A GODS WEAKNESS [l.laufeyson]

THIRTY EIGHT

     After losing Gamora, Quill was determined to get her back. But he was angry and Astrid understood his pain. At least he knew there was a chance his loved one was still alive. At this point for Astrid, she had lost all hope. She would try to console Quill but he immediately pushed her away as well as the rest of his friends.

They had decided to head towards Thanos' home planet, Titan. From Quills ship, they watched another crash land. They identified it to be Thanos' and immediately stormed it.

After boarding the ship, they heard voices in the distance. The guardians had snuck on ahead while Astrid was still struggling to get through the door. She had been suffering from cramps for a little while now and feeling dizzy, and now she felt worse than ever. She had heard an explosion up ahead which brought her thoughts away from the pain to see the guardians and who they thought to be 'Thanos' children' break out in a fight.

After exchanging some words. Astrid finally realised who they were. Thor had brought back some photos from his travels to Midgard.

"We're the Avengers man."

That was it! Astrid guessed right. A little past the Avengers, she noticed Dr. Strange. The last time they met was when Astrid travelled to Earth with Thor and Loki to search for Odin.

"Tony Stark?" She walked towards them revealing herself in what little light shone through the ship.

"Who's asking?" Tony was still slightly threatened of them by their attack.

"Thor has told me all about you." She recalls Thor's stories of Midgard that he would tell to her and Loki. Loki had already met the Avengers... under a different circumstance so would only roll his eyes at the name. Yet Astrid felt like she could listen to Thor for hours.

"You know Thor?" Tony finally lowered his arm that was pointing to Drax, still slightly annoyed of their attack.

"Yes. He is my brother-in-law." Tony exchanged glances with Peter before looking at Strange who only nodded at him to confirm that this was true.

"Astrid? You're Loki's girlfriend?" Tony remembered Thor going on about how Loki had changed because of this girl. The Avengers looked around searching for Loki expecting him to pop up.

"Wife." She sadly fiddled with her ring. Tony saw her expression and realised Loki was nowhere to be seen. He had assumed the worse but couldn't really believe it considering he had fought with Loki personally and knew he was not only strong, but also smart. But he chose not to ask.

"Well, where is Thor now?" This was the time the Avengers needed Thor the most and yet, he wasn't here. He was starting to wonder if Thor made it too.

"He took off to Nivadellir." Quill finally let go of Peter pushing him forwards. As they continued talking about Thor, that pain in Astrid's stomach returned. The pain was growing more and more to the point she couldn't handle it. She fell to her knees screaming, grabbing everyone's attentions. Peter was the first to run to her.

"Ms Astrid, are you okay?" He tried reaching down to her before Strange pushed him out of the way to examine her while Mantis came up behind her placing her hands on her shoulders to try keep her still. As Strange was taking a look, he noticed the bump and blood. He realised she was pregnant but it was no where near her due date.

"You, come with me." He pointed to Mantis. "We need to operate now!" Without anyone having time to ask what was going on, Stange and Mantis took her somewhere quiet with the help of Drax carrying her.

~

Mantis had sent her to sleep so Strange could operate on her with the help of his powers. After the operation was successful, Strange returned to the others to inform them of the news, meanwhile Mantis stayed with Astrid until she woke up.

It had been about an hour when Astrid woke up. Mantis had already run out to get Strange when she heard Astrid stirring. When Astrid woke up she was alone but was soon joined by the two again. She didn't realise the others had been just around the corner, worrying for her safety.

"Astrid." Mantis started but couldn't bring herself to say it. Astrid could see the sadness in her eyes and immediately knew something was wrong. Strange placed his hand on the alien girls shoulder telling her she wouldn't have to say it. He walked closer to Astrid and crouched beside where she was laying.

"Astrid, your body had taken a lot of damage lately. In your condition, that could be quite dangerous." Astrid immediately knew he was on about her child, and knew something wasn't right. "Astrid. I'm sorry to say, but with the damage you and your unborn child took, he couldn't handle it."

"What does that mean?" Astrid teared up, not wanting to hear the answer.

"I'm sorry but, your child did not survive."

It felt like Astrid had her heart ripped out. She had lost both her husband and her baby in the space of a week. It wasn't fair. Life wasn't fair, and it was all because of Thanos. This was his fault.

Astrid broke out into uncontrollable tears again. Her whole family had just been ripped away from her, and at that moment, she didn't see any point of living herself. Mantis cradled her and Astrid collapsed off the bed while Strange placed a hand on her shoulder rubbing her arm for comfort. Meanwhile, the others that stood outside were mourning for her. Peter was crying while Tony placed his hand on the boys head. Quill was sat on the floor with his head in his hands, and Drax was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed reliving the pain of losing his own family.

Astrid suddenly felt her power surge through her body. It had been so long since she had her powers and she felt them return all at once. Her hands and her eyes glowed as Mantis and Strange backed away not aware of her powers.

Astrid stood up. Sadness replaced with rage, she walked past Mantis and Strange while they stood up following her out as the others watched her new form. Tony looked at her, she reminded him of Wanda with her powers. She turned back to the group of now 6 who were all watching her.

"I will be the one to kill Thanos."