// Having a rough day, emotionally. I’m feeling stressed out, bummed, and completely lacking in drive or motivation.
I hate it because I’ve been enjoying writing for Doctor Strange (and Jimmy in his one thread) so much…but tonight, it’s just not happening for me, and I can’t force it. You deserve only the best I can give, and I don’t think I have that for you tonight. I’m sorry.
Let’s hope tomorrow is a better day.
Self-care should always come first, especially these days, hope you feel better soon ✨❤✨
Fiona swirled her right index finger in the air and from it extended a jet of inky black energy that twirled and convalesced on the table in front of her. It did so for a moment before condensing and dissipating, leaving behind a fine china tea set, the tea itself already hot.
“More than you can imagine,” Strange acknowledged, still remembering the many, many, MANY times he had tried to bargain with Dormammu, with each time resulting in his death. Only after the primordial entity had lost patience with the determined sorcerer had it capitulated and agreed to leave Earth alone.
The Sorcerer Supreme took a bite of his corned beef sandwich, chewed and swallowed before clearing his throat and addressing Fiona again. “So, 245 years…where have your journeys taken you? Gotta say, I’d be interested in hearing of some of the things you’ve seen in that time.”
Also,” he said, taking a sip from his can of cream soda, “if you’re into investigating and containing dangerous magic, does that mean you’re here for that reason?”
Stephen couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward, as he and Wong chowed down on a big Katz’s lunch while Lady Dimitrescu sat with them, refined and proper as she appeared, drinking tea in a fine china cup. Then again…Masters of the Mystic Arts had to eat too, right?
Fiona set her tea cup on the table and used her hands to flatten out a few wrinkles in her dress as she reminisced.
“In my time I have traveled to alien worlds, found lost archives, fought a contingent of vampires and even expelled a demon that sought control of my body.”
She paused, looking distant for a moment her head slightly tilting to the side. Her expression shifts to worry.
“I have indeed come here to ask for your help.”
Fiona said looking up at Strange and Wong.
“There have been troubling signs, witches have been disappearing you see, I have found evidence that it may be the work of Maleficarum, witches who use magic for ill ends.”
Her worried expression returns as if imagining every terrible thing that could be the cause of the disturbances.
“I fear these events may be symptoms of something far more sinister, early yesterday I felt a ripple, a disturbance on our plane, a rather sizeable one, as if the veil between our wold and the others was breached temporarily… from our side.”
Nodding her head at the idea Fiona stepped inside, the sound of her boot-heels clicking on the hard floor echoed in the otherwise quiet room except for the ruckus of the people and cars of the New York streets pouring in behind her.
“I would be delighted.” She said “I haven’t yet had afternoon tea.”
She paused momentarily to take in the room, it wasn’t too dissimilar to the Sanctum in London she had seen. Unassuming from the outside but inside a stately example of construction hide a secondary purpose to house many dangerous magical artifacts.
Wong and Doctor Strange led her up the grand stairs to a room that housed a lounging area where a couch and a few arm chairs surrounded a low-rising table. The two sorcerers took to the couch and she to the chair directly in front of them. She sat neatly with her legs crossed and her hands in her lap.
“Thank you for humoring my impromptu arrival, I normally send a letter before appearing at someone’s home.” Fiona said feeling a little abashed at dropping in unexpectedly.
“It’s no problem. We’ve come to be used to unexpected visits,” Doctor Strange replied, recalling Thor’s visit to the Sanctum and Bruce Banner’s rather abrupt arrival not long after.
“They keep things interesting, to say the least,” he added with a smile.
Stephen found it odd that he’d never heard of Fiona since becoming one of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, especially considering that Wong was familiar with her. That lack of knowledge made him quite curious about her. While her abilities were a mystery, his attunement to the realm of magic allowed him to sense the power within her. He didn’t get the impression that her intentions were in any way malevolent, and he felt a bit guilty for even considering such a thing, but the precious items within the Sanctum required that Strange and Wong be cautious at all times.
As Wong set out the food from Katz’s, Stephen decided he’d try to get to know her better. “So, since Wong already knows about you, I’d love for you to bring me up to speed. Tell me more about yourself, Fiona.”
Fiona swirled her right index finger in the air and from it extended a jet of inky black energy that twirled and convalesced on the table in front of her. It did so for a moment before condensing and dissipating, leaving behind a fine china tea set, the tea itself already hot.
She poured out the dark liquid into one of the dainty cups she conjured. She then blew on it before taking a small sip.
“My name is Fiona Dimitrescu, a practicing witch of 245 years.”
Fiona took a small spoon from the set, using it to shovel a little sugar into her tea.
“My trade is investigation and containment of dangerous magic and other supernatural anomalies.”
She swirled her tiny spoon in her cup while speaking, the silver making tiny tinking sounds against the porcelain.
“After your encounter with Dormammu I imagine you understand the necessity of such work.”
Fiona gave a rare wide smile, it had been some time since she had seen Wong, they had met in London about three years before Thanos’ egomaniacal misuse of the Infinity Stones.
“Mister Wong, I am glad to see you are well, it has been too long.”
She then turned to address the man who answered the door. She gave him a quick once over before speaking, her eyes fixed on the cloak he wore.
“You must be quite a character to command such a thing, from what I know it does not often find a suitable companion.”
The witch extended her well manicured hand to him, her expression became more subtle but her smile was still present. A folded up umbrella hung from her other arm at her side.
“Lady Brightness is one of my more flamboyant pen names, you may call me Fiona if it pleases you Mister Strange”
“Doctor Strange, actually,” the Sorcerer Supreme corrected, regretting how arrogant that probably sounded. “And, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Fiona.”
Strange got a vibe from the woman that he couldn’t describe. It was as if she’d just stepped into this world from another time. There was an old-world elegance to her, from the way she spoke and dressed to her mannerisms.
Wong approached and greeted Fiona warmly before updating Stephen. “She and I met three years before the Blip, in London.”
“When did you go to London?” Strange asked, trying to remember if Wong ever told him he went there.
“You do know I have a life outside of the Sanctum, right?” Wong reminded him.
“Well, I hope you remembered to take money there, at least,” Strange remarked.
Wong rolled his eyes and said, “Lady Br- I mean, Fiona, we were just about to sit down for some lunch, if you’d care to join us. That will give a chance to let you two become better acquainted, and you and I can catch up.”
Nodding her head at the idea Fiona stepped inside, the sound of her boot-heels clicking on the hard floor echoed in the otherwise quiet room except for the ruckus of the people and cars of the New York streets pouring in behind her.
“I would be delighted.” She said “I haven’t yet had afternoon tea.”
She paused momentarily to take in the room, it wasn’t too dissimilar to the Sanctum in London she had seen. Unassuming from the outside but inside a stately example of construction hide a secondary purpose to house many dangerous magical artifacts.
Wong and Doctor Strange led her up the grand stairs to a room that housed a lounging area where a couch and a few arm chairs surrounded a low-rising table. The two sorcerers took to the couch and she to the chair directly in front of them. She sat neatly with her legs crossed and her hands in her lap.
“Thank you for humoring my impromptu arrival, I normally send a letter before appearing at someone’s home.” Fiona said feeling a little abashed at dropping in unexpectedly.
“Here ya go, Doc! One corned beef and swiss on rye with side of mustard, one tuna salad on white, two sour pickles, and an order of latkes, extra sour cream.”
“These, too,” Stephen Strange held up two cans of Dr. Brown’s soda; one cream, one black cherry. He pulled out a wooden money clip and counted the cash he’d need.
“No, no way, Doc! On the house; I insist. With all you did for the city after everyone poofed back into existence, you’ve earned it with interest.”
“No,I insist. You have a family to feed, and you’re not allowed to close, ever. Your corned beef is a gift to humanity.” Strange smiled as he handed over what he knew to be the correct amount for the food order, along with a healthy tip.
“You’re the best, Doc! Say hi to Wong for me!”
“Will do,” Strange replied, heading out of Katz’s with a bag of culinary bliss in his hands. As it was quite a hike from where he was to 177A Bleecker St, he ducked into an alley to discreetly create a portal that would take him back to the Sanctum.
He paused, however, when he sensed that he was being watched.
He felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle from the unease of the situation. He looked around carefully, but saw no evidence of anyone standing or hiding within a reasonable line of sight.
Now more anxious than before to get back to the Sanctum, Strange set down the food bag long enough to conjure the portal, then grabbed the goods and stepped through, entering the foyer of the Sanctum, where Wong was waiting.
“Grab this, will ya?” Strange called out to Wong, who stepped forward and relieved him of the bag. Strange turned to the open portal, looking through it to see if anyone would step out of the shadows or otherwise reveal themselves.
“What’s going on?” Wong asked, concerned.
“Don’t know,” Stephen replied, still uncertain. “I felt like someone was watching or following me.” Strange waited a few seconds longer before finally closing the portal, shrugging.
“You got the latkes, right?”
“Naturally. You owe me for half of them, too, along with your sandwich and soda.”
“Well, I…”
“Geez, do you EVER have money that’s not foreign?”
“Well, it’s not like the Masters of the Mystic Arts have a payroll department!”
They were both interrupted by a knock on the front door. As he knew they weren’t expecting anyone, Strange’s clothing changed and the Cloak of Levitation quickly made its way onto his shoulders. He approached, paused for a second, and then opened the door.
A woman stood before the Sorcerer Supreme, wearing a Victorian-era dress. She had brilliant, piercing eyes and long hair pinned up, save for a few locks that fell at her temples.
“Can we help you…?” Strange began to ask.
“Lady Brightness!” Wong called out, shocked by the woman who stood at their door.
Strange looked at Wong in surprise, then turned back to the visitor, nonplussed.
Fiona gave a rare wide smile, it had been some time since she had seen Wong, they had met in London about three years before Thanos’ egomaniacal misuse of the Infinity Stones.
“Mister Wong, I am glad to see you are well, it has been too long.”
She then turned to address the man who answered the door. She gave him a quick once over before speaking, her eyes fixed on the cloak he wore.
“You must be quite a character to command such a thing, from what I know it does not often find a suitable companion.”
The witch extended her well manicured hand to him, her expression became more subtle but her smile was still present. A folded up umbrella hung from her other arm at her side.
“Lady Brightness is one of my more flamboyant pen names, you may call me Fiona if it pleases you Mister Strange”
“You’re very right,” Helena nodded along to his words, looking down at her hands momentarily. She usually wore quite a few rings on her fingers, having them adorned almost every day, but she found them to be distracting and decided it was good to leave them at home. Except for one ring with a tiger’s eye in it.
She was beyond thankful for finally having discovered Strange and found her… calling, she supposed was what she could call it. Standing there in the midst of trees, a light breeze and in an area where she was to train and learn, she could just faintly reminisce the feelings she’d felt not too long ago. That feeling of complete and utter despair, on the verge of giving up and deciding her fate was to be lost. It was odd how quickly things could change, and, luckily, for the better too. And she was more than glad to know those feelings were in her past, and now there was only forward.
“Thank you,” Helena smiled warmly, glancing momentarily to the hand he’d placed on her shoulder as a form of reassurance. “I think feeling lost is the beginning to a lot of things… All I know is that I am more than determined to get past that feeling now.”
She looked to the pedestals as her mentor gestured to them, eyes flickering from object to object once more. They seemed to be quite random items, not being consistent in theme or category, but she supposed it made sense to try out different things. Listening and nodding, she took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment and letting her shoulders relax.
“I apologise in advance if I end up flinging things away,” She joked light-heartedly before she raised her hands, a bronze coloured glow emitting from them. It wasn’t quite a steady glow, it was shaky, almost quivering. But if she could concentrate just enough, it could stay somewhat consistent.
Helena focused on one of the objects, a steel cup of sorts, slender fingers moving upwards along with the cup as it started to levitate from the pedestal.
Strange watched with intense focus as Helena trained her mind on the object on one of the pedestals. He observed the bronze light emanating from her hands and was reminded of his portal training, when he too was struggling to create one. He remembered seeing the first sparks fly from his fingers as he tried so desperately to concentrate.
He couldn’t read Helena’s mind, but he could sense the ebbs and flows of her mystical energy as she tried to channel it. As the cup began to levitate from the pedestal, Stephen smiled.
“Very good, Helena,” he said calmly, softly. “Keep your mind and energy focused on the cup. Try to move it away from the pedestal and place it somewhere else. Remember to breathe deeply, relax your body, and concentrate.”
Helena bit the insides of her cheeks as she focused intently on the old-fashioned goblet or cup of sorts, letting it levitate. It was a bit shaky, and she accidentally let it fly too much to the right, which lead her to lifting it up way higher in the air than she’d meant to. Her eyes followed the cup as it swiftly became a small spot above her and Strange, quickly managing to get it down once more and at a more suitable level, still just above the pedestal.
The bronze light almost flickered at times, and for a moment she was scared that she would lose control of the goblet. Sometimes it seemed as if her abilities had a mind of its own, but she knew she’d gain control - or certainly better control - of it all soon, although the road was long and wide.
“Thank you,” She hummed, then trying to follow his instructions as she closed her eyes momentarily. With a deep breath, she slowly let the cup levitate closer to a log, still shaky, sometimes faltering to one side or the other, sometimes sinking. With tensed hands and fingers, she lead the item to a nearby willow tree, wanting to gently place it right beside the trees roots, but it was more like a falland a clinking sound.
Despite having that nervous, tingling feeling at the pit of her stomach and a slight fear og the completely unknown, she felt a soaring sensation too. Helena was where she wanted to be- Maybe even needed to be. It was certainly going to be an exciting and maybe nerve-racking journey, and she simply kept her head forward.
“Morning,” She smiled as the door opened, stepping inside as Strange, her new mentor, greeted her. “And of course, that was the least I could do. And believe me, I think eager is an understatement.”
Following the sorcerer, she couldn’t help but let her eyes wander about. The sanctum seemed even larger from the inside, and she didn’t quite know if it was her eyes and mind together playing tricks on her, or if it was simply like that.
She knew that he had most likely planned for what they would be doing and how she would be training, and it was a bit odd for her how it all was becoming reality for her. For a very long time she’d truly believed that perhaps there was no path for her and she would simply have to deal with it all alone, so when her wishes seemed to come true it almost seemed… surreal. Despite how surreal the world already was.
“I understand. It feels great that I just… have this journey now, and that I know for sure that it’s ahead of me.” Helena nodded with a hum, looking out the window and down to the streets and people that walked by. Hell, she was beyond nervous, and she didn’t quite know how much it was showing.
Her eyes widened as Strange conjured a portal, the golden sparks that ignited from the portal making it seem even more wondrous. She laughed softly as he told her he wouldn’t want to risk anything getting broken, which was only very understandable. After all, she didn’t quite have much control and she didn’t quite know how much she was capable of either. “Makes sense,”
She stepped inside the portal, her first step into it all, her first step onto the path. She glanced behind her and looked at the portal, almost trying to convince herself of how powerful arts as such truly could be. The surroundings left her in awe, awakening a sense of peace within her. Looking to the items resting on pedestals, she looked to each one, each a random object it seemed.
“Yeah, this feels like a movie, I’m not going to lie.” She smiled, looking up to the tall trees with blossoms momentarily as she spoke. “But I trust this. I trust you. And I might be a little lost, but I trust that this will all make sense- Hopefully soon.”
“All knowledge takes time and effort, but the rewards gained from that knowledge are worth it,” Strange assured Helena.
The two of them met each other’s gazes, and Strange could see the innocence and wonder in them, and behind that, the thirst for understanding. He was thankful that Helena had found the determination within herself to seek him out. He would give to her what the Ancient One had been so determined to give him.
Stephen smiled and rested a hand on Helena’s shoulder. “It’s okay to feel a bit lost. I’ll do everything I can to help you find your path.” He pulled his hand away and added, “So…let’s get started.”
The Sorcerer Supreme gestured to the pedestals surrounding them. “I’ve placed some objects on these pedestals that I want you to move for me. Doesn’t matter how far, how fast or slow. We’ll just start with one. I want you to focus your body and mind on any single object and channel your ability to move it. I want to get an understanding of where within your body and mind your power comes from, what inspires or inhibits it.”
He took a position next to Helena and went silent so he wouldn’t be a distraction to her, and waited…
“You’re very right,” Helena nodded along to his words, looking down at her hands momentarily. She usually wore quite a few rings on her fingers, having them adorned almost every day, but she found them to be distracting and decided it was good to leave them at home. Except for one ring with a tiger’s eye in it.
She was beyond thankful for finally having discovered Strange and found her… calling, she supposed was what she could call it. Standing there in the midst of trees, a light breeze and in an area where she was to train and learn, she could just faintly reminisce the feelings she’d felt not too long ago. That feeling of complete and utter despair, on the verge of giving up and deciding her fate was to be lost. It was odd how quickly things could change, and, luckily, for the better too. And she was more than glad to know those feelings were in her past, and now there was only forward.
“Thank you,” Helena smiled warmly, glancing momentarily to the hand he’d placed on her shoulder as a form of reassurance. “I think feeling lost is the beginning to a lot of things… All I know is that I am more than determined to get past that feeling now.”
She looked to the pedestals as her mentor gestured to them, eyes flickering from object to object once more. They seemed to be quite random items, not being consistent in theme or category, but she supposed it made sense to try out different things. Listening and nodding, she took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment and letting her shoulders relax.
“I apologise in advance if I end up flinging things away,” She joked light-heartedly before she raised her hands, a bronze coloured glow emitting from them. It wasn’t quite a steady glow, it was shaky, almost quivering. But if she could concentrate just enough, it could stay somewhat consistent.
Helena focused on one of the objects, a steel cup of sorts, slender fingers moving upwards along with the cup as it started to levitate from the pedestal.
Helena nodded along to what Strange said, standing up as well as she brushed her pants off out of habit before shaking his hand. “Right, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll be here as soon as I can, I’m looking forward to my first lesson.” She said genuinely, smiling warmly. “Thank you. Again. I truly appreciate it.”
As she headed out to the streets once more and the door closed behind her, she let out a deep sigh. What a day. She had been so desperate for answers, desperate to learn and grow, desperate to find her path. So desperate that she felt so odd now that she finally knew where to go and gain what she yearned for: Control over her abilities. It was odd to finally have that opportunity in her hands, and she wouldn’t let it slip through the gaps between her fingers. Though she perhaps could have questioned Strange or questioned the source of the whisper, she didn’t. She simply trusted her stroke of luck and fate.
Finally her shoulders could seem to relax and her eyes rested easily that night as she slept.
THE NEXT MORNING…
Helena woke up earlier than usual to finish some work she had to do. Luckily, her job was flexible, and with only a seat deadline she could choose her hours. It made it all easier to manage, especially when she now had to have lessons on her abilities as well.
She finished off her work, feeling the nerves set in. After all, she didn’t know what to expect, she didn’t know what expectations to set at all. Slipping her coat and shoes on, slinging a bag over her shoulder and heading out of her flat, she decided there was only one way to know. She had no idea what sort of attire was meant to be worn, so she opted for something casual- That couldn’t go too wrong.
Before she knew it, she was stood outside Bleecker Street outside that specific door, knocking.
Strange was already on his way down the Sanctum’s main staircase when he heard knocking at the door, and a grin curved his lips. He instantly knew who’d be on the other side, and when he opened the door, he gestured for Helena to enter.
“Good morning! Thank you for coming early,” Stephen greeted as she walked in. “I hope you’re eager to get started. We have a lot to cover. C’mon; follow me.”
The sorcerer had worked out a basic plan to follow for training Helena, with just enough flexibility in case they needed to cover other areas related to her powers. He felt confident that by the time the last lesson was completed, she’d feel in control of her abilities.
When they reached the top of the stairs, Strange led Helena to the large circular window that faced the street. In its frame was displayed the symbol of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, the same as that of the Eye of Agamotto.
“This is the beginning, your first steps into a much larger and challenging world. If you’re nervous, that’s good…you should be. This path isn’t an easy one…but it can be greatly rewarding.”
Strange faced the window and began to conjure a portal. It grew in size and strength, and harmless golden sparks flew outward. “I’ve created a training area for us. No offense, but I can’t risk any objects in the Sanctum getting damaged.”
Stephen stepped through and then gestured for Helena to follow. Beyond the portal was an area similar in appearance to a Japanese garden near a gently babbling brook. A gentle breeze swayed tall trees, and around them stood pedestals with simple objects resting upon them.
“This will be where you’ll learn to harness your powers, control their intensity, and make them respond to your whims. It will also be the focal point from which you’ll begin to strengthen your connection to the mystical realm.” He chuckled softly. “Sounds crazy; I know, like something out of a comic book. But, I promise you, it’s very real, and you’re going to experience it firsthand very soon.”
Despite having that nervous, tingling feeling at the pit of her stomach and a slight fear og the completely unknown, she felt a soaring sensation too. Helena was where she wanted to be- Maybe even needed to be. It was certainly going to be an exciting and maybe nerve-racking journey, and she simply kept her head forward.
“Morning,” She smiled as the door opened, stepping inside as Strange, her new mentor, greeted her. “And of course, that was the least I could do. And believe me, I think eager is an understatement.”
Following the sorcerer, she couldn’t help but let her eyes wander about. The sanctum seemed even larger from the inside, and she didn’t quite know if it was her eyes and mind together playing tricks on her, or if it was simply like that.
She knew that he had most likely planned for what they would be doing and how she would be training, and it was a bit odd for her how it all was becoming reality for her. For a very long time she’d truly believed that perhaps there was no path for her and she would simply have to deal with it all alone, so when her wishes seemed to come true it almost seemed… surreal. Despite how surreal the world already was.
“I understand. It feels great that I just… have this journey now, and that I know for sure that it’s ahead of me.” Helena nodded with a hum, looking out the window and down to the streets and people that walked by. Hell, she was beyond nervous, and she didn’t quite know how much it was showing.
Her eyes widened as Strange conjured a portal, the golden sparks that ignited from the portal making it seem even more wondrous. She laughed softly as he told her he wouldn’t want to risk anything getting broken, which was only very understandable. After all, she didn’t quite have much control and she didn’t quite know how much she was capable of either. “Makes sense,”
She stepped inside the portal, her first step into it all, her first step onto the path. She glanced behind her and looked at the portal, almost trying to convince herself of how powerful arts as such truly could be. The surroundings left her in awe, awakening a sense of peace within her. Looking to the items resting on pedestals, she looked to each one, each a random object it seemed.
“Yeah, this feels like a movie, I’m not going to lie.” She smiled, looking up to the tall trees with blossoms momentarily as she spoke. “But I trust this. I trust you. And I might be a little lost, but I trust that this will all make sense- Hopefully soon.”
