spoilers for the latest Young Avengers issue!

[ex_witchings21]

This isn't the time to be looking for a place to put me in, Mun. You have a paper to complete, and I have a world to try and heal. Your challenges are much simpler in comparison, Mun. Please don't trouble yourself with my worries and concerns. I and I alone will carry these burdens.

Comments

[quasi]

Healing the world? That sounds very hard. It's such a big place.

[ex_witchings21]

And yet, it is my duty.

[quasi]

Your duty? Has someone commanded it?

[ex_witchings21]

I have commanded it.

[a_survivor]

I'm not sure anyone carries burdens alone, anymore. Not where family's involved.

[ex_witchings21]

I only hope that my family stays clean of my sins.

[a_survivor]

I gather that parents usually hope that, yeah.

But I think they're picking up enough... experience to carry around with them. Won't be pleasant, but it might help.

[ex_witchings21]

I've only just met my beautiful sons. I don't want to burden them in any way.

[a_survivor]

They're good kids. And not oblivious to mistakes they've made. I think it might turn out okay.

[ex_witchings21]

[Wanda's full of emotions.

She doesn't know what to say to people being so kind.]

If their father could see how they've grown...

[a_survivor]

I... wouldn't fully give up on the hope for that possibility. Stranger things have happened.

[superspeeds]

It is increasingly troubling to me that you would demand to carry your burdens alone, sister. Regardless of your opinion, I am as much responsible for what became of our people as you, possibly even more so.

Please do not dwell.

[ex_witchings21]

Pietro. [She says in her soothing, sisterly tone.] I am not dwelling. I am planning. There is much to do, and the Scarlet Witch must be ready.

[superspeeds]

There is much that can be done with the Avengers, Wanda. You needn't do anything alone.

[bodilesswarrior]

Something I've had to learn - sometimes, it's okay to share your burdens.

[ex_witchings21]

In other cases, I would be more inclined to agree, however, these burdens are too great to allow anyone else to carry.

[bodilesswarrior]

Seems to me like those are the ones best to share. What happens if you fall under the weight?

[ex_witchings21]

Then I fall, and I deserve all that comes with the fall.

[notaspeedyhobo]

You're not gonna be too busy for me and Billy, are you?

[ex_witchings21]

I will never be too busy that I won't have time to spend with my dear sons.

[notaspeedyhobo]

Good. Billy probably needs it. [And by Billy he means himself. His game-self especially, but that is neither here nor there.]

[ex_witchings21]

I will be there with the both of you.

[notaspeedyhobo]

[Tommy Shepherd, totally playing it cool and failing.] I could possibly be persuaded to do lame family stuff.

[ex_witchings21]

Why, Thomas, have you been spending time with your Uncle Pietro? You two already sound so much alike.

[notaspeedyhobo]

Nope, I think he's jealous of the fact that there's a version of him out there that's younger, faster, and more attractive. [Yep. That's totally it.] So your mun's tryin' to find some place to send you?

[ex_witchings21]

Such a humble young lad.

[She nods her head.]

Yes. She is thinking of sometime soon.

[notaspeedyhobo]

[He makes a face at that.] Muns tend to pick the worst places. Mine's got me at a torture facility in space.

[ex_witchings21]

What?

[notaspeedyhobo]

Nonono, it's not that bad! Not anymore anyway. I mean, it used to be worse. But it also used to be better, it's just me and Kate and Luna now, versions of Billy and Teddy and you and dad all died...

[ex_witchings21]

What?

[notaspeedyhobo]

[Glancing down now. Sore spot.] Yeah. I'm kinda missing all of you. Luna too.

[ex_witchings21]

[She does the only thing she can do right now. Pull him into her arms and hug him.]

You grew up splendidly, Thomas.

[notaspeedyhobo]

[He will probably never admit how much that means to him. Or how much the hug means right now.] Yeah, yeah... Don't be such a mom. [Childish complaining about how you're ruining his man-cred. You get it.]

[ex_witchings21]

[She chuckles.] Such a ridiculous request, Thomas. For I am a mom.

[notaspeedyhobo]

[Just rolling his eyes at that and hugging a little tighter.]

[ex_witchings21]

[She places a kiss on the top of his head.]

You've been taking good care of your cousin?

[notaspeedyhobo]

[Rubbing at the top of his head in mock indignance.] Yep. Kate and I have been looking after her. She's even teaching Luna some archery.

[withnopowers]

[her voice is quiet, her arms wrapped tightly around herself; this isn't the Kate that Wanda first met, but her words are steady and firm]

I don't know about M Day. But - Cassie. Jonas. They...that wasn't your fault.

[ex_witchings21]

Nor was it your fault, Kate.

[withnopowers]

...It was my team.

[ex_witchings21]

And that makes you responsible? A team is not judged by its leader. A leader is not the entire fighting force. You could not stop the motions made, and they were neither your motions to stop, nor were they your team's. It was I who started everything.

[pop_trash_hero]

He's not offering words. He knows there are none. He also knows if there was a time to just leave her alone, maybe this is it is. But the hand of friendship - just friendship - is extended, and Simon Williams hopes it is taken.