Let The Games Begin

[magicademymods]

February Event and Intro Log Orientation Week/Magic Mayhem The campus of Diatu Magicademy stretches out before you, confused and chaotic and surging with energy. Where are you headed? To your dorm or suite, to get settled? Maybe you need some food now? Wherever you head off to as your first stop, you have to deal with the snow. Helpful or proud students are passing out various magical remedies to get you where you need to be -- umbrellas with a nasty tendency to dump snow directly onto other people nearby, an iron tube that projects fire but appears to have no off switch, snowshoes that keep you slightly too high off the snow and thus provide no friction for stopping... Familiar Follies Familiars do not harass or harm each other as a rule -- but that doesn't mean they have no pecking order, and the week of Orientation finds them all jockeying for status and position as suits them. This can take the form of pranks, displays, competitions, or simple physical assertiveness towards each other. The goal is simply to be seen as superior by the student body. New wizards especially may find themselves surprised at this behavior of their familiars... 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 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.) Furthermore, they request to perform a few spells on you for testing purposes. It is, quite regrettably, possible that if you consent to this testing, you will come away with a temporary side effect -- a slight change of hair color, traveling two steps for every one you take, one hand moving about a second behind the arm it should be attached to, or being ridden by a penguin. No need to worry, these changes won't last more than a day! Wonders Await Diatu Magicademy is open to you in all its glory. Have fun!

Comments

[puzzlers]

He's not surprised by his reaction. Yugi hadn't expected to be ripped from his home let alone thrown into a place where he could meet up with his other half again. Impossible, he had thought, but Kaiba had proven him wrong during their duel with Diva, so what made this so different? He gives Atem a weak smile as he lifts his hand to wave at him. Yeah, he's not sure what to do. His mind is racing a mile a minute and he feels frozen... trapped...

If they were going to be able to meet up every now and again, then how come they'd had to participate in that damn duel. He hated that, and even thinking about it makes his stomach turn, all of the feelings he'd buried having torn him apart. Fate was cruel, it seemed, but maybe this is what he got for not talking through how he felt.

"Yeah... it's me..." A wordsmith he is not right now.

[king_of_egypt]

Yugi's words and actions were so reserved, as if something else was weighing heavily on his mind. In a sharp contrast, Atem would be a bit more demonstrative. "Yugi!" He exclaimed with absolute certainly now, moving to close the distance between them and wearing a broad smile. It's as if for a brief moment he could push all the complications aside and just appreciate the moment for what it was. With his destiny having already been fulfilled the burden he carried was significantly lighter. Yes, he still felt obligations toward the people of Egypt and his priests but without the threat of impending doom looming ominously over him it was decidedly more manageable. Little did he realize the scars he'd left for Yugi to process on his own.

Once he was directly in front of the slightly shorter look alike, he got a better look at Yugi and grew more concerned. "What is it Yugi? What's wrong....?" Maybe he's seen a ghost pharaoh. Did you think of that?. It might still be difficult for Yugi to understand or accept, but that duel had been necessary. Atem needed to be tested on the culmination of his experiences, and he would be forever grateful to Yugi for his involvement in the process.

"You're not feeling sick are you?" There was supposed to be a potential side effect for the newfound magic that now resided within them. How those symptoms manifested themselves, however, he could only guess. "If you are, we must find a member of the staff immediately."

[puzzlers]

Just give him a moment and he'll be alright. He's just surprised that he's getting a chance to see Atem again. It's not going to be just for a couple of fleeting seconds either ( or so he's assumed ) since it doesn't seem like the people of this world know how to solve the problem they've created. When they're close enough he'll snap out of his thoughts, a smile lifting his own lips as he dares to throw his arms around Atem's neck to pull him into a impromptu hug.

"Nothing. It's nothing." He holds onto Atem for a bit longer than necessary, but only to ensure that he's really really. Their consciousnesses had merges briefly during their duel with Diva, Atem having helped Yugi to land the final blow, and then the brief moment afterwards was entirely too short lived. And he knows the importance of the Ceremonial Duel, but they hadn't ever been able to talk about their feelings in regard to the situation.

"I'm fine, Atem, really. Are you?" Not only was Atem brought here, but he was brought from another dimension inside their dimension. Dimensionception. That had to have been a trip. "I... I never thought I'd see you again..."

[king_of_egypt]

Atem hadn't had the chance to think about the broader implications of their situation yet. Yes, it likely did mean they would get to spend a considerable amount of time together as all of this was being sorted out, and this time they wouldn't be taking terms sharing the same form. It was going to be a unique and rewarding experience. Oh you can dare, Yugi. In fact, Atem reciprocated the action, his arms winding around Yugi and giving him a firm embrace. "As long as you are sure," Apparently his desire to protect Yugi was every bit as strong as ever even though Yugi had proven that he could look out for himself in many ways. Some habits would never change. Drawing back, to get a better look at his friend he allowed Yugi to decide when to let go, something he usually didn't have the luxury to allow. It is true that they hadn't really gotten a chance to discuss the issue before. Even with the assurance Atem eyed Yugi as if he were testing the weight of his words for truthfulness. Once he was satisfied with his assessment he relaxed again. Yugi was always putting others before himself, so it was important to look out for him and make sure he didn't push himself too hard. "Mm, I am. Never better." Due in no small part to their reunion. The complications were impressive but there were no current ill effects. ".............." Dropping his gaze for a moment, the jubilation gave way to something more somber. "I.... know Yugi. I know. I didn't think we would ever be standing together like this." When he looked up his smile returned. "... but we were never really parted. Even when I was not around, I was still with you."

[puzzlers]

"I am." It didn't matter what he was feeling just moments ago, because he felt infinitely better now that he was tucked away in Atem's arms. He was thinking about getting home just a few short seconds after his arrive, because while it was true he didn't have a whole lot going on back home he couldn't abandon his friends and family. But things had just become complicated. Er, more complicated. When it came time to make a decision would he stay or would he go? But, again, the decision wasn't his and his alone. Atem had his own obligations too and- Yugi forced this particular train of thought to come to and end. N- Not now.

"I'm glad." He chirped, retrieving his arms and taking a step back. He hadn't meant to immediately bring the mood down, but it seemed like it was inevitably. "..." He didn't want to argue, but Atem's departure had left him with a whole in his heart. It had been difficult. It had been difficult. He feels his chest start to clench, but he's got to force himself to relax, because Atem's here. He's back. "Same." It's all he manages to choke out at the moment, so he gives Atem a lopsided grin to supplement it. "Which house are you in? Aer et Calcum?" Or so he hopes. He doesn't expect things to go back to the way they had been, but... maybe... close???

[king_of_egypt]

That was something they might have to consider in earnest down the line, and the situation certainly had become more complicated than when they had first arrived. The two were similar in that regard. Before Atem was aware that Yugi was here, he too would have answered that question in the same way. Naturally, he would choose to return home at his earliest convenience, but now- his loyalties were divided. He tended to choose duty over everything else in the past, which he was just starting to learn might have hurt those he cared about more than previously considered. There was nothing pressing in the afterlife that needed his attention, also he wasn't sure he could leave Yugi in a strange and foreign land without some support. Who knows how he would answer the question now.

"Mm," Lightly humming to acknowledge the response. It was only a temporary lapse in the atmosphere, and it was going to have to be addressed sooner or later. It felt as if there might still be some words left unspoken between them, but it was enough for now. It was just enough to be able to visit with Yugi like this and really have a chance to interact with him again. "How did you guess?" Giving him only a moment to supply the answer before adding, "Is that the house you were placed in Yugi?" In some ways things couldn't go back to the way they were, but in other respects it might not be all that different. They no longer shared mind and body so they would have to forge some new connections beyond the one they shared through the puzzle.

[puzzlers]

Because it doesn't seem like going home is going to be something they're able to do anytime soon it's probably not worth the headache to consider their options right now. Yugi is going to forcibly push this to the back of his mind, though it'll probably still bother him from time to time. Maybe they'll get a chance to talk about things. He just wants a bit of closure. He had been there to send Atem off, sure, but there were so many things left unsaid. Was this what he wants? Yugi had assumed so and he gets the feeling that Atem assumed this is what he wanted too. H- Heh.

Being able to stand here like this, together, reminds him of when they interacted in their soul room; since that was really as close as it got, ceremonial duel aside. "..." He doesn't answer and, instead, lets Atem piece it together. "Yeah. It looks like we're in the same house. How cool is that? It'll be like sharing a room all over again." But for real, since they didn't have to worry about switching who was in control of his body, though Yugi was usually at the helm for the more mundane things. "Have you gotten a chance to look around?"

[king_of_egypt]

It really would have been fruitless to weigh the pros and cons between remaining here and returning to the afterlife since, yes, it was currently beyond their control. It would become one of those nagging doubts that would enter his mind from time to time.

That was an apt comparison, it was hard to believe they were both physically here. "Yes, I suppose it will be." Smiling at that, and giving a slight nod. The prospect was appealing to him, since he had never minded sharing with Yugi before. "Only this time we may have company." Depending on who else managed to get assigned to the same dormitory. Don't think Atem won't miss leaving the more mundane things to you Yugi. That had been an added benefit from sharing a form. Cough. Not that he would openly admit it.

"Not really- I was in the process of doing so when my familiar decided to cause all this commotion..." Shooting said familiar a look for emphasis. "... but now I'm glad that he did. This way we can continue the tour together."

[puzzlers]

Yugi didn't think it would take all that long to get used to having separate bodies, and the prospect in and of itself was exciting. Now they'd be able to do some things they couldn't before. Though, he'd be lying if he said he didn't miss how things used to be. The shared connection one of the more special things they had, but their connection had been severed the moment they started the Ceremonial Duel.

"We do, actually. I met, uh, two of our roommates, I think. Orisa and V." Both of them were interesting character, so they would probably make their stay more interesting. "It looks like he might have settled down a bit, so maybe after you finished apologizing" He looks past Atem to a few people that still looked a bit miffed because of the commotion. "we can look around and catch up some."

[king_of_egypt]

No, it wouldn't. I mean Yugi had been living his own life in the modern era and Atem had been carrying on with his afterlife in his own form. It was more a matter of getting used to seeing Yugi from this perspective more than anything and that he could easily get used to. It might be a little more difficult to oh say... beat a card game if someone was using the powers of the Millennium Eye, but that wasn't likely to be something they needed to do a second time. The items were safely back where they belonged.

"V?" That name was already familiar to him. Orisa he would meet a little later. "I am familiar with V, and their familiar. It should be an interesting assortment."

"Oh- right. I suppose I better," In the reunion Atem had momentarily forgotten about the shenanigans. "If you'll excuse me Yugi. This shouldn't take long, and then I'll meet you at the door, ok?" With that he strode away and began the short apology tour. Any hope of making a good first impression on the other sundered was a dream of the past.

[puzzlers]

It would just be different. Because they hadn't really gotten a chance to exist as separate people in conjunction with one another. But a world of possibilities had opened and Yugi intended to make the most of them, especially since their time here wouldn't be permanent. No doubt that they'd all be sent home as soon as the spell was sorted, though he imagined that, even still, they'd have a chance to stay a little longer. Stop, he reminded himself, unable to keep from thinking about their future.

"It certainly seems like it." V was definitely strange, but well meaning, and the same could be said for Orisa, though they were both their own brands of strange. He could see them all becoming friends.

Yugi nodded and headed to the door, deciding to roll his dice so his own familiar, Peregrin, could come out and say hello too. Cat, Snake, and Phoenix - so his familiar took the form of a large serpent with a cat head and phoenix wings. "Hey there Peregrin, I wanted to introduce you to my other self, Atem, and his familiar." He watched as Atem went around apologizing. "Shouldn't be much longer."

[king_of_egypt]

The future was still uncertain, and it would take time to figure out just what it had in store for the pair of them.

That was a fair assessment of each. At least it seemed as if none of their personalities should clash so the dorm would be a welcome retreat from the day to day activities of regular school life.

After Atem had completed his rounds he returned to Yugi, clutching his familiar between his hands. It wouldn't have done much as a precaution against telekinesis however it made the pharaoh feel slightly better. "Yugi?" Are you aware that a serpent monster is purring beside you..? The sight of peregrin gave him pause.

[puzzlers]

Yugi was glad that he hadn't really clashed with any of their eventual roommmates. Just like Atem had surmised it would make for a nice retreat following what would probably be an intense school day.

It was quite the sight, to see Atem holding his Gem, but it was kind of cute. Hopefully that would be enough to keep him out of trouble. "Yeah? oh! Atem, Capricius, this is Peregrin, my familiar." Peregrin beat his wings and rose into the air, flying closer to get a look at the two of them. Like Capricius he couldn't talk, but he didn't seem to mind the other two, so when he returned to Yugi he draped himself over his shoulder and purred his approval. "I think he likes you."