The sparring ring was set in the heart of the Sokovian countryside, a tranquil yet practical space surrounded by tall trees and rolling hills. Wanda Maximoff stood barefoot in the grass, the Chitauri Scepter in her hands. Across from her, Natasha Romanoff watched with a predator's calm, her posture relaxed but ready.
"Alright," Natasha said, twirling a wooden training staff in her hands. "Staff fighting is all about balance. You're not just swinging a stick—you're creating momentum. Use your entire body, not just your arms."
Wanda smirked faintly. "You sound like one of those motivational posters."
Natasha chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Motivational enough to knock you on your ass. Let's see what you've got."
The two circled each other, the tension palpable. Wanda lunged first, swinging the scepter in a sweeping arc. Natasha deflected the blow with practiced ease, her movements fluid as she countered with a strike aimed at Wanda's side.
"Too predictable," Natasha said, her tone teasing. "Try again."
Wanda adjusted her stance, her crimson eyes narrowing as she struck again. This time, she incorporated a feint, forcing Natasha to pivot before launching a follow-up attack.
"Better," Natasha admitted, sidestepping and using her staff to block the scepter's glowing blade. "But not good enough."
Their movements quickened, the sparring session escalating into a dance of strikes, blocks, and counters. Natasha's precision was unmatched, but Wanda's symbiote-enhanced reflexes kept her in the fight.
"Not bad," Natasha said, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're getting faster."
"Thanks," Wanda replied, panting slightly. "But you're still annoying."
Natasha grinned. "Flattery will get you nowhere."
The turning point came unexpectedly. Natasha feinted left, then swept her staff low, knocking the Chitauri Scepter from Wanda's grasp. Before Wanda could recover, Natasha closed the distance, pinning her to the ground in one fluid motion.
Wanda gasped as Natasha's weight pressed against her, her fiery red hair cascading over her shoulder as she leaned closer. For a moment, Wanda forgot how to breathe. Natasha's green eyes locked onto hers, and the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them.
"Well," Wanda said after a beat, her tone dry but tinged with something deeper. "If you wanted to get on top of me, you could've just asked."
Natasha blinked, then grinned, her composure returning as she rolled off Wanda and stood. "Careful, Maximoff," she said lightly. "Keep talking like that, and I might think you're enjoying this."
Wanda sat up, brushing dirt off her arms. "And what if I am?"
For once, Natasha had no immediate comeback. She glanced away, a faint flush creeping up her neck.
The rest of the session continued with less banter but no less intensity. Natasha guided Wanda through judo techniques, showing her how to use an opponent's momentum against them. Wanda's focus was sharp, but her mind occasionally wandered back to the moment on the ground—the way Natasha's eyes had softened, just for an instant.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Wanda and Natasha sat on a hill overlooking the countryside. The day's training had left them both tired but satisfied, their muscles aching in the best way.
"You're improving," Natasha said, breaking the comfortable silence.
"High praise," Wanda replied, her tone teasing.
Natasha smirked, taking a sip from her water bottle. "Don't get used to it."
As they watched the stars begin to appear, Wanda turned to Natasha, her expression thoughtful. "Do you ever think about… what's next?"
Natasha raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"For you. For us," Wanda said, gesturing vaguely. "You've been helping me rebuild Sokovia, but this isn't your fight. What happens when you leave?"
Natasha paused, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "I haven't thought that far ahead," she admitted. "For now, I'm here. That's enough."
Wanda nodded, her expression unreadable. "For now."
The following week brought preparations for Wanda's coronation as the Scarlet Queen of Sokovia. The once-devastated streets of Novi Grad were alive with activity as citizens gathered to witness the ceremony.
Wanda stood in her chambers, adjusting the crimson cape that flowed over her shoulders. The crown—a sleek, modern design adorned with deep red gemstones—sat on a nearby pedestal.
"You look good," Natasha said from the doorway, leaning casually against the frame.
Wanda turned, her lips quirking into a faint smile. "That's the goal, isn't it?"
Natasha stepped closer, her green eyes scanning Wanda's appearance. "It's more than that. You don't just look like a queen. You look like someone who's ready to change the world."
Wanda's smile softened. "That's the plan."
The ceremony itself was a grand affair, the streets of Novi Grad filled with cheers as Wanda stepped onto the platform. She raised the Chitauri Scepter, its glow faint but steady, as the crown was placed upon her head.
"Today," Wanda began, her voice carrying over the crowd, "we stand united as a people reborn. Sokovia is no longer a land of fear and oppression. It is a beacon of hope, a sanctuary for all who seek freedom."
She paused, her crimson eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd. "To the world, this crown may make me a target. But I welcome it. Let them come. Anyone who dares to threaten my people, my country, or me will find themselves facing the full might of Sokovia."
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices a deafening wave of support. Wanda turned to Natasha, who stood at the edge of the platform, her expression unreadable.
"Well?" Wanda asked, her tone light. "Did I sound like a queen?"
Natasha smirked. "You sounded like a warrior."
As the cheers began to fade, Eska stepped forward, her voice loud enough to carry. "You're not just our leader, Wanda. You're our queen. The Scarlet Queen of Sokovia."
The crowd picked up the chant, the title echoing through the city. Wanda felt the weight of it settle on her shoulders, but it wasn't a burden. It was a responsibility—and one she was ready to bear.
Natasha stepped closer, her green eyes meeting Wanda's. "Looks like you've got a kingdom to run."
"And a world to change," Wanda replied, her voice steady.
Join my patreon today to read up to chapter 76 in advance.
patreon.com/everstone