17565/Like an (Alien) Fish Out of Water

Like an (Alien) Fish Out of Water
Date of Scene:	02 April 2024
Location:	Central Park
Synopsis:	Arisia arrives on Earth, learns a few lessons, and makes at least one new friend!
Cast of Characters:	Arisia Rrab, Billy Batson, Monet St. Croix, Kyle Rayner

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Arisia Rrab has posed:
It is a beautiful, bright sunny day in Central Park! It's even unseasonably warm, allowing for light jackets and jeans (or t-shirts and shorts for those brave enough to face the wind coming in off the Atlantic), and seeing vendors starting to make an appearance with less wintery fare. There is, of course, the usual hot dogs and pizza, but also lemonade and slushies starting to make an appearance! There's even one brave ice cream vendor that's been circling around the outside of the zoo to tempt families.

It's a totally awesome and calm day... eeeeeexcept for the commotion over by the fountains.

A vendor selling pizza and sodas is raising a stink and shouting at someone in the growing crowd. Yelling about 'fake money' and 'damned aliens' and generally causing a fuss.

In the midst of that crowd is a young woman. A very obviously alien young woman. She's actually largely humanoid, but the golden skin, the golden eyes, and the pointed ears tend to be a dead giveaway. That she's also in what looks like a green and white strapless minidress, with a collar that bears the Green Lantern insignia.. well. What's one more when there's already so many, right?!


Elsewhere, in Titans Tower...

It's a perfectly lovely day, and Kyle may be getting some art supplies together to go out and do some sketching or painting, tossing things into a bag that he can carry along with him. At least, that WAS the plan until his ring starts to glow and vibrate. An Emergency Beacon for the Lanterns in Sector 2814 (ie. Earth and it's surrounding areas)! Oddly enough, the ring sending the beacon seems to be in.. Central Park?!

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam flies over the city. He's spent a week as Shazam. No Billy. He's learned why that is a bad idea. He doesn't get hungry or thirsty. But being hungry or thirsty adds to your enjoyment. He doesn't get tired but having your mind working 24-7 is a lot to take in. He thought becoming Shazam permanently would let him be done with the past, but the past wasn't done with hi. He's ready to call it a wash when he sees the commotion at the hot dog stand and circles to take another look.

An elf. The GLC has elves. Elfs?

Monet St. Croix has posed:
It's one of those days where Monet is flying along. She goes in for a landing near the park.. Right as she goes to see the alien woman and goes to rub at her cheek. She seems to be a bit too smooth to be one of the recently arrived alien refugees.. A meta, perhaps? She lands nearby, but not interacting.

Kyle Rayner has posed:
Kyle did plan on going out to Central Park, he had the sketchbooks packed up, pencils and all that fun stuff. That signal changes things. Looking over the "Kyle Rayner" attire, a simple black zip-up hoodie, pair of jeans, simple white and black shoes and a blue and white baseball cap that rests on the. Green eyes look at the simple blue tree shape on the hat and sighs, "I hope Hal has some good news." Focusing, Kyle causes his uniform to manifest becoming Green Lantern. The face mask covers most of his face and then he's off.

Before long he's flying over central park, just following the signal. He'll eventually float down to see the commotion, "What's the commotion?" he asks looking about to see everything going about. Right now, he's just trying to keep the situation calm. Yes, Kyle has been out and about. Some people may recognize him.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
The vendor is understandably upset at having received some strange metal tabs in exchange for the slice of cheese pizza and cup of cola. He hadn't even really wanted to serve the space elf in the first place! Didn't the news JSUT get done talking about all these damned alien refugees coming in to take their homes and jobs?? But money is money.. at least, until it's not American money.

"What the Hell is this?! You think you can just come into our world, our city, and try to pass off this SCRAP as currency?? Pay me in American dollars or I'm callin' the cops!"

The crowd gathering seems to be split, some empathizing with the young woman.. but just as many wearing angry expressions and rumbling up towards a mob mentality. People that are scared or angry or biased against all these aliens that have been coming to their world, especially with the recent events at the Starport. This could get ugly if it isn't calmed down quickly.

For her part, Arisia is standing apart from the humans, surrounded by a ring of humanity and looking confused and a little scared. She's holding a paper plate with a slice of cheese pizza, and a paper cup filled with cola. Sending the vendor a pleading look, she states, "I am afraid I do not understand. That is legal Graxosian tender. I have no... American dollars. Not yet. Please, I have no wish to upset anyone." She might not spot Shazam up in the sky, or Monet coming in for a landing. But it's hard to miss her ring humming the end of the beacon when Kyle arrives. A look of relief crosses her face, and she calls out, "I am Arisia Rrab, Sector 2815! I appear to have caused some upset, though unintentionally. This man here says that I owe him 'American dollars'?" She glances around at the crowd, "I swear, I meant no harm to anyone."

Monet St. Croix has posed:
She hears the big on 'Sector 2815' and goes to rub at her temples. Monet St. Croix goes to let out a very, very heavy sigh and goes to move towards the crowd to intersperse herself over into them. Rather than escalating everything, she attempt sfo ra subtler, and yet in some ways brute force method. She goes to try and use her moderately empowered telepathy to just try and get everyone to calm down and wander off. There's nothing strange to see here, it's all just rather calm. She goes to try and use a psionic -push- to get the entire crowd to dissipate.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam lands. He is not his usual well groomed self. He needs a shave. His cape is wrinkled. He steps up to the vendor, a hand dipping into a shoulder bag, under his cape of course. He produces a couple tens.

"Here, for the Green Lantern's check. You should more kind to strangers. Kindness and hospitality are virtues to many dieties. You don't want to tick them off."

He gives a nod to the others on the scene.

Kyle Rayner has posed:
Kyle hears "Sector 2815! I appear to caused some upset, though unintentional." Those are the words that puts Kyle's gears in motion. Then she continues. "American Dollars" and then he sees the plate, the pizza. "How much for the slice?" Kyle asks and floats down. "I can pay," he will float down. A second later, a construct cylinder goes around him. When the construct dies he's holding a twenty. It's part of his lunch money for today. Well, maybe was?

Looking about he spots Monet moving through the crowd. Well, that's good. Backup. Backup is always good.

Shazam lands and makes a few points. Well, he thinks it's Shazam. The iconography matches, but when did the big guy grow a beard?! More backup, good!

He looks at the vendor, "It's a misunderstanding. I can cover," he says and holds up his hands. "First time on Earth. Happens to the best of us, I'll keep her with me. It'll be okay," Kyle's speaking trying to calm people down and not realizing what he might be signing up for.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
Monet's subtle manipulation and suggestion works pretty well, with most of the crowd starts to disperse, grumbling and muttering perhaps, but heading back to their lives. The few that stick around either seem sympathetic to the alien and want to make sure she's okay, or they want to make sure the vendor gets his money. Once both are assured, they too head back to their daily tasks.

The vendor himself is mostly mollified by having two heroes presenting him with money. Legal American tender! He takes the cash from both, splitting the cost between them, and both getting back more change than they would have otherwise. To Kyle, he snorts, "You do that, buddy. You guys oughta be teachin' these aliens that there's rules they gotta follow here." He's not WRONG, of course, but he's still a bit of a dick about it. Then the man packs up his cart and huffs off to another part of the Park where they 'ain't no stinkin' aliens' to worry about.

Arisia, meanwhile, looks vastly relieved and offers a sunny smile to both Shazam and Kyle, "My thanks, to you both. I am terribly sorry for any inconvenience I have caused." Glancing to the pizza and soda, she looks back, "Would you like to share?" That smile grows a little wider and she holds up the plate and cup.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Most of the gropu splits away, and Monet goes to rub at her temples. There, they're done with the riff-raff. She goes to approach over towards the grouping and then lets out a sigh, "If you're looking for something reasonably edible, then you'll not find it in the carts that cater to the plebians. Here is rather overpriced and minimal quality to maximize profits." She speaks so dismissively over of what is going on, casually waving a hand in dismissal while letting out an internal grumble.

"So what brings you to here?" She's gotten at least somewhat part of an idea, if only by the Sector and the Great Big Cheese having come down.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam yells after him, "Life came here on meteors from Mars! We're all aliens! Watch the damn Discover channel!" He pockets his change. Gives Kyle a chin nod.

He smiles a little to Arisia. "No thanks. I don't get hungry. You enjoy it. This city is known for excellent pizza. But the lady is right. Better to go to an establishment to try the really good pizza. Ray's Pizza is good."

Kyle Rayner has posed:
"Monet has a point. I mean the carts are nice, but an actual restuarant is better," Kyle's not above overpriced and mediocre. However, if he has a choice, time, etc. Then the carts really don't win.

"Yeah. What Grizzly Marvel said, better going to a restuarant." Although Kyle thinks that Shazam meant History Channel and not Discovery. An image of the man with the wild hair going, "ALIENS!" runs through his head.

Kyle just agrees with the group. He's trying not to parot everyone. They just have more good points. A look goes to everyone, "Impromptu pizza party or luncheon?" A look goes toward Shazam, "Even if you can't eat it?" Shazam mentioned about not needing to eat.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would go to cross her arms, "Very well then, it looks like all things are in order." She goes to let out a sigh, "And best wishes for finding something edible here." She goes to walk off - at lesat not flying, she's gotten enough attention already.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam shrugs, rubbing his beard. "No I'm good. I'm going to finish my patrol, but thanks. I have to... yeah. Welcome to earth Arisia. It's a fun planet. Take care all." He lifts off into the sky.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
"Oh. Okay, well, then I am sorry to have spent your American dollars on poor food. Perhaps I can repay you once I am settled." Arisia offers with that same sunny smile, apparently not overly affected by the anger of others. Or at least, her natural disposition overcomes it quickly.

Monet's question has her nodding, though she tries to encompass all three, er, two.. as Monet walks off. "Thank you!" THen she's looking to the Green Lantern and Shazam. "Ah, to answer her question.. I am here because I was sent here." She flicks a glance to Kyle, "My uncle.. Blish Rrab.. he.. he died. In the massacre at the Crab Nebula. I was chosen as his successor. The Corps felt that, due to the circumstances, it would be best if the newly chosen were sent to other Lanterns to complete their training, so that Oa can focus on the perpetrator of the massacre. Because we are.. neighbors.. I was sent here."

Shazam's sudden leavetaking has her blinking, then nodding, "Alright. Thank you for your help! I look forward to meeting you again!" Then she's turning back to Kyle, brows drawn together, "Did I do something to chase them away?"

Kyle Rayner has posed:


"Cart Pizza isn't bad. Sometimes it's the best you get," Kyle does like cart pizza. Cart pizza was probably going to be his lunch. Kyle nods and will pay for a slice for himself. "You probably need someone to show you how to eat this," Kyle offers thinking it may be nice to have a guide with the food.

And then the talk about Blish pushes forward. "I'm sorry," Kyle says softly. "I was out there. I'm," there are no words. A hand goes to her shoulder, "IF you ever want to talk about it, I'm here," his voice is soft, low.

And then it hits Kyle, Arisia is probably supposed to find Hal. Well, Kyle would do what he could until their paths cross.

"Alright. We can go somewhere to talk more," and then he shakes his head. "You did nothing. New York is a busy place. People will come and go, but I'll be there. You're a lantern, we gotta stick together," and Kyle starts to fly upward. "Keep up?"

Kyle thinks she has a good grasp on flight since Arisia walks on Earth.

When they're high enough in the sky, Kyle begins lesson one. He starts to fold the slice, "Do this." And he'll wait for Arisia to mimic him. Then he takes a bite and chew. The New York fold is important, from what the Titans told him.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
"Oh good. Then I did not waste the dollars. That makes me feel better," Arisia offers that sunny smile towards him and waits for him to obtain his own slice of pizza. She looks to the pizza, then back to him and blinks, "You do not just... eat it? There is a technique to the pi-zza? Then yes! Please, do show me." Excited at learning her first new Earth trivia, she grins.

She blinks at him when his demeanor shifts to something softer and more comforting. Trying to match his response, she offers a soft smile and gives a small nod, "Thank you. But.. my uncle died doing his duty.. to a Rrab, there is no higher honor. My family has been the Green Lanterns of Sector 2815 for.. a very long time. It is.. expected.. that we will eventually die in the line of duty. I mourn his passing, but I celebrate his life. I am only sad that he was not a Lantern longer."

Technically, any active Earth-based Green Lantern is capable of finishing her training, though the Guardians likely did intend for her to train under Hal, they tend to leave such matters up to the individuals.

Arisia gives a nod, smiling brightly, "Alright. Thank you again... what *do* I call you?" Not that that stops her from flying up after him. He's still a Green Lantern, after all! "Flying is something I can definitely handle, especially after the trip here." Laughing lightly, she shrugs, "I suppose I should be glad I was only coming from the Milky Way."

But! There's a Technique being taught! The Pizza Technique! Arisia creates a small green table construct to put her plate and cup on, then lifts the slice, folding it as he does, watching him, then taking a bite once he does. She chews on the pizza, blinking at the burst of flavors across her tongue. "Oh! Pi-zza is good! I like this! And you say there is BETTER pi-zza out there?"

Kyle Rayner has posed:
When they're high enough up, "When it's just us, you can call me Kyle. That's my name. When there are multiple green lanterns, call me 'Ion.' When it's just one lantern, you can call me 'Green Lantern' or 'Ion.'" It feels weird to have a rotate cast of names for different situations. Still, there it all sits.

Seeing the construct table he chuckles a little bit and nods to her next question. "Yes. That's the thing about this planet and pizza, if there is more than one pizza place in an area, people will have favorites. If people live in some small town where there is only one place, that becomes their only option. However, they go somewhere else and there's going to be a preference," Kyle says just showing that pi-zza, as she calls it, is quite popular.

"And Pizza is versatile. People make it with different toppings and sauces," he explains to Arisia. "What one person thinks is great, another may not like. Because everyone has opinions about the best pizza place and what toppings ruin a pizza," he'll pause and then explain further. The Lantern senses a few odd looks. "The red stuff under the cheese. That's pizza sauce. Some people call it Marinara, too. And you have a cheese pizza. There are other pizzas with toppings," he tries to explain. "They're slices, or pieces, of different meats, veggies and even fuit, that people put on the pizza. Each topping gives it a little bit of a new flavor," he tries to explain the ins and outs to pizza.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
"You... hide yourself? Who you are?" Arisia sends him a quizzical look, though she readily agrees to his wishes, "Very well. Kyle in private, Ion in public. Since we are both Green Lanterns, calling you Green Lantern might be confusing. I am Arisia, always." It never occurred to her that people might want to hide their identities. Earth is going to be an interesting place!

Still, she listens to the lesson on pizza and the individual preferences people will have over it. She eats her slice while he talks, eyes widening ar one point, "Oh my! I did not realize there would be so many things to know just about pi-zza. Are the rest of your foods as complicated?" This could require a lot of research. Thankfully, her ring can provide her with much of the information she'll need, though it will only provide facts, not the anecdotal additions that Kyle is giving her.

Nodding, she asks, "Is there a place where I can stay, until I can get myself set up here? I am uncertain how long the Guardians will expect me to remain, but I must try to ensure that I can care for myself while I am on Earth. I am certain that I can make my own way soon, but until then, I will need somewhere that I can stay."

Kyle Rayner has posed:
"There are a lot of bad people in this world. They can hurt those I care about. So, I do hide my identity," Kyle admits knowing that it's a bit. "Nice to meet you Arisia," he says and offers a hand to her. Wondering if they shake hands on her planet.

"Don't be too afraid, it's a lot easier than it sounds. Humans like variety on a lot of things. Especially food," Kyle looks at her and shakes his head. "You'll get your preference adn then it's easy peasy," he grins at her and gives a nod. "Don't be intimidated. It's like minute twenty to sixty in your first hour here. Humans with that much time on this planet don't have pizza for years. You're ahead of the game," he grins at Arisia. It's the only way he can think of comforting her.

"I have a couple of places. You can stay at one and I can make do with another," Titans and League do have some places for him. "I only have one bed. So, it would be uncomfortable. Also, humans that tend to share beds are in mating courtmanships," he says just explaining all of that to her. Honestly, he hopes she knowws what he means or has an idea thereof.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
"Hm.. I suppose that makes sense. I guess I also have a... my family, all of my family, have been Green Lanterns. So.. that also unfortunately means they're all dead," Arisia frowns softly, brows drawing together. She hadn't thought about the fact that other Green Lanterns wouldn't necessarily come from a whole family of them, and might have people that need to be protected. Shaking her head, she smiles at him, "Then definitely Ion in public and Kyle only in private."

Reach out, she takes his hand, giving it a shake, "It's nice to meet you, too, Kyle." And she does genuinely seem to mean that!

Laughing lightly, she gives a nod, "Admittedly, my peoples' food choices are more simple, but we do share many cultural and societal points! I had the ring give me the basics on the fight over." Which apparently did not include the need for Earth-based currency. Which, now that she thinks about it, makes sense. Humans only got into space relatively recently, so might not be aware of universal or other planet-based currency yet. She flashes a grin at Kyle and nods, "I will adapt."

Nodding, Arisia watches him with an amused smile, then holds up a hand before he can get much further. "We are largely similar, biologically speaking. Graxosians have a few differences from humans, notably with skin and eye pigmentation, and the shape of our ears, but otherwise we're fairly similar. Relationships work in a similar fashion as well, so I appreciate the offer of an unshared bed." Also the difference in planetary rotations, but she doesn't get into that one just yet.

Kyle Rayner has posed:
A nod comes from Kyle as she understands. "Well, whoever you want on the lanterns to be yoru family can," Kyle shakes her hand and a genuine smile comes to his face. "Well, Earth is your temporary people for now," Kyle thinks she's going to be here for a bit. So, he's trying everything he can to welcome her to Earth. "You should research something called 'Elves' and 'Fantasy Conventions.'" Kyle does think Arisia would be a shoe-in for those. "Some people may not like the ears or the skin. I don't mind, but some people are jerks. Don't let them judge you," and then he nods a bit. "But if you want company nearby. I can somehow get a divider and a small cot. You can take the bed and I'll get the cot. This way you're private, but not alone on a strange new planet," he says offering that to her. Because his original idea meant him on the moon and her on Earth.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
Shaking her head, Arisia states, "My family is my family. The Lanterns are compatriots, friends.. but family is different." She smiles at him, "Really, it's alright. I have a.. family legacy. I was born into it, raised in it. Even trained for it. I knew that I could not join that legacy until the death of my uncle. It is not something I hoped for, but it *is* something I was prepared for." She does seem to be on a pretty even keel, at least for the moment.

Brows lifting, she makes a mental note to look into 'elves' and 'conventions'. "I will do that, but I will also pursue the career here that I had been at home. Though from what I understand, the process here is somewhat different than on Graxos IV." Still! She's not giving up on her personal dreams just because she's been tapped by the ring!

Smiling once more, Arisia nods, "I can always use the ring to alter my appearance if necessary, but I largely prefer to be myself. I will deal with the looks for now." Lifting a brow at his suggestion, she thinks it over before giving a small nod, "Deal. On one condition. I will take the cot. You are already giving me a place to stay, I will not completely disrupt your life for it."

Kyle Rayner has posed:
Kyle nods a little bit, "I know it's a legacy. I'm just saying you're not -alone-. Sometimes people feel alone when there is no family," Kyle says just pointing that out in case it hits her.

"I know what your career will be. Just if you're going to be here for a spell, more Earth customs to think about. In case you need to go native for a little bit," Kyle's not sure on that front, but it's to get her thinking about that.

"Alright. Good to know," he gives a nod and is a little impressed with that skill. "No deal. How about we alternate? One day you get the cot, the next day you get the bed, etc." Kyle tries to come up with a good middle ground on that one.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
"Oh! Hm. I hadn't really thought of that... well, thank you again!" Arisia offers with a sunny smile, then finishes up her pizza and takes a sip of the soda. Blinking, she pulls back in surprise. "It... is.. different. I cannot accurately describe the sensation but.. it is not bad."

Sipping against from the cup, she looks at him strangely, then shakes her head, "Being a Green Lantern is a *calling*, not a *career*. It will never pay me, feed me, clothe me. I gladly answer the call, but I still need a means of income, Kyle." Smiling, she states, "I was an artist and fashion designer on Graxos IV. I would do so here as well, but I understand it is easier to break into fashion design if you are first a model. So that is my plan, to model. At least for now."

Focusing for a moment, Arisia exerts her will through the ring, and he can see the changes taking place.. her ears shrinking a bit and losing the pointed tips, the gilded color of her skin blending into more of a 'golden tan', and those gold of her eyes fading to something more light amber. "Tada! I can keep this form as long as I like, though I still prefer my natural appearance." The changes reveert as she releases them, considering his compromise, then nodding. "Alright. We alternate." She holds a hand out to him with a grin, "Deal?"

Kyle Rayner has posed:
"Well, I'm an artist and I know people. Also, others are helping me," he offers for the design part. Then he looks at her, "Stay away from people offering you easy modeling jobs, or cash jobs for quick. And if the words 'Only Fans' comes up, turn around." Kyle is just making sure Arisia doesn't get duped by someone taking advantage of her.

"I think the ears are cute," he says when everything just changes. The light amber hues sink in and the ears round off. And he will extend his hand. "We have an accord." That shake sets the ground rules down.

Arisia Rrab has posed:
Smiling brightly, Arisia gives a quick nod, "Great! Then we'll get along just fine, I expect." The cautionary comments are given a brow raise, but she gives a slow nod, "Alright, but.. you're going to have to explain all that later in greater detail. It sounds ominous, but I'd like to know what to expect."

Grinning, she goes back to her normal appearance, "Thanks! I like them. And everything else too." Taking his hand, she gives a firm shake, "Deal." Finishing off her soda, she takes up cup and plate and smiles at him, "Alright. Then perhaps we should go see this place of yours and perhaps I can help with setting up the separate space?"