15056/A little sunshine never hurt anyone

A little sunshine never hurt anyone
Date of Scene:	07 May 2023
Location:	Student Gardens, Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Firestar finds Penance in the school gardens - they find a way, rudimentary as it is, to talk.
Cast of Characters:	M, Firestar

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M has posed:
Just after dusk on a fine, Spring day and the gardens are.. suprisingly empty for the most part. With the ground full of fledgling plants, watering and tending is on a pretty strict schedule. Students have just recently left and the plants glisten with water droplets still; quivering in the breeze that makes it through the decorative fencing.

Penance -- that strange red-skinned mutant who (literally) dropped from the sky about a week prior -- waited until everyone else had left before venturing in. Wrapped in layers of leather straps, belts, and buckles like some post-punk mummy, she moves in a weird way; sometimes walking, but sometimes crouched and inching along like she's wary of everything around her. As if the next turn could lead her into something horrifying.

And it just might because as she comes around the path, she encounters the cauliflower that is grown abundantly for everyone on one of those keto, gluten-free kind of diets. Gross.

Firestar has posed:
A late evening fly is something Angelica lives for at times. There is nothing like that freedom. When she makes her way back to the mansion, she drops to ridiculously low altitude, low enough to evade radar. She is moving fast that low to the ground, but never once does she not have control.

Instead, when she makes her way into a safe cover to land it is light as a feather after an almost dead stop. Her costume shifts back into something a little less conspicuous, grey t-shirt and blue jeans.

While she doesn't know the new arrival, she at least knows of her presence. Angelica pauses and looks at Penance, offering a polite nod,"Good evening. Sorry if I startled you."

M has posed:
Not as much as the cauliflower is, even in such a fledgling state. Penance has stopped and is prodding at the dirt a bit. At least that she can't cut with those talons that her fingers turn into.

She does tense somewhat when the other mutant lands, watching warily with slightly lidded blue eyes. Pupil-less, they nearly glow in the fading light.

With the apology, Penance straightens; standing upright, if not fully straight. She just gives a small sort of nod; acceptance, at least. She glances back to the plants and the furrows she dug in the dirt before she shuffles along toward the next plot.

There may be rumors, around the mansion, of how she sometimes does things like this. Just wanders, keeping to herself. Though some aren't terribly surprised; mute and very sharp, she doesn't make the best company.

Firestar has posed:
Remembering the mute part only after, Angelica hmms softly,"I am afraid my sign language is pretty rusty. Non existent really." she admits. She doesn't try to force any other exchange for the moment. Instead she settles on the ground under a tree and rests her head for the time being, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. Flying and fresh air is the best in her opinion and it is fairly clear to the observant.

M has posed:
At the mention of sign language, Penance looks at her hands and huffs.

Seems she doesn't know that one either.

Monet may have been a polyglot, but ASL was one that she never got around to.

As she moves along, the red-skinned mutant does glance to Firestar every so often. Furtive things, as if she's uncertain about the other's presence. In addition to that, there are stops here and there to study a plant. These she is very careful with; using the sides of those talons if manipulating the plant rather than her fingers directly.

There, too, have been fewer incidents of damaged property around the mansion. The cushion from the previous day notwithstanding.

Firestar has posed:
Angelica glances towards Penance now and then, curious more than concerned. A nod when is clear that ASL isn't something either of them can manage. Not used making someone else uncomfortable even when they should be, she keeps her distance and sighs when he phone buzzes.

Opening the phone, she looks at it and shakes her head,"Not anymore." she mutters and closes it back and puts it in her back pocket. Whatever that was. Even when people can talk to her, Angelica isn't exactle a social butterfly so this could get awkward and maybe even socially uncomfortable.

Finally she offers,"I mean, I guess yes and no questions are possible, but I don't really want to pry. I like my bubble too."

M has posed:
Monet had a bubble, but it was more reflexive than anything. Yes, being snobby and posh certainly contributed... but her first bout with her brother was the biggest part of it. So now, she struggles even more with opening up to people.

She is literal knives now rather than just figurative.

There is a glance, quickly, toward Firestar when the phone goes off. But Penance couldn't pry even if she wanted. So she continues her roaming of the garden until the other woman speaks again. This time she stops, settles back into that sort of crouched squat she's got and considers Angelica.

There is, finally, a sort of gesture that says 'go ahead.'

Firestar has posed:
Whoever was on the phone clearly annoyed her, but she lets that pass. Unfortunately, there is a scientist hiding inside the young woman sitting on the ground and she considers her words for a long moment before she finally says,"OK. Anything you don't want to answer, just place your hands palm down and moves them away from each other parallel to the ground." She makes the sign she means and then hmms.

"You seem familiar with the grounds, moreso than me when I first got here. Does that mean you've at least been here long term? Like a former student?"

M has posed:
There is a glance down at her hands and she turns them up, down. Clearly cementing this part of the process in her mind.

Penance looks back up at Firestar, expectantly. When the question comes, it takes a moment to process. The memories are fleeting at times; compartmentalized, in a way. But finally, as with a great effort, the red-skinned mutant nods. It seems that yes, she is well-familiar with the Mansion and its grounds.

Firestar has posed:
Waiting for her answer, Angelica watches curiously. She notes the time between question and answer. A slight frown, most an indication of that insatiable curiosity. Examining the outfit she asks,"Were you here in this appearance? I haven't been around here much. Most of my time has been with the Hellfire Club and Alpha Flight."

M has posed:
Hellfire Club. That one brings back memories. Penance tilts her head a bit, considering the question. It's not a yes or no so it becomes a bit more tricky.

In response she goes with a more... simplistic explanation of why she is wearing just wrappings of leather. A discarded watering can is found so she grabs it... and shears it in two. The two halves are dropped to fall aside.

Penance shrugs. Effectively meaning: try putting on a shirt like that.

Firestar has posed:
A slight raise of her brow and Angelica hmms softly. She focuses on her question a little more clearly this time,"OK. Communication is tricky. What about this...has Ms. Grey or Emma tried to communicate with you telepathically? Is that sort of thing possible?" Two yes or no questions, for the scientist in her it is almost maddening to try and keep to the theme. Questioning everything is in her nature, but she is doing her best to stay on target.

M has posed:
There is a nod to the first -- yes, someone has tried to communicate telepathically -- and then a shake of head to the next -- no, it isn't possible -- question. Penance's shoulders even slump a bit.

Another few strides, then a pause. She turns and makes her way toward Firestar. Close, but not too close. Close enough that she can crouch by a patch of dirt and reach out with a single talon.

'Penance' is etched into the dirt. Then an arrow, pointing to herself.

Firestar has posed:
Angelica watches her, just taking in the answers in turn. She nods and then curiously looks towards where she has written,"Penance." she repeats the word thoughtfully. She frowns once more, but it is one of concentraton, not aggravation.

"I think I head about a Penance once when I was in Canada. There wasn't much information though. The Alpha Flight keeps friendly files on the X-Men, sort of know your allies sort of thing." She taps her chin thoughtfully and muses,"I wonder if Vanessa could communicate with you?" That isn't a question your way,"There are some who have ablities more tangible, like touch or mental power that mimics the other person. I don't know if that would afford communication or not."

She hmms softly and finally asks,"If a friend of mine would be willing to try, would you be willing to try and communicate that way?"

M has posed:
Penance, yes. The red-skinned mutant gives a nod, but then sits back on her heels at mention of knowing of a Penance, brow furrowing.

But then, she wouldn't be aware of the *other* instances of Penance. No, to her this is the first and only such prison. A shame her brother gets around in such ways.

There's a head tilt as Firestar goes on and Penance doesn't try to interrupt. Not that she could easily. When the question *does* come, however, she nods. She even nods a few times; probably the closest to 'enthusiastic' she's come. But then, she's willing to try just about anything.

Firestar has posed:
Considering the name and the situation at hand, Angelica frowns again. When Penance seems willing to help she replies,"I will talk to Vanessa and see where her head is at about trying it. Seeing as how she is crazy enough to mimic my powers, she probably would be willing."

She rolls it around in her mind again and just really doesn't seem to want to ask this particular question. Finally she says,"Remember, you can refuse any question. Penance carries a certain...meaning I guess is the right word. Are you in this position because of how you were born? Is this something someone has done to you? Sorry. Two questions, answer as you want. I am wanting to learn, but I know I can be terribly nosey when I am trying to learn."

M has posed:
As the new question comes, Penance is quiet for a time. Even moreso than usual. It's not just a verbal quiet, it's a physical *stillness*.

Finally, she shifts just slightly and ruffles through the dirt to clear away the prior word. 'Emplate' she writes this time. A name some might know and others (lucky for them) would not.

A moment later -- hand shaking somewhat -- she adds another word: 'Trapped.'

Firestar has posed:

She studies the change in her posture and bearing. An eyebrow rises slowly and she looks at the writing finally. Emplate. She looks back at the woman and back at the word on the ground,"That name I've heard. I don't think I have ever met you, but I heard the name." she admits.

When she starts to write again, Angelica is quiet for a long moment. That word hits her in the feels only too hard. If anyone can understand what it is to be trapped in a power. She looks into the eyes of Penance and says,"Does anyone here besides me know this?"

M has posed:
The words are scratched away quickly; as if Penance doesn't even like *looking* at them. Which would be understandable, really, as the enormity of the situation sets in. Sat back on her heels, she stares with lidded blue eyes at the dirt. Then over to Angelica. Then back to the dirt.

There's a long silence as she considers. In a sense, it's not so simple as 'yes' or 'no.' Finally, she does etch out something else.

'Maybe.' It's not a concrete answer, sadly, but this is also the first she's had any luck communicating with anyone.

Firestar has posed:
Reading the answer, Angelica nods grimly. She rolls her neck once and ponders for a long moment,"OK. Going to ask a few here. Take your time. Are you ok with me telling anyone who you are/were and your situation." she begins and then stops to let her consider the answer.

M has posed:
This one is actually an easy one. Driven in part, surely, by the fact that she *is* trapped... but also distantly likely due to the ego behind Monet. A little sense of 'of course they should know who I am.'

So she nods and for emphasis, scrawls 'Yes' in the dirt.

Firestar has posed:
"I need to get a notebook so we can talk easier." she admits and nods,"OK. Next question. Has anyone, you or otherwise tried anything to remove the gear aside from just trying to remove it physically? Fire, freezing, radiation, or mechanically?"

M has posed:
This one earns a confused headtilt. The gear? Penance spends a moment staring at the dirt in thought.

Then it hits her and there's a huffing sound not unlike silent laughter. The mutant reaches for a buckle at her wrist and slices through it. It falls away, unraveling a ways up her wrist. The leather itself just falls to the ground.

Clearly, it's not the outfit that has her trapped. That was just the way she ended up, perhaps. More sturdy than fabric and one can only imagine how many t-shirts she'd destroy trying to get one on.

Firestar has posed:

"OK. You aren't trapped that way." she comments as she amends her thinking. A thoughtful frown crosses her features again,"Then your situation is more magical or metaphysical in nature?" There is a dread to that question because if there is one thing she doesn't have a handle on that would be it.

M has posed:
To this, Penance shrugs and her furrowed brow is obvious. Could it be magic? She wouldn't put it past Emplate to dabble in such things.

Turning back to the dirt, she takes a moment to think. To figure out the most succinct way to word her thoughts. This method isn't easy, but it's about the best she has for the time being. 'Maybe' she scrawls to reaffirm that point. But below she adds: 'Emplate = mutant'

It's only three words, but with a hopeful look to Firestar she's clearly expecting it to get her own uncertainty on the topic across.

Firestar has posed:
She waits patiently for Penance to make her decision. The idea of magic beyond her, but there are others that would be more helpful in that regard. After reading it, she looks back at Penance and nods,"OK. It was just a trial and error thing. Ms. Grey might know someone more magically inclined too. Someone that can look into that possibility."

She manages a smile and admits,"That would be a blind spot for me though. I will talk to her and see if she has good relations with Doctor Strange or someone like that. The only mystic I know is miles away and his power isn't exactly...normal as he is a mutant as well." She sighs softly,"OK. I need to find Vanessa and Ms. Grey and see if either can help us along. Sorry. I am a scientist. Beyond the mutation itself or something involving physics or radiation I am out of my wheel house as it were. If there was a way to burn it out of you, I'd be glad to try, but I doubt that is something that would be so simple."

M has posed:
There doesn't seem to be any frustration in Penance's carriage. She even just shrugs when Firestar apologizes.

There's a thoughtful look and a glance to the dirt. A sort of back and forth tilt of her head. After a moment, she does etch out a new comment: 'I'm tough' and once Angelica has had a chance to reach it, she extends those talons over the bared portion of her arm and... well, she doesn't cut. She tries. It causes a high-pitched, metal-on-metal sort of sound. When done, there's another shrug and a gesture back to those words.

Almost as if to say she'd even be willing to try having it burned out.

Firestar has posed:
She reads what is written and watches what she does with the talon. Her eyebrow raises slowly and she looks back at Penance thoughtfully,"Wow. You are tough. No question." she agrees,"Let's see if Vanessa or Ms. Grey can help. If not, we can give it a shot." she finally comments.

She reaches for her phone and then shakes her head,"Yeah. What does habit look like? I just tried to give you my cell number." she mutters. A sigh and she asks,"Are you planning to be around here for a few days. Catching either one of them could take a little while. Everyone is in the wind being summer break and all."

M has posed:
Nope, no phone. It's possible even ye ol Nokia brick wouldn't survive Penance.

When asked if she'll be around for a few days, the red-skinned mutant does nod. There's a vague gesture towards the Mansion proper. Could easily be interpreted to mean 'that's where you can find me' or even 'I live here for now.' One or the other or even both. She does pick up the leather strap, holding it carefully so it doesn't shred further. A few paces retrieve the broken watering can as well. At least she's keen enough to not litter the garden!

Firestar has posed:
The indication of the mansion and Angelica replies,"OK. I will look for you." When the scrap of leather is picked up she wonders outloud,"Is there metal inside the leather or is it just leather?" Some people.

She watches her clean up things though and stands up,"OK. I will catch Vanessa and we will try to find you after. If we can communicate easier that would be a start. If Ms. Grey can get someone that can test for magics that will help narrow things down."

M has posed:
At the question about the leather, Penance straightens and tosses it toward Angelica.

It won't take much observation to find that yes, it is just leather. Maybe of another plane in origin, but leather is leather whether it was made on Earth or elsewhere in the cosmos.

Penance looks at the watering can (in pieces as it may be) and straightens, starting to head off toward the mansion proper. Seems she's satisfied enough that there might be progress and upside: she actually had a conversation (more or less) with someone!

Firestar has posed:
Catching the leather she feels it and nods,"Too bad. If it had metal in it I could have welded it." she comments and looks up as Penance moves on. She watches the other go her way and shakes her head a bit. Taking out her phone she starts to thumb a text message to someone on the phone. After that, she makes her way back to the mansion as well.