I finish the tea and set the cup down on the table. "I will step back and let Stephanie find her own way to heal, but in exchange, I want something from you," I say, determined not to let this opportunity slip away.
Her brows lift in curiosity. "And what would that be?"
"Teach me," I say earnestly. "Take me in as your disciple and teach me magic—the Mystic Arts." I bow my head slightly.
The Ancient One smiles faintly, amusement flickering in her expression. "And why do you wish to learn… Magic, Mr. Watson, when you already possess such formidable powers?"
"I have powers, yes," I admit with a sigh. "But I need more. To survive, to protect my loved ones from future threats. More than that, I need guidance—a teacher to show me the way." I bow deeper, sincerity evident in my posture.
In this chaotic amalgamation of the Marvel universe, where my meta-knowledge could easily become my downfall, I have realised that the best strategy is to learn and master everything this world has to offer.
I have been doing exactly that from the start. Toni and the various college professors taught me the Basics of Science. My sensei, Colleen, along with various dojo masters, taught me the Basics of Martial Arts.
And when learning a new subject, it is best to have someone very competent to guide and teach you. I didn't accept that Old Man Silver as a Master in Magic for this very reason; as I didn't think a weapon spirit or a soul stuck in a sword would make a truly competent teacher.
But right now, in front of me, there is a golden opportunity. After all, it is hard to find someone more knowledgeable in Magic and the Mystic Arts than the Ancient One.
Her smile deepens, and she leans back slightly. "A thoughtful answer. Very well, Mr. Watson. Kamar-Taj is a place to learn and discover yourself. If that is your wish, then you may stay here and learn as much as you can."
"And you will take me as your personal student?" I ask with a cheeky smile.
"You will start with the basics… as everyone else does, Mr. Watson," she says with a chuckle, finishing her tea and placing the pot on the table.
"I do have a question... the gift of sight you mentioned earlier—do you have a similar gift?" I ask with interest.
"In some ways, yes, I do," she answers with a smirk, looking back at me.
Interesting. Either she knows that I know about the Time Gem but is keeping it a secret, or she doesn't know that I know about the Time Gem.
In fact, she is not wearing the Eye of Agamotto right now, which held the Time Gem in the movie. Or maybe it is hidden, and I just can't see it because of her methods.
"So, you already knew everything about this conversation and my request?" I ask in doubt.
"No, not everything. Just like you, Mr. Watson, what I can see and perceive are different rivers of time… In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by your choice this time. Asking for knowledge is truly a wise decision," she says with an approving smile.
"Why? What else did you 'see' me ask for in return?" I ask, puzzled. As this would have always been my first choice.
"Let's just say, Mr. Watson, that you… are very young and a bit too curious about this mortal shell," she says with a humorous laugh.
I cough, trying to hide my embarrassment. I can imagine myself asking for a kiss or something even more outrageous in return from her.
"Oh! And I would prefer if you just call me Luke," I say, recovering smoothly. "Well, in your case... the Ancient One doesn't exactly sound like a good nickname," I joke to clear the air.
"You can call me whatever you wish… Luke," she answers with a small smile.
I considered asking if I could call her 'Female Aang,' but dismissed the idea—it was a joke she likely wouldn't understand. And if she did get it, well, that would open up a whole new set of complications for both of us!
"I think 'Teacher' works best," I say, standing up and giving her a martial artist's bow.
She also stands and returns the gesture with a smile.
"So, Luke, do you want me to send you back, or would you like to start your lessons right now?" she asks, her hands crossed behind her back.
"Teacher, there is one thing I saw you do to Stephanie… It was something that made her believe in magic instantly. If possible, I would like to experience the same," I say, giving a small bow.
"Hmm, very well," she replies with a smile.
In the blink of an eye, she is in front of me, her thumb pressed against my glabella.
In the next instant, my surroundings dissolve. I feel a sudden, sharp tug—not like my usual astral projection, where I step out of my body, but as if my very essence is being pulled into a deeper, vaster space.
I find myself passing through a realm of infinite light and shadow, where colors I can't name swirl around me. I feel weightless, my consciousness floating like a wisp of flame through this luminous realm.
Instead of yelling or questioning, I open my eyes wide and absorb everything I can perceive, marveling at its beauty.
I hear the Ancient One's voice in my mind. "I am using myself as a spiritual anchor to send your astral form to other dimensions. This will help you appreciate the mysteries of this vast multiverse," she says grandly.
"It is beautiful," I manage to say, still traveling further and further away. Information about my surroundings flashes past faster than I can comprehend... it is literally overwhelming my senses!
The landscape shifts suddenly. I stand before a vast void filled with countless colourful paths, each marked by fingers pointing in different directions. The sheer number of paths and colours is dizzying. Each hums with energy, unique in its tone and hue.
The void feels different from the Web I have experienced during my precognition sessions. "What... is this?" I whisper in awe, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of this place.
The Ancient One's voice resonates in my mind. "The Crossroads," she says, sounding surprised. "Few ever stumble upon this place."
I recognise the term from my meta-knowledge. "What kind of place is this?" I ask, just to confirm.
The Ancient one seems to be thinking intently, "The Crossroads is a Nexus plane, connecting an infinite number of dimensions. From here, one can travel anywhere—to any point—if they can discern the direction. It is certainly not a place for the inexperienced," she says gravely.
"So, these hands with fingers pointing in different colors—are they a kind of signpost for the different dimensions?" I ask, amazed.
"Yes… Would you like to visit a few?" she asks with a chuckle, no doubt noticing my eagerness.
"I would love to… Teacher," I reply excitedly.
"Alright, then choose a path!"
---
I gaze at the crossroads ahead, each path distinct and brimming with energy, as if calling out to me. There are exactly 20 different paths nearby, each exuding a unique aura:
1] Rainbow Hues: This path shimmers with vibrant, ever-shifting colors, a dazzling spectrum of light.
2] Pitch Black: An almost impenetrable darkness, with faint hints of green and purple swirling within.
3] Blue and Purple Patterns: This path shimmers with intricate designs, glowing softly in cool tones.
4] Metallic Gray: Stark and resolute, this path has a sleek sheen with subtle hints of blue and red.
5] Fiery Crimson: A deep, fiery red path, with hidden streaks of black that pulse like embers.
6] Somber Violet: Quiet and mysterious, this path emanates deep violet tones, almost meditative in its stillness.
7] Verdant Green: A lively green path, accented by glowing streaks of gold, evoking nature's vitality.
8] Dark Green and Silver: A muted green path with a metallic sheen, laced with shadows of black.
9] Purple and Red: Constantly shifting between regal purple and intense crimson, as though in motion.
10] Metallic Blue and Silver: Gleaming and pristine, this path feels futuristic and elegant.
11] Dark Gray and Crimson: A stark gray path with streaks of crimson running through it, like veins of fire.
12] Glittering Gold: This path radiates pure gold, shimmering with an almost divine glow.
13] Vibrant Green: Bright and lively, this path feels like the embodiment of life itself.
14] Swirling Multicolors: A chaotic, kaleidoscopic path that shifts constantly in a dazzling array of hues.
15] Antique Gold and Red: A rich and warm combination of colors, exuding an air of regal authority.
16] Luminous White: This path glows softly, its light gentle yet unmistakably radiant.
17] Warm Beige and Orange: A comforting, earthy path, with the warmth of a fading sunset.
18] Chaotic Neon Green and Red: Bright and unruly, this path pulses with energy, almost untamed.
19] Stark Blue and Silver: Cool and commanding, this path stands resolute, sharp as ice.
20] Radiant Gold and White: A divine combination of gold and white, exuding purity and power.
Each path beckons me with its own allure, whispering promises of adventure, mystery, and perhaps... destiny.
Now, the choice is mine. Which path will I take?
***
[Chosen Paths: 1, 2, 3, 5, 13, 15, 16]
(This are the chosen paths by the chat rolls (5 paths) and because of some extra paths guessed (2 paths).
Each Path will have its own Luck Roll! And depending on the roll, Lucas's luck and hence his encounters will increase!)