DT10 - Ouch...

[Zeryn]

He nodded. "I will admit that you have me at something of a disadvantage," he said. "And... I am sure that you will also get tired of me saying that things are much different here. The idea that your people shun those among them who can do something fantastic seems... foolish to me."

[Kay Haddock]

"It's not even that... Okay it's a little bit that, but like you said, it's different here. So it's mostly not that..."

[Zeryn]

Zeryn nodded, obviously listening intently. "What is it, then?" he asked, sounding nothing but completely interested in what was on her mind.

[Kay Haddock]

"I dunno. It's just... all my friends here are, well, kinda awesome. I mean Brigid's some kinda warrior princess and even if she doesn't want to be she's kinda adorably dorky somehow and Colin's just so nice and everyone loves him and of course the flowers weren't just for me, he was there for Brigid. And Theresa has all this stuff and she looks gorgeous and even god-damn Alex went out there to save our butts..."

[Zeryn]

He nodded, listening carefully. "Well, perhaps I am simply biased on the matter, but I find your gifts nothing short of remarkable. ANd I hadn't heard anything to suggest that your classmates did not care for you."

[Kay Haddock]

"Well no, but I still feel like I kinda pale compared to them sometimes. I'm just... kinda lame."

[Zeryn]

He looked at her, considering her for a moment, and considering his words carefully. "I've known many of those serving as X-Men right now," he said. "And I have come to know them and their abilities. The most remarkable and capable aren't those who have the greatest powers. I've known those who could shatter planets and those who are comparatively meek in power, and without exception, it is their character which will do the most for them."

He shrugged. "Perhaps you are correct, it is trite to say that everyone here is remarkable. Our abilities give us potential to do great things, yes. But it is up to you to make yourself remarkable. And that is what you are here to learn to do."

[Kay Haddock]

"Well yeah, I just don't seem to be doing as well as my friends..."

[Zeryn]

"You have been here for a few months. And compared thus far to your other classmates, you have not assaulted any other students, and you have not recklessly endangered yourself. So you may be doing better than you think. Even so, you are not coming from the same places and backgrounds as your classmates, so judging yourself by comparing yourself to them does you a rather serious injustice."

[Kay Haddock]

"But now that I'm here that's who I'll be compared to! And so far I've whined and hidden in the basement..."

[Zeryn]

He looked at her evenly. "Well, then stop whining," he said, a telltale smile forming on his face taking the seriousness from the words. "You're young. If I'm guessing correctly, you've grown up without a lot of the benefits that some of the others have had to help them along. You have been thrust into a world full of things you previously thought incredible, and are feeling overwhelmed by some of them and frightened by others." He shrugged. "Perhaps that makes you the sane one."

[Kay Haddock]

"Well I'm trying not to wallow in self-pity but..." she trails off for a moment. "Well I guess I just need to stop letting things bug me that I can't change anyway."

[Zeryn]

Zeryn considered that for a moment. "Common advice, but only half complete," he said. "Do not just ignore things out of your control. You need to find things you can control that will make you happy."

[Kay Haddock]

"Guess I'm not really sure what that is right now."

[Zeryn]

"A starting point is what it is," he said. "Start small, and with each step, it becomes easier. The fact that you are taking the time to think about this instead of simply rushing ahead says quite a bit."

[Kay Haddock]

"I just don't wanna be 'That fish-girl who likes to be miserable' to everyone."

[Zeryn]

"I believe enjoying being miserable would be a paradox. And from what I have heard others up here say, then the world explodes. So no, I would not suggest doing that."

[Kay Haddock]

"Still. I feel like I should do something about that. I can't just go off and mope in the pool or the lake all the time..."

[Zeryn]

"Well you can, but I would suggest also doing something else. Or to find a way to expand the activity in the pool or lake beyond moping."

[Kay Haddock]

"Well I don't just mope there. But I'm still... Wait, that's it!"

[Zeryn]

Zeryn blinked. "What's it?" he asked, a little surprised.

[Kay Haddock]

"I just had an idea what I could do! Thanks, Mr. Zeryn." she says, looking like she's about to dash off.

[Zeryn]

Zeryn smiled and pretended to wince. "I am only about three years older than you. Please, just 'Zeryn.'"

[Kay Haddock]

"Okay." she smiles faintly. "Thanks Zeryn!"