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He let go of Jodie, albeit hesitantly. Rowan stood up and walked to stand in the center of a shadow. He took a breath, and focused his mind. trying to blend in. Trying, but not with results. But that was okay right? It would take practice right? He just practiced and practiced. Focusing and focusing on becoming invisible, trying to recreate the shadow invisibility trick... he was invisible... nobody could see him, nobody wanted to see him, and he didn't want to be seen. A small flicker of the shadow at his feet, he felt its pull, but not much else happened.
Rowan looked up when another student came towards the back with a book in his hand. There wasn't any other tables in sight, so, he figured it made sense that someone wanted to sit here. He shrugged when the other commented on the noise of the library. He went back to his sketchbook. pencil gliding smoothly with each stroke, each line. He loved his art. He glanced up every now and again though, to see what the other was doing. The book he had looked like it belonged in a museum or something. Not that it mattered to him, he wasn't the one reading it. Back to his art Rowan went. Before the other spoke again.
He had complimented Rowan's work. Miss Arazi liked his art too. So... people actually did care about art? And he just had a bad stroke of luck at his old school where he was bullied for it? Either way he offered a small smile in return. "Th-th-thanks." Rowan looked up at the other. "D-Do you like art?" Rowan added after a moments thought.
So noisy... so damned noisy... why is everyone being so noisy! Rowan thought as he made a beeline for the library. The library was the only quiet place he could think of, the only sanctuary away from all the noise. Stepping through the doors there were people... lots of people everywhere. Granted it was still a lot quieter than outside, but now the problem was it was crowded. Though, he knew one spot that wouldn't be. The back. People always avoided the back section for some reason, which is why the boy loved it so much, and there was a free table!
He grabbed a few art books along the way and sat down at the desk. It was also far quieter at the back. He was glad he didn't have a group project. Not that he'd be too good in one anyway with his stutter. He pulled out a sketchbook and begun sketching some things. He used the various art reference books he found to help him gain ideas. No one noticed him, and no one bothered him, it was quiet and secluded, and a spot of his own, he liked it. He didn't have to battle getting out a sentence, not even a word. Peace, pure peace. Things had been quite full on since he was told about his powers, but he wasn't one to complain, so no one knew he had been feeling way too overwhelmed.
Rowan leaned into Jodie glad for the dog's comfort. Rowan shook his head. "I don't remember." He said simply, snuggling into Jodie's fur. He took a moment to calm himself, hiding into Jodie. "I haven't tried to repeat it... I d-d-dunno how." He mumbled into Jodie's soft fur. "I just remember f-feeling upset and afraid..."
Rowan was warming to the idea of his powers, and training them was important, but he was neither enthusiastic about them, nor did he condemn them. They saved him after all. He was just not one to complain, honest enough sure, but if he wasn't asked, he didn't complain. That's just the way it was. But here he was safe and comfortable, so he saw no need to prolong practice. He put his notebook away and thought for a moment. "I-I don't really know.... I w-was being b-bullied and it just happened. I was afraid and upset, and suddenly poof he ran r-right past where I was. I d-don't really know anything o-outside of that." Rowan responded, thinking carefully back to that moment.
He looked up from playing snuggling Jodie's fur when Miss Arazi started speaking. It appears that Jodie had told her that he liked Jodie. But her tone wasn't mean or angry, Miss Arazi was quite the opposite, laughing and smiling with a crinkle to her nose. He smiled a little. It was nice just being able to relax, he wasn't sure how it would have gone if he had some real strict trainer who went straight into practice, but it seems the Recruiters and the school itself, knew what worked and what didn't, so... either way he glad, it meant he could tackle training at his own pace. "Uhm... M-Miss Arazi? I think I'm o-okay to start training." He looked over smiling.
Rowan nodded. "Yeah I drew. R.T, my initials, see?" He pointed to his watermark. It was curvy and neat, a love heart in between the R and the T. "I love to draw. I d-draw all kinds of things. People, animals, landscapes, I draw every chance I get... wh-which is almost all th-the time." Rowan handed her the sketchbook. "Y-you may look through if y-you wish." He smiled snuggling back into Jodie. He liked Miss Arazi, she was nice, patient, wasn't jumping straight into things. Plus she had dogs. Oz and Jodie. Jodie and Oz. Oz, Jodie and Miss Arazi. He liked Jodie best though. No offence to Miss Arazi... He thought, but cute pupper was cute. He didn't have to worry about anything.
Rowan hadn't even noticed that Miss Arazi had sat down. His full attention was on Jodi. He just continued to hug the dog, eventually closing his eyes. He felt so safe and comfortable, he couldn't understand why. Sure her loved animals, but he was in a new school, with new people, with an instructor he didn't even know, he was so anxious just before, but this dog had captured his heart. She made him feel calm and at ease, reminding him that he didn't have to be alone, that he wasn't invisible, he just had to give others a chance. He reveled in her fur, fluffing it and gently stroking Jodie. He was so focused on her, that he almost didn't hear his trainer speaking to him. He looked up at Miss Arazi, properly, for the first time since entering the room. "N-No pets... P-parents were a-a-allergic." Rowan shook his head. "B-But I used to c-c-cut through a park on m-m-my way home from s-school, so I g-got to p-play with th-the animals. Th-there was one dog I u-used to play with a-a-all the time. His name was Aki... The o-owner said that's J-Japanese for Autumn. Aki was nice. We used to run around and tumble and play, he was sweet..." Rowan smiled fondly at the memory of him and the dog. "I used to get into trouble though. Stranger danger and all that, so I understood." It seemed his stutter disappears when he's comfortable (or distracted by animals at the least). He let go of Jodie so he could take off his bag. He pulled out a smooth black book, and opened it to a page. It was a sketchbook and the sketch he showed Miss Arazi was of a Golden Retriever, the word Aki written near it's back paw.
Rowan's attention moved back to the dogs as they came closer. "I-I like d-d-dogs... I l-like animals..." Rowan said softly, almost inaudibly. He knelt to pat Oz, feeling the soft silky fur beneath his fingers. She felt cool to the touch. the tongue however was slimy and licking his free hand, he wiped the drool on his pants. He then stood and turned his attention to Jodie. He was on his knees hugging her, feeling the soft fur in his fingers, and against his face. She was soft and fluffy, he liked that. Soft. Fluffy. Smells nice. Warm. He had the faintest of smiles, but his eyes gave him away, they were bright, big. He liked Jodie the most. Oz was cute, but Rowan liked Jodie more. She was bigger, and cuddly and warm, and he felt calm and safe with her. He played with her fur by running his hands through it and ruffling it gently. "She's fluffy" Rowan giggled lightly as Jodie shook herself out. He liked the pair of dogs, they made him comfortable for some reason. They reminded him of summer, of happiness, of kindness.
He first noticed the obstacles and the shadows they had created, then he noticed the dogs in the corner, then the tall woman. Or maybe he was just short. Either way. He lowered his hood and peered up at his trainer, he took her hand timidly and shook it gently. No longer than he had to before retracting his hand. He was looking around the room still, in silence. He nodded confirmation that he was indeed Rowan. Who else would be turning up in the darkened room? He had no doubt she had other students, but surely she would have a schedule. Still... his thoughts lingered on how this would go. She seemed okay so far, but what about when they started training? Would she give up on him? He shook his head to clear it and gazed up at his teacher.
It was the first day of his new chapter. Bellefonte academy, a school for the gifted. A new start to being invisible, unable to be seen by those around him. A time to build new walls and new peace. Though, he had to meet with this one person. They said she would be able to help him, able to train him. They called her Natalie. He knew nothing about this Natalie, but as the school had him on profile, she probably got forewarned about her student. Rowan was timid, with a few withdrawal and behavioral issues. He was a generally timid kid, but after his disappearing act at his old school, he was a different kid temporarily. Who knew what other side effects he had. He had learnt that he could manipulate the shapes of shadows on walls to a meter radius, though too much usage caused him exhaustion. He had also become rather paranoid. Fearing something was always watching him.
Alas, he was walking the halls trying to locate the classroom given to him for training. He was told the location of the classrooms in general, the only other information he had was that there was a specific room that controlled the dimness of light. He had his hood up, nervously peeking into each room eventually finding the one assigned to him. What would his instructor be like? Was she nice? Would she be okay with him? Able to handle him? Some teachers could, and others couldn't, would it be the same here at Bellefonte? Would it be pointless for him to turn up? No sooner than he had these thoughts, he had entered the room and closed the door behind him. The current light intensity in the room was somewhere between light enough to see, but dark enough to leave enough shadow for his talents.
=Shadow User= (Rowan) *Open for all kinds of plots *He's kinda timid so don't expect in-depth conversations with him or in-depth non-repetitive responses from me. Timid characters are hard guys. xD I need the practice though, so... *If confused or have questions just ask~
I Can't Run (Friends) Rowan is a timid little bean who has a terrible stutter and has always been invisible with no one to really call a friend. So he could probably use a couple. Due to being the type who doesn't really talk much, your best bet is probably to be the over-talkative type who can hold a conversation for two. He can also take a bit to open up.
But Hiding Only Works For So Long (Enemies) Rowan is the silent artistic type, he's been bullied for it before, especially for his stutter when he does talk and his big glasses. He's usually the invisible type people pay no mind to, and an easy bully target. But bully him once, it's hard to go back, he can hold a grudge, especially if it's something major.
Especially In The Shadows Where Nothing Remains (other) As it's pretty close to get to him, romance happens slowly and gradually. Any other plots welcome, just suggest something.
If Nothing Remains, Why Are You Caring? (Relationships) Natalie Arazi =HAS PUPPIES! Also teacher= Moonie Hayes =Some guy I met at the library= Maggie Holmes =Person I met at the Cafeteria= Kyle Foster =My Councillor?=
+Protective Brother+ (Cam Marshall) * Open for all kinds of plots * If there's any relations I need to know about, please tell me * Expect some really lovable dorky antics *Have ideas or questions? Just ask.
Hey there sunshine, need a friend? (friends) So... Cam is like super kind and fun-loving, he's kinda cheeky, playful and dorky, but charming, in the way that is actually likable. He loves a good procedural crime drama. He's non-judgemental, but when it comes to Kenny, well, he's overprotective. But a fun guy who's easy to be around. Compassionate and sincerity and conviction are some traits he definitely values.
I wouldn't do that if I were you buddy (enemies) So... obviously upsetting Kenny in any way also upsets him. He kinda gets into a ranting raving fit. He's not the type to get into physical fights, but he will if he has to, to protect his family. Bullying is and discrimination of any kind is also a definite way to get on his bad side. He's not the the type to hold grudges for long, but if he doesn't like you, there's a pretty darn good reason for it.
How are you tonight? Wanna catch a drink? (other) Anything that doesn't fit the above. Relationships are open for discussion, he swings any way, he's loyal, probably would have that one drinking buddy, anyone he can get caught up in impersonation antics with are fine too. Just don't get between him and his family.
So... We need to catch up and stuff. (Relationships) Kenny Marshall +My Sister+ Olivia Dawson +Best Friend/Aunt+
I'm into all kinds of plots, usually if it's not something I'm interested in, I'll try to come to compromise, I'm fairly easy-going, just no sexual stuff, please. Romance is cool though. As a writer, I tend to lean towards more having a starting point and an end goal, with a few things planned along the way, but I'm also not that strict when it comes to it, as sometimes plans don't turn out the way they were... well, planned. So planning them or not planning them, as long as there's some sort of an idea (even a basic 'they bump into each other and start talking' is fine).
ACTIVITY
► How often can you reply to a thread?
It usually depends on my mood and my study periods, I generally range from straight away to a few days.
► How long are you willing to wait for a reply to a thread?
Due to so many past experiences, I know sometimes people have no muse or life gets in the way, so I'm more than willing to wait at least a month (though I sometimes end up waiting longer. I'm generally a very patient person), it depends on my partner and interest in my thread, so generally around the month mark is when I start thinking about talking to my partner or scrapping the thread.
► What about volleying?
I'm cool with volleying, but my focus with quick fire replies usually fades after awhile, so I prefer something a little in between. If you would like to volley replies, please ask me first, because sometimes I need to be able to think. Depends on the plot really. If it's something deep or something that needs time, I'd prefer time, but if it's something that can be done short and sweet, I'm all for it.
► Tagging
Tag me or don't, entirely up to you. I don't mind if I'm tagged or not, as I usually stalk my threads once a day and would see replies anyway.
► Contacting you?
I'm derp_detective on Discord and Instagram and my pms are always open.
► Anything else?
Hmm... I like cookies? Does that count?
LIMITS
► Godmodding
Light godmodding is okay, forcing my character against a wall, pushing them, yeah, I'm cool with that. Assuming that a punch or a kick will land, this depends on the situation, if you need it to land to continue your reply, ask first, if my character is in a situation where it would hit regardless, yes go for it, but if there's the chance and room for my character to be able to run or dodge or counter, let me decide that please.
► Romance
I'm so up for fluffs! Snuggling, hugging, kissing, blushing, all the fluff, all the dates, the cheesy music, the wine and dine, the candlelight~ All of the romance~ If it looks like it's going to lead to more, as soon as it's implied, yeah nope, fade to black and skip.
► Violence
Violence I'm cool with. I don't mind playing it out, but nothing gory, and obviously kept to the TOS PG-13 level. Though this usually depends on the character (if I have more than one) some characters have plot rules, so take care to read each character in my plot page (again, if I end up with more than one character).
► Sex
Nope, nope, just nope. If romance looks like it's going to lead to sex, we fade out and skip. It makes me uncomfortable and gross.
AGE: 14 GENDER: Male ORIENTATION: Heterosexual POSITION: Student at Bellefonte
♦ THE ABILITY ♦
POWER: Shadow Manipulation Rowan can, to an extent, manipulate the shadows cast by objects. This manipulation varies from simple shapes and forms on the surface of the existing shadow to bending the shadows around him causing him to seem invisible.
Shadows are explained to be the absence of light, there must be a light source and an object for a shadow to exist. To explain turning invisible, science (and magical science) has explained shadows as the following: “Shadows and darkness are not a form of energy, and rather the absence of light (an object obstructing the reach of the light source), one could position themselves and in theory one could manipulate the shadows, taking advantage of the absence of light (obstructed reach of light source) to cast the illusion of being invisible (as opposed to manipulating the light to mirror the surroundings).” Rowan is not aware of this science fact as the invisibility only happens when he is upset or angry, using it subconsciously as a defence mechanism.
LIMITATIONS: Science has also explained the possible limitations of turning invisible with shadow manipulation. “However, discovering this illusion is rather simple, if one knows the location of the hidden wearer and focuses really hard, they will spot who is hiding. Alternatively, light is a natural enemy to darkness, and as such, it acts accordingly, flash a light in the direction of the one who is hiding, and it’ll cut through the illusion, revealing the one who is trying to avoid being seen, it will appear as if they’re hiding behind a screen of light grey smoke. However, simply looking in the direction at random or scanning the area around the location, it will appear as though nothing is there. The duration of this invisibility, depends on the users own skills.” Rowan’s defence mechanism only lasts about 20 minutes. This cover also only works if Rowan stays absolutely still for the period of time he is hiding. Limitations to manipulating shadows on the wall include a 1 meter radius in all directions, and the bigger the shadow, the more focus and strength it requires. Both skills in his power also work better at night/in dark places.
SIDE-EFFECTS: Science has concluded that side effects may include physical and mental exhaustion and dizziness (from focus), paranoia and fear of the dark (feeling of constantly being watched), changes in personality from time to time and dissociative withdrawal.
♦ THE FREEFORM ♦
I like music, the sound from my earphones, blocked out the noise of people. I like art; it was one thing I was good at. I like to be surrounded by silence, I was invisible and I liked the peace. However being invisible meant no one cared, it meant no one looked at you. I was always found sitting by myself at school, usually in the library. I liked the quiet there. I liked being surrounded by the greats of literature; Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemmingway... And the greats of music! Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, there’s also the greatest minds in history and art! Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Einstein... Being surrounded by the greats brought peace to my mind, allowed me to escape into a world of ages past. I dare to dream of attending a royal ball in the middle ages, I envision standing upon a stage acting out a scene from a play, and I hope... that one day, my own art can become something of a masterpiece. But my world is invisible, my dreams unreachable, and my very person unseeable. I don’t stand out, I don’t have very defining features, my eyes are blue and I have dorky round glasses, and wavy yet flat dark hair. I wear jeans and hooded jackets, plaid shirts, vests, I keep my head down, and I don’t look back. My grades are average, and I’m not talented, I’m completely normal. Not that I mind, it means people stay away from me. Though sometimes my peace is short-lived, even the invisible get bullied.
“Hey, freak! Have you gotten anywhere with your art? Oh right, your art hasn’t been accepted anywhere, because you’re a loser.” One of the boys from my class taunted. Yeah, he’s seen me draw and knows I want to be an artist, he hasn’t let me live it down... always saying I won’t get anywhere and stuff like that. Usually I ignore him, but.... “L-l-leave me a-a-alone!” I glared. “Oh so he does have a voice.” He taunted picking me up by the collar. Yeah, I don’t talk much. “P-p-p-put me down!” Usually... And thus began the physical violence, thrown into the hallway, a I got to my feet and ran, I didn’t even notice the shadows moving and drawing my closer until my bully ran straight passed me and skidded to a halt. I had no idea what was happening but for some odd reason he couldn’t see me.
A day later at home was when I got an explanation. People in important looking uniforms showed up at our door. They called themselves ‘Recruiters’ people who sought out others who have manifested a power of some sort, and that manifestation usually happened between the ages 11 and 15. I was told I had the ability to control shadows, and that if I didn’t learn to control them and become stronger, bad things could happen, especially that I'm 14 and in the age range. They handed my parents brochures for a school called Bellefonte Academy. Some sort of boarding school to help people like me. I didn’t fully understand what any of this meant, but my parents had agreed to enrol me at this school for gifted teens. So... my world of invisibility had restarted at a new school with new people.
♦ THE PLAYER ♦
USERNAME: I usually go by some variant of Derp_Detective, but most end up calling me Derp or DD AGE GROUP: 20 EXPERIENCE: Awhile WHERE DID YOU FIND US? I followed the yellow brick road.
