Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

  Location: 177A Bleecker St. Greenwich Vilge, Manhattan, New York

  The tea room in the New York Sanctum was a cross between a Gothic cathedral and a cozy Victorian parlor. High-vaulted ceilings were supported by intricately carved wooden beams. Eborate stained-gss windows refract the outside light, casting the room in a danuted blues, reds, and golds. In the ter of the room stood a grand table, hewn from a single piece of dark mahogany. An intricate silver tea set, rested on ornate coasters, emitting delicate tendrils of steam. The air was filled with the f aromas of exotic blends; hints of jasmine, bergamot, and mint.

  The A O at the head of the table. Her ever-present air of wisdom seemed to add weight to the room. As she lowered her cup from her lips, she asked. "Then what happened?" Her voice was calm, but the curiosity in her eyes was undeniable.

  "If Logan and Piotr hadn't beeo back me up, I'm not sure I could have tained him on my own." Illyana said, "Azazel presen Tyson's mind was strong. Even with my Soulsword, it took all my tration to keep him from telep away while Logan and Piotr restrained him." Illyana absently brushed a lock of golden hair behind her ear. She shook her head before tinuing. "But finally, the red left Tyson's eyes. Azazel's appearance, mind, and powers faded away. That's when I knew we had him back."

  Illyana gnced over at Tyson, a faint, relieved smile. Tyson's gaze momentarily dropped to the intricate patterns oable in shame before meeting the A One's eyes. "After the battle, we searched the ruins of the castle. With so much of it destroyed, the intact parts were easier to pinpoint and explore." He paused, taking a breath, "They didn't just build upwards. They carved deep into the ground of Limbo, creating a byrinth below."

  The A One raised a questioning eyebrow, "And what of the bodies?" she inquired, her voice calm but carrying an underlying iy.

  Tyson shifted slightly, a sense of closure in his voice. "We didn't find Vilsteth; I assume it retreated. As for Omega Red," he paused a hint of disapproval crossing his face.

  Illyana tinued, "I had a chat with Omega Red. I released him through a portal to Russia."

  Tyson interrupted noticeably unhappy, "With such a long-distance portal, he could be there now, or in the past, or future. Who knows." The A One smiled knowingly. Tyson cluded, "We made a over the remains of Azazel. But I kept his sword, it's just a normal, but well-crafted rapier as far as I tell. "

  Illyana chimed in, her voice tinged with frustration, "In one of the rger underground chambers, we found a portal. It pulsed with energy, and we could sehe demons, itg to pour out." She leaned ba her chair, fingers pying with the rim of her teacup. "I tried using my e to Limbo to close it. But nothing happened. And without any knowledge of magic, we were stuck."

  The A One listened ily, her face impassive. After a moment, she nodded. "I'm not surprised you couldn't close it." She paused, sidering. "A gateway should have been beyond even Azazel’s capabilities to create. Unless he had help and used a ritual."

  Illyana's eyebrows kogether, her blue eyes clouding with fusion. "Gateway?" she echoed, the term unfamiliar to her.

  The A One leaned back, her expression turning grave. "Yes, a portal that remains open indefinitely, ued by external factors. If Azazel did create such a portal, then there's nothing you do. At least, not as you are."

  "Could you close it?" Illyana asked, her voice ced with a mix of hope and desperation.

  The A One looked thoughtful for a moment before meeting Illyana's gaze. "Likely, yes. But entering Limbo poses a signifit risk." She paused, her voice turning somber. "If I were to vehere, powerful entities would notice my absence. Earth would be left vulnerable to threats from beyond our dimension."

  Illyana's face fell, her fiightening aroueacup. "So you 't help?"

  The A One tinued, "I traverse the mirror dimension, the astral pne, and a select few others without drawing attention. But Limbo... is not one of them."

  Illyana sighed, her shoulders drooping i. "So, what? I'm just stuck with this problem?"

  The A One smiled, a small, reassuriure. "Not quite. You faced Azazel and emerged victorious. That in itself is endable. And while I may not be able to intervene directly, I offer you another path." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle. "We would be hoo wele you as a student at Kamar Taj, Illyana Rasputin. In time, with both your e to Limbo and knowledge of the magiight be able to close those portals yourself."

  Illyana looked up, surprise evident in her eyes. The weight she'd been carrying seemed to lighten if only a little. "You'd train me?"

  The A One nodded. "Yes, Illyana. I believe you have the potential to master the mystic arts."

  The room grew quieter, the only sound being the A One’s faint sips as she awaited Illyana’s response. "What about Tyson? You were cryptic before, saying he couldn't pay his cost until I paid mine. What does that mean?"

  The lines on the A One’s face deepened as she chose her words carefully. "Tyson has great potential, but there are rules that even I ot bend. We ot train him, not yet."

  Illyana's brow furrowed, fusion evident in her eyes. "Why not?"

  The A One sighed slightly. "He hasn't pleted his formal education. As per the traditions of Kamar Taj, he must at least finish high school before he be trained as a sorcerer."

  Illyana's face hardened, determination shining through. "Then I'll wait for him."

  The A One's eyes softened with a hint of sadness. "I had truly hoped you'd join us. Your potential is vast, and it's a pity to see you pass up this ce."

  Illyana shrugged, "It's just a year. I'll e baext year after he finishes school."

  The A One shook her head, her voice tinged with regret. "You misuand, Illyana. When you took on the challeo face Azazel, I explicitly stated that after five weeks, the doors of the Sanctum would be closed to you. That dition still applies. If you don't decide to join Kamar Taj within that period, the opportunity to learn will be lost."

  Illyana was still abs the A One's words when Tyson broke the heavy silence. "You should go."

  His stateme like a sp to her face, and she looked at him, her eyes filled with a sense of betrayal. "How you say that?"

  Tyson took a deep breath, meeting her eyes early. "Look, you have five weeks to decide, right? Instead of waiting those five weeks, why don't you go and train? Use that time to see if Kamar-Taj is the right fit for you."

  Illyana looked puzzled, her eyes searg Tyson's for a hidden meaning. "What are y to say?"

  He leaned in, his words carefully chosen. "I'm saying you aren't a prisohere. You have the freedom to decide at the end of the five weeks if you want to stay or e back. But at least you'd know, rather thahe whole time w 'what if?'"

  As Tyson spoke, Illyana's eyes flicked to the A One, as if seeking firmation. The A One simply nodded. "He speaks the truth. You are bound only by the choices you make."

  Illyana looked back at Tyson, seeing the siy in his eyes. It was a hard decision, but the logic was there. Five weeks of training could give her the insight she needed, without making an irreversible choice. Finally, she broke the silence. "Alright, I'll train at Kamar-Taj."

  Tyson nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. But theuro the A One, a question furrowing his brow. "Will she be able to e back to New York after the five weeks?"

  Illyana looked at him, fused. "What do you mean, 'e back'? Isn't this sanctum Kamar-Taj?"

  The A One shook her head, her voice retaining its mysterious calm. "Ygestion is acceptable, Tyson. As for your question, Illyana, Kamar-Taj is not in New York. It's the pce where sorcerers receive their training. It's located in Nepal."

  Illyana blinked, her eyes widening. "Nepal? As in, halfway across the world Nepal?"

  "Correct," the A One firmed. "It's far from here, a pce that will challenge you, and help you grow."

  "So," Tyson pressed, "she return to New York after the training period?"

  The A One looked from Tyson to Illyana, then nodded. "At the end of her training period, I'll allow her to return to New York. You both discuss your options then. If Illyana wishes to distinue her training before the five weeks are up, she will be allowed to return to the New York Sanctum."

  Tyson looked relieved. "Well, that settles it then. You get to go, train, and we'll still be able to see each other afterward to sider your decision."

  Illya a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "Alright. I'll do it." but as she looked at Tyson, she felt a twinge of sadness. She would be leaving behind the one person who had stood by her.

  "You sure you're okay with this?" she asked Tyson, seeking reassurance.

  He met her gaze, "I'm sure. It's an opportunity you 't pass up. And who knows, you might like it there." He could see the swirl of emotions mirrored in her gaze. "Guess this is it, huh?" Tyson said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.

  Illyana nodded, her eyes suddenly shimmering with the first hint of tears. "Yeah. But this isn't it. It's not a goodbye, just a see-you-ter."

  Uo bear the space between them any loyson stepped forward and pulled her into a tight hug. For a moment, they stood there, ed in each other's arms, as if trying to memorize the feel.

  Illyana pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, and then they kissed; softly, briefly. She felt a subtle tug, a lessening of her life energy. It was a kiss filled with a promise, a hint of the depths of their retionship that could not be fully explored. Not until Tyson learo trol his power, or Illyana learo wield the magic demonstrated by the A One.

  " you do it again?" Illyana asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but full ency. " you cast that spell so I ...you know, say goodbye properly?"

  The A One looked at the young mutant for a few seds, seemingly sidering her request. Finally, she nodded. She looked at Tyson as she said, "O ce. Make the most of it."

  With graceful motions, The A One waved her hands. The se was mesmerizing. Vibrant sparks of gold and azure sprang to life in the air. Like tiny fireflies, they spiraled around, shimmering and dang in delicate patterns. They were intricate aiful, illuminating the room. Each spark gradually began to verge on Illyana, who closed her eyes, allowing them to envelop her. As the st spark entered her, the room returo its normal ambiance, signaling the pletion of the spell.

  Taking a deep breath, Illyana moved towards Tyson. They looked at each other, the weight of their farewell evident in their eyes. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, they leaned in. Their lips met, gently at first, and then with increasing iy. The world around them blurred, and for those few minutes, it felt like time had stopped. They held each htly. It was a moment of profound e, of longing, of promises whispered without words.

  But, like all things, the moment was fleeting. Relutly, they pulled apart, each taking a step back, their hands lingering until the very st sed.

  Illyana's eyes shimmered with tears, but she forced a smile, the weight of separation heavy in her heart. The A Oched silently, uanding the depth of their bond and the challenge of their farewell.

  "I know it's hard, but try not to miss me too much," Illyana said as they parted.

  Tyson smiled sadly as Illyana wiped away a lohat had escaped down her cheek. "I'll try to find a way to survive your absence."

  "Sure you will," she teased, but her smile faded as she gnced over Tyson's shoulder to see Master Drumm waiting patiently by the door. She leaned in, her lips close to his ear. "I still have the amulet," she whispered. "When I get back, we'll use it, okay? Practice with your power because twenty minutes isn’t long enough." Illyana wiped away the st of her tears. "I'll see you in a few weeks."

  "Take care, Illyana. Yoing to do great."

  With that final exge, Illyana turned and walked toward Master Drumm, who led her into the inner sanctum, the door closing softly behind them. Tyson’s heart was both heavy and light, filled with the flig emotions of loss, sadness, and hope.

  The A Oured to the chairs surrounding the ornate wooden table. "Would you care to sit? There are some things we o discuss."

  "Of course," Tyson replied, taking a seat. " we speak didly?"

  At his request, the A One’s fingers dahrough the air as sparks flickered around them, drawing intricate are patterns that shimmered with otherworldly energy. With the final flourish of her wrist, the glowing pattern tracted before melding into the walls, f an invisible shield.

  "eak freely," she assured him. "No oside this room will hear our versation."

  Taking a deep breath, Tyson looked the A One squarely in the eyes. "I 't help but feel like you're separating Illyana and me purposefully. Is that part of her training or something more?"

  The A One picked up her cup of tea and took a slow sip before answering. "Every journey into the realm of sorcery es with its trials… A quest, if you will, as well as a cost."

  "So, Illyana's quest was to drive off Azazel, but that wasn’t her cost?" Tyson crified, trying to grasp the mystifying rules of magic.

  "Correct," she nodded. "Her quest was to rid Limbo of Azazel's influence. Her cost... is you."

  Tyso like he'd been punched i. "But why? Why do I have to be her cost?"

  Setting her cup down, the A One looked at him with empathy. "Illyana has few attats in this world. Her brother, Limbo, and you. Of those, you are the only one she truly 'sacrifice.' The cost of magic must be something of deep, personal significe."

  "But what does that mean for us?" Tyson asked, his voice tinged with desperation. "Is our retionship a price that she pays for her power?"

  "In a manner of speaking, yes," the A One replied. "Being a sorcerer is a path fraught with sacrifice. Many before her have paid simir prices, forsaking what they love to serve a greater cause. Your separatios not only her resolve but also her capability to make the difficult choices that will iably lie ahead."

  "I think I uand," Tyson said, p the required sacrifices. "Like Doctor Strange. His quest was…err… will be to find Kamar Taj and to learn to let go, to open his mind to new possibilities. His cost; his hands, his love, and his career as a doctor."

  The A One nodded, clearly pleased with his summation. "That's a simplified, but fair description of the path Steven Strange will walk. However, I must insist that you do not interfere with that journey, in any way."

  Tyson looked at her, his eyes twinkling, "Is that my cost, then? To stay away from Doctor Strange?"

  She ughed heartily. "If only it were that simple." Once her ughter subsided, Tyson saportunity to steer the versation back to his s.

  "So what is my cost, then? What's my quest?"

  The A One's eyes grew serious. "Your quest is rather specifiust ehat New York survives the Chitauri invasion and that Thor Odinsourns to Asgard with the Tesseract at its clusion."

  Tyson looked away for a sed, parsing his memories in fusion, "Isn't that what happens anyway? That’s the oute if I do nothing, right?"

  She shook her head. "A quest where you do nothing is hardly a quest. Although, for you, restraint might be a challenge all its own. Perhaps you will not o act, as will tinue as you expect. Or perhaps events will ge in unforeseeable ways, as other experiences have. But so long as Loki Laufeyson's scheme is thwarted and the Tesseract returns to Asgard, thus allowing the repair of the Bifrost and Rainbe, your quest requirements would be sidered fulfilled."

  Tyson says, "You speak as if the breaking of the Rainbe is a guarantee.”

  The A One remarks, "Things may not aly out as you expect as there are millions of possibilities. However, certais are destio occur. Try as you may, I have not foreseen an oute where your as prevent the destru of the Rainbe."

  Tyson frowned, sidering the A One's words carefully. The idea that some events were destio happen, no matter what he did, didn't fully align with his uanding of timelines and alternate realities. The way he uood it, every choice created a brang path, spawning an infinite number of parallel timelihis expnation was the most likely, especially sidering Tyson should in this world. Preventing the Rainbe's destru seemed like something that should be possible if the right as were taken. As much as Tyson waue, he had to aowledge she likely uood the ws of time better than he did.

  Still, he decided to press the issue, if only to satisfy his curiosity. "With all due respect," he met the A One's gaze. "How you be so sure the Rainbe will be destroyed? Isn't it at least possible to create a different of events?"

  The A One smiled, though her eyes remained serious. She leaned forward, steepling her fiogether ptively. "In most cases, that would be true. However, to shift the course of pivotal moments, while possible, would require tremendous power and have potentially catastrophisequences."

  Tyson's brow furrowed as he absorbed her perspective. It seemed to tradict itself; affirming malleable timelines yet insistiain points were immutable. Though he still didn't fully prehend.

  "So ging the oute of the Rainbe's destru..." Tyson said slowly. "That would require intervention beyond mine or invoke signifit unforeseen sequences?" The A One gave a single nod. Still, the protective, almost maternal look in her eyes told him she only wished to shield him from forces beyond his trol. "I think I uand," Tyson finally replied. "Some things are just...beyo least for now." He offered a small, resigned smile. "I'll just have to focus on fulfilling my quest."

  The A One's expression softened. "A wise choice. Accepting the limits of our reach is a difficult but necessary lesson for any sorcerer." She picked up her tea, taking a long, thoughtful sip before tinuing. "We ot trol all outes. But we trol the choices we make in the moments before us. That is where our power lies."

  Tyson nodded as the A One spoke, but his mind was rag. He didn't care o about the fate of the Rainbe itself. What he was ed about were the sequences of its destru.

  He knew from his memories that after the bridge exploded, Odin had awokeurely from his Odihe Allfather had already deyed his hibernation once before for Thor's botched ation and subsequent banishment. By waking early again to save his sons from the unstable Bifrost, Odin weakened himself tremendously. Tyson suspected that, bined with Odin using dark magic to send Thor to Earth while the Rainbe was still destroyed tributed greatly to his eventual death during the events narok. With Odin gone, He returo decimate Asgard, ahanos retrieved the Tesseract, sughtering half of the remaining Asgardians in the process.

  Ultimately, the destru of the Rainbe set off a disastrous of events. Destabilizing Asgard, and opening the door for Thanos to gather the Infinity Stones.

  Tyson tuned bato the A One's words, nodding politely. But internally, his mind was rag with the implications of his quest, and the true goal of diverting the oning storm that was Thanos. Tyson cared little about some magical space bridge, but he uood how one piece would bring down Asgard like a house of cards. He'd attempt to save the bridge, but if its destru was iable, he'd try to save Thor and Loki, so Odin wouldn't have to.

  Tyson leaned in, growing more curious. "Okay, I uand my quest, but what's the cost? Every quest has a cost, you said."

  The A One looked deep into his eyes. "Your cost will be paid along the way."

  Tyson squinted, suspicious of the enigmatic response. "So, the whole 'finishing high school' thing was hogwash? I've got one year left, and if my memory serves me right, it's closer to two years until the Battle of New York."

  "The time frame is indeed lohan a year," the A One ceded. "However, o doesn't preclude the other. pleting your education isn't a waste; it’s a different kind of preparation. Your quest and your cost aren’t separate from the life you live; they’re a part of it."

  Tyson sat back, abs her words. "So you're saying that by living my life, fulfilling my quest, I'll eventually pay my cost, whatever that may be?"

  The A One nodded, "Exactly. Iween are a myriad of choices for you to make. In almost every circumstahese lead to your cost being paid. And when it is, you will know. And when you do, I hope you'll find the cost, the sacrifice was worthy of the power." she said, her voice carrying a note of finality that seemed to close this chapter of their discussion.

  Tyson pted the A One's words. Ward off the Chitauri invasion and ehor returns to Asgard with the Tesseract. But it was also what she didn't say that lingered in his mind. She had made ion of Loki's Scepter, the on that housed the Mind Stone. Was she giving her blessing to take it? It seemed like implied permission. The Mind Sto off a cascade of events that Tyson couldn't ignore. Loki’s scepter eventually made it into the hands of Hydra leading to the Maximoff twins being Scarlet Witd Quicksilver. No Scepter, no Ultron. No Ultron, then Vision would never be created, and never house the Mind Stone in his syic forehead. Then, ultimately, the stone wouldn't be torn from Vision’s forehead by Thanos, sending Wanda Maximoff spiraling into an abyss of grief and… madness. Each event was like a domino, and he had the potential to knock the first one off course. But should he? And was it even that simple? Tyson had already run into Magwice, and he was supposedly the Maximoff twins’ father in some ics. Was it possible they were mutants that already had their powers, and the Infinity Stone wasn’t part of their in?

  Shaking his head, he realized he was getting ahead of himself. These were issues for another day, problems that were years yet to e. But the seed had been pnted. Up until now, he had often beeive, jumping from crisis to crisis as they appeared before him. That wouldn't be enough. When the sky over New York opened up and alien forces poured through, he couldn't afford to improvise; he would need a pn.

  Tyson was deep in thought when the A One slid a mani folder across the table, snapping him back to the present. Intrigued, he opehe folder and was met with a stack of papers that looked strangely familiar yet pletely fn. A Birth Certificate, a Social Security Card, and a Mississippi Driver's Lise; all bearing his name and face. Well, almost his name. He looked at the photo on the lise; it showed him as he was when he first arrived in this world.

  The image wasn't a match to his current appearance, but he mused that teenagers ge quickly as they gh puberty. Maybe he could pass it off as an old photo. Theiced the st name on all the dots.

  Smith.

  "Is this a joke?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  The A One sipped her tea, her eyes twinkling just a bit as she hid her smirk behind the cup. "No, it's all quite valid," she assured him. "Foreknowledge be a useful tool."

  "I see that," Tyson said, a little amused by the 'Smith' detail.

  His eyes then moved te stapled packet at the bottom of the folder. He quickly skimmed through it. First, he saw transcripts frue's school in Mississippi. Then, somewhat surprisingly, there were transcripts from his partial semester at Xavier's Institute fifted Youngsters. And stly, high school enrollment papers for a pce he reized.

  Midtown School of Sd Teology.

  "Midtown High? Really?" he questioned, genuinely puzzled.

  The A O her teacup down. "Midtown offers an excellent curriculum, particurly in the sces. It would be beneficial for you."

  Tyson rolled his eyes, "And if I don't want to follow this script you've written?" he asked.

  Tyson studied the A One's expression, trying to dis any hidden motivations behind her suggestion. Her eyes held a knowing look that made him suspect there was more to this.

  "If you would prefer, you're wele to return to Xavier's Institute, or attend the Massachusetts Academy, or any number of public schools," the A One said smoothly. "I was merely presenting a possibility I thought you might find appealing."

  Tyson sidered her words. He knew Midtown High held signifi this world. But Tyson chafed at the idea of having his choices dictated. Ever since arriving in this world, it felt like he'd bee along by forces beyond his trol. First Mago, then Stryker, and now sorcerers. He was tired of reag, tired of having his path decided for him.

  "I appreciate you looking out for me," Tyson began carefully. "But I think I o figure this out on my own. I've spent too much time being tugged in every dire. When I return to high school, I want it to be my choiot what someone else id out for me."

  He unflingly met the A One's eyes, silently asserting his right to self-determination. Tyson expected to be met with stern refusal, but instead, her expression softened into an approving smile.

  "I ake your choices for you, nor would I wish to. The offer still stands, but the decision is yours alone," she said with a nod.

  The future felt heavy with the weight of impending threats, but he was determio meet it on his terms.

  "Thank you for uanding," Tyson replied sincerely. "I know you're trying to help steer me down the right path. But I o walk it myself."

  He gathered up the dots and slid them bato the folder. For the first time since arriving in this world, Tyso like he was regaining trol over his life. Wherever he ended up , it would be on his terms.

  ~~Rogue Rept~~

  Tyson pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped out onto the cobblestoreets of Greenwich Vilge. The se outside the sanctum was a stark trast to the serene mysticism within. The sidewalk was bustling with people. But despite the cmor and yso ainess, a profound loneliness. Illyana's familiar presence, her wit and charm, were gone. He missed the mutants from the institute too. Every fa the crowd around him was a stranger.

  Tyson began to walk, but not in the usual way. eling Illyana's power, every step he took felt like a leap through space. It was apanied by the sensation of the world around him folding and unfolding with each stride. Within moments, the Sanctum was a distant blur. Half a dozen steps, and he found himself inside his room in the Four Seasons downtown.

  As he sat on the bed, a sudden realization washed over him.

  The A One’s spell. Like before fighting Azazel, the moment she’d given him would allow her ability to linger. He’d have Illyana’s power c through him for the seven hiving him a unique advantage. He could travel to Limbo at will…

  Or he could use it to earn some money, especially since he hadn't secured a job.

  Tyson's mind raced, brainst the possibilities. The window of opportunity was narrow which limited his options. But with Illyana's power at his fiips, Tyson knew he had the means to ge his circumstances. He just o figure out how.

  Tyson paced bad forth in his hotel room, his thoughts spiraling into darker territory. A dangerous idea began to form in his mind. What if he could rob a bank? With Illyana’s power, he could be in and out of a bank vault within seds, leaving no trace behind. It was almost too tempting. The allure of quick mohe thrill of the heist, and the assurance of his getaway weighed heavily on his sce.

  "Just this once," he whispered to himself, trying to justify the idea. "O and I'd have enough to be set."

  But deep down, he k wouldn't be enough. What bank had the kind of money he needed? He needed a bigger score, something substantial, something that would be enough for a long time. That's whehought of Oscorp entered his mind. If he was going to cross a li should be worth it. Oscorp was a giant glomerate with secrets and military prototypes. But what could he take that would be valuable? He needed something he could sell. Who would he even sell a prototype or some groundbreakihat hadn't been released yet? A rival pany or a fn try? With his ability to jump in and out of pces, Tyson could potentially infiltrate Oscorp, find something of worth, and disappear before anyone realized what had happened.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he grappled with his sce. "Could I bee the vilin, even if it's just for one day?" he wondered aloud.

  He weighed his options. He had araordinary opportunity, with Illyana’s powers at his disposal, but there was the very real risk of being something he didn’t want to be. Tyson would have to make a decision. The allure of quick riches battled against the morals he held himself to.

  Tyson sat at the edge of his hotel bed, tapping his foot rhythmically against the polished wooden floor. In his mind's eye, he envisiohe bank vaults, overflowing with money. But was that the kind of life he wao chase after?

  His fingers drummed on the bedspread. "If I'm going to do this," he mumbled, "it has to be for something moal."

  He thought about what the value of his iy was. A huhousand? Millions? The idea seemed absurd. But what about billions?

  He chuckled, the sound dry and humorless. "Yeah, right. Like there's something I just grab that's worth billions."

  But then, a realization slowly dawned upon him. He thought of the A One’s words when she cast the spell allowing Tyson and Illyana to say goodbye. She hadn’t spoken to Illyana, she’d looked directly at Tyson when she said, “O ce. Make the most of it."

  Of course, the A One knew what he would be pnning. She knew what he would do.

  "I 't believe I'm even sidering this," Tyson whispered as he pnned his future.