AN: thanks for the power stones, here's your bonus chapter!
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"…the world-renowned hero, Atomic, remains missing since his deadly confrontation with the mysterious colossal suit of armor that appeared out of nowhere in New Mexico," Christine Everhart reported, her voice steady as the news station began to play grainy and fragmented video clips of Atomic engaging in a fierce battle against the gargantuan Destroyer.
"Stark Industries CEO, Pepper Potts has come out and made a public announcement, stating that the mysterious suit of armor that battled Atomic has no ties or connections with Tony Stark, eliminating the possibility that it could have been an new out of control Iron Man armor. On the scene of the battle, eyewitness accounts from the residents of Puente Antiguo suggest that Atomic was mysteriously swept away into a dazzling rainbow portal that descended from the heavens after he and a mysterious figure wielding a hammer successfully vanquished the menacing suit of armor that had been wreaking havoc across the town. From our WHiH studio, we now turn to Anya Corazon, live in Puerto Antiguo. Anya?" Christine transitioned, and the screen shifted to reveal a young woman with cascading brown hair standing amidst the reconstruction efforts in the resilient town of Puerto Antiguo.
"Thank you, Christine. As you can see behind me, the quaint town of Puerto Antiguo is still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating destruction wrought by that mysterious suit of armor. The devastation could have been exponentially worse had it not been for the timely intervention of Atomic," Anya stated earnestly into her microphone, as the camera panned to capture the hardworking construction crews working diligently to restore the town to its former glory.
In the following sequence, several amateur video recordings flashed across the screen, showcasing an adrenaline-pumping showdown between Atomic, Thor, and the Destroyer in the far off arid desert landscape.
The footage intensified, revealing a fierce tornado spiraling down as Atomic was violently hurled through the air. Just before his body could collide with the unforgiving ground, an awe-inspiring burst of energy swept the ground, transforming a vast stretch of the desert into a shimmering lake, into which Atomic plunged.
"As you can see from these handcaputered videos from the residents, the mysterious man who fought alongside Atomic leapt into the lake and bravely pulling New York's hero back to safety on the shore. Shortly thereafter, a group of unique individuals clad in similar armor to the hammer-wielding man emerged. Now this would be odd enough, if not for the incredible appearance of a radiant beam of rainbow light that magically teleported them all away. Including Atomic. Yes, you heard me right, a rainbow beam. It's hard to believe, and I wouldn't have either if we didn't have these astonishing videos to substantiate it," Anya explained as a clip played, depicting a magnificent, multicolored beam striking the desert floor where Atomic and the armored figures stood.
When the luminous beam faded away, all traces of them had seemingly vanished. Leaving behind a large intricate markings on the ground where they once stood. "While I suspect these mysterious figures aided Atomic, the lingering question remains… where is he now?" Anya said, a concerned expression on her face.
••o••o••o••
As the news feed suddenly cut off, a deep sense of disappointment fell over those gathered in the communal area of the X-Mansion, their hopes for further details on the event dimmed crashing down.
"Hey! I was watching… that," Kurt said, glancing back to find Wanda glaring at him, her fingers clutching the television remote. A hint of nervousness crossed in his eyes before he quickly added, "You know what, I think I have some chores to do. See ya!" In an instant, enveloped by a puff of vibrant, swirling smoke, Kurt vanished from sight.
Following Kurt's lead, several of the newer students exchanged wary glances and hastily made their exit, unwilling to stick around and provoke Wanda's evident annoyance.
Everyone, that is, except Kitty. She remained stubbornly planted in her seat, a worried, now irritated frown etched deeply on her face, her arms resolutely crossed over her chest.
"Do you mind? I was watching that," Kitty snapped, her tone sharp with irritation.
Wanda turned her gaze to Kitty and narrowed her eyes, her expression a mix of confusion and challenge. "Okay. What's your damage?"
Offended, Kitty shot up from her chair, her stance defiant. "My damage? What are you even talking about?"
"I'm talking about that attitude you've got with me. Last I checked, I haven't done anything to you. Heck, I don't even know your name, Ponytail," Wanda replied coolly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What? I introduced myself, like, on the very first day you got here! My name is Kitty! Kitty Pryde." Kitty's cheeks flushed as her irritation bubbled over, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
"Okay, settle down, KitKat," Wanda said with a mocking grin, raising her hands in mock surrender. "So what did I do to you? Did I step on your shoes, or maybe I ate something that belonged to you? Because it definitely wasn't me who ate that slice of chocolate cake in the fridge!"
Kitty opened her mouth to retaliate, but instead ended up biting her tongue in frustration. She stormed out with a huff that filled the room with tension, leaving a perplexed Wanda in her wake. Shrugging her shoulders in casual dismissal, Wanda returned her focus to the television, her frown deepening as she wrestled with the sudden awkwardness that lingered in the air.
"Where did you end up, Wyatt?" Wanda murmured as she pulled out her phone to see several unanswered text messages she sent to Wyatt. To distract herself, she decided to focus on her training. "You'd better be here for Saturday's session."
After quickly changing into her fitted training gear, Wanda stepped out into the expansive outdoor training area, the sun casting warm rays across the grass.
She took a deep breath and extended her hands, summoning wisps of crimson energy that danced playfully around her fingertips. With a determined smile, she felt the familiar sensation of her power lifting her off the ground, and soon she was hovering just above the earth, a thrill coursing through her veins.
Wanda reveled in the joy of sustained flight, and with a strong push, she glided gracefully across the training ground, the air rushing past her skin in a thrilling embrace. But suddenly, a fast rush of wind whipped below her, swirling all around and disrupting her concentration.
Startled, she landed in a crouch, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the speeding blue and silver blur that darted past her like a streak of lightning. Just as she braced herself for a defensive move, the blur came to an abrupt halt, revealing none other than Pietro, a sly grin spreading across his face, his vibrant dirty silver hair tousled from the wind.
"You're Wanda?" he exclaimed, a curious glint in his eye.
"Who are you? You're not a student here," Wanda retorted, her glowing hands still poised and ready, illuminating her features with an otherworldly light.
"Me? A student here? Not in a million years!" Pietro replied, mock indignation etched on his face, before chuckling and adding, "I'm Pietro. Pietro Maximoff! Your long-lost brother!"
Wanda blinked in astonishment, the words sinking in like stones in a pond, before she slowly lowered her hands, the glow fading.
"We should chat, don't you think, Sis?" he suggested, the playful smirk still lingering on his lips.
••o••o••o••
Wanda slowly sipped her vibrant strawberry smoothie, observing Pietro with a mix of suspicion and disgust. He sat across from her, devouring seven oversized orders of greasy burgers and crispy fries with reckless abandon.
The other patrons in the bustling burger joint cast uneasy glances at him, their expressions a mix of horror and amusement. A few even hastily exited, unable to stomach the sight of his ravenous consumption.
"So… you're my brother?" Wanda ventured cautiously, her voice laced with skepticism.
"Ywup!" Pietro replied, his mouth stuffed to the brim with food, bits of lettuce and ketchup perilously close to spilling.
Wanda grimaced. "That's disgusting. Swallow your food first before speaking," she snapped, turning her gaze away in annoyance.
Pietro chuckled, finally swallowing with a loud gulp. "Sorry, I forgot my manners at home. But yeah, I'm your brother. You know, Father—I mean… Magneto—said not to come see you, but I just had to find out if my amazing good looks run in the family or if they're just a gift from the gods."
Wanda stared at him, her expression flat. With a flick of her wrist, she discreetly flicked him in the forehead with her powers, sending a surge of energy that earned her a yelp of surprise and pain from her brother. Pietro clutched his forehead, looking bewildered.
"Ouch! What was that for?" he exclaimed, rubbing the spot where she had struck him.
"I wanted to see if I could switch on your humble setting. Unfortunately, it seems to have failed miserably," she retorted, a hint of triumph in her tone.
"Why you—"
"Listen," Wanda interrupted, her frustration bubbling to the surface. She slammed a hand on the table, causing the nearby condiments to rattle, and leaned in closer. "I believe you when you say we're siblings—twins, even. My powers can confirm that much. But I don't understand what you want from me. Unless that deadbeat sent you here to convince me to join him, fat chance, by the way, so if that's what this is about, you might as well take a hike."
For the first time, Pietro's boisterous facade faltered. His cockiness faded, replaced by a genuine look of melancholy. He stared down at his sixth half-eaten burger, his brow furrowing. "No… That's not why I wanted to see you. I told you, Magneto told me to leave you alone. But I was… curious about how you turned out."
In that fleeting moment, Wanda saw a glimpse of sincerity in her brother's eyes, but his usual over-the-top personality quickly swallowed it.
With a dramatic flourish, he tossed his hair aside. "Honestly! I'm not impressed!" He sprang to his feet, towering over her. "Once you're done playing with the X-Losers, swing by the Brotherhood. We've got some big plans brewing for the future that you won't want to miss."
In an instant, Pietro blurred into speed and vanished, leaving Wanda staring incredulously at the empty seat across from her.
"What the hell? Wait… he left me his bill!" she growled, glaring at the towering mound of crumpled burger wrappers and empty fry cups that littered the table. "That little bastard."