harry potter : I'm Doctor Mystic (Dr. Strange + Dr. Fate)

The wreckage of the Star court Mall still smouldered in the dim light of the Hawkins night. Broken walls groaned under the weight of debris, and faint embers drifted lazily in the air. A silence fell over the scene, broken only by the occasional crackle of dissipating magic.

Alexander adjusted his cloak, his form disappearing into the shroud of shadows that clung to him like a second skin. He sensed them before he saw them—a group of young and curious onlookers who had witnessed the battle. Their emotions radiated like a beacon: awe, confusion, and fear.

From his concealed perch, he watched them approach cautiously. Eleven led the group, her expression a mixture of wonder and determination. Mike Wheeler was close behind, his protective stance evident as he glanced nervously at the destruction around them. Will Byers clung to his brother Jonathan, his wide eyes darting toward every flickering shadow. Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington flanked the group, weapons at the ready, their faces etched with suspicion. Dustin Henderson whispered hurriedly to Lucas Sinclair, while Max Mayfield and Erica Sinclair exchanged glances, the weight of the moment sinking in.

Robin Buckley, ever observant, pointed toward the epicentre of the destruction. "What... what the hell was that thing? And who took it out?"

"It wasn't the government, that's for sure," Steve muttered. "I've never seen anything like that."

Eleven tilted her head, her wide eyes scanning the area. "Someone's here," she said softly, her voice like a ripple in a still pond.

The Vanishing Act

As the group advanced, their eyes locked on the faint scorch marks where the Mind Flayer had disintegrated, Alexander made his move. He stepped deeper into the shadows, allowing them to envelop him completely.

Dustin gasped as the space where Alexander had stood moments before was suddenly empty. "Did you see that?!"

"He was there," Lucas said, gripping his makeshift weapon tightly. "I swear someone was right there."

"Stay close," Jonathan warned, his voice low.

The group huddled together, their gazes darting around the destroyed mall. Eleven narrowed her eyes, her mind reaching out to sense the presence again. But before she could locate him, a smooth, deep voice echoed from behind them.

The Introduction

"You're all quite bold to come here, knowing what lurks in this place."

They spun around, startled, to find Alexander standing just a few feet away, his dark cloak billowing slightly as if caught in an invisible wind. His hood remained up, casting his face in shadow, but his piercing eyes glinted faintly in the dim light.

Steve raised his bat defensively. "Who the hell are you?"

Alexander chuckled softly, a sound that sent shivers down their spines. "I mean you no harm," he said, raising his hands slowly. "My name is Alexander Riddle."

"Riddle?" Nancy echoed, her sharp mind immediately analyzing the name.

"You… you destroyed the Mind Flayer," Eleven said, her voice steady despite the awe in her tone. "How?"

Alexander took a slow step forward, his movements deliberate and measured. "Let's just say I have certain... abilities that make dealing with creatures like that easier than most." He glanced at the rubble around them. "Although, it appears your town has been dealing with such things for some time now."

The Group's Suspicion

Mike stepped protectively in front of Eleven. "How do we know you're not another threat? Just because you killed that thing doesn't mean we can trust you."

Alexander tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable beneath the hood. "Wise words for someone so young. Suspicion is a survival skill. But no, I'm not your enemy." He gestured toward the remains of the Mind Flayer. "That creature was a threat to me as much as it was to you."

"But you knew it was here," Robin said, her eyes narrowing. "You came prepared."

Alexander nodded. "I go where I'm needed. The Mind Flayer was an aberration—a wound in this world that needed to be closed."

Dustin, ever curious, took a tentative step forward. "Wait, are you like... a wizard or something? Like Gandalf? Or—wait—are you a Jedi?"

Alexander laughed softly, the sound warm but distant. "Let's just say I've studied many disciplines." He turned to Eleven. "You understand, don't you? The weight of power, the responsibility it brings."

Eleven nodded hesitantly, her gaze locked with his. "Yes. But why are you here?"

A Warning and Departure

Alexander's tone grew more somber. "Because this town is a beacon for things that should not exist. The barriers between worlds are thinner here. If the Mind Flayer was here, others will follow."

"You're saying this isn't over?" Max asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

"No," Alexander replied simply. "Not by a long shot."

He turned, his cloak swirling around him like liquid shadow. "But you're strong. Together, you've done more than most could ever dream of. Keep fighting. Protect this town. And maybe... just maybe, you'll survive what's to come."

"Wait!" Mike called out, but Alexander was already moving.

The Flock of Crows

Before their eyes, Alexander's form began to shift. His cloak rippled unnaturally, splitting and tearing into fragments that seemed to come alive. The dark tendrils of his form unraveled into a swarm of crows, their inky feathers shimmering as they erupted into the air with a cacophony of piercing cries.

The group stood frozen, mouths agape, as the murder of crows circled overhead in a chaotic, beautiful dance. The sound of flapping wings filled the space, echoing off the broken walls of the mall.

As quickly as they appeared, the crows dispersed, scattering into the night sky until the last one was gone, leaving only silence in their wake.

Aftermath

The group stood in stunned silence, the weight of Alexander's words hanging heavily over them.

"What do we do now?" Lucas asked, breaking the quiet.

"We prepare," Eleven said firmly, her gaze fixed on the darkened sky where the crows had vanished. "He's right. This isn't over."

As the group began to make their way out of the mall, their minds raced with questions. Who was Alexander Riddle? Why had he come to Hawkins? And what new horrors awaited them in the shadows?

For now, all they could do was hold onto each other and hope they were strong enough to face whatever came next.