Shadows Of Trust

The dim light of the tunnel flickered as Wanda and Natasha stood amidst the group of Morlocks. Callisto's scarred face was set in a hard expression, but the subtle slump of her shoulders betrayed the exhaustion that came with years of constant vigilance. Around her, the mutants looked to their leader, uncertainty etched on their features.

Wanda took a deep breath and stepped closer to Callisto, her voice calm but firm. "Let us help your injured," she repeated. "Then we'll figure out how Project X found you and how to stop it from happening again."

Callisto stared at her, her grip on her spear tightening. "And why should we trust you?"

"You don't have to trust us yet," Wanda said, glancing at the injured mutants leaning against the tunnel walls. "But I think we've earned the benefit of the doubt, haven't we?"

After a long pause, Callisto gestured toward one of the injured mutants, a young woman whose left arm was badly burned. "Fine. But try anything, and I'll make sure you regret it."

"Understood," Wanda replied, kneeling next to the injured mutant. She closed her eyes and focused, allowing Fracture to flow from her fingertips in a gentle, glowing tendril. The symbiote's regenerative properties began to work, knitting the woman's burned skin back together. The mutant gasped as the pain ebbed away, her wide eyes darting between Wanda and the healing tendril.

Callisto's expression softened ever so slightly, though she quickly masked it. "What is that?"

"Fracture," Wanda said simply. "My symbiote. It has its uses."

Natasha leaned casually against the wall, watching the scene unfold with her usual calm. "You should see what it can do in a fight. It's a multitasker."

Wanda shot her a glance, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. "You're not helping."

"I'm always helping," Natasha replied with a grin.

The tension in the room eased slightly as more mutants stepped forward, allowing Wanda to treat their injuries. Each success chipped away at the Morlocks' initial mistrust, though Callisto remained wary.

As the last of the wounded were healed, Callisto crossed her arms and nodded. "Alright. You've earned a conversation. Let's talk."

The group moved deeper into the tunnels, finding a larger chamber that served as a gathering space for the Morlocks. Makeshift furniture was scattered around, and flickering lamps provided a dim, uneven light. Wanda and Natasha sat on a cracked bench opposite Callisto, who remained flanked by her closest allies.

Callisto's gaze was sharp and unyielding. "Start talking. Why are you really here?"

Wanda leaned forward, her tone steady. "We've been tracking rumors about mutants being hunted. Your name came up. When we heard Project X was involved, we couldn't ignore it."

"And why would you care about what happens to us?" Callisto pressed.

"Because I know what it's like to be hunted," Wanda replied, her voice soft but resolute. "And because I'm building something. A sanctuary for people like you—people who've been forced to hide because the world won't accept them."

Callisto arched an eyebrow. "Sanctuary, huh? Sounds like a fairy tale."

"It's real," Natasha interjected. "And so is Wanda's commitment to making it work."

"You're awfully loyal to her," Callisto said, her tone skeptical.

Natasha smirked. "She has a way of earning it."

Wanda rolled her eyes. "Can we focus, please?"

Callisto leaned back, studying them both. "Fine. Let's say I believe you. What do you want from us?"

"Nothing," Wanda said. "But I can offer you safety. A place where you won't have to live in fear."

"And in return?"

"In return, we work together," Wanda replied. "The world is changing. Mutants need allies, and I need people who believe in what I'm building."

Callisto was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I'll think about it. But first, we need to figure out how those bastards found us."

Natasha dragged the bound and unconscious Project X operative into the center of the room, dropping him unceremoniously onto the ground. She crouched next to him, slapping his cheek lightly to wake him.

"Rise and shine," Natasha said, her voice dangerously sweet.

The man groaned, his eyes fluttering open. When he realized where he was, his face twisted into a mask of defiance. "Go to hell."

"Already been," Natasha replied. "Now, let's make this easy. Who sent you?"

"Like I'd tell you anything," the man spat.

Wanda stepped forward, her crimson magic sparking at her fingertips. "You will," she said, her voice cold and commanding.

The operative's bravado faltered as Wanda's magic wrapped around him, tightening like a vice. "Alright! Alright!" he gasped. "We were sent to capture them—take them back to the lab."

"What lab?" Natasha asked, her tone sharp.

"I don't know where it is. They don't tell us that stuff. We just follow orders."

Wanda's magic tightened, and the man winced. "Who's behind this?"

"Project X… but they're just the front," he admitted. "There's someone bigger funding them. A group with deep pockets and connections."

Wanda's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

"I don't know!" the man cried. "I swear! They don't tell us anything. Just that mutants are valuable. Resources for something bigger."

Natasha exchanged a glance with Wanda. "That's enough for now."

Wanda released the man, who slumped to the ground, panting. Natasha stood, her expression grim. "We've got a bigger problem than we thought."

Callisto addressed her people, her voice carrying through the chamber. "We've been found. Again. You all know what that means."

The mutants murmured among themselves, fear and anger palpable in the air.

"But this time," Callisto continued, her gaze hardening, "we have a chance to fight back. Wanda and Natasha have offered to help us, and we're going to take it."

Wanda stepped forward. "We can use the tunnels to our advantage. Set traps, create choke points. If Project X comes back, they won't leave alive."

Callisto nodded. "Fine. But my people lead the charge. This is our home."

"Agreed," Wanda said.

As the mutants dispersed to prepare, Wanda and Natasha stood side by side, watching the flurry of activity.

"You think this will work?" Natasha asked.

"It has to," Wanda replied. "If we can protect them here, it'll show them they can trust us."

Natasha glanced at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're a natural at this, you know."

"At what?"

"Leading. Inspiring people."

Wanda shook her head, though her cheeks flushed slightly. "I'm just doing what needs to be done."

Natasha's smile widened. "You're too modest."

Fracture's voice chimed in Wanda's mind. **"Careful, Maximoff. She's flirting again."**

Wanda ignored it, focusing instead on the preparations. "Let's make sure we're ready. We'll need every advantage we can get."

The sound of boots echoed above the tunnels as Project X operatives regrouped, their leader barking orders.

"Move fast and hit hard," he growled. "I want those mutants in chains by dawn."

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