CHAPTER 01: TRACES AND CLUES
Dick handed Mariane a small box, clearly a ring box. Mariane arched an eyebrow, teasing him, "Are you trying to ask me out or something?"
"What if I say yes?"
"Dick..."
Frustrated and a bit unsure, Dick groaned. He wasn't annoyed with Mariane, but with his own shyness. He took her hands a bit urgently, placing the box in her palm.
Mariane chuckled at his impatience, glancing at him before opening the box. Inside was a ring with a sun engraved on it.
She looked at Dick, a questioning expression on her face, and he grinned sheepishly.
"Do you like it?" His voice softened, a hint of worry in his eyes. Dick had personally chosen and made the ring, with Bruce's help, spending hours crafting it in the Batcave.
"Of course!" Mariane didn't hesitate to put it on.
Dick's smile widened as he showed his left hand with a ring on his ring finger.
"Yours is the sun," Dick grinned. "Mine is the moon."
Yelena
more widows at the north
don't wait up for me
okay
be careful
[seen]
MARIANE looked at her right ring finger, where the sun-engraved ring sat, still shiny and new after three years. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
'I messed everything up,' She blamed herself for the situation. Her fellow young Avengers tried to reassure her that it wasn't her fault, that some things couldn't be controlled.
Billy Maximoff, also known as Wiccan in the hero world, had a way of comforting her with his words.
"No matter how much you try to change the past, the future stays the same. I've learned that if you want a different future, it starts with what you do in the present."
Mariane discovered Billy and Tommy Maximoff while jumping between universes. They recognized each other and became friends, even joining Mariane's Young Avengers team. Despite being from different universes, Billy's similar abilities allowed him to bring Tommy along.
Although Mariane wasn't always active due to her travels to other realms, she didn't forget her duty at her pet clinic near the sanctum. It served as her way to cope with her reality.
However, the past haunted her, replaying in her mind each night. Even though she tried to move on, her first love lingered in her thoughts. Billy revealed that these weren't just dreams; he, with Mariane's permission, entered her mind to explore her memories.
When Billy opened his eyes, Mariane noticed a spark, but it quickly faded when he blinked. He looked at Mariane with a slight frown. "You're like Mum."
Mariane was a bit confused but nodded slowly. "I'll take it as a compliment. I'm a fan of Scarlet Witch."
Billy rolled his eyes. "You can travel through universes without needing your physical one. It's kind of dangerous, not recommended to do it alone."
Mariane often wondered how to tell if she was just dreaming or somehow hopping between different universes. Her dreams were a mix of everything—sweet, sad, horrifying, and, well, more adult with Richard John Grayson.
Oddly, in those dreams, Dick was all grown up, unlike the last time she saw him in real life.
Feeling uneasy, she confided in Billy, hesitant to share her concerns. She knew his response, and it sent shivers down her spine.
"Nah, those weren't dreams. Whatever you saw," Billy raises his hand, "I skipped over the grown-up stuff, you know, the awkward parts. Just wanted to give you a heads up." He continues, his shy look turning serious.
"Everything actually happened." Billy gazes at her. "You just did that 'dreamwalk' thing." He gives a small smile. "The good part is you used the Book of Vishanti that you spent the whole day memorising, remember?"
Mariane was interrupted from her thoughts when the clinic door chimed. Two familiar faces entered, accompanied by a one-eyed canine named Lucky, wagging its tail happily as it ran towards Mariane.
"Lucky!" Mariane crouched down, and Lucky jumped onto her, seeming to enjoy her face, making her giggle.
'Oh my god, oh my god, Mariane! Guess what I saw on the way here with Kat and Cassie??!' Lucky barked excitedly at Mariane, who nodded for him to continue.
'I saw a mouse! I wanted to run to it, but Kat stopped me!' Lucky stopped barking, turning his head towards Kate Bishop.
Kate stared at Lucky, confused. "Why does he look like he is judging me?" she asked Mariane.
"He is judging you," Mariane replied, raising a brow.
"Why?" Kate questioned.
Cassie chuckled. "Probably because you interrupted him running off."
"Well, yeah," Kate crossed her arms, "He nearly got hit by a car if I hadn't pulled him away."
'Hey! I was careful! I look both ways before running, okay!' Lucky barked towards Kate, as if his barks were words, expecting her to understand.
Kate looked at Mariane for help.
Mariane stood with her hands on her hips, laying down the law. "No arguing in the clinic. And if you two keep this up, no more pizza." She pointed at Lucky, who whined at the threat, and then at Kate. "And you, I'll take away your bow and arrow."
Kate responded with a playful "Boo!" and stuck her tongue out at Mariane. Cassie, witnessing this familiar dynamic, smiled quietly. The trio had a tendency to bicker, and Mariane always played the role of mediator between Kate and Lucky in the clinic.
As Cassie filmed the amusing scene, her attention was suddenly drawn to the window. Swiftly, she turned her phone toward the clear glass. Outside, a mysterious figure stood amidst the passing crowd. Clad in a black suit and a hoodie that concealed their face, the individual seemed to be intentionally enigmatic, leaving Cassie intrigued and uncertain.
"Cass?! Cass!"
Startled, Cassie turned her head, catching Mariane's raised eyebrows and Kate's concerned expression.
"What are you looking at?" Kate scanned the room, puzzled. "I was asking what you'd like for dinner." Her tone almost carried a sense of inquiry.
Cassie responded, unaware that Mariane had noticed what had captured her attention moments ago.
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Mariane couldn't predict the future; it wasn't her thing.
She didn't have that ability, especially since the Time Stone was now with her father, somewhere in another universe with her mother, Clea. And now, when she needed them the most, the sanctum was in her care along with Wong.
He was always on the move between Kamar-Taj and the New York Sanctum, juggling his responsibilities.
Letting out a sigh, Mariane shut the sanctum door, and the grand staircase welcomed her. With each step, her boot heels clicked on the floor. Suddenly, she halted as she sensed a breeze pass by, causing her straight, silky hair to sway.
The sanctum was sealed off; no air escaped from the outside, nor could it come in. Head bowed, Mariane's mind was a blank slate as she focused on the situation.
As Mariane turned, a floating, old-looking cloak with a brown hue blocked her view. It seemed like the fabric was shielding her from something. With a slight tilt of her head, she couldn't see who was behind it before the cloak forcefully shoved her away, indicating an unfriendly presence.
Quick on her feet, her sling ring adorned her finger, a move so subtle it went unnoticed by others. Turning back to face the threat, guided by her instincts, she summoned the protective ruby rings of Raggadorr, revealing the assailant's face in their gleam who was trying to get his hands on her.
"What the–" Mariane began, but before she could finish,the cloak latched onto her neck, lifting her off the ground. Mariane struggled to identify the person responsible.
I feel like I've seen him somewhere before. Where was it? Come on, Mariane. Think, think, think–
Suddenly, the cloak moved, guiding her to the side as the living room table went flying – Mariane had to do a double take. Did he just throw the freaking table at me?
The man soared towards Mariane, and it seemed like the cloak predicted her next move – seeing the surprised look from the opponent when Mariane singlehandedly pushed him down to the ground.
She conjured the Eldritch whip, one of her signature moves – defending herself, to see him holding not only one dagger, but two.
She twisted and turned, using her martial arts expertise to evade his strikes, her every motion a dance of defence. With each dodge, she used the whip to try and bring him down, but he always found a way to get back up.
"You must be Doctor Strange," his voice echoed, sounding as if he had a hidden microphone with a mysteriously deep tone. What the heck?
Mariane tilted her head, replying, "Well, yeah, if you want to put it that way."
His recovery was swift as he stood on his two feet, gazing at her.
"Where's the Time Stone?" he demanded.
Mariane maintained a stern expression, meeting his eyes. "There's no stone here."
"Rubbish," he laughed. "I know it's here."
"It's not, douche," Mariane scoffed. "Really. I'm not lying."
The attacker jumps toward her, suddenly right in her face. Before anything else, Bronze swiftly moves Mariane out of harm's way. He can teleport. Don't tell me..
Her thoughts were interrupted when he started to teleport in various areas – trying to stab her but she's been trained by Doctor Strange and Wong to handle these sudden movements. Plus, she recalls tough combat training from Batman in another universe.
She still remembers.
Mariane feels a gasp escape her as the dagger nearly grazes her face. But Bronze pulls her back, the cloak tugging her by the neck, almost bending her backward until her head nearly touches the floor.
Grateful for her flexibility, she managed to perform a back handstand and rise to her feet.
He scoffed; looking at Mariane, "Looks like I have to kill you in the–
Suddenly, arrows and spiderwebs came flying towards him from different directions. Swiftly, he raised his hand, and they froze in mid-air. Chaos arose as bullets, arrows, and webs continued to be unleashed.
Out of nowhere, another figure appeared and delivered a powerful blow, slamming him against the wall.
Recognizing the dark purple suit and helmet, Mariane couldn't help but smile.
"Mariane! What the hell does he want?!" Yelena hurried over, and as Cassie tried to hold the intruder back, she got thrown aside.
"The Time Stone!" Requesting Bronze to shift her, Mariane flew right in front of Trigon and landed a punch on his face, something Cassie had aimed to do earlier.
Yelena swung her leg – at the same time a red-suited individual flew from above.
Multiple webs shot out at incredible speed towards the man.
Unexpectedly, Trigon began transforming into a monstrous creature with multiple eyes, horns, hooves, and red skin.
Cassie gasped, prompting Peter to quickly pull her to a safe distance.
Yelena and Kate could only stare with wide eyes. "Holy shit! A demonic monster!" Kate pointed excitedly, her head turning between Yelena and the demon as if captivated.
Yelena was already on guard, ready for whatever might come next.
"Now I remember who he is!" Mariane exclaimed, her eyebrows furrowing deeply.
Shields formed on her arms, growing twice their size.
It's Trigon. This sanctum is in for a rough time once we send him back to his own realm. Damn my luck. But the question is, how on Gotham is he able to enter this universe!!?
"Mariane!" Yelena's voice snapped her back.
The group launched an attack on the demon. Mariane created multiple platforms for Yelena and Kate to navigate, while also defending Cassie and Peter from being thrown around.
Yelena and Kate attempted to distract Trigon, but his focus was on Mariane.
He easily shook off the two Avengers with just two arms.
Mariane forgot that Trigon had magic too.
He flew towards her, catching her off guard. Without much time to think, Bronze, always by Mariane's side, swiftly used the end of the cloak to bind Trigon's massive arms.
Trigon, however, had different plans.
He tried mind control, but for some strange reason, it didn't work. "Why can't I use them?" His frustrated voice echoed in the sanctum.
Mariane wasn't sure what he meant, but it seemed her father's spell was protecting the sanctum from his manipulative powers.
The magic shield that her father cast kept the dark magic at bay, as Trigon attempted to cast a spell on everyone in the room.
"Give me the damn stone!" Trigon's furious shout echoed, causing the sanctum to tremble. He lunged towards Mariane, his enormous hand reaching for her neck.
Even Bronze couldn't cling to his hands, as Trigon forcefully tore it off.
"Where is the stone, you bitch!?" Trigon exerted pressure on her neck, leaving Mariane struggling to breathe.
Desperate, she attempted to conjure spells, but her efforts were hindered by the tightening grip on her airway. She could only manage to scratch at Trigon's monstrous arms.
The young Avengers fought valiantly to save Mariane, but they too faced challenges as objects hurled towards them in the chaotic scene.
"No! Mariane!" Peter's panicked screams filled the air as he witnessed Mariane's head turning blue from the lack of air. Her eyes felt like they were about to pop out, and she was on the verge of passing out or, she feared, dying.
Just when it seemed bleak, Trigon was forcefully thrown to the side, and simultaneously, a magical portal appeared. Trigon was hurled into it, closing the portal and vanishing with him.
Mariane plummeted at an alarming speed, on the verge of hitting the ground, when Bronze, accompanied by an individual with lightning-fast abilities, swiftly caught her in his arms.
Mariane struggled to focus her vision, her head feeling weighed down. Despite the haziness, she managed to discern a figure, surrounded by a blurry white glow as she looked up.
In the distance, a red figure was aiding Kate, who lay on the floor.
Mariane strained to see his face, but as he turned around, she blacked out.
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"Holy shit,"
In the background, there were more comments, but it seemed like his surroundings had faded away.
"When was this?" Dick didn't even need to turn; he could hear the concerned tone from Donna.
"A few hours ago," said Rachel. "I assume he was being thrown back here, that's why I could sense him."
"I hope she's okay," said Connor. "Trigon literally choked her."
"Yeah," Gar added, "But Strange– and her team– looks like a team, literally didn't hesitate to just jump on him. I would be scared if I see a man transforming into a giant demon," Gar's eyes fell towards Rachel with a sheepish look.
"No offence."
"None taken," Rachel said rather simply.
Dick couldn't even hear the amazed comments made by Hank and Gar.
He felt really worried seeing his old flame under attack from his enemy.
It took Dick eight years to figure out which universe Mariane was in with Rachel's help. They knew there were risks involved, like the risk of death.
Dick just wanted to know where she was, not to visit her. So Rachel helped him until Trigon showed up and Rachel informed the Titans.
They couldn't figure out how he was reborn; demons like him don't die.
Hank tried a joke about throwing cleansing water at him, which Dawn didn't find funny, earning him judgmental looks from the others for the bad dad joke.
Right now, the Titans were watching from the big screen in their tower, using Rachel's magic to see into Mariane's universe. There's a fight happening in an old museum. Four people are battling Trigon, with Mariane in the air, guiding the others on the ground. Magic steps and shields are flying around, amazing the rest of the Titans.
Dick was really tense, and when Mariane got caught by Trigon's hand, it startled him and made his chair fly back. "No, no, no, no," he whispered to himself, his hand over his mouth, a habit he has when he's anxious. The air in the room felt cold as they all watched, feeling helpless.
Dick knows that this has already happened – but he still feels like he didn't do anything to help her as of now.
But he knew he couldn't do much.
Mariane was wrapped in the magic cloak that had been fighting to help her, and she was in the arms of a white-haired man. Trigon was being thrown into a bluish portal, with a red-cloaked guy who wore a headband appearing out of nowhere.
"They have their own Flash too!" Gar pointed out with a huge smile – Mariane was safely in the arms of the white-haired guy; Dick sighing in relief, not caring that he sighed too loud.
"We need to do something, Dick." Rachel turned towards the leader of the group with a deep frown. "I don't know why he is chasing after Strange." She frowns, eyes turned elsewhere. Rachel isn't able to read Trigon's mind anymore – it was weird, as if he is more powerful.
"Figured he wants something that your girl has." Hank made a point, making the others chuckle, noticing how Dick blushed.
"In due respect, Dick." Connor let out his hands, "Strange is beautiful, and nice. It's understandable you still have feelings for her," Connor tried to be respectful, acknowledging Mariane's charm and why Dick might still have feelings for her. It earned him a cautious glance from Dick, which caused Connor to seek shelter behind Hank and Dawn.
"Come on, guys." Donna looks at them with a frown, "Don't gang up on Dick."
But truth be told, everyone knew Dick's feelings for Mariane.
Even when Dick had dated other women, those relationships rarely lasted. Even with Kory, there was a time when they weren't on speaking terms due to Dick's initial, flimsy breakup reasons. But eventually, he came clean with his true feelings.
"I don't think I can forget about her. I know, I'm an asshole and I have to admit too. I'm sorry."
Dick ended things with Kory, and it didn't last even a month, much like his previous relationships. None of those women were Mariane.
Kory had been warned by the other girls in the group, and even by Dick's adopted sister, Evelyn, that Dick still had lingering feelings for someone he had spent his teenage years with.
Kory eventually understood Dick's unwavering devotion to Mariane after having a glimpse of her through Rachel's eyes. She recognized the qualities that drew Dick to Mariane Strange—her bravery, kindness, and superhero prowess. Stories of their adventures as teenagers, continuing into their adulthood, were shared by Evelyn and the group, illuminating the remarkable person Mariane was.
"So," Gar began, "What should we do? I mean, we can't just jump into another universe like that monster– no offence babe!" Gar quickly clarified, sensing he might have offended Rachel by calling her father a monster.
"No offence taken," Rachel rolled her eyes, "He is a monster."
"Gar is right," Donna nods, "It is our job, since we live in this universe." Donna's eyes turned towards the screen. "Strange has done much. This isn't her first time doing us a favour."
Everyone could only look towards each other – some had their eyes downcast while nodding to the Wonder Girls' words, because she is right.
Mariane Strange has saved their butts quite a few times in recent months; it was thanks to Hank and Dawn, recognizing the sorceress when they were nearly killed by a group of powerful assassins – which they learned were from Mariane's universe.
That's also when the Titans found out that Trigon was alive and hiding, jumping from one universe to another. Rachel figured this out when she reached out to Mariane using her powers.
Dick's expression darkened slightly as he focused on the screen displaying Mariane's data.
His gaze lingered on her smiling face, a sight that always tugged at his heart when he missed her.
I'll figure out a way.
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