The Soul World

Whatever it takes

Suddenly, a hand grasped Peter's shoulder and he jerked round.

"What," hissed Strange, "do you think you're doing?" Peter tensed, every hair on his arms standing up at the menacing calm in Strange's voice. His own voice quavered up a pitch and he squeaked out:

"I was just, uh- Just trying to find Robert, to, um, get him on our side, I mean, I thought that, maybe, he could help, you know, in the battle against Thanos?"

Strange growled. "Never, ever, steal my sling ring again, understand?"

"Sorry." Peter handed it back, his head hanging down.

"It's not just that you betrayed my trust, it's also that magic is dangerous, Peter. Especially this type of sorcery. You don't know what you could have done!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't think, I just kinda wanted to say goodbye to Robert."

"No Peter, you didn't think." Strange glared at him. 

Suddenly, his glare softened and he stroked his facial hair thoughtfully. "However," he said slowly, testing out his idea, "you've made me think... Goodness, how did I forget? We've been so focused on finding these heroes here that I left out the obvious army I have at home!"

"What are you talking about?" Peter said, eyes wide.

"You've reminded me of the other sorcerers. The three sanctums - New York, London, Hong Kong - we have to check there to see if there are any other wizards!" Strange lowered his voice, trying not to wake anyone, "I don't know how many there will be but even one person gives us a marginally better chance against Thanos."

Peter was already materializing his Iron Spider suit, but Strange stopped him. "Not now." He warned Peter. "When everyone's awake, I'll tell T'Challa and we can get a proper team to go. Sleep for now. Get as much rest as you can. There's no use rushing."

"I can't sleep," protested Peter.

"Then sit tight until the others wake up,"

"No, Strange, please," Peter begged, holding out his hands, palms up, "you said that even one person gives us a marginally better chance against Thanos, right? Well I can't stand lying on this floor and not doing anything, not when I know there's something to be done! 

"I can't sleep and I'll just be bored until the others wake. If you won't let us go to the Sanctums, please let me do this? I'm sorry I stole your ring. I need your help to do this. I feel like I've just abandoned Robert."

Strange sighed, pinching his brow. "Why do you want to see him again anyway? You nearly killed each other! I get that you're bored but this seems ill-advised, and I think it's best that you leave each other alone,"

"Ok, fine, it's not because I feel bad," Peter confessed, "I want to prove him wrong. I want to show him what being a hero is really all about."

"Peter, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone," Strange frowned.

"Yes, but... I could have been him. If I didn't have May and Ben when my parents died, who's to say that I wouldn't have turned to crime to survive, like him? And he could still be me. He has these amazing abilities, he just needs to realize that being a hero is so much better than being a villain."

"This is important to you, isn't it?"

"His story is so similar to mine. We may have followed different paths but he could still turn to the right side. I have to at least try, surely? Besides, I'll be bored out of my mind here whilst everyone's asleep."

Strange considered Peter's proposition. He knew that Peter always saw the best in people, though sometimes Peter's heart was too good, too innocent. Still, he couldn't exactly deny Peter this.