midnight secrets

[reflectsgrowth]

The crisp night air played lightly with Maria's hair as she walked down the rather deserted street. It had become something of a ritual, a habit in a way for her to stay out late ever so often at last once a month. If she was lucky sh may try every couple of weeks, though, there were times she could go two or three months between these little exercises. She normally made it in the middle of the week on Wednesday where they would be the least amount of people out and about for this outing of hers. On these nights she was more aware of those around her, though, it wasn't out of fear it was simply to make sure no one would notice her. It was probably a bit odd for a lady to be out so late but she didn't much care. This routine often reminded her of when she was much younger, a teenager, sneaking out for this very reason.

She was well aware the negativity those with 'special talents,' as she liked to call it, or powers, abilities, there were many different terms she had heard. Even names she had heard, though, some she would not like to repeat or even think about they could be rather... cruel in a way. Mutant. That was the official term they were called. She did a good job at keeping her special talent a secret from everyone. There were a few who knew about it but the mast majority of those were mutants as well so she felt it wasn't quite so bad. Some she kept in contact with, but overall she had in a way distances herself from most. Not quite on purpose but simply events that had occurred people move, places close up, so many things that could occur in one's life for people to become distant, unfamiliar, and even changed.

A smile easily came onto her lips as she approached the entrance to the park. It was dimly lit there were a few lights spaced out in an almost random order but there was more than enough places that didn't appear to have any light out. The moon wasn't very full either preventing much light to grace the ground below it. For the first few minutes she entered she followed the worn out trail her eyes glancing around curious if anyone else was about. As with most nights there didn't appear to be anyone, but she liked to be certain. Her arms moved back and forth slightly as she walked with a slightly excited bounce to her steps. She was dressed rather simply a plain blouse and jeans. 

Once she felt comfortable and rather certain no one was around she began to walk off the trail, though, still slightly worried that there could be someone here she didn't do anything right away. Slowly she walked toward a large tree her hand lightly grazing the trunk feeling it's tough bark. Trees were not something she could move easily and only a very little. Perhaps if she actually practiced with trees she could improve that aspect slightly. She could feel the deep roots directly under her feet the tree felt healthy, hydrated. It was something she could often tell with plants if she focused, after all, if they weren't hydrated or ill in some way she couldn't move them as she could a healthy one. Her hand dropped her her side as she walked past the tree her eyes focusing on the smaller plants: flowers, vines, grass. Those that she could easily manipulate to her will, well, if she was close enough she could. She did have a limit to how far she could reach out to plants.

She bent down slightly her eyes bright as she focused on a few flowers that were planted evenly spaced clearly made to look this way.  She allowed her hand to graze the petals of one particular flower the petals were soft, colorful, and most importantly healthy. She moved her hand very smoothly allowing the flower she was focused on the grow, become larger. She knew there was a limit to how large these smaller plants could become but often she pushed that limit. It was an interesting control and, of course, if she wanted she could control many plants at once. A smile graced her lips as she stood up bringing her other hand out in front of her as she concentrated on the group of flowers, as well as a couple weeds and blades of grass, allowing them to grow together. This was something she missed, something she felt deprived of, and something she always had to hide. Even if she worked with plants nearly everyday she couldn't do this freely. She always had to make it look like a slight breeze had moved the plants rather it was fully bloomed flowers or small blades of grass. She could rarely do anything beyond that even if she had learned years ago just what she was fully capable of. There were, of course, exceptions times when she had no choice but to use her talent but she did try to avoid those as much as possible. She was often torn between wanting a normal, human life and a life were she could do this freely as she was now. 

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Magneto was venturing out in the city to gather some supplies for the Brotherhood. While he could have sent one of the others, this granted him an opportunity to recruit. Keeping his eyes out for potential members, for mutants interested in fighting for the cause. But of course, right now, he had a mental list of required supplies. He was currently clad in his fedora hat, sunglasses, a jacket, pants and a shirt. Clothing that gave him a sophisticated appearance, yet casual enough to not draw too much attention to himself. He was after all, one of the most wanted men in the world so he had to dress in a rather inconspicuous way and the sunglasses and hat granted him further concealment. It also helped that not many were out at this late hour. Furthermore, he had decided to shortcut through a park, knowing it would be less populated and it would also allow him to arrive at his destination quicker.

Though, perhaps it was fate rather than logic that had forced him on this path. For as he walked, he noticed a young woman crouch before a bed of flowers. Magneto would not have thought anything of it. It had merely been that single moment of looking, that second of a glance, that had caused him to pause. For he witnessed her do something that caused the flowers to alter their size. She did not only do this once, but again as she prompted the growth of more plants nearby. The act had caused a small smile to spread on Magneto's lips. Whenever one was able to do the seemingly impossible, it meant only one thing: that they were a mutant. A fellow brother, or in this case sister. And the opportunity to learn more of her powers was far too tempting to forgo. He stepped out from having been hiding in the shadows of the darkness, revealing himself. Some recognized him, some did not, so it would be interesting to see which group she lay in.

Although, not even remotely as interesting as it would be to learn more of his exceptional abilities. "A rather remarkable display," he commended, clear and genuine praise in his voice. He was not one to beat around the bush, to play word games. No. He had seen what he did and wished to confront her about it. Though of course not in a way to instill fear or intimidation. Though unfortunately, in the society they lived in, those things were inevitable feelings for mutants to experience whenever one confronted them about their powers. He took a couple of steps toward her, though not too close as he did not intend to invade her personal space. "One that was a great privilege to witness," he added, the same small smile on his lips as his voice continued to be sincere in his impressiveness of her actions.

[reflectsgrowth]

The moment the words reached Maria's ears she quickly stood up spinning around to face the man who spoke. She kept one hand behind her back slowly willing the flowers back to their original shape hoping to not cause anymore attention to herself, but she had a feeling it was a wasted attempt. She eyed the man curiously there was enough light from the lampposts to give her a good idea of what he looked like. However, what caught her off guard was his sunglasses it was in the middle of the night, after all, who in their right mind would want to wear sunglasses? Unless one was blind perhaps the only thing that prevented that assumption was he had seen what she could do. That completely wiped that theory out of the way.

She consider her options she could simply turn and leave but the man could very well follow intent on proving what he had seen true. She didn't know if he was human or mutant and she wasn't sure she wanted to know. The less she interacted with this man who had seen what she could do the better. She resisted sighing before attempting to reply perhaps she could make him leave her alone on his own. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." She'd rather act clueless, even ignorant if she could, for the moment. She always wanted to hide what she was, what she could do. It was safer. She had seen to much negativity to many people that wouldn't accept. Besides this was a public park while she was certain no one else may be out here at this hour she would rather be safe, practical. Even if someone else who she didn't know came by she did work and live here they could come across her again. Depending on what this man said it could expose what she could do in some way. No matter how friendly seeming this man in front of her seemed she would not risk exposing herself. Besides, what was he doing out in this hour? A question better not asking it could easily be turned on here and she wasn't sure she could answer it.

As she overlooked him once more she titled her head slightly crossing her arms in front of her. "Besides how could you possibly see anything?" She remarked her eyes focusing on the darken glasses he wore. "It's in the middle of the night and you are wearing sunglasses." Unless he had some kind of super eye sight it was possible he couldn't see things clearly. "They are clearly messing with your vision." It may have been a bit of a weak attempt but it was better than nothing or walking away. In either case he could have followed or make it more obvious what she had been doing. One of the main reasons she stayed and it could have bothered her, even worry her, that this man knew something about her she didn't want anyone to really know. Or at the very least not comfortable with him knowing. There were exceptions to this, of course, those she had met in the school years ago certainly and not many outside of that.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Her reaction was precisely what was wrong with today's society. For the world forced mutants to deny their gifts. Rather than proudly exclaim what their powers were, instead, society forced them to deny their gifts out of pure fear of discovery and the detrimental consequences of it. It was such a shame, yet this was something Magneto fought to change. After all, this was ultimately the cause that the Brotherhood fought for: to create a world of freedom for mutants. He gave a slight smile as she suggested that his sunglasses may be hindering his vision. Had he been any less confident and sure of himself, then he may have accepted such a suggestion. But he knew what he saw. In the time he had spent recruiting other mutants, he had learned to pick up on such small details. And when something seemed otherwise impossible, it meant that there was a mutant around, and she was no exception. "Believe me when I say my senses are in tact," he began to say, not providing even an ounce of doubt in what he had lay witness to. If there was even the remotest bit of uncertainty, he never would have approached her.

"I also understand your reluctance in admitting such abilities," he added. "But you have nothing to fear from me." He knew that words were just that; words. Void of meaning when one did not know nor trust the person speaking them. Still, he ensured his tone was calm, composed, and completely sincere. Perhaps even a hint of charm allowing to be revealed as he strove to create a more comfortable interaction with her. Which really meant, easing her worry of discovery. "For you and I share a bond; we are united under the gifts we both possess." He knew that in order to grant her even the slightest ease, he too had to reveal his own powers. So shortly following his words, he used his powers to remove his sunglasses, allowing them to levitate in the air for a moment, before they floated into his pocket. He did not move or change his demeanor in the slightest as he did this, wishing to show that such powers were completely natural and not something that should be considered bizarre or frightening. "What is your name?" He asked smoothly, calmly, reassuringly.

[reflectsgrowth]

Maria's form tense a bit more as the man seemed to disregard her suggestion completely. She bit on her lip as she thought about what else she could do to convince this man he was in the wrong even though that was a lie. "I'm not quite so sure they are, sir." She knew it was probably pointless to insisting he saw nothing but if she didn't try she would felt as if she should have later. Though, this entire situation would probably bother her later. She had done well over the years to only have a few know what she could do, but each time someone found out she always felt rather anxious and this certainly was no exception. Perhaps it was foolish of her to keep trying to practice when she should be trying to blend in with humans. Yet, even if she wanted to try to hide it she knew a part of her would always long to feel her power, to be able to manipulate nearly any plant she came into contact with. Her job certainly didn't help with that part that wanted her to be able to use her talent freely.

"And why should I believe you?" Fear was a good word to use it was something she certainly felt. It wasn't fear from this man exactly but what could happen. Of what could happen to her life if anyone else was to find out about her abilities. The small life she had become somewhat content with could easily disappear. Humans simply didn't accept mutants that much she understood even if she hadn't dealt with to much of the hate personally she had seen enough of it. She gave the man a curious look with his next words it seemed to her he was telling her he was a mutant as well. Before she could utter a single word in question if her assumption was true or not he revealed his own power to her. Her expression changed to slight awe as his glassed moved into the air before he placed them in his pocket.

It was only after this display did Maria's tense form relax slightly. She was still uncertain but she didn't fear as much as she had before. She still wouldn't be to open about her own abilities she would admit what she could do but they were still in a park where anyone could come by. The last thing she wanted was for someone to catch on to what she could do even if it was by accident. Now that she wasn't so tense and anxious about exposure she noticed he did seem to speak calmly perhaps hoping to ease her own troubles about him finding her out even if it was by accident. She was quite for a few moments before answering the man. "Maria." 

She considered the man since she did feel a bit more comfortable she did have a question in return for the man. "Why did you decide to approach me?" She felt that was a fair question she may or may not get an answer. She hadn't exactly been very forthcoming herself about anything. So she would certainly understand if he chose not to answer her. "It is a bit odd to approach someone in the middle of the night. Don't you think?" She was curious about him and as to why he here in the first place. She had lived in this town for several years now and she didn't not recognize his face. Though, this city was fairly large it would be probably impossible to know everyone. He could have lived here or he could be simply passing through. She wasn't curious enough about that to really question him, but did want to know why he decided to even talk to her.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

He noticed the subtle change in her demeanor; particularly the way she slightly relaxed after he exposed his own powers. And it made him ignore her question of why she should believe him. For they were the same in the fact that they were mutants. He would not endanger her by exposing her. That was a choice that mutants made on their own; he would not make it for them. It was one of the many ways that humans threatened mutants. All he could do was try to convince a mutant not to be ashamed of their powers. That they were gifts that they should not be afraid to use. She then answered his question about her name. "Maria, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said genuinely. For it was always a pleasure to encounter another mutant. She then asked a question of her own, speaking to his reasons for having approached her. It was a fair question as she had so easily answered his, he would return the same courtesy.

"No less odd than a young woman wandering through the parks at this late hour," he said with a slight smile. His words were not spoken with any tone of insult, but more, ever so slight teasing as well as his own slight curiosity as to why she was out here by herself. But he knew he still had yet to actually answer her question. "You intrigued me," he told her honestly, pausing before elaborating on his response. "Your subtle display of powers were enough to catch my attention. And I know it was a mere glimpse of your potential." He was sincerely praising her, having no hesitations about doing so. She deserved it, and from the way she reacted to discovery, something told him she was not used to others praising -- or perhaps even knowing about -- her gifts. "It is a shame though, that you choose such a secluded and isolated location to share your phenomenal gift with the world." But again, he could not blame her for this was the society they lived in. But that didn't mean he would not try to encourage her. For mutants were stronger than humans; they were a superior race and if they wanted to, could dominate the entire human race.

[reflectsgrowth]

"Perhaps." She could tell by his tone he did not mean any kind of insult by his words. And she in a way would agree with that it was not very common for women, in particular, to wander alone at night. "But I am quite certain I could take care of myself if I ran into any problems." She may not use her powers often but she knew well enough how to use them should the need arise. This nightly training was not something completely out there for her it was something she did every few weeks. But that wasn't something she exactly let be known to others perhaps not even this man.
 
She didn't usually intrigue people or at least tried not to do so. But she supposed any who were mutants may be intrigued. She had met other mutants to be sure it did amaze how diverse such talents could be so, perhaps, it shouldn't have been such a surprise this man was indeed intrigued by her. A small smile appeared on his lips at his next words. She hadn't really done anything to her full potential in a while and she knew that could always be improved on, but considering the risk of exposure she could never really use anything more than she had displayed a few minutes ago. "I tend to be subtle when I use my talent." She paused for a moment considering the rest of what he had said. "I don't think anyone could ever truly get to their full potential. There is always something that could be improved upon."

Maria gave the man a puzzled look at this statement. Did he honestly show his talent to people where they could see it? With how humans reacted it did not seem to be the wisest thing to do. She did well to hide her abilities  for the most part so hadn't had to face to much negative of humans, but she had dealt and heard of enough to be weary of such display. "I was by no means trying to show my talent to the world." If she were to do such a thing she could imagine how much her life would change certainly considering the fact she worked with humans, or at least she assumed most were humans one could never know for sure, and lived around them as well. "Do to do so could cause issues, wouldn't you agree?" Surely this man knew what she was talking about without her having to explain that any further. 

[Erik Lehnsherr]

She spoke of how she would be able to handle herself should she run into a problem, yet stated that she was subtle when using her powers. She did not seem the kind who would expose herself. But he did not point out the contradiction. He knew only her name, and not yet the extent of her gifts, though he could narrow it down to a few possibilities. "I have seen mutants reach the potential of their powers." He had even trained some to that they could use the full extent of their gifts. It was how they used them afterwards that made the difference. Of course creativity also came into play. "If you believe otherwise then it is clear you have not seen a mutant's full abilities. Which is truly a shame." And in that case, she was certainly missing out. Sheltered. Hidden away from the world of mutants so she could live her life perceived as a human. It was becoming abundantly clear that she was one of those mutants when she said that she was not trying to show her talents to the world. And then questioned the issues that could arise if she did.

"I would disagree," he began to say. "For if mutants all shared that mindset and attitude as you do, then how do we hope to show the world that we are not ashamed of who we are? How do we convince others that there is nothing we need to hide? That our mutation is part of who we are. To reject it and hide it, only reinforces the already narrow minded perception of us in society." That they hid because they were afraid of what would happen if they were exposed. But if mutants no longer hid their powers . . . then humans would lose their control over them. "What rights do humans have to make us feel afraid to show our true selves?" A somewhat rhetorical question, but a legitimate one at the same time. There were so many mutants out there . . . and there would be many more in the future. For they were the future. And that was why humans feared them. It was why they were trying to exterminate them. Because they were threatened by their kind, which was ironic because they were currently the ones threatening mutants. He knew why mutants hid in society, but it was also why he was trying to convince them that they shouldn't have to.