Chapter 83

  Arc 6 - Ch 16: Meeting Day

  Date: Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

  Location: House of M, Manhattan, New York

  The atmosphere in Dr. ors' b was one of weary relief. Tyson, Jubilee, Bde, and Karen had returned after foiling Dea Frost's attempt at raising the blood god, La Magra, at the Bank of Erebus just hours earlier. Tyson had called ahead, direg Dr. ors to secure all of their blood safely in ste before the others arrived. He didn't need Bde catg a whiff of the unusual samples. Karen, drawing on her extensive background in medical research, had joined ors in a deep discussion, sharing her detailed notes on vampire physiology and the peculiarities of the vampirism iion. ors listened with rapt attention, paring her findings to his own observations.

  "Jubilee administered your experimental cure to Whistler. Would you like to review our observations so far?"

  Tyson leaned quietly against a b ter across the room, watg them work with a profound sense of relief that the night's events had ended retively well.

  Jubilee, who had been silently the iions, finally spoke up, her voice breaking the intemosphere that had settled over the b. "So what's for us? Are we going to bee full-time vampire hunters now, or was this more of a one-and-done kind of deal?"

  Tyson chuckled softly. "Let's hope it doesn't e to that."

  He leaned against the ter, regarding Jubilee. Though the events of the past few days had ended well, her transformation into a vampire still weighed on his mind.

  She met his gaze knowingly. "I know what yoing to say, Ty. But here's the thing… I like being a vampire. With your blood, there are no downsides for me. I'm stronger and faster, and I be out in the sun. I feel powerful and alive. And I fight at your side instead of hiding behind you."

  "Jubes, I uand the appeal, believe me," he said gently. "But have you sidered the long-term sequences? You'll be depe on me for survival."

  "I've thought about it a lot, Tyson. It's a huge decision, I know. But this is part of who I am now. I do good with these abilities, and help people. I haven't felt any blood cravings e to hurt anyone." She stepped closer, her eyes pleading for uanding. "I don't want to give this up. We find a way to make this work."

  "I worry, Jubilee. I worry about what this means for you, what it means for us."

  Jubilee stepped closer, her expression softening as she met his ed gaze. "I know you do. But I’ve never felt more capable, more fully myself than I do now. This hasn't ged who I am at heart, Tyson. I’m still me. I’m still your Jubilee. Besides, you didn't seem that worried when I was rog your world."

  They shared a quiet ugh, but Tyson's eyes still held a trace of doubt. Jubilee took his hand, squeezing it gently, willing him to uand. "Hey, look at me," she said early. "I know you might not be used to getting wins like this. We touch. I'm stronger. We stopped a god and trapped it in Muse, giving you a badass on." She paused for emphasis. "This has been good, Ty. We're good. Whatever happe, we're in this together. You're not getting rid of me that easily, Tyson Smith."

  "In this together," he affirmed, the ay in his eyes easing just a fra. "And I wouldn't dream of getting rid of you, Jubes. But we're going to keep some of that cure ready just in case. Promise me you'll sider it if things ge."

  "I promise," Jubilee replied, "Besides, if I took the cure, we couldn't touymore." She linked her hand with his, sav the tact.

  "Yeah. That'd be tragic." He noted, "But you'd be able to see my illusions again, and experience all those worlds. Naruto, Pokemon, so many you'll miss out on if you stay a vampire."

  Jubilee squeezed his hand. With a twinkle in her eyes, she challenged, "You'll just have to make it up to me then, won't you?"

  Felicia entered Dr. ors' b with Whistler following close behind her, looking remarkably vigorous pared to the st time Bde had seen him, bleeding and near-death.

  "You stupid sons of bitches did it," Whistler decred with a broad grin as he approached Bde. Without waiting for a response, he ed the normally stoic vampire hunter in a rare hug, catg Bde slightly off guard but irely unwele. After releasing Bde from the ued embrace, Whistler turo Tyson. "Thanks for pulling our asses out of the fire," he said sincerely.

  Tyso relief at the sight of Whistler back to normal. It proved Karen's cure had worked its magic. If Jubilee ever , at least they k worked.

  "No sweat, old man," he replied.

  Whistler's demeanor then turned serious as he looked around at the assembled group. "So, what's ?" he asked pinly.

  Bde crossed his arms over his chest as he sidered Whistler's question. After a few ptive moments, he finally spoke. "We should move on," he said decisively. "The vampires here will be driven underground for years after La Magra. There are other pces where we're needed more."

  Tyson chimed in, "Have you thought about accepting our oing forward?" he asked early.

  Before Bde could respond, Whistler spoke up. "Don't say something dumb now, Bde. We clearly use their help."

  Bde looked between Tyson, Jubilee, and Whistler, sidering their words. After a pause, he ceded with a nod. "You're right. We could use the help," he admitted openly. "We stopped La Magra, but this fight is far from over. If you're willing, there is much we aplish together."

  Whistler gave Bde an approving the shoulder. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

  "Felicia, you set aside the revenue from one show a month for Bde and Whistler?" Tyson asked.

  Whistler's face creased into an incredulous look, and he blurted out, "One show? What's that going to buy us? Gas for a week?"

  Tyson shot back, "You spend a hundred grand on gas every week?"

  "You make a hundred grand a show?" Whistler asked, his disbelief evident.

  "Yup," Tyson firmed. "Does that cover your silver budget?"

  Bde's stoic expression remained unged. "That would be a good start." Whistler snorted derisively. But the dhampir held up a hand, sileng Whistler's tirade. "I appreciate the offer," he interjected, his tone diplomatic. "But I believe we o thhly discuss the terms of this partnership."

  "Alright. If you wao help fund your vampire-hunting anization, I'm going to need you to focus on hunting vampires."

  The others stared at Tyson as if he was an idiot when he didn't tinue.

  Whistler prodded impatiently, "And?"

  Tyson shrugged nontly. "That's it. I know you're skeptical, but I don't have any hidden agendas here. As long as I'm profitable, I'll set aside funds so you spend more time hunting and less w about finances. I've seen you in a." Pausing in thought, he added, "I don't really spend any time patrolling. This is my way of helping. If you need more support, I could do some shows telling your story. I pay royalties to Spider-Man for his show, so I could do the same for you if you're ied."

  Bde shook his head firmly. "If you publicly revealed vampires existed, they would target you. They have a vested i in secrecy."

  "So that's out," Felicia said, "I'll establish a separate at for their operation."

  Tyson turo Karen and asked, "Doctor, will you be staying iy? As you see, I fund research as well."

  Karen looked at Bde and Whistler. "Actually, I was hoping to stick with you," she said finally. "Seems like you use the help. It's not like I go back to the hospital and pretend the past week hasn't happened. Knowing vampires are out there ges everything."

  Bde nodded. Whistler, oher hand, let out a derisive snort. "You're a dumbass, Doc," he said bluntly. "Giving up a swanky doctor life to hang out with us? We're ly the most stable bunch."

  "I've seen what vampires do," she said quietly. "I want to help stop them."

  Tyson nodded in uanding. "Well, good luck with them, then," he said.

  "Thanks for your help, Tyson. We owe you one." Bde said.

  Tyson waved his hand dismissively. "o thank me. Just be careful out there. Where are you headi?"

  "Moscow," the dhampir decided.

  The group exged pleasantries. As they prepared to leave, Felicia stepped forward to guide them back to the street, falling into step beside Bde and Whistler.

  Jubilee, sensing Tyson's mood, stepped closer, her hand brushing against his. "Hey, you okay?" she asked softly.

  Tyson's mismatched eyes followed the departing group as they made their way toward the exit. He was lost in thought, his mind fshing to Natasha. She was currently undercover on a covert mission for S.H.I.E.L.D. in Moscow, and he wondered if she knew about the existence of vampires. He wished he could tact her somehow, just to speak with her. But he k wasn't possible. She was pletely off the grid.

  "Yeah, I'm fine," he assured her. I'm just thinking about Natasha and hoping her mission is going well."

  Jubilee's eyes narrowed slightly, though her tone held a hint of pyful jealousy. "What, I'm not enough for you?" She teased. Then, l her voice so only Tyson could pick up her words with his supernatural hearing, she added sincerely, "You know she's going to be fine, right? She's a badass super spy, and you said she'll be back here in time for the battle."

  Tyson rexed, the tension easing from his shoulders. "I know," he admitted, reag out to give Jubilee's hand a grateful squeeze. "You're more than enough, Jubes. I just 't help w about her."

  — Rogue Rept —

  In the lobby of the House of M, Maki Matsumoto sat in perfect posture on an avant-garde designer chair, waiting patiently for her interview. She was dressed professionally in a tailored ste gray suit, the pencil skirt ending just above her knees. Her dark hair ulled tightly bato a bun.

  The receptionist sighat it was Maki's turn. Maki stood smoothly, smoothing ent wrinkles from her skirt, and followed the receptionist's heels click-cck through the hallways until they reached the executive lounge.

  Inside, Felicia Hardy lounged casually against the marble bar, sipping an amber drink. Her demeanor was sharp and alert, missing nothing. Felicia's ptinum blond hair and strikiures were plemented by her rexed yet somehow still business-appropriate attire.

  "Ms. Matsumoto, please e in," Felicia greeted cordially, pushing off from the bar and moving to greet her guest. "I'm Felicia Hardy. I oversee operations here at House of M."

  "Thank you, Ms. Hardy," Maki replied, her voice low and melodic, as she approached the executive with a posed, professional air. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

  "I do hope you don't mind the informal setting for our interview. We tend to do things a bit differently here at House of M," Felicia expined breezily as she briefly sed the woman's impressive resume. "Your qualifications are remarkable. Exteraining in various martial arts, advanced firearms proficy, and you even have a w degree. Might I ask rompted you to apply for a position as a personal bodyguard here, specifically assige?"

  "I witnessed Mirage's intervention oelevision during the chaos at the Stark Expo and the destructive rampage in Harlem with that monstrous creature. His selfless as to protect the i and vulnerable resonate deeply with me. To safeguard one gifted with immense power yet dedicated to helping those in need aligns perfectly with my expertise and personal aspirations," Maki expined in easured tones. "From what I could gather from the news, Mirage ofteo find himself in situations that pce him in danger. With my exteraining and experience, I am fident I provide additional prote and assistance."

  Feliodded thoughtfully. "An appropriate if somewhat text-book answer. But it almost sounds like you're applying for a position as his sidekiot his bodyguard." she held her hand up, forstalling any response. "Just outwardly musing to myself. Looking over your resume, your references and qualifications are certainly impressive. But this position requires loyalty and discretion. Mirage has made dangerous enemies. How would you hahreats not just of a direature but those involving maniputioion, or subterfuge?" she asked pointedly.

  "I approach all challenges with a clear mind and itment to my principal's safety," Maki stated evenly. "While direct threats are straightforward to address, manipution and subterfuge require enhanced awareness and anticipation. I ensure I am always several steps ahead, dising the hidden motives and potential maneuvers of any we enter."

  "A prudent answer. However, I wonder if you're truly prepared for the threats superpowers or supernatural adversaries pose. What if your identity as a bodyguard was itself onized against you, or someoempted to promise you personally?"

  "The risk of personal promise es with any security position," Maki responded smoothly and unruffled. My first priority would be mitigating any potential damage or exposure and then swiftly ralizing the threat. Maintaining clear professional and personal boundaries provides insution and minimizes risks."

  Felicia leaned ba her chair, carefully assessing Maki's responses and demeanor. There was a calm certainty to the young woman that Felicia found pelling. "Alright, two final questions. Why should we entrust you with Mirage's life and safety, Ms. Matsumoto? And what makes you think that Mirage is in need of your prote services at all?"

  Maki's response was immediate. "My dedication to my duties is absolute and unwavering. I thrive under pressure and challenging circumstances. I'm not merely looking for a job here. I'm seeking a higher purpose. Proteg Mirage would be far more than a professional duty to me; it would be a solemn itment." She paused briefly, sidering her words. "As for why Mirage needs prote... everyone needs someohey truly t on to watch their back. While I observed Spider-Man assist Mirage at the Stark Expo in Queens, ter in Harlem, he was alone against an enormous threat. It worked out in Mirage's favor that time, but how many more monsters and vilins he face before something goes terribly wrong? He is doing important work out there. Work that clearly has made powerful enemies. He shouldn't have to challehose threats without someone dedicated solely to his safety. I be that person for him."

  "If you don't mind my asking, during the interview, will I have an opportunity to meet Mirage?” As she finished speaking, Maki noticed something peculiar. Felicia's eyes were mismatched, one green and the other blue. It was a ge from when their interview started. A detail that she couldn't have possibly overlooked earlier.

  Felicia cryptically responded, “You already have."

  Maki blinked, her professional mask slipping slightly. “Excuse me?”

  With a casual flick of her wrist, Felicia’s form shimmered, her features shifting seamlessly until a tall, muscur man stood in her pce. He wore a bck skintight outfit and a fox half-mask that left his lower fad eyes exposed.

  “I wao duct your interview myself,” he said, his voice deeper but carrying a tone of formal assessment.

  Maki took a moment to adjust to the sudden shift, her training helping her maintain posure when faced with the ued. “I see,” she responded, her voice calm but her mind rag. “Your ent about me being unprepared to face superpowers and the supernatural was not hypothetical.”

  “No, it was not. Please excuse the deception. I ’t be too careful. It’s important to kly who I'm hiring, especially when it es to proteg myself and those around me.” he tinued, "I appreciate your obvious i in my safety, and your credentials are indeed impressive. But I must know. Why are you really here, Maki? What drives you to seek me, specifically?"

  Maki chose her words carefully, aiming for a bance of professional detat, hoy, and ear vi. "I came here because I believe iential of exceptional individuals like yourself to guide the world towards a better future. I don't mean this in a theoretical sehere is an anization I am aligned with, a group that aspires to reshape the global ndscape in profound ways. Your ualents could be a signifit part of this ambitious vision."

  Mirage leaned back slightly, his body nguage guarded even as his expression remained unreadable behind the mask. "Well, now, that's quite the shift from bodyguard to global ge."

  "It's a group that operates behind the ses, utilizing influend strategy to steer the course of world events towards stability, order, and progress," Maki expined, "They reize the potential of remarkable individuals like yourself to lead ge rather than follow vention. With your singur gifts, able to alter perceptions and weave plex illusions, the possibilities are truly endless." She kept her tone cool and businesslike, making her pitch with care. There was much at stake here, but she knew better than to rush or pressure the cautious man.

  Mirage studied her for moments before replying, "You're talking about HYDRA, I presume." Maki's eyes widened, a flicker of shock breaking through her carefully posed facade. She hadn't expected him to have suowledge. Her mind raced, trying to determine how to proceed. Mirage tinued in a matter-of-fact tone. "I assume that HYDRA works in cells, limited unication to ensure if you're discovered that it doesn't expose the entire anization."

  Maki hesitated, then gave a small nod, firming his assumption. She was impressed by his insight but also wary of how much he seemed to know.

  "You're a little behind, Maki. I was recruited weeks ago by a SHIELD agent, Jasper Sitwell. But I haven't been tacted since."

  Maki's posure returned as she processed this new information. She hadn't been briefed on Sitwell's involvement or any prior tact with Mirage. It was clear there was more at py here than she had initially realized.

  "That's not unusual," Maki answered. "HYDRA has many heads, each pursuing their own goals."

  She stepped closer, closing the distaween them. Leaning in, she brought her lips near his ear. Only inches apart, Tyson discreetly examined her features. Maki was striking, with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline. Her dark and deep eyes seemed capable of disarming even the most guarded individual with a single gnce. Her lips were full and perfectly shaped.

  In this moment, Tyson grasped the dynamics at py. Maki's beauty was just one arrow in her quiver, paired with her manipution skills to make her a formidable operative. While Tyson was fully aware of the manufactured familiarity, he couldn't deny the effectiveness of her methods. She had ingratiated herself with practiced ease, and he found himself appreciating the artistry of it, even as his rational mied. He couldn't help but pare Maki to Natasha. While Natasha had used less subtle methods when approag him, thinking he was just a superpowered teenager, he wondered if she'd have taken a simir approaaki if she had just entered him now.

  Tyson turned over the intricacies of her recruitment tactics. He had orchestrated Maki seeking him out months earlier when he entered her with Edgar Lasbe. Pnting the idea that Mirage had a particur weakness for beautiful women ehat Maki would be selected for this assig. It ur of the moment idea to give him an in with Hydra. Though he hadn't , thanks to entering Agent Sitwell afterward. Still, he couldn't help but appreciate the Hydra-Hand agent. She used her allure not as a blunt on but as a scalpel, f a sense of closehat seemed almost natural as if they had known each other for months rather than minutes. Maki performed her role fwlessly, presenting herself throughout the interview as a fidante and admirer rather than just a recruiter for Hydra.

  Tyson knew pying double agent for both SHIELD and Hydra simultaneously was either ingly strategic or recklessly foolish. Only time would tell which.

  For now, he g his pie the board.

  "Hail, Hydra," he whispered.

  It had been the firmation Maki had been seeking. Her doubts washed away. Mirage was with them. Together, they would further Hydra's great purpose.

  "Hail, Hydra," she murmured, her breath warm against his skin.

  — Rogue Rept —

  Tyson swung open the doors of the House of M and stood at the threshold. He watched as Agatha Harkness approached. "Ms. Harkness, wele to the House of M," Tysoed. Stepping forward, he extended his hand towards her luggage, to relieve her of the burden. "Let me help you with these," he said smoothly.

  Tyson's eyes widened as he took in Agatha's appearance. She was far from the woman in her 30s or 40s he had expected. Instead, she appeared to be in her mid-twenties. Agatha's raven-bck hair cascaded in loose waves with white streaks at the front to frame her blue eyes. She wore a purple dress that, while modest, failed to hide her full-bodied figure.

  "Thank you, dear," Agatha said. The ce of her speech carried an air of antiquity, a subtle reminder of her true age despite her youthful appearayson found the diy between her looks and her manner curious.

  She handed over a particurly hefty bag to Tyson.

  As he led Agatha into the House of M, Tyson found himself stealing g her, still trying to recile her appearah the witch he had seen on s. As they ehe grand foyer, he initiated some light versation, aiming to put her at ease and feel her out. "How was your trip down to New York? I hope the city is treating you well so far," he inquired.

  Agatha gnced around, appreciating the decor. "The journey down the road was smooth as ever," she responded, her tone light, though her eyes danced with an unspoken amusement. She looked Tyson over, "New York is as vibrant as ever, full of energy. It’s quite invigorating, actually."

  "I'm gd to hear that." He set Agatha's belongings in a stack by the garage door, assuring her, "I'll leave your things here; someone will be by shortly to move them. House of M is primarily our workpce, and while most of us don't actually live here, it might seem otherwise for a few, like Felicia. She's almost a perma fixture."

  Tyson escorted her into the VIP louhe dark wood aher furnishings exuding an ambiahat the witch seemed to approve of. He motioo ay booth. "Please, make yourself fortable," he said.

  Agatha sank gracefully onto the plush leather seat, the purple fabric of her dress pooling elegantly around her. She leaned bad crossed her legs leisurely. Her striking blue eyes danced in the soft light as she tilted her head coyly.

  "It's te enough for a drink, I think."

  Tyson's mouth curled into an easy grin. "What'll it be then?" he asked, already making his way behind the bar.

  "You're a bit young to py bartender, but I'm not going to pin… How's about a Half-Blood Prince," came Agatha's sly reply.

  Tyson chuckled, intrigued. "Horopriate. What's in that?"

  "Pomegranate juice, raspberry liquor, bourbon, juice from half a lemon, a teaspoon of maple syrup," Agatha recited. "Shaken with ice, then strained into a gss." She raised one sharp eyebrow. "Light on the pomegranate juice, heavy on the bourbon, if you would, sweetie."

  "ing right up," Tyson assured her with a wink, enjoying the y of pying bartender for the witch.

  As Tyson gathered the ingredients, his curiosity about Agatha deepened. He called over his shoulder, "Was your retainer fee covered appropriately?"

  Agatha nodded, smoothing the fabric of her skirt. "Yes, quite promptly, which is why I arrived so soon. Effi business is always a promising start."

  Tyson mixed the drink, the ks of ice as he shook punctuating the quiet of the lounge. He poured the co into a gss, garnishing it before bringing it over to Agatha. Setting it down, he slid into the booth opposite her.

  "I'm not often pletely open with new acquaintances," he began, "But I want you as an instructor and a friend here, so I'm going to y my cards oable."

  Agatha lifted the gss. She took a slow sip, sav the smooth burn of alcohol, before setting it down.

  "Okay, hit me with it," she said.

  "My name is Tyson Smith. I'll be turning 18 soon. I'm a mutant, and one of my powers is illusions." He paused, gauging her rea. Agatha simply nodded for him to tinue. "Uhe alias Mirage, I've made a name for myself and started this establishment. I've e into flict with several magic wielders, and using my powers on them has been hit or miss in the past," he admitted. "But if you're open to it, I provide a small demonstration."

  "Ooh, this should be fu's see what you do."

  The lounge around them seemed to shimmer and shift as if viewed through a heat haze. The very air tingled with suppressed magical energy. Befatha's eyes, the plush furnishings of the VIP lounge dissolved away like mist uhe m sun.

  In their pce stretched the grand dining hall of Hogwarts, a cavernous space filled with long wooden tables and benches. Hundreds of dles floated zily above the tables, their fmes flickering and dang. The tables were filled with ptters of roasted meats, bowls of buttery mashed potatoes, baskets of fresh rolls, and fgons of pumpkin juice. The ented ceiling high above mirrored the sunny afternoon sky outside.

  Agatha's eyes darted around the illusion. She could see the intricate details oone walls and the scratches on the wooden tables from decades of use. This was far beyond mere projected images; it felt real, solid. She half expected to hear the chatter of students and the k of cutlery on ptes.

  Her appuse echoed through the grand hall, and her delight was evident as she admired the jured se. "Well doyson," she said genuinely. You have quite a talent for illusion. This is remarkable indeed."

  Tyson bowed his head at the praise. As he straightened, he tinued expining the nature of his abilities. "My power is psioni nature," he crified, ensuring Agatha grasped the distin between their powers.

  "But as I said, that's just one of my abilities," Tyson added. "I also possess superhuman strength, agility, reflexes, regeive healing, enhanced senses, and an iructible metal skeleton." He paused, allowing the list to sink in before revealing his ultimate power. "Most importantly," he tinued, his voice l slightly, "my touch absorbs others' abilities, memories, and skills temporarily. But it also drains their life force. If I maintain tact too long, they die. I gain a perma imprint, keeping their powers."

  Realizing how dangerous his power was and how his words could be interpreted as threatening, Tyson quickly added, "I wear gloves to protect those around me from actal harm." He held up his hands, showing the gloves that sat uhe long sleeves of his e, which he wore perpetually under his clothes, as proof of his precautions.

  Agatha studied Tyson ily, her expression a mingling of fasation and caution. Though her gaze took in the young man before her, it also peered deeper, evaluating him not just as a potential ally.

  "Very prudent," she remarked. "Your abilities are extraordinary and quite dangerous. It's good to see you taking responsibility for suidable power. Many with gifts like yours ck the wisdom to do so." Her tone carried a subtle undercurrent that he had difficulty pg.

  "So tell me, why did you wish to walk the path of magic?" Agatha asked, subtly challenging the young man's motivations.

  "That's... a long story," Tyson replied heavily, a note nation in his voice. He stood, moving toward the bar once more. "Let me make you another drink first," he offered, defleg momentarily as he gathered his thoughts.

  The king of id p of liquid filled the room, serving as a prelude to the tale Tyson was about to tell. He pced several more drinks in a line befatha aled bato his seat across from her. He began unraveling his story from the very beginning, reting his initial 'discovery' of his powers, the ensuing fight with Sabertooth, and the following struggles and battles he had faced. His narrative wove through various trials and enters, eventually reag his time in Asgard, his enter with Amora, and the subsequent deal he made in hopes of saving his girlfriend.

  "I sought her out for her blood, which the sorcerers needed for a ritual to prevent Jubilee from transf into a vampire. Her dition was that I became stronger. So I tried tet someoh power but evil enough that eliminating them would be the world. However, my friends intervened and stopped me." He paused, taking a sip of his drink. "That failure led me to you, seeking training in magic. I've dabbled in spellcasting before, temporarily gaining the powers of Azazel, Amora, and Illyana. So I think I have an aptitude. Well, at least, I've had an aptitude, and even though I 't tap into it, I know that there's a small piece of each of them inside me." His lips pressed together briefly.

  "But I was pletely outmatched when I battled Loki and Amora. It was... humbling, to say the least." Tyson sighed in frustration. "I know it will take a long time to reach their level of skill. But I 't keep losing to every two-bit magic-wielder that es along."

  Leaning forward, Tyson locked eyes with Agatha, a serious glint in his own. "Most importantly," he pulled out a series of papers. They were the scribbles and notes he'd made with Illyana's knowledge after his rampage in Limbo. "Learning the Death Ward spell would let me touch people without killing them, even if temporarily. This isn't just about gaining power for me. It's about trol. And safety."

  Agatha nodded slowly, looking over the pages. "Not many look beyond immediate power to sider its wider implications." Her words carried the weight of long experience. She eyed Tyson thoughtfully for a moment before cluding, "I will teach you." Tyson's eyes lit up with eagerness. "I will remain here in New York for the ing year. Until you have been accepted as a novice by the sorcerers. We shall see how readily you grasp the fual cepts and practices of witchcraft."

  Tyson nodded excitedly.

  "Tell me. What is magic?"

  He paused, searg his mind for an ahat would satisfy her. His meta-knowledge provided no academic expnations or textbook definitions.

  "A way to manipute the fual forces of the universe?" he veentatively.

  "irely inaccurate, but let us refihat notion," she said, her voice taking on a professorial tone. "Magi its deepest esseaps into the very fabric of reality itself. It involves harnessing energies that exist beyond the normal straints of physical w."

  Agatha settled bato her chair, adjusting her posture to get more fortable. "Let's explore the cept of magical energy sources a bit more," she began, her voice taking on a professorial yet engaging tohere are four primary wellsprings that mages draw from to fuel their spells and abilities."

  She held up a slender finger, signaling the first point of discussion. "Personal Energies inate from within the mystic or sorcerer themselves. Through mental and spiritual training, they learn to tap into and manipute their own inner power. Examples include abilities like chi manipution, astral proje, thought-casting, and more. This style of magic is deeply ected to and reliant on the mage's personal strength, focus, and discipline."

  Raising a sed finger, she tinued, ", we have the Ambient Magical Energy io the fabric of the Universe itself. This external source surrounds us at all times. Magis with the proper training draw it forth to ma a variety of spectacur effects. Energy bolt spells are on applications. Accessing this energy typically requires casting intricate spells or dug specific rituals to gather and direct it. Potion-making, for example, is a way to directly harhe ambient magical energy absorbed by ingredients."

  Her third finger apahe segment of insight. "Extradimensional Energies are gained by tag and invokiies or objects that inate from realms beyond our own. These realms operate under radically different physical and magical ws. Tapping into them allows access to incredibly potent and dangerous power. The entities trolling this energy may have agendas utterly alien to ours and drastically influence how, or even if, their power is used."

  Finally, she held up a fourth finger. "And then we have Magical Items, objects imbued with entments and abilities. Like yger, Muse. These artifacts are often fed or ied with magic by one of the previous wellsprings. They vary enormously in fun and potency, ranging from benign trio, as you possess, ons of extraordinary power."

  "You think since you have used magic before when in tact with magic users, you might have the potential to learn it yourself," she said leadingly.

  Tyson absently rubbed his in thought, sidering the knowledge she shared, then responded, "I have been able to use magic briefly after toug someone who k, but the knowledge doesn't stick permaly. It's like trying to remember details from a dream after you wake up. They fade away quickly."

  Agatha shook her head slightly in response. She held up her index finger in emphasis as she prepared to make her point. "Personal energy," she decred insightfully.

  "Mutants like yourself have an i, unscious way of tapping into these energies in order to create a specific, limited effect. In your case, that effect is the creation of illusions," she tinued, "You see, dear, your abilities might feel uo you, but they are actually rooted in the same mystical energies that magic practitioners like myself manipute through intricate spells and rituals. There's little differeweech who sees glimpses of the future and the mutant with psionic gifts who… sees glimpses of the future. Your powers, your illusions, they are your own innate form of magic, crafted instinctively by your body and mind. Your mutation provides the duit allowing you to access and direct the energy required to utilize it."

  Agatha's voice softened slightly as she cluded, challenging Tyson to rethink and expand his own uanding of the fual nature of magid his mutant powers.

  — Rogue Rept —

  Remy LeBeau awoke slowly to the soft whirring and beeping of maes. He found himself lying on a etal operating table in a medical room. Electrodes and sensors were attached to his forehead, bare chest, and arms, monit his vital signs. As his vision cleared, Remy could make out Dr. Nathaniel Essex standing with his ba, studying a panel of ss.

  The doctor presented an imposing and chilling sight to Remy's slowly clearing vision. Tall and unnaturally pale, the doctor's skin was almost abaster. His eyes were a deep, blood red. Even more unusual was the red diamond promily dispyed in the ter of his forehead. His bck hair was slicked sharply bad he wore an outfit as distinctive as his odd physical features. A high-colred, deep blue and bck bodysuit adorned with a long, flowing cape that was not a solid piece of cloth but made of individual strips.

  The overall effect made the doctor appear as though eling Victorian-era aesthetics or perhaps a modern film rendition of a vampire. All the while exuding an antiquated, elegant menace.

  "The procedure was a success, Remy. Your abilities have been stabilized. You'll find them more responsive now, less uable."

  With some effort, Remy sat upright oable, rubbing the back of his neck where he could still feel the residual tingle of Essex's surgical alterations. He swung his legs over the side of the etal table, feeling a newfound steadihrumming through his body. The stant buzzing tension that had pgued his mutant abilities for weeks had quieted. He flexed his fingers experimentally, reag for the familiar kiic charge, and found it waiting patiently for his and.

  He eyed Essex warily. Remy had no illusions about the man's motives. Altruism was not in his nature.

  "Thanks for dat, doc," he rasped, his voice still rough from the surgery, "but we both know you ain't runnin' no charity ward here. What's all this gonna e?"

  "Indeed, I am a man of sot a humanitarian. In exge for my services, I will require a task from you. Assemble a team for me, a group of meraries. Mutants only."

  Remy stood up from the table, testing his bance. He felt solid and grounded, yet Essex's request him with the weight of potential sequences. Debts and bargains with the doctor never came freely. "And if I say no?" he challenged, his drawl thick with suspi.

  Essex's red eyes gleamed ulingly. "Oh, my dear Remy. There is a... project I am uaking. A project that requires talents of a... specialized nature." He leaned in clather this team for me, and we will sider your debt paid." Remy felt a chill run down his spine, irely from fear. Essex's proximity and the sultry tone of his voice were discerting, to say the least. He took a step back, maintaining distaween them. "You are free to refuse, of course," Essex tinued, his gaze roaming over Remy's bare chest. "But remember, without my intervention, your powers could have torn you apart from the i. Hurt those near you, maybe everoyed a city or more." His eyes glinted with barely cealed excitement. "Who knows? One might say you owe me your life."

  Remy ched his fists as he felt the kiiergy dang eagerly at his and. This was a different kind of gamble than he was aced to, with stakes far higher than any card game. But Remy LeBeau had always been a gambler at heart. He weighed his options carefully. On one hand, he owed Essex for stabilizing his powers. Oher, assembling a team of mutant meraries for the doctor's mysterious project could lead to unforeseen and dangerous sequences.

  "What exactly is dis project of yours?" Remy asked.

  Essex's smile widened, revealing unnaturally white teeth. "Now, now, my charming ," he cooed, "let's not spoil the surprise. All in good time." He reached out, his pale fingers almost brushing Remy's arm before the mutant pulled away. "I assure you, it will be... exhirating."

  "Alright," he said finally. "I'll gather your team. But once dis debt is paid, we're done. No more holdin' dis over my head."

  "Agreed. I value our... partnership, Remy. I look forward to watg you hahis challenge."

  Remy turned and walked out of the b. He was no fool. He knew he was willingly walking into a trap of sorts by agreeing to Essex's terms. But with his mutant powers now stable and under trol, he also felt a sense of fidend and over himself. For better or worse, Remy had chosen to py this game on Essex's terms. And he fully inteo win. Remy LeBeau did not make bargains lightly, and he would see this through. e what may, Remy was a survivor above all else. And this would be far from his st Gambit.

  — Rogue Rept —

  The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing Jeaepping out into the vish hallway oop floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Manhattan. She briskly made her way to the suite's entrance, rapping her knuckles against the polished mahogany door, which immediately swung open to reveal Tyson waiting oher side. Jean barely aowledged him, giving the man a cursory hug as her gaze darted past him, urgently searg the luxurious room beyond for the one she truly sought.

  "Tyson, thank you for…" Jean began, but her words trailed off as she finally spotted Jubilee lounging casually on the sofa. Without another word, Jean brushed past Tyson and rushed over to her friend.

  "Jubes!" Jean excimed, her voice thick with as she enveloped her roommate in a tight embrace.

  "Hey, Red! You're ag like you've seen a ghost or something."

  Jean pulled back slightly, holding Jubilee at arm's length to i her. Relief and worry mingled in Jean's expression. "Jubes, I was so worried about you after everything that happened. I'm just so happy you're alive."

  Jubilee chuckled. "Alive, dead, undead... you know me. I've always been a treer."

  Jean tried to ugh, but it came out more like a sob, her profound relief palpable. She shook her head as a smile finally broke through her tears. "Only you could joke about something like this."

  She squeezed Jean's hand reassuringly. "Hey, it's still me. No point sulking when I've got eternity to figure this whole vampire thing out." Sensing Jean's lingering , she addressed it directly. "I'm actually happy," Jubilee said. "I know it's weird and a little scary, but I have to say, there are some pretty cool perks to this whole vampire thing."

  "Really? Like what?"

  "Well, for starters, I'm a lot faster and stronger now. It's kind of like having another superpower." Jubilee's grin widened, fshing her fangs. "Oh, and my senses are off the charts now. I hear versations from across the street, and my sense of smell is amazing. I even pick up oi sts."

  She leaned in a bit closer to Jean. "And you know what else? Tyson tastes so good."

  Jean's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, and she looked away, embarrassed by the insinuation. "Jubilee..."

  But Jubilee was uerred. "I'm serious! It's like the best kind of dessert you imagihere's this warmth, this sweetness. It makes me feel alive. It's intoxig. And we touow. I just love sug on his..."

  "Okay, okay, I get it!" Jean's blush deepened, and she covered her face with her hands.

  Tyson couldn't help but ugh, shaking his head in amusement. "Jubes, yoing to make her faint."

  "She's in everyohoughts. It's nothing she hasn't heard before." Jubilee giggled, clearly enjoying the moment. "Sorry, Jean. I just wanted you to know that I'm really okay. Better than okay, actually. And you don't have to worry about me so much."

  Jean took a deep breath, her embarrassment giving way to a sense of peace. "I'm gd to hear that, Jubes. Really. I just want you to be safe and happy."

  "Yeah, yeah. Now let's talk about something more fun."

  Jean sat o Jubilee on the plush sofa, the initial swell of emotioling into a more rexed atmosphere. Tyson took a seat across from them. Joining in on the versation after having observed their heartfelt reunion.

  Jean couldn't help but notice the profound silehat settled over Tyson's apartment as the three friends tiheir lively versation about csses, majors, and starting a neter at Empire State Uy. It was a rare, almost eerie quiet, with barely a hint of the bustling city outside.

  "It's so quiet here," she remarked softly, her voice filled with awe. "I barely hear the city at all."

  "We're pretty high up, and this pce has great soundproofing to block the noise from the club just door. But I'm also filtering out all the telepathic chatter to give your mind a break."

  Jean closed her eyes for a moment, basking iranquility that was so often out of her reach these days. The stant bombardment of thoughts aions from those around her was exhausting, pressing in on her psyche. But here, ed in this co of sileyson had created, her mind floated freely.

  "Thank you," she breathed, opening her eyes once more. "You have no idea how much I miss this kind of silence when you're not around. It's so... liberating."

  "I remember how overwhelming it could be for you. I'm happy to help filter things out when I ."

  Jubilee grinned, pung Tyson pyfully on the arm. "Our own personal telepathioise g mae and blood bank. You're the best, Ty."

  Tyson cleared his throat, "Jean, I've been meaning to say something about what happened in Las Vegas. I'm really sorry f to pel you with my power. It was a desperate move, and I regret it deeply. I was just trying to save Jubilee. It was a foolish deade in haste, but I felt I had no other options at the time."

  Jubilee snickered, uo resist ribbing her friend. "Yeah, I 't believe you tried to mind-whammy Jean. Talk about dumb moves, Ty."

  "I uand why you did it. You were trying to protect Jubilee. I don't hold any hard feelings over it."

  He felt a sense of relief at her words. "Thanks, Jean. I appreciate you saying that. And I have to say, you're so much strohan I am. You stopped my illusion so easily. It's incredible to think about your power."

  Jean smiled faintly as she accepted Tyson's praise. She had put in many long hours honielepathic abilities sinessing Tyson's astonishing dispy of painst Maghe previous year. Though she had yet to e close to the magnitude of telekiic force that Tyson had unleashed in that fight, simultaneously battling Mago while maintaining flight, she had made great strides in trol and finesse. Where Tyson's use of her power had been wild and unfocused, Jean's telepathy had bee as precise as a scalpel. She may not have access to the same overwhelming psychic strength, at least not yet, but her trol and skill had increased tenfold. She could noute multiple objects with her telekinesis at once, subtly influeions and surface thoughts, and project her astral form over impressive distances.

  One day, she hoped to stand above his previous dispy of telekiic might. For now, she was tent to keep honing her skills and pushing her limits.

  Jean's haed gently on Tyson's shoulder. "You know, Tyson, I was only able to stop you because you held back."

  "But Jean, I didn't hold back," he protested. "I used the full extent of my painst you."

  With a slight shake of her head, Jean crified, "I don't mean in terms of psychic strength. But strategically, you pulled your punches. You didn't try to turn us against each other, though you certainly could have." Jean's voice took on a more solemn tone. "If you had used your illusions to manipute Jubilee or Storm into attag me or turned Logan or Piainst us, we wouldn't have stood a ce. But because you care for us, the thought never even crossed your mind. Had you been willing, you could have easily defeated us all."

  Tyson fell silent as the truth of Jean's words sank in. His mind repyed their fight in Las Vegas, analyzing his as through this new lens. She was right. Despite the iy of the situation and his desire to save Jubilee, he avoided the more ruthless tactics avaible to him. His for the well-being of his friends had stayed his hand.

  Jubilee had been watg the exge. Her usual pyfulness was absent, repced by a more thoughtful expression. "Dang, Jean's got a point," she mused. "You could've really messed us up, but you held back. That's gotta mean something, right?"

  Slowly, Tyson nodded. "I suppose, in a way, I did hold back," he ceded. "When it came down to it, I couldn't bring myself to hurt any of you, no matter how caught up I was in saving you, Jubes. Even in the heat of the moment, I didn't cross that line."

  Jean gave Tyson's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "And that's what makes you so great. You have immense power at your fiips, but you also have a ki. We all make mistakes, some small, some bigger. What truly matters is how we learn from those mistakes, groeople, and keep moving forward."

  Tyson's frowed into a thoughtful smile. "I'll do my best to live up to that."

  "See? We're all in this crazy thing together. Highs, lows, and everything iween." Jubilee pyfully elbowed Tyson in the ribs. "Aime, maybe just stick to less mind-whammying and pin old talking and teamwork."

  Tyson ughed, the st of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Deal. Teamwork it is. Besides," he added with a dramatic sigh, "My illusions don't work on you anymore anyway. It's tragic."

  Jubilee looked wistful for a moment before sighing in agreement, "It really is."

  "So," Jean began, tug a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "I hardly believe we're all enrolled at Empire State Uy. It's going to be airely neter for us."

  Jubilee's eyes glimmered with excitement. "Yeah, it's pretty surreal, isn't it? Registering for csses and everything..."

  Tyson agreed, "No doubt about it. I've already started looking into some of the business courses. Since I have a pany to run, I might as well learn how to ma properly."

  Jean's face lit up with enthusiasm. "That sounds wonderful, Tyson! I've decided to major in psychology with a minor in education. I think uanding the intricacies of the human mind will be absolutely fasating, and the knowledge will serve me well down the road."

  Jubilee leaned bato the plush cushions. "I'm sidering maj in unications. You know, getting into public retions. It seems like a good way to stay ected with the world."

  Jean smiled affeately at both of them. "This is going to be wonderful. We'll have our csses, and most importantly, we'll have each other."

  Jubilee lightly added, "Yeah, and who knows? Maybe we'll even find a way to survive freshman year."

  Author's Note

  That's the end of Arc 6, folks. Following the Behind the Ses is the first part of Arc 7, Chapter 1! If you're reading this on Royal Road or FanFi, Arc 7 will be the start ue Redemption, Part 2 of this story. Rogue Rept will be marked as plete.

  Behind the Ses

  - I initially said I hadn't ged much of Agatha's dialogue. That's true it remained mostly intact, as I liked my initial vision of her character. But I have been going through and making some adjustments to keep it in lih the show.

  "How was your trip down to New York? I hope the city is treating you well so far," he inquired. Agatha gnced around, appreciating the decor. "The journey down the road was smooth as ever," she responded, her tone light, though her eyes danced with an unspoken amusement.

  If you watched the show, you might see where this could go, and uand why she appears younger here than her first appearan Wandavision.

  - The draft of this chapter was written on May 7th. Right in the middle of X-Men 97's run. But I hadn't watched the show nor foreseen Gambit's appearan Deadpool. But man did I smile when he walked ons. Plus, how you have a 'Rogue' story without Gambit?

  And to head off the iable ents that pop up…

  No, this isn't going to bee a ssh fio TysonxGambit pairings.

  - Speaking of which. I usually try to stick close to the presented personalities for each character, as well as best as I recile, anyway. Mr. Sinister is an exception. If you didn't pick it up in the short se… In my head, he's super gay. It's probably the e. But, in doing research for this story, I was gd to find out that I wasn't the only one who thought so. I may have leaned a bit heavily into that for his character, my bad. I'm not apologizing for that for this chapter, but rather for his appearance.

  Support Plug

  For those of you ied in supp my writing.

  patreon./Steatoda

  For Arc 5&6, every chapter had its own cover image.

  One buck membership gets you access to the galleries.

  Five bucks membership gets one chapter ahead and access to NSFW galleries.

  Ten bucks membership gets the same as above, but two chapters ahead, an exclusive what if, and a preview of the Arc cover.