X-Men 2: Humanity's Revenge IC Forum

[Lost heros]

"Ms. Pryde, you really should check what just happened on CNN," Adam said as they walked away.

Kitty Pryde stopped abruptly turned to Adam and said quietly though seriously “How well known is it and how big of a deal is it?”

Adam whispered back, "A flame mutant under the alias of the ghost of mutants appeared today in the Canadian Parliament. He warned them of something, not specifying what. I bet all of Canada knows by now, and at least half of New York."

[Anitgrum]

Juan leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms. He then moved himself forward to look at the information his laptop was displaying. It was the quarterly earnings report. The total company earnings were four million less the previous quarter. That was to be expected was given that an anti-mutant terrorist leveled one the company’s distribution centers with a truck bomb. A buzzing sound shattered Juan consecration. He touched the bright yellow button on the phone in the upper left quadrant of desk.
“Yes.”
“The board of directors wants to see you sir.”
“Isn’t the monthly meeting scheduled for next Wednesday?”
“Yes but the board has called an emergency meeting.”
“Tell them I am on my way.”
“Ok.”
Juan opened the door and used his tail to close it after had moved through it.
He took a left and sundered down to the end of the long hallway into the meeting room. All the board member had a dour look on their face. It was obvious to Juan why the board had been assembled. He walked out of the room.
“What do you think you are doing. “Said one of the board members.
Juan stop moving away but still kept his back turned to the board members.
“Your here to fire me aren’t you?”
“Well what you expect. The company can afford to be constant terrorist attacks.”
“I expected the board actually have a spine. Not to bend over and pull your pants down for some bigots. But I guess I set my expectations to high. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
Juan stormed out the board room and back into his office. He put his computer into his satchel and pulled out his phone from his pocket. On the screen there were the words Breaking News Canadian Parliament attacked by mutants.
“Great another reason for people to hate us” he thought to himself as he read the message.
Juan stepped out of office closing the door with his tail as he had done countless time before. He took a right and strolled in front of the elevator doors. While Juan waited for the elevator to arrive he dialed his attorney phone number.
“Hey Juan what can I you for.”
“I’d like to file a lawsuit for wrongful termination of employment or discrimination. Whichever is more applicable.”
“Alright then .We of course need to meet to discuss the lawsuit. I have an opening tomorrow at two o’clock. “
Juan entered the elevator door as soon as it opened.
“That’ll work see you there Oh yeah one more thing I wanted to ask you. I know that you know a few private eyes. Could you give me one their numbers?”
“I kind of busy right now I’ll text it to you later.”
“Ok bye.”
“Bye.”
Juan took the elevator all the way to the roof. On the roof there was helicopter which he promptly climbed into. The helicopter took him to his mansion in the Hamptons. When Juan exited the helicopter he heard what sounded like a jet engine followed by a low piched thud. The hairs one his neck stood up as his stomach sank.
“No it couldn’t be he. “Juan thought to himself.
“Mutant life form detected.” Said a baritone and emotionless voice.
He turned around and saw standing one hundred feet away exactly what he feared a sentinel. The killing machine closed the distant between Juan and itself in a second. This sentinel was far faster than the ones that had hunted him as child. It the lower it hand over the shocked mutant and fired a blue beam of light from its palm. The shoot was absorbed by a two foot thick slab of steel that popped into existent and vanished before gravity could have any effect on it. Juan brought an FM148 Javelin missile launcher into being. He quickly used the bazooka to blow the robot’s head into a million pieces. The headless giant staggered from side to finally tumbled to the ground. No sooner had this sentinel fallen had four thundered down from the heavens to replace it.

[Xaviers school for gifted youngsters]

Kitty Pryde stopped abruptly turned to Adam and said quietly though seriously “How well known is it and how big of a deal is it?”

Adam whispered back, "A flame mutant under the alias of the ghost of mutants appeared today in the Canadian Parliament. He warned them of something, not specifying what. I bet all of Canada knows by now, and at least half of New York."

"God." said kitty. "If it was on CNN half of the population knows. Who was with you when you saw this and where are they now?" she asked still keeping her quiet tone.

[Lost heros]

Adam whispered back, "A flame mutant under the alias of the ghost of mutants appeared today in the Canadian Parliament. He warned them of something, not specifying what. I bet all of Canada knows by now, and at least half of New York."

"God." said kitty. "If it was on CNN half of the population knows. Who was with you when you saw this and where are they now?" she asked still keeping her quiet tone.

"Match is in the common room, and Andy is..." Adam paused not sure what to say, "is crying somewhere, I guess."

[Xaviers school for gifted youngsters]

"God." said kitty. "If it was on CNN half of the population knows. Who was with you when you saw this and where are they now?" she asked still keeping her quiet tone.

"Match is in the common room, and Andy is..." Adam paused not sure what to say, "is crying somewhere, I guess."

“Okay, Match is smart enough to know to stay there but stupid enough to leave the TV on for all to see. Go and find Andy and I will have hank kill power to the TVs, radios and computers. “said Kitty Pryde to Adam.

[Lost heros]

"Match is in the common room, and Andy is..." Adam paused not sure what to say, "is crying somewhere, I guess."

“Okay, Match is smart enough to know to stay there but stupid enough to leave the TV on for all to see. Go and find Andy and I will have hank kill power to the TVs, radios and computers. “said Kitty Pryde to Adam.

"Oh f*^k," Adam thought to himself, after hearing Kitty's instructions.
"Yes ma'am," He said with a fake smile.
He walked out of Kitty's company and went off to find Andy. He first headed to the common room. "Match. Ms. Pryde wants the TV off," he said before heading out.

Adam headed to the Danger room, Andy's dorm room, Andy's isolated training spot, and all of the places he knew she often visited. After turning empty handed at all of them, he started asking around. No doubt the rumor they were trying to prevent by meeting in the common room, instead of their dorm room, was going to start anyways.
After many leads he found her in the Boat house.

He walked up to her and sat down.
Adam turned his cheek to her, "Here. Slap away."

[JuNii]

out by the lake, Umayma put a large piece of canvass against a tree and stared at it.

she looked at her palette and again at the canvass.

She had hoped tha a session in the danger cave would've removed the pensive feeling she had... but the session with the faculty seems to have undid any good that was done.

She tore off her abaya and with a primal scream she sent a stream of sand into the canvass. she poured herself literally though the fabric. Forming herself on the other side,

she ran her hands over her training uniform... still not comfortable with the skintight article of clothing... but it was still better than being naked.

she walked around to the front and stared at the canvass. there were, as expected, holes and tares in the fabric... but... there was something else.


she stared at the canvass... picked it up and rotated it 90 degrees... then she stepped back.

the tear patters... mixed in with the markings where grass and other materials were pressed against the fabric as she herself passed through...

the spotted marks that dotted the canvass...

she smiled. than k you Allah... for showing me that even in chaos... beauty can be found...

"Umayma ok? not angry anymore?" a small voice spoke up above her. Umayma looked up at the voice. a small, scaled head poked out and stared down at her. a small insectoid body followed the head.

"Broo... I offer my humblist apologies for disturbing you."

the young brood mutant shook his head. "not disturbed..." he touched down next to Umayma and looked at the canvass. "Pretty..."

"Do you think so? I dunno..." Umayma said... unsure,

"colors nice... here and here..." he pointed at spots that showed only where sand passed through.

"colors? what colors?" Umayma stared at her creation.

"Same colors here and here..." Broo said as he toughed Umayma's chest... where her heart is and her forehead. "Is there..." he pointed back at the canvass.

Umayma stared at the mutant as a memory surfaced. she put her arm around the alien and sighed. "I owe you an apology... earlier, I did a training session with the brood.... I'm afraid I was not merciful because I felt they were not human."

Broo looked confused. "Brood here? you killed them?"

"no, it was... images..." she searched for the words to describe what she did... Broo 'blinked;

"Ah... Mindless drones... one filled with hate and anger..." he smiled, an unsettling sight whem Umayma nodded. "no matter... you hurt?"

no... " Umayma put her abaya back on, "but I'm afraid I showed them no mercy."

Broo shrugged. "mindless drones only know how to kill... sometimes they kill each other. but teachers here stopped them... you stopped them from hurting others... maybe one day the hurting won't be needed." Broo curled up on the grass, never taking his eyes off the canvass. "Very pretty..."

"do you want it?" Umayma ran a hand over the child's scaly hide.

"Nice... " broo nodded as he seemed to drift into sleep. "thank...zzzz"

Umayma was startled at the sound of snoring coming from the large insect... she then realized that the sound came from his wings that vibrated in time with his breathing.

like a purring cat.... beauty lies everywhere in Allah's creations... we just have to be willing to see it... she gathered up her supplies and picked up the canvass. she paused as she stared down at Broo.

would that mean... those horried creatures are also Allah's design? yet Broo was here... learning to be 'human' and his role in teaching his brethren what he learns here. she smiled and walked away. Leaving a sleeping broo, her head veil covering the sleeping alien.

She hopes Prof Rasputin will allow her to gift this picture to Broo. The alien that taught her how to be human.

[Katganistan]

After many leads he found her in the Boat house.

He walked up to her and sat down.
Adam turned his cheek to her, "Here. Slap away."

Andy didn't raise her head. "Why," she said, her voice muffled and still sounding rather waterlogged. "Is random violence supposed to make me feel better?"

She shuddered, her whole body trembling.

[Ublia]

I've lived for centuries, seen empires rise and fall. Fought in two world wars not to mention survived the inquisitation. Now as I had thought I was free the world has returned to the old ways. Conrad growled from behind his mask as he looked down on New York City from his penthouse. He could barely move around due to what was left of his body. It would soon be time to feed he smiled "Mr. Hartmann?" he called. The doors then opened and a heavilly built man in a black suit entered "Yes sir." Conrad then turned if it wasn't for his mask Hartmann would have keeled over with fright "Its time get the car we're going hunting tonight." he smiled "As you wish sir." Hartmann noted with a slightly disturbed tone. However he was loyal very loyal Conrad reminded himself. After what the man had done in Honduras well he deserved Conrads trust.

It was night now and Conrad needed to find his target the car that was driving up New Yorks backstreets was an SUV. Looking out the btinted window Conrad had to smile New York was the perfect feeding ground. he could recall London but that was his sons territory after 1888. All those poor whores he smiled Whitechapel hasn't been the same since he once more smiled. Then he saw a young girl about 20 he guessed she was probably an addict seeing as he viens were popping out. No matter Conrad once more smiled. As the car stopped Hatmann leaned out the window after a short discussion and the handing over of three hundre dollars sghe got in. "So what can I..." the whore then stuttered and stopped as she saw the mask. "Oh my dear you just being here is good enough." then he released the beast. AGGGGHHHH!!!!!!

The body was quickly dumped on the side of the road. Conrad meanwhile had feasted he then pealed off his glove the skin was slightly repaired and his energy was replenished. He'd looked into the girls mind and unleashed all those fears. It was indeed a feast. He then cleaned the blade it had served him for decades. His powers opened up the minds of his victims true and also revealed their fears but in his own opinion after centuries of this work he knew it was truelly the knife that truely inspired the greatest fear of all, death.

[Lost heros]

After many leads he found her in the Boat house.

He walked up to her and sat down.
Adam turned his cheek to her, "Here. Slap away."

Andy didn't raise her head. "Why," she said, her voice muffled and still sounding rather waterlogged. "Is random violence supposed to make me feel better?"

She shuddered, her whole body trembling.

"Usually when someone insults another, hurting the insulter makes the insulted feel better," Adam said turning his head towards Andy.
"What is with you? You deny anyone that could be your friend, you embrace combat training, and you are sickened by humans who are against mutants, but you cry when I deny helping them.. The two don't add up."

[New Republic of Egypt]

Christopher Koley ,often called Chris, was walking outside of his school,he'd always been an outcast at his school but he had a friend but she moved away to New York the previous year,her name was Jenny and was Chris' only friend,she did like him and Chris liked her too but he didn't want his friendship to be completely ruined,so he just stayed friends with her.He was athletic but he got enraged quickly,and he knew about his "situation" so he just took a backseat and didn't play.He has named his persona as Hellspawn as the suit is a red and devilish looking.He was always bullied at school,which usually caused his suit to come out.He usually caused the bullies to come to a near death,but always stopped.he never really thought of it as a special ability,until he seen the other mutants on the news,he has been waiting on a invitation to come join them or someone to come to him about his ability.

*ring ring*his phone rang,it was his mother.

"Hello"

"Hey,Honey,don't be scared but i'm having trouble with my kidney,and I need surgery."

"What?? Why???"

"Because I might die if I dont.I need this surgery."

"Okay."

"Don't be scared it's just minor surgery,I'm not going to die,sweetie."

"I know,mom,it's just.."

"Dont worry it will be fine."

"Okay,I'm on my way home.I'll see you there."

"Okay,Mom,I love you."

"Love you too."

He was always close to his mom since he never knew his father.He would be crushed,if he ever lost her.

[Katganistan]

Andy didn't raise her head. "Why," she said, her voice muffled and still sounding rather waterlogged. "Is random violence supposed to make me feel better?"

She shuddered, her whole body trembling.

"Usually when someone insults another, hurting the insulter makes the insulted feel better," Adam said turning his head towards Andy.
"What is with you? You deny anyone that could be your friend, you embrace combat training, and you are sickened by humans who are against mutants, but you cry when I deny helping them.. The two don't add up."

"Hurting other people is sick," Andy said. She lifted her head, but still wouldn't look him in the eye.

She was quiet a long time, then said, wiping her tears with the back of her hand and getting up, "I embrace combat training because maybe if I'd had some, I wouldn't have been kidnapped and beaten up, and you all wouldn't have had to come after me, and maybe Andrew would still be alive today. As for the rest... you really don't know a thing about me. And if you think that little of me, I can't figure out why you bothered to follow me out here."

She got up and started trudging back toward the house.

[Lost heros]

"Usually when someone insults another, hurting the insulter makes the insulted feel better," Adam said turning his head towards Andy.
"What is with you? You deny anyone that could be your friend, you embrace combat training, and you are sickened by humans who are against mutants, but you cry when I deny helping them.. The two don't add up."

"Hurting other people is sick," Andy said. She lifted her head, but still wouldn't look him in the eye.

She was quiet a long time, then said, wiping her tears with the back of her hand and getting up, "I embrace combat training because maybe if I'd had some, I wouldn't have been kidnapped and beaten up, and you all wouldn't have had to come after me, and maybe Andrew would still be alive today. As for the rest... you really don't know a thing about me. And if you think that little of me, I can't figure out why you bothered to follow me out here."

She got up and started trudging back toward the house.

"Stop," Adam said putting his hand on her shoulder as she attempted to walk out, "I don't think lowly of you, I just don't know you. For the past two months you have ignored everyone and focused on training solely. If it wasn't for Wolverine, you wouldn't even had considered hanging out with me. I am only asking you to open up to me, if you don't to any one else."

[Ublia]

“What do you think Hartmann?” Conrad asked sitting in front of the fire place. “What do I think about what sir?” the loyal aide then asked “Do you think there’s a cure for my condition?” Conrad sighed. “Only god can say for certain sir.” Hartmann replied as he left the room. “Good night sir please rest.” he then closed the doors of the study behind him leaving Conrad to ponder “Or the devil.” He then wondered out loud looking over the portraits of him over the centuries. It was in the 18th that he began to decay and the 20th he had to feed more than usual, "Immortality my greatest curse and gift." he sighed.

For the past century he’d tried to find artifacts that could reanimate him sadly many of those quests had ended in failure. In Tibet he had come closest to his goal when he was serving the Reich during the Second World War. Then when he worked for the Americans in Peru. But someone intervened or he was outright betrayed. He would find a cure though he was certain of it. He then carefully removed the mask. Looking over at a mirror all he could see was his own decayed flesh. He still had his hair though he had to laugh at that age had taken his flesh but not his hair.

“I trust you slept well sir?” Hartmann asked “I barely sleep anymore Hartmann after all my eyelids are decaying. But after a few decades you learn how to sleep with one’s eyes open. “Tell the men were leaving New York I’ll head up to my residence in North Salem or as the locals call it Salem Centre. “ Hartmann then nodded. “As well sir one of your sons sent you a letter from his latest honeymoon.” Conrad then laughed from behind his mask “Let me guess Maximilian?” he asked “Indeed sir.” Hartmann noted as he handed the letter. “Anyways sir I’ll get the staff and car ready.” “Very good Hartmann.” Conrad noted reading the letter he found his son was far too much the Casanova of the family. But behind that mask there is a beast he sadly reminded himself the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

[Katganistan]

"Hurting other people is sick," Andy said. She lifted her head, but still wouldn't look him in the eye.

She was quiet a long time, then said, wiping her tears with the back of her hand and getting up, "I embrace combat training because maybe if I'd had some, I wouldn't have been kidnapped and beaten up, and you all wouldn't have had to come after me, and maybe Andrew would still be alive today. As for the rest... you really don't know a thing about me. And if you think that little of me, I can't figure out why you bothered to follow me out here."

She got up and started trudging back toward the house.

"Stop," Adam said putting his hand on her shoulder as she attempted to walk out, "I don't think lowly of you, I just don't know you. For the past two months you have ignored everyone and focused on training solely. If it wasn't for Wolverine, you wouldn't even had considered hanging out with me. I am only asking you to open up to me, if you don't to any one else."

"You think I'd want to slap you, for using words I found hurtful. You think I don't care about anyone but myself." She turned to him. "I did nothing before but try to be friends with everyone and shirk my responsibility to learn to defend myself, and I got people killed. And I'm sorry if you're hurt and think the only reason I wanted to play with you is because I was ordered to. I remember making that offer back... before." She shook her head bitterly. "I just... I don't want to get other people killed anymore. I don't want to be 'Andy, girl hostage'."

She turned away. "Do you know how swords are made? See, you take a soft center -- iron, for instance. Very resilient. Then you take, like, three layers of that iron, and you intersperse it with four layers of steel alloy. Something hard. Very hard. You thrust it into the flames -- hotter than hell -- to heat them up, then pound them until the layers are bonded together -- so seven layers, right? Only then you keep heating it, fold it over, and pound it flat again. Then you keep heating it and folding it until you got something that's got hundreds of layers to it, that's not bendable like iron and not so hard as steel alone that will shatter, but something tough, flexible, and... edged."

She shrugged. "That's what you need to know about me."

Andy headed back for her dorm room.

[JuNii]

Umayma stepped out of her dorm room. her prayer session left her feeling a bit better. Prof Rasputin's evaluation of her 'art' wqs heartening. tho he did take a few minutes longer studying it.

and he gave her permission to gift the work to Broo... who seemed happy to have it on his wall. my first fan... she couldn't help but smile at his reaction.

she wondered about Andrea... her roommate would come in late, leave early, and she moved as if she was pushing herself. she made a mental note to check up on her first chance she got.

[Lost heros]

"Stop," Adam said putting his hand on her shoulder as she attempted to walk out, "I don't think lowly of you, I just don't know you. For the past two months you have ignored everyone and focused on training solely. If it wasn't for Wolverine, you wouldn't even had considered hanging out with me. I am only asking you to open up to me, if you don't to any one else."

"You think I'd want to slap you, for using words I found hurtful. You think I don't care about anyone but myself." She turned to him. "I did nothing before but try to be friends with everyone and shirk my responsibility to learn to defend myself, and I got people killed. And I'm sorry if you're hurt and think the only reason I wanted to play with you is because I was ordered to. I remember making that offer back... before." She shook her head bitterly. "I just... I don't want to get other people killed anymore. I don't want to be 'Andy, girl hostage'."

She turned away. "Do you know how swords are made? See, you take a soft center -- iron, for instance. Very resilient. Then you take, like, three layers of that iron, and you intersperse it with four layers of steel alloy. Something hard. Very hard. You thrust it into the flames -- hotter than hell -- to heat them up, then pound them until the layers are bonded together -- so seven layers, right? Only then you keep heating it, fold it over, and pound it flat again. Then you keep heating it and folding it until you got something that's got hundreds of layers to it, that's not bendable like iron and not so hard as steel alone that will shatter, but something tough, flexible, and... edged."

She shrugged. "That's what you need to know about me."

Andy headed back for her dorm room.

"Don't compare yourself to a sword," Adam said while getting up from his seated position.
"A sword is a tool that is used to injure and kill, not a tool for peace. Even the best swords break, and it doesn't matter how many layers it had before, it just matters if you can save what is left. And sometimes what you save, you can make into a new sword. But that new sword will be different from the original one. Don't compare yourself to a sword. You are more than a sword. When a swordsman loses his sword, he still has his friends to protect him. But when a swordsman loses his friends, he doesn't need his sword because there is no one for him to fight for."

He stood there for a moment as Andy walked out, "Good bye, Andy."
She walked out, and he stood for a minute before exiting himself.

[New Republic of Egypt]

Chris was on his way to Biology class,his mom was having surgery today,and he was very worried about his mother.He had never met his father and never had any siblings,so his mother was all he had,If she died,he couldn't live anymore.He stopped by the restroom for a bit,and there was a fight going on,this was nothing new,fights always happened in the restroom.He often just ignored them and went about his business,but today was different.Jack Dymo,the biggest,baddest bully in the school was in the restroom today,and it was a well known fact that he didn't like Chris.

"Well,Looky here,Well ain't it Chrissy Koley." Jack said in his Texan accent.

"My name isnt Chrissy." Chris said.

"Well that's what I called ya."Jack said poking Chris in the chest.

"That isn't my name,Jack."Chris continued

"Well what are ya gonna do 'bout it,misses Koley?"Jack said toying with Chris

"You know what Chrissy,you're in the wrong bathroom..This is them MEN'S room."Jack continued

Chris then hit Jack right across his face

"Oh you done it now,you little shit!"Jack said tackling Chris to the ground.

Jack then began to assault Chris and pund his face in.

around the 23rd or 24th punch to Chris' face,Hellspawn took control and began to cover Chris' body.

"What the hell,is this red stuff?? it ain't blood."Jack said

"What is wrong with you C...."

Thats all Jack could say before ain't fist when right through his head.He dropped down,dead.

The Hellspawn then let out a loud screech,much like chalk on a chalkboard,but 100 more times louder.

As people began to run out of the room the monster shot spike-like things out of his wrists killing 4 students.

Hellspawn the jumped through the ceiling and began heading to anywhere,but Oakland.

Chris had no explanation to what had just happened,he'd never had that happen to him where the suit just
pops out of nowhere and kills on it own,Hell he never even killed anyone before.

Could Hellspawn be getting to powerful?

[Xaviers school for gifted youngsters]

The Next day.

Logan and Kitty had decided to take a class of mutants on a field trip to the Smithsonian (including Adam, Andy, Nathan, and Umayma and others)They has taken a bus and left the school at 9am and had been driving all morning. They were now loading off the bus with toad calling after the students as they unloaded “Have fun kiddies, have a good day, behave.” Then he closed the door. “Cleaning the toilets, washing the desks, dusting out offices, now driving the bus, great.” He grumbled as he drove off.He would stop off at a coffee shop somewhere that would give him service, though he doubted it.

“Okay some quick guide rules before we go in!” yelled Kitty Pryde to the group in the parking lot after making sure that there was no one within ear shot. “No powers on any circumstances, museum security does know that were here and they will be keeping an extra eye on you. Besides that follow museum rules.” Said Kitty Pryde.

She then led the group of students inside of the museum though about a km away in a more run down building William Stryker had been watching through a hacked security camera. He picked up the phone.”They’re there. Move in now.”

[JuNii]

Umayma stayed with the group... she kept her movements small and as non-threatening as possible... 9-11 was over a decade ago... but people have long memories... and in her Muslim clothes...

she kept with her group as they went on the tour. Ignoring the harsh stares from the other patrons as the group went through the facility.

[President Mathias]

(OOC- I apologize if it seems misleading, but I, and my family, have referred to people 14-25 as young man/woman. We understand they are not of legal age, but believe they are generally responsible for more than a child would be.)

Nathan looked at the group and made a choice. He walked over to a young woman in black robes. He recognized them as the dress of a Muslim woman. He, personally, didn't have any prejudice towards Muslims. They chose their religion he chose his, that was that. He also drew his own conclusions from her religion. If memory served him well, in general Muslim women were taught to be subservient to men. While he had no intention of trying to push her around, he could infer that she was more likely to not be part of a clique.

He walked over next to her in the group and said, "Hello. I'm Nathan. Mind if I walk with you?"

[JuNii]

(OOC- I apologize if it seems misleading, but I, and my family, have referred to people 14-25 as young man/woman. We understand they are not of legal age, but believe they are generally responsible for more than a child would be.)

Nathan looked at the group and made a choice. He walked over to a young woman in black robes. He recognized them as the dress of a Muslim woman. He, personally, didn't have any prejudice towards Muslims. They chose their religion he chose his, that was that. He also drew his own conclusions from her religion. If memory served him well, in general Muslim women were taught to be subservient to men. While he had no intention of trying to push her around, he could infer that she was more likely to not be part of a clique.

He walked over next to her in the group and said, "Hello. I'm Nathan. Mind if I walk with you?"

"Umayma... no, I don't mind." she smiled, or at lest her eyes indicated that she smiled.

she continued to follow the group though the large Smithsonian.

[Katganistan]

The previous day...

Before walking out of the boathouse, Andy paused in the doorway. She didn't look back as she spoke.
"A sword is also a tool that's used to defend," she retorted, "and there can be no peace without those willing to defend. I do not think I am invincible -- but tempering has made me stronger."

She frowned. "As for friends -- I have one particularly close one who understands me, who does not judge me, and who came to protect me. More would be nice -- but they need to listen and understand rather than condemn."
Andy headed back up for the dorms. What a disaster. And Wolverine wanted her to relax? Perhaps a trip to Salem to eat at the malt shop would be more... restful.


The present...
Andy walked through the museum calmly, trying to look interested in the exhibits. She didn't have her knife throwers with her of course -- no way would they have passed through security. Still, she edged closer to Umayma as they walked. This was the first time she'd left school grounds since her kidnapping, and she was feeling very exposed, very nervous. She kept trying to tell herself to calm down, that she was making herself upset, that nothing was going to happen, and she kept feeling more and more as if the walls of the museum were closing in on her.

She hugged her tablet computer to her chest. It really was convenient, to take pages of notes, make sketches -- and still carry only one small device. And it made her feel better to have it -- with it she could pull up the museum floor plans from their website and figure out the most efficient way to get around the collection.

[Rupudska]

Amber walked through the museum, trailing Andy and Umayma, generally interested in roughly half of the exhibits. Mostly ones that had to do with archaeology or, more importantly, chemistry and geology. She loved rocks. She loved getting dirty and finding rocks, minerals, gemstones, etc. She thought it had to do with her powers, or perhaps her upbringing, but she couldn't help but be interested in the numerous natural history exhibits.

[Lost heros]

There was only one word that could describe Adam in the museum, and that word was bored.
He walked through the museum with the group, not really paying attention to the exhibits or talking to anyone. While Andy, Umayma, Nathan, and Amber were on one side, he was on the complete opposite. It didn't make much of a difference however because the group was small, and it would take a matter of seconds if either of them wanted to cross over to the other.

He stood there with his hands in his pockets. He did not have his sword, and he was completely unarmed. In his pockets was some lint that he was messing around with as they walked around. He looked around, cautiosly. For some reason, he didn't feel safe. He felt as if any moment now, something was going to happen. He tried to ignore this instinct, but it kept coming back. Once they stopped at the next exhibit, he shut the sense down completely, by making an attempt to read the name of something. He wasn't illiterate, but he was far from a perfect reader, and attempting to read large words was quite the challenge.