Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Witch and the Widows

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 53:

Yelena looked over the newest additions to the Widow Mansion and despite the evidence in front of her had difficulty believing it.

“We all went ot Paris to pick up weapons. Weaponized armored cars and bikes, surveillance and attack drones, some jets our pilots flew back. I got some very cool handheld rocket launchers. We all had lunch together at very fancy place. I ate snails and held them down. Everyone was not as tense and laughed together. Things were good. No one stabbed another or tried to fight. It was a win until I find you.”

Wanda said nothing as she watched her charges as well as Sierra and Tanya play with the new additions to the household on the living room floor.

“Two kittens.” Yelena reminded her. “The twins wanted two kittens, Bucky and twins guilt you into this and psychologist says this is good. I am okay with this. If Dr. Zaru says buy a couple kittens, then fine, buy children kittens. I do not care.”

Wanda barely held back a smile and nodded. “I can see how you could be confused by the presence of eight kittens.” she admitted, watching the Sierra, Tanya and the twins playing with their newest pets as Bucky, Steve, Everett and Dima put together multiple cat towers. Agatha or her could have set them up in seconds but watching them try to find screw A to put into slot Z was too much fun.

“Could you clear up my confusion? How did you let this happen?”

Wanda sighed. “It is your fault.”

Yelena’s eyes widened. “My fault?!”

Wanda shrugged. “You told me to watch Tanya so Oksana could look over the new medical equipment and watch Sierra because you wanted Amanda to help with the weapons. You knew we were going to buy kittens. The breeder promised she did not keep the kittens in a cage. She lied. When we arrived there were eight kittens in cages. Sierra and Tanya wanted one as well.”

“Which is four kittens. I understand. They want a kitten each. How does 1 times 4 equal 8 kittens?”

Wanda grinned. She had been irritated at first but was proud as well.

“They snuck away from us when Bucky and I were buying them ice cream.” she explained.

“They snuck away from the all-powerful Scarlet Witch and her super soldier booty call.” Yelena clarified.

Wanda had been surprised as well. “They are slippery. The next thing I know, they are running back with another box holding the four that were left behind in cages and yelling that we needed an extraction. I ran back to the breeder’s house. The girls had gone back to attack her and liberate the remaining kittens. The woman was thankfully only unconscious. Sierra had gotten her hands on Amanda’s widow bracelet. I waited for her to wake and when she did, I made her forget the whole thing and left her cash. When I returned to the girls, Bucky was helping name all of them. He told them they would each be responsible for two. They were so excited. What was I supposed to do?”

Yelena rubbed her forehead. Eight furry kittens. Extremely furry kittens who would grow to be extremely furry cats and shed all over the mansion.

Then Fanny joined the party.

“Fanny stay back. Do not eat.” Yelena told the dog who had been growing by leaps and bounds. She wasn’t sure what weapons the twins could still be hiding on them.

Rather than being hostile, Fanny laid down and let the kittens jump on her back before the furballs went back to the girls. Having made friends, Fanny left them alone.

“Why are they so furry? Can we give them haircuts?” Yelena asked.

“They are Persian cats. The first breeder we called that promised she did not keep cats in a cage sold Persian cats. We can return them of course. Just tell the girls we can’t keep them all.”

Four girls’ heads swiveled toward Yelena, eyes wide with suspicion and holding their chosen kittens closer to their chests, tense and ready for a fight.

Yelena smiled widely. “Are you joking? I love cats! I wish we had more. You did so good girls! You made good decision rescuing cats from cages! You made me very proud!”

The girls smiled and turned away from her. Yelena’s smile was gone and she glared at Wanda.

Wanda held her breath to stop from laughing.

The kittens were evenly matched with four pure white and four pure grey yet the girls seemed to know which was which. Two had yellow eyes, two had green and the other four had blue eyes.

Dr. Zaru walked up with a concerned look.

“You took them somewhere the kittens were kept in cages I see.”

Wanda tried her best to look guilty. “The lady lied to us.”

“And the kids snuck away from you.” Imi prodded.

“They are very sneaky.” Wanda reminded her.

“Was the lady hurt?”

“Mildly shocked. I’ve shocked myself worse dozens of times.”

Yelena nodded. “It is true. Wanda is very stupid when it comes to our weapons.”

Imi shook her head and walked away. Yelena made an excuse to leave as well.

When Imi had entered her room, Yelena knocked a few moments later.

Imi smiled as Yelena rushed inside and closed the door behind her.

“I wasn’t sure you would come.” Imi told her.

“I wasn’t sure I could get away with no one seeing. No one can know about this. Not Wanda or the girls.”

Imi was not surprised but asked anyway. “Why?”

“They cannot see me weak. Especially now. I have to remain strong. I lost control of everything. Wanda relies on me. My almost drinking caused her to almost drink. She has done so well. I have to act like I am in control or the others are lost. I have to try.”

Imi took in Yelena’s strained countenance. Since she knew the young woman which wasn’t long, Yelena had always been the picture of confidence. Her confidence never seemed arrogant. She just knew who she was and what she was capable of, unlike Wanda who was lost in a sea of self-doubt and low self-esteem.

Now Wanda was becoming more confident and Yelena was backsliding. Working with the girls in this house was like balancing on a log at times. It required perfection or you could easily find yourself drowning in the river.

“Control is important to you, yet the widows talk about how much they hate to be controlled. Why is control so important?”

Yelena sat and shrugged. “I do not mean that kind of control. I do not expect them… outside of missions… to follow my orders. I just have to be a rock. I have to be someone they can hang onto when it gets tough. Wanda shouldn’t have to do this alone. She has enough to worry about. She has fate of universe and twins that want her to be their mama and Bucky to be papa. I have been the one keeping the household together and I have failed. I lost control. I let too many people come in. I tried to give Nat a position of leadership. I was afraid if I didn’t that she would eventually leave and I want her with me. I focused on Kate. Girls used to sleep in my room at night if Wanda’s was full. I started sleeping with Kate and that stopped. I separated myself from others. I lost focus.”

Imi was silent, letting Yelena gather her thoughts. Yelena was looking at the floor, too embarrassed to look up.

“Do you feel it is wrong to want things for yourself?”

“Yes.” Yelena answered. “But I am selfish and do it anyway.”

Imi thought about this. “Is it wrong for Wanda to want things for herself?”

Yelena shook her head. “No, but what she has to give, she gives to others anyway. She could be getting laid every night but she sleeps alone and keeps her door open for the girls to sleep in her room. Now she shares her room with twins who want her to be their mommy even though she is only seven years older than they are. She can barely go to bathroom without being followed by them. She goes to school on her own so she can help her home country. She is studying transmutation because she plans to turn a mountain in Sokovia into a Rhodium mine so her people can have more money and jobs. She travels the universe in her dreams and faces evil beings. Everything she does, she does for others.”

Imi shrugged. “Maybe she doesn’t think she deserves things for herself. You say it feels wrong to want things for yourself. She does have Bucky. Why can’t you have Kate?”

“She doesn’t put him above the girls.”

Imi thought she understood. “The fight scared you. You think you lost control but you didn’t. You never had control over the household. Nobody has control. All we can control is ourselves. Sure you set rules like no widows traveling alone for the protection of the girls but it is up to them whether they follow the rules. You say no drinking but girls still drink. They just hide it now. You have never had any real control. You love them, will do anything to protect them, even stand on a land mine for them and in the field your orders are carried out with no hesitation. But in this house any sense of control you have is just an illusion. It always has been. Tell me about Kate.”

Yelena sat back in her chair, surprised. “What? Why?”

“You feel guilty about Kate and Natasha and your desire for both in your life. You think you are being selfish. I want to know them. I want to know how you feel about them and why you feel so guilty about wanting them. Let’s start with Kate Bishop for tonight. Tell me about her. What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Kate?”

“Brave.” Yelena said immediately.

Imi nodded. “Why brave?”

The blonde shrugged. “She is fearless. He has been in situations that would freak many people out, especially rich girls. Yet nothing scares her. The first time I met her I saved her from being abducted. I killed a man in front of her. Wanda and I killed several men in front of her. It didn’t bother her. She wanted to help us on our mission in return. She loves me despite knowing what I am. She is beautiful, inside and out. She hung around a bunch of assassins all summer and made friends with them. She almost died once and I felt like I would die with her. Without her… I think sometimes I would be very different person and I would not like that person.”

Imi nodded. “You have saved her, loved her but you don’t feel worthy of her. You don’t feel you deserve her. You feel like you are being selfish because you want her. Is she coming over this weekend?”

Yelena shook her head. “I told her we had a mission and needed to integrate our systems with Silver Sable International. I lied to her.”

“Why?”

Yelena shrugged. “Half our sisters almost left. Not just threatened to leave but made concrete plans to leave. Had a house and everything. Natasha is gone with Stannic for who knows how long. The twins are screwed up. Nadeja almost killed Naomi. I close my eyes and see that blood squirting out of her and Nadeja covered in it. What happens if Kate bumps into Wanda accidentally? Sierra is the oldest of them but follows their lead for some reason. When Nadeja said to run, Nela, Sierra and Tanya ran with no hesitation. Tanya had been bonding with Oksana and Sierra and Amanda were bonding. Yet Nadeja tells Nela to run and Nela tells Tanya and Sierra we are dangerous and to run and they do so. Wanda and Bucky have to talk them back into house! We have done shit job of making them feel safe and that falls on me! I should make our home feel safe for them.”

“You think it is your fault?”

Yelena waved a hand towards Imi. “It’s your fault too, but yes, mostly me. I told you I lost control of the household. I didn’t pay attention. I thought it was all okay. I didn’t notice the anger the younger ones had for the older ones and I didn’t notice the superiority the older ones were forming over the young ones. I was too busy chasing love with my girlfriend and bonding with my big sister. I didn’t do such a good job there either.”

Imi raised a hand. “Let’s get back to Kate. You love her. The two of you have shared many intense experiences. So why didn’t you tell her? Why lie and not want to see her?”

Yelena shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Imi crossed her arms. “You said you wanted to do this. I told you it doesn’t work unless you are honest and answer questions. Don’t waste your time. Why do you not want to see her?”

“I am embarrassed!” Yelena snapped. “I failed. She has always seen me as a hero. I have always been her hero! This… I let this happen. There was blood on the floor. If Agatha had not been there, if she was screwing some rockstar in Paris, Naomi would be dead! How could I explain that to Kate? How do I tell her I let situation get so bad that our children killed one of our oldest. I don’t… I can’t deal with Kate right now. I can’t tell her the truth and I can’t lie to her so I need time away from her. I can’t deal with Eleanor right now and I am glad Nat is gone for now. I don’t know what she will do when she comes back and I hope she stays but for now, I am glad she is gone away from here. The house needs healing and I have no idea how to do it. I just know it was best for everybody if she left for a few days. We all need air. I wish Steve had gone with her.”

“From what I understand Kate needed you very badly this summer.” Imi said, leaving the topic of Steve on the table. “You were there for her. Do you think the girls resent you for that?”

Yelena’s uncertainty was clear on her face. “I have no idea what the girls are thinking anymore. Maybe? I know in beginning of summer I hardly spent time with Kate. The others helped her more than I did. I was focused on Mama and Papa and then Natasha and I had a fight, Wanda was drinking a lot and so was I. After she killed Vision and soaked up the energy she had so much power that she fought to control. Then I pay attention to Kate and I ignore everything else.”

Imi sighed. “You seem to have this idea that you can be all things to all people all the time. You are smart enough to know you aren’t able to do that. You have people in this house who can help with the burden. The girls respond well to Ingrid and Ava. They respond well to Antonia. They obviously respond well to Sonia. She was a team leader before she was benched, right?”

Yelena smiled. “She was my second on missions. Dreykov gave us a mission and we had no choice but to follow through. Sonia was the one who would take my place if I was taken out. During a mission in Tehran, Sonia pushed me out of the way and took a bullet for me. It pierced her vest but luckily only went through her shoulder and missed her chest. She was able to move and very valuable so she wasn’t remote terminated. That wasn’t in her programming though. None of us were given orders to save other widows if they fell. The part of her that was still her, saved my life and has a very large bullet wound to remember it by. She was almost sent to reconditioning because of her action. They couldn’t understand it. They didn’t realize a piece of us was hiding under the drugs. That piece of her saved my life. What do I do in return for this loyalty? I benched her. I didn’t think about how upset she would be. I went along with it to make others happy. I wanted to be big leader and impress Nat and Eleanor and parents.”

Yelena paused.

“Sonia was right. What she did, gathering the young ones, she was right. We had no right to keep them out of the fight.”

“What have you learned from this?”

“That I am a failure.”

Imi groaned. “Hardheaded Russian! Tomorrow you will be facing many different powerful people from all walks of life who are strangers to each other. I hope you get your mojo back by then. Wanda needs you. You two are a team. Get it together. You didn’t fail. You aren’t a god! You are a leader. You are the one person Wanda can’t function without. Pietro was once her other half. Now you are. You are important to this world and the universe. You are Yelena Belova, hero of Europe, liberator of the women and children, and the heart of the Scarlet Witch. You lead the Red Widows, the first organization to ever stop and put the fear into the hearts of human traffickers. That is who you are. I haven’t been here long but I know this. I am in awe of you and I am not easy to impress. Now where do we go from here?”

Yelena wasn’t certain. “I don’t know. I thought you tell me.”

Imi grinned. “You thought wrong. This is a process that involves both of us. Come back in a week at the same time. While you have this time, think about everything you want for yourself. Make a list. Put everything you want no matter how crazy it is or how impossible you think it is. Be selfish. I want this list to be about you. Take the week and work on it.”

Yelena was surprised. “We only meet once a week?”

“At first. Maybe more or less as we go along. Most of the work of therapy is going to happen outside of our sessions. I can hold your hand to a certain extent but it is a personal journey. This is your journey. I am a guide but only you can find your peace.”

“The twins must really be screwed up. You see them every morning.”

“Screwed up is not a term I use. That being said, Nadeja almost slaughtered Naomi a few days ago and Nela is completely reliant on Nadeja for direction, so yes, they are in greater need of treatment than others in this home. I tell you once a week but I am always available. As long as I am not with another girl feel free to walk in. If I am with another girl my door will be locked.”

In the living room, Wanda sat on the couch next to Bucky who had his arm wrapped around her waist as she leaned her head on his chest. She felt content for once. She was watching these kids she had taken part in rescuing acting like excited little girls playing with new pets. She was watching them act like they should be acting.

Nela and Nadeja had a sparkle in their eyes she hadn’t seen since before the big fight. Nadeja looked relaxed and happy, even giddy.

Naomi slowly approached the group.

“They are so pretty.” Naomis told Nadeja. “Can I pet one?”

Nadeja shook her head. “You might try to hit our kittens and I am not allowed to carry kitchen knives because of you so I can’t retaliate.”

Wanda groaned and Bucky barely held back a laugh but she could feel him holding his breath.

“It’s not funny.” she whispered.

“I promise not to hit ever again. Can you tell me their names?” Naomi tried again, hoping to somehow begin repairing a relationship with the twins.

Nadeja shrugged but Nela spoke up. She showed her white kitten and her grey one. “This pretty girl is Powder.” she then introduced the grey one. “This one is named Violet after the witch in the portrait in Hogwarts. Witches are very cool.”

“Thank you for introducing Violet and Powder.” Naomi said. “What about your kittens, Nadeja?”

“Butcher knife and blood.” Nadeja responded.

Naomi wasn’t sure what to say. She looked at Wanda who had her eyes closed and was grimacing.

“Their names are butcher knife and blood?”

“No, that is just a reminder to you of what happens when you hit Wanda.”

“Nadeja!” Wanda chastised quietly.

Nadeja smiled widely at Naomi. “I am sorry. Wanda said what you did was an accident.”

“It was.”

“What I did wasn’t.” Nadeja told her, her smile gone. “It was very purposeful. Remember that.”

“Nadeja! Behave and apologize right now!” Wanda scolded her.

Naomi shook her head. “It’s okay, Wanda. I get it.

“No, it is not okay. We told Dr. Imi we would put that behind us, right Nadeja? No more threats, remember Nadeja? You promised.”

Nadeja raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t threaten her. I was just reminding her.”

Nela poked Nadeja in the arm and whispered in her ear. “Sister, be good if you want a family… I want Wanda to be Mama. Be good!”

Nadeja’s defensiveness melted away. “I am sorry, Naomi. I should not have brought up reminder of how close you came to death by my hand.”

Naomi shrugged. “I’ve been there before kid. It’s all good.”

Nadeja smiled at Wanda. “I apologized.”

Wanda groaned but Bucky could not contain a laugh and bit his hand while looking away.

“My kittens are named Sirius and Hermione.” Nadeja said. “Sirius is a boy.”

“I have Ginny and Ron.” Tanya said. “Oksana has been reading me the books every night too.”

“This one is named Gandalf.” Sierra told her, lifting her grey kitten up, “and she is named Galadriel.” pointing to the white one. “Amanda and I sat up all night watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy.”

Naomi nodded. “Very cool names. I’ll let you get back to spending time with your new friends.”

Naomi winked at Wanda and walked off.

“That could have been worse.” Wanda whispered to Bucky.

“Nobody got stabbed so yes, it could have been worse.”

Wanda watched the girls for another moment.

“I haven’t spoken to them about the meeting tomorrow. They won’t be happy that I am leaving for the day. I know Oksana, Dima, Anya and Imi are going to be here but the twins don’t relate to them that well yet. They like Anya and Dima but…”

“You need me to stay back and babysit?” Bucky guessed.

Wanda nodded slightly. “I know you probably want to be there. It’s going to be a big gathering and…”

“I want to be where you need me. You need me here, I’ll be here. I know what I have to do in this battle. I know what’s going on. I would be glad to babysit. We are getting to section 4 of our reading learner. They are very smart. I think between studying and playing with the cats we can keep ourselves busy. We got a whole crate of balls and plastic mice that we haven’t broken out yet. We will be fine.”

“Thank you.” Wanda told him. “You are amazing.”

Bucky nodded. “I am pretty damn amazing. Besides that meeting is going to be a huge headache. I hope you are ready for it. What are you going to do if Coulson doesn’t agree to keep it a secret?”

“Wipe the memory from his and his team’s heads and send them on their way.” Wanda said without hesitation. “I can’t chance a country dropping a bomb on us while we fight. Not the United States, or Russia or anyone else who has nukes to spare. I have to give all my concentration to Thanos. I have a feeling it is going to take everything Strange and I have to kill him.”

“Do what you have to do, Doll. Do you want to hold off on the girls session with Imi or should I take them to it? Do you want me to talk with Imi and give you an update?”

Wanda was surprised. “You would do that?”

Bucky shrugged. “Yeah, I thought you would have figured that out by now. I know they aren’t attached to me like they are to you but I kind of figured we were in this together.”

Wanda felt a warmth inside her. “I’d like that. I think the girls would like that too.”

“Consider it done. We should probably get the girls settled in for the night with their kittens and tell them about the trip tomorrow.”

Nadeja looked up excitedly. “Trip? Are we going on another trip? Are we rescuing more kittens or puppies this time?”

Wanda groaned. “You see what you started.”

The Next Day, Silver Sable International Regional Staging Area, 40 miles south of Interlaken Switzerland

Wanda and Yelena looked into the door opening onto a stage in front of the large empty hall, filled with chairs and people not sitting in them. Instead the occupants were standing and speaking among themselves.

The Defenders were at the front, talking amongst themselves. Captain America and Tony Stark were having a rather heated discussion with Agent Phil who had brought his team and the man intelligence told them was the inhuman named Black Bolt. Daisy Johnson was present along with Melinda May and a few others they didn’t know. Everett had given her and Yelena a list of possible agents who might show but neither her nor Yelena recognized some of them by sight. Supposedly they were Coulson’s personal inner circle.

Sharon Carter was present but not as a member of SHIELD or the CIA which she no longer worked for. Apparently she was a free agent now and Everett had personally invited her.

T’Challa, Shuri and Okoye were present along with other members of his personal guard.

Wenwu stood in the back in a suit, with Mattias by his side. Wenwu winked at Yelena when she caught his eye. Mattias did not wink. He was likely still upset about Yelena cutting his arm off.

The two people Wanda and Agatha were most interested in were standing in a corner, taking everything in while doing their best to appear unnoticeable. They were the most out of place. Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson looked like typical teenagers. Both could easily be a cheerleader and star athlete of a high school yet they could also be the loner kids who kept to themselves.

Yelena knew both were deadly as hell. Tandy could create daggers of light and was very good at throwing them. She wasn’t afraid to kill and had left many sex traffickers bodies in her wake.

Tyrone Johnson’s power left even Agatha weary. They weren’t sure what it was he actually did but suspected he could send enemies into another dimension, possibly the Dark Dimension. His teleporting skills were much more refined than Wanda’s. He was fast, quiet and deadly.

The two made an awesome team. They traveled the country tracking down sex traffickers but always returned to New Orleans at some point, probably to check on still living family.

Strange, Wong and twenty Masters of the Mystic Arts were present.

Sable had the compound full of soldiers surrounding it but only a few inside. She stood next to Ava, keeping an arm around her in the back where the widows were unseen.

Wanda got a text and smiled when she saw it was a video of Nadeja letting one of the kittens play with her hair only for the claws to get snagged in her hair and Nela saving her from baldness.

“Kittens were good call.” Yelena said. “I wish not so many, but good call.”

“It was Bucky’s idea.” Wanda reminded her.

Yelena nodded. “He is not doing bad. Good with kids. I never would have guessed that.”

Wanda sighed, thinking about how much she wished he were here. She had Yelena and her sisters but having the Winter Soldier was always good for intimidation purposes and having Bucky gave her the same kind of confidence she got from Yelena. She had also become as attached to the twins as they were to her in that she hated for them to be out of her sight. She knew they were safe at the Mansion but also constantly worried about what they were up to when she wasn’t with them. They no longer followed her every second of the day but their presence was still constant so if they weren’t there they were up to something.

She missed them. She missed Nadeja’s tough and protective exterior and her soft heart and Nela’s joy. It saddened her to know her joy was at not being beaten anymore.

Wanda loved them deeply in a different way than she loved her sisters. They were not afraid to make themselves dependent on her. No one had ever done that before.

“Bucky loved his sisters very much and always wanted a big family.” Wanda explained.

Another portal opened up and Wong stepped out with a suited up Natasha, Stannic and Clint Barton. Wanda hadn’t been sure that Nat would show up but was shocked to see Barton.

Stannic walked over to Wanda and hugged her then hugged Yelena. Nat nodded to the two women and walked to the other widows.

“Clint. I thought you were retired.” Wanda greeted him as he approached.

The man winked and pulled her into a hug. “Something of this magnitude I think I should probably get off my ass and go to work. I need to be prepared at least for whenever it happens. Laura is happy it will give me a reason to stay in shape. It’s good to see you kid. You have been busy.”

Wanda hugged the man back. “Always.”

“Stannic said you are a mother now. Congrats.”

Wanda laughed. “Very funny.”

Clint smirked. “I didn’t get the idea that she was joking. So where are Rogers and Stark? Are they killing each other yet?”

Wanda shook her head. “I think they are more concerned with yelling at Coulson about not being dead.”

Clint froze and looked towards Nat who also looked very surprised.

“Coulson is alive?” she asked.

Wanda nodded. “Everett told me when we were making a list of people to contact. We don’t need him but he has been operating an underground team of SHIELD agents since SHIELD collapsed. He has contacts with the Inhumans we need.”

Nat and Clint marched off through the door and straight to Coulson whose eyes widened when he saw them.

“We should probably give them a few moments. Finding out a friend was pretending to be dead can be a little shocking.” Yelena pointed out.

Wanda shook her head, not understanding why he had done so. As far as she knew, Coulson had told no one. Everett figured it out himself long ago and kept the information quiet deciding if Coulson was staying dead he must have had a good reason. Wanda and Yelena didn’t care either way.

“It is time to make entrance.” Yelena ordered after a few moments.

Yelena and Wanda walked out, followed by the Red Widows who took the stage in a line in the back. None of them wore their helmets, being assured by Sable that the room was image and camera proof. They wanted to face the people they were expected to go to war by.

The room quieted.

Jessica Jones grinned watching the Widows march out.

Many in the room who didn’t know the widows were shocked at their appearance.

Wanda, Agatha, Sable and Yelena walked to the front of the stage and Strange joined them.

“They are babies.” Coulson said, obviously not happy and somewhat in disbelief.

Tandy Bowen showed her fire immediately. “They kill human traffickers! Show some respect, Suit!”

Coulson took in the young girl but then gave his attention back to Steve.

“You have been fighting and killing alongside children?”

“Coulson, they don’t like being called children. I would suggest you shut the hell up.” Natasha told him quietly. “I have too. Since when did SHIELD care about killing?”

“Maybe you can go back to playing dead.” Tony suggested. “Why are you here again? Fury needs information or are you going to pretend to be dead again so you can bond us. Cap did you ever sign those bloody cards?”

“You have no idea what he has been doing to protect this world!” Daisy Johnson shouted back at Stark.

“Hiding in the shadows, being Fury’s secret errand boy, making friends with more costumed people, I think I am getting the idea. Did you let the cello player know at least?”

“Shut it Stark.” Melinda May told him.

Everett raised his hands. “Let’s calm down. We have more important things to worry about…”

“Captain it doesn’t bother you that they killed over fifty US soldiers at a United States base who were simply doing their jobs?!” Coulson asked.

The arguing started again.

Agatha whispered to Wanda. “How did they stay together so long? I mean the Avengers and SHIELD for that matter.”

Wanda shrugged. “Misery loves company?”

“Get their attention, Sabrina.”

Wanda raised her hands and the hall came alive. Life like holograms appeared in the room then the landscape changed and the group was no longer in the hall. Now they were on an alien planet.

People were being slaughtered. Nightmarish creatures were eating people, buildings were exploding, leviathans slithered overhead and Chitauri unleashed their weapons onto the helpless population.

Those who weren’t familiar with Wanda prepared to fight.

Wanda flew above them.

“Calm down. Take this in. You are in a hex of my creation. You will not be hurt.”

Those in the hall tried to relax as creatures ran around them, attacking and ripping people apart in gory details. Blood flew everywhere. It was an Armageddon.

The hex was suddenly gone and Wanda floated back to the stage.

“What you just saw happened not long ago. A creature named Thanos unleashed his army on this planet to retrieve an Infinity Stone.” Wanda waved her hand and a life sized image of Thanos appeared. “He killed half the population of the planet. Millions, possibly billions were slaughtered.

“Dr. Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, will explain what infinity Stones are and what Thanos can and will do if he has all six.”

Strange went through an exhaustive explanation of the stones and their dangers and answered multiple dumb questions. He finally had enough and pointed to Cloak and Dagger.

“Are the only ones who understand this under the age of twenty one or over one thousand years old? The Divine Pair and the Widows seem to understand and they aren’t old enough to drink!” he shouted, having lost his patience.

Danny Rand raised his hand again. “Pardon me for not quite understanding the intricacies of the universe in a matter of minutes. I do understand one thing. We have two stones on Earth. He needs all six to destroy half the life in the universe. Why not just destroy the two stones we have?”

“One does not simply destroy an Infinity Stone.” Wanda said then closed her eyes. She could hear the snickers from the Red Widows.

“I can’t believe you quoted Lord of the Rings. We need more movies in house.” Yelena said quietly, barely maintaining her composure.

Wanda took a breath, not quite believing that had came out of her mouth. Damn Sasha and her constant texting of memes.

“I am not sure the Infinity Stones can be destroyed. I could break it up into shards and release the energy but the energy would still be in the universe. If Thanos has the other stones, he could possibly harness the energy and bring them back together. I also have no idea what happens if we were to destroy them.” Wanda told him.

“And if we fail? You want us to hold off his army while you attack him. We have seen you put together sinking ships and fly but can you really beat someone with four of these stones? Why do you think you have a chance?” Coulson asked.

Wanda was becoming angry and close to wiping his mind but Agatha stepped up and placed a hand on her shoulder then answered the question.

“In every universe at any given time, there is a being so powerful the universe is affected by him or her. They are known as Nexus Beings. In this universe, the Nexus Being is a witch who can control and wield Chaos Magic, the strongest magic known in the history of the universe. Very few in history have been able to use this magic. Her coming was foretold by books written by demons before humans ever walked the Earth. She has the ability to alter all reality, affect probabilities, alter timelines and enough power to destroy planets with a thought. She can change existence of people or simply wipe it away. She can rip minds apart or soothe souls as she desires. She can heal or kill with ease. She is called the Scarlet Witch.

“Only the Scarlet Witch is as strong as one who holds Infinity Stones. Only she can defeat him and she will. With assistance from myself and Dr. Strange she will rip the stones from him. She will kill him. She will treat him like a Sokovian street punk trying to steal one of her bracelets. It isn’t going to be pretty. I almost feel sorry for the asshole when my girl gets her bedazzled fingers on him.”

“You are saying that Wanda Maximoff is this Nexus Being?” Coulson asked nervously, looking at her with new eyes.

Wanda donned the garb of the Scarlet Witch in the blink of an eye and winked at him and smiled satisfied at the spike of fear in the room.

“Why don’t you wipe him out of existence?” Tyrone asked, speaking up for the first time. It wasn’t a challenging question but one of genuine curiosity. Wanda knew he was a very smart, probably brilliant kid.

Shuri spoke up. “May I, Wanda?”

Wanda nodded.

Shuri turned to the group.

“Wanda spends most of her life controlling her powers. She works to contain them. If she were to wipe Thanos from existence it could be disastrous. Every change she makes to reality affects the entire universe. In theory if Thanos were gone and his existence erased from the timeline, someone else could already have the stones in the new reality and we would all be dead. No one can bring back the dead, not even the Scarlet Witch. Altering reality is just as dangerous as changing time.”

Wanda was impressed. Shuri smiled cockily. “I’ve been reading the magical books Agatha let me borrow.”

“We do have a fall back plan.” Wanda said, the pointed to Tyrone. “Him.”

“Me?” he asked, looking around.

“If the worst happens, if all appears lost, you can send the stones into another dimension, one where Thanos cannot follow. I am not sure what will happen but it is better than letting him get his hands on it. If I die, you suck those stones into whatever dimension you suck bad guys into.”

“And why don’t we do that…”

Wanda turned to May before she could finish the question.

“Because we have no idea what can happen if the Infinity Stones are not in the universe! I said it was a last ditch effort! We are talking about gems formed from the birth of this universe, each one representing an aspect of space and time. They are not just rocks. They are sentient beings, able to communicate with me on a basic level. They call to me in my dreams and when Thanos arrived on that planet, my dream form was pulled there by it. Perhaps nothing will happen if we destroy them but I am not willing to take that chance. Are you?”

May shook her head. The rest in the room quieted in deep thought.

“You think if the militaries of the world know, they will take an opportunity to nuke us all.” Luke Cage said. “Can’t say I disagree with that reasoning. Still that army looked big. We are going to need an army as well.”

“We have one.” Yelena told the group. “We have the Silver Sable International personal army, we have Wakanda, we have the Masters of the Mystic Arts and I hope we have you all. That is why you were all invited.”

Wenwu spoke. “The Ten Rings stand with you. I have killed armies numbering in the hundreds of thousands before with much smaller forces. These beasts are from nightmares but they bleed and that means they can die.”

Stark raised a hand. “I’m sorry, who are you and what did you say about the Ten Rings?”

Wenwu chuckled. “Relax Tony Stark. I have had no part in the dealings of your past.”

“So who are you exactly?” he asked.

“When this army comes, you will find out.” Wenwu told him.

Black Bolt raised his hands and began signing.

Coulson nodded, obviously understanding the unique sign language he was using. “The Inhumans will fight.”

“And you, Coulson? Will you and your team keep quiet or do I need to erase the memory of what you have learned from your minds?” Wanda asked.

Coulson looked at May and Daisy who nodded. “We will keep quiet as much as I disagree. No one will learn from us. I doubt the U.S. President would launch a nuclear missile at you. The man is terrified of you. Other countries might not be as patient or trusting in your abilities. What about Thor? This Dr… Strange says one of the stones was in the tesseract. Could the Asgardians help?”

“If you have a way of getting in touch with him it would be nice.” Wanda said. “I do not.”

Rand apparently didn’t believe her. “You can travel across the universe to where this planet was but you can’t astral project to… what was it called, Asgard?”

Yelena laughed sharply. “How cute. His fists glows and he thinks he knows the intricacies of astral projection across the universe. What else can you tell us about her powers Glow Fist?”

“I am the immortal Iron Fist!”

Yelena waved to Mattias in the back. “Look, I have found you a new partner, Razor Fist.”

“Go to hell, Belova.” he responded.

Strange stepped up before another argument broke out. “The Masters of the Mystic Arts have attempted to open a portal to Asgard. You must understand Asgard is not only another planet, but a land protected by strong magic. It is nearly impenetrable against invasion by anything other than physical confrontation. The best we can hope for is Thor stops by Earth at some time. He believes the Mind Stone is safe with the Vision. I suppose in a manner of speaking, he is correct.”

“So who is leading this operation?” May asked.

Coulson looked at Rogers who shook his head and nodded to the stage.

“You?” Coulson asked looking at Yelena and Wanda.

Wanda shook her head and Yelena spoke up.

“I am very good at planning battles but…” Yelena stopped speaking for a moment.

“You can do it.” Wanda whispered.

“There is one…” Yelena paused and closed her eyes.

“Keep going, almost there. It was your idea, remember?” Wanda encouraged her quietly.

“There is one… who is… better… than me. Possibly, at least has more experience in leading large armies…. oh god this hurts.”

“Keep going.” Wanda prodded her. “You can do this.”

“Sable will be leading us, we are following her plans, please make it stop!” Yelena rushed out then took several breaths.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Wanda asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

“I feel dirty. I admitted she was better than me. I did not need that right now.”

“You admitted it to me.”

“You in private is very different than in public.” Yelena whispered.

Sable smirked and patted her on the shoulder.

“Yelena and I will both be developing strategies to use our assets to our advantage. Yelena will be leading the Widows whose primary purpose will be watching Wanda’s back while she battles. I will be handling the battalions that we will be using as well as coordinating your specific talents to maximize our advantage.”

“Thank you.” Yelena whispered while Sable rubbed her shoulder.

“For now we will need to meet here once a month. We will simulate our opponents and practice using our abilities together.”

“How?” Cage asked.

Wanda snapped her fingers and they were all in a field surrounded by Thanos’s army.

“They will feel very real, but they won’t kill you.” she told them. “This is as close as you can get to the real thing.”

“And where will the battle take place?” T’Challa asked. “Where are we bringing Thanos?”

Sable spoke up once again. “I have spoken to the ruler of neighboring country Latveria. His name is Dr. Victor Von Doom. We are close friends and his country is under our military protection. There are no large cities, only small villages and large areas of flat uninhabited ground. Each village has tunnels that lead to strong fall out shelters under the ground. It is the best place to fight and he has agreed to let us bring the monster into his land.”

“I’ve never heard of him.” Everett said, surprised there was someone in such a position of power he did not know.

“He prefers to keep a low profile. I am sure we will all meet him at some point. Remember this could happen in months or years. We do not know how much of a warning Wanda can give us. We must remain ready. This will be the most powerful fighting force ever assembled. Never before have so many enhanced beings, vast intellects, magical practitioners and deadly fighters ever been assembled for a common cause. I can tell by the conversations and arguments that have taken place in the short time you have been here that there are differences among you. Remember half the life of the universe depends on those in this room. Go to a park crowded with playing children and imagine half of them dead. When you arrive here for training, keep that in mind and leave the squabbles behind. If there are no more questions and there are not, you may leave. Meet here in one month’s time. My soldiers will provide you with cards containing my contact information. If there are conflicts in your schedule let me know immediately. Good day to you all.”

Despite being dismissed not all those left. The Defenders remained as well as Ross, Carter and Tandy and Tyrone. Yelena approached the teenage duo first.

“You have come as we asked. I thank you. We have put much on you and haven’t spoken to you in length about this. It is very much. If you are not comfortable with this or need time to think I understand.”

Ty looked at Tandy.

“You are Yelena Belova. You and the Widows took down the largest human trafficking pipeline in the world.” Tandy told her. “We go where you need us. You guys are like my heroes. Could I meet the rest of them and Wanda?”

Yelena motioned towards the back. “They are back there. Help yourself. They have been very impressed by your work as well. Impressing them is not easy. You are very good. Your knife throwing skills are on par with us all.”

Tandy walked off, forcing herself to not move too quickly, leaving Ty alone with Yelena.

The boy cleared his throat and looked around to ensure no one was listening.

“Look, I got no problem with this. But if this army of monsters starts to come down on us, I am getting her out of there. I’ll come right back, I’ll send whatever stones you want to wherever they go when I use my power, but I’m not risking her life.”

Yelena smirked. “Does she know that?”

He shook his head.

“I thought not. Chivalry will not get you far. The girl is a fighter. You will greatly anger her but it is your man parts on the line so do what you must. We appreciate your help. We have more to ask though. The sorcerers of Kamar-Taj are good people, at least the ones I know. Dr. Strange is good man and so is Wong. They want the two of you to work with them. Maybe you can stay in Kamar-Taj a few days so we can get better magical reading or something. It would help us know what you can do and how to use you in battle.”

Ty shook his head. “We found some traffickers in Houston and then followed them back to New Orleans. We hit them in New Orleans a few days ago but… these guys were different.”

“Different how?”

Ty spoke even quieter. “Tandy put a dagger in three of the guys’ heads and I killed three more. When we came back after freeing the girls, they were gone. They were like ninjas and fought much better than traditional muscle we usually face. I dropped some of them from a thousand feet in the air. Their bones shattered when they hit the ground. No way they should have walked away. We’ve got to follow this. We are going to go back to Houston and see if we can get a lead from their first hideout. I need to touch one of them.”

Yelena was surprised by that.

“Touch?”

He nodded. “I can see the darkness inside people when I touch them. Tandy can see their hopes. Between the two of us we can usually get someone’s secrets from their head.”

Yelena shivered. “For your sake do not touch, me, Wanda or any of the girls. One shouldn’t have to see that much darkness and Wanda has the memories of more than one person in her mind. She has lived their darkness also.”

Ty cringed. “She lived the trauma of others on top of her own. I read her story. How is that possible? Does she ever smile? Beside an evil smile I mean.”

Yelena had no idea how any of them smiled in the Mansion.

“We have each other, just as you and Tandy have each other. If we looked into this Houston hideout would you consider going to Kamar-Taj?”

Ty thought for a moment then nodded. “Yeah. I’ll have to talk it over with Tandy. I should get her. She is probably asking for autographs and begging for a suit and those bracelet things you ladies wear.”

“Widow bites. Learn the lingo, Tyrone. I have a feeling our paths may cross many times in our lives.”

Yelena watched Tyrone walk to the back and found Nat who had walked off on her own as Stannic spoke to her sisters.

“How are you?” Yelena asked her.

“Stannic loves the farm. I’ve been better. How I am isn’t important. How are you?”

Yelena wasn’t exactly sure. “I do not know. I felt better today but the whole thing messed me up bad I think. I have taken hit to my confidence. I didn’t think that was possible. When are you coming back?”

Nat hesitated. “Do you think it is best if I come back? I don’t want to walk away from you again and I don’t want to take Stannic from her home. I also don’t want to break up the family you have. Stannic doesn’t want to leave the Widows but she doesn’t want to leave me either. She wants me to come back but… I’m at a loss, Yelena. I have no idea what to do. If you would have taken me up on that Brownstone in New York when I offered this wouldn’t be a problem.”

Yelena laughed slightly at her small joke. “Our lives, huh.”

Yelena began to walk off but hesitated. “What do you want to do, Natasha? Forget about what you think you owe anyone. What do you want to do?”

“I want to be in the Mansion with you and Steve and Stannic. I can spend the rest of my life there hiding and walking the other direction when Wanda walks into a room. If half of them hate me I can deal with that. I know it won’t be easy but I don’t want to quit. I also know that is selfish.”

“Maybe it is okay to be selfish sometimes. We have all given up much. If you want to come back then there is your answer.”

“It isn’t that simple.” Nat told her.

Yelena thought for a moment. “Maybe it is that simple. Maybe we think too much. Maybe all of us think too much. It is a big mansion and getting bigger. There are not many like us in the world. We should stick together for better or worse.”

Nat nodded and hugged her sister. “I love you, sister.”

“I love you too. Take time you need. Unless we become compromised we will be there. I just spoke to Tyrone about some human traffickers in New Orleans he swears he and Tandy killed who then got up and walked away.”

Nat tensed, suspecting what Yelena was. “That was the MO of the Hand, right?”

Yelena nodded. She looked over and saw the red devil had heard her words and was staring in her directions and then whispered to his friends.

“It appears Murdoch has heard me. I should go talk to him but first I must thank Wenwu and have a word. I feel like a hostess.”

When Wanda approached Sable Ava walked off towards Wong and Sable rolled her eyes.

“I suppose you are not the one to talk to Ava about dating older men.” Sable joked.

“I have lived more than one lifetime in my head. I have memories of World War 2. I have the memories of Kate Bishop’s experiences in New York. I once felt what it was like to die and have half of my soul torn from me in an instant. I have seen many lives and experienced much pain, not only my own but others. I am much older than nineteen. At times I feel I am ancient.”

Sable thought she understood. Ava had told her of Wanda’s experiences with Bucky Barnes and the times Wanda took Kate Bishops pain as her own. Wanda carried terrible burdens and was now trying to be a mother to two traumatized twins, one of whom had very homicidal tendencies.

“I understand. None of you should live with pain. If I could take it from you all, I would. That would change who you all are though, wouldn’t it?”

“Unfortunately. I told a friend that once when she asked me to erase the memories of her pain. Our pain molds us but it only defines us if we let it.”

Sable nodded. “Wise words.”

“I have a good therapist.”

Yelena approached the two. “Our New York and New Orleans friends want to speak to us. There has been a possible sighting of Hand operatives.”

Wanda followed Yelena back into the large hall and saw the Defenders, Steve, Nat, Tyrone and Tandy were sitting in a circle. Everett and Sharon Carter were also there. The widows were filing out behind them. Everyone else had left.

“Sharon, I didn’t expect to see you here… or ever again.” Wanda told her.

Everett cleared his throat. “Yeah, so you remember when you told me I had leeway on how I reorganize the intelligence database and interface with Sable International?”

Yelena nodded uneasily. “I also said the twins could have two kittens. Why do I feel like this is going same way?”

Everett smirked. “I talked it over with Maria and Rachel and we thought an off-site interface to head up investigations on last known locations of widows and their handlers could be beneficial. Sharon became sick of the C.I.A. the same day I did and was in need of a new career. I thought we could pay her, she conducts investigations on our behalf and organizes any field intelligence resources Sable gives us and follows up. She passes the information onto me and we act on confirmed intel. While she is doing that we can focus more on Red Room records and tracking down old human trafficking pipelines that might be reactivated.”

Yelena threw her head back. “So she is employee? We have employees now! Do we have to get her medical? All we have is Oksana and she is doctor by necessity.”

“I don’t need medical insurance.” Carter told her. “I don’t need to know where your base is or how your team operates. I just need a paycheck and toys to get my job done. With the amount of money you are paying me, I can afford my own medical insurance.”

“How much are we paying her?” Wanda asked Everett. He waved it off as if not concerned.

“Nothing near her value. Sharon is an amazing investigator and we need to free widows quicker. We also have this Hand problem starting up. Now would be a good time to share knowledge and make a game plan of how we attack this.” Ross pointed out. “It won’t compromise us. Maria and Rachel agreed that this was a good move. Didn’t you girls?”

Yelena met their eyes and both girls shook their heads. “We said to run it by Yelena and Wanda.”

“Are you two seriously leaving me hanging right now?!” Ross shouted.

Wanda grinned and patted Yelena on the back. “You did tell him to figure out how to find widows faster and to do whatever it took. So, where do we start with this Hand business?”

“Midland Circle.” Sharon Carter told the group. “Your source was correct in that it seems old locations Dreykov used for nurseries are being reopened but the big players are focusing on Midland Circle.”

Rand shook his head. “That’s a dead end. I have been working for months to find out who bought the land and how the permits were given with no one asking questions. I have watched the land at night, followed construction workers, even had conversations with a few of them. None of them know who they are working for.”

“I traced the money yesterday using some dark web accounts that led to Madripoor and a man called Junzo Muto.” Carter told him.

Colleen Wing took a sharp breath. “I have heard of him. I thought he was dead.”

“The Hand never dies. We cut off the fingers and five more step into place. They are worse than HYDRA.” Murdoch told the group. “They practice dark arts. They can turn their murdered victims into their soldiers and a favored past time is stealing children to raise to be true believers. I thought we had killed the heads. I never thought of new heads stepping up.”

Carter nodded. “Fisk is the one who is making this all happen in New York. I haven’t pinned down his location but I will find him soon. Once I have cracked his financials I will know every secret he has and everyone connected to him.”

Rand looked in disbelief. “How did you find all this out?”

“I’m very good at my job. Ask the women who pay me.”

“I didn’t know we were paying her.” Yelena reminded them all. “We let secret agent man move in and soon we will need human resources manager and maybe have PowerPoint presentations.”

“I can put this all on PowerPoint if you like.”

“Shut up Sharon Carter.” Yelena told her then rubbed her forehead. “Let us go with what we know.”

“This is so cool.” Tandy whispered to Ty. “I thought we were just going to talk about aliens. Now we get to fight ancient undead ninja organized crime and kill them… again!”

Wanda sighed. She was tired and knew she would be having a talk with Everett and Yelena later. Carter was not going to find out about Eleanor’s involvement with them or Fisk.

“You all make plans. Agatha can handle the witch knowledge. I need to go home. It’s almost my kids’ bedtime. Bucky doesn’t make the right voices when he reads Harry Potter and I promised I would be there to tuck them in. Let me know who to kill and I can take care of it.”

Wanda walked off with Wong leaving the group silent.

“Did she say she had kids?” Luke Cage asked.

Yelena nodded. “Yes, one of whom isn’t allowed to touch sharp objects. Let us begin. Carter and Wing tell us what we need to know about this Junzo so I can make sure he stays dead this time.”