Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“He’s right. You can’t legally live in a public park. The bad guys will use it as an excuse to force you out, and the good guys wouldn't even be able to argue against it. But, that doesn't mean you can't use this as an opportunity to change the public perception of mutants.”</span>
The less optimistic of the bunch exchanged skeptical glances. Beak was the first to speak up.
<span class="mu-r">“No offense, dude, but how’s a bunch of mutants hanging around in a park supposed to change things? Are we shooting a PSA here?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“The idea is that everyone will get to interact with us and judge for themselves whether we deserve to be treated equally.”</span> Glass explained.
Skids scoffed.
<span class="mu-s">“What is this a petting zoo?”</span>
Ester started to point towards the actual petting zoo, but Tommy gently lowered her hand.
<span class="mu-g">“You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but we’re going to have to reopen this park. We don’t own it. This is supposed to be a shared space.”</span> Glass said.
<span class="mu-b">“They’ve never really been good at sharing.”</span> said a boy with purple skin and dark hair.
No one asked who “they” were. It was pretty obvious.
<span class="mu-g">“Then we’ll set the standard.”</span> Glass replied.
<span class="mu-g">“If we can’t handle standing next to a non-mutant, then how can we expect to live among them?”</span>
The purple guy was quick to snap back.
<span class="mu-b">“Hey man, I’m not the one with the problem. They-”</span>
And Glass was even quicker to cut him off.
<span class="mu-g">“The worst of their people doesn't represent their entire species. The same way that Magneto's actions don't reflect our beliefs. If we want them to see our best qualities, then we need to start looking too. People are people, no matter where you go.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“That's easy for you to say. Not everyone regenerates, Glass. What are we supposed to do if one of them attacks us, or if their cops start tear gassing us to make us leave?”</span> the purple boy asked.
The park went silent. There were no whispers or murmurs to be heard amongst the crowd. Everyone was waiting to hear how Glass would react.
The transparent man's expression grew firm, but he didn't look angry.
<span class="mu-g">“If it comes to that, then we'll defend ourselves. But more importantly, we need to stop pretending that humans are our only threat. Yes, they made Sentinels, and yes they hunt and persecute us. But I've also seen cruelty at the hands of other mutants.”</span>
The silence stretched on. No one else spoke, and you didn't dare open your mouth during his big speech. Iara clenched and unclenched her fists over and over, but she didn't seem entirely sure of why her body was reacting this way.
(Cont.)
