[i][center][H1][b][color=Goldenrod]Apollo & Khairo[/color][/b][/H1][indent]Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters | Manhattan, New York Mentions | [@Afro Samurai][/indent][/center][/i][hr] It had only been a little over 10 minutes. There were only four people left standing. He had been trained to fight through many battles. To maintain tranquility and balance throughout all situations he encountered. To use wit along with his physical capabilities. Yet, it was still ever chilling to successfully gain victory. Many a time had he been faced with this challenge. Though this time, the ones who set them up made a major miscalculation to put them on the same squadron. The young warrior convinced himself that he could do this. After all, his father was the Immortal Iron Fist. Failure was never an option, only a consequence. His ochre eyes moved quickly, watching his opponents' movements in detail. Their opposing elbow was extended, and their throwing hand cocked backward. It looked as though their aim was toward he himself. In any other instance, Kai would prepare himself for a dodge, the last second shift in eye contact signalled something else. They were going to target his companion! Though, it was clear that it wouldn't be where he could potentially catch it. Instead, they were going to throw it at his legs, knowing that he wasn't as agile as Kai himself. That meant there was little time to waste. The boy sprinted from his position as the red projectile escaped his opponent's hand. An exhale left his lips as he leapt into the air to dive into the way. Although it appeared as if the object, moving at its current velocity, would hit Kai's stomach midair, his body curled instead. Extending his hands below him, he snatched the red orb out of the air. Still having a lot of forward momentum, Kai tucked his legs into a forward flip. On the dismount, he managed to plant both of his feet sturdily but the dusty gymnasium floor caused his sneakers to slide. With this inadvertant landing place, Kai slipped and fell onto his back. His opponent was out due to that catch, yes, but Kai still found himself frowning some. Mild laughs echoed from around him. He wasn't out of bounds, and the time to complete their task still continued. There was some hesitation in getting up, but not out of pain. There was a blow of humiliation that sent ripples through him. P.E. was always the subject that could leave him with this sort of feeling. He had zoned out again...Kai sighed but simply passed the ball over to his much taller teammate and friend. It was clear who was going to stand victorious in this round of dodgeball, considering their past win streak as a team. It was actually a surprise that this was the result, considering that they were most often put on opposing teams because of their synergy. One opponent remained, and Kai had a feeling about what was going to happen. Kai, the dancing willow; Cage, the unbreakable stone--together, unstoppable. Across from the duo stood their lone opponent who knew he was at the mercy of Mansion’s reigning dodgeball kings. In Cage’s hand was the squishy red styrofoam ball. In his hands he held the fate of Richard Waters, a wiry cyrokinetic who was today, in this instant, simple cannon fodder. Today, Cage was inclined to show him mercy as a lively voice breached the raucous, [color=yellow][b]”Hey! Looking for a err, Kai and Apollo?”[/b][/color] Heads turned, silence came over the stuffy--and sweaty--gym. Many hearts fluttered, but none so strong as Apollo’s. Jubilation Lee! To her there was color, life; if he was a skilled pedant and a little more cliche, he would have recited for her a Shakespeare sonnet. His attention fixed on her and in his right hand where he held the styrofoam dodgeball he applied a bit too much pressure and popped it. Infatuation bade Apollo to hear nothing. Truncated succession of soundless but parting lips made him look foolish. Words, words! But, he managed none. In his partner and friend he looked for aid, one of his large hands slapped Kai on the back; a little help in a time of desperation. When one stumbled, the other picked up the slack. Kai's focus was very much still on the target when he got back up, though, he noticed hesitation. It was like the room froze and everyone looked in his general direction. The young man was somewhat confused but jolted slightly when he heard the pop, turning to follow Apollo's gaze. As it were, he found that they were being met with the presence of Jubilee. She was one of the more prominant and memorable personalities of the Institute. Along with that, she was a veteran member of the X-Men, and as such, she merited the youthful warrior's respect. Though when she announced her reason for coming here, Kai's expression straightened. She was commissioned to search for them? Unusual. Did this have to do with the weird scheduling they were getting lately? Did...[i]Iro[/i] do something again? Apollo didn't inform him of such. He would've looked up to his companion for some sort of guidance, but it was clear from his lingering eyes, that no words would leave him. Seeing no need to let awkwardness lay in the air, Kai spoke up for them both. [color=50C878][b]"That would be us, Ms. Lee."[/b][/color] A hand gestured to the both of them to grab her attention. [color=fcfc46][b]“Miss Lee, huh?”[/b][/color] She shook her head. It was hard to tell if it was a chuckle or a scoff. Kai merely rubbed the back of his head, unsure of how to take that. [color=fcfc46][b]“We're gonna need you guys in the courtyard. Besides, looks like your game's done anyway...”[/b][/color] Was a comment, followed by a wave to follow her. Khairo blinked. Well this was new. They never were called up for anything out of the oridinary while at school. He feared that they might've found out about some of the exams that [i]he[/i] had done for Apollo at times. Nonetheless, he took his place in following outside. What challenges would this day provide them? Kai did not know, but was ready to face them.