Let's really open up those Chakras

[Anonymous]

It had taken him a little while to get the space set up, but the room was finally ready. He had purged the bad energy and set up a good energy flow, with crystals and plants to help keep everything positive with a simple, clean ascetic. Nothing to distract the mind from the body.

Dressed in lose pants that cut off just under his knees and a white tank top, Eli was ready to begin. He just needed students to show up. He was pretty sure some people would show up, having personally asked a number of candidates.

He was really looking forward to helping people get in shape and really open up their bodies and energy to the universe. It was really healthy and healing and awesome.

[Anonymous]

The uncertainty, mixed with his general anxiety and pessimism was welling up like how a soda can began to suffocate in it's own foam when shaken by a hand of cruelty. Oliver didn't like the idea of exercising more than he had to. His body already ached from the rigorous routine of Candidate training, and now on his little bit of free time that could have been spent resting(whatever good that did), here he was.

Oh did he ever regret it.

However, the one that urged him to participate in the class was none other than the one Oliver had accidentally thrown a spoon at in the cafeteria not long ago. The fellow Candidate's enthusiasm was contagious, even with the redhead's positivity shields up and running full-boar. He found himself being drawn to Eli and his amazing ability to shut off all the little hamsters running through Oliver's head like it was the end of the world. Was that selfish? Oh gods, that was selfish! You are a horrible person Oliver.

Regardless of the berating mental track his mind was going down, he shuffled into the room where it had been specified. Wrapped in a bundle of nerves, and looking like a sorry human-shaped stick wearing clothing, Oliver probably wouldn't last very long. He wore the general uniform required for Candidates in training exercises, though with the exception of having his red hair being pulled up from his neck into a small wild pony-tail. And no glasses, simply because there was always a chance they may break.

Oliver did a quick glance around the room and easily spotted Eli. "E-Eli? Um, hi." He said, tentatively giving a little wave. Greetings were a fine science he had not gotten down yet.

[Anonymous]

"Oliver! Hi! Welcome!" Eli beamed, heading over and turning on his null field. He had started doing it anytime he saw Oliver, but it was good way to keep distractions to a minimum. He hugged Oliver, "I'm so glad you made it! Grab a mat!"

Evenly spaced were some brightly colored, thin mats, with blankets folded at the back of them.

[Anonymous]

He doubted he would get used to how Eli so very easily beamed at everyone with a bright smile even if they were the most miserable people in the whole entire universe. Much like Oliver himself. But, it didn't mean he didn't like it. It was different than everything else. Nearly everyone else, too. He hoped it wasn't as fleeting as his mind made him believe it was.

Oliver tensed under Eli's hug, even with the nulling of his electrogenesis abilities, which were more or less confirmed by such instances to be a great abler of his anxiety and other "quirky" thinking patterns. Didn't mean they entirely went away. Hardly. He slowly brought his arms around the other candidate and awkwardly returned the hug. Was he hugging right? It wasn't too long of a hug was it? Or is it too short?

He really didn't understand a lot of social cues. He put it down to just caring about he ones that didn't say 'Oh hey, come beat the life out of me'. Oliver waited on Eli to break the hug.

"S-so...How many people are you expecting to show up?" He said as he made his way over to a mat, in a slouched sort of walk no less. It was a failing attempt to hide the embarrassment plain on his flushed face. From the looks of how many of the mats had been placed on the floor, there should be a few showing. This was going to be a long day.

[Anonymous]

"Oh, I donno. As many that do, ya know? Maybe it'll just be us." Eli moved closer and placed a hand against Oliver's spine, encouraging it to straighten, "You should really work on keeping a neutral spine. It will make you back so much happier."

[Rhi-Rhi]

Just as promised, Keziah arrived to the room right on the dot, dressed in a tank top and loose pants. She'd pulled the longer portion of her hair up and out of the way, pinned into a tight bun. It wasn't flattering, but she was here to work out and sweat, not look pretty!

"Hey there, hon!" she greeted with a smile, looking around. "Wow, I really like what you did with the place. It's so much more...lively." What with the crystals and plants and all. He'd really put some work into this.

She gave a little wave to Oliver as well before she moved to pick out a mat, up in the front row. She'd done yoga before in the past, though not very extensively.

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Gabriel arrived shortly after with his sister, Rachel, in tow. She looked more annoyed at him than anything. This was her day off! She didn't want to work out, but nooo, suddenly her brother gets the...yoga bug? She didn't get it, but hey, it must be a phase. Either way, he'd insisted that she haaaad to go because it was sibling bonding and also it was imperative that she meet the yoga instructor, like super serious business, can't be put off.

She was dressed in the basic work-out uniform while Gabriel was wearing sweats (sweats? She was so ashamed to be seen with him right now) and an old baggy t-shirt. Waving brightly at Eli, Gabriel guided Rachel over to where Eli and Oliver were standing.

"Eli! Hey! Have I ever introduced you to my sister, Rachel?" he asked. "Likewise to you, Oliver! You always seemed like a nice, wholesome kid. Guys, Rachel. Rachel, Eli--" He pointed. "And Oliver."

He was really, really hoping she'd hit it off with some nice guys her own age, because it seemed like she hadn't been exposed to them enough. And he'd seen how she and Bart looked at each other. It was just...no. He was as old as their dad!

Maybe not really, but that was beside the point.

"Uhh..." Rachel gave Gabriel an odd look, then grinned awkwardly and wiggled her fingers at the two in something resembling a wave. Oookay. Most awkward and weird intro ever aside... "Heh, yep! That's me!" Lowering her voice, she leaned in conspiratorially and said in a stage whisper, "He was adopted."

[Anonymous]

"Hi everyone!" Eli's smile got brighter, "Grab a mat, yeah?" He reached out and took Rachel's hand, "It's nice to meet you!"

She was really pretty, with amazing eyes. Eli liked eyes, they were always beautiful, "I'm glad everyone could come!"

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Sabela strolled in, perfect makeup, hair back in a stylish ponytail and in a tiny yoga outfit that flattered her thin frame and showed a decent amount of asscheek, "Well, well. Oliver, I wasn't expecting you here. I'm proud of you."

She brightened at the sight of Keziah, "So, this is your delectable little boytoy, huh?"

[Anonymous]

As many that do? That was an easy way to look at it. Live and let live, huh? Oliver was about to say something in reply, however the words caught in his throat and he gave out a small squeak as Eli placed his hand on his spine. Not expecting that. Not in the least bit. But it did make him straighten his back, to the very rigid levels of a lamppost if one had to compare. "S-sure, I'll remember that. U-u-um."

Oh thank what ever pantheon of deities was out there in the universe. People were starting to file in. Maybe then his own nervousness wouldn't be so apparent. Maybe. It tended to stand out. Oliver stood tightlipped, eyes staring like he was an animal caught in the headlights as he saw who exactly was arriving. Pilots. Pilots.

He hardly heard what they were saying. Some sort of greeting to him. Assuming some auto-command, he reiterated with a form of pleasantry expected of a Gracie, the usually stuttering and blubbering 'Sir', 'Ma'am'. And then there was Pilot Llown. His mentor. He wanted to die. Unfortunately that wasn’t an option, so Oliver settled for the one that was there. Hope that the mat he went to sit on would swallow him up whole.

[Anonymous]

"No no. Neutral. Not so stiff, just centered and relaxed." Eli used his hands and mimicked with his own spine, "Just relax, we're all in our safe, centered places here."

[Rhi-Rhi]

Gabriel stiffened at the sight of Sabela and shot a scowl her way. Great. Just who he wanted to see here! Well, aside from that scowl, he cheerfully and pointedly ignored her, turning back to Oliver and Eli and smiling. He didn't know much about Oliver except for what he'd heard, but the poor guy was projecting PANIC all over the place.

"Hey, it's okay! We're all friends here, just gonna have some fun and stuff and make fools of ourselves contorting in weird ways." He stretched his arms over his head and arched his spine until it popped. He had okay flexibility, but he'd never really done this yoga stuff.

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Alright, so the yoga instructor was cute, she'd admit. So was the red-head. Gah! What was it with her and socially awkward dorks? While Eli corrected Oliver, Rachel chose a mat right next to the shy one. Seemed like a good spot!

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During this time, Val had wheeled himself inside the room and parked himself off top the side, by the door. Eli had insisted he come and he'd finally relented, though he didn't see what the point was. It wasn't like he could do anything. Maybe he could be the token mascot or something.

[Anonymous]

"Val! Hey!" Eli excused himself from Gabe, Rachel and Oliver, heading over to where Val was, "Thanks for coming. So, you wont really be able to do the same poses, but there are arm ones we can do to help with your spine, shoulders, neck and arms. And lots of core work!"

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Sabela headed over to Oliver, lighting tugging at his ponytail, "Didn't I give you orders to clean up your appearance a bit? If you aren't careful, you'll end up like Gabriel. Sweatpants should be burned, isn't that right Rachel?"

[Aria]

What in the hell am I doing here, Aisling questioned herself as she entered the room. A quick glance took in the crystals, plants, and brightly colored mats positioned on the floor. She was thoroughly out of her element here. Her expression was already sour, now it bordered on surly. Why was she deliberately putting herself in a room in which she would most likely have to interact with other people?

She was definitely not the best at playing nice with others.

The simple answer was, her mentor.  Pilot Bunny had recommended the class to her. Yoga. Apparently, it was supposed help her relax, ease all the tense anger she carried around. Maybe help her not be so quick to punch peoples in the face. Truth be told, she just wanted to turn around and march right out of there. But, that would make her look like a fool. So she didn't.

Instead, Aisling chose a mat in the very back and stood beside it, arms folded tightly across her chest. Her gaze lingered briefly on Rachel, the girl who had helped her with her damnable cellula-whateverthehellitscalled. But she quickly looked away again. No reason to give her an excuse to come over.

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Anemone was late! Well. No, she actually wasn't but really she felt like she was, as she rushed down the hallway. She should've been there early, is what she reasoned. Eli had invited her, after all. This was going to be great! Yoga!

She wore her candidate uniform undershirt and pants, not really knowing what else to wear, while a simple headband kept her bright hair out of her face.

Ane had never done yoga before, truth be told. So, she felt a small measure of apprehension about contorting her body into odd shapes in front of other people. At least, that was how she imagined it would be. Anemone stopped in front of the room she'd been told it was at, then stepped over the threshold and inside. Oh, it seemed some people had already arrived.

She spotted Keziah first, along with another Pilot, and this took her by surprise. She hadn't known Pilots were going to be there. She was unsure what degree of familiarity the situation allowed, so after a moment Anemone decided to wave uncertainly at her mentor. Her eyes roamed, and she found Eli next. Her face lit up with a bright smile- but she hadn't taken more than a few steps when she noticed he was talking to someone. A fellow candidate, in a wheel chair. She held back, thinking it would be best to let him finish first. It would be rude to interrupt, after all.

[Anonymous]

So many new arrivals and Eli wanted to greet them all. He gave Aisling and Ane a bright wave. He wanted to make sure Val was comfortable before he greeted everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Infinity Phoenix was excited. She was always excited to learn new skills and techniques, and yoga was not among those taught to her as a child. It was simply icing on the cake that her first introduction to the subject would be at the hands of someone in the program.

Flinging the door open in a manner not unlike the point man of a tactical attack squad, Infinity Phoenix quickly scanned the room for any dangerous obstacles. Seeing only mats, crystals, plants, and people, she quickly made the assumption that the area was not a deadly trap laid out for training purposes. Relaxing slightly, she quickly stripped down to a pair of spandex shorts and a fitted, sleeveless top.

Striding towards the front of the room, she gave a quick salute to Keziah. "Greetings, Sir! Are you looking forward to this as much as I am?"

Raising her clenched fists, fire seemed to burn deep inside her eyes, "The thought of pushing ourselves to the limits, of making war on bodies made inflexible by unforgiving evolution, really sets my spirit ablaze!"

[Anonymous]

Relax. Right. While it was true, Oliver was far more relaxed than he would have been if Eli hadn't done his magical make-Oliver-somewhat-functional thingy, he was still tightly wound. But he was able to grasp enough sense to reassure himself that what he thought was irrational. And that was a huge improvement.

He recognized a couple of the Pilots, including his mentor. The blonde one seemed nice enough, Oliver found himself quirking a smile at the thought of that he wouldn't be the only one making a fool out of himself. What was that Pilot's name? Kierney? Tooney? Potato? He stopped himself right there. For Pete's sake, of course his name wasn't Pilot Potato! Then realizing that perhaps what he thought could hurt someone's feelings if their name was Potato, Oliver felt bad.

And it was easily replaced by the cold sickness at the pit of his stomach as Pilot Llown gave a small tug of his hair. Don't you dare stutter. He said to himself before he even thought to open his mouth. It was a precaution really.

"Yes, ma'am! Sorry, ma'am!"  Oliver said, giving her a very rigid and awkward salute. Oh that was the Pilot's first name? Gabriel? Well, he didn't think he looked bad. But apparently his mentor did. And he wasn't about to argue. Definitely not. "...Ma'am!" He added another for good luck.

[Anonymous]

"Oliver, darling, calm down." Sabela patted his hair, "You really are much to tense. I wont bite. Not until you start looking much more attractive."

[Anonymous]

Oh gods. Oliver involuntarily flinched when his mentor patted him on the head, feeling distinctly like how his cat must feel when he does the same to them. And that comment uttered from Sabela's lips did not, under any circumstances, ease that tension.

"I didn't know you liked yoga, ma'am." He said, trying to rapidly change the subject, and steal away how his face flushed a bright pink.

[Anonymous]

"Well, in order to know things about me, you would actually have to talk to me, hmm?" Sabela smirked, one hip jutting to the side, her yoga shorts riding high enough to leave very, very little to the imagination.

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There was a decent crowd now, and Eli could feel the bad energy starting to form. He smiled at Val, patted his shoulder and moved to the front of the room, taking a seat on his mat, "Okay, let's all settle down and start with some basic breathing. We're gonna need to center ourselves, find a spot that's comfortable and resting over your sits bone."

While Eli spoke, Sabela took a mat near the back, directly in front of Keziah. She had been doing yoga for over 10 years and really didn't need to come to a class, but she wanted to see what the kid had to offer and show off a little.

[Anonymous]

Yikes. Oliver bit down on his bottom lip. His mentor had him there. Yet from what he knew, mentors were not closely involved with the routine of a Gracie. He wasn't completely responsible was he? Not to mention Sabela tended to terrify him. That could be his fault now that he thought about it. His spine didn't do much other than keep him roughly standing.

He was dearly glad when Eli piped up. And yet not that glad. Because it began. Oliver's heart thudded hard in his chest, his attempts to keep a lid on his nerves were sad. He had taken a spot, and belatedly realised that by him was the candidate that came in with Pilot Pot- It's not Pilot Potato! Gabriel. Until Oliver knew the Pilot's last name, he would focus on his first. It was far more horrifying that accidentally calling him Pilot Potato out loud. How did his mind get him into these things.

[Anonymous]

Eli went through the lesson, giving a large variety of poses and options, so that the beginners could go at their own pace and the higher level people could still push themselves. Throughout the whole process, he kept up a steady stream of chatter about energy flow and Chakras and third eyes.

When the lesson finished, he was pretty worn out, "Alright, good job everyone! I'm gonna do this again tomorrow, same time if any of you wanna come!"