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Chapter 3 by AltUAuthor AltUAuthor

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Zatanna/Scarlet Witch: Magic & Mayhem

Prologue -- During the hunt

With Strange out of the Sanctum Sanctorum on business, it fell to Zatanna to ensure its safety during the chaos of the hunt. It had gone well enough at the beginning, but soon, something had crossed over from another dimension, causing some serious magical disturbances, particularly in New York City, where Kraven and Cheetah were conducting a hunt under a seemingly impenetrable dome. While Strange collaborated with other top minds currently in the city, Zatanna remained at the Sanctum, facing the increasingly difficult task of keeping things in order at the Sanctum.

"You feel these disturbances too, don't you?" A familiar voice called out from behind Zatanna.

"Raven?" she asked, turning around to face her. "You know what's going on?"

"Something's taking advantage of all the chaos out there -- it's almost as if they're feeding off of it. The panic... the confusion... it's overwhelming," Raven replied grimly. "Whatever's out there, it wants the chaos to keep going."

"So what do we do about it?" Zatanna asked. "I take it you have an idea?"

"I do. My friends have been challenged by what we think is a magical thrall. We're hoping whoever's behind everything shows their face, but at the very least there should be a trail to follow."

"And you think it'll lead you to whatever's causing these magical disruptions?" Zatanna wondered.

"It'll lead somewhere," Raven nodded. "Besides, it's the best lead we've got right now."

"Let me help," Zatanna offered. "Strange told me to keep the Sanctum safe, and this might be the best way to do that... I don't think there's much else I can do with the fortifications here."

"I was hoping you'd say that," Raven said. "We're going to need all the help we can get..."


Meanwhile in Brooklyn, Wanda Maximoff was overseeing the organization of a makeshift shelter for people unable to find a place to ride out the hunt. It wasn't the most exciting of positions, especially for a sorceress as powerful as the Scarlet Witch, but Wanda had no desire to use her powers any time soon after losing control and causing the apparent **** of Kent Nelson, also known as Doctor Fate.

"So we're good on supplies?" Wanda asked an older man, who had volunteered to coordinate with other helpers.

"For now, sure. But who knows how long that dome's gonna be there," The man said. "And more and more people are showing up. If we don't start turning people away--"

"--We both know that's not an option," Wanda said. "I'll... I'll figure something out."

"Get some sleep before you do anything else," the man advised. "You've been running yourself ragged. Me and my friends can handle things for a few hours, and we need you at 100%. There's a small office at the back you can catch some uninterrupted Zs in."

"...All right," Wanda said reluctantly. As much as she wanted to keep working, she knew she was burnt out. She made her way to the office, ready to crash on the couch inside, when she sensed a familiar presence. "...The daughter of Trigon. What brings you here?"

"That dome. You know it's being powered by magic, right?" Raven asked. "It should have been taken down by now. Something's keeping it up."

"And what do you want me to do about it?" Wanda asked. "I don't do magic anymore. Not after what happened with Dr. Fate."

"Even if that magic helps save the city?" Raven countered. "I know you've sensed it -- there's something... someone out there. And it can wield chaos magic. And it might be as powerful as you are. And I doubt it's as benevolent as you are."

"Chaos magic... can have unpredictable consequences," Wanda responded. "I don't want to take that risk again."

"If you don't, the consequences will be far worse," Raven argued. "I've recruited a friend who can help me channel your magic. Besides, I trust you to use chaos magic far more than... whatever's out there. We can end this, Wanda..."

Wanda sighed. She was still afraid of what might happen if she used her powers, but Raven had a point. She, too, had sensed the malevolent presence out there, and if she could put a stop to it and prevent any other bloodshed, well, maybe it was worth the risk.

"Tell me what you need me to do..."

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