Chapter 78

  Arc 6 - Ch 11: A Wedding Or A Funeral

  Date: Saturday, June 25, 2011.

  Location: Xavier Institute, Scarsdale, New York

  Tyson stood shocked for a moment. Marriage? It was an ued propositio, as he looked into Jubilee's expet face, he was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Her suggestion was sudden, of course, but it was her way of embrag life, of finding joy even in the face of darkness. The silence was brief, filled with the distant hum of the jet's engines winding down. Her smile faltered as she watched the py of emotions across Tyson's face. Before she could backtrack, Tyson's expression softened.

  "Jubes," Tyson began, l to one knee before her, his mismatched eyes never leaving hers.

  He crafted a shimmering diam that appeared to materialize in his hand. The gem sparkled brilliantly, catg the light in a way that hly diamond could.

  "I love you," he tinued, "I'd be honored if you'd marry me."

  Jubilee's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and joy dang across her features. She looked from Tyson's face to the ring and back again, her lips parting in a soft gasp.

  "I... yes."

  "Yes!"

  She threw her arms around his neearly knog him off bayson ed his arms around her waist, holding her close as he rose to his feet, lifting her off the ground. They spun in a small circle, she ughed and cried at the same time.

  As Tyso Jubilee ba her feet, he took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. Jubilee held up her hand, admiring the way the light pyed off the facets of the diamond.

  "It's beautiful," she murmured, then looked up at Tyson with a mischievous glint in her eye. "But you know, a girl might prefer something a little more... tangible. Unless you secretly stopped at a jewelry shop wearing that Iron Man suit."

  Tyson chuckled, pulling her close again. "Don't worry, I'll get you a real ohis is just a pceholder."

  Jubilee's smile softened. "I was just teasing. This is perfect. You're perfect."

  For a moment, all their worries and fears melted away. There was no impending doom, no tig clock. There was only this moment, however brief it might be.

  "Alright, everyone," she announced, her voice carrying across the hangar. "ge of pns. We're going to throw the most epic wedding this school has ever seen."

  Jubilee took a deep breath, squared her slender shoulders, and lifted her . This was a surreal experience. She had always imagined her future, her dreams and aspirations, but never had she thought she would be pnning a wedding so soon. She sought out her friends, uo help but feel a sense of bittersweet excitement.

  Jean was first, the telepath's usually calm and collected demeanor crag uhe weight of her emotions. Jubilee pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of Jean's tears against her shoulder. "I want you to be my maid of honor," Jubilee whispered, her voice trembling with joy. "Share a memory at the reception, something that made you ugh. I want our wedding to be filled with joy and ughter."

  Jean nodded, her eyes glistening with happy tears. "Of course," she said.

  Jubilee radiated a joy that cut through the gloom and uainty that had settled over the group. Her eyes shoh hope and love as she turo Strasping the weather witch's hands in her own.

  "Professor Ororo, would you officiate my wedding?" Jubilee asked, practically boung ooes iement.

  Tyson, her brow furrowing slightly. Undoubtedly she cared for Jubilee deeply, but she wasn't sure how she felt about the illusionist. Yet looking into Jubilee's vibrant, pleading eyes, she couldn't refuse. This wedding represented more than just the union of two people; it ark of life in the face of darkness.

  Slowly, Storm nodded, a smile breaking across her elegaures. "Nothing would make me happier, child," she said warmly. Jubilee let out a squeal of delight, throwing her arms around the weather witch.

  Then Jubilee pulled back, practically boung ooes again as she began peppering Ororo with questions about the ceremony. Storm listened indulgently, her smile never fading.

  As Jubilee busied herself with pnning, Tyson slipped away. He found ay room and pulled out his cell phoh a desperate idea in mind. He had exhausted every target, and nearly every potential solution to prevent Jubilee's death. But one name lingered in his thoughts, refusing to fade away.

  Agatha Harkness.

  Tyson opened his phone and quickly performed a Google search. It was his only option, well aware that using Cerebro was out of the question. To his surprise, the search revealed a woman named Agatha Harkness lived in Massachusetts, w as a private governess and teacher.

  Could it truly be that simple?

  The thought of reag out to her felt like a gamble. Tyso over what he knew of her thanks to his meta-knowledge. After the events of Endgame, Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, had spiraled into grief and despair. The loss of Vision, whom she had grown to love, had left her broken with her powers unhinged and wild. In a desperate attempt to g to the fragments of the life she could have had, Wanda iently twisted reality, capturing the unsuspeg town of Westview in a bubble of reality under her trol.

  Agatha was drawn by the potent magic that Wanda wielded. She infiltrated the reality bubble and frohe Scarlet Witch. To the casual observer, Agatha appeared to be the antagonist seeking to steal ower. But the truth was more plex. Wanda, in her anguish, had subjugated the townspeople. Agatha had attempted to interveo end the chaos that Wanda had unleashed. Did this make Wanda the vilin of her story, ed by her grief and pain? Was Agatha the unsung hero, misuood and vilified for her as? The lines between right and wrong were blurred, painted in shades of gray that defied easy categorization.

  Tyson pted the potential risks and rewards of tag Agatha. He was unsure if this was the right choice, but he had no other options.

  He dialed the number listed, listening ily as the line rang.

  "Hello?" answered a familiar voice.

  "Good evening, is this Agatha Harkness?" Tyson asked, his voice tight and strained with desperation.

  "Yes, who is this?" came the wary reply.

  He took a moment to steady his nerves before responding. "My name is Tyson. I'm looking to hire your services."

  "Alright, Mr. Tyson," said Agatha briskly, "How old is your child, and in what area of study do you believe they need help?"

  Tysoated, knowing his response would sound strange. "I'm not inquiring about your lessons for a child. I'm looking to hire your services for myself."

  He heard Agatha sigh in exasperation. "Is this a prank call? If not, those aren't the kinds of services I provide. A governess is a tutor, a teacher, not an escort." she said, clearly having fielded calls of that nature before.

  Tyson squinted in fusion for a brief moment before uanding her meaning. He rolled his eyes in frustration. "That's not what I meant, Ms. Harkness. I'm looking for an instructor to teach me a subject that's a little more esoteric..."

  He let his voice trail off, hoping she would uand his implied meaning. His heart pounded as he awaited her response, knowing this was likely his final ce to save his friend. Tyson waited with bated breath as silence desded on the phone line. He could practically hear the seds tig by as Agatha Harkness pted his request, the weight of her judgment hanging over him.

  When she finally spoke, her voice was curious, "How did you get this number?"

  "Google," Tyson answered, hoping that using the i to find her would not undermine his credibility in her eyes.

  Agatha let out a small huff, a hint of amusement c her tone. "I'm afraid I only work with children, Tyson. My teag is focused on nurturing young minds, guiding them in the ways of magic."

  Tyson closed his eyes as frustration welled up inside him, his grip on the phoightening reflexively. "I'm teically not an adult yet. I won't be turnieen for a few more months. Please. I o learn magic. I'll pay any price, do whatever it takes." He ied a note of desperation into the st sentence, hoping she could sehe importance of this to him.

  Silence desded once more. Tyson straio hear any sounds from Agatha's end of the call. He thought he detected the soft rustle of clothing as if she had gotten up from her seat to pa sideration. Seds passed before she finally spoke again. "The path you seek is dangerous," she said, her voice low and serious. "Magic is not a toy to be pyed with, nor a quick solution to life's problems. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and a willio face the sequences of your as."

  Tyso a flicker of a her perceived judgment of him. He bit back a harsh retort, letting a quiet iy fill his words. "I've faced sequences before. I've fought powerful enemies, even demons, and taken lives, all in the name of survival."

  "Very well, Tyson. I will agree to teach you, but my services won't e cheap. Where are you located?"

  "New York City," Tyson answered promptly, relief flooding through him.

  "You'll be paying my relocation fee as well. 50 thousand dolrs upfront," Agatha stated matter-of-factly.

  Tyson quickly agreed, "Of course. And I arrange housing if needed."

  After a thoughtful pause, Agatha named her terms. "And a 50 thousand dolr a month retainer fee. So long as you're my student."

  "Agreed," Tyson said without hesitation. He provided Felicia's taformation for handling payment and housiails, knowing Agatha would find the arras satisfactory.

  Tyson walked toward the mairance of the institute. The weight of Jubilee's impendih was a stant pressure on his chest. As he passed by the on area, Jubilee called out. "Tyson, are y to sneak away again?"

  Tyson paused, turning to face her. Her eyes, usually so full of light and mischief, now held a shadow of the fate that awaited her. "I am," he admitted, "but not to escape and absorb someone. I'm w on something."

  Jubilee regarded him for a moment. "If you're w on something, it better be your vows," she teased, though there was an undercurrent of seriousness beh her words.

  "Hopefully better," he replied.

  "Fine," she said, "but don't take too long. And if you run off to try to absorb someone else, I'm won't five you. I'll die angry, and probably rise as a vengeful spirit. A vengeful spirit… vampire."

  "I won't," he promised, "With a final g Jubilee, he turned and headed toward a secluded se of the institute grounds.

  The grounds around the Xavier Institute were expansive, with a few acres of well-manicured wns, gardens, and wooded areas that provided a serene backdrop. As Tyson walked, he took iranquility of the surroundings, the chirping of crickets, and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. He found an out-of-sight area, tucked away behind a copse of trees. It eaceful spot that Tyson idly noted would serve perfectly as a secret rendezvous point for mutant teens. Though not secretive enough to avoid the notice of Professor Xavier.

  Once he was sure there wasn't anyone nearby, Tyson stopped and took a deep breath. He called out into the empty air, his voice eg slightly in the dark. "Amora. You said you would be watg… I respectfully request to speak with you."

  As Tyson finished speaking, nothing happehe world around him remained unged, the quiet serenity of the institute grounds undisturbed. He waited for a beat, his heart pounding in his chest, the anticipation building with each passing sed.

  Just when disappoi began to set in, the air in front of him shimmered and rippled. A portal appeared, its edges flickering with an otherworldly light. Ihe portal was a vishly appointed room, its walls adorned with are scribbles that pulsed with a soft, eldritch glow. Reing on a plush pillow bed, draped in sumptuous fabrics was Amora.

  The Entress gestured with a 'e hither' motion, inviting Tyson through the portal.

  He stepped forward, crossing the threshold, and the institute grounds gave way to Amora's opulent chamber. The portal closed behind him with a soft pop, leaving him in the presence of the powerful Asgardian sorceress.

  Amora lounged on her bed. "You have e tain, I presume," she said.

  "I have," he firmed, his voice betraying none of the apprehension he felt.

  The Entress sidered him for a long, drawn-out moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And why should I aid you?" she asked, her tone ced with a regal haughtiness. "What makes you worthy of my divine essence? I mandated you gain strength. To seek out someone powerful and absorb them. Have you done so without me being aware? Because I saw your failure. You her killed nor defeated the fiery psychi a battle of wills, bindio you."

  Tyson frowhat wasn't his iion in engaging Jean. He brushed off the Entress's words a Amora's stare with a steady resolve, his jaw set in a firm line.

  "I have not absorbed anyone's power," Tyson admitted, "On such short notice, I could not find a suitable target who was both accessible and possessed abilities that would be worthy of your divine essence. However, I have secured an instructor to teach me the ways of magic."

  Amora arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, her expression one of skeptical amusement. "A mere mortal dabbling in the mystic arts?" she scoffed. "And you believe this will make you stronger?"

  "There are many paths to power. You, yourself are proof of this" he said, "While abs the abilities of others is one way, mastering magic is another. With a skilled instructor to guide me, I unlock the potential within myself and grow stronger in ways beyond physical abilities."

  Amarded him, her firag the intricate patterns embroidered on the silkes beh her. "And who is this instructor you speak of?" she asked.

  "Agatha Harkness," Tyson replied without hesitation. "A witch who has lived for over three hundred years. She has agreed to take me on as her student. I know of few oh who would be a better tutor, save yourself and perhaps the Sorcerer Supreme." Tyson pressed on with his case. "With Agatha's guidance, I learn magic. While I'm sure, Earthly magic pales pared to Asgardian magic, I hoped that taking steps toward such power would be worthy of your divine essence."

  For a long moment, the only sound in the chamber was the soft hum of the are ruched into the walls. Finally, she spoke. "Very well, Tyson. I deem that you have met the requirements of taking the steps necessary to bee stronger."

  Relief flooded Tyson's veins, a rush of hope that threateo overwhelm him. But he remained outwardly posed, his expression carefully ral as he approached Amora's seated form. He reached out, his fingers closing around the cool gss of the vial she held toward him. Tyson was momentarily taken aback when he realized the vial was empty.

  Amora fixed him with a pierg gaze making him tense. "However," she said, her voice carrying disappoi, "I question your audacity. I specifically asked you to bind a mistress and expihe differeween a mistress and a wife. Now, I thought you a step above the rest of the men here, more ing and somewhat intelligent. Yet, you act against my words, disappointing me by intending to marry the one you set out to save. While not a direct viotion of my request, I feel… spurned."

  Tyson's mind raced. He was close to attaining her blood and didn't want to ahe Entress. He needed a way to smooth things over. Thinking quickly, he said, "Marriages oh specifically state 'Till death do us part.' If Jubilee dies and bees a vampire, the wedding is nullified."

  Amora tered, "Is not the purpose of my blood to prevent her death, and remove the curse of vampirism? If your ritual is successful and she survives, she won't die and bee a vampire, she'll be a living human. What then?"

  She was right.

  Tyson quickly answered, "We'll py it off like a heat of the moment thing. Weddings require paperwork, verification by the local gover, and such. We won't do it..." He paused, his mind w furiously. "And I'll get a temporary ring," he blurted out. "It's our to gift diams to your betrothed because diamonds are forever. I won't symbolically give a diamond."

  Amora leaned back, seeming to mull over his words. Tyson held his breath as she sidered his expnation, acutely aware of how much hinged on this moment.

  Finally, Amora ined her head. "Very well. Symbolism is far more important to me than paperwork," she said, her voice carrying a note of amusement. "I accept your terms." She held out her hand, palm up, towards Tyson.

  She held her palm to him, a clear expectation in her eyes. Tysoated, fusion flickering across his face. "May I?" he asked uainly.

  Amora beed him closer. With a deep breath, Tyson released his adamantium talons from his fiip. He gently dragged the talon across Amora's palm, a thin line of crimson welling up in its wake.

  Tysohe vial steady as Amora tipped her hand, allowing her blood to flow into the tainer. As the vial filled to the brim, she muttered an intation, her voice low and melodic. Before Tyson's eyes, the wound on her palm began to close, the skin knitting together by the magic.

  She fixed him with a stern gaze. "Use it wisely, mortal. My blood is not to be trifled with." she warned."

  Tyson nodded solemnly, carefully seg the vial. "I will. You have my word," he promised, his voice filled with gratitude and reverehank you, Amora. I won't fet this."

  "See that you don't," she replied.

  "Twiow, I have granted you a boon," Amora said, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Aher time have I accepted true payment." Tyson swallowed hard, a sense of utling in his stomach. She leaned forward. "Are you familiar with the Rule of Three?" she asked.

  When Tyson shook his head in the ive, Amora tinued, "Magic is not a force to be trifled with. It is a fual w of the universe, a principle that governs the intricate web of intereess that binds all things together." She raised a hand, three fingers extended. "The rule of three is a maion of this intereess, a remihat every a we take, every spell we cast, sends ripples through the fabric of reality, toug every point in the vast tapestry of existence." Amora's voice took on a hypnotic quality, her words painting vivid images in Tyson's mind. "Imagine a still pond, its surface smooth and mirror-like. Throwing a stoo that pond creates ripples that expand outward, toug every inch of the water's surface. Magic works simirly with each spell, each boon granted or favor asked, creating ripples that reverberate through the s of intereess, shapiinies and altering the universe's bance."

  She leaned forward, her face mere inches from Tyson's, her eyes b into his soul. "You ot escape the sequences of your as, Tyson. No spells, no illusions, shield you from the repercussions of the ripples you create. Every choiake, every path you walk, will impact the whole, setting in motion a cascade of events that will shape your life and the lives of those around you."

  Amora reminded, "I have granted you two boons, Tyson. First, I boosted your power on the rainbe. Now, I grant you my blood, the blood of a goddess, in your own words. Something rare oh, especially sihe destru of the Bifrost. Two acts of kindness, two gifts freely given, two aagic. But the universe demands bance, and the scales are tipping in my favor."

  Her voice dropped to a whisper, her breath hot against Tyson's skin. "If you seek a third boon from me, know the price will be steep. The universe will demand its due. I will demand my due. And the ay be more than you care."

  Tyson sidered the implications of Amora's words. He had no idea what Amora's price was, however, it soueep. But he khat the boons Amora had granted him were worthwhile. With the power boost, he'd saved Thor, allowing Odin to remain in the Odinsleep, rec his strength. And with the sed boon, he'd save Jubilee's life.

  "I uand," he said, "And I'm grateful for your help, Amora. I reize the value of your boons, and I will not ihird frivolously. Should there be a boon I provide for you iurn, please let me know."

  "We shall see, Tyson. We shall see," she said, seemingly satisfied. With a wave of her hand, the air behind Tyson shimmered and rippled, a portal opening back to the Xavier Institute grounds. "Now go," she said, her tone dismissive. "You have what you came for."

  Tyson bowed his head in respect before turning towards the portal. As he stepped through, he felt the rush of magic wash over him, transp him back to the quiet, moonlit grounds of the institute. The portal closed behind him with a soft pop, leaving him alone in the night air.

  He stood there, his heart pounding with excitement and he vial of Amora's blood felt warm in his hand, a stant reminder of the power he now possessed and the responsibility that came with it. Tyson couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with the devil herself. But he pushed aside his doubts, his fears.

  He had the blood, the key to saving Jubilee's life.

  — Rogue Rept —

  As Tyson stepped through the doors, he was greeted by a buzz of excitement, a palpable sense of joy that hung in the air like a celebratory mist. He'd been given a suit. Logan hadn't said where he'd gotten it, but Tyson guessed he'd stolen it from one of the other professors. One of beastly proportions, si fit Tyson rather well. He ehe main hall, which had been transformed into a beautiful wedding venue. He wasn't sure how it happened, but with a mansion full of mutants, someone had to be able to grow flowers on demand. Everyone was gathered, their faces beaming with happiness. At the front of the room stood Storm as Offit stood in the ter with her, and Jean off to the side as the maid-of-honor. On the opposite side stood Logan as Tyson's best man.

  The soft murmur of the gathered crowd faded into the background as he focused on each step, each breath. Logan stood at the front watg his friend approach. As Tyson reached the end of the aisle, he turo face the entrahe music swelled a beautiful melody that filled the room with anticipation.

  And then, like a vision, Jubilee appeared. She was radiant. Her white dress was more akin to a cocktail than a wedding dress but fit her beautifully. Her dark hair cked its usual gelled-up style; straightened, but still asymmetrically parted. But it was her smile that truly took Tyson's breath away. It was bright, joyous, and filled with love.

  Jubilee began her walk down the aisle, her eyes locked on Tyson. Each step brought her closer to him. The assembled guests turo watch her, their faces mirr the happihat radiated from the bride.

  Nearing the front of the room, Jubilee's gaze swept over the crowd. Her eyes glistened with happy tears as she took in the sight of their friends gathered to celebrate.

  Her gaze returo Tyson, and the rest of the world faded. It was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of a neter in their lives. As she reached his side, he extended his gloved hand to her. She took it, her fingers iwining with his. They turo face Storm, ready to begin the ceremony. The room fell silent save for the occasional sniffle from aional guest.

  Storm began the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."

  Tyson was in a haze throughout the ceremony, still hardly believing that he was getting married… and then it was his turn to say his vows. He faced Jubilee. As he looked into her eyes, he found the words to express the depth of his feelings.

  "Jubition," he began, "You were the first person to wele to the institute. From the moment I arrived, you made me feel like I belonged. You showed me around, introduced me to everyone, and made sure I had everything I needed." Tyson paused and searched the crowd, finding Professor Xavier, he quipped, "Thanks for the introdu, Professor."

  The crowd ughed and Tyson waited for them to calm down before turning back to Jubilee to tinue. "You never feared or judged, even though you knew how dangerous I could be."

  "You have always been there for me," he tinued, his voice growing stronger. "When I felt like I was thrust into this new world, you were the one who helped me find my way."

  "And I want you to know that I will always be there for you, just as you have been there for me. I will do everything in my power to support and love you. That's what you did for me. That's what love is all about."

  Logan tapped Tyson's shoulder, drawing his attention away for a moment. The gruff mutant held out a small, glittering object. It was a ring, but not just any ring. It was made of pure ice, sparkling and shimmering in the light.

  Tyson took the ring carefully, marveling at its delicate beauty. It was cool to the touch, yet it didn't melt in his gloved hand. He gnced out into the crowd and his gaze nded on Bobby Drake. The young mutant known as I gave him a thumbs up.

  Turning back to Jubilee, he held up the icy ring, watg as Jubilee's eyes lit up with wently, he took her hand in his. With utmost care, he slid the ring onto her finger.

  The ice ring sparkled on Jubilee's hand, catg the light. Tyson couldn't help but smile at the symbolism.

  A ring that was beautiful yet fleeting. Bobby promised it should st a little over two months before melting.

  Storm's voice cut through the moment, rid clear. "You may now kiss the bride."

  Tyson looked into Jubilee's eyes. He saw the love there, the trust, and the slight hint of apprehension that mirrored his own. They both khe risks of his touch.

  Slowly, carefully, Tyson leaned in. He cupped Jubilee's face with his gloved hands. She tilted her head up, her eyes fluttering closed as she awaited his kiss.

  Their lips met in a chaste, gentle kiss.

  Tyson was acutely aware of every millised that passed, not wanting to risk abs too much of Jubilee's life force. The kiss was brief, but it held love and promise.

  As they parted, despite the drain on her life, Tyson saw the flush on Jubilee's cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes. She smiled up at him, a mix of joy and uanding in her expression.

  The assembled guests erupted into appuse, their cheers filling the hall. Tyson and Jubilee turo face their friends and family, hands csped tightly together.

  The newlyweds made their way through the croting gratutions and well-wishes from their friends.

  — Rogue Rept —

  Tyson's gloved haly csped hers. "Hey, Jubes," he said, his voice soft but urgent. "This was nice, but we've got to go."

  Jubilee's brow furrowed in fusion. "Go where?"

  "Back to the city," Tyson replied, "If we're going to save you... I vinced Amora to let me have her blood."

  A flicker of hope danced in Jubilee's eyes, but it was quickly repced by skepticism. "She just gave it to you?" she asked, her voice ced with suspi. "Did you sneak out before to absorb someone and you're hiding it?"

  "Nope. I used my other superpower this time."

  "Whie?" she asked.

  "Money."

  Jubilee gave him a deadpan look, her eyebrow arched in disbelief. "Who are you? Batman?"

  Tyson ughed before expining, "I hired a magic tutor. Amora accepted it as a step toward me being stronger, which was what she wanted."

  Jubilee's eyes widened in surprise, and then she hugged him, her thin arms struggling to around his neck. But even as she g to him, Tyso her stagger, her body trembling with the effort of staying upright.

  "We're borrowing a car," he decred, scooping her into his arms in a princess carry. He strode towards the garage. They had no time to waste.

  As they he garage, Jean Grey fell into step beside them. "I'm ing," she stated.

  Tyson nodded, grateful for the support. But Jubilee, her face buried in the sleeve of his shirt, shook her head weakly. "No," she mumbled, her voice muffled by Tyson's shirt.

  fusion and hurt fshed across Jean's features. "Why not?"

  Jubilee lifted her head, her eyes meeting Jean's with a look of sadness. "Because if I die, I don't know what I'm going to be like when I rise again." She gestured to Tyson, her hand trembling with the effort. "I feed off him, and he's immuo Vampire bites. Jean, you aren't." Uanding dawned on Jean's face, and she nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with uears. "Give us a few days to see where we nd," Jubilee tinued, her voice grew weaker with each word. "Then you e."

  Tyson shifted Jubilee in his arms, holding her close as he met Jean's gaze. "I'll always have room for you. Ohings settle, you join us. Promise."

  Jean nodded, stepping back as Tysoly lowered Jubilee into the backseat of a bck luxury car. As the car roared to life, Tyson gnced in the rearview mirror, his eyes log with Jubilee's. She looked so small, sile, lying in the leather seats. He turned his attention back to the road, the car thundering out of the garage and into the darkness.

  Tyson's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he sped south, heading for the New York Sanctum. In the backseat, Jubilee y curled up, her eyes closed and her breathing shallow. As they crossed into the Bronx, she stirred, her voice barely above a whisper.

  "Ty," she murmured, her words slurring with exhaustion. "I'm feeling drained. I'm going to go to sleep. Wake me up whe to the Sanctum, okay?"

  Tyson gnced in the rearview mirror, his heart g at her pale, drawn face. "Sure thing, Jubes," he said, f a note of cheerfulness into his voice. "You rest. I'll take care of everything." As Jubilee drifted off, Tyson turned his attention back to the road.

  At st, the Sanctum San came into view. Tyson pulled the car to a stop, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw the A One waiting for him oeps, her face grave and her hands csped.

  Tyson rushed from the car. "Is the ritual prepared?" he asked, his voice tight, urgent. "We don't have much time." The A One's expression remained somber, a flicker of sadness passing across her features. Tyson, still speaking, moved to open the car door, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I've got the blood, and Jubilee's here. We o…"

  He reached into the backseat, grasping Jubilee's leg to shake her awake.

  But she remaiill, limp and unresponsive.

  Frowning, Tyson shook her harder, his voice rising. "Jubes? Jubilee, wake up!"

  But there was no response. With a sinking dread, Tyson pulled her from the car, cradling her in his arms like a child. Her head lolled against his chest, her eyes closed and her lips parted. But no breath passed between them, and the rise and fall of her chest was absent.

  Tyson looked to the A One, his eyes wide and pleading, desperate for some sign of hope. But the sorcerer shook her head, her voice heavy with regret. "It's too te," she said softly. "I'm sorry."

  The words hit Tyson like a physical blow, driving the air from his lungs and sending a wave of anguish crashing over him. He sank to his knees, pressing his forehead against Jubilee's, his tears falling onto her pale, lifeless face. There was no rush of power.

  There was no life to drain from her body.

  Jubilee was gone.

  Tyson's shoulders shook with silent sobs.

  The A Oched in silence. She had seeh many times in her long life, but it never got easier, never hurt less.

  Tyson reeled with the weight of his failure, with the knowledge that he had been too te, too slow, too weak, too stupid to save his friend. He had promised to protect her, save her, and he had failed. And now, he would have to live with that failure.

  As he khere on the cold stoeps, cradling Jubilee's lifeless form in his arms, Tyso a part of himself die with her. The world seemed to spin around him, the colors fading to gray, the sounds muffled and distant.

  Tyson's eyes locked with the A One's, a flicker of desperation burning in their depths. His voice was low, carefully trolled, as he asked the question haunting him. "Was there a e to save her? Were there any futures where she was cured before passing?"

  The A O his gaze, her expression unreadable. "The oute wasn't certain," she replied cryptically.

  Tyson's mind raced, repying every decision, every a he had taken since learning of Jubilee's fate. Had he wasted precious time chasing after the imposter Spider-Man? Should he have goraight after Mystique, or Killgrave? If only he'd had more time...

  Time.

  The word echoed in Tyson's mind, a sudden realization dawning on him. He looked back at the A One, his eyes wide with desperate hope. "You bring her back?"

  The A One's expression softened, a flicker of sympathy passing across her features. "I know much magic," she said gently, "but there are some spells beyond my ability to cast. Resurre is one such magic."

  Tyson paused. "That's not what I meant," he mumbled.

  "The Time Stone."

  "It could… rewind her. Bring her back. How she was before being bitten by the vampire."

  The A One nodded, "It could."

  Tyson waited, his heart pounding in his chest, a sense of detached ess settling over him. The A One tinued, "And I am willing to do so." A rush of relief and joy threateo overwhelm him. But his etion was cut short by the A One's words.

  "However," she said, her voice taking on a note of finality, "it will be the only time I do so, and the Sanctum will be closed to you. Food."

  Tyson tried to make sense of the A One's words. Why would the Sanctum be closed to him if she used the Time Stoo save Jubilee? It didn't make sense, unless...

  And then it hit him, a sudden, siing realization that made his blood run cold.

  He spoke the words aloud, his voice barely above a whisper, as muself as to the A One. "Jubilee... losing her? Her being a vampire? Is it my cost? The cost I o pay to bee a sorcerer?"

  The A One's expression remained inscrutable, but she gave a slight nod. "In part," she replied, her words cryptid den with hidden meaning.

  Tyson reeled with the implications of her words. To bee a sorcerer, to learn the secrets of magid harness its power... it had been one of his driving ambitions. Images of Dr. Strange fighting Thanos alone, without using an infinity stone, while Thanos had four passed through Tyson's mind.

  But was all that power worth the cost of Jubilee's life, and her humanity? It rice he wasn't sure he was willing to pay.

  A, he had already secured Agatha Harkness as a magic tutor. Closing off the route to Kamar Taj, cutting himself off from the vast knowledge and resources of the sorcerers... it might be a hasty decision, one he could e tret.

  He searched for a way out, a loophole, or a promise that would allow him to have both Jubilee and magid then he had an idea.

  "The Stone will still affect her after she turns, right?" he asked.

  The A One nodded, her expression unreadable.

  Tyson rose aly pced Jubilee's still, lifeless form bato the car. He turo the A One, "I may return. Thank you for your sideration." he said with a slight bow.

  And with that, he returo the driver's seat. He drove off toward the Ftiron Armory. He khat letting Jubilee turn, allowio bee a vampire, was a risk. But the A One had guarahat the Time Stone would be able to restore her humanity, t her back to the way she was before. If he was willing to give up learning magic.

  He had an option. But he wouldn't make the decisiourely.

  Tyson carried Jubilee's lifeless body into the House of M. The once vibrant young woman was now silent and still. He ehe building and just stood there, unsure where to go. His mind was weighed down with grief and guilt.

  After a few minutes, Felicia Hardy approached from down the hall. She took in the sight of Tyson carrying Jubilee's limp form cradled in his arms. A look of crossed her face, her green eyes flickering with worry.

  "What happened?" she asked.

  Tyson's voice was hoarse, the words catg in his throat as he spoke. "I wasn't fast enough. She died."

  "She's going to turn."

  Felicia reached out, her hand came to rest on Tyson's arm in a sileure of support. "It's okay," she said gently, her gaze softening as she met his eyes. "We figure this out. But you o be on yame. You 't stand here lost, worried about what you didn't dht. It happened." She paused for a beat. "Now take a breath. then tell me what we o do and how I help."

  Tyson took a deep breath, f himself to push aside the grief that threateo overwhelm him. He thought for a sed, sidering their options. "I he most secure room in this pce," he said, "I don't know what will happen when she wakes up. I thought about the arena, but I don't want such a wide open area, she'll be faster than me. I need a space, that'll keep her fined."

  "The Vault then," Felicia replied fidently.

  "The Vault?"

  Felicia huffed out a breath, "This was an armory remember? Armories required munitions to be stored inside secure areas, away from exterior walls. The one here is updated, ballistic-rated door and everything."

  "That's perfect," Tyson mumbled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at the thought of such a room.

  Felicia gestured for him to follow, leading the way until they reached a heavy steel door set into the crete wall. The Vault was a holdover from the building's former purpose as an armory. The door was imposing with a series of locks and bolts seg it in pce, and a small digital keypad glowed faintly in the dim light.

  Ihe room arse and utilitarian, the walls lined with metal shelves that were y. A single light bulb hung from the ceiling, casting long, flickering shadows across the cold, hard floor. It was the perfect pce to tain Jubilee until they could figure out what to do . Tyson lowered her body gently onto the floor, his hands lingering on her before he straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the room.

  Felicia stood in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched him. "What else do you need?" she asked.

  "Just a bed, a little food and water, and the door locked. I'll stay with her."

  Feliodded, disappearing down the hall to gather the requested items. Wheuryson pulled out the blood vial from Amora and ha to her. "Ahis to Dr. ors," he said, "Tell him to learhing he about it."

  Felicia took the vial, her fingers closing around the delicate gss. "I'll make sure he gets it," she promised, "We know how much ors loves the different blood samples y him."

  With that, she turned ahe room.

  The heavy steel door closed behind her with a resounding thud. The locks engaged with a series of loud clicks, sealing Tyson and Jubilee ihe Vault. Alone in the dimly lit room, Tysoled down beside Jubilee, his hand reag out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her face.

  No matter what it took, he would not give up on her. Not now, not ever.

  Tyson had nothio do but wait. He had arrived back at House of M te, well after 2 am. Felicia had been w so hard retly, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion, and Tyson knew he o do something special for her... well, something besides having Ivan Vanko build her one of the world's most advanced super suits.

  As the hours ticked by, Tyson stayed by Jubilee's side, his eyes never leaving her face. She y eerily still, her chest unmoving, her skin pale and cold to the touch. Tyson nibbled on bits of food and sipped at the water Felicia had left for him, but mostly he meditated, his mind reag out to the white room, seeking the door that had eluded him for months.

  To pass the time, Tyson pyed with his illusions, juring up little shows for himself, tiny ghostly performahat pyed out around him. It was a small fort, a way to keep his mind occupied and his heart from sinking into despair.

  And then, just as the st rays of daylight faded outside, it happened.

  Jubilee, who had been still for hours, suddenly moved.

  It was a subtle thing. But to Tyson, who had enhanced senses and had been watg her, it was obvious.

  He leaned forward, holding his breath. And then, in one eerie motion, Jubilee's eyes shot open, as if she had been wide awake the whole time. She sat up, her movements unnatural.

  Jubilee's head turned slowly, her eyes log onto Tyson's with a predatory focus. A smile spread across her face, but it was not the warm, mischievous grin he had e to love. This smile held a ravenous huhat sent a chill down Tyson's spine.

  "Jubilee?" Tyson whispered hoarsely, "Is that... is that you?"

  She tilted her head, her gaze never leaving his. And then he saw her fangs. Long and sharp, standing out as she opened her mouth to speak.

  "Of course, it's me, Ty," she purred, her voice like honey. "Who else would it be?"

  For the first time, he saw her chest rise as she inhaled deeply, sniffing the air.

  "That blonde was right," she admitted.

  "God, you smell good enough to eat."

  Behind the Ses

  - I wrote two versions of this chapter, oh a funeral, and the other with a wedding. I let the Patrons vote on which Tyson would gh with. There have been several other polls, most of whie to fruition in Arc 7. There was a hidden caveat to the vote. If the patrons had voted to have a funeral, I sidered adjusting the story to have Jubilee survive. It was the kiss in particur that drained Jubilee's life force, weakening her and making her fall to the vampirism more quickly than would have happeherwise. It would've required a bit of editing and shortehis arc by one chapter, but would've been reasonably easy to implement.

  - Jubilee being a vampire was the premise behind this entire Arc when I began pnning it. The idea popped into my head way back when I nning Arc 4, and it was something I'd initially sidered for dy Moon before her story was settled. But then I remembered that Jubilee had spent time as a vampire in the id figured it would be a er way to implement it into this story.

  - It's hard to say when I decided to add Agatha. I looked back at the inal outline of this Ard the whole side-quest wasn't part of it. I started writing the draft of this chapter ba early May. Her inclusion was risky given that I khe Agatha show would be released eventually, and I wrote this based on my assumptions of her character from WandaVision. But that was good because Tyson's meta-knowledge wouldn't cover anything from the newer show. I didn't pn for this chapter to e out the week after the Agatha show finished. I'm not that good. It was just a happy ce. However, I think that my initial impression of Agatha held up. I didn't have to ge any of her dialogue duriing for this chapter, admittedly, her appearance was brief. Most of her Arc 7 dialogue and as shouldn't tradiything seen in the new show.

  - Tyson joked, "No one wants you to bee the spirit of vengeao Jubilee. This is a Ghost Rider reference. Don't get hyped over it. I dislike Ghost Rider and I don't pn to include either the movie ents of Shield version in this story.

  - Jubilee asking Tyson who he is Batman, when he said he used his moo secure Amora's blood isn't meta. Iernals, there's a se where a child refers to Icarus as Superman. We infer from that Dics exist in the Marvel ematiiverse.

  Support Plug

  For those of you ied in supp my writing.

  patreon./Steatoda

  For Arc 5, every chapter had its own cover image.

  One buck membership gets you access to the galleries (Chapters 15, 28, 42, 44, 47, 50, and 53)

  Five bucks membership gets one chapter ahead and access to NSFW galleries (Ily, Felicia, Nat)

  Ten bucks membership gets the same as above, but two chapters ahead, an exclusive what if, and a preview of the Arc 7 cover ( love i)