Video;

[studieswaitressing]

[When the feed switches on, there's the chiding tone of an Initiative worker in the background that Raven has to shrug off. It's obvious from the stark white pillow and the meticulously cleaned walls behind her that she's in one of their holding facilities, and if the bandaging over her shoulder is any indication, it's their medical ward.

He voice rises as she speaks, until she's nearly shouting.]

You know, I was just waiting for something like this to happen. What, was one of you trying to lull me into a false sense of security before you tried to finish me off?

[She's angry now that she's pretty sure she's not going to die, and rightfully so. It isn't as if she's ever really felt like she belonged among regular people, and this just seems to be justification that people here didn't believe it either.

She can already hear Charles' voice: It was an isolated incident, Raven. Everyone was going to make excuses. She's quieter when she speaks next, at least at first, but she's still irritated.]

Well, joke's on you. I'm fine, but I know what you look like and you're not just going to get away with shooting me!

[Occurring after this and this.]

Comments

[studieswaitressing]

[When she shrugs, it's cautious -- as if she's not confident in her shoulder to be completely better. It's sore, but it's nothing like it was.]

Transport's my best guess. Since we fixed whatever was screwed up in this place by going back in time, the locals have been pretty friendly.

[healplz]

[ He nods, dipping back from concerned to thoughtful. ]

Would you recognize his face if you saw it again?

[studieswaitressing]

Yeah, I think so.

[She didn't have much time to study him before the shooting started, but -- enough to catch a glimpse, at least.]

[healplz]

Then I would ask you to please keep track of posts and conversations held over the network. If there is a man among us who would shoot without provokation, then we need to take action.

[studieswaitressing]

Oh, don't worry -- I'm planning on it.

[healplz]

Good.

[ And that done, he hesitates, looks a little unsure, and hesitantly tries: ] May I... ask what you are?

[ IS THIS RUDE GOD HE HOPES IT'S NOT ]

[studieswaitressing]

[THE WORST TIMING ASHRAF

...but he's been pretty chill with the whole 'healing her bullet wound' thing, so...]

I'm a mutant. I can -- well.

[She lets her form ripple down to her 'usual' cover identity.]

Change the way I look, I guess.

[healplz]

[ He blinks, looks surprised for about two seconds, and then smiles. ]

That is quite the talent.

[studieswaitressing]

You'd think I'd be happy to stay like this, right?

[She motions down at herself.]

It's not as great as people think. It never really feels -- right, unless I'm myself.

[healplz]

[ well, there goes the smile. He's clearly stumbled onto something a little more loaded than he intended. ]

Then I hope you do not often stray from yourself.

[studieswaitressing]

[She shakes herself back to normal.]

...well, people at home react about as well as the asshole who shot me did.

[healplz]

[ oops, dropping way back into solemn, like he forgot how to smile in general. ]

Then I would consider it fortunate that you are not at home.

[studieswaitressing]

It's not like this place is actually much different anyway.

[Yep, totally half-sulking with her arms crossed over her chest.]

[healplz]

[ grimly: ] We will find the man who shot you, Mystique. He will be dealt with accordingly.

[studieswaitressing]

We'll see.

[She's still kind of stuck in the 'mutants probably have no rights' position here. It's unfortunate.]

[healplz]

[ He makes to reach out, hesitates (TOUCHING PEOPLE WITOUT PERMISSION IS RUDE OMG WHAT IS HE DOING), and then lays a hand on her shoulder. ]

I promise.

[studieswaitressing]

[WOAH THERE strange man

no seriously dude, it's just a touch on her shoulder, calm down.]

I'm glad one of us is convinced.

[healplz]

[ He tries an encouraging smile, but he's really not very good at those. It just comes out soft and sad, and then he drops his hand and turns to leave. ]

I should leave you to your business. [ He takes the first step, then pauses and glances back to wave a hand toward her. A blessing falls over her, which should leave her feeling stronger and revitalized. ] It was a pleasure to meet you, Mystique.

[studieswaitressing]

[Oh, look at you and your fancy blessings

Ashraf almost makes up for the asshole who shot her. Almost.]

And you. Thanks again, Ashraf.

[healplz]

[ One last small smile, and PRIEST, OLLYING OUT. Catch you later, weirdo blue lady. ]