One Year On: The Meeting

[x-volcanic.livejournal.com]

Terribly terribly backdated, but a little snapshot of some conversations held at the HeliX/DZVU meeting after the violence at the vigil.

Amara talks briefly with Rebecca Black, the leader of Day Zero Victims United about the vigil.

Amara was getting herself another drink when she found herself shoulder to shoulder with the leader of the DZVU, Rebecca Black, and she took a moment to smile warmly at the other woman when she caught her eye.

"That was a lovely prayer you said at the vigil." Amara's own experiences with religion had turned her off the institution in general, but sometimes, when she saw people getting it right, it made her wish that she did have that ability to have faith in a higher power.

The woman smiled back, "It's the purpose behind the words, rather than the words themselves that carries the real meaning... I'm glad it was
of your liking."

"That's true, but it's not always easy to find words that can even come close to carrying the right meaning." Amara took a sip from her glass before continuing. "It's just a pity the night ended up being spoilt the way it was."

There was a small nod, the woman's eyes lost somewhere else. "Words are like people; alone they can only go so far." The mention of the
insident actually made Rebecca sigh. "It's pitiable, yet understandable; it doesn't make it any better though."

"They say actions speak louder than words, don't they? It's just a shame people's actions are doing so, in this case. I don't think anyone wanted to things to turn out like that, but it is the fight that people will remember of the vigil, when I think it would be better if they remembered the words - and the reason as to why everyone met there."

Rebecca left out what in a less formal situation could've been understood as a >delicate snort. "Let's not fool ourselves; it happened because some people wanted it to happen. However, some will remember the words, not all of them, but some at least." There was a long, tired breath then, followed by some seconds of silent meditation. "There is still much work pending."

"I hope people do," Amara says fervantly. "And you're right, there is a lot of work to do. Hopefully the new chapter of HeliX will help with that, I've heard a lot of good things about it."

* * * * *

Amara meets Bethany Moore, and they chat a little about Xavier's and Bethany's HeliX chapter.

Amara was glad she'd come to the meeting - she'd gotten a chance to meet quite a lot of people while she'd been here, and it had been really interesting hearing some of the perspectives people had on things. There had been a larger group talking about some ideas for other events that had hived off into smaller groups, and Amara found herself alone with Bethany. She offered the other woman her warmest smile, turning in slightly so she could talk to her properly.

"I don't think I've had a chance to introduce myself," Amara said politely. "My name is Amara Aquilla. I enjoyed your speech very much at the vigil, it was very moving."

Bethany stopped gathering the papers spread in front of her and gave Amara an answering smile. "Pleased to meet you," she replied, holding out her hand for Amara to shake. "And thanks. You'd hardly know I was terrified, huh?"

Amara shook her hand with a firm (yet overly warm) shake, chuckling a little at the comment about being terrified. "No, not at all! I think you spoke very well. But I know it is not easy, speaking in front of so many people."

"Carlie keeps telling me practice makes perfect, but every time I feel like I'm going to lose my lunch." Bethany nodded a little at the warmth of Amara's skin. "You're from Xavier's?"

"One day, you will be used to it, I am sure. And you will remember these days and laugh." Or so Amara had heard. "Yes! I attended school there for two years, before I started here last year. I still live there."

"Two years? Man, now I feel old - you weren't there when I used to visit." Bethany shook her head in disbelief. "Were you there before Jamie headed out to Cali?"

"I still can not believe how long it has been, myself. It is quite surprising." Amara said with a smile. "No, I've never met him, but I have heard a lot of stories about him, through the years. I do not think anything gets forgotten at Xavier's."

"Whether you want it to or not. You've probably heard about the guidance counsellor being turned into a frog, or the demon that crashed Halloween." Bethany shook her head. "So, you're interested in this whole coexistence thing? Not put off by the reception the Charlies got?"

"Oh yes," she replied with a little laugh. "Though I do not think it has calmed down all that much since then." Another day, another crazy thing happening at Xavier's. "Yes! Certainly. I know it is not something that will be easy, especially after what happened last year. But this is something that is very important, I think, and it does not matter how hard they are."

"It can be hard," the other woman admitted plainly. "But it is worth it. Even just changing one person's mind... it's actually pretty gratifying."

"And that is how change starts, is it not? One person at a time. But I do not think it is an impossible goal, that humans and mutants being able to understand each other and live together in harmony."

Bethany chuckled. "Pretty much. I can tell you're one of Professor Xavier's - his way of putting things is pretty distinctive. But then again, he's been at this a lot longer than either of us has been around, I guess." There was respect in her voice as she spoke - Bethany had enjoyed meeting Charles back as a high school student.

Amara grinned a little at that. "He is a great man, I think. And a great teacher as well. I just hope that in some way, I can help contribute to his dream becoming a reality."

"Well, you're making a start." Bethany gave her a responding smile. "So, anything specific you wanted to ask about? I'm all yours." She paused. "Well, figuratively speaking."

"I hope so!" Amara managed to laugh and blush a little at the final comment from Bethany. "At the moment I'm mostly just looking forward to getting involved! What sort of things has your HeliX chapter been involved in?"

"A bit of everything, to be honest. We do everything from information tables during Frosh Week to talks at schools and clubs to parties and dances." She chuckled. "We've got a bit Halloween bash planned - it's a good time for mutants who are a bit self-conscious to get out and not stick out, you know?"

"That sounds like a really good idea!" Amara said with a bright smile. "It certainly is a night that allows people to be whatever they want, and why not be yourself for a night when you can't usually be?"

"That's the idea. Even one night can be something huge for someone who is afraid to set foot outside their dorm room except to go to class." Bethany shrugged. "We give them that, then hopefully they'll realise there's options out there for them."

Amara nodded at that. "It's hard to believe that there are options until you have the chance to get out and see that they're there. Hopefully we'll be able to do that for the mutants at ESU."

"With people like you involved, I'm pretty confident about your chances," Bethany replied with a grin.

* * * * *

Rebecca and the two Charlies talk, and plans are made to discuss the possibility of their two groups working together.

Charles had been mingling around the guests of the meeting, simultaneously greeting everyone with a good natured smile while keeping an eye on his girlfriend at the same time. He found himself sidling up to Rebecca Black, flashing her his infectious smile.

"Rebecca! I'm really glad we were able to get this to all come together. And it seems to have gone well, don't you think?"

Cool dark eyes gazed down, lips curling in a smile. "It turned out inside of our rangd of expectations, yes." She wasn't known for being
easy to please, after all. "But yes, the fact something came together at all is more than enough reason to celebrate."

"And no fights or anything have broken out this time! I think this is definitely a step up. Just imagine what we can accomplish if things keep going this well!" Charlie was cheerful at the best of times, but when something bad had ended up turning good? It was good reason to be overly effusive, he thought.

"The chance is there for us to take." Rebecca's smile reached her eyes this time; no matter the situation, the woman always had a strategic approach. "Future joint efforts will keep violent demanders at bay; we learn fast, after all. How is Charlotte, by the way? She didn't deserve to go through that."

"Just as long as we don't squander it, right?" Which they wouldn't! At least he certainly hoped they didn't. "I certainly hope it helps, there's enough work to be done without having to deal with people taking things too far." At the mention of his girlfriend, he glanced over at her for a moment. "She's alright. She's tough, you know? She bounces back pretty quickly."

Rebecca nodded in approval. "Good, while it would be better if we didn't need to pass through such hardships, this should only strengthen our resolution." There were a couple of minutes of polite silence, in which the woman took her time to glance around, eyes always vigilant. "Any chance of having a talk with her?"

"We will soldier on," he replied with his big smile. "And yeah, absolutely, she'd love to talk to you! Come on over, I'll be the bothering boyfriend and interrupt whatever conversation she's having." He led the other woman over to his girlfriend, lightly touching the small of her back to get her attention. She turned after finishing up talking to someone else, as Charlie said something quietly to her. She turned around properly to look at Rebecca, a brief, almost business-like smile crossing her face. Don't take it personally, it was just the way she was with everyone.

"Rebecca, hi. I've been hoping to have a moment to talk to you."

"And so was I", answered the woman, polite smile in return as she finally got a chance to talk with the second member of The Charlies; not that someone like Rebecca would ever use that term, of course. "It is of my best interest to know how do you feel regarding the...incidents we have been through lately, and I would also be pleased to hear any suggestions or demands you could present." Sharp and direct to the point, and at the same time, the woman would have a better idea of who she was dealing with.

"Oh you know we feel terribly about what happened at the vigil, we honestly didn't want anything like this to happen. We do understand what a difficult time of year this is for everyone, and we just hope that we're able to work with you and your group to ensure that a repeat of the violence doesn't occur again." Charlotte leant ever so slightly into Charles as she spoke, not leaning against him exactly, but certainly taking advantage of the arm around her waist.

"Completely understandable", was the response from Rebecca as she watched the couple, apparently not interested on the proximity between the Charlies. "Well then, we must meet once the meeting is over to discuss the best way we can work united. But for now, let's enjoy the gathering." Her words came with a small bow from the woman, a bit more of warmth on her smile this time, before turning and walking away from the couple.