Chapter 119

The vast expanse of the New Genoshan spaceport stretched out before Lydia as she strode with purposeful strides, the click of her boots echoing off the metallic walkways. Her vibrant eyes swept over the multitude of spaceships docked in the harbor, gleaming in the soft glow of the Genoshan sun. She was accompanied by her elder brother, James, his face a mask of calm indifference and Hela, whose ever-present scowl seemed to have softened with time.

Word had reached her that Wanda and Pietro Maximoff had agreed to visit New Genosha. She felt a flicker of anticipation at the prospect of welcoming the twins, a spark of interest for the potential they held.

As they neared the designated docking bay, they were joined by Erik Lehnsherr, the man who held an unparalleled respect within the Genoshan Empire. His wife, Magda, a soft-spoken and warm woman, was by his side. Nina, their daughter, who had been a constant source of bright energy, stood by them. A visible protrusion on Nina's belly caught Lydia's attention. It was a clear indication of her pregnancy.

Lydia felt a strange flutter of emotions. Despite her cold exterior, there was a warmth that seeped through her at the sight of the growing family. An unspoken happiness for the life that was to come, a life that was to be born and nurtured within the safe walls of her Empire.

"Seems like we'll be having a new member soon," Lydia remarked casually, her gaze meeting Erik's. He smiled, a rare show of his affection. "Yes, we are very excited," he replied, the pride in his voice evident.

As they engaged in light banter, a sleek shuttle appeared in the sky. The spacecraft gracefully descended on the landing pad, engines humming and echoing in the spacious dock. Lydia's heart fluttered with a sense of anticipation. The Maximoffs were here.

The doors of the shuttle slid open, and Lydia took a deep breath. This was yet another chapter in the annals of New Genosha, a chapter she was ready to welcome with open arms.

As the Maximoff twins disembarked from the shuttle, a choreography of decontamination protocols and security procedures unfolded. The scene was an impressive display of New Genosha's advanced and meticulous system. Yet, amid all of this, Lydia's gaze remained firmly fixed on Wanda Maximoff.

Lydia found herself deep in contemplation about Wanda's potential, about the singular aura that set her apart from other mutants. She could feel the palpable magic that radiated from Wanda, an undercurrent of mystic energy that seemed to swirl around her like an unspoken secret. She could sense the raw, untapped potential within her, a power that, if sculpted correctly, could metamorphose into an exceptional force.

Her mind turned to the Ancient One, now affectionately known as Yao within New Genosha. The master sorceress's adept guidance in the mystic arts had made her an invaluable asset to their cause. Yao had accepted the name change with grace and humor, finding joy in the simple moniker as she began a new chapter of her life on New Genosha, while remaining ever vigilant of the mystic threats to Earth.

The idea of Wanda under Yao's tutelage felt right, a promising pairing that Lydia was keen to foster.

Lydia observed Wanda's demeanor, her stoic expression giving little away. This Wanda was a departure from the Wanda of her memories. There was a vulnerability that hadn't been there before, a lingering shadow of pain in her eyes, and yet, there was a spark of resilience. There was an undeniable will to persevere, a quiet determination that seemed to radiate from her.

This Wanda was, in terms of raw power, arguably weaker than the Wanda Lydia remembered. And yet, Lydia found this version of Wanda to be even more promising. She was an uncarved block, ready for learning and growth. The untamed force within her awaited the skilled hand of a master to shape it, and Lydia could see the tantalizing promise of what Wanda could become under Yao's guidance.

Her introspective musings were interrupted when Wanda glanced in her direction. Their eyes met, and Lydia offered a nod of acknowledgment. Wanda responded with a small, albeit cautious, smile. It was a quiet yet potent confirmation of the path that lay ahead. Lydia couldn't help but look forward to this journey, excited by the prospect of what Wanda Maximoff could bring to New Genosha.

Lydia stepped forward, her eyes reflecting the warm welcome she extended to the newcomers. "Welcome to New Genosha, Wanda, Pietro," she greeted, her voice cordial yet carrying an undeniable authority. She gestured toward Erik and his family, who waited with a mix of anticipation and restrained excitement. "I believe you have a long-awaited reunion ahead."

There was a flicker of surprise in Wanda's eyes, quickly replaced with a hardened resilience. Pietro, always the more outwardly expressive of the two, grinned broadly at the sight of Erik, while Wanda remained more reserved, her eyes flicking towards Magda with understandable wariness.

Magda, Erik's wife, wore an expression of nervous anticipation, standing slightly behind Erik. She was a kind woman, loving and gentle, but the task ahead of her was daunting. After all, she was now expected to fill a maternal role to children who were not hers by birth. The task was doubly difficult given the history Erik shared with the twins. She stepped forward hesitantly, clutching Nina's hand a bit tighter.

Erik embraced his children with a gentleness that one could hardly associate with the man who was once Magneto, his gaze lingering on them with an intensity that left no room for doubt about the depth of his affection. Nina, their half-sister, was the image of mixed emotions, her excitement evident but also marked by an understandable nervousness. After all, these were siblings she never thought she would have the chance to meet.

James, Lydia's brother, leaned in closer to her and remarked, "Quite the happy reunion, isn't it?" His voice carried a subtle wistfulness, a hint of sadness under the jest. The sentiment was not lost on Lydia. She felt it too, a twinge of longing for a brother they had lost.

"Yeah, Victor would've loved this," Lydia replied, her voice softening as she mentioned their late brother, Victor. The thought of him brought a pang of sadness that always lingered close to the surface. Her eyes remained locked on the sight of the Maximoff family, a stark reminder of what they had lost, but also a symbol of the new beginnings that lay ahead.

Her gaze finally broke away from the family, her thoughts drifting back to her plans for New Genosha, the alliances to be forged, the future they were building. There was a moment of poignant silence between Lydia and James, a shared moment of grief and resilience, as they looked on at the family they had welcomed into their world.

Lydia's gaze slid back to Wanda, her eyes lingering on the young woman who was the embodiment of so much potential. The 'Scarlet Witch' - a moniker that would be associated with Wanda in another timeline, another reality, but here was just a whisper of a possibility. The 'Scarlet Witch' was more than just Wanda's alter-ego; it was a symbol of unbridled power, a force that could alter the very fabric of reality.

Lydia knew well the strength that dwelled within Wanda, the capacity for change and destruction alike. She recalled her past memories of Wanda, an alternate version of her who had borne the mantle of the 'Scarlet Witch'. Wanda, driven to despair, had uttered three simple words that had rewritten reality itself: 'No More Mutants.' Lydia could still remember the shockwave that had coursed through the multiverse, the echo of those words reverberating through time and space.

Yet, Lydia knew that Wanda's transformation into the Scarlet Witch would not, could not, happen overnight. It required more than raw power; it required the right circumstances, the right push. It involved tapping into chaos magic, and even though the Darkhold was an accessible source, Lydia was adamantly against its usage. It was a dangerous book that corrupted the user and Lydia didn't want Wanda to go down that path.

For now, Lydia decided, they would nurture Wanda's powers in a safe environment, under Yao's tutelage. Perhaps, with time and proper guidance, Wanda could come into her own without having to resort to dangerous shortcuts. It was a delicate balancing act, one that required a careful hand and an even more careful mind.

As these thoughts flowed through Lydia, her eyes were drawn back to Wanda. She was a pillar of strength, her eyes holding a spark of resilience that Lydia could not help but respect. Despite everything Wanda had been through, she still stood tall, ready to embrace her potential and take on whatever the future held for her.

And for that, Lydia admired her. Despite the danger Wanda could potentially pose, Lydia couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Wanda was indeed a force to be reckoned with, but in the right hands, under the right guidance, she could be a force for good. And Lydia was willing to stake her everything on that belief.

Lydia watched as the family reunion unfolded with soft expressions and affectionate words, a scene that made her heart ache with both fondness and sadness. She saw her opening to step in, her gaze flickering to Wanda once more, her face adopting a serious tone.

"Wanda," Lydia said, her voice just loud enough to draw the young woman's attention from the heartwarming family scene. "Once you've settled in, I would like to have a word with you."

Wanda gave her a nod, her brows creasing slightly in surprise, but she didn't question the request. Lydia gave her a smile in return, one that was warm but carried a certain weight to it. As she turned to leave, Hela and James fell into step behind her, their presence a comforting constant.

Lydia's lips parted as she was about to speak, but Hela beat her to it. "There's a powerful magic in her," Hela commented, her voice carrying an undercurrent of interest. It wasn't often that Hela expressed an interest in anything other than herself, and it made Lydia chuckle.

"Oh, Hela," Lydia replied, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You have no idea just how powerful."

Her comment hung in the air, leaving Hela silent, her interest piqued. Lydia, with her mind full of possibilities and plans, was once again reminded of the vast potential that lay within Wanda. A force to be reckoned with indeed. Lydia knew she had made the right decision in inviting Wanda to New Genosha. Now all that remained was to guide her, to help her harness her power safely and effectively. Lydia looked forward to the challenge. She had a feeling Wanda Maximoff was going to surprise them all.

***

For Lydia, the sprawling metropolis of New Genosha was a testament to her empire's thriving vigor. Today, instead of the usual teleportation, she chose to walk through the bustling streets, absorbing the pulse of the city she had nurtured from the ground up. Her keen eyes swept across the meticulously planned districts, a blend of ultramodern architecture and lush natural preserves – a harmonious intertwining of technology and nature.

As the reigning Empress, Lydia was a figure of awe and respect among her people. The citizens they passed invariably stopped their bustling activities to bow courteously, acknowledging their sovereign with a humble "Your Majesty" or a heartfelt "Good day, Empress Howlett." Her response was always a smile – warm, genuine, yet regal – and a nod of appreciation.

Behind her, Hela quietly observed this spectacle. She had known many realms, many worlds, but New Genosha was unlike anything she'd ever seen. The adoration and respect Lydia commanded from her people was astounding to Hela. It was not the fear-driven obedience she had been used to during her reign in Asgard. This was genuine, respectful and somehow... warmer.

As they passed through different districts, Hela marveled at the advanced technology integrated seamlessly with the cityscape. Hovering vehicles smoothly navigated the skyways, while on the streets, citizens engaged with holographic interfaces that sprang from devices on their wrists. The city was alive with innovation, yet it didn't overpower the natural beauty that was equally nurtured.

Caught in the sight of an Asgardian Goddess walking their streets, the people of New Genosha paused. Here was Hela, who once spread fear across realms, walking alongside their beloved empress, looking... overwhelmed? Intrigued? The Goddess's usually stern face softened in curiosity, her eyes wide as she took in the sights of this new world.

A sense of pride swelled in Lydia as she watched Hela's reactions. She had built something here in New Genosha, something beyond the reach of old fears and ancient rivalries, a testament to the potential for unity and progress when beings worked together for a shared future. As Lydia moved forward, leading Hela through the heart of her realm, she wondered if Hela, too, could become part of this testament of progress.

As they reached the School of Mystic Arts, the epicenter of New Genosha's arcane knowledge, Lydia's eyes crinkled with satisfaction. Young students, each harboring varying degrees of potential, huddled around ancient texts, their hands gesturing the rudimentary signs of spells, their lips whispering incantations. Despite the spells fizzling more often than sparking, the raw potential was undeniable. The seeds of magic were being sown, and with careful nurturing, they would grow into formidable wielders of mystic arts.

On the other hand, Hela, bred in the grandeur of Asgard's golden halls, couldn't conceal her distaste. These fledgling sorcerers were but mere sparks compared to the inferno of her own power. As she watched the students struggle with their spells, a derisive scoff slipped from her lips.

Lydia turned to her, her azure eyes twinkling with mischievous amusement. "It may not look like much now, Hela," Lydia began, her voice humming with humor. "But each of these students possesses a potential you seem to underestimate."

She paused, a casual smile dancing on her lips as she added, "Who knows, one day, one of these fledgling sorcerers might just have the power to put you in your place."

The air between them buzzed with Lydia's unspoken challenge, her playful mockery a stark contrast to Hela's huffed indignation. Lydia's eyes, however, bore a deeper understanding, a wisdom earned from eons of existence – the wisdom of knowing that power wasn't only in the grand gestures, but also in the tiny sparks that promised to become a roaring flame with time. It was the promise of those sparks that brought Lydia joy and the unwavering belief in the future of her world.

The duo navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the School, drawing closer to the heart of the mystical establishment. The walls pulsed with latent energies, a testament to the countless spells cast here. As they neared Yao's office, an ethereal tranquility enveloped the space, calming the chaos of outside, focusing the essence of the Mystic Arts into this single point.

Upon their entry, Yao, dressed in her ceremonial robes, rose from behind her desk, her almond-shaped eyes brightening in welcome. The elderly woman's form, while petite and delicate, commanded respect and radiated an aura of profound wisdom. A warm smile spread across her lined face as she greeted Lydia, her hands skillfully preparing a pot of her famous Jasmine tea.

Yao's gaze shifted to the imposing figure of Hela, her brows arching ever so slightly as she appraised the Asgardian goddess. Her inquiry was gentle, her tone held no accusation, only a genuine curiosity about the woman who had accompanied the Empress.

Hela's initial impulse was to respond with a smug remark, a natural reaction ingrained in her by centuries of royal upbringing and warfare. But before she could voice her retort, Lydia's cosmic energy rippled around them, a silent but potent reminder of the pact they had made, the contract between their life forces.

Hela stiffened, her pride momentarily checked by the tangible reminder of her current predicament. However, she was still a goddess, and she refused to bow down meekly. But her tone, when she spoke, carried a surprising note of politeness as she introduced herself and reaffirmed her commitment to abide by Lydia's rules. A small concession, maybe, but a significant one for someone as proud and independent as Hela.

The sudden display of politeness from Hela was not lost on Lydia. It felt like a minor victory, a first step towards the path of redeeming the former Goddess of Death. A small smirk of satisfaction flickered on Lydia's face as she sipped the aromatic tea, silently watching the unfolding dynamics in the room.

Yao's laughter tinkled through the room, like the soft chime of distant bells, her eyes twinkling in mirth at the sight of a tamed Hela. Her knowledge of the Asgardian goddess's past exploits, mixed with the apparent change in her demeanor, painted a picture of both comedy and curiosity. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers delicately circling the rim of her teacup, her mirth subsiding into a serene smile.

Just then, the door creaked open, and James, Lydia's brother, made his appearance. His pace was unhurried, his expression contained an air of casual relaxation that contrasted with the tension in the room. His eyes swept over the occupants, and then he gracefully took his seat, crossing his legs and leaning back comfortably. His presence added another layer of complexity to the already convoluted mix of characters.

As the room settled, Yao's gaze fell back onto Lydia. Her question was a simple one, asked out of genuine curiosity, devoid of any hidden agenda. In the world of magic and cosmic powers, a straightforward query was a refreshing change. She tilted her head slightly, her attention fully on the Empress as she sipped her tea.

Lydia acknowledged Yao's question with a subtle nod, her fingers absently tracing the ornate pattern on her teacup. Her gaze was thoughtful, but a spark of enthusiasm flickered in her eyes as she mentioned the prospect of a new student. She thought of Wanda Maximoff, the raw potential the young woman held, and how Yao could guide her to channel it in the right direction. There was anticipation in her tone, a sense of excitement, not just for Wanda's journey, but also for what it could mean for New Genosha.

The silence that fell upon the room was palpable as Lydia voiced her proposition, her words hanging heavy in the air. Chaos magic, a power that contradicted the very principles of order and control that the Mystic Arts upheld, was a subject of contention and wariness.

Yao's eyes, previously filled with mirth, became clouded with thought. The mention of chaos magic sent a ripple of apprehension coursing through her. Yet, the aged sorceress remained silent, her gaze fixed on Lydia as she considered the words being presented to her. Her fingers clenched slightly around her teacup, betraying a hint of tension that her otherwise serene demeanor concealed.

Lydia, on the other hand, held a different perspective. Her eyes reflected a keen intelligence, a mind that had seen much and calculated even more. She had weighed the risks, contemplated the outcomes, and the fact that she was presenting this to Yao meant she had faith in this path. She wasn't oblivious to the dangers of chaos magic, but she saw a potential in Wanda that was too significant to be dismissed out of fear.

James, in his quiet corner, listened to the conversation with his eyes half-closed. He understood Lydia's point. Wanda Maximoff, with her inherent magical abilities, could be a formidable asset to New Genosha if she was guided properly. But he also understood Yao's concern. It was like playing with fire - you either harnessed its power or got consumed by it.

The proposition of Wanda becoming New Genosha's Sorcerer Supreme was a bold one. Lydia's analysis of Yao's dual responsibilities between Earth and New Genosha was accurate. Yao was a mentor, a guide. She was more comfortable in teaching and directing than leading. Yao's eyes widened a bit at this statement but a soft chuckle escaped her lips. Lydia was right.

The room fell silent again, but this time the silence was filled with thoughts and contemplations rather than apprehension. A decision like this required careful consideration, and all present understood the gravity of the situation. Their gazes flicked between each other, a silent conversation of doubt, trust, and anticipation passing between them.

The echo of their departure slowly faded, the wooden doors closing behind them with a soft clatter that punctuated their conversation with the Ancient One. Outside, the cool Genoshian breeze teased the edges of Lydia's regal attire, a small respite from the dense deliberations that had unfolded.

Hela, with her pride swelling visibly in her chest, cast a dismissive glance over her shoulder at the school. Her lips curled with derision as she scoffed, her voice lilting with a touch of arrogance. "Yao doesn't seem all that powerful."

Lydia's laughter rippled through the quiet courtyard, a bright and joyful sound that contradicted the stern meeting they had just departed. It was infectious, and even James, who had been mostly silent, cracked a small smile at Hela's statement.

"Hela," Lydia started, her laughter fading into a soft chuckle, "don't be fooled by appearances. That woman you're underestimating," she motioned back towards the school, "could easily wipe the floor with you as you are now." Her voice carried the familiar playful mockery that was almost signature to her conversations with Hela.

The unspoken challenge hung in the air as Lydia turned her gaze back to Hela, her eyes gleaming with amusement. There was no malice in her words, only the subtle nudge of a mentor daring her student to defy the odds.

Hela huffed, her green eyes narrowing at Lydia's remark. The slight was evident, and her hand curled into a tight fist, yet, under Lydia's watchful eye, she found herself holding back the retort that danced on the tip of her tongue.

The journey back was a quiet one, filled with the echo of Lydia's laughter and the tension of unspoken challenges. The streets of New Genosha hummed with life, unaware of the games being played between the god, the empress, and the fallen queen.