Harry's sharp gaze flickered between the frozen figure in the cryo-chamber and the others in the room. "Any indication as to who's inside?" he asked, his voice low but edged with curiosity. His arms were folded, a habit he'd developed over the years to keep himself in check—especially when faced with unknown threats.
Tony, ever the tech expert, was already absorbed in the data on his tablet. He looked up at Harry, an eyebrow cocked in amusement. "If there is, it's buried deep under layers of encryption," he said with a half-smirk. "Hydra's always been obsessive about hiding their dirty little secrets." He tapped the tablet a few more times, brow furrowed. "But don't worry, we've got the right tools. It'll take a little time, but we can crack it."
Vladis, the towering figure beside Tony, stepped forward with a grunt, his massive arms crossed. His voice was like gravel, cold and cautious. "Hydra's tech is no joke, Stark. You're not gonna waltz through this without consequences."
Tony gave Vladis a wry smile, clearly unfazed. "Relax, big guy. I've cracked tougher nuts before. But hey, maybe I could use some extra muscle... figuratively speaking." He shot a glance over at Harry, then back to the rest of the group. "I think it's time we called in some help."
Before anyone could react, Tony snapped his fingers, a grin forming on his face. "JARVIS, come on out and work your magic."
A soft chime rang through the speakers, and the smooth, ever-composed voice of JARVIS filled the room. "Good evening, everyone," JARVIS said, his tone effortlessly calm, as if they weren't standing on the precipice of something dangerous. "I've taken the liberty of accessing the safehouse's systems, Mr. Stark. How may I assist?"
"Thanks, JARVIS," Tony said, tapping commands into the tablet, eyes flicking from the screen to the chamber. "We need to bypass some heavy-duty encryption on this cryo-chamber. Hydra's buried some key data in here, and it's time to unlock it. Can you do it?"
There was a brief pause before JARVIS responded, his tone now tinged with that dry, almost too-perfect professionalism. "I'll begin work on it immediately, Mr. Stark. The encryption is complex... but far from insurmountable."
Vladis, who had been standing silently, watching Tony's antics with growing annoyance, scoffed. "You just hijacked my systems without authorization, Stark. I don't take kindly to that." His voice was sharp and filled with the weight of a man who didn't tolerate disrespect, especially from tech-obsessed billionaires.
Tony, not missing a beat, shot Vladis a mischievous grin. "Come on, Vlad. You're not gonna be a stickler for the rules now, are you? I mean, we're all friends here. What's the worst that could happen?" He raised his hands in mock innocence. "Besides, it's not like I'm going to blow up your precious little hideaway... not unless I get really bored, of course."
Vladis' jaw clenched, but he didn't respond further. He clearly wasn't amused, but his focus shifted back to the task at hand. With a deep exhale, he looked over at the cryo-chamber again.
Bucky, always the pragmatist, leaned against the wall with a grunt. "Well, whatever this is, we're on a clock. Tony's right about one thing—if we don't crack this, we're just sitting ducks. Hydra won't wait for us to figure this out."
Steve, standing just behind Bucky, nodded. His face was stern, his jaw set, but there was a flicker of concern in his blue eyes. "I don't like it. An AI running our security?" He glanced at Tony, eyebrows raised. "You sure we can trust it?"
Tony's face softened slightly, though the playfulness never left his voice. "Trust JARVIS? He's practically my second brain. Never steered me wrong." He shot a glance toward Harry, as if anticipating the skepticism in his eyes. "I get it, trust issues. But we've got no time to waste, and JARVIS is the best option we've got."
JARVIS' voice responded with the same cool calm. "I am designed to assist, Mr. Stark. Rest assured, my intentions are aligned with yours."
Harry let out a quiet, almost amused sigh, raising an eyebrow at Tony's defense of his digital assistant. "Just don't go giving me nightmares of rogue robots, alright?" He muttered, crossing his arms again. "The last thing I need is a bunch of sentient machines running amok."
"Oh, I've got that covered," Tony said, waving off Harry's concern. "Now, JARVIS, let's get this show on the road."
The AI hummed through the speakers, his voice no less smooth but now more deliberate. "Scanning... decrypting... accessing... Data retrieval complete."
The room held its breath as the encrypted layers began to peel away from the screen Tony was holding, revealing Hydra's top-secret files. With each new click of the tablet, the screen flickered as JARVIS bypassed the codes, unveiling the contents hidden beneath.
After a moment, JARVIS spoke again, his voice steady. "Subject identified: Project Aegis. This individual is not merely a weapon, but a person. Her identity was hidden under several layers of security. The subject is a woman, formerly a Hydra agent. Her name is Erica Hayes. She was considered lost during a failed experiment and subsequently frozen in this cryogenic chamber."
The revelation hit the group like a storm.
Bucky cursed under his breath, the words slipping from him like an old habit. "So they weren't just messing around with weapons... they were turning people into them." His fist clenched, the weight of the words settling in. "They're using humans as tools—like they always do."
Vladis took a step forward, his expression a mixture of rage and disbelief. "Agent 47," he murmured, as though the name itself was a curse. "They didn't just create soldiers... they created monsters."
Tony's eyes flicked over to the display, his jaw tightening. "Classic Hydra. They think they can play God. Make weapons out of people, throw them away when they're no longer useful. And now, here she is—locked away, waiting for someone to wake her up."
Steve glanced at Bucky, his expression conflicted. "What do you think? Should we wake her up? Or is this another Winter Soldier situation?"
Bucky's eyes were distant, a look of experience in them as he stared at the frozen woman. "Could go either way. Hydra's good at making weapons out of people. If they messed with her head like they did me... we could be in for a hell of a ride."
Harry, always the one to think ahead, stepped closer to the chamber. "We need to be careful," he said, his voice calm but intense. "This isn't just some simple weapon. We have no idea what she's been through, or what she's capable of."
Tony nodded, his earlier sarcasm now replaced with the sharp focus of someone who knew the gravity of the situation. "Agreed. We'll need to figure out what we're dealing with first. Hydra won't hesitate to come for her—and if they've got more like her out there..." He trailed off, his words hanging in the air like a warning.
Bucky's face darkened as he folded his arms. "If there's more... then we've got a hell of a fight ahead of us."
"We'll deal with it," Harry said, his golden eyes glinting with determination. "But first, we need to figure out how to handle this situation before it becomes our problem."
Tony gave a decisive nod. "Alright, let's get to work. We figure out what we're dealing with, and then we make our next move. Fast."
Vladis, still irritated by the intrusion, didn't hide his frustration. "Let's just hope we don't regret this."
With that, the team gathered around the chamber, their focus now entirely on the mystery of Erica Hayes—and the threat Hydra had left buried in their midst. The calm before the storm was quickly slipping away, and they knew it. The game had changed. And they were now a part of it, whether they liked it or not.
—
As the room processed the revelation about Erica Hayes, the atmosphere shifted. The tension was palpable as the group stood around the chamber, contemplating the consequences of what they'd uncovered. Hydra had always been notorious for its cruel, twisted experiments, but this—this was something else.
Tony broke the silence first, his voice laced with sarcasm but also a hint of concern. "So, a human weapon powered by nanotech, genetic modifications, and energy absorption, huh? Just what we needed." He gestured toward the cryo-chamber. "Now we get to figure out exactly what kind of abilities this woman has. I'm guessing it's not just super strength and agility."
Natasha stepped forward, her gaze focused on the frozen figure in the chamber, analyzing every detail. "Energy-based weapon, huh?" she muttered, her voice low and steady. "Could be anything from manipulating electricity to absorbing energy blasts and turning them into her own power." She tilted her head, as if running through possibilities in her mind. "We need to know exactly what we're dealing with before we wake her up. I've seen too many experiments like this end badly."
Steve crossed his arms, his jaw clenched. "Hydra's always pushing the envelope when it comes to creating weapons. They're not just looking for soldiers—they're looking for something... bigger. Something that can't be controlled." He paused, his eyes hardening. "And if we're not careful, that's exactly what we'll end up with."
Bucky leaned against the wall, his gaze still fixed on Erica Hayes. "Hydra's never been subtle. If they gave her energy-based abilities, they probably didn't give her any safety nets. She might be a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode." His voice was laced with a bitterness that only came from experience. "I've seen it happen before."
Peggy, standing at Steve's side, spoke up with a calm yet firm tone. "If Hydra wanted to make her into a weapon, they wouldn't have stopped at just enhancing her body. They've likely messed with her mind too. She could have been brainwashed, programmed to follow orders without question." She looked at Steve, her voice steady but filled with an underlying worry. "We need to be prepared for that."
Alexei, who had been silent up until now, cracked his knuckles and chuckled darkly. "Hydra made her a weapon, huh? You're all talking like she's a problem to be solved. But I've seen things worse than this." He shook his head, his usual bravado masking the concern in his eyes. "A little energy manipulation's nothing. We should be more worried about what happens when she wakes up. Is she gonna be on our side, or is she gonna tear through us like tissue paper?"
Tony turned to him with an eyebrow raised. "Trust me, if she wanted to tear us apart, we'd already be toast. But you've got a point. We need to know how much control she has over her abilities." He glanced at his tablet again. "JARVIS, do a deeper scan. We need everything—energy signature, power levels, weaknesses. If she's anything like what Hydra's capable of, we're gonna need a full breakdown."
JARVIS's calm, smooth voice answered immediately, "Of course, Mr. Stark. Scanning... Energy readings indicate an anomalous power signature—potentially capable of manipulating both kinetic and potential energy. I'm detecting fluctuations in the chamber that suggest she could absorb or redirect energy sources." There was a slight pause before he continued, "This could also indicate the possibility of energy-based weaponry, such as blasts or shields."
Vladis, his arms still crossed, took in the data with a grunt. "She's like a walking power plant. If Hydra gave her the ability to absorb energy... that's dangerous." He looked over at Tony. "Do you really think you can contain something like that?"
Tony flashed a confident smirk, the usual bravado in his voice. "Contain her? Sure. I'm not saying we've got a cage big enough for an energy bomb, but I've got enough tech to handle it—if we know what we're working with." He shot a quick glance at Natasha, who was still eyeing the chamber with suspicion. "We need to find out what kind of energy she can tap into, what her limits are. Can she absorb from any source, or is there a range? Is she vulnerable to certain frequencies? We need answers."
Steve nodded, his face set in determination. "We wake her up, but we do it carefully. We can't afford any mistakes." His gaze shifted to Bucky, who seemed lost in thought. "Bucky, you've seen the Winter Soldier program firsthand. How much of this is similar to what you went through?"
Bucky's eyes darkened as he spoke, the words carrying a weight of painful experience. "This feels... familiar. Hydra doesn't just create weapons—they break people. They twist your mind, your memories, your sense of self. If she's been locked away like this, there's no telling how much of herself is still intact."
Natasha's voice was firm, as if she had already made up her mind. "Then we approach this like we do any other mission—methodically, carefully. We don't assume anything. We don't make her a target. We treat her like a person... even if Hydra didn't."
Alexei smirked, his accent thick with amusement. "You all talk like she's already on our side. What if she's a Hydra sleeper agent? What if we wake her up and she just turns on us?"
Tony met Alexei's gaze with a wry smile. "If she tries to turn on us, we'll deal with it. We're good at that." His tone softened slightly, more serious now. "But until then, we treat her like a human being. We're not Hydra."
Vladis, still not fully sold on the idea, growled low in his throat. "I don't trust her. But if you want to play the hero, Stark, you go ahead. Just don't come crying to me when this bites us in the ass."
Steve stepped forward, his expression unyielding. "We'll make sure we're ready for whatever comes. But we're in this together. That means we don't leave anyone behind. Not even her."
Harry, who had been standing to the side, watching the exchange, finally spoke up. His voice was steady, calm, but there was an edge to it that only he could carry. "We're dealing with a weapon that can absorb energy, redirect it, and probably vaporize us in a single shot if we're not careful. But the bigger question is, what happens when we take her out of the chamber? What else has Hydra done to her?"
Tony looked over at him, eyes narrowed in thought. "Good point. We need to figure out the full extent of what she can do, how stable she is, and—most importantly—whether or not she's dangerous. We can't afford to make a mistake."
Peggy turned toward Steve, her voice filled with resolve. "We'll handle this together. One step at a time."
And so, they all stood in silence for a moment, the weight of what they were about to do hanging heavily in the air. The countdown had begun.
—
The tension in the room thickened as they all gathered around the main conference table. Tony's fingers drummed impatiently on the sleek surface, while Steve and Peggy exchanged a few quiet words, their usual confidence slightly overshadowed by the uncertainty of what they were about to face.
"Alright, let's get Nick on the line," Tony said, his voice sharp but purposeful. He swiped at his tablet, connecting to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secure network. "JARVIS, patch us through to Fury. Let him know we've got something serious."
The low hum of the room fell silent as the familiar voice of JARVIS rang out. "Connecting to Director Fury... now."
Seconds later, the screen flashed to life, revealing the all-too-familiar scowl of Nick Fury. The one-eyed director leaned back in his chair, his gaze hard and calculating as he met their eyes.
"What've you got for me?" Fury's voice was gravelly and commanding, but with an undercurrent of curiosity.
Tony spoke first, always eager to cut to the chase. "Well, Nick, we've got a bit of a Hydra situation on our hands. Or, should I say, a weapon. We found a woman—Erica Hayes. She's been in cryo for... God knows how long. Hydra's been experimenting on her, turning her into some kind of energy-based weapon."
Fury raised an eyebrow. "Energy-based weapon?" His tone was skeptical, but there was a hint of genuine concern. "Explain."
Natasha took over, leaning forward with a steely focus. "From what we can gather, Hydra's given her the ability to manipulate and absorb various forms of energy. We're talking about kinetic, electrical, possibly even solar energy. She can redirect or absorb power, and considering Hydra's history with brainwashing, I wouldn't be surprised if they've got some mind control triggers in place."
Bucky nodded, his face grim. "I've seen their work up close. This... this isn't just some enhanced soldier. She could be a walking disaster if she doesn't have control over her abilities."
Steve joined in, his tone practical but firm. "We're not sure how far they pushed it. From what JARVIS found, her energy signature is... unique. She might be more dangerous than we're expecting."
Peggy's voice was steady, a calm anchor amidst the tension. "And we need to understand what we're up against before we act. If Hydra truly turned her into a weapon, she may not even have control over herself. We can't assume she's an ally yet."
Tony looked at the screen, his usual bravado slightly tempered by the seriousness of the situation. "So, we're asking you—how do we proceed from here? Do we wake her up and try to work with her? Or do we neutralize the threat before it becomes a problem?"
Fury's eye narrowed as he absorbed all the information. He didn't speak for a moment, his gaze flicking between the faces on the screen, sizing them all up. Finally, he leaned forward, his voice cutting through the silence. "You don't do anything until we have a full understanding of what we're dealing with. This isn't just a rogue experiment—it's a human being, possibly with a lot of Hydra's nasty fingerprints all over her. I want every single detail you've got."
Tony shot a quick glance at his tablet, tapping away as JARVIS relayed more data on the woman's energy readings. "We've already started gathering info. JARVIS has been running scans on her powers, but we need more than just data. We need a plan."
Fury rubbed his temple, clearly weighing the situation. "I'll send a team to assist, but I need you to keep her contained for now. No one goes near her without backup. If she's as dangerous as you say, we can't risk losing control. And for God's sake, no heroics."
Alexei, who'd been unusually quiet up to this point, shifted his weight. "Containment, huh? That's your solution? Fine by me, but we better have something sturdy. Because I don't trust that she's just gonna sit there and play nice while we figure her out."
"Yeah, cause that's gonna work," Tony muttered sarcastically. "What's next, Fury? Do we get her a room with a view, or do we just lock her down like a good little weapon?"
Fury's one-eyed gaze locked onto Tony's, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. "You've got a lot of nerve, Stark. But you're right—we can't just lock her away indefinitely. We need more intel on her before making any moves. That means no taking risks. Not unless she gives us a reason to."
Vladis, who had been silently observing the conversation, leaned forward, his tone deep and serious. "The woman is a weapon, Fury. You want to treat her like a human, but Hydra did something to her that makes her more dangerous than any of us can handle without the right preparation. If you want to wake her up, make sure you've got the means to control her if she goes rogue."
Fury's lips pressed into a thin line. "That's the point, Vladis. I don't want to wake her up until we know more. You all just keep her contained until we get a better handle on this. Don't make any moves until I say so. Understood?"
There was a collective murmur of agreement. Everyone knew the stakes were high, but Fury was still the one calling the shots.
Natasha shot a glance at Steve before speaking again, her voice low but firm. "We'll need more than just containment. If we wake her up, we need a way to suppress her powers in case things go south. Think of it like... an insurance policy."
Fury's voice didn't miss a beat. "I'll get you what you need. But you're right—no heroics, no unnecessary risks. We're playing this by the book. And I want daily updates, understood? This is a Hydra mess, and I won't have any of you making things worse by getting too cocky."
Bucky, who had been leaning back against the wall, shrugged. "We're not known for following orders, Fury. But we'll play nice. For now."
Tony grinned, a flash of amusement breaking through his usual sarcasm. "For now, anyway. But we'll need more details on her power set before we start making any calls. If she can do what you're saying, we're talking about a weapon that could break every one of us if she doesn't get the training she needs."
Fury gave them all a long look, clearly assessing each of them. "I'll have a team ready to assist you. But you better have a plan when we get there. I don't care if she's one of Hydra's mistakes or one of their greatest creations. You keep her contained, and you make sure this doesn't blow up in our faces."
The screen went black as Fury ended the call, leaving the room in an uneasy silence. The weight of the decision ahead settled on their shoulders like an invisible storm cloud.
"Alright," Steve said, breaking the silence, "Let's get to work. We've got a lot of planning to do."
As they moved into action, it was clear that whatever came next, they would be facing the unknown—and they'd have to do it together.
—
The cryogenic chamber still hummed softly in the corner, casting an eerie blue glow across the dimly lit safehouse. Erica Hayes—Hydra's so-called energy-based weapon—remained frozen inside, her presence a silent, volatile question mark looming over the room.
Harry stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, let's get Sleeping Beauty packed up before Hydra decides to come knocking." He slipped his hand into his enchanted pouch, fingers brushing against the familiar magic woven into its depths. With a muttered incantation, the pouch's mouth widened far beyond what should have been possible, stretching impossibly wide as the entire cryogenic chamber was sucked inside. The pouch sealed itself shut with a soft snap, as if it had just casually swallowed something the size of a small car.
Tony let out a low whistle, arms crossed as he watched the impossible physics unfold before him. "Okay. Nope. Nope. Not even gonna pretend that made sense. That's breaking at least seven laws of physics. Eight, if we count the part where it's also giving me a migraine."
Harry smirked, brushing nonexistent dust off his robe. "Oh, you poor, fragile little man. Did the laws of physics betray you again? You want me to call someone? Maybe a therapist?" He clutched his chest in mock sympathy. "Or, you know, maybe a wizard?"
Tony shot him a flat look. "You are the wizard. You are the problem."
Natasha snorted, arms folded as she leaned against the wall. "Welcome to my world."
Tony exhaled sharply, refocusing his attention on the Cloak of Levitation draped over Harry's shoulders. His gaze sharpened with the unmistakable glint of a man who had taken apart everything from missiles to alien technology and would absolutely disassemble a magic cloak if given the chance.
"Alright, let's talk about the flying tablecloth," Tony said, pointing at the Cloak. "What's the deal? Magic fabric? Anti-gravity mesh? AI? Because if this thing is an AI, I want a chat."
Before Harry could answer, the Cloak lifted slightly, tilting as if considering Tony's words. Then—without warning—it swung up and smacked him upside the head.
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
Bucky barked out a laugh, clapping Harry on the back. "Oh, that's fantastic."
Alexei wheezed, doubling over slightly. "This cloak. This cloak has taste."
Natasha, smirking, arched a brow. "I don't know, Tony. Looked like it did have a chat with you. Didn't seem impressed."
Tony, rubbing the back of his head, scowled at them. "You're all just jealous. That was assault. I should sue."
Harry grinned like a smug little menace. "Oh yeah? Who exactly are you gonna take to court? My cloak?" He spread his hands dramatically. "Your Honor, my client, the enchanted piece of fabric, pleads not guilty on the basis of Tony Stark being insufferable."
Bucky chuckled. "I'd be willing to testify in its defense."
"Same," Natasha added, stone-faced.
Alexei grinned. "I'll be character witness. 'Very honorable fabric. Not prone to needless violence—unless provoked by stupid billionaire.'"
Steve sighed, rubbing his temples. "Can we focus?"
Peggy, standing next to him, chuckled lightly. "Let them have their fun, darling. Tony's ego will survive."
Tony muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like "burn the cloak", but he let it go.
With the entertainment out of the way, the team shifted back into business mode.
Vladis adjusted the strap of his tactical vest, his expression unreadable. "I'll hold things down here. Make sure nothing Hydra-related comes sniffing around."
Steve nodded. "Keep a low profile. If anything feels off, you call us immediately."
Vladis smirked, the scar along his jawline pulling slightly. "Relax, Captain. I won't get myself killed while you're off playing hero."
Steve gave him a look, but let it slide.
Harry, meanwhile, flexed his fingers, golden sparks crackling between them. With a practiced twist, he spun his wrist in a circular motion. A glowing portal flared to life, the familiar warmth of New York's safehouse visible through the swirling gateway.
Natasha rolled her shoulders, glancing at the others. "Alright. Let's move."
One by one, they stepped through, leaving Riga behind.
The storm was waiting for them in New York.
—
If you had told Jean Grey a year ago that she'd be standing in a courtyard in Nepal, holding a mystical artifact while a bald woman in golden robes lectured her on the nature of the universe, she would've laughed in your face.
Then again, she'd also thought mutant powers were the weirdest thing she'd ever have to deal with, so really, that was on her.
The air in Kamar-Taj smelled like incense, aged parchment, and a hint of sweat—probably from all the training that had happened in this very courtyard over the centuries. Lanterns flickered in the early evening light, their glow casting long shadows over the stone floor.
Jean, Ororo Munroe, and Don't-Call-Me-Nymphadora Tonks stood in a loose semi-circle, each clutching a Sling Ring like it might bite them. Across from them, the Ancient One sat with the kind of effortless grace that suggested she could also be levitating and just choosing not to.
"Magic is not about power," she said, her voice calm, like she was explaining the concept of patience to particularly unruly children. "It is about understanding the forces that move the universe—and bending them to your will."
Tonks, shifting impatiently, rolled her shoulders. "Yeah, okay, that sounds super mystical and wise, but how do we actually do it? Like, do we wave our hands? Chant some magic words? Is there a cheat code?"
Jean sighed and gave her a look. "Maybe try listening first?"
Tonks huffed. "I am listening. I'm just also wondering how long this takes because my attention span is like—squirrel!" She pointed dramatically at nothing, just to prove a point.
Ororo, who had been quietly absorbing everything, ignored them both and focused on the Ancient One. "You said before that we channel energy from other dimensions. Is that what the Sling Ring does?"
The Ancient One inclined her head. "Correct. The Sling Ring allows you to access dimensional energy to create gateways between spaces. It is a tool, nothing more. The real magic lies here." She placed a hand over her heart. "And here." She tapped her temple.
Tonks scrunched her nose. "So basically… willpower?"
The Ancient One smiled slightly. "In a way. It requires focus. Something I suspect you may struggle with."
Tonks opened her mouth to protest but quickly realized she had no solid argument, so she just crossed her arms instead.
"Alright," the Ancient One continued, rising to her feet. "Extend your hand. Picture the destination in your mind. Feel the pull of the space you wish to open. Then—draw the circle."
She lifted her hand, fingers moving with practiced ease. Sparks ignited from her fingertips, swirling into a golden ring of light. A moment later, a portal flared open, revealing a misty mountain peak that looked very far from where they were standing.
Jean squinted at it. "Okay, that's cool."
Tonks grinned. "That's sick."
Jean took a deep breath and lifted her hand, trying to mimic the motion. At first, nothing happened. She frowned, narrowing her eyes like that might help.
Then—
A spark.
It was faint, barely there, but it sent a tingle up her arm. Jean inhaled sharply, focusing harder. The feeling was warm, like something waiting just beneath her skin.
"I think I felt it," she said, mostly to herself.
Ororo, watching closely, tried next. Her movements were fluid, precise—she had the kind of natural control that made Jean envious. But when she moved her fingers in the air—
Nothing.
Ororo frowned.
Then—
A gust of wind swept through the courtyard, ruffling their robes.
Ororo blinked. The Ancient One arched a brow. "Interesting."
Jean smirked. "Looks like you really don't like not being in control of the elements."
Ororo gave her a side-eye but didn't deny it.
Tonks, impatient as ever, flexed her fingers. "Alright, my turn." She slashed her hand through the air dramatically—
Nothing.
She scowled. "Oh, come on—"
The Ancient One simply observed. "Your mind is restless. You expect results without feeling the process."
Tonks groaned. "So basically, I need to chill?"
"Or at least focus," the Ancient One said dryly.
Jean smirked. "Yeah, Tonks, that's gonna be a challenge."
Tonks shot her a glare but didn't argue. Instead, she let out a long breath, rolling out her shoulders and trying again. This time, she moved her fingers slower, more deliberately.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
A flicker of golden sparks.
Small, fleeting, but there.
Tonks gasped. "Ha! I did it!"
The Ancient One nodded, but her expression remained neutral. "You started to do it. There is still much to learn."
Jean, Ororo, and Tonks exchanged glances.
This was going to be harder than they thought.
But oh, it was going to be fun.
---
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