021

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The sun was beginning to set over the ancient rooftops of Kamar-Taj, casting a soft golden glow across the courtyard where Omega sat, deep in thought. The sounds of disciples training, the rhythmic hum of chants, and the occasional crackle of energy flickering in the air surrounded him, yet his mind was elsewhere. Omega, now accustomed to the serenity of this place, found himself longing for something different. For years, he had dedicated himself to training, pushing his body and mind beyond their limits to control his powers. He had grown, both in strength and in wisdom, under the Ancient One's guidance.

But now, something else gnawed at him. A desire that had been dormant for too long—a desire to live.

He watched some of the younger disciples laughing together, sharing stories of their homes and families. For a long time, Omega had felt separate from that—different, isolated by his power and his past. But lately, he found himself thinking about the life he could have outside these walls. He wanted to experience what other teenagers experienced. He wanted to go to school, meet people, and maybe—just maybe—fall in love.

As the thoughts swirled in his head, Omega stood up, the decision clear in his mind. He needed to talk to the Ancient One.

He made his way through the winding halls of Kamar-Taj, the stone cool beneath his feet. When he arrived at the Ancient One's private quarters, he paused, gathering his thoughts. She had been his guide, his teacher, and in many ways, his protector. She had given him a purpose and the tools to control his powers, but now he needed something more.

With a deep breath, he knocked softly.

"Come in," her voice called from inside, calm as ever.

Omega stepped into the room, where the Ancient One sat by a window, the golden light casting long shadows across the floor. She looked up at him, a small smile on her face, as if she already knew what he was going to say.

"Is something on your mind?" she asked, her tone gentle.

Omega hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I... I've been thinking," he began, his voice steady but laced with uncertainty. "I've spent years here, training, learning... and I'm grateful for everything you've taught me. But I feel like there's more I need to experience. More than just training and fighting. I want to live like a normal teenager... go to school, make friends, have a life outside of all this."

The Ancient One's expression remained calm, though her eyes flickered with understanding. "You've grown stronger, and your control over your powers has improved greatly. But living a normal life, Omega, is not as simple as it seems."

Omega nodded. "I know. But I need to try. I want to go to school, get an education. Meet people my age, maybe even..." he hesitated, a slight smile tugging at his lips, "find someone to be with. I've never had the chance to be just... me. Not the weapon HYDRA made, not the student mastering psionics and sorcery, but just me."

The Ancient One stood, her hands clasped behind her back as she paced slowly across the room. "You believe you're ready for this?" she asked, her voice measured. "Your powers are great, and though your control has improved, the world outside Kamar-Taj is chaotic, unpredictable. You may face dangers you aren't yet prepared for."

"I am ready," Omega said firmly. "And I know I still have a lot to learn, but that's why I need to do this. I want to live in the Sanctum in New York. It's far enough away that I can have a normal life, but close enough that I'll still be under the protection of the Order. I need an education, Ancient One. I need a life outside these walls."

The Ancient One watched him closely, considering his words. She could see the determination in his eyes, but more than that, she could sense the yearning in his heart—the need for a life beyond battle and discipline.

As she opened her mouth to speak, a familiar voice interrupted.

"This is a mistake," Mordo's voice cut through the air as he stepped into the room, his expression hard. "He's dangerous. His powers are still unstable. Letting him out into the world is reckless, especially to a place like New York. Who knows what could happen if he loses control?"

Omega's eyes flashed green for a split second, the faintest glimmer of the Void stirring within him. But he maintained his composure, smiling coolly as he turned to face Mordo. "Mind your business," Omega said softly, his voice dripping with calm malice.

Before Mordo could react, his eyes glazed over, and his entire body stiffened. Omega had placed him in a powerful illusion, trapping him within the confines of his own mind. Mordo stood frozen, silent, his expression still one of irritation, though he was no longer aware of his surroundings.

Omega turned back to the Ancient One, his smile fading. "Please," he said, his voice sincere. "I need this."

The Ancient One sighed, her eyes flickering from Mordo to Omega. There was no denying the boy's progress. He had grown beyond what she had imagined, not just in power, but in maturity and self-awareness. But there was also the Void, the dark force still lurking within him, bound by fragile seals. Still, the time would come when he needed to live outside these walls, to find his own way.

She could see the conviction in him, and perhaps, there was wisdom in allowing him to step out into the world, to live as a young man before the darkness caught up with him.

"Very well," she said finally. "You may go to New York. You'll live in the Sanctum, where you'll be under our protection. Wong will be there to watch over you, and I will ensure that you remain connected to Kamar-Taj. But," she added, her tone firm, "you must remember, Omega, that the world outside is unpredictable. You must control your powers—at all times. Omega smiled, relief washing over him. "Thank you," he said earnestly.

The Ancient One nodded. "Get your things packed. Meet me in my private quarters in twenty minutes."

Omega hurried out of the room, excitement bubbling in his chest. He rushed back to his quarters, throwing together his few belongings—a handful of robes, some books, and the ancient artifacts he had been studying. His heart raced with anticipation. This was his chance to live, to be something more than a weapon.

After packing, Omega made his way to the Ancient One's chambers, where she was waiting with another figure—someone he had never met before.

The man standing next to her was slightly round, with a calm, serious expression on his face. He looked at Omega with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"Omega, this is Wong," the Ancient One said, her voice introducing the man with respect. "Wong, this is Omega."

Wong extended his hand, and Omega took it, shaking firmly. "I'll be watching over you at the Sanctum," Wong said, his tone neutral but not unfriendly. "Make sure you don't get into too much trouble."

Omega smiled and nodded. "I'll try my best," he said. Then, he turned to the Ancient One, his smile softening. "It's Jakub," he corrected. "Out there, I don't want to go by 'Omega.' It'll be strange. I want to live like a normal teenager, and that name... doesn't belong to who I want to be."

The Ancient One regarded him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she gave a small nod. "Jakub it is," she said.

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