Chapter 6:Desperate Scarlet Witch! Go see a psychiatrist !
Chapter 6:Desperate Scarlet Witch! Go see a psychiatrist !
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A fortnight later, Wanda accompanied the Avengers on a mission to capture a terrorist organization. The team included stalwarts like Captain America, Hawkeye, Natasha, and Falcon. The mission, which spanned into the afternoon, was nearing completion when tragedy struck.
In a desperate attempt to save Captain America, Wanda wielded her chaos magic but miscalculated, sending an explosive device hurtling into the sky. The resultant explosion decimated the floor below, turning a building into a scene of carnage and despair.
Wanda was engulfed by a wave of guilt. The anguished cries and the sight of the wounded and dying seared into her memory. As Captain America rushed to aid the victims, Wanda stood immobilized, staring at her trembling hands. The very powers she once saw as a blessing now felt like a curse. The notion of never using her abilities again took root in her mind.
Natasha approached her, intending to offer words of comfort, but Captain America's urgent call for assistance drew her away. Wanda returned to the base, her spirit crushed under the weight of her own actions and the mounting external pressures.
Days turned into weeks. Wanda's depression deepened, and her behavior became more reclusive. She barely spoke, her once vibrant personality now a shadow of its former self.
She took to wearing a hood, even during missions, as if to shield herself from the judgmental eyes of the world. The constant barrage of criticism against superheroes online further isolated her, each harsh word a dagger to her already wounded psyche.
The Avengers, too, felt the sting of public disapproval. Debates raged online, with some arguing that superheroes needed to be controlled to prevent further destruction. This relentless scrutiny weighed heavily on Wanda, reinforcing her growing sense of inadequacy and guilt.
Tony Stark, ever the keen observer, noticed Wanda's deteriorating state. He stood with folded arms, contemplating her situation. Natasha, joining him, voiced her concerns. "She needs a change," she said, her tone laced with urgency. "If she doesn't, her spirit and mentality will eventually collapse."
Hawkeye, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "Yes, if this continues, she might find a remote place to live alone, or even leave the Avengers on her own."
Tony remained silent, deep in thought. The implications of Wanda's potential departure weighed heavily on him. Then, as if struck by a sudden revelation, he snapped his fingers. "Got it," he said decisively. He headed to his car and retrieved a business card, his expression resolute.
Returning to Wanda, Tony placed the card gently on the seat beside her. "Miss Wanda Maximoff," he began, his voice steady and compassionate, "I'm covering this. Go see the person on this card. Consider it a trip to clear your head."
He continued, "Many have recommended him to me. They say he's the best psychiatrist in the world. You should give him a try."
Wanda glanced at the card, her eyes lingering on the embossed text:
[Lorien
Address: Floor XX, North Building, Manhattan, New York]
The business card radiated an air of professionalism and care, contrasting starkly with Wanda's current turmoil.
The business card Tony handed to Wanda was unlike any she had seen before. It was crafted from a thin slice of fragrant, yet sturdy wood, exuding a unique aura. Engraved on it were the name "Lorien" and his office address. However, it lacked any business introduction or contact details.
This omission wasn't an oversight. Given Lorien's renown, openly displaying his contact information would have inundated him with endless calls. He preferred to share his number selectively, choosing clients based on their demeanor, wealth, or attractiveness. If they seemed promising or particularly beautiful, he might offer his contact information; otherwise, he would not.
Wanda stared at the address on the card, feeling an almost mystical pull from the chaos magic within her. It was as if her powers were whispering to her, urging her to go. [Go, go~]
After a moment's hesitation, she nodded and agreed, "I'll go, just in a few days."
Relieved, Tony didn't linger. He left quickly but was soon intercepted by Natasha and Hawkeye as he approached his car.
"What card did you give her?" Natasha asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Tony, just about to put on his sunglasses, paused and lowered them slightly. "I told you, it's the card of a top psychiatrist."
He continued, "I've met him a couple of times. He's about as good-looking as me, but we're not exactly friends. His reputation is impeccable, almost too good to be true. But I did some digging with Friday, and it turns out he's the real deal—99% success rate in psychological counseling. The 1% he didn't help, he kicked them out himself."
As someone well-versed in the elite circles of society, Tony was familiar with Lorien's reputation. Although they had crossed paths, Lorien had never pursued a close friendship with Tony, preferring the stability of his nine-to-five routine over social climbing. Tony, on his part, found Lorien's good looks a bit too competitive, fearing they might outshine his own charm.
Natasha and Hawkeye exchanged glances, trying to process this information. Hawkeye voiced their shared skepticism. "You're sending a superhero with massive magical powers to an ordinary shrink?"
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Give me some power stones