Luceti Valley - The First Log

[lucetimods]

Who: Everyone
What: The start of a new experiment... or is it?
When: August 2nd - August 6th
Where: Luceti itself
Summary: Luceti has become an idyllic and peaceful 50s-esque village. The first few days are just business as usual, right?
Rating: Varies with thread. Please move explicit stuff to appointments post with appropriate warnings.

August 1st had seemed like an ordinary day in Luceti. But late in the evening, for those night owls who had not turned in yet, they were witness to strange fluctuations in the barrier. Beautiful, really, almost like Luceti had received its own 'Northern Lights', even though it seemed to come from the far east, across the ocean. This ominous light show lasted for all of fifteen minutes before it ceased all together. Skimming the ocean waters, a horde of cultists entered Luceti, cloaked by darkness. Upon reaching the entrance to the tunnels, their leader stepped inside and was followed one by one by his fellow cultists. When the last had entered, the tunnel entrance closed. Across the mountains, the entrance to the tunnels in the village did the same.

Midnight passed without incident, but by three in the morning, the change suddenly came. Minds were altered, forms were changed, and buildings sprang from nowhere.

Much later, on August 2nd, morning settled on a changed village, the new mayor made his way to his mansion with his pair of adorable dobermans at either side of him. The sun shined bright. It was a good day to be a Lucetian.

Note: There will be a stand alone log for the homecoming dance. There will be another log for the second stage of the event.

Comments

[imatreenow]

[You jealous, shorty?

But Mithos can see how the gears in your brain are turning, Jeb...] Just don't buy too much, okay? [He says this with a little smile and a hint of teasing.]

[sketchingideals]

[Maybe a little...!

Oh, Jeb knows Mithos can tell his general thought process on this. He's not good at keeping anything from his best friend. A small, embarrassed blush spreads across his cheeks.] I-I won't! You shouldn't tease me, Mithos...! [But he's laughing.]

[imatreenow]

[Don't worry, you'll hit your growth spurt some day-- Oh, wait, no you won't.]

I know how you can get. [Which is to say, he has every right to tease if he wants. Friend privilege. Mithos has started walking again, restraining himself to a moderate pace so Jeb can keep up.]

[sketchingideals]

[Don't remind him...!]

I promise I'll hold back. I don't want to get so hyped up that I embarrass you and your family. You know that's the last thing I want to do! [He manages to keep up with Mithos at least somewhat decently, trying to stick as close as possible to his friend.] Um, by the way. Mithos, there was something I wanted to ask you about. I guess it's a favor, in a way...

[imatreenow]

[Jeb, he is giving you a look.] I don't care what anybody thinks. [Jeb can try to decode how much truth is hiding in those words.] And there's no way you could embarrass my family - they've known you for too long.

[They've arrived at his locker by now; he spins the combination lock and the metal door squeaks open.] A favor? What is it? [Hastily grabbing textbooks and notebooks and shoving them into his school bag.]

[sketchingideals]

[He knows that look well. He knows Mithos knows all about his self-esteem issues--it's part of being childhood friends, knowing all these things. Because of that, he has a good idea what that look is supposed to stand for.]

Well, if you're sure... [Jeb watches Mithos grab his books and shove them in his bag.] Well, my brother isn't doing too well with his grades. I... I really don't want him to drop out, so... I know you two don't get along very well, but it would help me a lot if I wasn't the only one trying to help him. Plus, we should probably study too...

[Translation: Jeb doesn't like his home, even with his brother there with him. Extra company would help.]

[imatreenow]

[He pauses for a moment, hand lingering on a notebook before sliding it into his bag with everything else. His face tightens, closer to the mask he wears for everyone else, and he glances at Jeb out of the corner of his eye.]

Why can't we just study at my house, like we always do?

[sketchingideals]

[Jeb actually tenses, shrinking ever-so-slightly. He never likes it when Mithos' expression changes to this, it leaves an aching sensation in his chest. Like Mithos would suddenly stop being his friend...]

I... I want to, but I mean it. I... I'm really worried about Silver dropping out of school! He can't afford to--n-neither of us can afford to, and...!

[He takes a deep breath.] This is important to me. He's my little brother...!

[imatreenow]

[Why is it my problem? he wants to ask, but then he catches the look on Jeb's face and he knows the answer. He closes his locker silently.]

...He doesn't like me.

[sketchingideals]

[He's looking at the ground now, feeling too ashamed to look his friend in the eyes.]

I know. I know he doesn't. But I--I believe he'll come around, Mithos! I know he has to come around eventually. I know I'm being selfish, but being there in that house, even with my brother with me...

[A lifetime of his parents' borderline neglectful behavior has caused Jeb to want to be around as many people as possible. He wishes Silver would just change his mind about Mithos--he needs both of them.] ...I'm sorry, I really am being selfish. I shouldn't be a burden on you like this. Please, forget I asked.

[imatreenow]

[He shakes his head, frustrated, but not because of Jeb - never because of Jeb. It's because he hates when Jeb assumes he's a burden to everyone around him.]

You're not being selfish. [He swings his bag over his shoulder.] He's your brother...you just want to help him. [Even if he doesn't care for Silver, he knows how important the bonds between siblings are. The next words are reluctant as he tries to give his feelings shape, but they're sincere.]

And you're my best friend...so I want to help you.

[sketchingideals]

I'm glad you want to help me, thank you. [He smiles, always grateful for the reminder that they're best friends.] But.. are you sure?

[He hates to sound doubtful, but he knows how tense it is between Mithos and Silver.]

It won't be too awkward for you?

[imatreenow]

I'll be okay. [At least...he'll try to be, for Jeb's sake.]

Do you need anything out of your locker?

[sketchingideals]

Okay. I believe you. And don't worry, things will be fine.

[Or Silver will be given a strict talking to. Jeb then thinks for a moment on whether or not he does, in fact, need anything from his locker.]

Hm... oh! Yes, I do. My book for English class--I have reading to do! And maybe my small sketchbook, too! [He doesn't doodle in class once he's done with his work, really.]

[imatreenow]

[He nods toward Jeb's locker, conveniently across the hall from his because of reasons.]

Then hurry up. [His tone isn't harsh - he's settling back into teasing.] You'll make me late for work.

[sketchingideals]

Right! Don't worry, I'll be as quick as possible. I don't want to make you late!

[He knows Mithos is just teasing, but Jeb wants to make sure his friend understands that he really doesn't want to be a bother. He rushes over to his locker, quickly putting in the combination and opening the lock. He then opens the locker door, trying to get his hands on his books as fast as he can.]