Peaceful days passed quickly, and a month flew by in an instant. Sebastian closed a video on his computer about a new hero appearing in New York and answered an incoming call.
"Wanda, what's up?"
"Cap and Natasha invited Pietro and me to join the Avengers. What do you think?" Wanda asked.
Sebastian and Vision had worked together, using the Mind Stone to fully awaken Wanda and Pietro's powers and memories.
However, while their memories were restored, their powers hadn't fully recovered. Wanda's abilities were limited to her chaos magic, with her mutant probability-altering power still dormant.
Pietro's speed hadn't returned to its peak, unable to reach the point where bullets appeared nearly frozen. In his prime, bullets were practically motionless to him, but now, though slowed, they moved at a sluggish pace, meaning a misstep could still leave him vulnerable.
Their reasons for staying with the Avengers were twofold. First, they had nowhere else to go—this world was alien to them, filled with unfamiliar technology and changes from their era.
Second, and more critically, their past alignment with the Shadow Council meant the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. needed to keep them under close observation for a time.
Sebastian could have taken them away, but Wanda and Pietro refused, primarily Wanda. She didn't want to burden Sebastian further, and she wanted to stay with the Avengers. Missions and combat helped her powers recover faster.
"Wanda, I think joining the Avengers is a great choice," Sebastian said. "If it's what you want, go for it. You don't need my opinion to decide."
"I'm still a bit hesitant," she admitted.
"What's holding you back?"
Wanda paused. "If I join the Avengers, we'll have even less time together, won't we?"
Sebastian smiled. "That's on me. I've been so caught up with magic research and the magic school lately. But once the school's built, you can come live there. I'll need plenty of magic teachers, and you're definitely one of them."
"How long until the school's ready? I'm actually excited about teaching. I used to teach the young mutants at X Academy," Wanda said.
"Experience is perfect," Sebastian replied. "But building the school isn't quick. After the construction crew finishes the main structure, I'll need to magically enhance the buildings. I've recruited some help, but it'll still take a while."
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As Sebastian and Wanda spoke, on an island in the ocean, Tiger Shark stood in the water, facing Doctor Doom. "Per our agreement, you're to help assassinate Namor, that half-breed bastard!" he declared.
Doctor Doom nodded slightly. "Of course. We won't break our word on what was agreed. But you know we can't kill the King of Atlantis underwater. You'll need to lure him to the surface. Only then can we act. I trust you understand our limitations?"
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One Month Ago
On the Kree homeworld, Hala, Yon-Rogg stood before the Supreme Intelligence. "Great Supreme Intelligence, why have you summoned me?" he asked.
"Ronan is dead," the Supreme Intelligence intoned. "I have detected that Carol Danvers has returned to our star domain, targeting Planet C-53—Earth, her homeworld. To reclaim Carol Danvers, we will reactivate the Inhuman Project. You are to lead a team to conscript the Inhumans and attack C-53 to capture her."
"Supreme Intelligence, where are the Inhumans now?" Yon-Rogg inquired.
"On C-53's satellite, the Moon!"
Half a Month Ago
On the dark side of the Moon, in the Inhuman city of Attilan, Black Bolt and his trusted Royal Family stood in a brightly lit hall, staring at a holographic screen displaying a Kree fleet. Their faces were grim.
Black Bolt gestured slightly, and his wife, Queen Medusa, spoke on his behalf. "Who commands this Kree fleet approaching us?"
An elder stepped forward. "My King, the Kree fleet is led by Yon-Rogg."
The name was familiar to all present—a commander as ruthless as the reportedly deceased Ronan. A Kree fleet under his command would show no mercy, plunging the Inhumans into dire peril.
Black Bolt remained silent for a moment before gesturing again. Medusa translated, "What are their demands? They wouldn't come here just to destroy us. They must have another purpose."
The elder responded, "My King, the Kree fleet is currently stationed in nearby lunar space, moving in sync with us. They haven't yet stated their purpose."
Receiving another gesture from Black Bolt, Medusa replied, "No matter. We'll observe and wait."
The Inhumans' technology wasn't particularly advanced, but they weren't defenseless against a Kree fleet. Their greatest asset was their abilities, especially Black Bolt's. He wasn't mute by choice—his voice unleashed devastating sonic waves,
capable of unimaginable destruction when used at full power.
The meeting ended, and the group dispersed. Black Bolt sat alone on his throne, even Medusa leaving him to his thoughts. No one knew what he was contemplating, but others had their own plans.
In a secluded room, Black Bolt's brother, Maximus, faced three blue-skinned Kree. He spoke slowly, "You say you'll support me as Attilan's king in exchange for sending enough Inhumans to serve as your soldiers to fight an enemy?"
"Correct," one of the Kree replied.
"And if I attack Earth as well, what then?" Maximus asked.
Yon-Rogg studied Maximus, a smile curling his lips. "As long as it's not an inconvenience and you fulfill our demands by capturing our target, Earth will belong to the Inhumans from then on."
Maximus shook Yon-Rogg's hand, a manic grin spreading across his face. "Then we have a deal!"
"A pleasure doing business," Yon-Rogg replied.
Present Day
Outside Los Angeles, in Hollywood, a massive bulldog led six oddly dressed individuals into the middle of the street. A large truck barreled toward them, but one of the group stepped forward, stomping the ground. A powerful shockwave erupted, flipping the truck onto its side.
Onlookers reacted variably—some fled, while others pulled out phones, assuming it was a movie shoot. The six were Black Bolt, Medusa, and members of the Inhuman Royal Family.
Three Earth days ago, Maximus, allied with the Kree, had launched a rebellion. Unwilling to harm their own people, Black Bolt and the Royal Family were forced to retreat, fleeing to Earth to regroup and warn its inhabitants of the Kree's plot.
Upon arriving, they found Earth vastly different from the ancient records in their archives. The advancements in technology, human attire, and culture were starkly unfamiliar. To Black Bolt, Earth's scientific and cultural progress had surpassed that of the Inhumans—a truth they were reluctant but forced to acknowledge.
"Cough… cough…" Medusa cleared her throat, struggling. "My King, what do we do now? Earth is nothing like our records."
Black Bolt looked at Medusa, gesturing briefly and nodding. She smiled, though her voice was strained. "I'm fine, just not used to Earth's air… cough…"
After Medusa repeatedly assured him she was okay, Black Bolt changed his gesture. Medusa spoke, "There are indeed Inhumans on Earth, but we don't know if they've awakened. Terrigen isn't easily found—most Inhumans likely live their lives thinking they're ordinary humans."
As she finished, the space around them warped, swirling like a vortex. A faceless male Inhuman and a hooded female Inhuman covered in spikes appeared before them. They bowed to Black Bolt and the others before rising.
"Great Black Bolt, beautiful Queen Medusa, and esteemed Royal Family," the female said, "I am Raina, an Inhuman. I've come to guide you to our Earth-based Inhuman sanctuary. Please trust us."
Medusa stepped forward, taking Raina's outstretched hand with a warm nod. "We extend the greatest goodwill and trust to our kind. Please lead us to the Inhuman sanctuary on Earth and to your leader. We have urgent matters to discuss."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Raina replied.
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