The Morlocks' temporary base wasn't what Gwen Stacy expected. Tucked away in the crumbling basement of an abandoned subway station, the space was damp, dimly lit, and filled with makeshift furniture pieced together from scavenged scraps. It was clear this group of mutants had been living on the fringes for far too long, hiding from a world that rejected them.
Wanda Maximoff stepped inside with her usual confidence, her crimson aura flickering faintly as her symbiote suit rippled along her arms. Gwen followed close behind, her reflective lenses glinting in the faint light. The group of Morlocks shuffled nervously, their eyes darting between the two newcomers.
The tension in the room was broken by the voice of a tall, muscular mutant with dark green skin and glowing amber eyes. He stepped forward, his heavy boots echoing in the cavernous space. His voice was deep and commanding, yet tinged with exhaustion.
"I'm Reaver," he said, crossing his arms. "I lead this group. Who are you, and why are you helping us?"
Wanda met his gaze, her expression calm but resolute. "I'm Wanda Maximoff. This is Gwen Stacy. We're here because we couldn't stand by and watch Magneto's Brotherhood harass your people."
Reaver's amber eyes narrowed. "Magneto's been recruiting aggressively. He's convinced some of our people to join him, promising safety and power. But we know better. He doesn't care about us—he only cares about his war."
Reaver gestured for the group to sit, and they settled onto crates and broken chairs scattered around the space. Wanda and Gwen remained standing, their presence commanding attention.
"Magneto isn't just recruiting," Reaver continued. "He's building something—something big. He talks about mutants rising up, about taking back the world that's rejected us. But he's willing to sacrifice anyone who doesn't fit his vision."
"Classic villain speech," Fracture quipped, her voice echoing in Wanda's mind. "He's like the mutant version of a bad motivational poster. 'Join me, or perish in obscurity.'"
Wanda ignored her, focusing on Reaver. "What exactly does Magneto want? What's his plan?"
Reaver hesitated, his glowing eyes flicking to the other Morlocks before returning to Wanda. "We don't know the details, but we've heard rumors. He's gathering mutants who can control or manipulate energy. We think it's for some kind of machine—a weapon, maybe."
Wanda's eyes narrowed. "And he's targeting vulnerable groups like yours to build his army."
Reaver nodded grimly. "Exactly. He knows we're desperate, and he's using that against us."
Wanda's expression softened as she addressed the group. "You don't have to stay here. There's a better option."
The Morlocks exchanged skeptical glances, their weariness evident.
"I rule Sokovia now," Wanda continued, her tone firm but kind. "Our country has become a sanctuary for mutants and superpowered individuals—a place where you can live without fear of persecution. Your leader, Callisto, has already relocated the Morlocks from Athens to Sokovia. If you're willing, I can help you reunite with her and the rest of your people."
Reaver's stern expression faltered, replaced by a flicker of hope. His glowing amber eyes softened as he looked back at the others. "Callisto... she's alive? And she's in Sokovia?"
"Yes," Wanda said, nodding. "She's safe, and she's working with me to ensure all of you have a place where you can thrive without being hunted or manipulated."
A murmur spread through the small crowd of Morlocks. Some exchanged cautious glances, while others looked to Reaver for guidance. The scaled mutant who had spoken earlier stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion. "You mean we could actually live somewhere without fear? Without hiding?"
Wanda smiled gently. "Yes. I've made it my mission to give mutants and others like us a safe haven. Sokovia can be your home, too."
Reaver exhaled deeply, his broad shoulders sagging as he processed Wanda's words. "We've been on the run for so long. Hiding in sewers, scavenging for scraps... It's hard to believe a place like Sokovia exists."
"It does," Wanda assured him. "And I'll personally make sure you all get there safely. But before we can talk about relocation, we need to address the immediate threat."
Reaver's expression darkened. "Magneto."
"Exactly," Wanda said. "If he's building a machine, it's only a matter of time before he tries to use it. And if what you've heard about him targeting mutants with energy-based abilities is true, then he's planning something dangerous."
The scaled mutant nodded. "We've already lost some of our people to his promises. They left, thinking they'd be safer with him. But we knew better. Magneto doesn't protect anyone—he uses them."
"Which is why we can't let him continue unchecked," Wanda said firmly. "I've heard of a group called the X-Men. They've dealt with Magneto before. If we can find them, we might have a chance to stop whatever he's planning."
The room fell silent as Reaver mulled over Wanda's words. Finally, he nodded. "If you can get the X-Men involved, it might be enough to turn the tide. But we'll need to move fast. Magneto's Brotherhood won't stop looking for us."
"We'll start making arrangements to get you out of New York and into Sokovia," Wanda said. "In the meantime, stay hidden and avoid any more confrontations with the Brotherhood."
Reaver extended his hand, and Wanda took it firmly. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "For everything."
As the Morlocks dispersed to begin gathering their belongings, Wanda and Gwen stepped outside the crumbling subway station to speak privately. The early morning light filtered through the cracks in the city's skyline, casting a soft glow over the streets.
"You were incredible back there," Gwen said, her voice filled with admiration. "The way you talked to them, the way they listened to you... I don't know how you do it."
Wanda leaned against the brick wall, her crimson aura dimming slightly as she smiled. "It's not about me, Gwen. It's about giving people hope. When you've been through what they've been through, sometimes all it takes is someone to believe in you."
Gwen removed her mask, letting the cool air touch her face as she leaned beside Wanda. "I've never really thought of myself as... that kind of person. Someone people can look up to."
"You're already doing it," Wanda said gently. "You just don't see it yet. But you will."
Gwen looked at Wanda, her blue eyes shining with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "Thanks, Wanda. That means a lot."
Wanda reached out, brushing a stray strand of blonde hair from Gwen's face. "You're stronger than you think, Gwen. Don't forget that."
Gwen's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly looked away. "You're really good at this whole pep talk thing, you know that?"
"It's a talent," Wanda replied with a smirk. "And don't worry—you're stuck with me now."
As the two stood in companionable silence, Fracture's voice echoed in Wanda's mind. **"Aww, look at you two. Bonding like old friends. Or maybe something more...?"**
"Quiet, Fracture," Wanda muttered under her breath, earning a curious glance from Gwen.
"What was that?" Gwen asked.
"Nothing," Wanda said quickly. "Just... talking to myself."
*,"Sure you were,"** Fracture quipped in Wanda's mind. **"Don't worry—I won't tell her how much you're into her."**
Wanda sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
**"And you love it,"** Fracture replied smugly.
As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, Wanda and Gwen returned to the subway station. Reaver and the Morlocks were already preparing to move, gathering their belongings and discussing routes to avoid detection.
Wanda addressed the group one last time. "We'll be back soon with more details about your relocation. Until then, stay safe and keep out of sight."
Reaver nodded. "We'll be ready."
As Wanda and Gwen left the Morlocks' temporary base and stepped back onto the bustling streets of New York, Gwen turned to Wanda, her expression thoughtful.
"So, what's the next move?" Gwen asked.
"We find the X-Men," Wanda said simply. "If Magneto's planning something big, they're the only ones who can help us stop him."
"And if they won't help?" Gwen pressed.
Wanda's crimson eyes glinted with determination. "Then we'll find another way."
Gwen nodded, her resolve hardening. "Whatever it takes."
With that, the two disappeared into the city, their path set and their purpose clear.
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