Katerina left the common room, grumbling irritatably. Headmistress MacLeod had just sent Jason, a guy in the year below her, to the common room. She said that she said she had to go round up the fighters for the headmistress to inspect. Once she got to the reception, she requested the list of applicants. The woman, Beatrice, gave it to her with a smile. "Looking forward to the tournament, dear?" she asked. Katerina grimaced. "I've spent to much time fixing broken bones and wounded egos to look forward to it, miss" the woman laughed, and Katerina walked outside. "Excuse me?" she called, but nobody paid attention. Urk, she thought, and let out a yell. "Hey!" she hollered, and everybody froze. One poor guy got blasted by a still moving air flow, and fell over with a grunt. She held up the list. "If you have applied to take part in the tournaments, then get your butts over here!" The people ambled over, and she checked their names off the list. "Be here in ten minutes for the Headmistress's inspection." she ordered. And then their was the hardest part. She had to track down and find the other applicants who were scattered across the school. Urk. She was passing through the hall when she saw Derek leer in a room with professor olivier and some other guy. She stuck her head in the door, briefly noticing that derek didn't have on a shirt "Uh, professor? I know you must be busy, but Mr Leer needs to be in front of the school in," she checked her watch, "five minutes". And then she left, and then let the blush rise.

" Ah, thank you Ms. Ivanov for being informative. " James nodded and excused her. " Well Mr. Havisham, our school's champion always seems to be needed somewhere. Let us excuse the boy now. "
The man paid no attention whatsoever. He ran his hand over Derek's arms and chest. " Yes.. yes. This champion will surely win the favor of the crowd this season.. " He acknowledged. Derek became stone faced until he was finally excused, knowing that he was in no position to protect his pride.
" Bastard.. Who the hell does he think he is? " He grumbled after leaving the room.
Derek caught up with Katerina.and gave her flirtatious glances.
" Theres just no time when i'm not wanted somewhere. It's kind of annoying being the best of the best. " He boasted. " You're not like the other girls are you? Isn't this the part where you ask for my autograph from me or something? "

Scarlet had taken Jerome to a confined school basement.
" Uh.. what are we doing here anyway? " Jerome felt strangely nervous.
Scarlet smiled. " Your having difficulties with your first assignment aren't you? I'll help you practice. "
" Yeah I am. I'm so nervous though. My father told me that I have no place in this school if I can't even pass the first assignment. "
" Concentration is everything. You need to become relaxed to the point where your brain waves become Alpha. Your abilities are lying dormant inside you. In other words, you already have everything you need to become a strong Fuinnimh wizard. " She pointed towards the ceiling lamp. " Make that move. You can do it. "
" Okay.. concentration. " Jerome closed his eyes and took some deep breaths.
Despite his determined efforts, little to no progress was made. More than half an hour had passed.
" Its okay. " Scarlet consoled him. " It might take some time. Don't doubt yourself. "

Chloe made up her mind. She would look for what looked like an office door then inquire as to where she is supposed to be. She stood, Kitty yipping as she did. "Come on girl. Were going to keep looking." Kitty wagged her short tail and followed after her master. Chloe looked around for about half an hour before deciding that one door looked official enough. Knocking before she opened the door, she popped her head in and asked, "Hello? Anyone in here?"

Katerina let out a chuckle at Derek's bragging. He reminded her of a boy, when she had visited a dance in Moscow. He had bragged to all the women about how well hung he was, and then, when he was swinging on a rope attacked to a rafter to show off, somebody had grabbed his trousers and pulled. There wasn't a single girl in that room that hadn't been laughing hysterically at him. what was his name again? Dimytri, that was it. "I think I'll go for the 'or something'." she said. She spotted the last name on the applicant's list, and saw the boy a few feet away. "You! Come here!" she called. She looked at her watch nervously. she had two minutes left. "I hate being late.." she muttered. The guy looked at her, saw derek beside her, and ran for it. "I think not, comrade!" she yelled, and raised one hand. Within a few moments, the boy was suspended in a cocoon of air, and was floating, kicking and yelling, behind her as she walked back to the front of the school. "Do you have this effect on most people?" she joked to derek.

Derek made a smirk. " Enemies are bound to appear when you're surrounded by fans. " He spoke as he admired the soft pallor of Katerina's cheeks. " Do you enjoy watching my games? Surely you know my name already, Derek Leer. Champion of Elemental Academy. "

Katerina looked at him with a smile. "I don't watch the fights. I'm generally in the sidelines. First Aid. I do know your name, though. Many a contestant has had more than his ego damaged by your tender mercies. Ms MacLeod, the last of the applicants." she said, nodding her head as they reached the headmistress. "Thank you, Kat. Why the orb?" the red-headed woman gestured to the boy trapped in air.
"Oh." Katerina flicked one finger, and the boy landed on the ground. "he ran." The teacher laughed, clapping her hands together, then her face turned a little more serious.
"I trust you have everything organised for the grand opening?"
"All except for a pianist, miss."
"Ah, yes. Blake left last year didn't she?"
"Da, miss."
"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone. You always do."
"Thank you miss"
Good. Maggie, Michael! why are you late?"
"sorry, mom. \we got a bit carried away in an argument."
"About what?"
"Which would win a fight, a komodo dragon or a bear. Michael voted bear."
"They'd both die." this came from Katerina. Maggie, Michael and Ms MacLeod gave her a questioning look.
"The komodo dragon would bite the bear, and the bear would kill it." michael looked at maggie triumphantly.
"But," katerina continued, "The bear would die from the toxins in the komodo dragon's saliva." Maggie looked at Michael. "Ha!"

Later in the afternoon, Scarlet had taken Jerome to the school library. Dusty tomes and manuals on mysticism and mysterious powers filled every shelf high.
" What are we doing here? " Jerome asked.
" We're going to find some books that might help you on developing your psychical abilities. Come on, follow me. " She led.
The pair settled down on a desk and buried themselves in a handful of books written by Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, John Dee and the like. After a considerable time struggling to make sense of them, Jerome began to feel like giving up. " How is this supposed to help me develop my abilities? " He groaned.
" I've heard from somewhere that some people can gain spiritual understanding like this and it can manifest in a physiological sense. Just.. keep trying dang it! " She stammered.
Jerome came back to his senses. Scarlet was trying hard to help him find a place in this school. He didn't want to disappoint her. Most of all, he didn't want to leave this school and not be able to see her ever again.
" You kids finding everything alright? " A tall, bespectacled boy about the age of fifteen or so silently approached the two. " My names Brian Lamadas (check OOC later), I work as a library assistant here. Anything I can help you two? "
Scarlet explained the situation.
" Hmm.. it might help if you read some Kabbalistic books. Mystical Rabbinic Judaism. " The boy helped pick some books for them.

" According to the Kabbalah. " Scarlet cleared her throat. " The Sefirot correspond to various levels of creation.Ten sefirot in each of the Four Worlds, and four worlds within each of the larger four worlds, each containing ten sefirot, which themselves contain ten sefirot, to an infinite number of possibilities and are emanated from the Creator for the purpose of creating the universe. The Sefirot are considered revelations of the Creator's will and they should not be understood as ten different "gods" but as ten different ways the one God reveals His will through the Emanations. It is not God who changes but the ability to perceive God that changes. In other words Jerome, the Sefirot are like doors that you need to 'unlock' in order to discover your true potential. "
Jerome rubbed his eyes after several hours of reading. He rose from the desk. " I can't understanding this material at all. "
" Where are you going? " Scarlet became disgruntled.
" My room. Sorry to disappoint you Scarlet but maybe my fathers right. Maybe I don't belong in this school. " He sighed.
" Thats.. not true! In my vision you brought glory back to this school! This academy is your destiny. "
" Well maybe your visions wrong alright? " He walked away.

Daniel was the new girl. She stood outside of the castle-like building in awe and filled with a mix of terror and excitement. She hated being the new girl but she had decided at the very last minute that she would actually come to the school. That it was ultimately the most fun and best choice for her. Plus she really had to get out of her house and actually meet people. She was terrified of what it would be like and how people would react to her coming so late but she was so excited to actually meet them. She couldn't wait to make friends and start her classes and get totally involved. She could feel her personality waiting to explode out of her. Though there was also that part of her that told if if she didn't hurry she'd be late to class. Daniel to a huge breath.

"It's now or never Daniel." she murmured to herself. Then she hurried into the building and to her class. Hoping the teacher wouldn't be to displeased about her being so late. Or the fact that she was dragging her huge purple suitcase along with her.

Daniel was the new girl. She stood outside of the castle-like building in awe and filled with a mix of terror and excitement. She hated being the new girl but she had decided at the very last minute that she would actually come to the school. That it was ultimately the most fun and best choice for her. Plus she really had to get out of her house and actually meet people. She was terrified of what it would be like and how people would react to her coming so late but she was so excited to actually meet them. She couldn't wait to make friends and start her classes and get totally involved. She could feel her personality waiting to explode out of her. Though there was also that part of her that told if if she didn't hurry she'd be late to class. Daniel to a huge breath.

"It's now or never Daniel." she murmured to herself. Then she hurried into the building and to her class. Hoping the teacher wouldn't be to displeased about her being so late. Or the fact that she was dragging her huge purple suitcase along with her.

The small group dispersed and walked away. Katernina herself was headed to the reception. She had to have an advert sent out for a pianist. And probably another helper for first aid. This year felt like a whopper. Which reminded her. Wasn't that Jason kid looking to sign up? She'd find out his dorm number when she was at the reception.

Chloe sighed as she was met with an empty room. Really, was there anyone at all around here? She stepped back out of the room and leaned against it. She looked down at Kitty which was seated next to her looking up with what she would describe as an annoyed expression. "I know, I know. I'm getting tired of looking too but we need to keep looking. Otherwise how are we supposed to know where to be?" Kitty yipped once before getting up and padding her way along the hall. She looked back at her owner as if to say 'Come on then, let's get this over with'. She sighed and followed Kitties lead. She was going to follow Kitty this time. She probably knew where to go, what with her alfatory sense and everything. She smiled slightly and hoped she would find someone soon.

((Alright, folks, listen up! we're ALL included in this post, so you can all reply!"))
The Institute attacked.
(go from there)

Racing through the halls of the castle, he looked for a place to hide from the Institution. Even though he made a deal with them, he wouldn't dare harm any other students in the school. He only had his intention set on one student: Derek. As he turned the corner, he saw Zoey running from one of the Institution members. Jumping out from the corner, he shot off a blast of flames, knocking him back against the wall. Quickly, he rushed over to Zoey and hugged her. "Zoey, are you ok?!" he asked her, doing his best to not sound overprotective, but failing miserably. He was obviously concerned about Zoey and didn't want her to get hurt. At that moment, the white-haired boy stood up and started walking over to them. As he approached, Jason softly pushed Zoey behind him. "Run as far as you can away from the castle. I'll handle this punk" he said to her, and at that comment, the white-haired boy pointed at Jason, muttering something to the sound of "traitor".

(( This is where Zoey learns that Jason joined the Institution ))

Zoey's lungs burned as she sprinted from the boy who had suddenly began chasing her. How she had even cecome involved in the situation, she had no clue, she only knew that this 'Institution' had attacked. Quite suddenly, Jason jumped out from nowhere, sending the boy flying with a burst of flames. She was usddenly wrapped in his arms, feeling safe as she was engulfed by his warmth and colonge. "Zoey, are you ok?!" He asked, so obviously concerened she had to smile.
"I'm fine..."
He gently shoved her behind him and she turned to see that the boy was standing, snow white hair glistening in the light from a few sparks of Jason's fire.
"Run as far as you can away from the castle. I'll handle this punk.."
She paused, long enough to see the boy raise his arm to point at Jason accusingly. "Traitor."

"Traitor?" Zoey questioned, not moving. "What?" The boy inched closer, and she decided she didn't care what he meant at the moment. She gripped Jason's sleeve and tugged gently. "C'mon, I'm not going anywhere without you."
Then suddenly, something struck her, an idea that turned the gears in her mind as everything slowly clicked into place. "Oh god. You made a deal with them, didn't you?"
As she spoke she was still tugging, still pulling, trying to remove them both from the danger with gentle prompting.

Katerina barely knew what was happening. bt she knew who she had to find. "Derek! Where are you?!" she yelled, then was cornered by three of the men from the institution. they smiled at her, their eyes already beginning their hypnotic gaze. "NO! I will not succumb.." she felt, weakening. then she felt a hand clamp down on her forearm, a white hand. The pain began insstantly. She screamed in agony, a glass window nearby breaking. Her powers kicked in, well, what was left of them. the men flew backwards, and she leapt to her feet, her eyes white and glowing. Maggie and Michael grabbed her arms. "We have to find derek! And someone from an energy group!" she heard maggie yell. Katerina nodded. "I'll find derek. You two go. go get the spanish fighters. They can help." she ran down the corridor, and smacked into Howard. the funnily named spanish fighter. He looked at her. "what is happening?" he asked. "attack. don't let the white men touch your skin. What is your element?" she asked. "Fire and earth." she raised her eyebrows.
"I am a mutant, even to us. my gifts can be shared and have been taken from others. Stay still, and close your eyes." she obliged. moments later she felt hi lips brush against hers. and another moment later she felt the power flow through her. she opened her hands. one held a flame, the other a vine. he opened his hand. in it was a small, spinning orb of air. she glared at him, then punched him across the face, not bothering to speak spanish or english. "never come near me or my powers again!" she yelled in russian, and ran off to find derek, feeling the rush of power as she went. Moments later she found him, surrounded y the white men, as if they knew how strong he was. Then she remembered. She waved her arm, and they set on fire, flying back and hitting against the wall. she looked at her hands. "Holy.." she said, then ran to derek. "They know the most powerful ones!" she yelled over the din of battle. "THE TOURNAMENT FIGHTERS!" she grabbed hi ahdn, and led him to where michael, maggie and the spaniard were. howard was clutching his cheek. good.

As Zoey realized the truth about the whole situation, Jason turned slowly to her. "Yeah I did......but I never meant for it to go this far. I never wanted you to get involved and risk you getting hurt...." his voice began to soften, obviously smitten with guilt that he put Zoey through this. With one swift motion, however, Jason swept Zoey off her feet. "Sorry, but it would be faster this way. We have to get out of here as soon as possible" he said, hoping that she didn't mind him carrying her to safety. As he began running through the castle halls, he set off a few walls of fire to slow them down. After a bit of running, he finally managed to escape the castle with her and snuck into the forest nearby to avoid any more attention. "There, I think we're safe now...." he said, unaware that on the way out he bashed his head and blood was dripping.

Zoey let out a squeak of surprise as Jason scooped her into his arms and toook off running. It was weird but she wasn't uncomfortable. She couldn't be bothered to think he was evil now, just because he had made a deal with the institution. they were still friends. She couldn't see him as evil.

Eventually he set her down in the forest and she realized his head was dripping with crimson drops of blood. "Jason your bleeding." She stated, reaching up to wipe the blood from his forehead. "You have a tendancy to get hurt, huh?" She frowned. "I don't have anything to bind it with." She reached up and puched back his hair, exaiming the gash on his forehead. "It's not that deep though....." She was concerened for him but more worried about what was happeneing at the school.
"dO you have any idea what's going on up there?" She gestured at the school....then suddenly gasped. "Oh shoot! I left Arch's kitten in the hallway!"
(I remember she had Tibs a while ago....lol) She groaned guiltily. "On top of that I don't even know where Sabre is. I'm horrible to animals." she moaned, putting her face in her hands. She took a deep breath then peered up at the sky, which was swirling with dark clouds. She whistled the familier spiraling tune with her hands, hopeing SAbre would fly down with some dead present for her, like usual. No luck. She sighed and bit her lip, starring back at the castle. "I'm gunna sound crazy... But I think we should go back and try to find the headmistress.... To see whats going on."

Jason turned back to the castle. "Knowing them, they're probably gonna go after some of the more weaker students, then try and..." his words stopped as Zoey suggested returning to the castle. "Your right, we should head back....but promise me you'll stay close to me. I don't want you getting hurt or getting lost...I can't lose you" he stated, his words getting softer, a bit unsure of how she'd react. He began to stand up and started heading towards the castle. "Are you coming?" he asked, turning back to Zoey

((If anyone else wants to post, now would be a good time o.o ))

In the ensuing chaos, Derek scrambled between younger students frantically trying to run from the violent conflict. His mind was focused on the lovely girl he had only gotten to know the name of. The fear that he might see her hurt in the midst of this sudden terror made him feel weak. His heart pounded furiously at the thought of losing her. He pushed the commoners aside as he valiantly headed towards the source of the distress. His fear and doubt gnawed at him like a gaping jaw, threatening to devour him.
He was stopped dead in his tracks by an encounter with an Institution aggressor. Derek grit his teeth in annoyance. His foe dropped to his knees, a bloody mess, and was no more in a flurry of violent gusts of wind.
" Derek!" Basil shouted from across the hall. " Kids like you and me are the ones who need to stand up to these bullies. We should stick together. Where the hell are the teachers?"
" The Institutions gotten very aggressive lately." Derek spoke sternly. "Go find your girlfriend Basil. I can take care of myself. "

Annelise walked up the stairs into the Elemental Academy, a suitcase in each hand and a small baby panda in a harness on her back. From time to time the little bear would make a little grumbling noise before uncurling and re curling into a little ball. She grinned and shook her head lightly at the lazy little critter, before stepping into the grand castle.

When she saw the inside of the castle her mouth dropped open. Shocked she wondered around the foyer and then she saw a tall girl with bright red hair and an easy grin, messing about with a tall boy with a loud glaswegian accent. Walking up nervously, she said "Excuse moi?" The tall girl turned around and smiled at her.

After seeing that tall girl Annelise decided to try and find her common room to put her stuff away and start classes the very next day.

Maggie had Michael in a headlock and was messing up his well-spiked hair when she felt a nervous tap on her shoulder. She turned, Michael still trapped, and grinned her usual relaxed, slightly stoned grin at the girl.
"Hey. I'm Maggie." she grinned, offering her free hand to the girl. She shook hands timidly, before setting off in the completely wrong direction.
"Uh, kid? You can't go that way!" she yelled, releasing Michael and spinning the girl around. "That way's the teacher's quarters."