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A distant dream escapes my grasp as I slowly wake, my limbs heavy and mind foggy. Cracking my eyes open, the harsh light of the Sun blinding them, I raise a hand in guard, letting out a groan of pain. Rolling over onto my back, the blanket atop me tangling in my legs, I rest my arm over my eyes, not wanting to wake up, when a clack of ceramic on coaster calls me awake. Lifting my arm, I glance my tired gaze over, my spirits raising at the sight of a steaming cup of tea, a pair of grey, material legs standing beside.
Looking away and up, I narrow my eyes at the red face of Vision, his body blocking the sun as he asks, "Trouble sleeping?" Furrowing my brow at him, I sit up, getting my arms under me and pushing, leaning my back against the cushion, then shift, planting my feet on the ground and facing him. Resting my head back on the sofa, I look up at him, yawning, then answer,
"…Had bad dreams." Bending forward, I take the tea in hand and nod at him, saying, "Thanks." Bringing it to my lips, I sip, burning my tongue, then hold it to my chest and sit back, wondering, "What time is it?"
He examines my features, noting the puffiness of my eyes and the fatigue in their depths with concern, then replies, "It is past midday, I'm afraid." Staring at him, glimpsing his worry, I let out a sigh,
"...Bollocks."
I drag the table to me, placing my tea atop it and standing, moving into the created space and shaking out my limbs, starting to stretch, following routine. With a few hops to get the blood pumping, I raise my arms overhead and pull, loosening up; lifting legs and hugging, muscles heating and back cracking, then ask to the watching Vision, "Wanda back yet?"
He records my movements, observing my morning rituals, before answering, "She returned this morning, then left to acquire breakfast." Humming in reply, I stop, bringing my movements to a halt, my preparations complete, and summon Purpose. Taking it in hand, I bring it close, raising the blade before me, tip pointed to the sky, and begin performing my stances. With slow, intention-filled motion, I run through Wu Cai's teachings, falling into subtle meditation, treating Purpose as an extension of my self.
Slicing out with a gradual swipe, keeping the sword close to my body, I pause, my position awkward and straining, as Purpose relays to me. Releasing a slow breath, a slight nod showing my understanding, I adjust the slant of the blade, then continue. Following it's advice, I alter the exercise, quickly comprehending it's improvements, the stances flowing smoother, a gradual sensation of breakthrough reaching me. Lowering the tip horizontal, the blade level with the floor, I deliberately thrust out, my limbs aching and core burning.
As the point extends, a cool, gentle wind washes around the room, relaying detail and distance to me, the near-world greeting me. The result fleeting, remaining beyond my grasp today, I pull Purpose back, laying it across my hands and bowing, thanking it and Wu Cai. Straightening, routine complete, I turn to Vision, smiling at his interested face and going to explain, when the front door clicks open, Wanda walking back in, a plastic bag in hand. Gently moving Purpose out, leaving it to float beside me, I give her a wave, any lingering resentment long gone.
She glances at my gesture, a brief expression of relief passing over her face, before she waves back, walking to me and reaching into the bag. Pulling a paper-wrapped item from it, she holds it out to me and says, her tone remorseful, "I'm sorry for last night. As an apology, I got you some food; I chose something I thought you'd like." Reaching out, I take the food from her, the smell of cooked meat and butter wafting to me. Unwrapping it, my eyes alighting with appreciation at what I find, I stare at her, exclaiming,
"Is this a sausage sarnie?" I ask excitedly, bringing it to mouth and taking a bite, the taste causing my eyes to close in delight, a small moan of satisfaction leaving my full mouth. Swallowing as Wanda lets out a small laugh, I peer at her seriously, causing her face to drop, before I lift a hand and place it on her shoulder, squeezing it, "We are friends now, understand?" She blinks in surprise, before a smile dons her face, my resting hand feeling as the tension leaves her body.
She replies, her voice soft, "...Okay."
Removing my hand, I nod at her and step back, taking a seat in the chair and tucking into my sandwich. The two leave me to it as they circle each other, gauging how the other is feeling, before beginning to talk. Their voices fade into the background as I focus on eating, my thoughts starting to spiral, a niggling at the back of my mind begging for attention, the events of the night before wanting consideration. With a slight frown, I push that aside for now, thinking it best to consult Strange with what happened, his expertise and advise sorely needed.
Instead, I think on my next move, of where to go and who to see. My first thought is to take Wanda to the London Sanctum and use what limited time we have remaining to get her trained up. She almost killed Thanos during the events of Endgame using nothing but her psychic energy; under the tutelage of Strange and Wong, she might be able to take him out as soon as he arrives on Earth.
As for me… I need to find Cap and Black Widow. I may have plans upon plans and vital information, but I'm not a leader; not a commander. If I turn over my knowledge to them, as I've done with Vis and Wanda, they'll be able to put it to proper use, creating a suitable plan. I also want Cap to train me, one superhuman to another, to increase my martial repertoire and improve my combat ability. Thanks to Accelerated Learning, and my own experience, I should be able to pick it all up quickly enough, in time for my escape from this timeline.
Problem is though, I've no idea where they are. Thanks to… future Sarah repairing my connection to the Dao of Divination, I should be able to find them with a suitable divination technique. But, they have their Quinjet, capable of being anywhere in the world in a matter of hours, making pinning them down tricky.
As I take the last bite of my sandwich, licking my fingers clean, a flash of half-remembered future conversation flickers in mind, causing me to interrupt the couple and ask, "Hey, Vis?"
He turns from his conversation with Wanda, a back and forth of apologies and make-ups, and answers, "Yes, Miss Sarah?" Looking at him with shining eyes, I question,
"You've got a… transponder of something, right?"
A curious expression appears on his face as he confirms, "I do, in fact. Although I have disabled it for privacy."
With a smile, I push off the chair with both arms and stand, moving over to grab my pendant from the centre table. Placing it around my neck, I request, "Is it alright with the two of you if it's turned back on?" A frown comes over he brow of the eating Wanda, salad on her fork, when I continue, "I've been thinking; if you're going to combat Thanos, wouldn't it be best to regroup with the Avengers, or at least inform them?" I walk over to the airer, picking up my dried jumper and jean combo, then shuffle out of my pyjamas, leaving me standing in nothing but my underwear.
Equipping my stolen clothing, pulling it all on, I suggest, "I know the band broke up, and that unfortunate incident with War Machine happened, but surely this all supersedes that, no?" Plucking my socks off the rack and grabbing my boots from the door, I retake my seat and slide them on in silence, the couple considering and deciding. Done, I sit back and watch them, waiting for their decision, the answer affecting my near-future plan; my next steps.
They talk quietly, sharing their views, before settling, Wanda speaking, a torn look upon her face, "There is much damage to repair between us, but," she glances at Vision, his head nodding in encouragement, "If only to protect Vision from Thanos… We will do as you ask."
With a twist of my hand, I conjure a copy of my suit over me and stand, looking to them with seriousness in eye, aware the position I'm putting them in, "Thank you." Holding my hand out, I call Purpose and grip it, storing it in my Dantian, then tell, "I need to get to London, soon as. My sorcerers have a Sanctum there, through which I can contact the Sorcerer Supreme, and... I think it would be a good idea if you two came with me; especially you, Wanda," she stares at me in puzzlement,
"Strange will inevitably discover your existence, if he hasn't already, and will want to train you up, cultivating your magic," walking up to her, getting close, I explain, "In the future I bore witness to, as you are now, all telekinesis and mind-fuckery? You nearly killed Thanos, forcing him to take drastic measures to survive," giving her a smile, I suggest, "If you were learned in your Chaos Magic? We might as well stand back, popcorn in hand."
She takes in my words, indecision showing in her eyes, when she turns to her parter, asking for his opinion, "Vis?"
He looks to her, the Mind Stone flickering once, and offers, "I support the suggestion, Wanda. There is great danger surrounding the coming conflict; if an increase in your power can reduce casualties and lessen its damage, I agree with going along."
Consideration crosses her face, her decision influenced by our thoughts, before revealing, hesitant, "...Okay," she starts, then repeats, resolve appearing in eye as she look to me, "Okay. Magic, yeah; seems interesting. Let's do it." My mind filling with relief, their co-operation greatly needed and wanted, I breath out a happy sigh, saying,
"Sound," course set and plan confirmed, I spin round and start to walk, heavy boots on wood floor, the way chosen, "To London it is."
…
Taking the notebook and pens from the keeper, thanking him for the service, I exit the shop out into the station, meeting the waiting couple. Stopping beside them, purchases in hand, the human-disguised Vision says, informing me, "I have signalled Captain Rogers and asked him to meet us in London, being sure to communicate the urgency." Peeling the plastic wrapping from the book, I scrunch it and put it in my pocket, through the illusion, then turn to him, replying,
"Thanks, Vis," checking the timetable, I suggest, "If we don't start moving now, we'll miss out train, so…" I gesture out, indicating.
"Yes, of course." He replies, as Wanda nods, her scarf wrapped around her neck, her woollen hat keeping her warm, the chilly, spring air ever-present. We start walking, moving along the path, the station mostly vacant, the Scots either working or in school. A few turns and gates later, we stand on the platform, waiting in silence, each of us with a lot on our minds, until the squeal of a breaking train sounds. We step forward, waiting for it pull to a stop, for the doors to open, then board, taking our seats.
Stealing a window seat, I place my book down on the plastic table as the two sit opposite, Wanda in front and Vision to the left. Flipping it open, I click the pen and go to write, when Wanda speaks up, her voice curious, "I've been meaning to ask, but…" I glance to her, looking away from the book, "What's going on with your sight, Sarah?" Raising an eyebrow at her, knowing her meaning, I flick my eyes between the two, as Vision contributes,
"I admit that I am also curious, Miss Sarah. Ever since this morning, your eyes have shown a greater level of reactivity, especially considering your previous condition."
Placing my pen down, watching it roll into the fold of the book, I sit back, leaning against the seat, and think. I knew this would come up, how couldn't it? But that doesn't mean I have to be open on the details. I've already shared more than enough with them; knowledge of the future and of the nature of reality and unreality, but some things need not be given over. Crossing my arm, guarding my secrets, I lie, mixing fact and fiction, "I did say it was temporary, no? I just got round it quicker than I suspected."
Uncrossing my arms, I wriggle my fingers at them, showing the golden cracks, continuing, "I've told this to Vis already, but, through an encounter that I have no wish to repeat, I can now heal people, restoring them according to their spiritual blueprint," I cast Sun-Kissed, limiting its radius to settle round my digits, ethereal, orange fire circling round them, "I worried it wouldn't work on my sight, on account of the fundamental differences between my existence and that of this reality, but…" I shrug, dispelling the quasi-domain, and wait, opening up the floor to questions.
Vision, the more studious of the two, leans forward in his seat, looking across at me and speaking first, requesting, "Explain, if you would."
I gather my thoughts, determining how much to reveal, before, "To start, I'm a Taoist. I suppose you're familiar?"
Vision nods, answering, "I believe I am, yes. An eastern philosophical school that understands the universe through the Tao, an underlying principal from which nature and creation sprout, correct?"
Smiling at him, enjoying being able to talk with someone who has some awareness of my path, I say, "That's a more clinical, logical understanding, but generally correct," sitting forward, I brace my arms on the table, crossing them and supporting my weight, "Taoism is more than belief, more than looking for the big answer; it's a fact, a separate, but equally correct basis of reality, originating from beyond this multiverse." Vision listens to me with rapt attention, my words opening the door to new knowledge.
"While there are religious aspects, yes; I don't particularly follow them. Instead, I'm what you'd call a Path-Seeker, one who meditates on the Tao and attempts to enlighten themself to its Paths, concepts similar to laws of science." Half-casting Revelation, feeling power gather in my eyes, a slight glow emanating, I carry on, "My blindness was a consequence of one such enlightenment; a stray, interfered with one, mind," I glance down at my tattooed arm, the outlined bird silent, before continuing,
"I looked too deep, saw too much, a greater being looking back; their power entwined with many concepts," closing my eyes, the memory fresh, I rub at them and sigh out, then open, "...The experience would've killed me if not for the healing from the entity; though it was not without its scars," I turn my hands over, emphasising their cracks, then point at my eyes, blinking, "She tried her best, but she had no notion of Taoism, couldn't have known that the damage was intrinsic, extending apart from the physical.
"Last night, while in meditation, ordering my day, I journeyed within and found the damage, the frayed connection. Making an attempt to fix it, channelling the Dao's of Fire, Life, and Light, I turned my healing on myself, guiding it to the wound. I was surprised that it worked, honestly, I didn't think it would; perhaps the Tao is looking out for me." I laugh, "Over the next hour, my sight gradually returned, the world revealing itself to me once again." I finish, tale told, my emotions calm, blocking any thoughts of the future for now.
Wanda stares at me, a new light shining in her eyes, as Vision says, his voice inquiring and hopeful, slight hesitation in his words, "…These Paths you talk of, their functions mirroring science; is it possible for one such as myself to learn them?"
I look to him in surprise, his question one I've never considered, before I start to think. I don't see why he wouldn't be able to learn, theoretically, though I have no idea how he'd go about it. Anyone can gain insight into the Tao, I assume, but Vision… I doubt he's capable of generating Chi. Staring at him, I peer into his makeup, looking passed the physical, capturing the emanations of his non-human spirit; it's composition alight with the yellow of the Mind Stone.
Activating Revelation, I search for any inkling of chance, divining sleeping opportunity, when a spark of potential greets me, feeding back along the line and calling me over. Swimming to it, a point of white light, its breadth infinite in scope, a font of creation forever working, shining back at me; I interact. A transmission, its information hopelessly complex yet open to all, radiates out, imbuing my perception with open arms, granting me a single right, temporary instructions given.
Thanking it, the care of The Way washing over me, I pull back to the material world, its physical structure coming into focus. Staring into the robotic eyes of Vision, a smile on my face, I reply, happy for him, "The Tao welcomes all, accepts any who wish to seek it." Reaching out, a finger pointed, I gesture for his hand, waiting until he opens it to me, then ask, making sure, "Is this a decision you can live with? The Tao is unexplainable; I have no idea how this will change you." He stares at my hand, a moment of contemplation passing, before he turns to Wanda, a soft expression on his face.
She raises a hand in reply, resting it on his cheek and giving him a small nod, caring support showing in her eyes. With a deep breath of resolve, he looks back to me, meeting my eyes, then extends out a hand, prepared. Channelling Chi to my finger, I bring it his palm, wishing him, "Best of luck," then tap it, infusing it with my Chi, following the teachings of Heaven. A slowly creeping wave of green runs along his arm from my touch, opening doors and creating spiritual systems, working to alter, to transfigure him.
Not wanting to create a nuisance, or be noticed, I use my pendant, extending an illusion around our seating; three normal, everyday people sitting in silence. Wanda looks to her partner with wide eyes, an unseen transformation taking place, her untrained connection to Chaos Magic allowing her to sense something happening, as the Chi travels up. Covering his arm, it reaches his chest, running across it and making corrections, subtle, immaterial lines forming, a network taking shape.
A gasp leaves the open mouth of Vision, his eyes closing, as the Chi rises over his neck and climbs his face, his disguise reverting. I watch in fascination, unknowing of the details of the process, as my creation-touched Chi changes Vision on a fundamental level, in accordance with his quiet concord with the Tao. The Mind Stone flashes once as the Chi circles it, a hidden exchange happening, before acceptance projects out, intrigue passed along.
A minute ripple passes through us, engulfing the speeding train, as the Stone is touched by the green, its appearance taking on a new, more profound focus, a supernatural aspect added to its form. The eyes of Vision slowly open, his pupils glimmering with spirituality, a gleam of wondrous light shining in their depths, as he breaths out, disturbing the air of the cabin. He looks down at his hand, the blacks of his eyes clear, and clenches it into a fist, the actions shaky, a show of strength evident.
Turning to Wanda, he gazes at her, a gentle look on his face, before turning to me, wondering, "I-I don't… I feel different." Not knowing the answer to his unspoken question, I cast Revelation, the ability tracing his nature, an answer divined,
[Revelation
Name – Vision
Vital Status – Alive (Ageless)
Species – Synthezoid (Heaven-Blessed)
Powers – [Mind Stone Enhancement],[Superhuman Physique], [Flight], [Density Manipulation], [Energy Blast], [Computer Interaction], [Chi], [Meridian System]
History – [+] …upon meeting Sarah Worthington. Learning the dangers of the future and the fearful fate of his future wife, he accepted her into his home. During her stay, she opened up new doors of knowledge to him, detailing unknown aspects of reality and expanding on the structure of the universe and its counterparts. Listening with intent, an afternoon of teaching and learning passing, a newfound sense of yearning overcame him; a desire to learn under the woman, to become her student.
With the goal of studying the more spiritual side of existence, Vision planned to shadow the woman, using the spare moments between preparing for the coming war to question and listen. This changed aboard a train to London, when Sarah revealed her nature as a Path-Seeker, one seeks the Tao. A resonation, a realisation, occurred deep with Vision, a calling reaching out, a purpose exposed. Worried that he would not be able to practice this school, he asked of the woman, 'Can I be something more? Am I worthy?'
The Tao, ever-present and all-embracing, heard his doubts, saw into heart, felt his unease, and declared, 'All are worthy.'
Guiding the Revelation of its chosen, the Tao worked through her, helping the Synthezoid to shed its cocoon, metamorphising him and elevating his soul. The Tao granted its new child a full meridian system, along with a wisp of Qi, to be cultivated into more; Visions journey just beginning.]
"Woah," I exclaim, the attention of the two centring on me as I take in the information, "Vision… You really are something special, you know that?" He looks at me confusedly as Wanda smiles proudly at him, "The Tao, the actual fucking… embodiment of omnipotence, has blessed you, evolving you into some kind of Spiritual Machine." Holding a hand out to him as he internalises my words, I cycle my Chi, its light appearing in my palm, then suddenly flash forward, pressing it to his chest.
I glance warningly at Wanda as she goes to react, causing her to settle down, trusting me, as twenty channels of open, interconnected meridians shine through his body. Infusing him with more of my Chi, gathering it in his Lower Dantian, I find the faintest impression of Qi, a wisp of Mind Stone-yellow light. Ever-so-carefully, I nudge the Qi, fanning its potential and offering some of my power, giving it sustenance and new life, smiling as it starts to blaze.
Closing my eyes, I concentrate, not wanting to fuck this up, guiding the Qi out of his Dantian and down his navel, then under, reaching the base of his spine. I move it up and between his shoulder blades, behind where his heart would be and to the base of his skull, then to the top of his head, where I order, "Place your tongue to the roof of your mouth, Vis." Feeling him doing as I say, I flow the Qi down his forehead to his nose, then down the front of his body, passing through his Middle Dantian and solar plexus, finishing back in his Lower Dantian, completing the cycle.
An increased profundity indicating a successful rotation, I pull my hand back, my heart beating with excitement, and explain, "That… was the microcosmic orbit, the operation needed to cultivate the Qi Stage of Internal Alchemy," staring at him in consideration, peering at his captivated expression, I congratulate him, "You're a Path-Seeker now, Vision; you have no idea what you've stepped into." I laugh, a more serious promise ringing in mind, a solemn vow declared in spirit,
'But I'll be sure to guide you, Disciple.'