[ONE YEAR LATER]

[CAPSULE CORP COURTYARD]

The Capsule Corp courtyard is bustling with activity, but there's a noticeable change in the air. The once unfamiliar energy that Wanda brought with her is now seamlessly integrated into the world around her. Flowers bloom, and the trees sway gently as a cool breeze blows through the area. The Z Fighters, along with their families, are gathered once again, this time for a celebration.

Bulma has set up a large banner that reads, "Happy Anniversary, Wanda!" with bright, cheerful letters. Tables are covered with food and drinks, and everyone seems to be in high spirits. Goku and Vegeta are sparring in the background, as usual, while the rest of the group mingles and chats.

Wanda stands in the center, dressed in a comfortable yet stylish outfit that Bulma had helped her pick out, her face glowing with happiness. She looks around at everyone, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

BULMA (grinning, approaching Wanda): "One year already, can you believe it?"

WANDA (laughing): "It feels like it's gone by so fast. But also… like I've been here forever."

BULMA: "Well, you've become a part of the family. We couldn't imagine this place without you now."

[Wanda smiles, her eyes drifting to the training area where Goku and Vegeta are sparring. Their energy collides, creating small shockwaves that ripple through the courtyard.]

WANDA (shaking her head, amused): "Some things never change."

GOHAN (joining them, holding a glass of juice): "It's a little less intense now that they've accepted you can keep up with them."

[Wanda smirks, recalling the countless training sessions she'd endured over the past year.]

WANDA: "They certainly didn't make it easy, but I think I've finally earned their respect. Especially with the Frieza incident"

PICCOLO (walking up, arms crossed, but with a hint of a smile): "You earned that a long time ago. You just had to believe it yourself."

[Wanda looks at Piccolo, and they share a quiet moment of understanding. Just then, Goku and Vegeta finish their sparring session, both of them panting but clearly satisfied.]

GOKU (grinning, waving at Wanda): "Hey, Wanda! You up for a quick match?"

WANDA (laughing, shaking her head): "Maybe later, Goku. I'd like to enjoy the party first."

[Vegeta walks over, wiping sweat from his forehead, and gives her a nod.]

VEGETA (grudgingly, but sincere): "You've come a long way. I didn't think you'd last a month, let alone a year."

WANDA (smirking): "Well, I had a lot of good teachers."

[They exchange a smile, and Vegeta actually seems to relax a bit. Wanda looks around at everyone, feeling a swell of emotion. It's still surreal, how much her life has changed in just one year.]

TRUNKS (running over with Goten): "Wanda! Are you going to show us some more magic tricks today?"

GOTEN (excited): "Yeah! The one with the floating cups was awesome!"

[Wanda laughs, kneeling down to their level.]

WANDA: "Alright, but just a couple. I don't want to steal the show."

[She extends her hand, and a soft red glow surrounds it. The boys watch in awe as she levitates a few small objects, making them dance through the air. As she does, the glow is calm and controlled, a testament to how far she's come in mastering her powers.]

ANDROID 18 (watching from a distance, nodding approvingly): "She's gotten really good at that."

KRILLIN (grinning): "Told you she'd fit right in."

[Chi-Chi and Videl are setting up dessert when they call everyone over.]

CHI-CHI (waving her arms): "Alright, everyone! Gather around! It's time for the cake!"

[A massive cake is wheeled out, decorated with red and gold frosting, and everyone gathers around Wanda, who looks completely overwhelmed.]

BULMA (smiling warmly): "This is for you, Wanda. To celebrate how far you've come, and how much you mean to all of us."

[Wanda's eyes fill with tears, and she quickly wipes them away, trying to keep her composure.]

WANDA (voice trembling): "I… I don't know what to say. You've all given me a home, a family. I thought I'd lost everything, but you showed me that I could start over."

GOKU (cheerfully): "And we're glad you did!"

VEGETA (muttering): "Just don't go getting all sentimental on us."

[Everyone laughs, and they raise their glasses for a toast.]

GOHAN: "To Wanda, for finding her place in our world, and to all the adventures still ahead!"

EVERYONE: "To Wanda!"

[They all take a drink, and the celebration continues. As the sun begins to set, Wanda steps away from the group, looking out at the horizon. She's joined by Piccolo, who stands silently beside her.]

PICCOLO: "You've found peace here, haven't you?"

WANDA (smiling): "Yes. I didn't think it was possible, but… I have."

[Piccolo nods, satisfied.]

PICCOLO: "Good. But don't get too comfortable. The path you've chosen isn't an easy one."

WANDA (nodding, resolute): "I know. But I'm not afraid anymore."

[They stand together in silence, watching as the last rays of sunlight dip below the horizon. In the distance, Goku's laughter echoes, and Wanda closes her eyes, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.]

WANDA (softly): "Thank you, Piccolo. For believing in me."

PICCOLO (smiling slightly): "You're welcome."

[The camera pans out, showing the entire group gathered together as the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky. The celebration continues, but there's a sense of closure, of a journey that has come full circle.]

[CAPSULE CORP – WANDA'S ROOM – NIGHT]

The moon casts a soft glow through the window as Wanda sits at her desk, reading a book about Earth's history that Bulma lent her. The room is quiet, and the distant sound of crickets chirping creates a sense of calm. She looks peaceful, at ease, a stark contrast to the woman who arrived a year ago. As she turns a page, a chill suddenly runs down her spine. The air in the room shifts, growing colder.

Wanda freezes, her eyes narrowing. She feels something—a presence, one that's unsettlingly familiar. Slowly, she sets down the book and turns to face the shadows at the far corner of her room. Her heart skips a beat as a figure steps out of the darkness, her silhouette draped in long, flowing robes.

It's Agatha Harkness.

AGATHA (smirking, her voice dripping with mockery): "Well, well, look who's finally settled in. You've done quite a good job playing house, haven't you, dear?"

[Wanda stands up slowly, her eyes glowing faintly red as she prepares herself.]

WANDA (coldly): "What are you doing here, Agatha?"

AGATHA (feigning innocence): "Oh, don't be like that. Is that any way to greet an old friend?"

[Wanda doesn't relax, keeping her guard up as Agatha takes a step forward, casually inspecting the room.]

AGATHA: "I have to say, I'm impressed. You've managed to keep your powers under control for quite some time now. I almost didn't recognize you without all the chaos and destruction."

WANDA: "I've changed. I'm not that person anymore."

[Agatha chuckles, her eyes flashing with amusement.]

AGATHA: "Oh, sweetie, people like us don't change. We adapt. We learn. But deep down, the power, the hunger… it never truly goes away, does it?"

[Wanda clenches her fists, but she keeps her voice steady.]

WANDA: "You're wrong. I've found a new path, a new purpose."

AGATHA (rolling her eyes): "Yes, yes, the whole 'new beginnings' speech. I'm sure your little Saiyan friends and that green guy have filled your head with all sorts of nonsense about redemption and second chances."

[She steps closer, her tone turning serious, almost predatory.]

AGATHA: "But that's not why I'm here, Wanda. You've barely scratched the surface of what you're truly capable of, and you know it."

[Wanda's eyes narrow, her energy flickering faintly.]

WANDA: "I don't need you to tell me what I can or can't do."

AGATHA (grinning, clearly enjoying this): "You keep telling yourself that. But I wonder… how long before you slip? How long before you realize that this little fantasy of 'control' is just that—a fantasy?"

[Wanda takes a deep breath, grounding herself, refusing to be drawn in by Agatha's words.]

WANDA: "Why are you really here, Agatha?"

[Agatha's expression changes, becoming more serious, her eyes darkening.]

AGATHA: "There's a storm coming, Wanda. A power far greater than anything your new friends have ever faced. I came to warn you."

[Wanda's expression shifts, surprised but still cautious.]

WANDA: "Why would you warn me? What's in it for you?"

[Agatha steps closer, leaning in, her voice barely a whisper.]

AGATHA: "Because, dear, you're still the most powerful being in this universe. And when the time comes, you'll need to make a choice. Embrace who you are… or watch everything you love be destroyed."

[Wanda stares at Agatha, feeling the weight of her words. There's something unsettlingly genuine in her tone, something that hints at a greater danger looming on the horizon.]

WANDA (firmly): "I've already made my choice."

[Agatha pulls back, her expression softening, almost pitying.]

AGATHA: "You think you have. But we'll see, won't we?"

[She starts to fade into the shadows, her form dissolving into smoke, but her voice lingers, echoing through the room.]

AGATHA (fading): "When the darkness comes, remember… I tried to help you."

[And just like that, she's gone, leaving Wanda alone in her room, her heart pounding. She takes a shaky breath, looking down at her hands as they tremble ever so slightly.]

WANDA (whispering to herself): "I won't let it happen. Not again."

[As she steadies herself, she notices something on her nightstand. The Darkhold is sitting there, open, its pages glowing faintly as if responding to Agatha's presence. Wanda reaches out, but then pulls her hand back, her expression hardening.]

WANDA: "No."

[She slams the book shut, and the glow fades, leaving her room in darkness once more. The only light comes from the moon shining through the window, illuminating Wanda's determined face. She stands there, staring out into the night, feeling the weight of the challenge that lies ahead.]

[Wanda stands in her room, staring at the closed Darkhold on her nightstand. The room is eerily silent, and the air feels heavy, charged with a strange energy. The faint glow that once faded now begins to pulse again, the crimson light seeping through the cracks of the book's cover, almost as if it's calling out to her.]

WANDA (whispering to herself, her voice trembling): "No… I've come too far. I can't go back."

[But despite her words, her eyes remain fixed on the Darkhold, her mind racing with Agatha's warning. The threat of something greater, something she might not be able to fight without tapping into her full potential, gnaws at her resolve.]

The whispers start again, faint and distant at first, but growing louder, echoing in her mind.

DARKHOLD (whispering, seductive): "You need me. You're not strong enough on your own. Without me, you'll lose everything… again."

[Wanda clenches her fists, struggling to fight back the urge, but she feels her willpower slipping. Memories flood her mind—her sons, Billy and Tommy, reaching out for her; the pain of loss; the fear of not being able to protect the ones she cares about.]

WANDA (pleading, almost begging herself): "No… I'm not that person anymore."

The Darkhold's whispers grow more insistent, more urgent.

DARKHOLD (taunting): "You'll never be strong enough without me. You'll always be weak. But with me… with me, you could be unstoppable."

[Her hands move on their own, trembling as they reach for the book. She hesitates, her fingertips hovering just above the cover, and for a moment, there's silence. Her mind flashes to the faces of the Z Fighters—Goku's unwavering smile, Vegeta's gruff but genuine encouragement, Bulma's warm hospitality, and Piccolo's steady guidance. They had given her hope, a sense of belonging. But the thought of failing them, of being powerless when they needed her most, terrifies her.]

She takes a deep breath and slowly, almost painfully, opens the Darkhold. The pages flip on their own, glowing with a malevolent red light. Wanda's eyes widen as she stares at the ancient runes and symbols etched into the pages, knowledge pouring into her mind faster than she can process. The power surges through her, wild and chaotic, yet tantalizingly sweet.

WANDA (panting, her voice strained): "I… I need to control this. I need to be strong enough."

[The energy crackles around her, lifting strands of her hair as the room begins to vibrate with the intensity of her power. Her eyes glow bright red, and the symbols from the Darkhold start to imprint themselves onto her skin, glowing faintly along her arms.]

DARKHOLD (echoing, triumphant): "Yes… embrace it. Feel the power, the chaos. It's who you are."

[Wanda's breathing becomes ragged as she feels the overwhelming surge of power coursing through her veins. Her vision blurs, and she can barely make out the room around her, as if she's slipping between reality and the dark abyss contained within the Darkhold.]

She sees flashes of visions—destruction, chaos, countless worlds crumbling into dust. But amidst the chaos, she also sees herself standing tall, invincible, capable of bending reality itself to her will. It's everything she's ever feared, and yet, a part of her craves it.

WANDA (screaming, her voice laced with anguish and longing): "Stop! I don't want this!"

[But the book doesn't relent. The whispers turn into a roar, and Wanda feels herself sinking deeper, losing herself to the darkness. Tears stream down her face, mixing with the glow of her magic, as she grips the edges of the book, unable to tear her eyes away.]

WANDA (desperate, sobbing): "Please… help me…"

[Suddenly, a flash of golden light fills the room, and the whispers fall silent. Wanda gasps, the red glow flickering and fading as the Darkhold's pages snap shut. She collapses to her knees, trembling, her body still pulsing with leftover energy.]

She looks up, and there stands Whis, his staff glowing faintly, his expression calm but serious. He steps forward, his eyes never leaving hers.

WHIS (softly): "You're stronger than this, Wanda. You don't need the Darkhold to prove that."

[Wanda shakes her head, tears streaming down her face.]

WANDA (voice broken): "I'm not… I'm not strong enough. I thought I was, but… I'm scared."

[Whis kneels beside her, his tone gentle but firm.]

WHIS: "Strength doesn't come from power alone. It comes from knowing when to fight… and when to let go. This book," (he gestures to the Darkhold), "it's feeding on your fears, your doubts. But that doesn't have to be your story."

[Wanda looks at him, her eyes filled with pain and uncertainty.]

WANDA: "But what if I'm not enough? What if I can't protect them when it matters?"

WHIS (smiling kindly): "You already have. You've protected this world, this universe, by choosing to fight for something greater than yourself. That's more than most can say."

[Wanda looks down at the Darkhold, her fingers brushing against its cover one last time. The power, the temptation, it's still there, but it feels different now—less alluring, less overwhelming. She reaches deep within herself, drawing on the strength she's gained over the past year, the strength given to her by her friends, by her new family.]

With a shaky breath, she closes the Darkhold, her magic sealing it shut. The glow fades completely, and the whispers are silenced, at least for now.

WANDA (softly): "I won't let you control me. Not anymore."

[She looks up at Whis, who nods approvingly.]

WHIS: "You've made the right choice. But remember, this journey isn't over. The darkness will always be there, waiting. But as long as you have people who believe in you, you'll never face it alone."

[Wanda smiles through her tears, feeling lighter, freer than she has in a long time.]

WANDA: "Thank you… for reminding me."

WHIS (standing up, tapping his staff): "Anytime. Now, I suggest you get some rest. We have a busy day ahead tomorrow, and I suspect Goku and Vegeta won't be taking it easy on you."

[Wanda laughs, wiping her eyes.]

WANDA: "They never do."

[Whis gives her one last smile before disappearing in a flash of light. Wanda sits there for a moment, staring at the Darkhold. She reaches out, not to open it, but to push it away, sliding it to the far corner of the nightstand, out of reach.]

She takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. For now, she's won this battle. And as she looks out the window at the stars, she knows she'll be ready for whatever comes next.

[WEST CITY OUTSKIRTS – SUNRISE]

The early morning sun peeks over the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the city. The sky is clear, and a gentle breeze stirs the trees. It's a moment of peace that feels almost surreal, given the battles and challenges the Z Fighters have faced. But as the calm settles over West City, an eerie ripple distorts the air.

Far from the city's center, on a secluded hilltop, Wanda stands alone, eyes closed, feeling the morning wind on her face. Her hair flows gently, and the faint crimson glow of her magic shimmers around her fingertips, as if responding to the serenity around her. This has become her ritual—a moment each morning to connect with herself, to ground her powers, to find the balance between control and chaos.

As she breathes in deeply, her eyes snap open, sensing a sudden, overwhelming presence. She turns sharply, her aura flaring instinctively, and there, standing a few feet away, is Supreme Kai. He appears calm, but there's an urgency in his eyes that Wanda immediately picks up on.

SUPREME KAI (voice firm but respectful): "Scarlet Witch, I need a word."

[Wanda straightens, the glow around her fading slightly, though her guard remains up.]

WANDA (cautious): "You're the Supreme Kai, aren't you? What brings you here?"

SUPREME KAI (nodding): "Yes, and I've come with a warning. There's something you need to know. Something that concerns not just you, but this entire universe."

[Wanda frowns, stepping closer, intrigued but wary.]

WANDA: "What is it?"

SUPREME KAI (taking a deep breath): "There's an ancient power, one older than even the Gods of Destruction. A force that's been lurking in the shadows of reality, waiting for its moment to return. It's drawn to chaos, to imbalance, and your presence… your power… has stirred it from its slumber."

[Wanda's eyes widen, and she shakes her head.]

WANDA: "But I've been working to control my power, to keep it from harming anyone."

SUPREME KAI: "I know. And that's precisely why it's coming. It feeds on conflict, on the struggle between light and darkness. And you, Wanda, are the perfect beacon."

[Wanda steps back, feeling a cold chill wash over her.]

WANDA (shaken): "What kind of power are we talking about?"

[Supreme Kai's expression darkens.]

SUPREME KAI: "It's called Zahra, the Chaos Devourer. An ancient entity that seeks to absorb all forms of magic and power, to bend reality itself to its will. It once threatened to consume the multiverse, but it was sealed away by the combined efforts of gods and sorcerers eons ago."

[Wanda feels a knot tighten in her stomach as the weight of his words sinks in.]

WANDA: "And now… it's coming back?"

SUPREME KAI (nodding grimly): "It senses your power, Wanda. Your connection to chaos magic acts like a beacon. It's already moving toward this universe, and when it arrives, it won't just be you that's in danger—it'll be everything."

[For a moment, Wanda's mind races, her heart pounding. Memories of her time with the Darkhold, of Agatha's warning, of the destruction she's capable of—everything flashes before her eyes.]

WANDA (softly, more to herself than to the Supreme Kai): "I thought I'd left all that behind."

SUPREME KAI (gently): "The past has a way of finding us, no matter how far we run. But you're not alone anymore, Wanda. This time, you have allies, people who care about you, who will fight beside you."

[Wanda takes a deep breath, nodding slowly, her resolve hardening.]

WANDA: "Then I'll fight. I won't let this thing destroy everything I've worked to protect."

[Supreme Kai steps forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.]

SUPREME KAI: "You're stronger than you know, but you can't face this alone. You need to prepare, to become the protector you were always meant to be."

[Wanda looks into his eyes, and for the first time, she sees not fear, but hope. She clenches her fists, feeling the familiar warmth of her magic flow through her veins.]

WANDA (determined): "Then tell me what I need to do."

[The Supreme Kai smiles faintly.]

SUPREME KAI: "We'll need to combine your magic with the power of the gods. I'll guide you, but you must be willing to face your deepest fears, to confront the darkness within yourself."

[Wanda's expression doesn't waver.]

WANDA: "I've faced worse."

[Suddenly, a rush of wind sweeps over them, and Goku and Vegeta appear, having sensed the disturbance. They land a few feet away, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.]

GOKU (grinning, though a bit wary): "Hey, Supreme Kai! Didn't expect to see you here. What's going on?"

[Vegeta folds his arms, eyes narrowing as he looks between Wanda and the Supreme Kai.]

VEGETA: "What trouble have you brought with you this time?"

[The Supreme Kai takes a deep breath, addressing them all.]

SUPREME KAI: "There's a great danger approaching. Something that could threaten this entire universe. And if we don't prepare, it will consume everything."

[Goku's smile fades, replaced by a look of seriousness.]

GOKU: "Then we'll fight it. Whatever it is, we'll beat it, together."

VEGETA (smirking, cracking his knuckles): "You think I'm going to let some ancient monster show up and make a mess of things? Not a chance."

[Wanda watches them, feeling a surge of strength and confidence. The fear is still there, but it's tempered by something stronger—hope. She looks back at the Supreme Kai.]

WANDA: "We'll be ready."

[The Supreme Kai nods, his expression one of relief and determination.]

SUPREME KAI: "Then let's begin."

[The camera pans out, showing the four of them standing together on the hilltop, the sun rising behind them, casting long shadows on the ground. The wind picks up, rustling the trees as they prepare to face an even greater challenge than before, united in their resolve.]

TO BE CONTINUED…