A golden portal swirled open in the main hall of Kamar-Taj. From its center, a figure erged—tall, composed, and cloaked in cosmic silence.
Kurogai stepped through, returning to the place that once served as a cornerstone in his journey.
"You're here," ca a calm, familiar voice. "Have a seat. The tea has just been brewed."
The Ancient One sat peacefully at a small round table near the entrance, a porcelain pot gently steaming beside her. She hadn't moved, hadn't looked up—but it was as if she had sensed his arrival the mont he crossed Earth's atmosphere.
Kurogai's eyes narrowed slightly. "You knew I was coming?"
"I didn't know you'd appear here specifically," she replied, pouring tea into two cups. "But I knew when you'd return to Earth. The mont your presence touched this realm, I felt the ripple."
Kurogai smiled faintly. "Still impressive, as always."
"Ti and space are threads I've learned to weave carefully," she said, gesturing toward the empty chair. "Co. Sit. Tell about the stars."
He took the seat across from her, accepting the tea with a nod of appreciation. The aroma was calming, grounded—Earthly, but refined. Just like her.
"How was your journey through the universe?" she asked.
"It had its monts," Kurogai said, sipping slowly. "Strange planets, strange creatures. So wise, others terrifying. I even crossed paths with Thanos… and soone far worse."
The Ancient One's expression grew more focused.
"The Goddess of Death?"
Kurogai gave a subtle nod.
"I led her and Thanos off Earth's trail. Temporarily, at least."
The Ancient One's shoulders relaxed. That single decision had likely delayed untold destruction.
"And the others?" Kurogai asked. "Skye, Wanda… how are they?"
"They're doing well. In fact, I summoned them the mont you arrived. They should be here shortly. Though… so things have changed at Kamar-Taj since you left."
Her gaze shifted slightly, her tone becoming unreadable.
"You'll understand when you see them."
Before Kurogai could press further, a flicker of red energy ford in the air—another portal, this one smaller and glowing with raw emotion.
Two silhouettes stepped through in unison. One cloaked in subtle shadow, the other in a flash of crimson.
"Master! Welco back!" Wanda called out, her voice composed but warm.
"Brother Kurogai!" Skye practically shouted as she launched forward, throwing her arms around him. "Skye missed you so much!"
The impact caught him off guard, though not unpleasantly. He smiled and hugged her back gently.
"It's good to see you both," he said, stepping back to look them over.
Skye was dressed in a black uniform of her own design—reminiscent of Kamar-Taj robes, but fitted and sharp, highlighting her Inhuman strength and confidence.
Wanda, in contrast, wore scarlet robes with high collars and elegant trim—an unmistakable homage to the Ancient One, yet steeped in her own identity. Magic pulsed faintly around her fingertips, refined and powerful.
"You've both grown," Kurogai said, nodding. "Physically and spiritually."
"Thank you, Master," Wanda said quietly, bowing her head.
"But where's Pietro?" he asked, noticing the absence of his other student.
Wanda's smile faltered. Her eyes shimred with guilt as she lowered herself to her knees.
"Master… it's my fault," she said. "I failed to guide him. Pietro has… fallen into darkness."
Kurogai imdiately helped her up, voice steady but firm. "Tell everything."
Wanda looked at Skye, then back to him. Her words ca slowly, asured.
"After we arrived at Kamar-Taj, we all began our training. I developed my magical abilities. Skye awakened her Inhuman gifts—vibration-based manipulation. But Pietro…"
She paused. "He had no talent for magic. No powers awakened in him. It weighed on him, more and more. And then… sothing ancient reached out to him."
Kurogai's expression darkened.
"He was tempted by a being from another dinsion," Wanda continued. "An old god. I'm not sure which one. It offered him power, and he accepted."
Kurogai exhaled slowly. "And what did Kamar-Taj do?"
"We tried to contain him," Skye added. "But he was too fast. The energy he absorbed granted him super-speed unlike anything we've seen. He escaped before anyone could stop him."
Wanda lowered her gaze. "His mind was no longer his own. He left… and I—"
"You were affected too," Kurogai said quietly, finishing her sentence.
Wanda nodded. "The sa force tried to reach through him. It awakened sothing in —chaos magic. I fought it, but I could feel it trying to consu everything. In the end, I survived… but I beca sothing else."
"The Scarlet Witch," Kurogai said softly.
Wanda didn't respond. She didn't have to.
It was clear now. In his absence, destiny hadn't waited. Pietro had beco Quicksilver, born from desperation. Wanda had embraced the terrifying truth of her lineage.
"So… they've awakened," Kurogai whispered, mostly to himself. "Before I could guide them. Before they were ready."
Silence fell for a mont.
But Kurogai didn't look disappointed. He didn't look afraid.
He looked determined.
"Then we move forward," he said. "Starting now. We prepare. Because sothing is coming—and we'll need all of you at your best."
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