Author's Note:  This is just a quick chapter for everyone.  I hope you like it.  I tried to add a bit of the comic book world into the evo. world and I hope that is works out well in the end.  Remember to R&R.

Disclaimer: I don't X-Men Evolution or the comics.

Chapter 18

"Kira….KIRA!  Where did she go?"

"Corina, what is all the shouting about?"  Pearl did not seem happy that her granddaughter had gotten out of bed just to shout all over the house.

"Kira is gone.  I went to find her and she is no where in the house.  I'm worried for her."

"I'm sure she is fine.  She can take care of herself.  She has always done so before.  Now, get back to bed."

"I'm not going to fall apart any second, Grams. Besides, you need help getting ready for our guests today."  After rolling her eyes, the matriarch gave her consent with a short nod.  It had been less than a week since Corina arrived back at home.  Corina was still worried about what her future might bring but she was starting the get annoyed that everyone walked on eggshells around her and that they treated her like a china doll.  Since the incident, Wanda had permanently moved into the house and was getting easily situated with school, and training sessions.  It was nice for Corina and for Wanda to finally be able to practice is perfect ease.  Corina had contacted her college and told them that she had been in accident during the Bayville High fire and received permission to finish up her papers at home.  All she had to do was finish her papers and she would graduate because she already had enough credits.   Corina was thankful that her grandmother had thought quickly and used her power of illusion to make it seem as if Corina was injured and not missing when the fire occurred.  The power came into good use at times like that.  As far as anyone was concerned, Corina had been injured by a falling beam but was perfectly ok except for a broken leg and a few cracked ribs. 

Today, however, was an important day, because the matriarch was getting a special visit from the Inhuman Royal Family.  The witch and the Inhuman community had always been allies but they had never requested much from each other.  Unfortunately, it seems that the Inhumans needed the help of her witches.  The problem was originally supposed to be dealt with by Agatha, but she had to leave on an emergency so she once again asked if Pearl would take the duty.  Pearl then demanded that every room in the house be spotless and the guest rooms set up.  Wanda was even going to have to sleep in Corina's Room; while, Corina slept on the floor in Pearl's Room.  They need the extra rooms because not only was the queen coming but she was bringing along her daughter.  Pearl had been in the kitchen all morning preparing a beautiful lunch and dinner and she was just beginning to clean up.  Wanda was helping her and Corina was trying to help, despite the constant effort of everyone telling her to stay still.  Frustrated, Corina went upstairs to go pick out an appropriate outfit for Wanda and change into something herself.  Wanda, despite her happier life style, still preferred her dark clothing and makeup.  However, she did agree that she would wear something a bit more conservative for the occasion.

Corina went into her closet and pulled out a simple pair of black pants that she usually wore but this time she selected a simple, scarlet top with a collar and black buttons down the front.  It was nice enough for the occasion but it did suit Wanda's own tastes.  Corina herself ran down the hallway to change into a nice navy sweater that was off the shoulder and grey slacks.  As she finished, Corina put on her golden disc necklace that had a ruby heart and a sapphire moon embedded into it.  She hurried down stairs and made it to the bottom just as the door bell rang.  She answered it quickly and was great by two figures.  A woman with bright red hair, which was braided all the way down to her knees, stood majestically at the door.  She was dressed in a simple purple top and black pants.  She smiled slightly and graciously accepted Corina's hand in a greeting.  However, behind her stood a fairly sullen looking teenage girl, who had her arms crossed across her chest.  The girl stood about 5'6" with long red hair like her mother but hers only reached her back.  The girl was dressed in black pants and top with a yellow jacket.  She had left her hair down and was currently looking at the floor sullenly with her blue eyes.  She sighed and accepted Corina's greeting and followed her mother into the house.

"Medusalith…it is nice to see you again."  Pearl came from the kitchen to greet the queen that she had obviously met before.

"The pleasure is all mine, Pearl.  What a lovely home you have and I do apologize for the short notice visit but this matter cannot wait for Agatha to return."

"It is perfectly fine.  Witches are witches and we are all sisters.  Therefore, it is no problem for one to help another out.  Her allies are our allies," Pearl seemed transform into the perfect matriarch role as she spoke fluidly.  As Pearl finished, Wanda came down the stairs quickly.

"Medusalith," Pearl continued "this is Wanda Maximoff.  She is staying with us for awhile."  Wanda reached her hand out and greeted the queen.

"This is my daughter, Crystal.  How old are you Wanda?  You look to be about the same age."

"I'm 18."  Wanda said in a calm manner.  She seemed to be stiff at the prospect of meeting the queen.

"Oh, that's great," Medusalith slipping into a motherly role stated "Crystal is 17 and I'm sure you two have a lot in common."  Both girls looked at each other sceptically.

However, before they could properly continue with their conversation, there was another knock at the door.  Corina looked at Pearl, shrugged, and went to answer the door.  Corina looked through the peephole but could not see who it was.  She opened it slowly but was thrown back on her butt as the door burst open. "What took you so long?"

"PIETRO," Wanda roared "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING HERE?"  Wanda already raised her hands. Fortunately, the house didn't shake.  The queen and her daughter were both shocked by the intrusion and were not sure what was going on.

"I decided to drop by for a visit," the boy spoke at his super fast speed. "So what's up? Who's this? What's going on?"  Wanda grabbed the boy by the back of the shirt collar and dragged him out through the kitchen and onto the porch.  She looked annoyed but Pietro's terrified face was almost comical. 

"I'll go take care of that.  Excuse me." Corina slipped away and left her grandmother to explain the situation.  Corina arrived just a Wanda had finished yelling at her brother for embarrassing her. 

"Wanda, calm down.  He didn't know about today's meeting.  Please, put your brother down and we can talk about this.  Wanda, show your brother to the gazebo and we will discuss it there."  Wanda grabbed his collar once again and dragged him.  Corina stepped back in house and transformed into her fox form.  She darted into the gazebo and struck both teens with her blue fire.   She transformed back and was confronted by two very annoyed teens.

"Why did you do that?" they both yelled in unison.

"Because I do not need this turning into a war zone. Now, let's discuss this.  Pietro, why did you come?"

"Can't a brother visit his sister? Is that a crime?"

"With brothers like you, yeah…it is," Wanda spat back.

"Pietro, what is the reason?"

"I wanted to bother Wanda.  I was bored.  I never get to do anything fun.," for once the speed demon was speaking at a normal pace but even without his mutant powers he seemed to be jumpy. 

With a sigh, Corina put her hand to her forehead and shook her head slowly.  "Fine, you can stay and eat with us but anything funny and I'll kick you faster than even you can imagine."  Pietro got the hint and swallowed the lump in his throat.

"You got it teach."

"This is going to be a long lunch and dinner.  Come inside, now both of you and wash up for the meal.  Remember best behavior."

"Scouts honor." Pietro did a mock Boy Scout salute.

"Like you're a scout."  Wanda shot back.  "Corina, can I talk to you…alone please."

"Yes Wanda…Pietro, could you please go into the gazebo while we talk?"  He turned without a smart ass comment for once in his life and went in.

"What concerns you Wanda?"

"Why did you let him stay? He is probably spying on us.  Why did you take my power away?  Why are you taking chances like this?"  Wanda was expertly trying to keep her anger under control but she was beginning to lose the battle. 

"Wanda, I understand your concerns.  I think that is very astute of your to notice this situation as potentially dangerous.  I do agree with you but I believe that between Grams and me that we can keep your brother in the dark.  I must apologize for the sudden attack and taking your powers away but I had to fill the whole building with blue fire or it would not have reached your brother.  It had to cover everything or he would have dodged it.  I am very sorry but your powers will come back.  However, when they do, you cannot blast your brother.  Do you understand?"  Slightly comforted but still slightly concerned, Wanda nodded. "Thank you for being understanding about this.  You really are showing improvement in your anger Wanda.  I'm very proud of you.  Now go inside and wash up.  I'll get you brother."  As Wanda turned to go back in the house, Corina turned to go back to the gazebo.  She opened the door and watched carefully as Pietro got up from his seat and followed her into the house.  Corina said a quick prayer to who ever was listening and followed after him.