Water and Waiting (open)

[Aaron Kremzen]

Aaron stormed over and forced himself down onto the ground, accidentally sitting on his tail in the process. Damn,] he thought, I keep forgetting I have a tail. Today was Aaron's first day of school at the Hammel institute, and it had not been a good one. No one had spoken to him. No one had even attempted to.

He guessed it made sense. Who wants to talk to a six-foot tall lizard with razor sharp teeth and claws? Not many people, that's for sure. Aaron really just wanted someone to talk to about his problems. Sure, there was Dr. Neville, but Aaron didn't feel quite ready for that sort of thing just yet.

I wonder how everyone back home is doing? He really hoped they could keep on going without him, because for the moment, it looked like they would have to. Amy had broken up with him on the phone that morning, telling him that "It would like really bad for me if I was dating a freak like you."

Honestly, Aaron hadn't thought that she was that kind of person, but she really showed her true colors there. Still, he had felt something for her, and now that she had left him, the world seemed a little less colorful.

Yes, Aaron really needed a friend.

[Lani Hunter]

It was a Monday and Lani was feeling all of the Monday woes. How hard it was to wake up when he wanted and ignore the fact that class bells were ringing. Lani opened his eyes and stretched out on his bed like a cat. Oh the life of the telekinetic was oh so hard. At least so it seemed. Outward his smile stayed on and his demeanor had returned to his normal cheery self but if one took a moment to notice they would catch the blond in a state of internal conflict when he thought no one was looking. Not the thing that ailed Lani was the mental scars and the fact that his face looked like a monster to him in the mirror. He was determined not to be depressed. After all that had happened, all that he had gone through and dragged Odion and Adrianna though, he had done his time in the ringer.

No, Lani was ready to smile. And smile for real again. But as he rose from his bed and dressed he realized that was not going to be an easy feat. His best friend and he were acting like strangers one minute, exploding on each other the next, and then admitting truths that were to terrifying to realize in the end. Then things with Adrianna had taken a turn for the worst. He couldn't say he loved her because that was unfair but it was also unfair to keep stringing her along as he was doing. But she loved him and he didn't want to leave her like everyone else. He slinked down the hall slipping on the hoodie that had somehow become like a safety net. The one good thing was that Caroline was here now. His beloved little sister, she seemed to be adjusting very well, making friends and smiling. He loved having her here, having her within walking distance where he could protect her.

He made his way outside taking a trip in the opposite direction of class. It had been a rough couple weeks. It was with this thought that he realized he was not the only one. He watched with interest as a boy who looked rather more like a lizard paced across the lawn and plopped down. Lani hummed a little. He found a rock with his mind and brought it to his hand. He smiled a little and walked over to the pond tossing the rock across the water making it skip a few feet before plopping into the water. He rolled his eyes in the direction of the boy and smiled. Lani had to admit he was surprised, he had met the dragon man once before but he really couldn't even tell the age of this boy very well at all. So Lani did what he did best and pushed his problems out of his mind and focused on the boy. "You have the right idea," Lani commented, "Far too good a day for class."

[Aaron Kremzen]

Aaron could not believe it. Someone had actually come over and talked to him. This had to have been the first person since the recruiters had picked him up from the place in the park where he had failed miserably to hide from the world.

He looked up into the face of the older boy and squinted. He looked friendly enough, but he wasn't really sure if he trusted him, or if he trusted anyone else for that matter.

Still, the student that stood next to him had talked to him, and that was more than he could say for most of the people he had met so far at the Hammel institute (besides the teachers, of course.)

He could be here to taunt him about his appearance, but somehow, Aaron felt that he wasn't that kind of person. So, with a sigh that sounded somewhat closer to a growl, he said, "Yeah, I guess you're right." He paused here for a few seconds to gauge the boy's reaction, and then he continued with,"So, who exactly are you?"

[Lani Hunter]

Really Lani was surprised that no one had talked to him. Lani always thought the physical changes were the most interesting. He hadn’t really realized that it could happen that way until that dragon man came around to break up a fight. Lani had been afraid of that man but then realizing that the man was the cooking teacher it was very easy to see the man behind the dragon. What was most interesting was why? Why such a power? Did some special skill come with it or did it just make a spectacular Halloween costume. It was also moments like this that Lani realized how lucky he was. Telekinesis, and a telekinesis that was powerful. He could hide it if he needed too and there was really nowhere that the thief couldn’t get into.

Perhaps that was why Lani didn’t flinch when faced with a lizard man. He could throw him if he needed to, with very little problems. And really if just looked like this guy was having a hard day. And it was just Lani’s way to not walk away. Sometimes that could be trouble but eh, Lani really wasn’t afraid to be honest. Now if the man stood and came at him then he would most likely be terrified out of his wits but that wasn’t happening now and hopefully wouldn’t happen in the near future. Lani could very well be there to taunt the other boy but really that was only going to happen in good nature, unless of course the other boy did something to really piss him off. But he was starting to think that having been friends with Odion for so long he was starting to grow a longer fuse.

The growl startled Lani a little and he shifted a little but only to get a better eye on the lizard man. But there was no motion and the sound of his voice wasn’t menacing. Lani narrowed his eyes a little at the person, he really couldn’t tell age at all, but Lani had never seen him before and at this point in his time at Hammel he would be very surprised if he hadn’t at least seen the boy around here before. Lani scoffed a little and shook his head. “How rude,” he scolded, his smile taking the sting out of his words, “Normally one introduces themselves before demanding the identity of another.” Lani waited a few moments contemplating whether or not he should give his name. Maybe lizard man should learn some manners. “But if you want to know exactly who I am I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed,” Lani said with a smile that spelled a million hidden thoughts behind his eyes. “However, my name is Lani,” he said with a nod of his head after seeing those claws and thinking better of a handshake.

[Aaron Kremzen]

Lani's words were harsh, but the expression on his face told Aaron that they weren't meant to hurt. And besides that, he was right. That had been rude of Aaron, and if there was anything that Aaron hated, it was people being rude to others. So, letting his guard down just a bit, Aaron spoke," I guess you're right. That was kind of rude. My name is Aaron."

Aaron didn't extend his hand out for a handshake, seeing as his claws could very easily put Lani in the hospital. He didn't want to hurt anyone.

"So, I'm guessing you're out here skipping class like me, right?

[Lani Hunter]

Lani gave the boy a smile and nodded a little glad that he didn't fly into protests but really Lani was upset in the least. "Pleasure, Aaron." He said brightly all signs that he was scolding or upset vanished. He smiled a little wondering how much Odion would laugh if he was watching this at the moment. The redhead was always telling Lani that he needed better manners and here he was with the gall to call out someone for being rude. Oh well, whatever. He looked at the boy and after a moment tore his gaze away because he realized he was starring and starring was also rude, but really it wasn't every day that someone met a person with scales.

"Yep," Lani said tossing the boy a smile. Lani really could count on one hand how often he went to class. "It's really a useless class. How about you?" Well, alright so physics wasn't really a stupid class but when ones power was essentially physics it was hard to pay attention when he could test anything with his power. "So... what's with the long face?" He asked and then flushing shook his head, "No pun intended I promise!" Way to go Lani, great way to meet someone and greet them with an insult. He just hoped that the innocent statement wouldn't get him a claw in the face or an equally stinging tongue lashing.

[Aaron Kremzen]

Lani stumbled over his words at the end, but he obviously didn't intend to insult Aaron or he wouldn't have apologized. Aaron looked over his shoulder once more at the boy who come up to talk to him.

"I'm skipping my English class. Or so it says-- I mean, said on the schedule," Aaron replied to Lani's first question. He had torn up his schedule unintentionally that very morning with his claws, greatly displeasing him.

Aaron answered Lani's second question with a question.

"Why are you even talking to me?"

[Lani Hunter]

Lani nodded in understanding there had been an English teacher here once upon a time that Lani respected but now he just did his own thing. He had to retake last year’s English, not very fun at all. Well, graduation might be beyond him but he was going to be at least a dropout with a successful use of his power. “Which English?” Lani asked hoping that the answer might lead him to some clue about the lizard-boy’s age. They had to have some sort of solution here for people why had powers that changed the way they looked, especially if said form had dangerous looking claws and a general scary appearance.

Lani cocked his head at the boy and smiled, he couldn’t say he hadn’t expected the question, forgive Lani, he just tends to show up when people wanted to be alone the most. Perhaps it was some form of Lani’s struggle toward forgiveness from the world for the endless mistakes he had made. Or perhaps he just couldn’t look at someone in distress and just walk away. It wasn’t in Lani’s nature to be forgetful of such a thing and sometimes that got him in trouble but other time that gained him friend, and yes enemies. Hopefully this Aaron wouldn’t be an enemy.

Lani stooped and grabbed another smooth rock. He tossed it into the water watching it but it didn’t skip like the other one and landed with a sad sploosh. “Would you like me to leave?” Lani asked giving the lizard-man a look straight into those strange cat-like eyes. “But I was just bored, thought you might be bored as well.” He said with a shrug deciding to answer Aaron’s question after all.

[Aaron Kremzen]

Aaron laughed, just a little. A small chuckle that rumbled his throat and sounded more like he was choking on a lego brick than anything else. "Which English? Honestly, I don't know who my teacher is. I didn't really get a good look at my schedule.I think it's Maguire though. That sounds right."

Aaron didn't miss the small, friendly smile when he asked his question. That made him feel a lot better. Maybe he would make a friend. That would be good. "No, wait. Don't leave. I was just curious. I mean, you are the first person I've talked to at this school. Besides the teachers, because they don't count."

"Oh, you're bored? What a coincidence. I happen to be bored too!"

[Lani Hunter]

Lani smiled but he couldn’t hide the brow that rose. That was an awkward sound. He hoped that the guy wasn’t choking or something but the sound stopped sooner rather than getting increasingly bad. Perhaps a laugh? Lani shrugged mentally and let it slide off and then listened with interested to his answer. He chuckled a little bit when he said he didn’t know because Lani was assuming he found a kindred spirit and a person who cared about as little for school as he did. “Hmmm, I don’t know, I think I might have had her but I honestly can’t remember.” He chuckled from behind his hand. He did give the kid a sympathetic look; it must really suck to have claws.

Lani’s brow creased as Aaron explained the situation. It bothered him. Why were people always so cruel? He could understand people being a little afraid of the guy, hell, Lani had been but did that stop him? No, well perhaps that was because he was a little arrogant. But really, in a school full of people who were different and just so happened to terrifying the majority of the normal population it really bothered him that people who were alienated for their power would alienate one of their own for their power. Lani frowned and shook his head. His power lashed out and he crossed his arms and used all of his focus and the rocks he had picked up clattered harmlessly on the ground. “I’m sorry,” he said when he was pretty sure he wouldn’t immediately jump into a rage rant. “I’m sure it’ll get better though,” he offered a reassuring smile.

Lani laughed and kicked a rock into the pond. “Spectacular! We should remedy this. Where’re you from, Aaron?” A strange follow up question but Lani was curious some of the most fascinating things about a place like this was seeing where everyone came from.

[Aaron Kremzen]

Aaron grabbed a rock and tried his best to skip it across the surface of the pond, but to no avail. After Lani asked him where he was from, he stopped midway through the throwing of another one, his arm raised halfway through the air.

"Oh, me? I'm from Sanford, Maine. It's a nice little town, but it's bigger than this one. How about you? Are you from around here?" Aaron replied to Lani's question with thinly-veiled enthusiasm. Someone who he could actually talk to about the problems that he had encountered with his meta ability!

While Lani replied to his questions, Aaron grabbed another rock and tried skipping it across the water.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani smiled as he watched the lizard man skipping rocks. Aaron was an interesting person. For such a harsh and admittedly terrifying exterior he seemed like a gentle soul. Lani watched the pond, why did he keep ending up here? He hated water. But it was peaceful here. Well, most of the time. The wind blew gentle waves across the glassy water and the wind played with his hair and clothing. He glanced up and squinted into the sun. No, no storms looking to roll in but the breeze was pleasant. How was it that this was the same bright scene that had given him no pleasure a few weeks ago. He would much rather have had raging storms to match his mood, it was probably a very good thing that Lani’s emotions were connected to telekinesis and not to weather control.

“Maine? Wow, its cold up there.” He commented, he had never traveled that far north and nor did he really care to. He was definitely a fan of warmer temperatures, so long as they were not sweltering. So really he liked spring and fall more than anything else. Lani smiled, he really was of the opinion that it wasn’t hard to find larger towns than this but he was from a big city so he was bias. “Boston,” he said his love for the place plain in his smile, “It’s great, have you ever been?” He asked, it wasn’t too farfetched to think that a fellow native northeasterner would have been to Boston.

Lani grinned and grabbed another rock and flicked it out skipping it. “It’s all in the wrist. And finding the right rock.” He said flickering his hand to show Aaron the wrist motion. Sure it might help that he also cheated sometimes with his power but that was beside the point…

[Aaron Kremzen]

Aaron shifted around a bit as Lani answered his question. His comment about how cold it was in Maine put a smile on his scaly orange face. Cold was a complete understatement. He said as much," Cold? You have no idea. When winter rolls around, even being indoors with air conditioning won't help you out any." Aaron listened intently to Lani's question about Boston. He answered with," Oh, Boston? Nope, never, sorry. I'm sure it's a nice place though!" Aaron was kind of disappointed, because Lani had seemed like he really loved Boston. Aaron wished he loved Maine as much as Lani seemed to love his home of Boston. But as it was, Maine was pretty cold. As much as Aaron disliked moving from his home, he had to admit that Pilot Ridge was a nice change of pace from the freezing cold of Sanford.

After Lani had given him his advice on skipping rocks, Aaron gently placed the rock he had been intending to throw back on the ground amongst some other rocks. He enjoyed the gentle breeze and the bright sunshine as he examined his choices for rocks intently. In the end, he picked a flat, smooth stone that was more oval than circle-shaped. Gently cocking his arm back, Aaron quickly brought it forward, imitating the motion that Lani had so considerately shown him.

His breath held, Aaron watched as it skipped. One. Two. Three. Four. Aaron released his breath as he saw the stone completely skip across the surface of the pond to the opposite side. He clapped his hands together once and then raised his hands above his head in a show of celebration.

"Woo! I did it!" He exclaimed.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani shivered at the idea. “I don’t know how you can stand it.” Lani enjoyed snow but he also enjoyed being warm and looking outside at the snow. It really was the most miserable moments when they asked him to steal something from an icy rooftop. Well, he had certainly learned how to not slip off after a few mishaps and even then the ‘learning’ had been scrambling for the closest handhold. Lani nodded, he himself didn’t have a very harsh accent, but it was there subtle implication of it. “It is,” he nodded, “Hopefully you get a chance to make it out there. How far north were you?” Sure it wasn’t any New York City or anything but hey when the people of his city had dumped their tea into the harbor it was pretty important. “At least Vermont’s a tiny bit warmer than Maine.”

Calling a rock to his hand Lani looked it over and with a grin tossed it out into the pond watching it skip a few times before plopping down to the bottom. He watched Aaron with a smile. He took advantage of Aaron’s distraction to look at him more closely. Those scales were so interesting and those eyes, he had to be honest they were unreadable. It must be hard. Lani thought he had it bad with an uncontrollable power but it was getting better the more he learned about himself. He was never going to admit that Odion was right but after reading that paper Willow had written about powers he had started to take more risks on his own. Careful no one was around, or course. But to have scales. That had to be rough. Aaron couldn’t easily hide his power, not at all.

Lani watched the stone as well and he resisted extending his power to helping, but no, Aaron wanted to do this on his own. Lani’s lips spread into a smile as the stone skipped across the water and then his jaw dropped as it took another grand leap eventually ending on the other side of the pond. “Aaron! That’s amazing!” He exclaimed his eyes bright as he looked across the pond. Lani laughed at himself, to think he had wanted to help. Aaron didn’t need his help with silly things like this. “You have some arm.” He laughed and pointed as if Aaron couldn’t see it. “You put it on the other side!” Why Lani was so excited he couldn’t quite explain but he just kept laughing. “That’s amazing.”