******AT ATTENTION******
<Mystique> @@
<Kurt> @@
<Trav> @@
<Logan> @@
<Bobby> @@
<Arthur> @@
<Catzy> @@
<Erik> Last time, the Capture the Flag game was something less than a success. Logan disappeared, Pietro fell into the creek, Catzy chased mice, and Gambit blew up the flag by accident. Since then, they have gone back to ordinary class-room classes. Reynard left the school a few days ago, after his parents found out about the attack and chose to pull him immediately.
<Erik> Today, the students have been told to be ready to leave for a short trip to Athens, where they will spend tonight and tomorrow, and be allowed to spend some time shopping and amusing themselves. The Mediterranean is awfully nice this time of year, and Erik seems to have restrained himself from cramming the trip full of museum visits this time, so most of the students are probably looking forward to the excursion.

********PROLOGUE********
<Erik> SCENE> SOUTHERN NEVADA. THE MOJAVE DESERT. 6:30 AM. A SMALL, DUSTY HOUSE AT THE OUTSKIRTS OF A SMALL, DUSTY TOWN.
<Erik> ACTION> WILLIAM AND MADELINE DRAKE ARE ARGUING AGAIN, AND BOBBY CAN HEAR EVERY WORD, LYING IN BED. THE AIR IN HIS ROOM IS DISTINCTLY COLD, AND SO DRY IT ALMOST HURTS TO BREATHE. THE GLASS OF WATER HE LEFT BESIDE HIS BED LAST NIGHT HAS A THIN SHEET OF ICE CRUSTING OVER THE TOP.
<Erik> William> God damnit, Madeline. I don't have time for this.
<Erik> ACTION> BOBBY CAN HEAR DRAWERS SLAMMING AS HIS FATHER GETS READY FOR WORK.
<Erik> Madeline> You don't have time for what?! You don't have time to look at your own son? He needs your support! Do you think just because he can walk without a cane, he's fine now?!
<Bobby> ::stares up at the cieling and sighs, rolling over on his side:: ((Why can't I wake up to the alarm?))
<Erik> William> ::voice gets louder:: There is nothing wrong with the boy! He needs to pull his damn grades out of the gutter and stop acting like an invalid! ::tone drops to an angry mumble::
<Erik> Madeline> They nearly beat him to death, William! You can't ignore that! Bobby is a mutant, and that isn't going to go away just because you don't want to think about it! Think about his future!
<Erik> William> I can't do a damned thing about his future! He's not going to have a future if he can't learn to keep his… problem to himself! Freezing things all over the damn house… what the hell do you think we moved him out here for?!
<Bobby> ::merely lays there and stares at the far wall, beginning to tear up, the tear freezing mid-way down his cheek, shutting his eyes tight, trying to block the conversation::
<Erik> Madeline> You watch your language when you're talking to me. And I told I didn't think moving here was going to help, to begin with!
<Erik> William> You saw what he was doing back there! The goddamn floorboards of his room were cracking from thawing and refreezing every day!
<Bobby> ::slowly curls up into a fetal position, or as close as he can get to one:: just leave me alone.. go away.. goaway..
<Erik> Madeline> How is he supposed to learn to control anything with you stomping around and bellowing every time you see a bit of ice?! I've been trying to talk to that expert on mutancy, but oh no, you won't hear a word of it!
<Erik> William> I don't need some damn quack coming in here and telling me--
<Erik> ACTION> THE FRONT DOOR SLAMS, AND BOBBY CAN'T HEAR THE REST OF THE ARGUMENT. A MINUTE LATER, THE CAR DOOR SLAMS AND THE HEADLIGHTS SWING PAST HIS WINDOW AS HIS FATHER LEAVES FOR THE LONG COMMUTE TO LAS VEGAS.
<Bobby> ::wipes his cheeks, cursing when he feels the iced tear::
<Erik> ACTION> THE FRONT DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES QUIETLY AS HIS MOTHER RE-ENTERS THE HOUSE... HER FOOTSTEPS PASS HIS BEDROOM DOOR, HESITATING FOR A MOMENT BEFORE SHE CONTINUES DOWN THE HALL.
******END PROLOGUE******

********SIM START********
<Erik> SCENE> WUNDAGORE. CLASSES ENDED A FEW MINUTES AGO. THE STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY VACATING THE CLASSROOMS, WHERE SONJA, RAVEN, AND ERIK HAVE BEEN TEACHING SEPARATE CLASSES.
<Trav> :::Sighs, walking out of the classroom::: No different than back home. ((Well, that's not entirely true. Back home, I was shunned for being me.))
<Remy> ::..having been the first one out, is almost back to his room to drop off his stuff
<Remy> ::
<Erik> ::replaces a pen and a worn book in the drawer of his desk, locking it with a thought, and moves purposefully for the hall and the door to Raven's classroom::
<Kurt> ::carrying his bookbag as he moves out of a classroom and down the hall::
<Catzy> ::runs out the door past anyone in the way, heading for the bathrooms, which luckily she knows what they're use is now::
<Mystique> ::retrieves the eraser from the ledge of the dry erase board and proceedes to destroy her perfectly penned French verbs and their basic conjugations::
<Erik> ::stops at the door, watching her erase the board:: Raven, if you have a moment?
<Mystique> Certainly. ::glances over her shoulder before continuing to erase every note of marker::
<Trav> :::Walks up next to Kurt::: So, found anything do in this place besides sit around and watch paint dry?
<Remy> ((Woulda almost liked de utha types of classes))
<Erik> ::waits for her to finish, glancing down the hall::
<Kurt> ::with a slight shrug:: Nein, not much... unless you enjoy exploring the grounds or browsing through the library?
<Mystique> ::sets the eraser down again and turns to full regard Erik:: You seem a bit distressed, is this important?
<Trav> Makes me wish I could drive. The hike alone to the nearest piece of civilization would be worth it.
<Remy> ::drops his stuff off in his room, goes through one of his drawers.. pulls something out of it and stuffs it in one of his pockets::
<Catzy> ::steps out into the living room, glancing around to see if anyone's there::
<Kurt> Though, of course, we are not allowed to go out alone. ::his tone indicates faint derision at the rule::
<Erik> ::unfolds a newspaper he was carrying:: If you saw this article in my files...?
<Trav> Rules, rules, rules. As my friends back home used to tell me, the rules were made to be broken.
<Kurt> ::as he starts to climb the stairs:: Ach, well, I can understand why we have this one.
<Trav> :::Shakes his head::: My folks took me hiking dozens of times. I know how to survive in the woods.
<Mystique> ::reaches out to take the newspaper and study the said article a bit closer:: I'm afraid I did not read the papers today.
<Remy> Awright..::rubs his chin::
<Catzy> ::runs down the west hall and towards the main stairs::
<Kurt> ((Why did I say anything?)) ::almost worried tone:: But you were not here for... what happened. Trust me, mein freund, it might not be a good idea.
<Logan> ::doing a security check of the perimeter::
<Erik> ACTION> THE LONG ISLAND NEWSPAPER IS FROM LAST YEAR, A GOOD 8 MONTHS AGO. RAVEN SEES A SMALL ARTICLE ON THE FRONT PAGE ABOUT A MOB BREAKING INTO A SUBURBAN HOME AND BEATING AN UNIDENTIFIED MUTANT BOY.
<Remy> ::pulls his bag out from under his bed, starts to grab clothes and "supplies" from various parts of his room and puts them in his bag::
<Trav> :::Sighs, then reachs under his bed, pulling out an empty travel bag, then begins stuffing it full of clothes::: Maybe this trip is just what we need.
<Catzy> ::rushes past Kurt, tripping once on the stairs, before scrambling out of sight towards her room::
<Mystique> Tragic, but hardly a current event...so you must obviously have a point? ::regards Erik with cautious curiosity::
<Erik> This youth... I have had a file on him for some time, but unfortunately his family moved as soon as he was released from the hospital, and I lost track of him. His mother just contacted the school.
<Mystique> Ah, so we are expecting a new student?
<Kurt> ::gives a start, quickly reaching out to grab the stair railing:: Scheiße! Watch it, katze! ::shakes his head at seeing she's already gone, then quickly moves into his room::
<Catzy> ::runs around in circles in her room a couple times:: Catzy pack, catzy pack.. go far away.. what catzy pack for? ::stops and scratches her head:: um...
<Erik> ::slight smile:: The nature of his powers would make it very difficult for him to make a commercial flight... so, one of us will need to go there and speak with his family a bit further... but yes, I believe his mother, at least, will encourage the idea.
<Remy> Dat should be ev'rythin'..
<Remy> ::leaves his room, sees kurt as he passes:: Hey Elf.
<Emma> ::Sighs, holding up the top of a bikini.:: I don't suppose we'll even have time to enjoy the sites with this trip...
<Mystique> How long will you be gone for and when will you be leaving for this trip?
<Erik> ::holds up a hand, slightly:: If I were to leave, I would leave now. However, would you be comfortable escorting the students through Athens as planned?
<Kurt> Guten tag... ::waves from where he's standing next to the doorway, idly wondering why so many have started to call him that::
<Catzy> ::randomly stuffs items into the bag she got in Tokyo:: Catzy need shirts.. and.. more shirts.. and... book, and teddy bear, and sheets, and pillow...
<Trav> :::Frowns at Remy's comment, zips up his bag::: Kurt, you're gonna let him get away with that?
<Mystique> ::takes a moment to conjure up an image of rebellious students running rampant through Athen's street and then meets Erik's gaze with an earnest seriousness:: I suppose.
<Remy> ::looks back at Trav:: It ain't nuthin' bad, homme.
<Erik> ::looks at Mystique as if he expected some kind of argument, then nods slightly:: Very well... I trust the students are prepared to leave now? We will have to reach Athens before I can continue with the jet, alone.
<Kurt> ::with a small smile as he grabs an empty bag and starts packing clothing:: Ja, as he said.
<Trav> :::Frowns, then grins::: If you can call him Elf, then can I call you Cajun?
<Emma> ::Sighs and packs a few more summer outfits before steping outside of her room.::
<Remy> Go 'head. ::shrugs, smirks::
<Catzy> ::stuffs her bed sheets into the bag, along with some clothes, a little engine that could book, a brush, and her pillow:: unf.. bad bag not close ::manages to finally get it zipped shut::
<Mystique> They were all instructed to have their bags packed last night. ((Why is he the one who does all the recruitment and I am stuck with these monstrosities?))
<Kurt> ::with a soft chuckle, looking to Travis:: Then it seems that you are the only one without a colorful nickname. What are we to call you?
<Catzy> hard work.. catzy tired ::lays down to take a nap::
<Trav> :::Shrugs::: I don't know. Before...before I became a social outcast, I used to be called Trav.
<Erik> ::faintly suspicious look at Mystique again:: If you would prefer to speak to the Drake family, I can.. monitor the students.
<Remy> ::shrugs:: Simple:: it'll work.
<Logan> ::steps inside the castle en route to the sublevels where we would keep the security system::
<Mystique> Whatever you prefer is fine with me. ::polite smile:: ((Passive...yes...lets try this route since he rather unresponsive to the more aggressive me.))
<Kurt> ::looks at the contents of his bag so far, then snags a book lying on the floor with his tail, putting the book inside before closing it::
<Remy> ya'll ready t' go?
<Erik> ::what might be called an eye-dart in a less composed man... eyes Mystique:: ...No, whatever you prefer, I insist.
<Catzy> ::takes a nap::
<Trav> Uh..:::Looks at his bulging bag, then looks back to Remy, shrugging::: 'bout as ready as I'm ever gonna be.
<Remy> Dayumn, Trav. We plan on comin' back y'know?
<Mystique> ((He's trying to accomodate me...but is that a sign? Why is he so hard to read?)) If you must know...I have been awaiting an opportunity to fly the jet myself, and a trans Atlantic flight would be just such an opportunity.
<Kurt> ::shoulders his own bag, with a considering look for a moment::
<Trav> I was always told to be prepared. I never leave anything to chance. Like, what if it starts raining and I get caught out in it?
<Logan> ::scans the security monitors quickly noting sonja in the classroom:: Hmmph.
<Erik> ::nods slightly:: Very well. The boy's name is Robert Drake, and, from reports, he appears to be able to lower the temperatures of his surroundings... ::starts walking toward his office, where his files are kept::
<Remy> Guess dat makes sense. I jus' take what I need. Travel light incase.. y'know.
<Erik> <Sonja> ::just leaving the classroom, shuts the door behind her and looks around, tucking a strand of red <*snicker*> hair behind her ear and rearranging the small stack of notebooks in her hands::
<Mystique> ::dutifully follows Erik speaking under her breath:: interesting...it sounds familiar...
<Erik> Familiar? ::glances over his shoulder at her... apparently his hearing hasn't degraded with age::
<Kurt> ::head tilted slightly:: In case you have to run for it?
<Remy> Yah. ::Smiles:: dat.
<Trav> :::Shoulders the bag with a grunt::: Not all that heavy.
<Mystique> The powers of course...I believe I read about it as part of a thesis paper that had a list of hypothesized mutant powers. ((Or was that Irene's diary?))
<Logan> ::heads back upstairs to intercept sonja::
<Erik> ::keen look at Raven:: A thesis paper... I did not believe there were very many in existence that dealt with mutancy. Perhaps you can locate the one you read, again?
<Erik> <Sonja> ::heads for the elevator closest to the classrooms, stopping when the door opens to reveal Logan:: Oh.. hello ::smiles::
<Logan> Err, umm, uhh... was just coming to see you.
<Erik> <Sonja> ::raises a brow, looking curious:: Oh? Do you need something?
<Remy> Yah. Knowin' de girls it's prolly gon' be a while..
<Remy> ::moves into his room and grabs his bag, walks back out::
<Trav> My dad told me when it comes to women, take the time you'd wait for a man and multiply it by 60 minutes.
<Logan> I, uhh, just wanted to...go over some new security protocols with you.
<Mystique> Perhaps when I have the time for such research as I do not recall exactly which paper. ((Or maybe when the time is more right to reveal the actual sources.))
<Erik> <Sonja> Security protocols? ::looks puzzled::
<Remy> ..dat's an underestimate, non?
<Kurt> ::chuckling:: That sounds about right. ::walks out of the room and to the stairs::
<Trav> :::Follows Kurt::: If we're lucky, we might get out of here before bell-bottoms come back into style.
<Erik> ::appears slightly disappointed:: It sounds intriguing. ::opens his office and goes to his desk, removing some papers and handing them to Raven--info on Robert Drake's life over the past few months::
<Kurt> ::leads their little group to the living room, as he assumes that'd be the 'meeting spot'::
<Logan> That's right. I wouldn't want you to accidentally trigger any of the systems.
<Mystique> ::takes the file and immediately pokes through it::
<Erik> <Sonja> ::reflexively glances at her wrist where a watch would be were this not the magnetic hot-spot that it is, and bites her lip:: Oh, can you tell me about these later? I have to finish packing... you are coming along to Athens, right?
<Remy> ..instead of de tight tight pants? Hope not.
<Logan> ... ::recalls what transpired in japan:: Hmmph.
<Erik> <Sonja!> ::stepping onto the elevator, apparently hears that as a 'yep' and smiles:: Oh good, you can tell me on the way then. ::elevator door closes::

********EPILOGUE********
<Erik> SCENE> NEWPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY. MID-MORNING. A TEENAGE BOY IN A SOMEWHAT WORN, OVERSIZED JACKET IS HUNCHED AT A TABLE IN THE FURTHEST CORNER OF THE STACKS, NOSE BURIED IN A BOOK.
<Erik> ACTION> ARTHUR BECOMES VAGUELY AWARE OF ANOTHER PERSON NEARBY. A MIDDLE-AGED MAN IS IDLY SURVEYING A SHELF OF BOOKS, ALTHOUGH HE SEEMS TO BE GLANCING ARTHUR'S WAY FREQUENTLY.
<Arthur> ::goes over a page quickly, one of his favorite books, The once and Future King, though he's read several times before, the classics never get old::
<Arthur> ::notes her out of the corner of his eye, then suddenly reliases what time it is...it rather obvius that he should be in school..::he slowly closes the book and gets up to put it back, attempting to act casual::
<Erik> ACTION> THE GUY STARTS WALKING TOWARD HIM AS HE MOVES TO PUT THE BOOK BACK
<Arthur> ((Oh sh*t)) ::Art drops the book on a table and attempts to bolt for the door::
<Erik> <Man> ::moves to block Arthur surprisingly swiftly, grabbing his shoulder and glancing around warily:: Wait!
<Arthur> ::acting innocent:: Yes, sir?
<Erik> <Man> ::lets go of his shoulder:: Don't run... I just wanted to talk to you.
<Arthur> ::ponders bolting again:: Okay...
<Arthur> ::said in a semi-supicious voice::
<Erik> <Man> ::gestures back toward the table Arthur was at earlier:: Have a seat?
<Arthur> Uhm, if it's all the same to you I'd prefer to remain standing...
<Erik> <Man> ::takes a seat, anyway, holding up his hands slightly:: That's alright... my name is James Delaney. Sorry to surprise you like this.. ::quiets a little when a librarian shoots him a dirty look::
<Arthur> ::reluctantly takes a seat across from Mr Delaney::
<Erik> <Delaney> ::glances around again, before speaking to Arthur:: I've seen you around town a bit... I think I can help you.
<Arthur> Oh, and hows that?
<Erik> <Delaney> ::voice low:: I know that you're a mutant...
<Erik> ACTION> ARTHUR, WATCHING DELANEY CLOSELY, NOTICES SOMETHING ODD ABOUT THE MAN'S EYES. THE PUPIL NARROWS, LIKE A CAT'S, AS HE WATCHES.
<Arthur> ::suddenly tenses up, then looks a little closer at the mans eyes, noting said feature. He relaxes, logic follows that mutant haters wouldn't employ mutants, or somehting like that::
<Erik> <Delaney> I know a guy.. he runs a school for mutants. One of my sister's cousin's friends works there.. it's legit. He's been asking for us to kinda spread the word, you know? Find kids like you, and point you to him.
<Arthur> Oh I see, gather us all up in one convient place...
<Erik> <Delaney> ::shakes his head:: No, no... I mean, yeah, it's a school for mutants, but it's for real. A place where you don't have to hide to fit in, you know?
<Arthur> I hide becuase most people find me creepy. But it would be nice ot have a real place to sleep, and regualr meals..
<Erik> <Delaney> ::slides an envelope across the table to Arthur:: He says it's an open offer to anyone who even just wants to visit and see what it's like. He provides the tickets and everything, to get there.
<Arthur> Jeez, guy must be loaded...
<Erik> <Delaney> ::slight laugh:: Yeah, I bet. ::nods to the envelope:: That'll get you there, if you want to go. Passport, fake IDs, everything. If you have any problems or questions, you can call the number in there. ::grins a bit, and stands up to leave, nonchalantly::
<Arthur> Seems slightly illegal, fake ID's and all...
<Erik> <Delaney> ::raises a brow:: I figured you might not have any of your own. ::shrugs:: If you do, don't use the fakes. If you don't... you've got what you need to get to Wundagore.
*****END EPILOGUE******
*********SIM END*********