Part 5 of "The trial of Wanda Maximoff" storyline starts now:

9 AM, New York City

CNN Breaking News: "A monster or misunderstood hero? The world holds its breath as Wanda Maximoff faces her final day in court, amidst more recent events that is striking paranoia into everyone's minds: The vanishing.

BBC World News: "The Scarlet Witch Trial: Billions tune in to witness justice unfold in what experts call the most consequential legal proceeding in human history."

Fox News: "Scarlet Witch's reckoning: does the world's deadliest living being deserve a second chance, or the ultimate punishment?"

WHIH Newsfront: "Just as the world thinks it can't get any crazier, the decision has been made to continue this trial even after recent paranoia struck the globe. Entire sections of government buildings, personal property, and even technological infrastructure are vanishing into thin air. Some explained it as watching a bowl of spaghetti vanishing into a black hole. Religious groups are wondering whether this could be the start of the rapture, and a warning to all people to get their lives in order. Other paranoid groups claims it could be a universal death event, due to vacuum decay. Simulation believers are claiming that the matrix is breaking down. Some suspect a link to the Scarlet Witch's powers, though no evidence confirms this."

The screens lit up in every household, bar, and waiting room across the globe. Reporters stood outside the towering courthouse in New York City, a fortress-like structure now surrounded by barricades, armed guards, and a seething sea of protesters. The entire world put everything aside, even the recent vanishing of objects, to watch this trial unfold.

Throughout the week, breaking news tickers scrolled ominous updates about the mysterious disappearances that had plagued cities over the last couple of days. From priceless artifacts to everyday tools, the growing list of missing objects baffled the brightest minds on Earth. The world became aware very quickly, as the rapid vanishing of objects were picking up pace, making a lot of people, including the government, nervous. Many controversies sprouted about this trial continuing amidst a possible global crisis.

From helicopters, the live feed captured the chaos below: thousands of signs swayed in the crowd, reading everything from "No Redemption for Murderers" to "Burn the Witch!" The shouts of protesters-both for and against her, most against her, rose like a thunderstorm.

"This is history in the making," an anchor on MSNBC declared. "A day when the world decides whether Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, deserves death... or mercy. And amidst it all, the bizarre disappearances of objects worldwide remain unresolved, with no clear link to Maximoff or anyone else. The timing is uncanny. Yet, even a global paranoia is not enough to calm the raging storm that is the trial of Wanda maximoff. The world wants to see the biggest trial in history unfold, regardless of anything."

The scene outside the courtroom was a boiling storm of protesters, journalists, and onlookers surging against police barricades, their voices were crashing like waves against the towering walls of the courthouse.

Thousands of voices united into a deafening roar as the camera zoomed in on the heavily armored transport van approaching the courthouse. The barricades strained under the weight of the mob surging forward, fists pounding against metal, desperate to be heard, to get a glimpse of the woman the world couldn't stop talking about.

WHIH Newsfront: "The courthouse doors will open any minute. Speculation is rampant about how this day will end. We've already seen celebrities, former Avengers, and world leaders weighing in on this trial. The global population waits in patience for the most watched event in human history. While Stark Industries and Reed Richards' labs scramble for answers regarding the disappearances, some theorists are beginning to connect the timing of these disappearances with Maximoff's trial. Could her powers, even suppressed, be responsible?"

The camera cuts to the van arriving at the courthouse.

"She's here!"

The cry erupted like thunder. Every camera, every lens, every eye turned to the van.

The camera zoomed in on the transport vehicle as it enters the area. Protesters surged against the barricades, screaming obscenities. Some threw objects, but they fell short of the armored vehicle.

This was only at the courthouse itself, but outside in the world beyond, everything stood still... Waiting for one person only, the Scarlet Witch.

Multitudes of people gathered everywhere, watching on any screen possible. Times Square was filled to the brim, while in other parts of the world, people stayed up till midnight to watch the trial unfold.

In Tokyo, crowds filled Shibuya Crossing, eyes glued to massive LED screens.

In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach became an impromptu theater, hundreds of thousands watching with bated breath.

In London, Big Ben chimed over silent streets as citizens packed into pubs.

From the outskirts of Syria to the neon-lit opulence of Las Vegas, humanity was united in one thing: the trial of Wanda Maximoff.

And though every heart held a different belief, some full of righteous anger, others aching with doubt, they all beat with the same rhythm: What will happen?

Inside the Van

Wanda sat in the van, her wrists bound in adamantium cuffs that hummed faintly with suppression runes, expertly designed by the most powerful sorcerers they could find, since they were afraid the serum would wear off too soon. Her fingers trembled as they brushed against the cold metal, her face showed signs of extreme panic, were it not for another large dose of the serum to help suppress her powers, she would be having a full blown anxiety attack. Outside, the chaos roared like an ocean storm, but here, inside the armored vehicle, it was silent.

Victor sat across from her, his gloved hands folded neatly on his lap. His expression was unreadable, his polished demeanor untouched by the chaos outside. But there was a tension between him and Wanda now. Something there was not before.

Victor: You hear that? That's not rage. That's hunger. The world is starving for something. And trust me, they will get something. Maybe not what they want, but what they need.

Wanda's voice was brittle and tired, barely carrying.

Wanda: I know what they want and need... They want me dead...

Victor: They want an ending, You've been their villain, their nightmare, their scapegoat. Now, they want a conclusion.

She breathed harder.

Victor: but they will get something much more than that. They don't know just how big this trial is... Or how big the vanishings are.

Her gaze shot up.

Wanda: The vanishings? They want to blame me???

Victor leaned back, unperturbed.

Victor: I'm saying that none of this is coincidence. And trust me, Wanda, the world doesn't even realize the scope of what's happening yet. But they will.

She looked outside and saw the multitudes just outside the window, the helicopters and drones in the air, the news vans... She saw the world holding their breath.

Wanda: I-I think they know...

Victor: Oh, trust me... they don't.

Wanda: I want to trust you, Victor... but after this morning...

...

Wanda: I don't know what to believe anymore...

Victor: We've been over this. You have my word, I don't want to harm you.

Two hours earlier
7 AM, Westview

Wanda sat in front of the TV screen, every channel focused on the trial that was about to commence. Debates, predictions, expert opinions, highlights of previous trials... This set the tone for what was to come. Wanda saw the buzz for the first time herself. The whole world truly WAS in on the action. Her breath quickened, her throat tightened... She couldn't even eat or drink. She's never been this nervous in her entire life. Victor stood next to her as her only anchor. The only person that she clinged to right now. He was all that stood between her and her breaking point.

Victor: The van arrives in an hour to pick you up.

Her voice was barely audible and she stuttered.

Wanda: I-I'm not ready.

Victor: I know...

She looked nauseous and pale already. How was she THIS popular in the worst way possible. How could the entire world be so ready to see her fall? How was she of all people being eyed as the trial of the century.

Wanda: How did it come to this?

Victor: Well, murder trials and mass genocide are in and of itself some of the biggest trials you can get... Mix that with the accused being a former Avenger, now a notorious and DANGEROUSLY powerful "witch", and the curious nature of your past...

He stopped for a moment.

Victor: Don't forget that you almost caused an incursion that almost destroyed the entire UNIVERSE. Not Galaxy... UNIVERSE. which you fixed all by yourself too... It's not hard to understand why you're the most famous person in history.

Wanda: I never wanted... any of that...

Victor: I know.

They continued to watch the news on the couch, they were both eerily quiet. Waiting for the big moment. Victor had something to share, but he waited for the right moment. Moments later they both spoke up at the same time.

Wanda: Last night I saw Vision.

Victor: (at the same time as the above line) Before we go, I want to show you something.

Wanda: Sorry, you first.

Victor: No, please, go on.

Wanda: Well... I... don't know why but it felt... real. Not like my other dreams.

Victor: And?

Wanda: I saw Vision, in some wasteland, with Strange... and Logan... Loki was also there.

Victor: A wasteland?

Wanda: I think it was the future. I don't know what they talked about but I know it was some kind of war... Victor we have to get to them. I know it sounds crazy, but it didn't feel like a dream. It felt REAL.

Victor remained quiet. He knew she was not making this up. He knew exactly what she was talking about. She picked up on it, and she turned her head in confusion.

Wanda: You... know something?

Victor: Wanda... I have not been entirely truthful to you.

Wanda: What?

Victor: Mostly, yes... but not the whole truth. I know about the dream.

Wanda: What do you mean you know about the dream?

Victor: About Vision and those heroes in that wasteland... Wanda, that wasteland is called battleworld. And it was beautiful.

Wanda: Battleworld? Was??

Victor: Come with me...

He opened a portal, showing a large throne room made of very old stone and bricks on the other side.

Wanda: What is... this? Why are you showing me this?

Victor: You'll see.

He walked through the portal with her, and they were now inside Doom Castle, in Latveria. (Not to mistake it for Latverion)

Wanda: Where are we?

Victor: It's time you know the whole truth.

She looked around, seeing golden sculptures and antique paintings on the walls. The large hall was lit up with torches instead of lights.

Wanda: I-I don't understand...

He walked with her towards a throne inside the large building.

Victor: I'm not an officer, Wanda. Not really.

Wanda: What are you talking about?

Victor: You now know almost everything... You know about my past. About my mother, about my father dying in the cold as we fled from Sokovia to Latveria, how I got these powers, Those were all true...

She looked confused and scared at the same time.

Wanda: But then... What aren't you telling me? If you weren't an officer... Why act like one?

She slowly let go of him when she realized something that made her heart jump a beat.

Wanda: Why come into my home???

Victor: Have I given you any reason not to trust me?

She mumbled back.

Wanda: No...

Victor: I saw a person in need. I saw you being dragged down by the world, I saw a lost soul in unimaginable pain. I needed to step in.

Wanda: So you... faked it all? Being an officer at the DODC?

Victor: I... Traveled back in time... went through the ranks... I earned my title.

Wanda: You... Time traveled!?

Victor: I knew I had to do this by the books. They wanted their top officer to oversee you, and I needed to become that.

Wanda: You can time travel?

Victor walked over to the throne.

Victor: But of course, Wanda. We can use that ability to go to 2035 and get Vision and Strange, after you win the trial... IF you win.

Wanda: We c-- We can do that?

Red energy surged through him as he slowly began transforming his appearance.

Victor: I never knew how to tell you. So I knew I had to break it to you... slowly. And why would I break it to you at all, if it were not with good intent? Because to be quite frank with you, Wanda... I don't want to lose this. You mean something to me. And I want to help you. No more lies.

Wanda: Victor, y-you're scaring me...

Victor: No need to be scared. Just know, I forgave you for what you did to me during the war a long time ago... I've changed more than you can understand since then.

Wanda: What are you talking about?

Victor: I'm of course talking about the incursion war. (Read "Avengers Incursion War" for context)

His outfit changed before her very eyes into something she instantly recognized. And it sent shivers down her spine. His green cloak covered his head and shoulders, going down to his heels, he had silver adamantium armor plates all over his body, with an iron mask concealing his true, scarred face.

Her heart skipped a beat and she gulped heavily. She didn't want to believe this was real, but she couldn't deny the facts. Her hands trembled, not knowing what to do.

Wanda: No... You can't be... you're not...

Victor finally sat down on his throne, giving off an aura unlike anything she's seen.

Victor: Yes, Wanda... I am Doom.

She slowly walked backwards, a thousand thoughts running through her mind at once. Doctor Doom died during the Incursion War... How was he alive? And what did he want with her? More power?

Wanda: B-but... how? Why? You died! Y-you... I... You were... You lived inside my house... You...

Doom: You needed something to hold on to. Somebody had to keep your head above water or you would've drowned. Nobody else did it, so I stepped in.

Wanda: B-but... but why?

...

Wanda: I-is Victor not even your real name?

Doom stood up from the throne and descended the steps, his movements deliberate but unthreatening.

Doom: It is... I am Victor Von Doom. But I am also the man who sat in your home, listened to your fears, and guided you when no one else would. A comforting voice in a sea of darkness. A shoulder to lean on...

Wanda's voice trembled with uncertainty, and she replied with barely a whisper.

Wanda: You lied to me. Y-you... You made me trust you.

Doom: I protected you. When the world wanted to tear you apart, I was the one who held you together. I'm still that person, Wanda. You can still trust me.

Tears welled in her eyes as confusion, fear, and betrayal warred within her. But a part of her still wanted to trust him. She grew fond of him as well, and if all of that was fake, she would lose herself.

Doom stopped a few feet away.

Doom: I wanted you to survive. To see beyond your fears, beyond your pain, beyond their judgment and find the strength to become what you're meant to be.

Her hands clenched into fists.

Wanda: And what's that?

Doom: A savior.

She remained quiet, every part of her tried to fight her vulnerable urge to believe the words from his mouth. But she failed. He already had her. His thumb gently pressed on her cheek and he wiped a tear.

Doom: Wanda.. It's still me. It's still Victor... Frankly, out of all the people that knew me, you got to know me more than anyone I've ever met.

Wanda: B-but...

Doom: Why would I hurt you now after weeks of only being good to you? Wanda, it is I who decided to reveal the truth, why would I reveal this to you only to hurt you after?

Wanda: I... I don't know...

He held out his hand.

Doom: Come sit down. We have a lot to discuss.

With her current emotional state, she was vulnerable, and very easy to trust anybody who showed any kindness towards her. And so she did, albeit reluctantly. Perhaps at the best possible time. Or perhaps at the worst possible time.

Present day
2 hours later
9:05 AM, New York City

The van's approach sent shockwaves through the crowd. Reporters scrambled to deliver their coverage, shouting over the din.

Live footage zoomed in on the vehicle as it slowed to a stop. The armored doors opened with a hiss, and for one endless second, the world was silent.

Wanda took one final breath, closing her eyes before stepping out for one last time. Every willpower inside of her fought against her instinct to just run away and never come back. To hide forever... But with Victor by her side, and Matt waiting inside the courtroom, and her witnesses awaiting their testimony, she mustered the courage, how little it is, to step outside the van... and the tidal wave hit her.

"THERE SHE IS! THERE SHE IS!"

Reporters were rampant, protesters even more. The noise outside was even louder than before. As Wanda walked towards the courtroom, the clanking of her chains echoed like gunshots. Cameras flashed, blinding in their intensity, capturing every detail of her face: pale, drawn, yet somehow radiant in her defiance. Doing everything she can not to lose control of her emotions. She felt weak, but she couldn't give up now.

The crowd chanted horrible words. Some screamed obscenities; others simply screamed. Those who already grew empathy for her, was silenced by fear of the multitudes.

"MONSTER!"
"MURDERER!"
"BURN HER!"

But amid the chaos, a single voice pierced through, clear and unwavering:

"She's not a monster."

Wanda froze. Her eyes darted toward the source of the cry, but the crowd swallowed the figure before she could see. Her lips parted, but no words came. Even among thousands, if only ONE of them already saw the truth, there might possibly be hope after all.

Victor placed a firm hand on her arm, guiding her forward.

Victor: You don't owe them anything.

Inside the Courthouse

The grand chamber was packed beyond capacity. Every seat was filled, and even the walls seemed to groan under the weight of the world's gaze. Judges, jurors, reporters, and spectators sat in an electric silence, waiting.

Matt Murdock stood by the defense table, his shoulders tense but his expression resolute. The man who became the only voice willing to speak for Wanda, regardless of the reputation he now had of being seen as the villain of the story, defending the even worse villain of the story. He adjusted his tie with practiced calm, though his ears buzzed with the murmurs of the courtroom.

The doors creaked open.

Every head turned, and every voice fell silent as Wanda walked in. Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. Any sound drummed like a distant gunshot.

The sound of her chains filled the air, each metallic clink echoed through the chamber like a death knell. Cameras zoomed in on her face, capturing every flicker of emotion: The shame, the fear, the vulnerability. That was the first thing the jury saw, and they looked at each other. Some still showing confusion as to how this person could be the monster they believe her to be.

The crowd outside roared louder, their voices muffled by the heavy doors but still unmistakable. Wanda swallowed hard, stepping into the spotlight, the entire world watching her every move. The cameras caught every step, every tremble, every fleeting look of fear and resolve. The world held its breath as Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, came to a halt in front of the Judge.

This was the moment. The final act.

The Scarlet Witch was about to face her judgment.

The judge banged his gavel.

Judge: All rise.

Once the room stood on their feet, the judge continued.

Judge: The people against Wanda Maximoff continues. You may be seated.

As they sat down, Wanda's eyes scanned the room. She saw faces twisted with hatred, fear and a rare few with doubt and even fewer with pity. She felt Matt's reassuring hand gently resting on her fingers, Matt looked over to her and nodded his head.

Matt: It will be okay.

She nodded slowly, already trying to keep a tear at bay.

Matt: Look at me... You will survive this.

She lowered her head and waited in angst for the judge to speak.

Judge: Today, the defense will present their case. Mr. Murdock, you may proceed.

Matt stood up, his calm demeanor betraying none of the tension radiating from Wanda. He adjusted his tie, the movement deliberate, and walked to the center of the room. His cane clicked softly against the floor.

Matt: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury...

Matt began, his voice measured, resonating with an undercurrent of sincerity.

Matt: For the past several weeks, you've heard a torrent of accusations against my client. A week ago, you've seen her actions scrutinized and her intent questioned. You saw horrors unfold in this courtroom that nobody should experience first hand, there is no denying that... But today, we begin the process of offering clarity. A chance for you to see the person behind the headlines, the humanity beyond the fear. It might seem impossible now, after what you've already seen, but if it were impossible, I would not be standing here today.

He paused, his sightless eyes almost appearing to meet the jury's as he turned slightly toward them.

Matt: We will show that what you've heard and saw was only part of the story. The full truth: the context, is far more complex. You will hear from experts who will explain the extraordinary forces that influenced her actions. You will learn about the impossible choices she faced, and you will see that, like all of us, Wanda Maximoff is fallible... but not the irredeemable monster she is made out to be.

Matt took a step closer to the jury box, his tone softening. Wanda took another deep breath, trying her best to keep her composure, but it was almost too difficult.

Matt: We are not here to deny the pain and death that was caused. But we are here to show you that the person before you, the person many of you have already judged, has more to her that meets the eye. You've already seen some of what I'm referring to, such as Doctor Simmons' testimony last week for example. For today's proceedings I ask only that you keep your minds open, and your hearts fair, as we present our case. However difficult it may be. I know what you whisper. I see the person in your minds, and yes, that person IS an irredeemable serial mass murdering psychopath, but the person in your minds does not exist. Today we will prove that. Wanda Maximoff will soften your hearts, and open your minds.

He turned back toward the bench, giving a slight nod to the judge.

Matt: This is a very rare case, and for us to really delve into the evidence, the defense would like the world to get to know the person behind the actions first. You already know about her mental psyche as Doctor Simmons layed out the various variables of her mental health, such as her mild autism, PTSD, personality disorders and several anxiety disorders which all stemmed from severe trauma. Today we will present multiple witnesses from people closest to her, the few that are still here at least, to delve deeper into who this woman really is behind closed doors.

Wanda looked up slightly as those words reminded her of the loss she is facing right now, with excruciating doubt whether or not she will ever reunite with her loved ones. At least Pietro was still here.

Matt: Defense would like to call the closest person to Wanda, her twin brother, Pietro Maximoff to the witness stand.

Pietro stood up and walked towards the stand. He gave Wanda a reassuring look, relieving a little bit of pressure off her shoulders, for now. Him being here made things a little more bearable.

Pietro took the stand and took the oath, before Matt began questioning him.

Matt: Pietro, would you say you know Wanda more than most people?

Pietro: I think I know her better than anyone. We were inseparable at a time. For years.

The prosecution barked back immediately, not wasting any time.

Prosecutor: That was before you essentially died, and remained so for more than a decade.

(Wanda brought him back in Avengers Incursion War)

Pietro: I might've been absent for a lengthy chapter in her life, not to my own will, and I understand that a lot happened in that time, but it doesn't change anything for me.

Matt: Do you still share that bond with her?

Pietro: Absolutely.

Matt: If you could sum Wanda up in a few words, what would it be?

Pietro remained quiet while thinking. He looked over at the multitudes of observers, reporters, news cameras recording everything live... He had to do everything he could to make the people see her as he does.

Pietro: Wanda is... Was... Brave, highly intelligent, kind, she had a heart of gold, always fought for what she believed is right, and she never gave up. She was always the more empathetic twin between us. And she NEVER started a fight with anyone. Not even me.

Matt: Was, as past tense?

Pietro: I do believe a person does not stay the same forever, that certain things can change someone. But I do not believe that anything can change a person's heart. And everything I just said, all of those qualities... is still in there somewhere. The qualities I mentioned, is the Wanda I knew for years. Even before our parents died...

Prosecutor: So, you're saying she is not that person anymore? But that person might still be in there somewhere?

Pietro: Ever since our parents died... I could see her changing in front of my eyes. In the orphanage, and after... She slowly became distant. She wouldn't speak about what happened--

Prosecutor: Are you confirming that trauma made her lose her humanity?

Pietro: No not at all. No I... It made her... vulnerable. Wounded.

Wanda sniffled as she heard his words being spoken for everyone to hear.

Pietro: She crept into a shell, and she would only be open to me. Whenever we encountered someone, I became the speaker, she just stood and nodded. As her twin I knew she needed me. Without me, she would not have survive the world. So we became even closer.

Matt: How close?

Pietro: She started to cling to me like I was a lifeline. I think that's what sparked her separation anxiety which resulted in her habit of clinging onto someone too hard, making it even harder to lose that person. Point is, I was all she had left... She was all I had left.

Matt: Did she not make any friends at the orphanage?

Pietro: It was mostly just us and a few other children. It was a cruel place. We mostly wished it over every single day of our lives. I became her only sense of humanity. Her only sense of belonging and sense of... home.

Matt: And all this was BEFORE you were not there anymore. But now, you got to spend about a year with Wanda after you came back. Could you tell us what kind of person you saw in her over the last year?

Pietro: Honestly... It made my heart ache, seeing the person she became. Only after I was informed of everything she had to endure while I was gone, I finally understood. She became extremely introverted, emotionally sensitive, very fragile... Yet still kind, and even more... clingy... than before.

Matt: Could you elaborate?

Pietro: I think she loves too much. And it's eating her up from the inside out. Not because of it, but because of circumstances keeping her from living out that love in the way she craves to do. Keeping it away from her, and sometimes outright ripping it out of her grasp like a cruel monster stealing candy from a child. Multiple times.

Wanda closed her eyes. Her brother's words struck too close, bringing the overwhelming emotions bubbling to the surface. She could feel the crowd's eyes on her, some skeptical, others quietly moved.

Matt: Could you ever believe that your sister would be capable of the things at Transia or S.W.O.R.D.?

Pietro: No. She might have flaws but she's not a monster. She's not like other people. She never has been. She feels everything too much. The trauma, the pain, the public's hatred and fear of her... it breaks her. More than you know. And it's been breaking her for years, but her moral compass has never changed. She's a neurodivergent... on the spectrum... So please... keep that in mind during this trial. My sister does not deserve this.

Matt: Last thing, how do you feel about the world calling her this larger than life character that's been written about for eons, now finally walking amongst us. The prophesized Scarlet Witch.

Pietro: It kinda bugs me you know. It more than bugs her. She just wanted to be normal like everyone else. She didn't ask to be this. And she isn't. She shouldn't be getting this much attention from the world outside. It's not...

He looked at Wanda with softened eyes. She looked back at him with soaking wet cheeks. Their eyes immediately bonded in an unspoken understanding, and Pietro could feel everything she was feeling right now.

Pietro: It's not fair. All I see when I look at her, is my little sister, even thought we're twins, I see her as my little sister... Who had been dealt an unfathomably cruel hand by the universe, seeking respite from her pain, and acceptance from the world around her.

Matt: Thank you.

Pietro was excused from the stand and Matt called in the next witness, Jean Grey.

Matt: We now call Jean Grey to the stand.

Matt didn't waste any time, and immediately started questioning the moment she sat down.

Matt: You saw into Wanda's mind, moments before almost blowing up an entire block of Manhattan... In the same way how she supposedly blew up those helicopters and cop cars on the bridge (Chapter 3) and an entire highway.

Jean Grey: Yes.

Matt: What did you see?

Jean Grey: Pain. A lost soul in endless torment. Begging for relief.

Matt: Do you believe she had control over her actions during the incidents we're discussing?

Jean hesitated for a moment before answering.

Jean Grey: No. In those moments, her powers were acting on their own, fueled by her emotional state. She wasn't making the decision to do that. She was actually doing the opposite. Trying her best to contain the burst.

Prosecutor: So her powers are unstable too, not just her.

Jean Grey: ... It doesn't change that those events are not her fault. It can't be her fault. I myself had to deal with that, and I assure you there are ways to learn and control such power. Professor Charles Xavier helped me with mine. We could help her in the same way.

Matt: Did you see anything else when you saw into her mind?

Jean Grey: It was overwhelming. It occured at a crucial time after she escaped her torture in the raft. She was running away from the cops. Scared and confused.

Matt: About what?

Jean Grey: Scared to go back there... Confused about the inhumane treatment she received, confused about the world turning completely against her, confused about why she was captured in the first place, scared for the fate of her missing relatives, scared that she will never see them again... And scared of... something far darker than I had imagined.

Wanda shifted in her seat and kept sobbing silently.

Prosecutor: What do you mean by that?

Jean Grey: Authority figures higher than me prevents me from speaking its name. Mr. Murdock will clarify this later in the trial. But I can say one thing, the fear I felt when seeing... It... Was nothing I've ever felt. And I somehow feel like it was connected to her time in the raft.

Jean dropped a tear as she mentioned the raft.

Matt: Except for the footage already shown last week, did you see what else she went through in there?

Jean lowered her head and couldn't speak about it. It was too hard.

Matt: Ms. Grey...

Jean: Yeah I...

Jean looked over to Wanda as she twiddled her thumbs.

Jean: I don't know if she could handle repeating the details.

Wanda was already startled from the question, every ounce of her wanted to say no. It was too hard to revisit the torment.

Jean: It was far worse than anybody can imagine. And if you think this has anything to do with physical pain, that was the most bearable part... It was the other st...

She held her breath, looking over and Wanda, who shut her eyes tight as to try and not remember it.

Jean: The other stuff... That made it completely... inhumane.

Everyone held their breaths, and they turned their eyes towards Wanda, seeing how Jean's words drastically affected her. Wanda began to tremble slightly.

Wanda kept her eyes shut, trying not to remember that moment. Her breathing became heavier, and the jury took note immediately.

Matt: Thank you. Now as you've heard, not only did Jean see into her mental state, but she did find evidence of something else that was haunting ms. Maximoff every day... Something dark. But before we delve deeper into that territory, we will present a few special witnesses. People whose lives have been changed because of my client.

First, Betty was called to the stage. The woman who almost took her own life, but was convinced by Wanda herself... That life still had so much more to offer. She spoke about everything Wanda told her, including Wanda's own internal struggles and ultimate attempt to end it at one point. (*Read Avengers: Incursion War Chapter 3 and Scarlet Witch Chapter 2 for context*)

The jury and audience were shocked to hear about Wanda's time in isolation on her island and how bad it got. Some were angry at themselves for shedding tears for this monster, but that already said something.

After multiple exchanges, Betty's time at the witness stand was almost over.

Betty: If it wasn't for her... I wouldn't be here anymore. I will forever be grateful for that.

Matt: My final question to you is, does it make sense to you, after what she did to save you... Even staying by your side until you made the choice to willfully be saved, does it make sense at all that someone like that could ever be responsible for the brutal deaths of many Transia citizens, and over 100 S.W.O.R.D agents among many others?

Betty: Honestly... It seems impossible to me. I still can't understand it. A big part of me doesn't want to believe it. I just can't.

Matt: Thank you.

Next, they called the older lady which Wanda helped and even stayed for tea with. (*Chapter 2*) She explained how Wanda didn't even come to her dressed as the Scarlet Witch, but as a normal person just doing some good.

Matt: Did she do anything that made you suspect something?

Lady: All she did was show me what was going on inside her heart. That was all I suspected. I saw a broken spirit that kept on going even through troubled times.

Matt: and that was before all of this. Before things got even worse for her.

Lady: She told me that she was getting ready to marry that day... I can't ever forget the smile on her face. There was a kind of innocence to it.

Matt: And that was ruined as well.

Matt turned to the jury.

Matt: You see, my client spent THE DAY OF HER WEDDING, saving people. Helping people, even doing so without wanting recognition. I saw the theories claiming she did it for attention, or to lure us away from the "truth" being that she is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Here she was, wearing normal clothes, helping someone cross the street, taking her groceries up to her apartment, sitting down with an old widowed lady, having tea, discussing life... Wasting PRECIOUS time she COULD'VE used to get ready for the wedding. But she didn't. Because no matter what day it is, people still needed saving. And how did we repay her?

Matt clicked on a screen and played more footage of her torment in the raft. Muffled sounds and begs, mixed with machinery and medical equipment doing its job. Some of the audience in the courtroom looked away, some closed their ears. Others stared without blinking as tears threatened to spill out. Wanda held onto the table as tight as possible while softly sobbing. Her body trembled, and her palms began to sweat.

Matt: This was DAYS AFTER her wedding, by the way. Can you imagine what she had to have gone through, as it happened, she also KNEW that her husband was missing, along with her two sons... This is something I would not wish on anyone...

He thought about Wilson Fisk for a moment.

Matt: Not even my worst enemy.

Matt stayed quiet as he gave time for the audience, no, the world, to let his words sink in. There was not a squeak in the courtroom. People were having a war within themselves as to what is true and what is not. Were they mistaken? But the evidence was so clear. How could they be mistaken? She IS a monster, is she not? The courtroom was silent, save for the occasional rustle of papers and the hum of anticipation. Thousands of eyes were locked on Matt Murdock.

Matt: Your Honor, I'd like to call a special witness to the stand. Someone whose perspective I believe will shed the biggest light on the woman you are here to judge. This person was also among the encounters Wanda had on the day of her wedding.

The judge raised an eyebrow but nodded. The doors at the back of the courtroom creaked open, and a small 7 year old girl walked in, clutching a heart-shaped necklace around her neck. Wanda's heart sank, and the jury could see her emotions in full display.

The girl was timid but determined, guided by a court officer. The crowd murmured in confusion, a ripple of whispers spreading across the room. They remembered this same girl running towards Wanda on the first day of her trial.

Matt knelt slightly, meeting the girl's eyes as she reached the stand.

Matt: Lana, do you remember why you're here today?

The girl nodded, her small voice soft and cute.

Lana: To talk about her!

She pointed a tiny finger toward Wanda, who sat chained at the defendant's table, her head low, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

Matt: Lana, can you tell everyone what happened the day you met Wanda?

Lana hesitated, her grip tightening on the necklace around her neck. Finally, she began, her voice gaining strength as she spoke.

Lana: I was crying... outside my school. Nobody wanted to be my friend. And they... made fun of me.

Her voice cracked, and Matt gave her an encouraging nod.

Lana: And then she came.

Matt: Wanda?

Lana: Yes. I was sitting and-and she came down- from the sky.

Lana's eyes lit up at the memory.

Lana: She looked pretty... like a princess. But I was scared... because everyone said she was bad. They said she hurt people.

The courtroom was eerily silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone. Matt leaned closer.

Matt: And what did Wanda do when she saw you crying?

Lana looked directly at Wanda, her tiny voice sparked a light in Wanda's heart.

Lana: She sat with me. We held hands. She told me I was special... even when nobody else thought so.

Matt paused, letting the words settle in the air.

Matt: Did Wanda hurt you, Lana?

Lana felt offended to even consider Wanda hurting her and she immediately defended her.

Lana: No! She would never!! She made me a necklace!

She held up the heart-shaped charm for all to see, its simplicity radiating something far more profound.

Lana: She told me to always remember that I'm not alone. That I'm not what other people say I am.

A murmur spread through the courtroom again, but this time it wasn't confusion, it was something softer, something almost like shame.

They realized that this was more than just a necklace. It was an allegory to what Wanda herself has experienced in her life. And right at that moment, the atmosphere already started shifting. The evidence for her innocence was not even presented yet, and the world is already doubting themselves. Even if they don't know it yet, deep down they are doubting, and that was all Matt needed from this testimony.

Matt took a step closer.

Matt: Lana, why do you think Wanda did that for you?

Lana looked down, her voice was small but clear.

Lana: Cause... she knows what it feels like. She told me... she told me that sometimes people say mean stuff about her, too.

Matt glanced toward Wanda, who had tears streaming silently down her face.

Matt: And what do you think of Wanda, Lana?

The little girl straightened slightly in her seat, her voice trembling but firm.

Lana: I think she's the nicest person ever! She's not scary... She's not bad!

Matt stood and turned to face the jury, his voice resonating.

Matt: If a seven year old child, armed with nothing but the truth in her heart, can see past fear and prejudice to recognize the humanity in Wanda Maximoff, can't we? Isn't it our responsibility to do the same?

Matt let the silence linger for a while before looking at the girl again.

Matt: Lana, do you think it's true what the people say about Wanda?

The girl looked at Wanda for a while and shook her head vigorously.

Lana: No! She's my best friend.

Wanda was unable to contain herself any longer, and let a tear slip down her cheek. Her chains clinked softly as she shifted in her seat, overwhelmed by the child's words. And once again her display of emotion was there for all to see. She was just a sobbing mess throughout.

Matt turned back to the jury, his voice steady and filled with conviction.

Matt: Ladies and gentlemen, we've heard testimony after testimony about the actions of Wanda Maximoff. We've seen evidence that paints her as a villain, a threat. But today, we've heard the truth, from a child who met her not as the Scarlet Witch, but as a person. A person who saw pain and chose to ease it.

Prosecutor: Objection!

Judge: Proceed.

Prosecutor: Ladies and gentlemen, you have to take into account that a child can easily be fooled. It has been shown time and time again. The Scarlet Witch-

Matt: (interrupting) Wanda. Her name is Wanda.

Prosecutor: ... Whatever she is, don't you think it's a little twisted to target little children as a way to sway public opinion? She KNOWS they are easily fooled. There is no way of knowing whether or not she had pure intentions.

Lana: That's NOT TRUE! SHE CARES ABOUT ME!

Matt: Your honor, prosecution is upsetting the child, we arranged beforehand that we would make this as easy and non-stressful as possible for her.

Prosecutor: I'd say I'm protecting a victim, a CHILD victim, from a monster that's even worse than predatory.

Wanda once again tried defending herself, but she stopped herself just before opening her quivering mouth. She shifted in her seat and lowered her head again, clutching her knuckles in frustration and sadness at the same time.

Prosecutor: Taking into account all the horrific things she has done, I don't think you can find ANY PROOF that she had ANY pure intent when approaching this defenseless 7 year old girl.

Wanda's lips quivered and she made herself small, her hair covering part of her face. The jury and the audience turned their attention to Wanda's reaction to the prosecutor's words. They could see how these accusations cut her very deep, now on a personal level, and Matt used that to his advantage.

Matt: I think- your proof that she had good intentions is right here in this courtroom. And she's sitting right there at the defendant's seat.

The courtroom heard a small echo of a whimper that escaped Wanda's throat.

The prosecutor stayed quiet.

Matt gestured to Lana again, who was now clutching the necklace like a lifeline.

Matt: This little girl doesn't care about the headlines. She doesn't care about the fear or the hate. She knows only what she felt that day, kindness, compassion, and love.

Matt's voice grew stronger, resonating through the room.

Matt: If a child can look beyond the fear and see the humanity in Wanda Maximoff, why can't we? If Lana can forgive, can care, can believe in the goodness of someone the world has condemned, then what does that say about us?

The courtroom was silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Even the harshest of critics seemed to waver, their gazes softening as they looked at Lana, the innocent girl who dared to see the good in a monster the world tried to condemn.

Matt: Thank you, Lana. You've reminded us all of something we seem to have forgotten: That everyone, no matter how lost they may seem, is capable of goodness.

As Lana stepped down from the stand, the crowd remained silent. She glanced back at Wanda, offering her a shy smile. Wanda, for the first time today , allowed herself a small, tearful smile in return.

And in that moment, Lana bolted across the courtroom floor. The spectators gasped as the little girl ran straight toward Wanda, her small arms outstretched.

Matt: Lana--

Matt tried to stop but it was too late.

The guards moved to intercept her, but the judge raised a hand to not escalate things and possibly put the girl's life in more jeopardy than it already may be.

Lana threw herself at Wanda, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist. Wanda froze, her chains clinking softly as the little girl buried her face against her.

For a moment, Wanda was too stunned to react. Slowly, trembling, she lifted her cuffed hands as much as she could and rested them lightly on the girl's back.

The guards stood ready, guns at hand, but not directed at her for the safety of the child.

Guard #1: Let her go!

Wanda: I...

Guard #2: Final warning! Let the girl go!

Judge: Stop!

The guards looked at the Judge in confusion.

Judge: Lana, can you look at me?

Lana still held Wanda tightly, and looked at the judge.

Judge: They're not going to hurt you.

Lana: They have guns! They wanna shoot my friend!

The judge signaled to the guards and they hesitantly put their weapons away.

Judge: See? They just want to make sure you're safe. Can you do me a favor and let go of Ms. Maximoff?

Wanda leaned over.

Wanda: It's okay, Lana. You can go.

Lana: But-

Wanda: You already saved me. Thank you, Lana. (Sniffles)

Wanda's tears were falling freely.

Wanda: Thank you...

Lana slowly let go, and they escorted her out of the building.

The room was silent, save for the sound of Lana's little footsteps. For the first time in months, Wanda felt something stir within her: a flicker of hope.

The rest of the world was left speechless at what they just heard and witnessed, while many couldn't make heads or tails out of the situation. Still, their rational minds fully believed Wanda to be a monster, and some of their hatred was still very strong, but perhaps it was time they gave the heart a shot. Even if they don't know it yet, their hearts had already surrendered, swayed by the quiet pull of emotion, but now it was time for their minds to catch up, for reason to finally align with what their gut already felt deep down.

Had it not been for the actions they think she did, by now Wanda would be someone the entire world would root for. She radiated empathy. Empathy that the world already feels in their hearts, but closed off from their minds. She had everything such a recipe required:

An orphan that lost everything she ever loved over and over again, until having an emotional breakdown due to her pain, getting forced into larger than life situations when all she wanted was a normal fulfilling life, trying to commit suicide only to find hope from someone special, getting some of it back only to lose it all again and be tortured and experimented on, in ways unimaginable. This was all Matt needed to finally charge forward with the evidence. The audience and the jury was primed for what was to follow.

But the judge first called for a recess. And while this recess was going on, Erik (Magneto), was on a mission of his own.

Latverion
Doom's secret city outside the multiverse

Magneto managed to get through the correct channels until he was granted access into the obelisk in the heart of Latverion. He's been bothered by this place since he came here and agreed to help Victor in his quest to save existence. He just couldn't trust the peace. This was Doom, after all.

After descending into the lowest basement level of the obelisk, he saw a Doombot walking towards the machine structure in the center. He went behind it and ripped off its head, then crushed it with his magnetism.

*clap* *clap* *clap*

Hawkeye: Took you long enough.

Erik turned to his side and saw Clint Barton, locked up in a cage.

Magneto: Clint Barton!?

Hawkeye: The one and only... Would you mind breaking me out of this hellhole?

The basement looked like a large dungeon with the aesthetics of the 11th century, but one thing stood out.

A modern-futuristic structure, humming with red energy. The structure was so large that it reached all the way to the top of the city. It was the obelisk. Erik was mesmerized by its appearance.

Hawkeye: Yeah it's something isn't it?

Magneto: How long have you been here? What is this place?

Hawkeye: Heck if I know. All I know is that a bunch of Doombots come in here and calibrate that machine every few hours. Then it shines a bright red aura before dimming again.

Magneto: Why did he lock you up?

Magneto broke open the cell and used his magnetism to remove his chains.

Hawkeye: Thanks. Uhg rashes are a b*tch!

He touched the red rash marks on his wrists from the cuffs.

Hawkeye: Last thing I remember was walking out of my house on the way to my private quinjet to go to New York City... To help YOUR daughter.

Magneto: Breaking her out of the raft?

Hawkeye: No, it was after she escaped the raft and it was all over the news. I entered the barn and then he showed up.

Magneto: Doom?

Hawkeye: No, Timmy the egg. YES Doom!

Magneto: But why only you?

Hawkeye: Guess I'm too stubborn. Do the Avengers know about this place yet?

Magneto: They can't know.

Hawkeye: Why?

Magneto: You really don't know anything?

Hawkeye: I know Wanda is somehow involved, and by the look of things she seems to be the victim. If you hurt her!

Magneto: Don't you dare! She's my daughter. I only want the best for her.

Hawkeye: Oh yeah and how's that going? And WHERE THE HELL ARE WE!?

Magneto: (sigh) All this time I kept trying to convince myself that this is the right thing to do. That we're the good guys. But then I stumble upon you, and this weird dungeon under the city... Now I'm not so sure anymore.

Hawkeye: What's going on?

Magneto: Doomsday is upon us. This place is... SUPPOSED to be a safe haven from the destruction of the multiverse. Well... Not the dungeon. The city above it.

Hawkeye: It's happening again!?

Magneto: Long story.

He opened a portal to Earth.

Magneto: You should go before he finds you. And hide.

Hawkeye: Now hold on just a second, I need answers.

Magneto: I can't waste more time. He can find out any second, then we're both dead.

Erik pushed him through the portal and closed it.

Hawkeye: Damnit!

Magneto: Now... What were you hiding down here, Victor.

He walked towards the machine and saw a control terminal at its center. A screen was at the center of the terminal, giving information about its energy levels.

Magneto: Chaos levels?

He saw a lever connected to the front of the obelisk, and when he pulled it, it opened up, showing Vision at its center, with all 6 Infinity stones implanted in his chest, and the blood stone on his forehead. Vision was chained in place, surrounded by a swirling vortex of red chaos energy.

Magneto: Vision? Victor told me you died in the future!

Vision: Scanning, identity confirmed... Erik Lehnsherr, Father of Wanda Maximoff.

Magneto: Vision? What has he done to you? What happened in 2035?

Vision: Intruder identified, contacting Doom...

Magneto: No wait! He uh... Told me to come check on the machine.

Vision: The world forge is only accessible to Doom himself.

Magneto: Listen, you gotta snap out of whatever trance he put you in. You're Wanda's husband, remember?

Vision: I have the memories of Vision... But I don't feel them. I feel nothing. Not for her either. Even though I wish I could...

Magneto: Vision would never say something like that...

Vision: I am not that Vision anymore. I'm not conscious. The blood stone... Killed the real Vision... Or at least, removed my self awareness. It spared the Artificial parts. Half Ultron... Half Jarvis. But you can call me Jarvis.

Magneto: Jarvis? But if you remember loving her... You would understand why you can't contact Doom about this... It can put her life and mine in jeopardy. Now tell me what Doom needs you for? Why is the husband of my daughter chained inside a machine that seems to be using her own powers to function?

Vision (Jarvis): I was reprogrammed to only do as he says, and he told me to contact him when anyone else accessed this machine.

Erik was stunned, and he felt a sadness in him. How could he ever tell Wanda about this? It would've been better if he was just dead altogether.

Magneto: What is he doing to you?

Vision (Jarvis): I am the replacement, meant to power his world forge in Wanda's place. He siphons her power... directly into this machine. Whenever she uses it... The stones are able to harness an infinite amount, the energy flows into me.

Magneto: How?

Vision (Jarvis): Doom tricked the chaos energy by using her DNA, it thinks I'm her.

Magneto: (realization) He's a madman... How did he get her DNA!?

New York
The courthouse waiting room

Wanda and Matt waited for the trial to continue along with Victor, when he got the silent notification about Magneto.

Victor: I got to go...

Wanda: What? Where?

Victor: Something very important has come up. I really wished to be here but you don't really need me here. You got Matt, you got everyone at the witness seats, including your brother.

Matt sat silently and listened, and he grabbed Victor by the arm.

Matt: Hey, where do you think you're going?

Wanda: Matt, it's fine.

She knew Matt couldn't know who Victor really was, or it could change everything, so she reluctantly played along.

Wanda: Victor... Whatever it is... Can it wait?

Matt: I'm gonna ask again... Where are you going?

Victor: I see you forgot our previous little encounter, Matthew.

Wanda: Previous encounter?

He gently removed Matt's hand from his arm.

Victor: This is too important to leave hanging. Trust me.

Matt: What can be more important than this?

Victor: Something that has everything to do with this, I assure you.

Matt: What!?

Wanda: What!?

Victor: Don't worry. It will be fine.

Matt listened to his heartbeat and couldn't sense a lie.

Matt: As her lawyer I have a legal right to know if there is a snake in the grass regarding this trial. What is it? Someone on the jury? Are they being blackmailed?

Victor: Well... Someone... Is meddling with things they shouldn't be meddling with. I intend to snuff them out. But I shouldn't be talking this loud. Sharp ears are listening.

Matt did not sense a lie yet again, but only because Victor knew how to play his cards right. The sharp ears was a reference to Matt himself, without Matt realizing.

Matt: I'm pretty good at snuffing someone out, why you?

Victor: I'm her personally assigned officer... Or did you forget that part?

Victor walked out of the room and vanished through a portal when nobody was around to see it, but Professor X was around the corner, watching it all happen... And he knew what he had to do now.

Matt: I still don't trust that guy...

Wanda: He's... Full of surprises.

The Baxter building
Home of the Fantastic Four

Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) has been spending weeks searching for Chthon, and all of Wanda's missing relatives and friends, as per the request of Professor X. But he was also pre-occupied with the dreadful message left to them by The Watcher from the year 2035. So far they have tried everything to find Doom. But every plan failed.

Reed was currently sitting alone in the HQ, looking at the large holographic screen, running multiple algorithms at the same time in hopes of anything turning up.

Multiple coffee mugs stood empty in front of his large work desk, his eyes were blood red, but he couldn't stop. Wouldn't stop. If Doom was behind all of this... His greatest rival, he had to do everything and anything to make this right. And the Watcher was counting on him alone to do so.

He continued to play the message from the Watcher in the year 2035 on repeat:

"Latverion. Also known as Battleworld... The only world that is left. An ark that has become home to all survivors of the great death. It is a world outside of time and space, outside the multiverse. A multiverse that tragically passed away. Battleworld was supposed to be the answer, but it has become the entire opposite. It is a world without hope. A world without mercy... A world at constant war, ruled by Emperor Doom, you will know him as Doctor Doom. I fear I must hurry. I can already feel the barriers of my realm cracking. Whoever is listening from the past... I send this message along with Cable as a last resort... There are no more celestial, Arishem and The Living Tribunal are both dead. The Beyonders are dead. Eternity is dead... Doom remains alive. Find the TVA. Warn them. Warn everyone. Stop this war before it ever happens."

Sue Storm (Invisible Woman, also his wife) walked into the room. She looked at him in a sympathetic way, as she knew he was doing everything he can. She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him from behind.

Sue Storm: Honey... You should get some rest.

Mr. Fantastic: I can't rest. If I rest...

Sue Storm: This can wait. These algorithms run themselves, don't they? You need to rest.

She kissed his cheek from behind and he closed his eyes.

As he was melting in her soothing kiss, one of the algorithms noticed strange readings on the world map. The computer beeped and showed multiple anomalies occurring at a rapid pace, and they were increasing.

Mr. Fantastic: There it is again.

Sue Storm: Is it getting worse?

Mr. Fantastic: Faster every day. I don't know, Sue. I don't know what's happening. Things are beginning to disappear all around the world. As of now it's small things like pens, mugs, or dog leashes... But what if it becomes worse? Cars? What about people? This is exactly what The Watcher Warned us about. Don't you see why I can't rest?

Sue Storm: If you don't rest, you are not thinking at your clearest.

The elevator door opened up and Professor X wheeled in on his chair.

Professor X: You are looking at the wrong place, Reed. You won't find Doom in his natural habitat, so to speak.

Mr. Fantastic: Charles? Aren't you supposed to testify in court today?

Professor X: I don't have much time, but this matter couldn't wait. I know why you couldn't find Doom.

Latverion

Erik closed the machine with Vision inside, but before leaving in a hurry, he saw a mechanical container underneath the control terminal. What caught his attention was something far darker than what he ever imagined. He saw multiple vials connected directly to the machine. He couldn't believe it at first, he didn't want to... He held his stomach when he saw the vials, each filled with a different kind of liquid, and he knew what this was right away.

Magneto: No... No... nonononono, Oh no!

He fell to one knee and tears dripped to the floor. He turned pale as a ghost.

Magneto: It can't be... It can't be...

Doom suddenly came up behind him.

Doom: So you figured it out...

Baxter Building

Mr. Fantastic: I tried everything I could think of. If he's not hiding in plain sight, he must be out there somewhere, controlling all of this. And what does it all have to do with Wanda? I can't put my finger on it.

Professor X: There is a new suspect... Someone I think we should've looked into weeks ago. The officer that's assigned to look after Wanda.

Mr. Fantastic: Why would you think that?

Professor X: Because he's named Victor...

Mr. Fantastic: Victor... That's also a common name. Doom isn't the only person named Victor.

Professor X: I wasn't finished... I just saw him, opening a portal and vanishing, Reed.

Mr. Fantastic: Intrigued, go on.

Professor X: Don't you think it's also a little strange how Wanda went from one person controlling her right to the next? First it was the doctor at the raft... now Officer "Victor"... Who conveniently always wears a mask over his face.

Mr. Fantastic: What are you implying?

Latverion

Erik turned around and saw Victor standing behind him.

Doom: I wish it hadn't come to this, Erik. I really do. But you just can't seem to keep your nose out of my business.

Magneto: YOU SON OF A B*TCH!

He immediately attacked Doom with all the power he had inside of him, but Doom just stood there unfazed.

Magneto: YOU TORTURED MY DAUGHTER!!! YOU DESTROYED HER LIFE!!! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!!!!

Doom: Unfortunately for you, that's not possible. I could just go back and make it so this never happened. But thinking about it now... You will always find a way to betray me. It happens every single time. And this was the last time.

He used his telekinesis to push Magneto against the wall, stopping him from moving a single muscle.

Doom: Do you know how easy I can just kill you right now?

Magneto: Then do it!

Doom: Thing is... I can't do that to her.

Magneto: As if you CARE!

Doom: I care. I care more than you can understand.

Baxter Building

Professor X: At first I had suspicions that Chthon and Doom were working together. But then I looked deeper. The footage at the raft never revealed the doctor's name. But I went and asked Matt Murdock. He seemed reluctant to tell me, said someone came to his apartment threatening to kill Karen Page... But now it all made sense. Dr. Vohndum... It's too obvious.

Mr. Fantastic: Dr. Vohndum? Didn't we all agree that the doctor turned out to be Chthon? It is what you told me, right? It's what Wanda told you.

Professor X: Right... But explain how his surname suspiciously sounds exactly like Von Doom.

Mr. Fantastic: No... How could we have missed this?

Professor X: Sometimes the thing you're searching for is right under your nose.

Mr. Fantastic: OF COURSE it makes sense! He's been manipulating everything from the start! From the beginning of history! He was right under our noses the entire time and we didn't know it...

...

Mr. Fantastic: Wanda's officer is Chthon... and Chthon... IS DOOM.

...

Mr. Fantastic: Sh*t

Latverion

Magneto: Why... Why do all that horrible SH*T to her!?

Doom: At first it was never personal... But if you spend enough time with someone... You grow fond of them. Especially her. And trust me... I spent A LOT... of time with her. One of the best things about time travel is... Time is irrelevant. I can make a day stretch out for a thousand years if I wanted to.

Magneto: YOU BASTARD!

Doom: I guess I do have a weakness after all. She's my weakness. She just... has a way of... making you care about her. I don't know what it is. Perhaps she brings out the best in me. It's... refreshing.

Magneto: Is that why you're still using her? You sick #*%$, you love her! You actually think... that this is love!? What about the raft!? The unspeakable things you did to her!

Doom: Did you think I wanted to hurt her? I required her DNA. Her power is all that stands between existence and the destruction of all things. Don't you get it? I HATE myself for what I had to do in there. I especially HATED making her fear this... Chthon persona, which is why... after I grew more fond of her, I dialed down on the whole "Chthon" thing, and tried something a little different. But the universe is a ticking time bomb, and the most efficient way to harness her power was through fear.

Magneto: You k... YOU KILLED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TO FRAME HER! YOU CONTROLLED EVERY ASPECT OF HER LIFE!

Doom: I never enjoyed what I did.

Doom lowered his head.

Doom: I did it because it had to be done. You'll see soon enough.

Doom clenched his fists in anger of himself.

Magneto: I would rather let everything die than to put my daughter through that much suffering.

Doom: Here's whats going to happen... You will go back upstairs, and continue your duty as acting ruler of Laverion, until I return. You will say nothing of this to anyone, or I will trap you in a time loop where I kill your grandchildren in front of you over and over and over again until you BEG me to kill you. It can take a hundred years, a thousand... a million...

Magneto: You wouldn't!

He was right, but Doom needed to threaten him in the worst way possible, because Wanda could never find out.

Doom (Chthon): Do YoU wAnT tO tEsT tHaT tHeOrY?

After the confrontation, Erik walked around the city, taking in the propaganda at every corner, lost in his thoughts. There HAD to be something he could do to stop him. But what? He was far too powerful. And so he stopped in front of a large statue of Doom, looking up with contempt in his heart, eyes watering from frustration and anger. And there was nothing he could do...

Thanks to you all for your continued support. Please leave a comment or two and be sure to vote on the chapter. I need every single one of your support to boost this story up in the rankings and help me build a community. I would REALLY appreciate it. I also LOVE reading them. It motivates me to continue writing faster and longer.