The Unknown Emotion ~ A WandaVision Fanfic

Chapter 4

"We have a mission" Steve announced the next day, dropping classified files on the glass table. Hisses of excitement erupted inside the hall.

I hadn't left the facility since Sokovia fell. The others had advised against it, as I would attract attention in public and have trouble blending in within the crowds. I didn't have anyone outside the facility to visit anyway, since all my friends were here. Yet I'd find it refreshing to leave for a change, even if it was for a mission.

"There have been rumours that Brock Rumlow and his people will attempt to steal a biological weapon from the Department of Infectious Disease in Lagos, Nigeria. We have to make sure the substance doesn't get stolen, and catch the culprits. First component of the mission is undercover. We'll be spending hours in the Nigerian crowds, spying and reporting in. Vision, that may be a little difficult for you."

"I understand" I should have expected as much.

"I'm not going either, bud" Mr. Stark added. "Maybe that'll make you feel better"

"It doesn't, Mr. Stark."

Steve's voice carried over the squabble of conversation. "We're leaving for Nigeria tomorrow. That leaves us today to plan."

Mr. Stark's phone buzzed. "That's my cue. Friday, get Happy on the line, gotta go inspire some tech nerds."

"Yes Mr. Stark." A cool female AI voice answered. "Also, Miss Potts has asked me to inform you she is unable to attend the event today."

His face paled into an uncharacteristically pained expression. No one seemed to notice but me.

"Is everything ok, Mr. Stark?" I asked quietly.

"Everything is splendid." he replied distractedly, without a shift in his facial expression. My understanding of sarcasm was limited, but I could identify it in his statement. He strode out of the room without another word.

I directed my attention towards Captain Rogers for the next few hours. He was assigning the team their training objectives, and discussing the details of the plan.

As is Captain Rogers style, his plan was simple, succinct, and efficient. During the undercover component, Wanda and Natasha were to be on the ground among the local crowd, whereas Sam and Captain Rogers would be watching from the height of the buildings, both parties keeping an eye out for suspicious behaviour.

When the thieves arrive, Wanda and Captain Rogers are to be focused on protecting the bio-hazardous substance from the hands of our enemies. They'll be where the fighting is thickest. Sam and Natasha were to monitor the perimeter of the Department of Infectious Diseases; making sure no more 'bad guys' get in, and to extract the bio-hazardous substance from the enemies if they happened to steal it and move out.

"Vision, check this out" Sam interrupted, gesturing to a hovering red drone. It was sleek, it's metallic wings spread out thinly, and Sam appeared to be controlling it with his wrist set. He pressed a few buttons, and the drone whizzed out of the window and around the field, the speed so fast that it screamed against the wind, and came back to hover at its original spot above my head. Sam grinned at my amazed expression.

"His name is Red Wing" Sam told me proudly. "Tony helped me design him. I got him last night-"

"-And you've mentioned it a hundred times since then." Natasha added sassily. "Let it go."

Captain Rogers and Wanda joined our conversation. "Sam, you can spend today learning how to control it-"

"-Red Wing" Sam emphasised with a grin.

"Red Wing" Captain Rogers repeated dryly, but not unkindly. "Learn everything about it, it's controls, gimmicks, flight manoeuvres. It could come in handy tomorrow."

Sam was elated to be assigned this task.

"Natasha, do your thing. Look for intel, study the blueprints of the building, check for loopholes in our plan, and brief us on it later."

Natasha tsked. "Always leaving the paperwork to the women, aren't you Steve? I thought you were better than that." She smirked, but took on the task nonetheless.

"Wanda, you're going to be outside with me, practising throwing me onto the roof"

"Okay?" Wanda replied skeptically, raising an eyebrow.

"And Vision? You're going to be with us... In case things go wrong." He finished curtly, side-eyeing Wanda to make sure she wasn't taken aback with what appeared to be his lack of confidence in her. She shrugged, indicating that she took no offence.

We were out on the green field again, and Captain Rogers finished explaining what he wanted and why. He required a quick gateway to the fifth floor of the building in Nigeria as that's where the bio-hazardous substance was kept, and the fastest route to this location was to have himself launched into the air and through the window.

I hovered a few feet over the compound as Wanda prepared herself, twirling her fingers to produce the mist. Captain Rogers and I braced ourselves. I extended my arms, ready to cushion his blow in case the launch was wildly miscalculated. On the ground, Steve held his shield in front of him, prepared for the worst.

The two of us were clearly nervous, yet it seemed that Wanda was a lot more worried than we were. Her eyebrows furrowed in determination as her fingers twirled faster.

She struck like a cobra, and with perfect precision, launched Steve into a full arc. He didn't stumble, but landed into a graceful roll on the rooftop. He stood up grinning, clearly proud of his young apprentice.

"Well done, that was perfect!" Steve complimented heartily down to Wanda on the ground.

The next few attempts were also flawless, and it was clear to see that they no longer had need of me. However, I was not dismissed, which I am thankful for, since I have nothing else to do today-

Did I... Did I just lie to myself? I've never used deception to suit my needs before.

Allow me to correct myself. I am thankful to Steve for letting me stay here; not because I have nothing else to do, but because I thoroughly enjoy witnessing Wanda flourishing in the control of her powers. Her improvement makes me feel a little less nervous about tomorrow, which is the day she'll be up against a group of trained assassins in Nigeria.

Admitting the truth to myself caused a pit of worry to bloom within my abdomen at the thought of her against these people. The feeling is absurd of course; I myself have witnessed her hold her own against many of Ultron's bots.

I felt a sudden anger, the reason being that I could not be of help tomorrow. Not only because I could not assist my friends in apprehending the criminals, but also because I won't be able to protect them from what could happen. Protect her.

I shook my head, hoping to think clearly and to get rid of the illogical emotions.

"May I be excused, Captain" I called out from the roof. "Perhaps I should assist Natasha with the case files if you have no need of me here."

"Sure" Steve replied distractedly, proudly thumping Wanda on the back with a little too much force. Her responding smile was awkward, yet pleased.

Maybe it was my imagination, but her grin seemed to disappear when she realised I was going to leave. The notion made me happy somehow, which is strange considering I usually prefer watching her smile.