New Arrival

[bacardi]

As the long cloudy day turned into night, another mutant walked along the busy highway streets of Bayville. Standing a little under 6 feet tall, the lone figure seemed no older than 18 with his spiky hair and leather jacket. His general appearance was handsome, but his clothes obviously worn and well used. His family had money and the teen had better apparel in the backpack across his shoulder, but why where those when spending the day traveling across country? Yes, it wouldn't take the fact that he is a mutant to reveal he was not from these parts. Having come from about 900 miles south from his current position, New York was like a whole other world to him.

Nikosi Richards, or Niko for short, is this very kid. His age is really 17 and having lived most of his life in the Parks, city life was completely alien to him. So it should be easy to see he could get really lost among the alleys and street signs on his way to his new home. To aid him with his powers, his parents had sent him away to Xavier's in hopes he might find a way to conceal or better use his gifts. Most of all though, to the kid's utter embarrassment, was to ensure his safety. Being an invincible, stubborm, overconfident teenager Nik was completely certain he could handle things on his own, though to please his parents, he did as they requested.

So now, he was walking through the intersection of 7th and 9th, while at the same time trying to look at a map set before him. Seeing that it wasn't doing much help, he put the map away and looked around again, though this time he saw a wide expanse of trees, land, walkways, and benches ahead of him. He knew he was near a park, but which was it?

[Sinclair]

Sinclair had a lot on his mind. With his hands shoved in his pockets, his hair falling into his eyes in an uncharacteristically messy fashion, and his expression conveying his displeasure as plainly as an open book, it was obvious that he wasn't really in the mood for company. So where did he go? To a crowded place where people felt the need to be, but where they didn't bother to talk to one another. No, no, they had their bubbles at the park, their safe little groups. Not Sinclair, though. Oh no. He was alone on this night. Even that was uncharacteristic of Sinclair.

So what was so pressing? Sinclair's mind was on his past and on the relationship he had with his parents. They'd just sent him a letter, weren't they kind? It had a way of making him feel lower than dirt. Lovely people his parents were. He was so caught up in replaying every word in his mind, that he found himself colliding with the side of some stranger. Shock, then fear took over his expression. Oh boy. In a town like this you didn't want to mess with the wrong person.

"Sorry,"Sinclair stated softly, his voice bearing an unnaturally angelic tone."I didn't mean to,"he added hurriedly.Though the figure wasn't really older than him, he didn't know that. Sinclair was short for his age, and his boyish charm hadn't yet faded, while this figure in front of him seemed intimidating, especially his clothing. It told of travels and trials that Sinclair could only imagine from the many movies and television show dramatizations that he'd seen over the years. That or the kid was poor, but it was more appealing for Sinclair to think of the kid as a traveler. And in a town of mutants, a traveler was much more likely. His own clothes hinted at his need to look nice for others; his black, silk button up shirt over a white tank top, and then a pair of dark blue jeans that looked as though they were just pulled off the store shelf, and a new looking pair of shoes. Appearance was very important indeed; Sinclair loved to make an impression on people, namely a good impression. Apparently the stranger didn't share the feeling.

[bacardi]

Staring at the gate before him, Niko was debating whether it might be a shortcut to cross through to get to Xavier's or to just ask directions.Why he hadn't already was because of pride and a minor suspicion. Just because he was a country boy, didn't make him a complete sucker. He was aware there was a possibility a person could easily misguide him for whatever reason and he really wasn't in the mood to fight. He was exhausted already from the trip this far. A good nap was all his body wanted.

But before he could come to a decision, he was slightly jolted in the side by an unknowing stranger. With quick reflexes he turned to face the one who had impacted him, giving the other kid a look of surprise and curiosity, not of anger. Even if he seemed rough around the edges, it was more appearance than his true heart. Generally he was a friendly, fun loving sort unless provoked to be otherwise. Right now Nik only chose this situation to be a meeting opportunity, "It's alright, no worries. I'm sure if you wanted a fight I wouldn't be standing. Besides, it's getting dark." He smiled briefly and as his eyes switched to the gate, "Any chance you know your way around here? I'm looking for Xavier's school..Oh I'm Niko by the way.." It was then he offered his slightly callused hand as a greeting. Whoever this was seemed harmless enough.

[Sinclair]

The anticipation of the stranger's reaction didn't last long because he turned quickly. That was something to worry about, too! Quick reflexes weren't exactly the best trait to observe in a stranger. Wasn't it sad how defensive this town made him? He took a deep breath to try to calm his pounding heart.

"I'm sure you could take me,"Sinclair chuckled, seeming to forget his fear when he heard the tone the other spoke in. Then, with a sudden shift, he was on his guard again as if realizing his slip up,"I mean, not that I want to find out or anything,". Oh, yeah, a fight. Like he needed that right now. Sinclair was not much of a threat, honestly. He had the capacity to kill a person, and yet he had little control over that power. As a result he was quite weak- he had foolish powers, like his voice and his ability to tell when someone was lying. What good did that really do a person, anyway? It was interesting to note, however, that Sinclair had a way of keeping a person's gaze. He was nervous as ever and sure that this stranger was bad news, but he never once seemed to break eye contact on his own. He didn't look away at all. No, his gaze into the stranger's eyes was intense, almost like he was searching for something; he was, and his search was for the truth. His power worked best if he was watching the person's eyes while they spoke.

"Yeah, I know my way."Sinclair agreed. It seemed as though he was going to leave it at that, with the finality with which he said it, but a few seconds later he added,"Xavier's seems like a nice enough place, but have you seen the Corporation? I think that's where the real power is." Usually Sinclair kept his voice under control, but as he spoke now his voice held a restrained excitement and fascination toward his topic. Sinclair was not associated with either of the organizations, but there was no doubt that Sinclair was leaning toward the Corporation. He still wanted to see who had the most power, but that was harder to find out than he'd expected, so his choice was stalled while he assessed the situation better. Though Niko had asked where the institute was, essentially, Sinclair was in the mood to talk rather suddenly.

"I'm Sinclair,"He stated, more as a casual side note rather than a specific reply to Niko's introduction. Sinclair was not a rude person by nature, but when the hand was extended out to him, he was reluctant to take it. His powers were dangerous and he really didn't like to touch people, even if he knew that he had enough control of his powers to at least 'turn them off' at will. People never died from touching Sinclair, not unless he was upset. With hesitant movements he reached out to grasp the other's hand to meet the formality.

[bacardi]

Quick reflexes was something he couldn't help. It had to do with his connection to the animal world, and aside from the sloth, most creatures reacted instantly to assure survival. So did he. But he could also sense the other dude's fear or nervousness at there meeting. To him, it was enough to where even he became uncertain how to act. Had Sinclair figured he was a mutant? In most cases the 'normal' society feared them for the unnatural power they possessed. Alot considered them abominations and monsters. Was this guy the same?

And then he answered Niko's question, and as soon as the teen heard it, he became both perplexed and relieved. By the way he talked, Sinclair likely knew of their true nature, at least when speaking of Xavier's. Though what confused him was the other's talk of power and another place referred to as the Corporation. Not being from around here could explain the latter, but as far as power went, Nikosi didn't care. In his mind he was given more power than he ever really wanted. All he wanted now was to learn and harness it as well as be with those who would understand him best. Power played a very small role in the scheme of things, so his simple response was a shrug, "Why does it matter?"

Then finally an introduction. It was a simple and hesitant one, but one nonetheless. A he waited for the shake his eyes momentarily flicked to his waiting hand, a first thinking he wasn't going to shake it, but after a moment he felt the grasp and smiled, "Nice to meet you.." he then waited another moment and looked around to see if anyone was watching. It was now into the late twilight hours and for now no one was watching, so in a quieter voice he ask, "So you must have talents too if you know of the school..and what is this Corporation? Are they rival schools or something?"

[Sinclair]

Why does it matter? The question had a way of leaving Sinclair speechless. Why did it matter? Well, you didn't join Germany in the war when you knew they were going to lose, did you? You didn't join the losing side, period. It was common knowledge, and the X-Men and Archangels were certainly in a war. It was a battle that seemed to have no end unless the Archangels got their way. Didn't he know that? Sinclair thought everyone must, especially if they posessed powers to further the cause the Archangels were working toward.

The speechless feeling went away rather quickly when Niko referred to his 'talents' and asked what the Corporation was. A soft chuckle escaped his lips when he was asked if it was a rival school. A rival school? Not quite. While Xavier was a school, the Corporation was not a school by any means. It was an assembly of mutants, yes, but it didn't have the silly facade of a school.

"Yes, I do have talents,"Sinclair offered. Honestly, the words pertaining to his powers, weren't ones Sinclair wanted to respond to all that badly but he did so offhandedly. He wasn't revealing his power if the stranger didn't. Power was everything for Sinclair, and he wasn't giving Niko the upper hand. It just wasn't something that came easy to Sinclair, just not thinking about who had the power and who didn't. It made it a whole lot easier that Niko wasn't quite as threatening as he had been at first; he seemed nice enough, which suited Sinclair.

"And no, it's a Corporation run by the Dark Angel. A group of mutants who are going to change the world."Sinclair stated. As soon as there was a power shift, Sinclair would most certainly join the leading side. He was sure such a power shift was coming soon and there was really no question in his mind as to who's favor it'd be in.

[bacardi]

Releasing his hand he merely nodded when Sinclair mentioned he had talents. He was partially pleased that his present companion now felt more confident, or at least confident to not be fully open. A nervous person would likely give away whatever the other ask for, but now this one was standing on his own. It was easy to tell he was more private than he first led on.\; only agreeing to his question before moving to his second.

This only made Niko more curious, but he wasn't going to press such a question out in the middle of a usually busy place. Sound, after all, could travel and if someone on the wrong side caught the information, both of them would be in trouble. It was then he just chose to listen for a time. The kid obviously seemed sure of what he spoke of and Niko never enjoyed being in the dark on people or things he should be aware of. Most mistakes occurred when a person was not paying attention. Mutants and Mutation organizations were one of the few things he took seriously. In a few cases he had heard of, it meant life and death. Even though he wasn't aware of the inner battle between the Institute and Corporation, the native knew of the fission between humans and his kind. Since the beginning it was shaky at best.

As soon as Sinclair was done, Niko raised an eyebrow at the explanation he was given. All he said at first was an uncertain "ahh.." of acknowledgment, his brows now furrowed slightly, "It doesn't seem to friendly to me. Anyone with the name Dark Angel should be a dead ringer he's on the losing side. Evil never wins...and not to get too deep, but anyone can change the world...It's the great one's who changed it for the better." As he said this, Nik made as if to brush off some leaves and dirt off his clothes, trying to act as if his response was more lighthearted than it likely sounded. Arguments were not on the top of his priorities right then..

[Sinclair]

Friendly? Sinclair found himself unable to think of a good response to that. Friendly? The Dark Angel was a very intelligent person. He was someone who had a goal, who was about to realize destiny, to show his superiority over humans. . . The Dark Angel was not an impolite person, he was not someone who went around insulting people or being a jerk just because he was evil. In fact, he didn't say he was evil. Sinclair rather admired him, with his confident nature and the ease with which he could handle all the power he had. He was merely a man who had a different set of beliefs, who acted on them and opposed the group that worked to stop him. He was not evil in the same way, he was not some nameless devil.

"Dark Angel is just a name, and he's not evil,"Sinclair defended. His voice lacked conviction though, because like Niko, he didn't really want to argue. Especially not with someone who didn't know the story of the Dark Angel or his Corporation. What would it solve, anyway? And if he didn't meet the man, he wouldn't understand, not really. Not in Sinclair's mind. In fact, Sinclair hadn't formally met the man, either. He was just a figure, a nameless angel among the crowd. Oh well. He could understand why Niko would get that impression, but he didn't like it.