To reach the sky. [Mason]

It was a pleasant afternoon, with the sky displaying an impressive beauty. The clouds were reflecting the setting sun's orange and red rays, and their hues varied from creme and gold to pink and deep purple. The gentle breeze was making the trees surrounding the castle sway lazily, and a few birds were often crossing the sky. The roof was empty at the moment. Often, students visited it, either alone when in a more contemplative mood, or in pairs who often shared a more romantic vibe.

With a minor puffing sound, a man appeared on the roof, out of thin air. He was a man at his mid twenties, tall and thin, with medium length light blonde hair and glasses. He was wearing a brown coat and a dark green scarf over it, and under the coat, a gray shirt. He also had a pair of brown trousers and boots. Slowly, he raised his arms and stretched them at either side, arching his back as well.

"Nnnnngh!" he even shamelessly groaned in obvious relief, not behaving too "professor-ly", but not caring much since he was alone, most likely. Ignatius hadn't truly adapted in being a professor. It didn't help that he didn't have a proper, regular class, but even if he had, he often thought that he could never actually adapt to this position's stereotypes, he was far too youthful for that, in body and soul.

After stretching to his heart's content, he sighed and walked closer to the edge of the roof, facing the setting sun, his long shadow cast on the roof's floor. He liked that place. It made him feel close to the sky, and in a sense, it felt as if he was challenging his limits in yet another way. Could he ever reach that sky?

With that thought in mind, he slowly raised his hand towards the sky, and looked at the clouds through the gaps of his fingers. Just what did the future hold for him? He was at a point in his life, where he was unsure about anything. Himself, his place in the world, his future, his desires and wishes, ambitions and goals....He just wished to reach the sky...any kind of sky that he set for himself.

Of course, if anyone saw him, simply stretching and idly keeping his arm up, he'd appear rather odd and perhaps a bit foolish. He had teleported to the roof instead of simply walking, not just because he felt lazy, but because he thought that any kind of practice kept him sharp, and he ended up overusing his power. At least, he tried to be secretive about it.

SPOILER: Click to show

    Excited by his lessons with Professor Cross, Mason was eager to make it was to find another professor. It seemed that he was going on this long journey to find some kind of teacher, but it would be worth it in the end. Besides, Mason didn't mind getting know the teachers. He had always like getting to know them one on one, but his previous school had been too short staff for that. Foresta had an abundance. 

    He walked from the meadow, putting his jacket, which rested on his hips, back on his shoulders. He waved goodbye at Cross before spinning his staff into his durable glider. He gripped the top and launched into the air, tucking his feet onto the back handles and flew into the air.
    His hair, like usual, fluttered as the air past though it. He yawned loudly and flew high and higher into the late afternoon sky. As Mason flew, he wondered what these professors were like. If Cross had recommended them, did that mean they were just as blunt and abusive as he was. Mason chuckled at the thought of a pack of crazed professors like Cross running amok in the school.

    He started circling the school building, searching for Professor Jones as Cross had suggested. The castle was large though, and there could have been a number of places the teacher could be on the "roof top", never mind where he could be in general. He circled though, tracking and back tracking the areas he passed, moving almost bird like as he clung to his glider pleasantly.

     It was then that out of the corner of his eye, he saw a sudden mass burst into existence. It surprised him, and he leaned forward, diving and circling to turn back to whatever caught his eye. Upon closer inspection he realize that it was a person, reaching high into the sky, stretching in bliss. Mason assumed that the man had teleported, or something of the like, though that didn't surprise him, considering the school he was in.

    The closer he got, the easier it was to recognize the professor. He had never had this instructor before, but more of the student population knew him for his relaxed and student like behaviour.
    As he flew over the rooftop, he slowed down, letting his feet drop off their handles and began spinning his staff rapidly, serving to both fold his wings back into their staff form, as well as letting him hover above the ground for a few moments. He landed softly before walking towards the teacher. "Excuse me, Professor?" he called out. "Professor Jones? Professor Cross told me I should seek you out if I wanted to continue his classes."

Ignatius heard the voice and almost coughed out the lungful or air he had inhaled during his stretching. He hadn't expected someone to arrive from above, and hadn't seen Mason either, so he coughed for a few moments and bumped his chest, until he was finally calm again. After that happened, he fixed his glasses a bit, looking at Mason and his staff. This student had flown here?

Upon hearing the reason why Mason was on the roof top with him, he raised an eyebrow and stood a bit more straightly. Cross had sent this student? Perhaps it was because of Ignatius' encounter that other time with Cross....perhaps this meant that, after what had transpired, Cross had developed some sort of acknowledgement of him?

"Ah...yes, that's me. Ignatius Jones. And your name?" he asked the student, as he took his glasses off and wiped them clean on his scarf. After receiving the reply about Mason's name, he thought for a moment before talking. "What exactly did Cross tell you? And what is it that you seek from me, exactly?" he asked, his tone showing just curiosity. No one had yet approached him so straightforwardly before, and asked to be taught by him.

The tone of the young man's voice was much softer and quiet than Cross' loud and masculine tone, and Jones did not emit a professor's aura and authority in the least bit. He was even slim, not as well built as Mason even, despite him being at an older age.

    Mason smiled at the teacher to be polite. A gentle breeze passed over the rooftop, gently brushing the hair and loose objects on both bodies. Mason couldn't help but compare Jones and Cross, who were quite different from each other. Cross had been this tall, defined, and blunt man, which seemed appropriate for his battle lessons. Since he was the man who recommended Jones, he expected Jones to be a teacher of a similar nature. The man seemed awkward and almost lanky, especially in comparison. However, thought Mason, Jones was in fact a professor at the academy. Plus, Cross had recommended him, so he had to offer some useful knowledge in some aspect.

    Mason, shook his head slightly and walked a bit towards the professor. "Well," he began confidently. "I've recently enrolled myself in Cross battle technique class, though I've convinced him to teach me his private lessons, so it's not just theory." He looked at Jones and then chuckled. "And honestly after the first lesson, I can see why it's private." He laughed heartily though briefly, unsure if Jones was familiar with Cross seemingly duo personality.

    He scratched his head and leaned against his staff. He was expecting Jones, for some reason, to know why Mason was there; so when it didn't, Mason was sort of at a lose for words. "He didn't really say much. Said that if I wanted to continue my classes with him, that it would be... useful to see other people. He suggested you and Professor Kalevere... though didn't really say why," Mason trailed off confused. "He mentioned you could help with my powers," he burst out after a short paused after the recollection of the thought. "I guess to develop them, so they could be more useful in battle."

    Mason twirled his staff in the silence, and looked around. "Are you areokinetic?" he asked slowly as he cocked an eyebrow. "I work with the flow of air and control it. Developed it in combination with martial arts... uh, Bu Gua to be specific. So I can't just think of a gust of wind and it comes. There has to be a physical action behind it."

    He starred at the calm and awkward Professor and smile crookedly. He had hoped that the explanation was enough. It was brief, but provide the professor with enough knowledge that perhaps the two of them could work on something. Honestly, Mason was just eager to get back to another lesson with Cross.

With utmost focus, Ignatius listened to Mason's explanation, and he raised an inquisitive eyebrow at that remark about the "justified private nature of Cross' classes.". Curious by nature and not knowing what Mason meant, since he hadn't witnessed Cross teaching before, his interest was piqued. He kept on listening, and when he heard Mason talking about his power, he nodded a few times to show he was listening, at the same time many thoughts and possibilities crossing his mind.

Finally, he smiled. "Am I an aerokinetic? No, but I could be." he said softly, and there was an almost playful glow in his eyes, since he knew how mysterious and confusing he might have sounded, and he somewhat enjoyed it. But then, he contained himself and became a bit more serious, even more so when he reminded himself that this student most likely didn't know what this was about, and that he'd have to explain.

"I have two...specialties. The one is that I am a very fast and imaginative learner. The other is...well, let's say that I can acquire powers that are willingly provided." he tried to explain, rubbing his chin with his left hand. "How I work is...I acquire a weaker copy of the original power, and proceed to analyze, experiment and understand it. As I learn new uses and aspects, I share and teach those to the students." he explained, hoping this made sense.

After a pause, he continued. "It's a delicate and, admittedly, still under consideration method. I want you to imagine this though. Imagine that you have wings, but you don't know exactly how to use them. And there's no one around with wings to show you how, to direct you. Of course, there can be someone who understands the theory and will tell you how to flap your wings....but wouldn't it be more...helpful if someone could grow wings, learn to fly as well and show you how they did it? That's the thought behind it." he reasoned, then paused again.

"Well..." he then said, and looked away, feeling a bit awkward. Since he had been appointed this position, a worry burdened him, that the students would think he's out to steal their power. "I mean...I guess I could give you some advise without needing to share your power. I just wouldn't be able to get in depth and hold private classes, that's all...so, it's up to you, really...." he finally said. This would be his first such time teaching a student, if it happened, and he wasn't sure if he had presented it well.

    Mason's brow furrowed as he listened. He opened his mouth a couple times to ask questions, but refrained, wanting to get a full explanation before speaking. He closed his eyes as he tried to picture himself with wings, which was surprising difficult considering he was holding onto his own artificial pair of wings. HIs eyes burst open as he talked about stealing his power.

    "What do you mean steal my power?" he asked defensively, taking a step back. This was a complex reactions because on the one hand, Mason knew he would have an easier and safer life without his powers. On the other hand though, his own life was surrounded around his abilities; it defined many aspects of him; his relationship with his father; his understanding of the world. Quickly deciding that his mothers passing would be for naught if he lost his powers, he decided it would be a bad thing.

    Mason kept his focus on the Professor, slightly confused. It didn't make sense to him that an academy to help develop the skills of powers would have a professor to just take them away from students. To add to that, Jones didn't look like a person to just simply steal powers away from people. They had only just met, but the feeling he got from Jones was not malicious. Awkward, but not bad.

    He took a tentative step back towards the Professor and tried to understand better. "What you're saying, is if I had wings, you would take the wings from me so you can grow smaller ones and teach me?" He was confusion. "I don't want to lose my powers. If we share my powers, so I lose the strength of mine?"

Ignatius flinched when he heard the word "steal", and for a brief moment, he simply wished to teleport away from the roof and vanish. But clenching his fists, he steeled himself. He knew that this was a conversation that he had to face some day, with some student, and it happened to be this boy in front of him. He had made his resolve, when he accepted the destiny the Academy had prepared for him, his entire existence centered around his power.

His heart was beating fast in his chest, but when he spoke, his tone was much calmer than how he truly felt. "I don't wish to steal your power, Mason. Furthermore, it's impossible." he clarified, rubbing his forehead with his palm. "What I do, is get a weaker copy of a power, while you retain the original of course, at all times. Learn to use it, share my findings and thoughts with the original owner. The copy I get is inferior to the original, yours, at about two thirds. Meaning, if you could lift a maximum of three hundred pounds with a gust of wind, I could never surpass two hundred." Ignatius pointed out.

The looked into Mason's eyes for a moment, then sighed lightly. "Again...you don't have to do this. I don't mind giving you a tip or two if I can come up with them through observation, it just won't be a truly complete and in-depth guidance..." he said, almost resigned, but at least he had had his first encounter. Even if it failed, he had made a start and faced rejection.

    There was a quite in the air, not awkward, but contemplative. Another breeze passed overtop the roof, this was a bit stronger than the last. Mason was relieved to hear that not only would Jones steal his power, but that it was impossible for him to lose his power. That was definitely good new. Now, the question stood: Could Jones teach Mason about a power he only just received? Mason spent his whole life working on his powers. Was this the best way to use his time?

    On the other hand, what did Mason have to loose? He smiled, relaxing. "Okay Professor. How exactly do you obtain a copy of my power?" he asked, walking towards him. "I think it'd be interesting to try and teach you a think or two. Maybe even give you a flying lesson," he chuckled, suddenly entertained by the idea of teaching a professor.

ooc - sorry this one isn't too long. I wasn't sure what else to say without going far. Mason is willing to give his powers to Jones though!

Upon hearing those words, Ignatius eyes were wide, and he looked at Mason without being able to truly conceal his surprise. Not that he didn't know the value of what he could offer this student, it was just that in his heart, he didn't expect a student to also understand it. After a moment, he nodded and regained some of his composure.

"I'll just need three drops of your blood. You can uh...actually go to the infirmary, tell the nurse that Ignatius Jones sent you, and she will guide you through the entire process." he explained. After that, he smiled faintly. "Also, you are right. At the beginning, I'll need your help to get the hang of it. A new power is a new power after all, and you start with vastly more experience than me. I'll just offer...a fresh look to it, if you will." he said, his tone warm and positive.

"So, Mason, if you're truly up for doing this, go to the infirmary, and I'll meet you here in four days from now, same time." he said. "As for flying...that sounds interesting." the professor said, as he turned and took a step right off the rooftop. He even winked at Mason and fell with the force of gravity, but the moment he was out of sight, and before Mason could reach the edge and look down, Ignatius had already vanished.

( Occ: Time skip 4 days ahead in this thread, with Mason returning? Essentially, he was asked to give one drop of blood in the infirmary for the next three days. )

    It was a cloudy day, as Mason stood on top of the roof. There wasn't a constant wind, but it was quite common today. It was good day to learn air bending, since the wind current was stronger. Mason stood in the same spot he stood four days earlier, his hair and jacket wrapped around his hips moved quickly in a suddenly gust of wind, which died down as quickly as it came. He was along on the roof top, save is faithful companion. Mason wasn't sure how blood would give Jone his powers, but to be honest, he wasn't exactly sure the origins of his own powers, so who was he to talk?

    Lupo sat beside Mason, nodding him to be pet frequently, as he seemed to be easily bored today. He entertained the dog, tossing a stick and letting him dash across the roof to retrieve it. He focused on the dog, ready to protect him should a surprise strong gust decided to blew the dog off, though it seemed very unlikely in todays weather.

    Upon Jone's arrival, Mason smiled. "Okay, ready to work!" he said excitedly and much more comfortably than he was four days ago. Lupo, seeing a new person, made his way to Jones, innocently sniffing him and examining him, as dogs do when interested in something. "How do we start? It's a great day to learn some air bending!"

When Ignatius arrived, this time taking the stairs up to the roof top instead of simply appearing there, he looked as if he had gone through some kind of war zone. He was very pale, with dark circles under his eyes. His lips were almost white, and his cheeks were a bit gaunt. The man had obviously lost a few pounds, and he was limping lightly at his left foot.

Acquiring a new power wasn't easy the first time he did it, and this second time, it wasn't any easier. He had gone through three hellish day, shut in his room, with his body and being trying to modify itself accordingly in order to display the new power that was being inserted into him, day by day. Still, when he saw Mason and Lupo, he smiled lightly.

"Hello, Mason. What is this big fellow's name?" he asked softly, and carefully leaned in, not patting Lupo's head, but instead keeping his held out hand steady in a not alarming manner, to allow Lupo to smell it and make the first contact if the dog so wished. 

"I don't know if you'll find it any entertaining....yesterday, I sneezed. My room is a mess now, as if a typhoon went by...literally...." Ignatius said, trying to sound cheerful, but it was obvious how he had been weakened by all this. "Really, has it happened to you, getting sudden backlash or accidents from your power? Or was it a slow and smooth process, a controlled one as you were growing up?" he asked curiously.

There he was, a professor admitting that he had goofed, and that he was having trouble controlling a power that a student could control, and that he was even supposed to teach it back to the student. Not very typical of a professor, and yet the man seemed steady and dignified. Perhaps it could make one wonder just what kind of confidence he had in himself and his abilities, to allow his image to get that damaged.

    Professor Jones was worse looking than Mason expected. The previous two days gave no indication of how he would look today. The first couple days he looked as if he had simply missed a few days of sleep. Yesterday it was as if he hadn't eaten in a number of days. Today though, the Professor looked like death. Paler, skinnier, and weaker looking, Jone's appearance made Mason wonder if this process would kill the teacher. Mason analyzed his teacher, starring longer than he should have. It was at a question that snapped Mason out of his stare. He smiled apologetically.

    "While I must say it was easier growing up with it than suddenly receiving the power, those sneezes can be problematic," he chuckled, recalling a sneeze that sent him flying across a field and slamming against the a tree. "They can be useful though," he added quickly, trying to give a small lesson. "If you ever get tied up, your breath can be just as useful as a punch or kick. It can be quite the surprise to unsuspecting enemies," he said with a smile.

    "His name is Lupo by the way," he said, adding, calling the dog over. Content with the professor, he walked to Mason, who held out his staff. The large beast held the staff in his mouth, with enough force to keep the staff in place, but no where close to cause damage to it. Mason smiled at his dog which was an indication to proudly walk across the roof and give the two men space, laying down with his staff now under his big heavy paws.

    "You don't look like you're doing so well," Mason said sympathetically. "Is this normal? If you want, we can postpone the lesson. I hadn't plan on doing anything wild today, but I don't want you to hurt yourself on my account." Mason crossed his arms across his chest and thought, waiting for the Professor's suggestions.

Jones shook his head negatively after hearing Mason's suggestion. "It's fine, Mason..." he said, and then froze suddenly, as if focusing very hard. He was, in fact, trying to suppress a burst of energy welling up from inside him. It took a few moments, but then he relaxed, obviously having succeeded in what he wished to accomplish. "It's the third day....the worst is behind me. You see....I can turn this...power on and off, if you can imagine that. Or...at least, I'm learning how to." Ignatius said, then took in a deep breath.

"You see, in theory, I'm designed to contain an infinite amount of powers. I couldn't have all of them at the same time, right? It would cause chaos, and I'd probably never survive that. Thus, I can tap into a power when I wish to, and have it lay dormant when I don't. It's just the first few days that are difficult." he explained, the word "designed" escaping him at the beginning, since his focus was more poured towards the task of controlling the power he was acquiring.

"I'll need your guidance for the first few days, Mason. From then on, we'll be making discoveries together, since I learn very fast. Now...why don't you show me how you approach and use your power? You said you have combined it with your martial art...I want you to show me everything you can do, every application and usage you've figured out. And if you can comment on how you do some things, it will also help." Ignatius said with a small smile and curious eyes.

He could feel that Mason's power is strong, very strong, and he already had many thoughts, ideas and possibilities that he couldn't wait to approach and examine along with his new student.

    Mason hesitated for a moment, starring at his teacher for a few moments, debating internally if what the teacher was saying was true. He was stuck on the "designed" aspect of Jone's explanation, and had opened his mouth to question, but stopped himself, not wanting to put further strain on his already tired looking state. He then wondered how many powers Jone's had already acquired, and thought of him being quite deadly in a fight, being able to use an infinite amount of powers theoretically. 

    "Alright then!" Mason concluded, trusting the fact that Jones knew his body better than Mason would. He clapped his hand together, rubbing them a few times quickly. He stood beside Jones, and looked to his right so they stood side by side. There was a good gust on wind, which gently rushed passed the two.

    "The key to air bending, is being light on your feet," he began. "You are free, and are always looking for the path of least resistance. The strength of our art mastery is circular motions. We build up momentum from those movements, making our attacks and defencess stronger." He step forward and threw a punch. The sound of air could be heard rushing. He then, as if evading an attack, ducked and continued his motion turning on the balls of his feet, the spiral brining him up and threw the same punch. The sound of rushing wind was louder, and its effects could be felt against their skin. "Like so," he said, walking back.

    "You want to be imaginative. Think that there is also a different way to approach a situation. If one tactic doesn't work, then there are a dozen others. The air control can be used to soften blows or landings, enhance your speed by affecting air currents, and to move objects around to your advantage."

    "Why don't you give it a shout, just follow me," he said with a smile, standing opposite of Jones. He brought his hands up, elbows close to his core. "Light; feet barely skimming the ground," he said as they began circling each other, slowly building up a small wind current around then.

Jones listened intently, his focus very intense in his eyes. He took in a deep breath, and while allowing Mason's words to fill him, Lightness and balance, the path of least resistance, and an open mind that can come up with many different approaches. Slowly, he started circling around with the pace Mason dictated, holding his arms accordingly.

"How is it that you access your power, Mason? What is the difference between you executing a simple punch, and you controlling the wind while punching?" Jones asked, his tone concentrated and even. "Do you tap into something inside you? Do you access your core and soul somehow? Do you atune yourself with something outside of you? What makes the difference between a simple motion and controlling the air?" he asked calmly. 

It was a delicate process, and he knew he had to be focused, even if his mind was racing, thinking very fast and coming up with possibilities. He couldn't easily keep himself from exploring them, but he knew he had to lay down the foundation first. "I've practiced Tai Chi a bit." he then remarked. "I'm not a master of any sort, but it's an internal style with circular movements, so I can see some similarities." Jones said with a faint smile, feeling the wind stirring around them.

It was an almost mystical process and scene. Essentially, a miracle was occurring, and even if one were to become almost oblivious to the amazing marvel that a "power" was, that certainly wasn't Jones, who could truly live and appreciate what was taking place on that rooftop, that very moment.