PatientBean

The Season of the Enlightened

Notable Places

St. Eustice's School for the Enlightened: Opened in the late 1600s, St. Eustice's School for the Enlightened is an institution dedicated to helping those with Enlightened abilities better manage them as they enter society. Generally, the age range for attendees starts as young as 12 and goes up to as late as 21, though there are notable exceptions when needed. Both men and women are encouraged to attend, though the classwork differs. Once it is proven that the student has accomplished their coursework and has met the criteria, they are introduced back into society during the school's "Enlightenment Soiree".

Mr. Maleficar's Traveling Circus: An assortment of acts run together by Mr. Maleficar. Typically those in the circus are Enlightened members who have rejected society for one reason or another or those with Enlightened abilities that have altered them so that society rejects them first. Despite the kind nature presented, there is a dark underbelly with secrets screaming to get out.

Lady Rosemarie's Haven For Wayward Girls: A group home/school for girls ages 8 to 16 who have demonstrated Enlightened abilities but, for one reason or another, have not attended St. Eustace's. These are typically girls on the run from their families or from the law who need a place to stay and a space to learn how to manage their abilities. The place itself is hidden away and very few know its exact location. Rumors abound as to what exactly is taught there.

The Season of the Enlightened

Notable Figures

Lord Ingram Poe: The director and head of St. Eustice's School for the Enlightened. He takes his job seriously and with pride. He is Enlightened with the ability to sense when someone else, whether they have awakened or not, is Enlightened and pinpoint where other Enlightened individuals are. He is a wealthy man and is experienced in armed combat. He does not have a wife which leads many to speculate about him. Are his intentions noble or is there more under the surface?

Mr. Maleficar: No one knows his real name but many know him as Mr. Maleficar, the ring leader of his traveling circus. He is Enlightened and opts to travel rather than be amongst his peers. He can manipulate and move metal and always carries a metal cane that he can shape at will. Despite his kind presence during shows, there is more to him than meets the eye. Rumors speculate abuse amongst his crew, though no one says anything for long.

Lady Imogene Rosemarie: The headmistress of Lady Rosemarie's Haven For Wayward Girls. Despite initial appearance, Lady Rosemarie was not born into wealth, instead making it on her own after her Enlightened abilities manifested and she denied entry into St. Eustace's school. Her Enlightened abilities allow her to blend in by shifting her image to fit her needs. Lady Rosemarie ensures the wards in her care are treated fairly and are taught useful skills. But what exactly does Lady Rosemarie consider useful?

The Dark Embers: An organization filled with Enlightened members whose goal it is to see Enlightened have power and control world events. While many call this organization terrorists and villains, many also see them as heroes and a necessary evil. Members are often called after as no one knows where they inhabit with many speculating they travel. Disastrous events are often labeled as Dark Ember attacks, but is it true they are as dangerous as many claim?

Countess Horatia Pomperfith: A wealthy Countess known for her huge parties and having been married three times with each husband passing away. A huge gossipmonger who puts out a monthly newsletter detailing the goings-on in England. Many claim she kills her husbands, but she'll never tell. Is she a worthy ally or a terrible foe?

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, Verity's Office
Skills: N/A

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Trudy eyed the new candidate as Trudy spoke. He was younger than her though that didn't signify lack of experience. How many times had she been considered unable to do a job or task because of her age? She showed them, of course. "Of course. Please schedule the interview for later if you can Trudy. I'd like to get to know Mr. Atkins here." Trudy nodded and sped off to do as asked as Mr. Atkins stood there. Verity gestured to a seat in front of her desk.

"So Mr. Atkins. Or can I call you John?"

"John is fine, ma'am."

Verity wagged her finger. "Uh uh. If I can call you John, you can call me Verity. Tell me John, why do you want to work here?"

The interview went on as normal interviews do. John hit every typical note in the book. She looked for individuality in her employees. Pizazz. Something that set them apart from every other John Atkins that walked into an office for a job. He told his strengths and weaknesses (doing the whole 'this is a weakness but actually a strength bit that grew tiresome). Why couldn't one be honest and say they were a-holes while driving? Or they enjoyed hearing a child cry? Or that they sold a family heirloom to pay off gambling debts? That's raw honesty and it would go far in this work.

"Well John, I think I heard all I needed to hear. Thank you so much for coming and speaking to us. You should hear back within the week if you got the job but any longer and I am afraid it's a no. Please have a nice rest of your day." She gestured for John to leave, hoping she would have enough time to prep before her interview later.

The Season of the Enlightened

Dearest Sir or Madam,

It has come to our attention that your child possesses what we have come to call 'Enlightenment'. That is to say your child now possesses strange and bizarre abilities that which cannot be fully explained. How we have come to know this information matters not, but do not fear. Your child is one of many with such abilities. We are sure you have questions and we are happy to answer these and more in an upcoming visit at your homestead. We ask that you do not let your child know of this visit purely to ensure we prevent any mishaps or misinformation spread.

Suffice to say, this can be a challenging time for parents such as yourself. It is difficult enough to raise a child with good morals and judgment in this time, but we at St. Eustice's School For the Enlightened believe it can be done without fear or concern. Since our school opened we have trained many young lords and ladies in the fine art of Enlightenment as well as many other avenues of study. The students are taught such lessons as finances, mathematics, social decorum, and how to best find your place amongst society with one's unique abilities. We have dedicated programs for both the young men and young women who join us and rest assured, we ensure both receive proper training for their futures.

To prepare for our upcoming visit, we would appreciate if you could have your child ready and dressed appropriately and fashionably for our arrival. While tuition to our school is free, a reasonable donation is always appreciated to ensure your child amongst the many others are provided for. If you are to have any questions, please feel free to ask. If all is agreed upon, we can set the schedule for your child to begin attendance immediately. If you are unsure, we hope we can appease your mind. Rest assured, this is, and always will be, your choice.

Kindly and Respectfully,

Lord Ingram Poe

Commencement: A Farewell to P.R.C.U. [COMPLETE]

They sat in front of the teacher, him with clenched fist hidden from view and her with her hands folded delicately over one another to hide scars, invisible and not. The teacher smiled warmly though her smile didn't meet her eyes. Miss Fletcher, 2nd grade teacher, absolutely loved her job. She enjoyed getting to shape young minds and see how they grew. She loved talking to them and hearing their wild and wacky opinions on stuff. This part though, this was the worst part of her job. She loved the children but she found, more often than not, she hated the parents.

Mr. and Mrs. De León were no strangers to the school. When she got hired for this job she was told about them (warned more likely). She was also told about Calliope. She knew Mr. De León was a prominent politician in the state and Mrs. De León focused efforts on her work but also participated in school functions, but this was not the reason she was told about them. Other faculty warned her to tread carefully and to not make waves, but she couldn't help it. Not when she noticed the children acting a certain way. And the young girl with the long, blonde pigtails was holding something in.

"First, let me say, thank you both for taking the time to come here and talk. I love working with Calliope. She is such a smart, creat-."

"Just tell us what she did."[ Mr. De León spoke up, interrupting her. Miss Fletcher glanced briefly towards Mrs. De León for some comfort but received ice in return. Miss Fletcher took a deep breath before continuing. "She didn't do anything wrong. She is doing excellent in all her subjects. It's more so what I am noticing."

Mr. De León stared at her and made her somewhat uncomfortable. "What exactly are you "noticing"?" He didn't need to do the actual air quotes, his tone signified them. In all her years of teaching, she had never had a parent so....confrontational. She had angry parents, sure. Parents who assumed their child could do no wrong and went to great lengths to ensure she treated their little goblin-like he was the second coming of Jesus, but never hostility, outright or not.

Still, she wasn't a pushover. Despite his political power, she still was in charge of ensuring his child received the best care. "With all due respect, sir, I am not insinuating anything untoward. I just noticed Calliope tends to...not interact with the other children. Sure she's kind and cordial when working on a group project, but she doesn't seem to have any friends. At least none I see in the classroom. And there was a drawing she did recently that is the reason I asked for this meeting." Miss. Flethcer opened a drawer on her left and pulled out a paper. She laid it in front of them for them to be able to see clearly.

On the paper was, arguably, fantastic art work for a 2nd grader. It showed what could easily be assumed as Calliope surrounded by some....blue aura. It was spiky and jutted out. On the left was two figures, one with black hair and the other blonde, much like Calliope's. Miss Fletcher could only describe them as...demonic. Instead of a smile, both wore frowns, but that wasn't what was immediately noticeable. In general, the figures looked angry. And the little girl was clearly crying in her, she assumed, ice shield. The imagery spoke volumes. Miss. Fletcher was no artist but she felt...malice. Could a 2nd grader show this emotion so clearly?

She waited a beat as both the parents looked at the picture. She noticed Mrs. De León put a hand to her mouth and hold back...was that a sob? Mr. De León just stared. Nothing about his body language shifted.

Once it was clear both parents were not going to speak first, Miss Fletcher continued. "This was during our creating period. I noticed Calliope opted to draw this time when she usually reads or plays games. When I saw it she initially tried to hide it. I assumed it was because she was embarrassed over her skills, though I am sure you can tell she is quite good at drawing. My concern is the......imagery."

"What I see is the creative mind of an impressionable young girl. She probably read something in your....collection over there that scared her. I wasn't aware the children in your class were given material to read at their leisure. It wasn't in the school plan from what I remember. She probably also interacted with one of the other students who put this idea in her head. I can assure you it will not happen again." Mr. De León spoke with authority. Every word was punctuated with determination.

"I am not worried about it happening again Mr. De León, I am mor-,"

"It's Senator De León."

"Senetor De León. I am more worried about your daughter's emotional state."

"She is a happy young girl. To suggest otherwise makes me question your teaching style. I wonder if the principal is aware of this meeting."

"Of course he is."

"Then I assume he told you not to follow through and you went ahead anyway. Do you make a habit of questioning parent's abilities to love their children?"

"I was not suggesting-,"

"I hope not. To suggest we are nothing but loving parents would surely be grounds for a lawsuit and I am sure at your pay level we want to avoid that at all costs. I assume we are done?"

He stood up and made a grab at the paper. Miss. Fletcher put a hand on it. "I'd like to keep that for Calliope."

Mr. De León kept his hand on it. "Let. It. Go."

Miss. Fletcher couldn't tell from tone, but she saw in his eyes. A fire. She removed her hand and he grabbed the paper and rolled it up. He turned to leave as Mrs. De León stood up and walked with him. Miss Fletcher could almost tell the woman wanted to remain and speak, but left anyway.

She wished teachers could drink on the job.

---

Calliope sat in her room waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sure enough she heard the door slam. She would have run to hide in the closet or under her bed but hat only made things worse. She knew she should be still and accept whatever was about to happen. She had her arms folded in front of her and dug her nails in her skin deeper and deeper with every pound of footsteps she heard on the stairs.

Eventually her door was pushed open and he stepped in. He stood there, silently, waiting for her to acknowledge him. She did so with a glance. He held up the paper she recognized from school. "What is this?" he asked. He had a calm tone, but a darkness underneath it. "A picture," she started.

She heard the glass shatter before she saw it. She turned to see what remained of her glass fairy she was given by her grandmother. Now it was jagged pieces on the ground. She closed her eyes, willing herself to not cry in response. That would be bad.

"No! What it is is lies! You have a roof over your head, food in your belly, and the best education money can buy and you remain ungrateful! I should not be getting calls from your teachers and being dragged away from important work! These lies are not what is expected of you and you know this. If I so much as hear that you are anything other than a perfect student there will be consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

Calliope nodded, hoping it would be enough for him to turn and leave. He stood there a moment longer. She could feel the heat from him. She wished she could freeze him out, but that would make him angrier. He turned finally and slammed the door shut. She released the chokehold she had on her arms, seeing the indents where her fingernails pierced flesh. She felt a weight inside her chest. She took some deep breaths, but couldn't control it. The room spun. She fell back on the bed, waiting for it to pass.

Was this what death felt like?

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

Welcome Home #2.007: Perfectionist

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_{Interaction(s): Banjo (@Hound55), Haven (@Skai), Rory (@webboysurf), Katja (@Zoldyck)}

Previously: Making A Memory

Calli woke up feeling warmth. It wasn't the weather necessarily, but the feeling of comfort and safety. After last night's events, she was starting to feel in control again. She sat up, noticing Banjo had moved. Normally, when together, she was nestled into him, but that wasn't so much the case. He had moved around last night.

He sat up and met her eyes, a warm smile on his lips. "Good morning love. I noticed you moved around a bit last night. Everything okay?"

Banjo looked at where they slept, seeing maybe what she saw, before answering. "Had another nightmare... Not anything that could be helped. In fact... I have a theory that when the present gets less 'noisy' you can hear the past a bit clearer. And... well, we knocked every thought, worry, and concern I might have for the present out last night."

She felt giddy again, happy to hear she could alleviate some worry for him. However, it still upset her that he continued to have nightmares. She knew his past was a fog with occasional glimpses, but those nightmares were ever-present. "Want to talk about it?"

"There's not much that can be done about it. And they don't make much sense to explain. I think it ties back into somethin' from back when I was small though. That stuff I told you about. So yeah, I don't remember anything about then either. Thanks, but."

Calli understood. She sometimes wished she could forget her past, but it was a part of her and always would be.

She stood up and got dressed, tentatively ready for the upcoming trials. She had to admit she was a bit excited to see her's, Harper's, and Mei's vision come to life.

Once dressed she waited for Banjo and grabbed his hand as they walked out of the tent and towards nourishment.

---

Their arrival at breakfast was met without much fanfare. Last night's events must not have been noticeable for one reason or another. Calli chuckled inwardly at the thought of the other people in their respective tents and what could have happened.

After grabbing some food for herself she sat and waited for Banjo to grab his before she began. She was hungrier than normal.

Something nagged at her though. It was like a sense in the back of her mind. Something was not right. She looked around, not immediately noticing anything. Was she worrying for nothing? Things were going well so it was only a matter of time for the other shoe to drop. But nothing caught her eye.

Until her gaze passed over three people altogether. Haven, Rory, and Katja. Not an unlikely trio by any means, though Katja joining the other two who had such awkward encounters recently was a bit surprising. But that wasn't it. No there was something deeper happening.

"What's up with those three do you think? I'm picking up weird vibes."

"No idea." Banjo said, as he drank his coffee nonplussed. "It'll all come out in the wash, anyway. Early morning, bad sleep. Probably just doesn't want people up in her business." He thought back to how much she glowed when telling him about how she was going to be bunking with Amma.

"She'll probably talk when she's good and ready."

Calli looked over. No there was something else. Calli took a good look at everyone.

Haven was trying her best to hide her feelings, but Calli couldn't help noticing there was...concern. Fear maybe? Or worry. Hard to pinpoint.

Rory on the other hand was worried. His bro showed concern at whatever was being discussed. This quickly diminished and turn to anger. That much was obvious to anyone with eyes. She wished she could hear what they were saying.

She didn't have to wait long as Katja stood up. Calli thought she might turn and leave, there was an intense anger emanating from her, but before she could voice this to Banjo Katja slammed her head on the table, breaking the plastic. Calli gasped and quickly put her hand on Banjo's arm. It was intuitive, the motion. What the hell happened? What did Haven and Rory say to her?

Though that thought left quickly too. It was clear by Haven's body language what happened was unintentional and triggered something. Rory looked....it was weird. He looked vacant. Empty. What happened seemed to make Rory...not Rory anymore. It was like he checked out.

Calli wanted to do something but was unsure how at this point. Katja was processing something, cleary, and she didn't want to make it worse. She didn't need to as the others got back into themselves and started helping. Calli sat back down, noticing she was halfway up out of her seat.

"What the hell..."

The first crack.

---

At the Trials things were...she wouldn't say great but at least this should be easy. After all, they built this. That gave them an inherent advantage. Calli stretched as others congregated. She was saddened to hear Mei and Pallyx had decided to leave, though she could hardly blame them. Especially Mei as it seemed Haven and Rory had some fun in the tent last night. "Good for them" she thought. Despite the awkwardness from before, a tender moment came from it.

They entered the Trials and waited for things to boot up. That nagging feeling came back. Calli looked around as the simulation started. Instead of the young adult novel adaptation, they put work into it looked....dreary. Sterile. It was like someone sapped the color and emotion from the walls.

Calli looked at the others who, in turn, looked at her, expecting her to own up to it or admit that she didn't do this. Her face fell. This wasn't what they wanted. It might have been a subtle middle finger to the Foundation but they ensured it wouldn't look like anything other than what the Trials should be.

“I slaggin’ don’t care for being a rat in a cage. Looks like the only way out is through." Leave it to Lorcán to step up when needed. She would have said so but she was finding words hard to get out.

Second crack.

Amma spoke but it sounded like gibberish to her. Amma walked off, determined in her gait. Didn't Lorcán say something about buddies? Why was it getting so hot?

"Perfect. It was all going perfectly...."

Last night, the announcement of their degrees, Haven and Rory, all seemed to warp into a dark mass in her brain. She fell to her knees. She could feel her pulse in her neck, every beat reverberating in her mind. She closed her eyes. She felt her check restrict. Her breathing quickening.

No, not here. Not now.

"Perfect. It was going to be perfect."

Of course it wasn't. Like everything she had a hand in, it went to shit. It always went to shit.

"I can't...Banjo..."

Fucking Foundation, she heard in her head, though not in her own voice. Did someone say it? She couldn't tell.

She only saw chaos.

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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Perry had to fight her eyes glazing over as Mira began to explain the characters for clue. Did it really matter if they followed the actual board game or not? Hell, they could have made their own characters if they wanted. Who was stopping them? Why not a Madame Magenta or an Inspector Ink?

Thankfully the situation took a pause as Ed rounded and brought with him a young girl who he introduced as Klara, one of the Asgardians. Despite Perry's colorfulness and general vibes, she often did not know how to interact with younger kids. She chalked it up to her childhood (as all trauma tends to stem from). Still, were Asgardian kids the same as Earth ones? She had to assume so.

"What's up Klara? We're playing a super cool virtual board game. What game's do you like..my dude?" Perry fought off the awkwardness she felt creeping up. How does one talk to a child? Fortnite? Was that a thing still? Did Asgardians play Fortnite?

Where was a villain attacking the mansion when you needed one?

The Dead Don't Die.

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

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Verity was a bit taken aback. If what the office said was true, then the body in the bag should be dead. Verity wasn't a doctor or anything but she watched enough Grey's Anatomy and Chicago Med to know that if a body loses a lot of blood....well that's it. Verity waved it off though. If they weren't worried, she shouldn't be either. She turned and walked back into the building when she got a text from Trudy.

An interview would get her back into the mindset that this whole ordeal shot out of whack. Verity quickly sent off a reply. "Heading back up in 5. Send them in shortly after." Verity got into the elevator and quickly did some mindfulness deep breathing to calm her senses back down. Having been reminded of that car crash as well as whatever was in that ambulance had done a number on her mental state. Her chakras were probably all out of order now. She needed to center.

Back on her floor she beelined it for her office to ensure it looked nice. Once satisfied she sat down at her desk to wait for the interviewer.

Commencement: A Farewell to P.R.C.U. [COMPLETE]

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

Welcome Home #1.95: Making A Memory

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_{Interaction(s): Banjo (@Hound55))}

Previously: Hollywood and Glam

As Calli lay there in her ensemble, she fought hard to stop the thoughts of how silly she was and how stupid she looked. Despite the years at PRCU she wasn't quite over the torment she faced in her childhood. It was especially present in her early adolescent years when her father took her to the side to explain how her budding womanhood would be a boon for them.

Even now she hated the words he used. The feelings he made her feel as he talked. She looked to her mother for guidance but her mom only found solace at the bottom of a wine glass or in the bed of another man.

She heard footsteps approach and shook herself alert. She heard Banjo speak but he came into the tent before she could respond.

And the look he gave her told her all she needed to hear.

"Like what you see handsome?" she purred, allowing the words to wash over him, hoping to excite him.

"Whoa..."

Words, ya deadset dropkick.

Suddenly Banjo's mouth went dry, and every word he knew fell out of his head.

You are good at words. Say what they will about ya, but everyone knows that much. Or are you only good with em when you're trying to get OUT of a situation? Get it together and say somethin', ya dag.

When did she even pack that? He asked himself, scooping the fallen words back into his head. One outfit and a sultry sentence, and he was temporarily cast back to the inexperienced boy he'd been in this place five years ago, stumbling and bumbling over himself around her, trying too hard to make her happy.

You have a question. That's something to say. Use it. At least until you get your shit back together.

"Very much, yeah." He said, sliding his shoes off by the tent's entrance and approaching. "So, uhh, when exactly did all of this happen, then?" He gestured to her lace outfit. "You'll hear no complaints out of me. Just... Unexpected."

It might not have been the exact reaction she was hoping for. She would have gathered he'd torn off all of his clothes and made his way toward her, but she would take it. "It was something Jim pointed out during my meeting with him. The dance is a single moment and should be treated as such. Even if we are angry at the Foundation or the school it shouldn't detract from enjoying things as they come."

As she spoke, her finger traced the lace outlining the fabric close to her breast. If only to ensure Banjo paid attention to the important things. "So I want to make a memory with you." She beckoned him with her eyes, hoping the guy would catch the hint.

'Enjoying things as they--' Hoo boy! His eyes traced her hands. The bottom fell out of his head and the words tumbled out again.

Won't be needing those anyway... He said, letting them all fall away. Hup, wait... Maybe that one. He snatched just one, as he let everything drop to the floor along with his clothes.

"Absolutely." He said, throwing his last word. Before he joined her in bed, kissing her warmly.

The embrace fulfilled all she had needed. Just to have him within her arms was enough. Five years meant something. It meant everything.

She could feel the voice tugging at the back of her mind. That evil voice that wanted her to stop it all and never enjoy a good thing. She quickly shut it out. She wanted to enjoy this moment. She wanted Banjo to enjoy this moment.

No not Banjo. Andrew. A name he held dear that he trusted her with and knew it meant something when she said it.

She responded to his touch, feeling the warmth spread through her body. "Andrew..." she uttered as she allowed him to take control. It was her gift. She had wanted control for so long that it took a while to find someone she was willing to let go for. To allow them to have her as she was.

He kissed her throat, the side of her neck, his fingers ran a trail across her sides, as he felt her walls fall. Happy to be. He kept kissing down. As his fingers kept exploring her.

He heard 'Andrew' leave her lips, without judgement, and he left them without rebuttal. Here, in this place, he would absorb them.

With her, he would take everything she had to give him. Everything that she could want of him would be hers.

Without words, he found another use for his mouth, and felt a brief rush of pride as he felt the bedding next to his head get bunched up in her quick grasp.

She allowed herself to loosen, feeling him touch her with hand and mouth and she delivered in kind. She gripped the bedding and allowed herself to enjoy this shared moment between them.

She tried not to be too loud, fearing the others would hear them, but she also did not mind. They knew her and Banjo were together and probably assumed they were intimate. Let them hear. She nearly laughed at her boldness. The Calliope of the past would surely not be this open.

Their rhythm was generating solidly. Attuned to one another, though this was not like the romance movies where the main characters fell in sync almost immediately. She was reminded of the awkward boy and she, the naive girl, and how weird it was at first. Relationships took work. Love was not something to be trifled with.

And it was love.

"I love you..Andrew..." she said between breaths.

With his mouth full, and no words, he chose to show rather than tell. There'd be time for that later. Her words buoyed him, and he rewarded her for them enthusiastically.

Slowly, he raised a free hand, and placed it on hers, where she gripped the bedding, and she turned her hand and clutched his. He felt her wanting as much of him as she could give. More connection. Her nails dug into the back of his hand in a quickened grasp and a gasp, and he felt home in ways he never did when away from her.

After a while as her breathing settled, he kissed his way up, and took her face, framing it in his hand. He looked deep into her eyes, and with his pride and confidence bringing some words with them, he uttered everything she wanted to hear.

"I love you too, Calliope."

She felt his hand grab hers, as a comfort as well as a control, and she met him, allowing herself to feel everything. In this moment with him, it was as if the world outside froze to allow them this time to make it matter. She said she wanted to make a new memory with him and this was shaping to be one she would not forget. A reminder as they got older how, despite the heaviness of the day and recent events, what mattered was that they were there. And they were together.

His words of affirmation lit a fire inside of her. She had heard the words before from others she assumed meant it, though actions spoke louder. And Banjo was nothing if not a man of action.

She tried not to hurt him, but could not help it. He didn't seem to mind.

This was what it felt like to be truly loved by someone who wanted nothing more than for her to be herself.

Her breathing slowed and she controlled herself. She reached up and put her hand to his cheek, enjoying the touch and feel of his skin.

Her face in his hand, he saw a single strand of long hair hanging down in front of her face, matted to her forehead out of place in perspiration.

A strand which would never be allowed out of place at any other time. Held back by a silent presence which had always passively held her to a standard of perfection even in its absence. A presence she hated, but still affected and shaped her in the ways any formative influence would.

The hair stood as proof to the presence's absence in this place. Here she was truly liberated. And to him, she had never looked more beautiful.

After all, he knew how much it could take to shake the formative influences in one's life.

He pulled her close, and together they entwined.

---

The two lay there next to each other, her hand in his as her thumb ran over his back and forth. "So, was it a nice surprise?" Calliope had meant her newly acquired lingerie, though anything might have been the surprise in this instance. She leaned her head into the crook of his neck, content to remain there for a few moments more. She was sure no one missed them. And if they heard them, they didn't bother calling it out.

"You are... the master of understatement." He turned his head slightly to kiss her forehead before moving back.

"Incredibly nice... and incredibly surprising."

He lay their in a weird mental place. Focus heightened from the repeated use of his power that day, but mind cleared from the post-coital afterglow.

Calliope smiled, happy to have surprised Banjo. And even herself, if she were being honest. "Whatever happens here, with the school, with the Foundation, even with Blackjack, I am glad I have you. Through it all, through all we've been through, you have been the rock I needed to ground me here."

Words unspoken but he knew her past. He knew she had little else outside of the school that she was able to call her own. What she had here she made, but she didn't do it alone.

He absorbed her words with a smile, knowing how much they meant to her.

"Well, good." She was capable of so much. More than she knew. If he could support that, great. "And you're home... To me." He added later, realising the possible confusing meaning.

So much of his life he'd gone place to place. Temporary residency wherever he'd gone. He'd never really felt of any one place as 'home'.

Hers was a defining comfort.

Calli slowly drifted to sleep, comforted by the presence near her. Whatever came next, she would be ready for. She squeezed Banjo’s hands one last time as she slept, comforted knowing she’d have pleasant dreams for once.

Avengers Academy: X of Swords ⚔️

Sabine Bassard

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Location: The Gym - Simulation
Fit of the Day: Gym Outfit
Skills: N/A

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Their victory with Mario was short-lived as they were transported somewhere else. Sabine glanced around the room before being roped into a group hug by Dorian. She had to admit, it felt nice despite the guilt she had at having hurt Mary Sue and Gideon. And it seemed like they wouldn't be finding any extra lives here. Instead, it looked like their health was replaced with...something.

Thankfully Dorian stepped up to explain the new game. It was apparently some ghost hunting game. Sabine hated horror movies and probably hated horror video games as much, if not more. She took Dorian's advice though and grabbed a flashlight. She also grabbed a crucifix and some salt, though she didn't know what to do with either. Weren't crucifixes used on vampires?

"So we are just supposed to go roaming around a haunted house trying to figure out what type it is and exorcise it? This is messed up. Dorian, I'm trusting you through this." The unspoken words being that she didn't intend to have Dorian out of her sight at any point. After all, wasn't one of the rules of horror movies to not split up? "Maybe explain how these tools are supposed to work? I have a crucifix and salt. Unless I plan on seasoning the ghost at church, I'm at a loss."

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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Perry was excited to get the game going, but she had to admit she had been thinking of the Asgardians and their arrival. Given the luck the X-men had, it was probably not going to end well. Still, perhaps evil could wait until after the game, pretty please? Perry watched as Max gave out instructions and worked his magic, literally.

"Ooooh I love me a good ol' Agatha Christie murder mystery. Ok, if we are going old school clue, I gotta give it up to my girl Peacock. So I am thinking blue!" Once she had the image in her head, her outfit shimmered and changed into a beautiful 1920's style flapper dress. It was blue and black and perfect! Her hair was done up in a nice bob with a feather band. And a long pearl necklace to top it off.

"Oh wow! Nicely done Max! This is dope! Oh I mean, this is the bee's knees dahling!"