Watching Agatha All Along: Same Story, Different Century

Break Time - 1

Author POV:
"Greetings, everyone! I can see that many of you are probably curious about why the people in this room resemble older or younger versions of your friends or perhaps even some adversaries. Fear not, for Birdie and I have the answers to your burning questions. So please, don't hesitate to ask—America encourages the group, her voice warm and inviting, urging everyone to voice their thoughts and inquiries."

Once America stopped talking, everyone began asking multiple questions at the same time, making it difficult for Birdie and America to hear. Frustrated by the overlapping voices, Tony Stark intervened and asked Birdie to use one of her powers: the ability to manipulate sound. Tony had somehow guessed that Birdie possessed more than one ability and that at least one of them was related to sound.

Birdie fidgeted nervously, her slender fingers tracing intricate patterns along her arm, a subconscious manifestation of the anxiety swirling inside her. She felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her chest as she contemplated the formidable power she was about to harness. Heart pounding like a drum in her ears, she turned to Tony, her voice trembling and barely rising above a whisper. "What if I accidentally hurt them while trying to manipulate sounds?"

Tony, with his steady gaze and an air of reassurance that radiated calm, momentarily shifted his focus to America. "You're the one who took Birdie under your wing," he asserted, his voice a blend of warmth and authority. "You should be the one to guide her through this—she needs your wisdom now more than ever."

America, caught in the delicate grip of uncertainty, responded with a nervous glance, her brow slightly furrowed. "You're right, Tony," she admitted, a hint of resolve breaking through her initial hesitation. "I am the mentor, and Birdie is the trainee."

America approached Birdie with a tenderness that radiated warmth, kneeling to meet her gaze at eye level. She gently placed her right hand on top of Birdie's head, her touch featherlight like a comforting whisper. "Birdie," she said softly, her voice imbued with compassion, "I can sense that you're feeling frightened about using that special ability of yours. It's natural to have doubts about yourself, and I want you to know that those feelings are completely valid."

Pausing for a moment to ensure her words sank in, America continued, "Right now, though, both Tony and I are in need of your help more than ever. I promise that I'll be right here beside you, ready to support you as you discover and embrace the incredible gifts your creator has bestowed upon you. Will you help us, please?" The sincerity in her eyes conveyed a deep sense of trust and encouragement, inviting Birdie to take that next brave step.

Gaining confidence, Birdie used her sound manipulation sub-power called sound amplification to enhance her voice. She took a deep breath and said, "HEY EVERYONE, LISTEN UP! I KNOW YOU HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS, BUT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO ANSWER THEM IF YOU KEEP TALKING OVER EACH OTHER. SO HERE'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO: I WANT EVERYONE TO RAISE THEIR HAND UP IN THE AIR. THEN, AMERICA AND I WILL PICK A PERSON TO ASK A QUESTION. IS THAT ALRIGHT WITH ALL OF YOU?"

Every hero, civilian, and villain in the vicinity stood frozen in disbelief, their faces a canvas of shock and confusion. They exchanged glances, each silently grappling with the astonishing reality: how could such a powerful voice resonate from the tiny frame of a little girl? The air was thick with a palpable tension, as they all nodded slowly, minds racing yet too bewildered to voice their questions.

One by one, they raised their hands, the air thick with anticipation as each individual waited to be called upon. Beside Birdie, America pointed towards the enigmatic figure draped in a flowing red cloak—none other than Dr. Strange, a mentor she deeply admired. With a mixture of curiosity and reverence, she asked, "What is your question, Dr. Strange?"