Warning: spoilers for Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness!
…
The sound of thundering cracks and rumbling stone could be heard as Wanda Maximoff - the Scarlet Witch - used her magic at full power to destroy the Darkhold in every universe. All around her the Castle of Mount Wundagore was elevated into the air, red wisps of magic surrounding it. Once her job was complete, every book of dark magic gone forever, she released her hold and sent the castle coming down on her.
But…
…
The Sun was setting over the colorful city of Riga, Latvia when Wanda teleported herself into a dark alley. She was physically and mentally exhausted, collapsing to the ground in a fit of heavy breaths. When she eventually came to, Wanda raised her head to check the coast before she dragged herself towards the brick wall of a building. Sitting down and leaning her back against the wall, the weight of her actions slowly began to draw back into her mind.
Many people were injured or dead. All by the hand of the Scarlet Witch. Her reputation as an avenger and a hero was shattered by her conflict with Dr. Strange and America Chavez. And perhaps most distressing of all (in her mind) was that she terrified her boys. Well, her boys from another universe. She had wanted to see them so bad that she was willing to destroy everything and everyone just to relieve her self-inflicted woes. And for what? In the end, she would never have her boys, and there was seemingly no hope of redemption in the eyes of those she wronged.
No boys. No Vision. No brother. No parents. No friends. No hope.
Tears began to stream down Wanda's face as she wrapped her arms around her body. She cried for herself and she cried for those she harmed. Her shoulders heaved with every sob.
"Hello?" called a small voice.
Startled, Wanda tensed up and pulled her head towards the direction of the voice. Several feet away were two small children: one, the likely source of the greeting, had to have been around 6 years old, while the other was much older, around 10. She was more surprised that her disheveled, witchy appearance didn't startle them like it did her boys.
The two children did not appear shocked at all. On the contrary, their curiosity motivated them to move closer.
"Why are you crying?" asked the 6-year-old, a little girl with curly auburn hair.
Wanda wiped the tears from her eyes quickly and huddled herself further against the wall. "You shouldn't be here. It's not safe."
The 10-year-old, a lanky boy with black hair, shrugged his shoulders. "We're used to it. You're no safer than us in these parts."
Cocking her head, Wanda was taken aback. In her mind, she clearly was referring to herself as the real danger.
"What do you mean by that?" the witch asked, "are we in danger right now?"
"No, but… I mean, danger is just a part of life here. You could be hungry and there's no food. You could be cold and there's no shelter or warmth. You could be lonely and someone might call the police on you for just standing there," the boy explained, kicking his foot into the dirt. "Just like they came and took everyone away." The little girl gave a small sniffle as she held onto the boy's hand.
Wanda slowly stood up, clasping her hands together to hide her blackened fingers. She took a good look at the two children, her face laced with immediate, almost motherly concern.
"Do you mean to tell me you two are alone?" She asked softly.
The boy and girl simply nodded their heads, frowning.
"Where is your home?" Wanda continued.
…
Under the cover of the encroaching darkness, Wanda was escorted by the two children, who she learned were named Nikola and David, into what looked like an abandoned warehouse or office building. Many of the windows were broken or boarded up and everywhere it was dirty and rundown. Approaching the door, David took out a key and opened a makeshift lock, gently opening the door and urging everyone inside quickly.
Locking again, David ran to several corners of the front room and lit some grimey lamps. As light filled the room, Wanda could make out a used mattress covered in newspapers, some books in a stack, and a box of salvaged food and drink. It took everything for her not to freak out. If she had known her boys were living in such conditions…
"How long have you been here?" Wanda spoke up, keeping her cool.
"Almost a year," David replied as he scoped around for pests, Nikola simply walked over to the mattress and laid down as he continued. "This had been a resettlement camp at one time. We had teachers, a playground, a cafeteria, everything we could need to start over following the Blip. But soon all of our supplies began to run out, and when we asked for outside help, no one came. That is, until Karli showed up."
David pulled over a chair and brushed away the dust with his shirt before offering it to Wanda, who thanked him and sat down.
"I see, and who is Karli?" Wanda asked, "is she the one who arrested everyone?"
"No! She saved us!" David clarified, pulling some newspapers over Nikola who had now dozed off. "She came with a bunch of her friends in these big trucks and brought us all kinds of food and medicine and everything. Karli was a hero." At that last part, David's demeanor dropped slightly. "She was my hero."
The change in tone did not go unnoticed to the Scarlet Witch, who decided to wait and hear the boy out instead of reading his mind for the information. "You say was: what happened to Karli?"
"She was killed by Americans," David spat, "right after the police came and took everyone away. Apparently there were people here that they didn't want us helping. She and her friends were strong, but they weren't here in time to stop them. Nikola and I were able to hide in a dumpster until the coast was clear, hoping that the police wouldn't come back. We've been here ever since, trying to survive."
Wanda was at once moved by the children's bravery and practically fuming at the actions of the people who tore up their lives. David and Nikola were nothing but sweet and kind: they did not deserve to live in these conditions. No one did. Something in her mind sparked.
"I am so sorry for your losses David, truely," Wanda spoke up, gulping down the urge to cry again. "You both are strong, but you shouldn't have to suffer to prove that."
David blushed, looking to the ground, "if anyone was strong, it was Karli."
"I would like to know more about her, if that is okay?" Wanda asked.
At that, David reached for the stack of books and pulled out a small journal with some sort of red Earth symbol on the cover. He simply handed it to her and smiled, "I need to get ready for bed, but she had left this for us to learn from."
"Thank you, David," Wanda smiled back.
"Please help yourself to some food, and we'll make some space on the bed for you in case you get sleepy," the boy offered, giving a bow with his head before turning to join his friend in slumber. "Goodnight, Ms. Wanda."
"Goodnight, David."
…
Wanda Maximoff never really slept most days anymore. At least, she didn't sleep normally. While her physical form was busy resting on the lumpy mattress with Nikola and David, her astral form was focused on every page of the little book. Magical red tendrils held the book in place and turned the pages as she levitated in the mostly dark room. Wanda's mind was abuzz with the records of Karli Morgenthau.
She learned of the Flag Smashers, their origins, and their philosophy. Right away she was struck by the collective wisdom of the group, developed from many thousands of years of historical writing and socratic discussion. They believed that the world was better before the Blip in the sense that people everywhere cared for each other and took action through their own will to better their living conditions. There were no bureaucrats or armies or governments hoarding resources and lording their powers over the vulnerable. Life was hard but it was also manageable because there was always someone there who wanted to help. People were able to change the world through acts of compassion, empathy, and mutual aid. They could create a better world simply by doing it instead of waiting for some vague decree from higher-ups.
It reminded Wanda immediately of her life on the streets with Pietro. It too had been hard and not without struggle, but at least they had each other and their fellow, downtrodden neighbors. They were all forced to live in a war-torn country with little hope of escape, as Sokovia's immigration policy prevented them from leaving to a safer place. The Flag Smashers had been against borders and nations, knowing full well that true freedom included the freedom to leave oppressive conditions and move to create a home elsewhere. Wanda thought of Nikola and David and how they have not had the freedom to leave their squalid building. There was little chance their government would help them anyway: what's so important about two orphan children?
The Scarlet Witch's eyes glowed red with anger. She had made up her mind the moment she stepped foot into the former resettlement camp: if she could never have her boys back, she could always be a mother to these lost children. But there would always be other orphaned children, or abused children, or worse: they would need a mother too. They would just need the right kind of help.
In her readings and reflections, Wanda found three realizations that night:
Leaders, armies, and police are sources of violence.
Money, wealth, and power corrupts.
Through the buildup of communities, people were more than capable of governing themselves in ways that benefited all.
There was also a fourth realization: she could use her magic to achieve her goals.
Now, Wanda knew very well that if she were to go about her plans with the same, intense violence that she had used in her attempts to steal America Chavez's powers, more trouble would come for her. The Earth's remaining avengers - as well as the world's military arsenal - would soon find her and make things worse. Word would have spread by now regarding the danger of the Scarlet Witch, so no one would ever listen to a word she'd say if she had destroyed once more. Especially if she was backing up her words with the ideology of the Flag Smashers, whom she quickly learned were perceived as a terrorist organization by the nations of the world.
She would have to go about this carefully. Violence would only be resorted to if all options were exhausted. To help Nikola and David, and the other peoples of the world, Wanda would have to get clever with her magic, just like she did when the first faced the avengers back in Sokovia. She could coerce people's minds, infiltrate key bases of operation, and remove resources of power, and she could do it without anyone noticing. For who knew the powers of a witch except for a witch herself?
At once, Wanda was exhausted by the sheer amount of information and drive she had. As unlikely as it sounded, she would need help. Unfortunately, by the tone of David's voice, Wanda suspected that the Flag Smashers were no longer a functioning group. But surely there were others who sympathized with at least some of their beliefs? Then a thought occurred to her and an old face popped into her memories.
Re-emerging with her physical body, Wanda carefully exited the bed and levitated away from the former resettlement camp. She made sure to cast a magical defensive wall around the building to ensure that the children remained safe and sound. If she timed everything right, her work would be done by morning before they even woke up.
…
Scott Lang was loudly snoring on his couch as the TV played before him. Cassie had long gone to her room after an early dinner with him, but made sure to leave things comfortably for her tired father before doing so: she had placed a small blanket over his body and muted the screen on the off-chance he would wake up again.
That very screen flickered slightly, the flashing lights causing Scott's eyes to stir. Groaning, he stretched his arms outward and yawned before finally opening his eyes to the sight of the Scarlet Witch hovering over him in a mist of red magic. He jumped, holding in his scream as Wanda placed a finger over her lips to shoosh him.
Quickly, Scott looked her over before realizing who it was.
"Oh shit… Wanda you scared me."
"You remember me?" she asked quietly, almost in confusion.
"Of course! I mean, we fought alongside Captain America all those years ago? But then we all made up eventually during that whole Thanos thing and then there was the funeral… yeah," Scott stammered, rubbing the back of his head.
"I take it the Westview situation doesn't ring a bell?" Wanda had to ask.
"Oh that… yeah it was all over the news," Scott replied sheepishly, "but like, you set everything right in the end so, no skin off my bones."
The witch had to smile at that. A quick sample of his mind told her that he had yet to hear of the Darkhold and her fight with Dr. Strange. Good.
"So, what uh… what are you doing here? And why are you dressed like a cross between a Sanderson sister and a character from the Star Wars prequels?" Scott asked.
Wanda floated over and sat on the couch next to Scott, "I need your help with something."
"Sure, anything!" Scott beamed.
"You have a history of vigilante justice, don't you? I read about Vistacorp," Wanda opened, clasping her hands together.
At that, Scott winced a bit, "ehh… that is true, yes. That was admittedly not the best time in my life."
"But you helped people, didn't you? You took it upon yourself to give back stolen goods to people who were wronged, didn't you?" Wanda urged, leaning forward.
"Technically that is also true," Scott shifted in his seat, "but it cost me my marriage, three years of freedom, and I almost lost my Cassie forever so… I'm still on the fence about that. Why bring this up anyway?"
"I want to help people too."
"But, you're an avenger! You're done plenty of that already."
"I'm no longer an avenger and you know it. Especially after Westview," Wanda fumed before calming down, "but I've changed a lot since then and I now have the power to really do some good for billions of people."
"Oh yeah, like what?"
"I want to bring down the governments of the world and eradicate wealth."
Scott did a double-take, "okay… that… that wasn't what I was expecting. Um… huh." The self-proclaimed Ant-Man found himself leaving his couch and pacing around the room in a fit of uncertainty.
"I understand if this is too much for you," Wanda said calmly, "but I can assure you I've thought this through completely."
"I believe you," Scott replied shortly, "but that's the kind of talk for… for… crazy people. Something like that is unrealistic, and that's coming from the guy who can shrink and grow with a special suit!" He stopped, taking a deep-breath, "at the very least, it's overly-ambitious. People talk about wanting to simply change the world but the world always had a way of making that not simple at all. Just look at what happened to me at Vistacorp!"
"That's just it Scott," Wanda replied, "back then you didn't have the capability to pull off something like that and get away with it. But I do."
"What does that even mean? Are you going to hurt people?" Scott asked.
"No. That won't even be necessary. With my magic I'll be able to accomplish more with a flick of my wrist than lesser men have tried with armies. You just have to trust me, please?" Wanda pleaded.
Scott pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn't believe he was hearing this right now at 6 pm on a Saturday. But if anyone was willing to believe in second or third chances, it was him.
"Even if this would work, and I'm definitely skeptical, I want no part in it. You want information, I can help with that. But as far as I'm concerned, we never met here today. I can't risk my family's safety again. Do you understand?" Scott was as blunt as he could be.
To that, Wanda nodded her head softly, "of course I do. I would never put you at risk. I just want some help finding places to start my work. I assure you, things will work out. They have to."
Sighing, Scott pulled out his laptop and sat on the couch, ushering Wanda to get closer to him, "alright. What do you need?"
…
As Wanda flew through the evening sky, she peered over the printed sheets in her hand. On them were lists and other data regarding the woes of the world and their sources. Given the issues that were time zones, she would have to be careful with her work to ensure she was never seen in broad daylight. Thankfully, with her powers she could manipulate her body in any way and simply phased her physical body out to where she was almost invisible.
Her first order of business was to visit the leaders of the world's nations and their constituents. To each one, she sent a simple mental manipulation that caused them to believe that they no longer had any governmental power and that it was wrong to wield themselves over others. They were to step down immediately, making global announcements at their earliest convenience. Similarly, various senators, representatives, statesmen, and others were also "compelled" to resign. Now there was no one to speak for their country, as their country was effectively nonexistent now.
Then, Wanda infiltrated the world's banks and treasuries and managed to hijack employees to change the value of their nation's currency to zero. Money would be made obsolete and wealth would mean nothing. Rich and poor would be synonymous.
Next up, Wanda suspected that there would be some individuals and groups who would not be content to give up their power. She was certain that various armies, police groups, and underground criminal organizations would find reasons to rise up and defend themselves. So she made sure to locate their arsenals and destroy all their weapons. Every automatic rifle, every grenade, every nuclear bomb, every can of pepper-spray, was reduced to atoms. For added measure, she sent the leaders of these groups their own mental manipulations to steer them away from violent thoughts. She did not wish to interfere with the avengers or any other superheroes, because they would sense her presence readily. In the back of her mind, she was hoping they wouldn't notice before she was finished.
Lastly, she used her information on global services regarding food, medicine, clothing, housing, and other resources and warped their employees towards redistribution efforts. If there was somewhere that needed supplies or aid, she made sure efforts were relocated there. This would surely be the most long-term step in her plans, but she was confident that with this little "push", the people would sort things out for themselves.
Satisfied with her work, Wanda flew back to Latvia to make it back a few hours before sunrise but not before picking up a few things. Sure enough, the children (her children) were still fast asleep, and she quietly supplied them with fresh clothes, blankets, food, and some stuffed toys. Gently levitating them into the air, Wanda placed them on a new, much softer mattress and cuddled next to them for the remainder of the night.
…
Wanda's eyes opened first, sensing a disturbance near the building. Checking to make sure Nikola and David were okay (they were still asleep), she hovered outside towards a dreaded sight.
A large sparkling yellow portal had opened up several feet away from her location, being sustained by a very suspicious Wong. Several individuals had stepped out: Bruce Banner (in human form); Clint Barton and Kate Bishop, who were immediately surprised; and Sam Wilson and Bucky, the former donning his new Captain America suit and shield.
"I was wondering when you'd all show up," Wanda said calmly, floating down to the ground and trying to hold her anxiety.
"And I was wondering where you had gone," Wong was the first to reply. "We detected that you destroyed the Darkhold across the multiverse, but your fate otherwise remained unanswered."
"Well, here I am," Wanda spread her arms out, taking a small bow. "You're welcome, by the way."
"I'll admit it's been a while since we last met up," Sam spoke up confidently. "I heard about Westview, knew what you were capable of: changing reality to your will. So you can imagine my suspicion when I received word that the President of the United States was not only leaving office but dissolving the union."
"I tried to access my bank account last night and found all my money was worthless," Bruce added, crossing his arms. "And then I heard on the news that the entire arsenal of the US military had vanished?"
"You should be grateful," Wanda gulped, trying to keep her cool. The last thing she wanted was a fight but she could sense the tension in the air. "Now people will never be hurt again."
"That's saying a lot considering that little stunt you pulled at Kamar-Taj," Wong snapped. "It's going to take months to repair the damage and tend to our students who are still alive. No thanks to you."
Wanda sighed, "there are no words I can say to make things right. I would hope my actions over the last few hours would be more than enough."
"Wanda, just what the hell did you do?" Clint finally asked, but he was much calmer than everyone else. Kate stood beside him, eyeing the witch curiously.
"I wanted to change the world. So I did," Wanda smiled, before giving a brief rundown of her magical work. By the end of it her former colleagues were flabbergasted.
"This is insanity," Bruce had to sit down, grasping his head in his hands. "You… you can't just topple the world's governments and economies in the span of a few hours and just think that things will work out in the end! It's pure chaos!"
"That's funny. I don't sense chaos. Confusion, sure, but as far as I can see these streets have been more peaceful than ever before," Wanda replied, shrugging.
"It's only a matter of time before people take advantage of this, you realize that, right?" Sam asked, stepping forward slightly, "whenever there are power vacuums, someone with ulterior motives always shows up to take what they want. And that's when the chaos starts."
"Is your view of humanity that shallow?" Wanda asked, clenching her fists in frustration.
"That's just history, Wanda," Sam frowned.
"Well, never before have the stakes been so low. No weapons, no money, plenty of resources to not just survive but thrive. Humanity will have true freedom. When people see that, they will have no reason to turn on their neighbors," she explained. "And should that happen, people will be free to leave and start anew, because there will be no borders stopping them. And what sense is there in ruling a place with no subjects, much less subjects who have the ability to say no? That's also history, Sam, but no school would ever teach you that."
For a little while, no one responded.
Sam finally took the time to look around; and then it clicked. "I know this place. This is where…"
"Karli Morgenthau," Bucky chimed in, placing a hand on Sam's shoulder.
"It all makes sense," Sam continued, looking at Wanda with renewed surprise. "But, how in the world did you learn about her?"
"Ms. Wanda?" called the voice of little Nikola, who had woken up groggily with David and were now pearing from the door. Nikola was holding her new teddy bear. Both stared with wide eyes at the whole group of former avengers. Kate clutched her hands to her chest while Wong watched them with a cocked eyebrow.
Wanda turned to them immediately and crouched on her knees beckoning them forward. The two children ran into her open arms, their emotions a mix of shock and delight.
"We go to bed hungry and dirty and wake up with fresh food and clean sheets!" David said, disbelieving.
"All for you," Wanda smiled, rubbing their backs, "as long as I am here, you will never know suffering again."
"Thank you Ms. Wanda," Nikola quietly beamed.
Everyone else looked at each other, almost unsure what to do next. Wong could clearly see that these children were not possessed in any way by Wanda's magic, and they certainly weren't screaming at her in fear like her boys from Earth-838. It didn't take long for Sam and Bucky to see that these kids had originally been under the protection of the Flag Smashers before the local police came and arrested everyone. Bruce was still nervous about everything.
Clint and Kate took the risk and walked over to Wanda and the children. The witch raised her head up at the duo, slight concern mixed in her expression.
"Hey Wands, look, um… I know it's been a while since we last talked, but I did learn about what happened to you and what you did. And I'll just say this, I'm in no position to judge," Clint said, matter-of-factly.
"What makes you say that?" Wanda asked.
"If you knew what I had been up to for the last few years, you'd know that I've made some mistakes as well. I hurt people, and I wasn't there for the people I love. And that includes you," Clint placed his hands in his pockets, looking down to the ground.
Wanda stood up, her children staying close to her.
"Clint," Wanda replied.
"But I tried my best to make amends. Help people out as best I could. I like to think it worked out," Clint nudged Kate playfully, who gave a small smile back. "I can tell you've tried to do the same. And that should count for something. I don't judge people by their worst mistakes."
A feeling of gratitude washed over the Scarlet Witch as she and Clint shared an embrace. Sam, Wong, and the others could only watch with a growing but quiet sympathy.
Pulling away, Wanda felt a tear flow down her cheek, "thank you Clint. It truly means a lot to hear you say that."
"And I mean it," Clint added, "I have children of my own. What I wouldn't give to protect them and ensure they never suffered. I'm not saying your plan is foolproof, but I'm going to be damned if I don't do my part to help make sure it all works out."
"I'm with you too," Kate spoke up, grinning. "Maybe there's something you can do about climate change, too?"
Wanda had to giggle, "that would probably be a good thing to tackle."
Sam cleared his throat, bringing all eyes on him. "I may have just inherited the mantle of Captain America, but that don't mean I'm above helping the world too. What you've done is insane. It's absolutely insane. But in my line of work, insane is just an average Tuesday. The world will always need heroes, even a nationless one."
Bucky nodded along, standing beside his friend. "If someone like me can change for the better, so can you, Wanda. I'm in."
That just left Wong and Bruce, who were increasingly surprised at the display before them. Bruce shrugged, sighing loudly as he walked over to the group. "Ahh, it's not like I don't have enough on my plate already. Should have called me Multitasker"
Wong held his arms out in shock, stammering and trying to get a word out. In the span of a few minutes, his back-up willingly decided to team up with the Scarlet Witch. If the prophecy was to be true, she would either rule the universe or destroy it, but from the looks of things it was becoming less likely that either would come to pass. Still, he had to be sure.
"What is your endgame here?" Wong asked, standing firm.
Wanda smiled, holding her children close, "I just want to help the world. Protect the vulnerable and the innocent. Realize true freedom. I don't want power, I don't want glory. I assure you."
"Don't think that your proclamations will make me forgive you so easily," Wong said clearly, "you kidnapped me and threw me off a mountain, you know."
"I don't deny that, yes," Wanda's mouth formed a thin-line.
"Show me for yourself that you've changed or are willing to change for the better, and I will support you," Wong crossed his arms.
"Of course. I owe you that much and more," Wanda nodded, bowing her head down with respect.
Wong finally cracked a smile, "alright then. Dr. Strange will certainly be in for a surprise when he hears about this."
The End!