A Cloak Beyond Repair

After bringing back the Hawkeye and Harry's family and handing them over to Nick Fury, Ned casually waved off Fury's reminder about finding an assistant for Tony Stark. Without giving it much thought, he and Wanda returned to Kamar-Taj.

Throughout the journey, Wanda remained silent, her head lowered.

"Wanda? What's wrong? You seem… off."

Ned already knew the reason but asked anyway.

"Do you… enjoy helping Tony Stark?" Wanda finally spoke, her voice filled with resentment. "That man is a murderer!"

Her expression turned fierce, and Ned could only sigh.

He understood her hatred—Wanda and her brother had suffered because of Stark's weapons. The pain of losing everything due to the mere mention of "Stark" was not something a few words could erase.

There was only one solution Ned could think of—let Wanda and Stark meet face-to-face, talk things out.

If they fought, well… if Wanda accidentally went too hard and knocked Stark unconscious, or if Stark said something stupid and ended up with broken ribs, that wasn't really Ned's concern.

"We are comrades. We are friends," Ned answered honestly.

One of the reasons he had Wanda help him instead of another Kamar-Taj sorcerer was that this confrontation with Stark was inevitable. It was better to deal with it sooner rather than later.

"But…" Wanda's gaze wavered, a storm of emotions in her eyes. She felt… betrayed.

Her friend was siding with her enemy.

"Wanda," Ned said seriously, "We can't let personal emotions cloud our judgment. Tony Stark saved New York. To most people, he is a hero."

"But you and I are friends, and that will never change," he continued. "So, don't worry. I won't take sides. Once this is over, I'll arrange a meeting between you and Stark. You two need to talk."

Wanda clenched her fists. "I might lose control and hurt him."

"Haha! That's fine. Just don't kill him," Ned chuckled. "Honestly, if you rough him up a little, he probably deserves it."

He reached for Wanda's soft hand, resting it on his arm. "Now, let's go. I need to speak with the Sorcerer Supreme, and I need your help."

"Hmph." Wanda scoffed but didn't resist.

She was still annoyed at Ned for defending Stark, but she helped him walk toward the Ancient One's chambers.

"Watch your step," she mumbled as they moved forward.

They reached the Ancient One's chamber.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in," a calm voice replied.

Ned pushed the door open.

"Oh, Ned," the Ancient One greeted, taking a sip of tea. "I expected you to come to me sooner or later, but I must admit, I didn't think it would be this soon."

"Master Ancient One," Ned and Wanda both bowed slightly.

Ned then stepped forward and opened a small portal, revealing the tattered remains of the Cloak of Levitation, which he had kept in the Mirror Dimension for safekeeping.

"I've ensured that not a single fragment is missing. Is there a way to repair it?"

The Ancient One observed the damaged cloak with an unreadable expression before taking another sip of tea.

"The Cloak of Levitation is a unique artifact," she finally said. "Ordinary magic cannot restore it."

"Then… what can?" Ned asked.

"Only the purest, most powerful force in the universe can mend it," the Ancient One responded.

Ned's eyes lit up. "You mean… the Eye of Agamotto?"

The Ancient One nodded.

Of course! The most powerful force in the universe—the Infinity Stones! With the Time Stone, reversing time for the cloak should be easy!

Just as Ned was about to make his request, the Ancient One spoke again, dousing his hope like cold water.

"But I will not do it."

Ned frowned. "Why not?"

"This is Kamar-Taj, and time magic is forbidden," the Ancient One said evenly. "If I use the Time Stone to fix your cloak without justification, every sorcerer will know it was time magic that restored it."

"As the Sorcerer Supreme, I cannot use forbidden magic for personal matters. It would be irresponsible of me," she continued.

Ned clenched his jaw. He understood her reasoning.

In the movies, just the mere act of Doctor Strange using the Time Stone caused Mordo to turn against him. If the Ancient One—someone revered and trusted—used time magic so recklessly, it could shatter the faith of half the sorcerers in Kamar-Taj. Some might question her leadership, while others, like Mordo, could spiral into extremism.

It wasn't just about the cloak. It was about preserving order.

But Ned still couldn't accept it. The cloak wasn't just a piece of fabric—it was alive! It had died!

"Master…" Ned tried again.

The Ancient One cut him off with a raised hand. "As Sorcerer Supreme, I will not use time magic for this. It would betray the trust of Kamar-Taj."

"But," she continued, her tone softening, "one day, if you become Sorcerer Supreme, then the choice will be yours to make."

Ned's heart sank.

"Master Ancient One…"

"You doubt yourself," she said, reading his expression. "But the role of Sorcerer Supreme is not given—it is earned."

"You are stronger than you think, Ned Leeds. You are already on the path."

"But you are powerful," Ned argued. "Why not stay? Why not continue to protect Kamar-Taj?"

The Ancient One smiled. "I have been Sorcerer Supreme for centuries. I extended my life only because there was no one else to stand against the threats from other dimensions."

"But now, I see successors—more than one. My time is ending."

She glanced at Wanda.

"And trust me, eternal life is not as fulfilling as people believe."

She stood up, signaling the conversation was over. "Go now, Ned. Keep the fragments of the cloak safe. One day, you will find a way to restore it."

Ned sighed in frustration. He had no choice but to bow.

"Yes, Master."

Gently gathering the torn cloak, he turned and walked out with Wanda's help, already lost in thought about the future.

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