[IMAC-R] Why, I've Heard So Much About You

[Priya Kaur]

Priya smiled coyly, all while dying a little inside with each person she spoke with. Truly, all these people were almost too easy. Bellefonte's students were all weak willed and pathetic, practically begging for a firm hand to guide them. The few students from the Japanese school were all locked into a unit that was practically impenetrable. The Romanian students remained intriguingly uptight, and the Brits might as well be Bellefontes with accents.

"It's a shame that there's simply no one here of interest at all,' she said, sighing and tossing her head. She actually drew out a phone from the folds of her sari, flicking through things in an absent manner. As she did, she noticed a message from one of the other leaders. They often let one another know about promising students, though this message specifically said "I think you'd get along with this student."

"Interesting," said Priya, raising her phone and looking at the various students before locating the one. Smiling, she lowered the phone and plastered a smile on her face. "Elena, dear!" she said, walking toward the girl, wrapping hands about her to give her a hug that she knew wouldn't be received warmly...

except that Elena would feel a momentary surge of something like warmth and happiness at the touch. Just a hint, just a promise, nothing more.

[Elena Petrowski]

Casually strolling through the masses of international students from the various schools, Elena kept mostly to herself as she scanned the hundreds of different thoughts, trying to pick up anything useful, or even better yet, remotely interesting. But it was generally the same thing over and over again; People talking about what was yet to come, the various competitions, bonding, yadda, yadda, yadda. All trivial and all unbearably dreadful.

Although her power couldn't be turned off, Elena had by the sheer force of habit learned to tune it out whenever she was around a lot of people. The constant 'block' often had her energy being drained quicker, but she could live with that, especially as if things didn't end up speeding up, she wouldn't stay for much longer.

It wasn't until an unfamiliar voice called her name that Elena stopped. Turning her head in the direction of the voice, her blue eyes fell upon an older woman; Indian ethnicity; Director of the Indian school, if memory served, seemed to have the personality of a snake. Tilting her head to the side, she returned the sugar sweet and venomous smile with one of her own; The hug was surprising, though and albeit returning it, it was done so stiffly.

Very much as one would expect just about anyone to react when hugged by a complete stranger.

A quick read on the woman's thoughts, Elena pursed her lips at the strange, warm sensation that seemed to be radiating from the woman. It was almost a lulling. "Miss. Kuar," she responded politely, the smile not once faltering from her lips, though, the devilish gleam of it was easy to spot by a trained eye.

[Priya Kaur]

"Such stiffness! I always say that you St. Cadou students are never relaxed enough!" said Priya, laughing softly and brushing Elena's shoulder. Stiff, yes, but there seemed to be an awareness there. Priya's own eyes danced as she studied the young woman. Beautiful, but stiff, almost like an ice sculpture of some kind. Clearly a girl who would thrive if she simply learned to let it go. Or, perhaps she got her enjoyment from other methods?

"Your director, ah, excuse me, you use a different word, don't you? Quaint, really, since it's essentially the same job," Priya sighed, shaking her head. "Where was I? Oh, yes, your headmaster, he recommended that I seek you out! He said that you were quite an exceptional student and that we'd get on marvelously!"

Priya smiled and then reached to squeeze Elena's hands. She met the younger girl's eyes, her own blue searching despite the jovial tone that never left. "So what do you think, Elena? Are we two peas in a pod?" Priya prodded the other girl's emotions just a little, causing a gut reaction of rejection, which she supposed should be amplified. Just a little test: Priya was getting bored, after all.

[Elena Petrowski]

Scanning through the woman's thoughts again, Elena pursed her lips; Her blue eyes staring intently at the woman's face. "Well, if you had such a poor selection of academy officials around you all day long, it would leave just about anyone stiff," she said coyly with her brow quirked; It was no huge secret that Elena had never fared well with the teachers and staff back at the academy. Her pleasure for causing disturbances wasn't exactly something most people welcomed with open arms, and her own teachers were no exceptions to this.

Now as the woman continued to speak, Elena's interested grew; She wasn't sure why her headmaster would recommend her for anything at all, with her lack of respect for just about anyone and selfish nature, but alas, she would have been lying had she claimed she was not at least amused. "Did he now," she mused. "Doesn't sound like something he would say," she smirked, clearly satisfied with her bad reputation.

Now, Elena was no newbie to different variations of mind control; She was clever enough to understand when something odd happened to either her mind or her body, unless of course, the power being used wouldn't allow her to. So, as the woman grabbed her arms and the feeling that had caused her to grow stiff to begin with suddenly was heightened, she instinctively grew suspicious; It didn't feel natural. Squinting her eyes, the blonde drew her lips back, "You're an intelligent woman, and I doubt you do anything without reason." She lifted her jaw ever so slightly, "I also doubt that you would come over here, seeking me out when you know very well what I am capable of without intent, so why don't you tell me?" Despite the coolness in her eyes, the smile remained plastered on her lips.

[Priya Kaur]

"It's true that the people here are just... disappointing," said Priya, adding a sigh that was far too heavy for the words. She shook her head sadly, even lowering her eyes slightly. That didn't mean breaking of contact or backing away, of  course, not while she wagered that it would bother the girl. And if it didn't, well, the girl did fill out her dress quite nicely, and it had been a while since she'd had a.... Russian?

"Well, he was quite insistent about it," replied Priya, waving a hand dismissively. There was the gesture, then the moving, and then a sort of stillness between the two of them that hovered for several long seconds. "Oh, wouldn't you rather play the game a few more rounds?" Priya's eyes danced with merriment. "It's so much more fun to poke and play around then get to some kind of point, now isn't it? Especially when the people around here are just so easy to play with."

Priya turned, watching people. A pair of men bumped into each other, one ready to apologize as the other seemed slightly annoyed. A nod of the head, some adjustment, and soon the one that had been annoyed found himself perturbed enough to demand an apology, and the one ready to apologize found that he didn't quite want to give one for some reason.

"See? Games," said Priya, waving her hand and smiling at the young woman beside her.

[Elena Petrowski]

It was always rather intriguing whenever Elena met someone who either matched, or in this case, surpassed her own gifts in a manner of controlling people and creating havoc. But she couldn't help but to think that the way the woman carried herself with such sugar sweetness, it became overly fake, pretentious and quite frankly, rather blank. Stiffling a yawn, Elena simply nodded, "Obviously, you've done your homework, and thus already know the answer to that," she replied simply. "I feel like we're just repeating ourselves here."

No, Elena liked to believe that her activities weren't something of a big secret, as she had been sent here in the first place in hopes that something, or someone would get her mind straight. She didn't think that would happen, mind, and this woman didn't exactly strike her as the type her headmaster would have sent to help with that little problem.

Watching as the woman used her ability - or what seemed to be the woman using her ability - on two men, Elena tilted her head at the display. "Impressive," she said dryly, the sarcasm nearly dripping from her words. As impressive as her ability was, the woman herself however was far from it and Elena was already growing rather bored.

Folding her hands across her chest, she repeated the hand gesture in an impatient manner, "As interesting as this has been, and as absolutely shocking as it must be for you to hear, aren't you a little too old to be playing games?" Now, this however, made her curious; To see how the woman would react when Elena took a jab at her age.

[Priya Kaur]

Repeating themselves? Perhaps. Or perhaps they were reiterating key points. Priya didn't bother to explain the difference to the young woman, at least, not yet. Instead, she enjoyed her little game, watching the pawns move about and battle one another. Always so easy, controlling people, especially ones like this. Though wasn't it ever so much enjoyable playing with someone who didn't think they were a piece at all.

"Oh, such seriousness," said Priya, flicking her fingers. She sent a little burst of happiness into Elena, wanting the girl to actually lighten up. that would be a severe turn though, quite noticeable. Priya frankly didn't care: she could have the girl giggling if she really felt like it. "See, the problem, little one," said Priya, looking at Elena now, her eyes deadly serious, her voice dipping, "is that people don't think they're playing a game," Her voice deepened, her lips turning into an almost cruel smile. "Most people seem to think that they're just living their lives, not realizing that they're little more than pieces for those like us. I've planned out every mood on this board for the next few turns, little one."

Priya reached without looking, snatching a glass from a passing waiter. He seemed startled, and then seemed to linger for a moment, mostly because Priya had sent pure lust at him. She turned, taking his lips in her own, kissing him for several long moments before parting. "I don't care for you one bit, and I don't want you in the slightest," she said, watching his eyes die a little. "Go along now, boy," she gave him a dismissive wave before turning back to Elena. "You really should start playing: I'd rather have you as a player then a piece."

[Elena Petrowski]

The sudden rush of emotions, happy emotions that coursed through her body, had Elena's face turning into a disgusted grimace. God, how she hated this. The bubbly, incredibly annoying happiness she didn't want to feel. Moving her gaze to the brunette, she pressed her lips tightly together as she watched her carefully. It took a great amount of self control not to fully give into the happiness, and she'd be damned if she did too. Sure, it was still very present and it was prodding at her mind like an annoying child craving attention, but she continued forcing her facial expression to stay in the same grimace, or at least, she tried to.

She listened to what she said, but she didn't react. Instead, she took it all in, sorted through the information as her brain actively tried working out a clear image of the woman standing next to her. She was sly and cunning, yes, and Elena could very well appreciate that. In fact, she quite preferred this over the previous behavior the woman had displayed, which had been downright ridiculous.

When she started making out with the waiter, Elena saw her chance to at least trying to regain some self control of her emotions, trying to push it at the back of her mind, taking deep breaths to slow down her heartbeat. When the woman finally turned back to her, Elena still remained quiet, simply watching the scene happen before her with a roll of her eyes. As much as she liked and even enjoyed the cruelty, she also felt as if the woman was making too much of scene of it. She was practically bragging right there, in front of everyone to see. It made her wonder what the rest of the 'leaders' would think.

"I am a player," she said coolly, "The only difference is that I play for myself, and not as a team."

[Priya Kaur]

When asked later, Priya would laughingly say that she'd been drunk at the party, and it wouldn't be entirely untrue. People around her imbibing in alcohol and riding high emotions and doing who knows what: it served to be just as intoxicating as actual alcohol would be. It was, technically, all part of her game.

"Well, of course it is," said Priya, scoffing and turning back to Elena. "And turn down the scorn a little, little one," she wiggled a few fingers, smirking. "Else i might have to, and you'd hate that."

Priya chuckled a little and took another sip of her glass, licking her lips as she finished. "You see, life is very much an individual game. We're all out to serve our own best interests and to ensure that we squeeze every last bit of enjoyment from it. At the end of the day, only one person can be standing atop the heap, after all. However," she raised a finger, holding it in front of Elena, "the smart person realizes that it's a good deal easier climbing a mountain when you've got a partner. So if you find someone with mutual interests who just so happens to be heading along the same general path. Then you climb with them for a while, until you lose interest."

Priya smiled devilishly over her drink. "Then you can try and see who shoves who off the peak first."

[Elena Petrowski]

Honestly, Elena didn't really dislike the woman. Despite hating the fact that she could feel her emotions being manipulated and KNEW it was happening to, and that she didn't really agree with the way the woman did everything, she didn't hate her. Personally, it was all just very annoying. But, she did make a good point and even someone as arrogant as Elena couldn't deny that the woman had her by the balls.

Even if she tried blocking her out (even if she could), it wasn't a battle worth fighting, because in the end, Elena would get her ass handled to her. Pick your battles, and all that.

"Play the game, wait it out, and then have an epic battle of wits at the top," she nodded, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I get what you're getting at," she said as she turned to fully face the older woman, her expression deadpan as she shuffled through the outer layers of her mind, sorting them. "What I don't get is," she paused, drawing her breath. "Why you're wasting my time telling me this, when you really could have just said what exactly it is that you want from me." This all felt nothing but a waste of their time and waste of air. She had understood as much as that the woman had some kind of interest in her, most likely because of her ability, and the fact that she was powerful for her age (of course, still with limitations; After all, she was only nineteen), but what exactly the woman wanted her ability for, was lost on the blonde. "My time is precious, as I'm sure you can relate to. I'd rather spend it doing something besides watching a grown up woman make out with people far too below the social pyramid for her own good."

What could she possibly gain from having Elena on her side at the top of the mountain, when there was a wide array of other telepaths and mind readers around? Like one of the American headmistresses: She was a mind reader too, albeit, to Elena's knowledge, not in the same class, but still; She had more power and contacts than Elena did, so admittedly, she would be a better option to choose as a second player.

Unless of course, said plans was something that shouldn't be revealed to certain kinds of people.

"What separates me from the rest of the telepaths around?" she asked; Not because she doubted herself, or because she was insecure. No, she was curious.

[Priya Kaur]

Priya chuckled slightly as Elena insisted that she hadn't needed to play around. The explanation dangled on the tip of Priya's tongue but this one, this one she swallowed. She'd dictated the terms of their conversation, and had controlled how it had progressed entirely. She'd only given out what she wanted Elena to know after pressing and demonstrating her ability, and even then, she'd wrapped it in analogy. The other girl was playing Priya's game, and she barely even it. For now, Priya nodded and gestured.

"thank you for the compliment, but it's like I said," she smiled, "it's far more fun to play the game then to be all serious about it. Especially if you're quite certain you will win," and it was also a party, one where Priya hoped to get a few people not to pay attention to her.

What separates Elena from others? Priya held up her phone. "The recommendations don't hurt. Though technically they come off as almost threats. Plus, when it comes to raw power, it's either you or the Bellefonte twin, and, well," Priya smiled, "I don't go much in for the entitled, especially not when they're sitting so precariously close to the edge of the cliff."

[Elena Petrowski]

Again, Elena found herself taking notes of what the woman said; She would have been lying had she claimed that she hadn't gotten to her, because she had. Not only because of her little magic tricks, but because the way she so effectively managed to crawl under her skin. It was impressive, and there was quite a few people who had thus far, managed to do something like that. There was a part of her, the hidden away little rebel teenage girl that every woman had inside them that wanted to be let out and defy everything the woman said. But, Elena pushed it aside with an annoyed sigh.

She had easily walked into the trap, completely blindfolded. She had gotten arrogant and thus, been played as a fool.

Without moving her gaze to the phone, Elena remained still, "Threats? Now, that sounds believable." She still wasn't entirely sure why anyone would recommend her - especially not her own headmaster. They had never really seen eye to eye. Of course, there was always a chance that her father had played a great part in all of this. Now, when the woman mentioned the Bellefonte twin, Elena simply nodded. "Fair enough."

"Though, there's still a question that remains, that you have been actively avoiding; Why? You clearly have the power, the means and the contacts. Why seek out a teenage girl with a track record when it comes to authority?"

[Priya Kaur]

Priya raised her brows. Clearly the other girl expected to hear threatening remarks regarding herself, which meant that all that Priya had heard about her reputation was true, or at least true enough. Such a delight, this little thing, with her spitfire attitude and willingness to mouth off even to someone like Priya, who could probably have her killed on a whim.

"Well, there's a few simple answers. First off," Priya smiled and gestured toward the girl, "I happen to adore working with attractive people. Gives me an excuse to be near them. Second," she held up two fingers, figuring she might as well keep teasing, "your abilities and skills are just the sort of thing that could be helpful. I suppose the fact that people say you're an absolutely heinous bitch with no respect for boundary and emotions could be something of a distant third."

Smiling, Priya took another sip of her drink. "It's all about allying with the right players, and the more obvious alliances are just too noticeable, aren't they?" As far as Priya was concerned, Elena had already agreed. That the Director had slipped a little happiness and contentment the other woman's way should've just been a little more of a nudge, really. Increase the natural emotional flow and all (though Priya wasn't even sure this particular girl had such a thing).

[Elena Petrowski]

Nothing the woman's points, Erika tilted her head to the side. She couldn't argue with either of them, as they were all obviously true. "In fear of sounding cliche," she said, arching her eyebrows in a bemused expression, "It takes one to know one." The Indian woman was correct though; Elena had no respect for other people's emotions or boundaries. She didn't care about them or their weak, pathetic feelings. It was a trait she seemed to share with her father, as much as it made her cringe. Her relationship with her father was complicated - not necessarily bad - just complicated. He was more like a boss than a father.

It made her wonder, if this woman knew of her father. She wouldn't be too surprised and the thought of them working together was troubling. Interesting, of course, but possibly dangerous for her own mental health. Elena had an immense respect for her father. Maybe it was in her Russian blood to show such respect for her blood-related elders. Ah, well.

"What you forgot to mention," Elena began and reached her hand out for a glass of champagne as a waiter walked by. Holding the glass to her lips, she smelled the scent and her lips curled upwards at the sweet smell. "Is that I'm not a very loyal person, Ms. Kaur." She didn't look at the woman. "What makes you think you could trust me to be your... Player?" She tasted the words. They tasted bittersweet. "If there's nothing in it for me," she gestured lazily with her hand, "What makes you think I won't stab you in the back?" She must have had a very good card on her hand to prevent Elena from looking out for number one. It was very intriguing. 

[Priya Kaur]

Priya actually mimicked a curtsy as Elena spoke her cliche. She didn't see any reason to pretend to be anything other than what she happened to be. Much more fun to embody the role and revel in it then to attempt to spend all that time telling people you were something you weren't. That's what made someone uptight and difficult to work with.

The next had Priya studying Elena intently, smiling coyly as the younger girl outlined everything. "Who said there was nothing in it for you? I don't recall that being mentioned in there, and I certainly intend for you to get something out of this, at the very least. As far as being stabbed in the back," Priya took a drink, obviously enjoying herself, judging by the swaying and smile that came after, "I fully expect it. but here's what everyone seems to forget:" she leaned in to talk in something of a stage whisper, "you can survive a stab to the back if you twist at just the right moment."

Priya pulled back then, laughing lightly. "Besides, we could be long gone by the time we reach that phase, and aren't you just dying to see how long it takes for us to get there?"