Scarlet Witch : Time Runs Out (Secret Wars Saga)

Chapter 20: THE TRIAL OF WANDA MAXIMOFF Part 1

CHAPTER 20
THE TRIAL OF WANDA MAXIMOFF

PART 1

"WHIH Newsfront Breaking News: ... It is total chaos outside the courtroom as the entire world seemingly holds their breath, biting their nails for the possible arrival of one of the most notorious figures in recent history. The Scarlet Witch herself. As you can see behind me, protesters are going rampant, news reporters are flashing their cameras, I have never seen anything like this. It's like the whole city came to witness her downfall. Today, if she pleads guilty, which is what everyone expects her to do, she would face life in the raft... and if her crimes of her past prove to be severe enough... she could possibly face the death penalty."

The drive to the courthouse was silent, the atmosphere was heavy with dread.

Wanda sat in the front passenger seat, her hands trembling in her lap. Matt sat beside her, offering a comforting presence, though his words did little to ease the storm of uncertainty and angst within her.

Matt: We're almost there.

Her eyes darted towards him. Her hands gripping the seat as if it was a lifeline.

Matt: Just remember, we're here to fight for you.

Wanda nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. She could already hear the echoes of the crowd, the angry shouts and the venomous words that awaited her. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of the reality she was about to face.

Matt: When you're inside the courtroom... you will look around for a familiar face. But there will be none. Do not get swept up in the chaos and unfairness of it all.

Wanda: W... w-what about you? Where... where will you be?

Her breath was hitched in her throat, all the scenarios running wild in her head. Her heart pounding out of her chest.

Matt: I'll be there. But I will be the only one you recognize.

Wanda: And the footage? Of me... I-In the... the raft?

Matt: Don't worry. I blurred out the parts that needed to be blurred out. And I had an associate take still screenshots of the footage that clearly shows the necessary wounds they need to see.

Her breath released with a big sigh.

Wanda: Th-Thank you...

As the vehcile pulled up to the courthouse, the noise hit her like a physical force. Hundreds of people were gathered outside, cameras flashing, reporters shouting questions, and protesters holding signs that branded her a monster, a murderer, an abomination. Her voice was shaking as she spoke to Matt for any kind of reassurance.

Wanda: I can't do this... I can't... I...

Matt: Look at me Wanda. Look at me! You can. You can.

Wanda: I can't! Matt I'm scared...

Matt: It's okay. It's going to be okay. Look there, the inside of the courthouse isn't that far a walk. We'll be inside before you know it.

The cacophony of hatred was overwhelming, and Wanda felt her knees go weak as the doors opened. The noise hit her like an explosion in her head.

"There she is! There she is!"

"It's her!"

"She's here!"

Matt: Just breathe, Wanda.