Green strike. The Mission. (reposted)
Ok guys I think I have most of this. Please fill in any gaps where you can!!
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Lexi and Tessa.
Alexandra Moore may have been a team leader but she had just barely crossed the line between student and adult and crossing that line hadn't involved learning to pilot any sort of vehicle so the GSF team leader had nothing on the flight to distract her save the comments from behind her. Instead her mind wandered as she gazed out the window at the landscape far below. She was a worrywort and that was half the problem for she thought far too much about everything, analyzing every action she took then reanalyzing it long after there was no way in which she could undo it. The Team Leader almost rolled her eyes as she thought to herself how horrid this overanalyzing was bound to be once they started making split second decisions one after another.
In the back Tessa Macneil was also anxious but in a different way, sneaking occational glances at the other resident faery then blushing ever so slightly without even realising that she was doing it or what her true motivation behind her actions was. Her thoughts would change rapidly as she focused for one moment on the team mission, excitedly wondering what it was they would have to do, and a moment later reliving the fact that she would be there with Scott and that Scott was a faery and the only link she had to her kind. Tess seemed almost to spark with energy and enthusiasm and her eyes were lit with a fire that couldn't be dimmed.
The pilot gave Lexi notice that they were approaching their location and the redhead was well aware that she looked almost like an excited child on her first flight as she looked down, wanting a glimpse of their starting location. The leader turned herself in her seat, her head twisting less than elegantly with her.
"We're going to be ready to land in just a moment," Lexi said, issuing a friendly warning to her team. She didn't want them to be unprepared or for anyone to complain about the change in motion as they touched down. Tess in particular seemed less than phased though. She was sitting by a window and her violet eyes peered out at the clearing which was to be their starting point.
It was nice enough, the sort of place that would make a good campsite or something with it being just large enough to be a comfortable space for a group of people while still being surrounded by the forest. Lexi was the first to take a step outside the confined vehicle into this place which was to be their home for the next few days. Her team followed after her as she stepped out and removed the few things she had brought from the vehicle.
Once the Green Strike Force Team were more or less assembled around her Lexi began, trying to hide the worry she felt with a confident air she had practiced back in high school when she had had a fear of public speaking and had to give an important speech.
"I know that right now most of you are probably wondering why you had to get through not only this mornings training session but also be dragged out here to the middle of nowhere," the redheaded leader began. "Well as you know there are alot of new students and new teams, ourselves included. New teams that haven't had field training and students who have never been involved in any actual situations and who have learnt only from experiences watching others or in the danger room. We haven't actually trained against true opponents and we need to hone our skills which brings me to this."
Lexi glanced around, her eyes encompassing all of her audience, seeing the confusion and anxiousness in the eyes of some of her team members. In this moment she ran through what she wanted to say next one more time to make sure the words didn't come out in a jumbled mess, after all she was a perfectionist at times.
"I know this is disappointing but we're going to be here today and tomorrow which means we'll be staying overnight so I hope no one had any important plans." Trying to lighten the mood she added playfully, "on the brightside you get an excuse to not do any homework for your classes this weekend."
"So here's the main idea." Lexi was serious once more. "Every team is located on this island that we've landed on, each one located in a different part of the island. Four team have the objective of trying to reach a certain point on this island, a target if you will. Blue Strike Force, X-Force, Exiles and ourselves are those teams." Here the team leader paused once more, allowing this to sink in. A million thoughts crossed her mind as she watched the faces of her teammates register various emotions and as she wondered if they would take this exercise and do what was required with minimal complainning and few problems.
"Now here's where the training part comes in, while we try and get to this location the remaining teams will be trying to complete their goal which is to prevent any of us from reaching that point. If we co-operate with any teams then we'll have points taken from us and if we reach the area we'll have points granted."
Lexi paused once again and wondered if she sounded too mechanical in her delivery, like some sort of robot. She wanted so badly to make a connection with this group of students who weren't so different from her in age that she was actually becoming more and more nervous. She was slo nervous about this task, wondering what such a new team who had had their first meeting only that morning could do in this sort of situation. It wasn't that she didn't have faith and thought poorly of her team but that there was a certain amount of worry and scepticism that had come with time she suposed and it was hard to shake.
"We've got a map for directions and some supplies but we will need to gather more as we go," Lexi said after a moment, explainning some of the less important details now that the main objective had been set out for the team. She glanced around the wooded area a few metres away from them on all sides and remembered her own experiences here. She had been a member of a training mission too once, young and inexperienced half full of fear and half of excitement. God had it really been a few years, it almost seemed like it had been yesterday. It felt odd to be the one in control and Lexi almost wanted to step back from this controlling power, she half wanted to be told what to do and not to be held responsible for plans or anything that might go wrong. However she was an adult now and heading towards the rank of teacher if she continued her studies at the institute as a student teacher and that meant responsability.
"Now we'll need to keep our eyes open," Lexi said, avoiding the use of the word peeled there lest she confuse Scott. "The other teams don't have to just chase us, they can lie in wait and set up traps which means that we have to be on guard or we might stumble into a trap or ambush. Now we've got to get moving since there's a large amount of ground to cover but I want to make sure we all understand and there are no questions before we set off so any questions speak now or forever hold your peace," Lexi finished, adding the last line with the ghost of a smile. Prepared or not Green Strike Force the team that she was on, no her team was setting out to face whatever might be thrown at them in just a few minutes. She didn't speak now, keeping herself quiet in order to hear any questions that might come her way as she picked up the bag of supplies and slung it over one shoulder. It was almost time to embark.
*So far so good* Michael thought to himself *Ok* he amended *Maybe that’s an exaggeration considering how bad I feel but lets face it, things could have been a whole lot worse.*
With Ben’s help he had managed the seemingly endless trip from the med lab to the rendezvous point, arriving as he had planned before his other team mates in order to have a chance to pull himself together before he had to face them. When he had found the plane waiting for them he had been even more relieved that he had done so.
Manoeuvring his way on board on his crutches had been less than graceful. The morphine Dr McCoy had administered had kept the pain sufficiently at bay for him to function but only just. By the time he had got to his seat and strapped himself in he had been pale and shaking, his eyes squeezed tight shut to hold back the tears. He was glad the others hadn’t had a chance to see how difficult it had been for him. It was bad enough that Ben had, thought without the other young mans assistance Michael knew he would never have managed. Still at least the rest of the team didn’t have to know what an ordeal moving around was for him. There would be time enough for them to find that out later
*Or maybe not* he reflected. It all depended on how long this trip was going to take.*I might be able to change to Hood as soon as we land* he thought optimistically.* Surely it would be Ok to leave my body here in the jet and then, provided we don’t spend more than a couple of hours in this place, wherever it might be, then I should still be OK when the time comes to reintegrate.*
It was an odd and disturbing way of measuring time that his injuries imposed upon him, everything revolving around the spacing between the indispensable injections. He was more than a little worried about the unknown duration of this trip but he had insisted on coming on it despite the doctor’s protestations and now he was just going to have to live with the consequences. He had been a little surprised that the blue furred mutant had eventually relented and allowed him to leave med lab, only insisting that he take a small package with him.A package Michael was not to open till he arrived at his destination. Michael hadn’t argued, grateful as he was to the doctor for the chance to participate in the mornings mysterious activities. He must have realised how important this team is to me* Michael thought to himself. *Today is the first time we’re all together. If I miss out on that I might never fit in.*
Still as he had sat watching the others climb on board and settle in he had wondered if he had done the right thing. Even with the drugs the pain had been frighteningly bad. There was certainly no way he could put any weight on his right leg The mere thought of doing so made him feel sick Now it stretched out stiff and awkward in front of him, the flaring pain fading to a dull insistent ache as the miles passed. Michael didn’t really feel well enough to have a conversation with any of the others. He had managed a smile and a wave for them as they had boarded the plane hoping they wouldn’t see that the walk from med lab had all but exhausted him before they had even started.
It had been so different in the Danger Room earlier. Hood was made for action and Michael had explored his abilities with growing delight. It was one thing to feel that the arrows would fly true, it was quite another to watch them do so, unerringly hitting their targets. The training had been hard, forcing him to weave and dodge relentlessly, to push himself to the limits as he interacted with his team mates. And yet that to had been a joy, the fluid graceful movements of his astral form so at odds with his own halting progress.
Still he couldn’t stay as Hood all the time, and when he had reluctantly regained his own body the fatigue had hit him hard. It may have been Hood who had participated in the training, it was Michael’s energy that fuelled him and after so many months of enforced inaction the effort demanded was considerable. As the plane flew on he felt himself slipping off into sleep, tiredness and drugs combining to drag him under as his body cried out for rest.
"We're going to be ready to land in just a moment," Lexi’s voice jarred him awake, leaving him at first confused as to his surroundings. Then he remembered and looked hastily out of the window gasping with surprise and alarm as he took in the unfamiliar surroundings. They were in the middle of nowhere! A lush forest surrounded the clearing the jet was obviously going to set down in. Michael's heart sank Not exactly ideal terrain for crutches *I hope I was right about being able to stay on the plane* he thought. *Althought I suppose we could hide my body somewhere safe in the woods. I meant it’s just a field trip right?*
One way or another the other students were getting off of the plane leaving Michael with no choice but to follow. Carefully he stood up , feeling the pain already start to throb hatefully in his leg as he tried to catch up the crutches in the relatively confined space. Fortunately Ben was there to help holding them for him as he hopped free of the chair. Michael gave him a grateful grin as he struggled his way off the plane and into the clearing. Once he joined the assembled group Lexi started to explain why they had been brought here to this wilderness and Michael began to feel growing unease and concern. It didn’t sound like a simple field trip. In fact it sounded like this was going to take time A lot of time.
"I know this is disappointing but we're going to be here today and tomorrow which means we'll be staying overnight so I hope no one had any important plans." He only vaguely heard the rest of her explanation as his mind tried to absorb this one overwhelming fact.
Now full blown panic had set in. ‘I’m not ready for this’ he thought wildly.* I’m not equipped. I don’t have ……….* The addicts one basic concern tore at him.* I don’t have any morphine with me and I need it* he thought bitterly. *I m a damned junkie and I can’t go that long without a fix.* T
he words were harsh and full of self loathing in his mind. Every time he thought he had come to terms with the fact of his dependency something like this happened to prove that he hadn’t Not even a little He hated it with a passion that had remained undiminished since the accident. *How can I admit that in front of everyone* he thought, ashamed. *Ok Maybe they’ll find out sometime but not like this.*
He closed his eyes in despair then suddenly opened them again as hope flickered into life The package! The package the doctor had given him! It nestled tucked inside the loose fitting shirt he was wearing. Like everything else the shirt was far too big for him, his body almost painfully thin from months of ill treatment. He realised he made a poor showing compared to Hood. Younger, frailer, the pain he felt all to obvious in his eyes. Just like his need for the drugs was at that moment.
*Dr McCoy must have known I was coming here*he thought frantically.* Surely that’s why he gave the package to me. It has to be morphine. It can’t be anything else* It was all he could do not to rip it open there and then so great was his need to be sure. He forced himself to be calm trying to concentrate on what Lexi was saying while every fibre of his being screamed at him to open the package. *It’ll be all right* he told himself. *I just have to relax. *But it was almost impossible.
The casual way Lexi announced that there was a large amount of ground to cover brought a look of shocked disbelief to his face. A look he hastily tried to conceal before the others noticed it. *Ok I should just give up right here* he thought resignedly. *Its all too hard. Maybe when I’ve had more time to recover I can try again. If they’ll let me.* But it felt so much like giving in and he had sworn never to give in. *That’s all very well* he told himself *but sometimes you have to admit that you just can’t do something and let it go.*
Lexi was looking at them expectantly waiting for any questions they might have. *Yeah I have one* he thought *Can I go back please?*He had almost opened his mouth to say just that but at the last minute he knew he wasn’t going to.*I’ll probably give in soon* he told himself. *But not just yet.* Instead the question that came out sounded tired and a little shaky but nonetheless defiantly committed to the operation.
“Is the jet staying or going?” he asked Lexi. “Its just I don’t know if you’d prefer me to wait here with it while Hood goes with you, or if you’d rather I actually came along with the rest of the team? Either way is OK by me”
Re: Green strike. The Mission. (reposted)Scott and May
tAt first it seemed highly ridiculous to actually sit in something so large and have the people sound as if this strange thing they were in was going to take them somewhere. The training hadn’t gone overly well in Scott’s mind, mainly because the quiet girl ended up having strange webbing abilities that she could attack with, and the fact she handled everything so easily uneased Scott. Frightened might be over exaggerating but there was definitely an obvious jittery look with Scott when the frightful looking girl wore her strange uniform. The web of a spider was a powerful tool to ensnare a small fairy so Scott couldn’t entirely be blamed for feeling anxious around May, most of the spiders he’s encountered have either taunted, threatened or almost succeeded in devouring him.
There was something bothering Michael, Scott could feel it in the other, he could see it in his eyes and sense it in the core of the astral projecting mutants heart. All Scott could do was offer a splendidly warm smile in reply to the friendly greeting he received when boarding the strange aircraft.
Sitting beside Tessa calmed the Prince, she was very kind and he realized every ounce of fear he ever had in meeting her was unwarranted. The other males were sitting together; Ben and Michael seemed to be friends and Scott found it difficult to try and talk with Michael since he was still a little crushed by the fact Ben had been the only one of the entire team not to see him. That made two people who he was uneasy with and two who he found hard to talk with and then there was Tessa who he was so excited to know that it gave her company a different sort of awkwardness compared to all the others.
A movement was felt when the jet began to rise, the jerking motion result in Scott’s hands snapping out and grabbing onto the arm rests instantly. It took a few minutes before he relaxed, his wings poised up as he had leaned forward a little, at one point leaning a bit over Tess to stare in amazement as the aircraft lifted into the sky. A bright grin spread over Scott’s handsome features and didn’t fade for most of the flight, his attention easily shifting from one thing to another, both inside and outside the plane.
"We're going to be ready to land in just a moment," A squirming motion took hold of the Prince as he grew overly eager to disembark this metallic bird and feel the wind caress his skin and the earth beneath his feet once more. It seemed almost as long for the plane to land as the entire trip had been for Scott, who felt more confined then he cared to admit.
First of all when the plane began to settle on the ground, Scott leaned over again to glance out the window, before offering Tessa a keen smile and then looking over at the leader and watching as she started to leave the plane. Bright eyes had watched and mimicked Tessa’s use of the seat belt when they first sat down, and again they had turned to watch her as she unclipped it and freed herself from its secure grasp. Trying not to appear overly eager to leave while following behind their leader and yet being sure to remain closer to Tessa since it gave him an oddly warm sense of security being with her in this new environment.
Miss Parker folded her arms once the group had gathered outside, something that appeared to be a character trait since she does it often. The red head gave the others a rather simple smile, it had been made quite clear that she was not as inexperienced as the rest of them, in fact she was rather adept at her abilities and seemed perfectly aware of what she could handle and her limits. Poor Scott on the other hand was clueless as to what they wanted him to do half the time – hurting things had not really been his most favourite option and he was hopeless at athletics at this moment. Not that Scott wasn’t athletic himself, he was highly agile and a faster then any human in flight, even in human form he was quick, but he wasn’t used to using his environment and having wings meant things like ladders and other climbing devices had been both new and frustrating for him to handle.
"I know that right now most of you are probably wondering why you had to get through not only this mornings training session but also be dragged out here to the middle of nowhere,] Trying to stop himself from looking so greatly distracted with things, Scott’s expression had taken on a look of pure concentration that come across more taxing then a session in the Danger Room. "Well as you know there are alot of new students and new teams, ourselves included. New teams that haven't had field training and students who have never been involved in any actual situations and who have learnt only from experiences watching others or in the danger room. We haven't actually trained against true opponents and we need to hone our skills which brings me to this."
Whispers of contempt echoed in the back of May’s mind as Venom voiced his own thoughts on this leader of theirs. Fair enough she was young, May could see the point of the newly named ‘Sin’. However even if she was inexperienced and of less knowledge then May, the young Parker cared little about being a leader and would be loyal to this woman of similar age if she proved to be a worthy and trustful person to lead this strange team.
"I know this is disappointing but we're going to be here today and tomorrow which means we'll be staying overnight so I hope no one had any important plans." It was simple to tell that indeed Scott did have plans because of the traumatic expression that guiltily encompassed his face, he’d been assuring the creatures all day and all yesterday that he wouldn’t forget about the meeting and he would be there to take part!
They had wanted to address something and had been desperately keen on the Prince’s input, whatever it was they planned on discussing he had not actually been told since he was running from one thing to another and could never really talk. "on the brightside you get an excuse to not do any homework for your classes this weekend." A sulky look replaced his previous one, at least that was something, he had to write a lot of things for English that he had been having trouble with. He knew the sounds different letters made but he was clueless how to spell so many things, and so his spelling was horrific and he was meant to be trying to improve it… But admittedly he’s been getting a little lazy with class work lately.
"So here's the main idea." Delicate wings lifted from his back and reached skywards, a very gentle motion in them and as they faintly twitched they would catch the golden rays of the sun and cast a pale brilliance of colour in his clear iridescent wings. "Every team is located on this island that we've landed on, each one located in a different part of the island. Four team have the objective of trying to reach a certain point on this island, a target if you will. Blue Strike Force, X-Force, Exiles and ourselves are those teams." Another alert poise of his wings was seen as he heard X-Force, that was Riley’s teams! And BSF used to be Connor’s but Scott knew he had been shifted onto that new team with Arlen and Heath, Bronze they had called it… Wasn’t Connor here as well? He could have sworn the feral was hanging around the hangers with Riley at one point.
"Now here's where the training part comes in, while we try and get to this location the remaining teams will be trying to complete their goal which is to prevent any of us from reaching that point. If we co-operate with any teams then we'll have points taken from us and if we reach the area we'll have points granted." So that means Arlen, Connor and the others were out there? An excited look flourished once more on Scott’s features, the Prince wondered what it would be like to get passed them, Connor, Heath and Riley all tried so hard to help him in different ways, it would be splendid to show them how it all paid off!
"We've got a map for directions and some supplies but we will need to gather more as we go," Unfazed by the statement of them having to collect more food, Scott remained perked and eager, after all, he usually satisfies himself on the sweet nectar of the school flowers anyway. Then again, he has taken a fond enjoyment of the jams and honey, Connor insisted he try some on bread to help fill him up and at first Scott had been hesitant but eventually tried it and some of the kinds of breads were actually nice! He still hasn’t gotten to the point of eating other kinds of foods, even things that are sugary and he’d thought smelt nice seemed to be avoided, he wasn’t sure why, possibly a mixture of fear for the unknown and a concern towards unwillingly abandoning all his fairy habits and customs. "Now we'll need to keep our eyes open," May found this amusing in a sense that at least it was something to get the new teams working together, but at the same time she didn’t really find herself a happy camper, despite her desire to not cause any mischief or anguish. Scott himself was busy wondering if they were permitted to close their eyes when they went to sleep, he wasn’t sure if he’d manage to keep them open during his rest…or were they not going to rest for two days?
"The other teams don't have to just chase us, they can lie in wait and set up traps which means that we have to be on guard or we might stumble into a trap or ambush. Now we've got to get moving since there's a large amount of ground to cover but I want to make sure we all understand and there are no questions before we set off so any questions speak now or forever hold your peace." The tender lips of the fairy Prince parted for a moment, but then closed again as he realized, despite his thousands of questions, none probably where of enough significance to actually burden his leader with at this time.
Playing games seemed pointless when May knew exactly what was out there, her time would have been better spent on the streets actually doing what she does best, and that’s taking care of trouble by getting into the thick of it. Still, even with Sin’s incessant grumbling, May decided it was at least a chance for her to get an understanding on these new team-mates of hers, and perhaps they’d realize she wasn’t as helpless as some have mistakenly assumed. A spiteful thought thrown towards A.Corp before she was pulled from her mind as her attention was diverted towards Scott’s wings.
"Your wings are catching the light, perhaps it’s best not to flutter them about as you are doing." Although just putting forward a polite suggestion since it was pointless to be stealthy when there was something so easily eye catching, Scott’s eyes slipped over towards May and there was immediate obedience as his wings dropped instantly down against his back. Upsetting the web shooting human was not something Scott was at all keen on doing with his natural fear of spiders and anything related to them, but even he registered how submissive that must have appeared and his Princely pride made him feel awfully awkward for having done it so hastily.
Though there was no sign of any wind, the branches of the trees swayed gently, leaves rustled as if an unfelt breeze tenderly swept over the tops of their canopy. This drew Scott’s attention, which relieved him greatly since he could move on from that embarrassed feeling to focus on what was happening. It was all so discreet, and humans rarely tended to sit and trees when they had important things to keep their mind on so they’d never pay attention to the splendours of the wild nature around them. Scott gave Tessa a delighted little grin full of enthusiasm, finally losing the apprehension of leaving the school since this was not a place crowded with strange human edifices.
"Can you hear what they are saying to us? The trees are overjoyed to have us on their atoll, they are youthful and have never seen our kind before," Whispered the Prince, unsure if Tessa could understand and feel the things that the trees around them were expressing. It wasn’t only that she was just a half blood, but not all young fairies have such finely turned abilities in connection with nature, and his ability to sense emotions and being of Royal lineage all helped him tune into nature a lot easier then most others his age. Now a question did come to him, one that was of importance, or at least one that seemed important to Scott, he thought over it for a moment but decided it was just easier to ask.
A wave of panic was felt and the peaceful sensations of the woods left Scott who glanced around for the source of the distress. It surprised him that it was Michael, the human still struck the fairy as one closely related to the elf kind, so wilfully strong and his skill with the bow did little but fuse that thought into Scott’s mind. There seriously did appear to be something dreadfully worrying about the young mans condition.
Due to the Prince’s playful nature many assumed him to be rather naïve, but in a sense he was probably able to take notice of more things then most people due to the connection he has with the things around him. If only there was something the young fairy could do without appearing to be smothering the other with pity or making him feel troublesome for the group. Baring no intentions other then wishing to help, Scott knew sometimes even the kindest intentions of assistance can sometimes make another person feel worse.
“Is the jet staying or going?” Somehow Scott had the feeling that Michael was hoping for it to be staying. “Its just I don’t know if you’d prefer me to wait here with it while Hood goes with you, or if you’d rather I actually came along with the rest of the team? Either way is OK by me”
Cynical look crept into the very core of May’s eyes, not from May herself but Sin most definitely was piecing together all the bits of information he was seeing and hearing and coming to the undeniable conclusion that this boy was going to be a nuisance at the best AND worst of times. The intellectual Miss Parker on the other hand had no real opinions at this point in time, though admittedly she’s never been one to enjoy baby sitting, that was usual when she was flying solo, though a part of her wondered why Michael was pushing himself so hard when it was obvious he wasn’t ready for any of this yet. Then again, May was hardly one to talk about not being ready, her grasp on controlling Sin was still very taxing and it was proving difficult to remain in constant command of the unruly symbiont.
"Lexi," Unlike Heath or Arlen, Scott easily got used to dropping any formal words to accompany the name of who he addresses, but still he spoke the name in a way filled with both formality and respect as he would have usually placed into whichever formal word he would normally have used instead of the actual name. "If joining the other teams is forbidden, does that mean getting help from nature and creatures has also been forbidden?" After all, for Scott nature seemed like another player on this island, he did not understand that it was hoped for students to try to use the world around them as a hand in helping them succeed. However, admittedly, not many students can quite literally ask nature for a helping hand in matters.
The way he used the word ‘forbidden’ also hinted to him not entirely understanding what Lexi had said, that they were permitted to join forces but it just reduced points, people would have to decide if they should risk joining powers with someone at the cost of losing points if they think they’d be unable to reach the end on their own. Some teams have reached the meeting point in the end but not had enough points compared to others, so even the last one to arrive could have more points and thus win.
There was more then just winning the race they all seemed to think these games were – who could get to the point first – but also it helped Xavier himself get an understanding of how the different teams worked, maybe there was a time where he needed people willing to team up with the enemy to get the job done. This was all a test, but it tested more then powers, it tested characteristics, tolerance and the will amongst other things of each team member, sometimes mixing up the teams with different experienced people and a variety of personalities was all you could do to really push the students forward.
Re: Green strike. The Mission. (reposted)Lexi and Tess
Is the jet staying or going?” The red haired team leader's head jerked up and her eyes met those of Michael. At first the question puzzled her. She knew the answer but not why Michael would bother asking or why the presence of a plane would make any difference, especially since they'd be leaving the site so quickly.
It was a moment later that the realization dawned on her and a spark ignited in her eyes that showed she understood. The way his powers worked meant that they'd have to find a spot for Michael's body as his power came out through Hood. She was a team leader, suposed to anticipate problems and to come up with solutions for them so why had this escaped her? Lexi tried to think quickly as Michael asked if he should go with the team or carry on as Hood. She needed an answer and she needed it now.
Lexi looked at Michael. He had been controlling himself quite well but she has had a friend who went through therapy when she was younger after not walking for months and was certain that he wasn't letting on just how much he was affected.
Well a clearing was not a great place to just leave Michael's body out in the open, it would be better to find a more closed off space that was not so exposed, Lexi reasoned to herself. She unfolded the map, hoping to locate a possible place where they could stop along the way, a place that would be easily accessible to get back to. Michael knew his powers and his capabilities better than her though and this was afterall a training exercise for all of them so she decided to leave it somewhat open. She really didn't want to sound like she was flighty or incapable of making a decision and yet was she really qualified to tell Michael to keep on going if he couldn't make it or to tell him exactly what to do. Lexi sighed almost inaudibly. It was difficult being a team leader and making decisions or passing them off on others and she was beginning to think she wasn't ready for this sort of responsibility.
"I think, Lexi started carefully, "that because you know your powers and your capabilities better than myself that should be your decision to make. The thing is this is an awfully open space and it might not be wise to leave your body exposed like this so it might be best to move on at least into cover somewhat. We have a map here so you can see what you think, that might be best." The redheaded team leader breathed a small sigh of relief. That was one question answered although exactly what he and the team would think of the answer was another question alltogether.
Tess, on the otherhand, was having a much less trying time of it. For one thing the jet ride was almost pleasant with Scott beside her. The danger room session had made her a little nervous with so many of them with such different personalities trying to come together but they were starting to get there, starting to become a team. She had seen the nervousness in her fellow faery's face at May's strange spider costume and had to admit that spiders made her more than a little jittery herself but May, while not the most approachable person she had ever encountered, didn't seem so bad.
Scott beside her on the flight was exciting and her body seemed filled with energy as she found that while she was usually able to sit still and pay attention her toe was tapping with the excitement today for some reason. She wondered if the handsome blue eyed faery's emotions were contagious since he seemed so amazed and curious as they lifted off. For once a flight was not endless but seemed quick for they landed in what seemed to be no time at all.
Tess listened to her leader's explanation, all the while her toe tapping inexplicitly. It all made sense to her and the faery could think of no questions so she nodded her head and kept her mouth shut mostly, favouring Scott with the occational sunny smile as Lexi went on. The blonde woman watched as May offered a suggestion and as Scott's wings instantly dropped. Pseronally she found it a little rude to say that out of nowhere and so abruptly and her mouth tightened into a thin line momentarily. She also couldn't help but notice Scott's immediate obedience and remembered his actions during their training session.
She's really intimidating him Tess thought and her violet eyes showed something of sympathy although certainly not pity. She understood to a certain extent and knew that it must be so hard for someone raised among faeries. It had been hard enough for her at first and she had been raised as a normal human, or perhaps normal wasn't the right word but as a mutant. Tess knew that a full faery's hatred of spiders had to be worse than her own too. She shuddered when she saw one and drew back but other than the excuse that it was in her blood somewhere she hadn't really known why there was such a great fear and has for awhile simply passed it off as arachnephobia.
There was energy in the very atmosphere, that much Tessa could sense, the excitement building within her a mirror of the island foliage surrounding the group. "Can you hear what they are saying to us? The trees are overjoyed to have us on their atoll, they are youthful and have never seen our kind before," Scott whispered to her and Tessa tried to listen very carefully. She was disappointed when she couldn't hear all that he did even though a part of her had known even as he asked the question that she couldn't sense nature in the same way that he did.
"I can't hear it," Tess said, a bit of her disappointment shining through in her voice. "I can feel it though, such excitement," she whispered back and a smile reappeared on her pale face. She couldn't communicate with plantlife, only with animals but the faery girl could pick up sensations, albeit very general ones, from the landscape around her as if their emotions were a part of the air she breathed.
Tess was drawn back to their leader as Scott addressed Lexi. It was an interesting question, one that Lexi hadn't thought about. She didn't know Scott in the same way that she did Tessa and hadn't known about the communication with plantlife although now that it had been brought up she did recall the animal communication power aspect.
"We're allowed to use our powers on the island and while some people may have more active powers in a different sense that they use I don't see anything wrong or in the rules against using yours. I don't see a problem with getting help from nature at all," Lexi said, pleased with the question since that use of powers hadn't occured to her before.
"Well if that's all the questions then I think we can begin to move ahead," Lexi said with a smile. "We've got a map and help from mother nature herself," she continued with a reference to the two faeries and to the female deity nature was often thought to be in other times. "Our main priorities should be heading out in the right direction, making sure we have all our supplies and finding a place for Michael's body. Once we've got a good start then we can all contribute, while walking, to form a strategy to find the best course to our meeting point and we need a method for dealing with any teams we may meet along the way." Lexi took a step back from the group and gestured. "Without further ado," she said, trailing off. This was going to be a long and somewhat different sort of trip
From Lexis’ answer Michael assumed that the plane would not be staying around otherwise she wouldn’t have been worried about leaving his body in the clearing. Although he had been more or less expecting this to be the case nevertheless his heart sank. Looked like he’d be walking after all. He tried to fight down the sense of dismay that threatened to overwhelm him. *Lets just take things slow and easy* he told himself.* Lexis has more or less left it up to me to say when I have to stop. All I have to do is keep going as for as long as I can and then hope there’s a convenient place to hide* He closed his eyes for a moment regaining his composure, trying to convince himself that all would be well.
When he opened them again it was to catch a last glittering sight of Scott’s wings before the fairy folded them rapidly away at May’s suggestion, his usually smiling face a little crestfallen. What the young woman had said was true and infinitely practical, they did catch the light and so undoubtedly would have attracted attention if anyone had been watching them. *Provided they could see him at all that is* Michael reminded himself. Still the young mutant was sorry to see their radiance hidden away. Just looking at them made him feel better, as if they were the visible sign that not everything in the world was cruel and ugly.
The fairy prince didn’t stay downcast for very long . Soon he was looking round the clearing with obvious enthusiasm. *I wish I could do the same* Michael thought to himself. Despite its undeniable beauty all the island represented for him was a potential minefield, every piece of uneven terrain, every rock and boulder just waiting to catch at his crutches and send him sprawling to the ground. He much preferred the Prince’s vision of things. Scott’s talk about the trees and their welcoming excitement brought a smile to Michael’s lips, chasing away his own problems for an instant as he tried to imaging how it would be to see the world through a fairy’s eyes. *Every thing would be a wonder and a delight* he thought wistfully. *It must be a marvellous feeling’*
Scott’s question too revealed unexplored possibilities that Michael couldn’t even begin to envisage. To be able to really commune with nature, to be at one with the land and know what it was feeling… Michael snapped out of his reverie. Feelings! Hadn’t Scott said he could sense peoples emotions? *Oh please* Michael thought * Don’t let him be picking up on what I’m feeling. That would be too humiliating for me not to mention what it could be putting him through* Exciting as it was to be surrounded by people who possessed such wide ranging powers nevertheless it did have his drawbacks. Being unable to fully hide what you felt was one of them.
*I’ll just have to get used to it if I want things to work out* Michael realised suddenly. *Sure, I don’t want to be a burden, though to a certain extent that’s exactly what I’m going to be. But if I spend all my time trying to prove I’m Ok when I’m patently not how will I ever be of any use. Won’t it just make things worse if I refuse to ask for help if I need it? There’s a fine line between determination and stubbornness. I’d better be careful I don’t let my pride push me over it.*
He looked round at the other students and felt some of the tension ease out of him.* I’m not in this alone* he told himself. *I’ve been so worried about not letting the team down that I haven’t taken into account the fact that we are a team. They’re going to be there for me just like I’ll be there for them. After all that’s what this training mission is all about, isn’t it. Getting to know each other. And that means learning about each others weaknesses as well as their strengths.*
Suddenly things didn’t seem quite so hopeless. He didn’t fool himself that it was going to be easy, already his body was protesting and he knew the walk through this treacherous terrain was going to be a nightmare. But still, if he had to admit that he needed a hand it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He had to start getting close to these people, letting them get to know him as he really was not just as he’d like to be. Michael as well as Hood. *I just have to do my best and trust that that will be enough for them. And if its not then at least I’ll have given it my best shot. Even if I fail that’s got to count for something, right?*
Lexi was summing up, getting ready to lead them out on the mission.
"Our main priorities should be heading out in the right direction, making sure we have all our supplies and finding a place for Michael's body. Once we've got a good start then we can all contribute, while walking, to form a strategy to find the best course to our meeting point and we need a method for dealing with any teams we may meet along the way." she concluded . *Hmm Walking and thinking at the same time, that’s going to be challenging.* Michael though ironically. Still he refused to let his newly found resolve falter.
“Without further ado…..] As Lexi and the others prepared to leave the clearing Michael took a firm grip off his crutches and hobbled over to Scott and Tessa aware of how awkward his progress looked and the fact that his discomfort was painfully obvious. Still there was a determined grin on his face as he said “Some field trip eh? Not exactly what I was expecting. I’m thinking of phoning the travel company and getting my money back.”Edited by: Fengal at: 6/9/05 1:26 am
As Ben listened to Lexi answered Michael’s question his heart sank a little, it was going to be a long and painstaking walk for the other mutant. Ben had been able to see how much Michael’s leg had troubled him on the even floors of the institute and now by the look of things the floor was going to be far from even… he was just going to have to see if they could find a compromise. He was good with maps and it may just be that their target was not that far away although it was highly unlikely that it was going to be as close as a couple of miles.
Ben mind was brought back to the conversation at hand, May had said something about being discreet and the faery prince was asking if there were any specific rules to this task. As it turned out there were none so every team member was going to be able to use their powers to their full extent.
Lexi gave them their main goals for this mission: provisions, navigation and with a bit of luck a convenient place for Michael’s body. Well all of those things seemed to be pretty much essential and as it stood they could only achieve one of the three for the moment and that was working out where they were going.
Taking a deep breath he decided that it might be a good idea if he offered to do the navigating. He smiled, it had taken a long time and a lot of head banging before his scout leaders had managed to get him to read a map properly but in the end it had paid of… he just hoped someone had thought of providing them a compass with that map.
Glancing over at Michael to make sure he was ready to go he noticed that the other mutant had already got into the whole team bonding spirit and was making his way over to Tess and Scott. It would be nice to get to know other people, especially for Michael who had only been here for a couple of days.
Seeing that he was not going to be needed around Michael, Ben decided that he would try and help his friend by finding him a decent spot to leave his body. He walked up to Lexi and offered her a smile. The two of them had not as yet spoken one to one and it was slightly awkward.
“Hey, I figured that I should tell you that I don’t have a problem seeing Scott anymore.”
He did not let her comment on that statement, he was to embarrassed about not seeing him in the first place, he did not need reminded that if Michael had not managed to talk him round to the idea of fearies they would all still have a major problem.
“Anyway if you need someone to navigate I’m not too bad with a map. And if you could show me where were headed to I can try and see if I can find a decent place for Michael’s body. Oh and if you had a compass that would help.”
...............................
OOC: If someone could tell me how far we're going to have to travel I can try and incorporate some kind of plan in my next post that is unless someone else want to do it
Re: Green strike. The Mission. (reposted)Scott and May
"I can't hear it," Came her reply, although it wasn’t unexpected he did wonder how strong her fairy blood was since he has never seen a halfblood before and isn’t sure of their link with nature. "I can feel it though, such excitement," That was still something indeed, and her smile seemed to form an automatic smile in Scott.
"We're allowed to use our powers on the island and while some people may have more active powers in a different sense that they use I don't see anything wrong or in the rules against using yours. I don't see a problem with getting help from nature at all,"
There was a pleased sensation inside of her and it delighted Scott since he always did worry that his ramblings annoyed or bored others. He wasn’t used to not understanding so many basic things, being a Prince he was very well educated in his culture and the abundance of cultures around him, unfortunately the human culture was mainly just learnt from stories they told. And not all the stories were exactly true, a lot of them were very brutal and described them as often vile monsters without any manners, like wild giants roaming the lands.
"Well if that's all the questions then I think we can begin to move ahead,] Admittedly Scott had a few more but none that were really about what they were doing… mainly he wasn’t sure what points where, and there seemed to a few different times these point things were mentioned. He wondered if it had to do with actual points, as in something sharp and pointy, but then that didn’t make sense… where they going to get poked with sharp things depending on how well or how poorly they do?
"We've got a map and help from mother nature herself," An excited look spouted on Scott’s features as he wondered how Lexi managed to gain help from mother nature, though there were many spirits of nature she was the most powerful of all. It was only after he thought about the likelihood of the powerful spirit taking part in these games that he realized she had to be talking about his and Tessa’s ability to commune with nature.
"Our main priorities should be heading out in the right direction-" That sounded like a good idea Sin thought rather sarcastically, May offering a slight crooked smirk in the corner of her lips at his mental comments in her mind, though negative they were somewhat amusing. "-making sure we have all our supplies and finding a place for Michael's body." Scott glanced over towards the boy, he did not understand at first why Michael had those things he was holding onto, but soon the purpose of the crutches became clear.
It was extremely rare for fairies to be born with physical deformities, but many have been wounded and harmed with their fragile bodies easily damaged by the grabbing hands of excited children trying to catch them or escaping some other sorts of creatures. Generally they had magic to help cure their seemingly fatal or permanent injuries, Scott wondered why humans did not have the same abilities, surely there had to be great healers that could mend that leg of his?
"Once we've got a good start then we can all contribute, while walking, to form a strategy to find the best course to our meeting point and we need a method for dealing with any teams we may meet along the way." While Scott’s eyes grew distracted with other things and his mind slipped away from what Lexi was saying about teams and methods of strategies, May found herself hoping they’d run across a team sooner rather then later.
"Without further ado," A slight tilt of his head showed Scott trying to figure out what she was saying, but realized mainly from her body language that they were to start moving off.
The curious fairy found himself peering over the leaders shoulder for a moment to stare at the map within her hands, there was greens and blues and a lot of lines and scribbles, none of it made any sense to him but he did have a highly amused expression. They were going to find their way using this thing? He felt like chuckling, however he had been wrong with the jet so he was going to try and not judge these strange tools the humans used too poorly till he knows for certain their worth.
There was a beautiful melody in the air, a delightful sensation that hummed with a brilliance of chimes that not only echoed inside the very core of the enchanted Prince but also was seen as the flora themselves seemed all the more vibrant within the presence of the fairies. Every part of Scott screamed out for him to just zoom off and take in the simple pleasure of rushing through nature, it was hard for him to act like the other humans and gave a slight look of anxiety when his attention shifted constantly from one thing to another.
Wouldn’t Michael get lonely left on his own? Admittedly Scott was perplexed as to the sudden change from the elf kind appearance to this weaker more human wreak. Earlier that day the boy hadn’t been limping around like that, in fact he had been amazing, a spring in every step. Understanding that the difference was because his power came into play when he was better Scott didn’t feel the need to question but still wished he understood more clearly what caused the different in demeanour. There was a struggle to remember the blondes warning from earlier this morning about him being a burden of some kind, still Scott could see more then the shell and what was within was still worth admiring.
“Some field trip eh? Not exactly what I was expecting. I’m thinking of phoning the travel company and getting my money back.” Scott offered a smile despite not having any idea what the human was on about, he was just amazed that Michael was keeping up such a brave face.
“Hey, I figured that I should tell you that I don’t have a problem seeing Scott anymore.” Although not intending on ears dropping it wasn't like there was a great distance between them all and Scott was very keen on picking up things when he was paying attention so carefully in this unfamiliar area with unfamiliar people. The Prince glanced a little towards Ben before staring down at the ground a little. Scott assumed that the other could see him now, the older looking man had glanced at him more then once, even if they were awkward and a sense of humiliation filled him.
“Anyway if you need someone to navigate I’m not too bad with a map. And if you could show me where were headed to I can try and see if I can find a decent place for Michael’s body. Oh and if you had a compass that would help.” Scott was looking over towards the leader and Ben, listening a little unsurely as they once again talked about leaving Michael's body. The only reason Scott wasn't panicking was because Michael had mentioned once before about being in two places at once.
"What is a compass?" The words slipped out, not really matching with his thoughts but a question that he had on his mind none the less. A whistling of birds in the trees had Scott glance up at them and quickly reply to their questions. "Oh, no thank you, he might fall." One of them tried to say his branch was strong enough to hold anything, his mate offered a rather indignant reply and flew off to see if she could be of more help for the Prince. "oh, you don't have-thank you." They all were really eager to be of help and Scott wasn't used to so much attention, being the youngest of five tended to leave him in the shadows often. He was just glade most didn't address him and the few that did only called him Vohan.
For a moment Scott had an impressive little smile that hinted he wasn't used to that amount of attention, but then he focused on Michael once more. He wasn't overly concerned since the others where going to also try and find somewhere for Michael, maybe Scott could ask some of the creatures to watch over his body.
"What happens when you sleep?" Unsure if it was something he was allowed to ask without making the other uncomfortable, Scott seemed a little nervous regardless of the eager delight he seemed to have talking with the astral projectin mutant while Ben and Lexi where discussing things. "Will you be alone?" That was why he didn't like the idea of asking, being alone probably wasn't the best thing for him, whether he wanted it or not. "I could fly back really quickly to keep you company if you wanted." Scott added keenly in case the answer was yes, his wings excitedly lifted but his eyes darted over towards May for a moment as she was looking around and they similtaniously dropped down again.
Re: Green strike. The Mission. (reposted)Lexi and Tess
As Lexi finished speaking and took her first steps she glanced at Michael, a split second's gaze but one that was analytical enough for the Leader to attempt to see how Michael was coping with her plan of progression. He didn't look so bad but as soon as the group began to move she looked back once more and this time his pain was evident. Lexi cringed to herself as she absently twirled an auburn lock of hair. Am I asking too much of him? she asked herself. It was their very first mission as a team and it had been brave of Michael to venture along at all and now to ask this of him, Lexi felt like a tyrant even though she remembered the phrase 'no pain, no gain' well from her childhood. There was nothing she could do now though and she couldn't sacrifice her entire team for Michael. Lexi could rely only on the fact that he would tell her when he could go no further, all she could do was trust him to make this judgement as she had given him that option. For if he went on too far and injured himself further the new leader didn't think she'd be able to forgive herself.
Tess, with her sensitivity to nature and her natural sympathy with people, nearly winced as she saw Michael attempt to hobble over to her and Scott. It wasn't meant to come across as the sort of pity that people in predicaments of pain usually hated, more as an expression of genuine feeling and empathy. Yet despite his discomfort Michael's face wore a grin as he said, “Some field trip eh? Not exactly what I was expecting. I’m thinking of phoning the travel company and getting my money back.”The faerie girl glanced over at Scott who didn't seem to know exactly what Michael was saying although Scott appeared pleasant and nodded. "Yeah this is a major waste, and to think it was between this and Tahiti," Tess joked, playing along with the other boy's lighthearted comment.
"What is a compass?" The seemingly random words burst from Scott's mouth but Tess remembered when things had been new to others she had known and she remembered spending time with Aisha whose world was so different from her own that she had to learn what several things were for or remember them from her childhood. "It's a tool for navigating, finding your direction so if you're North or South and what way your destination is in," Tess explainned, hoping that her explanation would suffice since she hadn't really felt the need to use a compass much during her life thus far.
The violet eyed mutant watched and listened as Scott spoke with the birds. She listened closely and picked up their conversation herself and smiled brightly as Scott talked back. It was such a new and exciting experience to have someone with her who could also talk to creatures in nature. Always in the past she had receieved questionning looks and had had to explain. As a child it had been even worse as other children had assumed, the few times she forgot and used her powers to talk back, that she was talking to nothing or was only pretending animals could talk. She had never thought she'd find someone who understood let alone talked back and the experience was so wonderful that Tess felt her whole face brighten for no other reason than that one. She smiled also at Scott's excited questions, his curiosity was something she found interesting and amusing and the questions he asked were always interesting even if they were things no one else would ever ask. To have a faerie friend was shaping up to be even better than she had dared to hope.
Lexi found herself walking alone in front with Michael having joined the two faeries behind her but she was not left in solitude for long as Ben approached her with a smile. They had not yet spoken one on one and the conversation was a first in that respect. Since he hadn't approached her directly before the red haired mutant wondered briefly what he could have to say to her but she soon recieved her response.
“Hey, I figured that I should tell you that I don’t have a problem seeing Scott anymore". Lexi's relief at this statement was immense and her smile grew. This would make things alot easier for the team as a whole and for Scott himself since Lexi had seen the disappointment fill his blue eyes at being invisible to one person. She did not get a chance to comment though as Ben moved directly on. “Anyway if you need someone to navigate I’m not too bad with a map. And if you could show me where were headed to I can try and see if I can find a decent place for Michael’s body. Oh and if you had a compass that would help.”
Lexi smiled back at him, glad for the offered help. "Well I took geography so I'm alright with the navigating but I don't know much about Michael's powers. You seem to know more than me thanks to experience so if you wanted help find a spot that would be great," she finished and her smile almost beammed now. Having heard about some of the other teams and the horror stories of their training room sessions and meetings Lexi was relieved to have a team like this who were willing to co-operate with one another. They may have their weaknesses as I have mine, she thought to herself, but teamwork right off the bat makes up for it. Indeed strength and use of powers would come with practice, time and experience but students actually learning to like eachother was a little harder to teach.
Lexi pulled out the map from her pocket where she had placed it a moment earlier and unfolded it so that it could be seen but would still allow them to walk without obstruction of view or slowly the pace too much. The Green Strike Force Leader's eyes scanned the surface, finally finding the destination. "We're headed up here," she said. "It'll be a long hike but our path is almost due North." Allowing Ben a good look at the map Lexi stopped speaking, letting him look it over and decide for himself.
Suddenly remembering one more point she had forgotten to mention Lexi addressed the group as they walked, or hobbled as the case was for one, along. "I forgot to mention it but although we're allowed to use our powers remember that part of this mission is to not rely fully on power strength but also on the natural resources around us". She stopped for a moment and favoured both faeries with a smile, "With two faeries we shouldn't have a problem and if you find anything that you think might be useful to our mission to help us along the way please let us know Scott, Tess or anyone else. Please remember not to wear yourselves out with the usage of your powers, we do need to conserve strength as this is a long weekend but it is also important to use what we have when needed so there is a judgement call involved there for each of us to make."
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