Chapter 48: A Vision Of Sanctuary
Wanda's voice carried softly through the secure communicator, her words steady but filled with conviction. "Eska, Sokovia can't just survive. It needs to become something more it needs to become a sanctuary."
Eska raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the massive tree trunk as she glanced at Jasmine, who was cleaning her claws nearby.
"So," Eska began, a grin tugging at the corner of her lips, "you're really going through with this big plan of yours? Turning Sokovia into the world's most unconventional tourist destination?"
"It's not a tourist destination," Wanda replied, her tone dry but amused. "It's a sanctuary."
"Sanctuary, tourist trap—depends on who you ask," Eska said with a smirk. "You're inviting mutants, magic users, and every misfit the world doesn't want. What makes you think Sokovia's ready for that?"
Wanda hesitated for a moment, her voice soft but resolute when she spoke. "Because Sokovia knows what it's like to be unwanted. To be used and discarded. My people understand oppression better than anyone."
Eska's grin faded as she nodded slowly. "You're not wrong about that. Hydra made sure of it. For years, we were nothing more than their pawns. They took our land, enslaved our people, and treated us like lab rats. Half of Sokovia's population still has scars from their experiments."
"And that's why they'll understand," Wanda said gently. "Mutants are treated the same way around the world. They're hunted, forced into hiding, or locked up and used as test subjects. They're seen as threats just for existing."
Eska frowned, her voice thoughtful. "So, you're saying Sokovians and mutants are kindred spirits?"
"In a way, yes," Wanda replied. "We've both been pushed to the brink by people who fear us or want to control us. That's why Sokovia has to be more than a country—it has to be a haven."
Eska leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "You know, this idea of yours is bold. Borderline crazy. But that's not a bad thing. Sokovia's rebuilding, and it's not like we don't need allies."
"Exactly," Wanda said, her tone warming. "Think about it. Mutants and magic users are some of the most powerful individuals on the planet. If we give them a home—a real home—where they can live without fear, Sokovia becomes untouchable. No one will dare challenge us."
Eska smirked. "And you're planning to bring in the magic crowd too? That'll be fun."
Wanda chuckled softly. "You'd be surprised how many people still think magic is evil. In some places, magic users are burned at the stake or branded as agents of the devil. In others, they're forced to live in secret, hiding their abilities just to survive."
"Sounds familiar," Eska muttered. "Sokovians had to do the same under Hydra."
"Exactly," Wanda said. "That's why this works. Sokovia's people won't see mutants or magic users as threats. They'll see them as survivors—just like us."
Eska was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "You know, you make a good argument. But you're also painting a giant target on our backs. People won't just let this sanctuary happen. They'll see it as a threat."
"They already do," Wanda replied, her voice calm. "Natasha told me the U.S. has an entire program dedicated to weaponizing mutants. Project X, they call it."
"Project X," Eska repeated, her frown deepening. "Sounds like a bad movie title."
"Maybe," Wanda said, her tone grim. "But it's very real. They experiment on mutants, trying to turn them into soldiers and weapons. According to Natasha, they've succeeded a few times. Some of their test subjects escaped and are fighting back now."
"Fighting back how?" Eska asked.
Wanda hesitated. "There are rogue groups of mutants working against Project X. Natasha mentioned two specifically—one called the X-Men, and another called the Brotherhood of Mutants."
Eska raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. One's the good guys, and the other… not so much?"
"Something like that," Wanda replied. "The X-Men are more about coexistence. They want to protect mutants and work toward a world where humans and mutants can live together."
"And the Brotherhood?" Eska prompted.
"They're… less diplomatic," Wanda admitted. "The Brotherhood believes mutants are superior to humans, and they're willing to fight anyone who gets in their way."
Eska snorted. "Sounds like they'd get along great with Sokovians after everything we've been through."
"Maybe," Wanda said with a small smile. "But I'd rather Sokovia be a place for unity, not division. I plan to reach out to both groups eventually. The X-Men might be allies, and the Brotherhood… well, it's better to know where they stand.
Eska leaned back in her chair again, folding her arms. "So, you're planning to take on the world and bring in every super-powered individual who needs a home. What's next? You gonna invite aliens too?"
Wanda laughed softly. "I think we'll focus on mutants and magic users for now."
"Good call," Eska said with a smirk. "Sokovia's infrastructure probably isn't ready for spaceships anyway."
Wanda chuckled, her voice turning serious again. "This won't be easy, Eska. We'll face resistance—from governments, from corporations, even from people who don't understand what we're trying to do. But if we pull this off, Sokovia will be something no one can destroy."
Eska nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're asking a lot of your people, Wanda. But you're right. Sokovians know how to fight. And if this is what it takes to make sure we're never anyone's pawns again, then I'm with you."
"Thank you," Wanda said softly. "I couldn't do this without you."
The conversation shifted again as Eska leaned forward, her smirk returning. "So, what's your next move? Besides hiding in Athens and dodging Hydra assassins."
"I'm heading to America after Athens," Wanda replied. "Natasha has some contacts there who can help us, and I want to start gathering allies. Sokovia can't do this alone."
Eska raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna waltz into America and start recruiting mutants? Sounds risky."
"It is," Wanda admitted. "But it's necessary. If Sokovia's going to stand against the kind of threats we're inviting, we need people who can match them."
"And what about you?" Eska asked. "What happens when they come after you?"
Wanda's voice was calm but resolute. "Let them. I'm not afraid of them."
Eska grinned. "That's the spirit. Just try not to blow anything up without me next time."
"I'll do my best," Wanda replied with a laugh. "But no promises."
The conversation lightened as Eska teased Wanda about her "grand plans" and Wanda responded with playful retorts. Yet beneath the banter was a shared understanding of the challenges ahead—and the determination to face them together.
Eska leaned back once more, gazing out at the dark Sokovian sky. "You know, Wanda, you're a little crazy. But I think that's what makes this work."
Wanda's laugh was soft but genuine. "Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment."
"Good," Eska said with a grin. "Because it was."
The line went quiet for a moment before Wanda spoke again, her voice steady and filled with purpose. "Sokovia will be a sanctuary, Eska. For everyone who needs it. And when the world sees what we're building, they'll know we can't be stopped."
Eska nodded, her voice warm. "I believe you, Wanda. And I'm with you all the way."
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