Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Witch and the Widows

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 27:

The Black Forest, Germany

At the base of a mountain in a naturally cleared area before the forest swallowed the land, six quinjets were parked in a half circle.

It was night and the stars were shining brightly. A large campfire was set next to the rocky path leading up the mountain and the Red Widows were moving all their firearms and ammo to the ground in one general area at Agatha’s instruction.

It was a time consuming process but none of them seemed to mind, excited to see what she planned.

Staci seemed to have the most fun, wading through and inspecting the pile of rifles and handguns while singing.

“Look at this stuff,

Isn’t it neat?

“Wouldn’t you think my collections complete?

Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl who has everything?

“Look at this trove, treasures untold, how many guns can one cavern hold? Looking around here wouldn’t think, sure, she’s got everything.

“I’ve got handguns and rifles aplenty, I got grenades and widow bites galore.

“You want Semtex? I’ve got plenty, but how cares? No big deal. I want more…”

Yelena and Wanda sat in the open back hatch of their jet with Fanny curled up in Yelena’s lap. They were trying not to laugh and failing. “Maybe we should get some kind of online therapist for Staci.” Wanda suggested. “She is developing an unhealthy relationship with Disney.”

Yelena waved off her concern. “At least she has moved on from Elsa to the Mermaid. If she asks you for fish tail tell her no. You spoil her. I wonder who will be next in her Disney princess fantasy. Her relationship with Disney is one of healthiest on team. Ava and round man split up. He may be dead. Antha won’t say what she did but I know she did something.”

“There is you and Kate.”

“I am not healthy for Kate. She is only good for me.”

“What about Lerato and Antonia?”

Yelena’s eyes widened.

“You didn’t know?” Wanda asked. “How could you not know?”

Yelena shook her head. “I pay no attention. I have my Fanny and my Wanda to worry about and my Kate Bishop to obsess over. How long has this been going on?”

“Since we freed them.” Wanda told her. “That’s what Sasha told me when we made that last flight from Sokovia to Paris. Apparently Lerato was some sort of caretaker for Taskmaster but it appears to have carried over. They are very subtle but everyone knows.”

“I did not know. Any other inhouse romances I don’t know about?”

“Only Ingrid and Kristina. Everybody knows about that though.”

“I did not!” Yelena exclaimed quietly.

“Their rooms are on same floor as ours. How did you miss it? They go to bed at same time, they come down to breakfast together. I’ve seen them walk out of the same room several times in morning. They spar together and take a little too long to tap out.” Wanda pointed out.

Yelena shrugged. “I do not notice these things. I thought they were stubborn and neither wanted to give up.”

Wanda giggled. “They aren’t giving up, that is true. Sometimes I wish I had someone fun to spar with.”

Yelena opened her mouth in offense. “I am good sparring partner! I teach you all I know. Not my fault if you are shit student.”

Wanda shook her head. “You can be very clueless sometimes.”

Yelena shrugged. “I pay attention to what matters most. If some of the widows want to screw themselves for fun, that is great. Healthy relationships do not always mean sex. I think me and Fanny have a very healthy relationship. I will never forget the day I bought this beautiful baby and liberated her from the pet store. I knew, like my Wanda, I had another cute companion who would love me unconditionally and always be faithful.”

Wanda scowled. “Did you just compare me to your dog? Wait! You told me you found her when you were putting out motion sensors!”

Yelena smiled widely. “You believed me? You thought a full blooded Akita puppy had somehow made it through dense forest thirty miles from nearest settlement and happened upon me? You are so gullible, Wanda.”

Wanda wanted to be irritated but she couldn’t. “I am not gullible. I just never thought you would lie to me.”

“I didn’t lie! Okay, that is a lie. I defintely lied to your face but I did it for love. Think of where Fanny would be if I had not procured her freedom.”

“She wouldn’t be hanging out with witches and assassins deep in the forests of Germany, preparing for a possible battle with the United Nations.” Wanda pointed out.

“Exactly! She would belong to some boring child with boring parents living in a boring neighborhood, never reaching her true potential and enjoying all life has to offer! Thank the doggy gods I found her. You like being a Red Widow, don’t you Fanny?”

Fanny barked.

“See?”

Wanda always wondered how Yelena got Fanny to bark on command. A part of her wondered if the dog actually understood what they were saying, but that would be ridiculous. She would have to be a multilingual dog considering how many languages were spoken at times in the mansion.

“I wouldn’t have cared, Yelena.” Wanda told her. “It’s not like the house belongs only to me. As long as you don’t bring anything that can eat me in one bite, I am good.”

Yelena shrugged. “I know. I liked playing with you. I have to have my little jokes to keep me entertained. Don’t speak of animals that can eat in one bite. You were the one who had a dragon under her bed and scared Fanny.”

Wanda waved her concern away. “It wasn’t a real dragon. It was an illusion.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow. “Then why did you looked so panicked and begin screaming go back to hell dragon!”

Wanda shrugged and sheepishly admitted, “I wasn’t sure if it was real or not. I was trying to make an conjure a parrot. Then that thing came out from under the bed and I felt the heat and I thought I may have read the spell wrong, or maybe I was thinking one thing and reading another. It was best to treat it like a real dragon. I’ve gotten better. It hasn’t happened since then.”

Yelena huffed. “When you live with very powerful amateur witch, one time is all it takes for precious puppy to be dragon barbecue snack. This is why Agatha won’t let you practice without her.”

“Excuse me.” Mika interrupted the two. “I’ve been monitoring cell calls from towers near the dynamic trio’s location. Two calls were made to the United States. One was to a tower in Louisiana and the other to Iowa. Both calls lasted about twenty minutes.”

Yelena and Wanda both groaned. “Barton and Wilson. They want to bring more people into this nightmare.” Wanda said.

“If Wilson and Barton show up they will be fugitives if this goes bad. Barton has family, yes?”

Wanda nodded.

“Then he will not leave family to come to Germany and get in trouble, just because Captain America asked.”

Wanda grimaced. “He would if Natasha asked. Damn it!”

Wanda went into the jet and grabbed her phone.

“I’m not asleep!” A drowsy Everett Ross answered.

“Good, because I have work for you to do.”

“You know we work together, right?” he asked, sounding as if he were waking.

Wanda smirked. “Yes we do. I’ve done my part and gathered the information. Now I need you to stop this situation from becoming worse.”

Wanda heard a glass being knocked over and Ross cursing. “Hold on, let me pour another cup of coffee. I must have fallen asleep at my desk. We are still no closer to identifying who triggered Barnes, and why they went to so much trouble to do so. Whoever this is, he’s a real professional. Okay, what do you want?”

“We are monitoring the cell towers near Roger’s location. He has just made two calls. One was to Louisiana and the other to Iowa.”

“Sam Wilson is in Louisiana. Who is in Iowa?”

“Clint Barton.”

“Damn it.” Ross snapped.

“They will no doubt come to help Rogers and if things go sideways they will become fugitives. They need to be kept away. Can you place them on no fly lists or have them held in custody until this mess is over and then release them?” Wanda asked.

“You want me to hold U.S. citizens against their will so they cannot help fugitive superheroes in another country?”

“Yes.”

Ross hummed. “The C.I.A. has done a lot worse. Why not? I’ll take care of it and forget the fact that you know where Barnes is and I don’t.”

Wanda snorted. “If I told you then you would feel dutybound to report it.”

“And if Stark and his buddies find them first?”

Wanda was silent, giving the answer Ross didn’t want to hear.

“Be careful, Wanda. I know you don’t care what the world thinks of you but turning the three remaining Avengers into roadkill would be a nightmare. Do not turn them into martyrs. If you have to hurt them, hey, that’s your call but please do not kill all of them.”

“Take care of Barton and Wilson. No one else needs to be involved, agreed?” Wanda asked.

“Agreed.”

“Good. You do that and I promise I won’t kill the three remaining Avengers.”

“Thank you.”

“I will only kill two. Which one would you prefer I not kill?”

Everett was quiet for a moment. “Why do I bother?” he finally asked.

“Because I am the coolest person you have ever known. Get to work, secret agent man. You’re the best.” Wanda ended the call and moved to the back of the plane where the door was down and Yelena was still seated with Fanny.

The other girls were sitting on the ground on blankets watching Agatha standing over the pile of weapons and ammunition.

Agatha looked eerie standing next to the fire in her black dress and her eyes glowing purple. She definitely had everyone’s attention.

Everyone jumped when burning purple energy erupted from her hands and struck the weapons pile. The pile glowed as she chanted and the widows wondered if they were about to be at ground zero of a massive ammo explosion.

Then the glow was gone and her eyes were normal.

“Okay, girls. Auntie Agatha has a gift for you. I was planning this surprise for the next time you all took down an A.I.M. base and needed to bust some robots. I got it from the Book of Vishanti. Your weapons and ammo can punch through any metal on Earth now.”

Yelena smiled widely. “Any metal?”

“Any metal, my deadly Russian Doll. If we encounter Iron Man and it comes down to a fight, or you should ever need to shoot through Captain America’s red, white and blue shield, you now have the tools to do it. As we make or acquire more ammo I can enchant it as well.”

“Captain America’s shield is made of Vibranium.” Naomi pointed out. “Nothing is supposed to be able to break Vibranium.”

Agatha chuckled and shook her head. “Magic is not bound by physical limits, Naomi. It is metaphysical, outside the rules of what we are told is possible. I asked the Book of Vishanti to give me the spell I needed to defeat our enemies. That is what the book is supposed to do. I was thinking of A.I.M. but this is as good a time as any to use the spell. Now, let us continue our metaphysical education. We are alone in the Black Forest. The sounds of wolves howling in the distance are keeping brave Fanny glued to Yelena’s lap. We have the ingredients for smores and a campfire. A witch has just cast a spell and only the campfire breaks the darkness.”

“The moon is very bright tonight.” Sasha pointed out.

Agatha stared at her.

“I ruined the moment, didn’t I?”

Agatha smiled. “You could never ruin a moment, beautiful child.”

She snapped her fingers. A large projection screen appeared behind her and a projector in front of it.

“I’ve never been one for campfire ghost stories so I thought we would watch the Conjuring while we eat smores. Whose with me?”

The widows all raised their hands.

“Oh how I love my girls. Antonia, please try to keep Lerato from screaming at every jump scare. This movie even disturbs me.” Agatha admitted and shivered.

The movie started and Lerato was not the only one screaming. Despite being brave warriors, jump scares were the widows’ worst enemy if they involved demons in the corner of a dark bedroom.

Agatha patted Wanda and Yelena on the back. Both girls shouted and Fanny barked, not having an idea that Agatha had snuck behind them.

“Beware your surroundings, Belova. I expect such carelessness from the Scarlet Witch but not you.”

Yelena grumbled and pulled Fanny back into her lap. “You are sneaky witch. I have to rely on my less sneaky and more inexperienced witch for back up. Good job, Scarlet Witch.”

Agatha pushed the two apart and sat between them, now wearing jeans and a camouflage shirt.

“So, crazy stuff, huh? Here we are, in Germany, not sure what is going to happen. Maybe we camp all day tomorrow, go on a nature hike, find a lake to swim in. Maybe we fight the U.N. to keep Captain America, the Black Widow and… metal arm man?”

“He is known in the spy community as the Winter Soldier.” Yelena explained. “Captain America’s friend since before the war.”

“Yes, Bucky Barnes.” Agatha remembered. “Mind controlled, frozen off and on, now a trigger away from going on another murderous rampage. What are we planning to do with those three if they get in hot water?”

Wanda shrugged. “I can help Barnes. Whatever triggers are in his head, I can try to undo. I have to. Combatting mind control is kind of our thing. I won’t let him go to the Raft and be experimented on and never released.”

Agatha nodded. “And what are we willing to do to stop this?”

“What do you mean?” Wanda asked, but Yelena already knew.

“She wants to know the rules of engagement.” Yelena paused for a moment. She had talked about this with team leads and Wanda earlier but would go through it with all widows in morning. “We will watch Rogers. He has a plan to find who triggered Barnes. Natasha is working it out. She may already know who triggered him and why. They will go after the man responsible and we will watch. Afterward, Rogers will need somewhere to take Barnes for help. He knows we are the only ones. We will let them handle it until their plan falls apart and they need us.”

“By needing, you mean if Stark and his friends from the Department of garbage control find them first.” Agatha guessed. “What happens if they do?”

Yelena was quiet for a moment. “Stark helped us bring down the Red Room. Because of that we will give him chance to walk away. If he doesn’t, he becomes an enemy and will be treated as such. When I give the kill command, we kill. It will be merciful, shots to head, but necessary.”

Agatha shivered herself. Yelena’s voice held no anger or bravado. She said it as if it were a forgone conclusion. Agatha didn’t believe any of the widows looked forward to killing. They trained hard at home but as soon as they were done, there was no restless pacing or desperate need to kill. They were more interested in video games, fashion, movies, television and online shopping.

“So there may be a blood bath before this time tomorrow night?”

Wanda and Yelena looked at each other and said nothing. They had been in enough battles together to know what the other was thinking.

“Once the first shot is fired, we don’t stop until they have run or are dead.” Wanda said.

U.N. Counterterrorism Task Force Center

Tony Stark waited at the front for his guest to arrive. She was being brought by Happy to the Center but wanted to keep her hidden from Ross.

He and Hoag knew they should assume that whatever Ross knew, Maximoff knew. They weren’t sure if she would get involved but wanted to keep all aspects of the search and attempted apprehension quiet. They had could simply push Ross out of the building but that could cause repercussions as well. Ross had placed himself in a unique position. He was the one government contact to Maximoff that could influence her. Some were beginning to believe he was more loyal to her and the Red Widows than the C.I.A. The A.I.M. task force was small and only his most trusted friends were on it. If they told him to leave the building there would be a higher chance of her getting involved.

To make a tense situation worse, Vision had left once again without a word. He had spoken to Tony earlier about his frustration that Wanda and the Widows were a separate entity and the necessity of bringing them in the fold, even if they had to be brought in and reasoned with by apprehension. He seemed confident he had a plan to do so and Tony begged him not to do anything stupid. He didn’t need more enemies and attempting to bring her in would only result in disaster.

This had been Vision’s opinion when they left her in Sokovia. Over time his opinion had changed. He had become frustrated trying to find her. He could not track her as he once could and she no longer contacted him. Wanda Maximoff had basically ghosted him. With the breakup of the Avengers, Vision had said many times that he needed to fix this. Earth’s heroes needed to be together and if bringing them in and sitting them in the same room was what it took then that was what would happen.

Now he was gone and had turned off his transponder. Tony had no idea where he was but was secretly terrified he would do something ill-advised or just plain stupid.

Tony also noticed over the past months that as Vision learned more about humanity he became more certain his ideas for the protection of humanity were correct.

Much like Ultron.

He shuddered and refused to believe that. Vision was not Ultron. He had fought with them and he was an Avenger. He was just going through a phase and had a fascination with Wanda Maximoff.

The car pulled up and Tony was surprised to see two people getting out of the car.

Jessica Jones was easy to recognize. From Tony’s research, she had limited clothing styles. Faded blue jeans, grey tank and leather jacket were her norm and she rarely deviated from simple clothes.

She was smaller in person than he had imagined. He had seen her feats of strength on video and it seemed impossible that someone this small could lift such large objects.

She would need that strength if Barnes or Cap decided to attack. Romanoff would be the biggest concern. He knew as strong as Jones was she was not invulnerable. She could be shot and stabbed. She probably healed faster than most but Romanoff could take her in a fight.

She did have one wild card Tony hoped he wouldn’t need. From studying her past he came across an interesting investigation she had in which she killed a man named Kilgrave. This Kilgrave was also enhanced and through several eyewitness testimonies including police officers, it was verified he could control minds with his words.

But he couldn’t control hers.

Did that mean she might be immune to Wanda Maximoff? He hoped he didn’t have to find out.

A man with a walking cane wearing sunglasses, a grey suit and a red tie exited the vehicle. He was obviously blind and a complete surprise to Tony who knew nothing of another coming along.

“Jessica, welcome to Berlin.”

“Stark. This is my lawyer. There are some issues we need to discuss before we get started.”

Tony raised an eyebrow, not having expected this. “Issues?”

The blind man reached out his hand and Tony shook it.

“Hello Mr. Stark. I’m Matthew Murdoch. Perhaps it would be better if we found a place more private and spoke to someone in charge. I have prepared documents to be signed before we can proceed. I assume since we were brought to a United Nations building, you are not in charge. Since Miss Jones will be in your employee I have documents for both whoever is an official U.N. Representative and for you to sign that protect my client from any civil claims against her and any criminal acts while taken in the course of this mission including nondisclosures and payment contracts.”

Tony nodded, not having expected this. He had hoped Jones would jump on a plane and chill at the hotel until he needed her. The payment wasn’t the problem. The other paperwork could be.

“Friday, please contact Director Hoag and ask her to join me in conference room A. If you would follow me.”

Soon the Director and Stark were looking at the papers while Jones and Murdock waited.

“Two million plus your lawyer’s fees, a nondisclosure preventing me from admitting you ever worked for me. One hundred thousand for every twenty four hours past the first, starting right now.” Tony read.

“You did say twenty four hours work. You have me for twenty four hours. After that, it costs you more.” Jones reminded him.

“That’s agreeable.” Tony agreed with no hesitation.

Hoag was done with her papers as well. “Diplomatic immunity, guaranteed protection from any criminal charges committed in Berlin or any other city or country that pertain to this mission.”

“My client is very strong.” Murdoch told them. “It is no doubt why she had been hired. If she were to accidentally or by necessity kill an assailant she will not be prosecuted. We are in a foreign country and she has no desire to be caught up in international politics or crimes that may occur during this job.”

Tony raised an eyebrow. “I assure you there is no crime being committed.”

Murdoch turned his head towards Tony’s voice. “Mr. Stark, Miss Jones told me you wanted her as back up in a possible arrest of Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff. The last time a government agency was interested in arresting them, it turned out HYDRA was behind the attempt. I mean no offense but once again a supposedly legitimate governing body is attempting to arrest Rogers and Romanoff. Considering General Ross’s recent crimes and your connection to Ross and the Department of Damage Control which I suspect is behind this operation, if you want Miss Jones’ help then Director Hoag must sign the documents. If not, we appreciate the inflight meal and wish you luck on your endeavor.”

Tony looked at Director Hoag and raised an eyebrow.

The Director looked at Jones who gave her a big smile that did not appear genuine. Hoag sighed and signed the papers, granting Jessica Jones the right to do as she pleased while in Germany.

“You got an empty office?” Jessica asked.

“I’m sorry?” Tony asked.

“An empty office? I’m not going to walk behind you or stand in a corner. My blind lawyer needs a place to sit down. So, do you have an empty office?”

Tony nodded and stood. “Follow me. Mr. Murdock would you like an assistant?”

Jessica stood and grabbed Matt’s arm, roughly pulling him to his feet. “I’ll take care of him. He’s good at simple directions. Come on Mr. Murdoch, let’s find a place for you to sit back, close your eyes and rest… or in your case just rest.”

Matt gritted his teeth but remained smiling. “I hate you.” he whispered. “Thank you, Miss Jones. We can discuss my increased legal fee when we reach the office.” he said a bit louder.

Jessica and Matt reached an office and Jessica closed the blinds on the one window. Matt listened intently for any small snap of electricity or feedback that shouldn’t be there. He couldn’t hear any and Jessica’s search for a bug turned up nothing.

“Hold on. I’m going to close the vent.” she told him.

Once they felt they were secure from eavesdroppers, Jessica had a seat at the desk and kicked her feet up.

“I should have brought another bottle from Stark’s plane.”

“You drank a thousand dollars’ worth of bourbon already.” Matt reminded her.

“Exactly. What’s another bottle? He can afford it for a few more days. Alright, Mattie. Tell me what we have gotten ourselves into.”

“We? I’m the lawyer. That’s as far as my involvement goes.”

Jess snorted. “I got you a half mill and maybe more if they can’t find Rogers and Romanoff for a few days. Think of all the pro bono cases you can take, Saint Matthew. Tell me what the hell I have gotten us into.”

Matt sorted through the voices in the building. It was a large complex, but the bulk of the work discussion revolved around cameras and patrol grids searching for possible hiding spots for Romanoff, Rogers and Bucky Barnes, or the Winter Soldier as he was often called. Since it was late night or early morning depending on one’s view it wasn’t as loud as it would be during the day.

He found Stark’s voice speaking to another he called Rhodey.

The two men were in a separate office on a different floor behind closed doors, unaware that their every word was being listened to.

“Happy told me she went through two bottles on the flight over. Who the hell is this woman, Tony?”

Tony smirked. “She is probably stronger than Steve as far as brute strength goes. I’m fairly certain she can fly but isn’t very good at it. She has been in more than a few fights against serious competition and always came out on top. If you spent time in New York City you would have heard of her.”

“Yeah. I think I’ve heard enough. Super strong, can maybe fly but not sure and is likely an alcoholic. Is she invincible?”

Tony shook his head. “I broke into her medical records and she was stabbed a year ago, was admitted after being hit by a car a year before that, resulting in head injuries and broken ribs. She is tough but breakable. That was another guy but he is an ex con and a harder sale to Hoag.”

Rhodey shook his head. “You think that’s enough against Nat and Barnes? Steve won’t kill her but Nat and Barnes will.”

Tony shrugged. “Nat and Barnes aren’t who I am worried about. Rhodey, if you know where Vision is, I need to know. He has this idea if he can get us all to sit down we will become one happy family. That includes Maximoff. If she shows up and he does something stupid, this is going to turn bad very quickly. I wouldn’t try to hurt her regardless, but Hoag had it right. If she is accidentally hurt and it gets out, the United States will be seen by the world as trying to kill her in retaliation of Ross’s war crimes being exposed while she is defending Captain America. That can’t happen.”

Rhodey raised his hands. “I don’t know where Vision is. I would tell you if I did. So what happens if Wanda does show? Are we supposed to step aside and let her do as she wants? When is the world going to stop treating her with kid gloves? If Maximoff says Barnes can’t be prosecuted is that it? Does the U.N. bow to her wishes?”

Tony rubbed his forehead and reached into his desk pulling out a flask. This was a nightmare situation. If he had a way to call Steve and talk over the phone, just the two of them, yelling until they came to an agreement they could both live by, the issue would be so much easier.

Steve wasn’t taking his calls. Tony knew why. Steve had always hated Thaddeus Ross. He considered him everything wrong with the American military. Tony defended the man.

Steve was also fond of Wanda Maximoff. He liked her and was proud of her as her exploits grew. Then he found out that Tony had been working behind the scenes with Ross on the Accords. He may know about the Raft by now. He knew General Ross killed Wanda’s parents and a lot of other innocents.

Steve didn’t trust him and likely never would again. Any hope or good feelings they parted on were likely gone now.

“That’s not my call. I only know what we are going to do. If Maximoff shows up, we back off. Rhodey I am telling you, if she is provoked or god help us something happens to one of her girls she is going to burn us all and the world will cheer her. Hell, most of the United States will cheer her. If she comes after us the world is going to know without a doubt that she is the leader of the Red Widows.”

“She isn’t the leader. Belova is the leader. She is the supernatural figure they worship.”

“Damn it, Rhodey! Remember the days when you told me I needed to be concerned about what people thought of me and kissing the right asses? You told me I was too cocky and needed to stop letting my ego run my life? When did I get old and you turn into me? Get it through your head. Maximoff isn’t some crazy villain that can be put down. Think about her powers. I get that it pisses you off. You think I like it? It is what it is though. Everything has gone wrong. The Accords fell through but even before that the Avengers were done. Now Vision has gone rogue and has a dangerous obsession with Wanda Maximoff. He is also beginning to believe he knows what is best for the human race. Remind you of anyone? You are more concerned about putting Wanda Maximoff in her place than using your head.”

Tony took a breath and took a large drink. “You need to read the terrain. We are hated right now. I’m including you in that, War Machine. The Avengers are dead. There is no rebuilding them. The world is watching and beginning to suspect this is more than a terrorist bombing the U.N. and then shooting out of a U.N. secure facility. We are being watched. The Department of Damage Control is becoming more prominent now and with my involvement it is only a matter of time before HYDRA and A.I.M. start getting thrown around in regard to us. This has to go perfectly. We have to talk them into coming in. If this turns into a fight, we have already lost.”

“Then why bring the super strong woman who can outdrink you?”

Tony looked at him for a moment, feeling more tired than he could ever remember being.

“Because if it turns into a fight, you may need her to get you out alive. We may need her. She can be the difference between life and death. We have T’Challa who wouldn’t stay out of it regardless. If Vision has his head on straight we may have him. She is another wildcard. I didn’t bring her here to beat Captain America. I brought her here, hoping if the worst happens she might get us out alive.”

Rhodey took that in quietly. Tony no longer sounded as if he were cautioning Rhodey. Now he was speaking almost as if the loss were inevitable and they would die if Maximoff showed up.

“Vision isn’t going to abandon us. He is strong enough to take down Maximoff without killing her and maybe once she has been humbled…”

“Shut up!” Tony roared, standing up and throwing his flask over Rhodes’ head into the wall behind him. “Damn you! I get it, all right?! You’re an Airforce pilot and War Machine and no nineteen year old kid is going to push you around no matter how powerful she is! Have you not given any thought to this at all?! She can kill you with a look. She can make you insane, read your mind, step inside and dance in it. She has never been inside your head but trust me, it is bad. Do you think she will bring those girls into a fight they aren’t prepared for? You think they are going to be surprised by our suits? Yelena Belova is more vicious than her sister. I think the body counts the Red Widows leave behind are testament to that. She will come to this fight ready to kill. If Maximoff shows up we leave! If you don’t like it, go somewhere else! I’ve had it with you!”

Rhodey stood up and nodded. “I’ll be there and I will follow your lead. After this though, we are done. I’ve had it with you too, Tony.”

Tony laughed. “Whatever. I think we have all been done with each other for a very long time. Go have a drink, calm down and focus on not doing anything stupid that will get us killed. After that, tell the Airforce to have fun repairing and upgrading that suit without me. Barton had the right idea. This isn’t worth it. If aliens want this planet it can burn. You handle it.”

Rhodey slammed the door on his way out.

Back in Matt’s office, he shook his head.

“That bad?” Jessica asked, not liking the look on his face.

“Wanda Maximoff.”

“The Sokovian teenager who can move shit with her mind. Yeah, she is the golden girl for Sokovia and most of Europe. What about her?”

“She can do more than move things with her mind. She is more powerful than the world knows.”

Jessica listened carefully. In the time she had known him, he was not one to overexaggerate. “How powerful?”

“Iron Man is afraid of her. You’ve heard of the Red Widows?”

“Yes. Who hasn’t? I’m a big fan.” Jessica said, not liking where this was going.

“Maximoff and some girl named Yelena Belova lead the team. They are afraid Maximoff will get involved and it won’t be on Stark’s side. They have been given orders to stand down if Maximoff and the Widows show up but someone called Rhodes, I think he is Stark’s sidekick, doesn’t sound like he plans to. Stark’s android Vision seems to be off the reservation as well and they aren’t sure what he is planning. This is a powder keg, Jess. I’m not sure two million is worth it if you aren’t alive to spend it.”

Jess laughed nervously. “Maybe you can draw me up a will and I can leave it to Trish.”

“This is serious.” Matt told her.

“Yeah, I know. It’s my ass on the line, Matt. I knew this job was suspect but it wasn’t only for the money. I want to know what’s going on. The whole chain of events lately doesn’t make sense. I’m a PI. Curiosity is inherent. As long as I stay low and don’t become infamous worldwide, I’ll be good. If it gets crazy, I’m not too proud to run.”

Matt sighed. “Yes, you are. You have never run from a fight in your life. I suppose I should tell you about Maximoff’s powers the public doesn’t know about. You won’t like it.”

Jessica shrugged. “The only thing I’ve liked since I left is the booze on the jet. Talk to me, Matt. I’m in too far to back out now.”

While Matt told Jessica about Maximoff being in a person’s head, killing with a look and driving people insane, Hoag had called Stark to the main operations room having found new information.

“What’s up? Did you find them?” Tony asked apprehensively.

Hoag shook her head but was smiling. “Not yet but we will soon. I’ve been watching the two remaining Avengers still in the States. Clint Barton and Sam Wilson bought tickets to Berlin but were stopped by Homeland Security at their respective airports. They had been placed on no fly lists and their photos given to the airport security staffs. They were then taken into protective custody though no reason was given and they were not charged with terroristic threats.”

Tony shook his head. “I’m guessing it wasn’t Homeland Security who did this?”

“The C.I.A. at the orders of Agent Ross.”

Tony wasn’t surprised. Only a few in the building had that authority and reach. The reason confounded him though.

“So the widows found out that Rogers had called for help and got Ross to stop help from coming. Why?” he asked.

“Two possible reasons.” he decided, answering his own question. “They don’t want Rogers to get help because they don’t want anyone else involved. Maximoff is very protective over Barton. Her brother died for him. She wouldn’t let Barton become a fugitive.”

“So she is deescalating the situation.” Hoag said, hoping this was the case.

“Or she plans on getting involved herself.” Tony guessed. “Rogers and Romanoff wouldn’t want the Red Widows involved. The Red Widows are getting involved anyway. If it turns into a massacre, Maximoff doesn’t want Barton implicated. Either way, it is likely they are going to become players.”

Hoag shivered at the implication. “Why wouldn’t Rogers and Romanoff want the Widows to become involved if they are calling Barton and Wilson for help?”

Tony was silent for a while, trying to get into the heads of people he had at times lived with and worked with for years yet never truly knew them. He did know that while they killed, neither enjoyed killing and only considered it when lives were on the line.

“Because they know if the Red Widows show up and we try to stop them, it will turn into a blood bath and probably not a mutual one. They don’t call themselves heroes. They are the best killers in the world. You start a fight, they end it the only way they know.” Tony decided. “What time were Wilson and Barton supposed to land and where?”

“10:00 local time.” Hoag answered. “Leipzig-Halle International. They would have picked them up at the airport and connected with another flight to skip the country or Wilson and Barton would have rented a car and driven to them. Either way, we need to be at that airport. There is a chance Roger’s crew will be waiting for help that isn’t coming. It’s a fifty percent chance we lay eyes on them.”

“They won’t take another flight. Romanoff will steal a helicopter or personal plane. She will most likely take a helicopter. She can fly under the radar and it is much harder to track.” Stark pointed out. “Rogers and Romanoff may wait for a call from Barton or Wilson that they have arrived but as you said, there is a chance they will not risk the call and just meet them.”

“I’ll send agents to scour the airport.”

Tony shook his head. “Romanoff will scent that out in seconds. Tell the German authorities to evacuate the airport at ten fifteen. They won’t leave Barton and Wilson hanging. They will be too committed. Nat won’t risk going directly into the airport. The parking garages have to be sealed off. They need to be forced to make a play for a helicopter. Those are easier to watch. If we can park one in a readily available position that would be better. Once they go for one, we step in.”

“You, T’Challa, Jones and Rhodes?” Hoag asked. “Where is your android?”

Tony took a deep breath. “He is conducting his own investigations. He will meet us there.”

Hoag sighed. “I hope you are right, Stark. The plan remains the same. Try to talk to them, try to beat them if they are alone but if the Maximoff and the Widows show up, run.”

Leipzig International Airport

Romanoff and Rogers stood next to their rented van while Barnes sat inside with the door open. They were in the parking garage of the airport, waiting to hear from Barton and Wilson who should have arrived minutes ago. They should have both met in New York and taken the same connecting flight here. Barton said he would call her when they disembarked. The plane had arrived on time and she hoped Clint was waiting for his bow and arrows and Wilson was waiting for his suit. If they were planning to face ten more unstable Winter Soldiers they would need even more help. Nat planned to call Yelena as soon as they were in Siberia and Tony and the U.N. was not involved. Being away from civilization, Nat wasn’t concerned about Wanda and the Red Widows’ tactics. Yelena was disciplined but she was also short tempered and wouldn’t hesitate to order the widows to kill Stark, Rhodey and the King of Wakanda if they challenged Wanda.

An alarm went off and a calm voice spoke over the intercom in German.

“They are evacuating the airport.” Barnes told them.

Rogers knew what this meant. One way or another, Clint, Sam and whoever Sam’s friend was, were not meeting them. Somehow the Stark had realized they had called for help and tracked them to this airport. Either Barton and Wilson never got on the plane or were in custody now here.

“We need to make a play for the chopper now.” Nat decided.

“Or we can call twenty or so former Black Widows and this Wanda Maximoff I keep hearing about to help. I’m a big believer in bringing the biggest gun to a fight and from what I have heard, they don’t come much bigger than her.”

Nat shook her head. “We will call them when we arrive in Siberia.”

“We won’t arrive if we can’t escape.” Barnes pointed out. “What is your problem with them?”

Nat closed her eyes. “My problem is you killed twelve people escaping custody yesterday and if they show up a lot more people are going to die. They don’t care about body counts, Barnes. Enough lives have been lost since this began.”

Rogers patted him in the shoulder. “We are going to escape Buck and no one else needs to die. We need to suit up and make our play now during the chaos.”

The trio made it onto the tarmac and raced toward the helicopter Nat had scoped out when they first arrived. It was in a private section, out of the hangar and likely prepared for the owner to take it out later.

Before they were within one hundred feet of it, the helicopter exploded.

Iron Man was in the air above them. A quinjet landed and Rhodes walked out in full armor along with a skinny brunette in a leather jacket and worn jeans. Nat and Steve had no illusions. If she were here, it meant she was enhanced.

“Theft of an aircraft is a crime in every country, Cap.” Tony said, landing not far from him. Rhodey, T’Challa and Jones walked beside him.

“Jones, stay back.” Tony told her quietly.

Jessica shook her head. “I made the trip. I wouldn’t want to miss the drama. Talk as if I am not here.”

Tony rolled his eyes.

“Destruction of property is a crime as well, Stark.” Steve countered.

“I actually owned that helicopter. Steve, we need to talk.”

Steve shook his head. “We know Bucky was set up and why. There is a threat and it needs to be stopped. We are running out of time.”

“Then let me help you! Let Barnes get the help he needs! Bring him in, he gets deprogrammed and the all of us go after this threat, just like in the old days. The old days weren’t so long ago.”

Steve nodded. “You will get him deprogrammed, Tony?”

“Yes!”

“At the Raft?”

Tony closed his eyes for a moment. So Steve did know. Agent Ross must have told Maximoff who passed it on to Nat or Steve.

“That is you and Ross’s private prison, right? Designed to keep enhanced people for life.” Steve said. “Another secret you kept from us. Do you think I would believe anything you say? What do we have to talk about?”

“The man killed my father, Captain Rogers. He is coming with me and will face Wakanda justice.” T’Challa said, stepping closer in his vibranium weaved suit.

“I didn’t kill your father!” Bucky said again. “I was set up by the man who triggered me. He wanted information I had on a…”

“Stop speaking Barnes.” Nat told him, her body tense and ready for a fight and her hand falling to her hip, ready to pull a gun. “They aren’t listening and we need to get this done.”

“We have to go, Tony. This isn’t the good old days.” Steve reminded him. “We have a threat to take down and then we will find a way to help Bucky. He didn’t bomb the U.N. and the lives he has taken have been while he is under mind control. I’m not letting you and whoever replaces Ross throw him in your secret prison.”

Tony knew this was coming. The secrets were out and the split between him and the others was so wide it would never heal. There would be no talking this out. Steve was locked into a plan. Tony could be the same way. He was the same way often. At least until recently.

“What if just I came with you? We could face this threat together and then talk about what can happen once the threat is dealt with and we have no more time. I promise it will just be the four of us and I don’t want to throw your friend in a hole forever.”

Natasha saw a glow above her out of the corner of her eye. She screamed for Steve to duck but the beam missed her regardless. It was a warning shot that cut a path into the concrete. Everyone looked up, surprised by the attack.

Vision was standing in the air, with thirty of Tony’s Iron Legion robots behind him.

“This brings back memories.” Nat mumbled. “Maximoff was right, Tony. You did make another Ultron.”

Tony’s fear kept him from responding. He had suspected Vision was up to something but this was taking it too far. “Friday send the Iron Legion away, now!”

“I am afraid I can’t, Boss. I have been locked out of their interface. I wasn’t aware they were on their way.”

Vision floated closer to the group, hovering over Stark.

“I have borrowed them for a moment, Mr. Stark. Captain, Miss Romanoff, according to the law, Mr. Barnes must be brought in to face justice. If Mr. Barnes is innocent it will be proven in court. Laws are what protect us from anarchy. They provide order. Please do not resist. You know you cannot overpower me.”

Steve looked at Tony in disbelief that he Vision was speaking like this. He was taken back to not so long ago when he and Steve argued over the creation of Vision. Rogers and the Maximoff twins had been sure that he was creating another Ultron. Had Tony done it?

“Tony, what did you do?” Steve asked.

Tony understood. “Vision, stand down. I am acting with the authority of the United Nations as a negotiator. Send my robots home!”

“I am afraid I cannot do that, Mr. Stark. Your personal misfortunes have affected your judgement. I have given this much thought and believe I should manage this situation.”

“He created another Ultron.” Nat whispered. She saw Vision and Tony’s team look above and behind them. Nat took her eyes off her targets for a moment, very afraid of what she would find but knowing the answer.

Everyone one of them watched a cloud of red smoke rolling in like a thunderstorm. In front of the storm was the small figure of Wanda Maximoff.

“She knows how to make an entrance.” Barnes said, sounding very impressed and happy over the development.

Wanda landed in front of Barnes, Rogers and Romanoff, her eyes glowing red. She was wearing her long red overcoat and black leather pants and made an impressive sight.

“Stark, I want a raise.” Jessica mumbled.

Wanda took them all in and then met Barnes eyes.

She paused. Despite seeing him in HYDRA operatives minds, she had never seen him in person. There he was, gazing intently at her, a small grin, not afraid of her in the least.

She fought off a smile, took her eyes from him and regained her focused.

Nat knew there were guns on their foes. She could feel it. Somewhere among the parking garages, the towers and the planes were twenty six Red Widows at least, ready for a fight and waiting on a signal from Yelena to begin firing.

“Stark.” Wanda addressed him.

“Hello Wanda.”

“You and your friend helped liberate my sisters from the Red Room. That is why you are not dead yet. I am offering you a chance to walk away.”

Tony raised his hands. “We are not looking for a fight. We are just talking.”

Wanda looked at the Iron Legion in the sky behind Vision. “You have many weapons to help you talk. King T’Challa, you saved two of my sisters yesterday. We owe you a debt and will not kill you. We will hurt you very badly if you try to stop us from taking Romanoff, Rogers and Barnes.”

She then looked at Jessica Jones, who was doing her best to appear unaffected and succeeding for the most part.

“I’m not sure who you are but this isn’t your fight.” Wanda told her.

“Two million says it is. Its not about the money but the principle. Once I take a job, I don’t stop until it is done.”

“There will be no fight, Wanda.” Vision told her.

Wanda floated to into the sky and faced him.

“Hello Vision. I knew Stark would create another Ultron. I didn’t think he already had in you. You command an iron legion and believe you should be in charge.”

“I am not Ultron. He believed he knew how to save the world. I have only given thought to how to defend it. I have searched for you, called for you, but you have not answered. We need to talk. First you need to allow me to handle this situation. Mr. Barnes must be taken into custody.”

Wanda looked down at the man who still had a grin on his face.

“I am afraid not. I can help him and I will. We will end this threat. Agent Ross is close to discovering the identity of the man behind this. Once this is over he will come with me and I will remove the triggers in his head. He will never be anyone’s slave again. He won’t be your prisoner either.”

Vision shook his head. “Wanda, I do not want to fight you but he must be brought in. You should be with us, defending this world. You and your team, who foolishly believe they can defeat us with bullets, should join us.”

“You do not want to fight me? I assume that means you will if I resist. You might be surprised by what our bullets can do. Yelena?”

One of the Iron Legion was struck in the chest where the arc reactor was. The robot exploded, causing those on the ground to duck and cover.

Wanda shook her head. “Vision, you cannot fight me.”

“I will if I must, Wanda. If I must defeat you to demonstrate that you are not a law unto yourself, I will.”

Wanda tilted her head, her eyes still glowing a demonic red and a small grin.

“How can you defeat me if you don’t even realize I am not in front of you?”

Before Vision could comprehend what she was saying, a blast of red energy struck him from behind, irradiating his body and causing him to drop to the ground, seizing up.

Wanda landed back in front of Steve and faced a terrified Stark.

“It appears your new Ultron has made your choice for you Stark. “Sisters, open fire.”