Collaberation Post
Venture Academy - School Grounds
A deep, well-earned breath traveled past pale lips. A droplet of sweat made its way down the boyâs temple, his concentration remaining unphased by a spectating crowd. He could not lose this, it was the thought traveling through his mind in a continuous spiral, a never fading determination which tugged at every sense. Clenching his teeth, Neoh furrowed his thin brow, that raven black hair a stark contrast to his otherwise ghostly pale skin. It was now, or never, as he would say, a decision for the ages. An act which would define the outcome of his current predicament. Tightening his fist, Neoh raised his remaining limb to wipe the pearls glistening upon his forehead.
Finally, he was prepared, ready to take that step which would determine his position, his victory. Extending a slender, scrawny arm, Neoh pointed his finger forward, an expression of absolute conviction prevalent upon his features. âThat one,â came a soft, if dauntless voice, the resolve seeping from it like a brimming sun. Gulping, Neoh leaned forward, eyes glued on the cups displayed upon a table. He had managed to successfully guess the right sequence twice in a row, now. If he managed once more time, he would be the winner. The winner of what, one might ask? A candy bar.
The cup was raised, his classmates nearly falling over one another as they had gathered to watch the event unfold, in the teacherâs absence. With a hand placed on the cup, Neoh noted how his classmate tilted it somewhat, a soft smirk making its way to the illusionistâs visage. âYou have chosen..,â the girl spoke, imitating a famous line from Indiana Jones, â...wisely!â She finished, lifting the cup fully to reveal the small pebble beneath.
Without a word, Neoh shoved his fist into the air, victoriously, displaying his great achievement.
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It was nervewracking really, when there was a candy bar on the line. One wrong answer and all would be lost. He knew, however, that he could trust his brother to choose the right one, Neoh had managed to get two correct already.
Miles stood next to his brother, bent over slightly as one hand was on Neoh's shoulder as he watched the event unfold. He didn't say a word, for he didn't want to break the concentration Neoh had worked so hard to build up. Miles had almost started sweating in anticipation while his brother made his choice, wondering if it would all be worth it in the end.
Two fists raised high for his brother's victory as it was revealed that Neoh had chosen correctly. Many of the other student in the room cheered for Neoh or stood in awe at his correct answer, having guessed the answer themselves just to play along.
Miles lightly shook his brothers shoulder in congratulations for the small, but exciting, victory.
"How did you know?" Milly asked, scratching his head as he watched the illusionist shuffle the cups again, a few of the other students wanting to give it a try.
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Smirking as Neoh swiped the candy bar resting so eagerly upon the table, he unwrapped the sweet and broke it in half, as was natural for the boy. He proceeded to share the victory with his brother, handing him one piece of the prize. âA well educated guess,â Neoh noted, biting into the candy, âor blind luck,â the boy shrugged, âone of the two.â Indeed, blind luck, it was quite true. Neoh had not been able to follow the motions of the cups as they were spun, neither was he acute enough to determine the psychological factor of this most peculiar guessing game. He was simply lucky, three times in a row. Though nearly impossible, it was not quite out of the realm they all presented themselves within.
Dropping onto his chair, Neoh reached into his pocket and produced a small bag of treats, before Lemon scurried down the boyâs arm and towards his hand where the ferret began sniffing the delicious nuggets. His owner handed the eager critter what Lemon was so desperately seeking. Tracing slender, dainty fingers through the ferretâs fur and behind his ears, Neoh turned back to his brother with a small smirk. âThatâs probably this weekâs luck used up."
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âWell shit,â Miles said, laughing, âGuess we better be careful on our next assignment.â The young boy took his gifted half of the candy bar and took a bite, watching as Neoh treated his ferret to a few treats.
Miles reached put and scratched Lemon behind his ears, smiling at the small animal before pulling a seat up next to his brother. He spread out his arms and legs out, stretching every muscle for a few long moments before sighing and looking over at his brother.
âNext time we stay up late we're watching a movie. No more of these damn games that end up taking three hours.â Miles teased, letting his head fall back as he closed his eyes for a moment.
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Yes, the brothers tended towards activities which had a tendency of keeping them from the pleasant embrace of rest. Video games, role playing games or merely enjoying a prolonged conversation, the two enjoyed each otherâs company enough to shift an otherwise rigid schedule. It was not an uncommon development, in the slightest, but rather, a norm. âMh, sure,â Neoh shrugged his shoulders, as Lemon balled up on the desk with a soft yawn. The critter embodied Milesâ fatigue, to be sure. âIâd watch 300 again,â Neoh admitted, his fingers absentmindedly combing their way through Lemonâs fur, where he laid. The critter was constantly a point of interest for the other students, where they tended to compliment the ferret on its cute nature, and often wished to pet it. Considering Lemonâs curious and most certainly social demeanor, it was a commonly granted gift. âNever got to watching Wonder Woman,â Neoh tapped his chin as the boy delved into deeper thought. âThink sheâs based on a real person?â The boy presented, leaning back with crossed arms. âI hear Greece has a bunch of those.., Olympian heroes. Sticking with the theme and all that.â
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âMm, I dunno.â Miles replied, eyes still closed as he tried to imagine who Wonder Woman could represent in this world. âI'd like to watch something where people arenât stabbing each other every five seconds.â he said, opening his eyes and looking at his brother.
âSomething like,â Miles took a bite of his candy bar, âOh I dunno.., Harry Potter or something.â
After a few moments of thinking he looked back up at the ceiling and asked, âWhat would you do if you had to fight Voldemort?â He took another bite of the bar, âLike, he can kill you with one word and a fancy stick. What would you do?â
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Blinking, Neoh squinted at his brother for a moment, before tilting his head. âYou know we can do that without fancy sticks or words, right?â Neohâs abilities allowed for him to conjure forth spectral spears and launch them like bullets, or spinning them like saw blades. Powers were generally more powerful than the magic displayed in the Harry Potter universe, and they were most certainly more efficient, words taking a step back in lieu of systematic use. No words, simply power. Even more defensive abilities, like Milesâ own, were incredibly dangerous. Neohâs brother, if creative with his ability, could exact absolute chaos with his powers. Caging someone in a bubble, locking them in a room by creating a barrier at the exit during a raging fire, or simply attacking with his shields. Shields which would block Voldemortâs spells, one might add. âBut sure, Iâll humor you. What would I do when fighting Snake Face.â Neoh tapped his chin. The teacher was taking her precious time, for sure. âHe is actually powerful enough to use magic without words.., in some scenes. The continuity is a bit fucked,â Neoh noted, turning to his brother before placing Lemon on his lap. âMe and him would probably have a really quick fight. All comes down to who hits the other first. Youâd be able to draw that shit out, for a while.â Raising a finger as he spoke, Neoh continued, âI think my best tactic against someone like Voldemort would be to keep him on the defensive. Overwhelm him with attacks until I break his defenses.â
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"Dude, it's magic, you never know what that shit could do." Miles asked, attempting to defend his question, "Like, for all I know it could go through my barriers. I dunno."
He took a couple final bites of his candy bar, licking his fingers and wiping them on his pants before thinking about Neoh's response. Miles thought about a fight between him and Voldemort, he'd have to be pretty careful not to let his guard down; could be easy enough as long as he preserves his energy when using his shields. If he lost the ability to conjure a shield he'd be doomed.
His brother on the other hand wasn't as lucky with having barriers to put in between him and the spell. He would probably have to remain light and agile to be able to evade Voldemort's attacks.
"Well what if-"
Miles cut off his next question as he heard the door open, as did a few others students.
"Alright alright, I know I took awhile but don't start having a party without me."
Many of the students wandering about hurried to their desks, while others fixed a few chairs and also got into place.
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