+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[At first, the change might not seem as immediate – there is, after all, the giant Sakura in the center of the park, still visible and still large and blooming. But today, all the trees seem to be sakura, surrounding the area and everywhere you look. It’ll soon be clear that you are no longer in the Miracle Country you know and love.

The city isn’t as you know it. Gone are the more modern-style houses and replaced with an ancient Japanese aesthetic. The sakura curve around the paths, made of stone, little streams of water and sakura blossoms falling to line the way.

And for those sensitive to magic, you’ll notice the giant barrier right away. It branches out from the giant sakura in the center of the town. Even those who can’t sense magic will be able to tell this is an old and powerful tree – it emanates its aura, the barrier strong and expansive. Seems simple enough, right?

In fact, this new ‘world’ seems idyllic in many ways. There are fields to plant crops, some vegetables already ready to harvest. The river remains, full of fish just waiting to be caught. The houses are in good repair and there’s enough supplies for everyone. The sun is shining, and it’s a warm spring day. Maybe despite yourself, you have to feel cheerful – it’s hard to see something so peaceful and lovely and not feel a simple joy with it, after all.

Well, except for the part where if you step out beyond the barriers held up by the sakura trees, you’ll find monsters lurking, just waiting to attack. And if they get past the barrier – which is known to happen – they’re aiming for one thing: sakura. They’ll do everything they can to get to them – destroying them or consuming them.

Thankfully for right now, these monsters are weak – and don’t show up that often. The barrier is strong enough to keep them out, after all, and they’re easily dispatched. And you aren’t going to necessarily know the connection between the trees and the monsters. It’s still too early to tell – if anything, it’s easy to mistake the monster’s intent: surely they’d be after the people, right? You should protect them. You'll find some basic weaponry in the houses around you - just basic-level swords or bows, nothing too fancy but it'll get the job done.

How do you fit into this, then? Characters are sorted as warriors or as priests/priestesses. The warriors are in charge of fighting the monsters that come through and the priest/priestesses are responsible for keeping the barriers strong. Warriors are unable to affect the barriers on their own just as priest/priestesses are unable to fight against the monsters with any sort of success. You’ll know which one you’ve been sorted into based on the outfits you’ll suddenly find yourself in – appropriately, the warriors will have more samurai-like garb while the priest/priestesses have outfits inspired by traditional miko.

For now, your purpose isn’t entirely clear. It seems you should be making the best of the situation you’re in: if anything, it’s like a mini-vacation. So long as you stay inside the barrier, you should be perfectly safe.]


[[ooc: our sacred sakura event begins! The event plotting post is here if you need a refresher. Other logs will be up during the timeline to show the advancement of the event. Keep in mind that things are relatively calm and peaceful at this point and the character would not know their role in everything just yet.]]

a.
[ With the sense that there are plenty of mysteries about the forests in Miracle Country to investigate, the three make their way through them first, initially actually passing the areas full of welcoming paths and flowers, seeing the ponds and all the different (for now still normal) animals. It’s a pretty sight, that much can’t be denied and they walk casually along. ]

[ Alisha can be seen walking behind Mikleo and Sorey both, hands tucked behind her back as she looks around with a soft smile. ]

It’s been a rather long time since we’ve explored like this, hasn’t it?

[That gains a quick smile from Sorey as he nods in agreement, a bounce in his step. ] It has… I’m really glad we decided to do this! Think of all the things we might find!

[ It really has been a while. Mikleo, ever the practical one, looks around beside Alisha and Sorey and firstly thinks of the things they've heard about this place until now. ] It's not what one might expect of a forest that holds dangerous creatures in it if you wander too far. We should stay alert.

[ The deeper they go, past the barrier and the pretty pathways that are already becoming more rough nature and earth, the look of the surroundings does start to match better. They might even start to encounter the different monsters within. Will there really dragons here? Beyond the caves that follows one of the deeper paths, the skeletal remains of one single massive, unmistakable dragon certainly shows some proof. ]


b.
[ Every bridge that connects to the other islands is so unique and specific to the locations beyond that they can't help but stop and look at them before going forward. They see the bridge to the garden and zoo islands that is made up for roots, wondering what tree these came from or how old it is. There's the museum islands bridge lined up with bookshelves, fossils and stones that they just can't pass up. Even the light up metal bridge leading to the amusement park gets their attention. Anyone passing by or simply trying to get past the bridge to the other side may very well be obstructed by the geeking out happening here. ]

[ It’s Alisha who stops by one of the fossils, eyes going wide at one of the especially larger ones. ] T-This one-- is rather large, isn’t it?

[ Sorey crouches down next to her, a contemplating look crossing over his features as he stares at the fossil. What secrets it must hold! ] Do you think… the bridge would miss that one? [ Provided they can actually remove it from the structure without damaging it. ]


c.
[ To get to the garden island first they pass the zoo and this is where the animals getstrange. You might see the three of them at a display of sparkling gemstone-looking birds. Or llamas made of literal cotton candy. Mikleo wants nothing to do with the exhibition of colorful felt fabric wolves, even if it looks perfectly safe (and despite Sorey’s numerous assurances that the wolves look really cute and harmless!!). Nope. ]

[ The walk around the gardens is much more calm in comparison. Even more than the start of the forests, the beautiful nature here is hard not to be awed by. And even more impressive is the hedge maze in the middle. Do others really challenge through a large maze like that? It does have the look of a main attraction. ]


d.
[ The final stop will be the winged island, a careful journey along the bridge of large stepping stones, and through the desert area that leads to the winged ruins. The reservoir might very well be the most impressive sight of all on this exploration.

Mikleo can't help but feel how the water holds a special sort of purity to it, different from any of the rivers or ponds around Miracle Country. The memories of the people they care for are strong here, for reasons they can't begin to understand just yet. ]

This is...

[ When faced with the best find they’ve had all day, the ruins that just call to be explored… even so, Sorey manages to stop for a moment, close his eyes and breathe in the air. ] Somehow… the whole atmosphere in these ruins is really calm!

[ Alisha smiles fondly at the river beneath them, stopping to take in how clear and pure the water actually looks. ]

This resembles Ladylake after we purified it, doesn’t it? The water looks much more clear here than it does in other areas.

[ Anyone that happens to come across them now may very well share in the nostalgia between the three of them here, as they stand together at the reservoir. At least... the calm feeling in the air is undeniable. A fitting end to their day of exploring. ]


[[ooc: Alisha, Sorey and Mikleo are on an expedition! Join them around, pick your flavor with any location prompt and feel free to specify which character(s) your tag is for. All three will be available.]]

[On this fine afternoon, the residents of the hotel will find a notice board right outside the hotel, and written in large block-letters, it reads the following:]



[Stiles has been hard at work -- there are many things he would love to learn about different places, especially everything he can use to add to the bestiary he has been compiling... and dragons seems like a good place to start.

So mark down your answer in the right column, read what others have already written down, maybe add in your own two cents about what you think of dragons or what their role is in your world, or just shake your head at this if you see no point to the whole thing. The word is, after all, free.]

( ooc: this is a mingle log so use it to your heart's content!! stiles will be hanging around and reading the responses every few hours, he has a top level HERE where you can approach him about this whole thing if you're so inclined. )

[Pink and fluff everywhere, that's the sight that might greet you today, as you find yourself in one of the many kiddy pool-like pits around Kiseki. Well, not just pink, but we like to shove pink at your faces. Yes, it could be full of marshmallows. But perhaps the little pool you're in has plastic balls in it, like the ballpit at the playground. Maybe it's full of mud. Or flowers. Or cupcakes. Or cottonballs. Or jell-o. Some actually have water in them!

But worry not! (You weren't worried? Even better) You're not alone in them. You'll end up with someone else, it's the whole point of them. You and your companion might notice, all the little pools have a sign saying:

"Find common ground."

What does that mean? Precisely that! You won't be able to leave the pool until you find something in common with the person you're sharing it with. Then, the contents will disappear, and once it's all gone, you'll be able to leave. Maybe you'll need to find more than one thing in common, if you're very similar people. These pools can be picky. And tricky, given that even if you've managed to get free, you might find yourself in yet another of those, with someone else...

In case you're growing bored in them, the content of the pool will change randomly every now and then - so maybe you're perfectly comfortable in a sea of nice cushions, only to then find yourself sitting in fresh paint. At least, Miracle Country will make sure to clean you up once you're out of it, or when the content of the pools changes... sometimes, that is. Enjoy!]

[If you don't happen to walk by these two while they hang out near the fountain in the shopping district, Bull sitting down with Dorian draped across his lap as he usually does, maybe you're watching the journal record a video of it. At first it seems they're having a vaguely serious sort of chat. The journal’s started to record about halfway through Bull’s response, and he’s clearly very excited about whatever it is he’s talking about – he’s grinning and petting through Dorian’s hair, looking completely relaxed]
( And then there's chatter )

[[... Silliness. Let us know if you want one or the other, or both, in the tags!]]

[As many are surely aware, it is once more time for the sappy to rejoice and the cynics to huff! That's right, be ready for syrup and disgusted noises, it's Valentine's Day! With Miracle Country being the land of sparkles and pink, of course we're having some special activities, aside from the usual themed decorations you'll be able to see everywhere. EVERYWHERE there is no escape.

During the day, you'll all find there's a large, very pink tent set out at the Sakura Park, surrounding its namesake's tree. Inside it, you'll be able to find many different stations set out. Some are full of different stationery items, the perfect place to make your own ridiculous and sparkly Valentine's card. There're others for various other stereotypical projects - one for creating your own hand-made teddy bear, one for floral arrangements, even a place to prepare your own chocolates or other appropriate candy. Now you're all set for making a customized, hand-made gift! Or a complete disaster, depending on your skills. Maybe ask around for some help, if you're having trouble.

Should you not wish to engage in the crafts and arts activities set for you, perhaps the evening's plans will seem more appealing! As our cute Usyagi will make sure to inform everyone (they're harder to miss today, as they're all dressed like little bunny cupids), there'll be a ballroom dance at the usual place in the Garden Islands. The bridges and paths leading to it will all be blooming with white, pink and red roses, and once there (because you chose to go, or maybe Kiseki simply dropped you there. We like the illusion of free will, but let's not get too crazy here), you'll find a simple, romantic set up - tables with food and drinks, plenty of space for dancing, slow music...

But of course, what would be the fun of it, without a little magic? Throughout the day, and more noticeably during this night dance, people might notice something odd is happening when they come close to each other. The atmosphere around them, the scents in the air, even their surroundings, might all change, to represent the bond they share together. So maybe Aramis and Porthos will smell gunpowder and melon and some distinct scent that's just them when they stand close together. If Merlin and Freya are outside in the park or gardens, strawberries will grow out of the plants surrounding them. If it's Yona and Shinah, they might feel like lights are brighter around them, or hear the chime of bells.

So be ready for a busy day, get your hands dirty (however you'd like to interpret that, we suppose), take the chance to show off your prettiest clothes, and enjoy yourselves! If anything, celebrate that for once, nothing is trying to kill you, wipe your memories, or embarrass you endlessly. It probably won't last long.]

[Despite the many complaints about it, it's still winter. Now that the world isn't changing things around nor causing a blizzard, why not take advantage of the cold to have a little fun?

With a little help from certain resident wizards, and the intention of cheering up a certain shinki, the lake's been polished for use as a skating ring, and David & Snow are setting out ice-skates in various sizes (left over from previous, more dramatic ice-related shenanigans) for anyone who'd like to give it a try. If twirling around on ice isn't really your thing, there'll surely be some who engage in snowball fights instead, or play other games in the snow.

Maybe you simply want to watch the others, or end up being curious about what's going on and just come over to chat - there'll be plenty of the Charmings family's trademark hot cocoa with cinnammon for anyone who'd like some, regardless. You might want to watch out for Snow trying to fuss over your clothes not looking warm enough, though, don't think she won't try and shove an extra sweater or scarf your way.]

[[Charming house mingle! Hit up the residents of their home while they do various things, or play out your own threads among yourselves.]]

[Ah, jealousy. Who hasn't felt jealous once in a while? If your answer is never, I'm so confident and secure, well, today's your lucky day. Or everyone else's unlucky days, however you'd like to see it. While people go around doing their usual thing, they'll occasionally feel jealous - it's that simple. It can range from small, little bursts of it to a more complicated situation.

Does it feel like your best friend is ignoring you? Or maybe you can't stand watching them talk to someone else? Are you suddenly convinced they're going to ditch you forever, and must clearly be showing this by deciding they won't stick by your side at all hours of the day, maybe even dared to act friendly to others?

Perhaps you're jealous other people are paying attention to them, rather than you. Or feel jealous about things others have, maybe driving you to more questionable methods of obtaining them for yourself. Perhaps you're feeling particularly possessive of your significant other, or upset thinking of all the times they obviously were flirting with that one person they usually interact with.

Maybe you're already usually a jealous person, and then you'll either notice nothing different, or become fully melodramatic and ridiculous at the smallest things. ... Or you're the poor bastard who isn't affected by any of this, and is tired of people making a scene at them. Well, before you start considering giving out sleeping pills or shaking your partner for a while out of sheer frustration, keep in mind that while the unjustified jealousy can easily come up for a couple of days ahead, it should wear off after a short while. It'll simply be a matter of putting up with it, and... maybe try to suggest no one challenges anyone else to a duel, or takes other extreme measures, until a few hours have passed.]

[First things first-- proselytize!! Being handy with social media, gadgets, and a god, he took no time to learn the functions of the journal that had been provided.

And what better way to test how well it works than to broadcast himself advertising his services? He flips the journal open and sets it on the table a ways away from where he intends to stand, angling it just right to properly capture his very best features. And when he thinks he's got it, because, really, every feature is his best feature, he hits the record button and stands a few feet back.

---

In short order, he appears on the screen clad in a tracksuit, crown emblem etched on the left breast, and what appears to be a ragged hand towel (it's a fluffy-fluff scarf, thanks) tied around his neck. His piercing ice blue eyes stand out despite his homeless appearance, and his black hair is tied back in a short ponytail.]

Good morning, fellow Kisekians! It is I, Yato, God of Fortune, at your service! I'm fast, affordable, and reliable and available 365 days a year, seven days a week, and twenty-four hours a day! And for just five yen I can solve all your problems~!

Need advice on how to be successful in your career, or the right motivation to get started?

Is your love life in the toilet and you want to win over that special someone?

Are you tired of the same old thing day in and day out and need a little excitement in your life?

Kids, are you constantly being bullied and wish to permanently incapacitate those jerks and teach them a lesson?

Big or small, no matter the problem-- from a leaky faucet to structural remodeling of your home, just give Yato a call any time!

[And anyone that seems to be the slightest bit curious, or considering his help, will find a business card float down before them. Somehow. The card has a crown emblem on it and reads:

DELIVERY GOD
The company that really delivers!
TEL 090-XXXX-##3X
President & CEO - YATO ]



(( OOC: responses may be slow at times-- my apologies! ))

[It’s the new year. And with tradition, the first dream of the new year will create the foundation of the rest of that year – either well-wishes or burdens. Enjoy the fireworks as you ring in the new year – you deserve it, perhaps, after such a trying year stuck in this world. Fireworks are sounding, a spark of noise and fire, and it’s exciting… but you might feel a sudden wave of sleepiness – nothing too extreme, but expected after such a long year of various magic and uncertainties.

The next day, though, there is no bright sunny day – instead, there’s an eclipse, the moon steadily moving across the sky to block out the sun. Instead of lasting a few minutes, however, this eclipse will last the entire week. As the moon moves across the sun, lights will begin to flicker out across Miracle Country, light by light. Soon, you’ll be complete darkness.

That darkness won’t last for long, though, so don’t be too frightened… Little flickers of light will emerge, small floating candles hovering in the air and set on certain places – your rooms, the hotel reception, other buildings, and the underground common rooms. You don’t have to be afraid of the dark – these candles won’t abandon you now. You can even go about your normal routine, despite the darkness.

But remember that wave of sleepiness you felt on that first day? It’s back. Like the lights, that feeling of sleepiness won’t abandon you – and no matter how much you sleep, it won’t stop you from nodding off throughout the week.

You and everyone around you will enter a more conscious state of dreaming when you do finally fall asleep. Things will seem vivid, lucid – you’ll remember your dreams with a new clarity you never have before.

And once you do fall asleep, you will find yourself with an ability you hadn’t had before: dreamwalking.

Suddenly, you are not limited just to the landscape of your own dreams – but rather the dreams of others. It could be a simple dream or an extravagant dream – a nightmare or a passing daydream. Symbolism or straight-forward understandings – will your presence warp the dream around you or will you need to locate the dreamer in order to find a way out? There’s no set way to awaken or a clear way to tell whose dream you might stumble into. And there’s no way to keep inquiring people out of your own dream, either.

As the eclipse progresses throughout the week, you will find yourself sleepier and sleepier – falling asleep without intention or without the aid of a bed or resting. Sometimes, you might fall asleep just where you stand, or sit, or in the middle of a conversation. You will fall asleep anywhere and for longer than normal, even through nightmares.

The lines between reality will begin to blur. That strange world you visited – was it a dream or was it reality? That conversation you had with a complete stranger, a dear friend, a precious loved one – did it happen or did you dream it? Did you witness someone in your own dream, visiting you, or were they simply a fragment of your own dream passing through the night? And was it a dream at all?

The lines will only continue to blur throughout the week. This new world you’ve stumbled into – is it a dream? Or, perhaps, it is only Miracle Country transformed, like so many times before. Perhaps you’ve actually returned home, to that moment you’ve been thinking of for so long… Or, perhaps, you have found yourself in a completely different world all together. After all, Miracle Country can’t be the only impossible world out there... right?]


[our anniversary event starts right now! For a reminder on specifics and plotting, please refer to this post]