( colligo ¬ get collected ) → network.

I guess I'd better just suck it up and do this, if I ever want use of my PDA back.

( It's not like anybody is going to read this stuff anyway, so whatever. )

I can no longer sense Damian and Hank. They're gone.

So, I robbed a bank with Spider-Man.

That's a thing that happened.

I am so never living that one down.

I need Jello. All the Jello.

Yeah, so...did anyone else wake up today and realize they did really stupid stuff? I'm pretty sure I did some really stupid stuff which includes but not specific to:

robbing a bank

buying a penthouse

apparently I have a motorcycle

and a fountain shaped like a penguin

Aside from all of that, anyone want to mention where I even am?

[ private ]

I have a black costume. I tossed my old costume for a black one.

Well, at least black is slimming.

I'm not sure how this happened, but apparently I like weapons - like a lot. They are all over this apartment that I woke up in. I guess they are mine. Nobody has come in and told me to get out. I also don't know why the Billy Idol look alike is here, and when I got into that. He is cute, in this older, kind of sexy sort of way. I'm also knocked up. This is not weight gain. Weird. Makes me wonder if Billy Idol did it? I feel like I should be on one of those weird talk shows 'Billy, you are the father!' UGH, so not needed.

I probably should have paid attention to this thing a little sooner but I was sort of lost in this massive house for a few days.

Seriously. I think I'm a princess or something. This place is crazy big. And is anyone else naturally blue but able to look like everyone else? Because I

Anybody figure out anything new about this situation?

Anyone know a good telepath? A basic knowledge of Russian brainwashing is preferred, but not required.

Mental note, the next time there is an invasion, I probably shouldn't attempt to take matters into my own hands.

[Raven]
I don't know what to say. I heard you I'm sorry.

[The PDA comes on to the sound of really fast running, which cuts off abruptly followed by Hank’s breathing as he hits a dead end.]

This is not good. Not good at all.

[The obvious sounds of Daleks, repeating EXTERMINATE gets closer]

I suppose this is what happens when I spend most of my time in the lab. I have to make it a point to better familiarize myself with the city after this, [a pause] Too high to try and jump. Damn!

EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!

[There’s the crackle of electricity and the sound of a weapon being fired and the sound of metal hitting the ground]

At least I know it works.

WHERE DID YOU GET THAT DEVICE?

WHERE? WHERE?

[a pause] I….I made it. I had some help of cour….

[Hank is cut off as the sound of a scanner is heard over the PDA]

YOU ARE A GOOD SPECIMEN TO BE IMPROVED.

YOU WILL BECOME ONE OF THE GLORIOUS DALEK RACE!

Oh no, I don’t think so. [There’s another crackle of electricity as the device Hank created with Q charges up.]

TAKE HIM. PUT HIM WITH THE OTHERS!

[Before the device can fire Hank yells out and the device clatters to the ground amidst the sound of Hank struggling]

No! Let me go!

Well that sucked a whole heaping lot.

[Loud hiphop music and people shouting over it can be heard; Raven - the only one whose voice is easily distinguishable - sighs heavily. There's the banging of a door and the rest of the noises become muffled. When Raven speaks, she's clearly muttering to herself.]

Well, that was about as much fun as a trip to the dentist. [a pause; there's the distinct sound of the door banging once more - with the noises from the club becoming loud then muffled once again; Raven doesn't seem to notice]

Okay, maybe a little more fun than the dentist, but still not as [a pause] Uh. Hi there. Something I can help you with? [there's a muffled voice, low and angry-sounding; the words are too garbled to make out but it's obvious from Raven's snort of derision a heartbeat later that she clearly doesn't give a damn what they're saying]

Right. Because it's my fault that your guy noticed m- [there's a loud slap and a clatter as the PDA falls to the ground - Raven's voice becomes a bit distant-sounding]

You slapped me! Who just walks up to someone and slaps them? That's seriously rude! [there's the sound of someone punching someone else; Raven's grunts softly and mutters to herself] Okay, ouch. Note to self. Figure out how to punch someone without use of your- [she trails off at the telltale sound of a gun being cocked]

A gun.

[a pause; her tone is disbelieving]

You're going to shoot me over a guy? A guy that noticed me? Are you actually nuts? We danced. Seriously. I even turned down his number. And you don't just-

[there's a loud bang and a gasp of pain; the thud of a body hitting the ground is coupled with the sound of someone in high heels running away; for a moment, there's nothing else, then a sharp intake of breath that's very wheezy and filled with pain]

Sonofa- [a couple of seconds of coughing follow then another, softer thud; then, there's nothing but silence save for the distant sound of music playing and cars driving past]

I've never been more appreciative for the fact that the labs are soundproofed. Not that it's anything new for me, but I've been in my lab since yesterday, because it's been the only way to control this new ability. Apparently I have developed telepathy and without knowing how to control it I unwittingly read the minds of just about everyone here at the mansion. It was brief and I would never do that if I could control it of course. </s>I'll admit though, this is preferable to having feet like a monkey. Even if I do sort of miss being able to hang upside down.</s> I should have asked sooner, but I was distracted, trying to figure out how to control this on my own, but please let me know if you've suddenly developed....unusually large feet.

[Filtered to Xavier Mansion]
I didn't ask earlier if everyone was alright, considering I accidently read everyone's minds and already knew the answer. It seems that with the exception of Damian and Stephanie, the rest of you are all completely human, correct?

[in the background, music can be heard playing softly before suddenly being interrupted by an alarmed shriek from a monkey followed by some shuffling about, a gasp, then a resounding thud coupled with a grunt before a female voice begins speaking]

Ow. That hurt. Stupid gravity.

[sounds of someone standing back up before sucking in a sharp breath]

O-kay. That's... you're a monkey. Why are you a monkey? Why are you in my room?!

[footsteps, muffled against the carpet, are heard going away from the pda, then back toward it]

Right. There's a monkey. In my room. I have a monkey in my room. Someone gave me a monkey and- [everything suddenly goes silent before the girl groans softly]

Charles. What did you do this time? Right. Phone. I need to- [an abrupt pause then, loudly]

WHO STOLE ALL MY RECORDS?!?!?

[ooc: raven xavier, age thirteen, who purposefully makes herself look a bit older because, uh, she's a teenage girl who can. enjoy!]

So, I kind of stole a baby.

Just so everyone's aware.

Well...okay, stole isn't the right word. I procured her, from Selina, who's totally in no shape to deal with a baby right now.

Who wants Jello?

As loud and boisterous this house can get at times, I am quite glad that everyone is visible again. I didn't enjoy my mind playing tricks on me. While I could have held my own if someone had been in the house besides those that are supposed to be, I wouldn't have wanted to actually have to do it. Of course I did get a lot of work done during the last few weeks, but it's much easier to relax when I know everyone else is upstairs and that I can actually see them.

[Filtered to Raven]
Raven, I was wondering....I was going to ask you sooner, but then Asaph decided to separate us...well, would you like to do something? Perhaps my earlier suggestion of taking Abu out?

I've had to install a lock on my bedroom door, the same kind on my lab, because someone's dinosaur got into my room and ate a few pairs of my shoes as well made a mess out of some of my clothes. This means I'm going to need to go shopping, which I don't exactly enjoy doing, but it's either that or wear the same five shirts all the time.

Raven, would you want to join me? Make this a little less boring.

( Charlotte sounds perturbed )

Oh dear...this again.

( a pause )

Raven? Darling? I need to borrow some clothes.

( another pause )

And why on earth was I in bed with Erik?

( another pause and a startled laugh )

Oh...never mind then. Yes...that would explain it.

( ooc: meet Charlotte Xavier, a distaff counterpart of Charles )

Okay so I am hoping that these crystals work. I don't want a repeat of what just happened to me, I could have been killed and almost did. The Source of all evil, has been following me. I can just tell that he's spying on me, it feels like he's close again. I'm not stepping out of the apartment. Ever since I heard stories about him from my mother, I have been terrified of encountering him, he was supposed to be vanquished, what is going on?

I didn't mean I thought Kitty was trying to stop me. I let it get to me, whatever is happening to everyone, it got to me. I didn't know what I was doing, and she was trying to stop me.

I thought she was someone else. I didn't mean hurt her. I swear, I didn't.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I hate Asaph! I hate his stupid mistletoe. And I hate when I try to do something right and it blows up in my face. I couldn't just let her break into the bank. I had to try and stop her. What happened after that wasn't my fault! Why couldn't it have been Crane or something? But then with my luck, I probably would have wound up kissing him. And that would just give me nightmares for the rest of my life. But no, it had to be her and now the best thing that I had going is a mess and I don't know what to do.

( Filtered to Raven )

Right. Waking up as a skeleton in a library. That's new. Getting shuffled out by a pair of tin cans and tossed out naked in the street. Also new. Not having a drink, clothes, or a cigar. That's not, and it's a problem.

Last time this happened..well, lets avoid that. Answers. I'd like them. If things thing works like it looks like it does, the rest of you would really rather likely me to have them to, and clothes, and a smoke, and a drink.

( More about me! )

Molly, and Old Lace, are gone. I went by her room to see if she wanted to go into town with me and found it empty.

Sometimes I really hate this place.

Everyone really is giving me a headache. Well, everyone might be a bit of a hyperbolic statement. But quite a few people are. There's something off in their heads, like things have been shifted about and put in the wrong places...that's the only way I can think to describe it.

Raven, dear. Drinks? Please?

That is it.

My boss is suddenly in touch with his feelings, my best friend is no longer in touch with hers, and my maybe someday boyfriend my other best friend doesn't seem to even have any right now.

I give up. If anyone needs me - and you really, really, really better not need me because I'm liable to kick you in the throat if it's for something stupid - I'll be in the Danger Room until this is all over.

P.S. And I'm taking all of the Jello with me. Because I can.

I've done quite a lot of thinking recently about my attempt to reverse my mutation and I have come to the conclusion that I wasn't the least bit at fault for the ultimate result. I've rewritten the formula that I used and the science was sound, which means there was a miscalculation; otherwise it would have worked perfectly and I would have become normal as opposed to transforming into a great, blue animal.

ATTENTION PEOPLE OF COLLIGO!

It is with great pleasure, and virtually no research on the matter because we are awesome like that, that Steph and I would like to introduce you to our mascot/sidekick/best pet ever.



His name is Abu, he likes baths, and if any of you try to claim he's not adorable I will kick you in the face. Or scowl. Whichever is easier.

( cut for language )

( There’s the sound of a door opening and a soft, sort of surprised sound. After a moment, Steve speaks, his voice a little uneasy. Clearly he’s out of his element. Still, he’s speaking loud enough that he’s obviously talking to someone outside the room. )

Hello? Raven? I know you said to just come in but... ( a pause ) Wow...this place is...just...wow. You were kinda underselling it when you said it was just a small place with a few rooms... ( another pause, this one slightly awkward ) This is the right place, right? I’d hate to think I just walked into the wrong house.

(There's a quiet snort of amusement before Raven speaks up, her footsteps sounding over his PDA a few seconds before she actually appears in the room.)

You don't know how tempted I was to pretend to be some old lady who was ticked you were walking into her house just now. (a pause; clearly she's grinning) Fortunately for you, I decided to be nice just this once.

(There's another pause.)

And yes. I'll freely admit I was underselling the place a bit. But honestly. If you've seen one mansion, blah blah blah. You know how it goes. (a pause) Or maybe you don't. I keep forgetting you're even more time displaced than I am, in a lot of ways. Huh. Not used to someone having it worse than me. That's going to take some getting used to.

(Another pause, this time she draws in a big breath before continuing.)

Anyway. So. Welcome and all that fun stuff. I'm Raven. Hi there.

( Steve’s quiet for a long moment, just taking in everything she’s said. When he finally speaks, he sounds more at ease. )

Well...I have to say, I’m really glad you decided against doing that. I’m not exactly sure how I’d have reacted to that. So...it’s good that you were nice. Not...that I thought you wouldn’t be.

( an amused chuckle )

Can’t really say I know how it goes. Mansions are more Tony’s thing. Don’t really have ‘em in Brooklyn. It’s nice though...I guess...if you like big houses with lots of rooms and stuff. ( a pause ) Sorry. Can you tell I’m a little out of my element here?

( another pause, then very earnestly )

It’s nice to meet you, Raven. In person, that is. I’m Steve.

(Raven laughs slightly.)

Yeah, I gathered you were Steve. What with you showing up, asking for me by name, and being (a pause) actually, 'built' really isn't doing you justice. Because really. You are definitely more than built. You're about up there with one of those carved statues of a perfect physique that I had to study when I was forced to take art class in boarding school.

(another pause)

Seriously. Did you know you're about a twenty-five million on a scale of one to ten of physical hotness? Even I can't swear I could make abs that look like yours and that is definitely saying something.

( It’s quiet for a long moment. Steve tries to say something, but mostly just stammers, then clears his throat and tries again. )

I...um...thank you, ma’am. I’m not all that sure I agree with your opinion, but it’s nice of you to say that...even if I’m pretty sure you’re exaggerating. A lot. But I wouldn’t try looking like me if I were you. I mean...you’re really pretty just the way you are.

(Raven's tone is no small amount of amused as she responds.)

First of all, it's Raven. Not ma'am. And I'm not exaggerating. You're really very pretty, for a guy.

(a pause)

And secondly, thanks, for the comment about me. Although... (another pause) This isn't actually the way I am. This is just the way I commonly choose to look.

(There's yet another pause, then the telltale sound of Raven shifting physical forms.)

This is how I naturally look. (For all of the bravado in her tone, there's still a touch of wariness despite her attempt to sound casual.) Not exactly as pretty as the blonde hair, blue eyed look, I know. But still me, just the same.

( Steve sounds slightly less flustered, but not by much. )

All right. Raven. I’ll keep that in mind. I’m still not sure I agree on the pretty thing, but I guess we can agree to disagree on that.

( There’s a pause when Raven shifts into her natural form. When Steve does speak, he sounds absolutely sincere. )

You’re very patriotic. And I can’t imagine a single reason why you wouldn’t want to look like that all the time. I think it’s pretty swell. Whoever got you thinking you weren’t pretty must’ve been a real idiot.

(Raven is silent for a long moment. When she speaks, she's clearly smiling.)

Okay. You, I like. You can stay. In fact, I vote we keep you. And as my vote is the one that counts, (a pause) and Steph's too, since she counts but will still vote my way as well anyway because she's awesome like that, you're staying. Maybe not permanently, of course, because I'm sure you have a life and a roommate and (a pause) and now I'm gushing. The point is, good answer. Let's find you some Jello to try.

(another pause)

Oh! And I made star-shaped red, white, and blue Jello for you. I figured it was fitting. But there's lots of others you can try too. (yet another pause) In fact, I insist you try them all. Mostly because I'm pretty sure my brother will have a stroke if he sees how much Jello I made. And am I talking a lot? Because I do that, sometimes. I'll stop talking now. This way to the kitchen!

(another pause, this time for a half of a second or so)

And you really are pretty for a man, Steve. You should just accept that and move on because I'm not dropping it until you agree with me. I'm a little stubborn that way.

( Steve gets flustered again, stumbling over his words as he tries to respond. )

Stay? I...uh...I mean that’s nice of you, but I do have a place of my own, and I’m pretty sure it’d be rude to just leave without saying anything...not to mention I’m not sure I ought to go moving somewhere new and... ( a pause ) Let’s just start with Jello and work up to you kidnapping me and keeping me locked up here so I can compliment you.

( a pause then a laugh )

That actually sounds pretty good. I guess if it’ll keep you out of trouble with your brother, I can help get rid of the Jello. From what you’ve told me, it sounds pretty good. And, anyway, my metabolism is kind of crazy. ( sounding kind of embarrassed ) I’m actually kind of starving right now.

( another short pause )

Well...thank you. ( a brief pause ) Oh...hey. Would you mind if I...um...drew you some time? ( another pause ) I just mean...I like drawing. And you look so unique...you don’t have to say yes. I just...I thought it could be nice.

(Raven pauses for a moment, as though considering his question. Her tone is a bit dry when she replies.)

You know, that’s the second time in fairly recent memory for me that a guy has asked me for something that’s definitely not ordinary. Though I’m guessing that drawing me won’t involve needles? At least, I hope not. Otherwise, your idea of drawing and my idea of drawing are a whole lot different. (a pause; her tone turns slightly teasing) That’s a yes, by the way. I don’t mind if you draw me sometime. I’m actually a little flattered. (another pause) And also relieved that you have an appetite because seriously. Half the fridge is stocked with Jello right now and I kinda want to avoid a lecture on wasting my free time making tasty, jiggly desserts if I can help it.

(There’s the sound of a door opening.)

And here’s the kitchen. Which is (a pause) surprisingly empty, for once. I swear, all the rooms in this house and most of us seem to spend our free time in here. There’s probably something to be said about that. (a cabinet door swings open)

Oh! Right. Go ahead and have a seat wherever. Personally I prefer the counter but that’s mostly because it makes this little vein stick out on the side of my brother’s head whenever I do it. But yeah. Have a seat and I’ll grab round one of the second largest Jello feast in the school’s history.

( another laugh, this one slightly startled. )

No. No. Definitely no needles. Just some charcoal. Maybe some pastels. It seems a shame to draw you in black and white when your colors are so vivid. ( a pause, then shyly ) I missed it...during the war. I know I'm a soldier...but I was studying art, before the war. Life just...kind of got in the way. A lot of things got in the way. And now it's seventy years later and...I don't know. It would be nice to have something familiar. That doesn't change.

( a pause as he listens to her talking about the kitchen and Jello )

I don't think me sitting on the counter would be a good idea. ( another pause ) Wait...that's the second largest Jello feast?

[Footsteps are heard as Damain walks down the hall then the steps. His footsteps slow as he walks through the mansion towards the kitchen. There’s quiet for a few moments until the sound of the PDA being set down on the counter is heard, followed by the fridge being opened and it’s contents rummaged through]

With as many people who live in this damn house, you’d think there’d be more food in the fridge.

[There is the sound of something being taken out of the fridge and the door closing]

[A few seconds later, there's the sound of more footsteps entering the kitchen before abruptly stopping, followed by a heavy sigh.]

Oh, great. It's you. [Raven is clearly not very pleased but, nevertheless, the footsteps continue into the room. A cabinet door opens and there's some shuffling around before she sighs again. When she speaks this time, it's a mutter and clearly not aimed at him.]

Seriously. How hard is it to keep chips in this place? I can't even remember the last time I was able to eat even one before the bag was gone.

[Damian sighs as Raven enters the room, but moves to the island where the PDA is and sits up on a stool; the sound of a bottle cap being removed follows]

I was just saying that with the number of people who live in this house, you’d think there’d be more food. I mean for one there should be more junk food.

[Raven sighs and the cabinet door swings shut. There's the sound of a little more shuffling around, and the fridge door opening, before she finally gives a small 'aha!' of victory.]

Well, at least they left the Jell-O alone. [The fridge door shuts and a drawer opens. There's the rattling of silverware before she finds what she's looking for, followed by footsteps getting closer to the PDA as Raven takes a seat.]

We probably shouldn't complain too much about the whole lack of junk food thing. [a pause] I don't know about you I'm not exactly offering up most of my paycheck to the keep the cupboards stocked. [another pause]

So. Steph still ticked at you? [Raven's tone is innocent but anyone who knows her will be able to tell she's obviously just poking at Damian's buttons because she can.]

[Damian is quiet, drinking his soda, as Raven searches the cabinets and fridge.]

I’m starting to think that if I want certains things I’m gonna have to hide them in my room so no one eats it.

[At Raven’s question, he doesn’t answer right away, the only sound in the room being the ticking of the clock for a moment or two before Damian sighs]

As if you didn’t already know that. [You can almost hear the pout in his voice]

[For a few long, moments there's nothing but the clock ticking once again coupled with the sound of Raven's spoon occasionally banging lightly agains the dish containing the Jell-O. When she speaks, her tone is almost flippant but not quite as callous as she's been known to be.]

I guess I do. [another pause followed by a soft sigh] Look. I'm not going to apologize for what I said. I meant every word of it and, let's be honest. It was a long time coming. [another pause]

But if I didn't think you and Steph were good for one another, I would have said something a long time ago. [a pause] In fact, I probably would have said it, shouted it, performed an interpretive dance, and possibly even written it on a big piece of posterboard with finger paints. [another pause]

My point is, I do think you're as good for Steph as she is for you. I just wish you'd stop acting like some obsessive boyfriend-shaped-person that flips out whenever she so much as tries to do things that don't involve you. Because seriously. That? Is not groo- [a very brief pause as she catches herself] cool. That's not cool at all.

[Damian is quiet again for a moment or two once Raven finishes speaking, the only sound is that of the bottle being set down on the counter]

I don’t....I don’t try to be difficult and I don’t expect everyone to forget what I used to be like, because lets face it, for you guys it’s only been a few months. [a pause] I just...I can’t even believe I’m gonna tell you this, but over the last eight years, I thought I’d worked through all the issues I had from my childhood, only to find out that I hadn’t done as good a job as I thought. [There’s another short pause] The last few months have just been one big clusterfuck in my head and I don’t know how to deal with any of it. So, my first instinct is to get defensive. It always has been.

[Raven is silent as he speaks and is even quiet for a few seconds afterward, seriously considering what he said before responding. When she does, she starts out speaking slowly - as though considering each word - but starts to pick up steam once she gets going.]

Yeah, but... I mean, there's defensive and then there's acting like a stalker. And you're sort of inching toward the latter a little. [a pause] Let's take this latest situation, for example. You have to know that Steph and I aren't into girls. Not even each other. But you acted like she'd committed... [a pause, as she struggles for the right words] high treason or something, with her answers.

[There's a soft clatter as Raven sets down her spoon.]

And, a word to the wise? You're never going to work through all of your issues from when you were a kid, Damian. No one does. [a pause] Trust me. I'm speaking from experience on this.

I hadn’t intended it to sound like that. I know you guys aren’t into each other. I don’t know why I get so jealous, but I can’t help it and don’t even realize it until it’s too late. [A pause as he toys with the label on his soda bottle, not looking at Raven for a moment or two, pondering what he’s going to say next] Steph is the only girlfriend I’ve had and I keep thinking that she’s going to remember how I used to be and decide I’m not worth it or something. God, I can’t believe I’m telling you all of this. I haven’t even told Steph that. Not the only girlfriend part. She already knew that.

[Damian is silent for another moment or two] Maybe not, but with Drake showing up and then being sent back it brought back all the unresolved issues that we have concerning my father and then what happened when I was in Katherine’s body and fucking Jason....Raven, I’m a mess right now and no amount of meditation or beating the crap out of thugs helps.

[There's a moment of silence then Raven sighs softly.]

I don't know what to tell you. [a pause] You just have to get over it, Damian. It's not easy. [She snorts softly.] It's definitely not easy, in fact. [a pause then another soft sigh] But, eventually, you start to realize that not everyone is going to do to you what was done to you when you were younger. And you start to figure out that sometimes, you really can have friends who care about you for who you are and not who they think you are.

[There's the sound of the spoon once again scraping against the bowl in random spurts as Raven begins to scoop out the remaining Jell-O.]

I know this is a crazy idea. Totally insane, actually. But maybe, just maybe [a gasp] You should talk to Steph about the problems you're having not acting like a psycho stalker. [a pause, then Raven's tone turns a bit more sincere] She does care for you, you big dope. She'd probably listen.

[Damian watches Raven for a moment or two]

That’s all easier said than done. And I know that Steph would listen, but when we’re together I don’t want to bring up all that crap. I mean, maybe that’s the problem right there, but I’d rather spend time with her and do something fun instead of bringing the mood down with my shit, which I know is stupid and not the way to work through it all, but I’m screwed up. [He lets out a short, bitter laugh] I bet my mother would be glad to know that she screwed me up just enough that I can barely function in society.

[The response that immediately follows is little more than a mutter.]

At least she was involved enough in your life to screw you up.

[There’s a pause, then Raven sighs.]

Okay, listen. If you don’t bring up all of... this, to Steph, there’s a good chance you two won’t be together anymore. She’s only going to put up with it for so long before she gets tired of making excuses for you. You have to know that.

[Damian sighs and the next thing he says is muffled as he has put his head down on his arms, on the counter]

I know. I know. Why do relationships have to be so hard?

[There is silence for a moment or two before he lifts his head, sighing once more] I’m gonna have to get her somewhere where she’ll have to listen to me so that we can talk all of this out. I hate it when she’s mad at me.

[Raven's tone is almost caring, lacking its normal edge of faint sarcasm.]

They're only as tough as you make them, Damian. [a pause and a snort] Not that I have any room to judge in that department. [another pause and then a sigh]

Look. Just tell her that you want to talk about personal stuff. You can do that in her room. Or yours. Or any of the other seven hundred and ten rooms in this house that aren't occupied by people. Then just tell her everything you've told me. Trust me. In matters like this, honesty is the best policy.

[Another pause. This time, when Raven speaks, she's clearly grinning and her tone is slightly teasing.]

Besides. It's not like you can screw it up any worse than you already have. [She hesitates then quickly adds] Which was not a challenge, by the way.

[Damian is quiet for another moment or two before speaking, his tone also lighter than a moment ago]

Thanks, Raven. I know that I can be a real pain in the ass and usually put my foot in my mouth ninety-nine percent of the time. Hopefully after I talk to Steph we can figure out something as far as my unresolved issues go. [He laughs softly] Maybe I should give you guys permission to punch me every time I say something stupid and eventually the memory of the pain will keep me from saying stupid things. It’ll be like that Pavlov thing.

[Raven is quiet for a long moment. When she replies, it's obvious she's grinning.]

Now that is a plan I can support. A chance to smack you when you get out of line without fear of a lecture from my brother about the proper way to act, blah blah blah? I'm definitely in.

[There's muffled footsteps and the sound of water being run as she rinses off her dish.]

And I should probably warn you. If you decide not to talk to Steph about this, there's every chance I will. So Damian? Talk to her.

[Damian laughs again] Yeah, we'll just tell him that it's an experiment. He can understand that. [There is the sound of the stool being pushed away from the counter and Damian's footsteps on the floor follows] I'll talk to her. Maybe not tonight cause it's getting late, but tomorrow for sure.

Okay so you know what? I've been thinking for a while about this, and was hoping someone else was going to speak up, but I guess not. So. I'm going to be that person.

Why is it that some people can make public claims about stealing things - regardless of their reasons - and can get away with it. Then other people want to know if there are things available from their own reality that are usable to them and automatically they're being told to behave or else? And that's really just a recent example, so don't try claiming I'm singling you out because I have no problem citing other situations.

And yes. I'm well aware that some people in the city are known for causing issues in their own reality, but here's my problem with that. We claim, as a whole, to give everyone who shows up here a clean slate. We say we're going to give them all the benefit of the doubt. Then someone shows up who doesn't have their own comic book, or TV show, or movie, or something. Or, if they do, they aren't the 'good guy' in the comic book/TV show/movie/something. And suddenly, half of the city starts making threats toward them.

Now I ask you. How is that fair? And yes, I know that life isn't fair, so spare me that speech. My point is, what's good for one should be good for all. Otherwise, what kind of message is being sent to these people when they come here? Because all I'm getting from it is 'you're allowed to do what you want as long as people like you but, the second they don't, LOOK OUT'. And I really don't think that's the message most of us morally ambiguous types wants to send.

At least, I know I don't.

(And, because Steph finally taught me what this means, tldr: Everyone here acts like a flaming hypocrite and I want to know why that seems to be allowed in a place where everyone is supposed to have a 'clean slate'.)

I thought I might actually get away with not doing this one, but everyone else I know has, I may as well head off the prodding by getting it done.

( I hope this information proves to be at least somewhat amusing. )

I've finally organized all of the notes that my older self left and it's possible that the vampire notes may be more interesting. I'd like to thank any of the vampires who let me question them.

Now, I suppose I'll do that questionnaire that everyone else has been doing.

( My Answers )

These questions were weird.

( And now I want a monkey. )

( Charles's answers )

I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch and if Asaph brings him back I'll kill him again!!

I have so many notes to go through from my older self that I don't even know where to start. I spent all day yesterday just trying to figure out where to start and I came up completely at a loss. I'll admit, this situation really was an eye opener and I have a lot to think about, but I want try and go through these notes first.

No, Asaph. No. I don't want to revisit my childhood again, understand? And I'm 99.9% sure that no one else around here wants me to revisit my childhood either. Besides, then the whole me and Steph thing gets weird again.

Hey Jason, so when's confession? Cause I have to confess that the thought of you as a priest made me laugh so hard that my ribs hurt.

You know, if I wanted to have entire weeks blacked out of my memory, I'd start drinking. This what I'm guessing is me becoming a different version of myself stuff is starting to seriously cramp my style.

In other news, at least I'm back now. And with all sorts of new drawings of unicorns and rainbows from little!me to look at, too. Along with a rather interesting letter from older!me that's Don't judge. I was a weird kid.

So. What did I miss?

[There's a little shuffling around and the sound of footsteps slowly moving around the room. The voice is female and clearly young sounding, as well as hesitant and almost fearful.]

This isn't... [a pause] Wait. Okay. It is my room but it doesn't look right. I don't...

[another pause; the voice turns annoyed]

Did I end up in the wrong room again? I really need to draw a map so I stop getting so lost. They're never going to believe I belong here if this keeps happening.

[another pause, then a soft sigh and the telltale sound of her form changing shape]

Charles, you better be in your room or I'm gonna start thinking real loud.

[ooc: raven, a few months after being adopted by charles & family]

I suppose I should get this over with.

This place certainly is interesting, I'll give it that much. A bit confusing but I'm sure I can muddle through.

So, for the record, I'm Raven. I'm apparently going to be taking over the life of my younger self for a while. I'd apologize for that but I'm the victim, so that isn't going to happen. Instead I'll just say, if you'd rather not associate with me until I'm back as I'm meant to be, I'll understand.

So I was thinking this morning, while making waffles.

And no, before you ask, the waffles didn't burn. Waffles are serious business and I would never burn them.

I've decided that if I could be any color, I'd be blue. Specifically your shade of blue. Because it's a really great shade.

Or purple. Which do you think would go better with blonde?

This is what I think about. Yeah, I don't know either.

So, how are things going with Hank? My offer to kick him in the throat if he upsets you still stands. Best friend prerogative. Plus my ninja skills totally enable throat-kicking.

Also, want to go practice in the Danger Room? Older Erik has this bad habit of making me want to punch things when he says words.

Thank you, and I hope you've enjoyed your daily dose of stream of consciousness from Steph.

Interesting. No illusionist would take the time to craft such an extensive and contradictory environment.

Also, anyone who happens to be in the Xavier School at the moment, I think I might have broken Charles, if you wish to come try and fix him.

STEPH! STEPH! GET OUT OF THE DANGER ROOM RIGHT. NOW. WE NEED TO TALK.

You will not believe who I just saw kissing and being all couple-y. Well, okay, you will believe it since you called it a long time ago, but still. It's finally happened!

And for the record, just because they're finally together does not mean I'm going to start calling Charles 'mom' and Erik 'dad'. You have fun with that but no thanks.

NOW GET OUT OF THE DANGER ROOM ALREADY! THIS CALLS FOR CELEBRATORY JELLO!

[ooc: yes, this is "accidentally" mass!posted to everyone. so, while the entire city will receive this, she's going to totally claim it was meant for stephanie only. mostly because raven is a bratty little sister who lives to embarrass her brother. >.>]

This really isn't very funny. Can I have my own body back now?

...Please? You've had you're fun, I've freaked out already.

Raven!

Code...we don't even have a code for this! That's how serious this is.

I sparkle, Raven. I freaking sparkle! If I go out in the sun, I look like I've been glitterbombed!

Also I kind of want to eat people. That's bad, right?

Also, I woke up with the guy who looks like Cedric Diggory from the Harry Potter movies. Help.

Hello? What's going on? Either I'm no longer in the mansion or someone redecorated the library and didn't inform me. However, I distinctly remember that I was on my way to my room and then...

[Hank trails off as the knights step off their pedestals]

I didn't....is this a training exercise that I wasn't aware of? Charles? Raven? Alex? Hello?

[As the knights come near him, Hank turns and heads towards the doors. Finding them unlocked, he steps outside and stops abruptly as he realizes he's not exactly at home]

Where the hell am I, and who took my sword?

I'll kill you when I find you, whoever you are. You can count on that.

I'm back from my astral/sometimes-physical sabbatical, so I'll be using my room again. Thank you for keeping the psychic emergency calls to a minimum. I know it might sound a little hokey, but I really needed that "me time." I hadn't been alone by choice in ages and I needed to confront myself. And I couldn't handle everyone else's grief over Kitty on top of mine. And then there are all these memories of my future-yet-to-come that I needed time to evaluate.

Looks like I really should have come home sooner because KITTY?! Another Kitty? I don't know if you know me, but I've been best friends with three different versions of Kitty Pryde, so I'm really REALLY happy and I hope that isn't coming on too strong but REALLY! HI, KITTY!