[center][h1]Mathew Frakes[/h1][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/f71c5398-0c94-424f-9c80-522516f974a1.jpg[/img][/center][hr][center][h2]Location: Ashford Institute Grounds[/h2][/center][hr][center][h3]Interactions & Mentions: Self,Kayllee,Finn[/h3][/center][hr]

[hider=Sunday]
Matt woke feeling unsure about the day. He had made a friend in Daniela the night before, although he was still unsure about others in the school and how they would receive him. He decided he would worry about that later. For now, he would explore the campus and get acquainted with where his classes will be. Grabbing the school map and his schedule hit set out for lunch.

After lunch, Matt went exploring and plotting out where his classes would be before adventuring outside to take in the grounds and other buildings. Stepping outside he walked around the outer edge; avoiding the cottage, he picked up a stick that seemed straight and began swinging it around imagining that he was fighting Orcs and Goblins from books. Many bushes died to his would be blade. His imagination temporarily sated, he continued on to the training center and tried his hand against some of the weights. Disappointed at his lack of physical prowess he decided to head back to his room and paint some of the miniatures he had brought with him. 
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[hider=Monday]

Matt hurried from class to class arriving at each on early and realising he had a lot of catching up to do. In most of his classes he managed to borrow notes to copy later. Then he got to his last class of the day, History. As he walked in Professor Finn seemed preoccupied with something on his desk, but to Matt it was as if he had just walked into a world of forbidden treasures. Old texts line the walls and few items lay scattered about the room. The whole room smelled of history. Matt's eyes settled on what appeared to be an authentic Conquistador helmet displayed on the far side of the room. Matt allowed himself to get caught up in the helmet and didn’t even notice when the rest of the class came in or, more importantly, the old gentleman standing behind him.

[color=orangered]“Young man class has started and while I appreciate your apparent enthusiasm it may be best for you to take your seat.”[/color] Professor Finn as he leaned in with a smile.

Matt jumped, startled and with murmured apologies scurried to his seat.

The Professor started to turn and stopped looking back at the morion. Obviously distracted from his planned course study. He then took the entirety of the class giving a mixed dissertation on the specific history of the helm and its significance to the Spaniards throughout history.

As the bell rang Professor Finn was back at his desk looking through papers while still lecturing the class. Picking up a folder he released the rest of the students and asked Matt to stay behind. He waited until the last student left and closed the door. 

[color=orangered]“Sorry for the ominous tone but what we need to discuss is none of their business.”[/color] The Professor stated picking up on Matt’s nervousness.  [color=orangered]“But first, you seem to really enjoy history?”[/color] A seemingly never ceasing yet disarming smile beamed across his face.

Matt had been nervous. He felt as though he was in trouble for holding up the class but Finn's smile put all that to rest.[color=orange] “History is a wonderful story always with two ways to tell it. At least that's what my dad always told me and I can’t say he was wrong. For example your Morion over there; I suspect you ran out of time or you would have gone into its significance with the American Tribes after the Spaniards. The faint remnants of paint along the edges say it’s history went on into the 17th century at least.”[/color] Matt’s voices got more and more excited as he spoke and he seemed proud to add the last part even if he was just showing off. In truth. Matt knew little of that time except that it had happened.

[color=orangered]“Yes yes of course there was more to the stories very astute of you to pick up on that. Oh I think we will get along fine. Now for the part the other students didn’t need to hear. I have your file and although my time is limited I need to get an idea of where you are in your powers….”[/color]

[color=orange]“Abilities.”[/color] Matt interrupted and received a quizzical look from Finn. Matt went on [color=orange]“Calling them powers implies strength over others. Abilities is more honest in that it merely states I can do something. It’s how I was raised.” His words were direct yet apologetic at the same time.[/color]

[color=orangered]“Don’t lose what respect you have gained but fine abilities then.”[/color] Finn said almost dismissively not caring one way or the other. [color=orangered]“Your file states I should be able to see what you do so if you care to show me we won’t be disturbed.”[/color] The mustache seemed to droop giving Finn’s face an intensity as if he were studying Matt. 

Matt removed a glove and touched the nameplate on Finn’s desk. The room filled with images as Matt stood rigid, his eyes could move and he could talk but he seemed as if frozen in one place. He stopped the images and let events play out. You could hear every word spoken. Finn recognized the moment as one of his earlier classes.

[color=orange]“Is that enough sir?”[/color] Matt asked

Finn’s face lit up in wonderment everything was in place and he could hear every word. [color=orangered]“Audio as well? Show me your limits. Is that really how I sound.”[/color]

[color=orange]“I can only go back about a week and it takes some time to get there and yes that is how you sound.”[/color] Matt responded as once again the images flashed by in reverse.

[color=orangered]“Do you have to...well let’s say rewind or can you go straight there?”[/color] Finn’s question was direct and utilitarian as he observed.

[color=orange]“It seems to work like an old VCR.”[/color] The images flashed faster.

[color=orangered]“Ok well I have seen enough. Can you move around while doing this?”[/color] Finn asked, closing his eyes to the dizzying visions.

Matt let it drop and put his glove back on. [color=orange]“No, I seemed to be almost locked in place when I do this, but it is different with people. With people there is no control at least not on my part. It seems to be drawn to a moment of intense emotion of whoever I touch. Both of us are physically locked, so to say, but it’s hard to explain. It’s like I can imagine myself walking about; restricted by the confines of the image, yet that doesn’t appear in the projection.”[/color]

Finn went straight to the phone on his desk. [color=orangered]“Hold on Matt I may know someone who can understand that better.”[/color] Without waiting for a response Finn called Professor Everose. [color=orangered]“Sorry to bother you but I could use your assistance in my classroom if you have the time?”[/color]

Picking up the phone on the second ring Kaylee answered.[color=palevioletred] "Professor Everose."[/color] Upon hearing Professor Finn’s voice she looked at the clock then down at her planner. She had some time actually.[color=palevioletred] "Why hello Finn. Yes I do have some free time. May I have the reason, or am I looking at a non emergency?"[/color] 

Kaylee prayed that it was a non emergency. She could handle an emergency but it would set her day back more than she was willing to admit. She paused so that Finn could update her. 

Finn chuckled, his mustache seeming to bristle just the slightest. [color=orangered]“No. No not an emergency. Seriously now would I have asked if you had the time if it were an emergency? No, I just need some advice on a new student I am working with. Seems he has some interesting issues.”[/color]

Kaylee smiled.[color=palevioletred] "I don't suppose you remember that one incident, not too long ago, with Isaac Miller when you asked much the same question in the same tone. When I got there the boy was unconscious holding an artifact that was…"[/color] Kaylee paused to find the right word and also to jog Finn’s memory.

Finn interrupted Kaylee, [color=orangered]“That was completely different, he was fine when I called. Want to keep interrogating me or help out before I mess up another one?”[/color]

Matt’s eyes grew big as saucers,[color=orange] “Uh sir….is this safe?” [/color]

[color=orangered]“It’s fine. You’ll be fine.”[/color] Finn exclaimed. Then into the phone. [color=orangered]“We are scaring the kid….you coming Kaylee?”[/color]

Kaylee pinched the bridge of her nose. She could feel a stress headache coming on.[color=palevioletred] "No. I mean yes I'll be right there. Heaven forbid you 'mess up another one'. I don't think our insurance could handle that fiasco. We barely handled it the first time. Promise me you won't go all Merlin, from [i]Sword in the Stone[/i] on this one."[/color]

[color=orangered]“Yes. Yes no Merlin stuff here see you soon and thanks.”[/color] Finn hung up the phone[color=orangered] “She should be here soon. So tell me what you can figure out about the morian while we wait.”[/color]

They talked more on obscure facts of the Spanish helmet while they waited.

To say that Kaylee was uncomfortable with the instant brush off by Finn was the understatement of the century. Attempting not to panic she quickly forwarded her office calls to her cell. She snatched her cellphone up and headed at a steady clip to Finn’s classroom. Her chocolate brown saddle Oxfords clicking out a sharp rhythm in time to the swish of her high waisted slacks that were a taupe color pinstriped with gold. Her blouse was a chocolate color with cream color cuffs and a Peter Pan collar.

She rounded the corner and opened the door to find them in discussion about a helmet. Of all things a helmet. She rolled her eyes and watched the duo covertly letting the door close quietly behind her.

As Kaylee came in the two were laughing and seemed to be in some debate over the significance of a helmet in tribal culture. After what seemed an eternity to anyone else, although it was only about 20 seconds Finn noticed Kaylee. [color=orangered]“Ah, Professor Everose meet Mathew Frakes he has some rather unique “abilities’ which may be beyond my scope”[/color] There was an obvious emphasis on the word abilities as he spoke and Finn eyes rolled as he said it.

Matt stood as he was introduced. He appeared excited and nervous as if he wasn’t quite sure what was going on. He held out a gloved hand.[color=orange] “Nice to meet you. Professor Finn has told me nothing about you.”[/color] Matt put on one of his fake smiles he used when trying to hide his nerves. It never  worked but it kind of made him feel better.

Kaylee released the hold she had on her abilities and looked from Matt to Finn. They both had an orange aura, which meant that their abilities were similar. Matt’s aura flickered like a candle. His was also more on the yellow end, whereas Finn’s was a deeper orange red.[color=palevioletred] "So not entirely clairvoyant then? He seems more toward the psychic colors. But your powers seem to be more alike than either of you realize. Compatible. You are worried about something else Finn. Out with it. Matt has a right to know."[/color]

She didn't take Matt’s hand. Taking a clairvoyant's hand could potentially harm either you or the clairvoyant. Or in some cases both.[color=palevioletred] "My apologies Matt, not to seem rude but I'm sure you'd like to keep contact to a minimum until you have a better hold on your powers."[/color] She smiled reassuringly at Matt.

Finn leaned back in his chair and smiled [i]This should be fun.[/i] He thought though what said was,[color=orangered] “Matt go ahead and tell her what happens when you touch someone.”[/color] Turning to Kaylee [color=orangered]“He can explain it better than I can but I can tell you with objects he not only sees the stories he projects them somehow. It’s that he goes all rigid that bothers me.”[/color] There was only the slightest bit of amusement in his voice.

Matt took a deep breath. A look crossed his face as if not sure what or how to say what he wanted. He had taken on an uneasy look every time Kaylee had said powers but he had been raised to never interrupt a woman. He rubbed his gloved hands together nervously. [color=orange]“Well ma'am I explained this to Professor Finn here but here goes. If you don’t mind I prefer to call them abilities rather than powers. Power is about strength and abilities just seems more honest. As far as contact goes my abilities require direct skin contact, thus the gloves. I haven’t been around people other than my parents since this started. My Dad has similar abilities but he can’t project and he can turn his off."[/color] he went on to describe his abilities exactly as he had with Finn as well as what they had discussed when Finn was testing him.

Kaylee shot a glare at Finn when Matt mentioned that he had explained this all prior to her walking in. She then afforded Matt her full attention. She nodded as he explained his beliefs and powers or as he liked to call them abilities.[color=palevioletred] "Fascinating. Now about the difference between the two words. Powers verses abilities. Matt, while I truly think your rational has merit, I hope you realize that while we all have the [i]ability[/i] to change the world, few have the [i]power[/i] to actually do it. So both are truly required to make the change. I prefer to think that we are an engine of that change allowing you to grow in both abilities and the power to use them correctly. Or if you'd rather, grow your powers and teach you the ability to use them correctly."[/color]

Kaylee looked over at Finn.[color=palevioletred] "I said no Merlin stuff."[/color] She shook her head then looked back at Matt.[color=palevioletred] "So Matt, why are you here? What do you wish to accomplish? Control? Growth? Both? You don't seem afraid of your pow-abilities much like other students here."[/color]

Finn gave a huff producing a flourish of his mustache but said nothing just looking at Matt.

Matt stood up a little straighter, if obviously forced, in an effort to seem more confident. [color=orange]“If you think I am not afraid of my abilities then you have misread me. I am terrified to touch anyone, but to answer your question regarding what I wish to accomplish. No more than anyone should, what I was raised to do. I wish to live my life to the best of my ability no matter what that means. No matter what I must learn. This I believe is how we gain control, discover new uses , and yes determine how we will respond to the world. So if that means asking for help then I am asking. I can’t go through life not touching other people and I sure can’t go around touching random people in an effort to learn control. I need a safe way to do this. Can you help me?”[/color]

Nodding Kaylee walked over to a desk and sat down in one of the chairs as Matt spoke. When he was finished she stood.[color=palevioletred] "No no Matt. I have known many people afraid of their abilities, with good reason. However what you're describing is the fear of your loss of control. That we can help you with. Everyone fears the loss of control, or they should. Those who don't chase the feeling and don't last long. If you truly feared your abilities you wouldn't be here. But you knew that already didn't you? So control. Comes with time but like I said we can help there. Oh and you'll be taking Philosophy from here on out. You'd make a great addition to my class."[/color]

Just like that it was decided. Matt was already behind in most of his subjects and now he would have to add Philosophy. He had planned on taking eventually just not yet. The rest of the day was filled with note copying and homework.
[/hider]

[hider=Tuesday]
Between class time and studying Matt barely had time for much else. The only thing of note was being notified that he was excused from class on Wednesday and that, instead, he should report to the Danger Room at 9am instead. No end time was given although he had heard this happened from time to time. 

While taking a break from homework to settle his mind and paint some miniatures, Matt realised he was settling in. There was little to no mention of the drama he had initially witnessed when he arrived. Although, to be honest, other than talking with Daniela, that first night, everyone he initially met was older than him and at least grade ahead of him. He felt safe here and hoped that the promised lessons in control would start soon.
[/hider]

[hider=Wednesday Morning (A Real Test)]
[right] 7:00 am - 8:58 am[/right]
Matt awoke early, showered, and got dressed. A hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. He taped the cuffs of the sweatshirt to his gloves so they would not ride up on his arms and put on high topped sneakers. Whatever this Danger Room thing was about, he was prepared for a workout. A light breakfast followed a light jog once around the track before proceeding to the TC.

[right] 8:58 am - 9:00 am [/right]
He stood at the entrance to the danger looking in, before deciding to wait just outside until the last possible second. The frosty one and the loud one were already in there and he did not want to deal with them just yet. Despite telling himself that he wouldn’t let first impressions govern his opinions of others; in truth one he was afraid of and the other had seemed pouty. He did not quite remember what all that was about but personal impressions seemed to last longer than there reasons. He hoped those first impressions were wrong but he wasn’t going to chance it.
[/hider]