Trainerblue192

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Bartholomew Hamish Montgomery III

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Location: Strange Academy Halls
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Barty was on his way to see his brother, pocketing something small inside his pants pocket before someone spoke out in his general direction. He stopped cold in his steps, turning on his heels as he faced the woman who called out to him. His hands both firmly placed within his pockets as one palmed something within, keeping it hidden from the blonde. His eyes scanned her from feet to head, eyeing her twice before he even spoke. He was on guard, but his posture was so relaxed it would seem more as if he was simply bored already. ”That all depends on who's asking love. Answer that and I can help you.”

Uuuuuuugh! Call me love again and I will take my chances finding her myself. Victoria thought, trying her best not to let her want to repel off of this person like a same-pole magnet show on her face. She forced a neutral expression on: ”The name’s Victoria van Dyne, of the Margaret Carter Institute. I know the prof from her time there. We had some correspondence and since I’m visiting to cheer some friends on, we wanted to talk in person.” she introduced herself and gave the reason for her to be there.

Barty grinned a half grin. It explained why he hadn't recognized this person before now, she was non combative. Basically, she didn't matter to him. Or so he would like to think, but her aura told him otherwise. Like a walking personification of hate, he couldn't help but watch it instead of her even as she spoke. ”I see. That's very unfortunate then. You see, that washed up hag has somehow managed to make herself the coach of our very own Hex Girls. Then again, they do say those who can't do, teach. So I suppose it makes sense. Either way-” Barty removed one hand from his pockets and pointed directly behind Vicky to the now brick wall with a sign over it. ”She is out of your reach for the moment. Only contestants are allowed in there and seeing as you're not one, well you'll have to wait till the end of the contest I'm afraid. Agatha is many things, but I've never known her to shirk her duties.”

Victoria should have been surprised when she saw that where a door used to be was now just a wall with a piece of paper stuck to it. Well, as far as she could tell through the colorful soup that enveloped her. ”Oh… You mean to say that they can’t make contact with the outside world for three days now? I was under the impression they would all be going home for the nights… Oh, well, guess I’m back to writing letters.“ she sighed, looking back at the guy who, now that she thought about it, failed to introduce himself in return. Okay, rude. she thought, before deciding there was most likely nothing for her left to do here. ”Um… Sorry for being utterly useless, but I don’t know this place, and I got a condition where I can see magic so I really can’t see more than an arm’s length ahead of me here… Could I please ask you for directions to the exit?“

”I mean to say they're in another location you can't access for the time being. As for what Agatha will be doing after the examination period is over is beyond me. But that decrepit old witch and I are unfortunately close. So if you need to read her you can always ask me. But you'll owe me a favor.” Barty replied in kind, now more relaxed than before. ”As for your…condition. You should really learn to control it. I can see the magic as well but I've honed my skill to simply focus on the ones I wish to see and ignore the others. You'll get there I'm sure.”

Vicky took a breath, almost launching into a monologue about how she’d get right on that now that she is not dying every time stronger magic is around, and maybe she’d absorb the power from the skull of Gul’Dan while she was at it. But she stopped herself. She didn’t know this person, yet she almost gave up a rather damning fact about herself. She needed to get her wits together, especially since trading favors was now being tossed about. Being acquainted with a half-demoness kind of caused that to raise a red flag. ”Before I commit to anything of the sort, It might be useful, and it would definitely be polite, to know who’d I owe a favor to.”

Barty couldn't help but smile. Giving the girl a half bow as he introduced himself to her. ”The name is Bartholomew Hamish Montgomery Macleod III, but you can call me Barty. I am an Enchantment student here at Strange Academy and a long time friend of Agatha Harkness.” He straightened up, looking at the woman once more wondering if she could even see him. ”I also know all the best local cuisine here in New Orleans and would gladly accompany you off the school grounds and to a great meal if you so wished it to be.”

That’s a fake name if I ever heard one! Sure, buddy. And my name is Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Winds- her train of thought wrecked. Her full name was Victoria Ashild Elise van Dyne. If anyone deserved shittalking for having a pseudo-aristocratic in this scenario, it was her. Even though she didn’t say a word of it, the realization still made her shut her mouth so quickly her teeth clicked.

”Well… If said dinner is all the favor I have to pay for the escort out of here, then I suppose it is agreeable.” she said, trying to get out of this deal relatively free. But she suspected that this guy might be one of the types to consider his company one more thing to owe a favor for.

Barty quirked an eyebrow up, taking in the idea that her going to eat with him was a favor. ”Now why would you dining with me be a favor owed? You seek to leave this establishment with aid due to your…condition, and I was merely offering that and more. On top of the offer to help you connect with not only a powerful witch but a Salemite nonetheless. I'd say that's rather generous of me given all I'm asking for is one singular favor. But if you'd rather keep being left on read by her growing pile of work or trapped in the labyrinth that is this school because, let's face it, you don't have the mystical faculties to make your way around and through the wards that warp the space around us, then by all means don't take a kind offer when it's given. Oh, and don't think you can brute force your way out like so many Margret Carter kids believe they can. The schools defenses would have you detained faster than you can say "Hoary Host of Hoggoth.” “ By now Barty was leaning against a wall, inspecting his nails as he spoke to her.

Okay, dick. Vicky thought about that. Still, the idea that this place could probably not be exited by following one wall was far from the most far-fetched things she saw or heard today. She should text Dorian or Danni to ask for Mr. Gray to whisk her away at his earlier convenience, rather than entertaining this prick a second longer. Or perhaps Diana could. But some fragment of her - pride probably - argued she was not that desperate yet.

”I will have you know that for someone who seems to think so highly of himself, you certainly are lacking in manners, mister. To extort a favor from a lady in distress for but a morsel of information as to how to get somewhere in this place is most loathsome. Name your favor for an exit and I will consider it, but you will get no more out of me, for I shall suffer your rude company not a moment longer.” she unloaded on Barty, somehow managing to keep her voice level through all of that.

Barty couldn't help but chuckle at the girl's fiery words. It'd been too long since he'd enjoyed himself, then again he had earlier today too. ”You misunderstand my price for rudeness. My apologies, I thought given your condition you had some inkling of magical knowledge. Let me rephrase my wording so that you may better grasp the situation and your tongue all the same. I cannot point you in the right direction because there is nowhere to point. This is a magical school for practitioners of magic. To get about you must utilize your skills in the trade and grow as a young Sorcerer, Witch, what have you. Magic however comes at a cost. A literal payment one must do in order to use the energies of the universe about us. I ask for a favor because I am having to pay one myself in order to liberate you from these walls. Personally I've very rarely ever named a favor, specifically so that in the event something mundane may occur I can call upon it within the confines of the favor itself. It can be as little as carrying my books for me to class, or going on a date. There have been more…fun favors I've called in but we can eliminate anything sexual from the list if that's your concern.”

At the mention of that, Victoria’s eyes ticked from the usual green to red, her combat suite activating on instinct out of sheer disgust. This. This is exactly why. No. No way. Nu-uh. Not if I fucking die here. her mind fired off, fists balling so hard her skin went white. The only thing that make her even consider entertaining this scheme was the fact that Bartholomew was right about one thing: She would be better off knowing something about these things, so burning this bridge completely was perhaps a bit too radical. ”Want me to sign a blank cheque to the devil? I’ll take a pass on that. I think I’d rather find out if someone will actually miss me enough to come looking. Best I can do is to offer a favor that does not go against my morals, and is not unequal to the effort you will have to make, and be sure I’ll look for another opinion on how much that would be.” she offered with an air of finality, trying to choose her words carefully. Victoria had no problem going against a law if it was for the greater good, so she made the concession on stipulating her moral compass as the condition instead, and with the clause about the equivalent exchange, this will hopefully not end up being too great of a mistake.

Bartys lip twitched. Trying to quell the anger he felt wanting to rise out. He needed to keep his cool…for now. ”I'm going to assume you didn't purposefully mean to be racist with that comment. Associating a witch with a devil is a dangerous thing to do Vicky. It's what got the witch trials started, so you'd be wise not to do it again in a place such as this. But I don't find your stipulations to be so bothersome that I can't accept it. So if you agree to those terms you yourself just laid out then simply shake my hand in agreement.” Barty said as he offered his hand out.

Fairly certain the concept of a deal with a devil predates any witch hunts. Get over yourself. Victoria thought for herself. ”Uh… I can’t see you?” she said, playing dumb. Technically not a lie, she could only locate Barty with her non-visible wavelength sensors. But she would make the obnoxious man work for it out of spite, even if he merely had to take a few steps towards her.

”I thought you capable enough to figure it out. But if I have to spell it out for you Margaret Carter Students. Simply put out your hand as if to shake mine and I can do the rest.” Barty said with a roll of his eyes.

_{”And people wonder why someone would choose to opt out of this curriculum…”} Victoria grunted for herself. Magicians could apparently find a way to make something as simple as shaking on a deal unnecessarily unintuitive and against normal practice. Giving a final thought of just fetching her phone and asking someone else for an out, she figured that that might take some time. Time that Mr. Macleod may elect to stick around and bless her by keeping her company. Right. She reached out with her hand for a remote shake, deciding to strangle the lights out of him if he was just making her look like a complete idiot.

Barty took her hand in his, clasping it and giving it a shake. ”Then we are in agreeance.” He said as a small pulse of magic happened between their palms, a small object appeared that Barty slipped into his hand before flicking it into the air. A metallic ring resonated before he caught the ancient looking coin in his hand and pocketed it. It wasn't the best deal, but Nicky would be glad regardless. Now the favor owed had to be equal to the amount of work he would put in himself. What a drag. It was lucky for him that in the end she knew virtually nothing about magic, which worked to his advantage. ”Take my hand and follow me. Given that you cannot see.”

The Dead Don't Die.

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Useless. His neighbors always were. Segaiolo might as well have been their last name for as far as his family was concerned. Hermès huffed, blowing a tuft of hair out of his face as he turned to make his way into his own home. Saying a silent prayer before crossing the threshold to see what awaited him. It was strange, he knew this place better than the back of his hand, and yet, seeing it ransacked so, made it feel almost foreign to him. A sense of dread filled in him as to what might have happened. He got about one step in when he heard the car door open and shut. It felt so loud to him, like TV volume in the early morning when you'd just woken up. Hermes turned to see Mandy standing there, his uncle signing to lock the doors behind. ”Che Palle, Cosa fai.” He muttered under his breath before signing to his cousin. ”What're you doing? I thought you- nevermind. Just stay quiet and move slow, there may be intruders.”

He returned back to where he was going, his own room. Walking down the halls, as quiet as can be, something he'd practiced a lot since a young age in this household. How else was he supposed to sneak in midnight snacks in an Italian house? He crossed past the opening into the kitchen, spotting someone that he hadn't recognized. Hermes didn't dare remove his eyes from the person, but if Mandy was nearby then she would see him sign once more. At first it wasn't much of a sign, Hermès simply put his hand out to tell her to stop and look. ”Intruder. Stay quiet.” He signed before slipping past the kitchen and into his room. There he would find three cases all packed and ready to go. They'd need to revisit the kitchen on the way out, but not until he got two things. His family, and their gun. If he had to guess his mother must've grabbed it when she was told to hide away. They had two stowed away at home, which she grabbed (if any) he didn't know. Hermès grabbed a nearby duffle bag, places the cases inside along with some books and clothing and a couple pairs of shoes.

”Hey Percival, I'm sure how well you'd fare in this adventure. But once we deal with the intruder and get everyone out to safety, I'm coming back to get you ok? Just hang tight for a moment.”

Château de La Lune

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Location: Château de La Lune: Foyer
Skills: N/A

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The water pressure was surprisingly great. Not that he'd expected less from someone who could afford a place this grand, but given its age he figured it may be one of the pieces in which the estate was lacking. Sam has spent the first bit of it just soaking in the warmth of the water, letting it fall over himself as his hands ran over bits that ached from travel. He was midway into scrubbing his scalp with shampoo when he heard the lock click shut. Pausing for a moment as he stared at the general direction of the sound before deciding it must've been whomever was residing in the room next door. Though he'd certainly ensure it was their lock that closed before checking his own. The last thing Sam needed was a paranormal encounter of the third kind while he was showering. Wishing he'd put on some music before having jumped in, Sam finished showering, stepping out of it as steam filled the area and fogged the mirrors.

He grabbed a towel and began drying his hair first as he walked over towards the others’ door. One hand on the towel as it scrunched his hair, the other reaching out to try the know and finding it locked. Sam let out a breath of tension he'd been holding after seeing it was just another person. That was fine. He'd made his way back towards the center of the bathroom, drying the rest of himself off before slinging the towel over his shoulder and walking into his room. It was then he came to realize he didn't have a change of clothes. His suitcase was being taken in by the employees of this estate, and nothing, save some papers on a desk, was in his room. He could hear chatter out in the hallway, wrapping the towel around his waist, he made his way out to see who it was.

It was there he spotted the two maids, bags in hand and around them as they stood in the hall. Sam approached them, looking over all the remaining ones as he flashed them a warm smile. ”Hey, uh, mind if I take my own luggage? Kinda forgot to snag some clothes before I showered.” He said awkwardly as one hand rubbed the nape of his neck in embarrassment of the situation.

One of the two maids, holding the board from down stairs looked between him and the board. Then pointed at a bag. “Go for it.”

The other maid looked Sam head to toe, the pinkishness in her face fading replaced with a smile. “Finally something I can work with.”

“Oh my god. Shut up.”

Sam blushed at the maids comment, clearing his throat sheepishly as he walked on over towards the bag they pointed at. Not that he needed help finding his own pack. ”Smart, using the boards to help. Though I feel it would've been easier had they just made you a miniature version to pocket.” He joked as he reached down for the bag. It was sudden, too quick to catch in the position he was in, but a breeze had hit him that he hadn't felt in moments prior. It was clear he was too hasty to tie his towel properly, and the sudden motion had it all come undone. Sam stood there, stark naked and frozen for a moment as his hand wrapped around the handle of his case. It took less than a minute, but far too long for anyone else for him to realize and react to the situation before his other hand went and covered up his own jewels. ”Oh my gosh, I am sooo sorry. I, uh, sorry could you hand that…to me?” Sam tried pointing with his nose, as had he removed his hand it would all be exposed once again.

Neither maid seemed disturbed by his sudden nakedness. The one holding the board grabbed Sam's bag with her free hand.

“Oh, do not apologize. I thought this job would be boring. Glad to see things are looking up.” The once blushing maid said. “Feel free to ask for my help at any point. Just ask for Juliane.”

The other maid rolled her eyes and Sam could hear her just barely as she said, “La putain.”

Sam spoke to himself in an attempt to recall the maids name. ”Juliane La Putain. Got it, though I hope my pronunciation isn't too horrible. Was more of a Spanish 1 kind of guy.” He said as he wrapped the towel around his waist once more while the maid had grabbed his bag for him.

Both maids froze for a moment. Then met each other's glances and busted up laughing.

“Oh no Monsieur. That is, uh a profession. Not my name. Please just ask for Juliane.”

The other maid meanwhile, still laughing, took Sam's bag into his room. “I'm telling Marianne.”

“Don't you dare!”

Sam's face went flush with rosey cheeks as the two maids corrected him. How was he supposed to know ‘La Putain’ meant maid? Though he supposed it made sense. In Spanish, La or El was like ‘the’ so maybe in French it worked the same. Juliane the maid. ”Right. Sorry.” He said as he chuckled at the misunderstanding, following behind the maid who held his bag. ”Thanks again with all your help. You two were great.” Sam said as he entered his room.

“Oh don't worry Monsieur you have nothing to apologize for.” The yet unnamed maid said.

“You too were great,” Juliane said with a wink. “At your service Monsieur.”

Sam smile and waved at them ”Oh uh, thanks.” was all he could manage to say before closing the door behind him and letting out a deep breath. ”Fuck. I hope that doesn't get back to the family heads. I don't need to be seen as some kind of creep…so stupid.” He whispered to himself as he let the towel fall once more now that he was in the privacy of his own room. He placed the bag atop the desk, beginning to rummage through for an outfit to wear until the papers caught his eye once more. There was a meal card, one that needed to be filled out and turned in by 4:30pm. Sam checked the time quickly, noting it was almost time for them to do so and so he quickly checked out the steak option. If he had any luck it'd be a filet mignon. He wrote beside it, medium rare, making sure the French Cuisine didn't overcook the meal.

Sam had originally wanted to wear a cute pink and white outfit to explore the area in, but dinner was in roughly half an hour and he wasn't sure about making two outfit changes in one day. What's more, the paper had mentioned to dress “Fancy.” What the fuck did that mean? He sure as hell didn't know, and he had half a mind to ask Juliane to help him pick out an outfit for the evening. Whatever it was, he knew a pink baseball button up and white jeans wasn't usually considered to be fancy. So he opted for an outfit he felt was more…appropriate. A black short sleeved button up with striped black pants and thin leather belt. Sam slipped a pair of sunglasses atop a button on the shirt, pairing it with a black wristwatch and polished black dress shoes.

He snagged the pile of papers from the desk, taking them and his toiletry bag to the bathroom sink where he began to brush his teeth. Toothbrush in one hand, the other sorting through what was left for him to read. A time-line of events, a brief history of the location and family, which Sam scoffed at as it seemed to be missing key details, the Wi-Fi login, and…a note? He read it carefully, only five words written down on this vast canvas of white. But five words that filled him with dread. His hands shook, the toothbrush long forgotten as he bit down on it and left it in his mouth while he flipped the note back and forth, hoping the words would change. Searching for anything more. Sam held it to the light in the bathroom, trying to see if anything else would show. Nothing. He ran to his room, pulling out a metallic box that was within his luggage and opened it to pull out a small blacklight. Flashing it over the paper to reveal some hidden secret. Nothing. Finally he'd moved back into the bathroom, lighting a match and holding it close to see if heat might show some deeper meaning. Still nothing.

Panicked at who might see, Sam let the flame hit the paper and burn it to its entirety. Letting the ashes fall to the bathroom floor before disposing of the dead match in the trashcan by the toilet. He paced the length of the bathroom from door to door until he finally decided he'd need to try and push past whatever this was. Maybe it was the house making sure he hadn't told anyone he was coming here. To keep the secret and surprise until the awards. That had to be it. What else could it be? Sam decided that was the reasoning for the note, making his way back to the sink and now brushing his teeth with a bit more manic than before, as if trying to make himself forget the contents of the ashes laid on the floor.

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

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Demetri Rowan Howell

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Location:
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”Oh it'll keep us warm alright. Body heat and all, ya know? It's basically science.” Demi joked as they began to walk away from the other campers and towards their destination. That is, until Kristin called out to them to grab tents for everyone. As Zeke agreed, Demi couldn't help but roll his eyes. ”Not a pack mule!” He muttered loudly to no one in general. There were so many campers going, how were they meant to grab tents for them all? And he certainly wasn't going to change into a pack mule just to make it easier. He figured he could shift into a dragon but that takes more energy than he cared to use for a simple task. His mind rattling around with various ideas on how best to do this when Zeke's voice cut through the haze of it all.

Was he nervous? Demi hadn't exactly thought about it. He squeezed Zeke's hand gently to try and comfort him. To let him know he was here for him. ”I wasn't really nervous until you said that. What the hell Kel? If something happens I'll make sure you all make it out safely. There will be no heroic deaths today. If something happens…if you're stuck on the otherside…gods I don't even want to think about that possibility. But should it happen I will tear this world and the next apart just to bring you back to me. You got that? Tartarus won't know what hit em.” Demi's eyes became steely as he looked into Zeke's. A firm look for recognition of what he'd just said. He'd swear on Niah if he had to. He'd make that vow.

Château de La Lune

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Location: Château de La Lune: Foyer
Skills: N/A

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A shudder escaped Sam's lips as he sat, his back pressed against the cold porcelain of his tub. His knees pulled up to his chest, another shaky breath trying to escape as he attempted to calm himself down. A long, slow breath in as he held it for a moment before letting it out with just as much time. He had been like this for a while now, finally deciding to stand up as he used the rim of the tub to prop himself up. His legs on pins and needles from how little he'd moved during that time. Sam made his way over to the sink, hands gripping each side of it as he looked at the mirror; only to see a red face staring back at him as translucent streams marked where tears had previously fallen. He turned on the cold tap, cupping his hands beneath it before splashing his face in an attempt to hide from the truth. From his emotional state.

Grabbing the hand towel, Sam finally made his way out of the restroom, legs shaky as he patted his face dry and now stood before the edge of his bed where a pile of letters were. Junk, junk, bill, and finally an odd one he was almost dismissive of at first. The envelope was thick, elegant, a bit too nice to be a scam or another pre-approval card. The return address was what truly caught his attention though. He'd heard stories about the estate, rumors amongst various things but overall that the building itself was haunted. But why would they be reaching out to him? Sam thought as his thumb slid underneath the fold of the envelope and pried it open. Inside was a letter, tickets, and a Visa card. The letter alone looked expensive, but as Sam skimmed the wording he realized this was exactly what he needed at this time.

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The entire trip felt surreal. A flight on a private plane that he could never consider to afford, waited on as needed for the flight. Though with it being roughly fourteen hours of air time, Sam took to sleeping a portion of the way. As extravagant as the ride was, he wasn't the biggest fan of flying so he slept for long periods waking up enough to eat or use the facilities before passing out once more. Upon landing he was met with a Limo, this time with others present as well. There was room enough for them all sure, but Sam found himself a bit distracted as they drove on by. Focusing more on the scenery outside than what was being said within, unless of course he was addressed directly in which he would reply in kind before looking back out the window. Before long they were on a yacht, French ocean breeze blowing through Sam's hair as he put on a pair of sunglasses and leaned off against the side of the boat.

The closer they got to their destination, the more Sam began to wonder why he had come at all. He knew what his reasoning was but…from all he'd heard about this family perhaps now wasn't the best time to be joining in awards. Though had he turned it down he likely wouldn't get the chance to do so again. His chest tightened as several thoughts raced through his head before he tried to shake them all out. Moving back towards the drink station to try and put his mind around ease. Before long they had docked and gotten towards the estate. It was as breathtaking as it was anxiety inducing. Surrounded by several beautiful people as well as some names he'd heard of or seen from times past.

As soon as introductions were given to everyone, it appeared it was a mad dash to the two A frames that held everyone's rooming assignments. It reminded him of when a new play would post the cast list, everyone running to see who got the lead in the play. It never mattered to him, he was simply lighting. Which of course meant everything was his fault at times. Sam took stock of everyone's names, trying his best to put faces to each as he looked at their professions too. He doubted he'd actually recall any of it, so he eventually gave up and went to his own square in which he appeared to be in the Tradewind room. A woman stopped just short of him, some form of a performer if he recalled, but beyond that he knew nothing more. He made his way past her into his room, a cute seaside themed area, balcony access, and a portrait of a boat in a storm. Was this meant to mean something? Sam tried not to dwell on it. Instead deciding to go forth and investigate the room further, opening it into a bathroom with a door at the other end. A closet? After trying the handle he noticed it was unlocked. Opening it to reveal a pinkish room within the frame, Sam wondered if perhaps he should close the door. He was used to leaving bathroom doors open but he'd never seen a bathroom like this, but…he did wish to “remove the travel dust”.

Sam scoffed at himself as closed the door and tossed his clothes. Shirt thrown over the sink counter as his pants and boxers were kicked off in a general direction on the floor just away from the shower itself. Running the hot water just before jumping into the shower himself. ”Building this old and dated…it must be haunted. Especially if anything I've heard is to be believed.”

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

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Location: Sorcerer’s Hotel
Skills: Fangirling Hard

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Harry looked down the top of his sunglasses as Billy asked if he was actually supposed to be here. He was the son of the Scarlet Witch after all. Maybe it was just their luck that a person with that kind of power may have messed with Terry's ability to leave a coherent note. ”Here as in the New Orleans French Quarter? Yes. But this…hotel? No. Somehow we got mixed up and ended up here instead of where we were meant to. My friend's kid is in the Contest of Champions, so we're here to support them in the stands.” Harry spoke between poses for the photos.

”And I’m here because I’m a good wife.” Eva winked. She looked back at Gideon. ”I hope you make that ex of yours drooling jealous.”

Eva heard someone curse and looked over. She noticed the puffy eyed girl standing near Vision. Eva paused. She hadn’t really paid that much attention to what was going on with the teens when they first came in. But she realized that Harry had asked the kid, Billy, if he was the Scarlet Witches kid, and there was Vision.

”You’re all in the Contest too?” She was honestly a little surprised. Eva was scatterbrained and had picked up on that they were here for some contest between a bunch of mutant schools. She couldn’t imagine that happening when she was a kid. It was heartwarming.

Billy gasped at Harry’s revelation, putting a hand behind him in shock, landing on Teddy’s chest. He’d done it again, then. He’d conjured up a meet-and-greet with two of his favorite pop stars. The stress of dealing with demiurge must have been getting to him, he hadn’t had a lapse in control like this since the Luna Snow ice skating incident last fall. “... I’m so sorry!!” he bowed his head slightly, pressing the palms of his hands together nervously. “That was probably me, I can’t always control my powers, a-and there’s been so much going on with the end of the world or the universe and these gods of magics and the Mother a-and - I think I might have maybe accidentally warped reality to bring you here? Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?”

“Billy…” Teddy said softly, putting an arm around his boyfriend’s waist. “We don’t know that you did this, okay? And no one was hurt, even if you did, alright?”

Gideon nodded. “Oh, I will,” she promised. “And yeah, I guess we are - we’re the Avengers Academy teams, unless they switched up the line-up again, they keep doing that and tbh I have nooo idea who is on my team anymore. I’m shocked I’m still here.”

Davie raised an eyebrow. “Oh, are you on Dorian and Danni’s team then?” he asked, a bit excited. “We’re his uncles - and aunts - and some of us are both, to be honest. Uncle-aunts. Aaanyways should we be finding our way to our hotel? Seems like these kiddos have to head on out.”

Val frowned slightly. It made her somewhat anxious, the idea that a reality warping child had caused them to be displaced here. She didn’t have memories of Wanda’s reality - none of the four of them here did - but she had heard about it from the others with the Mutant Underground, how the Scarlet Witch had altered people’s memories, forcing them into a new context without their consent. The notion that Billy had done the same, on a far smaller scale admittedly, was unsettling. She couldn’t plan for that - she couldn’t rationalize out contingencies and options. She couldn’t protect Eva and Harry and Davie.

The Vision cleared his throat, approaching the celebrities. “Excuse me. Billy, Teddy, Gideon - we must depart, I am afraid, or we will be late for your examination.”

Harry scruffed the top of Billy's head as he bent over to apologize. ”Seriously kid, it's ok. We were meant to be here anyways, especially if you believe in Fate with a capital F. Then it's unavoidable. Though, is your mom going to be here?” He asked. He'd heard what Billy was rambling about and it seemed like something the other mages…wizards? The magically inclined, should get involved with. With Max, Strange, Agatha, and potentially Wanda here now it may be best to warn them if they weren't already aware. That was when Vision came up, Harry didn't know him as well, more so from the others than any real personal interactions. ”Listen to Viz, that's what you can do for me as a favour.”

”That sounds like a lot, Billy.” Eva sympathized. She smiled at Gideon and patted the young girl on the shoulder. ”You’ll do great I’m sure. If you’re fighting with that sword it’ll be spectacular. I know I’m supposed to be cheering on Danni and Dorian, but I’ll cheer for you too.” Especially if you are on the same team, she thought. Her eyes darted over the other students that had come into the lobby. A few of them looked distressed. She wondered why, what was causing them to be so upset. They should be excited. Eva understood intellectually that people had stage fright. She also just didn’t understand it.

If Billy hadn’t already been embarrassed, having Harry freaking Simmons ruffle his head like he was a little kid was more than enough to do it. Harry Simmons was one of his celebrity crushes - sure, he was twice Billy’s age, but… A boy could dream, right? “Oh! Um. I’m not sure? She’s dealing with something - something about all realities being cut off from each other,” he said with a shrug, as if explaining that Wanda was just out doing errands.

He then glanced at his father, and nodded. “Sure, I’ll listen to my dad…” That was harder than it seemed lately.

Valerie, meanwhile, was becoming increasingly concerned. Everything Billy was talking about sounded insane - but she had been enchanted by a goddess and forced to kill her friends, the more insane a thing sounded, the more plausible it became. Should they really be attending a sports event while things of that magnitude were happening? It had been years since she’d done superheroics, and out of habit, her hand slipped into her pocket, grabbing her phone, and she started to scroll through the contacts, looking for a choice few in particular. Maybe Pixie would be available for a quick chat…

“Awesome!” Gideon preened. “Hey, do you wanna be our coach? Ours fucking died.”

Yet another magical issue to account for that sounded of insane magnitudes. Harry had to wonder if Fate truly did bring him here for the sole purpose of learning of these threats to better help the others prepare. ”Shame, I'll have to catch her next time I can. But we should probably get going. Need to check in to our hotel still and you kids need to have an examination it seems-” Harry's thought cut off as one of the kids mentioned their coach died. He looked towards Vision for any guidance on the matter.

Eva managed to keep her jaw from dropping. Not just reality having problems, but also their coach dying.

”Sorry, I wouldn’t know where to begin as a coach. Unless it was a dance battle or something.” The sword in Eva’s show was fake. She had a fight choreographer hired specifically to help her design that show. As for real battle, she’d be useless.

The synthezoid visibly grimaced. “Ms. Pearlman, we do not speak about the dead like that,” the Vision chided lightly. “I am sure, Ms, uh… Ms. Moore has more than enough on her plate. And we really must leave for Strange Academy, or you all risk disqualification.” His eyes then glanced backwards, seeing his niece fix her gaze on the pop stars - and a quick analysis of her body language told him what was about to happen before it occurred.

”H-hi, I’m - I’m April, can I - can I take a selfie with you? Or just a photo of you? To show my friends? They both love your music - I mean, I love your music too, and, like, your MTV show look? That was, like, my gay awakening,” April gushed, her face a quickly deepening shade of pink, her hands trembling, both from the medication and from the sheer emotional whiplash. Nemo was dead, her friends were having fun without her, but Evanthe fucking Moore was here! And Harry Simmons! ”A-and oh my god, you’re - you’re Harry Simmons! You weren’t my gay awakening because I’m a lesbian but you’re so cool! Your music is killer! And like the collabs you two have done together? They’re so incredibly amazing a-and you’re both amazing a-and so cool and - is it okay to take a selfie?” She hadn’t caught the other man mentioning Danni and Dorian already, she’d been too wrapped up in a gay panic at seeing Evanthe to really fully process what was happening, and her brain was already a bit like soup on a good day lately.

Davie’s eyebrows were practically about to fall off his face, as he telepathically whispered to his little group: These kids are messsssy.

“I’ll be your gay awakening,” Gideon muttered under her breath, even though April couldn’t hear her over her own word vomit - and even though April wasn’t the one she was crushing on. But hey, any port in a storm.

Eva was thankful for the save from Vision but another of the teens came over and was gushing. Eva couldn’t help but smile. She gently put her hand on the girl’s shoulder.

”Of course I’ll take a selfie with you. I love a good ‘gay awakening’ story.” She winked. Eva wrapped her arm around April’s shoulder, and let her take out her phone for the photo. ”You best be going quickly though.” Once April took the photos Eva pulled her into a hug. She couldn’t have told you why if you asked her, but a part of her felt like April really needed a good hug.

Once Eva let go of April, Harry came in with his arm around her shoulder, Mindful of where his hands were placed so that no bad spin could be created for a PR nightmare. Snapping a few selfies with the girl before letting go once more. ”Listen to the Popstars, you need to get going or you'll miss the contest. As for your Coach…I'm sorry to hear about that but i dont think I'm qualified to coach kids at this contest. Im sure theres some paperwork involved that I certainly don't have.”

The Dead Don't Die.

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Location:
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Hermes tried hard not to become frustrated with his cousin. Catching the bit of attitude that coated her movements as she signed to him. He knew it was stupid, pointless to ask given that nobody knew what was going on because the government was keeping so much from them. But that didn't help stop him from asking, the panic of the unknown. His uncle suggested a military encampment as an option, but Hermes didn't trust that one bit. The government was already hiding from them, lying to them, who was to say they wouldn't just round everyone up and quarantine them by firing squad. His stomach churned like tumultuous waves as he pressed his legs to his chest trying to calm himself.

”Can we do the rural areas? I don't trust going to those encampments.” Hermes voted as they finally turned into his place. The front door cracked as others left their places around them. He called out to one of his neighbors as they made their way out. ”Did anyone catch my mom and Nonna? See why their doors open?” Hermes asked, signing with one hand to keep his family in the loop of the conversation taking place as he stood before the open doorway. The kitten left behind in the car, now placed within its carrier so that he'd have both hands free to pack and go.

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Dorian Gray

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Location: Kingston-Gray Estate
Skills: Work Out Fit

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Dorian had led Percy through an antique green living room, soft couches that appeared to be as old as the French Quarter itself while still being in impeccable shape. Brass and antique knick knacks were strewn across the room interspersed with framed photos of the family on various vacations or holidays. They made their way over plush rugs that you could sink your hands into before finally entering the new hallway that had appeared for the guests. It seemed to stretch on for a while, a rug running the length of it as golden ceiling lamps with uranium green glass lit the way. Doors lined the walls on either side, but the key had stopped them short near the entrance of the hall. When the door opened it revealed Dorian's dorm room, and it seemed Percy was just as confused as Dorian was.

”Non? ‘Old on maybe it's bugged some’ow.” Dorian replied as he closed the door, took the key from Percy's hand and began to bang it against his palm like an etch n sketch. He tried the door again and still it showed his half of the dorm room. Percy began to make his way in and Dorian followed behind. ”Weird. T'e magic usually makes a room you feel comfortable in to ‘elp you be able to relax and sleep better. Not sure why it isn't workin’ today…maybe all t'e people at once are over loadin’ it?”

Percy studied the room again for a moment, before returning his attention to Dorian once more. If it was supposed to make a room he would feel comfortable in… They hadn’t often used Dorian’s room, as Percy’s came with the privacy of having no roommates, but he had spent a good amount of time using his boyfriend’s bed. ”I see,” he murmured. ”I think it is working, then,” he said somewhat cryptically. He felt more relaxed whenever Dorian was around. There was a tension in his body that just seemed to vanish, one he hadn’t even been aware of until it was gone. Of course, if the magic really wanted him to sleep better, it would have just allowed him to spend the night with him. He’d become rather accustomed to sleeping curled up against Dorian.

Dorian raised an eyebrow at his boyfriend. Moving closer to him as a smile crept upon his lips. ”Is it now?” He spied the closed door and looked back at Percy, giving him a soft kiss. ”Are you sayin you feel relaxed in my room Perce?” He asked before giving him another kiss and wrapping his arms around his waist.

He nodded slightly, stepping in to close the gap between them. ”I thought you would have noticed that by now,” Percy mused, with an ever so slight flash of a smirk. When Dorian first met him, Percy had laid down in bed essentially as a corpse would, his body rigid and stiff. Things had changed since then. He placed his hands on Dorian’s shoulders, returning the gentle kiss, and once it had ended, he stared into his boyfriend’s eyes, mesmerized for a moment by the color. They had been and still were the most gorgeous eyes he’d ever seen.

”Maybe I just wanted to ‘ear you- ah!” Dorian yelped as the floor beneath him vanished, a small portal in its place. Seeing through it would show the examination wait area, not that Percy would have the chance to as a similar portal opened up beneath him as well. Max was in the kitchen, coffee in one hand as the other twirled about, mirror images of his arm mimicking the motion as each and every child in the Estate would be Portaled over to the wait area. ”Times up!” Max called before taking another sip of his coffee.

Percy’s eyes widened, as Dorian suddenly vanished in front of him with a scream, and the ground beneath his own feet gave way - with an ease that never came to him when he was focusing on making a jump, the air around Percy shimmered and he reappeared in the hallway outside of Dorian’s - outside of his? - outside of the room. ”Dorian?!” But before he could even really comprehend the situation, the floor seemingly vanished again, as he fell straight on through, and landed with a thud in what looked like a hospital waiting room decorated for Halloween.

”Slippery little bastard. Doesn't he know everything has a cost?” Max grumbled as he began to make his way back to his room to change for the event.

Meanwhile Dorian watched as one by one the students plopped into their own seats in the area, smiling when Percy finally joined in. ”What took you so long?”

His shoulders slumped as he saw Dorian was there - wherever there was… He couldn’t help but feel disoriented as he looked around the room, seeing more of the students from the Kingston-Gray house fall into seats. There were kids from other schools there too, but no one else that he recognized from the Margaret Carter Institute. This must have been Strange Academy, then. ”I… I jumped. Does your dad normally do that? I assume that was your dad?”

”T'e portals? Yeah. It's t'e easiest way to transport and ‘ow we get to all of our vacation spots. And well…we were cuttin’ it a bit close to time.” Dorian said a bit shyly as if Percy was judging him for his families antics.

Percy nodded again, missing the bit of hesitation in Dorian’s voice. One glance down at his watch told him that Dorian was right - they had less than twenty minutes until they were due to be here. It did concern him that he didn’t see any of the others, but… Perhaps they were still dealing with Nemo’s death. And presumably, they would have to walk here from their hotel. If nothing else, he was somewhat glad actually that the others weren’t here - as it meant another moment free from his sister’s company. ”Well, it’s too bad they interrupted us,” he said with a slight sigh. He then glanced around the room again, before gently reaching out and taking Dorian’s hand.

Dorian squeezed Percy's hand in his… smiling. ”We'll ‘ave plenty of time for ourselves later at least. For now we should focus on t'e contest. I wanna make sure our debut is somet'in’ to be remembered…but in a good way!”

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

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Demetri Rowan Howell

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Location:
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Demi looked over Nancy's shoulder towards his little sister as she asked him if she could grab anything for him. ”Uh yeah, the big black dufflebag next to my trunk. It's been packed in case we needed to set out for the doors since…well since my last mission. Got everything I need in there, save for the Cornucopia, that's in the Trunk itself.” He shot back before Nancy finally pulled away from him and narrowed her eyes. He wondered if he'd done something wrong at first, then he realized what it was she was asking him. Demi smiled, laughing a bit though he tried to hold it back.

”Demi-gods have to look out for one another. We're all we have. Roman, Greek, none of that matters. Just our bonds we forge. Even should one of us stumble and loses our way, it doesn't mean they're lost forever; sometimes we just need a little help to find our way back. So…why wouldn't I be nice to you? Or anyone for that matter.” Demi said before Zeke popped up with a snide remark. ”Oi what do you mean shockingly you glorified lightbulb.” He retorted before shoving gently into Zeke's arm. ”I can help with infirmary supplies, lord knows I've spent enough time in there. Besides,” Demi leaned in closely to Zeke's ear and whispered so only Zeke could hear. ”I can pitch a tent for us anytime you ask baby.”

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

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Demetri Rowan Howell

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Location:
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Demi smiled as Alexios told him he'd keep his distance. ”Thanks. That's all I ask is that you keep a safe distance away.” He replied before looking towards Andy and chuckling a little. ”I sure hope the ship fits. I mean if it can get all those giants and monsters out I'm sure we can squeeze a ship through. Might be a bit like threading a needle but I'm sure we can get a great pilot right?” Demis arm hung around Nancy, not wanting to break off the hug or contact until she felt it right.

His eyes looked towards Zeke as he asked about supplies. Honestly what was there to bring? Only two other campers had entered Tartarus before and even then it wasn't like they had a plug description of what they'd face down there. Every unknown challenge meant adding more supplies, but more supplies meant slowing down on foot from the weight. ”I can pack up a few items real quick. Should bring the Cornucopia along so that they can get some decent food for the trip. Down Tartarus has had much in the way of meals.”