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[COLOR=TAN][indent][sub][B]Location:[/B] [COLOR=SILVER][I]Southern Plateau [/I] - [I]PRCU[/I][/COLOR][/sub][sup][right][b]Welcome Home #1.097:[/b] [COLOR=SILVER][I][b]Fiery Birds[/b][/I][/COLOR][/right][/sup][/indent][sub][hr][/sub][INDENT][sub][B]Interaction(s):[/B] [COLOR=SILVER][I]Harper [@Qia], Firebird NPC's [@Lord Wraith] [/I][/COLOR][/sub][SUP][RIGHT][b]Previously:[/b] [COLOR=SILVER][I]Sky Betty[/I][/COLOR][/right][/SUP][/INDENT][/COLOR]

[indent][color=tan]"Is everything alright with Ror?"[/color] Haven asked as Harper returned to their spot. She watched as Lorcán took Harper's seat, a small frown on her face. She was more disappointed that he forgot to help her out, but there was also concern for how Aurora might take his explanation about earlier. [color=tan]"I'm glad he's checking on her too, but he was supposed to give us an easy reason to sit with Alyssa."[/color]

Harper exhaled a weary sigh, a subtle shake of her head betraying her concern. She looked back, a slight frown crossing her features as Lorcán took the seat she'd occupied mere moments ago.[color=8A9A5B]“Yeah, she’s caught up in her thoughts at the moment. Aurora tends to dwell on things sometimes, you know?”[/color] she responded, her voice striving for nonchalance. [color=8A9A5B]“But Lorcán’s timing could not be worse, I think.”[/color]

[color=tan]"Should we... bail her out?"[/color] Haven asked quietly, before looking up at Harper before she answered. [color=tan]"Or do you think they need to talk things out together?"[/color]

Harper hesitated, weighing her options, her disciplined nature pushing her to carefully consider the best course of action. [color=#8a9a5b]“I think they need to talk it out,”[/color] she finally said, her voice thoughtful. [color=#8a9a5b]“Aurora's been on edge all evening probably, and Lorcán has some explaining to do. Let them sort it out themselves.”[/color] 

Haven nodded the moment she realized Harper had made her decision. [color=tan]"I hope it goes well, then."[/color] She sighed softly before standing up from her seat. [color=tan]"Let's have a smore with the Firebirds, then. I've met Cass before at a party. Should be enough to ask to sit at their fire."[/color] She gave Harper a confident smile, turning to dump her plate in the nearest trashcan before gesturing Harper to follow.

Harper cast a forlorn look at the plate she had previously set aside. [color=#8a9a5b]“Such a waste,”[/color] she lamented quietly, lifting the plate and sinking her teeth into the taco. [color=#8a9a5b]“M’kay, let’s head over, meet some new folks, 'n enjoy a marshmallow or two… or more,” [/color]she spoke, her speech slightly garbled by the generous mouthful.

[color=tan]"I'll give you the first smore."[/color] Haven chuckled as she turned to approach the group of Firebirds by the fire.

[color=tan]"Mind if we sit with you all?"[/color] She said as she smiled at the group. [color=tan]"We were looking to join Lorcán, but he's a bit occupied now."[/color]

She gave a wave towards Cass where he sat. [color=tan]"Sup, Cass. Have a nice summer?"[/color]

Cassander raised an eyebrow while looking towards Haven and Harper with a shared curiosity. He was sure he had spoken to the winged girl before in passing, but she could have been one of any winged girls on campus. It was honestly surprising they didn't have a team of 'Angels' running around P.R.C.U. But Cass wasn't oblivious to Haven's clear fishing attempt as she attempted small talk while approaching him, the girl was fairly transparent to the boy and his own experiences. It wasn't uncommon in the foster system for children to pry one another similarly.

[color=#8aaceb]"If you're looking to join Lorcán I suggest you either employ patience or get used to being second fiddle to Aurora."[/color] Cass looked the pair of brunettes up and down before offering a half sneer. [color=#8aaceb]"That said, I don't think either of you are his type."[/color]

Beside Cassander, Robert James Scott, or RJ as he preferred turned to listen in on the conversation. He kept one hand on the redhead beside him while turning his body towards Cass trying to figure out why his friend was being so passive-aggressive to the girls.

[color=#9F36FF]"Everything okay here, bud?"[/color]

[color=#8aaceb]"Dandy,"[/color] Cass replied not breaking eye contact with Haven. [color=#8aaceb]"They want something and they're dancing around it."[/color]

[color=#9F36FF]"Just give them the bag of marshmallows, we have plenty."[/color] RJ replied with a laugh tossing it towards Harper.

Harper caught the bag with a quick, practiced motion, balancing her plate with the half-eaten taco in her other hand. [color=#8a9a5b]“Thanks,” [/color]she said, her voice neutral but her eyes narrowed slightly. [color=#8a9a5b]“And for the record, we're not here to steal Lorcán. We're just here to hang out and maybe roast some marshmallows. No ulterior motives.”[/color] Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, making it clear she wasn't pleased with Cass's insinuation despite her lie. 

Haven's expression soured subtly as Cass began sneering their way. She didn't break eye contact with the hothead blonde, continuing their staring contest as he called them out on their bullshit. She was deciding what to say in return until Harper beat her with reassuring words. It would probably appease the others, but something told her the ill-tempered Firebird in front of her would just get worse if things continued this way.

[color=tan]"No... He's right."[/color] She began, still staring into those stormy blue eyes. [color=tan]"Not about Lorcán, of course. That was a wild assumption."[/color] Her eyebrow rose to emphasize her point. [color=tan]"Us foster kids know a ruse when we see one. I have to give you credit for that."[/color] She offered the blonde a sympathetic smile before she shrugged. [color=tan]"I just thought I'd be polite and get to know you all a bit before jumping to the point."[/color]

She finally broke eye contact with the blonde, glancing towards RJ and Alyssa before she turned her attention to Harper. Her gaze was reassuring, and she offered a small nod her friend's way before turning back to Cass. [color=tan]"Lorcán is wondering the same thing we are, too."[/color]

Harper’s reaction was subtle, a barely perceptible eye roll at Haven’s forthright strategy. She had envisioned a more discreet method to fulfill their underlying purpose, yet at least there was an undeniable effectiveness to Haven’s straightforwardness. 

Turning her attention to the matter at hand, she added, [color=#8a9a5b]“We’re genuinely interested in the different stories that students from various institutions bring, particularly those with [/color][color=#8a9a5b][i]distinctive[/i][/color][color=#8a9a5b] histories.”[/color] 

Raising an eyebrow at Harper's phrasing, Cassander returned a significantly less subtle eye roll before taking a bite of the food in his hand.

[color=#8aaceb]"Various institutions? We both know there are only two Hyperhuman schools in the world and you're attending one. So unless we can't say Foundation,"[/color] Cass paused before cupping a hand to his mouth.

[color=#8aaceb][b]"Hey everybody, these two want to know about the Foundation!"[/b][/color] He yelled, causing a couple of students to pause before shaking their heads and turning back to their previous conversations.

[color=#8aaceb]"See."[/color] Cass continued, [color=#8aaceb]"No one cares, heck according to Jim they're even the heroes right now giving us all our degrees back. Not sure why you're so eager to kick a gift horse in the mouth, but you're obviously not here to talk to me. Let me guess, Lorcán said he'd soften me up to get you to RJ who'd get you to Alyssa?"[/color] Cass sneered again.

[color=#8aaceb]"Yeah that was totally the plan. Don't you have a more recent Foundation transfer on Blackjack? Or is Elvira too terrifying for you two Nancy Drews?"[/color]

Harper’s smirk was a mixture of amusement and mild irritation. Who the hell hurt this guy? 
 
[color=#8a9a5b]“Wow, it’s almost like I wasn’t trying to be subtle anymore, Cass. I had no idea you were so invested in our social calendar,”[/color] she retorted, her tone light but her annoyance clear. [color=#8a9a5b]“But I do appreciate the recognition. Really.” [/color]She tossed her paper plate into a nearby bin with a flourish, her irritation burning away any remaining appetite.

[color=#8a9a5b]“And yes, that would be the [i]obvious[/i] route. But we’re looking for insights from someone with a broader perspective. Someone who doesn’t need to make a scene to get their point across, for one.”[/color] Her gaze briefly flitted to RJ before refocusing on Cassander, her demeanour turning steely. [color=#8a9a5b]“And for the record, we don’t need Lorcán or anyone else to ‘soften’ you—or anyone. We’re quite capable on our own. But your concern is… touching.”[/color]

[color=#8a9a5b]“Looks like Cass is more into spectacle than substance. Let's tune out the noise and focus on what matters,”[/color]Harper said to Haven then, her tone implying that Cass's antics were beneath their notice. With a pointed glance at Alyssa first, she shifted her attention to RJ,adding, [color=#8a9a5b]“Like getting insights from someone who actually has something valuable to say, right RJ?”[/color]

[color=tan]"Yeesh."[/color] Haven had murmured the moment Cass finished his act. If Haven wasn't growing irritated with the blonde Firebird, she would have considered Harper's words a bit too harsh. [i]Oh well. Can't say I didn't try to be friendly.[/i]

She stepped to the side of Cass, moving directly into RJ's point of view. The smile she offered was apologetic, in case Harper may have offended the friend by dissing the blonde hothead. [color=tan]"Listen, we aren't here to upset anybody or to force anyone to answer our questions."[/color] She began. [color=tan]"What happened at the ceremonies had me wanting to jump ship. The way the rep spoke, it was like she was about to tell us to call her the Chancellor instead."[/color]

[color=tan]"I'd feel a lot better about it if I knew more about the Foundation and what their influence could do to our home."[/color] She was thankful that Alyssa was caught up in a different conversation as she continued. [color=tan]"If you think it will upset her to talk about it... I'll understand. It doesn't seem like Amma is open to sharing, so... I just want to know if Alyssa might be instead."[/color]

[color=#9F36FF]"Whoa,"[/color] RJ responded waving his hands in front of both Cass and Harper. [color=#9F36FF]"Look if you two want to have a pissing contest then by all means save it for the Trials tomorrow."[/color]

Cass stood to his feet, a slight flow coming from the palms of his hands as kinetic energy danced along his fingers.

[color=#8aaceb]"When I make a scene, you'll know it."[/color] Cass hissed snapping his hand closed suddenly, detonating a small flashbang between the four students.

[color=#9F36FF]"Clearly things have gotten a little heated here,"[/color] RJ intervened again, putting a hand on his friend and moving Cass back with the ease that one moved a blade of grass. The super strong young man had a lean physique that betrayed his true strength.

[color=#9F36FF]"I'm going to be seeing spots for an hour thanks to that stunt,"[/color] He chided Cass, [color=#9F36FF]"Normally I'd introduce the pair of you to Alyssa but at this point I don't think it's a good idea. Though,"[/color] RJ paused thoughtfully while taking another look at Haven. [color=#9F36FF]"I bet she'd talk to you by yourself,"[/color] He chuckled slightly as Cass raised a knowing eyebrow.

[color=#8aaceb]"Oh yeah, she'd chat the bird's ear off."[/color]

[color=#9F36FF]"Then it's settled,"[/color] RJ replied, [color=#9F36FF]"Haven, I'll introduce you to Alyssa and Luce, Harper sit right, hang out with Cass."[/color] He added eliciting a groan from the other male. Sitting back down, Cass put his feet up and tossed a marshmallow in his mouth while RJ motioned for Haven to follow him.

Haven hadn't physically reacted to the flashbang besides a small flinch and the closing of her eyes. She sent Harper a look of concern, knowing full well that it affected her friend's sensitive eyes as well. As she began to follow RJ, though, she made sure to give Cass a quick bird behind her back.

Walking away from the commotion, RJ led Haven toward Alyssa, tapping his girlfriend on the shoulder to quietly pause any conversation she had going with Luce.

She was glad that RJ agreed to introduce her. It was worth it after dealing with Cass's attitude. Yet as the pair approached Alyssa, her ears continued to ring and she saw a white film over the faces in front of her. She tried her best to ignore it as the friendly Redhead started speaking.

[color=#9F36FF]"Hey, Red, Haven here wanted to ask you some questions about the Foundation, she's just trying to get a feel for the changes coming our way."[/color] RJ explained gently as the redheaded girl turned towards Haven studying the winged woman with her keen green eyes. 

[color=#FF9F36]"Haven Barnes, Hyperhuman, not Hellion."[/color] Alyssa muttered, standing as she brushed herself off. Her skin visibly crawling as small streams of quicksilver raced along her viens before she smiled and relaxed. [color=#FF9F36]"Face of an angel, body of a Harpy, heart of a friend?"[/color] She rambled, ending with a question as she tilted her head slightly to look at Haven.

[color=#FF9F36]"I had a roommate like you at the Foundation. She vanished one day and I came back to an empty dorm. I was told she went home but I never heard from her again, the Foundation was lonely after that. Cold, empty and very white. Not like P.R.C.U., it's loud, full of life and colour."[/color]

Banjo had been right. Alyssa [i]did[/i] call everyone by their full names. The Aussie's joke was enough to ease Haven's temper. She regained her focus, smiling at the girl who's hair looked more pink than red at the moment. She blinked her eyes, trying to recover from the effects of Cass's outburst.

Alyssa's next words formed a pit in her stomach. Someone else like her vanished there? For what reason? It had her wanting to know more about it, but she had to stay focused. Without Harper here to guide the conversation, Haven was at a loss about what specific questions to ask.

[color=tan]"That's... awful. I'm glad you were able to come here."[/color] She began, reaching out to gently squeeze Alyssa's arm. [color=tan]"Do a lot of people vanish there? Or do you think they just run away?"[/color] It would make sense, given Haven had considered running just this morning.

[color=#FF9F36]"The Foundation didn't consider the ones who vanished to be missing,"[/color] Alyssa responded, her emerald eyes looking through Haven, studying the girl's wings. [color=#FF9F36]"The pattern is different than a harpy's, colour is distinct from an erinyes'. Angels aren't as friendly as you, more fiery."[/color]

She paused, her eyes moving back to Haven's face.

[color=#FF9F36]"The Foundation would call you a sub-class, we didn't have many subclasses on campus. Not like here, with Haven Barnes and Robert Arkwright. I wonder if that'll change now?"[/color] Alyssa mused.

[color=#FF9F36]"I wonder if they did run away, but then where does one run on the ocean? The surface isn't conducive to running."[/color]

Haven didn't know what a harpy or a erinyes was, but she couldn't help but feel as if Alyssa was looking right into her soul as the girl stared at her. Her eyes were slowly readjusting, and the ringing in her ears had calmed down. She tilted her head slightly as she listened to Alyssa go on. Then she knew what to ask the girl next. Asking about the missing wouldn't do any good if the school lied to the students.

[color=tan]"How were the faculty there?"[/color] Haven asked gently. [color=tan]"Were they kind to you?"[/color]

[color=#FF9F36]"By what measure does one measure kindness?"[/color] Alyssa replied, [color=#FF9F36]"A kindness to one is a cruelty to another. The Foundation Faculty are firm, and professional. They work together like cogs in a machine. But they are not friends."[/color] She paused, studying Haven as the winged woman hung into every word.

[color=#FF9F36]"You are very invested into the words of a very weird girl. I am not naive to the way students look and talk about me. Why talk to me and not Tiamat?"[/color] Alyssa asked, now studying Haven very intently, [color=#FF9F36]"No one was at the Foundation longer than Tiamat."[/color]

Haven shrugged. [color=tan]"Personally, I don't think you're weird at all."[/color] She began, before Alyssa's last sentence caught her attention. [color=tan]"Is Tiamat Amma? Why do you call her that?"[/color]

[color=#FF9F36]"That is her true name,"[/color] Alyssa replied, [color=#FF9F36]"She's a force of destruction. The Foundation's dragon. Or was before she became the damsel in the castle at least. I fear P.R.C.U. has caged a beast they can't contain."[/color]

[color=tan]"I thought Amma hated them?"[/color] Haven asked honestly. [color=tan]"And... Why did they rename her?"[/color]

[color=#FF9F36]"It's not a renaming, it's her true identity,"[/color] Alyssa answered, [color=#FF9F36]"She is Tiamat, there is no Amma, Amma is just a name given to her by a deceased mother. Tiamat is who she is."[/color]

Haven frowned lightly, thinking of how Lorcán had run off with Amma, Tiamat, whoever the hell she was earlier. [color=tan]"How did Tiamat act at the Foundation? Did they treat her well?"[/color] She leaned in a little closer to Alyssa. [color=tan]"Can we trust her?"[/color]

[color=#FF9F36]"Tiamat was a Queen. So not surprising she found a Prince to play with in the woods."[/color] The redhead's eyes wandered towards the forest of the same colour. [color=#FF9F36]"Can you trust anyone?"[/color] She asked, still staring towards the forest. [color=#FF9F36]"Even those you've known all your life, everyone is hiding something."[/color]

Those intense emerald eyes rolled back around to Haven.

[color=#FF9F36]"What are you hiding?"[/color]

Haven blinked, the question aimed at her catching her off guard. [color=tan]"I have a bag packed in case I want to run away."[/color] Haven answered honestly. [color=tan]"But I don't want to, even if things get bad here."[/color]

[color=#FF9F36]"What defines things being bad here?"[/color] Alyssa asked, [color=#FF9F36]"What are you so afraid of, Haven Barnes? You're clearly a fighter, but you have a vision in your head, I suspect you're looking for a reason to run, a reason to pick up that bag and disappear into the horizon. Perhaps there is too much change ahead that you're not ready for."[/color]

Haven looked between Alyssa's intense eyes. They were the color of a lush forest in spring. She had to admit that the girl was right. In some ways, Haven still missed being a free spirit among the forest. Yet there was so much good here. Friends, a place to call home... someone that she loved. [color=tan]"I guess I'm looking for a reason to stay."[/color]

[color=tan]"If they try to bring their customs here, will you allow it?"[/color] She asked. [color=tan]"Is there any danger with Tiamat and the Foundation's presence here?"[/color]

[color=#FF9F36]"You realize that like you, I am a student, Haven Barnes."[/color] Alyssa replied with a confused look on her face, [color=#FF9F36]"I allowed for nothing that happened at the Foundation and I allow for nothing that happens here. That is not my burden, station nor authority. Danger found this school before the Foundation came, and danger will likely find the school again even if they make this their new home. Being a Hyperhuman means facing danger, there is little we can do in this broken world to avoid that."[/color] The redhead looked around, locking eyes with Harper and Cass whose gaze had come their way. Dropping her voice to a low hiss, she leaned forward.

[color=#FF9F36]"No where is safe for us. We have more enemies than even our friends in faculty have taught us about."[/color]

Haven gave Alyssa a nod, if only to let the girl know that she'd heard and understood her. A phrase like that may have spooked her if she'd heard it on her first trip to the plateau. Yet she knew that Hyperion had left a scar on this school and the people that called this island home. Of course there was worry in everyone's hearts that another person like him would reappear one day to finish his work.

[color=tan]"Thanks, Alyssa. I feel better now that we've chatted."[/color] A white lie, but it had been informative. Harper would certainly know what to do with it. Better than Haven would, at least. [color=tan]"I'll see you around."[/color] Haven gave the girl a smile and nodded a thanks to RJ as well before she turned away.

She moved towards Harper, who seemed to miraculously be getting along with Cass. And were they... [i]flirting[/i]? How'd they get on the topic of vampires? [color=tan]"Has the hothead cooled off now?"[/color] Haven said as she approached with a pointed glance towards Cassander.
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