Chapter 3: Time Abroad.

Ward was currently overlooking the city of New York… from outer space. It was a surreal experience, one that he had a hard time putting into words. Without needing air in the vacuum or feeling the intense cold that would normally accompany such a feat, he felt almost godlike, but also, small and insignificant at the same time. It was a humbling moment.

He had headed here after leaving the restaurant that he and his siblings had dined at. He had an unexpectedly good time, he even found himself looking forward to their next gathering. After all, in this world, his siblings were the only family he had, his parents notwithstanding. They could serve to remind him of his humanity, which was something that he recently found himself struggling with.

'New York City looks like fun.'

Gazing down upon the 'city that never sleeps', Ward found himself growing nostalgic. It had been a place he had always wanted to see for himself in his original world. It was overcrowded and loud, but from up here, he could see the appeal.

He could see three students studying in the 'New York Public Library', and a large group of people biking along the 'Brooklyn Bridge'. He could see a smiling couple on a carriage ride through Central Park, and the now famous words of Emma Lazarus written upon the base of the 'Statue of Liberty'.

It was a stark reminder for him, that a city's heart, was its people. Of course, he supposed that the same could be said for anyplace that people called home. Thinking about it, Ward even found himself missing the world he would likely never see again. The family he's left behind.

'No use thinking about those things now, is there?'

Pulling his mind away from such distracting thoughts, Ward focused on why he came up here in the first place. His powers, though incredible, were very hard to control. Not two hours earlier, in the restaurant, it took every ounce of restraint he had, not to break everything he touched.

Then there was his 'Omega Beams', which was one of the most destructive forces he'd ever seen. And any time he became angry or upset, he would have… accidents. It had become a real problem, so he thought about what he should do. And after a while, he came up with an answer.

"Kamar-Taj". The home of the "Masters of the Mystic Arts". And more importantly, home to a woman who may just be able to help him. Ward was hesitant at first, with his abilities, he had no interest in magic, but he needed a teacher. And the woman he sought was one of the best in the MCU. At the very least, she could help him mitigate the damage his abilities might cause.

'Hmm…'

Looking east, towards India, he flew towards the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. It took him less than three minutes to reach it. Looking down, he peered through the cloud layer to observe his destination. He smiled when he saw it, Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

It was colorful, with buildings of many different shades and hues, possessing a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city. Silently chuckling, Ward suspected that he would stand out like a sore thumb while walking about. It should be quite entertaining, for any who saw him anyway.

'Okay Ward… you can do this.'

'You made it this far, right?'

Beginning his decent, Ward plummeted into the Earth's atmosphere, a sonic boom marking his reentry. With little success, Ward attempted to slow down. His clothes catching fire, he eventually came down about five miles outside of.

"Oh… SHIT!"

Not being able to land properly, he spiraled, headfirst into a large group of trees. Cursing, Ward hoped that no one had noticed his less than graceful descent. Rising onto his feet unharmed, he shook his head. Brushing his clothes off, he openly admonished himself.

"Come on… landing should be the easy part."

"Feet first, Grant, how hard is that…?"

The sound of footsteps alerted him to someone behind him.

"Ahem…"

Hearing a woman clear her throat, Ward turned around. Behind him stood a petite bald who wore a simple robe, the very same woman he came in search of. Flanking her, was a small group of similarly robed individuals, all eying him cautiously. Nodding in greeting, the robed woman then spoke to him in a calm tone, with a small, serene smile on her lips.

"Are we interrupting?"

"We could leave… and allow you to go back to speaking with yourself."

Ward chuckled softly at hearing her remark.

'Well… that's an unnecessary amount of sarcasm.'

Squinting his eyes, he responded in kind.

"Although I do make for excellent company, I came here in search of a place called Kamar-Taj."

"I don't suppose you could give me directions, could you?"

In leu of a response, the robed woman walked straight up to him and produced a pair of pants from thin air, quietly handing them to him with a playful look in her eyes. Slightly confused, Ward questioned as to why the woman did so.

"Thank you?"

"But… I already have pan...!"

Looking down at his clothes, only to see his chest exposed and his privates swinging freely, Ward realized that during his haste to get here, he had overlooked one key detail. The clothing he had on had been made of mundane materials, they weren't meant to withstand space travel, let alone re-entry. Adding in the crash landing, he was surprised to see that even a scrap of his clothing survived.

'How did I not notice that my dick was hanging out!'

Sighing to himself, Ward quickly put on the pants he had been given, then turned towards the small group of robed people, apologizing for his unintentional exposure. The robed woman, still wearing that same mirthful smile, nodded head in satisfaction.

"Much better… if only for proper introductions, that is."

"I am 'The Ancient One', behind me are Masters Mordo, Drumm, and Hamir."

"And if you've come in search of Kamar-Taj… then I would say you have found it."

Finishing her words, she made a circular motion with her hand. A shimmering portal appeared moments later, orange sparks shooting from its circumference. It was the first time Ward had seen magic, real magic that is. He'd seen it in the movies, but in real life… it was nothing short of astounding.

'An actual portal!'

'Just the thought of it…'

What he was seeing was a literal 'bridge' connecting two points in space… something like that could change the world. Ward was lost in the possibilities this sort of phenomenon could afford humanity. Travel to other worlds, other universes, realties even. Ward was so lost in thought, that he failed to notice he was mumbling to himself.

"Is… this magic?"

The Ancient One responded to Ward, even though she seemed to realize he was speaking to himself again.

"In the most limited of understandings, yes."

Flicking her wrist, the Ancient One caused the portal to move, engulfing all those present. They were transported to a large room, rustic in appearance, yet oddly comforting in design. Ward recognized it immediately as being the same room depicted in the 'Doctor Strange' movie.

This fact solidified in his mind, one of this reality's key features. What was true in the movies and shows, was equally true here. From people to places, it all looked like it did in the MCU. Even The Ancient One looked like Tilda Swinton, the actress that played her on the big screen. It was awe inspiring to be walking around in such a reality.

"Tea?"

Turning to his left, Ward gazed down at nearby table where none other than Chiwetel Ejiofor was preparing tea. Smiling at the man, he replied.

"Yes, please."

Minutes later he and the Ancient One were sitting across from one another, while Mordo stood beside her. The other master's hadn't gone far. They were obviously being cautious towards him.

'I suppose that I would be wary too, if a stranger fell from the sky in my backyard.'

As the Ancient One began to speak, he focused his attention on her.

"That was quite the entrance you made."

"It frightened a great many people throughout the city."

"A few of the Masters, as well."

"Some of them even feared we were under attack, though, after your rather… unfortunate display, their concerns have diminished somewhat."

"I, however, was more surprised to learn that you came seeking Kamar-Taj specifically."

"What could a being like yourself need from us?"

Ward was a bit surprised by that comment.

'Being… I still look human.'

'Am I missing something…'

Even though he felt he shouldn't ask, Ward's curiosity ended up getting the better of him.

"What do you mean 'being' like me?"

"I know that I've changed, but I'm still human."

Though it was only an assumption on his part, he didn't feel particularly 'godlike'. Ward understood that she was 'ancient' and everything, but he felt that him falling from the sky was no reason to suspect that he wasn't human. Although, he could just be overthinking it, maybe she had met someone with his body's physical makeup before.

"Human…?"

The Ancient One appeared genuinely perplexed at his insistence on being human, her mind working nonstop, as if to find the answer. She must have come up with one, because she quickly regained her composure. She then spoke in an almost cautious tone of voice.

"Child… do you not realize what you are?"

"I… I have been around for a long time."

"I have seen much, come across many things that would seem impossible to others…"

"Only a few of those times, however, have I come across one such as you."

"And… if what you've said is true…

"Then whether it be through some sort of natural metamorphosis, or through some divine act of chance…"

"You are not human… not anymore."

The Ancient One went quite for a time, allowing her words to take hold. After a few minutes of silence, she continued.

"Well, that discussion can wait…"

"At least until you can come to terms with it."

Ward didn't know that he had a shocked expression on his face. To others, it truly seemed he was surprised to learn he wasn't human. In truth, he just wanted to know what other beings that Ancient One came across like himself. If there were others like him in the MCU, he wanted to know more. Before he could ask, however, the Ancient One spoke again.

"Now then, coming to terms or not, the question remains… why have you sought us out?"

Ward remained silent for a few moments. He had thought up what to say before coming here, but it all seemed pointless before someone that knew what he truly was. And she did know. And although he still had many unanswered questions, in hindsight, he probably should have expected it. In the end, he felt like an idiot. Sighing, he decided to tell her the truth… well, what he could tell, that is.

"My name is Grant Ward."

"A little over six months ago, my body began undergoing a… a change of sorts."

Ward let out a self-deprecating laugh, before continuing.

"Though, you seem to know a lot more about that part than I do."

"I suppose that means that coming here was the right decision."

The Ancient One was watching him intently, as was Master Mordo beside her.

"The change… it was painful."

"Unbelievable painful."

Ward grimaced, calling what he experienced 'pain', was underselling it. Looking into the Ancient Ones eyes, he continued.

"I was afraid at first, but I survived it."

"Given where I was at the time, I felt like… like someone was looking out for me."

He paused, thinking about whether he should tell them about his incarceration.

'Why not, they'll probably find out anyway.'

"I was in prison."

"For trying to burn my parents' house down."

He looked away as he finished his sentence. This part wasn't really his story, but at the same time… it was. Clenching his teeth, Ward kept going.

"I was in a dark place at the time."

"I was… angry and I felt… so alone."

"But that's no excuse for what I did."

He looked back up, only to see Mordo looking at him with a touch of pity.

"And as if that weren't bad enough, I didn't even check to see if there anyone was inside at the time."

"And because of it, my older brother was almost killed."

"Though he and I are not that close… I still can't forgive myself for that."

He hated having to accept responsibility for other people's wrongdoings, it made him angry just thinking about it. The careless youth whose body he now inhabited, had left him with more than a few messes to clean up. Messes that would undoubtedly affect his life for years to come.

While lost to his own thoughts, in a moment of sheer carelessness on his part, Ward's anger overtook him. His eyes began to glow with a deep crimson light, which began to spill forth, taking the shape of flickering red flames that gave him a ghastly appearance.

'No, no, no, no… not now!'

Since the third stage took effect, Ward hadn't really felt emotions. At least, not as strongly as he had before. Anger however, seemed to be the sole exception. And it was always followed by remorse. Because when he became angry, he always lost control of his powers. And it had nearly killed others more than once.

Luckily, Ward was able to sense the sudden swell in his powers. Ward looked around desperately, searching for a place to safely discharge his Omega Beams. He nearly panicked until the Ancient One, sensing the danger, opened a portal in front of him. She then moved behind him and placing her hand on his back. Speaking in an authoritative tone, she sternly instructed him in what to do.

"Breathe… you CAN control it."

"Aim for portal."

Pointing towards the shimmering portal, she finished speaking.

"You needn't worry, there is nothing on the other side."

Relief filled his heart upon hearing his words, aligning his sight with the portal, he did as she instructed. Screaming, Ward let lose two red beams of intense energy and astounding radiance from his eyes. Those nearby were terrified upon witnessing the overwhelming display power.

Ward fell to his knees as his release of energy finally came to a stop. Drawing in deep, ragged breaths, he slowly rose to his feet. Looking towards the Ancient one, who had closed the portal and was now watching him closely alongside Master Mordo. Despite the Ancient One's assurances, he was still afraid he might have harmed someone. Looking around, he spoke.

"Is… is everyone alright?"

Ward felt genuine disgust with himself, as he knew better than to drop his guard. He became lax at finally having someone to talk to about his problems. It was a foolish mistake. Thankfully, no one was injured by his folly. Shaking his head, he locked gazes with the Ancient One. Motioning towards his own body, Ward spoke in a clearly upset tone.

"You asked me why I came here?!"

"Can't you see?"

"I CAN'T control it… this… this power inside me."

"It… it's too much!"

Ward found himself deeply regretting coming here.

"I came here seeking help, but I nearly killed you all instead."

"I'm sorry, but… I should go."

Ward had shot his eye beams skyward when he had 'accidents' before now, but that was only due to no one being around. Most times, he just aimed out of the window of his cell, it sometimes caused chaos for the guards, but no was hurt and no one seemed to notice that it was him.

Luckily, this time there was someone to help him divert it, but his luck couldn't last forever, it would run out eventually. He could not, or rather, would not take that chance. His head down, Ward turned to leave. Before he could do so, however, the Ancient One called out to him from behind in a rebuking tone.

"Enough nonsense, Mr. Ward."

"These abilities are a part of you and like any other ability, they can be mastered."

Walking towards him, the Ancient One placed one of her hands on his shoulder and continued in a softer tone.

"You sought us out for help, so let us."

"Stay… stay and learn."

The look in her eyes told Ward just how genuine the Ancient Ones offer was. And she was right, it was why he had come here. Kamar-Taj was, after all, still the safest place for him to practice his abilities and… it was already clear that if he lost control again, they could help him. It didn't really take much more thought after that. Coming to a decision, Ward nodded his head.

"You're right, I'll stay."

"And… thank you."

---

Ward was currently floating above one of training grounds. Below him where twenty cauldrons, each filled with water. Above each cauldron were magical wards, positioned at different angles. Their purpose was to block his Omega Beams from reaching the cauldrons. That was, if he didn't fire at them from different parts of the sky.

Ward could have just 'locked on' to the cauldrons, but he wasn't allowed to. It would defeat the end goal of the exercise, which was to aid him in achieving full mastery over his abilities. Thankfully, this would likely be the last time he would undergo such an exercise.

After being assigned a teacher, Ward had spent the last two years learning within the walls of Kamar-Taj. And as he had now learned everything that he could during that time, magic included, it was high time for him to leave. He would miss it though.

'There is still so much to do.'

'I can't stay on Earth forever, after all.'

Ward had other things that he wished to learn. He just couldn't learn those things here. He had realized that early on, as he hadn't remained inside Kamar-Taj for the whole two years he'd been here. No, he had gone back to spend time with his family every week, via portal at first, as his flying had been garbage. That much was evident from his whole, 'BALLS OUT' fiasco.

After two years of training, however, flight was no longer an issue. Not to mention that by gaining control over his abilities, or more accurately, the 'Omega Effect' inside him, he now possessed a whole slew of new abilities. 'Teleportation' included.

He even took the time to reach out to his 'parents' after they were released from prison, but only at the urging of his court appointed therapist. Needless to say… hadn't gone very well. His 'mother' tried to stab him for putting her behind bars and his 'father' just didn't care, the man was completely apathetic about the whole situation.

Ward also finished high school… which he found much easier the second time around. It helped that he didn't have to attend class. He even found he enjoyed studying and once he realized that he could perfectly remember anything he saw or heard, he took full advantage of it. Reading through every ounce of knowledge this world had to offer.

Every spoken and written language. Math, science, history. If it could be learned academically, he had memorized it. It took a lot of studying, but he only had to sleep every three weeks or so thanks to his powers. Though he rarely found himself needing to go that far.

"Stop floating around up there and get started!"

Looking off to the side, Ward saw his teacher frowning up at him. Smiling down at him, Ward responded.

"Yes, Master Kaecilius!"

He still got a kick out of the fact that Mads Mikkelsen was his teacher. Considering that the man would become a 'villain' in the future, 'Special K' wasn't all that bad. He certainly didn't act 'evil' or anything. Sure, he was in a bad mood most of the time. But the man lost both his wife and his son. And if anyone could understand what that felt like, it was Ward.

It most likely why they got along so well. Ward had even tried to steer him down a better path during their many talks. He truly hoped that his teacher could overcome his pain, rather than give in to it. Because if he couldn't, there was only one fate awaiting him and it wasn't one that Ward wished upon anyone, let alone someone he considered a friend.

'I've got this!'

Cracking his neck, Ward began the exercise. Firing two perfectly controlled energy beams at the first cauldron, his teacher also began. Special K had kicked up the difficultly each time Ward had performed this exercise. This time around, he was using magic to reinforce, then hurl tomatoes at Wards body at supersonic speeds.

If Ward was hit, he would have to start over again. And as Wards goal was to bring the water inside each cauldron to a boil within a certain time frame, it was no easy task. Heating things wasn't easy to begin with, as his beams were composed of incredibly destructive energy. After he found out their true nature, however, it became a much simpler task.

Focusing on his goal, Ward flew back and forth between the cauldrons at breakneck at speed. He would sometimes fly higher, then lower, weaving his way through the oncoming tomatoes. Twenty minutes later, the last cauldron was heated, and Ward came to a stop in the air. Landing gently beside his teacher, Kaecilius walked up to him and placed a single hand on his shoulder.

"Well done!"

With only an understanding smile between them, both master and pupil reached out to shake one another's hand. This was how his teacher wanted it, as Kaecilius didn't believe in long goodbyes. Not long after, the Ancient One walked up to him from where she had been observing. She greeted him with a nod, before speaking.

"You have learned to control your abilities far faster than I expected."

"You've even learned a great deal about the 'Mystic Arts'… and given your aptitude…"

"You'll likely go on to become an incredible 'Sorcerer' one day."

"Just don't let it go to your head, hmm."

Smiling at him she continued.

"Now, by way of a parting gift, you may choose a relic from my personal vault."

Ward was a bit shocked by her offer. He already had one relic at his disposal, acquired while studying in the New York Sanctuary. He didn't expect another… and from the 'Sorcerer Supreme', at that. This was a welcome surprise. And Ward could hardly wait.