#The Dread Dormammu

[heckcareoxytwit]

Doctor Strange tries to fight Dormammu and exorcise him out of the human host but he's too strong for the mage. Since Doctor Strange could not defeat Dormammu without killing the human host, he takes a walk and chats with the Dark Dimension lord instead as a distraction. They spent their whole time chatting until they reach Jean Grey who helps Doctor Strange to exorcise Dormammu out of the human host by using the Mysterium the anti-magic stone.

Doctor Strange v6 #3, 2023

#wednesday spoilers #Doctor Strange #Dr Strange #Stephen Strange #sorcerer supreme #Jean Grey #jean grey summers #X Men #XMen #Dormammu #the dread dormammu #marvel

[alex-leweird]

Dormammu teaching Doyle how to use his flames. Based on an old doodle of an au

#Doyle Dormammu #Dormammu #the dread dormammu #marvel comic #marvel #marvel comics #Strange Academy #Strange Academy finals #Dr Strange #Doctor Strange #faltine

[mister-faltine]

Two crazy theories I thought of after reading "Doctor Strange (2023) #5":

Warning: You're probably going to question my sanity after reading this.

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2 - Clea's new sister is Sofia Strange.

Okay, let's start, for those who don't know who "Sofia Strange" is, she is the daughter of Doctor Strange and Clea in the comics. Well, she was, because she never came back after a single appearance in "Epic Anthology" and we can assume that Marvel "forgot" about her and she never existed on Earth-616. It never happened, no one mentions her (not even Clea), wiped out of existence. BUT... An alternate version of her appeared in "Wastelanders: Doom" last year and was already an adult. That means Marvel hasn't forgotten about her and they still know she was left out on Earth-616.

As for the theory, I started to think it would be "funny" if Umar's new daughter was revealed to be the new Sofia Strange on Earth-616. Yes, you might think I'm hallucinating, but like, if Umar really dies and Clea has to take care of her new sister, then what are the chances of Clea and Stephen naming her "Sofia"? Besides, it looks like this child is going to be Tiboro and Umar's successor, so Clea and Stephen are going to have to teach her magic. And let's face it, Clea and Stephen would be MUCH better parents than Tiboro and Umar, I would give the child 1 year to live, until Tiboro and Umar start killing each other after General Strange is eliminated. Another reason I created this theory, is that I think it's time for Marvel to bring Sofia back and expand this family even further, how can they disappear with her for over a decade? It has so much potential and this is a new chance. And of course, with this new child being created by Clea and Stephen, the bond between them will be stronger than it already is, I will NOT risk the possibility of Marvel ruining this couple again and turning them into "Mary Jane and Peter 2.0". Enough of the love drama, make these two stick together forever and have a child to take care of. If even Dormammu has a son who was born on Earth, then Clea and Stephen will take care of a child, even if it is not their biological daughter.

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1 - Dormammu will kill General Strange.

What? I have to give hope to my favorite villain to do something new in comics, the guy is hungry to kill some mystical being. Anyway, this theory probably isn't "crazy", it's just unlikely, but I'm going to put it here because I want to know what you guys think of the idea.

Look, we know that Stephen and Dormammu are in the middle of a "Cold War", they are not killing each other like they used to and they are in the most possible "peace" they can have. However, one of Dormammu's most interesting lines in the third chapter of "Doctor Strange (2023)" was this:

"When I kill you, you will stay dead."

It went something like that, I don't remember the whole sentence, because I'm too lazy to remember now. Continuing the theory, we already know that Dormammu wants to kill Stephen with all the Flames of the Faltines he has, but he can't, because they are in a Cold War. BUT... Now there's a new version of Stephen Strange who is threatening to kill all the rulers of other dimensions and Umar is one of the targets. Yes, Dormammu said "I'm Out" after the attack started in the last comic, but if there's one target General Strange is going to focus on in the future, it's definitely going to be Dormammu. Even if General Strange couldn't get to him, Dormammu has to know that he might be on General Strange's hit list. So, assuming Stephen and Clea fail to defeat General Strange, who could they ask for help? Dormammu is one of those, because despite the rivalry, Dormammu has to realize what a threat this crazy guy is. Furthermore, I think it would be interesting for Dormammu to "feel something" with Umar's (possible) death, if it happens. I know, Dormammu doesn't seem to care about the rest of the family these days, but anyone who's read "Defenders (2005)" knows that Dormammu still seemed to love his sister. Yes, she betrayed him at the end (again), but I think it's possible there's still a certain "concern" within the character, something that might affect him to go after General Strange. Unlikely, I know, because Marvel... is Marvel, but Jed MacKay has already proven himself to be one of the best writers at Marvel and he is one of the best in the Doctor Strange comics. So I think it's possible for this to happen, just because of Jed MacKay and the line Dormammu said in the third chapter. Dormammu could still say something like this after killing General Strange:

"I told you... When I kill you, you will stay dead."

This would be a moment to remember for Stephen and the readers, because Dormammu is still a threat in Stephen's life. It would be a moment of "relief" for the villain too, because he managed to satisfy (a little) his desire to kill his rival, even though it was an alternative version.

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Okay, no more theories and sorry if my english seems strange, because english is not my main language.

What do you think of the theories? Crazy? Impossible? What did I eat to create them? Did you like it? Comment if you want.

#Marvel #Marvel Comics #Comics #Comic Books #Doctor Strange #Stephen Strange #General Strange #Clea #Clea Strange #Dormammu #The Dread Dormammu #Umar #Sofia Strange #Marvel Heroes #Marvel Villains #Heroes And Villains #Marvel Characters #Comic Characters #Faltine #Sorcerer Supreme #Sorceress Supreme #Master Of The Mystic Arts #Lord Of Chaos #Lord Of Darkness #Earth 616 #Doctor Strange 2023 #Theories #Marvel Theories #Jed MacKay #Pasqual Ferry

[pat1dee]

The Silver Surfer and Dread Dormammu commission by Frank Brunner

#the silver surfer #silver surfer #dormammu #the dread dormammu #commission #frank brunner

[hunkahulkaaburningfudge]

"You are not an aberration, Clea Strange. You are a miracle." 🥹🥹🥹

BUT CLEA, DON'T IGNORE DOYLE! He's not a curse. Poor boy has already been through so much and has Dormammu as a father, he could use a loving cousin.

The sweetest and deadliest family!

And the Faltine family drama continues. They're so unhinged, I love it. I really hope Dormammu gets to meet Donna soon.

Umar is more of a mother to Donna than she ever was with Clea, which isn't saying much. The bar is on the ground with her.

Well, Umar did murder Stephen. "Dreadful" is a kind term.

THEY WANT TO BE PARENTS SO BADLY BUT THEY'RE SCARED

#ReturnOfSofiaStrangeIn2024

Doctor Strange (2023) #11

#stephen strange #doctor strange #clea strange #cleaphen #marvel comics #doctor strange comics #doctor strange 2023 #baby faltine #616 stephen strange #616 clea strange #clea #umar #doyle dormammu

[doctorofmagic]

May 2023 Solicitations: Doctor Strange confirmed appearances

FOOD, DELICIOUS FOOD!!

WARLOCK: REBIRTH #2 (OF 5)

RON MARZ (W) • RON LIM (A/C) • HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY GIL KANE STORMBREAKERS VARIANT COVER BY Lucas Werneck • VARIANT COVER BY PHIL NOTO Adam Warlock has been stripped of his Infinity Gem! But who is the new bearer calling herself Eve? As Adam falls into a coma, Gamora, Pip and Genis-Vell must seek the help of Doctor Strange! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CLOBBERIN' TIME #3 (OF 5)

STEVE SKROCE (W) • STEVE SKROCE (A/C) VARIANT COVER BY DAN PANOSIAN Ben Grimm travels to the Jersey Shore (and beyond) for a Grimm family reunion. Things get even more awkward when Doctor Strange shows up with information about the time-and-space-traveling thief who's been haranguing the THING. Don't miss part three of the greatest THING story ever told, as far as we know… 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

DOCTOR STRANGE #3

Jed MacKay and more! (W) • Pasqual Ferry and tokitokoro (A) Cover by ALEX ROSS • SPIDER-VERSE VARIANT COVER BY MAHMUD ASRAR STORMBREAKERS VARIANT COVER BY ELENA CASAGRANDE SISTER GRIMM AAPI HERITAGE MONTH VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE VARIANT COVER BY RYAN STEGMAN • VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY RYAN STEGMAN A DAY WITH DORMAMMU! Stephen Strange has no short supply of enemies, but none are more fearsome than DORMAMMU…master of the Dark Dimension! When a cult summons the Dreaded Lord to New York, Stephen has to risk everything in order to defeat his most dangerous foe! But is he truly up for the task? Plus, a backup story featuring Doctor Strange and Sister Grimm of the Runaways! 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

--

Ngl, I wasn’t expecting Stephen to show up in an Adam Warlock issue BUT it’s not that ~strange~ since they date back to Infinity Gauntlet and Infinity Watch. I was just surprised, but in a good way!

The team-up with the Thing is also a classic from the Two-in-One old days, which is always nice to see as well!

And lastly... JED MACKAY, YOU YOU YOU YOU!!! *sobs* you're always giving me the best food, how can I ever repay you? 😭😭😭😭

Also Nico and Stephen finally!!! ONE MORE DAUGHTER TO THE LIST LESGOOOOOOO!!

Excellent month. Stephen back to his full force in comics ever since DODS and I couldn’t be happier!

#doctor strange #stephen strange #benjamin grimm #the thing #adam warlock #nico minoru #sister grimm #marvel comics #marvel solicitations

[mightymarvelsuperheroes]

“Wherever the circus came from, it started like this: someone captivated attention by doing what others could not do (...) Making a spectacle of oneself. The body as spectacle is the origin of the circus” (Linda Simon, History of the Circus).

The Dread Dormammu and the Mindless Ones were created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

#the mighty marvel super-heroes #dormammu #the mindless ones #steve ditko #stan lee

[greatghuleh]

The Vishanti tried to make him their warrior, had him fight for them for five thousand years in the War of the Seven Spheres.  

Death has made him her assassin, put a scythe in his hand and dread powers at his command.  Silvered his hair, marking him as her own. 

And yet he is neither warrior nor assassin.

He is, and always will be, a doctor.

And a doctor believes that all can be saved -- abhors the deaths of others, whoever they might be. 

It is perhaps his most infuriating quality.  It is, in large part, why I love him.

Can you imagine what it felt like?  To have been raised in the court of Dormammu, a place where cruelty was currency, where sadism was strength, where viciousness was virtue... and then see a strange Earthman stride in and do everything short of spit in Dormammu’s eye.

An Earthman who pursued not despotism or dominance... but a path of helping others to be better.  Healing them.  Whatever that might mean.  

Who could not love a man like that, whatever other flaws he might have?

#clea #clea strange #doctor strange #stephen strange #dumb magician #otp: we would have been the best #I was trying to find a good image set for this but like I didn't want to cut out one word #its got me nonstop screaming #I love this from Clea's perspective I LOVE THEM

[amagicdoctor]

Strange Academy: Finals just revealed the most anticipated backstory of the entire series. But I would argue there are more pieces of the puzzle to connect. #5 may have introduced Doyle’s mother and with her reveal, gave us some understanding of how Doyle came to be, but I have a feeling that they’re not telling us everything. And worriedly, one can ask: will they ever?

Follow me under the cut where I’ll walk you through some theories around the real story behind Doyle’s ‘family.’ Hey, and grab some tissues, it gets a little sad in the end.

Those who have been with this blog for a while now already know that Doyle is at the very top of my list for favorite Strange Academy characters. I took an immediate liking to him because of his connection to one of Dr. Strange’s most dreaded villains: Dormammu. I love super villain characters much more than I do with heroes, so I initially thought they would create Doyle’s character as some sort of heir to the throne, spelling much trouble for the students and staff of Strange Academy. But even with the marketing (prior to the first series release) setting up Doyle as a big bad, his antagonist days have not come to fruition. And honestly, I don’t mind that at all.

Throughout the beginning of the pilot series, I watched Doyle’s career grow with much interest. But with interest came questions, and one of those questions was one of the biggest 3 year secrets the writers had been hiding: what is Doyle’s true family situation?

Everyone, readers and in-universe characters alike always assumed Doyle was the direct biological descendant of Dormammu. 

(from Strange Academy (2020) #1)

But as we learned in SA: Finals #5, looks can be deceiving. Doyle has a real human mother and father. So he was just a normal human when he was born! He was only reborn as a Faltine-look alike as a side-effect to healing a medical condition he once had as a baby.

That much, we know. We’ve all read the latest issue. And as big of a deal that is, there is something much more important to talk about now that she’s been revealed: Doyle’s mother herself and her backstory (and motives). 

Let’s take a quick step back into the early days of the series. Family (and lineage) became a big deal to the Strange Academy cast when we read the fated “Parent’s Day” issue (see Strange Academy (2020) #9). While many students were able to bring their parent’s to school, we never saw anyone show up for Doyle. Dormammu, we can understand (more on this in a bit), but where was his beloved human mother who was always in his life? I know adults can be busy with whatever, but it sure is interesting that not only has Doyle’s mother not shown up for an important event, but neither has Doyle’s (surrogate) father, Dormammu.

Remember in the first big event of the series when Doyle was killed? Remember how Dr. Voodoo, school headmaster, put his own life in danger to directly ask Dormammu to save his only son and Voodoo was met with rejection? 

While a simple Parent’s Day social event pales in comparison to the priority of a student’s death, neither of Doyle’s ‘parents’ came in to save the day. Or to see if he even recovered following his death on campus. They sure as hell are passive, especially Doyle’s mother since she already saved him from early death once. But what does this all mean?

Dormammu is complicated (we’re gonna get to him in another minute). But his mother.. Maybe you’re asking: does his mother actually care about him? You may say “yes” just on the account of the flashback (which is from her POV only, also problematic when trying to get the full story. Doyle was too young to remember himself. She could have conveniently skipped over something, more on this soon). She did everything she could just to save his life from that inoperable tumor. But that’s exactly the problem. She did everything and went down every path, even the wrong ones.

People become desperate when they’ve hit the wall. To a single mother, alone, raising a child who’s barely even grown out of diapers, you want to do anything for him. Absolutely anything. To cure her son, we saw that she went to traditional help first: the medical doctors, even to a former neurosurgeon who, as we know, went through the desperation of fixing his own disability. But the difference between her and Dr. Strange is, he ended up not going down that dark path: to Dormammu.

Similar to Dr. Strange’s issue though, she did try to find magical fixes, which is OK. This is a story we’ve heard before. But why Dormammu? This is equal in magnitude to selling your soul to a demon, but in this case, she sold her son.

Doyle's mother claimed she went as far as finding a cult that 'worshiped' Dormammu. Yeah, she may have been desperate, but I also feel as though she may have liked that option as well. Listen to me, this may seem like a stretch, but look at the way both Doyle's mother and Dormammu look at Doyle. They look like two consensual parents who are raising a child together. 

They’re both smiling, joyous, happy, proud.

And notice this: Doyle looks a bit older than he does in the earlier parts of the flashback. He could still be a toddler, but he’s not being wrapped up in blankets anymore, some time has obviously passed. Romance or not, there is something deeper, more intimate happening here. And think about it like this: We do not yet know how long this transformation process took when Dormammu ‘healed’ Doyle. If longer than a few days, I could argue there may have been some baby daddy weekend custody situation going on, just so Dormammu can visit and see that his magic is working. 

I’m also not saying it’s too early to ship it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Dormammu revealed that Doyle’s mother was actually his wife. Maybe she has an alternate form too.

I would also like to ask you to think about the cost associated with healing her son. Magic always has costs. And no, Doyle becoming a Faltine-like thing is not a cost, it’s a side effect. I think those can be different. But look, by granting Doyle a new life, does she or her son owe their loyalty to Dormammu now? Doyle could be hiding his allegiance somehow but he’s such a sweetheart I doubt it. Strange Academy is funny with its writing but they would have alluded to him being a potential antagonist a long time ago if this was the next big reveal. His mother on the other hand is a different subject.

Maybe Dormammu felt Doyle could be his next project. He may have been bored. He thinks himself above human lives, so why else would he save a random sick human? Did he possibly fall in love with the woman who summoned him? Does he suddenly have feelings to care for an heir after completely abusing his sister and niece? I find it hard to believe he could have positive feelings about his long-term relationship with a human and her offspring. I don’t like thinking of Dormammu as someone who is capable of having those feelings. His concerns are about his own needs: conquering worlds, ruining lives, beating Dr. Strange. So he may be playing a long game at something else too. Maybe it ties into why he didn’t care enough about Doyle dying at school (or maybe he knew Doyle would survive). Maybe it ties into him seeing Doyle fall in love with a girl who has the potential of revitalizing Doyle into some warrior he prophesied Doyle would become (to take his place perhaps?). This may be why he’s so manipulative of Emily Bright’s development. Dormammu definitely does not care about her, I don’t need to explain that. But why? What does this all add up to? Theories behind Dormammu’s relationship with Emily is a different discussion, and it’ll probably be revealed in #6.

But back to the main subject. Of course, all of this is too soon to tell and I’m eating the hell out of one single page of context, but Doyle’s mother is seriously something else. I know as superhero readers we can get past the initial shock of someone selling their soul to a demon, because of course that happens. But I think it’s so SO important to think about what this really means. I don’t think Doyle is as safe with his mother as they want us to believe.

Lastly, since Doyle had a real human father, it's so weird now seeing him refer to Dormammu as a 'dad.' Is there some kind of affection between the two or three of them (see my earlier points)? Imagine a different scenario really quick: why the hell would a mother allow her son to call a bastard demon their ‘dad?’ In other horror/supernatural pieces of media, due to the power imbalance, the giver of magic/wish is usually called a ‘master.’ Why is it that the mother allows this intimate name calling to continue? Perhaps she actually wants the three of them to be a family. Perhaps Doyle’s mother is lying in the flashback, perhaps she was a member of that Dormammu worshiping cult the entire time and made the ultimate sacrifice–

And now this leaves me to ask something truly vital: what was Doyle's life like prior to Strange Academy? Where did he live? Which of his parents did he live with, if any? 

This, actually, was partially answered during the Strange Academy tie-in for the Death of Doctor Strange event:

Doyle, for whatever reason, was seen temporarily living in a cabin in the woods when Strange Academy closed. I ask you, why would Doyle decide to live by himself– homeless in fact– instead of going back home to the mother who saved his life when he was a child? Back to the human mother who supposedly loves him dearly? The mother who is “the best part” of him (Doyle’s exact words btw!!!).

You know, Doyle has frequently referred to the Dark Dimension as “home,” especially in the above panel. Unless he’s still egging the Mindless One on as he did with Calvin about his connection to Dormammu, we have to believe that Doyle is a regular resident of the Dark Dimension (or at least was, in the past, possible months ago if he has been living homelessly as a regular thing on Earth). Because if someone like Doyle was walking around on Earth, with his magical signature, he would have been been a regular character to the Dr. Strange series. So did his mother and Dormammu lock him away somewhere like they did with Clea when we were first introduced to her? Why? Was it that they only let him out, or somehow he escaped to go live with his mom prior to coming to the academy?

Doyle living with Dormammu (doubt it like a prisoner, he isn’t giving off vibes in that way, but like a Rapunzel situation) is such a worst case scenario and it breaks my heart. Because this leaves us to think about all the times Clea and Stephen have gone into the Dark Dimension to fight Dormammu or Clea being LEADER of the entire Dark Dimension, freeing the Mindless Ones but not her little cousin, and not once did we EVER get a whiff of Doyle. So where was he?? What was he doing? What is really going on here, because the less context we get, the worse Doyle’s real situation is. My heart breaks for him, really.

His real mother is suspect as hell, his SURROGATE father is literally Dormammu (nuff said) and his overall home situation is extremely suspicious!! I hope this overview has raised a few red flags, more than I hope you have already had.

Anyway here’s how Clea adopting Doyle can still win–

#doctor strange #strange academy: finals #doyle dormammu #dormammu #clea strange #marvel comics #earth 616

[docgold13]

365 Marvel Comics Paper Cut-Out SuperHeroes - One Hero, Every Day, All Year…

Back to School Supplemental - The Strange Academy 

The Strange Academy is a special school founded by the Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange following the restoration of magic.  Strange had founded this school so to train young sorcerers of all worlds in the use of sorcery and magical artifacts.

The school employs a diverse ensemble of professors to help the students perfect their abilities.  During their stay at the school, students are allowed to use their magic freely, without worrying about the cost of their spells. In reality, Strange had struck a deal with Hoggoth, in which the magical entity would assure the school unlimited magic, as long as the children were well trained to face an upcoming challenge.

The faculty members have included Dr. Strange himself along with Brother Voodoo, Magik, Shaman, Agatha Harkness, Daimon Hellstrom, Señor Mágico, The Scarlet Witch and many others.  

Some of the noteworthy students at the academy include:

Emily Bright

Young Emily has been gifted with immense magical power evident since her infancy.  The origins of this magical power remains a mystery and it appears as though she may ultimately become the most powerful sorcerer in the multiverse.

Doyle

The illegitimate son of Doctor Strange's arch-enemy the Dread Lord Dormammu.  Doyle possesses many of the same powers as his father but is intent on using these powers for good instead of evil.  Doyle was made privy to a prophesy suggesting that he is destined to become a villain and lead the forces of the Dark Dimension.  This has caused him great anxiety as he has struggled to find some means to evade this destiny.  

Iric

Iric and his twin brother, Alvi, are the sons of the Asgardian mage known as The Enchantress.  They each possess substantial magical abilities and Iric fancies himself as destined to become a hero of Midgard like the Mighty Thor.  

Shaylee

Shaylee hails from Otherworld and she loves to make new friends. Shaylee is a rare human and fairy hybrid, which has caused her family to make sacrifices in order to allow Shaylee to remain with her own kind.

Zoe Laveau

Zoe is the granddaughter of the powerful Voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau. Zoe possesses many of the skills and talents of her grandmother and harbors a terrible secret: she is actually a zombie who utilizes a magical amulet to appear human.  

Toth

The reticent Toth heralds from Weirdworld and is a hybrid whose mother is a Crystal Warrior and his father is a Man-Thing.

Dessy

Dessy, whose full name is ‘Despair’ is a goblin from the realm of Limbo.  She possesses the gift/burden to see things as they truly are.

Gus

Guslaug (or Gus as she prefers to be called) is a Frost Giant from Jotunheim. Loki was recently crowned king of the Frost Giants after War of The Realms event, and he has taken an interest in Guslaug’s abilities, arranging her to become a student at Dr. Starnge’s academy.  It remains unclear whether the young Frost Giant truly possesses magical acumen or if her attending the school is merely an act of mischief on the part of Loki.  

#365 Marvel Comics Heroes #Strange Academy #Back to School Week #cut-outs #paper art

[heckcareoxytwit]

Nico Minoru and Doctor Strange VS Dormammu

Doctor Strange v6 #3, 2023

#wednesday spoilers #Nico Minoru #Runaways #the runaways #Doctor Strange #Dr Strange #Stephen Strange #sorcerer supreme #Dormammu #the dread dormammu #marvel

[alex-leweird]

Another parley day going smoothly

#dormammu #dr strange #doctor strange #stephen strange #the dread dormammu #parley day #marvel #marvel comics #marvel comic #616

[mister-faltine]

TOMORROW... FINALLY! 🔥👄🔥

Cover Artists - Alex Ross, Inhyuk Lee, Ryan Stegman, Mahmud Asrar.

#Alex Ross #Inhyuk Lee #Ryan Stegman #Mahmud Asrar #Doctor Strange #Stephen Strange #Dormammu #The Dread Dormammu #Nico Minoru #Sister Grimm #The Gloom #Marvel #Marvel Comics #Comic Books #Comics #Art #Cover Art #Variant Cover #Comic Art #Comic Book Art #Cover Artist #Comic Book Artist #Marvel Heroes #Marvel Villains #Marvel Characters #Heroes And Villains #Comic Book Characters #Comic Book Heroes #Comic Book Villains #Doctor Strange 2023

[rat-pagi]

Clea Strange, Sorcerer Supreme Redesign, 2022.

I'm mostly a Clea Strange fan by association (i.e., my dear girlfriend got me into her a year ago), yet I do find her to be a very cool character concept--I mean, niece of Dread Dormammu, turned sort of superhero is objectively rad as hell.

So, I ended up reading the run with her as Sorcerer Supreme (again about a year ago) and ended up...not the hugest fan of the new character design?

Clea Strange, Sorceress Supreme. Credit: Marvel Database.

I'm a fan what the artist was doing with the tattered golden gloves, and tbh I do enjoy the color scheme--but the design really strikes me as more reminiscent of Dr. Strange than Clea Strange. On one hand-- I get it, the artist has to work within the constraints of the bright red-and-gold Cloak of Levitation. But still.

More Clea.

More purple.

So this artwork was mostly meant as an experiment to see how I'd approach the redesign. In hindsight, the pose looks a little stiff, and, if I ever re-did it, I would have definitely made the attempt to incorporate the branches from her previous design. But I'm happy with the colors, and the texturing of the piece-- and most importantly, I think it the design does read as Clea.

#clea strange #marvel #digital art #art backlog #clea marvel #clea strange marvel

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel - Chapter 13: We’ve Come to Bargain!

*Cheesy announcer voice* Stephen’s having yet another showdown with the Dread Dormammu! How will he outwit the warlord this time? Stay tuned!

TRIGGER WARNING: Language, scary situations, anxiety

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 13: We’ve Come to Bargain

*We retreat to our quarters.  However, the anxiety is beginning to mount again.  I’m trying to keep my cool, but it’s bubbling back up to the surface.  I take a few slow, deep breaths in an attempt to stay calm.*

Me (to Trix and Prettywitch, nervous):  I know we’re supposed to have faith in Stephen, but this fight is gonna be gnarly.  Like, probably one of the worst ones he’s ever been in since he barely has any backup.  Plus, no do-overs…I…I just don’t know, guys.  I’m trying to stay cool, but this is bad.  I’m not really worried about us, per say.  I’m worried about him and our friends and families.

Trix (trying to be confident): If anyone can do it, it’s Stephen. We’ve done everything we can to help him out including going to Dark Dimension and stealing Dormammu’s shit. Stephen defeated him with the time stone before, but he didn’t have us and he didn’t have all this help. 

Prettywitch: Exactly! The only other thing we could do is maybe siphon our magic power and give it to Stephen temporarily, but I don’t know how much of a boost that’d be to an adept magic user like himself.

*I think this over, still shuffling anxiously.*

Me (nodding quietly):  Anything is better than nothing.  I’m willing to give him as much as I can.  Even if I end up passing out for a while.  Anything that could possibly give him more of an advantage.  I’ll set an alarm for 15 minutes before he’s about to leave so we regain a bit of energy from some food and sleep before giving.  Does this sound reasonable, guys?  *I’m serious.*

Trix: Makes sense to me. If the fight is happening in our home, might as well give him our universe’s magic!

Prettywitch: Wait, really!? Holy shit! I didn’t think you guys would go for it- (She stops herself.) You know what? I’m rambling. I’m in.

*I set my phone alarm and turn it on max volume to make sure we can give energy in time.*

Me:  Then let’s do this.  We’ll have a quick meal and get some rest.  When the alarm rings, we give Stephen everything we can muster.

Trix: Gotcha. *She kinda hesitates* But can we sleep in the same room? I honestly don’t think I’ll go down easily otherwise. 

Me:  That’s fine.  I’m kinda too nervous to decently fall asleep anyway.  Maybe some company will help.  

*We head to the mess hall for a quick bite to eat and then settle into one of our dorm rooms to rest.*

*Meanwhile, Stephen pores over the stolen tomes and analyzes the relics intensely.  He concentrates as hard as he can and occasionally gets help from Wong.  Some of the language is so obscure or arcane that he struggles.  He’s beginning to get frustrated since he has such limited time.  The sorcerer can feel the time crunch getting more and more intense.*

*Clea is also pouring over spellwork, knowing the differences between magic in different dimensions. Still, she can’t help looking over at Stephen from time to time, smiling at how intensely he’s studying. Until she snaps out of it, anyway. Then she goes off to find a relic that may suit her. ANY relic. This is war, afterall.*

Stephen (hissing under his breath):  Even the diagrams in some of these pages make no damn sense…*He’s trying to figure it out, stressing about getting everything ready in time.*

Clea: *She hears Stephen’s frustration and slowly walks over to him.* Stephen? Are you alright?

Stephen (quietly, slowly mounting):  I need to figure this out.  Now.  Otherwise, this is a massive waste of time.  This might be the key to defeating Dormammu and I can’t even decipher a simple diagram!  *He isn’t actually shouting, but the frustration is highly evident in his tone.*  Can you make any sense of this?  *He shows Clea the book, hoping that she might know something.*

Clea: *She skims the book.* Some of this I can make out. *She comes over to his side.* It’s written in very old code used by the Faltines. Some of this was taught to me when I was young, so I should have some idea of how to translate this.

*They begin to make some progress in that particular book, giving them both hope.  Though the next one is written in some extradimensional language that neither of them have any clue about.  Is it even language?  Diagrams?  It’s a confused mish-mash of what is barely even recognizable as script.  Stephen goggles at the new material and cradles his head in his hands.  His head is beginning to hurt.*

Wong (having re-emerged from the sickbay):  Move over, Strange.  Let me see.  *He steps in to help.  Wong manages to get them through more of the seemingly ageless spellbooks.  Though there are still some significant gaps remaining.  They did, at least, get through around 90% of the material.  However, now, they’re all stumped.*

Stephen (grim):  We’re running out of time.  Most of it is useful now, but the most critical parts…*He gives a venomous glare at the baffling whatever-passes-as-texts.  At this point, he’s approaching the end of his rope.  They’re so close to the right material, which makes this even more maddening.  A vein throbs in his temple.*

Wong:  Compose yourself.  We will not get any further if you lose patience.

*Stephen looks at Wong.*

Stephen:  We only have one chance at this and I have to be on the girls’ Earth within 3 hours before Dormammu consumes and destroys everything there.  How can I possibly be calm?!

Clea: *She gets up.* You can be calm. Because you must. You are Doctor Strange, the man who sees all possibilities and outcomes.

*He looks at Clea wearily.*

Stephen (grim):  Not anymore.  I don’t have the Time Stone anymore.  It has been destroyed.  I have limited foresight.  Far more limited without the Stone.  I…am merely along for the ride now, so to speak.  *She can hear the hopelessness starting to seep back in.*

Clea: I wasn’t talking about the stone, Stephen. *She walks towards him slowly.* I thought what you did was brilliant, but it wasn’t the stone that impressed me, it was you. Your bravery, your cleverness, your resolve in the face of an impossible outcome and see it through to the end knowing it might not work. Even knowing the pain it might bring you. That’s the Doctor Strange you are, the Doctor Strange I know exists in you.

*He sighs.*

Stephen (resigned):  Clea, that’s very sweet of you, but your uncle knows all of my tricks from last time.  This was supposed to help me find something new to outwit him…

Clea: And it will! My uncle may be powerful but he is not invincible; there has to be a way we can defeat him.

*He glares back at the stack of books again, as though it had gravely insulted the three of them.*

Clea: *She takes his hands in hers.* Stephen, why don’t we divide the books among ourselves? I’ve seen how fast of a study you are, I have no doubt you will understand the dialect in those books.

Stephen (flatly):  Very well.  We shall divide the books and I will also attempt to apply whatever compatible spells I can to the new relics.  

*They split up the books and get back to work.  It’s an hour-long slog, but Wong, Clea, and Stephen manage to get another 5% of the tomes translated.  There are a dozen or so pages left, but they leave everyone stumped.  The final spells are incomplete despite the group’s best efforts.*

Ancient One (appearing out of nowhere): You’ll find that these last portions were specifically inverted and mirrored then translated as to confuse anyone who wished to do harm to Dormammu finding these works. It is a convoluted system but Dormammu was always a bit of a diva. *she floats closer to the group, frowning at the diagrams* 

Clea: He DID!? *She pouts.* THAT JERK!!!

*Stephen is startled.  Wong seems to have expected her to pull something like this.  Then again, he did know The Ancient One far longer than Stephen.*

Stephen:  So, you can help us translate this?  *He looks at her hopefully.*

Ancient One (smiling at him): Of course. I’m sure between the four of us we can figure this out. Three sorcerer supremes and probably one of the most competent and powerful of the Faltines I have ever heard of.

*He seems to be reassured and the group gets back to work, finally finishing their translation of the books.  They immediately get to enchanting the remaining relics.  It’s arduous work, but it does get done with about half an hour to spare.*

Stephen (grateful to the group of sorcerers):  Thank you.

*Wong nods in acknowledgement and gives a small, approving grunt.*

Clea: It was no problem at all, Stephen. I’m just glad you’re feeling better, now.

Ancient One: Of course. 

*Stephen and Wong get ready for battle.  They hear a distant alarm go off and they soon see the girls jogging over to them.*

Me (panting slightly):  Before you guys leave, here.  Please.  Take our energy since it’s compatible with our universe’s magic.  Any advantage you guys can possibly get.

Stephen (taken aback):  You three planned this again?  This is the second time in a day.  You’ll all lose consciousness.

Me:  We’re willing to do it.  Fainting’s the only real penalty for us here.  So…Are you okay with us donating more of our energy?

Trix: Plus if we’re unconscious here from safely giving you a power boost, we won’t be over there fighting and distracting you because you’re worried. *She smiles sadly at him*

Prettywitch: Yeah. We don’t mind, honestly. Besides, sometimes there’s no other way. You know?

*He looks at us for a while with a mix of concern and gratitude.  There’s also a lot of worry in his face, but he shakes his head slightly, as though banishing it for now.  At least in an attempt to comfort us.*

Stephen:  Very well, but let’s go to the mats over there so you won’t be hurt.

*We make our way to some of the mats still laid out for combat training.  Then, the girls proceed with the ritual and give Stephen as much energy as we can muster before we all pass out.  I’ve pushed so hard that I can’t even astral-project.*

Ancient One: I will guard them while you face Dormammu. There is no safer place for them to be right now, Stephen. Take their willing sacrifices and gifts of concern and save their world.

*Stephen can feel our energy surging into him.  He’s energized and takes The Ancient One’s word to heart.*

Stephen:  Okay.  I will.  *He’s more determined than ever.*

Wong:  Then let us go.  I will open the portal.  Clea, ready?

Clea: *She cracks her knuckles.* I was ready an hour ago. Let’s do this.

*Wong nods and proceeds to open the portal to our world.  The three sorcerers are armed to the teeth and bristling with magical energy.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Our universe’s energy has begun to practically vibrate with the influx of Dark Dimension energy flowing through the rift that Dormammu created.  A rippling fog of reddish-purple magic spills forth and ebbs through the countless ranks of Mindless Ones all standing at attention, awaiting their master’s orders.  In the meantime, there are also numerous platoons of our military forces, complete with tanks, soldiers, and various weaponry; not that they would do any good against such powerful magical enemies.  The tension throughout the scene is palpable, with such a depth of eerie silence that one could hear a fly buzzing from a block away.  Stephen steps forward to confront his old nemesis.*

Stephen (with hardened resolve):  Dormammu, we’ve come to bargain.

*The fog grows, almost appearing like a tornado as it spins and erupts into the sky. Lightning strikes haphazardly and thunder roars as Dormammu appears, nearly as large as Stephen once encountered him. The sky turns green as the weather shifts. The ruler of the Dark Dimension growls, furious at his enemy reappearing when he expected him least.*

Dormammu: We already have a bargain, sorcerer. *The being snarls, reminded of his past failure* I have stuck to the terms of your agreement. 

Stephen (firm):  I’ve come to make an additional bargain.  This world is also protected.

Dormammu: I was merciful once, Strange. I will not be a second time. Tell me, what world might I be allowed to conquer next if you believe yourself powerful enough to command me? *The large face made out of Faltine flames sneers, his entire focus on the Sorcerer Supreme* This universe is but a speck, only just flickering into being. Surely there are more important places you would be more invested in?

Stephen (stone-faced):  I could say the same to you.  Stand down and retreat with your forces back to the Dark Dimension.  Now.

Dormammu (furious): You will not command me, sorcerer. We both know that I can kill you instantly if I so choose. I have granted you mercy once before and I will do so now if you leave and this universe falls under my rule.

Stephen (glaring):  No.

Dormammu (grinning menacingly): So be it then, sorcerer. 

*With a guttural yell, Dormammu commands the mindless ones to advance upon Earth. And shoots a barrage of fireballs at Stephen*

*Wong and Clea immediately spring into action.*

*Wong casts a massive shield, forcing the tide of Mindless Ones back as Clea uses an opposite spell to turn the fireballs into ice sculptures that crash onto the paved road.  The US military forces proceed to open fire on the interdimensional beings, though to no avail.  Instead, Wong works on boxing the entities in while Clea forms several shields around the US military and their vehicles.*

*Stephen quickly casts Shield of the Seraphim, defending himself from the onslaught of fire.*

*Immediately following the fire, familiar crystalline shards begin to shower down on Stephen and everything around him*

*Several stray soldiers fall victim to the shards.  Meanwhile, the Cloak lifts Stephen into the air, both sorcerer and relic remembering the last time where Dormammu used the shards as a distraction before impaling the sorcerer from below.  He then telekinetically stops the crystal shower momentarily before firing them right back at the Dread Dormammu in a volley of chaotic spikes.*

*Dormammu snarls and the shards explode into a conjured shield of flames. While they fight above, more and more mindless ones pour onto earth along with a strange fog similar to Dormammu’s. As it begins to roll over the bodies of the fallen soldiers from Earth, they slowly transform into new Mindless Ones, crawling up and staggering towards their former allies.*

*There are several cries of alarm from the ranks and sounds of gunfire as they attempt to counter what just happened.  Meanwhile, Stephen’s eyes glow green with magic as he builds up a new spell and casts it, with a massive blast radius erupting around him.  The still-forming new Mindless Ones drop down limply as the others begin to slow their advancement, almost freezing in place.  They seem to be almost crippled by whatever previously-unseen spell that Stephen just released.  It creates a veritable traffic jam at the portal, preventing more Mindless Ones from emerging.*

*Dormammu frowns down at the Sorcerer Supreme.*

Dormammu: You…are not supposed to know that spell. *He grows angrier* No matter, even if there was a traitor in my kingdom, they will die knowing that you failed in your latest bargain. You are lacking your infinity stone, sorcerer. Time is not your ally.

*Dormammu launches another attack, the storm growing around him is suddenly absorbed into the mass that is Dormammu. In taking more energy from this universe, he begins to understand the power that this new type of magic brings. He immediately uses the storm to summon tornadoes and harsh thunderstorms, not caring if it takes out his own army as long as it kills Stephen Strange.*

*Several bolts proceed to “go rogue” and begin to strike Dormammu repeatedly.  Then, a booming voice resonates throughout the atmosphere, echoing through to the very souls of the mortals inhabiting this land.*

Voice (enraged):  WHO DARES TO INTRUDE UPON MIDGARD?!

*Our universe’s Thor appears in a massive flash of lightning in front of the various armies.  He looks beyond normal levels of fury.*

Dormammu (confused): You are not a sorcerer, and yet you possess this new magic. Similar to the sorcerer… *Dormammu’s face changes as he comes to a realization and stares down at Stephen* You want this world for yourself and have already taken magic from this place and dare tell me I cannot do so? *Two giant hands made out of fire appear as Dormammu becomes angry enough to start becoming more…hands on. The Dread Dormammu casually smacks Thor out of the air before focusing on Stephen*

*Stephen uses the unexpected distraction to launch a counterattack of his own and uses the Icy Tendrils of Ikthalon to bind Dormammu’s fiery hands together.  He hears Dormammu’s retort, but refuses to give the warlord any potential “fuel” with a response.*

*Meanwhile, Thor goes flying and slams into the ground.  He’s still.  At least for now.*

*Dormammu uses his bound hands to smash into Stephen like a wrecking ball. Meanwhile, the Mindless Ones have finally recovered enough to continue their assault*

*Before the massive hands can hit him, Stephen conjures a protective ball of enormous spikes made of dark energy.  Another “new trick” with a potentially painful result.*

*Dormammu surprisingly reacts with a yell of surprise as the spikes actually harm him. With a glare, the warlord uses the surprise to draw in more ambient energy and dispels the bindings*

Dormammu (enraged): How did you enter my Keep? Who betrayed the Dread Dormammu? I will kill them using the singed and broken remains of your corpse for even considering to defy me.

*Stephen stubbornly remains silent as he works on his next counterspell.*

Clea: I dare, Uncle!

Dormammu (whipping around to face her): Of course. My defiant niece, determined till the end. I have been merciful to your insolence for too long. *He draws back to attack her*

Clea: *She throws up a shield.* Do your worst!

Dormammu (smirking): With pleasure, niece. *He unleashes a large wave of pure energy at Clea as well as her allies to try and drown them out in power*

*Clea holds the wave back, even struggling a bit before throwing it back at her uncle. She takes on her Faltine form and flies towards him, ready to fight.*

*Wong looks at Clea for a second, as though subtly approving of her actions, before resuming his work on corralling the army of Mindless Ones while Dormammu is distracted.*  

*Dormammu decides to cheat and instead absorbs her Faltine energy, using it to throw her crashing into the roof of a nearby house. Luckily she isn’t harmed.*

Clea: You cheat!

Dormammu: It’s not cheating in a real fight, not that you would know, niece. *He begins to absorb more and more ambient energy from this new universe and he begins to shift in color with his flames turning from red, to blue, to white*

*Stephen notices Dormammu drawing in more energy from this world and decides to throw yet another twist.  Remembering the runes from the girls’ time fighting Agatha, he suddenly launches himself in a flight pattern around Dormammu, dredging up massive boulders around the warlord in a seemingly random pattern.  Then, he concentrates and casts the Images of Ikonn.  Each duplicate of Stephen proceeds to carve runes on the boulders, staying on specific sides of them, before a purple aura begins to form a barrier around Dormammu.*

*Meanwhile, on the ground, our Thor is unconscious from Dormammu’s swat. In a burst of green magic, a dark haired figure appears next to the unconscious god. They roll their eyes at Thor before snapping their fingers and the two disappear in another burst of green magic. Dormammu is too focused on Stephen to notice the gods or the forming barrier and continues to try and swipe at him*

*The runes’ barrier fully activates once the inscriptions are complete.  A wall of purple magic encloses the warlord.  Stephen stays slightly out of reach just in case and watches his handiwork and Dormammu intently.*

*The Warlord goes to attack using more fire only to be caught off guard as nothing happens. He tries again and has the same results. After exhausting a number of spells and all of them fail, he snarls and turns to the sorcerer*

Dormammu (angry but almost concerned): WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME, SORCERER?

Stephen:  *He shrugs, but with a cunning expression on his face.*  Surely, nothing so strong as to cause an immensely powerful being such as yourself any pause.  *He sneers.*

*Dormammu roars in rage and the image of Dormammu ripples before turning into smoke that condenses down to a more…human size. This smaller version of Dormammu is still a force to be reckoned with, but around the same height as Stephen. His head and hands are still engulfed in flames but his eyes and mouth are still visible on his face as he glares at the sorcerer*

Dormammu (still angry but trying to be civil): Even without my magic I can defeat you easily, but I will…show restraint and offer you a challenge. No magic, and the winner gets this universe. First to yield loses.

Stephen:  Very well.  I accept your challenge.  The loser will not harm and/or influence anyone and/or anything in this universe by any means, nor will they or any of their allies set foot here again.  Do you accept these terms?

*The warlord studies Stephen for a moment before nodding*

Dormammu: I accept. *He begins to walk, circling around Stephen* Three rounds. You are able to call the end of a round at any time however yielding means the battle is over. Whoever is unable to continue at the end of the third, loses. Summon your weapon.

*Despite his inability to use spells, Dormammu summons a large broadsword made out of Space Shards. He walks a few paces away before turning back to Stephen suddenly with a wide grin on his face*

*Stephen summons and wields the Pincers of Power, a familiar and formidable weapon to Dormammu.  He watches the warlord intently, coolly assessing each move.*

*Dormammu begins to circle the sorcerer, gauging what he thinks Stephen might be able to do. This is truly the first one on one between them on equal footing as it were. Finally, he lunges at Stephen’s back with incredible speed*

*Stephen feels the breeze as Dormammu makes his move and quickly dodges out of the way, giving Dormammu a shove to add to the being’s momentum so he will be thrown off-balance.*

*Dormammu trips ever so slightly but quickly regains balance to launch another jab at him.*

*Stephen dodges and uses Dormammu’s close proximity to trap the warlord’s sword-wielding hand in one of the Pincers.  He starts to twist in an attempt to force Dormammu to drop his weapon.*

*Dormammu uses the momentum to trade the sword to his other free hand and manages to get a swipe in at Stephen as he almost dances out of the hold but is still stuck by the pincer.*

*Stephen grunts in pain, but tries to yank Dormammu with the Pincer.  Failing that, he detaches it and jumps out of reach.  It seems he isn’t as adept at hand-to-hand combat.*

*Dormammu smirks as he gets the first blow. He immediately dives right back into the battle, watching closely for any weaknesses as he begins a flurry of swipes at the sorcerer.*

*Stephen continues to dodge and does his best to stay out of reach.  When he sees a pause in Dormammu’s volley, he bluffs a charge before jumping back again.*

*The warlord grins as he continues to push forward, growing more confident as his opponent keeps retreating. His attacks become quicker as he pushes harder to finish Stephen off quickly.*

*Stephen retreats a bit more before suddenly ducking under Dormammu’s attacking arms and locking a pincer around his opponent’s ankle.  He yanks.  Hard.  All the while, his other hand locks Dormammu’s knee so he cannot steady himself.*

*Dormammu’s eyes widen as he suddenly careens face first into the floor, his momentum getting the best of him after Stephen redirected it. He growls as he attempts to push himself up.*

*Clea sees an entrance and streaks towards her Uncle ready for Round Two.*

Stephen (urgent):  Clea!  The duel!  Go back and help Wong or our agreement will be rendered unusable!

Clea: *She understands and nods.* Right! *She flies back down towards Wong.*

*Wong is currently starting to struggle with holding back the horde of Mindless Ones by himself.  The older sorcerer has used far too much energy for one day and it’s starting to show.*

*While Stephen is distracted by Clea, Dormammu begins to try and shove Stephen off of him to stand*

*Stephen moves his free Pincer up to lock around Dormammu’s wrist as he tries to get up.  While doing this, the sorcerer strategically places his knee right on the base of Dormammu’s neck and applies enough pressure from his bodyweight to prevent the warlord from getting up, but not enough to choke him.  Stephen then detaches the other Pincer from Dormammu’s ankle in the meantime and starts to drag the trapped wrist towards the other.  He’s making a capture move while attempting to hold Dormammu down.*

Dormammu (grunting): You cannot defeat me, sorcerer. I am superior. 

*Stephen is focused on keeping Dormammu down and restraining him to end the fight.  Then, he notices a shift in the ambient energy and looks up at the runes.*

*Hairline fractures are beginning to form along the walls that are engraved with the runes. Dormammu is still struggling against Stephen’s hold, but something is clearly diverting his attention*

Stephen (sneering):  I take it that this duel is no longer one of honor, Dormammu.  *He’s calling the warlord out for his attempt at cheating.*

Dormammu (distracted but smug): Your honor will mean nothing when you are dead and this universe is mine. *He grunts and shimmies, trying to get out of the hold and the cracks on the summoned walls grow larger*

*Stephen tightens his hold and puts more weight on the pressure point he’s using on the base of Dormammu’s neck, both to keep Dormammu down and to cause just enough pain to break his concentration.  Meanwhile, knowing that the runes are all that is keeping the warlord’s powers in check, Stephen has no choice but to focus on maintaining the walls.  It has come down to a battle of pure willpower.*

*Dormammu finally gives up physically struggling and suddenly goes limp before pouring all of his energy into trying to break down the walls. The sudden onslaught is fierce and even Dormammu’s Faltine form begins to flicker out*

*Stephen closes the Pincers of Power on Dormammu’s wrists, binding his hands together behind the warlord’s back.  Then, he fully focuses on the barrier himself.  Thanks to the girls’ energy, he’s still able to resist Dormammu’s attempts.  Though just barely.  He quickly begins to chant another counterspell, to fully activate the Pincers and seal away Dormammu’s ability to cast spells.*

*Finally, finally, with one last weak push at the barriers, Dormammu falls completely limp and his fully depowered*

Dormammu (exhausted but angry): I……yield.

Stephen (firm):  Very well.  Hold to your agreement.  Take back your forces and leave this universe and mine.  Never come back.  You and your allies will not harm and/or influence anyone and/or anything in this universe by any means, nor will you or any of your allies set foot here again.  Do that, and I will release you from the Pincers the moment you fully retreat to your dimension.

*Clea meanwhile, is staring at him starry-eyed. She can’t help thinking he’s wonderful.*

Dormammu (begrudgingly): I will hold to this agreement, sorcerer, so long as I never see you again. *He glares up at Clea* And you, niece, are banished. If you step into my domain, you will be executed for treason. Immediately.

Clea: *She shrugs.* Fine. 

*Stephen silently allows Dormammu to get up and watches him leave, ordering his army to retreat.  He follows the warlord through the portal only to release Dormammu from his restraints before going back to rejoin Wong and Clea, a look of fatigued relief on his face.*

Stephen (genuine, to both of them):  Thank you.

Wong:  It is simply part of our work.  *Though he looks even more drained than Stephen at this point.*

Clea: It was my pleasure. *She looks a bit sad now that her Uncle’s gone.*

*Stephen awkwardly places his hand gently on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.*

Clea: *She looks up and smiles at him, sadly.* Thank you…

Stephen (offering condolences, feeling guilty that he dragged her into this):  …I’m sorry that you were banished.  If you need anything, then I’ll do my best to help you.

Clea: No! Don’t be. I am sad that I can no longer return to my home…But I’m also glad that I helped you, Stephen. 

*Wong nudges Stephen, who was digesting this information.  He silently remembers what it was like being homeless.  Wong’s nudge brings him back to the present.*

Stephen:  …Erm…You could always stay with us at Kamar-Taj.  Otherwise, I have a room in my Sanctum.  Whichever is more comfortable for you.

Wong:  Strange may not be blessed with proper social skills, but he is more than hospitable.  I can assure you that he will see to whatever you may need.  *He subtly gives Stephen a look that says to behave and treat her well.  Stephen meets his mentor’s eyes with a slightly withering expression.*

Clea: I’d like to stay with you if I may, Stephen!...I mean, I do believe I will have access to all types of magic I can learn here. Or even learn to call my friends in the Dark Dimension.

Stephen (awkward, but doing his best to be polite):  Very well.  I will show you around the Sanctum momentarily.  After checking on the girls.

Wong:  I doubt that they will be awake yet.  It seems that they gave all of their remaining energy to you.

*Stephen shifts his weight slightly, concerned.*

Wong (blunt, but reassuring):  We will check on them.  Come on.

*He opens a portal back to Kamar-Taj.*

***To be continued***

#doctor strange fanfiction #doctor strange #doctor strange meta fic #doctor stephen strange #multi author #dr stephen strange #stephen strange #marvel #wong #clea strange #dormammu #clea

[charlottefinn]

Day 31 of 30 Days of Skunktember!

… wait, what? 31 days in September?

By the hefty hooters of Hoggoth! This can only be the work of the time-twisting thaumaturgy of the dread Dormammu himself! I must be off!

(Halloween costume: activated! Me as Doctor Strange, Sorceress Supreme of Tryl'sart, by littlesnowbee!)

#furry art #halloween