xp_logs | Strange Encounters (I know. It's Rossi's fault)

Dr. Strange runs into Angelo on his way out, and they have a talk about what's going on with Amanda.

His business concluded, his student safely asleep and likely to remain so for several hours, and plans laid to reduce her stress levels in future, Doctor Strange was on his way back to his car when he came across a vaguely-familiar figure sitting on a bench, obviously enjoying the sunshine and a cigarette. After a moment's consideration - Strange never forgot an energy pattern, but names were a problem - he nodded and said: "Angelo, correct? Amanda's friend, the one from LA?"

Angelo glanced up, vaguely surprised for a moment before he realized who it was, and nodded a greeting. "Yeah, 's right. How's she doin'?"

Taking a seat on the bench upwind of the cigarette, Strange took his time replying. "Better than I had feared, but worse than I had hoped. Healing spells aren't minor efforts, by any means. They draw upon the life energy of the caster, and if there isn't sufficient recovery time in between, the caster risks
doing themselves serious harm. Amanda's mutant gift gives her some degree of advantage over us mere mortals, but even she has limits." He realised what he was saying was disturbing the boy, and gave him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "She's asleep now, and will be for several hours. And Professor Xavier,
Mr Dayspring and I have come up with a plan to get her away from this stressful environment, at least for a short time."

Angelo had paled at the mention of what healing spells did to Amanda, uncomfortably reminded of what she'd done for him, and some things he'd said to her and others. "I thought she'd be okay with the Orb and the pendant together. She said she would be, or I'd've taken it away..."

"It's not so much the mystical power she's channelling, it's the spell itself. Healing... it's a very complicated matter, and the spell creates a connection between the caster and the subject. And, like I said, it involves her own life energy, which is not in any way connected to her mutant power." Strange frowned, trying to simplfy the explanation for the non-adept. "The spell requires she put part of herself into it, which is why it's so taxing. And why it is usual for those casting these spells to ensure they have at least a day or two's rest in between. Particularly when the injury is as serious as those suffered by Mr Dayspring."

Angelo winced. "Yeah", he said neutrally. "Don't worry, I think we'll all be makin' sure she does from here on in. Just didn't know, before."

"To be fair on Amanda, she didn't really know either. A neglect of her first instructor, who I believe you met." Strange shook his head with distaste at the thought of Rack. "However, that particular gap in her knowledge has been filled, she has promised not to cast any more healing spells for a week at least, and hopefully there shall be some distraction in the form of some stablehand work at the horse farm you students attended a month or two ago, to assist with a fire."

Angelo managed a smile. "Oh, she'll love that. Does she know yet?"

"No. Mr Dayspring felt she might consider it as us trying to make her do something for her own good, and resist. The Professor is talking to the owner on our behalf, and he will make the offer." Strange considered the boy next to him. "And how have you been faring, since this business in Mexico? I understand life at the school is never dull."

Angelo chuckled wryly. "You could say that. We make Samson work for his money. But I'm gettin' by."

"Good, good," Strange said, but his dark eyes were keenly fixed on Angelo, seeming to look almost through him. "I was concerned, last time I saw you here, just after your return. Rack was a most unpleasant individual, and whilst his magic did you no harm, I think perhaps his words did?"

Angelo shifted uncomfortably under Strange's scrutiny. "Yeah, I wasn't doin' so well then", he admitted. "But I had some help. Doin' better now."

"Excellent. Far too many people in this place are too eager to blame themselves - the place reeks of guilt. Mr Dayspring, for example. He feels responsible for Amanda's current condition, which he is, to a degree. However,
Amanda should have paid attention to the warning signs."

Angelo frowned, only too happy to drop the subject of guilt, but not liking what he'd just heard. "Warnin' signs? She said somethin' about headaches, but she made it sound like it was just what she had to put up with..."

"Again, a failing on Rack's part. Magic is a channelling of energies never meant to go through the human body. Prudence and training can avoid most damage, but the high level spells will always cause pain. Amanda... is gifted, in terms of magic. She has more ability now than those who are twice her age and have been training for many, many years under knowledgeable instructors. Unfortunately that ability is beyond her body to cope, and she is disturbingly blase about her health - she's been getting the headaches for weeks now, and nosebleeds as well, this last week. " Strange shook his head. "I have this urge to shake her, sometimes. She can be most aggravating. All that talent, jeopardised."

Angelo frowned. "But... Amanda's not human. I thought her mutation was to channel the magic safely?"

"Which is why she's as advanced as she is. And, given appropriate teaching and training from an early age, there would be no problem. No, the difficulty is that Rack forced magic upon her before she was ready for it, and continued in that fashion until she was taken from him. Children of five are not meant for magic, no matter what the natural talent." This time Strange scowled, a strange expression for the academic.

Angelo's own scowl deepened. "She's said some things about that", he muttered. "An' I saw what Rack did in Mexico. With the drainin'. He was doin' that when she was five?"

Strange nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. And it must have galled him to wait that long - she was two, I believe, when he acquired her." He realised what he was saying and glanced at Angelo. "I would not be discussing this with you, had you not been there with her, you understand."

Angelo nodded. "I know from secrets, don't worry. Got enough of my own."

Strange nodded. "Precisely why I told you what I have. Now..." And here he looked at his watch. "I should go. I have papers still to grade, and impatient students wait for no man."

Angelo half-smiled in acknowledgment. "Okay. Thanks for tellin' me that stuff."

"She will be fine, if she allows herself. I'm counting on her friends to ensure that happens," Strange said pointedly, offering Angelo his hand as he stood.

"Oh, we will", Angelo replied, determination in his eyes. He got to his feet, reaching out to shake Strange's hand.

"Good. Very good." Strange shook Angelo's hand firmly, giving him another of those unsettling, penetrating looks. "And the best way is to provide a good example. I believe you know what I mean."

Angelo glanced down. "Yeah, I know. I'll try."

"That is all we ever ask. And now, I must go. Have a productive summer, Angelo."