Schools For New Mutants

[BadForm]

Changeling Chans: Enchantment

After her makeover, Rache led Cai upstairs to Toreos. Cai was already starting to relax again. It was hard to be afraid when someone so obviously self-assured and competent was your friend. Rache was having a definite effect on Cai, acting almost like a protective big sister - one thing Cai had never had.

Even in the few times Cai had been taken to buy clothes, she had never suspected there was a place like Toreos, but as she entered and saw the amazing selection of clothes, she realized for the first time, the difference between a store and a boutique. This was not a shop people wandered around looking to buy something to wear. This was an establishment where priviliged individuals were entertained as they perused the latest fashions. At some point, money may change hands, along with select items of designer outfits, but nobody would do anything to crass as 'buy something'.

The assistant who first saw them gave Rache and Cai a somewhat snooty look at first, which was understandable from the way Cai was dressed. As soon as Rache urged her to show the school card, however, the facade changed.

"Ms. Chan, such a pleasure to meet you. And this must be your friend, Ms..."

Rache paused, to let Cai introduce her, hoping to give her more confidence in doing so.

"Er... she's called Rache." Cai said nervously.

"Ah well, any friend of yours is most definitely welcome at Toreos House of Fashion. Now, please, take a seat and I will arrange for our models to exhibit the gowns you select. I believe Tiffany and Elaine are just the right size to let you see exactly how our garments will appear on you."

She led Cai over to sit in a chair and paged the two models mentioned. Two late teenage girls entered, smiling.

"Now, please," said the assistant, "what would you like to see first? With your complexion and stature, might I suggest some of our autumn shades..."

Once again, a book was placed in front of Cai and, encouraged by Rache, she began flipping through the pages and selecting outfits. One by one, the models went and changed, then re-entered the boutique to exhibit the garments. As time went by, Cai began to feel more confident, more content and more enchanted. That was where the problem started.



OOC: Rache - hope you don't mind, you were pushing Cai forward so much (and so understandably), I figured you'd have let the assitant deal with her first - with your gentle coaxing. If wrong lemme know.

 

[Neale]

Professor X

Charles smiles at Emma, "No, we don't want that at all. Surely, though, the simple fact that they outnumber us millions to one would ensure that the Earth wouldn't be habitable after a full-scale war, even if 'we' won... Even if it were, you've seen in South Africa and Genosha what happens when a minority imposes its rule on an overwhelming majority. The cycle of violence would never, ever end... Emma, if we mutants did succeed, somehow, in taking over, our children and their children would be fighting that same war forever."

He reached over, placing his hand near hers on the table, "We can make a difference, Emma. These young students don't have to learn hatred for the humans. Teach them to defend themselves, certainly, but not to hate... no good can come of that."

 

[Isolde]

Emma Frost

There was silence for a moment as Emma gathered her thoughts and pushed back the emotions that Proffesor Xavier had brought to the surface. His words were not lost upon her and yet she did not lose the vision that she kept before her at all times.

"Charles," She said, her voice treating the name as a caress and her hand moving to cover his own, her fingers gliding along his,"Again we will have to agree to disagree. I no more can change you than you can change me. We see the same star but travel to it by different paths. I cannot arouse in me the same admiration, loyalty and affection you have for the humans. Their treatment of our kind simply does not make them worthy of it."

"Ah, the possibilties we could bring to this earth were our visions closer. A pity. You are such an intellegent as well as handsome man. I would enjoy working side by side with you but for now we must travel our own paths."

"I suppose we are making a difference...at least in the immediate lives of those in our schools and, for now, that may be enough. But one day a decision will have to be made and sides will have to be taken. I have made my decision. You still have to make yours. Even the dashing Charles Xavier cant live in both worlds at once."

"When the time comes, will you be a mutant or will you human? And what happens to those whom you have to turn your back on? You see, the lines have already been drawn...you are simply straddling them."

 

[BadForm]

Changeling Chans: Enchantment (contd.)

OOC: Sorry, had to do some IRL stuff - finishing off previous post.


IC: To try to make sense of her extremely abusive childhood, one of the tricks Cai had played was never to permit herself to feel any truly positive emotion. It made the pain of the rest of her life seem more bearable if it did not contrast so sharply with the best she knew. That was why she had created the personality of Wei-Fong; if good things were happening to Wei-Fong, they were not happening to Cai. Wei-Fong came out at the best of times, such as when her uncle had taken her to his farm in the country for a week, or when the street people she was living with had held a birthday party for her - complete with meat Little Billy had stolen from an unattended barbeque... or when a new friend had taken her shopping and helped her look at such beautiful dresses as she had never seen before.

The model, Tiffany, did a slow twirl in the dress she was wearing as the assistant commented on it.

"This ensemble is from a new designer, Pierre Rouge, whose previous experience with both the Emmanuels and Gotier have led him to develop a more flamboyant style. It features a halter top of russet, trimmed with white pearl. A dress jacket of deep tan and gold lining, together with the beige and ochre slashed, thigh split skirt offsets the top beautiful...

"Tiffany, what is wrong?"

The model had completed her turn and almost screamed as she saw the woman before her. Wei-Fong was taller than Cai, and somewhat more athletic. Her skin was an ocean green, mottled with shifting azure. Foamy white hair cascaded down her back and around her naked form to rest across her thighs, matched by the white foam at her crotch. She was beaming in delight at the fashion show she was watching.

Then the assistant turned round to see what the model was staring at and screamed loudly in shock

 

[Angelus]

Joseph stood there, unable to say anything. He had a feeling that Zoe wanted that dress but she didn't want to buy it and he didn't know why. He looked at her and said, "Excuse me for a sec. I will be right back."

Zoe looked at him with a slight smile before he ran towards the area that the dress had been sitting and grabbed it quickly then raced over to where the trenchcoat that he wanted was before grabbing some more clothing. He raced over to the counter and paid for the clothes and then with a smile walked back to where Zoe stood.

 

[mfucker]

OOC: that was some conversation between the two owners....phew...anyway...

Angel:

Like the rest here, I had a deep dark secret of my origins, that I could not tell anyone yet, not even my own kind. It would have to wait for now.

Shrugging off the question, I smile broadly, as I excitedly pointed to one of my favourite boutiques.

Elsewhere, I could still feel the two overwhelming sources of power brooding over me.

 

[Gaea]

Zoe

Zoe watched herself in a mirror as she waited for Joseph, smoothing out her long, lank hair. The flourescent mall lights were lending her white locks a gray tone. She made a soft 'ick' sound, then began to pick lint off her shirt. The turtleneck was still pulled up to under her eyes; good, no slippage.

She turned around as Joseph approached, knowing what he'd done. "I really don't think it'll fit you," she said quietly. "But red is certainly your color. I can sew, maybe I can let it out in the waist a little."

Zoe headed out the doors, looking back over her shoulder as Joseph followed. "Well? Where are we going next?"

 

[Vivid]

Martin

OOC: Sorry I've been absent for a while, thanks Inkubus for moving us along. I'm really liking the philosophical debate between the school heads, btw.

IC:

I stop dead in my tracks. Silicon Valley was just a few shops down but I happen to see the slight pause in Vincent's step. His glasses couldn't hide the dropped jaw of surprise.

"How bout we stop in here for a second?" I walk in to Prpheus before his has a chance to respond. The sales guy is friendly and I ask if we can try stuff out before we get it. I ask to try that shiny guitar-thing in the window. I've never touched one of these things before and it shows.

I make an obvious show of my ineptitude and smile inwardly at Vincent's dismay. "Well, " I look to him, "do you think you could show me a few things on it?"

 

[Neale]

Professor X

Charles opened his mouth to respond to Emma's words, then closed it, a distant look on his face, "Did you feel that? I sense... fear, surprise?"

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

OOC: Neale & Isolde...way to go! Really enjoyed that discussion between your characters. It's one my own character struggles with, both because of his mutation and his native american heritage though he's still too young to be able to articulate it very well at all.

IC: I smile at Angel and nod. I can understand reluctance to talk about the past. As the three of us, Tara, Angel and myself, head for the boutique, something causes my ears to twitch, my hand to tighten, but not hard on both their arms.

I've heard a scream. Faint and distant, but with undertones of terror. Then another and I have an idea of the direction they are coming from.

Looking at the two young women with me, I ask as casually as possible. "Did you hear that?"

 

[Isolde]

Emma Frost

OOC: Thank you for the complements on our convo. Just something to show you guys the differences in their views and how they run their schools.

IC: Though she had let the invasive tendrils of her telepathy withdraw from her students, she had been sending out 'feelers' occasionally to make sure everything was going alright.

It wasnt. The minute she knew what was happening with Cai, she stood and smiled at Proffesor Xavier as she crushed out her cigarette.

"Case in point, My Dear Charles," She said, knowing he could also feel the disturbance,"One of my students have just done something that was quite natural to her and yet she is met with fright and disgust. I will go and take care of the situation and it will be all smoothed over. Why? Because this human is going to come out of her shock and look upon my student with care and understanding? No. Because I pay enough money to the store in order to close mouths and because I will exert my mutant powers in order to sooth the girls mind. Dont kid yourself, Charles, there will never be peace between mutants and humans as long as they are in charge."

Moving with graceful speed, Emma moved along the mall, passing some of her own students and that of Xavier's, until she came to the boutique. The head of the department had served her students before and had had the prescence of mind to close it off and get the disturbance under control by taking the salesgirl away from Cai and making her stand behind the counter.

Walking into the store, Emma takes in everything including Cai's appearance. Sending a message of calm mentally to all the sales people and those outside the store, she sent the subliminal message for each of them who did not work in the store to move on and that nothing was wrong here.

Turning to the sales clerks, she again probed into their minds and soon their faces went slack and their eyes a bit blank. The message that all was right and that there was no difference in Cai's appearance was inserted and soon the clerks were smiling. Withdrawing from thier minds, she smiles as they come out of their imposed stupors.

"Miss Frost," The head of the department said,"How nice to see you. I am sorry I did not see you come in. What can I do for you today?" The voice was eager to please and Emma knew it was because they saw dollar signs anytime she stepped into the door.

"Thank you, Louise, nothing for me today. I am simply checking up on a couple of my students that you are serving. I believe they came in under the name of Wei-Fong." Later on, the books would show that Cai had come in but the attendants would simply assume the girl did not make it and that they had replaced the appointment with Wei-Fong.

"Yes, yes, of course," Louise smiled,"Delightful girls. They are just looking at some of our clothing. Would you like to join them."

"Yes, I believe I would. And would you be so kind as to bring me a glass of wine? I have a bit of a thirst. I am sure the girls are having a good time but maybe it is time I checked out the latest fashions here."

Louise's smile grew larger as she saw the sales she would make today grow by leaps and bounds. Rushing off to get the drink that Miss Frost had asked for, Louise instructed someone to show her to where the girls were.

Coming upon the two, Emma flashed bright smiles at them and lay her hands upon Wei-Fong's shoulders.

"Rache, Wei-Fong," She emphasized the name to let Rache know how to address her. Well, looks as if you two are enjoying yourselves," The headmistress added in a calm and melodious voice,"I do believe I shall join you if you dont mind."

Sitting down, she watched the models parade in front of them, watching Wei-Fong out of the corner of her eye as she did so.

 

[mfucker]

Angel:

"What?" I said, as I snapped out of my own thoughts. I had barely heard anything. But true enough, there was a flow of unusual power that I could sense from the direction Lucas was looking at.

 

[TygerEyez]

Tara

I paused... and tried to listen, but only the normal sounds of the mall met my ears.

"I don't hear anything," I answered softly, watching our new friend's intent face. "Lucas..?"

 

[BadForm]

Wei-Fong Chan: Fashion

Wei-Fong did not recognise where she was, or either of the two people with her. However, that was nothing new to her and she had learned to ride the wave until things made sense. From her actions, the woman ("Miss Frost" the manager of the shop had called her) was a friend, or more accurately some sort of mother figure. The other girl, currently silent, was probably a friend. Well, that was good. She liked friends. She also liked the fashion parade that had been going on before her when she arrived. Unfortunately, the sales woman had gone to stand behind the counter and the model had left also. Still, there were a lot of clothes to look at and she was in heaven.

She smiled as Miss Frost sat down beside her, and other models were called. There were three: one, apparently, to model for herself, Miss Frost and Rache, by their respective sizes. This was obviously a wealthy store. Wealth meant expense from her limited experience, but she felt something telling her that would not be a problem. It felt like an inner voice, her own subconscious maybe. Well, if that was the case, there was lots in this store which she would love to see. She began selecting bright clothes in emeralds, sapphire and stark shades of white, black, silver and gold. For some reason, she also felt a draw to clothes which she had no interest in... many of which would never even fit her. Still, sometimes that was the way of things. She was enjoying herself too much to care.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I strain to listen, but there is nothing more than the murmmur of conversation, muted laughter, the normal sounds of the crowd. My curiosity, as well as my concern, is running high. I consider for a moment excusing myself and investigating, then decide against it. If it is a threat, I'd be of more use here, with my new friends, than gallivanting off.

"Nothing," I say with a smile at Tara. "Just thought I heard something odd. It's gone though."

"So, what's this store we're about to head into?" I ask changing the subject with a chuckle. "Do I get to watch the two of you model?"

 

[Angelus]

Joseph's head turned as soon as he heard the scream and wondered what had happened and if he should investigate. He was just about to run in the direction of the scream when he heard Zoe's voice. He looked at her and thought that he couldn't leave her alone, she was too frightened at the moment to be left alone, especially in a place that was filled with humans that would hate her as soon as they found out just what she was.

He turned to her, his face calm and remembered what she had just said, "Yeah. I know what you mean but I thought that I would buy it anyway. It looked so good on you I thought that you should have it."

He looked at her and saw the small smile appear on her face that disappeared as soon as she turned her head. He looked at her, waiting for her to look back towards him before saying, "Okay, you wanted to go to the bookstore, let's get going. We don't have all day much as I would like that."

 

[mfucker]

Angel:

"Maybe," I replied as his passing comment. "If I see something nice maybe," I repeated.

Shopping was the one thing I loved being on this planet. There was always the problem with too many things to buy, and too little money. Guess my little problem is solved, at least for now, as I looked at the card I held in my hand.

 

[Neale]

Professor X

Charles watched as Emma strode confidently away, wishing once again that they weren't so similar and yet so different...

He closed his eyes, concentrated, and contacted all his students telepathically, Students, it has come to my attention that students from the other school for mutants, the Massachusetts Academy, are also in the mall. If you wish to meet them, and get to know them, feel free. Their headmistress is Emma Frost, and I urge you to be very, very polite should you meet her.

He then sent mental images of each of the other students, so his would know them on sight. A moment later, and he contacted Emma. Emma, I see that you have things well in hand. I've contacted all my students, and informed them that your students were in the area, and encouraged them to seek them out, and introduce themselves. I think it is important that all our students get to know each other somewhat, don't you think?

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

The message from the Professor catches me by surprise and I invountarily glance about. The images he flashes I'm not familiar with, but the name, Emma Frost, I've heard before whispered among other mutants, often with more than a little fear. I shrug, and mutter a "Got it, Professor" under my breath.

I follow Tara and Angel as they look through the merchandise, aware of the sales clerks' suspicious eyes upon me. I start to get annnoyed and then a grin twitches at the side of my face. I sidle up to a sales clerk who looks as if she really rather I wouldn't.

"Not to worry, ma'am," I say in quiet, confidential sort of way. "We left the tour bus down at the hotel and drove up in a private car. You can be assured we made certain none of their fans knew they'd be here tonight to cause a riot."

The sales clerk looks at me, at Tara and Angel (who are far enough away they can't hear), and back at me.

"Who--?" she begins

I hold my finger up to my lips. "Just a quick stopover for some shopping before we head on into the Big Apple for the Big Concert. You know how it is with these stars after they've had a couple of platniums. Gotta be able to relax with some serious shopping. But they want to be able to do it without being mobbed. And they heard such great things about your store from Brittany and some of the others at the MTV bash..."

Heck, there's bound to be some sort of concert going on down in the city, so I figure I'm safe with laying it on that thick.

The sales clerk's eyes get big.

"Yeah, I know. But it's real important that you don't make a fuss, just let them feel like they're regular folks for a while."

She nods scurries off to whisper to the other clerks and soon Tara and Angel are swarmed by offers of fawning assistance, the clerks dying to know who they are, but not daring to ask for fear of looking ignorant.

I lean against the door frame, impassive expression on my face, which is dammed hard to accomplish considering how much I want to bust a gut laughing. Idly, I wonder how the story's gotten twisted in the re-telling, who the sales clerks are now thinking Tara and Angel are.

 

[Gaea]

Zoe

"I thought you might say something like that..." she seemed to smile a bit, the expression obscured by her turtleneck.

She headed towards the nearest escalator, trying to remember which direction the bookstore had been in. She'd have to remember to find an electronics store before they left; a laptop would be nice to have, to help with her schoolwork.

A quick check over her shoulder to make certain Joseph was following, and she headed up.

 

[Angelus]

Joseph watched Zoe closely as they headed up the escalator to the next level and the book store. He knew that Zoe wanted to go here more than anything and he made a promise to himself that he was going to take her. The two of them got off the escalator and were about to walk towards the bookstore when Joseph did something really stupid and crazy.

Without saying anything he took Zoe's right hand in his left and said, "I don't want to lose you. This is a pretty big place you know."
He then looked down at their hands and thought What the hell are you doing man?

 

[Serah]

Rache

OC
Sorry guys School and RL are crunching on me. I'll try to keep up. btw 1)Prof X and Ms.F That Debate Ruled! you guys could show the current x title writers a thing or two. 2) Bad Form That was a great I love how Cai started coming out of her shell, too bad Rache doesnt know your powers, great plot twist.

IC
Rachel faltered for a second as Cai shifted. She took a moment to try to figure out if this was a hostile action by some other mutant or being, taking her friend or was this The girls talent? Rachel felt only joy and humor off of the tall graceful water being. A minute ago Rachel felt like a big sister now she felt like the lost child. Thankfully Ms.Frost showed up within seconds and calmed the scene. Rachel was begining to appreciate having Ms.Frost around to help her. She had been a loner for so long but she was SO happy to see Ms.Frost when Cai changed. Rachell whispered to Ms.Frost "I' m sorry I was just trying to help, If you hadnt shown up we could have had a incident or a run in with one of the squads." Rachel smiled at her friend and wondered if she was ok. She thought as hard as she could to Ms. Frost 'Is she ok? does she know me?'

 

[Isolde]

Emma Frost

OOC: Thank you very much. That was a wonderful compliment.

IC: Emma smiled at Xavier's message. She had 'heard' him and did not need to be told what he had done. However, it was the man's gentlemanly nature that had him feel obligated to inform her of it. She immediately replied.

"Very well, Charles, and I shall do the same with my students. Thier mingling may be productive at that."

Reaching out to each student, she basically repeated what the professor had to his students, giving them a brief look at who his students were.

Turning to Rache, she smiled and sent a mental caress to soothe her and sent,"It is alright. It is natural for Cai. And no, she does not know who you or I are. She does not even realize the others inside of her exist. This is what we must work on with her. We need to get her to where all her personalities know about each other but cooperate with each other so that it will be possible for Cai to call them when they are needed and to lend a bit of control over those who may be a bit unruly."

"It is well she has a good friend like you to help her feel comfortable with what is happening to her. You will keep her from feeling as if she is lost in this world which is, unfortuately, how each of her separate beings feel when they emerge. Between you and I, I think she has a chance to become a confident young woman."

Emma leaned over to Wei-Fong and pointed out a particularly spectacular dress. "I do believe that would look stunning on you, my dear." She said in a warm, almost motherly tone of voice.

 

[Inkubus]

Vincent

Martin has been so patient as I gape in awe of all the beautifull instrurments. I wince as I notice the price tag on the Rabini but I have to touch it I dont know why...As I cradle it Martin asks If I can show him a few things on it...I close my eyes and for a second I get the image again someone who loves me. Someone who was not affected by my powers...someone who loves music...I begin to play the first few stanzas of 'Un amor apsaionado' for a few minutes Im lost in the song and suddenly Im awkaned by Ms.Frost's announcement. I blush as I realize that people are looking at me. I hand the sales clerk the card and ask him if he has an armoured case for it. something that will survive travel and violent weather. I smile at Martin and say "thank you I dont think I would have had the guts to come in this store, lets hurry up and get your computer " Vincent smiled as he cradled the guitar.His smile was foreign and sweet and it lit up the dark corners in his heart. Secretly he thought 'Thank you Ms. Frost.....I will never forget this'

 

[Vivid]

Martin Brumels

Wow, he can play! I think as I receive Director Frost's mental missive. I'm glad he's getting the guitar-thing. Just the look on his face as he was strumming away...

"Yeah, my computer, then we get you clothes." I say noticing the felt tip greeting he scribbled on his shirt earlier.

We wrap up at Silicon Valley quickly. I have them send 3 systems: mine, Joseph's, and one for Vincent (I look to him to confirm), to the academy. I get the latest Quake, Doom, and other multiplayer games as well as a hub and cables.

"Now, we can quickly pop in and get some clothes. Then maybe hang out somewhere; we've got plenty of time before we have to be at the food court. Sound good, Vincent?"