Chapter 8

Dancing With

The Trees

Part 2

Disclaimer: Here we go!

Four Hours Later In The Dudhatoli Forest

After four hours of trekking through the Dudhatoli Forest, the trio had stopped for the time being and sat up camp due to it getting dark out. That and both Wanda and Agatha needed the break as it is for one reason or another. The beginning of the journey had ended up starting at a beginning point of the forest and Agatha had figured it was likely something Gateway had thought was necessary and given she was tutoring Wanda on the rules and basics of Magic and Witchcraft, she could see the reason for why. It was also thanks to Agatha's knowledge in spells that the trio hadn't been bothered by Mosquitoes, though she had mentioned that could loosely fall under the rule of not using magic for personal gain. And that had certainly been quite a lecture from her on the subject during the walk since personal gain had its pit falls that could lead one to falling to the dark side. Earning a crack from Shipwreck in relation to Star Wars and for her to reply that he wasn't too far off the mark.

Once camp had been set up, Agatha had decided Wanda needed to do some exercises to help produce a small ball of fire. "Can you feel the warmth flowing through you, Wanda?"

"I… Yes, it feels good." Murmured the girl softly.

Agatha nodded approvingly before speaking. "Good, now try to channel it outwards and in between your hands. Remember that only a small amount is needed."

If she can actually get the hang of this stuff, she'll have even more of an edge.Shipwreck thought to himself.

Her face scrunched up in concentration, Wanda did as told but found it difficult as she grunted and ended up rolling away with a yell when the ball of fire she'd been trying to conjure ended up exploding outward and setting several trees on fire. Making for Shipwreck to yell out in shock and panic a little. "As I've mentioned previously, the chaotic nature of your Mutant powers may present a considerable challenge in your learnings of Witchcraft in addition to your being so new at it." Agatha said as she used a spell to quench the fires before they could do some serious damage and making for a certain Sailor to be a little less panicked.

Wanda huffed in frustration and embarrassment as she got up and dusted herself off. "So its gonna take a lot of work then."

"Indeed, but do not become discouraged, young Wanda."

"I'll try not too, Mrs. Harkness." Replied the young lady before yawning.

"Wow, that took a lot out of me." Breathed out the young lady seconds later.

Prompting a smile from the older woman as Shipwreck came up to them with a concerned look on his face. "You alright there, kiddo?"

His concern made Wanda feel happy as she smiled tiredly at him. "Yeah, just really tired after all that."

"It is to be expected and perhaps I should have warned you, my apologies."

"No worries, Mrs. Harkness. But if you guys will excuse me, I'm gonna go get in bed."

Neither had anything against that and watched in silence as she went off to the tent she's sharing with Agatha. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Teaching her this magic stuff I mean?" Shipwreck asked, breaking the silence in the process a short time later.

"I am. There's great potential in her, Shipwreck. And better someone such as myself to teach her than someone with ill intentions."

Well, she's got a point there.

"And the last thing we need is some jerk taking advantage of her 'cause of that potential. Or in general." Muttered the man with a frown on his face as he thought of Magneto and his poor parenting skills.

"Indeed."

Perhaps using the element of water in her initial teachings is a better idea than fire. At least until we are no longer in the woods. Mused the old woman as she joined Wanda in the tent to retire for the night.

Shipwreck would decide to be on watch for an hour or so before heading to bed himself.

Author's Notes: Well, this was something of an interesting challenge to write! And FFN's Copy/Paste feature is handy as Hell, lemme tell you.