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| Normalcy Is Out The Window; Cyclops | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 5 2015, 11:07 PM (270 Views) | |
| Ethan Shepard | Jun 5 2015, 11:07 PM Post #1 |
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Time: 4:37 PM Date: June 6, 2015 In front of Xavier's Institute At first glance, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was more than impressive. It was certainly captivating. After all, if it wasn't Ethan wouldn't have been focusing on it for as long as he had. What had been an awkward car ride from the airport for Ethan was completely forgotten as he looked around at what was now his new home. But in addition to any sense of wonderment, Ethan also saw the school as something that was incredibly daunting. He was across the country from his home at a school that housed people that could do just about anything. What if there's someone who can blow up minds or shoot diamonds or something? Maybe even someone who threw trees and buses? He'd want to try and avoid annoying those guys at all cost. But then again, he was probably just getting ahead of himself. It's just another school... Ethan thought to himself. How bad could it be? Thunk! Ethan was brought back to reality all at once when he heard the car door being slam shut by Mr. Summers. This man may have been the reason he was intimidated by the school in the first place. He trusted that Mr. Summers was a good person, but he looked extremely intimidating at times; it was probably the glasses. That was probably why Ethan didn't even try to strike up a conversation conversation in the car. After all, what could he say to him that he hadn't heard a thousand times before? After the car door shut Ethan focused on the task at hand and turned away from the school, walking to the back of the car. He placed his hand on the lever and pulled it, slowly opening the car's rear door as he stepped back. He looked inside at how his luggage was stacked in the back of the vehicle, filling up a decent portion of its space. There's really a lot of this stuff when you move, Ethan thought. Grabbing the handle of a dark orange rolling suitcase, he pulled the bag out of the car and to the ground below, where it landed with a thud. As the rest of the luggage began to be unloaded from the car, he looked over at Mr. Summers again and still found it odd that he was helping him. But he already spent too much time thinking about that. He should enjoy is first day at this school, not spend it all thinking about things he shouldn't! Ethan grabbed his suitcases handle and started to walk with it before stopping in his tracks. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he had forgotten to figure out one thing before starting to walk: I have no idea where I'm going. He turned back to Mr. Summers as he snapped the bag's handle back into place, looking around the grounds of the school. "So... I'm not quite sure where I'm supposed to bring my bags..." He remarked to the headmaster tentatively, feeling that he should already be aware of where to move them. But then again, he had never even been to this school and it was massive. And considering the history of this place, it's not likely they'd send out the layout of the school for students familiarize themselves with. "This place is just a bit big..." He continued, stating what could not be more obvious. Stupid thing to say Ethan, at least try to make a good impression! But then again, it's not like he bites, right? He hoped to God he was right. Please don't bite. |
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| Cyclops | Jun 6 2015, 09:12 AM Post #2 |
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Punches from the Punch Dimension
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The boy had said very little from the time Scott had picked him up from the airport to this moment as they arrived at the school. Scott hadn't pushed him. This was a huge deal, coming to the school. So many kids came from horrible situations, so many of them were scared and lost. He was a secure presence in times of battle and danger. Comforting and warm he was not. They pulled up to the school, and Scott glanced at the young man from behind his red glasses. One of his favorite things about this was watching as new students got their first look at the school, the long tree lined driveway, the grounds, the mansion itself, not to mention the sight of the students who sat under the trees, who jogged along the paths, hung out on the porch. Kids with wings, or scales, or extra limbs... Scott got out of the car to help the kid unpack and the boy said the first words since he'd been greeted at the airport. "This place is just a bit big..." Ethan floundered. "It is really big," Scott said, with a nod, "But you'll figure your way around. It'll soon feel like home, Mr. Shepard, I promise." He closed the trunk and grabbed one of the suitcases, "Come on, I'll show you to your room, and then we'll head down to my office and get you your class schedule and whatnot. Sound good?" Leading the boy, across the drive and up towards the school, Scott looked over his shoulder at him, "I remember my first sight of the place. I was fifteen, and scared, a little angry that my life had sort of changed without my permission... no, I was a lot angry. I wasn't in the best situation when I came here, and the Professor rescued me from that. Without this school, what I would have been would have been someone that I couldn't respect, wouldn't like... and wouldn't be able to live with. This school helped me to be the person I wanted to be. The question is, Mr. Shepard: 'Who do you want to be?'" Scott asked. "You don't have to answer yet. We'll can help you with that, we can show you that it's possible to be a mutant and not be a monster.: |
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| Ethan Shepard | Jun 6 2015, 08:50 PM Post #3 |
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When Mr. Summers finally spoke to him it sort of felt like a lot of weight was lifted off of Ethan's shoulders. Was he still nervous? Of course, this was a big school, and he found it unhealthy for him to forgo his usually happy attitude at such a pivotal moment in his life. But Mr. Summers actually speaking seemed to get rid of the illusion that he was just a faceless man who would only act and was rather judgmental, all while saying absolutely nothing. So as he calmly told Ethan they'd move his stuff to his room and sort out his new life, he simply nodded with a relieved expression, setting his computer bag over his shoulder after he grabbed it from the car. "Yea... Yea, that actually sounds great, thanks." Ethan responded with a small smile of gratitude as they started to walk. It's not exactly like Ethan had ignored the students of the school at first when he arrived, but the school had taken the forefront in his thoughts. There were children of all sorts there, some of which had visible mutations, and some who did not. What can that one do? What about that one? Those were the thoughts that went through Ethan's head for just a moment, but he quickly shook his head. That kind of thinking was disrespectful in a sense, wasn't it? After all, they were people, he shouldn't view them as game of Twenty Questions. He wouldn't do that to himself after all. But Ethan did feel eyes fall upon him and Mr. Summers as they walked. Now he had two theories about why they did this. One: They were all seeing a new kid arrive and were quite possibly thinking the same thing Ethan was thinking about them. Two: They saw the headmaster and realized that they should be behaving instead of doing whatever they were up to. The second possibility entertained Ethan more, so he decided to think that was it. Yet his attention fell to Mr. Summers once again once he began to speak more. Ethan was fixated on what the headmaster was saying, listening to every one of his words with an intent focus. This was probably because he was thinking about what he was saying as the essentials he'd need to survive. But Mr. Summers must really know how to make kids think, because the instant he asked that question it certainly had Ethan seeing if he had an answer. "What do you want to be?" This was a fairly important question, the answer to which he didn't know. But the headmaster was certainly right, he didn't have to know the answer yet. "We can show you that it's possible to be a mutant and not be a monster." The young boy could only give a solemn nod at this statement, trusting that he was right. "I don't doubt that you can at all, it's just all a bit daunting at times, you know? I mean, I know I'm not the only one with powers, but it's certainly more than a little frightening when you don't have a good handle on them. I don't exactly know what you know about mine but..." He shook his head, trying to keep on topic. "But I just get a bit intimidated when I accidentally burn down my room when I'm asleep." He laughed slightly at the bluntness of his own statement. Good to lighten the mood for himself. "And I almost had a little issue in the car... but I'm not exactly sure if you could see that..." His tone and manner of speech was slowly becoming less reserved and more open as he continued. This was the first person that Ethan really knew that he could talk to this about, so maybe he vented just a little bit right there. He realized he was trailing off again and focused on Mr. Summers again. "But I've been more accepting of myself as of late. I'm more open to the prospect that I'm not a monster than to the one that I am. After all, I'm sure you've had struggles with your abilities too." Ethan said with a slightly more visible smile, not that he could see. |
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| Cyclops | Jun 7 2015, 09:29 AM Post #4 |
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Punches from the Punch Dimension
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They headed up the stairs and Scott nodded to a couple of students, unable to resist patting one on his shoulder and saying, "Still waiting three days of homework, Mr. Bronson." "Sorry, sir," Mr. Bronson said, his three eyes blinking one at a time, "I'm just having a lot of trouble figuring out the quadratic formula." "Ask Terry to schedule a tutoring session," Scott said, "I think I have a free slot on Tuesday night. I'm sure we can get you back up to speed." He tapped a long finger on his temple and said, "I had to relearn everything including math when I was a kid. You're a lot smarter than I was, so I have complete faith in you." The boy smiled, "Thanks, Mr. Summers." Scott turned to Ethan, "Ethan Shepard, this is Spencer Bronson. Mr. Bronson, Mr. Shepard's a new student here. He's going to be with us for a while, I trust you'll show him around?" "Sure," Spencer said, "We're playing Dungeons and Dragons tonight in the rec room if you wanna play. We need a mage but as long as you're not an elf, we could use you, like all we have are elves and paladins." "I'll give you a tour and show you where the rec room is," Scott told Ethan, "So, we should get moving. Thanks, Mr. Bronson." Leading the way inside, Scott listened to Ethan's thoughts about his power, "Well, I do indeed know what it's like to have a power that is less than perfectly controlled." He ticked a finger against his glasses and he said, "If I was to remove these glasses, there'd be a skylight right through the top three floors of the place. We'll take a look at your powers and if you need a device to help control them, we'll develop that device, but I think you're probably going to be able to learn control. I was aware that there was a problem in the car, but you're not the only student I've ever had almost go off in the car. I have a device installed that throws up a null field, so things would have been fine." He turned his head to look at the young man, "But I didn't have to use it because you were able to control your outburst. We'll work on making that more than just habit." Ethan asked how much he knew about his powers and Scott said, "Energy absorption and expulsion, right? I only know as much information as we got from your entry interview, but your abilities seem very similar to my brother's. Maybe some of the same techniques will work with your training. We'll figure that all out. Come on, the boy's dorms are upstairs this way." As they headed up, Scott said, "This school focuses on taking you kids, no matter what educational level you're at, what circumstances you've come from, to high school graduation, college if you're interested. We'll teach you how to control your powers, how, when and if to use them." He stopped at the landing and said, "Mr. Shepard, this school is not just for education though. I suppose what we need to find out is not how much we know about you but how much you know about us." |
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| Ethan Shepard | Jun 7 2015, 08:18 PM Post #5 |
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After listening to Spencer's issues with math all Ethan could think was, Oh, do I know how that feels. He supposed that something about that made Spencer a bit more relatable. He wasn't really bothered by the three eyes. Surprised, maybe, but he could look past that rather quickly. The guy was as normal as anyone else, looking past any external abnormalities. The thought of Mr. Summers teaching math was also a bit surprising, as well as entertaining. But once he thought on it a bit more, he decided that that must be really effective. If Ethan saw that guy glaring at him from the front of the classroom, he would certainly pay attention. True, it would also make asking for help in class a bit intimidating, but if Mr. Summers would flag you down for the work, he supposed that it worked out just fine. Ethan couldn't help but laugh a little as Spencer greeted him with an impromptu Dungeons and Dragons pitch. He shook his hand with a smile as he greeted him, entertained by him already. "That sounds like fun. I may just take you up on that sometime," he responded in a friendly manner. Ethan hadn't exactly played Dungeons and Dragons before, but it's still important to be polite. Giving one more nod to Mr. Bronson, Ethan followed Mr. Summers inside. Listening to Mr. Summers response to his thoughts, Ethan felt more at ease coming to this school. Okay, so he was right, Mr. Summers had seen the outburst in the car, but he hadn't been the one to get it under control. It was certainly surprising that they had so many precautions to be able to control the powers of the students, but it showed that this school knew what they were doing. But he was also a bit intrigued when Mr. Summers commented on his own powers as well. So those glasses aren't just for show then? Ethan thought. I guess the intimidation factor is a bit of a bonus. But when Ethan was asked what he knew about the school he paused for a moment and responded, "Well... I know you're a school for young mutants of many ages and grade levels, like you said. I also know that you help people control their outbursts here so they're not viewed as monsters, as you said again. But to be honest, I didn't know about this place until the trial with the Purifiers." He scratched his head a little awkwardly and continued, "I'm not sure if I need to know more, but I'm aware that this school extends a bit past scholastics." The young man finished responding, a little unsure of his answer. |
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| Cyclops | Jun 9 2015, 12:40 AM Post #6 |
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Punches from the Punch Dimension
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"Ah," Scott said with a nod, shifting the heavier of the suitcases to his other hand to counterbalance the strain on his slightly weaker knee. His limp was almost imperceptible but he felt it when carrying heavy things. "The trial. That was a milestone for mutant rights, and for our place in the legal system. The man on trial for being the Horseman of War, for the crimes he committed in the name of Apocalypse? That was my younger brother Alex, the one who has similar powers to your own. He was tortured and broken and brainwashed into being that monster, and it was through our faith, and his own intrinsic nature that he was able to break that conditioning. He wasn't responsible for what he did, but he took responsibility because he is a good man who believes that there must be justice, that we aren't above the law just because we're powered." Reaching the second floor, Scott made a left to the boys' dorms, "Girls rooms are down that way, staff and faculty are a floor up. My wife and I have a family suite in the west wing. Students aren't allowed in the staff dorms without an escort so if you need meeting with anyone, you can schedule one during office hours. Boys are this way, most of our students have at least one roommate, but each dorm room holds up to four students when we're at our highest attendance." Nodding to a few boys who were passing, Scott smoothly transitioned into the school's other activities. "Part of your training, Mr. Shepard, will be learning how to use your powers for defence, since, as you've seen, mutants and humans are not yet at a place where they can co-exist, though we're trying. One of the most important parts of the school is down in our sub-basement, a training arena we've nicknamed the Danger Room. On top of your normal class studies, you have sessions scheduled to learn how to control your powers and to explore the possibilities of them. Some of our students have gone on to work for SHIELD or go into public service in one way or the other and some... well, I'm sure you're aware of the X-Men. It's sort of hard to miss the news considering the events of the past few years." Scott glanced at the young man, hoping he wasn't overwhelming him with information, "Besides teaching Math, Autoshop, Self Defense and Long Range Power Development, I'm the field leader of the X-Men, and the co-ordinator of our junior team the Legacy Squad. I took that mantle when I was seventeen years old, and with a few sabbaticals here and there, I've been leading my team of trained and practiced mutants in the defense of a world that hates and fears us. The school is not a training ground for the team. If you decide, when you're ready, when your powers are in control, that you want to work with us, your training will step up and you can graduate into Legacy. If you decide it's not for you, there is no mandatory requirement to join us. You can go to college, you can live a normal life, you can do whatever it is you wish, but you need to know that this is an element that's present at the school, and sometimes that brings danger. We've been attacked, people have been hurt, killed, outside the school grounds and in our own backyard. If this is too much for you to handle, you can tell me right now and we'll go from there. Do you understand?" |
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| Ethan Shepard | Jun 9 2015, 01:54 AM Post #7 |
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Listening carefully, Ethan did his best to process all the information that his superior was giving him. Ethan knew that the trial of Alex Summers had to be significant, but that didn't stop him from being slightly unsettled by the words of Mr. Summers. "He was tortured and broken and brainwashed into being that monster," this statement resonated into Ethan's head. He knew that he was not Alex Summers, but the vague similarities of his powers may have created the link he needed for a moment of temporary paranoia. But Alex Summers broke free, and as Mr. Summers said, "he is a good man who believes that there must be justice." If he wasn't considered a model inspiration, Ethan didn't want to know who was. Turning his attention to the direction of the dormitories, Ethan took great effort to make a note of where the boys dorms were. He did not want to make the mistake of going the wrong way if he was extremely tired. At least he'd have a room mate, whom he was very curious to meet, to possibly help him avoid that. It was also good to know where the teachers were, so he had extra incentive to know where not to go. At least not without another faculty member or supervisor of some sort. Processing the layout of the school, Ethan took special note of the Danger Room. I have a distinct feeling I'm going to be spending a good portion of my time there, he thought. Ethan was aware of classes and training, but wasn't worried about the former at the moment on account of summer. Then again, this is a school, so he may have just roped himself into three extra months of classes. The only reaction he could think of for that was a comically over-acted "Noooooooo!" Maybe like Darth Vader at the end of the second Star Wars film, but he was getting just a little off base. Focusing back on the conversation at hand, Ethan had indeed heard of the X-Men. They were inspiring as well, especially given the danger they can put themselves in. Processing the remainder of the information, the young mutant gave an occasional nod as the headmaster continued. So many different kinds of classes, and so many different possible futures for Ethan. Contemplating the kind of future he could have, Ethan felt slightly overwhelmed at all the different possibilities. He should focus on his powers now, but if he could beat this he'd certainly want to help people. At least that's his current plan. Then the hard truth came. For a while Ethan had known about the harsh treatment Mutants went through. He had come to accept this fact, even if it had taken years to get over. He knew that there was a present danger, but he knew that Mutants were no different from others, and he would certainly not let that fear rule his life once again. Knowing the present danger, Ethan took a moment and swallowed his nerves down, responding in a calm manner, "I understand, and I'm okay. This isn't too much for me, I took a while to open up as a mutant because of that kind of possible danger. But I'm better now. I can handle this, I assure you sir." Ethan gave a nod, sure of himself before continuing. "And before I forget..." He put his hands together and exhaled. "If you have fireproof uniforms, I might need those." He responded with a small smile, ending his response on a lighter note. |
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| Cyclops | Jun 12 2015, 07:51 AM Post #8 |
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Punches from the Punch Dimension
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Ethan promised that he was going to be able to handle this, that this strange world he had stepped into was not going to break him and Scott nodded. "I'm glad to hear it, Mr. Shepard. Let me make one thing clear to you, I believe in you. I believe in every single student here at this school no matter where they came from, no matter their powers. I know that each and every one of you are more than the world tells you you are, and I'm here to give you the chance that the Professor gave me. The chance to decide your own fate. It's all right to be afraid of your powers. Yoda was wrong. Fear does not lead to anger. Fearing your powers mean you'll respect them. Respecting them means you'll learn to control them, even if it means you need a fireproof suit." They reached a room and Scott knocked on the door once, before turning the knob and leading Ethan into a fairly large dorm room. There was a set of bunkbeds against one wall, a single bed on the other. A work desk on either side sported laptops, books, a few scattered toys, and at least one half filled bottle of soda. "Hmmm," Scott grumbled, "Looks like it might be time for a dorm inspection." Indicating the bunk beds, Scott said, "Your roommates should be in class. In the summer we don't have strict lesson plans, many of our students still able to go home, but for those who can't or won't, we have several trips planned as well as the standard routine of power training. The boys should be in the Danger Room for a couple hours." He set Ethan's luggage on the single bed, "If you want to unpack or get some rest before they come back, now's the time. You should claim a couple of shelves or some wall space asap." |
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| Ethan Shepard | Jun 13 2015, 08:01 AM Post #9 |
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After speaking his mind about the new life he had been thrust into Ethan listened to the headmasters words of encouragement with a sense of pride. "Let me make one thing clear to you, I believe in you." As simple as they were, these were just the words that Ethan felt like he needed to hear. He'd been afraid of his abilities for so long, and he had only just moved past that fear, going into the world that he was now a part of. He had never had anyone to relate to. He never had anyone to help him through his issues. It wasn't that no one would listen; he just never wanted to address what made him upset. But now, as Mr. Summers continued to endow his confidence into the young mutant, he was proud to be where he was. No matter how small or how standard the gesture was, it meant the world to Ethan. "Thank you, Mr. Summers. I'll certainly try to live up to that." Ethan said in a slightly quieter respectful and happy tone, nodding as Mr. Summers finished his statement. Following him through the door he had opened, Ethan walked inside and looked around at his new place of residence. Spacious with place to work, plus plenty of natural light too. This is a bit nice for a dorm room... he thought, quickly adding, I can't speak from experience, but I don't think computers usually come with rooms. Mr. Summers seemed to be a bit upset at the current state of the room, which was slightly understandable. It was a bit of a mess, and you did have to share your room with one other person, so keeping tidy is only common courtesy. And still, information continued to come from his very intimidating now-teacher. Ethan did take particular note that the plural form of roommate was used instead of the singular. That meant that he had more than one roommate, which gave off the distinct impression that these living arrangements would not be permanent. Best not to get too comfy then... "Thank you for everything Mr. Summers. I really appreciate all the help. I do have a few more questions, but they're not really important. Just... thanks." Ethan said, giving the headmaster a smile before turning to the bed, unloading his bags. He wanted to ask Mr. Summers about himself in particular, and it was really just a question of curiosity. No... he may see that as rude. Or would he...? I'll just ask him another time. It's not that important anyway. Ethan thought. He had too much to do right now. He had to make sure all of his stuff was unloaded and his space was claimed. He wanted to get all of his stuff unpacked, and meet who would be living with him. Well... living with him for a bit. Ethan was still sure that two people per dorm room was standard, even at a mutant school. And then once all that was done, he'd go for a walk around the school grounds. Okay, so this place isn't exactly normal. We've got kids with wings and three eyes who play Dungeons and Dragons on a regular basis, plus some very intimidating teachers. But hey, normal gets boring anyway. After all, the only normal people are the ones you don't know yet. Ethan thought to himself, unpacking. This is still going to be one hell of an adjustment period. |
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1:02 AM Jul 11