Leonerdo

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Peter would have frowned at Amanda's initial comments - but he took it in stride as he usually did, taking note of her brash behavior. It was a little disconcerting how she was eager to talk about how she made her enemies disappear and made them sleep with fish. He somehow doubted her power was one to make people actually go away by means of teleportation or something, otherwise she would have already sent Peter away. He nodded silently until she was finished, listening to everything she had to say until she was finished. It was, of course, just a courtesy. He doubted that anything she could say would convince him one way or the other. There was a study that showed the standard of education since his age had dropped by ten percent, which Peter had been highly doubtful of until he could see the evidence with his own eyes. By this point, he was beginning to suspect those studies might have been true. After Amanda was done with her boasting, he merely looked up at the standing young woman while remaining seated and unfazed by her claims.

"You are not invincible." Peter simply commented in reply. "Like Christopher Clarke, I don't have only one arm because I got bored of the other one."

It bothered him a little to say that out loud. To admit he only had one arm. It was a constant case of denial for him most of the time, and while he didn't take up issue with it to prove his point, he still felt uncomfortable. He felt his body tingle and he longed to be able to feel his right arm again. He needed more electricity soon. His arm. Just for another ten minutes. That's all he needed. It's one of the few times he actually felt alive nowadays. To feel euphoric. It was a lot like returning home after being gone for a couple years...

Matthew's comments were unexpected. The boy had a strange sort of duality to him. He came to the table like a bully in a high school drama movie and started downplaying history as nothing. In attempt to assure Peter nothing was wrong? Was it out of fear or lack of care? Peter could admit he looked strange. Different. Or maybe Matt was trying to avoid trouble. Absorbing liquids wouldn't do much to defend against a man of metal, after all. Regardless, he figured the boy was attempting to dodge Peter's accusations or advice or whatever he might be interpreting him as. Another girl had approached the table, one who had seemed to take up the recent fashion consisting of primarily black. Her promiscuous attire was odd, but he didn't pay much attention to her. The only thing about her that really grabbed his notice was her calling to attention the amount of static in the air. Peter would do nothing in response, as reacting would imply that someone at the table was capable of affecting those conditions. He didn't trust her - she looked fishy - and so he would leave her in the dark. Besides... she looks as though she would enjoy that sort of thing. Amanda suggested that this new girl, Vespera as she said, went off along with himself so they could chat. No. Absolutely not. Vespera wasn't the sort he wished to be acquainted with. But in the end, he didn't say a word to either of the girls. This would perhaps give the impression he was ignoring them completely.

"Sociopathy," Peter began out of the blue, facing Matthew, "is a mental condition in which approximately four percent of the global population possesses. They are characterized by a lack of shame, remorse, the capability of formulating abstract lies, and are generally intelligent. They're manipulative. Calm and cold. Comfortable staring at others in the eeyy-ieeieee..."

He paused for a moment, allowing for an eerie moment of silence following his cryptic message. "They hide in the crowd well and know how to pretend. In other words..." Peter allowed another pause, and took a moment to face Amanda and then Vespera - he then slowly turned his head around to face Christopher, then back to Matthew, "you'll never know they're there."

Peter silently got up from his seat following that, allowing him to stand as his full height. The intended message of that is to watch who you mess with, because you never know if they'll try to kill you later, even if they look fine on the outside. However, Peter was pretty oblivious to how cryptic his message actually was, where it appeared to imply that Amanda could be one, or Christopher could be one, Vespera, or even himself. Were some people to take the time to think deeper on it, then perhaps it could even come across as a threat - like a "don't fuck with me" kind of way. Though Peter was a touch too apathetic in this circumstance to think that way, he did have the preference of not being harassed and bothered for as long as he was here. He stuck his one hand forward towards Matthew, almost as though his previous comments never happened.

"Dr. Peter Brooke." He introduced.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

So, True Night, I just want to clear up any possible misunderstandings. Peter is, generally speaking, a featureless and shiny metal man. I am skeptical of how Vespera would be able to identify how old he actually is. If anything, being mistakenly assigned with the students would more likely give the impression that he might be closer to Matt's age or Valjean's age. That's what I've actually intended with this little twist in the beginning.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

I hope I don't have to explicitly say that breaking things by sheer will is... odd, to say the least. But if it's something that can't be used on living things (and therefore instantly killing them), then I personally don't see much issue with it. I'm just curious regarding what you would consider a living thing, since some people can take the form of non-biological material, or forming chitin armor (such as Valjean). That chitin armor isn't a big deal if it can be broken off of Jean without actually endangering his life. Or maybe it does. I don't care. It really depends on Allen if he wants his character's armor being penetrated.

I only take up issue with the character, since blood-red hair doesn't naturally occur. Are those blackened fingertips and veins correlated with her shattering superpower? Otherwise, that seems really far-fetched too.

This is irrelevant, but I find it odd how there are so many destructive powers being made. There is not a lot of building or simple modification or situational abilities.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Peter was more than willing to elaborate what he had mentioned earlier to Christopher Clarke. He admitted that he was focused on his own train of thought, rather than the train of thought of others. However, there was the unfortunate turn of events. He wasn't sure who this boy was, at first, but he learned to not necessarily care shortly after. He pushed Peter's new acquaintance off the seat of the table, prompting a glance from Peter - perhaps unnoticeable due to his lack of features, but there was still the motion of his head turning to him. A twinge of disdain welled in him. Kids were so crass and... unnecessarily aggressive. Their brains run off pure impulse and it was just... stupid. Immature. The sentiments of the neighboring girl was similarly vexing. One-armed freak? These kids really were obnoxious little cretins. He almost said something, but Christopher picked himself up and reacted in kind by pouring orange juice. So the situation was turning into something he was no longer interested in - inter-student drama. He wouldn't do anything until something seriously picked up.

And that's what Peter was watching for. An additional pulse of electricity scoured the area, highlighted the shapes and features of his environment. Hair might stand on end, but that wasn't important at the moment - that wasn't his concern. This newcomer - Matthew, he soon learned - fortunately did not react in the way Peter expected. He instead showed off his power, and the orange juice simply sucked into his body. How? Does he absorbs liquid? Sucks away moisture? This child was aggressive and possessed a power that could seriously harm people. It was somewhat reassuring to know that Peter himself wouldn't suffer from such effects, but still. Matthew was going to get in the way sooner or later. But as for now, the situation seems to have diffused. Christopher bid his farewells and Peter nodded absentmindedly, instead focusing on the new child. If he was going to stir trouble, Peter wanted to know what could be done to settle it. Trouble meant risk. Risk was a hazard. He wasn't keen on exposing his life's work to hazards of any sort. Needless to say, he also didn't want Matthew nor any of his proteges getting in his own way and distracting him. And while he didn't have his work available, now was as good a time as any to begin removing obstacles.

To consume the empty space Christopher Clarke left behind, a girl named "Amanda Blackmore" had arisen. She was nearly as vulgar as Matthew. She made a comment about "showing that one-armed weirdo". Peter interpreted it as something of personal slight, for himself and on behalf of his similarly disabled acquaintance - but ultimately took no offense. Amanda Blackmore's comment warranted a dead stare in her direction, to perhaps remind her that there were still people around she ought to be considerate of. He took a moment as he analyzed her the best he could. Licentious. Crass. Arrogant. Really, a suiting fit for Matthew. She even had what she called... a "butt-slave". Goodness gracious, these kids were getting more and more ridiculous. Or, who knows. Peter never spent too much attention to other students back in in his schoolyard days. But as for "the now", the more Matthew talked, the more ludicrous he sounded. He really saw himself as a tough, "saw all the evil the world had to offer" kind of kid.

He wasn't going to sit here not saying a word - as easy as that would be, to just simply siphon off the information they gave him by just simply talking and ignoring him. But Peter had questions he wanted answered more immediately, as he wasn't sure if those were to be as quickly covered, if at all. He also wanted less gang wars in the new territory in which he'll be working. Diffusing whatever tension or aggression Matthew would aim towards others would be ideal.

"You are a very confident young man." Peter observed, speaking in a warped and hollow voice. "But you do still seem to be just a child. Don't be so quick to make enemies."

Despite the very contrary, Peter took a moment to look from a perspective as though he were on Matthew's side and take an objective view on what happened with Christopher Clarke.

"You had already alienated a young boy and made light of his disability. You had already made an enemy out of him - that's an obstacle. You se-eee-eiieie..." Peter paused a moment to regain the bearings of his vocal ability - his voice turned into a high-pitched screech and squealing of metal. "...you see... an enemy is going to take advantage of your lowest moment. When it comes."

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Sorry. I was working all yesterday evening and I got to work at noon today (EST). I'm sorry Inferno and anybody else for holding you up.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

You aren't trying to satisfy me, so it doesn't really matter what I think. I can only make suggestions according to what I think Allen, HWWB, and Jazzy would find acceptable.

I just find killing people via crushing them by air pressure is implausible, given how air is a collection of free floating atoms. You're going to have to take a lot of air to condense it enough to crush someone. But I doubt that's possible, because a lot of gases will turn into a liquid by that time.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

I'd argue that it would take a LOT of pressure to actually crush somebody with air, and therefore a LOT of exertion on your character's part. Probably too much exertion. However, dropping the air pressure or raising it might still be viable because, A) it's within the realm of your abilities, and B) could probably disorient another person, even if it's just a little. Which in itself can be useful in a high-pressure situation.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Lucky? What a strange thing to say. Peter didn't count himself lucky at all, and to see such a boy wholeheartedly embracing his condition and saying things such as "being lucky", it was almost mind blowing. There he sat with a smile on his face, reaching his hand over the table for a handshake and saying the word "lucky". If only Peter was so embracing. Still, greeting him was a sentiment that would do no harm, something that Peter felt at least owed him. He hadn't found the answer yet. He had to owe him something for that. So Peter reciprocated the gesture and his long metallic arm reached over the table, the cold skin gripping the stranger's hand. At his touch, Christopher would feel his arm tingle and hair stand on end, like a wave starting from his hand and crawling all the way up to his shoulder. Peter released his grip and shook his head from side to side in denial.

"No," he said, his voice warped and echoed, as though the person talking was inside the metal shell - the pitch of his voice mildly fluctuating, "I am not a teacher."

Well, he didn't lie. He definitely wasn't a teacher here. But neither was he a student. This might be a good time to get the word around that he doesn't belong here, or at least, not in the position he currently held. His arm that rested on the table turned over, facing palm upwards as he explained himself.

He said, "My name is Peter Brooke." His voice still maintained the same resonance. "I am a doctor. A... 'system malfunction' appointed me here. As a stuu-ouu-u...dent."

His explanation was, unfortunately, interrupted by a shrieking speech impediment. Embarrassingly enough. Metal didn't speak in the natural environment, and he had to learn to speak by learning the sounds the more... manipulable parts of his body made. It was something comparable to missing a note on an instrument. Regardless, he didn't think his conversational partner would be appreciative of the alarming sound he had just made. Hell, it even alarmed Peter. Who subsequently, after the impediment, curiously looked down at himself and banged on his chest a couple times with a clenched fist, as though he were trying to clear his throat. The sound that resulted from it was hollow, like heavily knocking on a metal box.

He tried to steer the topic away from what had happened, regardless if Chris believed his explanation or not. He felt echoes of voices from other tables. A pulse of electricity was emitted from his body and across the ground and crawled over tables and chairs and people and so on. The cafeteria was vivid. He heard bits of a conversation from a couple tables over.

"...exhaust even the last bit of info you have and claim your prize. That's why I love the overly logical crap you made fun of... it gives me the edge. Now, go help yourself with the waffles and, if you still wish to make me your pet, let's talk some more..."

Peter was not above eavesdropping, even though he had little reason to do so around these parts, where there ought to be little more than gossip between children. But still, even though he got just a segment of what this boy said, it was enough to derive what was going on. He's explaining himself. Telling someone why he does something. Why he's better. It was almost humorous.

Almost as though Peter thought that Chris was on the same train of thought as him, he jabbed a thumb behind him, aiming at a table, and said out of the blue, "the problem with geniuses is that no one understands them. So they explain their plots and plans to others, even if it ruins them. Such is why you never hear of the perfect crime. No one ever finds out."

Perhaps the conversation was outside of his new acquaintance's range of hearing. And perhaps that is something Peter should have considered. But with his research out of reach, and an electrical addiction currently unable to be sated, there was little to be done - and there was something empowering about deconstructing others' behavior. Still, the stranger child he had deconstructed did allow for some self-reflection. Peter did not consider himself a genius, only hard-working. Genius was a label for others to place upon him, as it is subjective. But the root of his target's behavior did seem, even if just to a slight extent, familiar.

"It seems that people go to absurd lengths to feel appreciated." He continued.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

No sleep. For all the hours that transgressed through the night, his consciousness was unsullied by the burden of exhaustion, and was very much alive. Several hours of boredom, doing nothing but contemplate through the night, for wandering outside assigned quarters was forbidden for students. An unfortunate consequence, much like how being made of a unique metal left him unable to pursue a cure for his missing arm should his research come to a conclusive end. Much like how his senses were deadened. But it did leave much time for thought, as maddening as it was. An artificial island. From where would these resources come from to create an island this large in the middle of the ocean? Where surely the waters were so deep, where currents would likely carry away segments of rock and sand and gravel. Mountains off in a distant land, perhaps? Highly doubtful, but an amusing thought when contemplated - taking pity at the idea of some eager explorer seeking a spirit-journey and stumbling upon what would have otherwise been a beautiful scene, a giant chunk of a mountain eaten straight from it.

But such thoughts were a waste of time. What he did focus on was obtaining his work. There should be a non-written source that ought to include where the warehouse is, where supplies and whatnot were stored. If given that knowledge, he should be able to arrive there and figure out a way in. The problem lies, though, in the ability of figuring out what was his. He couldn't quite read anymore. This was not typically a problem with computers - electronics have an interesting way of communicating with one another, and he had developed a fair muscle memory of a computer's keyboard. But in any case, it was finding it that was an issue. He didn't have any associates in the academy - cruel irony, as he would have had a fair few should this "accident" have never occurred. Making friends with children was not his idea of a great time, but he had to use the resources available - regardless of how petty and irresponsible they were. But they were innocent youth, he ought not be so hard on them, right? It was a tricky grey area for Peter, and had mixed feelings. Mixed feelings on a matter were as good as no feelings. He had to find one that could sneak in there and not get caught... and Peter Brooke isn't too hard of a name to read. He doubted that these kids would be so easy to do such a favor for Peter at the risk of their own necks.

Time being the curious thing that it is - where the night itself felt like a hundred hours - it similarly felt as though a mere hour had passed since his contemplation up to the point where the alarm was booming obnoxiously for one excruciatingly long minute. Its sudden stop prompted Peter to stand up, eager to finally leave the room. While he didn't enjoy the idea of mingling, it was a mission he had to complete: find someone who can get in for him. But there was also the matter of when it will get here. An unfortunate wait, yes, but it did leave him time to find a person with the desirable skillset to get in. Perhaps "bond" with them. Peter preferred the idea of compensation, as business was more logical than favors. Though it couldn't be in much money, clearly, since he was hardly funded to begin with. He was still a doctor though. He could provide a long-term I.O.U. He did acquaint himself with one of them though: Samuel Clarke. The boy was rather open in telling Peter about his invisibility, which of course is a useful trick for the job. Sam was high strung it seemed, though. The few moments of silence from last night had to be an indicator - he doubted the two of them were "close" enough for Sam to be doing favors. He was a teenage boy, after all. He had his own, albeit simple, agenda. He'd resort to Samuel later, if he could not find someone else. Speaking of Sam, Peter would be prompted to look silently at the sleeping boy at the inevitable moaning and growling that would come from being abruptly woken by what had to be the worst (albeit effective) alarm ever created. At least his old drill sergeant had his own charm. This alarm was just cold.

Needless to say, Peter left the room without a word. He was not interested in the classes he'd have to partake in - as far as he was concerned, today's schedule was all about studying everyone's behavior. Don't overlook a single soul. Blending in was neither a concern. There was no such reason for him to do such a thing and doing so would be irrational. He took an extra step and his vision and hearing crackled to life. Larger students were usually older students. He was organized to be assigned alongside the older students, so those were the people he'd follow. One such person was an older student. Judging by the texture, had facial hair, a fair amount of it. But what had to be the most peculiar thing was an alarming similarity: one arm! So there were others like him here? This child, like he, had a single arm! It inspired something of a stronger, more resolute sense of obligation to finish his mission. It would be people like him that'd benefit from his research! Peter continued to shadow him until... what? This was the cafeteria, where the banquet was held the previous day. Were there not supposed to be classes for these kids or something, or... this is what he gets for not paying special attention to the schedules. He was too wrapped up in thinking about getting his own stuff back and conceited over being a student, he forgot one of the most important steps: research. Study. Sheesh, it has been many years since he was in school, hasn't it?

So, what would be normal? Sitting at the same table? Sure. So Peter followed up from fifty feet behind and circled the table and sat down - not across from Chris, nor next to him. It was an appropriate diagonal positioning. Surely, nothing conspicuous. Another pulse of static revealed finer features given the shorter distance. But he noticed something amusingly coincidental: his missing arm was the same as his. Two missing right arms. The irony of it didn't escape him. Let the doctor who's seeking the cure suffer from a "power" that eliminated his ability to help other. Let the down-trodden young man be the one with the capability to do more to help in aiding the cause, setting aside the know-how required. But there was something else. A twinge in the eye. Perhaps this boy had come to terms with a missing arm more easily than Peter had.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

It looks to me like an acceptable addition to your power, but I am not a co-mod, so that isn't up to me.

However, the problem I would personally find in it is that you added a power to your character after having already established and agreed to the parameters that were previously set. It isn't really a problem, per se, since it has never actually been used in-character and so on and so forth. I would simply suggest talking it over with the owner or assigned moderaters before any actual changes were made. The sheet is essentially documentation of the accepted character; no harm is done though, it's just future advice.