Open// [Don't] Trust Me

[Phoenix]

Ally took two steps after Jace without stopping to think that for some bizarre reason he might try and ambush them or something. Hey, she was curious, and this guy had the answers, so she would follow him to China if thats what it took to get what she wanted.

Though she stopped when she realized Paige wasn't following. She backtracked till she was in front of the other girl. What?

Paige shrugged, looking over Ally. Jace was still in sight but he wasn't slowing down or checking to see if they were coming. Just the whole thing seems weird.

Ally grabbed Paige wrist. Come on. What do you have to lose? Look if he tries to attack us or something, just make a tornado or something and I'll zip us out of there. She didn't feel the need to okay this with Paige, she knew Paige would eventually agree.

She pulled Paige along, zig zagging through the crowd to catch up to Jace before he got too far ahead and they lost him. They followed him into a separate section of the museum.

When he first shut and locked the door, Ally had to resist the urge to turn and start banging on the door and scream at him to let them out. It wasn't she was scared of him or anything, she was just a little claustrophobic. Though with a glance sideways, she saw a window and instantly relaxed. The view of outside would always keep her calm.

Paige felt her stomach twinge with unease when the door shut. She was still not positive he wouldn't attack him, though she remembered what Ally said. They could definitely take him on. With a quick look around the room and saw a window. That was all she needed to activate her powers, and it would be their escape route.

When Jace made himself apparently comfy, Ally decided to ask the first question, which should have been obvious. What's the Corporation. And why are you so interested in us?

[Sparrow]

Jace picked his at his manicured nails, a habit he was prone to do before or after he had a conversation. When he was ready, he raised his head slowly and looked Ally directly in the eye.

The Corporation is a safe place for mutants. It is one of two such places in this town. However, there are many reasons why the Corporation is so different from the Institute. First off, He raised one finger in cooperation with what he was saying. It's a place for mutants who want more out of life. Who don't want to just exist, but want to be somebody and do things with their gifts. Who aren't just given these gifts to make life better.. but also to make life more fulfilling. To give us a purpose. Secondly, we at the Corporation tend to believe mutants aren't supposed to co-exist with humans. We and I firmly believe this by the way, think we are given our special abilities for a reason. We deserve to be recognized for our powers and we deserve to be raised above those who don't have said gifts. We could govern so much better than they ever could. He tsked to himself quietly and then turned his piercing gaze upon Paige.

As for you two, I am very interested in your personalities. I think you drive for more in life than just coasting through it. I think you know how special you really are and secretly wish the whole world knew. And I know I can help you get there. Plus, you're not like many of the mutants I have come across. You have brains and won't be pushed around. That's a quality I look for in the people that surround me. Finished with his little speech, Jace tapped his fingers on the bench in front of him.

So, any questions? Comments? Concerns? he asked lightly, looking from one girl to the other innocently.

[Phoenix]

Both girls listened silently and intently focusing on his every word. When he finished, Paige almost started jumping for joy. Well... not her, rather Storm. Storm's excitement bubbled over and nearly consumed Paige, but she was able to remember herself and save herself the weird looks.

This last second switch in control didn't seem to bother Storm. Oh please please please! It sounds perfect! Sounds like lots of destruction and fun and wiping out those pathetic beings who claim to be human. Way better than that stupid Institute!

[Shut up Storm! For once just be quiet. I don't know anything about this place. He might be lying for all we know! I'm not making any decisions to go anywhere!/i]

Paige didn't seem to be volunteering many ideas so Ally delegated herself as the speaker again. The Institute has a purpose too. I heard they got the image of the whole 'for the greater good' thing going on, and yah it sounds kind of lame, but I think trying to find balance is better then running around trying to control everyone who doesn't wanna listen to whoever the Hell's in charge of the Corporation. She wasn't trying to come across as rude or whatever, she was just trying to point out what it sounded like from her angle.

And okay, fair enough, you like our personalities or whatever. But for all you know, we might have the shittiest powers on earth. Maybe all I can do is hold my breath forever and Paige can make herself incredibly fat. She just said the first thing that came to mind.

Paige whipped her head around. Hey!

Ally put her hands up in a surrending manner. Sorry. Just an example. They were the first things to pop into my head. she turned back to Jace. But do you get my point?

[Sparrow]

Jace chuckled darkly. A shadow passed across his face as a truck drove by a nearby window, making the glance across his face even more menacing. The Institute is full of peace-loving hippies to be honest with you. They will do anything to abstain from any conflict, even if it means sacrificing its own. Jace stood up and walked towards Ally. As he spoke, he circled her slowly. Have you ever seen another mutant staked to death, Allison? Or burned alive? Or beaten so they are almost dead... but not enough so the pain stops? His voice lowered to a hiss. I have seen a piece of wood stuck through someone's heart. I have seen a partner of mine go up in smoke, screaming in agony. And I personally have begged at some mutant-hater's feet to end my life so that I can be at peace.

He stepped away from her, and moved so they were face to face, his voice resuming its normal tone. The Institute is ok with these people receiving no consequence as long as there is peace between our species. The Corporation is not. That is the difference.

And though Jace was humored by Ally's next comment, and of course, Paige's reaction, he could only give a slight smile. Of course I do. But we both know you two are much more than that.

[Phoenix]

It took Ally a moment to process everything he said, but the first thing she was able to comprehend had absolutely nothing to do with being a mutant. Don't call me Allison. You're not my mother. She said, vaguely irritated by the fact he was circling her like a vulture or eagle or something. She was even more unimpressed when he got right in her face, almost as if he viewed himself as being at a higher standing then her.

And no I haven't seen all this crazy stuff you're talking about, but if they're looking for peace, I highly doubt they'll let their own comrades be murdered, no matter what you say. She wasn't scared of Jace, she'd say whatever she wanted. And how do I know you're precious leader wouldn't just abandon me or Paige to save his own ass?

Paige had been biting her tongue to keep from saying anything. She wasn't quite sure what to make of the situation, and it was hard to focus when a certain someone kept babbling about how awesome this corporation sounded.

She turned back in when her name was mentioned. Ally, don't drag me into this. I'm still trying to make sense of the first thing he said. She said it quietly, almost as if she didn't want to be heard. She went over and sat in the seat that Jace had abandoned when he opted to circle Ally.

Ally heard her friend but shrugged, to show it was too late and she'd said what was said. Too late now. And whatever about the powers. I'm just saying they might just really suck. You might not want us on your team if we're weak. I heard the X-Men take anyone.

[Sparrow]

Fair enough. Jace backed up a couple steps and leaned against a nearby wall. All I'm saying is, I gave you information about the Corporation. Seems to me you don't have enough of a grasp on what these Institutors actually do believe in. But then again, my powers of observation can only go so far. As for the Corporation, we too are willing to work with anyone. He responded to Ally and let his glance drift over to Paige.

She had interested him from the beginning and it wasn't just her quietness. Not only had she had a seemingly random and very suspicious outburst earlier but as the conversation went on she seemed less and less comfortable with Ally speaking for her. What was the first thing I said, Paige? Jace asked her, hoping his question wouldn't scare her away.

[Phoenix]

Ally couldn't help it. The temptation was too great and she wasn't exactly known for her patience. She rolled her eyes at Jace. Kay whatever. Never before in her life had she sounded so much like a high school girl.

Yah, I don't really have a grasp on what either side is. And fine, you take anyone. But what about what I said. Would your leader abandon us if it meant he could save himself? He had dodged the question before, but before it had been more as a comment. Now she was full on asking.

Paige hadn't expected to be spoken to so directly so it kind of threw her off guard. Uhh... She sat there with her arms crossed over her lap, her jaw hanging open stupidly. What had been the first thing he had said? In all honesty she hadn't been paying much attention thanks to a certain someone. Let's see... He was laying out the differences between the Coporation and Institute... He said- She was interupped mid thought.

BLAH BLAH BLAH! Screw the Institute! Corporation all the way!!!

Paige ignored this to the best of her ability. Right. She remembered now. Although the response that came out of her mouth was something anyone could have thought up in about a second rather then the abnormally long length of time it took her. Something about the Corporation being meant for those who want more out of life and yatty yatty yatta.

[Sparrow]

Jace shook his head slowly from side to side and spoke honestly. No he would not. The answer was short and simple. He had already ignored Ally's earlier girly response and was now annoyed simply because he was not used to being asked direct questions. He was the one usually interrogating.

As for Paige.. Jace absently traced a battle scar on his wrist with one finger as she spoke. She was right, sort of. He had said a few other things but Jace assumed he had distracted her from her thought process. So what do you think? Unless you two stick together all the time? he asked cautiously probing their friendship.

[Phoenix]

Although Jace stated that his leader wouldn't just ditch them in a difficult situation, she still had her doubts. After that she decided to stop probing him. His response was curt, signalling to her he was somewhat irked.

At the next question, both girls shared a long look. They were asking each other what they thought, but they needed to actually discuss it, which they couldn't do when they were being so closely observed by Jace. Paige nodded to Ally, gesturing she wanted Ally to respond.

Of course we always stick together. Ally said with her usual grin and teasing tone. But about joining the Corporation... I'm not sure quite yet. I'd need more time to think about it. It sounds nice, but I need time to go over it all.

Paige got up from the couch she had been sitting on. Yah, same for me. Storm went on a miniature tantrum at that point, frustrated that Paige wasn't leaping instantly at the opportunity to join the Corporation. What was it you said you could do again? And your name? She knew he had already said it, but she forgot and she wanted to remember... Just in case.

[Sparrow]

Jace nodded at Ally's response. He had figured the conversation would go this way; most people just didn't jump at a chance to be a part of the Corporation. He himself hadn't, but of course, now he would. If he could do it all over.

He was interested in Ally and Paige's unusually close relationship. Something about Paige made him want to pursue her joining the Corporation and he knew that if Ally decided not to go, Paige would not. He might want to find a way to seperate them but he would need help. Jace's mind immediatly flickered to his sister's manipulative ways. He was considering potential plans when Paige interrupted his thoughts.

Jace also moved, to step away from the wall, a sure sign the conversation was over. Jace Hunter. Electric Manipulator. He responded and raised a hand. The electronic door slid open smoothly and Jace walked out of it with a small backwards glance at both of them. He winked and disappeared into the crowd of people.

[Phoenix]

Electric Manipulator.... Paige repeated, thinking and processing whatr she had learned. She turned to Ally. I wonder if there's any telepaths at the Corporation....

Ally poked her head out the door. Well he's long gone now.

Paige gave Ally a knowing look, to which Ally shook her head. No. Not in public. You know better than that. Look, he seemed intrigued by us, no doubt we'll see him again in the future. She smirked. Come on. Let's get out of here and go do something fun!

Paige grin and nodded her head. Right, technically they were still in school until they managed to get out of the musuem. Where we headed to?

Ally grabbed her arm and started pulling her through the crowd. Who cares? Anywhere but here!

-ANNNND SCEEEEENE!-

[Sparrow]

~That's a wrap folks~