Aberrant: Mutant High - Spark, Sizzle, Chill.

[Hotstreak]

It was a rare thing, for Someone to walk next to Daniel along the paths between buildings. Still it was cold out, and it so Happened that Curtis had taken refuge within the aura of radiant heat surrounding Daniel to take the bite out of the Cool air and colder wind. Class had gone well today, and while nowhere near the level of intelligence as Curtis, Daniel still did well enough.

"So, Curtis how're things going with you?"

It wasn't often they really spoke, though hearing his take on Milton, along with Warren's had helped he and Sonja put together another "A" grade report.

"Thanks again for your help with the Report on Paradise Lost, between you and Warren, and even Oneca, you all gave me plenty to think about when we wrote the report."

[Curtis Shane]

"Yeah, congrats." Curtis responded, not really paying attention to Daniel. In truth, he was taking advantage of the sphere of warmth and he had somewhere else to go once he was inside, and indoor heating could take over Daniel's function.

[Summer Solstice]

"The Violet girl is getting on my last nerve," Summer said casually as her and her sister trodded through the snow in the cold New York winter. "Every time I get Drumm wrapped around my finger that little skank is right there, like some sort of telepathic lap dog. "She's undoing everything we've worked for, Autumn. I'm at my wits end."

"Easily resolved, don't let her frustrate you." Autumn's reply was as cold as the air around them, not that it bothered her. Unlike her sister, Autumn was immune to the freezing temperatures New York endured three to four months out of the year. Her sister, Summer, remained bundled up with a designer jacket, scarf, and gloves. "I'm working on removing her, soon enough. Speaking of endeavours left unfinished..." Autumn grinned and pointed at the two males making their way through the section between buildings not far away.

Like harpies of legend the two young women slowly took to the air and flew over the two males, meeting them as they exited between the buildings. As was typical, the ladies were walking brand names, designer everything, from their jeans, boots, and the perfume the filled the air. The way the dressed exactly the same made it hard to distinguish the two, but thankfully Autumn was wearing her glasses today (not that she really needed them, she felt it made her look more professional). They made no attempt to hide or startle Curtis and Daniel, but when they suddenly landed and walked in step wit them (Autumn on Curtis's side, Summer on Daniel's side) it certainly caught the two off guard.

"Daniel, who's your friend?" Summer smirked and bumped him with her shoulder. "Haven't seen you since the club. Avoiding me?" He could hear the flirtatious coo in her tone, but she continued. "So, have you given any thought as to what we discussed?"

[Curtis Shane]

Well, this was not a pleasant crossing, at least in Curtis' perception. He had never directly met the Astoviks, but there was more than enough evidence of their entitlement and self-absorption and destructive behavior to ensure he completely disliked them.

And their intentions were quite transparent too. So the Astoviks had been at Dante's too, and Summer apparently had an interest in Daniel. Of course, Curtis was acquainted enough with Daniel and Glacia to tell they were attached, which only a half-wit would try interfering in. Or those with delusions of superiority like the Astoviks.

Curtis was aware that Autumn was on his side, but he calculated that if he kept up the pace steady but not notably accelerated, they would ignore him and he could simply continue onward into the next building and slip off.

To outward appearances, his expression returned to as it had been previously with Daniel, a detached focus, as if the Astoviks weren't there at all.

[Autumn Solstice]

Autumn curled her lip a bit, smirking silently as her sister started in on her latest conquest. She could tell that Curtis wanted nothing to do with either of them, not that is surprised her the slightest. She studied psychology and as smart as Curtis may actually be, his body language spoke volumes that his intelligence couldn't. She was a master at human behavior and noticing his relative discomfort with the situation only made her enjoy the moment more. Like a roach scurrying from brilliance Curtis was mentally begging for an opportunity to just get away.

"You're Curtis, right?" She decided she'd at least do something to fight off the boredom while her sister tried to sabotage yet another relationship. "The guy who blows up a science lab every couple of weeks? Daniel protecting you from someone, is that why you're walking together? That Warren guy, perhaps? Heard he doesn't like you a whole lot... sucks being a computer nerd, doesn't it? Why don't you ever stand up for yourself?"

[Curtis Shane]

Well, that didn't work, Curtis considered, but Autumn's comments made his expression flare in... amusement? Well, Autumn was only proving how the whole superiority bubble made her assume... "You seem to have a very vivid imagination. No one has tried making trouble for me, and I don't go out making trouble for others otherwise. If someone did... well, their mistake. The benefits of being a computer nerd are completely underestimated. Besides, Daniel gets academic assistance from me, for a reasonable price."

[Autumn Solstice]

"I can respect that," Autumn said coldly. Her monotone was just plain unnerving sometimes. "Extorting the stupid for your own profit. It's almost impressive, save for the fact that it requires to associate with them. Why not use your super brain to develop a gas or something that would snuff out all those below exceptional intellect? It seems like tha twould a be far better use of your time than spending it with this... well... this." She motioned to Daniel which eared her a glare from her sister.

[Hotstreak]

Daniel looked to Summer and offered a friendly smile. "No, I've not been avoiding you, but nor have I sought you out. I'm not one for the chase." He shrugged nonchalantly and continued. "My romantic status remains unchanged, I'm happy being with Diana, it works out well for both she and I."

He shook his head. "As to the other things that were discussed that night, by your associates, et al, I honestly haven't given alot more thought. It may sound dreadfully boring, but I'm just trying to stay on the Director's good side right now."

Only then did he look to Autumn, giving her a bemused smiled that screamed "Fuck you too bitch."

[Summer Solstice]

"Well, I'm happy you two have found a suitable 'arrangement'." The word dripped with sarcasm, and Daniel caught it. "Point of fact, Danny, if I wanted you, I'd have you already. Also, point of fact, she's a recluse. When do you ever see her, hmm? When she decides to offer you up some melodramtic whining that get you to prance to her door step and beg her to join you for some of her attention? Danny, it's pathetic. You deserve better." She slipped her arm around his and grasped tightly. "You don't want me, I get it, fine, but seriously it wouldn't kill you to be more friendly. Autumn doesn't like you, but, duh... she hates everyone. I just feel bad for you, being trapped in such a blah relationship."

"....and you're right, you do sound incredibly boring." She offered him a cute smile that undertoned the mischief common to her and her sister. "Why don't you hang with us for awhile, Autumn and me. Seriously, we're in just as much trouble as you, remember? Quit treating us like the god damn Antichrist, it's not like your 'friends' are any better, everything was going great until your hangers on brought the place down, or did you conveniently decide to forget that to? The way I see it, you owe us one."

[Hotstreak]

"I don't consider myself trapped, since I was the one who asked her out."

He looked to her and nodded. "Though I admit I have let the opinions of others color mine of the two of you. Not my brightest move."

"I didn't forget how Warren and Oneca started the brawl, trust me. For the sake of arguement, if I were to agree that I did owe you one, exactly what would you like to do to break up the monotony of routine that the days here at school have become?"

He offered her an impish smile. "Presumably that won't get us kicked out, or tethered for another week."

[Curtis Shane]

No, the Anti-Christ, I wouldn't go that far. Repugnant in the extreme will suffice as a classification. Curtis did have morals, and he very quietly frowned before shaking his head. "I'm surprised Autumn is eager to shed her life of luxury that desperately. That certainly would shake things up."

The two girls looked at him, with 'what the hell' expressions trying to follow his train of thought. Curtis smiled with an amused grin. "That gas proposal would kill billions and end civilization as we know it... potentially even the human race. But there's a better way, Autumn. Go find Morri and ask her to teach you how to hunt with your bare hands. A good starter simulation of the hunter-gatherer experience. Heck, I'll tell her if you're hesitant to make the approach."

"Me though, I find my routine quite stimulating and enriching. Creating, discovering and learning, not destroying. Not that I think you're inviting me, and I wouldn't be so rude as to ask."

[Summer Solstice]

"I don't consider myself trapped, since I was the one who asked her out."

He looked to her and nodded. "Though I admit I have let the opinions of others color mine of the two of you. Not my brightest move."

"Look, whatever." Summer rolled her eyes, still clutching his arm. "Either way, she's a drama queen and deserve better. If you think you're happy, dude, seriously, more power to you. But this is exactly what I'm talking about. She's locked up in her room brooding or being a damn ice queen," She looked to Daniel and nodded in Autumn's direction. "And trust me, Hotstreak, I know a thing or two about ice queens, and unless you make the effort to go to her, trust me, she couldn't care less. Just remember who's down here with you, who's actually caring whether or not you're happy. I promise I won't laugh when I'm telling you 'told you so' later on down the road."

"Now, I'll admit, Autumn and I are a bit extreme from time to time, but Danny, there's nothing around here to do and this place is filled with ignorant people." She unzipped her cropped leather jacket as Daniel's natural radius of heat began warming her. Daniel wanted to thank Victoria Secret for the Bombshell collection of push up bras and also Summer for wearing such a low cut sweater. "Yes, we pick on them. Yes we sometimes go overboard, and no, we're not sorry for any of it. We're intelligent, privileged, and frankly on the upper echelon of modern society, not to mention we're mutants too. That puts us on the upper echelon of the food chain, humans are an out dated concept. Look, we don't do it just to hurt people, we're usually doing it because one of these numerous mutant morons has messed with us first. You'd not believe how often some jerk sprays some sort of slime, or mucus, or burns or lases, or just plains ruins an outfit of mine simply because they're too stupid to use their abilities responsibly. Payback is fair, I say. If people around here didn't piss us off, we'd not go after them."

Summer thought for a second while Curtis and Autumn talked, then rolled her eyes with an impish grin of her own at his last comment. "Dan, silly, we're not running around raising Cain twenty four seven, you know. Why not meet us for drinks later at our dorm? Hmm? We can sit somewhere warm and just, I dunno, actually get to know each other."

[Autumn Solstice]

The two girls looked at him, with 'what the hell' expressions trying to follow his train of thought. Curtis smiled with an amused grin. "That gas proposal would kill billions and end civilization as we know it... potentially even the human race. But there's a better way, Autumn. Go find Morri and ask her to teach you how to hunt with your bare hands. A good starter simulation of the hunter-gatherer experience. Heck, I'll tell her if you're hesitant to make the approach."

"Me though, I find my routine quite stimulating and enriching. Creating, discovering and learning, not destroying. Not that I think you're inviting me, and I wouldn't be so rude as to ask."

Summer glared at Curtis then scoffed, is seemed like derision was about all she could muster for him. Autumn chuckled and it was barely audible. She raised the back of her hand to cover her mouth and even in Daniel's aura of heat he noticed her breath was still visible like a cold winter wind. "I thought you were smart? Curtis, that was sarcastic rhetoric. Obviously I don't expect you'd manufacture a gas like that. I've no need for the lessons of that mongrel mutant friend of yours, believe me, I'm well versed in 'The Hunt'."

"You're quite opinionated, I like that." Her monotone never seemed to change much so it was hard to tell if there was any measure of delight in her voice, so he took her at her word, for all that was worth. "Are you like you Daniel friend, Curtis? So wrapped up in the opinions of others that you'd assume to know us without ever taking the time to study us personally? How...unscientific of you. You needn't presume to ask to join us later, frankly I'd prefer not to sit about and pretend to be interested in anything the half wit to your left has to say while my sister entertains him over drinks. Frankly I find him boorish and while he may be pleasing to the eyes, I've seen his assignments and let's face it; without people like you and I to keep him afloat intellectually Glacia and my sister is about the best he can ever hope to accomplish."

She looked to Curtis, and her deadpan expression was almost becoming burned into his mind. Did this chick ever make smile or frown? "You're a scientist, I'm a psychologist. Please understand that your attempts at sarcasm or quips that I'm sure you consider 'witty' are lost on me. We're intellectual equals Curtis, so please, stop trying to irritate me and try actually talking to me like I'm a person and not some demon contrived from your preconceived notions of who my sister and I are. You're smarter than that, do yourself some credit and join us later."

[Hotstreak]

At keast a dozen warning klaxons went off in Daniel's brain, but a self-destructive sense of curiosity drew him in like a moth to flame. Summer was actually being nice, and whatever her game it was at least working to get him to consider hanging out with her. Then of course there was the tripe about mutant superiority that she'd spouted off in the club and here. Those words he didn't care for at all.

From all he'd heard, this was a bad decision, but at the same time, he wanted to see for himself. "Okay." when she looked at him he nodded. "I did say my opinions of you and your sister were formed from what I hear from others. I'll discard those notions, and form my own, if that offer of drinks is still good."

He smiled to Summer. "If Autumn's just going to sit there and belittle me the entire time, though, it's going to not be as fun for all of us." He spared her a brief glance. "I do most of my work myself Autumn, there are only a few areas where I'm weak, and ask for help. I'm fortunate to have friends I can call on for that." Was Curtis a friend, no, probably more an acquaintance, but he wasn't his primary study partner. That was mist definitely Diana.

[Curtis Shane]

"With that unceasing use of monotone, I could hardly tell-" Curtis protested, but unfortunately, he realized her point deep down was made. Prejudgement in this manner was unscientific, or that is, he could stand to gather a bit more inter-personal data directly. A part of his mind was warning of some trap, but he had to consider... when he couldn't quite recognize sarcasm so easily - a sign that he might be losing the ability to adequately interact with his peers...

A warning sign, and a period of time with Autumn Astovik would not be an automatic danger.

"-But fine. I see what you're saying. What do you have in mind?" Curtis' gaze now was cautious, but speculative.

[Summer Solstice]

He smiled to Summer. "If Autumn's just going to sit there and belittle me the entire time, though, it's going to not be as fun for all of us." He spared her a brief glance. "I do most of my work myself Autumn, there are only a few areas where I'm weak, and ask for help. I'm fortunate to have friends I can call on for that."

"Oh, ignore her." Summer said, with a bit of a pout. "It's just Autumn being Autumn. Look, I'm her sister and she gives me the same grief. C'mon it's not like you don't know what being around an Ice Queen is like. My sister is like a snow cone with bitch flavoring, you'll get used to her, besides, she'll quit once she warms up to you."

"Maybe." Came the monotone drone of Autumn's retort, bleeding over into her and Daniel's conversation.

Dismissively the warm mutant grasped her escort's arm tighter, cuddling a bit closer. "So, come by our dorm, enjoy some hot cocoa with us and we'll talk. Y'know get to know each other finally and all of that. Kay?"

[Autumn Solstice]

"With that unceasing use of monotone, I could hardly tell, but fine. I see what you're saying. What do you have in mind?" Curtis' gaze now was cautious, but speculative.

"Tone, inflection, body language. All these things allow another to read who we are and what we're really trying to say underneath what we've already said. You practically wear you insecurities and complexes on your sleeve." Her tone, of course was simple and droned out the words with no sign of emotion. "You will find I keep my cards closer to my chest, Curtis. Let's not mince words, simply put you don't trust me and I, likewise, don't trust you. That's not to say we can not be civil with one another."

"I offer you the same invitation my sister has offered Daniel. Join us for some cocoa and we can have ourselves a conversation to, what's the phrase? 'Clear the air'?" She tilted her head slightly and her eyes were like emotionless orbs peering into him (but man, were they pretty eyes...). "Well?"

[Curtis Shane]

Those eyes were pretty - what the? Curtis blinked and then nodded. "I accept then. What time?" The thought that he was far more transparent than he wished to be in front of her rankled, but it seemed he was not exactly going to be changing this soon.

[Hotstreak]

Daniel nodded. "Alright."

He knew this was dangerous, for ALL sorts of reasons, but still, he meant it. He'd give Summer the same benefit he gave everyone else, and was going to have as open a mind as possible to give her the chance to make her own impression. "When would you like to do this?"

Daniel wondered what this would cost him with Curtis, but he also knew that he could have left if he wanted. Looked like they were both curious to get to know the "Real" Astovik twins.

[Summer Solstice]

The Academy had only been open for classes for three days when the 14 year old Astovik sisters got into a Team Edward/Team Jacob brawl that nearly burned down an entire dorm. Blasts of arctic cold and super heated currents of air tore through the halls and into the neighboring rooms (which at the time were unoccupied, thankfully) while the teenage girls argued over which one of the super natural heartthrobs truly deserved Bella. It was because of this spat that the sisters were given lodgings in the dorm farthest from any learning centers but closest to the administration building. What the sisters (and other students), didn't know or didn't realize is that it allowed the faculty to keep a closer eye on the two and keep them separated from less violent students. Considering the bullying nature of the twins' no one really took any issue with them having their own little dorm with hall the other 'dangerous' students.

Their dorm room, truth be told, was more like four rooms with a single door. The walls were knocked down and in the area where two of the rooms should have been there was simply a large living area. Contemporary furniture, a one hundred and sixty inch plasma screen was mounted directly across from the entrance centered between the two windows that illuminated the area with the sun's natural light. Their furniture was a comfortable couch that formed a horse shoe in front of the large screen and a large square coffee table made entirely of ornate glass. The most notable thing however, was not the large screen or the incredibly expensive furniture. Everything seemed to have a color scheme, it was either red, or white, even the plastic framing around the television was red, set upon a wall that was white. The carpet was white, yet the couch was red. The area rug in front of the couches was red and the ornate glass table that rest upon it was frosted, giving it a white appearance. It was like they lived in a giant candy cane.

"Daniel!" Summer smiled brightly and a scent of spiced apples filled their senses. She looked just as she did earlier, not bothering to dress up for the occasion. Simple, faded blue designer denim that was a house payment to most people, a red sweater that hung loosely on her frame with a neckline that teased and simple red designer boots with a modest heel. Of course she touched up her make-up a little, but it was no big surprise considering how vain rich folk seemed to be. The mirthful joy and smile slowly fell from her features when she noticed Curtis. "Plus one... right. Forgot."

With a wave of her hand she opened the door up fully and stepped aside to allow the men entry. Curtis could tell Summer wasn't to please he was here, and Curtis didn't care much in the slightest. "Please," she said, her tone still devoid of any caring after having seen Curtis. "Come on in, have a seat." She stood behind Daniel and took his coat, politely hanging it on the coat rack next to the entrance. She patted Curtis on the back and walked past him, casually taking the time to mention that the coat rack was right behind him, and to help himself. Daniel smirks and shrugged at Curtis, enjoying his few moments of special treatment. All the junior genius could manage was a roll of the eyes and simply hang his coat up.

She moved over to a small kitchen area, and although the dorms weren't equipped with appliance hook ups, the sisters had a sink and some counter space on which a few simple appliances like a microwave, a slow cooker and heating plate could be used. At the moment that's precisely what was in use, a large heating plate with a pot of something that smelled delicious. "Hope you guys like this," she said taking the pot off for a moment and stirring it with a wooden spoon. "Autumn is really good at making sweet stuff like hot cocoa and candy and stuff. Me? Not so much. Actual meals is my thing, deserts I fail epically at."

,,

She motioned to the gentleman again, who were still standing near the door, unsure of what do to next. In a dorm that looked like a candy cane and delicious hot cocoa and spiced apples on the air Curtis was starting to wonder which of them was Hanzel and which was Gretel. "Guys, seriously, sit. Get comfy, Autumn will be out in a second, she's on the phone. I'll bring it out to ya."

,,

With a tap of a remote cirrus radio began filling the area with commercial free soft rock, loud enough to be background noise in case there were any uncomfortable silences. A few moments later a tray of cocoa rest on the coffee table. Curtis and Daniel sat on the middle couch, Summer sat on the left couch, close to Daniel, with her legs crossed. "So, Dan, I think you and I have been here the same amount of time and we've never actually talked. So, tell me about you. It'll be a good ice breaker."

[Autumn Solstice]

With a quiet click, the door on the far side of the kitchen area shut and Autumn walked over to the couches, pleased to find a cup of cocoa waiting for her. She tapped the button on the top of her iPhone and walked around, finally sitting across from Summer and near Curtis. "My apologies. I had some business to attend to at the last moment."

,,

She was dressed just like Summer, save that her sweater and boots were white. The guys were starting to notice the motif: Summer had fire power and so she chose reds (maroon, red-orange, etc) and blacks. Autumn, being a cold mutant prefered ice blues, whites, etc. Thankfully it served as a fine way to tell them apart, because without the color difference the girls were identical. She crossed her legs, trading her phone for the cup of cocoa on the table, and sat back, taking a sip and relishing for a moment in it's flavor. "My siste rmakes an excellent point, Daniel." Hotstreak amazed that she didn't take the opportunity to insult him. "We've been here an equal amount of time and know very little, if anything about one another. Since it appears my sister has taken some bizarre interest in you for God only knows what reason," There is was, he just needed to wait a few moments longer. "We may as well get acquainted. So, please, gentleman, tell us about yourselves."

,,

"For example, Curtis," Autumn asked as she raised the mug back to her lips for a short sip. "When did you realize you were bored with the moronic masses and choose to distance yourself from their idiocy?"

[Curtis Shane]

Curtis should have realized this was going to involve his past. This sort of conversation would, and eventually it would get into the private, personal painful details. Stuff that he did not want to discuss.... those harridans would lead it down that way eventually. Of course, he intellectually knew most others had suffered trauma or significantly serious consequences as well, so he wasn't exactly alone...

,,

Oh, to hell with squeamishness. Not much he could do without it getting worse. "It started in elementary school. The rifts had been there for a while, with hindsight - not many young children study the energy crisis and evaluate the most highly proposed solutions in great detail for the science fair..."

,,

That had been 4th grade, with the vice principal and two science teachers serving as the three-individual panel of judges. And Vice Principal Michaels had been little more than a syrup-smiling official figurehead, with zero comprehension of anything more than the superficial aspects of the subject. The glazing over of his eyes as Curtis had begun his summary had been blatantly clear. Mr. Taylor and Ms. Abernaky's expressions had painted over with false smiles.

,,

Obviously, they too had been intimidated, and challenged to understand, and rather than admit the clear superiority of Curtis' work, they awarded the prizes to other students. Of course they didn't have to explain their decision. Convenient, that.

,,

Then, already aware that Curtis was well ahead of the pack even then, the childish nature of fellow students would seize on the sexual orientation of them. A prejudiced and silly pretext to verbally abuse him more. Curtis had long ago given up on trying to deal with those his age, and many adults as intellectual peers. "I effectively gave up in 5th grade. And that was before the full expression of my X-Gene became apparent to me."

[Hotstreak]

Daniel took in the lavish setup, and their treatment and inwardly was not surprised. They were wealthy, and would spare no expense on their private domain. Still, they were both being "Nice" and for him he found it a pleasant surprise and change. He paid attention to Curtis' story, and nodded. He couldn't comprehend the way Curtis Mind worked, or the speed, the closest comparison was a high spec computer, and hearing that he'd been that way since fourth grade was somewhat disturbing in its own way. It explained alot, regarding his social awkwardness though, as few could think at his level.

,,

"There's not all that much to my story, The expression of my X-Gene manifested less than a week before I came here. My father had long thought having me train in martial arts would serve to focus my more rambunctious nature, and one day the dojo where I studied caught fire due to old and faulty wiring. Some of my friends and fellow students were trapped in burning rubble and I began to panic. In a flash I knew I could do something. I commanded the flames to vanish, and they obeyed. It saved the lives of those buried, but the damage had been done. The heat radiating from me was quite evident, and I was later interrogated by the police as to what happened. My story was corroborated by my fellow students and Sensei, and They let me go."

,,

His eyes seemed to darken, as his neutral features mirrored his mood, and he almost scowled. "Riva showed up, talking to my parents and I about the School, and then left, when we said we'd think on it. For three days I endured the dirty looks, the physical attacks, and finally I'd had enough, as did my parents. It was a miracle I didn't lash out at anyone, and made the call for Riva to bring me to the School."

,, ,,

He sat there a moment, and then sighed. "And that is the first time I've said anything of it in over a year."

,,

He looked at each of them, ending on Summer. "As far as telling you about myself, I don't know how much there is to tell. I do my best to generally stay out of trouble now, though I wasn't like that early on. I think I spent half my first year here tethered, or confined to the campus, Something about being a free spirit, and freely using my abilities to make some spectacular fire displays, I think it unnerved the faculty and students."

,,

"I had alot of fun though, and gradually I've calmed down, and mostly grown out of all that."

,,

He shrugged. "I do admit though, I was enjoying the evening in Dante's before Warren and Oneca decided to throw down with a couple of mutants."

,,

Looking at Summer, he smiled. "I have one for you and Autumn. What's it like growing up with an identical twin? I was orphaned as a young child and the parents I know adopted me shortly afterwards. I have no siblings, so I admit I do like hearing about life growing up with them.".

[Summer Solstice]

Summer massaged the bridge of her nose for a second, shaking her head slowly. "Danny, sweetie, I meant tell me about you. The person that is Daniel Allard. Honey, I know you don't necessarily like mine and Autumns pro-mutant mindset, but you've slipped into the way of thinking that the humans follow. When someone asks you about you as a person, you immediately default to talks of your x-gene and powers you have. That's exactly how the humans perceive us. We're not people, we're just things who can do stuff. We're people to, darlin', and I'm looking to get to know Daniel, not Hotstreak. You don't see my sister and I walking around asking everyone to call us the Solstice Sisters, do you?" She quipped with a pleasant enough smile on her face to show that she wasn't trying to chastise him, just open his mind a little. "You were orphaned and adopted, then what? Your family, the good times, the bad times... dude, you're a mutant who can throw fire, me too... and there's a million others like us out there. I know the mutant Daniel, I was looking to get to know the man."

,,

You think on that while I answer your question, kay?" Summer sipped her cocoa, leaned back on the couch and glared at her sister evilly, like she was think up the meanest things she could say about her. "Having a twin is complicated. People say there's a bond between twins, and while Autumn and I both think it's all a load of crap, we both agree that for some reason we hate being apart for too long." She giggled and covered her mouth as she swallowed some hot cocoa. Leaning in she tapped Daniel's knee with the excitement of a story forming in her mind. "Oh, god... Autumn do you remember when we had separate summer vacations? I spent the summer in Italy with mom and Autumn had to with our father to Asia. They though we were spending too much time together, and oh my god, Daniel let me tell you something... Autumn was balling her eyes out at the airport. Tears everywhere." Summer laughed at the memory, Autumn's glare at Daniel was almost a dare for him to follow suit...

,,

"As I recall, Dear Sister," Autumn kept glaring at Daniel, in case he got any ideas about enjoying himself. "You cried for three days after vacation was over. Every ten minutes I had to hear about how happy you were so see me and how much you missed me."

,,

Still laughing, Summer nodded. "She's right. I was sobbing for days." Switching which leg she had crossed, she continued after she got more comfortable. "I love my sister and I've no shame in sharing that. We're inseparable," She gave Daniel a wink. "Well, almost inseparable."

,,

"There are some perks. I mean we're literally identical. Same color eyes, weight, height, voice, everything." She chuckled again and continued. "We've switched and gone to separate classes, dodged appointments, hell, even swapped a date once which Autumn still owes me for, by the way. Sure, we get into our fights and spats, my god when we were younger they were brutal, hair pulling, brawling, screaming... eh, now we just take a few days to cool off."

[Autumn Solstice]

"So, you were a natural prodigy?" Autumn asked, resting her side on the arm rest of the couch. "Well, I may have misjudged you then, I had assumed your intellect was a side effect of your gifts. The majority of our kind who find themselves blessed with superior attributes often fall prey to the fact that they don't come with instructions. Idiot savants are not uncommon among our kind, people who think that because they're brilliant now that they can in some way be useful. More often than not they're still morons with expanded synaptic pathways that are still just running on the fumes of the idiot they were before they evolved."

,,

"Oh, please Autumn, tell us how you really feel." Summer chimed up with a sarcastic roll of the eyes.

,,

"Anyways," Autumn's tone dismissed her sisters sarcasm. "It's impressive that you continued to press forward despite the obstacles your peers placed in your path. I can feel your pain, Curtis, truly. It's easy to tell which of us is the intellectual one. I spend most of my free time doing Summer's homework while she spends her free time doing everything but her homework. It's a shame too, because she's brilliant." It was obvious that the familial bond between the sisters was strong, they honestly did seem to have that bond common among siblings. Each sister was her own person and despite the differences, they looked out for the other. "I've a question for the two of you, honestly. There's a world out there doesn't want you. You have no rights, getting a job will be close to impossible unless it's the private sector which will barely pay you what your abilities are worth, when your time here is up how do you plan on carving out a future for yourself?"

[Curtis Shane]

"A good question." Curtis observed, one he had not considered much in his time at the Academy, but it had occurred to him at times. And it was a thorny question. "I do hold a faint hope that at some point the world will come to its senses, but it's a faint hope. Currently, not much has occurred to me in the way of optimal solutions. Even with the proper records created and inserted over time, a new identity crafted... I would not care for sustained scrutiny of myself or other inconvenient questions. Which would come with the territory when dealing with scientific and technological progress as I would wish too."

,,

"The worst case scenario would most likely involve residing in an apartment, taking advantage of the Internet to limit human contact as much as possible, and registering a virtual company as per the H.888 bill passed in Vermont a few years back. A limited liability corporation, no physical assets needed, I can handle all the business and filing online, and make a comfortable living with some low-key online business. I could manage well enough... it would be dreadfully boring, and self-limiting, thus the worst case." Curtis' face made it clear that boredom was nearly as bad as death to him if it would dominate his following life.

,,

"Alternatives include being the brains behind research and development for some enlightened businessman, should one become apparent... or someone else who wishes to play the public face for a company backed by my research... Better, but far more difficult to arrange. I suppose since there is time still in the Academy, an opportunity or avenue can yet present itself."

[Hotstreak]

His face remained impassive as she tells him what she really wanted, and gives him a mild rebuke for being too "human" in how he thinks. It didn't really make him mad, as she did have a few points. It actually reminded him of some of the pillowtalk passing between he and Diana as of late, which did make him smile. In truth he'd not really thought much about describing himself to someone else, just trying to be an easy-going guy, keeping his temper in check, and being a good and faithful boyfriend, even if he did let his eyes wander at times.

,,

Listening to her tell of her younger days with Autumn, his smile widened. "Sounds like you two have had alot of fun, and really benefit from having and being a sibling."

,,

He nodded. "I'll be honest, I've not really thought much of who I am before. I do my best to keep my temper in check, and be what's generally considered "good." I love to fish, though I seldom have the opportunity, which is something I miss about not being in Louisiana to be honest. I stand by my friends, and I don't go back on my word." He wasn't a deep thinker, and he didn't try to hide that fact. "I've been told lately that I'm naive and idealistic, and while those aren't flattering, I do want better for Mutants and humans. I want to change how we mutants are perceived."

,,

Looking to Autumn, he nodded. "Worst case Scenario for me, I go back to Louisiana, and become a Sport Guide, taking people hunting and Fishing and getting paid for it. Sounds boring, and it would become so. The worst would be making a job of something I love to do, thus making it less fun, and eventually something I'd dread doing." He sighed. "I have a couple uncles who do it, and they're already burning out after only ten years." This fact seemed to sadden him some, and he nodded. "Something I could do, and Even mentioned to Riva, the next time Wildfires ravage California or the western states or where ever, I could go there and quell them. Maybe not entirely, not right away, but I could help save people, their lives, and livelihoods."

,,

"Not really out to make money, I would just like to make things better however I can."

[Summer Solstice]

"Oh, you're certainly naive and idealistic," Summer said matter of factly. It was obvious she was trying to hold in the urge to just shake him like a young child. It was like Peter Pan had scooped him and took him to his own private imaginary world and he no longer existed in the reality that everyone else called 'Earth'. "No, worst case scenario for you is that you're drug to a lab and locked in a cell where you'll never see the light of day again until the humans can figure out a use for you. Branded and collared and a slave to the citizens because, in case you've forgotten Daniel, we have no rights. Or did not hear about the giant exterminator robots they build to wipe out the mutant 'problem'."

,,

She shook her head in absolute disbelief, picking up and sipping her cocoa as an excuse to shut herself up and give herself time to think. "You're not interested in me, and now I can see why. You and Glacia are perfect for each other, you're both absolutely clueless. You're surrounded by an aura of heat Daniel, heat, and your master plan is to go to Louisiana, one of the hottest states there is, and be a Sports Guide? I'm sure the clientele will line up for miles in a hundred and five degree weather to stand next to a guy who is a hundred and five degrees... in the shade. You'll be idealistic and impoverished to boot."

,,

Setting her mug down she switched which legs she had crossed and continued. "I'm not trying to but your balls Daniel, but I wonder if you ever think before you speak, if altruistic simply because you think it's the cool thing to be, or if your simply just to much of a coward to actually stand up and fight for what you believe in. All mutants like you ever say is 'I wanna help', yet if given a chance you always find some moral reason or lame excuse or you just have to wash your hair that evening. The night at Dante's proved it. You could have helped the mutant cause by hearing us out, but you let your altruistic self-righteousness get in the way before you even heard what we had to say. There's already been a line drawn in the sand, Danny. Eventually you'll either need to stand up and be a man, or get trampled underfoot by the rest of us who actually have goals, ideals, and a clue. Or you could stay here at the school your whole life, I'm sure Drumm would protect you while the rest of us are out being immoral and evil for the sake of our continued existence."

,,

"It's a good thing you're pretty." She giggled. This was the Summer people knew, brutally honest and not holding anything back to spare his feelings. "It's really all you have going for you."

[Autumn Solstice]

"That sounds like a brilliant plan, Curtis." Autumn complimented him with nothing more than words, sipping her cocoa. "But to have to be forced to hide yourself away from the world, living in fear and obscurity, having to recreate your life and surround yourself with lies just exist. Does that not illicit some sort of reaction from you? Your plan, as thought out as it may be, it's not better than Daniels'. We are beings of infinite potential, of limitless possibilities, and yet you two would simply relegate yourselves to being nothing more than common slaves for the very people who hunt down and murder your people. Curtis, you'd invest your time and energy into improving their lives, while ours were still worthless to them."

,,

"Can you not see the inherent flaw in your logic?" Autumn looked to Curtis, her gaze locked on his and it felt like she could see right through him. "We are on the cusp of a new world order. The world is evolving and the humans are not longer on the top of the food chain. To help them better their way of life while they're hunting and extinguishing our kind is about as intelligent as the lion protecting the gazelle on the plains from other predators until the lion foolishly allows its self to starve to death. I commend you, both, honestly, I do. A simple life of peace and quite is truly what all of us want, but those are not the times we live it. What you both describe it comparable to just putting a gun your fellow mutants heads, and pulling the trigger. I will step forward and help this world when I'm fairly treated like I'm a part of it. If human rights do not apply to me or mine then nor do their laws. We should not be bound by their rules, bound by their laws, and certainly not be helping them develop a prosperous society in which they can expedite the process of eradicating our kind."

[Hotstreak]

He didn't really like being insulted. His dreams weren't so grandiose as others, he'd settle for just getting by, the only other mutants he really cared about were Diana and Riva if he was being honest. "My plan's not a perfect one in any light. And you're right we could all end up labrats for the regular people, as we get vivisected to see what makes us mutants."

,,

"By flaunting their laws, this whole idea of they don't apply to us, we would make them fear us even more. How would that help us? They'd only escalate things further. Aside from that I was hearing you out, until Warren and Oneca decided to start a brawl downstairs. I seem to remember him flying through the air and landing on Autumn, considering how bad I expected things to get, yes I decided to leave."

,,

"Not every fight is one you can win, and knowing when not to fight is every bit as important." He knew this whole situation was one he couldn't win, and still he didn't really back down from it. "You both talk about what we'd do, how it is comparable to putting a gun to the heads of other mutants. How do you figure that?"

,,

He looked at Summer. "What do you envision for yourself in the future?"

,,

he was trying to shunt away all the anger he felt. He didn't need their opinions, but he was learning something, there was something else beyond that "bitch" shell the two of them presented to the rest of the world. His current thoughts led him to believe it was just more "bitch" and it was getting harder to justify staying.

[Curtis Shane]

"Daniel, exercise your brain like you claim you do." Curtis snapped, all of a sudden at the flame-controlling mutant, a little wrought by Autumn's words, since they were right in a sense, but yet off a bit. And they brought up memories of Kara, to add a little more tension to his expression. "In a technical, strict sense, it is correct to say the laws do not apply to us, because they apply to human beings, and we are not considered that under those laws.

,,

"Realistically," Curtis went on, "even more so, we're already at zero approval rating, it's hard to get any worse... for that matter, given how the various governments and anti-mutant groups dominate the media, even positive acts mean very little. You heard of how Sonja and company were attacked by a Dreadnought? Self-defense, fair amount of bystanders... and yet the world heard about a thwarted mutant attempt on government officials. Unless we can counter the media... steps tend to not go forwards. Oh, and surely you remember the Edmund Burke quote about what happens when good people do nothing?"

,,

Curtis then turned his focus to face the Astoviks, flushed but focused. "Now, to be clear, I've lost family to those bastards." It was the first time that Curtis had been known to actually use an expletive. "The question is more appropriately best put as: What would you have me do? For all my intellect and skills, I have little in the way of resources, and I can't carry the banner single-handedly. Nor have I been aware of any groups with plans that would help. Unless perhaps, you two have something in mind already?"

[Summer Solstice]

"By flaunting their laws, this whole idea of they don't apply to us, we would make them fear us even more. How would that help us? They'd only escalate things further. Aside from that I was hearing you out, until Warren and Oneca decided to start a brawl downstairs. I seem to remember him flying through the air and landing on Autumn, considering how bad I expected things to get, yes I decided to leave."

,,

"Not every fight is one you can win, and knowing when not to fight is every bit as important." He knew this whole situation was one he couldn't win, and still he didn't really back down from it. "You both talk about what we'd do, how it is comparable to putting a gun to the heads of other mutants. How do you figure that?"

,,

"Dude, chill, we're just talking, Jesus Christ. Don't get so worked up." Summer stifled a laugh. It was obvious that Daniel was way more worked up that she was about this stuff. "I really don't care what you do with your life Danny, but like the saying goes, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. They're hunting us like we're sport and killing us like we're not even people and you'r esolution is to just go and fish in Louisiana? I mean, seriously you have no clue how pussified that sounds. What would you do if they gunned down Diana on the street or took her away to a lab? Would you go fishing then? No, you wouldn't. You just don't care about anything but yourself and Diana, and that's cool, but guys like you tend to be the first people to get pissed off when you bang on someone's door in the middle of the night needing help and we tell you that we'd love to help you save Diana, but we don't wanna escalate the issue so we're going fishing instead."

,,

Summer sat back and inhaled, relaxing as she sighed with her thought. "What do I see us doing? Honestly, I don't know. We can't manage the family business with our father because we're not actual citizens and can't be employed, so that's a tough one. I would like to work with a Mutants Right group." The teenage angst was pallatable. Summer was suffering from the same issues every woman her age went through: she was too young to be taken seriously by anyone but more than mature enough to make her way in life. "I know this sounds bitchy, and a slight bit crazy, but if if a robot comes after me, you better believe I'm going to fry the son of a bitch, then hunt down the bastard that sent it after me and fry him too. I'll keep Autumn and me safe no matte rwhat, and when the dust settles we'll visit you out on your lake or stream or wherever you fishing people use as an excuse to drink beer in a boat."

[Autumn Solstice]

"Sadly, no." Autumn offered dryly. "As much as I hate to admit it, my sister and I have very little options. We're not looking to cause any trouble for anyone, but as she said, if trouble comes to our doorstep, we'll not hesitate to show the trouble makers who is higher on the food chain. We wouldn't ask you to do anything more than what you are doing now. If your goal is to simply help humanity then that's your business, Daniel's as well. I believe this is where Daniel seems to take offense: we're not saying your choices are poor ones, or that they're the wrong choices. We're simply saying that the logic is flawed to an extreme. The translation of Daniel's concept is a simple one: 'while my species is hunted down and slaughtered, I will run away and hide'. My sister's translation seems to have struck a chord with him, and rightfully so, it's a harsh appraisal."

,,

Autumn sipped her cocoa, her eyes were all that peered from the rim of her mug. We Astoviks tend to be honest, but crass. those unaccustomed to honesty tend to hear only insults and bullying. Let them hear what they wish, I say. The truth remains unchanged."

[Hotstreak]

"You're wrong, I do care. I just haven't given that much thought as to how I can really help." He was seething inwardly, but they did have a point. his outlook was cowardly, and his dreams were small, attainable ones.

,,

"I don't like feeling hunted or persecuted at all. That's part of why I'm here, it isn't like that here. In less than a week's time I went from being very popular to being a pariah. My adopted parents suffered too, but they left the choice to come here to me. It's extremely naive to believe that peaceful coexistence will be possible relatively soon, considering the afformentioned mutant seeking killer robots."

,,

He looked at Summer, then at Autumn. "I've been training a great deal to further develop my abilities, but my progress isn't all that stellar. Considering I'm not on Drum's good side, any large Pyrokinetic displays tend to get me yelled at. Still I've made some progress. I "Do" want to help."

,,

He looked at Summer. "Yes your words anger me, but I admit there's a great deal of truth to them. Thank you at least, for being honest, and making me realize how wrong I have been."

[Curtis Shane]

Curtis ignored Daniel's slow gradual little lesson and kept focused on Autumn. "It's less about helping humanity - although being able to improve the plight of mutants in the process if it were welcome." He shook his head and went on to elaborate. "The intent is towards the pursuit of advancing scientific and technology. In fact, I'm fairly certain that within a decade I can have contributed as much to human learning and advancement as Thomas Edison, Alan Turing, Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell, Watson and Crick, Richard Feynman... combined-"

,,

That was a boast that raised eyebrows on everyone, even Daniel who didn't recognize half those names, and then Curtis suddenly and vehemently spat: "That is, if people would just fucking let me!" Goodness gracious, was that expletive number two from Curtis? Suddenly recognizing his outburst, Curtis leaned back, hand gripping the couch end fiercely.

,,

"Anyway, I unfortunately live in this world, not a parallel universe that has more senses... Even the labs at school limit what there is to work with - and the one time I get access to the remains of a Dreadnought for study, the government seizes it within 24 hours! Sonja still has the head.... as a trophy! She can't seem to comprehend that more benefit comes from me getting into the only intact portion left for study, than as a monument to her ego." He exhaled and then wrapped up. "Let's just say I continue to not find much in the way of positive options for the future."