March Event and Intro Log

[magicademymods]

March Event and Intro Log Golem On The Loose The rain never stops. Water and mud track all over campus. Diligent cleaning golems stomp about, mopping and scrubbing and polishing and then going back to do it all over again, and again, and again... One of them seems to have had it. The renegade golem bursts into Kedrigan Hall -- interrupting classes and disrupting labwork to furiously seize students and scrub every last scrap of mud and dirt off of them. All the halls have been locked off with "Under Cleaning" signs, and anyone who enters them meets with the golem's wrath, as it violently plays a pre-recorded message about not interfering with groundskeeping and deploys a giant claw-like tool to grab the interloper and put them back on unforbidden ground. The professors, who are after all completely immune to the golem's attention by its very design, seem to think this is a good learning opportunity for students. Is it? Horrible Spell Doom? "Are you sure you're ready for the test on Advanced Gaseous Discovery?" one upperclassman asks the other. "Of course I'm sure," the second says confidently. Whipping out a wand from a holster on her belt, she sweeps her wand through the air gracefully, pronouncing several Osmarian sigils as she draws them. Probably. "See, that's a blue cloud--" Said blue cloud, which puffs into being as the last syllable left her lips, abruptly doubls in size. Then it doubles in size again. And again. The upperclassmen, who have been in Diatu for several years and know exactly what this sort of thing means, don't hesitate. Not even stopping to share a glance between them, they run like crazy, leaving the growing cloud behind just as classes let out and students begin to enter the halls. But... surely it doesn't have any weird and wacky side effects, right? The Bala-inlota Parade (aka The Non-Horrible Prompt) To celebrate the start of the Bala-inlota season, Anastara spares no expense. The great parade and associated festival stretches the whole weekend, and the whole city puts on their colors and turns out for the fun. Enterprising vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs ranging from small and crude figurines to magical constructs that shine field displays onto flat surfaces so you can watch the action up-close! (Good luck affording that, students.) Practically any sort of entertainment you could want appears on the streets and canals of Anastara, and food and drink flow freely. 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, the team has developed a Sundering spell that they warn is crude and unpolished, because the Curriculum is so unpracticed. They hope it will connect to your home worlds and establish a magical link they can build off of to open further passages. No promises! And to those who do undergo this spellwork... it has a certain side effect of confusion, as brief images from your home world flicker across your vision for a few hours afterwards. Wonders Await Diatu Magicademy is open to you in all its glory. Have fun!

A Special Note

If you thread out one or more scenes based on the confusion from "Research on the Sundered", respond to the comment on this post with a link to that thread. The results of this will be revealed next month! (It is, we're afraid, not a regain, lest your participation be based solely on that hope!)

Comments

[blue_ice]

[ He is. He can't look away. Shoving his compact back in his pocket is an afterthought. ]

I'll force them to fix it if it doesn't resolve on its own.

[ Okay now. How does he stop Yugi from freaking out? ]

But it's not...that bad? You still have all your capabilities.

[puzzlers]

I think they have their hands full at the moment trying to contain it, so now might not be the right time to ask. It wasn't their fault besides.

Oh man... this is so embarrassing. [ he drags his hands down his face. ] I guess it could be worse, but it's not that good either. I sound ridiculous!

[ he takes a step back from kaiba. ] Yeah, I know, but I don't know how to reverse this and I doubt you do either.

[blue_ice]

Unfortunately I don't. I'm working on a general reversal spell for these types of situations, but it's far beyond my level and I don't know how long it will take me to catch up. I've been doing the best at trying to ward the trouble off before it starts, but that's not always possible.

[ He looks at Yugi again and a tiny smile plays at the edge of his mouth. ]

Not so ridiculous. It suits your cute appearance.

[ Oh no. Did he just say that. His eyes bug out a little. ]

[puzzlers]

I'm trying too! but it's been really difficult. It seems like a lot of those spell reversal spells are convoluted and complicated and- [ yugi groans, because even if he does there's no guarantee it'll work on everything. ] It's basically like you have to learn all the spells capable of causing these sort of disasters to be able to reverse them. [ he looks up at kaiba and catches that smile, his face coloring. ]

No? Well that- K- K- Kaiba?! [ the blush immediately darkens as yugi gapes up at him. ] You- I- We- [ he gives kaiba a shove, staying close to hide his face against his robes. ] Don't say things like that.

[blue_ice]

[ Oops. He looks up and away, suddenly feeling tense. ]

That wasn't a compliment. It was a statement of fact. That revolting amount of effortless charm is so utterly and completely you, Yugi. It's incredible how well it works.

[puzzlers]

I- I- I guess. [ a statement of fact? nice save, kaiba. ] But, uhm, you're not wrong? since it's not like I'm trying to be cute. [ but oh my god, kaiba, stop talking. effortless charm? ] You think I'm charming too? [ the blush just keeps getting worse and yugi swears he's feeling lightheaded now. ] If it works as well as you think it does, then I'd probably have a girlfriend or something. H- Heh.

[blue_ice]

[He's just digging himself deeper at this point. ]

Another fact. You attract admirers everywhere you go. It can't be that hard to believe.

[Okay he's gonna seize on this slight change of subject now.]

That isn't something to worry about. Entanglements like that are overrated.

[puzzlers]

Y- Yeah? well, ah, I'm glad you think so, Kaiba. That means a lot coming from you. [ looks aside, because he's as red as a tomato. ] Maybe it just seems like that's the case. I'm not really sure how many admirers I actually have. And if they are out there, then I'm sure they're just admiring my duel skills and that's it.

[ this conversation is definitely taking several dozen awkward turns. ] I don't really think so, [ a nervous laugh. ] they can be fun and... and having somebody to support you means you don't have to do it all alone. It's not a weakness, Kaiba...

[blue_ice]

Your skills are nothing to dismiss so easily. You're the champion. But...you might want to take another look at the fan merchandise when you return.

[He has and he regrets it. Come share his misery, Yugi.]

If that's what you want, I'm sure you'll find it. You're difficult to dislike, and believe me. In my bitterness I tried.

[puzzlers]

I know. But I get the feeling that's the only thing people look to me for nowadays. [ he probably shouldn't be complaining, because that's no small accomplishment, but still. ] What do you mean? [ he never paid that stuff much mind. ]

[ noooo. ]

Maybe. I'm honestly not really sure anymore. [ his smile starts to fade. ] But that's alright. It might not be in the cards. [ cue forced laugh. ] Get it, Kaiba, cards, because... card games... [ the laugh tapers. ] Well I'm glad you don't dislike me. That's a start. Especially since I like you, Kaiba.

[blue_ice]

Yes, Yugi, I get it.

[He fondly rolls his eyes. As fond of bad puns as he is, he can't complain about one being thrown back at him. But there it is again...that feeling when he sees Yugi so down. That pout is even more effective at the moment.]

You're going to make me say it, aren't you?

Fine.

[He leans forward to give Yugi a shoulder nudge.]

I like you too. And that's a privilege almost no one else in the world shares.

[puzzlers]

[ he couldn't resist, ok! there was no way he was going to pass up an opportunity to make a card related pun. it distracts for but a moment though, because they were talking about relationships and a lot of yugi's friends have started to go off and do their own thing. w- which is great! he's really happy for all of them, and he's glad they're following their dreams, but it's also mildly disappointing. sometimes he wishes they were in high school again, but time marches on... ]

I'm not going to make you say it, Kaiba, but it'd be nice to hear once in a while. [ he smiles at that. ] I'll remember this day forever. Now if only I'd had some sort of recording device. [ he nudges kaiba back. ] So does that mean I can call us friends? [ he already had been since basically forever, but the feeling was never mutual. now... maybe... yes??? ]

[blue_ice]

[ Right. This. He looks at Yugi, takes in those expressions...the wistfulness, the hopes, and he knows he's already in neck deep. They're bound together for good.

He makes a show of looking exasperated, but it's just an act. ]

Do I need to sign a contract? Yes. At this point I believe we're officially friends, Yugi.

[ It's impossible to deny anymore. No hiding that little smile. ]

[puzzlers]

Hang on. [ he reaches into his pocket and throws the dice of his familiar, so he can hear that he and kaiba are friends too. ] We have a witness. [ he chuckles as peregrin ( dragon head, phoenix body, and snake tail ) seems just as enthused by the news. ] But in all seriousness I'm glad, Kaiba. [ he smiles like a dope. ] I've been waiting to hear you say that for a long time.

[blue_ice]

[ Of course. Kaiba smirks fondly at the 'witness' (that is still one cool familiar, he can admit), and as he looks at Yugi's smiling face, he feels a weight lift in his chest.

Too much mushiness for one day, but he'll live. ]

Well, here I am. Heh. You finally broke me, Yugi.

[puzzlers]

Kaiba! don't say it like that. [ he pouts up at him, but takes a step back and toward the bench, because he needs to sit. he's starting to feel a bit funny again, but maybe that's just because he's so happy that kaiba's finally conceded to his friendship. ] I don't want to break you. I still like you for you. I just... it'd be nice to have somebody back home who... [ knew what he was going through with the subject that must not be talked about. ] And you're a great duelist besides. If I want to get better, then I've got to play the best, y'know?

[blue_ice]

[ He'll join him on the bench, watching over him like a protective friend should. ]

Yes, you do. I'm not letting up on you. Ever.

Especially since we'll be spending more time together when we get there. I need my best developer in top shape.

[puzzlers]

I wouldn't expect anything less. [ he looks down into his lap. ] I might have to start working on something here. I don't see why I should try to corner the market here, there, anywhere. [ he chuckles. ] Magic could make it infinitely easier besides. Not to mention all the new and exciting possibilities. [ he rubs at his face. ] I wonder how long these effects are going to last. [ he's not used to this!!! ] I hope that was all cleaned up and taken care of too...

[blue_ice]

Forgive me if I'm not feeling reckless enough to go back and investigate.

[He snorts and relaxes back against the bench, looking sideways at Yugi.]

It's usually not longer than a day. But...wow. I can't imagine how bizarre that must feel.

[puzzlers]

...huh, oh-! N- No. I didn't mean I wanted you to go and check or anything. I was really just talking aloud to myself. I wouldn't let you go anyway. [ fumbles with his hands in his lap. at least his robes conceal some of the more embarrassing parts of the change. ] Mm, it's, uh, y- yeah, that's probably the perfect word for it; bizarre.

[ looks at kaiba out of the corner of his eye. ] Maybe I should go back to my dorm... [ looks aside and talks a bit softer, though kaiba can still probably hear what he's saying, ] before I say something stupid that I regret.

[blue_ice]

[ He glances at Yugi one more time. Did he hear right? Maybe he should just... ]

I could walk you back? And as your friend, fight off any unwanted suitors?

[ He says it dryly, quirking a brow. ]

[puzzlers]

[ hear what? he didn't hear a thing! ]

You've already done plenty for me, Kaiba. This is, what, the second time I've wasted some of your time, because I've gotten myself into some trouble. I appreciate it though and- [ that gets a laugh out of him. ] you'll be fighting off nobody, Kaiba, trust me.

[blue_ice]

I'm still not as sure as you about that.

[ He won't call you cute again, Yugi, but it's clear in his eyes. ]

And aren't you the one who's always saying time spent with friends is never wasted?

[puzzlers]

If anybody's going to be beating people off with a broom it's you, Kaiba. I can only imagine how many people were throwing themselves at your feet back home.

[ that's precisely the problem! and part of the reason he's refusing to make eye contact. ]

Ok, maybe I used the wrong word, because you're right. I just kind of... feel bad that I'm taking up so much of your time. I'm sure you have other things you'd rather be doing and it's my fault I keep getting into trouble. [ shakes his head. ] But thank you, Kaiba, I really appreciate everything you've done for me already. [ finally looks at him and smiles. ]

[blue_ice]

Most people have enough sense not to try.

[It's more that he never noticed, as preoccupied as he was with dueling and the company.]

Look. Just. Try to be a little more careful, but I know by now that trouble always follows us.

And I'll inevitably be there to help you out of it.

[He smiles back. This...is kind of nice, actually.]