+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

Nothing quite measures up to your first time, does it?

[ The Kisekians hearing this voice won't be met with a face to match. Instead, they're generously afforded a view of his bedroom window - a static image if it weren't for the pitter patter of mundane water droplets and the bank of clouds visible on the horizon. Yes, it's still raining a slow and endless drizzle. ]

Really, it's so interesting. When people discover something for the first time, isn't that when their senses are the most open to feelings of awe and exploration? They see it for what it really is then - untainted by personal context, history, or experiences. It just is the way it is before their mind starts to analyze it, to connect to it, to form opinions on it. It's just same for everyone here. [ He lets out a laugh and shifts the camera to focus on his face. His smile is gentle and relaxing - almost innocent. Almost. ] That's right. Identical drips and drops of people pouring into unique paths.

Still! It's just so interesting, so fascinating, and I can't help but wonder: What was your Miracle Country debut like? Do you still miss the ones you've left behind? Were you devastated to find yourself uprooted from your home or were you happy to have left? Do you feel like you've changed this place or like this place has changed you? And oh, what was the hardest part?

[ Does he expect people to answer such personal questions? Debatable, but it's out there. He stops abruptly and changes the subject without a single hitch in his tone. ]

By the way, does anyone have a shogi board to spare?

[ ooc With his intro out of the way, I'd like it if you guys could fill out this permissions post! ]

[As you all know, spring has arrived! Long gone are the days of snow and blizzards...

Of course, Kiseki loves this season. Fittingly for the time of the year, all the trees will bloom... pink, as temporarily most trees in the land will change into cherry blossom trees. Everywhere you look, it'll be covered in the pretty pink flowers, the weather sunny and comfortable, perfect for walks or having a picnic at the park or forests.]

[The residents of Kiseki might have noticed Sherlock milling about the last few mornings, early before most people are up, carrying around various bags and equipment. Or perhaps not. This is Sherlock, and he's nothing short of eccentric. If anyone was curious about what exactly he's been up to, the answer comes in the form of a letter sent out to all of the students and faculty, informing them of a "Super Sleuth Scavenger Hunt" set for Saturday morning. The letter also explains that the hunt is free to the public, if students or teachers wish to invite some friends, and can be used as extra credit for those who attend his class.]

[In each letter is a check list of the following items: A small brown chest full of gold coins hidden in woods, an old fashioned jack-in-the-box sitting on a swing in the playgrounds, a porcelain doll with in a pink gown and curly red hair hidden in the library, some glass marbles in a jar by the elephant exhibit in the zoo, a large rubber ducky floating in the swimming pool, and a gold ring that is a replica of the one seen in the Lord of the Rings films on a chain hanging from one of the branches of the infamous Sakura Tree. All of these are simple enough to find, yes?]

[Of course, this is Sherlock. Nothing is ever so simple, as some will probably guess. And in each place around where an item has been hidden, there are some carefully laid traps set to spring. One may, for example, rush to retrieve the chest of coins, step over a harmless pile of leaves, and suddenly be caught up in a net. Or perhaps before they discover the large rubber ducky, they will open the wrong door and be greeted by a bucket of ice water pouring over their heads. Water balloons, boxes that contain the wrong items, doors that lock behind people (anyone that paid attention to his lesson on lock picking should know how to escape). Perfectly harmless, but certainly a nuisance.]

[Sherlock, naturally, doesn't disclose the location of the items or his booby traps. However, he does offer a friendly reminder to avoid the more dangerous parts of Kiseki and the Winged Island. The letter ends with this: A good detective is always resourceful and resilient, no matter how benign the case may be. Best of luck to you all, and hope to see you bright and early come Saturday morning.]


[[OOC: This is an open mingle for everyone! And if anyone has ideas for other silly traps their characters can run across, feel free to include those! So long as they don't harm anyone, it's fair game ^^]]

[So, if anyone was worried about Porthos after his disappearance a few days ago - well worry not, because he's back! Although... not looking the happiest. Perhaps understandably.

For anyone who knows Porthos, there's one thing that will be most obvious, once the journal starts to record or you see him in person: he isn't wearing his uniform. His pauldron is gone, although he touches at his arm once, where it should be, his expression clouding up as he... slowly makes note of where he is, how long he was gone for, and everything else.

He breathes out, shakily, and drops his hand from his arm, as if burned - as if ashamed to miss it.

Anyone else who knows Porthos also knows how he typically deals with anger and stress and sadness: usually by punching or shooting things. Instead, it's clear that he's tearing up, his breath shaky and overwhelmed, and he ducks his head, bracing one hand against a nearby tree as he leans against it heavily, his hands clearly shaking as he tries to hold one steady at his side, the other pressed against the tree.]

Fuck.

Why now? [Why did he have to come here now?]

[And there's that familiar response from Porthos: a moment later he's slamming his fist against the tree, curling into himself and gasping out a breath as he attempts to hold in his tears]

Damn it.

[And a moment later... it seems to all just disappear. He straightens up, clearly miserable, but getting ahold of himself and turning towards the hotels... figuring he should head back. He isn't seeking anyone out, like he might have if he were feeling up for it. Instead, he looks almost nervous to go there - knowing that he will likely run into someone he knows.]



[ooc: Porthos is from the end of ep 8, but I'm replaying memory feather event and thus his memories are just from mid-episode. Feel free to meet with him at this point, or timeskip to when he's recovered his memories. Or, help him find those memories, once he figures it out. Or just give him a hug. He kind of needs that.]

[The snow has piled up to the point where it's difficult to move outside, and the wind is relentlessly howling day and night. Most areas look something like this.

It's cold now - the stone walls of the castle can't quite keep the wind out, there's frost creeping up the walls even inside, and blankets and sheets, being the only extra fabric around, can only do so much. Better make sure the fires in the common room don't go out during the night... especially considering some people seem to be having an almost unnaturally difficult time staying warm as the days pass.

By now the food supplies left in the castle are almost completely gone. Hunting for food is still technically possible, but how easy is it to find, much less kill, a prey in this blizzard? Those who have been outside in the last few days can also confirm that the strange snow monsters, previously found mostly near the forest and away from the castle, have been steadily moving closer to where people are staying. There might even be more of them around now.

In spite of all this, someone is likely going to have to try gather more food anyway - the storm shows no sign of letting up. Try to avoid frostbite, however: there's not much to be found in the ways of medical supplies.

But hey, small mercies? Magic works again. Isn't Kiseki gracious?]

[Not bad enough for you? Remember there are events that can be replayed to make this all even worse. Here are a couple of suggestions. Elsa's thread can be found here.]

[It starts out as a normal snowfall.

Or maybe not, if anyone happens to be outside to see the ice spreading over the ground unnaturally fast, even creeping up the buildings in its way. Starting from somewhere on the main island it makes its way out to sea, freezing the water as it goes. By the end of the first day the ice has spread to all the outer islands, although the trains are still running at that point.

Perhaps you find it enjoyable at first. There's certainly more than enough snow for snowball fights, for sledding, for building snowmen... but as the day goes on, the snow gets heavier; by the second, the wind picks up. Neither lets up as the days pass - on the contrary, they intensify, and the temperature steadily drops.

The hotels? Mysteriously gone, on every island. Instead, on the main island there's a castle some of the older residents might remember, although this time, everyone will find their own familiar bed in one of its room, complete with their personal bedding items. Maybe they'll want to forgo the single rooms, however, as there's no electrical heating in the castle, only the stone walls to keep out the cold. All the shops are shut down, the Kisekian NPCs suddenly nowhere to be seen, and the old castle certainly doesn't come with a cafeteria. There are some supplies to be found, however! A few cooking utensils, some flour, dry pasta, cans of dried, reheatable food... nothing fancy, and nothing much, so better ration those portions while they last. That is, unless you're prepared to go out hunting - there is game to be found around the islands.

Outside? The wind is howling, the snow piling up more and more by the hour. It's getting harder to move outside, and those that venture farther than just outside the castle? They might run into one of these snow golems. They look frightening, but won't attack anyone as long as distance is kept - being created out of fear, however, they might lash out at anyone that provokes them... and sometimes, just getting a little too close will be enough to anger them.

If anyone is still not convinced that this is Kiseki having fun at the characters' expense? For the entire first week of the event, magic powers won't work, although bending still will.]

[Plotting post for the event! The next log will go up in a week from now. Interactions with Elsa can be done here, otherwise thread to your hearts' content!]

I’ll forgo introductions as at this point I’m sure others are aware of the situation.

While I don’t doubt the good intentions of those here, I will say this: the Lady Morgana is ward to King Uther Pendragon of Camelot and in his absence she is therefore under my protection during her stay in this land, in place of my father.

I won’t allow any harm to come to her. [This is directed at one person in particular.]

Nor will I allow others to take advantage of her kindness. [That is directed at another one person in particular… you know who you are.]

I expect her to be treated with the respect she deserves. Should any feel to disregard this reminder, you will answer to me. [And to her, tbh.] While I lack authority afforded me in Camelot while in this land, understand that I won’t allow for her to be mistreated in any way.

( Filtered away from Morgana )

[And he leaves it at that – and should anyone wish to find him in person, he’ll be around. But distracted and overwhelmed. And, above all else, sad. This has brought up some pretty horrible memories in a lot of ways, after all. And he knows that it won’t be easy for Lancelot, once he awakens. And that it isn't easy for Merlin at all.]

[ The handwriting is slanted, practiced, fluid and feminine. She does not write much, but she has been taught well. ]

My name is Lady Morgana, ward of King Uther Pendragon of Camelot.

I'm afraid I don't quite understand how I came to be here. The maids who were sent to welcome me were very entertaining, but they seemed unwilling or perhaps unable to answer many of my questions. I fear that something dreadful may have happened - the last thing I remember is going to bed in the palace as normal. Was I taken ill?

The maids could not tell me where Guinevere might be, my own maid; or even Prince Arthur or the King himself. If I am truly able to speak to another by writing in this book, then I hope somebody will answer.

[ Something is written and scratched out, then written again. ]

Is this magic?

[Now that things have settled around Miracle Country, it seems that the world is ready to celebrate again! Although perhaps a little bit early, for the next week there will be distinct Valentine's Day themed decorations: paper hearts, twinkling pink fairy lights, and other such sappy things. Is it odd that the decorations are going up so early? Now, why would that be strange! It's not as if there might not be a chance to celebrate it later...

Not just the decorations though, but over the next few days there will be little booths popping up in the shopping district and park, dedicated to making teddy bears. There's a tradition of teddy bears where someone will make their loved one a teddy bear, as a gift. Upon receiving that teddy bear, if the loved one names the bear after you - then it's true love that will last forever. So at these booths, the tradition of the teddy bear continues.

At these booths, you can either get supplies to make your own teddy bear entirely or pick up an almost-done one to just put the finishing touches on. Or, if your sewing skills are very minimal, there are booths available where you can choose all the materials and the bear will be made for you to gift to someone.

You can gift it to someone you love, romantically or platonically. In fact, you're encouraged to do so! There's a note that will explain all the details, should you be uncertain. And perhaps a little magical influence will motivate you to take that one last step - a general feeling of the time of year and the need to express that affection.

But don't have a loved one here in Miracle Country with you? Don't worry, there are little, tinier bears available to gift to good friends and family, with little notes explaining the importance.

Not in the mood to make a teddy bear? That's alright - you can stroll along and enjoy the decorations and the freshly fallen snow - the crisp air and the way the snow falls. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or just try to get the snow from off the buildings before your business caves in... whatever you want to do.

Or, if you're chilly from the winter weather, stop by the Cherry Blossom Café, where Syaoran is serving hot cocoa and warm drinks. He's even getting into the spirit of the teddy bear theme.]

[Everyone who has seen Stiles for the past week or so may have noticed he's seemed even busier than usual, running off straight after school and work and disappearing off to god knows where. But since the morning, the fruits of his labor are finally there: everyone going to the school, the library, the cafe or the hotel lobby will come across posters, skillfully drawn, depicting a variety of... things. Things such as half-robot dinosaurs, flying cars, a polar bear dog in front of a computer - and in the corner of each poster, the very likeness of Stiles in a lab coat, holding a sign that reads:

The Modernity Club!
As cool as the Breakfast Club, which is a reference you will get if you come to the meetings, every Tuesday evening in the hotel common rooms!

And below the poster, there's a white paper, obviously tacked on belatedly:

Club President: Stiles Stilinski. Marketing and Art Executive: Haruka Nanase. First Secretary: Porthos du Vallon.

It seems Haru isn't the only one Stiles is volunteering for running the club... even though with Haru, at least he waited long enough for him to be back.

For anyone who is intrigued by these posters, or is otherwise unfortunate enough to wander along the underground tunnels to the common rooms, they will find one of the larger rooms turned into something that vaguely resembles a neat junkyard. There's pillows and chairs all over the floor, desks and bookshelves lining up the walls, with piles of magazines, books and DVDs about every single topic imaginable, along with many movies and fiction books and comics like Star Wars, the Harry Potter books and the first three volumes of the Ultimate Spider-Man.

There's also some cakes and muffins and croissants he's brought over from the bakery, with a coffee pot and hot water for tea on one of the tables, and in the big tv screen on the corner, there's a documentary of Victoria Falls playing. What this has to do with modernity? Come and find out!]

[This is a mingle post! Stiles will have a thread for interacting with him in the comments, but you don't have to tag him to attend the meeting! So feel free to make your own comments and tag among yourselves. Eat the muffins! Poke at the books and magazines! Fight over what DVD to watch! Marvel at the beautiful posters! Whatever your heart desires.]