A/N - Heyyy, I hope y'all had a lovely Christmas or holiday if you don't celebrate/celebrate another variation of it! ❤

Ever since watching Spider-Man: No Way Home and seeing the Multiverse of Madness trailer, I have been thrown back into the swing of things with Doctor Strange woo!

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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After the other's attempt on Stephen's life, he and Tessa returned to the sanctum. Fellow sorcerers and sorceresses watched her as she walked by them, following cautiously, all ready to make a move should she be hostile towards them. Strange called to them, beckoning them to library should they wish to hear some form of an explanation as to why they had omitted what the rest of the inhabitants viewed to be an integral piece of knowledge. All those stares unsettled both Tessa and Tee as they stuck close behind Stephen. Even focusing on the ground as they walked couldn't rid them of the spine-tingling feeling of being watched.

They will not accept us.

The Entity didn't know that for certain. Perhaps once they were able to share their side of the story, their fellow sorcerers would be put at ease.

As they gathered in the library, Stephen directed her to the front, where they both able to stand on the steps that were there so they could be seen by all who followed them. The talented sorcerer looked at Tessa, clearly anxious himself as to how they would react. He didn't want a mutiny after all.

"I know you're all...unsettled by what happened, but I can assure you, Tessa will not harm you. She is one of us."

"You aren't one of us though, Strange!"

"Who gave such an amateur the right to lead us?"

They were right, Stephen couldn't deny it. Who did give him the right? The Ancient One might have seen much in him but the others certainly didn't. He imagined she would probably say something like 'patience' to him. And he was patient...but this had been going on for a while now, maybe not as vocally as before but this had certainly made those who were quietly uncertain a little louder now.

"I understand your concerns. We're all getting used to this new dynamic, myself included. But please, trust me when I tell you, Tessa is still the same Tessa as before."

"She clearly isn't, I mean what the hell was that out there?"

"Shadow magic?"

"Dark dimension sorcery?"

"And you calling her an 'Entity'?"

"I – " Stephen felt a hand on his arm and he looked beside him to see Tessa stood there, a little apprehensive but determined.

"I'm sorry we didn't say this sooner," Tessa spoke up, "But something...unprecedented has happened. And it's something that even the Ancient One kept from you all for this exact reason - we were all worried that your fear would blind you to the potential of the situation."

"We don't even know what the situation is!"

"Please, keep calm. As Stephen said, I mean no harm – we mean no harm to you." She paused, carefully considering her words but also coming back to the fact that she couldn't dance around it anymore, "Since I was six-years-old, an Entity has been using me as a host body."

"Why? What reason would it have to do that?"

"Perhaps it plans to infiltrate these sanctums, kill us off one by one until the planet is defenceless?"

"No!" Tessa spoke hurriedly, "No, that isn't the reason at all!"

"How would you know? It could be manipulating your thoughts!"

I do not like where this is headed.

"My – my father came across this Entity that inhabits me now, twenty-two years ago. It requested to speak with the Ancient One but his conversation with it was interrupted by Master Kent. Marcus killed my father."

"How could you even say that about your family?"

"He was never my family." Tessa said.

"And why haven't you said this before then? Why was Marcus even allowed to continue his work here if he killed someone?"

"The Entity made me forget - "

"So it can manipulate your thoughts then?"

"Yes - no! Not in the way you're thinking - "

They are too afraid to listen...

But she persisted in trying to convince them, "I walked in, saw my dad's body and Marcus standing by him and cried and when the Entity heard me, it just wanted to console me."

Incredulous laughter erupted from some sorcerers.

"Entities don't console, they kill!"

"Well, not this one." She said fiercely, "This one came here with the pure intention of wanting to learn how to love."

More laughter sounded and some stepped closer, "Listen to her! That thing's brainwashed her."

"You're not listening to her," Strange rose his voice at raucous crowd, "They co-exist. If the Entity wanted to destroy you all, you would be dead and you would have been dead yesterday."

"Perhaps it's playing the long game then!"

"The point is, creatures like that shouldn't be trusted."

Show me to them.

Tessa sensed that it was not the right time and so refrained. They would simply be more fearful if she let Tee take control the second they started becoming hostile. Nearing closer to them, some of the crowd shuffled forwards. The closer they got, the more her sense of dread grew. But Tee was ready should anyone try to harm them and yet, that was what Tessa feared most of all.

"Please, give her a chance to explain." Stephen insisted, "Listen to her – "

"Is there anyway we can get rid of it?" One of them posed the idea, "Separate them? Get rid of the Entity?"

"I don't know, is there a way, Strange?"

The doctor hesitated in answering, looking at Tessa for her comment on the situation.

And Tessa fought the Entity hard to keep control as she could feel it regressing into that scared animal state of mind. No one needed to get hurt.

"The Entity and I are bonded...for good. Trying to separate us now would kill us both." She regrettably opted for the honest answer.

That was not a wise move.

Wasn't it?

How close are you really to these people? Because if you did not know before, you are certainly about to find out.

An eerie quiet deafened them as they allowed the crowd to process this fact. All their beady eyes were on Tessa and most, if not all, had an easily readable expression of fear, fury and frustration.

"I think we should vote." A sorceress said, "On what we should do."

"You're not serious," Stephen was grimaced at the idea.

"There are children here. Families."

"You don't understand, Strange, you weren't here. You didn't see what its kind did."

The doctor continued to defend them, "But it's Tessa! You know her, she trained with you, she grew up with you – "

"So, what are our options then?" Another sorcerer turned to the crowd.

"Well, this supposed Entity hasn't done anything yet," Said one of the younger sorceresses, "Perhaps we should just give them a chance?"

"You can take chances when dealing with an Entity," One of the older Masters spoke up, "I say...I'm sorry, Tessa, but I say we take them out."

Take us out? I would like to see them try.

Be still, she thought, calm yourself. They're scared for their families, it's understandable, it's human.

And yet you are still surprised at how many are willing to kill us?

"Here, here!" A few more agreed.

"We can't just kill her – it's Tessa!"

"I won't let you harm her." Stephen stood in front of her.

What neither Stephen nor Tessa noticed was one of the other Masters approaching, creeping out behind them from one of the bookcases, conjuring a fiery Eldritch sword as he went. If he could just end it, the arguments would stop. He might be kicked out, but at least his family would remain safe. Unfortunately for him though, the Entity sensed his movements.

I am sorry to do this...

Tee?

Again, before she could process what was happening and while the room was still amass with arguments regarding her situation, darkness invaded her eyes and they whipped around, surprising the sorcerer with a shadowy sword of their own.

"En garde." Tee made an effort to smile.

Its faux friendliness was, however, met with a look of sheer horror, especially when they grabbed him by his tunic and flung him back down the stairs with frightening ease. As he landed with an 'oomph' in the middle of the crowd, the entire room went silent, all eyes on the sorcerer, before wordlessly peering upwards to see the Entity hovering above them, tauntingly.

"Tee," Stephen warned, "Don't be foolish."

"On the contrary, Strange," Came its warped voice, one that disturbed them all as they heard it, "I have proven to them that, even though they wish to turn on me, I am willing show mercy."

"So you would harm us if given the chance?" One of the sorcerers questioned.

"Only in defence. However, I am willing to offer you mercy once," It warned, "But if you choose to be foolish and pursue me, rest assured, I will not hesitate to protect my host."

"How can we trust you?" A woman shouted, "A creature whose nature means it's hellbent on causing chaos?"

Be patient with them, Tee. Speak gently.

"I am not my brothers and sisters. Their actions are separate to my own. I came here to learn love because I was sick of hate. You have no reason to believe me but that is the truth."

"But how can we trust you?" Another asked again.

"You cannot."

That – doesn't help our case, Tee.

At seeing their distrusting expressions, Stephen jumped in, "What the Entity means to say is – "

"What I mean is..." The Entity glared at the doctor for trying to interrupt, "How can I trust you all not to harm us? I cannot. But I am willing to maintain peace as long as you all are also willing to do so. My life has been long and loud and all I wish for now, is peace." It paused, gently floating back down to the top of the staircase that acted as a stage for them, "You do not have to like me, but can we all agree to maintain a peaceful relationship with each other?"

That was...better.

There were begrudging grumbles of acceptance, reluctant nods and resentful stares with a few supportive glances peppered throughout the crowd.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

They left the Kamar-Taj library rapidly after the reveal, Stephen practically ushering the Entity out. The people needed time to process, and they had other matters to attend to, matters that hadn't yet been brought up to them at the unwanted gathering. If Stephen really wanted to prove he was competent enough to be their Sorcerer Supreme as had been foreseen by the Ancient One, then he needed to get on top of these pressing matters immediately.

The Entity, while it wanted nothing more than to be a little cowardly and to conceal itself in the darkest corner of Tessa's mind, remained in control for the time being, wishing to discuss a solution to their problems before it allowed Tessa to seek rest.

Stephen spoke first though, "Seeing as we are nearing the end of our month here, I was thinking that after tomorrow, we should head back to the New York sanctum. Might be good to lay low after today."

The Entity scoffed, "Now you wish to return?"

"What?"

"I told you both before we came here that we should not, that we should have stayed in the New York Sanctum..."

Don't be salty, Tee.

"You didn't have to save me," Stephen said.

Abruptly, the Entity stopped, grabbing the sorcerer's arm, "And if I did not save you, my host would be a blubbering mess because she is too attracted to you to cut her losses."

For Christ's sake, Tee!

"She's attracted to me?"

"You humans truly are oblivious sometimes. Why else does she want to go to dinner with you?" It rolled its eyes and continued walking.

Stephen stood there, dumbfounded yet also smitten, as he processed the rest of the Entity's words, "Hang on, what did you mean by 'cut her losses'."

*He also has a point, what did you mean by that?*

"It will benefit neither of you to be romantically involved."

"Then why did you set us up to go to dinner?"

"Because Tessa wished it."

"But you don't?"

"I...no."

*Tee, I know what you're thinking...*

"Tessa..." The Entity sighed.

"Let her astral project," Stephen suggested, "We can talk together then."

"Elsewhere. Come."

Tee led the doctor to Tessa's room and promptly shut the door before approaching the bed and lying down. Seconds passed prior to Tessa's astral form appearing beside Stephen who both gave each other an awkward smile after the Entity's uncalled for revelation. Now the sole occupant of her body, the Entity sat up in the bed, moving to stand and face both of them.

"Go on, Tee, explain." Tessa encouraged.

"At first, your subtle micro-expressions were endearing but after Marcus, the other Entity...the sorcerers...your fondness of each other endangers you both."

Hearing how it spoke with care towards them, both sorcerers shared a look with each other. They were half-beaming with pride in how much sympathy it showed yet also half-devastated as they knew the Entity wasn't wrong. With a sore sigh, the Entity's gaze dropped to the floor.

"Tessa, your affection for Stephen makes him a target for all who wish to spite you and Stephen, your sentiment for Tessa makes you a target even more so as it is clear you are willing to defend and protect us." Tee further explained, "I am only able to protect you both from so much."

"We're not asking you to protect us from everything. It's admirable that you do but – "

"There are things we'll have to deal with ourselves." Tessa finished Stephen's sentence, "You keep calling me a child, but I am an adult. I can make my own choices and can also defend myself and us."

"Having lived for so long, I consider the entirety of your earth's population to be children, not just you." It paused, "I gather you will both still pursue each other then?"

"Well..." Stephen looked at Tessa, "I mean..."

"Well, cat's out of the bag so, ball's in your court now, Strange."

"Still on for dinner?"

"No." Tee answered, causing both sorcerers to pull a disappointed frown, "We have other matters to attend to first."

"But Tee – "

"But nothing," It glared at her, shaking its head, "And you say you're not children."

Tessa's mouth fell agape, and Stephen fought back a smirk. If she had a physical body, then Tessa was certain that the handsome sorcerer would have an elbow in his side by now. As for the Entity, it moved to the centre of the room, conjuring another illusion of a small, intricately-designed chest.

"Since our run-in with Marcus, I have been contemplating what relic may best aid us in the capture of the other Entity. I present Gargorra's Box."

Both sorcerers stared at Tee blankly.

"Who's box, sorry?" Tessa questioned.

"They always lull you into a false sense of security, these relics." Stephen nodded, "Make it look simple, call the object what it is but, someone's always got to have a complicated name to accompany the simple item that it is."

"Wouldn't really be a relic without a complicated name..."

"But seriously?" Stephen said, looking at the sorceress, "Why are there no sorcerer's called Phil or Nick, Bob even?"

She shrugged, "I don't know."

"You've been doing this longer than I have, surely you must have some idea?"

Tessa smirked gently as she thought about it, "I don't. Maybe...I don't know...Bob's Box is hardly cool-sounding..."

"So only sorcerers with long, archaic names are cool?"

The sorceress nodded, "I guess so."

Stephen chuckled gently as he thought about it, "The Book of Phil?"

Both were set off into a fit of giggles with his suggestion. Tee failed to see the humour in this as they continued to chortle.

"Tessa? Stephen?"

"Crimson Bands of Kevin?" Tessa added, cackling as tears of amusement left her eyes.

Stephen held his stomach as he guffawed, "The Whip of Nick?"

The Entity blinked at them both, not entirely sure what to make of their lack of professionalism, "Masters? Hello? Might I have your attention again?"

"Bobby's Bo Staff – "

"The Shurikens of Steve - "

"Tommy's Tonfas – "

"Aha, no – stop – it hurts to – laugh!" Tessa cried.

Tee brought a hand up to its forehead, pinching the bridge of its nose as it muttered, "I work with children..." It looked at them again and rose its voice, "Meanwhile, there is still an evil Entity out there, potentially killing hundreds and destroying homes, leaving more children dead and orphaned." Again, it gave an awkward half-smile as it waited for them to calm.

Tessa waved her hand, desperately trying to calm herself as she floated there, wiping away a transparent tear from her astral projection.

"Ahem, sorry...sorry..." Stephen took a breath, struggling to contain himself, "Con - continue please."

Watching them both carefully, Tee dared to continue, "Gargorra's Box is similar to that of Pandora's Box, however, instead of already containing every vice and curse ready to release into the world, this box holds the ability to contain certain evils of our choice be they abstract or more concrete."

"Right and," Stephen wiped a tear from his eye, "Because this other Entity is, to our knowledge, evil, you believe it may be able to contain it?"

"Exactly. Glad to know you are paying attention, Sorcerer."

Again, the two shared a look like they were two mischievous children that had both partaken in the same naughty antics and had now been caught but were more amused than disappointed with their telling off. The Entity, however, continued despite any disruptive looks.

"Doctor, I'll need you to locate the box while Tessa rests."

"While I rest?"

"Locate how?"

"Seeing as we have used our powers multiple times today, Tessa, I fear that if I am to return control of your motor functions to yourself, you will collapse. Remember the toll our dark powers take on your physical self."

"Yes, but we're working on that endurance, surely it's better to - "

"Little and often." Stephen jumped in, concerned for her wellbeing, "You should build your endurance by using you alternate powers little and often or you'll burn out."

"But - "

"No - "

"Stephen - "

"Doctor Strange remember - trust me on this. I know you want to help and you can, but after you rest. Doctor's orders."

She floated there in a huff for a moment before nodding, reluctantly in agreement with them both.

"Thank you for your input, Doctor." The Entity said, "While she rests, I wish for you to locate the box through the use of ancient texts."

"You really need to move your records and texts to electronic copies."

Tess shrugged, "Safer on paper."

"As a single copy, it's arguably more risky." Stephen said.

Fair point, both the sorceress and the creature thought.