Morgan leaned back in her chair, eyes narrowed like a hawk. "So… have you seen my husband's future?"
The Ancient One paused, almost amused at the boldness. Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Yes… and no. I can never see Ritsuka's future. It seems there is… something—no, someone—a powerful entity preventing my sight. However…" her gaze swept across Morgan with deliberate weight, "…I can see his influence on countless others. And because of that, I know he harbor no malice toward this world. So I do not particularly care what paths he takes… as long as the defenses against other dimensions remain intact."
Morgan's eyes flickered, but her expression gave nothing away. Inside, though, a small note of satisfaction rang. Even the Sorcerer Supreme admitted Ritsuka's future was beyond her grasp.
Ritsuka set his teacup down with a soft clink. "Of course. I won't let anything happen to Earth. This is my home too." His voice was steady, but his sincerity bled through every word.
The Ancient One did not respond immediately. Instead, she watched him in silence, the steam from her cup curling between them. She didn't fully trust him—not yet. But she was content to acknowledge that his words carried no falsehood.
On the floor nearby, Bumblebee folded his legs awkwardly, imitating the posture of the others. The wooden floor creaked under his weight. He leaned in, eyes flickering curiously between Ritsuka and the Ancient One.
Yao's calm expression wavered only in thought. 'Strange…Yesterday I have combed futures, searched across infinite branches of time. Yet I never once saw this… machine. A metal being, alive and vibrant, that exists outside my sight. Ritsuka, his companions, even this… car robot. They are anomalies.'
Ritsuka broke the silence. "In the future… many of my friends will arrive on Earth. Some of them are powerful. Different Beings not of this world. I hope you will not stop me from welcoming them."
The Ancient One's eyes softened, her voice smooth as water. "You may bring whomever you wish. Their arrival does not concern me, so long as they do not threaten the sanctums or Earth's defenses."
Ritsuka inclined his head respectfully. "That was my thought as well. In fact, if you would allow it… I can ask some of my companions to aid you in guarding the sanctums. Extra shields for your walls."
A rare smile touched Yao's lips. "Then I thank you in advance. That is no small offer."
Across the table, Romani raised his brows, swirling the tea in his cup. "You're… very different from the mages of our world," he said, taking another careful sip. "They would have already demanded contracts, control, and political maneuvering. But you? You just… talk over Best tea."
The Ancient One's gaze warmed, if only slightly. "Power without discipline is chaos. But power hoarded through fear is worse. I have no interest in shackles."
Bee's speakers crackled suddenly. "Man, I like her style!."
Da Vinci laughed softly, propping her chin on her palm. "You'll forgive us if we keep talking your ear off. But we're neighbors now. We'll be in New York, too. Consider us occasional tea guests."
The Ancient One inclined her head. "Then I look forward to our next conversation. Perhaps next time, you will tell me about your world."
The flicker in her eyes betrayed it—curiosity sharpened like a blade, honed by centuries.
Ritsuka's expression shifted, the easy calm he had worn moments ago vanishing into something far more somber.
Da Vinci and Romani, who had just set their empty teacups aside, mirrored that same seriousness.
Romani broke the silence first, his voice carrying the weight of the serious situation.
"From what I've heard from Ritsuka, and from what we know ourselves… there are a few truths you deserve to hear, Ancient One. The fact is… we are not from this world. The same applies to Bee here. But…" He gestured toward the metal being seated beside them. "…he isn't from our world either."
Yao's brows rose in rare surprise. "He is not of your world?"
Da Vinci leaned forward, her usual playfulness tempered by gravity. "Correct. Our arrival here was an accident. A confluence of circumstances that even I can't fully explain yet. But one thing is certain—" her gaze flicked toward Bee before returning to Yao, "—he will not be the last. Others will may come."
Yao's eyes narrowed. "Others… meaning more people will appear here from other worlds?"
Young Moriarty chuckled softly, though there was no mirth in his tone. His sharp gaze gleamed. "Indeed. The probability is not zero. Some who come may be well-meaning… or careless." He gave Bee a pointed glance, the implication heavy in the air.
Karna's voice, calm and steady like the flame of a torch, followed immediately after. "And others may be neither of those things. They may be evil. Dangerous beyond what your world has faced before."
The Ancient One folded her hands, considering their words. "So the future holds… more problems than I anticipated."
'But that is the headache of Strange. Not mine' the ancient one thought with a mocking smile as if she was having a laugh on the future problems of Doctor Strange. If Strange saw this side of yao, he would with heart attack.
Ritsuka nodded. His voice was steady, carrying the quiet conviction that had once rallied gods and kings alike. "Yes. And that's why I've already begun building connections here. People I trust, people who can help when that day comes. But if the time comes, Ancient One… I'll need your help as well."
Yao regarded him carefully for a long moment. Finally, she inclined her head. "Then thank you for informing me. On behalf of this world's mages… I give you my word. We will stand beside you to stop such threats."
Ritsuka allowed himself a small, tired smile. "That means more than you know. Thank you."
The conversation wound down, and soon they stood, preparing to depart. Yao gestured, opening the way back toward New York through the shifting magic of Kamar-Taj.
But just as the group turned, Ritsuka and Hakuno paused. Ritsuka turned back, his voice quieter, more personal.
"Before I go… I want to know about one thing, did Sakura came to Kamar-Taj?"
Yao's gaze softened in an almost imperceptible way. "She will come very soon."
Hakuno's breath caught, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back.
The door opened, and soon they were stepping through, leaving Kamar-Taj behind. After bidding farewell to Master Drumm, they emerged once more into the bustling streets of New York. Bee rolled behind them, silent but steady.
But neither Ritsuka nor Hakuno could shake the heaviness in their chests. Their steps carried them toward the Xavier Institute, yet their thoughts remained with the children and the Jean… and the Phoenix incident that still lingered over them all like a shadow.
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Note: I wanted to built the relationship between Yao and Ritsuka slowly.