Ridiculous (Jared)

[Lani Hunter]

Lani hated gym. And if anything it was worse here than it was at his old school. Partly because he was the oldest one in his class because he hadn't been able to transfer any of his elective credits over including PE, art, technology. Thank goodness his core and language classes transferred. He probably would have had to put himself out of his misery if that had happened. Lani sighed sitting and tying his shoes in the locker room after fixing bandaids over his heels. He hadn't worn his running shoes in three years and he just knew they were going to give him blisters. The other reason it was worse was that the classes were random and mixed between the power and so the scrawny people who had mind powers like Lani were in the same class as the strong shape shifters and those with other stamina and strength enhancing powers. It wasn't that bad but when Lani could leap a fence in a second and balance like a cat but no one cared about those skills. They cared that he bench press, not that he could carry twice his weight over rooftops. They cared that he had zero hand eye coordination, not that he could slip a diamond out of its case without stirring the air around it.

Lani couldn't count the reasons he hated gym so much. The only thing he was good at was flexibility and running. There were several things he did not like about gym class. For one the people there were always those who thought they were the best and liked to make all the people like Lani feel bad. Then there was the disgusting jerseys that they had them wear when they did team sports. Then the general hatred of having to do anything that required objects flying, but now that was not for the fact that his face was a ball magnet but that he could make that projectile into a deathly weapon if his power decided to act up. But the one thing Lani hated the most was the uniform. He looked absolutely ridiculous in his over sized hand-me-down 'Hammel Physical Education' shirt with 'Hunter' clearly printed across his shoulder blades. He had brought his own basketball shorts that were from his old school. They were dark blue with a dolphin jumping over the letters OLHS on his knee.

He tried his best to look invisible when he went out into the gym. He searched for his teacher. He had transferred part of the way through the year and needed to inform him of his presence. He looked around at the people running and warming up other ways like with soccer or basketball. He looked up when someone called out barely registering that the word they had called was "Duck!" He just narrowly avoided being taken out by a basketball. He tossed it back and searched for his teacher. He found him finally after two more close calls and introduced himself and told the teacher that he was new. Of course the teacher asked him what his power was and the man's eyes widened a bit as he nodded at the name. He stood feeling sheepishly exposed as the gym teacher drilled him with questions. The gym teacher was talking more to himself than to Lani when he blew the whistle and the kids got into their respective classes.

He made his way to the back of the crowd too aware that he was the 'new kid' and being stared at like some strange animal. Worse when the teacher pointed him out so that those who hadn't noticed him stared as well. He waved sheepishly. God, what was is about gym that made it the most terrible thing ever. Now they had to do warm up with partners. He groaned a little he hated partner work especially when everyone already knew each other. He looked around and randomly turned to the person on his left. "Hey, sorry I'm new, do you have a partner?"

[Jared Park]

Like Lani, Jared hated gym. He hated it with a passion. If only there was a way to bypass it, he would’ve. But it’s not because Jared was an overweight kid with virtually no fitness whatsoever. Jared was a dancer, which means he has the flexibility and strength to lift himself up and even do cartwheels and handstands (and maintain it for at least a few seconds). True, he would definitely not be the best in his class, but he won’t be the worst one either. He hates it because gym class entails sports. That and because they have a prescribed uniform to wear. And he hates being told what not to wear.

For all his grace in the dance floor, he’s all clumsy and klutzy on the court. Be it basketball, baseball, soccer, football or whatever, he’s sure to make a big fun out of himself. He’s hugely scared of being hit by the ball, scared of injuring himself because of a failed attempt to score and being the overall black hole. He’s been teased enough by his athletic older sister (darn that Jeraiah) and he finds that scrutiny enough. Physical fitness tests, sit-ups and push-ups he can manage, but ball sports he just can’t. Not now, not ever.

Jared grumbled as he went to the school lockers to change. He slipped out of his current school attire (a white long-sleeved shirt, white leopard-print pants (apparently he has a thing for animal prints) and matching white shoes) and opened his bag to get the prescribed (more of required) gym attire. He held his over-sized shirt in front of him (much like Lani, only his was over-sized not because it was a hand-me-down but because he was much too thin, even for the smallest side) and grumbled. He put much thought on what he wore this morning, why does he have to wear such a dingy attire to gym class. And how would an over-sized shirt and plain shorts work better than, say neon pink sweats and a matching orange top? “Bah. Hate gym,” was all he could say. It’s not like he can do much about it anyway.

He made it a point to come to gym class a bit early. Unlike Lani, he doesn’t have such fast reflexes that would enable him to dodge sneak attacks easily. He went straight to the bleachers, hoping he would be safe from the wayward balls and lost shuttlecocks. And besides, he found a few of his newfound friends sitting already anyways. He’d choose a nice chat over a rough game of dodge ball any day.

As the teacher whistled and pointed out the new kid, Jared couldn’t help but feel a little bit…odd. “Didn’t he seem a bit too old for this class?” he asked himself. He wasn’t really a good judge of age and all, but he could tell that the new kid was at least a year or so older than him. And it’s not because he’s a bit tall or because Jared could see muscle definition despite him being lean. “It’s written across his face,” he said blankly, much to the astonishment of his friends. He can’t explain why, but he just feels like the kid’s been through a lot, much more than one can experience for a person his age. It’s odd, but that’s Jared for you.

Jared almost jumped up when he heard the new kid talk. Jared pretty much lost track of him after he got introduced to the class, hence his surprise when he popped up beside him. Jared knows the perils of being a new kid so he gave Tim a little nod (telling him to go with Harold for the moment) then gave the new kid a smile. “Nope, I don’t have one yet,” a lie, true, but Jared doesn’t mind saying one right now, “I’m Jared. Jared Park.” He held his hand out for a handshake. “Lani Hunter, right?”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani was partly terrified when the person looked away that he would ignore him. Lani had at least hoped for the decency to turn him down. He bit back a sigh and avoided the eyes of the people staring. Judging. They didn't know him, they could think anything of him, they all probably knew he was older and were wondering if he was some sort of reject that failed gym. Lani shrugged it off he really didn't mind, he had recently discovered that he would probably be here for a while. With his power so out of control and just by the fact that is had manifested so late. He was around people who had gotten their powers in their early teens and middle teens. No one he had met or heard about had gotten their power as late as he did. He turned his thoughts back to the boy as he started speaking. He bit back a breath of relief and smiled politely at the boy. Stunned at how welcoming the person was Lani numbly took his hand.

He shook it briefly and nodded finding his voice belatedly. "Ye-yeah. Nice to meet you." He released the boy's hand and looked around. There were pairs of people scattered about most with crossed arms and miserable expression. A few in a small group laughed and joked. Lani shifted uncomfortably when he caught one of their eyes. He felt extremely exposed like he was laying out on a lab table about to be dissected by eyes. He could always... He glanced at a basketball and it rolled a little bit. No. He thought harshly to himself hoping people only through that the ball rolled because it was that a ball. That would be one of the things his trainer labeled as bad. His trainer had a long list of things that would violate morals and be otherwise improper use of his powers. His trainer said something about the fact that he had a mind power he had to be careful not to misuse it because there was little physical defense against someone who could maneuver a bullet around a wall.

Lani of course had pointed out he had never hurt anyone. Then much to his annoyance his trainer pointed out not yet and that he didn't exactly have a clean record no matter if the police had no record or not. He realized he was frowning more than usual and shook the thought. He turned his mind back to the task at hand. "What do you all do here? I mean this isn't exactly a normal school right?" He asked looking around at the people wishing he had pockets to stuff his hands in. "What kind of new tortures do they have here?" He quirked his lip at the joke. He jumped a little at the sharp sound of a whistle. Lani was startled when some people when running across the gym. It seemed pretty basic but he looked to his partner for help with what to do. Several people started doing other various things.

He for the first time really looked at his partner. He looked just as happy to be in this class as he did. That was a relief he really didn't want to deal with someone who was really into gym right now. His mind was tired and a slight reaction headache was starting to form from working his power. The trainer told him not to overdo it. His 'channel' as his trainer had described it, was still raw from its late manifestation. He had been stressing it when he moved a lot or big things, which unfortunately he didn't really have control over. The trainer made it sound so easy it was annoying. Lani just wished he could skip ahead a few years and be on his way out of here with control over his own power and life. He blinked realizing he was disappearing into his own thoughts again. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a booming voice called, "Park! Hunter! Get a move on!"

[Jared Park]

Jared would never think of simply ignoring someone, much less a new kid like Lani. Being relatively new in Hammel, Jared could still remember how hard it is to be at the very bottom of the food chain. People giving you weird looks, eating alone during lunch, being so silent like, forever. Jared was a naturally friendly, talkative and just plain lively person, so being shoved off the side was really hard for him. Also, he developed some sort of inferiority complex (he’s not that affected by it anymore, but it does pop up from time to time) regarding the relative uselessness and ‘flair-less-ness’ of his power, which further pushed his self-esteem back. Lucky for him he found a senior in the Hammel chatrooms who gave helped him gain his confidence back, and starting with his roommates, he’s been out conquering Hammel.

Jared could sense that Lani was still a bit unsettled about the whole thing. He’s no empath, he could just, somehow, feel it. His handshake was a bit abrupt, and his gaze was elsewhere. Jared followed his line of sight and saw the group Lani was looking at. “Oh don’t mind Jethro and his gang,” he said, assuming Lani was looking at the redhead and his friends, “He’s just like that. Thinks he rules gym class because he has adaptive muscle memory. I mean, he couldn’t even do backflips until I showed him how to. Now he claims he’s been doing since he was 10.” Jared was a bit on the frail, tall and lanky side of things, and combining it with his rather flashy fashion sense, it would be quite obvious that he stood out from the rest. And while Jethro and his troupe did try to pick on Jared before, Jared managed to simply shrug the kid off, thanks to his newfound confidence through his online friend. They aren’t enemies anymore, but they aren’t friends just yet. They’re just ok. “But he’s really a funny person once you get to know him. Want me to introduce you later?”

“Well, you’re in one of the new tortures actually, the gym class of death,” Jared laughed. Gym class hasn’t been that hellish yet, but he just knows it will be. “At lunch we have the mystery meal of despair, created from 20 different combinations of misery and sadness so you wouldn’t really know what’s in it. And you mustn’t forget Mr. Tonaya’s disastrous incantations.” It’s not that Jared hates Mr. Tonaya (he actually likes him, and thinks his love for comic book heroes is amazing, considering Jared’s a geek too), but he just finds History boring. “Other than that, we’re normal. Relatively.”

He was brought back to his senses when he heard their instructor boom his commands. “Come come, Mr. Fjiki wants us to warm-up first. 10 laps around the court, then 3 cycles of push-ups and flanks, I think,” Jared stated as he ushered for Lani to follow him into their first lap. “Don’t worry, we can ask Mimi later. She has perfect recall.”

As they completed half of their first lap, Jared asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you in this class? I mean, shouldn’t you be in advanced PE classes since you’re like, older? Not that I don’t want you here, it’s just that I’m…curious.”

[Lani Hunter]

((So sorry for the late reply!))

He glanced over at Jared when he started speaking again, slightly startled with how welcoming he was being. He was so terrified that he was going to be outcasted but then he reminded himself that no one knew what his power was, he had been assured that that information was not passed around. He needed to stop thinking that this was some sort of prison. The place he had been trying to stay out of ever since he was little and started stealing. He knew it was wrong but he just couldn't stop. The freedom of such a thing... now he felt shackled. Granted if he were ever to be imprisoned somewhere this place was not bad, and that wasn't just based on the fact that it was easy to get out of but that it was starting to seem like a home and somewhat likable. Lani couldn't wait to get out of here though with his powers in control and start his life. He wanted to take classes online and get ahead before he got out of here.

He shook his head a little to get a hold of his mind and he focused back on the boy. He smiled a little bit and nodded, "Sure." The more people he knew the easier this place was going to be. "Adaptive muscle memory?" He asked not really sure what it was, "Is that like seeing and doing?" He hated that he was still so new here that he didn't even know what all the powers were. He still forgot what his was called sometimes, to himself he usually referred to it as 'stupid power', or 'useless power', or something of the like. "So you showed him and he's boasting about it? I'm sorry." He gritted his teeth, he doubted the kid could do what he could just because of his size and shape. It would do him well to be knocked down a few pegs. However, Lani also didn't want another one of him walking around. One thief was enough for one school especially since he didn't have any competition right now.

Lani laughed at the joke. It was true there was a little more going on here than a normal high school. "Yeah I think I've experienced the lunch, though I can't say its as bad as it gets." He smiled a little bit, inner city school lunches... now that was a dangerous place, and not only for the food. "The teachers here certainly aren't like normal teachers either." Lani commented, though for all he knew his eighth grade English teacher could have been a meta-human for all she was able to catch people doing things they shouldn't. Gym so far had seemed to be just like every other gym he had been in. The same painful, useless class that everyone had to take. He sighed he really wished he could have transferred those credits it would have been the least they could have done considering they pulled him out of school only two months into his senior year. He had already started applying for college.

Lani huffed unhappily and followed Jared to the track. "Perfect recall?" Well that would certainly be nice. He started to delay to think about it but figured it better to keep it moving considering the 'you better not be trouble' look the teacher was giving him. He ran after Jared thinking about how horrible this class was going to be. 10 laps, wasn't much but push-ups and flanks? He didn't even know what flanks were, he was hoping he could just follow Jared's lead and it would go unnoticed. He zoned out again, he really needed to stop doing that. Sure here he could afford to zone out but out in the real world he knew it wasn't so nice.

They were about halfway through the first lap when it donned on him that Jared was speaking again. He silently scolded himself and laughed it off a little bit. "Um... yeah I'm a senior and shouldn't be in here." He shook his head, "They didn't transfer my credits." He explained, "all my technology classes, PE classes, and other random stuff I took, or was taking gone. So here I am." He paused to keep from panting very hard as he was talking. "I know its just weird right. But it doesn't really matter when I graduate my life's in the toilet anyways." Lani bit his lip and swore a little bit, way to go genius, just tell the entire world your problems. He self scolded shaking his head a little bit. He was going to be lucky if he could take online classes now, with the way things were going. He really did not want to be a super senior.

[Jared Park]

Jared never felt like he was caged in Hammel or something. To him, it was just as normal as any boarding school can get (as long as you ignore the flaming hair of the second kid to the left or the electricity coming out of your Biology teacher’s hands). In fact, he was actually surprised that some kids are allowed to live outside of school grounds, i.e. their own apartments or their parents’ houses. Meta-human schools, or “holding camps”, are frequently shown in popular media as the oppressive, scary type of place, which is so unlike Hammel. They’re free to walk, run, play and basically live like they’re ‘normal’. Truly, Jared was happy that he was under Hammel jurisdiction. Kocher and Eisai gakkō would’ve been nice too, seeing that their teaching style is just like Hammel and Jared’s mom works in Kocher, but even his mom said that Hammel’s technique was far more favorable than any of the other schools (and so far, Hammel’s the safest, as incidents regarding meta-human-related accidents are becoming more and more frequent in the other parts of the world).

“Yup. That’s exactly what it means. Seeing and doing,” he smiled. Jared was a comic book geek even before the he manifested his powers so he really had a few of the powers lingo in his mind already (his mother working as a researcher in Kocher, which meant her stories usually include such “professional terms” for powers, also helped). Adaptive muscle memory, technopathy, chlorokinesis, even the more uncommon ones such as psychrometry (or retrocognition) and empathy. You can just imagine how wide Jared’s eyes become when he first stepped into school grounds and saw people using their powers to the fullest.

“Don’t be,” he laughed, “It’s not that I don’t want people to learn how to do a back flip, I just wish he’d be more humble about it. And besides, seeing that people know what Jethro’s ability is, I bet you only a few believed that he can do it before manifesting his gift. So sad really.” Jared was never one to put down another person for his benefit. True, he’s not all-holy-I’m-so-good-and-I’ll-forgive-whatever-transgression-you-did-me-before-type of guy, but he’s not all rough and violent too. He tries to understand people as much as he can, so he just shrugs off Jethro’s bragging as a part of his nature, and Jared could do nothing but just adapt himself to it.

“Are you serious?” Jared’s eyes widened in surprise, “You must’ve caught one of the good days. Really, it gets worse on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Those are the days when ordering is the only option for the day.” Jared was exaggerating for a bit, but he knows that Lani knows (or hope that Lani knows) that he’s all but kidding. Sure the food was unappealing at times, but it’s not like it’s made out of muck or anything like that. In fact, Hammel’s beef stew was one of the best things Jared has tasted.

“Of course they aren’t,” he added, “They’re much more hideous and terrible.” He playfully pointed at their gym instructor with his mouth. “And they make it so much harder to cheat,” he laughed. Not that Jared cheats on a regular basis, but still. “Do you have Ms. Freida as one of your teachers? She can duplicate, so just imagine being surrounded by a dozen of her during a test. Ms. Green, on the other hand, has retrocognition, which means she’ll know what you did during the test once she touches your test paper. And I think Mr. Despotov is a telepath, I’m just not sure.” Having powers added a new dimension to teaching. Not only does one need to know the teachers personality and teaching style now, they must know their instructors powers. So Jared figures Lani should know about the people around him as soon as possible (Jared figured most of them out from firsthand experience, which wasn’t all that good).

Jared sped up a bit and asked Mimi (the Asian girl in front of them) about the routine. She gave him a playful scowl (“Really Jared, how many times to I have to remind you?”) then gave him the routine again, step by step. He turned back to Lani with a laugh. “My bad. It was planks not flanks. Just proves I’m not really all hyped up for gym,” he chuckled. “So our torture would include 5 laps around the court (which means 3 and a half more), then 3 cycles of 20 sit-ups, 10 push-ups and a 30-second plank-thing,” he nodded, trying to mask his dislike with a smile.

Jared could sense the drop in his mood when Lani answered. Being pulled out of your comfort zone is really hard, and him being a senior already seems to just make things more complicated. “Woah, you’ve been through a lot,” was all Jared could mutter. Really, if he was caught in the same situation, he wouldn’t know what he’d do. He’s just thankful his powers manifested when he was still young. “I’m sorry. So how are you going to college or something then? Like, I bet you’ve already started applying and stuff. Or do you live just close by?”

[Lani Hunter]

Perhaps it was because Lani had never been confined or perhaps it was just because Lani's powers came to him so late that he felt like he was imprisoned here. He frowned a little he really hated not knowing how to do things or being in a new place. He still sometimes even forgot what his own power was called. It was really sad. Lani often felt like a failure here just for the fact that he couldn't control his power. He would rather just go be a hermit and learn how to control his power on his own. It was possible he knew it was, or else people wouldn't have a way to train others. Lani nodded a little that was understandable but then again Lani had his own reasons for keeping his secrets close to his heart. He didn't think he would like muscle memory, where was the fun in having to practice things and get better at them. It had taken Lani a long time to get to where he was and he wouldn't lie he would feel a certain bitterness for someone who only had to see things and not practice.

This Jethro seemed to Lani like one of those popular football players at his old school who would look at him and think weakling. His freshman year had been the worst he had had to establish that he was not to be messed with. Even then he had gotten in trouble with his parents and his teachers thought in reality he was just defending himself from the people that would try to bully his money out of him. Here he hadn't had much of a problem because most people seemed to be more understanding and there was a vast difference in diversity here than there had been at his old school. Not that he was complaining, here already proved to be much safer. Lani smiled a little bit, he was always the person people warned not to mess with. His old 'friend' who hadn't bothered to call him back used to call him a tiger in a kitten's body. It was more to tease him than anything else but true in its worth.

Lani laughed, Jared was proving to be very friendly. "I must have." He smiled following the joke. "Should I not even try to eat on Fridays?" He asked noting that he had left that out of his list. He listened as Jared pointed out the different teachers and what to watch out for. He had already been foiled in an attempt to skip. He had been in the hallway when he decided not to go and his teacher had literally caught his collar and pulled him into the classroom giving him a very good tongue lashing before starting the class.

His eyes followed Jared and then drifted off toward the walls. There were bleachers that were easily climbable and windows were easy to open especially since he didn't have to open them manually. He lowered his gaze. He really needed to stop looking for an escape route everywhere that he went but it was a force of habit. He nodded at the more familiar word and didn't try to hide the wince and groan that followed. Planks were the worst. He joined him in laughter, "Who is?" He pointed out. Even those that were physically fit usually hated gym. It was going to be a long day he could tell. He took a deep breath he could run forever but of course he couldn't he would actually have to do things that required physical skill.

Lani eyes Jared after his comment about being through a lot he wanted to tell him he had no idea how much but refrained keeping his mind closed off and close to his heart. He shrugged, "C'est la vie." He said simply. But really this shouldn't be life. People were not supposed to develop strange powers and go to boarding school to learn to control them. Lani shook his head, "I have no idea. My whole future has basically been put on hold. I'll probably do online classes but really I wanted to go to Ohio State so bad. I don't know what to do now and no one is giving me a straight answer." He shrugged. He was going to graduate on time no matter what. The one thing that Lani knew was that he was going to be able to graduate with his class from his home school. He was unsure of how to feel about that but his mother insisted on it and he knew he would much rather graduate in blue and gold than whatever colors Hammel boasted. This place was not a school or a home to him. The people at his old school were who he was and he missed them dearly. But on the other hand, things would be awkward because Lani was the kid who dropped out randomly with no explanation. There were probably so many rumors going around about rehab, prison, and a myriad of other things.

[Jared Park]

One of the reasons Jared likes Hammel is because he knows that no matter what happens, Hammel wouldn’t let him graduate without him mastering his ability. Unlike Lani, Jared has virtually no confidence in himself that he can train without a trainer, a person to guide him. Despite being so outgoing and friendly, Jared’s greatest weakness is his not-so-hidden disdain for his ability. And it’s not because it’s too powerful or it has removed him from his family, it’s because it’s too simple, too plain, yet at the same time too complicated to master. Mechanical imperceptibility, what’s the heck is that? Would his powers be considered as elemental in nature, since the administration told him that his ability had something to do with his biochemistry and the bio-electric field his body transmits (the exact mechanism of which is still being studied)? Or would he be, as the TV series Mutant X would put it, a ‘molecular’, seeing as his ability involved the manipulation of his body, to some extent? And how the hell would he train it? Meditation? Exercise? Eating much salts? Jared is anything but certain.

As for muscle memory, Jared would be happy if he’d be given that instead. He’d be delighted actually. Sure, he sees practicing for a dance and the satisfaction one feels once he succeeds in doing the said routine might be all but lost, but at least he’s got a pretty good idea on how his powers work. Watch something, you can now do it, as long as it’s humanly possible. No need for meditation or anything. He just needs to keep his body fit so it’ll be able to keep up with the strain subsequent stunts might entail. As simple as that.

Jared spelled weakling ever since. Tall and thin, he was as frail as ever. It really surprised his siblings and grandparents that he’s managed to carry on with dancing and performing stunts for quite some time already and only have one serious injury under his belt. A broken arm (as he was practicing a back flip) was the worse he’s ever experienced. So it goes without saying that Jared never had the ability to defend himself (not that he’s needed to defend himself anyway; he’s made it a point to not make enemies as much as possible). Put him in a ring and he’ll surrender the moment the round starts. (That why he was kind of hoping for an ability that would let him defend himself. Unfortunately, his wish wasn’t granted).

“It depends,” Jared laughed, “If you see Mrs. Freig, the big woman, brown curls and visible mustache, don’t. It’ll be worse that Wednesday or Thursday. But if you see the beautiful Ms. Beetle in charge (yes that’s her last name, not a nickname), blonde with neon green and dark violet highlights, go and pursue. She makes the best gravy for the mashed potatoes.” Fortunately for Jared, he just had to suffer through the said bad days for two weeks; during the third week he met a friendly weather manipulator Harriet, who brings enough food for him and their other friends during the said days (she lives with her parents in Pilot Ridge).

“I don’t know. I thought you liked gym class. You like it, don’t you?” he mumbled, chuckling. When he first saw Lani, he thought he was the physical kind. More of a strong and active individual. And it’s not just because he’s older or anything. He just radiates this aura of physical-strength or something that Jared thought he was a gym-person. That and the fact that Jethro sees him as a possible rival in gym (his demeaning looks was all too revealing, Jared thinks). Seems he isn’t that great a judge of character than he thinks he is after all.

“Wait, you’re new here? Like, new new? To the meta-human business?” almost stumbling in surprise (good thing he managed to arrange his feet properly else it would’ve been embarrassing). It only dawned Jared that Lani was like him, a boy who recently developed his powers, when he told him that he was supposed to study in Ohio State. He had this idea that he may be from Hammel’s sister schools, Kocher, Eisai gakkō, or even from the newer ones such as Padhaai Guni. It never occurred to him that Lani was a late bloomer, that’s why he found it weird that Hammel didn’t recognize his credits. “Not that it’s a bad thing or anything, it’s just…unusual.” Hopefully Lani won’t take his words the wrong way. The last thing he wants is for a new student to be all depressed and angry because of him. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Hammel’s already working out the kinks of your college application. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your power anyway?” A very typical Hammel question. After all, meta-human abilities are all but predictable; not all Asians have telepathy, or Caucasians pyrokinesis. (That would remove the fun in being a meta, Jared thinks).



ooc:
Real sorry for the delay Izy. Like I've told Kiki, I would've finished this earlier had Jared!muse not become moody last night. Again, sorry for the delay. >.<.
-Jam

[Lani Hunter]

(sorry again for the late reply)

Lani let his mind drift for a little while. It wasn't often he got to relax and let his mind wander now a days. Often he would zone out and his power would mimic the activity in his mind. He was working on that. It wasn't something one wanted to happen if he had dark thoughts going on and there happened to be potentially dangerous objects about. It was alright when he was alone or when he had something to do where he could have focus but still let his thoughts bloom. He began to feel the edge of tightness in his legs as they went around the gym. Lani just wanted to get complete control and get out of here. He really didn't like this place, and it wasn't just the cage like feeling he got. He felt uneasy under constant supervision and he also felt suffocated by the amount of help he was getting. He wasn't used to help he was used to trial and error and figuring things out on his own. It was slightly unsettling.

He glanced at Jared as he spoke not really listening to what he was saying but rather reading the meaning behind the words. Jared was used to it here probably more than even the average student. He seemed like he had been doing this or been in this world forever. Completely at ease. Lani longed for that comfort but it would take a lot longer than a few weeks to make this the norm. He felt a stab of jealousy, why didn't things go differently? The what ifs stormed him mind battering his fragile consciousness until he had to force himself to focus completely on running so he could keep his gift closed and nonactive during this short time. It would be bad in gym... there were several small objects in the room that would make this all too terrible a place to lose control.

Him controlling his power had no outward signs unless he wanted to. Which sometimes flapping his arms at things and glaring at them seemed to help even though he knew it was just an act but for Lani sometimes pointing and guiding helped with the control. He blinked realizing that Jared was asking in a direct question. He returned his focus to him and shrugged. "I don't know, I think its a waste of time. Like everyone throws this stuff away after the year is out anyways." He shook his head, "Most people think that," he said with a smile, "and I do like some things but I hate the competition and I am athletic in a lot of ways that are not applied in gym so its basically useless. I hate the sports really... anything where a ball is rocketing around the room it is going to find its way here." He pointed a finger at his nose and laughed. "Do you like gym?" he asked skeptically pretty sure he knew the answer.

Lani laughed a little at the kid's shock. Was it really that hard to believe? "Yeah, new new. Like my power started sometime last month new." He nodded closing his eyes ever dramatically. Lani nodded, "So I've been told. I've been giving the administration quite a fun time trying to figure out what to do about all this." He hadn't been told that but he over heard it on one of his night prowls. It was almost like those were what kept him sane. Something of what used to be bringing calm into the equation. Lani bit his lip. He really didn't like telling people what his power was, it was unusual and dangerous not to mention one of the most powerful powers out there. He hesitated. "Telekinesis. What's yours?" He asked quickly after trying to lure him away from asking too many questions.

[Jared Park]

True, Jared feels pretty much at home at Hammel, but like everyone else, it took some time before Jared felt comfortable. It is one thing to be excited about having powers and staying in a prestigious school, and it is another to finally be able to do that. Like what was said previously, despite being comfortable around meta-humans, Jared took some time to overcome his initial resentment with his gift being useless compared to others. But after he somehow overcame his apprehension and prejudice about himself, it all went downhill. Hammel is just like any school, he says, if only for the additional powers classes and the more-than-frequent fire alarms and earthquake drills. If he could read Lani’s troubled mind right now, he’d say that it’s alright to feel a bit apprehensive at first, and he’d assure him that Lani’ll feel at home soon.

“Same here,” answered Jared, struggling to keep up with Lani and the rest of the group. While he loves to talk (and chatting with Lani is indeed fun and interesting), he finds it hard to distribute his energy and attention efficiently between running and talking. Not that he’d tell that to Lani anyway. “I mean, I know how you feel. Balls scare me,” he chuckled, “Not in the phobia-type of way of course. More of the it’ll-hit-me-anytime-soon-‘cause-I-haven’t-had-the-clue-on-how-to-do—any-ball-sports kind of way. I’m completely helpless when I enter the court.” While Jared could possibly sprint fast enough to run all three bases in baseball, or jump high enough to shoot the ball properly in basketball, he lacks the strength and coordination to swing the bat properly or the cunning and wit needed to steal the ball from the enemy and drive it to the hoop. If all else, Jared knows he’d most likely be the black hole in the team, hence staying away from such activities as much as he can. “I wish our class had a dance program. I hear they only offer it in higher PE classes. So sad really.”

“ZOMG, telekinesis? Really? That is so cool!” Jared almost squealed with joy when he heard what Lani can do. He would’ve actually, if Mr. Fjiki wasn’t staring at them so hard. What’s his problem, he thought. It’s not like they’re lagging behind the pack. “How I wish my power was anything like yours. So you can like, lift and make stuff move right? Amazing. Have you figured out your limit yet? Or do you not have a limit?” Jared chuckled when he figured he’s been fanboying over Lani (or Lani’s powers) already. Telekinesis is one of the best powers in Jared’s books, and Lani was the first telekinetic in the whole school that he’s met. Funny really. “Maybe that’s why it manifested so late. It was so powerful that maybe you can’t handle the strain well if it showed itself early.”

“No worries. If I know them, they’re probably arranging your application right now. I hear the University of Vermont is somehow tied with Hammel, so it’ll be easy peasy for you. Or if you want to go to Ohio still, I think they can do something about it too. It’s not like you’re in prison or anything.” Apparently he has no idea on what’s been going on in Lani’s head right now. “I’m sure you’re on top of their priority for the trainers. Though it may be a bit delayed due to the issue they currently have.” He leaned in closer, whispering to Lani the last few words as if they are forbidden. While gossiping is not really part of Jared’s nature, it never occurred to him that such rumors about an attack can be classified as such. To him, they were true and real. He overheard the headmaster talking about it on the phone once.

“Me? It’s a bit bland actually, considering yours is super amazing,” Jared blushed, obviously embarrassed about his ability. “My mom (and my recruiter) coined the term ‘mechanical imperceptibility’. Fancy word which means I’m invisible to any type of digital tech. Security cameras, automatic doors, digital scales, the like. So useless really.” Jared never liked his ability because he can’t seem to find any use to it. The only thing think about is it is good for sneaking out, but since he has not the ability to climb walls or phase through objects, it’s pretty much worthless too.


ooc:
Really Izy, no rush. Just take your time and enjoy. Haha. :3
-Jam
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[Lani Hunter]

Lani laughed as he ran it was like breathing was coming back to him. A lighter view of the world, a happier more carefree feeling. Like he used to have. He wanted so badly just to read his sister storied again, he had so many more for her. Lani felt a surge of happiness. Perhaps this wasn't going to be as bad as it seemed. He didn't have to change who he was he just had a new thing to add to his definition. Lani shrugged a little to himself and tried to take a new look at this. It was difficult when he realized again he was stuck with no way out. He sometimes wished his power had come early, at least he would have have time to make a path for himself in this world. Everything was different but that didn't mean that different was bad. He almost stopped and contemplated that but one look at the teacher told him his feet better keep pounding.

He nodded knowingly, "It's really s curse isn't it?" If there was something flying about it was bound to find its way to his nose. Or the back of his head. He wasn't sure if that would be a good or a bad thing but he was pretty sure knocking himself out would suffice at shutting down his powers very well. He was pretty sure all the teachers knew that as well. He was a ticking time bomb and they all knew it. One false move and it could set him off. It had already happened once and that was just a touch of his power he knew. Launching cars was nothing to his powers. He had nearly lifted trees out of the ground and shaken walls to pieces. The teachers, he was sure, were ready to pounce if something such as that happened. He was sure he wouldn't like their solution one bit and how could one know if the outcome would be any better.

"Oh so you like dance?" He asked interested, "I can't dance but it'd be less dangerous." He laughed a little. He was sure he felt himself flush with embarrassment when Jared had a little fan spasm. Lani winced a little, "No it isn't and no you don't." He said. End it now before it began it wasn't as awesome as everyone thought. "Yeah that's basically the gist of it. Moving stuff." He shrugged again, "No idea I'm pretty sure I can't move buildings though." He could certainly bring them down. Just the thought that he could cause enough movement to level a place was terrifying. Lani slowed to a trot when they finally came around the last lap. He shook his head, "I don't know the details but apparently I always had it and just had never touched it before. The teachers say I got blasted open when I got scared and..." He gestured around his head searching for a way to describe it. "It's like a wound in my head. It hurts, they say it go blasted and its raw and that's why it hurts. They said I have to take it easy so it'll heal." He shrugged, "I don't really understand it though."

He visibly winced at the word 'prison' he almost said 'I didn't do it!' He nodded about college in the grand scheme of things that should probably be the last thing on his list. He made a face at Vermont. He already didn't like this place but if he had to do that at least he could be out in the world and in college. He could always transfer. He shrugged, "I guess so." He said hopefully gazing off into the distance. He turned back to shake his head to say he had only seen a trainer every once in a while and even then for short periods but what Jared said next stopped him. "Wait. What issue?" He asked wrinkling his brow with real concern and curiosity. That wasn't what he expected to hear. He didn't even have a designated trainer yet, he was kind of getting tossed around until they found someone who could deal with him.

Lani ogled at Jared for a moment. "Trade you!" He declared. He would love a power like that. "So stuff like security cameras can't see you. That is awesome!" He shook his head nearing the point of flapping his arms at Jared. "Don't you realize what you could do with that? You could..." He didn't finish but beamed at him. "Let me just say I'm jealous." That would be ten times more useful in his line of work than this power. Sure it would come in handy but to not have to worry about cameras and the like! That would make things ten times easier!

[Jared Park]

“It is for me. But for you, I betcha it’ll be a breeze,” he chuckled, “After all, you don’t look as clumsy and lanky as me. And you have telekinesis to protect you.” He even made a few hand gestures he sees in film and comic books, the one where the telekinetics deflect the projectile and emphasize it by waving their arms and looking oh-so-serious. “I, on the other hand, am not only clumsy and lack an awful lot of coordination when it comes to the court (and my height only makes me a bigger, easier target), I am also not gifted with an ability that’ll help me deflect or at least dodge such dangerous weapons of mass destruction. If only I can phase through objects, now that is amazing.” Right after telekinesis and super speed is phasing in Jared’s list of wonderful powers (or at least it’s on the top ten). The thought of not having problem with walls, doors and other physical obstacles just fascinate him. And he’d like to try out the whole phase-through-the-ground-and-appear-on-the-other-side trick, or even the phase-through-in-between-two-enemies-so-that-they’ll-attack-each-other technique. Yes, he’s just a geek like that.

“Like dance? I love it!” he smiled, “It’s the only thing I can do properly at least.” Despite being shy and concerned that he’ll make a big fool of himself in all other aspects of life, Jared can confidently say that he’s a good dancer. And he won’t be ashamed to prove it to you too. Not that he brags about it or anyway, but he won't shy away if you challenge him or anything.

Jared almost tripped upon starting their last lap, causing him to chuckle upon his own carelessness. “It is!” he insisted, “It’s like, on the top of my cool powers list. Super speed is second, but the margin is huge.” Being a huge comic book fan, he did make a list of what powers he would want to have when he was around 10 or 11. Unfortunately when he manifested his ability, it wasn’t anything near what he would’ve wanted it to be. “Oh pshaw. Maybe just now ‘cause it’s uncontrollable and all (not that I’m saying that you have no control or anything). Who knows, maybe after enough training, you can stop missiles in midair! Now how cool would that be?”

Jared gave Lani a sympathetic nod when he said his power outburst had been like a painful wound in his head. Having such a passive power meant Jared experienced nothing of that sort, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t know how it went (he had a ton of comic book knowledge under his belt after all). “If you want, you can go to the lovely Dr. Prideaux for help. I mean, she’s the resident side effects expert.” While Jared haven’t gone to the French lady yet, Ann assured him that she’s as nice as ever. “Or since your powers are somewhat psychic, you can go to Dr. Neville. He’s the greatest psychic in Hammel. Possibly in the world too.” Telepathy was also an awesome power in Jared’s book, which means Jared won’t shy away from patronizing the school psychiatrist. Not that he isn’t worth patronizing.

He leaned in closer, whispering to Lani as they went. “I don’t really think I should be telling you this, but it’s not like it’s bad or anything,” he said, trying to justify to himself that he’s not spreading rumors. “People say Hammel’s been attacked. Well, something along a meta-human attack really. I’m not really big on the details so that’s all I can tell you.” In fact, that’s all that Jared knows. He’s heard a whole lot more, but mostly they contradict each other and are even utterly ridiculous, and he doesn’t want to be quoted on that in anyway. Mr. Fjiki glared at them afterwards, so Jared gave him a sweet (albeit fake) smile. He’s not a telepath anyway, so Jared doubts he heard what he told Lani anyway.

“Oh puh-lease, don’t patronize this stupid power of mine,” he said, rolling his eyes. He loves everything except his power, and when he hear people say how awesome his power is, he simply shrugs it off as a polite response, not necessarily a sincere one. “The only positive thing, if you can call it that, I can think of is the possibility of sneaking out from anywhere without leaving a trace. Or robbing a place even. But since I have not the dexterity or strength to perform such feats, these are nothing of use to me really,” he sighed, “Gosh, I wish we could have at least a choice in whatever power He’d give us. I’d choose anything over this really.”

[Lani Hunter]

Lani smiled, "The bad thing about telekinesis is that when it comes up on it own and protects me it sometimes ends badly. I'm really hoping we don't play dodge ball." He winced a little bit. No it would be absolutely terrible to play dodge ball. That was a million things he could turn into deadly projectiles. His eyes widened a little bit, "Well that is certainly useful, hopefully you won't have to dodge any weapons of mass destruction in the near future, eh?" He was spacey and had unfortunately already forgotten what he had called it. He basically understood the gist of it but not the full concept, like most things around here. He thought about if he could stop a missile. If he could he wouldn't know what to do with it and even then he wasn't even sure he could hold one, there was a lot of force behind those things and they were heavy.

He smiled, "I doubt that." He said, "I'm sure there is a lot more that you yourself don't realize." He was about as awkward at dancing as they came. He had two left feet and might as well have three for as back as he was. He smiled Jared struck him as the kind of person who grew up watching superman and the like. He had as well but he had never known anything such as that was possible he had lived in a world where he had separated fiction from fact and held it there. Now he wasn't even sure what was fiction or fact anymore. All he felt he knew was a lie now and wasn't anything like he had imagined the world.

He smiled, "I doubt that, I can barely keep a soda can in the air without it launching itself into a wall." He shrugged he wasn't sure how heavy he could life. "Super speed would be pretty cool. I think if anything I'd really like to fly." He said spreading his arms just a little bit. To be completely free was to fly. Lani had always dreamed of the sky. He had never even been on a plane. "I wonder..." He trailed off, "I don't know I think you'd be better at deflecting a missile considering it wouldn't recognize you. Another downside to this. Telekinesis tends to make people want to use you." He reflected with a slightly sour taste in his mouth. He contemplated more often then not the possibility of himself being evil. It was a terrifying thought. He could do some real damage and he knew the teacher knew that but Lani's morals were already so far damaged who knows what could happen. He sighed dismissing the thought.

Lani wrinkled his nose. "Isn't he the shrink?" He asked a negative tone dripping from his words. He hated the idea of a shrink. He wanted no one in control of his mind other than himself especially now that he had this power. If someone got into his mind they could get into his power and he would have no control what so ever. So no. He didn't think he would seek help from the psychic. Lani could see the kid's point and perhaps that would be the wise thing to do but that was also what Lani was afraid of. He needed to rely on himself for this thing. For in truth he knew what the teachers knew. That there were no telekinetics in the school or vicinity that could teach him. They could help, show him the way but they could not teach him. It wasn't a comforting though but Lani had a feeling that he already had the answer in himself somewhere he just needed to find it.

Lani was glad that they had stopped running at that point because either way the news he just received was not something one just shook off. "Wait. What do you mean Hammel was attacked? By who? Why?" He stopped himself when Jared said that was all he knew it wasn't fair to launch questions at him when he didn't know the answers. That might be why there were so many guards around and perhaps him getting out of here wasn't such a logical desire. He could get into some real trouble. He smiled and chuckled a little to himself at the thought. Yeah right.

Lani shook his head, "I'm not. If there were a way for me to trade powers with you I would. It would be so much more useful to me than this." He said looking away awkwardly that might have been a little too much information. Lani smiled and laughed a little bit at the robbing comment. "Now that would be useful in certain ways and you can always train your body." He said as if he were speaking of the weather. He shook his head at the reference to God. Lani considered himself a deist on good days and an atheist on the bad. He didn't want to think something beyond the biology was responsible for this. "Don't think me lucky." Lani said firmly. He didn't add anything. His point was made. Don't judge others based on your ideals a blessing for one person is a curse for another. He plopped down on the gym floor. "So you said it was crunches next right?"

[Jared Park]

Jared caught Lani’s wary tone and tried to imagine what would have happened if his powers (Lani’s) were to take a mind of his own and protect him freely. It would be wonderful if Lani’s telekinesis would effectively deflect the balls and keep Lani safe in the game. On the other hand, if his powers decided it would be nice to control the balls and launch them at high speeds to the students, it would be a disaster. “That would indeed be scary. Remind me to always be on your team whenever we do ball sports,” he laughed. “But don’t you worry. Mr. Fjiki’s an effective gym teacher (no matter how scary and brutal he is) for a reason. He’s a power negator, and it has proven to be very useful in gym. Most powers go awry when the users are under great distress, and gym is anything but relaxing. He’ll know what to do, don’t worry,” he added, giving Lani a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Jared suddenly grew red with embarrassment. While he was never one to shy away from giving people compliments, he viewed himself so low in everything except dancing that words like that made his heart flutter so much. “Awww. Thanks Lani,” he smiled. He would’ve hugged Lani right then and there, if it wasn’t for him being so sweaty already and Mr. Fjiki giving them ‘the stare’.

“Ooh. Must mean your powers are really superb. Just imagine what you can do when you have them fully under your control. But for the mean time, give me a heads up before you start levitating things, ok?” He could understand why Lani sees his power as such a burden, but he couldn’t really imagine why he dislikes it so much that he’d want to have nothing to do with it. He could imagine himself being frustrated with himself if he had telekinesis because of the lack of control, but since it was an awesome power, he knew it would be worth it to train it. But Lani’s lack of enthusiasm for his power comes across Jared as sheer dislike for such a wonderful gift. Apparently he can’t understand Lani’s whole I-was-uprooted-because-of-my-power situation.

“It wouldn’t recognize me, but that doesn’t mean the impact won’t kill me,” he laughed, “Though I can’t help but think that I’d be humanity’s sole hope in case a robot armada comes attacking our planet. Granted I know how to dodge and escape properly of course.” Jared smiled at the thought of flying. While indeed it was fun, it only ranked 5 or 6 in his list. “Flying’s fun, but duplication beats it hands down,” he answered, “And besides, couldn’t you like levitate a carpet and ride it? That’ll be very much like flying, I believe.”

“Hey, don’t call him that,” he smiled, nudging Lani gently by his elbow. While he was seriously offended for Dr. Neville by such a name, he thought Lani just heard that name from the other people in campus. Jared looked up to Dr. Neville with such reverence and admiration, not only because he was a powerful psychic, but because he seems like the one who’ll really take care of his students to the end. While he had not had the chance to talk to him yet (Jared prides himself for being a stable student, at least as far as the meaning might take him) but whenever he passes by him along the corridors, he was sure to give him a courteous bow. “Who knows, maybe he could be the sole person who can heal those psychic wounds of yours. He does know how the mind works perfectly. Or so I’ve heard.”

“I have no idea,” Jared answered him with his eyes wide in cluelessness, complete with the I-don’t-know hand gestures. “But I can’t help think about the mutant conspiracies or something I read in the comic books. Who knows they might be true.”

“You know how to wall climb and be sneaky and all that stuff? You should teach me!” Jared chuckled in excitement. Apparently he views everything as Lani simply being funny. Or if he did know how to do all those things, as a talent, nothing more, nothing less. “I need to be more fit anyways. Ann said I should exercise more if I want to gain weight.”

He huffed heavily as they finished their lap. “Give me a moment to catch my breath,” he laughed as he saw Lani plop down the floor. “So, who should go down first, me or you?” He gave Lani a playful poke on his stomach and was surprised (though he kind of expected it) that it didn’t feel soft and flabby. “Woah, you’re toned. I should go first then, lest it want to embarrass myself in front of you and take too much time before I complete my 20,” he laughed, promptly lying on his back to assume the position.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani glanced over at the teacher. "A negator?" He said not because he didn't understand but because it made him a little wary. He would need to keep a close on his power he didn't want anyone else controlling his power whether that meant controlling him or cutting off his power. It wasn't that he was afraid on not getting it back but knowing that it was there and he couldn't 'touch' it was unsettling. It was like he was a child with a dog that he couldn't control but if someone took it from him he had a feeling someone terrible would happen. "Well I guess you are all pretty safe then." He said smiling to brush it off as a joke. He glanced back at the teacher. He was watching him like he was a ticking time bomb as well. At least he was a teacher who could do something other than yell at him to calm down. It was like the teachers were afraid a student would say something and set him off. His control might be fragile but it wasn't like he would blow up over just anything.

Lani shrugged, "I mean it." He replied when Jared flushed. He shook his head a little bit he really hoped people hadn't been telling Jared that his power was useless that he was so unused to complements. It really wasn't right on the spoke Lani could give ten reasons why that was a good thing. His so far he had come up with maybe two... three?... reasons it was useful. One stealing, another fighting, protection... nothing. He laughed, "Will do." Though he wasn't really sure himself when things would start levitating himself. He usually had some clue. Though not always was there the kind of warning that came at a time convenience sometimes all he had was seconds to catch his power and make it put something down before it hurt some one. He gently touched his power to keep its lid tight and under control.

Lani laughed, he couldn't help it. "Yeah I can say that would be rather useful. It isn't hard to learn that if your life depends on it." He pointed out. "I want you on my side when we have a robotic apocalypse. Its bound to happen." Lani paused a moment thinking it through. "Flying would be awesome. If you didn't want to be somewhere you didn't have to be. I guess... That actually makes a lot of sense." Why not? His eyes glittered with ideas. He could just soar over the walls and get out. He felt a surge of hope it certainly wouldn't hurt to try. He might have to wait until he had a little more control but maybe not a carpet but a broom. Not only would that give him lift but it would also give him an image that people would not want to mess with. He could actually imagine flying and the image was amazing and wonderful. Freedom. Perhaps his power had given him freedom after all.

Lani ducked his head in apology at the term. He had never had good experiences with shrinks they didn't really come with a positive look to him. That was true though. He might be the only one that could help. Lani ground his teeth in frustration this power... every time he thought it wasn't that bad it got worse. The wound where his power resided was like a cave of a dragon and the dragon was no pleased because it had burned its walls and made it hurt and was lashing out. He shook his head, that was certainly an odd metaphor. He shook his head. "I don't know." He said simply. He didn't want to think that he didn't have a lot of options. He hated feeling caged and forced in a direction.

Lani raised a brow at Jared. He shook his head, "No offense Jared, but this isn't a comic book. I highly doubt there is some conspiracy." He rolled his eyes a little, Jared really was young he had yet to open his eyes to the world and its darkness. Lani raised an eyebrow. "You want me to teach you how to be sneaky?" He asked skeptically. "It's not easy." He pointed out shaking his head thinking Jared was just joking around. He didn't really want to become sneaky. Becoming sneaky made one want to do things like Lani. Lani didn't want to unleash that on the world.

Lani smiled at Jared he was breathing hard but he didn't show it he just regulated it. Slowly and silently. It would never do to be panting like a dog when one was in another person's home. Lani bent in a little on himself trying not to admit that he was ticklish when Jared poked him. He shrugged it off, "Thank you?" He said unsure. He nodded. "Alright," he chuckled. He swung over to Jared and put the heel on his palms on Jared's feet holding them down so his new found friend could do his crunches. "Don't worry I'm not astounding at these things either." He glanced back at the teacher and felt an odd chill. No he really did not want that man anywhere near his power.