Chapter 74

A contemplative silence hung in the room as Dr. Strange grappled with the Ancient One's answer. His eyes flicked over to Lydia, standing quiet and resolute in the corner. He watched her for a moment, a sense of confusion and a hint of wariness in his gaze.

The relief he felt at seeing the Ancient One alive was palpable, undeniable. He deeply respected her, not just as his mentor, but also as a bulwark of knowledge and wisdom in the realm of the Mystic Arts. Her survival meant the continuation of that knowledge, the perpetuation of an ancient legacy.

But the method of her resurrection troubled him. He looked at Lydia again, his eyes narrowing slightly. He respected her as a fellow practitioner, a fellow defender of their reality, but the sheer magnitude of what she had just done was unsettling. Her manipulation of cosmic and mystical energies to defy fate, to alter the natural order of things, was something that could have repercussions they could not yet comprehend.

His gaze returned to the Ancient One, "What Lydia did... saving you. I'm glad you're alive, but I can't help but worry. Defying fate... that's not something we should take lightly. It could... It could destabilize everything we've worked for. It could make us targets for entities that consider life and death to be within their purview."

He paused, rubbing his forehead, "And I can't help but worry about Lydia herself. The power it would have taken to bring you back... it's overwhelming. And while I trust her intentions, the implications of such power are... concerning. Kamar-Taj, Earth itself, could be at risk."

He looked at the Ancient One, his eyes pleading for reassurance, for guidance in navigating this precarious path they now found themselves on. The room was silent again, awaiting the Ancient One's response to these heavy thoughts and concerns.

Lydia stepped forward, clearing her throat to draw the room's attention. All eyes turned towards her, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the heavy tension in the room.

"Perhaps, it would be wise if the Ancient One returned with me to my planet, New Genosha," Lydia suggested, her voice steady.

The room fell into stunned silence. Dr. Strange and Wong exchanged glances, their expressions mirrored disbelief. Not only was Lydia proposing the departure of their venerable leader, but her casual mention of an entire planet stirred a wave of questions. They had known Lydia was powerful, but the notion of her commanding a planet was beyond their wildest imaginations.

New Genosha... The name itself was a mystery. The Ancient One had spoken very little about Lydia's whereabouts, and all queries had been met with cryptic answers. Strange and Wong were aware that after the Battle of New York, Lydia and her kin seemed to have disappeared, but the idea of her establishing an empire was both astonishing and alarming.

"Wait... you're saying you have a planet now?" Strange queried, his brow furrowing in confusion. "And you want to take the Ancient One there?"

Lydia nodded, completely unruffled by the surprise that was palpable in the room. "Yes, Doctor Strange. I am the Empress of the Genoshian Empire."

The room was silent again, everyone attempting to digest this surprising revelation. The quiet was only broken by the occasional echoing drip from a nearby fountain, as all present in the room grappled with this new piece of the puzzle.

In response to Lydia's revelation, the Ancient One chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've certainly kept yourself occupied, Lydia." Her voice carried a mix of surprise, pride, and a touch of relief.

Lydia returned the Ancient One's smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling. Strange, however, was still grappling with the revelations, rubbing his forehead in bafflement. On the other hand, Wong had simply acquiesced to the surprises of the day and moved on to preparing tea, the rhythmic motion of his hands displaying a calming acceptance.

Then Lydia's voice filled the room once again, her tone thoughtful. "The Ancient One has just returned from the brink. It is necessary that she has a peaceful and safe place to recover fully," she asserted.

Strange paused his forehead massaging to look at Lydia, a question etching itself on his face. Lydia continued, her eyes on the Ancient One.

"New Genosha, under my care and protection, would serve as an ideal place for the Ancient One's convalescence," Lydia proposed, her tone certain and her gaze steady. Her words carried a note of warmth, reflecting her concern for the Ancient One's well-being and her readiness to take on the responsibility of her care.

The room fell into silence again, the scent of brewing tea mingling with the anticipation hanging in the air. Each of them considered Lydia's proposal, weighing its potential outcomes. The Ancient One, lying there quietly, studied Lydia's earnest expression, her thoughts unreadable.

Lydia's gaze remained fixed on the Ancient One as she spoke, her words steady and sincere. "Dr. Strange is more than capable of holding the fort here on Earth. He's proven his mettle time and again," she affirmed, a hint of pride creeping into her tone.

In the background, Strange shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes flickered between Lydia and the Ancient One. The sensation of being discussed as though he were not present was somewhat unsettling.

"His adaptability, his quick learning, his unwavering dedication... these aren't traits to be taken lightly. He's shown an exceptional knack for the mystic arts. A resilience that I've rarely seen," Lydia continued, her voice filled with admiration. "And that's why I firmly believe that he's ready. Ready to bear the mantle of Earth's Sorcerer Supreme."

There was a pause, the only sound being the quiet simmering of the tea that Wong was meticulously brewing. Lydia locked eyes with the Ancient One, her gaze steady. "In the face of adversity, Strange has demonstrated courage and resolve, time and time again. His growth, his journey... it is proof that he is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."

The weight of Lydia's words hung heavy in the room. They were a testimony to Strange's growth, his accomplishments, and the trust Lydia placed in him. Strange, now silent, regarded Lydia with a newfound respect, touched by her words of confidence in him. The Ancient One, meanwhile, listened quietly, her gaze moving between Lydia and Strange, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Lydia's suggestion hung in the air, punctuating the quiet room. "Teacher, you could not only recover in New Genosha but also guide the budding mages we have," she offered. "In our Empire, magic is a burgeoning field. We have individuals with potential, but sadly, we lack experienced teachers. Your guidance would be invaluable."

The Ancient One's eyes held a thoughtful glimmer. She turned her gaze towards Lydia, contemplating the proposition. "Being away from Earth, it wouldn't mean being devoid of a purpose," Lydia continued. "Teaching is what you love, and it's what you've done for centuries. And I believe that our mages would greatly benefit from your experience and wisdom."

Dr. Strange looked between the two women, the gears in his mind visibly turning as he processed Lydia's proposal. There was a certain logic to it. With the Ancient One's skill and experience, she would undoubtedly be a boon to any budding mages. On the other hand, it was a significant change, a departure from what they knew.

Wong, who had been quietly serving the freshly brewed tea, finally spoke up, "It is an interesting proposition, indeed. A change of scenery and a chance to nurture a new generation of magic wielders. It's... fitting."

Lydia nodded, the faintest smile playing at the corners of her lips. This was her offering – a promise of safety, a chance to recuperate, and a renewed purpose for her dear mentor.

As Lydia made her case, her voice was calm yet firm, filled with sincerity. Her eyes met the Ancient One's, a glimmer of hope sparkling in them. "Your responsibilities here are important, and I understand that," she said, her gaze unwavering. "But let me assure you, you won't be abandoning Earth. I can guarantee you unrestricted access. At any given moment, if Dr. Strange or the Earth requires your assistance, you will be able to return."

Her words seemed to resonate within the room, and even Strange found himself listening intently. He could sense the sincerity in Lydia's words, and it was clear that her proposals were not made lightly. She wasn't merely asking the Ancient One to leave; she was offering a solution that could potentially benefit everyone.

"And there's something else," Lydia added, her voice dropping slightly as she neared the end of her proposal. "Balance is crucial in our world. With me in New Genosha and you, Dr. Strange, here on Earth, we can maintain a certain equilibrium. We could effectively safeguard both places, ensure stability in the mystical realm. Isn't that what we aim for?"

The room fell silent after Lydia's words. It was a lot to take in, but she had made a compelling case. All eyes now turned to the Ancient One, who sat silently, seemingly lost in deep thought. The future of Kamar-Taj, Earth, and even New Genosha hung in the balance as they awaited her decision.

A chuckle echoed through the room as the Ancient One listened to Lydia's proposal, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You always were persuasive, Lydia," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "I have to say, you do make a compelling case."

Slowly, she turned her gaze towards Strange, her eyes studying him closely. "Strange," she said, her tone now more serious. "You have proven yourself to be capable and dedicated. But you still have much to learn. I will appoint you as the New York Sanctum's master. After a year, if you still show promise and dedication, you will become the Sorcerer Supreme."

Strange was taken aback, his eyes wide in surprise. Before he could say anything, the Ancient One turned to Wong, who stood at her side. "Wong," she said, her gaze softening. "In the meantime, I appoint you as acting Sorcerer Supreme."

Wong bowed deeply, accepting the honor with a serious nod. "I am grateful for your trust, Ancient One."

Lydia, who had been observing the exchanges, finally allowed a smile to bloom on her face. This was what she had hoped for. She had been too busy to coordinate or teach the magic to the Genoshan Empire, but now, with the Ancient One's agreement, things seemed to be falling into place. The future was starting to look a little brighter.

"Thank you, Ancient One," Lydia said, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of what just happened slowly sinking in as they all began to contemplate the reality of their new roles and the challenges that lay ahead.

As Lydia's smile warmed the room, the Ancient One found herself laughing heartily, breaking the solemn air that had accompanied her monumental decisions. "Well, it's nice to see someone so pleased about my new lease on life," she quipped, a twinkle in her eyes.

Dr. Strange, who had been processing his new role, finally managed to respond, a determined look crossing his face. "I won't let you down, Ancient One," he stated, his voice full of resolve.

His determination seemed to satisfy the Ancient One, who nodded at him approvingly. "I trust you won't, Strange," she said before turning her attention back to Lydia. The latter was already considering the next step.

"Yao," Lydia tested the name on her tongue, her brows furrowing. "Should I introduce you as Yao in New Genosha, Ancient One? 'The Ancient One' doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, and I think an alias might help you blend in better."

The Ancient One couldn't help but laugh at Lydia's concern. She took a moment to ponder the idea, her fingers tapping on the armrest of her chair in thought. A light seemed to ignite in her eyes, a spark of amusement dancing within their depths. "You know, Yao does have a nice ring to it," she admitted, a wide grin spreading across her face. "I suppose it will be more fitting to use an alias. 'Yao' it is then."

Their laughter and shared camaraderie filled the room, their shared optimism adding warmth to the atmosphere. Despite the challenges they faced, they stood united, ready to face whatever came their way.

***

a̶̠͉͍̞̹̙͓͕̾g̢̻͚̑ͥ̂ṱ̸̭̙͈͍̖ͧȓ̨̼͇̟̼̍ẘ̴̘͙͕͇̞̣̦̖ͤͪ̂v̩̠̪̱̲̱̳̈̃̕w̉̔̒̾͏͕͔̥̰̙̣̼͚e̝͈ͪ̀́w̱̣͔͕̘͂̀a̘̥͔̘̬ͤ̆̓ͦ͜ͅṛ̷̪̙͗w̴̜̤͈͙̠͑͆͗e̟̣̪̘̼͎͉̓̃́ͅrͨ̓͛҉̗̦̠̙̘͈ͅ

***

a̶̠͉͍̞̹̙͓͕̾g̢̻͚̑ͥ̂ṱ̸̭̙͈͍̖ͧȓ̨̼͇̟̼̍ẘ̴̘͙͕͇̞̣̦̖ͤͪ̂v̩̠̪̱̲̱̳̈̃̕w̉̔̒̾͏͕͔̥̰̙̣̼͚e̝͈ͪ̀́w̱̣͔͕̘͂̀a̘̥͔̘̬ͤ̆̓ͦ͜ͅṛ̷̪̙͗w̴̜̤͈͙̠͑͆͗e̟̣̪̘̼͎͉̓̃́ͅrͨ̓͛҉̗̦̠̙̘͈ͅ

Ah, yes. Dear readers, allow me to offer you a perspective that's seldom seen. For now, let's lift the veil on this mortal plane and gaze into the realms beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. A realm where not even our dear Lydia holds sway.

Fate, indeed, is a fickle mistress. She weaves her tapestry with a whim as flighty as a summer breeze, and as inscrutable as the deepest ocean. And the threads of Lydia's life, dear readers, have certainly spun an interesting pattern. Defying death itself, Lydia managed to save the Ancient One, thereby rewriting a destiny that was meant to unfold in an entirely different manner. An action that has not gone unnoticed.

In the cosmic echo of the universe, away from the corporeal touch of the living, a pair of eyes scrutinized the threads of reality, eyes that saw beyond time and space. They belonged to none other than Death herself, the grand dame of the cosmic drama, the end all beings inevitably meet, regardless of their might or magic.

Lydia Howlett. The name echoed through the vast emptiness of Death's realm. A human, albeit powerful and influential, had dared to disrupt the natural cycle, to pull a soul back from the brink of her clutches. Fascinating. Intriguing. Such audacity was rare, and it was not a name Death would forget anytime soon.

Yes, my dear readers, our beloved Lydia has drawn the gaze of Death. Does it frighten you? It should. It most certainly should. For Death, the sister of Eternity, is an entity not to be trifled with. Not an enemy, no, but a crucial part of the cosmic balance. Yet, remember, balance disturbed can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Ah, Lydia, what a web you have woven. What will become of this, I wonder? What will be the reaction of Death herself? Time will tell, dear readers. Time will tell. How entertaining…

Well now, dear reader, aren't we just hopping all over this wonderful multiverse of ours? But, why not, indeed? The world spins, time marches on, and our stories unfurl with a life of their own. So, let's leave Lydia and the cosmic gaze of Death behind for now. Shall we check in on another one of our beloved characters? Ah yes, the ever-dashing, ever-dangerous, Nina.

You remember Nina, don't you? That fiery spirit, a force to be reckoned with, each movement an exquisite dance of power and precision. A worthy sister to the Black Widow herself. I bet you're wondering what she's been up to. Well, let's just pull back the curtain, shall we?

...…

In the midst of a furious battle, the Avengers are tearing through a Hydra base with a clear mission - annihilation. Each Avenger is a tempest, a whirlwind of destruction. And at the center of it all is Nina. She's a sight to behold, isn't she? Like a ballet dancer crossed with a storm, her moves are graceful, lethal, and brutally efficient.

Ah, there it is. Victory. Hydra never stood a chance, not against them, not against her. The dust settles, and they regroup, a debriefing in progress, strategy and intel shared amongst comrades. There's something about her, don't you think? That determination, that fierceness, it's almost tangible.

But let's not kid ourselves. There's a hint of brutality in her eyes, much like Natasha's. A harshness that speaks of a life lived in the shadows, battles fought, losses suffered. And yet, there's a spark, an unquenchable flame that promises more, much more.

Let's stick with Nina for a while, shall we? Let's follow that trail she's blazing through the heart of Hydra, leaving destruction in her wake. I assure you, dear reader, you're in for a treat. Our journey through this cosmic dance is far from over, and Nina, well, she's just getting started.

Now, shall we dive back in? I can hardly wait. I do hope this entertainment continues!