Guardian Angel Haruki
KTostada
Morose
Scrawl Banditta
Neziul
Blizz
Forsythe
BlueSky44
Achronum
Simply Not Real
Max Eisenhardt, Erik Lensherr, Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, Founder of Genosha, sighed as he rose to his feet, his knees creaking from the simple motion. These days he preferred to glide rather than walk, metal woven into the fabric of his clothing serving to support him, relieving the stress of gravity upon his system. He had told himself he would wait for the morning, but his messages had gone unanswered. There had been no response from his wayward son, Maximilian Gray, as to whether his daughter had spoken to him. Granted, he had inquired only ten minutes ago… but Magneto was not a patient man.
Not that he considered himself much of a man, having shed such a human vestige aside long ago.
He paused at the front doorstep of the Kingston-Gray house, eyeing the door knocker with irritation. He hated engaging with that thing. “Maximilian. Open up,” he said promptly, causing the knocker to strike against the door thrice with a wave of his hand. “It is urgent, young man.”
Andy heard the knock as she was passing from one room to another. She also recognized the voice. Quickly she went to the door. ”Hi, I think Max is in the living room.” Andy stumbled over her greeting, realizing she didn't know what to call him, Magneto, Eric, or even dad?
Magneto frowned at her sharply. “Did you speak with him?” he asked immediately, before his expression softened. He had missed her so. “I worry for your safety, my dear.”
“Ah, no. I'm sorry. Things got a little chaotic and James is not available. I know I should still but I was looking for a quiet time when I wouldn't be a bother.” Andy admitted. She stepped aside. “I suppose now works.”
His frown returned. She wanted to wait for when she would not be a bother…? “Andy, with what you told me, this is of the utmost urgency and importance. If I cannot convince you to care for your own wellbeing, then consider this - there are mutant children under this roof, ones who lack your strength and resilience. I do not doubt that you would return from the cold door of death - it is them who I fear would not. Come, let us find Maximilian and bring an end to your suffering.”
Andy froze, she hadn't thought about that. She suddenly felt incredibly guilty for it too. She should have said something before the whole seance thing. Since she hadn’t, now she had to deal with the consequences of that. “You're right.” She gestured in the direction she thought Max had gone to read.
Framed by the archway that lead into the living room, lay Maximilian Gray. His head resting on the armrest of a dark leather couch, his feet propped up atop the opposite arm rest, and a book precariously places on his face appearing to be only a quarter of the way read through. Ghostly Actions at a Distance: A Novice's Guide to Quantum Physics A book by Reed Richards. One arm was still lazily pressed against the corner of the book from where he had been holding it, the other limped off the side of the couch, grazing the rug beneath.
Magneto stared at his chosen son for a moment. Had it been Pietro, he would have been far less kind. What he did now was a mercy. Without even a gesture, pots from the nearby kitchen began to bounce up and down, creating a clatter that he was certain would wake the dead. “Maximilian,” he said firmly. “Wake up. I have need of you.”
Andy couldn’t contain the snort of laughter. The method of waking Max up was too funny. Part of her wanted to admonish Magneto for the action, but she had already laughed. There was no going back now. The rest of her hoped he would never have to wake her up in the same manner. That had to be terrifying to wake to.
Where Max once lay, was now a black hold for a brief moment. Another appeared into the hallway, a book in one hand, magic swirling in the other. He tried to say something akin to “Who goes there? What's happening” but the words were groggy, half asleep. His lips smacking several times before the magic dissipated from his hand and he used it to run the sleep away from his eyes. ”Erik, couldn't you simply…I don’t know, send a text? I've had a very long day and now need to learn Quantum Physics a top it all.”
Magneto’s eyes furrowed. He could have pointed out to Maximilian that he had, indeed, done such a thing. But he was a dramatic man, and thus, required dramatic actions. “Andy is at risk of killing each person in this home if you do not attend to her right now. I assume you have no wish for further blood on your hands - nor do we have the ability to resurrect our own without consequence. Attend to her. Now.”
Andy winced. Magneto was right. She had messed up by not saying something sooner. She quickly started filling Max in so he didn’t think she was murderous, on purpose. “I have been sleep walking. I,” She paused and took a breath and swallowed. “I killed someone while I did it. Also, I found out during registration that I am cursed. These things are hopefully connected.” She really hoped so anyway. There was the possibility that the curse was what had happened earlier in the day. Or it might be older than that.
Max snapped the book closed and in the same instant it appeared atop the coffee table in the room next door. He took in a deep breath, made his way over towards the kitchen, poured himself a coffee, and then came right back before holding up a finger telling the pair to wait. After a long drink he finally spoke. ”Of course I will tend to her Erik, not only because you asked but because she's family. Andy, why didn't you come to me with this sooner? I could've helped you out alongside the teachers at Strange Academy right after the exam. But, since we're here now…let me take a look at this myself.” The necklace from before appeared once more around Max's neck. Stepping closer to exam Andy as he spoke both to her and the air around them. ”So you say there's a curse that's been placed on you? Any information on the how or who? Where it may have originated?”
Magneto settled slightly, as Max began to get to work on the matter of Andy’s curse. There was one person in particular who came to mind, someone who he would have been all too happy to pass judgment on once more. She was the reason his people had been denied their homes - again. The reason that so many had fallen, so many lives lost that Max, James, and the other one had had to snatch from the cold embrace of death. “I could wager a guess,” he said somewhat bitterly. “As I imagine you can as well.”
Andy raised an eyebrow at Max. Was he really asking her who was the most likely person to have cursed her? ”Three guess who and the first two don’t count.” She crossed her arms. ”There are like a dozen reasons why I didn’t say anything between finding out I was cursed and now. I was planning on talking to you about the sleep walking. I promised,” she paused and looked at Magneto. She still doesn’t know what to call him. ”That I would. However, between heading off to get registered, Zari breaking up with me, dinner with everyone, the seance and all that happened because that failed, I really didn’t have time to. Then you went off to ‘read’ and I didn’t want to bother you.” She was getting a bit more exasperated as she explained why she hadn’t had a moment to spare. Everything between Zari breaking up with her and dinner was sort of a blur too. Andy looked back to Magneto, ”Zari went home. I didn’t even get a chance to talk to her, she just said bye and left.” She shrugged. Since the two of them had discussed Zari a bit earlier she figured he wouldn’t be all that upset that Zari was gone. Andy took a deep breath. ”If the curse is not from what happened today with Selene, then I think it is from when she turned me into a vampire.”
Max had finally finished assessing the magics surrounding Andy. A tired sigh escaping him once more. ”Well, we'd all be spot on the money for who placed it most likely. It is a Vampiric Curse. Likely one placed by Selene herself when she turned you into a Vampire, actually its probably what turned you. Listen Andy, things are almost always hectic here in this household. I mean you've met my kids, and more importantly Casper. So don't hesitate to talk to me whenever you need something especially if its important. Youre never a bother you hear?” He gave her a stern look before looking towards Erik and then the door. ”You up for a bit of a walk? I don’t want to mess with this curse directly when I know another Sorcerer who can. Brother Voodoo is used to dealing with curses and breaking them. What's more New Orleans is, or was, no stranger to Vampires for a time. Something my colleague also has experience in. So if anyone could help break this curse it would be him.”
“If Selene should ever darken our doorsteps, she will know no end to the pain and agony that I will inflict upon her,” Magneto vowed. It was good that Selene couldn’t die. Death was not a suitable punishment for her.
Andy was half tempted to tell Magneto that Selene was in Max’s possession now. She decided instead to just say, ”Yeah, I’m fine with going for a bit of a walk.” She didn’t want to miss any of the fun planned for the rest of the night, but she also really wanted to get this fixed.
Max quickly shot Ben a text message saying ”Going out for a bit to deal with a curse that popped up. Keep an eye on the kids while in gone. Love you.” Before pocketing his phone. ”Alright then, luckily he both resides, and hangs around, nearby Bourbon Street. Which so happens to be where we live by. So it wont be far though…i should give him a heads up to meet us somewhere.” He grabbed his phone once more, sending a message to Brother Voodoo now. ”Meet us at the Court of Two Sisters. I need your help breaking a curse ASAP.”
Max’s phone buzzed almost immediately, with a red heart emoji from Ben, followed with a be careful.
Only seconds later, another reply came in - this time from Brother Voodoo. How bad? Omw. Usual bullshit?
Andy pulled out her own phone and sent a text to Dorian, ”Going to deal with something. I’ll explain later. With your dad, and mine.” She figured at least one of the others should know she was stepping out so they didn’t panic when they couldn’t find her. She’d explain to Dorian later why, after it was fixed and he wouldn’t have to worry about it.
”Ready when you are.”
Max shot back a response as he made his way out, placing a hat on his head from the hat rack beside the door, an entire outfit following suit. His usual yellow long coat swaying in the breeze as he exited the home. ”A bit higher than the usual bs, but nothing we cant handle.”
Leaving the spacious yard of the Kingston-Gray Estate and making their way down the brick streets of New Orleans, Music blared and the night life had already began to bloom. Somehow livelier than the day time, lights lined the buildings as others had already begun to drink. He led them to a now closed restaurant, one he liked to frequent for breakfast when no one was in the mood for cooking. ”Voodoo should be here any minute. If anyone can help you Andy, its him.” Max said as he gave them both a look of reassurance.
Gotcha. You owe me a stiff drink, Gray, when the night is over.
Magneto refused to sit, hovering a few inches above the ground as he surveyed the restaurant, mentally cataloging every piece of metal within a mile of them. It was an exercise he did to quiet his mind, to reassure himself that he was prepared, no matter what happened. They were dealing with a curse Selene had placed on his child. He wanted to be prepared for anything. “Is this his establishment?” Magneto asked.
Stepping into sight as if he’d been there all along, a tall man dressed in linen, his hair held in locks, greeted them with a nod. As his gaze fell on Andy, his nose wrinkled. “Eww. That curse is rancid, lil miss.”
”You’re telling me,” Andy said, she had somehow kept herself from jumping at Voodoo’s arrival. ”I’d appreciate not having to deal with it anymore.” Andy did not want to go into how much of her life had been upended because of it. ”Max said you’d be able to take care of it.” It wasn’t a question, but there was hope in her voice. Hope that Max was right and that this was the end of it.
Brother Voodoo nodded. “I can. If you’ll step in with me, miss, I’ll get this taken care of. Closed practice - so gramps will have to wait outside. Gray too.”
”He's my dad, not grandfather.” Andy defended, but nodded. She glanced at Max for reassurance, even though he had brought her here, would he object.
Max nodded and motioned for her to follow him in. He trusted Brother Voodoo, and understood that not all of his magicks could be shown to others. It's why he chose this location, away from prying eyes and with a fully stocked kitchen should he need any last minute supplies to help remove the thing. ”You’re in good hands Andy.” He reassured her before using his magic to create a pair of chairs, table, and a metal chess board. ”Might take a while Erik, old magic usually does. So, care for a game or two?”
Andy nodded and straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin, she followed Brother Voodoo. Hopefully, soon she’d be free, she’d be able to hug people, to touch them again. Zari had been the one person who had seemed unaffected by her touch and she was gone. If this didn’t get fixed she’d never touch someone again and that was something she didn’t think she could handle.
Magneto raised an eyebrow. There was no greater way to spend the hours than a game of chess. “We shall see if your skills have improved, then,” he agreed, a jolt of nervousness moving through him as Andy left his sight. He took a seat at the table, and with just the movement of his eyes, he advanced his pawn forward, before settling back and waiting to see how Max responded.
Four games later, Brother Voodoo reemerged with Andy, wiping a bit of what looked like dust off of his shoulders. “Got it out. You’re all good, miss.”
Max stood up from his chair as soon as Andy came into view. Watching as dust blew off of Brother Voodoo. ”See? Nothing you couldn't handle. For your efforts –” He swirled his hand as a bottle of alcohol appeared within his grasp, handing it over to Voodoo. ” The best bottle of Mamajuana you can get. Straight from the Dominican Republic.”
Andy looked over her shoulder at Brother Voodoo, ”Thank you,” she said sincerely. Then she went over to Magneto and hugged him, she let her cheek touch his. Her first hug unafraid of hurting someone in six months.
“It’s my pleasure,” Voodoo told Andy, as he accepted the bottle from Max. He then nodded to everyone, and took a step forward and simply disappeared, as if he’d never been there at all.
Magneto didn’t notice, however. He was too busy embracing his daughter for the first time in too long. He hugged her back tightly. And very softly, he swore a vow in his native German, that he would never allow any harm to come to her again. “You’re safe, now, Andy.” Forever.
Andy didn’t speak German, she didn’t know what he said, but that was okay. After a moment she pulled away from the hug and looked at Max. She was smiling, for now she wasn’t scared. ”I’m ready to go back to your place.” She removed her gloves, and tucked them away. She might not need them anymore, but they could still be useful. ”I’m sure the others are wondering what is going on.” She had promised Dorian she’d explain, but maybe she’d just start with a hug.
Upon returning to the house Andy said goodbye to Magneto and then ran to find the others. Without saying anything she tackled Dorian into a hug. ”Guess what.”
Dorian was shocked to get a hug from Andy, but that didn't stop him from giving one in return. Squeezing her tight as he pulled back slightly with a quizzical look on his face. ”What?”
Andy held up her hand, showing the gloveless hand and wiggling her fingers. ”The whole vampire thing was a curse by my mom and your dad took me to see Brother Voodoo and he got rid of it.”
”Wha? Ah…No fair! Pa never let's me meet Brot'er Voodoo!” Dorian gasped before fully taking in what Andy had said. He pulled back, gripping her arms and looking at her with wide eyed astonishment. ”Wait! You can touch?!” He asked before pulling her in for a tighter hug, likely knocking all the air out of her lungs.
Andy giggled, and nodded her head. ”I can,” she said with what little air was left in her lungs. When he loosened his grip she said, ”You’re my second hug. The first went to my dad.”
Dorian tried not to be offended that he was her second hug. It made sense Erik would be the first…but still. ” ‘ow long do you t'ink before anyone notices you aren't wearin’ your gloves?” He teased. It'd be like a fun sleepover game. See how many hints Andy could drop before someone finally figured it out.
Andy grinned. ”Oh, this will be fun. I want to change clothes though. I’ve been repressed in full length clothing for far too long.”
Max chimed in, a smile on his face at the idea of what he was about to suggest. ”Sounds to me like someone needs a whole new wardrobe.”
Andy wanted to protest. Wanted to say that wasn’t needed. She certainly wasn’t going to get rid of her jacket. A lot of her gear was set up for the powerset she liked that being her lightning. But she also was ready for a new wardrobe. She did want to change things. Not because she was changing who she was, but because everything she owned was barely something she was happy to wear. It had been a point of contention with Dorian, Danni and Sabine. So she wanted to defend her clothing. But Max could give her a whole new wardrobe without compromising her style. She wouldn’t lose herself. She would just be leaving what she didn’t want anymore behind. So she nodded. ”Please, if you don’t mind.”
