Stephen Strange Holmes: A Journey of Magic and Faith

Chapter Thirteen: Tackling Magic

Stephen strode across the courtyard to the library. Early October and he was determined to get books on a particular study. It had been about three months since Christine had visited, and he had done as she had encouraged. He'd attacked his studies much like Dr. Strange had attacked his medical studies. He read anything and everything he could get his hands on. He asked questions in class, hoping to gain better understanding. Though a part of him wondered if his teachers thought he wasn't being respectful enough.

He pulled his thoughts to the present. Bad enough that Wong caught him unawares without compounding it by being distracted. Thankfully, Wong was only at the main desk today instead of lurking among the shelves in order to attack.

"Stephen," Wong greeted as always.

"Wong," Stephen greeted in return.

"What do you want today?" Wong asked.

"Books on astral projection," Stephen answered.

Wong eyed him. "You're not ready for that."

"Try me, Beyonce," Stephen returned. He immediately groaned, covering his face with a free hand. "Sorry. That just slipped out. I didn't mean it." He looked up, somewhat intimidated by the stoic look still leveled at him. "Please, can I just have even a beginner's book on astral projection."

"No," Wong answered sternly. "Only the Ancient One herself could change my mind."

Stephen nodded. "Right." He turned away and headed out.

His mind treated him to a restored memory of Dr. Strange sneaking books out of the library through portals. He shook his head. Just because he could didn't mean he should. Returning to his room, he jotted down a note before making a miniature portal.

"Ancient One, when there is opportunity, I would like to speak with you about some more advanced studies. Stephen Holmes."

He wasn't sure where the Ancient One was or if she was doing something of great importance. So, he crafted a portal just big enough to safely slip his folded note through and dropped the note on the table he saw. Then as quickly as he could, he shut it.

He blew out a breath. Now, he was forced to wait. He pulled out the Greek New Testament and started reading some more. He was nearly finished, though a sudden realization that he also needed to learn Aramaic had paused his study for some passages.

A rap came to the door. A quick glance at the time revealed that he had been reading for about an hour. Standing, he answered. A young acolyte stood at the door. "Yes?" Stephen asked.

"The Ancient One wishes to see you," the acolyte answered. "She will meet you near her sanctuary."

"Thank you," Stephen said. He made his way to the inner room where his training had begun. Upon seeing her, he bowed. "Thank you for seeing me, Ancient One," he said. He glanced up. "At least I assume you found my note."

"I did," she answered. "I was actually in a meeting with your teachers. They were also requesting that I speak with you."

Stephen refused to show nerves. "Anything worrisome?" he asked.

She turned, a flick of her hand indicating he should follow. "Once in this room," she said as they stepped inside, "you begged me to let you learn. Now I'm told that you question every lesson, preferring to teach yourself."

"Once in this room to you told me to open my eyes," Stephen said. "If I have insulted the masters, I'll apologize however they would see fit to make me do so. But I have merely been asking for better understanding. I want to know everything there is to know. I know that danger is coming even if I'm not sure what, and I am trying to glean as much knowledge and practice as I can in order meet that danger."