Scarlet Witch Annual #1

'Accept it, witch – this is your last day! I've climbed all the way up from the Pit... to swallow you whole!' a serpent-demon thrashing about in a stream exclaims as his large mouth opens to indeed swallow Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. the Scarlet Witch who hovers above him, and quickly casts a spell.

The Emporium, Lotkill, New York, where Wanda holds a small glass jar which contains a replica of the forest and stream where Wanda battling the serpent-demon. 'Whatcha got there, boss?' Darcy Lewis, Wanda's shop assistant asks. 'Oh, nothing, Darcy. Just a demon in a jar. Well, a pocket reality. Russell thinks he's about to eat me. It's adorable' Wanda smiles. Darcy looks closer at the jar and asks 'A demon... like from Hell? And his name's Russell?' Wanda opens a panel on a bookcase, revealing similar jars. Wanda tells Darcy that the demon is Russell Daboia, a serpent-man, who attacked her last night – or at least tried to, as it seems Mister Daboia tripped one of her inter-dimensional snare traps as she slept. Motioning to the other jars, Wanda points out that Russell is by no means the first, and he believes he is winning in this scenario. She adds that it seemed like a humane way to occupy him.

Darcy examines the jars and exclaims 'Hellguys attack you nightly and you keep them in terrariums? I'd like that raise now. Workplace hazards'. Wanda smiles and assures Darcy that it is completely safe, adding that she has outgrown such minor threats now, but that they are still her demons, and they stop with her. Two young men enter the Emporium, one with short dreadocks, the other with long hair down, enter. 'Wanda! Sorry to burst in – have you had time to restock?' the one with long hair asks. Wanda greets the men as the Jordans and tells them that they have perfect timing, as her forager just brought new seeds from Aztlan. Wanda hands the Jordans the seeds and instructs them to plant them in soil moist with honey water in seven weeks, then the scent of paradise poppies will disperse their stress. The Jordans smile at Wanda.

Meanwhile, in New Salem, Colorado, strange futuristic buildings are surrounded by colorful trees and lush waterfalls. Two people can be seen sitting at a table underneath an umbrella, while waiters stand nearby. 'And here I'd thought this whole city was destroyed. I suppose one can't keeo a good hidden magician's enclave down...' the shirtless man sitting at the table remarks, '...or a good magician, for that matter' he adds. The mysterious person sitting across from him addresses him as Necrodamus and asks if that is why he wished to meet – to announce his return. 'I could conjure some crickets' the mysterious person offers. 'You jest – but you still took the lunch. You know the time is right. Now is when we kill the Scarlet Witch. She's already welcomed death once...desperate for mutant forgiveness. As if any of that matters to the mighty' Necrodamus grins.

Necrodamus licks his teeth as he remarks that newly risen, the Scarlet Witch has transmuted the first Darkhold into a prison within her soul – a prison for Chthon – darkest of the Elder Gods. Necrodamus looks up at a waiter who pours some coffee into a cup, then declares that within the Scarlet Witch a hurricane rages, and that she must always work to contain it. 'Maximoff has never been so – begone, fool!' Necrodamus begins, before turning to the waiter and instructing him to only return once he brings rice milk. Necrodamus turns back to the person sitting opposite him and states that the Scarlet Witch has never been so vulnerable, and claims that the power she wields is too much for one person to control – but not two. He suggests that they strike fast, cut out her soul and her heart for good measure. He sips some his coffee, while the waiter behind him removes a glove, revealing a demonic hand. Necrodamus leans back in his chair and declares that as the Scarlet Witch's last gasp escapes, she will watch helplessly as they split both for themselves.

'A pity you don't know your limitations, Necrodamus' the person sitting across the table remarks. '...come again?' Necrodamus asks, confused. More waiters appear behind him and remove their gloves, while Necrodamus looks confused. 'Please. I have perfect diction. While all you have is an overwhelming stench of irony' the other person responds. 'Asking a witch to side against a witch. Proudly taking such a sorcerous monikor...without ever having mastered Necromancy' the other person declares. 'Don't fret the tip. I raised the staff. They'll be right back to dust...once their work is done' the mysterious other person states as one of the demon waiters shoves a blade into Necrodamus' chest. The other demon waiters begin stabbing Necrodamus repeatedly too, even as the villain leaps to his feet and attempts to run away.

'HARKNESS!' Necrodamus screams as the demons continue to stab him, while a very young looking Agatha Harkness, with long dark hair, save for the white streak at thre front, and wearing a purple costume, walks away from the debacle. 'That sounds never gets old' she tells herself, before glancing sideways and uttering 'Wanda, my dear girl...I wish there was another way'.

Back in Lotkill, 'You really can't help?' a handsome blond man wearing an apron asks as he stands outside the Emporium. Wanda is dressed in civilian clothing as she addresses the man as Chef and apologizes, while explaining that her door is open to all – but that an advantage for him can't disadvantage others. 'If you're looking for inspiration, look to me – one of your regulars...who can bend the unvierse but comes to your table to be truly surprised' Wanda smiles, trying to assure Chef. She suggests that he forget a magic skillet, as he already has everything he needs. Suddenly, Darcy bursts out onto the street, 'Wanda! Wanda! Get over here – quick! Look at this thing!' Darcy cries out, pointing at her mobile phone. 'Of course, Darcy. Okay. Show me the thing' Wanda responds, while Darcy announces that some weirdo is microwaving Texas. 'Ever hear of this guy? Zaps?' Darcy asks. Wanda quickly materializes her costume and states that she is familiar. 'Just a moment' Wanda utters as she takes flight, while Darcy turns to Chef and asks him if he is still trying for that cast-iron cheater's pan.

Shortly, in Dallas, Texas,:'Honestly, Zzax, for an electromagnetic nightmare...you could put up a bit of a fight' Wanda remarks as she plunges a fist into the electromagnetic form of Zzax, shutting him down.

'So much for the living dynamo' Wanda remarks as she flies back down towards Lotkill, several doves fluttering around her. 'Wanda! Back already?' one of the locals asks. 'I was only a few thousand miles away' Wanda responds casually. 'That shopkeeper of yours deserves a raise – she's so helpful' another of the locals remarks. Wanda smiles and decides that it sounds like she missed a lot. She thanks everyone and tells them that he is glad to be of help. Wanda closes the door to the Emporium behind herself and tells Darcy that their clients are enamored with her advice, and that they say she should double their pay. 'They're well trained' Darcy mutters, before motioning back further into the Emporium and informing Wanda that one back there said she'd only speak to her, and that she would be happy to wait.

'Not wait. Work. These urns weren't arranged right' a voice calls out, and a look of shock falls across Wanda's face. 'See? She keeps saying stuff like that' Darcy mutters, before asking 'You know this nosy yoga lady?' Wanda remains silent as she approaches Agatha who leans back on the counter. 'I know her, pupil. Perhaps better than anyone' Agatha declares. '...Agatha? You're young' Wanda utters. Agatha narrows her eyes as she claims that she has been young all along, but that now the flesh matches the spirit. Darcy remarks that she knows that face, and announces that she will bring tea, hot – the strong stuff.

'I see you're dressed for work' Agatha remarks, to which Wanda snaps her fingers, replacing her costume with civilian clothes as she responds 'So are you', before admitting that Agatha's costume is a good fit. Wanda then apologizes to her former mentor for not reaching out sooner, remarking that much has happened. 'Oh, I've heard bits. Whispers on the wind. You have been busy' Agatha responds. 'Death. Resurrection. Quite the gamble when your soul's an elder god's prison' Agatha adds. 'The strong stuff, witches!' Darcy remarks as she brings a tray with tea towards Wanda and Agatha. 'Today we're drinking out of geese' Darcy remarks, referring to the goose-shaped tea cups. Agatha glances at Darcy and replies 'Thank you, but those are goslings, child. Not yet grown. Important to know the difference'.

Wanda and Agatha sip tea from the gosling cups in silence, before Wanda remarks that the last time she saw Agatha was at the Strange Academy, and adds that she is surprised, as nothing in this morning's micro-omens foretold a visit. 'Yes, well, nothing in my hand, but your teacher still has a few tricks up her sleeve' Agatha frowns. Wanda adds that it is great to see Agatha, and informs her that she only just dreamed of New Salem. 'I've been much livlier than my last visit – and not a stake or matchbook in sight' Agatha responds. 'Really? Word was that someone'd rebuilt it. We've got to go! I'd love to -' Wanda starts, before Agatha interupts her and tells her not to hide behind this small-town charm. 'What are you really doing here?' Agatha demands. '...what?' Wanda utters.   Agatha tells Wanda that she is looking ahead so hard that she has left herself vulnerable to what is behind her. Wanda bites her lip and tells Agatha that isn't true, and if it was, she could handle it.

'Could you? It's known that you transmuted the true Darkhold. Rivals gather... sure that controlling the book, never mind Chthon has left you weak' Agatha exclaims, placing a finger on the table between them, energy crackling around her. 'Rivals like that fool, Necrodamus. I said I'd visited New Salem. I did – to deal with him' Agatha declares, adding that others have, too – because every aspiring spellcraft suddenly thinks Wanda is ripse for the kill. 'Not to mention Gaea and the Vishanti, who don't love that you alone hold back Chthon' Agatha adds. Wanda smiles and replies 'Oh please – they weren't tormented by Chthon – I was. Let them voice their concerns in person'. Agatha is concerned by this: 'Listen to yourself, Wanda. Puffing your chest at elder deities? You're a target. And the only thing holding back the arrows... has been me'. Agatha smirks, and asks Wanda if she can't see that she is drowning.

Suddenly, Wanda screams and falls to the floor, dropping the gosling teacup, strange boils begin to appear on her body as she writhes in pain. 'Wanda! What's happening? What did you do to her?' Darcy asks as she rushes over. Wanda begins to transform into a demonic creature, while Agatha watches casually and explains that this is what is called an object lesson. 'You teacher, my student, just said she'll “handle” all that's coming for her'. Agatha states that, after this long, she knows there is no telling Wanda something – so she must be shown, and as such, when Wanda blinked, Agatha slipped some tiny enchanted eggs into Wanda's tea. 'Nasty things. But surely, she'll purge them from her body. After all, if she can “handle” anything, she can handle... the Brood' Agatha declares.

Energy begins glowing around Wanda' as she painfully transforms into the hideous Brood. Wanda then slams her hand on the ground, crimson symbols appear, then energy washes over her, purging her of the Brood taking over her body. 'Handled. Anything else, Agatha?' Wanda asks, frowning at her former mentor. 'Oh, so much. Dangers await you in every shadow' Agatha responds, before Wanda opens a portal, and snapping her fingers as Darcy shouts 'Danger? You egg-sneaking Stepford -' but she doesn't finish her sentence, as Wanda disappears along with Agatha.

They re-appear, wearing pirate costumes and hovering above a ship in the Black Seas of the Inner Plane. 'Dimensional skipping? Am I supposed to be impressed?' Agatha asks as they both wield swords and magickal energy at the same time. 'I've been under siege since the day I was born, Agatha! You know that more than most' Wanda points out, their swords clanging as Wanda asks 'What could I possibly learn from yet another attack?'

Reality changes again, Wanda and Agatha find themselves in the Superflow, where Somnus and Sleepwalker look on, watching as the sorceresses hover mid-air, and Agatha suggests that Wanda is so desperate to prove herself fine that all she is proving is Agatha's point. 'Chthon, the true Darkhold – you've taken on more than any one person should' Agatha remarks. 'I'm not just any one person' Wanda responds. Agatha agrees with this, and notes that Wanda already reins in unquantifiable sorcerous might. There is an explosion and the two women drop to solid ground, as Agatha remarks that now, Wanda has drawn an ancient artifact and a historically sadistic god into her soul. 'It's too much, even for you! Raw power or not, from one with skill and cunning...you are at risk!'

Another change, and Wanda and Agatha appear in the Land of Legends, towering over a forest as giants, while Uncle Sam and Paul Bunyan sit at a table nearby playing a card game. 'Our combat is not so different from the more physical and martial arts. You strike hard – but such strikes have momentum! They can be parried – redirected!' Agatha calls out, suggesting that if Wanda does break, the destruction will be unlike any she has committed before – unless she shares her burden. Wanda dodges an energy attack and tells Agatha that she could never ask that of her or anyone. 'The true Darkhold is gone... its every page transformed into an endless labyrinth – with one prisoner!' Wanda declares, as energy pours out of her, flooding the forest as she announces that Chthon is buried deep, he is her burden, and it is on her to ensure he never escapes!

Wanda and Agatha crash into the Megaverse, and begin to fight in front of the Living Tribunal. Agatha tells Wanda that there is no shame in seeking aid, and reminds her that she did not teach her to be a martyr. 'I also seem to have forgotten your lesson about shirking my responsibilities' Wanda remarks, before Agatha asks if Wanda sees where she has brought them. 'Few things are more dangerous than power without perspective. The Living Tribunal sees all. He judges from a seat so great it's beyond our comprehension' Agatha declares while energies crackle around her and Wanda once more. 'You have strength on such a scale – it's deadly to be so childish. You act without seeing!' Agatha explains, adding that she has lived for centuries, and only begun to grasp the scope of Wanda's gifts. 'On that, we agree!' Wanda shouts as a massive explosion can be seen right in front of the Living Tribunal.

Another change of landscape – this time to the Witches' Road, where Wanda shouts 'Enough, Agatha!' and knocks Agatha back with a surge of crimson energy. 'You can trust me, or we can keep doing this. But it won't go your way' Wanda declares. But Agatha tells Wanda that freeing herself from Chthon and the Darkhold means nothing if she has doomed us all. She begins to cast a spell towards Wanda, but Wanda grabs Agatha's wrist and tells her that she hasn't, and that she does have perspective, humanity and vulnerability. 'They make me who I am' Wanda utters. 'Power without compassion – that's the danger' Wanda adds.

'You answer truth with fancy – and think it eases my mind?' Agatha shouts as she casts what appear to be several seeds into the ground beneath her. 'I don't answer to you at all' Wanda points out as she seems to cast a spell which destroys Agatha's seeds. Wanda then calmly adds that she does listen, and tells Agatha that she is her friend. 'I don't want to fight anymore, but I didn't swing first. Perhaps you're more skilled' Wanda remarks, suggesting that all the skill in existence doesn't mean much when you're playing the game with someone who can flip over the table. Wide-eyed, Agatha tells Wanda that talk like this and the stubborness it brings are exactly what worries her. 'But...if you're intent on learning only from your mistakes, it seems all this old aunt can do...is watch with care' Agatha realizes, before snapping her fingers, and returning them to Lotkill.

'...WITCH!' Darcy screams, before becoming confused, 'Wait, what? You're still here?' she asks. 'Weren't you two about to throw magic hands or whatever?' Agatha rubs her head and points out that it seems they have thrown nothing at all, and tells Wanda this was a fine trick, and even she isn't above admitting it. Wanda winks and claims that it was no trick, that this was all real, everything since the eggs, but that it all happened in the breath between two of Darcy's words. 'Gotcha' Wanda utters. 'You have learned. So... I've come into your home, poisoned your tea. What now?' Agatha smiles.

'Now? You...could try being happy for me' Wanda suggests. Agatha looks shocked, then hangs her head. 'Happy' she remarks, before smirking and glancing aside. 'Yes. I think so' Agatha agrees. She casts a spell which transforms her costume into civilian clothing and decides that it might be nice to see this hamlet that Wanda is so taken with. 'Where should we start?' Wanda asks.

A short time later: 'How does such a delight come from a truck?' Agatha asks as she holds a slice of pizza in one hand while walking down a bust street. 'Powerful magic, Agatha. Best not to question it' Wanda responds. Walking past some stores, Agatha notices one sells only vinegar. 'What clod sells only vinegar?' she asks. Wanda explains that people come from all over to walk Lotkill, so the shops can afford to be specific. 'People fill Salem to the brim every October. What horrors hide in this town's past?' Agatha asks. A child suddenly approaches Wanda and asks 'Hey – aren't you the Scarlet Witch? You're, like, my favourite Avenger!' and then, motioning to Agatha asks, 'Is this your sidekick? I'm not so sure about the purple with red...' the boy remarks, referring to Agatha's purple cardigan. 'Yes. You're right. This is my sidekick. You're very wise' Wanda responds. 'Let's go, Oscar! You're bothering the witches!' a girl on the other side of the street calls out. 'Hey, okay! Fine, fine!' the boy calls back.

“Sidekick” Agatha quotes, unimpressed, remarking to Wanda that, with a wink, she could curse that youth to a lifetime of numismatic obsession. 'But you won't. Even if Oscar could use a hobby' Wanda smiles. Agatha motions to their surroundings and tells Wanda that, sharply charming as this place may be, it is small. 'It would be small even if you were not one for whom creation holds no locked doors' Agatha remarks, before asking Wanda how she could possibly be happy  here. 'Because it's not small' Wanda blushes. She motions to the people walking nearby and tells Agatha that the people here, their struggles aren't any less than either of theirs are. And, like them, they are just doing their best, looking for some happiness in spite of the world. 'You say the scale of my choices escapes me? This is the scale that matters' Wanda declares.

Wanda continues, noting that they are all looking for the same thing, and yet, it looks different for each of them. Wanda explains to Agatha that she likes being part of that, and suggests to Agatha that she could too. 'I can always use more help at the shop' Wanda points out. 'I think not, Wanda...but it is good to see you at peace' Agatha responds. Agatha then hugs Wanda and assures her that she will of course be keeping watch for any who would threaten that peace. 'I'm still your aunt, after all' Agatha adds, before she begins to fade away in Wanda's arms.' Agatha Harkness...I'd hope for nothing less' Wanda

Back in the Emporium, 'Good to go, Jonesy. Chew this anytime the extroverts make you want to kill' Darcy remarks to a blonde woman as she hands her a bag. 'That part's a joke – or is it? No, really. It's a joke' Darcy smiles. Jonesy thanks Darcy as she leaves the Emporium, with Wanda arriving at the same time. 'Nice to see someone knows the inventory around here' Jonesy adds. Darcy smiles and tells Wanda 'That was fast! Or was it not fast? Did you do the time snappy again?' and remarks that she has been thinking about this, and she could really use the time snappy, especially for ramen. 'Ramen takes two minutes, Darcy' Wanda responds. 'Didn't we agree you wouldn't ask about my personal life?' Darcy frowns, before asking Wanda not to be mad, but that she helped Miss Jones. 'She breezed through...doing some Krakoan fate-peeping up the northeast. Her moon's in Vrigo' Darcy explains.

Darcy continues, adding that Jonesy said it was making small talk hell for her, so she sold her some pasitheac chews. 'I know you say I should've waited for you – but I consulted the books! Really!' Darcy assures Wanda. 'Pasitheac root. I don't know if chewing it's the best -' Wanda begins, leaning over the counter, she is about to wave a finger in Darcy's face, before hanging her head, and telling Darcy that, actually, she would have had a different recommendation, but not a better one. 'You did great, Darcy. I've seen how much time you put into the tomes. You know your way around the shop. You don't need me to help people' Wanda tells Darcy, who looks pleased with herself and asks 'Hey...but what if I want your help? Who else would I blame stuff on?' before acknowledging that she is only here because Wanda sent Scythia home, ass in hand. 'Helping you, learning from you – it's the least I can do' Darcy adds.

Suddenly, 'Wait – that reminds me! Bill? Mechanic Bill? V-Cut Bill? He asked about something I didn't know – what's that up there?' Darcy asks, motioning to something on a shelf nearby. Wanda reveals that the urn holds skin cells collected from the Runner – an elder of the universe, and that he leaves them all over psace. 'A sprinkle gives you a burst of godlike metabolism' Wanda explains. 'Wait, wait. So V-Cut Bill wants to cut corners on his cut? No, Bill. No...'. Wanda tells Darcy that she is afraid so, and that it seems there are no true heroes left.

Within the Scarlet Witch... a voice calls out 'Let's get the obvious out of the way, shall we? You weren't expecting visitors. Wouldn't be much of a prison if you were, but here I am'. The voice continues: 'Even in your solitude, a most unwanted guest. I'd heard the true Darkhold had been well, not destroyed... but changed. No longer a book, but a habitat. A realm of countless layers... of stories – no, nightmares'. A swamp can be seen, as the voice remarks that it is every take spun out into an experimental plane – someone's worst life, turning endlessly on a loop. 'And beneath all of them? Under the horrors of everyone who's ever lived and ever will? That's where she keeps you. Murky water bubbles away under dark, twisted trees – beneath which dozens of bodies lay in heaps.

'I had to see it for myself. But how? Nothing so simple as sleight of hand or abracadabra. Start by getting her angry. And she does have a temper'. Skulls, bones and brains can be seen bobbing in the murky swamp water. 'Some parasitic eggs in her tea. Nothing she can't handle. But from there...she thinks only about the pain. And, of course, proving she's above it'. The voice continues, stating that she acts out, kicking off a cross-dimensional duel to show her strength – then surrender, sprinkle in some real pride at how far she's come. 'Reconcile, give her what she expects because she expects she's right. Help her forget...that it all began with some tea that she hardly remembers'.

'What's that young woman's phrase? A spoonful of honey? A spoonful of eggs is shock enough to hide what else was in the tea. Me, a clipping, a shade of the real thing, questioning her deep into her soul. Me. A clipping. A shade of the real thing, questing deep into her soul' the mysterious voice within Wanda utters. Suddenly, more bones and brains pour into the murky swamp water, before a voice shouts 'And that? That is how you fool a Scarlet Witch, old man! As for my quest, well, is my grail not obvious?'

That voice belongs to Agatha Harkness who looks crazed as her fist plunges into the heart of the manifestation of Chthon. 'YOUR HEART, CHTHON!' Agatha screams as she pulls Chthon's heart from the powerful being. Agatha grins and adds 'It's not as though you've ever had much use for it'.