A/N I know - I've been spelling his first name wrong. I'm only human (and was too lazy to remember to double check the spelling.) I apologize.

Marisa glared at the doctor, daring him to make another remark, as the Cloak hugged her gently. Sighing, she stroked the collar and was released from the garment's hold. After a moment, the Cloak found its way around Steven's shoulders and Marisa waited until it had adjusted itself before speaking.

"Doctor, I'm Marisa Coulson, and I've come to determine if my council and I can be of service to you." Her head tilted and she gazed into his unwavering stare. His eyes held a glimmer of something that could only be described as electricity. She felt herself wanting to lean in and get closer to this man. He seemed to be less annoying than previously thought. Why was she on guard around him again? It was difficult to remember when he was staring at her.

"Well, whatever services you are offering, I am very interested in exploring. Do you personally visit each new sorcerer that you learn about? "

"No, you're the Sorcerer Supreme and as such it is my duty to meet with you and determine just what assistance you will need. Some who have had your role have managed without much input from myself and my Council. But you've started experimenting with time manipulation. Left to your own devices, things could get messy."

A sense of calm came over her, and she shook it off, realizing he was trying to control her emotional response. He smirked and bowed slightly at her awareness. Not even Wong could tell when he was using his powers to sway him to some decision. This woman was someone who should be watched. He crossed his arms across his chest and regarded her with a deceptive nonchalance that she was certain he wasn't feeling. Good, she felt the need to keep him a little on edge, it would help her evaluate him more honestly.

"So you're here to save me from myself," he said, smiling in a way that made her a bit nervous.

"I'm just here to get acquainted, Doctor. "

"It appears that my Cloak is already acquainted with you, Ms. Coulson."

"It's Your Grace, actually, or didn't you read the dossier Wong gave you about my team? I'm a duchess, of sorts." She didn't want to start talking about her previous visits here. Her father's death would always be fresh in her mind, even if she couldn't remember the entire series of events that had led to it. All she knew was that it had happened here, and she had been responsible.

"You're American, they don't allow Americans to have foreign titles." He grinned at her annoyed glance.

"I was born American, but I claim multiple citizenship. I'm more of an emissary," she frowned, trying to find the right words. "An ambassador of sorts. My allegiance is to Earth, but my citizenship is a bit more complicated. You'll learn more as we begin our training."

"Training." He moved gracefully towards a bar along the back wall of the room, and poured wine out of a crystal decanter. Handing her a glass, he motioned for them both to sit on a low couch nearby and Marisa slowly made her way to where he was already sitting. How he managed to look both relaxed and dangerous was something that she didn't understand. He was like a flame that she wanted to get closer to, but she knew she couldn't. Besides, men like him didn't look at women like her the way she knew she was looking at him. She'd learned that the hard way.

"Yes, you are self taught in many areas now that the Ancient One is gone," Marisa's eyes held a hint of pain at that, and she took a large sip of her wine. However, after a minute of silence, she smiled briefly, meeting his gaze again. "But self taught sorcerers can only go so far without assistance. Hopefully, my team can guide you to a greater understanding of your situation."

"I've been doing all right so far," he said, setlling back into the cushions. Part of her wanted to slip closer to him, was that his doing, or was she starting to become attracted to this man? Her mind was spinning. It must be the wine, she thought, but she took another sip anyway.

"You were lucky. With the proper training, you will come into knowledge that may someday save your life. Or perhaps the lives of those around you."

"You think you have something to teach me?" An eyebrow raised, and Marisa wanted to wipe the smug look from his face. She mentally kicked herself for thinking of how good it would feel to kiss him. Then she hoped he hadn't picked up on that. When he moved in closer to her, she stood up, flustered, and moved away from him.

"I think you have much to learn. Whether or not you allow my help, the fact remains that you are extremely new at this. Dormammu will find a way to come for Earth again, and you will need to be ready. Your little stunt with the time loop was sloppy and you're lucky that you didn't destroy his world as well as our own. You managed to die in so many different ways, I'm surprised you had time to come back to fight Mordo."

"How do you know about what happened? I haven't even told Wong everything." Now he stood up, and moved towards her.

"Again, you did not read my file. I can only surmise that you do not take this seriously." She frowned, placing her empty glass on a nearby table. "And until you do, the Council and I will not be able to pledge our loyalty. I'll leave you to your training since you don't seem to believe there's anything I can teach you. Good night, Doctor."

Stephen tried grabbing her arm, but she was too fast somehow. How had he managed to offend her so easily? "You can't just leave, you obviously knew the Ancient One, and I need to know what my next steps are."

"Doctor, your next steps are simple. Realize that it is more than just you waving your arms around being impressive, and allow others to teach you what you need to know to fully integrate with our universe. There are so many ways this planet is going to need your leadership, and the first part of that is to admit you need training. Until you do that, any conversation we have will be meaningless."

She waved her hand and a portal opened. Before he could do more than reach out a hand to stop her, she was gone. A moment later he grinned. She thought he was impressive? She hadn't seen anything yet.

dmdmdm

Wong put the tea set back in its place and sat down to talk to his friends. The threat of Dormammu was gone for now, but there was Mordo out there somewhere, and Strange's unexpected affinity for time manipulation.

"Tell us about him," Derek urged. "We can see how he responds in a crisis," referring to their magical table back in Scotland, "but we don't know the man. How did he come to you? Why did the Ancient One trust him with such a responsibility? Is he worthy of our allegiance?"

"Steven Strange is an arrogant, hot headed young fool," Wong said. "But I trust him with my life. He did not embrace his abilities for a long while, but I can assure you that he takes his new role quite seriously. Although," he paused, trying to find the right words.

"Although?" Penelope repeated.

Wong seemed uncomfortable. "He was told about your coming to evaluate him, and I believe he has taken it as a personal affront to his abilities. I can only hope that Lady Marisa can explain the urgency of his training. If he can manipulate time, there are those who would try to use him for their own ends. He is good, but just arrogant enough to believe he is invincible. He has met with Thor in an attempt to locate Odin. He didn't ask for guidance on that task, and truly, that has been the way of it since the beginning. He jumps in with little regard to consequences."

"So he's a loose cannon?" Derek asked, not liking that.

Wong met his gaze, shaking his head. "No - not a loose cannon. A strong, intelligent man with a good heart. He has had his mind opened to a new reality and is eager to make his mark upon it. If anything, he is too cautious about what fights to enter. But once he decides to do so, he is relentless."

He explained how Steven had found his way to Kamar-Taj and began his studies. After the tale was told, Wong asked if they wanted to see the students. Penelope and Derek agreed and the three made their way downstairs to the dojo.

Wong led Penelope and Derek around the dojo, where they observed the students practice. One girl in particular was quietly entering the room and beginning to work through her defensive poses. There was something different about her, something calmer than the others. She began sparring with much larger opponents and found interesting ways to beat them. It was almost as if she could sense her opponent's next move before they did. Penelope watched her for a few minutes before mentioning her to Wong.

"That girl, has she been with you long?"

"What? She's not with me," Wong said a bit too quickly. "She's very young."

Penelope tilted her head and then laughed. "No, silly, not like that. I meant how long has she been a student here?" A pause then, "Though I do wonder why your mind went to that scenario. Something you'd like to share?"

Was it Derek's imagination, or was Wong blushing? He'd put the guy out of his misery. "Wong - she's a good fighter, but you don't get a lot of females in here. I thought it was against policy or something."

"It has never been 'against policy'," Wong said in a slight huff. "Our dojo is not pink and frilly and women in this area tend to seek out artificial beauty instead of developing substance through hard work."

Derek noticed the sidelong glance Wong had sent towards Penelope as he'd spoken, and Derek bit back a laugh. Penelope raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Point taken. I meant no disrespect. Is she trustworthy?"

"She is one of my best students, and - she is most loyal to me. I mean - to the dojo. To her work." He started looking at the girl with an almost fond expression.

Yep, Penelope thought. Wong had a crush. The question was, did the girl even know? Or would it be unethical of Wong to even admit it to himself? She made up her mind to figure that out, and smiled brightly at the two men.

"Well, I think it's great that more women are coming to the dojo to better themselves." She gave Wong a little kiss on the cheek and glanced over at the girl, who was openly shocked. And as Penelope noted, a bit upset. She nodded to herself. Yes, Wong's student had a bit of a crush on him too. That could be helpful as far as loyalty went, but dangerous in a real fight if they were to choose her as one of their own.

"Melanie is a very good student. We are honored to have her here." Wong said, nodding. The girl, hearing her name, came over and bowed to the three warriors.

"I apologize, but I heard my name. Have I displeased you, Master Wong?" the blonde girl asked, trying not to glance over at Penelope who was openly watching the two interact.

"Of course not. Melanie, these are...colleagues of mine. Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia. They are both skilled fighters and good friends. They have come to see how the dojo is functioning."

After introductions were made, Penelope slipped a card into the stunned girl's hand. "This is a pass to get into Timescape, do you know it?"

"Um, yes, of course."

"Good. Feel free to come check out the place whenever you'd like. We're part owners, and I'd love to get to know you better. Your technique is a bit unorthodox, but I think you have potential."

"Well, thank you Miss Garcia. But Master Wong keeps us all very busy with training."

"Nonsense. Wong will be there tonight so classes are cancelled for this evening. I hope to see you there around eight." With that, Penelope pulled Derek out of the dojo and they made their way back to the club.