The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
“Don’t worry, I understand that the need for that. When I first discovered my abilities I had to keep replacing my cassette player because it kept getting drenched. But, it’s a good sign that you forced yourself to get out and shop. Sometimes, people let their fears overtake them and…doesn’t always turn out well.”
She nodded back, a little stiffly. "I would not say forced... So much as had no choice. It was either go shopping, or go clothes-less." If she were to agree to having forced herself out and into the open, she would feel like she was taking credit where is wasn't deserved. She wasn't being brave... she was being poor and needy... Managing a small smile, she scratched at the back of her head sheepishly. " I probably could have been more prepared.."
“Don’t worry, I’ll get the phone for you. And you didn’t draw me away from anything important. Besides I gave you my number so you could use it, okay?"
She nodded again. He was right... Her smile widened and she felt a little less silly. Well, still pretty silly, considering she was attached to his arm via a large neck snake. "...Thank you. " It was nice, having someone there to make her feel more like herself and less like an old movie monster. It had been a little while since she had been out and about, not since she had met Mat... and then ventured into the sewers that one time. Andrea shuddered at the memory. The incident was partly why she had been restricting her outside access.
...People had died... and she didn't know how to feel about it yet...
“Come on, let’s get your phone.”
Blinking, her eyes snapped over to him and she drew herself from her thoughts. That was right! Her phone... They had dropped a floor while she wasn't paying attention, and the fountain was within sight. From above it had looked rather small... from the same level the thing looked gigantic. She paused before it, one hand softly tugging at Sloth. He tightened on Jorge's arm in response, pink tongue flicking out in his direction, and Andrea backed off. She turned her attention to the water instead. Her glasses made it far to dark to see under the bubbling surface of the fountain.
Glancing at Jorge to make sure she wouldn't accidentally blind him if she removed them, she lifted the glasses up a little and stared at the water to try and spy the dark shape of her phone. "... I don't see it..." The tiniest of pouts tugged at her lips and she huffed gently. The Greek attempted to shuffle forward slightly, but caught herself on her own feet and pitched forward violently into the water. Sloth felt the sudden yank and attempted to clamp down on Jorge's arm a little too late. The large snake slipped off to join it's mistress in the water, just as Andrea was popping back up from her sudden bath. Her glasses floated off on a wave to her left, and she blinked water logged eyes at a well meaning pedestrian as he came over to help. Pale blue eyes met Striking orange and the guy froze with a startled expression on his face.
Andrea blinked again, and fumbled for her hood in a panic. "Ah, .. sorry!"
It has been a while, hasn't it? I suppose I should apologize for first leaving without telling you, as well as how long it took me to reply to you. I am sorry, Mother.
I did love the birthday gift you sent me. It brought back warm memories, and made me miss home more than you know. I carried it with me for a while. It felt like you were here, as well as god... but I think it is too dangerous now days to have it around me all the time. I would hate myself if I lost something so precious. My stay here has been, well, eventful. I have met a lot of wonderful people! I have made a few friends, and there is a school here that looks after us all. It was more than I had expected, to be honest. They seem to understand what is wrong with me here, as there are others like me. I have learned a few things... but have mostly kept to myself.
How are you and father? I know that things were very stressful before I left, so I can only hope that I have given the two of you a break while I figure everything out. I know it might sound childish, but I cannot help but hope that one of these days I will hear word of some sort of cure. It is silly, and I should not wish on such selfish things... but I find myself just so tired these days. I have been considering going to see the Doctor here at the school about my headaches, but have not been able to build up the courage.
Ah, well. Things will get better. I have faith. I have made sure to remain steady in my prayer, and you and father are never far from my thoughts! I love you mother, send my love to Father as well.
-Andrea
[8/4/2009]
Andrea,
My, it has been a long time! It is lovely to hear from you... though, more than a little unexpected. I am glad that you are doing well. The Lord has been watching over you, I am sure. Be sure to keep that bible somewhere safe! It was your grandmothers, before it was passed down to me. You're father is doing well. He got a promotion last month, so work has kept him very busy.
Keep yourself safe.
Love, Your Mother.
[8/6/2009]
Mother,
I did not expect a reply so soon! It made my day, hearing from you. I forgot to fill you in on something the last time I wrote to you... I have a job now! I work a little flower shop, with the most gracious woman. She is an immigrant as well, so she understands me more than most and has devoted a good deal of time to helping me adjust to the city.
It has been an amazing journey, and one that I am very thankful for.I have learned so much in such a short time... and yet I feel as if it is just the very tip of an iceberg.
My headaches have gotten worse of the late, as well as my appetite. I feel as if I am constantly hungry now days, and I cannot figure out why. Would you pray for me mother? It would lift a great weight from my shoulders, knowing that you were thinking of me.
So, Father has been promoted? Will you pass along my happiness for him? I know his birthday is approaching, and I have been thinking about what to buy him... if he would like anything, that is. I know he can be picky sometimes.
I love you both,
-Andrea
[8/27/2009]
Andrea,
That sounds like a wonderful job, dear. I am happy that you found someone to relate to. You should really get those headaches of yours looked into, or maybe you are just dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water!
Last week we moved your things from your old room into the guest room down the hall. We painted it blue. I know you never liked the pink walls. Your father is in a cheerier mood these days, though he is not that excited about turning another year older. I wouldn't be either!
You are always in my prayers, dear. You must remember that god works in mysterious ways sometimes. Perhaps you should sit down and think about the past few weeks, maybe you did something worthy of a few headaches? You should see if there are any nice chapels around your area. God is always willing to listen, and is merciful to those who seek his guidance.
Always remember that, Andrea.
-Your mother.
[9/5/2009]
Mother,
Thank you. It is nice to chat with you again, like when I was little. I have withdrawn in the past few weeks to take a step back and review my time here as you suggested. I also took some time to go out and see if there is anywhere around here to worship. There is! There is a nice little chapel down a few blocks from my work. An elderly couple owns it, and I got to have a chat with them. I have not gone to pray there yet, life has taken an unexpected turn in the busy direction.. but I will make time soon. I am rather excited too! It will be my first time in a real chapel, praying.
I feel that I must tell you about the darker side to this city as well. There had been things that I have witnessed that have made me lose sleep at night. Horrible things... any the people that did them scare me beyond measure. Still, I try to remain positive. We are all God's children, even those that have strayed from the path. I will pray for them whenever I can, and I can only hope that one day the find the light again.
I must go, another day of work is starting!
Love, Andrea
[9/28/2009]
Andrea,
Make sure you keep yourself away from people of bad influence. They don't care about what they have become, and they won't care about dragging you down with them. Trust me Andrea. Listen to your mother.
When I was your age I made a habit of visiting the local church on a regular basis. I had the Lord to listen to me, and it helped me immensely while I was sorting through all of the silly wiles of younger years. There is a lot of temptation. Spending your time in a modest, productive way will keep you out of harms way.
Sighing, the Greek stoop and stretched her back as best she could. The base of her spine hurt and she was pretty sure she had a crick in her neck from suffering through an awkward pose for a few hours... but at least it was over... almost.
"...I have an idea." She started, sticking close to Jorge to limit any pull on her neck. Sloth stared at the man, it's tongue flicking out every now and then as it judged the cop. Andrea's other snakes relaxed a little... though, Vana remained agitated, and his little beady eyes remained locked on Jorge. Andrea didn't care to notice. "I think he is in a phase... he has been locking onto anything within reach for a few days..."
Not to mention the weird attitudes she had been getting from the other reptiles attached to her. Avarice had been snatching things out of her hands of the late... food, pens, even her glasses and a hair brush. She had gotten bitten more in the last week than she had since the darn things had appeared. Lust squirmed next to her ear, tongue flicking out to tickle her neck and shot Jorge the equivalent of snake-y puppy eyes. "...I should have known better to come here, but I fear I have nearly out grown most of my clothes."
Another rather annoying development- or many, in this case. She had never needed a bra before... and borrowing one of Allie's had proved to be uncomfortable. A light flush of brown color swept over her cheeks and she cleared her throat. He offered a change of subject with a joke, which she gladly latched onto. The small crowd around them was disbanding, so she felt comfortable enough to slip away along side Jorge. "Very desperate, as it was... but very happy to see a friendly face. I do hope I did not draw you away from anything too important? I would feel just horrible to have disrupted your day for something so silly..."
Andrea smiled at him, a small timid thing, and eyed the camera in his hand for a moment from behind her dark glasses. With one hand she reached back and pulled her hood securely up into place, tucking the other snakes out of view of the people they passed by. With the other, she attempted to look someone normal by laying her gloved hand on the bulk of Sloths body on his arm... like she was casually strolling by with a friend, rather then forcefully secured to his arm, and he to her. She glanced over the railing of the second floor briefly, and frowned.
"...Um... Jorge? If it is not to much to ask... before we leave I need to retrieve my phone from the...uh... fountain down there." She pointed, and grinned sheepishly.
"You, Can have all the freedom of the press and free speech you want…from the OTHER side of scene.”“I’m giving you 5 seconds to take your botox injected self over there or I will have you arrested for obstruction of justice. And…I’m confiscating your camera,”
Kimberly's mouth opened and shut a few times, very much like a fish gasping for water. But, in the face of a badge wielding police officer, not the fumbling security personnel, she had little choice. Her camera man snorted in laughter, one hand over his mouth while he waved the other apologetically at the tan woman. Who's venomous glare was turned on him in a second flat. "Come on perry, we don't have to take this crap. we'll go find a story that's actually worth something." Turning on her heel (but not before snubbing her nose up at Jorge) she marched off past Keith, shouting something that held a hefty number of swear words as she went.
“And as for you, I’m not going anywhere. This is a mutant in danger, being publically humiliated and you, sir, are doing very little to quell the situation. This is a MRC matter now and you do get your people together and COMPETENTLY work out your crowd control issue right now, I report you to your superiors. And trust me, I doubt you have many other options right now.”
Keith's jaw muscles bulged as he ground his teeth together. He wanted desperately to reach out and clock the guy, or maybe toss him over the second story railing. But.... dammit, he had a point. Having been stripped of his job, and his power, years ago. He was a glorified mall cop now, and MRC held a good deal of authority over him. He stared the man down, keeping his lips sealed in a thin, angry line, then turned without a word and snapped at his fellows to gets their acts in line before he gave then all morning shifts. Andrea watched on in mild horror ad tempers flared all around. She couldn't help but feel like it was her fault... mainly because it was, so when Jorge turned his attention back to her she smiled nervously at him.
“Now, as I was saying, the first thing you need to do is calm down, okay? I’m not going anywhere, okay? I’m going to get you out of this but you need to relax. Now, you know the big guy better than I do. Any ideas, however vague, on what he wants?”
Okay... calm down. She could do that. A few deep breaths, ignore the giggling and whispering of curious passers-by... Easy. Sort of. With a shuddering little breath she forced herself to relax and stop tugging at the stubborn snake. If he wanted the damn pole, then he could have the damn thing. She felt better with a familiar person around, especially someone who knew more than she did about how the city worked. And hopefully snakes. When it came to 'knowing the big guy' she was clueless. Well, maybe not entirely... She knew he liked to eat pigeons and that random immovable objects attracted him like nothing else.
...and some hobos.
"I think he wants the last shreds of my self respect." And maybe a treat. She found herself vaguely wondering if Jorge had any birds on him... Sloth however, had other things on his mind. He hadn't been even remotely interested in any of the people that had shown up and gone away. Not the odd smelling plastic lady, or the muscly angry male... but this new one. He smelled familiar. While Andrea was talking he started to unhook himself from first the bench, then the pole. Andrea didn't notice at first, until the large snake crawled across the gap between her and the cop and made his intentions known. He latched onto Jorge's arm, as gently as a snake could, and a moment later Andrea felt what was left of the snakes body let go of the pole.
unfortunately, now she was stuck to Jorge's arm. "....ah... I think I know what he wants now."
She wasn't sure how to respond, or if she really even wanted to.. but there was a mic hovering before her eyes and a lady was staring her down with a... sickly sweet smile on her face. "...I...what?" Mistreatment?.... The Greek eyed the woman for a moment, dancing nervously on her toes, before glanced over the woman's shoulder, past the blinding camera- to the none to happy security man behind her.
"Ma'am. I will ask you.. once... to leave." Kimberly stood, turning her back on Andrea, and pointed the deadly mic at Keith instead. She honestly didn't care who she got a story from, so long as it was interesting enough for her to used in the paper. "Sir, you seem to be in charge here. What can you tell us about the situation? Is the public safe with such a dangerous mutant allowed to roam arou- Hey!"
Keith was having none of it. He placed one palm on the camera lens and plucked the whole thing from the arms of the camera man. "Lady, I won't be answering your questions, and you won't be broadcasting this anywhere." He was thankful that the camera she was using was an older model. Not one of those ones that sent the footage straight back to home base. The small woman trembled with rage for a moment, before she tucked her microphone away under her arm and propped her hands on her narrow hips. "You can't stop the news!" Turning from the man, she stomped back towards the green girl- only to get cut off by an older man.
“Andrea,” “I do believe you have something caught in your hair,”
Oh... Andrea could have weeped at the sound of his voice. Instead, all she managed was a surprised little gasp and backed herself into the corner again so she could see him fully. "Jorge! I am so very happy to see you..." She tugged, as if to demonstrate a point, at Sloth. Who was ignoring her while he smelled the surrounding air with a lengthy pink tongue. By now, the other snakes had grown tired and snappy from waiting. Avarice hissed and snapped at the air past her shoulder- the one that was pressed snugly up to the metal pole. A few people past the guards gasped and muttered, and Andrea shot Jorge a desperate frown. "... He won't let go... help me...!"
It was so absolutely pathetic, that Kimberly's nose wrinkled in distaste and she turned on the officer- she had seen him flash his badge. "Officer? Are you here to apprehend this dangerous muta-" Keith reached out to grab her arm, interrupting her. "I believe I asked you to leave, Ma'am... and you," he glanced at Jorge, looking him up at down critically, "you should leave as well. No one is allowed behind the line, and we have a unit on the way to deal with the trouble maker." He had dealt with people like them before, the curious and the annoying do-gooders. It usually just took a little show of force to get them to back off, and then he'd have the situation under control again...
Kimberly Tallehassie did not like being kept away from her stories. "You can't keep us out forever! The people have a right to the news!" With her microphone in hand, she straightened her salmon pink blazer and blew her perfectly bleached bangs from her eyes. The security guard before her crossed his arms over his chest and refused to budge. The 30-something woman turned her nose up haughtily and stormed off with her one man camera crew stumbling behind. "Come on, lets head around to the other elevator..."
Kimberly was a calculated woman, one who had the displeasure to work on a show that wasn't well known yet- but that would change. Until it did however, she was forced to accept whatever stories came her way, whether she liked it or not. "This... thing... better be worth it." She grumbled, her pink heels clicking on the tile below as she shuffled along towards the elevator.
On the next floor up, Keith Hubbard was trudging in the same direction, more of less. As head of security in the three level mall, he was the man in charge. The fact that his men hadn't been able to absolve the situation which seemed to be drawing all of the attention on the second floor. With his lips set in a thin, firm line, Keith marched along. The forty-five year old man, who was a beast in comparison to the younger males running around attempting to keep things in order, caught sight of the small crowd huddled around his little squad of security drones. The sight that met his eyes as the tall blond came onto the scene was not... what he had expected.
He had figured the call for back up would have been for some young upstart with a bad attitude, or maybe a medical emergency... not a skinny little green woman swathed in red and green. And snakes. His upper lip curled in discomfort. A mutant, of course. Mutants always seemed to be causing trouble. The man stepped forward and bent down next to the girl- who was muttering something under her breath and tugging at the body of a large white snake. A snake that appeared to be attached to the back of her head. He reached out, with his hand as well as what was left of his patience, to grab her by the shoulder. "Hey, I was sent my the-"
He didn't expect the rest of her dark hair to squirm to life as a dozen or more tiny snakes peered out at him, or the larger six that reared back and hissed at him. It took all of his self control not to leap back and draw his gun. It did tick him off though. A vein under the skin of his forehead popped up quite suddenly, and his jaw clenched. "Everybody get back, this one's dangerous..." That sentence snapped Andrea out of her distracted state, and she turned to spot the large man reaching for the radio at his hip. "I'm going to call in law enforcement. They'll have equipment to handle her with."
Equipment....? Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest. The hurried clicking of heels on hard flooring interrupted her however, and Kimberly the reporter burst onto the scene in all her pink, tanned glory. She managed to squeeze past a confused Keith, and get a microphone into Andrea's fast before anyone could react. Andrea saw the camera angled her way, and paled considerably. "Miss, what can you tell us about the situation you have found yourself in? Have you received any mistreatment from the staff, or mall goers for being a mutant?" Andrea blinked into the light of the camera like a deer watching a car speeding her way.
The calm of sleep wore away, and a pair of eyes cracked open to the light of morning. Deep dollops of orange, with black pupils blooming in the center, then retracting as they reacted to the soft light. The world around her materialized, once fuzzy and dark... now crystal clear and bright. Summer birds chirped outside, their calls floating in on the breeze that ruffled her bedroom curtains. She heard a soft bubble of laughter from downstairs. Her mothers voice... happy, stress free. A small smile tugged at her lips and she lifted herself from the warmth of her blankets. It felt almost effortless, as if she weighed nothing. Bare feet touched her soft carpet, a feeling she had forgotten to miss. Long green toes curled in the fibers as she stood and stretched, enjoying the crisp morning air on her skin. Fingers that had grown delicate and nimble danced though her hair. Gloves were absent, and snakes gone. A distant memory that she didn't wish to think of.
With a grace she couldn't remember owning, the twenty three year old moved to her window. The panes were open wide, revealing a glorious sun rise off in the distance. Rays of every rue danced off of the rolling ocean waters, casting reflected colors on the many buildings that wound their way up the hill towards her small house. She lifted her chin, listening to more laughter from downstairs as a chill flew down her spine. Soft voices rolled up from the yard below, and she opened her eyes. A bark of laughter, a voice she would never forget. Orange irises fell on the relaxed figure of the man that made her heart leap and shudder. He stood, tall and proud, with his hands shoved deep into his pockets. His back facing her, leaning against the white fence that surrounded her home. Others were with him. A female with black hair, a smile on her lips that the Greek recognized like it was her own. Verdy... She sat at a little metal garden table, one leg draped gracefully over the other, sipping a china cup of tea. Beside her sat a messy haired male, skinny and cheerful. He held a little stone flower in his hands. Mat...
More figures seemed to part from the shadows... materialize before her eyes as the sun rose higher and her garden was bathed in light. Alisa.. Allie.. Aurum. She Saw mansion kids, running about. Laughing and playing. She saw a blond girl with strength in her eyes, easily perched on the fence like gravity moved around her, talking with a dark haired girl who face was graced with a mischievous smile. A tall, burly figure stood next to Saph, his sheer size forcing him to stand out amongst the rest, with a smaller scaly male standing next to him. It seemed like everyone she had ever met was present... Below, her parents stepped out into the light... with a third figure in their presence. Her mother was wearing a pretty sun dress.. something she could barely remember seeing the woman in from her childhood. Her father was in his normal Sunday attire, vest, white shirt, pressed pants.... Oh, father. So predictable. The third male shook her fathers hand and all three of them laughed, the same happy laughter she had awoken to. She recognized him instantly.
.. Jorge. Her mother turned and glanced up, a smile fixed on her lips and Andrea felt her heart soar. It had been ages, since she had seen the woman truly smile. ...Darling, won't you come down? Everyone in the garden turned and looked up to her. She smiled back, barely noticing that some faces were blurry or not quite right. She nodded, lifting herself up onto window ledge and took a step out into the open air. The wood beneath her feet shifted, folding open to form a step as she put her foot down. Each step brought another stair, until she felt the grass under her feet and felt the embrace of her mothers arms around her. Darling, you have many visitors... Her mother tucked her dark hair behind her ears, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. She didn't even feel it.
She nodded, as her father stepped forward to enveloped her in a hug. Yes, she did have many visitors, but they could wait for a moment... Her father pulled back, holding her at an arms length and she saw pride in his smile, and happiness in the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. He no longer looked tormented... or angry. My little girl. I am so very proud of the woman you have become.
I love you, father... He released her, before she could hear his reply. She only saw his lips moving, and told herself that it was enough. She came upon her very best friend next, and gently touched the girls shoulder to gain her attention. The woman stood with a startled smile and hugged her fiercely. She hugged her friend back, before pulling away so she could look into her friends eyes for the first time without anything in between. The color was... there, but not there. She felt as though she could see it, she knew it was there- but her eyes could pick out no definite color. Dark brows creased in confusion she watched as Verdy stepped back and resumed nursing her tea cup. She glanced across at Mat- who smiled and nodded in her direction, lifting the little flower in his hand- and noticed that he was the same thing. She could pick out traits and familiar things about him easily, but there was no color. No life... Her eyes turned back to her parents, to find them gone. Her home looked empty.
Someone cleared his throat, catching her attention. Saphirus... She forgot about all of her trivial concerns, about the lack of color, and turned to find the man watching her. He had on the same frustrating smile that he had worn the day she had met him. She matched it with her own, and glided over to meet him. The world became less defined when she was near him. Nothing else mattered. They smiled at each other and she let him scoop her up into a hug. She knew he was there, but there was nothing under her fingertips. She could smell him... but it was empty. When she opened her eyes and looked into his own, there was nothing there... but she didn't care. She had him back, and she wasn't going to ever leave him again... The sky darkened over hear, stars twinkling into existence, and the booming of fireworks in the distance rocked the ground under her feet. Fiery red, green, and yellow flowers bloomed in the sky over head and she let her eyes slip shut as he leaned down to kiss her...
....When they opened again the world was quiet. Shadows danced above her on the ceiling. The brilliant fire flowers were gone. Her room was cold and she was sweating. Her bangs were plastered to her forehead, her skin was sticky, and her blankets were bunched up around her sternum.
She was alone.
Her brow furrowed momentarily, before a broken, muffled whine left her lips. They trembled, and tears broke through her lashes as she turned over and buried her face in her patchwork pillow.
...some nights she wished that she would sleep forever, and never wake up.
“Detective Cervantes, how may I be of assistance,”
She almost... almost hung up on him. her voice caught in her throat, thankfully before she could wheeze into the phone like a stalker and she spared a glance at the people trying to sneak past the guards to get pictures with her. "...Um... Hi, you... you probably don't really remember me but-"
"Hey! look over here! Over here!"
She glanced over, and was effectively blinked by the brightest camera flash she had ever seen. "..ah!...Uh...My name is Andrea, you helped me out a little while ago and I... well I may need your help again." She glanced up as a few more mall cops arrived, and heard the words 'News crew', 'Got past', and 'loose in the mall'- which sent her heart into her throat.
"I'm stuck! At the mall! I didn't have anyone else to call!" Sloth reached out and attached himself to the arm rest of the bench next to his pole, claiming that as well while dragging her closer to the cold metal. She tugged, trying to pry her face away from the more than likely germ ridden surface- but gained no distance.
Another flash blotted her vision her, and a wily teen used the distraction to slip past a guard. Andrea felt an arm snake around her awkwardly tilted shoulders and turned her chin to look at whoever was touching her. "Say CHEESE!"
"...Cheese? Wha- AH!" Both the woman and her head full of snakes were momentarily blinded. She felt her phone slip from her grasp, heard it bounce against the floor, and then a few minutes later heard a little plash from the level below as it landed in the fountain.
This.... had been a mistake. A huge, horrible, mess of a mistake. ...and she couldn't un-do it.
"Hey, come over here! You gotta see this!"
A crowd had gathered. Curious on lookers and teenagers with cell phones out. Camera's pointed at. her.
"oh man... this is great. This is going online as soon As I get home... Hey! Smile for the camera, will you?"
Ohgodohgodohgod, Oh merciful god, why?! The moss shaded mutant tugged again, earning a giggle from the gathered crown, and a sharp pain in the back of her neck. What had she been thinking? Going to the mall!
"Alright, alright, you people have had your fun, disband or I'll have you all banned from the property!" Oh, sweet Jesus... someone was here to help her. Craning her neck, she glanced over at the new voice through her glasses, ending in an awkward position with her head tilted at an odd angle and her butt pressed squarely up against the railing behind her.
"...And you!"
She squeaked. "M..me?" The man before her, hands on his hips, did not look impressed. "Yes you! I want you to stop...whatever it is you are doing, and leave. Right. Now." Oh boy.... If it were only that easy. Sloth curled tighter to his pole, and dragged Andrea down another inch with him. "...I... I would very much like that Sir, but I seem to be stuck.."
He blinked, clearly confused as to what she was talking about, then finally caught sight of the large white snake peering out at him though her dark hair. "Gah! How did you- where did that-... oh, never mind. It's strictly forbidden to have things like... that on mall property, you know... In fact, I'm pretty sure it's illegal to have those thing in this state, period... Just, get it off of there and leave, please."
"...well, its actually attached to me... sir. I cannot remove it..." That earned her another bewildered blink. She sighed and reached up to toss back her hood. A hushed murmur moved through what little of crowd was left, and the three security guards failed to keep a few more people from snapping photos of the pathetic snake headed mutant girl who was stuck on the pole.
"...Ah... well. He thought for a moment, one hand stroking his stubbly chin. He had nothing against mutants, unless they somehow threw a wrench in the works of his business. Hell, he probably wouldn't have even bothered the girl if it wasn't for the numerous complaints he had received within the last two hours about her presence. "...Can't you just tell it to let go, if it's part f you?" or something...
Andrea whined loudly, like a child, and shook her head. Even if they were to listen to her, Sloth was as hard headed as a snake could get. She had been forced to cut her pillow in two to get it away from him just that morning.
"Ah, sir?" Another man stepped forward, catching the stubbly mans attention. "..Someone called the news, apparently. We're holding them off at the front doors... but we don't have enough people to keep them out forever." From the expression on his face, that did not please him any. He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. His patience was wearing thin.
"...Listen, um..."
"Andrea..."
"Andrea.... if you can't get it to let go, then I will have to get it to let go. You should probably know that any destruction of mall property has a hefty fine, so if we have to cut that pole in two you are looking at a lot of money and possibly a criminal charge.." The green woman froze, her jaw dropping open. Cameras, news hyena's around the corner, and now criminal charges!? She resumed tugging at the stubborn snake with a renewed determination.
"...Maybe we could call animal control or something, get a sedative in that thing... " The man was talking to himself now, it seemed, as his back was to her. He strode away, ordering the few security guards preset to keep the crowd moving. With a pained groan, Andrea let her forehead bang soundly against the thick metal pole, and grumbled about how she would make snake hide boots out of Sloth when she got out of this mess. What a disaster. Digging her hands into her pockets, she fumbled for her phone and came across something else. A little white card with a name and phone number on it. With a scowl, she flipped open her phone- ignoring the mass of miss call notices- and dialed the number on the card and brought the phone to her ear.
... he was just going to love hearing from her again...
There it was, a looming shadow in the distance- growing ever closer. Andrea still held mixed emotions about the place... more or less due to one traumatic experience... but in the past weeks she had begun to see the place in a new light. A strange light, but not an unappreciated one.
“Well, we’re here. Oh! I have one parting gift for you, This is my contact information. You need anything, night or day, you call me, okay? I want you to keep in contact. It will make me feel better that someone won’t find you passed out on the street because you did not mind that concussion. Understand?”
Taking the card delicately, she paused at attempting to open the door and blinked at it from behind her glasses. He wanted her to keep in contact? A warm little smile wiped the confused expression off her face. She was beginning to like the man... which made her feel horrible for not trusting him earlier.
"O fílos mou, I promise that I will keep in contact and that I will not let someone find me passed out in an alley anywhere." Of course, it's not like she knew or trusted anyone in her new home enough to look at her... so she'd just make sure to stay in bed for a few days, before resuming her life.
Acting on an impulse she angled herself in her seat and pecked him on the cheek like she had done many times to her father and mother. "I also promise to never meet you under such circumstances ever again."
Wrangling the door open, she climbed awkwardly out of his car and glanced up and down the sidewalk, before locking her eyes on the golden doors of the sanctuary. "Thank you again! Bye!" Shutting the door- A little too softly, so she had to opening it and shut it again- she turned and hurried away toward the building, intent on getting inside as fast as humanly possible...
[O fílos mou is supposed to mean 'My friend'... or so i'm told...]
With a stifled giggle, they were off. She felt slightly bad for once again ditching the kindly waiter... but no more than she had the first time. In all honesty, she was elated that the day had panned out so well. A new friend, a good meal...
“Hang on, I feel bad. We should leave them something...”
Turing a half raised eyebrow toward the male, she started to voice a question in return, but stopped to watch him as he worked silently. One little stomp of his foot, and two figures burst to life. It amazed her still, what he could do. It probably wouldn't ever stop. She recognized herself, faceless, but obvious to her eyes and Mat. They marched back into the building, earning attention from all of those inside, and Andrea left Mat's side to press herself to the window glass like a child. She recognized the embrace... how they had met- more or less.
She felt a giddy wave of emotions wash over her and grinned at Cricket as he waved back at Mat, a little dazed. Half turning, she tossed a brilliant smile over her shoulder, not even bothering to try and hide her fearsome teeth. The joy she felt was within her lungs, her arms and legs. She felt like skipping, like she could float off into the sky- and she didn't really know why. She also felt a little like crying... and couldn't find a reason for that either. With a hurried wave to her favorite waiter, she turned and placed herself back at mat's side. “Oh, by the way, Cricket gave me some change...”
She accepted the money in once gloved palm, a goofy smile still plastered onto her face. Being none the wiser to his trick, she simply slipped it into her pocket and made to reach for his hand again. She was already wondering where they would go next... what they would do-
....Oh.
Her hand froze on its journey, before she let it drop back to her side. She had been having so much fun, enjoying the moment... that she had nearly forgotten where she was. Who she was. What she was supposed to do. She stared at the person before her, his cheeky grin and messy hair, and felt a large knot root itself deep within her chest.
"Thank you... Mat." For a moment, she felt lost again. To have something so bright and happy before her, with in reach. She could forget, start anew- just as she had been planning. The soft hissing in her ears woke her up. She smiled bitterly at the pavement. All good things must come to an end... "For everything..."
The statues, the dinner, the glass rose... the mini her. She had mementos of this encounter... she wouldn't forget. Not any of it. A cold calm washed over her, driving her excitement away for good. She could not in good consciousness follow around another, when she had abandoned those dearest to her only weeks before. If she truly considered this boy a friend, all she could do to show her love was protect him. From herself. A small, forced smile uplifted her lips and she avoided looking directly at him.
"...I... have kept you long enough, I am sure. I should probably... head home... before people start to worry." Over what, she wasn't sure, But it was as good an excuse as any. Sloth tensed around her neck, reacting like the others to her shift in mood, and she took a nervous step backward. They had been good so far... but they were the reason she had left home in the first place, and Sloth had already proven himself untrustworthy around the male. They were not to be trusted.
"..I... I hope we meet again." Another step back, then another, and she turned away from him completely. "Goodbye!" She didn't pause to look back, because it would only prove to hurt more... It was what she had to do, she told herself, she had to. So she left.
So I was making up a new signature.... and while trying to put writing in it and what-not, I though, 'hey, why don't I try the signature request thing?'
Well... here I am!
Instead of doing the same old thing over again, I wanna see what other people have to say about my character though the words/and or content of a signature!
She tugged him toward where Lenna sat, a goofy smile converging on her lips. Oh yes, the drink was setting in, veeery quickly now. She paid little attention to the others around her, her mind fixed on ordering another drink once she was back to the table and what she wanted to talk to Mat about, while still remaining aloof enough that mat wouldn't see though her peachy disguise.
"To clarefy.." She started, her accent kicking in harder than she intended. "I am nyther drunk, nor sober... but a plesuntin-behtween." She giggled, turning to peek over her shoulder at him for a moment. It looked like he was thinking...
"Andrea?"
Blast! The jig was up, he had figured it out. “Andrea, what happened to you? You're pink!”
"You caught me!"
Grinning in response, she withheld an explanation until she was back at the bar and sitting. "Oh, that is jus tempurary... Maht, This is Lennah, Lennah- Maht. She is teaching me to- one secont... ahnother of these!" She didn't remember what it was called, but the bar tender seemed to recall well enough. Swiveling on her bar stool, she threw a grin at both of her companions and clasped her hands in her lap. "Lennah is teaching me to cohm out of my shell!" She swiveled back around as her drink was set down behind her, and giggled again. "eet's nice, ...blunding in whall doing so."
her nose wrinkled in annoyance. Okay, so maybe she had let a little too much accent slip past. Her words were starting to blend into each other... Before she took a sip of the burning, intoxicating drink, she speared her male friend with a pale blue eyed look, chock full of curiosity. "Do I reahlly look that deefrant?" She blinked at him, before turning the same questioning gaze Lenna's way. Then, with a grin she raise her glass in salute and took a careful gulp. It was an off feeling... each sip brought warmth to her face, and made her stomach tingle in a pleasant, chilly sort of way.
...She was beginning to like this drink, more than she cared to admit.
It was rather hard to concentrate with hissing at her ear, while trying to flee to safety-...which was not happening, as it would appear. The somewhat painful tugging of the large snake at the base of her neck while it wiggled in the mans grasp was uncomfortable, a pain she had never felt before- like something was threatening to come out of socket. Then, before she could open her mouth and complain the tugging stopped and sloth retracted back toward her chest. The other, smaller serpents didn't want to give up the fight so readily, however, so the hissing remained to jostle her nerves and set her on edge.
Shifted herself back quickly, the Greek bumped into the fence behind her and froze. She didn't know why the stranger had let go- perhaps Sloth had bitten at him- but she was free for the moment... and he had backed off a little bit. She righted herself on shaky feet, futility tying to will away the crashing waves of dizziness her nerves had left her with. The figure spoke, a voice that was... oddly familiar, but in a way she couldn't put her finger on. Drawing in a short breath, she set about restraining her hissing children.
"...ah...sorry..." Gulping, Andrea forced herself to fully stand, but remained leaning against the fence for support- as far away as possible. It was nearly impossible to make out facial features in the darkness- what with her sunglasses handicapping her even further, but she could see that he was the one with the hat. The one with the knife... "I hope he did not hurt-...hurt you..." Her eyes darted past the man, to the shadows behind him. A frivolous thing to say, really, considering all of the damage she had already done. She felt shame tingle to like again as she calmed back down, but it was quickly replaced by a soft anger. She was apologizing again... for something that had been more or less out of her hands.
The gorgon's lips thinned into small, aggravated line without her knowing. Sloth's agitation flared to life again instantly, along with warning hisses renewed from her dark mop of hair. "Shush!" It wasn't the first time she had snapped at the snakes, and from the tone in her voice Sloth knew to back down. It kept a beady orange eye on the male who smelled like blood, but curled up obediently onto its mistresses shoulder. Thankfully, the hissing ceased...
Taking a shuddering breath, she turned her attention once more to the man. "Thank you for... for stepping in when you did." Not that she was in any better of a position, though... There wasn't really anywhere to run and she doubted that she would make it past on either side fast enough to pass him by. But.. if given no choice she always had the option of removing her glasses again. Her despised trump card... Whether or not the action would prove quick enough to save her from getting-...er, what did they call it these days? Oh, yes ... -shanked by a stranger in a smelly alley, she did not know.
Adjusting herself on the fence, she tried to make sure her arm was free of a clinging serpent while keeping her eyes warily on the male. She didn't know what exactly he wanted... but she figured if she waited for him to speak again she would no doubt find out.
