Chapter 42: The Weight of Two Worlds

Wanda's expression was calm but resolute as she turned to face the X-Men. Her eyes, though soft, carried a distinct clarity, a determination. She asked the question that had been weighing on her mind since her arrival. "Why should I help the X-Men universe?" Her voice was steady, yet it hung heavy in the air, causing an immediate silence to fall over the room.

Kitty, who had been nervously fidgeting with her hands, suddenly froze, disbelief written across her face. Wanda's words cut through her like a knife, the disappointment palpable in her gaze. She hadn't expected this response. No one had.

Wanda continued, her grip on Max's arm tightening slightly, as if to ground herself. "I don't know anything but pain and loneliness from that universe. It gave me nothing but heartache. I was trapped, abandoned... I have no reason to go back there." Her voice softened, turning almost tender as she glanced up at Max and then back to Pietro, who stood supportively by her side. "Here, in this universe... I have Pietro. I have Max. This is my home now."

Kitty Pryde's face fell, her breath catching slightly. "But, Wanda... we need you. We can't do this without you." She stepped forward, her voice trembling with desperation. "Please, help us. You're our only hope."

Wanda shook her head softly, her eyes hardening. "I don't even know you, Kitty. I've only seen Beast, and I recognized the rest of you because of your uniforms. But you... you're strangers to me. You're asking me to risk everything for a world that left me to rot."

Kitty stood there, her eyes widening in disbelief. For a moment, she looked like she was going to protest again, but the reality of Wanda's words sank in. She looked at her teammates for support, but they all seemed just as lost.

Pietro, standing beside his sister, crossed his arms and gave Kitty a curt nod. "Wanda's right. Why should she go back there? That world treated her like a monster. She's better off here."

The X-Men, particularly Beast, shifted uncomfortably, the weight of Wanda's words sinking into their bones. But despite the tension, Max decided to step in, if only to prevent this from spiraling further.

"I agree with Wanda," Max said, his voice calm but firm, his eyes settling on the X-Men. "The plan involving the Darkhold is one I cannot support."

Wanda furrowed her brow, looking up at Max. "The Darkhold? What's that?"

Max sighed, taking a step back from the group, gathering his thoughts. "The Darkhold is an ancient book of dark magic. It's one of the most dangerous artifacts in the multiverse." He paused for a moment, searching for the right words to describe its gravity. "Anyone who uses it is risking their soul, their mind. It corrupts. It twists your desires into nightmares, warps reality itself. Entire civilizations have fallen because someone thought they could control the Darkhold."

Wanda's eyes widened as she listened, intrigued but also wary. "What does it do to someone?"

Max crossed his arms and glanced at her, his expression grave. "It lures you in with promises of power, of solutions. At first, it seems like it's helping. But slowly... it destroys you from the inside. It's like being swallowed by darkness, bit by bit. You won't even realize it's happening until it's too late."

He turned toward the X-Men now, his voice growing sharper. "And you thought using that book was a good idea? Look, I've seen other universes where someone used the Darkhold to try and 'save' people. One version of Wanda in a different universe used it. She thought she could control it, use it to find her children, but it ended up corrupting her to the point she was willing to tear the multiverse apart for a delusion. The Darkhold doesn't solve problems—it creates them."

The X-Men stood in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of Max's words. Kitty's eyes were wide with shock, and even Beast looked deeply troubled. Storm's usually calm demeanor had shifted into something more uncertain.

"So... you're saying we'd be making things worse?" Beast finally asked, his voice low and contemplative.

"Yes," Max said firmly, nodding. "You'd be pouring gasoline on a fire."

Storm closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "But we don't have any other options," she said softly, her voice tinged with frustration. "We're running out of time, Max. We're desperate."

"Desperation is exactly what the Darkhold preys on," Max countered, his voice steady and unwavering. "That's how it gets you. I'm telling you—this path will only lead to ruin."

The X-Men exchanged nervous glances, murmuring amongst themselves. The fear in their eyes was palpable now, as was the doubt. They had come here thinking they had a plan, only to be told that the one thing they were counting on might destroy them all.

Max sighed, letting the tension in his shoulders ease slightly. "Look, I understand you're in a tough situation. But there has to be another way. I need time. I have some things to handle here—discussions with the Avengers and Nick Fury—and I need to learn more about opening portals between universes from the Sorcerer Supreme. But the fact that we found this Wanda means we don't have to waste time searching for a second one."

Kitty looked up hopefully, though uncertainty still clouded her expression. "So... what do we do in the meantime?"

Max ran a hand through his hair, thinking carefully. "You should consider alternative strategies. The Darkhold is not the answer. If I'm right, the N'Garai you're dealing with serve Chthon."

Beast flinched, his eyes snapping to Max. "Chthon? The... the same Chthon who created the Darkhold?"

Max nodded grimly. "Exactly. If Wanda uses the Darkhold to fight the N'Garai, it's like fighting fire with gasoline. It'll just make things worse."

The X-Men murmured again, the realization slowly sinking in. For the first time, they seemed to grasp the full weight of their predicament. Their last hope had been shattered.

"So... we're doomed?" Kitty muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No," Max said quickly, his tone firm. "You're not doomed. But you need to approach this differently. Let me help, but don't rush into something that will destroy you all. We'll find another way."

As the conversation quieted down, Max could feel the tension in the room subsiding, though uncertainty still lingered in the air like a thick fog. He sighed, needing a moment to clear his head. "Excuse me for a moment," he said, starting to walk toward the exit.

But as he made his way to the door, Wanda followed him closely, her hand still gripping his arm like a lifeline. Pietro trailed behind them, casting a protective glance at his sister. Yelena, watching the entire scene unfold from the sidelines, stifled a quiet laugh, finding the whole thing oddly endearing. Wanda's attachment to Max had taken root fast, and it seemed like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon.

Max, for his part, still didn't quite know what to do with Wanda's sudden devotion. He was trying his best to remain composed, but her presence was undeniably intense. What am I supposed to do with her? he thought, glancing briefly at her as they walked down the corridor. Well, I guess as long as she signed that contract, it can't hurt to let her stick around for now.

Once they reached an empty conference room, Max pulled out his phone and quickly dialed Natasha Romanoff's number. The call connected after a few rings, and Natasha's voice greeted him from the other side.

"Max," she said smoothly. "What's up?"

"Hey," Max replied, leaning against the wall. "I was hoping you could arrange a meeting with Fury. There are some things I need to discuss with him. He can bring a few of his trusted agents if he wants. Also..." Max hesitated for a moment, glancing at Wanda, who was still standing close by. "I have a few... gifts I'd like to give him. On the Storm Chaser."

Natasha's voice shifted, clearly intrigued. "Gifts, huh? That sounds interesting. Alright, I'll give Fury a call and get back to you once we've set a time."

"Thanks, Natasha," Max said with a nod. "I'll wait for your call."

He ended the conversation, slipping the phone back into his pocket as he turned back to Wanda and Pietro. Yelena, still observing from the side, gave Max a knowing smile. Max sighed internally, wondering what exactly he had gotten himself into with these two.