Biology: Lesson 1

Athena sat, perched on her desk, legs crossed as she looked over the roster for her class and sipped her cup of Chai Tea...

 

The only name she really recognized was William's as they had meet only days before she ended up getting this position. Looking around the room, she was pleased with the set-up. The students would find long working tables that sat two each. She had just finished hanging all the different charts and such that were common in a classroom such as this, and even got some plants that added a little life to the empty space.

First days in classes were always hard, Athena remembered. Always the same old thing... But, it had to be done. Waiting patiently, she wondered if there would be more than 6 students as time went on. Jason had mentioned that numbers never really stayed the same here as more students tended to find their way here when you least expected it...

With a happy sigh, Athena waited for the students on her roster to arrive....

Fallon held her biology books and notebooks to her chest with a tight grip as people brushed against her causing them to shiver from how cold she was. Her hood covered her face so they didn't know who she was and if they did, she'd get hit into the walls. She was excited for Biology as she couldn't really remember the last time she had really attended school.

Stepping into the class, she noticed she was the first one and couldn't help but tighten her hoodie around her body. Looking towards the professor, a small smile formed. ''H-Hello professor Calor. H-How is your day?'' She stammered, her voice quiet and heard a laugh from the corridor when someone noticed it was her. Turning her head towards the door, Fallon ignored it and turned back at Athena.

Rushing to the back of the class, Fallon placed her books on the table and grabbed her notebook that was filled with pieces of paper poking out of the sides. Staring up from under her hood, she looked at Athena with a shy smile.

Time for Biology. Silus had high hopes for this class in particular, though in total honesty it was because he wanted to learn as much as he could...save for that one class that made him feel like he was a mental degenerate. Seriously, who named "Developing the Inner Mind". By calling it that you're leaving it open to be interpreted that the students in it aren't mentally developed. He groaned as he tread the halls. He was going to have to get over that class name, one way or another...but not at the moment. Now it was Bio-time and he was ready to go. He reached the hallway that was leading him to the Bio labs. The anticipation was killing him, who else was he going to meet here? He heard a faint laughter, as a girl passed the room, Silus glanced at her with a stone cold face, playing it off as if he just happened to notice her. He made it to the classroom to see the same girl as before...what was her name again? It would come to him...but it made him wonder. Why is everyone mean to her?

     She rushed back to the end of the classroom, leaving Silus to meet the profess-oh man she's cute! Silus closed his eyes and shook his head for a second and chuckled. Professor Calor was pretty young, Professor Giotelli and Professor Andrews looked young too but...maybe it was because she was a girl? No that couldn't be it... he'd need to return to this thought later. "H-Hi. This is Biology right, Professor Calor?" He asked, it was more of a Rhetorical question, one basically for him to bide his time and see what other students were pouring in. "I'm uh, Silus Mason." He said, not really sure if she knew who he was before hand...and he certainly didn't want her to accidentally mark him as absent.

     Taking his backpack he turned and looked to the clock, he still had some time... not enough though. He'd wait to get his water later.

Valerie was ready for class.She didn't know how well she would manage to do in this class,but hopefully,if she wasn't that good at that subject,someone would want to help her.
But she didn't lose hope,since she had to try and see how well she would go,before seeking out for help on the lesson.

Dressed in her usual cute outfit,she made her way to class,this time,walking,instead of sliding her way to class like last time.
She was thankful that she wasn't late,because she had all the time she wanted to get to class quietly,without earning curses and weird looks from the rest students who were hanging out,or talking or just doing stuff.

Arriving at the classroom,she knocked and walked in,biting her lip and looking around.She spotted Fallon,and almost let herself wave at her,giggling,but she reminded herself that she was still in class,which meant to cute,funny waves to our friends.Silus was in class as well,and she smiled at him,trying to hide the blush that slowly formed on her cheeks.Why do I always have to blush?,she wondered,but shook her head and turned her attention to the young and beautiful Professor.
"Bonjour,Miss Calor!"
Her French accent was thick,yet sounded really sweet with her words.
The sixteen year old wondered where to sit,and since she didn't know whether any of the other two students would like to sit with her,she took a seat on her own,and took out her things,along with her diary.

Fallon tapped her foot on the floor softly and her head snapped up as she heard a knock. That girl from the gardens...Valerie...She thought to herself, a lopsided smile forming on her face. Lifting her hand, she did a small cute wave. ''Hey Vally...'' She called out with a smile. Smirking at the girl's blush, she watched as she walked to a seat. Wanting to call the girl over, she simply bit her lip. Bad things happen if Fallon did that. Touch can happen, eye contact can happen and then pain. Chewing on her bottom lip, she pulled out a lollipop and placed it in her mouth as a distraction of sorts. She didn't really care what the teacher would say but the lollipop helped. Paying more attention to the sweet, her powers won't be as crazy and she wouldn't be so nervous about hurting someone.

Athena looked up as her first students arrived. She recognized Fallon right off as she has briefly met her on when she arrived at The Institute. Very shy girl, and, it seemed, the recipient of many of the harsh words from her fellow mutants. At her quiet greeting, Athena smiled. "Hello, Miss Black. My day is much better knowing I have some students to fill my tables," she answered her happily. Hearing a laugh from the hall, she looked seeing her second student, glaring after the one who laughed. He introduced himself as Silus Mason. Marking both Silus and Fallon down as present, she looked up and noticed Fallon had quickly taken a seat in the back of the room. "Welcome, Mr. Mason. Yes, you are in the right place for Biology. Please sit where you like," she said looking at him with a smile. She watched as he moved to an empty table, and then looked at the door as someone knocked and entered. Valerie greeted her in French which made Athena's smile brighten. "Bonjour. You must be Miss Deuxblin. Please, sit where you like," she said, marking her as present, also.

Half of her registered students had arrived. Looking at the time, Athena figured she'd give the others a few more minutes before she would begin the lesson for the day. She sipped her tea and glanced at her students. Noticing Fallon's reaction to Valerie made her pleased. Good that she is happy to see someone... She also noticed her lollipop in her mouth, but didn't say anything. There was no harm in her having a sweet treat today. "We will give the others a little bit more time before we start," she told them, setting her cup down and reading over the roster of students for the hundredth time...

Wow, so Val and Fal in the same class? At least they seem nice enough. Silus thought to himself, he held up a hand and waved to the girls. He looked back tot he clock, after hearing Professor Calor say they had a few minutes before class started. He stood up and made his way over towards Fallon's table. He arched an eyebrow as he approached and he leaned onto the table.

     "So it looks like you're stuck with me for a while. You alright?" He asked. He was more trying to figure out if she was okay with the events regarding the people laughing or if maybe she didn't hear them. "I see you already know Val too huh?" He asked as he smiled at Val and nodded. He made a point to talk to her too, though this time he wasn't swearing under his breath because she almost checked him like a hockey player.

      "Bonjour à nouveau Val...Wait..." Silus said as he rolled his eyes at the back of his head. He closed his eyes, smiled and shrugged. "...I think I said that right. Anyway I'm glad you didn't almost run me over again." He said. He looked back to Fallon, slightly amused.
    
    "Yup...I ran into you on accident, she almost ran me over by accident. I'm hope they don't let us use the scalpels in this class." He said as he looked around, waiting for the other students to enter.

Fallon smiled at Athena and jumped slightly when she saw Silus leaning on her desk. She was in her own little world and barely heard him approaching. Hearing his question, she froze. Part of her wanted to spill a life story but she wasn't like that and heck...she couldn't even remember her life story. Then she realized he must mean the people laughing. ''Y-Yeah...They always do it.'' She said shakily and then nodded. ''Yeah we met once.'' She admitted and watched as he walked over to Val. Raising her eyebrow, she giggled lightly. ''So you're accident prone to the max? Great to know.'' She rolled her eyes laughing. ''I'm actually quite good with scalpel, Silus.'' Fallon smirked and winked jokingly. She was coming more out of her shell and felt glad of that.

Quickly walking into a class, William didn't say hello to anyone. He knew biology class was taught by Athena, a lady he met just the other day in a restaurant where she saved his life from a human filth. He still didn't know what he wanted to do with his power. With an ability like his, he could move mountains...if he was strong enough. 

William raced tot he nearest desk in a back and took a seat,dropping his head on the desk like he was sleeping. He had to start a new life, a new identity.  Nothing fit to pieces anymore.

Raven walked her way to her first class, Biology. It was her first time entering a class even though she had already stayed at the institute for a month or so. And for that month she didn't enter her classes because of the fact that she don't want to be with mutants even for the reality that she was a mutant and she was in a institute for mutants. But when the headmaster approached her and ask her about her behavior, she decided to enter her classes even if her purpose was to past time.

She entered the classroom with a sigh. 'Ok this is it. Control yourself' she commanded herself. She looked around the classroom. There was only three mutants including the professor. 'Good....there was only three mutants...i could handle them' she thought.

She went to sit then looked at the professor mastering the most genuine smile she knew even though she don't really want to smile. "Am I late madam?" she asked.

Natasha walked in behind raven. She was the only one here who had actually had a class here. Years ago...She had been brought back from the past by Mr Andrews. She didnt make eye contact with anyone and went quietly to a seat near the window and sat down. She took out an energy bar and munched on it quietly.

Listening to Fallon and Silus interact, Athena noticed another familiar face slip into class: William. She was a little surprised that he didn't seem to greet anyone as he made his way to the back of class and took a seat. She marked him down as two others entered. Am I late, madam? one asked, and Athena shook her head. "Right on time. Go ahead an sit where you like, Miss..." Athena said and glanced at the pictures of the students on her roster, "Miss Summers." Marking the girl down, she didn't know the next student who came in. Watching her take a seat near one of the windows and open a small snack, Athena set the file to the side. She had all but one from her scheduled roster and one extra. Time to start...

"Let's begin," Athena said brightly. "Welcome to Biology 101. I am Athena Calor, which you know thanks to the schedules you have been given. You can call me Athena, Professor, Professor Calor... I will answer to any of them. Let's get the mundane stuff out of the way, shall we?" she said as she hopped from her desk and moved to a chart that was pulled down, covering half of one of her blackboards. She gave it a tap, and it whizzed up with a clap when the stop reached the top. Behind it was a list...

Classroom Rules
1. Arrive on Time and Prepared
2. Be Respectful (Not just to me, to your classmates, as well.)
3. Homework Is Due, When It's Due (Exceptions made on a case by case basis.)
4. Power Usage to Give an Edge in Class is Prohibited

"I don't think I need to explain these to anyone. Follow these simple rules and we will get along just fine. I would like to stress to you, that my office door is open to any of you for whatever you might need, school related or not. Don't be shy. I welcome it," she said with a wink and a smile. "Now, are there any questions before we dive right in?" Athena asked everyone, leaning against the blackboard.

Silus made his way over to a seat, of course he naturally chose to sit next to the only other guy present. He must be either be a real loner, or really shy because Silus had no idea when the heck he got there, and he must have ben there for a little while because he looked like he was sleeping. Silus sat down, he placed his head in his hands as he listened to Athena. The rules were pretty simple, and ones he could generally follow...of course he might make a point to skip a piece of homework but that was decided before the year even began.

As Silus premeditated the murder of his homework he couldn't help but wonder about everyone else whom had entered the class. He already knew Fal and Val, but the problem now was that he had chosen seat that was next to a total stranger. That was probably for the better in it's own way, if he sat next to Val or Fallon then it was likely that he'd be inclined to be a little softer than people were used to seeing him as. Upon hearing that she was looking for questions, one crossed Silus' mind, just how far into Biology were they going to delve into this year? He almost asked, be decided against it. Some things are better off as surprises.

Sitting in a class with mutants was the most uncomfortable experience she had ever since she entered the institute. She wanted to talk yet in the same time she don't want to because the only one she could talk to would be mutants....and she hated mutants.

She pretended to listen to the professor's blabbering about some rules she didn't really care. She don't care about the rules. She don't care if she broke them, it's not like she cared for something actually. Looking around the class once more there was seven of them now in the class including herself.

Without anything to do she hummed to a song she remembered singing once when she hadn't still discovered that she a mutant. It was a nice song, full of meaning and it somewhat relates to her.

Briana looked at the slip of paper that showed her schedule of classes and then at her watch. She was running late thanks to not really knowing her way around the school. Glancing up, she finally found the room number she had been hunting for. Making sure her blonde hair covered her grey eye, she took a deep breath and walked into the Biology classroom. Feeling a blush color her cheeks at being late, she swallowed hard before saying to the Professor, "Sorry I'm late, Professor. I got a little turned around..." Quickly slipping into the nearest seat and setting her backpack on the floor. Briana tucked her hair behind her right ear and removed a pen from her back pocket and began to roll it between her fingers to help keep her focus.

When no one offered any questions, Athena gave a small nod and was just about to speak when another student arrived. Sorry I'm late, Professor. I got a little turned around... Athena nodded to the girl and watched her take a seat and settle in. "Since there aren't any questions, let's start get right to business. You have all likely taken a Biology class before, so you know that it's the study of life and that it covers a vast array of different things. To start, how about we do some study on how life is broken up, or organized," she said as she pulled down the chart on the other side of the blackboard from the one that had covered the rules of her class.


"This chart shows the Biological Classification order from most general to most specific when it comes to organizing life. All life can be organized by simply following this chart. For this class we will focus our learning beginning with Kingdom and go through to Species," Athena said, taking out a lazer-pointer and underlining the word KINGDOM from the chart. "Now, Kingdom is the most general in the classification system, under Domain. Everything is part of some kind of Kingdom. Can anyone tell me any of the six kingdoms used in biology?" she asked the class.

Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaebacteria and....oh now what was the other one? This was going to drive Silus insane, he had read this all before, and he felt like he was missing the important one. Rather than feel like an embarrassed idiot he simply leaned forward and pretended to not be interested in the slightest, looking over at the kid next to him, then to Fallon, and then to Val. His eyes eventually found their way to the window and he tried to recall the last kingdom he was missing. He knew it was a bacteria based kingdom, but with a sigh he let it go, admitting defeat at the moment. This was bad...one of the simplest questions this side of the stratosphere and he was clueless. This was not going to be good...

The professor started talking about some brief introduction of Biology then started blabbering about their first lesson which would be the Kingdom- the six kingdom. To start a lesson the professor asked a question: 'Can anyone tell me any of the six kingdoms used in biology?'

She didn't even bother to raised her hand she just stand on her feet and recite the six kingdoms."Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, Protista, Eubacteria and Archaebacteria" she said then sit right away looking at nothing. She doesn't want to be a show off but that's just for the beginning.

She knew that sooner or later she will get bored, so bored that she would not even participate in class.

Natasha stared down at her notebook. She knew the answer. She had been in this class before. She scribbled the answer on a piece of paper but didnt say anything. She was going to try like she never existed. that should work. Then she wouldnt have to worry about loosing people anymore. She hair hung loosely around the sides of her face, hiding her face from people who would be sitting on either side of her.

Athena waited for someone to offer an answer to her question, and when Raven stood and spoke, she smiled. Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, Protista, Eubacteria and Archaebacteria... "Thank you, Miss Summers, you are correct. In each Kingdom, there are specific kinds of organisms unique to each sect. Within Plantae, we find everything from seaweeds to trees and flowering plants, as the name suggests. The same goes to Animalia and Fungi. The names easily tells us what kinds of things we can find in these Kingdoms. Everything from sponges to elephants in Animalia and molds, mushrooms, and yeasts in Fungi," Athena began to explain, being sure to give some simple examples for each group. She figured this was review for many of them, but she needed to cover it before moving onto other things.

"Now, the remaining three Kingdoms are a little less obvious with what they hold. Withing Kingdom Protista, you will find your algae, like in your fish tanks when you don't clean it," she said with a wink, "Kindgom Eubacteria holds your single celled bacteria, with a nucleus and a cell wall, and, finally, Kingdom Archaebacteria hold your organisms that lack a nucleus and cell wall." Athena looked around waiting for everyone to catch up with their notes before asking, "Any questions so far?"

William wasn't the one to display behavioral issues, however...this school. If could even call it that. William wasn't sure what this place was aside from mutant collecting property.  Raising his head, he saw another guy sitting next to him, he looked like a complete nerd. A geek who ate all this Biology crap up. Like there was nothing else in a world he could learn. A first day of school and they already jump into the whole world of nature and crap. That's not how it worked in most schools. 

Jumping off his seat, William looked around. 
"Any questions so far?"
"Yeah, I got one." said William bravely, disregarding the fact that he might have interrupted the braniacs in a class.  Walking around his chair and then desk he came to stand in between the rows of desks. "How come...we just start this class so fast?" he asked. "I mean, you don't even know everyone's names. Every school--well,every normal school--starts off their semester with 'what's your name'. But we just leap into the uncharted territory like Indiana Jones. Aren't you curious to know what their names are?" asked William, spinning around and pointing his hand at every person in a class.

"Sure you have a roster and you can look up the names, so are you just going to guess every name the whole day?" asked William. He hopped that Athena would give them a little break before he really needs to know that stuff. "Just an idea."

Athena wasn't expecting William's small outburst, and was stunned that he would act such as way in her class, well, any class. Crossing her arms across her chest and simply looking at the boy. She contemplated what he was saying. She hadn't been planning to do the whole 'Welcome to class and tell me about yourself...' right off. Sure she had a roster and they all lived on campus together... But, what William didn't know was that as new students entered, she was given a note, either from the student, or a message in her mailbox or email about them. "Well, Mr. Pierce, if you feel we should take some time to do the classic introductions instead of simply diving right into the learning process, by all means, please begin for us," she said moving out from behind her desk and to the side to open the floor for introductions. "Please, one at a time, stand, tell us your name, and if you wish a little about yourself. After Mr. Pierce, of course," she said tipping her head to him, her green eyes never moving from his face.

Athena let this one go. Afterall, she remembered how William reacted at the bar that night. If need be, she could pull him aside after class to talk to him...

Wow, so shy guy just had an outburst and Silus was left with wide eyes and a smirk, unable to believe that something so trivial just bothered the kid to a sudden outburst. Silus recalled seeing the movie "Anger Management", and the angry customer versus the explosive cashier. Judging from the current display...this kid was the cashier.

     Silus had guessed that this kid must be rather new to the school for the gifted, especially since he so innocently said "-Every school--well,every normal school-". That sentence alone made it pretty clear that the kid wasn't used to this place. Silus partially wanted to tease the kid, but in the end it didn't make him look cool, it just made him look like a jerk. He stood up and sat on his desk. He clapped his hands together and bit his lower lip.

"Alright. I'm Silus, and I've been a biological freak of nature for about four years now." Silus said, not even heeding the "After Mr.Pierce" part. The kid walks in like he hates the spotlight then explodes. He's probably regretting it, Silus might as well act out a little and get some of the spotlight off him, whether or not he noticed it. "I'm here to learn the things that matter in life... like why Algae grows in our fish tank when we don't clean it." He said with the nicest smile he could put on, he sat down on his desk and looked to Fallon and this "Mr.Pierce" kid. He hoped he was able to take away most of the heat.

William sighted as he begun to feel attention shifting toward him from Athena. He hated being the center of attention, but he was not ready to jump into Biology, simply because he hated the subject. William wasn't even sure why'd he signed up for it in a first place. "Well," he said, making faces of complete surprise. "I didn't mean--I am not--well, my name is--" he turned to look at the kid who sat next to him in a back. 
"Alright. I'm Silus, and I've been a biological freak of nature for about four years now."

Obviously, someone else wanted the spotlight and William didn't object. He felt bad for interrupting Athena the way he did.William turned around and went back to his desk. Good thing he was interupte, he would have made a complete fool of himself.

Athena waited for William to introduce himself to everyone before moving on to the others, and when he started to stammer over it, she knew she made her point. Alright. I'm Silus, and I've been a biological freak of nature for about four years now. Her sea green eyes moved to the boy who was now sitting on his table top. With a half smile, she nodded to him. "Thank you, Silus. You may take your seat," she said and motioned him to move back to his seat. "Not so fast, Mr. Pierce," Athena said pointing at him. "You had a small reprieve thanks to Silus, but you aren't off the hook. Please, you're turn," she said simply, watching him, her eyes bright but firm. Athena wasn't trying to make an example of him, but if he thought he might have known how to run her class, then she was going to oblige his wishes.