+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[This new world is holding up. With the warriors fighting the monsters attacking, and the priests and priestesses giving their own power to heal the sakura, the crumbling world recovered enough so that it would not collapse entirely. The sky cleared up a bit, the buildings are now staying in place... It's tiring, though. Battle after battle, the loss of energy, people's blood being spilt. You should be able to tell by now, you won't manage to hold on forever. Something has to change. Something has to give in.

When the ground shakes, and the largest creatures so far make their appearance, it feels like the answer - they're heading straight to the biggest tree in the middle of it all. Grab your weapons, or be ready to give up your life energy, and meet them there, hopefully for the last time. It won't be the only thing to change. In the middle of the battle, and with the help of those able to aid it, the central tree's power will grow stronger, and stronger, until it overflows, its magic too large for it to contain. The tree will break, releasing a darkness that will trap everyone, swallow them into the tree itself...

... And then you'll wake up. The fighting is over, things are silent now, and you'll find yourselves in beds scattered across the usual Miracle Country, covered in sakura petals. For those who were injured, fighting or protecting the trees, they'll find that they've been bandaged up, the energy given up by others having acted as a price for the cure. Were you asleep for a while? You'll feel fine now, aside from the lingering injuries that will already start to heal faster than should be possible. You may get up, leave the beds, and look around. Everything looks normal - the tree is back at its usual place, strong and unmarked, in full bloom as always. The other trees are blooming just as pink for the day.

Don't think your efforts went unnoticed. The general peaceful atmosphere appears to make it easier to rest comfortably and heal, for those who need it. The clothes and weapons you used are now yours to keep, fixed up and good as new. The rooms at the hotel are all freshened up and sparkly clean, ready to receive their usual guests - you'll find fresh flowers set up near windows, nicer bedsheets and towels, and so on. There are picnic clothes and baskets set out around the islands, near the beds or the temporarily all-pink trees, where you can enjoy a meal with others, if you'd like. Even the Usyagi, usually distant and strange, seem cheerful today, floating around and giving away colorful balloons to people (and look around - if you get one that looks like it shines, you'll have a good dream that night).

Of course, it's April 1st! A day for celebration in this world. Welcome back.]

[[Our Sacred Sakura event ends! Happy CLAMP day!!]]

[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.]]

[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!]]

[Now that everyone got to enjoy looking pretty and fancy for a while, it's time for some silliness - not in the form of failed attempts at baking or terrible craft-making.

This time, people will get... sweaters. Yes, as simple as that. Fluffy, warm, cute, and they're even useful, given the time of the year, so what's the catch? Well, for people who qualify for it, the sweaters will magically display a knitted pattern with nicknames the character has. Do they go by many different names? Perhaps a title? The pattern will change accordingly! Do they have no nicknames at all? Too bad, no cute sweaters for you. Perhaps it's time you try and find one.

Is your nickname embarrassing and you'd rather not have it displayed in front of everyone? Oh, but of course, you can't take the sweaters off. That is to say, you can, but it'll reappear where it was. You'll have to endure it for a while - they'll be fully removable by the time the day ends.]

[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.]]

[The eclipse is now fully over, and it's time to return to the usual routine... and hey, what better way to clear your head from a series of bad dreams than with some exercise? If anyone mentions being hit with sticks, don't listen to them.

It so happens that today you'll have a perfect chance for this. Where the (momentarily) half-empty bike shop was, now you'll notice a whole lot more activity. The place was refurbished, and a weapons shop has been added to it. Perhaps because of the empty storage place, or because the current owner is somewhat responsible... In any case, passing by the store will likely catch your attention: if it isn't the impressive sword collection currently on display (and don't bother trying to grab them or steal them, they're all carefully protected with magic), or the actual (less impressive, surely) swords, bows, arrows and other items on sale, it'll be the noise: now and then you'll hear a robotic-like voice repeating PARRY PARRY, THRUST over and over.

You might hear those outside of the shop, as well, since the opening of the new shop means it's a great chance to try out weapons and train a little, and so people are taking advantage of its closeness to the park, to have a special practice day. Whether you're a complete newbie to any sort of fighting technique, or an expert, surely there'll be someone who can match your skills, or teach you... or simply put up a bit of a show to impress you. We're not running out of show-offs, either.]


[[Training/shop log! Pearl can be found here, Neal is here, otherwise mingle as you'd like!]]

[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]