Ryuuji Otogi (bybloodbound) wrote in bornintomagic, @ 2008-03-25 08:21:00 |
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Current mood: | accomplished |
Entry tags: | folken de fanel, ryuuji otogi |
"You're better than this." "Yeah, but I'm bored."
Who: Folken and Ryuuji
When: Near the start of the term.
Where: Folken's classroom.
Why: Folken doesn't think Ryuuji's living up to his potential. He's right.
Rating: G.
Status: Complete.
Ryuuji ended up being kept after class one day. All semester long, he'd turned in papers that were just good enough to pass and although he was quiet in class, he had a tendency to sketch out stuff instead of taking notes.
But he aced tests easily. It was probably his test scores that stopped him from actually failing classes.
And when Professor de Fanel wanted to see him, Ryuuji stayed behind without a complaint. Hands in his pockets, scrolls and quill packed into his satchel, head tilted to a side with a quizzical look, "You wanted to see me, Professor?"
Folken took a seat behind his desk - since he's so tall and has such a build, he'd opt not to intimidate the students unless necessary.
Then he asked Ryuuji, "How are you finding the class?"
Ryuuji's smart mouth kicked in first, "I usually take a sharp right at the statute of Gelinda, then head down the--" And then a pause, and a laugh, "Oh, sorry. My joke reflex kicked in." He shrugged, and answered more carefully carefully, "Interesting? I like your comments on Kervokian's Theory of Expansion, but Dr. Strengs findings on the backlash effect should've been taken into effect as well."
Which was a comment that would've been much more appropriately made in class.
Folken tapped the desk with the index finger of his prosthesis, which, because it is clawed and the claws, in canon, were shown to be able to pierce skin would leave a little nick in the wood. "Streng's findings have yet to be given adequate study and peer review. Until the results he mentions can be independently replicated, his work is not applicable to a classroom setting. Nonetheless, the class might have benefited from your input on the subject."
Folken's was sort to say something like that.
Ryuuji shrugged, glance flickering down at Folken's desk for a moment just because of the sound that it made. The scratch in the wood doesn't seem appropriate to stare at, so he looked back at his professor again, "Still, it's groundbreaking. I know you can't give it any weight until it's been correlated by others, but it was fun to read about."
The mention of the class made him blink and then suddenly grin at Folken, "Would you believe I'm too shy to speak up in front of the class?"
Folken smiled slightly. "I would, actually. It's easier to speak in front of one person than it is in front of a group. And I agree about Streng. His research holds promise." He noticed the nick in the wood and repaired it with a Charm. "Still, it makes me wonder why, if you enjoy reading current research on the subject, you don't seem to be applying that intelligence to the class. I mean, your test scores are passable, but it's obvious you're capable of much more."
Ryuuji was surprised that Folken lets him get away with that. Ryuuji's quiet during class, yeah, but he's outgoing and popular outside of that. Still, he's not going to argue it. Instead, he returned Folken's smile ruefully, "Short attention span? I'm lousy at focusing on things for a long period of time. Writing papers isn't any fun."
Folken idly tapped the metal claws of his right hand against the desk surface, careful not to mar it again. It was a shame that someone of Ryuuji's obvious intelligence wasn't performing up to his full potential in the class, but every student was different. They each possessed their own learning style. Perhaps something could be done to adapt to that difference in Ryuuji's case.
He tilted his head slightly. "What if, in lieu of papers, I set you more practical work, and you wrote reports on your findings?"
Ryuuji's eyes widened at that suggestion. Spellcrafting practical experiments? He already did something like that insofar as reverse-engineering the wards on the school to try to get out after hours went, and having an actual professor critique his methods would be incredibly helpful, no matter what the actual purpose of the spells that he'd make for class would be.
Hands in his pockets, he didn't hesitate before replying, "That'd be great! I think that'd be a lot easier."
Folken smiled very slightly. He recalled how he had been as a teenager, and Ryuuji's thoughts most likely turned in some similar directions. "Of course, you'll have to work within the parameters I set, and on the spellforging problems I choose for you, rather than your own work, for it to be graded. But as with everything else, you can apply your knowledge outside the classroom."
He stood and adjusted the fall of his cloak. "Just make sure that anything you do with the results of the practicals won't cause bodily harm to others, Ryuuji. If something happens, we'll have to return to traditional methods." Never mind the official censure I'd get, Folken added silently in his thoughts. He couldn't afford to lose his job, but he refused to stand back and do nothing to encourage a student when there were alternatives present. He'd have to talk to the Headmistress, but he didn't anticipate any problems.
"Professor, I'm shocked. I would never do anything to get other students into trouble or cause them pain!" Ryuuji feigned a pout for a moment, taking a step back from the desk to give Professor Folken enough space to stand up and exit first. He was telling the truth, actually, seeing as his pranks usually tended to only affect his own body. Distract other students, yes. Harm them, no.
Flashing Professor Folken a grin, he pushed his hands further into his pockets, pleased with their solution. "And thanks. This sounds way easier than having to write tons of papers."
Folken gathered his reference materials from the desk. "I just needed to ensure we were both clear on the arrangement," he explained. Looking at Ryuuji, his garnet eyes glinted with a little light of mischief. "It won't be any easier than writing the papers," he teased. "I'll expect you to work to your full potential now, and I'll grade you accordingly."
A quick glance at the clock, and he headed for the entrance. "I'm sorry, Ryuuji, but I have to get back to my office. Have a good day."
Inside his back, his wings burned a silent scream to be freed, but Folken hid the pained expression from his face as best he could. He march out of the classroom with quick, long strides, anxious to get back to his office as soon as possible but pleased he'd been able to work something out with Ryuuji.