Chapter 50: Ch.49: A Visit to Kamar Taj
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Hydra Base, Europe, May 21, 1943
The night was thick with tension as Aryan and his team, alongside the Howling Commandos, approached the Hydra base. This mission was meant for Agni, Vayu, and Naga to gain experience in foreign operations and eventually lead future teams themselves. Aryan decided to limit his abilities and let them take a proactive approach. He didn't need to come personally for this mission, but he wanted to distract himself from all the official work he had been doing recently.
As they reached the facility, they noticed it was heavily fortified, nestled deep within a forest, with guards patrolling every corner. Aryan's eyes scanned the perimeter, noting the strategic positions of the sentries.
"Athena, status report," Aryan whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.
Athena's holographic form appeared briefly. "The base is heavily guarded, but there are weak points in their defenses. I've marked the optimal entry points on your HUDs. Arnim Zola is reportedly in the central lab, working on advanced energy weapons."
Aryan nodded, turning to his team. "Agni, Vayu, Naga, you know your roles. Stay sharp and follow the plan. We move in silence."
Agni's eyes flickered with fiery determination. "Understood, Director."
Vayu adjusted his gear, a calm breeze swirling around him. "Ready when you are."
Naga melted into the shadows, her presence almost undetectable. "I'll take point."
The Howling Commandos, led by Captain Rogers, mirrored Aryan's resolve. "We'll cover your flanks," Steve said, his shield glinting in the moonlight. Bucky, Peggy, and Fury also prepared their advanced equipment provided by Howard Stark, while James and the rest of the Commandos nodded as they readied their weapons.
With a silent nod, the teams moved out. Naga led the way, her stealth skills allowing her to disable the outer guards without raising an alarm. Agni and Vayu followed, their powers at the ready. Aryan and the Howling Commandos brought up the rear, prepared for any surprises.
As they infiltrated the base, the air grew thick with anticipation. The corridors were dimly lit, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Aryan's senses were heightened, every sound amplified in the silence. They encountered minimal resistance, thanks to Naga's swift and silent takedowns.
Reaching the central lab, Aryan signaled for a halt. "This is it," he whispered. "Agni, Vayu, be ready. Naga, secure the perimeter."
Naga nodded, disappearing into the darkness. Agni and Vayu took their positions, their powers humming with energy. Aryan and Captain Rogers exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.
With a swift kick, Aryan breached the lab door. The room was a hive of activity, with scientists and guards scrambling at the sudden intrusion. In the center, Arnim Zola stood, his eyes wide with shock.
"Now!" Aryan commanded.
Agni unleashed a torrent of flames, creating a barrier between the team and the guards. Vayu summoned a powerful gust of wind, disarming the enemies and sending them sprawling. The Howling Commandos moved in, their precision and strength overwhelming the remaining resistance.
Aryan and Captain America advanced towards Zola, their eyes locked on the scientist. "It's over, Zola. Surrender now," said Captain America in an authoritative tone.
Zola sneered, "Don't underestimate us, Captain. Hydra will not bow down so easily," he said, his hand reaching for a hidden device. But before he could activate it, Naga appeared behind him, her blade at his throat. "Don't even think about it," she hissed.
Defeated, Zola dropped the device. Aryan stepped forward, securing the scientist in a barrier that prevented him from committing suicide or trying to escape. "We've got what we came for. Let's move out."
As they exited the lab, Aryan activated the teleportation skill. "Everyone, hold on!"
In a flash of light, they were transported back to the Allied base, Zola in tow. The mission was a success, but Aryan knew this was just the beginning. The war against Hydra and the Axis was far from over, but tonight, they had struck a significant blow.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, May 22, 1943
The sun had barely risen over the sprawling gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan when Aryan materialized in his office. The previous night had been a whirlwind of action and strategy. Leaving Agni, Vayu, and Naga with the Howling Commandos had been a calculated decision. They needed the experience, and he trusted Captain Rogers and his team to guide them through the complexities of warfare on foreign soil. As he bid farewell to each of them, he felt a surge of pride. They were ready.
Aryan walked over to his desk, the familiar scent of polished wood and parchment grounding him. He glanced at the stack of reports and correspondence awaiting his attention. As he delved into paperwork, his mind drifted towards the changes in the timeline as well as the warning and advice given by the Saptarishi. He needed to visit Kamar Taj and have a talk with the Ancient One. He wanted to visit sooner, but somehow he felt that it was not the right time. But now he felt the need to go there.
Kathmandu, Nepal, May 23, 1943
The bustling streets of Kathmandu were a stark contrast to the serene gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Aryan materialized in a secluded alley, the hum of the city around him. He adjusted his cloak, blending into the crowd as he made his way through the narrow lanes. His destination was Kamar Taj, the mystical sanctuary hidden within the ancient city.
Using his magical sight, Aryan scanned the surroundings, searching for the elusive entrance. The air was thick with the scent of incense and spices, and the distant sound of prayer bells added to the city's mystical ambiance. As he turned a corner, his eyes caught a faint shimmer—a distortion in the fabric of reality.
Approaching the shimmer, Aryan felt a presence behind him. He turned to see a monk, her robes flowing gracefully as she moved. Her eyes were calm and knowing. "Hello traveller, You seem to seek Kamar Taj," she said, her voice soft yet firm.
Aryan nodded. "I do. I suppose that the Ancient One is already expecting me."
The monk smiled. "I am Lhamo, a student of Kamar Taj. The Ancient One has indeed foreseen your arrival. Please, follow me."
As they walked, the city's noise seemed to fade, replaced by an eerie silence. The path they took twisted and turned, each step feeling like a journey through time itself. Aryan's senses were heightened, every detail vivid and surreal.
They reached a secluded courtyard, where the air shimmered with magical energy. Lhamo gestured towards an ornate door, its surface etched with ancient symbols. "Beyond this door lies Kamar Taj. The Ancient One awaits."
Aryan took a deep breath and stepped through the door. The world around him shifted, and he found himself in a vast hall, illuminated by floating lanterns. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of ancient tomes and burning sage.
The Ancient One, an old man with a long beard and traditional monk clothing, stood at the far end of the hall, his presence commanding and serene. "Welcome, Aryan," he greeted, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I have been expecting you."
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