XD! I know that I haven't done any review responses in this story. It's
because I read the rules for posting fanfiction, and it said that doing
that is 'strictly forbidden'... And it said that responding to reviews
could result in your story being TAKEN DOWN :O!!!
But, y'know what? I got a really long review from UniversalAnimeGirl, and she asked a bunch of valid questions, and made quite a few comments that I really want to answer! so here it is! -
UniversalAnimeGirl: YaY!!! Yes, I thought making Madaline Pryor Jean's li'l sister was cool too! And yes, Essex did make her a vampire -shakes finger at Essex- that bad bad man. YOU DON'T JUST KICK REMY LEBEAU OUT!!! No, Remy actually didn't have anything to do with Rogue becoming a vamp, or the other way around. She's a bit older than him. I'll explain that later on in the story. She knows the name is familiar from somewhere (remember the Raid? Bishop was looking for somebody in particular). Tee hee hee! Eugh... about that triangle suggestion: No. Sorry, but Xavier's dead. Sean/Moira forevahhh!!! Yes, Beast is now a werewolf. See, I wanted an all cannon character cast (6 points for aliteration), but I didn't want ANY mutant powers. So I had to compensate. Hank is codenamed Beast (which we all know) so I gave him (or forced upon him) the curse of the lichenthrope because that was the closest beast-ish thing I could get. Blue fur o.O?! Oh I don't know... lol. :D! You're getting WAY ahead of me! But that is totally rockabilly-awesome! Yes, Kurt is wondermously the spawn of a Demon (I dare you to guess which one). Before I even started writing, I made up a cast list and wrote down their roles and their species. There's probably over 50 people on the list... but most of them are only minor characters. I mean, Prince Namor isn't really THAT interesting. Oh NO! I lost an "H"!!! lmao! Maybe she was looking on in 'sock' o.O hmmm? Gah, that's what happens when you can type faster than you think. I try to catch as many errors and typos as possible, but that little bugger managed to escape me! -shakes fist at the 'sock'- ebil 'sock'... this is the last time you thwart me!
Oh! Wait... there's more good questions. XD I could be at this all day. lol
A Reader: love the nickname, btw. Aaaallllrighty. Pietro DOES go to the same school as Wanda, but we never see him (yet) because I haven't gotten to the part where he becomes important. He doesn't live with his sister because she's staying at home for Witches. Pietro isn't a witch, or a warlock... or whatever you want to call a male sorcerer... so he doesn't belong there. :D I hope you're enjoying the story so far!
Goldylokz: HA HA! I knew you couldn't resist my awesome powers of hypnotic suggestion! I am appalled that you would doubt me putting JONDA into this fanfic! Of course! YAY!!! In fact, a friend of mine and I planned their 'union' LOOOOONG before even the second chapter was written. You'll just have to wait and see what Johnny-boy ends up becoming. It'll probably be coming up in five chapters or so. I plan on this being a LOOONG one. Keep reading!
HA HA! That was lengthly... Get on with the story, peons!
Wanda staggered into the kitchen and went straight to the medicine cabinet. She pushed aside all the herbal remedies and magik potions and searched the back of the cupboard for a certain bottle. "DAMN! Where is it?!"
"What are you looking for?" Amanda asked from the table, where she was eating her breakfast.
Wanda shot her a crazed look. "Did YOU take it?!"
Amanda shuddered. "Take what-"
Ororo came into the room, having heard Wanda's snarls, to investigate. "Wanda, what's the matter?"
"Cramps." she seethed through clenched teeth.
Amanda winced, picked up her cereal bowl and left the room. "Let me know when Hurricane Wanda has passed."
Ororo and Wanda watched her leave, then turned to face each other. Ororo was the first to open her mouth. "Wanda-"
Wanda made a cutting motion with her hand. "Spare me the lecture, 'Ro! I know I'm not the healthiest girl in the universe, but you don't need to rub my face in it!"
Ororo rolled her eyes. "If you're looking for you secret stash of Midol, it's not there."
If looks could kill.
"It was expired so I threw it out."
Wanda was ready to throttle her.
"There's a new bottle in the upstairs bathroom. It's on the second shelf behind the mirror."
"Ororo, I love you!" Wanda gave her a quick hug, the disappeared up the stairs on a flash.
"You're... welcome?"
Wanda brushed her teeth and rinsed her mouth out. Another Monday. She REALLY didn't feel like going to school. She'd probably just end up getting mocked, having food products thrown at her, and being called 'Witch Bitch' by her peers. Again. And on top of that, she was on her rag.
This was the dawn of a perfectly miserable day.
But at least she had her Midol with her.
Amanda flew into the bathroom, being accustomed to sharing with Wanda. They had made an unspoken agreement about the use of the bathroom in the morning. Amanda picked up the hair brush and started pulling it through her long brown hair. "Feeling better?" she asked in real concern.
"Physically, yes. Psychologically, however..." she started digging around in a small wicker basket next to the sink for her favourite pair of Ahnk earrings. "I seriously don't get how you seem to have a semi-normal life, while I get tormented daily. We live in the same fucking house!"
Amanda didn't know how to answer her. "Neither do I, Wanda. If you want, I could hang out with you at lunch instead of going to the library."
Wanda snorted. "You? Forego your studies to have lunch with us lesser mortals? Don't worry about it. I can manage."
Amanda glared at her in the mirror. "Don't start that again, Wanda." she tossed the brush back onto the counter after putting hair in a loose braid and tying it off with an elastic.
"What? Don't start what again?"
"The rant."
"What fucking rant?!" Wanda got fed up with arguing with Amanda's reflection and turned to face her.
"The 'oh, you're such a goody two shoes, and nobody loves me' rant!"
Wanda gawked. Amanda didn't yell very often. "What, I can't help it if it's true!"
Amanda let out a frustrated screech and stamped her foot. "UGH! I swear, you're hopeless!"
"I'M hopeless?!"
"YES! You constantly complain about how you have no friends, but do you ever do anything to change it?! NO! Honestly, Wanda, you send out this negative vibe that makes people scared of you!"
Wanda had heard enough. She didn't want to stick around to hear the rest. "It's not your fucking problem..." she swung the bathroom door open and slammed it shut behind her.
Amanda immediately regretted saying what she just did. "Wanda... I'm sorry..."
Wanda tapped her foot impatiently. She hated waiting. That was something she and her brother had in common, although that was probably the only thing. It was ten minutes into Chemistry class, and the teacher still hadn't shown up. "Where the hell is McCoy..." she murmured to herself. She looked down at her watch and saw the time. It was an unwritten rule, that if the teacher didn't show up for ten minutes after the bell, class was canceled. Wanda took this law seriously and grabbed her bag to leave.
"Going for your noon rendrevous, Maximoff?" somebody sneered from the back of the room.
"Go to Hell, Williams." she flipped him off and stormed out in a slightly worse mood than she had been in before.
She hated being in a fight with Amanda. She was her best friend for crying out loud! But she couldn't help but know that she was right. Wanda did push everyone away.
Fuck, she didn't want to be in that building anymore. Wanda made a stop at her locker, grabbed all the books she needed for homework, and headed home.
Agatha sat infront of her altar, breathing in the scent of the burning incense and melted wax. She was finally able to concentrate on her prayers, being in an empty house. Well, mostly empty. Rogue and that male vampire, Remy, were in the basement sleeping. But they were like the dead, no pun intended, so she had absolute silence-
Until the front door opened and closed with a bang.
Agatha dowsed the incense in water and blew out her candles. She stood up and made her way to the living room to see what all the commotion was about.
Wanda ripped off her combat boots and threw them into the closet, along with her back pack and her jacket. She swore vehemently at the inanimate objects, like her bad mood was their fault. Agatha watched her wipe her face, just below her eye. There was something wrong.
"You're home early." she said calmly.
The startled teen whipped around and stared at her mentor in shock. Oh man, she was in trouble. She thought that Ororo and Agatha would be minding the store together that morning. Now that Wanda had been caught, she knew she was in for some serious telling off. "I'll go ahead and send myself to my room..." she groaned and ran up the stairs.
Agatha frowned and followed her.
"Shit faced assholes..." Wanda turned over a whole chapter in her giant leather-bound book. "what the fuck is their problem anyway... Williams, that jerk!" she ran her finger down the page, scanning the calligraphy for anything she would find useful. "Damn spell book, not having what I need..."
"What are you looking for, child."
Wanda slammed her book shut on her finger. "Ouch! Ohhh..." she let out a string of expletives, until she remembered just who was standing behind her. "Agatha! Oh geeze. I'm sorry about... that." she groaned. 'Great, you just swore like a sailor infront of your mentor. Might as well pack your bags and go back to "daddy"...'. She pulled her finger out of the heavy book and shook it, trying to relieve the throbbing. "I was just looking for a spell."
Agatha nodded. "Any spell in particular?" she walked over to the bed and lifted the book, turning to random pages. "I might be able to find what you want."
"I was looking for a hex that would give Simon Williams boils in very uncomfortable places."
Agatha turned the book to a particular page and handed it back to Wanda. "I think this one would be most effective, but Wanda, I think you're forgetting something important. Three times-"
"Right... damn." Wanda shoved the book off her bed.
"Now, is there something you wish to discuss with me? Perhaps, the reason why you're home four hours early?" Agatha took a seat on Wanda's bed, next to her. "I over heard something earlier this morning-"
"I'd rather not talk about it." they sat in silence for a few moments before Wanda couldn't stand the tension. "Amanda and I had a fight."
Agatha nodded in understanding. "And she said something that upset you."
"Yeah..." Wanda sighed. "She's right though." her voice cracked as a lump started to form in her throat. "I'm pathetic! I can't do anything right!"
Agatha put an arm around her pupil and pulled her into a hug. "There now, child." she said soothingly.
"Amanda's mad at me, and I caused it. She's my only real friend, and I screwed that up!" she sobbed. "All I ever do is cause trouble for everybody. You, Ororo... It's only a matter of time before I do something to piss Rogue off. You should just send me back to my father, Agatha. You'd all be better off..."
She closed her eyes and let an amused smile spread across her face. "Do you want to go back?"
"NO!"
"Good, because I don't want to send you back." she felt Wanda shift in her arms. "Wanda, dear, you are more to me than just a student. I care about you, just as I care about Amanda, Ororo, and even Rogue."
"I can't even cast a simple charm-"
"Wanda, do you really think I would've taken you in if I didn't have full confidence in you? Well, I do. You have so much potential. It's just taking you a bit longer to realize it." she rubbed her shoulder. "And no matter what you may think, or what other people tell you, you belong here. Even Amanda will tell you that. Without you, our lives would be pretty boring." she laughed lightly. "Ororo would agree."
Wanda was extremely thankful that Agatha wasn't the type of adult to prod and lecture. That's why she felt more comfortable around the older woman than around Ororo. Sure Agatha looked intimidating, but Wanda felt that she had adopted her as her grandmother of sorts. "I'm such a screw up. I'm lucky, I guess." she wiped her eyes. "I don't think I'd make it if it weren't for you."
Agatha frowned. "I hope you learn how to make it on your own, child. I won't be here forever."
"Where are you going, Florida?" Wanda pulled away from her.
"You know what I meant."
Wanda looked away. "Yeah... but that isn't going to happen for a long time, right?"
Agatha nodded reassuringly. "No dear. But I want you to understand that there will be a time when I can't help you."
"I know... I don't want to think about that now."
Agatha kissed the top of her head and stood again to leave Wanda's room. "I'm glad we could talk like this, Wanda. You just rest. I'll call the school and tell them you went home sick. But this is the last time you do this, understood?"
Wanda nodded and curled up on her bed.
Amanda had looked all over for Wanda at school. She even went to see Mr. Cassidy, her English teacher, to ask if she was in class. He told her that she hadn't shown up, but bid her a cheery good-day.
By the time she got home, she was worried. She had stopped off at the store to check in with Ororo. She was just as alarmed at hearing that Wanda wasn't at school. Amanda ended up minding the store for a few hours while Ororo went to go look for her. She came back empty handed and furious.
The house was silent when they entered. The sun was setting, so that meant that Rogue would be up momentarily. Amanda opened the closet door to put away her backpack, and saw that Wanda's things were already there. She sighed in relief. "Ororo, she's here!" she announced happily.
Ororo ran up the steps and into the house. "Oh, bless the Goddess she's alright!" her relieved smile turned to a scowl of anger. "That girl is going to get a talk." she stormed off.
Amanda shook her head, knowing that Wanda was probably feeling like crud, and wanted nothing more than her privacy. "That's not the greatest idea..." she sang to herself.
Ororo was stopped in the hallway by Agatha, who shook her head. Amanda wanted to listen in on them, but was given 'that look' by the elder of the two witches. She shyly ducked into the living room, out of earshot. Ororo faced her friend. "Wanda ran away from school today." she stated.
"I know that, and I've already spoken to her about it."
"I can't believe the irresponsible behaviour of that child! Doesn't she realize that she could've gotten into serious danger?! She's always doing this-"
Agatha raised her hand calmly to silence Ororo. "But she didn't. She came straight home. I know you're upset, but you must understand that she wasn't trying to provoke you."
Ororo looked away in shame. "I'm sorry. But she's just so reckless! Amanda and I looked everywhere for her."
"She was having a bad day. I don't suppose you heard the fight she had with Amanda this morning."
She looked back at Agatha. "No. I didn't know that." she said, starting to understand.
"You don't give her enough credit, Ororo. You can't keep her under your thumb. Wanda doesn't want somebody to tell her what to do, she wants a friend. I think that if you just talk to her, your relationship will improve greatly."
Unbeknownst to them, Wanda was sitting on the steps, listening to their entire conversation. She got up and walked through the kitchen to get to the living room, so that they wouldn't see her. She needed to talk to Amanda. She needed to get things straightened out.
Remy's eyes opened and he sat bolt upright. The sun was completely down, time to get up. He looked around the dark room, his vision accustomed to see in total blackness. He felt much stronger, having been fed pigs blood for the past few nights. Rogue insisted on it.
He didn't complain much, until Rogue started forcing him to feed himself. The pigs blood was much more bitter than human, and he only tolerated it when Rogue administered it orally. From what the Cajun vampire understood, she was some sort of New Age Bohemian vampire that refused to drink the blood of humans. She saw them as people, not as food. It was a sweet sentiment, but not what Remy would choose as a lifestyle.
He craved human blood. His body yearned for it. He looked over at Rogue, who was curled up on a chair in the corner. She was still sleeping. He could easily go out and get himself a nice, warm blooded virgin. He didn't really care if he never saw her again. He wasn't interested in what she had to offer, by means of how to go about living. He would've gladly slept with her though. Remy had often found himself staring at her body, her movements, listening to her sweet southern voice, feeling her lips on his when she fed him. Oh yes, this vampiric vixen was tempting, but obviously not interested in getting physical with him. It was like his lust filled eyes had absolutely no effect.
Remy pulled the blankets off his legs and placed his bare feet on the concrete floor. He stood and glided past Rogue, making sure that she wasn't going to wake up. He found a set of stairs outside the bedroom that lead up to a door. He silently ascended them and placed his hand on the brass knob.
A scent hit him. It was like the smell of roast meat to a starving man. Blood. Real human blood. And it was fresh. Feminine. Innocent. His pupils dilated. His body began to shiver in anticipation.
He would feed.
"Amanda?" Wanda took a seat on the couch next to her best friend. "Are you busy?"
Amanda grinned widely at her. "Wanda!" she moved a bunch of her books off her lap and turned to face her, resting one leg on the couch while the other hung off the edge. "I was worried about you!" she threw her arms around her and gave her a quick squeeze.
"Everybody's doing that today."
Amanda laughed and backed off. "Wanda, I'm really sorry about this morning-"
Wanda shook her head. "No, it's not your fault. I can be a big bitch sometimes." she stopped to think for a moment. "Well, most of the time..."
"Yeah, but I said stuff that I shouldn't have said."
Wanda opened her mouth to speak again, but was cut off by the sound of a door creaking open.
The two teens whipped their heads around, trying to find out what had caused that noise. "Rogue?"
"Non." replied a distinctly male voice.
Something lunged out of the shadows and grabbed Amanda off the couch. She shrieked in terror.
Wanda jumped up and ripped the cross off from around her neck. "LET HER GO!" she commanded, holding the crucifix to the vampire's face.
He faltered, seeing the silver pendant, but smirked in amusement, showing them his gleaming white fangs. "Dat not gonna work, p'tite," he laughed, "you ain't Christian."
Amanda's eyes clenched shut. He had a tight grip on her arm. It hurt! "Wanda! Help me!" she screamed.
Suddenly, Agatha appeared in the room. She held her silver athame with the blade pointing at Remy's face. She was chanting in Gaelic. Remy roared at her as she approached him, and swung his free arm. It caught Agatha in the abdomen and sent her crashing into the wall at the other side of the room.
Ororo and Rogue came barreling in simultaneously, immediately springing into action. Rogue lunged at him, just as he was about to sink his teeth into Amanda's neck, and grabbed his face. Remy released Amanda and attempted to pry her off. He was so close, he wasn't about to let this get in the way of tasting young blood. He closed his fist around Rogue's scarf - the one she wore to hide her marks, and tore it off.
Ororo grabbed Wanda and Amanda by the arms and pulled them away from the battling vampires. They huddled in the corner with Agatha, who was struggling to get up.
Rogue hissed and drove her nails into his rock hard stomach. The two of them stumbled around the living room, knocking over furniture and electronics. Remy was desperate for blood. He grabbed Rogue's shoulders and drove his teeth into her collarbone. Her blood was cold.
Rogue let out a startled yelp, and started scratching at his hands, trying to get him to let her go. He held on, however.
Three of the four witches watched in sick fascination. The fourth, Agatha, was concentrating all her energy on Remy, who had his back to them. She started to feel the power flow through her veins. Her hands started to glow and crackle with energy. She raised a withered boney claw at her target and began to chant in the language of True Magik. Her weak voice strengthened with each syllable she spoke. Finally, she released the building light from her body and struck Remy in the lower back. He reeled back and collapsed onto the couch, taking Rogue with him.
"Shit." Rogue swore, getting off the unconscious body. She placed her hand over her bare neck and winced. There was blood soaking her palm. "Ah need ta get a bigger scarf..."
About an hour later, Remy was sealed in the basement, having been strapped down to Rogue's bed. Rogue's neck was bandaged. Agatha was laying in her bed. Ororo had told Wanda and Amanda to go to their rooms and not leave for the rest of the night, for anything.
Rogue and Ororo were gathered around Agatha. Things didn't look good. Her brittle bones were broken, and she found herself short of breath. "Rogue..."
"Ah'm so sorry! Ah shoulda been keepin' better watch on him! Ah shoulda locked the door!"
Agatha closed her eyes in irritation. "Why did he bite you?"
Rogue looked down at her hands. "Ah... He was desperate for human blood. He's going through withdrawl. Ah thought he'd be past it already, but I guess I was wrong." she sighed. "It was the same with me. Ah woulda done anything to get human blood when Ah was at that stage. Ah even bit myself." she showed them her scarred wrists.
Ororo dabbed Agatha's forehead with cool water. "It's dangerous for us to be here with him. And since he's already got an invitation, he can come and go as he pleases, so kicking him out isn't an option." she soaked her cloth in the metal basin and wrung it out again. "Wanda and Amanda can't stay here. We can't risk it."
Agatha drew in a ragged breath. "Siberia."
Ororo and Rogue looked at her in question. "What did she say?"
"Send the girls far away. The girl... Ilyana... send them to Siberia..."
Rogue looked up at Ororo in confusion. "What does she mean, 'Ro?"
Ororo lowered the cloth into the basin. "She wants to send the girls to Siberia. Remember that girl that Irene told her about?"
Rogue nodded.
"She means to bring her here. Remy is dangerous now. Sending them away will keep them safe. Like killing two birds with one stone."
Agatha passed into a deep sleep. Ororo and Rogue left the room, gently shutting the door behind them.
"Ah don't think she's going to last much longer. What will you do?"
"I don't know. I just don't know..."
But, y'know what? I got a really long review from UniversalAnimeGirl, and she asked a bunch of valid questions, and made quite a few comments that I really want to answer! so here it is! -
UniversalAnimeGirl: YaY!!! Yes, I thought making Madaline Pryor Jean's li'l sister was cool too! And yes, Essex did make her a vampire -shakes finger at Essex- that bad bad man. YOU DON'T JUST KICK REMY LEBEAU OUT!!! No, Remy actually didn't have anything to do with Rogue becoming a vamp, or the other way around. She's a bit older than him. I'll explain that later on in the story. She knows the name is familiar from somewhere (remember the Raid? Bishop was looking for somebody in particular). Tee hee hee! Eugh... about that triangle suggestion: No. Sorry, but Xavier's dead. Sean/Moira forevahhh!!! Yes, Beast is now a werewolf. See, I wanted an all cannon character cast (6 points for aliteration), but I didn't want ANY mutant powers. So I had to compensate. Hank is codenamed Beast (which we all know) so I gave him (or forced upon him) the curse of the lichenthrope because that was the closest beast-ish thing I could get. Blue fur o.O?! Oh I don't know... lol. :D! You're getting WAY ahead of me! But that is totally rockabilly-awesome! Yes, Kurt is wondermously the spawn of a Demon (I dare you to guess which one). Before I even started writing, I made up a cast list and wrote down their roles and their species. There's probably over 50 people on the list... but most of them are only minor characters. I mean, Prince Namor isn't really THAT interesting. Oh NO! I lost an "H"!!! lmao! Maybe she was looking on in 'sock' o.O hmmm? Gah, that's what happens when you can type faster than you think. I try to catch as many errors and typos as possible, but that little bugger managed to escape me! -shakes fist at the 'sock'- ebil 'sock'... this is the last time you thwart me!
Oh! Wait... there's more good questions. XD I could be at this all day. lol
A Reader: love the nickname, btw. Aaaallllrighty. Pietro DOES go to the same school as Wanda, but we never see him (yet) because I haven't gotten to the part where he becomes important. He doesn't live with his sister because she's staying at home for Witches. Pietro isn't a witch, or a warlock... or whatever you want to call a male sorcerer... so he doesn't belong there. :D I hope you're enjoying the story so far!
Goldylokz: HA HA! I knew you couldn't resist my awesome powers of hypnotic suggestion! I am appalled that you would doubt me putting JONDA into this fanfic! Of course! YAY!!! In fact, a friend of mine and I planned their 'union' LOOOOONG before even the second chapter was written. You'll just have to wait and see what Johnny-boy ends up becoming. It'll probably be coming up in five chapters or so. I plan on this being a LOOONG one. Keep reading!
HA HA! That was lengthly... Get on with the story, peons!
Wanda staggered into the kitchen and went straight to the medicine cabinet. She pushed aside all the herbal remedies and magik potions and searched the back of the cupboard for a certain bottle. "DAMN! Where is it?!"
"What are you looking for?" Amanda asked from the table, where she was eating her breakfast.
Wanda shot her a crazed look. "Did YOU take it?!"
Amanda shuddered. "Take what-"
Ororo came into the room, having heard Wanda's snarls, to investigate. "Wanda, what's the matter?"
"Cramps." she seethed through clenched teeth.
Amanda winced, picked up her cereal bowl and left the room. "Let me know when Hurricane Wanda has passed."
Ororo and Wanda watched her leave, then turned to face each other. Ororo was the first to open her mouth. "Wanda-"
Wanda made a cutting motion with her hand. "Spare me the lecture, 'Ro! I know I'm not the healthiest girl in the universe, but you don't need to rub my face in it!"
Ororo rolled her eyes. "If you're looking for you secret stash of Midol, it's not there."
If looks could kill.
"It was expired so I threw it out."
Wanda was ready to throttle her.
"There's a new bottle in the upstairs bathroom. It's on the second shelf behind the mirror."
"Ororo, I love you!" Wanda gave her a quick hug, the disappeared up the stairs on a flash.
"You're... welcome?"
Wanda brushed her teeth and rinsed her mouth out. Another Monday. She REALLY didn't feel like going to school. She'd probably just end up getting mocked, having food products thrown at her, and being called 'Witch Bitch' by her peers. Again. And on top of that, she was on her rag.
This was the dawn of a perfectly miserable day.
But at least she had her Midol with her.
Amanda flew into the bathroom, being accustomed to sharing with Wanda. They had made an unspoken agreement about the use of the bathroom in the morning. Amanda picked up the hair brush and started pulling it through her long brown hair. "Feeling better?" she asked in real concern.
"Physically, yes. Psychologically, however..." she started digging around in a small wicker basket next to the sink for her favourite pair of Ahnk earrings. "I seriously don't get how you seem to have a semi-normal life, while I get tormented daily. We live in the same fucking house!"
Amanda didn't know how to answer her. "Neither do I, Wanda. If you want, I could hang out with you at lunch instead of going to the library."
Wanda snorted. "You? Forego your studies to have lunch with us lesser mortals? Don't worry about it. I can manage."
Amanda glared at her in the mirror. "Don't start that again, Wanda." she tossed the brush back onto the counter after putting hair in a loose braid and tying it off with an elastic.
"What? Don't start what again?"
"The rant."
"What fucking rant?!" Wanda got fed up with arguing with Amanda's reflection and turned to face her.
"The 'oh, you're such a goody two shoes, and nobody loves me' rant!"
Wanda gawked. Amanda didn't yell very often. "What, I can't help it if it's true!"
Amanda let out a frustrated screech and stamped her foot. "UGH! I swear, you're hopeless!"
"I'M hopeless?!"
"YES! You constantly complain about how you have no friends, but do you ever do anything to change it?! NO! Honestly, Wanda, you send out this negative vibe that makes people scared of you!"
Wanda had heard enough. She didn't want to stick around to hear the rest. "It's not your fucking problem..." she swung the bathroom door open and slammed it shut behind her.
Amanda immediately regretted saying what she just did. "Wanda... I'm sorry..."
Wanda tapped her foot impatiently. She hated waiting. That was something she and her brother had in common, although that was probably the only thing. It was ten minutes into Chemistry class, and the teacher still hadn't shown up. "Where the hell is McCoy..." she murmured to herself. She looked down at her watch and saw the time. It was an unwritten rule, that if the teacher didn't show up for ten minutes after the bell, class was canceled. Wanda took this law seriously and grabbed her bag to leave.
"Going for your noon rendrevous, Maximoff?" somebody sneered from the back of the room.
"Go to Hell, Williams." she flipped him off and stormed out in a slightly worse mood than she had been in before.
She hated being in a fight with Amanda. She was her best friend for crying out loud! But she couldn't help but know that she was right. Wanda did push everyone away.
Fuck, she didn't want to be in that building anymore. Wanda made a stop at her locker, grabbed all the books she needed for homework, and headed home.
Agatha sat infront of her altar, breathing in the scent of the burning incense and melted wax. She was finally able to concentrate on her prayers, being in an empty house. Well, mostly empty. Rogue and that male vampire, Remy, were in the basement sleeping. But they were like the dead, no pun intended, so she had absolute silence-
Until the front door opened and closed with a bang.
Agatha dowsed the incense in water and blew out her candles. She stood up and made her way to the living room to see what all the commotion was about.
Wanda ripped off her combat boots and threw them into the closet, along with her back pack and her jacket. She swore vehemently at the inanimate objects, like her bad mood was their fault. Agatha watched her wipe her face, just below her eye. There was something wrong.
"You're home early." she said calmly.
The startled teen whipped around and stared at her mentor in shock. Oh man, she was in trouble. She thought that Ororo and Agatha would be minding the store together that morning. Now that Wanda had been caught, she knew she was in for some serious telling off. "I'll go ahead and send myself to my room..." she groaned and ran up the stairs.
Agatha frowned and followed her.
"Shit faced assholes..." Wanda turned over a whole chapter in her giant leather-bound book. "what the fuck is their problem anyway... Williams, that jerk!" she ran her finger down the page, scanning the calligraphy for anything she would find useful. "Damn spell book, not having what I need..."
"What are you looking for, child."
Wanda slammed her book shut on her finger. "Ouch! Ohhh..." she let out a string of expletives, until she remembered just who was standing behind her. "Agatha! Oh geeze. I'm sorry about... that." she groaned. 'Great, you just swore like a sailor infront of your mentor. Might as well pack your bags and go back to "daddy"...'. She pulled her finger out of the heavy book and shook it, trying to relieve the throbbing. "I was just looking for a spell."
Agatha nodded. "Any spell in particular?" she walked over to the bed and lifted the book, turning to random pages. "I might be able to find what you want."
"I was looking for a hex that would give Simon Williams boils in very uncomfortable places."
Agatha turned the book to a particular page and handed it back to Wanda. "I think this one would be most effective, but Wanda, I think you're forgetting something important. Three times-"
"Right... damn." Wanda shoved the book off her bed.
"Now, is there something you wish to discuss with me? Perhaps, the reason why you're home four hours early?" Agatha took a seat on Wanda's bed, next to her. "I over heard something earlier this morning-"
"I'd rather not talk about it." they sat in silence for a few moments before Wanda couldn't stand the tension. "Amanda and I had a fight."
Agatha nodded in understanding. "And she said something that upset you."
"Yeah..." Wanda sighed. "She's right though." her voice cracked as a lump started to form in her throat. "I'm pathetic! I can't do anything right!"
Agatha put an arm around her pupil and pulled her into a hug. "There now, child." she said soothingly.
"Amanda's mad at me, and I caused it. She's my only real friend, and I screwed that up!" she sobbed. "All I ever do is cause trouble for everybody. You, Ororo... It's only a matter of time before I do something to piss Rogue off. You should just send me back to my father, Agatha. You'd all be better off..."
She closed her eyes and let an amused smile spread across her face. "Do you want to go back?"
"NO!"
"Good, because I don't want to send you back." she felt Wanda shift in her arms. "Wanda, dear, you are more to me than just a student. I care about you, just as I care about Amanda, Ororo, and even Rogue."
"I can't even cast a simple charm-"
"Wanda, do you really think I would've taken you in if I didn't have full confidence in you? Well, I do. You have so much potential. It's just taking you a bit longer to realize it." she rubbed her shoulder. "And no matter what you may think, or what other people tell you, you belong here. Even Amanda will tell you that. Without you, our lives would be pretty boring." she laughed lightly. "Ororo would agree."
Wanda was extremely thankful that Agatha wasn't the type of adult to prod and lecture. That's why she felt more comfortable around the older woman than around Ororo. Sure Agatha looked intimidating, but Wanda felt that she had adopted her as her grandmother of sorts. "I'm such a screw up. I'm lucky, I guess." she wiped her eyes. "I don't think I'd make it if it weren't for you."
Agatha frowned. "I hope you learn how to make it on your own, child. I won't be here forever."
"Where are you going, Florida?" Wanda pulled away from her.
"You know what I meant."
Wanda looked away. "Yeah... but that isn't going to happen for a long time, right?"
Agatha nodded reassuringly. "No dear. But I want you to understand that there will be a time when I can't help you."
"I know... I don't want to think about that now."
Agatha kissed the top of her head and stood again to leave Wanda's room. "I'm glad we could talk like this, Wanda. You just rest. I'll call the school and tell them you went home sick. But this is the last time you do this, understood?"
Wanda nodded and curled up on her bed.
Amanda had looked all over for Wanda at school. She even went to see Mr. Cassidy, her English teacher, to ask if she was in class. He told her that she hadn't shown up, but bid her a cheery good-day.
By the time she got home, she was worried. She had stopped off at the store to check in with Ororo. She was just as alarmed at hearing that Wanda wasn't at school. Amanda ended up minding the store for a few hours while Ororo went to go look for her. She came back empty handed and furious.
The house was silent when they entered. The sun was setting, so that meant that Rogue would be up momentarily. Amanda opened the closet door to put away her backpack, and saw that Wanda's things were already there. She sighed in relief. "Ororo, she's here!" she announced happily.
Ororo ran up the steps and into the house. "Oh, bless the Goddess she's alright!" her relieved smile turned to a scowl of anger. "That girl is going to get a talk." she stormed off.
Amanda shook her head, knowing that Wanda was probably feeling like crud, and wanted nothing more than her privacy. "That's not the greatest idea..." she sang to herself.
Ororo was stopped in the hallway by Agatha, who shook her head. Amanda wanted to listen in on them, but was given 'that look' by the elder of the two witches. She shyly ducked into the living room, out of earshot. Ororo faced her friend. "Wanda ran away from school today." she stated.
"I know that, and I've already spoken to her about it."
"I can't believe the irresponsible behaviour of that child! Doesn't she realize that she could've gotten into serious danger?! She's always doing this-"
Agatha raised her hand calmly to silence Ororo. "But she didn't. She came straight home. I know you're upset, but you must understand that she wasn't trying to provoke you."
Ororo looked away in shame. "I'm sorry. But she's just so reckless! Amanda and I looked everywhere for her."
"She was having a bad day. I don't suppose you heard the fight she had with Amanda this morning."
She looked back at Agatha. "No. I didn't know that." she said, starting to understand.
"You don't give her enough credit, Ororo. You can't keep her under your thumb. Wanda doesn't want somebody to tell her what to do, she wants a friend. I think that if you just talk to her, your relationship will improve greatly."
Unbeknownst to them, Wanda was sitting on the steps, listening to their entire conversation. She got up and walked through the kitchen to get to the living room, so that they wouldn't see her. She needed to talk to Amanda. She needed to get things straightened out.
Remy's eyes opened and he sat bolt upright. The sun was completely down, time to get up. He looked around the dark room, his vision accustomed to see in total blackness. He felt much stronger, having been fed pigs blood for the past few nights. Rogue insisted on it.
He didn't complain much, until Rogue started forcing him to feed himself. The pigs blood was much more bitter than human, and he only tolerated it when Rogue administered it orally. From what the Cajun vampire understood, she was some sort of New Age Bohemian vampire that refused to drink the blood of humans. She saw them as people, not as food. It was a sweet sentiment, but not what Remy would choose as a lifestyle.
He craved human blood. His body yearned for it. He looked over at Rogue, who was curled up on a chair in the corner. She was still sleeping. He could easily go out and get himself a nice, warm blooded virgin. He didn't really care if he never saw her again. He wasn't interested in what she had to offer, by means of how to go about living. He would've gladly slept with her though. Remy had often found himself staring at her body, her movements, listening to her sweet southern voice, feeling her lips on his when she fed him. Oh yes, this vampiric vixen was tempting, but obviously not interested in getting physical with him. It was like his lust filled eyes had absolutely no effect.
Remy pulled the blankets off his legs and placed his bare feet on the concrete floor. He stood and glided past Rogue, making sure that she wasn't going to wake up. He found a set of stairs outside the bedroom that lead up to a door. He silently ascended them and placed his hand on the brass knob.
A scent hit him. It was like the smell of roast meat to a starving man. Blood. Real human blood. And it was fresh. Feminine. Innocent. His pupils dilated. His body began to shiver in anticipation.
He would feed.
"Amanda?" Wanda took a seat on the couch next to her best friend. "Are you busy?"
Amanda grinned widely at her. "Wanda!" she moved a bunch of her books off her lap and turned to face her, resting one leg on the couch while the other hung off the edge. "I was worried about you!" she threw her arms around her and gave her a quick squeeze.
"Everybody's doing that today."
Amanda laughed and backed off. "Wanda, I'm really sorry about this morning-"
Wanda shook her head. "No, it's not your fault. I can be a big bitch sometimes." she stopped to think for a moment. "Well, most of the time..."
"Yeah, but I said stuff that I shouldn't have said."
Wanda opened her mouth to speak again, but was cut off by the sound of a door creaking open.
The two teens whipped their heads around, trying to find out what had caused that noise. "Rogue?"
"Non." replied a distinctly male voice.
Something lunged out of the shadows and grabbed Amanda off the couch. She shrieked in terror.
Wanda jumped up and ripped the cross off from around her neck. "LET HER GO!" she commanded, holding the crucifix to the vampire's face.
He faltered, seeing the silver pendant, but smirked in amusement, showing them his gleaming white fangs. "Dat not gonna work, p'tite," he laughed, "you ain't Christian."
Amanda's eyes clenched shut. He had a tight grip on her arm. It hurt! "Wanda! Help me!" she screamed.
Suddenly, Agatha appeared in the room. She held her silver athame with the blade pointing at Remy's face. She was chanting in Gaelic. Remy roared at her as she approached him, and swung his free arm. It caught Agatha in the abdomen and sent her crashing into the wall at the other side of the room.
Ororo and Rogue came barreling in simultaneously, immediately springing into action. Rogue lunged at him, just as he was about to sink his teeth into Amanda's neck, and grabbed his face. Remy released Amanda and attempted to pry her off. He was so close, he wasn't about to let this get in the way of tasting young blood. He closed his fist around Rogue's scarf - the one she wore to hide her marks, and tore it off.
Ororo grabbed Wanda and Amanda by the arms and pulled them away from the battling vampires. They huddled in the corner with Agatha, who was struggling to get up.
Rogue hissed and drove her nails into his rock hard stomach. The two of them stumbled around the living room, knocking over furniture and electronics. Remy was desperate for blood. He grabbed Rogue's shoulders and drove his teeth into her collarbone. Her blood was cold.
Rogue let out a startled yelp, and started scratching at his hands, trying to get him to let her go. He held on, however.
Three of the four witches watched in sick fascination. The fourth, Agatha, was concentrating all her energy on Remy, who had his back to them. She started to feel the power flow through her veins. Her hands started to glow and crackle with energy. She raised a withered boney claw at her target and began to chant in the language of True Magik. Her weak voice strengthened with each syllable she spoke. Finally, she released the building light from her body and struck Remy in the lower back. He reeled back and collapsed onto the couch, taking Rogue with him.
"Shit." Rogue swore, getting off the unconscious body. She placed her hand over her bare neck and winced. There was blood soaking her palm. "Ah need ta get a bigger scarf..."
About an hour later, Remy was sealed in the basement, having been strapped down to Rogue's bed. Rogue's neck was bandaged. Agatha was laying in her bed. Ororo had told Wanda and Amanda to go to their rooms and not leave for the rest of the night, for anything.
Rogue and Ororo were gathered around Agatha. Things didn't look good. Her brittle bones were broken, and she found herself short of breath. "Rogue..."
"Ah'm so sorry! Ah shoulda been keepin' better watch on him! Ah shoulda locked the door!"
Agatha closed her eyes in irritation. "Why did he bite you?"
Rogue looked down at her hands. "Ah... He was desperate for human blood. He's going through withdrawl. Ah thought he'd be past it already, but I guess I was wrong." she sighed. "It was the same with me. Ah woulda done anything to get human blood when Ah was at that stage. Ah even bit myself." she showed them her scarred wrists.
Ororo dabbed Agatha's forehead with cool water. "It's dangerous for us to be here with him. And since he's already got an invitation, he can come and go as he pleases, so kicking him out isn't an option." she soaked her cloth in the metal basin and wrung it out again. "Wanda and Amanda can't stay here. We can't risk it."
Agatha drew in a ragged breath. "Siberia."
Ororo and Rogue looked at her in question. "What did she say?"
"Send the girls far away. The girl... Ilyana... send them to Siberia..."
Rogue looked up at Ororo in confusion. "What does she mean, 'Ro?"
Ororo lowered the cloth into the basin. "She wants to send the girls to Siberia. Remember that girl that Irene told her about?"
Rogue nodded.
"She means to bring her here. Remy is dangerous now. Sending them away will keep them safe. Like killing two birds with one stone."
Agatha passed into a deep sleep. Ororo and Rogue left the room, gently shutting the door behind them.
"Ah don't think she's going to last much longer. What will you do?"
"I don't know. I just don't know..."