Up in the clouds [Open]

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]PLEASE, [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;]TELL ME WHAT TO DO[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/xf8X6.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]A gust of wind came and played with Noel’s hair as he walked on the beach. He has left his shoes and bag under a random tree and took a stroll on the beach. It was evening and the stars were starting to shine brighter as time ticked past, as the tiny rays of the sun began to disappear beneath the horizon. He stretched his body and continued walking, thoughts flooding through his mind. He was new to the academy and was out, take a breather. Almost everyone in the academy has powers that could possibly kill him on the spot or take something away from him. He stopped for a moment and lifted his right foot, the sand grains sliding through his toes and falling gently back to the ground. Life in the academy was so different from the life he had in the past. With powerless people that seemed so fragile as compared to the people he has met in the academy. Who could he trust in the academy? Being so pessimistic and worrisome that was such a huge difference from his cheerful, fun-loving personality. It was clear that it was starting to take a toll on him. A soft sigh escaped his rosy lips as he threw himself on to the sand and lay still, staring at the tiny stars shining so brightly above. He has heard that the stars he saw were actually dead but because they were so far away, it takes time for the light to reach Earth. Which, technically, meant that he was living in the past and looking at a star that was dead long ago. He don't even know why he's thinking of that right now. All he knew was that he has been sent to this academy against his will and wasn’t even given the chance to see his sister off to the other world. By sheer will, he tried to force his tears back into the glands. It’d be embarrassing of anyone saw a boy lying on the sand, crying. He took a look around and realized that he was the only one on the beach. Maybe it was because the beach was pretty close to the academy, which has scared off most commoners. Or maybe this place was only restricted to them. Either way, he wasn’t very interested. He missed the days he spent with his classmates, laughing without a care in the world. He missed his parents and wondered how they were coping, losing both children in such a short timing. He missed… his younger sister. Noel felt so powerless at that moment, despite the fact that he was in a “Superhuman Academy”. He can’t even contro— His trains of thoughts were cut off abruptly when he noticed that the ground beneath him was starting to freeze up. Shit, it’d be bad if he accidently freeze someone up by accident. The temperature of the surrounding air was starting to decrease quickly. Was this the result of his emotions? Maybe it was because he was being so negative, that’s why his powers activated subconsciously. He looked around but it was as silent as before, only the sounds of the waves crashing gently to the shore. But the sound was beginning to soften and even the waves that were nearer to him were affected by his powers. He noticed that only the edges of the ocean was frozen. Guess there's a limit to this damn power that he doesn't even want to and can't control properly either. Ah, screw it. He lay back down, not bothering to defreeze his surroundings. There wasn’t anyone around that would be hurt by it anyway. He was there, all alone, swallowed by his own negativity that he was not used to. [/style]

[JDGreat]

"Hey, you alright, man?"

Rust Kekise had decided to take a midnight stroll. After meeting Gabrielle on the boat and progressively digging himself deeper into a hole, then meeting Ace at the front entrance and getting the shit scared out of him by her 'little trick' and then finally unpacking and meeting Cal, the teen had taken a nap around 6pm. However, the result of this led to him waking up around 11pm and, being unable to get back to sleep, he'd decided to go see some more of the island and to see if there was any kind of nightlife.

Plus, the beach seemed ideal. This was a high school after all, in the summer. There was BOUND to be something there right?

Apparently not. Still, nice to get a midnight walk every now and then, rearrange his thoughts, that kind of thing.

What he didn't expect was to find a guy spread eagled on the sand. The FROZEN sand.

Huh, you don't see that every day. I'm dressed here in shorts and flip flops and there's freaking ice. Still... he looks a little down...

And that had led to Rust's earlier question.

"Hey, earth to Iceman! You in there, buddy?"

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]WORDS; [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;]You won't convey anything by merely thinking in your head[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Lm1vE.png?5663);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]The sudden question shocked Noel, who was still drowning in his negativity. He didn’t expect someone to be around at that timing. He quickly sat upright with his eyes slightly widened. “Y-Yeah, I’m alright,” he stammered slightly, unsure whether the guy was someone dangerous from the academy. No harm being vigilant of his surroundings. But from the way the guy spoke, Noel can’t feel any harmful vibes coming from the guy. Still. He’s not fully convinced that he’s out from the danger zone. He laughed a little at the way the guy called him. Ice man? That was something new. He have had awful and seemly weird names but being called Ice man has made him feel as though he’s some kind of superhero. At least he wasn’t called a monster – a name that was given to him after he had confined that group of assholes in an ice dome, those bastards that forced his sister to say hi to hell. It seemed as though this guy was pretty harmless. He started planning ways to run if a fight were to break out. Ice walls to block the guy then turn and run. Provided that he could control his powers, or else he’d just surrender. He has never been on the offensive party; he’d disappear the moment he sensed that a fight would occur. Still trying to stop himself from laughing at the term “Ice man”, he called out to the other guy. “Hey, wanna have a seat? The stars are pretty nice tonight. Well, if you don’t mind lying on a sheet of ice.” Somehow, after he found out that he was able to generate ice, he felt perfectly fine in cold places, even with temperatures below freezing point. On the other hand, he found himself sweating in room temperature. Guess there’s always a plus and minus point to everything. With a small smile, he introduced himself. “Noel. Noel black. Nice to meet you.” [/style]

[JDGreat]

Shaking the guy's hand, Rust grinned back.

"Rust Kekise. Nice to meet ya, man."

Joining the man, Rust sat gingerly on the icy sand, ignoring the slight twinge of cold. The dude had invited him to join him, you couldn't say no to that without looking like a complete dick.

Then, there had been the matter that had apparently upset Noel before Rust got there. And if his ice power was anything like his Astral Arm...then this guy was clearly VERY upset with something.

"So, you were looking a little down there. Everything alright, mate?" the mechanic asked, concerned. "I mean, you can't just go off ignoring someone if it looks like they're in a bit of trouble, right?

Something about the school, or....what?"

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]ALL OF THOSE [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] FAIRY TALES ARE FULL OF SHIT.[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]Noel grinned, glad that Rust didn’t find the cold too unbearable. Up close, he was able to tell that Rust was taller and definitely stronger; his arms were nicely toned as compared to Noel’s skinny, lean body. He winced slightly at Rust’s sudden question. With a soft sigh, he lay back down, his arms tucked behind his face. There was so much going on in his mind right now. Was Rust someone dangerous? From his question, it was clear that he was from the academy. Regardless, he can’t help but feel compelled to spill the beans. He has been cooped up in his own negativity for too long. He was about to snap anytime soon. “The stars are so pretty tonight. I’m sure the stars can’t even see me from their point of view. Don’t you think humans are so fragile as compared to the majestic solar system?” He paused for a moment, trying to keep calm, fighting back the tears that were about to explode from his tear ducts. Crying in front of another person was something that he’d definitely want to avoid. “I-It’s just,” he sighed before continuing, “I’m new to the academy - as you could probably tell – and the environment in there just isn’t a place for me. I hate how there’s almost no one I could trust. I’m dying, you know? In here.” He shook his head slightly, unsure why he was saying so much to Rust when he’s not even sure that Rust meant no harm. What if he was here to gather information about Noel so that they could plan a mass dissection party which consists of him lying on a surgery bed and the other students get to enjoy cutting up his body. To heck with hell, maybe he could see his sister if he was dead. “I’m exhausted.” [/style]

[JDGreat]

New to the Academy, huh? Wonder what's up then.... home sickness maybe?

Jerked out of his thoughts by the weird question, Rust looked up at the night sky alongside Noel.

"Well, I ain't one for stargazing much." He admitted. "But I'm pretty sure that planets and stars can't heal like we do. Sure we're fragile, but think about what we can bounce back from, right?"

...when the hell did you become a philosophy boffin?

"No one you can trust? Damn... who the hell have you run into recently? All the people I've met so far have been really cool about stuff." the teen replied, honestly confused. "Though, if you want to make a friend, I could always do with another person to shoot the breeze with, right?"

The dying thing seemed a little over dramatic, but Rust could tell what Exhausted meant.

"Hey...you think you oughta get some sleep and we'll talk more in the morning or something if we bump into each other again? Cause...maybe a good night's rest will sort your head out and it'll feel a little better?"

Oh I don't know what to say here! I'm a mechanic, not a councillor!

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]FLASH FORWARD, [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] AND WE ARE TAKING ON THE WORLD TOGETHER. [/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]Noel laughed at his efforts, obviously struggling to counsel him. When did he become a person that needed someone to fuel his happiness? He need to get back that cheerful and lively him. His laughter echoed slightly, through the silent night. To be honest, he was glad that he met Rust. It was true that they had just met, perhaps only for a couple of minutes, but he could feel the tension leaving his body. Maybe he just needed another’s company to forget about his solemnness. “It’s cool, man. Keep calm and freeze everything up!” He laughed at his own joke, before blushing slightly when he realized that it wasn’t really that funny. However, it felt good to laugh. That’s right; it was like his second nature to be happy. He felt the ice beneath his body crack slight and sat upright. There was a puddle of water on top of the layer of ice! He wondered whether the ice was started to defreeze by itself after the moodiness had left his mind. The ice surrounding them was beginning to melt at a fast rate. “Opps—“Noel couldn’t continue his sentence before the ice he was sitting on broke into tiny piece and he fell on the sand. “Guess that’s a good ending to a good day! It has been an honor to meet you, Rust. Honest.” He laughed slightly before giving him a wide grin. [/style]

[JDGreat]

Rust blinked. That had been awfully fast, but judging by the melting ice (Probably the most literal metaphor ever) the mechanic appeared to have fixed something.

Whatever helps, helps, I guess. Maybe he just needed someone to actively talk to.

Grinning back, he nodded and relaxed on the rapidly warming up sand.

"Yeah, not a problem, mate. Grab a six pack of coke and give it a flash freeze for me a and we'll call it quits, yeah?" he joked back, trying out stargazing for the first time properly.

"So...where're you from, Noel?" Rust asked, conversationally. "I get the impression you're not a local here either." he chuckled.

Let's try normal conversation. Very least, it'll take his mind off of whatever was bugging him before.

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]THANKS [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] FOR MAKING ME A FIGHTER[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]Noel lay back down, laughing at his response. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea! At least now I’ve found out how to use my powers in a useful way.” Maybe he’d try to master how to control his powers and perhaps make a couple of, let’s say, ice cream? Using his powers for someone useful has never crossed his mind. “Mhmm, I live a couple of towns away from this academy. Heck, I didn’t even knew that there was an academy catered to teens with such abilities.” He was genuinely surprised when he wasn’t locked up in a prison cell, or even worse, a laboratory with all the weird scientists slicing his body apart to examine how he was capable of generating ice. Instead, he was sent to this academy. With his hands tucked comfortably behind his head, he shifted his position slightly. Lying on a sheet of ice felt better than lying on the sand, pricking his back every now and then. He had realized that his preferences had changed slightly after being able to generate ice. “Why were you sent to this academy?” [/style]

[JDGreat]

"Sent? Wrong idea, Noel." Rust replied, not moving much. "Chose to come here after Mom was sent an ad. Got kicked out of my old school about 3 years ago, so this was a dream come true. Especially since I kicked my smoking. Being on a sparse island might help knock the habit for good." the teen explained.

"Besides," A whisper of air and the Astral Arm floated slightly above Rust's own as he held it to the sky, it's glowing blue light illuminating the area around them. "Hard to fit in when this pops out every time you're angry or upset, right?"

He looked over to Noel at this comment.

"Remind you of someone?" he asked with a raised eyebrow and a grin.

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]LIKE[/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;]A SKY FULL OF LIGHTERS[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]“Wow,” Noel breathed. It was clear that both of them were very different. Not personality wise, not appearance wise. It was what they have gone through and their thoughts. Perhaps in the near future, he’d be thankful that he was sent to the academy against his will, but for now, maybe not. He was new there and it was clear that he hasn’t had enough time to settle down yet. Either way, he’s looking forward to the life he’d be spending in the academy. Maybe one day, he’d be so attached to the academy that he wouldn’t want to live. Maybe that day will arrive. His eyes followed the movements of the arm, unsure of how he was supposed to react. Being on Rust’s enemy list was something that he’d definitely want to avoid; neither does he want to appear as rude. “Iron man?” [/style]

[JDGreat]

"Meh, close enough."

Shaking his hand and dismissing the AA, Rust returned the limb to behind his head. Stargazing, it seemed, did have it's place in the world after all. Was quite relaxing, in fact. He'd have to do it more often.

"So, my next question obviously is..." he said with a voice that was clearly expecting some sort of drumroll at the end. "...how did things turn out that you were sent here? Or would you prefer not divulge that just yet? You have just met me after all, so it's totally cool if you don't wanna."

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]WHERE [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] ARE THE PLANS WE MADE FOR TWO?[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]“My sister was always a quiet person. She’d keep things to herself and never tried to open up to others. Kind of an introvert, y’know?” He paused slightly, unsure of how he should continue or phrase his words. He wasn’t used to telling what happened but he figured that it’d be good to get it off his mind. His thoughts were about to devour him alive. “She was picked on by the rest, bullied so badly that she had wounds all over her arms. Yet she still kept it to herself. All to herself. I’ve never heard her utter a single word of discontent. She would smile at me, assuring me that she had injured herself by accident.” He rolled to the side and huddled up, his knees touching his stomach, “I only found out about what happened after she ended her life, her pain conveyed to me through her diary.” His head was buried in his hands, blaming himself for not being able to stop that tragedy from happening. If only he realized everything sooner. The guilt was beginning to return and his voice shook a little, partly from anger, partly from sadness. “I-I was furious. I confronted the group of bullies and all of they laughed, calling her weak and saying that their toy was beyond repair, it was time to get a new one. The rest just, happened so quickly.” He took in a deep breath and continued, “I wished all of them would feel her pain, and all of a sudden, there was a gust of cold wind, and they started to be covered in ice.” “I guess anger was a really bad emotion. I was so overcome by my own sadness; I ended up as low as them.” Noel ran his hand through his hair, and gave Rust a small smile. “I’m sorry, man, for going on and on with my story. It’s just, all bottled up in here and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with it.” [/style]

[JDGreat]

A sister, huh? Never had one of them, so I can't really relate, but... he must have been close judging by the way he's talking about her. She sounds like a nice girl though.

Wait...picked on...bullies...BRUISES?!

Inadvertently, Rust's hands clenched at the sand beneath them, knuckles turning the slightest bit white. A strange mocking laugh lingered in his head, one he hadn't heard in over ten years in person. An image of his mom, bruises on HER arms, hugging him close at 4 years old, telling him it was going to be alright... He snarled a little under his breath in anger as Noel continued his tale. Said anger abruptly disappeared as he revealed her unfortunate fate and the consequences, replaced by a punch to the gut.

"Oh my God...I'm so sorry, man." he eventually said. What else could he say to that? No wonder he was upset, that was one of the most traumatic things he'd ever heard and Noel had JUST gotten past it. He needed to say something here and why not be honest?

"...I would have done the same. Consequences be damned. You don't hit women unprovoked. Especially ones who sound as sweet as your sister was."

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;]I HEARD IT [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] The faded bell of vibrance resounds.[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]Noel shifted his posture and sat up, his knees to his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around them. It was as though he was trying to protect himself, and his sister, from any more harm. A small gesture which he knew that was impossible to relieve her pain any more. A small smile crossed his pale face as he tried to lighten the mood, his eyes still clouded with pain and tremor. He could produce a smile at his will, but like they say, the eyes are the window to your emotions, something which he couldn’t hide. “Thank you. If only everyone could think that way,” he sighed slightly. “Your response was pretty different from the others, though. Did something terrible happen…?” His voice trailed off slightly, unsure whether he had stepped on a land mine. Being on the bad side of Rust was something that he’d definitely want to avoid. [/style]

[JDGreat]

Rust gave Noel a bit of respect by not looking over at him when he curled up. No need to make the poor guy feel worse. Instead, he went back to watching the night sky. The question that followed made his fist clench again, but he otherwise didn't react outwardly.

This guy trusted you enough to tell you about his sister. The least you can do is tell him your story. It was bound to be brought up at some point and at least this place is relatively private in comparison to anywhere on campus.

"My mom." the eighteen year old replied simply. "Her and da- I mean, her ex. I didn't understand much of what was going on, since I was 4 but one night, I actually saw him beat her. What they were arguing about, I can't remember, but he didn't even seem to care I was watching when he did it. It's the one thing from my early childhood I clearly remember, because after that, he walked out and never came back. Mom hugged me, crying, for the entire night."

He let out a breath he'd unconsciously held, relaxing his fist.

"Something like that tends to keep you on the side of women, if you catch my drift. No one should have to suffer that from someone they thought they loved."

[Noel Black]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,bTable]

[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;] EVERY TIME [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] WE TOUCH, I GET THIS FEELING[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]His body froze slightly, aware that both of them had witness their loved ones suffering from both physical and emotional pain. Noel didn’t speak for a couple of seconds; the silence hanging in the air was getting heavier as the time ticked past. He had no idea what to say and suddenly felt horrible of himself for being trapped in his own nightmare that was on replay every moment. “I-I’m sorry.” The boy’s voice shook a little, unsure of what to say. Perhaps being sent to this academy could help him to learn how to get over her. Maybe the time would come. He was sure that he’d be able to forget the pain, but remember her smile. He stretched slightly and smiled. It was about time for him to get a hold of himself. His stomach grumbled and his face flushed red. His last meal was hours ago and it was clear that his body was screaming for food. “S-Shall we grab a bite?” His face was still slightly red, embarrassed that his stomach growled so loudly and a small awkward grin hung across his face. [/style]

[JDGreat]

Rust waved him off.

"Don't be. I don't think there's anything that could have been done. It's just a horrific experience like all the rest of them." he muttered in response. Silence reigned for a moment, the situation melancholic until...

"...Pffft...was that your stomach, mate?" the mechanic chuckled, looking over at Noel, mirth in his eyes. "Yeah, I'd say a bite to eat sounds like a good idea. Your gut sounds like a chainsaw right now. And there's bound to be a beachside late night cafe or something round here, right?"

[Noel Black]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,bTable]

[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;] WITH [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] MY ARMS OUT WIDE,I OPENED MY EYES.[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]“Hopefully there’s a café nearby!” he gushed, praying hard that there’s a café around them, and if there really is one, it better be open. Another loud growl escaped from his stomach and he got up to his feet and patted the sand off his clothes. Patches on this white shirt had turned into a light shade of brown after coming into contact with the sand. He shrugged it off; a bit of design on his plain shirt doesn’t seem that bad. “Oh damn,” he exclaimed, suddenly recalling that he had left his stuff at the foot of some random tree. “Before we head off to the café… do you mind if we take a detour and get my stuffs?” With a sheepish expression, he continued, “I kind of, erm, left them at the bottom of a tree. A tree that looked eerily similar to the rest.” [/style]

[JDGreat]

Rust just laughed quietly and shook his head mockingly.

"What are you like, you absolute nutter?" he asked rhetorically. "Leave your stuff by a tree near loads of trees and then just leave it? What if someone stole it, you eejit?"

Nevertheless, he gave Noel a nod.

"Yeah, let's find your stuff. Dunno what the tides are like for this area, but let's not risk it, eh?"

With a shake of his arm, the AA reappeared, blue glow lighting the immediate area around them quite nicely. Acting as a torch, Rust began to walk towards the treeline.

"First one to spot the stuff gets a free drink off the other."

[Noel Black]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,bTable]

[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;] WE ARE [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] RIGHT WHERE WE SHOULD BE[/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]Noel grinned at his reply, glad that they had left the emotional chapter behind. “Can’t help it, I was trying to do some charity work here. Free books and perhaps a pair of not-very-new shoes for anyone that founds them!” A light glowed and Noel winced slightly, not used to the sudden light. He can’t help but feel amazed at Rust’s ability, something that was absolutely different from his own. “That’s not fair! I can’t even see anything with my Ice powers!” He exclaimed and ran after Rust. “But hey, challenge accepted!” Rust had his arm, but he had his memory. Well, at least he thinks (and hopes) that he was able to remember where he had left them… All of the trees seemed to look the same! [/style]

[JDGreat]

"Well that's not my problem, is it?" Rust grinned at Noel. "You can remember where they are anyway, can't you? I call that a level playing field!"

Just hope he doesn't go overboard and freeze the ground under me or something.

Eyes searching thanks to the blue light of the AA, the mechanic just that he needed a little more illumination. Gesturing with his right arm, the AA launched out and grabbed onto a tree about twenty feet away, light shining all around the stretched out limb. Slowly, Rust walked towards where he had grabbed, looking around the area for any sign of Noel's stuff.

"So, you had any lectures yet or what, mate?" he asked conversationally.

[Noel Black]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,bTable]

[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;] I WANT TO [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;] CELEBRATE AND LIVE MY LIFE. [/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]Bewildered by his powers, Noel stopped and stared for a while, before snapping out of it and reminded himself that they were still on the hunt for his belongings. Wow, just wow, was the only comment that he could say if anyone were to ask him what he thought about Rust’s arm. With an embarrassed smile, he replied softly, “I guess I’ve attended a couple of lectures… I think.” He lifted his right hand and ran through his hair; he didn’t say that without any basis. It was true that he had indeed attended a couple of lectures, but things didn’t feel that right and he left without anyone noticing. It wasn’t that hard for him – a new face and didn’t try to do anything that could catch anyone’s attention; it wasn’t hard for them not to notice. “I did attend them, but not till the end for any though. So I guess I can’t really say that I have yet to attend any, or say that I have attended them.” He stepped on a twig and winced slightly. The twig jabbed his foot slightly, but not sharp enough to cause him any sharp pain or tear his skin. “No one seemed to notice when I slipped out, so after some time, I kinda,” he paused slightly before continuing, “stopped attending. To be honest, I’ve never skipped a single in my life! Well, at least, till now.” [/style]

[JDGreat]

Hearing the twig snap, Rust winced and looked over.

"Doing alright over there, man?" he called over. "If you want some light, just ask, y'know! Not worth you stabbing yourself through the foot to find your stuff, am I right?"

Listening to him go on about his lectures though, Rust gave a shrug.

"No big deal, really. I got told that the teachers basically understand that everyone here has got some sort of messed up past history. They give us about a month to settle in or some sort, then that's when they start asking for you to turn up to what you book. I think you can do it online too."

He thought it over. The Arm continued it's light blue glow, even as Rust retracted it fully. Still no sign of Noel's stuff.

"Say, I got an Ethics class tomorrow that I booked just to see what it was like. You fancy coming along? Could do with a mate there."

[Noel Black]

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[STYLE=font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 40px; line-height: 35px; font-style: italic; color: #9B4F8C; text-align: left; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #622D58;] SAYING [/style][STYLE=text-align: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FCFAFB; color: #622D58; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; border-top: 2px dashed #622D58; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; padding-right: 3px;]AYOOOO, BABY LET'S GO [/style][STYLE=float: right; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-top: 0px; border-right: 2px solid #622D58; border-bottom: solid 2px #622D58; border-left: solid 2px #622D58; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/W6yHD.png);] [/style] [STYLE=float: right; margin-top: 104px; margin-right: -104px; width: 104px; text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-transform: lowercase;]kiwii at btn & ote! [/style] [STYLE=padding: 8px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; width: 276px;]“Gee, I didn’t know that they had this system here. That explains why no one had approached me and gave me some long lecture about my attendance.” He tried to think about how his teacher had looked like but the image had already dissolved into a tiny million pieces. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t able to piece everything back together. Oh well, he wasn’t really in the right mind when he was sent here in the beginning anyway, didn’t even had taken the effort to take another glance at his teacher. He wondered whether he should apologize to his teacher for his truancy but he guess that would have to wait until he remembered who he, or she, was. “Really? That would be great! But would it be weird for me to show up suddenly?” [/style]