There was suddenly a lot of noise coming from the nurse's office.

Then, just as quickly as it seemed to have erupted, it was gone. Leaving the youth thoroughly confused about just what these teenagers were even doing down there.

And, apparently, he was not the only one.

Twisting his body, the young Shi'ar was inverted in the air so that his head was angled toward the floor and he seemed to be seated cross-legged in mid-air. "Hi," the child chirped brightly, as luminous blue eyes scanned the man named Drake before he turned his attention over to the woman who had been introduced as Khloe. "I like your hair," the boy noted, as he looked at the human female.

Human hair seemed to demonstrate as broad a range of coloration and patterns as did Shi'ar plummage.

"I'm Syaoran," the child supplied, introducing himself as he turned his head back toward the man called Drake. "But, I dunno what's really going on," the boy added, with an upside-down shrug. "There was this noise. Then there was a boom. Then there was shouting. And now, it's just us."

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Khloe quickly hurried along to follow Drake, his legs were longer so she had to jog while he only had to walk. The difference was quite obvious between the two, in height and age, since Drake is older than Khloe, Khloe let out an "Oppa!" From complete muscle memory, she even realised that she didn't mean to do it, and tried her best to fix it. "I mean... D!" She called out, but Khloe's thoughts seemed to race the moment she saw Isaac looking like he was a background character in a world war movie.

Drake then started moving again, "아이구! 'Aigoo!' (Aw Man!)" Khloe muttered to herself but she hurried along once again to follow D. Drake has already introduced her to some kid and a blonde lady, they seemed nice. The kid did compliment her hair and Khloe replied with a 45 degree angle bow and a " 'Kamsahamnida (감사합니다)'- I mean, thank you." Drake then went on and asked what happened back there with Isaac, and when the kid replied, Khloe added. "There are some things that I really don't want to know, and that is one of them."

Yguvuj

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Drake’s eyes began to squint as he was listening to Cleo’s story. Uná had already gone to the nurse with the others. The redhead she was referring to must’ve been Sally. Drake recalled seeing Professor Pierce in the background, before he took his leave. A wave of guilt fell over him in learning that he had walked away right before Isaac attacked again. He looked toward the doors of the institution. I hope she’s alright, he thought. After his mind went passed Sally’s safety, it again fell upon the notion that he was in a potentially hostile environment with very little possibility of being able to protect himself or others. Even if he hadn’t walked away, what the hell was he going to be able to do to Isaac to prevent him from hurting anyone?

His attention fell back on the others around him and, with a look of displeasure, he excused himself. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go,” he stated simply before turning to the entrance of the building and walking in without waiting for anyone’s response. His mind fell on the lighter again and the incident that occurred before. He made his way to his dorm room and shut the door behind him. It was time to experiment.

He moved to his bed and sat himself before pulling out his lighter. How in the hell did it do that last time, he asked himself, referring to when the flame on the lighter grew to a raging 5 feet tall. He flicked the lighter again and was met with unsuccessful sparks just as before. There has to be something to this, he thought as he tried to concentrate. It couldn’t have been a manufacturing glitch. That flame from before was because of something else. Drake was hoping that it was him; that he was the reason the fire reacted the way it did. It would mean a ticket out of mediocrity, a means to both defend and protect himself and the people he cared about from other mutants. It would mean a lot, and while Drake was still uneasy about being a mutant at all, if he was going to be one regardless then he’d prefer to be one that had an active power instead of just a passive one like being fireproof.

Drake stared at the top nozzle of the lighter and willed it to ignite. He flicked the friction wheel once more. Sparks, then nothing. He tried again. Same result. Drake scratched at his forehead with his free hand, a nervous tick, as he tried to figure out what he was doing wrong. Everything is exactly the same as it was before. Why is it not working now?



His red eye twitched just as he heard the voice in his head. Drake pushed himself to his feet in a panic and quickly surveyed the room.

“Who was that?!” he shouted. It was debatable whether there was fear or fury in his voice. A moment of silence passed before he decided to sprint out into the hallway, looking in both directions for the culprit. The hall appeared empty. Hesitantly, he made his way back into his room. He was in an institution full of mutants. A telepath, he concluded. ’Are you still in my head? If you are, get the fuck out!’ he mentally demanded.



Again, Drake’s eye twitched, but harder this time, so much so that Drake had to harshly rub it to make it feel correct again. He was about to go off on this mental intruder, using every curse word in his repotiore, but he hesitated. He was worked up the first time he tried this trick and it worked. He still wasn’t a fan of having an unwelcome visitor poking around in his mind, but it seemed best to address the things he could control rather than harp on the things he couldn’t.

He sat back on the bed, still looking around the room as if he were going to catch this intruder hiding in one of the corners. Eventually his multi-colored eyes fell back to the lighter in his hand. Use anger... he thought as he tried to recall every memory he had that left mental scars. Every thought of being made to feel little, every injustice he ever witnessed, every fight of which he had ever been a part. His grip on the lighter began to tighten and his teeth started to clench. His face began to get flush and hot as the blood rushed up through his neck. ...make fire. Drake flicked the friction wheel.

PHOOM!

The massive flame produced hit the ceiling and began spreading outward, looking like an inverted waterfall from hell as the overhead plaster began to warp and blacken. Drake’s eyes went wide as he looked on, but this time he didn’t release the feelings he had summoned right away. With sheer force of will, he tried to dial it back slowly and as he did, the flame reacted accordingly, gradually losing contact with the ceiling and shrinking to a manageable size.

It was hard to maintain his state of mind. It was the fury that produced the blaze but all he could feel now was excitement. He just kept going back to his memories, trying to embrace the violent passion. As he stared into the heart of the flame in front of him, he felt a sudden urge to touch it. With his free hand, he did so, putting his palm right in the middle of it. His other hand was still holding down the igniter of the lighter. It dawned on Drake that there was no way that lighter had enough fuel in it to have kept this flame going for any length of time. It’s not the lighter... he thought. He released the igniter. A twisted grin slowly spread across his face as the blaze remained, only this time it appeared as though it was originating from Drake’s hand. His palm tingled in the best way possible. He stared at it and tried to memorize the sensation. He discarded the lighter with his other hand and raised it palm up in the air, parallel to the one that was currently aflame. His eyes shifted between the two as he tried to replicate the tingling sensation from his left hand to his right. The latter was beginning to get warm and he could feel his nerves beginning to stir. With one final push of forced anger, his right hand erupted and became engulfed.

You can control fire, Drake thought to himself. The joy was too much to push away now. Drake closed his hands into dual fists and the fires extinguished simultaneously. “Yes!” Drake exclaimed, raising both fists victoriously into the air as he looked up... and saw the ceiling again, a rectangle of white tarnished by one large black, charred spot just above his bed. “Shit!” Oh well, he thought. Surely Nik will understand.

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Interactions: @Draven

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He stepped out of the Nurse's office, watching Una rush away. While she seemed to flirt with most every man she encountered, she seemed to be... particularly fond of Nathan. A small sigh escaped Nik's lips as he made his way back towards his dorm. She did say to meet them at the library, so that's what he would do. He kept his hands in his pockets, head slightly down as he thought on his way back. Maybe... it might be better if I back off for a change. Just started here anyways and I'm not too hot on Calc. She's cute, and gets my references and seems excited about them... but I don't know her. And Nathan seems like he could use someone. He fits the protagonist role better than I do. Or, I guess... maybe it's like a Ferris Beuller situation. It would be interesting to see if I could help him get his confidence back. I can still be friends with them, and I can still hang out with Una. I could hang out with Joseph a little more, see what it is that makes girls like him so much...

Before he knew it, he was back at his room. He opened the door and gave a nod without really looking at Drake, still in thought. He went to his desk, grabbing his books and packing them into his backpack before slinging it over his shoulder. As Nik turned to leave, he looked up, noticing the mark on the ceiling before looking back at Drake, raising an eyebrow. "I'm just saying... I don't want to have to pay for them fixing the room. We're roommates... but if you break it you're paying for it." He looked back up at the mark then down at his roommate, half anticipating an explanation.

Api had been dressed down by the librarian who told him he was in future to do any experiments in approved locations and the library was for reading and that she would see if the institute wanted him to pay for the book and damage.

He had never been responsible for damaging school property and it worried him that he’d allowed himself to be so distracted he could have injured someone. He couldn’t live with himself if he allowed his own desires to fly cause someone undeserved harm.

Chastized and his eyes opened he is Gunnar as he heads back to his room where he finds it is empty; Joey is always out doing whatever.

So kicking off his shoes Gunnar lays on his bed and stares at the ceiling thinking.

He thinks of how he has changed since his mutation awoke, how he has changed since leaving home and lastly how the people here seen to be changing him. Is it a good thing or bad?

Fighting, death threats and general mayhem in his first week; was this where he belonged?

Sighing he closed his eyes.

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”Gunnar lend a hand here” called out his uncle as he and the rest of the crew struggled to tie off the nets as the waves of the Grand Banks stirred by building Hurricanes far to the south in the mid Atlantic between Africa and South America pummeled the ship.

Giving his station one quick look to make sure nothing could be swept over the side he then joined his Uncle and Captain Helmund.

”Careful the blow doesn’t take ya” chuckled Arn a big burly man who’d shipped aboard this season his own craft now resting somewhere below with his brother and three friends.

As he hauled in the lines and made them fast along with all hands Gunnar felt alive the Grettir riding the waves up the towering front, over the crest and then plunging like a diver towards the cold gray sea below. This was how the men of the sea had for 1,000s of years seen the world beautiful and wild, a place of life and death, chance and misfortune; it was like a drug or drink and no wonder so many saw it as a lover. No other profession was more about life than that of a fisherman and it was hard for Gunnar to think that in a few months he’d give it all up to go to America.

It was while caught by his thoughts that a rogue decided the Grettir was a blemish on the rolling sea and caught them on the Starboard quarter and grabbed the big man Arn dragging him over the side and knocking everyone but Gunnar to the deck; Arn was surely bound to join his own boat and crew if not for the fact he had an angel.

Gunnar knew he had only seconds to grab the big man so he dove into the sea after him the shock of the cold water hitting him quickly. They had maybe 20 minutes before the water temperature sucked all the energy from them but Gunnar had a trick he’d learned while in the mountains, he could make gravity reverse.

”Boy you’ve killed yourself for nothing” yelled Arn over the winds as Gunnar grabbed him

”You’ll see” was Gunnar’s answer as he struggled to overcome gravity and the life draining cold of the water.

At first nothing happened but as Gunnar focused on the dark skies above they began to slowly rise, first a foot then three till finally they broke the surface and were fully out of the water. Arn struggled confused by what was going on then realized it was Gunnar the boy he’d teased every day for being so small for his age.

”My apologies Gunnar I have misjudged you, I will see my wife and daughters yet” he said actually trying to hug the boy high above the sea.

”Arn if you could would you activate the rescue strobes so the Grettir can find us? I am not sure how long I can do this.” said Api with a laugh of relief and joy.

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Drake shot Nik a sideways smirk and stood up from the bed. "You got it, bud," he said and then he shot Nik a pair of finger guns with a cheesy freeze-frame smile. After a two second delay, the top of his index fingers ignited with a pair of small flames dancing upon them. Drake couldn't hold the pose any longer and broke character, chuckling at himself. "This ol' dog learned a new trick!" he said, regaining his composure and moseying over to where his roommate was.

"How's that Nathan guy?" he asked, his tone more serious now. "Everything turn out alright?" He was interested in the answer, but he also needed to figure out how Sally fared after the courtyard fiasco. "By the way, the party out there didn't end when you guys left," Drake informed. "That Isaac dude apparently attacked Sally and she attacked back, I guess. A Cleo chick said one of the staff took her inside, I imagine to the infirmary. Did you see them before you left?"

Drake also thought back to the trio he abandoned in the courtyard. Not my most elegant moment, he thought. He would have to revisit them later and apologize for the rushed departure.

---

Interactions: @Draven

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Nik's eyes widened in shock at the sight of flames. His roommate claimed he was only fireproof... being able to produce fire made things a little more interesting. He gave a smile back, readjusting the strap of his backpack. When he was questioned about the others and Sally in particular, he let out an embarrassed sigh through a slightly pained expression. "To be entirely honest... I kind of spaced. Nathan is kind of fine, but he's kind of... hysterical. Seems pretty down on himself, but overall seems to have healed relatively well. To be honest, kind of got in another fight cause Una manifested another Isaac with her mind. Joe woke her up while I kicked its ass..."

He chuckled a little. It was day one and things were already insane. "Anywho, I'd love to celebrate with you on unlocking another aspect of your powers, but I've got to meet up with Una and Nathan to study Calc. I'll catch you later." With that, Nik ran out of the room before Drake could say anything, making his way back out of the dorm and towards the library.

Once there, he found a few people studying. Ahh... extras. Every scene needs those. Unless the film is apocalyptic. Even then... Nik's mind wandered as he made his way towards an empty table in the back corner, always the key spot if you're looking to be a little louder and have a little fun. It was tucked away neatly behind the bookshelves, standing far from the Librarian's desks but close-by to a window. The warm sun cascaded through the window, illuminating the table as if the gods themselves shined upon it... And sitting in one of the seats was a backpack.

Nik knew the rules and codes of ethics that came from reserving a table. The table was reserved if you placed any significant belongings on it. But what the mutant was dealing with was important... for Love is war. This table was a key in the upcoming battle. So Nik did as any soldier would: violated his own morality for the sake of his allies. He subtly switched bags, shouldering the stranger's backpack and moving it to a table two rows over. Once he dropped it off, Nik went back to the table he claimed and rested his feet upon it, scrolling through his phone as he waited for the others.

Once a moment passed, the distinct sound of the throat of a disgruntled party being cleared pierced the relative silence. Nik raised his eyes to see someone from his calc, an acne-ridden kid about sixteen wearing a dorky name-tag that said "Hello, My Name is Eugene." Nik gave a shrug and pointed in the direction where he left the kid's backpack. Eugene's face was one of disgust and anger, yet he sulked away to his new location whilst looking over his shoulder at Nik. Was it a bright idea to violate such basic courtesies in a school filled with super-powered freaks? No. Nik had certainly made an enemy today. But it was worth it.

He continued scrolling through his Twitter feed as he waited for his friends to arrive.

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Uná ran after Nathan with his shirt in her hand. She saw him running down the stairs and desperate enough to do the calculations in her head she vaulted over the railing to land just to the side of him. Yay! Parkour!” She hoped he wasn’t too startled by the landing. She approached him softly and calmly. Unlike my thundering heart...it was the jump...yeah the jump.

“Hey Nathan. I know that run. You can’t outrun it forever. Trust me I tried. But it does help to talk about it. Plus you forgot your shirt. The less questions asked the better. Or at least that’s how I was...am...sometimes. Dammit I’m so confused will you put your shirt on so I can concentrate. Over here stuttering like an idiot cause a hot guy is shirtless.” She doesn’t hold it out at arms length. No she makes him step closer to her to get his shirt. She is very serious looking and seems very shy suddenly.

---

Uná’s landing scared the shit out of Nathan. He quickly realized it was her and tried to hide the pain him tensing in panic caused. He was out of breath and confused. Her words proved that she kind of understood what he was feeling. She read him perfectly. She stumbled on her words a bit before asking him to put on his shirt. He assumed it was because of his scars, but then she mentioned being nervous because a hot guy had his shirt off. Hot? Him? She must be trying to make him feel better and not bring up the obvious elephant strewn across his chest and back.

He stepped close to her and took the shirt in his hands, but didn’t pull away immediately. He wanted to say so much...he wanted to explain how much she’d meant to him in these moments that they’d known each other. That no one has ever showed that kind of concern for him...not even her. Nathan’s mouth opened as though he was going to speak, but the words were jumbled...and he couldn’t get his thoughts together. All he could do is...kiss her. Using the shirt that they were both still holding onto, he pulled her in towards him and leaned in. He’d never kissed anyone before like this...he was running purely on instinct.

---

Uná felt him tug on the shirt and pulled her toward him. Then he leaned in. He wasn’t going to kiss her was he? She closed her eyes and held her breath. She’d never been kissed before and this just felt so right. Or maybe that’s how it always felt. No that’s not right. Other guys in San Diego had tried to kiss her but she had walked away. She couldn’t...wouldn’t move. She was...Then all rational thought stopped. It was just feeling after that.

---

His lips met hers and his heart dropped into his stomach in all of the right ways. The butterflies he was feeling fluttered like never before, and for that instant all of his pain and confusion went away. He just felt...her. It was the single greatest sensation he had ever felt, and despite the cool dampness of her clothes he felt the warmth of her skin beneath them. His eyes closed and he just enjoyed the moment...anxiety free for the first time in his entire fucking life.

---

Uná’s breath came out in a rush. Out of instinct she let her hands move up his bare arms and to his shoulders then on tiptoes clinging to him she opens her mouth to say something. Her mouth soft she thinks about pulling back. For a millisecond.

---

The moment of serenity and passion was overwhelming in so many ways, but Nathan embraced it. Once the kiss was over she clang to him as he wrapped his arms around her hips. He just held her for a moment. He didn’t want it to end. His brain began to boot back up. He had just kissed a girl. Holy shit. His anxiety turned up to 11.

“I’m so sorry...That was uncalled for...that was...amazing.”

---

Uná opened her eyes and focused on him...apologizing? “Shush. Don’t you dare apologize for my first kiss. That wasn’t uncalled for it’s been building since I touched you. And yes amazing comes to mind. Interstellar. Cosmic. Phenomenal. They say practice makes perfect right? Again? Surely we imagined that first time.”

---

Wait...she liked it? His neural system stuttered from pure shock, but also pure fucking ecstasy. She suggested they try again, for the sake of “practice”; that made him laugh and smile from ear to ear.

“I don’t know what to say right now...so I just won’t” He leaned down toward her again; kissing her with as much passion as the first time around. This time though his body pressed against hers even more than before out of instinct. He released himself to the desire entirely. What a fucking day.

---

Uná had that feeling of flying all over again. If she’d have known kissing was like this she’s have insisted to the fates that she wanted to meet him sooner. Kissing him back with as much abandon as passion that he poured over her. Something in her shifted and she was suffused in joy which quickly turned to passion that matched Nathan’s own. Her mouth softened under his and she pressed the tip of her tongue to the center of his lips. Uná made a small kittenish noise. She didn’t even know she could make that sound.

---

Nathan felt her tongue press between his lips. He didn’t resist it, and tried to mimic what she was doing in return. He could feel the blood pumping through his body as his heartbeat sped up even faster. As the kiss ended she made a noise that made his heart stop. It was the single most arousing thing he’d ever heard. He bit his lip nervously as he opened his eyes and met hers.
”It was even better the second time around.” He couldn’t believe he could even process words in this moment, but they came out rather smoothly...for him at least. “We should try this again sometime.” . He chuckled with flustered anxiousness. Nathan’s smile widened and he simply said the thing that’s been running through his head…”What a fucking day.”

---

Uná blinked to get her eyes to focus and the fireworks in her brain. She felt like she had rolled in fuzzy seeds of dandelions all warm and fuzzy. She felt like curling up on his chest and just staying there. She buried her nose in his collarbone and clung to him after meeting his eyes and blushing. For once she was at a loss for words and hummed against his skin in affirmation to his statements. She was very sleepy and drowsy. She hummed a tune in her head that wanted out. She felt boneless and happy. One thought invaded her mind.

What happens now? Is this too fast? It feels too fast...I don’t know I need to think and someone to talk to. Oh my gods what about what everyone else will think?!? What about Nikolai? I know more about him than Nathan. Shoot I know more about Joseph than either of them!! I know that Joseph has a sister and that’s more than I know about Nathan. I have no idea what his last name even is. Where he was from? If he has siblings. All those little things. Thinking those thoughts she stepped back a bit and leaned a hip against the railing. She hadn’t left his arms more like leaned back a bit to look up at him better. Looking up at Nathan she looked a bit puzzled. “What happens now?” She sounded thoroughly kissed. Well how she thought someone thoroughly kissed would sound. Thinking that maybe he had an answer to that question.

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Nathan could feel the shift in the atmosphere; a subtle change from bliss to ponderence. He wasn’t the best when it came to social cues, but this came off loud and clear. Uná leaned back slightly, not pulling away from him but still the distance meant something, and he felt it. Her question cut to the point in a way that Nathan appreciated. He wanted desperately to know what she was thinking. Why couldn’t his mutation have telepathy? He cleared his quivering throat so that he could speak.

“I...honestly have no idea.” His mind was racing. “This was my first kiss to….if you can believe it.”” He smiled his broken, half smile as he attempted humor to perhaps lighten the mood. His fear was that there weren’t any real answers for her question. He’d try anyway. “What I know...what I can honestly say is that I have never met anyone that made me feel more comfortable or normal than you have since the moment we met. And that’s insane...because we met in the middle of absolute chaos at a school for people who are literally far from normal.” He lowered his eyes closer to hers. “That has to mean something. However, I acted on emotion and instinct when I kissed you. I don’t regret it, but I understand if I it was weird...or to soon. Where we go from here is entirely up to you Uná, but I would really like to get to know you more.””

---

Uná nodded and tilted her head looking at Nathan. “Normal? You are normal Nathan. Normal is subjective. Ever thought that other normal people were aberrations and that we are the future? I know that sounds a bit on the Brotherhood side of things but as long as you don’t take it too far its a good point. But I agree that it does mean something that feeling and that kiss. That can’t be your first kiss!! And yes getting to know you better is in the plan. That being said this idea for a study group is a good one. I’m going to the library in a few minutes...after I get out of these wet clothes. I’ve told Nik and if you can bare to part with me I’ll get going. You still need to cover up...” She smiled as she teased him running her fingers through his dark hair.

---

They were the future? That concept was something that Nathan had never considered before this moment. Could it be the case that they were the new normal? He wasn’t entirely convinced. His heart warmed as she ran her fingers through his hair. He didn’t want to part with her, but she was right...this moment couldn’t last forever. He pulled away from her gently, taking his shirt from her and sliding on. He was just glad that she wanted to figure out what all of this meant instead of shooting him down. It meant more than she would ever know.

”Okay. Yeah that makes sense. Go get changed...I’ll go back to nurse and apologize for acting like a crazy person. I really do think Isaac broke my ribs.” He laughed though it was clear it hurt to do so. He was still breathing heavy; partially because of the moment they had shared, but also because it was difficult to catch his breath when it hurt to breath in deeply. ”I’ll meet you at the library in a bit if the nurse lets me. If not I’ll see you...whenever.” He was smiling from ear to ear. He let a small, awkward silence sit but realized it and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek before making his way back up the stairs.

---

Uná watched him walk away with more than a little regret then made a beeline for her room and changed into a pair of high waisted button up shorts and a blue shirt she tied off in front and taking off her still soaking socks and shoes she decided to go with a pair of Star Wars slip ons. Yes she was a bit of a nerd but she really liked the whole philosophy and could watch all of the movies anytime they came on. She brushed out her hair and put it in a fishtail french braid that was to one side. She grabbed the Calc book and her notebook for classes and grabbed her History and English Lit as well just in case. Tossing them in her bag she headed for the Library.

She left a note for Temperance that she was studying in the Library and that she was welcome to come if she wanted to. She felt like if Temperance got out more then maybe she’d ease into the school and having more friends might be good for her. She had a heart of gold but sometimes all anyone saw was the temper. She’d been a pretty decent roommate and being with her a week now Uná felt like she wasn’t doing herself any favors by shutting most everyone out. Uná added on the note that she hoped that she’d come out at least to say hi.

She arrived at the library and saw that there were other people in the front and looking around finally saw Nikolai. His feet were propped up on the table and he was buried in his phone. He hadn’t seen her yet and she took a moment to take it all in. The sunlight fell on him and made for a very pretty picture. She grinned at the fact that even after the fight his hair was not out of place and wondered at the sight. How much product did that take?

She came over and set her books down taking the seat in front of Nikolai in the sunshine. “I brought some other subjects in case anyone needed help in those ones too. Did you see any of the others? I know that Sally, Khloe, D, Temperance and Joseph probably don't have the same classes that we do but I think Api does. Nathan was on his way back to the nurse, since he ran out and if she clears him to actually leave he might join us. For now its the two of us.” She blushed a bit at that. “So did you want to get a jump on Calc? I brought History and English Lit just in case.”She was nervous and it showed as she arranged the subjects and got out her notebook, pencils, and pen.

Hbfjngk

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Khloe quietly listen to Cleo's explanation of what happened, it wasn't anything she expected but it was what happened. The school had gone mental about a week in, Khloe barely knew anyone, let alone the beef between people that would cause them to ram each other into the ground 50 feet from the sky. Khloe couldn't shake the fact that this what she had to deal with, but maybe it won't be so bad. As Khloe continued to listen, she picked up "-Sorry, my name is Cleo." She flinched at the sudden interaction and did a quick head bow at her to show respect, basic etiquette in Korea. "Nice to meet you!" Khloe replied as she smiled, but her smile faded away the moment Drake excused himself.

He was in a hurry, and though it was worrying, Khloe wasn't in the position to intervene or to stop him. She just looked at him walk away, hoping that everything is going to be fine. Khloe then turned back to Cleo and out of the million thoughts she had in her mind, this was the sentence she formulated. "No big boom good." Khloe could have been mistaken to have a stroke, but that really wasn't a surprise after today. "I mean, yeah, everything that happened back there wasn't good at all," said Khloe, she then took a step forward an removed the cap from her head. "Anyway, I hope to be friends," Khloe replied but then muttered, "'이상' (Or more)." As she looked at Cleo.

Bored Api got up and went outside onto the Institute grounds and searched for a secluded spot thinking to himself he’d discovered what he’d sought on the stormy seas above the Grand Banks months ago.

He found a spot and sat on the ground and began focusing as he did before an event dispelling doubt and all extraneous thought his mind a laser of concentration. First he slipped off the bonds of earth’s gravity becoming his own localized source as he dropped his weight like some fog made illusion. (Around Api loose leaves and twigs are affected so that they float up and are blown away by a breeze barely able to stir the leaves on the trees)

When he detects the breeze attempting to push him sideways Api creates an attractive force above himself just a bit more powerful than the wind even leaning it towards the winds direction of origin. He feels himself rising slowly but under control so he slowly stands careful of both his balance and the attractive force overhead. In only a minute he is about 200 meters in the sky and experiencing and even more powerful cross wind forcing him to lean the attractive force farther over so that when like all winds it abates he is sailing into its former orientation and flying at about 60 kph (35 mph).

Then like a tidal wave his joy at achieving his goal washes over him and he increases the force angle accelerating faster and faster the wind blowing his hair as he laughs for joy.

He wasn’t a book and he could feel the pull of his own power and how he could adjust centrifugal force be altering his lift profile like he did the attractive force so he increased his speed even more till it got to the point he needed goggles to see then slowed to a nice 120 kph (75 mph).

Knowing he is exposed as he is Api climbs towards the clouds that start about 1,500 meters over head not to dive into but to obscure his presence and to give him the altitude to recover before he slams into the ground as he tries more and more extreme maneuvers.

Then while he’s enjoying his flight he spot a flock of he thinks starlings and dives on them sending the birds into erratic patterns which he stirs over and over again laughing as loud as he can.

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How long he flew Api didn’t care as he dove towards the spot he had launched from but when his feet touched the ground it was if the earth sucked the joy out of him; he was grounded.

As he stood there he looked up at the sky and felt it pulling at his empty heart like the sea. How alive he felt up there was hard to describe even to himself but he did know it was a place where his solitude was a blessing and not the weight it now felt like. This made him laugh, the thought that he a master of gravity felt chained when he allowed the earth beneath his feet to anchor him to its surface.

So shaking off his blues he chose a selection from his vast playlists to bring his mood up and soon he was smiling to the old school music Thunderstruck as he headed towards the dorms to do a bit more research and make notes on where the physicists got it wrong.

Adam rushed passed Cleo with a thankful nod. He thought about his options. Did he take Sally up to the nurse’s infirmary? No. She would be treating other students by now, and not only did he not want to take her attention away from them but he also knew that given her condition Sally should be the priority. In that moment he made up his mind; he’d take her to see the Nightingale. Ashford was going to be livid. His feet skipped two steps at a time as he hastened his pace towards the right floor. He took a quick left at the door and stopped at what appeared to be a solid wall. He shifted Sally’s weight to his left arm as he pulled his key-card from his pocket. Holding the card up to the wall produced a beep as it shifted and revealed an undisclosed entrance. He stepped inside as the hidden door closed quickly behind him. Motion activated lights flashed on to reveal a brightly lit medical facility with impossibly white walls. An array of high tech equipment was scattered about the room, but Adam headed straight towards the centerpiece. He gently laid Sally down on a strange hovering surface that shifted to her posture and size like water to a glass. The large computer next to him powered on, and a feminine, computerized voice erupted in the silence.

“Mr. Pierce. What seems to be the problem?” The machine asked quizzically with convincing emotion in its voice.

“I’m not sure Florence. She unleashed an aspect of her mutation and then fainted. Check her vitals and do whatever you have to do make sure she’s okay.” Adam looked down at Sally, masking his obvious concern. “Can you wake her up?”

“I most certainly can try Mr. Pierce.”

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The sleep was so warm. So welcoming; painless. Sally's hand twitched and her face started to twist into pain, but quickly faded, her features smoothing back out. She was starting to wake up now, and that's when the pain slowly started to come back tenfold. And then, everything that happened flashed through her mind. Like a movie clip stuck in fast forward. It played up until Isaac attacked her, and then it stopped. Sally's eyes popped open and she gasped, quickly sitting up. "What happened l? Where's Isaac? Is he Ok? What about everyone else?" She fired her questions off without pause while she reached her hand up to hold her head. Her heart began beating to faster, her breathes coming quicker. Sally groaned and went to slide her legs over the... that's when she noticed she was somewhere else. And someone else was with her. Slowly bringing her hand back down, Sally winced and let her eyes travel from the person's feet, all the way up. It was Professor Pierce. After staring at the man for a moment, she finally broke eye contact and looked around the room. She hadn't seen this one before, or even remembered being told about it. And it definitely wasn’t the infirmary. With a quick, dismissive shake of her head, Sally looked back to Pierce. "What is this," she asked softly, her head hurting too much to speak any louder.

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“This...is a room that you’re not supposed to be in, but here we are. Sally, meet Florence Nightingale.” He motions towards the startlingly high tech machine. “Not the Florence Nightingale, but an artificially intelligent medical computer that was designed by Dr. Ashford himself. She’s going to make sure you’re okay.” Adam attempts a calming smile in hopes to alleviate any fears the young woman might have. He realized the strangeness of this situation and didn’t want any escalation. “Everyone is okay. Isaac has been dealt with. You’re safe. Your powers protected you, but I think it overwhelmed your body so we’re simply making sure your vitals are okay and that you’re good to go.”

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Again, Sally looked around the room, then to the machine that he had introduced her to. Why was she here, instead of the infirmary? Couldn't the nurse check her vitals just as well as... Florence could? He then mentioned that Isaac and then others were alright. Sally released a relieved sigh and nodded, looking back up to Pierce. He still hadn't answered her question. "Professor Pierce," she began as she started to get up off of the thing she was on, but stopped, "What happened?" She had never had something like this happen and it was actually starting to scare her. She gets attacked, blacks out, then wakes up in some strange room where some computer, machine, whatever, was going to make sure she was Ok? "What happened," she repeated, feeling the fear escalate, despite her somewhat calm exterior.

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“Isaac attacked you after the fight. You emitted a shock wave of sorts that protected you and sent the idiot flying. It was impressive. I’ve read up on everyone’s capabilities and I’m pretty certain you were unaware of the fact that you could do that. Isaac is fine but detained. Some of the others, including Nathan, were headed to the infirmary. I didn’t want anyone to have to wait for medical assistance so I brought you here. Our nurse is incredible but nothing I’ve seen can do the things this machine can.” Adam looked up at Florence in awe. “Our mutations can take a toll on our bodies...especially when they evolve or activate. I just didn’t want to take any chances. I am more than happy to go get Tabby or Ms. Everose if you would be more comfortable with that. I understand that this is an abnormal situation.” At this point the machine spoke up.
“I do not mean to interrupt your conversation Mr. Pierce and Ms. Hendricks. I can tell that young Sally here is confused and afraid. I simply want to ensure you both that her vitals are perfectly normal given this situation. She has a few scrapes that I would be happy to help with, but otherwise she is medically normal. Ms. Hendricks, if you are in pain I would be more than happy to administer non-narcotic painkillers to help ease your discomfort.” Florence spoke with a voice that was obviously computerized, but still somehow...motherly.

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Sally stared at Pierce for several moments as he spoke of what she had done. She had done what? Her eyes darted around the room while she tried to remember what had happened. Anything. Just a quick flash of an image... but there was nothing. It was aggravating that she had done something, and had no idea how or what it was. Her thoughts were interrupted when Pierce spoke again, asking if she preferred that he go and get one of the female professors. Sally quickly shook her head, an action that made her head hurt even more. "No. No, it's fine." And then Florence updated them on her vitals, stating that she was fine. Sally nodded her head and looked up at Pierce, smiling weakly, but genuine nonetheless. The computer then said something that perked Sally up right quick and in a hurry. Painkillers? Good God Yes! Sally looked over at Florence and grinned, nodding her head slowly. "I will love you forever if you get rid of this headache, Florence," she quipped as she glanced back to Pierce, then Florence again.

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Florence let out a human-esque laugh as a robotic arm of liquid metal appeared cautiously from the side of the platform Sally had been laying on. The arm was cupping a small container with pinkish liquid inside as it slowly nudged for Sally to take it.

“Liquid Ibuprofen.” Florence explained. “A perfect dosage calculated on the level of pain I’m reading from you as well as your measurements and other vitals. Your headache should disappear in a jiffy. Is there anything else you wish of me Mr. Pierce? If not I’ll return to sleep mode until I am needed again. I’m glad to be of service.”

“No Florence, I think with that we are good. Thank you for your help as always.” Adam turned his attention towards Sally. “I know that you’re medically okay, but are you okay okay?” He smiled at the simple idiocy of his question as he rubbed his fingers through his beard. Put him in a combat situation where chaos ensues all around him and he can command a unit of troops without the slightest doubt or hesitation, but put him in a room where he has to be a bit vulnerable and he doesn’t have the slightest clue how to conduct himself.

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The sudden appearance of the robotic arm startled Sally, causing her to jump a bit as she examined it, and the container it held. She lightly bit her lip and took the container as Florence explained what it was. With a shrug of one shoulder, and a quirk of her eyebrow, Sally lifted it to her lips and drank it, making a face as she did. "Yuck," she groaned as she set the container down beside her and looked up at Pierce as he spoke to Florence. His question made her grin and chuckle a bit before she quickly cleared her throat and nodded her head. "Yes, Professor Pierce. I think I'll be alright," she responded with quick glance at the man. "Thank you for uhm.. helping me." Sally looked around the room again before slowly climbing off of the platform. Looking up at Pierce, she moved her arm out in a slow sweeping motion. "After you, sir."

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Adam was relieved to see her smile. He hadn’t even thought about the potential awkwardness of the situation until after they were already in the room. When she stood to leave he realized that there was more he needed to say. He looked down to the floor as he spoke.

“I know this is going to sound strange, but I’m going to have to ask you to not mention this place to any of the other students. I’m sure it’ll be revealed to the others eventually, but Dr. Ashford has requested that we keep it to a need-to-know minimum.” He raised his eyes to hers. “I’m technically breaking a lot of policies by bringing you here and would appreciate it if you kept it between us.” He let a genuine smile out as he began running his fingers through his beard nervously. “Normally I’m a very by the book kind of guy, but you worried me there Ms. Hendricks.” He took the lead as she motioned for him to do so, but instead of heading towards the door he walked over to a side cabinet and pulled out what appeared to be a black sleep mask; the kind that is used to block out light. “You’ll have to put this on before we leave I’m afraid. That way you won’t even know where this place is located.” He grinned at her with a chuckle. “The less you know the better.”

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Pierce suddenly became a bit more serious, catching Sally's attention. She too, became serious, wondering what it was that he was going to say. As he began telling her that she needed to keep her knowledge of this place and Florence on the down low, Sally drew her lips into a thin line, her brow furrowing. She nodded her understanding. It was a good thing she was good at keeping secrets. Sally noticed that he ran his fingers through his beard again, and raised an eyebrow. Maybe something he did when he was nervous? On edge? Uncomfortable? His next comment left her kind of speechless. How was she supposed to respond to that without sounding less than grateful? "I'm sorry I worried you," she stated as she glanced down. "I don't even remember it happening. It just... did." Sally shrugged and offered a lopsided grin. Her grin slowly faded as she watched Pierce walk over to a cabinet, instead of the door. She furrowed her brow in curiosity, then raised one. What was he getting? Moments later, when he turned, Sally noticed the sleeping mask. She tilted her head a bit as she eyed the mask, then looked up at Pierce. He then explained what they were for, and she huffed a chuckle. "Yeah," she began as she took the mask from him and slipped it over her eyes. "Just don't run me into anything." Of course, she knew he wouldn't, but felt the need to make a joke about anyways. Why? She wasn't entirely sure. "Ready when you are Professor."

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Adam stood behind her a couple of feet. He reached his arms out to place his hands on her shoulders without getting too close. A male teacher and a female student alone in a secret room together. It was the thing modern, clickbait headlines dreamed of, and so he wanted to be cautious. He knew the Ms. Hendricks was an adult, but it still warranted discretion. He caught himself looking over her body for a split second before forcing his eyes to the path ahead of them. Sometimes he cursed his more base desires. He led her through the door and down the stairs, making sure no one was around to see him leading a blindfolded student as he went. Once they were back to the foyer of the building he gently pulled the blindfold from her head and smiled at her. “Here’s our stop. I hope this hasn’t been too overwhelming for you Ms. Hendricks.” His smile turned into a look of caring relief. “I’m glad you’re alright.” He knew that he’d have to get with all of the students involved in the incident soon...but now he just wanted to help.

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Sally had to focus to keep her breath steady. Yeah, she was a student, he was a teacher, but damnit.. he was an extremely attractive teacher. What was wrong with her? He was what... 16-17 years older than her? It was so taboo. She cleared her throat when she felt his hands on her shoulders, pushing the bizarre thoughts to the back of her mind. While the pair walked through the school, Sally couldn't help but grin, feeling like she was being led to a surprise. Her hands had gone out several times, instinctively wanting to touch a wall or anything to help her feel more secure; like she wasn't going to trip going down a stair or anything else she couldn't see. When they finally made it to their destination, she felt Pierce apply pressure to her shoulders, indicating she needed to stop. As she did, Sally felt the blindfold being removed from her head. The sudden light made her squint her eyes until they adjusted accordingly. She turned and faced Pierce, shaking her head in response to his question. "No, not at all," she responded with a soft smile. Letting her eyes remain on his for just a moment longer, Sally looked down, feeling her cheeks blush a bit. "Thanks again Professor. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, she offered a wave and walked away from the man, shaking her head at herself. "What a fuckin' day"

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After departing from her little… session with Professor Pierce, Sally made her way back to her room. Before she ever got there, her headache had lessened in intensity and was now just a dull ache. Thank God. Had he and Florence not helped her, she probably would have spent the rest of the day in bed. Now, what the Hell was she supposed to tell the others if they asked where she was? The infirmary? Her room? Sally shrugged as she opened the door to her room and walked in, shutting it behind her.

Without any loss in her momentum, Sally made her way over to her dresser and grabbed out a few articles of clothing. A sports bra and matching capri pants. She even replaced her boots with tennis shoes. Stripping right there in the middle of the room, she quickly slipped on the other items and grabbed her phone and earbuds. Placing the buds in her ears, she scrolled through her music until she found a good song, then tucked the phone in the waistband of her pants and left the room. She needed to clear her head.

Sally had managed to make it outside without running into anyone else, which saddened her because she wanted to make sure they were all alright, but also relieved her. She didn't want to be bombard with questions. Especially ones she couldn't answer. So, she started jogging her way to the track as soon as she made it outside. It wasn't long though, before she noticed something in the field where they had all been earlier. There was the crater where the fight began, and a spot that looked like it had been scraped up. Sally slowed until she was standing still, her eyes locked onto that spot.

After several moments, she started walking towards the area, her eyes scanning the destruction, that apparently, she had caused. Sally walked up to the start of the mark, and stopped. Her blue eyes followed the trail until they met it's end destination. If she had to guess, the mark was at least 5 or 6 feet in length. A couple at most in width. Was she going to get in trouble for this? For what she did to Isaac? Pierce had said that he was fine, just restrained, but still… shockingly, she worried. And then her thoughts took a bit of a turn. A sadness washed over her suddenly and the expression on her face matched that of her emotions. How had she done It? What set her off? Was she really that unpredictable? Dangerous? What if she really hurt someone? So many thoughts and questions raced through her head while she stared at the scrape she had left on the courtyard, her mouth slightly agape.

@BoyMom69035



Api had a bounce to his step till he spied Sally, she was staring at the scene of battle he’d witnessed from a distance while trying to deflect Temperance. His memory jogged he remembered her part in the event and judging by her expression she was troubled and in him rose Baldur and he answered his call as he always did.

He used his newly exercised ability and lifted off the ground and moved towards her hoping seeing him so she might be briefly released from her troubles by curiosity or something other than they.

As he drifted silently towards her he thought about what it might be that he was about to intrude on. Then having so recently experienced a brief spat of worry that he might have injured someone with a book he recalled her use of power on Isaac the bully. She had sent him flying and now she was sadly standing at the site.

”Hallo Sally, notice something different?”

Then before she could speak he settled near her his normal smirk like smile replaced with his more subtle one that he’d worn when helping his underclassmen with difficult school problems.

”Oh sorry I can see you are worried over the Frekja at least that is what my memory says must be the reason a pretty girl frowns so.

I understand your concern for I too have today know how powerful and well careless we can be with our powers but you were not careless.

No your were saving the other boy from the cruel intentions of the frekja so if there be blame it is on his head it should fall.” he says then he blushes when his logic comes up with another conclusion just as valid. Sally might be sad simply because she’s being punished and he’s just jumped to conclusions.

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Interactions: @Almalthia

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Nikolai looked up from his phone and gave a small smile. She looked beautiful in her outfit... while he looked like he rolled out of bed almost all the time. Wearing a white tank top and jeans, he looked more like he worked in a garage than he was a student at a private academy. He watched her intently as she went to sit down across from him... and even he could tell the faint hints of a blushing woman. He gave a small smile as he pulled out his supplies. "I think I'm alright in History. Lit is gonna be a pain in the ass, but I'm not too worried about that yet."

He opened his calc textbook to take the lead, opening up to the first chapter and scanning the pages with his eyes, tapping his pencil against the table. He wasn't nervous... more resolute and idle. He had made his decision, a hero's sacrifice. His stormy blue eyes lifted back up to meet Una after a moment, realizing he wasn't processing much and had forgotten to write down their assignment. "Two questions: First, how's Nathan? Did you two catch up and talk?" He stared deep into her eyes, trying to get a read on her as he mentioned Nathan before continuing his questioning. "I also forgot the page and problem numbers. Did you write those down?"

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Sally had been so deep in her thoughts, that she hadn't seen Api come up to her side until he was literally right next to her. And she didn't hear him, because her earbuds were still in. She only managed to see him from her peripheral, and when she turned to look at who was there, she jumped, gasping at the sight of him there, and in the air. Sally hurriedly pulled her ear buds out and looked at him with wide eyes. She knew he could control gravity, but didn't know that he could fly. It was definitely a sight to see. A smile slowly pulled at Sally's lips.

”Gunnar, since when can you fly,” she asked as she watched him plant his feet back onto the ground. He then began to ask her why she was so down. Telling her that she hadn't been careless with her power, and that she had done well, using it to protect Nathan and herself. Sally scoffed and looked back at the damage on the ground. She held her arm out, indicating the area, then looks back at Api. ”That… That was careless. That was…” she trailed off and shook her head. ”I could have seriously hurt someone, Gunnar. What happened there, was an accident. I don't even remember what happened.” Sally sighed and put her arm down. Yeah, she protected herself, but could have killed someone in doing so. With a shake of her head, she pushed her thoughts aside, and looked at Gunnar once again, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

”So, how did you do that,” Sally asked as she held her hand out in the open air, indicating his newfound ability of flight.

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Drake found himself with mixed emotions by necessity. As a poker player would roll a chip across their knuckles, Drake found himself ‘rolling’ a small candle-sized flame across his fingertips, from the pinky to the index and back again. His confidence was soaring and his excitement only continued to build, but the base essentials of this power required him to ironically reach into a dark place. If he wanted an exuberant show of force, he would have to go to the deepest depths of the void within his mind. For something small like this, however, it didn't take a terrible amount of ire now that he had access to the ability.

He was really starting to get the hang of this, though he was going to have to train a lot harder before he could effectively use this power offensively. There was still the unsolved business of the telepath that intervened, but that could have been anyone at this institution, Drake surmised. He resolved that he would try to narrow it down by asking around, trying to figure out who the telepaths are. Find a base and shrink it from there. For now, through, there was other more pressing business. Sally was down, possibly hurt. He totally bailed on the crew outside. Uná 'manifested another Isaac and Nik kicked its ass', whatever the hell that means. He'd have to get with his roommate later to elaborate.

First thing was first, though, as Drake took a turn down another hallway, heading in the direction of the infirmary. As he walked toward the open door, he peered inside and, to his surprise, saw a room devoid of patients. His face took on a puzzled look as he attempted to analyze the situation while also extinguishing the miniature flame from his finger. Maybe she's fine, he thought. I mean surely we would have heard about it if there was a death on campus... right?. He didn't recall hearing any ambulances earlier and surely this secretive institution would avoid submitting these mutants to general health facilities. Drake put one hand on his hip and the other he ran through his hair as he wore a look of consternation, out of educated guesses.

With hesitation, he left the entrance of the infirmary and walked uneasily toward the entrance of the building, intending to ask anyone if they saw a medevac of any sort leave the institution. As he pushed his way through the doors, he surveyed the area, scanning faces and trying to decide who to ask first. He caught a glimpse of a capless Kloe, Cleo and Syaoran.

"Hey, guys, I'm sorry about that before," he said with sincere regret as he walked in their direction. "I'm just trying to get my head on straight and this place is taking me for a loop." Drake continued to let his gaze bounce from face to face among the other occupants of the courtyard. "Shot in the dark, you all didn't happen to see if there was like a helicopter or an ambulance or..." then his eyes fell upon Sally and Api in the distance, who both appeared to be just fine. "Nevermind," he said with a smirk, glad to see she was at least physically safe. Tough girl, he thought at first, soon followed by, Is Api flying?. His brows furrowed for a moment before shaking it off. He turned his attention back to the trio, adamant about not committing the same faux pas twice. It was Syaoran who caught his interest next. "So I gotta ask, bud. How old are you?"