Wong bandaged Genesis' left wrist before he opened a portal to her apartment. He watched her go through as he lowered his head in shame.
"I cannot protect both you and the Sanctum. I'm not as powerful as Stephen, and I know he would want you out of harm's way."
She shook her head. "It's okay. Just...take care and..good luck finding him."
The portal closed and she stood in her room, holding her broken wrist. Quickly, she went to bed and tried to sleep, hoping Stephen would try to contact her somehow. It took several minutes, but she managed to close her eyes and fall asleep.
Her eyes fluttered open and she looked around to find her room was still dark. Taking out her phone, she saw it was midnight. Nothing from Stephen. Sighing deeply, she shook her head.
"Genesis-"
She covered her mouth as she gave a muffled shriek. Stephen was above her bed in his astral body. Her jaw hung open as she stared up at him.
"Shit, is it really you?"
"Yes, I don't have much time. Your wrist.."
Genesis glanced at the bandage on her left wrist and Stephen hovered closer to examine it. "It's broken, isn't it?"
"It's fine. It's not a big deal."
His eyes darkened as he kept his gaze on her wrist. He clenched his fists as he lifted his chin.
"There's not much time. I need you to open that jewlery box on your desk," he said pointing across the room.
She switched the flashlight on her phone and went to her jewelry box. "Why?"
"Just open it."
Slowly, she opened the box as an emerald light shone from inside. A gasp escaped her as she saw a green stone inside the box. Her hand instinctively reached out before Stephen cried, "No!"
She froze. "What the hell is it?"
"It's what powered the Eye of Agamoto. The Time Stone. There's a handful of different stones in the universe, and this is one of them. This is one of the relics I'm called to protect."
Genesis grimaced. "If you're supposed to protect it, why do you wear it around your neck like a bullseye?"
He gave her a look before he gazed at the stone. "It's also a weapon, not just a relic. A weapon I've been trying to master."
"Why is it in my bedroom?"
"I hid it here. I didn't know Mordo knew anything about you. But, now I have to move it. That's why I need your help."
She shrugged. "How am I supposed to move it if I can't touch it?"
Stephen stood beside her. "Keep it in the box and take it to Wong. He's in charge of the Sanctum now. He'll know how to protect it from Mordo."
"But, what about you?"
"I'm working on it. Trust me, you don't have to worry about anything. You're safe here."
"But I can't just sit here and move this stone when you're in trouble. Use it against Mordo!"
She closed the jewelry box and handed it to him. He shook his head at her. "I can't touch anything without my physical body. Just take it to Wong. Please, I don't have time to argue."
"But, where are you?"
"All I know is that Mordo is going to do what it takes to find the Time Stone. I sense he knows you have it. The fate of the universe is on that stone, and you're wasting time."
She raised her voice. "Well, I didn't ask for any of this!"
He stopped and stared at her. Her good hand trembled as she held the box. Stephen's eyes lowered and he spoke quietly. "I know. I'm sorry. Please, just take it to Wong. I have to go."
He disappeared and she felt guilt flooding her. Staring at the box, she got an idea. She hurried out of her apartment, tossing the box in her backpack, and caught a bus back to the Sanctum.
Mordo had his palm on Stephen's forehead as he stared at Stephen's lifeless body for several minutes. Then, he started to move. He gasped for air as his astral body returned and he gazed in horror at Mordo.
"You're growing weaker, Strange. I thought it would take more months of study to properly possess your mind."
Stephen had indeed grown exhausted and weak. He hadn't eaten or drank a thing in days. "Stay away from her Mordo, or I swear-"
Taking a wooden staff from behind his back, Mordo swung it at Stephen's shoulder and he cried out in pain.
Stephen grunted as he tried to maintain his sitting position. His hands were still bound and his shoulder burned from the pain. Mordo kneeled down and lifted Stephen's chin, looking deeply into his eyes.
"She loves you, Strange."
Stephen kept his expression steady as he remained silent. Mordo stared and waited. He stood as he said, "That night when I took your form and visited the sanctum, she left her room and I ran into her, thinking I was you. Within moments...she kissed me."
Stephen grit his teeth. "Stop it!"
"You think I'm lying?"
"Just stop!"
Mordo waved his hand as Stephen's hands were free. Suddenly, strands of sparks wrapped around his wrists and ankles from above his head. One went around his neck and they slowly lifted him of the floor. His eyes shut and he cried out from his screaming shoulder.
"You enjoy blindly following orders. Like a puppet. That's what you are," Mordo spat.
Stephen felt hot tears build up. "What's happened to you? Please...don't do this."
His pleas only fueled Mordo's anger and pride. "I expected more fight from you. The favorite of the Ancient One. A coward when he's relieved of his sling ring and reminded of his past. Once I take the Stone, we'll fix that."
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A/N: Apologies for posting a non-readable chapter. Hopefully it works this time! Also, sorry for not updating this story. I've been struggling with writing this story. I had to rewrite this chapter several times.