daybreakacademy | VALENTINES BALL

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VALENTINES BALL

VALENTINES BALL

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February 14th is a day both famed and notorious for feats of love, passion and confession. And violence, as this year’s theme suggests - a 1920s speakeasy theme, initially based off the Valentines’ Day massacre of 1929 and toned down to be significantly more fun and less a dark reminder of bloodshed. While this year’s event has no predicted surprises like a daemon invasion in store, the Student Council has still chosen to hire extra security for the ball; bulky constructs in surprisingly well-tailored pinstripe suits and hats stand guard outside the entrances to the venue, impassively watching for any signs of trouble.

The ball itself is laid out similar to a 1920s club, with a large space for dancing, a stage for entertainment, and plenty of tables and chairs for sitting, dining, and chatting. Bars on both sides of the room provide a place to order and collect both food and drink, and the second storey of the venue has been put into use to provide quieter and more secluded places to sit.

A. Classy…? Cocktails
As ever, the Academy has provided a lavish and thematic spread of food for the occasion, with a few unique twists to fit the theme. The drinks of are particular note - aside from the usual range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that Daybreak provides, many are tailor-made for the ball due to a collaboration between some of the alchemy and culinary classes in Daybreak (who were rather too eager to volunteer). Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drink cake or a steak? You’ll find plenty of experiments here, both savory and sweet, to facilitate that experience.

If that’s not to your tastes, some drinks are purely decorative, providing some unique visual or audio effects - you might find yourself sepia-toned or monochrome, chattering like an old-fashioned radio host or filled with an irrepressible urge to sing everything you say - among other things. Mercifully, everything wears off by the end of the night.

B. Changing Stages
While this ball is by no means illegal, there has at least been an attempt to capture the more ‘forbidden’ aspects of a speakeasy. As the night goes on, switches and buttons appear on the walls, and pressing them will make the room shift and change to reveal secret doors and elevators - partially mechanical tricks, but mostly through clever application of magic and mundane illusion. These exits from the room provide ample opportunity for attendees to stretch their legs and take a walk and a break from the rest of the party through mazelike, glittering hallways and smoke-hazy corridors that lead to balconies and small lounges looking out onto strange, abstract views. Walk far enough, and you might end up in a completely different part of the venue than you were before - though for the truly lost, the corridors will always bring you to someone you can ask for help sooner or later, or guide you out.

Well, eventually. It wouldn’t quite fit the theme of a speakeasy without a little bit of uncertainty, would it?

C. Nyeh, See?
For those who would rather indulge in the darker implications of the theme and have no patience for the other entertainment on offer, this maze of corridors offers one other attraction - enchanted guns and gear for laser tag. In strict adherence to the theme, all guns resemble the kind of weaponry that 1920s gangsters would be boasting - and no matter what you were wearing at the time, as soon as you attach a pendant to your clothing, you're immediately in magically-fitting suits any gangster would envy. They even give off the illusion of bleeding should you be 'shot' by one of these enchanted guns, though to avoid causing undue concern the illusory blood sparkles and shines different colours.

D. Shall We Dance?
No Valentines ball is complete without the opportunity to get close to someone you might enjoy the company of, after all. To fit with the speakeasy theme, music and entertainment has been provided - both stage performances from volunteers and a selection of recorded music from the era. And for those up on the second floor, a station has been provided for whatever you’d like to broadcast to the entire room. Whether you’re up on the stage, down on the dancefloor, or you simply want to set a little mood music for certain people to take a hint, there’s bound to be something to do.

Some of the spirits and other, benign creatures that inhabit Daybreak’s grounds have decided to invite themselves, finding the music and warmth too irresistible to refuse. As a result, masked figures dressed in the vague approximation of 1920s fashion can be spotted among the more solid attendants, and those who don’t have a dance partner might well find themselves being asked to dance regardless - and be given small gifts as a token of gratitude for the indulgence. Or they might just nudge you into dancing with someone new...

E. Wildcard
Anything else you’d want to do at the dance? Feel free to enjoy the night - it’s for everyone to indulge themselves, after all.

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It's in magazines. Anyway, I should hope you're finding the holiday nice.

Grim, but true.

[It was a harshly realistic statement, and were it from any other student, he'd find it more troubling. But if Kokoro was one thing, it was very serious about the family business... and this was one of the nastier sides of it.]

Though if we have anything to say about it, we will ensure it doesn't go poorly.

I'll do my best. There's nothing else to do.

[She nods seriously and contemplates her weirdly glittery drink.]

Are we certain nothing is expected to go amiss this year? I was off on assignment last year, but I've heard... stories.

[Although Desco doesn't see Ekkehardt much, he still stands out in a crowd pretty easily. Probably has something to do with how stoic he looks in contrast to the rest of the school. Everyone else either draws attention to themselves or fades into the background, but somehow Ekke seems different. It's strange but not in a bad way?

Regardless, she makes her way over to him and waves. In a contrast to his dress, she's wearing a purple pin-stripe suit and hat, with a red tie and a white blouse. There's a cute little rose pinned to her suit coat and she's carrying around a little violin case. Meanwhile Octy has a paperboy cap on and a bow tie.]

Hi, Mister Ekkehardt. Is everything okay? You look a little bored.

"You are a modest person, my friend. But I suppose the that is part of what makes you the person you are." He says with a smile, nodding a little at the idea of finding someone else to fill in the bear's position.

"It's a fun theme idea, and while the association isn't exactly stellar, it's been well brought away from that idea to be something fun and enjoyable." He says, watching around the area again, taking in everything. He knew it was nothing like what his aspirations would look like when they came true, but he couldn't help but imagine it, a little bit, especially back in the lazer tag. "You have made it something where it's hard to see anyone not finding something to enjoy here."

While this holiday may not be Rex's cup of tea, a certain daemon and her octorabbit companion seem to be enjoying themselves. As the music plays Desco and her companion has fun dancing by themselves, with other people, and even alone. Although it isn't long before they get tired of that and begin seeking out some familiar faces. Rex just so happens to be one of the most familiar of faces, so Desco makes her way over to him without delay. She's wearing a suit as well, but it's a more traditional mafiaesque one. Purple suit, with pinstripes and a red rose pinned to the breast of her suit coat. Red tie, purple fedora with a white band, and a small violin case in her hand. Octy has also gotten into the swing of things; a paperboy cap sits on his "head" and a bow tie is wrapped around him.

"Mister Rex, Mister Rex! It's been a while! Desco missed you."

"It was unfortunately difficult to pry even a bit of the idea away from Kohaku, to be honest..." Just super didn't like the romance aspects of the season, which was a shame, given what the 'season' was. "But I'm glad to hear it's paid off..! I've been enjoying some of it myself too! As Nana- auh, the President- put it, it'd be a shame if the ones who put it together didn't enjoy it as well, or something along those lines..."

[The instructor's expression brightens when she agrees, and he even lets out a laugh at her comment, as he took her hand and started to lead in dance. He's actually quite good, his lead firm and confident, but far from overbearing.]

We do indeed make quite a sight. Almost a story out of myth itself. But that's part of the fun. How many people are going to believe this story when it gets told?

[He too, is at least aware of how absurd this must look, and even sound. He also does not care.]

All the better to have fun in the meantime, wouldn't you agree?

He chuckles at that, the sound light and happy, one hand coming up to smother it slightly. "Having met her before, I can believe that." He says, a slight twinkle in his eyes. "She seems a bit... rough around the edges. Not in a bad way by any means... but she just does not seem the type to go all in for ribbons and candies."

He nods a bit in agreement. "I've yet to met the President, but I agree with them. The best way to know you did a good job is to experience it yourself!" he says, giving the other a wink.

Oh, definitely. It doesn't hurt that neither of us are exactly what you'd call hard on the eyes, hmm?

[A small smirk slips in with her smile as she matches him move for move.]

There's something to be said for the excuse of escaping with another person rather than slinking off alone. Sherlock doesn't smile very wide but he meets it with a brighter one of his own anyway.

"Let's go then," He says, swinging his guitar up and onto his back. He starts to lead the way. "Fulfil the time honored tradition of teenagers acting like they have better places to be."

He nods, following after the other man as he stuck his hands in his trouser pockets. "If anyone asks, we're out to keep said teenagers out of trouble." Sherlock murmurs.

Once outside, he breathes in the night air, even if the act was completely extraneous for him - same with the motion of pulling out a cigarette and lighting it, offering one to Héctor as his eyes peered up at the half-moon above.

Extraneous, maybe, but Héctor does the same. It's grounding. He needs that.

He lifts a brow at the offered cigarette, but takes it, holding it out for a light. He never smoked in life, not really, but he didn't have much against it when it wasn't doing either them a lick of harm. He looks up at the moon too, taking a drag and letting go, before turning back to Sherlock.

"You want to talk about it?"

This is a terrible idea. He's not sure what he's actually doing. He just knows that he's already sunken low enough, what could happen? How bad could it be?

With wide eyes and a guitar on his back, he seeks his torturer out. He's not hard to find, but he doesn't want to interrupt anything else and it turns out. Rex is quite fond of dancing. When, finally, Rex moves off to the side, he joins him.

It feels like his heart is racing. He knows it's perfectly still. Nevertheless, he manages to look almost calm save for the tight grip he has on that guitar strap.

"You dance well," He comments.

Edited 2020-02-17 14:48 (UTC)

He lights it, before putting it away. "I prefer a good pipe, the flavor isn't as much tinted with additives, but pipe smoking tends to stand out more nowadays." And it was better than his old habit.

But that sort of talk was just a distraction, a way of putting off what is actually on his mind. 'Do people ever ask if you're well' Kokoro's question popped into his mind unbidden, as he quietly looks over to Héctor.

Someone's asking now. "It might clear things up... well, it's something ridiculous, like some kind of tawdry work of fiction." Again, roundabout, taking his time to get to the point. "Damn it - Héctor, if you knew someone - someone you respect but are not friends with... the opposite really, and it turns out you're both closer then you thought."

His lips pursed. "Turns out you're siblings, what kind of things come to your mind?"

Emille is sitting at the drink bar, taking care to be observant of all that's going on as a faculty chaperone. So of course she's had her eye on the... bear coming through the drink line, poking his nose towards all of the flavored cocktails. When he comes near to her to sniff her drink, she can tell that he's a little confused, as it has no smell. Emille can't help but smile very slightly at this turn of events, but just for a moment.

"I am drinking water tonight, Sir Bear. Your sense of smell is very impressive, however. So is your choice of dress; very well-researched. This ball has a unique theme, and I congratulate whomever decided on it." She's not much for all that traditional Valentine's Day mess.

Emille is chaperoning from the drink bar, and notices the glum look on the newest arrival's face. She waits for him to down some drinks before remarking,

"I take it you are not an admirer of Valentine's Day?" She nods slightly. "Neither am I."

As someone who hates far more than she loves, Emille isn't much for Valentine's Day. Yet she is pleased with the playful twist on the traditional theme, which makes her chaperone role seem a little less tedious after all.

Being her typical stick in the mud self, Emille's outfit is her usual buttoned-up maroon military jacket, but with formal black slacks underneath instead of a dress and leggings. At least it's something a little different?

A. Observing at the drink bar

[Emille sits at the drink bar with a water at hand, watching the crowd on the dance floor. No, she's not interested in trying any of the fancy drinks (at least not on her own), but she does take interest in watching others' reactions to downing the drinks. Want to amuse her by getting grossed out in front of her, or allow her to see the effects of one of the more odd drinks that actually changes one's voice? Or, even better, want to try and coerce her to live it up a little and try a drink herself? She has had her eye on one of the visually-altering drinks...]

B. A maze for days

[After sitting at the drink bar for a while, Emille notices a button on the wall to her left. That hasn't always been there, has it? Curious, she walks over to it and presses it, revealing a hidden door. Even more curious now, she enters it without a second thought. Follow her before the door disappears?]

(or)

[Emille has been in the hallways for a little while now, marveling at the magic on display. At least, she thinks it's magic? The walls glitter even though the hallways are filled with an odorless smoke... Her intrigue keeps her going, finding her journey and its unpredictability endlessly interesting.

She eventually ends up in a hallway that dead-ends into a small lounge area, with what must be an illusion of a full moon beaming through a window onto a plush red couch. However, as she approaches, the image of the night sky is replaced with a red and pink cascade of hearts, and she notices that the couch now has pink heart-shaped pillows on it.

Emille just frowns and sighs. Looks like she's stumbled upon the lovers' nook.]

...Seriously?

[It's too hazy for her to tell if anyone else is in the room... Or behind her, laughing at her response.]

C. Baby's first gun

[After escaping that red and pink nightmare, Emille hears others ahead of her chattering amongst themselves about a game at the end of this hall. Interested, she follows a ways behind them so they would not notice her, until they enter into a much larger, darker room with... black lights?

To her right are pendants and what look like guns. There's also a list of rules for the uninitiated such as herself, complete with instructions on how to use the weapons. Emille's never held a gun, let alone used one, so she's unsure whether or not she wants to partake in this activity. For now, she'll watch the others to get the gist of the game...]

D. Chaperoning... spirits?

[The ball is winding down, but Emille is once again at the drink bar, doing her duty as faculty chaperone until the bitter end. There seem to be more unrecognizable figures out on the floor now as the time has grown closer to midnight, and she has no idea who they may be, as their faces are veiled by hats and masks.

Every now and then one sort of mindlessly drifts over to the drink bar, and as they come closer to Emille, her small body glows with a blue aura that drives the stranger away without a word. She knows what the aura is, but she's unsure why it's reacting. Even more, she's nervous about other, more spiritually-attuned people seeing what's happening.

In an attempt to stop this from continuing, she whispers,] Please, I'm okay...

E. Wildcard

[Emille's going to be around all night and in all the places at some point. Feel free to poke her with whatever!]

The comment takes him by surprise, making him blink. It doesn't take time at all to work out the impression he's made. He laughs softly, quiet as a breath.

"On the contrary," He says. "I'm quite in love with love." He smiles ruefully. "But it is not always so simple and sometimes the timing of these things just doesn't fall quite right."

He hums, taking note of that. Maybe at another time he can do something with that. That time is not now.

He bobs his head at tawdry work of fiction. He has thoughts but again he waits. His chin lifts a little with the true answer that comes. He has to really think about that and it leaves a long silence. He takes another drag and watches smoke and breath rise in the chill night air.

"I've never been very good at rivalries. I don't think it's in my nature to keep," He says. "And as an orphan kid, I've spent a good few years on idle day-dreaming like that, that someone might be my family, someone near or someone far, far out there." His hand twirls and the smoke from the cigarette trails.

"I think it would take me some time to work out each part piece by piece. The joy of family. The relief. The pain. Knowing that you can't get those years back and they never really existed. Wondering why it came to be this way. And anger... a good bit of anger for it. For those who hid it and maybe a little feeling toward the sibling for any divide between that exists-- and for the truth. I imagine a lot of those feelings would get tangled up." He takes another long drag.

"Perhaps fate had something to do with your meeting, but none of us are ever going to know that. So, I'd just remember, what you feel toward that person is your real feeling. You can look deeper or you can decide not to and there's nothing wrong with either choice."

He listens, attentively - they really did come from different walks of life. However, as the other man speaks, some of that messy knot that's been tangling up in his attic-space seems to unravel, words don't fix things, but identifying the pieces helps - not knowing things is the worst for him - knowing what each piece of the puzzle is the first step, always the first for an answer, that's what he always abided by.

"...It's like the Gordian knot and I am lacking a sword... My family never told me I had a twin. It makes me questioned everything I know about them." He exhales softly, an accusation was on the tip of his tongue, but he swallows it. "I think Moriarty and I are still - trying to figure out what this means in the long run."

"Oh?" Not the response she was expecting, but maybe she was just holding out hope that she wasn't the only one uninterested in the holiday. "I know little on the subject, as it is too erratic for my tastes. There is no room for emotion in the field of science."

Emille does lower her voice for a moment, and meets Héctor's eyes. "Yet I can tell that you are suffering. I hope that you will be able to recover soon." Her tone is mostly manner-of-fact, on-behalf-of-the-Academy, as she only met this man three minutes ago, but something about it might give the slight impression that Emille's been in a similar slump before. She's just very stiff in expressing such sentiments. Her sister was always better with everything emotional...

Emille begins to radiate a very slight blue glow in a way that only spiritually-attuned people can notice, if Héctor is paying close enough attention. Or is it just one of the enchanted drinks playing tricks on them?

A little surprised indeed! Though fortunately for both of them, Gon's nose is more than sensitive enough to sort that out without getting uncomfortably close- that would just be rude.

If bears could blush with praise, he'd be doing it though. "A-Auh...Thank you! I had wanted to keep in line with my family's choices, while keeping to theme... I am glad to hear you are enjoying it, for that matter! As part of the student council, it was very much a team effort, but truthfully one must thank Kohaku for it first- as it was from their idea that this truly stemmed! That it is being taken so well, is truly the most that we could ever ask for!"

Wanna see if a drink can fix that? Bar's still fully-stocked, which is kinda impressive given how long I've had to get at it.

[She will probably leave something for the rest of the partygoers.]

[Probably.]

[Unless she's paying very close attention, the faint sound of footsteps is all the warning Urtz might get before she hears a warm, teasing voice from just a bit behind her:]

If I guess what flavor you think of next, do I win a prize?

[Jailbreak is, perhaps unsurprisingly, blurring the line between "scruffy" and "stylish" to great effect. Her shirt is untucked, the sleeves rolled up, and her suit jacket slung over one shoulder. Instead of actually using them for their intended purpose, she's letting the suspenders dangle from the belt of her pinstripe trousers. Underneath her hat, her hair is fashionably messy- or possibly just regular messy, because at this point who can tell.]

[The end result is that she's not so much in a suit as she is attractively half out of one.]

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VALENTINES BALL

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