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[Paige watches, intrigued but hardly stunned. She knew people that worked with plants. Lin mostly. One of her students at the Academy before Xavier had disbanded it, so it wasn't new, but it was interesting. Magic, he claimed.

She regarded him in silence for a moment, letting him talk, get out what he had to say. His demeanor went a long way towards easing her concerns, but she still had them.]

The unique plants Krakoa itself produces are sacred to Krakoans, yes. Technically, we're called Mutants as a species, or Homo-Superior if you want scientific terminology. Krakoan is the demonym for members of the Mutant Nation. And...yeah, they're important.

I said before Krakoa is an island, and it's alive. It is our home, but it is more than that, too. It's the only safe place for Mutants on my world. Humans are afraid of us, because we all have abilities that set us apart in some way. There have been decades of conflict, mostly just isolated incidents of racism, murders, and that kind of thing...but a few attempted genocides as well.

[She blows out a breath, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and looking down at her clenched fist. Memories of cemeteries, of watching on the news when the first mutant nation was destroyed by Sentinels, and a host of other tragedies have made it hard to let go of some things.]

Which, as you might imagine, has made us all a little wary. Krakoa agreed to take us in, to shelter us and protect us. When we established our nation, we agreed to three laws. The first of which was to protect Krakoa, and to honor it for giving us a haven.

So, you'd be the first human allowed to mess with Krakoan plants, if I agree to this. And no offense meant, but it's...kind of a big deal to me.

[ He listens quietly, taking in everything she says. And while there are certainly details he can't picture in vivid detail, it's not at all difficult for him to understand the general picture.

Humans really are the same across all worlds, aren't they?

A prickle of sympathy works through his chest when he watches the way she averts her gaze for a moment, when he notices the clenched fist. They're quiet signs of hurt and frustration, and Vangeance only nods in understanding at first, after she's done. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts before answering quietly. ]

You have every right to reject my proposition.

[ Vangeance dips his gaze aside, looking at his little sapling as he continues gently. ]

I wouldn't presume to fully understand your circumstances. But ... [ His cadence remains steady, but his voice lowers just a touch into something more solemn. ] ... back in my homeland, someone very dear to me was terribly hurt by humans. Human history has been exceedingly cruel to his kind, yet most of us remain ignorant of it. So ... if you'd hesitate to trust me with something so important to you, and to your people, I understand.

[ Vangeance looks back to her, maintaining steady eye contact before he nods to reaffirm his words. ]

I've no intention of forcing the matter. And I promise you I won't act without your approval.

[His solemnity, and his story, speak volumes. She meets his eyes, her blue gaze heavy and serious, unblinking. He has his story, of course, and she's not going to pry. But it helps mitigate some of her doubt. Genuine sharing and sympathy go a long way, but she still has questions.]

...How does your magic work? Is it something that will alter the plants, or just boost their function?

[Altering them would be...she's not sure...but she has a feeling Krakoa wouldn't approve. But boosting them? That seems doable.]

[ Vangeance gives a brief hum in thought, looking down at his hand; thin wisps of light pull from his fingertips. ]

I cast spells by manipulating mana -- energy present in myself, the atmosphere, and in all things.

[ The glow fades, and he lowers his hand. A slow exhale before he continues, keeping his answer plain and honest: ]

I would attempt to channel mana from the environment and use it to enhance the plant's mana, making them stronger or duplicating them. But ... I've never attempted to combine my magic with something from another world before, so I'm unsure how they'll interact. And mages of my kind are somewhat limited in our abilities unless we can manifest our attributes. Completely preventing my trees from mingling with your plants may be difficult.

I don't think intermingling will be a problem.

[Paige replies after a moment's thought, going over what she knows of Krakoan flora...]

Krakoa itself has plants from all over the world, and some from alien planets. It should be fine, I am not worry about yours overtaking it or anything. That sounds fair, too. If it has a chance to work, then I think the island would be fine with it.

I also think that if the gate plant manages to link with a 3rd seed from my world, and we can get there, then we can send people home. Dimensional travel is a known thing where I am from.

... are you certain?

[ Not that he intends to second-guess her decision. He'll ultimately accept her judgement, whatever it may be. Vangeance gazes at her quietly, assessing her reactions, searching for any signs of doubt or duress.

Because once he does start his work, there's no taking it back. The decision will have been set in stone. ]

Of course, I'll do my utmost to find a way to transport everyone here to their homes, whether directly or through your a seed in your world. And I intend to preserve your plants' integrity to the best of my abilities. But ... I understand this isn't an easy decision for you to make. I wouldn't wish for you to regret it in the future.

[Paige nods firmly, arms crossing as she looks back over at the gateways.]

If it gets me home, or anyone else, then I think Krakoa would consider these seeds purpose well fulfilled. I don't think you're the kind of person who would maliciously try and harm my kind, or the seeds. Not the vibe I'm getting.

So, yes. Go for it.

[ There's a heartbeat's pause before he smiles softly. ]

Very well.

[ Then he gives a half-bow, his posture impeccable as he dips his head. Given his rank back home, it's not often that he has to make such a formal gesture, but here, it feels appropriate. ]

Thank you for your trust, Paige. I promise I'll do my best to make it worthwhile.

[Paige inclines her own head at about the same angle. She's not really used to bowing or anything, but it seems polite, and he's being formal. It's the least she can do.]

I hope so. So...do you need anything to make this happen?

[She's used to being able to help out, but magic is way outside her depth. At least, magic outside of the Charter, and that is super recent.]

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mild cw for discussion of racism (against Mutants)

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