Chapter 7

Dancing With

The Trees

Part 1

Disclaimer: As mentioned previously, part of this story arc was inspired by Wizard1's 2003 fic known as 'Fair Exchange'.

GI Joe's Pit Base, Wanda's Room At Misfit Manor

In Wanda 'Scarlet Witch' Maximoff's bedroom at Misfit Manor a few days after the mission to bust up a Bratva operation, music could be heard playing and as it did so, Wanda danced to it with a smile on her face while wearing a red t-shirt and blue jean shorts. Grateful once again to the ladies of GI Joe for being the ones responsible for having gotten her into dancing after a few club hopping experiences. Especially once she realized just how enjoyable and freeing it was to dance. Even better when it was a song that Lila Cheney, Alison Blaire, and Cleveland's own Cherry Bomb did together back in 1989 as part of a collaborative effort between the three called 'Jam Stars'. Vaguely, she could hear knocking on her bedroom door, causing her to sigh at the interruption as she went and lowered the music before seeing who it was. "Oh, Shipwreck, music too loud?"

The Sailor laughed. "Not at all, kiddo! I just needed to come get you as Hawk wants us in his office."

"Oh? A mission?" She asked curiously and a hint of disappointment as she was not exactly wanting to go anywhere right now!

That and she wasn't exactly in a hurry to get shot again either! "I think so but I have no idea to be honest."

For all Shipwreck knew, the General was gonna have Wanda help him in making a point about sobriety or something! Which made him shudder a little as Wanda sighed, closed the door, and quickly got ready. "And we're off to see the Wizard…" Sang the Sailor and making the young woman with him roll her eyes and shake her head in fond exasperation of the man.

Whom she saw as something of a father figure in addition to Roadblock and Lifeline, though she'd never admit it where Shipwreck's concerned due to how insanely nuts and embarrassing he could be! "So, how's the shoulder?"

"Its better thanks to Lifeline but I'll always have a scar."

Shipwreck frowned, not liking the idea of her having such a thing like that on a teenager. Especially one he had grown to care for since taking her and the others in. "Hey, relax. Something like this was bound to happen sooner or later to one of us." She told him as they walked.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it, kid. Doesn't mean I hafta like it."

Plus, the fact she was handling it so calmly was also bothering the father something fierce. "Hey, that doesn't mean I don't like it either but to be honest… I'd take getting shot over a mental institution any day." Wanda told him with a frown as she briefly let herself remember that hellhole before pushing those memories away.

She'd further surprise Shipwreck by hugging him for a moment before letting go. "Kiddo, you are way too mature for your age."

A smirk came from the girl. "Well, God knows this place doesn't have enough maturity."

"Heh, good point."

Soon, the twosome were at Hawk's office and Wanda would be surprised at the sight of Agatha Harkness herself! "It is wonderful to see you again, young Wanda. It pleases me you are not allowing your anger to control you as it once did." Greeted the old woman with a smile.

"But… But how!? Is it even safe for you to be here!?" Wondered the young lady worriedly.

Which was something Shipwreck himself wondered about considering Agatha's connection to Magneto and Mystique. "Let us just say that Gateway and Irene Adler have their ways to ensure I was here today. As for your second question, my dear. As I have no true loyalties to Magneto and Mystique and never have, I am safe to be here."

"Especially since she gave us what information she had on those two." Hawk threw in and Agatha nodded.

Even if said information wasn't a lot as it is. "Huh, better hope those two never find out about that." Muttered Shipwreck.

But it seemed Agatha was unconcerned about that particular worry and said as much. "Besides, old I may be but I have my means of defending myself if it comes to it." She told the trio and with an incantation, produced a small fireball for a brief time before letting it fade away.

"Right… So, General, what'd ya need us for?"

"I'm sending the two of you, along with Mrs. Harkness here to the Dudhatoli Forest in the Himalayas to recruit one of the Mutants on that list Gateway gave us as now is the right time." Informed Hawk.

"It will be interesting to see Oak Plain again considering I have not seen him in a great deal of time."

Mostly on account of the fact her age made it difficult to reach him. Even with magic. "'Oak Plain'?" Shipwreck asked in confusion.

Agatha nodded. "Yes, that is the name his people gave him before the Colonists came to America. He is a rather old Mutant thanks to his Mutation."

The trio was quite surprised by that and wondered just what kind of Mutation this Oak Plain has. Seeing their reactions made the old woman smile. "I think it best to see for yourself rather than be told."

"Well then, let's get to it!" Shipwreck declared eagerly.

"Make sure you three take enough supplies as this will be a mission that'll take a few days to finish according to the info Gateway gave us."

"One that will allow me to teach you some of the basics of Magic, young Wanda." Added Agatha to the younger woman to her surprise.

"You think that's a good idea?"

"Of course I do. I see the potential within you, my dear."

"Oh. Well, thanks, I think."

Agatha chuckled. "Go get yourselves ready, the coordinates have already been put in on your watches." Ordered Hawk and the trio made their leave shortly afterwards.

"God I hope Shipwreck doesn't cause a disaster of some kind." Muttered the man with a moan.

Wondering why on Earth Gateway thought it was a good idea for the Boozehound to be on an assignment like this one!? I really need to meet that guy.

Author's Notes: Will it be a disaster? Will our trio be successful in getting a new recruit? Find out next time!