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

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

Oh, believe me, I know exactly what you're talking about. Ask Dante and he'll probably say any monster under the sun is real-and any monster that isn't, really.

[...]

Dante is one of my brothers-the point is, you are very much right, and it can definitely make people-or dogs, for that matter-be very weird.

[He loves his family very much, but if there is one thing he will always admit, it's that most of the dogs in it are weird in some way or another.]

[bellabellabella]

Not under the sun, at least in the case of vampires.

[He grins at that joke, almost laughs, and his voice almost sounds like laughter when he speaks, warm and amused. The amusement fades at the mention of his siblings, however.]

I'm sorry. You must miss them, since you've been separated like this.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[The joke actually gets a bit of a snicker out Dylan! But at the apology, his eyes do shift to the floor.]

Yeah, it's...I'm trying to put that to the side right now. Dealing with one issue at a time, you know? Otherwise I am...I'm not gonna be okay.

[Still kind of hoping this all turns out to be some sort of stress induced nightmare-a dog can hope!]

[bellabellabella]

I don't know if you'll believe me, but I think I understand. Or, at least, I believe I shall have to do the same thing.

I suppose we should look on the bright side, and consider only how joyful a reunion will be, but optimism has never been my strongest suit.

[That was part of why he loved and respected Carlisle so much. His father had seen so much of the wickedness of the world, and it had never shaken his faith in the essential goodness in it. He saw a brighter world, and lead others towards it.

It would have been nice to hear his opinion on this place. He was glad that he would not, because he did not want Carlisle here with him. Carlisle never would have been brought to a place like this.]

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[...oh...]

Don't worry, I can believe it. That's just sort of...the way with big families, I guess.

[And about that joyful reunion...how does he put this in a way that doesn't scare off this cool teenager that seems to not think he's a dork yet...]

Well, we can at least be together on that. At this point, I'm kind of terrified on whether or not there is going to be a reunion.

[bellabellabella]

I suppose it is.

[There is a moment of hesitation before he answers, though it's because he really would rather not be terrorizing puppies, no matter what else he's done. Honesty would probably be too much, but he can at least tend in the direction of honesty.]

Yes. I'm... not entirely sure if there can be one.

[For him, at least, but HAHA THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT time to lighten the mood. He flashes a quick smile, and deliberately lightens his tone.]

But, as I said, optimism has never been one of my strengths.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

...what are your strengths then?

[Maybe one of the more blatant subject changes he's tried, but dang it, he's half expecting this conversation to turn into a crying session if they keep going on this topic. Better to be clear and move on.]

[bellabellabella]

[He had also been trying to change the subject, but had not been expecting so direct a question.]

It seems a little rude to begin bragging about myself, but I suppose humility has also never been one of my strengths.

[He grins again, with an expression that is still friendly and open and a little self deprecating.]

I'm good at reading people, usually. I'm very fast. I tend to excel academically, but I'm not sure if something like that should count. It's not like I work at it. I have older siblings who have taken the same subjects, and my father and mother are both very intelligent. She always makes sure we understand everything. I enjoy playing the piano, and composing songs for it.

[Despite that joke at his own expense hes not listing much.

He's skilled at lying. Murder. Stalking, except that he had failed so spectacularly to keep adequate surveillance so recently.]

We try to live a quiet life, back home. I expect some people would find it boring, but it can be pleasant to have that routine and stability to fall back on.