Chapter Two
Strange poured his efforts into searching for ways to repair his hands, flying all around the US to discuss the topic with doctors, despite being considered beneath him, spending thousands of dollars on surgeries and remedies that didn't help. After six months of failed attempts, he was running low on funds, and running out of options, his cars and most of his belongings sold.
Strange sat in his nearly empty home, his facial hair long and unkempt and his hair grown out, as he gritted his teeth, as he clenched his fists. Wong stood beside him, a painkiller in hand.
"This'll help." He said, handing it to Strange who swallowed it quickly.
"It hurts so much Wong..." He said quickly, closing his eyes tightly. Wong put his hand on his master's shoulder.
"You'll get through this, Steve. I know it." Strange swallowed hard, before looking up at Wong.
"I barely have enough money to afford the house, I can't pay you anymore to-" He started.
"I'm not doing this as a butler," Wong interrupted. "I'm doing this as a friend." Strange's eyes widened slightly, as he stared wordlessly at Wong, his friend smiling back at him slightly.
"You can't work for free Wong, that-" Strange started.
"I will." Wong declared. Strange smiled back at him, a sparkle in his eye.
"I still think Tony Stark could help you." Wong said, as Strange looked down, the pain killer kicking in.
"He's as selfish as a Fox." Strange responded, standing up. "Besides, he's off dealing with those new laws." Wong frowned at this. Strange sighed. "I'm gonna go...get a drink." He said, grabbing his coat. "I'll be back later."
"Mrs. Strange, I'm afraid your condition is worsening…" The doctor said to the mother, who sat in the kitchen reading over her papers, her hand on her bald head. The paint on the walls were worn, and the carpet was old, as the doctor looked around. "And while potentially you could undergo a procedure, the bill would be-"
"You're going to let her suffer because we can't pay?" Said a boy in the doorway, his eyes glaring at the doctor.
"Steven.." His mother said, looking up at him from the table.
"Turning down a patient for their lack of funds is as shitty as it gets, and you-"
"STEPHEN!" She said, looking at him strictly. "Mind your language." The doctor coughed, as he awkwardly shifted. "I'll be in touch." He turned, and opened the broken door, walking out and closing it. Steve sat next to his mom, holding her.
"Six more months mom, and you'll be my patient." He said, hugging her close. She laughed.
"Doctor Stephen Strange, neurosurgeon?" She mocked, teasing her son. He nodded his head.
"Once I'm done with school, I'll be your doctor, and I'll make sure you're okay." He said, determined. His mom laughed.
"You'll be my doctor? Now I'm really in trouble.." Strange smirked.
"And you haven't seen my bill yet."
Strange awoke from his dream suddenly, alcohol spilled over his chest as he sat in the corner of a bar, as the owner shook him awake.
"What the hell man?!" He said to Strange, who looked at him confused.
"What…?" The owner pointed towards the broken bottle of beer.
"You gonna pay for that?" Strange coughed, fumbling his shaking hands into his pockets, pulling out a few loose bills, pushing past the owner as he stumbled out of the bar.
"This is the last money I have.." He said, as the owner flipped him off.
"Screw you too.." He mumbled, opening the door and stepping into the cold. The night air blew against his face, as he stumbled around, walking towards the docs, where sailors sat smoking around a fire. Strange groaned, the cold biting at his shaking hands, as he walked across a small bridge between two docs, falling to his knees, as the pain coursed through his hands. He tried to stand, but slipped, falling off the bridge and into the shallow water below, yelling in pain as he did. One of the sailors took notice, running over to the edge of the water to pull Strange out as he mumbled, falling into a drunk unconsciousness.
His eyes fluttered open, the light hanging above him blinding his eyes as he groaned, sitting up slowly. The sailor sitting around him looked at him, handing him a glass of water.
"Wake up buddy, you're not doing so well." He said to Strange. Strange looked around him, seeing that he took him into a room somewhere, while he rested. The sailor's old face looked curiously at Strange, pointed to his hands.
"How'd that happen?" He asked, smirking. "Got into a fight?" Strange frowned.
"Car accident." He said flatly. "Spent 6 months trying to fix them." The sailor's face changed suddenly.
"That'd explain your lack of cash…." He said, pointing to a pile of Strange's possessions on a table, his phone and wallet sitting out. "Wanted to make sure they were dry." He said. Strange stood slowly, shifting past him..
"I have somewhere to be." He said rudely. "Thanks." He opened the door of the house, and stumbled back onto the docs, the morning air rushing him.
"I know someone who can fix that!" The sailor yelled to him, Strange stopping immediately, turning to face him, the cold air blowing his beard against him.
"Who?"
Hello everyone! This is where the good stuff starts happening! Next chapter will have Strange go on his journey to find The Ancient One, and divulge more about his past, and why he became an uncaring...jerk. I'm really excited, and if you are too, drop a review! :D
-Darth Ganon
