[h1][center]Collaboration with [@Almalthia] & [@c3p-0h][/center][/h1] [hider=Part 1] Uná watched as night fell and looked down at her phone.[color=green][i] I wonder where Aya is? I should have gone to see her but I really had homework to do so I could spend some time with Nikki.[/i][/color] She blushed as she remembered the dance and the kiss.[color=green][i] It felt so...right. Like it was meant to be.[/i][/color] Unfortunately those thoughts lead to others as she went over the night in her mind. Save for the times she was unconscious she remembered everything perfectly.[color=green][i] Well as perfectly as any human can recall. Unless you're Heidi. I wouldn't want that power if you paid my a million dollars a day to have it.[/i][/color] She swallowed and tucked her legs up to her chest sitting on her bed, her back against the headboard. Laying her cheek against her knees. Aya pulled the door of her shared room open, and paused when she saw Uná. [color=aquamarine]“Oh… Uná.”[/color] Aya realized that she hadn’t actually thought of what she would [i]say[/i] when she found her roommate. Where was she even supposed to begin? [i]Hey, I think you have a split personality and are maybe part of the royal family of a group of supernatural beings and also they’re hunting you.[/i] Yeah. [i]That[/i] was a conversation Aya was fully prepared to have. [color=aquamarine]“...Hey.” [i]Good start, Aya.[/i] “How… how are you?”[/color] Uná looked up as Aya came through the door. She tilted her head back and forth then wrinkled her nose.[color=green] "Well I could be worse. So much worse. But I'm good. Are you okay?"[/color] Uná faced Aya turning on the bed and letting her knees fall apart then criss-cross. She still had on her running outfit minus her shoes. The look of concern and guilt for being the one that got them all into this mess reflected on her face. Aya blinked. She didn’t know why she was taken off-guard by the question — why [i]wouldn’t[/i] Uná ask if she was alright? She’d spent the last night in the hospital wing after passing out from overexerting her powers. Still, Aya had to take a moment to get her mind back in order. She closed the door behind her, moving to sit on her own bed across from Uná. She dropped her bag on the floor. [color=aquamarine]“I’m alright.”[/color] Relatively speaking. [color=aquamarine]“I think I was just tired.”[/color] Definitely not. [color=aquamarine] “There was a lot going on.”[/color] Understatement. Raising eyebrows Uná thought that Aya was making light of the situation but decided to let Aya set the pace for that conversation.[color=green] "Cleo is scared of me. Nik hesitated. I saw it but he didn't scream at me. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I don't know what happened."[/color] [color=green][i]Lying to your best friend is great. You know you panicked and lost control waaaaayyyy before you saw the others.[/i][/color] The guilt on Uná's face said it all. She blamed herself. It was the same with her parents. She'd hurt them that night. Well her powers had but she should be able to control them to some degree. But she couldn't.[color=green][i] Story of my life; lose control and hurt people.[/i][/color][/hider] [hider=Part 2] Aya’s instincts kicked in the moment she saw Uná’s distress. [color=aquamarine]“Hey,”[/color] she said, moving to Uná’s side of the room. Aya sat next to her, a hand on her back. Her eyebrows drew together. [color=aquamarine]“No one thinks you meant to hurt anyone. I think… we just all got in over our heads last night, y’know? But we’re ok. We’re all still here.”[/color] Her hand was going up and down Uná’s back in slow, soothing motions. She offered a weak smile. [color=aquamarine]“No harm done.”[/color] The smile Uná sent back to Aya was just as weak as Aya's.[color=green] "Yeah try telling that to Cleo. Hesitation I understand. Well sort of. I mean I forgave Nik as soon as he took my hand. But it was disappointing. Then that girl...ugh. Veronica or Vanessa something like that. She was a jerk to Heidi and I couldn't let that slide. I did offer an olive branch after I made it clear that she had no right to talk to anyone that way. But she threw a fit saying she was dragged into it. Did someone hold a gun to her? If there was one I sure didn't see it."[/color] Sighing heavily Uná rested her head on Aya's shoulder.[color=green] "I missed you. You'd have been so much better at getting people to pull together than me. I screwed it up. Lose control and I turn into a monster. My powers turned on me. Have you ever lost control?"[/color] Looking up at Aya with a question that reached out screaming "I can't be normal". The pleading in her eyes faded as Uná shook her head.[color=green] "I'm sorry that was pushy of me. And I promised you that I wouldn't pry. You don't have to answer, I understand."[/color] Aya’s hand paused on Uná’s back. She looked up at their ceiling, tiny glow-in-the-dark constellations that they’d glued to it a dull yellow color in the sunlight. Her mind flashed to those three terrifying days when her power had trapped her and a terrified classmate. She thought of all the days she’d spent trying to activate her power again to [i]fix[/i] what she’d broken — trying to bring Kainoa back to his body. She thought of the Sluagh, and the way its claws bled fear into her body like poison, and how the only thing in Aya’s mind was the overwhelming need to get away. There’d been a force, she remembered, like the sonic boom of a ruptured sound barrier, blasting everything away from the focal point. And then… nothing. She’d still never told Uná about her power. Professor Everose had an intimate knowledge of it from their sessions, and she’d demonstrated once for Drake… but other than them, none of her classmates really [i]knew[/i] what Aya could do. Even after they’d witnessed her disappear the Sluagh, she doubted any of them really had a clue — or an interest. That was fine with her. ...Of course, she’d used her power to enter Uná’s dreams last night to find her… but there was no telling if the younger girl actually remembered that. Aya rested the side of her own head atop Uná’s and gave a small, quiet sigh. [color=aquamarine]“I don’t think,”[/color] she began after a stretch of silence, [color=aquamarine]“it’s really fair to expect us to be in control right now. Of our emotions, our powers… I don’t know what happened in the Danger Room, but I don’t think it’s fair to expect Nik to not hesitate, or Cleo to not be scared, or Veronica to not be frustrated… and it’s not fair to expect you to know exactly what you’re doing, either. None of us really know what control [i]feels[/i] like yet. It sucks. Uná, I’m…”[/color] Aya’s hand dropped to the bed and she slowly straightened up, giving her roommate time to remove her head from Aya’s shoulder. [color=aquamarine]“I’m [i]terrified[/i]. All the time. And it’s exhausting.”[/color] She’d never said that out loud to anyone before. The truth of her words rang through Aya’s body like a bell, reverberating. She turned to look Uná in the eyes. [color=aquamarine]“I want my old life back but none of us get to have that anymore. And trying to adjust, it’s a learning curve for all of us.”[/color] Uná lifted her head off Aya’s shoulder and looked at her friend being the voice of reason.[color=green] "See that's what I'm talking about. That right there. That whole speech. You're sure you're not like forty? Cause that was some deep adult thinking. And I feel like a jerk."[/color] Waving her hands and looking worried that Aya would take it the wrong way Uná went on quickly.[color=green] "And it's not your fault. Looking back I was a jerk for thinking that way. You're right. Normal isn't for us. Well till we find a relative normal in our own lives that is. I sound like Professor Everose, which might be a good thing."[/color] She mused for a moment.[color=green] "Did you really come back in here to reassure me or get reacquainted with you're side of the room?"[/color] Aya raised an eyebrow and nudged Uná’s shoulder with her own. [color=aquamarine]“Hospital wing’s too chilly at night.”[/color] A teasing smile curved her lips, before fading again. Why [i]had[/i] she come back? Where did she [i]start[/i]? Aya’s mind spun, searching for a thread to latch onto. She eventually decided to begin with the subject she knew the least about. [color=aquamarine]“Today, after the Danger Room… there was a man in the courtyard. Did… did you know him?”[/color] Uná jerked and looked toward the courtyard.[color=green] "I don't remember meeting anyone like him before. He was a little odd so I think I would remember him. But I guess I shouldn't judge. It was just a feeling." [i]And an eerie song only I heard.[/i] "Why do you ask?"[/color] Uná was puzzled as to why no one else had asked and why specifically Aya had asked. [/hider] [hider=Part 3] [color=aquamarine]“I just get a bad vibe from him,”[/color] she lied. [color=aquamarine]“Also, I’m pretty sure it’s ok to judge adult men who stare at teenage girls.”[/color] Aya pressed her lips together, rethinking her words. Uná deserved the truth. But then the threat from not-Uná rang in her mind again, warning her not to speak. After a moment warring with herself, she opened her mouth again. [color=aquamarine]“I don’t think he’s… normal. I —” [i]I had a dream.[/i][/color] Aya bit her lip. [color=aquamarine]“Uná, how much do you remember from last night? When that man took you from the club? Do… do you remember that monster?” [i]Do you remember speaking with me?[/i][/color] Uná laughed as Aya made her comment about judging people.[color=green] "Yeah definition of perv. Adult man who stares at teenage girls."[/color] She blinked at the not normal statement but as she paused to weigh her answer Aya asked about the man at the club and a monster. Brow puckering the memory was hazy.[color=green] "I remember the guy but I don't remember a monster Aya. The guy was enough of a monster for me. What did it look like?"[/color] Uná was rattled. Aya seemed more serious than usual and that was enough to let Uná know that something was bothering Aya.[color=green] "What are you hinting at Aya?"[/color] Aya let a short huff of air, her own eyebrows crinkling together. How was she supposed to explain everything? What if the threat had been [i]real[/i]? She wasn’t equipped for this, she wasn’t qualified, she was just… [color=aquamarine]“Last night, when you got taken, this...monster appeared. It was—”[/color] Terrifying. Petrifying. Haunting. [color=aquamarine]“Enormous, and almost skeletal looking. Like its skin was stretched tight over its bones. It was almost shaped like a human, but with sharp teeth and claws, and these bloodshot eyes...”[/color] Aya didn’t know when her breathing had quickened. She hadn’t realized the way her breathing got short and shallow, how her hands began to tremble in her lap. Aya squeezed her eyes shut and clenched her jaw. She ran her fingers through her hair. Then she shook her head. [color=aquamarine]“It wasn’t… I don’t think it was [i]from[/i] here. It wasn’t just some mutant using their powers, or…”[/color] Aya opened her eyes again to look back at Uná. [color=aquamarine]“Uná, it wasn’t from this [i]plane[/i]. I think that man is the same way.”[/color] Uná went chalk white when Aya described the monster.[color=green] "That came after my parents when they told me I was adopted almost three years ago. My mom was in the hospital for a week. I passed out so maybe it's just a coincidence, you know like; anniversary of the worst moment of my life kinda thing." [i]Not panicking. Perfectly calm.[/i] "Yeah the two can't be related...can they?"[/color] Aya gave Uná an incredulous look. [color=aquamarine]“Uná,”[/color] she said in a flat voice. She looked down at her legs, her feet resting on the carpet below. Her fingers curled into Uná’s comforter behind her. [color=aquamarine]“This isn’t great. But… you’re not dealing with this alone, at least? I talked to the dean this morning and he said he was handling it.”[/color] But then, he’d also been standing with that unsettling man in the courtyard, as comfortable as could be. [color=aquamarine]“I… I don’t know,”[/color] Aya admitted quietly. She looked back up to Uná. [color=aquamarine]“I just… need you to be careful. I’m sorry, I don’t wanna freak you out, but there’s things after you.”[/color] Aya pressed her lips together, feeling herself toe a delicate line. She remembered the not-Uná’s dark eyes. [color=aquamarine]“I’m sorry,”[/color] she repeated weakly. If those words had come from anyone else Uná would have laughed. She looked at Aya then ran her hand through her hair snagging in a tangle as she pulled her way through it.[color=green] "I believe you. I want to tell other people but it would sound like we've gone off the deep end. Let's not even mention that I thought I heard something earlier when we were crossing the courtyard. That will get me locked up and on drugs then who knows what my powers would do? This is a mess. Aya what am I supposed to do?"[/color] The question froze Aya like headlights on a deer. What to do? How would [i]Aya[/i] know that? She was floundering, barely keeping her own head above water. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. She tried again. [color=aquamarine]“You’re not alone,”[/color] she said, taking her friend’s hand. [color=aquamarine] “You have friends who’ve already proven they’re ready to go to bat for you. And Ashford knows, at least. He and the other teachers will know what to do.”[/color] Aya was desperate to believe her own words. [color=aquamarine]“But I agree that we shouldn’t tell the other students. Not yet, at least.”[/color] Not because Aya didn’t think they’d be believed — they were at a school for mutants, they’d fought monsters, and they’d all [i]well[/i] passed the threshold for ‘normal’ ages ago. But everyone was already pulled taut and thin. She doubted another reason to panic was what they all needed right now. Aya paused, an idea coming to her. [color=aquamarine]“I don’t think you remember this,”[/color] she went on, hesitant, [color=aquamarine]“but last night, I…”[/color] The words caught in her throat. Her mutation felt like an oppressive weight, blocking her windpipe. [i]If she said it, it made it real.[/i] Aya didn’t want it to be real. She felt like a child, covering her eyes to make a monster go away. Aya closed her mouth, worked her dry throat. Her friend needed her. She began again. [color=aquamarine]“I sort of entered your dreams while you were knocked out. It was how we found you.”[/color] Aya looked between Uná’s eyes, searching for any sign of recognition. She bit her lip. [color=aquamarine]“I think… I’d like to try that again tonight, if you’re ok with it.”[/color] Aya didn’t think she wanted Uná to agree to this. She didn’t want to know if this half-baked hunch was right. She didn’t want to see the other Uná again. Uná blinked.[color=green] "You can dream travel?"[/color] Her jaw dropped as she looked aghast at Aya.[color=green] "That is sooooo cool!!"[/color] She was excited but the memory of Aya being passed out in the car at Nocturne popped into Uná’s head. Uná bit her lip in worry.[color=green] "I think we should give you time to get up to full strength. You scared me last night. Plus Nik and I need to talk...about stuff. Like the fact that he took off his shirt earlier. The new guy took off his glove and we had to put it back on and all around us were girls. Shirtless guy, not really an issue. Shirtless girl, problems. Double standards."[/color] Uná grinned for a moment then looked serious. [color=green] "But he isn’t knowing about this. This is too much, for now. Are you still in the hospital wing or are you fully released by the doc?"[/color][/hider] [hider=Part 4] Aya let out a soft breath of relief when Uná turned her idea down. Then she felt a rush of guilt. She was supposed to [i]want[/i] to help her friend, not be a coward. The thought crossed her mind to correct Uná about the extent of her powers, but that still wasn’t quite a conversation she was ready to have with anyone yet. Besides, Uná had rushed right past to share some [i]interesting[/i] news about Nik. [color=aquamarine]“I think I technically snuck out,”[/color] Aya said, looking guilty. She probably [i]should’ve[/i] been in the medical wing, still. She was in better shape than she’d been this morning, but there was still a bone-deep ache in her body, and she knew she had heavy bags under her eyes. But the thought of being in a hospital again, even just somewhere hospital-adjacent, sent a cold pit to her stomach. [color=aquamarine]“But no one’s come to drag me back to a hospital bed yet, so I might be in the clear.”[/color] Aya shifted then, cracking a small smile. [color=aquamarine]“But… [i]Nik[/i].”[/color] She nudged Uná with her shoulder again. Uná blushed.[color=green] "I really like him. Like boyfriend material, going steady, exclusive or whatever it is called. I just don't know if he wants that too. So I was gonna ask him. I mean after that iconic romantic dance and the kiss…"[/color] She smoothed out the covers on the bed looking up a couple of times while talking. Letting her words trail off Uná recalled the best part of the night. Smiling, she looked at Aya. She could tell she was blushing, still, but didn't care. Aya laughed. It was such a [i]relief[/i] to have something to be joyful about — to talk with her friend about boys and crushes, like any other high schooler. [color=aquamarine]“He’s cute.”[/color] Not quite Aya’s type, and a little young for her, but she was just happy Uná was smiling again. Her tone turned teasing as she all but whispered, [color=aquamarine]“And he [i]likes[/i] you.”[/color] Uná grinned wider.[color=green] "You're sure?! How can you tell?!"[/color] Her heartbeat sped up. Her voice came out a little higher and she cleared her throat. Aya’s smile grew. [color=aquamarine]“The way he looks at you. The way he turns into a big dork around you.”[/color] Laughing, Uná pushed Aya gently.[color=green] "He's always been there when I needed him. He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me. And his dorkiness is hella sexy. Plus he can dance."[/color] She sighed dreamily.[color=green] "Do you have a crush on someone? Maybe someone back home?"[/color] Uná was curious and wanted to know if Aya might be able to give her some pointers or dating advice. Aya’s smile faded. Her eyes shuttered and she seemed to draw into herself. [color=aquamarine]“Umm… no. Not really.”[/color] Aya tried to force a smile and shrugged her shoulder. [i]“Put me back, you freak!”[/i] Aya tried to force the voice away. [color=aquamarine]“I think I might’ve almost had a moment with Drake,”[/color] she offered, feeling like she had to say something. [color=aquamarine]“But he’s… I don’t know. I think we both just have too much going on.”[/color] For an instant, Sally, a girl who didn’t even attend Ashford anymore, flashed in her mind; sleeping, copper-haired, and so [i]beautiful[/i]. The thought stopped her. Aya didn’t know where that’d come from. She looked back up at Uná, giving her that same weak smile. [color=aquamarine]“I don’t think I have it in me to date right now.”[/color] Uná's shoulders slumped in defeat for her best friend.[color=green] "I'm sorry Aya. That was incredibly insensitive of me. Drake is letting a great thing go. If you're half as good a girlfriend as you are a bestie then anyone who passes on you is pretty stupid. And you don't give yourself enough cred-"[/color] Uná’s words were cut short by a sharp rap on the door. Looking over at Aya with raised eyebrows she whispered.[color=green] "I think the ol' dragon found you."[/color] Uná went and opened the door. There stood an old harridan in a pair of black slacks and a blue blouse. It was a powder blue button down. Her age was indeterminate and Uná winced as her gaze shifted back to Aya. "You missy are marching straight to my wing and staying till I say you can leave." Uná watched as the nurse fussed about leaving with Aya. Uná wavered but gave Aya a hug before she left.[color=green] "Please get some sleep."[/color] Aya couldn’t help but shrink back from the nurse’s fury. She guiltily looked up at the woman, then at Uná, as if the younger girl could offer some escape. The thought of spending another night in the medical wing tied a knot around her heart, memories of her father’s last days coming to the surface. But she knew there’d be no escaping it. Aya returned Uná’s hug. When she pulled back, she looked into Uná’s eyes. [color=aquamarine]“You too.”[/color] She took Uná’s hand a moment, giving it a squeeze. The knowledge of the Sluagh, of the mysterious man, sat between them, heavy in the air. [color=aquamarine]“It’ll be ok.”[/color] Aya offered her a soft smile. [color=aquamarine]“I’ll see you tomorrow.”[/color] Then Aya allowed herself to be ushered away by the nurse, back to the medical wing. [/hider]