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It's latish in the afternoon, and Sophie has come to meet up with Nyx and Cassandra. Sophie has only told Nyx that there's someone she really needs to meet, and has otherwise not been willing to spill more of why the trio just took the subway over to Brooklyn, or what's up with the nondescript warehouse the taller blonde is leading them to…
*
Cassandra is simply following along, as the silent girl is wont. She has clean clothes for a change, courtesy of a night at their home. She's still occasionally sniffing at her hoodie, infatuated with the smell of the fabric softener that has it fuzzy like new against her cheeks. As they get closer to the warehouse though, she'll stow her hands into her pockets and be on point with noting their environment. Not on point as in the lead, but rather extra attentive as she senses they are close to their destination.
*
Nyx walks hand in hand with Sophie for now, allowing herself to be led along. the dour blonde has the hood on her midnight blue hoodie up, her free hand buried into the pocket of her black jeans. She is always glancing around, something she just manages past the fabric framing her face. She doesn't bother asking questions. She does, however, keep a close eye on Cassandra. Call it protective. Nevermind that the third of the trio could easily beat Nyx up instead.
*
Meanwhile, inside the warehouse, there's a small living area set up. And Charles is already waiting there, having gotten a call from Sophie earlier. Currently, he's deep into a reading of The Lord of the Rings, smiling absently to himself as he mentally tracks those approaching, recognizing two of them rather easily.
*
At least the three girls have not run across any new contenders for the title of New York's Most Unfortunate Mugger on the way here. Instead, Sophie is saying to Nyx, "I know you trust me, but I especially need you to trust me now. And to take my word that you can trust the person you are about to meet. It may help to know that /I/ trust them with more than my life." And then she goes quiet, concentrating for a moment, confident that the Professor will have noted the approaching minds, one of them quite familiar. «We are here,» she thinks at the man inside. And then she uses a key from her pocket to unlock a rusty metal box mounted on the wall next to the door they've walked up to, opens the hinged panel on the front, and sets the four dials behind it to specific settings. *THWUNK* The door, which sounds heavier than it looks, just apparently unlocked. After turning to give her companions a smile, Sophie pushes the door open, and it pivots smoothly aside. "This way," she says rather unnecessarily, as she leads the way into the building's interior.
*
Cassandra simply follows along, noting the combination lock with a keen eye as she proceeds on in with them. Her hands fidget somewhat in the pockets, the hoodie concealing her features as well as it protects her from the evening breeze. She doesn't disregard the words Sophie makes, but neither does she respond to them. Typical for someone who isn't known for being talkative anyway. She simply regards her, and continues to be the lookout for that possible Most Unfortunate Mugger of the evening. Or whomever.
*
Nyx follows, nodding slowly. She just squeezes Sophie's hand tighter as she is being led inside. A brow arches when the door opens and the tiniest of the waif brigade takes a deep breath and allows herself to enter the building. "Fine. I'll trust them because I trust you," she breathes quietly. "You know, I need to rethink this thing where I do anything you say," she half-mumbles in a fairly good-natured way. Of course, Nyx's voice is always low and a little rough, especially for a girl her size.
*
When the ladies come in, that's when Charles puts his book down, smiling a bit, "Ah, yes, please, come in." He stands up, then blinks a bit, looking over at Cassandra, "I was hoping to see you again, Cassandra, but I didn't think it would be quite like this. Though, Miss Rousseau, I suspect your other friend is the one that you wanted me to interview?" He smiles slightly, doing what he can to put all three at ease. Though he's probably already aware of why the three are here… best to just pretend that he doesn't know to put them more at ease.
*
Sophie, of course, also knows exactly why they are here, but she plays along as well. "Oui, Professor. Allow me to introduce Lizzy Mayhugh, also called 'Nyx'." She turns to look at the shorter, paler blonde, giving her hand a squeeze and smiling warmly as she says to her, "And Lizzy, this is Professor Charles Xavier."
*
Cassandra has an expression of recognition at the bookish man she met exercising. She recalls quite vividly his ability to enter her mind to facilitate a form of communication. Her hands fold through the fabric of her hoodie as her posture shifts ever so slightly, and she looks between Sophie and he. Then to Nyx, where she'll take note of her reaction as well to the odd introduction.
*
Nyx takes a deep breath and nods very slowly. She glances at Cassandra and offersa brief smile before looking back to Xavier with a faint frown on her lips. She reaches up and pusehs her hood back ,showing off the shorn blonde locks and vividly blue eyes. "You're the PRofessor she keeps mentioning," responds slowly. There's a beat as she considers. "Well, I know where I am at least," she half-mutters to herself. Nyx takes a deep breath. She squeezes Sophie's hand in return, nodding. "Okay. So how do we do this? There isn't paperwork, right? I hate paperwork."
*
Charles chuckles, "Not really. A few minor forms, though…" There seems to be a sudden shift, and the surroundings change a bit to be a rather comfortable looking mansion, at least it feels that way. An elegant sitting room with a tea service for four and chairs around a table, "I believe if we conduct this meeting in a less physical setting, it will allow Cassandra to participate a bit more. If she doesn't mind, anyway?" And since he created the link, an image of the school follows along. Sophie would recognize the room after all.
*
"Go ahead, take a seat," Sophie says to the other two girls, looking a bit delighted at the shift in scenery. "It is all right, do not be afraid. In reality, we are still in the safehouse, but the Professor is sharing the room you see around us from his mind to ours. This is his power — or one way of using it, I should say."
*
Cassandra nods at Sophie as Xavier's imagery shows her taking a seat, communicating effectively Sophie's meaning. Her mind works on almost a purely visual level, one of the troubles with her personal barrier. The rest of her words are lost, as she doesn't get what she's shown. She just peers owlishly between Sophie and the professor for the time being.
*
Nyx moves towardhe chari slowly, nodding once as she does. The smaller blonde draws on Sophie's arm to pull her with. Precisely what this means is up to Sophie to interpret.. Nyx will eventually end up seated, however, still gazig intently at Charles. "A few minor forms. Okay," Nyx responds slowly.. Then she takes a deep breath. "I don't… Know what to say to it all, to be honest. Let's ge the show on the road before I come to my senses, right?" She glances at Cassandra, just to see what she is up to, and nods.
*
Charles takes a seat and looks between Cassandra and Lizzy, "Well, to be honest, I am interested in bringing you both into the school." He takes a cup of tea, dropping a spot of honey into it and stirring absently as he glances between the two, "However, due to the nature of the school, I do enforce very strict standards of privacy, and secrecy. In order to admit you, I would need to look into your minds." Which is a different matter than just a nice means of communication.
*
"The Professor will not do this without your permission," Sophie explains. "But you must understand, the school is a place of safety. A refuge. It is important that the Professor understands who you are, and if you might be a danger to the school's secrecy and security. It is not because he suspects you of anything. We all had to do this to be admitted."
*
Cassandra will take the offered seat once the momentary confusion passes. Her brow knits as she is shown an image of the Professor looking squarely at her, then pressing a finger to the location of her third eye with his other hand pointing to his own eyes. A gesture she somewhat grasps the meaning of, and is uncertain about as she's experienced how well she relates to others thus far. The surroundings however, they are a welcoming and persuasive touch. She has to consider this. She looks to Nyx, letting her decide as the person she's met whom she trusts thus far.
*
"I trust you, Soph," Nyx responds slowly. "But I dunno if he' really going to like what he finds,." She akes a deep brath and slowly exhales, shrugging as she does. "If you can let Cass and Sophie see stuff that's fine too," she finally mutters. "Fine. Do this. LEt's go. Before I change my mind." She glances at Cassandrand then lifts a shoulder in a light shrug. "Given we're already inside a world you just made up for us it's probably already done, right?"
*
Charles shakes his head, "On the contrary, Sophie is right. I would not read your thoughts without your consent." He smiles a bit, and then looks at Lizzy, "Just relax, and open your mind." Not that Lizzy would need to do so, considering Xavier's telepathic prowess, but it's more to set the girl at ease as Charles screens Nyx and her history, a terrible power tempered by an immense sense of compassion and empathy for his fellow mutants and humans alike. Though he doesn't show what he sees to Sophie or Cassandra, as consent or not, he values Lizzy's privacy in that respect.
*
Sophie says nothing, not wanting to distract or intrude on Nyx as she opens her mind to the Professor. She simply gives the shorter blonde's hand a gentle squeeze, as if to reassure her that she is still there.
*
Cassandra sees the two agreeing to the process, so nods ever so subtly as well. Having communicated with im in lesser fashion previously, she has a fair idea what to expect. She takes a quick but relaxing breath, then looks down in meditative fashion.
*
Nyx leans her head back and closes her eyes then, her expression tightenign slightly as the seconds pass necessary for Charles to invade herm ind. She takes a deep breath and exhales ,slowly. Thelaxation thing isn't working until her hand shifts against Sophie's. That seems to do the trick as far as it goes. Not that it matters to Xavier at the moment.
*
The Professor puts a finger to his temple… not that he needs to, but it's a habit, and dives into Nyx's memories, going through them as well as her emotions. Fear, rage, love, all the things that make a person what they are. It's an intense experience, as if the balance of your heart was held in his hands and weighed for all the thoughts and deeds you felt were secret laid bare. However, the hands are gentle ones, no judgment passed as Charles simply says, "I understand. And you are welcome to join the school." He coughs slightly, then glances over at Cassandra, offering the girl his hand, speaking more directly to her mind, "With your permission?" He offers to read her as well, to bring her into the school, that intent is clear.
*
Cassandra nervously extends her hand to him, following Nyx's example. Then, she squints tightly when the professor begins, drawing in a sharp breath. Cassandra doesn't blink unless its a deliberate action to convey some thought ordinarily, but her gaze narrows as she experiences a strange sensation behind her eyes accompanied by something akin to vertigo. She then clutches the chair, her eyes widening as the vertigo becomes a rush when he finishes. It wasn't at all like the last time, but fortunately it wasn't drawn out either.
*
Sophie still remains quiet, not wanting to interfere with what for Cassandra might be an even more delicate thing than it was for Nyx. Instead, she just does her best to be quietly reassuring, and will meet Nyx with a warm smile and another squeeze of her hand, whenever the shorter blonde opens her eyes.
*
Nyx slowly opens her eyes and then looks between Xavier and Cassandra. She's breathing hard, blinking her eyes afew times and then nodding once in mue understanding when she's welcomed. Then the girl tilts her head. "Well, everyone knows now anyway." And she pulls on Sophie's hand so that she can kiss her. Gently. It's rather chaste, really; more comfort than anything. "I don't know what I expected, but… Well. Huh."
*
SHe licks her lips and looks over toward Xavier, nodding. "Thank you. I… It's a little weird still. I mean, you get it. You just saw… Everything. ANyway."
*
The Professor weighs Cassandra, though perhaps even more gently than he did Nyx, considering the girl's mental state. Then, at the end, he opens his eyes, and nods, "Yes. You can both attend the school. We would be delighted to have you, and I think there's training that we can help you both with." He looks at Cassandra, and smiles slightly, "We are a school for mutants, but since I'm the one in charge, I get to bend the rules if I feel it appropriate. And in your case, it certainly is."
*
Cassandra peers at the professor owlishly, a brow raising in quizzical fashion to him as his meaning isn't fully translated fo her beyond 'welcome'. She'll relinquish the chair now that the discomfort is over, then look to the other two in curiosity if it was quite like that for them. She quirks her jaw slightly and sits back then once she's satisfied the aforemention curiosity and exhales mildly, her gaze settled on the bookish man with powers.
*
Hearing the Professor's pronouncement on Cassandra fills Sophie with relief that the gret telepath will surely feel radiating from her. She'd had little worry — maybe less than she should have, but hey, she's biased on the subject — about Nyx being accepted. But with Cassandra, well, given the lack-of-language barrier between them, Sophie really did not know what to expect the school's master to find in the depths of her psyche. But she did know that if Cassie hadn't been allowed in, then Nyx might quite likely have refused, as well. Now that worry has passed, and decorum is forgotten for a moment as she pulls Nyx into a second brief, chaste, but meaning- and emotion-laden kiss. "Welcome," she says quietly to the shorter blonde afterward. "Welcome more fully to my world. Now I no longer need to hold secrets from you."
*
Nyx nods at Sophie's statmeent and takes a deep breath. "I'm in if you are, Cassie," she calls to the other girl. The silent one. Still holding SOphie's hand Nyx offers a quiet smile, looking over each of the faces here in turn. "Well. My fortune cookie last night did say to expect big changes today." She tilts her head slightly at this point. "Okay. What's next? For all of us. I guess there's a great big hidden school somewhere…"
*
The Professor chuckles softly, "You could say that, yes. Fortunately, I had a car waiting, so we can travel there now. And that would include a tour of the facilities, and meeting some of the other teachers." He glances at Cassandra, and communicates more specifically to her in a combination of telepathy and speech, "Don't worry, it will be alright."
*
Cassandra just looks at Nyx, still slightly bewildered herself. She has the impression that noone expected something to happen involving this person she'd met purely by happenstance previously. She smiles meekly at the two kissing, but doesn't linger their way as she has some notion of propriety. Instead Cass looks back to the source of the drama. When his reassurances come, she purses her lips and rises to her feet with a knitting of brows.
*
Seeing Cassandra leaving her seat, Sophie rises as well, gesturing to Nyx to do the same. And then the taller blonde is opening her arms, smiling at Cass as she offers her a hug. If Nyx has joined her, it will be an offer of a three-way hug between the two blondes and the little brunette.
*
Nyx actually goes one step further, in fact. She moves to reach for one of Cassandra's hands to draw her closer. Just incase the image doesn't come across clearly enough. No hugging is goingto be forced, however. She glances at the professor then and breathes a soft laugh but decides against explaining precisely what is going on. The awkward dynamics of the group seem to be ironing themselves out at least.
*
Charles did pick up on some of the dynamics, considering he was deep in the minds of two of the people. Though he does have a bit of a wry expression as the mental projection-scape fades, leaving the quartet in the safehouse. "When you're ready, we can head up to the school. It's a short enough drive, all things considered."
*
Cassandra stares awkwardly at Sophie as she isn't sure about this, until Nyx pulls her along. When that happens she turns beet red as she endures the weird moment. Peering at either one of them wide eyed, she'll quirk her lips downward with uncertainty. Then it passes and draws a breath while looking downwards until Charles speaks. When he does, she'll look his way with curiosity as she understands him to be the cause of her changing surroundings. Something was about to happen.
*
"It's all going to be all right now," Sophie says gently to Cassandra, knowing full well that the girl can't understand her words, but hoping that the emotion behind them will be sufficient to carry their meaning.
*
Nyx squeezes Cass's hand tightly and doesn't bother to speak more on the matter. Closeness by proximity. She shifts her weight a bit closer, taking a deep breath as she positions herself between the two young women. "Okay. We should totally go."
*