Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was just an ordinary Friday night. No, not really. The full moon was out again, which meant Billy and Tommy are going to be MIA for three days again.

It wasn't like the boys never informed them first. 

"Our family just has this tradition were we meet up on a night of the full moon and bond. We just tend to need more time to catch-up with each other."

No one really questioned this. What the twins do on their free time were none of America's business and is even more so not the Avengers'.

No one had any problems except Strange and the Scarlet Witch.

While Strange only found it, well, strange that two of the newly established Young Avengers will be out of commission for three days, Wanda never liked the fact her children had other people to call family. It didn't help that the boys never called her 'mother'.

"For the last time Maximoff, we need to go," Tommy brushed off the hand on his shoulder. The Scarlet Witch was shocked at the speedster's dismissal. She attempted to continue the conversation again, but Tommy already stepped through the portal.

Everyone turned to Billy who sighed.

"I'm sorry Wanda, but my brother is right," he addressed. "As a colleague, w here we go is none of your business."  He turned to look at his watch only to sigh once more. 

"And he's double right, we need to go. It's almost time."

"Almost time for what?" 

He ignored her as he checked his bag. Satisfied, with its contents, he turned to Kate.

"We'll be back by Monday."

Kate nodded. "If the two of you are needed-

The portal shimmered with bluish green magic as Tommy's head poked through.

"Yeah yeah, you can contact us and if we don't respond or in emergencies, visit us at Westview," he deadpanned. Turning his head, he quirked an eyebrow, "You coming or not, bro? Mami is about to start."

Wanda flinched. Billy's eyes widened. 

"Hey! She promised not to."

"Well get your ass in here. I'm not waiting."

"Fine, fine," Billy turned to address the room.

For a moment, he just stared at them.

"Bye." Drama queen.

And with that, he stepped through the portal which closed as soon as he left.

Yes, the Scarlet Witch, the harbinger of the apocalypse, and the destroyer of the Darkhold is rejected by her children.

Funnily enough, when you kill hundreds and try to kill your son's, at the time, future best friend, he and his brother tend to not like you.

America was weirdly happy that they weren't okay with it. Sure she feels bad for the Scarlet Witch, I mean who wouldn't, but she was one of the people she tried to kill so not a whole lot of pity.

However, for their current situation, she may be open to reconsidering that. Just a smidge though.

Standing in the suburban neighborhood of Westview, she couldn't help but wonder what the redhead was feeling.

Did she feel guilty? Pain? Anguish? She did control these people.

But that was done out of grief, right? America knew what it was like to lose one's family and the guilt it brings. She may not like the Scarlet Witch, but no one deserves to lose their loved ones.

But all these innocent townspeople didn't deserve to bear the brunt of her grief.

Shaking her head, America decided to cut her reflection short. They had a mission to complete. Well, a more personal one at that.

"Are we sure we're at the right place?" Kamala asked.

"Yep," Eddie confirmed. "The two-story white house with a triangle and a greenhouse."

"You sure?"

"I've literally been here," he deadpanned. "Are you guys sure about this? I mean, this isn't an emergency."

"We need to know why they have to leave during the full moon," Strange answered. "What if we need them for a mission?"

"They told you that they can be called to action."

"There is no need for that if they just don't leave."

"They're with their family. Isn't that one of our rights? To have a work and home balance?"

The two continued to argue. America looked towards the house. It looked nice, freshly-painted with no sign of wear. The yard was trimmed, sprinklers going off to water the grass. Flowers of all kinds were in full bloom.

The house looked perfect. Too perfect.

America knew Billy and Tommy's parents know about their past. I mean how does one explain how their children could have powers similar to the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. But something tells America that whoever these parents are, they may be more magical than they were lead to believe. Turning to the Kamala, they made eye contact. Both of them can feel it. As a magik user herself and as Kamala is Ms. Marvel, she could feel power radiating from the house. Multiple sources if she is correct.

Wanting confirmation, she turned to the red witch who was suspiciously quiet. 

"Um, Wanda? Can you-"

She began only to stop once she realized the look on the Scarlet Witch's face. There was shock and confusion which turned into anger.

"What is she doing to them?"

This caught everyone's attention. Strange asked, "What is who doing?"

"The witch that tried to steal my magik. She must have broken through my spell and regained her magik when I was critically injured," Wanda began. Flicking her wrists, she summoned her power. 

"She must have my boys hostage."

Everyone's eyes widened. The boys are what now? Surely Wiccan and Speed wouldn't have been bested by a singular witch.

Only, Kamala and America made eye contact again. 

Multiple sources if she was correct. 

A coven.

Have they been in danger this whole time? They wouldn't have returned if they were. Unless, maybe they were given incentive to do so. Ugh! Maybe she should have asked more about these nights then.

Strange narrowed his eyes. "Then we better hurry and save them."

"Woah! Wait a minute, they're not in danger at all," Eddie began. "Agatha is-

"How do you know her name?"

"I've literally told you guys I've been here. I can say for certain that she's not endangering them."

Everyone turned to look at him. For a moment, there was silence until...

"She manipulated you too," Wanda confirmed. "Her magik surrounds you."

Eddie was confused. "What? No, this is not-"

Before he could explain any further, Kate incapacitated him with one of her shock arrows then Strange bound him.

With Hulkling unconscious, everyone readied to storm the place.

'Billy, Tommy,' America thought. 'We're coming for you.'

They almost reached the door until the earth erupted and vines emerged, wrapping them all. None of them, not even Strange or Wanda, could escape.

No, we can't give up now.

Struggling, she tried to teleport out of the vines only for a force to stop her. She can feel her magik try to respond but the more it did, the more it became unstable. She felt her soul become uneasy as her magik continue to flare out of control. Based from the blue, scarlet, and orange hues, she wasn't the only one. But even with the magik of the Sorcerer Supreme, the Scarlet Witch, and Ms. Marvel, the vines didn't break.

"How adorable."

Turning to the voice, she saw a woman standing in the doorway. She wore a white button-up and purple pants. Her brown hair was flowing wildly as violet pulsed from her fingers, which is the same violet glow from her eyes. A circlet of violet with a crescent moon in the middle adorned her head.

"You lot thought you can storm into my yard and try to disturb my night?"

"Agatha," Wanda growled.

"Wanda," Agatha smirked. "Isn't this a lovely reunion."

Chapter Text

"How are you-"

"Got away from your spell after you destroyed the Darkhold," Agatha smiled. She proceeded to remove the circlet and twirl it around her fingers. "Managed to get back the power I had sacrificed to it too."

She turned towards the others. "Aaaand it seems like you went back to the hero shtick."

The purple witch regarded them for a bit. She seemed to be contemplating. For a moment, she was distracted by something in the distance.

Which caused the force messing with their magik to lessen long enough for America to teleport out of the vines and into-

"Hey where are you-"

-------

"Ouch!"

She stumbled into someone. She tried to get herself out only for her to trip. Before she can fall on her face, the person stabilized her. 

"Dude, you okay? Or are you just interested in rearranging your face via floor surgery?"

"Tommy!"

"Amy!"

"Woah, who's that?"

"Is she out to get us?"

"I thought those two had it handled."

America surveyed the room.

It seemed to be a laundry room or was it a garage? Tools and laundry items were scattered around the room. There were even gardening equipment 

It seemed so normal until she looked down only to scream at the pentagram she was standing on.

Did she really just teleport into a ritual? She had enough of people trying to use her for these things.

"America."

She turned coming face to face to Billy who she realized was sporting a dark bluish grey jacket over a grey turtleneck and ripped jeans. He was holding his spell book.

His spell book. The one he brings out in extreme cases. Like say if he's trapped.

And she bumped into Tommy meaning he too was standing on the pentagram meaning...

Summoning her magik, she quickly shielded herself, Tommy, and Billy. Then she brought out a whip ready to strike the other occupants if they got too close.

Speaking of the others in the room, she turned to face them.

On the different points of the pentagram were four people.

The one to her right was a tall black woman wearing a long-sleeved dress pink with markings that she couldn't make out. A gold necklace resembling chains adorned her neck. America could have sworn she looked familiar.

To her right were two. An Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair and orange highlights wearing all black with orange markings leather jacket, a long-sleeved cycling shirt, pants, and combat boots. Guess there was another person more emo than Mr. All Powerful Black Eyeliner.

Behind the woman was a blonde older lady wearing a green floral button-up, a dark green apron on her waist, light brown pants and gardening boots. She seemed to be a normal person but for all America knew, the woman was just good at hiding her presence.

The last one was facing her. Another old woman with curly grey hair tied into a bun. She wore a worn yellow jacket over a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

They surrounded the three Avengers, their attention all on America.

Looks like she arrived on time before they could sacrifice the boys. She really had enough of people using children to gain their powers.

America turned to Billy about to console him, to tell him that help is on their way, only to be met with a confused Wiccan.

"What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" She repeated, crossing her arms. "Trying to save you guys of course."

"Saving us?" "Dude, what are you talking about?"

"Yeah," she pointed towards the witches. "From them obviously."

The twins only stared at her. Did she have something on her face?

"America," Billy began. He pocketed his spell book. "We don't need saving."

America was confused. 

"But Wanda said-"

"What did she say this time?" Tommy grumbled. "Seriously Amy, we told you guys that she doesn't have anything to do with us anymore."

"She said the witch who tried to get her magik was holding you hostage."

"You mean Agatha?" the witch of Hot Topic asked. Beside her, the gardening witch stared daggers at America.

"Young lady, if anyone were to hold someone hostage, it would be Wanda," she continued. "Agatha was the one who saved us after all."

"Yes, our esteemed leader," the witch in pink mocked. "Saviour and serial killer." This caused Hot Topic and Tommy to snort. Billy was smirking and the two older witches smiled.

What? America blinked. She turned to stare at the boys who stared back at her.

Why do they seem so at ease with them? 

Are they...

"Guys, if they're threatening you to continue visiting them, we're here for you."

Yeah, maybe they still are-

"We literally told everyone that we're visiting famiy," Tommy deadpanned. 

"Your family?"

"Yup," he pointed towards the others, who turned to him. "Our family."

"Wait, let me get this straight," America interrupted. "You two were raised by a coven of witches lead by the same woman who tried to kill you and your mother?"

"For the last time, she's not our mom," Tommy glared, which caused Ameeica to hold her hands u

"Technically," Billy continued. "She was only trying to steal her power and she did think we were just illusions like Vision so all is forgiven."

"How the hell-"

"It helps that she's the reason why we're alive in the first place."

"Why are you guys-"

A gasp was heard. Everyone turned to the hippie witch, who had a glazed look in her eyes. She turned to America.

"You're not from here."

"Um," Well... "I don't exactly live in Westview."

If she did, she wouldn't be as confused as she is right now.

"No," she shared her head. "You're not of this world."

America flinched. This caused the other three witches to turn to her. 

How did she...

"Lilia, you're scaring her."

"I'm only telling what I saw, Billy."

"Yeah, but she's doesn't really tell anyone about that part of her life," Tommy answered. He turned giving America a concerned look. She smiled back, assuring him that she was okay.

The wit-, Lilia, turned to her. "I'm sorry about that. I tend to just blurt out what I see in my visions."

"It's alright," America replied before asking. "Visions?"

"Lilia is our coven's divination witch," Billy answered. "She can receive visions about the past and the future."

"Her concept of time is pretty fucked up too," Tommy added. "But ever since the Road, she can better control them. Usually, only the very important ones catch her off guard."

"Your past must be very important then," Lilia continued. 

America couldn't do anything but stare. She only heard about covens from her mentor Wong, on how they're composed of witches with varying areas of magik.

"Unlike us sorcerers, who use the magik around us, witches use the magik they were born with. They are far more connected to the world around us and far more skilled and powerful than what we can comprehend."

"Was that why Strange went all out in protecting me from her?"

"Yes," Wong answered. 'While most sorcerers would struggle against normal witches, the Scarlet Witch is a force far beyond even witches. The only ones who could potentially have the same or even overpower her are the Original Green Witch and the Triple Goddess."

"The who now?"

"The Original Green Witch is a powerful green witch who holds powers over life and the elements far deeper than any other green witch. She is the first after all. There are even rumors that she continues to live among us, only in a more different and powerful form."

"As for the Triple Goddess, she is what most witches see as their God. The Divine Mother, they call her. She wields power from all forms of magik, though most of her iterations mention she mainly uses spirit magik as a witch's magik is connected to their spirit aka their soul. Without their magik, witches would perish, which is why a popular way witch hunters would kill witches was to obtain artifacts capable of removing a witch's magik or sorcerers who know how to bind it."

"And Billy?"

"He is what is known as a Demiurge. He was prophesied alongside the Scarlet Witch as a being capable of rewriting the laws of the universe according to his whims. He is also another witch capable of becoming as powerful as his mother."

"Damn, I didn't know Billy was so OP."

"Yes," his eyes twinkled with mischief. "So you and Tommy better stop pranking him or he'll get annoyed enough to destroy the universe."

"What? No!" America gasped. She knew Wong was only joking around, but America couldn't help but be affronted. Billy did everything to keep his powers in check. He doesn't know how Billy would wake up at nights crying from another nightmare where he accidentally destroys his loved ones. 

It was one of the many reasons they could relate to each other after all. Also, their bond with Tommy too.

America knew witches could do things sorcerers couldn't, she never saw it yet. 

Sure, Billy and the Scarlet Witch can throw huge blasts of power around, but seeing the past and the future? Heck, Strange needed the time stone to do it. You're telling her that there are witches capable of doing so out of the blue?

"Anyway," Billy continued. "Might as well introduce you to the others."

Clearing his throat, he began to introduce the coven.

"This is Sharon Davis, our resident analog witch." He pointed towards the gardening lady, who was no longer glaring at her. She even waved at America which she returned. How sweet.

Analog magik is quite similar to us sorcerers. This type consists of witches needing certain objects to act as a conduit to accomplish spells. This is the most common magik for witches who have small amounts of magik in their system and it can also be used by other witches to hide theirs.

"Next to her is Alice Wu-Gulliver. She's our protection witch." America looked to Hot Topic who was staring back at her with a guarded expression.

Protection magik is all about protection hence the name. This magik consists of defensive spells. Witches who have this type of magik are valued by their coven because it is them who protects the coven from any threats. This type of magik is genetic, so most protection witches have relatives, usually their parents, who are also protection witches.

"The one to your right is Jennifer Kale. She's our potions witch." The lady in pink quirked an eyebrow at her, not hiding that she is judging her appearance. 

Potion magik are the type of magik we usually connect to witches. It involves the careful craft of potions and artifacts capable of doing all types of things, though most of the witches who have this type of magik are healers. Despite how society thinks this is the common witch, there are only a small amount of potions witch due to the skill and talent it takes to master the craft.

"And as I've told you already, Lilia Calderu, our resident divination witch.

Divination magik is even rarer than potions because witches with this type of magik have to be born with the innate ability to have it. They see the past, present, and future, and are sought after by covens and even ordinary people to see their fate. They usually hide as psychics, though they only make up a small total of the psychics we see across the world.

With this newfound information, America pondered.

"So," she began. "You guys are Billy and Tommy's family."

"And you're one of their teammates," Alice noted. She crossed her arms, looking intimidating as hell, "What are you doing here?"

"We," she stopped. She stole a glance at the twins who were both looking at her questioningly. "We wanted to see what they've been going back to."

"We told everyone that already, Amy," Tommy repeated.

"Strange insisted."

"So what, we have to report every thing we do to him now?"

Before she can answer back, a loud noise coming from upstairs was heard. It sounded like something or someone crashed.

"By the Goddess, don't tell me they broke it again," Jennifer groaned. "I'm not paying for another couch for the fifth time."

With that, they headed for the stairs. 

Chapter Text

"America!" "Chavez!"

The Avengers shouted after their teammate who vanished into thin air. Wanda turned towards the woman who ruined her life.

The woman who brought her back to reality when she was drowning in her grief.

Who she thought would be her friend, only to backstab her and try to steal her magik for herself.

Who now has her boys hostage and no doubt manipulated them into rejecting her 

Her best friend, her enemy...

"Where did you take her?" Stephen bellowed. Like her, he was struggling from the vines trapping them. Like her, he couldn't seem to get a hold of his magik.

She had so many questions.

What did Agatha do?

How was she capable of incapacitating both her, the Scarlet Witch, and the Sorcerer Supreme?

Was she holding back during their fight on purpose?

Did she actually care about her?

"I got distracted," Agatha answered. She smiled, shaking her head. "Your friend managed to use the moment I lost my focus to teleport herself away. Based from what I can sense, she's in my basement with the others."

The others...

And that is when Wanda realized.

Other magik signatures.

Three were familiar. The light blue of America and of her son, Billy. The familiar faint magik from Tommy was right beside theirs. 

However, their were four she couldn't recognize. Faint light grey, fiery orange, bright pink, and sparkling gold surrounded them.

"What others, witch," Stephen continued. He was no doubt more emotional due to America, his pupil and daughter figure, though both parties seem to deny the connection between the two.

At least he gets to worry for her. The boys won't even give her the time of day.

Agatha let out an exaggerated gasp. She placed her left hand on her chest, sporting a hurt expression on her face. "How dare you? Don't you know a witch is just another term for a bad girl? I'm a proper lady, thank you very much."

"Answer the question! Where is America and who is she with?"

"Those are two questions, one I've already answered by the way," Agatha scoffed. "If you must know, the others I'm referring to are my coven mates."

"Since when does a covenless witch like you have a coven?"

Agatha turned, raising an eyebrow.

That's right, she did her research.

Agatha Harkness, an infamous witch killer, who killed hundreds of covens all across the world in her quest for power. Her first coven, who Wanda realized were the women she saw attacking Agatha at the stake, were killed when she was only 18. Her very own coven, her sisters in the craft that she killed in cold blood.

Though Wanda couldn't help but feel like the books and scrolls were wrong. She saw the vision. They attacked her first. All because she was different.

There were even rumors that she sacrificed her son to obtain the Darkhold and all its power and knowledge.

But that couldn't be true,  Wanda remembered her caring for the boys when they were young. On the other hand, she did pretend to care for her as well.

She's a villain who must be stopped and she had her boys.

She's a mother and was a victim of her own.

"Where are my children?" She felt a sense of deja vu once the words left her mouth. Only this time, she wasn't alone in that dark basement where the older woman's magik bound her. 

And yet, she felt as trapped as she was at the time.

"Where are my children?" She mocked all the same. "Honestly, you really should work more on your word choice, hot stuff. Didn't you utter those words a long time ago too?"

"So you really are the witch who tried to steal her magik!" Kamala exclaimed. Having realized the situation they were in, she struggled harder, but the vines just wouldn't budge. "Release Billy and Tommy then we'll leave you and your coven alone."

Agatha raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"First of," she began, raising her pointer finger. "Yes, I'm the witch who tried to steal Wanda's magik."

She paused. "Second of all, the boys are here by their own free will."

"And lastly," she raised both of her hands and shrugged. "Even if I did force them to come here, none of you are in a position to make demands."

"We are the Avengers," Strange answered back. "Once we get out of here, you will be sorry."

"Oh I'm so scared," Agatha sarcastically said and for a split second, Wanda can swear that she saw Tommy. "What is little old me gonna do once you get out of those vines?"

"Do not patronize us!"

"Get yourself free and make me."

Before Strange can retort back and continue the argument, Kate interrupted him.

"Okay, let's talk about this like civilized people," she turned to the purple witch. "Um Ms. Agatha? Can you please get us out of these vines so that we can negotiate things."

"Well now, if you can swear that none of you would attack me then we'll back off."

We? Wanda looked around but there was no one else. She can't even sense any other magik signatures. 

Kate looked at everyone one by one, trying to get the others to agree considering their situation. Clint really taught her well, didn't he?

When no one objected, she looked back at Agatha. 

"We agree to your terms."

Agatha stared at her. For a moment, Wanda wondered if she was just going to leave them there until...

"My love," her expression softened before hardening once more, "release them."

The vines lowered to the ground, releasing them from their hold before sinking back into the earth. But even without the vines, Wanda can still feel the pressure making her magik unstable and unreachable.

A scoff sounded across the yard. Everyone turned to look at the source.

There across the clearing was a woman wearing a leafy green jacket with some sort of brown tank top underneath. Her pants were dark green, almost black, with a vine-like design.  Her raven black hair wasn't flowing despite the windy night, as if she wasn't fully there. Atop her head was a curvy dark green crown. She was playing with a curved dagger as she stared at them with hazel eyes.

Though she couldn't remember, Wanda swore those eyes were familiar.

The woman walked towards Agatha until they were standing to the other side of the door frame, leaning against it. Arms crossed, she regarded them once more before turning her attention to Agatha.

"You seriously think we can trust them?"

"I trust that they will hold their end of the bargain. They can't afford not to now that they realize they can't take us by force."

"No one can defeat you while I'm around, mi vida."

"We always worked well together don't we, carissima."

"A shame I was too busy with the aftermath of the Snap," she turned to look at Wanda with disdain. "I wouldn't have let her anywhere near your mind and magik."

Agatha chuckled. She proceeded to touch the other woman's face, gaining her focus. The mysterious witch leaned into Agatha's palm, closing her eyes.

"I'm sure you wouldn't have. You'd have enjoyed seeing me deliver her to your doorstep."

"I'd have to thank you for completing the pair then."

Wanda flinched.

Looking at the other side of the rubble, Wanda saw her parents, lying.

In the cold Sokovian night, no steam was coming from their nose or mouth.

Turning to her side she can see her brother laying down to her side, their hands holding each other, offering her warmth in the cold. A sign of life.

Turning back to her parents, she noticed that there was a cloaked figure standing above them. 

They were looking at them. Then they proceeded to crouch down, a skeletal hand protruding from the robes, touching each of her parents' cheeks. 

Wanda continued to stare as the cloaked figure continued to stare at her parents. 

She blinked.

Hazel eyes were staring at her instead.

Blinking once more, the figure was gone.

-------

The fight was over, but she couldn't celebrate.

Looking at Pietro's remains, Wanda felt sick.

Her brother, her twin was dead. Bullet holes littered his chest.

His chest, which was 

Why wouldn't he move?

Turning away, she saw them again.

They were farther this time, just around the corner of the building, but they were there, hazel eyes staring at her.

-------

"The pair."

That cloaked figure...

Who she saw during the times someone close to her died.

A cloaked figure in black...

A skeletal hand.

"Death," she growled out.

The woman turned and smirked. Her hazel eyes were staring at her again.

"Nice to see you too, Wanda."

Everyone turned to her now, but she couldn't care less.

This was the woman who ruined her life.

Who took her parents, her brother, and, if she wasn't snapped at the time, she would have seen her take Vision.

With a yell, she lunged forward, crashing into Death's arms as they tumbled into the house.

Chapter Text

They crashed into a couch, breaking it. Death took the brunt of the damage, her back on the now broken furniture.

Taking advantage of the situation, Wanda summoned her now-accessible magik, readying a powerful blast of red. She will make Death pay for the suffering she caused her. To her and her family.

With that, she released the blast straight into Death's chest. The force of the blast caused other items around the room to break, though Wanda couldn't care less about them. All she cared about was to see Death’s expression of hurt.

She stared at Death's face, prepared to see those hazel eyes glimmer with pain, but she saw nothing of the sort. All she saw was Death's manic grin, her eyes bearing into her green ones with boredom.

"Is that all you can do, Scarlet Witch?" 

"What do you-" Before she could finish the sentence, she felt the sofa's wooden fixtures poke into her armor, destroying it and hitting skin and muscle. She howled from the shock and pain, which gave her opponent enough time to disorient her and slam her body into the ground.

"Fuck!" She tried to get up, but she couldn’t move.

"Mm, not interested," Death said. She proceeded to sit on Wanda’s back, her left hand pinning her face down onto the floor while the other held the dagger to her throat.

"You have the nerve to break the deal we offered to you and your allies after we showed mercy in spite of your group breaking into our home and accusing us of kidnapping two of our own," Death growled out. Wanda can't tell if she was speaking to her through talking or via telepathy. Either way, she shivered from the power that voice yielded. It was like she was back in Mount Wundagore, the remains of the mountain pressing down on her. Only this time, there was no rubble she could break out from, only the overwhelming pressure exerted by the woman above her.

Death cackled at her attempts to get out. More force was exerted into the hand pinning her down. She felt the woman whisper into her ear. 

"If I had it my way, I would drag you straight into my domain. Not only for you endangering our coven, but also for what you did to my wife," she chuckled, which reminded Wanda of the leaves carried by the wind. “You escaped me once during your time under that mountain, Scarlet Witch. I can’t directly kill you, but I can make you wish you died under the rubble.

Before she could continue threatening her, footsteps were heard. Based on where it was coming from, it probably came from the basement. 

"Mami!"

The force on her head relented, only to be felt on her back. Wanda swore. 

With what strength she had remaining, Wanda looked up to see Billy and Tommy racing towards them, worried expressions on their faces.

Even through the pain and pressure, she smiled at them. Have they come for her? Did they finally call her as their mo-

"Not now boys, I'm in the middle of something," Death replied from above her. Wanda was confused.

Did Death just answer to-

"Teenagers!" Agatha called out. "You have visitors!"

The twins turned towards her. Instead of the fear she expected, they looked at Agatha with smiles on their faces, as if they didn’t remember the way she tied them up and held them hostage years ago.

What the actual-

"Mama, you shouldn't have bothered at all," Tommy smiled. "Billy and I could have just greeted them by ourselves."

"What am I supposed to do? Leave you two to handle people clearly out to get us?" She said, pointing towards Wanda. 

"They're our teammates," Billy answered back. "They'll listen to us."

"Hate to break it to you, bro, but we did explain to them multiple times already that we're visiting family," Tommy explained. “Yet they still went after us.”

"They overreacted when she,” Death pointed out, pressing the dagger deeper to her throat, “sensed Agatha.”

It would be a miracle if her vocal chords were still intact after this.

Agatha scoffed. “I didn't even do anything.”

“You messed with their magik.”

“After they tried to storm the house. Besides you wrapped them with those vines.”

“Jealous, mi vida?”

“Not particularly,” the purple witch shook her head. Her eyes began to glimmer with mischief. 

Having noticed this, Billy's eyes widened while Tommy tried to voice out.

“Mama, no don’t-”

“Although, It did give me some inspiration for tonight,” she smirked. 

“Did it now?” Death asked, though Wanda realized her voice deepened. If she could see her eyes, she had no doubt that they darkened.

“Hmm, it did. I might decide to do something about it if you stop straddling Wanda.”

“Wishing it was you instead?” Death got up, releasing her hold on Wanda. Even without the physical pressure, she still couldn’t move.

“Seems like you wanted that,” Agatha smirked as Death approached her.

Sounds of disgust could be heard. The three women looked towards the boys.

“For all that is sacred, we’re literally right here,” Billy muttered as Tommy continued to fake vomit.

“Just one day, one day where the two of you don’t traumatize us with your sex life.”

“Whatever happened to expressing yourself freely in this household?”

“Not when children are present, Mami. Billy’s poor ears are sensitive.”

“We’re literally the same age, dumbass.”

“I’m older than you though.”

“No you’re not.”

“Yes, I am. Mami said so.”

“She wasn’t even there when we were born. Besides, I literally had to assist you to get your body.”

“Yeah, but this body was born months before yours so-

“Enough!” Death bellowed, clearly annoyed. Right beside her, Agatha had her left palm on her face. The twins turned to them, muttering apologies.

“Sorry, moms.”

Moms.

Billy and Tommy referred to Death and the Witch Killer as moms.

Her boys, who she gave birth to days into the hex she made for their family.

Ignoring the physical and emotional pain she felt, Wanda got up, turning towards Agatha.

“You stole my boys from me,” she glowered.

Raising an eyebrow, Agatha looked at her.

“You left them behind first.”

“I thought they were dead,” Wanda shouted, tears began to accumulate in her eyes. 

Her boys, the ones she killed thousands for, considered Agatha as their mother instead of her.

“The Scarlet Witch, bested by a sigil?” The older woman taunted. “How adorable.”

“Said the one who lost the Darkhold because she couldn’t keep her mouth shut,” a woman she did not know approached them. Right after her were two more women she did not recognize, America, and- is that Mrs. Hart?

“Oh shut it Jen, I’m trying to tell her that I have every right to our children.”

What.

The person Agatha referred to as Jen crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. “Sounds like you were only taunting her.”

“Hey! Let me have my fun. I was already getting there.”

“I’m sorry, but did you just say our children?” Wanda interrupted the two. Agatha turned her focus back to her, her blue eyes boring into her green ones. They stared at each other before the older Witch broke eye contact and sighed.

“Get your friends in here,” she addressed the boys, who stood to attention. Turning back to her, she began, “explanations are in order.”

Chapter Text

Floating above the remains of Mount Wundagore, Billy felt uneasy.

This was the last place the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, his soul mother, was last seen bringing down the whole mountain on her.

Turning towards the ghost floating beside him, he spoke. "We're here."

"I can see that," Agatha replied. Despite her corporeal form, her body seemed to react to her surroundings. Her white hair and dress of varying shades of light purple were moving alongside the flow of the wind. Like him, she was staring at the rubble, contemplating something. Whatever it could be, Billy had no idea.

"So, what are we doing here?"

"Looking for a way where we don't need to hide you and your brother from Rio."

He turned to look at her, shocked. “I thought you said-”

“There is one way that could hypothetically work but we need something here,” she approached the mountain.

“What could you possibly be looking for?” He wondered. If they were looking for something, maybe they should have brought Jen. At least he'd have help sorting through the rubble.

“The Darkhold.”

“What the- I thought you said it was destroyed.”

“Its physical form? Yes. However, its magik is still very much here. Even Wanda can’t fully destroy something so intertwined with the universe.”

Scanning the rocks, Agatha stared at them. Then she closed her eyes, sensing for the Darkhold's magik signature. Once she found what she was looking for, she turned to Billy.

“Let's go.”

Without hearing his response, she approached the rubble. Billy sighed.

“Nice of you to wait for me,” he muttered, following after her. They were flying for a few minutes not speaking to one another. Billy wondered if Agatha was keeping it that way because of the moment they shared that morning.

“I’m fine.”

“You almost destroyed the building.”

“I did not. Besides you have no room to talk after you tried to poltergeist your way to burning it down.”

“Those hunters were trying to hurt witchlings, Teen. I can excuse many things but child murder is not one of them.”

“Just say you got scared that I’d get hurt,” he chuckled. “I know you care about me, Mom.”

He froze.

Turning towards the ghost, he saw her eyes widen and her mouth fall open. Realising that he saw her, she schooled her expression once more.

“Teenager-”

“Right, I'm sorry. Forget about it, please.”

By the Goddess, he was mortified. It didn’t help that Agatha wouldn't speak to him unless absolutely necessary, not even to annoy him.

He really fucked up, didn't he?

Billy couldn't deny that he started to see the older woman as a mother figure. How can he not after she would mentor him about magik, offer him guidance, and console him after he'd have nightmares about the Road.

He really should have kept his mouth shut. 

For a few minutes, he followed her in silence. Not once did she turn to face him. 

He was lost in his thoughts when he accidentally passed through her. 

“Teenager! Watch where you're going!”

“Sorry.”

Her blue eyes stared at him. For a moment, they held eye contact. It was only a few seconds in did he realize that her expression softened.

“Anyway,” she averted her eyes. “We're here.”

Looking towards their surroundings, Billy noticed they were standing on temple grounds or what looked to be the remains of one.

Stone and dark marble littered the area. If his mind wasn’t making things up, he could see what looked to be the remains of statues.

What he was more focused on, however, was the residual magik in the area. 

Chaos magik.

Billy felt sick.

Was this where she brought the mountain on to herself? Billy wondered if he moved the rubble around, would he find a battered corpse in red armor

But that wasn't the only magik he could sense. There was something else here, something ancient, something that was ticking his fight or flight response. 

Billy wanted to get out of here. Screw whatever plan Agatha had in saving him from Death, they needed to go.

“You feel it too, don't you?” A cold hand was placed on his shoulder. “The Darkhold's magik.”

“This is the Darkhold?”

“Did you expect it to be all sunny and rainbows?” She scoffed. “It is literally the book of the Damned, Teenager. It's supposed to invoke fear and uncertainty.”

“How did you think it would be a good idea to gain its power?” He turned to her, concern etching his features.

“I was desperate,” Agatha answered. Turning towards the center of the broken temple, where the dark sensation was strongest, she  started to float near it.

“Agatha, wait!” He opted to follow her but she held up her hand.

“Stay where you are, Billy,” she ordered. “This is my business to deal with.”

“But-”

“Listen to your mother when she's warning you, okay?”

He froze.

Did she just-

“I appreciate what you're trying to do,” she began, staring at him now. “But the Darkhold and I have unfinished business.”

With that, she reached the center. Her form began to flicker.

“Whatever happens, do not follow me, are we clear?”

She smiled at him.

“I'll be back.”

And then she disappeared.

—----

“Well, well, well, if it isn't Agatha Harkness,” the Darkhold greeted her as she appeared before its presence.

Agatha knew she was in a different reality, the Dark Dimension to be exact. However, she couldn't help but worry. 

Her son was just a few distances from her, only separated by a dimension. 

She's really calling him that now, huh.

It wasn't like he wasn't hers. That sneaky Witch did more than just steal her magik. She used it to save her boys.

Spirit magik was a complicated craft, her own brand of it even more so. It took her a century before she found another spirit witch but even then, she offered only the basics of the craft.

But even an inexperienced witch like Wanda can use it to create actual souls for the twins. Magik was connected to the soul of a witch, even more so for spirit witches.

Shaking her head, Agatha focused on the other presence with her.

“It's been a long time. Heard you managed to get destroyed by a certain Scarlet Witch.”

She could hear it growl at her. “Heard said witch had you imprisoned in your own mind.” 

She chuckled. Oh did she miss the banter.

“I did,” she decided to verbally speak to it. No one was around to hear them anyway.

“But I survived. You, on the other hand?” She gave an exaggerated wince. “Not so much.” 

“I'm perfectly fine.”

“Where's your body then?”

Its magik flared around her, clearly agitated. Agatha smirked. 

“I did not ask for your opinion nor your presence, mortal.”

Yet you allowed me to enter here.

“Anyway, I'm only here to get something.”

“What could you possibly want now?”

“I'm here with a proposition. One that will benefit both of us.”

She could feel its confusion. She definitely has its interest now.

“Go on.”

—----

It’s been a while since Agatha disappeared. 

Billy wasn’t counting the seconds that passed per say. However, he did know that it’s already been 300 seconds aka 5 minutes.

Nope not counting at all.

…

Where was Agatha? Was she in danger?

He was tempted to try following her to whatever place she went to, but he remembered her warning. He didn’t want to cost more trouble by appearing when he wasn’t needed.

You’ve done enough. I mean, look at the state she is in now.

He ignored it., though his chest started to tighten. 

You will only make things worse. 

Deep breaths. By the Goddess, did he not know how to breathe?

She’ll end up just like your other victims. 

No.

Just like Sharon. 

Please stop.

Just like Alice

Stop it.

Just like Lillia

Make it stop.

Just like your pare-

A hand was placed on his head, ruffling his hair. Hazy from his thoughts, Billy hugged the person. He could feel the person flinch but they did not let go. If anything, their other arm hugged him while the hand on his head continued to play with his hair.

Just like how his parents did when he was scared.

Just like how Agatha would sometimes do after his nightmares.

She really cared for him, didn’t she?

Speaking of Agatha, how did she get a new body? 

Billy looked up. 

“Agatha! Where did you-”

Only to be face to face with the face of Death, her hazel eyes staring at him as he clung to her.

‘Shit’

Chapter Text

This was not how Billy’s day was supposed to go.

First of, he was supposed to test a way to trap opponents in a controlled hex in a matter of seconds without placing himself and others. Surprisingly, the coven agreed to help him with this one despite their experience.

———-

”But Billy, if we get stuck in another death trap again, I will get Agatha to bind you.”

”Awwww, you think you can make do shit Jenny?”

”Remember the time you bound me? Yeah, guilt sucks doesn’t it?”

”Oh piss off Kale. Just because I said I’ll owe you a favor doesn’t mean I’ll actually do it.”

“So you won’t do anything when Billy accidentally traps us in another Road?”

”…Teen, listen to Aunt Jennifer.”

”That’s what I thought.”

”Shut it.”

”Love you too, Aggy.”

———-

Second of all, it was supposed to be just the coven. Seating on a newly-formed couch, courtesy of Wanda and Mami for breaking it after Jen threatened not to buy another one, were his team plus Wanda and Strange. He was not expecting them to show up on their doorstep. He was definitely confused when they carried his boyfriend’s unconscious body and also very worried. Was that tranquilizer arrow on his arm?

He turned to give a questioning look at Kate who looked at him with a guilty expression. Right next to her, Yelena stood,  watching them both just in case something breaks out.

“Oh Eddie!” Sharon exclaimed, approaching  him after they settled him on to another couch. Getting something from her sling bag, which was enchanted to store items in her house, she retrieved a first aid kit.

“Dudes,” Tommy addressed the Avengers. “What did you do to my brother-in-law?”

Billy blushed. “He’s not your brother-in-law.”

His twin raised an eyebrow. “So, you never thought you two would last to marriage?”

”I never said that.”

”But you denied that he’s my in law.”

”Not yet.”

Tommy smirked. Billy realized what he said.

”Wait what?”

Of course he wakes up when he said that.

Blushing, he turned to look at Eddie, who was also blushing. He was still laid down, the arrow now gone, a bandage wrapped around the area.

Crap.

”Um, forget I said anything.”

”My heart-“ Did he really have to use that pet name here?

”We’ll talk after.”

After a few moments, Eddie nodded. Billy focused on the others who were staring at them, most in amusement.

”Well,” he began, turning again towards Kate. “What happened?”

She was about to reply when Strange interrupted.

”Billy and Tommy Maximoff, explain.”

Billy blinked.

”For the last time, it’s o’ Connor,” Tommy replied.

Wanda gave a questioning look to Agatha.

”What?” She replied. “Did you expect me to  use my actual name in documents?”

”That’s what you’re supposed to do,”Kamala replied.

”If you live as long as I, you learn not to.”

“It could be traced back that you have been living a long time compared to others,” Yelena smirked, “or that you were involved in not-so legal activities.”

Agatha pointed at her. “See, she gets it.”

“Back to the point,” Strange interrupted again. 

“Stephen,” America replied. “They’re not in danger.”

She turned to look at the coven. “Billy and Tommy were telling the truth. They’re with their family.”

Wanda narrowed her eyes. “A family with the Witch Killer and Death? Please.”

”Chavez,” Strange began. “Did they do something to you.”

”Oh for fuck’s sake, we did nothing,” Mama glared at Strange who narrowed his eyes at her. 

“Am I supposed to believe an infamous murderer about child safety?”

”I won’t be judged by someone who has no authority over me and other witches and also, news flash, you literally stormed my house so who has the moral high ground now, oh wise Sorcerer Supreme.”

”You dare-“

”I would advise you to stay silent, mortal.”

Everyone turned to look at a black cat, it’s blue eyes staring at the group from above one of the shelves.

Despite its new feline form, Billy still felt uneasy around it. 

”Who are you?” Kate asked.

”It can’t be,” Stephen began.

”Ebony get down from there. I will not have you ruining my supplies.”

The cat narrowed its eyes at Agatha, who met its gaze with her own. After a few moments, it jumped to the ground, approaching her.

”Are these my new playthings?

”I wish,” Mami muttered. “At least, for the adults. The kids seem fine.”

”No, you can’t drag them to the Dark Dimension. You wouldn’t want to deal with Strange and Wanda again.”

”I won’t be fooled.” It spat.

“I’m not giving you another form again.”

”I wouldn’t need it.”

”Sure.”

Having realized what the cat’s identity, Wanda glared. “I destroyed you.”

It simply looked at her, baring its teeth. “You can’t fully destroy me, Scarlet Witch. Only the form I take.”

”The Darkhold,” Strange turned to Mama. “How-“

Agatha smirked. “A long story that you couldn’t possibly comprehend nor do I wish to explain to you.”

”Anyway,” Alice interrupted. “Maybe we can go back to the main conversation again so we can settle things.”

Strange turned to her. “Do you not understand-“

”Yeah, we know it’s the Darkhold,” Jen snarked back. She placed a hand on Alice’s back. “And just like what my fiancé was telling you, we have more important matters than to dwell on it. You know, like storming your way into our night with the boys and creating a ruckus.”

”Listen,” Kate began. “We’re sorry for interrupting your night and storming this place.” She turned towards the others then back to the coven. “We thought Billy and Tommy were in danger.”

”In spite of their repeated assurances that they were with people they are close with?” Lilia asked, her arms crossed as she leaned next to the sofa where Billy, Tommy, and America were seated.

Kate winced. “Yes, in spite of that.” She turned towards Wanda, who was still glaring at Agatha. “But Wanda mentioned that the boys were with the witch who tried to steal her magik so we panicked.”

”Is there no protocol for you heroes?” Alice tilted here head. Her magik was spreading around the coven, no doubt preparing for a fight.

While he doesn’t think their teammates would try anything, he wasn’t sure of the other Avengers. They don’t seem to be trusting their words at all.

“There is no need for it.” Wanda replied, turning her gaze towards the other coven members. “We are the Avengers,” she pointed towards Agatha and Rio, “they are threats we need to handle.”

”You flatter me too much, Wanda.” Agatha smirked.

”And how are you supposed to deal with us?” Rio asked. Her hands were busy playing with her dagger. Her familiar, a black tarantula, was perched on her shoulder.

“You couldn’t even lift a finger when we were just stopping you, how could you possibly be able to deal with us when we actually fight?”

”Also,” Jennifer added. “It’s not just them you have to worry about.”

Wanda turned towards her. “You would lay your life for a killer?”

”She is may be a bitch but she’s my sister in the craft,” Jen crossed her arms. “And who said anything about putting my life on the line? I may not be as powerful as you but I can put up a fight.”

”And why would you result to violence,” Lilia asked. “Aren’t you heroes all about the moral way?”

”Doesn’t sound so heroic,” Alice replied. The room glowed with a faint orange hue. Her magik was definitely noticeable now. 

“Wait,” Kamala interrupted. “We were just going to negotiate about letting the boys go. We only resort to fighting as a last resort.”

”Your friend doesn’t seem to be getting the memo,” Alice retorted, glaring at Wanda.

”Besides, as you can see, we don’t need saving.” Billy decided enough was enough. “So here’s your proof.”

”But we need an explanation,” Strange crossed his arms. “We won’t leave until someone explains to us everything.”

”A bit demanding of you don’t you think, Sorcerer?”

Everyone turned towards the doorway. There standing was a young man wearing a hoodie and jeans. His hands glowed with bluish green magik. Beside him was a little girl wearing a dress, her brown hair tied to a ponytail and her blue eyes were staring at them. When her gaze landed on Agatha, her smiled, running up to her.

”Mama!” 

“Hello my darling,” Agatha hugged the two. Beside her, Rio smiled, wrapping an arm around the kid to settle her.

The young man approached them. “Hi Mama.” He turned to Rio. For a moment, both of their faces shifted to a skeletal lower half. “Mother.”

He turned towards the others. “Aunties.”

Finally, he turned towards Tommy and Billy. He smiled. “Little brothers, what kind of trouble did you two start now?”

”Not our fault this time,” Tommy replied , smirking. “Besides you act like you’re not a troublemaker too, big bro.”

”Nice to see you too, Nicky,” Billy smiled.

And lastly, the blood moon marked the day the whole coven was complete, which included their siblings.

Nicholas Harkness-Vidal smirked at him. “Nice to see you too Billy.” He turned towards the Avengers then back to his parents.

“So,” he removed the magik from his hands, forming a bell, the same one he stole centuries ago. “What did we miss?” 

“Might as well sit down Nicky,” Agatha sighed, her daughter sitting on her lap. “We were just about to explain the last few years.”

”Oh, this is going to be interesting.” He sat down beside his brothers, the bell floating beside him turned into a small goat, which he started to pet.

Billy scoffed. “One day, I’ll get my familiar.”

Nicky smiled. “I’m sure you will baby bro.”

Agatha cleared her throat, gaining everyone’s attention. “So you want an explanation?” She turned towards Billy, who sighed when he noticed her. Beside him, Tommy and Nicky snickered.

”Ok so,” Billy began, “it all started when…” He began to tell them about what happened to him after Westview and from there he couldn’t help but reminisce about the events that led to the coven becoming a family.

Chapter Text

It has been a year since the Road.

One year since Rio saw her wife kill herself via absorbing her magik.

One year since she decided to hide herself away from her again.

———-

“Why won’t you just leave?!” The abomination screamed at Agatha, clearly distressed. Rio almost pitied him. Agatha can be a bit stubborn at the worst possible moments.

But what he asked was a good question. Why won’t Agatha come to her domain? Rio would have thought that once she died, the spirit witch would go to Nicky before the One Above All decides that the witch world needs their god.

Another lifetime where Death chases after the Moon over and over again.

She wondered if Life ever grew tired of chasing his Sun. The last time they spoke about their lovers, he was frustrated with the Sun when she sacrificed herself for “that sorcerer” as her brother called him.

”I know as the upholders of the balance we must respect the sacred timeline,” Life began as he always did. “But surely there is a way where the two of them could have lived.”

”Even so,” their brother, Eternity, would admonish him. “The TVA would have captured her for being an anomaly.”

Agamotto would scoff some more. Out of all their siblings, Life and Death, the First Sorcerer Supreme and the Original Green Witch, were the only ones who let themselves understand and mingle with other life forms.

The only ones to laugh with them, to cry with them, and -as they later found- to fall in love with lower deities.

The Sun and Moon.

Entities that in many pantheons were paired together, though most of the time they were siblings.

However, one thing was consistent.

Their continued rebirth.

Sol and Mani

Helios and Selene

Ra and Khonsu

So many iterations, so many lives, some not even known or documented at times.

But Life and Death would always follow them, even if the mortals never understood their relationship.

And then when most mortals saw them as large tangible celestial bodies, they shifted.

The Ancient One and the Triple Goddess.

A sorcerer and a witch.

How fitting.

But regardless, she did not want to ponder about what her brother would think of them now. She had more pressing matters to deal with.

A mother to reunite with her son.

A father to inform of her daughter.

Rio was surprised when one day, Agamotto congratulated her.

———-

”Who would have thought Death could carry a life?” He’d jokingly said before his expression turned serious. “But seriously Ri, congrats on your pregnancy.”

”My what?”
———-

And that was when she found out about their daughter.

Nicky was ecstatic when he found out. The once six-year-old songwriter, now one of her reapers, would ask everything about what his sister would need.

———-

”Does Mama know?” He asked one day.

They were in the outskirts of the Underworld, taking Cerberus for a walk.

Rio turned to look at her son who was looking at him with the same hazel eyes as her own.

He really does look like her, huh.

Is that why Agatha can’t even look at her? Because she reminded her too much of their son?

”She doesn’t know, does she?”

Well, shit. She was silent for too long.

How was she supposed to tell their son, precious Nicholas, that they were estranged? That the last time she saw his Mama was when she helped her obtain the Darkhold and now, she can’t even sense her anymore?

”Nicky,” Rio began. “I-“ 

How was she supposed to tell him that Agatha hated her because of-

“Mother, are you and Mama alright?”

No, Nicky. At this point, the only thing that binds us is the soul bond and physical attraction.

”Yes, we’re fine,” she forced a smile to reach her eyes. “Both of us have been busy, that’s all.”

Busy fighting, busy shouting, busy avoiding.

”Oh,” Nicky stopped. They watched as Cerberus bounded after Nicky’s goat. After a few moments, he smiled up at her. “Then  it will be a surprise when she comes.”

”Um,” What?

”Witches usually live for a few centuries, right?” Nicky smiled. “While I don’t wish for Mama to die, but she’s lived a long life. She’ll join us soon.”

… Fuck. 

“Yes, they usually do,” Rio confirmed. “However, your Mama is no ordinary witch. Her lifespan depends on the One Above All, not Fate’s loom.”

Especially now that she has the Darkhold. The damn book won’t let her go that easily.

“Oh,” Nicky frowned, breaking Rio’s heart even further.

They continued to watch the two running creatures in silence.

———-

Nadia Harkness-Vidal was born not long after. For a century, she has only grown into a small child, aging in terms of cosmic entities.

But oh, did she look exactly like Agatha.

Her Nadia, Rio’s hope of reconciliation with her wife. Maybe a living child would start the mend of their bond. She would bring her to Agatha and maybe they can actually talk.

Only this time, her wife was gone, at least, she was not herself.

Agnes o’ Connor bore her wife’s body and soul, the Scarlet Witch’s sick vengeance on her, a puppet trapped in an endless cycle of sitcoms.

For a moment, Rio thought of leaving her like this. At least, she can sense her. At least, this version of her forgot the reason of her hatred.

But no, she cannot let Agatha live like this. Eventually, Agnes might love her but she wasn’t Agatha. 

For three years, she worked to undo the spell. As time passed, she started to know the residents of this suburban town, especially Sharon Davis, who was the main person aside from Rio and John Collins, to look after her wife.

The woman was a descendant of a witch, based from the little spark of magik Rio felt. Enough that the woman has a green thumb, her flowers growing effortlessly.

They bonded over their shared love of nature and care for Agatha.

———-

”It’s nice to know someone cares about her,” Rio said one day. So long had her wife lived, the only two people to care about her were Rio and Nicky. 

Sharon smiled at her, a surprising sight for Rio. Rarely are people happy to see her.

“Why Rio, of course I care. She saved us after all. Without her, we’d all be stuck under-“ she looked around then whispered, “Wanda’s spell.”

Right. Agatha was a savior to them. 

“You must really love her then.”

Rio choked on her tea. She coughed, trying to get the tea out of her non-existent lungs. 

“What?” She spluttered. “I-“

”Oh come now,” Sharon laughed, patting her back. “Only someone in love with her would do what you’re doing. Why Mr. Davis used to help with my plants even though he hates getting his hands dirty. The things people do for love.” She winked at her.

This old lady… 

Rio smiled. She likes this woman.

———-

At last, Agatha started remembering bits and pieces of their past. Her once friendly demeanor now replaced with hostility.

———-

”What are you doing here?” Agnes growled out, crossing her arms.

”My job,” to get you out of here, to return you to your children.

”Are you trying to gain control over my investigation?” 

…right.

”No,” Rio relaxed her posture. “If you want to be in control,” she let out a shaky breath, “you can be.”

Might as well have her fun while she still can.

———-

And then that boy decided to interrupt, though Rio supposed she could thank him for getting Agatha out.

However, she needed to be quick.

———-

Rio can sense them. The Salem Seven were approaching.

She needed to get Agatha out of here now.

———-

But of course, she would make things difficult.

———-

She laughed as Agatha pinned her down, straddling her and putting her hand around her throat. Instinctually, she pushed that hand to hold her tighter.

”You can’t kill me.” You can’t push her away now.

”You can’t kill me,” she repeated her. God, she looked ravishing in just a robe. Rio wanted to rip it out of her. “It’s not allowed.”

She growled. Fuck, the balance. She has waited for centuries, she’s fucking done with waiting.

She head-butted Agatha, disorienting her. Summoning the winds, she rose and proceeded to push her towards the shelf.

Grabbing her knife, she stalked towards Agatha. “Maybe I can’t kill you,” Rio can’t force her to come with her. “But I can make you wish you were dead.” She will convince her to do so, their children need her.

”Wait, wait, wait,” Agatha put her hands up and- was she actually pouting?

No she won’t fall for this. A century she was denied of her beloved’s presence she will not-

“Don’t you want me at my best?” Agatha asked.

Hmm. Was her robe opening?

”Admit it,” she adjusted the robe, showing more of her shoulders, “you prefer me-“

”Horizontal.” In her bed. “In a grave.”

”Formidable.”

”So take my power.”

”That’s cute, but you know that will kill me.”

Rio smirked. That’s the point. 

Victoria chittered at her. She inwardly swore. 

They’re approaching.

”I’m not the only one who wants to see you  burnt or hanged or drowned.”

”Are there no new options?” 

“I could just sit by and watch.”

”Come on,” Agatha approached and- yes that robe is definitely slipping.

”You love it,” she said breathily.

Rio bit her lip. Agatha…

”The anticipation,” they were face to face to each other now, their lips almost touching.

If that stupid boy wasn’t in the closet, she’d be showing her wife what years of anticipation and waiting can result into, the Salem Seven be damned.

Fuck, she’s too weak for that voice.

“Okay, Agatha.” 

Rio will play by her terms for now.

———-

Then the Road happened and all was revealed.

That boy she was protecting, that Witch’s son, that abomination, he is keeping Agatha away from her. 

Why was Agatha protecting him? 

Why would she prefer his presence over her? Over Nicky and Nadia?

Why, why, why-

“BECAUSE I CAN’T FACE HIM!”

…

There was silence.

’Oh,’ Rio thought, as she stared at the scene from the Ether.

’You’re scared.’

’You feel guilty.’

’You’re mad at yourself.’

Fuck, why can’t they just talk about this things?

She watched as Agatha, who still looked hot even in ghost form, pick up the brooch.

She watched as they talked about cooperation.

She watched as they left to find the other abomination, leaving her to stare at the empty basement.

…

Teleporting back to her domain, she watched as Nicky showed his sister how to grow plants. Even if the girl was a mini Agatha, her magik was all Rio’s.

She watched them in silence while reflecting the events that happened.

‘Because I can’t face him’ Rio stared as their children summoned a patch of azaleas.

’Because I can’t face him’ she watched as Nicky lifted his sister up, Nadia laughing as they both celebrated the small life they summoned in the Underworld.

She sighed.

‘I’m sorry niños. We’ll have to wait longer for us to be complete.’

———-

And Rio waited once more, always waiting.

She grew numb as she watched Agatha from afar, teaching the boy of his burgeoning powers, comforting him like her own.

She won’t admit that she begun to somewhat care for the boy. How can she not when her wife clearly cared for him and his brother? And don’t get her started that they were technically also hers.

As her soul is bound with Agatha’s, parts of their souls were swapped with one another, which was why even in the lowest point of their marriage, Agatha never broke the bond. It would have driven them both mad if she did.

And since the Scarlet Witch used Agatha’s magik, her soul, to create the boys’ souls, they managed to obtain some of hers. 

It manifested in Tommy’s perception of time or Billy’s ability to feel someone dying, all of them chalked up to their powers as a speedster and the Demiurge.

Which was why when she saw Billy having a panic attack, she couldn’t help but comfort him.

Abomination he may be, but he was her son too.

Besides, the TVA haven’t abducted him yet which meant this was somewhat fated to be, sooo… maybe the sacred balance has made an exception?

“Shit,” the boy swore as he realized who he was hugging.

”Rio- I mean, Lady Death,” he released her, adjusting himself.

She almost chuckled.

”Teenager, coming to pay your respects to your mother’s burial site?”

He winced. Okay maybe her brand of humor was exactly funny for him.

Unlike his twin brother.

———-

“So,” Tommy began, “you’re the reason why time seems so slow?”

They were in the woods surrounding Westview, away from Agatha’s watchful gaze. Rio was getting deja vu.

”Part of it,” Rio explained. “Though some it does come from your uncle.”

”You mean the Swiss Cheese Avenger?”

She smirked. 

“Yes, the Swiss Cheese Avenger,” she regarded her second youngest son.“Speaking of him, I may not be a speedster, but a cosmic entity, I can travel in speeds similar to yours. Wanna go for a test run?”

”Fuck yeah! But just because you’re my mom, doesn’t mean I’m going easy on you, old lady.”

”Old lady?”

”You’ve lived before even dinosaurs, you’re practically ancient. I wouldn’t want to break your old bones.”

Rio laughed. This child…

”Oh, I won’t need your worries, Teenager, I can travel in speeds faster than Quicksilver, faster than the speed of light.”

He grinned at her. “Bring it on, Mami.”

Yup, definitely hers.

———-

“Look,” she decided a different approach was needed. “She’s not exactly here if you’re wondering. She managed to survive and heal elsewhere.” 

Evading her again. How annoying.

”Oh,” Billy spoke. He turned to the rubble. “That’s good to know.”

They stayed in silence, neither of them knowing what to say to the other. 

“So, how’s being the Demiurge going for you?”

He turned to her in shock, clearly not expecting her to say anything.

”Um, it’s alright for now.”

…

”So, what are you doing here?”

“Um,” he evaded her gaze. Brown eyes, almost hazel like, looked elsewhere but her.  “Paying my respects?”

She scoffed. “You know, for someone who is being mentored by Agatha, you are a terrible liar.”

”Hey! I can lie,” he crossed his arms and honestly, she can see the Harkness resemblance’ “I just prefer telling the truth.”

”So then, what are you doing here?”

”…”

“I don’t think Agatha would appreciate it if you were here without her knowing.”

”This was her plan, actually,” he retorted before he could realize what he was saying. His eyes widened. “I mean-“

”Oh?” Rio raised her eyebrows, “what did she say this time?”

”Um,” he avoided her gaze once more. “Nothing?”

Rio narrowed her eyes. A truth and a lie.

So he knows why they’re here but not what the specifics of the plan are.

Before she could ask him further, a strong pressure surrounded the area, sending both Billy and Rio flying.

Turning towards her youngest, Rio settled him first, grounding him using the winds and vines. He turned to her in shock and relief.

Once he was fine, she stopped the momentum from moving her and turned towards the center of the ruined temple.

On the center was Agatha.

A very solid, very powerful Agatha, her presence causing the magik around her to become unstable.

Rio smiled. Oh how did she miss seeing her wife’s true power.

However, it disappeared when she saw her hands.

Agatha, whose hands were darkened once more, held a feline creature.

”UNHAND ME THIS ONCE, HARKNESS!” The Darkhold shouted.

”Hmm,” Agatha tilted her head. “No.”

”Mama!,” Billy exclaimed, before realizing that Rio was there. “I mean- Agatha, what are you doing?” He ran towards her. “Why are you holding a cat?”

”Oh this?” She raised the cat higher, causing it to flail around. 

“Agatha,” Rio began, slowly approaching her. She watched as Agatha quickly turned to her, her eyes widening as she took in Rio’s presence.

”Rio,” she whispered. She dropped the Darkhold, causing it to curse at her.

“When I said to unhand me, I meant lowering me to the ground.”

However, it was ignored as the two lovers made eye contact.

Blue eyes met hazel ones.

The world disappeared before them, the only thing they feel is the pull.

The Tide of Death to her Elusive Moon.

”Carissima.” ‘I love you and I’m sorry.’

“Mi Vida.” ‘I know and forgive you.’

Without them realizing, they were face to face, their breaths mingling with one another.

Agatha reached for her and Rio leaned in to her palm.

No words were spoken between them, as they stared at one another. Even after all these years away from each other, they could hold conversations, telepathy not needed.

”So,” Billy whispered to the cat. “Should we leave or…”

”Let them be,” the Darkhold replied. “I’d rather not find out what Death will do if I keep them away from each other again.”

Chapter Text

“And then everything changed when I met Ralph Bohner.”

”Ralph who?”

Rio snapped back to the present to Billy already talking about his search for answers about the Westview Anomaly. Looking around, everyone, even the rest of the coven, was invested in the story.

On the same sofa as her was Agatha, who was leaning to her side, one arm wrapped around her waist and the other wrapped around Nadia. 

On the loveseat on their left were Alice and Jen who were cuddling, not that Rio had any ground to tease them considering her position.

To their right were Lilia, the boys, and the peculiar girl. A soul not of this universe, Rio remembered the pair she met from the universe the girl came from.

-------

Looking at the woman, Rio couldn't help but sympathize as she asked about her missing child.

"Her name is America Chavez," the woman inquired. "Have you- did she-" she stopped, not wanting to ask her question. 

Saving the woman from further grief, she answered, "I have not seen your child."

"Oh." She looked relieved, not that she can blame her.

"Amalia!" 

Turning towards the sound, she saw another woman approach them. Rio realized the woman was Amalia's partner, the one she sacrificed her life for.

"Elena! What are you doing here?"

"Gale found us."

"He shot you?"

"I'm sorry," Elena sobbed. "I couldn't protect them."

"Hey, it's alright," Amalia hugged her, "you did what you could."

"What if he brings them back to the facility?"

"I-"

"If it helps," Rio interrupted the couple in front of her who jumped, forgetting she was there, "the children were able to fight back and escape."

Both looked at her with relief.

"They were?"

"You taught them well," Rio responded. "But unfortunately, it's time for both of you to go."

The couple looked at one another. Hands holding the other, they entered the portal.

-------

She wondered how she was supposed to tell America that her parents were dead. Looking at the girl, who was smiling at whatever Tommy whispered to her, Rio decided not yet.

Especially not within the hearing of a certain witch who was glaring at her.

On the newly-made sofa across them was the Avengers. She met the gaze of the Scarlet Witch who hardened her expression when they made eye contact. 

This witch... 

"And then I got kidnapped by Mama."

This gained the attention of the Scarlet Witch who turned her gaze to her wife.

"You kidnapped him."

"Calm your red, Wanda. I was still under your little spell and thought he was a fugitive."

"You have no right to-

"You're forgetting how your spell works now? Or did you not realize what you actually cast?"

This gained the Young Avengers, particularly America's attention.

"What did she do to you?"

"Oh you know, put me in a never-ending sitcom hell."

"You were still safe, far more than you deserve after trying to steal my magik."

"Oh right safe, after you decided to drain my magik core leaving me to rely on residual magik to keep myself alive"

"I'm sorry, to keep yourself alive?

Agatha stared at her. "My magik core aka my very soul was damaged to the point if I was not a siphon, it would have killed me. Are you telling me after all these years you have no idea about the basics of witchcraft?"

"I know how to use my power," Wanda replied. "That is enough."

The purple witch scoffed. "Whatever the Darkhold contained was not enough, not without foundation." 

"I-"

"Were you able to cast all the spells you saw?"

The Scarlet Witch glared at her, not saying anything.

"That's what I thought."

"Ok hold on," Tommy interrupted. He turned to Agatha. "You didn't say anything about it being life-threatening."

"It wasn't important," Agatha replied. 

Rio turned to her. "Mi vida I was drawn to you because of your dying presence not by our bond. "

Hell, Agatha was in a constant dying state that almost all of Rio was with her, instead of the other deaths.

If it weren't for her siphoning abilities constantly draining residual magik, Rio would have needed to take her instead. As much as she would have wanted that at the time, she doubted Agatha would appreciate dying while in that state.

"What!?"

And chaos ensued. 

Chapter Text

Shouts of protest, most from the rest of the coven, sounded in the room. Not that Nicky could blame them to be honest. That was the same reaction he had when he first found out about it.

———-

It had been a few months since Mother brought them to the overworld to visit Mama and introduce them to their new brothers, Billy and Tommy and frankly, the reunion was amazing.

Ever since his death, he always felt guilty whenever he missed his Mama. Logically, he knew he shouldn’t feel guilty, but considering the next time he thought he’d see her was in her death, it was hard not to.

He still remembered the expression on his Mama’s face when Mother revealed him and Nadia to her and their brothers, the way she hugged him and whispered how she missed him as well. By the Goddess, he could still remember the shocked yet happy look she had when Mother told her about Nadia.

With all that reminiscing, he was brought back to the present where Mama was mentoring Billy on his powers. He noticed that she only seemed to be explaining things to him rather than show him using her magik which was strange. Wouldn’t it be easier for Mama to show him using her magik?

”Mama,” he began, gaining her attention once they took a break.

”Yes, Nicky?”

”Why aren’t you using your purple?”

Her expression became unreadable which unnerved Nicky. It reminded him of the times he asked about his other parent, which now that he thinks about, it could mean she feels sad or worried. Definitely not longing, because number 1: ew and number 2: he doubt she was missing her power like she missed Mother so yeah.

”It’s,” she paused, thinking about what she should say, “complicated.”

Okay then.

Billy got back from wherever he went and they continued the lesson, the previous conversation forgotten.

However, after that, Nicky started observing.

He realized she almost never used her magik which was strange since she used to do the simplest of tasks with them. At first, he chalked it up to times just changing and his Mama was just changing alongside it.

But the one time she used magik around him, which was purely accidental even, he saw that the once vibrant purple seemed different, almost paler.

Mama did give some of her magik to the cat. Nicky still can't believe his Mama was willing to use the Darkhold to get him back. Although, secretly, he was happy to know she missed him a lot and wanted him back. However, as one of his Mother's reapers, he couldn't let that happen considering it's against the balance.

Unless Mama used someone else's soul for that, then it won't be that much of an issue, except Nicky didn't want that and was glad that she never did.

When he asked Billy about it, he frowned. 

"Mama's magik was still vibrant purple even during her Darkhold days. Sure, there were hints of darker purple and black, but it was still noticeably purple."

Never pale. And apparently, Billy noticed it too.

"It was like that even during the fight between her and Mami," Billy replied. "I chalked it up to her just getting her powers back, but even now, it still quite pale."

And with that, they decided to confront her about it.

At firsr, she denied anything wrong with her magik. However, overtime, seeing the concerned looks sent her way, they managed to get her to spill after being promised to not tell anyone else.

"My magik is severely weakened compared to how it once was. Sure, I can access spells I've long couldn't thanks to the Darkhold, but it's no longer the same. Rio thinks it has something to do when Wanda completely drained my magik."

But wouldn't that mean-

'Wait," Billy decided to voice the question what Nicky wanted to confirm, "if your magik was completely drained, wouldn't that mean you were dying?"

The silence after was the only answer they got.

It was the only answer they needed.

Nicky growled.

Wanda Maximoff.

He could thank her for his brothers but oh did he not like her for what she did to his Mama. It was bad enough she stripped her of her identity but now this?

Why did Mother not tell him?

Better yet, how did he not notice?

Because let's be clear, he knew even at the time that his moms were estranged. Mother could not hide that even though she tried. Nicky was still one of her reapers so he could access the Overworld through the In Between. He saw his Mama's pain, her grief and anger.

He once saw their fights. It scared him to see that this was what their relationship had devolved into.

He knew there were more he did not know about. His moms seemed too familiar with fighting and hurting each other.

Which is why even after countless pestering, he never brought Nadia with him during his reapings.

Hell, he avoided searching for his Mama during her time with the Darkhold.

And that's when it clicked.

He avoided her.

Even before Nadia's birth, she already gained the Darkhold, which Nicky suspected had something to do the last time his moms met and Mother's sudden pregnancy.

Then he continued to avoid her.

But could he have seen her at the time? Even Mother was unable to see her during her Darkhold days unless she was summoned by Mama.

Even then why did he avoid her?\

Maybe, if he had just paid attention, he could have stopped that witch from hurting his Mama.

Or better yet, stop them from meeting entirely.

But ever since that day, Nicky vowed that the Scarlet Witch will pay for what she's done.

-------

Back to the present, Nicky smirked. Finally, the truth has come out. He made eye contact with Billy who was also smirking. 

"What do you mean by that Rio?" Lilia frowned. Out of all the coven, besides Rio, Nadia, and the boys, Mama was the closest with Lilia. Nicky wondered how she and the rest of the coven will handle the information. Then he looked at the so called Earth's mightiest heroes. How would they react to what one of them has done?

'What I meant," Mother continued, "was Agatha was walking the fine line between life and death to the point I was in Westview constantly."

Mama turned to her, "You were what?"

Mother smiled at her. "Ever since you lost the Darkhold."

"I don't remember this."

"You never do."

"Well you see Agatha," Sharon decided to interrupt. "All throughout those three years, Rio has always been there for you, trying to break the spell she," she glared at Wanda, "put on you."

Mama stared at Sharon, then back at Mother. They stared at each other for a few moments before breaking eye contact. Nicky saw Mother bite her lip.

Ew, stop mind flirting while your children are around.

Turning to the Avengers, he saw their faces pale. The Scarlet Witch frowned, "I didn't mean to do that."

"Just like you didn't mean to detonate that bomb in Lagos?" Nicky growled.

She glared at him. "I tried to encase it with a magik shield and get it on the air."

"Then you threw it towards the building," Alice continued. "You weren't even supposed to be there."

"The blast changed the trajectory. We saved countless lives if we just let the government handle it."

"There was proper protocol to follow. You could have just worked with the government to de-escalate the situation."

"We don't know who to trust."

"Maybe, I don't know, the people whose job is to handle terrorist attacks?"

Go off Ali.

"Anyway," Billy interrupted. "We're getting off topic."

Nicky turned to Billy who only smirked at him.

Nicky smirked right back. Oh the chaos he will bring when explanations are done with. 

Chapter Text

"So while I was kidnapped,” Billy began again. “Mama and Mami were having a lover’s quarrel.”

Wanda narrowed her eyes. “Why do you keep calling them your mothers?”

”Because they are our mothers,” Tommy replied, pausing as if thinking about something, “well, technically our fathers.”

Oh, they’re revealing that already?

”What?” Wanda asked, confused. “Boys, your father is Vision.”

”Soulfully, he isn’t,” Billy replied. “He doesn’t have a soul to contribute.”

”And it’s not like you did the lover’s tango,” Mama added. “You were suddenly pregnant with the boys for that to happen.”

Every one of the Avengers were confused. 

“Then how were they conceived,” Strange asked, though he seemed to be regretting it.

”Well Dr. Strange,” Jen began, “it is common among us witches to reproduce through the old-fashioned way or by combining our magik.” She turned to Wanda. “Even the Scarlet Witch cannot bypass this rule.”

”So when she created the boys, she needed either to procreate with someone or capture the magik of another witch,” Mama continued. “Since I was already there-“

”You were their father,” Kamala finished, causing Mama to nod.

”What?” 

“Yes, Wanda, I’m your baby daddy,” Agatha solemnly nodded causing Wanda to scoff.

”So witches don’t need males at all,” Yelena remarked. 

“That’s so cool,” America added. 

“So,” Strange continued, “about Death being their other father-“

”This has something to do with how my marriage with mi vida works,” Rio smiled.

“You’re married?” Wanda exclaimed.

”You sound surprised.”

”It’s just, you’ve been flirty and handsy during the hex so I thought-“

”That’s how Agatha is,” Lilia chuckled. “Trust me, you have not seen her actually flirt.”

“Yeah been there,” Jen smirked, turning to Agatha. “Done that.”

”Oh Jenny,” Agatha smirked right back. “You weren’t the one doing anyone if I recall.”

”Neither were you, cariño,” Rio smirked, flicking her wrist.

”Oh really now?” Agatha raised an eyebrow. She snapped her fingers and a headset appeared on Nadia, who giggled.

”I recall a certain cosmic entity on their knees.”

Jen laughed, “Wasn’t there also a collar and a leash?”

Okay, too far, Nicky and Billy groaned as Tommy fake vomited again.

”I see where Tommy gets it from now,” America remarked.

”Oh please, I’m nothing compared to them.”

”So you’re a player Thomas?”

“Can’t waste this handsome face.”

”That’s my boy.”

”Anyway!” Nicky sighed, not wanting to know how his baby brother acted, “our moms are married via soul binding so since you took my Mama’s magik which as mentioned before is connected to her soul, you also took some of my Mother’s.”

”And so I am baby daddy no 2,” Rio smirked. 

“This is not comforting at all.”

”Oh Wanda, just you wait until we get to the Road.”

”What Road?”

”The Witches’ Road,” Billy responded, his face becoming serious. “Because the only one I remembered at the time was Tommy, I wanted to look for him. I sought answers and Ralph pointed me to Mama.” He nodded to Mama, who raised an eyebrow.

”He knew I was dangerous yet he told you to go to me?”

”I pestered him for answers so yeah. He did try to warn me but you know.”

”Curiosity killed the cat, hermano,” Nicky winced. Sure Mama would not have killed him, but still. The fact that Billy was too keen on getting answers was concerning.

”I was so confused okay, sue me,” Billy replied. “But back to the story, Mama was the only witch to have been recorded to have survived the Witches’ Road, a legendary road that when travelled to its end, can grant the traveller their wish.”

”But in order to do that,” he turned to look at their aunties. “We needed to form a coven.”

”I take it this is how you met them?” Strange gestured to the coven.

”Yup,” Billy smiled, “introductions are in order.”

Chapter Text

Strange was getting annoyed, especially at Wanda.

Because seriously did she have to rant to him of all people?

I should be the one they’re calling mothers not them. Have you seen how they act in front of the boys? That is not how a parent should act in front of their children.

So is whining about how they’re not respecting them but what did Stephen know about raising a child. 

To think Death and the Witch Killer could ever be parents. What a joke. They’re not as kind as I was to the boys nor us understanding.

Wanda continued to rant, which Stephen decided to block out. After all, he needed to concentrate on Billy’s explanation. He needed to know what these people are capable of. Especially Harkness, since Wong mentioned how the woman once raided Kamar Taj to obtain the Darkhold.

”So first we needed a divination witch to know who will be part of our coven. This is when we met Lilia Calderu,” he pointed at the old woman wearing a yellow coat. 

“Divination witch?” Kamala asked.

”Witches who can see visions of the future,” Strange responded, looking at the older woman. “Or at least that is what I know of.”

Lilia stared back at him. “That’s one ability we have, yes.” She didn’t elaborate further.

”So you can tell the future,” Yelena repeated, fidgeting with her baton. “Why don’t you use it to warn people about threats?”

Like Thanos, was left unsaid. Stephen sighed, Out of all of them, Yelena was one of the most affected by Thanos’ invasion, considering she lost her sister.

This woman could have saved us. Saved Vision.

And then there was Wanda. No explanation needed.

By Vishanti, Stephen needed a drink.

”And be branded by society as a harbinger of doom?” Lilia scoffed. “That was how many of our kind were killed.”

The witch hunts. Stephen’s back tingled. He turned only to be subjected to Harkness’s glare.

So she knows about the real reason behind the witch hunts.

Not that Stephen could blame her. If he knew his kind were executed because of another’s envy, he’d hate them too.

”But as Billy said, they needed me to know who would be part of the coven,” she chuckled. “I did not trust them at the time so I had no interest in joining them, however, my sight divined it to happen.”

”And so with that, we set off to find the others,” Billy continued. “We first went for our potions witch, Jennifer Kale.”

”No introductions needed,” Kale smirked staring at him, “we know each other quite well don’t we, Dr. Strange.”

”It’s always a pleasure to see you again, Dr. Kale.” The ob-gyn turned midwife was one of his closest coworkers during his time as a doctor. The woman was known all through out her field, a pioneer for women’s health. Considering both of their skills, they used to be part of the same circles at the time.

Until of course, one of her coworkers sued her for malpractice, and destroyed her reputation. Not that Stephen fared better considering his accident.

To think she is a witch, one that he would cross paths with, Stephen chuckled. It was a small world.

A healer yet she sides with murderers,

Okay he really needed to get Wanda out his mind. Did she even know she was ranting out loud to him? Considering Harkness’s statements before, he doubted that was the case.

He was about to ask Wanda to stay out of his mind when he felt a tingle in his head. Suddenly, he couldn’t hear her thoughts anymore.

Better now, Stephen Strange?

He turned to Agatha who was staring at him as she leaned against Death.

How did you-

She used to do this back during the hex too. Figured she’d learn to better control herself but as you can tell, she’s lacking in that area.

So you’ve been hearing her rant about you all this time?

Oh absolutely. It’s quite funny to think she’s this jealous. Not that it’s winning her favors with the boys though.

Why help me?

I’m playing nice for the kids. Besides, I can sympathize with being annoyed by Wanda over there. By the Goddess, you won’t believe what shit she kept on saying during the hex.

He nodded at her which she returned. He’s still wary of her don’t get him wrong but he can appreciate the olive branch being offered to him.

Unlike certain people.

”Okay then, we found our protection witch, Alice Wu-Gulliver,” the woman cuddling with Kale waved her hand.

”Wait Wu-Gulliver?” Kamala asked. “As in Lorna Wu?”

Alice winced, forcing a smile onto her face. “Yup, that’s my mom.”

”Oh my god, I used to listen to her music when I was younger.”

”Nice to know you were a fan.”

Stephen wondered why the woman seemed uncomfortable with the mention of her mother. Though he supposed the problems brought by fame had something to do with it. He can somewhat relate to that.

”And then we were supposed to look for a green witch, however, someone,” Wiccan glared at Agatha who raised an eyebrow, “was being difficult.”

”Who me?”

”You ate the paper containing the names of the coven members Lilia divined.”

“She what?”

”Aw babe, you missed me too much you couldn’t wait to eat me?”

”Well-“

”Back to the story please.”

”So yeah, instead of summoning Mami, Mama brought Sharon.” The woman in the gardening apron waved at them. 

“You mean Ms. Hart?” Wanda corrected.

Sharon flinched, causing the coven to glare at her.

”It’s Sharon Davis, Wanda,” Harkness growled. Stephen notice the coven looking at her in surprise which was odd.

”So,” Stephen decided to cut the tension. “Ms. Davis is also a green witch?”

”I’m an analog witch actually,” Sharon smiled at him. “But according to Rio, I was descended from green witches.”

”So she was enough for the Road,” Harkness smirked. “All we had to do was sing the ballad then viola, we were off to the Road.”

“Don’t forget your previous coven mates who wanted us dead.”

What?

”Ugh who cares about the Salem Seven?”

“Salem as in the Salem Witch Trials?” Kate asked. 

“Yes,” Harkness replied. 

“They were real witches?”

”Some of them. Most were just normal women.”

“Oh.”

”So when you mean the Salem Seven, where those the ones-“

”If you’re talking about the infamous confirmed victims of the Salem Witch Trials no. These witches are all alive. Well, at the time they were.”

“Ok, so why where they hunting you?”

”Because she killed her previous coven,” Wanda interrupted glaring at Harkness.

“After they tried to have her executed,” Death growled, glaring at Wanda. Stephen noticed that the lights were flickering.

With a wave of his hand, he shielded the Young Avengers, placing more on America.

”You mean after she broke their rules?”

“She was framed.”

”Oh really,” Wanda smirked, her eyes glowing red. 

Suddenly, the surrounding shifted and they were in a forest.

”This again, Wanda?” Harkness yawned.

”Oh no, Agatha,” Wanda smiled sickeningly sweet. “Moments prior.”

Harkness’ face paled. Everyone was now looking at her.

“Mi vida, what does she mean by that?” Death asked, looking at her wife.

”I-“

”Well, Agatha, it’s time to reveal your crimes.”

Chapter Text

Agatha remembered this night vividly.

She and the others watched as she held hands with a blonde woman, those green eyes similar to the leaves she controlled.

"So," younger her spoke, turning to the blonde. "What did you think?"

"It was amazing, soulmate," she replied, smiling at her, her eyes twinkling.

"Soulmate?" Right beside her, Rio asked.

"Back then she was," Agatha growled staring daggers at the blonde.

It may have been centuries ago but Agatha had a long memory and a tendency to hold grudges.

She can never forget what Rose- she did.

"Who is this?" Billy asked turning to look at her with a questioning look.

"A person she murdered obviously," Wanda grinned, smiling at the others as if to say see? She was right.

"Mi vida," Rio spoke, holding her hand, causing Agatha to look at her, her expression softening. Even now, Rio's instinct was to comfort her. By the Goddess, how did there ever come the time that Agatha hated this woman?

"Hold on," younger her warned, holding the woman close to her. "Did you hear that?"

"All I hear is your heart beating for me," the woman smiled, causing Rio beside her to growl. Agatha placed her other hand on her wife's face, cradling her like she was the most precious thing Agatha had.

"My heart beats for you, carissima."

"As does mine for you." Rio replied, tightening her grip.

"So," Alice spoke, turning towards Agatha. "Your ex?"

"Before Rio," she confirmed. "I was young back then."

"You look like you don't remember her too fondly."

Oh you don't know half of it.

Everyone continued to stare at the two Salemites, who huddled close to one another.

"I do not jest this time, Pinetree," Younger Agatha responded. "There seems to be something in the wood.”

“The only thing making sounds in the wood is you and me,” she smirked at her, causing younger Agatha to blush, swatting her.

”Seri!”

”You were so shy,” Lilia cooed. “To think this was you back in the day.”

”Yeah well,” Agatha looked at Rio, “People change.”

”Oh I love it when you say my name, Aggie.”

The coven looked at her this time causing Agatha to raise a brow, “What?”

”You hate it when we call you that,” Jen remarked, furrowing her eyebrows.

Yeah well, you’ll know why in a moment.

”I want to hear it more often.”

Agatha closed her eyes. She did not want to see this.

”Seri,” younger her repeated. 

“Yes, Aggie?”

”What are you doing?”

”Isn’t it obvious? I’m showing my love for you.”

”I-“

”Roseria Hildabloom!”

”Mother!” Roseria pushed younger Agatha to the dirt.

”Hey,” the one Agatha assume to be America exclaimed, “that’s your girlfriend you’re hurting.”

”What are you doing with that devil spawn?” Mildred Hildabloom

“We were just-“

”Mother, she seduced me!” She ran to her mother who held her to her chest.

”What the hell?” The blonde assassin who Agatha assumed to be Yelena muttered.

”What?” Younger Agatha stared at her girlfriend who was crying to her mother.

”You devil spawn! How dare you corrupt my daughter?” She growled.

”What is going on here?”

Everyone, past and present, turned to see Evanora Harkness, running into the clearing.

”Coven leader,” Mildred greeted Evanora with reverence before pointing a bony finger at younger Agatha, “this vile creature has corrupted my daughter.”

“What the fuck,” Alice growled, before turning to Agatha, “you didn’t though.”

”My mother never cared,” Agatha responded, looking absentmindedly at the woman she called a mother and the girl she once held to her heart. “She just needed the perfect excuse to get rid of me.”

”And that excuse happens to be you loving a girl?” The archer girl Kate asked in disbelief.

”These were the olden the days, of course even in witch folk, there would be those who do not approve of same sex relationships,” Agatha turned to see a very familiar scene of her being led to her execution.

Then she turned to Wanda, who was looking shocked, “Got what you wanted, superstar?”

”Agatha, I-“ before Wanda could give an excuse, Agatha flicked her wrist and they were all back to the present, everyone back on their seats.

”Now,” Agatha waved her hand, binding Wanda with her magik. Shouts of shock came from the Avengers. “I don’t particularly appreciate the blast from the past at all.” She never told anyone about the real reason she was being executed by her coven. Not even Rio, who was now looking at her in confusion and worry.

Mi vida, why haven’t you told me this?

It wasn’t important. Agatha shook her head, trying to reassure her wife that she was fine.

Turning her attention back to the Scarlet Witch, “This is the second time you broke our little truce.” Agatha pointed out, staring daggers at the woman who forced her to reveal things she did not want revealed.

”That woman-“

”You’re right, I killed her,” Agatha responded bluntly. She turned to the rest of their audience.

The Avengers seemed wary of her now, more so than they were previously considering Agatha can feel the tension on their souls. However, she wasn’t worried for their reactions.

Agatha turned to her coven, the people she had surprisingly bonded with and grown to care for despite the many instances she gave them reasons not to do the same for her. She wondered if this was it, the final straw for them to desert her.

However, she only saw their worried expressions. 

Sharon was surprised, her blue eyes widened in shock, but not with fear. The analog witch seemed saddened for her, which Agatha expected. Out of everyone in the coven, Sharon was the kindest of them after all.

Lilia, ever the divination witch, did not seemed surprised. But she was looking at Agatha now with a sympathetic gaze, one she usually gave whenever she got visions of the coven’s past without meaning to.

Alice was looking at her with pity, which caused Agatha to inwardly groan. She didn’t need anyone’s pity, much less her coven’s.

Jen looked furious, but surprising her, Agatha realized that it wasn’t directed at her. The potions witch was glaring at Wanda as if she was about to actually fight the Scarlet Witch.

The boys all had shocked expressions on their faces. However, much like the others, they were all looking at her with concern.

Nadia looked at her with tears. She proceeded to hug Agatha which she caught her off guard.

”Those ladies were wrong, Mama.” She cried in her arms. “They hurt you.”

Agatha closed her eyes.

Her coven, her family, was worried for her. They weren’t disgusted or repulsed by what they saw nor at what she said.

”Please tell me she was the one with a burn mark on her skin,” her wife growled, remembering the souls she retrieved that night. “The one that had her face burned by your magik.”

Agatha opened her eyes to meet the furious yet worried hazel of Rio’s. Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded at her. She didn’t expect that her magik would hurt that woman more than the others. However, she supposed her emotions at the time had something to do with it.

”Was she one of the witches that tried to kill you?” Alice inquired.

———-

“Come Roseria,” Her mother had beckoned the woman over.

”Yes, coven leader?”

”This vile thing,” she spat, staring directly at Agatha, who was being held down by two of their coven mates. “Tried to taint your soul with her corruption.” She turned back to the girl. “What do you wish to do with her?

Roseria had looked directly at Agatha, green meeting blue. “The punishment for practicing dark magik is death.” She turned back to Evanora, bowing her head. “I do not advocate for murder, but as per your rules, coven leader, this is the punishment.”

No. Agatha looked on with horror as her girlfriend just sent her to her death.

”Very well,” Evanora turned to look at her daughter with disdain. “Drag her to the stake.” She turned to the girl, beckoning her forward.

”You have done well, Roseria. I expect great things from you.”

”Thank you for your praise, coven leader.”

”As the one wronged, I invite you to come with us to punish this devil spawn.”

”As you command.”

———-

Agatha had stayed silent for too long, caught on the memory.

Jen growled. “So she did.” 

Agatha turned to her. “They did.” She stressed the involvement of the others of her previous coven, people who were supposed to care for her.

Lilia scoffed before turning to Agatha. “I’m glad I killed their children. Those vile creatures no doubt passed their teachings to them.”

Agatha curved slightly. “Thanks for handling the Salem Seven, Lils.”

”You’re welcome, Agatha.” Lilia smirked at her, before turning to Billy and the Avengers.

”So why don’t we continue where we left off?”

”Right,” Billy responded. With one last concerned look at her, he continued. “Down to the Witch’s Road we go.”

Chapter Text

“You were about to make him drink what?”

”Hey you have to start them young.”

Stephen was about to get an headache. He turned to look at Wanda who was looking at Harkness furiously.

”He was 17.”

”Close to drinking age if I do say so myself.”

”The drinking age is 21.”

”Close enough.”

”You-“

”Wanda, enough.”

Wanda turned towards him, clearly confused. “Stephen did you not hear-“

“I heard what she said,” he frowned at the witch, who was looking at him with innocent eyes. “While we could talk about the ramifications of underage drinking that did not even happen, we can also continue to discuss what happened on their first trial?”

”Exactly,” Billy sighed, clearly annoyed by the interruptions. “I didn’t even drink it so yeah, anyways-“

”It doesn’t change the fact that she would have allowed this,” Wanda pointed towards Harkness, who was looking more and more annoyed as Wanda continued.

”You heard what Teen said, Wanda. He didn’t even drink.”

”Yeah but still-“

”Okay,” Yelena shouted, getting everyone’s attention. “We get it, underage drinking bad.” She turned to Billy. “What happened after everyone else drank the wine?”

”Well…”

”Not everyone drank it,” Kale glared at Harkness, who blinked innocently.

”Who me?”

”Yes, you.”

“It’s basic survival instinct.”

”After we were obviously being forced to drink it?”

”Hey! I did drink it.”

”After Teen threatened to drink it,” Gulliver smirked, earning a kiss from Kale. Stephen couldn’t help but wince. Sure he was glad that Kale managed to find love in her craft but he still hasn’t moved on from Christine. He shook his head. He had an important job to do.

”You what,” Kamala looked at Billy, stunned.

”Hey! It was obvious she cared about me so-“

”So you manipulated our Mama into drinking it,” the young man, who everyone referred to as Nick, replied smirking. “Nicely done bro.”

”It was the only way she’d cooperate.”

”Betrayed by my own children,” He watched as Harkness placed a hand over her chest, faking sadness, causing Billy to smirk at her. 

“I learned from the best.”

”Damn right you did.”

”Anyway, I actually don’t know what happened to them, I only assumed they saw their worst memory.” He turned to the witches who nodded at him.

”Not particularly,” Harkness remarked. She muttered something Stephen couldn’t hear causing Billy to wince. Having caught it, Harkness smiled at him reassuringly.

”It’s in the past now, Teen.”

”It’s still clearly a sore spot though.”

”We got over it,” Calderu began, glancing between mother and son. Huh, he thought of them as mother and son. Wanda will be pissed at him if she found out.

”What did he do?” America asked, clearly intrigued. Stephen couldn’t help but smile. America really was invested in learning about magik.

“Shhh,” Tommy shushed her. Stephen stopped himself from reprimanding him because honestly, the girl just wanted to learn. “It’s a spoiler.”

”A what?”

”You’ll know after the Road,” Billy remarked, clearly not wanting to talk about it yet.

”Okay,” America replied. With a glance to the witches, she asked. “I don’t mean to be rude but what happened after you drank the wine.” The witches stared at one another before one of them, Mrs. Davis spoke.

”Well,” she took one glance at Wanda before making eye contact with America. “Something from the hex.”

“I saw my mom,” Gulliver deadpanned.

Kale remained silent, though if Stephen had to guess, he had an idea on who or what she saw.

”I saw Rio,” Calderu looked at the entity, annoyed, causing her to raise an eyebrow. 

“What?”

”Were you actually there?”

“Not yet I wasn’t. Although,” she turned to Mrs. Davis, who winced. “I was already watching.”

”Hey,” Stephen noticed that she seemed to force a smile on her face. “We did manage to finish our conversation so everything was fine.”

”Wait you knew each other?”

”She was there for Agatha during the spell, so yeah we knew each other. Although,” This time, Mrs. Davis smiled genuinely. “I never knew that your work trips would involve me.”

“Hold on,” Kate began, gesturing for time out. “She’s Death right? So if you were involved in one of her work trips did you-“

”I died,” Mrs. Davis seemed to get a faraway look in her eyes before focusing back to them. 

“How are you here then?”

”What was it Tommy said? Oh right, spoilers.”

Stephen and most of the people in the room stared at her.

A formerly dead person…

He turned to Wanda who seemed to be thinking of something.

However, he had is own thoughts.

He remembered when they unmasked Doctor Doom once when they managed to catch him off guard. I mean who wouldn’t be surprised of Bob becoming the Sentry. 

He was surprised to see his face again. Someone he had grown to care for. Someone who could have understood him more than Christine.

Before he could think more on the encounter, Stephen was brought to the present where they were now talking about gathering objects for the antidote because apparently, they were poisoned.

However, Stephen couldn’t help but wonder. He turned to look at Death who was snuggly fit to Harkness’ side, holding the daughter she had with her.

Could other people be brought back? And if so, what did Stephen need to do to bring him back?

Chapter Text

You should keep an eye on Strange.

Agatha frowned. She turned to Ebony who was lounging on the bookshelf again.

Get down from there.

No. I like it here. It reminds me of my true self.

Your lazy ass watching me do all the work?

Me above you pathetic mortals.

Agatha sighed. Even after all the years have passed, the Darkhold never changed. Hindsight neither did she so she can’t really blame it.

She pondered on what the Darkhold said. Not that she wasn’t already wary of Strange especially concerning his thoughts.

Under the guise of helping, she left the connection between them open. She inwardly smirked. ‘For the boys’ her ass, she couldn’t care less about the man.

However, what caught her attention was his thoughts concerning Sharon.

She smirked. If only he knew what happened to poor Stark’s soul…

He was really close wasn’t he? 

Agatha turned her attention back to Rio, who she was leaning against. She felt the entity sigh.

Ignore him.

He wants to resurrect Stark.

Even if he tried, his soul’s out of the Underworld now. Technically, he got his wish.

Agatha hummed, turning her attention back to Billy, who was happily explaining summoning circles.

”So my first summoning spell was surprisingly to summon another green witch into the Road.”

Ah, so we were at that point now.

”Did it actually work though?” Alice asked. “I mean Rio was already watching us.”

The coven turned to her wife, who stiffened under their gazes. Discreetly, Agatha placed her hand on Rio’s back. Even after all this time, her love was still surprised that anyone would look at her without hatred or fear.

”It did,” Rio replied. “Although,” she smirked. “I may have hijacked the spell just a bit.”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “I knew it.”

She felt her wife’s gaze on her. Without looking, she knew she was raising an eyebrow. “Did you now?”

”I explicitly said someone not annoying,” Agatha huffed.

”How could you have appeared if you didn’t mess with the spell?”

Rio smirked. “Maybe you just don’t find me annoying.”

”Or maybe you interrupted the poor witch that was supposed to join us.”

”Hmm, maybe.”

“Mom definitely did,” Nadia giggled right beside her causing Rio to gasp and put her hand on her chest in mock hurt.

”Nadia, what did I say about telling my secrets?” 

Nadia pouted. “To not tell them, especially to dad.”

”And?”

Nadia sighed. “I revealed them to dad.” However, unbeknownst to Rio, Nadia sent a transmission to Agatha.

Just like she told me to.

Agatha smirked. Her youngest(?) really was her daughter. All of them were. Sure, Rio’s potent green magik and genes may have won but in the end, all of them inherited her cunningness and propensity for trouble.

Making sure Rio didn’t see, she summoned  a pack of marshmallows and handed it to Nadia. Her girl smiled up at her before discreetly taking it from her.

———

”Agatha!”

Frowning, she sat up and looked to her wife who was glaring at her.

”Yes dear?”

”Did you feed Nadia something with sugar?”

“What makes you say that?” Agatha pouted, causing Rio to groan.

”Agatha please tell me you didn’t?”

”Would you feel better if I did?”

”Mom, dad, I’m zooming like Ebony!” Their daughter ran between them, chasing down a certain feline.

”Tell your spawn to leave me alone!”

Agatha smirked. “Go on, Nadia! Chase the cat.”

”Ok!”

”Agatha!” “Harkness!”

———

While a sugar rush from a cosmic entity was something their household tried to avoid, Agatha loved the chaos it would cause. 

Besides, Ebony could use the exercise.

”Anyway,” Billy began again. “We may or may not have actually summoned Death to us.”

”Although at the time, we all thought she was just another green witch.”

”I literally told you I was The Green Witch, what do you mean?”

”Forgive me for not assuming that Death was with us.”

”You are forgiven.”

”But can we talk about how Agatha reacted to Rio?” Agatha groaned as Alice brought that up.

”Can we not-“

”You were ready to hit her.”

”I explicitly said someone not annoying.”

”That just means-“

”I love you, carissima but no.”

“Don’t act like you didn’t find me endearing.”

”Wait a minute,” Jen interrupted. “Am I the only one who realized that maybe Alice’s words were the ones to summon Rio?”

The coven stared at her.

”What?”

”She said if she could bring some Advil.” She pointed towards Rio. “It’s an anagram for Vidal.”

It was silent for a moment. Until…

”Babe, you’re smart, I definitely summoned Rio.”

“Excuse you, my presence was what summoned Rio to us.”

”Have we all forgotten about what I said about her being a master of her craft? It was me.”

The three witches continued to bicker with one another, earning an amused look from the rest of the coven and a concerned one from their guests.

”Are they-“ America began, not knowing what to say.

”They’ll be fine, Amy,” Tommy replied.

”Welcome to the Westview Coven nicknamed the Coven of Chaos.” Nicky smirked. “We’re all a bit chaotic here.”