Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Doctor Strange vs. The Flash
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The Setup
As the dust settled from Goku and Superman's explosive battle, the crowd beneath the World Tree shifted their focus to the next combatants. Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, stepped forward, his crimson Cloak of Levitation billowing behind him. Across from him, Barry Allen, better known as The Flash, cracked his knuckles and stretched his legs, his bright red suit shimmering with the faint glow of Speed Force energy.
Strange studied Barry with a calm, analytical gaze. "You're fast," he said. "But speed without purpose can be reckless."
Barry grinned, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "And magic without speed is slow. Guess we'll see what wins."
Nick Fury, looking increasingly exasperated with each fight, raised a hand to silence them. "Same rules as always. No killing, no permanent damage, and don't break the planet. Let's get this over with. Begin!"
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The Fight Begins
Barry vanished the moment Fury's hand dropped, moving at superhuman speed that left streaks of lightning in his wake. Doctor Strange's eyes narrowed as he brought his hands together, quickly forming a series of intricate gestures. A shimmering golden barrier appeared around him just as The Flash struck, bouncing off the mystical shield.
Barry skidded to a stop, blinking in surprise. "Okay, wasn't expecting that."
Strange tilted his head. "Speed won't help you if you can't break through my defenses."
"Guess I'll just have to keep trying," Barry replied, disappearing in a blur.
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Magic vs. Speed
The Flash darted around the battlefield, his movements a blur as he tested Strange's shields from every angle. Strange's hands moved gracefully, summoning portals, barriers, and glyphs to deflect each strike. Each time Barry attempted to land a hit, he found himself redirected through a portal or blocked by a glowing shield.
"Is that all you've got?" Strange asked, his tone calm but teasing.
Barry smirked. "Not even close."
In a flash, Barry increased his speed, creating afterimages as he encircled Strange. The sorcerer narrowed his eyes, sensing the buildup of energy. Barry began running in a circle, his movements creating a vortex of wind and lightning that swirled around Strange.
The winds howled, but Strange remained unfazed. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a spell that expanded outward, dispelling the vortex and sending Barry tumbling across the ground.
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The Flash Strikes Back
Barry recovered quickly, shaking off the impact. "Alright, magic guy. Let's see if you can handle this."
He tapped into the Speed Force, his body vibrating with energy as he launched forward at a speed that seemed to defy reality. Strange barely had time to react as Barry landed a rapid series of strikes, each punch hitting like a bullet.
Strange stumbled back, his defenses momentarily faltering. Barry pressed his advantage, running circles around the sorcerer and landing precise, high-speed attacks. For a moment, it seemed like The Flash had the upper hand.
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The Sorcerer Supreme Unleashed
Strange raised his hands, muttering a quick incantation. A golden ring of runes appeared beneath his feet, and in an instant, the battlefield shifted. Barry skidded to a halt, looking around in confusion. They were no longer beneath the World Tree—they were floating in a surreal dimension filled with shifting colors and impossible geometries.
"What—where are we?" Barry asked, his voice echoing.
"The Mirror Dimension," Strange replied, his tone cool and confident. "Here, speed alone won't save you."
Barry attempted to run, but the terrain shifted beneath his feet, warping and bending in ways that made it impossible to find solid ground. Strange floated above him, his hands glowing with arcane energy.
"You're fast, Barry," Strange said. "But you're fighting on my terms now."
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The Final Clash
Barry gritted his teeth, tapping into the Speed Force more deeply than ever before. His body vibrated as he pushed past his limits, creating a massive surge of energy. The Mirror Dimension began to crack under the strain of his power, the shifting geometries faltering as Barry's speed overwhelmed the mystical space.
Strange's eyes widened as the dimension began to collapse. With a wave of his hand, he opened a portal, pulling them both back to the battlefield beneath the World Tree.
Barry landed on solid ground, breathing heavily but triumphant. "Guess I'm faster than magic."
Strange smiled faintly. "Perhaps. But this match isn't over yet."
He raised his hands, summoning the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, which snaked through the air toward Barry. The Flash attempted to dodge, but the bands moved with unerring precision, binding him tightly.
Barry struggled against the glowing red restraints, his speed useless against their mystical strength. Strange stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute.
"Yield," Strange said, his voice firm.
Barry stopped struggling, his breathing heavy as he nodded. "Alright. You've got me."
Strange released the bands, helping Barry to his feet. "You're faster than anyone I've ever faced," Strange admitted. "But speed alone doesn't win battles."
Barry grinned. "And magic isn't everything either. Good fight."
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The Aftermath
As the two fighters returned to their teams, the tension between the Avengers and the Justice League began to ease. The mutual respect between Strange and Barry was clear, and it was starting to spread.
"You handled yourself well," Steve Rogers said to Strange. "Barry's no slouch."
"Neither is your sorcerer," Batman said quietly, his sharp gaze shifting to Strange. "He's a problem solver. We'll need that."
Nick Fury, looking as tired as ever, stepped forward. "Alright, last fight for today. Natasha Romanoff and Black Canary. Let's see what the spies can do."
The two women stepped forward, their stances calm but deadly, as the teams prepared for one final clash.
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