A word with the Shaman

[Haven]

Trying out one of the candy flavored lip glosses as Beast had dismissed the class Niki grabbed Ian around his densely muscled arm, spinning him around and into one of her patented 'hot tamale' kisses. Since the class was dismissed she wanted to give him something to remember her by for a while, she intended to take some time and talk with TrueSpirit. Their talk was long past due.

"MMMm, baby..." she said grinning up at him as their lips parted. "Tastes sweet, I guess those two are good for something. It's almost like together they have close to a whole brain or something" she giggled.

"Hey can I catch up with you later Papi? I been wanting to talk to the Chief...for a while now...you know." and she knew he knew. There was little she held back from Ian, sure well of course there was some things she would never tell, but when it came to matters he was there for they talked freely. Limbo was one of those subjects.

[Diesel]

Ian shook his head with a small smile at his girl, licking the stuff off his lips. This got insane and he really needed to just get away from Rumble to keep himself from punching the guy. He wasn't too upset since Wolverine throwing him out the window eased that urge. The freaker mentioning how Aideen was during that whole thing made him crack the marble desk from gripping it so hard and he needed to vent some frustration on a punching bag. Niki always made him smile though, with everything that the two of them had been through he knew the little things that got him to smile, and a kiss like that couldn't help but make him feel better.

"Aw babe don't be like that. Those two are pretty cool chicks if you give them a chance. Both are pretty smart too, I don't know where I'd be if Blondie didn't help me out with English," he said and leaned down to press a kiss on Niki's forehead. "I'm gonna go out to the gym and punch some frustration out on that new punching bag. I'll see you at lunch," Ian said and grinned crookedly at her. He grabbed his project and left the poster board for Gavin to take, making his way out of the room and letting Niki to take care of some long overdue business.

[Haven]

She watched his body as it moved under his clothes, making her very thankful she had eyes, and with a placing of her index finger under her bottom lip she fixed what was left of the lip gloss- cleaning up the smear of passion that had left her slightly sticky. She hated when they'd part but hey one of them usually got a great show, watching the other walk away was nice even in it's slight sadness. She smacked her lips thinking of what she was going to have him do to her later.

Turning she saw TrueSpirit still gathering his things. She scooped up her portion of the project she and Tempest had yet to present and said to her partner. "Hey take good care of that stuff huh...we still got a chance in this kiddo. Plus this just gives us a little extra time to polish up 'the show' right? So I'll catch up with you later okay." She called over her shoulder to the young Paragon as she walked away "Don't leave any of that stuff lying around!"

Mato seemed to be at peace as he had picked up his project and she waited in the hall for him. He was interesting to watch, she wondered what he was thinking as she looked through the doorway at him. He was gathering up his project with such care and for a moment she imagined the huge grizzly bear that she could remember from Limbo. She'd seen it since, but there was a different look to it the very first time she had seen it. Maybe it was more a feel of it, but she imagined it that way now...tenderly... as it was tender even in the midsts of all of the chaos.

As he emerged into the hallway she spoke to him saying. "Hey...you uh, got a minute?" She was standing leaning up against the wall her arms folded and one foot placed, flat up against the wall. her project placed carefully on the floor next to her. "I...I've been wanting to talk to you." She unfolded her arms and looked at her empty wrist. "I don't wear a watch, so if you're pressed for time it can wait. It's waited this long right?" she said with the slightest of smirks on her face.

[TrueSpirit]

Mato sighed with disappointment as he gathered his things together carefully and neatly. He was saddened by the turn of events, not happy that a man of Wolverine's caliber was cast out for committing a natural act of defending one's mate against a conscienceless being with a black soul. Mato found it wrong on many levels, but he learned the injustices of the world long ago since he was but a young boy, watching his brothers and sister persecuted for simply being themselves. It hurt him then as much as it hurt him now to see his teammate and friend be tormented by a powerful black soul that corrupts anything in its path.

Aideen had done nothing, and was having the blessing of her striking beauty that the Spirits had blessed her with used against her by a form of evil. He wished he could interfere, holding no fear against Rumble for the simple fact that Mato was very much at peace with himself and honed the ancient techniques of his tribe to defend himself from predators and evil. However, Mato would never disrespect Aideen in the manner to step into a place that was not his. No, that place for her to handle or her mate if so inclined, and no one else but theirs in the laws of nature. He was extremely disappointed how many people did little to honor those natural laws. People stepped into the area where they had no say and no connection, simply wanting to voice an opinion as outsiders. When help is not asked, no one has the right to fight a fight that is not their own. Mato found the involvement of most of the outsiders to be a sign of great disrespect towards Aideen. Even Ariel showed disregard for Aideen's right to handle it as she saw fit and involved herself. He knew he should not have been too surprised that today's world held little respect for such laws and customs, but it did not stop his disappointments from forming.

With another slight sigh, Mato solemnly finished clearing away his project by himself, expecting no help from Rumble and not wanting it. His project was tucked away neatly on the shelf, away from harms way. Mato picked up his deerskin satchel, bowing his head to the Good Doctor and the remaining teachers. His eyes moved to Haven by the door, a small smile on his face at the sight of her. He had a great amount of veneration for the Spirit of the Porcupine that the girl embraced and exuded. His eyes lit up in delight at her request to speak with him, wondering for some time when she would approach him but never forcing himself toward her. "I'd be honored to speak with you Haven. With class ending rather early we have quite a bit of time ahead of us. My plans were nothing more than a walk in the garden, but I would be honored if you joined me," Mato said with a sincere smile and a slight bow of his head to her, ready to walk with her if she be willing.

[Haven]

"Sure, sounds nice..." she bent down and picked up her belongings. Walking silently with him down the hallway she wondered how best to start talking to him. It wasn't like it would be out of his element, hey it was him...he was there, so it wasn't like he didn't have any idea what she was gonna be talking about. "I've been thinkin, you know...bout LIMBO and all that you did for me there. Sorta late to sit down and talk with you about it and all, but better late than never right?"

She walked along listening to the sounds of their feet on the floor and the noises the halls of the school made. "Kids make such a racket sometimes, you never notice it when you're in the midsts of it but when you step back from it you hear it all huh? Guess you hear it all the time don't you...you never mix it up with anybody. I noticed that about you." Haven wasn't one to just shoot her mouth off even though she was good at that, she picked her battles, and she observed. Watching was one of her pastimes of old, being an outsider left one little options for interaction, so she would watch. She'd found it useful for finding the chinks in peoples armor and the weaknesses in their personalities.

When it came to spitting for spite her reasons were many and varied. Sometimes she would stick up for her friends, sometimes stand up for a principle. She even fought battles for the sheer agony of losing, if the outcome was certain to be unfavorable and she just needed the conflict. It had come down to that more than once, fighting just for the sake of the fight. TrueSpirit though was not even close to that in his nature, yet what she had seen of his ...soul?.... was more than menacing enough.

"So I guess I still don't really understand what you did. I just don't get it, but I feel this weird kind of calmness now and it's reminding me of our first meeting. It's hard to put it all into perspective, seems like a bad dream...but I think I owe you one, don't I." she looked sideways at him as they passed the windows of the hallway and entered the stairwell. "What happened there, I mean really, cause it's like fading from me now and I feel all rough around the edges again...you know? I was seriously goin ta kill that doucheface yesterday, I didn't even care...it's kind of a shame after the peace I felt right after we got back home, but he- he- eww I hate that guy." She thought about how she very nearly killed Rumble and how Frostbite had gotten involved. "Oh yeah, and don't even get me started on the SnowHo ...really."

[TrueSpirit]

Mato smiled slightly as he walked beside her and listened to her calmly and without imposing harsh judgment. After touching spirits with Haven, he knew her true nature and all the parts she kept hidden from herself at times. He remained silent for a moment after she finished and they walked out to the gardens with all the flowers in full bloom. Mato paused and placed his bag on the side of the mansion and then continued walking with her, taking in the shining sun and the fresh smell of the morning permeating in the air.

"When I first saw you in Limbo, I did not see your spirit. I confess that I was frightened and concerned. Upon closer inspection I found you're spirit animal surrounded by darkness, confused and frightened. The demons took over your entire being, close to destroying your spirit by consuming it in darkness. I first reached out to touch your spirit animal, to give you a beginning sense of self that there was a part of you very much alive, from then on I acted as a guide for your spirit through the darkness," he said recalling the event very vividly.

He paused for a moment and called out the Great Bear that his spirit embodied, more for the reason to give Haven a chance to remember and familiarize herself with the Great Grizzly that guided the Porcupine back into the light of it's being. Mato glowed gold for a moment, and then the large Grizzly materialized itself in front of them. The bear dwarfed Haven, their faces aligned almost eye to eye, but the bear looked at her with a calm and familiar stare. "I did nothing more than guide your spirit from the depths of darkness and into the light. It was you that possessed the strength and fortitude to follow and rip yourself away from the darkness," Mato said softly and placed a hand on the Grizzly Bear's back comfortably.

They walked along the garden in private enough for Mato to tell Haven a little about her Spirit Animal. "Your spirit takes the form of the Porcupine, a rather interesting animal and very respected. They are core animals of survival, for although small, it is one with few predators. The Porcupine has a natural defense and protection of boundaries, much like you have with your forcefield. They are also known for their renewed sense of wonder and the innocent joy taken in such simple tasks," he said softly with a smile at her.

"You were correct when you stated on my nature to observe. I have watched you from time to time, for the simple reason that a bond was formed when our spirits touched. The joy you take in the people around you is wondrous to behold. Many people take others for granted, but you never do that. I see how the light in your eyes shines whenever you're with Diesel or Aideen. I watch your spirit interact with theirs in pure joy of having them in your life," Mato said softly and stopped walking with his bear to look down at her with a smile that one may describe as a proud smile, even a look of admiration on his face. "Very few people have that ability Haven, and that you have no shame in it is admirable beyond words. It was an honor to guide your Spirit back to it's light," he said in a sincere voice with a small bow of his head to her.

[Haven]

"Wow, thank you." she looked up at him peeling her eyes from the huge Grizzly bear that stood before them. Looking back she took a tentative step forward, reaching out a hand to touch his spirit animal but hesitating. Glancing back to his eyes she thought how rude, you can't just touch another person's spirit without permission... can you? "Is it O.K. to touch him, uh ...you?" She pondered it for a second before asking "It is you isn't it? In a way it is right?"

She wondered if he saw through it's eyes or felt what it felt. She'd heard Ember talking about her spirit animal and how he could also draw forth other animals who had some sort of connection or something and it just all seemed so different and so bizarre. Maybe I'd 'get it' if I could see my own spirit. That could be pretty cool. A porcupine huh? Not bad I guess..kinda cute, pretty fierce and nobody wants to get in a scrap with one of them... best defense around. Yeah, I guess that fits.

"I guess I do take joy in simple things, I'm not as hard to understand as everybody makes me out to be you know. I don't apologize for my feelings I live my life and I care about stuff that matters to me..my friends most of all. I never really had any until I came here, so I cherish them...I guess you get me" she chuckled a little "...they are the joy of my life."

"I know everybody probably ask, and I don't want to be like everybody else...but I really would like to see..." She shrugged her one shoulder slightly, she really hated to be just another one of the crowd but she had an unavoidable urge, a 'need' for lack of a better term for it. "..if you don't mind showing me that is...Can I see my porcupine...would you show me please, so I can remember?" For some weird reason her words choked up in her throat, she felt it was a very profound moment and she was treating it with a sweet cautious reverence.

[TrueSpirit]

The smile on Mato's face brightened slightly at the uncharacteristically shy request from a girl he had really come to admire. "There is no shame to have similar desires to others. We are all human beings and many of us have common desire. Everyone desires a purpose in life, the chance to love and be loved, and the chance to know more about themselves. As I told Aideen, the first thing I learned in my exploration of myself was that there is no shame in giving into your desires, in fact it is a very admirable and fortuitous quality. Fear prevents many from giving into their desires, therefore to overcome that fear takes courage," he said softly and placed his hand gently and calmly on her shoulder while his other reached to her waist to steady her.

Mato gave her an encouraging smile and said, "This may feel a little odd. I generally must steady a person for the feeling of bringing their spirit form out of them is what I am told a quite literal breathtaking experience. Do not be alarmed though for I will keep you steady." With one more smile, at her Mato closed his eyes and concentrated. In the next moment, both him and Haven glowed a brilliant shade of gold and in the next moment, right next to Mato's Grizzly Bear, a little porcupine formed, sniffing the air and looking around.

Both of them stopped glowing and Mato held Haven firmly until she got her breath back and was no longer dizzy. He smiled at her and looked down at the porcupine that trotted over to her feet. "That is your spirit Haven. Whenever I look at you, I always see this little one by your side," he said and knelt down on the ground, sitting back Indian style. The Grizzly Bear laid down next to him and rested it's massive head on his paws. Mato watched with silent observation as Haven saw her spirit in solid form in front of her.

[Haven]

Niki took a step to the side to steady herself and held onto Mato's hand until the world stopped spinning. She looked down to see her spirit animal and was almost shocked. She had half expected to see some sort of evil glow or residual nastiness tainting it, but it was simply adorable.

"Well, that was different." she said now that it was over and the reality of an inner self was revealed to her. "I guess I sorta had something a bit scarier in mind when I thought about my spirit. I been through a whole lot and you know how that goes, 'Lived too much too soon' so to speak? Well yeah, but hey I guess if I had to pick an animal that'd be the best one for me...sorta offensively defensive in design."

She took a few steps over to sit near it and watch. There was a peace in doing this she found. It was simplistic and wholesome in a way and she never had done anything quite like it. Even the yoga and meditation she had picked up from Aideen had only got her so far, but this was like nothing else. She could recall now vividly her time in Limbo and the decision she had made. The animal and she had sat many minutes looking at one another as all of this played in Niki's head. "I feel better now Mato." she said softly.

Her voice was not timid, nor weak. In fact it had even more strength to it. It was as if an inner renewing of commitment and fortitude had filled her. "It's alright, I get it now. Well, I don't understand the whole mystery of the universe and all that, but I get me. The rest I'll learn as I go, but for right now knowing myself better is enough." She glanced over in his direction and said "It's not over either...is it? I'm not done learning about me cause I'm only gonna keep on growing and changing, but I remember where I came from and I remember the biggest decisions I ever made. They shaped me, just like all the little decisions did, and everything I do and everyone I meet."

It was a whole lot to take in and even though it seemed simple enough the reality of it was far heavier a burden to bear than the words might let on. "That's what you do isn't it? Is that what being a Shaman is? Walking the path of life and marking the trail so that others can find themselves, find their way back to themselves?" She was sure she hadn't even scratched the surface of his importance to his people and then it hit her that she too, like everyone here at the school, was also one of his people. They were all mutants and that very fact bound them together in a way. "Am I close?"

[TrueSpirit]

Mato placed his hand on top of the Grizzly Bear's back that laid down calmly next to him, stroking it's soft fur and watching Haven with joy at the renewal of inner peace. It was a captivating sight to watch the sense of new understanding come over her just as it did in Limbo. "My people look to the Shaman as a Man of the Spirits and a Man of Healing. Though I do not possess the extraordinary gift that Tracy is blessed with, I heal the spirit and being. To my people, I am the one that they look to for guidance and invigorating their body and soul. I have an extensive medicinal knowledge and skill using herbs, plants, and other resources found in the forest," Mato said looking down at the rawhide belt he always wore that has small satchels and pouches full of medicinal herbs and plants.

He watched intently as the Porcupine sniffed the air, completely on guard and cautious as it was known to be in any situation. It scurried between the Grizzly Bear and Haven, looking for a spot of comfort. "People often stray from themselves with the influence of the world around them, having their mind lose the connection with their spirit and who they really are within. My hope is that I can be a guide for them to find themselves once more." Mato's hand reached out and with only two fingers he stroked the porcupine's forehead gently and without threat or malicious intent. "You are a very strong individual Haven, and it pains me to watch someone with such a strong spirit be used as a pawn in a game by a black soul as Rumble's," he said looking up at her collectively with a caring expression on his face.

"His soul is a dark one, and he feeds off any sort of anger or hurt he inflicts upon others. You are too good of a person to let yourself be taken into his game," Mato said, letting on a sigh and looked toward the school. "Aideen is my teammate and someone I consider a true friend. It pains me greatly to see her as the primary target in Rumble's sadistic game. I am fortunate enough to have an insight how his soul responds to any attempt to stop him. His black soul is a destroyer of spirits, and the last thing I would want is for you to be the next victim to fall upon the seed of darkness he plants in anyone he can." Mato watched Haven carefully to see how his words affected her and to try and decipher what was going on in her head.

"I know that you treasure Aideen, and would do anything to protect her. Though your fierce loyalty and love for her is admirable, I know Aideen enough to know that she would hate herself if Rumble were to bring you down in his storm of evil. You and her are both very strong women, and both of you are too good and too intelligent to be brought down by the blackness in Rumble's being," Mato said and gave her a smile. Next to them, the Grizzly Bear reached out to gently nose the top of the porcupine's head, just as Mato had pet it a moment ago. Both animals seemed at peace with each other in a serene environment that embodied a certain calmness. The sun shining down on them, the birds chirping in the trees, and the sound of the water in the nearby fountain gave the two an undisturbed and relaxing atmosphere.

The smile on Mato's face become more serene as he looked at the two animals interacting and back at Haven. "You are fortunate Haven, to have Ian in your life. He loves you very much. I see it whenever the two of you are together, the true happiness that comes from the both of you reflects in your spirits. Don't let your hate for Rumble and the darkness he brings take you away from the things in life truly worth your energy," he said and then thought about his next words carefully. He would never give away a source of knowledge that he gained through his gift, but he wanted some way to reassure Haven that her friend would be alright as well. "Aideen is fortunate as well, and in many retrospects is happy, despite being the target for Rumble's dark desires. Remember that my friend, and do not allow Rumble to take that away from you," Mato said with a smile and reached out to pat her hand. He gave her his words of wisdom and could only hope that they would influence her next decision when her path in life crossed Rumble's once again.

[Haven]

Haven watched the calm interactions between the spirit animals and Mato and she took his words to heart. He was right after all, and she knew it. It had become apparent to her after she had bashed in Rumbles dog nasty mouth that he wasn't going to stop, especially since he only laughed as he spat his teeth out at her.

"I appreciate that. I can see him goading me into stuff and I think I can beat him at the game, cause hey, it's my game too you know...but that guy's a couple donuts short of a dozen. I ask ya, who get's their ass beaten and laughs about it? Who the hell get's bouncer tossed out a window a couple stories up and freakin laughs?" Haven shook her head. Thinking about Rumble was really bringing her down and she truly needed to be rid of him and his drama, Mato's suggestion seemed to be to ignore the scumbag but Niki was hardwired to face a challenge head on, like it or not.

"It really doesn't matter what I say or do to him, he's nuttier than a fruitcake so there's really no winning with him. I get it...well i had already figured that much out, but thanks for lookin out for me and all. I get it, really. It's just a way to drag me down to his level and there ain't nobody but the icebender down there anyway so what do I need to mess with him for, you're right." She said the words and tried to convince herself that she really wouldn't come back at him anymore. She was going to make an effort for her future, and for her friends too. TrueSpirit mentioning them as he had got her thinking about how things might turn out if things didn't change.

"I don't know how well I'll do at this whole 'self control' thing, but shit if Aideen can do it.... If she can keep it together in the face of all his crap then I can do it too. I'll learn from her example, well...I'll do my best. It just steams my veggies you know...nothing ever happens to that dirtball. Why do they let him get away with his shit?" she was starting to get upset thinking about it and then she saw her porcupine and how he didn't strike out at Mato or the Grizzly, he was at peace and she didn't want to disturb that. "But yeah, if Aideen can deal with him I should be able to, it's not like he's talking to me...but damn! Ember's my girl, I got her back you know?"

"Me and Diesel, well neither of us like how he treats her. My Papi Chulo and me yeah, I guess we should ease up a little. Makes sense, but it wont be easy. I wont let him play me or Ian anymore, thanks...nobody makes me a pawn...use me will he? No mas Mato, it ends right now." She gave him a look that was a mixture of gratitude and resolve. Her mind was made up and she would struggle against her urges, but if the porcupine was any indicator of her nature she could do it. His quills didn't stick any but those foolish enough to attack him directly, she'd remember that lesson she witnessed for a long time.

[TrueSpirit]

Mato smiled at her, proud that she was more aware of Rumble than he initially gave her credit for and that she had come to a wise decision. Rumble's behavior toward Aideen was a weight that burdened many of the students minds, particularly those close to her. He would watch the distress it caused Haven and Diesel, particularly Haven in part due to the strong bond that existed between Aideen and Haven. Mato knew many people often wondered how two girls seemingly different were able to be so close, but he saw the truth in it. Their outward attitudes were quite different, Haven being loud and brash, refusing to be ignored while Aideen was soft spoken and quiet with a tendency to sit back and observe in the shadows. However both were extremely intelligent and very strong willed women, shaped by two very different worlds and coming out of them with a sense of pride and understanding of the inner workings of life. Both of them had a hard time getting close to people, but those lucky enough to know them found themselves with a loyal true friend that would do anything for those they loved.

He was blessed to know both women and able to see their true selves, marveling how they worked with those around them. Mato would watch Haven's porcupine interact with Diesel's Wild dog, the two spirit animals walked together in harmony and played with each other in such an innocent and honest manner that the connection between the spirits was undeniable. Other times he witnessed a fierce passion toward one another that was interpreted with the loving interaction of the two. The two spirits sat separate from others in a bond that cultivates over time and hardships, and was quite strong indeed. It was a young and innocent love that Mato felt was something that Haven had been missing her entire life. Though he watched the two with a pang of envy at the connection they had as the one he once had with his own love as his village, he was nonetheless thrilled for Haven to come in possession of such a love.

Watching Aideen's Cougar and Wolverine's Snow Leopard was a whole different experience for Mato. The two powerful feline spirits moved in a knowing and familiar manner, but at the same time exuded a connection of raw prurience and love that at times even made Mato look away for fear he was invading on something too private and not meant for anyone's eyes. He had watched their two spirits connect from that moment in the lab and could only say that he was happy for them. The two feline spirits are those of solitary, never allowing anyone to walk beside the other until they met each other. It was a rare connection that Mato felt honored to witness and could only wish them the best through all hardships that they will face in the future.

"You're decision is wise Haven, and I admire you for coming to that conclusion," he said with a sincere and proud smile, reaching over to pat the girl's hand. "Heed my words, even a soul as black as Rumble's has an open point of offense. It will be discovered in due time by process of natural events, all we can do is prepare for the consequences of that discovery. Have faith in Aideen's strength, she will overcome it as well and receive her full happiness," Mato said with a knowing look in his eyes that can only be attributed to his knowledge of people and the spirits, as look that let many know that he knew much more than he ever let on, but would never interfere in the plans the fates put forth.

He sat back and took a small vial out of his belt. He poured a drop of the oil on his finger and rubbed it lightly. In that second, the scent of soothing eucalyptus filled the air to add to the calming environment. "There is a legend among my people that I believe you would enjoy. It is story of the Fox and the Porcupine," Mato began and proceeded to tell her the story of how the Porcupine outwitted the sly fox by using its natural wit and playing on it's strengths. He enjoyed his time with Haven, feeling the bond between them slowly renew itself just like after Limbo.