While all the rest of the group rushed over to their fallen comrade,
Lucy managed to get ahold of the stormy suitcase with a simple "Accio!""Alright Mary Jane! He's gone! You can quit with the theatrics now!" The thunder overhead rumbled as the storm quieted.
"Lucy?!"
"Well, who else do you think Wolverine?!" she shouted into the case. "By the way, you're paying for the Dry-cleaning bill."
The other voice snorted as the storm finally cleared off, "Please, your clothes are Wash and Wear anyway"
"-You might as well come out too, Mary Jane. Before these Muggles think her crazy for having a conversation with a talking suitcase"
"Midnight?" "questioned Harry, not realizing that she had jumped down and taken this opportunity to change form with the muggles distracted.
"It's scary the way Evolution keeps changing every time us humans turn our backs on it," remarked Lucy.
"I heard that…So Mary Jane, are you coming out or what?"
"I'm coming, I'm coming" said the other girl as she made her way up the inside ladder, soon you could see her head.
"What in Tarnation is going on here?!" questioned Director Nick Fury as his black shoe stepped into a puddle upon entering the wet Canteen, finding Tony Stark on the ground unable to move.
Lucy stepped forward, hoping to give Mary Jane a little more time to get up and out. "Oh, you know: Tell Tony Stark not to do something. He does it anyway. Now we're suffering the consequences-Typical Story"
The frozen billionaire' eyes widened and narrowed at the girl's comment in tune with the slight smirk Fury now gave. "Yes, that is the "Typical Story" for him as you say Miss Potter, but I have a feeling there's more to this one. Starting with the two new strangers behind you" now clearly seeing them both. "And a Bird?" noticing the contented owl on her brother's shoulder.
"You can thank the Captain for these stowaways, he's the one who took their suitcase"
The Director looked at Rogers raising an eyebrow. The soldier stood up, "It's true Sir, I did take the suitcase. But I didn't know who it belonged to. I was trying to find the owner; I sure wasn't expecting them and-Where did the monkey go?"
"Monkey? Captain, are you telling me you brought a Circus onboard my ship?"
"Oh Honey, you have no Idea" Midnight groaned, causing Nick Fury to look down at what he thought was a little person. "And you are?"
"Midnight Polaris Back, I can assure you Sir that the primate in question is contained and won't be causing you or your crew any trouble unless provoked."
"You're sure?"
"Of course, she's sure! She is the monkey Director Fury!" Thor boasted as Midnight nodded, much to her and the others embarrassment.
"Must you continue to Speak before you Think. Thor Odinson! Saying the wrong thing to the wrong person can get them or you killed!" Lucy hissed furiously at Asgardian Prince, causing the "Thunder God's" expression to change to one of shock.
"My apologies Lady… Potter? I did not mean any Disrespect or to put any of you Seidrs in Danger. I did not know. On Asgard, Seidrs are well known for their craft and helping people. But here on Midgard, you and your friends are the firsts I have encountered-"
"Because there's a reason"
"What are you people talking about?" asked Fury.
"Witches," Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers and Bruce Banner said at the same time.
Nick Fury rolled his good eye, "Sure, why not? We're already battling Aliens and Gods from other worlds, why not add a Magic Users as well? If they even exist…? Are you?" He asked Lucy, now looking at her with the same intrigue he had shown Carol Driver nearly twenty years before.
The teen's expression became serious, asking questions of her own. "How far are you willing go Nicholas Fury? And what price are you willing to pay for this knowledge? For it is illegal, for a No-maj such as yourself and the others to know, as decreed by your MCUSA, The Magical Congress of the United States of America. As it is in other parts of the world, like back home with our Ministry of Magic. Though Britain has made some "allowances" in certain situations but MCUSA? Forget it! They're still not over Salem, among other things…"
"The Witch Trials? that's why you're all in hiding" said Bruce in realization.
"I'm sorry my Friends, the What?" asked Thor.
"Three to Four hundred years ago, and even further back" began Agent Romanoff. "Certain people, mostly women, with unusual skills or conditions were seen as evil and a plague on the people when bad things happened. The mobs of people were so scared and superstitious that they would often gang up on the so called "Witch." She would be tortured until she confessed, tried and put to Death. It was Horrific and the worst part is: Most if not all, of those accused were innocent."
"It wasn't just in America…. For Peace, For Safety…. The law was made. The World Wars just reinforced the necessity of it. Though we did our part, fighting alongside as an invisible force. Muggle or No-Maj's ever advancing weapons have proven themselves to be a threat to Wizarding kind," Mary Jane added.
"Enough," said Lucy, "The time has come to make a choice. Because either way, something is going have to happen"
"What are our choices again?" asked Steve.
"You agree to magically binding Vow to never reveal or talk about this with anyone outside of present company. Those who agree will be taking the same Vow-"
"That doesn't sound too bad," said Bruce.
"Don't be deceived, as they say "The Devil is in the Detail."
"What is the price?" asked Fury, knowing where this was going.
"The price is one that you pay should you break it: Instant death in the form of a heart attack."
The entire group of muggles and even the "God" raised their eyebrows. "And if we don't take it? You'll kill us" said Natasha, used to these kinds of threats.
"No. We don't kill if we can help it, like any normal person would. You all will be Obliviated or Have your memory erased"
"WHAT?!"
"Not everything, you will still be You. Just without any recollection of this conversation or anything to do with magic. The choice is yours, though… It might be best if we obliviated Tony here-"
The frozen man made a noise of objection. "Given his big mouth and relation to the Press. I don't watch a lot telly at my relatives, but I have been known to pick up a newspaper if it makes international news. My old teacher encouraged it, Stark "Weapons" Industries, "Iron Man." It's a matter of Safety."
All the while, the Billionaire's objection noises were growing louder.
"As much as I hate to say it" said Fury, "Maybe you should let the man speak? Have you a way to reverse this?" Mary Jane nodded, and stuck out her wand whispering the counter spell. Less than 30 seconds later, he was back on his feet, adjusting his clothes.
"Thanks Sabrina,"
"It's Mary Jane"
Stark smirked, "Really?"
"Now that "Immature Man Child" is back on the board for $200 Alex. May we please continue?" asked Lucy, ready to get this over with.
"And ah how old are you?" asked Tony, glad that he could finally speak.
"Seventeen and burdened with more Responsibility and Scars of punishment then you ever had at this age" said Lucy in a "Don't mess with me" tone, causing the men minus Fury to raise eyebrows. "Now," she continued, "You clearly have objections to the previous topic, care to share them?"
The billionaire looked at her strangely before clearing his throat. "Yes. You have explained who you are and what your people are about as far as Mu-No-! whatever it is you call us non-Witches. I personally find it to be ridiculous that you're still in hiding and the so called "Laws" are as strict as you say. I mean, this is the 21st Century. Things aren't the same as they were back then. That said, nobody is going to mess around with my beautifully working mind. If the only alternative is the "Vow" then, that's what I'm going to do. Just to be clear? That killer heart attack thing won't happen as long as I don't talk about it-?"
"With anyone else outside of those in this room who take it"
Tony sighed, looking down at the glowing light of his arc reactor. "Every day I'm gambling with death with this thing. What's one more gamble? You have my Vow"
"As do you have mine," said Steve.
"We all have our secrets," agreed Bruce, the irony not lost on him. In the end, they all agreed to take the Vow. Even Thor, who felt guilty for his part in exposing the young Seidrs. Midgard was a dangerous place for them, totally different from Asgard. His heart hurt at the thought of those accused in the story. Killed for a gift, that they or others couldn't understand.
"Again, you have my apologies, Lady Potter" he said, taking her hand in his, ready to kiss it when she suddenly pulled away.
"Yeah, I don't think so. Agreeing to take the Vow was more than I expected from you. Just prove your word" she said with a sigh, looking at him the same way her father often looked at Harry. Giving her brother goosebumps, grateful that this time it wasn't in his direction. She truly was Snape's daughter. The good news? At least she was on his side, most of the time
"My Lady?" questioned Thor.
"Just don't push it," breathed Harry as a warning. "She is her father's daughter," causing Lucy to raise an eyebrow, now at him. "No offense!"
"I'll deal with you later," she slowly enunciated.
"Well, we can certainly see who runs this family" comment Tony.
"-That's the Mama Lion in her. Mama Lion will defend and rebuke her cub. Teach him what he needs to know, so when the time comes for him to get the boot. He'll stand a good chance of surviving"
"Thank you for that National Geographic special, Midnight"
"You're Welcome Lucy," she smirked.
"Lucy… Your name is Lucy?"
"And what of it?"
"Nothing," answered Bruce Banner, "Just… Why are you here?"
"S.H.E.I.L.D brought us in. Loki supposedly knows what happened to our Mother"
"Your Mother?" questioned Thor.
Once again, the teen's eyes narrowed at him. "Yes, our Mother. Something the "God" you call "Father" had a hand in"
Tony Stark's eyes widen in realization for the girl's anger. Apparently big Daddy "Zeus" did a big No-No! to this family. She doesn't actually blame Hercules, but she still doesn't trust him.
Unfortunately, at the same time, "Hercules' own anger was rising. "You lie Mortal."
"Am I? Or maybe there are dark things the self-appointed "Almighty" is keeping from his precious heir? Odin is a selfish, pessimistic about the future, Thief!"
"Shut Up!"
"You don't want to face the truth?! Fine! Just stay away from me! And Stay away from my brother!" she thundered right back at him in a voice that didn't sound completely human. Her eyes clouding over in a mist as her form began to shake, and stamp her foot, causing a crack in the floor. Thus, making mostly everyone take a step back. Though the big green guy inside Bruce Banner was intrigued,
"She-Hulk? She smash too? Hulk want to smash"
"We're not playing" Bruce inwardly ordered, making the other guy pout as they watched. "Bruce no fun"
Thor however was not willing to let this go. "I am telling you! What you are accusing my father of concerning your mother. He didn't do it! Loki is resp-!"
Before the "God" of thunder could finish. A black sand like swirling misty cloud with the strong destructive force of a tornado hit the large man square in the chest, knocking him flat and out of breath.
"Lucy!" shouted Mary Jane, as the dark force continued to attack the foolish Asgardians face. "Stop it! You're scaring Harry!" Bringing the mist to stop short, turning in the direction of the boy before stretching up and disappearing through the heating Vents in the ceiling.
...
"What was that? And where is it going?"
"That was Lucy. She's hopefully going away from trouble. You had better consider yourself lucky Thor Odinson. If you were mortal, you wouldn't have survived that attack. The wounds of what happened that night run deep, and they've never healed. Miss Aurora, our teacher who the suitcase really belongs to, thinks this encounter will finally provide some closer before… Before it is too late"
"Too late for what?" asked Harry, this wasn't making any sense.
The two best friends looked at each other before looking back at the boy. Mary Jane bent down to meet Harry at eye level, gently putting her hands on his shoulder with Midnight copying.
"Harry…this is really hard to say. But you need to treasure the time you have left with your sister. Lucy is very sick and she is going to join your Dad and possibly your Mom very soon"
Harry tried to break away, "You… don't mean?"
"Yes, she developed this…disease when she was nine. I can't say anymore until people take the Vow"
"Well let's get this over then, I want to find out what killing disease makes somebody turn into whatever that was" said Tony Stark.
"Just before we take this "Vow," Is Lucy a continuous threat to those aboard my ship?" asked Fury.
"Lucy is a unique case, if it were other people. I would say "yes" but Lucy has somehow gotten control over part of it. Her love for Harry keeps it at bay, as cliché as it sounds. And she actually removed herself from the source of her stress" explained Midnight, nodding to Thor, who had just finished getting shakily back on his feet. His chest and face hurting.
"Sure, hope you've learned your lesson. You don't go toe to toe with an Ob- and expect to come out on top. It's suicide, for you and everyone else in the vicinity. You could have gotten us all killed. A little more brain, less brawn in the future when it comes to her. Please"
This time Thor wisely chose to remain silent as he nodded.
"Alright, everybody who's taking the Vow. Step forward and reach your hand out. They are all going to pile on top of each other finishing with mine" said Mary Jane.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked when Thor put his hand in.
"Yes, Lady Mary Jane, I did go too far with Lady Lucy Potter. I admit that. I want to find out what happened and how to help her. But if Loki is the answer to what happened to your Mother, young Master Harry? My Brother is the God of Lies…"
"Lucy did say he was the God of Mischief, so him not giving us a straight answer is to be expected and the fact that she would rather listen to him instead of your father says a lot. Something definitely very wrong did happen between her and Odin."
"Speaking of which," said Midnight, "This Vow will prohibit you from saying anything to the "All Father", your mother, even your closest companions: Lady Sif and the Warriors Three"
The big guy grimaced, "Is there a way to reverse the Vow and the affects?"
"I'm afraid not, the only way for someone else to know is for them to take the Vow too. So, for the final time: Are you In or Out?"
Thor raised his eyes to the ceiling and above, "Heimdall, tell Father to forgive me but I have to know the truth... "I am in," he said, re-adding his hand to the pile to join the others. Fury was the last one to put his hand in before Mary Jane.
"I'm trusting you on this"
"As am I trusting you," she said, taking her wand out. "Now, I am going to ask three questions and each time you will answer back: "I Will," Do you understand?"
"Yes," they all said at the same time.
"Each time that you answer me, a colored bind will wrap itself around your wrist and up your arm before disappearing with the final "I will" got it?"
"Got it" said the men and the Black Widow, grateful she had warned them about that beforehand.
Mary Jane waved her wand over the pile. "Do you The Avengers and Director promise to: keep the secret of the Wizarding World?"
"I will," the first red bind made itself known.
"Do you The Avengers and Director promise to: never betray us with the knowledge you have learned or will come to learn?"
"I will," the red continued to coil up.
"Do you The Avengers and Director promise to: only take another Witch or Wizards life in defense of yourselves or others?"
"I will," Just as Mary Jane said, the binding crawled up to their elbows before disappearing completely. "Done," she said, putting her wand away.
"Great, but the "Avenger" thing? Yeah! Apparently, I don't qualify. Preferred soloist kind of thing" said Tony.
Midnight rolled her eyes, "It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. Do you want to know what we're dealing with or what?"
He held up his hands in surrender. "Please continue, the Death cloud"
"It's called an "Obscurial" or "Obscurius" Back before our people went into hiding, during the Witch Trials. Young Witches and Wizards, attempted to suppress their magic. Hoping to fit in and not get caught. Some grew to even fear it. Thus, creating a more disastrous result for both Wizard and Muggle kind.
The magic inside them rebels, becoming something dark and twisted, growing like a parasite. Getting stronger until it ultimately busts out of its host and attacks uncontrollably. Most Obscurius don't survive past the age of ten"
"Children," said Bruce and Steve sadly, Even Fury shook his bald head. "How did it happen to Lucy?"
"Child abuse. Lucy is essentially a "man made" Monster. Her relatives made her that way."
"Do I have one? The Dursleys treated us basically the same" asked Harry.
"No Harry," said Mary Jane smiling sadly. "You sister saw to that. An Obscurius grows in the absence of love, and she loves you with her whole heart and… by following the Dursleys orders of not saying anything about your magical heritage until Hagrid. Ignorance spared you.
Lucy on the other hand, had a different start in life.
Being raised by your grandparents and later your Mum and Dad. She was old enough to remember. She knew what she was and why with the Dursleys' attempts to beat it out of her.
It finally eclipsed the Summer of the Dursley Family Reunion in Suffolk. That was the first time the Obscurial broke out and nearly wiped out the entire Dursley clan as a result. I can't bring myself to be totally sorry for it, seeing as she helped save my life in the process. A story for another time, but the point is: She was stopped, and her mind obliviated to protect her and others. Only buying time it seems until today"
...
The Dark mist took its time exploring the ship. The further it got away from temptation, the more it calmed down. Something inside suddenly told it to go left, then take a right, and finally down the vent where the bright lights were coming from. The Dark mist slipped through the grate, landing and taking another form as it stretched out on the floor. Revealing that of a young dark-haired woman. She breathed in deep as the last of the mist vanished.
"Well, isn't this interesting?" a soft male voice responded, causing Lucy's eyes to snap wide open as she looked up into a pair of familiar green eyes behind a see-through glass cage. "Loki…?"
Duh Duh Duh! Finally! Hope you enjoyed and will review...