Shadows In The Complex

The moon hung low over the outskirts of Athens, its pale light casting eerie shadows over the abandoned industrial complex. The facility loomed ahead like a steel fortress, its once-active machinery now a rusting skeleton of a forgotten era. Wanda, Natasha, Callisto, and a small group of Morlocks crouched in the underbrush nearby, their eyes fixed on the faint glow of patrol lights sweeping across the perimeter.

"Doesn't look like much," Natasha muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'd bet my left arm they've got more than a few surprises waiting for us."

Callisto gritted her teeth, her knuckles white as she gripped her spear. "They're holding my people in there. That's all I care about."

"They won't be in there long," Wanda said, her voice steady. "But we need to move smart. We can't afford to lose anyone else."

Feral, crouched next to Callisto, sniffed the air. "Guards. Six of them patrolling the perimeter. I can take two before they even know I'm there."

"Patience," Wanda said, holding up a hand. "This isn't just about the guards. We need to take out their defenses and make sure they can't call for reinforcements. Natasha?"

Natasha smirked, already pulling a small device from her belt. "I'll handle their communications. Give me two minutes once we're inside."

"And what about us?" Marrow asked, her voice edged with frustration. "We're not just going to sit here while you play spy, are we?"

"Hardly," Wanda replied, her crimson magic sparking to life in her hands. "Once Natasha takes out their comms, we hit them hard and fast. Callisto, your people know the layout of the facility?"

"More or less," Callisto said. "We've scouted it before. The main holding cells are underground, but getting there won't be easy."

"It never is," Wanda said with a faint smile. "Stick to the plan, and we'll make it work."

Natasha glanced at Wanda, her expression unreadable. "You've been giving a lot of orders lately. Starting to sound like a real leader."

Wanda shot her a look. "You saying I wasn't before?"

"I'm saying you're getting better at it," Natasha replied, her smirk returning.

Fracture's voice hummed in Wanda's mind. **"She's right, you know. You've come a long way since Sokovia. Keep it up, and even someone like Callisto will have no choice but to follow you."**

Wanda pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. "Let's move."

The group split into two teams. Natasha and Feral circled to the east, where the communications hub was located, while Wanda, Callisto, Marrow, and the remaining Morlocks prepared to breach the main entrance. The plan was simple: disable the guards, cut their comms, and sweep through the facility to find the captives.

Natasha moved like a ghost, her steps silent as she approached the first guard. With a flick of her wrist, she struck, her knife slicing through his armor at the joint. Feral followed close behind, taking down another guard with a feral snarl and a slash of her claws.

"That's two," Natasha murmured. "Comms are up next."

Inside the complex, the guards were already on high alert. Wanda and her team approached the main entrance, where two heavily armed operatives stood watch. Wanda raised a hand, her magic coiling like a serpent before snapping forward, yanking their weapons away and slamming them into the wall.

"Subtle," Marrow muttered.

"It worked, didn't it?" Wanda replied, stepping over the unconscious guards.

The interior of the facility was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of oil and decay. Callisto led the way, her spear at the ready, while Wanda scanned the area with her magic, searching for signs of life.

"Cells are this way," Callisto said, her voice low.

They moved quickly, taking out guards as they went. Marrow's bone spikes flew through the air with deadly precision, while Wanda's magic provided cover and disarmed their opponents.

Natasha's voice crackled in Wanda's earpiece. "Comms are down. You're clear to make as much noise as you want."

Wanda smirked. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

As they approached the holding cells, the resistance grew fiercer. Project X operatives emerged from hidden alcoves, their weapons blazing. Wanda threw up a barrier, deflecting the bullets, while Callisto and Marrow charged forward, cutting through their ranks with brutal efficiency.

"Move!" Wanda shouted, pushing the team forward.

They reached the holding area, where a row of reinforced doors lined the walls. Inside, the captured Morlocks huddled together, their expressions a mix of fear and hope.

"Get them out," Wanda ordered, her magic slicing through the locks like butter.

Callisto rushed to her people, her relief palpable as she embraced them. "You're safe now. We're getting you out of here."

The reunion was short-lived. An alarm blared, and the ground shook as a large mechanical figure emerged from the far end of the room. It was a Project X prototype, its armored frame bristling with weapons.

"Great," Natasha said, joining the group. "And here I thought this was going too smoothly."

Wanda stepped forward, her magic flaring to life. "Take the Morlocks and go. I'll handle this."

"Not alone, you won't," Natasha said, raising her pistols.

Callisto nodded, her spear at the ready. "We fight together."

The battle was chaotic, the prototype's weapons tearing through the air as Wanda's magic clashed against its armor. Natasha darted around its legs, firing at its joints, while Callisto and Marrow attacked from the sides.

"Hit it where it's weakest!" Wanda shouted, her magic focusing on the cracks in its plating.

Callisto, hearing this, pierced its chest with her spear. Wanda's magic seeped into the hole Callisto had made, spreading through the machine and tearing it apart in an explosive shower of metal debris. Wanda used her chaos magic to create a shield, protecting everyone from the flaming projectiles and wreckage. The surviving Project X operatives were not so lucky.

As the dust settled, Wanda turned to the group. "Let's get out of here before reinforcements arrive."

Callisto looked at her, her expression a mix of exhaustion and respect. "You came through," she said. "I didn't think you would, but you did."

"I told you," Wanda replied. "I don't make promises I can't keep."

Callisto nodded slowly. "We'll talk about Sokovia when this is over. For now, let's just get everyone home."

Wanda smiled faintly, her gaze shifting to Natasha. "Ready for the next part?"

Natasha grinned. "Always."

Fracture's voice echoed in Wanda's mind. **"You're proving yourself, Wanda. One step at a time."**

With the rescued Morlocks in tow, the group retreated into the night, leaving the ruins of the Project X facility behind.

Join my patreon today to read up to chapter 114 your support is my inspiration join for only 3 to 5$

Patreon.com/everstone