I thought it had to be a coincidence… I thought it just couldn't be you three… but here you are," She mumbled.

Steve was standing, looking like a ghost from his past had returned… and punched him in the face, repeatedly. Clearly, and three of them to boot. His expression was just as shocked, but even more so when Maria spoke up. Which meant that these girls knew S.H.I.E.L.D.

Serafina's gaze expertly skimmed the room; she briefly glanced over me, giving me a faint smile before moving on to acknowledge the various familiarities in her presence.

But it was one of the women behind her who spoke up first.

The taller of the three, I could imagine was the eldest of the sisters, whose hair was the most golden and eyes were the deepest blue.

"Please, let us explain before the accusations come forth." Her accent was definitely thicker than her sisters', more velvety…

They were definitely beautiful in their own right, goddesses or celestial beings regardless…

Serafina nodded to what her sister said, and thankfully the rest of my group didn't protest again.

"Thank you," this time it was Sera. "My sister is right, if you give us the opportunity to speak we will do our best to possibly answer your questions before they arise. I know many of you have very important questions that must be acknowledged and… I will get to them," She glanced back at the last sister.

I will admit, unlike the older two, the youngest sister seemed to have the least amount of confidence about her air. She came off timid and quiet, although still regal and just as beautiful as the other two. Her hair was the lightest blonde and eyes were an icy blue, fair just like her skin.

"Then talk already!"

It took everyone a moment to register whose voice demanded so, but in an instant I knew that my annoyance with that relationship was truly palpable. Pepper…

However, Serafina looked back at Pepper calmly and nodded in compliance.

"I'm sorry that you feel that we are wasting your time, Ms. Potts. I will do my best to rectify the situation," Serafina responded—as she had done to me earlier—by answering an unspoken question from Pepper, who's eyes widened almost horrifically.

The youngest Morrigan sibling finally spoke after her elder sister's last comment.

"Humans are so quick to judge the unknown. Well, if we had judged your kind so conspicuously, there would be much less of them. Now, if you'll do so kindly to refrain from entering your opinions so decidedly and actually allow my sister the decency to elaborate, that would be agreeable."

Oh, I like the little one. She spoke her mind and was clearly a no-bullshit kind of gal. I could get used to hanging out with more individuals like them.

Pepper's expression was fuming mad, but shocked. She had been put in her place and the Morrigan's intimidation factor was impressive. They gave off an authority that just made you want to sit and listen to what they had to say. Wise beyond their years, even though in their case their years might actually be accurate and have a great deal of clout.

Steve didn't really seem phased by their behavior. He seemed quite at peace with them being present, even though he had seemed surprised to find out that they were living. Regardless of how, these were his friends and he appeared happy to see them. Having someone from 'his era' was probably comforting.

Serafina lifted her hand to her younger sister as if silently telling her that she was going to take it from there.

"I understand that you are all… skeptical," she began and gestured to themselves and then looked back at Maria, before addressing others more intimately, "I promise, before we leave, we will remove the veil and cloud of doubt and surprise. I will explain everything to the best of my ability… starting with Steven."

He looked up at his name. Again with the full name, these girls must not use nicknames often. Except she goes by Sera? Maybe it is a respect thing when speaking to guys… hm. Or maybe just respect for certain people?

Her eyes glanced at me and held my gaze for a moment, a smile lingering on her lips for a moment. That was enough confirmation for me.

"So, you weren't present at the first experiment by coincidence, huh?" Steve asked, deciding to begin the conversation that was obviously long overdue.

Serafina shook her head.

"No, we had heard about humans attempting to create a superhuman of sorts and of course throughout the millenniums, this had been tried and failed a multitude of times. Whenever we caught wind of the experimentations we were present. In case the experiment went poorly and we would then be needed to protect and ensure the safety of the world's population," she glanced at her sisters, possibly deciding that they might all need to give input.

Steve was quiet as he listened, "Cassie? You were only a child then… or so you said."

The youngest sister's cheeks changed hues from a ghostly pale to a vivid pink. Clearly not one for attention, but she spoke up quietly. Her accent was soft like Sera's, though her pitch was higher, almost childish. It fit her petite form.

"Ciarra, actually… And I was only a child back then, a child in goddess form. Comparatively… my sisters were mature in their growth, and I was still in my adolescence. Plus, I passed for a kid, so… that was what I was known as, and to keep me safe, my sister's kept me close while they worked." Her words came out in a murmur and she couldn't seem to look Steve in the eye as she spoke.

The eldest sister added on to Ciarra's response.

"As otherworldly beings, our growth rate is vastly different from that of human life, so she really was the equivalent of a teenage girl when we met back then. We weren't trying to deceive you, but honestly, telling you all of this at the time—you would have thought us mad."

Steve gave an ironic smile, "True, I am guessing Phoebe isn't your real name either?"

"No, Saphirra is my name. But if you called me Phoebe I am sure I would still answer you, Captain."

"Call me Steve, or Steven, since your sister has always called me that."

Serafina just smiled gently. I got a pang in my stomach when she smiled at him. Okay… nope, I can't be jealous. They're old friends, you just met this woman… you have a girlfriend, Stark. Her eyes glanced at me again and the sudden realization that she could hear my thoughts smacked me in the face.

If I could ever mute my thoughts, god, I wanted to right then.

I gave her a sheepish smile, the only thing I could muster while forcing back the blush fighting to surface. Internally I am sure she was laughing at me – I mean I must sound ridiculous… with my inner monologue.

"Alright, Steve," Saphirra replied to the captain respectfully before turning to her sister, "I know you said that we would explain before giving them the chance to ask their questions, but I believe that we should allow them to speak and we answer their questions before filling in the blanks."

Serafina nodded her head, gazing back towards our group. Right back at Steve.

"We will leave it to you then. Ask us anything," she offered. The youngest shuffled closer to her.

It seems like they are used to being interrogated by their body language and tone, which was a nervous energy compared to earlier when they gave off such confidence in themselves.

I glanced over to Steve, collecting his thoughts no doubt. I can only imagine the plethora of questions he had for them, knowing them so personally from his past. I mean I know I had, and still have, a ton of questions for them on my own, but of course that will wait until they get some things out on the table here and now.

It felt like an eternity before Steve formed a coherent question to ask them.

I gazed between him and the three girls several times as the words formed outwardly to match his thoughts.

"While I can think of countless questions with some of the new information I learned about you earlier… I just want to hear from you, what happened after I went down and ended up in the ice. I have time to have my other questions answered." His gaze was soft, admiring, and relieved.

Steve wouldn't be lying and I have no doubt in my mind that these women are who they claim to be. It was Sera who spoke up again, though she wouldn't look anyone in the eye for a while.

Instead she was staring intensely upward, as if she was looking up to the sky or maybe even beyond that.

"After you went down, so bravely… and recklessly hoping to contain and destroy the Tesseract by yourself… We all thought that you had died, of course. Phirra, Ciarra and I went out to search for you before anyone else could. Peggy had gone back with the rest of the team that survived to report back, devastated by the loss of our Captain and super-soldier," tears filled her stormy eyes.

I have to admit I did not like having to see such a painful expression on her face as she relived the memory.

Steve was frowning – knowing too well that he had caused the three of them pain, also including his old-time girlfriend Peggy Carter.

"It was a hard search. Ciarra had gone down into the depths of the ocean to try and search further for you. Long, ruthless hours we tried desperately to locate you. Because we could sense your spirit still. Your soul called to us, letting us know that you were alive – somehow.

And yet, when our youngest sister resurfaced from the depths of that cold ocean she was empty-handed. She said she couldn't get to you, even though she thought she found your general location."

"I thought Steve was found much later, by Stark. Howard Stark and they pulled him out of the ice." Maria interjected.

Ciarra turned her attention away from her sister's tale and nodded, "It was Howard Stark that had the technology to find and bring Steve out from the frozen slumber… I had given them the coordinates for where to look when the plane had crash-landed." She looked nervously at her sisters who gave her an encouraging nod to continue, "I had found the plane, and it was quickly filling with water which was going to crush Steve from the pressure of it all and he would have suffocated a very painful death. Regardless of his superhuman abilities and healing. It couldn't have possibly kept up with the injuries he had already sustained. So, instead of trying to get to him… because under the water I just wasn't strong enough and neither of my sisters would have been either, I froze everything. Including Steve. To preserve him, in hopes that we would have the opportunity to save his life later on. And my notion was right. Howard worked tirelessly trying to make something that would be able to take us down far enough to get to the crash site and extricate Steve's body. I didn't know if we would be able to thaw him and keep him alive, but all the way up until we had him and went about the process to thaw him from the ice – his soul told us that he lived. And we were going to ensure that he hadn't gone down simply in a blaze of glory."

As the information sunk in, the group could really only stare in awe. From what they were saying, their abilities were even greater than Serafina had described them to be previously. Not to mention, they had some pretty pure souls in order to handle the hard stuff they had gone through.

"I.. I don't know what to say, thank you just doesn't seem to suffice," came Steve's response. At first I thought he was angry from his expression, but I believe he was simply going through the harsh memory along with them. It was intense to watch their reactions, I could hardly try and imagine how terrible it had felt in the past.

Saphirra gave him a tender expression. Her eyes were full of compassion.

"You were one of the first humans to be so kind to us, Steve. You owe us nothing. We saved your life because we value you and there is nothing more we expect from you, except maybe to continue living and being a part of our lives now would be… it would be special."

Ciarra nodded emphatically. "You are family to us; You are the only family, besides each other, that we have had on this planet!"

Serafina joined in, with a serious nod of her own.

"We stayed with Peggy, in the aftermath, and that is how we ended up a part of S.H.I.E.L.D in the making. Our motivation was bringing our family, our brother, home safely. We spent a lot of time with both Peggy and Howard in order to do that. Between the research and recon that we were part of, we learned a lot about Midgard and about the sector of not only the American government, but also the World Council, that have rights and knowledge about otherworldly threats. It wasn't until Nicholas J. Fury became the Director that we were found out. Our secret of being the Goddesses of the Morrigan had been decoded… he was one of the only persons to know. Peggy and Howard were unaware. We needed it to stay that way."

"Did my father just think you were agents?" I asked suddenly. Their relationship with my father and my mother was a burning question in the forefronts of my mind and I couldn't contain it any longer.

Saphirra shook her head. "I do not think he really ever understood how we got involved, but he never questioned our loyalty nor did he ask us why we were involved. Which of course, for those that knew Howard, know that he was a very curious fellow and he asked many other questions."

"We met Howard before Steve had undergone the experiment to see if the serum for the superhuman hero would work. He did not question who we were or why we were present at that time," Serafina commented in addition to her sister. "Actually we met because he randomly started talking to me about the contraption he had designed to hold Steven in place when the serum was distributed. I was in the room, did not notice he was even present, doing last minute touch ups I suppose, and that quick-fire snappy commentary began. The three of us became friends with him not too long after."

"I always thought you were going to end up a Stark, Sera," Steve said with a chuckle, "Especially with how friendly you were with Howard. But I guess nothing came of it?"

"No! I…" Serafina began to explain herself, but her younger sister cut her off.

"That wasn't how Howard flirted. He never once hit on Sera, or any of us for that matter. How long have you known his son? Tony flirts with people like his father flirted with people. Arrogantly, flashy, confidently… no, Howard treated us like little sisters. He was goofy, still with the flashy pizzazz, but I think that was just his personality. He was so outgoing and loud… It wasn't sexual at all." Ciarra imparted, staring at me for a moment.

I could feel my face was on fire at the comparison between my father and myself, which at the moment, matched Ciarra's older sister's cheeks. Sera's face was a flaming red hue.

Serafina shook her head vehemently, "How is it you are so shy one moment, Cia, and then you spew out something like this?"

"She always catches you off guard, every time." Saphirra laughed.

I could see a smile light up on Steve's face. So these girls were basically adopted sisters to both him and my father… interesting. It cleared up a lot.

Of course, that was just a portion.

Thor had seemingly been patient enough, awaiting their take on their stance as goddesses and he was done with their laughter and shenanigans.

"While this is all fine and well, Ladies of the Morrigan, I must inquire and judge for myself who you are," he stepped forward.

All three who had been laughing and jovial alongside Steve, were now silent and somber. Serafina was watching Thor carefully, listening to his thoughts probably to gauge his perception and ideal of them before talking. Or possibly to see how hostile he was going to be towards her family.

He took a hard look at the three of them and crossed his arms across his chest, matching her stance. She was now more alert.

"What is it you wish to judge?" She asked, regardless of knowing the answer already.

"Tony mentioned, when you explained to him whom you are, that you belong to Heimdall. However, Heimdall has never once mentioned having children, nor having daughters that were banished to Midgard, supposedly by my father. I would like an explanation by your impression so that I may seek answers of my own from Asgard."

Ciarra lurched forward, almost angrily, but Saphirra grabbed her arm to hold her back. "Let Serafina handle this." The youngest just nodded mutely and glared at the demi-god of Thunder.

Serafina lifted her eyes, full of annoyance, and held Thor's steady gaze. Her slender arms unfolded and moved from across her chest to her hips as she let out a deep breath, to keep calm at his allegations. The strong-willed confidence was back.

"Would you ask an orphan to justify their credibility to a parental unit if in fact they found out their lineage?"

Thor shrugged, "This is not any simple case of orphans, you were banished for a reason–"

"Your father feared our power and decided to let us rot or destroy a helpless world! So, forgive me if I do not favor the son of Odin." Sera spat the title in a detested manner causing a surprised look from the taller blonde god.

"I do not understand," Thor murmured, not satisfied.

"Your heart is not open to hear the truth; so why shall I waste my breath?"

"The rest of us want to hear your story," I piped in. Seeing how upset Thor was making Sera was making me angry at the demi-god, but I thought maybe if I help smooth over the conversation that it could help Thor understand the three girls without upsetting them so much. "You have told me some, elaborate. Point Break here has a thick skull. Sometimes you have to beat it into him before it starts to take…"

Everyone was looking at me. Thor was annoyed by my nickname for him, of course, but Serafina's exasperated expression towards Thor had temporarily dissolved into a semi-smile, which was one of my goals; she might just explain after all.

She took another deep breath and turned back towards Thor.

"All I mean to say is that even though Heimdall has not brought up a detail like having children, does not mean we are not his offspring. We were banished from Asgard when we were very young, and you would have been very young at the time as well. Clearly, you don't remember that decree," Serafina began, rubbing her temple. "Heimdall had been raising us alone, because our mother died giving birth to Ciarra. Or so we were told. Honestly, she may have been banished also, since she was not a being of known origin to the universe and your father already felt threatened by her presence. Either way, our mother is dead and our father was the one solely raising us. It did not take long for Odin to become uncomfortable with the three of us being housed on Asgard. Even though we are part Asgardian, we are also a part celestial being of unknown origin. If you have ever heard of the Giver of Life and Death, that was our mother. Whom was not a part of any of the realms of the universe, not from any that are explored and sanctified.

"With all of this information, and us growing up with powers and abilities in abundance, Odin became very wary of our existence. I do not recall what it was we did that tipped the scale, but not long after our mother's death, we were sent away from our father… lacking our memories and awoke on this planet. Apparently he had ordered a spell to be cast upon our minds to limit or disperse our memories of that time, but as the years went by that spell faded. Some memories are still foggy, but we remember most of our life from when we were young up until present. I am not asking for your judgment or your approval. I do not care if you believe me, or my sisters, nor do I give a damn if you give us the credibility we deserve. I am a Goddess of the Morrigan, as are my sisters, and there is nothing you can do to change that fact, Thor Odinson."

It was silent and tense for a long while. Thor was never calm when people spoke to him as Serafina did, but for once I believe he knew that he was either well matched by these girls or knew that they were stronger than him and obviously outnumbered him if he were to retaliate.

After a long pause, he finally opened his mouth to speak, "I do not remember you being on Asgard, so if it is as you say, that my father altered your memories… it may be possible that he did that for others. Like your father. I cannot imagine Heimdall hiding the fact that he has children from anyone. He is a proud and caring man, and his loyalty has always been one of his treasured characteristics. The stories we were told as children, were horror tales about the Morrigan; that they were evil and dangerous."

"Of course we are dangerous! All Asgardians are dangerous, that self-righteous prick of a King – ugh!" Ciarra spewed angrily.

"Do calm yourself, sister," Saphirra began, but the young one was already over the edge. Talking about their past must be painful. Especially with the accusations they were receiving, which were apparently common.

The room began to get an unnatural chill to it; the coolness pricking the skin on my nose.

"Uh, J… something wrong with the air conditioning?" I asked Jarvis, out loud.

"Sorry, sir, it is not coming from the Tower's heating and cooling system. I am running diagnostics now."

Serafina's voice rang in my ear and I glanced in her direction. She was closer to me than she had been the whole time, and once again I could feel the heat radiating from her and a visible cloud of steam coming off of her.

"It is not your air conditioning malfunctioning… the chill is coming from Ciarra. She controls water and ice, if you recall… when I talked to you before. She is the most unstable with her abilities out of the three of us. They can be triggered by our emotions, and our ability to control ourselves is imminent for keeping them in check." She replied, raising her hand toward her younger sister who suddenly began to glow a dull yellowish-orange.

"So she gets mad and sometimes causes… like a snow storm – even indoors?" I inquired, calmly. Even though it was hard for me to wrap my brain around the cockamamie idea that there is more than just scientific evidence for otherworldly beings and superpowers, there was no point in denying it when it was right in front of my eyes and I was witnessing first-hand what these girls were capable of.

Saphirra walked closer to the two of us as well; her hands were at the ready. I assume to protect the rest of us if their sister got too out of control.

"Not just a snow storm, her power is far greater than something so trivial. But yes, essentially, if she loses control of her emotions and her subconscious mind taps into her abilities, it could cause damage to your tower and the people here. But with Serafina and myself present, she will not able to harm any of you, or this place." She responded.

Serafina nodded, her eyes focused intensely on Ciarra. After a few minutes the room began to warm up again, and the youngest Morrigan sister sunk to the ground with an upset frown. The two elder sisters walked over to her and knelt.

I glanced at Thor who was holding Mjolnir. He looked unhappy at the almost "catastrophe".

"Were we in danger?"

"Not imminently," was all Serafina replied, hugging her baby sister.

"What does that mean?"

Ciarra gazed sadly up at Thor. "I'm sorry, I try not to get involved in things because I am still working to control myself and my abilities. Sera and Phirra have always been a little better at gaining control of themselves and their powers."

Steve walked over to them and knelt by Ciarra with a kind smile. "No wonder you used to be so quiet and keep to yourself. It's okay; no one was harmed. You won't build up your confidence if you keep forcing yourself into a recluse. Your sisters are here to help… and so am I."

I walked forward, without skipping a beat. This was why they were meant to be here.

"Me too. I may not know you three very well, but if my father trusted you, I have no qualms about letting you be part of our super-secret band of special hooligans. If Fury trusted you, as well, that's even more reason for us to trust you."

All three of the sisters were staring at me, as was everyone else, though the only one that didn't look very surprised was Serafina. Which just means she knows I trust them implicitly.

Ciarra was watching me, completely wide-eyed, but her worry-lines faded quickly and after allowing both Steve and her sisters to help her up, walked over to me and gave me a big hug. Ultimately that took me by surprise, but it was cool… literally. She was still pretty chilly. And definitely like a little kid, but I know the charm of these women.

Bruce spoke up next, "I can help with relaxation therapy and calming techniques. One might even say I specialize in them."

Ciarra stared his way for a moment and then a smile broke out on her face, "I will keep that in mine, Dr. Banner."

He had a slight blush on his face as she responded to him. I couldn't help but chuckle.

With that, whether Thor believed them or not, there were several of us here that believed them and I think that mattered more to the Morrigan anyway.

"Thank you, Tony and Dr. Banner." Ciarra mumbled realizing the spotlight had once again been on her, and then hurried back to her siblings shyly.

Serafina turned once more to the big brute that is Thor with a firm look on her face, but he spoke first. His hand extended towards her with Mjolnir's handle facing her.

"Let's see if you are worthy."

It took me a minute, but I glanced from Serafina to Thor seeing what was up his sleeve. Serafina gave him a pointed expression before touching the handle.

"If I am worthy of the hammer, you will cease your judgements and offer us the credibility we deserve, no matter what. Do we have an accord?"

Thor nodded, ready to let go and leave things in the hands of fate.

"Aye, we have an accord, Serafina." With that his grip left the hammer and in an instant it was Serafina who was the brief wielder of the legendary weapon.

She smiled triumphantly as she held it in her pale hand, lifting it above her head for dramatics. Saphirra walked over and gently took it from her before tossing Mjolnir to Ciarra who caught it with her big doe eyes.

I know I was slack-jawed and Thor's expression was priceless. The audible gasp throughout the room was indicative that basically no one believed that anyone but Thor was worthy of wielding Mjolnir, but we have been wrong about a lot of stuff in the past. The list just keeps getting longer.

"A promise is a promise, Odinson," Serafina walked back to him after collecting the hammer from her sister and placed it back in his possession. "We are the Morrigan. Even Mjolnir respects that. Thank you for your time."

A satisfied expression glossed across her features.

Maria walked over to the three girls, changing the atmosphere. "Sorry to break up the interaction with your fellow Asgardian, but I just have to know… were you girls there for the Battle of Manhattan?"

Her question rung loudly in all our ears. My heart began to race. I still hate talking about this fight… I hate the memory. I hate the nightmares… what if they come back? I mean, I doubt meeting Serafina for one day would be the saving grace and cure for my bad dreams… but talking about it always triggers something.

I glanced towards the girls, with Maria's expecting look.

"Yes we were present, but Fury had a special request for us so we weren't on the frontlines like the Avengers were," Serafina looked up at Maria, tilting her head slightly at the inquiry. "Why? You were there with him when he called for us… Oh, are you asking about… you are. They do not know, leave it be. This is not the time to bring that up."

Saphirra glanced between Maria and Serafina. "When you answer people's thoughts out loud it is very confusing, Sera. Who are you talking about?"

She blinked, and I can only assume she does this subconsciously judging from her sheepish smile and pink cheeks.

Maria gave a knowing smile, "While it can be off-putting, it is helpful, at times… But like Serafina said, don't worry about who I am asking about. I will find out later. I always do."

"It can be off-putting, for sure," I mustered, stuffing my hands in my pockets as I walked over to the girls. Deciding to let the subject stay away from their elusive person.

Steve crossed his arms, thoughtfully.

"I just thought she was really intuitive. It never occurred to me that you were a mind-reader. I bet anything Howard thought the same way."

Serafina just smiled at the both of us, "Guilty of all charges, gentlemen."

The next thing that caught everyone's attention was the deliberate clicks of high heels heading towards the garage—towards my cars, and a slam of the door. I knew immediately that it was Pepper finally losing her temper. She was already fed up. I was fed up.

It's not that I didn't care. I could have gone after her, but right now, that was the last thing on my mind. Pepper and I had been unhappy together for long enough and this was just the tipping point.

At least it wasn't a screaming match. No, it was much subtler than that.

My phone buzzed in my pocket letting me know that I had a notification. I pulled it out to check and sure enough, it was from Pep.

It was just a text message:

"Consider us over, Tony. I am going back to my own place. If you could ship me my things that would be appreciated. And we will go back to our working relationship, as the CEO of Stark Industries, effective immediately. Forget the date. We're beyond repair. Good day to you, Mr. Stark."

I gazed at it for a moment, waiting to feel hurt by her words, but honestly I just felt relieved.

I typed a quick response to clarify that I received her message loud and clear.

"Stuff will be in the mail ASAP, Ms. Potts. Our working relationship is back in full swing. Consider the date permanently cancelled. Stark, out."

I smirked sliding my phone back into my pocket.

"Well, who's hungry? I think we should celebrate tonight. To new friends," I smiled this time sincerely at the Goddesses of the Morrigan.

Steve nodded, "After all this time, I think a party is appropriate."

Serafina was studying me for a moment, I am sure checking my thoughts, and seeing how honest my reaction was, but after a few a smile spread to her face and she agreed, her sisters looking happy about the proposal as well.

"We're in."

**A/N: Well, after a slight hiatus, here is chapter 4! Finally! Sorry for the delay, but the Goddesses of the Morrigan have officially been introduced to the Avengers! Serafina and her sisters will continue to give some background and story in addition to Steve Rogers and Howard Stark.

A little tension, drama, and celebration! Their tale will continue in the next chapter intertwining with Thor and Asgard, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D!

Oh, and of course, Pepper and Tony are no longer and item! Sorry Pepperony fans… while I have to say, I used to be one myself, I am no longer. Yes, while the idea for this story is for there to be a love interest between Serafina and Tony I do not plan on delving into that until much later.

I hope you enjoyed this segment! Much more to come!

Until next chapter,

Love~

Ebony