Chapter Text
The Ancient One just smile with a twinkle in her eyes and suddenly they are not in Karma-Taj, Stephen blink and try to make out where exactly he is but can’t figure out.
“Let’s look at the world where you die in the crash Stephen”
—-
Stephen feel the Reality shift, He double take to see that everything around then is nothing but blank. He is not sure how that is possible since 1) the infinity stones were nothing more than atoms, 2) how did Ancient one have this much powers. He really is going to faint. Something must have shown on his face as the Ancient One chuckle and explained.
“Goodness Figga lend me some powers”
Stephen raise an eyebrow at that. He of all people knows that no power in this world comes without a price.
“And”
“She ask me to save her son if you agree to come to our Universe”
“Just that”
“You didn’t ask which son”
“Please, if she want to save anyone it could be Loki only since Thor is Odin’s love child and let’s be honest Hella never need anyone’s savings” Stephen sass, while he doesn’t like Loki. it was not because Loki was a Villan or he tried to take over the world. He is just bitter cause he ask for one single day holiday, to rest, and Loki was like it’s my day to shine, and choose that fucking day to invade Earth, he was so busy whole day with surgeries and patching up the injuries, it took them fucking three days to stabilize every single patient. Sue him but he is one of the people who hold grudges.
“Now now Stephen, the Loki in my universe certainly hadn’t done anything”
“Yet”
“Stephen”
Stephen sigh knowing well he can’t argue with Ancient one in that “very well”
“Let’s see now Stephen, How your death affect the universe and multiverse”
Stephen feels it before he watch as their surrounding change. He look down to see that they both are in their astral form.
“Look”
Stephen look at lest where Ancient one is pointing, and a horrifying gasp leave his mouth before he can stop himself. His brain stop working and he ran
He ran toward his home, his Sanctum. While he do love Karm-Taj, New York Sanctum is his home, the home which is full of memories of his life, of his love, his kids.
“The New York Sanctum was destroyed since you were not there to protect it”
Stephen didn’t realise when did the Ancient One came beside him and sat.
“While i could stop Domummu, i wasn’t able to stop Kaecilius attack on the Sanctums”
The scene in front of Stephen change again, he realise after a second that the reality change. And Stephen really wished it didn't because he was never prepared to see the sight again.
In front of him is Wong, his robs bit torn, stained with blood, his eyes open, hollow and lifeless, his mouth a bit open, his surrounding even more terrifying with blood stains everywhere.
“Since you were not there, Mordo walk away and no one was there to save Wong”
Before Stephen could even proceed Wong’s body, and the emotional rollercoaster that is happening inside him. The reality shift again and this time Stephen really wish that this nightmare would end.
As soon as Stephe’s eye fell on what is front of him, dread filled his body, everything feel so cold, his body and mind feel numb, this time his legs gave out without any warning. He felt a hand on his shoulder, the ancient one kneel beside him to support him silently, he want to ask her but no voice is coming out of his mouth. She must have seen something on his face, she answer before he would even think what to ask.
“Tony Stark and Peter Parker died because there was no Stephen Strange to exchange stone for him, or to keep Peter safe, or help him with Mysterio. Since there was no Stephen Strange, there was no stoping Scarlet witch, no one would save America.”
“I…I..”
“It’s ok Stephen, take your time”
“I..I’m still not sure” Stephen lower his head from shame.
“Stephen look at me” Ancient one gently put both her hands on Stephen's face.
“This is the reason you are the best of us. where this world only took from you, you are still willing to protect it even after everything”
“Y-you still have to go back” Stephen is surprise that his mind is still a bit functioning and was able to fom the sentence. Speaking feel to heavy, he cant focus on anything clearly.
“I know, the portal will be open till you make the decision, a gift from One Above All. Whenever you are ready, whatever your answer is just stand in front of the portal and it will do the work”
Stephen nod not trusting himself to speak, the ancient one slowly stood up and place a loving kiss on his forehead.
“I’m proud of the man you became Stephen”
With that Ancient one leaves,
Now he is alone, back in Sanctum, Levi hugging him.
Stephen close his eyes, hoping he could forgot the nightmare which happened.
Somehow the image of a dead Tony Stark and Peter Parker still haunt his in his sleep.