On a distant planet deep in the Outer Rim, there existed a peculiar world whose surface appeared reddish-brown and white when viewed from space.
Descending to the planet itself revealed this to be accurate, as the world consisted primarily of rocky terrain, barren deserts, scattered mesas, and intricate cave systems with occasional crystal formations and stone outcroppings.
As the nearby star began setting on the horizon, an owl-like bird soared overhead alongside several other species.
This bird, called a convor, could be found on a handful of worlds and held special significance to many beings.
Currently, a small flock of these owl-like creatures was flying toward a specific destination.
Gliding over the desolate landscape, the convors eventually flew above a meteor crater.
At the crater's center sat a solitary figure—a humanoid dressed in green and gold.
The being floated in meditation until his eyes fluttered open, optical sensors adjusting within his synthetic retinas.
After a moment, one of the convors descended from its perch and settled comfortably on his shoulder, ruffling its feathers before becoming still.
He smiled slightly, glancing at the charming owl-like bird, then frowned and reached up to touch his forehead.
His fingers brushed against a glowing yellow stone embedded in his cranium, which pulsed several times, causing him to drop to the ground and stand upright.
He continued rubbing his forehead as he heard heavy movement behind him.
"What troubles you, friend?" a deep voice inquired from behind.
The humanoid didn't turn around, but replied, "I sensed something..."
The massive creature nodded with a knowing expression. "Ah~ So you can finally seek into the dormant power of the stone in your forehead. Tell me, what do you sense?"
"Danger..." the humanoid said.
"Please, elaborate..."
"...an old enemy."
The enormous creature pondered momentarily, recalling the stories his companion had shared since arriving here.
"You mean the one who called himself your creator?"
"Yes."
"You believe this Ultron still exists?"
"He and I originate from this," he placed a hand on the gem in his forehead. "He and I... like Pietro and Wanda, we are connected to this stone."
His giant companion simply lowered himself to eye level and studied him intently.
"So what do you wish to do, Vision?"
The Avenger frowned, gazing at the ancient being before him.
"I want... to return to my friends. They need me now more than ever," Vision said with determination in his optical sensors.
"But are you truly prepared?"
"I've defeated him before."
"But will this encounter be like the last?"
"Regardless of what happens, I cannot simply stand by and watch."
The massive creature stepped back, regarding Vision with a thoughtful expression.
"I can only teach you so much, my friend," the being said with a slightly melancholic tone. "I know precious little about the Infinity Stones. In the entire galaxy, few have encountered such artifacts of unimaginable power."
"I'm grateful for your teachings, Bendu," Vision nodded appreciatively. "But this must end. I need to reunite with my team now."
Bendu, the ancient Force-wielder, studied Vision for a long moment before finally nodding.
"Then let us examine what we can do to prepare for your reunion."
On the opposite side of the galaxy, on a crimson-hued planet, a young girl wearing a red dress walked through a misty forest.
What was her destination?
A modest dwelling built at the entrance to a large temple.
The child quickened her pace toward the hut, and as she drew closer, she began to grin.
Finally, she pushed aside the entrance curtain and immediately spotted the person she sought.
With a bright smile, the girl ran over and leaped onto the sleeping figure on the bed.
The woman released a loud "Oof!" as the girl began pressing her hands on the drowsy woman's shoulders.
"What's wrong..." the woman groaned.
"Come on! Come on!" the girl said with an unstoppable smile. "You promised we'd spend today together."
"Isn't it still dark outside?" the woman complained, gently attempting to dislodge the child who had her pinned and quickly settled back on top of her.
"But I can't wait~" the girl whined loudly.
The woman beneath the covers groaned helplessly as the child continued trying to help her sit up.
"Don't you understand how much I value my sleep, Merrin?"
"How can you sleep all day?" Merrin asked, puffing out her cheeks.
The woman trapped by the child smiled at Merrin's behavior and used one hand to ruffle the girl's hair. "When you're older, you'll understand better."
"Wanda~" Merrin protested indignantly. "You know this hairstyle takes forever to get right."
Wanda Maximoff chuckled softly and finally managed to push Merrin off her, causing the girl to tumble to the other side of the bed.
"Hey!" Merrin shouted, only to be struck in the face with a pillow.
Tossing it aside, she saw Wanda with her back turned, curled up in her blankets again.
"Oh no, you don't."
Merrin was about to pounce on Wanda again but found herself caught mid-air by crimson ethereal energy.
"Wanda!" Merrin flailed in the air. "That's not fair, and you know it!"
Maximoff only gave her a mischievous and smug smile, extending one hand from beneath the blanket with scarlet energy dancing around her fingers. Slowly rotating her hand, Merrin was gently lowered to the ground.
The young child raised her arms and hunched her shoulders, preparing to attempt another pounce on the Earth woman, but was met with another barrier of scarlet energy.
"Hey!"
"Alright, alright, I'm getting up. You don't have to keep doing that, you know," Wanda said with obvious amusement.
"I know, Wanda, but I really want to explore."
The Sokovian rolled her eyes, threw back the covers, climbed out of bed, and stretched.
Wanda sighed contentedly, walked to a cabinet in the hut, opened it, retrieved some clothes, and began dressing.
Meanwhile, Merrin sat on Wanda's bed, legs swinging idly, waiting for her.
Donning her scarlet jacket, Wanda turned to Merrin, smiled, and extended her hand.
Merrin giggled and happily leaped from Wanda's bed, running over to the enhanced human and grasping her hand tightly.
She began pulling Wanda toward the hut's exit, but Wanda paused.
Merrin glanced back at her in confusion. "Wanda?"
The Earthling simply looked toward the corner of her dwelling where she found what had caught her attention.
It was a red crystalline shard, glowing faintly and pulsing with blood-red energy.
Frowning, Wanda quickly gestured with her hands, and the crystal was immediately concealed beneath her bed.
"Wanda?"
"It's nothing."
With that, the Sokovian tucked her hands into her jacket and walked outside.
"Aren't you coming?"
Merrin smiled and followed her surrogate sister, their feet crunching on the gravel path.
The sun was beginning to rise slowly over the mist-covered plains.
The Scarlet Witch exhaled softly as she reflected on her time on this mystical planet and the growing sensation of what she could only describe as an unusual pressure.
Regardless of circumstances, Dathomir was the only place she could currently call home.
For now...
"Wanda~"
Maximoff smiled.
As difficult as her situation was, it wasn't entirely negative anymore.
But as an Avenger, she knew that eventually she would need to find a way to leave this world and venture into this vast, unexplored galaxy.
In her heart, she knew her friends and teammates were out there waiting for her, just as she was waiting for them.
She would find them.
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