Daniel first opened the portal with a practiced gesture. Sebastian along with Daniel carried the two individuals through it returning to the New York Sanctum. The ability to directly open a portal to the Sanctum is a privilege reserved for the Sorcerer Supreme the Ancient One or the guardians of each Sanctum. Others even someone like Kaecilius or Mordo do not possess such authority or ability.
When Sebastian and Daniel arrived at the New York Sanctum Kaecilius immediately greeted them. He looked at the two individuals they had brought back with a puzzled expression on his face.
"Daniel what happened to these two? Did they cause trouble?"
Kaecilius asked while examining the unconscious men.
"Kaecilius these two are part of a group operating in a secretive area that specializes in extorting and robbing new mages who do not know better. I plan to send them to Kamar Taj's Mirror Cage for containment where they cannot hurt anyone else."
Daniel explained.
"I see. In that case you can leave them with me. I am headed back to Kamar Taj anyway. You and Sebastian have your own matters to attend to. There is no need for you to waste time traveling back and forth."
Kaecilius offered while gesturing toward the portal.
"Thank you so much for taking care of this."
Daniel handed over both individuals to Kaecilius gratefully. Kaecilius then folded his hands and formed a hand gesture. He summoned a magic circle made of two fiery threads which levitated the two individuals effortlessly. He transported them through the fixed portal linking the Sanctum and Kamar Taj.
As Kaecilius departed Sebastian turned to Daniel.
"Kaecilius really seems to enjoy helping others does he not? He is quite the gentleman from what I have seen."
"Kaecilius was a psychiatrist before he came to Kamar Taj. He has his own ideals and aims to make the world a better place through his actions."
Daniel replied thoughtfully.
People with grand ideals and ambitions often fall prey to corruption. It is hard to imagine that Kaecilius could end up as he eventually does in the future.
For now though there is no sign of him veering toward darkness. So there is no need to focus on it any longer.
"Daniel if there is nothing else I will be leaving for now. I have other matters to attend to."
"Alright then. We will see you the day after tomorrow."
"Yes. See you then."
With that Sebastian slung his bag over his shoulder and left the New York Sanctum.
Standing on the subway Sebastian was scrolling through Facebook on his phone when he suddenly came across a headline.
Famous scientist and businessman and philanthropist Tony Stark successfully rescued and is returning from the Middle East thanks to the military's day and night efforts.
All thanks to the armor created by Tony Stark himself.
Sebastian thought to himself.
Governments around the world are all the same. Even when something major happens they never miss a chance to make it look good for the public. And getting Tony Stark back safely? That is a very big deal.
It was clear that when Tony Stark began forging his armor in that cave it marked the start of a monumental shift. A sweeping transformation across the universe was on the horizon.
Of course with these so called great changes starting Sebastian's life would continue on its course.
Today was Friday. Since attending a party more than two months ago Sebastian had turned down every invitation from his classmates. But today he could not refuse. This time the party was hosted by his good friend Sean. An invitation from him was impossible to turn down without damaging their friendship.
When Sebastian got home he put his things away and took a shower. He changed into fresh clothes. After sending a message to Alisha he left with two dishes she had prepared for the party.
It is common to bring something to a party. Some people bring wine while others bring food or drinks or even special tobacco.
However at Sean's party no one brought that special tobacco. Midtown School of Science and Technology is a prestigious private school in New York. The students there are either wealthy or exceptionally talented. Unlike public schools where students may come from more diverse backgrounds.
Sebastian arrived at Sean's house on his new bicycle. Sean's home was a luxurious single family house with a large yard. His parents were not home. So only Sean was standing at the door greeting the guests as they arrived.
When Sean saw Sebastian his eyes lit up. He immediately walked over to greet him.
"Sebastian it is really great that you came! I was worried you might turn me down too."
Sean said while reaching out to shake hands with him.
Sebastian smiled warmly.
"If it were anyone else's party I might have turned it down. But this is your party. Of course I had to come."
"You are familiar with my family so let us go inside and get comfortable first."
Sean looked at the bag in Sebastian's hand in surprise then nodded eagerly.
"I have been looking forward to your mother Alisha's cooking for a long time now."
Without further delay Sebastian walked into Sean's house with his items.
As they entered Sebastian greeted many people nodding and exchanging pleasantries with classmates.
It is clear that Sebastian is a well known figure at Midtown School of Science and Technology. Not only is he talented academically but his deep cultural knowledge and natural charm combined with his good looks and tall stature make him stand out. Even though he is not especially fond of sports it is hard to call someone a nerd when they can throw the school's quarterback out of the classroom with one hand.
Walking to the table in the living room Sebastian took the food out of his bag. He placed it on the table which immediately attracted the attention of some people nearby. He then poured himself a glass of red wine and stepped away from the crowded area taking his goblet with him. He made his way to the balcony in a small activity room on the third floor of Sean's house.
The balcony was not easy to find for those who were not familiar with Sean's family. Though small it offered a stunning view of the city. After tasting the red wine secretly brought by Sean's parents Sebastian thought that if the party were more like this it would not be too boring.
Sebastian stayed on the balcony for nearly an hour lying back on the lounge chair. He enjoyed the cool evening breeze. But at that moment he suddenly heard some loud quarrels below which caused him to open his eyes in surprise.
Sebastian got up and looked in the direction of the argument. He immediately saw that in the garden below the balcony four girls were facing off. Three of them on one side and only one on the other.
Sebastian recognized three of the girls. They were well known socialites at Midtown School of Science and Technology. More outgoing in nature. They had once tried to get close to him but he had rejected them outright. Since then their interactions had been minimal.
As for the girl who was confronting them Sebastian did not have a clear memory of her. She seemed familiar though. He had probably seen her around. It was clear that all of them had been invited to Sean's party.
Is this some sort of fight? Interesting.
Sebastian did not say anything but continued to observe the four people below quietly.
"Tessa give me an answer today! You cannot just stay by Kane's side like this!"
One of the girls shouted.
The girl called Tessa appeared calm and composed. She looked at the three people in front of her. With a faint smile she replied.
"Angela I am not the same person I used to be anymore. Your threats have no effect on me now. Besides Kane followed me of his own accord. Everything that is happening is because of him. Even if I left him he would keep chasing me. As for you I am afraid Kane would not even give you a second glance."
"What did you say?! You bloody!"
Angela raised her hand intending to slap Tessa hard. But at that moment a strong hand suddenly seized Angela's wrist. A voice rang out seething with anger.
"Angela what do you think you are doing to Tessa?!"
Angela turned to face the person who grabbed her wrist. Her expression showed pain.
"Kane you are hurting me!"
"I will ask you again. What do you think you are doing to Tessa?"
Kane's voice was cold and without emotion.
"I just wanted to teach her a lesson! You are hurting me!"
Angela replied while her voice trembled.
"You wanted to teach Tessa a lesson."
Kane muttered to himself.
Suddenly Kane raised his hand as if to strike Angela. But in that instant Tessa spoke up calmly.
"Kane stop."
The anger radiating from Kane instantly faded away. He released Angela's wrist. He then walked over to Tessa's side gently like a docile and obedient pet.
Seeing Kane's sudden shift in demeanor Angela gasped in shock.
"It is true! It is true! You must have used some kind of trick to control Kane! Hypnosis? Witchcraft? Or drugs? You despicable woman! How dare you do this?! I am going to expose you! I will make sure everyone knows what you have done!"
"Angela how many people will believe the words of a woman like you? But it seems you will not back down. Then."
Tessa said while her voice became chilling.
"You two teach Angela a lesson!"
As soon as the words left her mouth the two companions behind Angela suddenly lunged at her. They began tearing at her and beating her mercilessly. Their faces were blank and vacant just like Kane's had been earlier.
Angela's screams caught the attention of others nearby. Someone rushed forward to pull the two attackers away. But the two did not stop for a second. They continued to assault Angela with frenzied intensity.
With more and more people gathering around Tessa quickly whispered something to Kane. The two swiftly moved away with Kane leading her to safety.
From the balcony Sebastian observed Tessa and Kane retreating into the distance. His expression grew more serious. He turned his attention to the two girls who had been attacking Angela. They were slowly coming to their senses. They stared dazed at Angela whose body was covered in bruises and scars. They did not dare speak of what they had almost done moments before.
This is Kilgrave's ability. How could it have transferred to Tessa? Could she be a descendant of Kilgrave or is there another explanation?
Kilgrave had been too dangerous. Sebastian knew well that he had killed Kilgrave months ago. But in the world he now found himself in nothing was certain. The idea of someone inheriting Kilgrave's powers did not seem strange to him at all. He had to investigate this matter thoroughly. If left unchecked it could pose a threat to those close to him especially Alisha.