𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍 — it's over

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 𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐆'𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐃 spurred them into action, each of them pushed forth, and once again, neither of their group had noticed the crumbling of the wall that had sealed away their enemy. Neither sorcerer nor manipulator so much as heard the rumbling of stones that fell to the ground, dewdrops splashing beneath them as they tumbled into a murky puddle.

 Kaecilius' mouth twitched, a single corner pulling upwards in what was either a smile or a snarl. He watched for a small moment, head tilted as his darkened eyes ran over each of four that sprinted as though lives depended on them, and they did. His gaze lingered on Stephen, recalling the glow that had surrounded his obviously shaking hands... And then they landed on the only woman of their little party.

 The one who had yet to tap into the power that had been granted to her. Watching as she tossed meaningless clumps of rock and bundles of bent metal was a disgrace; he knew of what ran through her blood, he knew of the power that made it possible for her to complete such tiny little actions.

 His teeth grit together, grinding for a moment as he watched them continue. Then he struck.

 A shockwave burst from his hands, lifting and shaking the ground that rattled with every flying shard of debris. It rippled in a single wave, rocks and stone shooting here and there until the wave made contact with the quintet.

 Emilia, having not been prepared for such an attack, barely had time to push her hands out to soften her fall; her chin made contact with the ground and a shooting pain split through her already throbbing wound.

 That uncomfortable feeling of stickiness slicked her skin, tinging it an ever darker red whilst dirt and dust seeped into the liquid. A groan fell from her lips and she winced upon flexing her hands; they were scraped on the palm, and the feeling of burning covered them entirely.

 As she shifted, turning her head to her left, her eyes widened and fought against the pain that threatened to flutter them shut. Stephen had fallen with the rest of them.

 The moment the man fell to the ground, his scarred and trembling fingers became splayed out amongst the gravel beneath him; the vibrant glow that once shrouded his hands disappeared.

 Everything was as still as a statue. Buildings that had fought to stand upright were tilted, frozen where they stood. Tumbling bricks and flying metal were suspended in the air as though Emilia had wrapped them in blue and forced them to surrender.

 Bustling people who once chatted and ran with vigour were still. Everything was silent.

 A hearty cough erupted from Emilia's throat as she slowly pushed herself to her knees, her eyes swiftly squeezing shut as the wounds on her knees rubbed against the tarmac of the road. Everything was aching.

 Mordo was the first to stand as he muttered here and there, interrupted by his own groans of pure discomfort. His knuckles were scabbed over, though some fresh crimson blood peaked through his wounds, clawing down his finger. Nonetheless, he offered Emilia his hand.

 She accepted graciously, a small thank you falling from her lips in the form of a tired sigh as she stood on throbbing legs. In turn, Emilia hobbled towards Wong who had lifted himself onto his shaking arms; she repeated Mordo's actions, using all of her strength to pull her friend and mentor to his feet.

 By now, Emilia looked just as she felt. Holes littered the trousers that clung to her legs, there were tears within her robes, fraying ends fluttering in the breeze. The maroon that covered her body was darker in places, most notably on her chest, where the blood from her reopened wound had slipped to.

 Dirt obscured the true colour of her attire, and small pieces of debris were caught in the nest that was her hair. There was a mark on her cheek and a matching one on her forehead. Cuts covered her face, palms and knees.

 "Get up, Stephen." She muttered, her tired body growing closer to the man as she curled and uncurled her sticky hands, ready to offer one to him just as she had to Wong, "We have to keep fighting."

 She wondered where it came from, the determination to fight. But there was a feeling in her gut that pushed her forth, a determination that caused her to simply girt her teeth at the pain that shot from her open wounds and bleeding skin. She ignored the sky, the swirling vortex of periwinkle, navy and emerald, and instead she crouched beside Stephen, a sharp gasp of air lodging in her throat as the wounds on her knees were pried open from the action.

 She had to keep fighting; because for once, maybe she could help people rather than destroy them.

 "You can't fight the inevitable." Kaecilius started, a grim smile plastered on his face as he took in the dishevelled look of the four that opposed him. He cocked his head once more, the glint in his eyes unsettling as she stared at Emilia, "Especially you."

 Emilia's mouth parted, her eyebrows pinching together as uneasiness settled on her chest, threatening to fling her towards the ground she had barely crawled up from. A cold sheen covered her skin, a ghastly contrast to the buildup of hot, grimy sweat that lingered on her from the previous fight.

 His words and menacing stare had dug their blade into her skin, she could feel it pushing through the layers of muscle. What on earth could he have possibly meant by that? Why target her?

 Especially you.

 Those two single words made her feel sick to her stomach... Until Stephen's warm hand rested upon her knee. He had blood trailing from his nose and forehead, each track of red mangled with dirt. Harsh puffs of hot air slipped from his lips as he adjusted against the pain that shot through his body.

 "Isn't it beautiful?" Kaecilius almost whispered, ecstasy lingering on his tongue as he spread his arms wide, eyes cast to the sky, "A world beyond time. Beyond death."

 Stephen looked up, his movement sharp as he frowned to himself. His voice was low, hoarse from the fight, from the dust that lined his throat, "Beyond time?" He muttered, Emilia barely able to catch his words.

 The former surgeon knew there was but one option left. His hand that had found solace and refuge upon Emilia's knee trailed toward his chest, a light touch lingering on the cold Eye of Agamotto. Purple reflected in his cerulean eyes as he stared up at the sky that threatened to tear the city apart brick by brick once again.

 Emilia stumbled backwards as Stephen made a move to stand, his hand hastily grabbing onto her own as he pulled her up alongside him. They shared a small look; utter confusion on Emilia's behalf, and yet determination, and something akin to adoration on Stephens.

 He smiled, it was weak, wobbly and covered in blood, and yet Emilia couldn't help but return it nonetheless.

 Then, he left.

 The scarlet cloak that had so dutifully stayed by Stephen's side, fluttered and rippled as they took off, making an ascent towards the vortex of purple. Stephen's form grew smaller and smaller until finally, he was gone.

 Emilia's shoulders sank, a feeling of utter despair filling her bones as her eyes desperately flickered back and forth, hoping to see that stupid cloak, and that stupid forehead once more. But she didn't. The clouds didn't part, the mass of colours that collided and intertwined continued on as though nothing had happened.

 "He's gone." Kaecilius almost laughed, delighting in the scathing look Emilia sent his way, "Even Strange has left you and surrendered to his power."

 Emilia shook her head. Knotted tendrils of hair that had fallen from her ponytail jostled before becoming lodged in the blood that marred her cheekbone. There wasn't a single bone in her body that believed Kaecilius. Stephen didn't want power; just mere hours ago he'd screamed his voice hoarse at the Ancient One, demanding that he wasn't a master, but a doctor.

 Emilia knew Stephen. She knew the man beneath the shield of arrogance and ego. He did care, he wouldn't have spent countless sleepless nights by her side, soothing her as though his own dreams didn't creep up on him like a monster in the dark. He was good, even the Ancient One knew that.

 He'd come back.

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 By now, Emilia looked just as she felt. Holes littered the trousers that clung to her legs, there were tears within her robes, fraying ends fluttering in the breeze. The maroon that covered her body was darker in places, most notably on her chest, where the blood from her reopened wound had slipped to.

 Dirt obscured the true colour of her attire, and small pieces of debris were caught in the nest that was her hair. There was a mark on her cheek and a matching one on her forehead. Cuts covered her face, palms and knees.

 "Get up Stephen." She muttered, her tired body growing closer to the man as she curled and uncurled her sticky hands, ready to offer one to him just as she had to Wong, "We have to keep fighting."

 She wondered where it came from, the determination to fight. But there was a feeling in her gut that pushed her forth, a determination that caused her to simply girt her teeth at the pain that shot from her open wounds and bleeding skin. She ignored the sky, the swirling vortex of periwinkle, navy and emerald, and instead she crouched beside Stephen, a sharp gasp of air lodging in her throat as the wounds on her knees were pried open from the action.

 She had to keep fighting; because for once, maybe she could help people rather than destroy them.

 "You can't fight the inevitable." Kaecilius started, a grim smile plastered on his face as he took in the dishevelled look of the four that opposed him. He cocked his head once more, the glint in his eyes unsettling as she stared at Emilia, "Especially you."

 Emilia's mouth parted, her eyebrows pinching together as uneasiness settled on her chest, threatening to fling her towards the ground she had barely crawled up from. A cold sheen covered her skin, a ghastly contrast to the buildup of hot, grimy sweat that lingered on her from the previous fight.

 His words and menacing stare had dug their blade into her skin, she could feel it pushing through the layers of muscle. What on earth could he have possibly meant by that? Why target her?

 Especially you.

 Those two single words made her feel sick to her stomach... Until Stephen's warm hand rested upon her knee. He had blood trailing from his nose and forehead, each track of red mangled with dirt. Harsh puffs of hot air slipped from his lips as he adjusted against the pain that shot through his body.

 "Isn't it beautiful?" Kaecilius almost whispered, ecstasy lingering on his tongue as he spread his arms wide, eyes cast to the sky, "A world beyond time. Beyond death."

 Emilia blinked rapidly, her eyes falling from Kaecilius' form as they darted to the scene that silently played out behind him. There was Stephen. His cloak rippled gently behind him, his navy robes smothered in dirt jostled as the air around him lightly blew by, and then he landed, the tiniest noise sounding out beneath his boots.

 Mordo and Wong couldn't contain their audible gasps that parted their lips, and Emilia suddenly felt as though a weight had been torn from her shoulders; Stephen's lips had twitched upwards, just ever so slightly, but enough to quell the worries that itched at her torn and bloodied skin.

 Though, despite the look of a secured win alighting Stephen's face, Emilia couldn't help but catch the way he scanned her. He had done so the moment she filled his vision, but now his eyes were narrowed, almost in curiosity. It made her skin crawl.

 Kaecilius froze, his twitching fingers that itched for immortality stilled by his side as he slowly turned his head, dark eyes boring into Stephens, whilst the former surgeon allowed a smug smile to dust at his lips.

 "What have you done?" Kaecilius muttered, his gaze sour as his features twisted into that of a scowl. Only malice emanated from him, anger falling from him in crashing waves.

 Stephen shrugged a single shoulder as his stare parted from Kaecilius. His cerulean eyes rose to the sky where purple still swirled with viscosity, "I made a bargain."

 A bemused huff slipped from Emilia as she watched the exchange, for once she didn't feel the need to chastise Stephen for the arrogance he portrayed. Each of them followed Stephen's lowering gaze, landing upon Kaecilius' hand. Formerly pale skin that was once slicked with a sheen of sweat and dirt had now been replaced by an ashen grey.

 Kaecilius raised his hands before him, twisting them only to see the dull colour had spread to his palms and wrists, "What is this?"

 "It's everything you've ever wanted," Stephen responded, his arms idle by his side as he scanned Kaecilius and the two followers that still stood dutifully by his side. He knew there was no threat, "Eternal life as part of the one." A short and clipped chuckle was directed towards the three whose skin slowly turned to ash, "You're not going to like it."

 A single beat passed and Emilia finally moved, coming to stand beside the former surgeon who had seemingly solved the issue. Her maroon robes that had certainly seen better days, brushed against Stephens as the two of them, now flanked by both Wong and Mordo, watched their enemies skin slowly part from their bones in flakes of ash.

 Piece by piece, ashes floated further into the sky, conjoining with the swirling light show that eagerly awaited them. Their bodies drifted off, turning into thin, gangly corpses of nothing but flaking dust. Then, they were gone. The almost neon sky, once shrouded with amethyst purple, vibrant green and glowing yellow slowly faded back into the dark night sky that had once been hung above the bustling city of Hong-Kong

 Stephen broke the bout of silence that shrouded themselves and the frozen city with a small shake of his head, "I think he should have stolen the whole book because the warnings... The warnings come after the spells."

 Emilia couldn't quite help the small snort that echoed from her form, her mind casting back to the very day Stephen had been reprimanded for using the Eye of Agamotto for the very first time... Before reading the warnings.

 Her scabbed over knuckles lightly smacked at his arm, eliciting a genuine smile from the man as he looked down at the woman.

 Their lingering stare was broken within mere seconds as a boisterous laugh — one that filled Emilia's heart with utter warmth and delight — sounded out behind them.

 Wong chuckled, his hands braced on his knees as his body shook from the force of his amusement; such a sight, as ever, spurred Emilia on. A light laugh chimed from her lips as she watched Wong fold in on himself, tears building at the corner of his eyes as his laughs turned into throaty wheezes.

 Stephen couldn't quite help himself either, the mere sight of the usually stoic librarian almost crumbling under the weight of his own laughter not only... Somewhat mortified him, but he too couldn't control the shake of his shoulders as a rumbling laugh echoed behind his closed mouth.

 Mordo's face, his expression went unnoticed by the three of them. Disgust almost. The three of them, laughing after a city had almost been levelled after the dark dimension had come to swallow them all whole... After Stephen had broken the laws of nature as they all know it.

 Wong finally managed to clamber back to his upright state, the sparse laughs still slipped free as he swiftly swiped his thumb beneath his clouded eye, plucking the tear that had spilled free during his moment of amusement, "Ah... That was funny."

 Emilia hummed lightly, a large grin stretching at her mouth as she laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, shaking her head at the utter ridiculousness of everything that had happened. She had to admit, the little moment they shared, even if Mordo was still shrouded within the shadows of the night, had brought light back to her.

 Fear had been settled beneath her skin, just as it ever was, but it had festered into a feeling of hopelessness. She had fought with all her might, but the sky had still taunted them from above. The frozen streets and people had reminded her of what would be lost, should they have failed. Now, they could just laugh. It was over, and it was done. The danger was gone.

 Stephen, with lips that were still upturned, finally let his hands alight in the now all-too-familiar green. A single wave was all it took for time to continue to reverse; piece by piece the city, and the Sanctum they had originally planned to defend, came back to life. Then, with a final shake of his hands, the emerald glow faded, and time resumed once again.

 It must have been a sight for the passers-by, to see such people dressed in such clothes, whilst covered head to toe in a mixture of relief, sweat, blood and dirt. They all had no idea of the things that had transpired, of the threat to their lives that had now passed.

 "We did it." Wong finally sighed, wiping his hands against his knees. Dirt fluttered to the ground, mixed with dried blood whilst a bead of sweat fell down his already sodden skin, "We did it."

 He nodded to Emilia, a light smile touching at his usually stoic lips, prompting Emilia to release a light breath, allowing all tension to drain from her body. Fatigue settled in immediately, her eyes were half-lidded and her concentration faded, causing her to teeter on her feet.

 Yet, somehow, Mordo's grave voice and bitter words made her body shoot upright, "Yes. Yes, we did it." His voice was a low grumble, rattling in his throat as he gazed over the city sky, "But we did it by violating the natural law."

 Stephen raised a brow, the single gesture accentuated the disgruntled look upon his face, his lips pulled down at the corners as he spread his arms wide, moving in a small circle as he highlighted the bustling city around them, "Look around you, it's over. We can rest."

 Emilia's head cocked, even if ever so slightly, as her eyes dialled in on Mordo; The Ancient One hadn't been wrong when she had deemed the man rigid and unmovable, and now, with the mixture of rage and disgust that made the lines in his skin more prominent, it was clear that she had also been right in saying that he needed flexibility.

 He needed it, but it was obvious that he neither had nor wanted it.

 Emilia hesitated for a moment before she finally took a step closer to him, falling out of line with Stephen and Wong, the former whose hands twitched as though ready to reach out. Emilia's dirty fingers swiftly tucked a stray, tangled strand of hair behind her ear as she met her old friend's gaze, "... Karl?"

 It was rare for his first name to slip from her lips, for she held him in such high regard that it felt disrespectful; he was a master, but right now, she was speaking to him as a worried friend.

 "Do you truly believe there will be no consequences? No price to pay? We broke our rules, just like her." The venom that coated his tongue as he regarded the Ancient One made Emilia shiver, yet the moment it ceased, her blood began to boil, "The bill comes due. Always."

 The man shook his head, apathy coating his skin as he slowly met each of their eyes, first Wong who held his look, then Stephen who sighed and eventually flicked his sight to Emilia, and then Emilia herself.

 Mordo held her look, and for the very first time since the Ancient One had departed, did Emilia see sadness within his eyes. "I will follow this path no longer."

 His conviction was unrelenting, squared shoulders and a tense jaw carried him forth, his shoulder bumping against Emilia's as he passed. A hand grazed his shoulder, and for a short second, he debated brushing it off to take his leave, without a single glance back.

 But he didn't. He paused, gravel crunching beneath scuffed books as he slowly twisted his head. Dark chocolate eyes bore into Emilia's, he could see just how dull they were.

 She was tired, so incredibly tired.

 It felt as though there was an infestation growing in her gut, the feeling crawling over her skin like tiny little bugs. She had felt the same thing when she had fallen to her knees before her burning childhood home, she had felt the same way in the hospital when the glaring ring of the heart monitor signalled the death of her mentor. Somebody else was leaving her.

 "Mordo." Her voice cracked, shattering like a thin sheen of ice beneath a heavy boot. She swiftly cleared her throat, hoping it'd create some space, hoping it wouldn't close up. She blew out a short breath, "Please don't leave me too."

 Mordo's resolve trembled as he stared into her eyes, watching as tears built, obscuring the emerald green that often glinted, yet now seemed tired, dull. So many months he'd spent getting to know the woman upon her arrival, approaching with a gentle tone and pure intentions. He had seen her pain, the guilt in her eyes, but most of all, he'd seen her capacity for good, and just how much she craved it.

 He had taken to her like a moth to a flame, he took her under his wing and watched as her pieces slowly came together. She'd never be whole again, such tragedy prevented it, but she had grown, and he was proud.

 Watching the way she shifted upon Stephen's arrival... He wanted to chuckle at the mere thought. She had taken the man and treated him just as Mordo had treated her... Though there was a certain difference in the two relationships.

 Mordo could easily say that he saw the young, bright woman as a sister, whilst Emilia saw Stephen as... Well, she didn't even know yet, did she?

 He so deeply wished that things hadn't happened the way they did; if only the Ancient One hadn't become a glutton, a hypocrite... Then perhaps things wouldn't have changed. He'd still be a Master, a mentor, and Emilia would still be a student, a friend.

 But that vision had crumbled, it was nothing but rubble and ashes; their lives were different, and he would play no part in her future, in their future.

 He stepped back, never breaking her stare as the action made her hand fall from his robe. Mordo looked away, finally steeling his resolve, "I'm sorry, Emilia."

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15-11-2021

sorry for no updates recently but it's here now and i hope you all enjoyed it! (there will be a second update either later today, or tomorrow morning)

we have just TWO chapters left for act one. please don't forget to vote, comment and follow; it means the world when i see you all supporting me and this story <3