4696/Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang
Date of Scene:	19 June 2018
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Constantine, Doctor Strange

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Constantine has posed:
It was afternoon but inside the House things were dark, especially now given John's guests, a trio of dark sidhe, who happened to owe him a favour or three. Situated in the sitting room John stands while his guests hunch in the shadows scarcely more than coal red eyes in the darkness. John however addresses them like fellow crooks plotting a heist, one of his beloved Silk Cuts dangling from his mouth.

"Alright you lot," he says as he lights the end with an old brass lighter and puts it away. "I'll give you the address on the night in question, and you know what to do."

A reply comes from one of the sidhe, a sort of discordant jangling noise.

"Yes, that does us one favour for bringing you lot over across the pond, leaving me with two more."

More jangling.

"No this doesn't count for two," he says. "Iudi-" he begins to say one of their names with intent. The trio cowers and he leaves off.

"Good," he says and nods towards the deeper shadows at the back of the room as he slumps into a leather easy chair. "Now sod off," he says as he takes a drag from his cigarette.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he stands in his library, Stephen snaps his fingers and his clothing changes into a simple black leather jacket, jeans, t-shirt and shoes. He brings his fingers up and swirls them into a circle as the ball of light doesn't form. The man snorts and says, "Bloody wards." He claps his hands and a slam of magical energy pierces the ether, as he pulls his hands a part and the portal begins to open into the House. As the glowing portal is not his signature magical means of travel, Strange steps into the room before it is forced closed by the wards.

His eyes look upon the Sidhe and he presses his lips into a fine line as he looks over at John and says in a flat almost fatherly tone, "Constantine." He folds his hands behind his back watching the fae leaving as if it would be best if they go quickly.

Constantine has posed:
The red eyes widen at Stephen's appearance and then the sidhe quickly slither away into the shadows before vanishing entirely. John for his part makes a put upon sound as the good doctor appears and takes a long drag from his cigarette. "Hullo, Doctor, an' to what do I owe this house call?" he asks sitting up, and eyes shooting up to the ceiling for a moment with a chiding look go the house. "We talked about visitors, didn't we?" he says before surrendering to the inevitable and waving at one of the empty seats. "An' have a seat, wouldn't want to be rude."

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he looks at the empty seat, his eyes dart towards the shadows where the sidhe have gone touching the Eye around his neck as if to soothe it. "Don't be to hasty on the old girl. She gave me a little fight before I could get in." He smirks softly as he moves to sit down and crosses his legs. He folds his hands in his lap and looks intently at the man and says, "As much as it pains me to say this Constantine...I don't always agree with your methods but your magical skill has grown and become quite good. What are you up to these days?" Stephen's aura to magical eyes is pure power which could be a combination of his magical ability or just the sheer power of the Eye. It is hard to tell but the Eye shimmers in the dark light as if it did not light the darkness of the House currently.

Constantine has posed:
"Good enough I suppose," John says of the house and it's attempt to keep Strange out. "A little light, would you, luv?" he asks the thing and the various oil lamps spring to life lighting their gloomy sitting room into an almost welcome glow. "Drink?" John asks Strange nodding to the drinks cabinet left ajar in the corner of the room with various bottles of strong liquor visible within.

John rises in anticipation of a yes, stubbing out his cigarette in an ashtray that's suddenly become empty, and while he waits he fixes his own drink, a stiff belt of whiskey.

"Been helpin' the Slayer and her lot mostly," John says of the crew down the hill in Sunnydale. He gives a look back over his shoulder at Strange as if expecting surprise, "Favour for my old mate, Ripper," he explains. "Other than that, helping their witch learn what's what, too innocent by half for this line of work but she's got power so it's not like she's got much of a choice in the matter."

He finishes his glass and turns to see if Strange wants something, "Otherwise I've been doing this and that."

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he nods, "Tea would be great...if not...whatever is fine." Stephen hmms as he listens to him, "Ahhh are you speaking one the girl I have looked in on now and again from Sunnydale? She has a witch by the name of Willow that needs watching...a nasty streak in her if not kept in check." Stephen looks down at his jacket and adjusts the zipper for a moment before he cocks his head at the name, 'Ripper'. One he does not know and will have to look into that later.

Well...sounds like you have your hands full but you would not be you if you didn't. Are you still playing heavily in demons and that darker stuff." Subjects that Stephen will not admit he is lacking the finesse John has with it.

Constantine has posed:
John almost pours Strange a glass of whiskey before a cup of tea appears next to John's drink. The warlock snorts, "Show off," he says to the House before he picks up both drinks and heads back to the chairs offering Strange his tea. "There you go," he says before quirking a brow at the notion Willow had a nasty streak. "Some of the old greybeards said they augered the same, but me I don't see it, she's sharp, but all I've seen of her is sweetness and light."

Noting the confusion about Ripper, he explains. "Rupert Giles, the Watcher, that's the name I knew him by first, back in his misspent youth."

John sits down, "Yeah, demons are more or less my stock and trade," he says. "Never can seem to shake 'em anyhow. You having a problem with one you need sorted out?" he asks his expression writ with concern. If Strange needed help with a demon, it was likely to be a bloody pain in the ass to put down.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he hmms, "Trust me...if she is put on the wrong path. She will have a nasty streak...and then I will have to get involved. She has a good heart but they said the road to hell..." He knows John has that saying all to well. "I will be honest. I have considered to speak with the girl on a project I am putting together but...well it is why I am here."As he takes the tea he nods in thanks and takes a sip. He smiles and says, "That is bloody good tea. I am impressed." He sets it down next to the him and looks at John.

"There has been a shift in the conduits of magic and I have felt the pull in all 7 dimensions. I am concerned that something is coming and I want to have the mystical community prepared and...I am considering starting a school of sorts. A group of students who will be trained in the mystical ways. There are so many who are winging it on natural talent. However, I do suspect it will be more than I and Wong can handle." He smirks as he leans back in his chair a glint in his eye, "I need a Dark Arts Teacher...wanna come and play in the Sanctum for awhile?" He grins at the Harry Potter joke.

Constantine has posed:
"The House knows it's stuff," John says of the tea before he gets down to other business. "Well, working to prevent that," John says a touch defensively of Willow and whatever darker path might loom a head. "An' what project is that?"

Then it's all signs and portents to which John nods, "Somethin' 's always comin'. The dark sorts, they can't help themselves, got to keep trying to bring it all crashing down," he says before taking a gulp of whiskey and listening to the rest. At the end he can't help but smirk, "I've read those bloody books, that position doesn't end well for most of 'em," he says, "Or you if you're the headmaster," he adds before he looks into his drink a moment. "So, the plan then is to train them up, so they can fight this whatever that's coming our way?" he asks.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he snickers, picking up his cup once again. He holds it with both of his scarred hands and takes a sip. He nods, "Everyone's path is what they make it. I will not get involved with it because I can not...but maybe being around those like her will give her the hope she needs so she does not feel alone. Let's be honest...when you are that young this world of magic that sucks is in is a rollercoaster with razor blades, salt and vinger but if we make it to the end the prize is always the best." He sets down the cup before looking back at John and chuckles.

"I have not read the books fully but it was my sad attempt at a pop cultural reference. One would say your already curses Constantine. You just have a talent for living with it. But yes...you would be a teacher...one whose focus is demonology, dark arts, and blood magic. While I am not inept at them. They are not where my talents lie. You are clearly the master in that." Wait did he just give the man a compliment. That must have hurt...

"Regardless, I want you there because I need these children prepared and having your yang to my yin we might have a chance to prepare them properly if something does happen. And if not...you can always enjoy scaring the hell out of them." He snickers.

Constantine has posed:
"True enough," John says, his expression growing a touch distant as his thoughts drift back to his own youth. "Well, I can take more of a hand, but, having some others starting their journey around couldn't hurt," he allows of Strange's plan as it applies to Willow.

John allows himself a smirk at the compliment, "Must be desperate if you're saying nice things about me," he remarks lightly and takes another sip of his whiskey. "So, you, me, and your man Wong, who else do you have slated to teach at Little Hogwarts?" he asks.

Doctor Strange has posed:
"Don't let it go to your head, John. I was considering Zatanna but I suspect you both will bum heads too much. And I will be speaking to Wonder Woman. My martial arts is good but her fighting skills will whip some of these mystical fighters into the best shape of their lives. That is if the Princess will be able to pull herself away from her many other commitments now and again." He picks up his tea and takes another sip before he says to the House. "Thank you dear. Your tea is wonderful." He sets it down before looking back at John.

"If you agree you will be given your own amulet to have full access to the Sanctum. You can have your own quaters or I can have one of the portals links to here so you can come and go as you please. But if you agree John. No taking these children to hell without me with you. No killing any of them. And no Demon Lords in the Sanctum."

He folds his hands back into his lap and adds, "Wong is already testy with me that I am doing this."

Constantine has posed:
"Yeah, Zee might not be too happy to be hanging around me," John allows with a smile. "I'll Though if we're looking for someone on the mystical side, there's the Scarlet Witch, I mean sure she runs with the tights crowd like Zee, but, she's definitely got skills, she and her beau popped in her one time like you did, an' you know how tricky that can be."

As the details spool out John nods, "Sounds reasonable," he says of the conditions, which is definitely not a yes or a no. "An' other than that, I can teach this lot how I want?" he asks.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he hmms, "Yes. I know of Wanda's talent. But...well there is one timeline I viewed by chance." He doesn't speak about the House of M. He listens, "If you think she has the skill or demeanor to be a good addition. I would be open to meeting with her. Unlike most...as you know I do not agree with your methods but in the end. You always get results." Stephen stands smoothing out his jacket before he nods, "Those three rules are non-negotiable...the rest? It is how you see fit." He turns on his heel and moves behind the chair and says, "So...is that a yes?"

Constantine has posed:
John cocks his head. "Yeah?" he asks of the timeline in question. He'd sensed power from the woman, but timelines they could be tricky. "She can definitely help show them what's possible with magic," he says of Wanda as a teacher before nodding. "I am sure I can set up a meeting," he says.

As to the rules, he nods, "Done, I'll play nice while I'm on the clock with the school, and won't bring the kids to any harm otherwise either. "An' that's a yes," he confirms.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he nods curtly, he snaps his fingers and a flash of light appears above the cushion of the chair he was sitting in. As the light fades, it reveals a coin with the Eye of Agamotto engraved into it. "I suspect you do not want your own amulet. However, the Sanctumn will evict you without a key. You must keep this coin on you at all times to come and go as you please." He looks up at the House and says, "My dear. Do you mind if I use one of your doors as a link for John. You can close the link as you see fit but I will need a moment to place the rune on your frame to link them. It will not hurt..." He moves to the closest door and waits for permission.

Constantine has posed:
John rises from the chair to pick up the coin, he looks at it in his palm a moment before closing his fingers over it. Yet more kids to look over, clearly, he was getting soft in his old age.

As for the portal, the House creeks an affirmative, the door, shifting subtly to resemble those in the Sanctum to drive home the message.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he places a hand over his heart, he bows to the House before he brings up his hands and says, "By this rune of Agamotto, I bind this door as the link to and from..." In the upper right hand corner of the door, it burns bright but is very cool to the touch. As the rune fades, the Eye of Agamotto is carved into the wood. He says with a nod, "Thank you m'dear." He turns and opens the door to reveal Stephen's home.

"As a teacher you will have full access John...even to the relics." His eyes narrow placing more trust than he would like but you have to give a little to get a little. "They are all warded and if you use them incorrectly they will port back to the relic room insantly and then you and I will have to discuss why using them incorrectly could end the world." He smirks, "So play nice. Any questions?"

Constantine has posed:
John watches with faux detachment as the work is done to link the House and the Sanctum. "This mean our places are married now?" he asks crossing his arms, before adding to the House. "Didn't get you a gift."

Then as the door opens, he peeks inside as he talks about the relics, "No problems mate," he says. "Not going to go pawn them down at the closest demon bar," he says. "Though, if they come back to the Sanctum" he ponders aloud. "Anyhow, I'll be on my best behaviour. Same with coming through the other way, got my own things going on here, you can visit, but knock first eh? Might not be decent."

Then it comes to questions, "One comes to mind, we know how long we've got until what's coming gets here?" he asks.

Doctor Strange has posed:
As he nods, "There is a rune on my side in the shape of a J. You need only touch the rune...the Eye to open to the Sanctum or the J to open here. It will not activate the door without touching the rune first." As he steps through the door, Stephen turns and says, "No...when I try and pierce the veil through all seven dimensions I see...for lack of a better word...static. It could be months...years...or never. We can discuss that more in detail after I show you a few things over here. Let me prepare Wong that you are coming...and we will see you later. We can also visit Willow together. I want to get a read on her before I decide if she will be a good fit. And besides...I suspect the Watcher will be wary of me getting involved. Their Order does not care for the Sorcerer Supreme." He smirks when the Watchers become the Watched.

"Talk with you soon."