May Event and Intro Log

[magicademymods]

May Event and Intro Log DAWN OF THE FIRST DAY May I Have This Dance? Though Diatu Magicademy has its share of social events, few capture the attention of the student body quite like the Twilight Ball -- that magical once-a-year dance that crosses the change of day into night and is given over entirely to the dance itself. The focus is not on political visitors, rival schools, local government, or hitting up alumni for money; it is entirely about the pleasure that comes from accompanying a charming and attractive person onto the dance floor and cutting the proverbial rug. It is entirely possible the Twilight Ball is beloved because the general student body is aggressively amorous, but no one admits that out loud. With the dance on the horizon, the mission of the day becomes finding a partner -- or asking the prettiest or nicest or most tsundere to the ball before anyone else does. The Sundered are particularly popular by virtue of being new, so students may find themselves fending off invitations or even crowds of people interested in being seen on their arms. Even the younger Sundered have a few people in their age group who'd like to pretend they're just as adult as the older students. To avoid the mob, one strategy is to find someone else in dire straits and agree to be their date, thus giving both of you protection now and then. Another, stranger, vastly more unorthodox strategy is to actually ask someone out legitimately... if you've got the guts. (The third strategy is to go with Headmaster Birony, who has been occasionally heard to bemoan loudly and publicly that she has nobody, HINT HINT. But who could possibly be THAT desperate?) Love Is In The Water Love potions are absolutely, positively, one hundred percent forbidden, on the grounds they tread far too close to the supremely black Curriculum of Dictation. This ultimate and unforgiving ban is every bit as effective as Anastara's rules limiting the speed of carts in the street to a horse's walk. So, yes, there's love potion in the water. Someone spilled an entire bucket in the river. These things happen. Luckily, as diluted as it is, the potion doesn't reach the levels of obsessive compulsion that the worst of them can; a person drinking a unfortunate draught instead simply finds themselves attracted in a weird and sharp sort of way to the first person they lay their eyes on, for a period of about thirty minutes. Diatu Magicademy is an inclusive and progressive institution, and consequently these potions affect and can target all manner of beings, from ducks and wolf-shifters to robots and dragons. They are pretty convenient about failing to bring about really skeevy pairings, though, so don't worry about being Hot For Professor. Special Delivery (aka the Least Embarrassing Prompt, which is a sad state of affairs) A quick, easy, profitable way to make some money this time of year is by delivering messages, packages, parcels, and treats to students who've caught the eye of another. Whether anonymous or gloriously identified, small token of esteem or bristling bundles of roses and chocolates, the population of the Magicademy takes particular delight in letting others know their feelings. Not always positive feelings, either -- glitter-bomb rejections have only recently begun to diminish in popularity, being replaced by Pie-To-The-Face spells. An enterprising student who adds their own spin to this hallowed ceremony of delivery can make bank; singing and performance are popular ways to enhance a message among Valhudor students, and a recent trend finds quartets delivering acapella harmonies to the recipients of love notes. But simple note hauling can still be worth your while... so long as you don't find yourself delivering a creepy confession from a weirdo to one of your dear friends. What are the odds of that happening, though? Research On the Sundered With the arrival of the Sundered come those wizards engaged in research on their presence here, now set to investigate what brought them here and how to get them home. All newly-arrived Sundered students are asked to meet with representatives of the research team, to introduce themselves and relate what they will of their homes. In addition, the team requests samples of blood, hair, and skin -- carefully magically collected, and the researchers will sign in the presence of the Sundered a Glyphed contract that forbids them from using the samples for a purpose they know will be harmful. (They quite understand your reasons to be suspicious of this collection! And they will not compel anyone who refuses even given these conditions.) This month, however, the research team informs its applicants that there is no magic being performed. Instead, they ask you to participate in partnered interviews, in which two Sundered compare their worlds and ask each other questions while the researchers take notes. They explain that they wish to find commonalities and differences between worlds, in the hopes that this will help them identify a larger pattern in how the Sundered were brought here. How is this bad enough to merit earning a reward this month? As it happens, the researchers who sit with the pair have an Intimation Crystal, which shines red every time someone speaks to deceive in its presence. Lie or omit information or cover with half-truths and the interviewer will ask you to go back and try again -- and they encourage you to speak on everything you can. You might end up venturing into dark or unpleasant territory in these interviews... DAWN OF THE SECOND DAY Welp, This Happened A quiet weekend morning is abruptly quiet no longer. With a tumultuous shuddering and an eerie, whistling roar, the first tendril of a far mightier being surges out of a wall on campus, venturing into the cloud-shadowed outdoors for the first time in its existence in this plane. Then, like a cloak shrugged off, the outbuilding it emerged from rises up only to crash to the ground as the Sundered creature rises up to claim it glory. It is a nightmare, a horror. A terrible, indescribable thing as large as a small building —a shapeless agglutination of protoplasmic bubbles, faintly self-luminous, and with myriads of temporary eyes forming and un-forming as pustules of light. For some inexplicable reason, it is colored in bands of purple, black, and gold, and several parts of it sprout white feathers. That's the bad news. The bad news is that this existential threat to reality does not go unnoticed, nor unchallenged. Mere moment after the Sundered creature makes it presence known, a cold wind begins to blow. The temperature abruptly drops thirty degrees, leaving those around in a clammy and miserable chill that feels like they've passed their whole body through one of the ghosts of Makerion Keep. This estimation is not too far wrong, for the pale off-white dragon that emerges from the clouds above is translucent and ethereal, save for the shining eyes of coldest blue that fix on the beast like pinpoints of fire. What a ghost dragon is doing here is anyone's guess, but when it opens its jaw to unleash a withering cone of necrotic energy at the Sundered creature, it demonstrates plainly that it will not brook this interloper on its domain. In other words, Diatu Magicademy is now home to a kaiju fight. That's the bad news. The BAD news is that both these creatures are, by their very nature, incredibly resistant to magic. So even as the professors spill out and split duties of getting students to safety and fending them off, the two beasts barely notice the arcane energy flashing through the air as they begin vigorously brawling. Thank goodness this is a weekend, or else you'd all have some serious trouble getting to class on time. Wonders Await? Diatu Magicademy is open to you in all its glory. But maybe you should deal with that mess first? We're just saying.

Comments

[darkenedmoon]

[Well, he can always ask for one at the dance, since she is intending to go. And ask someone. Wonders will never cease, will they? But she notices the pause, and one of Yotsuyu's raven black brows arches, but she bides her time.]

A job! Congratulations! If you begin to struggle in your classes, though, do not hesitate to ask for help. I am definitely seeing the benefit in making study guides...but I do not feel as if I ought to charge for them, if you understand. I already student teach, it is not a great stretch for me to simply switch out the words from one class to another, eh?

[And Yotsuyu makes a small, gently chiding noise.] If I am not going to be upset at myself for being busy, you are not allowed to be upset at yourself, either. I am certain you both have a great number of friends, and other business that needs your attention. So you have a life, that is a good thing! But yes, indeed, I would like to make time to see you. So we should do that.

[puzzlers]

[ if he sees her there, which he most definitely will, then he'll ask for a dance! but he'd be glad that she's got a date, and he'd honestly be surprised if she didn't have one come the dance, since she's one of the nicest people he's met here. ]

I'll keep that in mind. I have some free time at the shop, so, sometimes, I can study there too. And I doubt my other self and my boyfriend will let me fall behind. [ given that they're just as dedicated to their studies. ] But I appreciate the offer! And since you're already providing a service for free I don't think anybody would fault you for charging for more. I mean, you are kind of going above and beyond at that point. [ he chuckles at that. ] I do want to try alchemy again sometime.

I'd be all for it. I wouldn't mind having a day where I'm not completely and absolutely busy. [ which is what it feels like, to be honest. ] Just tell me the time and the place and I'll be there!

[darkenedmoon]

Ah, alchemy...perhaps, when we are not desperate, might be a better time to attempt such a thing, eh?

[Yotsuyu still isn't pleased with her performance, then, but she knows better than to complain when Yugi has probably tried to put the entire thing out of his mind, save the actual practice of alchemy.]

Charging...seems more like extortion to me, at this point. Perhaps were I still in Doma...but I am not.

As for more relaxing pursuits, perhaps a dinner can be arranged at some point? By all means, bring your friends, I am not loath to meet anyone who is a friend of yours!

[So long as he doesn't bring an army. Her pocketbook can stretch only so far!]

[puzzlers]

Haha. I was thinking the same thing. Like, maybe, I can just swing by for fun or for learning. Not because I'm stuck in a bad situation.

[ and he's definitely not still hung up on that. honestly, he might not have gotten as close to kaiba as fast as he did if not for that little mishap! ]

It doesn't have to be an exorbitant amount of money, but you're already doing so much for everybody. I guess it's just something to think about.

Sure! I have a bunch of friends! but maybe to keep from taking advantage of your hospitality I'll only invite one or two. My friends from home; Atem and Kaiba.

[darkenedmoon]

You did not plan that, and...we tried. [Yotsuyu's acknowledgement is only too grudging. She doesn't realize it was a happy accident for Yugi, but she'd be a bit less sour if she did.]

But they already pay me for teaching...I am trying to be frugal, here. I suppose I shall think about it, but...

[Probably not do anything about it? Probably not do anything about it. Yotsuyu waves a hand, then.] I took three of my friends to dinner last month, and I was planning to do the same this month. You may invite them both, though I am not certain of the logistics of who I was planning to take this month. If we do not manage to schedule it now, we can get together next month for a dinner?

[puzzlers]

I know I hadn't been having a good time back when I was experiencing all of that craziness, but, looking back, I wouldn't have met you if not for that happy little accident. [ he chuckles. ] O- Ok, maybe that's not entirely true, but I don't think we'd have gotten this close that fast.

[ he nods. ] Whatever you think will make you happiest, Yotsuyu.

I'm sure the both of them would love to come! But I can ask about it. [ he nods. ] You let me know when is best for you. I think we can all work this out. It'll definitely be worth it, that's for sure.

[darkenedmoon]

That is a silver lining, I will admit that. I am glad to have met you! [Which is just pure and simple truth, then.] Yes...that is unusual. I do not...get close to people.

[Which just goes to show how disarming Yugi is. If he weren't so open and innocent, Yotsuyu might be concerned, but he's just--she doubts there's a malicious bone in his body. Unlike her.]

I am usually free most nights, to be honest. I do most of my homework during my classes, and I try to do my lesson plans for Espionage over the weekends. I spend my evenings reviewing, for the most part. And then sometimes I do those guides I spoke of, but they are hardly difficult. I have been thinking of attempting to tutor, but I have not done anything about it yet.

[Mostly because she knows her temperament is...not the best for tutoring anyone who truly is struggling because of lack of intelligence. She does not want to make anyone's life more difficult because she has little patience.]

[puzzlers]

[ he smile at that. it might not have been under the best circumstances, but he's definitely glad he met her too. ] No? I find that a little hard to believe.

[ he really begs to differ! though he supposes he doesn't know her that well. still, he has nothing but a good impression of her and he's looking forward to spending more time together and introducing her to his friends. ]

I'll check in with my friends and see what is best for them then. I don't think we'll have much trouble finding a day. I do work, but I can probably get off early one night, so it'll be fine. [ he does most of his homework in class or at work, so his nights are generally open too. ]

If you'd like to practice tutoring, then maybe I can swing by for some more alchemy lessons. I've been practicing! but I'm sure I'm nowhere nearly as good as you.

[darkenedmoon]

[That is it, really, they had a chance meeting and things went well between them, but Yugi really doesn't know her--and Yotsuyu has been trying to be on good behavior, if not her best. She shakes her head.]

It is not usual. But things here are...different, than they were where I came from. [She then nods at his vocal train of thought about his friends and potential dinner plans.]

If I am good, it is only because I work hard! But yes, we could try that. I might have more success with you, though, you hardly seem a dullard. [It might not sound like it, but it's supposed to be a compliment.]

[puzzlers]

[ well he really appreciated her trying to be on her best behavior, especially since he was going through something crazy at the time. he was already having problems trying to remain calm and if she had been anything but nice he probably would have absolutely lost in and his situation would have been made even worse. ]

I'd be up for it. I'm doing my best to broaden my horizons and learn as much as I can. [ he chuckles at that, knowing she means well. ]

[darkenedmoon]

Well, I will do my best...and I, at least, will make sure my instruction material does not lack pages or ingredient lists!

[Yotsuyu does her best to not let these mistakes repeat themselves. She'd paid the price for failure before--and that doesn't even include her mishap with Yugi. He was far too understanding and patient to let her perpetuate her own suffering, there.]

I am in the living quarters...you may always attempt to drop by, if you find yourself having time. Or upon the weekends, perhaps. I certainly do not want to monopolize your time, either. [As she is a firm believer that the young should have a social life. Probably because Yotsuyu never had much free time when she was young.]

[puzzlers]

[ he stifles a laugh, because he's been infinitely more careful since that incident. ] Ever since then I've made sure to read through everything before even thinking about beginning.

Sure! Weekends might be best, honestly, since we won't have to worry about class, and I can always cut out of work early. It'll be no problem~ and I'm actually already looking forward to it.

[darkenedmoon]

I suppose I shall have to find a place to go--I can always fall back on the Noan restaurant, but I would hate to become predictable. [Though Yotsuyu chuckled a bit, then. No one else seemed to get her sense of humor yet, however. That or she just wasn't funny--both were equally likely.]

I think I was in a hurry--no, I know I was. I am simply glad that despite my mistakes, things managed to return to normal for you. You did not end up needing to ask for a teacher's help, did you?

[puzzlers]

It'll be predicable if you invite us there a second time, but I haven't been... yet. I'm hoping you can change that. [ he winks, covering a chuckle. ]

I was too, honestly. I was having a hard time keeping my cool, but I did meet some great people as a result and forge stronger bonds with the friends I had from home, so it definitely wasn't all bad. And, no, I eventually returned to normal. The effects, thankfully, weren't long lasting.

[darkenedmoon]

I am grateful for that! [That the effects weren't long-lasting. It was a relief to know. And she tilted her head, but smiled at him all the same.]

Very well, if it is Noan food you wish, then it is what you shall have. Honestly, I am fond of the Potbellied Emperor. The food is excellent. And it reminds me of Doma, to a degree.

[Even if Yotsuyu finds it a wonder that she was not asked quietly to not return, after Jecht arrived in all his shirtless, so-called 'glory'. Not that all of her memories of Doma were the fondest, either, but she did feel nostalgic, at times.]

[puzzlers]

[ it's hard not to feel a bit nostalgic. even if this place is super different than their own homes there are always little things here and there that the mind connects. he is lucky to have found a card game that plays similarly to duel monsters, which he immediately took too. ]

I'm really looking forward to it then, especially if reminds you of your home. I'll almost be like I'm getting to see it through the food. Or taste maybe. [ he covers a laugh. ] Either way it's bound to be a good time!