They See Me Rollin'. They Hatin'.

OOC

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:16:09 -0500

OKAY

Question for all of those involved in Lance’s plot:

DO WE JUST WANT TO DO A BIG FACE-TO-FACE OR WHAT?

There are a few of us who are still a little lagging on the updates. Thanks, shitty internet.

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Kitty - The Raging Girlfriend

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:49:17 -0500

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Kitty - The Raging Girlfriend:

bigblueteddybear:

here-kittykat:

She ignored the clinks and the clanks, the shattering of glass and the spillage of chemicals. Instead, a new look of anger that screamed ‘you dare question me right now’ spread across her face and instead of a verbal explanation she instead held up the crumble balled note and tossed it towards the blue-furry-chemist.

“Check it for yourself. He totally blew off our Buffy Marathon too!” she seethed, hiding beneath her mask of anger, trying to convince herself that he must have only left today and that he did indeed blow her off for this and it wasn’t something that he had left to do a few days in advance. In truth, she was actually dreadfully worried.

Hank’s head pulled back instinctively with the sudden flash fo white tossed at him, but he caught the paper deftly, and took a peek, slipping on his reading glasses. After a few seconds, her looked back at Kitty, his face now more understanding and concerned. “Mendez, Mexico? That area is a high drug war zone. If he’s doing a job there…” He pulled his glasses off, putting them on the table and nodding. “Alright, we’ll go, but I have to let the professor know, and we need more than just you and me, in case.”

“Professor, there’s a situation. Lance Alvers has gone to Mendez, Mexico for a mercenary contract. It’s possible he might be in serious danger, with the drug cartel activity. I have Kitty, and we’re both ready to go any minute, but we might need more help for this one. Please let everyone know that help is appreciated and needed.”

He walked past Kitty, gesturing for her to follow. “Come on, and get into your uniform. Meet me by the X-Jet in five minutes.”

When the Professor received the very-sudden message, he found himself worried about their forces—lately, they had been quite dry for participants, and who was remaining had scarce little power… with the exception of a unit or two who were either in no shape for fighting or highly un-trusted.

It shall be done, the telepath assured, moving to make an announcement over the PA.

“X-Men; we are at a dark hour. One of our fellow mutants has taken a grave risk, and needs our help—those of you suited for a mission, suit up and meet by the X-Jet. Lance Alvers could be in very serious peril.”

As soon as the PA shut off, the old man sighed quietly, face in one hand, and took in a steadying breath. “Let’s hope we’re ready for this.”

With that, he beat a quick path to the X-Jet to meet with the others.

OOC

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:32:29 -0500

OKAY

Since it is telling me there is “technical difficulty” whenever I try to reply to peoples’ posts, I’m just going to post this here:

I am having trouble getting the Face-to-Face to load, but it should be working soon. »;

People I will have participate in Lance’s rescue:

Todd
Gayle

Otherwise, John will be over here not giving a fuck, Prof. will be the ‘eyes and ears from afar’ like he usually is, and Morgan will be a basement-dweller for a little while until he realises people are leaving and then might surface.

Maybe.

~~Curiosity will probably get the better of him, ahaha.~~

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Xavier - Catching Up

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:48:27 -0500

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Xavier - Catching Up:

bigblueteddybear:

He had heard about Rahne’s unfortunate experience before returning to the institute, from Charles, in fact. he had been worried about her, as he would have been with any of the other students. He loved them like his children, and if anyone ever did anything to hurt them, he would be relentlessly scrutinizing of their every move. That is exactly what he planned to do with this scientist. “You can trust me to be an ever vigil watchdog.”

“Who is this man?” Hank asked, eyes narrowed with seriousness. “Do we have any idea of his previous connections or allegiances?” He had to be sure of who he was dealing with, and who was backing up who he was dealing with. Not that it would change his behavior at all, but it would be something more he could keep an eye on. He wondered if it might have been HYDRA, or even a covert sect of government. Anything was possible, now days. Anyone could be against mutants, which meant that they all had to be very careful.

That was one of the things that saddened him most.

“I truly do thank you,” the elder of the two men told his compatriot, taking another quiet sip of his coffee before the bigger man continued to speak. The thought of what allegiances the man may have had troubled the bewheeled one; he really hadn’t any honest clue.

“All I know is that the last place where he was employed turned out to be a study on how to recover the X-Gene in de-powered mutants,” he explained quietly. “As is to my understanding (thanks again to Forge), the experiment was never successful as a transplant; only to return Rahne’s powers to her through her own genetic material.” He turned a serious eye to his large friend, then. “I fear no real connection with HYDRA or Weapon X… the man seems to be nothing more than a talented delinquent, really; underhanded and definitely dangerous, but not on a global scale… more, simply as an individual.”

He frowned, then, and took in a quiet sigh. “That is the only reason I did not bar him from coming here; I want to study him further—not only for his mutation, but to find out to whom he might be tied. Thus far, he does not appear to have any interests other than to remain quiet. I find this behaviour suspicious.”

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Xavier - Catching Up

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:05:00 -0500

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Xavier - Catching Up:

bigblueteddybear:

Hank was noticeably taken aback by the dark recalling of the events that has transpired during his absence. He gave Charles a particularly concerned look upon hearing that a certain pyrokinetic mutant has shoved him down some stairs. He was quite curious as to what had brought on the event, but he understandingly kept his questions to himself. he was obviously worried with the news, and tentatively took another drink from his mug, which looked far more like an espresso cup in his large meaty hands.

A furry eyebrow perked with the mention of the ‘troubling presence’. He put the mug down, shifting from his relaxed position to one that was far more attentive. “You know me, Charles. I’m all ears. What’s going on?” He questioned, hoping that with some more information, he could offer any help he possibly could. It was his nature, and there was no way he could ever betray it.

Surely, Hank would be one to worry—the giant could have only ever been described as soft, as he seemed to be no more a beast than a massive stuffed animal on most occasions. What McCoy did not anticipate, however, was Charles’s bitter reluctance to address his own issues before those of the collective found their solution.

And frankly, the ‘trouble’ he spoke of would be with Rahne and the students who experienced the matter before the Beast’s arrival.

“We have adopted a man into our midst who I do not frankly trust as far as I could possibly throw him—seeing as he is taller than you are, if not as wide.” When he finished with what may have been a mild attempt at humour (one never quite knew with Charles F.), he turned his eyes quickly up to the blue-furred person before him. “He was involved in the capture and torture of Rahne Sinclair, and depowered her for some months before a recent deal made with Forge to re-introduce her own X-Gene. He is obviously a very skilled scientist, but I have no idea the degree of trouble he could cause should something you’ve lying around here fall into his hands. I want you to keep close and careful surveillance on all of your belongings, and I want you to keep an eye out for him as well. Forge is going to mainly be in charge of him, but he is not to interact with the students unless supervised, and he is not to cause any riotous happenings at any cost.”

When he finally broke his pattern of speech (always thought-out beforehand to the point where he would not have to break for breath), he shook his head. “I only got a brief look into his mind, but what I saw there, I wish I could forget. He is unstable and dangerous; a veritable snake within as much as he is, throughout.”

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Xavier - Catching Up

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:33:03 -0500

The Big Blue Teddy Bear: [F2F] Hank/Xavier - Catching Up:

bigblueteddybear:

It was late in the morning, and the early afternoon view of the ocean was easy to see from the windows of the dining room. The bright blue skies were clear of any clouds, making the horizon absolutely beautiful. Ah. One of the things he had missed the most, other than his family. There was something about this place that just made life seem so much more livable. Perfect for the depressive blue beast.

If there was one drink Hank was good at making, it was coffee. The smell of the ground roasted beans brewing in the machine was one of his favorite parts of making the beverage. It didn’t take him long to prepare two tall cups of perfectly brewed coffee, which he took over to the table.

He placed one cup in front of his friend, Charles Xavier, before taking a seat, himself. He sat casually, one leg resting over the other. He took a gulp of his coffee, letting out a contented sigh, then asking, “So how has life been to you and the institute, Charles?”

When seated in his study, the Professor never could help that strange, lethargic feeling of contentedness… the crashing of waves against a sky’s tinge with scarcely a cloud overhead… the subtle glow of a morning sun just barely peering in through the windows…

Even the recent wear-and-tear on the old man’s psyche as of late could never dampen how much he loved this room.

When Hank set down his cup of Joe, the telepath offered a quiet, taciturn thanks in a slow nod, reaching eagerly for the beverage; the first thing he had missed about mornings with Professor McCoy, and the thing on the forefront of his mind, even if the rest of it still buzzed ever-restlessly.

The thought of how ‘life’ had been on him recently caused a bitter laugh to halfway scoff itself out. “Frankly, I’ve seen much better days—as has this place. I can’t begin to tell you that everything has been stressing me to the point of losing sleep (including the residence of a certain fire-starting demon who has made peaceful coexistence something of a challenge), but please; I don’t want to have to drag you down with me.”

That much he promised—he didn’t want to torture his only real friend in this place with all his trifles.

“I will leave it at the fact that Allerdyce tossed me down the staircase in the foyer, and I didn’t suffer; please do not try to force me to expand on the matter.” He paused, then, for a sip of his coffee, and a deep sigh. “Other than that, times have been stretched bare-bones thin as far as our force, and we have been attacked because of it. Needless to say, we have suffered; the children have been coming and going like flies to refuse, and it is difficult to keep tabs on those who have left—and those who remain are still yet untrained, for the most part. I just thank the graces of God, himself, that Kurt and Rahne have stuck around… even Logan has disappeared once more, and I fear that we will not be prepared, should another attempt at our forces arrive.”

Trying to lose the dismal expression on his face, he shook his head. “But we can expound on each subject as it comes, my old friend; my real interest is not on niceties, but the arrival of a particularly troubling presence to this place, and what we have invariably agreed to do for this person. If you’ve an ear, I shall indeed explain this matter.”

Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: Moira MacTaggert:...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 02:13:12 -0400

Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: Moira MacTaggert:...:

I do ken what ye mean. That much we’ve always had in common, my friend. And ye’re right… As much as I’ve worked fer it and dreamed o’ it, I dinnae think we’ll ever get complete harmony. But they’ve got t’ see that fer themselves. They’ve got t’ see why what ye do is so important.

Can ye nae use Cerebro? I understand if’n ye want t’ respect their privacy.

Ideally, complete harmony would be the ultimate goal; alas, nothing is ever quite ideal. I certainly hope that they will see what is important to me in venturing out on their own for awhile.

You know, frankly, I think I may be respecting their privacy—but as of this point in time, I am not entirely sure.

Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: T’ be honest, I...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:58:06 -0400

Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: T’ be honest, I...:

Aye, it will nae be easy. That much is fer certain. This is what ye were meant fer, though, Charles and nothin’ is about t’ change that.

As hard as it is, every parent must let the babies out o’ the nest at some point. It’s just a shame they’ve nae looked back. But I have no doubt they will. They’re a strong group, but they’re X-Men all the same. Ye’ve raised ‘em right.

Absolutely, this is my dream; my vision; I will fight until the absolute end of my days for my cause, and I’m sure you know that better than anyone.

Ah, I had always hoped somehow that I would never have to face that day where my ‘children’ would ‘leave the nest’ and venture out without me. Is it really too much to ask for the world to be safer, first? Can our kind ever really find their niche in this warring world, and are we ever really going to achieve peace?

I worry about them; constantly, thoroughly, and without shame I wish I at least knew where they were.

Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: T’ be honest, I dinnae ken whether she knew I was or...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:44:21 -0400

Moira MacTaggert: toocoolforlegs: T’ be honest, I dinnae ken whether she knew I was or...:

toocoolforlegs:

T’ be honest, I dinnae ken whether she knew I was or will be there. Terry didnae seem too forgivin’ on the matter. *Shivers* I think I’d nae like t’ think on it too much. Sean will go shortly after.

The X-Men disbanded? Charley, what happened? This cannae really be all…

I’m absolutely lightened to hear it, Moira. If I find myself in need of anything, I will gladly seek you out… and perhaps I can avoid careening down one more crash-landing path.

Too right; I have seen them venture away before… I simply cannot deny that in my time of need, I would have rather had them by my side than “stretching their legs”.

http://moira-mactaggert.tumblr.com/post/12358831877/toocoolforlegs-mystique-for-a-long-time

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:31:25 -0400

http://moira-mactaggert.tumblr.com/post/12358831877/toocoolforlegs-mystique-for-a-long-time:

T’ be honest, I dinnae ken whether she knew I was or will be there. Terry didnae seem too forgivin’ on the matter. *Shivers* I think I’d nae like t’ think on it too much. Sean will go shortly after.

The X-Men disbanded? Charley, what happened? This cannae really be all yer fault. There are so many factors t’ consider. And I understand why it’s hard fer ye. But ye must remember all those who care fer ye. They’d nae be where they are without yet, after all.

Right… I… I suppose it is a matter likely best left unknown, after all. I won’t trouble you with reasonings as to why it so deeply haunts me; it won’t help anything… and I apologise for making you re-live that.

Moira, you accredit me far too much. My group has left without explanation, and I’m afraid I am still picking up the pieces from that mess whilst attempting to launch head-first into several more. It is tiring, and this old heart is far from enjoying the experience—I fear I might not be able to take much addition to this stress, or I may harm myself unintentionally.

But thank you, Moira—from the deepest of my appreciations for you—you may yet make a dent in the opposite direction, and I need it.

Aye… Terry, Sean’s daughter, that is, she told me I’d get the Legacy Virus and then Mystique...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:12:31 -0400

Aye… Terry, Sean’s daughter, that is, she told me I’d get the Legacy Virus and then Mystique destroyed the building I was in and I didnae make it out. It’s a downright eerie thing, knowin’ when the end is comin’. But it just makes every moment that much more important. If’n it’s meant t’ be, then who am I t’ challenge it?

And I’m sorry ye’re feelin’ down. Really, ye do more than ye could ever realize, Charles. I ken ye want t’ blame yerself, and I understand. But what could have happened that nae even ye could fix?

Mystique… *For a long time, there is silence* Did she know you were there? Surely it must be absolutely rattling to see your own death coming, but I’m glad you seem to always find the positive light in times like these; it is really a trait I have always admired in you.

I would love to believe I am doing right, but I simply cannot grasp that concept; it is sand in my fingers—there is much I could fix, and all at once I cannot grip that fleeting opportunity, either. I have literally laid to ruins all the positive relations that I have recently held dear; my fellows do not respect me; my team has disbanded and abandoned the Institute…

And all on top of that, the death toll rises in Genosha—and that is my fault as well.

Moira, I am at a difficult point in my life, indeed. I hope you will forgive me if I ring a bit dismal.

moira-mactaggert: toocoolforlegs: moira-mactaggert reblogged your post: moira-mactaggert started...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:59:37 -0400

moira-mactaggert:

toocoolforlegs:

moira-mactaggert reblogged your post: moira-mactaggert started following you … I find…

Dinnae be too surprised, Charles. We…do seem t’ find our ways back into each others’…

I can’t help surprise. My understanding was that you had left this world, and I had been all-but prepared to believe it.

Alas, I’m an old man now—and as they commonly say, full of regret. Things are not boding well for me now, and I’m afraid I’m a part of the problem.

I’ve a lot of bugs to work out.

Oh… I’m sorry. I wisnae sure which universe ye came fae… I’m feert I’m gettin’ far too used t’ runnin’ into people who think I’m dead. Somehow I’ve been given a second chance. Or maybe it will still happen. But I’m here now.

And ye ken ye always try t’ do the right thing, Charley. Ye’ve done more fer these young lads and lasses than anyone. Ye cannae blame yerself.

Well, in my own particular time-space junction, you’ve been dead for quite some time. I… do not pretend that I would pass the chance to know where you had gone, though I fear with how I was, I may have absconded you to another place entirely had I known you would leave.

I… do always try—albeit I can blame myself, Moira. The fault of the situation is entirely partitioned to weigh on me just as much as others in my life, and I know it. Regardless of what I have done for the children, I have failed to do just as much or more.

moira-mactaggert reblogged your post: moira-mactaggert started following you … I...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:51:03 -0400

moira-mactaggert reblogged your post: moira-mactaggert started following you … I find…

Dinnae be too surprised, Charles. We…do seem t’ find our ways back into each others’…

I can’t help surprise. My understanding was that you had left this world, and I had been all-but prepared to believe it.

Alas, I’m an old man now—and as they commonly say, full of regret. Things are not boding well for me now, and I’m afraid I’m a part of the problem.

I’ve a lot of bugs to work out.

moira-mactaggert started following you … I find myself stricken with absolute shock. Never...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:44:43 -0400

moira-mactaggert started following you

…

I find myself stricken with absolute shock.

Never did I think this might chance upon me… but you were always full of surprises, weren’t you, Moira?

kakijbird: maybe Professor X could keep it in his pants if you...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:43:00 -0400

kakijbird:

maybe Professor X could keep it in his pants if you weren’t so whiny about everything, Scott.

I think this is the first thing I’ve seen you post that was genuinely funny, Alistair.

They See Me Rollin'. They Hatin'.: Face to Face - Professor X/Sage - Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:04:46 -0400

They See Me Rollin'. They Hatin'.: Face to Face - Professor X/Sage - Well, this is a pleasant surprise.:

“You will quickly see that I say what I mean. No more, no less. I came here to assist you and the students, therefore, I am your ally. I believe in the words you speak about equality and acceptance for humans and mutants. Also, I strongly believe that these young ones should not be put into the path of danger. The world is cruel.”

Tessa’s hands were laced behind her back, a military stance she took whenever she was standing still. Her posture was strong and tense, never did she seem to even flinch or bat an eye while she remained there. But in reality… her mind was going miles a minute. Files on Xavier she had seen during the years, data on the school, the Brotherhood, anti-mutant corps, anything she thought of was being sent around her brain like data on a computer.

“Do you need me for something?”

Her entire speech, though it seemed somewhat impartial, appeared to win the bald man over, and he noted that yes, that indeed would make her an ally. “I thank you for agreeing with my vision; there are many who disagree with the peaceful conduct I wish to undertake… and it is noisome at best, however unavoidable.”

The woman’s strong, unwavering stance didn’t throw him off—he was very used to the type, having dealt for several years with those who were not very personable… and now with Laura added to their roster, there was another person who took no emotional stance to anything. They were useful people to have around him in the area of decision-making.

“I have lost the presence of several people who were supposed to be working for me, and I would like for you to teach, seeing as you are older than most of the students. We need instructors.”

They See Me Rollin'. They Hatin'.: Face to Face - Professor X/Sage - Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:58:20 -0400

They See Me Rollin'. They Hatin'.: Face to Face - Professor X/Sage - Well, this is a pleasant surprise.:

The mansion itself was an impressive sight to the woman. She reminded herself that it was a school of sorts for younger mutants to hone and learn to control their gifts—and a sanctuary for the older mutants that had been scorned from their homes. In her possession she carried merely a case of her things. She had not thought it necessary to have a large collection of items, since she never remained in one area for long. The only time she had was… back in France. Yes. This place felt different to her immediately. Perhaps she would need to own more than just her body suits, gadgets, and personal necessities.

The voice in her head was not a surprising aspect. Tessa expected that the famed Charles Xavier would have a mental ability.

And before long… she found herself in front of his door. He was expecting her. Was there a point in knocking and asking permission? Not really. She walked right in and set her case down before looking at the man who ran this entire place that was known as a haven for people like her.

“It is an honor to meet you, Professor Charles Xavier. You may call me Tessa, and I have come to be your ally.”

The older man seemed to note when she came to the door, setting aside his papers for a more human interaction—it seemed he had gotten back to his old cycle of work-sleep-chat occasionally… and it was starting to wear on the man.

Not enough to bother him, though.

Her words brought a little smile to his face, and he settled his hands together delicately. “An honour to meet you as well, Tessa,” he assured her in return. “Frankly, I am a little surprised you would note yourself an ally so quickly, but I am also quite appreciative of the gesture. We are at a lack of able hands right now, I’m afraid.”

Beware the Fey.: Group Face to Face - Prof./Megan/Laura/Ramona

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:20:02 -0400

Beware the Fey.: Group Face to Face - Prof./Megan/Laura/Ramona:

Even though she hadn’t talked for the minutes after her confession, Megan’s heart was still pounding adjusting to the weight being lifted off of her. She felt so relieved letting the burden off of her. At what the Professor said concerning her terms, she nodded in agreement. She was definitely not ready for fighting anytime soon, and she was glad she’d be having Logan and Gayle as her mentors. Aside from his gruffness, Logan seemed like a very sympathetic person and he didn’t mess around. And, she had talked to Gayle before and she definitely had been easy to talk to. And, Megan figured it was the least she could do to visit a victim’s grave. She had no idea how, but it would make her feel better than just bottling up her fears.

“No objections here, Professor.”

Laura nodded understanding. More time with Logan was just about the easiest punishment she could think of. While they weren’t friendly with each other in any traditional sense, she felt at ease with him around because she knew that he was her superior and he could make sure she was careful. He could control her better than anyone else, in a way that wouldn’t make her freak out like telepathy.

But when the Professor mentioned apologizing her brow furrowed in confusion. Hadnt she already done that? Why did she also have to apologize to other people? Laura didn’t even know the name of the man she killed. Did the Professor want her to attend any old funeral? She didn’t see why she had to apologize to anyone else, it was the Professor’s orders she had messed up. The man she had killed was gone so she couldn’t apologize to him and standing by a grave to do so seemed pointless. And finding a loved one seemed even more pointless. What would her apologizing do? He was dead and words wouldn’t make that change. Besides, he couldn’t have been a very good man if he was participating in the kidnap and torture of teenagers. Laura wasn’t here in this office to apologize for his death. She was here to apologize for her failure.

But orders were orders. You don’t argue even if they seem stupid. Laura nodded curtly and stood. She left quickly, without so much as a goodbye. She had accepted his terms and there was nothing more to talk about as far as she could tell.

As for Ramona, it all went understood in silence. She would go to the grave site of each man if she had to, no matter how much her mind would tell her that they were terrible men—they were human beings. They had souls and lives… and she robbed them of it. Just because they wanted to cause her harm was no real reason to rob a man of his most prized possession: Life.

She visibly jumped as Laura stood and left the room, her eyes wide and her posture tense. After a moment, she stood up and gave a respectful nod to the Professor, then to Megan before she scuttled outside of the room with shaky knees and a paralyzing sense of relief and panic swirling in her heart.

At least she would be getting help for this. She was not alone.

As the older man noted all but the pink-haired girl picking up and leaving, he seemed very much more at-ease with how this had gone than with how Alistair had reacted. Seeing someone agreeable on the subject had done him some inner good.

“Thank you, Megan,” he told the fairy-girl, nodding in that barely-noticeable fashion of his. “You are free to leave too, now, if you like.”

Well… that was most of them down… now just Tabitha and Wanda to go…

Face to Face - Professor X/Sage - Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:30:55 -0400

As soon as he heard that there would be another attendant to the mansion, the Professor found himself looking grateful for the aid of able hands. Really, with all his usual right-hand-men gone (except for Logan of course), he had found himself stumbling… but things seemed to be getting better slowly over time.

He had barely gotten the notice that she would be arriving before he found himself summoning her to see him. In fact, the minute her presence was felt, he decided to direct her his way.

If you would, Tessa, please come see me in my office. I will be expecting you.

Beware the Fey.: Group Face to Face - Prof./Megan/Laura/Ramona

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:18:39 -0400

Beware the Fey.: Group Face to Face - Prof./Megan/Laura/Ramona:

At that, Megan took a deep breath and went inside, followed by the others. She found a seat at the left side near his desk, recalling what had happened and trying to form the words that she felt she needed the most.

“Well, I-,” she hesitated, swallowing the lump in her throat, already feeling dizzy just from thinking of what she would say. But, in the end she decided just to come right out with it. “The last thing that I would ever want to do is kill somebody, Professor. But, I’m not sure what came over me…I was keeping lookout, and then I got shot.” She felt the more she talked, the more she felt like she was running as fast as she could. She felt something inside her shake her to her core. “You see, the past couple of months I feel like…I’ve been keeping something bottled up. I hate violence with a passion, but when I got shot…I just snapped. I was so determined with the mission. Honestly, it was all a daze. If I killed I didn’t mean it. If I meant any harm it was so I wouldn’t risk being shot again, for the good of the team. I was only going for the arms and legs; I did have some control. That way I figured I would just be paralyzing them and not killing them…”

But the more she talked, the more she just felt ashamed with herself. She bit the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from tearing up. She couldn’t let the Professor see her like this. She couldn’t believe it, after all these months of self-control and trying to avoid her worst nightmares, she ended up doing something she could never imagine herself doing- taking another person’s life. Maybe her nightmares were right. Maybe she was a monster.

Laura took her seat and sat ramrod straight, hands in her lap and looking forward. But when Pixie began to speak she turned slightly in astonishment. That wasn’t a report. That was…something far more emotional. Laura watched Pixie’s heartfelt recount of the mission and her insides twisted with trepidation. Would the Professor expect something similar from her? She quickly looked to the other girl, Blackout (real name Ramona). But it was her turn next. So she couldn’t watch Blackout to see if her report would be similarly unprofessional.

She would just have to give her report like she was accustomed. After Pixie finished she started to recite the events of the mission, minute by minute, detailing every injury she inflicted with clinical terms and a neutral voice. She hesitated before mentioning her pause when Logan had said her codename and she had been blasted, because it was so terribly mortifying. But in the end she reported it without flinching.

And then she had to tell her true failure. Laura didn’t let anxiety show on her face, but her muscles subconsciously tightened as she said, “On the last run, a guard turned too quickly as I was attacking and my foot blade sliced his throat open, killing him within three seconds. I failed in that respect. The mission as a whole was successful, but I was unable to carry it out as directly ordered.” With that she shut up, lips tight and every muscle tense.

The red-haired Brit sat silently while the other two spoke and retold the things that they went through, a cold chill settled in her gut from those tales. It had been accidental. All of them. Even hers. Could the Professor—rather—would the Professor see past the transgressions and forgive them? It was not as if any of them enjoyed the act of killing. No! Megan had lost her control. Laura made a small error, entirely not by her own means. And for herself… She had to stay alive, had to keep John safe. She had warned them… it wasn’t her fault… Swallowing the lump that formed in her throat, she began to retell the memories that flooded her mind whenever she closed her eyes. It was truly an awful experience. “When I came to, I was in the same room where they were keeping Pyro… John. A group of adult men came in not long after that. They looked at me with these animalistic expressions—like dogs chasing a slab of meat. I was frightened beyond belief…” she paused to let out a shaky breath, “They touched me, called me names, insulted me, hit me. They wanted to… they… wanted to… hurt me. I couldn’t let that happen. My powers activated and it made them step back. I warned them that they would fall in the darkness, but they just… they just fell right in. They never came back…” She now looked down at her trembling hands that rested on her lap. It was not her fault that they had not listened! It wasn’t! Ramona didn’t want to hurt them, but she had been scared and cold and in pain. She didn’t want to be touched by them. She was scared to die. The girl was crying now. “After a while… they stopped coming. I was too tired by then, and had to lie that I was still able to use my powers because I didn’t want them to hurt either of us! Then… he came in. I said I would comply if he didn’t hurt John anymore… Then…” I was tortured and used like a lab rat, she finished in her mind. The wounds were gone, but she could still feel a dull ache as if the wounds were still healing. A reminder under her flesh. What would Jay say to her if he were to find out that she had killed…? What would any of her friends think? They would hate her… Was she really such a monster? No! She couldn’t be! This was her home… she was happy here… “I’m so sorry… After all that you’ve done… I am sorry, Professor.”

When he saw each of the young girls tense and awkwardly recount their tales (except Laura, of course, who always had that technical edge—though even she had grown less comfortable in her seat), and felt the mental chaos of a swirling round of emotions from the two on the ends, he could almost not even bring himself to speak again for several long moments, struggling with it even when he found himself able to form the words.

“Girls,” the older man told them, his voice calm, but still stern. “Please—I can tell that each of you shows regret; remorse—you have not committed some fateful act that has doomed you to become a monster. Please, calm yourselves.” He turned, first, to the dark-haired girl in the middle.

“Laura, I understand that because you were well-trained that you are not bound to the same emotions, but you have apologised, and proved to me that you have merely miscalculated. I will ask that you train more steadily with Logan, and please try to pay more attention in the future. Accidents do happen, and though the results were catastrophic, it really cannot be helped.”

Then, to the pink-haired young one.

“Megan, you have the most on your hands right now—I cannot blame you for what you did while your control was lost, but I can tell you that you must gain control. I do not want this to happen again, so I will ask that you go through mental and physical training with Gayle and Logan—and that you not participate in battle again until you are prepared to undertake it. Is that understood?”

Lastly, he addressed the red-haired maiden—the one that had given his mind the most emotional conflict out of the three.

“Ramona, I am also going to assign you to mental and physical training with Gayle and Logan. I completely understand your reaction, and it was not intentional. All I can ask is that you recover yourself, and apologise for those who are now deceased.”

He then returned to addressing all of them. “I will expect that the three of you will all apologise for your actions—not to me, but to those whose lives are lost. Attend a grave, find a family member if there is one—something. If none of you has any arguments, that will be all.”