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Alexis started running towards the "Explosion guy" leaving Alexia behind not caring if she followed. Alexis's curiosity ended when "Explosion guy" activated her fight or flight instinct. She ran towards him, hitting some students with her black body, not caring if some screamed at her. Both of her arms turned inti big pincers (crab-like) and her skin was black as the night. The black tint on her skin looked as if it was absorbing the light that hit it, making Alexis look as something that crawled out of a nightmare.

She lost the person that she was running for and then stopped. Looking around, some students looked at her but with a quick glare, some stopped. As she looked around, she saw a blond female. Looking around as she did but hanging back from the main group. She was stalking people.
" Maybe she saw that idiot. " thought Alexis.

She moved towards her and her arms started chainging back to human form. Her skin was still black but even it started to change back, slowly.

" You there! Did you see a burning idi--, guy, flying around here? ".

Eve watched the students, trying to get a gauge on what would be her comrades in this “Academy”- And really, wasn’t there a better name? Referring to it as just the Academy was going to get old real quick. As she watched what seemed to almost be a fight, Eve was disappointed when it broke up real quick, the… well, yummy yum yum... guy walked away after slashing up the plants, Eve sighed. Damn, and there had almost been some excitement. How depressing. She rocked back onto her heels, eyes creeping over the rest of the students, but they all seemed harmless enough, at the moment. All falling into little groups like this was the first day of high school and you had to make BFFs (Best friends forever, what a load...) that would last you through the school years so that you were alone in classes or lunch, like it mattered.

This was a super school, for crying out loud. Did friends really matter?

No, what Evelina was looking for was contacts… contacts that would be useful, later in life. That was what she wanted. A step up… and information. Information was power. And if she had a little bit of fun now and then… her gaze fell onto the yummy guy… well, than that was just a bonus. She chuckled to herself, and rocked back onto her heels, taking the lollipop stick out her mouth, and replacing it with a hard candy.

Eve had a serious sweet tooth.

As someone moved towards her, Eve looked towards them, sucking her candy. She watched the girl approach her, tilting her head slightly, watching the red haired girl come to her. There seemed to be an awful number of redheads here. Dye jobs, or actually their colour? Had there just been a spate of children born with red hair? Interesting. She was sure some of these girls, and hey, guys might be vain enough to dye their hair red. Surely there had to be more than a handful of blonde or browns?

There was something about redheads though… at least on girls… on guys it looked weird. Like Ron Weasley… Still, his father had had seven kids, must be doing something right… Maybe what they said was true… maybe redheads were a fire in the bedroom. Contemplating that for a moment or two, she nearly missed what the girl said to her. She looked up into the air at the words, tilted her head, than back to the girl. ”Can’t say I have, might have seen a flying pig or two, but no flying, flaming idiots. Do you mean flaming as in… flaming or flaming as in on fire?” She mused, her mind wandering a moment down that track. She shook her head, studying the girl, looking up and down her in a lazy manor. There was that red hair… and the rest of her was fine too. So many yummy people she could sink her teeth into…

Eve had a serious sweet tooth, not just to do with sweets.

”But nevermind that guy… I’m Evelina”

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Start again..?

Narrowing her eyes slightly as she began to dwell upon his words, Naevia kept her rather intense gaze upon the man stood before her, watching on as he slowly placed the cage back down on the ground. He seemed willing enough to try and fix what it was he had done wrong… what it was that had upset her… perhaps she could at least give him the chance to explain himself further than he had.

A telepath… that was something she had never come across before in her past. What he was-... everything that he was saying to her about his powers; it only helped to confuse her as he continued on. Closing off his mental shields..? She saw no metal upon his head.

Her gentle features scrunching up lightly in her confusion, she relaxed her fist down at her side, her head tilting lightly to the side as she let her mind wander over what he was asking- he wanted to start again..? Understanding dawning over her as he offered his name to her, Naevia calmed, her posture relaxing visibly as she opened her mouth to speak, only then to be cut off as the sound of a familiar voice cut through her like a dagger to the heart.

I-It couldn’t be… he was dead…

Her suspicions confirmed when the sound of Kovu’s joyful roars filled the air, she turned her head to the side, first only looking behind her through the corner of her eyes before finally, she turned to face the man standing over her. N-No… i-it wasn’t possible… Lifting her hand up, she hesitated, seeming to second guess herself before reaching out, her palm opening so that she could place it upon his chest, resting it over his heart as she spoke, her voice barely more than a disbelieving whisper as she lifted her gaze to meet with his own, “..Agron…”

Well... she seemed willing to at least listen to him, which was something to say the least. It meant he had a chance... and she was thinking in English, at least... so he could follow her thoughts. She didn't know what a telepath was? He wasn’t quite sure what to do with that… everyone he knew knew what a telepath was… it left him a little flustered. And her confusion was confusing him… how did she get metal from mental? He stood there, trying to figure everything out. When he thought he had it… the language barrier, of course. Well, he’d definitely have to make sure his father heard about this, and helped him learn the language she spoke. So this didn’t happen again.

Just as it seemed she was going to give him a chance... someone joined them, claiming to know her. Barca stood there a moment, tilting his head and trying to assess the situation, and twist it to his advantage.

He raised an eyebrow at the guy that interrupted, "Sorry, sir, I don't believe we've met. If we had, you'd realise I don't tend to give up easily" He said, and that was all he said, becoming aware that the girl was… distressed? It was hard to tell… so he fell silent, watching and waiting.

Barca’s little mosquito buzzing fell upon deaf ears. She was there - touching him - staring up at him with those beautiful brown eyes he never thought he would see again. Giving his little sister a soft smile, Agron raised his hand to tuck a strand of her brown hair back and behind her ear, his fingertips gently grazing back against her cheek as he pulled it back to his person.

“I’ve missed you, Malaika.”

Surely this was but a trick of the eye... though the mere feeling of his fingers brushing across her flesh only helped to prove her wrong in her assumption. He was here... right here; standing before her, both safe and well considering all that had happened... considering all that was supposed to have happened...

Unable to help the familiar sting as her dark gaze began to glisten with tears, she lifted her free hand from her side, her soft lips parting ever so slightly from one another as she reached up, gently cupping the side of his face, her head tilting lightly to the side as she did what she could to keep some semblance of control over her emotions, "..I-... I believed you dead..."

“I had to be. To protect you. H.I.V.E. was in way too deep - they would come for you.” Feeling her hand coming up to hold the side of his face, Agron raised the opposite to hold her cheek gently to his palm, his thumb extending far enough to gently wipe away the tears that began to spill. “The treaty came out - I had a few loose ends to tie up. My father was here, and I knew you to be as well. I had to come see you again.”

Barca frowned, as he was ignored by both of them. The guy, her brother it seemed from their thoughts, ignored him totally, while she seemed to have just completely forgotten that he was there. Neither pleased him. Barca looked down to Glaber, the owl no help to what he should do, still sound asleep. He looked back up, frowning. What had been his name? Aragog? Barca shook his head, no that wasn't right, and that thought brought up millions of written words to do with Aragog... and he sighed. having no idea what to do here, but knowing he didn't want to walk away.

Finally, he cleared his throat, ”Ah” There really was no polite way to interrupt here, and Barca, ”I don’t mean to be rude, but… I’m still here” He shifted, ”And… Well, we can continue our conversation later, if you wish… I still don’t have your name” He said, although he had no intention of leaving... this was merely getting more interesting, and it had already been incredibly interesting to begin with.

Her attention torn from her brother at the sound of another’s voice, Naevia turned her head, her dark gaze flicking back to meet with that of Barca as he spoke to the both of them, her hand slipping from her brother’s cheek to instead rest upon his chest, her body pressing just that little bit closer against his as the actual words spoken registered within her mind.

Had she truly been so taken by her brother’s sudden reappearance..?

“..Naevia…” Shooting a glance back up at her brother as though contemplating on whether or not she should have actually answered, she turned back to Barca, taking pause for a few moments longer before she completed her answer, giving him the information that he was seeking from her, “..my name is Naevia Udaku…”

Her attention being ripped from him by the bug, Agron turned his thick neck to look down at the boy. Sallow skin, lanky, pointed nose that apparently didn’t know how to stay out of other people’s business… Agron sneered, his body tensing slightly as Naevia answered him.

“You’ll do well to remember that, kid. A princess high above your mark. The same, though, cannot be said for you.”

Kovu, who had been quietly sitting at Agron’s knee, looked Barca over, though with the agitation in his owner’s voice, the large lion heaved himself up and onto his fours, taking a few steps forward as to put a barrier between them.

Words once more came unbidden to Barca’s mind, once more triggered by one word. He had long since got use to it happened, and no longer reacted visible to it. Udaku… . He wasn’t surprised to find information not only on Naevia, but her father. The famous Black Panther. He quickly shifted through the information, but once more before he got the chance to speak, her brother spoke up.

Barca looked to him, taking the ridicule thrown towards him, and deciding that he wouldn’t be intimidated. ”You do not know the measure of me.” A saying came to his mind, and he let the words flow from his mouth ”Tell me how you measure me, and I will tell you how I will behave. If you measure me in an illogical way... do not complain about illogical behaviour. You cannot judge someone based on one experience” The lion was a little worrisome, but Barca kept his gaze on Agron.

“I will measure you by the pints of blood I spill upon these grounds!” Agron snarled, dropping his hand from his sister to reach back to one of the twin blades he had resting on his back.

“Agron..!”

Her attention snapping back to her brother the very moment she felt his touch slipping from her body, Naevia pressed herself closer against his body, her own lifting up upon the balls of her feet as she reached a hand out, quickly though ever gently taking a hold of his wrist as she attempted to stay his blade and hold his eye, “..utulivu ndugu, naomba…”

Eyes wild - a look that didn’t at all belong to him - Agron looked back upon his sister, nostrils flared and chest heaving. Kovu let out a roar of frustration, putting to voice Agron’s very emotions.

His dark eyes looked between his sister’s and the blonde runt, and then back to his sister’s again. Her hand, so soft to the touch, attempting to stay his arm. He could toss her aside with the sweep of his arm - he had done so before - but she was begging him. How could he refuse such a sweet request?

Staying his breathing, Agron swallowed before sheathing the inch or two of sword he had managed to pull before dropping his hand to hold his sister’s waist, eyes now once more narrowing on Barca.

“She protects you this time. Do not force my hand into disobeying her wishes, runt.”

Barca had been prepared to protect himself, yet hadn’t moved from where he was standing- no doubt it wouldn’t have mattered if he had moved or not. He actually very nearly said that there were eight pints of blood in the human body, but decided that education would be lost right then.

As it seemed to blow over, or rather as he was stopped by Naevia, Barca shifted only enough to make sure he was still in front of his owl, just in case he needed to protect them both still.

He didn’t look away, and was sure that Argon’s words were meant to humiliate him, but Barca was more than content in his own abilities, and words had always just been words. Even if he was sometimes swamped by them. Should he reply? He contemplated his responses very carefully, weighing each option. ”Very well.” he said carefully, ”I wouldn’t want to scuff your shiny boots, anyway.”

Tearing her gaze away from her brother’s once more, Naevia turned her head off to the side, doing what she could to hide the small though ever amused smirk that played over her lips at Barca’s words, a gentle chuckle passing through them to fill the air.

Despite her attempt to hide, Agron could feel her amusement towards the boy’s words, and couldn’t help but to roll his eyes before looking back to Barca. He jerked his head to the left, a non-verbal signal for him to be on his way, his hold tightening on his sister just a little more.

Barca decided to take that as a win. He considered his options, and decided for now, the wisest course would be to leave, at least for the moment. Taking a moment, Barca gently picked up Glaber’s cage, the owl surprisingly still asleep. He was almost tempted to check if he was still alive.

”Well, Naevia, it’s been rather pleasant. Until next time?.”

“Kid…” Agron stared him down, eyes narrowing. “There won’t be a next time.”

Frowning slightly up at her brother at his words, Naevia nevertheless remained close to his side, her head turning and a small smile gracing her gentle features as she bowed her head politely to Barca, “..of course… til next our paths cross…”

Satisfied, Barca ensured he had everything, before he moved away, shifting his grip on the cage, only checking on the owl when he started to walk away.

Falling silent, she watched him leave, hesitation clear enough as she once more turned her attention back up to her brother, a worried however understanding glint flickering across the surface of her iris’ as she took in his expression- he wasn’t happy with her… though she could understand why. She had disobeyed his wishes; giving her word that she would once again see the man he had made clear that she was not to associate with.

“..forgive me…”

Pulling himself from her a moment only to then turn and face her completely, Agron put both of his hands on her waist, his eyes baring down into hers.

“I can for time I have been absent. But I have returned. And things will be as they once were.”

Running his hands up her sides, he held each side of her face and pressed his lips to hers in a firm kiss.

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Ok, that was unexpected. Most people would look at Alexis's shield form with disgust or fear but this girl didn't seem to care. Interesting was the least Alexis could think of.
As the girl, Evelina, replied to her question, Alexis noticed something.
" She was checking me out. " laughed Alexis inside her mind.

Alexis closed her eyes for but a moment and her skin turned human again. Her eye color changed into an emerald green and her forms got a little bigger. A grin could be seen on her face, her teeth were human but elongated a little and sharper than normal.

" Nevermind that guy? I'm gonna put his ass in the ground when I find him. " Alexis started to move away but then reconsidered. She extended a hard towards Evelina and said

"[color=darkgray] Alexis Fortuna. A pleasure to meet you. Now, tell me. Where do we need to go from here? I got bored already of this Academy. When does the action start? I'm starting to miss the old days...[/darkgray]". Her last words were like a whisper but someone that paid attention to Alexis's face could understand them.

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Jazmine raised her brow and frowned when the young girl gripped her wrist. Was her hand...wet? If she hadn't guessed it before, it now became crystal clear: Kassandra was not from around here. Nevertheless, Jaz forced a smile and nodded her head. "Girl, you're supposed to shake my hand," she said, grabbing the girls hand and placing it in her own, "like this." She was about to say more when another redhead woman, the third she'd seen in a matter of minutes, bumped into Kassandra. The collision caused the young redhead to fall to the ground, a patch of ice forming on the ground to break her fall. Jazmine stared blankly at the two young ladies for a brief moment, listening as they both spewed apologies. Next, she picked up her duffel from the ground, muttering a quick "I'll catch you later," to Kassandra before turning on her heels and walking away.

She'd only been at the Academy for a few minutes, but was already beginning to feel rather bored. After her strange interaction with the girl who smelled faintly of seawater, Jazmine had no intention of striking up conversation with another, wanting to avoid any more awkward encounters. Instead, she returned back to her original spot, scooping up Salem in her arms. "So are they just gonna make us wait out here all day?" Jaz wondered aloud, scratching the cat behind his ears, "they need to hurry the hell up, isn't that right Sal?" She probably looked a bit odd, talking to a cat instead of socializing with other students, but she didn't rightfully care. She did not come to the academy to make friends; she came to train, to better herself. Friendship was unnecessary.

Evelina watched with curiosity even as Alexis’s form changed. She once more did that lazy up and down examination. Better and better. She crunched down on the candy, hearing the satisfying crack and the experience of full flavor of sherbet. Full of satisfaction, like a cat in a warm patch of sun and a full belly, Evelina stretched, watching the girl. She smiled and took her hand, almost tempted to pull on it and bring the girl into her arms, but decided that might just be a little bit… too forward. She did make a small sound of appreciation though, and chuckled.

Such a fire… Evelina almost purred.

She watched Alexis with satisfaction. How easy she had gained her attention… yes, Evelina decided, she was going to like it here. She smiled, and said in a slow drawl ”Bored? And here I was just starting to think things were going to get interesting” her voice was amused, and throaty, and she reached into a pocket, although where she was hiding these sweets wasn’t quite clear as she pulled out some bubblegum, holding it out to Alexis. Whether or not Alexis took some, Evelina did, and popped it in her mouth, still studying the girl, she put the gum away.

”The old days? Ah, but these are the new days, and they are ours to seize! It’s always best to take a chance, don’t you think?” She said in a rather cheerful voice. Really, that’s all life amount to… taking chances. And recently, Evelina new she was taking some rather wild chances. Since she was 17… she let out a soft sigh. Coming to the academy wasn’t just a way to train her abilities and become the best.

It was a new chance at life.

But she could still have fun. She smiled, in an almost predatory like manner, deciding that looking at something yummy was a lot better than letting her thoughts wander. ”Where do we need to go from here? My my, a little forward aren’t ya? Not that I mind... “ She laughed, not the reserved laugh that a lot of girls had, but a full throttle laugh. There wasn’t much about Evelina that was reserved.

It died after a moment, and she was curious about the expression on Alexis’s face and she nodded. ”Well, I can think of a bit of fun we might have… well, there’s fun and fun” She grinned, ”But, we take what we can… hmm. What can you do?”

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" This girl is interesting. A bit too young but fun to play with " thought Alexis.

Eva looked at her with no fear but with something akin to lust. She would do good in Alexis's old squad, probably wouldn't survive more than a few days but she would be good nontheless.

" Spoken like a true kid. Don't get me wrong but the old days were better. In more ways than one but that's a story for another day and it won't be a story for kids, that's sure.

But yes, it's good to take chances but only when you are sure you'll survive the consequences."
Alexis chuckled a little and remembered a time when she was like Eva. A time when nothing mattered 'cause there was always someone to back her up when things failed. Her squad was the family she never had and her backup whenever she needed it. Alexis shook her head and almost lost what Eva said next.

" Easy there, girl. I would spend more years in jail than how old are you if I even think about it. " laughed Alexis.

What can I do? It's that like that story about the prisons? Asking a convict why was he in jail was like asking Death if she could take you before your time. A death sentence.

Alexis grinned nontheless and decided it was time to showoff a little.
" What can I do? "

As soon as she spoke the last word, her skin changed into a redish tint akin to blood then black, then green and then back to it's original tint.
With a move of her hands, spikes appeared from her skin and her hands changed into talons.
Her hair was contantly chaining colors and her eye color was glowing red again. Then Alexis closed her eyes and everything went back to normal. It was harder to change her DNA back to normal than chaining it into whatever she wished.

Then with a grin on her face, she said " Alot. Basically I can change my DNA however I want. I adapt to anything and everything. " she laughed and then stopped, took out a cigar, offered one to Eva and waited for her to reply.

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”So, have you already gotten your schedule and everything?” Alan asked, having taken note that she had no luggage with her save for a small white and pink handbag she kept slung over her shoulder. He hated to ask, so he just had to assume everything had already been sent ahead for her - really it was the least her parents could do since they seemed to have just dumped her at a school with no one to help her out.

He had worked with a blind woman once at the circus - but she had been a much older lady (probably cataracts), and yet still the best damn fortune teller he had ever come across. He didn’t interact with her much, but there had been a time or two when she had asked him to help her to her trailer. He didn’t mind - she really was a sweet, old lady. And Adeline… well she was even sweeter. Perhaps he got that from her youthfulness and sense of naivety - either way, he was more than happy to help, especially when others wouldn’t.

Her schedule..?

A slight panic flickered across her gentle features at his words, her eyes widening at the thought that maybe she and her parents hadn’t read the letter as well as they should have done. Was that what was supposed to have happened..? Were they meant to have chosen their classes before coming to the academy..?

“..I-I didn’t realize they had come out…” Dropping her head down slightly, Adeline moved just a little bit closer against him, hiding ever so slightly behind his arm as they walked together, her pace a tad slower than his own as she focussed more upon her thinking than on her actual steps, “..I-... I haven’t even chosen my classes yet…”

Eyebrows raising in surprise as he felt her shift, Alan turned his head to the side, slowing his own pace down so she wouldn’t feel like he was forcing her along.

”Hey, no worries. I don’t have mine either. They gave me the option to have it picked out before I got here, but I needed a little more time to decide on a few things before I did.” He didn’t mean to alarm her - he tried giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. ”We can get them done together. Soon as they open the gates.”

Turning her head back up as she felt the gentle squeeze of his hand, Adeline’s soft pink lips parted ever so slightly from one another, her thoughts seeming to disperse as her full attention was once more upon the guy that was helping her… the guy that was talking to her; helping her to barely notice the way that her dog continuously pulled against the leash, whimpering as he excitedly tried to search about his new surroundings.

“..really..? I-... I didn’t even know that was an option…” Biting down softly upon her lower lip, she nibbled on it softly, visible relief crossing over her otherwise gentle features at the knowledge that she still had time; that she wasn’t behind everyone else… or at least, she wasn’t behind Alan in that sense, “..I think we may have missed some of the information in the letter… my parents were rather weary in sending me… their choice seemed to keep coming back down to my grandfather… though I don’t know why… I’ve never even met him before…”

”Your… grandfather?” Alan quirked an eyebrow. How did that even make sense? Then again, both his mother and father didn’t want him and left him to be raised by carnies - who was he to judge? ”Professor X- uh, Charles Xavier, one of the teachers here helping to fund the place… I was at his school for mutants at the time. Maybe he was just helping me out, or something. I dunno.”

“..Slade Wilson..? At least, that’s the name that daddy uses anyway…”

Falling silent as she listened to what he was saying to her, Adeline tilted her head lightly to the side, her brows furrowing ever slightly in concentration as she thought on the name he had given to her. Charles Xavier… the name sounded familiar; but then she wasn’t too sure. Apart from those who either lived, or visited the Teen Titan’s tower, there weren’t many other supers that she knew too much about, “..I-I’m sorry… I don’t think I know him; but he sounds like a wonderful man…”

Slade Wilson - she shared his last name, and the name itself tickled at the back of his head a bit. He felt like he should know it; a name he had read somewhere in school, maybe?

”He is. He had a school a lot like this, but was directed towards mostly mutants instead of supers and everything inbetween.” He paused. ”But he helped me through a lot in just a year - I owe that man a lot. I’m just happy that he’s still a part of my life for now.”

“..I wouldn’t know… I-I’ve never really had anyone outside of the Teen Titans…” Her thoughts wandering once more, Adeline turned her head away, her beautiful cloudy-blue eyes gliding over the scenery, staring unseeingly at everything they passed by, “..my-... my family aren’t very close… and I don’t really have a lot of friends outside of the tower…”

Alan’s heart wrenched at her admission. Admittedly, he didn’t have a whole lot going for him either - even in the circus. But Xavier’s school changed his life. He knew that if she tried, if she wanted, the academy could do the same for her.

”Well we’re going to change that. You being here is going to change that a lot. And look, you’ve already got me!” Despite her not being able to see it, he smiled.

Unable to stop the bright blush that crept over her cheeks at his words, she turned her gaze back up to where she could hear his voice coming from, honest surprise written all over her features as she thought over what he had said. She-... She had him..?

Her grip over the leash relaxing further as she became more and more distracted by the sudden thought of having a friend, Adeline blinked a couple of times. Aside from the supers back at the tower, she’d never had a friend her parents hadn’t met… one that they knew nothing about. This-... this was all so new, “..I-I have you..?”

Alan laughed. It really was cute when she said it like that.

”Why not? You haven’t given me any reason to not want to be your friend. I think you’re a wonderful person, Adeline, and I’d love to learn more about you - weird family and all.”

“..r-really..?” Her dulled eyes seeming to sparkle slightly, she smiled, her features lighting up at the mere thought of having someone she could spend time with… someone that she could get to know better… of someone who was her friend, “..I’d like that… a lot… thank you..!”

Seeming to forget that they weren’t exactly alone, Adeline slowed her pace to a stop, her body turning into his as she lifted her arm up, her hand gently brushing over the front of his chest… over his shoulder before eventually, she found his neck, her lithe figure lifting up onto the balls of her feet as she wrapped her arm around the back of his neck, her other arm lifting to join the first as she pressed herself closer into him, her eyes closing as she hugged him tightly.

The physical contact, though not unwelcome, came as a bit of a surprise to Alan, but after a few moments of figuring out what had just happened, he chuckled lightly and wrapped his arms around her small waist, hugging her back.

“You’re very welcome, but Adeline… I think you just let Ce-Jay loose…” Looking over her shoulder, the dog had indeed gotten free from Adeline’s grasp from when she had moved to hug him. Continuing his little chuckle, Alan slowly pulled himself from her and put both hands on her shoulders. “Here… just take a seat-” Alan helped her back up a few steps before coming to a bench, doing everything that he could to help keep her calm, ”-and I’ll go and get him.”

Panic once more flickering across her features, her head spinning back and forth on a swivel as she strained her ears, listening out for the familiar bark of her companion until the reassuring touch and reasoning voice of Alan once more called for her, causing her to once more give him her attention, her hands slipping from around his neck to instead take a gentle hold of the front of his shirt as he guided her back, helping her down onto the bench that he had found for them, “..o-okay… I-... I’ll stay here…”

”I’ll be right back with him. I promise.” Giving her another smile, Alan pulled himself from her completely before running off in the direction of her dog.

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Barca was satisfied as he walked off, poking Glaber as he did so. The Owl gave a small sound, which pleased Barca, but didn’t wake. ”Lazy, well, we’ll be in our dorm soon” He said to the owl, which received no response. Which at this stage, he didn’t expect any. Lowering the cage now that he had ascertained that the owl was alive, he glanced about. There weren’t really any students he wished to approach right then. Of course, there was the boy that seemed immune to his telepathy, but he quickly figured out that he was talking with the annoying girl who had tried to lecture him. So that option was out, he didn’t want to interact with her, physically at least.

So Barca once more opened his mind to those around him, listening into the thoughts fluttering through their minds. None seemed to hold his attention, so he began to do what he did best- dig for secrets. Perhaps the only information he didn’t have his hands on readily was that in people’s minds, which took time to find even with his telepathic training.

He still kept an awareness of those around him, just in case something interesting did occur in someone’s mind.

"I am free. Running is nice. I never get to run. Where is my ball? I must find my - SQUIRREL!" Ce-Jay stopped mid-run and sat back on his haunches, his little black nose sniffing at the air. The thick, yellow tail began to wag and Ce-Jay was back up again, sniffing. He stopped, let his tongue hang out, and began running again.

The abnormal thoughts that were expressed with such excitement slammed against Barca’s mind, distracting him from what he was doing. He looked about, setting Glaber down as he sought to find the owner of the thoughts, wondering if they were mentally ill.

”So many smells. I'm not used to so many smells. I smell cookies. Cookies are yum. Master feeds me cookies when I am a good boy. I smell water. I am thirsty. I must find a place to potty."

Barca frowned, once more trying to track the mental voice, now under the impression that whatever it was, it wasn’t human. The humans and Aliens Barca had met tended to have a filter in their thoughts. Base desires were generally unconscious, so he concluded that it must be an animal of some kind, something he hadn’t had much experience with. He scanned the crowd, knowing he could trace the thought, but knowing it could also hurt the animal, and Barca didn’t want that.

Maneuvering the crowd towards the area he could smell water and grass (a great place to go potty!), Ce-Jay bumped himself into Barca’s leg. The blonde canine stopped and looked up at him, tongue lolling out to the side and generally looking rather happy with himself.

”Human! I have found the human and the human has found me! Hello human. I would like to go potty now. Oh pretty please? May I go potty? I have been a good boy! Ce-Jay turned himself around, giving Barca his rear to show just how much his tail was wagging, his head looking over his body and back at Barca, as if waiting for something.

As the dog bumped into him, Barca frowned down at it. The dog was more than a little excited, and Barca had absolutely no idea what to do with him. This was why he had Glaber. Much simpler to deal with then an excitable canine.

”uh… you can go potty… “ He said with a little bit of uncertainty, wondering if the dog would even understand him. ”Just not on me, that wouldn’t be being a good boy” Just what had he gotten himself into?

”Oh boy oh boy!” Ce-Jay began to spin himself around in circles. The human has said I can go potty! I shall go now! Thank you, human! You have been most kind! I love you! We are now friends! Ce-Jay then took off, running full speed through the group of students until he broke free of the crowd to a less dense area towards the lake.

Barca looked after the dog, a little perplexed. He was friends… with a dog? Just how quickly did dogs give you their loyalty? Well, about thirty seconds I guess He thought to himself, shaking his head, he did wonder if the dog actually would ‘go potty’ or would get distracted by something else. And why was he actually thinking that about a dog? He shook his head again.

Just who did the dog belong to?

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Having strayed from the main throng of excited students, but not too far, Deon followed a narrow trail lined with lampposts towards some large, narrow buildings in the distance and a lake at the side. Even he had to admit, this place was huge and… really not all that bad looking. The grass was green, the trees fully and healthy, and the lake looked fairly clear and… and the lampposts weren’t something installed back in the 1900’s.

Halting his steps, Deon reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out his pack of cigarettes, plucking one from the carton and perched it between his lips while he fished in his faded jeans for his lighter. With practice that came from four years of smoking, he slipped the carton back into his shirt pocket and lit the cigarette simultaneously with each hand while his lips kept it in place. Taking a few puffs, ensuring it was lit, Deon then returned the lighter to his pants pocket and leaned himself against a nearby lamppost, crossing his arms over his chest and just took a moment to enjoy the scenery around him.

Either the school had one hell of a gardener, or there was some super shit going on to keep these grounds as immaculate as they were. It was a far cry from Stryker’s island, that was for sure, but he had seen better.

There was the sound of tiny pebbles being crunched against pavement and then the faint rustling of grass. Turning his neck to look over his shoulder, Deon spotted the girl that had kissed him not ten minutes ago. Their meeting was rather… ill-companied the first time. Perhaps this time could be a bit more… stimulating. Not that a punch to the face and the rush of adrenaline and testosterone that followed wasn’t stimulating, but he had his mind set on a different sort.

Putting his cigarette out on the foot of his shoe and stuffing the rest of the stick into the box for later, Deon turned himself around and walked towards the tree Phoebe had taken solitude under. He poked his head around the trunk of the tree from behind her and cleared his throat.

”Would you believe me if I told you that I am actually, not stalking you?”

When it seemed that Megumi wasn’t coming with her, Phoebe sighed softly, and leaned back against the tree, looking up through the branches. The tree was sturdy, and healthy, and Phoebe let herself focus on that. Ever since she was young, feeling how alive the plants were was soothing to her.

She wasn’t expecting anyone to come up to her, so the sound of a voice did surprise her. She looked over to the voice.

Of course.

”I don't know, you seem like you like to stalk people… But it’s not like there’s a lot of options to where we can go at the moment, so I guess I can believe you”

”Yeah, what’s with that, anyway? What if someone has to go in and piss, you know? Or check out their room or…” Deon shook his head. ”Grounds are nice, but if you ask me, I think it’s about time Mr. Wayne gets his head pulled out from his ass and just lets us in before people start to think twice about coming here.”

Phoebe gave a shrug, ”I guess because if people do just wander off, they won’t know what they have to do next. We aren’t registered yet, and come Monday there’d be people who don’t know what they are doing ‘cause they didn’t know how to register. Maybe he wants to speak to us all. Or maybe it’s all just a test, to see what we do when we’re given the freedom to do so” She said, watching him.

”Sounds like a good way for us to all just kill each other.” Deon shrugged, and walked up from behind the tree so that he could stand beside her.

Phoebe gave a small laugh, despite herself. "Maybe that’s the test, to not kill each other. Nearly failed then” She again shrugged, ”Schools and stuff always do this sort of thing though. Make you wait. Maybe they want everyone here, who knows? They’re good at keeping secrets, after all”

Shifting so she could watch him. ”But there grounds are large, and that’s something

Again, Deon shrugged his shoulders, not really caring what the reason was. He was just getting tired of it.

”Hey, that bitch punched me!” He rested his back against the trunk of the tree next to her and adjusted his shoulder blades against it a few times before settling. ”I was just doing my thing and saying hello. Dunno what crawled up her ass, but I think someone’s got an aggro problem.”

Phoebe sighed, and looked away. ”I was talking about myself as well” She said, looking towards the group she’d just walked away from. If that girl was smart, she probably realise that it would be best to not bother her for a time. She looked back to Deon.

”To be fair, you did interrupt our conversation, to flirt, and she’s a rather direct individual. She didn’t like you”

”So that warrants a punch in the face?” Deon couldn’t help but to laugh. ”I’ve had a lot of people not like me over the years. Can’t say I’ve ever been punched in the face for interrupting a conversation that didn’t involve alcohol before…” Smiling, he shook his head. ”Anyway, it got me a pretty hot kiss… I’d say it was worth it.”

”Like I said, she seems like a direct, no nonsense person” Phoebe said, still wondering why she had done what she had. She raised an eyebrow ”But I appreciate the compliment, although it failed in what it was meant to do”

”Well it didn’t fail to capture my attention at all.”

Which Phoebe wasn’t too sure she wanted, recalling his earlier behaviour. And what he had said to Megumi. ”Which is good to know as well, but too bad for you, one time thing” She said, a smile forming for a second, to fade the next.

Her faltering smile didn’t go unnoticed by the young man. He glanced away from her for a moment, smirking and shaking his head lightly, before he turned to look back at her.

”What, you already got a man in your life or something? Afraid to be too edgy?” He turned his body so that just his shoulder and side was leaning against the tree, and raised his arm above his head to also rest against the trunk, allowing him to talk to her more directly, and a little closer. ”Afraid you might like it?” he challenged.

Phoebe laughed. She simply couldn’t help it. She shook her head, ”No man, but I’m not looking to just be a number to someone, a conquest to be looked back on. And Edgy makes me think of a thirteen year old kid thinking they’re tough because they dress in black, so… definitely don’t want that” She said with amusement.

She shook her head, ”No, I know what I like, but that doesn’t mean I want it.” And besides, she didn’t want to kill by a kiss, when she couldn’t control the toxins that came along with her powers.

”Do you see any black?” he asked, stepping back from the tree to gesture towards his clothing. ”My bike might be, but any other color just looked wrong on it. And who said you’d be just a number?” Deon then asked, looking slightly offended by the assumption.

Phoebe frowned, ”Then either you’ve been with too many people to keep count, or you aren’t as experienced as you seem” She said, in an almost challenging way, giving him a half smile and rather satisfied with her response.

It was Deon’s turn to laugh. The girl had spite, he’d give her that.

”Only a pimp keeps count. I just live in the moment, you know?” He gave her a (seemingly) genuine smile. ”So what do you like that you don’t think you want?”

Was he trying to trip her up? Phoebe watched him curiously, wondering what answer he wanted. ”Heat that means nothing” She said simply, giving a shrug, and leaning back against the tree, taking comfort in the solid, rough bark on her bare arms.

”Not looking for commitment, then? Deon’s smile shifted somewhat. ”Ain’t nothing wrong with that, you know.

Phoebe was a little taken aback, ”Heat is what I like, commitment is what I want” She said. She looked away from him again, ”And you don’t seem like a commitment guy”

”So quick to judge! He put his free hand over his heart, feigning being hurt by her words. ”I’ve got plenty of heat, and I could sit here and tell you about commitment until the rest of the students kill each other, or… you could just see for yourself and not waste the time…”

She gave a laugh, and shook her head, appearing somewhat quizzical ”Well, if I didn’t know better, I’d say that was asking for a date” She said, amusement in her voice, looking back to him, and smiling.

”Or another kiss, whichever you want, babe… but both would be good too.”

She had no idea what to think now, but she wasn’t gullible enough to be sucked into what was probably words, and nothing more. ”I’d rather not risk killing someone twice in one day” She said.

That got Deon’s undivided attention. Kill? She thought she could kill him? His posture shifted, and he tried not to laugh at the thought, but he was genuinely curious.

”And how do you think you would manage that one?”

Phoebe frowned, almost feeling like a little kid when asked just how they thought they’d do something wrong. ”I don’t have control of my abilities, that’s how” She thought how easily her vines could have been poisonous, to Megumi and anyone else, and just how foolish she had been.

”So… what, you think you’re little vines might choke me, or something?” He shook his head. ”I regenerate, baby. You can’t kill me - even if you wanted to. Which means…” He stooped his head in closer to her, speaking directly into her ear. ”You can scratch, claw and bite me all you want - I’ll have nothing to show for it by the time the sun comes up.” He pulled his head back and winked.

Phoebe was a little unsettled, and she stepped back from him even as he pulled back, but rather than doing so because of fear, she did so because of fury. ”Which changes absolutely nothing. I choose who I kiss, and who I sleep with, not the other way around. And right now, I don’t want to do either.”

Still smiling, Deon shook his head and chuckled lightly.

”Well then how about a ride?” He let the implication hang, but then spoke to redirect her mind. ”You and me - after all this signing in and moving into our rooms bullshit - tonight - we’ll go around on my bike - have some fun, you know?. Whaddya say?”

The guy just didn’t give up, did he? Phoebe thought it might just be better to give him something, if it moved the conversation in a different direction- and how had they come to be having a conversation? She sighed and then nodded ”Well, okay” Besides, motorbikes were fun… and she’d never ridden one before.

Just as Deon was about to reply, there was a nudge straight up his backside. Shifting a bit awkwardly, Deon twisted his body around, his eyes looking down to see a young, blonde dog sniffing intently at his rear.

Using his hand, Deon gently pushed the dog away and though it tried a few times to return to him, finally got the hint after a few very firm, “no’s” from the male. The dog trotted off, stopped in the grass to pee, and then continued on.

Shaking his head, looking a bit annoyed, Deon gave his attention back to the redhead.

”Alright. It’s settled. I’ll come find you after dinner tonight, and we’ll head out.”

Phoebe was trying, and failing, to hold back laughter at the situation. She managed, just barely, to compose herself, but grinned, and nodded ”Alright, then.” She decided not to comment on the dog, instead pushing off from the tree, feeling better than she had when she had walked away from the group earlier.

”Now… if you want me to leave you alone for a bit…” Deon tapped a finger on his lips, the corners of them turning up in a smile. ”Think of it as a parting favor.”

She gave another laugh, shaking her head at the daring of him, she decided to play along- for now. She stepped towards him just enough to give him a quick, fleeting kiss, before moving around him and walking away, looking back over her shoulder ”Until next time”

Chuckling, Deon rested himself back up against the tree and watched her go - really a great view from behind. He retrieved his half-smoked cigarette, lit it, and remained by the tree to finish it out.

Gwen smoothed out her plaid skirt and took in her surroundings, yes the campus was interesting but it was no University of Virginia. Her fellow students were probably the most interesting thing on campus, they seemed to take every possible opportunity to show off their powers. How perfectly reckless. On top of that it seemed some of them were already itching to fight. At this rate the school was not only going to be some form of failed experiment but also the catalyst of the next great war. After all, what good parent wouldn't defend their child to the best of their super-powered ability. As these bleak thoughts passed through her mind she breifly had the feeling of being an outsider as her peers chatted with each other in varying degrees of friendliness and tension. Gwen nearly laughed, it was quite the contrast. Back home she rarely had a second to herself at school. Someone always had some problem, question, or invitation to some sketchy event. As much as she liked the idea of accepting a new less social role, the reality was that she needed to meet people and make friends or she would probably have a nervous break down. Her extroversion was on steroids and there was no way around it. Or she could calm the hell down, there was plenty of time to meet these students. Right now everyone was nervous or being extra flashy, she could just wait until all of that blew over. In fact it made much more sense to get her bearings on campus than it did to just sit around watching her peers.

Gwen made her way around the crowd, luggage in tow. She briefly considered making herself a luggage cart but lacking the confidence in her abilities she decided it was best not to. Strolling her way onto campus she walked slowly to take in the interesting variants in the architectural style.

"Interacting with:
Location:
Katherin didn't know what to think of the fact that no one seemed to notice that she had crashed into someone, slide across, and left a trail of ice behind her. On one hand it was reassuring that no one had seen her embarrass herself. But on the other hand it meant that no one had noticed someone who needed help. It made her wonder what kind of people were at the school. Her father assured her that it would be safe. There were suppose to be an even number of hero and villian children. What did it mean that no one had offered to help her?

She bite her lip. She didn't know. Maybe those who had seen her didn't want to embarrass her. But that didn't feel right. What if she had been hurt? She wasn't but no one watching would have known that. She wasn't in the middle of the crowd but there were people close enough to have seen her.

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Hefting the weight of his backpack to his opposite shoulder, Crispin took in a deep breath and began the short walk to the one place he knew could help to change his life. The academy was supposed to be where people with abilities and talents of all kinds could live together and learn more about themselves - a school - a safe haven from the abuse he had endured for the duration of his life. It was his escape.

The bus ride there had been... different to say the least. It was his first time interacting with people outside of the prison that was the Penguin's home. When he had decided to run away, Crispin literally grabbed what clothing he could see laying on his bed, stuffed it into an old, plastic bag, and took off. He didn't even think about the "normal" people he would be encountering in the outside world. He didn't even stop to think that in his heightened emotional state, what his powers could do.

The bus driver asked him for his money, and Crispin just stood there. He was so unprepared. Money he knew - he used it every day working at the Iceberg Lounge. But he never actually needed it for himself. The man behind him waiting began to yell and a baby began to cry somewhere. He literally froze, his powers manifesting so quick that he hadn't even realized a protective layer of ice had encased his entire flesh, forcing his clothes to stretch and even rip in a few places. It was when he became aware that things really started to get bad. The entire bus began to drop in temperature, and by the time everyone on the bus had an idea that something was wrong, it was too late.

Crispin stared on as the entire bus and it's occupants became a sculpture of ice. The only thing he could do then was to chisel away some of the occupants personal belongings (such as a backpack and a few purses) and leave before he hurt anyone else. He wasn't sure if he had killed them, or not - he just hoped that the sooner he left, perhaps the quicker the ice would melt, saving them. And now he had money. So after running a good few blocks (leaving a trail of ice behind him), Crispin took down an alley where he could calm down, get his powers back under control, and tried the next bus.

The trip took a few days, the boy having to change buses four different times before he managed to get to the location he had heard so much about. He kept to himself the entire time, only exchanging words with a woman at a clothing store when he asked for help finding something in his size. It had been the last of the money from the purses (which he had dumped long ago), so everything after that had been stolen.

But it was all worth it in the end - he was finally here. He had been standing outside the gate for the better part of three hours, knees trembling and heart racing as the realization of what he had just done began to sink into his mind. No doubt his mother would come looking for him. He just hoped that in this school of heroes and villains, someone would be stronger than her, and hoped to God that they were on his side.

The closer to the school he got, the more populated it seemed to get. There were so many students of race, gender, height, size and age he didn't even know where to begin with his people watching. He could feel the heat around him being absorbed - a trait he simply could not help. He hadn't noticed it in the Iceberg Lounge simply because the Penguin usually kept it at subzero temperatures anyway, but now that he had been on the "outside" for a few days, it was something he couldn't help but to notice. He couldn't make contact - even just a bump would make anyone with heat in their bodies feel the sting of cold, so he stuck to the outskirts as much as he possibly could, maneuvering away from people as they came and went around him.

But then there was the familiar feeling of cold - a cold that was not his own. Finding a nearby bench, Crispin sat his things down next to him (as to occupy the seat) and looked around, spotting a young woman with alarmingly bright red hair. She seemed to not know what it was that she was supposed to do and her body language suggested that she might have even felt scared.

Crispin tilted his head, silently observing. Was it possible that she was like him? He didn't dare find out on his own - what if he was wrong? His mother had no problems in touching him - she beat him enough - but if this girl was like him... perhaps she was afraid of hurting people too.

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Tobias’s stride as strong, energetic, but he keep his steps to Salyssa’s, looking to the gates with utter excitement. Even though he was worried for Saylssa- she was, he knew, concerned with how others would see her… but he knew she’d do wonderfully here. Salyssa was perhaps the best person he knew. He looked over to her and smiled, giving her hand a squeeze, before looking back towards the gates. He could see a few students piled there, maybe talking… or maybe just in awe of everything. Tobias knew that he was, and he was practically bouncing with every step.

What he could see of the school was impressive, especially when you considered that it had only gone up within the last year… He could see that it was massive, the grounds seeming to stretch on forever- or at least judging by how far he could see. Over the gates were the words We accept all. Three simple words, and yet, they carried a lot of weight behind them. Which just seemed to highlight the strange girl sitting on the top of the gate, drawing on some paper unaware of anything about it. But she seemed content and that was all that matter, right?

He was just about to turn to Saylssa, to suggest they see if they could talk with anyone, or if she wanted to just wonder about a bit, when someone approached. He listened as they spoke, realising that this guy might just be a little bit socially awkward. So Tobias smiled, and said cheerfully ”Hi, I’m Tobias, and it’s a pleasure to meet you! Well, we are brand spanking new to Virginia and the school!” He said, in his ever cheerful manor.

Remaining quiet while the both of them spoke to one another, Salyssa turned to face the guy that had approached them, her gaze gliding over his figure for a moment or two as she took in his appearance- he seemed decent enough… though by the way that he spoke it was clear that he was just as much, if not maybe even a little bit more nervous than she herself was…

Maybe-... Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as she thought it might be…

Lifting her free hand up, she gently brushed at her short brown locks, doing her best to tuck them back behind her ear though it was all in vain, the hair once more falling down to frame her soft features, “..my name’s Salyssa Moone; it’s really nice to meet you, Connor.”

Connor smiled, the boy- Tobias seemed excitable to say the least, but that wasn’t a bad thing, all in all. Tobias seemed honest, and quite genuine, which was something rare these days. He nodded his head to Tobias, ”Pleasure to meet you” He replied softly to him, looking over to the girl… Saylssa when she introduced herself.

She seemed to be the complete opposite of her companion, nervous and unsure. At least he wasn't the only one, although the only thing Connor was nervous about was approaching them. And what would follow, when they were finally registered in the school, but he was trying not to think of that.

He gave her a smile, hoping it was reassuring rather than nervous, ”It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.”. He hastened to find something else to say, Connor wasn’t that good at small talk, but… ”You two seem to know each other, right?” He asked after a moment.

Tobias nodded, and said ”My dad left me with Sal and her family ‘cause he had no idea what to do with me” He seemed oblivious to how that sounded, that an outsider wouldn’t actually understand that it wasn’t like that, and didn’t seem to register Connor’s taken aback glance. ”He doesn’t have any abilities, and he thought I could learn some control if I was around others with powers” He smiled brightly, ”It was better than being left with some baby sitter while he went off to do top secret stuff, at least. Waaaay better”

“..what Tobi means is that we grew up together- his father is Phil Coulson; when Tobi first started showing signs that he had abilities, well Mr. Coulson wasn’t sure how to teach him about them. And with him being an agent and all… he didn’t really have much time…”

Lifting her hand up, she adjusted the strap of her bag over her shoulder before she let it drop back down, slipping the both of them into the front pockets of her denim shorts, “It was how the two of us met. Tobi’s father had a run in with mine after a little intergalactic incident, and he came across my mum after she was possessed by an ancient deity that attempted to destroy the world. Mr. Coulson brought him to my mum and he introduced us to each other… we’ve been best friends ever since.”

Connor listened to them both, more than a little bewildered. It seemed that there was quite a story behind this… but the more they explained it the more it seemed to be confusing. He stared a moment to try and figure things out. The only thing that seemed to make a semblance of sense was the mention of Phil Coulson… He knew of the man through his father, and strange things did seem to happen around him.

”.. Okay. Sounds reasonable, in a weird sort of way… I don’t really know anyone here, or not well.” He said, giving a shrug, ”But my parents know Coulson, so I can understand what you are saying”

Tobi didn’t really see anything strange about what they had said, but it seemed like it might be strange to those that didn’t know or couldn’t understand. Still, it seemed like Connor had tried, and he was curious about the guys parentage- if they knew his father than they had to have powers and abilities, right? “Really? That’s pretty cool, who are your parents?”

Connor gave a small smile, knowing that that would be one of the first few questions anyone asked each other. ”Tony Stark and Pepper Potts”

“..the Pepper Potts..? As in the CEO of Stark Industries..?”

Perking up slightly at the name, Salyssa stared at him, seeming to wait for his confirmation on the matter before she spoke again, her soft pink lips turning up in a gentle and rather excited smile, the very thought of perhaps having even the slightest chance of meeting the woman during her time within the academy causing her to bite down softly upon her lower lip, “..I absolutely love her work, she’s always been an idol of mine. Forgive me; I just really admire your mother. Her work ethic is simply amazing.”

Connor was bemused at the chance… normally people were more curious about his father, not his mother. He nodded, ”Well, yeah…. “ He said, ”There’s nothing to forgive, really… it’s just most people are more excited about my father, than my mother.” He said, still a little bemused. ”but yes, she is amazing. She is teaching a class here, did you know?” He said, finding her excitement rather adorable.

Connor had long since got over the admiration people had when they knew his parentage… but that was for his father, not his mother. Still, he wasn’t taken aback, merely surprised it had taken so long to meet someone who idolised her. ”And she’s always willing to give a hand to aspiring businessmen and women”

“..to be honest… I haven’t really thought too much about business… my life, and my future are just a bit more centered around medicine, and getting my doctorate…” Her once wide smile fading slightly, Salyssa’s gaze dropped slightly, turning down and away before finally, she brought her gaze back up to his, though it was clear it didn’t have the same sparkle as it had a few moments before.

Connor wasn’t to sure what he had done wrong… she had seemed so excited, that he thought he’d said the right thing, but apparently not. ”I… I’m sorry”.

Tobias was well aware of Salyssa’s dilemma, and he wanted to help, if only to make things clearer. “Lyssa thinks she has to choose between medical stuff and digging up really old stuff, cause that’s what her parents do" he said, a little eagerly.

Connor frowned slightly, trying to decipher what Tobias had said. It seemed that Tobias just spoke whatever came to mind without thinking about it, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. ”Oh. Why not both? Lots of people do two different job pathways, and you can still look at business. Business is in everything we do, after all- most people don’t think they even need a small course on it, when even that can help greatly in the world, and… I could probably go on, but my mother is better at this” He said, a rather sheepish smile forming.

The corner of her mouth lifting up in a small and rather lopsided smile, Salyssa removed a single hand from her pocket, bringing it across so that she could rub lightly at her upper arm- he was right… business, much the same as math, was something they came across in everyday life, even if they didn’t realize it… maybe it was a class that would be worthwhile taking…

“..do you really think I should sign up for it..?”

Connor nodded, ”You should, and if you find it’s not for you, you can always change next term..” He said, ”Although if you don’t, I can still introduce you to my mother if you’d like” He suggested, not wanting to pressure her into taking a class that she didn’t want to.

He shifted, realising that might sound a little forward, "Sorry if that was a little forward... It’s just, you seemed so excited... and- " He should really stop talking..

Tobias had drifted off somewhat, looking over the grounds and the students, captivated by all the different people there. He wanted to know who they were, and what they could do. Although he looked back over to Connor and Salyssa, smiling happily, every so often. He went a little wide eyed at the mention of meeting Pepper Potts, ”And could we meet your dad too? That would be so awesome!” His eyes went a little wider, and he turned to Salyssa, nearly bouncing up and down with excitement. ”Sal! I could ask all my questions about engineering real life game stuff!”

“..okay… yeah…” Seeming to stew over his encouraging words for a few moments, really taking them into consideration, Salyssa nodded her head lightly up and down in response to the compromise that was offered- besides, he was right. She could always take the class, and if she didn’t like it, there was nothing saying that she couldn’t drop it next semester.

“..yeah, I think I might do that… thank you, Connor…”

Connor smiled, ”You’re welcome. I’m going to take the class as well, although at this point I think I can recite my mother’s lectures off by heart” He said with a soft laugh, glancing over to Tobias, who seemed pretty excited. The boy seemed younger than either of them, but Connor knew that wasn’t always the case. In anycase, he seemed like a guy who lived how he wanted to, and Connor could appreciate that. He did wonder what he meant about making his games real life, but decided that might take a while to explain.
”Still, it will be good to do it, and nice to know someone in class, anyway”

Smiling softly, Salyssa lifted her hand from her side, readjusting her handbag over her shoulder as she once again nodded- it was a good idea… taking a class that would help her in life, getting to learn under one of the few people who really inspired her, and on top of it all, actually knowing someone she was going to be taking the class with.

“..alright, sounds like a plan. So, did you guys want to head inside..? It looks as though everyone else is gathering in the courtyard until the doors are open.” Her hand slipping from the strap of her bag, she motioned over to where the other students seemed to be hanging about, her gaze gliding lightly over those that she could see before she turned her attention back to Connor and Tobias, her hand dropping once more back to her side.

”Yes! We can see what the grounds look like!” Tobias said excitedly, jigging on the spot, and smiling at them both.

Connor nodded, looking back through the gates, where the other students were still mingling, then back to the other two, ”Sure. I think there’s still time before we get told what we’re meant to do, if you wanted to meet some of the other students… but everyone seems to be falling into small groups” He said, turning towards the gate, shifting his pack to his other shoulder. Connor was a little… okay maybe a lot nervous. He reached up to run his hand through his hair again, and shifted anxiously..

Hesitating a moment as she watched him, Salyssa smiled softly, her gaze dropping down to watch on as she reached out, her hand gently taking a hold of his own as did the only thing she could to help calm him down… to help make him feel comfortable. She understood how he felt; because she felt exactly the same way.

Squeezing his hand lightly, she entwined her fingers with his, just as she had done with Tobi when they had first arrived- this was a new experience for all of them… something that was very daunting, “..come on, let’s all do this together…”

Connor looked over to Salyssa, and smiled gratefully, squeezing her hand in return. ”Thank you” he said softly, before nodding, and moving towards the gates, once more towards the school grounds.

Happy on Salyssa’s other side, Tobias grinned, making a move towards the gates as well, excited to see what else the school had to offer.

@YoshiSkittlez


"Interacting with: Crispin Lincoln
Location:
Deep in thought Katherin wasn't really paying attention to the people around her. She was trying to decide how to handle this new strange situation. The school wasn't what she had envisioned. She thought it would be more like Professor Xavier's school. Almost everyone there had been helpful and friendly. So far, and she admitted it was early still, that wasn't the case here. That could make this year a lot harder than she thought it would be. Still she wasn't going to give up just because it would be challenging.

Her thought were interrupted when she felt the temperature around her change. She couldn't think of many people who could influence temperature the way she could. Katherin was curious about someone who had a similar ability to hers. This person might be one of the few people that she could be around without fear harming with casual interactions. With her emotions the way they were even casual contact would be dangerous for most people. But this person might be exactly what she needed. Someone she could safely interact with to get her footing.

Carefully Katherin used her ability to guide her to the person. As she moved she tried to figure out what she would say. She didn't want to come across as desperate or silly. She never thought that talking to someone would be so hard. But she wanted to make a good impression, after the whole falling on her butt incident. She took a deep breath and put on her most charming smile. "It's nice to know that I am not the only one here used to colder temperatures."

@BlackPanther@caits@YoshiSkittlez@Vicier

She listened to Cole's reasoning and request for not providing his last name. At least it appeared to be a valid reason. Though it was hard to tell if it was because of his family's status, some event, or something other. It did not really matter so much she supposed.

Very well, Cole.

A fair bit of noise was going on around them. Esuterura primarily ignored it. From best she could tell it was simple introductions for some. Others were possessed to puff themselves up and get in one another's faces. While she saw herself in a higher standing than the others such frivolous posturing was beneath her. There was also the matter that this was supposed to be a place or learning.

Tell me, is such aggressive behavior normal among the people of this world? I should hope not. I have seen enough conflict from my world

"Thank you" he gave a small bow that accompanied the thanks. As he rose he too seemed to be completely ignoring the choas going on around them. While he relished in pure chaos, his attention was on Esuterua. Priorities for him was her then whatever everything else was. He was certain after all that he would run into the choas causers at some point during his stay at the school.

Cole tilted his head as she spoke and gave a rather honest answer. "I'm afraid I'm just as in the unknown as you in that matter. I have only been up here for two years." he managed a glance around as one guy sliced up some plants and others were generally puffing themselves up. "It may be due to age. Perhaps they require maturing." A faint smile accompanied the statement.

Discipline breeds self control. A quality perhaps lacking in their lives.

The alien had turned to watch as well and watched briefly before turning her attention back to Cole. Two years was a fair amount of time in her eyes to learn how people acted. Though perhaps it was the company the young man kept that lead him to believe he was not familiar with the world at large.

Difficult to say without reading their minds. I refrain from doing that because it would be an invasion of privacy.

Cole raised a brow at her words, seeming to ponder them for a moment. "That is true" He could sense her studying him. Perhaps wondering why two years wasn't enough. Or maybe it was his....magnetism affecting her. He really couldn't be quite certain.

Cole nodded. "understandable. Though I have a feeling that we will learn more about our classmates as the year continues on." He gave small shrug. "If you do not mind me asking...where are you from?" he was curious now. After all he was expecting to only run into humans...to find that he was wrong about that made him more curious.

Suteruraru, princess to the house of Kuinu, my namesake. A planet far from here.

She glanced up at the sky. It was not very hard to get that kind of information from Esuterura. She was quite proud of her heritage and talking of it helped keep the memories alive. She'd only been on Earth for a few months but her journey here would have been a long one. Not so much for her, being in hypersleep and traveling at extreme speeds she would have changed very little. However outside that sphere time would have continued on without her. Without a proper reference it was hard to say just how much time would have passed before she was awoken here. Hundreds or years perhaps thousands. If ever she were to make the trip back things surely would not be the same as she left it.

Deep in thought it was clear that where she came from also had history that ran deep. Esuterura wasn't one to cry though and kept composure, though one could likely tell she was saddened. Looking back down to the grounds and people around them the reality of where she was had begun to sink in. It wasn't something she wanted to face but the realist in her was strong.

I will likely never see my world again. Even if I did I doubt I would recognize it. That is the unfortunate reality I confront. I suppose I should be greatful to have found a world so accepting of me despite its flaws.

Esuterura did not generally like shooting down her own superiority complex. But she did try to be honest as best she could. And when she could not she would often say nothing at all. Which in Cole's case was exceptionally easy as she couldn't even properly comminucate with him. The prospect was actually slightly ammusing. She always enjoyed hiding her thoughts, now she could hide her words.

Cole gave a head tilt. "That sounds wonderous." he have a glance toward the sky. "Maybe you could point out relatively where it is for me" that statement was paired with a small smile. For him far away planets sounded akin to paradise. Somewhere where he didn't have to worry about seeing his prison of a home ever again.

a glance toward her and he could tell she was deep in thought. Perhaps she missed her home. Something he could never relate to, but from listening to a few people...could understand. He was half mutant after all. Feelings weren't nearly as foreign to him as...other...people. He tilted his head at the next bit.

"It is a good realm...and while I do not accept the humans aptitude of acceptance...I cannot help but wonder how far that acceptance stretches." He paused...studying her. "Perhaps later I can devolve more about where I come from...but I fear you would come to put distance." he looked away. Sometimes he felt emotions were a hindrance. Making him cautious about spreading his name...his origins. it made it fickle to try to decide what path to take but at the same time, emotions added another element to discovery. The whole human experience.

If I knew I would point it out. The stars in the sky are unfamiliar to me and I have not had the chance to plot that out. Quite difficult without a point of reference in time and space.

Looking back at Cole she tried to imagine what knig of thing his family name had done. Though to be fair she had little to go by and likely wouldn't even recognize the name if she heard it. Perticularly if he was not of this world himself.

If you don't feel comfortable speaking the name or your past you need not. Doubtful I would know of it were you to tell me. I am quite unaquainted with Earth and its history.

Though she didn't like using the pad she seemed to be adjusting, her hand gliding across the keys the more she used it. She paused a moment to ponder her next message. Esuterura was being quite open about herself which was not something she had expected to happen on the first day. There was something odd about Cole that was unusually inviting. She hadn't really noticed, however now being aware its affect seemed to wane.

Curious. Have you an influence? I've little to hide but I cannot help but feel you've enchanted me.

Cole looked somewhat disappointed, but nodded. Perhaps later they could find her planet in the sky.

Cole appreciated her next statements. He seemed to be able to read the words as quickly as she wrote them, taking them in like a sponge. He truly loved reading. It was a form of escape like no other. To mentally travel to fantasy was something he highly enjoyed. He gave a small nod. "You have a point so then, since you have revealed so much to me....It would only be fair to return the show of trust. Though I must ask of you not to tell others...at least...not yet" He gave a small pause clearly he was gathering himself.

"My surname is morningstar and I am from what is known as hell. I escaped two years ago...and i spent that time researching my mother and well running" He gave a faint smile. It was an immense show of trust from him, but this also showed his more gentleman side. Fair was fair and he did believe in that along with his word. Honor was more valuable then something built upon lies.

Cole tilted his head at her next question before giving another nod. "I do. Though usually it is much stronger on the female sex....perhaps that is why i am so inclined to stay around you as well. Quite a peculiar couple of individuals we are." He found himself more interested in her now...after all he was more used to women going insane over his presence and now that he realized it....she was not. It was a whole new experience for him.

I should say so. Well you should be pleased to know that your charm and candor are a welcome surprise. One could hope something comes of it being on level footing.

Exactly what she meant by that last statement Esuterura would leave to interpretation. However she seemed mostly finished with the conversation and looked over to the others. Content to watch at this point she was now a little more interested in their shenanigans. Not that she wanted to be part of it, but with a slightly new perspective she wanted to learn from it. The pad stayed in her hand on the occasion shw would need it again.

At the same time she wondered if anyone was actually going to come out to greet them. It seemed rather rude to keep them ouside in the sun like this when perfectly comfortable buildings, that were to become their home, were before them.

Cole chuckled. "Why thank you. You were quite pleasent to get to know as well."

Cole felt his own eyes scan the other students as well. "Well. I shall bid you a good day then and leave you to meeting other students. Perhaps we can meet up again at some point" He lightly gave a small bow before starting to walk off. His goal of perhaps finding that guy with the owl. He seemed interesting.

There wasn’t much that feared Evelina. Nothing really, in fact. Oh, maybe death. But Death was just the next big adventure, wasn’t it? So she smiled at Alexis, letting her talk. It amused her greatly that Alexis thought she was a kid, and she found herself oddly flattered that she could still pass for a teenager. She gave a chuckle, “I am by no means a child” She assured her, remembering her own “old days’ with some fondness, but also with a bit of trepidation.

"If everyone only took chances when they knew they’d survive, then nothing would ever progress in the world. Look at… oh, what’s his face? That traveled to the ‘end of the world’ to prove it wasn’t flat, but round! Look at the first people to fly a plane! Sometimes taking chances is a good thing” Eve said, not without some enthusiasm. And at Alexis’s next words, Eve burst out laughing, unable to control herself for a few moments. Alexis really thought she was just a kid.

"While i have no doubt you’d get 20 years plus for sleeping with a minor, i can assure you, I am not one” She said, amusement still in her voice. She smiled, more than prepared to show Alexis her ID. She shifted, watching Alexis when she grinned, and began to show her what she could do. As Alexis’s skin began to change, from red to black, to green, then to normal, then began to change her appearance, seemingly at will. Evelina was rather impressed, and she studied her, watched her, amusement dancing over her face.

Eve took the offered cigar, and slipped it into a pocket, she was rather amused that Alexis thought she was a child, but was offering her a cigar. “Thanks, I’ll save it for… later” she said in a rather conspirative tone, a half smile on her face. “I don’t really have anything impressive like that. Just a rather loud cry. Oh, and the skills of my body” she chuckled, “Asides from… the more fun aspects, of course. I’m extremely flexible… oh look, there’s some of the fun anyway!” She said, a laugh escaping her. “I’m good with my hands… heh… skilled in parkour, gymnastics, hand to hand.. Well, mostly. Little bit rusty” She admitted, before giving a shrug, watching Alexis, finding her to be rather interesting, and not just in the attractive way.

@Caits

---

Cole paused and scanned the students until he found the guy with the owl once more. He made his way to him, avoiding the other students fairly easily. He technically could have teleported...but walking seemed better to him.

Cole suddenly stopped when he saw the dog that ran up to Barca before trotting off. His eyes followed the canine for a moment wondering if it was just cats that seemed to have a deep rooted hatred for him or if all animals wanted to hurt him. He would rather not find out at that moment and took the last few strides that placed him close to the guy.

"Hello" His greetings were rather...lacking. Social greetings definitly needed to be worked on, but that's what a school is for right? His free hand didn't move yet while the other still held his duffel.

Barca was still looking after the dog, finding the encounter to still be rather… weird. While animals weren’t typically something he could hear, he did have the ability the understand animals… sometimes. While his father could, it was still an ability that he needed to work on. Sometimes, when the animal was particularly strong of mind, or just… had powerful thoughts, Barca could hear them. He suspected that the dog might be the latter… he seemed rather simple, beyond anything else. The dog appeared to have found something, or someone else to occupy his mind, for which Barca was grateful. He did want a god asking for permission every time it wanted to go to the toilet.

That would just be beyond tedious.

He looked around at the sound of footsteps, frowning as the boy whose thoughts he couldn’t read approached him. He watched, making no move to approach the boy, standing straight, one hand holding Glaber’s cage, the other down by his side. All business man, and one that clearly thought he was above most of the others around him. Or that’s what it seemed like at least. He kept his gaze on the boy approaching him, a little wary of him.

If he couldn’t read his thoughts how was Barca to know if the guy was going to kill him? He studied him, trying to work out why he couldn’t break through, why he couldn’t read his thoughts In all his life, no one had ever managed to be immune to his telepathy. There were people who had shields… but he didn’t think this mere boy did. An immunity seemed preposterous, and yet it also seemed like the only logical conclusion. His father would hear about it, that was for sure. He’d have to ask, and see if he had ever come across someone who was immune.

The boy didn’t seem to be anything special, there were more interesting looking people around him. Not that Barca particularly cared. His gaze drifted back to where he had left Naeva, and her brother. Well. He mostly didn’t care, at least. Barca liked to be challenged, but he didn’t like being treated, nor looked like he was nothing but gum on the bottom of one’s shoe. Her brother would realise that. His gaze moved back towards the oncoming boy, his expression blank, not revealing any emotion his thoughts might spark.

Barca studied the boy’s facial expressions, watching for any signs of cues, although Barca didn’t consider himself an expert in that. He normally just relied on people’s thoughts… a lapse he would soon rectify. Still, as the boy stopped, Barca made to try and reach his mind, searching for a way through the barrier, and not finding one. The small pressure he put on didn’t even seem to do anything to the barrier, and Barca sighed softly to himself.

”Hello” Barca said in return, his greeting lacking almost as much as the boys. He stood there, waiting for more from the boy. After all, he had approached him first. Finally though, Barca said ”is there something you wanted?”