The world had never been so captivated by a single woman.
The live broadcast cut to Sokovia, where Wanda Maximoff stood before a grand podium, framed by Sokovian banners and an audience of both humans and mutants. The stage was set on a grand balcony overlooking a bustling Sokovian city, a place that now stood as a beacon of light and liberty for those who sought refuge.
She was dressed in regal elegance, her signature scarlet gown flowing behind her, not just as a statement of power but as an undeniable symbol of authority and defiance.
Every major news station carried the feed. Every government, every mutant, and every ordinary citizen had their eyes on the screen, waiting for the woman who had brought the U.S. Senate to its knees to speak once more.
Standing nearby were Talia Stark, Natasha Romanoff, and Gwen Stacy, each exuding their own sense of confidence. Talia's smirk was undeniable, her hands on her hips, already reveling in the shift of global power. Natasha stood calmly, her arms crossed, analyzing everything with careful precision. Gwen, a little more out of her element, kept shifting uncomfortably, her blue eyes flicking toward Wanda more often than she realized, caught between awe and admiration.
Wanda stepped forward, the microphone amplifying her voice to the world.
"Mutants of the world," she began, her voice smooth yet powerful. "You have been told that you must register, that you must be monitored, categorized, and controlled. They call it safety. They call it security. But I call it what it truly is—fear."
A hush fell over the global audience.
"Fear of what they do not understand," Wanda continued. "Fear of what they cannot control. And so, rather than embrace the future, they seek to shackle it."
Her eyes scanned the cameras as if she were looking at every single viewer directly.
"I have come before you today not just as a leader but as one of you. I am a mutant. I have been hunted, I have been feared, and I have been underestimated." Her lips curled into a smirk. "That was their mistake."
The crowd erupted into cheers, and across the world, millions of mutants felt something they had not felt before—hope.
"In Sokovia, we do not believe in registration. We do not believe in branding people like livestock. We believe in freedom. In choice. And to every mutant and superpowered individual who has ever felt alone, I say this—you are not alone anymore. You have a home here, if you choose it."
She let the words settle, let them ignite the hearts of those listening.
And then, she delivered the final blow.
"To those who seek to control us," she said, voice sharp as a blade. "To those who believe they can dictate our existence—I have only one thing to say."
The camera zoomed in as she leaned forward.
"We will not bow. We will not break. We will not hide. We will rise."
The world erupted.
Far from Sokovia, in Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, students had gathered in the common rooms to watch the speech. Among them stood Storm and Jean Grey, both of whom had been captivated by Wanda Maximoff's presence.
Jean's fingers lightly traced the rim of her coffee mug, her usually unreadable face deep in thought.
Storm stood next to her, arms crossed, her piercing eyes locked onto the screen even after the broadcast had ended.
"That was… something else," Jean finally said.
Storm exhaled, running a hand through her white hair. "It's rare to see someone speak with that kind of conviction. She's not just talking—she believes it."
Jean nodded slowly. "She's impressive."
There was a pause.
"More than that, though," Storm added. "I felt something."
Jean looked at her. "What do you mean?"
Storm hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "When she was speaking… I don't know how to explain it. It was like… I could feel her presence. As if we were connected somehow."
Jean frowned slightly, her telepathic senses tingling. "You're not the only one."
Storm turned to her, intrigued. "You too?"
Jean sighed, setting her coffee down. "It's subtle, but every time I've been near her—back when she was here—it's like there's… a pull."
Storm studied her. "Is it her power?"
Jean shook her head. "No, it's not something psychic. It's… something else. It's almost instinctual."
Then, almost reluctantly, she admitted, "And it doesn't help that I find her unreasonably attractive."
Storm blinked. "Wait. What?"
Jean sighed. "I mean—yes, she's objectively gorgeous, but this feels different. Whenever she's around, it's like… my body reacts before my mind does."
Storm tilted her head, intrigued. "Are you saying she's influencing you somehow?"
Jean considered this. "Maybe. I don't think it's intentional, but…" She paused, then muttered under her breath, "It's almost like she's emitting something."
Storm tapped her fingers against the table. "That's… interesting."
Jean smirked. "You sound curious."
Storm exhaled, looking away. "I wouldn't mind meeting her in person next time she visits."
Jean chuckled. "Looks like I'm not the only one who finds her irresistible."
Storm rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.
As Wanda's speech continued to be broadcast worldwide, reactions varied across the globe.
Mutants in hiding began reaching out to Sokovia, seeking a place to call home. The internet exploded with discussions and the hashtag #RiseWithScarlet trended within hours. In countries with strict anti-mutant laws, underground movements began forming, inspired by the Queen of Sokovia. They began to leave these countries to find a new home in Sokovia.
Political leaders were divided. Some governments cautiously acknowledged Sokovia, wondering if they should open diplomatic relations. Others saw Wanda as a wild card, someone too unpredictable to deal with. But no one could ignore her anymore.
Watching from Xavier's School, Mystique (as Crystal Frost) saw Rogue's interest grow. Rogue leaned forward, eyes locked on the screen, watching Wanda with fascination.
"Do you think Sokovia really is a safe haven for mutants?" Rogue finally asked.
Mystique smirked. "Depends on what you're looking for. A home? Or freedom?"
Rogue didn't answer right away. But the seed had been planted.
In another part of the world, Magneto watched the broadcast alone, sipping a glass of wine. A rare, genuine smile touched his lips.
"She's doing it," he mused. "She's changing the world."
For the first time in a long time, he considered if Sokovia might be a better path forward than war.
As dawn broke over Sokovia, the first mutant refugees began arriving, their eyes filled with hope and uncertainty.
Wanda watched them from the palace balcony, her fingers curling around the railing.
"They're coming," Natasha murmured beside her.
Wanda nodded. "They are."
Talia chuckled. "So what's next, Your Majesty?"
Wanda smiled softly.
"Now?" She exhaled. "Now, we build."
And with that, the next chapter in mutant history began. But the road ahead was long, and Wanda knew that despite her actions, the fate of nations and people could not be changed so easily. The war was still coming—an inevitable tide that no single act could prevent.
But she would be ready.
Wanda would stand as the bulwark against the storm, facing whatever this world and beyond threw at her people. Not just for herself, not just for her lovers, but for Pietro—her brother. And for her father, still alive somewhere out there in the world.
Join my patreon today to read up to chapter 393 in advance your support is my inspiration join for only 3 to 5$
patreon.com/everstone