Now in Color

The sensation of Señor Scratchy launching himself onto my stomach jolts me awake, and I let out a groan as I shove him off with a disgruntled sigh. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" I mumble, sitting up in bed.

It takes a moment for my bleary eyes to adjust to the light, and as I glance at the alarm clock, my heart sinks. It's already 9:30 in the morning. Not a complete disaster, but I'm not one to sleep in. Besides, I have work to do, and I can't afford to waste any more time in this charming little prison of nostalgia.

It feels like every time I inch closer to unraveling Wanda's mystery, she layers on another veil of secrets, as if she's determined to keep her past hidden.

I cast a quick glance at their house, noting the figures moving behind the curtains. But what truly captivates me is the fact that the entire world has burst back into color, just as it should be. Well, not quite… It still has that unmistakable vibe of a 70s show.

Given the kind of spell the residents of Westview are under, I doubt they'll even register the change. Running up to their house and shouting: "Why is the world in color?!" doesn't seem like the brightest idea.

It would be suspicious, to say the least. My plan is straightforward: take a shower, get dressed, and most importantly, brew myself a strong cup of coffee. As I enjoy my breakfast of champions, I'll jot down everything I want to investigate today, making a list to keep track of it all.

Once I've organized my thoughts, I can sneak a look at Wanda and Vision's house using my camouflage spell. With a plan of attack in place, I shift the surroundings of the bedroom, transforming it into the bathroom.

I step into the kitchen, my hair wrapped in a bath towel, and conjure up a steaming cup of much-needed coffee with a flick of my magic. After that, I make my notepad materialize and settle at the table with a satisfied sigh. Let's get this day started.

I click my pen a few times, trying to gather my thoughts. What are the answers I need most right now? I already know that Vision is an android created by Tony Stark, killed by Thanos in his relentless pursuit of the Infinity Stones. And yet, he's here, residing in the house right next to me.

Did Wanda resurrect him from the dead? Is this a new Vision? Is he merely an illusion, like so much in this world? Or did Wanda actually create him? And last but not least, why does he always appear in human form instead of his true android self?

Contemplating these questions makes me wonder if Vision himself knows which scenario is the correct one. I'll see if I can trick him into revealing a glimpse of the knowledge he possesses. For now, I want to sneak a look at what's happening in the Vision residence. I cast my spell before leaving the house, ensuring they won't see me coming, and give Señor Scratchy one last affectionate pet.

"See you soon, my darling."

Peering through the window, one thing immediately stands out: Wanda is pregnant. And not just the "I-just-discovered-I'm-going-to-have-a-baby, yay me" kind of pregnant—she looks a solid four months along.

Now, I may be a couple of hundred years old, but I'm pretty sure she didn't have a baby bump yesterday. Since humans don't go from zero to four months pregnant overnight, she has definitely used her magic to conjure this child.

I spot Vision leaving the house alongside Doctor Nielson, who apparently just finished his check-up on the supernatural baby.

"I'm just glad you caught me in time, I'm taking the wife on vacation this afternoon," he says.

"Oh! Have a nice holiday!" Vision replies, his voice brimming with cheerfulness.

The sound of Herb trimming his hedge slices through their conversation.

"Hey, Herb!" Vision calls out, raising his hand in greeting, and his so-called friend returns the gesture with a casual wave.

"Hey, buddy!"

Secretively, he turns back to the doctor and whispers: "Listen, can you keep the news of Wanda's…" He makes a grand gesture towards his belly, punctuated by a comical trumpeting sound. "…you know, just between us? Everything's happening so quickly. We'd like to keep it in the family for now."

What family? There's no one in Westview they can turn to share their exciting news with—well, except for me, but since they don't know who I am, that hardly counts.

"Of course. Mum's the word," the doctor replies, sealing his lips with a finger as if zipping them shut.

Vision laughs at the expression, his joy palpable.

"I'm off. Bermuda, baby!"

The doctor departs, but I know there's no way he'll actually be going on holiday today. Wanda simply won't allow it. My attention shifts back to Herb when I hear a screeching sound, and as I turn to look, I see that he's no longer trimming his hedge. Instead, he's cutting into the wall itself. It's clear that Vision has noticed this bizarre turn of events as well.

"Hey, Herb! Think you might've taken the hedge-trimming a little too far there, old chum!" Vision calls out, a mix of humor and concern in his voice.

Herb looks down, a puzzled expression crossing his face before he glances back up at Vision, flashing the biggest smile as he continues his work. "So, I have. Thanks, buddy!"

Vision stares at his friend, clearly baffled by Herb's unwavering determination to keep going. "Yeah… Don't mention it," he replies, his confusion evident.

As Vision walks back into the house, he throws a few glances over his shoulder, still trying to make sense of the absurdity unfolding before him.

Still cloaked in my magic spell, I inch closer to Herb, who continues to cut into the stone wall without a care. This chaos isn't my doing, which suggests that Wanda's pregnancy is disrupting her control over Westview. Perhaps her thoughts are scattered, or maybe the sheer magnitude of her magic is becoming too much for her to manage.

In any case, I can sense a crack in her hold. But for how long? That's the real question. It's entirely possible she will have everything fixed again by tonight.

I retreat to the window, peering into their living room, and weave a bit more magic, enabling me to eavesdrop on their conversation. I feel like a stalker, and I must admit, I'm absolutely reveling in it. Vision closes the door behind him, still clearly lost in thought.

"Huh… the strangest thing just happened outside with—" He turns toward his wife, and I instinctively follow suit.

We both notice simultaneously that Wanda's belly has grown significantly larger in the few minutes Vision has been outside.

"Whoa, Nelly! Have you gotten bigger?!" he exclaims in surprise, pointing at her stomach.

"Have I?!" Wanda responds, spinning around quickly and accidentally knocking into the fruit bowl, sending a papaya tumbling to the floor.

In an instant, her husband uses his super speed to catch it before it can hit the ground.

"I can't tell from this angle," she says, glancing down at her belly.

It doesn't matter how this baby was conceived, it's clear she's over the moon with joy. Seeing her radiate like this warms my heart, but an ominous feeling lingers in the back of my mind.

If this child is a product of her magic, born within the confines of Westview, it means he or she will be tied to this twisted world she created. Should she decide to release the people of Westview from their enchanted prison, she would lose the baby, too. And while I'd gladly wish that kind of pain on anyone else, I couldn't bear to see her suffer.

Vision studies the papaya he's holding for a moment, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I can't wait…" He chuckles softly. "…to be a proud papaya." He places a playful emphasis on "papa," clearly relishing the pun.

Wanda places her hands on her hips, looking at him with eyes brimming with affection.

I decide that's enough for now. I've uncovered a significant event—obviously, Wanda's pregnancy—and witnessed the bizarre behavior of Herb. Heading back home to jot down everything that's transpired seems like the wisest course of action. Plus, I'm in desperate need of another cup of coffee. With a turn on my heels, I leave the lovey-dovey couple behind, knowing I'll likely see them again soon.

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, my notes sprawled across every available inch, while the Darkhold hovers in the air beside me. I'm busy sketching a timeline of Wanda's life—or at least what I've pieced together—when suddenly, all the electricity cuts out.

Despite the daylight streaming through the windows, I frown at the disruption. What is Wanda up to this time? I was in the middle of crafting a perfectly coherent timeline before this power outage, and this inconvenience is irritating me to no end.

I close my eyes for a moment and attempt to use my powers to check on the neighboring houses. However, Wanda's chaotic magic blankets everything, making it difficult to see through the veil. Frustrated, I head to the kitchen to do it the old-fashioned way—looking out the window to see if the same issue has struck the neighbors.

As I stand there, a sudden wave of water splashes across my face. A pipe has burst, sending water gushing from the loose tap. Within five seconds, I'm completely soaked, my clothes already ruined. The sounds of rushing water echo from various spots in the house, indicating that other pipes are likely suffering the same fate.

Muttering a few Latin words accompanied by swift hand movements, I feel a surge of relief when the torrent finally stops.

"Urgh!" Frustration laces my voice, I absolutely detest being wet.

I can't help but wonder what Wanda is up to that's causing all this chaos, and then it hits me: her water broke.

Oh my god, how I wish I could be there with her, holding her hand and whispering all those disgusting things that people seem to love.

But the situation is what it is, and I'm not able to do that just yet. So, I snap my fingers, and with a swirl of magic, the moisture evaporates from my clothes, leaving me dry and comfortable once more. I head back to the house of the daughter who no longer remembers me.

As I walk to their house, once again hidden from prying eyes, I notice electric sparks dancing over the wires. I quicken my pace, and when I reach their window, my heart sinks. Wanda lies on the floor, a pillow cradling her head, her face twisted in pain.

But it's the presence of Geraldine that sends a chill down my spine. She sits beside Wanda, breathing rhythmically, urging her to find her own breath in the chaos.

An overwhelming urge to teleport in and take her place surges within me, but I know it would expose my secret. There's something about this Geraldine that feels entirely off. Her demeanor seems slightly out of tune with the others, as if she's merely pretending to follow Wanda's script, but isn't truly part of it.

I know that neither am I, but that's not the point right now, even though I thrive on being the center of attention.

I send my energy out to her once more, but once again, all I can feel is Wanda's magic, especially now that I'm so close. I don't trust Geraldine being near my foster daughter and her baby, but there's nothing I can do about it.

Wanda's scream snaps me out of my thoughts, pulling my attention back to her. Everything around us descends into chaos—the vacuum cleaner roars inside the house, and the streetlights flicker outside. Then, just as suddenly, it all comes to a halt, and calm returns to Westview. The sound of a crying baby fills the air next, and I see Geraldine holding a baby wrapped in a blue blanket.

"It's a boy." Gently, she passes Wanda's son into her arms, and I can't recall ever seeing the little witch this happy.

"Hi…" she says softly. "Oh, he's perfect…"

At that moment, Vision arrives with the doctor, leaving the front door wide open—an opportunity I gladly seize. I cast a spell to muffle all sounds, including the quiet thud of my shoes, and slip inside the house after her husband. I walk toward one of the armchairs and lean against it with flair, watching the scene unfold before me.

"Oh no, I missed it…" Vision whispers, sadness filling his voice.

Wanda offers him the warmest smile, which he happily returns. Geraldine, noticing the moment, tries to distract the doctor.

"Hey, doc, why don't you help me out in the kitchen?" she suggests. The man walks down the stairs, obviously unsure of where he is.

"We went so fast; it felt like we were flying…" Geraldine supports his arm, guiding him toward the kitchen. But me? I'm not going anywhere. I don't feel the need at all to give them their privacy.

"Well done, Wanda." Vision's voice is soft as he slowly walks down the stairs.

"Well, don't you want to meet your son as yourself?"

Vision looks around suspiciously, but when he sees that neither Geraldine nor the doctor is nearby, he transforms into the red android he truly is. As he bends down to take his son from Wanda, she softly says: "Oh. He's strong."

"Hello there, little Tommy," Vision whispers to his child, a big smile on his face.

"Tommy?" Wanda asks, love evident in her voice.

"Yes, Tommy." I assume they must have discussed the name, and it seems Wanda has won.

Vision leans down to give Wanda a kiss, but before he can, she starts screaming again, and he follows her example in confusion.

"What?!" he yells, but when he looks down, his eyes widen as he exclaims: "Good heavens! There's another baby coming!"

Twins? Who would have thought… Not me, that's for sure. How do you go from zero to two babies in one day? The only kind of magic I can think of that's capable of that is chaos magic, which I already knew she possesses, but in a very advanced stage… And that would make her…

"Billy?!" Wanda yells, cutting off my train of thought.

The most frustrating thing about all of this is that I'm capable of helping her, but not without revealing my witchy nature—something I'm not willing to do just yet. I remember her reaction when I arrived very vividly.

"Wanda, push! Push!" Vision urges, and Wanda does just that.

Before you know it, there's a second baby in Wanda's arms. I decide it's time for me to slip out of the house before Geraldine and the doctor return, and quietly, I do just that.

As I leave the house, I notice Herb is still busy trying to trim his hedge. An idea begins to form in my mind—a chance to plant some doubt in Vision's head while simultaneously pushing Geraldine away from Wanda.

I want to see how he reacts, how he responds. With a small wave of my hand, I take over Herb's control from Wanda, she won't even notice it with all the commotion happening right now.

Once I'm pulling his strings, I remove my invincibility spell and wait for Vision to leave the house.

When he finally appears with the doctor by his side, I know it's time to start my puppeteering act. He already looks very confused about something the doctor said, so the seed of doubt is already planted. All I have to do is water it.

"What is she doing in there?" I whisper to Herb, loud enough for Vision to hear.

"I don't know…" Herb replies, his eyes vacant.

"Howdy, neighbors!" Vision calls out, and both of us return the greeting.

A big smile spreads across my face as I play the role of the nosy neighbor perfectly. As he walks back toward the house, I start my way-too-loud whispers once more.

"Did you see her go inside?"

"She went right in!"

My plan is working, Vision turns around and walks in our direction now, his curiosity obviously piqued.

"Remarkable day we're having, no? Did you lose power too?"

I feel irritation rise as I think back to the electricity going out and the water draining me, but I hide it, covering it with a facade of friendliness.

"Oh, sure did! But Ralph looks better in the dark, so I'm not complaining!" I chuckle carefree and Vision joins, though I can hear a hint of worry in his voice.

"Hi, Herb…"

"Hi, buddy."

A tension hangs in the air, but it's apparently not enough to trap Vision, as he claps his hands together and turns back toward the house.

"Well, I'll get back to Wanda."

I need to raise his doubts, this isn't nearly enough, so I call him back.

"Vision!" He looks at me expectantly.

"Is Geraldine inside with Wanda?" I put on my best worried face, and seeing the expression on his, I know it's working.

"Yes. Why?"

Honestly, it's cute to see how worried he is about his wife. If it weren't my daughter we're talking about, I might find it pathetic. But she deserves some good in her life.

"She's new to town. Brand-new." Herb says, listening to the thread I'm pulling without having any control over himself. But he should be used to that by now.

"There's no family." I continue the setup. "No husband."

Vision gives us a soft smile. "Well, there's nothing wrong with that."

I shrug and glance into the distance with an ominous expression. "Hmm…"

To heighten the drama, I slowly turn my gaze back toward him and say: "No home."

Vision takes a moment to let this sink in. "What? What do you mean she has no home?"

I force Herb to start talking again. "She came here because…"

A small silence falls, and he looks back at me before repeating the same sentence. "She came here because…"

I sigh and softly shake my head, as if I don't want him to continue. Acting has always been one of my specialties.

"She came here because we're all…" He stops speaking again, executing my direction perfectly.

"She came here because we're all what? What are you trying to tell me?" Confusion and doubt flicker across Vision's human face, so I know my plan is working.

"She came here because we're all…" I quickly turn on my heels to face Herb.

"Stop it!" I hiss, shaking my head. This should confuse the hell out of the robot, and judging by the tension in the air, it's working.

I turn back to Vision, putting the biggest smile on my face. "Well, I better get going!"

I grab the bike that's been standing next to me—I had conjured it here before he left the house with the doctor—and ring the bell twice.

"That macramé is not gonna hitch itself!" I say, accompanied by an exaggerated wink, and I walk away without looking back. There's no need for me to check what Herb will say, he's still under my control, and the moment I let him go, Wanda will have her claws back in him, and he won't be saying anything of value.

As I walk toward my house, I feel a blast of energy ripple through the air. When I look up, I see Geraldine being forcefully thrown out of the Westview bubble. A smile crosses my lips. That's my girl.

I am

The face you don't remember

But you have seen a thousand times

The ghost who is still alive