+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[Something feels different. Like a déjà vu gone completely wrong, like you've forgotten something important, missed a relevant date. The feeling lasts through the day, and all calendars showing there's been a missing week, or the fact that you might've woken up at a place you don't remember falling asleep in, won't help with the confusion, most likely. But this unusual sensation, or finding yourselves inside the forest for no reason, or floating at the pool in the sports islands, and so on, isn't all that feels off. The world itself seems to be uneasy for a moment, and for those sensitive to magic, or auras, and such things, it's clear something's up...

Until it stabilizes. And then it's back to normal. Except it isn't, or at least not entirely. The Usyagi flutter around, looking busy, most of them heading towards a specific location: the shopping district, which now looks rather different. Quieter, less bright. Most of the shops that one can usually find, and the moving maze of magically appearing and disappearing stores, are now replaced with an odd stillness and boarded up store-fronts. It seems almost every shop has closed up, save for a few of them. These only carry very basic goods - perhaps a few clothes, basic necessities, staple foods. And not much else.

For those with long experience with Miracle Country's shenanigans, it might not seem that unusual, right? Supplies have been cut before, only to come back a while later. And yet, this change is here to stay. The cafeteria in the underground tunnels will now carry some staple foods as well, should anyone go and check for availability there.

But well, it's not so bad, is it? Afterall, there is a massive farm around, now. There're the fast-growing fields at the garden islands. There're fish at the river and sea, there're wild animals at the forests, and the shops owned by those who were brought here are still intact. Maybe it's a good time to get more familiarized with all of those, if you're far too used to the convenience of finding anything right away. And should anything prove too difficult to obtain, there's always the Usyagi to turn to. For a price, of course.]


[[What it says! Changes are established here, do ask us about any questions or doubts you might have regarding what's available or not.]]

[Another bright day in Miracle Country, where everything is calm and quiet and... colorful? Not just pink this time, either. It'll be hard not to notice that something's different, even from simply looking outside each house's windows.

Outside, it's a jungle. A plastic one! Slides, rainbow-colored net bridges or tunnels connecting different buildings, or treetops, or the many maze-like structures that have been magically put up during the night. And all around, ball pits, massive ones full of little colorful plastic balls to swim in, or struggle to get out of. It seems simple enough, right? Climb through the ladders and bridges, slide down the slides, and reach your usual destination... Well, some of the bridges may vanish now and then, leaving you to fall to your colorful, plastic-y doom. There are false steps on some of the ladders that'll cause the same results. Sometimes you'll find yourself taking a wrong step and falling down a slide that you could swear wasn't even there before. Even the usual comfort of the underground seems at risk, given that it's possible to take a wrong step or turn there and find yourself going down a slide... that might lead to another end of the islands entirely.



Basically, you're very likely to get lost, confused, and frustrated... Or have a ton of fun jumping from here to there in this magical game, especially once you notice not all the plastic balls are the same! Some are squishy like stress balls, some might be large bubblegum, others might have effects like tickling the people touching them, and so on. Now, for those who aren't so keen on it, don't despair - some of the ballpits are set with things like picnic baskets, or even pillows - maybe just grab a snack, or rest from a tiresome day of playing around. Some of the bridges and tunnels going across the trees of the various islands lead to little treehouses where you can catch a break, as well. And should you be stuck out there even through the night, you'll notice that the different plastic balls start to glow, helping with visibility.

So perhaps it's better to have a more positive outlook at the situation, and simply have fun with others... Or pray that your tunnel doesn't lead straight into the forests while help is difficult to come by. Well, you do all have a handy way to communicate at least, right?]

[Some people might’ve noticed that, since the last change, Miracle Country now has some air balloons ready to be used by anyone who wants to. Today they will be a bit easier to spot because all of them are out in the air, making the view more colorful than usual. The skies are clear and compared to the last couple of days, it’s a lot warmer so the weather is not an excuse to not enjoy them.

The Usyagi are waiting by the balloons that haven't left their place on the ground yet, ready to hand some paper with all the basics you need to know about air balloons, what to do and not to do while being on them. Other than that, there really shouldn't be anything to worry about- they move on their own, on a pre-set route that's slightly different for each balloon.



And even if someone decides against it or has other plans, they might find themselves there on one of the air balloons either way. Probably with some company as well because being stuck in the air is a perfect opportunity to bond, isn’t it? There’s even a little picnic bag with some snacks and drinks to share while you enjoy the ride and make new friends or get to know the ones you have better.]

[It’s a beautiful winter’s night, clear and crisp, with the stars and moon out, even the occasional shooting star. What better time than tonight to have a winter celebration? Tonight is a Kiseki Snow Festival – as will be clear to see once the sun is set and the decorations show up, little glittering snowflakes attached to buildings or hanging from trees, snowmen holding signs, some snow shelters should you get too cold once it starts snowing.

Throughout the islands, there’ll be small lanterns floating in the air – delicate and cute, almost like little snowflakes themselves with candles flickering inside, and there’ll also be little snow huts along the paths to guide travelers along – take a nice night stroll through the snow.



There’ll be little festivities throughout the night – hot chocolate carts from the Usyagi, ice skating on the lake, little booths set up to play games for snow-themed prizes, and even fireworks at midnight. The world is inviting you to relax and to enjoy, and to stay warm during the winter months. Everyone is invited to attend and you might even feel that familiar compulsion to join in the fun, even if you’re someone who might sit it out.

So enjoy yourself! Take a nice walk with someone special, or try your hand at winning prizes, or serve up some hot chocolate to friends and family. The lights will guide you along all night, and the lanterns will start to float away before morning comes. ]

[Today for anyone who's walking around the shopping district, they'll see Yuuri pushing along a cart. There's a sign he's written on and attached to the cart, with just a simple message: Free Katsudon!]

[He's feeling utterly absurd, but is also rather determined - and he might even start steering the cart directly towards you if he spots you, which may or may not be alarming. At the end of the day, he's been here for over a month but hasn't really spoken to many people - mostly keeping to himself. Seems now he's trying to change that?]

[He'll be going around throughout the day, timid at first but more determined to approach people as the day goes on. It's important he shares this katsudon, after all! Which is when he gets an idea... He fumbles a little with his journal - he's had one for the time he's been here, obviously, but he hasn't actually paid that much attention to it. But if it's true that you can record messages through it, then... But sigh. He doesn't really do things like this. Does this count as some kind of strange magical social media?]

Um... [erm.] If you feel like katsudon, then maybe--

[No, that's not inviting at all. He'll never sell these if he talks like this! He looks visibly uncertain, staring down at his journal with a look of confusion and horror. But this is important. He can't back down now.]

For today only, you can try a Japanese pork cutlet bowl. [From a cart. Which is weird. But whatever.] It's delicious and filling and for a good cause. So please consider it. I highly recommend it.

Oh-- it's also free.

[There, that sounds okay, right? He frowns down at the camera, momentarily forgetting it's still turned on. He hopes this works. He looks oddly determined and insistent about this - which may or may not be worrying.]



[ooc: Context here - help Yuuri get Makkachin for Victor! Yuuri will be here so feel free to use this log for a mingle, if you'd like.]

[In events that have nothing to do (directly or indirectly) with recent ice-and-snow themed arrivals, it's now been snowing heavily all night. As the recent chilly days signaled, winter is almost here, and just like that, the residents will wake up to a white scenery, the new dome houses now resembling igloos more than anything else (or snowballs? ice cones? don't let anything stop the truly important debates going on). The lake has frozen over as usual, and snow covers the ground everywhere...



The most noticeable thing, for now, is the large snow sculptures that are decorating the place. Large snowmen, of course, but also things like snow Mokona in various sizes, what will likely resemble a snake to most people around, snowy winged eggs, and other cute creatures.

Most of these snow creations are absolutely harmless, by the way, and at most will provide inspiration to create one of your own, or look nice while you walk around... But some might move to toss a pile of snow at people who pass by. Some can move around and make the layout confusing. Some might decide the best place for resting is right at the entrance of your home. Some might look cute, and be hiding a certain type of tree under it... Be careful not to get caught up in their energy.

Even with a few possible incidents happening, it's still a perfect occasion to enjoy the snow, play some games, maybe get some hot chocolate, or be reminded to stock up on warm clothes for the months ahead... Surely a different kind of Snow will help you on that one. If you're more the type to grump about the cold and stay inside, the underground cafeteria will be stocked up with plenty of hearthy meals, and the common rooms are always there to be abused, now with extra blankets in case they're needed.]

[After a particularly cold day in Miracle Country the sun sets at least and it seems like the perfect day to just call it early and go into your warm, warm bed and hope that the next day isn’t as cold as this one was. But at always it seems the place has a different idea.

Just barely a couple of hours after the sun sets, the power goes out. Yet one quick look through the window makes it pretty obvious that there is some sort of light source out there. And it’s definitely worth a look.



Northern lights, brighter than what they usually would be, are lightening up the sky. It’s certainly a sight to behold and it makes stepping outside a bit easier. After all, being a little cold is worth it to see something like this. After all, they are only going to be there until dawn.

To help those brave enough to fight the cold just to watch the lights, there will be small carts moved by the Usyagi that carry all sort of warm beverages: hot chocolate, coffee, tea, anything you might desire they probably have it.]

[It's a certain someone's birthday - not that he's told anybody - but instead of celebrating it, he's decided there's an opportunity to celebrate everyone! Once the rain has let up, at least a little, there's a giant message-board near the new houses. It seems to have everyone's names on it, and above is written -

HAVE A VERY MERRY UNBIRTHDAY, EVERYONE!

"What's an Unbirthday? Why, that's a day that's not your birthday! You deserve a chance to celebrate yourself, because you're amazing! And if you think someone else is amazing, be sure to let them know!"

With all the pens and markets waiting at the bottom, it seems to indicate that you're encouraged to write compliments under people's names. Try to be anonymous? Get caught in the act? Only compliment yourself? Give it a try!]

[Ah, such a lovely day to... stay indoors, most likely. Since early in the morning, it's been raining non-stop, washing away any rests of paint left over from before. Any customization to the houses and other important places seems to be fine, though.



Maybe it's a chance to really get some use out of the new houses. Or to roam the underground tunnels - the cafeteria will have plenty of hot chocolate to combat the bad weather. Maybe you're one of the poor people caught outside while the rain gets heavier and the winds chillier... Well, there isn't a new pavillion out there for nothing.

Or did you choose to be out there? Maybe you don't mind the rain, however cold it might be. Maybe you're checking on the new stables, or your own shop, or don't trust Miracle Country not to start out a new monster attack while everyone is indoors trying to get cozy. No one said those new trees would be out of order in case of rain, afterall.]

[After the recent battles, it's a good time to destress, and on this occasion Miracle Country has something different planned out. Rather than spas or food buffets as usual, today people will find that there are art stations scattered around the islands. Go up to one of the large tables full of colored papers, markers, glitter and other things to make card or collages of any kind, or head near the lake to take over a canvas and the oils provided in order to draw a painting, even pick up the buckets of paint surrounding the new houses and decorate your own so its stands out!



... Or simply grab a paint balloon and start a war - there're plenty of these in baskets, along with protective clothes in case you care about that sort of thing (hey, plenty of people around have precious uniforms and expensive suits). You could even take out your frustration at the world by aiming those balloons at the buildings around you. Getting messy and colorful is a great way to relax, right? ]