21v: Any landing you can walk away from...

[magnetic_magpie]

[Backdated to roughly noon on November 26^th.]

[The NV clicks on, static for the most part, warped by a strong magnetic field. It's all static and random colors, but some might be able to make out the baseball field and a head of white hair. It flicks on and off several times then cuts.]

[Five minutes later, it's on again, showing the wall against the field, dark cloth is visible, something rolling off it - clearing smoke. There's several slow, somewhat pained breaths before it clicks off again.

[Ten minutes pass, the NV from an odd angle, showing most of a torso - it was meant to be locked but he can't quite manage it at the moment, unknowing to him. There's clearly burn marks in that very fine suit, medals hanging off it. More pressingly, at least for Magneto, his left arm is hanging wrong at the shoulder - too low and at a wrong angle. It's at least partly dislocated. There's a blue glow, as he has the directory pulled up.]

Deadpool. Wade Wilson. I require your assistance.

[Cut.]

Comments

[magnetic_magpie]

Not many feel that way, you know.

[He sips at the water, but really what he needs are calories.]

You know the fence around the arrival field? I made it that far but.

[His shoulder is rapidly bruising deeply.]

[antinouswild]

[Enjolras' expression is thoughtful for a moment.]

I remember the field. I was sick... disorientated. Was there a fence?

I'm afraid I must ask for your forgiveness. I have not been... [He hesitates, as if choosing his words carefully.] ...at liberty to familiarize myself with the grounds as much as I should.

[He doesn't understand 'making it out' either. But, he knows better than to question an injured man.]

But you are pale, and your bruise is dark. Do you think you could eat? You need your strength, Monsieur.

[magnetic_magpie]

Yes. There's a wooden fence on one side, away from the towers.

You needn't apologize, it's all right.

[Magneto sighs, then hisses out a breath.]

Do you know what day it is?

[antinouswild]

It's Tuesday... no... Wednesday... I'm sorry. The days have run together lately.

[At the hiss, Enjolras reaches out and touches Magneto's hand with his own long, thin one. He seems to not be thinking about hiding his bruises at the moment.]

You were trying to escape someone, no?

[Deadpool, obviously. Makes sense to him.]

[magnetic_magpie]

[You mean Monday?]

Just a few days then. There's, there's still food in the fridge then, if it's still November.

[Magneto smiles weakly at the concern.]

If the scars don't tell it out, I've had far worse. I'll be fine really.

But yes, I was trying to get away from the Voids on the field.

[antinouswild]

[Poor thing doesn't know what he means]

If you need food, we've got some. I could warm something for you.

Yes, I see. We've all had demons to face. Voids? I remember hearing something about them when I arrived. It didn't make a lot of sense.

[magnetic_magpie]

I know there is food - I'm the one who cooked it.

[Most of it anyway. He's just not sure he could hold it down right now.]

Voids yes. They depower people, since almost everyone here gains powers or comes here with them. And they have a price on my head, so Deadpool came to pull me out of danger.

[antinouswild]

[The blood drains from Enjolras' face for a moment. He straightens his shoulders and his back stiffens as he realizes he's completely misread this situation. He assumed this man had been some kind of victim of Deadpool. When he learns that they are allies, his demeanor changes.]

This is your home, Monsieur?

[He asks cautiously, guarded now.

He knows that Deadpool has never actually hurt him. But, he has threatened him. Enjolras is aware that if he tried to leave, Deadpool would not stop him. Deadpool also explained in detail what could happen to him if AGI got a hold of him again. That, combined with the fact that he knows that Deadpool is also no ally of AGI has compelled him to stay.

Still, being arrested and sold at a slave auction, and knowing that in the eyes of the law he belongs to Deadpool is still knowledge that burns him, and he cannot forgive or forget easily. At least, not while he's here.

But he takes a long breath, continuing.]

I was told that. Honestly, I thought the person who greeted me when I arrived was mad. None of it was sense. I was told that I would likely have a power that I never knew I had... When I was arrested they said something about my voice, but I don't know...

[magnetic_magpie]

It's my house. I built it when my grandchildren where here, so they had a place to live. I suppose you could say it was my granddaughter's house really but she's no longer on the island.

[That was the easiest way to explain it.]

Deadpool rents an apartment from me, and technically manages the building's security.

[So he'd make sure Deadpool didn't mistreat Enjolras.]

I could look it up. If you have an active power, it's something you need to know about. It's dangerous otherwise.

[antinouswild]

It is a grand house, that's certain. Your grandchildren must be very fortunate. I'm sorry that they're no longer here, how troubling for you.

[But, he speaks blandly, like it's a formality. His eyes are thoughtful, and his attention clearly on something else.]

The building's security? Deadpool said that this house was not friendly to AGI. Is that true? If it is true that I have a power I suppose it wouldn't harm anything to look it up. Honestly, I would have said that you were a lunatic for even offering, but I've seen a good many mad things since I've been here.

[magnetic_magpie]

Not friendly to either company in fact. There are uses to each, and I'll exploit their weaknesses to the benefit of my household and others.

[He pushed himself up a little.]

It's more likely to do harm for ignoring it.

[antinouswild]

I understand your reasoning, citizen. It is sound. Strategy is important.

Very well. Look out up then. How would you do that... here, mind yourself you don't want another injury.

[magnetic_magpie]

This isn't the first island like this I've dealt with.

[There's an odd stress to how he says 'dealt with'. Something that doesn't quite match the rest of his tone. Darker, more proud, but also a little tired.]

If AGI mentioned it, then they have records. It's a simple as getting it.

[He catches himself, though it by his powers, leaving him leaning in a way that should make him fall over.]

You mind lending me your shoulder?

[antinouswild]

[Enjolras nods and is by Magneto's side in an instant. He offers his elbow and shoulder. A wounded man seems distressingly familiar to him.]

AGI is full of lunatics and violent criminals. I'm sure they have a file on me, but I doubt it contains any truth. Do you think they'd be a reliable source?

{They're almost equal in height, and Enjolras meets his eye as he is on his feet.]

Can you walk? You cannot afford a fall right now.

[magnetic_magpie]

Magneto leaned on Enjolras' shoulder, though his powers were holding most of his weight. "Not everyone in AGI are - I've known several taken by them who fought their way out, both literally and legally. I've known several others who worked for AGI and exploited them to reform the system and protect those who had no others who had no protection. I can't find any redeeming feature in the company's practise of slavery - I abhor it. And those in charge are horrid individuals, but not everyone attached to them are."

He sighed. "I'm able to walk, just very dizzy. It's a function of the device which brought us here. Really, it's just Pull-sickness and a dislocated shoulder."

[antinouswild]

[Enjolras listens quietly.]

It doesn't matter. To aid them in any way, or to even tolerate passively is to condone it. These things only happen when good people stand by.

[But, Enjolras doesn't realize that this man knows his situation. He remains stoic when he hears him mention the practice of slavery, but he does break eye contact and look down.]

[magnetic_magpie]

[Magneto just shakes his head softly and leads Enjolras to the kitchen.]

I used to believe that as well. Until I made friends with a man no longer here, Claire Leonelli. He and I had many conversations on the matter.

[antinouswild]

Mind you do not become complacent. Nothing ever changes when people simply accept injustice as part of life. It does not need to be.

[His tone is serious, but not harsh. He allows himself to be led, but then suddenly drops magneto's hand. His white brow knits.]

How do you know to look at agi?

[magnetic_magpie]

Complacent I never am.

[Careful. That's almost almost enough to make him sway.]

Your wrists. That you are here - I was too ill to look into it and then not here, but I was aware Loki had brought someone in AGI had taken. He's not here, and Deadpool would be who he'd leave things too.

[antinouswild]

[Enjolras flushes as he adjusts his cuffs to hide damaged wrists. He feels as though he just realized he was naked. His look is reproachful, but since the man is injured and mentions recent illness, he holds his tongue.]


I will take your word on that then, monsieur.

[But have a note of skepticism in the tone. Sounds complacent to him, but for now he will give the benefit of the doubt.
He returns to magnetos side, offering his arm again.]

[magnetic_magpie]

We all have our marks. I have my own.

[It's quiet, with empathy. He really does understand.]

You don't have to. When I'm more vertical, I can prove it.

[Given how much money he cost AGI, among other things.]

[antinouswild]

Mine are from being held in chains. Seeing that I'm not being poetic when I say that for once, I'm not pleased with the reminder.

I thank you for your sympathy. You may show me if you desire. But I will not ask you to.

[magnetic_magpie]

They will fade. The memories may not, but the bruises will.

[He's heading for the counter. If he's not been in the main kitchen before, it's very classically French in design, with many of the lists and labels in French though three different hands. There's three deep chest freezers and four refrigerators, and several stove tops and ovens.]

I dislike my word being doubted - I do not mind proving it.

[antinouswild]

[Enjolras exhales and gives a respectful nod, but he still stands, his right hand closed over his left wrist, as if still hiding.]

I did not intend to give offense. Proof is not required but I would be willing to look at whatever you may show me. I have nothing else to do here.

If you have any pull with such things, what would have to happen to secure my freedom? I realize that I am probably safer where I am now. But I am not willing to sacrifice freedom for safety.

[magnetic_magpie]

Those who chose to sacrifice freedom for safety deserve neither. The easiest way is to pay off the contract - normally on paper it reads more like a forced indentured servitude. Given no one here pays rent and I don't require food be paid for, any money you earn can amount fast. The best thing to do is figure out the case against you and find a way to use that against AGI.

[It's what worked - make the slave trade too expensive.]