Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Witch and the Widows

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 60:

Yelena, Ingrid and Charlize approached the target slowly, holding their breaths and taking no chances.

“Helmet’s up.” Yelena ordered. “It’s worse than I feared.”

The two widows followed their leaders example and the black helmets covered their heads.

“Charlize, you secure the back. Ingrid, cover for me. Ensure I am not hit by unexpected fire. Block it with your body if you have to. I cannot lose concentration.”

“Just get in and get out.” Ingrid told her.

Yelena sighed and stepped forward. She waited for Charlize to move into position and Ingrid to take her position to the right.

Then Yelena made her move. She moved quickly with steady hands and no hesitation. The target fired as she expected but Ingrid used her hand to block the liquid that would have hindered Yelena’s visibility.

“Wipes, so many wipes. It’s worse than I thought.” Yelena mumbled.

“Get it done!” Charlize shouted. “The helmet filtration system isn’t working!”

“You think I don’t know that?!” Yelena asked in a calm voice. “Reach behind you and grab more wipes!”

“I can’t stabilize him and leave my position.”

“I got it.”

Ingrid moved before Yelena could stop her.

Erik smiled and struck again covering Yelena’s goggles in urine.

Determined to get this done even with limited visibility, Yelena moved more quickly. The smell was overwhelming but the first part was done. She rolled the soiled diaper and tossed it over her shoulder without looking. The diaper landed in the diaper bin as accurately as if she had thrown a knife. She unleashed a storm of baby powder and secured the new diaper on.

“Time.” Yelena called out.

Mika, who had been observing from the door and ready to step in if needed stopped her watch.

“Sixty two seconds. The worst yet.” She reported it to Yelena. “Two of you are covered in urine and I am guessing the suit’s filtration system didn’t work.”

Yelena retracted her helmet. “Shuri designed filtration system to protect us from deadly toxins but not this. She said we needed a sense of smell in the field. I had hoped it would help though. It was effective in keeping urine out of my face. I swear he does that on purpose. Ingrid you failed to cover me.”

“I covered you the first time. I had to go for more wipes! What do you expect me to do?”

“Your job.” Yelena barked, then picked up the smiling baby. He was not quite three months old but had already developed a Belova sense of humor. He found peeing in Yelena’s face while she changed diapers hilarious.

“No one could have expected the increased damage. He isn’t eating solid foods. How can it be this bad already?” Charlize wondered. “Can you imagine what it will be like when he is old enough to eat hot wings or enchiladas?”

Meg walked inside the nursery and shook her head taking the three in and Mika cowering by the door.

“Tell me you three did not use the most advanced war suits ever made by the smartest woman on the planet to change a diaper.”

Yelena shrugged. “I make no apologies. I thought you were playing with Billie and the other girls.”

“Anya told me you three volunteered to change a diaper again. I had to see it. How long did it take this time?”

“Sixty two seconds.” Mika answered. “The damage was worse than expected when we went in.”

Meg shook her head. “It’s called poopy, not damage.”

“He keeps peeing on me!” Yelena complained. “My own brother, my flesh and blood…”

“It happens. Babies do that sometimes. Do you have this?” Meg asked.

Yelena grumbled but nodded. She held Erik in front of her and looked him in the eyes. “We need to have a talk about what we expect from each other during these operations. You poop, we change, but you take care of all your business before you start crying. Number one and two. Do you understand?”

Erik reached out and patted Yelena’s cheek then pulled her hair.

It was two days before Christmas. The house was in a festive mood. Five more widows had been found in the last two months thanks to Everett’s investigating. None of them had been under the mind control drug any longer and had somewhat integrated into society. They were all over the age of seventeen and none of them wanted to see their files but appreciated the offer.

Four of them were no longer interested or had any taste for violence. One named Bridgette wished to join them and was welcomed gratefully. She was twenty one and had more advanced medical training than Charlize. Her medical knowledge was a great help to Oksana. The other three were content in their new lives but were grateful for the money and the knowledge that they only needed to call and the Red Widows would be there to help them.

The fifth was a bit different. Her name was Lisa and she had been making a living as an assassin for hire. She was quite good at what she did and had no desire to stop. Yelena told her to enjoy life, gave her the same contact information and offer of financial or other help and left her be. The girl in return had promised not to take any jobs that came in conflict with the Red Widows and give them a heads up if she heard of assassins taking any hits on them. It was no secret that the Hand had a huge reward for anyone who could kill Wanda Maximoff or Yelena Belova and bring proof of death. No assassin had been brave enough to try after what happened to the terrorists in Sokovia and the destruction of the Ten Rings organization that followed the next day.

Countries wanted the Red Widows dead as well but would never publicly admit it except for Iran. After the Ten Rings organization had been taken down and Kate Bishop had been saved, Wanda Maximoff’s astral form had a conversation with the Iranian Supreme Leader. She drove him mad and left him in that state. Iran had kept that a secret from the world to this point.

The Hand had been pulled out into the light of day. Like they had with A.I.M. the Red Widows had publicly declared war on the shadow organization and released documents detailing members including Wilson Fisk’s former attorney who was now in hiding. The new construction of Midland Circle had stopped, Fisk had disappeared and they and others were striking Hand strongholds all over the world. Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson, or Cloak and Dagger as the Widows fondly called them, had assisted them in many missions.

Unfortunately there remained much tension between the Widows and Matt Murdock. After the fire at Fat Man Auto Repair, it did not take Matt Murdoch long to link the place to Fisk. He found gang members who had not been there but had heard rumors that the girls in black and the witch had killed their friends and Fisk.

Yelena had not denied it. He tried to argue with their actions and she told him to go to the police and file a report if he wished.

Knowing there was nothing he could do, Matt took it and continued his investigations alone, only sharing information when absolutely necessary. Luckily Rand, Jones and Cage had no problems with their methods and kept the widows in the New York information loop.

All in all, it was the happiest it had been in the widow mansion in a very long time. The kids were feeling at home, baby Erik was healthy and Anya and Dima were happy.

That wasn’t to say all was well. Yelena focused on missions and her brother and parents constantly. She stayed up at night, unable to sleep, playing catch with Fanny or working out in the gym.

Eleanor and Kate’s relationship had thawed. Kate had even agreed to come home for the holidays and spend time with Eleanor. Wanda had told Yelena that Kate had apparently calmed down with time away.

Yet Yelena did not call her.

Eleanor sold the Mansion to Sable who placed it under various holdings and dummy corporations that she used on a regular basis. The Mansion and Widow tech were slowly all converted to Silver Sable’s technology. Wanda wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea but from conversations with Eleanor, she felt the woman wanted out so Wanda let it be. They hadn’t been using her tech for a very long time. Bishop Security facial recognition was the best in the world, but Sable’s intelligence agents on the ground, spy satellites, hacking technology and Everett Ross and Sharon Carter’s investigative methods made facial recognition redundant.

It felt like a changing of an era. It hurt Yelena to think about it. She knew it hurt Wanda to feel Eleanor pulling away but both of them understood Kate had to come first in the woman’s life.

So Yelena focused on her family, both her biological and chosen family. She focused on being there for her widows, for her parents and for her brother. She also refocused on Wanda. Wanda seemed to be doing well but if she had learned nothing else from the past few months, it was to never assume everything was okay. That led to misunderstandings, high emotions and potentially life threatening situations.

As much as Yelena hated to admit it, as much as the girls missed having Stannic around, Natasha and Steve leaving the Mansion had caused a lot of tension to disappear. Yelena stayed in contact with Nat daily and she was doing well. More importantly, Stannic was doing well. She was even planning on starting school after the Christmas holidays.

Yelena wasn’t certain how bright of an idea this was. Stannic had come a very long way in controlling her emotions but she was still a young girl, not quite fifteen who had been taught to be a killer from birth, was mind controlled and raped repeatedly and had a huge amount of rage inside her. One inappropriate touch or comment from a high school boy could lead to a dead body.

Yelena brought her brother downstairs where her mother was relaxing in the living room with five other widows watching a Christmas movie Yelena had seen a dozen times in the past two weeks. Anya smiled brightly when she saw her children then frowned as she took Erik.

“Yelena, are you going on a mission?”

Yelena shook her head. “No Mama. No missions unless absolutely necessary until after Holiday. I know it is important to you.”

“All of your missions are necessary, my baby. Why are you and the girls in your black suits?”

The three widows looked at each other and shrugged.

“We are going to spar with batons. Better to be safe. If he needs to be changed again, Michiko and Helena are next on rotation. They fought the Winter Soldier once when he was in terminator mode. They might have a chance against Erik.”

Anya rolled her eyes. “I can change a diaper, Yelena. You girls do too much.”

“You cook for us, we clean for you. It is only fair.”

The girls hurried downstairs to take off the uniforms. Yelena and Ingrid’s both needed to be cleaned.

Downstairs, Wanda was with Oksana watching the twins, Claudia, Billie and Tanya playing on the gym floor with the cats. Wanda had managed to get the twins to let Oksana conduct a monthly exam on them the day before and they were going over the results.

“The good news or the bad news?” Oksana asked.

“Please good news.”

“Their vitamin and mineral levels are perfect. Their blood tests are great and their hearts are strong. They are healthy.”

Wanda smiled. “This is good news. What could be the bad news? They are healthy.”

Oksana sighed. “They haven’t gained ay height and despite being healthy their weight is not increasing. I am afraid their stunting may be permanent.”

Wanda sighed and crossed her arms, keeping a tight lid on her emotions.

“Is this going to hurt them long term?” she asked carefully.

Oksana shook her head. “There are the normal health risks we have talked about long term but as long as they remain healthy then there is nothing that we cannot manage. Has Stephen talked to you about possible delayed neurocognitive development and reduced cognitive capacity? He mentioned to me that he wanted to assess the girls but you became… upset at the idea.”

“He wants to give my girls tests. They are not ready for tests. I am not so good at tests. Many people aren’t. What does he hope to prove? He thinks my girls are dumb. What does he know? Not everyone is a genius.”

Oksana said nothing and Wanda finally looked at her.

“They are doing well with schooling.” Wanda continued. “Nadeja wrote out a complete sentence and is Nela is very good at math. Nadeja is coming along well in math too. She solved a subtraction problem just yesterday.”

“Yes, I heard. Bucky was quite proud.” Oksana laughed quietly. “If she had four puppies and someone took two, how many puppies would she have?”

Wanda looked down. “It made sense in her mind.”

“Four puppies and a dead body.” Oksana reminded her.

Wanda grinned. “I know, I know. She is not violent though. Okay, she is not violent unless she thinks someone she loves is in danger. That is not such a bad thing. She is protective. She just needs to find methods that are less… lethal when defending those she loves.”

“How are they developing emotionally?” Oksana asked. Wanda didn’t mind her prying. Since she had adopted Tanya and had as much mothering experience as Wanda did, her and Oksana had a different level to their friendship that wasn’t there before and the kids were openly discussed between the two of them and Gabby.

“Imi doesn’t believe they are ever going to go to a school or be able to socialize with so called normal children. They have been through too much like the rest of our children. Even Billie grew up in hell. I don’t agree though. Stannic has been through much too but she has made much progress and is going to a school. Staci and Aino have come far. Staci is making a lot of progress working through her trauma. There is hope for all of us to have a normal life, right?”

Oksana said nothing.

Wanda knew what the silence meant and her shoulders sagged.

“Yes, I am fooling myself. Nela is beginning to understand the boxes and back packs she dropped were killing people. She is remembering more of what she did to others and is having nightmares about it happening to her. She didn’t’ just drop packages. Sometimes she had to shoot others. Nadeja always did knife work but Nela could handle a gun well enough to get the drop on someone. She has nightmares about being shot.

“Nadeja doesn’t talk about the people she was forced to kill other than say she did it. She doesn’t quite get the mind control thing and the brainwashing and coercion before the drug. She believes that sometimes she ‘goes bad’ and it’s her fault that those things happened even if they threatened Nela if she didn’t. I think they told her it was her fault for so long she can’t imagine anything else. Imi thinks… we are going to split the twins up in therapy. We tell them they are separate people but we have them share therapy. They each have their own problems. Honestly I think we should have done it sooner but Imi told me it had to be done slowly. We are going to start after New Year.

“Nela hasn’t wet the bed in a month and Nadeja has remained calm and is socializing with the older girls without being pushed into it. She still has a habit of telling Nela what to do but it is getting better. Nela still sucks her thumb and I have no idea how to deal with that. Imi says to let it be for now.”

Oksana wasn’t surprised Nadeja was still giving orders to Nela. Taking care of a twin for your entire life was something that was instinctive. Letting go was not so much. They were identical but definitely different in personalities. She had noticed Nela was pushing back more though and trying to make her own decisions instead of following her sister’s lead.

“How is Tanya?” Wanda asked.

Oksana grinned. “She is excited about Christmas. As far as therapy… she is also having some development problems. Her and Claudia barely remember a time before mind control because of the different formula. Even though the older girls were trapped in the Red Room they developed personalities as much as possible. The youngest were rushed out and kept so isolated… they are discovering the world. They have no context to base what they see on. Emotionally they are babies, trying to understand what is going in around them. Lerato and Antonia had an argument and Tanya didn’t understand why since they are in love. She can’t grasp the concept that friends or romantic partners can have arguments and yet love each other. Wanda, I’m going to let Stephen examine Tanya’s neural cognitive capabilities. You should consider letting… it’s your decision of course but…”

Wanda nodded. “I should let Stephen test them. I know.”

“We can only help them if we know what needs to be helped the most.”

Wanda watched the kids play for a few more moments. “I hated feeling dumb. I still feel dumb sometimes. Growing up though… I could barely read and… I wouldn’t admit it to anyone. Pietro knew but I never let anyone else know just how much I didn’t know. I was never bright before my parents died. My mama had patience with me but Pietro was so much smarter. I don’t want my girls to feel what I felt. They get so excited when they learn something new and I know they learn much slower but if Stephen gives them these tests and they don’t do well which they probably won’t… I don’t want them to feel as if they are behind everyone else. Nadeja asked me why Billie could read bigger words than she could. Billie has never been to a school in her short life but seems to absorb information faster. I just don’t want them to feel… less than the others. They are not and should never believe they are less.”

Oksana placed a hand on Wanda’s shoulder. “They won’t. You know Stephen would never let that happen. He does have a brusque personality at times but never with the kids. I think the only times I have seen him truly happy are when Erik was born and working with Tanya. Gabby is having the same problems with Claudia and is going to let Stephen work with her. How are the twins sleeping?”

Wanda shrugged. “Bucky and I sleep in our bed and they sleep in their beds. By morning, they are in between me and Bucky.”

“At least you still have your sex shack to fall back on.” Oksana told her, hoping to get a smile.

“True. The physical problems, the mental and emotional… I wish I could snap my fingers and everything would be perfect for them. I can’t though, not without changing who they are and I love who they are. I just can’t believe I can destroy an alien ship on the other side of the universe but I can’t stop Nela sucking her thumb.”

“You are doing the best you can and it is very impressive, Wanda. You are patient and you love them and they adore you. You gave them a family. You are doing well. I think we both are.”

The elevator opened and Yelena, Ingrid and Charlize walked inside, decked out in their black suits.

“Diaper change?” Wanda asked.

Yelena glared at her.

“We can’t all use magic to do it from safe distance away like you. He peed on me again. Ingrid stopped the first shot with her hand but he fired again. She let me down.”

“Go to hell, Yelena. I had no way of knowing he had another round in him. I thought when they needed diaper changes they had already taken care of everything. Ridiculous. So… gingerbread house competition, right?”

“Yes.” Wanda confirmed.

“No magic?” Yelena asked.

Wanda put on her best innocent face. “I would never use the immense power I have been gifted to protect the universe for something as trivial as making the perfect gingerbread house.”

“You used it to change the channel yesterday because the remote was too far away for you to grab.” Charlize pointed out.

Wanda shrugged. “I will be assisting my twins. I promise when we win and we will win, it will be because of our superior skill not because of magical interference.”

“Or because you are Everett’s favorite.” Yelena added, still disagreeing that Ross would make the perfect neutral judge along with Agatha and Wong. Two of the three were already in Wanda’s pocket but Yelena wasn’t worried. Anya Belova could not be out baked and the trophy was already theirs as far as she was concerned.

Yelena was correct. She and her mother won the competition hands down. Wanda and the girls came in seventh. Wanda was not much of a baker and without magic her and the girls had a difficult time making a house that didn’t appear as if it were about to fall over.

The next night the large family gathered in the living room for the first annual Christmas Eve party. Stannic, Nat and Steve had arrived as well as Stephen, Wong and Sable. Stannic, Nat and Steve would be returning that night as Stannic wanted to experience Christmas morning at her new home.

Yelena watched her proudly from a distance. Stannic looked as if she were a brand new girl. She looked like the kid she was supposed to be. She showed photos of her horse to the widows and her room and the farm in general. She talked about this high school she would be entering as a freshman and activities she could take part in.

She had come a long way from the hot headed, angry, depressed girl who had shot a syringe out of Oksana’s hand. Yelena was proud of Nat as well. Being away from here was good for her. She looked happy. There was no tension from the younger widows towards her or angry glances. Yelena knew the reason was because the girls knew Nat wasn’t staying.

Wanda, Bucky and the twins came down the stairs with their two cats. Wanda reached out towards the tree and five furry cats who had hidden in the branches floated gently out and to the ground. The widows had learned cats truly loved to knock off ornaments and Yelena suspected Fanny served as their lookout often.

She was very surprised by what the twins had on.

Yelena whispered to Wanda after the twins had ran off with Billie.

“I didn’t know we were having an ugly sweater contest tonight.”

Wanda was baffled. “We aren’t.”

“Then why are the twins wearing those sweaters?”

Wanda scowled while Bucky shook his head towards Yelena fiercely, hoping she would shut up.

“I made the sweaters for them. I have worked on them for months.” Wanda said quietly, her tone sharp. “The girls love them.”

“That is what you have been working on?”

“The reindeer was not easy to knit!” Wanda whispered sharply.

“Reindeer? I thought that was brown Christmas tree with one red eye. Maybe the Eye of Sauron on a brown mountain. Reindeer? Really?”

Wanda was not amused.

“You are always so negative. You know those are reindeer. You are jealous you have no artistic talent. Just because you stood by Anya while she won the gingerbread house contest doesn’t mean you are the best at everything.”

“I did my part!”

“You did nothing. I watched.” Wanda countered. “You handed your mother what she needed when she told you to.”

“Maybe if you had watched your own station your house wouldn’t have looked like it was made of ice cream and melting in the sun.” Yelena countered.

“You didn’t like our house, Aunt Yelena?”

Yelena had not heard Nela come up behind her.

She turned and smiled brightly.

“Of course I loved your house! It was very original. I’d never seen one like it! I believe you should have won.”

Nela smiled widely. “Everett said he had to make the others feel better because we are already the prettiest girls in the house. Do you like my sweater? The girls think it is cool Mama made them for us! We have a mama to make us clothes!”

“I… yes, it is prettiest sweater I have ever seen. I love reindeer. It… he is very… realistic.”

‘I have Blitzen and Nadeja has Donnor. Did you know about Santa? He visits good kids and leaves them presents for the morning! Mama says we have been good. Nadeja isn’t sure if we’re good but Mama promised so we believe her. Have you been good?”

Yelena sighed.

“I do the best I can I guess.” Yelena said quietly. “But I think Santa will be busy bringing all of your presents. Probably enough to fill up one of our quinjets.”

This was true since Yelena had gone shopping with Wanda and literally filled up a quinjet.

“Maybe he can bring the puppy Nadeja has been wanting.” Nela whispered. “She always wants to share my kittens and I don’t mind but… can I still call them kittens or should I call them cats, Mama? They have gotten big.”

Wanda patted her on the head. “You can call them either, Angel.”

“I’m going to play. Papa come play!”

“Duty calls.” Bucky said, taking Nela’s hand and running off behind her.

Wanda surveyed the room silently with her arms crossed.

“I’m sorry. They are very cool sweaters.”

Wanda said nothing.

“I did not mean… please give me a break. This is hard enough holiday.”

Wanda snorted and waved her hand over the festive room.

“It’s a perfect holiday.” Wanda said. “Remember where we were this time last year?”

Yelena grinned. “Sleeping in cheap hotel that heater didn’t work in. You used me as a blanket.”

Wanda smiled at the memory. “You are cuddly and I was cold. I know why it is hard. I wish Kate and Eleanor were here as well. They need time alone. I wish they could… you could call Kate. She isn’t angry anymore. That’s what Eleanor told me. Or not that angry. She has calmed down enough that you can talk. I think that boarding school didn’t agree with her and despite their promises Lucky would be considered an emotional support service dog, he was not as welcomed as he should have been. She is coming back to New York for the spring. Call her. Talk to her.”

Yelena said nothing.

“Or don’t. It has been a couple months. Are you giving up?”

“Do you think I should?”

Wanda shrugged. “What does it matter what I think? What can you live with? That is what matters, Yelena. I’ll support you either way. I just want you to be happy. You had every reason to want me and Bucky to stay apart but you never said a word about it. I have no reason to want you and Kate to stay apart. I know you are happier with her. I also know you feel less guilty without her. What is more important to you?”

Yelena smiled sadly. “It’s over.”

Wanda nodded, accepting her decision.

“You will still look out for her, right?”

“Till my dying day.” Wanda assured her. “I think it is time we announce our newest addition to the house.”

Yelena nodded and called for everyone’s attention.

“Papa has an announcement to make everyone!”

Dima stepped away from Wong and stood in the middle of the room.

“My girls. We got our daughter back when our Yelena found us and then we got so many more daughters. My fierce, brave girls. Thanks to Wanda and Agatha helping us with a little magical framing, the East and West side additions are complete. The two will be connected to each other by a North side addition. The North side will be three stories and our current occupancy will be tripled with the three additions. This leaves a large courtyard in between the original mansion and the east, west and north additions. I have been thinking, what could we build with this space something that benefits everyone? Maybe another big library? A gym that isn’t underground? A dance room. What sounds fun?”

No one said anything.

“You do not like those ideas?”

“They sound… great.” Ana spoke up.

Dima laughed. “I can read your minds. What do I say about swimming holes?”

“Waste of time and space” several of the girls said, repeating what Dima had said time and time again.

“Exactly. Girls need places to sleep and places to study. Pools are hard work. They take right chemicals and are much work to keep clean. Plus we have children who cannot swim.”

He smiled widely. “But, as has been pointed out to me, we need a place for children to learn to swim and we have very strong locks to keep children out. You girls work hard and need a fun place. Wanda, show them what we will build before we start on North addition.”

Wanda stepped up and a small overhead image of the mansion appeared on the floor. Between the East and West wings a glass ceiling reached between the two.

“Indoor pool room, sealed off by numerous locks. The pool will be large but around the pool we will have eight hot tubs that hold eight people each. We have been stockpiling materials for last month in Sokovia and Agatha will begin doing her magic conjuring thing after the New Year. Wanda has become very good with construction when she follows my directions and I have the plans made. It is our hope to have this made by February.”

The room was silent, not quite believing it.

“None of you want this?” Dima asked.

The room cheered and multiple girls rushed him, wrapping him in several hugs almost lifting him off his feet.

“That is more like it! I like enthusiasm. You must thank your witches. They will do most of the heavy lifting. I just tell them what to do.”

In the back, Nat and Stannic gave Steve a meaningful look. He sighed and nodded. He would be building a pool house on the farm. He planned to hire contractors for the work but knew he would be the one to keep it clean.

As the conversation flowed again amongst the guests, Stephen approached Wanda with Imi.

“Hello, Wanda. Thank you all for the invitation.” Stephen greeted her, a bit more formally than usual. The last time he had spoken to her he had made her slightly angry and wanted to feel out her mood.

“Of course, Stephen. We are partners and friends, even if you do make me irritated…” Wanda sighed. “It wasn’t you.”

“I know. I could have approached it with more subtlety.”

Imi cleared her throat. “I was just telling Stephen how well the girls are doing. They have been making strides…”

Wanda raised her hand to interrupt.

“When can we do the evaluations?”

“January 2?”

Wanda nodded. “Thank you.”

“This will help Wanda. It doesn’t mean they cannot learn, it will just give us a baseline to tell us how fast they can learn so we don’t overload them and frustrate them.”

“You don’t have to sell me, Stephen. I trust you. Just don’t make them feel… they need confidence and… I don’t want them to doubt themselves.”

Imi shook her head. “I will be there. You know I would never let them feel inferior. They are amazing children, Wanda. All the children are. Claudia and Tanya are having difficulty as well. All the children here have been through things that would break adults, much less children. I promise you, it will be okay.”

Wanda nodded and went to find Bucky. She was stopped by Sable.

“Wanda, I hoped we could talk for a moment.”

Wanda paused and her confusion was evident. “We talk all the time.”

“Yes, but this is a bit of sensitive subject. Agatha mentioned that perhaps with your new ability you can make a magical doorway in Ava’s room that goes into her room in our home?”

“It is a possibility. The gate can be stabilized and only those who I chose can use it but I would not do it without your permission.”

“You have my permission and I would like it if you could do it as quickly as possible.”

Wanda was taken back by the certainty in her voice. She had not planned to bring it up with Sable until she knew it could work and would be safe. It was complex magic to set up a permanent door between two points on the planet that could only be used by certain people chosen by the witch who created the door. Wanda and Agatha had discussed setting up a network of them to fall back locations around the world if needed including one to a brand new headquarters being built for the Sokovian Intelligence Division using technology from Wakanda procured as part of their trade agreement. Novi Grad was associated with the Red Widows and having a forwarding base in the country with additional assets in intelligence would be advantageous.

“Why the hurry?”

Sable looked behind her and Wanda followed her gaze to where Ava and Wong were standing by the tree with their arms around each other speaking to Everett.

“I would like Ava to have a way to the Mansion that does not require him being at the breakfast table every morning.”

Wanda cringed. Sable had never warmed to Wong and likely never would. As close as her and Ava had become, Wong had remained a strained issue between them. Ava was home every night and in the mansion every morning. She trained with the girls, hung out, watched movies or played games and spent time with Wong. At other times she would check in and go back to her home and spend time with her mother, shadowing her around the base and learning about the family empire. Ava was doing an amazing job at balancing all aspects of her life.

“I see. You and Wong still aren’t getting along.”

“It isn’t an issue of getting along. Perhaps until the door can be made you could use your ability to open doorways between places so she no longer requires him now.”

Wanda sighed. ‘Sable, it is not my business. If Ava wants me to bring her here every day and send her home of course I will. I would do anything she wants if she asks. If I could offer some advice maybe you should just try and accept him. They seem to be doing well and he obviously loves her and treats her with respect.”

Sable smirked. “When Ava told me you had adopted the twins and taken the responsibility of becoming a mother at your age, I had my doubts. I have never doubted your bravery but I doubted if you knew what you were getting into. As I watched you, I have become so impressed. You are a wonderful mother. The love you and the twins have for each other is beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“What would you do if a man his age began a relationship with one of your daughters when they are seventeen?”

Wanda wasn’t sure what to say. Her first reaction at the suggestion was anger. She looked toward the twins where they were rolling around the ground in their sweaters playing with the cats and the girls. Sierra had joined them as well, leaving Amanda’s side for a moment to join her own furry cats in some game the furballs were playing.

“I… that’s not the… you see… Wong… I can understand where…”

Bucky walked up behind Wanda and placed his arm around her.

“Ladies, you seem to be having a very serious discussion for a party.”

Sable smirked. “You didn’t hear us?”

Bucky shook his head. “Super soldier hearing, right? Doesn’t work so well when there are a lot of people talking at once and I have to listen to Steve bitch about cleaning a pool on a farm. What’s up?”

“What would you do if a man in his thirties began a relationship with one of your daughters when she turned seventeen?”

Bucky looked confused for a moment.

“My daughters? My Nela and Nadeja? The two little girls that curl up between us every night? You know they switch places every night. One night Nela is next to me and the other Nadeja. When its Nela she lays across my chest and her hair tickles the bottom of my nose. Nadeja gave her kittens to Billie to make her feel more at home. Nela could spend all day picking flowers to make princess tiaras. Nadeja glows when she learns a new word. She practically demands to be hugged as a reward. Those are the daughters you are talking about?”

“Yes.”

“I would castrate the bastard. I’d cauterize the wound then gut him and strangle him with his own intestines. I may break his legs and then spend hours torturing him. Maybe electricity if I had a good set up. Branding irons would be involved. I would give suffering a new meaning. Yeah, that wouldn’t happen. Nobody is touching my girls. They have many years before they would be ready for a relationship with someone their own age much less an older man. They have been through too much. Mind controlled, tortured, abused…”

Bucky paused.

“We are talking about Ava and Wong, aren’t we?” he realized.

“Yes we are.” Sable said, looking at Wanda with a satisfied smile.

“Wong’s a good guy. I have to get something from the kitchen. Bye.”

Bucky walked away quickly.

“You see my point?” Sable asked Wanda.

Wanda shook her head. “I agree with you but what you don’t seem to get is it is too late. They have been together for too long now. The more you push him away the angrier she is going to become. Has he ever treated her badly? Because I saw her when they broke up and she was hurting. He was as well. They love each other Sable. I understand where you are coming from. I do. Before the twins, I wouldn’t have but I get it. I also know Ava. She is special to all of us. We have all leaned on her many times. She is one of the best people I have ever known. She is strong and would never let this go on if she wasn’t happy.”

Sable narrowed her eyes at the two standing together closely. “You will work on the magical doorway quickly, yes?”

Wanda nodded. “As soon as I know it is safe and secure it will be done.”

“Excellent. So tomorrow morning is gift giving and tomorrow night we all celebrate at my compound. You have only met my closest friends during our monthly gatherings. I am anxious for you all to meet on an informal basis.”

“Ava has told us many stories of their antics. I’m looking forward to it as well.”

Wanda walked away to find Anya. She had seen Helena and Michiko bring Erik back so she assumed the diaper must be changed and it would be safe for her to hold him.

The next morning, the twins were up as soon as the sun rose. They sat up quickly, Nela’s elbow going into Bucky’s nose as it often did.

Nadeja crawled over Wanda pressing her face farther into the pillow. The two girls made for the door but it wouldn’t budge. Instead it was glowing red. They followed the glow to Wanda’s hand.

“Where do you two think you are going?”

Nadeja looked between her and the door.

“Santa. We need to know if we were good.”

Wanda sat up and yawned. “In your nightgowns?”

“Yes!” Nadeja exclaimed.

Wanda pointed to their pink dresser.

“Robes and slippers. We will go down with you.”

The girls did as told quickly then stood by the door with the cats in their arms while Bucky and Wanda rose slowly. They put on robes and Wanda ran a brush through her wild mane.

Wanda sent a text to Sasha letting those in charge of the younger children to meet on the first in five minutes. She didn’t need to wonder if they were up. The excitement was so thick in the mansion it made her giddy. She could feel the joy radiating off not just the younger children but the older widows as well. Each one had chosen a name out of a box to buy a gift for, plus gifts for the youngest. Sierra had been in the field and knew how to ride a motorcycle but the other youngest were hoping for their first bicycles.

In the large television room the Christmas tree stood tall in the middle and the rest of the room was filled with presents. Yelena stood in front of the entrance to the room as the foyer filled quickly. She was dressed in a black t shirt with a Red Widow symbol, gray jogging pants and her green vest.

“Is everyone here? It is six AM. It would be understandable if some people were still asleep like I wish I was.”

Yelena did a headcount and assure all the newest members were here as well. Then a portal opened and Ava and Wong stepped out.

“We have had many people join who were not part of our original group so some of you do not know all of our stories. When I was first freed from mind control by Wanda, I had nothing. She gave me her clothes to wear, she gave me food and she gave me a purpose. She also took me shopping.”

Yelena looked fondly at Wanda. “We were going among the ruins of Novi Grad, looking at clothes sold from tents. She told me to get what I wanted.

“I had no idea what I wanted. Nobody had ever given me a choice. I didn’t ‘t know how to choose. She waited though. She was patient and finally I saw this vest.”

Wanda smiled and shook her head as Yelena continued. “I thought it was cool and I was right. I could tell Wanda didn’t like it very much but she bought it for me. It was the first gift I was ever given. Even in Ohio we never celebrated birthdays or holidays. We took pictures with empty boxes as part of our cover. Yet here was this weirdly dressed girl who had saved my life and owed me nothing, giving me a gift.”

Yelena turned and looked at the room behind her.

“Now look at us. Look at how many of us there are and how many gifts we have to give each other. I think we should take a moment, look at each other and appreciate all that we have.”

Nadeja raised her hand. “Did Santa Claus come? Did everybody pass the good test?”

“Did we get bikes?” Billie asked.

“Can we get presents while you appreciate all you have?” Claudia asked.

Yelena sighed.

“Yes, Santa came. I think I saw some bikes by the tree behind mountains of presents. Everybody, attack. Antonia is on charge of handing out presents.”

The group rushed past Yelena and to the tree. The girls squealing and shouts of joy filled the room.

Wanda and Yelena took several photos. The gifts were a success. Some were sweet, some were fun and others were momentous, like the engagement ring Ingrid gave Kristina and the ring Antonia gave to Lerato before the couples came down.

“We have weddings and birthdays to plan for now.” Wanda told Yelena happily. “Things are good. More widows are safe in the world, one more has joined us, and…”

“Tanya just rode her bike into the tree. Catch it!” Yelena ordered.

Wanda was quick with her fingers and the Christmas tree was stopped from a colossal fall.

“Okay. We are good. Let’s leave the bike riding for the outside or the bunker, girls. Carry on.”

Wanda watched happily as the twins tore into boxes and colorful paper and ribbons flew into the air. Antonia called out gifts for the widows and several others took pictures of Anya opening Erik’s presents which mostly consisted of clothes and a football from Bucky.

“Merry Christmas, Everett.” Wanda told him when he walked next to her. “There are a few gifts with your name on them. Mostly socks since you don’t have many pairs but some fun ones as well.”

Everett snorted. “Thank you. Socks are in short supply.”

“Have you checked under Agatha’s bed?” Yelena asked innocently.

He looked at her quickly with reddening cheeks.

“Yelena, leave it alone. We agreed we wouldn’t say anything.”

Everett cleared his throat. “Its not what… we talk late a few nights about… history and politics and… stuff.”

“Sasha saw you going into her room at to A.M.” Wanda pointed out. “The doors aren’t that thick and Agatha is extremely loud. Ask Elvis. Agatha probably knows where he is hiding after he faked his death.”

Ross chuckled. “It’s funny. This place is a mad house. I am surrounded by dozens of girls who are all varying degrees of crazy. I have always been a loner and yet am surrounded by so many different personalities, children, teenagers, a few adults. I’ve been a city boy my entire life and I am now in the most remote part of France with the nearest convenience store a half hour away in a village that can hardly be called a village. Yet despite all that, for the first time in my life, I feel like I am exactly where I am meant to be.”

“That is because you are.” Wanda told him. “Go, get your presents. Don’t let the children see what you bought Agatha.”

Everett snorted. “I left her gift in the bed… I’m going to get my socks.”

Everett left Wanda waved her hand and a gift flew from the tree to Yelena.

“What is this?”

“Your gift from me. You thought I wouldn’t buy you anything?” Wanda asked.

Yelena waved it off. “You have done more than enough for me.”

“Open the damn gift.”

Yelena ripped the paper off and discovered her treasure.

“Complete series box set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?! Oh, how I love my witch!”

Wanda laughed as Yelena hugged her tight. “I know it is your comfort show.”

Yelena rushed to the tree and brought a box to Wanda.

“For me?”

“No, for someone else. I just took it from the tree.”

Wanda rolled her eyes and took the gift. Under the wrapping she found a boxed set of The British version of the Office.

“I know you have been feeling more anti American than usual lately so I thought maybe its time you were introduced to British comedy.”

Wanda hugged her. “Thank you. You have a dozen years of presents to catch up on from your parents. Better get to opening. I’m going to call Eleanor later this afternoon. Are you sure you don’t want to talk to her?”

“Eleanor?”

“You know who I mean.”

Yelena sighed and shook her head. “It is better this way.”

“Okay.” Wanda said, not wanting to push the issue. She wasn’t sure if it was a mistake but it was Yelena’s choice, right or wrong.

“Mama! Dollhouse!” Nadeja called out. The twins ran to Wanda and hugged her.

“Yes it is. Do you like it?”

“We love it! We have dolls too! Do we have room to keep it with us?”

Wanda looked at Bucky who walked over to join them.

“You haven’t seen the newest addition to the Mansion. On the first floor there are larger rooms. They have two bedrooms and a bathroom joining them. You and Nela will have your own room and Bucky and I will have a room connected by the bathroom. I realize you probably won’t sleep there yet but we will leave the doors to the bathroom open so it will be one big room. Gabby and Claudia and Oksana and Tanya have rooms there too. We are moving tomorrow into the bigger rooms. You will have space for many toys and Bucky won’t have to sleep in a pink bedroom.”

“New rooms? We are moving?” Nadeja said, not liking change very much.

“Yes. I think we could all use more space. Bucky has to go to his old room to change clothes.”

“I heard Sasha call Papa’s room Wanda’s sex shack. Why does she call it that? Will it still be Papa’s?”

Wanda glared at Sasha across the room. Sasha caught her glare, looked at the twins and looked away quickly.

“You can’t listen to Sasha. Do not eavesdrop on her, don’t even pay attention when she speaks directly to you. Just… Sasha!”

“I’m sorry!” she shouted across the room over the noise. “Whatever they heard me say, I’m sorry!”

Sasha gave her a large smile and Wanda rolled her eyes, letting it go.

“That is a very big dollhouse. Your papa will have a fun time putting it together today.”

“Couldn’t you do it with magic?” Nadeja asked.

Wanda nodded. “Of course, but I would never deprive him of the experience. So what did Santa bring you two?”

“Bikes!” Nela shouted. “And more dolls and movies and candy and books with big pictures of animals! I love spelling animals! He brought me a new scratching post for my big cats! Will we have room in the new rooms for the dollhouse and a post and our cats bed?”

Wanda assured her they would.

“They are your cats.” Nadeja pointed out. “Mama, why did Santa give me a box with a collar in it?”

Wanda smiled and nodded towards Bucky who walked outside.

“This collar is very important. It has a tracking chip inside it and whoever has it on can be tracked anywhere in the world. They will never be lost.”

“I have to wear a collar?” Nadeja asked dejectedly. “I never get lost.”

Wanda looked towards the door. Bucky walked inside with a furry white and grey puppy in his arms with almost glowing blue eyes.

“I was thinking she could wear it. We found this girl in Paris and she looked like she could use a home. Since Nela is busy taking care of her kittens I thought you could take care of her.”

Nadeja’s eyes widened and her mouth opened. Bucky knelt down in front of her.

“This little lady is one month old.” he told her. “She is a Siberian Husky. She’s Russian like Yelena and Ana.”

Nadeja reached out to touch her and the puppy licked her hand. She giggled and began petting its head.

“Dogs are a little different than cats. They require a lot more work. She has to be taken for walks to do her business. She is going to be a big girl, like Fanny. She will eat a lot and require a lot of exercise and attention like baths and grooming. Cats can entertain themselves but this lady will want and need a lot of attention from you. You know the best thing about her though?”

“She’s beautiful.” Nadeja said.

“She is also very protective. She will watch out for you and Nela. She is so protective I bet she can chase away bad dreams and you can cuddle with her at night.”

Yelena knelt down beside her. “It is true. When I met Fanny, she kept the bad dreams away if I held her tight. I used to sleep in your mama’s bed like you do because you mama kept the bad dreams away. But Fanny was able to do it. Fanny helps other girls too. I bet she can protect you and Nela while you sleep.”

“Are you ready to take care of her? It is a big responsibility.”

Nadeja nodded her head frantically and took her from Bucky’s arms.

“Nela, look! I will tell her to chase your bad dreams away too! She looks like a good girl like Fanny.”

“I think the cats will like her. What is her name?”

Nadeja looked at her for a long moment while the pooch licked her cheek.

“She reminds me of the snow storm last month,Mama. Do you remember? The sky turned dark but then it began to snow and when it was over there was snow everywhere.”

“Yes, Angel. It was scary but then beautiful.”

“I want to name her Storm.”

Wanda kissed her cheek. “That is a beautiful name. Storm. I like that. Why don’t we introduce Storm to the cats?”

Nadeja kissed Wanda on the cheek then Bucky and ran into the frenzied gift opening. Many of the girls stopped what they were doing to pet the pooch who seemed to love the attention.

“How many more animals will be in the Mansion?” Yelena asked. “Now the other girls will want puppies to. Even the older girls will want puppies. Probably small dogs who yip all the time. We will have a zoo running through the hallways.”

“You started it.” Wanda reminded her. “Imi said pets are good. So what if every widow wants a pet or a dozen. If it makes them happy that is good, right?”

“Do you want a pet?” Yelena asked.

Wanda shook her head. “I have a husband. He mostly takes care of himself and me when we can sneak off into his old room. I am already going to live with two cats and a big dog. The big rooms are beginning to feel a lot smaller and I haven’t moved in yet. Are you going with us this afternoon?”

“Of course. Many of us are. We are leaving black suits at home. What about you? Superhero suit, Miss national hero?”

Wanda shrugged. “I’m going as me. The kids are coming. I’m not going back to wearing tight leather tops and pants and stiletto boots. There are enough toy dolls in Sokovia dressed like that. I don’t want to dress like a mystical witch either. I’ll save it for Halloween. Do we have the gifts ready to be delivered?”

“The operation is ready to commence and police are ready to move out.

Later that afternoon, Wanda opened a doorway in the back of the Novi Grad orphanage that had recently been the site of a terrorist attack. The children and teachers had been back for five weeks after clean-up and a thorough investigation. Members of the Novi Grad police force were with them and they carried dozens of gift boxes.

“Is each box labeled?” Wanda asked. “I picked these gifts out specifically for each child.”

“As you requested, Miss Maximoff.” A sergeant assured her.

Agatha waved her hand and the back door opened. “Time to put on the best magic show these kids will see in their life.”

The door to the common room opened and the children inside saw Wanda Maximoff, Yelena Belova, a woman in a purple dress with glowing purple eyes and gift boxes floating in the air behind them. Then dozens of other women and a few kids walked out behind them.

The wide eyed residents began whispering.

“Wanda Maximoff.”

“Yelena Belova.”

“Bucky Barnes.”

“Red Widows.”

“Who is the woman with the purple eyes?”

Wanda paused inside. She had only been here once since the place was rebuilt and that was to unleash hell on terrorists. Before that she had been there to kill her tormentors.

Prior to that her experiences here had been hell, filled with memories of beatings, rape, and blood.

The new place no longer looked like a dark prison. The walls were brightly painted, the room had game chairs and televisions and even table tennis boards. The children were well dressed in new clothes, not the grey uniforms they had been given when Wanda was trapped here.

“You okay?”

Wanda focused on the bright eyed and excited boys and girls, children who had lost everything but at least had a safe place to sleep, eat and not be harmed.

“Hello. We are the Red Widows. We have brought you presents and my friend Agatha and I would like to put on a magic show. Does that sound fun?”

The children cheered. Food was brought in by police, employees all gathered and the festivities began.

After handing gifts to children and being hugged by them all, she took a moment to look over the room. She saw Yelena being swamped on the ground by three kids she was wrestling with. She saw Staci and Aino laughing with a teenage girl close to their age. Nadeja and Nela had brought their pets and were letting the orphans pet them. Nela was not jittery despite the people wanting her attention. Nadeja was enjoying her new friend being the center of attention and did not appear defensive. Imi watched her from across the room and smiled, seeming satisfied and Wanda was able to relax even more.

She began to cry.

Bucky wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. He didn’t ask what was wrong.

“They are so proud of you.”

Wanda wiped her eyes. “Who? The kids?”

“Your parents and brother. They are proud of you, Wanda. Look what you have done.”

Wanda smiled. “I didn’t do it by myself.”

“Yeah, but you did it. I’m not sure how I got lucky enough to get you but I am pretty damn proud to be your husband. Merry Christmas, Doll.”

“Yes, merry Christmas, Doll.” Yelena told her, approaching while eating a large slice of cake.

Wanda snorted and walked out of the room and into the hallway. She took out her phone.

“Hello, Wanda.”

“Hello Eleanor. How are you doing?”

Eleanor sighed. “We talked. She wants to come back. She…. we talked all night. I think we will be okay. She had time to think… and even apologized for her reaction but I told her it was natural and apologized. I should have just told her from the begiining… I am sorry I missed the gifts this morning.”

“You have to take care of your daughter, Eleanor. I understand. More than I ever have before.”

“The twins?”

“So happy. It killed me that they were so worried Santa wouldn’t think they were good. No matter how much I encourage and reassure them they still doubt themselves.”

“They have come a long way in a short time. That’s because of you. How is Yelena?”

Wanda opened the door and saw Yelena knelt down trying to speak to a little girl about her doll despite the language barrier.

“She is holding it together. Having her brother to focus on today and her parents piling her with gifts and hugs has helped.”

Eleanor was quiet for a moment. “Kate regrets the things she said to Yelena. She told me that. She… is Yelena planning on calling her?”

Wanda said nothing for a moment, answering the question.

“Is Yelena angry at her?”

“No.” Wanda told her quickly. “Yelena just thinks it is better if she stays away. It isn’t easy for her but she is strong and stubborn. Is Kate planning on calling her?”

“Kate is too embarrassed. She hasn’t spoken to Yelena or reached out in months and… they aren’t getting back together, are they?”

“I don’t think so, Eleanor. Maybe one day but… I don’t know. I don’t now if its good or bad… I just don’t know so I am staying out of it. If its right, they will find each other again. Eleanor… enjoy Christmas. Give Kate my love. I haven’t spoken to her either but it is probably best. The two of you need each other. No one should interfere in that, especially me. I love you.”

“I love you too, Wanda. Merry Christmas. Send me the video of the gift openings today, alright?”

“Promise.”

Wanda walked inside and saw the children and the widows all seated on the floor while Agatha stood in front of the group and spoke to them in perfect Sokovian.

“There is my Scarlet Witch. Come here, Sabrina. Time to show the children some Christmas magic. Then we must go to Ava’s palace.”

Wanda smiled warmly. She was pretty sure Christmas magic had already happened but the kids could use some more. Everybody could always use more magic in their life.

Red energy balls glowed in her hand and turned into images of Santa Claus and his reindeer flying around the room. Agatha added fireworks and music. The lights dimmed and the show began.