Deep within the London Temple, at the core of the magic circle, the enormous multicolored sixteen-sided pillar of light pulsed rhythmically, exuding tremendous energy to power the magical array.
Lockhart stood beside the Ancient One, suppressing the awe that threatened to show on his face as he felt the sheer magnitude of the energy radiating from the pillar. Like the other sorcerers present, he maintained a respectful silence.
The Ancient One gazed at the dark yellow sphere of light floating in the center of the pillar. Her voice was calm but firm as she addressed them. "Mephisto is watching closely from the shadows. He has allied with Dormammu and other dark forces. For now, I must remain here in the London Temple to ensure Mephisto does not take action."
Her words were measured, but the gravity of the situation was clear. "This means the New York Temple is vulnerable to an attack from the God of Twilight. Reinforcements are needed there to prevent a catastrophe."
The gathered sorcerers immediately voiced their willingness.
"Sorcerer Supreme, let us go to the New York Temple at once!"
"I will stand against the God of Twilight, no matter the cost!"
Lockhart echoed the sentiment but refrained from speaking further.
The Ancient One shook her head gently, her expression unwavering. "Even weakened, the God of Twilight is far beyond your capabilities. You would only be able to delay him for a moment, at best."
The room fell silent. The reality of her words was undeniable. While these sorcerers were skilled, even the most talented among them could not hope to stand against an evil god.
Lockhart opened his mouth, perhaps to protest, but quickly thought better of it. She's the Sorcerer Supreme for a reason. Whatever her plan is, I'll follow it.
The Ancient One turned her gaze to Lockhart, her tone decisive. "Lockhart, I have a mission for you."
With a deliberate gesture, she brought her hands together, green energy spiraling from the Eye of Agamotto around her neck. The artifact floated forward, its light bathing the room in an ethereal glow.
"You have a unique talent," she said. "The Eye of Agamotto's power can temporarily be channeled through you. Take it to the New York Temple and use it to counter the God of Twilight's invasion."
Lockhart felt the weight of the Eye of Agamotto as it hovered in front of him. Nodding solemnly, he accepted the task, the artifact settling into his hands.
The New York Temple
In the core of the New York Temple, the God of Twilight stood before the multicolored pillar of light, his gaze fixed on the dark yellow sphere at its center. His eyes burned with rage as he saw the Eye of Agamotto glowing in Lockhart's hands.
"Damn it! How do you have the Eye of Agamotto?!" he roared, his voice laced with both fear and fury.
Lockhart stood steady, the artifact radiating green light as he activated its powers. His face was pale, the effort of channeling its immense energy clearly taking a toll. Lockhart's talent for Reality Warping enhanced the artifact's effect, amplifying its reach.
"Time and space cage," Lockhart intoned, his voice firm despite his strained expression.
A shimmering barrier of green energy enveloped the God of Twilight.
"No! No!" the god shouted, his movements halting as if trapped in an invisible loop. His voice repeated in fragments, his struggle frozen in an endless cycle. Time itself warped around him, resetting his memory and movements to the moment he saw the Eye of Agamotto.
When the other sorcerers arrived, they stared in shock. Lockhart stood at the center of the room, surrounded by the artifact's radiant glow, while the God of Twilight floundered helplessly.
"Sorcerer Lockhart, how do you have the Eye of Agamotto?" one of them asked, breaking the stunned silence.
"Where is the Sorcerer Supreme?" another demanded.
Lockhart's voice was calm as he replied, "The Sorcerer Supreme is currently at the London Temple, monitoring Mephisto and other dark forces. She entrusted me with the Eye of Agamotto to ensure the New York Temple's protection."
Before they could ask further questions, Lockhart straightened, his expression resolute. "My mission here is complete. Now, I must bring both the God of Twilight and the Eye of Agamotto to the Sorcerer Supreme."
Raising his wand, Lockhart conjured a portal to the London Temple. On the other side, the Ancient One waited, her serene smile a reassuring presence. The green light surrounding Lockhart intensified as he guided the entrapped God of Twilight through the portal.
As the gateway closed behind him, the sorcerers left in the New York Temple exchanged looks of astonishment.
"To wield the Eye of Agamotto… only the Sorcerer Supreme is supposed to have that power," one murmured.
"And yet, Lockhart not only controlled it but managed to trap an evil god," another added, their tone laden with awe.
Stark Tower
Above the machinery atop Stark Tower, the Cosmic Cube hovered, glowing with a brilliant blue light. Waves of energy rippled from the artifact, sustaining the wormhole that connected Earth to the Chitauri army's realm.
Professor Selvig stood beside the machine, his eyes alight with an almost fanatical excitement as he marveled at his creation. Beside him, Loki watched the endless stream of Chitauri warriors pouring through the portal, a triumphant smile on his face.
"Midgard will kneel before me," he muttered, savoring the thought.
But his moment was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Loki, stop this madness!"
A deafening crack of thunder heralded Thor's arrival. The God of Thunder descended onto the platform, Mjolnir in hand, his red cape billowing behind him. His eyes locked onto his brother.
"Come back to Asgard and face Father's judgment!" Thor commanded, his voice echoing with authority.
Loki's expression flickered with surprise before settling into a sly smile. "Thor, I didn't expect you to leave Asgard so soon. Did Mother's predictions guide you here?"
Thor's gaze remained steady. "Heimdall saw you enter Midgard. I was sent to bring you back, Loki. End this now, and I may plead for leniency on your behalf."
Loki chuckled, his tone dripping with mockery. "Oh, Thor. I'll return to Asgard, but not as your prisoner. I will return as its ruler."
Thor's patience wore thin. "Do you realize how many lives you've destroyed with your actions?"
Striding forward, Mjolnir at the ready, Thor reached for Loki.
But as his fingers brushed his brother's shoulder, Loki's figure shimmered and vanished—a phantom clone.
"No!" Thor growled, spinning around.
A sharp pain shot through his back as Loki reappeared, pressing the Mind Scepter against him. Yellow light flared as the scepter's magic attempted to take hold.
Boom!
A burst of thunder exploded from Thor's body, his innate power resisting the invasion. The shockwave sent Loki stumbling backward. Dust swirled around them as Thor turned, his eyes glowing with blue lightning.
"Loki," Thor said, his voice low and dangerous. "I will bring you back."
Mjolnir spun in his hand as he charged forward. Loki barely managed to raise the Mind Scepter in defense. The two weapons collided with a resounding crack, sparks flying as Loki staggered under the force of the blow.
Realizing he was outmatched, Loki snarled and disappeared in a flash of green light.
Thor straightened, frustration etched into his features. Loki's skill at escaping was unparalleled.
"Sir Thor," a calm voice interrupted.
Thor turned to see Severus Snape hovering nearby, his robes fluttering in the breeze. "I believe I can help you find your brother," Snape said, his dark eyes glinting with purpose.
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