The Ancient One was waiting for him in the courtyard, her expression serene yet tinged with quiet curiosity. She inclined her head as Stephen approached, the faintest of smiles playing on her lips.
"Stephen," she said warmly. "It's good to see you again—not as a cat this time, and not through the astral realm. In the flesh."
Stephen gave a small, self-deprecating smile. "I figured it was time I stopped hiding."
"I'm glad," she replied, gesturing for him to walk with her. "What brings you to me today?"
Stephen fell into step beside her, his hands clasped behind his back. For a moment, he simply walked in silence, gathering his thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet but steady. "I need answers. About the Stephen Strange of this universe. About what happened to him."
The Ancient One's steps slowed, and she turned to look at him, her expression contemplative. "You've avoided that question for a long time. What's changed?"
Stephen exhaled, his shoulders tense. "I thought I could just... observe. Be a passive presence in this world without interfering. But I've already interfered—how could I not, with everything that's happening? And now that I've chosen to step out of the shadows, I need to understand the dangers I'll be facing. If I'm going to protect this world, I need to know what happened to him."
The Ancient One regarded him for a long moment, her gaze softening. "Very well," she said at last. "But I must warn you, the truth is not an easy thing to hear."
"I can handle it," Stephen said firmly.
She nodded and led him into one of the smaller meditation chambers, the air thick with the scent of incense and old parchment. Once inside, she turned to face him fully, her voice low and measured.
"I told you before that the death of the Stephen Strange of this universe was by the hands of one of my disciples," she began.
Stephen's jaw tightened, a flicker of unease passing through him. "By who?"
Her gaze darkened. "By someone who once stood at my side. A man I once trusted deeply. Baron Mordo."
The name sent a jolt through Stephen. He remembered Mordo from his own universe—a man rigid in his beliefs, unyielding in his ideals. But this version of Mordo had taken his bitterness and anger to a much darker place.
"Mordo," Stephen repeated, his voice heavy with disbelief. "Why?"
The Ancient One sighed, the weight of the memories evident in her eyes. "Mordo has always struggled with feelings of inadequacy. He saw me as a distant, aloof figure—someone who withheld recognition and affection. When I chose the Stephen of this universe as my successor, someone who hadn't even passed through our halls yet, he saw it as the ultimate betrayal. To him, it was proof that I never believed he was worthy of the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme."
Stephen's stomach twisted. "So he killed him... out of jealousy?"
The Ancient One nodded slowly, her gaze distant. "It was more than jealousy. It was a sense of righteousness warped by resentment. Mordo believed that Strange was a danger to the world, that his power and potential would upset the natural order. In his mind, eliminating him was an act of protection. He convinced himself it was the right thing to do."
Stephen's voice dropped to a low murmur, a mixture of disbelief and anger. "And you let him live after that?"
Her expression softened, though her gaze didn't waver. "Mordo vanished after the killing. He left Kamar-Taj, disappeared from all our senses, as if he had been swallowed by the void. I have not been able to find him, and neither have the Masters. But know this, Stephen—he will return. Men like Mordo always do."
Stephen's fists clenched in his lap, his mind already spinning with the possibilities. "And when he does, he'll come for me, won't he?"
The Ancient One's voice grew quieter. "As soon as you step into the light, it will not be easy to hide who you are. Not that you would have tried."
Stephen tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a faint, wry smile. "No. I'm done hiding."
Her expression softened further, a hint of pride in her gaze. "You remind me so much of him—of the man you once were and the man this world's Stephen could have become."
Stephen's smile faded, replaced by a more somber expression. "I'm not him. And I never will be. But if Mordo comes for me, I'll face him. I owe it to this world to make sure he doesn't harm anyone else."
The Ancient One reached across the table, placing a hand lightly on his. "You have already taken the first step, Stephen. You've chosen to face this world's challenges, not because you were forced to, but because you decided it was the right thing to do. That is what sets you apart."
Stephen nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling over him. "Thank you. For telling me and for trusting me to handle this in my own way."
She smiled faintly, her hand retreating. "You will be ready when the time comes. And remember, you are never truly alone."
As Stephen stood to leave, the Ancient One gestured for him to linger a moment longer. Her gaze, steady and knowing as always, rested on him with a faint glimmer of amusement.
"I also noticed you've adjusted quicker than I expected," she began, her tone light but probing.
Stephen arched an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. "Adjusted? I wouldn't go that far."
The corners of her lips curved into a faint smile. "You've opened up to Master Daniel rather quickly, haven't you? He told me you shared tea and spoke candidly of your journey here."
Stephen sighed, shaking his head. "Candidly? I told him enough to put his suspicions at ease. That hardly qualifies as 'opening up.'"
The Ancient One's gaze twinkled with quiet amusement. "He said you shared how tired you were, how long you carried the burden of the Sorcerer Supreme in your world. That kind of vulnerability doesn't come easily to most."
Stephen hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. "It wasn't vulnerability. It was honesty. There's a difference."
She didn't press the point, but her smile didn't waver either. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her voice shifting to a more curious tone. "And what of your… friendship with Mr. Stark?"
Stephen stiffened, his composure faltering for just a fraction of a second before he masked it with a dry chuckle. "Friendship is a strong word. Let's call it… a working relationship."
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow, her amusement deepening. "You've stood by his side through some of his most harrowing moments. You've defended him, healed him, and even allowed yourself to become entangled in his chaotic world. That sounds like more than a mere working relationship to me."
Stephen sighed, running a hand through his hair, his usual confidence waning. "Tony is… complicated."
The Ancient One's smile widened slightly, her tone shifting to one of quiet reflection. "And yet, you stayed."
Stephen's gaze drifted to the floor, his voice quieter now, tinged with something unspoken. "He has this way of pulling people in. Even when he drives you insane, you can't help but… care."
"Ah," the Ancient One murmured, her words thoughtful. "Care. Such a simple word for such a complex emotion."
Stephen shot her an exasperated look, though it lacked any real heat. "Is there a point to this, or are you just enjoying making me squirm?"
The Ancient One chuckled softly, the sound warm and familiar. "Perhaps a little of both. But mostly, I'm pleased to see that you're allowing yourself to connect with others again. It's a sign of growth, Stephen. A sign that you're ready to face this world not as an outsider, but as someone who belongs."
Stephen frowned slightly, the weight of her words pressing down on him. "Belonging doesn't come easily to me. Not anymore."
"And yet," she said gently, "you're here. Sharing tea with Daniel, standing by Stark's side, seeking answers for this world's challenges. Whether you realize it or not, you've already begun to build connections. Don't underestimate the power of that."
Stephen remained silent for a long moment, his gaze distant as he considered her words. Finally, he nodded, a faint, reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're annoyingly good at this, you know."
The Ancient One tilted her head, her expression turning playful. "You are the one who handled himself well with Master Daniel earlier, and you've managed to cultivate quite the… 'working relationship' with Mr. Stark."
Stephen froze at what her tone implied, his face blanking for a moment before he quickly masked his reaction. "I don't know what you're implying."
Her smile deepened, her tone teasing but kind. "Oh, I'm not implying anything. I'm merely observing how easily you've allowed yourself to connect with people here. For someone who claimed to want to stay on the fringes, you've integrated quite quickly."
Stephen sighed, his voice tinged with exasperation. "If this is your way of telling me I'm too involved, I already know. I can't seem to help myself."
The Ancient One's eyes glimmered knowingly. "No, Stephen, it's my way of telling you that you're exactly where you're meant to be. Whether you realize it or not, you've already begun building ties to this world, just as you did in your own. And while those connections might bring challenges, they'll also bring meaning. Don't run from them."
Stephen's lips twitched into a faint, reluctant smile. "You really don't let up, do you?"
She chuckled softly, her eyes warm. "Not when it comes to you."
Stephen hesitated for a moment, then added quietly, "And for the record, Tony Stark is… complicated."
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow, her amusement clear. "Complicated, perhaps. But worth it, don't you think?"
Stephen paused, his gaze flickering with something unspoken before he deflected, his tone light but forced. "I'll let you know if I ever figure that out."
The Ancient One didn't press, sensing his reluctance to dwell on the topic further. Instead, her tone shifted, grounding the moment. "Now, tell me, Stephen, how should I introduce you to the order? As a master? Or would you prefer a quieter role?"
Stephen blinked, momentarily caught off guard. After a beat, he said, "I'll do it. I'll step up as Master Strange. If I'm going to be part of this, I need to fully commit. The authority comes with the responsibility, and I know how to carry it."
The Ancient One nodded approvingly, her expression calm but pleased. "Very well, should I address you as Master Strange going forward? Or do you still prefer being called Doctor Strange?"
Stephen let out a surprised chuckle, shaking his head. "Honestly, I've been called so many things over the centuries, the title hardly matters anymore. But if I'm going to do this—truly step into the order again—then let's stick with Master Strange. For now, anyway. Though," he added with a wry smile, "I won't be offended if a 'doctor' slips out every now and then. Old habits die hard."
The Ancient One nodded approvingly, as though sensing the weight behind his decision. "Very well, Master Strange. I'll ensure your title is used with the respect it deserves."
Stephen arched an eyebrow. "Don't go on making too much of a fuss. I'm trying to keep things as low-key as possible."
Her faint smile returned, though it carried an unmistakable glimmer of amusement. "Of course. I'll have Daniel spread the word among the masters, and when the time comes, I'll summon you for your formal introduction to the order. Until then, I'll expect you to uphold the responsibilities your new title carries."
Stephen offered a small nod, feeling the familiar weight of responsibility settle onto his shoulders once more. It wasn't unwelcome, exactly, but it carried a bittersweet familiarity—an echo of the life he'd thought he'd left behind.
"You're lucky I've had some practice with this," he remarked dryly.
The Ancient One smiled. "And I'm lucky that you're here at all."
As he rose to leave, she stopped him with a soft gesture. "One more thing before you go."
Stephen paused, glancing back at her. "What now?"
"The Library awaits, as does your path forward." Her expression was warm, almost teasing. "Also, perhaps you should tell Mr. Stark that you'll be gone for a while. I suspect he won't take your absence lightly."
Stephen huffed softly, shaking his head. "I'll handle it."
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