Once more, thank you all to those who have participated in answering the news questions for Chapter 132, you will get shoutouts proper come the chapter.
Next.
Daredevil Born Again… OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WE'RE GONNA HAVE WORDS AFTER WHAT HAPPENED AT THE END OF EPISODE 3, BELIEVE THAT.
Other than that, let's continue forward.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 129: Tales To Astonish: Martial and Mystic Arts
At Kamar-Taj, it was a nice and pleasant day.
Many sorcerers were teaching the present recruits with others refining their own skills. Amongst the new recruits were new Jedi, several Clones and other species from the galaxy the Masters of the Mystic Arts had scouted, stumbled upon, or found and brought them to Earth.
The training, education, and practices of the Mystic Arts were happening in almost every corner of the temple of Kamar-Taj, the entire ancient structure brimming with activity.
Yet in the midst of all this, within the library of the temple, standing between the three doors to the three sanctums of earth, the four head Sorcerers were all conducting a meeting between themselves. Books, tomes, and scrolls were either on the ground, on makeshift tables, chained to the walls, or floating around Strange, Mordo, Wong, and Celeste, all deep in study and research.
The knowledge they were sifting through wasn't just isolated to their Order.
"How would one retain consciousness after death?" Stephen asked aloud, several books and scrolls floating around him. He clapped the one he was holding shut and nudged it to hover above his head, grasping another book out of the air and opening it up to a bookmarked page. "There were many theories over the centuries, but none that could be truly proven. Even with what happened with The Ancient One, that was more her last few seconds stretched out from our perspective before she passed on."
"Astral projection was spoken as one means of crossing the veil of death but never touching it." Wong said, comparing a sorcerer's book on astral projection with an ancient Jedi Scroll involving the concept of retaining consciousness after death.
"But remember what Shaun and Xialing told us?" Mordo spoke up. "In Ta Lo, they saw the spirit of their mother appear before them and pulled out their father's spirit and the two parted soon after."
"Do you think Ta Lo might have something that we can learn?" Strange asked.
"We should rule nothing out," Celeste commented, setting aside a Holocron she had finished listening to. "When it comes to the Force, to the Mystic Arts, every path is available. It is simply a matter of which one is the safest and what should be known of and avoided. Take the Sith. Their methods of immortality were always unique as they were perversions in the Force. They didn't, or rather, couldn't fathom the notion of letting go so they opted for extreme rituals and barbaric practices to create a false sense of immortality. Through mystical and archaic means, one can bind their spirit to objects or Holocrons."
Celeste's hand subconsciously reached towards her throat. The phantom feeling of the Murr Talisman choking her for all those years still lingered at times.
"Does that mean we have to become Jedi or something?" Stephen queried.
"Incorporate their practices and philosophy, perhaps." Mordo mused aloud.
"Technically, Earth already has its own version of it." Morne stated. "Buddhism is a pretty close interpretation of the Jedi Path so perhaps we can find something there."
"Well, I'm not the philosophical, Buddhist type," Strange wryly said. "I don't think I'd be the right kind of guy to incorporate stuff like that into our Order."
"We already did." Mordo pointed out in bemusement. "The knowledge of our Order is the culmination of gatherings from all over the World."
"Perhaps we are missing a few things. Or rather, missed." Wong stated, his hand rubbing his chin as he glanced over at the library. "I may be the keeper of the library of Kamar-Taj, but even I can attest to having not read everything there is to offer in this temple."
Stephen hummed at that, flipping through several pages before stopping on one that made him pause and frown in thought.
"What about the Ancestral Plane?" He said aloud, getting the attention of the others.
"Hmmm?" Mordo tilted his head, curious now. "What do you mean?"
"Since T'challa and Shuri joined the Avengers, they allowed limited knowledge for us to know of their people. One of which was the data of their heart-shaped herbs." Stephen told them. "I took a look at it and read that once digesting the concoction put them in a death-like state to allow the partaker to go to the astral plane to commune with their ancestors. For a medical practitioner, it was a means of putting their mind to rest as their body underwent the unique modifications to become the various Black Panthers in the past."
Celeste cups her cheek and ponders on the details. "I can perhaps see that happening. Such a change would put the body in great strain. It would be best to keep the person under so they wouldn't go into shock."
"My thoughts as well. But… What if," Strange held up his hand, his thumb and index finger rubbing together as he brainstormed the idea. "What if we were to go to the Wakandan Ancestral Plane? And what if the answers we're looking for or the inspiration that we need can be found there?"
"Would we be allowed to do such a thing?" Wong questioned.
"The Ancestral Plane is sacred to the Wakandan Royal family." Mordo reminded them. "Trying to access it would require their permission. Not just from a single member, but from the entire family."
"And I doubt all would be on board with the idea." Celeste murmured.
Stephen let out a grunt, one eye closed as he gave them all a look. "Yeah~~ Normally, you guys would probably be right. But I think T'Challa and Shuri might be more susceptible to the idea, far more than you'd think."
This only added further confusion, Strange only compounding on it as he opened the doorway to the New York Sanctum and left them to stew on his words.
-The Next Day-
The morning sun shined brightly upon Kamar-Taj, the training area filled with Jedi, Clones and other initiates new to the Order of the Mystic Arts.
Standing before this large group was Doctor Strange and Celeste Morne, the duo observing the gathered recruits, trainees and initiates.
The latter easily spotted Barriss, giving the Mirialan a kind smile, one that the Padawan returned whilst Strange spotted Wanda, surprisingly and he gave her a questioning look with her silently conveying they could talk later. He turned to Celeste, catching the Jedi Sorcerer's eye, signaling it was time.
What Strange didn't know was Celeste wondering as to what Strange meant in regards to T'Challa and Shuri being open to the notion of allowing them into the Wakandan Ancestral Plane but knowing him, he'll reveal it in due time and in his dramatic, sarcastic way. For now, they had a class to teach.
Celeste stepped forward, hands behind her back as she began to address the crowd.
"Welcome, everyone, to Kamar-Taj." She began with a kind smile. "To those of you who have been here a number of times, you can tune this out if you would like but to those of you who are new, I extend to you our greetings and welcome to a new chapter in your life. The practice of the Mystic Arts is one of intense knowledge, discipline, determination and ambition."
She saw some of the newer Jedi shift about uncomfortably at that last tidbit.
"Now I know how that might sound to some of you but it is the reason why you were chosen to be trained in these arts. You have that innate drive, that want for more but it is tempered by your training as a Jedi, as a Trooper and as life can do so to just about anyone. And for those of you who are new, think of your lives being spent looking through a keyhole. You have always asked and wondered if there was more to this world, to this reality. It is here that you can begin to expand on what you once knew into perspectives you didn't think were conceivable. Now then, let's begin with the basics. For those of you who already know, be prepared to assist our newest members."
Strange now stepped forward, holding up a familiar of equipment, standard to all Sorcerers.
"The Sling Ring. Your ultimate friend and ally when you're traversing this world, your galaxy and even the multiverse itself. Granted, it can't travel as easily as one would assume but this does allow us access to certain universes and realities that we have created links and tethers with. Mastering the Sling Ring is your first step in becoming a Master of the Mystic Arts. Barriss, Echo, if you would."
The pair wordlessly stepped forward, the Jedi and Clone holding up their right arms, their Sling Rings visible for all to see on their fingers. With their left hands, they made circular motions, and a second later, golden sparks appeared in the air in front of them before more appeared, connecting together and creating an expansive portal.
Those who were new to the Order stared in awe and wonder before the portals collapsed.
"Now, pair up and begin." Stephen said.
The training area became a flurry of hand motions, sparks, and portals.
Stephen and Celeste walked around and in between all the Sorcerers-in-training, stepping in when they needed to whilst observing silently for the most part.
Barriss and Echo along with Waxer, Booster, Lucky, and Gree were quick to assist others as they had shown considerable growth and progress with their training. It was a blessing that Strange and Celeste were grateful to see, these up-and-comers giving them a sense of Deja vu with how fast they are now starting to grasp their new powers.
Amid their pacing, Celeste had been eyeing several Jedi who seemed to now hesitate in their training, their expressions conveying uncertainty and their bodies showing off a rigidity that prevented them from doing the proper motions.
The Jedi Sorceress approached them individually, gathering them in her own section of the training area, continuing off from her initial introduction.
"Now, now, it's not like I'm here to reprimand you or anything." Was Celeste's assuaging statement to the selected Jedi. "I just wish to know your thoughts and feelings. I sense a great deal of hesitation and resistance in being here. Please, I would like to know why."
There was a beat of silence with most of the Jedi shifting about uncomfortably until a Rodian spoke up.
"This feels… different from what we're used to."
Celeste gave him a bemused smile. "Well, naturally, it would be. This is an entirely different branch of power and abilities from what you're all used to."
"It's not just that," A Togrutan female murmured. "It's just that… I… we…"
Morne tilted her head, giving the Togruta Jedi a scrutinizing gaze until realization began to dawn.
"Ah, you're nervous about this power." Celeste nodded her head understandingly. "It's alright, I can see why. This is, after all, a new means of gaining abilities outside the norm of the Jedi."
"It just feels too broad and dangerous." A human male Jedi muttered.
Celeste had a thoughtful frown. "What makes you believe such a thing?"
The Jedi before her all shifted about, clearly unsure as to what to say. Morne was silent in all this, patiently awaiting a response from any of them.
After a few moments, the Rodian Jedi, who first spoke up, voiced his concerns.
"I believe that there is a danger in learning these… abstract and unknowable concepts." He admitted. "Maybe it's just me but when learning about all this, talking about pulling from other realities, utilizing power that can reshape reality itself… I can't deny my hesitation of what that entails."
"So a fear of the unknown."
"Perhaps. Or perhaps I just fear what some might become when gaining such higher degree of power that even the Force can't contend with."
"What if someone falls to the Dark Side, uses this power for evil?" Another Jedi asked.
"Well, someone has, many have." Celeste freely admitted, making the group all stare. "The notion of someone falling to their worst aspects isn't something exclusive to the Jedi, you know. Just as much as our Order had spawned fallen and Dark Jedi, or worse, Sith Lords, this Order has had its fair share of individuals that allowed the worst aspects of themselves to take hold and go down a path that few could ever return from."
"Then shouldn't we at least have some level of restraint?" A male Jedi worriedly said.
Celeste shook her head. "What you need to understand is that learning these arts, gaining this power is the same as our Order as it is different. Here, there is a greater degree of independence and freedom but in that comes a greater degree of accountability and responsibility with all that you have learned. In Kamar-Taj, no knowledge is forbidden, only certain practices. And even then, rules were at times meant to be bent when confronted with a situation where such regimented means of thinking and practices would only lead to loss and defeat."
The present Jedi were apprehensive with what they were hearing. The Jedi Sorceress was like them all so many years ago when put into such predicaments and warnings when out on various missions for the good of the galaxy.
"When I first came here, truthfully, I didn't have such reservations as you all are having right now." Celeste said. "Actually, this place was my salvation. A Darkness that clung to my body, physically and metaphorically, was removed here by my master. I found a new purpose, new drive. I found love." She held a serene smile that disarmed the group of Jedi as she went on. "But after reconnecting with my home galaxy, I now know more than ever, all of you coming here was a must."
The Jedi recruits all glanced at each other in confusion but remained silent as Celeste went on.
"Here, you may find yourself confronting dark practices, ambiguous ideas and dangerous thoughts. Perhaps even facing the Dark Side. But something that has been lost in the current era of the Jedi Order is that the Dark Side shall and always will be a part of our galaxy. To ignore it, repress it and try to actively destroy it with fear and desperation shall only lead to greater tragedies and evils to replace what was lost."
The Rodian Jedi shared a look with the Togruta next to him.
"I discovered much about myself while being here, made friendships that have made me stronger and a love that has given me a strength I never thought possible. I achieved balance here."
Celeste closed her eyes, holding her hands forward slightly, palms facing up. Wind began stirring around the Jedi Sorceress with wisps and sparks of magic beginning to flow from her fingertips.
The Jedi all stared, some gasping in wonder as they felt a powerful reverberation in the Force that came with the added boost of Sorcery that was exhilarating as it was calming. They all felt it.
This was Celeste Morne.
Her equilibrium.
"Balance," She spoke up, eyes still closed. "True balance is not the rejection of the Dark Side and that which you do not know but the confrontation of it, overcoming, mastering and understanding it. The Ancient One once told me, as she had told many of her students that we never defeat our demons. We simply learn to rise above them. They are always there, the reminder of our follies, our personal hang-ups and flaws. How we can so easily fall into Darkness without even realizing it sometimes. The Dark Side exists in all corners of the universe and in all beings that reside in it. This is just another aspect of it you must all confront. Not the practice and knowledge of sorcery. But how you choose to let it influence you and how you choose to utilize it in the influence of the material world."
Her eyes opened, and the sparks and wisps converged above her right hand, creating a sphere of light that she clenched tightly. She then threw her hand up, with the entire small area they were in now looking as though they were standing in the middle of the cosmos.
The Jedi all gaped in awe, looking around at the sight of galaxies, stars and other cosmic phenomena that disappeared as quickly as it was conjured.
Celeste smiled slightly at their expressions, making a flick of her hand with the magic subsiding entirely.
"Some of you might be averse to gaining power as it contradicts what you have been taught. But do not think of it as gaining power for the sake of power. Remember who you are, who we are. We are those who protect those who cannot protect themselves. As Jedi, Avengers, Sorcerers, all of it, we have a power and ability that must be used for the sake of others. Remember your training and your obligations, your duties that have been instilled in you since you could first understand the Force. Think of this as a new chapter in your life, not just for higher learning but in gaining newer and broader means of conducting your duties as Jedi, not for the sake of politicians but for the Force itself, for life, for people who will always need help, be it big or small. Now, are you ready to begin?"
This time, the Jedi in front of her held resolute and determined faces, making her smile widen, gesturing them to get into their groups and begin practicing with their Sling Rings.
All the while, Strange had been in the midst of assisting a Clone Trooper with his Sling Ring when he caught someone out of the corner of his eye.
He took a brief glance over, turning back to the clone when he paused and craned his head to the newcomer in the area.
The newcomer gave a small wave, with Stephen shooting her a bemused expression as he walked over to her.
"This is a surprise." Strange remarked, getting Wanda to raise a brow in response.
"Is it? I thought you would have said something along the lines of "What took you so long?"
"You never seemed like you needed help with your powers." Strange freely admitted. "I mean, you've been an Avenger for far longer than I've been a Sorcerer."
She gave him a humored smile. "My means of learning was somewhat touch and go. It changed when I arrived on Dathomir. Even then, I still have some issues."
"There's always room for refinement." Says Steven. "Everyone learns that sooner than later. I certainly got that lesson back in medical school."
"Which is why I'm here." Wanda declared. "I figure if anyone or any place can really help me understand my powers better, what better place to start than Hogwarts."
Strange rolled his eyes at that. "Yeah, well, we don't have any trolls, pillars to run through-"
"But there are owls," Wanda cheekily interjected. "Wong and Mordo told me about them."
"Of course they did." Strange gestures for her to follow him. "Come on. I'm certain there's a whole bunch of forbidden books we don't know about yet that can help explain your funk."
"At least I know where to start." Wanda says, earning a look from him. "I wonder if your library has knowledge about the Scarlet Witch."
This got a more confused look from him.
"The Scarlet Witch…" Strange murmured, tapping his fingers on his chin. "If anyone has knowledge of that, Wong might. Why the sudden interest?"
Wanda gave him a look, gesturing to herself when her clothing transformed into her uniform. "Because I'm her."
The Sorcerer let out an intrigued hum. "So it wasn't just a codename, huh? Alright, we do indeed have our starting point. Let's get to it."
-Scene Cut-
On the planet Dathomir, a meeting of great importance was underway.
Grandmaster Yoda, garbed in his new white robes with his white staff in hand, led a unique contingent of individuals.
Walking behind him and by his side were T'Challa, Wong, Mordo and fellow Council Member T'ra Saa.
Before these five were several women.
Ros Lai stood at the head with Augwynne Djo, leader of the Singing Mountain Clan, right by her side. Next to the pair were Kammine Sihn of the Dreaming River Clan and Astrinol Hja of the Raining Leaves Clan. And of course, Mother Talzin of the Nightsisters was at the end of the group.
The Dathomirian Clan Mothers walked forward to greet the Jedi and Avengers, stopping short of a yard apart from them.
"Greetings, Grandmaster Yoda," Ros Lai spoke with the utmost respect and grace. "On behalf of the Witches of Dathomir, I, Ros Lai, welcome you to our home."
Yoda bowed in turn. "An honor, be here it is. Thank you we do for your hospitality and meeting."
"We are happy to have you." Augwynne pleasantly greeted them. "Others would be present, but we would suffice for the time being. They still have their duties to uphold with their clans."
"Think nothing of it." Wong said in turn.
T'ra hummed to herself, taking a moment to look at the red skies of Dathomir with a reminiscent gaze. "I wonder what Allya would make of all this. She always was a rebellious one. Yet her heart was always in the right place."
"Given you knew of her all so long ago, you'd perhaps have an accurate look outside of her writings." Says Lady Kammine.
"I shall do my best. Grandmaster Yoda also knew her in her time so you have two that can help give you more perspective on your founder."
"Who are these two with you?" Mother Talzin now spoke up, her disembodied voice directed at Wong and Mordo who had been standing silently by them.
The latter stepped forward, bowing slightly as did the former.
"My name is Karl Mordo. This is Wong. We are the representatives of the Masters of the Mystic Arts."
There was an air of intrigue that now emanated from the clan mothers.
"Sorcerers?" Kammine murmured, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"We are friends and allies to the Avengers, if you are wondering." Wong said, pulling out a card with the Avengers A on it and a picture of his stern expression. "We come in hopes of establishing new relations and friendships with the Witches of Dathomir."
"We believe much can be exchanged and learned from one another if you are willing to do so." Mordo humbly said.
"Then by all means," Djo held out her arms in a welcoming fashion. "We hope to impress upon you our culture and ways."
"And we in turn shall do the same."
Ros turned to Wong and Mordo, giving them both a nod before gazing at T'Challa and she was unable to hold back, a wide, beaming smile directed at him.
"Prince T'Challa, it is always a pleasure to see you."
"Lady Lai," He said in turn, a small smirk of his own which she tutted at.
"Now, now, no need for such formalities between friends, remember?" She teased.
"Of course, Ros." The Prince said in turn.
"Come, come," She gestured for the group to follow her. "We have much to discuss. Best we do it in a more comfortable setting."
The Jedi and Avengers followed the Witches into a campsite with a large pitched tent, lavished with unique decorations from various clans. They entered the tent, finding a cozy setup with a circular setup of cushions in the center of the room and other witches present.
They all walked in, taking seats adjacent to each other as the tent fell into silence.
Ros Lai was the first to speak.
"Once more, Master Yoda, I thank you for coming on such short notice. When you and Master Saa directly reached out to speak with us, you can imagine our surprise as to the reason you did."
"Mmmm, a surprise to some, but a necessity for all, it is." Yoda said.
"How can you be so certain, Grandmaster?" Talzin challenged, giving the centuries-old Jedi a skewed look. "It is a bold, if not dangerous and heretical proposition to the more extremists of our kind."
"I am hard-pressed to disagree with such a notion," Astrinol Hja spoke up, shaking her head. "With the idea of a settlement for you Jedi, there will be those who won't be too keen on it."
"We would no doubt have concerns with some of the other clans spread across our world. The Nightbrothers being amongst them." Kammine chimed in.
"We understand." Says T'ra Saa. "Not everyone would be on board with non-Dathomirians residing here."
"Nor would most if not all be comfortable with the practices involved with the Nightbrothers." Mordo stated with a pointed look directed at Mother Talzin. "To treat them the way your clan has won't make you many friends, Mother Talzin."
The Nightsister held her head high, unfazed by his words. "It is a practice that is being phased out, if you are wondering. After the death of Zalem, much of her influence and mindset has diminished significantly."
"Yet holdouts remain." Saa pointedly said. "Allya would be none too pleased to know that her descendants and followers adhered to such practices, even after her fall. She found her redemption with your ancestors."
"To discuss this matter, another time, we will." Yoda interjected. "Not the purpose of this meeting, this is. To speak of extending the hand of friendship, this is."
"And the hand of friendship involves you building a temple here?" Kammine questioned with a slightly accusatory tone.
"And in turn, those who are willing to join or simply learn from our Order." T'ra smoothly said.
"And we agreed to allow them to do so, Mother Sihn," Ros Lai stated with a stern gaze directed at the leader of the Dreaming River Clan. She bowed her head apologetically. "Before we continue, tell me, where is Wanda? I was expecting her to be here for these discussions."
"She has personal matters to attend to back on Earth." Wong answered. "She sends you her apologies for not being able to be here at this time."
Ros simply frowned slightly, a bit bummed at not being able to see her friend again. She shook her head, focusing back on the meeting at hand.
"Well, since we are discussing this, figuring out the ideal location would take some time."
"The settlement doesn't have to be as large as you imagine." T'ra stated. "A small village may suffice."
"It wouldn't matter if it's large or small. The fact remains of its presence." Hja stated. "There is a matter of territory and boundaries on top of which Clans would be more open to you being here and which would be less than welcoming."
"If not hostile." Djo pointed out, shaking her head at the foolish notion. "Even before Allya's arrival, your Order had tolerated our people for years. However, the same can't exactly be said the other way around."
T'ra tilted her head slightly before she straightened her head up, closing her eyes, replaying a memory in her mind.
"Daughters of Allya," She began, making all the Witches within the tent turn their attention to her.
"Learn these words and learn them well, for they are the foundations.
that will increase your strength and keep you safe from harm.
Those who suffer emotion will never enjoy peace.
Those who choose ignorance will never know their own greatness.
Those who yield to passion will fail to dominate.
Those who fear death will never achieve pure power.
Never forget that your magic must always be used wisely.
Never concede to evil, lest you be consumed by it."
There was a palpable silence after the Jedi Council member finished her recitation of the code that all Nightsisters knew by heart.
"It's been a while since I recited this." Says T'ra.
"Did you by any chance help Allya in writing the Book Of Law?" Ros Lai asked in good humor yet the obvious curiousness was evident to hear.
"Don't believe I did. Though I think she might've taken some inspiration from our past association." T'ra mused. "I only learned of this years later after her exile."
"What was she like?" Hja abruptly asked, leaning forward.
"Allya?" T'ra spoke with a fond tone. "Wild. Rebellious. Always questioned things. She held a deep compassion that sometimes led her astray."
"And to the Fall of the Dark Side, she did." Yoda said with a mournful gaze. "But now, perhaps it was meant to be. Find a new path, she did. Remembered her old teachings, see in your Book Of Law. Practice and study the Dark Side, you do. But the final line, believe in, I will. Never Concede to Evil."
"You could almost say that was the main reason why the Jedi seldom came to Dathomir. You all simply wished to be left alone, to be at peace." Saa said.
"But with that, neglected greater dangers, we have." Yoda said, closing his eyes and shaking his head in self-criticism.
"Gethzerion." T'Challa said and the witches all shifted about at the mere mention of her name.
"An evil of our own design." Augwynne said with a despondent shake of her head. "In our neglect and splintering, we failed to anticipate such a threat."
"You at least know by now, courtesy of Maximoff, we have a concern for our people." Ros Lai stated. "With Gethzerion currently out there, we have to be careful on further actions."
"The galaxy already treats Dathomir with fear and wariness." Hja said, bowing her head. "Gethzerion would only exasperate these fears and turn them violent should she make grander moves and displays of power."
"We had a run in with Gethzerion back on Iego."
This earned sharp and alarmed looks from the clan mothers.
"You what?" Came the startled response from several witches in the tent, murmurs surrounding the seated group.
"Not us specifically," Wong amended. "Other Jedi and members of our team encountered her recently on the planet and she was not alone."
"Are any of you familiar with the Massassi?" Saa inquired, getting a muted response.
"Of the Sith, they are." Yoda revealed, getting whispers from the gathered Witches. "Ancient foes, brought back by Gethzerion, they were."
This only served to further unsettle the assembled Clan Mothers and their members.
"They appeared alongside other Force-Users and an individual who is not from this reality." Mordo tacked on. "It appears she has allied herself with a new enemy that has yet to reveal itself properly."
The witches all muttered and whispered with one another, a clear sense of unease now befalling them.
Grandmaster Yoda was silent in all this, gazing at Ros Lai for a few moments, turning to Augwynne Djo before settling upon Mother Talzin.
The Nightsisters gaze held yet she inclined her head back slightly, her lip twitching at the way the centuries-old Jedi stared at her.
She closed her eyes, inhaling sharply before standing from where she sat, gaining the attention of all in the tent.
Talzin waited for a few moments, the chatter dying down before speaking to all present.
"We shall welcome your Orders with open arms." The Nightsister declared, much to the shock of most of the others save for Lai and Augwynne, the pair sharing a look.
"What now?" Kammine Sihn spoke up in bewilderment. "You're agreeing to this?"
"Yes." Talzin's normally disembodied voice sharpened, becoming clearer. "We must do this if our people are to survive."
She glanced down at Yoda, the Grandmaster holding a steely gaze that the Clan leader matched.
"Gethzerion's actions are merely the start, the first domino to fall that will eventually land at the feet of Dathomir. She is not our ally but she is of our origin. Therefore, the blame of what she will enact upon the galaxy will eventually lead back to our home, to our sisters. If we are to endure the coming tides of change and dangers, we must do this."
There was a tense silence that permeated the tent, the Nightsister Clan Mother holding Grandmaster Yoda's gaze. She could sense the stares of her sisters, Djo, Ros Lai and the Avengers in particular yet she remained calm and composed before Lai spoke up.
"All those in agreement?"
The other clan mothers exchanged glances, taking a moment to look back at their clan members in attendance before they all simultaneously nodded.
"All opposed?"
She was met with none despite sensing lingering hesitation from a few witches.
"Then we are all in agreement." Lai declared. "Though it is an informal, verbal pledge, Grandmaster Yoda, Master Saa, Prince T'Challa, and Masters Mordo and Wong, we welcome you and your Orders to Dathomir and hope this shall be the start of a prosperous friendship between us."
"We shall hope and strive for the same sentiment." T'ra graciously said, Yoda simply nodding in agreement.
"We will begin to assist with what we can." Mordo said with a bow.
"Within reason, of course." Wong quickly amended.
"Your world, this is, after all." Yoda said. "To your discretion and pace, we shall entrust."
"Now, now," Augwynne playfully chided. "You can't simply believe that all the work shall be put on us, no?"
"Naturally." T'Challa said graciously. "We will be sure to compensate on manpower and material."
"Much work, to do, there is." Yoda muttered.
The tent was soon vacated for the most part with Wong remaining inside, conversing with Clan leaders Kammine and Astrinol.
Everyone else went outside, T'ra speaking with Augwynne Djo whilst Grandmaster Yoda stood apart from the group, having Mordo by his side.
"Much progress was made today." Yoda mused in a low voice.
"Yes, though I can't help but feel… unsettled."
"Troubled, are you, Master Mordo?"
Karl took a moment to ponder on this. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I am overthinking it. I will not lie to you, Grandmaster. I have felt a creeping sense of dread coming over me these past few days. What transpired recently on Iego only exacerbates these feelings. Ultron may have been defeated, but that does not mean all our enemies have been outed and beaten."
Yoda hummed aloud, eyes closed as he grasped his new staff with both hands.
"Alone, in this, you are not." The Grandmaster glanced up at him, catching the Sorcerer's eye. "My own concerns I have, for what is to come. Recent path, opened my eyes to much, it has. New perspectives. Greater perspective. Much good, much kindness, this galaxy has as does your home. But unseen and hidden evils remain. To bring them to light, we must. Our deeds for good, never go without consequences, they do."
Mordo nods as he gazes slightly into the scarlet sky. "There will always be prices to pay. At some point, the bill comes due."
"Indeed, Master Mordo." Says Yoda, humming in agreement. "Which is why, our responsibility is, to meet these tides of strife. For if not us, who else will?"
"There will always be those who are willing to step up and fight." The Master Sorcerer pointed out. "But until that time where we can no longer fight comes, we shall hold fast."
Yoda smiled slightly, silently inclining his head forward. "Hold strong, yes. We shall."
As these discussions went on, the Prince of Wakanda and a technical Princess of Dathomir had walked off to speak in private with one another.
"That went easier than expected." T'Challa mused, glancing back at the others who were discussing with the clan mothers and other Witches. He caught the sight of Talzin seemingly hanging back with her clan and it appeared she sensed his gaze as she turned to him. The Prince held her stare, narrowing his eyes slightly at the small smirk she directed at him before she was approached by Mordo, the Sorcerer taking her attention.
"Can't expect luck to always be that good." Ros was also staring at Talzin, her eye twitching slightly. "But Talzin supporting a settlement, a Jedi settlement the way she did…"
"I take it that was something of a surprise."
"More than you know," Lai remarked, shaking her head. "Talzin isn't always one to make such grand gestures."
"Like most politicians or ones with great power in their pocket, there will be some underhanded motive for their actions."
"You are not entirely wrong for that." Ros murmured quietly, an unsettled frown marring her features. "Or it could be something else."
The Prince turned to her with his eyebrow raised. "Something else?"
Lai was silent for a moment, her expression morphing into one of uncertainty and nervousness.
"Ros?"
"Mother Talzin is one of the strongest Witches of Dathomir. Her mastery of our magics and Ichor is legendary with few rivaling and surpassing her. My mother and Gethzerion are one of the notable two as is Mother Augwynne. And from her mastery, she has always been rumored to be one of the most prolific users of our version of foresight."
"Foresight?" T'Challa repeated with a wary tone, his mind processing her unspoken insinuation. "So… do you think that she has seen something recently? Something in the future?"
"There is a growing darkness, T'Challa." Lai's tone conveyed a level of fear that he had not heard before. "And if this Darkness is something that causes the reserved and secretive Talzin to open up our planet to the Jedi, of all people…"
"She fears what she has foreseen." The Black Panther muttered darkly. "One must wonder what it was that she had foresaw. Would she be willing to divulge such a thing?"
"I don't know." Lai murmured. "I wouldn't be surprised if she's aware that we suspect her of something or if the other Clan Mothers might have suspicions of their own after our meeting."
"So should we keep an eye on her?"
Ros silently contemplated this subject until she shook her head.
"I'd feel she'd take it as an insult if we don't." Lai stated. "Yet, it feels like we're playing into her hand. What that entails, I am still unsure. Be it good or bad for our sisters and planet, one thing is for certain, Mother Talzin is making sure the outcome favors her goals."
T'Challa silently regarded the Nightsister until he nodded, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I shall follow your discretion. Should you need my assistance-"
"I know, and I appreciate it." Ros said with a genuine smile directed at the Prince.
"And speaking of assistance," The Wakandan gave her a pointed look. "I believe you also promised some assistance of your own, no? Something involving my ancestors and the Wakandan Ancestral Plane."
Lai immediately brightened up, taking hold of his hands, much to his amusement.
"Yes!" She excitedly said. "I've actually spoken with Shuri, Celeste, Dr. Strange and Master Saa about some ideas regarding your Ancestral Plane, something I believe will gain great progress and perspective for you and your future Kings and Queens."
"Well then, I shall set things up in Wakanda. Shuri's been dying to do whatever it is you have suggested and I am all the more curious to see what it is you have in mind. Just tell me when and we shall go to Wakanda."
"Wonderful!"
-Scene Cut-
On Tython, the once abandoned planet was showing a greater degree of life growing more vibrant and alive compared to its founding. When the Jedi rediscovered the planet, it was still a dense jungle world that radiated with the Force in its most raw form.
But there was an underlying sense of subdued life, almost hibernating or hiding itself from the galaxy.
Now, with the Jedi back on the planet where their Order was first founded, rediscovering their lost roots and knowledge, there was a sense of vitalization to the planet unseen in a literal Millennia.
At one of the vast training fields, a litany of individuals were doing an array of exercises.
One batch was working on lightsaber combat, practicing all the various forms utilized by the Order while also implementing the new/old methods that had been rediscovered on this planet. Elsewhere, several aged Jedi of varying species found a secluded location that they felt a particular pull towards, meditating and taking in the powerful presence of the Force that permeated in and around Tython.
In another area, a different type of combat art was being refined, one of the martial variety.
A number of the Avengers had taken a space not far from the temple that held the Infinity Gate back to their HQ on Earth. With them were several other Jedi friends who were assisting them in their practices and studies of the martial arts.
Shang-Chi stood with Jedi Battle Master Cin Drallig, dragon bo staff in hand, silently watching as Cin portrayed and explained the motions of Form V lightsaber combat with the use of a dual-sided lightsaber.
"Now remember, this Form is known as the Way of the Krayt Dragon," Drallig said, showing the various motions of controlled and powerful swings with his lightsaber. "One must question any discipline that has lethal potential. However, if it serves to suppress violent opposition and preserve peace, I believe it is a discipline worth knowing. The foundational basis of Form V is to use overwhelming, controlled, and precise power that can end the fight as quickly as possible. This Form also requires a greater degree of physical strength though with those Rings of yours and your natural aptitude, that won't seem like a problem."
Shang nodded to all this, absorbing everything being told to him. He did his best to mirror the Battle Master's movements at a reasonable pace before speeding up once getting the hang of it.
"One thing you should also know is your own creativity." Drallig advised, having noticed the emulated moves. "Master Plo Koon did so in his own way and Skywalker developed his own variation of it by combining elements of Form IV to give him a greater degree of mobility. Tell me, I have seen some of those films from your planet and there are fighting styles that utilize a bo staff. What are they?"
Shang-Chi lightly slammed his staff on the ground, casually leaning on it.
"Well… there's Bojutsu, Kung-fu, Karate," He listed off.
"And I take it you mastered a number of these martial arts?" Cin inquired with Shaun nodding rapidly.
"Almost all of them, yeah."
Cin tilted his head slightly, giving the martial artist a scrutinizing look.
"I understand the want and desire to learn more. It is something that is encouraged by all Jedi. But there is something I wish to know from you, Shang-Chi,"
The young man's head jerked ever so slightly at the piercing look he received from the Battle Master.
"Why do you wish to learn all this? You seem like a capable fighter already, are you not?"
Shaun found himself snorting in self-deprecation. "I mean… I'm alright but when you're on a team like the Avengers, feels like "alright" isn't enough."
"Is it not? One might say that you have a cup before you. One that is completely full with all that you learned. How can you fill it if it's already full? How can you learn if you already know so much?"
Shaun shook his head. "I empty it and fill it with the knowledge I properly need. Stop when necessary so it won't spill over. Not just with how I need to fight, but with preconceptions and prejudices."
The Battle Master gave a small smile with a nod. "Very good. I've seen many younglings and padawans not get that lesson right when I bring it up when they seek my tutelage. They have so many ideas in their heads, thinking they can learn them all. In truth, they can't be ready for them all at their present point in time."
"Yeah, well, my dear old dad made sure to instill that into me."
Drallig arched a brow at that tidbit. "You don't sound too pleased at this."
"I had a complicated relationship with my father." Shaun plainly admitted.
"Hmmm," Cin gave a small nod. "Apologies. I hope I did not bring up any lingering memories."
Shang-Chi simply smiled. "Don't worry about it. Besides, even if his last moments weren't his best, the last time I saw him… he was at peace."
The Battle Master merely hummed before lunging forward, his saber clashing with the dragon-scaled edge of Shaun's bo staff. Drallig grinned with approval, one matched by his new pupil, the pair entering into a dance and flurry of staff and saber.
In another part of the area, Shang's friend was groaning from the workout she had undergone. Parts of her body were sore and screaming for relaxation. She was garbed in baggy sweatpants and a shirt with a headband that had been soaked with sweat.
Katy Chen had forced herself to be put through the wringer and now she felt like mush and garbage.
Currently on a break, the novice archer finally noticed an unusual attendee here.
"Hey Jen, why are you here for this?" Katy asked, her head resting on a resting table with bottles and protein snacks surrounding her. "Ain't you already a badass bitch?"
Instead of being in her hulk form, the lawyer was in her standard appearance. "Brute strength can only go so far for me." She responds as she takes a sip of her electrolyte drink.
"Yeah, but you're still a badass Jade giant who can flick the shit out of anyone you come across." Chen retorted, getting a snort from the lawyer.
"That might be the case but I've learned that discipline in all walks of life goes a long way for yourself personally. Plus, I don't always wanna rely on my big self cuz that causes a lot of collateral."
Katy let out a "psh" in response. "Aw come on, you're just trying too hard."
Before Walters could respond, a "HA" was heard from the side, the sound of a foot impacting the head of a wooden training dummy.
Hector grunts from nearby, landing on his feet. "I know what Jennifer's feeling." He continues his set of strikes and motions before explaining his reason. "With my magical amulet, my physical prowess and traits are heightened significantly among other things. But when it's not on me, or on the off chance it's ripped from my neck, I'm just a normal man."
Then came the sound of metal striking a separate wooden dummy and Katy turned over to see Matt in an all-black outfit, wielding two staffs, black ribbon around his eyes as he conducted his own training.
"And if you recall, Katy," Matt said with a small huff. "A while back, before anyone was aware of him, Scott found himself in a situation without his suit during a hostage situation involving bounty hunters on Coruscant."
"Even with my wrestling skills and learning from MMA, I need more in my repertoire. I don't want to be at the risk of being overwhelmed when I'm not using the amulet." Hector tacked on.
Katy let out a dramatic whine, making a crybaby face before thudding her head against the table.
"Why do you guys have to gang up on me~~~?" She "cried" overdramatically.
"You just make it easy on the sad reality we live in."
"Meh~" She grumbled at Jen who had changed into her She-Hulk mode and whatever stress or exhaustion she might have had appeared to disappear. "Oh come on, that's just cheating."
"Yeah, well," She-Hulk flexed her bicep, running her other hand through her long hair with a smarmy smile. "When ya got the gun show on speed dial."
"It's still cheating." Matt chimed in, pointing at Hector before he could utter a word. "Your amulet helps you, Ayala, you don't get to contribute here."
The Wrestler turned Avenger snorted, holding a grin in place and the archer kept up her grumpy face until it cracked, devolving into a laugh that the others joined in moments later.
"Come on, Katy, up and at 'em." She-Hulk said, going over to give as light of a massage as possible. "You wouldn't wanna disappoint Shaun now, would ya?"
"We've been doing it to each other our whole lives." Was Katy's retort yet she forced herself to stand all the same.
In another part of the field, the Maximoff twins were working on their own craft with the assistance of another Jedi Council member.
"Remember Pietro, Form I is the starting form but it is one of the most difficult Forms to Master. It's all about disarming the opponent."
"Yeah, well what about slicing them apart?" Quicksilver sarcastically asked.
"Pietro, listen to Master Fisto." Wanda said without looking at him, holding a stance of her own with her dual-sided Lightsaber in hand. Floating around her were two additional lightsabers that she had come across recently on Tython.
She found these lightsabers in the Temple housing the Infinity Gate, having been drawn to them seeing as they were apart from all the lightsabers that had been found within the ancient Jedi Structure. Be they significant or not, they were apart from the rest of the horde and therefore, claimed them as her own.
Now most would assume that the Jedi would be defensive of keeping such items of importance such as a lightsaber from people not of their Order. But exceptions are naturally made given that Pietro still holds onto the lightsaber of his fallen friend, Ima-Gun-Di and it was obvious that Wanda has had significant training done in regards to lightsaber training since when she was found, she already had one of her own.
It also helped that Yoda gave her additional instructions and a layout as to what she intended to learn and master, giving her a knowing look when he discretely returned Kreia's Holocron to her.
Back with the training at hand, Kit Fisto shot the speedster a faux-smug smirk.
"You heard your sister, Pietro. Listen to the master."
He rolled his eyes, using his speed to flick dirt at the back of her head. She let out a yelp, feeling it roll down her hair and her head whipped around with eyes glowing red, directing them at her brother who was looking up at the sky, whistling innocently.
Kit Fisto chortled at their interactions, patting Pietro on the shoulder.
"Now, now, you can torment one another after you've completed your sessions today."
"Kit, Kit, Kit," Quicksilver chided. "We're twins. There's never a moment where we don't torment one another."
As soon as he said this, a red energy field surrounded his head, locking him in place as a pile of mud was slapped into his face. The speedster's eyes were visible through the mud dripping off his face, glancing over in narrowed irritation at the Nautolan who guffawed at what the younger twin accomplished.
The hex field around his head subsided, the brother turning his gaze on his smug sister who's eyes widened upon seeing him squint further.
Before she was able to react, Pietro immediately zipped right in front of her and shoved his face forward, slathering the side of his muddy face all over hers.
"PIETRO~~~!" Wanda whined aloud, feeling the mud getting all over her face, hair and dripping down into her clothes.
Her twin pulled back, using his super speed and rapidly shook his face, clearing the mud off his face and splattering it all over his sister. With a shit-eating grin in place, Pietro admired his work before running off with Wanda let out a comical growl, going bug-eyed with sisterly rage as she used her powers to cleanse herself of the mud and took to the skies, chasing after her brother all while Kit watched on in amusement.
He chortled to himself, shaking with laughter at the pair's interaction. The Nautolan opted to turn to go see the other nearby Avengers who were still training, letting the twins hash it out as only siblings could.
Not far from where the Jedi Master was, there were the duo of Luke Cage and Danny Rand.
The Immortal Iron Fist was garbed in basic green Gi whilst he convinced the unofficial Power Man to dress up in a yellow one, much to the Harlem-natives' chagrin.
Danny was practicing a new style of dragon fist from Ta Lo, incorporating the movement and flow that had been shown to him by his fellow practitioners of martial arts from the ancient land. His strikes were precise, his movements fluid, his balance near impeccable.
"Why did you have to drag me into this?" An annoyed voice from nearby complained.
Danny huffed with a small smile, performing a spinning heel kick that popped the head off the training dummy he was striking. "Call it a group effort, Luke."
Luke, however, was a bit more stiff and slower. He wasn't much for actual form but for brawling and tanking hits. Yet there were instances in the past where even his impenetrable and durable skin has its limits.
Like when the duo first met.
It was quite the wakeup call for the normal indestructible Hero of Harlem to get a haymaker punch that sent him flying through a brick wall.
"Group effort?" Cage parroted, feeling awkward as he tried to do the moves that he had seen Danny do. "Then why isn't everyone here?"
"We all train in our own ways." Rand remarked. "Besides, Steve is right. After what happened on Iego, we all gotta sharpen ourselves up and not slack off. Everyone is training right now or doing what makes sense to them, so we should do the same."
"If this is a so-called "group effort", where the hell is Jessica? I thought she of all people would've been dragged into doing this."
Iron Fist shrugged unconvincingly. "She was here earlier."
His best friend stared at him for a few seconds of silence.
"...She flaked out on us." Luke states.
Rand could only chuckle sheepishly, shrugging in a "I tried to get her to come" kind of way.
Luke let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping forward slightly.
"Where do you think she is now?"
"Drinking." Danny bluntly said, getting Luke to snort. "Or maybe working on a case back home. Or maybe she's with Peter's Aunt. The pair did strike up a friendship."
"More like Ms. Parker forced one on her." Cage said with a knowing smirk. "You should have seen it, Danny. I was at her office when she barged in, demanding to know if Jessica forgot about their Sunday lunches and practically dragged her away."
"She did?" Rand then whined aloud. "Ah man~~ I wish I was there to see that."
Luke hummed in amusement, glancing over at Danny, giving him a look.
"What are you doing?"
"Yoga stretches," The Martial Artist said, getting into a pose with his right arm stretched forward and left arm stretched back. After every kata session, I was taught that it significantly helps my flexibility."
"I get the stretches, but yoga?"
"Helps keep me centered." Danny said.
Luke tilted his head slightly to the side. "Think it would work for me?"
Iron Fist hummed. "Don't see why not, but try not to force yourself to do what I'm doing. This is for more limber and flexible guys who've worked up to it. Your super stacked muscles might get in the way."
The Harlem Hero made a bemused face. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothin' just seen a lot of novices try out what I do right off the bat and then I hear a bone pop."
"I at least do cardio." Luke argues.
"Which is good, but I don't feel it's quite enough."
Luke now felt a tad offended. "Are you saying I can't do this?"
"I'm just saying that not everyone is a Yogi." Rand said in faux innocence. "You're a muscler, I'm a boner."
"... You do realize how that sounded, right?"
Danny held a shit-eating grin. "You would not believe the amount of ways I can please a woman due to yoga."
Luke let out a dramatic, annoyed groan. "I do not want to hear about your sex life."
"Is that not the best way men bond in this modern age?" Rand asked in a dramatic, Shakespearean tone as he was going into his next yoga pose.
"No, it's how rich assholes bond. Now, show me how to do this."
Danny shrugged. Looking at himself, he responds "Well, this is warrior's pose but for you we can start in baby or child's pose."
That got a comical twitch of the eye from Luke.
"Luke Cage isn't a child. Luke Cage is a warrior." He declared, copying Danny's posture.
"Alright then, up we go." Danny said, lifting his arm up and Luke did the same.
*CRICK* *KRACKLE* *POP*
"...Uh…"
"Oh… That's not good."
"I-I'm fine."
"Luke?"
"I'm just… gonna… walk over… with my patented baby steps… And sit down… Till the pain goes away."
And like that, Danny saw the most humiliating display his friend could do, trying to save face from doing a stretch rather improperly.
The Billionaire Iron Fist only shook his head. "Sweet Christmas."
Back over with another set of Avengers…
Shaun had finished his set of katas and training with Cin, having met back up with an utterly exhausted Katy who was using him as a means of supporting herself from falling to the ground.
"Shauuuuuuuuuun~~~~~~~" She groaned in "agony". "Why did ya have to do this to me?"
"Why are you blaming me? You're the one who wanted to come and train here."
She mashed her face into his arm, her voice muffled. "Not like this. I can't even walk."
"You should just take the rest of the day off. Believe you've over exhausted yourself at this point. It's not good for you."
Katy tilted her head back, her cranium hanging dramatically to the side. "Like you're one to talk."
He gave her a bland look. "Your body isn't used to the training regime yet."
Chen only stuck her tongue out in response. "I'll catch up to you. Just you wait."
"Right~" Shaun said in turn, giving his best Dr. Evil impression.
He then heard footsteps ahead, turning forward to see Peter coming up to him with Obi-Wan in tow.
"Peter, Master Obi-Wan." Shang-Chi greeted in a friendly manner, Katy only managing out a pained and tired groan. "How's it goin?"
"Actually," Kenobi said, pointing at him. "The two of us were hoping to find you, Mr. Xu."
"Heh, you can just call me Shaun, Master Obi-Wan. And why'd you wanna find me?"
Obi-Wan silently placed a hand on Spider-Man's shoulder, making Shang-Chi turn to him.
"You need something Peter?"
"Yeah, well, sorta," The young teen appeared a bit hesitant, if not bashful in what he was about to say. "I've been training a lot with Master Kenobi and Steve and the other Avengers and I've been seeing everyone learning all kinds cool moves and all that kung-fu fighting stuff-"
Shaun snorts at that but doesn't interrupt as Peter goes on.
"And I talked with Cap about what I was doing and how I feel like I need to do something more with what I've been doing and he told me that the best guy to go to is the best martial artist and hand-to-hand fighter he's ever seen…" Peter finished that statement by giving a pointed look at Shaun.
The inheritor of the Ten Rings opened and closed his mouth a few times, pointing at himself.
"M-me?" He squeaked out in disbelief. "Captain America said I was the best Martial Artist he's ever seen?"
"You and Danny, yeah." Peter confirmed. "He told me Mr. Stark showed him what you were able to do and then told me that you sparred with him."
"Yeah, but I still got my ass kicked."
"After a few hours of sparring." Obi-Wan rebuked. "Steve seems to hold you in very high-esteem, Shaun."
Katy let out a groan, managing a teasing smirk, weakly "slapping" her best friend's arm.
"Hear that, Shaun? Captain America says you're awesome."
The ego rising was clearly gonna get into his head, but Shaun didn't want that to hamper things.
"Ok, so he pointed you in my direction." Shang-Chi said. "What did he say?"
"Just like everyone else, you're trying to learn more and evolve your fighting style by incorporating the fighting styles in the galaxy as well as the lightsaber forms of the Order." Obi-Wan stated. "I do believe that we can perhaps develop something wholly unique to Mr. Parker that allows him a fighting style unto himself due to the nature of his abilities and how he himself operates in the midst of battle."
"Geez guys, you're already putting a lotta pressure on me now." Shang-Chi remarked.
"You won't be doing it alone." Obi-Wan assured. "We're all working on our progress together after all."
Shaun brightened upon hearing that, shooting Peter a grin.
"Then sure thing, Pete. We'll whip up something awesome and badass together." With that he promptly dropped Katy to the ground, eliciting a loud moan of pain.
"Shaaaauuuuuuuuun~~~~~~~~~~~~" Katy could only angle her head up at him. "Whhhhhhhhhhy~~~~~~~~~~~?!"
"Come on, Peter, the day is still early." Shang-Chi declared, ignoring his best friend's pleas and complaints, and Peter pointing at her then him. The owner of the Ten Rings placed a hand on the web head's shoulders pushing him in the opposite direction of the moaning archer.
Kenobi would have helped but he sensed a familiar presence nearby and chose to join Shaun in pushing Peter away who looked concerned. He glanced back to see Katy holding out a desperate hand towards them but he was "unable" to help her since Shaun and Obi-Wan kept pushing him away.
"Shaaaauuuuuuuuun~~~! SHAUN! God, you jackass! I'm gonna get you back for this!" She shouted, hating how exhausted her body was right now.
She lay there for what felt like an eternity when it was only a minute before she heard footsteps nearby and a moment later, a shadow was cast over her prone form. Katy squinted her eyes momentarily, soon recognizing the head shape and trademark smile directed at her.
"Oh, hey Master Fisto. How are ya?" She casually greeted the Nautolan.
Kit Fisto crouched down, his smile morphing into a sympathetic one.
"I should be asking you that. Are you well, my friend?"
"Oh yeah, I'm good, I'm good." Chen waved off casually, still lying flat on her back. "This is my thinking position when I'm trying to figure out how to get back at my best friend for leaving me like this."
"Hmmm, revenge is not the Jedi way." Kit jokingly warned.
"Lucky for you, I'm not a Jedi. Wanna help me think of a few things?"
"Against my better nature, I do believe it could be fun." He quipped.
"Yay." She weakly cheered, managing to lift one arm up that Kit took and hoisted her up, draping her limb over his shoulders.
The archer managed out another pained groan, her head hanging like dead weight all while Fisto laughed at her state, helping her get to a place where she could properly rest.
-Scene Cut-
-The Next Day-
A gloved hand placed itself upon the ground, dragging the tips of its fingers with dirt being gathered up into its palm.
Robbie Reyes held up the gathered earth to his face, inspecting it intently with his eyes holding a fiery glow that dissipated after a few seconds, the man flicking his hand clean.
"Find something interesting?" A gruff voice asked behind him and the Avenger merely hummed in thought.
There was a melodious chirp heard from above and Robbie wordlessly held his arm up that acted as a perch for a brilliantly fiery bird, fiery wisps emanating from its wings that flickered off once tucking its wings in.
"Fawx," Robbie greeted his Phoenix companion. "I take it you got something for me."
The Phoenix released a trill, holding up a claw with some kind of decorative bead held in its grasp. Robbie furrowed his brows, inspecting this odd bead, narrowing his eyes as he applied Hellfire upon the trinket. It swiftly turned to ash before it evaporated from between his fingers in a green mist.
"Necromancy." Robbie declared. "It may be a different form of it but Zarathos can recognize the stench of it anywhere."
"I'd say that is troubling but I fear that is unfortunately putting it mildly. It was Gethzerion who did this so we're dealing with Nightsister Magik but… not like before." Jedi Master Tholme said, standing next to the host of the Spirit of Vengeance. "Reborn Massassi warriors is likely the least of our concerns, isn't it?"
Robbie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It is. And it keeps giving me a headache."
Tholme patted him on the shoulder. "Come. I think we've earned a respite. Vos and Celeste are inside already."
Robbie merely nods in silence, tilting his hand up for Fawx to hop from his arm to his shoulder. The pair went towards the nearby temple, walking inside the sparsely populated structure. Robbie gazes around as he and Tholme walk through the corridors of the Iego Jedi Temple. "Filtering out the usual stuff you have in the Jedi Temples and the crystal cave here, I'm getting a lot of bad mojo that's not making Zarathos happy."
Tholme regarded him for a moment. "And that being what exactly?"
There was a pause in Robbie's thoughts, eyes flaring with hellfire, the man listening to the spirit within.
"People long dead. People who are meant to stay dead but are coming back and not with conventional or even safe means."
"Conventional or safe?" Tholme repeated in a disturbed manner. "What do you mean?"
"It's like they're going through a backdoor method." Robbie states. "Zarathos can't make heads or tails on how, but he's very concerned."
The aged, dark-robed Jedi tilted his head down, a frown of deep concern marring his face.
"That is far more troubling than I would have liked to have heard."
Robbie let out a derisive huff. "Yeah, Z is forewarning you guys that what you're already feeling in the Force is gonna be worse than you would expect."
"It appears that our troubles are only growing." Tholme murmured.
"It's when everything is too quiet is when you should start to worry." Robbie spoke in a knowing tone. "In our line of work, quiet doesn't mean peaceful."
"Yes, I believe I've heard that motto spoken of by others in your team."
"Started with that bastard Ultron," Reyes pointed out. "And much as I wouldn't wanna give the metal pendejo credit, he's right."
"Then the war is not over." Tholme grimly said and the pair walked into a room occupied by Quinlan Vos and Celeste Morne.
"Robbie, Master Tholme," Morne greeted kindly. "How did your investigations go?"
"Good, if you consider we found stuff. Bad, when you realize what we found." Robbie plainly said.
"Yeah, picked up on a similar sort of conclusion." Quinlan gruffly said.
"What you got, Vos?"
"I'm not liking what I was getting in my search. Just kept feeling nothing but death and more death. And not the kind I get in typical cases. It's just cloudy with a whole lot of bad juju."
"You too, huh?"
"Right. You got your celestial buddy helping you out."
"Demon, fallen angel thing," Robbie clarified and fire flickered from his head, the host snorting at Zarathos' indignation.
"What exactly is Zarathos picking up on, Robbie?" Celeste questions him.
Going over to where the one Infinity Gate was once located, Robbie touched the earth and felt more than what he was getting earlier.
"The amount of sins he's getting. Sure he somewhat revels in it for his role as Spirit of Vengeance," Reyes shook his head. "But this is something far more sinister. More chaotic."
"Chaotic… Chaotic…" Celeste parroted, arms crossed with one hand on her cheek, index finger tapping repeatedly.
"Something on your mind, Celeste?" Tholme asked.
"Maybe," She admitted. "But I'm not entirely sure if we should try for it. Or if it would even work."
"What now?" Quinlan spoke up. "What are you going on about, Celly?"
The Jedi Sorceress didn't respond for a few seconds, instead pacing around now as she wracked her brain for her thoughts to come together whilst the others watched.
After a few more moments, it seemed that she was grappling with what she was about to say until deciding to go through with it.
She faced the men with a determined yet also worried gaze that set them slightly on edge.
"Are any of you familiar… with Chaos?"
AN
Hey guys, back again with another one. Two thirds of the way with this arc, last two chapters are gonna be extremely important with what's to come later on so buckle up.
Originally, this chapter actually had three additional scenes but figured they're better suited in the next chapter.
So, quick couple of things that we gotta address. We may or may not have addressed it in the past but we don't wanna check as of writing this note.
Brave New World.
In the words of Maxwell Jacob Friedman from All Elite Wrestling, Mid. The movie wasn't bad but it certainly wasn't good. It felt like a Hulk sequel wrapped up with Eternals and pushing more X-Men stuff all with Sam Wilson really being shoved into it. If you're wondering about the leader and since Ross has been in the MCU since Phase 1… that's all I'll touch on in that regard.
But as a whole, Brave New World isn't this amazing film as it could and should have been but it's just so forgettable, honestly. Then again, when your predecessors are The Winter Soldier and Civil War, that's a high damn bar to match. This film just should have been so much more.
Onto Daredevil Born Again.
Good show, decent even.
But fuck Disney for doing Foggy dirty. Fuck Disney for doing Karen dirty and ooooooooooooooooooooh BROTHER, FUCK DISNEY FOR DOIN WHITE TIGER DIRTY. Like… WOOOOOW that ending to episode three left a severely bitter taste in my mouth. After everything my partners and I put into building up the character of White Tiger in this story, for the show to just do that to him… fuckin' bullshit, outright. I know there's a big story reason to it but at the same time, why promote the guy only to SPOILER ALERT shoot him in the head?
Fucking wasted opportunity. Could have killed him at the end, instead, ya pull another Foggy and do it right at the beginning. Screw you Marvel.
Urgh, so fucking annoying.
Normally I'd say we hope we're doing a better job at representing Hector in this story but by this point, I know we are.
Meh.
Anyway, we still got two chapters left in this arc on top of two chapters left for Voice of the people. So here's the questions once again.
*STAR WARS NEWS QUESTIONS IN THE STAR WARS GALAXY.*
"What do you make of these Avengers?"
"What do you think about this war and how these Avengers are influencing it?"
"Some say they are just Jedi supporters, and thus, supporters of this war."
"What do you make of all this entertainment and food coming from this single planet?"
"Do you trust the Avengers with your safety?"
"Now that the Avengers are present, is the need for the Jedi reduced?"
"Are you curious about the Avengers' homeworld? According to them, they state that every conceivable biome that exists in this galaxy is all on their one planet."
"Ultron is an enemy that came from the homeworld of the Avengers. What do you make of him and what of the team now?"
"The Avengers have been around for a while now and we're wondering have you changed any opinions on them?"
"Unofficially, all that has happened has led to a temporary ceasefire to the Clone War. Do you believe it should be resumed?"
*NEWS QUESTIONS FOR EARTH CIVILIANS.*
"How long have these Avengers been active on this planet? Do you even like them?"
"There's apparently a New Team of Avengers with many in their team missing like Captain America and Thor. Do you trust these newcomers?"
"Now knowing that some of the Avengers have been in space, how many questions do you have for them?"
"This apparent galaxy of life has an apparent civil war that was ongoing before the Avengers got involved. Do you think they should have? Do you have a side to take?"
"What do you make of the Jedi/Republic/Separatists/Mandalorians?"
"There's a lot of Alien races that could be coming to Earth. Would you allow them here?"
"Humans are in this galaxy, same as the ones on Earth. Does that give you more questions? Are you confused? Does this perhaps conflict with your faith and science?"
"With the apparent revelation of this galaxy, do you believe in the notion of conducting an interstellar travel to this new region in space?"
Take your time in answering and with that, I'll see you guys next time.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.