Esmeralda dances to the rhythm of the tambourine (changewillcome) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2016-08-01 09:37:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, esmeralda, kitty pryde (shadowcat) |
Who: Esmeralda and Kitty
What: Going to Disneyland~
When: 1 August 2016
Where: Disneyland
Warnings: Low
Status: Log | Complete
All the best plans were last minute, and going to Disneyland was certainly one of them. Kitty was excited, she hadn’t been there in awhile, and she was going with someone who clearly was a noob at the place, which made it a lot more fun. Honestly the best part about visit from out of town friends was always seeing things through their eyes.
Dressed comfortably in shorts and a hello-kitty t-shirt, Kitty pulled up to the Court of Miracles. She was genuinely curious why Esmeralda never seemed to have an actual day off. It bothered her a little bit, but she knew how hard some people had to work to get by. She resolved to at least spoil her for a day.
Given the nature of the Court of Miracles, it wasn’t like Esmeralda could actually say that they weren’t technically on the up and up. They were far more legitimate than they’d been in Paris, they had managed to set up a business, but the fact remained that it wasn’t by the book or legal. Besides, what was a day off? Before, they’d always had different spots they’d travel for scams or begging or dancing on street corners. Now they were in one location and able to have some sort of stability. It was nice. Strange as they were all used to being on the move, but nice in its own way.
But given the set up, it did mean that they all had their roles to play. Add in she was the ‘main act’, so to speak,’ with her three dances and then going out to talk, flirt, serve, well she never really got a break. But Esmeralda didn’t mind it. It was things she was good at and enjoyed. It was life.
That didn’t mean she didn’t like getting out every so often and as she danced once it was dark (so lately after seven thirty at night at the earliest), it wasn’t like she didn’t have plenty of time during the day to do things. So getting to go on whatever adventure Kitty had planned for her? Not impossible. So dressed in a black vest top and white denim shorts (what was it with this country and denim?), Esmeralda was waiting outside to see just what they had planned for the day.
Kitty had opted for her motorcycle this time. Sleek, blue and black like one of those Japanese crotch-rockets, it was perfectly silent when she rolled up. “Part one of the adventure,” She declared, grinning widely at Esmeralda. “A friend souped this bike up for me ages ago.”
She even had a helmet with cat ears.
“I don’t know that term, but it’s very nice. As is your helmet.” Smirking some, she pushed herself off from the wall she’d been leaning against before walking towards the motorbike. There had been plenty of them in Paris, even if she herself had never been on one. Life experiences and all that. So this was definitely going to be part of the adventure. Which was the point.
“It’s been upgraded,” Kitty clarified. She reached behind her and picked up another helmet. This one was less customized, but still matched the bike. “Ever ride motorcycle before?”
Okay, that made more sense. Why the term souped? Who knew. But American colloquialisms and all that. Taking the helmet, Esmeralda put it on before getting onto the actual motorcycle. “That I have not. So consider it part one of the adventure.”
“Just hold on and lean with me when I lean, it’ll make it easier to turn.” And then, just because she liked to show off, Kitty popped a wheelie as she sped off down the road. Just the one. She would have taken her favorite shortcut but someone had moved the object she’d been using as a jump ramp to get over a fence.
“Got it.” It seemed easy enough. Move with Kitty as she moved and controlled the motorbike. It worked well with her dance background as she could easily move and lean at a moment’s notice. So she did as told, grip tightening briefly at the wheelie before loosening once they were once again righted and on their way to...wherever it was they were going.
Kitty had settled on Disneyland. There was a lot more to do there that wasn’t just rides and rollar coasters, for one thing. And for the other, well, one of her friends was the Little Mermaid so she was amused by that. The other part about it was the opportunity to come back and see things they missed. Especially when the Star Wars stuff came in. Kitty was looking forward to that. Maybe they’d meet Darth Vader.
There was motorcycle parking near the tram, so she picked a spot and shut down the bike. “Okay we’re here!”
While there was indeed a Disneyland in Paris, there had never been a chance to go as that required, oh, money. Something that was much more difficult to come by in Paris when they had all relied more on pick pocketing and scams and someone being willing to drop a few Euro into a hat or tambourine. So while she knew she was near by, Esmeralda hadn’t really considered that she might have the chance to go to the well known landmark.
“So we are.” Grinning, Esmeralda got off the motorbike and handed the helmet to Kitty, shaking her head some to rid herself of helmet hair.
Stowing the helmets, Kitty gave an exaggerated bow and gestured towards the tram. “Our carriage awaits!” The monorail was always fun, something that Kitty enjoyed whenever she got a chance. Honestly, she thought that the county needed a system a lot like it.
It wasn’t super fast, but it would get them there. Where they’d have to do another exciting ride - waiting in line.
Laughing some, Esmeralda followed after Kitty towards the monorail. It would undoubtedly be interesting. After all, this was her first time, so it would all be new to her. Nothing to expect, just to experience. So that promised to be fun as well. Not that she would mind the waiting in line either. She didn’t have that whole… push to get things done in a quick manner that it seemed was common in this place. Everyone always had somewhere to go, by a time, and goodness knew they didn’t know how to be patient here.
Patience was not an American virtue, and Kitty was often a victim of lacking it. She tried to put it out of her mind, though she still rocked on her heels as they waited, too much bundled up energy in her muscles to be able to stand completely still. “One of the last times I was here was with the twins. Leong and Nga. I’m their legal guardian, after my wife passed away a few years ago. It was good to see them goofing off and being kids and I was completely wasted by the end of the day.”
She smiled, love and fondness on her face. “Worth it, though.”
Different life experiences and just energy within a state or country really. So it wasn’t like Esmeralda minded. It was good for people watching. Though there was still that part of her that knew people would be distracted, perfect targets were this still Paris and doing what was necessary day to day just to get by. Some habits were hard to break so this would certainly be a chance to test restraint.
Conversations helped as well and she nodded as she listened.
“I’m sorry for you loss. But yes, it’s important for children to be able to be as such and sometimes worth it no matter how tired you are.”
“Thanks.” It was easier to talk about than it had used to be. Maybe she’d mourned a little too hard. She’d certainly made a lot of mistakes in the process. Done things she wasn’t proud of. Though hunting down Xi’an’s killers hadn’t been one of those things she wasn’t proud of.
“Yeah, exactly.” She grinned at her new friend, and quickly paid for their entrance. “We’re going to do whatever you want to do, but there are a couple of rides that are non-negotiable and you need to go on.’
Once they were in the park, Esmeralda looked around. It was certainly a bit of sensory overload. Just the colors and people, employees dressed up as different characters. She could see why it had such an appeal, though she wasn’t really all that familiar with the stories themselves.
“I will follow your lead on that then.”
Kitty held out her arm, if Esmeralda wanted to take it. “Let’s start with the Indy ride before it goes away. And then definitely Haunted Mansion. And Star Wars. We can't leave without doing Star Wars.” Coming to Disneyland without hitting up the Star Wars launch bay would be criminal.
Esmeralda didn’t notice the offered arm, still a bit… well not overwhelmed, but definitely taking in the size of the park. “Whatever you think the best route is. Though it’s definitely good we’re here early.” Between having to ensure being back in time to dance and the sheer amount of things to be done? Definitely a good thing that they pretty much were there when the park opened. “So, which way first?” Even if Main Street itself was something that was interesting to look at to see what all was there.
Kitty’s face reddened a little as she dropped her arm to her side. Right, moving on. They’ll need a map, Kitty hadn’t spent enough time looking at the one online. So that was the first stop, along with buying something entirely too fried and sweet to eat. “Okay, we have our provisions and we have a map, so let’s go that way.” Kitty pointed. “We don’t have to rush yet, if there’s something you see you want to check out, let me know. I’m thinking we might have to come back again some day soon to see things we missed.”
One thing to say for the confectionary, they certainly went with the theme. But that didn’t really bother her. It was the experience of it all. So food that wasn’t really all that good for you and water? Not the end of the world. It wasn’t like Esmeralda wouldn’t work off the calories between all the walking they’d do and then doing three dances that evening. “Sounds good to me.” Grinning, she started after Kitty, only to notice something as they passed the Penny Arcade.
“Oh!” Because well, a fortune teller machine. With the name Esmeralda. Of course she’d be interested. “One moment!” And off to put in the quarter to see what it was she was to be look forward to in this life.
Kitty looked at the machine, then at Esmeralda and laughed. “This might be fun, what do you think your doppelganger will tell you?” Kitty wondered how many countless people had stopped for their fortunes over the years. She wondered what it would tell her, but she also wasn’t particularly interested in knowing. Besides, Esmeralda was enjoying herself.
“That is certainly the question. Madellaine is the one who handles the prophecy through tarot and palm readings.” Speaking of, she would probably bother Madellaine for a palm reading at some point. It was something that tended to happen while bored and every few years, just to see. And with the nature of this place and the dreams, well, Esmeralda was a bit intrigued to see what, if anything, would have changed. For now though? It was paying her quarter for a card with a readout. The animatronics of the machine were quite impressive.
“Born under a lucky star, your disposition, naturally optimistic and passionate, will be tested through unconventional means. These tests come from a recent move, though in them you can find yourself. Your natural ability to survive will be of good use and helpful to those for whom you are close. Beware those who see you as one or the other, for only you can know your heart and wait for one who sees you for all of you. Anything you do on the 17 of this month will succeed. One of your lucky numbers is 6.”
And then a ploy for another quarter. Laughing in amusement, Esmeralda pocketed the card and turned to Kitty to see if she planned to get one or if they were off to start going on the rides.
“My dreams have shown me too many prophecies that I’m totally over the idea,” Kitty replied. She folded her arms, leaning against a wall to watch. “She’s got you on the optimism and passion. That’s definitely you. Could have been me a few years ago.” But again, the dreams. Bouncing off of the wall, Kitty grabbed Esmeralda’s hand to drag her along. No ulterior motive, honest.
“The 17th, huh?”
Esmeralda nodded some at the comment. That was peculiar. But she had seen plenty on the network about the effects the dreams could have on people, how they changed. So far, Esmeralda’s were more or less the same, only in the 15th Century as opposed to the 21st. Which had it’s own challenges, but overall? The same.
Not really having much to reply with beyond shrug at the comment on it being like her, Esmeralda let herself be led away from the Penny Arcade, not really paying her fortune all that much attention. It was basically generic in her opinion.
“Apparently so.”
“Wonder if that’s a good sign or a bad one.” She glanced back at Esmeralda, a twinkle of mischief in her eye. “Think one of those machines could replace Madellaine? Or is it missing the human touch? She definitely couldn’t replace you, anyway.”
“Time will tell I suppose.” Which wasn’t so shocking, that was usually the way of things. That, and when giving prophecies and fortunes, it was always important to be vague so that any meaning could be taken and then be seen as true. Though the teasing comment about Madellaine caused Esmeralda to extract her hand to place it over her heart as she gasped in mock shock. “Why we could never replace Madellaine! How could you suggest such a thing!” Laughing and bowing her head some, Esmeralda then just rested both hands on the top of her head as they walked for a bit.
Esmeralda was seventeen levels of adorable, and Kitty couldn’t fight the grin on her face. She clasped her hands behind her back as they got into line. “I’d bust out Pokemon Go, but I’d like my phone’s battery to last longer than 45 minutes.”
She shifted to face Esmeralda as the line slowly inched forward. “You look nice, by the way. You top is. … Nice.”
Esmeralda herself wasn’t invested in the game. Part of it had to do with the fact she still didn’t have a data plan for her mobile, the other because she just didn’t have that interest in it. So she just nodded some. “Probably a good plan there.”
As they moved forward, she just blinked. “Oh? Thank you. You look nice too.” Was this a thing that was American thing to tell friends they looked nice? Well if there was, so be it. For now though, it was standing in line. And oh look. Inside and to the ride.
There was something cool about the aesthetic of the Indiana Jones ride. Kitty resolved to pick up a genuine Indiana Jones Hat to plop it on Esmeralda’s head. “This ride gets pretty exciting, I hope you’re up for it.”
“I look forward to it.” Grinning, she settled into the ride and once they both were seated, the lap bar came down. True sign that the ride would be fast and so safety and all of that. Not like Esmeralda had any real sense of the thing. But that was the theory and the ride itself was definitely fun.
It wasn’t flying a hypersonic jet exciting, but it was still a lot of fun, and more than once Kitty felt her stomach do that weird kind of movement that either was really bad or really really good. It depended on the person. Typically it was good for her. Her hair was windswept by the time it was done, and she looked at Esmeralda with the biggest grin on her face. “So how was your first ride?”
She probably should have thought better about her hair but it wasn’t like she knew what to expect. And well, Esmeralda almost always had her hair down anyway, so it wasn’t like it was that big a deal. Instead she just smiled as they got off the ride at the end. “Very nice.” And it was. Completely different, though it wasn’t like she’d actually had any expectations. Just fun and enjoyment. “So, where to next?”
“I’m honestly kind of excited about this, but the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. This is probably right up your alley.” Kitty wondered if Esmeralda was as into having her hair touched as she was, but she kept her hands to herself. She had to stop herself from bursting into a run.
“Sounds that way.” After all, there was Orleans in France, so it would hopefully be a bit familiar. And what she had learned from random conversations she would have with customers or with Grantaire, which would then veer off into random rambling, but she always could keep up. As they made their way to the next ride, Esmeralda noted another line. Pirates. Interesting. But right the Haunted Mansion first.
“I have a friend. Well a dream friend, who’s really heavily linked to New Orleans.” It was easy to miss the cajun thief. He was nice to listen to, and usually had something funny to say. When he wasn’t being a broody jerk, anyway. “And i’ve encountered ghosts. Among other things. The ones here are a little less real. Or are they?” She waggled her eyebrows.
As they made their way to the line, Esmeralda absently picked a pocket of someone who got just a bit too close without really noticing it. Habit. Instead she just nodded some. “Really? Interesting.” Because obviously she had Clopin there, but he didn’t dream. But she had yet to see the archdeacon or the bell ringer. Add in the ghosts. “You never know where spirits can be.” She could play along, after all.
Had Esmeralda just….? Nah. Kitty shrugged. “That’s true, but I think there are places where you’re more likely to find them. Spirits and other things. England for example. The whole place is brimming with magical energy. Other kinds of energy too. It was really a big part of my dreams for awhile.”
Probably best not to question. Old habits and all, plus easy targets and able to just keep on going as if nothing at all had happened. Slight of hand, nothing there at all. Instead she nodded as Kitty spoke. “Plenty in Paris.” Okay, so she didn’t quite know the extent of the dreams, what could happen. Hers remained grounded in what most of the world considered reality, just set in the past. But the beliefs, superstitions? Those were all far more prevalent. And she tricks were seen as magic and witchcraft. “These dreams are quite interesting from what I’ve seen discussed.”
“Mine are...yeah. Interesting is a good word for it.” Kitty tucked some hair behind her ears. “They’ve been the kind of thing that’s hard to explain, but really easy to show.”
Sounded par the course for some of the things she had seen mentioned on the network. And they were discussing magic and all, and not the ‘magic’ employed at the Court of Miracles or within her dreams when they needed to make a quick exit from superstitious Parisians who really only tolerated them once a year for entertainment’s sake. “Interesting.” So much to learn about these dreams.
“Yep. Real interesting.” Kitty grinned lopsidedly, then took Esmeralda’s hand, and passed her own right through it. “Maybe I’m a bit of a spirit, myself!”
It was bold, but honestly she wanted to know how Esmeralda would react to her powers.
Okay. That… That also was definitely not something that Esmeralda had been anticipating. Looking at her hand, then back at Kitty, then back again, the young woman just shook her head some. “It seems that perhaps you are.” No running away, just stunned.
“You took that well.” Kitty liked her even better. She might be running head long into an infatuation if she wasn’t careful. “It’s a gift from my dreams. An accident of birth. There’s a whole minority group of us, people born with those gifts. Though sometimes they’re more like curses. You can imagine we run into just about every kind of problem a minority group is capable of facing.”
“I’m used to people being treated differently and with fear just because they aren’t like others.” That was her entire life, here and the dreams. So while it was definitely unexpected and well beyond deformities or disability that most people shied away from, that was how she saw it. “Though yes, I can certainly imagine that.” She lived it, and she was far more normal to people. Just a gypsy whore who took up resources and couldn’t be trusted. Oh society.
Kitty had dreamed of one society where mutants had been beaten back time and again, and another society where she’d led a genuine mutant revolution. It colored her perception, and certainly made her a lot less judgemental about Scott Summers. “It’s… probably some heavy stuff, but then I don’t like to hide the fact I’m a mutant. Or a woman, or Jewish. Or anything.” Maybe she had some luxury and privilege when it came to that. More than someone like Beak might have, anyway. She thought about Alex, and his asinine statements about the word Mutant. “Some people would tell me I should.”
“Well, it’s not like you can change it. It’s who you are. Either you are uncomfortable with that or you embrace it. There’s nothing wrong with that.” And that was all there was to it. Mostly. There would always be the people who tried to push you down, those who refused to acknowledge diversity of society, but that was their own problem and letting them control your actions to the point of being ashamed? No thank you.
Kitty couldn’t help it. She gave Esmeralda a quick hug before they were ushered onto the ride. “They use all kinds of optical illusions and stuff to make this ride work.” Unless someone was extra chicken-shit, it tended to be a must stop for just about everyone.
For as much hatred and greed Esmeralda was constantly subjected to, she truly did still believe that people and society could move forward, be more accepting of others even as it seemed impossible some days. She refused to let herself be brought down and continued to push the idea that everyone was allowed to be who they were, no shame. Okay so there were some who deserved to be ashamed of themselves, but that was based on actions, not the things beyond their control and how they were born.
“I look forward to it then.”