---
The moonlight bathed Wanda's face in a soft glow, highlighting the slight furrow of her brows. Doubt flickered in her eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with curiosity.
"He's Shadow , the leader of the Shadowkhan Group," Peter Parker chimed in, pulling up the blindfold on his mask. "They deal with elementals too, so he showed up in Prague and took down the Fire Elementals in just two moves—"
Peter's words spilled out at a rapid pace, his excitement overriding any need for a pause.
"Spider-Man, stop. You're making my head spin," Finn interjected, placing a firm hand on Spider-Man's shoulder. Then, turning to Wanda, he extended a polite hand. "Hi, my name is Shadow ."
Wanda accepted the handshake. "I'm Wanda."
Yet, the moment their hands met, a strange feeling settled in her chest. It was as if they knew each other, but she was certain she had never encountered anyone from the Shadowkhan Group before.
Moreover, the magical aura she had just sensed from him was... unusual.
"Wanda ," Finn said evenly, "I heard you're the strongest Avenger. Now I'm believe that is true."
He was unfazed by the possibility of Wanda using her telepathic abilities to probe into his mind. Even if they had crossed paths in some way before, his magical defenses were strong enough to resist her.
"Thank you for the compliment," Wanda replied. "And thank you for helping us defeat the Fire Elementals. I should've arrived earlier—I'm sorry for what happened."
Hearing the words strongest Avenger made her think of Finn again. Her thoughts drifted to the hotel—she wondered what he was doing right now.
Before she could dwell on it, several black SUVs screeched to a halt nearby. The doors swung open, and a one-eyed, bald-headed man stepped out of the lead vehicle.
Nick Fury strode forward with his usual authority, his voice measured as he spoke. "Wanda, you don't have to blame yourself. They are still a threat."
His gaze then shifted to Finn. "Sir, thank you for everything you've done."
"You stopped a disaster before it could get worse. The world needs people like you," Fury continued. "Not like some people who would rather run away from their responsibilities..."
Peter Parker shifted uncomfortably, taking a small step back. He knew those words were aimed at him. He had been too caught up in wanting a normal life, a vacation away from superhero duties.
And the truth was—he still wanted that.
"It was nothing," Finn responded modestly.
"No, no. Your strength is undeniable," Fury countered, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "I'd like you to consider joining S.H.I.E.L.D. We could use someone like you."
Finn resisted the urge to roll his eyes. There it is. Fury's words had all been a prelude to this pitch.
Joining S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't just about working together—it was about being monitored.
"Forget it," Finn said bluntly.
Fury wasn't deterred. "I sincerely hope you reconsider. We could maintain a cooperative relationship."
Finn's patience wore thin. "Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D. has been in decline for five years. It doesn't even compare to S.W.O.R.D. anymore. Don't bring this up again."
The Mysterio—Quentin Beck—had been silent all this time, standing at the edge of the group with a brooding expression.
He clenched his fists.
This entire interaction was supposed to be about him.
The gratitude, the admiration, the acknowledgment—those were things he was meant to receive. But no.
All attention had been stolen by the Shadow.
He was invisible, irrelevant.
No one had spoken a single word to him the entire time.
"Anyway," Finn said, snapping his fingers and glancing at an imaginary watch. "It's late. Time for bed. The early bird gets the worm, after all."
And with that—
Whoosh!
Before anyone could react, Finn dissolved into a mist. As the white vapor dissipated, his figure vanished.
"Cool!" Peter Parker gasped, stepping forward and waving his hand through the empty space. "A real magician..."
Even Quentin Beck, who prided himself on his illusions, felt a pang of jealousy.
At that moment, Wilhelm's voice crackled in his earpiece.
"Quentin, he didn't expose you to Fury. It seems he doesn't know the truth. Bring Parker to the bar—our plan can still proceed."
Quentin exhaled slowly, forcing his jealousy down.
"Peter," he said, feigning exhaustion. "You up for a drink? I need to talk to you about something."
Peter hesitated. "Uh, I mean, I'm underage, so... just juice for me?"
Quentin smiled. "Of course."
He needed Peter to trust him just a little longer.
As the others began to disperse, Wanda turned, preparing to leave as well.
It's so late... I wonder if Finn's asleep by now.
"Wait," Fury called, stepping closer. "Wanda, what's your read on Shadow ?"
She frowned, growing impatient. "He has no ill intent. What more do you want?"
Fury, ever cautious, was not convinced so easily.
"There's something I need you for," he pressed. "There's a meeting in Germany in two days. You're the only Avenger who can attend right now."
Wanda crossed her arms. "Fury, I told you I'd help deal with the Elementals. That was the last time."
"I swear," Fury said, raising his hands, "this meeting will be the last time I ask you to do something. Unless it's the end of the world, I won't bother you again."
Wanda sighed. He was playing the emotional card again.
"Come on," he added. "As the head of the Avengers initiative, I can't even summon a single Avenger to a meeting. If Steve and Tony could see the state of things now—"
"Fine," Wanda cut him off, rubbing her temple. "One last time. No next time, Fury."
Fury smirked, knowing he had won.
"Good. The S.H.I.E.L.D. plane will take you to Germany. I think you and your little boyfriend will like their discipline... and their football."
Wanda ignored him, the red glow of her magic surrounding her as she lifted into the air.
She had wasted enough time.
Finn was waiting.
---
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