Video paused.
A new question popped up on the screen—was there finally a turning point in this tragedy of a future?
Stephen's eyes lit up. "The answer is C! I'd absolutely do it. I will save Christine. I swear it!"
Thor shook his head. "Calm down, man. You can't guarantee the right answer just because it feels right. From what I know, the Time Stone isn't something you can use however you like. It's dangerous. You yourself once said that. I think the correct answer is D."
From Thor's point of view, Doctor Strange—the Doctor Strange with the Time Stone—could change the future. But he probably wouldn't. It was too risky. Too forbidden.
Annie wasn't convinced. "I believe he would save his girlfriend!"
Deadpool chuckled. "Thor, c'mon man. Did you forget your own love story? Let's be real, love makes people do some dumb stuff. I'm backing Stephen on this. He'll totally try to rewind time for her—but will it work? That's the real question. I've got a feeling this cartoon's headed straight for heartbreak city."
In other words, Wade leaned toward answer B. Though, his "this is probably a tragedy" comment was mostly ignored by everyone else.
Thor thought about it. "Fine, fine. You guys convinced me. But Stephen—if you do start spamming that Time Stone, you're gonna stir up a whole world of trouble."
Stephen raised both hands, waving off the concern. "I just want to save Christine. She didn't deserve to die. I'll go back, drive more carefully, and that'll be it. One time. Just once!"
"Let's hope so," Thor muttered, raising an eyebrow. He had a bad feeling things weren't going to be that simple.
Before anyone could say more, the countdown for the quiz began. The players hesitated briefly before slamming the buzzers. This time, Hughie Campbell got in first.
He glanced at Billy Butcher next to him before making his choice. "I'm going with B."
They had clearly discussed it quietly a moment before and reached an agreement. Sure enough, Billy also picked B.
Wade gave them a wink and picked B too. "Good call, lads. Stick with me and you'll go far."
Coincidentally, the remaining three all picked C. They believed that Stephen wouldn't just rewind time—he'd succeed in saving Christine.
The countdown ended, and the correct answer was revealed.
[Congratulations to player Hughie Campbell for answering correctly—4 points awarded.]
[Player Billy Butcher and player Wade Wilson also answered correctly—1 point each]
[Player Thor Odinson, player Stephen Strange, and player Annie January answered incorrectly—1 point deducted]
Stephen blinked in confusion. "Wait... what? I can't save her even if I go back in time?"
Thor and Annie gave him looks full of sympathy. The sadness on Stephen's face was so heavy it felt like everyone could see the weight he was carrying.
The quiz ended, and the video resumed.
Stephen shifted his focus to the screen, brushing aside his confusion for now.
The video continued right where it left off. After defeating Dormammu, Stephen officially inherited the Ancient One's mantle. He became the new Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj.
At this point, he possessed power beyond imagination. He was a hero who had saved the world—but he felt no joy. Something inside him was missing.
Inside the New York Sanctum, Stephen sat slumped in a chair, staring blankly out the window. His mind replayed every tender memory of Christine. Alone, he sipped his drink in silence.
Wong came to check on him, immediately noticing Stephen was miles away. After a few words of concern, it became clear why: today marked two years since Christine's death.
Stephen could no longer hold back the yearning in his heart. Clutching the Eye of Agamotto, he made a silent vow.
Having faced Dormammu, Stephen had become quite adept at using the Time Stone. He believed he could do this—he could change that night.
Wong, ever perceptive, sensed something was wrong. He offered a few words of caution.
But Stephen had already made up his mind.
As soon as Wong left, Stephen acted. He used the Time Stone.
And just like that—he was back. Two years earlier. That night.
His sleek sports car waited by the curb. Christine stepped out of the hotel, smiling brightly, complimenting how handsome he looked tonight.
After two long years, seeing her again made Stephen's eyes misty. He held her hand tight, vowing silently: Never again. No more tragedy.
They got in the car. With a press of the pedal, they left the city and headed into the mountains. Soon enough, the truck that had caused the accident last time appeared ahead.
Stephen laughed and chatted with Christine, pretending to be calm. But this time, he played it safe—he didn't try to overtake on the curve. He stayed behind the truck.
And yet—the crash still happened.
Their car was rear-ended, spun out, smashed through the guardrail, tumbled down the slope—and landed just like before. Stephen survived.
Christine didn't.
"No! No! Not again! Christine!"
On screen, Stephen's anguished scream rang out.
Outside the screen, the players exchanged worried glances. Something was seriously wrong.
"This time he didn't even try to pass," Stephen muttered, face twisted with grief. "Why did it still happen?"
Annie frowned. "Maybe… maybe it's not an accident. Maybe someone's targeting you. Or her."
"No, Christine's kind, everyone likes her. And I'm a top surgeon, I—"
Deadpool cut in. "Yeah, yeah, you're a big-shot doctor, but I've seen what happens with you people. Angry patients, lawsuits, vendettas—it's a full buffet of people who wanna key your car or worse. Plus, you've got that face. Kinda punchable."
Hughie chimed in, "Honestly, it does look like someone's after you. Rear-ended both times? It's not the truck, it's whoever hit you from behind."
As the group continued to debate, the Stephen on screen activated the Time Stone again—reversing time, returning to the moment with Christine.
Deadpool whooped. "Ohhh snap! This is like save-scumming in a video game! Stephen, my dude, this is the most tryhard way to win a girl's heart I've ever seen. You keep this up, and even a Disney princess would say yes."
____
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