Dance Dance Reprobation

[magicademymods]

The Twilight Ball Arrival The Promenade has been transformed. Literally. With Modification. Ha ha. Cough. Crickets. Toad familiars eat the crickets. Circle of life. Animals bow before singing lions. You get the idea. Neither tree nor stone form the Promenade now. It is instead a long bridge over a shallow and brilliant pool, the gentle ripples of which catch the afternoon sun and scatter it into a million highlights that play over the Great Hall, the bridge, and those who walk down it. There is no formal receiving line, merely a gentle procession of people across the bridge at whatever speed feels comfortable, slowly making their way to the Great Hall. The Great Hall itself has been enchanted to be completely invisible while one is inside it, save for the outline of doors so people can actually find their way out through means other than smacking their noses into the invisible walls till they find a place with no resistance. Thus the twilight for which the ball is named will show all around the dancers, while they are protected from any errant breezes, faint hints of rain, or slime monsters that might otherwise threaten the festivity. Come in. Find your date and get comfortable. The fun is just beginning. Let the Revels Begin After Headmaster Birony welcomes everyone with a speech about she's going to get on her boat, go upriver, and kick that sonuvabitch Bison's ass so HORDT that the next Bison-wannabe is gonna feel it, the dance formally begins with a peppy number designed to get people out and moving. The orchestra here comprises some of the finest players available anywhere in the world, thanks to the whole Valhudor shtick and graduates of said house, and the music is infectious as it drifts through the slowly-darkening air. But as the dance progresses, they play something for everyone. Martial waltzes and slow dance ballroom numbers. Powerful tunes to lose yourself in, and gentle melodies that slip beneath conversation and encourage intimacy and closeness. Professors Trammel and King treat everyone to an exhibition of what an Earth resident might call 'swing dancing on amphetamines' and many students do call 'the closest I have ever come to death'. No pause for speeches, no announcements or interruptions -- just a steady stream of music, bringing dates and lovers together in dance, as the sun sets and casts the room into gentle and romantic twilight. Also a dolphin and a whale are swimming through the floor and they, too, are unmistakably dancing. If this is the weirdest thing you've seen all night, you need your eyes checked. "Food! One of the food tables has been discreetly slid against a wall, where it positively shudders under the weight of a massive buffet open to everyone. The food here tends towards the light, such as fish and vegetables, cucumber sandwiches and thin-sliced meats. Things that will give you energy without weighing you down, so you can keep dancing till the dawn comes. At one end of the table, an owl the size of a cupboard sits on a perch, serenely watching the varied drinks laid out for consumption. 'Spiking the punch' is so cliche that no one is going to pretend it won't happen or the students will behave on their honor, so here you get a chaperone. Even so, this whole area is a popular gathering spot for those between dances or partners, drawing steady attention throughout the night. Meanwhile, Elsewhere Shockingly, not everyone has found that loving feeling, asked out an attractive someone, and gone to the dance with romance on their minds. The rest of the campus, and of course Anastara itself, remain open as normal... and perhaps even less-minded than normal. The faculty, the familiars, the cleaning golems -- almost all attention is on the dance itself. If there's mischief to manage, now would be the perfect time... or just something else besides wallflowering and missing out. Wait, Wasn't There a Ghost Dragon and an Off-Brand Shoggoth? Professor King managed to find a way around the protoplasmic ooze's resistance to magic and splatted it (with no small amount of help from students and faculty!). The dragon disappeared into the caverns beneath the Magicademy. That certainly isn't ominous and won't inspire anyone to go down there, will it? Don't fall in the river down there. Please don't fall in the river.

Comments

[burningbrighter]

I get that a lot.

[ She laughs and follows Webby, happily bouncing along at her side. ]

Wow, you're moving so fast!

[treno_nobleman]

[There's that enthusiasm that he'd seen on the faces of people who loved what they were doing. Isn't this fun?]

[The comment gets a soft laugh out of him.]

The nobility of Gaia were very nearly royalty in their own right, though they couldn't lay claim to a throne if they wanted. I may not be royalty, but that doesn't mean I didn't once live as one. Live any kind of life for a decade and you might also be hard pressed to drop your old habits on a whim. [A pause, to weave them out toward the edge of the dance floor as the song tapered off to an end.] I am in house Ka. And you?

[blue_ice]

Ah, there's Louie! Kaiba nods to him in greeting, but that question really catches him off guard. Isn't he a little young to be interested in that? He's a little younger than Mokuba, right?

(Someone's deeply in denial because he's a big brother and does not want to think about Mokuba's first dates.)

Kaiba manages a small smile. He supposes he and Yugi are such opposites that the questions are inevitable, so he'd best work on his answer now.

"Depending on how you define it...I think the groundwork was laid before either of us arrived here. We're from the same world, and there we were classmates and rivals in Duel Monsters---our world's card game. It's something like Fantastic Foils, if you've seen that around town. I wasn't the best person back then, but Yugi and his best friend Atem challenged me. They pushed me past my limits, beat me again and again until I re-evaluated my priorities, and Yugi in particular kept offering me his friendship, no matter how many times I scoffed at it."

He snorts and closed his eyes. "In the course of our duels we dealt with ancient shadow magic interfering with our lives. I don't believe in a thing like fate, but that's what some would call it, I guess...and over time, I found myself valuing his challenges. His opinions. Then we arrived here, and I eventually realized how important he'd become to me. A rogue spell had something to do with it too. "

With one last smile in Yugi's direction, he looks back at Louie. "You came with a friend, right?"

[blue_ice]

Yugi!

[ He's not startled out of his daydream until he hears the lock click---oh, oops. He should've stepped outside the dormitory for this. He flashes Yugi an apologetic smile as he steps outside, bag slung over his shoulder. ]

I wasn't thinking. I should've waited outside. But I'm glad you made it. Shall we go?

[ His own thoughts had been slightly unsettled for a little bit there, but when he sees Yugi he feels excitement course through him. They're going to have a nice night. He smiles and leads the way off campus and downtown, reaching for his hand.

It's so nice just to be able to do that without worry. ]

[bearshermark]

I think I can understand that.

[Though he dreads to think of what ten years as the Luminary might do to him if he manages to live that long. At heart, he's still an ordinary boy from Cobblestone and such a lofty title feels more beyond him now than when he'd first learned of it]

I'm in Eiather.

[Their swaying stills and he takes a step back] Thank you again for dancing with me. I've learned a lot already.

[treno_nobleman]

[He hums and nods, allowing Eleven to step back and free himself.]

This is a small academy grounds. We'll surely meet again. [But he won't let the boy go without a bow at the waist, one hand swept gracefully before him.] Perhaps next time, you will be leading me.

[bearshermark]

[The gesture is so elegant and sweeping that he can't help but color self-consciously. He fumbles for words anywhere near as eloquent]

I- yes, perhaps. ..I look forward to meeting you again.

[blue_ice]

"You did."

Kaiba folds his arms. He's very unimpressed...well, maybe a little impressed. He likes dragons in all forms, after all.

"That insane math teacher claimed it was his dragon, you know."

[noasark]

Noa is one part rolling his eyes, another simply groaning because Ugh, Caught. That last bit is neat though. "The math teacher did? That's unexpected," he snorts, crossing his arms.

Well. "We may be attempting to find where they've settled for the moment, among other things..."

Well, someone is playing coy aren't they.

[puzzlers]

It's alright. I didn't know if you were finished or, ah, if you needed any help, but it looks like you're good. [ he gives a laugh. ] Yeah, of course. [ he just had to pack, so why wouldn't he make it. ] Sure. So, you, uhm, scoped this place out or something? How did you hear about it? Or find it...

[ he follows alongside kaiba, looking up at him when kaiba takes his hand. it's definitely nice not to have to worry who knows, but he also doesn't want to flaunt their relationship and make anybody feel bad, so they'll have to find a balance. ]

[blue_ice]

I passed by on the way to one of my games. Some of the long-time players stay there when visiting from out of town.

[ It's a quiet, unassuming place in largely cool and neutral colors. He strides up confidently and requests the room, relieved when they don't seem to get too many stares from onlookers.

Soon enough, they're settling into a room at the end of the hall. It's not the fanciest room he's ever rented, but it's clean, not tacky, and gives them the one thing he wants tonight: peace.

He hangs his things with all the efficiency of a frequent traveler and sits on the bed. ]

There. No more interruptions. Now...are you tired yet, or did you want to stay up and talk? Play a game?

[pawper]

Aw, well......maybe you are, but sometimes it's hard not to be. 'Specially if you care, which I'd guess that you do.

[The smile gains a bashful edge as she chooses a cucumber sandwich next, obscurely pleased to have said something even remotely helpful. For reasons that still eluded understanding, shoving her foot in her mouth up to the knee also had a habit of occurring with some frequency.]

And I know a little! A couple of folk dances, mostly — simple stuff. But nothing you'd see at a party like this. [She gestures around them with the sandwich, then swiftly inhales it. Arthur (for that is the capybara's name) nuzzles her cheek in mute encouragement, sensing the slight tension creeping into his master's frame despite her outward nonchalance, but Lys only feeds him another piece of lettuce.] I'd hate to end up stepping all over someone's feet.

[The offer makes her blink, chin lifting in a flash of startled — but not at all disinterested — blue eyes.]

A demonstration? ...you really wouldn't mind?

[pawper]

A whole fountain, huh?

[That sounded good. Really good. So good that if it had existed, she'd be right there dipping her head into it alongside Webby — though maybe not while in her super secret doggy form. Because secrecy, and also that pesky inability to digest chocolate.]

Dunno if I could swing that, but a regular bowl of it for dipping and pouring should be easy enough... [Balancing her overloaded plate in one hand, Lys takes out the feather she favors for quick spellwork and rapidly traces a few sigils in the air: a giant bowl of melted chocolate materializes toot sweet (if one pardoned the pun) upon the buffet table.] ...there! How's that taste?

[king_of_egypt]

[Following Kaiba's gaze Atem's eyes landed on Eleven and he issued a smile himself. Eleven had seemed nervous before the ball but he was making the most of it now]

Somehow, knowing you, I don't doubt it.

[In a way it speaks volumes about the connection the two of them share. It isn't easy for someone like Kaiba to let others into his life, and it's even more rare for him to relinquish control. The significance isn't lost on the pharaoh. The admission that follows catches Atem off guard but not to the extent that it interferes with his footing.]

Makes one wonder what other sort of fantasies you might have entertained.

[Perhaps that implication had gone a little too far, especially considering that Kaiba was already spoken for himself. Remaining on ones best behavior was difficult at times, especially given the unique circumstances of the evening]

[puzzlers]

...oh. [ makes sense. so he hadn't been searching the rings from bottom to top for a place to stay. he's simultaneously relieved and disappointed. but, hm, he had to have spoken to the players to know, so kaiba did go out of his way. he shakes his head, trying to keep from getting too distraction, because now he's just overthinking things! ]

[ he swears he's going to make himself crazy before the end of the night. when the reach the hotel he catches a few stares, but, like kaiba, he doesn't really seem to care. their relationship is none of their business and as long as they're happy that's all that matters. ]

[ he joins kaiba on the bed and leans into him. ] We can do either of those things. I'm not ready for bed just yet.

[king_of_egypt]

It truly is. Oh, and rest assured I do care about this- to a considerable degree. If I didn't it, it would not trouble me so.

[Looking briefly to her next acquisition, he soon diverted his eyes from the carefully crafted delicacy. The last thing he needed to do was inspire self consciousness in his pleasant companion. So far she had not committed that faux pas during the course of their conversation, but even if she had it likely wouldn't have been so detrimental. The aforementioned chow hound friends of his also suffered from that unique condition where they would spout out whatever was on their minds without thinking about it first. Sorry Joey, and Tristan but you know it's true. Besides there was something to be said for their forthrightness and honesty]

Please don't undervalue the dances you are more familiar with, both genres of dance play important roles in their respective societies. In some ways folk dances might even be more valuable. [They were what gave smaller groups of individuals their own way of communicating with one another without the need of words and added a certain flare that would be a significant loss if it were absent. Up to this point Atem's familiars had just been quietly observing. Capricius, a floating crystal with powers of telekinesis, might have even looked a little bored..... if a gemstone could truly look as such. Horus was ever the more behaved of the two, the golden falcon stood proudly on Atem's shoulder but he tested his wings as if he might depart and allow his master some space. Atem lightly chuckled] Just remember that everyone has had to start somewhere, and have likely stepped on a few toes in the process themselves. As long as it is not intentional it should be easily forgiven.

[He had half expected her to shyly refuse the offer, but there was a spark within her expression that said otherwise]

No. Not in the slightest. We could take it slow if you prefer.

[king_of_egypt]

[Likewise, Atem was more concerned about not bruising Yugi's feelings again. He still wasn't entirely sure how his other half had interpreted the last exchange and it made him considerably more nervous than it should. He used to always be able to read these sorts of things easily and naturally. Their physical and spiritual connection they once shared had made it nearly impossible to hide much from one another. This existing separately thing was leading to new pitfalls all of it's own. Feeling the tension on his shoulder, Atem is sure that Yugi is about to say something even before he does] I..... know Yugi. I hope you know that it was mutual.

[His own voice had grown soft so only Yugi could hear what had been said. Then with what followed it was a reminder to just how close the two were standing, close enough to be sharing the same air. Close enough.... that the space could only be shortened a little further....]

[As if he was suddenly shocked by some stray bit of static electricity, Atem straightened his posture and leaned back slightly praying that the gesture wouldn't seem too out of place] No, seems not. We must be as drawn to it as it is to us.

[king_of_egypt]

[It's not hard to tell that it's difficult for Webby to contain her enthusiasm if- it was at all contained to begin with]

Yes there are, and no they aren't.

[Just exactly how much should he be sharing about the Millennium items anyway? Wouldn't it be wiser and safer to keep some of their intricacies a secret? Sure, they may not be here now but they might arrive later, and then Webby would be drawn to them not unlike Pandora to that box. The items while fascinating in their own way were still dangerous. Unfortunately just like Pandora's box, now that the information was out there, there was no way to elegantly sidestep the subject and feign ignorance]

You would find no shortage of such tales in my world. [For now, he decided to answer her truthfully, following his heart over his head. Webby held her own friends in high regard, and although she was eccentric she did not strike him as cold or calculating in anyway. He thought he could trust her] My own tomb was protected by a series of traps and curses itself. [Waiting to see if she picked up on the implication] ... but yes there are other items but they vary in design and abilities.

[king_of_egypt]

[The bold manner in which Eleven takes the lead momentarily surprised Atem. Even though he was aware by now that it was traditionally the role fulfilled by the tallest participant not even Seto Kaiba had done so. In an odd way he felt a sense of pride in just how far his newer friend had come in so short a span of time, exuding more confidence than he might have been aware of.]

[It's a little bit of an adjustment for Atem but he falls in time with the steps soon enough]

Ah, my puzzle? [Looking down briefly to it] Not really. I wonder if somehow it's own powers may be suppressed by the same forces that stripped many of the sundered of their abilities. [A thought that troubled him]

[king_of_egypt]

"Alone?"

The initial answer that was received was of the vague and noncommittal variety. It seemed obvious that this other student wasn't planning on embellishing, that left Atem with a problem of his own. Just how much should he admit and was there truly a need for secrecy in all this? The stranger might hold some as yet unknown connection to the ghost dragon, or the place he attested to frequenting might have just coincidentally lined up with where the creature had fled. Atem wasn't even certain whether the aforementioned dragon was truly a threat or some variety of divine protector. It's focus had to his knowledge remained trained on the other large creature that had threatened the safety and structural integrity of the school. The altercation between the beasts could have spiraled out of control and threatened more of the floating island had there not been a stop to it.

"I feel the need to better familiarize myself with the layout of the school". It wasn't entirely untrue.

[king_of_egypt]

[Somewhat ironically, Atem had been trying to maintain a low profile at the ball but it had swiftly become apparent that it wouldn't be possible to maintain. Honestly, this evening was turning out better than expected and he was appreciating the company]

Fluttershy, it's good to see you in attendance. [With a broad smile and a bow of the head he proceeded to compliment her attire. It would have been poor form to overlook the care she had taken to look her best for the ball.] You look like a vision this evening. I should envy your date.

[He might have conveniently avoided her question. He could have just said he was doing fine, or that he had been enjoying himself, both statements would have been true bit they felt overly simplistic and they wouldn't have felt entirely honest.]

Are you enjoying the ball?

[blue_ice]

[ Kaiba just laughs, but he sobers quickly and gives him a nudge. ]

Didn't think so. I know you've had a lot on your mind. I said I wasn't going to force you and I stand by it, but...maybe a game will distract?

[ Oh look, he brought his deck. He shuffles it one-handedly and smirks. ]

[blue_ice]

[ That question sends another shock up his spine and he nearly misses his step. He couldn't possibly be fully truthful, not with what had transpired...but maybe giving a little would be enough. ]

Ah. Do you recall the AI recreation of myself I used to duel against?

After you left us, I realized my greatest challenge was never myself, but you, and so my work began. It was almost perfect...but I knew deep down that his responses and his plays were from my memories and not truly you. I was so desperate to find you that I thought I could force Yugi to turn back...

[ He pressed his lips into a thin line. ]

But despite all that, when I was working on the AI, I realized how much I didn't know about you. Your preferences, not Yugi's. Not even your birthday.

[puzzlers]

Showoff. [ yugi chuckles and scoots closer. ] I do have a lot on my mind. I’m sure you do too, but for now... it’s just us. [ sets a hand on kaiba’s deck and leans in to take a kiss. ] And you’re plenty distracting. [ gives him a cheeky smile. ]

[bearshermark]

[Eleven tips his head, leaning them into a turn]

What sort of abilities does it usually have?