Collide

Four

Her body ached, feeling as though she had been pulled apart from each limb, and her head felt as though Volstagg was dancing on it. She hesitantly opened her eyes, squinting at the strange place. Pushing herself up slowly, she sat, feeling a blanket fall from her, as she looked around the room.

'Ah, I'm glad to see you awake..'.. She turned her head, seeing a strange looking man, in an unusual contraption come closer to her. He gave her a smile, nodding his head... 'My name is Charles Xavier, and I already know yours, Astrid..'

'Apologies, may I ask how you know me?..'.. She was so confused, and ran a hand over her forehead, wincing at the pain.

'I have..'.. He waved his hand... 'Unique abilities, that allow me to see into a persons mind. I must admit, I find you highly fascinating. You are not from this world, and you are definitely older than you look. Though you look well for someone who is 907 years old..'

Astrid couldn't help but smile back at him. There was something, calming about him, she did not know what... 'I am not no. Though I am unsure as to what realm I am in..'

'Earth. You're on earth...'.. He moved with his contraption, and Astrid watched in awe. It was something she had never seen before.

'It is called, a wheelchair..'.. He calls back to her, and reaches to open the door, calling out for someone. He moves back, and she sees a young girl enter the room. Astrid though her hair and eyes were the most beautiful she had ever seen... 'This is Ororo, but she goes by Storm. Storm, this is Astrid..'

Astrid stood, and dipped into a curtesy to the young woman... 'It is lovely to meet you..'

The young girl giggled, her smile bright as she came closer... 'I am so loving your accent. Its nice to see you awake, you gave us all a scare when you landed in the gardens..'

I am sorry..'... Astrid began to stutter but Charles stopped her.

'Astrid, it is quite alright. We do have to talk, but I wanted to introduce you both. Once we have spoken, Storm will show you to a room, and help you to settle in. Our world, is a lot different from yours, but you are welcome to stay and learn..'... He chuckled, and nodded to Storm... 'I'll call you back when we are finished. Please inform Hank I will bring her down later this afternoon..'

Storm nodded at him and smiled at Astrid... 'I'll see you soon Astrid. Welcome to the school..'.. With that, she left the two to talk alone.

'School?..'.. Astrid say back down. She listened to everything Charles told her. Of where she was, who he was, of how she had landed there, and everything he knew of her, from her mind. He gave his word, that she would be safe there, should she wish to stay.

Astrid was surprised figure it out, that Earth was Midgard, one of the nine realms, and somewhere she wanted to go. After hearing stories from Loki about his adventures here, she had always wished to come here with him.

Charles informed her that the date was January 7th 1983, though that didn't mean anything to her. She didn't know about how time moved in this realm. He gave his word, that he would not tell anyone about who she truly was, due to humans not quite ready to grasp the idea that there is life outside of their world.

Astrid didn't know what to say or do, as this was completely overwhelming, and her head hurt even more from the dull ache.

'I believe I have taken up enough of your time here, and you my dear, need to rest. If you choose to stay, I can help you assimilate to life here..'.. He said, coming around in his wheelchair.

'What do you wish in return?..'.. She asked, watching him intently.

'Nothing, I assure you Astrid, I am not like those you know back home. This place, this school..'.. He sighed, looking around... 'It is a shelter, a home to those who are different, unique. Each one has a special mutation, that gives them an ability. Some have families that do not understand, others ran away, or I found them..'.. He smiles at her... 'Here, you are safe, and free to do as you wish. We do have a few rules, that are in place to protect each other, but you are not trapped..'

Astrid let out a breath and nodded... 'Forgive me, it is a first, for someone other than my brother to show me kindness..'.. She sniffled.

'I saw. I am here, if you would like to talk. Once you are settled, we can help you decide what you want to do. Our world is vast, if you wished to travel..'.. Astrid smiled at him.

'Thank you, for saving me and helping me. I owe you a debt..'.. She stood as he moved to the door.

'There are no debts here. Storm is just coming, and she will show you to a room in the girls quarters. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance, if you need it..'.. He told her as Storm came to the open door, smiling.

'Are you ready? Some of the older girls have found you some clothes to wear. I'm sure they'll fit you for now until we get get some of your own..'.. Storm held out an arm, indicating for Astrid to follow.

Nodding to Charles, she fell into step with the young woman, as they walked the vaulted halls... 'This is all so beautiful..'.. She took in the decor, finding each piece astonishing.

'It is. We're all thankful to the professor. If it wasn't for him and this school, we'd be locked up as experiments by now..'.. Storm sighed as they headed up the grand staircase.

'He told me of what you all do here, and I find you so refreshing. I have never known another that has the ability to control the elements..'.. Astrid smiled.

'Not quite the elements, but more the weather..'.. Storm gestured with her hand, as they turned right at the top of the stairs... 'Is that what you can do?..'

'I did. But unfortunately, the man who fathered me, stripped me of my powers, but I still have my magic..'.. Astrid waved her hand, conjuring fireworks in her palm, just like Loki used to do for her, when she was sad. Seeing them explode in her hand, her eyes prickled with tears, remembering what had happened, and she sniffled, closing her fist.

'I know that look. You lost someone?..'.. Storm looped her arm through Astrids, which surprised her.

'My parents were cruel, and never showed love to me and my other brother
The oldest always had their love and adoration. But me and the other one..'.. She sighed... 'He raised me, from when he was a little boy. He taught me everything I know, including the magic. He taught me how to fight, to use my knowledge as the most powerful weapon. My father, is as cruel as he is vengeful, wanted to force me to marry, and strip me of my powers so I would be weak. I fought back, and he killed my best friend in front of me, she was my brothers love..'

Astrid was shocked, when Storm wrapped her in a hug. No one aside from Loki or Helga, ever embraced her. The kind act from this young girl she and just met, made her breakdown and cry... 'Its ok, you can let it all out. You're not alone here, we will look after you..'

Astrid held onto her, not realising that more people had appeared, seeing them embrace in the hallway. She did not know these people, but watched through her tears, as they all wrapped her in hugs.

😘