Strange Pack (Doctor Strange Fanfiction)

Chapter 6: Rough Teachings

"You're late," Sergantis snapped as he leaped down from his post with his muscles rippling as he stalked toward Stephen and Indarra as they approached.

Indarra ducked her head at being scolded by her mentor. "Sorry, Sergantis. We overslept a bit," she confessed as she stole a glance at him.

His eyes burned in anger, but he could never stay angry at her. Besides, not all of the students were there yet either. It was difficult to get everyone to move on a Sunday. He assumed that he could let it slide for the time being.

"Alright, just don't let it happen again," he growled with a pointed look at Stephen. Stephen ducked his head, nodding slightly. He knew that it would always be best not to challenge Sergantis. Sergantis cleared his throat and looked around. "Everyone get in line! If anyone else shows up they can jump in."

He leaped back on his post with Indarra joining on the other stump with her shoulder rippling. She sunk her claws into the stump to balance herself, nodding to Stephen as he took his place in the middle. He didn't like to be the center of attention since he couldn't seem to grasp this concept, but he didn't want to be in the back either where Magister and the Ancient One usually stood. That would be even worse.

"We've done this before, but let's brush up on the basics," Sergantis announced with the sunrise light making his pelt seem to glow as if it was on fire. "Picture where you want to go as clear as if you were standing right in front of it. Imagine the touch, smell, taste, touch, and anything else that makes this place vivid for you. It can be a memory or even a feeling of longing. Whatever works for you."

Indarra leaned forward to pick up where he left off. "Twirl your paw or hand around with the sling ring and focus only on that. We'll add distractions at a later time," she joked, arousing a few laughs from the small ground. "Alright, let's begin."

The students took their stances. Sergantis was watching everyone, but his main attention was on Stephen. He was clearly frustrated when he could get nothing to appear in front of him. His brow furrowed as he set his jaw squarely.

"Let it flow," Sergantis broke in. Stephen wasn't the only student having trouble. "Don't get frustrated. Don't get angry. Just practice and let it flow."

They went on for a bit before the Ancient One raised her hand and took a step forward. "Thank you, Sergantis, Indarra. But, I think that we need a small break before we continue," she suggested with a broad smile.

Sergantis dipped his head as he leaped down with Indarra landing right beside him. "I couldn't agree more. Everyone, get a drink and be back in ten," he announced as the students let out murmurs before they headed out, whispering and laughing to each other at what they had done.

Stephen was about to leave when Magister leaped in front of him, almost ushering him back.

"I can't get it," snapped Stephen in anger. "It's not working."

"You're too frustrated and not focusing. You need to focus and let the energy flow from there," Indarra explained gently.

Frustration still showed on Stephen's face. It was clear that Indarra suggestion was just making things wore, not better. Sergantis urged her back as the Ancient One stepped forward and looked up at Stephen.

"I know how to get you to unlock your power," she whispered.

Stephen gulped. "How?"

Sergantis lifted his wings and massaged his eyes as the Ancient One took her sling ring and opened a portal to Mount Everest. He had seen her do this before. Actually, she had done this to him when he had first been starting out. He luckily didn't have to do it to Indarra. She had picked up on everything lightning fast, but Sergantis had been a slow learning like Stephen in the beginning. He just prayed that he didn't have to treat him for frostbite or hypothermia soon.