No-One But You (The Mystic Consultant) - Part 2

Chapter 34: Sunset (Part 4)

Donna thanked Steve Rogers for speaking to her about Victor. Apparently, her younger brother had an issue with being, "trained" and he behaved as if he didn't need anyone's help. Victor saying that bothered the sister, but she ket her cool..

"Victor still has a lot to learn. I know he sees himself as an expert in the Mystic Arts, but I happen to know exactly where his training lacks."

Her baby brother was arrogant, and he had issues with controlling his temper and emotions. Donna planned to make him aware of that, but she had some housework to take care of in order to get everything going. Steve Rogers was in a large room within the temple. It was a room designed for council, or deliberation. His best friend Bucky was in the room as well, and Donna asked for Tony to join the conversation.

Hoggoth's host didn't really comment on joining the chat. He simply stopped what he was doing near the forge, then he made his way up to listen in. Donna intended to have a separate conversation with Tony down the road, because his connection with Victor was a bit different. Victor idolized Tony Stark, so…

"Thank you all for being here. I know this is very sudden, and I know you have a million other things you could be doing. We appreciate it, please know that."

Donna was speaking on behalf of the entire Strange family, even Victor. Their youngest was being a bit of a pain at the moment, but Donna knew the time Tony, Steve and Bucky carved out for them would pay off in the end. She could see it, so she smiled. The new embodiment of the Ancient One appeared to them with the appearance they all expected.

Bucky began to wonder how long Donna was going to parade around looking, ancient, and mystical. He knew her only as a bright young woman who decorated his apartment, and always wore skirts. He started doing the math on their relationship, and he thought about the James thing.. Steve spoke to Donna after a bit, so Bucky's focus migrated away. Steve said they all were happy to help. The golden boy made sure to emphasize the word ALL, when he spoke.

In Steve's mind, securing the transition of the Sorcerer Supreme took priority over everything. He was very focused, and obviously he was still in teacher/recruiter mode. Tony could see it when the golden boy spoke, but he didn't comment on any of it. Tony just observed..

"I also like the idea you mentioned about Victor training Ezekiel. He can show him the book work in the mornings while the two of them are here, but then, the physical and spiritual elements will be worked on by you or I."

Donna mapped her plan out with Steve, then the Ancient One looked over at Tony. The smaller brunette gave her small smile. Steve followed Donna's lead for a moment. He noticed where her focus went, so he looked. Steve's eyes ventured to his right and they locked onto his Little Red Corvette.. Tony brought up constructing an amulet, for Victor. Steve's focus sharpened when Tony spoke, because he was speaking about something that went hand-in-hand with someone becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.

"Hoggoth and Oshtur aren't difficult to work with, but I'm sure Agamotto isn't going to like the change. He might reject Victor entirely, so that's something else we'll need to prepare for."

Tony decided to focus on the upcoming supernatural elements, and he spoke of having it handled. Donna thanked him for his insight, and for leaving no stone unturned. Bucky wasn't entirely clueless on what they were saying in that moment, but he felt like he had to have a manual of some sort to map out all the different names.

Steve kept looking at Tony, and thoughts raced about him seeming extra focused. Tony could feel the attention and the sudden rush of thoughts. He took a second to look over at the only sunshine in the room. He gave Steve a small smile, and that was it. Tony was extra focused, and distant. Not distant from Steve… no way. Tony just felt distant from what was happening back at the apartment.

He decided to think on it for a while. Tony wanted to leave and continue processing. Steve was good with that. He watched Tony say his goodbyes to Donna Strange. Tony gave the room a small wave, then he headed off back down to his shiny new lab. Steve inwardly decided to visit the lab in a couple days. A couple days felt like the proper amount of time…

Until then, the soldier spoke of telling Victor about the change to their plan.

Bucky Barnes and Donna Strange were left all alone in the large council room. Steve took off so he could find Victor and Ezekiel, then fill them in. Bucky stared at the door as Steve left, but then he returned his focus to only other person in the room. He had several questions for Miss Donna Strange, but he wasn't sure if it was appropriate.

Obviously, she wasn't the same person. Bucky thought of her as some sort of mystical, nun? He was getting majestic super-Ghandi vibes.

"So, why am I here? I'm not exactly helpful when it comes to all of that Vishanti, mystical training, stuff."

Bucky was curious. I mean, he didn't mind helping Steve. He also didn't mind the two of them hashing out what happened in the past, as well as all of the bullshit relating to his dick-tease lover. Bucky was cool with all of that, but he wasn't sure why the regal and noble Donna Strange included him. His mind ventured back to the fact that Donna dumped him years ago. He confessed how he felt about Steve, then she left.

The woman up and moved out of his apartment, and the two of them had barely spoken ever since. Bucky moved on with Natasha, then Donna Strange eventually became….who exactly?

"Why are you here? What a thing to say.."

Donna took her time, but she listened to Bucky's question. Several thoughts crossed her mind in that moment, but most of them had to do with both of her brothers. She thought about how much James Buchanan AKA "Bucky" Barnes meant to her incredibly small family. His connection to Victor alone should have been enough of a reason for his presence…

"I suppose we're just used to you being around. Stephen and I discussed having you here, incase something goes wrong with Victor. Things could go wrong, James, so keeping humanity in the loop is pretty important."

That was the only explanation she could give him. Donna Strange continued looking at the person who technically questioned his entire existence. Bucky pondered her response for a sec. Uhh, he wasn't sure how to take that information, and randomly being called James again was throwing off his groove.

Chapter: END

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