Psyched Out ]] Psyche

[Christian Micheal]

Christian was out in the Garden... though honestly, it was an off sort of thing for him. He could smell the rain in the air, but for some reason, he knew that it wasn't going to rain at all. Well, of course, that was a lie - the reason was very simple. He'd looked into the future, and saw that woman Storm shutting off the rain. It was a nifty thing he could do, peeking in to the future like he did. Still, it brought up all sorts of questions sometimes.

He was poking around, not entirely interested in the flowers, exactly, though they were pretty. Whoever arranged them did so in an amazing pattern. The groundskeeper had done an incredible job. And to keep them flourishing in the winter marked them as a talented master of their art. He Looked back, and watched as they were put in. Luckily, the basic arrangement of then and now were the same, so he could keep walking as he Watched it come to fruition, so to speak.

Leaning carefully down, he Watched something interesting - one of the flowers was dying. A student walked by and fixed it with a wave of her hand... which in its own right was impressive. He had been about to Look up to her face when he stumbled over one of the stone benches that had not been there back in the day. His vision immediately righted to the current timeframe, as he landed in a pile of knees and elbows on the ground, thankful he was wearing jeans and a hoodie instead of just a tee-shirt. This way his shirt would be save from any major dirt or damage. It was one of his favorites.

Shaking his head, he grumbled audibly, though it was little more than cohesive noises that sounded almost like words when strung together. He hated looking dumb, even if no one saw it. He also hated scraping himself up - which he managed to do flawlessly. His hands looked raw, and there were tiny little scrapes that were welling up a little bit of blood. Nothing major, but it certainly stung like the dickens.

... dickens was such a lame word, and he had to wonder why it even came up in his thought process.

Nevertheless, he pushed himself up so that he was sitting absently on the stone bench, looking skyward. Every time he walked somewhere alone, he felt more and more out of place.

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[Reid Oliver Mitchell]

There's a right time for everything. A moment that would spark changes and would affect many lives all around him. Inevitable, yes but the fruit wasn't ripe enough to be picked. He can feel the time coming for him to reveal his most precious secret, one that he's kept hidden in the duration of the events that followed. It wasn't that easy seeing as that there were a number of telepaths around the school. But having his gift, psychokinesis, made it a little easier. He was able to delve more into the mind and put mental blocks to the classified information that's itching to get out. There will always be complications to whatever or whenever he decided to let the truth out, that he knew. The more reason he was waiting idly and passing the day for that.

A wry grin spread across his face. It was pretty early in the morning and usually, students preferred lounging out in the game room or playing in the field. Still, there came times that youngsters like him came seeking the solace that this garden provided. His brow shot up when his "acquaintance" fell to the ground and he resisted the urge to show himself then. His…was a very unique gift, one that could very well divulge what he's keeping from everyone else. A power that's strong…and unique for it poses no real danger to someone but can indirectly affect someone's life. The very reason why he should have made his way out of this garden. It would be hard as he was still in a wheelchair but at least he would make progress, he could even tap to the telekinetic facets of his power to give him a bit of a oomph. But he didn't do otherwise.

"You should really pay more attention to the real world…Christian." His voice sounded before he wheeled himself out of the bushes that kept him from view. Blue curious eyes looked at the boy before him, so young, must be little more than fourteen. A rather young mind blessed with a rare talent. Reid couldn't help but notice the pause he had to make…he still had to adjust himself as to not give out clues. "And on the contrary, the word dickens isn't as lame as you think. It is rather refreshing to know that a teenager knows such word other than 'gee whiz' or 'awesome', quite amusing if I do say so myself." And with that his hands moved to direct the wheels towards the location of the boy.

"Ah…an inquisitive mind I see. To answer your questions, yes I am a telepath…a psychokinetic. I have a higher form of telekinesis and telepathy which is then combined to make various results. Second, no I am not picking inside your head…I rather think that a person's mind is private. The reason why I don't just use my powers for the kicks of it. I heard your stray thoughts that's why. And lastly, I am on a wheelchair because I only came out of the hospital exactly six months from now. You see, I spent half of my life in a coma, and I am still undergoing therapy to be able to use these legs again." He ended his words by looking up to the boy. Christian wasn't that tall but seeing as he sat on a chair, he had to peer up to level his eyes with his.

[Christian Micheal]

Well. For someone who wasn't 'picking inside his head', he was answering a lot of his questions before he even had them. The first of which he'd answered all on his own, without goading. How he'd known his name. Immediately, as if prodded to life by the thought that someone else might find out his secrets, they started trickling towards his conscious mind. To compensate, he shook his head, and resumed his thoughts about the student with the flower.

He was no trained telepath, and he was certainly not trained to counter one, so this thinly veiled attempt at protecting his own mind would be easily surpassable by someone who was... well... this guy, apparently.

Furrowing his brows, he looked to Reid, and immediately zoomed in on his past. Specifically one instant, since he'd given him so ready an example. All he looked at was the patient information board at the foot of his bed.

"You should totally avoid looking into people's heads... even their stray thoughts. Reid." He was blushing, furiously, if for no other reason than this was his first encounter with a telepa--psychokinetic in the first place. Normally Christian wouldn't have jumped tot he conclusion that they were poking around in his head... except all of the things that he'd been thinking were laid out for him long before he had a chance to say them.

"Sorry... that was rude of me." He finally said, after giving him as hard a look as he could muster. Turns out, the fourteen year old really couldn't intimidate anyone, let alone this guy who could probably chuck him across the room with his mind. Christian didn't know anything about emasculating other people, or that that was what he'd just attempted to do.

As it stood, Christian could beat any telepath in a knowledge-gathering contest. Telepaths could only see inside other people's heads. He could see everything. Ever. Never the less, he knew he'd crossed the line.

"If it's any consolation, I've never said 'gee whiz' until this very second." He added, trying to break the ice, and cease his own current level of embarrassment. He could see now why others would assume he just threw himself into their past - or future - willy-nilly.

And if you heard that, don't even say a word.

"So... what brings you out here? Other than the vocabulary of clumsy teenagers..." He said, trying to put the whole 'jumping immediately to his past' thing behind him. Hopefully the other guy wouldn't be too mad, but turnabout really was fair play.

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[Reid Oliver Mitchell]

He didn't even mask the amusement that lit his face on Christian's quip about mind reading. "I understand how you feel, believe me I really do…" People without telepathic abilities seem to jump into conclusions that telepaths liked to listen to other people's thoughts. What they didn't understand is that telepathy is a very intricate power. It was both passive and active. They can use it whenever they wanted, provided that they're able to exercise some sort of control. On the other hand, hearing other people's thoughts is automatic, a defect to some who can't filter the thoughts and control their powers. They didn't like it either as it's taxing and uncomfortable to have other people's thoughts barging in yours all the time.

"And it's perfectly fine, I also owe you an apology…" He was trying to make the boy more comfortable and he found this way as a means of dealing it. If he pounced on him and tried to lecture him now on the pros and cons of a telepath, then the rapport he was hoping to establish would be an awkward one. And he didn't want that especially if he wanted to teach Christian a lesson…one that he would realize on his own later in their discussion.

Laughing out heartily about the words he used, Reid wheeled around to face the flowers in the garden. "Beautiful things aren't they?" And he really was admiring the flowers. "Did you know that flowers are the humblest creations ever made? They are very beautiful but you don't hear them boasting about it…" He was trying to make a point, hoping that his little attempts to start a topic would spark a conversation with him. "Little things that people tend to ignore and most of the time destroy. Tell me Christian…when you look into this flowers…what did you see prior to it's bloom? Has it always been this beautiful?" And the opening he needed presented itself quickly.

"You have quite an interesting gift on you Christian. But the question remains…to which extent have you used it thus far…do you know the responsibilities it entails?" He was hitting direct to the point, but then again, he wasn't known for dilly-dallying. He always went straight to the point without causing any discomfort on the part of others. Still, Christian's powers warranted a much tougher and head on approach. The boy had to know the seriousness and gravity of the effects he could pose on the world. It wasn't exaggerating, he was stating a fact. He knew many mutants who could affect the world in the same way, and Christian is one of them. He wasn't even going to apologize for his bluntness. For he is quite sure that the way his voice sounded and his rather innocent youthful face looked…he just appeared to be curious. Not in any way reprimanding…just curious.

[Christian Micheal]

It was strange. The guy seemed to know him more than others had. Granted, telepathy, but there was more to it than that. Like perhaps he'd had prior knowledge. It was even more tempting now to do some investigating, to figure out just how Reid knew him... but of course, that was his own desire for satisfaction breaking through. Nose twitching slightly as he leaned towards the flower, he Looked. "Nothing amazing..." He replied, continuing his 'rapid rewind' of time. Finally, he stopped. "Nothing but a seed." He mumbled, not exactly certain where he stood with this guy. He seemed like a student...

But he acted like more. It was kind of making him uncomfortable, though his fidgeting was unconscious and he wasn't capable of keeping it under control. Luckily, his power had never been outside his grasp before - he wasn't nervous about 'accidentally' spying on someone. That had never been an issue, oddly enough.

Still, flicking his eyes to Reid, it was hard not to use it now. He felt distinctly put off - like, something just wasn't right. He'd had this feeling a lot in his past, which genuinely concerned him that he'd be having it now. Top it all off, Reid was asking kind of a personal question.

"Tell me... do people always ask questions like that? I mean... it's like me asking you if you've poked around in someone's head lately. I mean, it's not like my power is anything spectacular - I can't really do anything with it. But my dad did teach me that poking around people's pasts, or cheating by using the future isn't even morally gray. He said it's pretty much wrong, under most circumstances, so I try not to do it." Of course, there was that word 'try', which indicated that he had done it, and probably would continue to.

Of course, the whole speech he'd made indicated one grave flaw in his thinking - he didn't appreciate his gift for what it was. His ability was useful in its own right, but wholly ineffective in any other way. "I'm not like that Cyclops guy... or Jean Grey. I can't do anything destructive - heck, I can't do anything to anyone. If I never said a word, no one would ever even know I was a mutant." Which was his own fault, in some ways.

Information had its price, and Christian was the Fort Knox of all information.

"But... if you really wanna know. I look in the future sometimes. Like when weird things are goin' on, or when I'm curious as to how someone reacts to what I tell them. Really reacts, y'know? Or like, when everything happened at Alkali Lake with the Professor Xavier, or Alcatraz, I watched it. I muddle around in the past or the future sometimes, 'cause it's fun. But it's harmless! Who cares that we make a cure for the cold in eight years? I mean... it's gonna happen, so..." He just shrugged. He was obviously an intelligent boy - he just didn't respect his own gift. That much was evident.

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[Reid Oliver Mitchell]

"A seed, yes. Yes, that's what it was then. But I'm guessing it went through a lot before becoming the beauty it is today? Am I right?" He was trying to offer a distraction, one he hoped would make Christian feel a little less uncomfortable. Spoon feeding wasn't one of his traits…he wanted everyone to learn from their own mistakes and experiences...on their own. He wasn't expecting Christian to get it this soon…there are certain factors that should be considered. One would be his age. Christian's mind is still in the process of developing…his powers may have made him aware of the horrors around the world…but he didn't experience them first hand. Learning involved…pain, work and time. It's not always like that but most of the time…the most valuable lessons are instilled within are the ones that made a big impact in one's life.

His hand rose to cup his own cheek, fingers lingering on his lips as he worded his next approach carefully. "Questions like what? I was under the impression that I was just trying to make do with our conversation…I explained my powers the reason why I asked how your powers worked and how well you understood them." It was sure to put Christian in a loop of course, because Reid made sense. It was quite normal for students to compare notes and talk about their powers. Especially somewhere where they don't have to be ashamed about it or hide what they can do. And he was merely being an interested and curious student…

Nodding at his answer about poking around, Reid perfectly imitated a teenager who's awed by someone's power. He really was awed by his power, it was a rare gift and it needed that much appreciation. Another student was able to tune into events…but he needed a television as a medium…and he wasn't able to look into the past or the future. While this kid here can do precisely that…he can even focus on an object or a person. He is the very meaning of a walking-talking encyclopedia of knowledge and information.

"Self-doubt is only natural. We only realize our full potential…once we understand and accept what we can do. I went through that stage…rather a little while ago. You see…when my powers first emerged…I immediately fell into a coma. Dr. McCoy informed me that maybe my brain wasn't ready enough to handle the kind of power I had. The emergence of my power was premature brought about by issues I had at a young age…and as a result, I fell asleep when I was barely thirteen and woke up into a full grown eighteen year old…" No inhibitions were hinted at his storytelling…maybe because he felt more like an observer rather than a part of that life. When you want to be technical…it was synonymous to the truth. Though he wouldn't elaborate further. Through the years, he found out that for a person to trust you...they had to know a little something about you. And you had to share personal things about yourself in order for them to even consider that idea. In his case, he was telling a mix of his own personal history.

"Power isn't all about destruction Christian. There are different classifications of power and destruction is just one category. We have other peers that are powerful on their own right. We have tanks like Rogue and Colossus…they may not look like it, especially Rogue with her small frame but she can take hard hits like Colossus and they'd stand up without any broken bones or a scratch. We also have healers like Saint who can heal almost any wounds imaginable. And then there are…watchers…" He let that sink in for a while before trying to continue on. The next issue he would address would include Christian and he wanted him to understand the big impact his power is making.

"There would be passive and active watchers. People like me or telepaths are able to see through thoughts and observe. With enough power, we may be able to control the minds of others. But even though we are able to do that…the thoughts we reach are limited by our power. Passive watchers don't have our advantage but then again they have exactly what we don't. They are able to witness "anything" they want to see. They can look at whatever will happen in the future and it wouldn't be foretelling. They have the power to "know" events that other mutants like me don't have any idea on. We remain in the dark while you get a fair advantage." The words came out moderately, not quite in a rush and can pass off as animated babbling. The only difference is that he was saying something that had actual importance, albeit a little long and could very well be a lecture. Still, he used visuals and examples to make it easier.

"You, for example is quite powerful. You may not be able to cause damage directly…but indirectly…your power is a lethal weapon. What terrorists would do to get their hands on you. Mutants who vie for power would love to have you on their side…to get a little inside information on small matters…like how to access the pentagon…how about to gain tremendous power?" And then he fell silent, watching as students from afar did their usual.

As his previous statement, he didn't think Christian would understand it in one go, but he was hopeful that he'd come to understand. Power isn't all about destruction of life…rather creation is more of a miracle. Everything has its pros and cons and all of them had it. It's just a matter of making do with what they had and using it to the best of their abilities to make a difference. As to how they used it, totally depends on them.

[Christian Micheal]

He seemed both put off and uncertain about the way Psyche evaded his own question, while making certain he got an answer to his own. Christian was very perceptive - not a side effect of his power, merely, a side effect of his upbringing. Most people couldn't pull a fast one on him and get away with it, too.

Still, Psyche was talking logic. While Christian was a very literal walking beacon of knowledge, he couldn't escape the fact that what Psyche was saying was true. The problem was, he couldn't quite see the point yet. He didn't understand what he was trying to tell him. He got that his power was useful, but even in the wildest dreams, he'd never thought about the dangerous implications he had.

He could see all of those things. He could peek into the President's pocket and see all of the codes that could set off a nuclear holocaust. He'd seen everything the Mansion had to offer, he could find anything that was hidden.

There were ideas that Christian had never had before. Dangerous ideas, that made him almost sick to his stomach to think about. He hadn't realized the amount of damage he could have caused without even meaning to. His words were potentially devastating to anyone.

Not to mention, he would have to start seeing the world in a completely different light. Terrorists? Mutants who were out to gain power? Those were things he'd never thought about in his past, nor had he even considered about being in his future.

Psyche had hit him with an unforseen bucket of ice water, and he wasn't entirely certain how he was going to cope with this new information.

"But... I don't understand. What am I supposed to do with... this? I mean..." Images of his past caused him to flinch. He'd thought about just being silent, but he, more than most human beings knew the very definition of torture. He had the marks on him to prove it. "Should I just... be afraid, then? Hide all the time? Because of a danger I might pose? I mean... looking in to my future is always really dangerous. I don't do it, 'cause if I do, I might change it just 'cause I know what's going on." He offered, his voice sincere.

After a second, he turned his gaze to the boy who was talking much like a teacher. "But... I guess I see how I could be a... problem. But... what am I supposed to do about it?" If Psyche had guessed he wouldn't understand, he was very right.

A now-nervous hand slipped behind the back of his neck, ignoring the slight stinging involved with rubbing gently. His hands had still lost a bit of skin.

Then, he asked the most important question of all: "Who are you, really?" He asked, his voice soft. "If you fell in to a coma... you'd be younger than me in your head, even with your power." He said, trying to keep his voice level. But the fact that he asked indicated he wasn't Looking. That might have been what Psyche was aiming for, but for once...

Christian was left in the dark.

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[Reid Oliver Mitchell]

There was a brief flicker of recognition. Though just a glimmer of what he wanted him to understand, still he can work on that. Everything else, starts from scratch, he himself started with nothing more than just ideals. Dreams he put into action, and is now being laid out in front of him as one of the students. His brow lowered and his lips twitched in amusement. "I know it's a lot to take in…but if I were a terrorist, I'd rather have someone who can give me advise on future matters rather than an elementalist. Don't get me wrong…I'm not undermining anyone here…I'm just trying to tell you that... you're not as helpless as you think you are." With that, his head nodded and his hand clasped out in front of him to hide the small smile that appeared on his face. He's encountered many students with problems other than having the x-gene in their DNA's. Most had problems with their powers, thinking of it as useless and worst, a curse. This feeling came especially from class ones who only had physical mutations. But then again, they were given gifts for a reason. One that they would have to find for themselves.

As for Christian, well…he's a special case. Not that he considered the others less, but he was quite in control for his age when it comes to powers. But that's as far as he goes, because his knowledge on his powers is slightly dimmed by his lack of wisdom as to using it. "As I'm sure that one or two professors have already told you. Our powers aren't merely a tool. Not something you can just use whenever you wanted. It is a gift that when not handled delicately can shatter and be the cause of your own downfall." He let those words sink in, waiting expectantly for a reply on the boy's part. A stretch of silence told him that Christian was trying to process what he's saying. "Ahh, fear isn't something you should be ashamed of Christian. We all are afraid. It only shows how human we truly are. But do not forget, in times of fear…unusual people, one's whom you wouldn't expect, would step up and defy the odds presented before them. Xavier's school is one such oddity, but with it is a noble purpose. To teach the students like us and to provide a safe haven at the same time."

"And no need to explain yourself Christian. I trust that you already know the major implications of your powers. But that's to say, I am not asking how you use it on yourself. Whatever it is placed in front of your plate, is yours for the taking. But when you are stepping on the bounds of others. To the point where you might divulge something to them, a life altering information, then you'd have to think twice. For it may go both ways. Responsibility isn't always a good thing, but it keeps us in the right direction. It is easy to say that we're responsible of our own actions, but where others well being are involved, then you might just want to think twice. Do what we all do. Learn to control it. And by controlling, I don't merely mean to learn to manipulate your powers. What I'm taking about is gaining the willpower." And with that, his hands gestured to the school grounds. "I don't have to be a telepath to know your answer if I ask you what you see in this school. If we wanted, we could take over the world in just a few days. With the collection of gifts, it would be so easy for us. But why don't we act on it?" That he would leave up to the boy to answer.

"I am whoever you want me to be. For now, I am your friend…" He knew that he was letting on many things, ones that might threaten his identity being exposed. Still, as he always did, he trusted Christian to make the right choice. He hoped that what he is doing, would not be in vain. If in the long run, he gets discovered, then at least he served as a means as to open the eyes of the young boy. "The mind is a very complicated thing. I may have been in coma for half of my life, but my subconscious didn't stop from…thinking. The professors think that it must be the side effect of my gift." And he was basing that from his own observations. Reid's mind may have been asleep the whole time, but it didn't stop from maturing.