PatientBean

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, Twin Seasons
Skills: N/A

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Verity was hyper-focused on the interviewer to the point she all but tuned out everything around her. What mattered most was the here and now as they began with their first question. Verity was brought back to the present when a waitress came over to take their drink order. Verity fought the urge to say anything, especially with a hot mic, but she also knew it was not the waitress' fault. Verity took another look at the diner, quickly determining they would most likely not have any of the desired beverages she would normally order at her preferred dining establishments. "A coffee would be great. Cream and suger as well, though I'll take almond milk if you have it." She gave a sweet smile to the waitress before the interviewer ordered and she proceeded to answer.

"I started from humble beginnings. Never in my life would I have imagined I got to where I am. I didn't really know what I wanted when I was in college. I was just a 'go-with-the-flow' type girl. Went to parties, goofed off with my friends. All of this kind of fell in my lap. And isn't that what America is about? Taking the chances given and doing your all to achieve those goals?"

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Peregrine Mayfield

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Location: Mansion -> Victorian London
Skills: N/A
Fit Of The Day

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Perry couldn't quite hold in her excitement as she let out a low squeal while Mira set up the game. She absolutely loved Sherlock Holmes. Even as a child she would gravitate towards mysteries. Nancy Drew. The Hardy Boys. Even Goosebumps to an extent, though that was more horror. To be able to set foot in the world of Holmes, even in a game, well that was the dream.

Sure enough, Mira set it up and Perry followed through the door, setting foot in the London of the past. She quickly checked the map and suspects provided. Very much still Clue (or Cluedo being in England and all). She sort of hoped she was the murderer. Enough to get the blood pumping trying to hide your own crimes. Plus, very rarely, did the villain get away. And people loved a villain.

"I say, splendid dahling. The bee's knees! And a what for and all that jazz!" She had no idea what she was saying but damn if it wasn't fun to say.

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: The Gym - Simulation
Fit of the Day: Gym Outfit
Skills: Perception, Psychometry (Power)

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Sabine was growing ever more irritated at Gideon. Despite how much she hated horror movies, she at least has watched some and knew the cocky individual who went into the haunted house and taunted the ghost usually met a grim end. And considering she was on her last life, Sabine didn't want to be anywhere near her. So she stuck with Dorian and Mary Sue. She, at least, could count on them. Dorian more given his knowledge of the game they were in.

Upon entering the twin bedroom, Sabine set her sights on the only thing out of place. Mary Sue tagged it also. Sabine stepped away from the two of them briefly. This was her chance. "Let me try something." Sabine called on her powers and reached out to the music box. Given the nature of the situation they were in she expected gruesome images of ghosts killing people or ritualistic sacrifices, but none of that came up. Instead, she saw the music box's history. Or as much as was connected inside the game.

Once back, she took several steps away from it. "It's a music box and whatever is haunting this place, that's its connection. It's cursed so whatever we do, be careful of that."

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, Twin Seasons
Skills: N/A

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Verity made her way over upon hearing the voice of the interviewer call her over. As she did, she scrolled through her phone. Apparently the govenor of New York was mobilizing the National Guard. For what reason? Was another 9/11 happening? Surely the news would be blowing up about it and they would all get notifications on their phone? Wasn't that the point of it?

Verity also caught the biker guy again. If she hadn't arrived at the scene in front of her office building or this restaurant after him she would have sworn he was stalking her. She also caught the tail end of an eye roll. He had some nerve! He hit her! And she let him go! The absolute audacity some people had.

She eventually took her seat as the tell-tail sounds of a fight were going on in the background. "Yes, hello. Thank you for meeting with me. I'm looking forward to this." Confident in her ability to wow any interview, she was ready for whatever. There had been many an interview in her past that tried to slander her or get her to own up to something for a nice clip to make viral. She never allowed anything out that she did not approve of first. This would be no different.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

Trigger Warning: Attempted Sexual Assault

The doorbell rang for the second time. The young man at it looked as presentable as a teenage boy could. He wore a dark gray button-down shirt tucked into matching slacks and black loafers. He looked like he was dressed for prom, but prom was months away. He held a bouquet of pink roses. He shifted from one foot to the next, either nervous or in need to use the bathroom. Soon the door opened and Senator Garcia and his wife stood there. While the Senator eyed the young man from head to toe, his wife, at least, had kinder eyes. Though something was hidden behind them.

"You must be Jonathan. Please, come in." The senator moved out of the way while his wife took three steps back, almost like she decided never to be near him if she could not help it. Jonathan moved inside tentatively.

"Calliope should be down in a minute. Can I get you anything?" the Senator's wife asked. Jonathan shook his head. "No ma'am. Thank you, ma'am." The senator looked almost proud. He tapped his foot as a sign of growing impatience. Soon, though, they heard some movement upstairs. Calliope moved around the corner. She was dressed in a pink dress the same shade as the roses. After all, this whole thing was planned to the finest detail. She moved down the stairs with some hesitancy that could be masked to indicate direction and desire, as if to say 'look at me'. Once she was down Jonathan strode forward and handed her the roses. "You look beautiful, Calliope." Calliope smiled softly and accepted the flowers. She smelled them and allowed the scent to linger, remembering this moment. "Why don't I take those and put them in a vase so you both can be on your way? her mother asked, taking the flowers before Calli could accept or refuse. "Now you both have a good time. Don't stay out too late. I expect her back at 10 sharp." The senator directed this to Jonathan. No indication to Calliope about what she should do, though that lecture was given when this 'date' was planned weeks ago.

Jonathan grabbed her hand and Calli fought off the urge to flinch. Go with the flow. "I'll have her back by then, sir. You have my word." The senator smiled and followed them outside before they went to Jonathan's car. She got into the passenger seat and glanced over to her parents. Her father's gaze never left hers but her mother held a hand to her heart. A proud moment? Or the beginning of a prayer? Calli could not be sure.

---

The evening wasn't terrible. They went to a Mexican restaurant and enjoyed their meal. Calli ignored the subtle comments Jonathan made regarding the staff, the jokes about how they must have recently crossed the border or how the waitress reminded him of his family's maid. After all, she had to swallow it down if she wanted to get out of this quickly. Be the perfect date. Smile, laugh at his jokes, compliment him. Do not act intelligent so that he may not question his own and feel bad. She shows interest in his hobbies but do not brag about her own. She had been on a few dates before with boys set up by her father in the hopes of landing something in the future. She had always done her due diligence but the relationship never lasted beyond a second or third date, usually at the boy's insistence. She expected her father to be mad or upset, but he wasn't. Instead, he told her he 'got what he wanted' and left it at that.

Once dinner was done and paid for (with no tip though Calli slid a $20 bill to make up for it) she followed him outside. Jonathan suggested a walk in the nearby park before going to get ice cream. Calli nodded her approval and began to walk but was slowed down when he reached for and grabbed her hand. She looked at him and smiled warmly despite the ice she felt in her veins. Soon they walked hand-in-hand. Few people were milling about. "Beautiful night." Jonathan commented matter-of-factly. Calliope looked around. "Yes, it is. I love this ti-" Calli's thought was interrupted as Jonathan leaned over and began to kiss her. Calli's eyes widened in shock as she felt his tongue enter her mouth. She quickly pushed him back. He gave her an incredulous look before leaning over again. She raised her hand and slapped him audibly. He lifted his hand to his growing redder cheek. Time stood still.

Calli should have run. She should have ran back to the restaurant and told them to call the police, even though she knew little would be done. She should have done something other than stand there, waiting.

Jonathan lowered his hand. "I thought we were getting along." His tone suggested calmness, which did not match his body language. Calliope wanted to assure him that they did, but she didn't feel comfortable with intimacy on a first date. Instead, before words could be stated, she felt herself thrown back on the grass as Jonathan landed on top of her, pinning her down. His grip on her wrists fastened her in place and he was too strong to be budged. "Do you not get it, bitch? Do you not know who my family is? I get what I want!" Calli opened her mouth to scream but he quickly backhanded her across the face. "If you say one word I will kill you." Calli looked around, hoping someone nearby saw this, but even if they did, what could they do? Jonathan's family had power and prestige. Power her own family wanted.

"Now, you are going to be good and accept this." Calli struggled, moved. She closed her eyes and pictured her anywhere else. She wanted to scream and yell. She wanted to hurt him. Stop him by any means necessary. She wanted nothing more than to see him hurt.

A scream in the darkness. She felt something warm spread across her face as she opened her eyes. Jonathan had gotten off of her and fell backwards as he gripped his arm. He looked at it and then at her with a mix of fear and anger. Fear won out, it seemed. "You're a freak! You're one of those freaks!" He stood up as more blood soaked through his shirt. Calli sat up and noticed the growing ice field around her. Shrapnel pieces of icy glass poked out of the ground, all firing straight lines around her. Jonathan must have gotten poked and stabbed. The ice slowly evaporated around her as she stood up. Jonathan was backing away. "Wait until my father hears about this!" he nearly screamed before running off into the night, leaving her there. Alone.

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Calliope walked home. She was well past 10 o'clock. But she moved up her driveway to the front door. She took out her key and unlocked it, stepping foot into the cool front room. She shut the door and locked it. No reason to hide her entrance. She knew her father would be ready.

Sure enough, he sat in his chair in the adjoining living room. He had his phone in his hand and a cigar in the other. She moved toward him and he held a hand up to stop her. "I received a call from Mr. Ellis. Jonathan's father. He informed me his son came home bloodied and injured. So badly was he hurt he had to be rushed to the hospital. Mr. Ellis tells me Jonathan said you injured him for no reason. Attacked him in the open." He looked up at her.

She twisted one hand in the other, feeling the pressure rise. What answer would be satisfactory? Before she could speak, he followed up his response. "I expect he tried to do something to you and you acted in self-defense. I explained as such to Mr. Ellis. I also informed him that should he with to pursue anything legally that he would be ground to dirt with all I have on him and that it would be better for all parties involved to forget this evening happened."

Calli stood there, stunned. Her father had...defended her?

Calli's father stood now, setting his cigar down and putting his phone away. He took a few steps forward. Calli looked up into his eyes and before she could speak, felt the sting across her own cheek as he raised his hand and slapped her, nearly sending her to the ground.

"I told you to hide it! I told you to never show it to anyone! Do you know what I have to do to shield this from getting out? No, of course you don't. A simple date nearly killed a boy because of what a freak you are!"

Calli felt tears sting her eyes as she fought hard against them. She stood up straight again, but dared not face him.

"Next time? Let him." he said, finally, before turning and heading upstairs to his bedroom to get a night's sleep, leaving his daughter battered, broken, and confused.

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_{Location: Southern Plateau, Dundas Island - Pacific Royal Campus}

Welcome Home #3.026: The Sum Of All Things

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_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: Deep Breathing

"As lawyers, one of your jobs is to interpret the law. Laws are ever-changing. Rulings get overturned when new laws are brought forth. However, your role is to use those skills to have the law work for you. Classic cases such as Roe v. Wade in the United States can set things up that last eons, but a pitfall many lawyers make is assuming the case you try will be as groundbreaking. And no, it will not be like Elle Woods single-handedly overturning a trial because you know about hair care."

The classroom chuckled as the professor went on. Calliope sat in the back row, paying some attention but finding herself getting distracted. Recent conversations were clearing things up, but she was still worried. Guilt-ridden. And expecting the other shoe to drop at any moment wasn't helping her with sleep.

And that voice in her head. It seemed to get louder.

Her mind was racing to the others. Lorc was in the hospital and it was unknown how he was fairing. Gil was still in the hospital even though it seemed like he would be getting out soon. Their conversation was...dry. She didn't expect him to bounce back easily after everything but the way he interacted with her...there was no heart. Haven was dealing with her own struggles, thankfully having Rory around was helping, but even then Rory was now placed in a situation that was sure to add stress. Harper was going through something also. Aurora was with Lorc. Katja was....who knows where. And Amma. Girl was absent and Calli didn't like it. Amma was never warm or welcoming, but the fact someone had started the whole Trial thing made her question it. Still, she didn't think Amma was involved. She remembered seeing her once they got out. Calli didn't get the sense Amma was hiding that, though it was clear she was hiding something.

"Let's put an example. Can I get a volunteer?"

Calli snapped back to attention, wondering what was being done now. The professor glanced around the room. After a spell, she sighed. "All right, I'll choose. Let's see..." She scanned the class as her eyes rested on Calli. "Yes, Miss de León. Let's say you have a client who is charged with the sexual assault of a woman. What are some of the roadblocks you would face in providing a defense for the client?"

Calli looked around briefly, wondering how the topic got to this point. But she didn't want to make it apparent she was not paying attention. "Well, one would be in wondering if he committed the act or not."

The professor raised her hand to stop Calli. "You assume the client is male?"

"I suppose I did, but most sexual assaults perpetuated against women are from cisgender men."

"True, but would your defense be different if the client, the one accused, was a woman who assaulted another woman?"

"No, the act itself is heinous if it was committed, but I would do my due diligence and provide the best defense possible."

"So what other roadblocks could there be?"

"There's...history."

"History?"

Did the professor know? Is that why she chose her? "I was the victim of sexual assault in my past. So there's a potential block there if I felt in any way my client was guilty."

The professor nodded, though Calli couldn't gauge if they knew or not. "Do you feel you would be able to defend the client or would you need to pass it off to someone else?"

"That would largely depend on the circumstances."

"In what way?"

"Given that sexual assault can be connected to anxiety and trauma it is not out of the realm of possibility that some things might trigger a lawyer, whether it was myself or not. I would hope I am able to identify within myself how much I am able to handle, but I would use my best judgement and pass it off if I felt I could not do my job to my full potential."

"We often do not get that luxury though, Miss de León. Often you will have clients coming to you, whether through criminal or civil law, who you may find some connection to or may hate or judge. How does one get over that?"

Calli felt her breath hitch a bit, remembering events of her past. The professor continued. "I mean, what if a client came in who was charged with abusing his daughter? Could you handle that?"

The class turned to look at her as she felt every eye scan her. Judgement. She took a deep, labored breath. "I...believe I can handle it."

"Are you sure?"

The slam of the desk reverberated around the room, causing some in the room to jump. Calli's hand hurt after she slammed her fist against the desk in front of her. She took a few more deep breaths. "I would hate every minute of it. I would take several showers to wipe the grime I felt working with him. I would ensure I take proper care of myself when home and engage in self-care. I would speak to a therapist if need be. But I would do my damn job." She looked up, glaring daggers at the professor, sure that they knew exactly what they were doing. "Does that answer your question, professor?"

The professor adjusted their tie. "This is why you check yourself when taking on cases. There will be ones with detrimental impacts on you. Thank you, Miss de León."

Calli sat back down, nursing her hand. She took a few more deep breaths. She would need to make an appointment soon.

And she damn well needed to talk to Banjo.

Dragon Age: Grey Dawn

The view from atop one of the battlements lent itself to the area. Having traveled no farther than an Orlesian city, it was easy to assume that the world was just full of towns with huge monuments dedicated to the wealthy elite who purchased and set them up as if to say "Look at me with all my money. Instead of feeding the hungry or housing the poor, I allocated my funds to building a statue because I have a small dick."

Colette scoffed at her own thought. Never would she have imagined that she would be amongst a team, let alone the Grey Wardens of yore. She had heard tales growing up as many others have. She was not one for heroic stories of epic battles facing off against oppressive forces, even ones based in reality. She always assumed the hype of the Grey Wardens was to bolster their reputation, but even in recent times she had grown to be less wary if they were telling the truth or not.

And now she found herself amongst their ranks. She was relatively new to them so many still gave her a wide berth. It wasn't like she opened herself up to allies or friends. She still remembered in the early weeks of her time when another member, some upstart braggart thought because he could hold a sword the right way up and survived his own joining meant he was better than others. She knew the Grey Wardens took all matters of people in but surely there was still a vetting process. The man had taken one look at her and had assumed, wrongfully, that she was there for entertainment. He came up to her with flowery words and a wandering hand. He left with neither her name nor the use of his sword hand for weeks. She had been chastised, but not fully punished as others who witnessed him stood up for her. She thought at the time they wanted something in return, possibly the same something the braggy man wanted, but they did not.

She remembered that day and considered it the first time she respected the Grey Wardens. Even before she was grabbed before death was serviced to her she didn't feel she owed them anything. No one cared of she lived or died, certainly not herself, so this random man who came up to her and saved her was an anomaly. One she wanted to figure out.

She stood up against the edge and looked down. She saw many others milling about and heard the sounds of people working and talking and gossiping. She figured it would be sooner rather than later that she would be called upon. She hopped down and made her way down to the courtyard.

Once there she looked. Some warriors were practicing their techniques. Some rogues showing off their skills. Mages of all sorts learn magical theories and spellwork. It was a sight to see. And yet, she felt no yearning to join them. She knew her skills were good. Hell, they were great. She was not worried about her ability to pick a lock or remain unseen. She was not worried she would falter when convincing a target to lower their guard or to slit the throat of said unsuspecting person. ]

She felt something move behind her and she quickly grabbed the wrist of a young woman. She yelped in surprise. "Sorry missus, didn't mean to..to scare you, though truth be told you gave me more of a fright than I ever could you." The woman attempted jokes which earned her some modicum of respect in Colette's eyes. She let her go and turned to face her. "Why were you reaching for me?"

The young woman quickly dusted herself off and bowed a bit. "Again, sorry missus. I was tasked with finding a person who could help us out of a spot of trouble. The kitchen pantry doors got busted and is locked and no one can enter. We are preparing meals for the troops, you see, and we really need to get in there. I don't suppose you could help us out please missus?" The woman spoke quickly and plainly and Colette had to admit it was trouble understanding her. And if she were being honest with herself, Colette did look like 'the type' with her hood over her head. "Lead the way." The woman smiled and turned, running towards the kitchen, presumably. Colette quickly followed.

It was only then that Colette noticed the woman was an elf. Her hair covered her ears when they first met but as she run, she noticed them poking out. Colette was not one to judge the other races specifically for that alone. She considered all people of this world to be worthy of judgement and mistrust regardless of what race they were born as.

Soon they came upon the kitchen. The woman ran inside and Colette quickly slid in past the closing door. "What's this then?" she heard a rather bolstered voice. The person who called out was a large, intimidating older woman with gray hair. Despite her age she was built strong and looked like she could take down an army of darkspawn. The elven woman was small in comparison. "I found a person to help us." The large woman looked over to Colette and looked back at the elf. "I asked you to find a Grey Warden girl, not some pretty courtesan!" The older woman raised her hand and smacked the elf's face with an audible clack. The elf fell to the ground and held back a sob. Colette moved forward, "She's telling the truth. I can get your door unlocked." The older woman looked back at her and scoffed. "If you get that door unlocked pretty, I'll eat my shoes."

Never one to back down from confrontation of any sort, Colette moved to the door. A quick examine of it showed it was indeed broken. Though it looked like someone did it intentionally from a cursory glance. Colette pulled out her lockpicks and got to work. She would never admit it, but this was one of her favorite things to do. How easy it was to slide the lockpick in and listen for the subtle clicks of the lock as you moved it. Soon, she was done, and she swung the door open.

"I believe this is the part where you eat your shoes."

The older woman looked aghast and the elf woman stood up with a smile despite the red mark on her cheek. It seemed she enjoyed seeing her boss put in her place. "Lucky shot. Go, we need to get the food going. And you, girl, don't stand there smiling. Get back to work!" The older woman raised her hand again but couldn't move it as Colette had grabbed her wrist and brought it behind her. "What is this! Get off of me you slag!"

"If you raise a hand to her or anyone else in your kitchen I will be sure to find you where you sleep and cut off your hand so you can never harm anyone again. And I'll make it look like you did it yourself. No one would believe you."

The older woman also was not one to back down. "My staff just heard you. They'll have my back." She glanced around the room and saw that no one was looking at her. Instead they were all working, head bowed down, pretending what was happening was not happening. "Seems they do not. And I trust any of them to come find me should you do so. Treat them kindly. Treat them with respect. Or you will have nothing to do but sit around and waste air." Colette let go and turned, leaving the kitchen.

She would probably hear about that later, but as far as she was concerned, she did her job as a Grey Warden, because surely that woman was a darkspawn in disguise.

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, Twin Seasons
Skills: N/A

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Verity's mind was elsewhere, though she also noticed the number of police and ambulances. What was going on? It must be something in the water making people act particularly crazy today. Finally, they pulled up to the cafe. "You too. Thank you." She got out and looked around. This was not her choice of locale for an interview. She would have preferred a nice restaurant with a Michelin star or something similar.

Be that as it may, she still went in. Once inside she sensed...what. Something happening? Some people's attention was directed towards the back. She looked around to see if her interviewer was there yet. Assured that they weren't she made her way to an open booth. No one had greeted her and perhaps they were too busy.

As she sat down she took out her phone to check for messages, seeing none. She started to scroll through the News app on her phone. Considering what she had seen so far, surely there was something more going on.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

Calli looked around her. Last she checked she was in her dorm room catching herself up for the upcoming week of classes. Instead, she was in some void. It felt unending like an echo that didn't reverberate back. She was dreaming. She had to be. She wasn't back in the Trials. Blackjack got out, though they were worse for wear. She strode forward hoping to come to some exit or identify something so she could ground herself.

It was then she heard the distant footfalls of someone running. Someone making a desperate attempt to get to their goal quickly. Every time she had been here she had been alone with her thoughts, as scary as they were sometimes. No one else was supposed to be here.

The footsteps got closer. Calli started backing away, unsure if the entity was friend or foe, though she knew better than anyone how she was her worst enemy.

The steps slowed down now though they could still be heard and were close. Calli glanced around. She spotted no one.

And then she was flung backward.

Calli landed with a resounding thud. She looked up and saw something forming. Materializing. It was a person. Gradually the form too shape and the entity began to clap. Slowly. Mockingly.

Their face showed with a smirk. The blonde hair fell behind them. A cold, calculating gaze of her own making.

"Hiya sweetheart. Miss me?"

Calli lay there, dumbfounded. It was her. Except this was not the simulation here, though the two were similar. She no longer wore her Foundation suit with the letter F in the middle. Instead, she was dressed in a dark blue shirt with black slacks. She walked forward, glaring down at Calli.

"You shouldn't be here..."

The figure tilted her head in a manner that spoke 'oh you just said something stupid'. "That's not very welcoming, is it? I consider you to be a sister. You had one before but, let's face it, they kind of dropped the ball on the whole sisterhood thing. No pun intended!" She began to laugh at her own joke.

"Seems I'll have to explain. You know that whole voice you had in your head? The one that told you how much of a failure you are? The one who ensured you remembered where you came from and how all your hopes and dreams and desires were basically worthless? How no one liked you and you could never match up to people's expectations? Well, here it is, manifested for your enjoyment! You should count yourself lucky. Not many people get to see their inner voice in person and the ones that do are usually put up in a nice all-white room with a self-hugging jacket. You're not insane!" The figure smiled, gesturing to the 'room' they were in.

"But when I am through with you, you'll wish you were."

Calli stood up quickly and faced her reflection. The other her laughed again. "It is so cute you think you can do anything here. You can't hurt me Calliope. But I can hurt you. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. Hell, I can probably trigger any part of you at a moment's notice. Let's start with the easy ones."

Soon, the room warped and they were standing in Calli's therapist's office. Except instead of her therapist, the other Calli stood in a new outfit. She now had glasses on and was dressed in a smart red business-like suit. She sat at the desk and Calli felt herself fall back on to the chair she sat in before during many a session. She tried to get up but felt herself forced down, unable to move.

"Banjo. Andrew. Whatever the hell you call him, what's going on there? You literally left him to face his own demons alone. What you're presented with a choice to go alone or together and you choose alone? Some girlfriend. And you are so pushy? Have you once paused to consider maybe he doesn't want to get married or have children? You claim you want to move on from your family but you sure like acting exactly how they want."

Calli desperately wanted to shout how wrong she was...but couldn't. She had been having those exact thoughts. Banjo got hurt. Gil got hurt. The rest of Blackjack was hurt beyond what she knew and she couldn't do anything about it. And how much pressure had she been putting on Banjo? Her own father screamed for perfection and for things to be exactly as 'they should be'. But what did that mean? Wasn't she just falling into the exact roles set up for her? Wasn't she expecting Banjo to follow suit with her? She was so focused on being her own person and being someone other than 'Banjo's girlfriend' that she went to the other extreme without care.

"It's a mess up in here. Not sure how you plan to manage it. Maybe it's better if you just...ended things."

Calli looked up and before she could speak the room shifted again. This time she was on a table in what looked to be an operating room. The other Calli stood there in scrubs and a mask. Gloved hands ready to do....who knows what. Calli attempted to move but she was strapped in.She attempted to speak but couldn't. It was like she was under, prepped for surgery, but could sense everything.

"Don't worry. This isn't real surgery. But it will sure feel like it. Normally surgeons put you under but I thought...why? I want you to feel this. imagine how scared your team felt facing their own trials. Imagine how alone they were. Forced to be there seeing it all and being unable to stop it. That sounds like something. What's the word? Oh right..."

"Helpless."

The other Calli turned her back and grabbed something before she turned back. "Precious Calli doesn't want to feel helpless and yet puts herself in situations where she can't be anything but. You want to be saved. You want to be helped. Princess Calli in her tower waiting for someone to climb up and whisk her away and she is more than willing to hurt anyone that stands in her way. Even her own Prnce Charming. Face it Calli.

You don't have a leg to stand on!"

The other Calli raised her arms, brandishing a large blade before slamming it down on her leg. The same one she lost in the simulation. As it cut through, Calli felt force. Pain. Burning.

And then she woke up.

---

Calli sat up in bed, gasping for air. She pulled the covers off and felt her leg. It was still there.

Still there.

After the Trials walking took some time. The simulation messed her up so much she truly believed she lost her leg. She had to engage in some physical therapy to help her mind come back from the trauma. And even then, it lingered. She felt tingling often. The healer said it was normal and wouldn't last long, but that didn't make it easy.

She glanced over and saw her roommate was still sound asleep. Calli rubbed her eyes, feeling the sweat that formed on her forehead. She took a few more deep breaths.

That inner voice was ever present and now it got stronger. And its words rang true. She failed. She failed her team. She failed Banjo. She failed herself.

She curled her legs up so her knees met her chin and she laid her head down, knowing she wouldn't be able to fall asleep. Or perhaps too scared to. Either way, she had to get ready soon. Classes started and she needed to put the work in.

But what did it matter? How could she possibly be strong enough to face adversity without losing it like she did?

She felt a headache coming on. Could she really do this?

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_{Location: Southern Plateau, Dundas Island - Pacific Royal Campus}

Welcome Home #3.010: Deep Breathing

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_{Interaction(s): Banjo (@Hound55), Gil (@Roman)}

Previously: With Family Like This

^{| Two Days Ago}

"So what brings you in today Calliope?" Dr. Trinh asked from her chair. Calliope was tentative taking a step in and she knew Dr. Trinh saw that. She probably made a mental note to add to her file. Ever since her 'nightmare' Calliope had not been herself. She was walking around like she was just a husk. People noticed. She saw them notice.

Calliope kept her hands in her lap, letting her fingers rub over her knuckles to the point of pain. "Isn't it obvious?" she said with venom-laced punctuation. She chastised herself. It wasn't Dr. Trinh's fault and she was here to help.

Still, Dr. Trinh smiled warmly. "I heard about the Trials. For whatever it is worth I am truly sorry you and your team went through that. I cannot possibly imagine what you went through." The words were nice, but even then Calli's hand gripped the knee of the leg she 'lost' in the simulation, almost like her brain was trying to remember if it was there or not.

"What you all went through is incredibly traumatic and no one is expecting any of you to bounce back from it quickly."

Calliope scoffed. "Sure doesn't feel like it. I already need to jump back into classes. And they still expect us to spar and train. I don't...I don't know if I am ready."

Dr. Trinh nodded. "No, I don't expect you are. Nor do I think any of your team members are also. That's the thing about trauma: it doesn't care if you are ready or not. Life moves on regardless and we along with it."

Calli looked up. "So...what? I'm expected to forget it happened and carry on like nothing happened?"

"No, of course not. It would help if you had time to heal and there is no shame in admitting it. My point is that others who do not know what happened will continue to try to push you all forward. I expect the school would like nothing more than to sweep the entire thing under the rug but that is hard to do with large-scale threats. This is going to require more than deep breathing and mindfulness. Trauma can impact multiple parts of you. Physically. Emotionally. Socially."

"Speaking of....how is Andrew?"

---

^{| Three Days Ago}

Calliope had knocked on the door to Gil’s hospital room and felt stupid after. She opened the door and peered her head in.
“Gil? Are you up for a visit?”
Given the nature of what they had dealt with during the Trials, Calli wanted to be sure Gil’s wishes were respected.

Gil stirred restlessly, turning over in his bed and staring at the door and the head peeking around it longer than he should have without reply.
“Do what you want.” He finally said, morose and apathetic but secretly glad for the distraction and the break to monotony.

Calliope winced. This was not Gil as before but Gil as he is now and, from the sounds of it, it was bad. She moved inside and came around to his bed. He looked….for lack of a better word….powerless. It saddened her greatly that whatever had occurred inside the Trials had twisted him so much so that he no longer was the happy guy she knew before. Granted, was he really like that or was it his actor mask hiding how he really was?

”Hey, obvious question so feel free to answer obviously in kind but, how are you feeling?”
Gil let the question sit while looking pointedly from Calliope, to his casted leg, to the gauze about his person, and back to Calliope.
”Shit. You?” He finally offered, making his best effort at remaining cordial while conscious he was coming up distinctly short.
”Shit.” she said in agreement before she pulled up a chair and sat down. ”I won’t stay long if you don’t want but I wanted to check on you. I am…so sorry Gil. I cannot imagine what you went through.” She took some deep breaths to calm herself lest her emotions get the better of her. After all, she was walking around while he remained bedridden for who knows how long? ”This whole ordeal was just….I just can’t….it’s my fault.”

Gil raised an eyebrow and shifted uncomfortably, disarmed by the uncharacteristic display of emotion from the normally guarded and aloof Calliope.
”I just…had some perspective applied.” He said, his voice attempting to sound blasé but shaking as memories he’d been failing to repress surfaced once again. He nearly scowled at Calliope’s guilty confession, though, and when he spoke again there was a tone approaching parental scolding in his answer. ” It’s no one’s fault but whoever set up the sabotage. Don’t do yourself a disservice. Or anyone else, for that matter. Last thing we need now is a martyr.”

Calliope moved her hands on her lap, one covering the other, as she felt a small tremor coming. ”No, I know it’s whoever sabotaged the Trial’s fault for us being stuck in there. But we never should have separated. It was exactly what they wanted. And because we did you got hurt. Banjo got hurt.” She let it fall that she also got hurt, but her injuries were mild in comparison. She gripped her leg, thankful it was still there. ”Point is, I am still sorry. When we were together we figured out what to do but as soon as we were separated things fell apart. The things I saw and heard. The things I continue to see when I close my eyes and listen to my thoughts.” Calli quickly realized how depressing she was acting. Gil deserved better. ”Are they taking care of you in here? Need me to sneak you in something?” She attempted to keep it light, but even then the light in her eyes had long since evaporated. That inner voice attempting to come back in.

”Look,” he started, adopting a softer tone, though he wasn’t sure what Calliope wanted here; absolution? Forgiveness? Gil was in no position nor mood to grant either. At the very least, he could allow an exorcism of misplaced emotion, but he didn’t want to encourage the perception of his bed-ridden body being Blackjack’s stand-in for a confession booth. He was sure that whatever everyone else had endured within the sabotaged trial was as deeply distressing as his own experience, but he was hardly capable of shouldering his own scars, let alone the rest of the team’s.
”Whatever they wanted to do to us - whatever they did do to us - was going to happen regardless of our own choices.” He sighed, sitting forward and rubbing his eyes as he placed a bandaged hand over Calliope’s own. ”They had the run of it, simple as that. Nothing we could have done.”

They held eyes for a long handful of seconds, and Gil almost saw himself reflected in Calliope’s face; a well-constructed wall slowly crumbling, leaving the builder unsure what was even behind it. He sat back, turning his face away. ”They’re treating me fine. Narcotics on demand. Not allowed a drink yet but only a few days until they let me out, I think. So I’ll take a raincheck on a beer or ten.”

Calliope nearly wept as Gil comforted her. She also chuckled. ”Heh, you’re the one in the hospital. I’m supposed to be cheering you up.” Still, Gil’s words were true. She knew it. It still didn’t unleash the guilt she felt and might feel going forward. They may not have been able to stop what happened, but she would be damned if they continued. Someone set them up. She was sure the Foundation was partly responsible, she just didn’t know how yet. ”Well when you get out and are able to, drinks are on me.” She let a moment linger. She didn’t want to continue to unload on him. He had enough trouble. ”If you need anything Gil, even after you get out of here, let me know. Someone’s going to have to step up to take care of you lot.”

”It sounds like you need to take care of yourself, first, Calliope.” Gil replied, an urbane tone masking genuine concern. ”Or maybe let that glib Aussie of yours take care of you. One of the two.”

At the mention of Banjo Calliope’s face fell, though she did her best to hide it. That was another matter she would have to address. Banjo was hurt and would be for his life. Despite him acting nonchalant about it all she couldn’t help but notice the energy shift while she sat with him in his own hospital room. The things left unsaid spoke more than actual words. ”He’s done a fine job so far. I’ll be fine.” The words were pretty but the meaning behind them left very little to the imagination. And whatever was going on, she didn’t need to pester Gil with it.
Gil felt the energy change - the chill in the air and Calliope’s crestfallen expression said everything her words didn’t.
”Hm. I suppose you know what’s best.” He answered, and left the matter there.

Silence hung for what seemed like hours, though it was only a few moments. ”Well, I don’t want to take up too much more of your time. I meant what I said though, please let me know if you need anything. Helping others helps ourselves. My therapist told me that and, while I didn’t believe her at first, I am slowly starting to.”

Gil let the words pass without comment; he had little interest in talking of therapy and healing. Instead, he smiled warmly in a practiced expression, though it did not meet the eyes, as Calliope stood, and the expression fell as soon as she stepped out.

---

Calliope sat in the cold chair in the hospital waiting room. She had just finished visiting Gil and it left her feeling numb. Gil had been a presence she enjoyed before but it was like emotions were sapped in that room. She could hardly blame him. Whatever had transpired in the Trials had impacted Gil so heavily it altered the man before.

The same could be said with Banjo.

Gil had brought him up and she recalled the last time she went to see him. As he sat in his own room ready to be checked out and continue with physical therapy and monitoring she could feel something different. It was hard to put it into words but she could tell something had shifted between the two of them. It wasn't that she didn't love him and want to be with him. But she could see every mistake she made concerning him before her. And surely he could with her. They held hands, him rubbing his thumb over hers. He would crack jokes, make the hospital staff miserable every time he tried to get up to leave and she all but forced him to stay in bed. She knew he was feeling hurt, physically and mentally. She couldn't take his pain away and wasn't that one of her responsibilities? Not to shoulder it all, but to alleviate some of the weight?

Once he was done for that day she kissed him and left. As she exited and found herself in the hospital lobby, she finally let it out. She put her face in her hands and wept. It felt oddly comforting to finally unleash the beast that had been held back. Some of the others in the lobby came up to her to express condolences, thinking she lost someone close to her.

How could she tell them that the person lost was herself?

---

^{| Two Days Ago}

"He's healing. He'll forever have that limp, but he's cracking jokes and being a general nuisance."

Dr. Trinh nodded. "You both went through something and I am sure it brought you both closer together. However, shared trauma has a way of showcasing the points we try to hide from others. I encourage you to share them with him. It will be hard, I won't lie. And I know your history of opening yourself up has not gone well, but from what you tell me, I think he would understand."

Calliope thought it. Dr. Trinh had a point. And maybe in the future, she'll listen. But not now. She needed to heal first. And make some hard choices.

The session quickly wrapped up after that. Calliope stood up and looked around the room. What was once a safe space had been marred. She left quickly.

As she did so her mind raced back to someone she hadn't spoken to much. She had wanted to see her also but couldn't for whatever reason. Calliope couldn't help but wonder. Was she involved in all of this somehow?

She let it percolate for a bit before she tossed the thought aside. She needed to get ready. Classes would be starting up soon.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Peregrine Mayfield

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

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Max had decided to challenge her, the poor fool. Little did he know how often she read mystery books or listened to true crime podcasts. She was practically an expert apart from the actual police training, but since when did that matter? She lifted her hand in a mock anime laugh pose and proceeded to chuckle loudly. "Oh, how amusing. This will be fun then. When you lose Max I promise to be the most gracious winner."

Mira was getting ready to set it up. "I would like a Sherlock Holmes-esque game, but I am open to whatever. A change of scenery will be good." she said, indicating towards Jaclyn. She was ready to jump into character and win this thing. No one else stood a chance!

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, Verity's Office -> On Route
Skills: N/A

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Verity identified the Uber immediately, mentally thanking Trudy for the luxury. Verity approached the man who opened the door for her. She nodded her agreement upon identifying her and got in. It was comfortable and calm. Once she was settled they were off.

Normally she didn't want to be bothered on rides, but the man was friendly enough. "I am well. I hope your day is going all right also." Verity thought back to the police presence and the ambulance. Their day as not going well. She closed her eyes and shut it out. She needed to be ready for the interview. She didn't let it on but this was important. How she presented herself paved the road for the future. One clip of her saying anything untoward would go viral. Women especially had to be careful. The delicate balance of being a professional in her field left her vulnerable to many opinions. Why wasn't she married anymore? Did she cheat? Did he cheat and, if so, what did she do to cause him to cheat? Why no kids? If she had kids were they talking to her? Is she pretty? Is she too pretty to be a businesswoman? Is she good at her job or did she sleep her way to the top? Is she a monster for wanting to work? Is she too weak to be anything else?

She sighed inwardly. She glanced out the window as the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle of people and cars passed her by. This city, despite being home, never felt less like it.