INTRO MINGLE

[whimsicalism]

WELCOME IN

ORIENTATION DAY

(CW: Slight undertones of experiences of unreality.)

It’s a bright Monday afternoon at the Academy. If the sun happened to be visible, it would certainly be shining. The new semester that everyone has been waiting for is about to begin!

All students wake up at exactly the same time–not that you’re aware of this. Even those who don’t normally sleep must have given into slumber at some point; they, too, will jolt awake with the strangest sensation that someone was just whispering in their ears. The beds that you’ll find yourself in are small and unfamiliar, and you wake up wearing a uniform that you don’t recognize even though it fits you like a glove. A red book with black cardstock lining the inner cover sits on each dorm nightstand. Opening the book reveals a strange code of conduct. The following pages list, in alphabetical order, all of the students.

Beyond the handbook and a change of familiar clothes in the closet, there’s little personalization to the rooms, and they lack most homey comforts. As unusual as these surroundings may seem, it’s impossible to shake the subtle, lingering excitement: It’s the first day of school! What a delightful occasion. Shouldn’t everyone want to make the most of the year? The subtle, unshakeable desire to achieve sits in the back of every mind like the story of a happy dream. Perhaps you brush your hair or wash your teeth before going on with your splendid day. Your reflection in your bathroom mirror looks a little off, did you forget to cut your hair before the big day? Perhaps you realize that your nails or claws have been trimmed recently. A little odd but you must have been excited for a brand new school year.

The world outside the dorm room holds a few more answers, but most things are still shrouded in mystery. Today, it seems that some rooms are still locked up tight from summer vacation. Beside the dormitory and hallways, only the cafeteria, kitchen, gym, playground, school store, and A/V room are accessible. Outside the cafeteria, a digital sign titled DAILY SCHEDULE offers little structure, save for one afternoon event: 5PM - PREFECT’S ORIENTATION - AUDITORIUM. There’s a lot of business to take care of on the first day of school, after all. No one can just be expected to start learning without the proper preparation.

With some time to kill before the promised orientation takes place–and, according to that rulebook, everyone is expected to attend–students have only each other and the various robot sheep for company. With such a small class, perhaps working together will bring you newfound and long-lasting partnerships. The robotic staff seem polite, at least, if a bit confused at the sudden flurry of non-scheduled activities.

How will you spend your first day before classes begin?

OOC NOTES

Welcome to the IC intro mingle for Round 2! Your characters have the afternoon to meet one another, get lunch at the school cafeteria, review their student handbooks, harass the Little Brother robots, and prepare for the upcoming school semester in this post. As promised, the Prefect will meet everyone in the auditorium at 5pm and will post their own introductory comment at that time (Eastern).

While we're sure that some people are dying to get a head start on investigating all of the mysteries of the school (we're excited to reveal them), please hold your investigation comment ideas until the weekly post goes up tomorrow. As all ground floor locations should be open for exploration at that time, we invite everyone to scratch all of your investigation itches on tomorrow's post at noon (also Eastern)! In lieu of investigation threads today, characters may speak to/question/accost the Little Brothers, who have an NPC thread down below.

Thank you, and have fun!

Comments

[bellabellabella]

[He frowns gently, and his fingers slow in their movement across the keys.

Six, he remembered from the profiles. She was six.]

I'm sure your mama and papa would simply want you to do the best that you can. But yes, it seems unlikely that they would transfer you, especially so suddenly. And it would be strange to begin a new school year if it had only just started.

[spychic]

[Anya nods.]

Which is why I think this is an enemy base. The sheepy don't seem too bad, but Anya is on her guard. Anya has seen this situation before. On TV.

Bondman fought his way out. And now Anya must do the same.

[She's so serious!]

[bellabellabella]

[.... CHILD he is CONCERNED-

Edward is still for several moments, and something of this girl's apparent reckless disregard for danger reminds him of another girl, the one he is trying not to obsess over, the one he cannot help but obsess over. He takes a deep breath. At least her scent isn't as potent, though he knew it was hardly likely to find someone who smelled that appealing again. Even here, it seemed. Small favors.

He finally turns to face her, though he does not want to frighten her. Of course, he's no longer sure that he would, despite the color of his eyes. Still, he looks at her, crimson color and all, and his expression is serious.]

I want you to make me a promise, Anya. If that is something you attempt to do... I want you to find me first. Tell me, if you decide to do that.

[He hesitates a long moment before speaking any further, but it's important to say, even if it scares her - will it scare her?

He'd thought he'd understood people pretty well, once. Turned out a lot of that had been knowing how they did react in real time, and he feels off balance without that there to tell him what whoever he is speaking to is feeling.]

If the people... who brought us here were able to do that even though not all of us would be easy to bring, it's possible that trying to escape that way could be dangerous.

[spychic]

[Oh. This is serious. Edward is serious. So she takes these words to heart. She does note the crimson color in his eyes, but she doesn't mind. She's a girl who has an odd perspective on the world. She's not easily frightened.] ...Okay. Anya promises. Anya will tell you, Edward.

Papa would probably think that way too...so Anya will wait if Anya needs to. Find a better way. If Anya and Edward work together, we can make it out of here.

[It's as simple to that to this little girl. She sees someone who she feels she can put her faith into, so she follows her heart. That is probably her strongest power right now.

Perhaps Bella would be proud, if she knew her.]

[bellabellabella]

[Something about him uncoils slightly at the words, not complete relaxation but a lessening of tension.

If his skin was warm he might have reached out to touch her, but it would be dangerous for him to relax too completely around humans, even here, even now, when he was not thirsty, and besides, the icy touch of his hand would doubtless repulse her.

He had so far avoided any horror, any cringing away in instinctive and unrecognized fear. There was no sense in provoking that reaction, especially in one who he wanted to protect.

Why did he keep running into fragile human girls without any sense of their own mortality?]

Good. Thank you, Anya.

[He hesitates for a long moment before he speaks again, remembering his earlier assumption: this was hell, he had finally been sent to hell.]

You certainly don't belong here. But I will do what I can to help.