Dust of the Stars (Doctor Strange)

[bio858]

Both the thugs would quickly pat down the Doctor, only to find that he had nothing on him, other than the small package with the logo of course. The two men would look towards the dealer, wondering if she ever sold to a man that fit Stephen's appearance.

"Hey Cindy, you ever sell to a guy like this?"

The girl would simply nod her head sideways as she responded.

"Nah, I'd think I'd remember a guy looking like him. Might 'ave even given him a discount or two, dependin' on some circumstances."

She'd be eyeing the sorcerer up and down, as if appraising a piece of meat. There was even a part of her that wondered if the man was wealthy. She sure wouldn't mind leaving the life of the streets to have a su-

"So, where'd you get a package like that?"

"You make a deal with Donny? Tyrone? Davis? S-"

"Guys, guys, does it matter? Our name is getting out there. Let's just get this deal over with."

She'd make quick glance over Strange, before finalizing the deal.

"Alright, where's the money? Can't make the transaction without that."

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

Strange didn't object when the two muscle-bound men began to search him, to no avail. It almost amused the Doctor to know that if he wished to, at any moment, he could have any weapon he wanted. But they didn't need to know that.

He kept his hands raised and arms out wide throughout the entire ordeal, and eventually, the two men stepped back, satisfied that Strange didn't plan on ratting them out. Strange lowered his hands, placing his right hand within his pocket casually. He looked to the girl, Cindy, and smiled despite the... forwardness of her tone. He'd have to act cordial and presentable, at least for now. However, just as Strange was going to speak, one of the thugs chimed in.

Strange looked between the two as they bombarded him with questions, unsure of how to answer. However, Cindy came to his rescue; Strange nodded appreciatively toward her.

"Alright, where's the money? Can't make the transaction without that."

"Of course. Here," Strange said, and he lifted his right hand from his pocket. He snapped his fingers.

When he did so, the world seemed to slow to a crawl, everything around him and Cindy going stereo gray. It became completely silent in their perspectives, the two thugs accompanying her frozen in their respective poses as Strange placed his hands on his hips. He locked eyes with Cindy.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you," Strange reassured the likely confused girl. "But, I can't let you go either -- not unless you answer some questions, and answer them truthfully. Oh, and if you think of telling your friends here about this after the fact? Just remember, they'll never believe you."

Strange stepped closer, pointing to the empty package in the time-bound thug's hand. "That drug -- Stardust. Who is your supplier?"

[bio858]

As the woman asked for the money, the man in front of her would seem like he was pulling something out of his pocket. Instead, it was just his hand, which he used to simply snap his fingers.

"Uhh, idk why you're snapping at me, but if you don't got any money, ya better scram. Otherwise, my boys here are about to sho-what the hell?"

She'd turn to her left and to her right, seeing both of her casually dressed bodyguards frozen in place. In fact, it seemed all of her surrounding just stopped moving entirely. It was like some scene out of a movie, visually displaying how time stop to the viewer. In a sense, it was awe inspiring, but in another sense, it was terrifyingly dreadful.

"Wh-What did you do?"

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you, but, I can't let you go either -- not unless you answer some questions, and answer them truthfully. Oh, and if you think of telling your friends here about this after the fact? Just remember, they'll never believe you."

She was quite shocked at the predicament, but not entirely caught off guard. After all, she had a knife on her hand bag, with the drugs underneath it.

"Y-you're one of those m-mutants? Some super-freak? Stay away from me!"

Pulling out her knife, she'd attempt to try and go for a slicing motion towards the Sorcerer, not knowing he was of course, a Master of the Mystic Arts. She'd be child's play compared to him.

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

"What did I do?", Strange repeated back to the (rightfully) dumbstruck woman, shrugging his shoulders. "I tapped into the mystical nature of the world we live in to alter the flow of what you perceive as time -- to make it stop, relative to you and I. It's a simple trick, really. Just requires concentration on my part."

Generally speaking, he left the time manipulation in his back pocket for when it was truly needed, but a little display here and there wouldn't hurt. Traveling forward or backward? Big no-no in the eyes of the Eternal. Strange slipped his hands into his pockets.

"I'm no mutant. I'm just a Doctor -- and I have lives that need saving. Lives that not you, nor anyone are going to prevent me from saving." Strange grew closer, and when the woman slashed at him with her knife, the blade passed harmlessly through his physical form as though he wasn't even there. When she pulled the blade back, it morphed into a host of gorgeous, fluorescent butterflies that flapped their wings as they rose into the air. Strange reached out a hand and placed it on her shoulder.

"I doubt you're a malicious person, and I don't mean you any harm. Circumstance sometimes forces good people into making hard choices. I know that better than most," Strange said, offering the woman some sympathy. "But as you have a job to do, so do I. I'm giving you the chance to come clean to me. Who supplies the Stardust to you?"

[bio858]

The woman would be caught quite off guard, shocked at the fact that her knife seemingly passed through the body of Stephen Strange. It was as if he was some sort of ghost. Though things would get Stranger (unintentional pun) as her weapon would turn into a flock of butterflies, as they all flew out in various different directions. She'd stare out towards the beautiful insects, unsure of what to make of these amazing events. Sure, she'd seen her "boss" commit some strange acts himself, but nothing like this.

"I-I..."

She pondered his words, wondering if she should tell him about her employer. However, she also knew the risks. She couldn't afford to snitch, especially when that could get her killed if her boss ever found out. After all, most heroes tend to not kill the criminal types. That meant her life would be at risk from here on out. Could she afford to live a life like that?

As she tried to think of one answer or another, one thought would suddenly take over her own mind. Or rather, a parasite of sorts would take over to take command.

"-I'll never tell!"

Her eyes showed would glow a light green for a brief moment, before she reached out for his neck through one quick motion. Stephen may even be caught off guard by how fast she suddenly became. Of course, there was the fact that he may not be able to touch the sorcerer at all if Stephen maintained an intangible form. If that was the case, the "woman" would instead rush past Strange, in the attempts at a quick escape. She'd be moving at peak-human speeds, like a low-level superhuman. Something Strange should be able to keep up with, if he wasn't caught off guard at this sudden change.

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

While he was still operating under the radar in the eyes of whoever started this whole mess, Strange decided that it would likely be better for him to cause as little commotion as possible in his investigation. That started and ended with ensuring that the subjects of his questioning remained alive and well.

And besides, as he observed, he doubted that the majority of these people were engaged in such endeavors out of pure evil instinct. But then again, he didn't know them that well--

"Wha--?!", Strange exclaimed as the woman's eyes glowed a brilliant jade color. Her hand struck out to wrap around his throat in an aggressive manner, though as expected, it passed harmlessly through his intangible form as he hadn't fully trusted her motives yet. Releasing her shoulder, Strange watched with wide eyes as the woman turned and began sprinting through the alley at an extremely fast pace -- certainly faster than a normal woman her age should be capable of. Cursing under his breath, Strange held out his hands to the sides. He lifted from the ground and his clothing seamlessly morphed back into that of his sorcerer's attire, and he shot off through the alley after the woman with the Cloak of Levitation. Once they were a ways from the back door of the club, the two thugs were released from their stasis, left alone and likely very confused at the sudden disappearance of Strange and the girl.

Gaining on her, Strange navigated past dumpsters and underneath scaffolding and fire escapes. "You have nowhere to go! The All-Seeing Eye will reveal your secrets if you don't do it yourself!" As he spoke, his hands lifted before the Amulet on his neck, the aperture opening to reveal the Eye of Agamotto while he grow closer to his quarry.

[bio858]

The chase was on, as the "woman" ran up the side of the building and commenced her sprint from one roof to another. The being committed to leap after leap as the sorcerer chased after her. Though, despite its speed, it wasn't able to avoid the flying magician no matter how hard "she" tried.

"Don't know when to give up, do you sorcerer?"

The "girl" would then project a small, black blade within the palm of her hand to throw right at the Strange. He wouldn't be able to phase through this like he could with everything else. Instead, he'd either have to dodge the blade itself, or apply more practical magical spells to defend himself. If neither course of action was taken, Stephen may be feeling quite a bit of pain from the incoming knife coming his way. Hopefully, the man would react quickly and capture this "Ripper" as soon as he possibly could.

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

Strange watched in shock as this woman (if she even was a woman) ran vertically up the surface of the nearby alley way. If nothing else, this served to reinforce that he was, indeed, on the right track.

Diverting in mid-air, he continued his pursuit as he fly up, following her toward the apex of the wall that became New York's sprawling rooftops. The Cloak flapped behind him in the air as he reached near its top speed. But quickly, the chase came to an end as his quarry stopped short on the roof and turned around to face the Sorcerer Supreme.

"Don't know when to give up, do you sorcerer?"

The voice was undoubtedly hers, but there was a sickly, almost virulent undertone to it that hadn't been present before. Floating in the air just off the edge of the roof, Strange's fingers flitted in the air as magical energies gathered at his palms.

"You'll find I'm quite persistent when I need to be," he retorted, just as his adversary let loose a black blade. Sensing the magical energies perturbing the weapon, Strange quickly lifted the sigils that had formed on his hands to deflect the thrown blade away. In a quick and decisive counter-attack, Strange lifted his hands into the air and rose higher as the ground around the "woman" began to glow.

"In search of darkened truths,
to prevent a grave attack,
I bind you, vile foe,
With the Bands of Cyttorak!"

At the mercy of his incantations, whipping crimson bands of powerful magic erupted from the circle enclosing the individual. If successful, they would bind them by the arms and legs and render them immobile.

[bio858]

Dr. Strange would of course block the magical blade coming towards him with a protective sigil that formed from the signs performed by the sorcerer's hands. The "woman" would keep trying to sprint and jump away, while throwing one projected knife after another. However, the Sorcerer Supreme wouldn't keep playing on the defensive.

Stephen would seem to be casting another spell on the side, while blocking more of the incoming blades. This lead to a glowing circular shape to appear below the "dealer". The Ripper would notice too late however, as the circle would soon project various glowing red tendrils to wrap around "her".

Utilizing the muscles within "her" legs, the Demon would attempt to jump as far and as high as it could to escape the tendrils' grasp. But that would be to no avail, as these magical "limbs" would wrap around the Ripper, entrapping it entirely.

"GhhgggaaaaAAAAAH! LET GO SORCERER!"

The ripper would struggle and struggle, but would be unable to release itself from the grasp of the magical binds. The sorcerer now had the being trapped within his spell, in quite the literal sense. What will Stephen do next to continue the mystery of the unconscious civilians from earlier? Perhaps these "demon" will provide the next essential clue necessary to solve this troublesome puzzle.

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

The Crimson Bands of Cyttorak -- magical bindings of such power, even beings with the strength of the Juggernaut and the Incredible Hulk were unable to free themselves. They had proven themselves invaluable to Strange on numerous occasions, and this was no different.

Bound to the rooftop by the glowing crimson tendrils, Strange floated down with the cloak's assistance to stare this creature face to face. Immersed in its foul energy, Strange could tell clearly now that this was no ordinary person; this being was extradimensional, though its origins were still unclear. Perhaps if Strange could divine this information, he could figure out where to look next.

Strange touched down to his feet on the rooftop, staring up at the demon. "I'm sorry, but letting you go is simply out of the question."

In fact, the tendrils squeezed even tighter. Strange's brows furrowed.

"Who is your master, demon?"

[bio858]

"GGgggghhhhhhhhhuuuuuuugghhh!"

The demon would continuously struggle against the bands, not yet realizing how pointless the gesture was. It was then that the sorcerer would ask his question. That made the creature decide to surrender for this brief moment. If the magician somehow relented, even for a moment, perhaps the grip would weaken. Maybe this could give the demon a chance to strike and defeat Strange?

"We serve the one you fear, Strange! But if you want to find a way to him, you'll have to peer in a bit closer...if you dare!"

The demon would be cackling, as if wanting the Sorcerer to search through his mind. Whatever secrets the Sorcerer required, he needed to find them fast. More time wasted meant more time ticking away on the lost souls of the comatose bodies. Stephen needed a plan, and he needed a plan fast, or things will turn out quite terrible.

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

The one I fear?

There were only two possibilities from that statement; Nightmare, or Dormammu. Either one was a very unsavory prospect to consider, but he had dealt with them many times in the past. If either one, ambitious and dangerous as they were, decided to show their hand, it fell to Strange to push them back to the darkness. Despite the demon's clear invitations, planning for Strange to slip up, the Doctor's resolve did not waver. He formed two seals with his hands in front of the Eye of Agamotto at his throat.

"Then peer closer I shall, fell thing," he responded, rotating his hands in a concentric circle around the Eye. The center of it began to retract and reveal the Amulet within. "And you will not be happy when I do."

From within the Eye, the Amulet of Agamotto's light began to shine. The all-seeing light penetrated the demon's very soul through the puppet it inhabited, causing searing pain to shoot through its entire being. The light, meanwhile, amplified Strange's mystic powers. Upon the center of his forehead, an eye of glowing energy began to form as his real eyes closed.

"Reveal to me your secrets, demon! Reveal your inner truths!" Strange thrust his hands forward in time with his command, and the energy from his third eye ejected the demon's astral form against its will!

[bio858]

It would seem the power of the Sorcerer knew no bounds, as it pulled the spirit of the creature straight out of its body. The physical form would have the dark miasma that made up the demonic creature seemingly regress back into the body of the women, until her body returned back to normal. Her own spirit still remained where it should be within her own body, as the own of the creature was now out in the open so to speak.

The demonic spirit of the Ripper felt a burning sensation from the light, along with it pulling out its deepest and darkest secrets from the hellish recesses of its mind.

Master...spreading of chaos....Dormammu....shall free us all...the Mindless Ones shall reign over the human souls....must get free....

Bits and pieces of the creature's memories flowed towards the green light of the amulet. Soon, Strange would know all of its secrets. That is, until whatever had brought this creature into this world had decided to pull it right back.

An ethereal purple glow would appear around the spirit of the creature, until it was pulled out of the grasp of the magical green light of the Eye. It would seem there was a being that didn't want Stephen to pull out too many secrets. If the sorcerer wanted more answers, he'd have to make chase and do it quickly, before the spirit is lost to him for good.

---

Within a rundown Apartment

Robbins would be making the rounds, simply having a nice drink with his men in this shabby apartment of his. Drinks all around to celebrate the success of his new designer drug "Stardust". A product being sold right under Fisk's nose. It would only be a matter of time until his customer base skyrockets. Especially with how addicting the substance seemed to be, especially in L.A. New York would no doubt be flooded with customers wanting to storm to his dealers for new product. And Parker will be here to bask in all the profits.

"Good job boys, all around. Here, drinks are on me! Let's celebrate for once. Though we need to get ready before the Fat Boy on the throne decides to say hello."

In each of his drinks, he'd pull out a small tiny, demonic worm, a being straight from the portal that was his own cape. The voice in his head told him he'd need powered enforcers. His men were none the wiser. Besides, it's not like they'd be permanently turned into whatever demonic beast these worms turned them into. It'd just be for emergencies right?

Hence, these wormed would dissolve or at least, seemingly disappear as they entered the glasses full of alcohol. His men would simply be ignorant to what their boss dropped inside, absorbing all of the contents of their glass into themselves. While they enjoyed their drinks, Parker would rejoice in his preparation. He had all the superhuman muscle he'd need. Nothing was gonna stop him.

That is, until a spirit of a demon was suddenly pulled into his cape. None of his men would see the being, none except for Parker himself. As it was absorbed into his cape, the voice in his head would warn him of the incoming danger.

It seems the Sorcerer has caught on to your schemes. I'd prepare for his wrath Mortal, if you wish to survive.

"What the f**k does that mean?"

His men would look on at him in bewilderment, wondering why their boss was speaking to himself out loud.

"Something wrong boss?"

He'd grow agitated, responding back to his own underling.

"Nothing's f**k**g wrong! Just get your guns out. Some caper is on his way!"

The men would all start to look worried as Parker pulled out his own iconic pistols. He wasn't sure what sorcerer was exactly on his way, but he had a feeling he was about to have an unwanted Doctor's appointment.

[Ysmir]

"Impossible? I've learned never to use that word in my line of work."

---

Dormammu!

Strange could scarcely call himself surprised by this development.

The dread Dormammu -- one of his oldest foes. Perhaps the single greatest threat to their reality in all of existence. For some reason, the Faltine Lord had set his sights on Earth many centuries ago, and in his infinite arrogance, refused to let their dimension rest easily. Strange had bested the demon on many occasions; sometimes through force, but mostly through guile. Dormammu owed Strange a debt, a debt that could never truly be repaid, and Strange knew that caused the Faltine no small amount of rage and disdain. But even debts had workarounds; try as he might to keep Dormammu in check, he would always find ways around Strange's requests. Acting through proxies with his Mindless Ones, such as this poor woman, was one of those many ways.

But just as Strange began to rip the information he sought from the demonic spirit's mind, a yawning portal opened, composed of purplish tendrils, and whisked it away. Strange's eyes opened and the third eye upon his head dissipated once his quarry was no longer on their plane of existence.

"Blast it all," he cursed to himself.

Touching down to the ground, Strange pressed his finger to the woman's head gently. She heard a distorted voice in her head.

"Sleep. Forget all you've witnessed. Sleep, awaken, and be at peace."

With the simple spell cast, the mortal woman was put to rest; when she opened her eyes in the morning, her memory of this ordeal would be wiped. It would be like waking up from a rough night of drinking. Once this was taken care of, Strange focused his magics and saw beyond the physical veil; an astral trail had been left by the demon's spirit, distinct enough for the Sorcerer Supreme to follow and make chase. He willed the Cloak of Levitation to carry him across New York's nighttime streets, trailing the spirit all the way to an apartment complex several blocks away.

As Strange approached the building, uncertain of what was inside, his gut fell and he was filled with an impending sense of dread; a result, no doubt, of the twisting negative magical energies that lay within, sourced from his unseen foe. Nevertheless, Strange steeled himself and approached the outer wall of the rundown apartment. When he made contact, Strange became intangible and floated through the decrepit brick, emerging through it on the inside. He lifted his hands, and eldritch circles of magical energy formed at his palms, shining a bright golden hue.

Strange hovered in the air; his eyes flicked between the several individuals occupying the space, all appearing to be nothing more than small-time crooks. Then, he settled his gaze on the one in the far back; a gaunt man in a cloak that radiated horrific demonic power.

"My deepest apologies," he began with a sarcastic tone, "am I interrupting something?"

[bio858]

The Hood

This so called Sorcerer that the entity talked about, well, it seems that he was here. Seemingly floating right on through the wall like some type of ghost. Out of all the heroes he expected to fight, a magician wasn't on that very list.

Who the hell is he?

Straaaaaaange....

"Strange? No shit it's f**k**g weird. Thanks for stating the obvious you stupid cape!"

His men would turn back towards him, wondering why Parker was reacting as he was. They were starting to fear that their employer was clinically insane, though some of them were used to that. Given it was par for the course, with other notable crime-bosses being either Skinless or the Green Goblin.

"Boss?"

Looking towards his men's questioning eyes, he'd grow increasingly irritated. Looking on towards the sorcerer, he'd yell at all of his men to fire.

"THE f**k ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME FOR! SHOOOOOT HIIIIM!!!!"

And so, the fireworks began, as a multitude of gunfire burst towards the Sorcerer, all in an attempt to kill the man. Little did they know, bullets wouldn't do much towards Stephen. Especially as he was probably more than ready for this barrage of an assault.