"The reason I've come." Soren said with a confident smile.
"It is to form an alliance with Asgard, with Kamar-Taj, and with a few powerful friends of my own. When Malekith arrives on Earth, we'll be ready to give him a surprise."
The Ancient One nodded slowly.
The threat of the Dark Elves was not one to be taken lightly, but the presence of someone like Soren, powerful, capable, and reliable, offered reassurance.
Kamar-Taj had a duty to protect Earth from interdimensional threats, and this was no exception.
"I understand." She said. "We will stand with you."
Soren exhaled softly, some of the weight lifting off his shoulders. It was a start. A strong one.
At his side, Jean Grey had remained quiet, eyes wide with fascination as she observed the sacred grounds of Kamar-Taj. The energy here, raw, mystical, called to something deep within her.
She felt it thrumming under her skin, just beneath the surface of her mind, where the dormant Phoenix Force stirred.
Soren noticed her awe and smiled faintly.
He knew this place would resonate with her. Magic and willpower, when refined properly, could be a path to help her master what even Xavier's School had struggled to contain.
Though the Phoenix had been constantly sealed temporarily, through the protections of the Everlife Medical Hall, it was still a part of her.
A power vast enough to reshape galaxies.
If Jean could learn magic, she might finally gain control over the cosmic entity within her.
"Ancient One." Soren began thoughtfully, glancing at Jean.
"This is my partner, Jean Grey."
"She's long had a deep interest in magic, and I was wondering… could she stay here, for a while? To study?"
Jean flushed slightly at his words, caught between embarrassment and anticipation.
He had taught her a few beginner-level spells already, simple illusions and conjurations, but this was entirely different. Kamar-Taj, the source of the world's finest sorcerers.
The Ancient One turned to Jean, her gaze wise and unreadable, yet not unkind.
"Kamar-Taj welcomes any who seek enlightenment."
"But understand, magic is not merely power. It is discipline. It is duty. Should you choose this path, you must uphold the responsibilities of a sorcerer and protect the balance of the world."
"Are you prepared for that, Miss Grey?"
Jean hesitated for only a heartbeat. "I am. I want to learn. I want to help."
In truth, she had been growing more frustrated, watching Soren shoulder burden after burden while she stood by.
She had heard of other worlds, other dimensions. She had felt helpless far too often.
Now, she saw a chance, not only for growth, but to stand beside him in the battles to come.
The Ancient One smiled gently. "Then you are welcome here."
"You'll find magic isn't about casting spells, it's about seeing the world in a new way."
Soren was relieved.
Jean staying at Kamar-Taj meant she wouldn't be caught in the direct crossfire of his upcoming confrontations. And it gave her a meaningful, focused way to harness her gifts.
"Besides." the Ancient One added with a glint of humor.
"Having someone familiar with our Doctor around may make things… interesting."
Jean chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
After further discussion with the Ancient One, details on how to coordinate with Asgard, ways to shield Earth during the Convergence, and potential allies to contact, Soren's preparations were nearly complete.
As twilight fell over the monastery, he stood beside Jean in the training courtyard.
"I'm heading out."
"You'll be in good hands here. Learn as much as you can. When you've mastered the portal spell, you'll be able to visit me anytime."
Jean looked at him, her heart tugging. "Be careful, Soren. Malekith has the Aether, and you—"
"I know." He said softly.
"But I'll be ready."
She reached for his hand, fingers squeezing. "Then I'll be ready too."
With one last nod to the Ancient One, Soren stepped through a portal, vanishing into the beyond.
Jean turned back toward the temple, mind alight with purpose.
The road ahead was long. But she wouldn't follow in his shadow.
She would rise with him.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
PhantomDream