'cause it's better than nothing

[thespaceopera]

[ Calibration Rooms ]
( for N-Z characters )

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ROOMS BY CHARACTER

N - P Otono-Tachibana Makie Pavel Chekov Peter Parker Pidge Gunderson Prompto Argentum Psycho Mantis

Q - S Randolph Lyall Remy LeBeau Sandalio "Biffy" de Rabiffano Sanza Stark Shin-Ah Sorey Steve Rogers

T - V Taako Thor Tim Drake Tyrion Lannister Ulaz Vash the Stampede Victor Frankenstein The Vision

W - Z Wanda Maximoff Zaveid

(last updated: 1/25/19)

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha steps carefully through the room, taking in the scene with a cautious eye, doing everything she can not to try to read into any symbolism here. It's not easy. Everything seems designed to suggest something about the room's occupant.

Because of course it does.

She notes Wanda, sleeping, and for the moment doesn't disturb her. Instead she goes to the balcony, eyeing the swirling read energy.]

[seeingscarlet]

[The whispers are louder and more distinct here but it's still impossible to pick any individual words or voices out. Vines of glowing golden flowers the same shade as the Mind Stone twine around the doorway and parts of the balcony's railing. The farthest corner of the balcony is heavily damaged and it's easy to see why - an unexploded shell is lodged there, Stark Industries emblazoned proudly upon it.

Interestingly enough, the shell is invisible unless one comes out here first and in a spot farthest from Wanda's view. Out of sight and out of mind?

Below, the sea of red power seems endless, and there's nothing but the occasional piece of debris Natasha will recognize as Novi Grad's architecture floating in it. Staring into the energy too long gives the feeling that something else is looking back, but for Natasha the moment is fleeting. If there's a test, apparently she passes.]

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha doesn't love that feeling, like something out there is judging her, but she doesn't dwell on the feeling. She sets it aside as much as she can, turning to examine the flowers. They're a nice touch.

They don't diminish the fairy tale feeling though.]

[seeingscarlet]

[The flowers smell sweet and seem to emanate a kind of psychic warmth. They feel like safety, like the warmth of a cozy fireplace after coming in from the cold.

There's not a thorn in sight. They appear safe enough to handle.]

[outstandingbalance]

[She has a guess what these are. It's nice to see how comfortable they fit here.

Natasha risks touching one of the flowers.]

[seeingscarlet]

[The flowers pulses in response and another memory begins to play:

It's the Halloween party from a few months ago. Wanda's in Vision's arms, her cheek resting on his shoulder as they waltz. He's leading the dance through their psychic bond and Wanda's drifting in utter contentment. Being able to feel how deeply she is loved is a wonderful feeling and Vision's love is like a warm blanket shielding her from everyone around her. The rest of the party is a dim psychic buzz on the edge of her perception - this is about as quiet as Wanda's mind ever is in a crowd like this.

They continue dancing psychically entwined like this for the next several songs and finally, on another creepy-sounding waltz, Wanda kisses Vision's cheek and murmurs a Sokovian endearment: my heart. He whispers back I love you and she could practically melt from bliss.

Fortunately, the scene fades before the flirting begins. When Natasha comes to, Wanda's already waiting behind her, seemingly woken by the intrusion into her memories. She's blushing a little - that wasn't exactly for public consumption but of all the memories those flowers contain, it was definitely one of the safer ones.]

That one is one of my favorites.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha does not blush, but she does half look away, showing some sign she realizes that was an invasion of privacy.]

I can see why. [Natasha steps away from the flowers.] Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude.

Didn't want to wake you.

[seeingscarlet]

[Wanda manages a small smile. It's fine. Terribly ironic, but fine.]

There are worse things you could have touched.

I won't stop you, but...not everything here is nice.

[outstandingbalance]

No, I wouldn't expect it is.

[She saw that shell that didn't detonate. She doubts that's the last unpleasant memory.]

Most of the time in here, no one stops us.

[seeingscarlet]

It is only fair.

[She definitely saw things Natasha didn't want her to in Johannesburg.]

Just be careful.

[outstandingbalance]

Fair isn't the word I'd use, but... Thanks. I'll try to be gentle.

[If that's even something they can be here. Natasha isn't looking to even a score between them.]

Anything I should avoid?

[seeingscarlet]

[Wanda manages a shallow smile.] If you keep touching those flowers you might see something you don't want to.

[That's not what Nat meant and Wanda knows it, but...this place is a minefield of horrible memories.]

There is only pain with the Scepter. And...you may not want to touch Ultron's heart.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha didn't intend to look at more flowers; she gets the idea, and she doesn't need to see that. She can also appreciate that joke, softening the blow.]

I'll keep that in mind. ...Should we go inside?

[seeingscarlet]

It would probably be more comfortable. Being outside for very long makes me nervous.

[Wanda leads the way back to the curved couches. Magically, the hot chocolate and pastries on the table are still warm. The pastries are cut-up spirals, cinnamon on one side and chocolate on the other, that Natasha might recognize as kürtőskalács.]

You can have some if you want. I don't mind.

[outstandingbalance]

...Thank you. They look delicious. [Probably more memories or emotions, but at least Wanda doesn't seem to be trying to protect them.

It's even friendly. Natasha sits, reaching for the pastry.]

Some hot chocolate would be nice.

[seeingscarlet]

You can have some of it too. I would never be that mean.

[Wanda laughs, seemingly at ease with whatever memories are tied to the food. And as soon as Natasha takes a bite or a drink, the room gives way to another vision:

It's night and cold outside, but Wanda barely feels it. The festive atmosphere of Novi Grad's Christmas markets has her in a great mood and it makes her happy just to see Pietro enjoying himself. His hair is brown - this must be the days before the experiments.

"I think these get better every year," she says with a laugh, and Pietro says something muffled by the pastry in his mouth. She laughs again and nudges him playfully. "Swallow first! You're going to get it everywhere."

He does and grins at her. "You're looking cold, Wanda. We should get you some hot chocolate before you freeze."

"Mmmm, what about the spiced cider?" A moment passes while they both grin. "Or I think we might be able to spare enough for both."

They walk through the market, taking in the sights and sounds, and occasionally Wanda will reach out to wistfully touch some soft-looking winter wear. They can afford to splurge on some of the food here, but that's about it.

Still, when they get their drinks and find a bench to sit and share their treats, Wanda doesn't feel lacking at all. She leans into Pietro's side and closes her eyes in contentment. If only she could bottle this moment and hold onto it forever.

When the memory fades, Wanda's still sitting there smiling sadly.]

I've tried to make these several times, but they're never as good as the ones from home.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha sets the cup down, inclining her head to hide her face, the memory pleasant but bittersweet given everything that's come since it.]

I'd offer to help, but I've never been that good of a baker. [She can follow a recipe, but some things go beyond recipes.] They're delicious though. Whoever made them knew what they were doing.

[seeingscarlet]

[Some of the memories here are actually painful, but many are only painful because they all know how the story ends.]

I think it must be a family secret? It was an older woman and her daughter. New York has many things, but...nothing quite like this.

[A beat.] I hope they're all right now.

[outstandingbalance]

I hope so too. [They couldn't assume, though. There was no way to now if one or both of them had been casualties. But Natasha does hope for the best.] Maybe some day we'll have time to visit again.

[seeingscarlet]

[She looks down into her own hot chocolate.]

It was my fault. I should be doing more.

I should have made time.

[outstandingbalance]

It's not your fault. [Wanda takes too much on herself. It's not the first time, and Natasha doubts it will be the last.] One of the few things we can't make is time.

[seeingscarlet]

[And Natasha's about to meet the embodiment of the reason why.]

All that power and she never can save the ones she cares about.

[Wanda stiffens, eyes wide with fear. It's Ultron, but...twisted. Even more sinister-looking, if that's possible. He's taller, animated with shadow energy that looks like the dark twin to Wanda's own powers, and his eyes are a burning red. Runes and sigils are scored all over his metal body.]

You know she'll fail you too.

[outstandingbalance]

[That took an unexpected turn. Normally these environments are museums in their way, archives collecting all of a person's joys and trauma and holding them in various symbolic organization.

Which has been true of Wanda too, so far, and Natasha imagines still is.

This symbolism is a hell of a thing though.]

Maybe.

[seeingscarlet]

[Wanda's felt fragmented ever since the fall of Novi Grad - her powers a strange alien thing sharing her body and her guilt and self-hatred constantly dogging her steps. Here they are all separate entities: the girl and the dragon and the evil force keeping them here.

But Wanda's used to arguing with this part of herself, not Natasha's vague dismissal. Ultron-Koschei gives the pair of them a look and vanishes in that strange shadow energy.

He isn't gone, of course. But Nat's bought them a moment of peace.]

You don't sound worried, [Wanda says quietly. Even in her head her voice sounds small.] It doesn't frighten you?

[outstandingbalance]

Of which part? [She manages to sound flippant, but she still relaxes very slightly when the thing is gone.

She's still tense, but—well, she's been tense this whole time.] Of Ultron, or failure?

[Though on both counts, she'd say the answer is no. At least no for all practical intents and purposes.]