Strange New Days (Kristoff)

[Rift]

Kamar-Taj

Deep within the Himalayan mountains was the mystical city of Kamar-Taj, long time training ground and home to magic users. It was within the stone walls of the city that once upon a time a bitter and broken young neurosurgeon had studied at the feet of the Ancient One, learning the mystical arts and studying the deeper mysteries of the universe only to one day rise to take on the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme himself.

Its been too long since I've had the chance to visit, Stephen Strange thought as he emerged from a portal.

His duties as Sorcerer Supreme of Earth kept his busy, sometimes far too busy to attend to things normal people took for granted, like having anything resembling a social life. In fact, he'd been in another realm completely battling monstrosities the likes of which would drive most mortal minds to madness when the invasion by the shapeshifting Skrulls had taken place. Though he had in his own way managed to prevent unspeakable horrors from staging their own invasion of Earth, he'd been largely absent from the world when the culmination of the long-planned takeover occurred. Though he'd returned in time to help with the cleanup effort, it still bothered him that he'd not been able to do more.

In the short amount of time I was away much has changed. Some Skrull are allies now, leaders and prominent individuals the world over have been exposed as either having been replaced or as having aided the enemy, and the world is having to come to grips with lies being exposed and new neighbors from the stars evidently here to stay. Had I known the war would come about so quickly I might have attempted to be in more than one place at a time, he thought, remembering the days where his Strangers acted independently of him.

He knew that such methods came with potential risks, but he disliked the rather harsh reminder that for all his learning and power he was still very much human. A sentiment he was certain his allies in the Avengers shared. Still, with everything that had happened it was good to see that Kamar-Taj was still the same.

Before his rather extended absence he'd advised the young Kristoff von Doom to go to the mystical city to continue his training. Not only was it the perfect environment for someone of his potential, but it also meant that others who were there, like Rintrah, could keep an eye on the youth and inform Strange whether or not his assessment of the kid was accurate.

A promising mystical talent with intelligence to rival some of the sharpest minds on the planet. He could very well one day become one of the great defenders of Earth. Assuming his adoptive father has not rubbed off too much. My hope is that he becomes all that which Victor casts aside in the name of ego. The Ancient One took a chance on me when I was far from worthy of it so I'd be remiss not to offer the same kindness to another, especially if it can make all the difference in his future.

Walking up the stone steps following the path he had so many times before, he smiled, always feeling more at peace within Kamar-Taj than he did almost anywhere else. Passing others he waved off their attempts to bow or otherwise show reverence. Sorcerer Supreme though he may be, he felt uncomfortable with such gestures.

Entering the main building he inquired about Kristoff only to be pointed to the courtyard.

"Finding the facilities to your liking, I hope? I'm pleased hear that you've taken this opportunity quite seriously. I trust Rintrah and the others have been assisting you with any questions you may have?"

[Zeronone]

Kris sat in meditation, floating three feet off the ground as small objects floated around him. His breathing deep and slow, methodical in the rhythm of the world. Since arriving, Kris had delved into his mystical studies with a fervor he had never shown Doom. When his body slept, his astral form read tomes and books, traveled dimensions and watched the world, when he was awake, he was in the library, the training ground, badgering mystics with questions on who, how, where, why, and when. His hunger for knowledge was bottomless. He did his chores and tasks with a smile, it didn't matter what he was asked to do, he was here at Kamar-Taj, the place he had dreamed of since he picked up his first spell book. The teachers were strict but not unfair or unkind, they seemed to enjoy his questions, apparently, he had been told that he reminded them of a certain apprentice that had rose to a grand position.

Sadly, during the Skrull invasion he had to leave Kamar-Taj and help his girlfriend Ziggy build a weapon to possibly save the world. There had been attack on mutants causing him to stay and protect her. Then there was his other job of finding people for money, even as a kid the world was cruel to those who didn't have a financial word. But that was all done now, he had returned once more and dived back into his routine. Kris felt the shift in the ether, a portal opening and a presence appearing. He remembered that presence from his warehouse all that time ago, eyes opening as footsteps resounded through the training yard.

His cloth boots touched the stone as he ended his meditation. As Strange approached, Kris gave a small bow from his waist. While he didn't like bowing, Rintrah had told him it was the best way to show respect. And Kris was nothing if not respectful to others, especially the man he hoped to learn at the feet of. At Stranges question he gave a small smile, rising up to his full height.

"Master Rintrah and the others have been very accommodating and helpful in my pursuits of knowledge. To the point where many times they have had sudden meetings and things they remembered they had to do after a couple hours of conversation." A small smile floated at the corner of his mouth as he gazed up at the Sorcerer Supreme.

[Rift]

Strange nodded. It was good to see that the young man was not only taking his studies seriously, but also that he was proving to be different from his adoptive father. While the elder Doom would likely have devoured knowledge and obtained skills with just as much enthusiasm and vigor, he would have long since balked at being expected to do manual labor. Victor likely would have assumed himself a master already or at the very least seen himself so superior to those teaching and fellow students that his patience would be tested to the limits. Thankfully Kristoff appeared to genuinely enjoy his time in Kamar-Taj and the fellowship of those around him.

It is nice to have a gamble pay off when it comes to taking a chance on someone, he thought.

"I'm glad to hear it. In many ways you remind me of another who entered these walls seeking knowledge and in turn discovered something...more. A place of belonging perhaps? And the knowledge that no matter how much you learn there is no real end in our pursuit of understanding the universe and its mysteries," Strange said in a way that indicated he was almost lost in memories.

Shaking his head he smiled. "I see that they are still focused upon instilling the traditions and you are no doubt familiar with such displays of respect given your station and homeland, but you needn't bow. I understand my position as Sorcerer Supreme comes with certain expectations, but it isn't necessary. I already can't convince Wong to let it be."

Taking a seat he looked around and smiled once more, relieved to see that despite all the upheaval on both Earth and other realms, some things remained the same.

"My apologies for not visiting you sooner. I'd intended to follow up our last meeting with haste, but there were troubles from another realm that threatened to land on Earth's doorstep and between dealing with them and convincing the Purple Dimension that it would be folly to attempt to take advantage of events that unfolded in my absence I seem to have lost track of time. Speaking of which, the Skrull invasion has been all over the news and even some residents of the spectral realm were abuzz with rumor. Did it impact Kamar-Taj any? Or yourself personally?"

Holding out a hand palm up, light shimmered until a mug materialized, its contents steaming. Stephen took a sip and allowed the warmth to wash over him.

"Dark Dimension brewed coffee just hits different," he said. "Care for some?"

[Zeronone]

Kris gave a nod, respecting Strange's request. He admitted that on a level, bowing to another did chafe at him. It was expected of Doom, but Kris was usually second only to the man. But it was for that reason that he left, him and Doom had so little in common when it came to the wider world. Kris wanted to explore and learn; Doom wanted to conquer and rule. He wondered at what point in time would he have to face his father on the battlefield, he had no doubt that one day he would have too and in order to be prepared for that time he would bow, he would scrub and clean, he would do his chores with a smile because it meant he learned more.

A smile formed at being compared to a certain Sorcerer Supreme when he was a student here, Kris knew his talent, but it didn't mean he knew everything. He enjoyed learning, exploring the ways of the universe and different dimensions, seeing new places and meeting people. He could be a bit withdrawn when an idea popped into his head or when he was working on a task, but he wasn't antisocial about it.

At Strange's question he looked around. "Kamar Taj was not affected from my understanding, either the enemy was not aware of it, or they did not understand the significance of it. They seemed to be more focusing on major governments and cities than they did small locations. My guess is the latter than the former, as our order doesn't go around flashing giant signs revealing what we do here. My calculated estimate would be they thought us as nothing more than an order of monks living away from the world. Noting worth devoting resources too."

Kris gave a small wave and formed his own cup of hot chocolate, a smile on his lips as he took a sip of the rich coco and marshmallow combination. "My girlfriend has me on a coffee ban, but I do thank you for the offer. I get too wired and dependent on that lifesaving liquid during one of my inspiration moments. And hot chocolate is just more soothing up here in the mountains. As for being affected by the Skrulls, not as much as my girlfriend was. She is a mutant and there was a whole thing with the Skrulls and some mutant hating group calling themselves the purifiers. I was forced to leave my studies for awhile to see to hers and many others safety. Once I was sure it was all taken care of, I returned here. Unfortunately, it has come to my attention that between my magical studies and Ziggy's safety, I have made a choice that she will always come first to me, probably not the words my future mentor wants to hear from a potential protege."

He took another sip of his hot chocolate, looking into the eyes of Doctor Strange. "As for my studies, I seem to have already finished the library here, I have been told I am leaps and bounds ahead of the other students, and other than basics that I was not taught in, there isn't much left for the master's to teach me outside of moral philosophy."

[Rift]

Strange couldn't help but smile. While it was true that he had stayed focused throughout the time he spent learning at the feet of the Ancient One there were times after, both before and since earning the title of Sorcerer Supreme that he had let his personal feelings take him away from what likely would have been considered more pressing concerns. In fact he'd be a liar if he said that a pretty face had never managed to overcome his years of training and better senses. Those instances were not always as pure as Kristoff's intentions either.

"Admittedly leaving your studies without cause would lead me to wonder if your dedication to learning the mystic arts was truly as deep as would be required. That said, you had good reason to act as you did. Someone skilled in the use of magic, whether you prefer the term sorcerer, wizard, mage or any other has an obligation to use those skills to help others, to protect mankind, mutantkind, and any other type of innocent against the forces they cannot comprehend. Magic and knowing how it works is of little value if you use it only for personal gain or hoard and yet never use it. You acted in the defense of another and putting the safety of others over yourself is not something to look down upon. It is a rare trait that separates the exceptional from the merely talented. And while it is true that in some instances choosing the life of someone you know over those of multiple that you do not would be an act of selfishness...this was not such a case," Strange said, sipping from his coffee. "Kamar-Taj was in no danger, but your friend was. You did the right thing."

Besides, mutants have it hard enough as it is without alien shapeshifters being added to the pile. And though it has been a moment since I last conversed with my friends at the manor I know that even the X-Men cannot take in or even know of every wayward mutant in need of help. Speaking of which, I should check in on Jubilee sooner rather than later, see just how well her condition is being managed and if the amulet needs any additional protections laid upon it, he thought.

Listening as the young Doom explained how he had exhausted the library's wealth of knowledge, he considered something for a moment. It was a big step, a big step ultimately for both of them, but one Stephen thought may be necessary. Between missing out on the big battle with the Skrulls making him realize magic users capable of combating threats while he was away were more important than ever and the realization that Kristoff could easily become bored and a talent such as his without focus could be very dangerous, he decided to make the young man an offer.

"Moral philosophy eh? I remember those classes well...well enough to know that a good portion of it is dull and a larger portion of it isn't always applicable in the real world. I find that our own character and morals applied in the moment-to-moment changes that happen when dealing with mystic forces have more importance than the theories on what is right and proper offered by men and women long since passed ever will. To that end, I think I can save you from any scoldings you'd receive for nodding off. You say that you've covered all the relevant texts within these walls and from what I gather Master Rintrah, Wong, and others seems to agree. So what do you say to seeking out knowledge outside of these walls?"

Standing he approached Kristoff.

"It has been some time since I last had a student, an apprentice," he said, his mind flashing to Clea. "However, if you want to learn out and about in the real world and have access to what I sincerely hope is the most comprehensive assortment of magical texts from this and various other realms, there is room on Bleeker Street, if you want it."