Marvel X The Boys

In the other part of the city

The Sanctum Sanctorum stood in quiet defiance against the swirling chaos of New York. Inside its walls, the air crackled with arcane energy as Doctor Stephen Strange paced across the stone floor, his crimson Cloak of Levitation trailing behind him. His hands hovered over the glowing Eye of Agamotto, suspended mid-air, its light pulsing erratically.

"Wong," Strange called, his voice sharp. "The multiverse is destabilizing. Again."

Wong appeared from the shadows, clutching a steaming mug of tea. "You don't say," he replied dryly, gesturing toward the floating shelves rattling against the walls. "What gave it away? The collapsing timelines or the two suns?"

Strange ignored the sarcasm, his fingers tracing a series of runes in the air. The glowing symbols formed a shimmering portal that revealed glimpses of fractured realities—worlds bleeding into each other, their borders dissolving.

"This is different," Strange murmured, his eyes narrowing. "This isn't a natural convergence. Someone—or something—is interfering."

A Glimpse of the Throne

Through the portal, Strange focused on a single point in the infinite expanse: the center of the multiverse.

A grand, otherworldly throne sat suspended in the void, its intricate design a fusion of timelines and universes. Threads of energy spiraled outward from it, weaving the fragile web of existence. At its center sat Loki, the former God of Mischief, his once-chaotic demeanor replaced by an air of quiet authority.

He held the threads of the timelines in his hands, each one glowing faintly as it pulsed with life. His horned crown had been replaced by a simpler, more somber headpiece, and his green-and-gold attire was muted, befitting his new role as the Overlooker of the Multiverse.

Loki's Malfunction

Strange's gaze sharpened as the threads flickered unnaturally in Loki's hands. A faint tremor passed through the throne, and Loki's serene expression faltered. The timelines—normally steady and flowing—began to twist and overlap, their colors clashing violently.

"Malfunction," Strange muttered. "Something's wrong with the nexus points."

Loki stood abruptly from the throne, the threads slipping from his grip and lashing out like whips. He raised his hands, his magic flaring as he tried to contain the disruption.

"No," Loki growled, his voice laced with frustration. "This isn't how it's supposed to be."

"Of course not," Strange said under his breath. "It never is."

Loki's Realization

Loki's emerald eyes scanned the chaotic void, his hands moving in precise, practiced gestures as he attempted to regain control. But the timelines continued to rebel, merging in ways that defied the delicate balance he had worked tirelessly to maintain.

A ripple passed through the throne itself, its ancient runes glowing erratically.

"It's not coming from here," Loki murmured, his voice carrying through the void. "This disturbance—it's external."

Strange clenched his fists, his mind racing. "If it's not internal, then someone is tampering with the multiverse. A force strong enough to bypass even Loki's control."

Dialogue Between Loki and Strange

Strange intensified the portal, his voice ringing through the expanse. "Loki!"

Loki turned, his expression darkening as he recognized Strange. "What do you want, Sorcerer?"

"To understand what the hell is happening," Strange replied. "The multiverse is falling apart, and you're supposed to be holding it together."

"You think I don't know that?" Loki snapped, gesturing toward the flickering timelines around him. "This isn't my doing."

"Then whose is it?" Strange pressed.

Loki hesitated, his gaze dropping to the throne. "Something—someone—is pulling at the edges of reality. And if we don't stop it, there won't be a multiverse left to oversee."

Loki's Resolve

With a sharp motion, Loki reclaimed the threads of the timelines, wrapping them tightly around his wrists. The energy coursed through him, and he let out a low growl as he fought to stabilize the chaos.

"I'll leave the throne," Loki said finally, his tone grim. "If the timelines are combining, I must act directly."

Strange arched an eyebrow. "And leave the multiverse unguarded?"

"The multiverse won't matter if it ceases to exist," Loki replied coldly. He turned his back to the throne, the threads dimming slightly as he relinquished his hold.

Strange nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of Loki's decision. "Then we'll work together. But don't think for a moment that I trust you."

"Good," Loki said, summoning a blade of pure energy. "Trust is a waste of time."

The Fracture Widens

As Loki stepped away from the throne, the fractures in the multiverse grew more pronounced. Entire fragments of timelines spiraled out of control, their edges bleeding into each other.

"We'll need more than just you and me," Strange said, his voice heavy with purpose.

Loki smirked faintly, his old mischief flickering for a brief moment. "Good luck convincing them."

Strange waved his hand, closing the portal. "I don't need luck. I have a plan."

The Sanctum Sanctorum trembled as the multiverse continued to unravel, its fate now tied to the decisions of two unlikely allies.