Maya Stark

Chapter 146: Amethyst

Kamar-Taj is larger than I was expecting. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but definitely not something so beautiful. Not teachers and students everywhere learning how to take control of something so incredibly delicate.

Then I met America, and it didn't take an expert to know that she wanted to run away from me. The second she saw my face she looked at me like I had killed everyone she had ever loved.

'What is she doing here?' America said, talking fast. 'No, she's evil, Strange. She's tried to kill me in two other universes.'

'Jeez,' I muttered. 'I'm not going to kill you, kid. Trust me, I'm the least of your concerns.'

'She's okay,' Strange said. 'You trusted me even after what other Strange did to you, right?'

America nods hesitantly.

'Then you can trust her,' Strange nods himself. 'She is now our only hope.'

'Promise,' I say.

Strange walks towards a temple of sorts and I follow like a lost dog. I had no idea what was going on and I knew that I didn't have the full story. When we finally get to Wong, I stand between America and Strange as he explains what happened with Wanda. Strange finishes telling the story and silence falls across Kamar-Taj.

'Scarlet Witch,' Wong whispered, almost like he couldn't believe it.

'Wanda's gone,' Strange said. 'She's got the Darkhold and the Darkhold has her.'

Wong looks at the soldiers. 'Scarlet Witch is a being of unfathomable magic. She can rewrite reality as she chooses, and is prophesized to either rule, or annihilate the cosmos.'

'She took over a whole town using her mind. If she gets America's power... she could enslave the entire Multiverse.'

'She isn't trying to do that, though,' I say, looking at Strange. 'She just wants to leave this reality. So, theoretically, can't America here just open a portal and send her away? Somewhere maybe that Wanda is dead, and her kids need her.'

'One, she can't control her powers. Two, that's against the law.'

'So, the person you went to ask for help,' America said, turning to us, 'and told exactly where I am, is the person that's trying to kill me?'

Strange shrugs lightly. 'Yeah.'

'But she isn't just Scarlet Witch,' I insist. 'She's Wanda. She's still in there somewhere, I know she is. We just have to bring her back out.'

'Maya, that's impossible to—'

'Actually,' Wong said, looking to Strange, 'she could do it.'

'We aren't telling her, here, Wong,' Strange said. 'Not in front of everyone.'

'Tell me what?' I ask, getting annoyed. 'What is with all the secrets?'

Wong sighs. 'Suspend teaching at once. And arm the students. Kamar-Taj must now become a fortress.'

It was instant. Everyone started moving and Strange sent America with some people. Strange motioned for me to follow him and Wong falls into step behind us. My heart was pounding fast as we walked into a library-type-room.

'Do you remember what Wanda said? About your destinies being intertwined?' Strange asked, grabbing a book.

'Kinda hard not to,' I respond.

'She wasn't lying,' Wong said bluntly. 'The Scarlett Witch is not the only Witch of this age. With the Scarlett Witch always comes the Amethyst.'

I couldn't help the sudden laugh. 'Who the hell names themselves that?'