Chapter 26: CALM BEFORE THE STORM


“WHIH Newsfront: Good evening viewers, I’m Catherine Hale, and welcome to tonight's coverage. We begin coverage with the global event that has captured the attention of billions: the trial of Wanda Maximoff, known to many as the Scarlet Witch, set to resume tomorrow. After weeks of intense drama and disputes all around the world and buzz on social media, the stakes couldn’t be higher."

The screen shifts to footage of Wanda entering the courtroom from two weeks ago, flanked by legal teams and Matt Murdock walking beside her. Protesters and supporters alike line the steps, waving signs and chanting.

“Although experts have said that Defense attorney Matt Murdock seemed to have won the day two weeks ago, the fight is not over yet. Prosecution will present their evidence tomorrow, which could spell certain defeat to the now notorious Scarlet Witch. Public opinion remains divided. The trial has ignited fierce debates across the globe, as new evidence is expected to surface in tomorrow’s continuation.”

Channel 2: Daily Bugle 

The scene cuts to a split-screen broadcast with two commentators, each holding an opposite view on the trial.

"J Jonah Jameson: How can we justify even thinking about letting Wanda Maximoff walk free? The lives lost, the horrific devastation at both Transia and S.W.O.R.D... The fact that we were warned about this years ago with Westview and Kamar Taj... How can you argue against those facts?"

"Commentator 2: But that’s the thing, was it really Wanda if what the defense is claiming is true? She could well have been under the same type of brainwashing that Hydra inflicted on Bucky Barnes! We should be focusing on the root cause, not just pointing fingers."

The footage transitioned to dramatic montages of Wanda’s past destruction and the chaos she leaves behind wherever she's involved, interspersed with scenes of her in the courtroom two weeks ago, being strapped onto an upright table-like object, her tears being openly on display and being the only thing that made them see what she felt inside.

"WHIH Newsfront: Tomorrow’s proceedings could mark a turning point, especially with the expected testimony from key witnesses like Pietro Maximoff, Professor X, and even Wanda herself. This could shift the scales of justice dramatically."

"In other news, a man in Florida is being charged with assault after accusing his wife of hiding his golf clubs, in which she kept denying to have done, the man allegedly had enough of her denial and hurled a golf ball at her head in an impulse of anger. The mystery grew even larger when the very golf ball he threw at her seemed to have disappeared as well--"

12 AM Midnignt
New York City

The cold, damp air of the alley clung to Daredevil (Matt)'s skin as he moved silently through the shadows, his senses acutely attuned to everything around him. He could feel Victor waiting for him at the far end, calm and unmoving under the flickering streetlight. Something about the man's confidence rubbed him the wrong way. He hadn't come here just for answers, he came to put Victor in his place. The trial continues tomorrow, there was no room for Victor scheming while Matt tries to clear her name.

Daredevil had no time for cryptic phone calls or secret rendezvous, and showing up as Matt Murdock was not an option. Victor was hiding something, and Daredevil was going to beat it out of him if he had to.

Victor stood beneath a flickering streetlight with a long coat, the shadows masking his features, but even from a distance, Daredevil could sense his calm. It wasn't the first time he'd dealt with individuals trying to look confident, but something about Victor's heartbeat bothered him. It was steady, unnervingly so, as though the man had anticipated Daredevil's arrival and had no fear of the alter ego.

Without warning, Daredevil launched himself from the shadows, a red blur slicing through the air. He didn't waste time with words, leading with a lightning-fast punch aimed at Victor's gut. But Victor shifted at the last possible second, his movement so minimal it seemed almost lazy, causing Daredevil's fist to whistle through empty air.

Victor didn't flinch. Instead, his eyes seemed to study Daredevil with an almost clinical detachment, as though weighing every movement and breath.

Victor: Ah, yes. Daredevil.

He let the name linger in the air, smooth and composed.

Victor: I knew you'd come like this.

Daredevil narrowed his eyes, seemingly confused, but with no time to ponder over his words. His fist shot out faster than a blink, aiming for Victor's chest, a quick test of reflexes. But Victor barely shifted, his body leaning just enough to avoid the punch with an almost effortless grace.

He followed up with a vicious elbow strike toward Victor's face, the sound of his arm cutting through the air sharp in the alley's silence. But again, Victor sidestepped with the barest motion, his hand lazily lifted just enough to push Daredevil's attack aside, as if it were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Snarling in frustration, Daredevil came in harder, faster, throwing a barrage of punches aimed at Victor's head, ribs, and chest. Each strike was precise, well-practiced, and deadly. But Victor moved with almost inhuman ease, twisting and dodging with one hand casually tucked behind his back. It wasn't just that he was fast, he seemed unbothered by the violence, catching Daredevil's fists or redirecting them with simple flicks of his wrist, never flinching, never even breaking a sweat.

The alley echoed with the sharp impacts of Daredevil's boots as he danced around Victor, attacking relentlessly, his frustration mounting with each failed strike. Victor's calm demeanor only added to the insult, his eyes half-lidded, observing Daredevil like a bored chess master watching a predictable opponent.

The ease with which Victor handled the situation was unnerving. This wasn't just someone who knew how to fight, this was someone playing a game far beyond Daredevil's understanding.

Matt's pulse raced, fury building in his chest. How was Victor moving like this? Who was this guy?

Daredevil (Matt): Who are you, what do you want with Wanda Maximoff?!

Victor finally showed the slightest trace of amusement. He stepped back and dusted off his coat, still completely at ease. He met Daredevil's masked glare with a calm that seemed almost unnatural.

Victor: Who am I? Don't you know me Matt?

Daredevil froze. The world seemed to tilt beneath him as the name, HIS OWN name, hung in the air. The name cut through him like a blade, his body momentarily locked in shock. His heart hammered in his chest, his mind racing to understand how Victor could possibly know the truth. Victor stood still, watching Daredevil with that same unsettling calm.

Daredevil: What did you call me?

Victor: Matthew Murdock... I have to say, being a famous blind lawyer by day is quite the perfect disguise. Nobody would suspect a thing.

Matt tried to deal another blow, but Victor evaded it and grabbed hold of his mask, ripping it off, exposing Matt's face. Victor looked at the mask for a short moment.

Victor: Now that THAT'S out of the way, can we talk like adults now?

He studied Matt and shook his head in almost a slight disappointment.

Victor: Did you really think I'd go through the trouble of setting up this meeting and not know who you really are? Come now, Matt, you're smarter than that.

Matt (Daredevil): If you think you're going to blackmail me, you've made a huge mistake.

Victor: Blackmail? No, no, you've misunderstood why we're here.

Daredevil's fists tightened, his mind struggling to keep up.

Victor: You want to know who I am? I'm the one person in this entire world who actually knows what's going on, and who understands her. I'm not your enemy, Matt.

Daredevil's senses flared as he studied Victor more closely. The man's heartbeat remained steady, unnervingly calm, no trace of fear or deception. He truly believed he had the upper hand and that he was doing the right thing, and worse, Daredevil was beginning to believe it too.

Victor reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small data chip and holding it between his fingers.

Victor: I called you here regarding tomorrow's trial. I have something you need... Proof that Wanda isn't the danger everyone fears she is when she's not locked up. She is slowly becoming immune to the serum that suppressed her powers for weeks. She's regained a fraction of her power little by little over the past two days. She could've escaped from custody at any time in the last two days, but she didn't. And that could be a retaliation to the looming question about the danger she poses, which could threaten her freedom even if she's proven innocent.

Daredevil's mind raced, trying to connect the dots.

Matt: Why should I trust you? For all I know, you're trying to set her up... OR me.

Victor shook his head with a soft chuckle.

Victor: If I wanted to set you up, I'd hardly do it like this. No, Matt, I'm giving you exactly what you need to help her. This is bigger than both of us, and you know it.

Daredevil eyed the chip in Victor's hand, still cautious. But if there was even a shred of truth to Victor's words, this was something he couldn't ignore. Getting Wanda out was critical.

Victor's voice cut through the silence once more, low and measured.

Victor: You're good, Matt, you're VERY good, but you're still thinking too small. Wanda isn't just some pawn in this chess game, no... She's the Queen. The Queen is the most powerful piece on the board, yet the most vulnerable. One mistake could lose you the game. And if you want to stop what's coming, you'll have to start playing the game a little smarter.

Daredevil slowly reached out, taking the data chip from Victor's hand, though every fiber of his being remained on high alert. He now sounded just like... Chthon. But it couldn't have been him. How?

Matt collected himself before responding. This time trying to sense any semblance of doubt or shock in Victor upon hearing what he had to say:

Matt: Does Dr. Vohndum ring any bells to you?

Victor stepped back, his expression unreadable, his heartbeat steady.

Victor: Wanda told me about him. The doctor that did the experiments.

Matt: Bullshit! I know it's you!

Victor: You think I am the doctor?

Matt: You're Chthon!

Victor: Chthon? What's a Chthon?

Matt: YOU ARE HIM!

Victor: I don't even know who you're referring to, Mr. Murdock. But I believe our conversation has come to an end. We both got what we came for. Trust me, I am on your side. I am on HER side. Don't dig yourself so deep that you can't get yourself out... I would advise against it.

Matt: This isn't over...

Matt reached for his batons, but they were not there. He patted the side of his hips. Victor seemed to know exactly what was going on.

Victor: Oh... It's already starting...

Matt: What is!?

Victor: Did you bring the batons with you?

Matt: I never forget them...

Victor: Oh you didn't forget them... They're gone.

Matt: What are you saying?

Victor: Time runs out... Things are happening faster than expected... You should aim to let the jury decide a verdict latest tomorrow.

Matt: They're just batons...?

Victor: I believe our conversation has come to an end for now. Next time, maybe you'll come as yourself, not hiding behind a horned mask. But then again...

He trailed off, smiling to himself as he turned to leave, throwing Matt's Daredevil mask on the ground.

Victor: I will admit my own hypocrisy to that fact... Perhaps you and I aren't so different after all.

As Victor walked away, Daredevil remained standing in the alley, his grip tightening around the chip. He clenched the recording in his hand, watching Victor disappear into the shadows, still unsettled by how easily the man had read him.

For now, the only thing that mattered was getting back to the case.  But the nagging question remained: What game was Victor playing, and why was he so invested in Wanda's fate? What connection was there to some missing batons and Victor's cryptic words?

Early the next morning
The X-Mansion

Professor X and Beast (Hank McCoy) were in the lab trying to find extra evidence they could use to clear Wanda's name. Beast was studying her brain activity that the Professor recorded on a computer at the DODC.

Beast: Are you sure she saw Logan (Wolverine) in her memories?

Professor X: That was him.

Beast: So... He's not dead but... stuck in the future?

Professor X: Along with Stephen Strange, yes.

Beast: Just another Tuesday.

He continued to observe her brainwaves.

Beast: Fascinating...

Professor X: What did you find?

Beast: There seems to be no activity in the prefrontal cortex of her brain.

Professor X: What time was this?

Beast: When she was in Transia.

He copied the properties of the findings into the computer and it scanned through the brainwaves to find any other instance of when she had no activity in her frontal lobe.

Beast: Most fascinating. The same applies to the S.W.O.R.D. massacre... If there was no activity in her prefrontal cortex for either of those events, it means that she was not mentally capable of making any decisions whatsoever.

Professor X: Meaning?

Beast: The only possible explanation left is that she was controlled by someone. Mentally controlled. It also explains why she couldn’t remember when these events occured. Her mind was essentially shut off for a period of time.

Professor X: This is exactly what we needed... Could you see if she had 100% activity before those events?

He went further back to her brain activity before Chthon took over.

Beast: Here her brain activity should appear to be normal... Wait...

He zoomed in on the prefrontal cortex.

Beast: It seems that it was damaged somehow.

Professor X: What do you mean?

Beast: Months or even years before this moment... Look there... You can see little gaps in activity all over. But it's trying to heal.

Professor X: Damage in the prefrontal cortex... You're saying she should have 100% activity in this area at the moment in time in which you're observing?

Beast: Precisely. So there was something else that already drastically affected her decision making and who she is as a person long before even Transia happened.

Professor X: The darkhold...

Beast: I believe you're correct. If even the powers of Wanda's caliber took years to heal her frontal lobe, the damage the darkhold must've caused to her mind had to have been astronomical.

Professor X: This could prove that she was not herself when she tried finding her children with the darkhold. (*Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*)

Beast: It's much more complex than simply not being herself. Altering the very function of someone's prefrontal cortex is like altering who they are as a human being. It rewires the entire brain. If the darkhold attacks all neurons linked to morals and good decisions, and rewires them or simply erases them, you'd be a completely different... soul. You wouldn't be you. It would be someone else, but with your memories. Without the frontal lobe, there is no agency. It can almost be compared to temporary insanity, something a lot of defendants used to be completely absolved of their crimes.

Professor X: Do you think the court would find this evidence sufficient to completely disregard everything she did at Kamar Taj and 838?

Beast: In my professional opinion, this would be evidence enough. However, they might feel differently about it, but it could definitely change the jury's entire outlook on Wanda.

Professor X: Luckily she's already been pardoned more than a year ago for what happened there. But this would prevent the prosecution from using those events as a weapon against her to make the world see how "evil" she was even before all this happened.

Beast reached for the table to drink a sip of his coffee, but the mug was gone.

Beast: How strange... I placed the mug right here. Charles, have you seen my coffee?

Professor X: It was right there a second ago. Did you not misplace it perhaps?

Beast: I don't misplace anything. And that was my favorite mug!

Professor X: I'm sure it'll turn up.

Beast: Talking about missing... Any updates on the whereabouts of Magneto and the rest of our missing individuals?

Professor X: Pietro searches daily with the rest of all available Avengers. But I fear they might be far beyond our reach. As of now, we should focus on Wanda. Let me know if you found anything else of use. Trial begins shortly, we need to get everything in order.

The professor wheeled out of the lab, before noticing something different.

Professor X: Huh...

Beast: What troubles you?

Professor X: I could've sworn there was a pot plant by the door right before you enter the lab.

Beast: That's Strange...

Professor X: Well, there's no time to get lost in unimportant matters. I'll contact Mr. Murdock for final details regarding the trial. We should be ready to go in about two hours.

"WHIH Newsfront: As the clock ticks toward the most anticipated event in recent history, the world's attention focuses on the trial of Wanda Maximoff, set to resume in just a few hours. The atmosphere is thick with tension, with every major news outlet buzzing with live coverage, countdowns, and last-minute expert analysis. In every major city, from New York to London, crowds gather in front of massive screens to watch the moment unfold.

DODC Supermax

Matt sat across from Wanda in another room adjacent to her cell. The weight of today's trial pressed on both of them, but especially her. Wanda had been staring at her hands, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve, her breathing was shallow.

Matt: Wanda, today's going to be tough. I won't lie to you. I have arranged and planned what I can, with multiple witnesses and experts taking the stand HOPEFULLY today, to fight for you. But I can do nothing for you once it's your turn to stand in front of everyone and tell them everything from your perspective.

Wanda's breath hitched, and she lifted her eyes to meet his, her gaze wavering.

Wanda: I... I-I know, I know that... but I-

Her voice cracked. She paused, trying to steady herself, her lips trembling.

Wanda: I... didn't really think about... about standing there, Matt. I... I don’t know if I-

Matt placed a reassuring hand on her cuffed hands over the table.

Matt: You can do this, Wanda. You’re stronger than you realize. And you don’t have to do this alone. I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.

She swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly as they twisted in her lap.

Wanda: B-but... what if-

She hesitated, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes.

Wanda: What if I mess it up? What if I can’t handle it? All those people, Matt. The whole...

She took a few sharp breaths as the reality set in again.

Wanda: The whole world! Th-they’ll be looking at me, judging me. They think I’m... a monster. What if... I lose control again? M-my powers... It could destroy the courtroom with everyone in it!

Matt leaned in closer, his voice remained steady and calm.

Matt: I know this feels overwhelming, and I won’t pretend it won’t be hard. But you’ve already survived so much. You’ve faced things that no one else could have survived. You’ve fought forces that should’ve broken you, and yet here you are. And you don't have to worry about your powers being a problem. We got two of the most powerful telepaths in the room with you. Jean and the Professor will regulate your emotions enough to not let you get a sudden anxiety attack.

A tear rolled down her cheek and she wiped it away quickly, sniffling.

Wanda: But... this is... different. T-this is... all eyes on me, watching me break down... Hating me... all while seeing me being so... pathetic.

He let out a soft sigh, shaking his head.

Matt: Wanda, you don’t need to be unbreakable tomorrow. You just need to be honest. Don’t hold back your emotions. When you talk about what happened, how it felt, what you went through, let them see the real you. Let them see the truth.

Her breath quivered, and she let out a shaky laugh, half in disbelief. As if it was the most wishful thinking that people would see anything other than the monster.

Wanda: You... you think that’ll help? Me being a mess in front of everyone?

Matt: It won’t be a mess... It’ll be real. The jury will see the person you really are. They need to see Wanda Maximoff, the woman who’s been through hell and fought her way back more times than she could count. When it comes to Kamar Taj and the things you did there, they need to understand what the Darkhold did to you, what you suffered because of it. The long lasting effect those events had on your soul. Mention those 16 months on the island, mention how you nearly ended your life because of remorse and grief... (Read Avengers Incursion War for context)

Wanda closed her eyes for a moment, her chest rising and falling with uneven breaths.

Wanda: I... I don’t know if I’m strong enough.

Matt squeezed her hands tighter.

Matt: You are. You’ve survived worse. And today, we’ll show them that. But you don’t have to hold back. You don’t have to hide your pain or your fear. Let them see it.

She nodded slowly, blinking away tears, her voice still shaky but filled with a little more resolve. Her lips trembled again, but this time, there was a hint of a smile. A fragile, uncertain smile, but it was there.

Wanda: Thank you... Matt.

Matt: We’ve got this. You’ve got this.

Officer Victor walked in to escort her to the secure vehcile as they prepared to go to the courtroom. He glared sideways towards Matt as he walked by him, whispering a few words that sounded almost like a threat.

Victor: Don't screw this up.

2 hours later

"CNN: We are mere minutes away from the resumption of the trial that has captivated the entire world. We're currently live outside the courthouse, where many protesters and few supporters alike are filling the streets. What's very shocking is the sudden uprise in the amout of supporters she gained just from the previous trial alone. Some, still in the minority, are holding signs pleading for Wanda Maximoff’s possible punishment to be mitigated and made less harsh, while most are still demanding full accountability to the best extent of the law. The atmosphere is electric as the court prepares to convene for what is expected to be a decisive day."

The news camera shows Matt Murdock entering the courthouse, his face calm and focused under dark red glasses. Multiple reporters almost attacked Matt for answers, shoving cameras and microphones into his face while shouting hundreds of inaudible words at the same time.

"WHIH: Legal experts are predicting that today could be a pivotal moment, with witnesses such as Pietro Maximoff, Professor Charles Xavier, The Scarlet Witch herself along with few others set to testify. The stakes are higher than ever as the world waits to see whether Wanda will be proven a victim or found guilty of her actions. And what mitigations, if any, will be given to her sentence. It's all been leading up to what could be the most significant verdict in history as world leaders and legal experts alike are grappling with the potential consequences of the outcome. With accusations ranging from the massacre at Transia and S.W.O.R.D to the destruction of Kamar-Taj and the incident at Westview, the decisions made today will ripple across nations. Some governments have already hinted that they may push for international laws regulating superhuman/mutant activity based on the trial’s outcome."

Moments later Wanda was seen in a secure vehicle being escorted by a convoy of DODC vehciles. This time she's only been handcuffed. She was still inside the vehcile when it stopped in front of the courthouse.

"BBC: This trial is a monumental turning point. It’s not just about Wanda Maximoff, it’s about how the world will handle the presence of all mutants and super-powered individuals moving forward. With Murdock’s defense expected to focus on her being a victim of many outside influence and internal battles, today’s testimonies could be crucial in setting a precedent."

Wanda sat in the back of the secure vehicle, her wrists and ankles weighed down by the cold bite of the cuffs. Her breath came in shaky bursts, fingers trembling as they hovered over her lap. The crowd outside was deafening, a sea of voices and flashing cameras, all of them waiting for her. For her to step out and face justice.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath, but the panic in her chest only grew heavier. Her heart raced as she looked through the tinted windows, catching glimpses of people pushing against barricades, faces full of judgment, anger, curiosity. So many. Too many.

Her throat tightened, her vision blurred. She couldn’t do this. Wanda turned to her officer, Victor, who sat beside her in the front seat, his presence as composed as ever.

Wanda: I... I'm not ready.

She whispered, her voice cracking as her words stumbled. She hugged her arms closer to her body, as if trying to shield herself from the world outside.

Wanda: Th-they're all h-here, just to... to see me p-punished. I can’t... I c-can't do it.

Victor’s gaze softened, though his expression remained unreadable. He shifted slightly in his seat, angling toward her, giving her the full weight of his attention.

Victor: You can do this, Wanda. You’ve already come this far.

Wanda shook her head frantically, tears welling in her eyes as her chest tightened further. The pressure, the weight of everything was suffocating.

Wanda: No... No, I... I don’t want to see them. I can’t face them... Not like this. Not... not after everything.

Her voice trembled, each word pulled from the depths of her fear.

Victor’s eyes didn’t waver. He didn’t move, didn’t rush her. He just sat there, unwavering in his calm, offering her a presence that was surprisingly grounding amidst the storm of her emotions.

Victor: You don’t have to face them alone. I’m here. I’ll be right next to you the whole time.

She hesitated to respond back, her lips trembling as she tried to form words. It felt like the vehcile was closing in around her and getting smaller every second. Then something hard shattered all over the window of where she sat, making her flinch with fear. They were already hurling objects at her and she was not even out of the vehcile yet.

Wanda: Th-they’ve already decided wh-who I am... what I’ve d-done. All of them. They wouldn't listen...

Victor: They’ll listen today. And you are more than what they think. They only see what’s been twisted.

Wanda’s chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths. She wasn’t sure she could do this. She wasn’t sure she could stand in front of the world, in front of all those people, and be strong enough to withstand their judgment. And what would happen to her and to her missing loved ones if she was found guilty today.

But there was something in Victor’s voice, in the calm, unwavering way he spoke to her, that made her believe, if only for a moment, that things will work out the way it's supposed to.

She glanced at the car door, her whole body shaking as she took in another breath.

Wanda: I... I’ll try.

She whispered, barely audible, as if saying it any louder would cause the fragile promise to shatter into a million pieces.

Wanda: I'm ready...

Wanda nearly hesitated again, her eyes moving between the door and Victor. Every inch of her felt heavy, but there was something in his presence that kept her from completely collapsing. Victor went outside first to open up the door on Wanda's side. The door clicked open and the noise from the outside world rushed in like a tidal wave. Wanda’s breath caught, but Victor was already beside her, his calm presence keeping her grounded as she slowly, shakily, set foot on the pavement outside.

Victor: I'll be right here with you.

Though her legs felt weak and her heart raced faster than ever, she took a step forward. And then another. A few loud screams and objects thrown from the side kept startling her, making her flinch many times with tears welling up more and more as she made her way to the courtroom. The moment finally arrived, and even with everything she's been through, right now, this felt like the worst moment... of her entire life.

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