Study in the Shade

[Onyx]

By Onyx's request, Oka was supposed to meet her in the Garden's for their first meeting. Onyx waited patiently at a bench, having arrived a good hour before they were scheduled to meet.

[Oka Aina]

Oka walked up to the meeting place about 5 minutes early. For once only clad in the containment suit.

"I'm not late am I, Ms Onyx?" Oka asked seeing that his tutor was already waiting for him.

[Onyx]

"Not at all, sir," Onyx says, "You're actually a bit early."

[Oka Aina]

"Oh, good," Oka said, "Because being late probably wouldn't have made a very good first impression."

Oka chuckled nervously not really sure what he was supposed to do.

[Onyx]

"I would not mind, sir," Onyx says, "I have been assigned to serve you in learning about your abilities and helping you become more comfortable with the school. I am in no way your superior and you should not feel you have to please me."

"Now, before we get started, do you have any questions?"

[Oka Aina]

Oka tilted his head to one side.

"Uh, sure whatever you say," Oka said sound confused by what Onyx said, "The only question I have is, well where do we start?"

[Onyx]

"Well, first I would like to know more about you, sir," Onyx says, "Especially considering your abilities, your level of control, and what you expect of me."

[Oka Aina]

"Well, uh, my name is Keiki O'ka Aina," Oka said, "I was told I'm some kind of darkness manipulator and that I'm also kind of made out of it. Darkness that is. That's why I have to wear the suit because I'm not really that good at maintaining shape in direct sunlight.

I was kind of hoping you could help me be able to walk around outside of the suit. Maybe learn how to use my powers better, so that I could maybe join the teams one day."

[Onyx]

"A very noble goal. I hope I will be of some help to you, sir," Onyx says, "Do you enjoy having your abilities?"

[Oka Aina]

"I...I don't know," Oka said, "I haven't really had them for long and when they manifested for the first time..."

Oka trailed off for a moment.

"Maybe it doesn't really matter if I enjoy having them. This is what I am, right?"

[Onyx]

"It is, sir," Onyx agrees.

[Oka Aina]

"What is your ability Miss? That is if you don't mind me asking," Oka said.

[Onyx]

"I draw strength from shadows and darkness," Onyx says, "I can also travel through them, sir."

"And please, do not call me 'miss'. My proper title is 'Onyx'," Onyx says, "I am uncomfortable with people using honorifics to describe me."

[Oka Aina]

"Oh, sorry," Oka said, "Ill try to remember that, mi-Onyx."

Oka shifted his weight and decided it might be best to change subjects.

"Should I take off the containment suit. I mean if we're going to practice or something?"

[Onyx]

"If it would make you more comfortable," Onyx says.

[Oka Aina]

Oka looked around and then twisted the helmet of the suit before taking it off of his head. The suit itself simply dropped to the ground around him. Oka stepped out of the suit looking not entirely solid. Darkness seemed to roil off of him like smoke.

"It really is nice to be out of the suit," Oka said, "It's very....it makes me feel kind of claustrophobic being stuck in it all day."