Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel. I own Addison Carter.

RATED M

ENJOY!

July 1st, 2018, Avengers Compound

"I'm okay you know." I looked at Wanda. Her room was...empty now, like mine, and we were staring at it. She looked at me. "I never really...wanted to come here. In this country I mean, it's…"

"I know." I cut her off. "The USA hurt you. They hurt me too."

"Do you prefer the British part of you?"

"You know, apart from growing up in the country, I don't...I was raised European. French Grandpa, British Grandma...I think it's time to go back to my roots. I'll explain more in details why once we're there."

I had not talked to James since we...fought. Tony was trying to locate Vision, but apart from that I wasn't sure what the others were up to. I mean, Pepper told me my flat was now fully furnished, she was a god-sent because she was busy with the wedding after all, and I had a nice dinner with her, Tony, Rhodey and Happy, but other than that I was busy cleaning out my room here, sending the boxes through a portal to my flat. I did the same with Wanda, we would figure it out once there.

"So we go to the Sanctum, go to Kamar-Taj and then to London?"

"Yeah, it will be a five-minute walk basically."

"What's Kamar-Taj?"

"Where people train to become Masters of the Mystic Arts."

"Ladies." We looked behind to see Pietro. He raised his brows at his sister's room. "That's a change."

"You helped me pack," his sister reminded him.

"You let me put tags on the boxes."

"Anyway, I told Stephen 2 pm, it's almost time." I turned to Pietro. "So the Institute for a while?" He nodded.

"It's a good place to start I think." I hugged him tightly.

"You're gonna do great Pietro, I know it," I whispered to him.

"You too Addie, don't let what that ass told you get to you." I giggled as he let go of me.

"Sure. I'm going to the hall, see you in a sec." I left them to give them some room.

With no surprise, James wasn't there. Nat, Steve and Sam were here. I already said goodbye to the people at the Institute and Wade and Vanessa.

"I'm not a fan of goodbyes and usually avoid them," I told them.

"That's cold," Sam said, embracing me. "I hope if I ever come to London I won't have to pay for a hotel room." I laughed.

"I have a great couch." I then hugged Nat. "I found what to do with my freedom."

"You did," she confirmed.

When it was Steve's turn, I rested my chin on his shoulder.

"I feel like I have to apologize on his behalf," he whispered to me.

"Don't, it's not your fault if he's a jerk."

"I think he's just scared not to have you around because you were the only stability he had the last time he was in the country." I pursed my lips.

"Maybe, but I can't…"

"I know." He pulled me back and put his hand on my hair. "I'll take care of him, it's my turn now."

"You're damn right."

"It's going to be weird though." He looked at Wanda and Pietro coming. "We just got back but it's going to be empty already."

"Well, Redwing's part of the team in a way." Sam nodded furiously and Nat rolled her eyes.

Wanda said her goodbyes and I made a portal for the Sanctum. I nodded at all of them.

"I'll probably see you later in the year. If not, take care."

"You too girls," Nat said with a smile. Wanda smiled back, but more shyly. I looked at her.

"Ready?" She nodded.

"Let's go." We waved at them until we were in the Sanctum and I shut the portal.

"I hate goodbyes." I turned around to be greeted by the cloak. "A year and still the only one to greet me around here." Wanda smiled, amused when the cloak stretched out one of its corners to her. She took it to shake it. "Where's Doctor Weirdo?"

"I told you to stop calling me that!" His exasperated face when he appeared in the stairs made me snicker.

"It never gets old." He rolled his eyes.

"Just follow me."

"I'm surprised he accepted to teach you," Wanda whispered to me as we climbed the stairs.

"Well, I could release a foe he struggled against if there's no milk for my cereals so it was quite a compelling argument." She chuckled quietly.

We walked through a door, the air and smell changing around us.

"Welcome to Kamar-Taj." Wanda and I looked around. There were two doors next to the one we exited and a stone pillar at the center of the room.

Stephen conjured a view of the planet, the three sanctums connected to each other.

"You already know the most important Addison, the Sanctums are there to protect the Earth from mystical threats beyond our reality."

"Yup." I showed the planet. "The spots they are at...is the fabric of reality thinner? I wouldn't be surprised for London knowing the last Convergence was there. And it would make sense to place the Sanctums there because if it's thinner, then it would make it easier to reinforce it."

"That's the gist of it. I'd need you to do something once you're in the Sanctum." I blinked at him. "At first Wanda you will rely on books before practice. She hated it," he said pointing at me, "I hate it, but we can't avoid it."

"I was expecting that to be honest, theory before practice." He nodded.

"Which is why, in the meantime, I need you Addison to gather data about the Multiverse." I frowned at him. "It is something we know frighteningly very little about. You knew about it before you even met me or started doing magic."

"Because my powers are related to Dark Matter and it's related to the fabric of reality." He nodded.

"The Infinity Stones seem to have a mind on their own." I pursed my lips. "Something tells me you had a glimpse of the Multiverse already." Wanda shot me a curious look.

"Maybe. Each Infinity Stone have a pocket dimension of their own. The Reality Stone...I don't know if I can just use it to travel to other universes but I think I can use it to observe them. Like you with the future and the Time Stone."

"It'd make sense." He stretched out his arm to the door the furthest from the New York one.

We went through it and were in a richly decorated hallway. I mean, there wasn't much natural light but…

"It was destroyed last year. I used the Time Stone to restore it but some places are still a work in progress."

"You restored enough for it to do its job," Wanda finished for him.

"Yes."

Stephen gave us a quick tour before we reached the last floor, a circular window in the wall showering the room with light from the night sky. The symbol on the window was similar to the one in New York. I walked to it and looked down. Pedestrians living their lives quietly, red buses on the road.

"It really is London," I whispered with a smile. "Holy shit."

"There should be food for at least tonight and tomorrow, I think." Wanda joined me and put her hand on the window. "If you don't need me anymore, I'm going back to New York." He made a portal.

"Thanks Stephen," I thanked my teacher. He nodded and left. "Wanna go out to eat before we get the necessary from my flat?"

"It's a new start." We looked at each other and smiled.

"We should cheer with cups of tea dear."

"The accent will never go away."

"Nope," I replied with a grin.

December 22nd, 2018, Addison's flat

"Yes, it's exactly what I'm saying. I don't want my godchild to be born with some psychosis because you didn't get your wife strawberry-flavored candies."

"She's allergic to strawberries!" he said for the hundredth time.

"To the fruit, not the chemically-made flavor, right?" I grabbed my key in my pocket, my phone between my ear and my shoulder as I had groceries in my other arm.

"But…"

"Tony, if your doctor says it's okay, then just get her her bloody candies!"

"I never thought the British accent would make you sound more threatening, but it does." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm texting Pepper to say what I told you."

"Hey, I call for advice and ask how you're doing and you're ready to throw me under the bus?"

"You visited last week. With Rhodey and Peter."

Poor kid got real scared. This Mysterio had filmed himself accusing Peter of having killed him but Brian crushed the recording before he could do anything. Captain Britain was popular, to a certain Scotland Yard detective's annoyance, so his words regarding Spider-Man were worth everything.

Brian was still a little sour I just hung up on him.

And yes, Pepper was pregnant. They got married in September at the cabin Tony had been building for months, and a month later pregnant. Well, they discovered it a month later.

"Not the same."

"Anyway, I don't know what time it is for you, but it's the evening here and I have groceries to put away so I'm going to hang up."

"Sure thing kid. I'll call next week to complain." I rolled my eyes as I opened my door.

"Bye." I hung up.

I shut the door with a kick, threw my keys in the bowl on the counter of my kitchen and started putting everything away. I looked up, not hearing a sound and sighed. I went up the stairs and leaned against the wall.

"What do you want for dinner?"

"How about a bullet in the head." I sighed.

"Pete, you can't barge in my flat to sulk."

"You barely use it," he muttered.

"It's between the Sanctum and MI:13, I use it plenty of times." He was laying on his stomach on my bed, so I sat down next to him.

The ISO was active since last month and I knew countries were trying to get their own teams but it might take some time. Anyway, since I got to London, I've been Pete's partner on missions. In spite of everything, it worked quite well.

My knowledge in magic was pretty useful. Brian would work with us sometimes, but still wanted to stay solo. He came to us when he needed information. He did promise to take me to Otherworld at some point though.

Anyway, a month ago Pietro called me and told me about a place called Genosha. Basically, mutants were used as slave. The ISO sent us there because it was against human rights. We worked with the X-Men and Uncanny Avengers, now lead by Steve.

It was...hard though, just to see and witness that. Pietro was rightfully angry and now the regime was gone, Magneto had settled there to create the first mutant nation. On paper it was good, but it was Magneto. Professor Xavier talked to him and apparently all was good.

Still, Pete was a mutant. There was discrimination in the UK too, he suffered from it too but he was devoted to his country, almost to a point where it was harmful for anyone involved with him. He didn't tell me his life story, neither did I, but he told me he had done things in his past he wasn't necessarily proud of and that people just didn't stick around.

If anything, I discovered a lot about MI:13, what it was before and what Black Air, an intelligence agency that was dissolved around the same time as SHIELD, was.

But Pete, who apparently did...things to mutants to his ignorance when he was in Black Air, was now sulking. Pete Wisdom, sulking. I knew the feeling all too well.

"Scrambled eggs?" He sighed.

"Whatever."

I went back down to make the eggs.

Life was good. London was like a breath of fresh air. The Sanctum and working with magic was wonderful, I absolutely loved it. I was taking classes on the side to get my Master degree from the University of London in European History and folklore. Of course I learned about other cultures as well, but as Thor was real and Scandinavian mythology existed, so most likely, all mythologies from Earth was from something very real.

Damn, maybe I'd meet Hercules one day.

Wanda was a good student. She didn't want to be threat so she was learning with baby steps. We would need to go to practice soon but she seemed scared to let it out of control and I was scared not to be able to deal with her Chaos Magic. However, I got data about the Multiverse.

Much like Stephen said, I could peek in other realities through the Reality Stone. I knew that I could go through the wormholes there were in the stone pocket dimension to access these realities if the Reality Stone from there was usable. That being said, I think I would try that soon. I knew I could also travel through dimension just with my Dark Matter manipulation, but I doubted I would find my way back.

I did write down everything I saw and learned though.

"You're hungry in the end," I told him as he appeared in the kitchen, shooting the pan a quick look.

"When are you going to Madripoor?" My eyes flickered to him as he asked this casually while setting the table.

"I'm not sure yet."

"Do you really think you can get a lead on Weapon Plus there?"

"Pete, you know Madripoor's reputation like I do. Anything illegal is known there. I just hope my contact will be...cooperative." Who knew how much Sharon and her influence...evolved since last year.

"You should get your soldier." I rolled my eyes. "It's true, if anything he must still have some reputation there that could make you seen...threatening."

"I went to Madripoor the first time with Ivanov, then Logan, I can use their names." I put the eggs at the center of the table. "Why do you keep bringing him up?"

"He's a member of the official current Avengers, if we ever have to team up with them I'd rather have you focused on the mission than your ex." I pursed my lips.

"I regret telling you about that." He put his fork in his mouth and frowned, grabbing the salt. "And what do you mean he's an Avenger? He fought Thanos but…" He raised a brow.

"You don't know?" I shook my head. "He officially joined the team shortly after you moved as the Winter Soldier. Maybe it's a part of his pardon or something." I pursed my lips.

He didn't want to fight, or so he said when HYDRA fell. The only reason I was bringing him with me to track down the Workshops was because he wouldn't allow me to get any other back-up. I was pretty sure he fought Thanos in Wakanda because one, he was in Wakanda, and two, it was a do or die situation.

The Avengers though? Did he even have an interest in their fight?

"Let's hope it doesn't come to this, but if anything, if we work with the Avengers, I wouldn't be teamed up with him anyway."

"You sure about that?"

"Steve wouldn't let me be teamed up with anyone but him basically all the time before so…"

"Captain Protective." I nodded.

"Anyway, I'll figure out the whole Madripoor thing."

The next day at the Sanctum, I gave Wanda brief instructions and went to my room. Not my bedroom, even if I had one, it was more my study, and where I would meditate and observe the Multiverse.

I shot the sword on my desk a quick look. A couple of months ago, I had a visit from Thor who took me to Nidavellir. Eitri had a sword made of Uru for me. I didn't really know what to say or do so I just stared at it and asked why. It was a thanks for giving his hands back and Uru was the strongest metal that existed, but it was also very magic-absorbent. Uru was easily enchanted and absorbed magic like a sponge, then redirecting it and enhancing the wielder's attributes.

It wasn't sure about accepting it, although I was extremely honored, but Thor just put the sword in my hands and told me I was kind of Asgardian now anyway.

What was funny with the sword was when not held, it looked like stone. Once I had it in my hand, it was a one-hand sword, it just looked more like metal due to my magic.

It was the new love of my life.

"Wanda," I said as I went back to her. She raised her head to me. "I'm gonna leave the country soon, don't know for how long but…"

"Weapon Plus?" I blinked and she shrugged. "Pietro mentioned something seemed off to you there." I pursed my lips.

"Yeah. I'm going to go to Madripoor, see if some of the people I met back in the days know things."

"You mean with Ivanov?" I nodded. "Don't get lost."

"I know the place." She gave me a pointed look.

"It's not what I meant."

"I know, I know. You know, accepting this as a part of yourself is not falling back in the darkest time of your life."

"Well if you get too much regarding Weapon Plus, don't wait to be kidnapped to do something."

"Yes Ma'am."

December 26th, 2018, Sharon's apartment

"You want to meet Selby?" she repeated, her arms crossed.

"I know my accent turned completely posh but yes, that's what I said."

"How do you know her?"

"Ivanov. We came to Madripoor when Viper was still in charge. What happened to her by the way?" Sharon shrugged.

"She left after the whole Ultron fiasco."

"Huh." That was an issue in itself. She used to be HYDRA. "Anyway, can you help me? Do you want something in exchange?" She looked down at my hands and I closed them.

"No need, I can get you a meeting. It has something to do with that concentration camp, right?"

"Kind of yes."

MI:13 was going nowhere with the British branch of Weapon Plus. We needed a lead.

"Don't make noise."

"If someone came to Madripoor to hide…"

"No, I know that," she cut me off. "I mean, do your thing, but don't be seen." I nodded.

"That's fair. Is the harbor's water often checked?" She gave me the look. "Kidding, kidding." I looked away. "That's not eco-friendly."

"I'll arrange everything, stay here for now." I nodded as she left the room.

I was no idiot though, I kept track of what she was doing by reading her mind. Sharon was my cousin, but I wouldn't trust the Power Broker further I could throw her.

When she came back, she nodded at me and told me I had a meeting with Selby at her bar that night.

"I'll be in it, just as a precaution."

"I've met her before you know."

"Yeah, and you were a terrorist back then." I stared at her.

"Okay, point for you."

"That being said, you'll need to change."

"Sure thing."

I borrowed some of Sharon's clothes. I had leather high-waist bell-bottom pants with combat boots and a purple crop-top tied around my neck. I slipped on the oversize black blazer I had and turned around to look at Sharon. She nodded to approve.

"You know how to wear that."

"Thanks, living in London helps with that."

"How has it been?"

"So far? I've lost my American accent and understand slang. I ate an unhealthy amount of fish and chips too." She chuckled at that.

"You always loved that too much."

"And I can blast Elton John as loud as I want."

"I doubt it ever stopped you before." I grabbed something in my pocket before we left her apartment.

"Here, there are too many pictures for one person at home." She unfolded the picture and smiled at it.

"We kept begging Aunt Peggy and Uncle Frank to take us to the roller coasters even if you were too short and we ate way too much for us to keep anything in our stomachs." I grinned and she put it in her pocket. "Thanks." I shrugged.

"It's nothing."

The Brass Monkey Saloon was like I remembered it to be, disgusting and filled with low-life. Selby was in the back, wondering who the Power Broker wanted her to meet. I looked at the barman and decided to just go for Selby, slipping in easily.

"If it isn't that dear old Aksel's prized student," she greeted me haughtily.

"I'd say collaborator."

"I remember him calling you his secret weapon." I gulped quietly. "A shame what became of him."

"He shouldn't have played with so many big players, HYDRA does not treat traitors kindly." I sat down in the couch in front of her.

"I'm guessing you're here looking for information about one of these players from the marks on your hands." I pointed at her and nodded, before crossing my arms and legs. "What makes you think I'd tell you?"

"Well if you remember Aksel you remember what he taught me to do. I don't really do it anymore but hey, it's Madripoor, isn't it?" She stared at me and laughed.

"The Power Broker wasn't joking when they said you were here for business. How do you even know them?" I shrugged.

"I just do. So, anything regarding Weapon Plus around here?"

"Maybe." I raised an expecting brow as I was shot from multiple directions.

The bullets all stopped in mid-air and fell around me.

"Just to check how serious you are about this," she explained casually.

"Of course."

"You might want to check the Sovereign Hotel, I think an old...colleague of yours might interest you." I tilted my head on the side. "I believe you called him Director." My face split in a sadistic grin.

"Thanks for the information Selby." I left.

It looked like Christmas came early. Well...late, because it was a couple of days ago.

"It went well?" Sharon asked me once outside.

"Yeah, it's a late Christmas present."

The Sovereign Hotel was in High Town. It was probably the most expensive hotel in the world, so dear old Director Colcord must have kept some assets to himself for the black market or something. I got inside very easily. I had powers, sure, but Pete used to be in MI:6 and taught a few spy tricks to work efficiently together.

Point is, I found Colcord easily. He was typing on his laptop, completely in the dark.

"Evening Director." He froze. Slowly, he closed his laptop and turned on the light on the coffee table next to him.

I was sitting across him, leaning on my knees. I grinned at him when his eyes landed on me.

"Long time no see."

"X-17."

"Precisely. I have a few questions for you Director."

"You can't do anything to me in Madripoor, it doesn't allow extradition."

"They're very flexible regarding murders though. We both know I have quite the history with that." I sniffed. "Anyway, what do you know about the Weapon Plus Program in the UK?"

"I don't know wh…" I lifted him by the throat with telekinesis.

"I don't have much patience with your kind anymore."

"Father…" he muttered through gritted teeth. "Brother...Mother…"

"I want names."

"You...know already…" I frowned and stood up. "Bra...ddock…" I blinked and let go of him, dropping him on the floor. He gasped for air.

Braddock? Brian was two years older than me, I doubted…

Oh shit, he told me he didn't want to know the extent of what his dad did. I gulped and looked down at Colcord. Without a second though, I placed him under mind control with magic to make him spill everything.

I needed to go to the Hellfire Club then. I needed to get inside and Brian would help me.

"Thank you, Director," I told him.

In a desperate attempt to kill me, he grabbed a gun from under the couch and aimed at me. With a movement of my hand, I turned the gun against him and shot.

I went back to the UK, right in front of Pete, who was still in my flat.

"How did it go?"

"We need to see Brian, and we have a lot of digging up to do." He looked at me, interested. "We're going to the Hellfire Club."

"And Braddock has something to do with it?"

"Him I don't think, his dad though?" He stood up.

"If it gives us a lead about what they're doing in the country…"

"It's a golden opportunity."

"I'll take care of everything we have in MI:13 and MI:6, you take care of Brian and common knowledge."

"Just say the SHIELD's files on the web!" I told him as he left my place in a hurry.

I grabbed my laptop and plugged in a hard drive.

"TADASHI, you're up?"

"Of course Miss Carter," was the reply I got.

When I left, Tony gave me one of his AI. I didn't really know why at first, he just told me he wouldn't need it but I might.

He was not wrong.

"Go through everything related to SHIELD on the internet. Key words: Braddock, Weapon Plus, United-Kingdom, Father, Mother, Brother, Hellfire Club."

"Understood."

Now was time to visit Brian.

Thank you all for reading!

Bye!