[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 [/h2][/center][hr][center][h3]Interactions & Mentions: [@Silver Carrot],[@Fallenreaper], [@Chev],[@ViolentViolet]
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[hider=Corollary of Failure]
Matt woke early Thursday morning and went for a run before the sun was even a glimmer on the horizon. He needed to clear his head. The failure in the Danger Room weighing on him like an anvil. It was obvious that he wasn’t as ready as he thought. Not that he minded failing, but failure left unresolved was still failure years later. He couldn’t just rely on his abilities to get him through everything. It still took a lot out of him; although being able to go straight to a memory was going to be useful. Matt needed more out of himself. It wasn’t as if he was in bad shape, but there was definitely room for improvement. Endurance, both physical and mental is what he needed. That and a real sense of confidence in himself and those around him. Right now that was shattered. Unfairly, he admitted to himself as he started another lap. It had been quickly apparent they didn’t know enough about each other to have successfully operated a lemonade stand. He started taking mental notes on what he had learned from the experience.

[color=orange][center][indent][i]Heidi, appeared to be knowledgeable but seemed to have difficulty focusing on more than one situation at a time. Jasper apparently has something to do with computer stuff but seemed to want to tackle everything herself. Daniela, a power house of electrical ferocity, a good soldier although I still don’t know what happened after we went upstairs. Veronica, seemed more interested in making excuses for why she couldn’t use her abilities than actually trying. Even when we tried to be helpful she kept slinging insults and trying to belittle everyone. I didn’t help matters. I lacked the confidence to take charge. I tried to force the decisions on others. If we lacked cohesion it was as much my fault as anyone else's. So what do I do about this? The only one I can fix is myself. I need a workout program and I need to learn how to fight. [/i][/indent][/center] 

“You can ask for help, but people can and will often say no if you can’t stand on your own.” [/color] The last part said aloud as he finished his last lap and started walking to the showers. Those were his dad's words. He never quite understood them until now.
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[hider=A Duel With Duality]
Over the next few days Matt added to his morning routine. Alternating weights and aerobic machines although he hadn’t seen the results he felt them. He hurt a little afterwards but had more energy throughout the day. He had bought one of those collapsable staves and in the afternoons he drilled relentlessly out behind the school on the green. Professor North saw him on Saturday and suggested he book time in the Danger Room for that. Also, Professor Finn apparently had loaned her some items from his personal collection for Matt to practice his abilities on when he was ready. Matt was glad for the opportunity although the items would have to wait. 
This morning after his run instead of his recently added aerobic routine he went to the Danger Room excited to see how much he had learned with the staff. As he entered, there was a table with a single bowl on it just inside the door.
[color=hotpink] “Welcome Mathew, before I bring up the training program. I do need to see what Professor Finn had for breakfast last Tuesday.”[/color] Matt set the staff down on the table and removed a glove. Touching the bowl, Matt braced himself for the nausea and quickly discovered That Professor Finn had in fact had Frosted Shredded Wheat©. Matt then picked up the staff and extended. There was an odd sensation of duality which he attributed to the nausea. 

[color=orange]“Ok, Ready when you are.”[/color] He said as he took his stance. To Professor North there appeared to be tracers to Matt’s movement. Not knowing if he was doing this on purpose, Professor North started the training program. It was simply a single man sized robot.

As it advanced on him Matt started spinning the staff back and forth, it seemed almost a solid wall as the staff seemed to follow itself when in motion. Matt was dizzy but still moving swaying left to right as he rhythmically shifted balance. Once the robot was in range Matt let loose with a series of strikes he thought might put it off balance. The staff just bounced off the robot's shell. Matt stepped back, the tracer of himself becoming visible to him for the first time, as the robot's arm came crashing through him. Matt froze for the briefest moment then tossing the staff straight up he caught the end with both hands and ducked in spinning motion to land the full force of the staff on the knee joint toppling the robot. Standing he took advantage and brought the butt of the staff down on its chest. As quickly as it had started the exercise was over.

[color=hotpink]“Well it looks like next time we can proceed to level two. I didn’t realise you could move while projecting though?”[/color] Professor North made the last part a question as she cleared the program and jotted down some notes.

[color=orange]“Neither did I.”[/color] Matt responded staring at his ungloved hand in bewilderment.
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