What did she think she was doing? What was she even doing here? Fidgeting with the thin manila folder in her hands as she surveyed the classroom she was in, Ami couldn't help but feel the panic rising in her throat, an invisible hand reaching out and choking her before she could even attempt something resembling a coherent sentence. Swallowing nervously, she flipped open the folder, her eyes scanning her handwriting, tiny and cramped, meticulously spread across the torn-out pages of a yellow legal pad. Her father had always had stacks upon stacks of these iconic pads in his office, where she did most of her homework, and she just always felt better when she used them. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to look up from her notes at the people in the room, reminding herself of what she had found during her research, and the arguments that she had prepared.
But seriously,
what was she even doing here? She wasn't good at academics, holding perhaps an A average at best, and certainly had no interest in politics, but something about Model UN had just drawn her in. But...
Taiwan? She couldn't help but feel at least
slightly disappointed. She had, of course, a strong bias towards the country she called home, but she supposed that Taiwan would be alright, too. She thought if she got America, at least she would know how they felt about witchcraft. Weren't the Salem Witch Trials enough of an indication? But After all, how hard could this little bit of research be?
Turns out, it was hard. Very hard. And, very confusing. Taiwan was a country but not a country and the same time, which kind of blew Ami's mind. It was like the non-Newtonian fluid of countries! Recognized by 19 countries as a country, but none of the major superpowers or the legitimate UN itself. They had their own president, their own government, and most Taiwanese people recognized their home as an independent country, yet there were no American ambassadors to Taiwan, and there were no Taiwanese consulates. But, whatever. She wasn't here to wonder if Taiwan should be a country or not, she was here to carry out and extend its views on wizarding influence.
Taiwan's version of witchcraft was entirely different from England's version. Whereas England and American had wands and potions, Taiwan's magic was closely tied to its religions, the three main ones being Buddhism, Taoism, and the local folk religions. Their religions consisted of several gods, each having an area they ruled over, and they would pray to the appropriate ones to grant them wishes or good luck. Others who pursued their religion even more closely would learn chants and other special, ceremonial types of prayers to elevate their connection with the spirits. However, because there are no notable or particularly well-known wizarding schools in east and south-eastern Asia, this was generally the closest anyone ever got to becoming a wizard or a witch. Of course, there is evidence of wizards and witches who have advanced further, contributing great things to the wizard society. For instance, Quong Po, a Chinese wizard who discovered the uses of fireball eggs, or Dzou Yen, a Chinese alchemist. This shows that Chinese and Taiwanese wizards had at least a little bit in common with European and American magic.
The Boxer Rebellion in China was primarily the result of the unwanted presence of Western missionaries trying to convert the Chinese over to Christianity. While Ami knew that this didn't have much to do with Taiwan, directly, it still showed the effects of Christianity in the region. Suddenly, people started turning their backs on their native religions, with Buddhists and Taoists being treated like hell-spawn or the devil. It was heartbreaking, and split many families and relationships apart, driving a rift into the entire country, sending China spinning into a tumultuous chasm of chaos.
However, such religions have begun to gain ground again, sharing space with Western religions like Christianity. They have begun to gain respect, to gain credibility, and especially in traditional villages, these religions are being welcomed with open arms. They aren't anything like what modern-day witchcraft is thought to look like, mainly consisting of chants and songs. No instruments, no rituals, no sacrifices- just prayers.
However, Ami figured that they still wouldn't be all that happy with the interference of the wizarding community in wars and such, although they might've been willing to accept a helping into complete independence and democracy. The line between true wizardry and religion has been blurred many times over, especially in eastern Asia's history, but she felt that there was still some lingering wariness and suspicion coming from the No-Maj's side. Modern wizardry, like they were learning in school now, was a giant leap from what Taiwan probably thought of as the "extremes" of magic, and there would most likely be outrage at the thought of pure magic in their country. The Taiwanese tended to be proud, though, meaning that the magical community would most likely hold the same views as their non-magical peers.
Goddammit. Why did this make her head spin so much? Sighing, Ami looked around the room, waiting for someone else to start- someone who actually knew what they were doing, unlike her.
holy moly gosh i'm sorry this is so late
According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly.
STA 7 | EVA 8 | STR 15 | WIS 6 | ARCP 3 | ACC 12
martial artist | prodigal transfig | spell spread
