(Casual Dinner)

Now, it was time for a brief respite, a taste of normalcy, in the process of climbing the ladder.

The restaurant was perfect with soft jazz and warm candlelight. Miranda Tate, sat at the corner table, close to an impressive view of the streets below. She wore a chic black dress, stunning in its simplicity.

I greeted her with a smile, keeping it simple. "Good evening, Miranda."

Her eyes met mine, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Doctor Strange, it's a pleasure to see you again."

We exchanged pleasantries, and I took my seat.

I had met her at a charity event a few weeks ago. She had caught my attention amidst a sea of socialites, and upon learning her name, things got even more interesting.

Miranda Tate was a business woman trying to advance her company's reach into the city of New York. She had come back to the city to finalize a deal with a major energy company there.

But that wasn't the most interesting bit about her. She was something else, something more, and I could tell even by just looking at her, and a little background information.

She was Talia al Ghul, daughter to Ras al Ghul - leader of the League of Assassins. And, naturally, I chose to learn more about her and what her plans were.

All events led to this moment right here, in this restaurant, a location I had chosen strategically. Besides this date, something else was about to go down from just across the street.

The evening started with small talk about our professions. I, a doctor, and, she, an active business woman with a genuine passion for making the world better. No one talked about their second life.

We ordered our meals, and between bites, we continued our conversation.

"My company's renewable energy projects will be responsible for the change we need in this world." Miranda said. "With Gotham City stabilizing again, the future is bright."

Gotham city was going back to it's former self after the sudden meltdown it had experienced. The government was gradually gaining control over the protests, thanks to their dedication, it's heroes, and, Batman.

But Miranda didn't know of my involvement in all that. Neither did I feel all that guilty as it wasn't my wish to explode in the sky on that night. Besides, Gotham was in capable hands, and I desired to shake those hands some day. Hence this meeting.

Miranda Tate was representing Wayne Enterprises as it extended it's reach in New York City.

"How did the deal go?" I asked.

"It's still in the works, but it would be a shame if they wouldn't agree to our terms. Metro Innovations has really advanced in technology, and they could achieve even more with the influence of Wayne's Enterprises." Miranda said. "I'm however confident they'll accept the deal since it's mutually beneficial."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Metro Innovations had apparently been in New York for decades, but it was undoubtedly a shell corporation for Lexcorp. Their recent technological innovations definitely had something to do with Lex's current involvement with magic.

"Your dedication to this cause is admirable, Miranda. Making the world a better place is a noble pursuit." I said.

She smiled. "Thank you, Doctor. But I must admit, there's more to me than just business. I find solace in knowing that I can make a difference, even beyond boardrooms."

Our conversation danced around the surface, never revealing the secrets we both harbored. It was a delicate balancing act, each of us protecting our own interests.

"Tell me, Doctor Strange, what led you to the field of medicine?" Miranda asked.

"I am good at it." I replied, prideful. "But there's a longer story, one of personal growth and a desire to heal."

"I believe it's a story I'll get to know as we proceed with our established partnership?" Miranda said suggestively.

"Sure." I agreed. I had recently made an investment into Wayne Enterprises through her influence. It's surprisingly amazing how easy it is to get money if you're willing to put in the work.

The evening wore on, drifting into more casual conversations as the mood got more flirtous.

Miranda leaned in slightly, her eyes locking onto mine. "You know, Doctor Strange, I find your confidence quite appealing."

I chuckled softly. "Well, Miranda, confidence is just one of my many qualities."

She smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I must say, there's an air of mystery about you. You seem to carry secrets within you."

My voice dropped to a lower, more intimate tone. "Well, in this city, who doesn't have a few secrets?"

"Maybe I can get a few out of you." Miranda said, her fingers lightly brushing against mine on the table.

I chuckled again and replied. "You could try. Maybe you can."

Miranda leaned in even closer, her eyes locked onto mine. "I do enjoy a challenge, Doctor Strange. And you seem like the kind of man who knows how to keep things... intriguing."

I returned her gaze, my own voice a sultry whisper. "I have a feeling you thrive on intrigue, Miranda. And I got a few tricks to show you."

"Is that so..." Miranda said, intrigued.

"I know a place." I replied conclusively.

All this while, a battle raged within me like never before. As Doctor Strange, I had been accustomed to experiencing several female encounters in my years, but as Razake, that was a field not yet explored.

In the midst of this struggle, I could barely keep the conversation flowing smoothly, and my heart felt like it could explode at the precipice of constant decision making as I reinforced my confidence.

The soft jazz music in the background seemed to intensify the connection between us two.

Dessert came with the bill and I left some notes, with a tip, as Miranda and I left the restaurant. The night was far from over.

(Middle of the Night)

I awoke in the middle of the night with a sudden, instinctual jolt. My senses had detected an unusual disturbance.

As I sat up in the dimly lit hotel room, I noticed something was amiss. Miranda was nowhere to be seen. The warm indentation on her side of the bed suggested she had been there, but now, she was gone.

I immediately switched on the bedside lamp, scanning the room with a sharp eye. There was no sign of a struggle or forced entry, and immediately, I realized what had just happened.

She had ghosted me in the middle of the night, complements to her stealth as a skilled member of the League of Assassins. But that didn't bother me. The night had been wonderful.

I reached for my phone to check the time, and saw a message she had left:

"I apologize for my abrupt departure, but duty calls. There are matters I must attend to that require my immediate attention. Rest assured, our business partnership remains intact, and I will contact you soon. P.S. I had a good time."

That was that, but I knew that our paths would inevitably cross again. Deep down, I could feel respect and appreciation oozing from the Razake within me.

But something else had woken me up in this ungodly hour. The hotel room I had booked wasn't far off from the restaurant we had happily dined in.

Something else had brought me to this part of New York City. I anticipated that Lex Luthor would be conducting another heist in these parts.

I stretched my hands and let out a yawn as I stepped out of the bed. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up, before preparing to step into the serene night.

I lifted the concealment spell on the Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto, as I fitted my sorcerer supreme attire.

My artillery complete, I opened a portal to a rooftop and stepped through, to conduct some surveillance.

From this vantage point, I surveyed the city below, searching for any signs of unusual activity or disturbances.

The city's lights twinkled in the distance, and the soft hum of urban life filled the air.

I opened the OmniSight Aegis map and confirmed that the marker on this building was still intact. The heist hadn't happened yet.

From behind me, I felt a strong presence approaching and immediately guessed who it was.

I turned around to find Supergirl hovering in the night sky, her red cape billowing in the wind, and her eyes locked onto me.

"So, you are the Sorcerer Supreme." Supergirl said.

I nodded in acknowledgment. "Pleasure is all mine, Supergirl."

At the back of my mind, I wondered if she knew about her cousin's state.

"There are no pleasantries involved here. Where is the Nthirium?" Supergirl demanded.

"What?" I asked, a little confused.

"The crystal you stole. Where is it?" She explained.

"Oh, that." I started. "I've kept it in a hidden location, away from Luthor's reach."

"I am not your foe, and we share a common interest." I added.