16528/Rocky Aftermath

Rocky Aftermath
Date of Scene:	11 September 2024
Location:	Swimming Pool - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Wanda wards the estate and Alex tinks on rocks. Then they talk about vacations and surprises of Doom.
Cast of Characters:	Havok, Scarlet Witch

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Havok has posed:
Recently the mansion came under attack once again by some demon or evil influenced being or beings. Instead of it being rando nightmare demons, it was rock demons. Alex was relaxing in the jacuzzi at the time when they fell from sky based dimensional portals and crashed down in the lawn. Lorna, Spawn, Nick, Emma, and Alex were there to face off against the threat. It was Lorna's return since flying off after the last fight. She was reported as being 'out of it' again. But that's not something Alex is focused on.

Now that it's daylight, and the world can be seen a little better. There are a few impact points in the ground. Random rocks scattered here and there. Damage to the house (which is under repair) and damage to the patio/jacuzzi/pool decking.

Alex is found standing on the patio looking up and around at the damage. He bends over and picks up a strange looking green rock with red stripes. He has a rock hammer, taps it, and chips off a piece. His brow furrows.

For those who can sense magic, the rock has some infernal energy left in it.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
    Wanda stood a short distance from the pool area, her hands raised as crimson energy swirled around her, forming intricate patterns in the air. Her voice was steady, a soft chant escaping her lips as she wove the magic together. The air shimmered with power as her incantation solidified, creating a protective barrier around the X-Mansion.

    "By the ancient seals, I bind this place, No evil shall enter, no demon's trace. With chaos as my shield, and will as my sword, Guard this mansion in accord."

    As the final words of the incantation left her lips, the crimson energy pulsed and faded, settling into the earth like invisible tendrils that wrapped around the mansion's perimeter. The wards were in place, their strength a testament to Wanda's mastery over the mystical arts.

    Breathing out slowly, she lowered her hands and took a moment to steady herself. The exertion of casting the spell had left her feeling drained, but the satisfaction of knowing the mansion was now protected gave her a sense of calm. She walked toward the pool area, seeking a brief moment of relaxation after the intense casting.

    As she approached, her eyes caught sight of Alex nearby, hunched over and focused on a stone. Wanda tilted her head, observing him curiously for a moment before speaking up.

    "I doubt using a hammer that isn't magically infused will work," she commented, her tone light but teasing, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched him continue his efforts.

Havok has posed:
Alex drops the rock as he looks up to the approaching Wanda and her accented voice. He stands, slips the hammer in the loop on his jeans, and brushes his hands of any icky demon rock dust. He replies as his eyes take her in, "Maybe I need that hammer that Thor uses. Hell, if I had that thing, we could have made short work of these demon attacks." He takes a few steps to close the gap between them. As he does, he sees the hint of fatigue or stress in her eyes. He'll ask, "You okay?"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda gave Alex a small smile, her gaze flickering to the hammer looped on his jeans. "I'm sure Thor would be more than happy to lend you his hammer," she teased lightly, her tone warm. "Though, there's always the little matter of being worthy to wield it." Her eyes sparkled with amusement, but the fatigue in her expression was still present, though subtly masked.

    When Alex asked if she was okay, Wanda waved off his concern, her voice calm but reassuring. "I'm fine," she replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "The mansion is pretty vast, and putting up protective wards over an area this large always takes a bit out of me. Nothing to worry about." She took a deep breath, letting the tension ease from her body.

    With a soft sigh, she looked back at Alex. "I'm sorry I wasn't here during the attack. Things escalated so quickly." There was a hint of regret in her voice, but she met his eyes, offering a genuine apology. "But I'm here now, and I'll make sure this place is properly protected."

Havok has posed:
Alex replies in an understanding tone. "We can't be at every battle. Timing is everything. So nothing to be sorry for. You're here now. And that's what matters." He then looks back at the mansion and comments, "Sometimes I think it's too big. Like, too much and way too involved. It's obviously a huge target for anyone who wants to take a shot at us. I'd much rather prefer a smaller footprint, more secluded, shielded.. maybe a cabin in the mountains. Something on a deserted island. Letting the sound of the waves put me to sleep." He then looks back at her and says, "What about you?"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
    Wanda chuckled softly at Alex's words, a playful glint in her eyes. "If you think the mansion is big, you should try walking through all of Stark Tower. Tony's grandiose social spaces make this place seem quaint in comparison." She raised her hand, making intricate gestures in the air, as a soft, scarlet glow began to surround the hammer looped on Alex's jeans.

    "You should be able to break the rocks with this now," she said, the glow intensifying for a moment before settling into the hammer. "It'll last for a little while, but after the magic wears off... well, let's just say the hammer probably won't survive."

    She sighed softly, her expression softening as she continued, "I'd rather be back in Santorini, honestly. I just returned from there recently, and it was... incredible. The peace, the beauty, the quiet---it's a far cry from all of this." Her voice carried a longing tone, as though the memory of the island's tranquility still lingered fresh in her mind.

Havok has posed:
He has heard about Stark Tower, but never been.

Alex looks down at his geology hammer and was about to say something but her reflection to a far off place triggers a memory in his mind and his eyes glint as he too recalls that place. He too seems to reflect back when he responds, "That's where the 6 and I hid out with Scotty. Elektra was either from there or knew people there. So she had us a place to stay and ... well, be safe."

He's talking about another reality where he spent a few years of his life - he ran a hero team called 'The 6', had a son (Scotty), an evil ex wife (Maddie) that was hunting them, and a lover named Elektra (as in Daredevil's Elektra in this reality). When he returned to this reality, he was actually biologically older than Scott. Alex reflects a moment to that island and then notes, "I wish we could be there right now. Laying on the beach or having gyros at Popadopolis' place. The food was so good. And you're right, it was an amazing place, beautiful, peaceful..."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
    Wanda smiled softly as Alex reflected on his memories of Santorini. After a brief pause, she responded, "I actually took an impromptu getaway to Santorini recently, just on a whim. I needed the escape. Funny enough, it almost started off terribly---someone had booked the entire resort where I'd reserved a room." She gave a small laugh, recalling the situation. "That someone happened to be Victor Von Doom."

    She glanced at Alex, gauging his reaction. "But surprisingly, he was... accommodating. He permitted me to stay, and, in fact, he was rather pleasant to be around. I didn't expect it, but he went out of his way to make sure I had a good time. I'd go back again, to be honest." There was a hint of amusement in her tone, but also a genuine appreciation for the unexpected turn her vacation had taken.

Havok has posed:
The reaction is clear, the look of concern and abject horror. "No way!", he exclaims in an excited and concerned tone. "That's a dangerous neighbor. Wow." and he follows up with commentary on her observations, "Maybe he realized just how amazing you are and even more dangerous - especially if he threatened you." Alex grins as he notes the threat level that Wanda can represent and considers that she could probably kick Doom's ass. Then he adds, "Still, I'm glad it turned out well. I know the Fantastic Four doesn't like him at all. And from what I understand, for very good reasons."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
    Wanda nods with a slight smile, acknowledging Alex's disbelief. "I know, it sounds crazy, but that's exactly what happened." She lets out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with the memory. "Of the three days I spent there, Victor made it a point to seek me out, and it was quite obvious his intentions were... well, to woo me." Wanda shrugs lightly, as if it's just another quirk of her life. "He's oddly a gentleman, once you get past his habit of telling, not asking. But, he treated me with the utmost respect, and I even caught glimpses of vulnerability. That's not something you should repeat though," she warns, her tone playful but serious. "I'm certain Victor would obliterate you if that ever got out."

    She leans back, folding her arms loosely, her expression thoughtful. "Victor is a dictator, no question about it. But he's not a tyrant. He genuinely loves his people, and would do anything to keep them healthy and happy. That's one of the reasons I didn't mind entertaining his company. There's more to him than most people realize." Wanda pauses for a moment, her gaze distant before returning to Alex. "It was... interesting, to say the least."

Havok has posed:
Alex listens and accepts her assessment. He nods along as she spells out her experiences and the encounters right along with her consideration of Doom and his mechanizations. "I'll bet.", responds Alex as he admits it would be an experience. Then he adds, "Don't worry. I won't tell this to anyone. There's just really no way anyone would believe it anyway." And he smirks then glances back at the house and suggests, "How about we get some food in you? You look hungry." A random observation - probably circling back to the hints of fatigue.