THE MOMENT
Inga was used to strangers of all sorts arriving at her door, and she usually welcomed the company. She'd thought she wanted to be alone to hone her craft. After a week, she was starting to second-guess herself until the first lost child knocked on her door. As well-versed in magic as she was, she easily accepted it as a sign. There was no telling where that young boy might've ended up, but thanks to her, he made it home safely. Upon delivering the child, her reputation quickly spread amongst the townsfolk; then, they started seeking her magic out for other matters. Desperate women and greedy men, and often the reverse as well, along with the occasional lost child from time to time. She almost felt like the villagers regarded her as a sort of babysitter in the forest, trusting her to get their children home if they were lost.
On this particular day, she threw the door open expecting any number of familiar circumstances. Yet, she was stupefied by utter surprise at the person on her doorstep smiling at her.
"Hello, my name is Ingrid Stardust," the woman spoke using Inga's own voice and wearing Inga's face. "I'm you from an alternate universe. May I come in?" she asked. Inga could sense the newcomer's abundant magic, but she didn't seem to be using it right then. There wasn't any spell active to make her look like Inga, and after a few silent moments of appraisal and deliberation, she nodded and invited the woman in.
"What can I do for you, Ms. Stardust?" Inga asked. That was the only question that mattered. Inga wasn't going to be distracted by unnecessary details like the existence of alternate universes, unless they became relevant.
"I'm sure you'll appreciate it if I'm direct," Ingrid nodded with a smile. "I know I would. I am amassing a collection of my doppelgangers from parallel realities. The end goal is a massive spell that can only be achieved by an extraordinary number of casters."
"For what purpose?" Inga asked. The mechanics were theoretically sound. More casters equaled a stronger spell. Beyond that, Inga wasn't entirely convinced, but she didn't have to be yet. Not until she knew what all that magical power would be aimed at.
"Revenge." Ingrid didn't hesitate, and that actually eased Inga's mind. That certainly sounded like a goal she herself would pursue. "A horrible villain has cost me so many of my girls..." Ingrid sounded sincerely sorrowful, and Inga already had a soft spot for children. It felt cold to ask for any specifics. She imagined the most horrible interpretations and was instantly on Ingrid's side. "The spell will empower me to defeat him," she explained.
"You can count on me," Inga smiled. Ingrid wasn't using the magic to defeat someone directly; she wanted to do it herself, and that impressed Inga. "When?" There were just two of them in Inga's home, so she didn't think Ingrid was ready then and there.
"As soon as possible, but I am still gathering other versions. That recruitment is something I could use your help with. Would you like to travel the multiverse and meet other versions of yourself?" Ingrid asked.
"How many?" Inga asked.
"With your agreement, I have assembled over 300 versions. My goal is to reach a million."
"You want a million spellcasters focusing on a single spell?" Inga's mind couldn't fathom it. The logistics and space requirements for such a feat were boggling to begin with. The mere reality of a million people working in sync seemed impossible, even if they were alternate versions of each other.
"We've got a straightforward methodology," Ingrid smiled as she moved toward the door. She already had the answer she came for and had more to do. "I think you'll find it quite surprising. In the meantime, gather your things. I'll return to fetch you tomorrow," she said as she walked out the door with a wave.
