Breakfast ~nextday...

[Diesel]

Ian looked from Niki to the gruff gym teacher, confused as to what was going on. Niki looked paler than usual, which he didn't think was possible, and she kind of looked like she just did something really bad. "Aw come on babe, I don't think you're in that much trouble. I mean, it's Wolverine, you're like his favorite student's best friend. He'll probably just warn you to not do it again, whatever it is, and you'll be good." He helped her out of her seat and gave her a gentle push toward Wolverine. "Go on babe, it'll be worse if ya keep him waiting. I been in trouble with him before, so don't keep 'im waiting," Ian said with an encouraging smile, a bit concerned on what his girl did to get a look on that face. He didn't think she'd get in that much trouble, so he wasn't too worried.

"Sorry about that Kevin. I just couldn't sleep well so I needed a workout, but you been working out enough with me to handle it on your own. Plus I kinda wanted a swim." He shrugged, not really all that apologetic since he needed that time to focus and think without playing trainer and entertaining anyone. Plus the swim helped ease his mind big time and calmed him down. It was probably the only reason that he was able to go pick up Niki with a clear head.

"Besides, I gotta finish up the history thing and get Ivy to check it over for me before Cyke's class later. Might as well get an early start so it works out for me,"Ian said and shoved some more bacon in his mouth, glancing at the kitchen door outside the cafeteria to check when Niki would come back. "Plus, now I can load up on food and not worry about getting sick while workin' out cause I ate too much." He had a big grin on his face while he had another piece of bacon. "Mmm Bay-CON!"

[Haven]

Oh Papi, if it was only that I was in trouble. She looked back at her table of friends, some tighter than others, and thought about what the next few steps would mean. I would trade the worst trouble I was ever in.. times ten ..to get good news right about now. Her hand went up to her mouth as she walked closer, fingers moving over soft, full, lips as her mind wouldn't stop fighting with her over how to handle what she was about to face.

"What happened?" Niki asked him as soon as she got close enough to talk and not be heard by the rest of the whole damn cafeteria. She wasn't sure she would be able to contain herself from yelling at first but when the words came out they were little more than a raspy whisper. Fear for her beloved friend, and the uncertainty of what Wolverine might do or say, choking the words tight in her throat.

"I- I mean God" she was finding her voice. As it came back stronger with each word her face turned into a snarl, a mask to hide behind "just say it already. What? Are ya tryin to torture me here or some shit!?!" Logan was the scariest teacher, the scariest person, she probably ever stood face to face with and shot attitude at, aside from Sabretooth, but right now it wasn't an attitude of defiance. It was more a way of protecting her own emotions with anger and she almost wanted him to lash out at her. It would be far better than hearing how her friend died fighting some skeevie rapist in some dank alley.

[Decay]

"I knew I liked her, Disney may have a band of woodland animals on her trail, but she's sharp," Sky said before yawning and stuffing bacon in her mouth. She was on her second can of Red Bull and was still tired as hell. As far as she was concerned, there was no life before 10am, and of course Veronika made them all get up early as all hell to have the damn meeting. Granted it did help them figure out the various ways of getting back at the now literally blue piece of crap, but Sky's main concern now was to finish breakfast and get her butt back to bed.

"Don't worry Short Stuff, she'll get everything she's got coming and more. Kris's obsessive picture taking of our resident sexy psycho is gonna seriously come in handy," Sky said with a smirk downing the last of the Red Bull before she smothered her eggs and bacon in hot sauce. "See Dor, here's something for you to learn, you gotta stay sharp when we do these little pow wows this god damn early in the ^%$#ing morning. Ya miss something and your screwed. Next time I'll share some of my energy here." The Red Bull can turned into dust when she picked it up, the ceiling fan that ran blew it away.

"Hey Titless, look alive. I know we ain't having a tea party and talking about our feelings like you wanted, but at least the down and dirty way will you know, make a point." Sky threw a roll at Lian's head and stuffed a mixture of bacon and eggs in her mouth. "Needs cheese. Next time kid, get it with cheese. And banana peppers," she said to reMOVE before digging into her food. "We'll launch it later, I think she got detention later today for you know, going psycho. We'll put our little plan into action then." Her voice was low for only her table to hear since she had no intention of spreading Paragon business.

[Wolverine]

"Eh?" Logan didn't get what was wrong with this kid. She seemed a little high strung, too high strung to be his girl's friend, and on her, mixed with the scent of his Angel Eyes, he could smell the fear. "Hold on kid. Whatta ya mean torture you? I ain't here ta yell at ya or make ya run laps."

Logan looked at her stance and the sound of her breathing and her heartbeat was something he knew well. She was gearing up inside herself for a fight. "What the hell's wrong with you?" His gaze shot around the room quickly to make sure no one was looking directly at him and then he grabbed her by the arm just above the elbow "C'mere an settle down." He pulled her into the kitchen.

With a rough release of her arm he set her loose with a slight push to back her up to the counter and change her focus. "Look, I don't know what'sa matter with you and I don't really care right now.. all I want from ya is some information. Where's yer room mate? I told her to stay put." He looked around the kitchen.

"She's like clockwork. She should be here, right here in this kitchen" he pointed a finger straight down at the floor "but the closest thing to her smell is what's lingering on you since the two of you share a room... and since you share a room, you gotta know..." He took a step closer "Where's Ember?"

[Haven]

"WhA!?!" Niki's head cocked to the side a little and her snarl turned to a look of confusion. "Whadda ya mean 'Where's Ember'?" She mimicked Logan's gruff grumble in a mocking way. "You mean she.. you..? You didn't pull me in here to..?" It was then that the doorbell rang out it's muffled tone. From the kitchen the pair heard it but knew that others were closer.

Besides, they had business to deal with. Whoa Niki- he's just as confused as you are.. look at his eyes. They're searchin you for a hint, a clue to what you're thinking.. don't give it to him. Just maintain your calm. Breathe.. All the hours and hours of yoga were not just wonderful for her physique but they honed her will, made her patient, when she wanted to be- or had to be, to save her behind. "Look I don't know where she is. She's-"

But I gotta come clean with him.. don't I? "- she..." No way, if she didn't come back with him, and he's askin where she is then that means he never even saw her. She can do what she wants she's an X-man now.. but what about Sabretooth "I don't know what to tell you." Do I spill my guts? I didn't swear to keep it a secret, but she was supposed to find him. He's supposed to know she left- she went to be with HIM for Christ's sake.. aww hell, I'm no good with judgement calls "You're supposed to know where she is, she's supposed to be WITH YOU!"

The look on his face was a shattered mosaic of anger and shame and confusion and regret. The sound of footsteps running into the kitchen from the hall made Niki turn to look. Heavy breathing and blonde ponytail flying she saw her team mate Taffy running at near full tilt into the room. "Where the hell's the fire Ricki?"

[Wolverine]

"Hey! Easy girl. Slow down." Logan reached out and caught the Acolyte by her shoulders as she came running up, wild eyed and breathless. He didn't waste much attention on the blonde as what Haven had said to him was all he could focus on.

"With ME!?! With Me? She AIN'T supposed ta be with me, I TOLD her to stay put. And that meant not to leave here. Who told her she could-" the blonde fidgeting in his arms wanted loose so he looked back and let go "You just slow down missy, ain't there a rule about runnin in the house?"

He turned back to Niki "Did Cyclops say she could -?" The tapping on his shoulder made him turn back "~WHAT?~" and snap at Ricki "Can't you see I'm talkin here? This what they teach you kids now? Running in the house, yea sure- go for it.. and just go on and interrupt grown folks when they're speakin? HUH?" He barked the last bit at her, doing his best to shoo her away.

"Where was I?" He turned back to Niki "Oh yea, You knew she left.. She tell anybody else?" The sound of Niki's heart skipping a beat told him his answer "Oh just great.. did YOU tell any- *grrr* -stupid question.. you didn't even want to tell me." He shook his he and then snapped it to face Ricki again "WHAAAT!!!?" He had done his best to ignore her and to scare her off and to ignore her again, but the girl was consistently persistent- tapping and stuttering fragments of sounds that might have been words, but Logan didn't feel like playing games right then.

"Do you have some kind of something important you need? Or are you just trying to make me mad? Cause either way it's too late- I'm already Mad! What do you WANT girl?" He got his answer as she wrapped her hand and arm up and around his arm and tugged for all she was worth pulling him into the rec-room with a shocked Haven following close behind. He went with it, intrigued by her bravado and tenacity, and the trio were met with the faces of their fellow mutants plus one. He was just some strange kid.. a townie from the smell of him. "Alright! What's the big deal?" at that Dante thumbed the play button.

[Ripple]

In all honestly, Lian wasn't in the best of moods. She thankfully had her coffee that morning and had to since Veronkia requested a meeting. Once the meeting was over, Lian had a real desire to punch something; preferably something with blue hair. Veronika always had a way with words and it never really clicked with Lian as to why. But presently she didn't care. Frostbite was a bitch and she had to pay. Sky and Chase were right when it came to being rational and logical with the Acolyte in green. She was already given more than one chance. The several attacks on her fellow Paragons... not a good way to have the team get your back.

Lian grabbed the roll and bit on it, making a loud chewing noise on purpose. "Ehh *chew chew chew* what's up bitch?" she asked in her best Bugs Bunny impression. It was the only joke coming out of her mouth for the time being. "This Frostbite thing can't wait dude. We need to make her realize that she F*CKED up BIG time and we need to do that NOW!" She downed her coffee, it being her fourth one of the morning and looked toward reMOVE. "Hey Proby," she said while dangling her coffee cup in front of him. "Another refill please and help yourself to one." She enjoyed her nickname for the new guy since he technically was in a probationary period. That was what was needed to be a Paragon; at least in Lian's eyes. Until you proved yourself to be a true Paragon, you were just a Proby.

[Aqua]

The envelope that Kevin gave Heather made her raise and eyebrow. It was a bit weird and she didn't hesitate to open it up. It contained a coupon for five "making you bed for free" check boxes. She couldn't help but feel both happy and weirded out by the gesture, but she could understand it was Kevin's way for apologizing. She couldn't bring it upon herself to completely trust and accept the Acolyte as a possible friend, however she could forgive him. She made a mental note to thank him later and placed the coupon back in the envelope. "It's nothing," she said to Jasper and Lurai, thinking they were probably curious as to what the note was.

Heather sipped her orange juice and smiled. She was glad that Jasper was at least being a bit humorous and somewhat open with her. Nodding slowly, she continued eating her breakfast and said "Sure." She was going to history class and then team practice after dinner. She also needed to meet up with Johnny and help him with tutoring while Rogue's class was going on. So that meant she would be able to spend some time with Jasper during lunch, class, dinner, practice and even afterward. "I have something to do after breakfast but we can definitely start our 'hang out" at lunch time. Sound alright?"

The commotion near the Acolyte area was a bit distracting. Wolverines abrupt appearance and disappearance made Heather do a double take. But everything seemed fine so she just returned her focus on her group. Veronika and the Paragons were having their own team thing going on and Heather understood than more than anything. The New Mutants were a family, a pack and they knew everything about brotherhood and sticking up for one another. It was the basis for how their team functioned. Riker was definitely a good pack leader. It was in his blood afterall.

Heather sighed softly in response to Lurai's implied question. "We're fine," she replied. "It's just better that we stay friends. He's not the commitment type and I can respect that." She finished her orange juice and hoped that Lurai would drop the subject. The good thing was that the water manipulator wasn't so upset about it anymore as she was the previous day. It seemed that Veronika knew exactly what to say to make her feel much better. But Heather convinced herself that she needed to at least tell Gavin she was alright. She did want to and couldn't lose their friendship over something so minuscule. He was upfront with her front with her in the beginning, but she believed (like most girls do) that she could change his mind.

[Puppy~Love]

Remembering herself, Lurai wiped her mouth clean with a napkin. Her face and mouth were starting to get messy from stuffing her face while her teammates talked. Ears twitching at Heather's answer to her question, Lurai's eyes shot to the side to look at Heather. It seemed things had not worked out between the two and Heather wasn't all that happy about it. In passing she seemed more upset about it yesterday, but it seemed to bother her even still. There was the thoughtful process that Lurai could go through in considering thinking about what had happened, but the bottom line was that Gavin had ended up hurting Heather. That would not fly well with Lurai.

Her eyes flashed with slight anger. "What did he do to you? You are not alright, I saw you yesterday and you are not up to full par now," she said, her head turning to look at the blonde, who if she was paying more attention didn't want to talk about it, but Lurai's regard for that was becoming less important. "What happened? Where is he? I am going to gnaw his wings off," she said, putting down the piece of bacon in her hand as if she had just taken off proverbial earrings before a fight. "He does not hurt you and get away with it. Oh, his wings are mine. And wait until I tell Riker," she said, the protective instinct for her pack kicking in. She twitched her nose, looking to nab the bird-boy's scent in the air as she started to rise from her seat, her beloved bacon and plate of almost-eaten breakfast forgotten.

[Aqua]

"NO, No Lurai I'm FINE," she retorted. Heather quickly placed her hand upon the wolf's shoulder, telling her to sit back down. "Don't do anything," she continued in a pleading manner. "Don't tell Riker. If you have to talk to him tell him I'm fine." Heather hated drama and even though it is very unavoidable within the school, she at least did her best to avoid being in it, let alone start it. "Lurai it happens. Some people just can't be in a relationship like that. I appreciate you're concern, really I do. Please stop glaring and being angry. I promise you I'm fine and I'll be fine. I just need a bit more time to get over it. He's still my best friend." She looked around hoping that the little stunt didn't bring any attention to them from the rest of the school.

She could understand and see how bothered Lurai was. And even though Heather objected to her teammate wanting to have BirdBrain for breakfast, she was more than thankful that her friend was being there for her. Lurai was the protective sister that Heather never had and even though they weren't as close as she was with Ana or Jasper, Lurai was still family. "Some partners aren't a good match you know?" Heather tried to explain the concept of dating to Lurai in Laymen's terms. Not to exactly dumb down the explanation, but to have Lurai relate to it from her own experiences: like wolves finding a suitable mate.

[Hoax]

Dor looked down at the Jello as it wiggled on the plate, his nose wrinkled. “Well, you heard him. He hates you.” Without another glance at the green goo he slid it down the table and it came to rest in front of Lain. “Hey darlin, shove that down your bra. Ain’t as good as the real thing but beggars can’t be choosers, can they?” He winked lazily and went back to his own breakfast and the people around him. It was a delightful change to eat and not hear his food begging for mercy or cursing him off as he chewed. He nodded slightly to Tia as she finished explaining the whole ‘Frostbite Situation’ in detail.

“She sounds like a shipwreck to me, darlin.” His tone was infused with disgust at the thought of someone attacking the gorgeous little redhead or her quiet shadow like some sort of deranged animal. Eyes hooded he chased his breakfast around his plate with his fork, mulling it all over. He didn’t hold much for a mob mentality, but Dor did see where someone who routinely attacked their teammates would be a point of contention. When you were supposed to trust your team, someone who flipped out and threw tantrums… well, he understood. Suddenly not hungry, he shoved his plate away and sat back, his hands laced behind his head.

>Don’t be dramatic,< his glasses chastised lightly. >This is a new place. A new start. Now behave yourself and smile.< Dor rolled his eyes but his sleepy smile returned as he watched reMOVE head back to the food station.

“Hey, fella. Grab me an orange juice, while you’re up.”

[Fleet]

Kyle shook his head at the new guy tellin the other new guy what to do, but he didn't bother to look down the table at him. It was stupid to pick at that burr since he wouldn't gain anything but animosity from others and he was just getting back into the whole team feel. He let it go but made a mental note of how Dor expected to be included 'just like that'. He wondered if things would pan out for either of the new joins, but he didn't really care, times were tough and he had to look out for number one so he let it drop and just sat back to watch what happened.

Near as he could figure from all the talk that Chase had given him was that Frostbite was going to get what was coming to her, and as for paybacks on what all she'd done, well he was with the team. He was a fair guy, but that sort of thing didn't sit well with him. Attacking your own team mates and being cheap about it was no better than his old pal Haven. After all she did to him and the school in general he didn't get why she was left to walk the halls freely. He'd heard about her punishments but since he wasn't there for them it was like she never paid her dues at all to Kyle's eyes.

Nodding at all that was being said he offered his two cents. "So what happens after she gets what's comin to her? I mean, do we want to keep her or what? It's not like we have a choice, right? Or do we?" It was something he wasn't sure anyone had gone far enough in their thinking to look at. "I know this is only phase one, so don't tell me there's more to it. I'm talkin about the broken shell we leave there when it's all over. We gonna want that?" The girl was a piece of work, but he had to admit that she was pretty powerful and she had changed quite a lot since he'd first met her. He wondered if there was anyplace for her on the team if she could survive what they had for her to make a turnaround and blend in.

"Oh and yeah, I told him to just keep his mouth shut and do what he has to. Check it-" He pointed to Vincent who hadn't complained even once yet. If the kid was tough enough to survive the 'initiation' he turn into a hell of a Paragon. He wondered if glasses with the southern accent would do as well if he had to endure what the little guy was gonna go through and then he shrugged off the thoughts. He kept telling himself he didn't care, and to look out for himself as he went back to his meal keeping his attention on his team mates.

[Ripple]

"How 'bout I shove it down you're throat?" she retorted seriously but sarcasitally. Lian actually liked Dor. He seemed to have a good attitude and he was cocky as hell, hence why she liked him right away. He was a suitable Paragon. And even though he was new and somewhat in a probationary period, he didn't need to be initiated as much as that Vince kid. She looked at the young Paragon and nodded her head in approval as he was getting her coffee and the Georgian's orange juice. Now her attention was back to her team.

"Listen, I don't give a shit if you douches think she deserves it or not and if you have guilty feelings or whatever. I was willing to give her a chance but after all the shit she's pulled... She doesn't give a shit about us man so why give a shit about her?" Lian made sure to avoid swishing the jello as she hit the table with her fist. "I'm tired of this waiting too. C'mon I'll even do the damn deed let's just get this bitch back!" She looked over to Sky, Chase, Veronika and the rest of her team. Sitting around and talking about the plan wasn't as fun as executing it and Lian was ready to do what was needed.

[Allure]

"Patience Lian, patience is key," Veronika said tossing her hair over her shoulder as she dipped her fruit in her yogurt. She was feeling quite smug at the moment, enjoying how with a couple of words, she had her entire team out for blood. Not that they'd ever know it, especially with the show of her sapphire eyes widening in perfectly imitated fear when mentioning the idea that she was scared to be frozen again. It was a delightful feeling to see the rage and bloodlust form on the faces of her Paragons, even sweet little Tia and Dor whom had only arrived for a day.

Working with Emma Frost had certainly paid off for the little red head, especially that Veronika was quite dedicated to practicing all that she was taught on her own whenever she could. The walls around her thoughts had slowly grown stronger and harder to bypass overtime. She experimented with muddled thoughts that Emma said would confuse any psychic that tried to take over her mind, and she was also building blocks in her mind to guard certain memories and knowledge, which Emma asked her to practice.

Many did not realize how dedicated Veronika was to honing and mastering her power. She practiced during practically every class while acting as if she was interested, she practiced at night, and sometimes she even practiced while just relaxing with friends. She was quite the determined little woman, and shame on anyone that would mistaken her to not have the same ambition as her own mother and father. "We will strike very soon, but everything must be perfect and organized. Chase, Kris darling," Her sapphire eyes turned to the two boys on her team that she knew and made sure would take a bullet for her without hesitation. "After breakfast, I suggest going to the computer room and making as many copies of the picture as possible. Lian, what I think would help, as we discussed, is you actually try to have her think we want to help her, get through to her like you originally intended so she will feel secure. And do try and keep your temper."

Veronika winked at the Oriental girl and looked over to Sky. "Sky darling, I think at that time it would be wise to pick the lock in her room, perhaps set some of your own traps that you are so clever at. Maybe take Dor along so he may see how things are done, perhaps even aid you. Tia, I presume that you still have the key to your old bathroom, and you know what to do for that." She smiled at the young angered Paragon and looked over at Chase innocently, needing to keep him in the position of leader. "That is how we said it would work yes Chase? Do you need me to do anything?" She smiled at him adoringly, charming him further under her spell.

[FreezeFrame]

"Right, that is exactly how we said it kiddo! You got it. Kris you're with me after breakfast." He thought for a second about what that might be like as he wiped the gravy from his lips with the back of his hand and then licked it off. "Yeah, and since you're askin 'V', I got something that could use your touch." Chase said looking down the table at Veronika. "Cause you seem to have a good grasp on my plans, sorry, the plans" he felt the burn of the stares from the eyes of those who had contributed ideas he had picked through "and you got a feel for what I want the grand scheme of this to work out to be, I need you to take a hands on approach and be our coordinator in all this. I know it's a lot for me to ask of you kiddo, but hey you might make me proud and then we'll see what happens for you on the team."

Chase had no clue he was a puppet dictator, and that Veronika was running the show. For all he knew she was just one of the team that was a bit more clever and devious than she let on, and since he'd recently started talked more with her about ideas and schemes it was apparent to him she knew which end of the cat shat. It was a good thing as far as he was concerned since Lian wasn't much help with this last 'issue' and Sky's ideas were sorta predictable and far too close to his own. He didn't want to have the team to miss something for not having a diverse group of minds working on what problems they might have to face in the future. If Veronika kept it up he was thinking he might give her more responsibility.

"So for now I don't want to give you more than you can handle. I know this kind of thing is new to you and all, but I believe you can handle this little bit." He grinned at her. She was a breath of fresh air in the room and his team was fortunate to have her to look at when they felt like a little pick me up. She was better than Sky's Red Bull as far as Chase was concerned. "Just keep me informed how it's going and I'll dole out the tasks when we meet. We'll keep the ball rolling and any other ideas that the gang comes up with along the way you pass on up to me and we might talk about em some. You just pass the word back and forth to everyone and as usual stay pretty doin it."