[hr][hr][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210820/2b75f022b1c2b062041914c013634a14.png[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210820/655c53ab58e2ce6670671dc87cf9c447.png[/img][/center][hr][hr] Renegade was exhausted and looking forward to having a fun trip to the Tiki Bar with her bestie. She loved her granddaughter dearly, but Flower Child was a [i]handful[/i]. Somehow, she had more energy than all of Renegade's children combined, which was saying something, as she had assumed that no child could've been more hyperactive than Casper had been. Clearly, Flower Child had been more than happy to prove her wrong. She also hadn't listened to Renegade's advice on waiting for a bit to take a mutant name, to make sure it was one she really liked, but Renegade couldn't fault her too much for that. [i]Lavinia[/i] was a bit of a mouthful. [color=ed145b]"Oi, 'Randa, where are ya?"[/color] Renegade shouted. She had let herself into the massive House of M and her voice echoed through the halls. It was a grand and luxurious palace, filled with metal sculptures that Magneto had crafted. One depicted all of his children - even those who no longer spoke to him. Renegade couldn't help but observe how the Scarlet Witch was placed in the center, with Quicksilver and Polaris and the rest behind her. [color=ed145b]"Miiiiiiiraaaaaandaaaaaa,"[/color] Renegade called out in a sing-song voice. [color=ed145b]"Moneta?"[/color] she then tried, before making her way to Miranda's lab to check for her there. Renegade found Miranda floating a few inches in the air, her eyes bright purple, and the air pulsing with energy. [color=ed145b]"Merde..."[/color] Renegade cursed. [color=ed145b]"Magnus, you 'round?"[/color] she called out. There was no answer. And Renegade doubted that Miranda would want the Frost Triplets doing any sort of psychic rescue on her - however, before she could even leave to get help from someone she trusted, purple energy shot out from Miranda, hitting Renegade in the face. Renegade's blue eyes turned purple to match Miranda's and the next thing she knew, she was somewhere else entirely. The world would end up with Ellie somewhere on the streets of Seattle, the clue being that the Space Needle was far off in the distance. It was rather dark, and raining, not to mention she'd hear what sounded like a baby crying nearby. She'd eventually find Miranda, who looked a lot [url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ed4WMzqXgAAGocb.jpg]younger[/url] now, sitting underneath an awning of sorts that was protecting her from the weather. She was holding a baby in her arms and rocking the child gently, but no matter what she did the baby kept crying. [color=AC42B2]"Shhhh... It's okay..."[/color] she said rather softly, as she covered up the kid to protect them from the cold. [url=https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/daa/c1b/84e9b6f03ec67df2a8f6285c3045881c6c-13-aviators-zero-dark-thirty.2x.h473.w710.jpg]Renegade[/url] looked much younger - over a decade younger in fact. She was surprised, looking at her hands and seeing the lack of wrinkles. Her left eye no longer had a scar covering it. She was confused at first as to what had happened, but then she remembered walking up to Miranda and seeing her in some sort of weird trance. [color=ed145b]"Oi, Miranda, snap out of it,"[/color] Renegade said, walking up and crouching down next to her friend. [color=ed145b]"Aww, cute bébé. What's his name?"[/color] she then couldn't help but ask. She seemed a bit surprised to see Ellie there, [color=AC42B2]"Ellie? What are you doing here?"[/color] she asked, before looking back at the crying baby in her arms, [color=AC42B2]"His name? Oh I've never been very good at naming anything... But it's Fredrick... My little Freddie..."[/color] Renegade made a face. [color=ed145b]"Frederick? Vraiment? He's a baby, not an old man,"[/color] she complained. [color=AC42B2]"I'm not good at naming anything I told you that so sorry..."[/color] she muttered, looking away from her now. [color=ed145b]"Clearly,"[/color] Renegade said, shaking her head slightly. [color=ed145b]"Ya know that this ain't real, right?"[/color] she reminded her friend. [color=ed145b]"Think we're trapped inside ya head or something, it's surprisingly less fucked up than I had anticipated."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"What are you talking about? This is real. This is very very real."[/color] Renegade shook her head. [color=ed145b]"It ain't, ma cherie. We're on Genosha, we ain't in Seattle. And your babe, he ain't so little anymore - he's a man by now."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"No, you're lying!"[/color] [color=ed145b]"What reason would ah have ta lie?"[/color] Renegade asked, getting upset and her thick cajun accent was becoming more and more prominent. It had softened up over the years, but when she was feeling emotional sometimes it would be like she had never left New Orleans. [color=AC42B2]"You're lying..."[/color] she muttered again, rocking the baby gently, as he ended up falling asleep at this point, though it looked like she was crying. [color=ed145b]"Miranda, ya already lived through this once before. Ya got a boyfriend now and ya live in a palace on a fucking island. Ya're a step maman to a few wonderful kids, kids who got babies of their own now,"[/color] Renegade said, putting a hand on Miranda's. [color=ed145b]"Trust me, chère."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"I-I-I can't let Erik know..."[/color] she said instantly, looking at Ellie. [color=AC42B2]"H-h-he can't know about him..."[/color] Renegade bit her lip slightly. She hesitated. She knew that this wasn't real - but it seemed to be real to her friend. It couldn't hurt to play along just a little, right? Maybe all Miranda needed was reassurance it was all going to end up okay and then she'd stop. She'd snap out of it and they could discuss this over drinks. God, Renegade was dying for a drink. [color=ed145b]"He ain't gonna know. Hell, I didn't even know ya had a kid till... more or less now. 'Course, ya mentioned ya daughter and all, but not a son."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"H-h-he doesn't know, he never knew... That's why I left for a while... I didn't want any kid of mine to end up living the life I have..."[/color] [color=ed145b]"Wait... He ain't... He ain't le père, n'est-ce pas?"[/color] Renegade asked, her eyes widening slightly. [color=ed145b]"He ain't the father?"[/color] [color=AC42B2]"He is the father... That's the problem..."[/color] she said quietly. [color=AC42B2]"But if I took Freddie there... He'd end up with the Brotherhood whether he wanted to be with the group or not, and I don't want that..."[/color] [color=ed145b]"Ain't nothin' wrong with da Brotherhood,"[/color] Renegade argued reflexively. [color=ed145b]"... But ah get it. Ah didn't want my boys 'round X after what he did. It ain't the life for a child. Ya gotta do what's best for 'em, if that means takin' 'em to Sephora and beating up bigots in da parkin' lot... or lettin' em go."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"That's why I'm out here, that's why I'm still in Seattle... I'm giving him up in the morning... I just wanted to hold him in my arms one more time, since I know I'll probably never see him again..."[/color] [color=ed145b]"Ya never know... Ya might,"[/color] Renegade whispered, seeing the deep pain that Miranda carried - that she still carried. As far as she was aware, any hope she was giving her friend right now would be false. She didn't end up seeing her son again. He was still lost to her. [color=AC42B2]"The odds of that are slim..."[/color] [color=ed145b]"Ya ain't gonna always be with Magnus,"[/color] Renegade said softly. [color=ed145b]"At some point, ya can choose to walk away and have your kid. But for now, ya're helping to make a better world for mutants everywhere, little cute babies like Frederick."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"If you say so..."[/color] she responded sadly, before in a flash of purple light, the scenery changed entirely. Renegade would find herself in a rather large house, and it was incredibly nice, and expensive looking. She'd hear a voice coming from the other room. Once there, she'd see a little girl with brown hair, couldn't be much older than 2 years old, sitting in Miranda's lap as she was reading the little girl a story, [color=AC42B2]"It was a clear cold December day, perhaps a thousand years ago or more, Sir Ector and his two sons, Sir Kay and Arthur, made their way to Camelot..."[/color] she was reading softly to the little girl, smiling happily. Renegade groaned. She really thought she had gotten through to Miranda. She had tried her best to be patient and understanding, to coax her friend along through the memory, but now she was stuck in [i]another[/i] one. And a part of her was mad, since it meant that Miranda had lived in a mansion before and was now currently in a palace. Renegade's apartment on Genosha wasn't bad, but it was just that - an apartment. And she sure as hell never lived at the X-Mansion even when she had been dating X - the school scene wasn't her style. [color=ed145b]"Really, Moneta?"[/color] Renegade complained. [color=cc33ff]"Karthur!!"[/color] the little girl giggled, combining King and Arthur into a single word. She clapped her hands together slightly. [color=AC42B2]"That's right Guinnie... King Arthur,"[/color] she said with a smile, before glancing up at Ellie, [color=AC42B2]"Ellie, what are you doing here? How did you get in?"[/color] The little girl then started grabbing for the book, seizing the opportunity of her mother being distracted. [color=ed145b]"Ya dragged me here. Remember? The alley in Seattle? Like a minute ago? I just wanna have some vodka, 'Randa. That's all I wanted when I came over to see ya."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"...I haven't been to Seattle for a few years now Ellie..."[/color] she said softly, looking sad, before turning her attention back to Guin and gently taking the book out of her hands, [color=AC42B2]"No Guinnie... Mommy gets to hold the book remember?"[/color] [color=ed145b]"This ain't real, it's just another memory,"[/color] Renegade insisted. [color=ed145b]"That kid, she ain't real. Also, who the hell did ya fuck this time to get a place this nice? And why did ya end up leaving them? I woulda put a ring on my own finger so fast it'd make ya head spin if I was you."[/color] The little girl had a determined look on her face, trying to yank the book away from her mother. [color=cc33ff]"Mommy busy ghost!"[/color] she complained. [color=AC42B2]"I am so confused... She is very much real..."[/color] she said, clearly confused, especially when she heard what Guin said, now incredibly confused. [color=AC42B2]"What do you mean Guinnie? My friend Ellie is right there,"[/color] she said, pointing towards Ellie and keeping the book out of her reach. The little girl shook her head, looking at Miranda like she was the craziest or most idiotic person in the world - a sort of resting judgmental face, if you would. [color=cc33ff]"Nooooo,"[/color] she said sassily. She then tried to get out of her mother's lap to go after the book, very upset at the delay in story time. [color=ed145b]"She clearly gets her stubbornness from you,"[/color] Renegade resigned, before sitting down on the couch. [color=ed145b]"If I die in here, it'll be your fault Flower Child won't have any family. Ya know Casper won't do shit and Jackie's already bad enough with the kid he has. And let's no mention Davie and Val... Speaking of which, if ya know where Davie is and ya ain't telling me, you're dead to me."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"You make no sense Ellie..."[/color] she said, before keeping the book away from Guin even still. [color=AC42B2]"Well maybe I'm talking to my imaginary friend? That is a bit odd isn't it,"[/color] she added, smiling at Guin. [color=ed145b]"This ain't real! Ya gave away your daughter or something, ya didn't raise her!"[/color] Renegade snapped. [color=ed145b]"Ah tried letting ya think through things and just feel with ya son, but it didn't work and this needs to stop. We can't just live in our heads even if the world is shit."[/color] Guin nodded at Miranda. [color=cc33ff]"You have friend waaaay odd,"[/color] she babbled in agreement. [color=AC42B2]"It is strange isn't it? Well she's not being very nice... So maybe I should ignore her, what do you think?"[/color] she asked before pulling Guin into her arms and starting to tickle her. The little girl started squealing and giggling. [color=cc33ff]"Stooop! No tickle dragon!!!"[/color] Renegade groaned. [color=ed145b]"Yup, ah'm going to die in here. Yay."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"I'm going to get you Guinnie!"[/color] she said, smiling as she tickled her some more. Ellie would notice that was a bit strange, considering how depressing Miranda tended to get in the real world, especially when she was around and helping kids. Mirandra truly seemed happy here. The little kid was now giggling so hard she couldn't really protest, even as she squirmed trying to get away from her mother. It was a really cute sight, as irritated as Renegade was to still be trapped inside of someone else's mind. [color=ed145b]"Why the name Guinnie, anyways?"[/color] she asked, figuring she'd try again to engage Miranda in conversation. [color=AC42B2]"It's a nickname, her father insisted on the name Guinevere,"[/color] she said calmly, as she kept tickling Guin. [color=ed145b]"Ah'm just surprised ya found a name worse than Frederick,"[/color] Renegade pointed out, making a face. [color=AC42B2]"It isn't that bad... And I let him choose the name,"[/color] she said with a shrug before there was the sound of a door off in the distance a little ways. [color=AC42B2]"Listen Guinnie, it sounds like daddy is back..."[/color] [color=cc33ff]"From bar?"[/color] the girl asked. [color=ed145b]"... Who exactly is the father this time?"[/color] Renegade asked. [color=ed145b]"It ain't Magnus, right?"[/color] [color=AC42B2]"Uh no, it isn't,"[/color] she commented, as she stood up fully, carrying Guin in her arms. [color=f7941d]"Mandy? Where are you?"[/color] a voice called out. [color=AC42B2]"Coming,"[/color] she responded, exiting the room with Guin in her arms. If Renegade followed, she see a [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/385594716634349588/866574033892671518/576c3713ddb0c864c4f5c5a0709392f2.png]man[/url] who looked suspiciously like a younger Tony Stark. [color=f7941d]"How's it going?"[/color] he asked Miranda, before giving her a kiss, and then taking Guin from her arms and holding her. [color=f7941d]"And what sort of trouble did the little Penguin get up to while I was gone?"[/color] [color=AC42B2]"Who her? Trouble? No way."[/color] The little girl squealed happily, clearly a total daddy's girl. [color=cc33ff]"Daddyaddyaddyaddy! Mom friend ghost!"[/color] Renegade's jaw dropped. She thought that she had slept around with powerful people herself - Professor X and Mister Sinister for instance - but Miranda may have had her beat, with Magneto and Iron Man. However, it also struck her as a bit stupid. Magneto could easily kill Iron Man with a thought... but then again, he was just Tony Stark now she guessed - she didn't see a glowing hunk of metal in his chest. [color=ed145b]"What other powerful celebrities have you fucked?"[/color] [color=f7941d]"What do you mean mom's friend ghost?"[/color] he asked, raising an eyebrow a bit. [color=AC42B2]"Oh it's nothing Tony,"[/color] she commented with a shrug, ignoring Renegade's question entirely. [color=f7941d]"If you say so... Anyway Penguin, what do you want to do?"[/color] [color=cc33ff]"Stwars!"[/color] Guin cheered. [color=cc33ff]"Cloud Empire!!"[/color] Renegade sighed slightly, taking a seat and wondering how much longer she was going to be trapped here. She supposed at some point, Magneto would come and find them - or would he just get sucked into all of this as well? It'd also - it then hit her and Renegade pulled a face. Didn't Tony Stark's kid marry [i]Quicksilver[/i] - as in, Magneto's son? And if Miranda's other kid was Magneto's son... wasn't that incest adjacent? She shuddered at the thought. So gross. There was a bit of a sound outside of the house, and Miranda heard it, going over to a nearby window to look outside. [color=f7941d]"Something wrong Mandy?"[/color] Tony asked her. She didn't respond initially, before what looked like a small explosive device of some sort got tossed in through the window. Her eyes going wide, Miranda created a dome out of her holographic projections that covered it up before it detonated. There was a rather loud boom but thankfully she managed to prevent it from actually causing any damage aside from a blackened spot on the floor. [color=AC42B2]"This is not good."[/color] Guin started crying from the sudden loud explosion nearby, scrunching up her little face as she clung to her father. Renegade, despite never having heard this story from Miranda before, felt that she already knew what was going to happen. [color=ed145b]"... This is what humans do, Moneta... "[/color] she said softly. [color=AC42B2]"...Get her out of here Tony please..."[/color] [color=f7941d]"What? You need to come too Mandy!"[/color] [color=AC42B2]"Tony please..."[/color] [color=f7941d]"Miranda, you can't stay here!"[/color] he said, as he ducked for cover somewhat with Guin still in his arms as bullets started firing off into the home. Miranda created a holographic wall, protecting them all from the bullets. She wasn't saying anything, not really right now, her brain was just racing currently. Renegade would be able to see a few of the soldiers or whoever were there had patches on their shoulders, the [url=https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.195454598.4039/st,small,507x507-pad,600x600,f8f8f8.jpg]logo[/url] wasn't recognizable to many, but she and Miranda would both recognize it as the organization that they had at least attempted to shut down in the 80s. It had more or less disappeared, but apparently might still be around at least at this point in time, at least the point where the memory seems to be taking place. Renegade's heart broke for Miranda. Her first child she had given away to protect him from his father - and now her second child was going to be lost to her as well. As far as she was aware, she never did end up reconnecting with either of her children. Seeing the assholes from Experiment X stealing this peace from Miranda made her blood boil - [i]this[/i] was why they needed Genosha. It wasn't enough to just want to survive. They had to demand a place to call their own, one far away from all the human bullshit. [color=ed145b]"He's right - ya can't stay here,"[/color] Renegade told Miranda. [color=ed145b]"Ya kids are grown already, Moneta."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"I want to stay..."[/color] she muttered, sounding confused now as the images around her started swirling a bit, everything going all fuzzy, everything aside from the two of them was beginning to blur. It was really [i]really[/i] weird to see. Renegade felt like she was going to puke - everything was making her dizzy, as if she had suddenly gone cross eyed. [color=ed145b]"Ya can't stay, babe. Ya gotta go. Merde, why don't ya just go meet ya kids? They're grown. They can handle it."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"...They wouldn't want anything to do with me, let's be honest..."[/color] she said softly, as the images suddenly disappeared and they were all alone in a black void, and now looked like their present day selves. [color=AC42B2]"There's no hiding that fact..."[/color] She shook her head. [color=ed145b]"Ya don't know that. And even if they don't, they deserve ta know that you're their mother,"[/color] Renegade pointed out. [color=ed145b]"Your daughter's an X-Men - we've all seen the tabloids, we know what sorta shit she's gone through with drugs and everything. Maybe her mom is what she needs."[/color] Renegade unfortunately knew nothing about what had become of Frederick. [color=AC42B2]"They are better off without me..."[/color] [color=ed145b]"Why don't ya let them decide that then?"[/color] [color=AC42B2]"If you say so,"[/color] she muttered as the world went dark and they'd both wake up back in the House of M once more. [color=ed145b]"Oh sweet Jesus, so glad that's over,"[/color] Renegade said, sighing with relief. [color=ed145b]"Now ya owe me at least five different drinks, 'Randa, and then we're gonna discuss how you can call your kids. Also, I expect baby pics, since ya've been holding out on me."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"...Apologies for that Ellie... I didn't mean to let that happen... I guess I got lost in my own thoughts..."[/color] Renegade shook her head. [color=ed145b]"No need, ah get it. Ah've been losing sleep over where Davie's been for months. Can't imagine not knowing if your kids were okay or not for years... It's this island, ain't it? A place where they could've grown up safe with their maman."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"It's just... It hurts to think about it sometimes..."[/color] [color=ed145b]"Ah know, chère,"[/color] Renegade said, before pulling her into a hug. [color=AC42B2]"So, how about we go get a few drinks?"[/color] [color=ed145b]"Uh, more than a few. Ah was just properly traumatized."[/color] [color=AC42B2]"Whatever you say Ellie..."[/color] [hr][hr][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210820/f34e546b2e6cd0f862a243f4ccbc1c15.png[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210820/8a7274450d01506c98f2089f9d7eca6c.png[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210820/08c75deacdc251d42305ce1d46af0511.png[/img][/center][hr][hr] Zari was a little unsure of this whole thing, based on how other people seemed to react to the name of Magneto or him being around in general. She still wasn't too sure [i]why[/i] people seemed to act that way, but if Miranda (who was fairly nice to everyone) was okay with him being around, then why wouldn't she be? She walked up with Andy to the doors (and Mr. Eyeball was floating along next to her) and tried to open the doors, but they were locked. [color=05794C]"...Why are the doors locked? We were supposed to be here around this time right? It's what, a minute or two before three... This is annoooooooooyyyyyyyyying."[/color] [color=b71d5d]"Well you're supposed to be here. Maybe he's mad I came too?"[/color] Andy shifted uncomfortably. Even though Zari had invited her, and Magneto hadn't specifically said Zari couldn't bring a friend she still felt like she was intruding a bit. Though, it was odd the doors were locked with how much Renegade had given them assurances that the island was safer than safe. Renegade didn't lock her door but Magneto did. His reputation might have a bit to do with it. Maybe he thought someone would still attempt to kill him. Andy thought that would be a very stupid form of suicide. The door then swung open, revealing Magneto - in a Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants. His helmet was floating next to him, ready to be put on with a moment's notice. [color=FF5733]"Why would I be angry to have another young mutant come for tea?"[/color] Magneto asked. In the distance, they'd hear a teapot begin to boil. [color=05794C]"Hi there!"[/color] Zari said happily, Mr. Eyeball more or less was just somewhat beeping next to her. She was glad that he didn't seem to mind that Andy had tagged along. Andy froze in place a little as the door opened. She wanted to hide, but spoke instead. [color=b71d5d]"Oh, just, you invited Zari and I wasn't certain if I was too. I..."[/color] She trailed off. What did she want to say? That she wasn't important? That she was no one. That there would be no reason Magneto would want to talk with her. That she thought she wouldn't be wanted. That she was in the way. She opted for silence. Magneto's gaze was intense - even though he claimed he didn't have any ill intentions and that this was just friendly, and despite his casual attire, he was still the master of magnetism. His eyes seemed to interrogate and pick apart everything he saw. [color=FF5733]"If you begin a sentence, young lady, you should finish it,"[/color] Magneto said sternly. He then turned and started walking further into the palace, leading them to a mini sitting room of sorts where fine china and whatnot had already been placed out - along with a tray of cookies. Zari instantly followed along after him, without a care in the world, with her robotic eye still tagging along. Though the robot was seemingly beeping a bit, and it would sound almost a little concerned. Probably because he was a little metal robot around someone who could probably rip him apart in seconds. [color=05794C]"Mr. Eyeball, you worry too much, you'll be fine!"[/color] she said, before she saw everything that was set up. [color=05794C]"Oooooh, this is so cool!"[/color] Admonished Andy followed Zari into Magneto's house. She didn't know how she would finished the sentence if Magneto asked her to, for now she decided to keep silent and try to not draw more attention to herself. How was Zari so worry-free? Andy didn't get it. Andy looked around the room he led them into. She hadn't ever been in a room this nice before. If she hadn't already felt out of place this would have made her feel that way. She quirked a smile at Zari reassuring Mr. Eyeball, and wondered if he had similar feelings to her own. Magneto took a seat, gesturing for Zarina and Andy to do the same. [color=FF5733]"What do you think of our fair island?"[/color] Magneto asked. [color=FF5733]"And please, do help yourself to some tea - and cookies."[/color] Zari instantly sat down, Mr. Eyeball floating next to her, [color=05794C]"I like it here, it definitely is different than what I'm used to."[/color] That was true, everything was a bit strange, but then again, many people would consider the place she was from as strange, so she supposed she wasn't really one to talk. [color=b71d5d]"It seems nice."[/color] Andy said taking a seat. She poured herself a cup of tea and picked up a cookie. [color=b71d5d]"Though I wish I had known about it in December."[/color] Her heart ached thinking of her adoptive parents. Her mom might still be alive. She didn't know if her dad would have been allowed, and there was no way Ash would have come here without her husband. Magneto nodded, resonating more with Andy's response than Zarina's. [color=FF5733]"I understand, child. There are many people who I wish could be safe on Genosha... My wife... My children... But we must look forward to our future and not back at our past."[/color] [color=05794C]"You can't always look at the past... The future is out there, just waiting to be seen,"[/color] Zari said a bit cryptically with a shrug. Of course, she technically was a time traveler, but she also was a reality jumper, meaning she had no idea how the future played out. Well, kind of only up until her parents jumped back to their own home reality. [color=05794C]"You can't predict every bad thing that happens, you just have to make do with the hand that you are dealt and figure out what to make with it... This place is different from the life I had before I wound up with the Underground or here. Like really different, but I'm getting used to it, making do with what I've got... Not much really, but I have to make it work..."[/color] she commented, Mr. Eyeball beeped a bit at her, and she glanced up at the robot, not really saying anything directly towards it. Andy smiled a little as Zari talked. The way she spoke made her feel better about stuff. [color=b71d5d]"I agree. I am looking to the future now, but the past brought me here and now. I can't ignore it. I also can't help that my heart longs for..."[/color] She trailed off a bit then looked at Magneto apologetically. [color=b71d5d]"Longs for the family that was taken from me."[/color] She finished, glancing back at Zari. Andy drank a sip of the tea. She wasn't much of a tea drinker, preferring her caffeine to be in a more concentrated form, but she didn't hate the drink. She thought of Ash and her laugh and how excited she had been when Andy had accepted being adopted by them. [color=FF5733]"That is why you must forge your own family. Humans have taken too much from us and we have shed too many tears for one lifetime,"[/color] Magneto agreed. He had expected to feel a kinship with Valkyrie, having been impressed with her technopathy skills back when he had first met her. He had given her the token as she had only been a child and in some ways, she looked like his first daughter... [i]Anya.[/i] Instead though, he felt a deep connection to the Thundering Champion. [color=FF5733]"It would be my honor to serve as a foundation of your newfound mutant family - the both of you."[/color] Now Zari wasn't entirely sure [i]what[/i] to think with regards to that. She had a family, a living one. But... Well, right now she was so far from home that she felt like she was lost and all alone. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad? As long as she was here she might as well right? Who knew how long she'd be stuck around this place trying to solve a prophecy (well, two now) that she didn't really know what it actually met? [color=05794C]"That sounds cool! It'd make me happy!"[/color] she said gleefully with a smile, her robot was bobbing next to her, and seemed to clearly not be too sure about everything as he beeped a bit. [color=05794C]"Mr. Eyeball you are being ridiculous and just plain ruuuuuuude!"[/color] For a moment Andy wasn't certain what to say. This was [i]the[/i] Magneto offering to be her family. She tried to think what Ash would say, or Jamie. Neither had given much of an opinion of Magento. Their little family had been in upstate New York. Sure, stuff hit the news, but they just hadn't talked about it. She thought about what her current group of people would think about it. She knew Havok would lose his shit about it, and that gave her a bit of perverse satisfaction. Then it came to Andy why that would piss off Havok. Magento was Polaris' dad, and when she had been kidnapped by Havok he had fought for her. He had shown up and destroyed the thing that had been keeping his daughter. Her heart ached at the idea of having someone fight for her like that, having someone who cared about her enough to fight a dozen people just to save her. And then Zari was reacting. Andy's heart tightened in hope and Zari said it would make her happy. Her body untensed a bit and she smiled. She didn't want to jump into it without some information, but she was leaning strongly towards them being their own little family. But Andy had had her heart hurt enough times by people claiming to be family. Claiming that they would protect her and then getting rid of her as soon as it was convenient, or she was no longer convenient. She shifted uncomfortable at the thoughts of abandonment. So she said hesitantly, [color=b71d5d]"What would that entail?"[/color] Considering how much Sunshine insisted it was different here she wanted to know what that all meant. She needed time to consider it. Being adopted by Ash and Jamie had taken them months to decide they were going to, and she wasn't even legally Andy Drummond after all that. Her name would always be false. Whoever her real parents were they hadn't looked for her, or they were long dead. Whatever her name had been then it had died when she had been fished out of the ocean by the surfers. Magneto smiled, glad to see that Valkyrie was on board - and he understood Thunder's wariness, respected it even. [color=FF5733]"Consider yourselves always welcome at the House of M - there are many bedrooms, if you would like to claim one. If not, that is fine too... I only ask that you come to tea once a week and entertain an old man with your stories."[/color] [color=05794C]"That sounds like fun!"[/color] she giggled a bit. The robot with her clearly though was thinking this was possibly the [i]worst[/i] idea ever. Zari was purposefully ignoring the robot, who noticed this and proceeded to sort of bop her on the head. [color=05794C]"Mr. Eyeball what the hell are you doing???"[/color] she complained, as it just sort of sat there beeping rather loudly at her. [color=05794C]"Just stop it, you are overreacting just a little bit don't you think?"[/color] Andy chewed on her lip thinking. It would be very nice to get out from the MU group. They were constantly fighting each other and she really didn't know what to make of them. She'd have to thank Veil at least. She glanced at Mr. Eyeball, he seemed very upset about something. Zari seemed to think he was overreacting though, and if that's what Zari thought it probably was true. She didn't know how to speak the 1's and 0's. Slowly she nodded. [color=b71d5d]"I would be alright with staying here if Zari is. I was only with the other group because there was an incident and we sort of got wrapped up in everything."[/color] Magneto didn't seem to be upset at them about their part in the fight. [color=b71d5d]"I've been in a lot of uh...foster homes, they didn't end up well. So it'll take me a bit to be comfortable."[/color] She wanted to be honest with him. Didn't want him to think she didn't like him just because she was uncomfortable. The MU group hadn't felt like a family or a home. She hadn't been with them long enough. If she stayed here for good eventually she'd settle in, right? [color=FF5733]"Your toy should be muted,"[/color] Magneto said somewhat sharply. He clearly wasn't a fan of the robot's constant beeping. The ominous and stern expression vanished though as he returned his attention to Andy and her tale of woe. [color=FF5733]"When I was young, humans took me from my home and separated me from my family - Nazis... I was experimented on, tortured, starved. I could never return home, they made sure of that, burning our apartment to the ground to kill any other Jewish men and women hidden inside... That place was one of three where I had ever been comfortable. The second was with my late wife, Magda, and our daughter Anya... And the third is here."[/color] [color=05794C]"He's not a toy... I built him, he's my friend... But also usually he's not so rude or mean or anything,"[/color] she muttered, twisting her hair slightly. Zari was a little unsure of what else to say, but she was listening in on what Magneto was saying. His life didn't sound the best at all, and now that she thought about it, a lot of the other people who she'd met before had a bad life up until Genosha. Though for her, her life was just more complicated than bad, and she had always just sort of been the sort of oddball around, so she didn't really have too much to say about her own experiences. Andy flinched a little when Magneto spoke sharply. She couldn't entirely blame him though since Mr. Eyeball was being particularly annoying. Andy's jaw dropped as Magneto told them about his life. She quickly shut it. She had no idea how to respond to what Magento was saying. She had never met anyone who had such a traumatic life, but she understood him a bit more now. [color=b71d5d]"I will try to be more comfortable."[/color] She finally said, feeling a bit lame about it. She took a sip of her tea and considered things. Andy wanted to ask a follow-up question, but wasn't certain it would be appropriate. She didn't want to upset Magento so she decided against it, and thought maybe it would be best to change the subject. [color=b71d5d]"Could we get a tour?"[/color] She asked. Hoping that would alleviate some of the awkwardness that was there now. [color=FF5733]"I see. Then please tell your friend to mind his manners,"[/color] Magneto told Valkyrie calmly. He wasn't a stranger to mental illness - most of his children had mental health issues. He smiled ever so slightly. [color=FF5733]"Yes, you may have a tour - once you've finished your tea,"[/color] he said, ever a practical man as he filled his cup and took a sip. [color=05794C]"I did, more than once. And he doesn't like to listen to me very much either unless I threaten to mess with his circuitry to mess with his personality or something,"[/color] as soon as the words were out of her mouth the robot beeped a bit more, sounding not too thrilled at that idea, [color=05794C]"Then stop being rude and whatever and be nice!"[/color] Andy nodded at Magneto's rule that they had to finish their tea first. She took a sip of her tea and finished her biscuit. She did her best to not look like she was rushing. It was clear, since he had refiled his tea cup, that he didn't want them to rush. [color=b71d5d]"Who all lives here?"[/color] She asked. She glanced over at Mr. Eyeball wondering what he was saying that was so rude, but she figured that if Zari wasn't going to translate she probably had a good reason. Andy might ask later when they were alone. [color=FF5733]"My girlfriend, Moneta, and my daughter, Polaris,"[/color] Magneto answered honestly. He had finished his tea and he stood up, looking a bit like a tourist - or even the tour guide - with his Hawaiian shirt and sandals. [color=FF5733]"Now if you two - er, three - are ready, I believe I owe you a tour of the House of M. I built this place myself, you know."[/color] Zari finished her own tea and then stood up, [color=05794C]"Tour sounds like fun. And this place is really really pretty."[/color] She meant that, the palace really was beautiful in her mind, and she was unsure really what else to say. Andy finished off her tea and stood up. [color=b71d5d]"Wow, that's impressive."[/color] Andy said. She was impressed she didn't know what kind of skill went into building a house, but it certainly wasn't any she had. [color=b71d5d]"How did you do that?"[/color] She asked. And waited for him to start giving them the tour. [color=FF5733]"I'm the master of magnetism - all that I needed was a sufficient amount of metal,"[/color] Magneto boasted. [color=FF5733]"This wing here is the residential one - my room with Moneta is up ahead on the right, Polaris' is on the left. The next two rooms on the left are permanently held for my other children, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch... Although they have not yet come to visit... but any of the ones on the right you may claim if you wish."[/color]