Chapitre 16: Everything Comes with A Price
By the shore, the Domo crashed covering the beach in massive debris. Pieces of the windows have shattered across the disturbed sand. Dark clouds stirred above the sky. The mountains are cracking under the pressure of the Earth. Animals are running to find shelter in fallen trees. The world is going to end. Makkari sped over to the ship to pull out Thena and Phastos unharmed from the wreck. Everyone was accounted for except for one. Sakura summoned her cloak to carry her to Druig caved in under miles of rubble. She sent the cloak to pill him out of the darkness and lay him down in the sand. She kissed him on the lips feeling his breath from his nostrils. Druig is not dead yet, but Sakura has no cosmic power to save him. She flew down to the battlefield in tears next to Phastos, Makkari, and Thena. Sersi is facing everyone when she turned her head to the left to see Ikaris landing on his own two feet in the sand.
"Druig is gone," Ikaris said, "It's over."
Sakura whipped out her daggers and in a calm furious voice responded, "Wherever his soul is now, I will personally make sure you are not far behind."
She throws her golden daggers directly at his face to distract him. Ikaris raised his arm so the armored plates on his wrist took the damage. The daggers bounced right off and struck the sand at his feet disappearing in only seconds. Sakura punches him in the face and snags his thin short hair. She shoves his head on her lifted knee cap and throws him to a rock wall to keep him close to her. Dodging the beams Sakura tries to restrain him in spider webbing. The webs were placed on a timer to shock him a few times.
The volcano erupted destroying itself from the inside out. Heavy burning boulders are catapulted towards the sky landing anywhere between the ocean and the beach where the Eternals are fighting between Domo's rubble. Ikaris directed his attacks to destroy the rocks aiming in his direction. He vaporized as many as needed to keep himself from being crushed by Tiamut's birth. Sakura's cloak flew her up and she shielded them from direct attacks. She formed a large sword and started to slice through them like easy targets. Soaring across the sky to cut through as many as she could before Ikaris could get away from her.
Under the protection of her spells Sakura jumped through portals she created around Ikaris to punch him in multiple directions. Teleporting herself from one part of his body to the next to keep up with his speed by mimicking Makkari.
Ikaris broke free from her punches to grab her by the neck, "Enough!" Throwing her more than ten feet away to beam her with cosmic energy. Her large mystic arts shield protected him from his wrath. If she's not careful, one wrong move will lead to her death. Phastos extended his fists in front of him releasing energy blasts surrounded by cosmic rings. So many of them swarmed Ikaris like the drones creating Elementals. These energy blasts struck him one at a time until he flew out of the way to cosmic blast Phastos during his release of more energy blasts. Thena came to his rescue and shielded the attack to protect him. The beam is growing stronger and brighter by the second as he continues to focus on her shield.
Sakura clenches her stomach pushing herself up off the sand, "I have lost too many people in my life, Ikaris. I can't lose them too."
Toxic smoke clouded the sky in black soot. No more boulders are blasting from within the lava leaking from its entrance point. Only black soot gently falling like snow. Sakura started to cast a spell using her surroundings. She collected volcanic ash through the air and struck Ikaris. He fell over a small pile of rubble covered in ash. Before he could wipe his eyes fast enough to avoid another attack, Thena kicked him once more. The twosome fought at lightning speed to keep up.
"Thena, stop!" Ikaris cried out.
Makkari signed, "I have to help her," She ran to catch Thena after she was thrown by Ikaris. All he knows is cosmic light beams, so Thena was quick to shield again.
Phastos is creating more cosmic rings, "I am building a device now that will keep Ikaris contained. Thena needs to keep him busy long enough for me to build it. Sakura, If he tries to escape you bring him down on his knees."
"With pleasure."
Phastos nodded, "Sorry if I doubted you, it won't happen again."
No amount of punching and kicking will bring Ikaris down on his knees. He lifts his body to the sky, and suddenly out of nowhere a humanoid Deviant strikes his back. They both land on the sand using nothing but fists. Phastos blasted the Deviant to distract him.
"Why are you helping Ikaris?" Thena asked.
"We can't let it absorb our powers." Phastos replied.
The Deviant raised his fist to reveal Gilgamesh's cosmic energy over his fist, "Too late."
"Thena, he's trying to goad you... Don't..." Phastos said.
Sakura nodded to the girls, "Go, we'll deal with Ikaris. Avenge Gilgamesh, and put him in his place. This is your chance, Thena."
Phastos heavily sighed, "Sakura, don't encourage her..."
The women are in agreement on what to do next. Makkari ran around the beast to create a massive dust cloud for Thena to circle him waiting for the proper time to attack. This Deviant managed to spot her exact location in the dust and lifted his foot to make a powerful stomp through the sand releasing a heavy wave of air to knock them out. Makkari is unconscious, so the beast picks her up and begins to suck the energy out of her. Before he finished Phastos blasted him, and he rolled directly into a cave nearby. Thena followed him inside to finish the job.
"Makkari," Sakura cried out to her aide. She held her head in the palm of her hand and tried healing her with the other.
Makkari signed, "I'm okay."
"I'm sorry, I wish I could heal you, but cosmic energy is not my specialty."
"We can heal on our own. It takes time," Makkari signed.
"Does that mean...?"
"Where's Sersi?" Ikaris asked.
"You always underestimate her." Phastos said.
Clenching his teeth Ikaris slowly flew away to try and find Sersi from where he floated. Sakura gently released Makkari from her grip over soft darkened sand. She was ready for the fight of her life watching Ikaris search for the only person left who could stop this emergence from ending the world. She walked below him and clenched her fist preparing to scream as loud as she could to get his attention.
"I'm not finished with you, Ikaris," Sakura said, summoning a long crimson whip band of cyttorak to hold Ikaris by his ankle, and pulling him back down, "I have a beautiful son. I can't allow you to kill him too."
Her thick crimson whip band's strong hold on him dragged Ikaris closer to Phastos. She released her spell to allow her friend to do his worst. Phastos chained him down like a wild animal using his technology. Each metal circle covered a piece of body to hold him down in the sand covered by another strong metal circle to keep Ikaris from moving. Multiple round metal covers his arms and waist and legs as hes trying to escape. His outfit is glowing bright gold from the crevices of the symbols.
Phastos smiled, "I don't know about you, but this is really satisfying right?"
"Let me go, Phastos! I can't let her do this!"
"I've been wanting to clip your wings for a long time, Ikaris!"
Powerful as he once was, the rings covering his body blocked his ability to use cosmic energy to fight temporarily. He screamed and squirmed for help, but no one was going to answer his calls. The earth aggressively shook as he rattled in pain from the restraints. His attempts at using his beams failed multiple times. These powerful rays of lights are now nothing but little sparks coming out of his eyeballs.
"You're just a human," Ikaris cried, "How could you have so much power?"
"I am human. I make mistakes like everyone else. I fell in love with God who wanted to destroy the world just so he could be King because I knew what it felt like to be unwanted. I fell in love with Spider-Man because he knew what it was like to be tossed aside for being weaker than everyone else, and then feeling too weak to fight monsters out of his control. I know what it's like to lose everyone in my life. I fell in love with Doctor Strange because he knows what it's like to barely be able to function with a disability. He knows what it's like to be dragged down because of it. And, Druig... I fell in love with Druig because he doesn't believe in war. He believes in peace, and so do I. Mistakes are what makes us human, but if we can avoid these mistakes then I will do everything in my power to stop them from happening. Because we believe peace doesn't always have to come with a sacrifice."
"You are making a big mistake, human. You don't know what you're doing."
The final earthquake brought the end of the world. A massive head pulled itself out of the ocean floor crying out in a robotic call. The head is gold and fully functioning. Two hands appeared out of the ocean, and you can hear its calls more clearly. Phastos extended his arm to place more restrains around his neck to shove his face in the sand.
"Come on, Sersi... Come on..." Phastos said.
Far away you can hear Tiamut bellowing. Sersi is standing on his hand in front of him forcing herself to make a tough decision. We have to kill it, or else Earth won't survive. Ikaris somehow blasts through his restraints when most of everyone's attention was over the horizon searching for good news. He escapes and flies away to find her. Sakura tried catching him by his ankles once more, but she fell to her knees in pain. It's now or never. Sakura created a round dome over her body with spell markings all over. The ground felt like it was about to collapse under its own weight.
Eternals one after the next joined the UniMind once more, combining all their power to Sersi who stood over Tiamut's palm. She touched his body and slowly froze him to death until the Uni-Mind disconnected the group. All those who floated in the sky covered in cosmic aura returned to normal. Seagulls are soaring by exploring the new sites they've discovered for the first time. Some may even nest themselves on one of many Tiamut's eye sockets. Sakura was still cowering in a fetal position expecting the world to end. She was unable to hear anyone from outside her bubble. Thena knocked on her shield spell watching it fade away to small matter. She pointed up to the sky to see Ikaris fly to the sun. He died refusing to accept what they had done.
"Is it over," Sakura asked.
"For now," Thena replied.
Saving the world felt peaceful. Not a dark cloud in sight. Sersi stepped back on the beach glowing like an angel. Her friends stood amazed by her masterpiece she created even though it cost the Celestials life.
Phastos held her hands, "How did you do that?"
"When I touched Tiamut's palm, I felt energy surging into me. Tiamut joined our Uni-mind."
"I always wondered how we survived the destruction of other planets that we were on. By being connected to the Celestial as it emerged."
Makkari signed, "We became one... even Ikaris and Sprite all because of Tiamut."
"But... why?" Sakura asked.
Behind a natural large dust cloud forming in the distance two figures appeared. The first one who came out was Druig in his armor bloody and defeated. He smiles when he notices her beautiful self. Sakura runs to Druig, and hugs him like she thought she was never going to see him again. Tears ran down her face as Druig tapped his forehead on her head.
"I'm okay, I'm okay," Druig said.
Sprite, also in tears, was not far behind and came out of the dust cloud to see Sersi, "Is he gone?"
Sersi nodded her head to her, "Sprite, I still have energy from the Uni-Mind. I think I can make you human. All the things you said you wanted you can have, but your time will be fleeting and you'll die one day. Are you ready for that?"
Sprite struggled to respond, choking on her own words, "I am."
No one questioned this decision. In fact, everyone just wanted her to be happy. All she ever wanted was to grow up and live a happy life. Sersi reached out her hand palm faced up covered in circular symbols. One gentle touch from Sprite's hand created a stream of light. Her cosmic powers were sucked out like a vacuum then she became human after a blast of light exploded from Sprites body removing her blue suit for the last time. Sprite is no longer Eternal.
"What now?" Phastos asked.
Sersi signed, "Ashram will come after me, but I'm not afraid of him. So when he does I'll be right here waiting for him."
"You should move in with your boyfriend. He really loves you, and there's no reason why you shouldn't. I mean, look at Sakura and Druig." Sprite said.
"Okay, I will. You can go to school and I can visit you from time to time. Kingo can look after you properly this time."
"Ugh, great..." Said Sprite.
Phastos smiled, "I'll stay here too. I just want to see my son grow up. Speaking of kids, what about you Druig?"
"I want to stay here on Earth, but I fear Ashiram's punishment will take me away from her." Druig said.
Makkari signed, "Sersi, what did Ashram say about him building other Eternals?"
"We're not the only ones. If we can travel to other planets and find other Eternals maybe we can save them too."
Makkari signed, "I didn't bond with the people of this planet like you did, so I am more than happy to take the Domo and find other Eternals. We will keep in touch."
"I'll go with you. It's too dangerous to travel alone through space." Thena said.
Druig gently pushes Sakura away from his group to speak in private, "I would love to stay here with you, but I have too many reasons why I shouldn't stay. Go be with Doctor Strange. I know he makes you happy."
"No, you can't leave me... not again. What about our children?"
"I am an Eternal, Sakura. I know my place in the universe now. I'll come back to visit you so often you'll be sick of me, I promise."
Sakura cried in his arms, "You told me this day would come, but I had no idea it would hurt this much. I just got you back..."
"I'm not leaving you. Once I finish saving the universe I will come straight for you."
"When will you be back?"
"I don't know, but I will always love you no matter where I go."
Druig allows himself to cry in her arms and kiss her on the lips. He can smell the warmth of the sun on her skin, and her gentle touch. This may be the last time he sees her he doesn't know. So he holds her like it's the last time. The wind is blowing through their hair. Suits are fluttering in the air. A beautiful moment meant to be enjoyed in the moment.
"I'll give you a couple of weeks to decide, but the decision is up to you." Sersi said.
"Thank you," Druig whispered kissing Sakura forehead. His eyes watered dreaming this would never come.
"Makkari, Thena, you two can stay with me while I fix the Domo." Phastos said.
"Fair enough," Thena replied.
Mystic portals opened to a few different locations around the world. One opened up somewhere on the empty narrow streets of London. Sersi reached out for Sprite's small hands, and brought her through the portal before it closed. The last three stayed behind to repair the Domo together. Only the couple remained on the empty beach covered in debris. All alone watching flocks of birds fly by Tiamuts fingertips.
"So you live in New York now with Doctor Strange."
"It's a long story, unfortunately."
"I am a good listener."
Along the way to New York City she described the whole truth of what she experienced when he had left her. Sakura opened a portal to a quiet side street nearby the Sanctums location, so she had enough time to explain herself. Beginning with leaving the comforts of Norway to help Peter Parker defeat Mysterio in the United Kingdom. Peter decided to teach her more of what he knew about being a superhero in the streets while Sakura trained in the Mystic Arts in the Sanctum at the same time. Only wanting the best for her son, she couldn't bring him in public. His ability to change his physical appearance would terrify the humans. Winter is coming, and she can't hide him forever.
Only a few feet standing in front of the mighty Sanctum guarding the borders to protect the Earth from any mystical threats. Sakura gently touched the door and suddenly the two of them were standing inside the open hall. Snow covered every inch of the floor, and ceilings have sharp icicles. The interior appeared abandoned, but a few Mystic Arts users from Kamar-Taj are shoveling piles of snow to different sections of the building. Sakura transformed her outfit to tight black jeans, and a beautiful orange floral top. A nice thin belt on her waist ties it all together. She transformed Druig to a nice clean bulky black sweatshirt and some bulky black sweatpants.
"Was this Nari's doing?" Druig asked.
"No, the Sanctum has multiple doorways leading to multiple places around the world. Wong accidentally forgot to seal the Siberia doorway."
"Who is Wong?"
Wong stepped out of a portal carrying a small plastic bin full of toys, "How many times must I remind you I am the Sorcerer Supreme, not a babysitter."
"Hey, Wong. Is Nari okay? The Quakes must have startled him..."
"We took shelter in Kamar-Taj. We brought him back thirty minutes ago to take his nap."
"And Stephen?"
"He's taking care of the damages to our home base you and your new friends have created for us."
"The earthquakes were unavoidable. At least stopped the world from being destroyed."
"Yeah, it's not like we've done that already before. I'll be on my way, Stephen should be back sooner or later. I can entrust you with the Sanctum while you have his relic."
"Yes, you can. Thank you, Wong."
"Just don't do anything I won't agree to," Wong said, moving on through a new portal he created. Next second he vanished as did his portal only moments afterwards.
In his Dinosaur onesie, little Nari, is sleeping soundly in his comfortable bed adjusting to life without a crib. A pacifier fell from his tiny lips landing over his fluffy covers. Bundled up in so much warmth his skin is perfectly normal. Druig laid beside him kissing his forehead and keeping him warm. The sun is starting to go down. Sakura's phone buzzed in her pocket. Her screen revealed a picture of Peter and his name. She swiped the button and placed her phone over her cheek when she left the room.
"Hey, Peter, I haven't heard from you in awhile. What's going on?"
"Where have you been? I tried calling you all week to see if you were okay. Doctor Strange said you were in the middle of training, or something."
"I'm sorry, Peter. I barely had any access on my phone where I was, so I didn't bother touching my phone while I was away. I'm back now."
"I'm glad you're okay. That's all that matters to me."
"Did you apply to college yet?"
"As a matter of fact I applied to three. Two back up schools and MIT. I just got the letter in the mail from my backup school. My application was denied because I am Spider-Man. I wish nobody knew."
"I am so sorry, Peter. I hope you get to Boston someday. I really do, Peter."
"Me too. I have to go now, but I will let you know when I get the chance. Again, I'm glad you're back."
"Me too."
She placed her phone back in her pocket to peek in Nari's room to check on them. Both of them are sleeping together peacefully. It's almost like a dream come true. How long would this dream last knowing Stephen is also in the picture. Sakura walked out of the room consumed by thoughts. She only wants what's best for her son. Life isn't a perfect fairy tail. Everyone has flaws, but she had to make a hard choice on what to do. A portal opened in the hallway with Stephen slowly stepping out in his long heavy blue robes. The cloak of levitation floated to his shoulders, happy to see him again.
"You've had a long week I see."
In one swift movement of her hands using her Asgardian magic she revealed the herbs she needed to further help his hands, "I didn't come back empty handed that's for sure."
"Where is he?"
"Wong brought him to bed so he can take a nap before I arrived here."
"No, the Eternal."
"About that..."
Druig appeared from behind her, "Our ship has been demolished, and so has my home on earth. I'll be gone once our ship is repaired."
Stephen smiled, "Excellent, when?"
"Stephen, we're not doing this now. Nari is asleep and I don't want him to wake up to you two fighting, please." Sakura sighed.
"Fine, if you need me I'll be in Kamar-Taj, but he can't stay here."
"Good luck, sorry to bother you with all this..."
"I know."
In a timely manner his cloak followed him back through the portal directly inside a nearby ancient building's archway. The portal closed shut behind him leaving the couple by themselves in a large spacious hallway. Druig kisses her neck gently than suckles on her hard enough to leave a black bruise. Tasting the scent of floral body spray at each inhale. No one is capable of stopping him now. He spins her around licking her lips and tongue. Sakura was heavily breathing from all this teasing. She heard him whisper in her ear, but couldn't make out what he said. Her mind was too far gone to think about anything else at the moment. No more thoughts only doing what their body desired. A door creaked opened next to them forcing them to stop immediately without hesitation. Little Nari stood there watching them catch their breath.
Druig turned his body away from him to avoid anyone seeing his enlarged crotch. He's leaning his forearm over the wall breathing heavily. Sakura sat on her legs to lean in close to her son. She kissed his pink soft cheeks ever so softly. Nari jumped in his mothers arms to be carried back to bed. When she returns Druig is laying on the floor. Due to a sharp pain brought to him in his abdomen he fell to his knees and collapsed.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm alright, I'm alright."
"You were struck down by Ikaris. It's okay to not feel okay right now. Maybe we should take you back to the Domo."
"I want to stay here with you."
"Druig," Sakura opened a portal to Domo's interior walls, "I'm not going anywhere. Go now and I will be right behind you."
"No, I want to stay here with you."
Sakura had no choice but to comply. She carried him to Nari's bedroom so he could rest. This mortal fear isn't something she's ever had to experience in a long time. A sinking feeling makes her nauseous. She gags and covers her mouth. Clear as day a small woven trash bag wrapped in plastic was in sight. Sakura bolted and released everything she ate in the last twenty four hours. The cloak of levitation came to her rescue and patted her on the back for support. Stephen wasn't too far behind as he also came to help her. He twisted his fingers then his wrists to perform a spell to tie her hair back in a magical hair tie. Her episode only lasted a few minutes. This gave him plenty of time to pick her up and carry her to a small couch by the steps downstairs. Stephen hands her a cup of warm tea and gently warmed soft bread to chew on.
"Can we talk for a moment?"
"Am I in trouble?"
Sakura giggled, "No, of course not. I wanted to apologize for my behavior recently. When I traveled to the southern country I honestly wasn't expecting to meet Druig in Peru. Although, as I recall he did mention to me he lived there. It wasn't my intention to stay with him, and abandon us. You have every right to be mad at me."
"I do, don't I?"
"When Loki died his brother asked me to find someone else and move on. So when he brought Druig to me I wasn't too sure at first, but I do like him. Nari, Peter, and you are the only ones I have left on this planet."
"I understand how you feel. I fell in love with a fellow surgeon of mine. She was an Emergency Doctor at the time. We used to spend time together going to medical seminars, and eating out for dinner."
"What happened?"
"I was enraged when I lost function in both my hands. If I don't have my hands I can no longer be a surgeon. Without my work I felt I had nothing. I took my anger and shoved it in her face."
"You still love her."
"Of course I do, but I fell in love with you, and the rest is history. I understand how you feel. The human brain is the most complicated organ of them all."
"I appreciate the understanding, but I do have to ask because I believe your opinion matters."
"What is it now?"
"Nari wants to see the Domo. So I was thinking Druig could take him for a couple of weeks to give us some time together."
"Are you okay with that?"
"Yes, his experience will be very educational."
"As long as you are fine with that then I will be too."
"Thank you, Stephen."
"We're going to drop him off now, so don't do anything superhero business until I come back."
"Wasn't planning on it," Stephen slowly made his way up the long set of stairs, "I can see why you like him. He's a rebellious child who likes to play God. We both know he's very much like Loki."
"I'm leaving now," Sakura giggled.
Stephen passed Druig who was on his way down holding on to Nari in his arms. They didn't bother to exchange words, but eye contact was exchanged. Druig walked through a portal gently landing Nari on his own two feet wearing his pajamas and fluffy bunny slippers. His eyes widened as he slowly walked down the long echoing hallway. Sakura changed to a less formal attire in a tight black shirt and black jeans. Little Nari found his way to a huge room with a massive red figure in the center made of stone. A large hole where a window once was is plugged with hidden magic. Nothing can penetrate these walls without anyone here knowing about it.
Nari smiled, "Wow, what is that?"
"You have much to learn, Nari," Druig said, holding on to his hand to lead him away from the hazardous area back to the hallway, "For now you should meet others who are like me."
"Like you?"
A big opened room revealed Phastos tinkering with the ship to do his repairs. Thena is playing with swords she found per usual, and exploring the area. Makkari is sitting reading her favorite novels. The three simultaneously ended what they were working on to come to see this sudden welcoming. Phastos was not all that happy to see them again after their most recent encounter.
Nari waved, "Hello."
Phastos dropped his arms to his side, "Hey, what are you doing here? The Domo won't be ready for at least two weeks."
Sakura sighed, "I won't sugar coat our situation. Nari is half human, and half frost giant. Living on Earth will be a struggle for him. So until I find a solution he will have to stay here."
Makkari signed, "I thought Loki was Asgardian?"
"Odin stole Loki from the planet called Jotunheim where he was at war with the frost giants who inhabited the planet. As he made a peace treaty with the king he stole his son to assure they would never go to war again."
Phastos rubbed his forehead, "Speaking of trauma, how afraid should we be?"
"He is no threat without his casket of winters. The casket was destroyed when Asgard fell. The cold won't bother him, and if he touches winter his skin turns blue and his eyes turn a dark red."
Druig lifted Nari in his arms, "I agreed to stay here with him to care for him."
"That's very kind of you, Druig." Phastos said.
"Nari is more than welcome here," Thena said with a bright smile across her face, "and so are you, Sakura."
"Thank you." Sakura replied.
"Cool," Nari shouted and ran off to explore on his own.
Sakura followed him, "Nari, don't run off. It's rude to snoop around."
These black walls are so dark you can't see where you step. No room has a door, only a doorway. You have to enter a room to find out what truly lives inside. Somehow she stumbled through passageways to find Nari sitting on a futon bed holding a picture in a small desk frame. She sat beside him and gently kissed his forehead. The photo is of both Sakura and Druig before the camp was destroyed. He appears to be much happier back then. The room is empty with only a bed and a nightstand. Druig never has more than he really needs. Almost sounds really sad. Nari put the picture back on the night table and leaned over his mother.
"What's the matter?"
"I love you, mom."
"I love you too, sweetie. I honestly couldn't possibly dream of being without you. Remember this is only temporary until I can find out what to do."
"Okay,"
"Anyway, it's late. I'll tuck you in. Druig won't mind if you take his room."
She quickly pulled the covers out from underneath him, and packed him in tight. His head is propped over a nice fluffy pillow. Children are always so perfect at this age. Sakura once more kissed him on the forehead and said her goodbyes before taking off. The Domo has a large interior space despite its odd shape. At the tip of the triangle is a big open space with a small window displaying the world around the Domo. The center of the empty room held the large red Celestial statue in a round lit hole a couple of feet deep. The walls have distinct markings to each Eternal who was placed here to receive their suits. This cold dark room has almost become a tomb for those they've lost. So many memories in only one space. Druig sat inside the circle looking up to Ashram. His eyes watere watching the sunset.
"What's wrong?" Sakura sat beside Druig and rubbed his back between his shoulder blades.
"You've put me in a difficult position. We've killed Tiamut, so Ashiram will come to take us unless we leave Earth to find the other Eternal's."
"What would he do?"
"That I do not have the answers too, but I can only assume the worst. If I leave before he takes us I can come back to see you again when I'm ready to return to Earth. Do you understand?"
"I will miss you."
"Will you stay the night?"
"I promised Stephen I would return before dark."
"The sun has already set."
"I know, but I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you."
"Allow me to care for Nari tonight. Go home and get some rest."
Sakura giggled creating a portal back to the Sanctum, "As you wish, my lord."
Druig smiled giving her a mightly hug before she left,"Goodnight."
Her portal vanished behind her leaving her alone again within the mysteriously large Sanctum. Snow covered everything in white making her home unrecognizable. The staircase has mounds of dirty snow from filthy shoes walking from the upstairs back down. Sakura took one hefty breath and climbed up the stairs to check on Stephen. She found him hovering over the Cauldron of Cosmo's peacefully searching through space for more surprises wearing his warm heavy jacket and sweatpants. The Cauldron displays the universe right at his finger tips.
"You're late."
"I don't believe that I am, why? What does Doctor Stephen Strange have planned for me?"
"No, I've been waiting for you to come home. You look tired."
"It's been a long week."
"Go lay down. I'll join you when I'm done here."
"Goodnight, Stephen."
-end of chapter-
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone