Phoebe returned the smile, happy to demonstrate some more of her abilities, but for now, she tackled the wall. She moved fast, simply because she was sure of her balance, and what she was going, but didn't go as fast as she should have, glancing back a few times to make sure that Kaagerou was alright. She called out encouragement as she reached the top, and let out a laugh when Kagerou spoke, "No, they don't. You should have seen our first day here. Our first week. But I can look back on it now with fondness, as you will one day"

Kagerou was glad to hear that the students were enjoying their time at the academy. "Well that's good. At least I know I have something to look forward to." Leaning over the edge she judged the distance. "Hm, I think I can make this. Down is the easy part." Pushing off the edge Kagerou dropped down to the floor. Nothing to cushion at the bottom her legs absorbed the full impact as she crouched. Shaking off the landing she looked back up. "Okay, maybe that was pushing it."

Phoebe jumped down as well, but she used her vines to stop her fall, catching herself and dropping to the ground slowly. She looked to Kagerou and said "I could have helped you down. But let's move, to give others a chance to climb the wall"

Kagerou shrugged a bit but got out of the way like Pheobe suggested. Once the way clear McCoy opened the invitation to whomever would step up. "Very good. And thank you for assisting Kagerou, Pheobe. The wall is open for the next student."

Kijani leaned against him, her mouth gently pressing against his. She didn't understand Connor. She couldn't. She couldn't fathom how she could have so much power over him- and he just allowed her to have it? This was why she thought heroes were silly. Anything could happen to her, and she could be used to compromise Connor! And Connor, in all his goodness, would do anything for her sake. He was a fool... and yet, even after she pulled away from his kiss, she buried her face in his chest to hide her tears.

She didn't know what to say. No one had ever fought for her before. No one had ever asked her to stay. When she had sued her parents, they had given up with minimal fight. The only thing they really argued about was the size of her inheritance. Neither of them even brought up the idea that she didn't have to leave, that she was worth changing for, worth keeping. Her brain could think of no response to the notion that she was worth effort for anyone.

“Connor...” That was all she could say before she began to sob into his shirt. She knew they were late for class, but really didn't care. How could she explain to Connor that she didn't understand what he was telling her, as if she were a blind person experiencing color for the first time?

Was she really, truly worth it?

–

Devika nodded slowly at Nicholas. “Well, I think I'll go...” She nodded at him, and headed quickly off to class. The images she'd seen, even briefly, were disturbing. Nick's anger was brimming just under the surface. Quickly she took a seat at the back of the class, trying to push her mind toward calm.

Nicholas after disappearing for a few hours not long either for about 2
Hours or so that he would not be caught,He had done some business with some people and now felt like a new man or rather in his opinion a new man.He took a seat in his next class at the very back of the room when he turned for a moment he swore he could see Reinhardt looking at him but Nicholas quickly dismissed it.

Connor held her close, kissing her on the top of her head. He wanted to show Kijani that he wanted her, tat he cherished her and that he cared for her. So he would simply just have to continue pursuing, to demand, to take, to continue showing her that she was worth it. Was worth anything. Until it got through her thick skull that he wanted her and that he needed her, and that he would always be there.

She hadn't run away. She was there, in his arms. Crying. Not so long ago, she would have run. Found somewhere private. He ran a hand up, and down her back, hoping to sooth. All thoughts of class, of the rest of the day were gone. All that matter was Kijani, crying in his arms. "You don't have to say anything" he said softly

He swallowed, feeling as if the words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat. "I know...I know it's hard for you to understand the fact that I want, and need you. You're probably thinking I'm a fool, that you could be used against me, but you underestimate yourself. I have never believed, not for a minute, that you would let yourself be used against me. And I would never let myself be used against you, either"

He inhaled slowly, and continued, "Your parents are complete and utter idiots, for letting you go. I think I got off track...You don't need to understand why I think you're worth everything, to me, but just to accept it" He said softly, and seemed to run out of words, as he simply held her, letting her cry

---

Phoebe shrugged, "it wasn't a problem" She smiled, and headed back towards Ryan, stretching so that her muscles, not use to the muscle use of rock climbing, would cool down and she wouldn't hurt later on.

---

Kalinda rose from where she was sitting in the shadows, jumped down the bleacher stairs three at a time, and heading towards the rock wall, in what could be considered a swagger. "I'll go next" She said, a statement. She studied the wall for a moment, and then smiled in what was obviously a smirk.

No flying or other assistance to get up the wall There was no rule to say that she couldn't use her powers to keep the hand holds and foot holds where they were, stopping them from moving. Which is what she prepared to do, using her telekenisis to keep the holds still, and where they were.

She ascended quickly, and in under a two minutes, she wasn't too sure, had reached the top, ringing the bell. She let out a slow breath, "I guess my morning workouts did do me some good" She said cheerfully, yet it seemed a false cheer. She leaped down, and stopped her descent with her flight, and landed smoothly, heading back to her seat on the bench.

Seeing a teaching opportunity Dr. McCoy commented on Kalinda's use of her powers. "A creative way around around the restrictions I put in place my dear. I think everyone should keep in mind that just because something may appear to be full proof on the surface that there often is a way around it." Once again the floor was open to the next student.

Caits said
Connor held her close, kissing her on the top of her head. He wanted to show Kijani that he wanted her, tat he cherished her and that he cared for her. So he would simply just have to continue pursuing, to demand, to take, to continue showing her that she was worth it. Was worth anything. Until it got through her thick skull that he wanted her and that he needed her, and that he would always be there. She hadn't run away. She was there, in his arms. Crying. Not so long ago, she would have run. Found somewhere private. He ran a hand up, and down her back, hoping to sooth. All thoughts of class, of the rest of the day were gone. All that matter was Kijani, crying in his arms. "You don't have to say anything" he said softlyHe swallowed, feeling as if the words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat. "I know...I know it's hard for you to understand the fact that I want, and need you. You're probably thinking I'm a fool, that you could be used against me, but you underestimate yourself. I have never believed, not for a minute, that you would let yourself be used against me. And I would never let myself be used against you, either"He inhaled slowly, and continued, "Your parents are complete and utter idiots, for letting you go. I think I got off track...You don't need to understand why I think you're worth everything, to me, but just to accept it" He said softly, and seemed to run out of words, as he simply held her, letting her cryPhoebe shrugged, "it wasn't a problem" She smiled, and headed back towards Ryan, stretching so that her muscles, not use to the muscle use of rock climbing, would cool down and she wouldn't hurt later on. Kalinda rose from where she was sitting in the shadows, jumped down the bleacher stairs three at a time, and heading towards the rock wall, in what could be considered a swagger. "I'll go next" She said, a statement. She studied the wall for a moment, and then smiled in what was obviously a smirk. There was no rule to say that she couldn't use her powers to keep the hand holds and foot holds where they were, stopping them from moving. Which is what she prepared to do, using her telekenisis to keep the holds still, and where they were. She ascended quickly, and in under a two minutes, she wasn't too sure, had reached the top, ringing the bell. She let out a slow breath, "I guess my morning workouts did do me some good" She said cheerfully, yet it seemed a false cheer. She leaped down, and stopped her descent with her flight, and landed smoothly, heading back to her seat on the bench.

Flood frowned. 'That was close to beating my record.'

Kat sat and listened as Beast spoke. Seeing the task that had been set she subtly had her clothes change to something more suitable - which mostly consisted of supple leather. Beginning to braid her hair she watched as an unfamiliar face was called before them.

She appeared normal, her manner was normal, her words, her voice, her actions, all normal. Nothing was inherently wrong... yet somehow something was not right. Though there was no obvious lie there was something amiss; a situation not so often encountered in this realm. Kat felt no anxiety at the idea of secrets, gods know she had enough of her own, but even the best hidden secrets had a way of making themselves known.

She climbed the wall, as did many others, and reached the top, as did the rest. Seeing a lull in the flow Kat stood to take her turn, stopping a short way away and paused to look it over. She'd climbed as a child, up trees and small buildings, but not so much since - it didn't lend itself to skirts and heels. Kat suddenly ran towards the wall, jumping up and using a foot hold to push her higher. Grabbing a hand hold she reached for one above but felt her fingers slip past as it slid away back into the wall. Quickly finding at least one foot hold she then managed to find a hand hold lower and then held tight as she waited for the inevitable force of gravity.

Thankfully no more disappeared and she was able to stay on the wall - still a fair distance up despite her misfortune. Kat only laughed aloud as she turned her eyes up and began climbing before she fell any further. The rest of the ascent was uneventful but when she reached the top she looked down with a grin. She wasn't the only to just jump down but she was in a nice position of knowing the floor would take more damage than her. Pushing away from the wall she landed in a crouch, one arm behind to stable her, and then just as quickly stood, rolling her shoulders to shake out the ache, and walked back to where she had been sitting.

A somewhat astonished look on her face Kagerou leaned over and commented on Kat's performance. "She made that look easy..." Frowning slightly her brooding was interrupted by Estella silently walking past. "So she can't speak? She has to do it with her brain or something right?" Not speaking to anyone in particular she was hoping someone nearby would answer.

---

Not quite sure how this was going to go Estella figured she might as well get it over with. Beginning the climb she quickly ran into the holds moving out of her reach. Slowly but steadily she made her way up. At one point she was stuck balancing on one hold, a skill that surprised her more than anything. She must have practiced or something in the past because when it happened she knew what to do. But that didn't quite translate so well later on. Losing her grip she tumbled. Her first instinct was to place her hands anywhere on the wall. For some reason she had it in her mind that she would stick to it. Of course she didn't and only managed to rough up her hands. Realizing she was seconds from hitting the ground she twirled and a whirlwind caught her so she would land softer.

But McCoy was not about to let a student get hurt so needlessly and caught Estella. Setting the girl on her feet Beast smiled kindly to the obviously disappointed Estella. Rather than speaking he thought aloud for her to read. -Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it eventually. Everyone falls sometimes. You just need to remember to get back up and try again.-

To everyone else nothing was said. But Estella's expression reflected some kind of change as she did not look so distraught as a moment ago. Walking back up the bleachers she took her seat. Taking a moment to look at her hands she wondered to herself why in the world she thought that would work.

floodtalon said
Flood frowned. 'That was close to beating my record.'

Kalinda smiled, coldly, leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees, "What, getting worried that someone might be better then you, despite your S.H.I.E.L.D training? Must be worrisome, considering I haven't been here long, and have only just started mastering my powers. Still, I actually work, and train. You just sit around stealing other people's lunches" She chuckled, and leaned back, "Just jesting" Although her tone didn't suggest it. Too neutral. Too...controlled

She nodded to McCoy at his comment on what she had done A slight, true smile touched her face for the first time that day, and she chuckled, mirth evident in thss chuckle, "I find in everything, there is always a way out. You just have to figure it out" And then she fell silent.

t2wave said
A somewhat astonished look on her face Kagerou leaned over and commented on Kat's performance. "She made that look easy..." Frowning slightly her brooding was interrupted by Estella silently walking past. "So she can't speak? She has to do it with her brain or something right?" Not speaking to anyone in particular she was hoping someone nearby would answer.

"So they say." Kat said as she sat back down. She remembered the girl, she'd been a student here not too long ago, and though they hadn't been close by any means she was sure the girl had been speaking when she last saw her. Kat didn't say any of this though. "She can't be blamed but it is a little, well, vexing. Then again I'm sure most everyone feels the same way."

"Must not be fun to be her then. If people aren't fond of hearing things in their head besides themselves." Still watching the others she was starting to wonder what was up with this place. More competitive than she thought perhaps? No that wasn't it. She would need more time to pin it down.

Caits said
Kalinda smiled, coldly, leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees, "What, getting worried that someone might be better then you, despite your S.H.I.E.L.D training? Must be worrisome, considering I haven't been here long, and have only just started mastering my powers. Still, I actually work, and train. You just sit around stealing other people's lunches" She chuckled, and leaned back, "Just jesting" Although her tone didn't suggest it. Too neutral. Too...controlledShe nodded to McCoy at his comment on what she had done A slight, true smile touched her face for the first time that day, and she chuckled, mirth evident in thss chuckle, "I find in everything, there is always a way out. You just have to figure it out" And then she fell silent.

Flood listened to her and got slightly angry. He then stopped frowning and suddenly chuckled. "Is that what you think? I just sit around stealing people's food? How idiotic." He remarked. "Your so called training, is not even close to what I do. I don't sleep. I can't sleep. Guess what I do at night while everyone else does. In a straight no powers fight, I would win every time against you." Flood mocked her as his eyes gained a slight red tint to their ordinary blue color. "Unless you'd like to prove me wrong."

Kijani knew she was losing her mind. Her brain felt like it was being torn in two. On the one hand, there was everything that life had taught her. She was unwanted, she was useless, and she was alone. No one could be trusted to be on her side- everyone used her for something, and once they were done, they left.

On the other hand, here was Connor, holding her, not wanting her to leave. She was useless to him, far more trouble than she was worth, and yet he... he loved her. She wasn't fully sure what that felt like, but if this was part of it, then she was enjoying it so far.

Even so, she was so afraid. Connor could be lying- though that was hard for her to believe. Connor didn't really have that kind of guile. For a smaller fib, perhaps, but nothing like this. What made her more worried was the thought that Connor only thought that this was love. One day, he would come to her and say that he'd made a mistake, that she was not worth it, that he'd found someone sweeter and kinder and better than she.

She wanted to believe that she could be happy, but years of conditioning were hard to fight.

"Connor... I just want to lie down, now." She murmured against his chest, knowing that only he could hear. Unless they were learning some kind of secret Batman techniques in class, she didn't want to bother.

"I want to go back to my room."

--

Devika saw that there was no one on the wall now. She figured she'd get it over with. Slowly, she made her way down and smiled nervously at the teacher. "Er... Is there anything that will keep me from breaking my neck when I fall?"

Kijani knew she was losing her mind. Her brain felt like it was being torn in two. On the one hand, there was everything that life had taught her. She was unwanted, she was useless, and she was alone. No one could be trusted to be on her side- everyone used her for something, and once they were done, they left.

On the other hand, here was Connor, holding her, not wanting her to leave. She was useless to him, far more trouble than she was worth, and yet he... he loved her. She wasn't fully sure what that felt like, but if this was part of it, then she was enjoying it so far.

Even so, she was so afraid. Connor could be lying- though that was hard for her to believe. Connor didn't really have that kind of guile. For a smaller fib, perhaps, but nothing like this. What made her more worried was the thought that Connor only thought that this was love. One day, he would come to her and say that he'd made a mistake, that she was not worth it, that he'd found someone sweeter and kinder and better than she.

She wanted to believe that she could be happy, but years of conditioning were hard to fight.

"Connor... I just want to lie down, now." She murmured against his chest, knowing that only he could hear. Unless they were learning some kind of secret Batman techniques in class, she didn't want to bother.

"I want to go back to my room."

--

Devika saw that there was no one on the wall now. She figured she'd get it over with. Slowly, she made her way down and smiled nervously at the teacher. "Er... Is there anything that will keep me from breaking my neck when I fall?"

"Certainly. I was wondering when someone would ask." Swinging around a boom he offered a harness that would connect with the a rope to the top. "This will slow you should you fall.. Please excuse me." Approaching the bleachers McCoy intended to the confrontation. "I'll have no fighting in my class. If you want a sparing match please save it for one of your next classes."

t2wave said
"Certainly. I was wondering when someone would ask." Swinging around a boom he offered a harness that would connect with the a rope to the top. "This will slow you should you fall.. Please excuse me." Approaching the bleachers McCoy intended to the confrontation. "I'll have no fighting in my class. If you want a sparing match please save it for one of your next classes."

"Of course Mr. McCoy. We were just having a friendly conversation about my various habits." Flood responded without even glancing at him. He was intently focused on Kalinda.

"Ah, the fact is, I can't turn my empathic abilities off. So I'd be able to win, simply by aiming for you weak spots. Pain particularly" Kalinda said, then flash McCoy a smile "I dont go fighting people, especially those that are...well, unstable at best. Because my own empathic abilities would simply make it horrible for me. And I dislike causing myself discomfort" even if the emotions make me feel allve she shrugged, "may I go?"

---

Connor could tell that the thoughts were whirling around in Kijani's mind, as she tried to figure out what simply could not be figured out. Love. Oh, you could deduce things about it, but it could never simply be figured out. It scared him. Terrified him. To love someone, he had always figured that it wasn't in the cards for him. Oh, he figured he would have had to marry one day, if only to keep the Stark industries in the Stark Family, but he had never imagined any girl could love him, purely for him.

He was afraid. But right now, and for the foreseeable future, he would pretend he wasn't. He would be stable and steady, for Kijani's sake. He was afraid, despite everything, she would think she wasn't worth it, that she didn't deserve to be loved. Afraid she would just...let him go. So he wouldn't let it show, not now

When she said she just wanted to lie down, to go to her room, he took a quick glance around, but the surrounding area seemed deserted, so he scooped her up into his arms, starting back to the dorms, right then not caring if she had any protests to it. He got in the girls dorms, and quickly made the way to Kijani's rooms. He sat down on the bed, still holding her.

"You make me the type of man I want to be. The thought of not having you in my life...in anyway way...terrifies me...l-let me s-stay" he swallowed