Part 2: Ororo
Orientation was very late in the evening; Ariadne had already unpacked and had a silent awkward dinner amongst current students who knew each other extremely well by the time she found herself with the other new arrivals. She was actually rather stunned by the limited number of new comers, at the Institute there was easily thirty new students enrolling each semester, but besides herself there was only one other girl, whom she had earlier discovered would unfortunately be her roommate, and three guys. No one really offered to introduce themselves and so they all sat in silence, the boy's focusing on Ethelinda, the exotic and coarse beauty whom had made it very clear she didn't appreciate having Ariadne as a roommate.
Ariadne was also aware of a man in the room who seemed to be hiding in the shadows in one of the corners, though she could not make out his face he stood in a very brooding manner that caused her to roll her eyes, she couldn't take the mysterious attitude seriously. She was sure her fellow students didn't see him for their eyes hadn't even trailed over to that end of the room; it was only because of Ariadne's keen eye sight she was able to make him out in the darkness but she didn't have any interest.
Consumed with worry over what the other students would think of her it hadn't even occurred to Ariadne what it would be like seeing Ororo again, the more she thought about it the more nervous she became.
It had been nearly five years since Ororo had left Bayville to begin her own school and she hadn't been back since. Ariadne had no bad memories of when Ororo was around, she'd always been the kindest of teachers and a very loving godmother to all the Lebeau children. It had deeply upset Ariadne's mother and father greatly when Ororo just took off and left. Though Ariadne had been young she knew the reason the beautiful queen of weather had departed so quickly, it was no secret she was in love with the families close friend Logan, and it was no secret he was in love with a fellow member of the X-men he could not have. Ororo never resented Jean Grey, only herself for constantly hoping Logan would realize the happily married mother of three would never have him. Though Ariadne wasn't sure of the incident that finally forced Ororo to leave she remembered the tension that had mounted for months between the two had been taking a painful toll on Ororo. From that moment on Ariadne and her siblings were instructed to never mention Ororo in front of Logan and definitely not Logan in front of Ororo.
Ariadne felt herself jump when the sliding silver doors opened, she could sense the same reaction from the others and all hesitated to breathe as Ororo entered the room.
Ororo was like a goddess as she approached the group in her long green sun dress; her white hair illuminating around her beautifully sculpted face. Age seemed to have no effect over her appearance, the only change about her was that her all knowing eyes seemed to have grown yet darker, allowing her to pierce deep into one's soul.
"Hello students," she announced taking a seat at the circular table glancing over everyone with a inquiring stare, "I hope everyone is settled in their rooms and comfortable with their situations."
Ariadne noted how Ethelinda suddenly gave her a quick but deadly glare with her piercing dark green eyes.
Ugh get over it, Ariadne thought to herself, everyone's stuck with a roommate.
"I'm sure your all aware of who I am and what my position is, but as of this moment I am not simply one of your teachers but am now fully responsible for you like a parent, so I recommend you obey my rules and push yourselves during your time here or I will not hesitate to drop you from my program. Now, I take my three rules very seriously and so do the other teachers, the most important rule I have that each student is required to attend every single one of their classes, unless there is a valid excuse. A day missed in class can never be retrieved so for your sake I wouldn't decide to skip and go to the mall. The second rule is that you must keep your GPA above a 3.0 for those of you who will be attending high school, I want my students to not only excel in combat skills but also their studies. My final rule involves curfew, I will not treat you like children and monitor where you are and how late you are out, as soon to be adults you need to learn to manage your own time schedules, but front doors lock at eleven pm Sunday through Thursday's and one am Friday and Saturday. If you're in the building you are in for the night, if you are out no luck getting back in. I feel my rules are very simple to keep, now there are also numerous house rules developed by the staff that must be followed including cleanup and the separation of boys and girls quarters, I expect you to follow these rules as well or you will come and see me. Tomorrow you will receive the handouts including all these rules and it's best to read them so you are able to avoid any major mistakes."
Ororo paused looking the group over to make sure they were keeping up with her fast pace, she was always one for getting the rules over with so that they could move onto introducing each other.
"Now that we have concluded the basics of the rules and I've made myself very clear about the consequences why don't we take some time to get to know one another. If I were in your shoes boys and girls I'd come to be good friends with the people you are sitting next to because for the next year your all going to be spending a lot of time together. So, Zack, would you start us off please by giving us your full name, where you are from, your nickname, and then describing your powers?"
A large smile suddenly lit up the handsome blonde's face as he nodded towards his classmates, "Well, my name is Zack Simmons and I am from Austin Texas. They call me Blade," he said extending his wrist forward allowing a small but sharp blade to slide from his skin, the action reminded Ariadne of the way Logan's blades extended from his fists, but she had the feeling he was not done explaining for he had a mischievous grin on his face.
"That's it?" Ethelinda suddenly spat looking over to examine the blade, "That thing looks like it could barely stab through a pillow."
"Really?" Zack chuckled suddenly turning his fine eyes towards Ariadne who sat directly across the table from him.
Before she could blink Ariadne felt a small gush of wind fly right past her ear slightly moving her hair, followed by a thump on the wall behind her. It took a moment for her to process that he had just launched his blade and she realized if it had been just a little more to the right she would have lost an ear.
"Pretty sure that could go through a skull or two," Zack continued quickly winking at Ariadne who was giving him a death glare before turning his attention back to Ethelinda who had a wide smile on her beautiful face.
"Now things are getting interesting," she commented with a hint of humor in her voice. "My name is Ethelinda, Ethel for short, Ethel Santos. I'm from Arizona and on the battlefield people call me Viperidae."
"Viperantete what?" Zack questioned, "What the hell does that even mean?"
"Means noble snake," Ariadne stated in a very low voice just barely loud enough for others to hear.
"Yea that's it," Ethelinda replied shooting yet another glare at Ariadne, her focus quickly turning back to Zack. The heat between their stare indicated they were both very interested in each other, of course Zack's gaze only rested on her eyes momentarily before moving lower to devouring the sight of her breasts, which were hanging out of her low cut white top.
"Your power would be what exactly?" another one of the boys who had been silent until that moment stated trying to pull Ethelinda's attention from Zack to himself.
She simply smiled as she turned her eyes to her new eye candy, "Literally I am a venomous snake," she said her eyes turning a bright fluorescent green, then suddenly her odd shaped but intriguing lips parted and out slide a very long serpent like tongue. Ariadne was shocked all the guys were able to contain themselves from pouncing on her, for the sudden look of desire in their eyes intensified and it was obvious they were all imagining what she could do with that tongue.
"Thank you Ethelinda," Ororo commented with a small smile crossing her lips, "possibly we will shorten your nickname to Snake for the time being just until we get to know each other better, but let us continue on, let's hear from you Kevin."
"Umm yea," Kevin, the boy who had spoken previously, replied swallowing hard before tearing his eyes from Ethelinda. "My name is Kevin Miles and I'm from Chicago. I don't really have a nickname, I just sort of fly, no wings or anything, my family would call me Falcon as a joke but it really doesn't make any sense."
"Hmm, very interesting," Ariadne heard someone comment but was too distracted staring at Kevin to take notice of whom. Out of the three guys he was definitely her favorite look wise; his hair was a dirty blonde and curly, while his body resembled that of Zack's. However, Kevin was very different because he was missing the cocky jock feature the other boy had and his smile was genuine and adorable.
When Ariadne pulled her eyes from Kevin the final boy was speaking, he was the complete opposite of Zack and Kevin, he was tall, skinny, had glasses, and a pretty bad case of acne, but beneath the outward appearance Ariadne got the feeling he was a nice guy.
"My name is Dylan Craigbom and I'm actually from Colville, born and raised. People always liked to call me Hardhead because when someone hits me it doesn't affect me at all," at this point his voice was shaking from nerves but he continued, "the bullies use to spend hours and hours trying to thrust a hard enough punch to break my nose, but it was always their hands that broke instead."
"Very cool," Kevin said with a big smile.
"No kidding, I'd like to have that power," Zack commented causing the other boy to smile.
At least they are making him feel comfortable, Ariadne thought, a sudden shudder running through her when she saw Ororo nod her way, indicating it was her turn.
"My name is Ariadne Lebeau," Ariadne said hating the fact that everyone's smiles dropped the moment she began to speak, "I'm from Bayville New York and my nickname use to be Strings."
Ethelinda suddenly burst into a short but very mocking laugh, "Strings? Should be something more like Twig Girl."
Ariadne wanted to shoot Ethelinda a dirty look but instead she dropped her eyes to the table and continued speaking as if the other girl hadn't interrupted, "My powers kind of hard to explain, I guess I kinda make string…"
"Psh what good is a power like that!" Ethelinda stated finally receiving disapproving looks from the other students, all of them feeling she was pushing it too far.
"How do you use it?" Zack questioned once again trying to catch the girls maroon eyes but was unsuccessful.
"Well," Araidne said bringing her hands up and softly running them over each other briefly before observing a red string she knew the others could not visibly see, "No one else has ever seen it but I can create this red string in my mind and I just use it."
She could tell Zack was about to ask another question but Ariadne suddenly flicked her wrist sending the string where she wanted it to go and pulled both Zack and Ethelinda's chairs forward until they were against the table.
"Dang, it's like you have an invisible lasso! What a unique power!" Dylan cried as he watched the mutants from across the table have to rearrange their chairs.
"Alright," Ororo broke in catching the young student's attention, "you will have plenty of time to get to know each other better I promise, but I fear there is someone here who is very important but has yet to be noticed. I'd like to introduce you to your first year teacher, whose methods and behaviors might seem rather odd but he will train you well, let me present my good friend Marcius," as Ororo concluded she indicated towards the area where Ariadne had noticed the man beforehand.
When their future teacher stepped out of the shadows Ariadne couldn't help but instantly wonder how he could possibly be a teacher when he looked only a few years older than his students. She wasn't sure whether it was because of his age or his looks but she was having a problem drawing her eyes away from him.
Ethelinda's gasp indicated she had the same thoughts going through her head and as much as Ariadne wanted to be mature about it her eyes would not move from away from him. He was tall, very tall, easily towering over herself and his features from head to toe were dark and rugged. His hair was a jet black and cascaded in loose curls down to his shoulders, while his eyes were a very stern yet beautiful brown. She had always considered her brothers to have very harsh features but this man Marcius was the very definition of harsh, which is partially why Ariadne felt herself drawn to him.
However, when he suddenly met her eyes with his own she had no problem returning her gaze back to the table, his next few words were about her and she had to hide a blush of embarrassment that threatened to paint her cheeks red.
"No worries Storm," he said in his deep and intoxicating voice, "I was noticed, just not acknowledged."
Turning back to the students he began circling the table taking in each person with a cold glare, almost like he was trying to discover their faults and preparing for a harsh judgment. He laid his eyes on Ariadne no longer than anyone else and she was very grateful for that, she felt she had more imperfections than the others and couldn't bear to have him stare at her.
"Marcius will be your instructor for two of your three daily classes," Ororo continued, "he specializes in hand to hand combat, which is what he will be teaching for your first year, as well as ancient weaponry for the advanced students. Your class with him will be after school from 3:30 until 5 Monday through Friday, followed by an individual half an hour class for critique. Now your beginner's weaponry class with me is everyday of the week from 5 to 6:30 am, I trust you will all arrive on time and ready to work."
Though there was not a hint of enthusiasm to be found in the young group's eyes they all nodded already understanding how important it was they be prepared.
"I'm very glad everyone understands and is willing to follow my rules, I guarantee that not a moment of your time at my school will go to waste. That is all I have to say about rules and regulations, I believe Marcius has a fun activity planned for everyone this evening so I will let him take over."
"I will see you all tomorrow in Danger Room 3 at 5 am sharp," Ororo said taking one last look at Ariadne before departing the room.
Ororo had never been so eager to get through an Orientation in all her years of running the school like she had tonight. Much as she adored her goddaughter, whom she'd have to be extra careful not to give special treatment above the other students in the classroom, and all her godchildren, she was still not ready to be reminded of her life back at Xavier's.
After glancing at Ariadne for the first time in the flesh for five years a lovely memory came flooding back to Ororo. The gardens at Xavier's were so beautiful during mid-summer and that's where Logan had been playing with young Ariadne one afternoon when Ororo decided to bring the joyful pair a pitcher of fresh lemonade. Though Logan was a man with the blood of hundreds on his hands when he held the young child he took such great care that it melted Ororo's heart and from that day on she'd sent herself down a road of misery by falling in love with him.
However, as the Orientation progressed she began remembering the not so pleasant memories and constantly had to touch the tiny scar on her throat that felt like it was once again open and on fire. She'd never be able to forget how her throat fit perfectly between Logan's two outer razors, the middle just barely pressing to her throat. Though it had done no serious damage the weight of the blade had drawn blood, trailing down her smooth neck like warm liquid fire.
When Ororo finally reached her quarters she was determined not to open the wounds of the past, she was now in control of her feelings and had a new life with many great responsibilities. She didn't have time to think about a man who brought about his own misery and refused the help of others. However, that night she couldn't dream of anything else, deep down she was and always would be very much in love with Logan.
(BREAK)
Fun activity? Ariadne thought to herself as she fell straight to the danger room floor when Marcius announced they were allowed to have a break, I beg to differ!
Ariadne's classmates followed her action and joyfully rested on the floor. Even Zack who looked like he was the type use to intense exercise seemed to have the wind knocked out of him, which made Ariadne feel better because she'd kept up with him through their three mile run. However, when they began an extreme form of pilates Ariadne had never been exposed to at Xavier's she felt like her whole body was going to tear in two. The only person who participated and was barely breaking a sweat was Marcius; in fact he was showing the class how weak they were by continuing his workout while the rest took a break.
"Alright class," Marcius announced finally ending his series of pushups, approaching the group with a delightful but evil smile, "that was your warm up, let's get to the fun part, everyone pair up."
Ariadne suddenly felt her blood run cold, she couldn't believe Marcius was just having them fight with no instruction or preparation. Well, she could believe it, she just feared everyone would see how completely useless she was when it came to hand on hand combat. She knew it would have to come sooner or later but she hadn't expected it on the very first day.
Everyone including Marcius paired up for round one, Ariadne was first up against Kevin, whom she was very grateful went easy on her and took her down in the gentlest manner possible given the situation.
Dylan, whom was just as tall and nearly as skinny as she was, exceeded her own skills by far but he was also merciful in his attack. Ariadne could tell he was enjoying it since there were very few people he could take out, so going up against someone worse than himself boosted his ego. Lucky Dylan, Ariadne thought to herself as they switched off again.
When Ariadne began with Zack he had a strange look in his eye she couldn't quite understand, at first she thought it was anger, but she began to see his pleasure in pinning her down and watching her struggle helplessly. He was polite enough to let her loose just enough so that she repeatedly could escape, but it was just a matter of seconds before he had her trapped again.
Ariadne was happy she'd managed to keep her face intact thus far but feared that would be over the moment she was paired with Ethelinda, who seemed to have some sort of natural grudge against her. As bad as it would have been fighting Ethelinda it suddenly became even worse when she saw Marcius strolling over for his turn.
I'm going to die my very first night here, Ariadne thought to herself as she silently positioned herself in the strongest defense pose she knew, which was not very strong at all. She was sure that fear was apparent in her eyes but that didn't stop her component as he charged forward fists hungry for a punch.
Throwing her arms to her face Ariadne felt herself block at least one punch that had been aiming for the right side of her face, instead bruising her arm. During the time it took Marcius to re-pose she jumped back and was on her toes ready to kick if necessary.
As Marcius dove for her yet again Ariadne was able to bend just in time to miss another punch and she was about to throw a kick at his knees that would knock his feet out from under him, but just as she was about to position herself she suddenly felt two very strong arms grab a hold of her. One was around her waist while the other under her arm, which when she was spun away from him was especially painful for her arm.
"Sloppy poses and slow reaction time, very disappointing," Marcius commented tightening his hold.
Now with the threat of having her arm broken off Ariadne wasn't sure what she should do, Marcius wasn't going to show her any mercy like her last opponents. She was tightly pressed against his body and now both her arms were completely useless, she wanted to scream defeat, but he refused to let go as if he was waiting for her to try something.
Ariadne knew she shouldn't stoop to such cheap tricks especially when she was up against such a skilled fighter but she was out of options and stomped her foot roughly against his, causing him to groan and loosen his grip enough for her to escape. She barely was free when she was suddenly pushed back against one of the walls and found a rough hand pressed against her neck, she felt her feet dangling off the floor and attempted to pull his hand away with her own but found it to be unsuccessful.
"Maybe if you'd eat something every now and then," Marcius snapped at her through clenched teeth, "maybe you would weight more than a five year old!"
Angered Ariadne suddenly pushed her back as far as she could against the wall and extended her knee knocking her opponent right in the gut. It wasn't a very forceful kick but enough to make him drop her to the ground, unfortunately he was prepared and she was not. She remembered too late to block yourself after coming out of your opponents grip and before she could blink Ariadne felt a forceful hit to her face followed by a small but hot streak of blood spill from her nostril.
Marcius finally dropped his arms and stepped away; watching Ariadne pathetically try to wipe the blood away.
"Major rookie mistake," Marcius barked his scowl hot enough to burn through metal, "one of many. I expected a little more from someone trained at the Xavier's Institute."
Ariadne wasn't able to reply, all she could do was lower her eyes in defeat. It was her first day and already she was making an idiot of herself and she still had one more opponent to go. It was obvious Ethelinda was already giving her a burning death glare, kicking the very little motivation she had left down the gutter.
"Alright, that's enough for tonight," Marcius stated ignoring Ethelinda's sudden look of disappointment, "everyone is dismissed."
Ariadne let out a long deep sigh of relief; she wouldn't have her face ripped off by Ethelinda's blood red nails just yet.