The Sokovian sun cast a golden glow over the balcony of the government building, illuminating the sprawling city below. Wanda Maximoff leaned against the stone railing, her crimson cape fluttering lightly in the breeze. Beside her, Eska Vryn and Natasha Romanoff stood, the tension of past battles replaced by a sense of cautious optimism.
"So," Eska said, glancing at the map spread out on the table before them, "what's next for Sokovia? You've got the crown, the loyal subjects, the fancy cape—what's the plan, Scarlet Queen?"
Wanda rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a faint smile. "The plan is to deal with the Hydra mess they left behind. Sokovia is riddled with their bunkers, and I need you to take charge of clearing them out."
Eska raised an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest. "Clearing them out how?"
"Anything useful—tech, weapons, equipment—we take it," Wanda replied, her tone calm but commanding. "Anything we don't need, we dismantle and sell. Hydra's resources are going to fund Sokovia's future."
Natasha leaned against the railing, her green eyes glinting with amusement. "You're planning to strip Hydra for parts and sell them off? I like it. Ruthless and practical."
Eska grinned, tapping the map with her finger. "So, I get to blow up the leftovers?"
Wanda smirked, holding up a hand. "Not yet. You strip the bunkers bare first, and only then do you get to blow them up. In that order, Eska. I'm trusting you."
Eska groaned dramatically, throwing her head back. "You're ruining all my fun, Maximoff."
Natasha chuckled, her voice carrying a playful edge. "Think of it this way—every bunker you dismantle is another slap in Hydra's face."
Wanda turned to Natasha, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Is that your sales pitch? Slap Hydra in the face, one bunker at a time?"
Natasha shrugged, her smirk widening. "If it works, it works."
"You're oddly passionate about dismantling Hydra," Wanda remarked, her tone light but curious.
Natasha leaned closer, her green eyes locking onto Wanda's. "Maybe I just like the idea of us working together on this. You're a quick study—could make a pretty good spy with the right teacher."
Wanda's cheeks warmed slightly, but she didn't miss a beat. "Let me guess—you're volunteering?"
"Maybe," Natasha said with a playful wink. "If you ask nicely."
Eska groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "Alright, you two, get a room already."
The statement hung in the air for a moment before all three of them burst into laughter. Wanda covered her mouth, trying to stifle the giggles, while Natasha shook her head, her grin unshaken.
"I'm just saying," Eska added with a smirk, "if we're turning bunkers into romantic banter, I'm gonna need a front-row seat."
Wanda's laughter faded into a quiet smile, her thoughts drifting. Get a room, huh? she mused silently. If it's with someone like Natasha… I might not be opposed to the idea. The thought surprised her, but she didn't push it away.
Natasha broke the silence, tapping the map. "Jokes aside, I've got contacts who can help unload Hydra's tech discreetly. Weapons, vehicles, experimental equipment—it all has value on the black market. The money could go a long way for Sokovia."
Wanda nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Hydra seemed to have an endless supply of money. I don't see why we can't use that to rebuild."
Eska grinned, pointing at one of the marked bunkers. "I'll start here. If I find anything especially shiny, I'll let you know."
"Good," Wanda said, meeting Eska's gaze. "But remember—no explosions until everything useful is out."
Eska saluted mockingly. "Yes, Scarlet Queen. Your wish is my command."
The conversation shifted as Natasha leaned against the table, her green eyes flicking to Wanda. "So, what's next for you? While Eska's blowing things up, where does that leave you?"
"I'm heading to America," Wanda said simply.
Eska raised an eyebrow. "America? Why?"
Wanda glanced at the Chitauri Scepter resting nearby, her expression growing serious. "Fracture says that's where I need to go. She hasn't given me all the details yet, but she insists it's the next step in my journey."
Natasha tilted her head, her curiosity evident. "Your symbiote's got a plan, huh?"
"Apparently," Wanda said with a faint smile. "And she hasn't been wrong so far."
Eska leaned back in her chair, her grin returning. "Well, while you're off following your alien instincts, I'll be here. Stripping bunkers, selling Hydra's crap, and making sure this place doesn't fall apart."
"And blowing things up," Natasha added dryly.
Eska smirked. "Obviously."
Wanda shook her head, amusement flickering in her crimson eyes. "Just don't get carried away."
"No promises," Eska replied with a laugh.
The sun dipped lower in the sky as the three women continued to plan, the lighthearted banter balancing the weight of their responsibilities. Natasha offered names and details of her contacts, each suggestion practical and efficient. Wanda listened carefully, making mental notes as Natasha outlined potential buyers and strategies.
"You really do have a solution for everything, don't you?" Wanda said, her tone tinged with admiration.
Natasha smirked, her green eyes glinting. "It's part of the job."
"And here I thought you were just showing off," Wanda replied, her voice teasing.
"Maybe a little," Natasha admitted with a grin.
As the evening settled in, the trio stood on the balcony once more, the city lights beginning to twinkle below. Wanda leaned against the railing, her gaze distant.
"This is just the beginning," she said softly. "There's so much to do, so many challenges ahead. But I won't let Sokovia fall again."
Natasha stepped closer, her voice steady. "You've already done more than most people could. And you're not doing this alone."
Eska raised a glass of water in a mock toast. "To Sokovia's future. And to blowing up Hydra."
Natasha chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll drink to that."
Wanda smiled, the warmth of their camaraderie filling the air. "To Sokovia. And to the women who'll rebuild it."
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