When two worlds collide

Chapter 13

The following days passed in a tense rhythm, a strange blend of preparation and waiting. The peaceful moments in the cabin had become tinged with an underlying sense of anticipation, like the calm before a storm. Y/N could feel it—the build-up of energy, the growing sense of urgency that hung in the air like static electricity.

They had fallen into a kind of routine, though neither of them acknowledged the fragile nature of it. Y/N would wake early, making coffee and busying themselves with whatever task they could find to keep their hands moving—chopping firewood, checking the perimeter of the cabin, pacing the clearing as if that would somehow prevent the inevitable from arriving. Wanda, on the other hand, had become more introspective, spending long stretches of time practicing her magic in the forest, her brow furrowed in concentration as she honed her skills.

It was clear that both of them were preparing for something. Neither of them said it out loud, but the weight of the doppelgänger's looming presence was always there, a shadow that neither of them could ignore.

One evening, as the sun dipped low behind the trees, casting a fiery glow across the sky, Y/N found Wanda standing by the edge of the clearing, her hands raised in a delicate gesture as she manipulated the air around her. Tiny sparks of red energy danced at her fingertips, twisting and swirling in intricate patterns that seemed almost hypnotic.

Y/N approached quietly, not wanting to interrupt her focus. They watched in silence for a few moments, admiring the precision with which Wanda controlled her powers. There was something mesmerizing about the way she moved, her magic flowing effortlessly as if it were an extension of herself.

But there was also a tension in her movements—a restlessness that Y/N hadn't seen before.

"You've been out here for hours," Y/N finally said, their voice soft as they approached her. "You okay?"

Wanda didn't immediately lower her hands, her eyes still focused on the energy swirling around her. "Just... trying to stay sharp," she replied after a moment. "I can't afford to lose control. Not now."

Y/N nodded, stepping closer. "I get that. But you don't have to push yourself so hard. We've got time."

Wanda finally let the magic dissipate, her hands falling to her sides. She turned to face Y/N, her expression serious. "I don't know how much time we actually have," she admitted. "Every day, I feel it getting stronger. I can sense it... like it's closing in on us."

Y/N sighed, running a hand through their hair. "I know. I feel it too." They hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to put their thoughts into words. "But stressing ourselves out isn't going to help. We need to stay grounded."

Wanda looked at them, her eyes searching Y/N's face. "How do you do that?" she asked quietly. "How do you stay so calm when everything is falling apart?"

Y/N shrugged with a small, self-deprecating smile. "I'm good at pretending," they admitted. "But the truth is, I'm just as freaked out as you are."

Wanda's lips twitched into a small smile, but the worry didn't leave her eyes. "I don't want to lose control again," she said softly. "I've made too many mistakes already."

Y/N's expression softened as they stepped closer, reaching out to gently place a hand on Wanda's arm. "You're not going to lose control," they said firmly. "We're in this together, remember? Whatever happens, we've got each other's backs."

Wanda looked down at their hand on her arm, then back up at Y/N. "I'm not used to having someone to rely on," she admitted. "I've always had to handle things on my own."

"Well, you're not alone anymore," Y/N said, their voice steady. "You've got me. And I'm not going anywhere."

Wanda studied them for a moment, her eyes searching Y/N's face as if she were looking for reassurance. Finally, she nodded, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Y/N smiled, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. "Anytime."

They stood there for a few moments longer, the weight of their conversation hanging between them as the sky continued to darken. The air had grown cooler, a chill creeping in that made Y/N shiver slightly. They glanced around at the forest, the trees casting long shadows that seemed to stretch and twist in the fading light.

It was as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

"I don't like this," Y/N muttered under their breath, their eyes scanning the treeline. "It's too quiet."

Wanda nodded in agreement, her expression tightening. "I've been feeling it all day. Something's off."

Y/N's muscles tensed as they scanned the area again, their senses on high alert. It wasn't just the quiet that was unsettling—it was the stillness. The forest, which had been so full of life just a few hours ago, was now eerily silent. No birds, no rustling leaves, nothing but the low hum of the wind in the distance.

"It's like the whole world's holding its breath," Y/N said quietly, echoing their earlier thoughts.

Wanda's gaze flicked to the forest, her brow furrowing in concentration. "There's something out there," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can feel it. It's close."

Y/N's heart rate spiked as they instinctively reached for the knife strapped to their side, their eyes narrowing as they tried to pierce the darkness. "How close?"

Wanda closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the energy around her. When she opened them again, her expression was grim. "Too close."

Before Y/N could respond, there was a sudden rustle in the bushes to their left, followed by a low growl that sent a jolt of adrenaline through their system. They whipped around, knife in hand, ready to face whatever was coming.

But what stepped out of the shadows wasn't what Y/N had expected.

It was an animal—large, with matted fur and glowing red eyes that reflected the dim light of the setting sun. Its lips curled back in a snarl, revealing sharp, jagged teeth. Y/N took a step back, their grip tightening on the knife.

"Wanda—" Y/N started to say, but Wanda was already moving.

With a flick of her wrist, red energy crackled to life around her hands, and she stepped forward, her expression fierce. The creature growled again, its eyes locked on Wanda as it crouched low, ready to pounce.

But before it could move, Wanda unleashed her magic, sending a blast of red energy toward the creature. The force of the blow knocked it off its feet, and it let out a howl of pain before scrambling back into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness.

Y/N lowered the knife, their heart still racing. "What the hell was that?"

Wanda shook her head, her expression tense. "I don't know," she admitted. "But it's not alone. There's more of them."

Y/N swore under their breath, scanning the area once more. "Great. Just what we needed."

Wanda's eyes narrowed as she focused on the treeline. "They're coming for us," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "This is just the beginning."

Y/N nodded, their jaw tightening. They could feel it now—the build-up, the pressure. The storm they had been waiting for was finally here.

And it was only a matter of time before it broke.

"Alright," Y/N said, their voice calm despite the chaos swirling around them. "We need a plan."

Wanda glanced at them, her eyes filled with determination. "We stand together," she said firmly. "No matter what."

Y/N met her gaze, feeling that same resolve settle deep in their chest. "Together," they agreed.

And as they stood side by side, facing the darkness that threatened to swallow them whole, Y/N couldn't help but feel that this—this moment, this build-up—was just the beginning of something bigger. Something that would change everything.