The Ancient One led me down the stairs and through an entire floor before I noticed it.
There was no one in the building. It was eerily empty and quiet.
Oh boy, I have a bad feeling about this.
"Uh, where's everyone?" I asked.
"You will find out soon enough." The Ancient One replied cryptically.
That's not worrying at all.
We turned another corner before she stopped in front of a room with a pair of old, dark ebony doors, with so much soot and age caked upon it, it felt downright ancient. There were even chains hanging across its handles, enchanted with so much magic it practically wafted off of them with an ominous glow. She gently pushed the chains aside and opened the doors with a creak that sounded a little like the wail of a banshee.
"You know I was just joking about the sealing stuff right?" I confirmed, "Right?"
"I know." She smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Actually, you know what, I don't need to learn magic that much and uh- is that a glowing magic circle at the back there. And it's exactly my size too.
"You know, I think I might have left my stove open, a-and my uh- bread needs to be ironed, so I'll just come back later!" I turned around to flee, pulling on the leyline to open a Way out, when suddenly a hand grabbed my shoulder from the back.
"You're going nowhere." A deep voice muttered right into my ear.
"Eeep!" I screamed-in an entirely manly way- and jumped to the side rolling across the carpet before getting into a fighting stance, swords out, only to see Mordo doubled over, dry wheezing with laughter. Even the Ancient One was stifling a smile, her lips were quivering and all.
"Hey!" I realized what had happened, and snorted, miffed, "Childish pranks are unbecoming of you."
"I am over 800 years old. Nothing is unbecoming of me." The Ancient One finally gave in, letting out a small chuckle, "But in truth, it was Mordo's idea."
"You really know how to hold a grudge, huh?" I shot him a glare.
"Not anymore. We're even." He replied with the biggest, whitest grin I had ever seen.
"Damn dude, you get your teeth done professionally or-"
"Teeth whitening spells." He smiled, gesturing towards the room, "Now come on, let's go."
"Wait, I thought this was a practical joke. You're not sealing me are you? I thought we agreed on trusting each other?"
"The seal is not for you." The Ancient One clarified, her expression hardening again, "Its for that."
"The Broken God's Amulet? Its nothing. Don't worry about it. It tried to control me earlier but it was so weak I barely felt a thing." I assured them, but the looks on their faces told me something was terribly wrong.
"Is that so? Because that OSHA violation of a friendship bracelet has been whispering sweet promises of power and glory in my mind from moment I laid my eyes on it. They weakened once you were gone but the feeling never faded. Its like the One Ring."
Is that why they were so hostile when we met.
"Colour me surprised. You've read the Lord Of The Rings?"
"I saw the movies." He shrugged, mildly offended as he corrected me, "We're not savages."
"Fake geek!" I hissed dramatically, he smiled.
"Ahem." The Ancient One cleared her throat, "The amulet needs to be sealed. Now. It may not affect you, but I will not risk one of the newer initiates falling for divine temptation. Do not underestimate a god's power, broken, dead or otherwise."
I nodded.
"Can I at least-"
"Yes, you may take it back with you when you leave, but only once you have mastered both sealing and teleportation. I cannot let an artifact so dangerous leave in untrained hands, but I am no thief." She promised.
"Thank you." I removed the amulet and went to hand it to her, but she just held up her hand.
"You must be the one to place it in the seal."
Really? You expect me to believe the Ancient One, Sorcerer Supreme can't handle something like this?
Or is it that she still doesn't trust me and wants her hands free in case I decided to backstab her?
She seemed to know what I was thinking and spoke.
"Trust is earned, not given. Earn it with this."
I just shook my head and followed her in.
She pointed to an ornate jade box on one of the shelves to the side and I picked it up, placing the amulet inside before closing the lid.
"Now place it in the sealing mechanism." She gestured to the marble altar, chiseled with runic circles and octagrams, the height of my chest, standing in the middle of the magic circle, atop which was a mechanical four headed prong, just the right size to fit the box.
I placed the box on the altar and like a viper, the prongs shot up to capture it, while the Ancient One cast a forcefield on the whole thing.
Once the seal was complete, I saw the Ancient One visibly relax, her previously hard look softening into a genial, welcoming smile.
"It is a bit late but let me be the first to welcome you to the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Order Of The Masters Of The Mystic Arts."
"That's quite the mouthful."
"It is." She agreed as we walked out, where Mordo was waiting for us.
With a flip of her hands the doors shut and the chains wound themselves tightly onto the doors, sealing the room completely.
Only then did Mordo let loose.
He turned around and clapped his hands.
"Master Drumm, the object is sealed, end the quarantine."
Instantly, reality shattered into a thousand kaleidoscopic shards reflecting the insides of the Sanctum from all angles as a large, dark-skinned man in a monk's outfit stepped, looking around cautiously, before snapping his fingers.
More mirror-like portals opened up all around the gallery of the floor and more monks and initiates began walking out from them.
They were hiding in the mirror dimension! So that's why the whole place was empty.
"Was it that dangerous?" I couldn't hide my shock, "Why wasn't I affected then?"
"You seem a little disconnected from reality, perhaps due to that ring of yours." The Ancient One pointed at my hand.
Oh, right. The Voss Ring.
That's when it clicked. The power of the amulet to imprint worship upon someone is probably mostly memetic or even a cognitohazard. The ring protects me from exactly that, so all the amulet could do was push its luck and try to tempt me with whatever visions it could push through my defense. Visions with no memetic power.
No wonder it was so easy to bully the amulet into submission. It was practically playing charades from a mile away.
"Ah, I see. Sorry, I didn't know." I muttered guiltily.
"Mistake or not, you should have known better." Master Drumm walked over, "You endangered the entirety of the Sanctum. If it weren't for the Ancient One, you would have been sealed along with it."
"It won't happen again." I said, as sincerely as I could, "I promise."
He inched closer to me, towering over me and glared me in the eyes, warning sternly.
"There won't be a next time."
"Yes, siree." I nodded vigorously.
"That's enough, Master Drumm, he understands." The Ancient One put a hand on his shoulder, "Tend to your students."
He gave a curt node and walked away, rapping his fingers against the wooden railing to gain everyone's attention.
"Everyone, return to your rooms and meditate. All items are cancelled for the day. Dinner will be served in your rooms. No one is to leave their rooms until everyone has been checked for mental corruption. That is all."
The gallery was abuzz with hushed whispers as everyone spared furtive glances my way before the frown on Master Drumm's face convinced them to be on their way.
"Don't worry, he's not always like this. The invasion has just had him stressed out." Mordo assured.
"Ancient One, with all due respect, he is not studying at the New York Sanctum." Master Drumm added almost to a comedic effect.
"Pfft-" I snorted with a chuckle, at Mordo and he rolled his eyes.
"He will study at the Kamar-Taj. We will take our leave." She clasped her hands in farewell and Master Drumm bowed low with the same.
She really is respected like a god around here…I wonder what that does to your psyche? It must feel so isolating all the time.
No wonder she keeps so merry and down to earth all the time. I doubt she could have weathered 800 years without that attitude.
Which really begs the chicken and egg question of immortality- Do you survive immortality because of your personality or does immortality shape your personality out of necessity?
It was a question I would have to grapple with soon enough myself.
"Come." She opened a portal and we walked into the sunset. Literally, the sun was setting in Kathmandu, Nepal as we got to the Kamar-Taj, casting a beautiful orange glow upon the rustic rooftops of the city, the sky lined with a shade of delectable purple haze upon the horizon, as the chatter and bustle of the city had begun to die down, some people closing up shops while others, mainly bars and casinos, alongside late night restos, were just opening them up. It had this quaint atmosphere, that felt close to home. Which makes sense, its basically little India, but country sized. I might have just offended a whole nation but I ain't wrong.
I wonder…is there another Aditya Bhaagi out there in this world? A version of me born and raised there, right across the border? How different is his life? He should be in his first semester of college right now, or was he preparing for grade 12 final exams?
"Like the view?" Mordo asked, "It enchants everyone the first time they come here."
"Yeah, reminds me of home." I replied, eyes still glued to the horizon.
We stood there in silence for a moment, enjoying the view before he asked.
"So do you need to eat or should I get you gas for dinner?"
"Just water. Thanks." And even that wasn't necessary.
"Actually, I don't know what else I can do. I'll have to explore my body tonight and find out."
"Phrasing!" Mordo butt in.
"Oh you know what I meant."
"Not after Robots, I don't."
"Robots?" I raised an eyebrow, confused.
"Robots, 2005? Come on, that movie was a masterpiece."
"Wow, you are ooold."
"I'm 34." He protested.
"Older than me, old man."
"Dr. Bhaagi." The Ancient One shook her head at me disapprovingly.
"Fine. I won't push his buttons…too much."
"It is late. We have had a long day. You should rest too. Let us talk more tomorrow morning over tea." She dismissed me, "Master Mordo will take you to your room."
Mordo nodded, and made to lead me when he suddenly did a heel face turn.
"Ancient One…" He said, his voice tinged with both regret and annoyance.
"I think it is time you forgave yourself. End your penance and retake the mantle of master. You deserve it." She said wisely, walking to the balcony as she looked out over the city.
"And this is not just because you want to dump him on me?" He asked.
"No, of course not." She assured him.
"Look me in the eyes and say that." Mordo crossed his arms like an angry dog parent who had just come home after a long day at the office to find their couch chewed out.
She didn't turn around but just smiled mischievously, and Mordo sighed with resignation.
"Well, well, well, looks like I will be under your care, Master Mordo." I teased.
"You're having a field day, aren't you?" He glared at me with mock indignation.
"Complete with a parade and floats." I grinned ear to ear.
"As you wish, Ancient One." He said giving in, "Follow me."
He led me through the halls of Kamar-Taj on a tour, pointing out all the facilities and amenities, till we reached the dorms. Taking a key from the disciple managing the dorms he took me to a room in the back, handing me the key.
"There's toilets that way but I doubt you need them."
"You never know." I shrugged.
"I'll bring you a water jug and a pair of initiate robes in a minute. Do you need anything else?"
"The wi-fi password?" I asked.
"Shangrila."
"Not Shambala?"
"Is that what it is in the future?"
"If I told you, it won't come to pass." I waved a hand and answered mysteriously.
He rolled his eyes, and turned to leave, but stopped at the door.
"You know, it was an honest mistake." He said softly, "Don't take Master Drumm's words to heart. You're a good man."
"Oh, uh thanks man." I scratched my head, "Glad to see you aren't always that grumpy."
"No, only on my period." He joked along, "Be back in a minute."
Damn, is quipping in their DNA or what.
I smiled, contentedly and fell back on the rickety little bed.
Maybe this won't be so bad, after all.
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Hey guys~
That's the chappy for today.
2200+ words.
Sorry we didn't get the magic and steam machine exposition. but next chapter, for sure. As a bonus we get to befriend Mordo. Brighter future mordo or nah? Vote here.
How did you feel about the kinder and more fun personality for the ancient one? I felt making her all wise all the time would get boring. Tell me what you think?
She wont be quipping up a storm anytime soon but its start. Next time she will be more of her wise and sagacious persona for the magic talk.
Well then, ya know the deal.
Add the fic to your library, it don't cost you a thing and you can always remove it later if you feel like it.
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