The Eternal Avenger: Book Two

Chapter Nine: Warning

(Natasha's POV)

"She WHAT?" Claray's sentiments mirrored my own. This hardly seemed like the Wanda that both of us knew so well - Claray arguably better than me. This didn't seem like her, but at the same time, losing both Pietro and Vision - especially Vision - so violently does funny things to people's emotions. I somehow couldn't picture her creating an entire reality out of thin air, but if the fight against Thanos was any indicator, she was strong enough to do it. I sighed, leaning forward in the chair.

"So, what do we do?" Claray looked over at me.

"We don't do anything. You're retired." I glared at her.

"I asked you to marry me. I'm not letting you walk into a potentially dangerous situation without me. I am never letting you out of my sight again," I huffed. Clint glanced between the two of us cautiously.

"I'm not sitting this one out either," he said softly. "I still owe a debt." Claray nodded at him before turning her focus back to me.

"Natasha, I'm not letting you go with me." Her voice carried a warning tone, and even Bridgit was looking at her like she was crazy.

"You're not letting me?" I smirked. She sighed.

"Bad choice of words," she admitted.

"I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, you know." I teased her. The look on her face when she fully turned to look at me, however, was anything but jovial. I was immediately concerned. "принцесса what is it?" I reached out, gently taking her hand in mine. She took a few deep breaths before speaking.

"Do you remember when Clint and I were testing time travel before we went to retrieve the stones?" Clint and I exchanged glances.

"What about it?" Claray sighed again. "Bruce accidentally sent me into the future, and I saw something..."

"You heard me speaking in your head," I nodded, remembering the conversation.

"Is that connected to Wanda somehow?" Clint leaned forward now, curious. He had never heard this part of the story.

"I don't know," she admitted. "But if I could hear Natasha, it's possible that means she..."

"Turned," I stated. Claray nodded at me. I clenched my jaw for a minute.

"I don't care." Bridgit sat beside me on the couch and put a hand on my shoulder.

"You should care," she said softly. "Being like us isn't all fun and games." I nodded.

"Do you think I don't know that?" I addressed the question to Claray, who simply looked at me sadly.

"Natasha, I wouldn't wish this on you." I was starting to get frustrated.

"Do you know what I wouldn't wish on anyone? Losing a friend, a partner, the love of your life trying to save the world. I went through that. I know how that feels - and so does Wanda." A look of understanding flashed briefly across her face.

"I know, Tasha. And I'm going to help her."

"You don't know if you can!" I stood suddenly. "I understand that you're uniquely capable, but you're not the only qualified person in this room."

"She's right." Clint stood as well. Claray shook her head.

"Not if this is what it costs," she said lowly.

"What's the alternative?" I crouched down in front of her, resting my hands on her knees to steady myself.

"What do you mean?" She frowned at me, trying to understand. I choked back my emotions, staring up into her blue eyes intently.