the_campus | ANNOUNCEMENT 002

[ Just as easily as the positron blade extended from his arm, it's retracted. All of the pieces form back together and his arm is back to its default state. ]

I'm a practitioner of the Cybrid Arts. Paired with top of the line tech, even people with enhancements have trouble keeping up.

[ Which is to say that exceeds a normal human's output, motion or otherwise. He can jump higher than a human, fall from great heights, and even pick up pre-war vehicles and toss them aside as though they were made of paper.

His voice may carry a bit of a pride there. He's normally not one to boast about his abilities or exploits (that is, unless he's being mocked about it - again, Jack Cayman comes to mind) but his tech? Well, that's a different story. ]

[Despite his inclination for the arts, Pegasus was a secret admirer of the finer points of technology. While he didn't care for some of the advancements and could at times be considered a bit vintage, that was just his way of misleading others into thinking he held no skill in them whatsoever.

His hacking of the secret Kaiba interface computer should have been indication enough, as well as his partnership with Kaiba Corporations when he could have just as easily gone to someone else. Hence, why Pegasus thought the mechanics behind Leo's capabilities were unusually intriguing.]

You are a marvel of life and science paired beautifully together, I do commend you sir. Now this may pose an odd question but can you handle delicate things? Is it fine-tuned with the finesse of a human grasp enough to hold, oh, say something glass without breaking it?

[Because if he couldn't control his brute strength then it may as well have been crude.]

[ Leo gives the other man an incredulous look. After what he's shown him, he's going to question how much control he has over his limbs? What the hell kind of sense does that make? ]

I wouldn't say odd. [ ... Just redundant. ] But yeah, I can. It's not something I have to actively think about to prevent, either.

[ But the man will just have to take his word for it unless he manages to pull a glass out of thin air or improvise. ]

[Normally he wouldn't have but he had to be sure for a very specific reason. There is in fact a method to Pegasus' madness, Leo just had yet to realize it. His gaze is sharp and calculating. Oh there was a purpose indeed in all that he did or said.]

That's what I thought. Forgive me I had to be sure.

[He tilted his head and smirked slightly at the reaction.]

I just wanted to know if I could interest you in a drink.

[ ... Or Pegasus will ask him for a drink instead of performing some sort of miracle act. There's that he didn't consider. If Max were here, he'd probably get a good laugh out of the suggestion, a joke at his own expense like he did in Hong Long topped off with a hearty clap on Leo's shoulder. But Leo isn't much of a drinker, hasn't been since Max abused the substance by mixing it with his PTSD medication. It didn't make the man sick but it was a factor that made it worse.

Still, social drinking can't too bad. He doesn't have to down much and he has a better chance of learning more from that than he does wandering around the rest of the joint. Pegasus has been here for a month; he should have something to say about the place. ]

Sure. [ Leo gives the a man a brief nod of his head. ] Lead the way.

[A casual little drink with a new acquaintance could hardly be so bad, could it? After all, Pegasus was the perfect example of a gracious host. He'd half-expected Leo to say "no", so he's pleasantly surprised. Very pleasantly surprised, in fact. So much so he clasped his hands together while his entire face lit up.]

Oh how wonderful!~ Mind you, I know it seems sudden but we're in a strange place with no one familiar and all alone, none of our usual resources...may as well make some! And what better way to get to know each other a little better, hmm?

[Honestly Pegasus is the sort who is something of a social butterfly but yet still managed to withdraw from personal connections back home. This place was sort of forcing him to adjust or else he may never find a way out.]

Alright, I hope you don't mind if it's in the dean's office. [It's sort of become his unofficial haven given he had exclusive access to the liquor cabinet.] I think my dormitory might be a little too cramped for you.

[He doesn't want to make him feel claustrophobic, after all. That would be rude. Plus there was his roommate Lee to consider. Pegasus saunters towards the indoors casually, knowing Leo would be following after him before long. It wasn't too far, just in the staff wing of the school.]

[ Leo watches the man leisurely stroll into the building as though he doesn't have a care in the world. Some people are easy to please. With a scoff to himself and a shake of his head, the cybrid eventually follows suit. It takes him a moment but a few quick strides and he's walking just shy of the man. ]

So I take it the office is empty. [ Though it's worded as a question, it's clear he isn't looking for an answer. ] ... Have you run into the staff? There's the nurse, I know. She's so damn skittish you can't get a straight answer out of her.

[ As he talks, a tiny flashing light appears in the center of his pupil while his irises begin to glow. One thing he gets out of this trip is more data for his visual reference of the building. ]

Edited (boy i sure am having a lot of typos) 2013-07-02 11:57 (UTC)

[He fell into stride with him quite easily enough, his legs maybe not quite as long but nearly given he was only five inches shorter than him. To him a little conversation over drinks was not only just a way of being friendly but also practical. You learned a lot more that way than being closed off from others. Pegasus of course had his own ways of doing his own investigation.]

Aside from the lady who runs the cafeteria, the nurse, and that oh-so-friendly voice we keep hearing over the intercom there doesn't appear to be anyone else here.

[He confirmed, glancing his way to catch the way his eye glowed with the unnatural light. It was almost distracting to the point where he had to force himself to move a bit to the side gracefully to avoid bumping into him.]

They won't talk. And since everyone else here has been just as confused as you and I, there are some that were not so kind. I believe they're rather wary of newcomers now.

[ The response-time is nearly instant and the green wired filter Leo had over his visual as he scanned the hall fades into a normal view. Gradually, his eyes dim, turning into a more natural looking color. ]

So only the cafeteria and infirmary are operated. Guess that should say something about the food.

[ He keeps his expression deadpan for the joke. Still, what Pegasus says makes sense; given how many people have been brought here, there's bound to be someone with an aggressive personality. If the nurse has been threatened, it at least explains her timid nature. ]

Intimidation can be an effective means to garner information but only works against certain people. Besides, there's nothing to gain from scaring the nurse; it's pretty clear she isn't the mastermind here.

[He'd have asked about that too, but the intricacies of science could be left a mystery a moment longer while he spoke. There was more to the story behind the veils of secrets and lies, but there was much the Creator of Duel Monsters had not seen yet. Even with immense power at his disposal, the Eye could only glean so much from their environment.]

Oh, you're completely right~ It's hardly edible at all! It's awful.

[Pegasus sighed softly with a grim smile at that little jest, though he wouldn't readily admit to finding ways around it. There were provisions to be found if one only knew where to look. Hence why he was being versatile about utilizing liquor cabinets. The way Pegasus saw it, there was no need to be shy about one's needs, especially when there was no one here to claim what was left.]

Mmm~ An astute observation. Your mind is as quick and fine-tuned as your body, I daresay.

[Before long the office loomed before them, and he opened the door for Leo with a flourish to go inside first.]

After you good sir.

Sometimes I hate being right.

[ It's uttered more to himself than his company. He's pretty shit with making his own food. He'd often pick something up from a bar when he had downtime or, back before Max snapped, would visit their place. Ondine would insist he stay for dinner, shoving plate after plate of the most amazing food in front of him. Max was right, nothing ever really compared to her cooking.

The memories leave a bitter taste in Leo's mouth, one that can't easily be washed away. He mutters his thanks to Pegasus and ducks his way through the door, a sour smile on his face. The ceiling is thankfully as high as the rest of the building and aside from ducking to get through the door frame, he doesn't have to hunch over to accomodate. ]

Not a bad room. You'd think it'd be utilized more.

Well, don't worry. I know a thing or two about food. It's really not that hard. If you ever need someone to help with that, I wouldn't mind.

[He trailed after him before closing the door, leaving it unlocked since he didn't want to make this seem like he was trying to trap the man. It wasn't hard to tell from the bitterness Leo spoke with that he preferred to be cooked for.

While Pegasus mostly didn't feel the need to cook given he had his personal chef to do that for him Leo was quite in luck, as on occasion he was just that eccentric that he would be able to whip up most anything on the fly. And just the way he saw it was a gracious invitation to offer his help in the matter. He's already made Lee waffles, after all. It was as simple to him as mixing the right ingredients and using heat in just the right way to create a masterpiece, much like how he utilized paints to create art. The principles were similar, which was why cooking was often referred to as the 'culinary arts'.]

Mm, well. Since it isn't, no point in letting it go to waste.

[Yes, the dean's office wasn't too shabby, since there was oak bookshelves, the persian-looking carpet, the portrait over the mantlepiece of a fireplace along with the leather armchairs near the fire. Yes, it's quite a bit classier than say, the dormitories though the school was decent enough in decor.

Pegasus sauntered over to the glass liquor cabinet and opened the door with a small key he'd found in the desk, unlocking it smoothly.]

Well, pick your poison.

[ To be honest, Leo hasn't seen a place spruced up like this in... well, he can't even remember. It is, without a doubt, pre-war decor; only they had the luxury to indulge in these types of things. The economy back home's too screwed for people with honest jobs to reap any of the benefits that come from having cash.

The cybrid moves towards the bookcase as Pegasus works with the cabinet. He's tracing his thumb along the spines, reading over book titles when the question comes along.]

Bourbon whiskey. Prefer wheat but I'll take what you've got.

Bourbon. Good choice. Ice or no ice?

[Especially because it was either that or...hmm. Not a whole lot of variety, sadly. Pegasus didn't prefer it himself as he was very much a wine drinker, but since he was a good sport he'd managed to indulge his guests.

He grabbed the bottle in question before pulling forth two snifter glasses.]

[ He casts a look over his shoulder, tilting his head back slightly so he doesn't obstruct his voice. ]

Served neat.

[ His attention is then back on the books, tracing his way back to the start of the line. More out of idle curiosity than anything, he plucks one off the shelf and thumbs through a few pages. The book itself was nondescript, lacking a title on its spine or a sleeve over its cover. ]

It's weird to see so many of these. They're pretty much obsolete back home - more for collecting.

Very well. Neat it is~!

[No ice it was then! He poured the amber liquid into the snifter to an appropriate amount, so that when the glass itself was palmed just so the bourbon's complexities could be further explored with the opening of its aroma by the heat of the hand.

He poured one for himself as well, and then held the two glasses before him, offering one out to him.]

...Really? Obsolete as in simply uploaded to a computer instead? They do have a library here, if you're interested in seeing it sometime. I prefer holding a book in my hands myself, personally.

[ He runs his index finger over one of the printed sentences before closing the book shut with an audible snap. Using his other hand to hold its place, he slides it back into position. ]

Yeah, everything is digital. My guess is that it's because it's easy to destroy a physical copy and people want something that lasts. Arson rates aren't exactly low back in Mil City.

[ Leo runs his thumb down the spine of the book one last time before he pulls away and heads towards Pegasus to collect his drink. ]

Thanks.

Oh. Well, what if they get erased? Or is much of your world given to securing long-lasting digital copies?

[He can only imagine for as advanced as Leo made his world sound that they would've come up with a way to prevent that.]

You're welcome.~ And feel free to sit if you like.

[His gaze followed the tall cybrid quietly before he decided to casually swirl the snifter in his hand, waiting a moment before taking a small sip. This bourbon wasn't the finest quality but it wasn't mediocre either. The flavor was smooth, a little smokey, but not overpowering.]

If it's been recorded, it's still out there. There's recovery units that specialize in retrieving broken or deleted data.

[ He looks down into his glass, mimicking the other's actions by swirling his drink. The snifter can't be utilized to its full extent since his limbs are unable to put off heat but, at the very least, it still traps in the aroma. He hesitates before taking a gradual sip; the bourbon is pleasant, smooth. Much better than the shit back home. Max may have been more of a gin man but he would've appreciated this bottle. ]

You've heard a bit about Milvallen. What about the place you're from?

[ Leo takes the offered seat though he doesn't sit prim and proper. Where most would cross their legs or ankles in polite company, he sits as he would anywhere else. ]

I see...Of course there would have to be, wouldn't there?

[It wasn't long before Pegasus sat himself, though unlike Leo he did cross his legs as was natural for him while he considered the question.]

Mmm, well. I'm from America of Earth. The United States. A very bustling and lively country. Known as the melting pot of the world really. Many different people and cultures meshed together...It's where I debuted Duel Monsters for the first time.

[Their worlds couldn't be more opposite given the immense structure of the governments and emphasis on entertainment. Duel Monsters was famous worldwide, and Pegasus himself was a celebrity. Anarchy wasn't even thought of in the least. Pleasures like the one he had now had been taken for granted, so maybe this was why it was harder for Pegasus to adjust to his current surroundings.]

It's a game I designed, you see. I'm a businessman by trade, the CEO of Industrial Illusions, but my craft is in entertainment. So as you can imagine it's rather irksome to be kidnapped when I have a company to run. My business partner, Kaiba Corporations depends on me for transferring the data to their computers, after all.

Unlike Milvallen people don't commonly have enhancements where I'm from. I think the most we do is transplants and prosthetics though there have been several unusual cases before of amazing technology being used in order to replace oh, say, a faulty eyesight or hearing...There have been innovations in biorobotics but not nearly to the level you described.

[Cybrids may as well be a thing of science fiction, still. Though magic and strange occult events were a lot more commonplace.]

[ Pegasus and his mannerisms, his dress, all of his nuances - it's as if everything fits into place once he says the words "CEO" and "entertainment". Leo lets out an amused huff and attempts to mask it by brushing his hair out of his face followed by another sip of his drink; he doesn't want to appear rude. ]

Duel Monsters, huh?

[ The killjoys back home probably have a game with a similar name. Of course, he's certain it'd be more deadly - the monsters would mostly likely be mutants. Maybe berserkers if they really want to test their luck. ]

Downtime isn't common but when I have it, I usually head to the bar to shoot pool. Genuine entertainment isn't on people's minds these days so there aren't a whole lot of options to choose from. Instead, you've got a lot of underground activity - fight sessions, the like.

[ He takes pause, lowering his arms to the chair's rests. After a moment or two: ]

... So what's your game about?

Forgive me but that sounds rather dreadful, Leo-boy. You need to come home with me instead, clearly. I promise I'd introduce you to some real fun!

I mean not to trivialize the state of crisis where you're from but honestly entertainment can be used for good in a lot of ways. True, it can be taken for granted but you'd really be surprised how people can bond over something like that. A good distraction can be a good thing. I know it must seem silly to hear but it's true. I've seen so many take hope out of playing Duel Monsters and it does give me great joy and a sense of pride as its Creator to see my Duelists so happy.

[Because no one needs to be subjected to something so barbaric as fighting all the time. Honestly Pegasus is just as opposite to the type of person Leo's world has as Leo is to his world. Still, he can see now why Leo might be skeptical. Duel Monsters has done a lot for so many people around the world where he's from. For some of them, it gave them a purpose, for others it was a way of life, and made them stronger. And for even more people it symbolized hope, and gave them a means to connect with each other.

Pegasus leaned forward as he almost forgot himself, the snifter still in his hand but held aloft as he gestured with it when he spoke.

Now he's getting excited! He loves it when someone asks him about his game! Oh so very much so.~ Leo you don't know the half of it. "Eccentric" is in his very DNA.]

OH! I'm so glad you asked! I'd be happy to tell you about it. It's my very own creation! It's a card game...You have two opponents who face one another in what is called a Duel. Much like the name implies you use Monsters to conduct these duels and play them on a Field. Each opponent has a set number of Life Points, and the first one to reduce these Life Points to 0 wins.

There are also different card types such as Trap and Magic cards that help aid you in your strategies. That's the briefest explanation I can give.

There's just about something for everyone depending on what you like. Magic, monsters, adventurous battles, strategy, and excitement. Brain teasing but extremely good fun. With Kaiba Corporations' help, we designed an interactive gameplay that revolutionized the gaming world. With Kaiba-boy's Virtual Simulation System he was able to design Solid Vision, which is essentially holographics used to enhance the gameplay. A virtual system, you might say...Taking place in a physical Duel Ring, or "The Field", where you conduct your battles and where the Monsters come to life. It can be quite exciting~

I won't deny that. It helps to get out of the front line. I'm sure that's part of the reason we have so many cases of PTSD on the force; we never have the time to take care of ourselves. Too much happening, not enough people to contain it. We've got drones but they've got to have people to command them or else a mission can get ugly real quick - usually puts Chasers at risk. The Bureau, well,... they don't like unnecessary complications.

[ Leo says that but if the Bureau didn't like unnecessary complications, they'd let them have the time off to seek help. The situation with Max just proved that the BPS's men were expendable. 'Shoot to kill' when the guy was having an event. It was bullshit - that's why Leo went against direct orders, attempted to fry his superior, and helped Max back home. His ass was safe thanks to Nikolai's last minute confession and Max was protected by the court of law thanks to the PTSD defense.

The system really was a pile of rotting corpses, just like he told Nikolai.

Dismissing the train of thought with a subtle shake of his head, Leo levels his gaze and listens to the overzealous explanation of the game. It seems simple enough - and with holographic visuals - but it's not something that readily interests him if he's to go on description alone. ]

How long does a typical match last?

Well, I'm sure it might be strange but I should hope that you yourself will consider this an opportunity for a little down time. Being forced into war or being part of a military agenda is no laughing matter. Such a condition as PTSD is terrible...to think so many deal with such a trauma.

[He of course grew more serious at those words. Pegasus was not a man to take such discussion lightly. And he's not naive enough to not be aware of such things.]

I think part of the reason why I wanted to spread this game around the world was to initiate a form of peace. You'd be surprised at how unifying a single game like mine can really be. I'm sorry to hear that in your world that doesn't seem to be the case.

[Pegasus hardly approved of a Bureau that would take advantage of someone like that. Entertainment was a far better alternative than all-out war or a state of chaos for that matter.

In some cases duels have been used to settle matters between men rather than bloodshed. Pegasus was proud of that fact. It was better to channel one's anger in a healthy matter lest it lead to a path of self-destruction for all parties involved.]

It rather depends on how good you are at trapping or outwitting your opponent, or in some cases how powerful you are. It could be quick, or far longer...Skill as well as technique can be a measure in determining who will lose or win but given the sheer number of cards there are as well as deck types out there the strategies employed can be infinite, honestly. Some duelists prefer, for instance, a Trap or Spell-card based deck that could essentially disable your opponent from drawing out their more powerful monsters, or to remove their ability to fight back altogether. It rather depends on what kind of person you are, and that is often reflected in one's deck.

Some duels end a lot more quickly than others, based on the differences in strength, ingenuity, and luck of the two duelists in question. It's a little like a form of chess with the platform being far more physical, but there's a lot more to it than that.

It is and it happens a lot more than people are willing to admit. [ In a matter of seconds, Leo's overall demeanor turns somber. ] It's not just the patient you have to worry about, either. Their family, their friends,... they're all at risk unless the person gets help that sticks. You can't predict the events - what will trigger them. Too many variables from person to person. And sometimes when you do figure it out, it's too late.

[ He glances down at his glass, turning and twisting his wrist to watch the liquid roll. Pegasus is right though, it really isn't the case back home. War broke down the system, caused chaos all over the world. Milvallen at least has this skeleton of a structure - Altambra is lawless. And without some kind of hand, people will give in to their basic instincts.

While he gets the idea and approves of the man's optimism, Leo can't see something like this game causing any real difference. It might be the first step some people need, a vent of sort, but you can't just turn off instinct and it's been proven through the years that people want to fight. Hell, the only reason humans made such an improvement where cybernetics and nanomachines are concerned is because their world was on the brink of collapse. The chemicals left over from warfare began to corrupt the ecosystem and people, mutating or breaking their DNA. It was that instinct, that need to survive, that pushed humans forward. Nothing else.

But he won't deny there's people out there - honest, innocent people like Jeannie and the memory of Stella and Ondine - that want that peace. They just need a voice and platform to share it.

He looks back up for the middle of Pegasus's explanation, eyes glued to the man. He gives the occasional nod here and there, mostly to show that he's following the conversation. ]

... So what's the difference between a trap and a spell? They sound similar.

ANNOUNCEMENT 002

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Excuse my late ;;

Pfft, I can wait months. You're fine.

<3

My turn to apologize. Not just for the wait but length as well. Ahh.

I'm happy to backtag so no worries~