THE APPRENTICE III

24

There was something...dangerous, about this version of Hazel Wolfe. Her eyes were a little more sunken in, covered in black and gold stains, almost like a mask. Her skin was pale and her stare was cold. The way she walked, the way she moved was fluid, almost snake-like, and she commanded their attention without having to try.

She looked more mature— darker, almost sensual. She seemed more unapologetic about being stronger, deeper, more dangerous. She began to hum to herself, her voice deep and hoarse.

"I've been watching you." She began, her voice hoarse. Wolfe approached Hazel and tilted her head a little, taking it all in. "You have my book."

Her heart dropped at this revelation. This was Hazel 838, the one who lost Stephen, the one who was in the Illuminati and befriended Xavier. She was the one in the statue, the more powerful one who created a universe— the darker one.

"You're...okay?" Hazel began. She couldn't tell if she could show any warmth. Were they past formalities, since they were the same person? Her eyes lit up at the sound of her voice and things fell into place. "Wait! You...you were the one who saved me in the junction, weren't you?"

"I am." She gave a nod. "I suppose I got sucked in, maybe it was fate."

She let out a small laugh, and Hazel echoed it. Stephen ran a hand through his hair in relief— finally, a positive surprise. But...was it really?

"We need your help, the Scarlet-" Stephen was interrupted when he was sent flying and his back hit the wall from her spell. She glared at him viciously.

"He meant what he said, don't trust him. Don't trust any of them, trust me." She kept her gaze intense on Hazel. "You're nothing but an inconvenience to him. See how he treated you the second he met the girl? I bet he'd trade you for Christine any day. That other one murdered you, that means he's capable of doing that to you now,"

"I said that I didn't-" The other Strange defended, but she held out her hand. He was lifted in the air, his throat tightening, and she slammed him against a wall.

"He treats you like a burden, because he doesn't know just how special you are!" She gave her a tight smile and squeezed her arm. There was something unhinged that was hiding behind her eyes. An intensity that felt like wildfire.

"You know what I did, back there? I made a universe, and they got scared. They got scared, and they should be." There was pride behind her tone and she lifted her chin up. "You could make one too, if you wanted to. You're a god. If we merged, we'd be the most unstoppable force in existence,"

"We can do that?" She tilted her head curiously. "We can merge?,"

"Yes. After all, it's all just energy." She confirmed and took the book from her space. "And they'll worship us. They'll love us. We'll have a family, Hazel!,"

"What do you know?" Stephen sassed, his temper clearly thinning. He directs his stare at his own Hazel. "Hazel, let's not listen to her. Don't be reckless and just control your-,"

"-oh, I'm reckless? You're gonna tell me what to do?" She straightened up her posture challengingly. "What are you gonna do, punish me? Maybe I wasn't born to be your apprentice, Stephen. I was made to be a god,"

"Why, Hazel?" He sighed in defeat and massaged his temples out of frustration. He wasn't going to lie, he was a bit disappointed. "Why are you even listening to her? Why are you even considering what any of them are saying?!,"

"Because I know what I am, now." She began and crossed her arms. "And now, you have another girl who just so happened to fall through a portal. Just like me, another girl whose powers will be useful to you, who you met through chance: America Chavez,"