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mcu: wanda maximoff (crau)

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[The camera starts off focused tightly on Wanda's face, the smile on her lips and the glint in her eyes. The background is green and out of focus.]

[She tilts her head to the side, choosing her words with care.]

There's something I want to share.

[Wanda turns the camera away from herself and tilts it up to show a gold and white globe dangling from a giant branch far up in the forest canopy. The picture cuts out for a second, and when it resumes, the camera is rising toward the globe.]

[Plausible deniability -- it could very easily be a camera attached to a remote control helicopter or some other device capable of flying. It isn't; Wanda's doing the filming by hand. But it could be.]

It's a traditional design from a world far away from here, but I was the apprentice paper-folder and I folded almost every fold -- it was a great deal of work -- and I have permission to show you the result.

[The ascent takes longer than might have been expected and the globe, when it's reached, seems larger than it had from the ground.]

[As the camera moves around the globe, it becomes clear that it's made entirely out of a shiny waterproof paper. Some areas are folded into organic designs, folded so much these areas are duller than the rest -- they almost look formed by some biological process. Some sections are more geometric. On of the pentagons is actually an opening that the camera passes through.]

[The inside is filled with structural components, thin cables and shiny metal fasteners and more sturdy paper folded into delicate supports. As the camera moves through what is a surprisingly large area, light and shadow mingle in complex patterns.]

[When the camera reaches the middle of the sphere, the top unfolds in an iris pattern, the whole structuring compressing to make an opening, and light pours in.]

[A stick-like alien suddenly leaps through the opening, and everything starts swinging back and forth, dizzying. Wanda can be heard laughing before the picture blips again, back outside, Wanda perched on a wide tree limb and the paper globe -- still swaying, though it may just be the breeze now -- behind her.]

I think it's beautiful.

[Wanda glances back, then shrugs at the camera.]

If you're not shaped like an insect, if you weigh more than a grapefruit, there are more practical, less fragile designs -- I'm making my own place to live, too, now that this is done, and it won't be a hanging garden...

But I think I'd like to live somewhere ... somewhere that makes me happy to live there, because it means something, even on a foreign planet. Something that reminds me of who I am, but also... [She hesitates.] A place that is beautiful.

[She shrugs, and adds, a little wry--] I suppose one must always have dreams.

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[Though startled by the insect, Angel had been entirely enamored by the video. Curious, as well, by whatever seemed to be operating the camera, but she wouldn't ask about that. Not in her first message.]

How did you make that? It is absolutely gorgeous. [The inner mechanics were also fascinating, but the woman had said she was a paperfolder, not an engineer, and so she wouldn't ask about that. At least not directly.]

[The question is broad; Wanda considers how to reply, and then some unused paper nearby catches her eye. Demonstration it is--

She sets up the camera and with practiced motions she folds one of the patterns that form the basis for the whole edifice, then demonstrates how it accordions, and how the folds add strength to the paper. Then she folds another one and shows how they can be fitted together.]

Like that? [She's not sure if that answers the question, but at least she tried. Her expression is pleased -- this technique has captured not just her efforts but her interests and even an unexpected passion for this method creation -- ]

It is amazing. I never would have guessed what could be done with such simple things.

[Though Angel was silent for a rather large chunk of the time, she never once seemed bored. The woman had captured her attention, and she observed the motions with rapt attention, taking note of each fold. It was far too complex for even her detail-oriented brain to take in completely, but she at least had a general idea of it all.]

You're incredible. [A pause, then a quick wave of her hands.] I mean -- that's incredible. My mistake.

[Eager to change the subject and move away from her own blunder, she made a few more vague motions, all while her brain desperately searched for some sort of distraction.]

Is it something you can teach?

[Wanda decides that was a compliment, helped along by the fact that she too thinks the origami is incredible.]

It's just practice...and good design.

I might be able to, but... maybe you'd want to talk to my friend? It's their design, and--

[She gives a tiny smile, sharing a thought that made her feel anticipation, as if for a treat.]

I have wonder if they might have other designs as well.

[It certainly was, no matter how awkwardly spoken it was. But that was Angel in a nutshell -- slightly awkward no matter how hard she tried.]

I suppose I could learn from them, but you were the one to show me, so it seemed only fair to ask you first. [A hand lifted, resting and fidgeting against her lips as her eyes narrowed thoughtfully.] You think they might have more?

I think it's likely.

[Wanda's almost certain, in fact. The only thing that's kept her from badgering the alien she calls a friend for more designs on her own behalf is an uneasy feeling that maybe, having paid her debt, incurring a new one might not be the best idea. Although--]

I think they like sharing how they do things.

[They were patient with Wanda, at least, though not nearly as focused as she'd been in the throes of the project.]

[Angel fell quiet for a moment, studying the paper. It would be something to do. The kind of project she needed when her fingers itched for a project but her body was to weary to do much more other than sustain life.]

[But it felt almost wrong to ask about it for that reason. If it was another creature's talent, a part of a culture that perhaps she did not understand, then it would be wrong to take it on for nothing more than idle hands.]

How did you first find out about it?

I ... damaged their home, just after I arrived. And they sort of ... took me on, after that. It was a good thing for both of us, I think... I think they were lonely before they had me to boss around.

[Wanda would like to think it was a good thing both ways, at least.]

But they're very alien. Sometimes I wonder if I'm ... projecting.

[She presses her lips together against a sigh.]

I really don't think they'd mind being asked, though, if it was something you wanted to do. I can introduce you, if you'd like.

[The story will earn a small laugh from the girl on the other end of the line. She felt a little sympathetic for the woman being ordered about by small aliens, but at the same time, said woman didn't seem particularly perturbed by it. Angel might have been the one projecting in this case, but in her experience, any companionship would do, if someone was desperate for it.]

I think they appreciate you, or at the very least, they are grateful. You took responsibility for your actions, after all.

[The siren let out a thoughtful hum, before nodding a little.]

Perhaps some time I will come by and ask, then.

[Wanda smiles too, suddenly seeing herself from a different perspective.]

I did. I suppose that is something.

[It is something to think about, later. For now, she nods in agreement, filing away the possibility, and repeats--]

Perhaps.

I know at times it is hard to see the goodness in what you've done, especially when weighted with the negatives that might have occurred around you. I myself struggle with that much too.

[Funny how Angel seemed to stumble upon those most like her purely on accident. She wasn't nearly as alone as she might have thought just a month or so ago. Even if their situations were vastly different.]

Or perhaps, I'm just a touch sentimental about everything?

[A different perspective is one thing; there are some misconceptions that Wanda doesn't think it's fair to allow to stand with someone who she might see again in person, even though it's an honesty that can only work against her.]

That is true, but for me, it is not only what happens around me. I am not a good person.

[When your actions almost caused the literal end of the world, that one was easy. And so much that she'd tried to hide before has slid out here already, it's easier to just say what she thinks than try to keep everything hidden forever -- although she thinks she will leave the revelations in the general.]

Yes, you should be careful of that sentimentality.

[It's not said quite as sharp as her thoughts; she manages to soften the words a little. This woman she's talking to seems nice; she will try to give that the response it deserves.]

[The corner of Angel's mouth twitched downward. She had expected a slight connection, in as the woman made a hurtful mistake with the aliens and found herself trying to recover from that. But she doubted a mistake like that would lead to someone calling themselves a bad person. It seemed like the assumed connection went far deeper than Angel would have expected.]

[She wasn't sure how to feel about that.]

[But the woman didn't want sentimentality, which meant the siren wasn't so sure how much she'd appreciate an attempt to relate. Much as Angel thought that moving past sins was possible (had to be possible, if she were ever to be anything worthwhile), she opted to keep her mouth closed.]

Perhaps. Allow me, then, to express my apologies for being so presumptuous. [She spoke soft and slow, and kept her gaze averted from the screen.]

[Angel's reaction, and especially the word presumptuous, surprised Wanda. And then it didn't; she'd just said she was not a good person... what rational person would want to get on the wrong side of a bad person?]

[It reminded her of a time long ago, when she'd been called "witch" and taken it as a sign of respect, because all she wanted was to have the power she'd never had before, the power to change the unfairness of the world.]

[She hadn't felt like that in a long time, but she bit back her instinctive protest. She'd laid the claim, this was what came of it.]

[So she just inclined her head, accepting what the other woman said as her due. She couldn't think of anything at all to say, though.]

[Angel was just was clueless as to what to say. She reached up, scratched at her cheek, fussed with her hair, and then lowered her hand once more. She hadn't wanted things to go this way -- he'd been enjoying connecting with someone on a basis outside of her powers, outside of her experiences back home.]

[Naturally those things came back to haunt her.]

I suppose I should leave you and your friend be then.

[Wanda hadn't wanted things to go this way either, but in the moments as she watches Angel fidget, it seems inevitable that this would happen because of what she'd said. Still, Angel's words get a little instinctive protest from her.]

No, don't do that!

[Awkwardly--] You should give my friend a chance. If you are still interested in the origami. They are not at fault.

[Now the siren looked guilty, and she lifted the hand that wasn't keeping the TAB secure up into the air, a gesture of assurance. The woman had seemed upset, and Angel hadn't wanted to continue to tax her mood.]

I only meant to give you some peace and quiet for the moment. If you'll still have me, I would be delighted to learn from the both of you. I did not mean to insinuate otherwise

[Wanda stares at Angel, feeling like she's missing something. Or possibly several somethings.]

Oh... Okay. If it's something that you want to do, perhaps we will talk later, as we said.

[She feels like she's going back on telling the truth, retreating to a point in the conversation before that point, but she's too confused -- has she confused herself with her different impulses? Perhaps Angel is right and she simple needs to get away from this conversation at this point.]

I wish you the best. [She says it with finality, ending her part in this exchange, but for all that it's sincere.]

I look forward to it.

[Uneasy as the conversation had been, she meant it. She had been a kind enough woman, with a curious ability (taking the form of her origami). Moreover, she didn't want her first and only conversation with her to end so disastrously. Sooner or later, she would find a way to say hello to the woman once more.]

[Next time, she wouldn't be so socially clumsy.]

You as well, my friend.

Oh, wow. That's certainly something else. Don't think I would have the patience for that...

[For what she could do of it anyway.]

[For a moment Wanda is confused. She hadn't really thought of it as requiring patience; she'd been paying back a debt she'd incurred.]

I ... didn't really have anything else to do. So it was not patience, exactly.

[Need, perhaps. At least she still has her own house project to keep her busy now.]

I liked to see it come together. Though perhaps it would have been easier to begin, to learn with something simpler, this ... was not boring.

[It earns a small tilt of her head.]

How long did it take, if you don't mind me askin'?

A few weeks, since I arrived.

[Wanda shrugs.]

I'm Wanda, by the way.

[Her expression flickers. She'd introduced herself once before on this system, when she first arrived, but that hadn't seemed to make a big splash -- which was just as well. She hadn't been at her best just after arriving.]

See, to me, a few weeks does require a lot of patience.

[Then again, Rogue has just been trying to get her bearings since showing up in this place. So, she hasn't really done that much in terms of productivity, unless one counts picking up garbage.]

'm Rogue. Nice to meetcha.

I suppose it's lucky that it was me who fell into this particular ... adventure.

[Not that she'd considered it lucky when she was first trying to figure out what was wanted from her, but she'd managed, hadn't she?]

[Wanda shrugs again, and looks back to Rogue in the video, curious but not sure how to express it.]

Though with that name, perhaps you have plenty of adventures of your own?

Mm. Well I do mean it. It does look really pretty.

[Although Rogue gives her own laugh at that statement.]

They kinda have a way of finding me, whether I want them to or not.

Thank you. I'll tell my friend that it was appreciated, too. I think they'll like to know that.

[She nods, knowingly.] That's the way of things, isn't it?

It is one of those things that you need to be careful what you wish for... I remember wanting nothing more than to get out of my house and travel when I was younger. Got that, an' a whole bunch more.

Or just be careful. I never wished to leave my home...but that is almost the only constant in my life.

A whole bunch more? Not all bad, I hope?

Not always. Did go to Canada and met someone who helped change my life. That was a good thing.

New places and new people are often momentous.

[Wanda sounds conflicted about that statement, though.]

Even that has different degrees. An' some are good while others... Not so much.

Yes.

[Wanda speaks softly and then glances away; this conversation is becoming difficult for her as she thinks about everything that is new and momentous right now.]

Sometimes...

[She trails off, not really wanting to admit to the direction her thoughts are going right now.]

[She nods, letting her trail off, and doesn't push.]

Guessin' that's a bit heavier conversation than anyone was expecting to have on a strange planet.

You been here long though?

[It takes a moment, but Wanda pulls her attention back to the question at hand.]

Not long. A few weeks. You?

About the same, actually.

[A small quirk of her lips.]

Though it feels both longer and shorter at times.

[Wanda had assumed it would be longer.]

You seem like you know what you're doing here.

Wish that was the case... First sign of something really alien an' I'll have no clue what to do.

[Oh, Wanda knows this one.]

Pay attention and don't make assumptions, that is my advice for aliens.

You actually come from somewhere that has life on other planets?

Yes, there was a whole galaxy's worth of planets, and even more species of aliens. And there were ships to travel quickly wherever you wanted to go in the galaxy...

[Wanda's gaze is distant.]

It wasn't really a very nice place in a lot of ways, but ... one learned quickly, there.

Wow...

[Because- wow.

But Rogue listens as she speaks some more.]

I guess no matter where you are from, there's ups and downs.

[Wanda can't help but laugh.]

Probably.

I do hope that there are more ups and downs here though. I'll knock on wood to that.

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