A/N: Hello faithful readers. New chapter tonight and another tomorrow. I figured that getting so close to the premiere of Infinity War, I should be pumping out a little more than normal. Another 3-4 chapters have been written and I suddenly got another burst of inspiration today. But I hope you will be patient with me, as I do have two other stories that need my attention. Update day is still Tuesday, so never fear. Next week there might be two, there might be only one chapter. Not sure, but enjoy this one and tomorrow's.

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, Disney, ABC, 20th Century Fox or the Avengers. Just Sera and the chaos that is her life.


The Ancient One brought me back to their temple in Kathmandu, called Kamar-Taj, just like Callie and Elijah said. We sat and spoke of Dr. Strange's arrival and his attitude, before tea was served. It was odd for me to have tea so late at night, but it was nearly 5:30 am in Nepal.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I quickly silenced it, moving it into my bag so that it wouldn't disturb us. I would check it later.

"So, this Thanos, is after all the Infinity Stones, and currently, you have…"

"Well, two. No, four. The Mind Stone is in Vision, the Tesseract is on Asgard, The Power Stone on Xandar, and the Time Stone is here, and the Aether/Reality Stone is with the Collector. When I say I have them, I mean Earth and its allies, have them. Well, the Collector isn't an ally but we can't move it yet. And I would like to consider us allies. This isn't just the Avengers home planet. It is home to billions of people that deserve to live. Aliens, humans, mutants, InHumans, and those who practice the mystic arts."

"Would you require reinforcements?" She asked, picking up her teacup again.

"Whatever you are willing to give. We have the Avengers, SHIELD, InHumans, Wakandan warriors and the X-Men," I said, wincing internally. I hadn't even talked to Dr. Xavier them since I got back from Vienna. I would rectify that soon enough.

"And what role does Dr. Strange play in this?" She said, a cool mask not giving away what she was thinking.

"He eventually becomes a Sorcerer Supreme, from the understanding my children gave me."

"Your twins, who aren't even fully grown?"

"When I first got to Vienna, I was visited by my twins from a future where we lost to Thanos."

She looked surprised, before gesturing for me to continue my story.

"They explained Dr. Strange's involvement, and his origin. Not much else, but I do know he wields the Eye of Agomotto."

"Please send for Dr. Strange," She said to a passing student before turning back to me, "These twins of yours that came from the future…. Both had brown hair, their eyes were-"

"Blue like ice," I finished.

"So they were yours. They mentioned you, but their names were too distinctive to be a coincidence."

"Callie and Eli. Calliope and Elijah actually, but we go by their nicknames."

"They appeared here in this room, claimed they were from the future and that I should receive with hospitality a Seraphina Rogers-Barnes. They said that they had come back from a future you had just changed, remembering I needed to be warned of your arrival."

"Oh thank god," I whispered, covering my mouth and closing my eyes. They had made it, and they weren't in danger. I was feeling better about my decisions already.

"Do you need a moment?" She asked gently.

I smirked, shaking my head, "Just relieved. Please be as frank with me as you need. I won't be offended if you kick me out."

"But we still haven't gotten to the heart of the matter. You believe Dr. Strange to be the only one of my students to take on a task as daunting as saving our galaxy."

"I can't tell you what exactly makes him different, but you won't be sorry for taking a chance on him."

"You sent for me," A voice said behind me. I turned in my seat, smiling, as Dr. Strange looked taken aback by my presence.

"It's always good to know that I can surprise people," I joked to the Ancient One.

"Dr. Stark," He said, nodding to me.

"Dr. Strange. I've come to speak to the Ancient One, but it is nice to finally meet you," I said, standing to hold my hand out to him. He shook it, and smiled.

"I apologize if I seem unkempt. Shaving isn't my priority right now," He said, gesturing to his wild facial hair.

"I understand. Studying must keep you busy, as is taking books without Wong's permission or knowledge," I smirked. He paled, sparing a look at the Ancient One.

"Would you lie?" The Ancient One said, peering at him over her teacup.

"No. I have been taking books."

"Well, you need to study," I cheeked.

"I should be getting back. I have a full day tomorrow. My step-mom wants to go shopping for a gala we have tomorrow night," I explained, as I stood to bow to the Ancient One.

"I don't believe we will meet again," She said lowly for only me to hear as she shook my hand, "But I have enjoyed our short time together Seraphina."

"I as well, Ancient One. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you," I smiled.

"Dr. Strange, please escort Seraphina back to the New York Sanctum's door."

"Of course," He said, bowing his head and gesturing for me to follow. I waved goodbye to the Ancient One and turned to study Stephen.

"Dr. Strange, I hope that you don't think this too forward of me, but the reason you came to Kamar-Taj was your hands, correct?" I asked. He nodded, "Yes, I was in an car accident. It was quite wet out and I was going too fast. Rolled down an embankment, and lost all but 12% function of both hands after they slammed against the steering wheel."

"I would like to say I am sorry, but I know what's its like to not want pity from strangers, or friends."

"I am not the best at receiving sympathy from either. It is hard knowing I will never be working in my studied profession. But as a friend once told me, there are other ways to save lives."

"I agree. I thought I was saving lives as an agent, keeping secrets and taking down dictators. But I've done more as an Avenger and an Ambassador."

"May I ask, why you were here? I wouldn't think the mystic arts were something on the Avenger's or SHIELD's radar."

"Something to due with a future battle. Getting a head start on numbers and reinforcements."

"Future… How soon is it?"

"May."

"That's a bit far away. How do you know it's that specific time?"

"I cannot tell you that yet. What I can tell you is that in the future, I believe we will be allies. And once you have helped us, I have a reward in mind that may interest you. Not to suggest we make a deal, but I would be grateful if you chose to help us of your own merit."

"Vague."

"I only deal in vague these days. Helps to not reveal things before their time. Butterfly effect and all," I explained as we stopped in front of my exit door.

"Something I may need to know possibly?"

"That you must trust the Ancient One. She may make a mistake or two, but her intentions are pure. And that being annoying to the right person can result in a winning outcome," I smiled, as the door was opened.

"Dr. Stark, you are the most fascinating and infuriating woman I have ever met. I look forward to meeting again in the future."

"I look forward to meeting you again as well Dr. Strange," I teased as I turned to leave.

Walking down the staircase I came in on, I felt a little lighter, knowing another piece was in place. I left the Sanctum to get back into my Dad's car, only to find Wade and Peter leaning up against it.

"Wow, that didn't take long."

"It felt like an hour to me. Was it different here? Hey Wade," I said, nodding to him.

"Parker here says you are pregnant again. Are your husbands treating your vagina like a vending machine?"

"Wade," Peter said, hitting him in the chest, hard.

"No, I am. I had my own and then almost 8 months later I got pregnant by IVF, a surrogacy for Natasha, and then the same day I had her twins, and the Cradle healed me, I must have gotten pregnant again. My uterus may just give up on me after this one."

"What did you learn from Kamar-Taj?" Peter asked, before Wade could open his mouth again.

"That Dr. Strange is on the right path, and we have another piece on our side of the chess board."

"Are we just supposed to be happy we are pawns?" Wade said, sarcastically.

"No one is a pawn. Everyone is a player, part of a team. There will not and never will be people that are expendable. This war is real, whether you believe it or not."

"Okay, so what do you want me to do about it?"

"I want you to get your ass back up to Xavier's, and train any and all students. If Jean tells me about one slip up, your head will be separated from your body, both boxed up, and shipped to a separate remote locations where they will be buried. Do I make myself clear?"

"God, yes! You're worse than my mother," He whined sarcastically.

"She isn't joking Wade," Peter said, looking at me warily. Wade looked into my eyes and seemed to grasp that I was serious

"God, it's hot that you can command respect like that," Wade said, fanning himself.

"Don't make me go back on my word Wade. One slip up. They are teenagers, not adults. You're brand of humor isn't appropriate."

"Ugh," He sighed, "And just like that, I need to be alone..."

"Oh god Wade," Peter said, looking down at Wade's obvious erection, and then away in disgust. I rolled my eyes heavenward and asked how on earth I was supposed to deal with morons like Wade.


After I left the guys, to head back to the Tower, I realized I would have to be up early with Pepper to shop for a Gala dress. I climbed into my bed in the Tower, feet aching, and heart hurt from my fight with Steve.

I closed my eyes, and hoped for sleep. My brain had other ideas, as I couldn't shut it off to save my life.

Getting up from the bed, I padded over to the balcony, looking up at the stars. Breathing in deeply, I listened to the sound of the city below. I could hear a minor road construction project going on a block away from the tower, and people hailing cabs. There wasn't much to do, except check my phone. As it lit up in my hand, I noticed the missed call was from Steve. My fingers trembled as I opened the voicemail he left, stomach still aching from anger, making me feel sick.

"Sera, I know you don't want to hear from me. I would be the last person on my own list too. I have hurt you too many times, and I don't deserve your forgiveness for my pigheadedness. I just miss you. You are here, but sometimes you feel so far away. Sometimes, I feel like you and Bucky have a better understanding of each other in the short time you knew him before, than we did with almost a year of being together as a couple. It's frustrating for me, because I can't have it both ways. I can't want you all to myself and not with Bucky, and then want Bucky to myself and not with you."

"Sera, you know I am not good with describing my feelings. If anything I just said hurt you, I am sorry. But I need you here. You can see through me better than anyone. Whether that is because you know me that well, or because as a psychologist you know what to look for, I don't know. I do know that I love you and you being away from me, from our family, kills me with each passing hour. You are and always will be, the Angel that saved me. And if you don't respond before you get back, I understand. I want a chance to cool off, so I can talk to you rationally before I jump to conclusions. This impending war has us all on edge, but you are holding secrets that can either give us an advantage or be our downfall."

"Atlas," I whispered to the darkness, "I am Atlas."

"You, are an amazing woman. I only wish I was worthy of your love. Because of the shit you put up with daily," He said, making me chuckle, "I know you don't deserve my jealousy or anger on top of it. I don't want to ruin this with my lack of filter."

"Goodnight Angel. Come home to us, please."

Now, how was I supposed to sleep?