장 81: Chapter 81: Cowards
Chicago, USA
Two shadowy figures dressed in sleek, pitch-black attire accented with vibrant red details glided effortlessly over the rooftops. Below them, the bustling city thrummed with life, its streets awash in glowing lights as they navigated through the urban maze under the cloak of night.
After several minutes of acrobatic leaps and fluid movements, the figures landed silently on the edge of a weathered building, once a hub for insurance dealings. Peering down, they caught sight of a dozen men advancing menacingly toward two women, cornering them against the cold, unforgiving brick wall behind.
The men's lecherous grins and sinister chuckles echoed in the stillness, filled with sinister intentions as they taunted the outnumbered women, who trembled in terror. One of the women stood out—a striking figure with cat-like features, her fluffy ears twitching nervously atop her head, slotted eyes wide with fright, and a swirling tail that flicked anxiously behind her.
"Shit, you were right. She's one of them mutants, right?" One of the men said, a grin stretching across his disheveled face. "I've never been with a mutant before. Still, I bet it's all the same down there."
A chorus of chuckles and words of agreement was shared between the group, causing the woman with the cat-like mutation to shudder.
"Go. Remember everything you've learned," the taller of the figures said. His low voice was a whisper.
The shorter figure nodded, her vibrant orange-red hair spilling out from under her hood like a fiery cascade, while her sharp green eyes darted around, scrutinizing the chaotic scene below. Without a moment's hesitation, she launched herself over the edge, plummeting down the side of the building from a height of over fifteen stories.
As she soared through the air, the woman cloaked in black thrust her hands upward, and crimson wisps flickered to life around her fingertips, swirling like ethereal flames.
Below, six men were abruptly ensnared by the writhing red tendrils, their expressions shifting from confusion to shock as they struggled against the grip that seemed to emerge from the very air around them. Before any coherent words could escape their mouths, the tendrils jerked them back with astonishing force. Their bodies collided with the cold brick wall behind them, the impact knocking the breath from their lungs, their eyes widening in agony before fluttering shut.
With an agile burst of energy, Wanda landed gracefully on the ground, her presence drawing the attention of the remaining men, who stared in awe and fear.
"What the hell? What is—"
Before one of the men could finish his panicked question, a flying garbage bin hurtled through the air, smashing into his side with a resounding crash, sending him tumbling across the filthy floor, groans of disbelief escaping his lips.
Witnessing his friend being launched away by some unseen force, Kevin's instincts kicked in. He reached for his waistband to draw his pistol, but instead, watched in horror as it warped and disintegrated before his very eyes, transforming into a swirling swarm of angry bees. The buzzing cloud enveloped his face, their stingers finding his flesh, piercing with sharp, unrelenting jolts of pain.
"Gah! Get 'em off! Get them off!" The man screamed as he dashed to the side in a panic, only to run into another of his friends, resulting in them both being attacked by bees.
"What's going on! What is this!" The rest of the group all turned to Wanda with fear in their eyes. "Man, fuck this!"
Wanda stood still as she watched the remaining men try to flee. "You're not going anywhere." With a push, she sent out a wave of her magic that pushed past the men.
They all let out desperate screams, bracing themselves as the swirling magic swept past in a dazzling burst of light and energy. Moments later, they cautiously opened their eyes, their bodies tense yet relieved to find themselves unharmed. Just as they began to exchange joyful glances, a bone-chilling crack echoed from below. The ground suddenly erupted, splintering apart as skeletal arms clawed up from the darkness, gripping their legs with cold, unyielding fingers that sent shocks of fear coursing through them.
The men could only scream as living skeletons climbed out of the earth and tossed them to the ground. With relentless undead rage, the skeletons began to beat the men down until they were a bloody, unconscious mess.
Seeing such a terrifying sight, the cornered women from before screamed and ran off.
"Hey! You're welcome!" Wanda shouted. With a shake of her head, she dismissed her creations with a flick of her wrist. "A thank you would be nice."
"We don't do this for the appreciation," Wyatt said as he floated down beside her, his black hood and face mask concealing his face. He surveyed the unconscious men on the ground before turning to Wanda with a slight expression of concern. "Don't you think you went a bit too far?"
"Hey, you do things your way, and I'll do them mine," Wanda replied, crossing her arms defiantly. "Besides, it's the least they deserve. They're nothing but a bunch of scumbags... Hey, can I castrate them?"
Wyatt sighed and shook his head. "Please don't... Eve, can you get some of Chicago's finest over here?"
"Right away," Eve said and quickly executed her orders.
With their business over, Wanda and Wyatt flew back up to the rooftops and stared out at the brightly lit city of Chicago.
"So… what did you think?" Wanda asked, her usual confident voice diminished.
Wyatt smiled and looked at her, his hood and mask now off, as was Wanda's, making her heart race a bit. "When you said you wanted to help people like me, I wasn't sure if you were serious. But you've been working hard to hone your powers every single day. Ororo has told me great things about you, and she was kind of bummed that someone as talented as you wouldn't join the X-Men, even though she understands your decision. The truth is, you're ready, Wanda."
Wanda couldn't suppress the broad smile that blossomed on her face, nor could she ignore the delightful warmth flooding her cheeks at Wyatt's praise.
"Did you know that Chicago's population of mutants has been steadily increasing?" Wyatt said, his voice slicing through the brisk air as a gust of wind playfully tousled his hair. "It's becoming the leading city in the nation for mutants, with the largest community living within its borders." He gestured broadly toward the vibrant urban landscape before them. "Yet, surprisingly, it still doesn't have its own resident guardian."
Wanda blinked, realizing what Wyatt was trying to say. "You can't be serious… You want me to look out for an entire city? Alone?!"
Wyatt chuckled at her reaction. "What? Don't you think you can handle it? Here I thought the Scarlet Witch would be more than capable enough to manage a little city like this."
"Little? This city's population is over 2 million! That's way too much for just me!" Wanda exclaimed, her eyes wide and filled with intimidation.
"I believe you can do it," Wyatt said, his expression full of confidence. "You can handle this, Wanda. You're strong; someday you'll probably be the strongest person on the planet. You just need to have faith in yourself."
"You… you have to be joking. Me? The strongest person on the planet?" Wanda muttered in disbelief.
"Yes, Wanda. Your potential is practically limitless. You just have to believe in yourself and your abilities. And besides, if you ever need my help, I'm only a phone call away." Wyatt reassured her, placing a hand gently on her arm.
Wanda glanced down, her brow furrowed in contemplation, a hint of uncertainty dancing in her eyes. After a moment that felt like an eternity, she nodded slowly, the weight of her decision settling in. As she leaned into his gentle touch, the warmth of his hand enveloped her, bringing a sense of solace that made the world around them fade away.
"Okay... I'll do it." She said.
As Wanda reached out to hold his hand, Wyatt's smile faltered, and he quickly pulled away. "Still, if this is going to be your city, you're going to need a place to sleep. Come on, follow me." He began to lift off the ground, flying into the air.
Wanda blinked at his reaction, her expression shifting to a slight, annoyed frown. However, she chose not to comment on it and started ascending into the sky after him.
••o••o••o••
"It's nothing too impressive, so hopefully it meets your standards," Wyatt said as he and Wanda, now in casual clothing, stepped off the elevator and into the lavish world of a Chicago penthouse that took Wanda's breath away.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a spacious open-concept living area, brightly illuminated by overhead lights. When daylight broke, the room was flooded with natural light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that provided breathtaking views of the skyline and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. In a quiet corner of the room, several cardboard boxes overflowed with her belongings from the Xavier Institute, their flaps creased and worn from traveling.
"You have to be kidding me..." Wanda gasped as she ventured deeper into the space, her eyes sparkling with wonder at the sight of sumptuous, velvet sofas that beckoned her to sink into their embrace. The rich hues of the upholstery complemented the elegant decor, creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort.
They made their way to the gourmet kitchen, where state-of-the-art appliances gleamed under the soft glow of designer pendant lights. The marble countertop and kitchen island were a stunning centerpiece.
"Wait until you see this," Wyatt led Wanda outside to the private terrace.
Wanda gasped at the sprawling outdoor space furnished with elegant seating and a sprawling garden. It offered an ideal spot for soaking in the views, perhaps with a drink in hand as city life hummed below them. The fireplace nestled in one corner promised cozy evenings under the stars.
With renewed excitement, they made their way to the master suite, a serene oasis that featured a king-size bed adorned with sumptuous linens and an en-suite bathroom resembling a spa. The oversized soaking tub overlooked the city, inviting moments of relaxation with a stunning view, while the rainfall shower provided a luxurious retreat after a long day.
Numbly, Wanda left the master suite and followed Wyatt towards one of the paintings. A painting that he slid along the wall, only to reveal a small biometric scanner.
"Go on, put your hand on it," Wyatt said.
Curious, Wanda did as she was told.
"Biochemistry confirmed, Hello Wanda," Eve's voice could be heard as the wall clicked and shifted to the side to reveal a large room full of high-tech equipment and gear.
As Wanda stepped inside, she was immediately captivated by the remarkable room that Wyatt had created to assist her in her mission to protect the city. The space was filled with high-tech gadgets, monitors, and innovative tools, each meticulously designed to support her efforts. Among the impressive equipment was a highly advanced Atomic Robot, ready and waiting for her command.
Although she wasn't the most tech-savvy individual and often doubted her need for all the gadgets, Wanda found herself appreciating them nonetheless. The sleek designs and innovative features intrigued her, sparking a sense of curiosity she hadn't expected. Each new device seemed to hold a world of possibilities, enticing her to explore its capabilities, even if just a little.
Among the various installations, her attention was inevitably drawn to a striking mannequin at the center of the space. Draped over it was an eye-catching gothic suit, crafted in a bold combination of red and black—an exact replica of the design she had absentmindedly sketched long ago.
"How... how did you make this?" Wanda whispered, staring in awe at the suit she had once only imagined, now standing before her in vivid reality.
"Kurt found your sketch in the trash and gave it to me. Do you, uh, like it?" Wyatt asked, his nerves evident in his voice.
As she approached, Wanda's heart raced with excitement. The suit was adorned with intricate patterns that hinted at its functionality while exuding a sense of power. Above the mannequin's head, a half-helmet caught her attention. Its design was meticulous and cunning. Unlike Wyatt's own Atomic helmet, which was streamlined and utilitarian, this one featured a visor that shielded only the upper half of the face, leaving the lower portion exposed. This design choice added an air of mystery and intensity to the suit.
What truly captivated her was the deep crimson crown, elegantly sculpted in the shape of an 'M,' that held the helmet in place. As she took in the ensemble, Wanda felt a surge of resolve; this was more than just a costume—it was a symbol of her aspirations, a representation of the person she wanted to be.
"I love it," Wanda said with a tender smile. "Thank you, Wyatt... For everything."
"You're welcome… You deserve it," Wyatt said as they left the high-tech room. "Now, to celebrate your new digs, how about I cook us a late dinner?"
"No, the last time you tried to cook for everyone, you almost burned down the school," Wanda replied, gently pushing Wyatt to sit on one of the barstools at the marble kitchen island. "I'll cook. I'll make us some Paprikash."
Wyatt chuckled at the memory as he settled back in his seat, eager to watch Wanda as she began the colorful process of preparing the ingredients and sauces.
The kitchen was filled with the bustling sounds of chopping and mixing. Caught up in the moment, he couldn't help but admire her focus and the way her hair caught the light. When Wanda glanced up and met his gaze, her face lit up with a smile. However, that smile slowly became strained.
"So? How are things going with KitKat? Is everything… good?" Wanda asked as she returned to her tasks. "You know, with the whole Fortress talk and all."
Her words snapped Wyatt back to reality, making him acutely aware of the truth he had learned about Wanda's feelings for him weeks ago. "Everything's… going well," he replied. "We went on our fourth date last week. It went pretty well, all things considered. We actually managed to finish that one without me, well, flying off."
"How is she handling it, with you prioritizing saving lives and helping the world?" Wanda asked.
"She tells me she's fine with it and understands that I have responsibilities, just like she does with the X-Men," Wyatt said. "Still, I'm concerned that she might eventually get tired of me being Atomic. I'm busy almost all the time, and there's so little time for us... The conversation about the Fortress didn't help the situation either."
"If she can't handle that aspect of you, she'd better figure it out soon. I doubt you're going to stop being Atomic for her," Wanda said, only to wince when she realized how harsh her words sounded. "Uh… I didn't mean—"
"It's okay... I understand," Wyatt said. "Still, when Kitty found out about the Fortress, she didn't take it well. She didn't express her feelings, but I could tell."
"Yeah, especially Jean. But... can you blame them? Everyone just learned that their seemingly perfect Boy Scout has a secret prison. Even I didn't expect that when you told me beforehand," Wanda replied, feeling secretly pleased that he had confided in her before sharing it with Kitty. "But I understand why you created it. You don't want to kill anyone for some complicated reason, so the next best option was to make a little cell for those people to live in for the rest of their lives."
"They're not that little. They're the size of a small New York apartment,"
"Ah, so it's even worse than I thought," Wanda joked, causing a smile to spread across Wyatt's face. "Hey, don't worry about what everyone is saying. Given who you're keeping inside, it's probably for the best that they don't get a chance to escape. And if you believe that your Fortress of Solitude is the best way to handle the situation, then it probably is."
"That's… a lot of trust you have in me," Wyatt said, feeling overwhelmed by her sincerity.
"Well, yes. You're… the person I trust the most in the world," Wanda replied, her face burning.
Damn it! I can't believe I said that! She screamed in her head as she turned away to focus on her cooking.
Wanda's words resonated deeply within Wyatt, igniting a warmth that spread through his chest. He fixed his gaze on her, his eyes searching hers for a moment that felt stretched in time. The silence grew heavy, causing Wanda to shift nervously under his scrutiny, her fingers twisting at the hem of her shirt. After what felt like an eternity, Wyatt finally broke into a smile, his expression softening the tension in the air. He turned away, a flicker of contemplation crossing his face as he glanced into the distance.
"Thank you, Wanda. That means a lot. Truly," Wyatt said. "I'm… grateful to have you as a friend."
"Yeah… a friend," Wanda whispered, her grip on her wooden spoon tightening.
Silence hung over them, reminding them both of what was left unsaid.
Enough. I can't let things continue like this between Wanda and me. Wyatt thought. I can't keep pretending that her feelings aren't real. But what if she doesn't feel the same way about me? What if Lance's words have messed with my head, twisting my memories of her into something they aren't? Even if Wanda does like me, I'm with Kitty. No matter how I feel about Wanda, I need to make that clear.
Too preoccupied with his tumultuous thoughts, Wyatt missed the wisps of crimson energy that had briefly brushed by his head.
"Wanda… do you-"
"OKAY! Dinner is ready!" Wanda abruptly spoke up, cutting Wyatt off.
"Wanda, we have to-"
"Here's your plate! Paprikash is best eaten as soon as it's finished!" Wanda quickly said, not allowing Wyatt to finish.
With a graceful wave of her hands, she effortlessly levitated a plate filled with steaming chicken Paprikash before him, the rich aroma wafting through the air like a warm embrace. "Man, I'm starving. Let's eat!" she exclaimed, excitement lighting up her eyes as she settled down next to him, her own plate in hand.
Wyatt frowned slightly, watching her dive into her meal with gusto. The vibrant blend of spices, coupled with the savory fragrance of the dish, made his stomach growl in protest as he turned his gaze down to his own plate.
As he lifted his fork, the first bite of the succulent chicken and perfectly seasoned sauce danced on his tongue, and he found himself savoring the complex flavors mingling together.
They ate in a heavy silence; the only sounds punctuating the stillness were the distant hum of the city beyond the open terrace doors and the occasional clinking of cutlery against ceramic.
Neither of them dared to acknowledge the elephant in the room; an unspoken tension hung heavily in the air, suffocating any attempt at casual conversation. They sat in silence, each lost in their own swirling thoughts, acutely aware of the weight that loomed between them.
As they exchanged glances, a flurry of unvoiced words lingered, yet both remained paralyzed by the fear of where such a conversation might lead.
주간 불꽃 상태
-- 불꽃 랭킹 
-- 불꽃 티켓