Chapter 30: The Wedding - A New Beginning
The day had finally arrived, and it felt as though the world had stopped in its tracks. It was Wanda's wedding day, the day she would marry the man she loved more than anything. But despite all the joy, there was a lingering sense of sadness that weighed heavily on her heart. Her twin brother, Pietro, was missing, and although she had accepted that he was gone, a part of her heart still yearned for him. Yet, today was a celebration, a moment that would forever change her life.
The venue chosen for the wedding was nothing short of magnificent. It stood as a grand symbol of their new life together, with tall columns of marble and a gleaming chandelier hanging above the reception hall. The space was large enough to comfortably fit three hundred guests, and today, it would hold the world they had built together. The walls were adorned with roses and ivy, interspersed with shimmering lights that created an ethereal atmosphere.
As Wanda stood before the mirror, gazing at herself in her wedding gown, she couldn't help but smile. The dress was a masterpiece, intricate and delicate in its design, sparkling softly in the light. It was a blend of silver and white silk that fell perfectly around her, making her feel as though she was wrapped in the very essence of beauty itself. Despite all this, her thoughts constantly drifted back to Pietro—her beloved brother who couldn't be here for her special day.
Her brother, the one who had always been there for her, who had shared so many moments of joy and pain, was no longer by her side. But today, Alex, the love of her life, was here, waiting to make her his forever. And that gave her comfort, the kind of comfort she hadn't known in so long. Today, she would finally marry the man who had shown her what true love was.
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The Arrival of the Guests
As the wedding ceremony approached, the guests began arriving, filling the grand hall with excitement and anticipation. It was a reunion of sorts, a coming together of old friends and allies. The Avengers had come from all corners of the Earth, each one eager to celebrate the love between Alex and Wanda.
Dr. Stephen Strange was the first to arrive, his cloak swirling around him as he walked into the venue with the quiet confidence that always accompanied him. His sharp eyes surveyed the room, and though he appeared stoic as ever, there was a certain warmth in his demeanor when he approached the couple.
"I don't have much to offer," Strange said as he handed them an ornate box. "But this is something I think you'll find valuable." He smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching as Alex and Wanda opened the box to reveal a beautiful, enchanted spellbook.
"It's enchanted to bring harmony to your relationship and peace within your home. Use it wisely."
His gift was typical of Strange—mysterious, thoughtful, and just the right touch for a couple who had weathered the storms of the universe together. He gave them a small nod before stepping aside to give the couple space.
Next, Bucky Barnes entered the venue, his imposing figure cutting through the crowd. His right arm gleamed as he walked with a quiet grace, and his eyes, though always filled with silent intensity, softened when he approached Wanda and Alex. He handed them a carefully crafted leather-bound journal.
"This is for you both," Bucky said with a quiet smile. "A place to record your journey. A symbol of the new chapter you're about to begin."
Wanda smiled warmly at Bucky, appreciating the sentiment behind the gift.
Then, Steve Rogers, the ever-humble and steadfast Captain America, entered the room. He came alone, his usual shield nowhere in sight, but his presence was commanding nonetheless. His eyes were filled with pride as he approached Alex and Wanda, offering them a small silver compass.
"Here," Steve said, his voice deep and sincere. "For your journey together, wherever it may lead."
Alex took the compass, touched by the symbolism of the gift. "Thank you, Steve," he said, shaking his friend's hand. "This will always remind us of the path we're on."
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The Other Avengers' Gifts
The room was filling quickly now, the chatter and laughter of friends and family creating a harmonious buzz of excitement. As the festivities continued, more guests arrived, each one bringing their own special gift.
Clint Barton and his wife Laura, along with their children, entered next, their joy evident in their bright smiles. Clint handed over a set of rare, hand-carved chess pieces, each one representing a different hero or villain from their world.
"For when you need a break from all the chaos," Clint teased, winking at Wanda and Alex. "Trust me, you're going to need it. The quiet moments are important."
The moment was lighthearted, but the sentiment was genuine, and Wanda and Alex laughed together, feeling the warmth of Clint's family.
Thor and Jane Foster arrived soon after, their regal presence filling the room. Thor, with his usual charismatic flair, presented the couple with an enchanted lantern—its golden glow unwavering no matter the environment.
"It will never go out," Thor declared. "Just like your love."
Jane, who stood beside him, smiled softly and added, "A symbol of eternal light for your future together."
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Tony Stark's Gift and Humor
It wasn't long before Tony Stark made his dramatic entrance. True to his nature, he was the last to arrive, casually walking into the venue with his usual swagger, accompanied by Pepper Potts. He immediately spotted Wanda and Alex and made his way over with a grin.
"Okay, okay, I know you've all been waiting for me. Let's get this over with." Tony raised his hand as if to silence the applause. "No, no, no, I'm not here for the show. I'm here for the wedding, and yes, I'll sign your autographs later."
Wanda and Alex chuckled at his antics, and Tony handed them a sleek, metallic box.
"This is for you two," Tony said, his voice full of sarcasm but genuine affection. "I know you wanted something practical, so I got you a state-of-the-art smart refrigerator that can track all your food and drink, even make sure you never run out of coffee. You'll need it. Trust me."
Pepper, standing beside him, gave Tony an exasperated look but couldn't hide the smile on her face. "He's not wrong. A little caffeine goes a long way."
Everyone laughed, and Tony winked at the couple. "You're welcome. Don't get too sentimental on me. It's just a fridge."
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The Guardians of the Galaxy's Gift
Next to arrive were the Guardians of the Galaxy, and naturally, they were all as eccentric as ever. Star-Lord (aka Peter Quill) walked in with his signature grin, followed by Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot.
"We couldn't bring anything as cool as Tony's fridge, but we thought this would do," Peter said, handing Alex and Wanda a small, intricately designed box.
Rocket snorted. "Hey, it's the thought that counts. Don't expect a smart fridge or anything fancy."
Alex and Wanda opened the box to find a vintage music player. "It's got some of the best tunes from Earth's history." Peter's grin widened. "It's for those nights when you need to unwind and, you know, relax. And when you need to laugh, we've got Groot's 'baby's first playlist.' It's very… emotional."
Groot added, "I am Groot." His deep voice added a soft sense of sincerity to the moment.
Everyone chuckled at the gift, and Wanda smiled warmly. "Thank you. This will definitely help with the late-night dancing."
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Black Panther's Gift
The final group of guests arrived—T'Challa, Shuri, and Okoye. The Black Panther, as always, exuded regal dignity, with Shuri and Okoye flanking him.
T'Challa stepped forward, handing Alex and Wanda an elegant box wrapped in traditional Wakandan fabric.
"From Wakanda, a gift to honor your union," T'Challa said, his voice calm but filled with respect.
Wanda and Alex opened the box to reveal two beautifully crafted vibranium rings, each engraved with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light.
"These rings were forged by our finest artisans," T'Challa explained. "They are a symbol of strength, unity, and love—qualities that you both embody."
Wanda felt her heart swell as she admired the rings. "These are beautiful. Thank you so much."
Okoye nodded solemnly. "May they serve as a reminder of your bond, unbreakable and unwavering."
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Wanda's Gift from Pietro
As the ceremony began, Wanda felt her heart swelling with emotion. The vows, the rings, the promises—they were all just words until they were spoken in truth. And when Alex spoke his vows, it was as if time stood still.
"I, Alex, take you, Wanda, to be my wife, in love and in life, through every challenge, every triumph, and every trial that we will face together."
Wanda smiled, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his voice. "And I, Wanda, take you, Alex, to be my husband, to stand by your side as we journey through life together, to support and love you, through every moment, good and bad."
They exchanged rings, and the room erupted in applause, the sound of joy reverberating throughout the hall. Everyone stood and cheered, celebrating not just the union of two people, but the bond that had been forged between them.
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Pietro's Dramatic Entrance and Revelation
Just as the ceremony concluded, something incredible happened—something Wanda could never have expected. A sudden gust of wind swept through the halll,and the lights flickered for just a moment. A chill ran through the air, and Wanda's heart skipped a beat. She recognized that breeze all too well—it was the unmistakable sensation of Pietro.
Suddenly, with a burst of speed, Pietro Maximoff, her long-lost twin brother, appeared at the front of the hall. The crowd gasped as he slid to a stop, his presence nothing short of dramatic. His familiar cocky grin was plastered on his face, and he was holding something in his hands—a crown.
The entire room was in shock, and Wanda felt her heart leap to her throat. "Pietro?!"
Wanda ran toward him, her voice trembling. "Where—how are you—what's going on?" She could hardly believe her eyes. He was here, standing in front of her, as if no time had passed at all.
Pietro's grin faded for a moment, replaced by a genuine, slightly bittersweet smile. He stepped forward and took her hands gently. "I know I've been gone for too long, Wanda, but I'm here now. I've learned a lot, and I can do something I couldn't before."
He handed her the most beautiful crown Wanda had ever seen. It was forged from a shimmering metal she had never seen before, the jewels embedded within it glowing with a soft, ethereal light. The design was elegant, with tendrils of silver and gold wrapping around the gems, giving it an almost celestial appearance.
"This is for you, Wanda," Pietro said, his voice full of pride. "It's a gift for my sister, the woman who has always been my heart. I traveled through time and space to get it. It's the most powerful crown of all."
Wanda stared at it in awe. "Pietro, where did you—how did you—?"
Pietro's expression became serious as he looked around the room, locking eyes with her. "I can now travel to both the past and the future, Wanda. I've learned how to bend the fabric of time itself."
The room fell silent, the revelation hanging heavy in the air. Everyone looked on, stunned, unsure of what to make of this new, mind-bending power. Tony Stark was the first to break the silence.
"So, you can time travel now?" he asked, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Great. Just what we need—another speedster who can change the course of history."
Pietro winked at Tony, his usual playful demeanor returning. "Well, Stark, I've always been ahead of you."
The room erupted in laughter, the tension lifting. Wanda, still in shock, stared at her brother. "But… how?" She could hardly process what he was saying.
Pietro smiled again. "Let's just say I've made some new… connections. And now, I can visit you from any point in time. Even the future." He leaned in close and whispered, "And don't worry, I'll always be around, no matter where or when you need me."
Tears filled Wanda's eyes as she hugged her brother tightly, finally feeling the weight of the years apart begin to lift. "I can't believe you're here, Pietro."
The family was whole again.
Tony's Final Jokes
As the reception continued, Tony couldn't help himself from making a few more remarks, keeping everyone laughing and lighthearted.
He sauntered over to the bride and groom, holding up a glass of champagne. "Alright, alright, enough of the mushy stuff. Listen, we all know that weddings are great and all, but let's talk about the real important thing here: I'm still the best-looking guy in the room."
Pepper rolled her eyes but couldn't help but chuckle. "Always the showman, Tony."
"What? It's a compliment. You're welcome, everyone. You all owe me now." Tony winked, earning a round of laughter from the guests.
Later, as they prepared to leave for their honeymoon, Tony pulled Alex aside for one last moment of "wisdom."
"So, wedding night, huh? I'm not gonna ask, but I will say this: don't do anything I wouldn't do… which, let's be honest, leaves you with a lot of options."
Alex shook his head, laughing. "I don't even know what that means."
"Exactly. Now, go enjoy your honeymoon. But remember, if you need anything, call me. I'm basically the king of this whole thing."
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The Celebration Continues
The wedding of Wanda Maximoff and Alex was more than just a union of two souls—it was a celebration of family, love, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. As the night wore on, the music played, the drinks flowed, and everyone rejoiced in the happiness that Alex and Wanda had found together.
Wanda finally felt complete, her heart full of love and gratitude for the man who had fought for her, saved her, and brought her into this new world. And as she stood next to Alex, her brother Pietro beside her, she realized that this was only the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter full of love, adventure, and memories that would last for all time.
And with that, the Avengers, their loved ones, and the entire world celebrated this new beginning. Together.