Marvel: Chapter 144

Chapter 144: I'll Wait

Adrenaline pumped through my veins as the magic from the pendant rushed inside my body. I knew this feeling very well, it was one that I got whenever I obtained a new power. 


The feeling of a reawakening. And although this was barely a synchronisation procedure, the results still gave me the sensation I loved. 


The sensation of power. 


"Aah…" Selene moaned in pain as the magic drained from her body. 


Strange managed to preserve some additional magical power that he stored in another dimension and using it, he healed his wounds while helping the others.


"As promised…" Morgan said. "We kept our promises." 


"That you did, and I will keep mine." 


Their requests were pretty simple for me and not something I would have to think too much to deal with. 


And with this, I could start collecting the infinity gems.


…

…


[A Week Later]


[Nova Roma]


"It took you a while but you are finally here, huh?" 


Amara's question made me chuckle. It was true that I haven't been to this place in ages and it had changed a lot. 


It preserved its ancient looks but the technology that Selene brought to this place changed it a lot. 


It was still imbued with magic, but now it also had technological advancements. 


"You have grown to be even more beautiful, Amara."


The one standing before me was not a little girl anymore but a full-fledged woman. Thanks to Selene her ageing slowed to unimaginable levels and the years of education and etiquette training had made her into a perfect royal woman. 


"Amara, that's not the way to talk to your elders." 


Selene's words made Amara roll her eyes. "Oh, please grandmother. Marcell— I mean Markus here has a new identity and that of a kid younger than me. So, I am just treating him like he would like."


A little correction, she matured but her tongue is still the same… sharp and witty.


And that was not the only thing she had now. She also mastered her mutant powers and just as expected, she chose the name Magma. 


Her fire manipulation powers were frighteningly high and Selene said that she possessed enough power to destroy an entire city with ease. 


"But even now you only come for business proposals." Amara accused, but I couldn't fully deny it.


All I could do was give her a small laugh. 


"Not exactly business but something that is necessary for us all." 


The two women stared at the miniature model of Krakoa. 


"So, you are finally ready to move on with it?" Selene asked while Amara looked at the model with keen interest. 


"I am. After years, the place is finally ready to support life." 


It had always been able to provide shelter but not without any cost.  Now it was fully functional and had enough fuel to run without harming the inhabitants. 


Enough houses to shelter a massive mutant population, enough security to prevent invasion from warlords and enough secrets that could only be accessed by me. 


"Here is everything you need to know about Krakoa." I said, passing a tablet to Amara. "Read it as you will be required to look after a few certain things once we decide to make this place available."


Amara took the tablet with high expectations and I am certain that she wasn't disappointed. 


"How about we take a stroll, Selene?" I said, wanting to relax a bit after dealing with so many things. 


"Of course." She agreed.


…

…


[[Selene Gallio]]


If there was one that never changed about Marcellus, that has to be his dedication. In the past and even now as Markus, he still continues to walk the same path he drew all those years ago. 


He might take a rest from time to time, he may stop for a while to enjoy the warmth of life… however he never swayed from his path. 


"I should bring Shade here sometimes. That fella would love this place."


"I haven't seen the guy in a long time. Where is he?" I do wonder where the panther has been all this time. 


"Magnus took him since his wife loves the little one so much. And don't take the little guy lightly, over the years from all the potions and training… he is no less than some mythical beast out of a fantasy book."


He did turn the little guy into a monster… 


At least the panther still looked the same.


"So, what is your plan from now on?" He asked. 


"I obtained most of what I wanted. Power… Riches… Immortality." I chuckled remembering that everything I had been looking for was accomplished.


Maybe power… But there were not many that could threaten me at this point. 


"And you don't have to worry about Apocalypse. I can deal with him when he returns, I have enough power now."


How did…


"It's alright. Essex was worried about him as well. But with what I have accomplished, I can deal with him."


"I-I see." I forgot how good he is at reading people. Even if he doesn't use his mind-reading, he can read emotions and expressions. 


Something that he had acquired over the years. 


"The last time we walked through these streets, I promised you immortality. And this time… I want to promise you a position at the council that I am building in Krakoa."


"Pardon?" 


"A seat with one of the highest authority." He said. 


"But why…" I asked. I felt happy that he gave me such a position but there were far stronger people under him that would give their lives for him. 


"Because I trust you." 


My steps halted and so did his. 


"I trust you, Selene. More than others." He said in a serious tone. It was surprising and… sounded surreal.


"You… do know that for all these years I had been with you because you were bringing me profit. And I am certain that you knew of it."


He chuckled. "I do."


"Then…"


"Tell me, Selene." He said. "Then why did you stay with me after you gained everything that you wanted? Our bargain ended once we fulfilled each other's promises and even after that… you decided to stay with me. When it gives you no profit." He stared. "I asked this to you before and I will ask again. Why?"



Before I could say anything, he continued. 


"If you say power or authority, you know that you would have received it even without being with me. Sable, Bloodstone all got seats at the High Table, so you would have to. And you know it." He stared into my eyes. "So, why?"


"I…"


I had nothing to say. 


He knew.


He already knew.


"You are not someone that is often out of words, Selene." His smile was gorgeous. "I will wait till you can give a proper answer."


I had the answer —yet I couldn't bring myself to let it out of my quivering lips.


For the first time in her life, the immortal witch Selene, couldn't say a few words.