First Target - Video

[nobodysweapon]

*The video opens on a girl with... does that teddy bear behind her have a bullet hole through its head? That's creepy. The girl isn't nearly as creepy in a rather ordinary sundress, a nice blue-gray number. Nothing fancy and it clearly allowed her to move freely as she stepped into center frame. To those that know her before she seems less... paranoid, angry, and ready to kill things at a moment's notice than she was five years ago. Even if she hasn't aged as much as everyone else.*

Hello. I am a returning student, I am a little old for high school, but I needed to withdraw from my last school for personal reasons. I am attempting to finish my education so I can properly enter the workforce without forged documentation.

*Yes, that was all said with a straight face.*

Some of the staff and students from before the incident might remember me. I-

*She hesitated, just slightly*

Will be using the name Laura now. And I would like people to respect this.

I wish everyone a school year with less kidnapping and property damage than previous years.

*Look she's trying really hard not to be scary, she has to get points for that! She walks over and shuts down the feed.*

Comments

Video

[niepokonany]

What about, like, just a little property damage?

[Feliks grins. She kind of scared him sometimes, a long time ago, but she did kind of save him from kidnappers that one time, so props.]

Good to see you again, I guess! How's it going?

[nobodysweapon]

That seems to be the best case scenario. I do not know how the school could handle zero property damage.

*It continues to elude her how her involvement in the rescue of kidnapped students placated so many of her classmates. She did murder several people over the course of that event.*

I am unharmed if that is what you are asking.

[niepokonany]

[It's the part of that where you kind of helped save their lives? Tends to warm people up to you, if only a little.]

Yeah, that'd be like, an actual miracle, with all the people using telekinesis in their sleep or whatever.

I meant more like, what's new, or how's it feel to be back, or something! Way glad you're unharmed, though.

[nobodysweapon]

The school smells different. I miss the way it was.

But it still feels like... home.

[Video]

[usedforcepalm]

[Here, Laura. Have a concerned looking younger girl.]

...um. Are kidnappings a regular problem here?

[nobodysweapon]

*Laura has to consider for a moment.*

...No.

Enough information escaped the event to make such an attempt would be... ill advised.

*Look at how many details Laura isn't talking about!*

[usedforcepalm]

Oh, okay. Two men working for a kidnapping ring tried to kidnap me in June and I don't want that to happen again.

[video]

[tofudog]

[He contemplates for some time. Sherlock Boy starts putting the clues together. Withdrew early + spooky teddybear + "less kidnapping" + new name =...]

You kidnapped someone?!

[nobodysweapon]

That is not a crime I have ever committed.

I rescued several students from kidnappers five years ago.

[tofudog]

Oh.

Then what's with all that suspicious stuff you said! And the bear??

[video]

[knighterrantofthedragon]

[......okay she's a bit of an odd duck but she seems friendly enough. Maybe it's her way of handling being uncomfortable around all the new people? Alric smiles amiably in his reply. He seems to have some experience, either with video messaging, or public speaking, since he has very few fillers ("um, er," etc.) in his speech.]

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Laura. I'm a new student, myself: Alric. Ah, Alric Caelegart. I certainly share your wishes for the upcoming year with enthusiasm, and I look forward to getting to know yourself, and my other peers, here. And I hope you'll find it a better fit, here, than at the other school. The better to avoid the need for forged documentation, of course.

[He can't help smile just a little playfully at that, since she said it so deadpan, earlier.]

[nobodysweapon]

*Subdued seems to be the keyword for Laura, she barely smiles in response to the greeting. But she is trying to be nice and not terrifying.*

It is nice to make your acquaintance as well, Alric Caelegart. I was much... happier, when I was here.

*Another small hesitation, like she was determining what exactly needed to be said, and how exactly to say it.*

But I had fewer secrets from my peers.

Thank you. I would prefer to commit as few crimes as possible.

[knighterrantofthedragon]

[Definitely a bit of an odd duck. But there are far worse things in the world than odd ducks.]

Mm, I wholly support that intention, and I'm glad you've a place to belong, here. I'll look forward to getting to know you, Miss Laura.

[toycommander]

Oh that's just so encouraging for those of us who're new here. They should put you on the welcoming committee.

[nobodysweapon]

I am being honest.

[toycommander]

Wasn't saying you weren't. [An unconcerned shrug] Just doesn't quite fit the PR material, y'know?

video;

[wholovesyou]

Come on now, sugar. Who doesn't love a bit of property damage?

[Moxxi what.]

[nobodysweapon]

Property owners.

[wholovesyou]

Until their insurance kicks in, then it's like nothing ever happened. Heck, they probably end up better off than before.

Text

[aile_noire]

[Why is there a reminder about that incident at every turn it was traumatic]

[But Remilia can't exactly disagree with that sentiment.]

Here, here. To less kidnapping and property damage. Especially the kidnapping.

[A pause.]

Property damage might be inevitable, all considering.

[nobodysweapon]

Mutants are volatile. Damage is expected.

[aile_noire]

Volatile and adolescent. A winning combination.

video;

[spes_phthisica]

...Having to quit schools is a pretty common thing for us mutants, isn't it?

[Said cheerfully enough. Really, it's a bit of a relief to know he's not the only one.]

And I guess I'm a bit old for high school too, but I suppose there's no helping it, right?

[A bit, yes. Most people who are 19 - or who think they are 19 - aren't usually just starting high school.]

[nobodysweapon]

I would not know. I have withdrawn from each school I have attended, but my childhood was... unique.

[spes_phthisica]

Ah. Well, I mean... I have been thrown out of most the schools I went to, but probably not for the same reason, I imagine.