Post by Klaus on Aug 26, 2010 22:39:27 GMT -5
Julian DiGourdi would have been contacted by the Headmaster, interrupting whatever he had been doing, and pulled away to the Danger Room. He would have been offered enough time to gather any supplies, change, etc. Julian had been chosen for this specific task and Julian alone.
Julian DiGourdi entered the room, wearing his training outfit that he most often wore. He was confused, not sure what was happening, but decided not to fight it. He would smile at the Headmaster, then move into the Danger Area, looking around for a moment, then closing his eyes tight. He was nervous. He'd never done a Danger Room session alone before. He told himself to take deep breaths, in and out slowly and efficiently, waiting for the session to start. "Let's get this over with," he said.
Headmaster Yorkshire would nod to the boy as he entered, offering a gentle and reassuring smile. "Hello, Mr DiGourdi, as you can see, you've been chosen to be tested; physically, mentally and creatively. This is a private and unique Danger Room Session strictly for you and you alone. You will have only your abilities and your wits to rely on. Brace yourself," Were the Headmaster's guidance. He would then press a few buttons, the screen in the Danger Room reading: Factory Sequence Activated. The boy would find himself transported into a gunpowder factory, surrounded by kegs of explosive powder as well as several ovens used for creating it. It was hot, dry and musty. For now, it appeared he was alone.
Julian DiGourdi would have nodded to the Headmaster's words, giving a thumbs up and a smile to the glass before it disappeared in the illusion of the Danger Room. He took a few deep breaths, and then he began to glow pink. Globules of the kinetic energy formed in each hand, but not released. He walked forward slowly, looking around cautiously. It was so empty. "Hello?" he called out, turning and walking backward for a few seconds, keeping his eyes everywhere. He was slow and thoughtful.
The boy would have a few minutes to get his bearings before about twenty armed and armored mutants suddenly came into view, scaling railings above him, a few coming at his sides and successfully cornering him. They all held wrenches and hammers, tools of various sorts and seemed to have no weapons or shields. A dull hum began as they all seemed to synchronise, a light red glow beginning to surround each individual. Powerful kinetic shields were in place as the first group of armed guards ran at him from the front (ten total, five in the front and five in the back), the set on each side (five on each side) ensuring he couldn't move. If he used his powers too precariously, he might cause the entire factory to explode.
Julian DiGourdi, at the very moment that he noticed something awry, he would throw one of the globs onto the ground, encasing the area in a pink hue, taking him out of view. He could tell with his own powers that the shields were kinetic, and that he wouldn't be able to do much. He looked around, all the gunpowder made it much to dangerous to go boom. He threw the other glob, and it made the pink fog even thicker and harder to see through. His body dimmed, and he would be invisible to the naked eye now. If there was even the slightest opening, he would push through and try and get out of the current situation. Being surrounded would never help. If he was able to get through in the blind fog, he'd run to one of the barrels and grab a hand full of the powder, holding it in his hand.
The masked group of workers remained still, the first wave rushing and then falling back, seeing him disappear. He wouldn't be able to slip by as they blocked any entrances further into the factory, simply by standing together they created a wall of kinetic energy. The obvious leader stood in the back of the group of ten, in the middle, making hand signals at all the soldiers, one from each group would began to roam, the kinetic shields expanding as they did so, making it difficult for him to remain undetected. The makeshift weapons they all held began to glow red as well and it seemed once they started to glow red, they could be pushed and pulled through the shield without disruption. [1/2]
Julian DiGourdi. The fact that none of the barrels were near him or exposed was a good things. Globs kept being produced, most of them used as cover. But he got the courage up to do something drastic. He could see through the fog, so he aimed two bombs at separate parts of the shield. He threw one, then the other, and each of them would explode up against the shield with a destructive boom. If it didn't break the shield, it would at least throw them back a little bit. He was in a tough spot, and he wasn't sure how to get out just yet. He didn't have raw power to work with.
The shield he hit would indeed cause the wielder to stumble backwards, knocking the concentration down so that for a brief second his shield fluctuated, disappearing. Then it was back up. While the boy did this, the others that had first rushed him, rushed again, five in total, each throwing a blunt tool at Julian that was charged with kinetic energy. He would've given his position away due to his attack, which hadn't been what the leader had wanted but, it worked nonetheless. One weapon aimed for head level, one for each arm and one for each leg (about knee level). Since they could not see him, the attacks were not precise. But, as stated before, a kinetic shield wouldn't help, or any sort of kinetic attack, unless it was strong enough to repel the weapons and not blow himself up. [2/2]
The shield he hit would indeed cause the wielder to stumble backwards, knocking the concentration down so that for a brief second his shield fluctuated, disappearing. Then it was back up. While the boy did this, the others that had first rushed him, rushed again, five in total, each throwing a blunt tool at Julian that was charged with kinetic energy. He would've given his position away due to his attack, which hadn't been what the leader had wanted but, it worked nonetheless. One weapon aimed for head level, one for each arm and one for each leg (about knee level). Since they could not see him, the attacks were not precise. But, as stated before, a kinetic shield wouldn't help, or any sort of kinetic attack, unless it was strong enough to repel the weapons and not blow himself up. [2/2]
Julian DiGourdi saw at least one of the weapons coming his way, which would be the one aiming at his head. He ducked, dodging the head and leg one's, but that caused the one's that were aimed at his knees to hit his chest. He fell back, hitting his head on the wall. "Ahh!" he called. He grabbed two of the weapons and spun on his heel launching them at one of the guys, followed by a small powered charged bomb for each one. He grabbed the two for his knees, and ran forward, starting to whack at the shields, putting all the power he had into it. The kinetic shields would throw the weapons out of his hands, but he was getting pissed. He picked them up and threw them at another guy, also followed by medium powered bombs. The bombs moved faster than the weapons, so hopefully it would throw the shields off long enough for the weapons to hit. Two smoke bombs were thrown again.
In the time that he dodged and hit his head, the leader directed another group to rush him, one grabbing a barrel of gunpowder and rolling it forward directly in front of Julian. The small powered bomb was absorbed by the kinetic shield, only serving to strength it. However, the larger bombs made contact and momentarily disrupted the shields around two of the center guards, the weapons hitting and knocking them back. The entire combined shield was then weakened for a few seconds, so hopefully Julian acted quickly. There were still eighteen security guards and only a few were attacking Julian. He had to get through the first wave and figure out how to defeat the rest of them. Behind the group, the leader signaled the others who were not attacking. And they soon disappeared, moving out of the room. [1/3]
Julian DiGourdi grabbed handfuls of the gunpowder, smiling. He wasn't going to be dumb and waste it. He threw it at the shields, letting it rest for only a second, as very weak bombs hit. It would cause the gunpowder to ignite. Then Julian would roll the barrel at the flaming shield, and press up against the wall, covering his ears. Hopefully, if he'd executed everything correctly, it would cause an explosion big enough, but controlled enough, to only take out the shield, and leave the rest of the gunpowder unharmed. He thought their shield would be enough to contain the explosion within this area only.
The gunpowder hit the shields, not causing a massive explosion and thus, the guards took it as a diversion, rushing ahead... The seven guards left would be taken out by the explosion, underestimating their opponent but where did the leader and the other ten go? Suddenly a chute of gunpowder opened up over his head, too big to run from and large enough to cover a majority of the room in. Nothing else happened, though. A door was about fifty feet away from him, closed and locked, perhaps a way out. [2/3]
Julian DiGourdi would jump over the bodies, smiling to himself and rushing towards the door, but cursing to himself as it was locked. He shook off the gunpowder from his hair and body, then looked around. "OH SHIT!" he shouted out. He knew what was going to happen. He held the lock in his hand, in a frantic haze. He wasn't sure what to do. He cuffed it in his hand and closed his eyes, his entire body glowing pink now. He hummed a little, shaking his leg. "Come on..." If you could see through his hands, you would see a series of small explosions going off, hoping that it would, a) destroy the lock altogether, or b) set off the tumblers and unlock the lock in time for him to get out. [1/2]
As soon as Julian approached the door and even touched it, explosions would sound off all around him, falling gunpowder, disconnected to the gunpowder on the floor, was set off around him. Random explosions going off around him... The remaining guards weren't letting him leave that easily. Suddenly five surrounded him, sliding down from railings, riding hanging chains to do so. The chains would be touched as they slid down, coating the ten chains in kinetic energy and causing more random explosions as they touched the falling gunpowder. Each guard's fist glowed red as they aimed to simultaneously attack the boy. [3/3]
Julian DiGourdi let go of the lock just as it was unlocked, his creativity prevailing. He tried to yank the door open and get away, but it seemed that it was stuck at the moment. He needed a few seconds more than he had. He'd mutter something, then throw a smoke-bomb on the floor. "Please, please, please," he said to himself. And it happened. The cloud wrapped around him and formed a kinetic shield, not nearly as strong as the attackers, but enough to knock the punches off. "YES!" he said. If they were knocked back long enough, he'd yank the door open and make his escape. [2/2]
One of the guards would fall back, his fist still charged with kinetic energy... The fist fell flat against the ground. The gun-powdered ground, causing the entire room to explode. He'd have to get out of that part of the factory and fast, hopefully shutting the door behind him. If not, he would be knocked back by the blast.
Julian DiGourdi slipped through in time, slamming it closed behind him and jumping away from the door. He put his hands on his knees and breathed hard, eyes closed as he recovered. After a second or two, he'd stand up straight. "Professor... Why am I not back in the Danger Room yet?" he asked, looking around. Usually, when you finished, the Danger Room reverted back to its original form, but... Oh no. He looked down at the ground and shook his head, breathing heavily.
The Headmaster's voice would be heard, You have only completed the first of three tasks, Julian. Now, you must traverse through the insect-infested stockroom. Careful, there are alarms in here and more kegs of powder. You must remain calm and vigilant. It was dark, musty and dank in the stockroom and crowded. He would find little room to escape as well as move around the various insects. The floor was like a grid and underneath were similar guards from the previous except they were armed with guns. One wrong move and they would be alerted. The exit wasn't clear just yet... so, he had to move forward.
Julian DiGourdi's eyes widened at the word insect. Wahahahaahhaaa? He backed up against the wall and then almost screamed, but muffling himself. He could smell them. Ohmygod. He was paralyzed, literally, standing their like an idiot not moving. He would speak, but he couldn't move his mouth either. He just closed his eyes and shook his head a few times, trying his hardest not to cry. This was what he dreamt about. Being trapped in a room with bugs. Those dreams were never pleasant. For now, he didn't move.
A light would be seen from afar, flickering dimly. It would be the light from the crack under a door. An exit. Julian, you must continue on. You must face your fears and conquer them or you will never show any growth at all. You can do this, were the encouraging words of the Headmaster. There is always a light at the dark
tunnel, remember that. Both a euphemism and an encouragement.
Julian DiGourdi would be taking deep breaths, still unable to move until the Headmaster's words rang in his head. Julian would lift his arm and wipe the tears from his eyes. He would step forward gingerly, making sure not to make much of a racket. He tried to ignore even the thought of bugs, as his feet were lightly set on the grate's, slowly moving to the light he saw, shivering in utter terror to himself. He was nearing the light.
A large cockroach hissed in his ear... An African hissing cockroach, aiming to crawl onto his head and nestle in his blond hair. Various cockroaches and spiders began to crawl all over him, and if he knocked them off, the feeling would remain. They tried to get in his clothes, to get in his hair, his mouth, his ears, his nose.
Julian DiGourdi had to literally cover his mouth to keep from letting out a noise. He closed his eyes, moving forward still. He shook his head furiously, nonononono. He opened his eyes to see the door was right there. He reached out with the unused hand, grasping for the doorknob, throwing bugs off of the door. After moments of literally panicking, he opened the door and burst through. He closed the door then let out a little whimper, and shook off, threw off, and otherwise took all the bugs off his body. "Oh my god..." he said. "I... did it..." he said to himself.
As soon as he was free from one task, he was thrust into the next... Or was he? The light from the door was blinding and suddenly he was in a familiar setting... His home. And standing before him was... his mother. "Hello dear, Julian. I'm so proud that you made it through your training... You are getting so very strong!" She smiled proudly at him, moving forward to hug him. The bugs would disappear, as would the door leading him to this room.
Julian DiGourdi would turn, placed in his large, white home. When he heard his mother's voice he turned. "M-" he said, backing up tears flooding to his eyes. It'd been so long. "Mom?" his face lit up. She was so beautiful. He was smiling big, but crying at the same time. "Mom! I.. You..." he shook his head, wiping the tears away, but they kept coming. "No, you're dead!" he said, moving to avoid her. "WHO ARE YOU?! HOW DARE YOU!" he shouted. "No. No, no no. This isn't real. No," he said. "You're dead!" he screamed, running away from her now, crying out loud, bawling. He had to run away from the dream he'd had so many times which had seemed to become real. He wanted so much to turn around and hug her. "MOM!" he cried.
His mother continued to smile at him, a gentle smile that would stir his memories so well... He'd begin to forget why he was even there, wanting to simply dwell in the memory, the facade. Everything about her and the room flickered as if it had bad reception but, the feeling of wanting to forget continued to grow. "What are you talking about, son? I'm not dead.. what an awful thing to say to your mother..." [1/2]
Julian DiGourdi, "NO! The police told me! THEY TOOK ME AWAY MOM!" he cried, stumbling and falling, but pulling himself up into a ball. "They put me with a family! They hit me! GO AWAY! YOU'RE NOT REAL!" but it was happening. His heart began to lighten, as the days that he spent out in the garden with his mother, when they'd planted roses and tulips. When she used to tickle him right below his knees when they were in the car. When she called him Honey Bee because of the way he loved to garden with her. "No... No. No. IT'S NOT REAL!" he shouted, throwing a bomb out. It exploded, sending bits of furniture flying. But, he couldn't help it. He was falling for it. "M..Mom?"
She seemed concerned as she moved forward, kneeling carefully in front of him. "Come now, Honey Bee... That was all a bad dream. It was just a nightmare. I've been here the entire time..." They were suddenly in the garden but, Julian's mind would slowly be worn down by the telepathic advances, so, despite his logical side screaming it was fake, he'd be forced to buy into it. Soon, the memories of this recent training exercise faded away, unless he acted soon. If he watched carefully, the garden flickered and it was obvious they were in the Danger Room, that this was all simulated. Hopefully he caught it in time. [2/2]
Julian DiGourdi wiped his face, a string of saliva coming from it. Julian wasn't dumb... but he was gullible. "Mom..." he muttered... But he shook his head. When she kneeled in front of him, he'd kick his foot out to hit her in the shin, hard enough to break bone. He'd stand up, then form a bomb. "You're sick," he said, throwing the bomb down onto the obvious illusion. If it all went well, it would be ended, quick and easy.
His 'mother' was caught off-guard by the quick to the shin, the illusion being disrupted for a few seconds but, it was all the time the boy needed. She went down easy, she was just a telepath after all... As the dust settled, the Danger Room deactivated and the Headmaster walked in, patting the boy on the back. "I am proud of you, Julian. The obstacles you faced were extremely tough, especially in your case but, you succeeded and you are now stronger because of it." And then, he'd help the boy out if need be, get him medical aid etc etc.
Julian DiGourdi entered the room, wearing his training outfit that he most often wore. He was confused, not sure what was happening, but decided not to fight it. He would smile at the Headmaster, then move into the Danger Area, looking around for a moment, then closing his eyes tight. He was nervous. He'd never done a Danger Room session alone before. He told himself to take deep breaths, in and out slowly and efficiently, waiting for the session to start. "Let's get this over with," he said.
Headmaster Yorkshire would nod to the boy as he entered, offering a gentle and reassuring smile. "Hello, Mr DiGourdi, as you can see, you've been chosen to be tested; physically, mentally and creatively. This is a private and unique Danger Room Session strictly for you and you alone. You will have only your abilities and your wits to rely on. Brace yourself," Were the Headmaster's guidance. He would then press a few buttons, the screen in the Danger Room reading: Factory Sequence Activated. The boy would find himself transported into a gunpowder factory, surrounded by kegs of explosive powder as well as several ovens used for creating it. It was hot, dry and musty. For now, it appeared he was alone.
Julian DiGourdi would have nodded to the Headmaster's words, giving a thumbs up and a smile to the glass before it disappeared in the illusion of the Danger Room. He took a few deep breaths, and then he began to glow pink. Globules of the kinetic energy formed in each hand, but not released. He walked forward slowly, looking around cautiously. It was so empty. "Hello?" he called out, turning and walking backward for a few seconds, keeping his eyes everywhere. He was slow and thoughtful.
The boy would have a few minutes to get his bearings before about twenty armed and armored mutants suddenly came into view, scaling railings above him, a few coming at his sides and successfully cornering him. They all held wrenches and hammers, tools of various sorts and seemed to have no weapons or shields. A dull hum began as they all seemed to synchronise, a light red glow beginning to surround each individual. Powerful kinetic shields were in place as the first group of armed guards ran at him from the front (ten total, five in the front and five in the back), the set on each side (five on each side) ensuring he couldn't move. If he used his powers too precariously, he might cause the entire factory to explode.
Julian DiGourdi, at the very moment that he noticed something awry, he would throw one of the globs onto the ground, encasing the area in a pink hue, taking him out of view. He could tell with his own powers that the shields were kinetic, and that he wouldn't be able to do much. He looked around, all the gunpowder made it much to dangerous to go boom. He threw the other glob, and it made the pink fog even thicker and harder to see through. His body dimmed, and he would be invisible to the naked eye now. If there was even the slightest opening, he would push through and try and get out of the current situation. Being surrounded would never help. If he was able to get through in the blind fog, he'd run to one of the barrels and grab a hand full of the powder, holding it in his hand.
The masked group of workers remained still, the first wave rushing and then falling back, seeing him disappear. He wouldn't be able to slip by as they blocked any entrances further into the factory, simply by standing together they created a wall of kinetic energy. The obvious leader stood in the back of the group of ten, in the middle, making hand signals at all the soldiers, one from each group would began to roam, the kinetic shields expanding as they did so, making it difficult for him to remain undetected. The makeshift weapons they all held began to glow red as well and it seemed once they started to glow red, they could be pushed and pulled through the shield without disruption. [1/2]
Julian DiGourdi. The fact that none of the barrels were near him or exposed was a good things. Globs kept being produced, most of them used as cover. But he got the courage up to do something drastic. He could see through the fog, so he aimed two bombs at separate parts of the shield. He threw one, then the other, and each of them would explode up against the shield with a destructive boom. If it didn't break the shield, it would at least throw them back a little bit. He was in a tough spot, and he wasn't sure how to get out just yet. He didn't have raw power to work with.
The shield he hit would indeed cause the wielder to stumble backwards, knocking the concentration down so that for a brief second his shield fluctuated, disappearing. Then it was back up. While the boy did this, the others that had first rushed him, rushed again, five in total, each throwing a blunt tool at Julian that was charged with kinetic energy. He would've given his position away due to his attack, which hadn't been what the leader had wanted but, it worked nonetheless. One weapon aimed for head level, one for each arm and one for each leg (about knee level). Since they could not see him, the attacks were not precise. But, as stated before, a kinetic shield wouldn't help, or any sort of kinetic attack, unless it was strong enough to repel the weapons and not blow himself up. [2/2]
The shield he hit would indeed cause the wielder to stumble backwards, knocking the concentration down so that for a brief second his shield fluctuated, disappearing. Then it was back up. While the boy did this, the others that had first rushed him, rushed again, five in total, each throwing a blunt tool at Julian that was charged with kinetic energy. He would've given his position away due to his attack, which hadn't been what the leader had wanted but, it worked nonetheless. One weapon aimed for head level, one for each arm and one for each leg (about knee level). Since they could not see him, the attacks were not precise. But, as stated before, a kinetic shield wouldn't help, or any sort of kinetic attack, unless it was strong enough to repel the weapons and not blow himself up. [2/2]
Julian DiGourdi saw at least one of the weapons coming his way, which would be the one aiming at his head. He ducked, dodging the head and leg one's, but that caused the one's that were aimed at his knees to hit his chest. He fell back, hitting his head on the wall. "Ahh!" he called. He grabbed two of the weapons and spun on his heel launching them at one of the guys, followed by a small powered charged bomb for each one. He grabbed the two for his knees, and ran forward, starting to whack at the shields, putting all the power he had into it. The kinetic shields would throw the weapons out of his hands, but he was getting pissed. He picked them up and threw them at another guy, also followed by medium powered bombs. The bombs moved faster than the weapons, so hopefully it would throw the shields off long enough for the weapons to hit. Two smoke bombs were thrown again.
In the time that he dodged and hit his head, the leader directed another group to rush him, one grabbing a barrel of gunpowder and rolling it forward directly in front of Julian. The small powered bomb was absorbed by the kinetic shield, only serving to strength it. However, the larger bombs made contact and momentarily disrupted the shields around two of the center guards, the weapons hitting and knocking them back. The entire combined shield was then weakened for a few seconds, so hopefully Julian acted quickly. There were still eighteen security guards and only a few were attacking Julian. He had to get through the first wave and figure out how to defeat the rest of them. Behind the group, the leader signaled the others who were not attacking. And they soon disappeared, moving out of the room. [1/3]
Julian DiGourdi grabbed handfuls of the gunpowder, smiling. He wasn't going to be dumb and waste it. He threw it at the shields, letting it rest for only a second, as very weak bombs hit. It would cause the gunpowder to ignite. Then Julian would roll the barrel at the flaming shield, and press up against the wall, covering his ears. Hopefully, if he'd executed everything correctly, it would cause an explosion big enough, but controlled enough, to only take out the shield, and leave the rest of the gunpowder unharmed. He thought their shield would be enough to contain the explosion within this area only.
The gunpowder hit the shields, not causing a massive explosion and thus, the guards took it as a diversion, rushing ahead... The seven guards left would be taken out by the explosion, underestimating their opponent but where did the leader and the other ten go? Suddenly a chute of gunpowder opened up over his head, too big to run from and large enough to cover a majority of the room in. Nothing else happened, though. A door was about fifty feet away from him, closed and locked, perhaps a way out. [2/3]
Julian DiGourdi would jump over the bodies, smiling to himself and rushing towards the door, but cursing to himself as it was locked. He shook off the gunpowder from his hair and body, then looked around. "OH SHIT!" he shouted out. He knew what was going to happen. He held the lock in his hand, in a frantic haze. He wasn't sure what to do. He cuffed it in his hand and closed his eyes, his entire body glowing pink now. He hummed a little, shaking his leg. "Come on..." If you could see through his hands, you would see a series of small explosions going off, hoping that it would, a) destroy the lock altogether, or b) set off the tumblers and unlock the lock in time for him to get out. [1/2]
As soon as Julian approached the door and even touched it, explosions would sound off all around him, falling gunpowder, disconnected to the gunpowder on the floor, was set off around him. Random explosions going off around him... The remaining guards weren't letting him leave that easily. Suddenly five surrounded him, sliding down from railings, riding hanging chains to do so. The chains would be touched as they slid down, coating the ten chains in kinetic energy and causing more random explosions as they touched the falling gunpowder. Each guard's fist glowed red as they aimed to simultaneously attack the boy. [3/3]
Julian DiGourdi let go of the lock just as it was unlocked, his creativity prevailing. He tried to yank the door open and get away, but it seemed that it was stuck at the moment. He needed a few seconds more than he had. He'd mutter something, then throw a smoke-bomb on the floor. "Please, please, please," he said to himself. And it happened. The cloud wrapped around him and formed a kinetic shield, not nearly as strong as the attackers, but enough to knock the punches off. "YES!" he said. If they were knocked back long enough, he'd yank the door open and make his escape. [2/2]
One of the guards would fall back, his fist still charged with kinetic energy... The fist fell flat against the ground. The gun-powdered ground, causing the entire room to explode. He'd have to get out of that part of the factory and fast, hopefully shutting the door behind him. If not, he would be knocked back by the blast.
Julian DiGourdi slipped through in time, slamming it closed behind him and jumping away from the door. He put his hands on his knees and breathed hard, eyes closed as he recovered. After a second or two, he'd stand up straight. "Professor... Why am I not back in the Danger Room yet?" he asked, looking around. Usually, when you finished, the Danger Room reverted back to its original form, but... Oh no. He looked down at the ground and shook his head, breathing heavily.
The Headmaster's voice would be heard, You have only completed the first of three tasks, Julian. Now, you must traverse through the insect-infested stockroom. Careful, there are alarms in here and more kegs of powder. You must remain calm and vigilant. It was dark, musty and dank in the stockroom and crowded. He would find little room to escape as well as move around the various insects. The floor was like a grid and underneath were similar guards from the previous except they were armed with guns. One wrong move and they would be alerted. The exit wasn't clear just yet... so, he had to move forward.
Julian DiGourdi's eyes widened at the word insect. Wahahahaahhaaa? He backed up against the wall and then almost screamed, but muffling himself. He could smell them. Ohmygod. He was paralyzed, literally, standing their like an idiot not moving. He would speak, but he couldn't move his mouth either. He just closed his eyes and shook his head a few times, trying his hardest not to cry. This was what he dreamt about. Being trapped in a room with bugs. Those dreams were never pleasant. For now, he didn't move.
A light would be seen from afar, flickering dimly. It would be the light from the crack under a door. An exit. Julian, you must continue on. You must face your fears and conquer them or you will never show any growth at all. You can do this, were the encouraging words of the Headmaster. There is always a light at the dark
tunnel, remember that. Both a euphemism and an encouragement.
Julian DiGourdi would be taking deep breaths, still unable to move until the Headmaster's words rang in his head. Julian would lift his arm and wipe the tears from his eyes. He would step forward gingerly, making sure not to make much of a racket. He tried to ignore even the thought of bugs, as his feet were lightly set on the grate's, slowly moving to the light he saw, shivering in utter terror to himself. He was nearing the light.
A large cockroach hissed in his ear... An African hissing cockroach, aiming to crawl onto his head and nestle in his blond hair. Various cockroaches and spiders began to crawl all over him, and if he knocked them off, the feeling would remain. They tried to get in his clothes, to get in his hair, his mouth, his ears, his nose.
Julian DiGourdi had to literally cover his mouth to keep from letting out a noise. He closed his eyes, moving forward still. He shook his head furiously, nonononono. He opened his eyes to see the door was right there. He reached out with the unused hand, grasping for the doorknob, throwing bugs off of the door. After moments of literally panicking, he opened the door and burst through. He closed the door then let out a little whimper, and shook off, threw off, and otherwise took all the bugs off his body. "Oh my god..." he said. "I... did it..." he said to himself.
As soon as he was free from one task, he was thrust into the next... Or was he? The light from the door was blinding and suddenly he was in a familiar setting... His home. And standing before him was... his mother. "Hello dear, Julian. I'm so proud that you made it through your training... You are getting so very strong!" She smiled proudly at him, moving forward to hug him. The bugs would disappear, as would the door leading him to this room.
Julian DiGourdi would turn, placed in his large, white home. When he heard his mother's voice he turned. "M-" he said, backing up tears flooding to his eyes. It'd been so long. "Mom?" his face lit up. She was so beautiful. He was smiling big, but crying at the same time. "Mom! I.. You..." he shook his head, wiping the tears away, but they kept coming. "No, you're dead!" he said, moving to avoid her. "WHO ARE YOU?! HOW DARE YOU!" he shouted. "No. No, no no. This isn't real. No," he said. "You're dead!" he screamed, running away from her now, crying out loud, bawling. He had to run away from the dream he'd had so many times which had seemed to become real. He wanted so much to turn around and hug her. "MOM!" he cried.
His mother continued to smile at him, a gentle smile that would stir his memories so well... He'd begin to forget why he was even there, wanting to simply dwell in the memory, the facade. Everything about her and the room flickered as if it had bad reception but, the feeling of wanting to forget continued to grow. "What are you talking about, son? I'm not dead.. what an awful thing to say to your mother..." [1/2]
Julian DiGourdi, "NO! The police told me! THEY TOOK ME AWAY MOM!" he cried, stumbling and falling, but pulling himself up into a ball. "They put me with a family! They hit me! GO AWAY! YOU'RE NOT REAL!" but it was happening. His heart began to lighten, as the days that he spent out in the garden with his mother, when they'd planted roses and tulips. When she used to tickle him right below his knees when they were in the car. When she called him Honey Bee because of the way he loved to garden with her. "No... No. No. IT'S NOT REAL!" he shouted, throwing a bomb out. It exploded, sending bits of furniture flying. But, he couldn't help it. He was falling for it. "M..Mom?"
She seemed concerned as she moved forward, kneeling carefully in front of him. "Come now, Honey Bee... That was all a bad dream. It was just a nightmare. I've been here the entire time..." They were suddenly in the garden but, Julian's mind would slowly be worn down by the telepathic advances, so, despite his logical side screaming it was fake, he'd be forced to buy into it. Soon, the memories of this recent training exercise faded away, unless he acted soon. If he watched carefully, the garden flickered and it was obvious they were in the Danger Room, that this was all simulated. Hopefully he caught it in time. [2/2]
Julian DiGourdi wiped his face, a string of saliva coming from it. Julian wasn't dumb... but he was gullible. "Mom..." he muttered... But he shook his head. When she kneeled in front of him, he'd kick his foot out to hit her in the shin, hard enough to break bone. He'd stand up, then form a bomb. "You're sick," he said, throwing the bomb down onto the obvious illusion. If it all went well, it would be ended, quick and easy.
His 'mother' was caught off-guard by the quick to the shin, the illusion being disrupted for a few seconds but, it was all the time the boy needed. She went down easy, she was just a telepath after all... As the dust settled, the Danger Room deactivated and the Headmaster walked in, patting the boy on the back. "I am proud of you, Julian. The obstacles you faced were extremely tough, especially in your case but, you succeeded and you are now stronger because of it." And then, he'd help the boy out if need be, get him medical aid etc etc.
