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EIGHTEEN | THE STORM IS HERE

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DR. BRUCE BANNER knew Cassandra Mason.

It was the fourth of May 2012 when the Asgardian prince Loki intended to subjugate and conquer Earth with an army of Chitauri. Cassandra Mason, together with the Ancient One and her parents defended the New York Sanctum from the aliens, choosing to only stay on the sidelines and not on the battlefield. The Ancient One advised them not to interfere too much as it was not their battle yet.

Cassandra and her father were on the ground at that time, fighting off multiple Chitauris, when she caught a glimpse of a green, raging monster transforming into a human. She knew who he was -- well, heard of him only as she heard about his story. Dr. Bruce Banner, a renowned scientist who was exposed to dangerous levels of gamma radiation. As a result, the scientist would transform into a huge, rage-fueled, primitive-minded creature whenever angered or provoked.

She saw him collapse to his knees, heavily breathing and despite her father's warnings, she came to his aid and performed a spell that steadied his senses. An explosion occurred to her right and she casted another spell that cut the flying debris in half. Around her, bits of the downtown were on fire. Huge chunks of the debris and rocks were scattered on the ground just as first responders fought the fire and rescued the injured. "Dr. Bruce Banner? Can you hear me?"

He raised his head, stunned. His eyes were wide and Cassandra could see the little tinges of green in his eyes. She knew then that the Hulk was about to break free again. "Who are you? How do you know my name? And how did you just do that?"

"Name's Cassandra Mason, and…" she squinted her eyes, thinking how she would explain to him without mentioning she was a sorceress. "I have powers? Yeah, yeah. I have powers. I know you because I've heard about you."

That's when another explosion rang in the distance, but it was from the portal from the sky. A flash of red and gold then fell out of it and she knew then it was Iron Man. He had successfully destroyed the alien spaceship in space. "Dr. Banner? I think your..."

"On it."

Then, just like that, the scientist transformed once again into the huge, green-skinned, and muscular creature known as the Hulk.

"Cassandra! Get away from there!" Her father roared as the Hulk stepped forward to her.

But, the sorceress wasn't afraid and releasing a breath, she put her hand on the center of his chest, lending some of her magic to him. As her eyes flashed gold, she mumbled an incantation, making Dr. Banner and the Hulk always remember her. "Go, get him, Hulk."

He nodded, grinning. "Yes, pretty girl."

Then, he jumped up to catch his rapidly descending friend.

At the present time, Cassandra gently handed the frantic scientist a glass of water. "Here, drink. You need it. Don't worry, we're already looking for Stark."

She had just ushered Moon-Young and Jae-Hyuk to Kamar-Taj, promising that they'll all bond together once again when they return from their work. She let her mother look after them. Even though the twins tried to persuade her to let them help, Cassandra assured them that they can handle the situation themselves.

Oh, if she only knew what was next…

Wong and Stephen were already working together to locate Tony Stark by using the Narthex since they didn't have anything that was from him. They left her to calm down Bruce who was shivering in panic. The scientist nodded and took the glass of water from her. "So, you're a... witch? Is-is that why I and the Hulk remember you?"

The woman sighed, feeling a bit irritated with how people refer to her as a witch. "Well, I prefer being called a Master of the Mystic Arts, a sorceress, or a magic practitioner. You see, Dr. Banner, there's a very small difference between a witch and a sorcerer. Witches are born with their supernatural powers. You either have witchcraft, or you don’t. Sorcerers or sorceresses acquire their powers through training or study, often as an apprentice to another sorcerer. That's what we all did here, in Kamar-Taj. As for why you can remember me, well, I put a spell on you so you won't forget me."

Dr. Banner blinked. "Wow… it's weird, but it's-it's kind of cool."

"Found him." announced Stephen as he rushed down the stairs, moving his hands in a circular motion to open an interdimensional gateway. Cassandra, still in her beige robes and emerald cloak, swiftly followed him, tugging Bruce's arm to her. She caught a glimpse of Central Park and Tony and Pepper kissing across from their portal.

"Tony Stark,"

The two gasped, flabbergasted. Tony kept his hand on his fianceé's shoulder. "Planner?"

"Cassandra?" Pepper crossed her eyebrows, a crease forming in between. "What-what are you doing here?"

Cassandra shrugged. "Hey, Pepper, Tony."

As she had worked for Stark Industries and the Avengers Compound, she became close to both Tony and Pepper. Not too much, but enough for her to be allowed to address them by their first name. She and Pepper would sometimes go to lunch together and the latter would tell her all her frustrations in her relationship with Tony. In turn, Cassandra would tell about her vexations about Stephen.

"I’m Doctor Stephen Strange and this is my associate, Cassandra Mason." He introduced then narrowed his eyes. "We need you to come with us. Oh, uh, congratulations on the wedding, by the way."

"I’m sorry, you two giving out tickets to something? Planner, I told you to not give out any invitations yet."

Cassandra retorted. "I haven't even printed them out, sir." 

She had been planning Tony and Pepper's wedding for two years now. Pepper wanted a simple wedding while Tony wanted an enormous and flashy one. Stephen rolled his eyes. "We need your help. Look, it’s not overselling to say that the fate of the universe is at stake."

"You two need my help?"

"Actually, boss, the three of us do." Cassandra turned her head to the side.

It was at this time that Bruce Banner emerged behind. "Hey, Tony."

Tony's expression switched from skeptical to surprised. The scientist drew closer to his friend. "Bruce."

"Pepper."

"Hi."

"You okay?"

Bruce gave Tony a hug, not answering his question. After everything he had been through, he deserved it. Remaining in his Hulk form for two years, becoming a gladiator of a ruthless and hedonist tyrant, aiding the Asgardians in their fight against Hela, and then fighting Thanos and his Black Order, it was just too much for him. Tony, seeing the trouble and desperation in Bruce's eyes, then assured his fianceé that he'll be right back, following them all inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.

He crossed his arms, sitting down at one of the couches. "Okay, Merlin and Morgana, explain."

The Sorcerer Supreme glanced at Wong and nodded, signalling him to start the briefing. Gesticulating his arms, he used arcane magic to show a coruscant universe and five out of six Infinity Stones. "From the dawn of the universe, there was nothing. Then, boom! The Big Bang sent six elemental crystals, hurdling across the virgin universe." expounded him. "These Infinity Stones each control an essential aspect of existence."

"Space. Reality. Power." enumerated Stephen one by one. The Stones drew to the middle, sparkling once. "Soul. Mind. And Time." At this, he opened the Eye of Agamotto, revealing the Time Stone.

After their fight against the lord of the Dark Dimension, Cassandra taught her partner everything he needed to know about the Infinity Stones. That he, as the Sorcerer Supreme, is responsible for keeping the Time Stone from falling into the wrong hands. He will need to protect it with his life. Actually, after Cassandra confessed to him about her role in all of his life, she told him that other than protecting him, she is also responsible for safeguarding the Infinity Stone.

"Tell me his name again."

"Thanos. He’s a plague, Tony. He invades planets, he takes what he wants, he wipes out half the population." expressed Bruce worriedly as his friend stood up and crossed over. "He sent Loki! The attack on New York, that’s him!"

The sorceress subtly glanced at Stephen and reached out to grab his hand, squeezing it. She was nervous, a bit afraid of what was next. Everything they have fought for led up to this moment -- Earth's fate and their existence itself had never been more uncertain. 

"When the bill comes due, are you willing to pay the price, Cassandra?" The woman recalled her former best friend's words when they last saw each other.

"This is him…" Tony enunciated. "What’s our timeline?"

"No telling. He has the Power and Space Stones, that already makes him the strongest creature in the whole universe!" stressed Bruce just as Tony moved to the Cauldron of the Cosmos. "If he gets his hands on all six Stones, Tony…"

"He can destroy life on a scale hither to undreamt of." finished Stephen, bringing Cassandra with him as their hands were intertwined. He was non-verbally assuring her that they were going to be fine, but she could feel her heart already leap in her throat. There was a deep, unsettling feeling forming in her gut. There was someone coming.

Tony leant against the cauldron, stretching casually. "Did you seriously just say “hither to undreamt of”?"

Cassandra swallowed. "Uh… Stark?" She tried to warn him about his behavior, but Stephen beat her to it.

"Are you seriously leaning on the Cauldron of the Cosmos?"

"Is that what this is…?"

"Well, it's basically a powerful Mystical Artifact which the Sorcerer Supreme and I use in order to meditate." filled in Cassandra, carefully removing his hand from the object. "Other than meditation it also has some powerful scrying abilities which we use to consult in order to extract information about the universe."

"Oh, cool." He continued to lean and stretch when suddenly The Cloak of Levitation smacked his arm.

Tony glanced at the Cloak, looking offended. "I’m going to allow that." He then remarked, "If Thanos needs all six, why don’t we just stick this one down the garbage disposal?"

"No can do."

Wong added, "We swore an oath to protect the Time Stone. With our lives."

"It is our duty, Stark. This Stone comes first before us." Cassandra implied, refusing to back down.

"And I swore off dairy, but then, Ben & Jerry’s named a flavor after me, so…"

"Stark Raving Hazelnuts." interjected Stephen.

"It’s not bad."

"A bit chalky."

"“A Hunka-Hulka Burning Fudge” is our favorite, but Cassandra loves the "Black Cherry Widow more."" informed Wong, his expression still impassive.

"That’s a thing?"

Tony rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Point is: Things change."

"Our oath to protect the Time Stone cannot change. This Stone may be the best chance we have against Thanos."

Tony retorted, "And still conversely, it may also be his best chance against us."

"Well, if we don’t do our jobs."

"What is your job exactly, besides making balloon animals?"

Stephen unclasped his hand from Cassandra, his eyes darkening as he uttered, "Protecting your reality, douchebag."

"Okay, okay, you two. Time-out, time-out!" vocalized Cassandra, stepping between them, her cloak fluttering behind her smoothly. "Quit this dick measuring contest, Sherlocks. We all know you both have the largest egos on the planet. But, let's focus on the real matter right now." She emphasized. Cassandra always knew they would clash since they were both stubborn and think they are the smartest in the room. 

Well, at this moment, in Cassandra's opinion, they were both idiots.

"We have a despot of intergalactic infamy whose goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Earth's future right now is uncertain. What is the fucking plan now?"

Cassandra hated to admit it, but Tony had a point. They had to keep the Stone away from Thanos and the only way to do that was transport Stephen to a place somewhere safe, perhaps, a different dimension.

"Yeah, she's right." agreed Bruce, pointing his finger to her. "Can we quick cable this discussion right now? The fact is we have the Stone. We know where it is. Vision is out there somewhere with the Mind Stone, and we have to find him now."

Tony sucked a breath. "Yeah, that’s the thing."

"What do you mean?"

"Two weeks ago, Vision turned off his transponder. He’s offline."

"What?!" exasperated the scientist. "Tony, you lost another super bot?!"

The billionaire philanthropist defended himself. "I didn’t lose him. He’s more than that. He’s evolving."

Stephen and Cassandra exchanged glances. "Who could find Vision, then?"

Tony pondered about the matter as he went over to the other side of the foyer.  "Shit." He cursed. "Probably Steve Rogers."

Stephen sighed in exasperation. "Oh, great."

The couple heard about the Avengers splitting up because of the Sokovia Accords. It was all over the news, happening during Stephen's ascension to intermediate. The conflict stemmed from tensions between two factions of the team led by Captain America and Iron Man over their divisive opinions of registering into the Accords.

"Maybe. But…"

Bruce approached him. "Call him."

Tony narrowed his eyes, reluctant. His pride was soaring higher than the heavens. "It’s not that easy. God, we haven’t caught up in a spell, have we?"

"No."

"The Avengers broke up. We’re toast."

Bruce blinked, confused. "Broke up? Like a band? Like The Beatles?"

"Cap and I fell out hard. We’re not on speaking terms."

"Tony, listen to me. Thor’s gone." Bruce confronted, distraught. "Thanos is coming. It doesn’t matter who you’re talking to or not."

The genius philanthropist stared at him, hesitating, before pulling out a flip phone. It seemed as though he brought it everywhere with him, always ready to call whoever he should. Cassandra stood beside Stephen, her gut feeling settling deeper than ever before. Goosebumps rose over her skin as the wind blew stronger. 

There was something outside and Tony felt it too.

"Say, Doc, you wouldn’t happen to be moving your hair, would you?" He pointed out.

Cassandra glimpsed at Stephen who was currently trying to look up at one of his stray hairs fluttering. "Not at the moment, no."

Tony looked at the opening on the ceiling and saw metal scraps flying by outside. Alarmed, all of them slowly anchored their attention to the surging commotion outside. Cassandra didn't have to think deeply to know their enemies had finally arrived. Tony was the first to exit the Sanctum and scan the chaotic surroundings. The rest of them followed with caution and releasing a large breath, she stepped in front of Stephen, her hand ready to grab her dagger. 

"You okay?" Tony asked as he helped a woman up, but she ignored him and ran away. That was when a car crashed into a pole behind him. "Help him! Wong, Doc!"

"Go! Got it!"

The man put on his sunglasses, muttering things Cassandra couldn't hear until he said, "Hey! You might wanna put that Time Stone in your back pocket, Doc!"

But, as expected, Stephen was unstoppable. With a quick gesture, he conjured bright amber Tao Mandalas. "Might wanna use it."

"Stephen, maybe he's right..."

"You're seriously considering his suggestion, Cassie?" The Sorcerer Supreme's eyes flashed over to her.

"He has a point." She stepped in front of him to stop him. "These aliens will not stop until they kill you and get that Stone. As your Guardian, it is my responsibility to keep you and that Stone safe. Anything that will ensure your survival is a choice I will not hesitate to choose."

Stephen looked straight into her eyes as if heavily considering it. "I need you to trust me on this one, Cassie."

Tony backed himself into a wall just as Stephen and Cassandra courageously faced the heavy wind. A huge circular ship was floating down their street and the wind was whipping up into a frenzy. It was as if it was a shrieking, keening omen of the carnage that will follow. Large pillows of cloud were forming, blotting out the old-gold colour of the sun. 

The storm is here.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y., evac anyone south of 43rd Street, notify first responders." Tony ordered then remarked, "No offense, Morgana, but what can a tiny dagger do against that?" 

Cassandra glared at him as Stephen casted the Whirling Winds of Watoomb, a spell that can be called upon the powers of Watoomb to conjure powerful mystical air currents, to control the gusting wind. In a blink of an eye, the Guardian jerked her arm forward and the dagger before her transformed into a bladed staff, the purple orb flashing bright like a signal light. Groaning, she channeled her energy into the spell, doubling its power, shutting down the ship's engine in the process.

The Guardian and the Sorcerer Supreme glanced at Tony, smirking. Stephen then gave him a wink just as Cassandra arched her eyebrow. The genius rolled his eyes, turning to face ahead.

The dust and garbage cleared and soon, a blue beam of light flashed down the street. A slim, grey-skinned, alien creature together with a taller, bulkier stood tall before them. Actuall, one of the many things that Cassandra noted was that the slim alien had no nose and he reminded her of the antagonist from the Harry Potter movie she previously watched. 

"Who are they, Bruce?" whispered Cassandra to him when they traversed forward, her grip tightening on her staff.

He swallowed, shivering. "They're Thanos' children. Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian."

"Hear me, and rejoice! You are about to die at the hands of the Children of Thanos. Be thankful that your meaningless lives are now contributing to -- "

"I’m sorry, Earth is closed today." called out Tony, sarcastically. "You better pack it up and get out of here."

Ebony Maw looked at Stephen. "Stone keeper..." he addressed. "Does this chattering animal speak for you?"

Cassandra swore she saw Stephen's blues darkened, a scowl forming in his lips. He stepped forward. "Certainly not. I speak for myself." Closing and bumping his fists together, he summoned another set of powerful Mandalas. "You’re trespassing in this city and on this planet."

Wong followed his gesture, creating arcane Mandalas on his wrists. Cassandra, on the other hand, tapped the sharp blade of her staff on the ground, conjuring blazing flames of dark magic. Her eyes flashed purple then gold, a sign that both of her arcane and dark magic were ready to be blasted.

"It means get lost, Squidward!"

"He exhausts me." said Ebony Maw to Cull Obsidian as he expressed his agreement in the ancient alien language. "Bring me the Stone."

"Banner, you want a piece?"

Bruce glanced at Tony, hesitant. He hummed. "No, not really, but when do I ever get what I want?"

"That’s right."

Cassandra kept her gaze trained at the bulky creature, not paying any attention to Bruce's attempt to release the Hulk. Her focus was solely on protecting the Sorcerer Supreme and the Time Stone. This was it. Everything that happened in her life had led her to this moment. She almost failed to protect Stephen from Dormammu and that event scared her so much. She was supposed to be his guardian at that time, but it was she herself who killed him multiple times, in many different ways. 

She and Stephen talked about it after their small separation. It was hell for her, seeing him murdered many times and even though they promised they will always keep each other safe, Cassandra knew there would be a time where she would have to choose. 

"Been a while. Good to have you, buddy."

Yet, the most that turned green was Bruce’s neck. There was no sign of the Hulk. "I just…" he groaned. "I need to concentrate here for one second. Come on, come on, man."

"Where’s your guy?"

"I don’t know. We’ve sort of been havin’ a thing."

Tony shook his head, clasping his hand on his friend's shoulder. "There’s no time for a thing!"

"I know."

He pointed at Cull who was marching forward, his step crushing the concrete and his hammer smashing the cars around. "That’s the thing right there. Let’s go!"

Bruce gave a loud grunt and forced his alter ego to come out with all of his might, but failed to release the Hulk. Stephen turned his head to flash Tony an annoyed expression and the genius could only give Bruce a look. "Dude, you’re embarrassing me in front of the witch and the wizards."

"Tony, I’m sorry." The scientist panted then stammered. "Either I can’t or he won’t -- "

The billionaire patted his shoulder. "It’s okay. Hey, stand down." Then, he glanced at Wong. "Keep an eye on him? Thank you."

"I have him."

As Cull Obsidian broke into a run, Stark pulled on two strings in his jacket, adjusting his tracksuit to fit him. Tapping the Arc Reactor in chest, nanobots crawled across his body, covering it with highly advanced red and gold armor. His Iron Man suit. He removed his glasses as his technology reached his head and Cassandra watched as the bulky creature swung his hammer down to Stark. Quickly reacting to this, he donned a shield that clashed with the weapon. Tony, with his armored hand, struck the alien's jaw, causing him to stumble backwards. Now, having the upper hand, Iron Man raised his arms to activate his lasers and shot at Cull Obsidian.

The alien creature was sent flying back toward Maw who scowled and flickered his wrist to divert the incoming figure's direction, crashing him into a herd of cars.

"Where’d that come from?" exclaimed Bruce, astonished.

"It’s nano-tech." boasted Tony. "You like it? A little somet -- "

But, he was cut off when Ebony Maw caused the ground to spike, sending him flying into the air. Cassandra immediately caught sight of the alien lifting several trees in the air, launching it all towards them. She took a step forward and channeled all her magical energy, casting a shield in front of them all. The projected trees turned into dust upon reaching her shield and she heard Stephen converse with Bruce behind her.

"Dr. Banner, if the rest of your green friend won’t be joining us..." Just as he teleported Bruce to a park, he ordered, "Take it down."

With a nod, Cassandra put down her shield and Stephen swirled his arms to perform a spell, but he was interrupted by Stark's sudden swoop. He shot a car at Maw who effortlessly sliced it in half. The sorceress frowned at Tony, but then it lessened when he talked to Stephen again.

"Gotta get that stone outta here, now."

Stephen's frown deepened. "It stays with me."

"Exactly. Bye!" Then, Tony flew off.

"Stephen -- "

"The protection spell. Cast it now."

Following the Sorcerer Supreme's command, Cassandra drew several runes in the air with her finger just as Wong put up another shield to protect them all. The runes glowed a fiery gold and she directed it upon the relic. It was a simple spell that would burn anyone who attempted to take it, making it seemingly impossible to be removed unless the spell was removed, even if the Sorcerer Supreme was killed. When the shield was taken down, they saw that Tony was no longer with them.

Ebony Maw lifted several bricks from the ground and turned them into sharp points. With a flick of his wrist, he sent them flying towards them all. Wong and Stephen made portals and redirected them back towards Maw. The alien used his telekinesis to move a car in order to protect himself, but one spike still hit his head, creating a cut.

Wong was then knocked back into rubble and a car, falling to the ground unconscious. "Wong!" shouted Cassandra. In retaliation, she switched her staff back into a dagger, sheathing it. Snarling, tendrils of violent dark magic crawled beneath the ground and rose up to accompany Cassandra. With a raise of her hand, she charged them to Maw who wasn't able to avoid them. It burned his wrists and neck as it wrapped around him, but he was quick. He distracted Cassandra by sending a fire hydrant toward an unaware Stephen and she was forced to let him go to face it. It hit her straight in the chest and she and Stephen tumbled down the ground. 

She yelled in anguish as she rolled to her side. The pain shot up her chest like fire that she cringed. It exploded in her head with a blinding whiteness. It made her dizzy. It made her reel. It was like the upper part of her body had been replaced with ice and electricity wired straight into her spine.

She saw Stephen get up and create an Eldritch whip to trap Ebony Maw, but the alien levitated himself and flew over to the Sorcerer Supreme faster than anyone can register. The impact knocked them both back into a building with Maw using the bricks around to pin Stephen. "Your powers are quaint. You must be popular with the children."

Cassandra watched as Maw tried to grab the amulet holding the Time Stone, but jerked back when it burned his hand. She smirked, slowly getting on her knees. Of course, it was going to work, but what Stephen didn't know was that Cassandra didn't only cast the protection spell on the relic, but also on Stephen. Even in the event of her death, the Sorcerer Supreme will remain protected along with the Time Stone for a long time.

"It’s a simple spell but quite unbreakable." commented Stephen, knowingly.

The alien growled. "Then I’ll take it off your corpse!"

"Nope!" Summoning her own Eldritch whip, Cassandra tied it with her dagger and pierced it on Maw's back. Like a fisherman catching her fish, the sorceress pulled him back with all of her might. Blood splattered on the ground and in anger, Maw pulled Strange away with him from the building, throwing him to the ground before facing Cassandra. The sorceress fought against the telekinetic alone as several wires leapt around different parts of Stephen's body. "Come fight me, Voldemort!"

"You are a pest! Your abilities are too infant-like for doing much alone!" bellowed the alien, flinging several debris to her, but Cassandra only brought forth a raging storm. A flash of gold and purple lightning, immediately followed by a roar of thunder so loud that it shook the ground with a wind as piercing as a thorn of branches. 

"Let's see about that."

The Guardian battled with the alien alone for ten minutes, the two of them equal when it came to the mastery of their powers. Cassandra's magical dexterity was a powerful match against Ebony Maw's telekinesis and both of them were strategists, each relying on plans more than violence. Cassandra's mixture of arcane and divine magic fought hard with whatever object Maw hurled at her. They haven't even noticed that several lightning cracked the sky, sending heaven's light through the storm the sorceress' magic created.

The woman was aware that each time she exerted more of her magic, she was slowly giving up her own life force, but she cared less about it right now. Stephen's life was in danger and for her, that mattered more. Each attack of theirs was planned and it only took Stephen's words to make Maw pause in his goal to murder the Guardian of the Sorcerer Supreme.

One cord slowly tightened around his neck as he uttered, "You’ll find…" he struggled. "removing a dead Guardian’s spell… troublesome."

The telekinetic glared at the sorceress as he spat, "Who are you, you insolent brat?"

"I am the Warrior of Light…"

His expression faltered. "... The Harbinger of Darkness, the destined Guardian of the Stone Keeper."

Cassandra frowned. "Okay. One, that's not how it actually goes. Two, I'm surprised I'm famous like... on a universal scale and three, what he said was true. It is indeed my spell and you will not be able to remove that Stone away from the Sorcerer Supreme even if you kill me."

"You’ll only wish you were dead!"

Flicking his head to the side, a car toppled on Cassandra, hitting her quite hard on the head. She winced, her brows furrowed tight with pain. A rhythm of blood throbbed in her temple and black spots began to appear in her vision. Then, the last thing she saw before the darkness consumed her completely was an unconscious Strange being settled beside her and the Cloak of Levitation soaring them both high up in the air.