Nephalem of X

by Ronin2106

Thought to be a Squib, Harry is given up by his parents to their supposed friend, who happens to be villainous Mr. Sinister. Experimented and mind controlled, Harry is made into a living weapon for Sinister's plans, thanks to being a powerful mutant. However, not all is lost for him, and a chance encounter with the X-Men saves his life, and let's him be a true Hero, Nephalem of X

7. Chapter 7

One month and two weeks later. Eastern Europe. Transia. Eastern side of Wundagore Mountains.

A black civilian SUV was driving down the unpaved roads and paths, covered in snow and frozen dirt, while chilling winds were coming down from the mountains. Nestled in between mountains and hills was a small valley, impossible to find unless you have its direct coordinates, and even then it is quite a trek through the snowed up roads and forgotten paths. Eastern Europe, in particular Romania, Hungary, Serbia and Transia, had a plethora of such hidden sights and places, locations that were seemingly erased from the world and it's history. But they were not erased because of the inaccurate records or lack of their preservation, but because of those who had made those places their home- Wizards and Witches of all cultures that resided in the Balkans.

Balkans and Eastern Europe always held a special place in the world's magical community and it contained one of the largest concentrations of magical users, including those who consider themselves part of Wizarding World. Ancient Houses, Clans, Bloodlines and even whole factions can be found in each of those countries, dating as far back as the times of Romans, if not even more, and from what Hadrian understood, they were even more prideful and self-centered than their counterparts from UK. However, along with that, Eastern Europe is also home to the largest amount of dark wizards and witches, who had formed cabals and groups of interests, and given the fact that such cabals have existed for hundreds, if not thousands of years, it is virtually impossible for the Ministries to remove them.

Although to be fair, from what Hadrian heard, a term "dark wizard/witch" did not exactly mean that said individual was someone like Voldemort. It simply meant that they were a practitioner of arts that were deemed dark and dangerous, most of which are taboo in Western Europe and most other places on the planet, but not here in Eastern Europe. Here, dark arts were as common as the normal charms and a percentage of the wizarding folk who knew them was far greater than anywhere else, and these very same dark arts and their practitioners had brought Hadrian, who was here on the job from SHIELD, and his current companion in this part of the world.

"You know, I've lived in these parts for a long time with Pietro and we've traveled all over Transia, but I've never even thought that there was this valley." Wanda Maximoff stated, dressed in scarlet colored warm winter clothes, as she looked outside the window, while Hadrian drove. "The Romani we lived with camped not so far from here… I wonder if they still live in these parts of Transia." She said with a hint of sadness.

"From what I've heard, there are still some Romani who travel in these lands, but not as many as there used to be, due to local tension between the ethnic groups." Hadrian commented, as he continued driving, while dressed in warmed-up version of his clothes, while he noticed a saddened look on Wanda's face "I'm sorry for bringing this up. I wasn't… It was inconsiderate of me." Hadrian said with remorse, with Wanda immediately turning to him.

"No, no, you don't need to apologize. I'm just… I'm just feeling nostalgic about this place, that's all." Wanda explained. "I've got a lot of memories with these lands, mountains and valleys and all that and I almost got lost in them, that's all. It's been a really long time since I've been here last and I'm just…"

"Yeah, I get it." Hadrian said to her with understanding. "I've gotten the same feeling when I returned to Godric's Hollow… That place was my home for a while, but now… Now it's like a grave of mine, of sorts."

"What do you mean?" Wanda was curious when she heard him speak like that.

"Let's just say, that it was there that my childhood died." Hadrian commented to her. "And it's also where I was reborn as man I am today… Sorry, I did not mean to get this cryptic and all that. I sometimes have a bit of a hard time being casual and all that." Hadrian apologized, with Wanda chuckling to that.

"Guess that is something that we've got in common, though in your case, you've Carol helping you out in that department." Wanda hinted at the fact that Nephalem and Captain Marvel often hung out together. "Oh, I almost forgot. She wanted me to tell you that she is sorry that she won't be able to make to the usual date, or whatever she meant by it. Something about space smugglers on the edge of our system, or something like that, I didn't really catch the whole gist of it."

"Ah, the Rd'Hassa Smuggler Ring. She mentioned that a couple of times, said that these bastards are the sleaziest bunch outlaws this side of galaxy." Hadrian commented with knowledge. "Knowing how much she hates their guts, she'll probably be back after New Year. That is a shame. I was really looking forward that one." Hadrian said with a bit a regret, with Wanda looking at him with curiosity.

"Sounds like you guys are really serious about it all." Wanda said, getting the attention of Nephalem. "Although, if you are together, why wouldn't she tell you herself that she would be busy?"

"Um, what do you mean by "together", if you don't mind me asking?" Harry asked of Wanda, who looked at him with confusion. "You don't mean that Carol and I are…"

"Dating? Yes." Wanda nodded to that, with Hadrian's eyes widening in surprise. "Everyone's in the Avengers already knows this, even if Carol's refusing to admit, but it's pretty obvious that the two of you are dating. Tony even made a betting pool on how long it will take Carol to finally admit this to be the case. Didn't she tell you that?"

"She told me that Stark and some others were getting funny ideas about us hanging out, but I wasn't aware that it was interpreted as dating, which it isn't." Hadrian responded, surprising Wanda.

"Wait, so you two really aren't together?" Wanda asked again.

"No, Wanda, we are not. We just like to hang out with each other, like friends do. Go to movies, cafes and or bowling, that kind of stuff, have fun and have a great time." Hadrian responded, with Wanda looking a bit surprised after hearing that. "I mean she does like to flirt a bit, but it's just to tease me a little, that's all. Aside from that, everything else is just that, us having fun and hanging out as friends."

"Really? I-I mean, not that I disapprove of or anything, I just thought that she was just being bashful and didn't want to show it off, but… I really didn't expect to hear it." Wanda admitted truthfully. "With how Carol talks about you, how you are so reliable and good at nearly everything, plus so easy on the eyes and to talk to, we probably all caught the wrong signals."

"Yeah, I get the same treatment from my girls back home. Not a day goes by without one of them asking if I'll be asking Carol out on another one of the dates." Hadrian chuckled. "Stheno and Euryale are particularly nasty about it. You should see how they like to play it, pretending that I'm asking Carol out and all that. And worst of all, everyone else is just encouraging them." Hadrian chuckled, with Wanda smiling at that thought.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I'll apologize to Carol once she gets back, and I'll make sure that others know that you are just hanging out, as friends." Wanda told him, before a question popped up in her mind. "If you don't mind me asking, what is it that you and Carol were going to do?"

"What do you mean?" Hadrian asked, before he got the idea. "Ah, you mean that supposed "date"? We were planning to go to the movies, on a premier of that blockbuster that is coming out tomorrow. I have already bought the tickets, all hopeful that she would be able to make it, but alas… Oh well, I guess I will give them to Laura and Clarice. They were really looking forward to seeing it."

"Maybe you could find someone else to go to that premier with? Like, I wouldn't mind go to see that movie with you." Wanda suggested out of nowhere, before a little blush came upon her cheeks, drawing a surprised look from Hadrian. "Wh-what?"

"Um, nothing, it's just… I didn't really peg you for a person to like that sort of thing, really." Harry admitted, with Wanda blinking at him.

"I actually like the action-adventure genre, so it is something I'm gonna enjoy, if it is as good as all the critiques say it is. In fact, I was myself thinking of buying a ticket." Wanda admitted. "Wait, what kind of movies did you think I usually prefer?"

"Well, mystery, magic, drama… Really cliché of me, isn't it?" Hadrian admitted with regret.

"Yeah. I may not look like it, but I do enjoy lighthearted movies, like comedies and such, instead of the mystery and drama. I've got enough of that in my everyday life." Wanda admitted, with Hadrian nodding. "Though, it's a common thing, what you just said. A lot of people seem to think that because I'm the Scarlet Witch, I'm all about mystiques, magic, drama and horrors, when in reality I really hate the latter."

"Yeah, sorry about that one." Hadrian apologies.

"Don't worry, you couldn't have known. In fact, I think this is the first time we've actually talked for so long, or been together… I-I mean, together as…" Wanda blushed up a little when she realized what she was implying and tried to correct herself, but Hadrian stopped her.

"Don't worry, I get it. True, the only Avengers I've been around for a long while are Marvel, Hawkeye and Captain America, though with the latter two it's mostly been before or during a SHIELD operation, and after." Hadrian admitted. "Carol told me a couple of times that I should visit the Tower from time to time, get to know you guys better and all that. I should probably do that, now that I've gotten my feet wet, as Cap and Hawkeye have told me."

"Speaking of, Cap and Clint both have a really high opinion of you, both as a fighter and as a hero. Steve had told me that he offered you a spot in the team, but you decided to fly solo, so to speak." Wanda commented, with Harry nodding. "And father told me that you've refused to join the X-Men after you've joined the SHIELD, even though Professor had extended the invitation. Mind if I ask why?"

"Let's just say that I don't appreciate the way in which Professor Xavier runs his team and his school. Despite what he preaches, they have been the exact opposite and have made themselves more enemies than I want to have, and I did not really like how he and his Boy Scout had already prepared to take my girls in without even considering what is best for them. Because of that, and a few other things, I have decided to decline the invitation." Hadrian answered. "Although I've heard that Xavier has been making changes to the way he runs his Institute, employing more normal human teachers and having the X-Men be more active in relief efforts and humanitarian actions. Who knows, maybe I'll reconsider my decision, but for now, I'm pretty content being with just the SHIELD."

"Although an occasional team-up with the Avengers from time to time doesn't hurt either." Wanda noted with a smile, to which Nephalem agreed. "By the way, did Fury offer you a choice, or was it mandatory for you?" She asked of him unexpectedly.

"What do you mean?" Hadrian asked of her.

"I mean joining the SHIELD. I have heard from Clint that before you were freed from mind control, you have racked up quite a reputation within the SHIELD and outside of it, and not in good way. He even told me you were pretty high on their most wanted list, up there with the likes of top Hydra operatives and officers." Wanda told him. "Some of us thought that you joined the SHIELD because Fury pressured you, because of your abilities and because of your crime record."

"He didn't pressure me. He did the opposite, actually, told me that if I wanted to, I could leave and he would not bother me. Even said that if it were only up to him, he'd wouldn't have me anywhere near SHIELD, especially after all that had happened to me." Harry revealed to Wanda, surprising her. "I've had over a month to think about what I wanted to do, get my bearings and realize what I wanted and needed. Being part of the SHIELD might not seem like something a person like me would do, but it was my choice and I made it, without anyone telling me. I know that SHIELD isn't perfect, but compared to Weapon Plus and STRIKE, they are worlds cleaner than those guys, and they do care for the safety and security of the people."

"Even though they are not above using blackmail and other dirty tricks to get what they want." Wanda commented.

"Didn't say they were saints, just that they were cleaner." Harry noted. "Speaking of SHIELD, how did they manage to get you involved with this operation? I know that SHIELD and UN sponsor Avengers, but I thought only Cap, Black Widow and Hawkeye actively work with the SHIELD. Did Fury ask you for assistance on this mission?"

"Not as much as asked as told me to help you. You probably know that Pietro and I were with the Brotherhood before we left and joined the Avengers." Wanda spoke up, with Harry nodding. "Well, during our time with the Brotherhood, we've done things we aren't proud of, not as bad as the rest of them, but still plenty to get people to be distrustful of us. We wanted to turn a new leaf, and so we went to SHIELD and surrendered to them, giving them all we had on the Brotherhood and their activities. Fury managed to get us an amnesty and pardon, but on the condition that we work for SHIELD. For about a year, we did just that, carried out operations and completed missions for them, until we have been given permission to join the Avengers, thanks to Hawkeye. Nowadays, Pietro and I do not really do that sort of thing with SHIELD, but occasionally, Fury does request us for a mission, and we feel obliged to help him out, partly out of gratitude, partly because we don't want to test him. This was one such case, though at first I thought you asked for my help because of my history with Transia." Wanda stated, with Hadrian shaking his head.

"No, I didn't. Fury simply told me that I might need back up on this mission and he has arranged for it. When I arrived at the airport, you were there and I assumed he just asked to help me out, since you grew up in Transia and one of strongest magical users around." Harry admitted. "Something tells me that he didn't exactly tell you the details about the mission, did he?"

"Only the basics, that some strange activity is going on in here and you would need assistance, that's basically it." Wanda stated. "Though to be fair, it wasn't Fury who briefed me, but one of his Sub-Directors, Maria Hill, and she doesn't really have that big of an opinion about me and Pietro, given our history."

"Hill… Yeah, I've met here a couple of times already. She could certainly ease up a little on the procedures and rules." Harry sighed. "We've still got some time before we get there. Shall I get you up to speed?"

"Won't that get you in trouble with Fury and whoever you answer to?" Wanda asked of him.

"Well, I don't answer to Hill directly, and I am of the opinion that compartmentalization of information at times can be more harmful than useful. Plus, this isn't exactly the kind of a mission that is all hush-hush, so to speak, so I can share with you the details." Harry stated.

"Alright, so what is the mission and why are we really in Transia, and why are we in this super hidden valley that nobody seems to know about?" Wanda asked of Harry, and he began talking.

"Alright, about two weeks ago Romanian Ministry of Magic had contacted with SHIELD through its ambassador in London. The ambassador relayed a request for help from the current Minister of Magic, assistance in an internal matter that they themselves can't solve. In any normal circumstances, if a magical government can't solve something on their own, they send a request to the ICW, International Confederacy of Wizards, Wizarding World's version of UN." Harry began explaining. "The Romanian Minister didn't send it, and instead requested SHIELD's assistance in this matter."

"Why didn't he want to get this ICW involved?" Wanda asked, with Hadrian shrugging at it.

"Probably internal politics within the magical community, doesn't want to appear weak before others, and from what I've heard, nobody likes when ICW gets involved in the affairs of country. Given the fact that magical Eastern Europe is mired in dark arts, factionalism, rivalries, black market and so much more, it wouldn't surprise me if the Minister didn't want the ICW getting an opportunity to get involved. Plus from what I've heard, current head of ICW, Albus Dumbledore, really likes to get his nose into others business and lead those people to what he calls "the Light." Harry explained. "And since neither SHIELD nor Romanian Minister are fond of Dumbledore, they came to an agreement."

"Okay, and what is our part in all of this?" Wanda asked. "If this is something that Minister wants done, yet can't get his own people to do, even with all the dark arts, it means it is something so illegal that it would get him out of the office if not worse. Or it is something that is too much for them to handle, meaning we'll be in a lot of trouble." Wanda surmised.

"According to information provided to Coulson by the ambassador, in the past three months, there have been some strange sightings in this part of Transia. This area is an exclusion zone, closed off from the rest of the world, both normal and magical, because of it's historical and scientific significance, official. Unofficially, some 800 or so years ago, these lands belonged to a cabal of thirteen extremely dark wizards, who had carried out atrocious acts and studied things that are forbidden to even mention in public. From what the ambassador told Coulson, the stuff those dark wizards were up to was enough to threaten the whole of Europe." Harry continued on explaining. "The cabal was destroyed later on by, and the area here sealed off for good, due to the fear that the consequences, or results, of their research and sorcery might still be present in there. Along with that, they were also fearful that someone might come there and continue their work, if not finish it."

"And let me guess: for the past 800 years, the place was deserted and remained isolated, until now." Wanda said, with Harry nodding to her.

"Three months ago, Romanian Aurors who were tasked with overseeing this place reported strange sightings, like I mentioned earlier. At first, everyone just thought that it was a pack of Werewolves taking residence there, something that happened often before, but then things started to get out of hand. Villages, Romani camps, even towns just outside of the exclusion zones started reporting missing children, all pre-teens, with no signs of what had happened to them." Harry continued. "Kids from different social, ethnic and religious groups, nothing in common except for one thing- they were all confirmed to possess aptitude for magic, same one that all wizards and witches have."

"Oh my God…" Wanda didn't need to be told where those kids were taken. "How many were taken?"

"66 in total, which in magical world is not a good number." Harry said to her with full seriousness. "Before contacting SHIELD, Minister sent a group of Aurors inside this zone. 15 veteran Aurors, all with over a decade of experience behind them, with 5 members of Department of Mysteries to help them, each of them being a recognized master of Dark Arts and mysticism. Only one returned from the exclusion zone, barely crossed the border, before dying from blood loss. After that, he decided to call the SHIELD."

"So what's the plan? I'm assuming that you have a plan, because I do not like the idea of going to a mortally dangerous area, possibly infested by things that can and will kill us." Wanda stated, before Nephalem handed her a map. "Is this the map of this place? It looks like it belongs in the museum." Wanda commented, looking at an 800-year old piece of paper.

"It was taken from one when this whole thing started. Ambassador gave us the location of where the Aurors were headed first and we are nearing the location. Unfortunately, due to sensitive nature of this op, we won't be monitored via satellite, so we are on our own." Hadrian stated. "The plan is make it to the village, establish what had happened to the Aurors, identify our opponents, their plans and locations, and then take them down, using what we know."

"In other words, we will be winging it." Wanda summarized, with Harry nodding to her. "Half the time we Avengers just wing it anyway, especially when it is Tony who is leading us. Hopefully you'll do a better job."

"Yeah, I hate going in blind, but that is all I know. If you are uncomfortable with this whole situation, you can stay out of it all. I'll do all the work." Harry offered to her, with Wanda turning to him with the eye that said enough, and he increased the speed of his SUV to get them to the place as fast as possible.

---

An hour later.

Stopping short distance away from the village, both Scarlet Witch and Nephalem exit their vehicle, with Nephalem immediately summoning his now iconic dark purple coat and the rest of his attire, while his previous garments disappeared in a flash of blue light, surprising Wanda a bit with it.

"Did you just conjure up your clothes from thin air?" She asked. "And while I am not one to dispute fashion senses, but won't you get cold in it? It's not exactly July in here."

"No, I summoned them upon myself. And don't worry about me. I've enchanted these clothes with rudimentary climate control spells, so I won't get cold or too hot." Nephalem replied, as he also summoned up his guns and placed them on his hips behind the coat's cover. "One of the first things that my teacher taught me when I've started training with her to master my magical powers was how to make enchantments and properly apply them on what I want. My most necessary stuff, like this coat and pistols, have summoning charms on them, so I can call upon them whenever I need."

"Sounds like something I wouldn't mind learning, especially when we are rushing off to save the world and I've got no time to put my cloak on." Wanda said, impressed what she saw and heard. "I did learn several spells under my teacher, before… Before we've parted ways." Wanda's tone indicated that it was not a topic she wanted to elaborate.

"Well, once this mission is over, I could introduce you to my mentor. From what I've seen in London and other scuffles, you should have no problem mastering what she has to offer, like summoning and enchantments." Hadrian offered her, as they began to walk towards the village.

"I doubt your mentor will want to have me as her student, not when she has you already." Wanda disagreed. "Besides, our powers are different, though similar. Yours is so balanced and controlled, yet mine…" Wanda didn't want to voice it, but Nephalem spoke up still.

"Believe me, it's not simply an instinctual, that control and balance of my power. I have gotta always be careful on how I use it, make sure I do not make my blasts too powerful, or constructs too strong. If I mess up, or focus in the right way, I'll end up vaporizing anything upon contact, unless it is capable of withstanding my power." Nephalem told Scarlet Witch, surprising her a little bit. "Before London, my power was on a certain limiter, but after that I needed to learn how to control my power again, because I now had the full extent of it, at least at the moment. Interesting thing about me is that I constantly get stronger, faster and better, and that also comes to my magical power."

"In other words, improvement for you is not a choice, but a necessity." Wanda stated, with Nephalem nodding to her. "My teacher did teach me how to channel my power, but later she tried to limit it, and then rid it away from me, because she feared that I would not be able to control it. I can't say if she was right or wrong, because…"

"Because you've got in yourself power to change the world with but a snap of your fingers?" Nephalem asked of her, with Wanda nodding to him. "From what I learned from my mentor, no power is good or bad, it is the holder of it who makes the choice of how to utilize it, or when not to. He who lets the power to control himself becomes slave of a cycle of constant hunger and demand for more power, growing weaker and weaker, yet those who grow to command their power with responsibility and conduct, learn the true strength."

"That is certainly something worth pondering about." Wanda admitted. "Your teacher, what is her name?"

"Morgana Le Fay." Hadrian answered, with Wanda stopping in her tracks and looking at him with incredulous look.

"You… You are joking, right?" Wanda asked of him, with Hadrian shaking his head. "Morgana Le Fay, one of the most evil witches in the history and who brought along the destruction of Camelot, teaches you how to use magic? Same Morgana, who also goes by the name of Morgause and tried to turn New York into a medieval pocket dimension, against whom I and rest of Avengers fought some years back?"

"That would have to be Morgana's sister, who does go by the name of Morgause. Basically, Morgause is the one who is basically responsible for all the bad things in Arthurian lore, with Merlin deciding to make Morgana the one to bear all the blame for her sister's actions as a form of punishment, since she refused to take sides in that whole conflict." Hadrian explained to Wanda the situation. "Trust me, despite what people may think of her, Morgana is one of the nicest and wisest persons I've met. The most evil thing she is capable of is a minor bad luck hex, and that is only when she feels a little naughty, as she puts it. Did it once on me and it wore off of me within the hour, and all I got is having an apple fall on my head and getting my pants went when a car drove into a puddle."

"Really? The witch we fought turned Iron Man into an iron golem, while Vision became a rusted mess, with me keeping him together through magic, while she turned Cap into an old man." Wanda recalled.

"Well, Morgana did state that she is as powerful as Morgause, if not more, so she can definitely do that, but she ain't about that. She likes her current quiet, leisurely paced life where she can just enjoy what it has to offer." Wanda was surprised to hear that. "She has even stated on a number of occasions that she hates Dark Ages and wouldn't choose it over modern times even if she were to be made into a Goddess. She just wouldn't survive without going to SPA and shopping trips, as she had put it."

"Sounds like she and Janet would get along famously." Wanda chuckled, as they've neared the village. "When this is over, do you think she wouldn't mind giving me a consultation, or maybe a few pointers?"

"I think she would just snatch you right away." Hadrian jokingly said, before they reached the village and after making a few steps inside of its borders, they have stopped, looking around. "Nothing out of the ordinary, from the looks of things. Just a run of the mill abandoned village"

"Yeah, although for a village that has been deserted for eight centuries or so, it looks surprisingly well. I'm not an expert on the architecture or building, but I'm pretty sure that normal buildings made of wood, stone and thatch would've long since turned to dirt." Wanda noted with suspicion, as she looked at the place. "Are you certain that this place has been deserted for all this time, safe for the Werewolves occasionally getting in here?"

"Positive, and Werewolves didn't stop right here, no. As for the reason these houses look so well is because of the magical saturation, it had preserved them in such a way." Hadrian stated. "The whole place feels like it is drowned in magical energy. It screws up with my magical sensory ability, makes it almost impossible to make out if someone was here or not."

"Maybe you could use your power and thin the air, so to speak." Wanda suggested.

"That would also get rid of any magical residue and just make the place clean of anything useful in magical plan." Hadrian stated, before looked down on the snow, stomping a little. "Hm, according to ambassador, when the Aurors came here, there weren't snows in here, meaning the snows fell after they were killed."

"You think that there might still be something? It was some time since they were killed, it is possible that all of the evidences were just destroyed by either their attackers, or by nature itself." Witch suggested.

"Maybe, but best be safe than sorry." Nephalem responded. "Can you remove the snow from here without damaging the houses and area?"

"Yeah, I can do that." Scarlet Witch told him and focused up her powers, before sending out a wave of magic that pushed the snow away, revealing what it was hiding underneath, shocking and scaring Wanda. "Oh my God…" She looked at the scene of gore and slaughter, as the remains of the Auror team were revealed to her and Nephalem, and he immediately went on to examine the place.

It took him about ten minutes to fully see the battlefield and make his observations, before he returned to Wanda and spoke up.

"The group arrived in here via Apparition, given the lack of the transport. They entered the village in a spread out, but organized group, covering their flanks and backs, while also giving them place for maneuver. They were expecting a fight, but they weren't expecting those who attacked them." Nephalem analyzed. "From the way the bodies are laid out, and their condition, the attack was a fast one, and brutal, without clearly defined strategy or form. They were taken aback by the attackers and picked off one by one, overwhelmed by numbers, from the amount of tracks in here. The one who had escaped was injured, and Apparition only hurt him even worse. They expected to fight wizards, and that was their mistake."

"Any… Any idea about who it was that had attacked them?" Wanda asked, getting her bearings.

"From the form of the tracks, amount of scratches around and form of the injuries of the Aurors, I'd say that they faced off against Werewolves, but not normal ones, because it wasn't full moon when the attack happened, and it was broad daylight like this one. And along with that, there are also some strange things that clearly indicate that these are no normal Werewolves." Harry spoke up, as he looked around. "Character of injuries, depth of the tracks, depth of scratches, and also several crushed ribcages and bones from sheer impact… Normal Werewolf upon transformation surpasses athletically built sportsmen and makes them strong enough to contend with even some low level enhanced individuals, but these… These were stronger, faster and more ferocious, like an evolved or mutated variant of normal ones."

"Which means that they didn't face normal Werewolves, but something far worse… Could that be something that those dark wizards were working on?" Wanda asked of Nephalem.

"Possibly, or it could be…" Hadrian suddenly stopped, tensing up and looking around.

"Nephalem?" Witch did not understand what had happened to him, but she had a bad feeling, especially when he took out his guns.

"These things… They've just appeared all around us, without me even noticing them." Nephalem stated to Scarlet Witch, and she immediately tensed up and gotten into a fighting position. "Teleportation, and I can't even sense them telepathically… These ain't no Werewolves…" Hadrian stated, as he pointed his guns towards where those beasts started come towards them.

Emerging from the spaces between houses and where the shadows fell upon the ground, these things resembled Werewolves, but only looked like them in appearance. Almost as large as horses and built like living tanks, they were completely covered in what looked like black fur, which emanated darkness from itself, with their eyes being completely blood red. Stronger, taller and bigger than any normal Werewolf, Nephalem's description of them was on point, as they looked like a mutated wolf in nearly every way. The way in which they moved was animalistic and clearly defined as that of an animal, not one who only took form of one, but there were no thoughts that could be read from them by Nephalem. It was as if they weren't there, as not even scent came from them, barely any sound was produced by them, and only his magical sensory warned him of them in the moment of their appearance.

Without waiting for a warning, the monsters rushed towards them in the whole pack, and there were great many of them, too much for Nephalem to count, and so he didn't and simply started firing from his pistols, while Wanda's magic manifested and she floated up in the air, preparing to use her powers. These things were quite resilient to pain and damage and only a direct hit to the brain took them out for good, and so Nephalem only managed to score up to five kills, until one of the monsters managed to reach him and then bit straight into his arm with his massive jaw. Wincing from a momentary pain and looking down at the monster, while blood spilled from his closed jaw, moving away Ombre.

"That is my favorite coat, asshole." Nephalem stated with anger, before he summoned Yamato straight into his left hand and then straight up kicked the monster away, making him crash into several of his brethren and into the house, crushing it upon himself as a result.

In the next moment most of the monsters stopped and turned their attention towards Nephalem, for they did not expect such a thing to happen and they immediately shifted their attention towards him, moving to engage. Hadrian's arm healed in the next instant and he moved Luce back in the holster, before gripping Yamato and removing it with a lighting speed from the sheath, slicing up the closest three Werewolves, while his sheath flew backwards and punctured the skull of the monster that was about to attack Hadrian from behind, ending him. Wasting no time on ceremonies, Nephalem moved around with speed and agility, constantly being in motion and striking at the enemies, while Wanda used her powers to assist him, blasting them with spells and hexes.

Nephalem in vision of Wanda looked like death personified with how he moved and each time he attacked and countered, another monster fell. Though surrounded from all sides, it didn't seem to both Nephalem, as he used his superior speed to evade and attack, while also using kicks and punches as whenever he could. At times he was hit and clawed at, but it didn't even seem faze him, as he simply returned the favor with more than enough force, like he did just his moment, when a monster decided to go for Nephalem's leg. The moment the moment he bit it, Hadrian just used him as a projectile, sending him flying as if he was a soccer ball fired from a cannon. Crashing into half a dozen of his brethren and sending them flying, before smashing straight into the building and having it come down on him.

After a few minutes of this ceaseless action, Nephalem decided to put an end to it, and so he contacted Wanda telepathically, giving her the instructions. And once she was informed, Hadrian moved to the center of the street and then slammed Yamato into the ground, expelling out of himself a massive blue bubble of magical energy. It expanded and engulfed the entire street and houses near it, along with all of the monstrous creatures, and once it was done, Hadrian flew into the air with his ethereal wings, getting clear out of the area.

Once he was out and near her, Wanda focused her energies and then sent a wave of crimson energy into the bubble, and in the next second it turned into a zone of annihilation, as magical energies within it ignited akin to highly concentrated gas lit up by a matchstick. Nephalem held up the barrier while the mystical flames burned up everything inside of it, including the air itself, once it was gone, so were the crimson fires and then he dispelled the shield, letting them land on the ground.

"Phew, for a second there I was worried they might get better of you. By the way, are you going to be okay? A lot of those bites and cuts looked pretty bad." Wanda asked of Nephalem, who's outfit looked pretty torn up in quite a few places, but underneath it he was fine.

"Eh, I've had worse injuries. All it did just make me stronger, though yeah, a shame about my outfit." Hadrian admitted, before he used up his magic to restore it. "That's better."

"You know, I'm starting to feel a bit jealous." Wanda admitted with a bit of a lighthearted manner. "You have any idea what Janet would give to have that kind of power at her hands, or anyone of the superheroes?"

"I imagine Wasp would have a time of her life with that ability." Hadrian said, as he fixed up his coat, before he noticed more of those creatures incoming from the village. "You've gotta be kidding me? How many of these things are out there?" Harry asked aloud, as he saw them emerging from their places.

"Nephalem, look at where they are coming out." Wanda spoke up, pointing out the interesting detail. "They are coming out of the places where there is shade or shadows, but no sun."

"Yeah, they are." Nephalem confirmed, before beginning to channel his powers. "You up for a bit of a redecorating?" He asked of her, with Wanda nodding to him, as he powers flared up as well.

Synchronizing their movements through telepathy, Hadrian and Wanda unleashed a combined torrent of destruction, destroying anything and everything that was on its path. Leveling the houses and eliminating the monsters, the combined torrent of magic only stopped its path once the entire small village was rendered non-existent in its entirety, before it completely dissipated, leaving Wanda and Hadrian standing at the wasteland.

"That takes care of that, but now we've got nothing that's going to tell us who is responsible for it, and where we should look for them." Wanda noted to Nephalem.

"Indeed, very astute observation, Scarlet Witch." Suddenly, a new voice spoke up with metallic tone present in it, making them immediately tense up. "Though I do not hold you to same standard as myself, I expected more from the likes of you, not just mindlessly wasting your best source of information."

Both Scarlet Witch and Nephalem turned around to get a look at the source of that voice and hoping that they were mistaken. Just a few meters away from them stood a tall and imposing figure, dress in green cloak and tunic, with the entirety of his body being incased in a suit of armor, covering it completely, made in a way that combined esthetics of medieval era and technology far advance than commonly known. Underneath the hood was a mask that served as the only face that all were permitted to see, yet for the Avenger and SHIELD Special Agent it was enough to understand who it was, and just how seriously they were unprepared to fight a person of his caliber.

This was not one of the regular supervillains or terrorists, but a man who had long since earned himself a top place in SHIELD's most wanted and dangerous list of men on the planet, possessing the unrivaled intellectual and magical might, matched only by his ambitions and exceeded by his reputation. A sovereign ruler of his own county that he turned from a backwater ruined state into a modern utopia, bringing prosperity, wealth and prestige his people never knew, and also making him one of the most feared men on the planet. This was someone that not even Fantastic Four and Avengers dared to take on without being prepared to do so, for they knew that this man was not to be trifled with.

One of the smartest men on the planet, sovereign monarch of Latveria and a mortal enemy of Reed Richards and simply the deadliest man alive, Victor von Doom, or as he has come be to known, Doctor Doom, stood there observing the two, with his hands crossed on his chest, looking at the two of them with contempt.

"Doom…" Nephalem breathed out, as he gripped Yamato, while Scarlet Witch began powering up, while Doctor Doom remained completely unfazed.

"Let us forgo this needless posturing that you "heroes" are so fond of. Had it been my intention, neither would you hear me speak, nor would you live." Doom spoke to them with his usual tone. "If Doom wished you dead, you would already be dead, though now I am considering rectifying it, because of your blatant lack of restraint."

"You kill us, and you will have hell waiting for you back home. Do you think that Avengers and SHIELD do not know that we are here?" Wanda decided to bluff.

"And do you think Doom will be gullible enough to fall to your deception. Honestly, Miss Maximoff, given your heritage, I had expected more than a miserable attempt at lying." Doom commented, moving his hands behind his back and walking past the two and observing the scenery. "For the daughter of Magneto and arguably more intelligent one of his children, your eagerness to senselessly destroy valuable evidence exceeds even your brother's brashness and shortsightedness." Doom commented with contempt, while Scarlet Witch glared back at him.

"How about we forgo this pointless gloating that you "villains" are so fond of?" Hadrian finally spoke up, mirroring Doom's earlier speech, drawing his attention.

"The fact that you refer to Doom as "villain" shows your ignorance just as clearly as the fact that you grip your weapon." Doom commented. "Tell me, Hadrian Black, or Nephalem, whichever you prefer. Do you truly think that even with your powers and sword, you are capable of surviving Doom?" Doctor Doom turned to him, looking straight into his eyes.

"No, I'm smart enough to know that even with all of my powers and abilities, it would suicidal of me to try and fight you." Nephalem stated, deciding to sheath his sword. "And had you wanted us gone, we would've already been dead, meaning that at this moment, Doctor Doom, you have at least some small need of us."

"At last, a sensible decision and logical conclusion. At least one of you possesses the capacity for such basic things." Doctor Doom noted with dry humor. "Now, tell me, what brings you two in this part of the world?" Doom demanded to know.

"This isn't Latveria, in case you have not noticed, Doom, so don't expect us to answer." Scarlet Witch told him with a glare.

"If you desire to test Doom's patience and capacity for tolerance of insolence, do so at your peril." Doom's threat was as clear as it could be. "Though you may be emboldened by my current magnanimity towards you, it is quite in short supply, and lest you wish to exhaust it, answer Doom's question."

"We were sent here to investigate strange actions taking place in here and find the missing children, who were kidnapped and possibly taken somewhere in this area." Nephalem spoke truthfully. "When we arrived here, we found a team of Romanian Aurors that were sent earlier here, and then we were attacked by those demons." Hadrian stated to Doom.

"I see. It would appear that the quarry you pursue has decided to test you, or stall you by sending his lower minions." Doom noted. "It did not escape Doom's attention that you have referred to these creatures as demons, instead of Werewolves."

"Perhaps Doom's earlier assessment about our mindless destruction was not correct?" Nephalem asked with a sarcastic tone, with Doom narrowing his eyes at him. "We may not have Doom's knowledge and intelligence, but those who do study magic and know even surface history of this place would immediately know that those creatures were not of our world. Chaos Hounds, if I were to take my pick." Wanda's eyes widened a little when she heard it.

"A correct guess. Your knowledge of their existence and their name shows that you are at least markedly better prepared than those who came before you." Doom commented.

"And now that we've satiated Doom's curiosity, how about a fair exchange of information?" Nephalem offered, piquing Doom's curiosity. "What is Doctor Doom, sovereign monarch of Latveria, doing in a magically concealed valley in Transia, demeaning us?" Hadrian asked of him.

"You dare test Doom's patience by demanding answers from me on your questions?" Doom asked with a bit of steel from him.

"Like I said, a fair exchange of information, or is such concept beneath supposedly noble Doctor Doom?" Hadrian dared the man, internally drawing up plans of surviving.

"Your pitiful attempts at manipulating Doom and playing on my pride are enough to earn my ire, but be thankful that Doom is not beyond common courtesy." Doom stated to him, easing the tension. "There are few things that may hide from Doom's sight, and this valley and its contents are not among them, nor among Doom's interest. My presence here is brought not by curiosity, but by pursuit of justice, for a crime was committed against Doom, and I shan't let it go unpunished."

"I almost pity whoever has dared to rile you up." Wanda dryly noted. "Allow me to guess: you think it was Reed Richards?" She asked with sarcasm, with Doom not even sparing her a glance.

"Your sarcasm is hardly even worth my acknowledgment, and had it been Richards who had crossed me, we all know that your friends and allies would've already known it." Doom stated with steel. "No, the one who crossed Doom has made two mistakes that not even Richards in all his hubris would make: underestimating Doom, and believing he could hide in here."

"And what has this overconfident individual has done to earn Doom's ire?" Wanda asked of him.

"Like your partner here has proposed earlier, we have exchanged information in fair manner and order, and now Doom's curiosity are satisfied and I see no reason to continue this conversation." Doom told her, with the two already preparing for the worst. "Despite your acts of insolence, I shall allow you to leave without any obstruction, so long as you do not hinder Doom in any way. Now, leave and do not look back."

"Maybe I could offer a counteroffer to your current one?" Nephalem chimed in. "It is clear that the one who sent those Hounds is also the one who we are after, and who you are seeking."

"Only a blind man would not see such an obvious thing." Doom commented in dry tone. "How is it supposed to affect my decision?"

"If our goals coincide, then from strategic point of view, as well as tactical, it would be beneficial for us to join forces." Hadrian stated, surprising Wanda and Doom a little. "You know firsthand that we are obliged to see this through, and that would mean, possibly, getting in your way, which is not something either of us wishes for to happen. Our priority are the children and stopping the one who is behind it all, yours is getting the man who had wronged you, which works with me just fine."

"You assume that Doom requires any form assistance in reaching the resolution of this situation? Need I demonstrate my capabilities to you, in order to dispel whatever illusions you may harbor about my power?" Doom's tone clearly showed that he was not too keen on making such an alliance.

"Of that neither of us have any illusion, and we just want to get this all over. If it will make you feel better, then you may consider us as your temporary aids on the duration of our employment to you, Your Majesty." Hadrian decided to try a different angle. "Plus, consider this as an opportunity to prove to the world, that Doctor Doom, considered even by such genius as Reed Richards to be a mere villain, is far more than meets the eye, and he is capable of far more than most would even dare to assume. Not to mention gaining the silent appreciation of those that have dared to defy you, and knowing that without your key assistance, this entire event would've gone completely bad." Hadrian spoke up, with Doom remaining silent for some time, before looking at the two and then speaking up.

"Your feeble attempts at manipulation continue to remain subpar, but Doom finds your arguments and proposal to be adequate enough to earn my agreement to it." Doom agreed to the deal. "You shall follow Doom's command and obey me without question. Fail to do so, and I shall remove you from my path as swiftly as ocean washes away sand. Do I make myself clear?"

"As clear as it can be." Wanda stated. "Now then, Your Majesty, is it safe to assume that mighty Doom knows where we can find our target?"

"Naturally, Doom never goes anywhere without knowing the destination. Though your spectacle display of your powers has removed any semblance of trace that could be found here, Doom has long since obtained necessary knowledge of where to find our quarry." Doom commented with pride in his voice. "While you were reacting to the incoming enemy, Doom had traced the magical connections that bound those beasts to their summoner, and now Doom knows where that fool hides."

"It would seem that were of some use to you after all, Doctor Doom." Hadrian noted with a small smirk, something that Doom did not quite appreciate. "No need to thank us, Your Majesty. We are happy to be of service, though one that we never agreed to." Hadrian commented.

"Had your usefulness was outweighed by your insolence, Doom would have silenced you for your cheek." Doom let out a sigh. "If you are quite finished with your pointless indignation, follow Doom." He commanded and the trio moved, with Doom leading them.

---

An hour and a half later.

The group was making ascent of the snowy slope, as the winds blown to their west, as the three moved through the snow and ice, closing in on their target. The path here has been clear of danger and none had obstructed them, but all three could feel that they were being observed, something that was as clear as day. Nephalem glanced back at Scarlet Witch, seeing that she was deep in her thoughts about something, and he moved back to her, speaking up to her.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Hadrian drew Wanda out of her thoughts.

"Just thinking about the past, about the times when I and Pietro still lived in these parts, and…" Wanda did not elaborate further, shutting up for a second, before speaking up again. "Do you know how I've gotten my moniker, The Scarlet Witch?"

"I thought you had chosen it yourself, but I have heard about an Eastern European witches who called themselves Scarlet Witches from my grandmother." Nephalem answered. "I take it you are related to said witches?"

"Yes, I am what you would call, the current holder of that title. My mother Magda was supposed to be predecessor, but she didn't get the chance to either learn or develop her powers." Wanda spoke up. "When I was a child, I came across a coven of witches, when I've first started to discover my powers. They had wished to take me in, to train in their ways, and they've stated that I was of the line of Scarlet Witches, but then something happened."

"Did you manifest your powers?" Hadrian asked of her, and she nodded to him.

"At that point, it was just small things for me, like little sparkles and innocent hexes, but when I was brought to the coven, a force of demons attacked and I… I used my powers and destroyed them, demons who were overpowering a coven of powerful witches." Wanda said with fear and shudder. "And then… Something came upon me, or rather, someone took control of me… I do not remember it all very well, I was like in a trance, but once it was over, the coven stated that they would not accept me and… I saw fear in their eyes. They told me that in the future I should seek out an American witch, if I wished to continue my studies. It was they who directed me towards my teacher."

"The same one whom you've separated from because of a disagreement?" Hadrian asked, with Wanda nodding to him.

"It… It was more than that. She told me of the nature of my powers, and she did teach me a few spells, but then, she learned of my true power, and after that… She tried to put spells on me, tried to make me forget about my real power, my full potential and make me… different." Wanda revealed to Nephalem, who was shocked to hear it. "She said that it was for the best of all, including me, that I would cause more harm in the future if I was left unchecked. She was so convinced that I started to think she was right for a moment, but I didn't listen and tried to leave her. She resisted and even tried to stop me, and so we fought and I've overpowered her, but… Before I left, she said something that stuck to me: "Without me, Chthon will claim you as his vessel, and you shall let him do so…" Wanda said with fear in her eyes to Nephalem.

"Chthon… Can't say that I've ever heard of whoever that is." Hadrian told her, as he looked at the concerned Scarlet Witch. "Wanda, why are you telling me this?"

"Nephalem, I know that it sounds crazy, but ever since we got here, I've felt like someone has been calling to me… And the higher we go, the stronger that voice becomes." Wanda said with fear in her eyes. "I-if something happens to me, i-if this creature, or demon, or thing… I-if it takes possession of me, th-then I want you t-to stop me, no matter what it takes…" She said with morbid acceptance, making Hadrian widen his eyes.

"Wanda… You are not asking me to…" Hadrian did not believe that she was actually asking him of it.

"Nephalem… You know how powerful I am, about my magic and what I can do with it… If something happens to me, Doom will not hesitate, but I do not want to go down at his hand. If it is to be someone, I want it to be someone I-I consider my friend, to free me." Wanda said to him with a lowered head. "Will you…"

"I have taken many burdens upon myself, Wanda, and I've done things that will haunt me even though my conscience should be clear." Nephalem interrupted her, revealing it to her. "I've watched as many of my friends and family died at Weapon Plus, with my fists drenched in their blood, when I was made to kill them. And every time, in their thoughts, I heard them beg, not for life, but for death, for they it was the sole way to freedom that they saw... Those were the same friends and family that I swore to save from there, and I've killed with my own hands." Nephalem stated with disdain towards himself.

"Nephalem…" Wanda was shocked to hear him say that.

"I can't do what you ask of me, Wanda, because I am tired of not saving my friends." Nephalem looked her in the eyes. "But if anything happens, I promise to you, that I will save you, either from Chthon, Doom or anything else that awaits us, even if it means giving it all I have." Hadrian promised to Wanda, bringing back hope in her eyes.

But in that very moment, Nephalem pushed Wanda away from himself, sending her falling into the snow, while he took her place, before he was tackled into the ground. The attacker that had pounced Nephalem, though it's intended target was Wanda, had sunk it's teeth deep into Nephalem's shoulder, almost biting into the throat, with it's massive claws preparing to slice off his arteries. Ignoring the encumbrance and momentary impulse of pain, Nephalem's arms were engulfed with blue energy and then he blasted at the creature, sending it flying away from him with a chunk of his flesh and bone still in its teeth. Without even waiting for the shoulder to regenerate, Hadrian rose up and with a furious glare finally got a good look at the attacker.

Unlike their previous attacker, this one bore a feline appearance of a massive black furred cat, though of a size of comparable to the Hounds of Chaos. However, unlike those, with this one Nephalem could sense thoughts and smell, meaning that this one was different, and he could clearly sense someone's will directing this thing, and it demanded that it kill Wanda. And this was not something that Nephalem could let happen, so he healed his injuries and moved towards the beast downhill and took position between it and Wanda, as the beast recovered and prepared to attack again. Nephalem summoned Yamato and readied it for battle, though it remained sheathed, while he addressed the beast.

"I don't know who sent you, familiar, but if you want to hurt Scarlet Witch, you'll have to go through me." Nephalem stated to it, with the beast roaring at him and preparing to attack, while Nephalem moved his front hair back, a move that indicated that he was dead serious. "Same goes for the one controlling you, beastie. Get out of here, or suffer the consequences." The beast's posture and preparations for jump indicated that it the owner of it has made it's mind.

"Alright, beastie, have at thee." And with this, Nephalem suddenly disappeared from the view in a dim dark blue flash, surprising Wanda and the familiar.

In the next second, the direct path towards the beast cleared of all the snow with a blast of wind, before the beast attempted to jump, but then it froze in place, an expression of shock and dread made evident in it's face. Right behind it appeared Nephalem with the unsheathed Yamato, straightening up and then sheathing his sword, while his cold eyes were locked upon the beast. In the very next moment, multiple slashes appeared not just upon the familiar, but also the air itself, as it extended from the cuts on the body. Then, the beast fell down as the cuts on the air dissipated, but upon it did not for they had dismembered and dismantled the creature into many pieces, ending it for good. Nephalem and Wanda approached the destroyed creature, observing it, before it began to dissolve itself into a dark mist, before disappearing completely.

"You are okay?" Hadrian asked of Wanda, who looked at him with an incredulous look.

"Me? I'm not the one who almost got mauled to death and just fought a demonic monster." Wanda noted, as she breathed a sigh of relief. "What in the world was it…"

"A familiar of a powerful magical user, summoned and conjured from the energies of magic and who had served to its conjurer as its spy, guardian and executioner." Doctor Doom had finally spoken up, drawing the attention of the two. "It had been tracking us from the moment we left the village."

"And you did not feel like informing us that we were being followed?" Wanda asked of him with a glare.

"If neither of you two were able to perceive it, then it is a flaw in your abilities, not Doom's." Doom responded. "Had it been deemed a threat to me, I would have notified you and demanded its extermination, but it was not after me. Its master was after young Scarlet Witch… Though it clearly had not accounted for the presence of another True Source, and one armed with one of the strongest weapons in existence."

"What does he mean by "another True Source?" Wanda asked of Nephalem.

"It's a bit complicated. In simple and not detailed way, they are individuals who possess incredible innate amount of magical power and unique connection to it, being able manipulate and control it in its own unique way." Nephalem explained. "They are very, very rare, and most magical users, including those in wizarding world, are vary or straight up hostile to them, because of how dangerous and unpredictable they can be with the power they have. In common terms, they are like magical Omega level mutants, like you and I, apparently."

"So my Chaos magic, and your personal powers…" Wanda guessed, with Nephalem nodding to her.

"Yeah, evidence of our special status." Nephalem confirmed to her, before he turned to Doom. "You seem quite well informed about it all, including the monster who had attacked us."

"Like Doom has stated, few things are hidden from me." Doom simply stated and continued the ascent, with Wanda remaining for a second, looking at the spot where the beast was slain.

"Are you alright?" Nephalem asked of her, with Scarlet Witch nodding to him.

"Yeah, it's just… When I looked at that beast, it seemed familiar, like I've seen it before…" Wanda said with confusion, before shaking it off. "Come, we best get this all over with." She said and Nephalem agreed with her, and they headed after Doom.

---

Half an hour later.

The trio stood right in front of what looked like an abandoned small monastery settled in the midpoint towards the pique of the mountain from this side of it, built directly in the mountain and being made part of it. Doom and Nephalem surveyed the entire small area around the monastery and then made their conclusions.

"No sign of anyone near us, not a single sound except for the wind." Nephalem stated.

"No magical fluctuations that would indicated portals or rifts being opened up, or even a magical concealment field." Doom added in. "Our opponent grows more arrogant, if he thinks that he alone stands a chance against Doom."

"Or he has prepared for us and we will be walking into a trap, if we step inside." Wanda offered, with Nephalem agreeing with her. "What do we know about this place, anyway?"

"Officially, the monastery was built in early tenth century, when these lands were part of the First Bulgarian Empire, by the Eastern Orthodox monks who moved, after Bulgaria accepted the Orthodox Christianity. Before that, nothing in the official records indicated that this place was ever populated in any capacity." Nephalem responded. "Unofficially and unknown to most, this was the place where the cabal operated from, using it as their headquarters and main staging ground. Though the building doesn't show it, there are reportedly tens of kilometers of tunnels running underneath the ground, with this place being access to it."

"Your knowledge of this place does you honor, Nephalem, and you are correct about the tunnels underneath us." Doom actually commended Hadrian. "However, I can state that there is but one living being of any nature, besides us, present nearby, and it is the cur that had dared to wrong me. He is right there, waiting for us."

"Yeah, waiting with something very dangerous prepared, because I don't know if you have noticed or not, but I'm a serious concentration of magical energies inside." Nephalem responded, with Doom nodding.

"Are there signs of children?" Wanda asked of Doom.

"Like I have stated earlier, Scarlet Witch, only we three and that cur are in this area, or do you doubt Doom's abilities?" Doom asked of her, and she shook her head in sadness. "I've thought so, and now, let us end this charade, once and for all. Nephalem, clear the path for us." Doom commanded him.

Gripping Yamato and sending power into it, Nephalem unleashed it and sent out ethereal cuts, which sliced and diced the gates, destroying them to bits and clearing the path ahead. The trio proceeded inside the dark stony place, with light shining through the cracks in barred windows and opened gates as the three entered a large, empty hall, clean of any iconography or even semblance of a monastic interior. What they did see in the center of it were five stone pillars with a carmine diamond shaped crystal adorning each of them, form, with lines drawn to connect them, and eldritch words spread in space between them, with pentagram being formed from this lines, enclosed in a circle of red. Doom immediately went to look at the entire thing, while Wanda and Hadrian looked around, waiting for an attacker, before Doctor Doom spoke up.

"It is a summoning pentagram, created open up a gateway between our world and another one, meant to unleash something that has long slumbered within this very mountain and is awaiting a chance to get out." Doom stated after his analysis. "Our adversary appears to have struck a deal with forces that are not of this world and that should not be allowed entry, yet what eludes me is the reason why he has not opened the portal yet."

"And what are these crystals? They practically reek of magical powers." Wanda asked of Doom.

"Crystalized blood, condensed and concentrated into an object, gathered from the bodies of magically gifted persons." Doom answered, with Wanda turning pale. "From their shape and amount of magical power in each of them, Doom believes that 11 men and women were lost to create just one of them. Their purpose is to serve as initial stabilizer for the portal, before it becomes self-sustaining and capable of independent existence. Rather cleverly made, for an otherwise oblivious amateur."

"Why thank you, it is always pleasing to hear when your work is appreciated." A new voice spoke up, drawing the attention of the three, as he stepped out of the shadows.

It was a beautiful looking middle-aged man with blue light blond short hair and a thin mustache, dressed in garbs of a wizard and walking with an air of power and strength. Nephalem's eyes widened the moment he saw him step into the light, for he knew this man, not in person, but from stories and tales that were told to him by his grandparents, and from what he had learned from history books of Wizarding World. Of all the people, this was not someone he had expected to see here, even less than Doom…

"Gellert Grindelwald." Hadrian spoke his name with his closed teeth, as he glared at him, while the man glanced at him.

"You know my name, yet yours eludes me, though your face, eyes and even posture remind me of a man who had brought me to my knees in my last battle… Would you be, in any way, related to Charlus Potter?" Gellert Grindelwald, the most dangerous and greatest Dark Wizard of the 20th century, asked of Hadrian. "Although… Yes, you clearly are of his and Dorea Black's line. To think, that the progeny of two of my greatest enemies would be here to witness the end of the old world, and birth of a new one." Gellert said with a small smile, as he walked past them.

"More like put end to you and finish with Dumbledore didn't have balls for." Hadrian hissed at the man.

"Nephalem, you know this man?" Wanda asked of him.

"Yeah, though not personally. Gellert Grindelwald, the greatest and most dangerous Dark Wizard of 20th century, a man who had started the biggest Magical War since The Thirty Years' War, right when the world plunged into Second World War, though he was active long before it." Nephalem answered. "This man had nearly destroyed the entire Wizarding World and it's communities, actively worked and supported the Nazis and Hydra, strived for total wizarding domination and waged war on unprecedented wizarding scale. Albus Dumbledore, his former compatriot and current Chief Warlock of ICW, only defeated him in the closing moths of the WWII, with a joint ICW strike force joining him for that battle, with my grandparents being there with him. After that battle, he was imprisoned for life in his own prison, Nurmengard Castle in Austria, where he should've remained to this day and until his dying breath."

"Oh please, your grandparents clearly have undersold their role in my downfall, young man, for they have struck the decisive blow at me, bringing me down, while Albus patiently waited for a chance to appear and just do the rest. His favorite tactic, wait until the dust is about to settle down and then appear, claiming the spoils." Gellert stated with a polite tone. "He may hold my wand now, but only because Charlus Potter and Dorea Black have broken me, while he stole their right to finish me off. A mistake neither of them would ever dare to make…"

"An interesting tale and expose, but enough with the pleasantries and false politeness." Doom spoke up with anger clear in his tone. "Gellert Grindelwald, you have dared to trespass upon Doom's very property and steal what is his, while I was indisposed and unable to stop you. Return what you have stolen from me, and I shall grant you the mercy of quick and painless death. Resist and you shall learn the true meaning of suffering and agony."

"Doctor Doom, though I hold in utmost regard and have nothing but respect and even a certain amount of admiration towards you and your accomplishments, I fear I am not at liberty of relieving myself of that object, nor am at liberty of surrendering now." Grindelwald replied. "Instead, allow me to make a counteroffer: join me, and be the first to witness the birth of a new world, and become regents of it in the name of one who will bring it into life."

"You dare to think that Doom shall serve to anyone? Doom serves nobody, but himself!" Doom stated with fury. "Nephalem, relieve this fool of his arms!" And without a second of hesitation, Nephalem disappeared from the view.

Just like before, as Wanda had suspected, this would just be an end of Grindelwald, but instead of an easy victory, she and Doom saw how a blood-red barrier of magical energy formed around Gellert. And then in the next second, Nephalem was through straight away from it and slammed with great force into the stone wall, cracking it and causing a small quake, before falling on his knees with his sword still in hand.

"What the hell?" Nephalem breathed out, as he winced from his shattered vertebras repairing and reforming themselves, using all his will to keep himself awake, while Doom and Scarlet Witch glanced at him with shock.

"A valiant attempt and certainly not lacking in ferocity and directness, one worthy of your grandparents, but as you can see, I am not without means of defending myself, though lacking The Elder Wand." Gellert commented, as the crimson field had dissipated. "I must be candid and state that your appearance had forced me and my master to make a few adjustments to our initial plans, but in the end, I wish to express my gratitude to you, Nephalem, for thanks to you my master now has a perfect host for his might and entirety to be placed in. Although, now that leaves you, Doctor Doom, without your purpose in our plan."

"Doom is now pawn in anyone's game, and I shall show it to you!" Doom's colossal magical might began to manifest, but at that very point, all five of the crystals flared up and fired beams at Doom, enclosing him in a field of Chaos energy. "WHAT?! What is this…" Doom struggled to

"This, Doctor Doom, is the alternative my master has devised for you, to serve as expedient of his faster return in this realm. Your magical prowess and vast might shall serve to fuel his emergence in this realm in much faster rate, than if we had to do it without you." And with this, Gellert waved his hand and then Doctor Doom screamed in pain for he felt the very magical energy being pulled out of his being.

The crimson lines of the portal began to glow, and then darkness spread from them and enclosed the empty space in between the lines, creating a hole in the space of time and reality, Doctor Doom fueled it's creation. Wanda stared with horror and terror at the opening portal, but instead of freezing in place, she summoned all the might she had and attempted to disrupt the ritual, break the crystals or Doom out of their hold. For a second it appeared as if she would succeed, but instead of doing it, her magic seemed to have empowered the crystals and they sent a shockwave that knocked Wanda off her feet. Gellert smiled for this was exactly what his master had needed, a beacon to draw him back to the realm he was exiled from, and then he saw him emerge.

An ethereal massive dark figure floated out of the portal, possessing glowing red eyes and he turned them straight to Wanda, who shuddered from fear and utter despair.

"No…" She knew exactly who it was, and so despaired, for her worst fears began to manifest.

"Yes, Wanda… At last, my Chosen calls upon me, and I answer!" And with this, the dark figure flew straight towards Wanda and then into her, entering her being entirely.

For a moment, the very space stilled, as Wanda's body shook, before it exploded with crimson energies, as her clothes disappeared, replaced by an attire similar to her usual one, but with demonic motif. Her body floated back into the feat, as energies danced around her and enveloped her being, as her eyes opened with crimson red light coming from them. Nephalem had only finished healing up, standing up and looking at the being that was supposed to be his partner on this adventure, only now he could sense, that this was no Wanda Maximoff, but someone… Or rather something absolutely different and terrifying. Gellert came near it and knelt before the possessed form of Wanda, bowing his head lowly.

"My master, it is a joy to see you walk this world." Gellert spoke honeyed words, as possessed Wanda observed him.

"You have done well, my slave. For your service to me, I shall grant you that which have asked of me: a new world, built from the ashes of this old one." The creature possessing Wanda spoke with both its own and Wanda's voices, before it looked towards Hadrian, who finally returned to his full capacity. "But first, we shall attend to this whelp. You have slaughtered my lowest minions with ease, mortal Source, and survived and grew stronger from a shield that was supposed to kill you. Because of that, I grant you this mercy: kneel and swear your fealty to Chthon, and be made my lieutenant and general of my armies."

"Mirroring the response of my currently indisposed companion, I will say this: I serve no God." Nephalem replied, preparing for battle. "Now, get out of Wanda's body, or you'll be limping back in your hellhole in pieces!" Hadrian's power flared up, his blue energies clashing with Wanda's red ones and dispelling them from air, while Chthon looked at him with a smirk.

"You dare challenge Chthon, the greatest of The Elder Gods and source of all dark magic? Though I am mere a shard of my shadow's true self, you are nothing but a speck of dust before me, mortal." Chthon stated to him. "If you wish to die, then I will grant you this desire, but a God has no business killing mortals. Slave." Gellert immediately rose up to the feet, and then Chthon raised it's hand and blasted Gellert with Chaos energies.

Engulfing the body of the Dark Wizard, he screamed in agony and pain, as his entire being was changed and broken, before sculptured into an image and being that suited the needs of the Elder God. After a minute of greatest agony, Gellert Grindelwald's form was replaced with that of a humanoid looking demon, covered in black and red scales, with form largely human, but with demonic wings behind, long and slender tail coming from his back, while any semblance of control was lost in him. Nephalem could not perceive a single thought from the man anymore, but what he could perceive was that Chthon had just remade Grindelwald into a thing that was clearly much, much greater in might than he previous was, and more than a valid threat to Nephalem. Chthon turned away from his creation and turned to Nephalem with a smirk.

"Behold my power, the power of my Chosen. With but a thought and wish, I've crafted this pitiful mortal into a being that shall end you, my very own Dark Knight Grendel!" Chthon announced, before he manifested a large, broad sword with a W-shaped guard and skulled head, handing it to being that now was Grendel. "Now, my Dark Knight, destroy this mortal!" And with this, Grendel launched himself at Nephalem, disappearing from sight.

Nephalem had faced off against many opponents and beings that moved much faster than any normal and many super powered individuals, and he himself was considered among the faster beings on this planet, especially when he used his magic to empower himself. And right now, that empowerment allowed him to react the attack of the demonic Dark Knight, but drawing out his Yamato and meeting the blade of his opponent, sending a shockwave and ripples through air. Grendel and Nephalem snarled at each other, with Grendel pushing Nephalem off of himself and driving him back to the wall, before thrusting blade towards him. Driving hit to the hilt into the rock, yet missing Nephalem, Grendel's eyes tracked his opponent and witnessed him responding by slashing Grendel's torso in half.

Only that attack didn't even faze him, and the separation was rectified in but a second, and Grendel ripped the his sword out of the mountain, breaking chunks of it as he swung at Nephalem, truly beginning the dance of death. Hadrian responded with blocks and dodges, before finding his openings for strikes and counters, but so did Grendel, and unlike Nephalem, with the passage of time he only grew stronger and stronger, as did Chthon. In between the slashes, swings and attacks, Nephalem's mind raced and tried to come up with the plan on how to not just survive, but also win, and he immediately came to the conclusion that the longer it went on, the stronger both of them will become.

Nephalem analyzed the entire exchange between them all, every word and gesture in his mind, as he raced at neck breaking speeds against Grendel, trading blows and blocking one another. Chthon may have possessed Wanda, but it would seem he was not yet at his full might, and therefore he needed the portal open, as within it resided his full self and complete power. Right now, only the smallest part of Chthon was here, but it was still enough to possess Wanda and create Grendel, therefore Nephalem needed to stop it from fully manifesting. And that meant disrupting the portal, which was feeding off of Doom, who was still alive…

Two minutes, and over a hundred attacks from each of the fighters, Nephalem had the plan formulated and prepared for the execution, as he unleashed an energy wave and pushed Grendel away from him, giving them both some distance. Gripping Yamato in a backward grip, Nephalem began to channel into it as much power as his blade could take, taking the position for the attack, with Grendel doing the same. Several moments later, the two combatants rushed towards each other, bringing their blades for the attack, with Grendel's sword imbedding itself deep in the guts of Nephalem… while he threw Yamato into the air. Grendel and Chthon laughed at what Nephalem had just did, but even as Nephalem threw up blood from his mouth, he grinned akin to a devil himself, as his hands captured Grendel's head, keeping him from removing the blade out of Nephalem.

The reason why Nephalem did so was because he did not want Grendel from catching his controlled sword, as it flew through the air, spinning with a blue hue coming from it… before it reached the magical crystals and crushed each and every one of them in the flight, disintegrating them upon touch of Nephalem's power. The look of shock on Wanda's face was enough for Nephalem to tell that this was not what the Elder God could expect, and then the magical field that had kept Doom in place dissipated and floated in the air, his green magical might emanating from him.

"CHTHON! You have dared to use Doctor Doom as a battery, and laid claim to this world! Know that in doing so, you have made an immoral enemy of me, Victor von Doom, and now, I shall cast you out of here! BEGONE!" Doom's full magical might was unleashed at possessed Wanda, and the impact of their magical powers had obliterated the walls of the monastery and nearly drove both Nephalem and Grendel away.

"Doom! The portal had stabilized itself and Chthon is using it to draw his power and being! You must close the portal and cut off his source of power, if we are to win. Focus on the portal, I'll deal with Chthon!" Nephalem mentally screamed to Doom, and much to Hadrian's surprise, Doom did not object.

"Very well, but to stand even a chance against the Elder God, you would need far more power than you currently have." Doom stated to him, as he shifted the focus on his magic to closing the portal, or at the very least containing it.

"Don't worry… I'll just take it from the God himself!" Nephalem's full power manifested and then Grendel finally screamed, as he felt his being and nature being drained away from him.

As has already been proven by the case with Proteus, Nephalem's ability to manipulate magic and energies meant that he could also absorb them and obtain its properties. Proteus' might and being were massive to consume for Nephalem back then and then later use to undo both him and his work, but since then, he had studied under Morgana Le Fay, and she had opened his eyes on many things that he could do. And this was one of them, one that she called integration of magical energies in his being, and now Nephalem was draining and taking the powers of Grendel into himself, absorbing the Chaos Energy in its purest form. To take such power so easily wouldn't have been easy and possible for Nephalem, had Grendel possessed strong will and might to resist him, but Chthon gave power to Gellert, but took his will, and now it was backfiring at him.

It took two minutes, during which Doctor Doom, for Nephalem to take what Chthon gave to make Grendel, but for Nephalem, kept Chthon busy. For Hadrian, those minutes were purest eternity, but once it was done and Grendel's form disappeared, returning Gellert Grindelwald back to this world… He unleashed a wave of raw Chaos Energy, causing even Chthon itself to shudder in Wanda's form, as her eyes widened in clearest shock and smallest amount of fear could be seen upon the visage of Scarlet Witch. Nephalem's human form was gone, replaced by a demonic form that was only barely reminiscent of Grendel, standing taller and with greater build, covered from head to toe in dark armor-like scales, along with two pairs of demonic wings that wrapped around like a coat, with two massive horns adoring the head, with two glowing red slits replacing Nephalem's eyes. He breathed out, as his arms gripped Grendel's sword and ripped out of his body, instantly synergizing with it and healing himself, before he looked at Chthon.

"You… You dare to not only steal my power, but make it your own?! Know, that your sufferings will be…" Chthon did not get the chance to finish his monologue, as Nephalem launched himself at Chthon with the sword, breaking past Chaos barriers that Chthon erected before himself and drove Chthon back to the wall. "Impossible… You… How can a mere mortal hold power to strike a God?!"

"I am no mere mortal, Chthon." Nephalem responded as he floated down to him, summoning Yamato into his left hand. "I am Nephalem, in flesh and name, and now, leave her!" And with this, Nephalem thrust Yamato straight into Wanda's abdomen, with the black mass of Chthon finally leaving Scarlet Witch, after the blade separated Wanda from her captor.

Removing the sword and casting an immediate healing spell upon the unconscious form of Wanda, Nephalem summoned both his normal and newly acquired Chaos energies to capture the shard of Chthon, and then breaking him apart as the creature screamed in agony. Broken into two pieces and then compressed into the smallest of forms possible, Hadrian sensed as the consciousness left those shards, meaning that Chthon just discarded those pieces from his being. With the force of will, Nephalem gave them form of two ruby red crystals, containing raw Chaos power, and then taking them into his free hand. In that very moment, a monstrous, inhumane and absolutely terrifying roar was heard all throughout the Wundagore Mountain, coming straight from the portal.

"Nephalem, if you are quite finished with humiliating an Elder God of Chaos, lend me your hand!" Doom screamed, as he struggled to contain the Elder God from entering this world. "I can't contain him for long, and I can't close the portal at the same time!" Nephalem flew to the portal with the crystals hidden, while both of his swords were in his arms

"I'm not versed in transdimensional portals and how to close them." Nephalem stated to Doom, as the magical barrier began to crack and break, with the tendrils of Chthon reaching for Doom, before Hadrian severed them. "Tell me what to do, and I'll do it!"

"Gather all your might and focus it into Yamato, then float to the center of the portal. On my mark, thrust the sword squarely in the center and break the portal!" Doom explained, as he used all of the gathered might to hold back Chthon, giving time to Nephalem to do what he needed to.

"Victor von Doom, your might is immense and ambitions are unrivaled. Seize this struggle, and I shall grant you all your hearts desires." Chthon spoke from the other side, seducing Doom to his side, as Nephalem continued to gather his powers. "I shall grant you the power to free your mother Cynthia from the clutches of Mephisto, and take his realm and throne for yourself. Join me, and you will surpass Reed Richards a thousand times, and with me, even Gods of Asgard will bow before you." Doom's sight shifted to Chthon, as if he was struggling with the decision, before making it clear as day

"Wretched fiend, you would grant Doom his desires? You like, the rest of your putrid kind, dare to presume that Doctor Doom would lower himself for scraps?" Victor von Doom asked with contempt and pride of the most powerful Elder God in existence. "Listen and heed, Chthon, for I shan't repeat myself: that which you offer to me, is BENEATH DOOM! NOW, FLEE!" And with this call, Nephalem thrust Yamato right in the center of the portal, piercing the thin border of realms, just as Doom removed the barrier.

In a single second, a monstrous scream of agony was heard, and then the portal and breach in the reality and dimension shut close completely and utterly, just as Nephalem finally reverted back to his human form and fell on his knees, with only Yamato keeping him from falling completely. Doctor Doom lowered himself to the ground and walked to Hadrian… before offering him a hand to help him rise up. Hadrian looked at it with some surprise, before accepting it and rising up, pulling Yamato out of the ground, and then taking the trophy sword with him, as he hoisted on his back.

"Thanks… Thank you." Hadrian thanked Doom, as he sheathed Yamato. "Did we… What exactly did we just do?" Hadrian asked of Doom.

"We have just defeated an Elder God of Chaos, one of the strongest creatures in all of creation and progenitor of all Dark Magical Arts in the world, banishing his shard from this very mountain and closing the gateway for him into our world." Doom stated in a tone that was different from his usual one, containing instead of pride… respect. "You in particular has done what not even Morgause La Fey had accomplished: you took the Chaos Magic of Chthon and made it your own, and then you forced him part with even more of his power, humiliating and hurting him more than any living being in thousands of years, if not ever since his escape from Earth."

"Well, all in the day's work." Hadrian joked, with Doctor Doom actually laughing a little to it. "Doctor Doom is capable of human laughter… This alone was worth all the trouble." Hadrian said with a chuckle.

"I revel in our victory, Hadrian Black, for we have accomplished what not even Merlin and Morgause were able to do, and you… You have taken the power that those that know of crave and hunger for." Doom stated to him. "You are now more than mere mortal. A Nephalem in flesh and in deed." Doom stated to him.

"Yeah… I've noticed." Hadrian said, as he finally recovered a little, before looking at Doom with a serious eye. "So, where does this leave us, Doctor?" He asked of him respectfully, as he expected to do battle with the man.

"It leaves us with goals in need of accomplishing." Doom simply told him, as he directed his attention to the awakened Gellert Grindelwald, who stared at them with shock.

"You… You stole a piece of God, and made him bleed. I cannot… I can't hear him anymore." Gellert stated with shock, as Nephalem and Doctor Doom closed on him. "Do you realize, just what you have made an enemy? He shan't stop or rest until he finds his way back here, even if takes him a thousand years and you are but dust and memory, he shall have his vengeance upon you."

"He may try, but today he lost and is beaten, and you are here with the two of us, all alone." Nephalem stated to him as he glanced at Doctor Doom. "Now, why don't you return to good Doctor Doom here what you stole, and offer most profound apologies to him?" Gellert trembled, before he reached inside his robes and pulled out a small pendant with the image of a Romani woman inside and handed it over to Doom, who took it back.

"You have my profoundest apologies for my transaction, Doctor Doom." Gellert stated to him, as he finally came to terms with his fate.

"Had this been any other day, Doom would care naught for any apology you have to offer… But today, Doom had humiliated and defeated an Elder God, and so he shall be magnanimous." Doctor Doom stated with satisfaction, before turning to Hadrian. "I have no need in this dreg. Do whatever you wish with him."

"That is very generous of you, my gratitude to you, Doctor." Hadrian bowed a little to him in respect, before turning to Gellert. "I wish I could just end you, right here and now… However, as it stands, I have a much worse fate awaiting for you than a simple death. Dumbledore was a fool to have imprisoned you in Nurmengard and left you there to rot. There is still some use in you, but make no mistake, Gellert Grindelwald: your death will come for you sooner than you think." And with this, Nephalem simply backhanded with left hand, knocking him out.

"I can't help but wonder, of what use could he still be of you and SHIELD?" Doom asked of Nephalem.

"He'll serve to prove something to the Wizarding World: that SHIELD, unlike Dumbledore, gets things done, and will earn us something that they care not to give us- respect." Nephalem revealed to him, before turning to Doctor Doom. "This concludes our partnership, I believe." Hadrian told him, expecting the worst.

"Yes it does." Doom confirmed to him, though without any form of hostility shown whatsoever. "I shall admit that your assistance and help were both adequate and unexpectedly impressive. For this, you have my gratitude, and respect." With this, Doctor Doom extended his hand, offering it to Nephalem.

"Likewise, Doctor, and please accept my apologies for my earlier presumptions." Hadrian accepted his hand and shook it. "I will make full report to my superiors, and express in full detail the lengths and efforts that you have made in order to protect our world."

"I have no doubt you will." Doctor Doom stated, as he and Nephalem heard soft groans coming Scarlet Witch. "Your companion is finally awakening, and this is where we part ways." Doctor Doom used his powers to create two portals, one for himself and another for Nephalem.

"Much obliged." Nephalem nodded to him.

"A common curtesy, something that even Reed Richards would possess, if he cared for such things." Doctor Doom commented, as he moved towards his portal. "This is where we depart, Nephalem, and though we may yet meet again, know that that you've gained my respect and gratitude, and Doctor Doom never forgets those who have earned both of them on the same day. 'Till we meet again, be it as allies, or opponents, I bid you farewell." And with this, Doctor Doom departed through the portal, closing it behind, while Nephalem rushed to Wanda, helping her sit up.

"Easy there, Wanda. Take it easy, okay?" He asked of her, as she finally came back to her senses.

"N-Nephalem? I… Oh my God…" Wanda's eyes flashed with the realization of what had happened. "Nephalem, Chthon… He made…"

"He is gone now, Wanda, you can breathe easy." He calmed her down. "We've stopped him, Doom and I, and he's gone from Wundagore for good, and he'll never take possession of you."

"But… But at what cost to you?" She asked of him with guilt in her tone and eyes. "Nephalem…"

"Hadrian." He interrupted her. "My name is Hadrian Black, so call me Hadrian, or Harry, as my friends do." Harry smiled to her.

"Harry… When Chthon possessed me, I… I knew of his actions and thoughts, was aware of everything, and what you did, you didn't just grab it's power. Harry, to make that power your own… you've sacrificed your humanity for it." She stated to him. "You are now… I-I don't even know what you really are now…"

"Well, I think the appropriate term for it would be "The Nephalem", wouldn't you agree?" Hadrian asked of her in lighthearted manner, with Wanda still convinced that she had done essentially made Hadrian into a monster from the look in her eyes. "Wanda, let me tell you something that I've not told anyone else: after all the experiments done to me, after all mutations and evolutions I endured, and after all the things I've done… I've thought that I had lost the right to call myself human and to possess humanity."

"Hadrian…" She was shocked to hear him say that, but he did not stop.

"After all the blood I've spilled, after all I had done in Weapon Plus, even though as a tool… I was always aware of it all, of every action and thing I did, and even though I had a bio-chip in me, I still did it all as if I was free, that is how it felt to me. More times than I can count I had just wished to give up, to simply be like Proteus, a monster that those bastards wanted me to be…" Hadrian stated to her. "When I had gotten the telepathy, it simply made my atrocities all the more profound, and came to the edge of simply throwing it all away… But you know what pulled me back from it? It was those in Weapon Plus, people like me, my family and friends in there that had showed me that I could be more than weapon."

"And since then, I've done everything I could to help them in any way I can, and even when I was forced to take their lives away, I still kept on holding to my humanity, deep inside of me, and doing what I could to help them with my telepathy. And when I finally was granted freedom… I made a vow, that no matter what, even if I have to stop being human, I will hold on to my humanity, and save my friends, no matter what." Hadrian revealed to Wanda the deepest secrets of his soul. "It took me a long time to learn, that being human is not just about biology and genetics, but about a choice we make and what we do with what we are given. I made my choice and stuck by when I made that promise to you, Wanda, if I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing." Wanda was in awe at what Hadrian had told her.

"Hadrian, I… I don't even know what I can say to you…" Wanda was at a loss of words, touched to the depths of her heart and soul.

"You can tell me if you are ok or not." Hadrian lightly asked of her.

"I… I think I am, just exhausted and..." At that moment she nearly dropped down onto the cold floor, with Harry catching her. "Ugh, I feel a bit dizzy. Just give me a moment, and I… Harry, what are you…" She asked with surprise as he lifted her up in a bridal manner, making her blush madly, before gently carrying her towards the portal, while also mentally grabbing Grindelwald with his magic, leading him with them.

"Well, we can't have you stay here and catch a cold, and it is bad manners of a gentleman to force a lady to stand up when she is clearly in no condition to do so. Hence, as code of conduct dictates, I shall carry thy fair maiden in my arms as befitting a noble knight." Hadrian said in a theatrical manner, drawing laughs from Wanda, as she simply reclined and allowed herself to be carried through the portal, feeling safe and warm in gentle hands of her savior, and wishing for this feeling to last much longer than it should.

---

Two days later. New York. Triskelion. Office of Director Fury.

"You know, it usually takes a lot to make me speechless, but you, son, seem to have an absolutely unique talent of accomplishing just that on a semi-regular basis." Nick Fury commented, after he heard the report from Hadrian personally. "An Elder God of Chaos straight out of H.P. Lovecraft's sick imagination, progenitor of all of the dark magical voodoo and shit, stopped by you and Doctor Doom from manifesting into the world and turning it into a Cthulhu infested nightmare. And you managing to kick his ass and make him look like a wuss and then to pour salt onto the wound, you've took a chunk of his power and fused it up with yourself, becoming God knows what. Did I miss anything else?" Nick asked of him.

"Aside from the fact that Gellert Grindelwald worked on him and was turned into a demon briefly, pretty much wrapped it all up, sir." Hadrian responded, with Nick letting out a tired sigh. "I believe all the details are in my report, sir, but if you require any further elaboration, I am happy to provide it."

"I'll be sure to read it thoroughly, but I need to know, if after what had happened, you are still you, not in biology, but in attitude and mind." Nick told him. "I've accepted that you ain't like all the others, Harry, but this… This is a little too much for me to take on simple faith. You realize that I need assurances that we can trust you, and that this transformation of yours hasn't changed you." Hadrian nodded to him, before producing another document and giving it to Nick Fury.

"After I've submitted Grindelwald and my report to Coulson, I went straight to Morgana and told her about everything and asked her to make sure that there was nothing that would compromise me in any way. She took me to straight to Avalon, and we've spent over half a year in there, making sure that there was no way for Chthon to influence me, or if my newfound power and nature affected me in any negative way." Nephalem revealed to Nick. "That file is the report Morgana had compiled, since she is a registered consultant on magical questions. Should also answer all of your questions."

"Funny you said over half a year, yet it was two days since you got back." Fury pointed out to him. "Let me guess: time altering magic, plus Avalon basically is her dimension and all that, so she can do whatever she wants in there."

"More or less, but the part about the time is correct, basically." Hadrian admitted. "I know the rules of the game, Director, and I ain't someone who would just accept this change without looking the gift horse in the teeth. I'd much rather dissect the whole horse, if only to find out if she has worms in her or not, and then be sorry that I did."

"Well, with the attitude like that, you are gonna go far here in SHIELD." Nick admitted to him. "Still… This is going to be a bit hard for me to sell it to the Council, not the part about your integrity, but the Elder God and Doom helping you stop him. I mean, I know that Victor von Doom is far from your stereotypical megalomaniac villain, but for him to do what he did… We'll need to update his profile, if what you are saying true."

"If you require further proof of my integrity, I'm prepared to be submitted to any test you have to prove the validity of my words, sir." Hadrian made it clear that he was serious. "As much as I wouldn't believe it some time ago, Victor von Doom had saved the world from an enemy that would make Thanos look like nothing, while also spitting in his face and calling him a wretched fiend… I think that is something that not even Reed Richards can count among his accomplishments." Hadrian commented with a small smile.

"Yeah, that is definitely something that not our good old former stretch was able to accomplish, that and getting the powers back for himself and the rest of his family." Fury told him. "Been trying that ever since you've depowered them, with absolutely no success on that front. From what I have heard from Stark and Pym, Richards is starting to get a bit reckless with his experiments, yet refuses to accept any help, insisting that he is the only one who can do it."

"Sounds like he could use a psyche. What about the rest of the Four?" Hadrian asked of Fury.

"It's been rough for them, yeah, but after all this time, they've mostly gotten over it all, with the professional help given to them to help with the transition. Reed is the only one who refused to take, and since it was his right, we couldn't stop him." Fury stated to him. "I know that he is one of the good guys, but… That man is arguably one of the smartest people on the planet, but the things he created and made, like his trans-dimensional portals and gateway to Negative Zone, plus a few other things, I can't help but fear that there is no limit to what he will develop, even if it goes against something as basic as morality."

"Then we better hope that his morality is stronger than his curiosity, and desire for accomplishment and creation." Hadrian said, with Fury agreeing with him. "Will that be all, Director? Not to complain, but I would not want to be stuck in a traffic jam, especially today."

"That will be all, Special Agent Black. And what's with the hurry? Running late for a hot date with Captain Marvel?" Fury asked of him with a teasing smirk. "That would certainly explain the get-up. From what I'm hearing, you two are getting quite unprofessionally close…"

"Well you can tell Stark and Pym that we are just friends, and no, this isn't date, and Carol is in space, chasing interstellar smugglers. I'm going to AMC LOEWS with Wanda on a premier of the new movie." Hadrian stated to him, with Nick looking with surprise at him.

"With young Miss Maximoff, right after saving her and carrying her back home in your arms like she was a princess… Damn, kid, you sure as hell work fast…" Fury said with an impressed tone, while chuckling at the expression on Hadrian's face. "What, I'm just saying the truth. Just make sure that Carol does not get the wrong idea when she gets back, or else you might wanna run for hills, or the other end of the galaxy." Nick noted with the smirk and laugh, while Harry simply shook his head.

"I swear, is everyone thinks me some kind of Casanova?" Harry asked rhetorically. "Can I go now?"

"Yeah, yeah, give my regards to Miss Maximoff. Good luck on your date." He told him in a carefree manner, with Harry leaving his office, with Fury's expression turning serious. "So, tell me, should I be worried or can I breathe easy?" And in that moment in the office appeared Steven Strange, current Sorceror Supreme and a hero known Doctor Strange, dropping the invisibility spell off.

"Well, he wasn't lying to you about anything, and he spoke the truth about every single thing. I've also been contacted by Morgana, told all about his condition, and what they have done about it." Doctor Strange told him. "She may be biased towards him, but everything she had told checks out. He has no strings attached towards Chthon, and he has become something else… A Nephalem, if you will."

"And just how much power did he manage to get from taking a chunk out of that thing?" Nick asked of him.

"Considering that it was only a very small portion of Chthon that he had fought off and took powers from, and not his full form and power… I would say that he is now just a league or below Thor, and he is still going to get stronger as time goes one." Stephen Strange told Fury. "One thing I can say for certain, is that now he's made himself a mortal enemy out of one being, that can quite literally turn this reality and universe into whatever he wanted, if he got out of his dimension."

"In other words, we owe Nephalem and Doctor Doom our lives." Fury concluded.

"The entire universe does, including Lords of Hell and Heaven." Strange admitted. "I will continue to monitor him, as you've requested, Director, but right now, I can say for certain that I am glad to have him on our side."

"Yeah, so am I." Fury agreed with him, with Doctor Strange teleporting back home.

---

Sometime later. AWC LOEWS

"There you are. I was worried that Fury might keep you there forever." Wanda dressed in her more casual clothes, though with a bit of a flare to accent her best features, greeted Harry. "So, did it go well?"

"Yeah, pretty smooth sailing, overall." Harry said, as he fixed up his coat. "I was expecting there to be a lot more jamming especially this time, thought even about flying here, but man did I get here quick."

"Well, guess today's an off day for jamming." Wanda noted with a small shrug, before looking at her watch. "So, we still got time, want to…"

"Hey, Harry, sorry I'm a bit late and…" Carol Danvers practically shouted out in one sentence, as she nearly crashed into Wanda and Harry, dressed in much the same manner as the two, with all three now looking at each other with surprise. "Okay… D-did I get something mixed up or…"

"Carol, I…" Harry was surprised and a bit embarrassed to get caught in this position. "Um, Wanda and I, we were just…"

"I-I told Harry that you were in the space, just like you asked, Carol, and I've kinda suggested to go to the movies with him, since… Well, I also wanted to see that movie, and…" Wanda admitted with a good bit of blush and a bit of guilt. "I guess I'll catch that movie later. So, have…"

"Wow, hold up, Wanda." Carol stopped her from leaving, before turning to Harry. "Harry, can you go and see if there's a spare ticket or something like that?"

"Um, sure, but with the premier…" Harry tried to speak up, but Carol interrupted him.

"Please, making sure at least wouldn't hurt." Carol told him with a small smile and Harry decided to go and check if there were any more tickets, leaving Carol and Wanda alone. "Okay, he's out of the earshot. So, Wanda, I must admit, I did not think you actually had it in you. I mean, with the looks like yours, you can get any guy you want, but to actually take this chance to get in with Hadrian… I've gotta say, I'm proud of you, girl." She nudged her with a playful smile.

"Carol, I know that you are mad, since you probably wanted to be with Harry and all that… Look, I don't want to be a third wheel, and I'll just leave." Wanda tried again to leave, but her friend stopped.

"Hey, I'm not mad, Wanda, I swear." Carol assured her with a sincere smile. "Look, yeah, I did want to get some alone time with him, as friends do, but I also saw how you were in low spirits lately, and it really bothered me, since… Well, you are my friend, and I hate seeing my friends looking miserable, so I when I got that assignment, I had hoped that you and Hadrian actually make use of that opportunity. Plus I know you have been hoping to get to know him better and all that… Honestly, Wanda, I wanted the two of you to get to know each other, have fun and for him to cheer you up. I… When I got back yesterday, I've heard about the mission in Transia and what had happened from Cap. I can't imagine how horrible it was for you, and I wish I was there." Carol said with sympathy, with Wanda smiling to her.

"It's… It's alright, Carol, and thank you. I did get to know Harry better, and you are right, he is pretty… Well, he is special, like you always said." Wanda said with a little bit of blush, something that Carol did not miss. "He… I did not even think he would do so much just for me, for a person he barely knew and yet… He's one of a kind, isn't he?"

"Yup, and now, since you are all better and less inclined to leave, why don't you use those hexes of yours to get Harry the ticket right next to us?" Carol suggested to her.

"Carol, I… I'm not that petty." She said with a false defiance. "You know I don't like using my powers like that."

"Really, then how do you explain the sudden lack of traffic jams in the city, or the fact that I caught those smugglers so fast because of an engine malfunction, and had time to return, buy me this nice dress at half the price, despite it being something that Janet would die to have?" Carol asked of Wanda with a raised brow, with Wanda doing her best imitating innocence. "Wanda, I love you like a sister, but I also know that beneath those innocent green eyes hides one very naughty witch. So stop playing innocence and get yourself that ticket, 'cause I'm not letting you leave until you have a great time tonight, sister." Carol playfully threatened her, with Wanda rolling her eyes with a playful scorn in her eyes, until she did just as Carol had asked.

"There, don't know if it will work, since this is a premier day and all that." Wanda said.

"Knowing you, odds are we are about to win jackpot." Carol told her, before she and Wanda saw Harry return. "So, any luck getting that third ticket?" She asked.

"No, no luck on that front." Harry told them, surprising both Carol and Wanda, before he smiled and pulled out three special ones. "But there were three spots in the VIP room, with the same time as the normal ones, so I decided to exchange them." Harry smiled as he saw the two beam with joy.

"Those must cost a fortune. I mean this is a big premier and all that…" Carol said with pure amazement.

"Well, being an heir to a multi-billion dollar international company, plus having a pretty sizable fortune in a Wizarding Bank, can afford losing a fortune or two." Harry joked.

"Or three. And those are the best seats, it's like hitting a jackpot." Wanda commented, surprised herself how good her power worked her.

"So, you girls wanna get some snacks for the movie, before it gets too crowded. My treat, of course." Harry offered, and Carol and Wanda both took him up on his offer and they went on to have a time of their life together.

---

Okay, I officially didn't plan for this particular chapter to be this big, but when I started writing it I just couldn't stop until I was done, and now I am done, and I can say for certain, that it was worth it, in my mind. I know some of you may think differently, but just hear me out, okay.

I did my research on the characters I've used her, and I know who Chthon is, and just what a MASSIVE SOB he is and just how too-broken-OP-please-nerf he is. I know that this is the guy who had given Wanda her powers, basically being the source of her Chaos Magic, and those who read the comics, specifically House of M and Avengers Disassembled (very recommend that you do, if you didn't by the way, great stuff), know just how absolutely broken she is in terms of power scaling. This Elder God makes Dormammu, Mephisto and Thanos look like nothing, heck, DORMAMMU himself invokes Chthon when it comes to casting spells, and that SOB is absolutely monstrous in power.

So, while Doom was holding back ALL of Chthon, what Nephalem was dealing with was a very, very small part of his being, possessing Wanda, and it has been implied or stated in comics, that Chthon can't fully manifest himself in Earth, due to other Elder Gods prohibiting him and stopping him. So he does so through possession, and even then, it is still a miniscule part of him that does the possession, but he is ridiculously powerful. So yeah, Nephalem did manage to beat Chthon and steal his powers, in large part because Doom had assisted him and because Chthon had underestimated Nephalem and didn't realize that he was a True Source, and it has been established that Nephalem can take powers of others, like with Proteus.

Yeah, it didn't go without consequences, as now Harry did become what I will refer to as a Nephalem, though you may also refer to him as Devil and Demon, I just prefer the former because it is his name. And yeah, I will admit fully, that the look of his demonic form was based off Sparda's look as demon, as is the sword from Force Edge... Look, I know I can do more original all that, but there I times when I just can't help myself. I am flawed like that, so I hope you can forgive me that.

Also, if you are going to tell me that he will become too OP, wasn't he OP before, and aren't there OP characters all over Marvel? I doubt I made it a secret I planned to make him OP, I mean, his mutant powers are already OP as heck. Now, in terms of sheer might and power, he is now in the league of Thor, but if the two would fight, if Thor took it serious, he'd still win it. Hope you can accept it.

Now, with all that out of the way, hope you enjoyed this chapter, and will do me the honor of leaving a comment, a suggestion for the future events or romantic interests, ask questions about the story or it's elements. I'll try to answer it all, and thank you all for your continued support.

Also, as one of the commenters had pointed out, I am thinking about making this a harem, but only thinking about it, so do not get riled up because it is a cliché and all that. At this point, what isn't a cliché in the literature, and this is fanfiction of person who likes writing this stuff.

And one more thing, next chapter will be the last of the in-between arcs, and next one will get us a new big arc.

Next time: Yule Ball in Hogwarts; Meeting the people, parents, Dumbledore, flexing up accomplishments; Turns out, there are smart people in Magical Britain…

See ya!