The Challenge (Open)

[Gabriel Seran]

ooc: This thread will be statless for the sake of all parties feeling equal and I'll be setting ground rules at the bottom so theres a common interest at the end result without anything on the line aside from character misdirection.

The nicely tailored man entered Public High School #774 today, The air of pride, power, and intelligence hung about him like a steady aroma. His attire was represented by his Armani suit and dress pants, golden cuff links hinged at the end of each arm. Hands carrying a case of a foreign material something to be cautious of. His hands marked with slashes, evidently the boy hand been busy this week. Test subjects perhaps.

He'd been called many things in his life, A manipulator, cunning, A monster, Malicious. All things true yet all things false. It came with the turf of being who he was, ambitious and never satisfied with the status quo. To be stagnant and still was to be weak and used. Gabriel knew that quite well he was his own master and grew as did the wind and nature itself.

"Mr. Durand, If I'm not imposing I'd like to use a bit of school yard equipment, not to mention the school grounds themselves for a bit of a training exercise today."

"...Alright, just keep things in one peace, wouldn't want Tyrone popping his head in asking what the mischief is about."

"Well actually sir I've already okay-ed things through him."

The click of his phone being sidled into his pocket as Gabriel ended the call. A wry smirk to his face predicting the course of today's events as he did so. There were a few things to take into consideration, for one he knew that the 259 transfers here would be put on edge considering the direction today would go it, they knew all too well what Gabriel's plans led up to. However the other's were a fair bit more unpredictable. He'd read their files conspicuously looking for weak points, jumping to psych evaluations. They were intriguing to follow. But thats where most of the fun was. A challenge.

From his pocket Gabriel picked out a bit of a powder substance trickling it along the floor, something of a bread trail perhaps. Always wanting to allude to a higher purpose as his riddles and games became maddening. Next the thought of leverage came into play. Yes, he knew few of these people to have enough weight over them but he figured the surveillance tapes would give them away to be exactly who they were. If their masks were up they'd be revealed by muscle movement evident through a trained observer. Gabriel had been waiting for this game to be played for all too long. Time to have a bit of fun.

Of site Gabriel lingered inside a "surveillance room" earlier having wired security cameras all across the school to keep tabs on his lab rats. He expected now was the time to play the first round of the game.

*Rings*

Calling forth for the first period to be in session. Gabriel sat back in his elaborate master's chair a cup of water in his hand as he watched the screens softly expecting them all to be surprised as the announcement bell rang the speakers opening softly to their morning classes.

"Good Morning Students of Public High School #774, I'd like to issue a bit of a challenge to you all this fair morning one of both wit, strength and courage. If you accept my challenge I would like you to assemble at the back field in fifteen minutes, and please don't mind the pillars, I suspect they won't be stopping me."

A dark laughter in the background as the resounding click of the microphone shut off. Gabriel leaning back in his chair with a smile as the dark skinned man behind him stared with a cold glance.

"Phillipe, you have no sense of humor do you?"

"None in the slightest my Lord."

"Well then allow me to enlighten you." Gabriel would say giving the bulk of a man a metal suitcase and nudging his head slightly to hurry his way out to the back field to where the destination they'd be meeting.

Once at the field there'd be little to distinguish it from a field any longer. the grass had all been uprooted and marked down with a sandy basin, a good 100 meters in a square shape the students would align at the side nearest to the school and Phillipe at the other end staring them down with a dark scowl.

---

OOC:

This thread is labeled Statless because all of you are going to be on equal fields. Your Stats shall be limited to 18, for a balanced member thats 3 for each Stat. You each are permitted a Qi ability. This should be brief just a basic description and it cannot fall under a GModing deviser ie mind control. If you have questions pm me.

All stats will fall under the same rules that apply aside from Charisma which will be your Qi stat. having no points in this will mean you have no Qi, all other stats require at least 1, for each point in Cha is how many times you can use your Qi.

Further goals will be explained next post.

[Ceraphine Davis]

Kevala was there, minding her own business when that all too familiar tone came over the loudspeaker, her hand going to her forehead as she lowered her head and sighed....What was he up to now?

Though despite the frustrated manner in which she acted, there was a grin tugging at her lips slightly....Especially at his comment about the pillars......In fact that one got a little laugh out of her......Well now she was just curious, and as such she grabbed her bag and slid it onto her shoulder, eyes going to the rest of the students, many of which looked a bit, unsure......to say the least, about going to the desired location....

It was hard for her not to die in laughter right then and there...Especially when she saw some of them getting swelled up and egotistical. They actually thought they stood a chance!!! It was hilarious!!

Shaking her head, she let her boots thud lightly against the floor as she brushed her tongue over her lips.

Exiting the school, she eyed the area she figured things were about to get very interesting.....

Her hand brushing down over the white tank top she wore, her jeans hugging tight to her hips, she was as usual, quite the pretty little thing, looking nothing like the type of person one would expect to hold the title of School Captain to look like.

Yeah well, whatever......Her interest was more in line with the area that used to be a field behind the school.

But as usual, in true Gabriel fashion, the place was completely different.....Making her smile and roll her eyes. Always over doing it....

As she neared the area, eyes fell upon a rather large, angry looking man, scowling like he had about the worst day in his life. It was Ivan all over again, just.....different......

Shaking her head she let forth a soft little laugh at the sight. Memories of their time at 259 coming to her mind....only making her smile a bit more....She did miss those days, if for nothing else than the fact that she spent so much time with Gabe.

Either way, as the other students wandered closer in curiousity and some in want of showing off their abilities.....Kev noted the way they all seemed to look on the huge guy with a bit of fear, a few stepping back and her brow raising....

Sure, she knew just from the fact he was associated with Gabe that he was powerful, but that didnt mean you had to be instantly scared of the guy......At least not in her book.

Rolling her eyes, she simply shook her head and did the one thing most girls her size would avoid doing like the plague....She went across the area and up to Mr. Big and Scary......She had no interest in what HE was doing here....but more so where his boss was......

Nearing him, she looked up at him, those icy hues full of that fire that burned within them......Normally whenever Gabriel was near...damn man........her slender arms crossing over her chest and a smile spreading on those lips once more.

"Don't you look just thrilled to be here?"

She giggled lightly at that....Most would think her insane, but in all honestly Kev was never one to really back down from anyone......save one...and even then she usually fought til she was unconscious. But in all actuality, she may appear to be insane, but if you paid enough attention there was something about her that spoke of a very different girl........One people tended to overlook for what was on the outside, how she cast herself to appear............

"So where's the big guy? I know he cant be far off from his little experiment."

Oh yeah, it was not something most would see as such, but she knew Gabriel, he was up to something more than what this appeared to be. He was too much like her in some ways.....Just like he could read her, she had an ability to do so to him....Perhaps not as well......but it was there none the less....The two had been linked since they day they met......Both of them knew it.......

Those icy hues staying fixed on the figure before her, figuring he would either answer or kill her.....one of the two....Fun times!!!

______________________________________________

( OOC: Just a spectator atm. )

[Jayr Byrne]

A mysterious voice

The seclusion of school first period meant she had English, the thought of writing Essays at this early in the morning to her was just one of those cases of busy work. Time for the teachers to spend their time hammering in useless conjecture and "expand' our minds. A scoff and breath left Jayr's bangs concealing her eyes. Good perhaps now she could get some sleep.

"Good Morning Students of Public High School #774,"

"Huh?" She raised out of surprise as everyone froze.

"I'd like to issue a bit of a challenge to you all this fair morning one of both wit, strength and courage. If you accept my challenge I would like you to assemble at the back field in fifteen minutes, and please don't mind the pillars, I suspect they won't be stopping me."

This was not the voice of the dean, and surely none of the pillars from whom she'd met, what did this mean? Her eyes narrowing with interest. Yes intrigued by the sense of danger Jayr gathered her stuff and bolted, no time for the teacher to say no and neither for any student to aid her in the escape because when she handled things she did so alone.

Moments later she was outside, her feet planted on the near side of the sand pit. Eyes locked on the dark-skinned man. Her eyes trailing down his frame. He seemed to be built like a barn, this was going to be rough. Then eyes tinkered over to Kevala who looked miniature next to him. Jeesh, why was she always where Jayr was. Trouble brewing no doubt.

---

Mini-Bio:
Str: 2
Dex: 4
Con: 3
Int: 3
Wis: 4
Cha: 2

Qi: Gallant Knight
Jayr uses the energy around her to form a makeshift armor about her, this field can be used as both offensive lance or even a defensive shield if she so chooses to mend it.

[Guy Nottingham]

The day arose and like the very sun that crawled against the sky Guy hurtled along with it, his pack at his back and a short wave to the sleeping Jammys, the fair grin on his face and the rising sun at his back as he jostled along the ghetto's broken streets to school. Garbage the place would be called by those who saw him ascend from the dust and dishes. Though when Guy tilted his gaze back he saw a certain sparkle one people only saw as the trash reflecting more avidly burning light.

A quick jostle as the boy sprung to duty a wide smile as he threw himself into the computer lounge. Sure he had class this morning and that just so happened to be English. Despite knowing how helpful that'd be to his learning and sure Kevala would scold him he shrugged regardless not caring about the worn path he tread. Fingers dashed away at a late night ideal perhaps incorporated by the loss of sleep but those ideals were often the best, such that sparked and were resonated in the mind remembered because of their madness.

"Good Morning Students of Public High School #774, I'd like to issue a bit of a challenge to you all this fair morning one of both wit, strength and courage. If you accept my challenge I would like you to assemble at the back field in fifteen minutes, and please don't mind the pillars, I suspect they won't be stopping me."

Pillars? Stopping him?

This spelled trouble. Eyes perked up as the mental imagery of Jack getting beaten up by a giant twice his height. The small giggle as he wrote it down hopping to give it to Hilde for better picture features. The next image of a man in a large trench coat appearing behind the frightened Kazuya. A wide grin. His position gave him the responsibility to stand up with the group for things but he highly doubted any of them were capable of what the position entailed. Even he knew he was misplaced, to be a pillar meant you had to be a leader, and leadership required sacrifice.

*Click*

The computer closed and Guy would leave crossing the foray towards the sandy pit, his eyes searching jittery towards the large black man. Hues tilted towards Kevala as a wide grin broke through his eyes squinting and a wave.

"HIYA KEVALA!!!" He'd smile waving stupidly making a scene of himself.

---

Mini-Bio:
Str: 3
Dex: 3
Con: 4
Int: 1
Wis: 3
Cha: 4

Qi: Cold Front
Description: Guy is capable of manipulating objects and the air around him to freeze under intensely cold temperatures. At it's current stage is only capable of short bursts.

[Kazuya Hikari]

Kazuya's eyes would lift up to the speaker mounted high above his head, as the sound of the announcement bell rang through the hallway he was standing in. He was currently standing at his locker, as a familiar voice began to speak, causing a small smirk to form at the corner of his mouth. Kazuya patiently listened to the announcement, once it was over, he knew what he was going to do. Under the pretense of pushing his sunglasses up higher, he pushed a button on the side of the arm, powering his scanner up, before slamming his locker door shut and swiftly made his way to the back field. Same old Gabriel. Even the bit about the Pillars not stopping him made him chuckle, because he knew it to be true, well, at least for him. He wasn't sure in Jack and Guy's case. Once he reached the field, the smirk that had been playing at the corner of his mouth spread even more. He didn't even recognize the field anymore. It had been turned into a training area. That was so like Gabriel, always prepared for everything in advance.

Folding his arms casually across his chest, Kazuya stood beside Jayr, the girl he had met in the gym, as he saw Kevala was already here, no surprises there, she was always on top of things, and he had a feeling it wasn't just because she was the School Captain, more like to do with a certain someone that made the announcement today, *cough*one Lord Gabriel Seran*cough*, and right beside the big guy down on the other side of the field that was scowling at them no less, Guy right beside her, grinning like a happy-go lucky idiot, as always. "Ah Gabriel... This is going to be just like old times..." Kazuya chuckled quietly, far from being intimidated by the scowl the big guy was giving the students assembled, Kazuya was amused by it, you could tell that guy was thrilled to be here, and had an awesome sense of humor to boot. Let's get going, damn it...!

(OOC: Stats for this thread

Strength: 3
Dexterity: 3
Constitution: 3
Intelligence: 3
Wisdom: 3
Charisma: 3

Qi: Flame of Sol

Able to control and create flames out of nowhere.

[Phoenix]

Phoenix heard the announcement, just as everyone else within the boundaries of the school did, however, unlike all of the other students, Phoenix was not surprised. He didn’t have time to be surprised. That emotion took to long to express and was, in essence, a waste of time. Instead, Phoenix decided to contemplate what was being said whilst the other students stood around with their jaws on the floor.

A challenge of wit, strength and courage, thought Phoenix, is something that sounds like fun. The unthinkable had been occurring lately, that being that school was steadily becoming boring. Hopefully, this was going to change that as Phoenix abruptly turned around and began to walk down to the back field.

Navigating through the school had never been a problem for Phoenix, having memorised every corridor, locker and classroom, getting from place to place extremely easy and in turn allowed Phoenix to think about other things whilst walking. In this case, Phoenix was intrigued by the last part of the unknown man’s speech, the part about how the pillars either wouldn’t stop his plans or were unable to stop his plans, it was unclear as to which meaning was being employed. Nonetheless, Phoenix didn’t see why this game should be stopped; it was going to be fun after all.

Embracing his inner chaos, Phoenix would come to a halt just near the other assembled students. Casting his amethyst eyes around the area, he would recognise Kevala and Jayr, the others he would know by sight but not in person. Kazuya and Guy, the student body president and the head of the school newsletter. So, thought Phoenix, all of the pillars were here except for Jack. No surprises there.

Turning his body to face the dark skinned man across the desecrated field, Phoenix would give a half smile in anticipation of the fun and chaos was inevitably going to come.

______________________________

Mini-Bio
Strength: 3
Dexterity: 4
Constitution: 2
Intelligence: 3
Wisdom: 4
Charisma: 2

Qi
Power of the Phoenix

The ability to manipulate, control and summon fire.

[/center]

[Gabriel Seran]

A low chuckle resonating in the back of his throat as those Dark Emerald hues fixated at the screens, he hadn't had such fun like this simply planning bold moves since back in San Fransisco, no bold tilts of power, no foolheardy strives to accomplish something but here there was something different be it new blood or simply new playing ground it sparked a humored disposition to him. A wide grin showing the true nature of Gabriel Seran as his hands danced playing with a knight on his chessboard settled just before him.

"And now we begin."

---

On the field the Phillipe, the dark man stood, pale eyes lit with a silver rim stared out at the growing crowd. He'd recognize them only by their outter appearances and what Gabriel had told him to watch out for, the man did have experience with reading people. A frown crossed his features, the sharp scar of his upper cheek more visible when he did so.

"Don't you look just thrilled to be here?"

The black man looked down, quite the effort to do so considering he stood at seven feet a good extra person taller than Kevala. Eyes narrowed as his mouth kept shut. He didn't need to deal with her and from what Gabriel had told him it was best not to do so. His gaze shifting back up ignoring the little fly at his side whom he could more or less easily be rid of.

"So where's the big guy? I know he cant be far off from his little experiment."

A brow cocked as Phillipe figured swatting this pest before the voice of Gabriel beckoned to his ear.

'Sometimes with Kevala you may need a bit of incentive.'

The harsh frown to his face dropped lower into an angry mulling feature, "The only way to find out is in competing." Phillipe said forging his own little hint off of his master's game.

Phillipe's eyes turned to the ground as few stood up. Many showed but little actually were here to participate. A short scowl at the ones who proceeded to back away either in fear or anticipation of their own failures.

"Those who are here to participate step forward onto the yellow line!" His voice boomed, the large wall of a man commanding from the other side of the sand.

Before them would be a line that signalled their starting place. For this game presented it'd take all things needed for true heros to be born. For heros were what were forged from hardship and trouble not from pampering and creation.

Phillipe would turn about pulling free the large metal suitcase at his back having expected Kevala to take up with the rest or sit out altogether. The clicks of the container opening as the big man rumaged for the necessary tools pulling forth two circular disks that resembled frisbees. Tossing them both into the sand before grabbing another and doing the same. As each hit the ground they were instantly burrowed in their designated spots. The sand itself being smooth and fine. Gabriel had filled it earlier this day with quicksand. A step would mean you had lost much more than just a game.

"The rules, Get to the other side of the sand at all costs. First is rewarded generously and all who pass progress to round two."

Phillipe said slowly his eyes turning over to the side of the sand pit. Beside it were three narrow wooden beems each in length were five feet long, each capable of facillitating only three people on each if squished. Now was Gabriel's opportunity to see if the students could play with puzzles as well as they had shown off with their fists.

"One more thing..... You have seven minutes to do so." Phillipe finally breaking a small smirk, the corner of his lips turning up as Gabriel mirrored the speech in his ear.

In that same instant two boys from the group bolted off to the side edging towards the beams, this was their competition to be won. And it'd be done with bulk and speed. A Tall boy by the name of Diego was first to the beems taking one over his shoulder quickly and dragging it along with him not needing help to heft the weight. Another boy Marcus bolted to stopping short to ask for the assistence of another student, Agent. The boy's would stop and wave to the rest of the students for help. Diego at this point hadn't made it far, being fast and strong was important but without the helping hand he'd not be getting the beam to the sand soon enough. All the while two girls neared the edge as the followed the group they seemed hard at work measuring the distances.

"Guys....This isn't going to work.... the beams are too short."

---

NPC's Involved
*Note* These NPC's are to be portrated by me and me alone, there are no other students participating aside from these NPC's and yourselves do so enjoy yourself as I hope this will be some great character development for us all.

Phillipe Black:
Age: 30
Height: 7'0"
Str: 5
Dex: 2
Con: 5
Int: 2
Wis: 2
Cha: 2
Qi: ??

Argent Ion:
Age: 16
Height: 5'7"
Str: 3
Dex: 4
Con: 2
Int: 4
Wis: 2
Cha: 3
Qi: Body is capable of slidifying into a single mass, unpiercable skin, immune to Elements.

Selma Voice:
Age: 17
Height: 5'5"
Str: 4
Dex: 1
Con: 2
Int: 4
Wis: 2
Cha: 5
Qi: Creates Pressure booms enbodied with the force of her strength.

Diego Cheve:
Age: 15
Height: 5' 11"
str: 5
Dex: 5
Con: 4
Int: 2
Wis: 2
Cha: 0

Eve DeGrotto
Age: 14
Height: 5'2"
Str: 1
Dex: 3
Con: 2
Int: 5
Wis: 5
Cha: 2
Qi: Can predict motions a minute into the future.

Marcus Veris
Age: 18
Height: 6'3"
Str: 3
Dex: 3
Con: 3
Int: 3
Wis: 3
Cha: 3
Qi: He can heal a person's afflictions be it mental, spiritual, or physical.

---

ooc: From this point on no more may enter unless I give express permission

[Phoenix]

“Those who are here to participate step forward to the yellow line!”

Phoenix blinked. The instructions had been simple, almost insultingly so. Taking two small steps forward, he would come to a halt just a hair’s breadth from the yellow line marked out on the ground. Turning his amethyst eyes from the line to down the line, he was intrigued to see how few of the assembled students were willing to participate in an event that was obviously going to be so chaotic and interesting.

Analysing the students stepping up to the yellow line, Phoenix almost missed hearing the sound of metal slicing through sand, glancing back at the dark skinned man on the other side of the field he would see the man throw one last metal disk into the sand and as it sank, Phoenix knew why the field had been altered. The field was now filled with quick sand.

“The rules. Get to the other side of the sand at all costs. First is rewarded generously and all who pass progress to round two.”

Phoenix carefully watched the man as he spoke to them across the modified field and saw his eyes move over towards the thin, narrow beams of wood that were no doubt meant to be used to help students cross the quicksand.

“One more thing… You have seven minutes to do so.”

The man had barely finished speaking before two students broke off from the main group of students and ran straight over to the thin beams of wood. The tall one seemed intent on focusing the challenge with nothing but brawn and lifted up a beam by himself in an attempt to get to the edge of the pit the fastest, the other boy called to a friend for help so that they could move the beam into the pit. Two girls had also broken away from the main group and where seemingly attempting to measure the distance they needed to cross.

Pitiful, thought Phoenix. Focusing on the problem ahead of him, he would recall all of the information he knew about quicksand. Phoenix remembered that quicksand was a non-Newtonian fluid and it was also a colloid hydrogel. Smiling sinisterly, Phoenix knew that he had all the knowledge he needed to complete this round. Going back over the knowledge inside his head, he knew that because it was a non-Newtonian fluid, that its properties couldn’t be described by a single constant value of viscosity, he also knew that because quicksand is a colloid hyrodgel that it was made up of fine granular matter and water, spread evenly throughout one another. So, concluded Phoenix inside his head, if I remove the water from the quicksand there will be no change of viscosity when I apply pressure to it and thus the sand will retain a constant density, allowing me to simply walk across.

Confident in his plan, Phoenix would close his eyes and focus his power into the palm of his right hand, instantly, Phoenix felt his right hand raise in temperature until it was almost uncomfortable. Opening his eyes and taking a step over the yellow line, Phoenix would release a continuous stream of fire and heat to flow from his hand. Directing it at the quick sand directly ahead of him, Phoenix would see the steam rising from the quicksand and know that his tactic was going to succeed. Placing his feet on the section of, now, plain sand that lay before him, Phoenix would find that the sand held his weight and that walking wasn’t too difficult. As the sand turned red from the fire after a few seconds, Phoenix would divert some of his power into his left hand as well and direct it to the sides, making sure that he had enough area to walk in without any trouble.

Step after step Phoenix would use his method to traverse the now normal sand, using the heat and fire from his palms to maintain a small area around him where he could walk normally. Phoenix knew that behind him the sand, in absence of the constant heat, would almost instantly begin to cool down and gain water from the nearby quick sand until it was impossible to walk on once again. Phoenix estimated that this was occurring almost 3 steps behind him. As he neared the halfway point of the field, he would glance back to see how the other students were trying to traverse the quicksand.

[Gabriel Seran]

ooc: I also Reserve the right to jump out of order as I please.

Phillipe would stare brashly as the boy with obviously the boldest plan and shortest wit would step forward. Sure that was the plan with Quick sand, use heat to materialize the area however the flaw to that plan was, this was a grand field of Quicksand. The area being greater than a football field in all directions. The dark man would smirk as the boy's ability would give him but a 5 by 5 meter footing for him to stand upon before the edges were consumed by more sand. Gabriel had thought this out thoroughly, there would be no showboats lest they sought to ruin the group which was essentially fine by him seeing as the boy had just made the first bold and flawed move.

(-1 Charisma from Phoenix.)

---

Gabriel sat back in his chair smiling at the boy, reminding him of a younger version of himself. Despite Phillipe's regards to the boy's motions they were a step in the right direction. If they wanted to move as a team trial and error and that boy's ability would come in handy over this trial.

"Keep moving dark bishop.... tiny steps will take you far." Gabriel smiled hoping the boy would catch on despite not hearing. His ploy was not to taunt them but to teach the way a harsh mentor would.

[Ceraphine Davis]

So big, tall, and scary was being mean to her. Fine! She would play this little game, no matter how much she honestly did not want to. Rolling her eyes she was about to walk off when the bubbly sound of Guy's voice echoed from behind her.

~Ugh...I swear I am gonna kill him yet.~

Though she honestly knew that she would never do such a thing, having taken a liking to the boy, she still held to the belief that she could indeed do so one day...If for nothing more than keeping her own sanity.

Grinning up to the big guy she nodded her head, always the little respectful one despite how she might act...She was no fool..If this guy was the one Gabe had left in charge of this little event then he was without a doubt a force to be reckoned with.

With that she turned, grabbing Guy's arm as she passed by and tugging him along with her.

"We have really got to work on your assessment of a situation...Come on.."

Tugging him to the yellow line which they had been instructed to move to in order to start.....Her bag being tossed from her shoulder off to the sidelines and her hair being pulled back.....

As the little demonstration began, Kev's mind started to work, eyes watching as the sand swallowed the disc's noting the dimensions, the time available, and the materials they were given.....A grin tugging at her lips.....A game, nothing more and nothing less....He was testing people...and though honestly she had much better things to be doing, she figured "what the hell?!" letting her mind wander over the problem at hand, arms crossing over her chest as she tilted her head....simply studying the situation.

It was not until, the big guy Phoenix stepped forward that she drew her attention toward what was going on. The sounds of voices filling her mind as the students set about trying to figure it out, making it a much bigger deal than it really was.

~Ah Gabriel, you always did have a way of making people strive to please you without even trying..~

It was a thing that she found funny, though she had more important things to do....

As the big guys attempt failed, it sparked an idea in her mind....Two fire qi's were present, and though their power was limited by the amount of space the quicksand took up, it was not at all useless....

"You might as well give up on trying to simply get yourself across.....It is not how this game is played...."

She shook her head, stepping up to the edge of the sand pit and running the numbers over in her mind.....Without turning around, she began to think out loud, her tone loud enough that the others should, if they cared to hear an honest thought on the matter, pay attention.

"Look, we have three beams that are five feet long, stacked end to end they reach 15 ft....We have two men with the ability to use fire, thereby evaporating the water in a big enough area to allow three people to stand....granted closely, but the point is, that is a total of about 25 ft....Based on the size fire boy here just made......That means that if we work TOGETHER....and divide the weight and strength evenly, then we would be able to keep ourselves moving long enough to create a sort of mobile bridge, allowing the back beams to be passed forward, placed in front of the dried out sand, and we could start the whole process over...."

It was a general idea, and honestly she could care less if they all failed....Not that she would ever hear the end of it, and no doubt neither would any of them...But still...She had dealt with worse....

"It would take a total of four goes, duh......and it would require that weight be distributed evenly...well even enough considering some of you are just....too damn big.....But yeah.....If we do that, and take calm, even steps, it SHOULD work.....and everyone should be able to cross...."

She knew how his games played out, knew how he loved to test people and push them to their limits......Nothing was ever impossible, just some things were harder than others to achieve...But then that was the way life itself worked....Why should this be any different?

"So Kazuya, Phoenix....what do you say? You boys mind helping a girl out here?"

That charming little smile flashed toward both of them as she pulled Guy to her and spoke a bit quietly.....

"I know you have a brain in that thick skull of yours...Now is the time to actually put it to use....You are small compared to the big guys...so make sure to keep your balance, and for gods sake do not do anything stupid til we are on the other side...."

With that she ruffled his hair, a teasing grin on her face ....Then she stepped away.......Listening for any protests.....

"That is unless somebody else has a better idea...I am more than willing to listen...."

Of course she was willing to listen to any other suggestions, but honestly it was the best she could come up with. ( Cause her player is stuck in a blond moment )

IF they chose to work together, and IF they worked efficiently together, then the plan should in turn work.....Which meant in the end, her ass would be on the other side....along with everyone else.....

It was a risky plan, that was for sure....Pinning success on the ability of others to come together and work as one...But it was all she could do.....She just hoped it worked....

________________________________________________

Str: 2
Dex: 2
Con: 4
Int: 4
Wis: 3
Cha: 3

Qi Ability:

Hydrokinesis

Ability to summon and manipulate water.

[Jayr Byrne]

Quickly now

As time passed Jayr found herself encircled by recognizable faces still a few more she didn't quite catch. She'd recognize the few pillars here, three to count only knowing Guy through the newspaper but didn't realize how childish he was with the fawning wave to Kevala like she was to be carrying his bib around. Jayr quickly laughed to herself covering her mouth with an open hand as to not appear mental. Soon enough Kazuya was at her side but she very doubted he was there for support, she shrugged it off nonetheless not minding it all too much despite now she realized the one missing was Jack. Curious to think such a boy of athletic prowess would turn down a challenge. Oh well, guess that meant that there were time constraints to his schedule or something like that.

Pursed lips at the ideal of playing this "game" that'd been set up for them despite stepping up to the line and awaiting however brief instructions Jayr found herself frozen contemplating the solution. Unless Gabriel had wanted them to bite at each other's necks there'd be no way of getting across this channel of sand, at least not everyone. Way she calculated it was six at most.

The sound of flames caught her attention however as Phoenix would literally blaze a path. However that'd come up short as the result ended in a small five meter path. Jayr smiled as she put the pieces together. Sacrifice and teamwork, that's what she'd expect to get everyone across, but then again with the pillars having a monopoly here would they be just and allow for everyone to work their way across? Eyes turned to Kevala in anticipation as she put the pieces together too.

The words TOGETHER sticking in her head, good, that meant there'd be no problem here. Jayr nodded affirmatively stepping up into place. "Lets move quick time is running out!"

Jayr would hurry for the third pole expecting someone would take up behind her to help with it, the thing was rather huge and required a combined strength to lift.

"Move the first too off the sand mound Phoenix made, And the third as well then we'll make another and lift the polls and do this again all the way across."

Jayr nodded towards Kevala hoping she wasn't overstepping her bounds as far as chain of command yet no doubt her head would be bitten off by one of her pillars.

[Kazuya Hikari]

Making his way to the yellow line as soon as the instructions were given, well, more liked boomed out, courtesy of the giant man on the other side of the field. His hands in his pockets, Kazuya appeared bored, almost like this was a waste of his time, when it fact, it was the opposite. He watched as the man freed what appeared to look like a metal suitcase from his back, as he opened it and tossed the contents of the suitcase onto the field, Kazuya only recognizing now they had been metal disks, as he repeated it once more, tossing out in total, four metal disks onto the field, as they quickly sank. Quicksand. Gabriel had spared no expense for this. A small smirk on his face, Kazuya listened to the man's instructions, as he followed the man's gaze, and saw the beams of wood located on the side of the field. The instructions sounded simple enough, until they hit a little snag: They had 7 minutes to complete the task. Excellent. Immediately two boys broke away from the crowd, one big guy running for the wooden beams, picking one up easily, the other boy enlisted the help of another boy, as two girls neared the edge, voicing the fact that the beams were too short.

Alex then saw a guy he did not recognize create flames, Kazuya chuckled quietly, the guy had the same Qi as he did, though his idea would stop short, he only made it about 5 meters into the field. That wasn't going to work, if they wanted to succeed, they were going to have to work together, as he immediately began to run numbers and calculations in his head. It seemed Kevala thought the same, as he peered at her in mild interest, he hadn't been the only one doing calculations it seemed. "... I don't see why not." Kazuya replied, as he followed after Jayr and helped heft the beam she had lifted up, the beam wasn't too heavy surprisingly, then again, Kazuya was pretty strong in his own right, though it was probably more to do with the fact two people were carrying it. Reaching the edge, Kazuya would pull the first two beams off the mound the guy had made. Once that was done, he would activate his Qi, as his right arm was engulfed in flames. He then sent a stream of fire in front of him, the effect was instantaneous, as he saw steam rise out of the sand. "... Somebody get the beam down while two people get on deck with the next beam, I don't have all day you know?"

[Guy Nottingham]

At the line Guy stood simply awaiting for the game to of course begin, of course as Guy expected from the big man across the lake of sand there was probably bound to be a greater challenge at the other end. Something of course that made his feet heavy. A heavy gulp as the weight fell upon him. One step forward, small steps will take me far. A quirky look as Guy eyes people. Many hands make for light work. He smiled, this wouldn't be so hard so long as his friends worked together. Then the sudden yank from Kevala drawing Guy to her following in step.

"I know you have a brain in that thick skull of yours...Now is the time to actually put it to use....You are small compared to the big guys...so make sure to keep your balance, and for gods sake do not do anything stupid til we are on the other side...."

Ruffling his hair and slightly treating him like a child, sure in comparison he was but he could at least be treated like an adult. But he respected the hint of confidence in him she had. No one ever gave him the time of day to prove himself.

"I won't fail." He muttered to himself quickly pacing his way across the first sand patch and then onto the poll helping direct the other two polls coming across before Kazuya pulled a quick shot of his Qi.

A wavering of his hands as Guy fell onto the poll looking at Kazuya with a look of humor. He smiled widly like there was something he had to say and it'd get out soon enough as he wavered there on the poll innocently before his eyes locked up at the back of the boy's head.

"Dude you know you're an idiot right?" Guy would say without fear, "You're misinterpreting the distance you go on using your Qi like that at every poll you're gonna run out of fuel and we'll be stuck at center..."

Guy didn't feel intimidated hoping that Kevala was at his flank backing him up. If Kazuya or Phoenix messed up once more they'd not make it across seeing as their blunders at best would only carry them 25 feet in considering the distance was 100 feet.

[Gabriel Seran]

Phillipe simply stood there, his frame acting like a totem pole, frozen in observation as the students proved their worth, something about disbelief on his features as he only expected them getting twenty feet when at this point he was right they'd only achieved fifteen what with the two Qi discharges and a single pole down. If he were a betting man he'd have taken Gabriel up though the man seemed so confident that these children would surpass his test. Then again the man had said teamwork was essentially their only option if they wanted to get across as a whole. Otherwise they'd have to knock off people from the list. Phillipe counted mentally in his head forming the number necessary to make this game slightly smaller. Yes in fact if they were to do this easier they'd need to sacrifice their fair share of people. Phillipe would grin, they could manage getting three people across if they ended up making another mistake. The dark chocolate smile smudging its way past the scars and frown. He expected the bloodshed that Gabriel had mentioned.

---

From within his realm of dark and static Gabriel played his little chess game a hand at the board having moved forward a pawn and a knight in symmetry along with a rook. Yes each of them had values. Phoenix being the Bishop, the others having significant purpose as well. The Queen evidently sat at the back giving instruction which was good. However a tactless move on the Knight's behalf following a prior lesson going unlearned would prove folly later.

"Tch- Pick yourself up and solve this knight....otherwise your kingdom will falter." A twisted smile peeled unto his lips as he pressed the pieces forward. Descent amongst the line meant for a poor game. Gabriel would lean over towards the other side of the board as he edged forward another knight. "What will you do when another steed matches you in battle knight?"

---

A rustle of the sand emerged bulges rising up in only very small sections. Momentary shifts to the sand signalling the black knight's arrival. Something attention should be given to and something to stall for time. But as Gabriel knew a trained fighter kept focused at the task at hand. Strive and patience was the way of the warrior not only to solve things with mind but with courage.

The sudden surge of energy as a metal disk burst from the ground like a land mine. *BANG!* It'd go off emitting Kazuya's flames back towards those passing on the walkway. The sudden shock lighting the bridge in a state of flames lighting their feet aflame. Those who didn't jump into the sand would be singed, those retreating would send those behind them into the sand and off balance. Difficulty was a matter of thought, focus under trouble would be the solution here.

---

Prior to the explosion Diego would carry the heavy plank over his back using that advantage he'd earned to crate such a thing over to the side and toss it just before Kazuya's fired patch in the the sand. A wide grin on his face as he waited there for the next push forward.
In the same management of time the two other boys, Argent and Marcus would do the same. At this point they'd have made it a total of twenty five feet across, they were nearly 1/4th of the way there and out of planks. The next push would be the hardest as the others began pacing their way by all managing to fit on the stretch.
Diego on the sand patch, Marcus and Argent on the wooden plank out before that one with Kazuya. The two girls coming off the land from the first sand box, Jayr joining Diego, Guys on the first wooden breach, and Phoenix no doubt still with Kevala on land. They'd have to move quick as the first minute ticked by.

*Bang!*

The flash of heat and fire launching out by the front two polls. The force of which sent Argent into his Qi form as the boy was thrust off into the sand, his body unharmed however getting pulled down into the sand. There was one down. Marcus managed to retain his balance launching past Kazuya with a forced shove to jump back onto the sand trap unsure if there was any room but the force would still strike that far shooting to the very shoreline.

---

(ooc: -1 Charisma from Kazuya)

[Jayr Byrne]

Shot heard round the lot.

Jayr didn't care much for the boy's bickering behind her. To her it sounded much like babies fighting over their bib. She giggled lightly pressing forward a little wanting to be near the front of this thing to see and danger should they come a short. I mean women were naturally better than men. So one leading from the back the other taking guard in the front, made sense.... to her.

*BANG!*

The force going off with a shuddering force as Jayr's eyes shot up to capture the blast, a shimmering device was all noted as the flames chased the fleeing boy from his perch. Of course in Jayr's mind there was only one thing to do. When faced with teh heat you either step up or back out. Letting him jerk around her the girl would shoot up springing into action and would without a car grab Kazuya and throw him behind her so he wouldn't fall off from the jerk's speedy escape.

"Stop!"

A shout emerging fromher throat as her hands clasped together forming a shield which would safetly protect thegroup from the first outburst shielding the planks behind her from the flames only the first catching fire seeing as she wasn't fast enough to reach it.

A heavy sigh emerging as she panted in a short form of exhaustion. Man that was exciting, a smile lighting her face as she'd look back to the group with a grin.

"K'mon lets get moving."