PatientBean

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Peregrine Mayfield

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Location: The Mall
Skills: Mediumship
Fit Of The Day

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Well Perry guessed Mortis didn't want to call it there and go get a manicure as she unleashed another blast at Perry, sending her back again. Perry felt blood trickle down her forehead now. She would not be able to handle much more. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Perry checked to see if the security guard ghost was still around. To her surprise, he was. "Hey, you! Security guard! We need help over here. Don't you have a duty?"

The security guard glanced up and over. "Oh no, this is out of my jurisdiction." Perry rolled her eyes. "An active threat in the mall isn't your jurisdiction? What is? The food court?" The guard chucked, "Fat jokes. Like I haven't heard the multitude of them over my career. Now, even after death, I have to deal with them." Perry mentally chastised herself. She should have been better, but it was hard to be positive when you were getting your ass handed to you. "Look, I'm sorry. Getting blasted over and over again will do that to you. Can you please help!"

The guard looked at Mortis. Perry could tell he was weighing his options. He looked back at her. "Sweetheart, how do you expect to beat that?" Perry could admit, the odds looked bleak. "Teamwork, babes. It's why I joined the X-men." That got the guards attention. "Always liked those guys. Stood up for everyone regardless. Fine." The guard stood up fully now. "Name's Barry."

Barry quickly (or as quickly as he could) sprang into action. He pulled out what looked to be a taser and aimed it at Mortis as a black of shocking energy shot out. It hit Mortis and send the woman back. Good, how does it feel?!? Detective Ed also sprang into action, aiming for Mortis' heart. He missed though and managed to grab her arm, freezing it.

This was all well and good, but Perry wondered how the others were doing.

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

Alexandria was setting the table for dinner when she heard the front door open. She waited for a beat to hear the sound of it closing. If she heard a soft click, it was a good day. If she heard it slam, well....

SLAM

Bad day it was.

She rounded the corner of their dining room to see her husband, Garcia, sitting on the bench next to their front door and taking off his shoes. She could tell my the furrowed brow that the talk did not go well. She expected it wouldn't. If she were being honest with herself, she had some hard questions for her husband also.

It was interesting when she thought about it. Growing up she had always dreamed of having children of her own. She wanted four total, two boys and two girls. As she got older and news reports on how parents were disowning their children for coming out as gay or trans or not following a certain religion made her cement her desire to love her children no matter what. They could come into the world purple for all she cared, she would not love them any less.

And then there were hyperhumans. What person wasn't mildly curious about them? It was the stuff of fiction to think a person could have a gene that granted them extraordinary abilities.

And she was one of them.

No one knew. Not her parents (though she suspected one or both of them kept that secret also), not her siblings, not her husband, not her children. She felt guilt and shame at hiding it, especially given what happened to her daughter. A mother should be there for her child through any issue. Instead, she let her husband take charge. Essentially hide their daughter like she was something to be ashamed of. And Calliope felt that brunt. She could tell. She remembered Calliope at age 5, running around in her pigtails, playing with anyone who would listen, annoying her older brother. As she got older and more and more demands were put on her, she could see Calliope's smile dim and dim to the point she no longer recognized the same little girl. The first night she noticed Calliope's change she sat in the bathroom and cried. What could she do? She loved her daughter but she also loved her husband. She wanted to go to her daughter and encourage her to be open and loving. When the incident happened she wanted to hold her daughter and proclaim "I get it. I am like you. There is nothing wrong with you." Instead, she stood behind her husband who all but called their daughter a freak. Sure, he didn't say the words, but the insult lay behind his eyes.

Calliope was not the same after that.

And now she was at some school in Canada and they were here, pretending like that didn't happen while her husband mounts an attack on hyperhumans.

Garcia glanced up after removing his left shoe and caught her eye. She loved him. Truly. Deeply.

But right now she hated him.

"Dinner is almost done." She let that comment rest a second before she returned to setting the table. She would let him stew a bit. Then they would eat dinner like a family. Then she would bring up her desire to spend some time with her sister. For a week. Maybe two. Until the press died down some. She would deny him sex tonight to drive home the point. Perhaps she would call Trevor from work. Feel desired and wanted by someone who wasn't a jackass.

The thought gave her pause. If someone saw her, that would ruin Garcia's career even more.

And that sealed the deal for her.

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C A L L I O P E
C A L L I O P E

_{Location: Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - Dundas Islands, Pacific Ocean}

The Homecoming Trials #1.27: Team Bonding Anyone?

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_{Interaction(s): Cassander, Banjo}

Previously: The Rising Storm

Calliope had left the two guys to their own devices. She had put her own foot in her mouth, but she stood firm on her belief that a statue was a silly thing to waste money on, donated or not. Hell, she came from a country where people fought tooth and nail to keep statues of Confederate soldiers up despite all the evidence to the contrary.

She got dressed in her uniform and made her way to where everyone else was headed. Her mind went back to a few things. The Blackjacks. The team she was now a part of. It was full of wild personalities from what she saw and heard. Perhaps that was why the team was called that. She didn't expect much from them, but perhaps she would be surprised. Cassander surprised her a bit. She enjoyed talking to him. Axel seemed...intense. And then there were the others. She tried to recall names, but she was coming up blank. Oh wait, there was the guy she saw exiting Lehrer's office. The one with the nice ass. Banjo. He was an interesting figure. She suspected he intended to cause chaos wherever he went. And, she had to admit, he was rather cute.

Calliope made her way to the gathered crowd, seeing others on her team all come up and get ready. She was introduced to Jim and Tad. "Was there a requirement you needed to have a one-syllable name? she thought to herself as Jim rambled on. Soon, they met face-to-face with another team. Calliope scanned the other students as their respective faculty advisor and student representative spoke. Ryna made a jibe toward them. For some reason, and she would have to check herself later, she wanted to punch Ryan then and there. No one had seen anything they had done and they were already being judged?

Calliope shook it off. She would prove herself in the field. Perhaps so much so that she would be transferred to a different team. One that would vibe with her better.

But still, the comment irked her.

She mentally checked each of the students on team 18. Calliope prided herself on her ability to read other people. Not so much in what they said, but in what they showed. Body language often told others far more information than words could. As she watched as each student made their way to the car, she read nervousness, excitement, and uncertainty. But under it all there also was a healthy dose of competitiveness. It seemed team 18 wasn't as gun-ho as their staff was.

That didn't help her much, but at least it calmed some nerves that she was trying to hide. She made her own way to the vehicle meant to transport them and took one of the seats in the cab. All the while, she thought about how she was going to get through this and excel.

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The drive was long and she all but ignored everyone else in the vehicle. She needed to think. She didn't expect to be staying at a 5-star hotel before the trials, but to camp outside? She hated camping. Calliope felt a sense of connection though to Jim's story about the elemental who helped shape the canyons. She was an elemental, after all. She felt a sense of pride in that. Elements shaped the world, after all.

Soon, they were tasked with setting up camp. "That's what we need. A staff member subtly hinting at us having sex with each other. she thought. She had joked before about singing kumbaya together and now they would have to team bond? She drew the line at doing trust falls. They all literally met a few hours ago and now they were expected to work together?

Calliope glanced around. She supposed she would have to find someone to bunk with for the night. There was Cassander possibly, though she was still unsure about him. Axel? The girl in the wheelchair? The muscle woman? The one who suggested they all come together before? God that would grate on her if she heard him all night.

Calliope made a snap decision. She walked over to Banjo. "Hey, name's Calliope. I don't suppose you would be up to sharing a tent tonight?" He seemed like her best bet at some enjoyment tonight. Plus, maybe he knew how to pitch a tent. The literal way. She was sure the other way ha been mastered long before the two of them met.

While she waited a response, she wondered what everyone's abilities were. And would they gel? Or was this all going to end in their little house of cards falling down?

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: Outside Agatha's Tent
Skills: N/A
First Day Fit

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Sabine listened intently as Danny spoke about his talk with Agatha. She ignored Danny asking Agatha for a "vibe check" assuming the old woman had no idea what that meant. Her ears did perk up a bit when Danny mentioned him killing everyone unless he had someone else with him. Her mind raced back to her own fortune, where she would have to overcome the struggles of her past. And would have to be put through hardship. It wasn't like the old woman to mess around, but to flat out tell someone he would kill others?

Back to reality (or as close to reality as one could get when talking about a mythical creature!?!) as Danny showcased his new egg that supposedly held a dragon? A motherfucking dragon! Sabine wanted to touch it, but that would have been rude and, also, she watched Game of Thrones. "I don't think Agatha would give gifts that were not allowed for use at school. Though I guess she is leaving so she might be burning a bridge or two. Literally, as the case may be." Still though, a dragon egg was about the coolest gift she could imagine. It made her Yankees hat look like....a Yankees hat. Wtf Agatha!

"We really need to get off this Sinister clone thing. There are more pressing matters to worry about. Like the upcoming talent show. Also I want to check out some of the club booths." Really, anything to get her away from the onslaught of people she would rather not interact with today.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Peregrine Mayfield

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Location: The Mall
Skills: Empathic Energy Combat
Fit Of The Day

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Perry managed to avoid the oncoming attack that vaporized the chair in front of her. Too close for comfort. "Peregrine. Am I supposed to know who you are Mortis and why you all are attacking us? By the way, Hot Topic called, they want their entire catalog back." As Perry spoke, Detective Ed made his way over and, with some effort, froze one of the nearby chairs. Perry quickly picked it up and threw it at Mortis, but it missed.

Damn, she needed to go to the gym....

Perry then thought to try something. She had not done it before, but she knew her empathic powers allowed her to read other people's emotions. She assumed Mortis' would be full of angst and Coldplay lyrics, but she had never bothered trying to control other people's emotions. She reached out her mind, but each attempt felt limited. She would have to practice more. Perhaps when she and her friends weren't being randomly attacked.

"Ok, cool. We each got some licks in. Want to call it a draw and get some froyo?"

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: Outside Agatha's Tent
Skills: N/A
First Day Fit

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As the others spoke amongst themselves over her new fashion accessory, planning group photoshoots and fashion runway walks, all Sabine could think was "Did it have to be a baseball hat?" Sports were not her thing. Never had been. Sure she skied, did some fencing in school, but she would not consider herself an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. And the fact it was for an American sports team was just a slap to the face.

She allowed the others to continue speaking, but she slid the cap on her head. Once it was fastened, to those who were looking at her, she would immediately turn invisible. She took the hat off and popped back into view. "As fun as it would be, I don't think this hat is fit for the runway. It does have other uses, though."

Sabine fought an eye roll as Dorian spoke but her eyes rested on April, who seemed to be out of sorts from the conversation had while she was in the tent. She smiled briefly before she turned her attention to her besties. "She's not that scary. Plus, she has the most adorable panther in there! Super sweet. Plus, like Dorian said, she is giving gifts away." As she spoke, Danny made his way into the tent. Good, the boy deserved some good news and she had no doubt his future would look better than hers. She still felt goosebumps on her arms from Agatha's fortune.

She heard a new voice and turned to see a girl she was not familiar with, but who seemed to know April. God, could she not get a whole day to herself and her close friends? If it wasn't freshmen catching on fire or some rando freshman staring at her, it was this. She ignored the new face and looked back at Dorian and Mai. "Oh yeah, happy birthday Dorian. Any plans for the rest of the day here once everyone gets their fortune told?" As she asked, Danny came back out, crying for her and Mai. Sabine dropped the pretense she actually gave a fuck about Dorian's birthday and ran to meet Danny. "What happened? Who hurt you? Point me in their direction and I will literally make their brain explode."

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: Agatha's Tent
Skills: N/A
First Day Fit

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April's hand felt warm in hers as she led the girl towards Agatha's tent to meet with the others. Coulson would be fine. Though it was fascinating how it happened. What other secrets was this girl holding? Either way, April was definitely not fine. Especially as the girl rambled on. She let it all come out, because the flow of thoughts was more telling than any secret admitted. Danny hadn't really spoken about April to her and she wondered why.

Once they got closer and April seemed exhausted from talking, "You know, you are really cute when you don't shut up." Eventually, they made their way over to where Danny and Mai were, though they appeared lost. Before Sabine could chime in that the tent was literally a hop-skip-jump away from them, Dorian came over saying the crisis, whatever the fuck it was, was over. God, this virgin. It was probably some stupid thing he panicked over and Agatha waved a hand and bippity-boppity-boo'd him upright. "Not my choice, he kind of just ran off." Sabine gave Danny a smile to assure the boy she meant no ill will. Mai and him were talking before and she didn't hear what they were saying. She would have to talk to them about that whole business before they ran off. "Well, anyway, we are here and I want my fortune told. Figure I should get first dibs due to my superior arm at the dunk tank so if you all don't mind." With that, she let go of April's hand, but not before assuring the girl was okay. Once she was satisfied, Sabine made her way toward Agatha's tent, mentally preparing herself for what would happen.

April's face was bright red, likely from Sabine's comment about her cuteness. "Th-thanks, you're cute too when you don't shut up - I mean when you talk - and when you don't talk - you're just very cute!" April stammered. But beyond that, she seemed more or less alright. Dorian's revelation that everything was okay - that Agatha Harkness had handled things - seemed to have calmed her down somewhat. The panic that had caused her to accidentally ruin the dunk tanks had subsided.

When Sabine entered the tent, she would find herself in a space far more massive than it appeared - in other words, the tent was bigger on the inside. Crystal balls, tarot cards, runes, crystals, and spell books floated through the air, seemingly obeying the whims of the sorceress sat at a small circular table. Cabinets and trunks, some of them chained and violently shaking, decorated the space haphazardly. The lighting was low, flickering candles - also moving lazily through the air - providing the main source of illumination.

"Miss Bassard - to what do I owe the pleasure?" Agatha asked. She wore her typical purple dress, her grey-white hair done in an updo that had once been very stylish in the Victorian era. A black panther sat by her side, regarding Sabine with interest.

Sabine was taken aback, not so much by the woman in front of her who could have easily been Miss Victorian 1896, but rather by the panther. She had only ever seen one in a zoo and who knows how they were treated there. Cool panther! What is its name?" She was tempted to pet, but it wasn't like a house cat.

Sabine shook it off. "I came to have my fortune read. The online message board was practically blowing up about your fortunes. It definitely grabbed my interest." Sabine took a moment to take in her surroundings. How had Agatha managed to make it seem so big? Then Sabine remembered she was literally going to a school for superheroes. Anything flew here. She waited to see if Agatha would be willing to see her. She didn't want to make this trek for no results.

"Ah, her name is Ebony," Agatha said, her voice tinged with a clear sense of pride. She stroked the panther's head as one might a cat. "You can pet her, if you like - she won't bite... unless I say otherwise." Agatha smirked. She did have fun toying somewhat with students. It was hard not to, when you lived to be her age. "I should hope the young ones are saying only good things about my fortunes, hmm?"

"Today, I am reading tarot cards. You can ask a specific question, or I can do a general reading. Do note that these cards will ultimately be a reflection of who you are - you cannot hide from them, no matter how much you try."

Sabine wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. She walked over and pet the panther, being sure to get under her chin and not rub her the wrong way that annoys cats. "So is so precious!" Sabine took a few more pets before she left the beautiful creature to her own devices, facing Agatha again.

Fortune telling was something she knew the basics about. In France, it wasn't as common to see fortune tellers roam the streets like they did in the past. Modern age made their gifts more capitalistic. Agatha didn't seem like that type. "All right, I'm game. I am fine with a general reading and accept my fate." Did she though? Sabine knew who she was ultimately, but even she kept secrets from herself.

One thing for sure, she was glad she was in this tent alone.

Ebony was quite taken with Sabine - so much so, that when she stopped petting her, Ebony transformed into a small black house cat and leapt up into Sabine's lap, purring and clearly demanding that she continue with the pets. "Ebony seems taken with you," Agatha mused, as the tarot cards up in the air began to swirl, shuffling themselves in a maddening storm. It was almost like a dance, the cards going in random directions, until finally three cards plucked themselves out, landing on the table in front of Sabine and Agatha. It was a simple past, present, future spread - the Hanged One, the Wheel of Fortune Reversed, the Tower Reversed. Agatha's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, seeing so many major arcana pop up in this one draw.

"Great forces are at work in your life, young one," Agatha began. She did not say good or bad - merely great. "In your past, I see the Hanged One. This card deals with surrender and new perspective - a sudden change in you, but one that is beneficial. Was there a time in your life where you were forced to make such a choice, Miss Bassard - to let go and redefine yourself?" Agatha asked, although Sabine would have the feeling that Agatha already knew the answer. "Then, your present - the Wheel of Fortune Reversed. Take this card as a warning. There are perilous forces at work in your life, a cycle that must be broken, another change you must make in yourself. If you do not do this, there will be disaster and untold pain and suffering..." she paused, letting this sink in.

"In your future then, we have the Tower Reversed. This is another card of transformation, but also speaks of an averted disaster. All of these cards are part of the major arcana, spiritual forces that govern your life. The cards are urging you to examine yourself deeply Sabine, to make a needed change, or you will see yourself consumed by darkness."

Agatha paused again, another card floating down - the Three of Swords. Agatha's face darkened. "I drew this card for you as an extra one, for advice on what change is needed... This is a card of pain and heartbreak, of necessary grief and sorrow. Pain will shape you, Miss Bassard. For better... or for worse."

Sabine continued to pet Ebony as Agatha read her fortune. Sabine didn't know what to expect, but she certainly didn't expect her results. As Adatha spoke about change and her past, Sabine regarded her family, her upbringing. The other two were warnings, in a sense. Change herself or be consumed. Sabine had the urge to call bullshit, but she also knew Agatha, or at least her reputation. This was not a woman who read fortunes for kicks. If the cards were true.....

The Three of Swords. An extra card for her. One that said Sabine would have to face pain. What pain? Unsure. "Wow, I can see why the others were flooding the message boards. That's a doozy of a fortune." As calm as she could be, she knew she couldn't muster the concern she was having and the fight in her mind. What pain? What was she expected to endure?

"Thanks, I suppose. At least knowing what might be coming gives me a chance to be prepared for it. Do...do you mind if I sit for a minute and pet Ebony before I head back out there?" Sabine continued to stroke the cat/panther in her lap, letting the softness of her fur calm Sabine down some. She didn't want to go back out there and look like she got kicked in the gut with a steel-toed boot.

"Of course, dear," Agatha said. "While I am the one reading these fortunes... I would not be too afraid of the future. Destiny has a funny way of finding us all in the end," Agatha counseled. "Take the warning, but then let go. Do not allow yourself to be consumed by the cards or you may find yourself undone." She then studied Sabine for a moment, before snapping her fingers and a Yankees baseball cap appeared in her hands. "I acquired this artifact from a friend of mine - a writer. I would like to gift it to you, Sabine. When you wear it, you will become completely invisible... I hope it will serve you well."

Sabine took the hat. It had to be a Yankees hat? Well, if it was true, no one would see her wearing it anyway. She got up, allowing Ebony to hop off. She waved at Agatha before heading out of the tent to the others. "Well, that was fascinating. What a future to look forward to. And look! I got a cool hat out of it. Who's next?" She glanced at April before turning to Danny and Mei. And Dorian, she supposed.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Peregrine Mayfield

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Location: The Mall
Skills: Mediumship, Empathic Energy Combat
Fit Of The Day

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It was going so well.

They had all met up with each other and were about to enjoy the delicacies of the world right in the middle of the mall when the roof came crumbling in. Before Perry could look to see what the heck was happening, she felt herself lifted right off her feet and thrown back. She hit the ground behind her with a thud. Perry glanced up to see who did that and was met with Hot Topic Wannabee. Ugh, typical. Perry stood up and faced her new foe while the others dealt with their own headaches.

"I don't know who you are, but you messed with the wrong bitch!" Perry quickly sensed around her for any lingering spirits. She connected with one and looked to see....some old, fat security guard. Hey, she liked Paul Blart as much as the next person, but she doubted he would prove any help.

Detective Ed though leapt into action, running right towards Mortis and grabbing hold of her, sending an icy spread to her, injuring her. It was something, at least.

Perry tapped into her empathy know and tried to get a read on Mortis. It was hard, but Perry felt she was going to blast her again. If she could dodge that, she'd have the advantage.

She hoped the others were fairing better than her. Who the hell were these clowns raining on their parade?

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

Cameras continued to flash as reporter after reporter lobbed questions at him. Some were honest, looking for factual information on his platform and what he intends to do surrounding pressing issues in the state. Some were looking for statements they could take out of context and warp his message. Some were hoping to make him look like an idiot. He had wandered these waters before.

He pointed at another reporter. A woman with auburn hair and glasses. She looked presentable and serious. He hoped her question would be one he wouldn't have to walk a minefield to get through.

"Judy Bloomfield, New Mexico Today. What are your plans for handling Hyperion's Children?"

That was a name he heard more and more. At the start, they weren't worth much. He had tossed their name in as a way of stirring up voters, but now they were a full-blown threat. And they fueled hatred of hyperhumans. They were an easy target. Calliope flashed through his mind briefly before he answered. "They are a threat to our way of life. If they were peaceful I would say let them speak. But I believe they are nothing short of a terrorist group recruiting many hyperhumans to thair cause."

"And yet, you sent your daughter to a school within their reach?"

"I sent my daughter to a school where she would thrive and be looked after."

"The school that was formerly a military academy. Is that a message you want to send?"

"The school is one of the best in the world for working with hyperhumans. I only wish we had more options for them so they could be educated amongst their own and learn how to manage their....unique qualities so they can rejoin society."

"With all due respect Senator, those who lobbied for segregation most likely said the same thing."

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C A L L I O P E
C A L L I O P E

_{Location: Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - Dundas Islands, Pacific Ocean}

The Homecoming Trials #1.02: This is the best we get?

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_{Interaction(s): Cassander, Trace, Hayleigh, Katja, Lucille, Banjo, Trevor}

Previously: I expect perfection.

It wasn't long before the bad boy's simple comment exploded into conversation amongst a few of the other students. Calliope glanced around and noted they all wore similar armbands like hers. This, by all accounts, was going to be the team she would be working with.

This was the best they got?

It wasn't like Calliope planned on forming lifelong bonds with the people. But she expected more than some douchebag commenting like he was on an all-male podcast that talked about women like objects, some British chick immediately calling someone a wanker, and some other girl in a wheelchair possibly having a panic attack.

Calliope rubbed her temples. She could feel the ebb of a headache coming on and this would not serve her well during these Homecoming Trials. Another boy spoke up, seemingly trying to cool everyone down or bring up some camaraderie. Calliope tried to stifle a chuckle, but couldn't hold it in. "Yeah everyone, let's all hold hands and sing Kumbaya together!" The sarcasm underlying her words could cut someone, but she was getting fed up and she hadn't even gotten through the first day. This was not at all what she was expecting when she came here. But she would make do.

She had to make do.

One of the other guys there spoke to Banjo before walking off with the other students. Calliope took the time to follow suit. It would serve her well to get familiar with the campus. She left the other Blackjack armbands to sort themselves out. Who knows? Maybe they would gather themselves and prove to be a strong, reliable team.

Calliope would not hold her breath.

As she walked and looked around, she noted the different buildings, the planned architecture. The subtle message the school was trying to speak "We are just like other schools. Please, overlook our history!" Calliope was all too familiar with that back home. New Mexico wasn't one of the worst states, by far, though her father made sure they had their own issues.

She kept thinking back to her talk with Mr. Lehrer. There was something about him. It was a mixed bag. She felt like he was holding secrets back but also that she could trust him. Though she knew not to trust anyone here. Not yet. Trust was weakness masquerading as a strength. She would not be burned. Not again.

Calliope had walked for a bit she hadn't realized she came to a fountain with that guy from earlier standing in front of it. He looked like he was deep in thought. Against her better judgement, she walked over and looked at the fountain. "I guess it's nice to look at, but I wouldn't be caught dead having my likeness used as a roundabout way of saying 'look at me, I have money to burn in a world where people are dying on the streets'." Calliope closed her eyes after she said it. God, she could really be a bitch sometimes. "Sorry, we don't know each other and I may very well be insulting a person you like." She debated walking away before she swerved the other foot into her mouth. She needed to get back to a calmer headspace if she hoped to excel in whatever these trials were to bring.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Peregrine Mayfield

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Location: The Mall
Skills: N/A
Fit Of The Day

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Peregrine had already created a mental Rolodex of potential nicknames when Mira suggested not. "Fair enough. I'll speak to him and make sure he is aware of my ghost friend and we can devise a system to avoid confusion." Peregrine bit her lip a bit, unsure if this interaction was painting her in a good light. She had hoped to get to know the others quicker and see who gelled and who didn't. Mira seemed put-together, at least. If anything, Peregrine was the one royally fucking this up.

Thankfully Mira saved her and spoke about some of the missions the others had been on. All of it sounded fascinating. "Whatever you feel like sharing is fine with me! Honestly, I would love to hear it all, but I imagine each person has their own view on the missions and how they went. So whatever you feel comfortable sharing with me is fine!"

As the two of them walked over to the food court, they came across two more members. Peregrine tried to put names to faces. She knew one started with a C, but couldn't.....Cassidy? No it was like a movie. Caroline! That was it. And the blond girl was Annie. Okay, she could handle this! "Hey! I know we met already, but to formally introduce myself, my name is Peregrine. You can call me Perry if that is easier. Me and Mira were heading to the food court if you wanted to tag along? Otherwise, maybe we can meet up later?"

Peregrine was totally killing this friendship thing.

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

The crowd before him roared like thunder before a lightning strike. He had to admit to himself he felt like a lightning rod, there to take the full brunt of the oncoming storm. Senator Garcia de León looked through the curtains at the room full of reporters, concerned citizens, angry parents, scared populations with questions and pitchforks armed in equal measure. Garcia took a deep breath and then another one. Lupe Tillman, Garcia's advisor, knew that signal. "Sir, it will be all right. You know what questions to answer and which ones to redirect. You have your talking points. It's going to be all right."

Garcia chuckled half-heartedly. "Am I that easy to read?"

"When you have been working together for a few years, you pick up on each other's tics."

"I shouldn't be so easy to read. This is going to be a bloodbath."

"Sir, with all due respect, the nature of this is-"

Garcia held his hand up. "Tell me honestly Ms. Tillman, how would it look to you to see a representative of your home, one who has been very vocal about the hyperhuman issue, have a child who obliterated the town square in what can only be described as, and I am quoting the paper here, 'Christmas Gone Serial Killer'. Ice swept up everywhere, the fountain exploded, and snow on the ground in the middle of Summer. Then, have your child sent to Canada to some school for hyperhumans in a clear vain attempt to appease people's fears while also coming across as an asshole for essentially kicking your child out of your home. The very home that was on the cover of magazines with their family front and center, looking picturesque and who now dons the cover of the National Enquirer. Honestly, Ms. Tillman, would you vote for that person again?"

Lupe stood quiet, debating the answer, which she knew was the wrong thing to do. Garcia took that as an answer. "I am already kicking myself for what I was forced to do to my daughter. I already lost my son, I do not want my daughter to hate me too."

"With all due respect sir, I don't think she hates you."

"You didn't see the look in her eyes after I told her what I had to do. A father should comfort his child when she is scared. And here I am sending her away."

"Sir," Lupe started, "It is, by all accounts, a great school. She is smart and dedicated. She'll thrive there."

Garcia had wrestled with those very same points in his mind. "If this continues, I will be going to war against my own child. These people were scared of hyperhumans before the events in the town square, now they are even more concerned. What do I tell them?"

Lupe looked at her clipboard, filled with responses to various questions. She had no real answer for this. "Tell them the truth sir. You are scared and confused also. You clearly love your family and anyone in your shoes would see this as a tough decision. They'll back you up."

Garcia nodded. "I know. And that is what upsets me most of all."

Garcia moved the curtain aside and stepped out to the podium as questions were hurled at him. Flashing lights from cameras blinded him. He heard racial slurs mixed in with fear-dosed statements. He held his hands up to silence them but it only seemed to drive them wilder. He waited for a beat before slamming his hands on the podium in front of him, silencing the masses.

"You have questions and I can only hope I have the answers. We are in a crisis that does not seem to have an end in sight. Most of you are scared, worried, anxious, stressed. I sympathize. I understand. I also have concerns. Concerns that don't seem to be cared for by those in office. Hyperhumans are a threat. I said that before when I was first campaigning and many have asked if I still hold that to be true given recent events. I assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that I firmly believe hyperhumans are a threat. And I plan on tackling this threat head on."

---

C A L L I O P E
C A L L I O P E

_{Location: Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - Dundas Islands, Pacific Ocean}

he Homecoming Trials #1.01: I expect perfection

---

_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: N/A

"Now, do you know why I called you in to see you, Calliope?"

Calliope sat across from Jonas Lehrer after stepping foot inside his office. A young man had stepped out before her and Calliope gave him the once-over. He reeked of what she supposed he might have considered "Bad Boy Appeal". Calliope had seen it time and time again. As soon as he was out of eyesight she forgot he existed.

It was a survival instinct. Calliope knew she was a fish out of water here. That was odd considering the school was for hyperhumans like herself. But she knew she would be judged by others and that thrilled her. She wasn't here to make friends and form long-lasting connections to her peers. She was here for one purpose: to learn all she needed to and help change the world's view on hyperhumans. That already made her public enemy #1. Add on top of that her destruction of her hometown's city center, her father's view on hyperhumans as a whole, hell even her gender, her race, her sexual orientation, made her a target in many circles.

"I expect this isn't simply to get to know a promising new student so let's cut through the bull. Respectfully, Mr. Lehrer"

Jonas chuckled lightheartedly. "A breath of fresh air, Miss de León. I liked to get to know the new additions to my school and, as I told the last young man you briefly met on your way in, that question often tells me much about the student. I already have your file, Miss de León, so you and I both know why you are here. The youngest child of a U.S. Senator who grounded his platform on the rhetoric that hyperhumans were and are a continued threat. What is it with America and using perceived threats as stepping stones for power?"

Calliope let the question hang there because she knew no answer would be satisfactory for either of them.

He continued. "It was rhetorical. It's not like this country isn't without its issues. Be that as it may, this school is an environment where I hope to see the students thrive. Arm them with the tools necessary to achieve their goals."

"Arm them for war, you mean?"

"What do you mean?"

"I looked into this school before my father even considered sending me here. I know its history. It used to be a military academy correct? Just how much of that old history has been changed or has it just been altered, polished up, and painted with new colors?"

Jonas smiled. "A good question. And one I hope you find the answer to in your time here. We are done. Can you send the next one in on your way out?"

Calliope took a second to meet his eyes. She couldn't read them, not right away. She decided that could wait as she stood up and stepped out, allowing the next student to walk in. She couldn't help but feel like she just went through her first test here, even before classes started.

---

"It's basically ensuring the teacher you are assigned with has all of the tools they need. Copying, stapling, grading. If they ask for coffee, you get them coffee. This isn't like the movies where the teacher's aide helps change the lives of the students. You do the work quickly and efficiently. Understood?"

Calliope hadn't figured the job would be a cakewalk. Though she was still not thrilled at the prospect she would have to put in work to a school that, by all accounts, should be able to afford to hire the staff necessary to meet these needs. But Calliope bit her tongue. She nodded to the administrative woman in front of her.

"You should find out who you are helping soon as classes will begin quickly. Got to get through the Homecoming Trials first though. Big deal around here."

Calliope had learned all she could from the school, but she had to admit there was much she did not know. The Homecoming Trials was one such area with limited information. She understood the basics, of course. Word got around.

It was just one more hoop to jump through.

---

The opening ceremony was everything she expected. She stood for the national anthem of a country she didn't call home and listened as Mr. Lehrer droned on about the Homecoming Trials for the new students as Calliope scanned the crowd in front of her. Faces ranged from a mix of excitement to boredom. Soon they were let out to meet with their teams before the event. As she got up, she heard a voice call out asking about sacrificing. Calliope couldn't help but smile at the question. She looked to see where the voice came from and caught that it was the same guy she saw leaving the Chancellor's office before she went in. Mr. Bad Boy himself. Well, at least it tracked.

Perhaps this school would be entertaining after all.