Chapter 25:

Wanda was pulled to consciousness very gently so that she realized she was awake before ever opening her eyes. Her mind was still intertwined with Vision's and she felt his consciousness note her awakening. Despite this, she kept her eyes closed, every worry she'd had for the past year felt small and far away with her eyes closed and Visions warmth against her cheek.

Vision found her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, sensing her thoughts. I must go. I have already been away too long.

Wanda let out a small groan in protest but obediently opened her eyes, the dawn light still barely enough to see by. Vision appeared cool and collected, but she could feel the inner turmoil beginning to build inside him. He stood effortlessly, holding out a hand to help her to her feet. Wanda felt the sleepiness drop from her quickly as reality began to take hold.

"I will convince the others and come as quickly as I can." He spoke firmly but Wanda could sense the small pit of doubt behind his words. She didn't answer, instead she reach out and took his hand, taking a step closer so that their bodies were almost touching, eyes locked.

"I love you, Vision." She whispered softly, never removing her eyes from his. The thought crossed her mind that this could be the last time she ever saw him and she found herself unable to say anything else. Vision heard her doubt and he leaned forward, placing the softest of kisses against her upturned lips.

"I will see you again, Wanda Maximoff."

Then, without another word, his hand slipped from hers. A momentary flutter of air stirred her hair and he was gone; only a dot in the sky. Wanda let her hand drop, feeling her connection to his mind become a blur then blink out entirely as the distance grew between them. For several long minutes she stood silently, watching as the stars twinkled out, one by one, in the growing light. A sudden shiver trembled through her, breaking her train of thought. She sighed and finally turned toward the quinjet, a strong sense of calm beginning to take hold of her now that the time had come.

Several of the boys were already awake as she stepped inside the belly of the quinjet. Sam glanced over at her entrance and raised an eyebrow, a smug smirk building on his face. Wanda ignored him, weaving through the seats toward the bunks in the back. As she passed the cockpit, she saw Clint preparing the jet for its journey. He glanced up at the sound of her footsteps and gave her a long, hard look. Wanda opened her mouth to speak but Clint cut her off.

"Don't bother, kid." He said as he swiveled his chair back around to face the dash. "I just hope you know what you're doing."

"I hope so too." She responded softly, before continuing on toward the bunks. She pulled open the metal cabinet that stored a few of their suits. The only ones still hung were Steve's and her own. She pulled hers delicately from the rack, running her thumb across the soft, leathery material.

The suit felt snug against her skin as she pulled it on. There was always some tension before a battle, it was natural. But there was something about finally facing Velkis that transcended the normal boundaries of her nerves.

"I know I can't ask you to hang back on this one." The sound of Steve's voiced behind her pulled her from her own morbid thoughts. "But I need you to be extra careful. When a fight gets personal, mistakes can happen."

She didn't even need to peek into his mind to know he was reliving his hasty choices in DC and the results that had come about because of them.

"I only ask the same of you." Wanda answered softly, unable to express how much Steve, Sam, Clint and the others had become the closest thing she had to family. And how much that scared her. Without another word, she slipped past Steve into the next room.

"This isn't much of a secret villain headquarters." Scott mumbled as the quinjet settled to the ground outside a largely deserted building within the heart of Berlin. A crumbling concrete wall surrounded the building, creating a courtyard just large enough for them to land in. Beyond the wall, the sounds of cars and people were muffled but distinguishable.

"We have to be careful." Steve said, surveying the building quickly, his hand acting as a visor against the noonday sun. "It may look deserted, but they probably already know we're here." He cast a worried glance toward the wall. "We have to make sure no one gets beyond the perimeter or we'll be putting innocent lives at risk."

"Exactly why they picked this location, I'm sure." Clint said from beside him, fingers already flexing in preparation to reach for an arrow.

"Buck, you got anything?" Steve turned to Bucky, but received only a shake of the head in return.

"I've never seen this base." He answered not removing his eyes from the building, as though it would suddenly turn savage and attack.

"I think I've got something that might help." Sam spoke up from the back. Everyone except Bucky turned to him as the sound of a small motor started up. Wanda couldn't help but be impressed as the little red drone zipped past her at Sam's command. Sam caught her look and winked. "I call him Redwing. He was the newest mod to my suit before we split headquarters."

Redwing hovered besides the building, scanning each floor with quick accuracy. Wanda watched the drone zip back and forth, until it froze, just outside a first floor window.

"There's not a single lifeform in the building." Sam said, stepping forward and moving toward where his drone hovered a few feet off the ground. "But it looks like Redwing is picking up an energy signature from the elevator shaft on the first floor." As he approached it, Redwing spun around him, clipping into the back of his pack with smooth ease.

"Must be an underground facility." Clint said, lowing his bow only slightly and glancing over at Steve for instructions. Steve was silent for a long moment as he stared at the building. Finally he turned to address them all, his face set in determination.

"An underground facility leaves us few options for retreat. It's as likely as anything, that this is a trap." He was careful to meet each of their eyes, assessing their resolve. "If you want to back out now, then here's your chance. Odds are we're outnumbered and outmanned. But Velkis is in there, and I can't leave in good conscious. Not knowing what we know."

"I'm with you Cap." Sam spoke up first, taking a step forward. "I think we all are."

Wanda nodded with the rest, already mentally flexing her powers. She might not be able to affect those bonded with the stones, but she wasn't entirely useless. She'd been running though ideas with Clint on the way to Germany and Velkis and his soldiers were in for a surprise.

Steve looked around at them once more, noting each determined face before giving a small nod of his head.

"Alright. Let's go."

The building was dark and dusty. Sam, busied himself for a moment with the control panel on his arm and Redwing detached itself, moving to hover about them, a beam of light emitting for its front, eliminating the way.

The elevator was at the end of a dark hall. Its doors stood open, the button indicating down was glowing an ominous green.

"Definitely trappy." Scott mumbled under his breath as they filed into the elevator.

The doors closed automatically after the last person stepped in. There was a slight rumble and the elevator began to slide slowly downwards.

"Wanda, set up a shield. Just in case." Steve said quietly. Wanda nodded silently, bringing her fingers up and twisting them so that a glowing red shield lined the inside walls of the elevator. She tried to focus on maintaining the energy field, not on what might await them at the bottom floor.

The ride was silent, each man bracing themselves for the fight ahead. Wanda caught glances in each of their minds, occasional thoughts not her own flashing across her consciousness. Finally, the door slid open and each of them held their breath.

All was silent.

The doors opened on to a long hallway. Dim florescent lights formed a straight line down the middle of the ceiling, illuminating the path ahead. Steve stepped out first, alert for any sign of movement or sound. He made a quiet gesture that they should follow him, before preceding down the hall, shield up and at the ready.

Wanda sent out a mental probe, scanning the area for any signs of life. As far as she could reach, the way ahead seemed empty except for her team. But that meant nothing anymore. Velkis' men could be just around the corner and she would never know. The thought made her uneasy and her fingers glowed red and ready.

The hallway came to a sudden stop at a thick steel door. With one last glance behind him, Steve pulled up the bar and pushed the door open.

They stood on a raised balcony that lined the wall. To their left and right the walk turned downward into stairs that lead to the floor beneath them. They all stepped up to the balcony's edge, unsure what to make of the sight below.

Rows of large green glowing chambers filled the space below them. Even from this distance, Wanda could see that each chamber with filled with men, all standing upright, a black mask covering their mouths and noses. It was almost as though they were sleeping, each had his eyes closed, the green light giving a creepy cast to their features.

"I was not expecting guests! You have taken me quite by surprise."

The voice seemed to come from the walls themselves, both everywhere and nowhere. Instantly they all stood at attention, eyes scanning every corner for the source of the voice.

"And how nice to see you again, Wanda. It has been far too long."

This time the voice was quieter, it had a source, and Wanda felt a shiver of fear run down her spine. Wanda followed the source and watched as Velkis stepped out from behind one of the chambers. He spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Wanda's eyes were drawn to the glowing yellow stone set in a gold ring on his right hand. He certainly looked older, more like the image she had seen of him during their meeting with Coulson. But something was different. There was angled cast to his features now, as though his skin had turned to wax, unchangeable and no longer human.

At her side, Clint had an arrow aimed directly at Velkis' chest.

"Dr. Aren Velkis I assume." Steve said, taking charge. Velkis pulled his eyes from Wanda and turned to analyze Steve.

"Ah, yes. Captain Rogers. I have heard much of you." A slight accent curled his words. His eyes scanned the rest of the team, pausing momentarily on Bucky before moving on. "I am afraid you have caught me at a disadvantage."

"Won't have to worry about that long, Velkis. We're here to take you in."

Velkis let out a short bark of a laugh and he grinned, showing all his teeth.

"Are you not a wanted man yourself, Mr. America?" He grinned wider at the look on Steve's face, turning his back to them and beginning to stroll up the aisle between the chambers of sleeping men. "We are not so different, you and I. We both seek to save this world… To protect it."

He stopped beside one of the chambers, putting his hand loving on its metal side.

"I think you and I have very different ideas about what it means to save the world."

"I would agree, Captian." Velkis answered cheerfully, spinning lightly so that he was once again facing them. "You are weak."

Beside Wanda, Clint mumbled something under his breath, pulling tighter on his bowstring. Bucky made a growling noise in his throat, the metal bar of the balcony bending under the pressure of his metal hand.

"While you fight amongst yourselves, I am the one who is building an army. One that will protect us when he comes."

As he spoke, the glass doors of the chambers slide open with a small hiss. Each man inside opened their eyes, staring unblinkingly at the nothing before them.

"Enough." Bucky said gruffly, using his metal hand to flip himself over the rail, dropping down to the floor below with a loud crack of breaking concrete. Velkis grinned as Bucky approached, holding is ground. When Bucky was only a few feet away, Velkis raised the hand with the yellow ring, twisting his fingers forward faintly.

Bucky frozen in his tracks. Velkis' grin turned to a snarl and he flicked his wrist forward, sending Bucky speeding backward to slam into the wall; Bucky slide down it, crumpling into an unconscious mass on the floor. At the same moment, all the soldiers stepped forward from their chambers, masks falling to the floor. Now that they were out in the open, Wanda could see that the green light of the chambers had been coming from the glowing stones imbedded in their chests.

Steve didn't hesitate, without a word he followed Bucky over the edge. The fight had begun.

Clint unleashed three arrows in quick succession, each making their mark in the eyes of the closest soldiers. But they paused for only a moment, ripping the arrows from their eyes with mechanical movements, blood dripping down their cheeks. Swearing loudly, Clint began to rain down a second storm of arrows.

Sam had taken off after Steve and Bucky, a tiny Scott disappearing into the crowd at the same moment. Wanda quickly scanned the throng, sending out a blast that pushed a couple of soldiers backwards, but otherwise did not faze them. Steve was fighting his way through the crowd toward Velkis, who was standing farther back now, almost on the opposite side of the room. He surveyed the scene before him, a nasty little smile curling his lip. As she watched, Wanda could see how greatly Velkis' men outnumbered them. For each one of them, there was more than triple that amount in soldiers. Perhaps if they died like normal men, they would stand a chance. But as she watched, Steve landed a blow that would have killed the man. Instead, the soldier stumbled backward the indent in his chest apparent, before he resumed his attack.

Wanda curled her fingers, thrusting forward with her palms. Several necks snapped and the men crumpled to the floor, momentarily stunned. Without wasting a moment, Wanda launched herself into the air and over the side of the balcony, landing in a blast of red mist that pushed back all the soldiers near her.

You've grown stronger.

The sound of that icy voice in her head caused her to freeze. A hand grabbed her arm in her distraction and she managed to use the powers of her free hand to snap the man's wrist backward, breaking his grip. Her head whipped around, looking for Velkis.

How had he gotten into her mind? She could not feel him there now, but the thought scared her. The only people she'd ever met who were able to communicate with her in such a way were Pietro and Vision.

Finally she spotted him. He still stood on the opposite side of the room, but he was no longer alone. The man from Greenland, Rumlow, was now standing beside him.

"We can't hold them back, Cap!" Clint shouted over the rail from his position on the balcony. But Steve had just spotted Rumlow beside Velkis and he was making his way quickly through the mass of soldiers toward them.

Bucky rose and began to brutally smash his way toward Steve. Sam and Scott were holding off two different packs, but the soldiers were slowly gaining ground, the green stones burning brightly in their chests. She heard Clint swear from somewhere above as a few of the soldiers began climbing the stairs after him.

You cannot win, Wanda.

Wanda let out at roar, pushing Velkis' presence from her mind with a violent force, releasing a flash of red mist that broke the bones of every soldier in a five foot radius. They rose despite their injuries, approaching her with new anger in their eyes.

"It really is foolish to continue fighting." Velkis' voice was once more projected unnaturally loud throughout the room. "You only waste your strength. A greater threat approaches and you prefer to squabble like children."

The steel door they had arrived through burst open and a red and gold blur zipped into the room, stopping to hover directly above Velkis and Rumlow.

"I never did see the point in growing up."

Wanda was surprised to find that she was actually glad to hear Tony Starks voice.

Natasha, Rhodey and a skinny youth in a tight red suit raced in after Tony. Wanda watched at the youth swung into the battle like a spider on a web. Last of all, Vision flew through the blasted door, his face hard and emotionless.

On the other side of the room, Tony sent a blast from his palm directly at Velkis and Rumlow. With smooth ease, Velkis raised his right hand and a glowing golden dome incased them. The blast bounced off and Tony had to swerve to avoid it.

Wanda stretched out and connected to Vision's mind.

Velkis is powerful. She flashed through the encounter, sending him her proof. The stone on his finger, I think it is the copy of the Mind Stone he was trying to create.

Vision's eyes found Velkis on the other side of the room. Without a word he flew off in his direction, ignoring Wanda's mental protest. As he approached, a crafty smile crept onto Velkis' face and Wanda felt her heart sink. With one quick move Velkis stepped through a door behind him, closing it softly after him.

Wanda watched as Vision floated through the steel after him, the connection between their minds ending abruptly as he disappeared.

"VISION!" She called, blasting two of the men nearest her back by a foot. They continued to pursue her and she twisted her fingers forward, breaking their legs. Another hand grabbed her, releasing her quickly when an arrow split it at the wrist. She glanced backward in time to see Clint give her a solemn nod before jumping into the fight, his last arrow spent.

Launching herself into the air, she grew deaf to the sounds around her, struggling with all her might to pierce through the strange barrier the door presented to her mind. She landed before it, the metal smooth and slightly warm against her palm. It sent the tinest vibrations through her arm, rising goosebumps on her skin. Without pausing to think, she pushed it open and stepped through.

Immediately she felt as though she had plunged into icy water. There was only a single moment for her to scan the scene and what she saw lit a spark of blind fury within her. Vision was kneeling before Velkis, who towered above him, his hands bound behind his back. They both turned to look her as she stepped through the door. She saw Visions expression change from one of defiance to one of desperation and he tried to call out to her.

But something was wrong. The sound of his shout was muffled as though it was coming through a broken speaker. She raised her hand, intending to push her power through to her fingertips but it felt as though everything were happening in slow motion. She saw her hand rising, but it wasn't rising fast enough.

She could only watch helplessly as Rumlow stepped forward and gripped her wrist, twisting her arm behind her back.

"Bind her hands. It is how she controls her powers." She heard Velkis say, sounds already returning to normal. She felt Rumlow tug on her hands, binding her fingers so she couldn't bend them at the joints.

The world slammed back into full speed, but it was too late, she couldn't move hands, her arms bent awkwardly behind her. Rumlow pushed her crudely across the room, his breath hot on the back of her neck.

"Maybe I will get to kill you after all, huh?" He whispered into her ear before pushing her roughly to her knees beside Vision.

"So nice of you to join us, Wanda." Velkis said, stepping towards her. Vision shifted at his movement and the sound of chains rattling echoed throughout the room. Wanda saw that both his arms were bound behind his back by loops of metal chain. Velkis saw her eyeing them and answered her unspoken question.

"The same metal that once bound the Mind Stone in the scepter." Wanda's head snapped back to look at Velkis, trying to hide the panic that was rising in her at his words. "It is convenient for storage of something so precious, no?"

She tried to stretch her mind out to Vision, but his thoughts were impenetrable to her as long as he was bound by the chains. Velkis smiled as though he knew exactly what she'd just tried to do.

"You know," He took another step towards her and Visions chains rattled again. "It is a shame to hear of your brother…. But you were always the special one." He was close enough to reach out with one spidery finger and trace her jaw. His ring glowed ominously as his finger made contact with her skin. Wanda snapped her head away from his touch, glaring daggers.

"I intended my army to be just like you." His finger retracted and curled into a fist. "But without access to the Stone, all I was able achieve was this cheap imitation." He turned to Vision, stepping away from Wanda, the Mind Stone glowing in his irises. "No matter. You have brought me exactly what I wanted."

The sound of muffled shouting could be heard on the other side of the door now, and a loud thump drew all their eyes as something large collided with it. Rumlow made to move in that direction but Velkis stopped him.

"Leave it. We have what we need." His eyes lingered on the stone embedded in Visions forehead and Wanda pulled at her restraints. Her movement caught his attention and he pulled his eyes from Vision.

"Restraint is not necessary." He spoke in Sokovian now, he tone softer. "I could free you. You need only agree to join me."

"I would die first." Wanda spit back, the words of her native tongue rolling quickly off her lips. Velkis sighed as though he'd expected this.

"You have changed. I remember a time when you would have jumped at the chance to destroy all those that call themselves Avengers." He motioned to Rumlow who stepped up to Vision and pulled him to his feet. He began to lead him toward the other end of the room, where another door stood waiting. Wanda struggled harder against her bonds, eyes bouncing rapidly between Vision and Rumlow.

"Stop! Wait!" She struggled harder, willing just one finger to move but they were bound tight. "You can take me instead, use me!"

Velkis paused, he turned slowly, looking between her and Vision.

"Wanda." Vision said quietly, a warning.

A grin began to build on Velkis' face and he took a stepped toward her once more.

"What is this?" He took in her desperate expression, the hard emotionlessness of Visions gaze and laughed, suddenly understanding. "I will admit I did not expect this. But do not fear. It will be quick, take solace in that."

"You do not need to do this!" Wanda shouted at his retreating back, struggling forward awkwardly on her knees. "You have power! You have your army!"

"It is not enough!" Velkis whipped around, his eyes suddenly hard as he contemplated her. "It is not enough for what is coming."

"What is coming?" She questioned, hoping to stall him even for just a moment longer. The shouts were getting louder on the other side of the door and she knew if she could just delay him another minute…

"THANOS!" He bellowed the name at her, and for a moment she was frozen in shock. The word meant nothing to her, but Velkis' eyes had taken on a crazy edge and they bulged from their sockets.

"I have seen it." Now his voice was icy cold, barely above a whisper. "He will come. And he will bring destruction and death to everyone of Earth." He pointed a shaking finger at Vision. "He will come for it, but I will stop him."

He seemed to come to himself, blinking at her for a silent moment. Before he could fully recover, the door slammed open.

Steve only took a moment to assess the situation before charging forward, the magic of the door ineffective on him.

"ENOUGH." The frustrated roar came from Velkis and he raised the hand with the ring, facing palm up and outward. Steve froze, only feet away. Only his eyes could move, flickering between them. "Take care of it."

Rumlow grunted, for the first time something like a smile appeared on his face.

"Finally." He mumbled, unsheathing a large knife as he moved toward Steve.

Wanda watched with wide eyes, the others were jammed up in the door, fighting off what remained of the soldiers. They could not make it in time. She heard Visions chains rattle as he desperately attempted to free himself behind her. But the metal worked its magic against him. Wanda felt herself struggle against her own bonds, but it was as though her body belonged to a different person. Her mind had separated itself from her physical form, almost hypnotized by the scene before her.

It was almost so dreamlike how Rumlow stepped up to Steve, the knife braced in one fist, that for a moment she wondered if what she was seeing was real. She watched as the knife slid between Steve's upper ribs, plunging directly into his heart. His eyes widened with surprise. The energy holding him broke and Steve fell forward on his knees, the life behind his eyes dulling slowly.

Wanda heard herself screaming, somewhere near her Bucky bellowed in rage. Rumlow turned easily from Steve's fallen body, ready to engage Bucky, who'd broken his way into the room. The others were close behind, the fight breaking into the room.

Her eyes found Visions and their steady gaze gave her focus. She imagined the configuration of gears within running their course and a strange calmness enveloped her.

Velkis had joined the fight now, he moved his arms in familiar patterns, blasting Sam backwards with a burst of gold energy. He crushed the systems of Rhodeys suit, and it began failing. Wanda saw Natasha, blood running down her head, a large rip in the arm of her suit. Clint and Scot were nowhere in sight and Wanda had only a moment to feel uneasy before Rumlow was flung across her field of vision.

He was covered in so much blood, it was amazing he was still standing. Bucky charged after him once more and Rumlow grinned, gaping holes where several of his teeth had been.

The kid in the red suit had bound up several men, but the webbing seemed to be melting off them too quickly.

Velkis turned his attention to Tony, tendrils of golden light wrapped themselves around the arms and legs of the suit, crunching them slowly.

They were losing.

Four men broke off from the fighting and hurried toward Vision as though on some unheard order. They began to drag him towards the door opposite. Visions eyes caught hers one last time and she saw the regret and sadness in them. He was saying goodbye.

For the first time since her transformation, Wanda felt helpless. She continued to struggle against her bonds, eyes rolling from Vision to Velkis who had reduced Tony to a heap of metal, sparks flashing from broken wires. Sam was approaching him now, determination on his face despite the broken wing of his suit and the black eye just beginning to form. Velkis turned to him, and Wanda knew he would die too.

Wanda closed her eyes, taking a deep breath she stopped struggling allowing her body to become completely still. She focused on blocking out all sounds around her, just as she'd done with Sam so long ago.

She embraced the darkness within herself, cutting off all connection to her own powers. She focused on the nothingness, giving herself over to it. A fissure appeared in the darkness, letting a flood of emotion consume her consciousness.

The fighting around her came to a sudden halt as a deep red glow engolfed the room, casting eerily shadows of the occupants along the walls.

Velkis froze in his attack and turned. Wanda was encased in red. Her body glowed a translucent scarlet and began to rise limply into the air, her knees unfolding so that her feet hovered an inch from the ground, two inches, then three. She rose steadily higher; the glow darkening into a deep, blood red.

The bonds holding back her hands broke and disintegrated into dust, freeing her. Eyes still closed she brought her hands up to her sides, fingers curling inward invisible under the bright red light that emanated from them.

Her eyes snapped open, finding Velkis. His eyes widened in shock, but narrowed quickly, a snarl building on his face. He raised his right hand, meaning to attack her.

Wanda lifted her own hand, snapping her wrist to the side, freezing Velkis' arm in mid motion. He turned to it in amazement, struggling against her hold on him. But his struggles felt like nothing more than caressing feathers against her mind. Without taking her eyes from Velkis, she directed her other hand at Vision. Red coils twisted their way up the chains binding him, glowing brighter the farther they climbed, melting the metal so that Vision could pull his arms free.

The world suddenly regained movement, Velkis' soldiers relaunching their attack on what remained of the stunned team. Vision jumped into the air before the men around him had the time to resume their attack. The red glow encompassed them all, giving a strange sense of unreality to those fighting below.

The power raged through her, stronger than any she'd ever managed to channel before. But it was fading quickly, she only had one chance.

Vision. She called out to him with her mind and he came.

She stretched out the hand not holding down Velkis, reaching for him. Vision took her hand with his own, giving the smallest of nods in approval of the plan he saw forming in her mind; then he closed his eyes.

They hovered together over the battle that raged below, hands clasped. Velkis was screaming insults, but Wanda ignored his hysteria, focusing on her task.

She searched Vision's mind, gliding through the familiar terrain with ease. She found it; that vast, alien place in his mind where the Stones power resided. She gripped his hand tighter, thrusting herself into energy within.

The yellow stone on Vision's forehead shifted to a bright red.

The power was so heavy that for a moment Wanda thought she might burst with it. Vision helped her guide it forward into some semblance of order, but she knew she could not hold it for long.

"You will destroy yourself, Wanda!" Velkis shouted below her, still struggling to pull his arm free of her grip. "The world will descend into chaos and it will be because of you!"

Wanda turned to him, raising her arm higher, bending her fingers outward.

"Then let chaos reign." She said simple, unleashing the force within her.

A flash of red blinded everyone for just a moment, even Wanda. In that second she connected to small stone on Velkis' finger, linking her to his mind and the mind of all his soldiers. Finally she could see them. Then the image in Velkis' mind changed, shifting to a scene she could not control.

A creature so alien that it could not be from Earth sat upon a floating throne. It seemed almost as though the image was real, that the creature could sense her gaze. It turned its head and she felt it look into her soul.

Thanos. The name entered her mind by no will of her own.

Thanos was coming. She was suddenly certain that Velkis' crazy ravings had been the truth. They were all in grave danger.

The image was gone as soon as it appeared. Red cracks appeared in the stone set on Velkis' finger, the cracks widened stretching down the ring and appearing in his flesh. Velkis' mouth opened in horror as the cracks carried up his arm and began encompassing his entire body. He turned to Wanda one last time, the expression on his face unreadable, before exploding suddenly into a cloud of red dust that sputtered then faded out completely.

Wanda felt the power fade from her, the red glow dying out and returning the room to normal. She felt herself drop from the air, but Vision was quick to catch her, hooking one arm under her legs while the other steadied her back. He touched down, still cradling her in his arms.

Around them, the enhanced soldiers began collapsing as the light of the green stones in their chest faded and died.

Vision lowered her gradually to her feet, keeping a hand on her just in case she should stumble. Wanda looked up at him, searching his face for any sign of weakness from her power drain. But it seemed as though the use of the Mind Stones power had actually rejuvenated him. He managed a small sad smile at her, and suddenly she remembered.

She turned to see Bucky and Sam already kneeling beside Steve's fallen body, tears trailing down both their faces. Wanda felt hot tears tracing themselves down her own cheeks and Vision placed an arm around her shoulders, holding her close to him, their minds still blended together as one.

The morning dawned cloudy and grey, a fine mist hung in the air clinging to every surface. It was as though even the weather mourned the loss.

Wanda pulled herself from bed without much vigor, her mind flitting from one thought to the next. The past week had flown by in a series of moments, the time in between each flowed through her like air and she was unable to recall much of it. Her first real memory after the battle was sitting on a quinjet, Vision beside her. After a moment of deep consideration, he had taken her hand within his own, offering what comfort he could. Someone official looking had been trying to speak to her, but Vision had politely dismissed them, allowing her to sink into her own thoughts once more.

The next thing she could remember clearly was Vision settling her into her bed at the Avengers headquarters. She'd asked him to stay and he hadn't refused; settling against the wall so that she could rest her head on his lap. She could vaguely remember him tucking a blanket tighter around her as she began to drift to sleep.

She visited Pietro. He was exactly as she'd left him. Vision held back as she stepped up to the cradle where he lay, giving her space. Wanda remembered the coolness of the glass as her fingers brushed lightly across it. Tracing the familiar planes of Pietro's face felt better than she could have imagined and she was surprised when she felt Vision brushed a tear from her cheek.

The debriefing a day later was one of the most vivid memories of that week. General Pike had been the most somber she had ever seen him, his face withholding any ounce of emotion as he told them of the repeal of the Sokovia Accords. An act that reach unanimous approval in light of the death of Steve Rogers, American hero.

The topic of Thanos was touched on only lightly in this meeting. To them he was only a shadow, something vague and unrecognizable that could not touch them. But Wanda had seen his face, felt his power, and she exchanged a long look with Vision as the subject was brushed upon. He had stared back in that solemn way of his, the only other person in the room who could even begin to understand what was coming.

That is, until the arrival of Thor, three days before Steve's funeral. He had appeared as suddenly as ever, leaving a circular scorch of earth to announce his arrival. He did not need to be told of Steve's death, all he asked for were the details. Wanda was one of the few to meet with him that night. The others included Vision, Sam, Clint and Natasha. Tony had been invited but he'd declined without explanation, an uncharacteristic move. Only Wanda knew what was in his heart; that he blamed himself for Steve's death.

The mention of Thanos had set the most curious look on Thor's face and Wanda had been quick to probe his mind for more information, even as he began to explain out loud. Thanos, the mad titan, a god obsessed with bringing death to the universe. A fairy tale told to the children of Asgard. But even fairy tales can hold a glimmer of truth.

Thor held Visions gaze as he explain the emergence of the Infinity Stones and their possible connection. He asked Vision to accompany him upon his return to Asgard and, after a moment of hesitation, Vision had agreed. They would leave after the funeral had taken place.

That night, once they were alone, Wanda had demanded to be taken along; insisting that she could be of the most use at his side.

"My powers come from the stone!" She spoke passionately, unable to comprehend even the thought of losing Vision so soon after Steve. "What use am I here?"

"The Earth needs you, Wanda." Vision had explained calmly. He attempted to rest his hands on her shoulders, but she shook him off and turned her back to him. Undeterred he stepped up behind her, placing both his hands on her upper arms. After a moment she gave in, sinking backwards into him.

"He is coming, I feel it." She spoke softly, barely above a whisper. Vision shifted so his arms were around her and she leaned further into him, loving the feel of him so close and hating that soon he would no longer be within reach.

"And we will be ready for him when he does."

They had spent the rest of the night in each other's company, worry the farthest thing from their minds.

As Wanda stared out into grey, misty dawn and relived each of those moments, she felt a strange sense of calm. She pulled on a basic black dress, leaving her hair to flow free around her shoulders. Vision had disappeared before the sun had risen, claiming unfinished business before his departure the next morning. He'd kissed her softly before leaving, promising he would see her at the funeral at noon. Her room already felt cold and empty without him.

Without thinking, she let her feet take her to the common room, where she found Sam standing alone beside one of the large glass windows. She poured herself a cup of coffee from the pot and went to stand beside him. She could feel his grief rolling off his mind and wished there was something she could do. Outside, the mist turned to rain. It bounced off the glass, congruently reflecting the day's mood.

After a long silence, Sam spoke up.

"It's not fair." Wanda turned to look at him, but his eyes were following a drop of rains path down the glass of the widow. "It's not fair that the world loses him. It's not fair that we lose him."

There was another long silence. Wanda could not find any words, but she could sense that Sam did not need any.

"After Riley died, I didn't know how to keep going, how to keep serving." He paused. "Everything seemed pointless without him. The fight had no purpose anymore. So I left, retired from the military and focused on helping others channel their grief." Finally he turned to look at her, and she could see the resolution forming on his face. "Steve pulled me from that. He gave the fight a new purpose….Showed me what it's all really about." He turned his gaze back to the window, pausing once more. "I know you, Viz, and Thor think this Thanos guy is real; that he's coming. And I want you to know that we're with you. All of us. Barnes took some convincing but even he agreed in the end. If somethings coming, we're fighting together. As a team."

Wanda felt a weight lift from her heart and she wrapped Sam in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Sam." She said, as she pulled away. "I know Steve would have said the same."

That got a small smile out of Sam, who turned back to the window with the ghost of a grin still shining on his face.

"Oh he definitely would, that righteous, team spirited motherfucker."

The crowd of black umbrellas seemed to stretch endlessly before her. Wanda tried to scan the crowd for Vision as she took her place with the other Avengers at the front of the procession, but his bright complexion was nowhere to be found in the sea of black.

She took a seat between Sam and Natasha, trying not to stare at the smooth black coffin, covered in an American flag, which lay directly before them. Just as the ceremony was due to start, she saw Clint pushing his way towards them through the rows. He settled roughly into the empty seat beside Natasha. His eyes caught Wanda's briefly as he settling in and there was a strange glint in them that caught her attention.

Before she could peek in his mind to check, the sermon started, the microphoned voice of the speaker capturing all her focus. The speaker droned on, listing Steve's life and accomplishments as though he were reading from a script, which, she reminded herself, he probably was. It was beautiful and nostalgic and sad, but it wasn't real. This man hadn't known Steve, not as his friends did.

After the ceremony, Wanda lingered behind with the other members of the Avengers. The only ones who had really known Steve. Vision had yet to make an appearance and Wanda was beginning to get worried.

They all stepped cautiously toward the casket, forming a rough semi-circle around it. Even Tony was present, though he hung back a considerable distance, dark sunglass obscuring his face despite the rain.

No one spoke. Instead they stood together in silence, remembering their absent friend. Scott was the first to leave, laying a hand gently on the coffin lid for just a moment, before stepping back and heading silently in the direction they had come.

Clint was next. He stepped up to the casket and mumbled a few unintelligible words before stepping back to stand beside Wanda. He laid a hand on her arm, and without a word they exchanged a look that told her it was time to go. Time to allow those who had known him more intimately a moment of privacy.

She stepped lightly up to the casket and laid her hand on the polished wood.

"Goodbye, Steve." She whispered, the tips of her fingers glowing red against the aged oak as sorrow overwhelmed her. "Thank you." Her fingers slipped down off the lid, the scarlet fading as they fell and she turned back to where Clint was standing. He tucked her arm into the crook of his and began to lead her back down the wooded path in silence.

The first thing Wanda saw as they rounded the corner was Vision walking toward them, handsome and tall in a new black suit. It took her a moment to register the smaller figure walking beside him, but when she did she stopped dead in the middle of the path.

Her eyes must be playing tricks on her, what she saw could not be real. Clint released her arm and took a step back, but she barely noticed. His hair was a little longer than she remembered, and a hint of shadow darkened his under eye, but otherwise he was exactly as she remembered.

A crooked smile formed on Pietro's face as he watched her. Before Wanda could even blink, there was a rush of wind and she felt herself being lifted into his arms and spun around. He can to a standstill, shaggy hair falling into his eyes as he looked down at her cradled in his arms, the same way he'd always carried her when using his speed.

Wanda stared up at him in amazement, still unable to speak, unable to even think.

"Hello, little sister." He spoke softly, voice slightly croaky from disuse. Slowly, as though he might disappear at any moment, Wanda reach up to touch his cheek. His skin was warm and soft and she stroked it gently, reaching up to touch his eyebrow, his nose, his lip. Tears began to trail down her own cheeks and she couldn't stop a nervous giggle from escaping.

Pietro placed her softly on her own feet, freeing his hands so that he could use both to cradle her face. He brushed her tears away with his thumbs and Wanda closed her eyes. Finally the shock was beginning to settle and without opening her eyes she stretched out her mind to connect with his.

Their minds melded easily, as though he'd never been gone. It felt like home.

Are you real? She already knew the answer, but she couldn't help asking. Pietro smiled at their connection and pressed his lips to her forehead.

Yes. Thanks to the robot. He pulled back to scan her face, rememorizing each curve. He tried to explain it but it made no sense to me. He smiled again, brushing her cheek with his thumb. But it does not matter. To be with you again is all that matters.

At these words Wanda turned to look at Vision, who was standing off to the side, a look of content evident on his face. When their eyes met he dipped his head briefly in acknowledgement.

Finally Wanda smiled, the grin spreading across her whole face. Thank you, she mouthed through her smile.

Behind Pietro, the slightest smile was also evident on Clint's face.

"Good to see you up and running." He said cheekily, taking a step up to where Pietro stood with Wanda. Pietro looked over at him and grinned.

"Good to see you're still in action, old man."

"Thanks to you." Clint said, his tone suddenly serious.

"Ah, it was nothing." Pietro said, still holding Wanda close to his chest. He absentmindedly began to stroke her hair with his left hand. "Takes more than that to keep me down."

"Perhaps you should return to headquarters." Vision suddenly chimed in taking a step forward. "You do not want to over exert yourself so soon after you reanimation."

"Reanimation, huh." Pietro said, turning so that he could put an arm around Wanda's shoulders. "I guess that is one way to say it."

Clint began to head down the path and Pietro made to follow but Wanda didn't budge and he glance down at her questioningly.

Give me a moment. I'll follow soon. Pietro seemed reluctant to let her go but he eventually retracted his arm, and followed Clint down the path.

Vision had not moved and Wanda held her place as well. They stared at each other across the distance, neither speaking. Finally Vision broke the silence.

"I'm sorry I could not attend the funeral service with you. The process was longer than I anticipa-"

Wanda closed the distance between them, throwing her arms around him and cutting him off mid word. Their minds linked and she felt the rush of emotions he was experiencing fill her head, mingling with her own.

You could have died. She managed to form the sentence in her head and pass it along, still holding him tight against her.

I calculated the risk to be minimal. Vision said, a hint of humor coating this thought. Wanda pulled back to scowl at him. I have never felt more in control of my powers.

That is not funny. I could have lost you. Vision smiled down at her, his hand coming up to touch her face.

I had to do this, Wanda. His thoughts formed slowly as he tried to explain. With the threat of Thanos' arrival, I had to know I was capable of controlling the stone. Plus, I could not leave you alone while I was gone. It was only keeping my promise.

"It was foolish." Wanda said, speaking out loud, but there was a smile on her face. "But thank you." She stretched up on her toes to plant a quick kiss on his lips.

"I must pay my respects to Captain Rogers." Vision said as Wanda released him. "I will find you upon my return."

Wanda nodded in understand and waited until he'd turned the corner and was out of site before hurrying down the path after Pietro and Clint.

"You need to stay here and rest. You heard what the doctor said. You don't want to tire yourself out." Wanda spoke in rapid Sokovian. She laid a hand on Pietro's chest, pushing him back into his new bed.

"I've been resting for too long. It is time I get up and do something, after all, I am an Avenger now." He grinned at her and tried to wiggle out from under her hand, but she was firm.

"And you will." After you rest.

Pietro huffed out one final sigh before finally laying back, his body giving in despite his desires. Wanda could sense his exhaustion in the back of his mind, even if he couldn't. His body was still adjusting to life again.

But he was here. She had him back. After everything that had happened.

She placed a quick kiss on his forehead, before turning to go.

"Say goodbye to the robot for me." Pietro spoke up as she reach for the door handle. Wanda shot him a dirty look over her shoulder.

Don't call him that. She pulled the door open and made to step out.

I'll call him want I want if he's sleeping with my sister.

"Goodbye, Pietro." She called loudly over her shoulder, ignoring his comment but closing the door harder than she'd intended. She pulled herself from his minded as she made her way down the hallway, trying to ignore the thoughts he'd been sending her way.

He had not taken her relationship with Vision very well when she'd told him about it the night before. While he was grateful that Vision had been able to restore him to life, he harbored a certain jealousy at the closeness that had formed between them in his absence. And Pietro had never been one to hide his feelings.

Wanda sighed as she continued through the halls, making her way toward the prearranged meeting point. Her thoughts turned from Pietro to her time with Vision the night before.

It had been their last night of peace together before his departure this morning. Few words had been traded between them, but their minds had melded together as one. The perfect blend of chaos and order.

It was a cruel fate that would separate them so soon after they'd come to acknowledge their bond.

Wanda pushed open the double doors leading to the training grounds. Vision and Thor were where they'd said they would be. Tony and Sam stood beside them, solemn looks on both their faces. They turned at her approach, but she had eyes only for Vision.

He stepped up to meet her, and the others returned to their conversation, allowing them one last moment of privacy.

Wanda stretched out her mind, connecting with his in the familiar, intimate way they had only just begun to establish.

"I will return as soon I may." Vision said, looking down on her with a grave intensity that she once mistook for a lack of emotions. How wrong she had been.

"I will miss you." Wanda spoke softly, reaching up to feel the softness of his cheek one more time.

"And I you." Vision said just as softly. Thoughts passed between them so rapidly it was hard to identify specifics, but the emotions spoke for themselves. Wanda watched the gears turning in his soft grey eyes, the pattern as familiar to her as though she'd spent whole her life looking at it.

"Vision, Asgard awaits." Thor spoke from behind them. Their eye contact broke as Vision turned to look over his shoulder at the speaker. He gave a quick nod of acknowledgement before turning back to Wanda.

Neither spoke. Instead, Wanda stretched up onto the tips of her toes, pressing a soft kiss against his lips, lingering for only a moment. The smallest of smiles curved his lips as she pulled away.

"I love you, Wanda Maximoff." He said simply.

And I love you. Wanda answered, holding their connection as Vision took his place beside Thor. The others stepped back a couple feet, Sam coming to stand beside Wanda, offering her the comfort of his presence.

Visions gaze found her face and their eyes connected for one more brief moment before there was a flash of light and he was gone. His presence in her mind vanished as suddenly as though he'd never existed. A large black scorch mark on the asphalt the only sign they had even been there at all.

"Come on, Wanda." Sam finally spoke up beside her. "There's a lot to do before they get back."

Wanda nodded, giving the black scorch mark one final look before turning her back to it. They were Avengers, and there was work to be done.