Guess so, yeah. [He smiles, just slightly.] You should tell Chip about that, sometime; they'd love to hear about alien superheroes.
[...Speaking of Chip. Not that he can say as much; even if Jinx would clearly be less inclined to respond poorly to Chip's heritage than most from their world, it still wouldn't be fair to tell her without their knowledge.]
That-- really is incredible. I... imagine there'd be a similar kind of fuss if something like that happened where I'm from. Demons, and their descendants, are, uh... often not treated well, especially by certain groups. Who can also shut up.
People fear what is unknown. But the thing is- my world is increasingly more known by the year. We know what lies in the depths, we've found Atlantis. We have alien immigrants- even if it's just a few. Nothing is ever what it seems- that applies to the heavens and hells too. It's- you have to judge on personal merit, not as a generalized whole.
Because seriously, Raven's dad fucking sucks. But there's been some not so awful demons too.
[ She does pause for a moment... ]
I mean. Maybe? I'm... not the best with kids. And I don't think they like me.
Mm... that tracks. But, then, that isn't gonna stop those who would rather stick to what they've decided than acknowledge what we know. [He smiles weakly.] Lycanthropy is reasonably well understood, after all, but that can't seem to stop misinformation.
[Grant hums for a moment, considering his words before he answers.] Chip... is usually slow to get used to new people. Most people, especially those older than them, make them nervous - at least in person. It's usually just... a matter of either luck, or being patient with them as you get to know them, and they get to know you.
People are more willing to listen to magical experts when they're superheroes, I've found.
[ Still, she gets it. ]
They're like a less stabby version of me when I was a kid, it feels like. [ Cause. Yanno. Street kid-- ] Honestly, everyone's pretty lucky I just didn't have energy for defenses when I got here.
[He nods, just barely raising his eyebrows. That's concerning, alright. Just like when Claude mentioned Chip reminding him of himself as a child.] Too worn out not to get pulled into all... [He... gestures vaguely at their surroundings. You know.] This, huh?
Where I'm from, some people with magic can be born with an affinity for certain types of magic. An element or a concept, basically. People can also be born with too much magic for their body to actually contain- it constantly spills out somehow, whether they want it to or not. People with too much magic can be physically altered by it somehow, but if you've got too much magic and an affinity, you're never going to look like a normal person. Like, ever. Those with more obvious changes are called the Stained, because... well. It's like staining wood, or glass. Or clothes, I guess.
I'm Stained. My affinity is misfortune, and I have too much of it. From the day I was born I was just... bad luck. It even keeps me from using anything but hexes and curses- because, you know, misfortune.
[ You tell a kid that literally everything is their fault enough, and they believe it. Something he's probably familiar with. ]
But it's gone, here. It's. I feel... empty. But I can walk down the street without worrying if my excess magic over misfortune is gonna cause a car crash or not.
[This would be absolutely fascinating if he weren't learning about it in the context of how it's hurt someone. He can't quite help making a mental connection between the idea of those "affinities" and the different colors of planar magic back home - but, of course, that's most likely just a trick of his mind, trying to sort new information into prior associations.
What she's saying, in itself, is more important than trying to make sense of it within the framework of how he's used to thinking of magic. And what she's saying is... well. Fuck. No wonder she feels like losing her magic might've helped her get more involved with people here.]
...I see what you mean. And... I can't claim to fully understand how you feel, but I can say you're not alone in that feeling of-- well, of relief and emptiness at the same time. I'm just sorry it took losing a piece of yourself to get that relief.
Yeah. It's... it's complicated. But I'll manage. I always do.
[ It's still hard not to expect things going wrong being blamed on her, though, or to instinctively blame herself, seeking out that familiar tingle of her magic acting up and lashing out at whatever. ]
Yeah. I'm sure you will... It seems like you're doing well so far - at least from where I'm looking. I know it might be a different story, internally speaking.
Oh, yeah, that was a huge relief. [Especially when, you know, they needed to get eight people vaccinated at once.
...That description, though, is a little worrying, in a "could be pragmatic, could be depression" kind of way. It's sort of a familiar mindset, after all, and that in itself is something Grant tends to consider cause for concern.
He shakes his head.] No - it's alright. I meant to tell you and everyone else about it eventually, anyway... plus, I'm glad you did talk to me about it, so I... know that you know.
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[...Speaking of Chip. Not that he can say as much; even if Jinx would clearly be less inclined to respond poorly to Chip's heritage than most from their world, it still wouldn't be fair to tell her without their knowledge.]
That-- really is incredible. I... imagine there'd be a similar kind of fuss if something like that happened where I'm from. Demons, and their descendants, are, uh... often not treated well, especially by certain groups. Who can also shut up.
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Because seriously, Raven's dad fucking sucks. But there's been some not so awful demons too.
[ She does pause for a moment... ]
I mean. Maybe? I'm... not the best with kids. And I don't think they like me.
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[Grant hums for a moment, considering his words before he answers.] Chip... is usually slow to get used to new people. Most people, especially those older than them, make them nervous - at least in person. It's usually just... a matter of either luck, or being patient with them as you get to know them, and they get to know you.
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[ Still, she gets it. ]
They're like a less stabby version of me when I was a kid, it feels like. [ Cause. Yanno. Street kid-- ] Honestly, everyone's pretty lucky I just didn't have energy for defenses when I got here.
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[He nods, just barely raising his eyebrows. That's concerning, alright. Just like when Claude mentioned Chip reminding him of himself as a child.] Too worn out not to get pulled into all... [He... gestures vaguely at their surroundings. You know.] This, huh?
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[ Now there's an admission she never thought would come to light. ]
But they've got you. Sounds like they're coming out on top to me.
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[As far as Chip's situation... he smiles weakly.] Well... I'm glad you think so. Gotta do what I can to make up for how things used to be for them.
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Mm. ... I don't think you'll do a bad job there. You're a good person. And you listen well, even to the people who'd normally get written off.
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[Backtracking a little bit, though... Grant's brow creases, some concern crossing his face.] Your magic? What makes you think losing that helped?
she didnt mean to talk this much whoopsies
I'm Stained. My affinity is misfortune, and I have too much of it. From the day I was born I was just... bad luck. It even keeps me from using anything but hexes and curses- because, you know, misfortune.
[ You tell a kid that literally everything is their fault enough, and they believe it. Something he's probably familiar with. ]
But it's gone, here. It's. I feel... empty. But I can walk down the street without worrying if my excess magic over misfortune is gonna cause a car crash or not.
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What she's saying, in itself, is more important than trying to make sense of it within the framework of how he's used to thinking of magic. And what she's saying is... well. Fuck. No wonder she feels like losing her magic might've helped her get more involved with people here.]
...I see what you mean. And... I can't claim to fully understand how you feel, but I can say you're not alone in that feeling of-- well, of relief and emptiness at the same time. I'm just sorry it took losing a piece of yourself to get that relief.
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[ It's still hard not to expect things going wrong being blamed on her, though, or to instinctively blame herself, seeking out that familiar tingle of her magic acting up and lashing out at whatever. ]
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I'll be honest, finding out about free healthcare is a bit of a bonus. But it's... I dunno. You adapt, you go on. Same as always.
[ No, that's a you thing, Jinx- ]
... I know I already said it, but I really am sorry that this talk wasn't on your terms.
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...That description, though, is a little worrying, in a "could be pragmatic, could be depression" kind of way. It's sort of a familiar mindset, after all, and that in itself is something Grant tends to consider cause for concern.
He shakes his head.] No - it's alright. I meant to tell you and everyone else about it eventually, anyway... plus, I'm glad you did talk to me about it, so I... know that you know.
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wrapped i think!!
[Werewolf-related or otherwise.]