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𝗢𝗡𝗘           𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘

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A NEW DAY meant new possibilities.

Steam leisurely rose from a small tea cup, hovering over the surface of a water like wisps of ghosts. An orange glow of the morning light then poured from the large windows, illuminating the whole kitchen and the scent of green tea filled Cassandra's nostrils. It sent a wave of euphoria through her veins, elevating all her senses and soon, she became more aware of her surroundings.

She pulled out a chair, the legs making an awful noise as they scraped across the floor, and plopped herself down on it. It had been twenty years ever since she accepted the task given to her. Now, she was one of the best masters in Kamar-Taj and a kind teacher to those who wish to learn the mystic arts.

Gently picking up her cup, she let her fingers brush against the surface of her planner. A smile decorated her lips as she turned it to the last page she wrote in. Requests, demands, and reminders about a wedding she was hired to plan occupied the paper. Other than being a master of the mystic arts, Cassandra was an event coordinator, a person responsible for the management and organization of an event.

Yes, she has to work because sadly, being a master of the mystic arts doesn't pay the bills. How else would she be able to afford her needs and wants? Also because she loved organizing events.

During her university days, she would always be assigned to plan and handle parties, conferences, conventions, and festivals. Sororities and student organizations would call her for their events, saying that she was great at it. She could even turn the dullest of parties into a fun and unforgettable one. Cassandra was that talented.

Actually, Cassandra was majoring in Political Science when everyone encouraged her to change even her own parents. So, with their support, she shifted to Hospitality and Tourism Management which in her opinion was one of the best decisions she ever made.

Noticing her cup has run empty, she lifted up the warm porcelain kettle across her smooth Mahogany table, but she was stopped mid-action by someone she is very familiar with.

"Mind pouring me some?"

Cassandra smirked. "Cry to me first."

Karl Mordo rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Just hand it over to me, Cass."

"I'm kidding. Here..." She leant forward and nodded her head as a signal for him to raise his cup. Karl caught on to this and let her pour him some green tea.

She and Karl Mordo were great friends. No, wait, scratch that, they could already be considered as siblings. Her parents adored him very much, treated him like he was their own child. Cassandra was one of the few people who welcomed him when he first arrived in Kamar-Taj, vengeful and ungrateful. He was initially disrespectful to the teachings and the way of a Master's life. Yet, as he trained under the Ancient One and her parents, his perception changed and he found it in himself to set aside his desire for revenge, dedicating his life then to the mystic arts.

Their friendship began when the Ancient One asked her to teach Mordo about Tao Mandalas. He was quite stubborn and always questioned everything especially the teachings. She retaliated by sending him to the Sahara desert with no resources other than his Sling Ring to let him understand the power of belief and importance of submission.

"Oh, by the way. I'll be going to the market today. Is there anything you want me to buy for you?" He asked, washing his cup on the sink.

She hummed, tapping her chin. "Oh, yes! I've been craving for some Thukpa for a while now!" Cassandra smiled upon the thought of the very dear, Tibetan comfort food. "I'll pay you when you get back here. My wallet's in my room."

"No, no." He shook his head, smiling. "It's on me."

The woman grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "Aw, thanks, Karl!"

Standing up, she arranged her notebook and pen, internally reminding herself the other errands she had to attend tomorrow. Right after she washed all the kitchenware she used, Cassandra brushed the lints off her Columbia University shirt. Actually, it wasn't really her shirt for she graduated from New York University. She got it from a man she spent one drunk night with years ago.

Cassandra internally cringed at that memory. She recently graduated at that time and a very attractive and charming man whose name was Stephen Strange was showering her with compliments and attention. One thing led to another and she found herself in his bed the next morning, naked and sore.

Totally embarrassed by what happened, she hurriedly left him and unfortunately, brought with her his university shirt and left her vintage watch that was given to her by her father. She missed that wrist watch greatly. She even had her name along with a quote engraved on it.

She briefly wondered where it was now.

"What are you wearing?"

Cassandra was snapped out of her thoughts and she glanced down to her casual attire, a very striking contrast to Karl's robes. She furrowed her eyebrows. "A shirt and jeans?" replied the woman. "And oh, Gucci slippers."

"You're acting like you're not a master of this Temple." Her friend scolded. "Look at you!"

"Calm down, Karl." She rolled her eyes. "I will continue teaching tomorrow. I have an appointment to attend in Queens today."

"But, you are seriously not going to walk around Kamar-Taj wearing that, right?"

The raven-haired woman scoffed. "No! Of course, not. The Ancient One will have my head!" She uttered before walking away.

"Who will have your head again, Cassandra?"

Cassandra grimaced, knowing who that voice belonged to. Slowly turning around, she greeted the Master of the Kamar-Taj Temple with a, "Good morning, Ancient One!" She chuckled, nervously. "I was just actually heading to Queens since I have a wedding cake to check. I absolutely have no plans of going around the Temple wearing this."

The Ancient One chuckled, amused. "Good morning to you too and I know. But, I have called for a meeting today with the Masters of the Sanctums. Your presence is needed there."

At this, Cassandra straightened her posture, nodding. She dug inside her pocket and pulled out her phone, quickly sending a text message. "I will be changing into my robes and call my assistant to handle my appointment today, Ancient One. I will be there in five." She said without looking up from her device.

"Oh, there is no need for you to change, Cassandra." The Master smiled, having another knowing glint in her eye. It was as if she knew something that she didn't. Cassandra always knew the Ancient One was like that. She always knew everything for she had peered through time. It was one of the many lessons she learned. That the Sorcerer Supreme had the power to look through different realities, timelines. "Your clothes will do. Come on, let us go."

Following the Ancient One, Cassandra looked back at her now departing friend, whispering, "Don't forget to buy me my Thukpa!"

THE MEETING WAS brief, but very insightful. The guardian sat across the other Masters, intently listening in their conversation. Kneeling, she refilled the cups of each Master, bowing her head down slightly. They were all discussing about the recent things they have done to ensure the protection of their Sanctums.

"We have placed extra wards around the whole vicinity, but, let us be truthful, if Kaecilius successfully deciphers the ritual of those stolen pages, he will be able to get through anywhere." Cassandra's father, Harry, the current guardian of the London Sanctum, imparted. "Wards will be nothing to him, but just a minor block in his path."

The Ancient One pursed her lips. "I know, Master Mason. Keep yourselves always ready and alert. He and the zealots may strike any day. We must be prepared for them."

A soft sigh escaped Cassandra's lips. It had been quite some time since she last saw and fought Kaecilius. He was a gifted student, a brilliant one, but he was a strict and harsh teacher. The guardian remembered how he dismissed her and Mordo's disapproval of his cruel training with the apprentices. He was now hiding after he stole the vital pages of the Book of Cagliostro, the ones that contained the ritual of contacting the Destroyer of Worlds.

They were all dismissed after that and as soon as the others left, Cassandra was approached by her father.

"Master Mason."

"Master Mason."

The two chuckled and gave each other a warm embrace. "How are you doing, little flower?"

"I'm doing fine, dad. How are you and mom?"

"We're doing fine as well. I will see you tonight at dinner, hopefully?"

Cassandra nodded, smiling. "Of course! I will be there. I cannot miss mom's delicious cooking."

"You better not, sweetheart. You know how your mother will be if you don't come." He winked before bowing his head slightly and leaving her in the room.

"He will be arriving today, Cassandra."

This caught the woman's attention and she tilted her head, curious. "Who?"

"You'll see." vaguely replied her teacher just as she gestured to the entrance of the room. Cassandra turned her head to see two figures standing by the doorway, softly talking to each other. Clasping her hands together, she moved to the side, knowing what she had to do. She grabbed a teacup from a table across her, ready to hand it over.

The visitor unsteadily stepped inside, the light accentuating his rugged and worn-out appearance. Cassandra observed him from behind. He was a tall man with disheveled hair and a lean physique. He also sported a long, slightly graying beard that caused her to assume that he hadn't taken a bath for days. He looked faintly familiar in Cassandra's opinion like she had met him already before.

He was then startled by the sudden presence of the two students who approached him, smoothly stripping him off of his tattered coat as well as taking his kit bag.

"Thank you." He stuttered, peering over to Master Hamir who was just reading a book from his chair. The students didn't answer back and instead walked away, carrying his things.

Cassandra was next to proceed, handing him the teacup in her hands. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment and she internally swore she had seen him before. While she racked her brain for an answer, she passed by him to stand by the doorway and sort of rocked herself back and forth from heel to toe -- heel to toe.

"Do I know -- " The visitor started to speak, but he was cut off again by the Ancient One filling his cup with fresh honey and lemon tea. "Uh, thank you, Ancient One for seeing me..."

His words trailed off as Master Hamir quietly closed his book and walked away. The guardian pressed her lips together to stop herself from laughing with his mistake.

"You're very welcome." called the Ancient One from his front, smiling, as she finished pouring tea into his cup.

The tired-looking man glanced back at Karl with wide eyes. Karl, in return, only gestured to the Sorcerer Supreme and bowed his head. "The Ancient One." He regarded, courteously before sauntering towards Cassandra to stand beside her.

"Thank you, Master Mordo and Master Mason. Thank you, Master Hamir." The Ancient One acknowledged them all. "Mister Strange!"

"Your Thukpa is here, but I think it is quite cold now." Karl murmured, lifting a paper bag.

"Oh, that's alright! Thank you!" She took it from him, looking into the bag. "Where'd you find this guy, by the way?"

"In the streets. He was nearly mugged earlier. He was looking for the Temple." informed Karl beside her, not taking his eyes off the stumbling newcomer.

"What's his name?"

"Stephen... Strange? Yeah, that's his name. Stephen Strange."

Cassandra paused in her movements, stunned. Her right hand immediately flew to the tag of her university shirt. The initials have faded now due to the washing, but it was still there. S.S. She was then taken back to the night this man introduced himself.

"My name is Stephen Strange soon to be M.D. next week. You are?"

"Oh, shoot."

Cassandra jumped behind Karl's back, desperately hiding herself from plain sight. She couldn't believe that Stephen Strange, a man she spent one passionate night with and abandoned the next day, was in Kamar-Taj, in their very room to be exact.

"What are you doing, Cass?"

"Whatever you do, do not move. I swear to the mighty Agamotto, do not move, Karl Mordo."

"You're acting foolish!"

"Just don't move, okay?" She aggressively whispered, tugging at his brown robes.

"Did you heal a man named Pangborn? A paralyzed man?" The newcomer, who Cassandra now knew was, Stephen, probed. She heard of his name actually. One of her clients mentioned him once to her in casual conversation. He was a famous neurosurgeon in New York city. No failed surgeries, clean track, but got into a car accident five months ago and was not allowed to perform surgery anymore due to the severe nerve damage in his hands. Cassandra then took notice how his teacup trembled due to the involuntary shaking of his fingers.

The Ancient One poured tea into her cup. "In a way."

"You helped him to walk again."

"Yes."

"How did you correct a complete C7-C8 spinal cord injury?" Stephen demanded, his voice desperate as he strode over to the Ancient One. It was clear that he wanted to be healed already, to return to his glorious life.

"Oh, I didn't correct it. He couldn't walk. I convinced him that he could." apprised the Sorcerer Supreme, adding honey to her hot beverage.

Stephen arched an eyebrow, looking unsettled by what he heard. "You're not suggesting it was psychosomatic?"

"When you reattach a severed nerve, is it you who heals it back together or the body?"

"It's the cells." he answered knowingly like a student reciting to their teacher.

"And the cells are only programmed to put themselves together in very specific ways."

"That's right."

As the two continued to converse, Cassandra remained hidden behind her friend. She was still panicking for she had absolutely no idea what to do. I didn't train for this! She internally screamed. My training didn't include how to act around a person I screwed because I was too drunk and he was too goddamn attractive!

She breathed. Okay, woman, calm down. Maybe he won't remember you? I mean, it's been years...

Her string of thoughts was then interrupted when the Ancient One offered her and Karl a biscuit and a cup of tea, respectively. "Come out, Cassandra. Don't hide." murmured the female, spinning around to converse again with the neurosurgeon.

"... just how experimental is your treatment?"

The Ancient One shrugged. "Quite."

"So, you figured out a way to reprogram nerve cells to self-heal?"

"No, Mister Strange. I know how to reorient the spirit to better heal the body."

"Spirit to heal the body." Cassandra heard Stephen voice out, bewildered and skeptic. "A-alright," he stammered. "How do we do that? Where do we start?"

It was then that the Ancient one presented him with a book that had an image of the Kundalini Chakra. "Don't like that map?" She asked, grinning cheerily.

"Oh, no. It's... it's very good." Disappointment and irk crossed his face. He scoffed. "It's just... you know, I've seen it before. In gift shops."

Her smile grew bigger as she flipped to another page. "And what about this one?"

"Acupuncture, great."

Her teacher moved to his side, pointing to another image on the page. "What about... that one?"

The neurosurgeon's nostrils flared, his jaw clenching from his rising anger. It was quite obvious for a man like him, who heavily relied on Science to explain everything, to not believe in sorcery. The scene reminded her of Kaecilius and Mordo when they first arrived in Kamar-Taj, always relating their answers to Science. She understood him, really. "You're showing me an MRI scan? I can not believe this."

"Each of those maps was drawn up by someone who could see in part, but not the whole."

Outraged by this, Stephen turned around, rubbing his face with his hands. "I spent my last dollar getting here on a one-way ticket, and you're talking to me about healing through belief?"

"You're a man who's looking at the world through a keyhole, and you spent your whole life trying to widen that keyhole. To see more, know more. And now, on hearing that it can be widened in ways you can't imagine, you reject the possibility?" questioned the Sorcerer Supreme, tilting her head.

At this time, Cassandra nibbled on the biscuit given to her. To be honest, if she was in his position, she would also be doubtful. Healing through belief? It was absurd. Sounds like Placebo Effect, really.

"No, I reject it because I do not believe in fairy tales about chakras, or energy, or the power of belief. There is no such thing as spirit!" bellowed the man, wildly gesticulating with his arms. "We are made of matter, and nothing more. We're just another tiny, momentary speck within an indifferent universe!"

"You think too little of yourself."

Stephen sneered, looking at her from head to toe. Cassandra shut her eyes for a moment, sighing. He was an obstinate man, that was for sure. How she didn't see that when they first met was quite baffling for her.

"Oh, you think you see through me, do you? Well, you don't." Taking long strides towards her, he seethed, "But, I see through you!"

He jabbed a finger in the Ancient One's shoulder only for her to grab it and strike him in the chest with her palm, pushing his Astral form out of his body. As the newcomer's body fell backwards, Karl ambled over to catch him. Cassandra only continued to eat her biscuit, witnessing the event in amusement. Her teacher then closed her fist and forced Stephen's soul to return to his physical body.

He gasped, frantically glancing around just as Mordo pushed him upright. "What did you just do to me?"

Cassandra grimaced, having a slight idea of what was going to happen next.

"I pushed your astral form out of your physical form."

Stephen gulped, glancing to the poor, little teapot who had done nothing, but maintain the warmth of the beverage contained in it. "What's in that tea? Psilocybin? LSD?"

Expressionless, the Ancient One shrugged. "Just tea. With a little honey."

"What just happened?"

"For a moment, you entered the astral dimension."

"What?"

"A place where the soul exists apart from the body."

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Cassandra huffed, shaking her head. The answer to his question was already very obvious. It would slap him in the face if it could. The Ancient One wanted to show him that sorcery, magic is real... because to see is to believe, right? Most people would not believe in something until they, themselves, have seen it, experienced it.

"To show you just how much you don't know." enlightened the Ancient One, placing her hand to his temple and pressing her thumb into the center of his forehead. "Open your eye."

He stumbled backwards, his eyes staring blankly into open space. If it wasn't for her friend, Stephen would have crashed to the floor harshly. It was then that Cassandra took it upon herself to finally move from her position, setting aside first her food and taking a seat for Stephen to sit on. With Karl's help, they set him down on the chair. Cassandra took her time to look at him all over. Despite his gaunt appearance, he was still so attractive.

"I seriously thought he would take my advice." commented Karl as he stood behind Cassandra. "I apologize for this, Ancient One."

"It is alright, Mordo. I have expected this already to happen." She spoke just as the guardian stood up and situate herself between them. "Almost everyone who comes here reacts the same way when they're told that not everything they see is what it seems."

Cassandra nodded, agreeing with her statement. In all her years in Kamar-Taj, she rarely saw someone immediately accept or react lightly to the news given to them.

"His heart rate is getting dangerously high." observed Mordo from his position, sighing.

"Cassandra, kindly check on him please."

A grunt escaped the woman's lips. Why did you have to call me, Ancient One? She thought to herself as she padded towards the dazed man, placing two of her fingers above his wrist to check his radial pulse. It was then that she noticed his wrist watch. A soft gasp came out of her lips when she realized he was wearing her watch.

Its glass was entirely shattered, but it seemed to be still functional since the hands still moved. She furrowed her eyebrows. Stephen still has it? After all this time? She asked herself, but then shook her head lightly at the reminder that she herself had his university shirt after all this time too. She was even wearing it right now.

Her teacher dragged the visitor's soul back to his body with a single hand gesture for her to check on him. Their eyes met again and she found herself magnetically drawn to his pools of blue-green eyes that resembled the sky and evergreen giants. He was panting and his hands grabbed onto hers for support. Cassandra watched him tilt his head to the side with a sense of recognition flashing in his gaze.

"Wait, I remember -- "

Panicking, Cassandra tapped his cheek and swiftly removed her fingers from his wrist. "He looks alright to me!" She blurted out, afraid of the next words he might utter.

"Very well."

And he was thrown back to the kaleidoscopic dimension, tumbling across time and space. "You think you know how the world works? You think that this material universe is all there is? What is real? What mysteries lie beyond the reach of your senses? At the root of existence, mind and matter meet. Thoughts shape reality." calmly enunciated the Ancient One when Cassandra returned to the middle of the two sorcerers. "This universe is only one of an infinite number. Worlds without end. Some benevolent and life-giving, others filled with malice and hunger. Dark places, where powers older than time lie... ravenous... and waiting."

"Who are you in this vast multiverse, Mister Strange?" She finally elucidated, taking a step forward just as Stephen collapsed to the ground, his chair hitting the wooden floor with such a loud crash.

"Have you seen that before in a gift shop?" The Sorcerer Supreme sarcastically queried, tilting her head.

Slowly, he rose from his arched form, kneeling in front of them. His eyes shone with astonishment, perhaps due to everything he had seen. Dimensions upon dimensions, vast timelines and universes, powers that no human would be able to explain with just pure science. Hands trembling, he uttered, almost begged actually, "Teach me."

"No."

And then, they threw him out.

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