xavier_institute_ooc | (no subject)

Ladies, gentlemen and those in-between, this is your new school nurse speaking! Well... typing.

October does not only bring in all the spooky and candy, but also flu season! Head down to the infirmary for your flu shots, courtesy of the Xavier Institute and enhanced by yours truly. Students may get a ghostly treat if you behave. (Faculty may get some liquor candies I found in my bags.)

Any other aches, pains, skinned knees and broken arms will be tenderly taken care of as well. Colds, measles and fevers are also quickly fixed with the power of genetic fuckery that makes us all so special.

(I don't fix hangovers. That's your own fault, learn to hydrate.)

Pluspoints for anyone not recoiling in the infirmary. I lost the pretty lottery for useless mutations.

/Zian Mardovich

A:
[There's a wolf walking around campus. Anyone who knows Enkidu of the eleventh grade probably knows who this wolf is, especially as it looks a bit—greenish, but otherwise, it appears to be fairly ordinary wolf, trotting across the open ground. It seems friendly. When it sees someone, it heads towards them, tongue lolling from its mouth, ears forward.]

B:
[In human form, Enkidu is just as willing to approach someone. Enkidu's been rolling around in the grass and climbing trees, hair full of sticks, face smudged. Currently up in the branches, Enkidu jumps down, to stand before this newcomer to the grove, head tilting to one side.]

Do you want to play?

[Enkidu's social skills aren't always the best.]

[Sakuya's office is more or less littered with notes that she has taken. Lots of them; when you have a problem with memory like she does, then writing down every even insignificant-sounding detail becomes important, because it may be something that comes up later.

It also helps as a member of staff, because then you can remember who everyone is and what their plans and the like are. So, most days, between meetings, she can be found scribbling things down on notepads or reviewing the notes, rubbing one of the scars under her hairline in thought.

She's friendly, she's kind, she's approachable. She's a little weird. At least she hasn't moved the dolls in yet. But there's a picture of her with quite a collection in the background up on a shelf behind her desk.

So come in, ask questions, look for guidance!

Just don't ask her to use that memory-removing power of hers to erase the fact you failed the last test, or, staff, to erase the memories of that shameful one night stand. She doesn't much appreciate that.]

Edited 2014-10-04 18:39 (UTC)

[It's...strange, living in a world without his grandmother. Windred was the only thing keeping him from attending Xavier's for so long and now that she's dead...well, no sense in refusing to attend anymore.

At least his powers have always been more or less easy to control. Sure, the whole "randomly summoning a sword" thing was annoying as a kid but he learned how to handle it! Even learned how to swordfight, just in case.

The strange ghostly aura that tends to pop up when he's fighting is a little strange, but that's a new thing and Windred never knew about it. He didn't want her to know, just in case she sent him to Xavier's.

Anyway, come say high to the new high school senior!]

A

[ Michael sees you coming to take advantage of his "open office hours" out of the corner of his eye and, as quickly as possible, puts out the cigarette he was smoking and tries to hide the ashtray. But despite the fact that he cracked the window the room still smells of stale smoke.

His office is tiny and crammed, it looks like it might have been a closet at some point. There's a small wooden desk with a laptop on it and several movie posters plastered to the wall. They're all 80's action flicks that you've likely heard of. There's also a couple of trophies on a shelf, sitting with dust covering them.

Michael looks somewhat annoyed but still gestures for you to sit down. ]

Come on in, sit down. You needed something, right?

B

[ You're a student in Mr De Santa's film class and you've spent the last hour finishing watching an overly gorey, hyper masculine action film from the 80's. The film finishes playing on the projector and Michael points to the kid in the back row to flip on the lights. He walks over and pulls on the screen ever so slightly, letting it roll up with ease. ]

Remember, you've got an essay on this. Come on, don't groan, it's only a page. They want me to have you write so you all can still count this as an English elective, so really, if you think about it, you're the one benefitting...

[ The bell rings out as the other students rush towards the door. Michael yells out one more time in protest against the bell. ]

I'm serious, next class, I want papers on my desk from all of you f- friendly kids!

[A]
[Raven walking through the hallway, eyes fixated on the book she's reading. Apparently, it's a really enthralling read, as she doesn't even notice someone walking down the opposite way. A little bit longer, and the two bump into each other.]

Sorry.

[B]
[Finally, she has the room to herself. Now's the chance to get in some good meditation in or just enjoy the relative peace and quiet. Nothing could possibly ruin this moment, and-

Oh, someone's knocking on the door. Well, there's only thing to do...

Raven ignores whoever it is and goes back to her peace and quiet. Or she would've, if they didn't start knocking again.

Alright, fine.

She opens the door, just barely enough to catch her disgruntled face.]

What do you want?

[A - Network]
Hey, so if disinterest is the opposite of interest, can we say suade is the opposite of dissuade? So if you suade someone to do something, you're sort of encouraging them to do it?

[B - School roof]
Dick's been lounging on the school roof playing with his phone, updating Bruce on life at the Institute as well as spamming Wally while the older boy suffers through his own classes. That being said, he's pretty close to the edge, and when someone comes up, he 'accidentally goes rolling off with a startled, "Woah-!"

He's fine, dangling from the edge by his fingertips and grinning brightly.

Edited 2014-10-04 17:51 (UTC)

A. Radio Rebel - (It's an anonymous podcast/blog so it's outside the school's intranet on the real internet.)
Alright, guess it's time to come clean about who I really am.

I... am a mutant, like Dazzler and all the other mutants coming out, I know it doesn't mean much, given that being nameless is my thing. But just because I'm nameless doesn't mean I'm faceless. I'm just like anyone else, except I have freaky mutant powers. No, I'm not purple, and I can't fight crime or anything like that. But it's a part of me, a me I don't let the rest of the world see.

But, for you guys, since I know you love me, you get to know that's a part of who I am. Now, I got a new single from Dazzler on the subject that I'm sure everyone will enjoy...

B. Tara - Network - Voice
I was- um... wondering, if someone could catch me up on the classes I- um, missed?

*Quieter... which is a shock given she was already really on the shy side.* I don't want to be any trouble.

C. Tara - Action
*See that quiet little thing desperately trying to blend into the wall listening to what looks like a heavily modified mp3 player? The one who looks scared of her own shadow and has no idea how to people? Go pester her.*

A. Network - Voice
So... they gave me this thing, and they said its mine? I just... get to have one of these fancy phones? What's the scam here?

*Nevermind that she has never sold anything of her own in her life, she lives by selling other peoples stuff. But that is not the point.*

B. Action - Kitchen
*Perhaps she's running away, perhaps she's just not used to there being food with such easy access. ...or she could just like stealing. But Cat is going through the pantry, and the fridges, and any cookie jars, and putting what she can into various pockets or just into her jacket like she normally does.

No big deal.*

[Network - Voice]

-It's early. Obscenely early. The sun hasn't even come out yet. But it's time for a wake-up call, courtesy of the local maestro Kyouko.-

GOOOOOOOOD MOOOOORNING XAVIEEEER'S!!! Get your happy butts out of bed, classes start in an hour and I am pretty sure the school would appreciate it if more of you took some time for personal grooming in the morning.

ANYWAYS you don't have to be alone this morning while your roommate hammers fruitlessly at the snooze button to shut me up. The Kyouko the Echo YamaBIko is here to brighten up the start of your day with a little noise! I'll be taking callers all morning, but for now, let's get right too it with some Rancid, Roots Radicals!

-Normally it would be prudent for a radio DJ to make use of a compressor. Kyouko doesn't give that much of a shit. And thus the song is coming in a little extra loud. In case you were still asleep.-

[Action - Courtyard]

Kyouko sits alone with her guitar and amp, strumming out a little tune, her fingers moving deftly and her ears showing visible vibrations as they mimicked the sound of a rhythm section backing her up. This was not an uncommon sight since Kyouko came to the school. Music was, after all, her entire world. It had been fostered by the folks at the temple (though not the loudness she was fond of) and she now had access to the sort of training to take her music, and her powers, to a level well beyond what she could reach on her own. So that meant practicing every single day, every opportunity she could.

She wasn't here to learn to be a fighter or hero or anything like that. She still carried Hijiri's pacifistic teachings with her. No, for her, the expression of her soul, of her joy and sorrow, of her love and anger, was through music. The mutant condition, she wanted to capture it in sound. And hopefully, she could find some people that were of a like mind. Solo acts were great and all... but what Kyouko had come to really love was the camaraderie of the Temple. She wanted to find that again in a band.

Edited 2014-10-04 19:55 (UTC)

1. Network post:
Hiya, kids, this is Officer Adachi of Security. Maybe you've seen me around. Club day's coming up, and I want to be the first to tell you about a new group we're forming at the school.

[This isn't his doing. It's stupid. But he's supposed to try forming bonds with these brats. Or something.]

It's the Junior Security Club! Sorry about the name. Wasn't my idea... But—it's a great club for anyone who's interested in solving crimes or public safety. So, if you're interested or have any questions, let me know. Or check out our table on club day.

2. Lunchroom, noonish:
[Adachi never sits with anyone else, making a point of choosing an empty table. If the tables are full, he'll generally snatch up a sandwich and leave. But today, he has an entire table to himself. He's spread out his various food items, and he has his notebook, pen, and textbook: Advanced English Grammar. He's sprawled out and seems to be having a good time. However, the seats are starting to fill up...]

School grounds, evening:
[It's evening, and getting close to the time that students are meant to be back in their dorms. Adachi suddenly steps from the shadows—or at least, that's what it seems like. He's just doing his regular rounds!]

Hey, you're out late, huh?

[He smiles.]

Everything okay?

[ Network - Voice ]

I never had a fancy phone before coming to the school. It's kind of neat how connected it makes me feel. I can read stuff, hear stuff, see stuff, kind of catch a glimpse into the lives of people around me.

It's kind of like what I used to do anyways, just watching life from the outside looking in...

A-anyways, most people call me 'Shadow'. -'Kagerou; was the name her mother gave her... it didn't feel right having strangers use it.- It's nice to meet everyone...

[ Action - Hedge Maze ]

It's late. Or at least it feels late. It's not yet curfew, but with the changing seasons so comes the darkness settling in far earlier than before. And with it, the rising of the moon. And with more of the moon visible, so did Kagerou's mutation become more obvious. Donning a hood and dashing out of the girl's dorm, some might spot a figure hurriedly making her way out to the hedge maze...

[Network; Video]

[Miko stood confidently in front of her camera, it was obvious she had placed it in just the right spot to show her full form from an impressive angle. She was also wearing a cape. Why was she wearing a cape? She thought it looked cool! Other than that? No real reason.]

Behold this wonderful item I discovered abandoned in an unused storage cupboard. Far too much a waste if you ask me, so I liberated it to the world of light and sound of which it had been denied!

Doesn't it add to an impressive figure? I dare say it is quite catching. I think I'm going to wear it all day and every day now!

[Action - Library.]

[Despite not needing to study particularly hard for her classes, Miko could still be found studying in the library. A few books to her side and a notebook with her homework filled out within. If anyone looked closer they would see it had already been completed, and by the titles of the books around her potentially for a while. Yet still she seemed to be studying still, topics no senior in high school should be worrying about yet.]

[1: Network | Voice]

[There's a few seconds of strange singing, then a voice coming from the other end which sounds a bit distorted, wobbly almost. It seems to belong to a girl with an English accent.]

It worked! Hello, Xavier Institute. My name's Naija and I'm communicating with you on this...[She needs a moment to remember the word for it.]...computer from the depths of Breakstone Lake. It's astonishing what Mister McCoy can do, isn't it? Anyway, I'll be your new swimming and underwater combat instructor. I hope I'll see some of you soon.

[2: Action]

There is what appears at a distance to be a drunk mermaid flopping through the school.

On closer inspection: Her feet are large and webbed but her legs are definitely separate. Her skin is slick and green though and her ears spined and large too. And she's not drunk, just not used to moving around outside the water still. Thus the wobbliness. The flush on her cheeks is a combination embarrassment from being so clumsy right now and the difference in average oxygen intake between water and air.

She'll apologize if she bumps into you.

[3: Action]

Alright, the school pool. Finally, water. She dives in gracefully, swallowed up by it, making almost no splash, as if she were a pebble flung in. But on surfacing on the other side...

"Gah! What is that?"

She rubs at her now red eyes. She has never experienced chlorine before.

[4: Action]

Next to the boathouse, she bobs to the surface, looking up curiously at whoever just arrived. Clearly she's found a home, at least for the moment.

"Hello! Not many people come out here, except when they want to fish."

[1|Written]

We did this last year, and I'd like to keep the tradition alive: Things You Are Not Allowed To Do At Xavier's Institute For Gifted Youngsters, 2014 Edition. Go!

[2|Action]

Grading art projects is a crappy job, save for those who turned in stick figures (under the terms of her deal with her students, that is: if you hate art, turn in a stick figure and silently fiddle with your phone for the rest of the class and you'll get a barely passing grade). It's inherently subjective, and something they may have put a lot of emotion into. Reveal a part of yourself, get told it's terrible...she knows how that feels.

Well maybe, she thinks, that's a little melodramatic. Still, she feels bad about it. Which is why she's been in her classroom, pacing back and forth in front of several mixed media projects for almost half an hour. She hasn't yet given any of them a grade.

[3| Action]

Not much older than many of her charges, Reki's developed a bit of a reputation as the kind of teacher you can tell anything to and it won't go up the chain to Xavier. "If noone's dead, it stays with me." she's said before, with one of her sardonic smiles.

She nudges the door closed and slides into a chair.

"So, what's up?"

Aqua settled into her new office. She was new to the staff of this school, and was herself still learning the culture and expectations here. She adjusted the cobalt blue runner on her desk. So odd, that Masters were called teachers and professors here, and that they needed desks in their offices. Back on the island, Master Eraqus, when he was in a single room waiting along for students, it was either a training room or his own bedroom. Here, she had been granted an office. With a desk. And book cases. And an insanely comfortable chair for herself, and two chairs on the other side that were only less comfortable by comparison. It was hard to get used to. She was not used to being encouraged to actually sit for longer than it took to eat a meal. Even lessons were usually given while running in place, or otherwise working out. But she would get used to it. She pulled out her wayfinder, people out here used last names, so she took that for her own. She looked at the Wayfinder, thinking of the people she had lost. Her Master as dead, he would never come back again, but Ven... Terra...

She closed her hand over the handmade charm. "Ven, Terra," she whispered. "Find me." She tucked the Wayfinder away again, and then shook her head. They were the past, and they would be her future. She WOULD see them again. But now, the present, now she would be here, she would help these students. She would take care of her charges, under this new Master. She glanced at the open door; she would take care of them, that was, if anyone walked in.

[Network - Video]

I gotta say, it leaves me in a state of perpetual awe, the range of extraordinary abilities we got at this school.

[Al is on screen, elbow propped up against a desk in what is presumably one of the faculty areas of the school. His eyebrows are raised pointedly, his lips cast in a dull line. Does he look perpetually awed? Not exactly.]

New revelations, every time I set foot in the fucking place. Pardon my language -- [He is really very concerned that he might have offended someone and not at all just saying that because the administration's chewed him out about the barrage of constant F-bombs and other sundry filth that comes out of his mouth daily.] Like today. Here, this very morning, I bring in a bottle of liquor, setting it aside for the enormous, skull-pounding, fucking headache I'm gonna have once I'm done acting as schoolmarm for the day, and...look.

[The camera pans around, circling from Al's look of feigned suspense to a stretch of open counter-top. There is absolutely nothing there.]

Breath-taking, ain't it? I had no idea we had someone around that could turn alcohol fucking invisible and intangible. Wonders and their never ceasin', huh?

And, now, I expect that one of you bright young minds is gonna astonish me further by popping it back into existence before the clock strikes next. Legal age or not, I assure you, the alternative involves you waking up powerless, by the side of the road in New Jersey or some other hellhole.

[Action]

["Armed Combat Instruction" is what it says on the tin, as far as Al's official position at the school goes. And while, most of the time, the "armed" part of that title can be supplied by the Danger Room and its hard-light programs, occasionally a firmer dose of reality is wanted. Hence the layout he's prepared on the desk in the otherwise workaday classroom he's commandeered for today: In place of the usual array of school supplies, it's lined up from one side of the other with a variety of firearms, starting with a trio of handguns at one end and working up to heavier fire-power at the other.

It's one of the smaller weapons that Al picks up as he stands in front of the class, double-checking the safety before turning it over in his hand. He looks impassively over towards whomever's actually shown up for the day.]

So, show of hands...

How many of you here have actually fired one of these? At something that was trying not to get hit. [He waits just a second for any potential response.] Or been on the receiving end...?

I suppose, with a group like us, we're as like to come out either way, am I fucking right?

Eileanea hesitated before the gates, then shied away. Or rather, one of her did. Her main self was hidden somewhere safe. However, while she usually was fine sending her clones into danger in her place, she wasn't entirely convinced that she was any safer from this particular danger than she was usually. After all, the clones could die in her place, and she would hurt but she would survive; but they all looked like her. If she humiliated herself, it wouldn't matter if it was a clone or if she had done it in person. She didn't know if someone could literally die of humiliation, but if they could, she doubted even the distance granted by a clone could save her. Well, she supposed if it was too bad... her friends and family all thought she was attending Hofstra university, and one of her clones was there, more or less on autopilot. She supposed if she had to hop a cab or whatever to go back there, she could always attend there, and go back to being a mutant in secret... But here... here being a mutant wouldn't be a thing she had to hide, right? That would be part of what would help her find a group of friends. And even more than doing good, more than anything else, that was what she wanted most. To be part of a group, on the inside. She didn't want to be the queen of the school, or anything. She had no ambitions to be popular, or universally loved. She just wanted to be... liked. To not be teased or bullied, to have a small group of friends that were hers, to have a comfortable place that was her own inside a tight-knit group. But... She had lucked into it when she had moved as a child. Could she really luck into it again? She touched her hair, which was finally growing long again, and allowed herself one greedy wish... to have a group of friends... who never thought cutting their hair was an awesome idea. She didn't want to ever cut it again... but... she would for a group of friends, to have and keep them. It was why she had done it the first time, and since she wound up having to do it anyway, she had learned a lesson. Just do what the group wanted, when they wanted. Her hair would have started growing back that much sooner. She shook her head, still hesitating, still wandering the clone around just outside the gates, not yet braving that first step. She would cut her hair again to fit in... but then... she would also cut her own throat for the same. Not someone else's, but her own. Odd how someone with so many "selves" never learned to be herself, nor did she want to at this point. She looked up at the school, fervently hoping that it would feel like a home... that it could BE a home. A home with friends, a place where she fit. She would be whoever she had to, for that. Swallowing hard, she headed for the gates, and again hesitated...

1 - [Action]

Yu wanders around the new school, somewhat aimlessly. He's kept to himself so far - he was pretty confident in his English, but the experience was different enough that he wanted to get a feeling for it first before he gave talking to anyone a try.

He'd seen, if not actually attended, a couple of private schools in Japan, but this one was even more impressive with the open grounds and, he was pretty sure he'd heard, some kind of underground jet hangar. He was wandering outside at the moment, taking in the fresh air, architecture, and weird feeling of not being in Japan in between classes. Things were different here, and he was going to have to do some more looking around before he decided how they were different.

Meanwhile, he'll be taking a break on a bench and looking quizzically at a stray cat, wondering if it would run away if he approached it. This could go on for a while, so anyone who walks by should feel free to interrupt him.

2 - [Network Text]

[Sometime later, after the requisite introductions...]

Hello. Transfer student here again. I think I missed the information earlier. How do we become superheroes?

[Right to the point.]

Edited 2014-10-06 14:24 (UTC)

1. Office hours:
[Simon's office is small, but as it's in the corner of the building, it has two windows which let in a lot of light. Most of the available wall space is covered with music posters or framed images, like the old Smiths poster from when he was a teenager. There's also a framed copy of Yeats' "The Circus Animals' Desertion." Even for those who don't know, it's really not hard to guess that Simon is Irish, but his cramped bookshelves feature poets and novelists and philosophers from all over the globe. Students are welcome to borrow his books; he has some rarer titles that aren't featured in the library.

Students are welcome to see him about anything they're concerned with. Simon is known as a harsh grader, but he's not heartless. He's also an advisor for the poetry club and debate club.

His appearance is perhaps intimidating—with his deathly, pallid skin and odd white eyes—but he's not the oddest looking person around here, and his open door welcomes all visitors, students or faculty.]

2. Network:
Good afternoon. I'd like to welcome any new students, say hello to those who have been here for some time, and also to introduce myself to anyone unfamiliar with me, as I do periodically. It's a good idea for us to keep in touch and know each other's faces. I'm Simon Monroe. I teach creative writing and performing arts, as well as speech classes here at the school.

For the aspiring writers among you, I'd like to remind you about our literary magazine. Submissions are currently open for our next issue. We're accepting all forms of the written word, as well as illustrations. And if you have a film or multimedia project, you're free to submit that as well. We do host works of all kinds on our website.

[Anyone who's listening and may be susceptible to such things may suddenly find themselves with the urge to go and submit to the literary magazine, but it's easily ignorable, except for the highly suggestible. He doesn't mean to do it. These things just happen sometimes.]

If you have any questions, you can reply here or visit me during my office hours, which do vary but are posted online.

3. Public lounge:
[Simon had ducked into one of the lounges to watch the president's address between classes. He listens attentively throughout the brief speech, and then once it's done, he snorts loudly, all but rolling his eyes before shaking his head. He's clearly not impressed.]

[1 - Network Post]

[Booker is a simple man, he doesn't like having to use technology. So a lot of people may not recognize this face, but boy... he sure does look mad.]

Okay, for the last time, kids, would it kill ya to pick up your own garbage for once? I'm not your maid. I mean... [He presses a hand to his face.] I mean I am the janitor but- you know what I mean. You make my life hard and Xavier doesn't pay me enough for the crap I find around here.

Some break I got leaving the battlefield for this. [He hates his life. So much.]

[2 - Action]

[Booker is a little more recognizable in person. And by a little I mean A WHOLE LOT. Between looking like a Vermont thrift store threw up on him and the fact that, well, half of his janitor duties are actually spent picking out leftover food and drinks that students threw out and adding them to his diet of only-your-strongest-whiskeys, he paints quite an image in everyone's minds.

Today you will run into him cleaning a nearby area, and he may pause to chat. But more likely he's muttering to himself about something ("I hate this place" and "Anna would love it here" come up a lot, as does "what the hell are they eating these days") and you will be drawn to add your input because, well, it's rather sad to see this middle-aged man who is more hobo than custodian mumbling to himself while he cleans toilets and fixes broken doors to the best of his ability.

Really, Booker is just a sad sight when he's not in combat.]

Network post - video

My spiritual power is telling me....it's time for this week's news!

[Dressed into something which can only be described as a magical girl cosplay is a young blonde girl, complete with a magical wand. She just taps it and suddenly the background she's standing against changes from a simple drab wall to suddenly being outside the school. It's a pretty amazing magic....called a "greenscreen", and "editing".]

First up is the rumors that there is a ghost on campus! They say she wanders the library crying at night, waiting for someone to talk to her. If you see her try to get me her number because I hear she's cute!

Then there's talk about a new entrepreneurial merchant among the students here, someone selling charms that are supposed to make someone fall in love with you. Non one knows who's selling the charms, they simply buy them online and they appear in your locker the next morning. Of course, I've bought ten, but I haven't been able to read any prominent energy coming from them. It could be just another scam, but I'll give it some more time before I believe it's worked or not!

[Terrible, this whole show is terrible, it's not news at all but gossip and rumors most which amount to having to do with spirits, magic, and love, as well as the hostess's inability to feel shame, which must be her mutant power.]

And now, I'll open up the karmic distortion wavelengths...I mean, open the phone lines to let you weigh in on the news!

Action

[Around campus, Azusa is a pretty normal girl, outgoing and bright. She might be a little off putting though, seeing how when she talks to people she writes things down in a notebook, or asks if she can record their conversation. Nevermind that she's constantly taking pictures with an SLR she keeps around her neck most days.

If there's rumors, gossip, or even just talk of who hooked up with who, expect her to be a part of it.]

Edited 2014-10-07 20:08 (UTC)

[A - Network]
To the many students who decided it would be a good idea to plagiarise for the last essay - I've read "The Art of War". Many times. While it is an excellent choice to use in reference, you can't expect full marks for regurgitating entire passages with no input of your own.

To those of you who failed this essay due to the above, I'm giving you until next Friday to rewrite them. You won't receive full marks, but it will be better than a fail.

[B - Action]
((OOC: Brackets or Prose welcome, will switch to match!))
Before the kendo club comes to start their training for the day, Auron takes advantage of the empty space to get in some practice of his own. His gargantuan sword is set aside (he doesn't want to piss off the janitor by leaving huge gouges in the floor or walls after all) in favor of a custom made bokken in a similar size, heavily weighed down with a lead core. He goes through his katas smoothly though, as if the wooden sword weighs nothing, the movements filled with brutal grace and perfected over many decades of training.

When he finishes it's just about time for the kendo club to start coming in, so he goes to retrieve his sword, nodding in greeting to anyone that's appeared.

[ TEXT ]

I've been thinking about what I wanted to do for extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, I'm finding it difficult. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in sharing their hobbies with me.

With some discussion, I think I can find something appropriate.

[ SAVED BY THE BELL ]

[ He's new. You can't get around that. A transfer, actually, and a bit shy at that. A young man, no more than 12, perhaps coming right up to you to ask you a question: ]

Hello, I'm sorry-- [ A formal speaker, at that. ] I'm looking for Ms. Williams' class room. I missed the class, I know, but...

[ He trails off. Well, things happen, right?

Or Nigredo could simply run right into you, literally, trying to get the layout of the place. ]

[ COURTYARD ]

[ There is, of course, the option that you'll pass him by in the courtyard. Sitting quietly to himself, largely, but with a notepad in hand, doodling everything he sees. You, the scenery, people, everything. It's not all that good, but he tries.

Feel free to bother him, Nigredo doesn't bite. ]

[ CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE ]

[ None of the prompts work out for you? Want to do something else? GO FOR IT. ]

[The feed opens to an unfamiliar face curled up on top of a bed in the dorm, his legs folded up in front of him like he's unconsciously trying to make himself smaller. Plain jeans, plain t-shirt.]

[Those with an eye for detail might notice that there are absolutely no personal touches in view - he's done nothing to make the room feel like home, nothing to take ownership of it. In a way, it looks even more stark, even more devoid of personal touches than your average hotel room.]

I'm supposed to go see a Doctor McCoy about - [It catches. It still feels a little surreal, saying it.] about my powers. [He doesn't even know what they are. Though that's why he's going to see Doctor McCoy - to figure it out. Whatever it is, it isn't anything like super speed, or super strength, or flight - he'd have noticed that. But whatever it is he can do, their machine (Cerebella, or something like that) picked up on him, and now he's here, on the other side of the country, knowing no one.]

[He should be more excited about being closer to New York, about actually having a hope of glimpsing the Avengers or the Fantastic Four if he visits New York City, but somehow, he just can't muster any excitement.]

Thing is... I'm new. So I don't know where his lab is. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Oh. Right. He ought to smile. He tries to, but it feels... unfamiliar. Rusty. It feels like a lifetime ago, when he could smile and it felt natural.] Thanks.

Zian Mardovich | Wildstar/OC

Enkidu | Fate/Strange Fake