บท 254: Stephen Strange

John was having a good time listening to music when he heard a knock on the door. The spirit of the house opened the door only to be greeted by a bald woman and Constantine.

"How are you, love? Is John treating you properly?" Constantine spoke. The Ancient One too was surprised to see a spirit inviting them. She had never come before to John's house and even in the Ring.

It was her first time in the Ring. She could feel the magic power of the House of Mysteries and even the Tower of Fate nearby.

"Treats me better than you ever did. Please come in." the spirit spoke in a bland tone.

John, who saw them, invited them near the fireplace. Everybody sat down. The spirit brought tea for the Ancient One and a glass of whisky for Constantine.

"So Kaecilius is dead." the Ancient One said. John looked at her and smiled. The first mission he gave to Constantine was successful. He didn't care about the future anymore.

"That's good. No more Dormmamu." John replied.

"Yes. Then what about Strange?" Ancient One asked.

"What about him? He can still be a magician." John asked, confused.

"You don't understand. Do you? Your medical technology wouldn't allow Strange to take the magical route." the Ancient One spoke.

"Huh. Wait? I actually forgot about that. Fine. If he gets into an accident I will guide him to Kamar Taj. Is that better?" John said as he actually did forget that the medical technology now of Earth was at least a 100 years ahead. Even though the Pokemons haven't been integrated with hospitals, that day wasn't far. That would add more to the medical industry.

"You better do that. Your interference of Kaecilius has already changed a lot. I don't want Strange to go on a different path." the Ancient One said.

"Who are you kidding? Strange is destined to take the magical route no matter what." John said. The Ancient One just shrugged her shoulders to that and drank her tea. She really loved the tea that the spirit made for her. Constantine didn't utter a word as he was enjoying the whisky.

"Is there any chance for Z?" Constantine asked finally.

"There might be." John said as he had other plans for Z. She was way too powerful and was perfect for another person to handle. Even though he would participate in it himself.

The Ancient One left after finishing her tea. John called GAIA and gave her instructions for handling the case of Strange if his case ever came up in the next few days. John now wanted to see if Strange really ever took the path of magician after this massive interference.

Constantine spent some time at his old home before leaving. John too went for his own works. The next few days went like normal and nothing happened of significance.

----

Meanwhile, Strange's path didn't deviate much. It followed the exact course as the original story and was in an accident where the bones of his hands broke. When Strange woke up he saw his hands dangling on bandages. When he saw his hands in such a position and in pain he was in, he had tears. His face too had terrible bruises.

Then he saw Christine Palmer sitting by his side looking at him.

"What happened? What did they do?" Stephen asked.

"It took a long time to find you. You have severe nerve damage. There are steel pins inserted on your hands so that you have the functioning of your hands left." Palmer said.

"Why did they do that? Don't we have the medical pods to operate on that?" Stephen asked with more pain in his voice.

"The Umbrella Corporation refused to give access to you and they left a phone number for you to call when you wake up. Did you ever antagonize them Stephen? They never said no to anybody. You are the first person they said no to." Palmer said.

"I have never done anything wrong to them. I admit that because of them I have become poorer but in no case have I ever complained. Why are they doing this to me?" Stephen asked.

"No idea. Take rest now, call them when you are in a position to make that call. Don't let your arrogance speak over the call Stephen. I have gone through the reports. Only a med pod would be able to save your hands."

"I understand." Stephen said in an annoying tone as he really didn't know why he didn't have access to the med pod.

After 2 days of feeling better, Strange finally called up the number given by the Umbrella Corp. He was hesitant at first as he didn't know who was on the other side of the call.

"Hello, This is Stephen Strange. I was provided a number to call the Umbrella Corp."