Kapitel 9: Chapter 9
He knows she cannot tell him when his journey will end, but she will most likely know about the future of this world. "Just two things. First: Is there a Spider-Man around, or will there be one in the future?"
She shakes her head. "I haven't got long to live, and I can only see up to my death. However, I can confirm there won't be one until then."
"Oh," he exhales, sad that this nice woman will die soon. "Is it... really soon? Maybe I can help...?"
"I'm old, Peter," she says with a serene smile. She whispers her next words like a secret shared only between them: "Like you're tired, I am too. Unlike you, though, I have lived."
He frowns. "I've lived, too."
"Not for long. And can you call what you've been through living? I call it surviving, myself. You've got so much to experience yet, so don't lose hope; you're such a bright soul."
"... Am I, really?"
He doesn't feel bright but dim and so, so tired.
"You are. Don't think otherwise." She doesn't add more about the topic at his continued glum look, choosing to change it instead. "What was your second question?"
That makes him snap out of his funk. "Oh, yeah. I wanted to know if you knew if the Chitauri invasion was coming, and if yes, when will it be?"
Her smile broadens. "Yes, it will come. The events that lead to it are already in motion. However, it will only impact Earth on May 1st, when Loki comes through the Space Stone."
He blinks. That means he's got a week to plan. Nodding at her, he turns around to see the New York skyline. He's got to accelerate his plans. Obtaining money is no longer a priority when he's got to attract enough attention to himself to be called when the Avengers converge. If he cannot do so, staying in New York will be a top priority. That way, he can help when the chaos goes down.
He looks at the Ancient One. "Will you help?"
"It's not yet the time for us to reveal ourselves." At his frown, she adds, "This invasion is Thanos' ploy to get information on Earth and its defenders. If Kamar Taj acts, it means Earth is weak. However, if this invasion shows that Earth is not as weak as he thinks and doesn't need us..."
"He will think you more powerful than you really are."
She nods. "We can indeed help Earth, but the Avengers will not grow if we do so. I'm maintaining my passive stance to give you time and let you grow."
He snorts bitterly. "You will let thousands die because it's 'for the greater good'?
There's silence for some time, and she watches him serenely as if waiting for his mood to pass. It makes him feel oddly like a chastised kid. He sighs because he does get it. He's learned to see the bigger picture after all this time, or more like it was beaten into him.
When she sees him finishing stabilizing his mood, she asks, " Is there anything else you need, Peter?"
"I don't think so, but thanks for all the help you've given me."
With a smile, she reached into one of the pockets inside the arms of her robes and pulled out a ring—a very familiar ring.
In those other worlds, you've become familiar with this ring's workings and Kamar Taj. The place hasn't changed its coordinates and will never change as they hold their significance, but if you want, I can lead you to a room where you can stay for however long you need.
He shakes his head like a rattle. "I couldn't intrude-"
"And you aren't. I'm offering."
He hesitates, and his voice is weak as he says, "I don't know how to be around people without being Spider-Man."
Smiling sadly, she pats his head once again. "I know you're afraid of connecting with others. Maybe when you find a home, it will change. But in the meantime, if you want to practice socializing or just sparring with others, Kamar Taj is open to you. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, at your own pace. I trust your judgment."
He keeps silent until she adds, "However, if you only want a room to sleep in, I can provide that, too."
Looking up, he sees her smile as she gives him the ring. "Come with me; you must be tired."
"Okay, thank you."
.
As they walk through the halls of Kamar-Taj, Peter can't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him. The Ancient One's presence was reassuring, and he found himself opening up to her in a way he rarely did with others. The weight of the impending Chitauri invasion still hangs heavy on his shoulders, but being in this mystical place brought him something he only felt whenever he was in what others call the Web of Life and Destiny. That in-between-like world where his Spider-sense always manages to remain silent.
They stop, making him realize they haven't met anyone on their way, even when it's early in this part of the hemisphere. He wants to ask, but it probably has something to do with magic. Still, when she opens the door in front of them, he finds a modest room with a comfortable bed and a window overlooking the lush gardens of Kamar Taj. The room is sparse, but it feels welcoming in its simplicity.
"You can rest here for as long as you need," the Ancient One said softly. "Take your time to gather your strength and make your plans. Remember, Peter, you are not alone in this fight. You're safe here. Sweet dreams."
With a grateful nod, Peter steps into the room and watches as the Ancient One leaves with one last smile, her robes billowing behind her like wings. Alone in the quiet sanctuary of Kamar Taj, Peter finally allows himself to breathe, to let go of the weight he has been carrying for so long. It feels like a wave of exhaustion hits him at once. The weight of his responsibilities as Spider-Man, the burden of his endless journey through different universes, came crashing down on him at that moment.
"Thank you," he mumbles to the bed, sinking onto the cushions. "You don't know how much this means to me."
At least for a night, he wants to rest.
"Good night, Peter," he hears Edith say as he drifts off to sleep.
.
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Rangliste 
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Stein