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June, 2018
Student name: Cerise
Prompt: Swimming laps - 7
Response:

Cerise's eyes widened in a curious fashion when their coach mentioned it was finally swimming season again. An excited grin crossed the popular Fallen girl's lips. Her wings rustled, as she began to contemplate what sort of swimsuit she'd bring. It had to be appropriate of course, but she knew she had a really cute one piece that looked great on her so that would likely be the winner of her choices. The two-piece was a bit too revealing, and she didn't want to push her luck with being sent home over a silly swimsuit. Smiling warmly she entered the gym, towel slung over her shoulder. This was going to be interesting, her wings made it a little bit harder than some to easily swim, but she had learned how to adapt to them at an early age. If she kept them tucked in tightly she could manage. Her flipflops lightly thudded against the ground as she walked towards the locker room to go put her stuff away. Brushing her hair up, she made sure to clip it back to keep it out of her way, before putting it in a messy bun. Once that was done, she slipped her flipflops inside the locker, along with her bag and phone.

Grabbing her towel, she unzipped the hooded swimsuit cover to reveal her two-piece bathing suit. She loved the fact it had crowns all over it. She eased the hood up over her head, deciding to walk out to the pool in style. She took her towel with, tucking it under her arm as she went to go do some laps per today's lesson plan. Placing her stuff down, she removed the outer swim cover, draping it alongside her towel. Scanning the area, she didn't immediately see anyone she recognized. Which really was fine, she could get to swimming and see how well she faired. It had been a little while since she last swam, but it wasn't an issue.

Keeping her wings close, she eased herself into the water. The temperature made her giggle a little, shivering as she waded into a deeper part of the pool. Finally needing to tread water, the Fallen began to make her laps, moving from one end of the pool to the other. While it was slow going, she did not stop immediately. After 7 laps, Cerise finally had to admit she was feeling like she was hitting a wall. Moving to the edge of the pool, she climbed up the short ladder to settle herself right at the edge of the water. Exhaling in a relaxed sigh, she dipped her feet into the water. Deciding to relax for a bit, she was proud of what she had managed to do. It wasn't like she was the number one best swimmer, but she still felt accomplished.

Stretching her wings out, Cerise wondered if maybe she should hit the pool again for a little bit? She did know she'd have to rinse her hair out after she was done, all the chlorine wasn't good for it, or her feathers...but this water she imagined was treated specially to cater to all the different races. Smiling thoughtfully she lazily moved her legs in the water, enjoying the cool feeling.

June, 2018
Student name: Kaia
Prompt: Swimming lessons
Response:
Kaia was extremely thrilled about getting to go swimming! She couldn't stop talking about it, as all her young siblings also had this activity up and coming in common. Racing about, the energetic perky child couldn't wait to get to school that day. Kaia had raced around the house, making sure everyone was up and ready. It was time to get going!! Who wanted to sleep when you got to go swimming at school? Yawning she rushed into the kitchen, wildly getting bowls out after climbing up on the foot ladder. She plunked down everyone's favorite bowl and spoon as she had this memorized by heart and poured cereal. Everyone else could do their own milk. As she chomped down on her breakfast, she quickly darted off once done to go put her bathing suit on underneath her normal clothes. Once her family was finally up and moving, they actually got to get going. Kaia really didn't like sitting still, it drove her crazy. Luckily she didn't have to wait too long, alarms began to go off shortly after her wakeup call.

Proud that she had been one of the first to be awake, Kaia stretched lazily as she restlessly moved about the house in a half awake, half alert state.

After saying goodbye, and hugging her parents and siblings, Kaia raced off to the locker room. She couldn't wait to get in the pool! She hadn't wanted to hold still for the floaties to be applied, she whined at Drisden, but a quick look from Callahan told Kaia there was no room for argument. Lir had tried to settle it by buying a better-suited product for species that had such sharp claws. Kaia loved her two daddies and momma. They had awakened hers, and her sibling's stones around the time they also adopted Kahlua, Amon and Tabitha...it was a big family.

Kaia's tail wagged enthusiastically as she hastily peeled off her regular school clothes as she was already ready to go in her bathing suit. While she had been somewhat tired when first waking up, she was now filled with energy and excitement. Dashing into the water, she splashed around, playing as she bounced around in the water. When asked to settle down she pouted slightly but reluctantly agreed. Watching the teacher, she looked fascinated as she practiced the basics of swimming. Water was so awesome! Although the pool smelled a little funny, and there was a lot of random faces she didn't know...Kaia was not bothered. In fact, she thrived off the energy the room had to it.

After listening as patiently as she could tolerate, Kaia was ready to try her own luck at applying what she had learned. Trotting through the water, she felt it swirl around her. The Grimm child's small body bobbed and weaved with the motion of the pool. Deciding to dive into it, she splashed about, giggling with childish delight. It felt good to really be swimming all on her own. She couldn't wait to tell her parents and siblings how quickly she'd gotten swimming down! Kicking their arms and legs, Kaia explored the pool, delighted to be able to spend some of her excess energy in such a fun manner.

June, 2018
Student name: Aodh
Prompt: Swimming laps
Response:

Aodh seriously didn't want to do anything remotely close to going swimming in some large, pool of water that other people had been in. The very idea of it grossed him out. If he wanted to go swimming, he'd rather it be in a natural body of water or some river....not a community swimming pool. Not only did it stink, but it seriously had to be unhygienic was it not?! He didn't care if that's what the chemicals were for, who knew how many little kids were out there peeing in the pool rather than being responsible and climbing out. Just thinking about it made him groan in dismay. Yet if he wanted to get on with his classes, this was a part of it. The hybrid growled as he muttered under his breathe. With a bit of a stomp to his walk, he snatched his swim trunks from his room. He went to go sit with his Pack while everyone did breakfast together.

Despite the chaos of having so many in his family, somehow the three adult members of the household always kept it together. Everyone had their lunches, and bags ready to go by the front door. Aodh wasn't sure if he had the mental compacity to be as on top of things as they were...so in return, he did his best to help out with the younger kids. He'd make sure they brushed their teeth as well has hair...and would chase them around to make sure they got dressed for school properly in their uniforms.

With his mind on what was to come, he reluctantly went into the locker room. Changing down into his trunks, he scowled. Why was this a requirement, he'd rather run or do something else? The pool was going make his fur stink for all the nine realms to laugh at him over. Groaning he draped a towel over his shoulder as headed towards the exit..that would lead him into the main area. As soon as the heavy metal doors opened, his ears twitched, flicking back as they laid against his head. The sound of chatter and laughter, along with the splashing of water greeted his ears. His nose wrinkled at the strong smell of chemicals. It was exactly what he didn't want to be dealing with.

Reluctantly, as he didn't see the point in throwing a fit and getting in trouble he grumbled as he stuffed his towel in a safe spot. Storming over to the edge of the water..he stared down at the clear sloshing vat. Oh...this was worse than he expected! Noooo..did he really have to? Rethinking his choice he started to turn around..only a kid barreled into him by accident. Yelping in surprise he was sent flying into the water with a loud splash!

Coming up to the surface after he got over the initial shock as he came to the surface. Gasping he coughed as he treaded water...snarling at the idiot who knocked him in. As it was too late to back out now...he half-assed with his laps to prove to the coach he could do it...before climbing out with an utterly foul expression on the hybrid's face.

July, 2018
Student name: Elijah
Prompt: Swimming lessons
Response:

Elijah whimpered as he heard the dreaded announcement the class would be swimming. The Kumiho's eyes were wide, horrified even as he looked nervous. He might not have had the large tails most of his brethren had due to his mutation, but that didn't make him anymore found of being submerged in a body of water. His tails took time to dry, and they retained a great deal of water. Worse yet was the down fur on his body would end up soaking wet as well. His ears drooped somewhat pathetically as he fidgetted in his seat, avoiding eye contact with the instructor. Some kids hooted and hollered as they cheered for joy. Others like himself had varying mixed reactions from annoyance to discontent. Elijah nibbled on his bottom lip as he considered what to do.

Talking it over with his adoptive Mommy when he got home brought him a little bit of comfort, she assured him it would be alright. She even offered to take him shopping so they could pick out a pair of swim shorts, and floaties of his very own! Elijah admitted he perked up a bit when she promised to go shopping with him for what he would need for class. He figured he'd borrow something when he was at the pool...the extra time with his loving mother soothed his nervousness.

By the dawn of the next day, the young Kumiho was as ready as he was going to be. Walking with a bounce to his step he kept his chin up like Momma had advised him. He didn't need to be scared..there would be other kids around (which that was another problem all its own) and the teachers would make sure he didn't drown. Sniffing the odd smell of chlorine, the Freshling had apprehension as he entered the pool room. His amber-golden eyes flickered around the area as his heartbeat sped up. Ushered closer to the water, at first he tried to back away shaking his head. However, upon being coaxed to put his feet in he noticed that the water felt nice. It wasn't to cold or warm. Frowning he tentatively stuck his other foot in so he stood ankle deep at the first stair leading into the pool.

Elijah's ears pinned back as he whimpered softly looking up at one of the helpers overseeing the kiddy side of swim lesson time. he was about ready to bolt..when he remembered Elspeth's words. If he didn't try, how would he know if it was scary? He could always be dried off, and his fur rinsed off. It would be okay. Sighing slowly Elijah reluctantly eased himself down the next step..and began to move forward. Gulping, the child wondered if Ashe had gone swimming yet...he bet the other boy was even more annoyed than Elijah was to be doing this. He had full sized tails and pretty hair that went on forever. The image of the others grumpy expression made the boy's freckled face brighten up into a smile.

Without even realizing it, he'd gone up to his chest into the water so the floaties took over. For all the worrying he'd done...he was okay! Blinking in surprise he flapped his arms a little experimenting if he'd dunk under. His tails weighed him down..but the arm floaties and one around his middle ensured he was safe. Beaming happily, Elijah actually found that this was more fun then he expected as his childish laughter joined the other excited happy noises of the various other students scattered about the pool.

July, 2018
Student name: Zane
Prompt: Swimming laps
Response:
Zane took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to drawn on her reserve of patience. She wasn't exactly too thrilled about the update to the physical education program. Did the school really have to make it a requirement to climb into a pool? Swimming in its self wasn't terrible, but she didn't really care for it either. It was more having to deal with her fur getting all wet, and then dealing with drying it. In the case of pools, she also had more surface space for the chemicals to cling to and leave her smelling like a living breathing advertisement for chlorine. However, that wasn't to say she hated swimming. In fact, when she was with her girlfriend Emilia she absolutely adored going with her. The other Junior usually wore cute swimsuits, which in turn was what Zane did for her. To bad she didn't have gym class with Emilia today, she poked her tongue out in a playful sour manner as she picked out a swimsuit that would suit for doing more than lounging around by the pool side.

Swimming was the way she and Emilia had gotten closer and bonded. It helped they also had similar likes and dislikes, and had grown up playing together as Freshlings. It was natural for her to want to strive towards getting through Academy as it meant they could both focus on their careers and lives together rather than homework and studies. Her mind wandered, wondering when a good time to give her girlfriend the beautiful Pearl she found would be. It was meant to respect the other girls traditions and cultures.

Even with such pleasant thoughts on her mind, it didn't change the fact she had to climb into chemically treated waters. Reluctantly she showed up on time to make sure she'd be able to get dressed and not have to rush to the pool to get in line for her turn to do laps in the pool. The Baphomet headed for the locker's exit with the intention of getting this class over with. Zane had carefully pulled her hair up, pinning it with several clips and a tight bun to keep it off her while she swam. A little sigh escaped her lips, as she was about to dip herself in the pool. She and Emilia went swimming often, so Zane had become a confident swimmer.

Deciding she might as well get a move on, she dived into the water. Using the momentum of the dive she pulled herself forward, starting off at a quick pace. Once she reached the end of her lap she quickly turned, and headed back. This pattern continued, back and forth until she reached her twelfth pass. Looking to her teacher, she felt proud of herself. Giving a stretch, Zane went to get her towel as she patted at her face dry. She went to go sit by the waters edge, dipping her feet in as she observed her surroundings. It was days like today she usually felt like her mind was off daydreaming. Zane smiled warmly as she quietly hummed to herself.

July, 2018
Student name: Mira
Prompt: Swimming lessons
Response:
Mira was enthralled with the idea of going swimming! She couldn't wait in fact, she kept talking about it rambling on and on about how much fun it was going to be. The little hybrid girl didn't mind getting wet, or the way pools smelled. She was more thrilled to get suited up! She was promised a pair of her own cute matching flotation devices, as she did not trust herself to be able to swim with her massive fluffy tail. Especially with this being the first time other than say a normal uneventful trip to the bathtub. Her luminescent bright blue colored eyes were filled with delight as she happily went to go change into the swimsuit she had gotten to pick out. All of her siblings had been able to, which pleased her as they all got to pick their own style. She was a blend of a variety of races, something Mira was quiet proud of. How could she not feel that way? Grimm, Imp, Goblin and Geist genes all mashed up to make the trio. Something Mira was quiet proud to show off and explain to anyone who was curious enough to inquire. Which of course wasn't that often, but Mira would have loved to clue someone, or anyone in if she could!

Groaning in dismay she just wanted it to be time for her physical education course. She'd already waited long enough! Not that any real time had passed, but for Mira time in the pool couldn't come soon enough. Mira found her mind wandering as she rushed from her caregiver to go get changed. The locker room wasn't very crowded, giving her plenty of space to work with. Her clothing was tossed to one side for when she'd need to change after class ended. She didn't want to waste a single moment of playing in the water. Her towel was wrapped around her, the warmth of the absorbent towel felt nice against her cheek when she would nuzzle into it. Mira only remembered her own towel because she'd been reminded several times she rushed to get her hair pulled back.

By the time she finally got to the pool area, she nearly made a beeline for the water. One of the instructors held her up, noticing in the child's excitement she had not bothered to put on the floaties she'd been so proud of. It wasn't very easy in all fairness, as her clawed appendages certainly made it more likely she'd pop them in a matter of seconds. Fitting them over her hands, she was allowed at last her time in the water. The beautiful reflective surface made her eyes sparkle with wonder. The hybrid dived forward, rushing into the water. Her tail fanned out, the fluff of it gliding behind her as she splashed about happily. Mira's loud childish laughter added to the mix of other children playing. Finally! It was time to go swimming!

Leaping forward she splashed about, glad to finally be able to play. She'd only been waiting for well, forever to get in! Even if one day wasn't really forever, Mira was sure it had been not only forever, but an eternity to wait. She thought it was well worth the wait.

July, 2018
Student name: Ezekiel
Prompt: Swimming lessons
Response:

Even though Ezekiel was part naiad (where he got it from, he didn't have a clue. It wasn't like he had actual parents or anything like that. Being an orphan). He had never, ever, in his whole entire like dreamed of learning how to swim. Or wanted to learn how to swim. Swimming. Water. Heh.

That was one good way to drown. Zeke wasn't into it. His tendrils flared unpleasantly as he looked at the water. The water may have been cold in this heat, but he'd rather deal with the beads of sweat that formed on his noggin than rather splash around in unfamiliar water. What if it was tainted? Poisoned? What if the caretakers and teachers put in some juice to make him a brainwashed zombie that only did what the school wanted? Zeke shook his head, mind in a buzz.

Water. It wasn't something that he liked. At least, not swimming. taking cold baths where his feet could touch the bottom of the tub were different. He gulped. What if he couldn't touch the bottom? He couldn't see a bottom anywhere in site. Spooky.

Was swimming even necessary for life? He doubted it. This had to be some scheme. Some ploy.

But no matter how much he kicked and screamed to not go, he was stuck. Here. Zeke had even tried running out and into the hall to find some sort of escape. It was no use. He was dragged back. And worse yet, he was forced to wear floaties. The hybrid stuck out like a sore thumb with the inflatable plastic surrounding his arms. Even worse, they were bright yellow. Charming for some freshlings.

For him? It was horrific. He moved towards the pool, having to be reluctantly obedient to take his first steps into the pool. And stared. Again.

This was terrible. He really shouldn't.

But the freshling behind him pushed him into the water anyway, his foot falling on the step with a hard thud. He winced, about to chew out the freshling behind him for pushing even though he had done the same thing to the freshling that was in front of him a minute or two before but was caught off gaurd as a caretaker took his hand. "I don't want to do this." he gritted out, albeit, moving in the water anyway.

Down another step he went, his chest now covered. And then another. Until he had to push the water to and fro with his feet. This...this wasn't too bad.
"Are you brainwashing me?" he demanded, arms still held by the caretaker. "Let me go." he yanked away, obediently paddling around the caretaker. Well, as well as he could with floaties getting in the way. When a kick board was given to him he had no trouble taking it and swimming to the other side.

Maybe...this would become a hobby of his. Man, there had to be some brain washing juice in this pool. He just knew it. Even if they did say not to drink the water.