Jack

Jack turned his back to the wolves, fighting every primal instinct screaming at him not to expose himself to predators. The bear spirit's agitation rippled through him like ice water in his veins, but curiosity won out. He wanted to see if these unnatural creatures would react to such a clear display of vulnerability. Looking down at Lynn, Jack met her bright eyes with an uncharacteristically grave expression. The usual playful glint was gone from his gaze, replaced by something harder and more focused. His massive frame cast a shadow over her smaller form as he spoke in low, measured tones. "Ist not right, any of it." He gestured behind him without looking. "Wolves should fight over meat like that, should tear apart, should eat every scrap. But look - barely touched. And smell..." He wrinkled his nose, struggling to find the right words to describe the wrongness his enhanced senses detected. It was a scent unlike anything he had encountered before - sickly sweet and cloying, with an undercurrent of something rotten and decayed. The odor seemed to coat his tongue and throat, making him want to gag. Even worse, it clung to everything around them, saturating the air and ground as if the very earth itself was tainted. "Is like... like something sick and angry mixed together. Not natural predator smell." The temperature around them dropped a couple degrees as his agitation grew. "They move wrong too. Too skinny but still strong. Like they starving but not for meat." The bear spirit's restless energy made his muscles twitch and spasm beneath his skin, like a caged animal pacing back and forth. It was growing increasingly agitated, feeding off Jack's own unease about the unnatural creatures they faced. He could feel the spirit's primal urge to lash out, to tear into these twisted abominations with fang and claw. Jack clenched his fists, willing the spirit to settle. Now was not the time to let instinct override reason, no matter how much he longed to unleash the beast within. "Nothing about this place feels right." Behind him, he could feel the weight of multiple predatory gazes boring into his back. The wolves' attention felt different from any wild animal he'd encountered before - more calculated, more malevolent. It made his skin crawl in a way that even facing down an angry grizzly never had. The sensation was deeply unsettling, an instinctual warning that something was fundamentally wrong here. Every nerve ending tingled with the wrongness of it, setting Jack further on edge. He'd stared death in the face before, but this... this was different. Unnatural. It took every ounce of his willpower to keep his breathing even and his mind focused on the task at hand.

Arctus (exiting a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Slipstream, Bounce, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim and other Claremont students) Jack exited the limo, his massive frame causing the vehicle to shift and rise several inches as his weight left it. The door seemed almost comically small as he maneuvered his broad shoulders through it, careful not to accidentally damage the upholstery. He had to duck his head to avoid hitting the roof, a familiar motion from years of dealing with spaces that weren't quite built for someone his size. The crisp evening air felt refreshing after being cramped inside, though he'd enjoyed the company. His tuxedo t-shirt stretched as he straightened to his full height, towering over most of his classmates. Mattie's infectious energy brought a smile to his face, making him forget for a moment about how cramped he'd been in the vehicle. Her enthusiasm always seemed to have a good effect on him, like a ray of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. He could already feel his muscles starting to relax from their earlier tension, and when she jabbed him playfully in the stomach, he let out a deep, rumbling chuckle that sounded more bearlike than human. "Hoo hoo!" he mimicked the Pillsbury mascot's laugh, patting his belly. "Da, I vould never turn down food," Jack said with a grin. "Food very important. Bear inside getting hungry vith veather changing." He tapped his stomach. "If ve don't eat soon, might start hibernating right here on steps!" He let out another deep chuckle, his tension eased. As he scanned the gathered students, his gaze fell upon an unfamiliar face - a young man with black hair sporting a festive red streak. Jack had to tilt his head down slightly to make eye contact with most people, being as tall as he was, and this new face was no exception. The red streak reminded him of the way the setting sun would paint vibrant ribbons across the winter snow back home in Siberia, and something about that thought made him feel a bit more at ease with the stranger. The well-worn coat caught Jack's attention as well, reminding him of his own cherished hoodie back in the dorm. Without hesitation, Jack extended one of his massive hands toward the newcomer. "Am Jack," he offered warmly, his thick Russian accent carrying clearly in the evening air. "Like vhat you did vith hair - very festive! And jacket has character, da? Is good to have clothing vith stories."

Jack stepped out from the hallway near the fireplace, wearing a pair of athletic shorts and a basketball jersey that hung loosely on his large frame. He looked around in confusion, taking in the strange studio set and the radically different outfits everyone else was wearing. Glancing down at his own attire, he shrugged. "Da, mine not so bad, I guess," he remarked in his thick Russian accent. A slight chill in the air caught his attention, striking him as odd considering they seemed to be indoors. Instinctively, he raised his palm, trying to create one of his signature frozen artworks, But nothing happened. No frost, no ice, not even a hint of his usual powers. "Chyort voz'mi," Jack muttered under his breath. "My powers not working either." He looked over to Mattie, who seemed to be experiencing a similar issue with her own abilities. Rubbing the back of his head in consternation, Jack furrowed his brow as he tried to make sense of their bizarre situation. "Vhat is going on here?" he asked, his deep voice laced with confusion and concern. "One moment ve are at bank, next ve are in strange place vith no powers. Is like bad dream." He took a few steps forward, his bare feet padding softly on the studio floor as he approached the others. "Ve need to figure out vhat happened and how to get back," he said, determination evident in his tone despite the uncertainty of their circumstances.

Jack is trying to use the pillar as an aoe reflex attack

Jack narrowed his eyes, studying Tom intently as the swamp creature continued his rampage. The bear spirit within him growled, urging caution. The way Tom thrashed about nagged at Jack's subconscious, triggering an odd sensation he couldn't quite place. His mystical abilities prickled, sending faint signals through his thoughts. As Tom lumbered forward, crushing everything in his path, realization dawned on Jack. The swamp beast was powerful, no doubt, able to shrug off their attacks like they were nothing more than pesky mosquito bites. But that strength came at a cost. Tom was slow, his movements ponderous and clumsy. A broken pillar crashed to the ground at Jack's feet, sending up a cloud of dust and debris. Without hesitation, the giant teen reached down and grasped the pillar in his massive hands. The stone was cold against his skin, but Jack barely noticed. His focus was entirely on Tom. With a grunt of effort, Jack hefted the pillar like a colossal baseball bat. The muscles in his arms and shoulders bulged with the strain, but he held it steady. Lost in his fury, Tom appeared oblivious to the lethal threat looming before him. Jack took a step forward, planting his feet firmly. He drew in a deep breath, frost misting from his nostrils. Then, with a roar that shook the very foundations of the bank, he swung the pillar in a wide arc directly at Tom's hulking form. The stone whistled through the air, a makeshift weapon in the hands of a furious ice bear. Jack poured all his strength into the blow, determined to stop Tom's rampage once and for all.

Arcane Lore 19

Any chance Jack arcane lore knowledge skill could work? I'm not sure what he would roll for knowledge check

Jack's brow furrowed as he took in the scene before them at the wolf enclosure. The large, raw slabs of meat and gnawed bones strewn about the cave entrance should have been a wolf's delight, yet the food lay only half-consumed. It was as if the predators craved something more than mere sustenance, something that made Jack's bear spirit stir uneasily within him. His enhanced senses picked up their agitation - the way their muscles twitched beneath matted fur, the sharp tang of aggression in their scent that reminded him more of rabid beasts than the proud hunters these wolves should have been. A low rumble emanated from deep within Jack's chest, an unconscious response to the unsettling sight before him. The bear spirit's unease resonated through their shared bond, making his muscles tense and the temperature around him drop several degrees. Frost began to crystallize along his exposed arms as his instincts screamed that something was deeply wrong with these wolves, something that went beyond normal predator behavior. Jack shook his head slightly, trying to push back the primal urge. As he focused more on the wolves themselves, a sense of unease washed over him. Their scent carried something sickly and angry, a wrongness that set his teeth on edge. The bear spirit recoiled at the putrid smell - like decay mixed with burning chemicals and raw hatred. Even without his enhanced senses, Jack could tell these weren't normal wolves. His nostrils flared as he tried to process the unfamiliar odor, fighting back a surge of nausea that threatened to overwhelm him. The wolves prowled restlessly, their lean muscles rippling beneath patchy fur. They raked the ground with each step, leaving jagged furrows in the earth. When their hungry, bloodshot eyes locked onto Jack, he couldn't suppress the warning growl that rumbled up from his throat, a sound that was equal parts human and bear. The feral intensity of their gaze stirred something primal within him, making the bear spirit bristle beneath his skin. His muscles tensed instinctively, and he shifted his bulk to stand protectively in front of Lynn, his broad shoulders forming a barrier between her and the agitated predators. "Someting tell me ve not so lucky…" Jack muttered, his words tinged with a mix of concern and suspicion. He was starting to regret not heeding Lynn's suggestion to visit the monkey exhibit instead. The bear spirit within him bristled, ready for confrontation, sending waves of primal energy coursing through his veins like arctic wind. But Jack knew better than to provoke the clearly disturbed animals further - his years living in the wilderness had taught him that cornered predators were the most dangerous kind. He could feel his own bestial nature yearning to answer their challenge, but he forced those instincts down with practiced restraint. He looked behind him to gauge Lynn's reaction

Notice 22

Jack shifted uncomfortably in his seat, tugging at the collar of his button-up shirt that clung to his muscular frame like a straight jacket. He longed for the comfort and ease of his usual sleeveless hoodie and basketball shorts that allowed his body to breathe. Even the dress shoes squeezed painfully as he shifted restlessly, the stiff leather nothing like the comfortable sandals he usually wore He wiggled his toes, trying to get some relief, but it was no use. This uniform was a prison, trapping him in its starched, constricting layers. With a soft Russian curse muttered under his breath, Jack resigned himself to enduring this sartorial torment, dreaming of the moment he could shed these clothes and feel like himself again. He caught Michael's thumbs up and returned it with a grin. At least his small charges were making the formal attire worthwhile. The group of ten-year-olds had latched onto him during the bus ride, seemingly unbothered by his towering frame and muscled build. Now they clustered around him in the theater seats, trading jokes and giggling. "And then penguin say 'Is not fish, is ice cream!'" Jack finished his joke, his thick Russian accent making the punchline even funnier to the kids. The bear spirit inside him purred with satisfaction. Perhaps the children sensed his protective nature on some primal level, recognizing him as a guardian rather than a threat. Whatever the reason, they remained well-behaved despite their excitement. Madison and Mary, the twins, practically vibrated in their seats next to him. Their matching braids bounced as they craned their necks to peer at the still-empty stage. "Vhy you so excited for music?" Jack asked them softly. "You play instruments too, da?"

Arctus, (in a limousine arriving at Freedom Hall with Slipstream, Arctus, Cerebral, Spore, Seraphim and other Claremont students) Jack sat quietly in the luxurious limousine, surrounded by his chattering classmates. His massive frame took up more space than the seats were designed for, but he made it work. The bear spirit inside him practically purred at being surrounded by so many lovely girls, especially Lynn... Jack pushed those thoughts down, feeling his cheeks warm slightly. He distracted himself with the conversation and smiled at the chatter, letting the buzz of conversation wash over him briefly. His gaze landed on Lynn again, and his lungs froze momentarily. She looked stunning in her dress, colors that danced like autumn leaves against her pale skin. It was no surprise; she always had impeccable taste, but Jack admired how effortlessly she carried herself, even amidst the swirling storm of emotions he sensed beneath her surface. He glanced down at his own attire - black cargo shorts, flip-flops, and a t-shirt with a tuxedo print. It had seemed clever when he bought it, but now he felt distinctly underdressed. Still, he maintained his relaxed demeanor, nodding and offering small smiles as the others discussed their excitement about the evening ahead. Jack smiles a little at the thought of food that the other's mention and his mouth waters a little, though he tries to remain calm, but the thought of food makes his stomach rumble and he chuckles and rubs the back of his head embarrassed. Jack's stomach let out a low rumble at the mention of food, causing him to rub the back of his neck sheepishly. The bear spirit inside him perked up too - they shared an appreciation for good meals, especially after the rigorous training sessions at Claremont. "Da, food is alvays good thing," he said softly, his Russian accent thick as he tried to keep his voice down in the confined space of the limo. "At home, mama makes huge feasts. Here, I hear heroes have best chefs in city." He shifted carefully in his seat, mindful not to bump anyone with his massive frame. The tuxedo-printed t-shirt stretched across his broad chest as he moved. The bear spirit rumbled contentedly at the thought of a feast worthy of heroes, making Jack's stomach growl again. "Sorry," he mumbled with an embarrassed chuckle, patting his belly. "Ve both get excited about food." Jack's ears perked up at Harper's mention of the Aerosmith song. A warm smile spread across his broad face as memories of listening to classic rock with his father flooded back. Those long drives through the Siberian wilderness, music blasting from the old truck's speakers while his papa sang along in broken English. "Da, is vonderful song!" Jack's deep voice carried through the limo. "Papa always play it on long drives. He say Steven Tyler has voice like... how you say... angel who smoke too many cigarettes." He chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. "But vas huge hit for them. Made many peoples cry in theater too." The temperature around Jack dropped a few degrees as his excitement grew, frost crystallizing briefly on the window next to him before quickly melting away. He caught himself and took a steadying breath, remembering Lynn's earlier warnings about being careful with his powers in public. His enhanced senses picked up on Lynn's nervous energy beside him. The slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers fidgeted with her dress - signs that didn't seem to entirely bypass the others either. Jack wanted to say something reassuring, but words weren't his strong suit. Instead, he focused on projecting calm and stability, hoping his presence might help ground her. Carefully, trying not to draw attention, Jack pulled his ancient flip phone from his cargo pocket. His large fingers carefully picked out a text message: "U look great as always. if it gets crazy i'm good at making exits... :)" He hit send and watched Lynn from the corner of his eye, hoping to see even a small smile break through her nervousness. She deserved to enjoy tonight without worry, though he understood why these events might be difficult for her.

Jack felt his jaw tighten as the zookeeper interrupted their moment. The bear spirit inside him growled softly - this had been the first time Lynn had started opening up. Still, the man seemed genuinely concerned, if a bit odd. Jack forced his features to relax. "Spasibo, thank you for warning." He gave the tired-looking man a polite nod, though his massive frame couldn't help but loom over the smaller zookeeper. As they walked away from the snake exhibit, Jack studied Lynn's profile. The ghost of a smile still played at her lips, and some of the tension had left her shoulders. That small laugh she'd given at his bear-brain comment had been worth more than gold to him. They came to a split in the path, one direction leading toward chattering sounds and colorful signs for the primate exhibits, the other toward a more densely wooded area. Jack's eyes lingered on the latter path, where he could just make out the wolf enclosure through the trees. "Ve could go see monkeys..." He scratched his chin thoughtfully before breaking into a mischievous grin. "But truth is, now I really vant to see vhat makes wolves so mean-spirited." He raised an eyebrow at Lynn. "Unless you think ve had enough trouble for vun week already?" The breeze picked up again, carrying the distinct scent of predators. Jack's heightened senses caught whiffs of wolf, making the bear spirit stir with interest. There was something else there too - something that made his shamanic instincts prickle - but he couldn't quite place it.

Jack chuckled at Lynn's modest dismissal of her fashion sense. "Nyet, is not just money. You could vear things from thrift store and make look like runway show." The bear spirit rumbled approvingly inside him at her easy acceptance of their chaotic art gallery adventure. "Is nice, having parent who understands this life." He felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Finally someone who got it, who didn't need everything hidden or explained away. His smile faltered slightly as thoughts of his own family surfaced. His parents were good people, but they lived in careful denial of what he'd become. To them, he was still their little Vanya who they'd left in Siberia with his grandparents. And while babushka and dedushka had helped him understand his shamanic heritage, they were now half a world away. Jack noticed Lynn's smile dimming as she mentioned having a lot on her mind. His heart ached seeing her try to force herself to focus on their outing. "Hey." He stopped and turned towards her as he tapped his temple with one large finger. "Most times up here, is just bear thinking about fish and honey. And sometimes chili..." His lips quirked up hopefully, trying to coax back her smile. "You don't have to try be anything vith me. Is nice just being around someone vho understands. If you have things on mind, is okay too. Ve can talk, or not talk. Both good." He looked up at the signs for exhibits. "I yam partial to bears…obviously, but also love see de monkeys." He let the statements just float in the air, letting her take them where she wanted to.

Jack shifted uncomfortably in the Uber's back seat, the silence heavy between him and Lynn. His fingers traced patterns of frost on his thigh as his mind replayed the chaos at the art gallery. The memory of transforming into his bear form in front of everyone gnawed at him. He glanced at Lynn's reflection in the window, catching glimpses of her distant expression. She'd accepted his invitation to the zoo, which had surprised him. After witnessing his wild side, he'd expected her to keep her distance. Most people did. The zoo felt like a safe choice - he'd always found peace among animals. Though that thought made him pause. Was choosing the zoo just proving how different he was? The car pulled up to the entrance. Jack unfolded his large frame from the vehicle, his worn cargo shorts and sleeveless hoodie a stark contrast to Lynn's put-together appearance. "Yous look nice today," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yous outfits, they always look amazing." The Uber pulled away as Jack dug into his pocket, retrieving some crumpled bills for their tickets. Lynn's quiet thank you for the invitation brought a genuine smile to his face. "I yam happy you vanted to come," he chuckled, "after disaster of last time ve vent out." His expression softened as he studied her face. "Everything okay vith you? You seem... quiet today." They entered the zoo proper and Jack noticed the festive decorations. In all the commotion of starting school, being a superhero and moving to Clairemont, he had forgotten what time of year it was. A refreshing breeze swept across the zoo grounds, though he found it peculiar how other visitors appeared to shiver and huddle as if chilled.

Chum PC could be interesting. Harlequinn and Lynn are his closest buddies at this point lol