Chapter 59: The First Followers
The tunnels were alive with hushed murmurs, the Morlocks gathering in small groups, their voices a mixture of cautious optimism and lingering skepticism. Wanda stood near the center of the chamber, the Chitauri Scepter leaning against her side. Her crimson magic flickered faintly at her fingertips, a reflection of her resolve as she prepared to address them.
Callisto stood nearby, her arms crossed and her expression guarded. She scanned her people, watching for any signs of dissent. Finally, she turned to Wanda, her sharp gaze expectant. "Well, Maximoff? You've got their attention. Now let's see if you can keep it."
Wanda took a steadying breath, stepping forward. "I know you're all scared," she began, her voice firm but gentle. "I know you've been hurt, betrayed, and forced to live in the shadows because the world refuses to see you for who you really are. And I know it's hard to trust anyone after what you've been through."
The room grew quiet, the Morlocks hanging on her every word.
"But I'm not here to make empty promises," Wanda continued. "I'm here because I believe in something better. Sokovia has been through its own hell—war, oppression, and destruction—but we've rebuilt. And now, I'm building a country where no one has to live in fear. A sanctuary for everyone who's been cast out, rejected, or hunted for being different. Sokovia can be your home too."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, hesitant but hopeful. Marrow stepped forward, her sharp features etched with doubt. "And what happens when Sokovia decides we don't belong? When your people look at us the way the rest of the world does?"
"They won't," Wanda said firmly. "Sokovia understands what it means to be broken and to rebuild. And I will make sure that no one in Sokovia forgets that. You'll have safety, resources, and the freedom to live as you are. And if anyone tries to take that from you, they'll have to go through me."
Callisto watched her closely, her arms still crossed. "You're asking a lot, Maximoff. You're asking us to trust you and your country with everything."
"I am," Wanda admitted. "Because I believe this is the best chance for your people to live without fear. And if I'm wrong, if Sokovia doesn't live up to my promises, then you're free to leave. I won't stop you."
Callisto was silent for a long moment, her sharp eyes searching Wanda's face for any sign of insincerity. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. We'll go. On a trial basis. But if I see even one sign that Sokovia isn't what you're claiming, we're gone."
"Fair enough," Wanda said, her voice steady.
As the Morlocks began to disperse, preparing for their journey, Callisto approached Wanda and Natasha. Her usual guarded demeanor was replaced with something almost playful. "You know," she said, glancing between them, "you two make a good couple."
Wanda blinked, caught off guard by the comment, but a slow smile spread across her face. "Do we now?"
Natasha, on the other hand, let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her neck. "I don't know about that," she said, her voice a touch higher than usual. "We're just... teammates."
"Sure," Callisto said with a smirk, turning to leave. "Teammates."
As Callisto walked away, Wanda turned to Natasha, her smile lingering. "She's not wrong, you know. We do work well together."
Natasha let out a soft huff, avoiding Wanda's gaze. "Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head."
Later, as Wanda helped coordinate the Morlocks' preparations, Natasha found herself standing off to the side, watching her. Wanda's presence had always been striking—her poise, her power, her unwavering determination—but now, there was something else.
She's changed, Natasha thought. We both have.
Natasha's mind drifted to the past few months, the battles they'd fought, the trust they'd built. She'd never considered herself someone who relied on others. Most of the men in her life had proven unreliable, even the ones she respected, like Fury. He was paranoid to a fault, always keeping secrets.
But Wanda was different. There was no manipulation, no hidden agenda. With Wanda, everything was laid bare—her pain, her hope, her determination to create something better. It was refreshing, and more than that, it was something Natasha realized she admired deeply.
If I had to pick a partner, Natasha thought, it would be her.
Her gaze lingered on Wanda's hair, the deep auburn catching the dim light of the chamber. Natasha smirked to herself. And let's be honest, I clearly have a thing for redheads.
As the Morlocks' preparations neared completion, Natasha approached Wanda, holding a small device. "I've got a contact who can arrange transportation to Sokovia. It won't be easy with this many people, but I'll make it work."
Wanda looked at her, her smile softening. "Thank you, Natasha. For everything."
Natasha shrugged, but her lips quirked into a faint smile. "Just doing my job."
"No," Wanda said, her voice quieter. "It's more than that. You've been there for me through all of this. I couldn't have done it without you."
Natasha felt a faint blush creep up her neck, and she quickly looked away. "Don't get all sentimental on me, Maximoff. We've still got a lot to do."
Wanda chuckled softly. "Whatever you say."
Callisto gathered the Morlocks one last time, her voice firm as she addressed them. "We're leaving Athens. For years, we've survived here, but it's not enough anymore. Maximoff says Sokovia can be a sanctuary for us. We'll see if she's right."
Her gaze shifted to Wanda. "Don't let us down."
"I won't," Wanda promised, her voice steady.
As the group began moving out, Natasha and Wanda walked side by side at the rear. "You ready for this?" Natasha asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Wanda replied. "This is just the beginning."
Natasha smirked, nudging her shoulder lightly. "You're going to be great. And if anyone tries to mess with Sokovia, they'll have to go through me first."
Wanda looked at her, her smile widening. "I'll hold you to that."
Fracture's voice hummed in Wanda's mind. **"You're building something real, Maximoff. And the people by your side? They're the ones who will carry you through the hardest battles. Don't take them for granted."**
Wanda's smile softened, her thoughts briefly turning inward. She'd never imagined herself here—leading a group of mutants, fighting alongside Natasha, and building something like Sokovia. But now, it felt right. She liked who she was becoming.
"Let's get moving," Wanda said, her voice filled with quiet determination. "We've got a lot of work to do."
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