Ch.45 - Guidance
"So what's today's lesson teach?" Anne-Marie asked a bit expectantly.
After the display of power a few weeks ago and her own boosts of confidence coming from becoming a better fighter, doing better school, making friends with some people she could actually touch, getting hotter, and her therapy sessions, Anne-Marie wanted to take it to the next step and control her powers so she could join in with the girls.
"Today will be the next big step for you to control your powers." I answered with a calm smile.
"Alright. What do ah do ah need tah do?" She asked with some excitement but a bit of nervousness as well.
'Perfectly normal as we were still dealing with her trauma.' I thought with a quick observation.
With but a though, the suspended body of a young male with short black hair, average build, aged 17, wearing a simple white gown, appeared like he was lying down on an invisible bed.
"Whoa! Who is that?! What's he doing here!?" She urgently questioned.
"This is one Thomas Alonso. He is part of my method to help you learn your abilities." I answered slowly. "To be more precise, this is a clone of Thomas with no brain activity or memories, only his active mutation, which is the ability enhance his eyesight in various ways, remains."
"A clone?! Yah can clone people!?" She shouted a bit at the revelation.
"Yes, but I dislike the practice as cloning individuals simply doesn't work unless one can transfer the mind AND soul of said person into their clones. Otherwise the clone will not be said person but just a shell aware that it isn't a person it was supposed to be made into, which causes many issues and will result in a breakdown of their mental health fairly quick if they aren't given proper guidance to become their own selves.
One might be able to use cloned bodies as back ups, but that would require quite a lot of skill and know-how, beyond the toll it would take on your soul.
Such a thing just isn't worth it in the end and clones to me are simply used for research or training at best." I evenly answered as I truly did not think cloning was the way forward.
It was a point of stagnation and I knew for a fact that he way the X-Men had taken to doing this on Krakoa in 616 was not without cost because even with the Phoenix helping them bypass natural laws somewhat, Death would have her dues.
And I wasn't taking any chances playing with such matters when I knew who exactly waited for me at the end of my life, which might end up being longer than I had desired with the boosts I had given my mind, body and soul.
Something to look into later.
"So... yah don't have clones of us in your basement?" Anne-Marie slowly and carefully asked.
"Absolutely not. That would be a severe infringement of your trust and privacy in some senses. At worst i might clone some organs if a serious injury was suffered and a transplant was needed because none of my other methods of healing you were working somehow." I immediately answered without hesitation.
It was one of my self-imposed boundaries.
Seeing a Thor clone, renamed Ragnarok, go on a murder spree was enough of a warning regarding cloning anyone with great powers or potential for it. Even Peter Parker had to deal with far too much clone nonsense and many identity crises which I deeply wished to avoid with my girls as their psychological health and happiness were far too important.
"...Fine, Ah'll believe yah." She slowly responded with a nod, then turned her attention to the clone. "But what's tah goal with him?"
"To control your intake using a fairly harmless and benign mutation that could be useful, and then learn exactly how much you need to make matters permanent and then let them go. It should be easier without the baggage of memories and personality coming along with it, thus giving you a base to work off of when we later move on to the next steps in your training." I answered rather clinically.
"Ok... and your sure he won't feel anything?" Anne-Marie nodded in understanding, but was obviously hesitant over touching something that was clearly human in her eyes.
"He never has and never will." I assured her. "Due to being rapidly grown like he was, this clone of Thomas would begin to fall apart in less than a year's time and was created to purposefully not have any form of brain activity beyond the ones needed to keep him alive.
This won't affect you, and we will be starting in light doses to make sure of this, but this is the best way i could come up with to help you get used to using your powers in a safe environnement and build up your control over it and the powers you will take in."
With some nervous looks between myself, sporting an understanding and encouraging look, and the near motionless body of the Thomas clone, Marie-Anne slowly took off her glove and reached out to him.
"Just start with light touches. I'll be here every step of the way and if you want, I will do my best to find others ways to help you." I gently informed her as I wasn't about to force her into something she truly did not want to do.
With a deep breath, the teen shook her head and visibly reaffirmed her determination as she reached out for the clone and let her finger brush against it's skin momentarily, causing her eyes to widen as I pulled said hand away while she experienced the enhanced vision.
"Fuck! Ah wasn't prepared for that!" She swore as she rubbed her eyes from being blinded by the new sights.
"*Chuckle* This is why I picked him. His mutation will require control and will let you know if you have it." I told her with some amusement at he stumble.
That earned me a glare as the mutation went away.
"*Grrr* Yah could have warned me!" She growled not feeling happy about that sudden sensory overload.
"I did. When I told you his mutation." I replied without a challenging smirk. "You need to understand that powers come at costs and most payed them by learning how to control their abilities and usually you would get the memories of this to help you, but for now we are starting from zero so you can train your own baseline and not use their experience as crutches."
"Fine!" She huffed with a lit fire. "Ah'm not gonna let tah first hurdle get me."
And she wouldn't.
If Anne-Marie was anything it was stubborn. Something she learnt from her time under her aunt and as a runaway, then with Raven.
So began her training and true first steps in mastering herself.
At some point, I involved Insight to help guide her in understanding what was happening in her body as she took energy, and how to feel it and gain initial control of the changes.
It was a very good session for her.
-Kai's Private Psionic Training Room, the next week
"Are you sure Jean?" I seriously asked her with some concern.
"Yes. I'm sure. It's time for me to meet it and begin learning how to be a Phoenix Avatar." She nodded with great determination.
Jean had stated that she could feel it calling out to her lately due to her continuous growth. She could tell it was time to begin drawing on the power inside of her.
"Understood. I will be here every step of the way." I supported her after seeing and sensing her will regarding this decision. "But be warned that it will change you.
Even I cannot be said to be truly human because the Sage Force I possess gives me a view beyond that.
The near absolute authority i have over the 'mind' gives way to a need to restrain myself from affecting them without intent, to see collectives instead of individuals, and use my powers because it would be so easy to do so.
You will face a different challenge as you will begin to feel the universe, it's rotting parts and blooming life, as well as the need to act upon these feelings as it will be part of your duties to do so in exchange for these powers."
"I know, and I think I can accept that. Even Meggan understands that life needs death, and death needs life, while both thrive thanks to rebirth." Jean wisely replied as she had clearly given this a lot of thought and discussed the matter with more than just myself. "But I'll still be me. I'll make sure of it."
"Good. Fighting against what the Phoenix is instead of finding a balance with it would be foolish. Already you have taken the first steps, now you will need to complete the journey." I nodded in approval at her mentality. "And remember, you are a channel..."
"Not a dam." She finished with a smirk.
"*Chuckle* Indeed." I smiled at the mild cheekiness. "Let us begin then."
With that, the both of us took meditative positions, Jean welcoming me into her mind as we delved deep together.
This had long since been standard between us during training. Sometimes we go to her mind and other times in mine, usually with the goal of teaching offensive and defensive telepathic tricks, but also sometimes for her to gain a measure of inspiration in regards to her own abilities by having a front row seat to where the energies were shaped.
It also served well as a demo for how to manage an external source of power when I demonstrated the heights I could reach using the Sage Force.
And today, I was presenting myself in full regalia as my astral form fully merged with Wisdom while activating the Sage Force. It was only polite to dress my best before an entity like the Phoenix.
As a result, my astral form was made up of gently swaying emerald flames with a golden Urna, long flowing robes slightly displaying my muscular chest and a simple staff.
I couldn't help sending Jean a knowing smile due to the minor signs of arousal and attraction her mind emitted as she stared at my exposed muscles.
She was a teenager and I was somehow still her crush, hence hormones were not her ally at the moment, causing embarrassment to flare up.
"*Chuckle* Shall we?" I simply asked the redhead formed of golden psionic energy due to the minute influence of the Phoenix on her through the years.
Jean was actually donning a similar look to her combat suit due to it being something she feels powerful and safe in, with her red hair being compromised of red strands of flames.
Hearing my suggestion, she centered herself quickly and led the way to the deepest parts of her self.
Beyond the initial layers of Jean's mind which contained her rather Insight-like defenses, we traveled down the pathways channeling her psionics which led to the Phoenix at the nexus of it all.
We had long since located the fragment of the force there and laid powerful and flexible foundations for Jean to take in all the power she would wield in the future.
It likely wouldn't be enough, but it should give her time to adjust and upgrade them.
Soon enough, beyond the locations of her memories, emotions and the layers containing her immense psionic powers, we reached the flaming center housing the roosting fragment of the Phoenix Force.
It was enormous in size compared to our astral avatars, casually displaying its power as the flaming avian form blazed with cosmic and psionic energy.
"So you have come." The great firebird stated as its head rose. "Willingly and prepared as few are."
"Yes, it took some time, but I'd like to get to know you. You saved me like Kai did when I was young and I want to thank you for that as well." Jean respectfully answered with a warm smile.
"Ah yes... the singularity. Chosen of my mirror within those worlds. Such a curious existence." The Phoenix spoke as it turned its head towards me. "To think you would be the guide to my own chosen.
A suitable mate indeed."
"*Cough Cough* WHAT?!?!" Jean shouted in shock, embarrassment and outrage at those words.
"I know your desires child, and although being a true Sage would protect him from my direct influence, he is a suitable mate. Much better then Odin as a ruler as well, or those nutritious energy holders." The Phoenix casually revealed ancient history and alternate ones.
"So you are aware of the alternates. I shouldn't be surprised, even if you are a fragment." I responded before getting serious. "So you know why I am here then."
"Of course I know little Sage, but worry not, you have done marvelous work readying my avatar. Pure of heart and strong of mind. The Dark Phoenix shall not appear without the insults which stoked it in other lines or any host's negative emotions." The great firebird stated impassively.
There was no need to lie between individuals like us.
"Dark Phoenix? Is that what happens if I get too angry or something?" Jean asked with a bit of confusion.
"Something which I've seen happen many times in alternate timelines or other realities." I answered with a grimace. "Fools meddling with the mind of a powerful psionic and not believing it would have consequences. Trying to control matters beyond them out of hubris.
An instable host of the Phoenix will inevitably fall due to its powerful Empathic abilities, resulting in them aligning with the negative aspects of death and destruction, becoming avatars of only that as they lose themselves in rage and bloodlust."
"I do enjoy burning such insects." It darkly chuckled.
"So that's why you taught me how to manage my emotions so much. It wasn't just because of my Empathy, you knew." Jean realized as she looked at me.
"Yes. Your emotions will be the key in being the Phoenix Avatar. More so than likely any other before you because you are so close to it. The passion, compassion, care for the growth of others and desires to protect, those are the sides which will help you as they can be less corruptive emotions in a sense, they will allow you the best chance to maintain your self as you learn to accept the need for death and erasure of some things in this universe of ours." I explained with a nod.
She wasn't accusing me of anything, just stating her epiphany regarding the differences in her training and Emma's.
Jean was likely the most powerful Empath on Earth and beyond, she needed heavy emphasis on keeping herself untouched by the emotions of others while still being able to sense and manipulate them.
"And what's this about people insulting the Phoenix or them being 'tasty'?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow and hands on her hips.
"Well, due to my status as a singularity, meaning there is no other Kaihito in the multiverse or through time, it would appear the most common fate for you after awakening your powers is to end up under the care of Charles Xavier, joining his X-Men, a team of young mutants fighting for equality, and becoming somewhat close to in love with a young man named Scott Summer." I began to explain without dishonesty as I believed Jean deserved to hear these possibilities. "Xavier would lock up the Phoenix as he feared the power it held and placed psychic blocks you to limit it until 'you were ready'.
As we both know, that does not end well.
As for Scott Summers, his mutation and genetics were deemed extremely compatible with the Grey bloodline and your powers on top of the Phoenix Force to create the 'ultimate mutant' by one Nathaniel Essex, or Mister Sinister as he likes to call himself. The boy was manipulated his whole life, made a sleeper agent by Essex and given a powerful base desire to be with you by the man, later further twisted by Xavier as he made him into the field leader for his child soldier group to fight for his ideals.
To be fair, the dimension this generation of Summer's have access to due to their mutations is beneficial to the Phoenix, but as she said, it is in a nourishing fashion. I did run some tests and combining your genes would create a powerful child, which Essex wants to use either as a weapon or new body to kill Apocalypse, but you could do so yourself with ease once you become proficient as an Avatar."
The look of shock, horror and disgust that flashed through Jean's face at the revelation of what he possible fate could have been was mildly amusing to see, but then it changed to an angry one.
"So some son of a bitch tried to use me as breeding stock for his own benefits? And that fucking hack put telepathic blocks on a juvenile psionic mind?! How fucking moronic could you be!?" Jean erupted as her astral hair become an infernal pillar.
"You have done a marvelous job mortal Sage." The Phoenix commented as Jean raged on.
"Mortal huh? That's good to hear." I responded with a small smile of relief.
"You seek not immortality?" The Phoenix asked with minor curiosity, likely due to my power and young age.
Most mortal beings would have far bigger egos than mine at this point.
"No. In fact, I believe my life will be much more fulfilling with Death awaiting me at the end. All I wish for is to leave a positive mark in this life and on those I care for." I answered with a peaceful smile. "Death awaits all things, no matter what they are. I simply hope mine will be filled with glory or peace."
"...my counterpart has chosen well." The Phoenix simply said as we waited for Jean to calm herself.
After spitting out curses like a sailor her mother would definitely not approve of, she finally did, then blushed tremendously from realizing she had done so in front of me.
It was harder to conceal such things within a person mind.
"Ready?" I simply asked with an encouraging smile.
The younger teen centered herself anew with a few breaths and regained her focus and determination.
With a certain nod, she stepped forward and stood in front of the great firebird.
"I look forward to our time together and learning from you Lady Phoenix." Jean said as she reached out with her hand.
"Let us show the universe our might my One True Avatar." The Phoenix responded as she lowered her head to Jean's hand as her fiery form began merging with Jean.
It was at this moment which I acted, slamming my staff to slow the process for Jean. The act did annoy the expectant Phoenix, but it understood my actions.
Already being in my private room, which ran at a much faster time within, this would allow Jean to take the time needed for us to help her adjust properly instead of the sudden awakening which could easily overwhelm most people gaining cosmic awareness.
On the outside, Insight received the signal needed for her to temporarily bond with Jean, helping adjust and modify her body to become the ideal host of the Phoenix to match the soul and later the mind.
Inside, the astral body of Jean grew more blurred behind the Phoenix's flames as time passed. I could feel he begin to struggle.
"Remember Jean Grey. You are not so weak to be overwhelmed by power. Your heart and spirit are not so weak to be overtaken by this fragment." I told her as time stretched on and Jean did her best while in a near trance. "You are a student, friend, sister, daughter, nurturer, protectress and powerful.
You will not be forgotten because you are loved as much as you love, as such to not forget yourself and fight for those who love you."
The more I spoke, the brighter Jean became defined.
To prove that she had support, I pushed my presence and power to help 'support' her being.
"And what's more, you will always have me in your corner. No matter what Jean. I will be there to support you every step of the way, one way or another." I softly told her as my Sage Force slowed the Phoenix Force and my hand rested on her back. "Because I believe in you."
Those last words seemed that have done more than enough as Jean's mind lit up with power and determination, taking everything in as her astral self grew in power.
It took over two weeks of concentration and focus for Jean to finally finish, only being able to do so with Insight supplying everything she would need in terms of nutrition, hydration and energy to keep at it at optimal levels, with me teaching Jean how to form a positive feedback loop using the Phoenix energy to keep her psionic energy up as she took in the energy.
We had actually been surrounded by Phoenix flames for most of it as well, which was rather beneficial to both of us and Insight. Luckily, this room would make it so the outside world had only experienced about 6 hours as well.
And once Jean finished the initial bonding with the Phoenix Force, the flames scattered to reveal our floating forms awakening from the event, standing before each other.
I was looking at Jean with pride filling my face at her success today, until I noted that after Insight had returned to me Jean had lost any clothing from the Phoenix flames.
Honestly, she was a beautiful and voluptuous young woman with legs other women would kill for, shapely hips decorated with trimmed red and an ass you could bounce quarters off of, perfectly toned stomach, standing at 175cm (5'9) and perky D-cups topping everything off with her flawless skin.
Her bathing in the flames of rebirth only enhanced it all.
And she...
Jumped at me, put her arms around my neck and dove for my lips as passion, love and far too many heated emotions erupting from her to contain in the moment.
Mmmmmmmmnnnnhh Muah! Muah! Muah!*
She just kept at it while totally unaware of her nude state, which I had Insight cover to spare her that embrassement in the future. As for the kisses, I did my best to make them pleasant while going with her flow.
"Haa Haa haaa... I wanted to *Muah* do that for *Muah* so long! *Mmmmmuah!*" She said in between kisses.
"As much as *Mm* don't mind this *mm* I do believe we should talk about this once you've calmed down." I replied as I rendered her unconscious with a tap to her forehead. "I wonder how she'll react tomorrow."
-Mount Fuji Facility for Higher Magics, two weeks later
Turns that a week of squeaking and running away with a face as red as her hair was the answer.
Poor Jean wasn't embarrassed about kissing me, being incredibly happy about that and that I hadn't pushed her away before gently knocking her out, but actually because she remembered her nude state and that was embarrassing to the 16 year old.
It was cute how innocent she was.
On the flip side though, she seemed to be becoming much more... present and later realized that she had nothing to be ashamed of.
Jean's presence became very powerful, but more in a gentle way as people became energized with her around when she was cheerful, inspired when she was determined, and even willing to follow her lead when she was hunkering down to work.
It did sometimes work in reverse as well, but she had enough control over herself and her powers to minimize such events.
Her training also took a big leap forward as we now had to train on Jupiter's moons to really test her limits, or use my own training equipment as she now matched me in raw power and was starting to really love her Phoenix Flames.
But today was Wanda's day.
We came here today because I had an offer for her.
"Let me get this straight. You found the Spine of Agamotto himself, extracted his DNA, and now you're offering to use a ritual to make it part of me to offset Chthon's influence?" Wanda questioned with raised eyebrow and crossed arms.
"Yeah. It was quite fascinating to study the composition of an Elder God spawn which ascended. It has the superficial appearance of humanity, but is something far stronger and more attuned to the energies of the universe." I confirmed being a little excited from having been able to study such a thing.
I had managed to get Gaea to confirm that it was truly Agamotto's spine as well.
The Elder Goddess had actually become rather severe in questioning where I had obtained such a thing, but felt better knowing I had taken this piece of her nephew's remains away from dark wizards. Becoming incredibly surprised in my ideas regarding said spine as well.
Many discussions were held since I took possession of it, with most of them revolving around finally obtaining Gaea's support and forming a path which she actually believed Oshtur, Agamotto and Hoggoth would approve of.
"Although it isn't as simple as using the DNA I formed from the spine, it would be the basis for a ritual to integrate it into you, turning you into a semi-elder goddess spawn of the 'light' to balance you being touched by Chthon's 'dark'." I simplified as holographic diagrams appeared. "It would grant you a great boost in magical affinity, but the ultimate goal is to bring you into a balance."
"But what would that cost? No power like this would be free." Wanda asked with a thoughtful look as she worked out the possibilities herself.
"An oath to swear yourself to the defense of the Earth from magical threats and to be the earthly counter to Chthon and his Darkhold would likely be the needed cost to pay." I answered truthfully. "It is also the highest cost I will allow to be paid.
This is your choice, as it is always, and none will force you to do this, but if the price goes beyond this I will stop it all."
"So kind of like the Sorcerer Supreme? Just with more of a focus of Chthon." She asked for clarification.
"More or less a second line of defense which wouldn't require them to directly support." I confirmed with a nod. "Gaea agreed that this should be tempting to them due to how much Oshtur dislikes Chthon and his acts against humanity, so freeing you from him would be well within her personality.
Hoggoth would be the hardest to convince, but he should see the appeal in having a powerful magic user primed to face the Chaos God.
While Agamotto would be the most unpredictable in this matter due to it involving his own DNA and having him essentially adopt you as a daughter in a fashion."
"I'd become the daughter of an almost all-powerful mystical principality?" She then questioned with a deadpanned look.
"Well, kind of. He wasn't one when this was his spine, so that would technically make you the blood-adopted daughter of an elder goddess spawn biologically speaking." I answered as that's what he was then.
It's fascinating enough that he has DNA in the first place, even more so some that ressembles and is compatible enough with humans that a ritual could bond it to one properly.
Although I had of evidence supporting my initial hypothesis, the fact that many of Gaea's children, including Atum/Demogorge who is born of an Elder Goddess and whatever the Demiurge is considered, have had children with humanity and mystical races, somewhat proving the adaptability of their genetic structures due to it being higher on a conceptual level, it was good to make sure.
"And what would happen to me if I did this?" She now asked in a more academic mindset that slightly nervous.
Wanda knows I would never force her to do anything and this was an offer I came up with to help her against Chthon. We both knew I had other plans to help her, this was just one I personally saw as very good to really break free from him in one fell swoop.
"That is a bit more unpredictable due to the malleable nature of elder gods, but I would say you would become a lot closer to mystical energies and it could led to something like a better physical form, abilities to shape-shift, some changes in appearance due to this overriding around half of your paternal DNA source and from your closer state to magic, and a status somewhere around the Demi-goddess level." I informed her with less certainty.
I just couldn't completely predict matters like this, even after consulting Gaea and Destiny.
"Ok... and I wouldn't become their servent or anything right?" She asked this time being colder at the thought.
"I would raze their precious Sanctums and kill every Sorcerer Supreme who they select should they dare to." I immediately answered with steel in my voice.
Wanda was my charge, student and close one, I would destroy everything they stood for if they tried to essentially enslave her. No matter what good they have done, it will not excuse the offense.
Gods they may be, but I will be the one who stands before gods for mortals.
"...Thank you." Wanda emotionally responded with almost teary eyes as her body just relaxed.
It didn't matter that she had come to know some people in the Sanctums or that she had studied there, just the thought that someone would challenge gods for her was something she appreciated immensely.
"Always my dear." I softly told her with a warm smile.
The poor teen just couldn't help it and rushed in for a strong hug I gently returned.
She was feeling rather emotional.
It took a few moments, and some concealed sniffles, but she did eventually let go after dabbing her eyes a bit.
"Ok... I'll give it a try." Wanda quietly stated with a nod.
"Then let's get everything ready." I told her.
The ritual itself wasn't exactly complicated. Circular in shape using Gaea as the center circle to showcase Wanda's home, humanity and her sponsor, as a free and strong Wanda aligned with myself is a powerful defender of Earth, overlaid with a triangle sporting the individuals symbols of Agamotto, Hoggoth and Oshtur, with the seal of the Vishanti interwoven throughout.
The 'blood' of Agamotto was in the center, while Wanda and I stood outside to ensure we wouldn't be trapped.
We weren't exactly asking for power, but their blessing really, and with Gaea's support near a tapped into Lay Line, we didn't exactly need anything crazy to do everything.
"We call for the Three-Who-Are-One.
Those Who Sit Above.
The Eternal Vishanti.
Hear our call spoken through Earthly Gaea's might.
Through blood of your blood, we beseech you.
Come and hear our plea." I chanted in a language related to 'light' magic.
Like is said, not complicated as it was just using something with a direct connection and backed it up with power and a sponsor.
Soon enough, three faces began to from from the mystical energies being called.
One was a beautiful woman with a regal, wise and strong appearance coupled by long black hair and pupil-less eyes glowing with power like the other two.
Oshtur.
Next was an anthropomorphic tiger head oozing power and a rawer energy.
Hoggoth.
And lastly was face made up of energy, but with masculine and dignified features having carried over from his 'mortal days'. A pair of slightly pointed ears were also visible due to it not having any hair.
Agamotto.
"You summon us with the blood of my child, thus you stand before the Vishanti, spared only by Gaea's plea." Oshtur spoke with narrowed eyes. "Speak."
"I am Kaihito, Sage for humanity. I speak for my pupil and charge, Wanda Maximoff, touched by Chthon." I evenly stated with my own power casually radiating off of me. "I have called you down for one purpose: To ascertain if the Vishanti would be willing to have my student blood-adopted to break the chains fate and the God of Chaos have laid on her."
"You would dare!" Hoggoth aggressively responded as he flared with power, only to be met by my unimpressed face.
"I said I was asking if you were willing. Not that I needed you to or begging you to." I spoke with no emotion but let my own power flare to cancel out any of his display. "Regardless, it is not up to you Hoggoth the Hoary. For this I speak mainly to Lady Oshtur and Lord Agamotto."
"You would request this of us, breaker of chains, singularity of this world and unseen mover, but why should we agree?" Oshtur questioned, silencing Oshtur subtly before matters devolved.
"For a promise, an oath, to defend the realms of man from mystical threats plaguing them since time immemorial as a second line of defense to your Sorcerer Supremes." I answered with my offer. "To free a gifted young women from the touch of your enemy and to help form the bane of his existence as well as a mediator between light and dark for she is both."
"And should we refuse?" Agamotto questioned this time, looking rather focused.
I was guessing he wasn't particularly used to not having noticed or knowing things with his titles.
"Nothing. This conversation ends and I continue to help my student become the best she could be. This request is simply due to a stroke of fortune and inspiration brought by my liberation of your spine from the hands of dark wizards." I easily answered with a shake of my head. "If it sweetens the deal, I can tell you I currently have sealed away the Serpent Crown of Set and am planing of removing his Lemurian Worshippers as well."
That at least seemed to mollify Hoggoth somewhat as his bestial expression softened.
"So... I would be gaining a... granddaughter." Oshtur softly said with eyes giving Wanda much scrutiny, causing her to be a little uncomfortable in front of beings she's only read of. "Are you comfortable with this child? You will be losing some of your very humanity, rising above them."
The question and sudden seeming care threw her off for a moment.
"I haven't really considered myself fully human in a long time already." She answered with a flash of sadness at memories passed. "But I won't just let Chthon have his way with me because of what my mother did, nor will I let him have me without a fight.
So if you can help me Lady Oshtur, Lord Agamotto, Lord Hoggoth, I will do my best to make sure her never comes to Earth with that much greater ferocity."
"Sage, you are aware of the changes this would cause, yes?" Agamotto asked me with a deep gaze.
"Of course, and I shall be there to help her face them if necessary, but I will not fear the unknown and let my student face tragedy simply because it was 'the safer path' or 'the only way'." I replied with firm will and conviction. "Wanda deserves happiness and to be more than a tool, just like how my other pupils have had their paths changed, so will her's.
We have already walked down these paths... it is time for new ones to be tread."
We had both confirmed our knowledge regarding alternate timelines and realities, knowing full well that Wanda almost never had it good and that her path was fraught to say the least.
"Just think of her as something slightly similar to the In-Betweener."
"So you know of them as well." Agamotto simply confirmed his thoughts. "Thus you know a balance must be kept correct?"
"Yes. But I will not chose the easier path for myself by letting others suffer. Inaction is still a choice, and choices have consequences." I answered with a meaningful look.
"But sometimes one must chose it regardless." The principality replied with a neutral expression.
"Maybe, but one must also be careful to not do so on beliefs in the future instead of understanding the possibilities of the now. I despise using the future as an excuse for wrongs committed as no one but The-One-Above-All could possibly truly see everything." I countered calmly as Oshtur seemed to be discussing matters with Wanda, leaving Hoggoth mildly isolated.
I wasn't going to mention even higher entities than that though.
"And so, in your efforts to better the present and change the future, you wish for me to take on a daughter touched by Chthon?" Agamotto stated as he addressed today's matter instead of sounding out my ideals and thoughts.
"If you would be willing Lord Agamotto. I am open to bargaining for such, but I will not allow her to be turned into a tool or almost slave to the whims and desires of the Vishanti as well." I responded with my limit as to not waste everyone's time.
"You are remarkably direct for a mortal, Sage. It is very rare that we are the ones receiving conditions." The principality replied sounding almost amused by the novelty.
"I desire mutually beneficial agreements when I deal with parties such as yourselves and not bargains made out of the moment's need which would allow extremely unfair deals to be made." I said as we both knew it was extremely common in the mystical world. "Plus this way we can build proper relationships which will be much stronger.
I have the same type of agreements with Lady Gaea, and so far I've helped her regain a large amount of power and have begun healing the damages made by humanity over the last century.
I respect her and appreciate her aid, hence I do my best to respond in kind.
Simple and effective. Much better in the long term in my opinion. Isn't that how it should be even?"
Those last words at least seemed to have an effect on Agamotto, causing memories to flash in an instant knowing that look on the being's face.
"And to ensure this you would swear an oath?" Agamotto questioned as i knew he had been disappointed many times by humanity before his ascension, never having truly understood it, hence why the Vishanti rely on Aged Genghis to chose the Sorcerer Supreme and not themselves.
"Yes. As long as I am not betrayed, I will not betray. I desire this world and humanity to thrive, and as such I am willing to combat demons, gods and old ones to ensure it, only I wish to do so on my own terms as well." I answered with a simple nod.
"And what of Chthon's Touched?" He followed up with a look to his mother talking to the more comfortable looking girl.
"That is for her and yourselves to decide. I am the guide and guardian, not her master. Wanda has every right to decide, just as you." I answered with confidence in the teen.
She had come very far in her years with us, becoming much more confident in herself and her magic over time, learning at incredible rates while also going beyond normal boundaries of magic with me.
With that said, Agamotto went over to Wanda and Oshtur to see this different Wanda for himself.
It had been a long time since he had gotten to do something like that with his own eyes.
"I do not trust you, human Sage." Hoggoth simply stated.
"Trust is built and earned, not given. Should this agreement happen, then we will see if that changes in the future." I simply replied before looking into his eyes. "Because at the moment, I don't trust you with someone I hold very close to my heart either.
So I guess we're even."
With that said, I waited in silence for a few minutes before going over to join the others.
Oddly enough, Oshtur was softly murmuring grandmother in different languages, as if testing them on her tongue.
"Have you made a decision?" I asked the main voices for today.
"I do believe we have." Agamotto answered with a nod.
"Yeah." Wanda followed suit.
"You know that you can back out even now, yes?" I quietly asked with a soft care in my voice, causing her to smile warmly.
"I know." She replied with a determined nod. "But, I think I'd like to do this. Plus, Lord Agamotto couldn't be a worst father than Magneto."
"*Chuckle* Not the highest of bars, but I certainly hope not." I agreed with the humorous comparison. "So they've agreed? And so have you?"
"Yeah. Lady Oshtur was... really into it for some reason." Wanda revealed as we both looked at her still going through innumerable ways of saying 'grandmother'.
"It's a good start at least, so let's get this show on the road then." I said as everyone easily went where they needed to be.
Wanda would be in the circle with the blood, Agamotto and Oshtur would face her, while Hoggoth and I would observe.
"Do you, Wanda Django Maximoff, Daughter of Natalya, agree to become Daughter of Agamotto?
To break the chains of Chaos and oppose the corrupting darkness tempting man?" Agamotto asked with his voice thrumming with power.
"I swear." Wanda solemnly answered with great conviction.
"Do you come willingly to learn and preserve the magic of the world, protecting and guiding others in our stead as Granddaughter of Oshtur, the Bright Lady?" Oshtur herself then spoke with a more obvious excitement.
I couldn't help picture the elder goddess berating Agamotto for not having given her grand babies in the past and that being why she favored Ororo Munroe's line since before the fall of Atlantis.
It really made it difficult to not chuckle.
"I do." Wanda answered again.
"Then take in my essence." Agamotto instructed as he channeled and Oshtur their energy in the blood. "And become so."
Wanda brought the now golden drop of blood to her mouth and swallowed it, instinctively taking a meditative position while integrating everything.
At this point, all I could do is observe to make sure nothing wrong happened to her while great amounts of mystical energies gathered to and inside Wanda, noting every change in her body and soul as she meditated.
It was to be expected from her essentially stepping above base mortality that changes would occur, but I wanted to make sure they weren't negative and that even if they were we could take care of them later.
Gaining data on such a unique event was also an added bonus, just like how Insight could use Anne-Marie's powers due to helping her during training and Wisdom and myself had obtained enlightenment regarding the Phoenix's cosmic flames and properties during Jean's ascension into an Avatar.
Simply looking at Wanda actually did prove enough to notice some changes as her auburn hair actually became a deep red, her face gaining a higher state of beauty somewhat like how Jean actually did after her refinement through Phoenix flames, and her body maturing slightly.
After a few minutes, she opened her eyes to display the biggest change: her crystal clear, sky blue irises matching those I've seen of Ororo Munroe's from the reports, except with thrumming magic behind them.
The initial scans of her body indicated elevated stats, her soul was much stabler and welcoming to magical energies, and her mind wasn't being constantly assaulted as now the other side of magic could push back against the corruptive influences of Chaos magic.
"Welcome Wanda Oshtur Maximoff, daughter of Agamotto." Agamotto decreed to the world as the teen smile brightly at the words, feeling lighter than she had in years.
"I will do my best to not make you regret this Lord Agamotto, Lady Oshtur." She bowed in deep gratitude.
"Rise child. Walk forth as the one in between all magics. Blessed by light and dark. But make sure to not lose you balance, as your fall shall be most perilous." Oshtur responded powerfully.
"Thank you for the warning." The teen replied.
"Go now new daughter. Remind those hiding in the darkness, whispering temptation and corruption the forgotten times when Agamotto walked the mortal world." Agamotto said with a nod as the trio gathered together. "And remember your promises Sage, as we will be watching over you both."
"I will. All of them." I told them as my word wasn't only for a promise cooperation and mutual benefits, but also held warnings.
With that, this part of the Vishanti vanished, leaving Wanda and myself behind.
"...so that happened." Wanda said a few moments later.
"Indeed. I wonder if the universe is saying something with the two girls who've ascended to being Demi-goddesses having red hair." I joked with a grin at the success. "But seriously, are you ok?"
"Yeah... yeah I am. I actually feel great!" She answered with a big smile after clenching her fists and feeling her magic. "It's like I can just reach out to so much more and it'll actually listen. Like magic other than the chaos kind... likes me now."
"We'll test everything out like we did with Jean later, but for now I think you deserve some R & R ." I recommended with care.
"Sounds good." Wanda agreed eagerly as we disappeared from the facility.
Author Notes:
Oh yes, shit ramped up to one hundred and fifty for Jean and Wanda.
I know it feels kind of 'easy' but I am trying to go off of existing data even though it's really hard to find consistent information of these two near god-like girls who either go insane or die all the time.
This Jean has been training since she was 11 with full access to her powers and then some while the Phoenix was passively nurturing her during its slumber within her. On top of that, she was taught by someone equaling her potential in psionics while also having his own Force, is constantly at her 'peak' state and had plenty of time to be taught about the Phoenix and how to deal with cosmic awareness from Kai's brushes with it.
With Insight basically modifying Jean to handle this power and Kai helping her gradually take it in over a much longer period of time than sudden awakening, I do think Jean would be able to maintain control and not fall to the Dark Phoenix. Temporary passion boost aside cause of teenage hormones, this doesn't mean she has the full power or control of it, basically being at a perfect starting point to build up to it.
Wanda was a case of sudden eureka on how I could have her take a different path than somehow absorbing the DarkHold and sealing Chthon in her own body.
It was impossible to really find information on the Vishanti's personalities, so I had to go off what I could find.
In my mind Hoggoth would be the most grumpy and distrusting after having experienced the end of his own planet and being an alien god.
Oshtur should be the most caring as it was said she was moved to tears by a blind child's happiness, resulting in Agamotto's birth, and she is constantly represented on the sides of light and Justice, but her having only sort of experienced having her own child once and having him ascend did cut off possibilities she hadn't imagined and a curiosity over having a daughter/granddaughter isn't so far fetched. I know I may have gone too far with it, but I wanted to have a bit of fun and humanize her and Agamotto a bit.
Agamotto himself i feel would be a bit detached about the whole thing, looking at it through a more unbiased view due to his time as a mortal and principality. I do believe he would be open to having someone like Wanda be another line of defense against beings like Chthon should the Sorcerer Supreme fail, and what better way that having a grateful 'daughter'. He's not a cunt, but I would see him as less emotionally involved than his mother.
What do you guys think about the slight changes in Wanda's looks though? I think it fits.
But yeah, this is what happens when op girls get help from op guy.
As for Anne-Marie, I think her training with brain-dead clones would be a great way for her to gain basic control over her abilities with minimal risks.
With the help of Insight she can also be more aware of what is happening and gain quicker control of herself and the new powers.
It also serves as an excellent way for her to gain powers in the future without any inherent risks, even if she would have to train them herself. Kai having an incredibly large amount of samples and data on super powered beings gives her enormous potential for a plethora of permanent powers.
Oh yeah, Rogue gonna taking names and kicking ass with the best of them.
On a side note, I know I'm making these people op but I have also been planing bits where Kai goes outside his own reality and I'm trying to organize proper villains for this as well. It's just that right now Earth just isn't really on anyone's radar and matters regarding mutants are just starting to become a bit more known and powered beings are still somewhat 'in hiding', so there isn't exactly much for him to outright do beyond maybe interfering in foreign hot zones.
At this point, Kai instead prefers to do what he can without overt violence to help the world instead, taking the opportunity to bring in young mutants and gain loyal followers in impoverished nations or those at war.
Next moves should actually involve being somewhat more direct and spreading his influence.
Hope you still enjoy, even though it can be Gary Stu-y.