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Aya sped through the streets of LA, keeping pace with the car. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself faster, pulling the car closer and closer. She reached out a slender hand to touch the car and --

Aya found herself seated in the backseat. To one side sat a tall, menacing presence, his soul dark and flickering. To the other:

“Uná!”

Her soul was… muted somehow. Aya furrowed her eyebrows. What did that mean? Was she hurt? Aya slowly raised a hand, hesitating a moment. Then she reached out to touch Uná. The world snapped into focus around her.

Uná sat in a room that was not the dorm room. The walls were aqua in color and they faded to a sea green as they rippled like water. There was a mirror on one wall as if it were a dance studio. Uná was dressed in a pale powder blue flowing dress that just came down to her knees. Her head was tilted back and eyes closed. She hummed “Spring” by Vivaldi and tapped her feet to the beat. The humming sounded like it was more than one person. “I know you’re there.” This was Uná’s voice but not Uná’s voice. There was something extra in it or when she spoke that she spoke with more than one voice.

Uná looked over at Aya and smiled. “Hello Aya.” Uná’s eyes were fully black and very alien like with no whites and certainly no color other than black. It was a black that seemed to reflect different colors as if black could be iridescent.

Silver eyes blinked at black ones. Aya looked around at the room, at Uná. A dream? Uná was sleeping. Aya didn’t know she could enter dreams.

“Uná are you ok?” was the first thing out of her mouth. “You’re in a car with some man. Do you remember what happened?” Aya bit her lip, bringing her arms up to hug herself. “I’m back at the club.” She’d never told Uná about her powers, she realized. “There’s some sort of monster there or something.”

Uná tilted her head birdlike. “Pity. You are safer here. The Sluagh would be hungry. You would be useful later. That man doesn’t know the consequences of what he’s done. I remember breaking free. I remember doing what I want for once. That I remember. She remembered more and her memories were… intoxicating. "On to more important things...like how did you get here?”

Aya raised a concerned eyebrow. Was… was she still drunk? “This is… what I can do, I guess.” Aya shook her head. “But Uná,” she started, “if that monster is yours, can you get rid of it? People are getting hurt. I even heard gunfire.” It’d been loud and all-consuming, like being close to an aerial on New Year’s Eve.

Uná stood up and walked over to the mirror touching it absently with a fingertip. She looked over her shoulder at Aya. “If it were mine it wouldn’t be there Aya. Think about this. Come come now you can put two and two together and make four. Here let me help you out a bit.” Uná walked away from the mirror back to Aya but her reflection stayed. The Uná in the mirror looked around and caught sight of Aya, her eyes the normal clear blue. She was talking but with no sounds. She was pounding on the mirror and trying to get Aya to understand something, again no sounds.

Aya cast a wary gaze to Uná before moving to the mirror. A tentative hand lifted, fingers grazing the cold surface.

The black eyes. The confusing, condescending way she spoke. Aya turned to look back at the Uná standing in the middle of the room.

“Who are you?” Her voice was stronger than she expected, fortified by anger and worry for her friend.

Uná rolled her eyes. “Uná. Ask me a hard question.”

Aya narrowed her own. “What are you?”

Uná smiled. “That’s better. I suppose I can tell you but I must warn you if you repeat this at all to anyone including me there will be dire consequences.”

Aya stood her ground, watching the black-eyed Uná. She would not be intimidated, even as she felt her heart hammering in her chest. She placed a hand behind her back, fingers against the mirror.

Uná’s smile broadened. “I warned you. Who knows if you remember after you leave. So are you following that I am Uná and so is she?” Uná points to her reflection that is getting really frustrated now.

Aya didn’t respond, growing tired with her tone.

Uná sneered. “Fine. Whatever. I am her Tuatha da Danaan aspect. I am her and she is me. I’m just a part of her that was buried and locked away in the transition to this realm. That thing back there is out to drag her back to find out who my real parents are. See isn’t that wonderful? Now that you have all that knowledge and I’ve unburdened myself I can relax.” She sat down and smiled at Aya again.

Her words swirled around Aya, some making sense, others confusing her completely. Tuatha da… what? Uná was Irish, she knew, so it was probably related to that. She was adopted, too, Aya remembered.

“Let her out.”

Gritting her teeth Uná snarled. “Fine. I’ll be back later though.” Walking up to the mirror she walked into it and merged with the other Uná who came stumbling out of the mirror.

“AYA!!!” she threw her arms around the other girl in a hug.

Aya hugged Uná back, wary but relieved. Was… was it that easy?

“Are you ok?” she asked, pulling back. “How much do you remember?”

Uná winced. I remember drinking, dancing with Nik, kissing Nik, drinking more, dancing…” Uná blushed. “If you can call that dancing...ohmygod I made out with Frost. I have to tell Nikolai...and I don’t want to…” Uná put her face in her hands. “Then something shifted and something called my name or somethings...did I pass out? How are you here? What’s going on?”

“I’m back at the club actually. This is just… what I do. You’re in a car driving through LA right now. I think we’re in your dream. That albino man you were dancing with --” ‘dancing with’ “took you. But before you left, some… monster appeared.” Aya searched for the word the other Uná had used. “A… sluagh?” Aya pressed her lips together. “Uná, do you remember anything after? Being in the mirror?”

Uná looked up from her hands. “Mirror? No…” She looked confused. “How did you know the term for the dregs of the fairy courts? What do you mean a sluagh? I didn’t do that. I should be able to tell you. I knew when I made Isaac I just wasn’t conscious.” Uná started to get mad. “That jerk took me?!?!? I hope you guys find him and force him to have to sit on his foot to eat it!!!”

Aya shook her head. “I’ll explain later,” she said, remembering the other Uná’s warning. Aya was absolutely going to tell a teacher once they were out of this mess, but telling Uná while in her mind seemed like a foolish idea. Who knew what the other one could hear? “I’m following you right now so whenever you stop moving I’ll tell the others where to find you.”

Uná smirked. “Boy that is handy. I guess it’s hurry up and wait at this point then. How long can you be away from your body?”

Aya shrugged. “My record is three days but I think I can go longer. I’m not sure how far I can go from my body either, but I guess we’ll find out.” Testing time or distance hadn’t come up yet with Prof. Everose. They’d mostly been working on maintaining a connection with her body, hence why it was currently standing against the club wall rather than collapsed on the ground.

Uná looked concerned at Aya. “Can you find me again if you have to leave?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered. “I didn’t even know I could do this. I’ll stay with you as long as I can though.” Aya paused. “Actually, I should probably check to see if you’ve stopped moving yet.”

Uná nodded. She swallowed nervously and tried to smile. “So have anything else to talk about? I really don't want to dwell on my situation.”

Aya took Uná’s hand and gave it a small squeeze. “I know,” she said, giving her a sympathetic look. “I’m just going to have a quick look outside. If they’re still driving then I’ll be right back. If I’m not back… then that just means we’re already on our way to get you.” Aya gave a weak smile. “And hey,” she continued, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind the taller girl’s ear. It was a move she remembered her father doing to her countless times. “You’re tough. Way tougher than some bar creep. I bet by the time we get to you, you won’t even need our help.”

Uná laughed weakly as if trying to hold back tears. “Thanks Aya. Let’s hope you're right.” Uná swallowed back the tears and cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “Right. I got this.”

Aya gave her hand one last squeeze before pulling back.

She… she actually had no idea how to leave this space. She closed her eyes. Did she just… will herself back to the astral plane? Was it like turning her power on and off? Aya’s brow furrowed as she tried to concentrate.

An eye peaked open. Uná was still in front of her. She skewed her mouth to the side and took a deep breath. Her shoulders dropped as she tried to relax. Then --

Aya found herself back on the astral plane. She blinked her eyes open to herself back in the car, two souls shining on either side of her, constellations speeding around her. The car was still moving, then. Aya sighed, disappointed. She actually was a bit concerned about how long she could keep this up for. She knew time probably wouldn’t be an issue, but distance… Aya didn’t want to know what happened if she took her soul too far from her body. Not to mention, she’d just left her body in a crowded, hectic area in the middle of a monster attack. She could only hope one of her classmates found her body and took care of it. If not one of them…

Oh god. Her eyes widened.

She was using her power in the middle of a crowd. If she was just standing, catatonic, then that was one thing, but had she closed her eyes? Panic started to rise in Aya’s chest. Prof. Everose had told her her eyes turned silver when she used her power. If her eyes were open and someone saw…

They’d know.

Fear was petrifying as it twined around her heart. Aya was only just becoming used to the idea of becoming a mutant. She’d never even said the words out loud to herself before. But she was going to be discovered. Everyone would find out. And then there would be a short line to draw from her mutation to Kainoa.

Aya’s mind spiralled, switching rapidly between panic, regret, and self-loathing. What was she going to do? What was she going to do?! Aya was fairly certain that if she had a body she’d be hyperventilating. She brought the heels of her hands up to press into her eyes. Idiot… She’d been so careful up until now.

All for nothing.

Aya’s hands fell back into her lap as she dropped her head back to look up at the sky through the car roof. Two souls flickered and glowed on either side of her, just edging into her peripheral vision.

She turned to look at the more commanding of the two souls, the towering man who'd stolen Uná from them. She took in his face, outlined by stars. Then she turned to look at Uná again. Her soul seemed more vibrant at least; stronger, like whatever had been dampening it was gone. Aya thought back to the odd black-eyed Uná. This was the second classmate of hers now with some hidden, darker half.

She furrowed her eyebrows. She had to stay with Uná. As much as she wanted to go back to her body, make sure her secret was safe, as terrified as she was... she couldn't leave her friend. Aya didn't know if she'd be able to find them again if she went back. And Uná was more or less helpless while unconscious. Who knew when she'd wake up? She had to stay. For Uná.

And if she was discovered, then... well, she supposed it was no more than what she deserved.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Aya dropped her head back again, steeling herself. Uná first. Then she'd deal with whatever came after.

Aya sat back up and opened her eyes. Then she reached out to touch Uná again. The next moment she found herself back in the familiar room, as solid and bright as if it were real, sitting across from her roommate.

"Looks like it's you and me for a bit more," she said, forcing a smile. All there was to do now was to distract both of them from whatever was to come.

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The voice... the monster... Nik stood bewildered for a moment. This thing was eldritch horror level weird. So it took the mutant a moment of staring and watching it get pelted with bullets before springing into action. Nik quickly tossed the bottle towards the monster. Upon impact against its form, a small explosion was enough to rock its form and draw the attention up towards the balcony. At which point, Nik's eyes widened. He turned his eyes to Nathan momentarily. "Make sure people get out of here. I think I can keep it occupied." Nathan's expression was vicious, but all he could manage was a small nod before running to make sure the civilians in the bar were making it out alright.

Nik's eyes turned back to the horror, and it did not look pleased. His eyes then scanned the area and he saw a few men firing weapons, as well as... Drake?. Nik took the brief moment of time he had to quickly kick a nearby wooden stool. He picked up two splintered legs and jumped over the edge of the balcony, hitting a roll as he hit the ground near Drake. He gave a slight smile to his roommate. "Why don't we check if this thing is flammable?"

Nathan, in the meantime, quickly rushed towards the exit and began ushering people out, helping those who were tripping. He couldn't help that his teeth were ground together the whole time, his anger not quite subsiding over his conversation with Nik. One of these days, that cocky bastard is going to get what's coming to him.

Ayel Rozenfeldt

After having recuperated from using his telepathic powers, Ayel stood back up on his feet. He exhaled through his nose and reached both his hands into his jacket pockets. Hooded and his hands stuffed away, he made it to the metal staircase which led up to the roof from the outside, it was likely meant to be an escape route would a fire occur, as the stairs were adjacent to a couple of windows for the building.

He slowly, yet steadily made his way down the stairs until he could feel the ground underneath his boots. He had come down to the entry of an alley and was just now stepping out from it when the sound of a speeding car and commotion drew his interest, not too far away from where he was located, across the street diagonally from where he was. Some woman had appearantly run out to probably get a lift with the car, but was left there standing, just watching it speed away.

The city is so much more lively than the forests, lively in the worst kind of way. Though if one of his kind was causing all this commotion it was something indeed worth inspecting. And whom was better to ask than the woman standing there just watching the street. He approached her from the front, albeit abit to the side as he was crossing the street after making sure no cars were homing in on him.

"Lost your ride home?" He said in a soothing tone, in a manner someone elderly would ask a child. His black hoodie up and his hands still in his pockets. But as he said that, he noticed her eyes. Shining in a silvery manner, like miniature discoballs. Upon not receiving any reaction from her he swiftly removed his long jacket and heaved it over her head like a makeshift cover from the rain, would there be any of that. Or warding off cold. At least that was what he hoped to give the impression of, whilst the real reason was to cover her eyes from unlookers.

This isn't good... He thought to himself.

Thankfully many people were panicked and did not pay attention too well. Either way, keeping her in such an open place was not ideal. Nor would it be taking a taxi, they could tell immediately upon seeing her what she was.

"One of the stores should still be open, let us borrow their phone. I've got you."

Ayel took hold of her right arm and then placed it over his shoulder, attempting to lead her across the street, carrying her if he had to, then further along the street to that very alley he had come from moments earlier. There somewhere in the alley, away from people's eyes he could use his telekinetic flight to get them both up unto the roof from where he earlier had stood. At least that was the plan. First he had to make sure no one were to interfere with the improvised rescue attempt. This woman's life would depend on it.

Thus if any human would find out it would have to be rooted out... permanently.

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Heidi was grateful that none of the people who were leaving the club were paying Aya any mind, given the unnatural color of her eyes. The last thing Heidi wanted was for anybody to think that Aya was controlling the monster. If anyone ever broke from the pack to enquire about the two girls, Heidi would intercept them and explain that they were fine, and were just waiting for their friends to make it. In fact it was during one of these instances when, mere feet behind her, Ayel had approached Aya. Then man she was talking to drew her attention to this, and Heidi turned round to see a man carrying Aya on his back. It seemed he had given her his jacket, too. Heidi removed all surprise from her face before she turned back to the good Samaritan.

"Yes, that's him. I gotta go. Thank you anyway!"

Waving goodbye, she sped off across the street, and followed. She thought it very unlikely that he was a kidnapper, or an individual with otherwise nefarious purposes. They tend not to be that brazen or bold. The most likely explanation was that he was a fellow student at the school, who recognised Aya. Though he wasn't dressed for a party. Perhaps he didn't get an invitation, so was just watching. Either way, Heidi thought it safe to make the assumption that he knew Aya.

Once all three of them were in the alleyway, and Ayel turned to see Heidi, Heidi herself turned to make sure nobody else was close by, before confirming that the coast was clear and turning back to the two.

"The coast looks clear. I'm Heidi. Aya's schoolmate." she spoke calmly, offering her hand to him. Being slightly drunk was helping her to speak in a more natural and relaxed manner, now that she wasn't overthinking things. "Thanks for getting her somewhere a bit safer."

Ayel Rozenfeldt

It had gone smoothly passing the street with the girl, but upon reaching the alley, he noticed that he had indeed been followed. He was prepared to use his telekinetic powers to incapacitate the witness, but at that point she was introducing herself. But not only that, she was providing the name for the girl whom he had casually relocated to the alley.

So she knows this girl? Another of my kind? Schoolgirls? He thought to himself.

He still held unto Aya, providing leaning support but also keeping the jacket in place so none would see her eyes. Aswell as making sure she would not catch a cold.

"Pleased to meet one such as yourself, young princess Heidi." He made a slight arm-bowing motion with his free hand before he took hold of her hand, raising it a slight bit before attempting to plant a kiss upon it. "I am Ayel, a gardener. I happened to come upon the scene over yonder and simply count not stand idle. Perhaps you could be so kind as to tell me what has happened over there and to Aya here?" He asked as he straightened himself, looking at Heidi from under his hood, long strands of blonde hair could be seen within it. He still would bear a soft smile upon his lips, his eyes attempting to keep eyecontact with hers.

"Nay need to thank me, the safety of two young ladies such as yourselves be of outmost importance. You said you are schoolmates? What are you doing out here at this time?"

@Silver Carrot@c3p-0h

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Kaylee felt the wind rush by as she held onto Cole. She'd been on bikes before but none as nice as this one. She held on tight to Cole with the excuse of the road. She pressed her cheek to his back and smiled at his warmth.

All too soon it ended and they were climbing off the bike. It was a venue that was laid back. She moved off the bike with Cole's help. Not that she needed it but it was nice. She’d been looking forward to this concert for a while now. She had a guilty pleasure of a capella and cover bands and she was glad someone else was indulgent enough to go with her.

Kaylee looked over at Cole and smiled warmly. “If there is anything on your mind you know I’m here. I’m not pushing you just seem like you’ve wanted to say something but it hasn’t been what you really said.” She squeezed his arm affectionately. “Come on let’s go have fun.”

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Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was just her brain rationalising the situation. But Heidi didn't blush or feel at all bashful when her hand was kissed. Part of her knew that she should. That wold have been her definite reaction to this before her mutation developed, especially considering he was a pretty boy. But this person seemed like a naturally dramatic person. He made exaggerated gestures, and spoke like a Shakespeare character. Of course he'd kiss her hand. It didn't seem strange, or rather, everything about this boy seemed so strange that it didn't stand out.

Ayel would notice that despite his attempts to look her in the eyes, her eyes moved around a lot, except when he talked, in which case they focused on his mouth. Not that she believed he was a gardener anyway, but she did a quick check and discerned that he did not have gardener's hands, did not smell of grass or soil, and did not have traces of grass or soil on his clothes or shoes. Why did he play this character? Was this a choice? Did he believe this had a purpose? Or was he just suffering from delusions?

She was about to answer him by giving an account of the night, and the monster, when he also asked if they were schoolmates, and if so, what were they doing out here. She hid it from him, but her mind was ringing with alarm bells. He was not a student of the Ashford Institute for the Gifted. He had no knowledge of the group that came here for the party. So, he was here by mere chance, or here was here for a reason other than that he was a fellow student. Heidi had to find out as quickly as possible what his purpose in being here was.

If he wasn't a mutant, Heidi could probably take him in a fight at this range. If he was a mutant, however, it would be a good idea to disclose that Aya and herself were mutants as the Ashford Institute. Maybe he'd be interested in signing up. The more unchecked mutants that were taken in to structured environments where they could be taught safety and restraint, the better. Thus, she had everything to gain, and nothing to lose from telling him. If she was wrong, she could knock him out in over a hundred different ways with no danger to herself or Aya. She did, however, decide to leave out any details of Uná or Lex, just in case he was connected to Lex.

"Aya and myself are from the Ashford Institute for the Gifted. It's a special school for mutants. We were here for a night out, but some kind of monster appeared in the club. The rest of our group's in there dealing with it, but I wouldn't have been much help, so I evacuated. As for Aya, I'm not exactly sure, but I'm presuming it's related to her mutation."

Her gaze is wandering, possibly taking in where we are and what is going on. Calmness. Unusual calmness.
Ayel thought, Before he readjusted his stance abit, making sure Aya's body would not be taxed by unnecessary pressure or be subject to bruising. If possible he would hold her up and let her lean against him, a tad too close perhaps than she may have wanted were her mind present, since he was a stranger holding unto her.

A fellow kin no doubt. She's very perceptive. Is that her gift? He pondered for a moment as his eyes followed Heidi til she explained abit what was going on. I suppose I won't have to deal with her then. How fortunate. Ah. So there are others afoot, fighting in the club over yonder. I'd hate to blow my cover right now, besides if my kin be in there they will no doubt become stronger after such an encounter.

"Oh? An institute for the gifted?" He said in a curious manner. "Mutants? That's just a word invented by those not understanding the gift bestowed upon the few, to make them feel like they carry some form of disease or illness. And a monster?" He allowed a reassuring look to decorate his face as he still tried to get eyecontact with Heidi.

"Ahh, a group of young gifted individuals undertaking work which would have been expected to be carried out by the so called law that is meant to protect the... people. You did the right thing though in caring for your friend, Aya. Whom knows what would have happened had neither of us been there to lead her to a more secluded and safe place. Let us stay back, your friends would only be distracted would we arrive to aid them. Concentration is a very important thing after all. Besides heroes battling and triumphing over monsters is a good tale don't you agree?" He blew out some air through his mouth and he got abit more of an upturn at the corner of his mouth.

"We all help in our own way, with what we've been given. You're quite calm regarding the situation nontheless, and also seem to possess a quick mind, apart from your apparant beauty and forementioned skills, is there any other gifts you've been given?"

Ayel threw a glance over Aya, looking her over. "I hope she returns from wherever she has gone to. Do not fret though, I shall watch over her til that time comes. Do you know any place where we can take her to?"

A very perceptive and calculating one aren't you? I am intrigued to learn more of your power, perhaps I can help you use it to the best of your capabilities. A little push in the right direction, doing the world a few favors in the process. That's good, wouldn't you agree...? He thought to himself while awaiting Heidi's replies.

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Location: Right behind you.
Interactions: @Dezuel, @Silver Carrot, @c3p-0h

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He wasn't standing there a moment ago, but Jason was getting quite good at moving silently, without much thought at all. His mind was either so jumbled that even he got confused at times by it, or it was just white noise, almost impossible to detect. White noise was what his mind had been, at least until he'd heard the part about "beauty."

A few short minutes ago, he'd still been directly outside the club, brooding to himself, when the message had barreled through his mangled mess of thought processes, and called out over his own mind. A message to all other mutants, to forge a path forward together:

"To the lonely souls lost in the world, to the forsaken and depressed. Do not be afraid, there is no need to cry, no more need to run away or hide. I am one of you, you not alone. We are the chosen ones, the ones whom are currently being oppressed. Where we are forced to hide from sight, where we are called freaks and monsters. We are not monsters my brothers and sisters, we are a different branch of mankind. So I urge you to leave where you are hiding, find others like yourselves out there. Tomorrow I will guide you to where we can all meet. Under a new light. A beacon to guide us to the future which is waiting for us. Seek love and passion, and go forth... with my prayer."

Shortly after, everything went crazy.

The interior of the club suddenly erupted with shouts, gunfire, and roars that no human was capable of making, followed shortly by the sounds of his comrades engaging it. Jason was about to slip back into the club to take a look for himself, and maybe, if he was in the mood, assist them. That was before he noticed a familiar face being carried, unconscious, out of the club by an individual he didn't recognize, followed promptly after by another individual that had briefly faded in and out of his mind in the past few minutes. This definitely warranted an investigation.

He stood still, watching them while they conversed, trying to gauge the situation before he leapt in. Heidi had followed the guy, and seemed to be having a pleasant conversation with him, and from what he could hear, Aya was going to be fine, well, mostly. He was sponging up the information, up until he heard the one singular word that warranted him finally stepping into the open.

Jason stepped out of the shadows, his red eyes peering out from under his hood, his hands in his rather comfortable pockets, attempting to smile cheerfully. He was failing, miserably. His X-Factor was still going off, not just for his two friends, but the stranger as well. There was no doubt now, whoever they were was indeed another mutant.

"Hey, don't get comfortable calling Heidi attractive."

...That hadn't been what he'd meant to say at all! Well, he'd said it, so he had to roll with it.

"I can assume you have something to do with the message that was broadcasted into my head, not so sure about if your responsible for whatever the hell's happening in there..." He jabbed a thumb back towards in the direction of the club. "But, that's not why I'm here, I had an urge to check on my friends, and to make sure you weren't trying anything."

Jason moved closer, pushing his hood away just enough for his peepers to have a better line of sight. "I'm glad you weren't, I was feeling lazy tonight, and the man hole cover over there is doing it's job so well."

Jason was never the kind to throw the first punch, not that he would've attempted to punch anything anyways, there were far heavier things in proximity then his fists, it was an attempt at a bad joke.

Maybe he should work on new material. God he wasn't good at this.

"I should probably introduce myself, names Jason, who're you?"

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"Actually," started Heidi, not being able to help herself in her drunken state, "the concept of mutants and mutations was scientific fact long before the X-gene, which itself does fit the scientific definition of a mutation. So it's not inaccurate. I do get your point though. Calling us 'gifted' is a lot more positive and humanising, if a little patronising. And yes, the possibilities of what could have happened to Aya had we not been there for her don't bear thinking about, even if I can't help it. The last thing I'd want is for her to get blamed for the monster. Even if I can't deny that her actually being the cause of the monster is a possibility, I don't believe it.

And the police can no longer deal with all crimes and disturbances. That's why we need superheroes, and the X-men. Monsters, supervillians, the supernatural and magical...the ordinary policeman cannot do anything to stop them. And yes, I'm better off out here, where I'm not getting in the way. My mutation can't help me fight monsters. I'm a Delta Class. If you're asking about my powers, my quick mind *is* my power. My brain can process things many times faster than normal, and I have a perfectly photographic memory. I'm basically a supercomputer. Sorry, I don't usually talk this much. I think it's the alcohol. I can't stop my thoughts from coming out."

She had been talking increasingly faster and faster, but now stopped herself, and took a few deep breaths. She looked back up at Ayal, but noticed that his eyes were looking past her, at somebody behind her. Not wanting to give away her biggest weakness, she maintained the charade that she could hear, and turned to face the new arrival, hoping that Ayel didn't say anything while her back was turned.

Though Heidi missed Jason's first line, she still blushed a little upon seeing her 'date' for the night finally show up. Not even Ayel kissing Heidi's hand, or calling her beautiful, had elicited this reaction. She read his lips, her version of 'listening' to him, and he immediately brought up a good point. Heidi didn't know Ayel's powers, he wasn't from the school, and thought of mutants as discriminated 'gifted'. Though it was not certain, it was looking more and more likely that Ayel was the voice that every mutant in the club had heard. All the pieces fit so far. Even so, there were too many other possibilities in Heidi's head for her to make the assumption. She may be a little too smart.

"Hey, Jason," she greeted sheepishly, hopefully lessening the tension and mediating a civil conversation as she turned back to Ayel to read his reply. If it came to it, she could stop them both herself and break them up, but she prayed a fight wouldn't start in the first place.

Ayel Rozenfeldt

The girl. Heidi had begun to speak about scientific matters, and what caused humankind to refer as their kind of abilities as mutations. Ayel had an upturn at the corner of his mouth as he listened to her, allowing the young girl to speak as much as she desired. After all, to listen was more important than to talk at times. And sure enough she did provide him with answers he desired. Information about her particular powers, knowing about them was something which Ayel found very important. Heidi's powers had manifested in the forms of photographic memory and a perfect recall, aswell as being a very fast thinker, her mind capable of memorizing things only once then being able to remember it forever.

Such particular a power could be utilized in many useful ways, to breach into places locked away. But more importantly, the words spoken would never be forgotten. How suceptable was this girl to the flow of information passing by her? How much of humanity's cruelty could she watch before she would despise all of them and consider their existance an abomination? That was questions which still had no answers. Though time would certainly reveal plenty.

You could be of much use to the world that is about to be born... Heidi. He thought to himself

"Alcohol? You seem a tad too young to drink. Though I won't tell anyone about that. Your gift is a great one, Heidi. But for whom and what do you intend to use it?" He offered a warm smile at that, tilting his head to the side abit.

"The X-men huh?" Ayel nodded slowly with his head, then turned his gaze to the figure that had appeared behind Heidi.

"My my, seems that I was not the only one being followed." He proclaimed softly, as he heard Heidi greet the boy. His eyes set on Jason, not in an hostile manner, but very calculating one.

Now what's this then? A friend of hers? Such a fierce gaze you have boy, I wonder what power you bear? Ruby Eye...

"That's quite the ruby eyed gaze you have there... Jason? You may call me Ayel, I am a simple gardener in the area who'd happened to come by the equally curious gazing Aya, standing out there in the open with that unmistakable look in her eyes." He offered a courteus bowing motion with his free arm, still holding unto Aya with the other. Having greeted the boy, the blonde haired man took a slight inhale before blowing the air out through his mouth.

"A message in your head? And for the havoc over yonder? What makes you come to such a conclusion? Do I seem to be the kind whose capable of doing such a thing? But it is certainly refreshing to see someone whom cares deeply for their dear friends. We could use alot more of that in our world." Ayel did not approach Jason, as he was still holding unto Aya he stayed put. But he did indeed make careful note of the boy's reactions and behaviour. This boy, Jason believed he was the one whom had sent the message out to him. That was true. Though telling them outright, in this moment and time would not benefit those whose voices yet had to be heard. In the worst case it could alert those whom would try to prevent those voices from being heard. Were he to leave these two pondering on the possiblity if it was him or not, they would surely try make it to the meeting spot to find out. Young people tend to be so very, very curious and would like himself seek out the truth.

The truth was often to be prefered than living a life in an illusion, a lie, a charade, like the fairytale of a storyteller or the poison which even Heidi herself had consumed. That which clouds most minds, take them to a place other than here, to a time other than now. Putting them into their own little dream world, where they make their escape to instead of stepping forth and tackling the real world before them. That is why such illusions must be shattered, even if the truth may be grim and hurtful. It is still the truth, and people do crave it. For no one want to wake up, realizing it was all just a dream. A sweet poisonous dream, which would repeat itself over and over again until they would run out of time.

Ayel was under the belief himself that the time of action was about to begin, it was enough of sitting around and not doing anything to make the world better. To make the world, into that very dream they've all wished for. That the new mankind wished for. That world without wars. The utopia. Yet all cannot get aboard the ark and thus must vanish along with the old tainted world. Fire was seen as a destroyer, but it also the tool of purification and renewal. Burning down the old withered things, so that new growth could take it's place.

The future would always be better than the past. Because people always strive to climb higher, to reach further ahead and go as far as possible. And those whom could do it the best was none other than them. The chosen ones.

Coleman St. John

The ride down the mountain back into town went smoothly. The exhaust popped and growled with every gear change and the weather was the perfect balance against the heat coming off the engine beneath them as the old cracked pavement flowed beneath them. Kaylee’s grip was firm behind him and she smartly leaned with the turns as he angled the bike over the sidewalls. He couldn’t remember the last time he carried a passenger, but the piercing feeling that spurred in his conscience when she first got on, like the millimeter point of a needle, continued to feel like it was being pushed slowly through his chest. His grip on the handlebars was firm and he knew there was no doubt she could sense it. The wind blew against them and the expanse of the city towards the Pacific flashed by between the trees. He could feel his leather glove crack against the throttle.

The small venue wasn’t much more than a hole in the wall, not far from the Rose Bowl and still at some elevation, affording a comfortable view of the rest of the city spotted by evening lights and the setting sun. In the outlaw fashion, Cole backed up his bike into an open space with the front forks facing back towards the highway. The clientele was fairly middle-class like most of the dirt parking lot: Fords, Chevies, Asian imports and the occasional BMW or Audi convertible. Cole returned a few of the gawking glances the bike drew with a short wave and a modest grin as he helped Kaylee where just for a moment their hands touched. Several old trees folded over the small clubhouse providing shade against the evening sun. The simple banner above the front door read in a weathered old font The Blue Dahlia. Music was already pumping out into the open air and the sound of raucous laughter and jovial Friday night chatter greeted all those that arrived.

Cole let his grin remain somewhat at Kaylee’s question and quick retreat from it. He knew the curiosity was eating her alive. He gave a small shrug and let her hook her arm under his. “Maybe in a little while, let’s see what’s going on in here.”

The band was a local favorite and surprisingly good. A male and female vocalist who both played as well as a bassist and a drummer. They hit a few of the classics and a some originals. The atmosphere was great and Cole had to admit that he was having a pretty good time. Their table, only a few meters away from the band on the back patio, sat beneath one of the large trees that shaded the property and grew up through the wooden decking that was built around it. A combination of strung lights and tiki-torches lit the air as evening took over. Cole leaned back slightly in his chair and balanced himself against the rough bark of the old tree with one hand as the band finished a set and decided to take a break. There hadn’t been a lot of room for conversation against the thrall of guitar riffs and pounding drums. “I have to say, I’m not usually a cover-band person, but this has been a pretty good choice.” He said with some satisfaction. His apprehension from earlier had subsided, but there was another feeling creeping in, one much more familiar. He glanced out over the cityscape for a moment hearing the familiar sound of sirens in the distance, helicopter rotor blades and the regular cadence of flights descending over the mountains from Las Vegas. Someone put on a music stream as the band had a few drinks and relaxed and the volume of conversations rose slightly. “Relax,” He said giving Kaylee’s chair a nudge with a smirk. She was loosening up and having a good time after a couple drinks, but he could tell the students were still on her mind.

@Almalthia

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"Why don't we check if this thing is flammable?" Nik's proposition was an enticing one. Drake's head was swimming, his vision blurred and swaying. The sleep deprivation coupled with his gross intoxication was making a cocktail of crazy in his own head.

"We can’t let it get outside… I can try and flank this thing, like I do in the danger room." Drake jumped with a start, not realizing that Cleo had made her way over.

"Jeebus, lady!" he exclaimed before looking slightly confused and pointing at her arm. "'Ay, you got red on you." It slowly started to click in his mind that it was blood. "Oh shit, was it the monster or the vampire?" Panic painted his face before he turned back to the enemy that was still here. Drake clenched his hands into fists and brought them to his chest before springing them out to his sides. Flames ignited around them... and then quickly extinguished. "The fuck..."

Drake rubbed his face real quick, trying to summon the mental focus necessary and then tried it again, but the result was the same. Drake slapped himself just hard enough to get adrenaline pumping. Come on, come on. Focus. Get amped. Think of something. Work, bitch! Just as he thought the words, the song started playing in his head. "You want a hot body..." He could feel his hands start to warm up again. "You want a Bugatti... you want a Maserati..." Flames started to dance between his knuckles as Drake snarled with determination. "You better work, bitch!" His fists erupted once more and Drake stared them in anger, daring them to go out, but they didn't. Finally. He ran stepped over to a vacant table that still had half drunk bottle of acohol and flung it at the beast, watching it shatter on its hide and coat it with the flammable liquid.

"Kame..." Drake brought his flaming hands together as if he were holding an invisible football as he leaned down and tucked his fists to his right side. "Hame..." The fire got larger and started singeing different areas of Drake's shirt. "HA!" Drake pushed both hands forward, palms out sending a stream of flame toward the beast. He immediately regretted it, the flame being bright enough and close to his face that he temporarily blinded himself. Dammit! The flames on his fists extinguished as he rubbed his eyes furiously. "Did I get it?" He asked out aimlessly, still rubbing. "Is it dead?!"

The SUV took a hard right on the slick asphalt. Lex, sitting in the left passenger's seat, hit his shoulder on the side of the door with a thud. His right hand braced Uná's limp body in her seat as the vehicle continued to move erratically. "What the hell are you doing up there," he shouted, chastising the driver.

"Sorry, boss," was the meek response. This wasn't his usual wheelman. Just one of the men who happened to escape Avalon alive.

...So I urge you to leave where you are hiding, find others like yourselves out there. Tomorrow I will guide you to where we can all meet. Under a new light...

Lex blinked his eyes a few times before rubbing one of his ears with his free hand, attempting to get the voice out of his head. He looked at Uná to see if there was any reaction, but there was none that seemed significant. Even the driver seemed undisturbed. Great, he thought to himself. More of them being herded. He started thinking back about the monster at the club, Ashford's... The creature seemed to have been focused on them and Lex still couldn't forget the flash of blackness in Uná's eyes before it had appeared. It wanted her.

"Red, Red, Red," he mused to himself as he looked at her once more. "I knew you'd be interesting." Her unconscious body began to squirm a little, her mouth looking as though it were trying to speak. "Are they in your head, too?" he asked rhetorically, recalling his own psychic invasion moments ago. He leaned slowly to her ear, bared his teeth and whispered, "Tell them to fucking bring it."

He looked up then, as if something clicked. "Change of plans," Lex announced sternly. That creature was large and didn't seem too bothered by bullets. It would be foolish to lead the bull to the china shop.

"What's that," the driver asked. "Not going to the manor?"

"We're going to Nocturn," Lex said as he pulled out his phone and began furiously tapping it. "I'm telling them to shut down early and clear the people out. Pull into the back by the loading docks and get ready. I've got a feeling that thing's coming after her. If not that, then maybe it will lure out some of her peers. Either way, we're spilling blood." Lex looked at his watch and then back out the window at the moon. Time was fleeting. He'd have to do this quickly before he became... his other self.

The SUV pulled into the loading docks just as the bay door opened up. They slowly rolled inside, the door coming down behind them. Several men rushed the SUV as Lex stepped out. "Take the girl upstairs to my office. Open up the armory and get suited up. Someone get my guns. A fight's coming."

Aya sat with Uná in her mindspace, the two girls talking with a forced sort of cheer, the reality of their situation an ever-looming spectre hanging over them. They were cut off though, when a voice echoed through the space.

"Tell them to fucking bring it."

A chill ran up Aya's spine. She looked at Uná.

"I think that's my cue," she said. She reached out to hold Uná's hand one last time. "Remember, we'll get to you as soon as we can." Giving a squeeze, Aya released the younger girl. "Just hang on until then." She pulled her mouth into her best attempt at a reassuring smile. Then Aya closed her eyes and found herself back in the astral version of the car, Uná and her kidnapper on either side of her.

"We're going to Nocturn." Aya blinked. That announcement was... convenient. Her eyes widened though as the man instructed his staff. Guns. They were getting ready for a war. How were they going to get Uná back from men with guns? Why did he even want Uná?

Aya bit her lip, looking at the starry outline of the man. The harsh cut of his jaw, the dangerous glint of his eyes... who was he? Aya took a moment to study him, worry building in her chest. She had to get back to the Avalon to tell her classmates where Uná was. Closing her eyes, she took a deep inhale... then pulled herself back to the physical world.

Aya slammed into her body with a gasp. Falling backwards, she stumbled and collapsed. The snap back to reality was so jarring that she barely even noticed as she hit the floor.

Her body felt wrong. Her chest was too tight. Her limbs were too long. Every movement, every breath, took too much effort, like she had to fight her muscles to even cooperate. Her vision was black. Her ears were ringing. A piercing headache shot through her skull. Aya thought she might throw up.

Too far, echoed in her mind. Too far, too fast.

Aya coughed like her lungs were full of water, terrible shaking breaths ripping her lungs apart. Somehow she managed to sit forward, curling in on herself, knees drawn up. Her whole body trembled as she forced her hands up to press against her closed eyes. Her face was wet, either from tears or the cold sweat that had broken out over her body.

How was it this terrible? She'd felt nothing on the astral plane.

"Nocturn," she managed to force out. Her voice was soft and desperate, like she had to fight to even make her vocal chords work. "Uná --" She winced, her spine curling into a tighter arc as another stab of pain shot through her skull. She didn't know where she was or if there was even anyone nearby to hear her. Aya's mind had narrowed to the pain and the feeling of not belonging in her body, like she was intruding and it was never meant for her at all.

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Location: Outside
Interactions: @Dezuel, @Silver Carrot, @c3p-0h

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"The throbbing in my head is a little to loud for you to not be one of us." Moving his hood back over his eyes, allowing his bangs and the natural shadow cloak his face again, Jason's eyes peered out like little headlights from a train in a dark tunnel. His hands had naturally gravitated back into his hoodie's pockets, almost as if his hands were unable to handle direct contact with the air outside for long. Maybe he was just flustered and trying to hide his emotions, maybe it was just natural instinct, or maybe he was hiding an oversized mechanical nuclear powered triple barreled automatic bulletproof chainsword shotgun in his pocket? No that would just be silly and impractical, it was probably the latter.

"Heidi and Aya both give off their own presence, but it doesn't just stop at them, I also detect the same kind of presence from you, and considering none of my fellow students would need to state the things mentioned in the message as they've already found each other, and whatever's in the bar probably being of to much of a lesser intelligence to be able to even be capable of rational thought, that leaves you."

Although it was difficult to tell from the lighting, Jason could've sworn he saw Heidi...blush, a few moments ago? Wait what? He certainly hadn't been expecting that much out of her, then again, he'd completely forgotten about their "Date" until just this moment. Bloody hell. He mentally punched himself, accidentally floating a small stone that had laid upon the pavement nearby, and smacking himself across the face with it.

Ouch that stung.

He hadn't really meant to do that, but mentally swatting yourself sometimes had consequences, most often ending with amusing results. Rubbing his cheek, Jason made an attempt to pretend nothing had just happened, and promptly failed when he was jolted by Aya's sudden awakening.

Nocturn? Una?

"Well then, that must have been a rude awakening." Chuckling to himself, the hooded young man moved closer to his friend, placing a hand gently upon her forehead in an attempt to snap her out of her stupor.

"Hey, Aya, it's us, well, us as in Jason and Heidi, the other guy, Ayel, is also a friend, I think."

His eyes flicked back to Ayel for a moment, scoffing in a joking manner, "Gardener."

He'd never seen Aya look so out of it before, she almost looked like she'd just been spun around on a Merry-Go-Round a few to many times at high speeds, and he was honestly glad she wasn't standing up. Jason didn't have much information on Una, but he did know she had some sort of dream walking ability, so perhaps they had been in some sort of psychic conversation and that's why Aya had been so out of it? Either that or Aya had drank a little to much and was having fantasies about herself and Una.

The real question was...what the hell was Nocturn?

Jason turned to Heidi, the question already forming on his lips. "Any idea what or where Nocturn is?"

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Heidi looked back and forth as Ayel and Jason spoke to each other, taking everything in, as well as digesting what had already been said. Jason's reasoning was sound, and Ayel being the mutant who'd sent the message was the most likely single possibility, it was less likely that everything else combined. As such, Heidi didn't want to jump to conclusions and keep an open mind, while also remaining suspicious of Ayel. Another thing from earlier that had given her a lot to think about was the last thing that Ayel had said to her before Jason arrived. For who and for what did she intend to use her powers?

Before the attack, Heidi tried to make plans combining pro-registration ideals with her own compassion. With her new mutation, that was a lot easier to do, though still tool a lot of time. She thought about it a lot in her free time, keeping the thought process running in the background. One day, she'd have the means at her disposal to carry out her plan. By then, it would be bulletproof.

It was lucky for Jason that Heidi was looking in the other direction when he hit himself in the face with a stone. It was also lucky for Heidi, who didn't miss Aya's awakening. Every moment, from the coughing to the shaking to the sweat, to the pain, was recorded. As well as the words 'Nocturn' and 'Uná'. Heidi made several assumptions from this; Aya knew that Uná was at Nocturn. Aya's mutation allowed her to track Uná. To achieve this, she had to be unconscious. Deduction? Aya's mutation is astral projection or something very similar.

Heidi didn't know if Aya said anything else, as Jason went over to check on her, obscuring both of their mouths. When he turned back to her, it was to ask her who or what Nocturn is. She'd seen that before. It was a place. She saw it on a map. Her brain scanned every single map of this city she'd ever seen online or otherwise and found the one she was looking for. Google Maps showed Nocturn as a location. This memory also gave her the exact location of Nocturn. She cross-referenced that memory with the memory of looking at a different map showing this club, that she had looked at earlier today. Now she knew how to get to Nocturn from here, or indeed, anywhere else in the city.

"Yes," she replied. "It's a place and I know exactly where it is."

Ayel Rozenfeldt

This boy. No. This young man whose ruby eyed gaze have fallen upon me, seems to possess the power to detect those like myself. Such a magnificent gift. A power which is irreplaceable, a weapon which could bring terrible effect on our kind, but at the same time find them and ferret out those whom be not. He seems to be quite the calculating mind too, ferreting out various things to come to the most likely conclusion. This young man must not fall into the wrong hands.

The young man had in his ponderous manner appearantly thrown a small stone in his own face.

He is capable of some form of telekinesis aswell? Just how gifted is he?

"A young man of incredible talent I can see... but let's not get too far ahead shall we?" That's when he felt how Aya started to move, and at that Ayel carefully let go of her by placing her down on the ground, on top of his jacket which he took off her head. To Ayel she appeared to be quite ill overall, as if suffering from a major headache and lack of air. Her coughs did sound quite intense, and her voice was very quiet yet with some obvious urgency. The hooded blonde looked her over as he knelt down.

Nocturn? Una? More students? He thought to himself, watching Jason approach his ill friend. But also telling the girl Aya about his name, stealing his chance of introducing himself. Though it mattered little, as time was obviously of the essence. Jason had however taken amusement in Ayel's choice of calling himself a gardener. Ayel decorated his face with a smug look.

"Indeed. A friendly gardener… I'm Ayel, pleased to meet you, despite the circumstances."

He will realize in time that holds true, more so than he might think. It's not an enjoyable profession, but it is one which is much needed. Heidi was ofcourse not disappointing, she knew of what Nocturn was. A place appearantly. And this Una was a person? Another student? If that was the case, it did sound like they needed aid.

"I take it this Una is a person?" The blonde man exhaled softly, he was going to lend them a hand with this. Not only because a fellow kin were possibly in danger, but also getting to know these two very, very capable young couple of students better. "You are a very resourceful group, perceptive and quick at making up your minds. That's a good thing. Let's however not waste time, there is someone in need of aid I do believe." Ayel said, as he stood up.

"Choices can be difficult at times, yet even so one must chose. You have friends inside the building close to here, and another whose at this... Nocturn place? Miss Heidi, if you would be so kind and tell us where this place is, we can make our way there swiftly. Jason and myself. That or we can wait for your other friends to show up, though we do not know how long that will take. And whom knows what will happen with this Una, If we do not seize the moment when it presents itself, it may slip through ones fingers. If we are to leave now, one of us ought to stay behind to let the rest know where the tracks have led no? Miss Aya, could you perhaps do this?" He said in an as calm as possible manner, although abit hastily uttered.

Jason, I will learn all there is to know about you, and make certain your incredible gift is put to the best use possible. If the others come to worship you as a hero, all the better. The blonde man looked down to his jacket, to see if Aya was still in need of it or not. Otherwise he would just have to liberate a human of theirs later.

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As soon as he saw the others get into the action, Nik immediately began to encircle the beast. He made his way around and dove behind the DJ booth, still holding onto the scraps of wood. He needed something to work with when things went down. The beast seemed to be paying attention to Drake, who was good at getting its attention but seemed unable to flame on so far. Demo took a deep breath as he looked at the booth he was hiding behind, and gave a small smile as he began fiddling around with the controls.

Nathan had finished ushering people out of the building, his teeth unknowingly grinding together as he began to make his way back into the club. He rushed down to the lower level watching as Drake laid into the monster with flame. For a moment, Nathan stood there silently and watched. He didn’t want to rush headlong into danger. That’s how Una always got in trouble. It’s the thing he hated about Nik. It always seemed to get people hurt. In this moment… however… Nathan knew he needed to do something.

He walked towards the bodies of the dead enforcers, his mind almost going blank as he began to focus in on his powers. He needed to let just a little of the control go, just for a moment. A few drops of blood rose from the open wounds of the guards… and then a few more… until a stream began to rise up to Nathan’s fingers and extended out into a single blade like shape in his right hand. He turned his gaze towards the beast, grasped his hands around the created weapon, and charged towards it while it was distracted, raising the blade up to stab into the beast’s flesh.

As Nathan’s feet pounded to the ground to get closer to the beast, an electronic beat began to pulse from one of the speakers. A familiar start to a song. Each sequence of rising beats came from a different speaker, a fun modification to the song the DJ put together. Nik watched Nathan moving in from behind the DJ booth and smiled. He couldn’t let Nathan have all the fun. Nik stepped to the side of the booth, trying his best to flank Nathan’s attack as he charged up one of his scraps of wood, launching it towards the beast to impact with an incendiary burst of wooden shrapnel. Nik called out as loud as he could over the music. "I don't know if we can kill this thing! Last time... we woke Una."