The Magic of Marvel

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel.

Chapter 4:

Novice No More

'Thinking'

"Talking"

"Talking"

- November 7th, 2012 -

After finding out that the Ancient One had looked into my future, and that she saw love in it, there was an almost palpable weight that lifted off my shoulders.

I don't know how she does it, but there actually turns out to be some truth to her ability of seeing through a person and pinpointing what it is that holds them back.

Because as soon as I learned that my actions wouldn't be for nothing, and that I would find what I'm truly wanting to get out of all this effort I'm putting into one day being part of the Marvel universe, suddenly my passion towards my studies increased tenfold.

That isn't to say I suddenly began moving at Stephen Strange levels of advancement, but I definitely feel I'm beginning to pick things up and am putting more effort into my training than I was before.

And not a moment too soon.

After coming down from the rather emotional moment, I eventually got around to explaining my plans for the future, now that I know there is one waiting for me.

Granted, it felt a little redundant to explain it to someone who already has an idea of what my future is going to look like, but I felt it was important to say it out loud anyways. If only to reaffirm that what I'm doing will keep me on the right path.

- Flashback -

Clearing my throat after the emotional moment passes, I begin laying out both my immediate plans and long-term goals for going forward.

"With how long it's taking me to progress through my studies, I can't involve myself in anything relating to the Avengers before finding an in with one of their members. Which means my long-term goal of joining them has to be put on the backburner." I explain to the silently listening Sorcerer Supreme.

Do I want to become an Avenger? Somewhat yes, and somewhat no.

Mainly, I want to get access to their technology, information networks, contacts, as well as becoming involved with the main story.

Why? Because if I want to have any chance of a love life like the Ancient One mentioned, and for it to last well into the future, then I'm going to need to get stronger.

Much stronger.

And the only thing I can think of that offers that kind of strength, is getting my hands on an Infinity Stone.

A little cliché, I know. But if I've learned one thing in the last three months of studying the Mystic Arts, it's that I'm not going to reach the level of Dr. Strange or the Ancient One's talents on my own.

With access to Asgardian Magic added on? Maybe. But I'm not about to put the future she's seen in jeopardy because of a maybe. I need it to be a certainty.

Which is where the Infinity Stones come into play.

Everyone who has ever gotten a taste of an Infinity Stone's power ended up insanely strong. Wanda Maximoff, Pietro Maximoff, and Carol Danvers all prime examples of what can be achieved with that kind of power.

And the best way to get my hands on one of them, is to be part of the main story.

Which means getting involved with the Avengers.

The only way I could have initially gotten in with the Avengers would have been to fight alongside them against Loki and his Chitauri army. But with that no longer an option, I need to endear myself enough to one of the members that they'll be willing to put my name forward.

And that brings me to my immediate plans for the future.

"The next big event to happen is the Convergence; when all the Nine Realms overlap each other and physics start to go out of whack everywhere." I remember most of the events that happen in Thor: The Dark World, and they're perfect for what I have planned.

"Ah, yes." The Ancient One muses, a fond smile on her face as she recalls a distant memory. "I remember when my master, the former Sorcerer Supreme, spoke about seeing the Convergence happening in person over a millennia ago. He said there was a terrible war at the time between the Dark Elves and the Asgardians, which very nearly brought about the destruction of the Nine Realms."

Nodding along at her words, I continue. "Exactly. And with the Convergence happening again, it means that the Aether will make its reappearance. Which will also be the next time that Thor will come down to Earth, and that'll provide me with the perfect opportunity to not only get an in with him, but to also try and reach Asgard."

While I want to believe I could just grab the Aether, since it's the Reality Stone, and run off with it to further my long-term goals; I know that's not really an option.

First of all, there's the Dark Elves led by Malekith who can somehow track the Aether no matter where it is that I'd first have to contend with. And then there's Asgard and the all-seeing Heimdall who will no-doubt be keeping an eye on things that I'd have to find some way of hiding from. 'And don't get me started on the shitstorm that'll follow if Thanos decides to hunt me down.'

Instead of risking everything on a single snatch-and-grab, I'll use the moments when Jane becomes the host for the Aether to insert myself into the story. Which should be enough to get a ride to Asgard, if for no other reason than to explain what happened to her as well as reveal what the Aether really is.

But the real trick will be what comes after that...

Saving Frigga.

If there's ever a way to get into Thor's -and by extension Asgard's- good graces, thereby getting an all-access pass to their magic…it'd be to save the Queen of Asgard's life.

"A risky plan, Ben." The Ancient One replies with a hint of warning. "And one that could very well shift the future beyond your foresight. Are you sure that it's wise to risk such a thing so early on?"

Admittedly, she has a point.

It's more than possible that the future could change irrevocably by saving Frigga, but that's where things get a bit iffy.

Because on the one hand, it would mean Thor isn't as ready to race off and kill Malekith which would lead to Loki faking his death and taking over Asgard. But on the other hand, it would give me the best chance to get access to Asgard's libraries and magic, as well as putting me one step closer to the Avengers.

Because it's not the Reality Stone's power that I'm after, it's the Mind Stone.

Of all the Infinity Stones I can get my hands on; the Time Stone is off limits thanks to the bald one sitting across from me and her future successor. The Power Stone is on a planet that I don't even know how to begin searching for, and the Space Stone is within Asgard's Vaults under heavy lock and key.

The Reality Stone, like I said, is basically a no-go. And the Soul Stone's requirements for attaining it, by sacrificing something I love, is a big 'hell-fucking no'.

Which leaves the Mind Stone.

Of all the stones, it's the last one Thanos hunts down, and the one which Heimdall seems to not care about mentioning to anyone in Asgard.

And if I can get into the Avengers through saving Thor's mother, then that would place me at the perfect opportunity to snatch the stone for myself. There's a solid window between the cradle that contains the Mind Stone being taken back to Avenger's Tower, and Vision's awakening, that I can use a bit of magic to make it all disappear.

Or, at the very least, find a different way to use it that doesn't involve bringing another Artificial Intelligence to life.

Because, honestly, there's really no reason for Vision to become a thing.

Like, I get that the guy is meant to be a love-interest for Wanda. But he's basically useless outside of getting Ultron unplugged from the internet. Which if I can get my hands on the Mind Stone, I could probably figure that out myself.

And selling everyone who isn't Tony on the benefits of not having another A.I. running around, simply by pointing out all the shit Ultron will do, should be pretty simple.

Will it put me in a bad spot with Tony relationship wise? Probably.

But by then I'll have everything I need to focus on more important things, like making my long-term goals a reality with the Mind Stone in hand.

I do feel bad about it, but it's not like I'm actually killing him since he won't be coming to life in the first place.

"It's a risk I'll have to take," I eventually shrug.

"It might go horribly wrong, but I need to try. And this is the best way I know how to do it…unless you know another way?" The none-too-subtle question about what she's seen in the future, is as blatant a question about what she's seen as I've ever asked.

Unfortunately, the Ancient One clearly doesn't want to give away anything and affect my choices, so she falls back on her usual response to when others ask her the same thing. "The future is ever-present, and a constantly changing paradox which no one can accurately predict, Ben. The most we can do is make the best of what lies in front of us."

"If that means going with what you think is right, then that's all anyone can ever do." She states with a finality, putting an end to any more questions about my future. "But if you're set on this path, Ben. Then you'll need to be ready for when the Convergence arrives."

"Yeah…" Nodding in agreement, I can't help grimacing at just how little time I've got to get ready. With the Convergence happening at the end of 2013, I've got at most a year to get ready. "I better get started."

- Flashback End -

Back to the present; it's been six months since I escaped the invasion of New York and joined the Masters of the Mystic Arts. And in that time, I've grown leaps and bounds from how I used to be.

With my success at opening my very own portal using a Sling Ring and Eldritch Magic, I found that starting to use the other basic spells came to me much more easily. Simple things like creating small mandalas over my hands, and rudimentary Eldritch weapon constructs, took a few tries at most to get down.

Since I'm still just a Novice, the number of spells I can study are greatly limited until I become an Apprentice, where the rest of the library will be made available to me.

After reaching the limits of the number of spells I can learn, from then on it became a matter of practicing the movements over and over again until I could cast the spells with ease. The intention behind it being to create the muscle memory needed to use each spell in the right moments during a fight; where I'm likely to not have time to think out which spells I'll want to use, and when I need to use them.

My hope is to teach my body how to act reflexively in the right moments, and that takes both time and experience.

Something I won't get more of, unless I pass today's exam.

"Good luck, Magnusson." A strong, friendly male's voice calls out to me as I walk through the hallways leading away from my room and towards one of the inner chambers. Drawing my attention to an equally tall man who looks a few years my senior, dressed in the crimson robes of an Apprentice. "I know you can do it."

"Thanks, Aster." I smile as politely as I can while continuing my nervous walk. Slowly speeding up my gait to get away from the ensuing conversation before I can be dragged into something I know I don't want to hear.

Lucian Aster used to be my sparring partner for the first few months of practice before he eventually went on to take the same test I'm about to take. Which is how I ended up getting my ass kicked by both Mordo and Kaecilius in the same day.

Since the two of us are amongst the tallest of anyone in Kamar-Taj and with similar body sizes, we were paired up together for most of the Novice's training.

While I wouldn't go so far as to say we're friends, we definitely built up a comradery over our many best efforts to take the other one down in sparring.

…at least, we had a comradery. Until he came back from his test wearing the same crimson-colored robes he's wearing now, and he revealed to me who his new Master is.

Kaecilius…

And that's when I realized why he always looked so familiar to me.

While his name was never really mentioned in the movie, Lucian Aster was one of Kaecilius's followers who helped string up Master Tenal and watched as Kaecilius cut the Librarian's head off.

Lucien would then also go on to stab Strange in the chest with a dimensional shard using Dark Dimensional energy, before ultimately being killed later on during his and Strange's battle in the Astral Dimension.

After realizing who he was in that moment, any hopes of finding a real friend in him died a sudden and brutal death.

'A shame too, I was actually starting to like him.' While it might seem a little bit like I'm jumping the gun by separating myself from him so quickly. The fact is, I can already see the worship he has for Kaecilius in the way he talks about his Master. 'I'm starting to wonder if there's anyone in this Universe whose future I can actually change for the better.'

The Ancient One hasn't made any more straightforward comments about my future like she did that day, but there's been a few hints thrown into our weekly meetings which point at more than one person having their lives changed thanks to my efforts.

Wondering who it is she was speaking about, because there was definitely someone in particular she was alluding too, I reluctantly put those thoughts to the side as I step up to the closed doorway leading into the testing chamber.

A place I haven't yet been allowed into, until today.

'Focus, Ben.' I mentally psyche myself up as I feel my heart pounding in my chest from the rush of nerves I always get whenever I'm about to take a test. 'You've got this…just remember everything you've practiced and studied in the last six months, and you'll be one step closer to fulfilling your dream.'

Taking a deep breath, I knock firmly on the aging wood doors before waiting until the Ancient One's voice echoes from the other side. "Come in, Novice Magnusson."

'Here goes everything…'

- Later -

"…well done, Magnusson. Now take a few moments to prepare yourself, and then we'll begin the final portion of your exam." The Ancient One orders as soon as I finished displaying my ability with portal creation using a Sling Ring.

The portal portion of the test was the easiest part for me. My ability to create and manipulate the size of them while moving the portal around seemed to really impress the Ancient One, even if she hasn't said anything beyond instructing me when to do the next thing for the exam.

The only reason I can even tell she was impressed; is thanks to all the time we've spent together every week giving me a better understanding of the subtle facial expressions the Ancient One makes beyond the usually calm look she has. They're almost impossible to notice, but the small gleam in her eye and slight switch of her lips says that she already knows I've got this test in the bag.

Though I can't take all the credit for my portals.

Portals are something that everyone else in Kamar-Taj uses all the time, and I had to ask several others -including the Ancient One herself- on unique ways they've found to use them beyond the basics.

It's because I've gone a step further than most Novices do in their studies of portals that's made her proud.

Funnily enough, as much as we're all free to walk around Kathmandu, the ability to create portals is one of the most abused bits of magic that everyone who wields the Mystic Arts takes for granted. Especially when it comes to meal times.

With most of the food served at Kamar-Taj being made up of basic meals involving rice, meats, and vegetables. Anything beyond that requires you to go out and get it yourself.

Unfortunately, because I don't know any locations in this universe outside of New York, I had to ask some of the older Novices and Apprentices to take me along with them as we all went out for group takeout.

On the positive side, not only did I get to travel around the world and try foods I've never been able to taste before, I also got to learn a bit more about what's been going on in the outside world.

Since the invasion of New York, the world has been focused on only two main topics above anything else. The first, obviously, is the Avengers.

Outside of Tony Stark, everyone else on the team has either only been rumored to exist -like the Hulk- or outright not even known to be real until now -like Thor- and have only been considered a myth. The reemergence of Captain America alone has seen a resurgence of American pride and crowds of people swarming the Captain America museums in New York.

Even the existence of Thor has caused a major upheaval on Earth. People all over the globe have started abandoning other religions and flocking to the old Norse beliefs in a matter of days; suddenly taking part in old prayers and rituals that have been all but forgotten in the 21st century.

Beyond the Avengers, the second major topic of discussion on everyone's minds is the realization that Humans are not alone in the universe.

Not only are aliens very much real, they're also more technologically advanced than anyone else besides maybe Tony Stark, and they're not at all friendly…Hilariously, it's led to Independence Day becoming the #1 movie that people are watching in 2012.

'Focus, Ben. Worry about movies later.'

Clearing my mind of distractions, I face the Ancient One with a nod.

Seeing that I'm ready to continue, she reveals the final part of my test. "And lastly…conjure a weapon of your choosing using Eldritch energy. I will be testing its structure and durability to determine whether it has been made correctly."

Simple enough, while I can conjure other weapons like the war fans the Ancient One uses and even a sword if I have to, there's no better weapon I've been able to perfect like a recreation of my quarterstaff.

With the structure of it firmly in mind, I clap my hands together out in front of my body, feeling the Eldritch magic begin to coalesce in my palms.

As I begin to slowly pull my hands away from each other, a growing staff of fiery-orange energy begins to take shape.

Once it's fully formed, I grab the quarterstaff in hand and planting one end firmly in the ground, causing orange sparks to flare up momentarily as it leaves a slight scorch mark on the stone floors.

"Good." The Ancient One nods, quickly conjuring a war fan and getting into a basic stance. "Now, prepare yourself!"

'Oh shit!'

Without another word, she lashes out with a strike in the blink of an eye. The movement so fast and well executed, that nothing more than a small streak of orange is all I can see as I hurriedly bring the conjured staff up in time to block.

"GAH!" Grunting at the unnatural strength behind her strike, my arms tremble as soon as the fan makes contact with the quarterstaff. A shower of orange sparks rains down on the floor between us as our two conjured weapons strain against each other.

Even being taller than her, and with a larger body size, I quickly find myself being overwhelmed by her strength.

The Dark Dimensional energies flowing through her body allows the Ancient One to display super soldier levels of physical capabilities that could match even Captain America. And despite my best efforts, it doesn't take more than a slight effort on her part for the war fan to carve through my Eldritch quarterstaff.

Stumbling over the sudden unraveling of my staff, I internally curse at the fact my weapon hadn't lasted longer. Worriedly glance at the Ancient One's face, any worry I have of having messed up is replaced by relief as she stands there with a proud smile on her face.

"And with that," She says after a moments silence, "you've passed the last test."

Blinking in surprise, I can't help asking for clarification. "But…didn't my staff fail?"

Shaking her head slighting, she replies. "Except it didn't fail. The requirements for this test were for the conjured weapon you create to withstand a single blow from me at full strength."

Well, that explains why my arms are now slightly numb. I just tanked a blow from someone who can enhance their body with magic to superhuman levels. 'I can't even imagine how it must feel to get hit by someone like Thor or the Hulk, whose strength go beyond superhuman levels.'

"Oh." I chuckle, scratching the back of my neck as I come to the realization. "So, does this mean…?"

"Congratulations, Ben." The Ancient One smiles proudly, "Or should I say, Apprentice Magnusson."

Bowing deeply to her as the realization of having accomplished the next step in my plan fully sets in, the sound of clapping draws my attention away from the Ancient One and towards the two people who were watching my exam the entire time.

Glancing over her shoulder at the two Masters who have been silently observing everything from the back of the testing room, she continues speaking directly to me. "And now that you've achieved the rank of Apprentice, Ben…it's time to decide who your Master will be."

Waving a hand to motion the others forward, she explains. "Of the Masters who have expressed some interest in taking over your training, Masters Mordo and Kaecilius are the two who have expressed the greatest desire to take you as their Apprentice."

Seeing the look on my face, she adds. "There is the option of continuing with your own self-studies under no Master, if that is your wish."

As much as I want to go with the self-study option, the benefits of having someone who can give me first-hand knowledge and their own tips whenever I want without having to go begging for their time, is too great an opportunity to overlook.

Not to mention all of the experience I can get from training directly under someone who has been a Master of the Mystic Arts for years.

The real question is, who do I choose?

Between Mordo and Kaecilius, my only two options seem to come with positives and negatives no matter who I pick.

With Kaecilius, the benefits to becoming his Apprentice are that I'll have all the other Apprentices he's collected to go to for help, including Lucian. Someone who I can spar with and test my growth against, just like in every anime I've seen recommends.

That alone is useful, because it means I can learn from the collective groups' past mistakes and find the right way to doing things much faster.

Also, I'll get probably the best weapons training outside of being apprenticed to the Ancient One herself, under the undisputed second-best weapons Master in all of Kamar-Taj. And seeing as the Sorcerer Supreme only ever takes on an apprentice who will one day become their successor, I doubt she's going to offer me the chance to apprentice under her.

Back to Kaecilius; as much as the positives seem appealing in joining him, it's the negatives that really kill any interest for me.

Because I know that if I end up as his Apprentice, I'm undoubtably going to be drawn into the Dormammu bullshit.

As strong as I hope to one day become, I'm not sure I will ever be strong enough to stand up to Kaecilius and his other Apprentices when they offer themselves to Dormammu. I mean I'm still trying to get feeling back in my arms after a single blow from the Ancient One, and the thought of all of them trying to kill me with that same amount of strength is terrifying.

'Which just leaves Mordo…'

Glancing away from the sadist weapons master and towards the strict, 'natural law' obsessed master, I can't help feeling that the alternative isn't much better.

Whereas Kaecilius is mainly a weapon user, Mordo is much more well-rounded in using both magic and weapons. While any weapons training with Mordo won't be up to the same level, my abilities with the Mystic Arts will definitely see a greater improvement under his teachings.

In fact, going with Mordo might be the better option, since I'll also be the only Apprentice he has. Which means his focus won't be split up, and I can get more one-on-one training.

'Fuck it, I'll just have to deal with his Natural Law obsession when it becomes an issue.'

Or better yet, I can leave it up to Strange to figure out on his own. If everything goes the way I hope it does, in that four years' time I hope to either be on Asgard learning magic, or somewhere far away practicing how to use an Infinity Stone.

With my decision in mind, I turn the green-robed Mordo and bow respectfully as I formally say, "I wish to take up Master Mordo's offer of apprenticeship."

Seeing the happy smiles on Mordo and the Ancient One's faces, I try not to flinch at the angry sneer that briefly shows itself on Kaecilius's. Who doesn't say a word to anyone before he all but stomps out of the testing room in a huff, leaving the three of us in silence following his departure.

"He doesn't look too pleased." I muse out loud, watching Kaecilius's orange robes disappear beyond the door. Glancing at the two Masters worriedly, I almost miss the worrying brief look Mordo and the Ancient One share. "…that's not going to be a problem for me later on, is it?"

"No, Apprentice Magnusson." Mordo speaks up, shakes his head firmly a deep frown creases his face. "Despite his temper, Kaecilius knows better than to lash out at those around him."

Briefly glancing towards the door again with a hard stare, he looks back at me comfortingly before laying a strong hand on my shoulder.

"And if he should try anything, then as your Master it is my duty to protect you…and protect you I shall." The conviction in Mordo's voice as he basically states he'll fight Kaecilius for me, is a rather heartwarming feeling that helps calm the rising terror I've felt at what Kaecilius could do to me.

Seeing the look the Ancient One gives me, I breath out a heavy sigh of relief. 'So, this is what it feels like to have people who care about you…It's nice.'

I doubt this sentiment will last once the events of Doctor Strange kick off, since one is going to die and the other turns evil.

But for now, I'll enjoy their support while it lasts.

- November 8th, 2012 -

Waking up the next morning after celebrating my moving up from Novice to Apprentice by going out with some of the others to a nice dinner in Germany, I slowly go about removing my sleepwear and take a quick shower before opening my closet.

Instead of it being filled with white-colored robes that I've gotten so used to seeing, it's now filled with the crimson-colored robes symbolizing my change in status. 'And it only took me 6 months to do it.'

It might not be as fast as I hoped, but I'm proud of my achievement nonetheless.

Grabbing one of the sets of crimson robes, I turn towards the lone mirror in my room as I start getting dressed. Sliding the comfortable pants up my legs and securing them around my waist with a sash, I turn to put on the top half of my robes when I pause.

Staring at my reflection for a moment, I take a few moments to admire the changes that my body's started to undergo thanks to all of the training.

Whereas before I had more of a bulky body-type due to my former wrestling training, a lot of that has since slimmed down to a more toned look with the change in exercise.

Thanks to there being no weight room in Kamar-Taj, everything revolving around exercise comes almost entirely from the martial arts and weapons sparring.

As such, my body has undergone quite the transformation from looking like it was headed in Thor's direction in terms of musculature, to looking more like I'm going in Captain America's direction. Instead of massive biceps and thighs the size of my head, they're now much smaller but far more defined.

'It's not a bad change', I think to myself. 'In fact, I actually kind of like it more.'

Feeling a little foolish, but also proud of myself for coming so far, I turn away from the mirror and grab one of crimson robes hung up in the closet. 'And to think, it's only to get better with another year's worth of hard training.'

Now that I've got a Master like Mordo teaching me personally, I can't wait to see just how much I'll change by the time I'm ready to put the next step of my plan into action. 'Until then, I've got exactly a year before the Convergence happens to get as ready as Master Mordo can make me.'

Speaking of Master Mordo, I need to hurry up and finish getting ready for my first day of training.

Glancing out the window of my bedroom, I start to panic as soon as I see the sun rising in the distance. 'Shit! I can't be late for my first day!'

Scrambling out of my room, I race down the hallways towards the training courtyards in a hurry as I try to fix the top half of my robes into place. A spare glance at the watch on my wrist spurs me into running faster as I try not make a bad first impression by showing up to training late.

Listening to the sounds of my shoes pounding against the stone floors of Kamar-Taj, I grin excitedly at what this new chapter in my life has in store.

- END -

Author Notes:

And that's Chapter 4!

I've given a brief glimpse of how the next couple of plots are going to be about, just so you all can understand where I'm going with all of this. Much of the story is going to revolve around Asgard, the Avengers, and two of the Infinity Stones.

The next chapter is going to include some major timeskips, as it'll cover the rest of Ben's training as an Apprentice under the Masters of the Mystic Arts, before he sets out to join the Marvel Universe.

Hope you all are still liking it so far! Thanks for checking out my story.