first entrance.

[girlwithout]

In some ways, being in Philly is worse than New York, because it's so familiar. She can pretend, for a little while, that she's home and everything is normal, and then something weird sticks out at her and destroys the illusion. Still, Rikki Baines was a person of interest in the death of John Barnes, and there was a full assembly's worth of high school students there that had seen her unmasked. Staying hadn't been an option, and not only is Philly home, it's where they buried John.

She's going to make the Empire pay. Even if she doesn't know how, she'll find a way. Right now, though, she wants nothing more than to be able to lie low for a few days, curl up in bed and cry. But she used all her money getting here, and she doesn't even know where she's going to sleep tonight. She's headed for the nearest public library to regroup (always a good choice; restrooms, water fountain, and public computers with internet access) when she pulls open the door, and it isn't a library.

She's not sure what it is, not really. A few options flicker through her mind: she got super-turned around, she's totally insane, she screwed up her second chance at life by getting John killed and now she's... wherever this is. Rikki's good at rolling with the punches, though, so after about half a minute of staring, she finds a seat where she can stare a little more subtly while hugging her backpack to her chest.


[ooc: milli-timed to the day after cubefall, to make things a little easier.]

Comments

[cutting_edgex23]

X approaches, a medium-height slim girl dressed all in black -- fingerless gloves, combat boots, a tank top, and yoga pants.

She's carrying what looks like dinner, a root beer float and several sandwiches.

Her path has obviously shifted to meet up with where Rikki is sitting.

"Hello."

Her voice is flat and affectless, but not unfriendly.

"You are okay?"

[girlwithout]

The way she talks isn't exactly reassuring, but she's been noticed, so she has to deal with it. Rikki still can't quite stop the way her grip on her backpack tightens protectively - not because she's afraid of it being stolen or anything, but her uniform is inside.

(Rikki's clothes are... obviously secondhand, somewhat worn-out and not quite fitting correctly.)

"I'm fine," she says, even though her body language is all but screaming overwhelmed and lost.

[cutting_edgex23]

X hesitates for a moment, head tilting as she studies the other girl.

Her nostrils flare, ever-so-slightly, picking up Rikki's scent.

Then --

"I do not think that is accurate."

Beat.

"It is okay. People will not hurt you here."

[girlwithout]

"I'm fine," she repeats, even though she's starting to get the impression this person isn't going to just accept the excuse to go away and leave her alone. "I'm not scared of being hurt." (A lie. She has no idea where she is, of course she's not feeling cozy and safe.)

[cutting_edgex23]

"Most people are," X says. Her shrug is one-shouldered and quick.

"You are in Milliways."

A pause.

"You do not have to lie. Here. Unless you want to."

[girlwithout]

That's all nice and everything, but she's not taking the word of someone she doesn't know for it.

"What's Milliways?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"It is a bar. At the end of the universe."

X pauses for a second, frowning slightly as she tests the accuracy of that statement.

"Of all universes. It repeats."

[balancingminds]

Charles looks up from his paper when she enters and stands up with his hands raised, "Hello, can I help?"

[girlwithout]

While help would totally be appreciated right now, Rikki eyes him and clutches her backpack closer. Sure, he looks pretty benign, but she's been on her own for a few weeks now. An adult man stopping her? Kinda gets extra suspicion. "I'm fine, thanks."

She so isn't, but that's not going to stop her from deflecting.

[balancingminds]

Her nervousness makes sense and Charles puts his hands down, picking up his mug of tea,

"Of course, well if you need any assistance. My name is Charles Xavier and this is Milliways Bar."

[girlwithout]

...Wait.

She eyes him critically. He doesn't really look like the Professor X she's familiar with, but she's also used to him being way older. And balder.

" - Professor Xavier?"

[balancingminds]

"Yes, I'm from 1962 which is earlier than many people in here. Milliways is a neutral ground where people from various times and places interact,"

Its the short version but if she's from a timeline with him in it, then she's probably used to some strange happenings.

[girlwithout]

"So you're... not Professor Xavier yet."

He has powers, though, right? Oh god, he has powers, he's probably reading her thoughts. In about two seconds, her brain becomes a mess of don't think about anything and holy crap where am I.

[balancingminds]

"I hold that title but I'm not running the school that I do in most timelines. My powers are the same, I grew up in Westchester, New York and I am a mutant,"

Finding out the reassuring piece of information is never simple.

[runningred]

Jay knows a stray when he sees one. He's been there himself. He throws her a little smile, keeping a comfortable distance so as not to crowd her. "Hey kid, you okay?"

[girlwithout]

"Fine!" It seems like she's saying that to people a lot, here. At least the place's clientele doesn't look the other way when they see a bedraggled, confused teen. Could make you believe in the kindness of humanity, or something. "I'm fine."

[runningred]

"Sure." Jay answers with wry disbelief. "When what the last time you ate?"

He looks up to the Bar. "Bar darlin' feed the kid for me, will you? Whatever she wants, just throw it on my tab"

He turns back to Rikki. "Just tell the bar what you feel like and she'll get it for you. No strings attached."

[girlwithout]

She's all set to protest, but it comes out a little... late. Rikki gives him a look that's somewhere between unhappy that she's apparently such a charity case that people just randomly want to buy her meals and grateful because, well... She could kind of use this.

"...Thanks."

[runningred]

"Seriously, don't worry about it, kid. I was on the streets from age 10. I know how it is. I'm not asking anythin' in return. Just can't see anyone go through what I did and not offer to help if I can."

"I'm Jay, by the way. You new here? Has anyone given you the welcome speech?"

[street_sparrow]

"If you want something to drink", Gavroche says gently, "everybody's first one is free. Meals aren't, but the prices are reasonable."

[girlwithout]

Reasonable prices are great, if you have money. Rikki has about two dollars and change in her pocket, which isn't gonna get her much. "Thanks," she says, somewhat glumly.

[street_sparrow]

He considers this, observant and knowing. "Or there's a fund. Do you know where you are?"

[girlwithout]

"Milliways?"

Well, she's gotten the talk by now. Sort of. Part of a talk. "What fund?"

[street_sparrow]

"For the Bound who can't support themselves, or k- younger people that come here on their own. It'll pay for your board within reason."

[girlwithout]

"Is it, like, take a penny, leave a penny...?"

Because she so does not want to be responsible for depleting a fund that other people need. Or that she's expected to contribute to.