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

[king_of_egypt]

[Arrival]

[As Atem makes his way across the bridge he's mindful of those around them being careful not to hurry them along. He's wearing a suit for a change, though he's already removed the jacket and has it about his shoulders so it's more like a cape. Some habits die hard. Also, since he's been reunited with the Millennium puzzle, he'll also be wearing that artifact around his neck. Curiously he is there without someone by his side. Despite coming to the ball alone, he's determined to try and make the most of it. This ball is only a beginning in it's own way.

At some point he stops and leans against the railing to look over the side marveling at all the work that went into transforming this place into something more fantastical. ]

It's really something isn't it, Capricius, Horus? [That's right. When you are a dateless loser alone you bring your familiars. To one side the gemstone familiar floated in the air, seemingly listening, while a golden metallic falcon sat on Atem's right shoulder. Once finished looking over their handiwork, he'll head into the main event]

[Let the Revels Begin]

[Most of Atem's time is spent.... watching others hit the dance floor. Sure, he had his lessons with Hendrik and the others but somehow he still ended up hugging the transparent walls. That's okay. This was fine. This wasn't really his night to shine, so to speak. It was Yugi's...... and Kaiba's. There would be other festivities and festivals over the year. He was mostly just here to make amends for something foolish he had said and done earlier. Not appearing would have been only served to make the other party involved feel worse.

So... here it was. One night, and then things could really get back to normal, and that would be the end of it]

[Wait, Wasn't There a Ghost Dragon and an Off-Brand Shoggoth?

[Balls might not be his thing but mysterious mythological beasts are. Having an odd sense about what might await him in the caverns Atem is keen to investigate. He starts to drift in that direction. It doesn't look as if he's waiting for or anticipating any company for this little side adventure either but should someone question it he might allow them to accompany him]

revels

[blue_ice]

[ Kaiba can't help but be drawn to the sight of the pharaoh. He really did make it all his own, which was very impressive. For a moment, he had a flash of an image of the king in all his glory, surrounded by adoring subjects.

Here, he was..just one of them. And someone he could stand to make more of an effort with, as much as he hated to admit such things.

He stepped up beside his old friend, taking in the cape with a knowing smirk. ]

That isn't how formal attire works. But you've always been one to make the rules work for you, rather than the other way around.

[ Not that he's one to talk, given that he's picked a white and lavender suit with a billowing tail. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[There would have been no argument from Atem. Despite, who he was in his own time he was just an average student here. That in itself was a bit of an adjustment, but not an unpleasant one, just different. It was likely something Kaiba could relate to, to an extent. He went from a powerful businessman whom all the world seemed to know and respect to an unknown quantity. Leadership was something they both had experience with though they held slightly different approaches to it.

When Atem heard the familiar low tones of Kaiba's voice his eyes looked up to meet the others]

That depends entirely on who you ask [ Said with a smirk. Then after a moment he had a chance to take in the ensemble Kaiba was sporting] You didn't shy away from making your own fashion statement. [A pointed pause] Looks good.

[blue_ice]

[ Being just another face in the crowd had its upsides. He nods and flashes the barest hint of a smile, feeling oddly buoyed by the words.

It's hard to describe what he's feeling. It's largely positive tonight, but every time he sees Atem, the back of his mind stirs into a whirlwind----hope, fondness, regret, and determination. ]

Mm. Undoubtedly anyone you asked to dance would be falling all over themselves to accept. Saving your energy?

Let the Revels Begin

[pawper]

[Wholly unused to events like these, Lys escapes the dance floor with an overwhelming sense of relief, plucking at her borrowed finery like a dog chafing under a tight leash. After a second (and then a third, a fourth, even a fifth) trip to the buffet table, she's found a comfortable berth for herself by the translucent walls — content to watch the revelries play out around her as she feeds diced vegetables and bits of salad to the capybara familiar draped sleepily over her shoulder, his own dapper attire making them look like a paired set.

She glances at Atem between mouthfuls of olives and cheese squares and breaded fish, mulling over some private thought or another, then turns just slightly to face him, concern rising up to shadow her thin features.]

...I don't mean to be rude or anything, but is something wrong? You kinda look like you don't really wanna be here.

[If only because he's been sticking to the sidelines too, from what she's noticed, instead of living it up with the rest of the party goers.]

[king_of_egypt]

[It was hard not to notice the girl who kept making frequent trips to the buffet, but at least Atem had been polite enough not to stare. Besides, he had a few friends of his own that could have and would have downed just as much food if not more were they here. The gentle reminder helped other fond memories to surface as he wondered just what those aforementioned friends could be up to now. He was content not to break the silence, but when she spoke up it took him a little by surprise.]

Wrong? [He paused thoughtful for a moment] No. Not really, things are precisely how they should be. [remaining vague] I... Think the sooner I accept that the better it is for everyone...

[Realizing he was now rambling he trailed off] Are you enjoying yourself?

[pawper]

[Munching philosophically on another cheese square, this one sandwiched between toasted wafers and thinly-sliced deli meat.]

Accepting things is good, sometimes. [Though often too curious by half, even Lys could sometimes sense when something was none of her business, and so she too tries to keep things vague. Shying away from driving at the heart of something she had no context for, the tender nerves folded just beneath the surface of casual conversation.] But it's also good to take your time doing it, I think, since no one else can do it for you.

[And that's all she'll say about it for now, as far as she'll press unless offered some kind of opening. Wiping crumbs from the corner of her mouth, Lys smiles brightly and nods.]

Mm! It's been a great party so far. Lots of good food. [Yes, Lys, we already figured out that's your favorite part.] Kinda wish it wasn't about dancing, though. I never really learned how.

let the revels begin.

[puzzlers]

[ it's hard not to notice atem standing on the sidelines, especially when he's barely moved throughout the night. yugi had already been dreading coming to the dance, because it was just going to reinforce how horrible their conversation had went and how things had yet to resolve themselves. he approaches from the side, giving him a small smile and tapping him on the shoulder. ]

Hey Atem. [ he looks to the dance floor, wondering if he should bother. wondering so many other things, but he buries them deep and forces his smile to stay in place as he offers him a hand. ] Would you dance with me, Atem?

[king_of_egypt]

[Atem had hoped his behavior had gone unnoticed, that the festivities had been enough of a distraction to evade further scrutiny. Apparently they hadn't been. When he felt the tap on the shoulder, he almost didn't need to turn to identify who it was.

This was it. Turning on his heel, to face the other he convinced himself he was ready for this] Yugi.

[Giving Yugi a broad and sincere smile] Yes, Yugi I would. [Reaching out to take his hand, he felt warmth surge through the simple touch. Then he proceeded to lead Yugi to the dance floor to show off what he learned. Hope you weren't planning on leading]

[puzzlers]

[ he’s not going to say anything about it so at least there’s that. he doesn’t want to make things awkward here of all places, so if they decided to addresss anything at all it’d be done somewhere else - somewhere for just the two of them. ]

[ his response earns a smile and he’s glad his other self accepted. honestly he would have already thought atem would know what he’s doing. he always seemed to exude style and grace, unlike himself. he had practiced a bit here, but he’s definitely not as inexperienced as he might have lead anybody to believe. his friend was a dancer and he’s seen and practiced all sorts to help out in various situations. he’s no the best, noooo, not by a long shot, but he can hold his own. ]

[ yugi didn’t expect to lead either atem or kaiba, so he goes along with the dance and the rhythm easily. ] Are you having fun?

arrival

[woo_oo]

[Webby had merely intended to greet him, ask how he's doing, if he's ever been to one of these before... but that mysterious necklace instantly grabs her attention.]

Whoa, what's with that? Is that some kind of... golden eye pyramid?

[king_of_egypt]

[Leave it to the keen eyes of an adventurer to be drawn to the Millennium puzzle. Not that he could really blame her, compared to some of the other adornments he'd seen the puzzle was among the most ostentatious]

This.. [Cupping a hand around the bottom of it] is the Millennium puzzle, an artifact of great significance in my world. It must have arrived at about the same time as your night vision goggles.

[Then with a gracious nod] You look stunning tonight Webby.

[woo_oo]

Yeah sure thanks whatever.

[She says this very quickly - who cares about clothes when there is a PUZZLE FROM ANCIENT EGYPT IN FRONT OF HER???]

Was it cursed by the Pharaohs? Is it connected to any gods? Is it solved, or a riddle doomed for the ages?

Revels

[bearshermark]

[With Isabel taking a detour to the buffet and his dance with Yotsuyu at an end, Eleven finds himself abruptly partnerless and shifts a nervous gaze around the hall. A familiar glint of gold catches his eye.]

Atem!

[Sorry about your attempt at anonymity there. Eleven moves to greet him.]

It's good to see you. Are you enjoying yourself?

[king_of_egypt]

[To truly obtain anonymity Atem would have to lose the multi-colored hair, the large golden pyramid hanging from his neck, and he'd have to wear his dress coat like a normal person. That being said the company was welcome]

Eleven!

[He called back smiling]

It's good to see you as well, my friend. [Apparently three meetings was enough for Atem to consider the other a friend. He reached out to clasp Eleven's hand long enough to give a firm handshake] Ha- well, it hasn't been bad.

What about you? Where's your date?

There was indeed a Ghost Dragon

[perfectenn]

The relative quiet of Kedrigan Hall had become something of a refuge to Tenn even before his investigation into the mysterious waterfall. He was thus dismayed when reports confirmed the spirit-dragon had fled into the caverns. It wasn’t enough to disrupt classes, perhaps, but Tenn found it a growing concern in light of his discovery.

His gold-trimmed black coat and pale hair remain ruffled from the dance, his posture betraying some fatigue as he raises a lantern to the raw stone beyond the classrooms. Everything looks fine… of course it does. His jaw tightens. It’s deeper in that he’s worried about.

A sound behind him makes his shoulders stiffen and he turns sharply, the lantern rattling. Ah, only another student. No, wait, that is odd. Tenn tries to dismiss his surprise with a tone of mild interest.

"Shouldn't you be at the Ball?"

[king_of_egypt]

The surprise was evident in Atem's features when he ran into another student himself. He had thought that most the school would be too preoccupied with the festivities to go exploring the grounds this evening but once again he was wrong. Not having taken the time to change he was also still in his ballroom attire, a black suit with a purple striped tie. The dress coat was still draped over his shoulders and fanning out behind him like a cape, and around his neck was a sturdy chain that held a golden upside-down pyramid with an unblinking eye in the center of it.

"I was."

Atem answered plainly, eyes scanning the scene before him. The lantern was a dead giveaway that this dapper gentleman wasn't intending on returning to the Twilight Ball himself, at least- not right away.

"I could ask you the same thing." Just casually pointing that out. "What are you doing?"

Revels

[stillnewatthis]

[Hiding off in the corner will not fool Orisa's advanced target tracking algorithms! Visual analysis conducted and confirmed, the omnic makes her way through the crowd fairly easily (it tends to part for her, for some reason) over to Atem.]

You appear to require accompaniment on the dance floor.

[king_of_egypt]

[Content to remain people watching for the time being, Atem actually catches sight of the crowd as it splits to allow the mechanized student through. He thinks nothing of it at first but it soon becomes evident that Orisa is aimed for him]

[Shifting his body weight to the other foot, he stands up a bit straighter as she approaches]

Good evening, Orisa. [Managing to get out a greeting before her assessment is voiced] Huh? Oh- I wouldn't say it's a requirement.. [Said a little sheepishly as he places a hand to the back of his neck] Besides... it's early yet. I'm sure there will be plenty of time.. for... that.

[Then it dawns on him that this might be more than an idle statement, and if it's an offer he shouldn't refuse it] Are... you asking me for a dance?

Revels

[shiningkindness]

[Needing to take a break from dancing so much, Fluttershy ends up finding him standing off to the side.]

Hi, Atem...! How are you?

[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?

Resilient souls, I salute you! (Revels)

[darkenedmoon]

Certainly you are not going to simply watch all night, are you?

[Yotsuyu has taken plenty of turns around the dance floor--she'd arrived with Jecht, but she had been even with the man--that she had no plans to only dance with him. So she'd left him to devour what he liked at the table laden with food, and went to hunt down new vic-err, partners. She graced Atem with a smile and dipped a pretty courtesy to him.]

And if that is your plan, might I interrupt you by asking for a dance?

You got the phrase in there /o/!

[king_of_egypt]

[Atem visibly jolted a little when he heard someone addressing him. Looking towards the source he realized it was someone that he recognized.]

Yotsuyu, good evening. [Returning with a bow of his own] You look positively radiant. [Admiring the outfit she had picked out for the occasion. Then he in turn attempted to answer her question] Ah- well.... I guess we shall see. It's still early yet. [His response was telling in itself that he hadn't planned on participating to a great extent]

How could a refuse, such a gracious offer. [Then he extended a hand before him and waited for her to take it]

Revels

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

The stars are pretty neat, aren't they? [Isabel, who tends to be fascinated by so many things, is more than a little stunned by the transparent castle walls. But since it affords such a nice view, for the moment, she's content to lean against the wall and stargaze.]

But is there a reason you're holding up the wall? You don't look like a wallflower to me. Even with that hair! [It's a gentle tease, made even less offensive by the bright smile she offers up.]

If you're not a wallflower, can I trouble you for a dance? I think my date's dancing with someone else at the moment, anyway. [Which seems like the very last thing she minds, honestly.]

Re: Revels

[king_of_egypt]

Mm, they are. [Atem easily agreed, turning slightly to get a better view of them] The stars play an important role in many societies- it's in no little part to the mystical sort of aura they exude. [Many of the monuments in his kingdom were aligned with the placement of the stars afterall and it was the stars that alerted his people as to when the inundation of the river would occur though that could vary] Oh, me? [Guess there was no hiding it, she'd figured him out.] Well, I wasn't even sure if I would be attending when I first heard the announcement. [That wasn't much of an answer. The mild ribbing about his hair got him to mirror her smile albeit it was more sedate] I suppose there's just been a lot on my mind lately, but please don't let my concerns hinder your enjoyment of the dance. [Eyes shifting to the dance floor he wondered who her date was] As long as you're sure that he's not the jealous type. [Proving that he could joke with the best of them] I suppose one dance wouldn't threaten the stability of the walls.