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EXT. MULTIVERSAL SPACE
We see the timeline that Loki freed continuing to branch off and expand. As the branches grow, we begin to hear VOICES from countless different universes begin to grow louder and louder UNTIL:
INT. STEPHEN'S ROOM - DAY
Stephen wakes up, startled, and sits up, rubbing his eyes. Putting on a robe, he slowly paces around the room, briefly stopping to glance at a save-the-date card for Christine's wedding next to Christine's watch on his desk. He sighs.
In the bathroom, we see Stephen using magic to lift various bottles of soap and mouthwash. He pauses and glances at his toothbrush. After hesitating for a moment, he slowly reaches out to grab the toothbrush with his hand, which is still shaking. His tremors grow more violent as his fingers enclose the toothbrush. As he tries to lift it, he drops it on the ground. Biting his lip in irritation, he settles for lifting it with magic.
INT. SANCTUM SANCTORUM - DAY
When Stephen enters, Wong is casting various spells.
STEPHEN
Wong.
WONG
Stephen.
(After a pause, he glances at Stephen.)
Something's troubling you?
(Beat)
STEPHEN
Just... a lot on my mind.
WONG
Is it Christine?
Stephen looks down for a moment, saying nothing. Wong pauses before speaking again.
WONG
Sometimes life does not always lead us down the path we thought we were destined for... but that does not mean we are lost.
(Beat)
STEPHEN
I know.
WONG
Rest. Meditate for a while. Everything will look better with fresh eyes.
Stephen raises an eyebrow.
STEPHEN
Is your whole job now just to give mystical-sounding advice?
WONG
Don't all the sorcerers supreme?
Stephen grins as Wong exits.
We cut to later where Stephen is meditating in the mirror dimension. We slowly close in his face, which is growing more distraught. He begins twitching in discomfort until we SEE:
EXT. MULTIVERSAL SPACE
We see DEFENDER STRANGE and AMERICA CHAVEZ running through debris away from a monster. Defender Strange flings ice bolts at the beast, temporarily freezing it in place. America's eyes widen when she sees the BOOK OF VISHANTI in the distance.
AMERICA
The Book of Vishanti!
Defender Strange looks back as the monster begins to break free.
DEFENDER STRANGE
We can't let it take your powers!
He suddenly freezes as they almost tumble over the edge of a column. He glances at the closest bit of debris hovering near them.
DEFENDER STRANGE
Agh, it's too far!
America glances at it for a moment. She suddenly takes a few steps back.
AMERICA
I'm gonna jump for it.
DEFENDER STRANGE
America, no, wait! The laws of physics don't work the same here!
AMERICA
The laws of physics can kiss my ass!
She screams and launches herself over the edge, just making it to the platform. Stunned, Defender Strange uses his magic to get himself across as well. Suddenly, the beast emerges in front of them and sends a tentacle flying that stabs Defender Strange through the leg. He yells in pain and begins sending debris flying at the monster, encasing it. Suddenly, the monster begins to break free.
DEFENDER STRANGE
It's too strong! I can't hold it!
He groans as infection begins to spread on his leg. As the monster continues to break loose, Defender Strange slowly turns back to look at America.
DEFENDER STRANGE
I'm so sorry... This is the only way.
America frowns in confusion. Suddenly, Defender Strange begins to drain her powers.
AMERICA
What are you-?!
She screams in agony.
DEFENDER STRANGE
I can't let that thing take your powers.
AMERICA
You're gonna kill me!
DEFENDER STRANGE
You can't control it... But I can.
America begins writhing and struggling.
DEFENDER STRANGE
I'm sorry... But in the grand calculus of the multiverse, your sacrifice-
AMERICA
Screw your calculus! Put me... down... you... piece of...
Suddenly, the monster stabs Defender Strange through the chest. America quickly gets up, making a run for the book. Suddenly, several of the monster's tentacles grab her. She punches one of them, but they quickly overpower her. Lifting her up. She screams and opens up a portal. With the last of his strength, Defender Strange cuts the tentacles with a magic bolt, sending both him and America flying into the portal.
We cut back to Stephen in the mirror dimension, who opens his eyes with a start, gasping for air.
INT. KAMAR-TAJ - DAY
Stephen, Wong, and America are discussing Wanda's threat.
WONG
The Scarlet Witch...
STEPHEN
Wanda's gone. She's got the Darkhold, and the Darkhold has her.
Wong turns to the other members of the sanctum.
WONG
The Scarlet Witch is a being of unfathomable magic. She can rewrite reality as she chooses... and is prophesized to either rule... or annihilate the cosmos.
STEPHEN
She took over a whole town using her mind. If she gets America's power, she could enslave the entire multiverse.
AMERICA
So let me get this straight: You told this crazy psycho demon - the person who's trying to kill me- exactly where I am because you thought she was going to help us?
(Beat)
STEPHEN
Yeah...
(Beat)
AMERICA
I'm starting to see why you're not the Sorcerer Supreme anymore.
Stephen looks irritated. We suddenly hear a VOICE from across the room.
VOICE (O.S.)
Well... looks like you've gotten yourself into a bit of a mess, haven't you, Stephen?
Everyone turns to see the voice belongs to LOKI, who is emerging from the shadows.
AMERICA
Who's this guy?
LOKI
Prince Loki of Asgard... or, I suppose, "New" Asgard, now. Charmed.
He bows.
STEPHEN
Who let you in?
LOKI
No one. I let myself in, Doctor. You'll find I'm quite good at getting in places where I need to be.
STEPHEN
Whoever said you needed to be here? You know, Doreen told me about your little escapades with the TVA... She said you were the one who unleashed the multiverse.
Loki smirks.
LOKI
Guilty as charged.
STEPHEN
We already had one near-catastrophic incident with Spider-Man, and now, because of you, we're about to have another. You've caused enough problems as is, and the last thing I need is for you to cause any more.
LOKI
If by "causing problems," you mean freeing trillions of beings from countless timelines and universes, then yes, you could put it that way.
STEPHEN
Look, I don't know much about these TVA people. Maybe their methods weren't always... ideal.
LOKI
Well, that's putting it mildly, to say the least.
STEPHEN
But what you did set our universe into uncharted waters. This is chaos, Loki.
LOKI
What's so wrong with that? Maybe that's precisely what we need right now. The universe favors chaos, Stephen. Didn't you know that? I thought you were a scientist?
Stephen sighs.
STEPHEN
You're talking about entropy. That any given system, when given the chance, will gradually decline into disorder.
LOKI
Oh, is that your fancy term for it? Why do you Midgardians always make things so much more complicated than they need to-
STEPHEN
What do you want, Loki?
LOKI
You are correct that I don't know what opening the multiverse could unleash. That's why... I suppose you could say I feel a sense of responsibility for its outcome.
STEPHEN
Oh, please, have you ever uttered the word "responsibility" before in your life?
LOKI
Well, yes, I said it just now.
Stephen looks irritated.
LOKI
The one they call the Scarlet Witch cannot be allowed to live in another universe. It would cause an incursion - a merging of two universes, ultimately destroying one or both of them. She must be stopped by any means necessary.
STEPHEN
And that's why I'm going to undo what you did and close the multiverse.
LOKI
I beg your pardon?
STEPHEN
The Book of Vishanti will grant me whatever power I need - and in this case, that means closing the branch timelines and maintaining the main one.
America glances downwards.
AMERICA
So then, my powers will be useless... And I'll be stuck here.
STEPHEN
I'm sorry, America... but it's the only way. And it's a hell of a lot better than killing you.
(Beat)
AMERICA
It's fine. There's nothing left for me out there, anyway. My moms, my girlfriend... they're gone.
Furious, Loki stalks toward Stephen.
LOKI
What right do you have to determine the fate of all the other beings out there?
STEPHEN
The same right that was given to me when I swore to protect our universe from harm.
LOKI
At the expense of trillions?
STEPHEN
They're variant beings, Loki. They were never supposed to exist. There are some things we just can't change. If it's the path we were meant to take, then we take it.
LOKI
Oh, I'm sure that's so easy for you to say... All because Kang decided that you got to walk the good path. You got to be the hero. Well, for the rest of us, it's not that simple. Everyone whose path led them to be discarded and forgotten... Every outcast in the multiverse is under my protection now. They're taking our fate back into their own hands, and I won't let you destroy them simply to make your life a little easier.
STEPHEN
You're not the god of outcasts, Loki, you're the god of mischief, which is last thing we need here. Why don't you go back to stabbing your brother or playing pranks on some kids? That's what you're best at, isn't it?
He turns around and starts to walk away. Enraged, Loki shoots a blast of magic at him. Stephen grunts and whips around.
STEPHEN
Oh, you really want to start this?
LOKI
Trust me, Doctor, I've been waiting for this for a long time...
STEPHEN
Yeah, well, I hope you enjoy another two hours of free-falling...
He tries to send Loki into another loop of endless falling, but Loki blocks it.
LOKI
I'm so terribly sorry, Stephen, but I'm afraid that trick won't work on me anymore.
STEPHEN
Someone's been practicing...
LOKI
Yes, well, the good thing about the afterlife is you have plenty of free time on your hands...
Stephen shoots more magic darts at Loki, which he expertly blocks. Stephen then flies up higher, and Loki elevates himself to meet him, taking their fight outside as the other Sanctum members watch. America and Wong run outside to see what is happening.
AMERICA
They're gonna kill each other!
As the fight continues, Stephen puts up a magic shield. Unleashing Laevateinn, Loki begins to cut through it. Stephen shouts, trying his best to hold up the shield. Suddenly, Wong casts runes, causing Stephen and Loki's powers to disappear and sending them tumbling to the ground.
WONG
Enough!
Stephen groans in pain, slowly sitting up.
WONG
This bickering is pointless! The fate of the multiverse can be determined later. For now, we must focus on defending the sanctum and protecting America Chavez from the Scarlet Witch.
STEPHEN
What...
(He tries to use his powers, but they won't work.)
What... did you do... to my magic?
Wong points to the runes.
WONG
Runes. They've nullified your magic. Now you can both settle this like adults, as equals.
STEPHEN
What do you mean, "equals"? He's still a god-
Loki punches him square in the face, sending him tumbling back on the ground.
LOKI
So glad we finally agree on something, Doctor.
STEPHEN
I hate you...
EXT. OUTSIDE SANCTUM - DAY
After Wanda arrives, Stephen tries to reason with her.
WANDA
All this for a child you met yesterday?
STEPHEN
Wanda, I know you're angry. You had to make terrible sacrifices-
WANDA
I blew a hole through the head of the man I loved... and it meant nothing... because of you. If you hadn't given Thanos the time stone, he never would have been able to do what he did.
STEPHEN
Wanda... I had no choice. It was the only way. If I hadn't spared Tony's life, the snap never would have been reversed, and you would have stayed dead permanently.
WANDA
I would have preferred that to living a life without Vision... without my family. My children are all I have left now... they need me... and I'm going to get to them, one way or another.
STEPHEN
Wanda, if you try to live in another universe, it'll create an incursion. That universe could be destroyed, and you and your children along with it.
WANDA
Then we'll go to the next universe. And then next... I'll go to as many places as it takes to be with Billy and Tommy. I'm only doing what any mother would do: what's best for her children.
STEPHEN
What's best for them...? Or best for you?
Wanda clenches her jaw.
WANDA
You have no idea just how reasonable I've been.
STEPHEN
Yeah... The Book of the Damned, calling yourself a witch, conjuring creatures to abduct a kid, I don't exactly call that being "reasonable."
WANDA
Sending those creatures after her instead of myself was... mercy. And in spite of your... hypocrisies and insults, I've begged you to simply get out of the way. You have exhausted my patience.
(Beat)
But I do hope you understand... that even now, what's about to happen... this is me... being... reasonable.
Before Wanda can strike the first blow, they suddenly turn to see that Loki has joined them.
LOKI
Yes, well, Wanda - uh, if I may call you Wanda - you know, I'm so glad you brought that up, because, you see, you are fully justified in your outrage at Stephen's arrogance - believe me, I would love nothing more than to join you in blasting him to pieces...
Stephen rolls his eyes.
LOKI
But considering that we are holding the fate of the multiverse in our hands, perhaps we could reach an agreement in which we avoid any... unnecessary bloodshed?
Wanda raises an eyebrow at him.
WANDA
So you're the one that I have to thank for my new home?
Loki smiles.
LOKI
A pleasure, truly.
Wanda inches closer to him.
WANDA
If you give me what I want... I could send you to a world where Asgard still exists... where your parents are still alive.
Loki stiffens.
WANDA
You could see Odin and Frigga again...
(Beat)
LOKI
I will see them again. In Valhalla... when the time is right. And no other universe... no other version of my parents could ever be a substitute for the one that I have.
Wanda's eyes narrow at him. After a moment, she smirks.
WANDA
You could make Doreen immortal...
Loki freezes, as if considering her offer. Stephen tenses, watching him closely.
WANDA
In the multiverse, there are infinite possibilities... a solution to every problem... You could find a way to expand her lifespan... and be happy with her.
(softer)
I'll help you...
Loki turns away for a long time. After a moment of sheer sadness and vulnerability, he does his best to look disaffected and turns to meet her eyes.
LOKI
She is happy as she is. She has a life here... friends, family... If I extended her lifespan, she would outlive them by centuries... I wouldn't dream of doing that to her simply for my own convenience.
Wanda glares at him.
WANDA
You are a coward... and a fool.
LOKI
No, I am simply not arrogant or stupid enough to think that I can alter the multiverse to my will without consequence.
WANDA
The last thing I need is a morality lecture from the god of evil.
LOKI
Uh, mischief, actually - they're very different - and frankly, I don't think you've quite thought through this little plan of yours. For example, there is the issue of what would happen to the other Wanda... the boys' real mother.
Wanda gives him an icy look. Loki pauses.
LOKI
Or would I be correct in assuming that you intend to kill her?
After a moment, Wanda lets out a small, cold laugh.
LOKI
Wanda... please reconsider this.
There is a long pause. Suddenly, Wanda blasts him with magic, sending him tumbling to the ground. Stephen creates a shield of magic and beings blocking her blows. As the fight commences, Loki creates a magic barrier to protect some of the acolytes.
LOKI
All of you, behind me! Now!
The acolytes begin firing at Wanda.
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
After Stephen and America are sent hurling through the multiverse, we cut to someone pouring tea. We see that Squirrel Girl has gathered with three of her variants, and they are all having tea together.
DOREEN
Okay, okay, hang on, wait.
(She points at one of the variants.)
What was your nexus event?
The variant grins.
SQUIRREL GIRL VARIANT
I killed Thanos.
DOREEN
Whoa! Nicely done!
They high-five as the other variants congratulate her. Suddenly, Stephen and America come hurling into the room. They freeze and stare at all the variants, who stare back.
DOREEN
Uh... Do you mind? We're trying to have a conversation here...
AMERICA
Sorry...
Stephen and America fall back into the portal.
INT. KAMAR-TAJ - NIGHT
After Wanda imprisons Wong, Loki sneaks up to him.
WONG
Loki! You survived?!
LOKI
(whispering)
Shh! Not so loud!
He breaks his chains.
LOKI
I'm going to find Strange.
WONG
Find him?! That's impossible! You can't travel in between universes without America's power!
LOKI
Actually...
(He conjures up the tesseract.)
I can.
Wong's eyes widen.
WONG
The tesseract! You still have it?!
LOKI
Yes. And I'm getting out of here before Wanda discovers it. You should leave too.
WONG
No. I will defend the sanctum until my last breath.
Loki gives him a perplexed look.
WONG
I'm the Sorcerer Supreme. It's my duty.
After a pause, Loki nods slowly. He then vanishes with the tesseract.
INT. ILLUMINATI HEADQUARTERS - DAY
After Wanda kills the other members of the Illuminati, Professor X escapes to another corner of the building. He waits silently, trying to sense Wanda with his mind. Suddenly, she emerges from the floor and tries to snap his neck. But before she can, Loki enters with the tesseract and blocks her. He turns to Professor X.
LOKI
Go!
Professor X quickly escapes to safety. As he leaves, we see the tesseract appearing under his wheelchair in a green glow. Wanda glares at Loki.
WANDA
Get out of my way, Odinson. I will get what I want. Stephen is no match for me, and neither are you.
A green glow emanates from Loki's hands.
LOKI
Do you know the difference between me and Strange?
Wanda raises an eyebrow.
LOKI
I'm not a doctor... so I never vowed to do no harm.
Wanda uses her magic to trap him, attempting to strangle him. Loki barely breaks free and begins to fight back. Eventually, Wanda knocks him out next to the dead bodies of the Illuminati members. Not checking to see if Loki is dead, she leaves to pursue Stephen, Christine, and America.
We cut to later, where Professor X is gently nudging Loki awake.
PROFESSOR X
Loki! Loki, are you alright?
Loki slowly sits up.
LOKI
I... I can feel you... in my head...
PROFESSOR X
My name is Charles Xavier. Thank you for saving me, Loki.
(Beat)
LOKI
How do you know my name?
PROFESSOR X
I have telepathic abilities that allow me to read people's minds and see their thoughts. That's how I know your name and where you come from.
(He holds up the tesseract.)
And that's also how I know what this is... and why the Scarlet Witch cannot be allowed to possess it.
Loki glances around at the dead bodies.
LOKI
What will you do, now that you've lost your colleagues?
Professor X slowly hovers around the room.
PROFESSOR X
They weren't my only colleagues...
INT. XAVIER'S MANSION - DAY
Professor X and Loki enter the mansion as Loki looks around in awe.
LOKI
This is... a school?
PROFESSOR X
Yes... a very special type of school.
He opens a door, where we see all the other X-Men have gathered, all wearing their costumes from the animated series. They step forward as Professor X introduces them by name.
PROFESSOR X
Gambit, Rogue, Jubilee, Storm, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Jean Grey... and Wolverine.
STORM
It's an honor to meet you. We don't get visitors from other universes very often...
(Beat)
LOKI
You're mutants...
PROFESSOR X
Yes. We all are, including myself.
LOKI
So you train mutant children here?
JEAN
We teach them to control their powers, and to use them to fight for their coexistence with mankind.
JUBILEE
Do you have mutants in your universe?
LOKI
Yes... Well, I know one. I'm... sure she'd be thrilled to meet you all.
Wolverine glances at him suspiciously.
WOLVERINE
Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable. We haven't exactly had the best track record with aliens...
ROGUE
Oh, don't be such a stick-in-the-mud, Logan! The professor trusts him!
LOKI
Look, I'm sure your powers are formidable... But you all have no idea what you're up against... The Scarlet Witch is unlike anything you've ever seen. She can rewrite reality as she chooses, and she has no qualms about killing anyone who gets in her way. How do you intend to stop her?
The X-Men all give each other a knowing look.
We cut to later, where the X-Men are leading Loki into a room. His eyes widen. We see WANDA and PIETRO are practicing their powers. Pietro turns to Loki.
PIETRO
We got a new recruit? What's with the outfit?
LOKI
You... you're mutants in this universe?
X-MEN WANDA
So you're from the multiverse?
PROFESSOR X
In this universe, Wanda and Pietro are the children of an old friend of mine... Erik Lehnsherr - Magneto. Perhaps they are the key to saving the multiverse.
(Beat)
LOKI
I see...
GAMBIT
Only question is: How are all of us gonna get over to your universe?
Loki conjures up the tesseract.
LOKI
With this.
Nightcrawler's eyes widen.
NIGHTCRAWLER
The Space Stone?
LOKI
You're familiar with it?
CYCLOPS
We've had our fair share of dealings with the infinity stones. It's how we helped defeat Thanos.
LOKI
I can send you all to my universe... But I need to find Strange.
(He glances at the tesseract, as if listening to it.)
The tesseract is... speaking to me. Strange doesn't have the Book of Vishanti... He needs help.
PROFESSOR X
The space stone carries immense power... but to transfer all of us to another universe... and you to a different one at the same time... It would be too great a task even for an infinity stone. The tesseract would break.
Loki glances at the tesseract sadly.
LOKI
So be it.
ROGUE
Uh, just one question, hun... If that shiny cube breaks, how are we gonna get back?
PROFESSOR X
I have faith in the girl, America Chavez... We can train her to control her powers. She can send us back.
WOLVERINE
Yeah, but how long is that gonna take?
PROFESSOR X
However long is necessary. This is what we do, Logan. We help those in need... in every corner of the multiverse.
Wolverine sighs.
WOLVERINE
You know I can't stand when you get all righteous on me...
X-MEN WANDA
If this other version of me is in pain, there's no one better suited to save her than me. I want to help her. I have to help her.
Loki nods slowly and opens a portal with the tesseract. He yells in pain, straining himself as he struggles to handle the power. Once the X-Men are all gone, Loki gives the tesseract one last glance.
LOKI
Goodbye, old friend...
The tesseract glows in one last beam as Loki disappears. Finally, it bursts and dissipates into pure energy.
EXT. MOUNT WUNDAGORE - DAY
After Wanda kidnaps America, America struggles to break free of Wanda's magic.
AMERICA
You really think this is what your children would want?! Mommy slaughtered and kidnapped innocent people just because she could! Yeah, I bet they'd be so proud!
Wanda tosses her aside with her magic and stalks towards her menacingly.
WANDA
They'll never know.
America glares at her.
AMERICA
But you will.
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Stephen and Christine walk towards the snow city streets as they see an incursion is taking place.
STEPHEN
Oh no... Oh, crap!
CHRISTINE
It's like... this reality collapsed in on itself!
STEPHEN
Yeah... it's two realities colliding...
Suddenly, Loki appears in front of them. Christine shrieks.
CHRISTINE
Get back!
STEPHEN
Loki?! What are you doing here?!
CHRISTINE
You know him?
STEPHEN
Well, yeah, kinda - Loki, how the hell did you get here?!
Loki gestures to the incursion.
LOKI
Do you really want an explanation right now?!
STEPHEN
I guess not...
LOKI
America doesn't have long... You need to get back to our universe!
CHRISTINE
But how do we do that?
STEPHEN
If there's another sanctum here, then we can find another... other me. That's our best shot.
EXT. OUTSIDE SANCTUM - DAY
We cut to Stephen, Christine, and Loki walking up to the sanctum. Just before they enter, Stephen pauses.
CHRISTINE
What is it?
STEPHEN
Something's wrong...
(Beat)
I... I don't know, I just... I don't think I'm here. I can't sense myself in this sanctum.
We suddenly hear a VOICE.
VOICE (O.S.)
That's because Strange is not the Sorcerer Supreme in this universe...
We turn to see SORCERER SUPREME LOKI descending before them, wearing Stephen's cloak.
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
...I am.
STEPHEN
Oh, you gotta be shitting me...
INT. SANCTUM SANCTORUM - MOMENTS LATER
We cut to Sorcerer Supreme Loki walking Stephen, Christine, and Loki through his sanctum. It is decorated in green with a large statue of Loki at the center of the main entrance. Loki grins as he looks around.
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
Yes, well, I've done a slight bit of redecorating since I took over Strange's title... Added more Asgardian volumes to the library, changed the drapes in the foyer - ugh, they were dreadful...
STEPHEN
I'm sorry, what do you mean, you "took over my title"?
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
You are familiar with the Tournament of Sorcerers, yes?
Christine glances at Stephen in confusion.
STEPHEN
It's... a magic tournament held by the Vishanti - the same beings who created the Book of Vishanti. They act as patrons to the Sorcerer Supreme.
(to Sorcerer Supreme Loki)
So, what, you're saying you beat me in competition?
Sorcerer Supreme Loki laughs.
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
No... I didn't even enter. I just... invited myself to spectate the occasion.
Stephen stares at him incredulously.
STEPHEN
Then how did you become Sorcerer Supreme?!
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
The Vishanti simply decided that a mortal was no longer fit to hold the title... and since I am a god with immense magical power, I was the logical next choice.
STEPHEN
So then what, you killed me?
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
Killed you? Stephen, you insult me! Your alter merely chose to return to his work in medicine. Now, how may I be of assistance?
(He makes several books begin floating around him.)
I have spells, charms, enchantments... Oh, and would you care for a cup of tea?
(He makes a cup of tea float towards Stephen.)
I make an excellent Earl Grey brew.
Stephen stares at the cup suspiciously.
STEPHEN
Yeah... I think I've had enough tea for one day.
Sorcerer Supreme Loki shrugs.
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
Hmm, your loss.
He uses his magic to bring the cup back towards him and takes a sip.
STEPHEN
Actually, I need to find the Darkhold.
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
The Darkhold? Ugh, nasty thing. Corrupts the mind. I keep it stored in the... um...
(He snaps his fingers, trying to remember.)
Other me, what's that bottomless magic bag of safekeeping we always use to hide things?
LOKI
Um... the pocket dimension?
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
Yes, that's it! The pocket dimension! I keep it in there.
STEPHEN
I need to use it to get back to my universe.
Sorcerer Supreme Loki laughs.
SORCERER SUPREME LOKI
It'll be your funeral. But who am I to stop you?
He conjures up the Darkhold and places it in Stephen's hands. Stephen begins using his magic to locate America. Christine looks at him in horror.
CHRISTINE
Are you going to dreamwalk?
STEPHEN
It's a little bit more than just dreamwalking...
CHRISTINE
All you Stranges, you're the same!
STEPHEN
I know...
(Beat)
You're right... But right now, that kid needs me. And I can't do any of this without your help. While I'm out there, I need you to protect my body in case they attack me for trespassing.
CHRISTINE
Who's "they"?
(Beat)
STEPHEN
The souls of the damned.
LOKI
I would step back if I were you, Dr. Palmer...
He generates a protective shield around Stephen as he begins the spell.
CHRISTINE
Okay... but doesn't a version of you need to live in that universe so that you can dreamwalk into them?
(Beat)
STEPHEN
Who said they had to be living?
EXT. MOUNT WUNDAGORE - DAY
After America unleashes her powers, she generates a portal to bring Loki back. Stephen ends his dreamwalking, leaving the lifeless body of Defender Strange to collapse on the ground as the final battle begins. The X-Men emerge, starting to fight off Wanda and the remaining souls of the damned, as well as the beasts guarding Mount Wundagore.
WANDA
You brought mutants here? All the powers in the world cannot stop me from what I want!
GAMBIT
We'll see about that, petite...
He helps Rogue over to Wanda. As Wanda tries to shoot a magic bolt at Rogue, Gambit deflects it, allowing Rogue to drain Wanda's powers. Wanda screams as Rogue begins glowing red, and she uses Wanda's own powers against her.
We cut to Wolverine stabbing the souls of the damned through the chest as the other X-Men fight off the beasts. Lady Loki joins them, now in her female form, watching as Storm summons lightning to strike the beasts. Lady Loki laughs.
LADY LOKI
You're going to put my brother out of a job!
America glances at her in surprise.
AMERICA
Wait, you're a woman too?!
LADY LOKI
Yes...
AMERICA
Damn, you're hot!
Lady Loki smirks.
As Wanda is fighting Rogue and Gambit, she suddenly freezes when X-Men Wanda and Pietro approach her.
WANDA
Pietro...?
PIETRO
Wanda... I know I'm not your brother from this universe... But you're still my family... my blood... I love you. You must stop this! We can help you!
X-MEN WANDA
We are the same, Wanda... I know your pain.
WANDA
No... no you don't. How could you? You haven't lived through what I have... You haven't seen what I've seen.
PIETRO
Wanda, I know you're better than this!
(Beat)
WANDA
No, I'm not... I can't let go of my children...
(She glances at Pietro one last time.)
Not even for you...
She uses her magic to toss Pietro and X-Men Wanda aside. Professor X attempts to reach Wanda's mind as the battle continues.
PROFESSOR X
She... She's too strong! I can't penetrate her mind!
LADY LOKI
Don't strain yourself, Professor! You'll only end up hurting yourself!
They watch as Wanda raises giant boulders in the air, threatening to crush them all. Suddenly, before she can make the final blow, we see several metal bars enclose around her and trap her. Wanda tries to break loose, but Rogue drains too much power from her. We see MAGNETO emerging from a portal and descending towards her. Wanda struggles until she gives up and begins to sob. Magneto watches her until she finally weakens and cries softly.
MAGNETO
Wanda... My daughter...
(Beat)
WANDA
I'm not your daughter...
(She glances at X-Men Wanda.)
She is.
MAGNETO
But you are still my Wanda. And you are strong.
WANDA
I... I can't... I can't live like this anymore! I can't...
MAGNETO
You are a Maximoff. You can live through anything.
WANDA
I'm so tired of being alone... I have no one anymore...
MAGNETO
You are never alone. You will always have me... and your brother... in every universe.
He gently cups her cheek as tears stream down her face. After a moment, America opens up a portal to Wanda's children.
STEPHEN
America...?
AMERICA
It's okay... I know what I'm doing.
Magneto slowly releases Wanda, and she enters the portal. Variant Wanda is standing in front of Billy and Tommy, who are hiding behind her.
BILLY
M-Mom?
He and Tommy wince as Wanda approaches them.
VARIANT WANDA
It's okay, baby...
Wanda gently cups Billy and Tommy's cheeks. Variant Wanda turns to Wanda.
VARIANT WANDA
Know that they'll be loved...
America sends Wanda back to her universe and the portal disappears. There is a long pause.
STEPHEN
Wanda...
(Beat)
WANDA
I need to make this right...
(Beat)
No one will ever be tempted by the Darkhold again.
She uses her magic to get everyone to safety.
WANDA
Go!
They watch sadly as she sends the mountain temple crumbling on top of her.
We cut to later, where America is sending the X-Men home.
LADY LOKI
Thank you, Professor. Truly.
PROFESSOR X
You don't need to thank me. It's what we do.
(Beat)
LADY LOKI
Could I trouble you for one last favor?
Professor X turns towards her.
PROFESSOR X
I assume this is about Doreen?
(Beat)
LADY LOKI
Yes... She's trying to find other mutants... She... She's the only one that she knows of... I just want to help her feel less alone.
(Beat)
PROFESSOR X
She's someone very important to you, isn't she?
(Beat)
LADY LOKI
Yes, she is.
(Beat)
Would you... be able to find other mutants that live near her?
Professor X smiles.
PROFESSOR X
I already have.
(He hands her a small sheet of paper with the names "TOMAS LARA-PEREZ" and "KEN SHIGA" on it.)
These are the names of two mutants that live near her. I believe they event attended the same university.
Lady Loki stares at the paper in surprise.
LADY LOKI
Thank you...
PROFESSOR X
The mutants of this universe may still be in hiding, but very soon, they will reveal themselves... and I think this world will be all the better for it.
He exits. Lady Loki turns to Stephen.
LADY LOKI
Are you still going to try to close the multiverse?
(Beat)
STEPHEN
No... not after what I've seen. All that life... all those different worlds... I can't destroy them. Those beings deserve to be free.
(He turns to America.)
And I know your moms are still out there. We'll find them... one day.
America smiles.
INT. KAMAR-TAJ - DAY
After Stephen says goodbye to Christine, we see America is practicing using a sling-ring while Stephen, Wong, and Loki, who is in his male form, watch.
AMERICA
Okay, why is this literally harder than opening up a portal to the multiverse?!
WONG
Your multiversal powers come from your emotions... the sling-ring works when your mind is calm and focused. Try to keep yourself grounded.
America groans.
STEPHEN
Her training will take some time... She's still impatient... unbalanced.
WONG
Reminds me of another student I knew...
Stephen grins.
(Beat)
WONG
It will take some time for the sanctum to rebuild. Wanda did great damage.
STEPHEN
But she did the right thing in the end. She sacrificed herself for the greater good.
(Beat)
LOKI
I don't believe it.
Stephen and Wong look at him in surprise.
LOKI
She's still alive... somewhere. I can sense it.
(Beat)
STEPHEN
Then we can only hope she'll come back safely someday...
LOKI
How are you feeling, by the way? I mean, after using the Darkhold?
STEPHEN
Well, I have been noticing a third eye growing out of my forehead from time to time...
LOKI
Oh, I'm sure that's nothing to worry about.
STEPHEN
What about you? You still think this Kang guy will return?
LOKI
Well, if there are an infinite amount of him, then I suppose it's only inevitable.
WONG
Then we'll be ready.
Stephen turns to Loki.
STEPHEN
Were you tempted by her offer? To make Doreen immortal?
(Beat)
LOKI
I was... for a moment. But I can't rely on another universe for my happiness. I have to find it myself, in my own universe.
STEPHEN
And are you happy?
(Beat)
LOKI
I'm working on it...
(Beat)
STEPHEN
Thank you, Loki... I...
(He sighs.)
I was wrong about you.
LOKI
Your acknowledgment of the obvious is greatly appreciated.
Stephen rolls his eyes as Loki turns away.
WONG
Would you consider staying here in Kamar-Taj? The sanctum could use a sorcerer of your skill.
(Beat)
LOKI
Or perhaps... a new sorcerer supreme...
Stephen and Wong give each other a confused look. They grow worried as Loki turns back to them with a sinister grin.
LOKI
Perhaps the Vishanti were right... After all, a mortal can only hold the title for so long... And if I can become the Sorcerer Supreme in another universe, why can't I do it in this one?
Wong takes up a defensive stance as Loki stalks towards him.
LOKI
So, Wong... I think it's about time for our little... tournament to start...
Loki's hands begin to glow green.
STEPHEN
Loki, no!
Wong winces as an icy spike appears to impale him. He pauses in confusion and slowly touches the spike, which dissipates into bubbles. After a pause, Loki bursts out laughing.
LOKI
I... I can't believe you actually fell for that!
As he continues to laugh, America joins him as well, pointing at Stephen and Wong.
AMERICA
You guys look like you just shit your pants!
Wong starts laughing as well. Utterly bewildered, Stephen gives the three of them a confused look.
LOKI
Well, thank you for the offer, Wong, but I really should be returning to my brother. Now, if you'll excuse me...
He uses his magic to take Stephen's sling-ring off his finger.
STEPHEN
Hey!
Loki walks past America as he uses the sling-ring to make a portal.
LOKI
(to America)
You get the hang of it eventually.
He exits through the portal. America begins swearing in Spanish.
AMERICA
How does he do that?!
Wong laughs.
WONG
Funny guy...
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Stephen walks down the street, taking in the people and sights. We suddenly hear a BOY call to him.
BOY
Strange! Doctor Strange! Hi!
Stephen gives him a friendly wave. We hear a woman's voice as well.
WOMAN
Thank you for fighting for us, Doctor!
Stephen smiles. He watches as the people pass. Perhaps there is happiness in this universe after all...