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THIRTY NINE | MANY ROADS TO TAKE

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THE HOUSE FELT empty.

The absence of the hero's presence could be heavily felt in the atmosphere. Anthony Edward Stark The man who shed his life of selfishness and dedicated his life to putting humanity before himself was gone. Those closest to him couldn't believe he wasn't around anymore. Yet they all somehow shared the sentiment that they knew it was only a matter of time before Tony would be gone.

Tony made it his goal to protect Earth and humanity from danger, even going so far as to give up his life to do it. The man also had excellent intentions when he first created Ultron years ago, despite the fact that it malfunctioned.

The sadness drained through Cassandra rather than skating over her skin. It traveled through every cell to reach the ground. She filtered it, strangely enough, and kept what was pure, leaving the dirt behind. Many of the heroes who died five years ago returned to their families and loved ones, and Cassandra could only wish Tony did the same.

"Everybody wants a happy ending, right?" But it doesn't always roll that way. Maybe this time. I'm hoping if you play this back, it's in celebration. I hope families are reunited, we get it back, and something like a normal version of the planet has been restored. if there ever was such a thing. God, what a world! Universe, now." Pepper, Morgan, Happy Hogan, Rhodey, and Cassandra watched Tony's holographic message being projected from his Iron Man helmet. Tony was sitting down as he recorded the message. The brunette remembered that this was the message he taped last time in the compound.

"If you told me ten years ago that we weren't alone, let alone to this extent, I wouldn't have been surprised." But come on, you know? The epic forces of darkness and light that have come into play And, for better or worse, that's the reality Morgan's going to have to find a way to grow up in."

"So I thought I'd probably better record a little greeting... in the case of an untimely death on my part. I mean, not that; death at any time isn't untimely. This time travel thing that we're going to try and pull off tomorrow has me scratching my head about the survivability of it all. That's the thing. Then again, that's the heroic gig. "Part of the journey is the end." Tony suddenly got up and walked towards his camera. "What am I even trippin' for?" "Everything's going to work out exactly the way it's supposed to."

He leaned down and smiled, seemingly looking straight at his daughter. "I love you 3,000."

The message ended.

Cassandra remained in her spot as Pepper stood up from the couch to pick up a wreath in a glass box. Inside it was Tony's first arc reactor, which Pepper had framed with the words "Proof That Tony Stark Has a Heart." Following her outside of the cottage, the woman pushed her feet to get close to Stephen and the twins.

From the other side, Paul Vernon carried forth a wreath as well as an electroshock bracelet, the Widow's Bite, in memory and honor of his fiancée. There was no doubt he was trying to mask his grief, as the inside corners of his eyebrows were up, maintaining a stoic expression. He squeezed his eyes shut once and tightened his grip on the wreath before kneeling down on the dock. Heroes from the battle came to the intimate funeral, silently watching the two people who lost their loved ones float the wreath on the lake, the current slowly taking it far away from them.

The couple reached out for each other's hands in comfort as Stephen's eyes expressed pain, guilt, and regret.

She understood that.

This was the future where they won the victory against Thanos.

And because of that, Tony Stark wouldn't be around anymore to joke around and annoy almost everyone in his way.

Soon, everyone dispersed after a solemn prayer was offered, and they offered their condolences.

"Cass," called Paul, was standing meters away from her, and in a few strides, he was able to capture the petite woman in his arms. He was seeking comfort and warmth, still devastated by his loss. The two of them remained still in their spots for a minute before the tall man before her whispered, "Is this how it felt for you?"

Cassandra didn't answer his question, just letting him talk his heart and mind out. She didn't want to tell him the typical things to say to bereaved people, as she knew herself that the pain never goes away; it just lessens with time.

He took a sharp breath. "It was supposed to be me, Cass." I wanted to make that jump. I wanted to die to save the world I had grown to love and cherish. I wanted to die. I have lived long enough to want that."

"Paul-"

"My real name..." he cut her off. "is Apollos, and I'm an Eternal, Cass. I have lived in this world for more than seven thousand years."

The Sorceress Supreme furrowed her eyebrows. She has never come across this information in her life or even heard of it. No magical literature contains the race of Eternals. Their existence is news to her ears.

He sighed. "I always knew this day would come," Apollos uttered. "But it doesn't make it less painful. I thought Nat and I would be able to settle down and have some peace and quiet before shit gets to us again."

"I'm sorry,"

"Don't be. Natalia chose to save the world. It hurts right now, but I will have to live and accept the choice she made. I know she would want me to do that. We will see each other again," explained the man in a black suit, then passed a flash drive into Cassandra's hand. The object felt cold in her palm as Paul and Apollo closed her fist as if to keep it a secret. "This flash drive will give you enough knowledge about my synthetic race, Cass. "Only Natalia and now you will know who or what I am."

"I promise I will keep this a secret."

"I'd appreciate that, my friend." he smiled at her. "Best wishes on your future endeavors. I must return to France after dropping off Wanda in New Jersey."

Cassandra extended her hand for a shake when she came face to face with the fiery red-haired woman, whom she recognized as one of the heroes who faced Thanos alone in the battle. "Wanda, right? I'm Cassandra Mason."

The other woman shook her hand. "Wanda Maximoff."

"I wish we could have met in better circumstances, but a friend of Paul's is a friend of mine as well, so if you need anything..." The Sorceress Supreme fished out a calling card from her wallet and handed it to Wanda. "Give that number a call."

"Thank you."

Cassandra turned to Paul. "France?"
It took him a moment to reply, "I need to finish a renovation of a cottage," before smiling in a cryptic way and leaving Cassandra where they were standing a while ago. "Call me when you need anything, Cassandra."

"Auntie Cass!"

"Morgan!" Cassandra happily welcomed the strong embrace of her goddaughter, patting her back. The pain of the realization that this child lost her father at a young age returned, making her tighten her wrap. Though she knew Morgan would grow up knowing her father is a hero for saving this world, she would still yearn for him, especially since they were very close. Are you going home?"

"In a few minutes, yes." What about you?

"Where are you off to, bean?"

"Happy and I are..." she paused, catching her breath. "are going to get cheeseburgers."

"Cheeseburgers, huh?" She pretended that it didn't remind her of Tony to not falter. "How many will you eat?"

The kid thought for a moment, then jutted her four little fingers. "Hm, four!"

Cassandra chuckled. "That's a lot of cheeseburgers."

"Because dad likes cheeseburgers."

And really, there is nothing more innocent than a child.

"Will you always visit me, Auntie Cass?"

A genuine question, which she can easily answer honestly. "Of course I will, darling! I will come here whenever I can! And when you need me!"

"Come on now, Squirt." invited the man in the black suit. "I got permission from your mom to drive us to the nearest fast food restaurant. We must be back here before sunset." The brunette passed the young child to Happy, and as she observed them enter the vehicle, she heard the soft voice of her good friend, Pepper.

"Cassandra," she began to say, exhausted. The Sorceress Supreme could easily tell she was masking her pain very well, just like Paul did for the sake of his child. "Thank you for staying with us these last few days."

Cassandra wrapped her arms around her. "Come on. You guys are family to me now, Pepper. Tony... he was like a brother to me." She was then reminded of Karl Mordo, one of the people she cherished the most in her life and treated like a brother. She remembered him leaving her that day to follow a different and darker path in this life. This world does love taking people away from her. Until when will they be satisfied?

"And he treated you like a younger sister. I still remember the worried face he made after you suddenly went off-grid and no one couldn't find you five years ago. He insisted on being one of the people to search for you that day, and after that, he never kept you far away from him."

The brunette bowed her head.

"Tony..." the strawberry blonde sighed. "He is finally resting. I only hope he is happy wherever he is."

"And I know he is, Pepper. I know he is."

And the two of them embraced, sharing their grief.

"WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, fellow masters, but Master Cassandra Mason deserves to remain as the Sorceress Supreme. Her excellent mastery of magic and vast experience should have been enough qualifications for this position long ago. Not only that, she was instrumental in the victory of our battle against Thanos. Have we all just forgotten that?"

Stephen rose from his seat, his hands clenched into fists, as he spoke with grave deliberation and spasms of irritation.

It had been just four days after the fight against Thanos and Cassandra was still grieving for the loss of her apprentices and her friend. She was also still adjusting to her current reality: that Stephen and everyone she lost five years ago were back. She would wake up in the middle of the night, wondering why the other side of her bed was dipped and warm and then remember that Stephen was there. It also became troubling as she would always search for her fiancé, panicking when she couldn't see him when she woke up in the morning. She was afraid that she was just dreaming all this time.

The fear that was instilled in her was so tremendous that she would grow restless and frantic whenever she failed to see or hear them all. Thankfully, Stephen would assure her that he was present and never going far from her side.

As if that wasn't enough to stress about, the Masters of the Mystic Arts requested a hearing to question the ascension of Cassandra to the position of Sorcerer Supreme. Actually, she knew there were really no qualms with her qualifications; it was just her newly acquired power that was questionable. After all, humans fear what they do not understand.

"With all due respect as well, Master Strange, but who are you to speak in this matter? Do you think we have forgotten that you abandoned your sworn duty to protect the Time Stone? You surrendered the stone to the enemy like some goddamn trophy!"

"I did that to save us all. Will all of us who died be alive again now if I had not done that? I did what was necessary for our survival!"

"You have no shame! No remorse!"

"Enough!" Olivia slammed her hand against the wooden table, the crack resonating across the room and catching everyone's attention. "While it is true, we still have no idea of the extent of Master Mason's capabilities."

"Tsk."

Cassandra nonchalantly gazed over to her mother, whose left eye twitched at the newly reinstated master who clicked his tongue. Head tilting to the side, Olivia bore her icy stare into him and barked with the authority of a woman who was not to be crossed with. Do not interrupt me. Her glare said and the young man quietly shrunk into his seat, as if afraid to invoke her wrath.

The powerful sorceress only chose to observe both sides during the duration of the hearing. She wanted to hear how and why she isn't deserving of the position she inherited after the former Sorcerer Supreme died. Tapping her finger against the table, she leaned her head sideways and adjusted in her seat, still choosing not to say anything for herself.

"As I was about to say before I was interrupted by Master Alistair, a demotion is a far too drastic of an action to take. Cassandra is the Sorcerer Supreme's Guardian. You all know very well of the prophecy-"

"Forgive us, Master Mason, but you have said it yourself, we still have no extent of Master Mason's capabilities." Another master rose to his feet, glancing at the gathered authorities. Master Khan, one of the masters who was revived, and known for being strict upon the ways of the mystic arts, opened his palms as if to prove a point.

"Yes, she may be the prophesied Guardian, but she is not immune from the darkness of that new power. You know that we have always been taught to never indulge in the Dark Arts." He reminded them all. "After the Ancient One, we have all agreed to never let another young master with almost boundless potential in the Dark Arts to become Earth's chief mystical protector or any of our future masters to be involved in such dangerous magic. Who knows what destruction she might bring to Kamar-Taj again?"

"Masters, I implore you to reconsider. If there is anyone of us here who must be our leader and this world's Sorcerer Supreme, it is Master Cassandra Mason."

"The question remains, Master Wong. She had been corrupted once before. Who can say it won't happen again?"

"You speak as if my daughter is a threat."

Master Khan lifted an eyebrow. "Is she not?"

Stephen rolled his eyes, "Unbelievable." Then turned to the oldest follower of the magical arts for assistance. "Master Hamir, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Cassandra as well glanced at him. His opinion greatly mattered to her more than anyone else in this room at the moment. He was the Ancient One's first student and knew her very well. He was already here, training others when she was born. "The Ancient One would have approved of her best student becoming the Sorcerer Supreme."

"Madness, I say! The source of her new magic is the problem here! The reason for this hearing!" bellowed Master Alistair, an edge of impatience creeping into their tone. His jaw thrust forward with indignation. "Not until we know the range of her capabilities, she must be put under strict observation! Don't you all agree?"

A click of a tongue and a clacking of high heels on the wooden floor like an old typewriter made Cassandra recognize who had just arrived. "Have you all gone bonkers?" questioned the ever so frank Vesper Lynn. "I really thought highly of this little group of yours, but after hearing all these guy's crap, I'm just terribly disappointed. Like after she almost died to save us all, this is how you treat her? By demoting her? What a joke." The blonde stood beside Cassandra's chair. "I'm totally scratching that 'enroll in Kamar-Taj' off my to-do list."

Arms crossed tightly across the chest, Master Alistair spat out his next words between clenched teeth, "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

Vesper looked around her and then pointed to herself. "Me?" She smirked. "I'm... leaving after you chit chat, and you are?"

"This is no place for outsiders like you to barge in and interrupt-"

Vesper yawned. "Boring!"

"Vesper," calmly warned Cassandra, bringing her hands closer to her now.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Returning to the issue, those who wish for Cassandra to be removed should reconsider— "

Cassandra waved her hand dismissively. "There is no need for that, Wong," finally expressed by the woman, standing up and her voice stern with no vestige of sympathy in its hardness. "I will step down from my position today. I am after all born and forged to be the Guardian, not the Sorcerer Supreme."

Silence.

"I understand your concern, masters. I have no reason to hide the fact that I have been corrupted years ago by Dormammu because I was a vulnerable child at that time, consumed by selfishness and greed." expounded apathetically by the lady. Her normally bright eyes were dull and withdrawn from her enervation. "This new power I have acquired shall be subject to observation so we can all use this for good and be aware of its dangers. I only request that I remain as the Sorcerer Supreme until the welcoming of the new recruits. I shall also appoint my successor that day as well."

Taking a sharp breath, she gave them all a nod and let her feet sweep her away from the crowded Sanctum Sanctorum, but not before, releasing a final statement, "You all should know that my loyalty remains here until the end. I vowed to serve and protect the Sorcerer Supreme and this world with my life. If I have to break the rules to uphold this sworn duty of mine, I will. None of you will be able to stop me. Dismissed."

A slow clap emerged from the shadows of the hallway as she left and there stood Vesper, eyes wide with newfound reverence and lips curled into a grin. "Handled like a goddamn boss! Got chills from that!"

"Hi, Vesper!" greeted the brunette, her purple robes flowing gracefully against the wooden floor. "So, you said in your text, you're going on a trip?"

"Yeah."

"On-world or off-world?"

"Off. I have already explored this world in the last five years. Revisited some places I know and got to see new things. It will forever be my home, but I don't think I have any more reason to stay." reasoned the blonde. "I feel like I'm meant to explore the big space out there, you know. Find my own adventure."

"You're not going with Peter Quill and his crew?"

"No. I will only accompany him in dropping off Thor and then we go our separate ways on planet Contraxia."

Cassandra then paused in her tracks, feeling a bit lonely. Most of the friends she made in the last five years were going to find their own paths or complete some unfinished business. Nothing lasts forever. Alona accompanied Bruce on the island she made for him, leaving Cassandra with a conch as a souvenir and to be used to call her if ever she finds herself in a dire situation. Apollos was finally in France, finishing the renovation of his and Natasha's cottage. And now, Vesper is now going to explore the vast space. All she could do is smile at this point. She didn't want them to leave, but they also had their own lives, their own decisions to make, their own purposes and happiness to pursue. "Alright, then I wish you all the best in your adventure, Vesper."

"Come on, Cass. We will see each other again, I know that. There will be a reason. Something tells me this isn't the end." Vesper looked ahead of the horizon, seemingly all-knowing. "That Thanos isn't the only threat out there. Now that we have proven we can protect Earth, other worlds and beings out there will perceive us as a threat. They will come for us."

"And we will be here to fight them all off."

"Don't work yourself too hard, Cass. Not all battles are yours to fight."

"Got it."

"Hey," soothed Vesper, embracing her suddenly. "Don't blame yourself too much, alright? Take care of yourself. Lots of people here still need you. Protect your family."

"I'll miss you, you dumbass."

"I'll miss you as well, dumbass number two." beamed the half-Celestial just as they heard a beep coming from a phone. "And that's my idiot brother. See ya again later, babes!"

The two bid their goodbyes and Cassandra found herself strolling aimlessly around the streets of Kathmandu with a heavy heart. Brushing her hair back and releasing a large huff of breath, she tied her hair into a ponytail and headed towards her bedroom; her mind set into sleeping out the rest of the day. Her attention peaked when she heard a rush of water stop inside the bathroom. Dressed in dark sweatpants and a gray shirt, a very familiar tall, lean man emerged. His hand wrapped with a towel around

When will she get used to the fact that he was finally back?

"Oh, Cassie, hey,"

"Stephen,"

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Oh, uh, I think I'm coming down with a fever."

Stephen tossed his towel on their bed and instantly stepped into her way, blocking her path. Wordlessly, he placed his palm flat on her damp forehead and her neck. A gesture doctors do to check one's temperature. He hummed, "In my professional opinion, Miss Mason, you don't have a fever. But, do you feel dizzy? Or nauseated?"

"No." She spun around her heel, catching a waft of his cologne. It made her dizzy as memories came pouring in like floods. It was overwhelming.

Suddenly, she felt Stephen's arms wrap around her shoulders and leant his head forward, locking her in place. The brunette stilled, surprised by his action. He was so present, so warm and for the first time after five years, she felt at peace and secure. God only knew how long since she last felt this way.

Cassandra concluded that truly, a back hug has the ability to make a person feel choked up with emotion. It was the feeling of someone standing firm behind her and supporting her in her life. It was the greatest joy the person she loved could give her.

Lifting her hands, she gripped onto Stephen's firm hands and gave them a squeeze. Cassandra tilted her head to give him more room and just let her jaw lay against his arm.

"I'm sorry..." whispered Stephen. "for leaving you all alone. You went through so much pain because of me."

"Stephen," Cassandra exhaled, holding onto Stephen tighter like he would disappear the next minute. "I'm sorry too for how I acted these last few days."

"Why are you saying sorry?"

"It's just, I'm still kind of scared that you are not... real, okay? That this is all just an illusion and when I wake up, you're gone and I'm alone again."

"I'm real, and I'm not going anywhere."

"Don't say it like that." reprimanded Cassandra. She then sighed as a lump built up in her throat, "You know what I learned these past five years? Love and duty will always clash. Because there will come a time where you may have to give me up or I have to give you up for the safety of this world... or universe."

"Cassie,"

"Let's face it, Stephen. That is the price we have to pay for the path we chose. You and I or... one of us will die one day for humanity to see another day. And you know what I hate myself for this? I hate that I'm scared that I'd rather let the world burn just to keep you safe and alive than lose you again."

"So, what are you saying? What do you want us to do?"

The two stayed in their embrace for a few seconds before the brunette spoke again, "I don't know. I'm confused, exhausted, and sad. But," she swallowed, choosing to continue her words. "All I know is that I'm just grateful you came back to me."

Silence. A very terrifying silence came next between them.

"You should know... that whatever you decide to do in the future, I will be on your side and I will support you."

"Even if it may hurt you?"

"Even if it may hurt me."

With that, she turned around and enveloped Stephen in a hug. Her arms now circled around his waist. She leant her ear against his chest, calming herself by hearing the steady heartbeat of the person she loved.

"What do you feel now?"

She smiled. "I just feel... you."

Almost instantly, there came a tapping against their bedroom door.

"Uh, Master Mason, Master Strange? Wong said you're needed on the grounds."

"What for?"

"He didn't tell me."

She nodded. "Let's go."

The pair crossed the temple in mere minutes; the female wondering what could be so urgent that she and Stephen's assistance was required. Her eyes flickered over to the familiar set of maroon robes not far away. As if running on auto-pilot, she gripped Stephen's hand and dragged him with her to catch up with her friend and mother.

"Wong, you needed our help?"

"Actually, it's the twins who need your help with something urgent. They called me earlier."

The sorceress's heart skipped a beat. "Why? What happened? Is something wrong?"

Her mother answered for him. "We will only know when we get there."

"Then, let's hurry."

"No, no! You're doing it all wrong, you dummy!" whispered furiously by a female as they drew closer to a big behind Kamar-Taj. "Let me get that! There! That's how it should look! Perfect!"

The apple tree's limbs were spread wide as the sun was setting, seemingly so proud of the fruit they had produced and the sweetness each one contained. The apples were more rosy in appearance than they are in the daylight and glow of the fairy lights strung from each branch. It was a colorful celebration of chaos and order, of humble seeds blessed with muck and rain, and of beauty.

Cassandra blinked, flabbergasted by the beautiful setup. "What's going on?"

The twins glanced at each other before spreading their arms high up in the air, presenting their warmest and joyful smiles. "SURPRISE!"

Giddy, Jae-Hyuk snatched a party popper behind him and twisted its bottom. An explosion of colorful confetti rained down on the couple and Cassandra took a step back in surprise.

"What is all this?" Stephen brushed the pieces of paper caught in his hair, slightly amused.

"Uh, Moon-Young and I decided to throw a little party since we weren't able to celebrate mom's birthday..." Jae-Hyuk trailed off, his gaze piercing on Wong who seemed to be making a gesture of 'cut it out!' by slashing his hand across his neck. "Uh, you know what," the young male twin grinned, clapping his hands twice. "Forget what I said! I ramble about a lot of things when I am excited. We actually just wanted to have dinner with you guys, our family! It's just — mom? Are you... crying?"

Cassandra only realized that there was water building up in her eyes until it blurred her vision and her feet wobbled. Stephen was quick to steady, his eyes wide with panic.

"Cassie, Cassie," the former neurosurgeon called her attention. "Are you okay?"

In the same way air builds up in a balloon until it bursts, her feelings created pressure on her and she finally vented out. "Yeah, I'm just so happy." She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, its contact rubbing her mascara off a bit.

Just then, a steady drizzle of rain begins to descend from somber clouds; crystal tears landing silently on the cement grounds. A few of them patterned down on Cassandra's uncovered head and neck, breaking her out of her reverie and she raised her head to gaze around her.

The dark gray cloud was right overhead, causing the green of the trees and bushes to appear brighter and surreal. The world surrounding them seeped with the smell of rain about to fall and thunder about to shake the earth. The wind rustled her hair smelling of the oncoming storm and it was exhilarating.

"Seriously?" seethed Moon-Young at the dark cloudy sky, stomping her foot. "Must it really rain?"

"No!" cried out the younger twin, his face contorted into pain. Jae-Hyuk frantically lunged forward to cover the plates of food displayed on the table. "My masterpieces! My babies!"

"Aish! As if we were trained for this situation," the older twin sighed, twirling her hands to form a mystical sphere that expanded into a shield. "Can't you just make the sun shine again?"

At that, Jae-Hyuk straightened his composure as if he had not just wailed about his 'masterpieces'. He brushed the invisible lints off his pants and shirt. "I can," asserted the young man, chuckling. "But, I'm afraid I must not. The rain may be inconvenient to us right now, but to others, it is a blessing."

Once again, her heartbeat quickened and adrenaline surged through her body.

For a second, Cassandra seized her phone from her pocket, playing whatever song was next to play on her playlist. She stepped out of the protective shield and just kept walking, letting the raindrops touch her. The tempo of Bon Jovi's It's my Life pre-chorus crashed through her head and the rain started to pour harder.

"Cassie! What are you doing?"

She took a deep breath as her hair was soaked and couldn't help releasing it in a laugh. Right now, everything could just be washed away in the rain. Fears, responsibilities, regrets, while the rain fell, nothing else needed to matter.

Pushing her wet hair from her face, she started to dance and sing along to the song. "It's my life and it's now or never! I ain't gonna live forever! I just want to live while I'm alive!"

She must have cut a striking figure whirling and leaping, now on the tips of her sandals like she weighed no more than a sprite, now inches from the puddles, her fingertips slicing through the rain and sending a spray of water for her to dance through in the next second. She reached for empty air and her face clearly showed the pain when my fists closed on nothing.

"Come on, Moon-Young, Jae-Hyuk! Let's dance!"

Taking a few steps, her body weighed nothing for a split second hanging in the air with pointed toes and arched back. Cassandra's feet swept through puddles, sending water flying in the air and drenching her face and hair in the downpour. In her peripheral vision, she saw Moon-Young and Jae-Hyuk joining her in the rain, now dancing to the groove of The Foundation's Build Me Up Buttercup.

Brushing her drenched hair back, she just stayed in the middle of the grounds, listening to the loud music.

So build me up! Buttercup, don't break my heart!

It was then she grasped two hands as she twirled around and stopped to look who it was. Stephen looked back at her, smiling eagerly. She looked to the sky. Then back to him, where he continued to smile, and began to dance on the spot; and she couldn't help herself, but took a step back, and laughed.

"Stephen? What are you doing here?"

"Dancing... with you."

"Aren't you a doctor?" teased Cassandra, her smile reaching her eyes. They were twinkling with mirth. "Shouldn't you be against what I'm doing right now?"

Stephen held her waist, and rocked her back and forth in tune with the beat. But by now, the rain had eased back into a sheet of softly falling rain; more a mist than anything else. Cassandra could not help but notice how he was looking intently into her eyes, and so she stared back. Then, without warning, he twisted his arms around her, and brought her to her face. "Well, right now, this doctor is advising you to do whatever will make you happy because that's all that he wants for you. To smile, to be happy."

There was a light in Cassandra's heart that was missing just yesterday. Right now it was a spark of hope, a ray of sunshine yet to be born, but it was there and she felt it. Perhaps that was optimism, the anticipation of good things to come. It was a feeling she hadn't felt in so long that it felt as foreign as it was welcome.

Everything was perfect today.

WHAT IS HOPE?

Cassandra recalled the Ancient One asking her that question one time during their practice session. She vividly remembered failing to answer the question. She was aware she knew the word, yet she couldn't describe it. She didn't know what words she could use to define hope.

As she grew older and wiser in her years, the Sorceress Supreme understood what hope meant.

Hope — for such a simple word, its meaning is profound. It's that tiny crack of light in the darkness, a piercing ray at the end of the tunnel, a ferocious orgasmic explosion that rains stars across a resigned globe. That one thing that keeps you going when your body and mind wants you to give up. It's the voice in your head that says, "You can do this!" It's that friend who holds your hand and leads you through the darkness.

Hope was the reason why the Ancient One believed she was not a lost cause after Dormammu corrupted her magic. Hope was the reason why Cassandra returned to the mystic arts when she thought she wasn't worthy anymore. Hope was the reason why she believed Stephen would return after Tony told her that they might be able to bring everyone back.

Hope was everything. Hope was life.

It was the reason why she was standing in front of everyone right now in Kamar-Taj.

It beaded on her skin like dew on spring grass. She felt it radiate in to soothe her blood. It seemed to form a rope within her, anchoring her to the chance of a beautiful future. It was like a drop of honey, a field of tulips blooming in the springtime. It was a fresh rain, a whispered promise, a cloudless sky, the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a sentence. And it was the only thing in the world keeping Cassandra afloat.

As she stood in the gathered crowd of new recruits and apprentices, the Guardian found herself at peace. Everything was good today.

"Masters of the Mystic Arts, five years ago, we lost, and among the casualties of that defeat were our families and friends." Cassandra curled her fist, hazy memories of their loss in Titan surfaced in her consciousness. "It has been a difficult time for us. We tried to move on and many of us were able to. But, just a few days ago, a group of heroes found a sliver of hope in the impossible and prevailed at the cost of a great man." swallowed the woman with difficulty. "This is the message I want to leave with you all before I step down today: the courage to hope."

"I feel ashamed to say these words to you all. I immediately felt despair and left my sworn responsibilities when we lost on Titan. But I realized that's what makes us human. Despair. Pain. Loss. They make us hope. Hope for a wonderful tomorrow. Hope for a wonderful future. Hope for a wonderful life."

"It's very easy for us to feel despair, especially when it comes to defeat. But let me tell you something about darkness: for every moment of darkness in the world, there are two moments of light. For every reason to despair there are two reasons to hope. Even when all kinds of obstacles come in our way, masters, let hope be our beacon and our reason to prevail. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!"

A buzz of loud applause clamored from the gathered crowd, their expressions proud and filled with renewed vigor. "I am also here to announce the appointment of the new Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. Masters, apprentices, novices," Cassandra raised her hand. "Our new Sorcerer Supreme, Master Wong!"

Another wave of applause flooded the grounds, some have even shouted in joyful anticipation. Cassandra knew she made the right decision in choosing her best friend as the successor of the title. Other than her and Stephen, he was the only one qualified. His years of experience in the field, mystical prowess and knowledge is equivalent to hers and Stephen. No other person was worthy of the title.

She also knew in advance that if she chose to return the position of Sorcerer Supreme to Stephen, there would be major backlash due to what occurred in Titan. Additionally, she felt like Stephen needed to rest and train again before taking back the responsibilities of Earth's chief mystical protector.

"Hail the new Sorcerer Supreme!"

Hope was not the same as boundless optimism or the notion that everything will work out just fine provided one remains motionless. It is a state of mind and heart that is active. It challenges one to do more than just receive. Work, effort, love, and risk will always be all involved.

"Congratulations, my friend. You deserve this, don't let anyone say otherwise."

"As if I will. Thank you, Cass."

The two longtime friends exchanged hugs and Wong was finally welcomed by the crowd.

The last vestiges of sunlight cast shadows of tangerine and red among the rocks of the clearing. The breeze hummed in quiet harmony bringing with it the damp scent of oncoming night. Birds flicked across the tops of the canopy, silhouettes against a waning glow and the vanishing livid disk on the horizon.

Everything is good again today, Cassandra concluded.

But, until when?

"MUST WE REALLY do this?"

Cassandra slapped her fiancé's shoulder, causing him to flinch in surprise. She grabbed the lapels of his coat and then straightened his tie. His cologne reached her nose, filling her with a sense of security and warmth. "Stop being a grumpy cat. Meg wants us to do this."

Two weeks passed by like a blink of an eye. There was still a lot of work to be done to help everything return to how it was before the devastation, but Cassandra and Wong along with Stephen who was now again their disciple were working hand in hand to accomplish this. So far, they have not yet encountered any threat or problem and the Guardian was grateful for that.

However, just days ago, the family was contacted by various magazine companies, begging for an interview from them. Telling them that their family could be a beacon of hope to the world.

"I just don't see — "

"It's just a photoshoot. You used to do this all the time when you were still a neurosurgeon! You love attention! And you still do!"

"This is different!"

Cassandra cocked an eyebrow. "And how is this any different?"

He sighed. "Look, sweetheart, I just don't want our lives to be constantly open to the public. It's totally okay if it's you and me, but Meg and Theo? I want them to live a life away from this."

"I get it, but Stephen, we're not really saying everything about us. We just — "

"Cassie, they said they need a model superhero family and I know we're the perfect people for that, but I'm just worried for the twins. We're just like that animated film you recommended us all to watch last night."

"The Incredibles?"

"Yeah, that one."

"Okay, so Megara, Theseus..."

Jae-Hyuk enthusiastically raised his hand. "Present!"

"Stephen, and Cassandra..." the photographer trailed off, looking up from his board. His eyes were wide and his lips were curled into 'o' like he was just struck by lightning. "Mason, right?"

"That's me."

"Oh, my God!" exclaimed the man whose hair was peppered with gray. "You look so beautiful in person! The descriptions don't do you justice! I love the color violet on you! It's like the color was made solely for you!" He praised her, glancing at her bold amethyst colored suit.

Cassandra smiled, appreciating the praise and herself for choosing to wear a color that symbolizes her. It brought something out of her, a self-respecting pride and confidence. After thanking him, the photographer clapped his hands in the air. "Alright, Mason-Strange family, position yourselves here," gently urged the photographer just as the family stepped into the studio.

"Alright, so everyone, get closer! And strike any pose! Just do what you're feeling right now! Smile! Laugh! Be quirky! That's it!"

The first flash of the camera blinded Cassandra and she flinched just as hazy visions engulfed her vision. A raspy female voice rang in her ears and it was like she was transported to another place that time. Her surroundings were no longer the studio and her hands could feel the rough grass below her. The brunette could not see past the blur of the person she was talking to, but she could see the faint color of deep red.

She could hear words coming out of her own mouth before realizing it wasn't really her who was talking, but someone else. Was she seeing through the eyes of this person?

"You are not invincible. Even the Darkhold says so: While the Scarlet Witch's power exceeds that of the Sorcerer Supreme, a time will come when the Guardian challenges them to a duel and only one of them lives." recited the female as if from memory. "You need me. You have no idea who you will be dealing with. They are not someone you should take lightly. You're gonna need me."

"If I do..."

"Wait, wait — "

"I know where to find you."

Cassandra tilted her head, racking her brain to recall the information. She knew she had read them before in the Darkhold. How the Guardian and Scarlet Witch's fate were intertwined, that while it is the latter's destiny to rule or destroy the world, it is Cassandra's destiny to fight them. But, who was fated to be the Scarlet Witch now?

Another scene materialized before her eyes and she could see the same blurred woman dressed in burgundy and a head crown in a small cottage with red volatile energy surrounding her. Her next words dripped venom and Cassandra's eye twitched upon hearing them.

"The Guardian..." uttered the female, a strong accent coming off of her tone. "I will kill her. I will kill her if she dares come in my way."

A gasp surfaced out of her lips and jolted her back into reality. It became a wheezing sound interspersed with sudden trembling of her body. She could hear the concerned calls of her name coming from her family, but her mind was only set into one thought:

"Where in the fuck is this Scarlet Witch?"

CASSANDRA MASON WILL RETURN

*happy dance* i did it! i did it! saving grace is finally finished! but no worries, i am absolutely not yet done with my favorite magical family!

thank you so much for staying here until the end! you all are my sources of strength to continue writing. your interactions mean so much to me that sometimes i get sad when it is so low. but that's okay!

other than that, i am also happy that i am expanding this little butterfly effect saga of mine with all these new characters. check out those as well!

see you on legacy of madness, glory days, and the rest of the books in store for this universe!