Welcome to Gaia! ::

Table of Contents

• Civilian: Sean Jones
  
• Negaverse Agent: Lt. Saponite
  
• Future plots
  
• Family and relationships
  
• Roleplay
  

Negaverse Alias: Lieutenant Saponite

Challenge: Now you see it, now you don't!

Weapon
Lieutenant Weapon: magician scarves
Captain Weapon: Colorful heavy chain
General Weapon: barbed whip

Family:
Mom - Diana Jones
Dad - Wayne Jones
Many foster siblings (past and present)

Relationships:
none yet

[Gdocs RP: Benitoite x Sean/Saponite]

His classes for the day had ended, almost two hours ago if the clock on his cell phone was correct. He could have been home - should have been home. But instead he’d dropped by Romano’s, since his classes were off campus, in order to drop off lunch to his elder cousin who was teaching gym at the school. A short bit of social time had followed, as his cousin had lunch break then, and now after spending some time in the teacher's lounge grading things he was planning to head home - finally.

Still dressed fashionably, and in the proper colors, Professor Evans or Mr. Evans as he was called by students was making his way through the main building as he headed towards the main office so he could leave the school and head home. Slender fingers, those of a painters, were stuffed into the pockets of his black slacks as he ran a mental list in his head of what he had at home so he could figure out dinner options.

If he had to he could always order food and get delivery, he doubted his cousin or his partner would complain, but he always went to home cooking as a first option. He couldn’t think though right now, his focus on other things. The large art profolio case held in his left hand, down at his side, contained the art he’d been grading - something he disliked doing. He was, if anyone noticed, only half paying attention to where he was going. He knew the way to the main office so just let his feet do the work.

----

Sean wandered through the hallways of Romano’s, alternating his attention between the schedule in one hand, a campus map in the other, and the hallway ahead. He was still fairly new to the school, having transferred in after the school year started. Fortunately it was still early in the year, so it hadn’t taken much time to get caught up in the coursework. Getting used to his schedule was taking longer; he’d just gotten used to his class schedule at his old school before he transferred and had to learn a new one, and Romano’s added regularly scheduled chores to the mix, which also happened to rotate periodically. He had just rotated to a new set of chores for the first time, and was trying to find the location. As he had just been put on laundry duty, he was trying to find the laundry room. And trying to get there as quick as possible, because he did not expect being new to the place would be a valid excuse for being tardy.

He saw an intersection coming up and consulted the map to see which way to go. It looked like he wanted to turn right, so he started to round the corner…and nearly ran into someone. “Woah!” he said as he stumbled back. “Sorry about that,” he started to say, noticed the man was wearing school colors but not a uniform, deduced that he was probably a professor and added, “-sir. I wasn’t looking where I was going. I’m new here and trying to find my way,” he explained, holding up the map and schedule as evidence.

----

Knocking the blond over wasn’t a hard task to accomplish, given his small stature, and so he was sort of used to it...in a way. Ashen bangs fell into his face before being brushed away, leaving his slate eyes to stare at the male who’d hit into him. It took a moment before he heard what was being said.

Holding up a hand, to pause the others talking, he stood slowly and looked the other over. “It’s fine. I was not paying attention myself. Perhaps I can help you find your way, I assume you’re close to being late.” And that the student didn’t want to be late, who would after all? Well perhaps in other schools it was alright, and something some even didn’t care about, but he knew here people cared.

“I’m Mr. Evans by the way.” Offering a hand to the other. He didn’t mention there was another mr. Evans in the school, his elder cousin, but the other was likely to find out in due time.

------------
Sean was glad the teacher wasn’t upset with him for almost knocking him over, since that could definitely have made a poor first impression. The offer if assistance was appreciated, as well. “Thank you, Mr. Evans, that would be helpful,” he said, nodding. He wasn’t sure what the teacher was offering his hand for, but decided a handshake was more likely than, say, a silent request to see his schedule. So he took the man’s hand and shook it, returning the introduction with, “I’m Sean Jones. Pleased to meet you.”
Greetings done, he glanced at his watch. He wasn’t late yet, but he didn’t have time to dawdle. “I’m heading to the laundry room for chores. I haven’t been there before, but I think it’s near here.” He glanced at the map again to confirm, then realized Mr. Evans would probably know better and looked up at him. “It’s just down the hall here, right?”

----

“Nice to meet you Mr. Jones.” It still, even this far into the school year, felt odd using titles and last names for people. It went with the job though so he made sure to use it, and kept from slipping up. When the handshake was over he let his hand fall back to his side and stared at the other, waiting to see if he could help him.

Ah! No wonder, it wasn’t a class but a chore he had to get to. If it was a class, and he’d been here a day or two already he’d have figured he should be good to find the room. The first time with a chore and a new school...yup, he’d have to assist. “Follow me, it’s not far from here.” And he took the lead as he headed down the hall. “I’ll make sure that if you’re late the teacher in charge understands.” The teachers here were Negaverse officers, like himself, so he could handle any trouble the child might wind up in with a fair amount of ease.

“Next time you have a new room to go to...find some time after classes to locate the room. It’ll help in the future I think.”

----------

Sean had expected to be given directions, but Mr. Evans did one better: he offered to lead Sean right to where he needed to be. Sean hurried after the teacher, tucking his map and schedule in his school bag as he went. “Thank you for the assistance sir, and the advice,” he said as they walked. “I’ll make sure to do that next time.” He made a mental note that next time he had spare time, he should just walk around campus with his map and get used to where everything was. He’d gotten used to the most common areas, but there were still others he hadn’t been to yet. He would have to remedy that as soon as possible, so that he could keep up with any work or assignments he was given. “I’ll make sure to learn my way around soon. I wouldn’t want to cause anyone trouble,” he asserted.

----

Looking back, over his shoulder, he nodded his head. “Yes, would be good.” Slate hued eyes shone as the long haired blond led the way down the hall and made a turn. The room was towards the back of the building, the need for vents and such being the reason. The room was large, since it had a good amount of student's to cater too. It had extra room in case more students joined, so it could hand the influx.

“Tell me, what are your favorite subjects and how are you liking it here thus far Mr. Jones?” He didn’t get to talk to most of the students, his own classes rather small in size. His class was not mandatory and was so unimportant that it was hosted, by him, off campus at a site.

----------

Sean had to consider the question for a few moments. He hummed thoughtfully to let the teacher know that he wasn’t ignoring him as he thought over his answer. “I’m getting along and settling in,” he answered, starting with the easier part of the question. “It’s a different school situation than what I’m used to, but I think I like it.” Moving into school dorms had been the strangest part, but it wasn’t as if he couldn’t go home on weekends. He’d done chores at home, so doing chores at school was just shifting his schedule. Wearing a uniform just meant he didn’t have to consider his outfit for the day. The rest wasn’t much more of an adjustment from starting in any other new school.

“As for favorite subject…I can’t say I have one, really. I do pretty well at all of them.” he paused a moment more to consider if there was anything that had stood out to him, then added. “I did particularly enjoy a Home Ec. class I took once, though. Especially the sewing part, since I enjoy making clothes and plush toys and things. If the laundry staff does any mending, I may offer to help with that.”

----

“That’s good. If you have problems you can always talk to people, I suspect a situation like this can be very different for some students here.” He’d gone to meadowview himself and that was a normal public school, save for the fact they too had a uniform. I uniform wasn’t so...strict, there was some ways to accessorize or add to it. Here...not so much at all.

“I’m unsure if they do but it seems like something that if it’s done - it would be by them. I’m sure if they do they’d appreciate the offer of help.” He added with a smile as he looked the other over. He seemed the sort to be easy going, able to adjust to things, and like he wanted to please, or be helpful at least.

Reaching the room the other needed he paused outside the door. Opening it he peeked in to let them know he had a student for them but he was talking with them, so the other didn’t get in trouble. Giving the boys name he closed the door as he pulled his head from the room.

“Home ec wasn’t so bad, though I found myself drawn more to the art classes. I believe the school offers home ec but as an off campus class, it’s not a core subject. If you want to take it I suggest, since you’re new, talking to the guidance counselor and seeing if you can’t sign up for it still. If you can’t perhaps you can speak with the professor and setup a time when you can meet and maybe learn from them if it’s something you have an interest in.”

---------------

Sean nodded at what the teacher had to say about mending. He did expect that there was someone on staff to handle it if it was necessary, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to offer. Worst that could happen is they they no, right?

When they reached the laundry room, he expected to thank Mr. Evans again and head in to start his chores, but instead instead the teacher let the staff there know he was speaking with Sean, then closed the door. Sean wondered why for a moment, but then the man continued their conversation, so Sean figured he must have more to say.

“OK, I’ll ask about it,” he agreed. “And if it’s too late in the semester to sign up for it…” he shrugged. “There’s always next semester, right? It makes sense if they want me to focus on the regular classes, since I joined late. Not a bad idea to make sure I’m on the same page as everyone else first.” He smiled back brightly, clearly happy with either option.

----

“Yes, that is true.” He admitted with a nodding of his ashen head. Pausing for a moment, looking the other over, Alexandre made a rather quick decision. He really hoped it wasn’t the wrong decision, that he was making a mistake. “I think I might have something else for you to do today...something special - it’ll look good for you.” He said after a moment, wanting to assure the other it wasn’t anything bad...or creepy in some way.

Opening the door once more he called in to see if he could ‘kidnap’ the student as he wished to speak with him in private. He might not teach here but he did have a small office here, he had to, so students could get a hold of him if he needed to be spoken to. There was no office in the small rented place he held his classes in.

-----

Sean nodded at what Mr. Evans had to say. “Certainly, sir. Just let me know what you need me to do.” His face remained cheerfully agreeable, but a slight tilt of the head and quirk of the eyebrows betrayed his puzzlement. What might the teacher need him for that was so important that he wanted to keep Sean from his regular school schedule? Being prompt had been emphasized when he enrolled, but of course so was obedience. Following the instructions of a staff member right in front of him probably superseded any standing orders. So he waited patiently to see what the teacher had to say.

----

“Follow me. I keep a small office here on campus.” Since his class was off campus, in a small rented building, he had his office here for ease of the students who might need to speak with him. He had a note posted on his office door with his contact information even, he’d made an e-mail account just for the purpose of students contacting him, so nothing would get lost in his regular e-mail.

Leading the way to his office, which wasn’t terribly far from where they already were, he opened the door to show a rather nice and warmly decorated office. In the interest of making students feel comfortable he’d gone with a nice deep red set of chairs and a side table for each for books and such things to be put. His desk a deep brown colored wood with a chair that was high backed, with lots of room, in a matching deep red color.

Candles were scattered about the room and from the smell in his office, and the fact some obviously had been used, they weren’t just for decoration. His office smelled faintly of cinnamon and some sort of spices, a very warm and autumn scent. He had planned his office out carefully in order to comfort students, to make them feel safe….which they mostly were anyway.

“I do hope I’m not making a mistake in my read of you…” Trailing off as he spoke more to himself than the other, though he didn’t care if he was heard. “You do seem suitable though...it might be a good fit.” Leaning against his desk he watched the other, head tilted to the side a bit. “Tell me...do you want power? If I could give you power would you take it?”

------

As Sean followed Mr. Evans to his office, he began to grow curious about what the teacher wanted him to do. What could he want that he didn’t want to discuss in the hallway? Or he could also have asked Sean to come to his office after chores. Whatever it was he wanted Sean to do must be pretty important to him.

Fortunately the office wasn’t far, so Sean didn’t have to wonder long. The room had a comforting feel, and recently-used candles gave it a pleasant scent. It seemed clear that Mr. Evans made an effort to make his students feel welcome. It was thoughtful of him, since speaking to teachers outside of class could be nerve-wracking sometimes.

However, the teacher didn’t take one of the chairs before he began speaking, so Sean stayed standing as well. The first few sentences seemed vague, but before Sean could decide what to make of him he was asked a direct question, one which required him to cast aside all other thoughts and give it his full attention.

Power? He blinked rapidly a few times, surprised at the completely unexpected topic. It wasn’t one he’d ever given any thought to before, but he supposed so. “Well, sure,” he answered after a moment. “I mean, who wouldn’t, right?” It seemed like a pretty beneficial thing to have, after all.

------

“Some people would turn it down, or ask at what price - there is a price for everything. Sometimes the price doesn’t outweigh what you are receiving...sometimes it does.” Shrugging his shoulders casually. His hands planted themselves on his desk as he looked the other over. “I can offer you power, it’ll do you well here. There is a cost, some pain when receiving it...danger as well. But you’ll know more than most in this city do about certain...things which take place. You could help in protecting this city.”

His words were careful, bordering on telling him the truth...telling him about a war, about ‘terrorism’ and yet he didn’t say those words. He alluded to things, hinted, but never said the words - he wouldn’t. He would have his answer and then, and only then, would he say the words.

Already though he was pushing away from his desk and moving to cover the window part of his office door. A blind came down, made of a nice dark red fabric, so no one could see inside his office.

“Would you still want it? Would you still want the power I could offer you?”

-----------

The teacher’s talk of prices and pain made Sean more hesitant. It was a good point; he ought to know what he was giving up and what he would get in return. He was going to ask for more information, but then Mr. Evans said he could help protect the city.

That struck a chord with Sean. There’d been too many scary things happening lately, to himself and others; sudden monster attacks, mysterious illnesses, shadowy stalkers in the night. His mother had been growing more worried with every incident, and he could only imagine how many other people were falling prey to such incidents, and what effect it was having on them and their loved ones. Ife he could have the chance to make the city a little safer for everyone…

“Yes,” he said nodding decisively. “I’m sure.”

-----

Nodding his head at the others answer, as it seemed he had taken some time to think and absorb his words, he made his approach slowly. He didn’t care to spook the younger, he was very young after all and teenagers were prone to such things. “It’ll hurt, that is the price for power. In return however, you will have power and be able to help protect this city. You’ll have some duties but nothing I won’t assist you with, I will help you learn to survive in the war which is taking place in this city.” He would keep the youngster as safe as he could, training him would be a big part of that as well as teaching.

Taking a breath he kept himself calm, hoping it would keep the younger calm, as he powered up. Gone was the fancy clothing he wore for teaching and in it’s place something fancier - almost princely. But with it came an aura the other couldn’t feel - yet.

Reaching out with a gloved hand he was gentle in guiding the other into his arms in order to keep him on his feet. “If you need to hold onto me go ahead. I’ll keep a hold as well.” It was fair warning, as much as he could give. Some people had a higher tolerance for pain than others, he didn’t know how painful it would be for the other. He also wanted to make sure he knew it was ok to grip onto him if need be, he was to approachable.

The warnings given and as much comfort provided as he could do so went right for it. His left hand pressed to the others chest and slipped in with practised ease. Past skin and bone, past muscle and to what he was seeking - their starseed. Grasping it gently, not wanting to cause more pain than necessary, he pushed with his own energy and focusing on the task at hand worked to push the chaos into it.

---------------

Sean was surprised to hear of a war in the city. How would he have missed something like that? It seemed like something that would be hard to miss...and then Mr. Evans suddenly transformed, instantly swapping his outfit for something more far more ornate, almost medieval-looking. His eyes grew wide at the sight. How had that happened? It was like magic.

He didn’t have a chance to dwell on it long, because the teacher gathered Sean in his arms, which was honestly kind of strange. He didn’t understand why it, nor the advice to hold on to him, was necessary...until the pain started. It was immediately all-encompassing and left no room to think of anything else. He left out a strangled gasp and his knees began to buckle, proving the teacher was wise to keep a hold on him.

It was impossible for Sean to tell how long it lasted, but when the pain ended he found he felt stronger for it. Breathing heavily, as if he’d just been sprinting, he straightened his knees and stood upright. Then he noticed he was in a new outfit of his own, one that was far less fancy than his superior’s, but still somewhat formal-looking. And in his hand he gripped a string of scarves knotted together. He looked at the clothes and the scarves for a moment, then at the teacher with a wordless expression of puzzlement.

----

It was a pain he’d felt three times, each time it was power he had gained for the price he had paid. He knew the pain, knew how bad it could be, he’d also corrupted enough people to know how much pain it often caused. He wasn’t surprised when the others legs started to buckle and he gently, slowly, brought them to the ground. “Shhh, it’s ok.” He kept his voice low, soft even, as he held the younger to his smaller form.

When he removed his hand, seeing the changes before his eyes, he smiled down at the other. Watching the other stood, proud to see him getting up so soon after it, he stared up at the other before rising as well. It always took a lot from himself to corrupt someone, it was something he could only do for one person at a time because of this.

“I do apologize for the pain. It’s unavoidable I’m afraid. It’s something every officer goes through.” He spoke gently, looking the other over fully. Well, the weapon was interesting. Maybe it was a sign he’d have something chained when he hit General or even Captain perhaps?

“Welcome to the Negaverse. If you want to change back into your uniform focus on that. To power back up...focus on this uniform. You won’t have your weapon at first, again focus on wanting it - it will appear. I don’t want to fill your head with too much information right now, not after the pain you just went through.” But he was moving, guiding, the other to a chair to sit down. Finding a seat for himself, on the corner of his desk. His legs dangled off the edge, he really was rather short.

“Do not power up without someone, like myself, with you. I will, over time, work with you - train you. I will answer your questions, to the best of my ability, and I am here to help you in whatever way you may need whether it be emotional or with training. It matters not what you need help with - I am here for you.” Folding his hands in his laps he powered himself down and swung his feet a bit, like a child only he was obviously no child.

“I will provide you my cell phone number and we will arrange to go out at nights. I will on these nights help you, teach you, and above all I will keep you safe while you fulfill the duties you have now.” Looking up at the other he smiled, tilting his head to the side. “And I did mean it when I said this will look good for you in this school. All the teachers here...the principle...we are all officers in the Negaverse. Some of the same rank as you - others higher in rank. I myself, am a General - Benitoite.” Now he fell silent and waited, watching the other. He’d said a lot and now it was time for the other to speak, to freak out, slap him, run off, or accept it and ask him questions or just talk.

-------

Sean wore a rather dazed expression on his face as he was lead to a chair. The transformation was strange enough, but before he could really get used to that, the teacher - or rather, Benitoite, it seemed - started offering up a flood of information, to much for him to grasp all at once. When the general stopped talking, Sean blinked at him for a moment, then said, “OK, wait, can we back up a bit? Maybe start with just defining some things…” He tried to focus on the things that made the least sense, then continued, “So, the Negaverse...you mention uniforms and officers, so is it like some kind of military organization?” His head tilted quizzically, seeing confirmation or correction. “And what do you mean by “power up?” And you mentioned a weapon? Not that I’d know how to use one…”

Given a moment to think, he started to process some of the rest of it. So, all the staff in the school was in this Negaverse. How could nobody have noticed that so many people were involved in some kind of military organization? Though, since it seemed some kind of magic was involved, maybe that could account for it...But how was magic even possible. Wait, better not dwell on that question, because it seemed to be happening whether or not it ought to be. So maybe try to figure out how things might change for him…

Thinking aloud, he said, “So you mentioned ranks, and that I have rank, which would mean...what? Probably the lowest rank, so if you’re a General, would that make me...a Private?” He had very little knowledge of military organization, but Private was the lowest one he’d heard of. He couldn’t imagine he would be any higher than the lowest, considering he was the rawest recruit with no experience in...whatever he’d be doing. “What does this Negaverse do, anyway?” he asked flat out.

----

He had learned over time, and corrupting several people, that he should keep it simple and quick when talking at first. A flood of information was not what a new recruit needed, it also helped no one to be honest. It was best to let a new lieutenant sort themselves out and ask questions. So having said what he needed to he had waited and was, as he figured he would be, rewarded with questions from the other once they had their bearings.

“Something like that - yes. Just toss in a bit of magic and less than tech savvy weapons.” His own being a spear...not something you wanted to put up against a gun. But against magic wielding senshi and knights his spear did just fine, and in some cases more than fine. “Powering up...like I did and like I had you do.” He wouldn’t say forced, though that was the case, that was not a word to use in this situation. “The item in your hands...that is your weapon for now. Don’t ask, there is no choosing to be done - trust me. If you do well and become a Captain it will change...and again when you make General.”

“You are, right now, a lieutenant not a private. Next is Captain than General. Beyond me...that is rare, only a few have held or do hold that...General King and General Queen. After that is Queen and only one person holds that title.” Best not to try and explain Metallia, yet anyway, as that was more confusing really and hard to explain….sort of like trying to explain how something came from nothing...at least it seemed as difficult and hard to comprehend.

Shifting on his makeshift seat, his desk, he swung his feet a bit since there was no hope for them to reach the floor...the tips would touch but only just. He was sure if he wasn’t in a teacher's uniform he could blend in as a student here - no problem. “Have you seen the news reports of supposed terrorists in the city? People in skirts, and other such oddly dressed people? Bright lights, flashes here and there and other odd incidents?” He questioned as he stared at the other, tilting his head just a bit to the side.

“This fight - this war...is ancient and has been rehashed. By who...I do not know. I know it is a fight that must be fought and we must win. The other side, the senshi and knights, they would have you believe they are the good guys - that we are the bad ones in all of this. However, it was their moon Queen who tried to take over the Earth over a thousand years ago. It was because she was greedy and didn’t care that the Prince of Earth was supposed to be with another from Earth...he instead fell for the Princess of the Moon and through that bond the greedy Queen sought to rule using her daughter as a pawn. She would have enslaved the people here but they rose up and fought her.” He was keeping some parts out, for the sake of how time consuming things could be, and perhaps he was adding a bit of drama to his voice...but it was no less true. It was the same story he’d been told so many years ago, and that he told others he brought into the Negaverse.

“She attacked the people here using her magic, despite the people here having no such magic to aid themselves, and many perished whilst others...became monsters - perhaps the term wraith or shade might be fitting to describe them. It’s hard to describe them...there being nothing else like a youma. But the war ended - how I do not know. The people then...from Earth...from other planets and stars….they’ve been reborn...or at least their souls. New bodies and new times - a new world. The Moon Queen might have been also...and if so she may try and do what she failed to so long ago. She’ll find support in the senshi and knights, even if they deny it...many of them would support her. Many will deny her existence or what I’ve said...why wouldn’t they? What she tried to do was horrific and what she did do...even more so, once you see a youma you’ll understand that. We’re fighting to keep the past from happening again - we’re fighting the senshi and the knights.” To protect the people here - all of them. It was long, he knew it, but now he fell silent and waited...watched.

--------------

Sean tried to listen to the explanation, but his face never really lost its dazed expression. It was kind of a lot to take in at once, and he was only really getting bits and pieces of it. For starters, it looked like the Negaverse wasn’t just a secret military organization, but a magic one. He’d kind of figured magic had to be involved somehow, since how else would this kind of thing be remotely possible? But it was nice to hear it spelled out.

Second, apparently the string of scarves he was holding was apparently a weapon. He looked down at the item and eyed it dubiously. How could it possibly be used to fight anything? He tugged at the cloth a little and found it very thin, almost sheer, and thought that even with his meager strength he could probably tear one of them in two. Having them knotted into a string made them a little stronger, but not by much. It was too light to try hitting someone with, too weak to tie someone...it kind of looked no better than a toy, to be honest. He started pulling the scarves idly through his hands as he looked up at the General to hear the rest of his explanation.

So there was a war...fought between the Negaverse and terrorists...who were also magic and had something to do with a princess from the moon? How was that even...OK, it’s magic, who knows what’s even possible with magic? The word “senshi” meant nothing to him, and “knight” just conjured up images of people in armor on horseback. But apparently they were who the Negaverse was fighting, so he’d have to figure out what they were. But maybe...a little bit later. Once he’d gotten use to the idea that he was apparently now a soldier in magic war that had been going on a long, long time.

Finally he said, a bit slowly, “I’ll have to review that history lesson a bit later. But I think I got the basic idea.” If it was such a long war, there was probably a lot more to it, anyway. In which case, what he’d heard so far was probably like trying to condense all of World War II into a couple paragraphs. “I hope I can be useful but I’m not much of a fighter.” Then he silently added to himself, ‘Especially if all I have to fight with are scarves.’ He glanced down at the colorful pieces of cloth that he was still running through his fingers. The fabric did feel nice, so the motion was almost soothing.

He looked back up at Benitoite and tried to figure out what he’d be doing now. Maybe focus on something a little more immediate and practical. “So, uh...how will this affect my schoolwork, then? You said the staff were all part of the Negaverse, right?” At least living at the school meant he wouldn’t have to worry about how to keep it from his mom.

----

“Of course, we can go over the history lesson, and anything else when you are ready. It’s a lot to take in - trust me. I have been through it all myself.” The blonde said with a nod of his head. He had indeed been there, though it had been years ago. He’d been...likely the same age as Sean was now. He really seen and done a lot and learned greatly since he had first had a hand plunged into his chest, and chaos shoved into his starseed.

“You should focus on your school uniform and wanting to change clothing - to be normal. While you are powered up, as you are now, you have an aura. Senshi and knights can, and will, sense it as will other officers and guardian cats - I will introduce you personally to a guardian cat when you are ready.” Katya would like to meet another of his officers, especially one so young and new.

“I am sure you will be useful, do not doubt yourself. You will learn, I will make sure of it as will other officers within my team and outside of it.” Sliding off his desk, feet touching the ground, he approached the other and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Yes, they are indeed. This is a secret amongst our members. But it won’t affect your school work...other than be sure it’s on time and you do well. I’ll assist if you need help with anything. Balancing the new duties as an officer and being in school isn’t always easy. I’ll give you my cell phone number and address, you can contact me or come to my home when you need or want….my partner...is clueless. So if you can keep it from him I’d be thankful. But feel free to drop by or call if you need help.” Since Aiden knew him well enough to not be worried, or even suspicious, of him keeping in touch with his students and letting them call him, or visit, for help.

“You may get asked to stay after a class or get a visit from a teacher to discuss Negaverse matters. Otherwise school will be as normal.” Just slightly higher expectations, hence the hints on doing his work on time and doing his best.

--------------

Sean nodded at the new information. Guess the Negaverse was like Fight Club: you do not talk about the Negaverse. Not too surprising, considering magic was involved, and most people would either not believe it or react poorly to it. He would have a lot to learn about it later, but for now he tried out the first set of instructions he’d been given.

He focused on his regular school uniform and just kind of wished really hard that he was back in it. And a moment later, he was. He blinked down at himself, mildly surprised that it had worked. His uniform seemed to be exactly as it had been before he’d entered the office. He kind of missed the scarves though; since he’d been running them through his hands a moment ago, having them suddenly disappear from his grasp felt odd. He idly rubbed his now-empty fingers together as he looked back up at the General.

“OK, then, I’ll do my best,” he asserted with a nod. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket (he was glad to find it had returned with his normal clothes) so he could take down the teacher’s phone number. “Should I wait for you to contact me about lessons, or duties, or whatever it is I need to learn?” He did want to do his best, but this was so unexpected that he didn’t even know what ne needed to know yet, so it was hard to do what was required of him.

------

“No, you can contact me whenever you’d like. I will contact you soon, perhaps you will contact me sooner, but you needn’t wait for me to text or call you. I want, to an extent, wait till you are comfortable with all the new information.” And everything else he had just been brought into. It was a lot to take in, as he well knew.

“If you need anything, let me know. I am here for you - to help you.” Even with school work. He would help the other in whatever way he could. “If you have professor Evans as your gym teacher...that’s my older cousin and a Lieutenant - as you are. He can always rely anything you want to me.” And he said that to make the other feel better, to know of one other person who shared the same rank. Not just that but someone that while older, and a teacher, was on level with him in the Negaverse. He hoped it would work, even a little bit.

“We should, for now, get back to what we need to be doing.” Having taken the others phone and entered his number and address he had added the others number to his own phone. “Between now and when we next meet I suggest you look through a book of minerals. Pick a name you like, or a few, and we will give you a proper name. In fact…” Moving around his desk he looked over the small book case he hand. One finger moving over the bindings of the books. Many dealing with various styles or art, periods, and the history of art - various volumes. Finally stopping on a book he pulled it out and offered it over. A book on minerals. “I chose the name Benitoite. You get to pick your name...or I can do it for you. But I’ll let you look first.”

That said he moved back around and toward his door, letting the other have whatever time to prepare as he might need.

----------

Sean let the teacher put his number in his phone, then tucked it away and got ready to head out. Getting back to his normal schedule was good. Even if he wasn’t exactly used to the normal schedule yet, just doing normal things might help him feel a little more grounded. And since he was supposed to be working in the laundry room now - he looked at his watch to double-check that was where he still needed to be - he would probably be doing manual labor, which would give him time to think over things.

Like minerals, apparently. Since Benitoite had given the name with his rank, maybe it was something like code names? Apparently the magic military used mineral names...(Wait, he could make that more alliterative if he could find synonym for names that started with “m.”)...monikers. The magic military used mineral monikers.

Smiling at the silly tangent his mind had taken, he accepted the book and looked at the cover briefly. “Thank you sir, I’ll give it some thought,” he said as he tucked the book in his school bag. He’d look through it later, probably when he needed a break from homework. He shouldered his bag, then headed for the door as well to get back to the laundry.

----

“Remember, if you need anything let me know.” Seeing as he’d let staff know, when he’d pulled the other to his own office, he figured the other wouldn’t need a note back - he was safe.

“I wish you a good rest of the day.” He honestly did, he hoped. Moving to open his door for the other and hold it open. “Keep safe.” And do well, have a good day. He wanted the best for his agents - his officers...his team. Watching as the other left his office he closed the door behind him and went to seat himself. Hee had a lot of officers and a good amount of them were new, or fairly new. A good and a bad thing really, but it was ok.

[end]