diatuooc | Test Drive #1

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test drive

Test Drive #1

Test Drive #1

The Airship There

By carriage or coach, spellwagon or ship, perhaps even on the wings of magic, the Sundered heed the call to gather at the Tenzin High Dock of Vulbaria. On this, the appointed day, a great passenger airship sits in the dock, the seals of the six Houses fluttering from flagpoles along her length and her wooden planks atremble as if it is eager to be off. At last, the gangplank descends, and the Hand of Diatu opens her doors to the Sundered so they can take their first step on the path towards protection and salvation.

Inside, you may choose from long comfortable couches, broad circular tables surrounded by straight-backed, cushioned chairs, or viewing seats at the glass front of the ship. Sundered who need special accommodations are quickly provided for, ensuring everyone travels in comfort. Trays drift through the air periodically, offering snacks and drinks to the passengers.

This may be the first chance you've had to truly relax since being swept to this strange world. Certainly it is the first chance you've had to meet your fellow Sundered. As the airship lifts gracefully off from the High Dock, your journey to Diatu begins. Excited? Nervous? Simply angry? Or perhaps searching among the crowd here for a familiar face or some sign of hope?

Rain, Rain...

Welcome to Diatu Magicademy. It's raining.

Seriously raining. One of those downpours that feels like a curtain has dropped on you, that soaks to the bone within a second of stepping into it. Obviously, this won't do, and a civic-minded cluster of Purifeul students has taken it upon themselves to solve this problem. No sooner do you step through the gates then you practically run into a giant and complex runic diagram being drawn out with long staffs by several students, all of them speaking seeming nonsense about derivatives, limits, and equations. Magic! In action right before your eyes!

And yet, just as their mathemagics wind towards the center of the diagram and they all make their final stroke -- one student slashes his line off on a weird tangent, speaking an equation that sounds nothing at all like what his fellows utter. The spell completes... weirdly, as the students look in horror at each other. The temperature abruptly drops seventy degrees, and a cold wind begins to blow.

Welcome to Diatu Magicademy. Please get out of the blizzard before you freeze.

Thaumaturgy 101

After some fifteen minutes of grumbling from Professor Loshakle, followed by half an hour of theory and basics, the grouchy old man finally gets to drawing a magical symbol on the board. "This is straight out of Fundamental Principles of Wizarding," he says, writing Sense Magic next to the symbol. "As is everything you'll learn here. I'll emphasize yet again, you MUST know the name of the spell and the proper gestures. You can't simply wave your wand in any old pattern and say any old words. That isn't how it works," he says, glaring around the class as if daring someone to question him.

But he gives no one the opportunity, instead producing a wand and making the gesture to trace the symbol he'd drawn in midair. "Sense Magic," he intones, and the air and his wand both shimmer.

"Now. You all try." Just like that. What the Professor doesn't mention is that this spell can produce some very interesting results if the symbol is off, or the timing...

Bala-inlota Practice

Bala-inlota is the main interaction the Magicademies have with each other -- the sport of wizards! Two teams take the field, with the goal of heaving a ball through their opponent's hoop. The rules primarily revolve around not inflicting lethal injury, because bala-inlota is a free-for-all at best, where each team relies on both physical and magical might to win the day.

You kind of wish someone had told you this BEFORE you got hauled onto the field so the coach could see if you've got what it takes.

Now half a dozen players are charging down the field at your ragtag group of semi-willing recruits, while another half-dozen are preparing spells that you've been absolutely assured aren't as nasty as the ones deployed in actual play. On your side: the ball, your wits, your physical ability, and maybe three classes's worth of magical education.

On the upside, magic is pretty good at healing.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Ah, no," he replies quickly, a flush of heat in his cheeks at yet another display of ineptitude. He does take the offered hand to assist in his recovery, giving another nod of appreciation for the effort, and he takes a cautious step forward to test the ground beneath him.

"It was my own carelessness, so pay me no mind," he assures him, releasing his hand now that he is certain he can manage on his own. "It isn't much further now. Let us press on!"

"If you're sure..." Ken is a bit unsure if this guy is just pretending to be alright but nothing seems to be broken so he wouldn't argue. Ken looked back to their destination. It wasn't too far away now.

"Let's do our best!" He said before he begins speed walking forward this time. He doesn't want to accidentally leave behind the other.

When the door is within his grasp, Ken grabs the handle and pulls it open with all of his might, holding it open for the other guy.

One courtesy after another; Alphinaud truly admires the strength of this young one. Under less pressing circumstances, he might insist on swapping their positions, but at present, there is little to be gained from wasted efforts. He bows his head once more, quickly ducking inside where the warmth sets his body aflame, not entirely for the better. Not yet, anyway. The temperature of the air and his body are at odds with one another, and it sharpens the intensity of the chill that envelops him.

His breath still lightly visible for a breath or two as he gasps in the warmth, hunched over with his hands upon his knees, he looks back towards his young companion to ensure that he, too, has made it safely inside.

"My thanks," he huffs, breaking momentarily into a cough. "And my apologies... I did not mean to delay your retreat."

Once the other stranger is safely inside, Ken walks in as well, a small shiver going throughout his tiny body. It is nice being inside and not directly suffering the endless torture of the cold.

"Oh, it's fine. You looked like you were struggling just as much as I was so I really don't mind." Ken says. He looks back outside. "It's amazing, isn't it? How magic can just do that?" It is certainly still a wonder to him. Magic. Real magic...

"Oh, I apologize. I forgot to introduce myself." He bows politely. "My name is Ken Amada. It's nice to meet you. I wish the circumstances were a lot more pleasant and warmer, though."

"I can agree with that sentiment," Alphinaud replies with the tiniest laugh in his breath. He stands upright, cold though it may be, and places a hand upon his chest as he bows in return. "Alphinaud Leveilleur. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Regarding Ken's earlier comment, he does reflect upon it. Magick, by nature, is capable of tremendous, superhuman feats. It's a common practice in his world, but that doesn't mean it's without limits. Controlling the weather with a simple spell... It isn't impossible for a small location for just a moment of time, he supposes, but with such an ability, Ishgard wouldn't have to suffer in its extremes as it does.

"In regards to this magick," he continues, thoughtfully considering the possibilities, "it is a rather impressive display. I shall be curious to see the permanence of its effects..." On that note, another realization sets in. "It doesn't seem as though anyone has considered reversing the spell. Is this an example of its limitations?"

Alphinaud Leveilluer. It is a name that is certainly unique to Ken. But a lot of thinks were unique about the world around him so he decides to push his questions aside for now. He just hopes he doesn't mispronounce it anytime soon.

Reversing the spell, huh? That seems like a good idea but he may be right. That may be a limitation. "I wish I knew where a professor might be so I could ask." Ken mumbled to himself. "If not reversing the spell, surely there could be a sun spell? Or maybe some sort of anti-magic item? That's how it usually works in fantasy books, anyways." Ken said.

A fantasy book... A tale of folklore? True, even hailing from a magical realm such as Eorzea, he is familiar with stories that are grandiose with their displays of magick, though sometimes they are rooted from a history that truly occurred nonetheless.

"I am not familiar with any item that can dispel magick," he replies as he mulls it over. "A barrier, perhaps, with the properties of nullifying that which strikes it. However, those are meant to secure locations. There may be one present here as well, but I don't think it should have any effect on spells cast within it."

That isn't to say that he's shutting down Ken's input; he's glad to have another mind to consider the options with him. "Naturally, I speak from my own experiences. It may very well be something that exists in this realm."

"That's very interesting, actually." Ken looks to Alphinaud with a slight tilt of his head. "You say it as if you have magic back in your world, Leveilleur-san."

Actually, that would make sense. Ken takes notice of his pointy ears. "Now that I think about it, it would make sense. With your ears, that would make you an elf according to fantasy books. You're supposedly experts in magic."

It doesn't hit how insensitive that might be until a second later for Ken. He looks down. "Oh, sorry, I-- shouldn't have assumed that. That was very rude of me, I apologize."

At the mention of his ears, Alphinaud unconsciously reaches to touch them. He hadn't given it much though, but he does seem to be the only one of his kind who has been transported here.

"No, not at all," he assures him as he moves his hand to give a dismissing wave. "I do not know about an elf, but I am an Elezen. The etymology sounds similar enough to intrigue me, I must admit... Though, now I realize I must ask. I do not suppose you are Hyuran?" He smiles, especially when considering the part about elves being "experts in magic."

"Indeed, in my realm, magicks are quite prominent, though wielders may be strong or weak no matter their race, class, or creed. However, my grandfather was one possessed of such strength. I've ever striven to approach his level of talent, but I fear I am still many years too inexperienced to proclaim that I am coming close."

Ken is relieved that he didn't offend him, or at least didn't offend him too much. Ken closed his eyes for a second, memorizing the new words that he would have to add to his vocabulary. Elezen and Hyuran. They seem quite similar to words that he sees in fantasy books which is very interesting on it's own as well. "Oh, well, I may be by your standards. But where I'm from, we're simply called humans."

Ah, so he is from a world with magic! Ken's eyes sparkle. "That's so cool!" He exclaims. "Where I'm from we don't have magic like that!" Ken soon then gathers his bearings, going back to his usual mature tone. He can relate to his want to reach his grandfather's level of experience. He knew he wanted to be a lot like Akihiko. "That's not true. I'm sure that you'll be just like him sooner or later. You just need to continue to work hard." Ken smiles. "You may even surpass him. We are going to a school of magic, after all. They might teach things that you could apply to your own magical techniques."

"I'm not sure about surpassing him..." he replies with a slightly wider smile. He does appreciate the young... human's optimism and encouragement. "However, that is my intention. I wish to learn all that I can of the magicks of this world with the hope that I might take this knowledge with me."

He feels another shiver run through his body, and at this, he realizes that perhaps they should remove themselves from the proximity of the doorway. Though much better than standing directly among the elements, the cold air still pervades through the cracks in the door, and each chill reminds him of this.

"Mayhap we should consider such things from deeper within these halls," he suggests, bringing his hands to rub at his upper arms. "Or, perhaps after a change of clothes." The latter option is preferred, though he isn't sure exactly where to attain those.

"Well I'm rooting for you all the way, Leveilleur-san. I hope things work out for you in you reaching your goal." He says with a smile. Alphinaud seems to be very nice, actually, and his goals are quite relatable. There's no way he couldn't root for him to achieve his dream.

Now that he mentions it, it is still really cold. He hadn't realized the small shivers going throughout his body until now. "Oh, you're right! Of course." Ken looks around. "I wish there were a map or something so we could know where we're going. Do they even have dormitories here to change? Do we magically have our other clothes here?" He wishes he knew.

Alphinaud finds young Ken to be rather kind, himself. In addition, he displays critical thinking, and he believes that the lad may become a great scholar one day. He is a newcomer to the field of magick, but Alphinaud will be curious to watch him progress with his studies.

"An excellent question," he adds as he begins to walk. "It is indeed a possibility, as I cannot imagine that clothing is much more difficult to transport than living beings... Although, our presence here does seem to be an unintentional result, and therefore, it is more likely that such preparedness is not to be expected."

He does take a moment to scan for a directory or map of sorts, but he doesn't see one in the immediate area. "But this does appear to be an institution which harbors its students as well. There must be living quarters somewhere, and perhaps one has already been assigned to us."

"I hope we find it soon. I swear I can feel my clothes beginning to freeze over." Just to test it, Ken lightly pulls at the sleeve of his jacket. Well, it seems normal but he isn't sure. Is it possible for clothes to freeze?

He continues to walk with Alphinaud, looking around at everything they passed. If he wasn't cold and more concerned about getting warm he'd be absolute mystified. "Do you think people share a dorm room here? The one dormitory I know of had separate rooms for each person." Think of the dormitories now, they're missing a few people. It makes him sad thinking about it now, his shoulder slumping slightly.

"I wonder if there was supposed to be some sort of Welcoming Committee or something. Or at least a tour guide. Do you think they may be sending one but are delayed because of the sudden magical weather change?"

"That is entirely possible," he agrees with a nod. After all, the transit here had been properly arranged. It's likely that there are delays due to the confusion, but... Leaving people in such a state is hardly a welcome at all. He may have to have a word with the head of the administration once the dust has settled.

"As for the accommodations, I cannot begin to imagine what to expect. This shall be the first experience of its kind for me, though there is a sense of excitement towards that."

He reaches a door and knocks upon it, but he receives no answer. Trying the door anyway, he finds that it opens, and he takes a peek inside. Instantly, he can feel a calming heat pervading the room, and he quickly locates the source of it: an inviting fireplace placed square in the center.

"I believe this should alleviate our more immediate concerns," he said with a smile, swinging the door fully open to allow Ken to pass through.

Ken lets out a sigh of relief at the warmth coming from the room. It's nice. Really nice, actually. He walks in the room, silently hoping that they haven't accidentally invaded some place that they weren't supposed to. Ken would be sure to apologize...after he got warm, of course.

"This place looks amazing. A lot bigger than the dormitories at Gekkoukan." Ken mused. He quickly walked over to the fireplace and places his hands in front of it, a satisfied smile on his face. "That's a lot better. Amazing find, Leveilleur-san!" Ken says with a bright smile.

"Do you think this is alright to do? We won't get kicked out or something, will we?"

Circumstances being as they are, Alphinaud isn't concerned in the slightest over charges of trespassing. Even if not for himself, he feels at ease knowing that he's gotten young Ken to a safer place to properly warm himself. Alphinaud has no love for the cold, but he has had at least some moderate experience with it in his travels.

"If it comes to it, I shall handle everything," he assures him. "I think you'll find that I can be quite convincing in such times. However, I do have my doubts that we shall have any reason to worry. If we could not find a staff member to assist us in the first place, there is most likely a lack of security to patrol the grounds as well."

With that out of the way, he places his hands nearer to the flames, and breathes an audible sigh of relief.

A lack of security on the campus? "Well that's pretty dangerous, huh? They should really be a lot more careful. Usually in fantasy books, there's always bad guys around too." It would be interesting to know if there were any enemies known throughout the world. But perhaps maybe there weren't. Ken isn't sure and if it is safe to find out.

"Well, I'll be leaving it up to you then, Leveilleur-san." Ken smiles. "Though, if you do need assistance, don't be afraid to ask. I'd be happy to assist." Ken closes his eyes, holding himself back getting closer to the fire which might result in accidental burning.

"What was your world like if you don't mind me asking?"

Oh dear. He hadn't intended to surprise him with this revelation, though now that he sees him worrying, he realizes that a lack of security could also be seen negatively. Alphinaud himself suspects that there isn't much threat posed here, but... The magic within them is supposedly dangerous. If not security, there ought to be some sort of protection in place— not only for them, but for the natives of this land.

"You seem rather invested in these 'fantasy' books of yours," he smiles. It may sound as though he's teasing, but he's really amused by the similarity to himself. While Alphinaud was curious of every sort of book he'd come upon, usually historical and theoretical, he also understands the draw of an adventurous type. His came not from books, in that case, but from watching his friends perform extraordinary feats.

"My world," he continues, "is more beautiful than you can imagine. At least, I am inclined to believe as such. After countless calamities, it has risen time and time again from the ashes, rebuilding itself as a stronger version of its previous self. Of course, there are still various conflicts across the land. In fact, they never seem to cease— but neither do the hearts of adventurers who pledge themselves to seeing us through to salvation. I have had the pleasure of accompanying one such individual. Would that you could meet our Warrior of Light. I daresay it would be comparable to meeting a hero from your novels."

Ken blushes a bit at being called out on his constant referencing of fantasy books. Was it that obvious? "W-Well, I suppose so. I like all kinds of books. Comic books are my favorite but sometimes descriptive text works just as well." Even if, at times, he can't even understand the words properly due to his current reading level as a middle schooler.

As Alphinaud describes his world, Ken brings his legs close to his chest as he holds them. He looks at the older one with awe in his eyes, quite like a child his age would be doing when listening to a story be read aloud. Ken resisted interrupting and asking questions, resigning to just simply listening. It really does sound like something from a fantasy novel. A world with conflicts, a world with adventurers. It's amazing!

"Warrior of Light, huh? That's amazing. Do they wield a huge sword? O-Or maybe a spear?" Ken is biased towards spears, them being his go to weapon. "And do they wear, like, huuuuge armor? And fight dragons?"

Ken realizes his over excitement and quickly calms himself. "I wish my world was as fun and interesting as yours, Leveilleur-san..." Things would have maybe been a lot more fun and interesting if it were, that is for sure.

"If I didn't know any better, I would swear that you had a means to peer into our very realm," he marveled, truly astounded by the similarities. "Indeed, our Warrior is adept with a variety of weapons, and while we have contended with dragons..." He pauses for effect. "We have since made peace with them and can count them among our stoutest allies."

This last statement is considered a miracle even by the standards of his world. After all, Ishgard and the dragons had harbored fierce grudges towards one another for one thousand years. However, if they could reconcile their differences, it meant much and more for the citizens— not only of Ishgard but of Eorzea all over.

"However, I must say," he adds, noting Ken's disappointment that he cannot witness such feats firsthand, "that what you describe as interesting of our world is what its populace knows as fear and calamity. Adventuring may be fun, but that it is a necessity may revoke that aspect of it. I am proud of where I hail from, and of the things that we have accomplished within it. But that said, what I wouldn't give to allow its peoples even a momentary reprieve, no matter how 'boring' that might be."

Ken continues to listen with interest. The dragons being allies thing certainly has him interested but when Alphinaud explains the hardships of adventurers, Ken feels guilty. He is making it all sound so trivial while Alphinaud wants nothing more than to make sure the people can be happy. "I apologize. I-I wasn't aware that it was like that, Leveilleur-san." Ken apologizes, looking down at the fire.

"I'm sure that you'd be able to do it once you get back to your world." Well, more like if but Ken wants to be optimistic about it. They'll get back, hopefully.

His words seem to have affected Ken negatively, which wasn't his intent. He quietly takes a seat beside him, basking in the warmth of the glow, and he turns towards him with a smile.

"You need not apologize," he assured him. "Your enjoyment of these stories is no different from the youths of my world. Nay, even adults the realm over cannot contain their excitement when they hear of the Warrior's deeds." He places a gentle hand upon his chest, remembering his own carelessness in excessively praising that which is such a difficult endeavor to accomplish.

"We are honoring those who give their very lives for the sake of our peace," he continues, "through our sharing of their tales. I have many and more with which I might regale you, and you are welcome to celebrate in their triumphs with us and lament in their defeats. I simply wanted to make clear that these stories are less of glory and more born out of necessity. We needn't seek calamity in times of true peace, but we may fill our hearts with adventure all the same."

Those who give their lives for the sake of peace. Hearing that makes him think of someone he knew. It makes him think of his old life as a member of S.E.E.S. and how everyone almost did lay their lives down for the sake of humanity. It sounds like a fun thing at first. Roaming through a secret hour to fight shadows? Awesome. How it actually was? Not at all.

He looks to Alphinaud and smiles once again. "I understand what you're saying, Leveilleur-san." Ken says with a small nod. "I'd love to hear whatever stories you decide to share. And I could even share some of my own stories if you're interested. It may not involve dragons but my world still had some...oddities."

"Of course," he nods in return. "I have a great interest in learning of your home as well. Mayhap there may even be something to be learned for each of in the tales of another realm."

He returns his gaze to the fire, a familiar scene for him, though indoors as opposed to the campfire of his memories. In such moments, the world seems so calm and worries, far away. He thinks back to his comrades, and he hopes that all is well. He wants to believe there is a purpose for which he was called here, and there's a hope in his heart that it may prove crucial to solving the many problems of his realm.

Test Drive #1

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