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Her name was Phoebe. That was cute. He might even remember it; not that it mattered. She hadn't slapped him outright, and that was something. Past experiences told him that if she hadn't shot him down by now, his chances were looking fairly good. And the saying about red heads - red on the head, heat in the sheets - he was willing to test that theory.

"I wouldn’t mind walking around… But I don’t consider this place as something that sucks.” she said, sounding a little unsure of herself. So she was a bit inexperienced with guys too, it seemed. Perfect. ”I consider it a place where I can learn to kick butt.”

Kick butt? Deon kept from snickering. Oh this was going to be fun.

There was someone behind them a bit talking at Phoebe, or at least he thought they called her name. But her attention was on him, now. As it should be, so he opted to not even give the younger girl a passing glance despite also being red-headed.

”Your father?” Her voice brought him back from his wandering thoughts, almost forgetting the intent exchange with the Wolverine despite it just happening. Where was his mind? Sex or violence? Maybe a bit of both...

"Yeah. Haven't seen or heard much from him in a while." Deon acknowledged, keeping the information brief. No need to scare off a new playmate.

"That's Uná over there," Walking with Phoebe, a body suddenly walked up from behind them and put herself between him and Phoebe. His eyes raked her over, hiding no intention as he did. And although she was a far cry from a red-head, the dark-skinned young woman definitely had some fine assets about her. His lip twitched up into a bit of a smile, his mind not even registering what she had just said to him about the other girl. "and I'm Lavi. So nice of you to introduce yourself to us prize poodles." And then she was leaving, apparently having said all that she wanted to say to him. He could tell that she was put-off a bit by not being the one getting noticed first. And truthfully... if he had, he wasn't so sure that he might have walked up to her first, instead. "I'll catch you two whenever," His gaze fell to her behind. Man he loved watching girls go.

"Damn prize poodle just won best in show!" Deon half shouted, half cat-called as Lavi made her departure. Good god, with talent like he was seeing already in just the few amount of minutes he had arrived, it was bound to be a good year. He chuckled to himself at his comment, bringing his hand around to rub the back of his neck as he once more turned his attention back to Phoebe.

"I don't think the school is opening up for a bit. Wanna go catch a more private scene?"

Arlic Aarvack

Location: In front of the Academy/ Setting: Ferret locked in sight/ Interacting with @Almalthia Rembrandt LeBeau

Many things happened at once for Arlic. He went from his cool relaxed mindset, not worried about anything in the current moment, when ,somewhat, out of nowhere another potential student from the Gray Hound bus ride to the academy locked himself in conversation with him. Arlic knew that this was nothing more than a mere moment in time and that shortly he would go his own way and this....stranger would as well. Arlic looked this man, who has called himself...something...and had a pet freaking ferret. Arlic has nothing against animals in general but he has never felt particularly safe around any kind of animal. He did not know what is was but just like how some people have a natural affinity towards animals, he did not. Arlic rested his hands on top of his and smiled, looking at Rembrandt as he spoke.

"Hiya. I'm Arlic, at your service. I may be new here but if you ever need anything you don't want everyone to know about, or if you want something and want everyone to know about it, I am your man."

Arlic looked past Rembrandt at the academy and smiled.

"That was a long ride over here but we finally made it."

Looking at the school gave Arlic an idea. He focused his attention on Rembrandt.

"By the way, what got you accepted here? I mean what makes you special?"

Arlic raised his hand, palm facing upwards towards the sky and kept at midchest level, then willed an energy surge forward from his chest and through his arm. The energy came out through his palm, spiraling like a green orb and slightly hovering over his palm. Then Arlic grinned, his eyes turning a metallic green for a moment then returning back to brown.

"Lets just say when I never have problems with walking into walls or doors. Sometimes end up where I shouldn't be but its not my fault people build buildings in the direction I am walking. Not my fault I move like a...ghost."

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“..why do birds suddenly appear, everytime you are near..? Just like me… they long to be… close to you…”

The music was gentle… sweet; filling the air as she lightly strummed over the strings of the ukulele she held against her, the various flowers lain around them growing brighter, each becoming more vibrant in color as her voice mixed perfectly with the familiar melody of the Carpenters, “..why do stars follow from the sky, everytime you walk by..? Just like me… they long to be… close to you…”

The feeling of his arms wrapped around her middle-... Her body relaxed, more now that she had been given that chance to calm herself; Paradise closed her eyes, her soft lips parting from one another as she felt her heart leaping within the confines of her chest as she let, her body nestle further back into his.

“..on the day that you were born, the angels got together, and decided to create a dream come true… so they sprinkled moondust in your hair of gold, and starlight in your eyes of blue…” The gentle music pausing, her fingers hovering above the strings, Paradise couldn’t help the way her lips turned up in a loving smile, her head turning, her gaze flicking to meet with his for but a moment before she brought her eyes back around to the instrument.

“..that is why all the girls in town, follow you all around… just like me… they long to be… close to you…”

Kaimana held her in his arms, giving her enough room to play, letting himself enjoy her music, her singing. The peace and simple joy from it, was more than enough to make him happy. Here with her, surrounded by plants he knew she would feel better, and that was more than enough for him. The serenity of it… it made it seem like this was a moment that would last forever, and how he wished he could stretch it out.

”You’re the only girl I want close to me.” he said softly, hugging her closer to him, gently resting his chin on her shoulder and smiled, ”that was almost as beautiful as you”

Now that his father had basically thrown him into the deep end, Soren didn't dare look back until he was far enough away to know that he wouldn't be getting jabbed by that damned hammer again. By then, though, Thor had already spotted his adopted brother and began to pester him, instead. He noticed that his uncle had indeed brought his children - cousins he grew up with but was never allowed to really mingle with. He sighed. He'd go and say hi to Thracius and Svanna later. It looked like they had their hands full anyway with Midgardians.

His light brown eyes scanned the area. Everyone seemed to kind of already know each other, in a sense. There were lots of groups and people mingling about. After the weather had returned to normal, he could only assume that the Midgardian's referred to this as normal Thor behavior before going on about their lives. Interesting.

His feet carried him to the gardens where there wasn't so much traffic. The plant life here on Earth was absolutely something else. His fingers delicately touched at a green, planty thing that he had never seen before, it's leaves thick and almost rubbery and about the size of his hand. Remarkable.

Looking up, he then realized that he had stumbled into something that might have been private. Considering the couple (at least they appeared to be a couple. She was singing and he was holding onto her with that doe-eyed look he had seen a time or two before) for a few moments, he gave them an awkward smile and waved, as though to dismiss the fact that he was even there.

"Sorry. Just passing through..." He doubted that they even knew who he was. And... he was okay with that.

Her cheeks flushing a brighter shade of red, she couldn’t help the soft giggle that fell through her lips. He was so sweet… so caring… and while he could have had any girl he wanted; he had chosen her. How had she gotten so lucky in her short life to deserve someone like him in it..?

Lifting her head at the sound of another’s voice, only slightly caught off guard at his being there with them, Paradise quickly brushed it off as nothing, her smile lighting up her gentle features as she shook her head, her gaze flicking down to the strangers hand, noticing that he had taken interest in one of the few plants she had introduced, without thought, to the new environment, “..it’s called strelitzia… or bird of paradise… if you want; I can make you a smaller one to keep if you like it so much…”

Kaimana looked up at the sound of a stranger’s voice, gently tightening his grip on Paradise. He gave a shake of his head, ”It’s okay, they’re public gardens…. “ although he resented the interruption somewhat, he didn’t particularly mind. They had to meet others eventually, and maybe in small groups it wouldn’t be so bad on her.

”I…” Soren looked between the pair, the girl bright and welcoming while the boy seemed to be a bit more guarded. At least he felt half welcome. Realizing that he was still touching the plant, Soren quickly brought his hand back to hang at his side. ”I’ve just never seen anything like it before…” he said softly, unable to help the sense of awe that came with his tone.

Nodding her head lightly, understanding completely how it was that he felt, Paradise let her gaze wander slightly, a gentle sparkle shining within them as she took in the both familiar and unfamiliar scenery that surrounded them all, “..nature is beautiful… it can inspire much should you give it a chance… though I understand it can be overwhelming…”

”Is plantlife always like this around here?”

Kaimana stayed silent, knowing how Paradise could get when talking about nature, smiling slightly. He was more than happy listening to her, watching how it excited her. She always got such a life about her, when she talked about what she loved. At the strangers question, Kaimana frowned, sure it had a different meaning to it then what he was thinking. ”We come from Hawaii… we’ve only been here for a few days, and I think these gardens were created, like what Paradise does.”

”Hawaii?” Soren asked, growing more confused. ”Then you do not hail from Earth? My apologies for assuming.” He bowed slightly in apology.

Exchanging a quick glance with Kaimana, curiosity and confusion playing over her features, Paradise turned her attention back to the man standing before them, giving him a soft and understanding smile in an attempt to try and give him some comfort as she shook her head lightly from side to side, the action causing her long locks to brush over her back, “..heh… I think we might all be misunderstanding each other… let’s start over; my name is Paradise, or Paras for short… and this is Kaimana. We’re from Earth; from an island called Hawaii…”

Pausing a moment, she reached out, placing her ukulele back in its case before moving her hand to pat at the grass in front of them, inviting him to join them, “..I get the feeling though that you might not be from Earth… right..? It’s okay if you aren’t, we don’t mind.”

Kaimana tried to follow what Paradise was saying, wanting to understand what it seemed she had figured out. Not from Earth? He supposed he had to get use to people being from different worlds… although he wasn’t sure how that worked. ”Oh… I see.” he said softly, although still a little confused.

”N-no. I’m not.” Soren hesitated before moving to where the Earth girl was motioning for him to sit on the grass. He crossed his feet first before plopping down, resting his arms on his bent knees. ”I hail from Asgard. My name is Soren Thorson. And it is a pleasure meeting someone from here. My father talks of Earth often, and fondly. It’s the first time I’ve been able to see it for myself.”

Kaimana had heard of Asgard… somewhere, but didn’t know anything about it. The name had probably been passed onto him by his father, but thinking it wasn’t important, Kaimana probably hadn’t listened properly. ”So you’ve never been before? That seems strange if your father has spoken of it before.” his tone one of trying to understand, a little confused.

“..maybe it’s like how my mum always speaks about her time in Rome, and how much she loved it; but then I’ve never been…” Shrugging her shoulders lightly, though very clearly not too worried about it, Paradise tilted her head lightly, watching Soren thoughtfully for but a moment or two before speaking again, “..either way.. welcome to Earth, Soren… I’m glad that you finally get to see it for yourself…”

”There were many problems with who was able to leave Asgard and who could not. My grandfather was very strict on such travel. It wasn’t until my father took over that things became much more lenient. So here I am.”

Kaimana looked to Paradise, wishing he could take her around the world, everywhere she wanted to go as she spoke of her mother visiting Rome. Turning his attention- or most of it anyway- back onto the conversation, he said ”Well… at least you can be here, this place seems great.”

“..what’s it like..? Your home, I mean...”

”Uh…” Soren shrugged. He hadn’t seen much of Earth yet, and had very little to compare to. How was he to answer a question like that? ”Our sky holds more color and…” He squinted, looking at the sun. ”We’ve more planets within the heavens.”

Gaze drifting back to the water of the lake they sat beside, her expression thoughtful at his words, Paradise couldn’t even begin to picture what it might be like. Turning back to him, her eyes filled with awe and a slight pang of jealousy, she leant forward, her body shifting, leg drawing in closer as she wrapped her arms around them, the bloody tissue she had been using earlier falling from her lap to rest on the grass beside her, “..it must be so beautiful there…”

”It’s home.” Soren shrugged. He supposed he just got used to it, as these Midgardians probably got used to Earth and… Havi eh?

Kaimana let his arms fall from Paradise, so she could move more easily, but still stayed close to her. He thought of home, the sunny beaches of Hawaii… the surf… he missed it, but to him, Paradise was more important. She was what made home, home. ”It must be different… “ he thought on how different Hawaii was to here… he couldn’t imagine how different it would be to another world.

”My father made mention that your Earth is round?” Soren asked, figuring that a good place to start would just be by asking about the questions his father came back with stories about.

Nodding her head lightly, Paradise smiled, “..yes; people used to believe that it was flat, but after Christopher Columbus set sail in order to discover new land, he actually found that the Earth was indeed round…”

”I do not understand how round planets are able to maintain life. The ones in our heavens are mined for resources. Nothing is able to thrive there.”

At a slight loss, Kaimana was silent. He wasn’t the best with this sort of thing, and found it best to just stay silent. He frowned at Soren’s words however, ”But… what shape is your planet then?” he said rather perplexed.

Soren blinked, a little confused as to why such a question would even need to be asked.

”Flat.”

Kaimana frowned, ”But… how do you not fall off?” He asked, a little unsure. ”We have gravity to keep us here… “ or at least he hoped that was right.

”We keep to the bridges. Those who fall have removed themselves from the gene pool, making the future of Asgard smarter, and stronger than generations of old.”

Taken aback at the rather crass comment on those that fell, Kaimana stared at Soren in shock, ”But what if you just stumble and fall? How is that fair?” he asked, ”Everyone falls over at some point… “

Soren shrugged. ”Then don’t leave the inner city.”

”That doesn’t seem fair… “ Kaimana said, deciding he didn’t particularly want to see what this other world was like, if this was what came from it.

”We Asgardians don’t usually leave the inner city anyway. There are a few bridges that branch from the heart to the outskirts, but they are wide and some have railing. They aren’t often travelled. Not very many people have fallen.” Soren thought back to his father a few years back - about how many times he had stumbled home drunk from who knew where. He could have easily plummeted if he hadn’t been watching where he was going. Really, he hadn’t even thought about it until the dark-skinned boy brought it up.

Kaimana frowned slight, not understanding. Why would you live in a world, if you didn’t go outside the city? ”Okay… “ he looked to Paradise to see if she understood, ”We can go anywhere we want… most of the time.”

“..you can- you should..! I hate the fact that I hold you back…” Wrapping her arms tighter around her knees, pulling them just that little bit closer into her body, Paradise turned her head, her eyes growing sad as she let her cheek rest over them. She didn’t like it… she was holding him back. He could do anything he put his mind to; and yet, even while she truly appreciated it, he was right there… right by her side instead of living his life to the fullest.

Kaimana shook his head, reaching out to pull her close against him, ”I don’t need to see the world… you are my world.” He said softly, ”And I’ll be here with you, and that’s enough for me.”

“..and when I’m gone..?”

Kaimana didn’t like to think about that, didn’t want to think about a life without Paradise. He hesitated a moment, before saying softly ”Then I’d know you’d still be with me.”

Were all Midgardians this… dramatic? Soren blinked, watching the exchange between the two and starting to feel the same way he did when he had first walked in on their private moment. He moved to stand himself up, not wanting to interrupt or draw attention to himself.

Turning her head, his movements catching her eye, Paradise was a little taken back. He was leaving..? Had they done something wrong..? Sitting forward, her body slipping from the warm circle of Kaimana’s arms, she gave him an apologetic look, her heart sinking slightly at the thought that she’d helped to make him feel uncomfortable, “..I-... I’m sorry if we said something wrong… but... you don’t have to leave, if you don’t want to Soren…”

For a brief few moments, Kaimana had forgotten that they weren’t alone. He let Paradise go, a little reluctant to do so. ”Sorry…. “ He said politely, not sure what else to do.

Soren, now standing, reached back to scratch the back of his head. This was all just very awkward and he didn’t see things getting any less.

”It’s okay. I’ve… got some cousins I should probably meet up with…” Even if it wasn’t now. But what other excuse did he have? It’s not like he knew anyone else in this realm. ”It was… nice meeting the both of you.”

Kaimana hesitated, reaching out to take Paradise’s hand, ”Uh… well… you’re welcome to stay if you want… or return later.” Kaimana said, seeking to make things even a little better.

”Yeah. I’ll probably see you guys later.” He gave the cuddly couple a small, tired smile before waving at them awkwardly while he turned his body and headed back the way he came.

Midgardians were strange.

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As Una called out to her, Phoebe glanced over to her new friend ”Oh… “ she shifted slightly, carefully removing the vines and wrapping them around a nearby tree, gently nudging both the tree and the vines to accept one another and live in harmony. She made sure that Una’s luggage wasn’t going to tumble all about and potentially hurt someone. She winced at the other girl’s attempt to ignore Deon, as much as Deon had ignored her. It seemed obvious to her- like she was trying to hard and Phoebe didn’t know how to advise Una against it. Was Una jealous? That shocked Phoebe. Someone was jealous of her? Had that ever happened before? She stared at her friend, trying to figure it out.

Was she… pretty? Desirable? Someone to be envied? It threw her off balance, and she didn’t know how to respond. As Lavi pushed her way between her and Deon, Phoebe was a little grateful. It gave her a chance to try and compose herself. It seemed that Lavi had become offended at his comments and at being overlooked. Did someone think they were all that? She hadn’t been sure on Lavi before and now… She wasn’t particularly partial to her, even if she was thankful for the few moments she gave her.

As he answered her question, Phoebe couldn’t help but think that there was more going on there then he was letting on. Curious about that but for the moment deciding not to question it, and see him just about leering over Lavi. Had that been what he had done to her? Leer? This guy was definitely not someone she wanted to mess around with- she wondered if she could just walk away. She had a choice- and she’d be damned if she was going to be forced into doing something, anything she didn’t want to. She suddenly wished that Lavi hadn’t left, and that Una was going to hang around.

Maybe she should have gotten a dog or something… she’d always thought about getting a pet when she left the orphanage, but somehow, she hadn’t had much of a chance to do so. She’d had to find a place, and then she’d gotten the invitation to come here… getting a pet hadn’t been a priority as opposed to surviving. And if she was ever lonely, she could always create her plant monsters. She realised she was getting off track, and turned her attention back towards Deon, as she contemplated just walking away.

She decided to give him a chance, but one wrong move, or word and she was out of there, even if she had to punch him and tie him up with vines to do so. She doubted he wouldn’t take too kindly to “No” or any variation of that. As he chuckled at his own words, Phoebe raised a brow. Definitely arrogant, and it seemed like he thought he was god's gift to women.

She hoped he’d soon realise otherwise. She was still going to go on the walk he’d off-

”I don't think the school is opening up for a bit. Wanna go catch a more private scene?"

At his words, Phoebe tensed. She was sure it wasn’t for a private chat, but for something else. She shifted her weight to her back foot as she contemplated punching him. She decided after a few seconds that that would probably leave her hurting worse than him- she wasn’t entirely sure that she could throw a punch. ”Actually, you know what? I don’t think I’m interested in that walk.”

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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 have done 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.

“..m-my schedule..?”

Panic flickering across her gentle features, her eyes widening slightly; Adeline’s heart sunk in her chest. Had they not read the letter properly..? Were classes meant to be picked out before students went to the academy..?

“..I-I didn’t realise-... I-...” Her head dropping, body pressing slightly closer against his, almost as though she were trying to hide herself behind his arm, she slowed her pace, her focus instead turning to the thoughts running through her mind, rather than on where they were going, “..I-I don’t even know wh-what classes there are…”

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.”

“..r-really..?” Lifting her head, her soft lips parting ever slightly from one another, Adeline couldn’t stop the flush of her cheeks at the simple act of him squeezing her hand like he was; calling for her attention, and helping her to barely notice the way the leash was being tugged continuously as the whimpering dog tried his best to search about the all new surroundings of the academy, “..I-... I didn’t even know that was an option, I-...”

Biting down and nibbling a moment on her lower lip, visible relief flickering over her delicate features, she seemed to relax. She wasn’t behind… or, at least, she wasn’t behind Alan in the sense that she still didn’t know what she wanted to do class wise… maybe they should have read through everything again before she’d had to leave, “..I think we have have missed some information in the letter… my parents didn’t even want to send me here- something about my grandfather… but I don’t know why; I-... I’ve never met him…”

”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?

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

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

”He kind of sounds familiar, but I couldn’t tell you why…” Alan admitted, using his free hand to rub the back of his neck for a moment. ”But yeah, Professor X- uh, Charles Xavier - one of the teachers here helping to fund the place - I was at his school for mutants when I got the letter explaining the academy.. Maybe he was just helping me out, or something by trying to get me my schedule early? I dunno.”

Xavier…

A soft frown crossing her features, Adeline fell silent as she listened carefully to what he was saying. Charles Xavier… that name; it sounded familiar, but then she wasn’t exactly sure. Apart from those living in, or visiting the Teen Titan tower, there weren’t many other supers that she knew too much about, “..I’m sorry… I-... I don’t think I know him… but he sounds like a wonderful man…”

”He is. He had a school a lot like this, but was directed towards mostly mutants instead of supers and everything in between.” 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-... I wouldn’t know what that’s like… I’ve never really had anyone outside of the Teen Titans…” Her mind wandering, she turned her head away, her ever unseeing eyes gliding over the scenery around them with a glazed look, “..my, uh… my family aren’t very close… and I don’t exactly have friends outside of the tower… or really at all, so…”

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.

She-... she had him..?

A gentle blush creeping out over her cheeks at his words, honest surprise written across her features, Adeline turned her attention back towards the sound of his voice, her mind lingering on his words. She-... she had a… a friend..? Distracted by the thought, her grip over the leash relaxing further, she blinked, trying to wrap her mind around the concept.

Aside from the supers who called the tower their home, she’d never had a friend that her parents hadn’t met; that they hadn’t approved of… one that they knew nothing about… This-... this was all so new, “..I-... 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..?” A gentle sparkle filling her dull eyes, her soft pink lips turning up in a still rather shy smile, Adeline’s heart fluttered lightly in her chest. She-... she had a friend..! Someone she could spend time with; that she could get to know better-...

The wind suddenly picked up, and Alan had to look up at the sun to see where all the sunlight had suddenly disappeared to. Thunder rumbled as clouds began to circle over the heads of everyone at the academy, leaving Alan completely speechless for a few moments. Just what-?

Eyes widening, her body stiffening as the sudden crack of thunder filled the air; the sound had her moving without second thought. The leash dropping from her hand, her arms lifting, seeking out and wrapping quickly around the back of his neck, Adeline shut her eyes, her body trembling lightly against his, “..A-Alan…”

The physical contact, though not unwelcome, came as a bit of a surprise to Alan, but the basic instinct of protection won out in the end. He wrapped his arms around her small frame, shielding her from the wind just as a bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, making the entire campus shake slightly. His eyes looked around, colors that meant nothing to him flashing from person to person until two figures both illuminating a very bright white color seemed to just appear where the lightning had struck.

White? He had seen people glow blue and red before, but white has something entirely new… and it perplexed him.

The wind died down and slowly the sun began to peek out from the dissipating clouds. He shook his head, feeling a headache coming on. Trying to sever the connection between his vision and whatever ability he had been born with to see people and objects as colors, the two people he had been looking at slowly returned to normal, the white “aura” eventually fading entirely.

”Wonder what that was all about…”

Fingers curling lightly, her shoulders hunching as she sought to press herself closer against his chest, Adeline dropped her head, burying it into the nape of his neck. First there were fireworks; now there was lightning storms… did she really want to know what was next..?

”I… I think it’s over…” Alan told her gently, his eyes still looking around, watching as the other students seemed to be just as confused as he. Then, some young girl started squealing about Thor and ran up to the two men he had seen radiating the white color beforehand. ”Thor?” Alan asked, more to himself. What would the God of Thunder be doing here?

Thor..?

Her body still shaking against his own, Adline lifted her head slightly, her delicate features showing her confusion, “..w-who’s Thor..?”

”A God.” Alan said, drawing his attention back to the small girl curled up into him for safety. ”The thunder God, actually. He fought alongside Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, the Hulk and Captain America in New York when there was an alien attack, or something. Which, I think was pin-pointed to be Thor’s fault to begin with? I’m not really sure, the details are a little fuzzy. His brother Loki had something to do with it too - or at least that’s what the media says.”

“..you-... you don’t like… aliens..?”

”What?” Alan had to think back on his words, trying to figure out where she might have come to that conclusion. ”Oh! No, well I mean, I don’t particularly care for ones that try to destroy cities and hurt people. But that goes for mutants, supers, magic users, humans and all that, too. I’m… just not a huge fan of violence.”

“..o-oh…” Worry filling her heart, Adeline once more lowered her head. She’d only just made her very first friend; she couldn’t lose him now… she couldn’t…

”You okay?”

“..I-...” Biting down softly upon her lower lip, Adeline hesitated. She didn’t want to upset him, but then… she didn’t want to keep anything from him either… He was being so nice to her- opening up about everything, and answering any questions she asked… the least she could do was extend him the same courtesy…

“..my-... my mother is an alien…”

Well that wasn’t something you heard everyday. And he lived with mutants for a few years.

”Did… did she ever try to take over a city and hurt a bunch of innocent people?”

Remaining silent, her fingers curling further over the back of his neck, Adeline shook her head. Her mother hadn’t done anything wrong… at least, not that she knew of anyway. The most she knew was that her father had saved her, and that was how they had met. Ever since then, they had been active members of the Teen Titans, “..n-no… I don’t-... I don’t think so…”

”Then I’m glad that both you and her are on my side.”

He-... he was glad..? Body shifting slightly against his, her arms moving to wrap tightly around the back of his neck, Adeline’s eyes closed, her soft lips brushing gently across his jugular as she nestled her head comfortably into the crook of his neck, her arms working to pull herself closer against him. She hadn’t lost him… he was still there- she still had him…

“..t-thank you… thank you for not leaving me…”

He chuckled, using his hands to pat her back gently as he hugged her back.

“You’re very welcome, but Adeline… I think you let Ce-Jay loose…” Looking over her shoulder, the dog had indeed gotten free from Adeline’s grasp, possibly from when she had jumped into his arms at the sudden storm. Continuing his little chuckle, Alan slowly pulled himself from her and put both hands on her shoulders.

Panic filled her heart. Ce-Jay was gone… he was gone… Arms breaking away from behind his neck, her body pulling from his, Adeline’s features filled with worry, her head moving on a swivel as she strained her ears, listening out for that familiar bark until the gentle and reassuring touch of his hands upon her shoulders caught her attention.

“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.”

“..o-okay…” Reluctant, her head nodding lightly, she let herself be led back, each step slow… careful; until the feeling of stone against the back of her knees had her sitting down on the bench he had guided her to, “..I-... I’ll wait here…”

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

---

---

”Ben. Ben! Don’t wander off too far, son. You still need to get your schedule in order!”

Peter Parker watched with a lopsided smile on his face as his son took to the ground running just as soon as he put their old station wagon in park.

”I won’t, dad! I just gotta find Connor and unghfff-” Having looked over his shoulder to speak with his dad, Benjamin didn’t even see the dark-haired boy who had just walked through the gates. There was a dull buzzing in the back of Benjamin’s head trying to warn him about the collision, but by the time he paid any attention to it, Benjamin practically side-swiped the young man. Half-running, half-tiptoeing as Benjamin tried to regain his balance until he was running backwards, he got spun back around by then bumping into a long-haired blonde that might have been conversing with the target of his first collision. He ushered out a quick, ”Sorry!” to the guys before turning around, only to bump right into a tall, red-haired woman speaking with a rather muscular man and another red-head in tow.

Benjamin paused long enough in his awkward side-stepping to keep from falling over for his quick-racing mind to process the two women’s faces that he had bumped into. His face flushing a bright shade of pink, Benjamin tried to get the words out to apologize but they simply weren’t forming.

Girls. Girls! There were girls at this school! Not that he had been expecting anything different like a school of boys and robots, or anything. It was just that… girls were hard to interact with. Much harder than boys.

Settling on just a sheepish smile and apologetic wave, Benjamin clutched the strap of his backpack before turning himself back around, trying to grab his bearings. Connor had messaged him earlier that he had arrived at the school - so he had to be here… somewhere…. Amongst all these other people.

It was only then that Benjamin could actually take into account just how many people were surrounding him - how many future classmates he would eventually be getting to know (some friendly, some not. This wasn’t all that different from high school). Benjamin frowned as memories of swirlies came back to the forefront of his mind.

Reaching into his pocket, Benjamin fished out his phone and sent Connor a quick text.

Just arrived. Where are you at?

Moving to put the phone back into his pocket, Benjamin looked down at the device with a frown, as he found that he couldn’t. The phone was sticking to his hand - or rather, his hand was forcing the phone to stick to it.

”Not this again…”

Benjamin began to shake his hand lightly - but the phone wouldn’t budge. He shook it more vigorously, side to side and up and down. Still nothing. Groaning, Benjamin took his opposite hand and clutched at the phone, forcibly prying it from his open palm until finally, snap. The front of the phone went flying while the back of the phone remained stuck to his hand. Benjamin watched with horror as half of his phone arched up into the air, and came back down towards a young man with striking blonde hair.

Even from a fair distance away, Benjamin could hear the audible smack that sounded as the front of his phone came into contact with the boy's face. The reddish tone that had Benjamin’s face looking like a strawberry drained within a single breath. God only knew why his feet carried him quickly towards the blonde he had just assaulted instead of pretending it was someone else and going off in the other direction.

”I. Am. So. So. Sorry!” Wincing, Benjamin carefully peeled off the front of his phone from the boy with the owl’s face, and gave him an apologetic grin. ”Heh. Powers. Am I right?" Benjamin extended both of his arms outwards, palms facing up. However, at the word “right,” a sudden string of webs shot from his forearm, cutting through the air until it came into contact with a bench with a pale boy sitting alone on it. Being pulled by the force of his webbing, Benjamin was there one moment, and gone the next. His body twisted in the air, forcing his feet to land first sideways on the bench's back, his front facing the male. Did it suddenly get very cold?

”Uh… h-hi!”

Cold. Yes. It was suddenly very, very cold. When had that happened?

The force of his sideways landing on the back of the bench had the furniture slowly starting to tilt, giving plenty of time for the boy to get up but not enough for Benjamin to get himself unstuck. The bench toppled over, and Benjamin closed his eyes, awaiting the impact. When his eyes opened, he found himself right-side up, stuck in a squatting position, and a lot of eyes on him.

Red took it’s primary color on his face once more though somehow Benjamin managed to “cut” the tie that connected him to his webbing. He managed to stand himself up and take a few steps away from the bench, his intention to squat back down and lift the bench back up to set it upright.

A large, golden dog (what? Dog?) came barreling down the walkway, jumping beside Benjamin and over the toppled bench. The absurdity and suddenness of it all had Benjamin spinning on his foot in an effort to avoid him, his arms moving closer into his body though there was a familiar tug, indicating that his webbing had once more been unleashed, and then soon a tug to follow it.

Benjamin was propelled upwards, his webbing having caught onto the top of the main gate’s entrance. Gripping onto whatever webbing he could, Benjamin had no choice but to go along for the ride, which ended up in the boy swinging around the gate multiple times both vertically and horizontally (an arm every so now reaching out to try and grab onto something) until finally, his hand managed to grab hold of something (or someone) soft, and… kinda squishy.

The object didn’t have him slowing down, though. It did, however, manage to move his body downwards (or was he going upwards?) until he hit the floor just beneath the sign, a warm body crashing down on top of him. Instinct had his arm reaching back to break him from his fall, his finger’s then acting like “springs” as he pushed himself to the side to expel the energy put into his fall, forcing himself and the body to roll around on the pathway a few times before slowing, putting Benjamin on top.

Blinking, trying to see through the area spinning around him, Benjamin looked down at the girl he had quite literally pulled down from on top of the gate’s entrance with him.

G-girl?

Benjamin blinked a few more times, feeling that familiar lump of words getting caught in his throat as he tried to get them past his Adam’s apple.

”S-s...s-sor-ry....”

---

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---

“..I will find you- oh, yes I will… Oh, yes I will, you naughty girl..!”

Lifting the piece of paper up, Ambrose narrowed her eyes, her otherwise (surprisingly) beautiful features scrunching up lightly as she stared at the badly drawn woman on the page in front of her, seeming to examine it for a few moments before she shook her head, frustration crossing over the surface of her eyes as she brought it back down to her lap, once more bringing crayon to paper.

It wasn’t good enough… her boobs were meant to be bigger..! How was anyone supposed to recognize her if she didn’t show the tits..? Pausing for a moment, she blinked, her hand lifting up to cup her own as she took it into consideration. She had to get it perfect, or else she was going to get away again- and there was no way she was going to let her slip through her fingers again..! Nope, no siree..!

“𝔒𝔥 𝑦𝔢𝔰... 𝔪𝔞𝑘𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔪 𝔟𝔦𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔯. 𝔅𝔢𝔠𝔞𝔲𝔰𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱'𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔞𝔭𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔞𝔱𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔬 𝔡𝔬 𝔦𝔫 𝔞 𝔱𝔥𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱'𝔰 𝔬𝔭𝔢𝔫 𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔲𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔠 𝔢𝑦𝔢…”

The voice was nothing new… and honestly, neither was the sarcasm. In fact, it was exactly like the shit the person currently writing this little post did that morning when her friend had asked her an extremely stupid question.

“𝚆𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘..? 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚎 𝙰𝚟𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚘𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝...”

“Oi… assholes. Can you fucking shut up already, and just let the writer do her thing..? She’s got enough on her plate without having to write out an argument with you two.” Rolling her eyes at the voices that only she seemed capable of hearing, Ambrose lifted her head, her stunning green eyes lifting to stare at what everyone else would consider to be nothing more than an empty sky, flourishing her hand to the vast wide open as though in an invitation, “..proceed…”

Getting a nod of gratitude from the writer, she turned her attention back down to the paper in her hands, her legs swinging lightly back and forth in content as she continued to draw, her mind wandering, and a soft and gentle hum slipping through her lips with the action. Welp, first day of school. I wonder where Francis wandered off too… wonder if anyone knows anything about this chick… Wow; they all look like little ants from up here..! Hm..?

Oh look, a hand.

Blinking, she let her attention once more fall down to her chest, staring for a few moments at the hand that had reached out and taken a hold of her boob. We-heh-hell… someone was being a bit ambitious now, weren’t they..!

“..𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔯𝔢𝔢… 𝔱𝔴𝔬…”

The moment the voice had reached one, they were off..! And speeding down to the ground, they take the lead- OH, and the others don’t stand a chance..! Looks like this one’s a no brainer folks. Gryffindor wins the house cup..! Oh, hang on… that’s the wrong franchise… my bad.

A happy squeal slipping out through her lips, Ambrose reached forward, her arm slipping up to wrap tightly around the back of his neck as they toppled from her perch. Maybe school was going to be fun after all..! Heheh..! The gentle sound of her giggle filling the air, she tightened her hold around his neck, pulling her body even closer against his as they impacted with the path below, the momentum seeming to have them rolling happily over the ground together before eventually, they slowed to a stop, her laughter never seeming to stop as she looked up at the guy who had (so literally) swept her away, “Haha..! Again..! Again..! Let’s do it again..!”

Smiling brightly, excitement shining behind her eyes, she looked up at him, barely even registering the fact that the two of them were seemingly trapped together thanks to the mass tangle of webs that were wrapped around their bodies.

”S-s...s-sor-ry a-abou… about t-that.”

“Pfft… don’t sweat it. That was almost as fun as the time I tripped and fell of the top of the falls; got impaled on the rocks at the bottom… but it was so worth it..! Oh… by the way…” Frowning slightly, she broke a single arm away from the back of his neck, the paper (a little crumpled) coming in between them so that he could see the very badly drawn likeness of herself, “..have you seen this girl..? Been looking for this bitch everywhere…”

---

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Walking away, rather proud of himself, Barca didn’t go far. Instead, he settled himself down on the ground, folding himself up smartly and placing Glaber’s cage in front of him. He studied the snowy white owl, letting his thoughts run wild. He considered that conversation, that interaction to be a win. Yet something about it still irked him. It wasn’t just that Naevia’s resolve had been shattered in mere moments, it was… He closed his eyes, and debated with himself for a few moments. For a brief moment, it was like he had an angel and a devil on his shoulder, as he debated whether or not to read Naevia, and Agron’s minds.

He had said he hadn’t read her mind…. It didn’t mean that he’d promised not to read her mind… he wanted to understand, so that if he needed to help, he could. But… had the promise been implied? Barca wasn’t sure. The trouble with being so smart, was that he could see both sides of an argument. But…

He couldn’t resist. He needed to understand… something about her just pulled him in… and he found himself wanting to help. Particularly if it was something that she didn’t want, what was going on. So, he did what he was best at. Reading minds. It was a simple matter to focus on Naevia’s mind, and after a moment, Argon’s. Shifting through their thoughts was even simpler, as he quickly sought the answers he desperately wanted.

Unfortunately, with his mind open the way it was, he could hear others thoughts clearly.

”Not this again.” Pierced his mind quite clearly, along with the image of a hand shaking, a phone stuck to it- The smack, accompanied by the pain of a phone hitting his face, jolted Barca out of his- or rather other’s thoughts. He reached up when he realised the phone was actually stuck to his face. He resisted blinking, not wanting to risk losing his eyelashes, and reached to tear the phone from his face. Something was holding it close to his skin, and he sighed.

A webslinger. Wonderful. The kids thoughts let him know the boy was mortified. Barca sighed once more. He really couldn’t punish the kid for being incompetent, not at a school designed to learn about your powers. He didn’t get the chance to say anything, in any case as the boy flung himself away. Barca doubted that it was intentional.

He once more prepared himself, seeking out Naevia’s mind once more. He was once more assaulted by other’s minds.

"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.

Despite his efforts to push away others thoughts, Barca once more found someone’s thoughts overwhelming his concentration. The abnormal thoughts that were expressed with such excitement slammed against Barca’s mind, distracting him from what he was doing. What… what was that? It didn’t seem normal… were they mentally ill?

”So many smells! I never smell so many smells before! I smell cookies! Cookies are great! Master feeds me cookies when I am a good boy! I smell water. I am a thirsty boy. 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.

”A Human! I have found a human and a 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? The dog seemed well content to hang around, and it seemed like he didn’t even seem concerned that he was having a proper conversation with a human.

”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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Looking up at the sudden dark clouds, lightning and thunder, Connor seemed unconcerned about it. He had heard tell of Thor’s entrances, despite the fact that his father wasn’t as friendly with Thor as he was some of the other avengers, it wasn’t hard to put the God of Thunder to the sudden storm that went away as quickly as it came. At the bark and yap from Tobias’s dog, Connor glanced over at her, but it didn’t seem like she would bolt. Turning his gaze to Salyssa and Tobias, finding himself more than a little proud of himself. He’d made friends… and he hadn’t seemed to screw it up. And, maybe… despite his father’s words or maybe because of them Connor couldn’t help but think that maybe… he’d find something more at this school. Flicking a glance towards his brother when he saw him, Connor lifted his hand in a wave, but didn’t make a move to go over to him, seeing that Jason’s goal was their father. Turning back towards Salyssa and Tobias before he could imagine his father’s words to his older brother. At the notification on his phone, the ringtone letting him know that it was Ben, Connor grinned, taking it out of his pocket.

Just arrived. Where are you at?

He lifted his gaze up, looking towards the main gate to see if he could see Ben. The arrival of his best friend was cheering to Connor. They’d been through a lot together, Ben and himself. Infancy, childhood, the difficulties of school… He’d been there when Connor had started to develop his suit, and Connor had helped design Ben’s suit when Ben had finally developed his powers. Ben might not have said, but Connor knew Ben had been worried he’d never gain his abilities. Connor knew Ben would. He had faith in his friend, and he couldn’t even imagine not having Ben in his life.

He grinned, sending off a quick response to Ben Just in the courtyard, near the main gates!. He put his phone away, knowing that he could probably hear Ben, and see him in some sort of trouble. ”Would you mind if we could try and find my friend? He’s a bit accident prone… It won’t be too hard to find him.” He said to Salyssa and Tobias, looking to them and then away, as if he could find his friend by simply standing there.

He was sure he could see a blur being flung about the crowd, leaving some sort of chaos in its wake. Wondering just how much web Ben would get around himself, Connor gave a small laugh, thinking to himself that he should work harder to develop something that would combat the stickiness and strength of Ben’s webs.

He really should find him before he got himself into trouble. ”Just look for the boy that’s probably stuck to something.”

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Kalinda bit her lip as someone approached Ky’ vie, sighing softly to herself. She glanced about, deciding that she ought to just slip away, and yet she thought that that might bring more attention to herself. Which wasn’t what she wanted- she didn’t want to feel people’s emotions and know who they belonged too… it was hard being in any sort of social situation, but the closer she was to people the worse it was. It hadn’t been too bad to deal with the baby and Ky’ vie, but she knew it would get worse if more people joined.

Did she want to be known as a social pariah? Isn’t that why she came here, to learn and let her live a somewhat normal life? She still hesitated as the new girl approached Ky’ vie, shuffling her feet slightly.

She realized she couldn’t leave anyway, she still held one of Ky’ vie’s bags. Nevertheless, she tried to hide a bit behind Ky’ vie. ”A friend?”

“..Jayla…”

Having turned towards the voice, her bright red lips parting slightly from one another in simple surprise, Ky’ vie stared almost dumbfoundedly at the woman she never thought she would be seeing again in a million years. What was she even doing here..?

“..bloody hell; I never thought-... W-What are you doing here..?” A smile spreading out over her lips, her body relaxing further now with the knowledge she knew someone else (other than Kalinda) at the academy, Ky stepped forward, her hand breaking away from around her son so that she could reach out, motioning towards the woman in question as she allowed her eyes to roam clearly up and down her figure, “..damn, I’ve missed you... Ya lookin’ great; how the hell have you been..?”

"I'd imagine that I'm probably here for the same kind of reason you are... more or less..." Jayla replied, sounding a bit reserved in her tone and her eyes still on the child Ky' vie shifted around in her arms a bit. She had known Ky' vie from before... or at least she thought she did. Not once did she have any reason to believe that there was more to her than... well just a normal girl who liked to street-race, swear and do body shots. So many body shots.

Kalinda stood there, feeling more than a little awkward as the two talked. She once more thought about leaving, but that would be rude. And she didn’t want to be rude. Hesitating she clasped her hands, twisting her fingers slightly as she tried to figure out what to do. She opted for staying quiet, at least for the moment. Ky’ vie had a right to greet an old friend, and Kalinda envied her that.

“..yeah; I’d say so…” The smile lingering over her lips, taking a moment to relish in the thought of having Jayla back in her life, Ky eventually shook out of it, her eyes following her friends gaze down to the sleeping child still curled up in her arms, “..o-oh… God, yeah, uhm…”

Introductions were seriously in order. How the hell had she managed to forget something like that..? Guess it was just easy to lose yourself when your past came back to haunt you. Lifting her attention a little higher, her eyes moving to the other woman who had fallen silent, Ky gave them both a rather sheepish smile, using her free hand to motion between the two women as she spoke, eventually bringing her hand back to her son, “..Kalinda, this is my mate Jayla… Jayla, this is Kali- this sheila’s a lifesaver; dunno how I woulda managed without her help this morning, honestly… and, uhm… and this is my son… Simon…”

Son?

The prior introduction went in one ear and out the other after the startling revelation. Ky' vie had a kid? Jayla blinked, her mind trying to process the strange fact. She didn't have the kid before when she visited Australia with her father, did she? The memories were a bit fuzzy - admittedly she tried to forget them as quickly as possible once she returned to the states. Why waste time on happy thoughts when it was a for-sure thing they couldn't happen again? At least, that's what she thought until now. It was clear that there was a lot about Ky' vie that she didn't know, the fact that she was even here said that loud and clear. And for some reason that stung Jayla a bit.

"Wow. Um... how did-?" Did she seriously just ask without asking on how it happened? Well she knew how it happened... but... why? And then it hit her. Ky' vie had a dick of a boyfriend that she had mentioned a few times while they had been running together - even saw the wreckage second-hand after one of his temper tantrums. She never met the guy... and she didn't want to. But... judging by how old the kid looked... the timing might have just been right.

"Ky..."

She didn’t need to hear more… she already knew what Jayla was asking. Hesitant, shifting slightly over being put on the spot, Ky’ vie dropped her head, her smile fading; features showing her shame over the matter as she nodded, the action light as she confirmed what she knew the woman already assumed, “..yeah…”

"So... you back with him, then?" Jayla asked, obviously struggling with trying to put any enthusiasm into her voice.

“..not since I told him I was pregnant… about two and a half years ago…”

”Ah.” The fucking bastard. No… don’t get angry. Not here…

Kalinda shied away from the emotions from both girls, grimacing slightly. She knew she had to get use to it, but… she didn’t particularly enjoy it. At the spark of anger, she flinched, her own hands curling into fists- whether because of the anger or to try and remain in control, she wasn’t too sure. She let out a somewhat shaky breath, before clearing her throat, ”Sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt… “

Her attention drawn back to Kalinda for a moment, her body once more shifting, Ky’ vie cleared her own throat, her hand lifting to gently brush a few stray strands of hair from her face, “..no… no, don’t be... I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to put a damper the mood like that…”

A small whimper came from Simon, a very tired and fussy sound that indicated that he would soon be waking on not very pleasant terms. His hand bunched up the leather of Ky' vie’s jacket, his head turning from one side to the other as he fought waking up. But sleep lost, and Simon began to cry.

As the boy began to fuss, Kalinda turned away slightly as if that could stop the influx of emotions from the toddler. She had hoped that he would stay asleep… but that hadn’t happened, and now the rather potent emotions washed over her. With horror, she could feel tears pricking her own eyes, and she hurriedly sought for something that she could do. ”um… “ She didn’t think she could do anything, not without risking harm to the boy.

It was a practiced movement- instinctual. A loving expression taking over her features, her eyes softening, quashing any sign of awkwardness from moments before, Ky’ vie lifted a hand from his body, holding it in front of them both, giving him the chance to watch as she curled her fingers slightly; a gentle spark passing between them before her hand caught ablaze, the flames dancing about for a few moments until eventually, they began to change in shape, taking on the form of several kangaroo’s.

“..shh… shh, it’s okay… mummy is here…”

Lips pressing gently against the crown of his head, her body bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet as she rocked soothingly back and forth, Ky turned her focus to the fire in her hand, her fingers moving like the strings on a puppet as she caused the small animals to move about over her palm.

Lifting his head, hearing his mother's soothing voice, Simon's whimpering slowed. His big, blue eyes focused on her face, head tilting slightly though keeping it pressed against her chest as much as he could when his attention was then drawn to the fire kangaroos. He put the tip of his finger into his mouth, not really doing anything with it, and watched, sniffling.

Jayla's eyes were also focused on the flames. Fire. Ky' vie could control fire. She knew that she had to have some kind of ability to be here, but she wasn't exactly thinking along the same lines of one of her abilities.

"Owce cweme?" the small boy asked after a few moments, tilting his head back as far as his big head would allow so that he was looking back up at his mother.

As the child seemed soothed by Ky’ vie’s actions, Kalinda let out a slow breath, relieved. She still stayed where she was, and didn’t make an effort to move away, watching the scene. As the boy seemed to ask something, Kalinda hesitated once more. Would the boy become emotional again, if he didn’t get what he wanted?

”Is he okay?”

Nodding her head in response, her answer directed towards Kalinda even though she never once removed her gaze from her son, Ky smiled softly, the kangaroo's still hopping lightly about in her palm as she spoke, “..no ice-cream; we don’t have any, sweetie. But I will let you have a bikkie. Do you want a bikkie..?”

Sniffling, Simon sat up a bit in his mother's arms, his hands pulled into his chest where he could fidget with the tips of his fingers as he looked to the strangers he seemed to just realize were there. His lower lip was sticking out, quivering, the boy right on the verge of bursting into tears at the tiniest of things and rammed his head back into the nape of his mother's neck, turning his back to them and wrapping his little arms around Ky' vie's neck tightly. Then... he nodded.

She tried not to focus on the boy, but she just couldn’t help it. With no control over what she could and couldn’t feel, Kalinda sought something to take her attention away from it, hoping it would help ”Which bag are they in?” she asked softly, clasping her hands in front of her.

“..the batman bag.”

Nodding, Kalinda sought the right bag, shuffling through the accumulation of child things, brushing aside toys, colouring books and crayons before retrieving the cookies, figuring that that was the only thing that could be what Simon wanted, standing up to hold them out for Ky’ vie, pausing a moment as she realized the other girl had her hands full with the child and her flames. She opened the zip-lock bag, taking out one of the cookies out, sure it was one that she hadn’t seen before, holding it out for the boy.

Seeing one of the strangers handing him one of his favorite treats, Simon tentatively let go of his mother to reach out for the biscuit, taking it from the woman and attempted to shove the entire thing into his mouth.

As Simon took the cookie, Kalinda let her hand fall back to her side, brushing the crumbs absently from her gloved fingers. She gave him a smile, before she retrieved the bags she’d set down, putting them over one shoulder once more.

Mouthing an appreciative “..thank you…” to Kalinda, her attention turning back down to the boy in her arms, Ky lightly bounced him in her arms, “..slow down… you don’t have to eat it all at once, sweetie…”

As the child seemed sated, Kalinda shifted, feeling a little awkward. She had stuck around to be social, but how did one be social? Watching both girls, and the child that seemed intent on inhaling the cookie, It was clear that they knew each other, even if it seemed like they hadn’t seen each other in a few years. It made her feel a little intimidated even as she recognized she’d have to start from scratch with everyone here at the school. She swallowed, ”Uh… so, um…. What do we do now?’ that seemed like such a stupid question, and she shook her head at herself, ”Uh. I mean… What classes are you guys thinking of taking?”

”I…” Jayla tore her gaze away from the child she still couldn’t fathom existing to look at the young woman talking with them before shifting a glance over to Ky’ vie. ”...I’m not really sure I’m even sticking around that long yet.”

“..you’re not staying..?” Turning her head, her gaze locking with her friends, Ky’ vie felt her heart sink slightly. It had been years since she’d seen Jayla; and for a moment, the thought of being able to have one of her closest friends back in her life again-... She should have known better than to get her hopes up…

"I.. don't really know. I mean... my dad kind of just, dropped me off here without listening to what I had to say about it. He needs me right now and..." At this point, Ky' vie was literally the only thing holding her back. But... things would just be even more complicated with a kid in the mix, wouldn't it? "He's afraid I'll fuck something up... so he got me out of the way..."

“..still doesn’t think you can handle helping with his gigs..?”

A flicker of understanding crossing over her features, Ky nodded her head. Johnny was… a strange one in her eyes. He was a great father from what she could see; and well, she couldn’t deny that she felt a slight tinge of jealousy towards Jayla for it, but it was clear that while he was there for her, he never really took the time to actually listen to what she wanted, “..I don’t get why he won’t let you; I’ve seen your skills, you’re a bloody legend on the roads…”

Jayla shifted awkwardly. Even now, fully-knowing that Ky’ vie had some kind of “super” thing about herself, she still didn’t exactly want to open up about the Ghost Rider bit.

”...something like that, yeah.”

“..ah… so things haven’t really changed then…” Unable to hide the flicker of disappointment that crossed her eyes, disappearing as quickly as it came, Ky forced her lips to turn up in a small smile, “..well, if you go… I mean, it would suck; but… I understand. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do…”

Kalinda listened to the two girls talk, unable to help but put emotions to the words as she felt them. She couldn’t help but feel like there was, almost, an underlying conversation just in the emotions alone. As she tried to sort it all out in her head, and actually say something, her mind latched onto something and before she could think on it too much, Kalinda said softly ”But… why would your father drop you off here? Do… Do you have abilities?’ it seemed like such a personal question, but it also didn’t seem like one, given where they were.

”Sometimes…” Jayla responded to the young woman vaguely. ”It’s… complicated.”

Feeling like she was doing poorly with this social thing, Kalinda hesitated before nodding. ”I see… “ She tried to think if she could say something else, mulling it over for a few seconds, ”Maybe he’ll come back when it’s not so… complicated.”

Jayla laughed albeit dryly and shook her head. God what she would do to have a normal life again.

”Then I’m here for the rest of eternity, it seems.”

“..her dad’s rather… overprotective…” The flames dying in her palm, her hand returning back to her son, Ky’s smile faded slightly, her gaze flicking over to Kalinda for a minute before she brought it back to Simon, her touch gentle as she lightly wiped the tears away from his little cheeks.

”’Controlling” is the better word for it.”

“..attentive…”

”Well… then… “ Kalinda thought on the words, a little trepidatious. Eternity? Was that even an option? She shook her head, then shrugged, ”Isn’t attentive just another way of saying controlling without actually saying it? You can be attentive to detail, but when it comes to people… it can be controlling… “ She trailed off before she could ramble on, pausing a moment to make sure she wasn’t going to do so, ”Sorry… Kind of why I’m here, my mother is… attentive… “

”He’s just special… and I’ll leave it at that.” Jayla wasn’t even sure if this was arguing or not. Her social game needed some serious work. But that meant practicing interaction and… Jayla very much appreciated her own little fortress of solitude that was her bedroom.

”Fair enough.” Kalinda looked down at her clasped hands, trying to think of anything else she could say. She couldn’t even blame her hiatus from people for her lack of social skills. ”Well… You can stay, and if it doesn’t work, you can leave. Not like they are going to force us all to stay here against our will.”

”I know…” Her jaw clenched as she turned her head to look back towards where she had parked her car, and then to her bags and Mephisto's cage where she had left it before spotting Ky’ vie. No one was keeping her here but herself - she had already come to terms with that before getting sidetracked. After a soft silence, Jayla turned to look back at Ky’ vie, lifting her hand to rub the back of her neck, the action causing her already small frame to look even thinner than before. ”What did you come here for, exactly?”

“..a second chance…”

Hand falling back down from her son’s face, her gaze tearing away from him to instead once more meet with her friend, Ky’ vie sighed softly, thinking over her situation before starting to explain, “..when I had Simon… I dropped out of high school to raise him… started working full time at the garage; and everything I earn from racing go straight to helping make ends meet. When mister Stark reached out to me, inviting me to the academy… it was a chance at being able to provide him with a better life than what we had… sold a few bikes… a car or two... packed everything up, and took a chance… just hope it pays off…”

Jayla nodded, understanding. If, for some unknown and highly unrealistic reason, she was in Ky’ vie’s shoes, she probably would have done the same thing.

”They got a little babysitters club here for him?” she asked, curious as to how Ky’ vie could continue her schooling while watching Simon at the same time.

“..I’d assume so… would mister Stark really send me an invitation if he wasn’t aware of my situation, as well as my, uh… unique skills..?” Shifting slightly, clearly now worried by what she had brought up, Ky’ vie glanced down at Simon, unsure now if this had been the right choice for them.

Kalinda stayed silent in the conversation, watching both girls. She hesitated on speaking, before saying ”He might be aware, but would he have told anyone else? He seems the type to thrive on that sort of thing.” She said, shrugging ”But they seem very accommodating here.”

Jayla shrugged her bony shoulders. She wouldn’t know.

A sharp announcement overhead cut through the crowded and noisy students, the female voice seeming to come from everywhere. ”Will students please gather in the main courtyard. Headmaster Wayne has some important messages to deliver.”

Looking up at and around where Jayla thought the sound was coming from (though not seeing any speakers anywhere), Jayla eventually looked back to Ky’ vie, stuffing her hands into her pockets.

”Looks like that’s your cue…”

“..I guess…” Gaze flicking about the area for a moment, Ky’ vie brought her attention back to Jayla as she spoke. She wasn’t staying… once again, she was losing someone she cared about- but in this case… it was the second time she’d lost her. And she knew from their past experiences that there was usually no changing Jayla’s mind once she had made it. She was stubborn… it was just one of the reason’s she loved her.

Hesitating, though making her choice, she crouched down, placing her son back on his feet before she stood back up, closing the gap as she lifted her arms, wrapping them tightly around the back of her friends neck in a long overdue hug, “..wish you could stay, but… I get why you can’t… guess I’ll see ya ‘round…”

Fixing the strap of the bags on her shoulder as she pulled back, her hand reaching out to take a gentle hold of Simon’s; Ky’ vie gave it a gentle squeeze before she began to lead him away and further into the courtyard, giving the girl a small and slightly sad smile from over her shoulder before she turned her attention to Kalinda, and then, eventually brought it back down to the boy at her side, “..come on, Simon… time for us to go…”

Kalinda made sure she had everything, before she followed after Ky’ vie and Simon, towards the growing crowd of students and wondering if she’d regret it.

Swallowing her words of goodbye for the second time, all Jayla could do was nod. Hesitant, she finally willed herself to turn around and walk the short distance back to her things where she picked up her bag and cage and headed back towards her car.

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Tonic watched Eve walk off and looked around a bit. She knew she was going to have to talk to people and make friends, but this part was always awkward. She looked down at Duke and sighed then straightened up and squared her shoulders. Her hazel eyes drifted over every little thing. As the sky darkened and lightning flashed followed by an instantaneous thunderclap. The sky cleared and two figures appeared where the bolt had touched down. Interesting.

Looking around she saw plenty of people chatting and getting to know one another. She was here for a reason; and that reason had yet to show his face. Well that and she actually wanted to be social after all the years of being locked up and pretty much a Tonic-sicle. Most times it felt like she had nothing in common with people now a days. Which was depressing. She had a feeling that there were few that would understand.

This line of thinking evoked the thought of perhaps she was going about things the wrong way. Tonic grimaced at that thought. If my way isn’t the right way to go about my life what is? She sighed and snapped out of her head and looked around at others in the courtyard as a yellow lab went streaking past her. Dear Goddess...seriously?!? Tonic huffed and snapped to get Duke’s attention. ”Heel.” Duke snapped to attention and moved to Tonic’s left side as Tonic started walking toward the direction in which she saw the lab runoff in. Why can’t people train their animals to behave? That was rude of me to think. Maybe the person has only had the pup for a few months. Tonic shook her head and looked around at the crowd to make sure no one had been bowled over by the lab. So far so good. Walking through excusing herself as she passed by a couple of redheaded females and a dark haired familiar man.

Shocked inwardly at the recognition of Deon Howlette she made eye contact but kept silent she passed him by. Well well. This will be interesting. Wonder if Logan knew he was here. Moving on quickly she dodged people. She couldn’t help but notice the Asgardians they were after all very striking.

The girl looked like she was worried and Tonic saw that she was cradling her hand as if it hurt. All of Tonic’s instincts were to help the wounded. They’d been like that since...well she couldn’t remember at time that they were not as they were now. Driven by an inner force and ignoring all others, including getting the lab, Tonic walked with purpose toward the injured girl on horseback. Outwardly Tonic was intent on the girl but inwardly her memories haunted her.

“I want nothing to do with this witchcraft!!!!” Mother screamed at Father.
“Beatrix she is our daughter!!!” Father bellowed back. “I will not cast her out because
She is different!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“If you do not I will take our son, your heir, and I will leave you with the changeling!
That is no daughter of mine!! Demon spawn!!! Come to work the devil’s ways on our
Family!!!” Mother started crying and having hysterics.
Father sighed. “Fine. I shall arrange it.”
“No. I don’t trust you. I’ll take care of it.” Mother sounded calmer but it was that
Calm she got before she tore into a maid that did the slightest to displease her.
“I know that tone. Jocelyn had better be alive at the end of this. If not you will
Answer to me.”
“I give you my word...she will be alive.” Mother stated coldly.
The carriage interior in the dead of night with someone that paid to take her from
Her family...

Shaking off the old memories Tonic found herself standing near the girl in question. Tonic looked up at the girl and smiled. ”Hello. Are you hurt?”

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Returning to his father’s side with Svanna by his side on Sleipnir, he kept his hand on Fenrir’s head. The wolf stayed by his side, growling at the students around them, the restraining hand Thracius had on his head the only thing keeping him there. He’d trained the wolf since he was a pup- he would no sooner disobey Thracius then cease to breath. Stopping in front of their father, Thracius glanced back towards the two Midgardian’s, his gaze lingering on the girl he’d been talking with. He was still perplexed by the topic of that conversation, and he watched her for a moment or two, before shaking his head. What was he doing, thinking on what a Midgardian had said to him? Foolish. Although the “Giving of thanks” still confused him. He turned his attention towards his father, pushing aside those thoughts. He wasn’t here to pander to Midgardians, nor to give them the time of day. They weren’t worth his confusion.

He glanced to his father, but turned his attention to Svanna. The rather loud mouthed female hadn’t, it seemed, done much for her. Whether or not that was because his father had called them back, he didn’t know. ”We’ll get you some help soon, Svanna.” he promised, his tone gentle as he spoke to his sister, giving her a rare smile. they’d find some healers, and she’d be seen to. He’d make sure of that. He patted Fenrir on the head, and the large wolf sat by his side. One would be mistaken if they thought the wolf was relaxing. It was quite the opposite, the wolf was still on alert, watching the other students around them. His ear’s flickered, and occasionally there was a growl. The wolf watched the blond dog rush about and did not seem to be impressed.

Or maybe he was just thinking what a nice snack the dog would be.

Thracius didn’t know.

He glanced back to his father, pausing a moment as he wondered whether or not he should say something, when they were interrupted by yet another Midgardian. Just how many of them were there here? The female appeared, just like the rest of them, squishy and bothersome. She dared to walk right up to Svanna, as if she had a right to! Thracius growl was echoed in Fenrir, the large wolf rising onto all fours once more, his teeth bared. Thracius, rather reluctantly, laid a restraining hand on his head once more, the wolf quivering under his touch.

”Step away from her.” He said, his voice leaving no room for disobedience as he put himself between the female and his sister. ”We need not your help, Midgardian.” He crossed his arms, glaring at the female, his expression one as if to say What are you still here for?. He kept his gaze on her, not concerned with what his father would do, nor did he seem to worry what anyone watching would think.

Anything that was about to happen was interrupted by the announcement overhead, and Thracus lowered his voice further, ”Move.”

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Uná was flustered by the boy and blushed at his comment yelled back at Lavi. Jerk!! I’m so mad that he interrupted us we were fine till he showed up!! Not that I want to wear out my welcome with Phoebe but still I hate being ignored!!! Uná picked up her bags and advanced to Phoebe’s side just as she heard that remark about a more private scene followed by Phoebe’s refusal. Seriously? Males! Please let this be an exception not a rule around here!!! Go Phoebe!! You tell him!!! Uná smirked at him condescendingly for a couple of seconds before someone bumped into her. She pushed her hair out of her face shocked as she stumbled a bit off balance. Why did I decide to wear my hair down today? Oh yeah cause my mom always said that it’s gorgeous. Uná caught eyes with the super hot guy who was blushing probably cause he ran into her. Oh...Wow. Okay so he blows all the guys back home away. I have to get to know him. This is a moral imperative!!

Uná grinned at him making her blue eyes twinkle; winked and waved at him mouthing “See you later…” watching him turn around and look like he was looking for someone. Please not a girl!! PLEASE!!! You couldn’t be so cruel to do that to me!! Someone worth my time only to have a girlfriend?!?!? That’s just not fair!!! OH YEAH!!! Phoebe!!! I’m gonna give her my number and see if I can’t follow him a bit…

Uná turned slightly to Phoebe keeping ‘cutie’ in sight range. ”Hey Phoebe let me give you my number.” She smiled at Phoebe and leaned in to whisper. “I REALLY want to follow that guy but I don’t want to leave you with this...person.” Uná indicated the other male in their presence tilting her head fractionally at him.

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Hearing Duke let out a growl Tonic looked down at him and gave him the hand signal for ‘Away’. Duke trotted off about twenty feet or so seeming to grumble about it. Slowly Tonic turned toward the intrusive voice that had pulled her back to reality and away from visually examining the girl. Looking about mid chest level she looked up and up. Well tall, nice shoulders, arms and chest. Nice clean lines good bone structure. Good jawline, cute chin. Very nice lips and nose. Nice dark eyes and dark blonde hair. Potential but the attitude needs work.

There was an announcement of something about...orientation. Tonic made a mental note of it.

Making sure the look in her eyes was bored she met the male’s dark eyes. Tonic raised an eyebrow at him and his proprietary, commanding tone. Seriously? In this day and age I have to deal with some well groomed ape that thinks he can order people around because he’s the son of Loki? Why is it that all the really good looking ones are jerks?

Tonic looked him right in the eye tilted her head and said in a very serious voice and slightly mocking voice. “Ah forgive my lack of manners in addressing the injury that your sister; I can guess by your familial similarities, has suffered. I did not realize that you planned on torturing her till you escorted her to the nurse; who is likely yet another Midgardian, to assist her. I would but offer healing to her injury but since you wish to persist in allowing her pain then I shall withdraw my offer of healing and friendship. Unless of course you truly care for her and you wish me to alleviate her pain. The choice is yours Son of Loki.”

Tonic gave a slight curtsy not breaking eye contact with him and rising slowly and gracefully, not waiting for acknowledgement a slightly mocking twist to her lips. Serve and return. Hope you choke on your indignation you pompous ass. “Harmon. Jocelyn Harmon. Midgardian Healer.”

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The landing, as always, was as smooth as the skin on Sirusite woman when she woke up in his arms the morning after- damn that had been a good night… One sexy woman; awesome music, and uh, ‘dancing’ till she passed out. There was no recipe for a better time… unless there were two sexy Sirusite women… that could possibly top it.

Chuckling to himself at the mere memory, his hand lifting to run back through his mess of brown hair, J’son stood himself up from the pilot seat, his body leaning forward as he let his dark eyes take a gander out the front windshield. Women- they were everywhere. Oh yeah, this was going to be fun. His attention caught by the movement of something small close by him, he turned his head, smile growing as he watched the small tree-like creature plodding along on the dash towards him, the thing staring up at him with big, black eyes.

“We’re here, buddy. Ready to have some fun..?”

“I am Groot.” Nodding his little head in response to the larger guy, his little hands balling into fists at his side, Groot gave a determined look.

Chuckling once more, raising his hand up in a loose fist, J’son held it out towards the little guy, giving him a quick wink as his smile twisted into a goofy looking grin; his already messy hair falling down in front of his eyes, causing him quickly try and flick it away without so much as moving anything other than his head, “Hell yeah you are..! Now, come on and gimmie some so we can get this party started.”

Waiting until the little guy bumped fists with him, J’son was on the move, his hand opening, his palm up, giving Groot a chance to step up onto it before he lifted him up, placing him on his shoulder as he turned, grabbing up his brown leather jacket as me moved through the ship and down the gangwalk and out into the fresh air. So this was Earth… interesting. He could see the appeal; could see why his father spoke so highly about it. It was so… green. Damn, he hadn’t seen a planet this green since he’d run into that spot of trouble on Sakaar…

Moving forward, his arms swinging around, being mindful of Groot as he slipped his jacket on over his body, J’son stopped at the edge of the helipad, his head nodding lightly as he let his gaze roam over the scene below him.

“..I am Groot…”

Nodding once more, his dark gaze flicking to the little guy sitting on his shoulder, J’son held his attention a few moments before it was back on the fairly large group of people milling about below them, “..yeah… yeah, it is pretty amazing here isn’t it..?”

Lingering a few moments longer on the edge, J’son took a couple of steps back, glancing around the area before he started off toward the fire escape, his boots making soft ‘thuds’ with each step he took down it. Eventually jumping off the last step, both of his feet hitting the ground at the same time, he shoved his hands down into the pockets of his leather jacket, his brow quirking slightly in curiosity as he glanced around, taking in the, uh… many grand sights around him, his gaze unable to linger on just one.

“..damn, I’m gunna kill dad for not bringing me here sooner…”

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No? Did the bitch just seriously tell him no? Ooohh, so she was going to play hard to get, was she? He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest and tilted his head towards where the darker-skinned girl had wandered off towards.

”What, that change your mind or something?” he asked, having been under the impression not a few moments ago that she would have gone on that walk with him. Why did women always have to cock block each other? Intentional or no. And… was it even cock blocking if they were female? Would it be more like twat-swatting? He was going to have to try to make that a thing. ”Don’t worry about it, baby. Just surface compliments. Women like to know that they look good.” His eyes looked Phoebe up and down and made a point to bite his lower lip in appreciation as his eyes came back up to hers. ”And damn, girl, you hit it out of the park. No contest.”

”Hey Phoebe let me give you my number.” The freckled redhead was interfering again. Deon rolled his eyes. “I REALLY want to follow that guy but I don’t want to leave you with this...person.” Gross. That poor kid. Deon’s eyes followed the direction of the accidental-prone boy, watching as half a cell phone made contact with someone else’s face. He snickered. That kid would be lucky to last a month here.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Phoebe returned his look, somewhat annoyed at the comments. ”Hit it out of the park… “ she mused, thoughtful, ”Doesn’t that mean I’m out of your league?” As Una returned to her, Phoebe gave her a smile, her voice softer as she spoke to her, ”Thanks… I’ll find you later. You go. I’ll be okay.” she promised her, not wanting Una to regret staying and missing out on an opportunity.

Deon watched the freckled girl leave before responding.

”Maybe, maybe. Or I might just be the kid that brings back the balls for a ticket to the snack station.”

Phoebe gave a small laugh and shook her head, ”So he gives it up then.” she said with amusement, ”Either way, doesn’t bode well for you.”

”He returns it home safe and sound after a wild adventure.” he corrected.

”That depends on your definition of safe and sound.” She responded, ”As for a wild adventure… I think we’d differ on that as well.”

Deon shrugged his shoulders.

”Well that all depends on you, sweetheart. A quick night-ride on my bike tonight a bit too edgy for you?”

Phoebe’s expression and tone were rather ambiguous, leaning towards puzzled. ”What? Bumpy, rocking and left unsatisfied? No thanks”

”Who says you’d be left unsatisfied? That ain’t my style. I always show my girl a good time.”

”Therein lies an issue. I’m not your girl”

”Not yet you ain’t. But you could be.”

Phoebe shook her head, dropping her arms to her sides ””Could”, well, yes I suppose that is true. Seems about as likely as my standards lowering.”

Deon chuckled. He liked her fire.

”What, you already got a man in your life or something? I’m just asking for an evening ride, princess.”

Phoebe doubted she could explain, and even if she did, doubted he would understand. ”Oh? Asking is it? Seemed like you expected it.” she said in an even tone.

”Seems like you’re assuming a lot about me.” Deon countered with a soft smile.

”Then why don’t you clear up any confusion.”

”What would you like to know? I’m an open book, baby!” Deon outstretched his arms, opening himself up to her physically to solidify his words.

Phoebe paused a moment, curious as she pondered what to say. ”Then by all means, talk. Why not try to cover everything?”

”Chapter One: My Conception.”

Phoebe couldn’t help it, she laughed, ”Well, maybe not quite that far back.”

”Thank God. It was a confusing time, anyway.” Deon chuckled, though his statement didn’t go without truth. ”Look, I’ll talk with you about everything once this registration and moving in bullshit is over with. Come with me tonight. I’ll make sure you have a good time. You’ve got my word.”

Phoebe hesitated, thinking. She didn’t have to agree to anything she didn’t want to. ”Well. Alright.” She said, after a few moments thought.

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 into 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.

”Awesome. Okay. So should we go see what this big ol’ announcement Batman’s got for us, is?”

Phoebe tried to stifle her giggles, but failed as she watched the dog sniffing Deon. Whoever’s dog it was, it seemed quite curious and it was absolutely adorable. She wondered if she should stop it from wandering off, but didn’t get the chance to as she tried to compose herself. Hoping the dog would be alright, she cleared her throat, trying not to fall into a fit of giggles.

”Would probably be a wise thing to do.” She said, not quite able to hide the amusement from her voice.

Shaking his head, though maintaining a smile, Deon ushered for Phoebe to go first as they headed in the direction everyone else seemed to be going.

”So… you like dogs?”

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Was this thing for real?

Who did she think she was? This female thought she could talk to him like that, and get away with it? It also seemed like she thought she was actually being superior, and that she was proving something. She would soon learn otherwise, soon learn that she was nothing more than a bug on the underside of his shoe. She had the nerve to try and belittle him? To try and lecture him? Well, she would soon find out just who she was dealing with. He waited for a moment after she seemed to finish talking, ”Oh? Are you finished? I just assumed you wished to blather some more. Or was it whining? I can never tell with you squishy Midgardians. You all seem to be going on about something or another.”

He paused another moment, turning his back to the female, and looking up at Svanna, making sure she was okay. Fenrir growled low in his throat once more, watching the Midgardian as Thracius tended to his sister. Making sure she was as comfortable as she could be, despite her injury and that Sleipnir was ready to go once more, he looked back to the female and gave a sigh. ”Still here? A pity.” He said wearily, turning to face her once more. ”You are not a healer. You are a student. Which means, even if you weren’t Midgardian, I would not let you even think about touching her with “healing” abilities.” He said, his tone dismissive.

Turning his back on her again, Thracius lay a hand on Sleipnir, and seemed to forget about the annoying Midgardian as he said softly to Svanna ”Do not worry… We will find you appropriate help.” and help from a Midgardian that didn’t have such an attitude. Healers, in any world, were to be respected. Not bugs that thought they were on par with a God.

He did however ensure that the female could not get to Svanna. Fenrir watched her. The wolf would not allow the female closer then she already was, Thracius knew. He trusted the wolf, and did not doubt that he could handle the prissy morsel. ”I doubt we need to move. We are already in the courtyard.” He said to his sister, flicking a glance to their father and otherwise giving no attention to the Midgardian. ”Then we will get you a healer, and find our dorms, get away from the Midgardians.”

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Turning his attention to Akila, Tobias kept the dog under control, a rather surprising feat for him. He looked up at Connor’s words, bouncing slightly as if full of energy. “Your friend might be in trouble?” He asked curiously before nodding, “Let’s go find him! Why would he be stuck to something?” He asked curiously, before shrugging, looking to Salyssa, “We’ll help, right?” He asked, patting Akila as she sat, resting her weight against his leg. She looked up at him with adoring eyes, seemingly content where she was.

”Ben is the son of Peter Parker… and isn’t use to his webs yet. He tends to get stuck a lot.” Connor said to Tobias, a little amused as he continued to look about them.

“Of course we are going to help, Tobi… is that not what friends are for..?” Chuckling softly at her friend, the sound filling the air as it passed through her lips, Salyssa cast a rather quick glance around their area, her gaze flicking from person to person as she stepped closer to Connor, her curiosity piquing, “..Peter Parker..? I have read some of his articles- well, I have read some articles that include his photographs. He is very talented.”

Giving a gentle smile in Connor’s direction, her hand lifting to adjust the strap of her bag on her shoulder, she paused, her attention drifting back out to the crowd, “..is there anything we should be looking for in particular..? Other than… spider webs..?”

Connor gave that question a few minutes thought, ”There might be some destruction… He doesn’t exactly know how to stop… “ he said, ”A few times, we’ve just been standing or sitting around talking and then “Woosh!” he’s gone,” Connor said, looking to Salyssa and Tobias, He paused a moment longer, before saying ”I just hope he isn’t stuck to a wall somewhere… “

Turning his gaze back over the crowd, seeking any sign of his friend. He was sure he caught sight of him, but then he was gone. Where, who knew. With a glance towards the other two, before he started off to where he had thought he had seen Ben. ”I saw him this way… “

Tobias kept Akila’s leash wrapped around his hand, glancing about them curiously, ”So we just look for the kid getting stuck to a bunch of stuff? Should be easy!” he said cheerfully, grinning at Salyssa ”Isn’t this a blast?”

“Definitely; it reminds me of the last time we were in Peru… someone else I know tends to find himself walking into trouble without meaning to…” Quirking a brow, Salyssa shot Tobias a knowing look as she began following after Connor, the glance lasting but a few moments before she turned back to continued on with their search, “..walking off a cliff edge is not something that I would recommend; though, in that particular situation, I am sure your friend might have been at an advantage with his webs…”

Tobias laughed, ”I can’t help it! There’s just so many interesting things around!” He said cheerfully, following after them, shrugging ”And so much to do!”

Connor chuckled, ”Well, yes. If he could learn control of them, they’d be great for him.” he said, ”What were you two doing in Peru?” he asked as he looked about, wondering if he should suggest to Ben they put a tracker on him so this wouldn’t happen all the time.

“Oh, uhm… my mother is an archaeologist…” A little caught off guard by the question, though not at all unwilling to provide him with the answers he sought, Salyssa turned her attention over to Connor once more, her eyes sparkling lightly as she spoke about the topic, “..she will actually be teaching the subject here at the academy.”

Connor turned his gaze to Salyssa, ”Wow, really? That’s pretty cool, unlocking the mysteries of the past and all.” he said in a fascinated tone, ”Who is your mother?” he asked, trying to figure it out, but a little unsure. There were so many beings out there, who were now connected to the Academy that it was hard to keep track of them all.

Recalling that he was meant to be looking for Ben, he turned his gaze to the area around them once more,

”Was that him? Something zoomed nearby.” Tobias said cheerfully, pointing and then shrugging, ”I think anyway.”

Turning her head, her eyes narrowing as she looked over in the direction Tobias mentioned, Salyssa brought her hands together in front of her stomach, her brows furrowing slightly as she continued to look with the others, “..huh..? O-Oh, my mother is June Moone… though, you may know her by Enchantress…”

Connor thought for a moment, before nodded, ”I think I have heard of her, but it might have been in passing with my father… Still, I think that’s a fascinating career” He said, as he looked towards were Tobias seemed to think he’d seen Ben. There was nothing there now, and Connor frowned, wondering how long they could chase after Ben.

Maybe he should search from above… But Connor was a bit reluctant to do that, and so he continued looking about them. If Ben had been there… and Connor had seen him just over there… It was no use trying to figure out what direction Ben was going, when he could be anywhere. ”He’s gone now… “

“..y-your friend is quite fast at moving about…” Brows creasing slightly, her head the last thing to turn, Salyssa gave her full attention back to both men, her step slowing to a stop beside them, “..what are we to do now..?”

Connor nodded, sighing softly ”Might have to take to the skies to look for him… “

Tobias gave a shrug, ”Its like a zip line! You just look away and it’s gone!” he said with a laugh, ”Well, I can’t fly, but I’ll stay right here!” he promised.

“..you might not be able to fly; though it has never before stopped you from attempting to do so…” Shaking her head lightly from side to side, another soft chuckle falling through her lips, Salyssa hesitated, her gaze lingering on Connor. The last time she’d left the ground, he’d reacted badly… what if that happened again..?

Tobias grinned, ”Well, I figure it’s only logical… Water… Earth… Maybe I’ll get fire and wind too!” he said, as it it made sense, crouching by Akila and patting her, ”Besides, we’re already on a rescue mission right? Don’t want two do we?” he said with a chuckle.

Connor listened to the two talk, wondering if he could stay in the air without hurting anyone, if it was worth the risk… but he couldn’t leave Ben stuck to something. He turned to look at them, hesitating as he saw Salyssa looking at him, ”Is something wrong?” he asked, a little confused. Had he done something wrong?

Blush creeping out over her cheeks, her gaze tearing from his, Salyssa shook her head lightly from side to side, “..no… nothing…”

Perplexed, Connor watched her another moment or two, ”Oh. Ben. Right.” He said after a moment, looking around them once more, reaching for his pack, but still hesitating. ”I’m not so good in the air.” he admitted.

Tobias looked to Salyssa curiously as he threw an arm around Akila, keeping the dog by his side, debating about saying something before he shrugged to himself, looking to Akila, ”Salyssa can do the flying!”

“..T-Tobi..!” Eyes widening, her attention turning back around so that she was able to look at him, Salyssa shifted slightly, shaking her head lightly from side to side as if in an attempt to dissuade him from his suggestion.

”What? It’s true! You can fly!” Tobias said, looking up at her and smiling, not quite sure what he had done wrong as he looked at her cheerfully.

”Its okay if you don’t want to.” Conner said softly, ”I can use my suit.” He didn’t want to force her to do anything she didn’t want to, and Ben was his friend. He could do this.

“..i-it is not that… I-...” The blush on her cheeks growing stronger, her head dropping, Salyssa stared down at her hands, watching on as her fingers played with the hem of her top.

Connor looked towards her, stepping closer, but hesitated on seeking to comfort her, ”What is it?” he asked with concern.

“..y-you did not like it when I flew…” Her voice soft as she spoke, Salyssa kept her gaze on her hands, refusing to meet with his eyes.

She was worried about his reaction? ”Oh… No… I was just surprised.” he said quickly, ”I didn’t expect it… which is probably foolish given where we are… I’m sorry… “

Pausing, her head lifting so that she could let her gaze meet with his, she silently watched him. He was sorry..? Thrown once more at his words, hesitant, Salyssa slowly reached her hand out, letting it hover between them as she offered it for him to take.

Connor hesitated for a handful of seconds, before reaching out and taking her hand, unsure what she was going to do, he nevertheless gave her a smile.

Taking hold of his hand, her fingers entwining with his, Salyssa gave a gentle push off from the ground below them, her feet curling up slightly beneath her as her body lifted up and into the air, bringing him with her as she did lifted the both of them high enough that they were able to see a full body over those milling about the courtyard. This wasn’t the first time she had done this- having spent a good portion of her life flying after Tobias in order to keep him from toppling to his doom in the name of curiosity, it had become quite the regular thing… though this was different… this wasn’t Tobi…

Turning her head, daring a glance over at Connor, she bit down softly upon her lower lip, her nerves once more attempting to take control of her as she spoke to him, her voice still soft, “..can-... can you see your friend..?”

Connor wasn’t sure what he expected… but suddenly being lifted into the air, not under his own power… Well, it was certainly different to flying himself. He was somewhat nervous, but he decided to trust Salyssa, and met her gaze when she looked over at him. He gave her a smile, hoping it was reassuring. At her words, he turned slightly to look about, checking the area around them carefully, glancing up along the buildings, he was about ready to give up hope when he saw Ben, being propelled towards the schools gates, out of control. ”There!”

Nodding lightly in understanding, sharing a quick glance with Tobias below, Salyssa moved them forward and through the air above the crowd, remaining silent as she glanced about, lowering them back to the ground only once she had spotted an open space next to where the guy they had been searching for came to a stop, his body wrapped tightly together with that of a woman thanks to the webs they both seemed caught up in; the mere sight causing a soft giggle to slip through her lips.

“..heheh… Ben I assume..?”

Connor made sure to keep his hand on hers, holding it securely. When they were on the ground once more, Connor took in the sight that greeted them. He sought to keep his composure, although it was quite a challenge. ”Well… Uh, that’s certainly one way to get a girl, Ben.” he said, chuckling lightly.

”Do you need a hand… or are you alright there?”

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Barca sought to compose him after first the Spider-boy, and then the dog. He studied Glaber, the owl was still asleep, and after a moments thought, Barca gently poked the owl. Glaber stirred, made a small noise and then tucked his head under his wing further. Well. At least he was alive. ”Lazy.” he muttered to the owl, but smiled to himself glad that the owl was alright. ”Been out all night partying, I take it.” He said softly to him with amusement in this voice, before he once more composed himself. Almost tentatively he reached out to the thoughts around him, closing his eyes and warily avoiding any thoughts that seemed like the dogs.

If so, he really needed to put him on a leash.

Was that directed at him? Amused, Barca followed the thought. He would have to correct whoever it was that it was not his dog. He was quite happy with his owl. He was shocked however to find out she was coming over to him, and he opened his eyes, glancing up at the girl with curiosity. At her thought on Glaber, he had to agree, nodding his head slightly. That was always the problem with mind reading. Sometimes he found himself answering unspoken thoughts. ”I’m fine.” He said softly, flinching slightly as she played the scene over in her head.

”The boy did not mean to do it, and there was no harm done.” he said, shrugging as if it was nothing. ”Incompetence should not be punished in anycase. The boy will learn.” He rose in one fluid motion, smoothing his outfit of any crinkles, dirt and grass, offering the girl his hand. ”I am Barca Ashur Xavier.” He said in a confident manor, ”You seem interested in my Owl. You can have a closer look at him, if you wish. I do apologise, he is asleep right now. But he is a rather beautiful and unique creature.” he said

He had made note of the announcement, but believed they had a few moments given that they were already in the courtyard. A quick look around told him that other students were still gathering, spurred on by the announcement but none seemed to be in a hurry to gather. No doubt there would be a few moments wait time before the headmaster made his appearance. ”And no, the dog is not mine. I believe he got away from his owner… although he didn’t seemed distressed. Just wanted a place to pee.” He said absently, looking back to the girl, waiting for her response.