Chapter 38: Allies and Mysteries
Ana, brimming with energy after her enhancement, stands beside Tony Stark in a secluded training area.
She marvels at the renewed clarity and strength coursing through her body, every nerve attuned to her newly stabilized power.
"Okay, Ana," Tony says, observing a monitor displaying her vital stats. "Show me what you've got."
Without hesitation, Ana raises her hand, channeling a bright, controlled beam of energy that sears the air in a controlled arc.
She then blasts off into the sky, relishing in the sensation of flight, her laughter echoing as she loops through the air before landing with a graceful descent.
"Everything feels… balanced now. Thank you, Tony," she says, a calm smile replacing her usual worry.
"You did the hard part," Tony replies, grinning. "But don't let your guard down; control is a lifelong game."
---
In the heart of New York, Iron Fist and Shang-Chi find themselves standing together in an abandoned warehouse, summoned by a cryptic message from Fury.
Fury steps out of the shadows, flanked by Black Widow and Hawkeye. "Glad you both could make it," he says, crossing his arms. "We're putting together a team. Threats are escalating, and we need every capable hand."
Iron Fist nods. "As long as I'm protecting this city and stopping the Hand, I'm in."
Shang-Chi hesitates briefly, glancing at Iron Fist before turning to Fury. "I'll do whatever it takes, but if my father's organization gets involved…"
Fury's gaze sharpens. "Then we'll handle it together. Now let's get you both to the base."
Together, they head out, a new alliance forming in the quiet tension of the night.
----
Back at the base, Wanda stirs in her sleep, her brow creased with fear.
An intense dream grips her—visions of shadowy figures, her powers spiraling out of control, the faces of friends twisted with terror.
Suddenly, her hair shifts from white to a fiery red, and she screams, sending waves of energy that crackle and burst through her room.
The walls tremble, and items shatter, thrown about as if by a storm.
The entire base feels the tremor, and moments later, Tony arrives in a haste, watching as Wanda's energy dissipates.
Her room lies in ruins, but she stands in the center, her shoulders heaving as she struggles to contain herself.
"Wanda…" he says softly, stepping forward. She looks up, her eyes wild with remnants of the vision.
"I don't know what's happening to me," she whispers, her voice laced with fear.
As Tony approaches, a portal opens beside them, swirling with golden light.
A bald lady in yellow robes walk out of it, calm and composed, observing Wanda with quiet understanding.
"Wanda Maximoff," she says, her tone warm but firm. "I have been watching, and I know what ails you. Your powers have awakened to a higher potential, and they threaten to consume you."
Tony was surprised as much as Wanda, he didn't expect to meet the Sorcerer Supreme this way.
"Who are you?"
The Ancient One turns to Tony, "Me? I thought you already knew? I've be here for a few days already and you seem to have promised her to introduce her to me have you not?"
Tony was tongue-tied or a moment as he recalled the mirror dimension.
"Hehe, alright. Now that you are here are you able to help?" Tony dodged the topic.
"She is the mysterious person you spoke about?" Wanda asked as she looked at the Ancient One curiously.
The Ancient One inclines her head. "Not only can I help her, but I can help both of you understand more about the forces at play here."
"Both of us?" Tony asked.
"Yes, I'd like you to come too Mr. Stark you might have more need for this than she does."
Tony frowned at that as he thought.
'Did she see something with the time stone?'
He only hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Wanda glances between Tony and the Ancient One, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
Tony places a hand on her shoulder, reassuring. "Okay then, let's do this," he says, turning to the Ancient One.
Around this time the other mutants arrived with Anna.
The Ancient One smiles, opening the portal wider to accommodate them.
Before stepping through, Tony addresses the mutants who have gathered at the entrance to the hallway, drawn by the chaos in Wanda's room.
"Ana," he calls, nodding at her. "Keep things steady here. You'll have some new friends arriving tomorrow, so be ready."
She nods, determined, and watches as Tony, Wanda, and the Ancient One step through the portal, which closes behind them in a soft shimmer of golden light.
---
In a dimly lit chamber somewhere on Earth, Loki walks with casual elegance, a smirk on his lips as he approaches a figure seated in quiet contemplation.
The man, Wenwu, turns his piercing gaze upon Loki, his expression unreadable.
"It's been a while since I've dealt with someone of your… capabilities," Wenwu says, his voice steady and authoritative.
Loki's smirk deepens, his eyes gleaming with mischievous intent. "Oh, I assure you, this is only the beginning. I believe we both have something to gain from each other."
"Indeed."