4
After spending most of the day collecting, buying material, and food for the Sanctum. Stephen made his way back home. Once he saw the sanctum peak out of the clearing. He saw Patriot, Colonel James’s horse, hitched outside the Sanctum. Why was the colonel here? Stephen quickened his pace.
When he approached the Sanctum, it welcomed him back and opened the doors for him. “Wong! I’m back. The Colonel’s horse was outside so I assume you are accompanying him?” Stephen walked into the next room and turned to find Wong and Colonel James talking in hushed tones. They see that Stephen had entered the room, Wong took his leave and Rhodey piped up at his presence “Colonel.” Stephen greeted. “Doctor.” responded the Colonel. Stephen begins to unload the bags of material and food. “So, what can I help you with? Did Doctor Banner or Thor Odinson send you?” Stephen pondered while observing a jar for later use in the kitchen.
“Actually, neither, that’s what I wanted to discuss, you see-” The Colonel attempted to explain before “His Majesty” or royal pain in the ass in his case interrupted. He heard quite a bit about his people’s ruler and to put it kindly, they were not the greatest of things. “Platypus, you’ve gotta see this. I think Forrest and Company lives here. You know those magicians? The Man of Many Mysteries? I thought you were taking me to see a doctor, not a witches hut.” Tony joked as he began to stretch out his joints by leaning on the Cauldron of the Cosmos. Rhodey shoots Stephen an apologetic and tired look.
“I am a doctor, your majesty, and it’s sorcerer, not witch. Also don’t lean on that.” Stephen snarled. The Cloak slaps Tony’s hand off of his leg, unintentionally hitting him on the ass. He whips around and locks eyes with the doctor.
“I’m going to allow that.. Also it’s Tony or Mr. Stark, anything but this “Your Majesty” Mumbo Jumbo. Tony is just fine.” Tony greeted, holding out his hand for Stephen to shake. Stephen glanced at his hand and slowly removed a hand from behind his back and briefly shook Tony’s hand before immediately retreating it back behind him. Tony cocked a brow at that but didn’t bother to question it.
“Soo, now that I said my name, what’s your name Doc? You sure you’re a doctor and that isn’t a stage name for your little circus act and get-up you got goin’ on here?” Tony quipped. Stephen has to remember to control his breathing, 1, 2, 3 , 4, 5, out. In, 1, 2 ,3, 4, 5, etc.
“No, Stark, I am a doctor. I don’t run a circus. These are robes. I am a sorcerer. I defeat all the events that hold this entire universe and worlds beyond it in sheer danger, so if you are not here for something urgent then I suggest you shut your mouth and have it remain that way.” His baritone voice bounced off the silence of the room.
“Ooh, I don’t know, Doc. When you talk like that I kinda want you to make me.” Tony winked, running his hand over Stephen’s chest where the Cloak drapes. Stephen scoffed and pushed his hand away.
“Now again, Doctor, your name, what is it? What do you do?” Tony pressed. He needed to get to the bottom of this supposed wizard so that he could get back to Peter. Stephen sighed “It’s Strange.” Tony scoffed, he didn’t have time for this.
“Yeah, you’re tellin’ me. Platypus over there said the same thing. My best friend brings me to a supposed wizard’s den claiming that A. You are a doctor. Who is also some supreme, wizard, overlord of all universes with a sentient cape. B. I don’t even know your name. So, I think we are beyond strange at this point, Doc.”
Stephen huffed “Once again, Stark, not a wizard’s den, this is a Sanctum. Second of all, It’s a cloak, not a cape. There's a difference. I am the current Sorcerer Supreme, I was going to be one of the largest heads of helping to pioneer Neurosurgery by Dr William Macewen. He was truly something. But guess what, Stark, not everyone is as fortunate. I was a doctor, the keyword being was because I was in an accident. I am not strange. My name is Strange. Doctor Stephen Strange. So, if there’s anything else you must insist on knowing, please ask away.” Strange stated sternly yet sarcastically, his hands shaking harder in his pockets.
Stephen looked at the ground in shame of his outburst. But he was angry to have his intelligence and skill mocked and questioned. He was ready for it, the “I’m so sorry for you,” “what a loss,” “I’ll be praying for you,” etc. but it never came. Instead, all he got was a look of understanding and “Yikes, seems like you really had a go of it, Doc. At least I know you’re an actual doctor who is likely very ahead of his time. I don’t even know how old you probably are because of you bein’ wizardry and all that jazz.” He approached Stephen with a genuine look of tired understanding. He put a hand on his shoulder “Look, I don’t pity you, I understand a lot more than you may think. I didn’t mean to make it seem as if I was mocking your skill but in my defence, you look as though you are wearing pyjamas.” He gives him a playful smirk to symbolise that he was joking.
“I actually came here regarding my son.” Tony’s demeanour shifted at the mention of his son. “Something is wrong with him and based on a lot of symptoms. I fear it may be Scarlet Fever or something of that sort.” Stephen thought to himself ‘Scarlet Fever in the summer? That’s odd. People don’t normally catch that until the winter, it’s only late summer approaching fall.’ “I see. What are his symptoms?”
“Well his skin is rough and red, like sandpaper. His tongue is a bit swollen, little red dots are all over him, little scabs are all over his forehead, he has two puncture-looking wounds on his hand, and he’s been having a fever too. I don’t know what to do.” Tony sighed. Stephen stood in thought for a moment “Hm. I can check him out if you would like.”
Tony thought to himself ‘he’s a doctor trying to do his job. He is not a threat as far as we know.’ Tony hasn’t had a great experience with magick since Wanda or as most of the kingdom knew her as “The Scarlet Witch.” It would be a quick in and out, hopefully. “Sure, Doc. Just no oogity-boogity stuff, okay? I don’t have a good experience with that stuff.” Stephen gave Rhodey a quick questioning look and then glanced back at Tony. “Sure, Stark. When would you like for me to come over?” Tony thought for a moment. “Um, how about later today, maybe 3-4ish? I got some stuff I need to clear up from the shop.” “I think that is feasible. I’ll talk it over with Wong. We haven’t done much since we haven’t heard from Dr Banner and Odinson lately.”
Tony’s face scrunched in confusion “Wait, as in Bruce Banner? you know Bruce? And Thor? The buff dude with the gold mop on his head? Why haven’t I heard of you before? Rhodey, my dear, are you, Brucey, and Maiden Hair keepin’ things, like the Bleecker Street Magician here, from me?” “It’s not like that, Tones. We just have had matters we’ve needed to take care of.” “Hmm. Fine. But you know I’m gonna harp on you for more details later, right?” Tony smirked. “Wouldn’t doubt it for a second, Tones. Now, I think it’s time we take our leave, what do you think, Tony?” Tony looked at the doctor then back at Rhodey “Uh, yeah, sure. See you at 3:30, Doc.” Stephen led them to the door “Take care, Colonel. Stark.” Stephen bid them both with a nod. Which was met with two nods in return. He watched as Tony tried to hop onto Patriot following Rhodey but clearly struggled, now that was a sight. He chuckled lightly. With the sanctum door shut, the king and Colonel gone, he realised just how quiet the sanctum can get.