Zakattacks

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Nicholas Raynor, & Deborah Termellio.

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Nicholas slowly walked along the hallways of the dormitories, the lit halls enough to expose the pure sadness on his face. These moments of his...happened, from time to time. It wasn't the first, and it wasn't to be last, he was sure, but for the most part, there had to be someone to come along and steal his joy. Whether it was bullies, strangers, or outright students in the same school which he had -thought- had been for those who could perhaps bear to understand him. Apparently, even though he was a meta, he was still out of place. Or...maybe she was out of place? He didn't know...infact, right now, he felt so wishy-washy that his own mind began to play tricks on him. Another darned symptom of his paranoia. He sighed, before slowly allowing himself to slump one of the hallways near the student lounge, learning against the wall and slowly sliding down to his knees, before closing his eyes...maybe he just needed to get away. Find a safe place to read...

"Hey." Deborah said, standing over him. She slid against the wall and landed on her behind. "Mind if I have a seat?" This kid caught her attention from one look... She knew that he was in some sort of emotional trauma (The school, and it's people, are too much for him). She was always the kind of person who'd play therapist, the girl that everyone came to spill all their problems. Just... being that shoulder everyone cries on. New or not, this boy would not be different. But all she needed was a little bit of subtlety. Just start things off slow. "You don't look too good, boy, what's wrong?"

Nicholas slowly looked up at Deborah. Mind if she had a seat?...Well, not really. Especially since she wasn't outright threatening to beat his head in or something along those lines. He had experienced much worse introductions. He didn't bother to respond though, as she already took her seat. He sighed as she did so, no point in saying anything if she was going to do it anyways. "...I guess I don't look too good, either. But...its not really something you should care about. I mean, this school is full of all sorts of people who would rather me shut up about it, right?"

"Boy, who's got you hopped up on that thinking?" Deborah started laughing, not in the "I'm mocking you" way, but more in the uplifting way. People here are assholes, Debs knows that more than anyone else here, but if you let them get to you, then that's not good for you. "Boy, yeah, this school is full of people like that," Deborah started off giving Nicholas an affirming nod. "But you can't let them get to you like that. You're basically letting them control you."

Nicholas found himself slowly nodding...before sighing. "I know, I know...but all I did was just try to be nice to a darn ginger-haired girl because she looked stressed, I offered to share some strawberry cake with her, and she goes ballistic on me, as if my very gesture is stupid in and of itself. She then proceeds to demand why I'm trying to be nice to her, and tell me that this school is only full of jerks, and asked me which one I was going to be. I...I don't know. I don't want to be any of them. Even if it means being ostracized again, I'de rather be alone than become one of a great many jerks this school apparently has." He finally finished ranting, before looking up at her, parting his semi-long bangs a bit. "You know what I mean?"

Um... Does he mean Shannon? Because that sounds like her. Deborah nervously scratched the back of her neck. At least Shannon is more... friendly... when Deborah herself is with it. At least she'd keep that cynical attitude to herself. But that wasn't the point here, she was going to have another 'talk' with Shannon later in her bed quarters... Hehe... there won't be lots of talking then. Deborah brushed a strand or two of hair back a bit. "You don't have to worry about... uh... being an asshole. Yes, there are people like that in this schol, but you want to know what this school has for every asshole...?" She put her hand on his shoulder and gave him a reaffirming smile. ".. A good soul. The kind of people who make life matter. And you just found one of them." It was foolish to say that she was a good person, that was a title that should only be given to others, not to yourself.

Nicholas found himself slowly nodding, before sighing again, just resting his back against the wall. "I know you're right. And...I appreciate your help. Its just...I spent a great deal of effort and energy making sure others were alright, and...I just wanted to sit down and maybe have a pleasant conversation, ya know? Its not like its a terrible thing to ask. But...I think you're right when you say there are some really nice people here." He paused, scratching the back of his head and beginning to summarize his thoughts again. "I'm...Nicholas, by the way. Nicholas Raynor. Its a pleasure to meet you, miss."

"Deborah Termellio, school gossip gal." Deborah introduced herself in return. Which she felt took piority over responding to the rest of his statement. Boy, what Shannon said must have hit him hard. She could have mediated Shannon. "That's good that you care about others Nicholas, don't let anyone tell you otherwise." That was the first thing Deborah said. "If you wanted someone to talk to, there's me..." She looked away for a second, "... And don't really worry too much about Shannon... she's... just like that... and believe it or not, my best friend." And my one true love.

"Oh...so you know her, then?...alright. And if you don't mind, I'de love to talk with you a bit. Though...something about her did seem off, ya know? Like...I don't know, but she seemed like she was just having a bad day to me." He stated, looking at the floor.

"Well... That's kinda the way she is," Deborah started off, nodding, "She isn't the type to make friends. She just keeps to herself... or me, haha."

"Oh, if I had known that, I wouldn't have bothered her, considering her attitude. Nonetheless, I'll keep that in mind for the future. So...do you mind if I ask what your power is?" He finished, finally looking back up at Deborah, his saddened face having begun to try to express a bit more happiness at this turn of events.

"No, not at all." Deborah smiled at Nick. She was completely comfortable with Nick, she knew that he was one of the good people around these parts. He shouldn't get too mad about knowing her power. "Well... My power is basically getting information by making connections between two different things and filling in the blanks. You know, cause and effect." She stopped for a second to let him take in the information. "For example, I knew you weren't doing too well because of some not-so-good interactions."

Nick blinked, tilting his head. "...Oh, that's a power?...Cool. Em, I suppose I'm just used to the typical things. As for me...well, its not -that- interesting, but..." He stated, before his left hand's index finger's tip came alight with a small, white flame. "This is my power. Don't worry, it doesn't burn. In fact, you can touch it, if you want. Its a healing flame, used to heal people, obviously. Its...kind of a weird concept, I suppose. I don't know why my flames heal people naturally rather than hurt them...but I prefer it that way, ya know?"

Healing power... Interesting. It reminded Deborah of Vera, where ever that woman is. Deborah could always appreciate a nice healing power. Because, if it wasn't for a healing power, she wouldn't be walking right today. "Believe me Nicholas, I find all powers interesting." She was being truthful here. She has seen many powers, and each of them had a person behind them, with their own story. "Someone with your power set can really do some good, you know? I've... always had the belief that while people can do very bad with their powers, at the same time they have the potential to do great things for others."

Nicholas nodded again, as his flame grew larger with her encouragement. His smile widened, as the sadness finally began to fully fade from his face. "Thanks. Thats one of the nicest things I've heard all day. Though, thats...not the whole truth about my flame. You see, my flame does...well, a little bit more than heal people. I've felt myself like it kind of gives you sort of...a clarity. Yeah, we'll go with that, a clarity of the situation, helping you overcome your hindrances and fears. Infact...I often use it when I'm in fearful or painful situations. If you would like to see for yourself, feel free to touch the flame for yourself. Don't worry, nothing about it will harm you." He stated, smiling widely as his blue eyes watched in anticipation.

There wasn't any reason for Deborah not to trust him (He is telling the truth). So she just stuck her hand in it, and felt the morale boosting effects surge through her. It almost caused a high (It is altering your mind, removing your fear, and boosting your bravery). This power of hers was great for telling her when she's encountering mind altering powers! Her will-power would have allowed her to resist it, if she truly wanted to. That was the difference between Nicholas's . "This is... astounding, Nicholas." However, she quickly pulled her hand away. "You can really help people with this..." Deborah quickly stood straight up. "It was nice meeting you, Nicholas, but I think I should go have a talk with Shannon..." She started walking off.

Before she escaped his line of sight, she stopped for a moment and raised a finger. "How about you go swing by the training hall? You might find someone there to practice with you. You might even find an arena team." She left his line of sight.

Nick slowly nodded at her suggestion, before getting up and off the floor. Actually, that sounded like a great idea. Not only that, but he could spend some time himself practicing a few things in his mind involving his powers. Nothing revolutionary, mind you, just some small ideas. "I will, Deborah! Thank you for all your help!" He exclaimed. And with that, he quickly walked down the hallway towards the exit of the building. It seemed Deborah was right. There really was a good soul for every bad one, and he hoped that he was, at least, one of the good ones. Next time, perhaps he won't get so down when someone criticized him for no reason?...He would work on it, for sure.

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Nicholas Raynor & Shannon Balore

After a moment or two of resting, he smiled, before sighing, looking up at the teacher. "I appreciate that offer, but only if I can earn it. I'm not using my abilities to take short cuts, sir. Maybe we'll discuss that later. Right now, I feel like grabbing a bite and taking some time to rest. If you need me, I'll be at the cafe." And with that, he finished his winding statement, slowly standing up, taking in another deep breath, and making his way out of the hospital, taking the time to continue to gather deep breaths. It was -true-, the additional healing had taken some strength out of him and made his trek harder, but it wasn't -that- difficult to walk at his own pace.

Moments later, Nicholas found himself feeling a tad bit better, much more capable of walking at a decent pace without being out of breath. Not only that, but he stood in front of the entrance to the cafe, slowly moving to open the door and walk in. He observed his surroundings and looked over the menu, haven't yet done so before, before simply ordering a simple chicken panini and a hot tea to go with it. After retrieving his meal, he looked around the cafe. It seemed like not an awful lot of people were here, which were to his tastes. However, a certain person with ginger hair caught his eye. Something about that atmosphere she gave off about her...she looked awful stressed. Or maybe just upset over something. And yet...

He moved towards her table, taking his hot tea and sandwich with him before standing across the table from her, looking down at her. "If you don't mind, miss, I'm going to sit here." He simply stated, not trying to sound rude or forceful in the least. If anything, his voice would come off as still somewhat tired from the work he had done with the others, and maybe a bit concerned? Hrm. Maybe she wouldn't notice that last bit. With that, he slowly took a seat across from her, not trying to impede her personal space by keeping his items close to his side, quickly moving to take a sip of the hot tea. Ah...green tea. He did enjoy it. Just like that, a smile moved across his face, as his body was filled with its natural warmth.

Oh in fact, I do mind. Shannon rolled her eyes up into her head as yet another annoyance decided to help himself to her table. She knew she was good-looking, but, seriously, why is she attracting all the people she doesn't want to talk to? Shannon gave Nicholas a good look, he looked like a real Boy-scout... Reminded her a bit of Ethan - Hopefully he won't be as irritating. But otherwise, this kid was unremarkable as they get. For once, Shannon was going to contain her immediate contempt, and go finish her cake. She was down to a few bites, and it was so great that she'll have to get another. Remind me to tip the waitress. She thought to herself with a smile. "I can't object too much since you've already helped yourself, now can I?" She said with a little smirk. If this boy was looking for a date (Or the rest of her cake) then he's going to very disappointed.

Even as Nicholas finished downing a good portion of his tea, he couldn't help but hear this girl's complaint. He smiled a little, looking up to her. "Its not that I mean to intrude...its just, well, I know everyone has a hard time adjusting to a new school, right? I'm kind of new here, myself, and you seemed interesting, so I dropped by to say hi. Meet new people, ya know?" He stated.

Don't mean to intrude? Well, he did that the second he walked over here. But maybe Shannon will keep her mouth shut for now. Maybe not. Depends on what (she thinks) this kid's up to. Going off that "I'm new here" story (Which she has heard a thousand times already) he just wants to integrate himself in some group... Or something else. Shannon couldn't peg it that well. He was too young to be looking for a date, at least in her. He barely looked like he's sixteen. "I heard that one before." She cynically said. "Just that I'm probably not the best choice for a first chit-chat..." Shannon was easily the hardest person here to get a good first impression on. It was because of her rather high standards.

Though, that was only half the truth. He could tell, just by looking at her. The quickness in her eating her cake, the composure of her body language...she wasn't too comfortable with him. He wondered, though...he looked over her cake. When a waitress walked by, he quickly rose his hand. "Excuse me, miss. Em...could I get another cake just like her own?" He asked eagerly. She nodded, and went on her way, before turning back to the girl. Maybe it was just a hunch, but perhaps by keeping more of that cake here...she would stick around? Something to make her chill out, perhaps. Moments later, the cake arrived, fork and all. Nicholas split the cake in half, carefully so, before moving to take a bite out of his half. It was...delicious. Just how the frosting and cake layering melted in his mouth. Oh god...that waitress needed a tip. He couldn't help but smile goofily as the cake satisfied any sweet craving he had, to the point that he utterly ignored the cynical statements she had made, blissfully unaware through his ecstasy.

"Strawberry." Shannon just had to say the second Nicholas asked for a cake. Shannon was personally wondering what this child was trying to accomplish. Was he getting a cake for her, or himself? That was the golden question. But it quickly turned out to be for himself. Which was great, since Shannon would have vehemently rejected it, and probably walked away. Though, the stupid look this kid had on his face as he ate the cake made her think he got some sort of sick sexual satisfaction from it. The people this academy attracts by the boatload....

"Oh...em, sorry." He stated, widening his eyes at just how much he was enjoying this cake and looking so silly he was in front of a girl, of all things. Though, this wasn't the first time, either. He had made silly mistakes like this before, and had gotten all kind of mean comments thrown at him in public. He quickly wiped his mouth of any crumbs he had on his mouth from the cake with a napkin. "Thanks for pointing out the kind of cake you had." He stated, before looking down at the cake...crud. He just realized. He...well, he was planning on giving part of this to her. Luckily, he had halved it beforehand. "Oh...em...sorry. Are you still hungry? If so, you can have a piece, if you want!"

"No." Shannon snapped. She didn't want any of this child's cake... Those faces he was making turned her off from ever eating this stranger's cake. "Sorry, but, I can't be won over with gifts from complete strangers..." She cynically said again, narrowing her brown eyes.

Nicholas couldn't help but widen his eyes. Oh dear...thats when he felt it. A certain fear he had felt many times before, creeping into his mind. That certain sense, that unutterable feeling of loneliness slowly and surely isolating himself from the others as reality struck. Had she really thought of him as someone who was trying to 'win her over' with cake? He was just trying to be nice, thats all. And maybe at the same time, make a new friend? Slowly, he closed his eyes. "...My name is Nick. I didn't mean to win you over at all. I saw you stressed, and I just thought I would try to cheer someone up. Forgive me for being wrong." He stated simply, no longer sounding happy or joyful. In fact, in one fell stroke, the girl had just killed whatever happiness he had found that day. Nicholas was admittedly a gentle guy. He didn't like upsetting people. He lowered his head in shame, and sighed, gently pushing his cake away from himself.

"... Then tell me what you get out of it?" Shannon was quick to reply. She hadn't finished her cake on purpose, because she had to give this kid a reality check. "What do you possibly get out of cheering a complete stranger...?" She asked, very curious to what response this kiddo would come up with.

Slowly, the young man constructed the words proper in his mind, before speaking out, with less enthusiasm with before. "...I just thought that you looked like you were having a bad day, and if I was in a bad way like that, then I know I would like someone to help me out too, ya know? Do to others what you would do for yourself?...Besides..."

Oh goody. Another super nice imposter. Just when Shannon couldn't get enough of them. She sneered, and rolled her eyes behind her spectacles. "Spare me the nice guy routine." She was quick to insert. "Nobody is nice just because, I've learned that time and time again...." She trailed off, rolling her eyes up into her head. She brushed some strands of her hair back behind her head. "Everyone who slaps the 'good' or 'nice' title on themselves always want something, even if they have to fake their true nature," She shrugged, "Status, money, or simply just want to feel important... It's all something they can get from other."

Nicholas was taken aback. He thought over this for a moment, before slowly shaking his head. "...Maybe you're right about some people, but I just...wanted someone to talk to and relate to, maybe even have a friend? I've had weird time here so far. One girl wanted to get in my pants just because...another, a girl named Gabe, gave me a death stare just for trying to help out a friend who was being interrogated viciously by her just because she was in an accident with Jaska. I'm tired from everything I've done so far, and I just came here hoping to maybe relax and have a conversation with someone who seemed interesting to me, ya know?...Or maybe I just come off as some sort of creepy kid. I don't know."

So Mr. Nice guy was having a bad day? Tough luck. People here have bad lives and you don't see them complain. But whatever. "You best get used to people like that..." Shannon said as she took a long sip of her coffee (Which she honestly forgot was even there!). She broke eye contact with Nicholas for a moment and closed her eyes. Before she gently pressed her coffee cup against the table. "You've just entered the biggest cesspool of arrogant assholes, sociopaths, power hungry maniacs, and narcissists you've ever seen... Where do you lie?"

Nicholas shook his head. He...didn't know. If anything, he was always taught to not be any of those things. Both from personal study to how his mother taught him. He never wanted to be any of those things. And so, he stood up, pulling out a twenty dollar bill and placing it on the table beside his food. "...Thats for the meal. You can take the rest as a tip, ma'am." He spoke to the waitress, before looking at the ginger-haired girl. "...I don't know. And if it were up to me, I would rather not be any of them." He stated. With that, he left the whole sandwich, what remained of the tea, and the partially-eaten cake behind, moving to step out towards the door of the cafe. He slowly stepped out into the rain, lacking an umbrella as his clothes slowly got soaked as he wandered towards the student dormitories. Maybe he should just take some time to himself there...maybe people weren't in the lounge anymore...

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

Well, that sounds -quite- mysterious! Woohooooo....

By the way, I sent ya a message, Est, in case you missed it!

Academy 218 - Superhuman School (Always open)

I have not done that yet! I need to do that!

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Done!

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