+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[The days pass, and more and more creatures begin to show up on both lands. The border between both sides is now the best hunting area, with easy access to creatures from either side, nevermind the possibility of sneaking around to get some other supplies, to gather info, to steal weapons. Maybe even simply visiting to have a chat, nothing says diplomacy can't be attempted, right? Much as the memories everyone holds say it hasn't worked out so far...

Ah, speaking of memories, they'll be getting a little fuzzy these days. Now and then, you'll feel like you can't recall certain things, some encounters, past events, stories you've heard. Or maybe you remember them, but they're not what you expect. Small flashes of people you can't remember ever meeting here. Locations that aren't anywhere to be seen, neither here nor back home. Like dreams that feel too real, too solid, too important to you, to merely be some construct of your imagination.

Is it the confinement, maybe? A longing for a different life, now that everyone seems trapped here and left to fight a battle not even their own? But then, why is it that some of those memories resemble a trap, as well? Trying to manage in an unknown world, the feeling of helplessness, the bonds you couldn't have made otherwise.

On this clear night, with a full moon visible from either side, these visions will be clearer than ever, more powerful than before. And if the ruins of some destroyed building seem familiar all of a sudden (haven't you seen that exact shade of pink before? Were the ruins the sand covers ever this colorful?), or the vegetation over at the other side looks oddly shaped (like the vines and trees on one area are forming a bridge, all of a sudden), well, it's clear something might be changing. Your own abilities might be shifting, as well. Is your magic not working as it should, doing new things, unable to do the usual spells? Is your aim off, or suddenly incredibly accurate? Does your trusted weapon suddenly feel inadequate? Let's just hope your skills in this world didn't involve things like flying, or aren't needed at a crucial moment, such as when fighting a giant monster, right? You wouldn't want a malfunction at that time, afterall.]

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[[Our CLAMP AU event continues!]]

[It’s another beautiful day in this wasteland, isn’t it?

You know how it is here – you’ve been brought here from your own world, maybe months ago, maybe years ago, but very little has changed: the two sides fighting for the much-needed but depleted supplies, the harsh conditions of this battered desert landscape, the tensions that run high on the worst of days or simmer towards the boiling point on better days.

There’s been a tentative peace between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth these last few weeks, though... Very tentative. You’ve all had enough on either side to warrant a ceasefire on all the fighting – not needing to interact with anyone on the other side. Nobody really knows when all this fighting started – only that it keeps going and no resolution has worked so far.

This isn’t your original world. You still want to go home – but it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen anytime soon. You’ve been brought here to fight on these two sides. Hopefully you can survive this, because this place is certainly not doing you any favors.



Because now the supplies are running lower and the monsters lurking out in the sand, or beneath the water, or in the limited vegetation are getting more aggressive, fueled by their own hunger. Maybe it’s not such a peaceful day, after all.

You’re all in need of supplies. One side has the water and vegetation, what you desperately need to survive another day. But the other side has the clothes, medical supplies, shelter materials, hunting materials. Supplies on both sides are running low – it’s “spring”, after all, and so the plants haven’t yet started to grow back fully, and the underground locations in the old city are running low on the stockpiled medical supplies. You’ll have to find a new cache soon.

But not all hope is lost…

A large sand worm – the first of the season! – has been spotted near the border between the two territories. It’s a good chance to get a leg-up on the other side: the meat can be used for food, its poison for weapons and antidotes, its skin for clothing or shelter, its teeth for tools. Of course, it is dangerous, so it’s important to be cautious. Especially if you run into the other side while hunting! Or maybe you’re sneaking across into enemy territory to steal supplies by force. It’s been known to happen. But you better make sure you don’t get caught or there could be real trouble.]


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[ooc: Our (belated) anniversary/CLAMP day event begins - CLAMP AU! Go here for information/plotting.

Happy CLAMP Day!]

[It's just a series of short videos that post intermittently throughout the day.

The first, the sakura trees in the park all starting to bloom, there's even a fuzzy out-of-focus shot of a close-up on some of the flowers before the camera adjusts and it comes into focus.

The second, the horses on the farm island, snorting softly as they walk along the fence. Porthos' hand reaches out to offer an apple and one of the horses butts into the other in an attempt to get there.

The third, Aramis napping. He's also maybe snoring.

The fourth, the way the sunlight's filtering in through the leaves of the trees on the forest path - in the distance, one of the forest huts, little birds on the roof tweeting.

The fifth and final video is just a recording of a pile of papers. Porthos' hand appears again, brushing aside a few on the top layer to get to one at the center. The camera moves in close, and up close, it's clear it's a note from Robin, addressed to Porthos. It's nothing too special - just a quick note asking if he'd meet her at the library.

Why is he recording and posting these videos? Not certain. Maybe ask him about it?]



[ooc: feel free to use this as a mingle post! Porthos has his own thread as linked above.]

[Beautiful cursive (a k a Text) (also pretend this was written like four days ago):]

Good morning, everyone, and my apologies for the interruption to your day. [He'd introduce himself, but honestly, anyone who doesn't know him by now hardly deserves the reminder. ...And yes, in case you're wondering, the negative aura of the trees affects even demons. How ever did you guess.]

I would address the students at the school, first of all. By now you are all aware of Her Highness Snow White's departure and the school closing. As the only teacher currently left, it is not my intention to allow a trivial matter like having no suitable locale hinder my job. Thus, Literature class will still be held as long as there is student interest, but for now lessons will be held in group room [###] in the library. The hours and times of the week remain unchanged. Have you an idea for a more suitable classroom, do contact me.

Now, I cannot and will not attempt to replace Her Highness and all that she has done for the school and for the people here, but: I am well-versed in a variety of subjects and have experience in teaching them. I could not run an entire school's curriculum by myself (for lack of hours in a day, if nothing else) but if there is interest amongst the students to be taught any particular class, I would be happy to take your wishes into consideration. Naturally, should anyone wish to contribute as a teacher they are more than welcome to do so, and should they need guidance on how to go about it, please contact me as well. Granted, Her Highness was vocal enough about the school's lack of teachers that I expect anyone with a mind to teach would have stepped forward already...


As for the next matter at hand... whilst I am aware it might well be premature to say this: does it not seem as if the shops closing is to be a continuing trend? The food currently available leaves much to be desired, compared to before. [Not that Sebastian really cooks at all these days, but... force of habit to take notice of it and judge.]

As I am certain most of you are aware of by now, struggling against this world's whims is an exercise in futility. We have been given plenty of farmland, which I would say is as good a hint as anything. If I may, I would suggest organised effort be put into it, ideally whilst it is still early spring.

Naturally, it is unbecoming to throw out suggestions expecting someone else to take on the responsibility of seeing them through. I myself am accustomed to farming [oh wow, everyone be surprised that Sebastian knows how to do something] and have the time to spare to lead such an undertaking, but I would like to hear from anyone with an interest in lending a hand. Needless to say, it would be a paid job. [Out of Sebastian's own pocket, if Kiseki won't pitch in. He hardly ever touches his many salaries, after all.]


Lastly: I would not say we have seen enough of the strange trees to yet speak with confidence on the subject of their nature. May I please hear from anyone currently employed to watch out for them? The elusiveness of their nature aside, they are certainly unpleasant, and given the number of physically and magically capable people around I imagine it would not be so monumental a task to deal with them in an efficient manner should we join efforts. Moreover, considering what a small number of people are currently here, organisation might even be a viable prospect. [Not that he still remembers that first and only time he tried to herd cats or anything.]


I apologise for the half-formed nature of many of these suggestions. I would see to them all myself, but that would be quite a waste of time should no one be interested in the outcome. Additionally, as we have no way of knowing when any one person will be torn from this world, it makes far more sense to work on any project as part of a team, so with that in mind I ask that you pardon the length of this message. That will be all. Thank you for your time, and do have a good day.

[...Someone give Sebastian something to do. As you can see, he has way too much free time. Feel free to talk among yourself! Or come see Sebastian because of course everyone would want to hang out with such a fun guy - of course he can be found in The Bakery. Working.]

[Today is the first day of spring. You might have noticed the lingering snow is gone and there are flowers blooming throughout Kiseki. However, beyond that, it’s actually a rather gloomy day. The Usyagi might occasionally be spotted today, leaving little messages of “out with the old, in with the new.” A common springtime motto, although perhaps it’s taking on a more unsettling tone today…

The shopping district still hasn’t opened up again and there are shops boarded up. But there are new shops joining it today. The flower shop, the potions shop, the sheriff’s office, the Charming’s house, and the school have all been closed and boarded up. This plus the message will soon make it clear – some familiar faces are gone for now.

To make matters worse, with the springtime blooming all around, there are the negative energy trees that might be spotted today. None are fully grown, but if you remember the last time these trees showed up, you might want to be on guard. There might be a few outbursts of monsters today, so best stay on your guard. Beyond that, negative energy trees – once you get too close – might cause some unexpected results.

Anyone venturing into the forests today might notice the dragons are particularly uneasy. What’s the matter with them? Hard to say. Too bad there’s no one around who can talk to them, huh? Just be mindful not to upset them or get underfoot.

So be on guard today – even though it’s a new season, you might want to make sure everyone you care about is safe – or still here. Feeling strange? Better destroy those trees, if you can focus on that.]


[ooc: if your character is interested in taking over one of the closed-up businesses/house, be sure to have your character claim it, otherwise they will be permanently closed and eventually disappear from Kiseki. ]