They Found Her Shattered

[Joza Perl]

Joza could feel the shudder of fear run through Mystique’s being, consciously attuned to the other woman’s feelings. No doubt that this was a big change for her, and it wasn’t unheard of to feel a myriad of emotions with a new opportunity. Even if Joza herself hadn’t been molded into a submissive slave of the years, her own personal bouts with the practice caused some mental disarray. Learning to trust again was a big step, and hopefully in time Mystique would understand that not everyone was out to hurt her. In no way could Joza blame her either; it was a defense mechanism developed after years of abuse.

A slow grin spread across Joza’s face. “The place I’m taking you is actually a dance studio—a dance studio that houses slaves. Sounds a bit silly, I know. I’m a dancer by profession as well, so I decided to start teaching. When I started working in abolition more, I ended up housing some escaped slaves in my studio. Now I do it regularly. Those who live there get food, medical care and all the necessities. It’s not meant to be a permanent thing, but I do work with the local community to help ex-slaves integrate back into society.” Squeezing Mystique’s hand, she rubbed her thumb up and down it gently.

“You’re welcome to work for me as a dancer, if you’d like. We perform at events all over the galaxy, and I never let my girls dance for someone if I don’t trust them.”

 

[Dancer]

She supposed she could be ok with that. Dance studios were even more homely to her than a--well an actual home, she supposed. It seemed like Joza was just well a normal woman trying to do everything she could to help other people. But, at the same time there was something about her that was just not normal. She was just too nice. And man that felt so good. She had been with so many mean and hard people. There were so many mean people she supposed that being nice was something exceptional.

"I--I sup-pose I-I c-could pr-rractice more," she said with a slightly wistful smile, her stutter was starting to slowly dissolve again, "I h-aavennn't d-danced in a l-long time."

It had been months, of course dancing was like riding a bike, once you learned it, you never forgot it. She could have gotten on the pole then and now of course and danced better than most dancers across the galaxy with her level of training that had been poured into her mind and body. But for her, that was rusty, and she wanted to be the best she could.

"I w-would like th-that, I d-don't w-want to be a bur-rden," she said glancing up at Joza, "And-d you ar-re tr-r-rusty and nice. Your-r the only nice per-rson I know."

[member="Joza Perl"]