Chapter Text
Wisely, Kaine and the remaining hell hounds had surrendered themselves to Wong. Without that demoness or their former boss barking orders, they would rather chance the Sorcerer Supreme over what little mercy that dragon surely had in store for them. Yet all their pleads and begging for leniency fell on one particular set of deaf ears; not even acknowledging their screams as each one fell through a well placed portal conjured beneath their feet.
"D-dad...?"
It was barely a whisper.
America's hands trembled, ghosting the bloody bandages binding Stephen's wound. Yet that foul, necrotizing stench leaked through the herbs and earthy bog muck. The poison had merely been slowed; not cured.
Neo was beyond exhausted, nearly passing out the moment she tried to heal her friend's wound. From her shoulder, Talon let out a worried hoot, hopping up onto America's.
"I-I'm... sorry... America..." rasped the konderi.
Her familiar attempted as well, as she'd cast many healing spells before. But Neo's exhaustion bled into Talon, thus leaving the owl equally drained.
"Easy, Neo... anything more..." the owl rasped, beak open and breath heavy.
Wong let out a long, drawn out sigh. Quite frankly, he was astounded the konderi was still standing. Must be that whole "dragon" thing. Flying towards the danger and all that. (Oh no, it was Stephen Strange all over again!)
"Well, I shudder to think..."
He watched as her shadow moved independently; Alistair shifting hosts.
"Allow me..."
Well, the painted jacket would need repairs, but at least America wouldn't bleed out as she refused to leave her guardian's side. Rugha stood vigilant, tail flicking slowly behind him. Ever so gently, he would nudge his riders with his snout, his warmth noticeable against cold, trembling skin.
"Neo, dear lass... you know what must be done..." Alistair urged.
Shakily, Neo nodded, tears and smoke stinging her eyes.
"I... I have... done all t-that I -ah!- can for him. Now... it is a place... -rasp- he needs to be taken if he is to live!"
Thankfully, the Cloak of Levitation was an intelligent relic. Neo directed her to carry Stephen up onto Rugha's back. It wasn't ideal, but it would have to do. With a pained groan, the poisoned sorcerer slumped over shiny black scales, weakly grasping a handful of mane.
Honestly, Neo had hoped that the good doctor's first time riding a dragon would have been... well, not this. But it would no doubt be memorable.
"Neo, my dear, I have already made the necessary arrangements," Alistair's shadow mentioned.
Quickly, Neo thanked her patron, running her hand along Talon's soft, if currently dust-rumpled feathers. The owl hooted softly, golden eyes wide, sad, but understanding.
"I will go where you need me, my Neo."
"Stay with Wong, dear friend. You'll be able to help him find us again," Neo instructed, tears stinging her eyes as she gave the raptor a gentle hug.
Thankfully, Wong made no arguments. No huffs, puffs, quips, or pokes and prods. This was serious and he knew it. Instead, he gave a stoic nod, offering his arm for the familiar he'd become rather fond of.
Talon's head turned all the way back, letting out a few sullen hoots as the Cloak of Levitation fiercely clung to her dying master.
"That one will need you..."
She'd known that relic would have to look after him. Sometimes she hated being right.
America, meanwhile, had a strong feeling that she'd be needed; a regular portal wasn't going to cut it. (Wherever it was that Neo needed to take Stephen.)
"Dear girl, if you would be so kind?"
America nearly froze at the voice in her mind, her own shadow moving independently as it mimed the actions of a punch.
"I... I don't know where you want me to go to."
"Nevermind that, I will guide your hand, Miss Chavez," insisted Alistair, his voice straining, "he hasn't much time, dear one..."
Taking in a deep breath and praying to the Vishanti that her powers would not fail her now, the girl pulled back her fist then punched a large, star-shaped portal in the air. Abruptly, her shadow stretched and went inside, the white and blue energy now tinged with green flames. Rugha let out a curious hiss, shifting his stance, pausing to check that Stephen had not fallen off.
"Cheers, mate," Neo said, glancing back to her friend.
Although initially pleased by her success, America shrunk down a little as she scurried past Wong, "Ummmm... s-sorry I... sort of broke Bleeker Street."
Yeah, she wasn't going to be serving her detention at Kamar-Taj tomorrow either, that was for sure!
Truthfully, they all had a hand in this chaotic shit storm. (Okay, mostly Mordo and Riley, but still.)
"None of that matters now, young one," Wong stated, sincerely as he helped the girl up onto Rugha's back, "here, you might need this."
The Sorcerer Supreme slipped a familiar metal object into America's hand; her sling ring!
"I-I thought... Kaine, he-" America stammered, offering Wong a small smile, "Thanks..."
"Like father like daughter. Please, Miss Chavez... save him. Then keep the martyr out of trouble. Ground him if you must, young one."
Okay, that at LEAST got a bit of a laugh out of her.
As with America, Wong assisted Neo as well, even if the konderi princess insisted it was unnecessary.
"Keep them safe, my Rugha," Talon chided.
The dragon gently swung his head around, letting out a deep, rumbling purr as he butted into Wong's hands.
"Best get moving, you big lizard..."
"Dinner reservations! Large party. Under the name Wong," Neo called out, tossing the Sorcerer Supreme an unusual square-shaped coin as she took a rather risky standing position on Rugha's back, behind America and Stephen, "you'll understand in about five minutes."
A few yips and barks, and Rugha roused to attention. In a few graceful movements, the large, serpentine beast was in the air, vanishing through America's unique and exceptionally powerful portal. Once they were through, the portal snapped closed, leaving rubble, dust, and smoke in it's wake.
All he could do now was trust that his friend (and part-time antagonist) would be alright.
* * *
The typical portals forged through the Mystic Arts were steady, calm, reliable. Like stepping off your front porch in the calm, green suburbs one minute, then onto Caribbean sands and warm ocean waves the next. Like an easygoing, trustworthy friend that didn't even ask for gas money.
NOT America's multiversal portals! These things were rough, turbulent, and would chew you up and spit you out wherever like a massive roulette wheel! Or perhaps a slightly less humane meat grinder. Unless of course, one knew what they were doing.
Rugha let out a distressed grunt, the overstimulation of SO many vast and conflicting worlds wheeling overhead. Jungles. Oceans. Cardboard-wait, seriously?! Okay, yeah, cardboard! Exquisite hand drawn animation! You name it, it was there!
"Stay calm, Rugha! Steady on, ol' boy," Neo called out, desperately trying to focus through the onslaught of madness.
America stayed on course, following the trail of green flames Alistair left for her. Truthfully, her multiversal portals had gotten... more user friendly as she practiced, but trips were often more violent when venturing to unknown locations.
"I... I think we're almost there!" America confirmed, pointing ahead.
She leaned over Stephen's body, holding onto him, making sure he didn't slip off the dragon's back in his weakened state.
"Just a little further, dad, then we'll get that poison out of you."
America was putting on a brave face, but the tears peeked at the corners of her eyes. Sobs choked in her throat. She barely even realized when the worlds, no... universes, spiraling around them finally stilled as her star-shaped portal spat them out into an immense cavern. Sounds of rushing water echoed throughout the large space. Waterfalls cascaded down the natural rock formations, flowing into a river below. Clusters of glowing crystals upon stone walls and the floor provided illumination in tones of blues, greens, and pinks, dancing playfully upon the surface of moving water. Perhaps under any other circumstance, America would have stared in wonder at such alien beauty. But not today.
A large peninsula of stone jutted out from the cavern wall, with huge steps at varying sizes going all the way down to the bottom. Waiting near the double doors stood two konderi, dressed in primitive attire, one emphasizing blue and silver, the other red and gold. Towering in front of them was a familiar shape, just with more details. Those piercing, red eyes for one. Oh, and the horns. Sharp horns and claws. Large, leathery wings. The owner of that talking shadow; Doctor Alistair Knarks!
"We made it alright," Neo sighed, with relief once Rugha came to a surprisingly careful and gentle landing, "how's Stephen?" she questioned, worriedly.
America swallowed dryly, feeling the sorcerer's forehead. It was dangerously hot and his breathing was shallow.
"He's been better..."
Huffing out a deep breath, Rugha lowered his body in such a position that the girls would be easily able to slide off his back and onto the large, smooth stone peninsula. Neo gave a few yips and barks, which the two konderi obviously understood as they rushed to Rugha's side.
"He needs to gorge and rest," she instructed, gulping slightly as her patron approached, "easy now, Rugha... The Warrior's time has drawn to a close. Now it is The Healer's turn..."
'Hurry. His strength wanes...' Rugha's voice echoed within Neo's mind, 'the Dragon Keepers will see to my injuries. The sorcerer needs you more than I.'
Quickly, Neo slid from Rugha's back, any second wind having long since petered out. She gave the dragon a few grateful pats before looking up... and up, to her patron.
"D-Doctor Knarks... I-I can explain..."
"Later, dear girl. We have more pressing matters."
In the flesh, Alistair Knarks was even more terrifying; something about the way he wore that stiff, serious-looking lab coat and freaky gas mask. Old, leathery wings partially unfurled. Claws clicking upon stone. Tail flicking and swaying behind him.
An unintentional gasp left America's throat; her entire body trembled looking down at that... mad scientist! (There was no other way to put it! He certainly didn't look like any sort of fairy she knew of!) Then again, perhaps it was time to follow her own multiversal travel advisory. Rule number one...
'You don't know anything!'
"Quickly now," insisted the draconian, snapping America out of her trance.
He motioned for her to slide Stephen over the dragon's neck to help him dismount. Yet the Cloak of Levitation was proving to be a tad hesitant, remaining tightly and protectively wrapped around her sorcerer.
"I know you're worried. I am too. He's here to help Stephen. Neo said he could draw the poison out," pleaded America, gently stroking the Cloak's velvety fabric.
Reluctantly, the relic listened to the girl, gently lifting her injured master from Rugha's back. Carefully, Alistair took Stephen Strange into his arms. America was nearly taken aback! Here was her father figure, looking like a child in the arch fae's arms. Once down from Rugha's back, she realized just how tall this Knarks guy really was!
"It's been more than twenty minutes since he was stabbed," Neo mentioned, her voice shaking even as Rugha gently nudged her towards the doorway.
"We haven't much time. Chop shop, stat!" barked The Mad Doc.
Barely awake and aware, Stephen found himself... worried. That sounded more like a torture chamber than any sort of medical facility. Whatever it was, he would find out shortly.
* * *
Meanwhile...
"What was she talking about?" Wong sighed, to himself as he stared at where the star-shaped portal had once lingered, "Dinner reservations?"
Talon huffed softly, rustling her feathers, "Oh... that's right. You haven't been aligned with us for very long."
Curiously, Wong examined the coin Neo had given to him. Square, not round like a typical coin. Gold, a wolf's face on the front. Engraved on the back were the words, 'When the Enemy is Everywhere, Loyalty is Everything.' Horvians sure held a fondness for family motos and house words. (How very Game of Thrones of them.)
Then again, there was an entire dragon in the street not three minutes ago. And a talking owl perched upon his shoulder. Oh, and the remainder of Neo's zombie hoard just... standing there. Creepily. Awaiting command. (Guess she didn't have time to release them, saving Stephen's life and all that.)
Looking around, it was obvious that just about every building would need a shitload of screen doors and renovations. Although the New York Sanctum remained standing, it did not escape the battle unscathed. Time for the part of the job no one liked to go into; clean up... and dealing with local authorities in the bureaucracy machine.
"Five minutes..." Wong mumbled to himself, already directing the damaged steps to the Sanctum to fix themselves.
Sure enough, once that five minute mark hit, the Sorcerer Supreme turned to survey the damage, mentally calculating how many apprentices' days he would need to ruin, he was met with an alarmingly nondescript man in a neat, tailored suit.
"Good evening, sir. We are with the In and Out Catering Service. My name is Jerry, I will be your matradee tonight."
Wait-where the hell did this guy come from? It was like he just materialized out of this air! Already, the Sorcerer Supreme was on edge... and those sirens in the distance were getting louder.
"Jerry?"
Talon let out an alarmed hoot, quickly chiding in Wong's ear, "It's them! They've arrived."
Huh, so there was more than one! Also dressed to impress but without much else to go off of. Some sort of powerful glamor at work.
"Are you here to confirm your dinner reservations, sir?" asked Jerry, ever polite and professional.
It still wasn't making much sense, but Wong was willing to give Neo the benefit of the doubt.
"Ahem. Yes, Wong. Large party," the Sorcerer Supreme stated, handing over the gold token.
Graciously, Jerry accepted the payment, taking out one of those flat crystal tablets, this one orange, and made a few taps. He turned to the others that were with him, snapping his fingers once. Immediately, the wait staff got to work.
"Thank you, sir. Excellent selection. Please, allow us to show you to your table."
* * *
For as much as Wong would have killed for a tuna melt, this "catering service" had nothing to do with actual food. These were cleaners and repair men; highly professional and discreet. Already, the severe damages to surrounding buildings had been fixed, the authorities were thankfully absent for the time being, and any evidence of demons, dragons, and sorcerers was being scrubbed away. (The only time Wong witnessed a more efficient reversal of damages was when Stephen Strange was in possession of the Time Stone. Regretfully, that was no longer an option.)
Honestly, the Sanctum had never looked better!
"So this is what "large party" means, hmmm?" Wong asked, glancing to the owl on his shoulder.
"Yes," Talon nodded, "the head of The Organization got the idea from watching John Wick... but you didn't hear that from me."
"Hear what?"
Oh good! Wong was the sort to get it.
Up in the Relics Room, Wong took careful inventory of the irreplaceable treasures as they were cleaned and placed back into their warded display cases.
"Oh, Jerry. I meant to ask, Princess Neo summoned the zombies, how would I be sure that there won't be a reenactment of The Walking Dead?" Wong questioned.
One bite, after all. That's all it would take to throw a city like New York into unimaginable chaos.
"Not to worry, sir. Her Highness conjured what you may call... defanged undead, as is in compliance with her stance on ethical necromancy," Jerry informed, with that practiced customer service smile, "the bite may sting, but there is no venom. Our in house cleric has seen to them and the families of the deceased will be notified."
Okay, one less thing to worry about.
"Wait... one of the relics is missing..."
Wong's heart just about dropped once he realized which one wasn't there.
"Hmmm, odd. This is irregular, sir," Jerry noted, with a slight frown as he brought up the inventory list, "I assure you that our staff prides itself on the upmost integrity. However, should you desire-"
Now it was Talon's turn to step in; The In and Out Catering Service took accusations of theft with deadly seriousness. It was bad for business, after all. What client would put their trust in them again?
"I know which one it is," the owl interjected, spreading out her wings and flapping them a few times, "my Wong, it is safe."
Although the Sorcerer Supreme never stated which artifact was missing, he and Talon both knew it was the dragon egg. Thankfully, Jerry wasn't asking questions about what it was, but he was willing to go above and beyond if anyone on his crew stole from a paying client. (After all, The Organization made it an absolute rule to NEVER steal from an ally.)
"Surely, the words of Princess Neo's familiar would ease your worries on this matter, sir?"
Wong nodded, that tight feeling in his chest loosening up, "Yes. Yes it does. I did not mean to insinuate anything."
"There is nothing to forgive. We are here to serve," stated Jerry.
The matradee paused for a moment, as one of his "waiters" showed him something inside an elegant wooden box. They spoke in hushed tones, the other dashing off with a quick bow while Jerry handed the parcel to Wong.
"Keep it in the salt, sir. Preserves the flavor," he said, simply.
Wong could feel the pulses of demonic energy threatening to break through the barrier. A listless sigh left his lips, already knowing what was in there. It was the weapon... the one Mordo used on Stephen, he was sure of it!
"The In and Out Catering Service thanks you for your patronage, sir. Have a pleasant evening. We would be delighted to serve you again."
And like that, Jerry and his team were gone, the only evidence of them ever being there being that there WAS no evidence! From the window overlooking Bleeker Street, you'd never have even guessed a raging firefight ever took place. Even the news and media outlets were quiet about it. Just who were these people?
Wong could only hope that his friend was getting the same five star service as he fought for his life. With a wave of his hand, Wong opened a portal, placing the box and the demonic artifact it contained into the blank and boring pocket dimension. He didn't want that vile thing tainting the Sanctum proper.
Finally, it felt like he could catch his breath.
"You know, I was just about to grant Neo custody of her tribe's national treasure when you got hurt..." Wong sighed, scratching Talon's soft feathers.
"My Neo... we all... we did what we thought was right. She was in danger."
Technically, it was a theft. The egg was still property of the Sanctum Santorum. Then again, was it really? After all, relics chose their sorcerers.
"Had I been in Neo's shoes... I'd have done the same damn thing," admitted Wong, with that subtle smile.
Only, Neo didn't wear shoes, as the owl was quick to point out. Moments such as this only endeared Talon to the Sorcerer Supreme further.
There was still much to do; Kaine and his clique for one! That situation just got more complicated. Surely there'd be a stack of papers on his desk back at Kamar-Taj. A worried Rintrah wanting the details of what just happened. The work of the Sorcerer Supreme was never done.
Just as Wong was turning to leave, something out the corner of his eye caught his attention. Two neatly arranged brown paper bags on the little coffee table near the window depicting the Seal of the Vishanti. One dish of pure spring water, one cup of green tea with honey. There was a neatly folded note card left next to it, embossed with the same wolf sigil that was on the token.
'Complements of The In and Out Catering Service. Enjoy, J.'
Obviously, the contents of the first bag were meant for Talon. Rats tails, one of her favorite treats. The second one had the logo of Wong's favorite New York deli. Inside was that damn tuna melt he was craving. Perhaps even a Sorcerer Supreme could take a break for dinner.
* * *
::To Be Continued::