April Event and Intro Log

[magicademymods]

April Event and Intro Log Plants Off The Path Green grass and radiant flower gardens bracket all the major walks on campus, and fragrant scents fill the air all around. Note the key words "major walks" there. Move off the common paths and onto 'shortcuts' or less frequented areas of the vast campus and things are quite different. Here, the plants grow just as experience with this chaotic and often dangerous school would lead you to expect. Broad-leafed stalks stretch upwards, petals unfolding to reveal long jets of fire instead of a sensible stamen. Bushes have large toothy mouths, and viciously swallow anyone who comes near (though they are still just bushes, and the victims end up on the their other side just a few scratches worse for wear). A tree grows quills instead of needles; another sprouts paper airplanes instead of leaves. An extremely aggressive pitcher-plant wanders the pathways, mugging students at knifepoint. It's a jungle out there. Bullies, Of Course Surely a Magicademy, with many students already adults and with such an emphasis on learning and control, wouldn't have those who used their magic for such petty ends as making others suffer? Uh-huh. A pack of bullies with more spell experience than wisdom has banded together to take delight in the suffering of others. They overtly pick on the small, the meek, and those with less magical skill; they torment the larger, the bold, and the powerful in secret. Worse, they are the clever sorts of bullies, who go out of their way not to get caught and not to do anything that can't be played off or explained away. Maybe you attracted their attention by looking weak enough to pick on. Or strong enough to need to be taken down a notch. Or weird enough that you were the Other and thus lesser. Or pretty/handsome enough that you needed to look less attractive so they would look more so. They are pretty good at justifying picking on anyone, really. Are they pestering you by magical tripping or property destruction? Playing keep-away with your class books? Better be careful how you respond; their fathers might hear about it. Wind At The Docks (aka The Prompt Where You Don't Get Mugged) The winds of spring bring something of a dark pastime to Anastara -- dockwatching. Aware that a sudden blast of air can rip across the island at a moment's notice, crowds gather at the docks with the air of those expecting spectacle. All too often, they are rewarded -- in the wake of a sudden wind, airships list violently, or bump into each other, or desperately pull sails and power up their flotation cores to avoid a worse collision. Curses fly through the air, and sometimes even spells. With luck, the audience might even see a pair of vessels engage in an all-out air duel, as two captains driven by pride or vengeance refuse to back down. Now, to their credit, the assembled people aren't heartless. If a ship truly looks to be in trouble, or if it's smashed to the ground or into a dock, the people of Anastara don't hesitate to help those on board to safety or ensure that they don't go down with their ship. But mostly it's watching the chaos. It IS quite a show... 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 Glyph designed to detect any influence of the magic on you. Painted on your arm, it will shine with a bright light when a Sundering effect attempts to influence you. They explain that they believe the Sundered are still subject to either the spell that brought them here or new ones, because they have detected remnants of Sundering magic in the wake of students who have mysteriously disappeared. They ask only that you report back when it lights up. Problem: when the Glyph erupts, either because of the Glyph itself or the spell it has detected... those who bear it find themselves no longer where they started. Perhaps they find themselves in a classroom late at night. Or the wrong dormitory. Or in the Great Hall in their nightshirt. Or for the utterly lowbrow amongst you, a restroom occupied by the wrong gender. Whatever the case: sorry. 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 some sort of regain this month!)

Comments

Research on the Sundered

[magicademymods]

Reply to this comment with a link or links to threading out the consequences of "Research on the Sundered" this month.

[puzzlers]

👑 plants off the path.

[ all of the beautiful flora that had sprouted had yugi interested in spending more time outside. it’s a shame the outdoors didn’t share the sentiment, because he swore everything was trying to kill him. he’d already gotten swallowed by a bush for having sat on a bench too closely to where it was rooted and while, yes, it was only a bush he was still picking the assortment of leaves and twigs out of his hair. peregrin didn’t seem to like them at all, since he’d already been jabbed about a half dozen times by a plant firing off quills. yugi can be found with peregrin coiled around his neck looking exasperated and disheveled... and he's also sitting in a protective bubble he cast around himself, which kind of defeats the entire purpose of being out here, but it's keeping him safe from all the vines. he certainly could have move elsewhere, but he's stubborn, and this is the spot he wanted to enjoy. ]

👑 bullies, of course.

[ it doesn’t seem to matter where yugi is, but he’s always was and clearly always will be the target of bullying. he sighs, staring down at the books knocked out of his hands. he doesn’t feeling like fighting back, because that’s clearly what they want, so he just lets them tire of harassing him. that is until they target his familiar. now it’s an all out war, except, we’ll, not really. the bullies have trapped peregrin in a chest of their own creation and continue to taunt Yugi will his freedom. yugi clutched his wand tightly, knocking a few bullies back with the forceful push of a spell, so he could see about chanting the incantation for a sigil, but they immediately retaliate and send him flying back several feet. ]

[ he grunts, landing on his back, which nearly knocks the wind out of him, but he's not going to let them bully his familiar... but he probably can’t do this alone, soooo a little help? ]

👑 research on the sundered.

[ though yugi doesn’t approve of the way in which the handle and conduct themselves he admires the research being done, because almost everyone here has no business being here. they need to get home, and while yugi is still uncertain about where he stands he continues to help them. the glyph is new... and honestly he’s a bit worried about it, especially after the last fiasco, but he tries to keep his negative thoughts in check. he’s keeping a close eye on it, however, and it’s not until he’s settling down for an evening of studying that it activates and he’s throw somewhere else. ]

[ hopefully you weren't in the middle of something important, because have a surprise yugi. he’ll be inconveniently appeared right in the way and looking just as confused ( if no more so ) than you. ]

Sorry about that. I, ah, ... I’m not sure how I... got here... [ he looks around trying to get his bearings. ]

👑 other.

[ hit me up on plurk at respawnin321 if you’d like to do something else! ]

[woo_oo]

Plants Off The Path

[Aw man, who doesn't love a good flower? Sure, the man-eating one in Brazil made for some bad memories, but since then, Webby has learned how to be careful!

... Sorta.]

Hey, um, could you lend me a hand?

[Why are you hearing that voice from above you? Well, it appears that she's gotten tangled up in some nasty vines, and is now hanging upside-down. She'd appreciate some assistance.]

Yeesh, no wonder is is a good torture technique, I feel ill.

Bullies, Of Course

[Seeing as Webby is little and adorable, the bullies probably felt she was an easy target. Here she is, cornered, surrounded, and wand-less!]

Without your wand, you're like a beakless duck!
Hey, that's not a bad idea!
Now we can really wipe that smile off your face!

... Oh, this is such a relief. I've really been lax in my physical training.

[Webby begins to crack her knuckles. Do you -
A) leap into the fray to save her, or
B) come across a pile of battered and bludgeoned bullies, as Webby ever so calmly dusts herself off.]

Wind At The Docks (aka The Prompt Where You Don't Get Mugged)

[Where is a good bag of popcorn when you need it? This is better than anything on TV back home! Currently, two vessels are engaged in all-out combat.]

I think Dewey would really love this... Who do you think is going to win? Personally I think that guy over there has a lot of gumption! I hope he comes out on top.

... By the way, what does [CRASHING VESSEL NOISE] mean?

[In other words, guess who's learning swear words? Somewhere, Beakly has sensed a disturbance in the force.]

Wildcard
[Make your own prompt! If you'd like to plot anything specific, feel free to hit me up on plurk at melcat33!]

[paradoxical_personality]

Research on the Sundered

This time when Hel returned to the wing where the research was being conducted it was not for the express purpose of lending her aide. After the last debacle she'd told Yotsuyu that the researchers would pay for their incompetence and she meant it. They'd made a fool out of her and countless others and this Aesir was not going to stand for it.

There was a fire in her eyes, as her ire grew in strength at the sight of more guinea pigs lining up willingly for their torment. She strode past the line, ignoring anyone who vocally opposed only stopping when she came to one of the administrators of the operation.

"Instead of using us all as test subjects, why don't I test some of my new spells on you?" She deflty drew out her wand and gave it a menacing flick, her eyes never leaving the researcher.

Wind at the Docks

"What are they--" Hel trailed off as she began watching the spectacle before her. Having had no intention in engaging in this activity, the lure of a crowd had drawn her attention to the air battle that was in progress in the distance. It only took her a few moments to get the jist and issue her opinion on the situation.

"They're idiots." No matter what the argument was about, the mid-air battle was only serving to further endanger the crew and passengers of both ships. There wasn't much to be done for them at this point.

"I'm beginning to think the most common trait in either world is stupidity.....". Shrugging her shoulders she was about to stop her gawking when a loud burst issued from one of the airships. It was undoubtedly going to crash and from the trajectory it was being propelled toward the floating island and not away form it. A deep sigh expelled from her lips. "What did they expect would happen..." Disapproval aside, she took to the air to move in close and see what she could do to help those aboard. At least levitation was one of the first skills she'd thought to relearn.

[king_of_egypt]

▽ Plants Off the Path

The change that swept over the campus was a welcome one- at first, both for Atem and likely for the Golems. The rain showers had given way to all the splendor that spring could provide, and the grounds were reaping the benefits of it. A considerable amount of time had passed since Atem had experienced the drastic transition of seasons like this, so he was taking the time to enjoy it between classes. That wasn't to say he wouldn't miss the inundation of the Nile, and the riches that that meant for the next harvest but it was different and still a fascinating phenomenon. He wondered how many of the sundered fully appreciated the natural elements that surrounded them.

Pausing for a moment, he took in a deep contented breath and looks skyward. That was about the time he noticed something peculiar was happening. The sky was devoid of rain clouds but it was filling up with paper airplanes?

The airplanes wafted on the gentle breeze started to descend, landing in various places around the campus. Curiosity piqued, Atem tried to retrace the origin of them only to find a tree that was laden with them. That wasn't all there was to see either.... A shrill cry rang out in the distance, and from the corner of his eye Atem could have sworn one of the plants had moved of it's own accord. Taking a hurried step toward the scream, he had to fall back almost immediately to avoid a jet of fire. It didn't take long to determine that all of this was being orchestrated by the plants themselves.

▽ Bullies, of Course

Atem came crashing to the ground hard. Before he could ascertain what he had even tripped on, a peel of laughter sounded cluing him in to the idea that this might have been foul play. Rolling to his side, he propped himself up and looked up at his tormentors. There were three of them in total and there was nothing outwardly significant about them- perhaps that was part of the problem. Still, not wishing to falsely accuse anyone, Atem drew himself up to his knees. "Heh.... my mistake." Still, unable to shake his unease at their presence.

That's when one of them spoke up and took credit for the deed. It wasn't a mistake and if you know what's good for you you'll show us the proper respect whenever you see us in the hall.... His lackeys chimed in with their own jeers.

"Oh..... I believe it is- just not the kind I was originally referring to." A hint of a threat in his tone as he smirked up at them. When he went to right himself, he found himself stumbling again. So that was their game? They wanted him to kneel to them?

You walk about these halls like you own the place, but it's about time you realize that you're nothing here. It didn't look like the bullies were planning on letting up anytime soon, so Atem decided it might be more prudent to turn them against one another. They wouldn't be expecting a retaliation that relied more on wits than a physical or magical altercation and they didn't seem to have much to work with when it came to intelligence besides.

[OOC: Totally leaving it up to you if you want to hop in to help, or after Atem's enacted his plan and convinced them to fight amongst themselves]

▽ Research on the Sundered

When the next round of research began, Atem was a bit surprised it involved Glyphs- his own recent studies had led him to look into that very subject. Well, this would be a prime example of seeing one in practice so how could he refuse? Besides, the instructions were simple enough and sounded harmless. That being said he remembered the last time, and had already cleared his schedule for the day, that way no matter what happened he wouldn't be that horribly inconvenienced.

The day passed by uneventfully, and honestly Atem had forgotten the glyph was even still there. He was only reminded of it when he prepared for bed, since he tended to sleep sans shirt. Looking briefly to it, he ran a hand over it, shrugged and slipped under the covers....

[... but where does he wake up? It could literally be anywhere, on the roof, in another dorm, in the middle of class, in someone else's bed- feel free to be creative!]

[plusfivedex]

Bullies, Of Course
Kamala hadn't really been expecting bullies at this place, but all things considered, a school is a school, and she wasn't exactly surprised. At least she wasn't being seen as weird for being "a brown girl", as happened back home. But she shared a class with the group of bullies, and her eagerness to learn and participate in that class had made her a target.

One afternoon, she was shouldered by one of the bullies - a little too forcefully for her to be sure it was a coincidence. And when, right after, a spell hit her and turned her hair pale pink, the sarcastic "Oops, sorry!" she was offered definitely convinced her this was no accident.

Kamala grunted and turned to the others. "Seriously? Lay off."

"And just how are you going to make us do that?"

If Kamala looked uncertain, it was because she was, even as the group closed in on her. Was starting some trouble here worth it? More importantly, was it even the right thing to do?

Maybe you'll want to step in?


Research on the Sundered
Kamala agreed to the Glyph experiment, and hers lit up in the middle of a class. Suddenly, she was in an entirely different classroom, and instead of sitting at a student desk, she was sitting on the desk at the head of the room.

"Um. What?"


Wildcard
Anything else in mind? Or you can hit me up at dolewhip to plot. And as always, if you want to respond in [brackets] that's fine! I'll switch.

[stillnewatthis]

Plants Off the Path

"Oh dear."

Orisa's usually-cheerful voice sounded dismayed, today. Probably because she was completely wrapped around in some sort of ivy or vine that had grown up out of nowhere to ensnare her. At her sides, her arms worked futilely to try to break the vegetable bindings locking them to her torso, while her feet swiveled and stomped without making any purchase on the ground below.

"My designation is combat omnic! Not topiary model! This is unacceptable!"

Bullies, Of Course

Trouble gave notice in the form of gunfire and spellwork.

Back to the wall, Orisa jabbed her fusion driver left and right, unleashing a hail of charged particles into the shields the group of thugs had conjured. The press of fire kept most of their energies focused on protecting themselves, and although two in the back had sufficient cover that they kept flinging spells at Orisa, they were rapidly finding that many of their spells simply weren't having the effect they'd like on a massive, quadrupedal robot.

Without warning, Orisa reached over her back and yanked the large, somewhat cylindrical device mounted there off her shoulders. "Deploying supercharger!" she said, slamming the augmentation device down with triumphant finality.

For a moment, all fell silent, as both bullies and omnic looked at the Supercharger expectantly. Nothing happened.

"Oh," Orisa said sheepishly, as her fusion driver popped open to ionize the air and intake more hydrogen. "I forgot that it is offline here." With an air of bemused resignation, she snapped the intakes of her weapon shut and started firing once more, and the battle was on again.

Look, there's no way this ends well, please interfere.

Research on the Sundered

Have you ever had one of those days where you're just sitting there, minding your own business, and suddenly a robot appears pretty much directly on top of you?

Yes. Yes you have. It's today.

Maybe if you listen carefully, you can hear Orisa mutter, "Hmm. My spatial coordinates have changed."

NOA | OTA

[noasark]

[PLANTS OFF THE PATH]

To say that things have been fantastic, would be to put it rather simply. Everything so far had been...'fantastic'. Fantastical? Well, regardless it was 'real' and then more than that, so it's hardly any surprise that Noa spends some time wandering off the beaten path the moment he's even on the campus and has his affairs sorted out.

He has for himself, a small blank sketchpad and charcoal stick. An ink pen, modernized or not, would probably just be terrible for this. But Noa's eyes are drawn to the world around him, and while the sketches themselves aren't especially good, he diligently takes as many notes on what he sees as he can. Because...

...It's fantastic. Frankly.

"Meeerp." Also there's an emperor penguin with him, with a rather fancy looking arm band.

"Don't get too close to that one," Noa warns without even looking up. Whatever the plant in question is, it's probably doing something unpleasant.

Who knows if it's as unpleasant as whatever plant is creeping behind them while the penguin casually points at it with a flipper.

[BULLIES, OF COURSE,]

Really he should have expected this. He knows bullies exist. He knows entirely. But somehow, he would have thought bullies just...stopped existing after a while?

Despite never encountering them in life and thus lacking any frame of reference on that. And furthermore, his own father likely being one to everyone else...But one lives and learns. And-

"Ahh- excuse me. Perhaps you could tell me where this class is..?" It started quite simple. Very simple in fact.

And then rather abruptly the small group of fellow students (who he swears are twice his size, they Must be), are sharing glances he isn't entirely sure he trusts. 'Didn't know this was a kindergarten now,' is what one says, and Noa's polite smile immediately falls. 'Well we were already a zoo,' is what another remarks- glancing to the penguin while they're at it.

Noa in turn mutters something from the corner of his mouth- "...Get Adelai,"- before the penguin waddles off and leaves the boy quite alone.

Which is exactly why others may come upon a fairly onesided seeming event of three grown adults heckling a twelve year old. So far, nothing more than conjured wind to mess the other's hair has been done in addition to the words. ...Well that and a bit of keep-away with a backpack, not that Noa's made much effort to try and get it back. He's more dignified than that.

For his part in fact, he takes it rather well. "Nnnngghhhh..." ...Albeit with very obvious frustration.

When that penguin army gets here, mark his words,

[WIND AT THE DOCKS]

Less than a day into arrival, and Noa of course has managed to find himself at the site of Dockwatching. Hearing little more than 'it's watching the winds blow the ships into each other', morbid curiousity for what was clearly unentertaining nonsense was piqued.

He has been watching for the last hour. There haven't been any duels exactly, but there is something interesting about the spells being flown across the air to counter (or worsen) the effect of the wind on the ships.

"...Hnn." ...Well at least he seems interested.

[RESEARCH ON THE SUNDERED]

He did, admittedly, balk at one part of the research gathering process taken. "...My skin?" is the specific repeated query, before one of the wizards handily demonstrated the charm upon themselves. Painless! Harmless! Absolutely fine!

And that was about all it took for Noa to drop the skepticism, shrug, and nod. Alright, he decided, he'd do it. Samples taken, interview had, he therefore left the meeting with a presently dull glyph upon his arm. It seemed fine. Not that he had any real interest in going home (obviously), but it still seemed like it would be fine.

....this is until it triggers.

"H-HHIH!"

There is a loud and almost squeaking yelp as he appears...Wherever. Mid-air.

Landing with a fairly unceremonious 'ooF-!' upon what is hopefully something soft, but very likely isn't.

This stinks. "...What does it take to get rid of this..." he grumbles, probably more to himself than anyone else.

[WILDCARD - Got other ideas? Hit me up at 'usagisquared' on plurk, or just PM with ideas! Or even just comment with a prompt. OooOOoo.]

[shiningkindness]

Plants Off The Path

In most cases, Fluttershy was easily intimidated by anything that looked remotely frightening. And even as she stared at some of the vicious-looking plants (from a safe distance, of course), she remained on the main path and felt a bit nervous. And yet she found them strangely intriguing as well.

At least until she stopped paying attention and wandered off the path, closer to some of the more aggressive plants.

She also might not notice the one plant with the knife...

Bullies, of course

It seemed like a normal day in the dining hall. It was around lunchtime, and Fluttershy had decided to get something quick to eat.

As she was heading to an empty table to settle down, she didn't seem to notice a group of others students watching her. Nor, as she started to place her food down, did she notice the way the table moved slightly; not enough to be noticeable, but enough that the food she was setting down was on the edge, unstable and mostly unsupported. The food ended up toppling over, and she gasped as some of it spilled on her clothes, causing her to step back.

She also didn't notice the lightest trail of magic behind her, broken as she stepped back. Once it was broken, something in a nearby waste bin suddenly exploded, showering her in a green and purple ooze.

The initial clatter had drawn some attention, but it was her startled cry that had most students looking over. Things were silent for a moment before laughter started rippling through the hall. And seeing all eyes were on her, hearing their laughter, Fluttershy felt tears stinging her eyes as she began to panic.

Wildcard
((Anything else you might like to do? Go for it! Or hit me up at usamichan13! I can also do brackets if you prefer))

[sublimelymagnificentblitz]

Plants off the Path

So there's Jecht standing behind what looks like a man-sized Bellsprout, one arm around its 'neck' and his other fist going to town on what amounted to its face.

"Mug me, will ya?! It's time ya learned a little lesson in manners!"

How is this his life? How is seeing this your life?

Wind At the Docks

Y'know, it ain't blitzball. It ain't even bala-inlota. But what the hell, it's a show, and Jecht surrendered himself to it like the immature dolt he was.

"Aww yeah!" He pumped a fist as two ships began exchanging fire, sparks flying. "Now it's on! I wanna see some boarding action!"

Research on the Sundered

"AGH!"

That was all the warning at hand as Jecht slammed into the ground directly in front of you, having fallen from a modest height. As the sigil painted on his bicep fades to nothingness, he let out a low groan. "I'm gettin' too old for this..."

[treno_nobleman]

Plants Off The Path

As a new student, forcibly placed into enrollment by people unfamiliar to him, Kuja is unfamiliar with this with the school grounds, and he has free time after classes to explore, and that’s exactly what he’s doing. The less aesthetically pleasing paths hold no appeal, and that might be the one saving grace for him on this day as he wanders along, observing something or other with little interest.

Califleur, having decided not to leave him alone in this venture, trails along at his side in the form of a large, fluffy, spotted leopard, casually sniffing at the grass and a flower or two here and there. While Kuja isn’t pleased to have something constantly trailing after him, he seems to have accepted her presence for now. At least she isn’t rubbing her head all over his hands again… though every time he looks down one of the paths that have been less… manicured, she does glance at him in concern. Until he walks away again, returning to the “safer” paths. Or will he?


Bullies, Of Course

Apparently, being an adult himself doesn’t exclude him from the crowd of people unfortunate enough to become the target of a few insecure wretches who have to belittle and torment others to feel good about themselves. But it seems that they’ve caught on to how attractive Kuja is - really, all one needs to do is look at him and know - and this is something by which to be offended.

And Kuja is not one to take this sitting down, or tuck his literal tail between his legs and run away.

Califleur, though she has given the offending crowd a warning growl, isn’t keen on attacking the bullies. She knows what that affords students here, though Kuja does not. Thankfully, he doesn’t ask her assistance as, after one of his harassers has turned his clothing a distinctly and unattractively miserable color of green and the lot continue to heckle him for his tail, he lights one of their shoes on fire.

He smirks at the boy’s panic, pleased at his rebuttal, but one glance back at his clothing brings a note of despair as he walks away from the whole unpleasant encounter. What is he to do about this now?

[outofyourshadow]

Bullies, of course

[Having been used to being secretive, Lena knows a little better what to look for; covert glances, trying to keep things out of sight, whispered conversations.

So when she notices a group doing these things around the same time some poor student is suffering, she finds an even better spot hidden away from viewing eyes. Pulling out her wand, she aims it at the group, holding it for a moment before firing.

Suddenly a burst of light seems to go off from the group, sending a puff of smoke in their faces. Then, whatever had been tormenting the other student happens to the group of them, sending them in a flurry of confusion and panic.

Sliding her wand back in its hiding place, she ignores them as she approaches the other student they had been harassing (whether that student knew it or not).]

Hey...you okay?

Research on the Sundered

[She is absolutely not taking part in that whole mess again, not after what happened last time. But she hangs around the research building anyway, and if any student approaches, she calls out to them.]

I wouldn't, if I were you.

Wildcard
((Anything else you might like to do? Go for it! Or hit me up at usamichan13! I can also do prose if you prefer))

research- taking that option and running with it

[bearshermark]

Weight rolled against him, nudging him from sleep and into only partial consciousness. Eleven grunted and nudged back. A thin, bony frame and hair sticking in every direction- he didn't have to be awake to know who among his companions had fallen against him.

"Erik," he groused, voice low so as not to wake the others. "Move over."

[mithrarin]

Plants Off the Path

Being the Sen-Mithrarin came with a certain sort of... tranquility, in the depths of nature like this. Dust didn't know why that was, but from the moment he'd woken up, he'd never had trouble with animals of any sort. Or, as it turned out, plants. He paced through the chaotic tangle of magical vegetation quietly, barely making the grass beneath his feet rustle. Out here felt more comfortable, for so many reasons. It wasn't crowded, wasn't busy. Wasn't full of strange people, 'humans', who he wasn't entirely acclimated to anyway. And off the beaten path, he could carry Ahrah in his hand as he was used to, without scaring anyone by holding a sword. All in all, this was nice.

At least, till the other sword, the sword hanging at his side, spoke up in a discordant feminine voice. Come on, Dust! Chop down some of this stuff! It's just gonna hurt someone anyway! Show it who's boss, clear a path!

"Furae!" Dust slapped his free hand to the hilt of the sword in remonstrance, but too late. The plants had heard, and taken it personally. Around him, several of the tall stalks and shrubs shivered as they seemed to lean in, and Dust had to put a foot back as he lowered himself into a combat-ready slight crouch, free hand up and across his body at neck height.

Use me, Dust! Use me! You can't beat this scrub shrubs with Ahrah over there!

The sword in his hand flickered, runes shimmering with its syllables as it spoke in a calm, measured, male voice. Be careful, Dust. You are weaker here, and alone. Retreat may be the better open.

"Not much of one, Ahrah," Dust said, as the plants closed ranks about him. "Unless you can fly these days."

Bullies, Of Course

"Hey furry!" "Hey fuzzy-tail!" "Hey freak!"

The words followed him without hurting him. Why would he be embarrassed about who he was? If these people thought that his natural features were somehow strange, then they should look in a mirror and wonder how they get by with no fur, awkwardly shaped ears, no tail for balance...

But then a spell flicked his way, bringing him down to one knee painfully as it tripped one foot out from beneath him, and like that his calm expression turned to a frown.

The bullies didn't expect him to move quite so fast as he did. It took them a moment to register their new situation -- the blue-glowing Blade of Ahrah at the throat of the spellcaster bully, while the red-runed Furae, the Second Sword, pointed at the others.

"I could get to like having two swords," Dust said, voice low and dangerously carrying. He wouldn't actually hurt them, but they didn't know that -- and neither did anyone watching...

Run with it we shall!

[king_of_egypt]

Atem didn't stir immediately, not even in response to the prodding. It was only when he had a moment for it all to sink in that his eyes swiftly opened. "Erik?" He softly but sharply whispered. Spotting the form beside him, he recoiled abruptly and ended up tumbling out of the bed and striking the ground in an undignified thump, expelling a series of colorful oaths that were thankfully unintelligible save for the Egyptian gods that were mingled with them. He was about to demand an answer for why this boy was in his room, and in his bed when he was struck with the realization that he wasn't where he thought he was at all.

bullies, of course.

[puzzlers]

Yugi had just finished his lunch and was about to head out of the dining hall when he heard the sudden commotion. He whipped around, his eyes landing on Fluttershy as a heaping helping of colored ooze showered down onto her. A couple of kids sitting one table over burst into an obnoxious fit of laughter, several of the other students joining in.

He could be late to his next class. He wasn't about to leave Fluttershy to deal with this on her own. He dug into his pocket and took out his dice, casting them to the ground as he summoned his wand. A quick flick of the wrist had the assumed culprits table flipping over, causing their own food to spill all over them. Peregrin, who had a phoenix head, a lion body, and a dragon tail followed Yugi as he reached out to Fluttershy. "H- Hey. Come here." If she lets him he'll pull her closely, his familiar taking care to look over them both as a kid from the far corner screams Food Fight!

"You're not hurt, are you?"

Plants Off the Path

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

"Hey!" a feminine voice piped up. "Bold of you to assume he's alone!"

Not that Isabel really minded her peaceful reading being interrupted. It was true that when she hadn't been bothering them, the plants had stayed quiescent, but she wasn't about to let them beat up on anyone.

"Don't mind me," she said casually to Dust as she approached the plant behind him, before she launched into song--probably something that sounded weird, but she sang it with gusto.

"I'm just a big dud, foolish from the start. I make a wrong move, and the world just falls apart--"

She lashed out with the bracelet on her wrist--it spooled out a line of force, neatly snicking off the nearest flower's head. She stomped the remnants down with one combat-booted foot, taking up a defensive stance, her back to his fluffy tail.

"Get off the island and swim back to shore!"

[bearshermark]

Eleven started, mind jolting to awareness. That wasn't Erik's voice, and neither did their tent have a bed. Reality asserted itself. He wasn't camped in a tent with his companions, and this wasn't Erdrea.

Heart in his throat, Eleven peered over the edge of the bed and squinted at the heap of a person laying there.

"..Who are you?"

[king_of_egypt]

By the time the other boy woke and made his way to the edge of the bed, Atem was at least in a sitting position, one knee was propped up and the other leg was folded against the floor. He was still far from presentable with his spiky hair more unruly than ever and the haphazard position he'd scrambled into. Also, he was feeling a little under dressed to be visiting other dormitories. Thank Ra he wasn't the type to sleep in the altogether, but a shirt would have been great right now.

".......................... A figment of your imagination." Cough. He could try.

Expelling a breath he fessed up. "I'm Atem from the Aer et Calculum dorm.... I assure you, I have no idea how I got here, and I never would have intentionally imposed upon you."

[shiningkindness]

She couldn’t help flinching back a bit as Yugi approaches her, because it took a moment for her to recognize him between the laughter and her own anxiety echoing in her ears. When she finally did, though, she let him draw her in, and he’d feel that she was shaking a bit.

And though she tried to answer, she only managed a small whimper as she shook her head. Physically she was all right, but she was about two seconds away from being really upset, especially as the goop dripped from her hair and caused it to cling to her face and body.

Research on the Sundered

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

"Oof!" Weeeellll by some people's definition, Isabel is plenty soft, especially depending on where one landed on her. She'd heard the squeak, but not fast enough to get out of the way.

She's probably not hurt, save in the dignity department, but it's likely they're both suffering there. Still...

"Get. Off." she manages to grunt, pushing up just a little to buck to give Noa the idea.

[bearshermark]

a. Plants off the path

After a month of holing up inside the temple library to escape the storms, there was something wonderful about being able to enjoy being outside again. Eleven took to the greenery and sunshine with a quiet joy, brushing fingertips over leaves as he passed by them and peering into the boughs of varying trees.

The flora only grew stranger as he wandered further away from the school some afternoons, and that was as encouraging as it was dangerous.

"I'm sorry," he apologized to a tree whose quills sprung out when he stepped too close. "I wasn't trying to bother you; I'm just looking for something."

It was probably weird to talk to a tree, but it helped his nerves some, and the life here seemed to be increasingly sentient.

"..Someone, actually. Have you heard of Yggdrasil?"


b is for Bullies

It was the sword that drew their attention, automatically equating the weapon to a distinct lack of magical skill. Eleven's jaw clenched, eyes flicking to gauge their number, peering about for escape routes and wondering for the first time where Hendrik would happen to be at this particular moment. Much as he'd prefer not to rely on the knight's protection, having four wands pointed at his person was even less preferable.

It was a good thing he'd been spending more time on Thaumaturgy lately.

The name of a spell broke the air, and he threw a hand out. "Shield!"

As though encased in glass, the magic bounced off, harmless.

"We don't have to fight," he called, attempting neutrality. "I don't want to hurt any of you."

They laughed, jeering.

"Crack," another called, triumphant as his protective veil shattered.

Eleven stepped back, then turned and ran. If he broke their line of sight, they lost their focus. Surely, he would be able to lose them..
But he was spending more time glancing behind him than he was in front of him as he darted between buildings and around shops. That might note bode well for the casual passersby either.


c. Research on the Sundered

The glyphs, he reasoned, were temporary and harmless in and of themselves- at least as far as he was aware. This wasn't a battle he was fighting only for himself. And indeed, it didn't bother him- only gave him cause to wonder about the difference between it and the mark on his hand.

Eleven discovered the side effect the first time he'd cast a successful healing spell on himself, abruptly submerged in a lake. Then it was a girl's changing room. After that, the roof of the school. He was pretty sure by the end of the week he'd visited every dormitory at least once.

At least now he knew well enough to be prepared for it, and covered his eyes the moment he felt the growing familiar sensation tug him away from his surroundings.

"Sorry," he said miserably, fingers very slow to part. "But I need to practice.."

B is for bullies

[hyperdrivemonalisa]

Isabel was minding her own business (didn't things always happen this way?), perusing something in a shop window, when someone rushed past her. The first bump didn't bother her much--but getting punked by four other rushing jerkbags? Without even a "sorry!" called back to apologize?

Well, not only did that honk her right off, that had her wondering where they were all rushing off to, with a fire lit under their collective butts.

It didn't take much for Isabel to chase after them, and overtake them, even better. She even passed the four thugs to catch up to Eleven--mind you, she was probably less burdened than he was, as well as used to running distances.

"So, what's going on here?" Not that she was sure he could even answer, but even a "help!" would be good enough for her. Two against four was a little more even, if that's what it had to come to.

[scattered_rose]

Bullies, of course

[It would certainly take someone with more magical skill than sense to consider Daniel a bullying target. He's only a couple inches shy of six feet tall, his frame is obviously toned and athletic, and not everyone goes around wearing black and red cloaks.

But that's what's happening today. He was on his way to another class when a half dozen strong group of bullies cornered him in one part of the hallway. They cast spells near and past him to try to make him flinch (and failing), laughing all the while. Jeers and namecalling, he just stood and watched them in silence. Then one got the brilliant idea to push him-

And wound up on the floor, breath knocked out of him. Daniel, still in the pose from having flipped the bully down onto his back, made a "come at me" gesture to the rest. Anyone wandering by is going to catch at least one other bully getting a black eye and another getting his running momentum turned against him (one more flipped to the floor) before the others decided retreat was the better part of valor. Where'd this kid learn to fight?

No, really. Where'd he learn to fight??]


Research on the Sundered

[He'd denied doing it last time, still disoriented from his sudden arrival here, but- sure, why not? So he submitted the research, obtained the Glyph- which matched one of the other tattoos on his arm, neat -and went about his day.

That is, until the Glyph decided to glow and activate. He had just enough time to look at it in confusion before blipping out of existence-

And reappearing at the top of a short set of stairs. He wobbled backwards and landed painfully on his tailbone, which- stairs being stairs -started several bumps down to the bottom. There is where Daniel stayed, leaning back with a pained noise. That must've hurt.

Bet it was funny to watch, though.]


Wonders await

[It certainly was beautiful outside while everything was in bloom, wasn't it? While Daniel hadn't strayed off the path enough to encounter any of the... strange ones, he was still outside, vampirism be damned. All he had to do was stay shaded and it would be fine, right? Thankfully he doesn't ash up in the sun, though there are... other effects...

Anyone wandering by a bench along one of the outer parts of the school might hear a gentle snoring. Looking on this bench will see a bundle of black fabric, Daniel sleeping with his hood up and cloak spread over him. He's laying down fully, feet tucked up a bit, and one arm cushioning his head while the other draped down the side of the bench to the ground.

Aww, y'almost hate to wake him...]


Wildcard

((Feel free to hit up with anything else, or ping me at zumidotexe to plot specifics!))

Research on the Sundered

[darkenedmoon]

"And we have to stop meeting like this." It's a sandaled foot that is stopped short of his nose, and a well-manicured hand that lowers into view, followed by the all-too-familiar and perhaps not welcome visage of Yotsuyu. Ah. Those cultured tones had sounded familiar...

Of course she'd see that. At least she isn't laughing.

"Come on, granther, allow me to help you up. Then you may explain just what in the name of all the kami just happened to you." Unfortunately, with the disappearing glyph, she has a sinking feeling that she already knows.