The portal sealed behind Arthur with a whisper of golden sparks, leaving him in Kamar-Taj's familiar courtyard. Mountain air, thin and crisp, filled his lungs with memories of simpler times.
He didn't linger. The Ancient One would be expecting him.
Her chamber door stood open as always, an invitation that was also a gentle command. She sat by the window, steam rising from a delicate cup, her gaze fixed on distant peaks. The scene felt choreographed, as if she'd been frozen in this exact position since he'd left.
She didn't turn as he entered. "I wondered when you'd remember us, Mr. Hayes." Her voice was a calm melody, laced with a serene, knowing amusement.
Arthur bowed deeply. "Many things required my attention. After our last conversation, circumstances... evolved."
"So you pursued that path after all?" No judgment in her tone, only the quiet curiosity of a being watching ripples in a pond. "Interfering in the mundane world."
"There was no other way." Arthur settled into the chair across from her as a cup of jasmine tea appeared on the table between them. "The crime lords grew paranoid after my initial strikes. They began investigating potential threats, hunting shadows. They would have found me eventually, but their search was already leaving bodies in its wake. Innocent bodies."
The Ancient One sipped thoughtfully. "A noble justification. And the outcome?"
"I had my revenge and delivered justice," Arthur stated, his voice carrying a quiet, final satisfaction. "Secretly, carefully. No one knows how it was done. No traces were left behind."
"And the consequences?" she pressed gently. "Actions create echoes, Arthur. What did yours create?"
"Chaos," he admitted without hesitation. "The European underworld erupted. A feeding frenzy. There was violence, power struggles, and yes, innocent deaths."
"Entries on your cosmic ledger, then," the Ancient One murmured. It wasn't an accusation, but a quiet clarification.
"Perhaps." Arthur met her ancient gaze, his own unwavering. "But I believe I prevented more deaths than I inadvertently caused. To contain the chaos, I had to act again. I performed a… cleanup. Removed the worst opportunists, the most violent contenders. Things went quiet. Briefly."
A faint, weary smile touched her lips. "I tried a similar approach once. A long time ago." Her gaze turned distant. "It did not last. I imagine new players have already taken the board?"
"They have," Arthur confirmed. "Sooner than I expected."
"And will you perform another cleanup?"
"No." Arthur shook his head. "I recognized the endless cycle. My direct revenge is complete. I am satisfied for now. When I find a complete solution, perhaps I'll try again. Until then..." He shrugged.
"I see." She studied him, her gaze seeming to peel back the layers of his soul. "It took me several such cycles to learn that lesson. You learn quickly. So what does life hold for Arthur Hayes now?"
"I won't be visiting Kamar-Taj often. I'm... moving on."
"Are you concerned I would disapprove?" she asked, a gentle challenge in her voice. "You have broken no rules here. You are always welcome to continue your training."
"I appreciate that, more than you know," he said sincerely. "But my decision isn't based on fear of disapproval. It's simply that the hermit life… it isn't for me. Since university didn't work out, I found a new project."
"Oh?"
"I'm building a business empire."
The Ancient One's eyebrows rose a fraction of an inch, the most surprise she had ever shown him. "I did not take you for one who desired material things."
"It was a childhood dream," Arthur explained. "Perhaps a legitimate enterprise can create more positive change than a vigilante in shadows ever could. Different power, different influence, potentially greater impact."
"Nothing prevents you from portaling here daily for training while building your empire." she pointed out.
"No," Arthur agreed. "But I won't. If the other sorcerers see that it's possible to learn mystic arts and then return to the world to build fortunes, their ambitions might change. The mission to protect this planet could be corrupted by greed."
The Ancient One nodded slowly. "A valid concern."
"Also, I've made powerful enemies recently. I'd rather not lead them here." Arthur's smile turned rueful. "Leading them here, even accidentally, would be unforgivable. This place must remain untainted by my choices."
"You carry too many burdens that aren't yours to bear." She rose with liquid grace. "But your reasoning is sound. You're unlike most who seek sanctuary here. It is good you have found a new purpose. A life without one is a terribly boring affair."
"I may not visit often," Arthur promised, "but if my help is ever needed, I will come in an instant."
"I know." Her smile held warmth. "Visit the others before you go. They've missed you."
—
The next hours passed in a blur of reunions. Master Hamir and Master Singh inquired about his training and meditation practices with genuine interest. Even the typically stoic Master Chen smiled at his return.
He kept his explanations vague but honest - a new chapter and different goals. They accepted his words with the wisdom of those who'd seen many students come and go.
He also spoke briefly with the few trainees he considered acquaintances, his departure causing a small stir of gossip and speculation.
As he was preparing to leave, a voice cut through the courtyard's quiet chatter.
"A moment of your time, Hayes."
It was Kaecilius. His eyes burned with the same desperate intensity as the last time they'd spoken. He led Arthur to a secluded alcove, away from prying ears.
"Still trying to catch up to me?" Arthur attempted levity.
"I'll surpass you soon enough." Kaecilius's smile held no warmth. "Especially now that you're abandoning your studies."
"Abandoning implies I'm finished. I'm simply... taking a sabbatical."
"Call it what you want." Kaecilius stepped closer. "What have you really been doing these missing months? What's so important that you'd leave this behind?"
"I've achieved what I came here for," Arthur replied evenly. "Now I'm continuing my journey."
Kaecilius's hands clenched into fists. "Can you help me achieve mine? Is it really not possible with magic?"
"Kaecilius," Arthur said, his tone softening slightly. "Resurrection isn't possible. In the wizarding world, we believe that death is but the next great adventure. Your wife, your son… they have gone on. Perhaps they're living new lives, at peace. Would they truly want to be dragged back from that?"
"That's not possible. That's a lie they tell us to accept loss!" Kaecilius's hands clenched.
"You don't know that," Arthur countered calmly. "And neither do I. You want to bring them back for your own sake, to ease your own pain. Have you considered what they would want?" He leaned in slightly. "Find a new goal. One that would make them proud of the man you've become, not one that would lead you down a path they would despise."
"You know nothing of what they would want!"
"And neither do you," Arthur shot back, his voice sharp enough to make Kaecilius flinch. "Think on that." He paused, his expression turning serious. "A warning. Be careful of things that seem too good to be true. Quick paths to power always have a price. If you find some dark ritual in a forbidden book, I suggest you read the fine print. There is always a catch."
"What are you suggesting?" Kaecilius whispered.
"I'm suggesting you not let grief make you stupid." Arthur gripped his shoulder. "You're brilliant, Kaecilius. One of the best natural sorcerers I've seen. Don't waste that gift chasing ghosts."
Kaecilius remained silent, jaw tight with suppressed emotion.
"Consider my words," Arthur continued. "And remember this. If you choose that dark path, if you threaten this Sanctum or this planet… I will be there to stop you. That's not a threat, just fact."
With that, Arthur turned and walked away, leaving Kaecilius alone with his consuming thoughts.
He found the Ancient One waiting for him near the main gate.
"I overheard your conversation," she said quietly. "Unlike you to try to change his thoughts. Have high hopes of changing his future?"
Arthur shrugged. "Unknown. But watching genius turn to evil without trying to prevent it would haunt me. If he falls anyway, I'll return to stop him."
"Noble sentiment." She studied him with those ageless eyes. "Goodbye for now, Mr. Hayes. Remember, this will always be a sanctuary for you."
"I will be back," he said, opening a shimmering portal back to his London study. "I have not completed my journey in the mystic arts. For now, I will practice on my own. Consider it independent study. I'll return for higher studies."
"Good." Her smile carried layers of meaning.
Arthur opened his portal, London's grey light spilling through. "Goodbye, Sorcerer Supreme. Thank you for everything. I'll see you soon."
As he stepped through the swirling vortex of sparks, her final words followed him, echoing in his mind as the portal snapped shut.
"We will see each other again, Arthur Hayes. And perhaps sooner than you think."