Nick’s shy streak became very evident as he scratched his head. [i]"W-well...em, to be very honest, the black-out wasn't a pleasant time, as we all know, but I'm okay."[/i]

Aislin brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes, flashing a casual grin. Ah, maybe it was just her with the bad luck, the tragic anti-hero’s tale. Good. Nick was too innocent for that. [b]"I'm glad to hear it. Um, did you want to catch up after my meeting with Debs? I recall we were interrupted last time at the hospital."[/b]

Deborah’s perception was flawless as always. As she made for the exit, her hand brushed against Aislin’s. It wasn't enough to notice until a single thought overrode all her own, and Aislin sharply inhaled. [i]<I know you're uncomfortable around this many people, but we'll have quick chat elsewhere, okay?>[/i]

She merely nodded at Deborah’s smile, taken aback. Up until that point she never had the opportunity to experience telepathy. It must have been so natural for them, but the whole concept of sharing thoughts through touch was fascinating, albeit a little frightening. It required an insane amount of control over one’s inner voice, which was nigh impossible for most people.

The Garden was beautiful -- she hadn't been offered the grand tour and was finally enjoying the school’s facilities. Stepping into the humid glass house was like being transported to another world, and the tension building up in Aislin’s shoulders relaxed. Her gaping at the scenery would need to wait, however. Deborah said a quick something to the group and Aislin felt herself led along into another part of the Garden.

[i]"Alright, what's up?"[/i] Deborah said, sitting in the middle of a metal bench. [i]"You can talk to me about anything, Aislin, remember that."[/i]

Aislin sat on the furthest side of the bench, eyeing Shannon before turning her wide stare to Deborah. [b]”I won’t beat around the bush, but this is… confidential. I’ve had a terrifying time, but I need to know if anyone’s seen these… metas before.”[/b] Her hands illustrated in rhythm of her speech. [b]”I was in the caves looking for blue-skinned meta when I came across a tall, beautiful man. Black hair, white shirt and a brown trenchcoat. Had a dark feeling about him. I also saw a figure clad in a wetsuit and gas mask.”[/b]

The young girl hesitated, sipping on her thermos. Deborah could read in between the lines if she liked, but she couldn't divulged the whole story. She felt like she might vomit as the memory violated her imagination. [b]”I, uh… I need to know if you recognize these descriptions. Especially the second one. He was killed before… before I could learn anymore.”[/b]

Repeated thudding and aggravated voices carried on the wind to their bench just a stone’s toss away. Aislin furrowed her brow, craning her head to stare futilely between the thick of trees. [b]”That doesn't sound right.”[/b]