768/Introducing Lina

Introducing Lina
Date of Scene:	03 June 2017
Location:	Xavier's School, Westchester, New York
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Storm, 858, 34

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Storm has posed:
Taking the two back to the school may take a car ride for the distance, if they are willing, but Ororo has no problems driving. Otherwise it would be a long walk.

To the grounds itself, Ororo leads exactly where she promised- the gardens and yard of the large estate. An easier 'opening' for someone like Lina, she hopes. Rather than taking her straight inside to be met with all of the wonders of the wandering students of the place.

Gesturing to the area: "This is the backyard, or main grounds of the estate. Plenty of room and recreation for all."

Turning to Lina. "Also.. I can understand why you keep your ability hidden and most do, for the most part. We don't have abilities used on one another to harm or otherwise without permission, but we understand accidents happen. Everyone here is learning, and those that have grown in control of their abilities help others."

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina let Jono's arm go shortly after they began traveling, not wanting to overextend her friendliness and make him uncomfortable. As they drove to the school, she kept her eyes out the window taking in the scenery. Once they have arrived at the backyard, she looks around a bit but keeps close to Ororo. "Cool," she says cheerfully at the woman's explanation. "It would be nice to learn how to keep a lid on things. I mean, if you noticed and I wasn't even trying then I might get noticed by someone a lot less, um, welcoming."

Just then Lina's phone tone goes off and she pulls it out to check it. "More birthday texts. Man, these things are not going to stop until like next week," she mutters as she slides her phone back into her pocket.

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Jono made the car ride in silence, though he didn't seem overly uncomfortable, and he did answer questions asked of him. He was just a quiet sort, it seemed. The quiet and nervous sort, actually; even if he didn't seem overly uncomfortable, he seems to maintain a certain level of nerves and tension.

Nonetheless, he ends up in the backyard of the Institute eventually, along with Ororo and Lina. He keeps quiet for the most part as Ororo starts the 'tour'. But when Lina speaks up about her abilities, Jono nods. {{S'kinda what I was worried about, yeah,}} he admits. {{Not ev'rybody who wants t'recruit has good intentions in mind.}}

And oh! BIrthday texts? Jono can't strictly 'smile' anymore, thanks to his missing jaw, but the top of his face can display the attempt pretty accurately. {{Happy birthday,}} he offers kindly.

Storm has posed:
"Happy Birthday." Ororo supplies as well. "Yes, those that we find, we try to offer sanctuary and a place of learning if they will accept it. Unforunately, there are other nefarious entities that would wish much the opposite for those of us that are different."

"There are some here with more subtle talents, but there are many here that have more.. visual talents." Or Differences. "But here they can play, laugh and learn without judgement and be part of a family that accepts them." A smile given to Jono at that. "Do you have any questions so far that we can answer?"

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina nods at Jono and says "Well, it just recently started to get more noticeable. Almost like it gets worse over time. So far no one's noticed besides you guys. Oh and Felix, but that's understandable because we spend so much time together." As she 'hears' his Happy Birthday projection, she smiles at him. Ororo echoing the sentiment earns the smile being turned towards her. "Thank you. It's not such a big deal to me, y'know? Some people like parties and celebration when they turn 16. I'm quite content to not have band practice on my birthday. Maybe I can even stretch that out to the rest of the weekend."

Ororo gives her an opening and Lina takes it. "Okay, so I know Jono has like... whatever you want to call that, talking in your head." She pauses suddenly, looking a little startled. "Wait, does that thing work both ways?" she exclaims as she reaches up to grasp her head. What was she thinking that she was so concerned about, hmm? Glancing at Ororo, she adds "Yeah I was curious if you, um, had something you do as well. Like, the white hair is rad but I get the feeling it's part of the package and not the whole thing. Right?"

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Jono doesn't add to the words of 'nefarious entities'. Though he does frown a bit. Bloody Sentinels. And he does add to Ororo's mention of 'visual talents'. {{I try ter not do... well, THIS in public. I can't pass it as normal speech yet. May not ever learn.}} As for having a family that accepts him? He nods slowly. {{...Some of us 're... kinda disappointin' to our biological families, yeah...}}

To put Lina at ease regarding her powers seeming to increase, he offers, {{If it makes yer feel better, I didn't. Not 'till Mister Logan said somethin' about it.}} Though as Lina seems to get upset about the possibility that he can read her mind, Jono raises his hands as if in surrender and shakes his head quickly. {{No no no... I can't read your mind. Mine's one-way, just a way ter communicate since I can't talk anymore.}}

Storm has posed:
At the mention of her own powers, Ororo smiles. "I am in tune with the currents and lifesteam of our planet's weather. I can feel, and manipulate it." The extreme short version of how strong she really is, though not all the finite details.

To show, her eyes fade into a solid white-out as the breeze picks up. Students that were playing basketball in the court on the other side are complaining as their ball is blown off in the middle of a throw. A few clouds begin to form up above, threatening to possibly rain before they dissipate just as easily and the wind dies down. All gradual, nothing sharp. In the end, her eyes return to normal.

"Logan's comment earlier about the rain lately and my moods... I tend to affect the area around me if my emotions are strong. One thing I have learned to control to remain... even." This, she offers as a concession of understanding of the need to control, on a level.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina visibly relaxes as Jono explains that he cannot, in fact, read her mind. "Oh. Okay." Her hands drop back to her sides and she smiles. "I just had to check, that would kind of be a little much for me to cope with right now." She takes a step closer to him and says "Well, if it makes you feel any better, you must be better at controlling your thoughts because I didn't pick anything up until you tried. Unlike me, who cannot help but draw attention to herself."

As Ororo demonstrates her powers, Lina's eyes bug out. "Holy Hell," she says under her breath, the sudden wind causing her to hug herself quickly at the cold that wraps around her. Her eyes dart up to the clouds as they begin to form, but they're gone just as quickly and Ororo returns to her normal form. "Okay, that's impressive. Really impressive." She glances around as the weather returns to normal and says "So you're, like, the bane of all weathermen. They can predict all the sunshine they want and you come along and, nope, we're gonna have rain today. Haha." Looking around, she asks "So everyone here is, uh, different like that? Something they can do that's not quite normal? Because, like, I figured for sure I could pass myself off as normal if I tried hard enough. But clearly I'm failing."

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Jono's eyes go a bit wide when Ororo starts with the weather manipulation. He doesn't have a hat or anything that can blow away in the breeze, so he doesn't need to hold anything down. Though he does snicker a bit at the complaints of the basketball-playing students. Her words make sense though, and he makes a mental note not to tick his teacher off in the future. {{That's pretty neat,}} he says. {{I can think of a lotta places that'd be super useful. Droughts, abnormally long rainy seasons... that sort 'f thing.}}

He gives a reassuring 'smile' in Lina's direction when she accepts that he can't read her mind. {{Think it's less about controllin' me thoughts and more about actually gettin' somethin' ter 'appen.}} Indicating that it's not a control skill, that it's literally the only thing remotely telepathic that he has the ability to do. Lina's statement about Ororo being the bane of all weathermen gets a wry, amused reply. {{I keep sayin' that'd be an epic prank if she's ever lookin' for somethin' harmless ter pull on someone.}}

But then Lina's talking about people drawing attention to themselves, and how she can't help but draw attention to herself. He turns his head a little, with a raised brow. {{Yer wanna see 'drawin' attention ter yourself'?}} he notes, a little dryly. Then he reaches up, hooks his fingers in the wrappings around his face, and pulls them down to his neck. Immediately a red-orange energy that looks like near-liquid seeming fire escapes from the confines of the wrapping, slowly raising up to burn around his head and face almost lazily.

Storm has posed:
"Only used as necessary and not a concession to what might be convienient." Ororo replies. "With all ability comes responsibility- another thing that we teach here. If I were to control the weather here to our constant liking, it would create unnatural and perhaps violent weather elsewhere. The natural order, in my case, must be maintained unless it has to be disrupted for good reason."

It is then, she smiles: "Everyone here has a difference, yes. Some can pass as normal, some it is a little more difficult." She admits. Even she has a hard time sometimes. She doesn't 'blend' well with her unique appearance, generally.

Ororo's eyes slide to Jonothon as he demonstrates his own uniqueness, but she doesn't say anything.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina glances at Jono and nods. "Seriously, weather control is totally impressive. I wish I could do something nearly that cool." Looking over at the basketball players, she frowns slightly. "I used to think it was a problem. You know, like a bad thing? Being different. But it kind of grows on you. I mean, there's nothing I can do about it right? So...if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." She waves a hand around. "You people seem to embrace that concept. It's not a bad one."

As Jono reaches up to pull his wrapping off, Lina watches with interest. Because she is immensely curious what he's hiding. Her eyes pop open as wide as when Ororo made the weather go nuts. "Oh my God, it doesn't hurt? It doesn't burn? That's insane." She doesn't seem to be repulsed or repelled by the fire effect, quite the contrary. She steps closer and holds her hand out cautiously to see if it's just a visual effect or if there's any heat. "Yeah, I can see how that might make you a beacon for bad juju. How does that cloth keep it all in, is it like... I don't even know what that cloth must be. The word 'magic' comes to mind."

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Jono really has to quit doing that. But again, he is not a 'people person'. And he does feel... more or less safe here. Less that he feels safe and more that this is literally his last refuge, so why wouldn't he be more open here?

Nonetheless, he nods to Ororo's words of keeping the balance of things. {{Can see that bit, yeah,}} he agrees. {{Even deserts are dry for a reason. Would wash them away if it rained more often.}} Which would be an unmitigated disaster for the ecology in said desert.

Though at the words of 'embracing the concept of being different', Jono kind of... frowns. {{Some of us it's less 'embraced' and more 'shoved down our bloody throats',}} he notes, his mental voice sounding a little grumpy. Not at Lina, mind -- the prickly 'quills' of the mental 'tone' are aimed at life in general rather than at her directly. One of the bonuses of mental communication is that the words have their own connotation apart from what a voice would be able to express. Makes it harder to misunderstand.

When Lina holds her hand out to the fire, if she lets it touch her fingers, she might note that there's no burn. Not like conventional fire. It feels like the slow burn of a sparkler, but minus the heat. So, more like Pop Rocks gently popping on her fingers. It leaves a brief tingling after-sensation whenever Lina pulls her hand away.

The not-fire actually turns a little more orange as she reaches towards it, the liquid-seeming shape becoming slightly sharper -- he's a little concerned it might hurt her, since he's never really had anything try and touch the fire before. It calms back to its reddish color and liquid-seeming shape when nothing bad happens.

{{It doesn't burn,}} Jono replies, as he fixes the wrappings to hide the fire again. {{That's what me chest is full of. Looks like a furnace. I s'pose wrappin' up like that hides it without actually bottlin' it up.}} Cloth being breathable and all.

Storm has posed:
Ororo smiles at the pair of them. Especially Jono, able to converse and relax around someone without being shunned or avoided. Its a nice touch.

If anything, she takes a couple, subtle, steps back to allow them to have their conversation. She really doesn't have anything to add at the moment.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina's fingertips feel curious as she touches the fire. Foolish? Probably. But she's kind of impulsive at times. Well, frequently. She's only 16, after all. As she pulls her hand away and looks at her fingers, there's no damage. "Neat," she says. "It feels a little funny. Why'd it change colors when I touched it?" she asks curiously.

Reaching out, Lina rests the same hand on his arm. "I'm sorry," she says softly. "I didn't mean to trivialize how difficult it must be for you. That's not what I meant at all. I was just trying to say it must be nice to have somewhere you can go even if you're different. Imagine, just for a second, if you had nowhere to go at all. That would suck royally. Especially if you're /that/ unique. No hiding it at all. I can't imagine how scary that must be."

Turning to Ororo, she notices the woman stepping back. "So, how is there school if there's no school? I mean, like, you guys don't have summer vacation." Glancing at Jono, she adds "I mean I guess some people must live here. So is this like a boarding school or something?" So many questions, but the girl is genuinely surprised and very, very curious.

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Ororo's right, admittedly. It's pretty unusual for Jono to be this... outgoing. Maybe it's because Lina is also a musician. Or maybe it's because she still has a chance to learn to control her powers -- the disaster hasn't happened yet. Either way, Lina's kind of seeing a not-commonly-seen side of him here.

Jono blushes a little at the question of the not-fire's color change. {{...Dunno. Maybe it was reactin' ter the temperature of your 'and?}} BS, Jono. That said, he hasn't really figured out much about that particular ability of his. He's afraid to experiment with it, afraid he'll explode something. Or someONE!

He nods at the questions of the school still being in session during the summer. He's probably taking summer classes too -- idle hands being tools of the Devil and all -- but he lets Ororo answer that, since she knows more about how things work here.

Storm has posed:
"We have a regular summer break from general classes, like other schools. There are some classes that keep going throughout the summer, that are more aimed on one on one teaching, hobbiest clubs, etc. Some training goes on throughout the summer, basically. But this place is also a home for many, if not almost all of hte students here- and staff." She smiles. "We do have quite a bit of fun with more outdoor activies, or some entertain themselves, or visit their families or some take vacations." They really are pretty laid back on some things. Some students require constant training if they are more dangerous, or if they ask.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina eyes Jono curiously. "Of my hand? Huh. Okay then." Shrugging, she lets her hand drop back to her side. "Well. Maybe there's something to that, maybe you can do something with it. Can you imagine if you could make it cool colors like blue or green or something." Yes, she's being bizarre now. And? Normal is boring, she's learned to look at it that way. If you're not normal, no reason to be envious of those who are.

Turning back to Ororo, she nods. "I see. So it is like a boarding school. That's cool. I've heard some of those are good, some bad. I think there's a little bit of both in any situation." Her eyes shift over to Jono and she casually asks "So you live here, are you enjoying summer vacation or doing some of those extra courses?" Tapping her lower lip, a habit of hers, she asks Ororo "So out of curiosity, are all your students residents or do you have anything for, um, outside people?" Is she being obvious? Probably.

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Jono nods, and adds to Ororo's explanation, {{I'm one of 'em what lives here. S'pose there's no sense in sittin' on me jaxy all summer, if the school's right 'ere.}} Sound reasoning, at least!

As for Lina's mention of changing his energy colors? He raises his brow. {{Not likely. That'd take a degree 'f control I don't think I'll ever 'ave.}} There's more than a little bit of a sad undertone to his mental voice as he says this.

Though he does look interested as Lina mentions 'outside people'. {{A commutin' student? Like at a college?}} he wonders.

Storm has posed:
"For the most part they live here, but I believe arrangements could be made for commuting travel if it is a requirement. I would have to speak with the Professor to make sure." She doesn't want to make a definite yes or no to that one. Generally- most students are too young to drive. Not all, but most.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina narrows her eyes at Jono and slaps his arm playfully. "Don't be so negative. You can do anything you put your mind to. I don't for a second believe you will always lack the control to do it. Heck, you'll probably gain so much control you'll be able to make it look like a rainbow. If you can't change the color, it's only because you lack the physical, natural potential. As in the fire doesn't work that way because that's not your gift." She sticks her tongue out at him playfully.

Nodding to Ororo, she says "Well, I was just curious. That's all." She tilts her head, the gears turning. "So, hypothetically, since school is out. Let's say someone wanted to attend for some summer classes. Kind of. If they can negotiate with their parents to allow it." There's that word 'negotiate' again. "Perhaps someone who is /very/ convincing. Almost unnaturally." She grins. "You know. Would that be something this Professor would allow, maybe?"

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Something occurs to Jono, as Storm explains about the arrangements, and needing to talk to the professor. It's easily visible when his eyes go a bit wide, as if he's just realized or remembered something. {{Oh right. Jus' reminded me 'f somethin'. Thank yer, Miss Munroe.}} He looks in Lina's direction, with a worried look. {{...Do your folks know?}} he asks Lina. About her... 'talents', yeah. Last thing they need is another family like his -- for them to go 'here, the freak's your problem now' on Lina.

Storm has posed:
"Technically." Ororo smiles. "Some details may hae to be worked out if you don't wish to live here- and you are still with your parents, we can speak to them. There are some children that are here, but their parents are unaware of their abilities. Some parents send their children here because of their abilities. It all depends on each unique situation."

She smiles to them both: "Why don't I let you two enjoy each other's company? Jono? Would you mind showing her some of the student hangouts?" Generally not 'teacher' territory there unless they have to step in.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina shakes her head at Jono's question. "They have no clue. Only Felix knows. That's it." She pauses, then adds "I don't think I want them to know. My parents are really cool to me, but I don't know how they would react to that. Plus, I think it would be a problem for me. My power is, well, my voice is suggestive. They would never ever trust me again. I know it. They'd always suspect that I'm manipulating them. And I'm not, I'm really not trying. They'd think every time they gave in was..." She shakes her head firmly. "No. Not an option. They can't find out."

Nodding to Ororo, Lina says "Okay. Well, it was just a thought. Might be, y'know, fun. Or helpful. Or both. Or keep me out of trouble until I can get this thing under wraps. Can you imagine if someone at school were to figure it out? Oh my God. It would be over." As Ororo offers to back off and let Jono take her around, she smiles. "Yeah, I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time. I'm good hanging out with Jono if he doesn't mind."

Jonothon Starsmore (34) has posed:
Ororo's suggestion that he show Lina to some of the student hangouts gets a bit of a wide-eyed look. {{Well, er. I don't... really know many of them,}} he has to confess. He spends a loooooot of time in his room, after all. He looks at it as keeping the other students safe. That whole 'might explode at any moment' thing is a very real fear of his. He IS willing to do that, though, and nods to Storm. {{Take care, Miss Munroe.}}

Lina's words get a wince. {{Yeah... I can see that,}} he says. {{Mine didn't react well ter findin' out about me, either.}} As for hanging out? {{I don' mind. Just... the whole fire thing aside, I'm not a real interestin' guy.}}

Storm has posed:
"Take care, the both of you. I will be available to answer more questions later, if you'd like. I believe some of the students might offer better testimonials, if you would talk to them." Sometimes an 'adult' can only help so much- and she understands. Ororo gives the both of them a polite bow of her head before she turns to head off towards the school proper. She does have a couple of things to attend.

Lina Whitecroft (858) has posed:
Lina reaches out to pat Jono's arm, hooking her arm in his again. "Okay, well, we're just going to have to /find/ some hangouts." Waving goodbye to Ororo, she drags Jono off. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into in this school for the gifted, hmm?"