Chapter 73: Strength Beyond Limits
The sleek lab in Stark Tower hummed with energy as the Extremis Virus, now fully refined and tested, sat ready for its ultimate trial. The three women—Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, and Talia Stark—stood together, their determination evident. Fracture, in her semi-liquid form, lazily curled around Wanda's shoulders, her crimson tendrils occasionally flicking with interest.
"So, this is it," Natasha said, her green eyes scanning the vials of the virus lined up neatly on the counter. "The moment we officially decide we're done playing by normal human rules."
Talia smirked, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "Normal human rules? Nat, I think we left those behind the day we started hanging out with Wanda."
Wanda rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Are you two done, or should I let Fracture handle the commentary?"
Fracture grinned, her tendrils rippling. **"Oh, please. I could do this all day. Watching you three work through your existential crises is better than any soap opera."**
"Not helping, Fracture," Wanda said, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone. She turned to the others, her expression softening. "This isn't just about us. If this works, it could change everything—for everyone who stands with us."
Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Everyone who stands with us?"
Wanda nodded, her crimson aura flickering faintly. "The challenges ahead aren't going to get easier. We'll need allies—strong ones. And I can't expect people to follow me into battle if they're not equipped to survive."
Talia tilted her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. "So, you're saying this virus is step one of your grand plan to create an army of badass women?"
"Something like that," Wanda replied, her tone measured but thoughtful. "The people who stand by my side deserve to be as strong as possible. I've been thinking... if Fracture can create sub-symbiotes for others, Natasha and you could have suits of your own. Symbiote-enhanced strength, durability, healing—everything."
Natasha crossed her arms, her lips twitching in a faint smirk. "You're really planning ahead, aren't you?"
Wanda shrugged. "I have to. This isn't just about me—it's about all of us."
As Wanda turned to prepare the injections, Natasha motioned to Talia. "We should talk. Outside."
Talia glanced at her, curious, but followed without question. They stepped out into the hallway, the hum of the lab fading behind them. Natasha leaned against the wall, her expression thoughtful.
"Okay, Romanoff," Talia said, crossing her arms. "What's on your mind?"
Natasha hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Wanda."
Talia raised an eyebrow. "Wanda?"
"Yeah," Natasha said, her voice softening. "I've been traveling with her for months now, and... I think I'm in love with her."
Talia's smirk widened. "Took you long enough to figure that out."
Natasha shot her a glare. "And you're not surprised?"
"Please," Talia said with a wave of her hand. "I've been working with Wanda just as long, and I'd have to be blind not to see what makes her so... captivating."
Natasha narrowed her eyes. "Captivating?"
Talia leaned casually against the wall, her smirk turning mischievous. "Oh, come on, Romanoff. You're not the only one with feelings for her."
Natasha stared at her, momentarily caught off guard. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Talia replied, her tone softening. "Wanda's not just powerful—she's kind, determined, and impossibly magnetic. She's the kind of woman you want to stand beside, no matter what."
Natasha tilted her head, studying Talia carefully. "And you're okay with... sharing?"
Talia shrugged. "A woman like Wanda? She's not a one-woman woman. Anyone who stands by her side needs to be okay with that. And honestly... I can't think of a better partner in crime than you."
Natasha let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."
"And you love it," Talia quipped. Her expression grew serious. "So, what do you say? You and me—partners. We go after Wanda together."
Natasha considered her words carefully before nodding. "Alright. Partners."
Talia grinned, extending her hand. "Deal?"
"Deal," Natasha said, shaking her hand.
When Natasha and Talia returned to the lab, Wanda was waiting, the vials of Extremis Virus ready on the counter. She glanced at them curiously but didn't press for details about their absence.
"Are we ready?" Wanda asked, her crimson aura glowing faintly.
Natasha and Talia exchanged a glance before nodding. "Ready," Natasha said.
Talia added with a grin, "Let's do this."
Wanda picked up the first vial, her expression unreadable as she prepared the injection. "Once we do this, there's no going back."
"Good," Natasha said firmly. "I don't want to go back."
Wanda nodded, injecting herself first. The serum burned as it entered her veins, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to show weakness. Fracture let out a low hum of approval, her tendrils rippling as the virus began to take effect.
"Your turn," Wanda said, handing the next vial to Natasha.
Natasha didn't hesitate. She injected herself quickly, her body tensing as the Extremis Virus coursed through her. Talia followed suit, her jaw tightening as the serum worked its way into her system.
The room fell silent as the three women stood together, their bodies adjusting to the virus. Wanda could feel the changes almost immediately—her strength increasing, her senses sharpening, her body humming with energy.
"How do you feel?" Natasha asked, her voice steady despite the strain.
"Stronger," Wanda said simply. "More... complete."
Talia grinned. "Well, I guess it's official. We're not exactly human anymore, are we?"
"Not even close," Natasha replied, a small smirk tugging at her lips.
As the Extremis Virus settled into their systems, the women began testing their new abilities. Natasha lifted a heavy piece of lab equipment effortlessly, her green eyes glinting with satisfaction. Talia moved with newfound speed, her movements precise and fluid. Wanda, already powerful, felt an almost overwhelming surge of energy coursing through her.
"Alright," Talia said, clapping her hands together. "I'd say this is a success."
Wanda nodded, her crimson aura flaring briefly. "It's a start."
Fracture, who had been unusually quiet during the process, finally spoke. **"So, now that you're all superpowered, can we talk about my upgrades? Because I'm feeling a little left out."**
Wanda chuckled. "We'll get to you, Fracture. One thing at a time."
**"Fine,"** Fracture said dramatically. **"But don't keep me waiting too long. I'm the star of this show, after all."**
Natasha smirked. "You're something, alright."
Talia laughed. "Let her have her moment. She's earned it."
As the trio stood together, their bond strengthened by the Extremis Virus, Wanda couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but with Natasha and Talia by her side, she knew they were ready for anything.
For now, they were stronger, faster, and more resilient than ever before. And this was only the beginning of Wanda's growing feeling's that destiny was always following her shadow ready to take away those she loved if she was not prepared enough to meet the challenges ahead just like she lost her brother.
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