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stewardofningishzida · 4 months

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Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel — Chapter 17: Catch-Up, Make-Out

There we go! Sorry for the delay! Gonna keep these chapters coming! Also, love is in the air here for our beloved sorcerer. Stay tuned!

TRIGGER WARNING: injury mention, death mention

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Chapter 17: Catch-up, Make-Out

*Stephen opens a portal back to Kamar-Taj and lets Prettywitch go change. He lets Wong know that Prettywitch has passed her Trial. With that news, Wong goes to find Trix.*

*Trix is patiently waiting in the cafeteria for the others when she spots Wong.*

Trix: Well? How did it go?

Wong: Your friends have both passed. Prettywitch has gone to her quarters to try on her new robes and Steward is in sickbay. There was an incident. *He catches her up to speed.*

Trix (worried): A soul eater?!

*Wong nods grimly.*

Wong: Strange did not intend to put her in such danger, but the Catacombs are vast. It is easy for hostile entities to find their way there and conceal themselves.

Trix (hesitantly): But…Steward killed it, right?

Wong: Yes.

*Trix frowns to herself.*

Trix: Tear and Steward were a mess for a while after the mine. We’ll have to keep an eye on her after this for a bit but thank god she’s safe. Plus PrettyWitch got to meet Bats! And you willingly hugged me so today has turned out well all things considered. *She shakes herself out of her funk.* Let’s go find the others then.

Prettywitch: *She comes running out in her new robes.* Hey guys! *She stops to show off her new wardrobe.* Well? What do you think?

*Her robes are an elegant shade of indigo with an intricate yellow trim. The overall design of the robes has a distinctly Japanese influence. It beautifully encapsulates the principle of wabi-sabi; the acceptance of transience and imperfection while appreciating the beauty of nature and life. While it appears simple, the details within the fabric give way to a subtle grace that reflects the harmonic chaos of the universe.*

Trix (grinning): Absolutely gorgeous! What do you think of mine? *She does a little twirl.*

*Meanwhile, in the sickbay, I’m awake again and try to sit up. It’s rather painful to breathe too deeply or attempt to sit up. To top it off, I’m still slightly woozy. So, after a bit of concentration and struggling, I cautiously use telekinesis to prop myself up and move some pillows behind my back. It hurts, but after I let go, I’m at least in a semi-reclined position. It took a lot of effort and I pause to cough up some ectoplasm. It’s a side-effect from having had 55 spirits inhabit my body at once. When I hear someone approach, I quickly compose myself and wipe my mouth, wanting to at least be semi-presentable. Stephen comes in to check on me, looking horribly guilty.*

Stephen (grim and sincere): Hey, Steward…I’m sorry for what happened during your Trial. I should have looked more into it and I screwed the whole thing up-

Me: Stephen, stuff happens. Since when did anything run smoothly or as intended?

Stephen (frustrated): This SHOULD have gone smoothly.

Me: What’s done is done. It’s in the past already.

Stephen: You got hurt because of my mistake.

Me: The Catacombs are literally an enormous underground maze, Stephen. It would be hard for anyone to see everything down there. The important thing is that I’m alive, right?

Stephen: I would have preferred alive and uninjured.

Me: Hon, I’m not even mad. I chose to go confront that thing on my own because I didn’t want it to keep eating innocent people. That fight was my choice. I had help, yes, but I acted of my own free will. I could have ran. You know that.

*He stares at me for a moment and sighs.*

Stephen (resigned): Gods, the Ancient One really did call both of us out, didn’t she?

Me (giving him a small smirk, to indicate to him that I’m sincere and truly not angry at him): Yep.

*He’s quiet for a while.*

Me: I’ll be okay. You popped in right during the fight and got me out of there safely afterwards. This kind of thing is what you and Wong were training us for, right?

Stephen: Well, yes, but I didn’t want it to escalate so quickly out of control.

Me: *Teasing him slightly, imitating the Ancient One* You cannot beat a river into submission. Surrender, Stephen.

*He huffs, trying to be annoyed, but he can’t.*

Me: We’re good, Stephen. Okay? The danger has passed for now, I’m here, and I’m not even mad.

Stephen: Fine, but I’m keeping an eye on all of you.

*I stick my tongue out to tease him again, also doubling as a way to good-naturedly comfort him.*

*He finally cracks a small smile.*

Stephen: I’m proud of you.

Me (smartass, but more just to make him laugh): I know.

*He musses my hair affectionately.*

*Trix walks into the infirmary with Wong and PrettyWitch behind her*

Trix: You better not be dead. I know your thing is ghosts but that would be a bit much. *She grins at Stephen and Steward.*

Prettywitch: We’re glad to see you’re okay, hun.

Me: Heh. Nah, that’s for next week. *I joke a bit with Trix, indicating to her and Prettywitch that I’ll be fine. I look at both of them.* Nice new robes. Seriously, they’re freaking magnificent!

Prettywitch: I know, right!? I can’t wait to see you in your new ones when you get better.

Trix: Yeah, did you get to see yours yet?

Me: Not yet. I kinda passed out after a while. Can’t move too much yet either. The box is on the nightstand next to my bed.

Stephen: Your stamina should be recovered enough from that rest to have another healing session done. After that, you should be in decent enough shape to get up and move around again. I’d still avoid anything strenuous for a week, but otherwise, it looks like you’ll be okay with a few more sessions throughout this recovery period. Prettywitch, could you go get her robes from her room while I make sure the healing session goes well?

Prettywitch: You got it! (She runs off.)

Trix: I don’t want to be in the way while you finish up. I’ll be out waiting with Wong in the courtyard!

Me: See you guys in a few moments.

Prettywitch: (She comes back and holds the robes out to Steward.) Here you go, love.

Me: Thank you! I’ll meet you in the courtyard after I change. *I give her a small smile as I accept the ornate box of robes.*

*Trix heads out to the courtyard and finds Wong waiting by himself.*

Wong: At least Steward seems to be taking this in stride. That is a good sign. I lectured Strange about his oversight during her Trial earlier.

Trix: True. A lot better than last time…probably because it was killed this time around. And that is absolutely not surprising. Honestly, you were very subtle about keeping an eye on me. If I hadn’t found out at the end the way you revealed yourself, I wouldn’t have guessed. If Stephen didn’t remember someone watching him I could see the oversight happening. *She’s trying to rationalize it because she knows it absolutely wasn’t Stephen’s intention for this to happen.*

Wong: His Master’s Trial was…different. When the Ancient One died, it was in the midst of Kaecillius’ uprising. When his Zealots killed Master Drumm in the New York Sanctum and Stephen acted to defend it AND our dimension from the Dread Dormammu, he had earned his title. It was a trial by fire, so to speak.

Trix (shocked): Oh. Yeah. I hadn’t realized that that ended up being his trial… *She looks down before looking over at Wong.* I don’t think it would be a good idea to show Stephen because it might bring up trauma, but I think someday you should take a look at our movies about this universe. It may…help with clarification of things for the Kamar-Taj records at least in the general sense since it’s not a one for one but seems to follow similar lines. *She has a small smile and fidgets with her hands.* At least, I’m trying to figure out how to go about this from a future librarian sort of view.

*Wong listens to her and nods.*

Wong: I will take a look when I have time.

Trix: I had some questions for you as well, if you don’t mind me asking.

Wong: Very well. Ask.

Trix: Just- how do you do it? Manage to keep calm all the time and sort of be this…pillar that keeps everything upright? I know it’s likely going to be me who ends up needing to be the one holding down the fort while the others go out on missions, but I honestly don’t know if I can manage that without breaking down myself. I almost lost myself from caretaking for years and while I’m excited, I’m also terrified about setting this up in our own world.

*Wong thinks about this for a bit before answering.*

Wong: Well, one of the more important things to remember is that everyone has their limits. So, keeping this in mind, I don’t necessarily do everything myself. I delegate. Remember how I had you sorting the shelves, doing basic repairs, and cleaning during training?

*She nods.*

Wong: I know that I need help. So, I use the community that I am a part of and have a team of my own to help me keep things in order. I do most of the more complex tasks myself, but when I need to, I ask one of the other Masters for assistance. We sorcerers, although individuals, still work as a cohesive unit. We have each others’ backs. I also take care to help others when they need it. With all of us working together with our own niches and subsections, we are able to work fairly efficiently. Then, I make sure to take some time for myself. At least an hour every day where I relax my mind and take care of my own needs. It does not always happen, especially during the more intense periods we sometimes deal with, but whenever I do have a chance, I take it. It is good to clear your mind from time to time.

*Trix chuckles softly herself.*

Trix: I guess I’m just so used to ending up by myself again that it didn’t occur to me to ask for help from the others. It’s why I’m a bit clingy, I end up by myself eventually through one way or another and it’s kinda messed with me. I do have a feeling that this is going to stick though, even if I am cautious to get my hopes up. It’s just something I have to meditate more on I guess. *She shrugs with a wry smile.* Thanks for always listening to me. I haven’t felt as…free to speak my thoughts and not be my people personality self as much. I can relax. I’m nearly there with PrettyWitch and Steward but that anxiety just… *She trails off.*

Wong (gently): It will come with time. *He reassures her.* As for being left alone again, it is highly unlikely now. With the challenges your world faces, sticking together is a matter of survival. You will need each other. That much, I am certain of.

Trix (smiling): True. And you’re stuck with me now. You hugged me back after the trials, that’s no take-backsies.

*Wong curls his lip, amused.*

*After a moment, I finally walk out of sickbay. I’m a bit stiff and slower since the injuries are still healing, but I’m able to move around now. Prettywitch had given me my robes so I could change. So, now I’m wearing them properly. They’re predominantly indigo with tan and magenta trim. The patterning across the front clasps of my robes makes up the symbol of the Third Eye chakra. Other more subtle patterns present within the trim on my robes consist of the Endless Knot and the Ankh. These small details are found in the embroidery making up the hems of the robes.*

Me (smiling): So, how do I look?

Trix (grinning): Like a proper Master of the Mystic Arts, so gorgeous!

Prettywitch: I know! (She’s trying not to squee.)

Me (smirking): You’re not so bad yourselves. *I’m teasing a bit.* Seriously, though. You both look majestic as hell. *I’m sincere about the last part.*

Trix: We’re going to rock the hell out of our world once we start setting up our Order, that’s for sure. *She smiles softly.* The group of us.

Me: Yes. Yes, we are. *I offer Trix a high-five, but then flinch and put my hand back down awkwardly.* Right! Dumb! *I chuckle morbidly to mask the pain since I just did a stupid move.*

*Trix shoulder bumps her gently instead before doing the same to PrettyWitch.*

*Prettywitch laughs awkwardly and holds her hand out for Trix to high-five her. Trix returns the high-five.*

*Stephen comes out of sickbay, having sorted things out.*

Stephen (warmly): Nicely done, girls. You three look magnificent.

PrettyWitch: Thanks!

Trix: Thank you!

Me: Thanks!

Stephen: How about a celebration dinner? You three can choose a place.

*Wong nods approvingly.*

*As they work on a decision, Clea portals into the courtyard. She’s carrying several shopping bags and a few books Stephen recognizes from his Sanctum Library.*

Clea: Hello everyone. (She notices the girl’s outfits.) What’s the occasion?

Stephen: The girls just earned their Master ranks. *He can’t help but be proud as he says this. It’s obvious in his face and voice.*

Clea: *She smiles brightly.* Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations, girls!

Trix: Thank you Clea!

Me: Awww, thank you, Clea!

Prettywitch: *She blushes awkwardly.* Awe! Thanks, Clea.

Clea: Don’t mention it.

*A pillar of green smoke appears as Loki arrives in his usual fashion. His eyebrow raises at our change in attire.*

Loki: I suppose I should be congratulating you all. Congratulations on your masteries, ladies.

Trix: Thanks Loki!

Me: Thank you, Loki. *I give him a small smile.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, thanks.

Wong: I take it you sensed a shift in Trix’s aura?

Loki (smirking): Absolutely. *He eyes her robes before grinning widely* I also must commend the choice of robes. One befitting a ward of a god. *He sniffs haughtily before breaking into a laugh. He’s clearly delighted.*

Trix (slightly embarassed): You’re just happy you’re being represented.

*Loki shrugs before turning to Steward and PrettyWitch.*

Loki: Both of you wear your talents well. You will have to regale me with the tale of your trials since I will be joining your celebrations.

*I smile at Loki before letting out a small squawk, remembering something.*

Me: Ack! I promised to free the ghosts with me. Just a sec, guys…Lemme take care of this before we go.

*I center myself before opening a portal with blue sparks. This is the first time Trix and Prettywitch have ever seen this portal to the afterlife in-person. Interestingly, whatever’s on the other side of the portal isn’t properly visible. It just looks like an opening with a rippling veil across it.*

Me (to seemingly nobody): Okay. Those who wish to move on, please step forward. Anyone who isn’t ready yet, stay put. *I wait for a minute before slipping briefly into a meditative state. After the outbound spirits and I mutually sever our bond, I gesture to them to indicate that they’re free to go.* Thank you for all of your help earlier. Goodbye and may you all enjoy a restful existence in the afterlife.

*Those who leave, depart. The only indication to the living that something has gone is a subtle change in temperature and the veil within the portal shifting wildly, as though in a high wind. After a moment, the veil settles back down and I close the portal. I inhale and then shudder involuntarily. It feels as though my energy has become slightly stronger. Also, there are now a few small balls of fiery blue light drifting lazily around me.*

Me (calmly): Okay. It’s done. A few chose to stay, including The Ancient One. So, where would we like to go?

Trix: I’m fine going anywhere really.

Prettywitch: Ooooh!!!! Why don’t we go to The Olive Garden!? Or Famous Daves!? *She’s practically salivating.*

Trix: I vote Olive Garden!

Me: All right. *I’m hungry from the healing sessions and exertion due to sending the outbound spirits away. So, I’m fine with anything.*

Stephen: Okay. I’ll get us there. *We portal to the front of the restaurant. Wong goes to get us a table.*

Clea: *She notices the decor inside.* Hmmm…This place seems slightly upscale. *She snaps her fingers and her clothes change to reflect the casual dress environment of everyone there. She’s wearing a low cut, purple top with a nice pair of jeans. She smiles.* Much better.

*Stephen is subtly looking Clea up and down after her outfit change. It seems she has his interest. Wong smirks at him, making Stephen blush slightly.*

Loki (slightly confused): I thought we were going to a garden of olives.

Me: It’s Italian. *I shrug nonchalantly*

Trix: Just keep eating breadsticks and you’re golden.

*We’re seated and as we have dinner, we catch Loki and Clea up with what went on during our Trials.*

Loki: Tell me, what was the hardest part of each of your trials?

Clea: Oh yes! I’m dying to know, myself!

Trix: Probably staying focused during mine. The book I was cleansing kept trying to corrupt my thoughts but apparently everyone here has helped me finally get past enough of my self-doubts to get through it. *She smiles softly.*

*I gently pat Trix’s back, clearly proud of her.*

Prettywitch: Mine was pretty straight forward. I had to outwit a certain Ghost Dog.

Trix: Are you telling me…you got to meet Bats?! *She’s both excited and jealous.*

Prettywitch: Oh yeah! And let me tell you, he’s a bit of a smartass. Anyway, after that my biggest challenge was having you expand my range of magic. I’d been performing magic using a lot of what I’d seen in anime and manga I like, as well as comics, and…well, I had to start thinking outside the box. So I took inspiration from some of my own unpublished works. *She smiles.* And it felt really good doing that, actually.

Wong: Good. It’s about time that you learned to act as yourself. *He’s happy about this, although it’s as subtle as he always is.*

Prettywitch: Thanks, Wong.

Trix: I’m super excited to see what spells you came up with!

Me: *Grinning, amused.* Really? Nice! Trix and I will have to find and talk to Bats later, then! Also, whoo! Good job, Prettywitch! I can’t wait to see some of your new spells! *I’m both excited to meet Bats and proud of Prettywitch. Then, go back to Loki’s question.* Anyway, my Trial started out fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of an accident. It wasn’t Stephen’s fault at all, but a soul eater showed up and I had to borrow the energy from over 50 spirits who had decided to follow me so I could boost my abilities enough to dispatch it. Was still a close call…I’ve faced one before and it really messed Tear and me up, but I suppose the reason this one wasn’t as bad was that not only did I have help from the spirits and Stephen’s original mentor, but I had grown stronger with training and had more of idea of what I was doing. We’ve seen and been through so much together that it just kinda became yet another thing to deal with instead of a huge unbeatable threat. Still terrifying, but I knew I had a way out if I couldn’t handle it. We didn’t have the luxury of expending more magical energy for portals in our world the first time. So, with all of these factors, it just sorta…clicked.

*Stephen squeezes my shoulder gently. He’s still just relieved that I’m okay.*

Loki (impressed): A soul eater is not one to trifle with. Very well done. *He looks at all of us proudly.* You’ve clearly all earned your masteries well…and now we can easily bail you out of Kamar-Taj without lessons being an excuse. *He grins.*

*Stephen raises an eyebrow. He still wants to keep an eye on us just in case for obvious reasons.*

Clea: I must say, all of your trials are fascinating. You overcame difficult odds and came out of it stronger; I’m sure you’ll all make wonderful masters back home.

Prettywitch: Oh, you’re just saying that!

Clea: No, not at all. Stephen and Wong should be proud they’ve trained such fine girls as yourself.

Prettywitch: Awe! *She gives her a small hug.* Thank you.

*Clea accepts the hug, albeit awkwardly.*

*I’m slightly red, but happy.*

*The rest of the meal goes well and we all enjoy some quality time together. When it’s over, we head back to Kamar-Taj. Stephen bids us a fond goodnight and after we go to our quarters he walks off, subtly gesturing for Clea to follow him. He leads her to a nice, secluded area of the temple. The architecture here is beautiful and the lighting is warm and inviting.*

Clea: You wanted to see me?

Stephen (awkwardly): Over the past few months since you’ve arrived and gotten acclimated here, I’ve come to know you. Your company is appreciated and since we have befriended one another, I was just wondering if…Well…ehhhhh…Perhaps you may consider a…date? I’m not sure how fond you are of me now that you’ve been in close proximity for an extended amount of time, but-

Clea: *She cuts him off by cupping his face in her hands and kissing him passionately. When she breaks the kiss and sees his shocked face, she’s a bit nervous, but keeps it to herself and gives him a playful smile.* Does that answer your question?

*Stephen is breathless and as red as his Cloak now. After a second, he composes himself.*

Stephen: I…I like you too.

*Clea smiles.*

Clea: So…did you have something in mind for our date?

Stephen: Well, there are all of those movies the girls introduced me to…Perhaps you may like to see one tonight?

Clea: I’d love to.

*Stephen smiles and picks a movie, inviting her to one of the empty rooms so they can watch in peace. As the movie goes, at times, Stephen is quietly more interested in Clea and her reactions to the film than in the movie itself.*

*Clea begins to notice this.*

Clea: What are you looking at? *Her tone is playful when she asks that.*

Stephen (slightly flustered): It’s just fun to see your reactions, that’s all.

Clea: *Giggles* Guess we have that in common, huh?

*He smiles, blushing. He’s finding it difficult to articulate himself.*

Clea: *She leans.* What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?

Stephen: Ehhhhh…*He’s getting more flustered*

Clea: *Giggles.* I like seeing this side of you, it’s so cute.

Stephen (awkwardly): Want to finish the movie or…?

Clea: *She kisses him again. Only this time she deepens it; she wraps her arms around his neck and runs her fingers through his hair.*

*He lets her and kisses her back, the movie entirely forgotten. The rest of the night passes.*

***To be continued***

#doctor strange fanfiction #doctor strange #doctor strange meta fic #doctor stephen strange #multi author #dr stephen strange #stephen strange #marvel #clea strange #clea #clea x stephen #wong

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getlostsquidward · 2 years

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180 degrees and i'm caught in between

clea x stephen strange x fem!reader

a/n: been wanting to write something for these two since those mid-credits and i just want to be in between them truly. a girl can dream

summary: clea and stephen were exposed to sex pollen while fixing an incursion. they wouldn't leave their baby out of the fun, would they?

warnings: 18+, smut, dubcon because of the pollen, threesome, polyamory, dom!clea, mommy & daddy kink, come eating, oral sex, vaginal sex, mentions of double penetration. breeding kink if you squint. everyone is bi i'm projecting

kinktober masterlist | main masterlist

Too immersed in reading a book, you fail to hear Stephen's voice calling out for you. You chose to visit Kamar-Taj as Stephen and Clea ventured out to fix the former's incursion, leaving the New York Sanctum for a bit in the hands of new sorcerers. (Wong was off doing Sorcerer Supreme duties.)

The familiar orange sparkles of the portal and the woman that crossed it brought you out of your concentration. “There you are, Y/N. We've been looking for you.”

Stephen had finally stepped foot in the library just in time, sweeping you off your feet quite literally as he carried you towards...your shared bedroom in the Sanctum.

Did they find you just to...fuck?

The two sorcerers scrambling to take their robes off and telling you to kneel on all fours was enough of an answer. Not that you were complaining, but it was sudden and they were in the midst of their dimension-hopping – so to seek you out in the middle of nowhere to fuck, you could only think of one culprit for their behavior.

“Sex pollen, huh? How kind of you two to not leave me out of the fun,” you teased, waiting as Clea sat in front of you, her legs pushed apart, her core so beautifully gleaming with arousal.

“Such a smart girl. Don't worry, we brought you some,” Stephen rasped, his voice deeper than usual. You could feel his erection pressing against your butt as he brought the aphrodisiac plant to your face, letting you inhale it, all while Clea watches how your pupils dilate, eyes glossing over.

The sorcerer behind you felt how your whole body shivered, smirking as you pressed your ass against his hips. Normally he takes all his time in the world preparing you, or Clea, but the amount of lust that radiates on all three of you was too unbearable not to give in to the urgency.

Stephen slowly slides his cock into you as you lean forward to lap at Clea's fold. You all sighed in relief simultaneously, but it was nowhere enough to satisfy the skyrocketing pollen-fueled lust.

Your mouth had eagerly licked and sucked the sorceress' pussy, her thighs keeping your head wonderfully trapped. Meanwhile, Stephen buried his cock deep in your belly, hitting all the sensitive spots. Your muffled moans were music to their ears, along with the lewd squelching sounds of you eating Clea's pussy and Stephen's balls slapping into you.

You knew either one of you wouldn't last for long, but you also knew that one orgasm wouldn't be enough until the aphrodisiac wears off. Stephen has already filled you with his thick cum, but he remains hard as he strokes himself watching Clea clean the mess he'd made, making sure none of his cum goes to waste.

You're pretty sure everyone has had a taste of each other's cum as you switch positions every time, and Stephen is now lying on his back as you ride his face all while Clea bounces on his cock into oblivion. Your hands find support on Stephen's chest as the sorceress claims your mouth.

“M-mommy. Need you inside me,” you mewled against her lips.

“Daddy's cock isn't enough for you, little slut? Do you want mommy's strap too? You want us to fill your holes?”

You nodded, whimpering between soft moans. “Yes, please! Want mommy and daddy's cock in me…”

“If you want it so bad, then beg for it.”

—

tags: @mirikusashes @evelyn-kingsley

#gls kinktober 2022 #clea x stephen strange #clea strange x stephen strange #clea x doctor strange #clea x stephen strange x reader #stephen strange x you #stephen strange x reader #stephen strange imagine #doctor strange x reader #doctor strange x you #doctor strange imagine #dr strange x reader #dr strange x you #dr strange x y/n #dr strange x fem!reader #marvel x reader #marvel imagine

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hunkahulkaaburningfudge · 1 year

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Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (1988) #3

#stephen strange #doctor strange #clea strange #clea #dr strange #cleaphen #stephen x clea #marvel #marvel 616 #616 stephen strange #616 doctor strange #doctor strange sorcerer supreme #marvel comics #doctor strange comics #spouses supreme #faltinestrange #616 clea strange

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demigoddessqueens · 2 years

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After seeing Dr Strange MoM….

1) Wanda is my fave, no there is no criticism 👑

2) America is everyone’s kid

3) Wong needs his karaoke vacation again

4) Christine who? It’s always Clea and Strange, here and forever now

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shydaydreamer28 · 3 months

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A bit more tribute & appreciation for MCU Strange x Clea - since they both got put on a bus after the half-assed writing in MoM.

MCU Strange is never lonely in my world. 🥰😆

While Charlize is sexy & hot, I fear she may be too gruff for Clea since she plays many harsh characters.

It'd be hard to make their ship compelling or intimate if they're both serious & all-business all the time.

I hope we get badass, but still sweet & playful Clea to kinda bring MCU Strange out of his shell. As of now, he is way more emotionally stunted than comic Stephen & last thing he needs is to fall for a female version of himself. MCU Strange already suffers from being written as overly surly & closed-off. He needs a bit of contrast to bring him from discount Tony Stark to legit Dr. Strange.

I also hope they're not reintroduced already a couple. I wanna see the initial build & transition from partners to lovers. We wasted 2 films & 2 What If episodes on a go-nowhere romance with Christine. So they sure as HEL better not speed-run relationship with his WIFE. But knowing MCU, they will.

Cleaphen already has the deck stacked against them due to Waldron's hack ass - which I will rant about in a separate post. lol

But because of the raw deal they started on, the MCU writers will have to make real effort portraying them as a legit couple. But knowing MCU, they won't. Lmao

When it comes to Strange, they approve everything shitty while tossing away all the good stuff.

#marvel #doctor strange #stephen strange #mcu #dr. strange #marvel mcu #clea strange #cleaphen #spouses supreme #marvel cinematic universe #mcu multiverse #benedict cumberbatch #charlize theron #marvel comics #multiverse of madness #mcu strange #mcu clea #christine palmer

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skyenthusiast · 2 years

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just got back from seeing doctor strange MoM. a freaking horror movie in disguise

me thruout the movie:

"huh we got action from the beginning of the movie" "wtf. when did stephen get so sexy?" "america looked so cute, protecc this kid!!! and i hope her mums live" "just give wanda her kids :((((( why is this so depressing" "holy shit this is so scary. why is this so scarrrryyyy. but i love you scarlet witch. so badass" "MORDO!!" "CAPTAIN CARTER!" "MARIAAAAA" "WTF BLACKBOLT???!! NO ONE TOLD ME THIS" "REEEEEDDD" "WHY THE FUCK NO ONE IS CHEERING WITH ME" "omG PROFESSOR X!!!! GUYS ITS PROFESSOR X WHY ARENT YOU SCREAMING. YOU GUYS SUCKS. but wtf is that wheelchair. oogly. bad representation from the comic." "fkcing horror movie" "wanda really just killed the two powerful male superheroes so easily just to show us the fighting between the girrrrlsssss" "why WOULD YOU INTRODUCE THEM JUST TO KILL THEM ALL" "wanda is so scary.. kdbafkbf zombie wanda from what if but not really?" "poor doctor strange.. he's so lonely in that universe. let me take you home.." "FIGHTIGN USING MUSIC NOTES. THIS IS COMEDY GOLD" "zombie dr strange!! BADASSSSSSS" "noo... wanda.. pls.. :(((( its okay baby.. you will get your own happiness. also, why didnt billy and tommy use their power.." "noooooo..... wanda.. I refuse to believe you just killed yourself" "DOCTOR STRANGE ACCIDENTALLY ADOPTING AMERICA CHAVEZ. HELL YES. I LVOE THIS TROPE" "WAIT WHO? *googles* WHAT? CLEAAAA????????!!!!!!!! CHARLIZE TERON AS CLEA? MY QUEEEEEEEEENNNN" "all the new characters that died... they will definitely come back right?? its another universe after all. i have faith"

alright those are the ones that i still can remember from the movie. lol ONE THING though. they really missed out for not bringing blonde!nebula from what if to the movie :/ maybe.. hopefully on other movies.. pls.. she would look so beautiful >.<

#marvel #spoilers #doctor strange #multiverse of madness

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imagines--galore · 1 year

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||Love, A Kind of Magic|| Part One

Summary: Who would've thought you'd meet your other half while on a mission to save the world from the ruler of the Dark Dimension. It certainly gets a little trickier when that someone is the niece of Dormammu. Not to mention a powerful sorceress in her own right. But Stephen Strange and Clea are willing to make it work. Somehow.

Pairing: Dr. Strange x Clea (Kind of OC)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: General. Romance. None, just some nightmares and a little kissing.

A/N: So I know we’ve been introduced to Clea at the end of MoM, but this is something I wrote AGES ago. Its sort of an OC take on Clea so I hope you guys enjoy it! And I’m taking fic requests now if anyone wants to send them in!

"How many?"

Doctor Stephen Strange glanced up from where he had been reading yet another book. The woman stood there, arms folded, silvery white hair framing her soft features, cascading around her shoulders in natural waves. Her eyes were distant, he noticed, frowning slightly as he spoke.

"Sorry?"

A sigh left her lips, her arms dropped and one of her hands came up to push her hair back before she spoke again.

"How many times did you die?"

A flicker of confusion before realization dawned. He pursed his lips, shifting his attention back to the elegant Sanskrit in front of him.

"I do not wish to speak of this Clea." Was his only response, prompting the woman to emit another sigh. A step forward and she was kneeling beside him where he had been sitting in the armchair for the last half hour. One hand moved to rest atop his knee, the other to press a soft palm against his cheek, willing him to look at her. Which he avoided by keeping his gaze on the book. Though he wasn't really reading. Not anymore.

"No, but it is not good to keep it all inside either." Her voice was slightly pleading as her thumb gently stroked along his jaw, skin grazing against his facial hair every now and then. Her blue eyes, a trait so unlike her heritage, were full of trust and hope. And considering the dimension she hailed from, it was rather ironic.

Still despite his heart and thoughts feeling heavy in his chest, Stephen kept quiet. And it was after ten minutes that Clea finally relented. Sighing in slight disappointment, which had him wincing given how he hated to disappoint her, she rose. His gaze finally found hers as she smiled at him, hand still resting against his jaw.

A sad smile.

Not of pity. For she would never have pity on him no.

No, the smile was because he had come to rely on himself for so long that he found it hard to rely on others.

It had taken her months to gain his trust. And given her roots, Clea did not blame him. But saving his life twice, one of them being from the hands of her uncle did leave an impression on a man.

Still she wished he would trust her just a little more.

With a brief run of her fingers along the silver in his hair Clea left the room.

————————–

Astral projection was a favorite past time. And given she was not human, it didn't have any lasting effect on her physical body. Clea wandered through the hallways of the Sanctum. Most nights she would venture out into the great New York City and simply explore. Often she would come back at dawn. But before returning to her body she would stand atop the roof of the Sanctum and watch the sunrise.

That particular night, something compelled her to return an hour after her venture began. And as her astral-self passed by Stephen's room while floating towards her own, she picked up a restlessness from within. Clea frowned and reaching out to brush the tips of her fingers against the wooden door.

And quickly drew it back with a gasp.

The aura within, obviously Stephen's, was restless and experiencing some form of turmoil. A turmoil that made him feel emotions that would break a normal being mentally.

A ghost of a whisper and she was back in her body with a sharp gasp. Scrambling from her bed, and donning a floor length robe, she made quick, yet haphazard work of tying it at the front before racing towards Stephen's room down the hall.

Throwing the door open she was greeted with a sight that had her eyes widening in horror.

Every object in the room was either trembling as if being shaken by an earthquake, or flying about as phantom hands played with them. Chairs, books, tables, ornaments. Thank goodness nothing too precious or delicate. At least not as far as she could see. Her hair whipped about her face as it caught the wind from the floating objects. But the one sight that caused yet another sharp cry to emit from her lips was the sight of Stephen.

His hands glowed with strands of his magic, fingers trembling as he tried to form some sort of spell. He was still fast asleep. He was muttering incoherent words, she could see his lips moving.

Dodging the objects as best as she could, Clea made her way to his bedside on deft feet.

"Stephen!" She called out the second she reached his side. His brow was furrowed, face etched with fear. "Stephen!" Her plea echoed once more her hands reaching out to still his as she brought them up in front of her to try and calm him down.

"Wake up!" A command, and a spell as she projected her more wakeful thoughts to him.

With a gasp his blue eyes shot open. Clea was taken aback by the fear and horror she saw within. As well as the tears. Behind her she heard the objects clatter to the ground. Felt his magic dissipate from his scarred hands. For the next few minutes she just sat there beside him, holding his hands as he tried to calm his breath. And collect his thoughts. Throughout Clea stayed silent, allowing him as much time as he needed to recover. Her thumb would stroke across one of the scars on the back of his hand every now and then. But other then that she made no movement.

Finally, Stephen bowed his head atop their joined hands, resting his forehead against the soft skin of her hands.

"I lost count." The word was spoke so softly she could barely make out what he said. Leaning down she placed her forehead against the back of his head, inhaling the scent of his hair as she squeezed his hand, a silent indication for him to continue.

"I lost count. And I almost gave in. I almost gave in to Dorumammu." A trembling sigh, which broke her heart to hear.

But he continued. "But then I heard this voice. A voice that called out to me to stay strong. To not give in. It was barely there the first few times, and I thought it was my imagination." She felt him push against her forehead and pulled back, just as he did as well. The fear was gone from his eyes. As were the tears. He simply looked at her with a strength that made her admire him, and another emotion which made her half dark heart beat violently in her chest.

"It was you. You helped me that day." His admittance that he knew it had been her lending him strength made the half-faltine sigh and give a small shrug.

"Well I have issues with my uncle and had a desire to see him bested." His deep chuckle followed her words, and she found herself smiling as well. Grasping her hands in return he slowly brought them up to press his lips against the knuckles of her right hand.

"And you helped me today." A blush stole across her cheeks and she bit her lower lip, blue eyes gazing at anything but him.

"I just woke you up. Many people would not be so happy about being woken up." Stephen smirked that knowing smirk of his that had her debating one whether she should slap him or kiss him.

She settled for neither.

He knew exactly what kind of effect he had on her. And if he was going to be smug about it, well two could play at that game. Besides, maybe it would distract him from whatever night terror he had just experienced.

Drawing herself up, her lips pulling into just as smug of a smirk as his, Clea spoke. "Then again, I may have had other things in mind." Here she leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a secret, as she whispered.

"After all, most nightly activities are only enjoyable when two are involved." She purred, eyes alight with mischief and playfulness. Her sudden shift in demeanor had Stephen blinking in surprise at her for a brief second.

Before he burst out laughing.

Clea, for her part, huffed in annoyance. "Or perhaps I came to the wrong person." She said, moving to slip her fingers out from between his as she moved to get up. But was pulled back with a yank that had her loosing her balance and falling against Stephen, her face inches from his chest. Her hands pressed against it to keep herself from falling into him completely. She tilted her head up to look at him, and reward him with a sarcastic quip.

But the second their eyes met, the words were forever lost in the ever changing landscape that was her memory.

Neither remembered who moved first. But their lips were touching. Eyes sliding close. Bodies moving much closer then they had been before.

The first few kisses were soft and slow, tentative at best, testing the waters. He cupped her face, while she smiled against his lips, feeling him smile in return. But as their bodies shifted, to Clea lying on top of Stephen, hands resting on his chest, while his played with her hair, the kisses turned heated. His teeth bit down on her lower lip, making her gasp, allowing him the chance to make the kiss deeper, prompting a deep moan from the woman as she lost herself to the sensation of his mouth and his hands.

"You do remember you have to meet with the Avengers tomorrow." Clea finally spoke, her mind in a complete jumble as his mouth moved from her lips to her face. His goatee left a rough sensation that she found she liked as she smiled softly under his ministrations.

"We need to work on your timing and bedroom talk." The man mumbled against her cheek, laying a final kiss against her soft skin before pulling back. Slowly he turned to his side, allowing her to drop down on her side as well. They lay there, breathing softly, cheeks flushed and eyes saying the same thing.

More.

But not tonight. They both knew that. They would not take a step further. Complicating their relationship. A kiss was simple. Easily swept under the rug.

Though they both had a feeling not with the way the kiss felt.

"What're you up to tomorrow?" Stephen spoke after a minute or so, moving his arm to wind around the side of her waist. Clea, for her part, lifted her hand to start running her fingers gently through his hair at the side of his head.

"Teaching a few classes at the Kamar-Taj." She responded. "Wong finally allowed me to take on one of the advanced classes."

He hummed in response, already drifting off. And once his breathing evened out and she could feel his body relax into the bed, Clea allowed herself a soft kiss to his forehead and lips.

"Sleep well Stephen." She whispered the words filled with utter adoration, trust and love. His handsome face was the last vision she saw before she drifted off as well.

#dr stephen strange x reader #dr stephen strange x clea #stephen strange x clea #marvel imagine #marvel #dr strange fluff #dr stephen strange x oc #stephen strange x reader #stephen strange x oc

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dailybuglenow · 1 year

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BREAKING NEWS: TRAGEDY AT THE AVENGERS MANSION

The Bugle is the first to report that an explosion was called in on 5 April 2026 in Midtown, Manhattan at the Avengers Mansion. The explosion appeared to originate on the first floor of the Mansion, but no source has yet been identified. According to first responders onsite, the scene was catastrophic. “This was no normal explosion,” said NYFD Captain Dan Lee. “There were body parts on the floor. Anything that can blow up a superhero is bad news.” Although the press has tried to get into the Mansion for exclusive pictures and content, Mayor Luke Cage has made strict warnings that the crime scene is potentially contaminated. Captain Lee did point out a high level of radiation at the source of the explosion, leaving many to wonder if this attack came from a superpowered source.

Due to our prominence in the field, the Bugle has obtained a list of killed and injured parties. Walking away from the tragedy are Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Earth-199999), the super lawyer Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk (Earth-199999), Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Earth-616), Clea Strange (Earth-616), the Avenger’s member Valkyrie (Earth-616), Dr. Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange (Earth-616), Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Earth-616), the Scarlet Scarab (Earth-199999), Moon Knight (Earth-199999), S.H.I.E.L.D.’s newly minted Director Daisy Johnson/Quake (Earth-084) and the Vision (Earth-616). Mount Sinai hospital in Midtown admitted a new of heroes with injuries ranging from broken ribs to concussions, including Scott Lang/Ant Man (Earth-199999), Wakandan royalty Shuri/Black Panther (Earth-199999), Mockingbird (Earth-616) and Rosalind Solomon (Earth-616).

Unfortunately, the day was not without tragedies. From Earth-199999, the press has received confirmations of death from Hope Van Dyne/Wasp, Kate Bishop/Hawkeye, Spider-man, Sam Wilson/Captain America, Shang-Chi and Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange. From Earth-616, losses include Clint Barton/Hawkeye and Tony Stark/Iron Man.

It is worth noting that a number of mutants were also at the meeting. The nature of the gathering has yet to be disclosed, leaving many to wonder why mutant and Avengers came together in such a high profile meeting. Reported alive at the scene were the Earth-616 mutants Exodus, Charles Xavier, Emma Frost, Hope Summers, Kate Pryde, Logan Howlett/Wolverine and Scott Summers/Cyclops. The mutants were not without their losses, however. The once villainous but now reformed Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the X-Men members Illyana Rasputin/Magik and Jean Grey.

ENTER THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION

While a tragedy like this would normally predate a memorial service, the recently announced Phoenix Foundation has released a statement that they would kick off the project with the resurrection of those killed in the Avengers Mansion blast. “This truly is Jean Grey’s baby,” Emma Frost said in an exclusive interview, “but since Jean was unfortunately a victim in the Mansion bombing, I speak on her behalf to state that we are thrilled to use our resurrection protocols to help return these valiant heroes to life. We expect everything to be completed by the 7th of April. The Phoenix Foundation normally functions to save those overlooked by society, but even the wisest of men will you tell that there are times when exceptions must be made. After that, we will resume our normal operations.”

This announcement has come with questions from the public. Where the mutants got the D.N.A. needed for the resurrections has been posed multiple times, but the information has not been disclosed.

The Bugle will continue to report as need be.

— Christine Everheart, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

COMMENTS:

slut4cyclops: scott summers was single again for 2 days and i missed my shot AGAIN. guess i’ll wait for the next time his wife dies 😆

krakoakid: i heard a rumor they found jean grey in pieces. mark my words: this is a cover-up job and not some “explosion”.

hennyking: rest in pieces, heroes (get it???)

#sins of sinister #breaking news

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eternals-ikaris · 5 years

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Can we swap Wendy for Clea in the new Dr Strange movie @ marvel?

#avengers endgame #dr strange #doctor strange #anti wanda maximoff #clea strange #clea x stephen

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mrswxyne · 8 months

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Clea's favorite human.

#stephen strange #clea #clea strange #doctor strange #marvel #wong #multiverse of madness #benedict cumberbatch #charlize theron #faltinestrange #strange clea #stephen strange x clea strange #stephen strange x clea #clea x doctor strange #dr stephen strange #stephen x clea #stephen strange smut

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stewardofningishzida · 4 months

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Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel — Chapter 19: Missions Possible

Time for the apprentices to do more missions! Now, the training wheels are slowly coming off.

TRIGGER WARNING: Demonic possession, bad language (quite a bit in this one), death mention, homelessness, scary situations, bullying

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 19: Missions Possible

*We catch Clea and Wong up with the events in the Mansion over some tea. Over the next few days, we end up busy going over and organizing the new additions of tomes to Kamar-Taj’s library, as well as demonstrating the new abilities that we were taught. Since there’s so much new material, we help Trix. Wong is begrudgingly impressed with our many discoveries. He can’t hide it behind his usual stoicism this time. I also finally share a bit of my past with Trix and Prettywitch. I figure it’s only fair since I told Broken Stephen while calming him down and 616-Stephen had heard it while making sure nothing bad happened at the time. During downtime, I converse with The Ancient One, updating and showing her the new things I learned from the Mansion to see if she already knows it or could potentially use it.*

The Ancient One (impressed): It seems that the universe you visited is much more inclined towards the spiritual. I have not seen such things in any of the other universes I have come across.

Me: Interesting. I’m glad that these techniques can enable you more. If I’m being honest, your presence has grown to be quite a comfort. When I noticed you and the other spirits weren’t there, I panicked a little.

Ancient One (smiling gently): I’m glad to be able to help you, however as you have proven, you’re still very capable on your own or with your friends. I will not be here forever and I wish you to have peace even after I eventually move on.

Me (shifting slightly uncomfortably): Heh…Yeah. I don’t wanna hold you back. *I knew the day would come eventually. I had just hoped that I wouldn’t have to think about it for a while.*

Ancient One: Don’t worry, I will be around for quite a while yet. This world has blossomed after the threat of Dormammu and Thanos and I am curious as to how the multiverse will affect this place. Clearly the introduction of you and your friends has done a world of good and has introduced a number of things to our order and this world. I am fascinated to see how your order will come to be and grow.

Me (taking some comfort in this): That’s good. Though, whenever the day does come, I want to respect your decision. So, please let me know. I don’t want to be selfish about it. *I’m sincere.*

Ancient One: Don’t worry, you are not being selfish. Now, show me again how you summon your weapon. Can you change it or is it a certain one every time?

*I nod and perform the spell again, summoning a rapier and dagger.*

Me: I can change it since I’m still alive because there are more possibilities for a living being. However, once you die, your weapon type tends to “settle”. For instance, that version of Stephen has a battle-axe. My default is usually a rapier and dagger because that is what I specialize in fighting with. Precision and speed while remaining adaptable. However, I can visualize a more suitable weapon for the given situation and summon it with enough concentration.

Ancient One (impressed): Fascinating. Though the thought of Stephen, even an alternate version, using a battle-axe of all things is a bit…*she smirks* strange.

*I’m amused.*

Me: Apparently, it was because of the situation he learned it in as well as the opponent he faced. She was wielding a hatchet and he was defending himself at the time. It’s an interesting story-*I get a psychic contact from Stephen.*

Stephen (psychic contact): Steward, please meet me in my office. I have a mission for your group.

*He contacts Trix and Prettywitch the same way and we all meet in his office.*

Prettywitch: Hey, Stephen. What’s up?

Trix: Hi! You needed us?

Stephen: In the interest of you girls gaining more experience in the field, I have something that needs to be done back in New York. A pack of Khats has been attempting to gain entry to my Sanctum and cannot get past the wards. So, they have resorted to possessing a group of apprentices to try and sneak through. I need you three to extract the demons from the apprentices without harming them and eliminate the threat to the Sanctum. You may choose to send the Khats back to their dimension or dispatch them. Understood?

Trix: Demon ghost cats, save apprentices, got it!

Prettywitch: *She’s both excited AND nervous, knowing full well what dueling with a Khat entails.* Sure, yeah.

Me: Okay. We’ll do our best to send the Khats back first. Though if they escalate and pose a direct and immediate threat to anyone, we’ll dispatch them. We’ll give them a few chances to back down first. Fair, guys? *I look at my friends.*

Prettywitch: *She’s in deep thought for a second.* What? Oh sorry, yeah.

*Trix gives a double thumbs up.*

Me: How many are there? That way we can keep track.

Stephen: There are 5 of them. 4 have found bodies. The 5th is still lurking through Greenwich Village.

Trix (slightly sarcastic): Lovely. *Getting serious* So they’re out and around or are most of them contained in the Sanctum?

Stephen: Out and around. They’re attempting to get into the Sanctum and are blocked out. We cannot let them in. It would allow them free access to too many dangerous relics.

Me: Good to know. Okay, if that’s all of the info, we’ll gear up and portal over.

Prettywitch: That’s not all, though…Khats are sadistic, they can bring a victim’s suffering to the surface and even look into a person’s mind to figure out what will make them suffer most. They’re like low-tier Fear Lords, basically.

*I listen to Prettywitch carefully.*

Me: So, like Nightmare. Good to know…*I think for a moment to remember the techniques we were taught to clear and calm our minds.*

Trix (smirking): So, ‘fortify our minds’ then. Got it!

Stephen: They can also teleport, manipulate their size, and magically induce sickness. So, be on-guard. If you need backup, I’ll be in the Sanctum.

Me: Any other info?

Prettywitch: Not that I remember; it’s been awhile since I’ve read that issue, but if I think of anything I’ll be sure to let you guys know.

*I nod and summon my supplies. Once everyone has their gear, we head through the portal to the New York Sanctum with Stephen following us.*

Trix (glancing around Sanctum): I know we’ve been in this universe for over a year now but it’s still weird being here… *She gestures at the New York Sanctum*

Me: I know, right? It’s amazing, but doesn’t quite feel like home. Like, you can sense that it belongs to someone else. Understandably so.

Prettywitch: Yeah…

Stephen: Good luck, girls. Be careful. *He lets us exit to Greenwich Village to begin our search.*

Prettywitch: Okay. Think we should do a scan of the Sanctum first? Just to be safe?

Me (standing in the entrance hall, not having exited yet): Will do. *I scan the Sanctum. So far, nothing hostile has penetrated its defenses.* Nada.

Trix: So we scan the area then?

Prettywitch: Okay. I’ll consult the cards, too, just to be safe. *She cleanses then shuffles her deck, asking the cards if the Sanctum is safe. Her face scrunches as she pulls the Eight of Swords.* Oh…That’s not good.

*We hear a knock at the door.*

Me: Speak of the Devil…

Trix (calling through the door): Who is it?!

Young male voice: Apprentice George Schmidt! Can I come in?

Prettywitch: *Raises an eyebrow.* George Schmidt? That sounds about as suspicious as “Hired Goons”.

Trix: Well, Jingle-Heimer Schmidt, the Sanctum is currently closed for cleaning.

Me (subtly scanning): *quietly* Yep. It’s one of them…but also the poor guy’s still stuck “inside”.

Trix (whispering): We could say he could come in to help and ‘clean’ him instead. The problem is we’d open up the Sanctum unless we went full Muppet and open up a window from above and drench him in holy water or something.

Me (low voice): I mean…That’s not exactly a bad idea.

Prettywitch: Yeah. I’m down for that.

Me (whispering): Wanna do the honors, Trix? Prettywitch and I will stall him. *I speak up to be overheard.* Guys, I think he’s telling the truth. Maybe we should give him a chance.

*Trix grins and scrambles back into the Sanctum to grab holy water and get to the second floor, too excited to actually portal there.*

Young male voice: C’mon! Ask Strange! He’s my boss!

Prettywitch: *Giggling.* Don’t worry, we just wanna make sure everything’s cool. That’s all. *She giggles, again.*

*After grabbing a decent amount of holy water in a bucket, Trix is in position above the doorway through an open window.*

Trix (psychic link): Ready!

Me (to the “man” outside): Fine, lemme undo the lock. *Psychic link* “Do it.”

*Trix giggles as she dumps the bucket of water onto the apprentice, nailing her target.*

*He lets out a scream of surprise and pain. The young man’s form crumples and falls to the ground. A shadowy figure seeps out of his body and reforms, reeling from the dose of holy water. I quickly exit the Sanctum, shutting the door behind me, and open an interdimensional portal. Then, I concentrate to use my spiritual abilities and grab the Khat by the scruff of its neck before hurling it through the portal.*

Me: …and stay out! *I close the portal and check on the apprentice. He’s alive. Just unconscious. I levitate him horizontally and take him into the Sanctum so he can rest on the couch while recovering.*

*Trix closes the window and secures it before portaling downstairs.*

Trix: So it worked?

*I smirk.*

Me: One down, four to go.

Trix: I kinda used up the holy water here so unless we make or find more, we’re going to have to get creative.

Prettywitch: Oh, well in that case… *She summons a crucifix and fills a giant bowl with water, then she uses the cross to bless it.* There! That should suffice! *She turns and smiles at her friends.*

Me: Sweet. So, onward? I doubt the others will just line up to come in here.

Trix: Unfortunately that would be too easy. Are we splitting up if we each take holy water with us? Or should we stay together?

Me: Knowing how it goes, we should probably stick together. If there were still 4 of us, I’d say stay in pairs, but split up. Alone, though. Probably not the best idea against four demons. Especially if THEY don’t split up.

Trix (shrugging): Fair enough. I’ll be support class as per usual so either one of you lead the way.

Prettywitch: I’ll check and see if some of them are nearby. *She pulls her decks out, cleanses, shuffles and pulls three cards; The Devil, Four of Wands & Ten of Wands.* Okay, this spread is saying if we wanna find the next Khat, we just have to learn our mistakes from the past, otherwise we’ll repeat them.

Me: Hm. So, which mistakes will we need to approach for this? *I think for a moment.*

Trix: Thinking it will be relatively easy? Not layering ourselves in protection spells? Because while Wong hasn’t said anything to us yet, I think he glares a bit every time we go somewhere and don’t immediately put on protection spells for a mission or something like that.

Prettywitch: That’s not a bad idea.

Me: Makes sense. Also, staying aware of our surroundings. We’ve been ambushed countless times. We need to watch each other’s backs to be sure.

Trix: Mental traps are absolutely going to be used, don’t fall for them. *She shudders, thinking of the room in the depths of Kamar-Taj and Agatha.*

Me: All right. Let’s put on some protection spells and begin the hunt. *I cast a protection spell on myself.*

*Trix casts a physical and mental protection spell…just to be safe. She may be paranoid about it now but after everything, it’s paid off by now.*

*Prettywitch snaps her fingers and casts the same, pink psychic shield around her form from their last mission.*

Trix (sheepishly): So…anyone know how to get around here? I’ve been to New York once and it was in our world and Manhattan.

Me: Unfortunately not. I had to switch planes at JFK while on a trip to DC once, but that’s about it.

Prettywitch: Sorry; I’ve been to New York once and that was in 2005. Hell, I’m pretty sure we didn’t go anywhere near the village, to be honest.

Me (facepalming): Wait, what are we doing? We have Starkphones! Lemme just pull up a map. *I pull out my phone and look up a map of Greenwich Village.*

Trix: Oh shit. I forgot about those… I was going to suggest a magic map or something.

Me (looking at the map): Let’s do a grid-style search emanating from the Sanctum in a zig-zag between the main and side roads. It’s a bit of an old-school search approach, but it covers all bases. Sound logical?

Prettywitch: Hell yeah!

Trix: Yup!

*We head out and begin the search throughout Greenwich Village. So far, not much luck. Also, now my legs are starting to hurt.*

Trix (frowning): We aren’t getting too far this way, but I think I have an idea. Wong and Stephen wouldn’t likely be happy with me though.

Me: What is it?

Trix: Remember our animal forms? Wong was talking about how we likely still have the ability to shift into those particular animals due to the nature of the magic that happened…so I could shift into a raven to scout from above. If we keep up a telepathic link then that would make this easier.

Me: Hmm…Seeing as Khats can’t fly, that would be a decent way to spot them without being taken out. Though how long do you think you can keep it up without going feral?

Trix (shrugging): 30 minutes tops? I dunno, this is the first time I’d be consciously trying it but if we have the link up you’d be able to tell. *She turns to PrettyWitch* Cards have anything to say about it or the situation?

Prettywitch: Let me see…*After performing her ritual, she pulls out the Ten of Pentacles.* I’d say yes.

Trix: Okay, I’ll just be careful. I’m not gonna animorphs it by accident…knock on wood. *She concentrates for a minute before suddenly in a burst of feathers, a raven is standing on the ground where Trix once was.*

Trix (through the psychic link): Is this working?

Me (psychic link): Yes. Be careful and head down the second you feel anything “off”, got it?

*Trix bobs her head and with a caw and a bit of initial struggle, she takes flight. After getting high enough, she does a few circles around the nearby streets. It takes a couple minutes before she sees two people dressed in robes being weird in an alley.*

Trix (psychic link): I think I have something. Two blocks southwest of you guys in an alley. *She lands on a fire escape above them, acting in character and trying not to reveal herself as anything but a bird.*

*I nod at Prettywitch and we head towards the alley. Meanwhile, the two people in the alley don’t seem to notice Trix at first. Then, one of them makes an odd sniffing noise and looks in her direction.*

*Trix is holding something shiny in her beak, something she picked up along the way. It’s a bit magical, but hopefully it makes them think it’s what caught the Khat’s attention. And it’s soooo shiny and tempting…*

*I see a tiny glint of shiny material and look, noticing Trix. Then, I listen quietly to hear shuffling in the alley. My eyesight isn’t great either and never has been, but I do detect movement. My hearing is very acute. So, I can clearly hear that someone is there. I gesture to Prettywitch to scan the area to confirm it’s our target.*

Prettywitch: *She closes her eyes and thinks about Khat. Almost immediately, she zeros in on his presence.* You’re right on target, Trix. *She communicates this telepathically.*

Trix (psychic link): Awesome! Oh hey, did you know there’s a bunch of magic coins on the different roofs around here? Was there an explosion or something? I keep wanting to collect them… *She pauses* Khats first. Focus…

Me (psychic link): Good work, guys! Okay, Trix. You should come back to us and change back. If we need more recon later, we’ll let you know.

*Trix is a bit hesitant because just the feeling of flying is so nice but after a few moments of hesitation, she lets out a caw and flies back to the group and changes back into her human form. The coin is in her hand and she’s studying it closely.*

Trix: What is this thing from? *She’s absolutely a bit scatterbrained but that seems to be the only lingering effect.*

Me: We’ll worry about that later.

*We hear an angry hiss from the alley. They’ve spotted us.*

*Trix immediately snaps to attention and tucks the coin in her robes but is ready to fight if need be.*

*The possessed apprentices split ways and each charge us from different directions. One of them appears to be concentrating on something while making direct eye contact with Prettywitch. The other is in a standoff with me. I’m watching them carefully. They seem to be waiting for something. In the meantime, the first one is mounting a psychic assault, attempting to probe Prettywitch’s mind.*

*Prettywitch senses this and tries to calm her mind, but she’s too late as the creature probes her mind.*

*It proceeds to psychically attack her. Smoothly transitioning, Prettywitch sees Trix and me turn to her. I have an exasperated look.*

“Me”: Really? It was THAT easy for them? Why did you even come along if you were gonna keep screwing up?

“Trix”: Honestly, dealing with your hangups is such a pain in the ass.

Prettywitch: *She shudders.* No…No, this isn’t real. *She tries convincing herself of this, but while she knows that, intellectually, Khat has broken through her defenses, emotionally she can’t help it. She’s terrified of failing, of things changing, no matter how small or insignificant they may be.*

*Outside of Prettywitch’s mind, I see her beginning to have a panic attack and know what’s happening. However, now I have to choose between going to protect her and leaving Trix and myself open to attack from the other Khat or letting Prettywitch deal with this psychic assault and going for the offensive against the second demon. As I look at Trix, I see what appears to be her body already lying on the ground broken. My heart practically stops as tears begin to well up in my eyes…Until I do notice one thing slightly “off”. Her spirit isn’t there. Although I know she could have moved on, I opt to convince myself that this is an illusion and charge the possessed apprentice attacking Prettywitch with an angry roar, praying that Trix will hold her own against the other one.*

*Trix glances at Prettywitch and Steward for a moment before turning to face the other Khat.*

Trix: God, why is everything a mental attack? I do that to myself on a daily basis anyway, I don’t need help. *She summons a blade made out of crystal and darts forward.*

*The second possessed apprentice casts a spell to turn the ground beneath Trix into a veritable treadmill, moving backwards as she charges forward. Meanwhile, I’ve tackled the first apprentice to the ground, breaking the first Khat’s concentration on its assault on Prettywitch’s mind.*

Prettywitch: *She gasps and, realizing her mind is calm again, sighs in relief.* Thank Christ…

*Meanwhile, the hood of the possessed apprentice I tackled has fallen down, revealing a man. He snarls and kicks me in the stomach and I reel back from getting the wind knocked out of me.*

Me (breathless): OOF!

*Meanwhile, Trix slams her sword down into the ‘treadmill’ and launches herself up, surprising even herself. She pulls out her small batch of holy water and attempts to throw it in the apprentice’s face.*

*The possessed apprentice ducks, dodging the water. Though their hood falls over from the speed of movement, revealing a young woman. She utters a curse and then casts the Bolts of Bedevilment at Trix in retaliation.*

*Prettywitch gets in front of Trix and places a giant, pink shield up in front, stopping the blast. Then, she proceeds to whip out the cross, again.*

Prettywitch: By the power of the blood! By the holy name of Jesus! I command the demon known as Khat to stop afflicting these two souls! Go to the foot of the cross to receive your sentence!

*The two apprentices hiss in pain, stunned, but quickly recover. They sneer at her and soon both of them begin to circle Prettywitch and Trix.*

Possessed Woman: Fool! Your belief is incomplete. How can you hope to save anyone if you have no faith in yourself? *She laughs mockingly.* Look! Your friend has abandoned both of you to our mercy! *I’ve opened a portal back to the Sanctum and stormed out through it. The shower of sparks closes behind me.*

Trix (snarling): I believe that you’re a total bitch.

Possessed Man: Mmmm…Yes. More negativity. Please continue to feed us.~ *He has a predatory look.*

*Trix pauses before turning back to PrettyWitch.*

Trix: Hey, they’ve got a point. I mean, why not just insult them for a while until they get bored?

Prettywitch: What!?

Trix (shrugging): I mean, why not? If we keep them busy here then that keeps them from running around.

Possessed Woman: Wait, wha-

*An inky-blue portal opens in the alley and my astral form emerges from it, flying at the nearest possessed apprentice. The woman squawks in surprise before grinning.*

Possessed Woman: Really? As if you couldn’t be MORE useless, you choose your weaker form!

*She laughs, only for a second, before my astral form punches her square in the chest, sending the Khat within flying out. The possessed man is stunned for a second before conjuring twin broadswords and charging full-force at Trix and Prettywitch, meaning to end the fight more quickly.*

Possessed Man (snarling as he charges): That’s it! No more playing with our food!

Prettywitch: Yeah?...Well, your mother sucks cocks in hell!

Trix: His mother is so fat that hell sank down a few extra levels when she got sent there.

*In the meantime, the disembodied Khat has its claws out and proceeds to attempt to slash at my astral form. I end up retreating through the alley wall because I need a moment to conjure my weapon. The Khat attempts to follow to deny me the time.*

Prettywitch: *She sees the Khat attacking Steward and points the cross its way.* The power of Christ compels you to be gone, thot!

*The disembodied Khat turns to Prettywitch, annoyed, and goes to swat the crucifix out of her hand. As this is happening, the possessed man shatters the shield and grabs Trix by the throat and starts to squeeze. In the seconds that the Khats are distracted, I’ve conjured my weapons and re-emerge.*

Me (growling): This is your last chance to back down. Leave this dimension. Now. *I hold my rapier and dagger at the ready, a silent promise of potentially deadly harm. My voice is calm and low.*

*Prettywitch decides to trust Steward and goes to help Trix. She creates a giant scythe that interferes with the demon possessing a body and slashes. It’s enough to get the possessed student off Trix. She quickly places a protective barrier around them and pats Trix’s back while she coughs and sputters as she’s pulled into a panic attack.*

*The second Khat decides that enough is enough and leaves the man’s body so it can gang up on me with its “friend”. They face me.*

Khat 1: Bold of you to challenge two demons to a fight.

Khat 2: Or perhaps you’re simply as stupid as you look.

Me (curled lip): Heh. Weak. Both of you. Piss off to your world and maybe we’ll forget this little incident. *I seem to be snarking with my words, but my eyes are cold and my tone as dangerous as before.*

*The first one proceeds to grow to the size of a large panther and leaps with alarming speed towards me. I barely have time to duck. Meanwhile, the second one attempts to flank me. I stick out my dagger and they back off at the last second to avoid being impaled.*

Me (calling out to one of you): Open a portal to banish them! *I’m still going to try at least one more time to force them through, attempting to emulate Stephen’s own respect towards sentient life.*

Prettywitch: *Nods. She stands up and holds the cross up, again.* By the power of the blood! By the holy name of Jesus! I command the demon Khat to stop afflicting this world! Go to the foot of the cross to receive your sentence! Now be gone!!!

*At this point, they’re ignoring Prettywitch and focused on me. I cast the Shield of the Seraphim around myself and open the portal while the Khats proceed to assault the shield in an attempt to get at me. Once the portal is open, I allow the shield to dissipate. One of the Khats falls over, but regains its footing quickly. The other leapt away in time and both continue to rush me. I end up having to defend myself on both sides. They’re trying to wear me down. In a desperate move, I cast the Mystic Mists of Munnopor, obscuring the entire alley.*

Trix (disoriented and croaking): Fuck this. *She flicks a spell into the mist, tagging the Khats with a glowing rune each on their chest so Steward knows where to target.*

*There’s a dull thud and one rune disappears after a few seconds. Then, a yelp of pain from me before a yowl from the remaining Khat. Then, that rune disappears as well. I then cast the Winds of Watoomb to clear the mist. After that, I close the portal, admittedly looking a bit more disheveled than before.*

Me (in astral form): Two more down…2 to go. Let’s portal these two apprentices into the Sanctum with their friend. *I look exhausted.* You two okay?

Prettywitch: Yeah…Yeah, I’m okay. Trix?

*Trix tries to speak but can only croak.*

Trix (psychic link): Asshole strangled me so guess who’s going to get a lecture from Stephen and Wong tonight. *She rolls her eyes.* I can still do stuff but I’m pretty exhausted.

Me (concerned): Great…Let’s try and find the last two quickly. I’m just gonna stay in astral form since it’s easier to grapple with these guys this way. Though somehow, having my hair yanked still hurts even in the astral plane. *I scowl back towards where the Khats were for a second in irritation before softening my expression as I look back at my friends.* You don’t have to do recon, Trix. We’ll figure something else out.

Trix (annoyed but in psychic link): I can still help and at this point I’m not letting these assholes win…I also don’t want to go back to Stephen quite yet. It’s bad enough Loki might come lurking around soon. I want to help. *She conjures one of her crystalline butterflies* Hopefully this works. *She releases it.*

*I nod at Trix and we watch the butterfly as it begins to track down the next Khat. Then, I turn to Prettywitch.*

Me: Hey, you sure you’re okay? I saw that the last demon we dealt with gave you a really hard time.

Prettywitch: What? Oh…yeah, that…I don’t know, I think that Khat probing my mind made me doubt myself. It just…it made me feel awful, like I couldn’t do anything.

Me (gently): Look, we all know what demons do…They bring out the absolute worst in anyone they target. Their whole deal is that they find any insecurity, fear, or flaw in a person and then they pick at it until that person snaps. You know the saying that “you are your own toughest critic”? They basically magnify that and force you to look at it. It’s like looking in one of those funhouse mirrors where various parts of you are exaggerated and made way bigger or smaller than they really are. What I’m trying to say is that despite what they were manipulating you into thinking of yourself, they’re wrong. I mean, look at you…Look at how far you’ve come. How far we’ve all come. We were all just some Marvel nerds with no powers just living our boring everyday lives only around a year ago. Now, the three of us have survived multiple attempted apocalypses, hostage situations, monster attacks, and training sessions from Hell. You’ve made it this far and can do so much more than before. So, I don’t know about you, but I think that’s something, right? *I give Prettywitch a smile.*

Trix (psychic link): And we’re also still marvel nerds. *She grins.*

Prettywitch: *At first she doesn’t know what to say, she’s speechless. But she takes a moment to consider Steward’s words and nods. She wipes the tears from her eyes.* No. No, you’re right. *She smiles.* Thank you.

*I give her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Despite being in my astral form, I did a bit of telekinetic manipulation to make it feel like I actually patted her.*

Me: Sure, you have insecurities, but we all do. That’s why we work together and help each other. We’re all works in progress with our own sets of issues. So, if you ever start feeling badly again, just remember that you aren’t alone in this. Okay? We’re in this together.

Prettywitch: I know. *She wipes her tears away.* Thank you. Now let’s go kick some Khat ass!

*Trix flails a bit in excitement and enthusiasm before she gets a bit exhausted. In the meantime, her butterfly has returned and is circling so it can lead us to what it found.*

Me: All right. Where’s asshole number 4? *I watch the butterfly.*

Trix (psychic link): I…may need a little help. *She looks over at Prettywitch* Just make sure I don’t fall over please! *She summons two crystal crutches to hobble with. If they had more time, she would have gone back to the sanctum but they are so close to finishing this.*

Prettywitch: Okay…?

*I raise an eyebrow at the butterfly after figuring it out.*

Me: Well, that’s convenient…Looks like we’re headed back to the Sanctum after all.

Trix (psychic link): Let’s speed this up then. *She opens a portal about a half a block from the Sanctum and wobbles through. She’s running on fumes but refuses to stop and take a break.*

*I watch her quietly, aware of her fatigue. However, I don’t say anything seeing as we’re almost done and can team up on these demons with numbers at this point. We pass through the portal and I start scanning for the 4th and 5th Khats. There’s a figure standing in front of the Sanctum, corrupted red mandalas issuing forth from their hands. The wards on the Sanctum have begun to glow in warning.*

Prettywitch: *She steps forward.* Khats, you’re trespassing in our mentor’s Sanctum and in his city, and we cannot forgive nor condone those actions. *She forms a cross again and creates a bucket of holy water she splashes onto the figure. Then she holds up the cross as if it were a wand in a magical girl anime.* By the power of the blood! By the holy name of Jesus! I command the demon Khat to stop afflicting this world! Go to the foot of the cross to receive your sentence! Be gone, motherfuckers!!!

*The remaining possessed apprentice lets out an animalistic screech as they collapse, the Khat emerging from within, stunned. I open a portal and hurl it back to its home dimension before it has a chance to recover. Now, the question is…Where is the 5th one? Prettywitch feels a burning sensation enter her person. There’s a feeling of her mind being squashed down, as though being crushed deeper into her body. It’s getting hard to breathe and she feels her grip on consciousness begin to slip.*

Me (roaring furiously when I see what’s happening): KHAT!

Trix (in horror): PRETTYWITCH!

*I fly swiftly over to Prettywitch’s still-standing, twitching body and reach into her since I’m still in my astral form.*

Me (low, growl): Prettywitch, stay grounded. Now.

*Prettywitch nods and grounds herself as best she can.*

*After the warning, I yank. Hard. The last Khat is forcibly pulled out of her and it grabs onto my arm, digging its claws into me in retaliation. I cringe and jerk forward, going with the grain of the claws to loosen the Khat’s grip and headbutt it in the snout. Yowling, the demon is knocked off. It recovers quickly and lunges for my throat, snarling. I hold up the dagger that I had conjured earlier and almost jam it into the Khat’s open mouth, but it manages to move slightly away at the last millisecond so I only slice part of its ear off. The fight is quickly getting more vicious. It attempts to go after Trix since she’s vulnerable.*

*Trix yelps painfully as she tries to dodge but throws up a hastily constructed spirit shield that she learned from the Mansion’s library. Luckily it holds enough to keep the Khat from getting in.*

Me (hissing): Oh no, you don’t!

*I cast the Images of Ikkon and proceed to gang up on the Khat, each image attacking. The Khat counters, slashing the approaching illusions as they come in a chaotic mob. While it’s occupied with that, I come through one of the images at full speed and kick the final Khat as hard as I can in the center of its torso, forcing it through the portal. I close it quickly and slowly drift down to the ground, exhausted and with the arm of my astral form leaking a sort of ichor.*

Prettywitch: *She gets on her knees and puts a hand on Steward’s back.* Hey. Are you okay?

*It passes through since I’m still in astral form. Despite my huffing and puffing, I look at her and give a thumbs-up. After a minute, I take several slow, deep breaths. Though it’s probably a force of habit seeing as I don’t exactly have lungs in this form. Still, I slowly calm down.*

Me (flatly): I’m sorry you both had to see that…I lost my temper.

Prettywitch: Please! You should see my mom when she’s angry…But it was definitely a bit alarming seeing you so angry.

Trix (psychic link): Honestly, it was worth it so no worries from me. *She’s wheezing heavily and drops the shield.*

Me (quietly): …You’re my friends. Nobody hurts my loved ones and gets away with it.

*Prettywitch gives her a big smile before trapping her in a big bear hug.*

*She passes through me. I’m amused.*

Me: I’ll get back in my body. Then, hug time…Though admittedly, I don’t know how THIS is getting fixed. *I hold up my slashed arm. Now that the rush of the fight is wearing off, I’m starting to feel the pain. Though it’s definitely different from physical pain since I’m still in astral form. There’s clearly damage present, but it’s…abstract?*

*Stephen has sensed that the Khats have been sent away and opens the Sanctum door to let us in. He notices all of us in varying states of exhaustion and injury. So, he quickly ushers us in and levitates the final apprentice inside so they can recover. The others are still unconscious, but will be okay. Now, Stephen is back in “doctor mode” and begins to fuss over us.*

Clea: *She enters the room.* How is everything?

Prettywitch: Fine. You should see him, though. *She’s gesturing at Stephen.* He hasn’t stopped, he’s running around like a mama hen.

Clea: *Giggles.* That’s so cute!

Prettywitch: I know! *Giggles.*

*Stephen has Trix resting on a bed and is checking her injuries. Meanwhile, I’m floating in my astral form over my body. He hasn’t allowed me back in yet because he needs to fix my spirit’s arm first.*

Stephen (fussing at us): You nearly ran yourselves completely ragged doing all of this in one go. You could have taken a break. The wards would have held. A spell from an apprentice or two is not sufficient to break through, which is why I did not rush you in the mission. Honestly, you three are devoted, which is admirable, but you’ve got a self-destructive streak a mile wide…Please, don’t move. Let me see. *He’s working hard to heal Trix properly.*

Prettywitch: Oh you’re one to talk, Mr. - *She sees Clea shaking her head, telling her not to say anything. She opts for something nicer to say.* I mean, you’re right, Stephen. We should’ve considered that. *She looks back at Clea who gives her a reassuring smile and nod.*

Trix (finally able to speak softly): Sorry, we’re a bit gung-ho about things. It didn’t really occur to us it wasn’t an emergency mission because everything we’ve been going after has been a ‘big deal’. *She’s a bit sheepish.*

*Stephen nods at Prettywitch in distracted acknowledgement and does a final check on Trix before moving onto me, looking over my astral form’s injuries. He sighs in relief.*

Stephen: This isn’t as bad as it looks. Astral forms can be weakened or destroyed, but not physically damaged. This is merely an energy wound. You’ll have to rest more and no projecting until your spirit recovers, but otherwise, you’ll be okay. Go ahead into your body, Steward. I just had to check and make sure that the Khat didn’t somehow taint or corrupt this wound before letting you rest.

*I nod and sink back into my body, letting out an involuntary shudder as it regains consciousness.*

Me: Thanks, Stephen.

Prettywitch: *Staring admirably.* He really is a sweetie.

Clea: Sweetie?

Prettywitch: Oh! I’ll explain later.

*He goes to check on Prettywitch to be absolutely sure that she’s okay.*

Stephen: How are you feeling, Prettywitch? Your eyes are a bit red.

Prettywitch: Oh, I’m alright. I nearly got possessed and had my mind probed, but other than that I’m alright. I think I’m just still shook up, that’s all.

*He looks her over carefully before taking a step back.*

Stephen (cautious): Okay, but I’m keeping you three here overnight for observation. Just to be sure.

Trix: Of course. *She smiles.*

Prettywitch: You got it!

Me: Will do. Thanks again for taking care of us.

*He relaxes slightly at our words.*

Stephen: You’re always welcome, girls. *He gives us a warm smile.*

*Thankfully, our night in the New York Sanctum passes uneventfully. We head back to Kamar-Taj in the morning when Stephen is satisfied that we’re all okay. Over the next few days, we finish up with sorting the books from the Haunted Mansion. One night, I end up having a particularly bad nightmare, flashing back to my past. I relive some very painful memories, losing some loved ones and roaming the state while homeless and hungry. At around 2 am, I wake up to tears running down my face and a deep sense of dread. Now, I’m worried about my friends. After all of the danger we’ve gotten used to facing, are they really unharmed? Are they sleeping safely and peacefully? What if they aren’t? What if one of them is hurt or sick? The anxious thoughts keep coming and I get up quietly. Since it has been a few days, I’ve recovered enough to project again. So, I silently sit down on the floor of my room and astral-project myself, phasing through the walls to check on Trix and Prettywitch. When I see that they’re safe and asleep, I calm down slightly. A thought passes, worrying about Stephen, but seeing as he’s with Clea, I don’t exactly want to float in on them in case they’re having an intimate moment. So, I go back into my body. There’s still enough lingering anxiety and stress from the dream that I’m wide awake. After a few minutes of attempting to meditate and calm myself, I grow agitated and exit my room, silently changing into my robes. I cast the night-vision spell so I can move about without bothering anyone. Then, while wandering the temple, I see the charity packages that the Order has set to deliver later in the morning. Remembering how it felt to be poor, I’m moved and decide to deliver them early. I leave a note to indicate that they’ve been put in their proper places and go off to deliver them. On my way back, I see an older man lying on the street. It’s a cold night. So, I gently nudge him awake and offer him a hot meal from a local cafe. I pay for his food and while he’s eating, I subtly summon a spare blanket from my old house. When he’s finished eating, I give it to him and bid him a good night, hoping that he’ll be able to stay warm for a while. Still having a bit of energy left, I stop by a convenience store and buy some cans of vegetables, packages of soup, bags of rice, and some candy bars. While I wander, I drop off a few small care packages of my own from the supplies on some doorsteps of various shacks so the families within can eat and have a little bit of comfort for the week. My heart is still heavy, knowing how difficult these situations can be. It’s tough just trying to survive and privately I wish I could do more. Helping people onto their feet is a difficult endeavor because the simple act of surviving takes a lot of energy. So, they often don’t have enough energy left of themselves to add their own advancement to the mix. Not to mention the societal difficulties of attempting to get a job and move forward. When you’re poor, you’re often invisible or outright dehumanized. Not only that, but there are so many people out there struggling that it would break anyone trying to help all of them alone. That and many people who ARE comfortable at the moment are living within 2 paychecks away from becoming destitute. So, they’re racing to keep themselves afloat too. I’m well-aware of all of this and have to put my thoughts at peace, knowing that I’m doing the best I can given my own position. So, I head back to Kamar-Taj. After a minute of thought and one last astral check on my friends, I decide to rest outside in the hall, between their doors so I can at least hear if something is wrong. I simply couldn’t rest properly with the thoughts going through my head tonight. However, sleep does eventually come. I’m still slumped against the wall between Trix and Prettywitch’s doors in the morning.*

*Prettywitch opens the door and lets out a big yawn when she notices something slumped against the door.*

Prettywitch: Steward?

*I stir and look blearily at Prettywitch.*

Me (tired): Hey…

Prettywitch: Have you been here all night?

Me: …Not all night. I ran a few errands. That’s all.

Prettywitch: *She pouts.* Okay, let’s get you up. *She yanks Steward up by the arm.* You’re gonna lie down and get some more shut-eye, is that understood?

*I grunt a bit in pain, my joints having stiffened rather badly from roaming around in the cold and sleeping on the floor.*

Me (tired, but knowing how bad my insomnia can get): No, no. I’m awake at this point. If I sleep during the day, I won’t sleep at night. Better for me to just force my way through the day and pass out tonight.

Prettywitch: *Sighs* Okay then, let’s get you some coffee. *She practically drags Steward down the grand staircase of the temple to the kitchen.*

*I give a grunt of thanks when I receive the coffee and practically hang over the cup, as though wanting to envelop and absorb it in its entirety.*

*Trix yawns as she wanders into the kitchen, already in her robes.*

Trix: Morning! *She takes a closer look at Steward.* Hey, what’s wrong?

Me (tiredly): Just a rough night. Nothing to worry about.

*Trix looks concerned but decides not to say anything if PrettyWitch has likely already asked about it.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, she says that now. What she needs is some caffeine. *She offers Steward something.* Biscotti?

Me (grateful): Thank you. *I accept a couple of pieces and sigh* It was just another one of those nights. You know the kind where I get all nervous and have to check on everyone to calm down. *I shrug resignedly.*

Trix: Yeah, it makes sense. I’m sorry you’re having those dreams.

Prettywitch: No, I understand. Those can be rough.

*Clea enters the kitchen, yawning.*

Clea: Good morning, girls. *She notices something’s off.* Why the long faces?

Me: It’s nothing. Just got a bit jumpy last night and wanted to check on everyone. Didn’t come knocking on you and Stephen’s door because I wanted to respect you guys’ privacy, but I checked on everyone else as best I could. *I’m sheepish.* After that, I couldn’t sleep and ran some errands instead.

Clea: *Sits down.* Well you should have. Why spend the night moping when, instead, you could have talked with someone?

Prettywitch: Yeah, but you two go at it like…*She stops herself.* I mean, she’s right, you deserve to have privacy.

Clea: Privacy, shmivacy! What’s important is that you feel safe and secure, believe me. And I’m sure Stephen would say the same if he were here, right now.

Prettywitch: *She thinks this over for a second or two.* Knowing Mother Hen? Yeah.

Me: It’s not really my safety that I worry about usually. I get worried about everyone else. Like, if I let my guard down too much or for too long, something bad might happen and I’ll lose you guys too. Sometimes, in my dreams, I do…*I look grim.*

*Trix scoots closer to Steward, trying to provide a bit more comfort that she’s nearby and okay.*

*I silently show appreciation for the gesture.*

Clea: I know what that feels like. Some nights, I see my visions of all my loved ones dying. Then I wake up and that nightmare persists in my head. But then I look at Stephen’s face lying next to me and I realize all I can do is endure. Because he’s here with me, him and all our friends. That’s what really matters.

Me: That’s why I check on everyone. Reassurance.

Clea: *She smiles at Steward.* I know. You’ll be fine, Steward. Trust me. We sorcerers aren’t so easy to kill, you know? *She checks to make sure Steward didn't take offense at her attempt at lightening the mood.*

*I curl my lip slightly and let out a half-hearted chuckle.*

Me: That aside, what’s on today’s agenda?

Clea: Oh right! Stephen and I were discussing that before I came here.

Prettywitch: You guys run outta cream or something?

Clea: I prefer the blend Hamir makes here.

Prettywitch: *She smirks.* Fair enough.

*Stephen walks in and looks at us.*

Stephen: I see that this has been an…interesting breakfast. Dare I ask?

Trix (shrugging): Girl breakfast.

Clea: Sorry, Stephen. I got distracted.

Stephen: That’s quite all right, Clea. I was thinking about sending each of you girls on solo missions starting today. Judging by Steward’s appearance, I think it’ll be safer to send either Trix or Prettywitch out today. The other two will stay behind, but can be back-up if needed. Beyond that, they can continue to study and do some maintenance. It’s time they got used to performing routine maintenance on magical grounds, relics, and architecture.

Prettywitch: I can do it! I could use some fresh air.

Stephen: Very well. Your first mission will be recon in your home universe. New York City so that we can all get our bearings. *He’s also lowkey curious about how our version of New York looks like.* Scan for any irregular magical signatures and if there’s anything suspicious, report it and we’ll move forward from there. Understood?

Prettywitch: You got it!

Clea: Would you mind if I accompany her, Stephen? I’m curious to see the New York of this world, myself.

*Stephen thinks for a moment.*

Stephen: Okay, but I must ask that you do not intervene unless absolutely necessary. The girls need to start to be able to handle themselves on missions. *He seems slightly detached with us lately.*

Clea: Of course not, my love. I have faith in them just as you do.

*He nods, being professional.*

Stephen: Good. Off you two go, then. Be safe, please.

Prettywitch: We will. *She pecks him on the cheek.* See ya later, Stephen!

Clea: *She pouts and walks over to Stephen.* Goodbye for now, beloved. *She gives him a peck on the lips.*

*Stephen is doing his best to keep a straight face with Prettywitch, but subtly leans into Clea’s kiss.*

Clea: You wanna go out for dinner later?

Stephen: That would be nice. *He’s stiff, as though trying to repress something.*

Clea: *Giggles.* You know you can be affectionate with me. But I do like watching you strut about like you own the place. *She gives him a flirty smile.*

*He smiles back at Clea gently.*

Trix (still sleepy): I should probably go check in with Wong. He’s had a weird look in his eyes since I brought back the ghost library and I think he isn’t sleeping either but will never admit he’s addicted.

Stephen (concerned): Yes, please check on Wong and make him go to bed if that is the case. *He looks at me.* …and you should go rest, but knowing how stubborn you are, you may clean the main relic room until you are tired enough to sleep. Then, go to bed. Doctor’s orders this time. *He’s firm.*

Trix (grinning): On the Sorcerer Supreme’s orders then…. *She gives a small salute and begins to leave. Before she does so, she places a hand on Steward’s shoulder in comfort before leaving.*

*I gently pat her hand on my shoulder in response to indicate a silent “thank you”.*

Me (meekly): Yes, Sir.

*We head to our respective areas. Stephen sends Prettywitch and Clea on their way to our home universe, now called Earth-333. Something occurs to me and I remember our promise to Broken Stephen earlier.*

Me (psychic communication to Broken Stephen): We’re officially starting to perform missions in our home universe. Not there to stay quite yet, but getting our bearings. Just wanted to fulfill our promise to let you know.

Broken Stephen (psychic communication to Steward): Really!? That’s great! I’m so proud of you guys! Thank you.

Me (psychic communication): You’re welcome. How are things on your end? *I’m checking on him to make sure that he’s adjusting well.*

Broken Stephen (psychic communication): I’m…doing okay. *He smiles.* It’s taken some time but I’ve talked to my friends and they’ve been pretty understanding. Tony’s still pissed, but I’m sure he’ll come around eventually.

Me (psychic connection): All right. Well, at least things seem to be transitioning relatively smoothly. I’m happy for you. Okay, now I have to go do some maintenance on the main relic room at Kamar-Taj. So, will talk later. Be safe, please!

Broken Stephen (psychic connection): I will. Talk to you later.

*Meanwhile, Prettywitch and Clea arrive in Earth-333’s New York City. Home universe, sweet home universe for us. With the introduction of magic to our world, only a Seer could tell what may pop up.*

***To be continued***

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